Alabama's Confederate monuments may no longer be protected since a judge ruled the state law banning cities from removing them violates the free speech of those cities. Virgil Wilson believes Confederate monuments like the one in Florence should not be removed at all. The Confederate monument in Lauderdale County The Confederate monument in Lauderdale County It should stay here. It's a part of history, Wilson said. A 2017 Alabama law made it illegal for cities to remove Confederate monuments. But late Monday night a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge ruled the state cannot enforce that law. He should be removed from his office if he wants to take down our monument and our history, Wilson said. This is Alabama and he needs to realize we have heritage here. Marilyn Lee has been to Lauderdale County Commission meetings where a group called "Project say something" asked commissioners if they could put a monument of Dred Scott on courthouse grounds across from the current Confederate memorial. Scott was a slave who lived in Florence for about 10 years before fighting the Supreme Court for his freedom in a landmark case. Lee says the two statues next to each other would give a better look at history. The Lauderdale County Commission has not said if it will allow the Dred Scott Monument to be erected, but Lee says the Monday night ruling could open doors. Wilson also said he would love to see the Dred Scott memorial be placed here because that, too, is a part of history. The 2017 law protecting Confederate monuments came about when the city of Birmingham wanted to remove a monument in a downtown park. Raul Castillo. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images Raul Castillo is, in short, a heartthrob. And his face is likely familiar, thanks to the fact that hes bounced around a lot of your favorite TV dramas: He starred in two seasons of the HBO drama Looking, an episode of Netflix anthology Easy, and had arcs on the Regina King crime drama Seven Seconds as well as Atypical, about the coming of age of a teenager on the autism spectrum. Now, Castillo has his first big role after being Lookings breakout: In an intimate family drama called We the Animals, Castillo has turned in one of the most moving performances of the year. As Paps, Castillo is the father to three boys: the sensitive, creative Jonah (Evan Rosado) and his two rambunctious older brothers, Joel and Manny (Josiah Gabriel and Isaiah Kristian). Paps is at times playful and heartbreaking, at other times brutal and harsh. The boys, Jonah in particular, are trying to make sense of their complicated father: he hits their mother, but they love each other; he cant control his temper, but he can dance with them in the kitchen before breakfast. We the Animals directed by Jeremiah Zagar and based on Justin Torress novel of the same name is Jonahs story about being young and queer and coming of age in a troubled family. (The film has received with more than one comparison to Barry Jenkinss Moonlight.) Paps is where a lot of the familys troubles start, but the boys love him fiercely. Castillo talked to Vulture about We the Animals, his own coming of age, and figuring out how to be a man growing up in Texas. So much of this movie is about boyhood, and family. What were you like when you were 9, 10, 11, growing up in Texas? A lot like Jonah. In my family Im known as the crybaby. Are you the youngest? Im in the middle. So, Im starving for attention it makes sense Im an actor. I was very sensitive and very empathetic, but growing up in the really masculine environment thats Texas, thats northern Mexico. Machismo is a huge part of the culture in both places. So I knew a little bit about what it means to be a sensitive soul in a really machista environment. Sure, in a place that might not be as attuned to that. Thats right. Luckily, I grew up with parents who didnt brutalize it out of me. I wouldnt say it was encouraged, but it wasnt shamed the way it often is in people. Whats your dad like? He passed in 2014. Oh, Im sorry. Thank you. But, I had a great relationship with him. I think my dad was a lot like Jonah, in a lot of ways. He was the youngest of three boys. I think his father was a lot like Paps and I think he was always trying to figure out how to navigate that machista environment. My parents were just trying to figure it out. At the end of the day, Im so lucky that they just loved the hell out of us, and wanted nothing but good things for us. They werent perfect, they were trying to figure it out; they were using the tools that they were given, which werent much in a lot of ways. My dad passed away the year that Looking came out, and he got to see me do that. We had the same name, Im a junior. I think him seeing his name in the credits he was very proud of that. Can you tell me about meeting the boys for the first time? I know that it took a while to cast them. When I got cast, or when Jeremiah [Zagar, the director,] sort of loosely offered me the role, they hadnt found Evan yet. The production company wouldnt sign off on other parts until they found their Jonah. Rightfully so; I mean, youve got to start with the main character and then build around there. But I had read for him and Justin [Torres] and I didnt ever [think] in a million years they were going to cast me. Why not? I dont know. So many reasons. As an actor you play all kinds of mind games when you go into auditions. Maybe its to protect yourself you want to fall in love with the thing, and with a script this incredible, I really did want to fall in love but I didnt want to get my heart broken by not getting it. So as a protective measure I think I just told myself, Theyre never going to cast me in this. Im kind of embarrassed about this, but I walked in with a buddy of mine, who I love, a real talented actor. I was like, Ah, dude. This is you. I was telling him that and I meant it sincerely, This is your role. When they cast me, I felt like an idiot for having said anything like that. But I think he understood. Do you remember the first time you read with Jonah? I think it was that winter of 2016, we met in the Public Record offices in Gowanus. It was me, Sheila, and all three of the boys. It was great because the three of them were non-actors; now theyre actors with agents. Theyre big time! Deservedly so, they were all so great in this. The three of them are so special and they brought so much to their roles. The three of them did. They really formed this bond and brotherhood. Im so proud of them because it wasnt easy. They would watch us Sheila and I and see how we work. Neither Sheila nor I are parents, but it gave us an opportunity to be parents for a summer. When I talked to Jeremiah a few months ago, he said you and Sheila lived together during filming, and that the boys also stayed together. I was so curious about that. What was that experience like for you, living together as a family? Sheila and I got a lot of time to hang out before that even, just getting to know one another and spending a lot of time with the boys. It was really invaluable cause you dont normally get to experience that. A lot of times youre meeting people on the set. Having had that, there was a lot of anticipation, but then you sort of have to throw you throw it all out when you start rolling. Two nights before we started shooting, we had spent the night together as a family in the house: it was Jeremiah, Zak [Mulligan], our DP, the boys, and Sheila and I. We improvised some scene around the campfire, just for ourselves. The boys had their first real fight as brothers that night. Do you remember what it was about? They were just starting to get on each others nerves, I think. There was a bit of a mutiny, you know, What if I dont want to be in this film?Oh snap! Okay, lets have that conversation. They never acted before, so I think they were trying to learn what the rules were. But I think thats what being a family is, right? I think everyones parents are just trying to figure it out and you dont realize that as a kid. You think theres already rules. So how did you, as a family and as a cast, help them through that? I think Sheila read from the novel to them. They were in a creaky old house and scared. Theyre city boys, theyve never been out in the country, so they were nervous. My favorite scene in this is when Paps is fired for letting the boys come to work with him. On the way home his truck breaks down. A bad day gets so, so much worse, and hes with his sons and theyre in the bed of the truck being driven home. What can you tell me about that scene? That scene took a lot of patience because as an actor you are preparing for this moment in this mans life, trying to honor that as a very particular moment in their life as a family. Youre trying to stay focused and available, but reserve your energy as well. Meanwhile, you have three rambunctious boys goofin off Jeremiah likes telling this story but he always remembers this: we shot pretty chronologically, so it was late in the process when we got to that truck scene. Theres so much going on, its chaotic. Finally were moving and were getting into the scene; the trucks broken down, hes having this crisis. The boys are watching me, and the three of them really became actors. Josiah playing Joel, little brother, he was learning to cry watching me go through this experience as this character whos weeping. They wanted to mimic me, so they were trying to manipulate themselves. Josiah wanted to learn to cry and he did it. He was able to make himself do it. Thats whats so wonderful about the scene, is that they sense that something bigger and more hopeless is happening, but theyre not exactly sure how to react or what to make of it. They cant really meet your energy in that scene, so theyre mirroring it. Yeah, thats it. Especially for a scene like that, I just have to really focus and I know what I need to do to get to that point, so it was funny just watching them cause I wasnt joking with them, I wasnt as playful with them as I was on other days. They knew that something was going on, and yeah, youre right. Youre absolutely right, thats that moment in these peoples lives. That was also the first scene where I started to consider how Paps must feel as a probably one of the only men who isnt white in this small town. How isolating that is, outside of his family. Speaking of us both going to school in Boston, right? Yeah, absolutely. We were up in Utica, its 2016, its right before the elections. Trump signs were everywhere. I grew up in Texas so I know what that is. How it feels. In a lot of ways its not scary for me, because I know how to navigate it. Ive been through it my whole life. Congratulations on the Indie Spirit nomination. Does the awards circuit feel a little surreal, or a little daunting? Its an honor, I dont want to downplay that. Its an incredible movie. Its surreal to be around people that I have tremendous respect for and to be in the same conversation as them, yeah. I mean, theres so many people in that room yesterday At the nominees luncheon? Yeah. I ran into a friend, Yolonda Ross, who Ive known for many years. We were members of Labyrinth Theater Company here in New York and we ran into each other on the red carpet for Indie Spirit Award nominations. Yolandas been a past nominee and weve done readings of plays in little dusty rooms in upstate New York together years ago, and now were on the red carpet. Indie Spirit Award nominations luncheon thats a trip, when youre coming up together. My buddy Brian Tyree Henry was hosting the luncheon on Saturday. I was just thinking its so weird that the people that you came up with together that youre now up there doing the things. And that always excites me. Im doing the second season of a show called Vida that my friend Tanya Saracho wrote and created and that really trips me out, just the people that I came up with doing it. Thats really exciting when youre up there together. Thats the part that makes me giddy. First Miss USA, now The Bachelor. Photo: Craig Sjodin/ABC Were only a few episodes deep into Colton Underwoods proverbial journey to find a fiancee on The Bachelor, but right on cue, the shows producers are feeding us a feud that couldve doubled as a B-plot in Miss Congeniality. Were, of course, talking about Hannah B. and Caelynn, who competed against each other as Miss Alabama and Miss North Carolina, respectively, at last years Miss USA pageant, and whose rivalry has become the glittery reality-TV accelerant for a falling out between the ex-friends and roommates. The Bachelor has leaned heavily into a sore loser narrative of the womens history, given that Caelynn finished as Miss USAs first runner-up, while Hannah B. didnt place above the top 15. However, upon speaking with two people with close ties to Miss USA, Vulture has learned of a more complicated backstory that sheds light on what actually happened between them. As a brief recap of how The Bachelor is presenting this feud: Caelynn has said in numerous confessional interviews and private conversations with Colton that Hannah B. was mad that she didnt place for sure she wasnt happy. Meanwhile, Hannah B. has been getting an increasingly unfavorable edit from the Bachelor producers due, in part, to being the first woman to mention her past to Colton and hasnt minced words about her feelings toward Caelynn. Its lies that are not true, she told Colton. Just freakin trust me, Im telling the truth. Austin Ryde, a makeup artist and photographer whos worked with numerous Miss USA contestants and who says he was Caelynns friend for nearly a decade before a recent falling out believes Hannah B.s defense, and said there wasnt one incident that severed the womens friendship. Rather, it was a culmination of personalities clashing after the 2018 pageant ended, when Hannah B. sent Caelynn a text message to express her disappointment in how she behaved throughout Miss USA. When Miss USA was over, Caelynn came to stay with me and my girlfriend in Los Angeles, Ryde said. She had just gotten a text from Hannah, which I saw. I cant recall the exact wording, but the general idea of the text was Caelynn made it a very difficult time for Hannah at Miss USA, and Hannah, in a very nice but direct way, said, Congratulations, you placing so high is a huge deal, but I need you to know you werent a nice person and not very positive, and that took away from my experience. That was the falling out. Ryde also believes Hannahs comments on The Bachelor are accurate in describing Caelynns off-camera personality. I never met Hannah, but the way Hannah describes Caelynn is exactly how I would describe her, he said. Its unfortunate that people are assuming Hannah is just jealous I should clarify, she might be, you never know. I dont think shes overreacting, but she made a big mistake being the first person to say something, because thats always the first person to get in trouble. A third Miss USA contestant who competed alongside Hannah B. and Caelynn in the 2018 pageant, and who requested anonymity to speak freely on the subject, corroborates Rydes account. My roommate at Miss USA was good friends with both of them. One of them would come into my room all the time talking bad about the other girl while I was trying to sleep, she said. The feud didnt start because Caelynn was the first runner-up, that has nothing to do with it. Thats a topic that the [Bachelor] producers are taking and running with. Thats literally the complete opposite of how it really went down. I think Colton is kind of stupid if he cant really see the difference between the two. One is genuine and completely herself, and the other is manipulative. The contestant also claims Hannah B. and Caelynn knew each other before rooming together at the pageant. At the end of the day, Miss USA is a competition. We all know one girl wins. Its not as catty as the producers on The Bachelor are making it seem to be. I think Hannah and Caelynn have known each other for a very, very long time and it started way before that. It started way before the competition, she said. The producers are making Hannah look crazy, and shes not. Shes just goofy. Like any good pageant contestant, neither Hannah B. nor Caelynn has publicly trashed the other since Caelynns near-victory and neither has responded to Vultures interview requests but they had to see each other quite a bit in the months that followed Miss USA, owing to all those requisite philanthropic commitments. Their Instagram accounts are now relics of the friendship that was, speaking to a simpler time when they would don silky sashes and glittery crowns in broad daylight just for the hell of it. Because why not! This story has been updated throughout. Photo: Pool/Getty Images Harvey Weinsteins high-profile lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said hes withdrawing from the case. The New York Post on Tuesday quoted Brafman as saying that he would depart from the case, in light of a new Esquire profile in which he reportedly said, In terms of the timing, it is somewhat ironic that it appears online now when some of it deals with the Harvey Weinstein case, which Im withdrawing from. Vulture confirmed that Brafmans statement about withdrawing from Weinsteins case was accurate. In the Esquire piece, Brafman conceded that the former Hollywood honcho often seeks second opinions on legal matters. Hes a nice guy, sometimes. I can say to him, You cant tell me to go to hell, because you need me, Brafman reportedly told the magazine. I take the abuse better than most. Unconfirmed rumors of discord between Weinstein and Brafman have been circulating for about one week, however, with reports Monday claiming that the storied attorney was out. Esquire said in a note that it decided to post its profile of Brafman online early given the speculation. Editors Note: On Monday, January 14, shortly after this story went to press, the New York Post reported that Weinstein and Brafman may be parting ways due to disagreements over the direction of the case. In light of these developments, were offering it online now. The story will also appear in the March 19 issue of Esquire, the note explained. Brafman would have to make a formal request to withdraw as Weinsteins lawyer, and the judge overseeing his case would have to approve his departure, to officially leave. The Manhattan District Attorneys Office declined to comment. Brafman, whose clientele has also included ex-IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn and pharma bro Martin Shkreli, has repped Weinstein from the early stages of the New York Police Departments investigation of sexual-misconduct allegations, and subsequent prosecution. Brafman did land a legal victory in the months following Weinsteins arrest. Weinstein had stood accused of nonconsensual encounters with three women, Lucia Evans, Mimi Haleyi, and an unnamed third woman, in the Manhattan criminal case, but a judge agreed to toss the count related to Evans. Evans had alleged that Weinstein forced her into oral sex during the summer of 2004. Court proceedings in October revealed that one witness had told the former lead detective that Evans performed oral sex on Weinstein after he said hed throw acting work her way. That detective, Nicholas DiGaudio, didnt pass along that information to prosecutors, according to court proceedings. And while Brafman had repeatedly tried, filing motion after motion with sometimes surprising linguistic flourish, he failed to get the entire indictment dismissed on the grounds of alleged police misconduct. A court filing in several of the many civil cases against Weinstein claimed that a trial date was scheduled for May 6. A spokesperson for the New York State Court system, however, said at the time that an early May trial date has been discussed, however it is tentative and unofficial. While court dates are routinely pushed back and rescheduled, a total overhaul of Weinsteins defense team could delay the proceedings even more. Update January 17: In a joint statement published Thursday, Weinstein and Brafman said they have agreed to part ways. You can read the full statement below. Harvey Weinstein and his Criminal Defense Lawyer Benjamin Brafman have agreed to part ways and Mr. Weinstein has authorized Mr. Brafman to formally notify Judge Burke of his decision to withdraw as counsel for Mr. Weinstein in connection with all legal matters currently pending. Both parties have agreed to part ways amicably and Mr. Brafman has agreed to cooperate fully with new counsel for Mr. Weinstein so as to ensure an orderly transition. Mr. Weinstein praised Mr. Brafman for his legal work to date and Mr. Brafman reiterated his belief that Mr. Weinstein would be exonerated of the charges that have been filed against him and Brafman personally wished Mr. Weinstein the best of luck as he defends the case and the accusations that Mr. Weinstein has vehemently denied. Mr. Weinstein intends to introduce his new legal team by early next week. Sofia Coppola. Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Marc Jacobs The first film made under the development deal between A24 and Apple is very on-brand for this partnership. Sofia Coppola will direct Rashida Jones and her Lost in Translation star Bill Murray in On the Rocks, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The story will center on a young mother who reconnects with her larger-than-life playboy father on an adventure through New York, which makes it sound like Murray is the playboy one and sure, why not? Coppola was of course a ground-floor filmmaker for A24, directing one of its earliest releases, 2013s The Bling Ring. And now she, an unlikely digital pioneer, will usher the studio into the new era of film development: making movies for gargantuan tech companies! Several Zimbabweans in South Africa gathered outside their Embassy to protest the arrest of activist pastor Evan Mawarire and others arrested over the shutdown. Many said they were also frustrated at the internet blackout which prevented many from contacting their families. Zimbabwes government and opposition are trading words over the recent shutdown down in the country that turned violent and forced an internet black out to curtail the flow of information. On the third day of a call by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions for the countrys businesses to stay closed and citizens to stay in their homes, the spokesperson for Zimbabwes ruling Zanu-PF party seemed to acknowledge the suffering of the countrys citizens, many of whom heeded the call, in many parts of the country. Simon Khaya Moyo noted this in a press statement that he read out loud. The national economy is currently confronted with a plethora of challenges which have inflicted untold suffering on the generality of our people. Some of these challenges are genuinely linked to certain fundamentals that ought to be addressed. The shutdown, which started off peacefully with reports indicating no activity in the city, eventually turned violent with looters breaking into closed shops to grab food and other basic necessities, and exacerbated by the deployment of the police and army which reportedly started spraying tear gas and water cannons to disperse protestors in the streets, some of whom were burning tyres and throwing stones onto the streets to prevent the movement of vehicles. Khaya Moyo attributed this to the opposition and other groups and individuals like activist pastor Evan Mawarire who was arrested Wednesday, referring to their actions as an act of economic terrorism aimed at replacing the government. The party is aware of subversive activities by certain individuals, political parties, civic and business organizations in pursuit of the regime change agenda. Khaya Moyos words echoed those of Zimbabwes Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who directly blamed the opposition Movement for Democratic Change led by Nelson Chamisa, who challenged President Emmerson Mnangagwas election victory in court. Threats to overthrow a constitutionally-elected government by force and install an unelected person as president of Zimbabwe will be thwarted. It won't work. Pursuent to this nefarious agenda, the MDC Alliance activated its notorious terror groups, which include the so-called Democratic Resistance Committee and para-military vanguard." The MDC, however, which has remained largely quite on the issue of the shutdown, has refuted the accusations by the government and ruling party. Spokesperson for the MDC, Jacob Mafume, said President Mnangagwa should take responsibility for the chaos, after spiking fuel prices in the midst of a fuel shortage. The person who is responsible is the person who announced fuel increases at an ungodly hour, a witchly hour. Announced a 150% increase. That is where the problem came from. Then people were expressing their right in terms of section 59 of the Constitution. Despite government claims that the MDC Alliance and other groups have perpetrated the violence that also resulted in the blackout of the internet, Mafume lays blame on the heavy-handedness of the army and police, which is accused of brutally beating people up and even shooting and stabbing some to death. According to reports by the police and other groups such as the Association for Doctors for Human Rights, between three to eight people have died in the course of the shutdown. People have been provoked to great amounts of anger, and have unfortunately retaliated by expressing themselves against shops and other things. But what we are aware of is that our supporters who form the bulk of urban dwellers are a peaceful lot. Khaya Moyo and Mutsvangwa called for a return to normalcy in Zimbabwe and urged all organizers of protests to desist from mobilizing citizens. Mutsvangwa said all the protests are aimed to undermine Mnangagwas efforts to reengage the international community. They are intended to undermine (unintelligible), the ongoing re-engagement efforts of the president to market Zimbabwe at high level forums such as at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland." But Mafume said all efforts by President Mnangagwa will come to nothing outside the dialogue that the opposition and other groups have been pushing for. President Advocate Nelson Chamisa has emphasized and reiterated time and time again that there is need for dialogue in Zibmabwe, thre is need for coming together of minds and a cross pollination of ideas. However, our collegues seems afraid. President Mnangagwa, who is currently on a four nation tour in eastern Europe before arriving in Davos, Switzerland, has dismissed the idea to hold talks with the opposition, saying he won the elections legitimately, but needs time to bring change. President Mnangagwa who is currently on a four-nation tour in eastern Europe before arriving in Davos, Switzerland, has dismissed the idea to hold talks with the opposition, saying he won the elections legitimately, but needs time to bring change. To this, Mafume said after 38 years in various roles in the government, time is not the issue for Mnangagwa and his Zanu-PF party. Having been in government since 1980, he has a continuous history of being part of the executive that caused these problems and part of his own executive that is trying or saying that it is trying to get us out of this trouble, unfortunately he had deepened the troubles of the people and a leopard cannot change its spots. During a visit by Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa that ended Wednesday, Russian diamond giant Alrosa announced that it has set up a subsidiary in Zimbabwe to begin mining operations there, more than two years after it shelved plans to expand into the country. Alrosa, the world's largest diamond producer by output, started conducting geological exploration in Zimbabwe in 2013 but dropped the licences it held there in 2016 due to a reform of the country's diamond industry. Zimbabwe has opened "a small window" for foreign companies to participate in its diamond industry to maximize exploration, President Mnangagwa told reporters when visiting one of Alrosa's operations in Moscow, without giving further details. State-controlled Alrosa said it would develop new mining operations in the country with the support of the Zimbabwean government. Alrosa established a subsidiary in Zimbabwe's capital of Harare in December, and its geologists and mining engineers will arrive in the country to start operations in February, it said. Alrosa did not provide any further detail about future projects in the country. The diamond producer's main production assets are based in Russia, but the company also has operations in Angola. Russia has been raising its profile across Africa in recent years, signing military cooperation deals, ramping up trade and looking at joint platinum projects in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has held a series of conferences in Africa as well as in London since the overturning of long-term leader Robert Mugabe in late 2017, raising expectations the mineral-rich southern African country would become more investor-friendly. Mnangagwa's visit to Russia is happening while protesters barricade roads and burn tyres in Harare on Monday, two days after he raised the price of fuel by 150 percent in response to the worst economic crisis in a decade. (Reuters.) President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appealed for peace in Zimbabwe following nationwide protests quelled with brutal force by state security agents that allegedly killed scores of people in the countrys capital city and other urban areas. In a statement on his Facebook page Wednesday on his way to Belarus after attending a bilateral meeting with Russian president Vladmir Putin, Mnangagwa said Zimbabweans should unite and fight for the revival of the southern African nations devastated economy. Over the past two days, as I have been in Russia working on economic agreements that will give our economy a much needed boost, I have been deeply saddened by the events in our beloved homeland I call for calm and peace from all of our brothers and sisters. We are one nation, with one mission, and we will realise it together. He said wanton violence and cynical destruction is not the Zimbabwean way. As I have said numerous times, everyone in Zimbabwe has the right to express themselves freely to speak out, to criticise and to protest. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed is violence and vandalism instead of peaceful, legal protests. There can be no justification for violence, against people and property. Violence will not reform our economy. Violence will not rebuild our nation. He said Zimbabwe his visit to Russia and other nations is designed to reboot the local economy. What will lead to a stronger economy is investment. That is why I travelled to Moscow, and that is why I will be travelling on to other countries in the region and then the World Economic Forum in Davos. In 48 hours in Moscow, there are signs that serious investment is on the way. Alrosa, the worlds largest diamond company, has decided to launch operations in Zimbabwe, and we have also signed a series of important agreements that will lead to investment, development and jobs. I understand the pain and frustration that many of you are feeling. Resolving Zimbabwes economic challenges is a monumental task, and while it may not always feel that way, we are moving in the right direction. We will get there. Mnangagwa announced steep fuel price increases Saturday that sparked nationwide protests, which were led by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, #ThisFlag Campaign and other non-governmental organizations. Some international human rights organizations have appealed to the South African government, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union (AU) to intervene in Zimbabwe where state security agents are using excessive force to stop public protests over serious economic problems in the country. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International (AI) say the situation in Zimbabwe is worsening as armed soldiers and policemen are invading homes, beating up and shooting some innocent civilians following protests on Monday that left scores of people dead and others nursing severe injuries. Human Rights Watch southern Africa director, Dewa Mavhinga, told VOA Studio 7 they hope South Africa, SADC and the AU would take immediate action to stop the violence. This might not go away because it is a message from the people to the government. We at Human Rights Watch together with Amnesty International have contacted the South African government, SADC and the African Union and encouraged them to intervene at this stage to avoid further bloodshed. He said it was worrying that President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who played a key role in the removal of Robert Mugabe from office, is brutalizing Zimbabweans the same way the former ruler terrorized citizens for more than 37 years. Noone ever expected that a government that calls itself a new dispensation could go on the streets and shoot people while the leader is in Europe asking for investments, its a contradiction Zimbabwe authorities have a duty to maintain security during protests, but they need to do that without using excessive force. Those responsible for using unlawful lethal force should be promptly investigated and held accountable. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has accused Zimbabwes opposition, the Movement for Democratic Change Alliance, for the outbreak of violence in the country claiming that it wants to overthrow the Zanu PF government. Pursuant to this nefarious agenda, the MDC Alliance activated its notorious terror groups, which include the so-called Democratic Resistance Committee and para-military vanguard Threats to overthrow a constitutionally-elected government by force and install an unelected person as president of Zimbabwe will be thwarted - it won't work. But MDC chairperson Thabitha Khumalo dismissed Mutsvangwas remarks saying, The Zanu PF government has failed to reboot the economy and now it is turning against its own people who were protesting peacefully. It is using excessive force to force people to accept their failure. The shutdown, called by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and some non-governmental organizations in reaction to increased prices in fuel and shortage of basics including cash and food, coincided with President Mnangagwas trip to various countries in Eastern Europe, including Russia, and also Switzerland for the World Economic Forum in Davos. In videos and images circulated on social media, a man in civilian clothes but armed with an AK-47 military assault rifle shot at protesters in Harare on January 14. Zimbabwes Information Ministry tweeted early on January 15 that the police sought public assistance to identify the man with the assault weapon shown in the video. Witnesses and local activists reported that uniformed members of the security forces fired on protesters in Epworth, Chitungwiza, Bulawayo and Kadoma. Members of the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights told Human Rights Watch they provided emergency medical services to 25 people with gunshot injuries. They also said that two people in Chitungwiza and three in Kadoma had died from gunshot wounds. Zimbabwes State Security Minister announced Monday that more than 200 people had been arrested. President Emmerson Mnangagwas sudden announcement of a fuel price increase of 150 percent on January 12 led the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions labor movement to call for a three-day national strike, which triggered the protests. Protesters burned a police station, barricaded roads with large rocks, and looted shops in Harare, Kadoma, and Bulawayo. Government security forces responded with live ammunition, rubber bullets, and teargas, which they fired at the protesters and into peoples homes. Mavhinga further noted that the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials provide that all security forces shall use nonviolent means before resorting to force. Whenever the lawful use of force is unavoidable, the authorities must use restraint and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offense. Law enforcement officials should not use firearms against people except in self-defense or to protect others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights reported that uniformed members of the police and army carried out apparently indiscriminate door-to-door raids in some Harare suburbs on January 14, forcibly entering homes by breaking doors and windows. The authorities then proceeded to assault some occupants and, in some instances, forced residents out of their homes. Reacting to the protests, the Posts and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority ordered mobile phone providers to block the internet and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and messaging app, WhatsApp. Doctors from the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights told Human Rights Watch that shutting down the internet had disrupted their efforts to coordinate much-needed medical assistance for victims of police shootings. Blanket, open-ended shutdowns of the internet violate the right to freely seek, receive, and impart information, Human Rights Watch said. The Zimbabwe government should immediately restore internet and social media access, Mavhinga said. All Zimbabweans have a right to access information and peacefully express their views. CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA - Some lawmakers in drug-ravaged West Virginia want to pitch in millions of dollars for President Donald Trump's wall-building effort along the U.S.-Mexico border. The GOP-led House of Delegates issued a statement Monday that a bill planned by three delegates would divert $10 million from West Virginia's current $186 million budget surplus for wall construction. Trump is seeking $5.7 billion overall to fund construction of a wall along about 235 miles (375 kilometers) of the border, and the federal government has been partially shut down as Trump and Democratic lawmakers are at an impasse over his request. The suggested offer from West Virginia would pay a tiny fraction of the cost. $8 million from Montana? Last week a Republican lawmaker in Montana proposed giving more than $8 million for the wall, while senators in South Dakota senators voted to urge construction of a steel barrier. The sponsors in West Virginia are Delegates Carl Robbie'' Martin, R-Upshur; Patrick Martin, R-Lewis; and Caleb Hanna, R-Webster. Robbie and Patrick Martin are brothers. West Virginia has by far the highest rate of U.S. drug overdose deaths. The three lawmakers said on a conference call Tuesday the $10 million would help stem the flow of drugs from Mexico into West Virginia. Our constituents are crying out, saying that they need help with this drug problem,'' Patrick Martin said. West Virginians want this wall. I believe that they want border security.'' Ports of entry Drug trafficking is concentrated at land ports of entry, not remote stretches of the border, according to a 2018 report by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The most common trafficking technique by transnational criminal organizations is to hide drugs in passenger vehicles or tractor-trailers as they drive into the U.S. though entry ports, where they are stopped and subject to inspection. They also employ buses, cargo trains and tunnels, the report says, citing other smuggling methods that also would not be choked off by a border wall. The DEA found that most of the heroin sold in the U.S. is being trafficked from Mexico, but the agency has said China is a main source of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that have been flooding the U.S. market. China has pushed back against the characterization. The DEA's report also noted a drop in the number of U.S. methamphetamine labs is being filled by Mexican and Latin American drug cartels. Republican House Speaker Roger Hanshaw didn't immediately return a telephone message seeking comment on the chances of the proposal's passage. 'Political stunt' West Virginia Democratic Party chairwoman Belinda Biafore called the proposal a political stunt'' and sickening'' because the money should be used for other pressing needs in the state. Trump carried West Virginia by 42 percent points in the 2016 election, and 63 percent of state voters who cast midterm ballots approve of his job handling as president. ISLAMABAD - A global advocate for justice is calling on Pakistan not to use the tenure of its military courts to try civilians for terrorism-related offenses, saying that doing so would constitute a "disaster" for human rights. The military tribunals have been in operation since January 2015. At that time, the Pakistani parliament authorized them for two years to conduct trials of suspected terrorists in a bid to deter growing terrorism in the country. The authorization was extended for another two years and will lapse on March 30 unless lawmakers approve another extension. In a statement issued Wednesday, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said that the military "justice system is a glaring surrender of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Pakistan. The ICJ said, "Fears that repeated extensions risk making an abusive and discredited process effectively permanent." The ICJ denunciation comes as Prime Minister Imran Khans government consults with opposition parties on legislation to extend the tenure of the courts. The ICJ cited serious fair trials violations in the operation of military courts, including: denial of the right to counsel of choice; failure to disclose the charges against the accused; denial of a public hearing; a very high number of convictions more than 97 percent based on confessions without adequate safeguards against torture and ill treatment. The Pakistani military announced last month the special courts have handed down death sentences to 310 people and 56 of them have been executed. It added that the executions of a remaining 254 people are pending upon the completion of the legal process in the civilian courts. The armys media wing noted that 234 people were given rigorous imprisonment terms of varied duration ranging from life terms to a minimum duration of five years, and two of the accused were acquitted. The army released the details while the country was observing the anniversary of the December 2014 massacre of more than 150 people, mostly children, at an army-run public school in the northwestern city of Peshawar. The militant attack caused outraged among Pakistanis and prompted the then-parliament to allow the military to try civilians linked to terrorist groups or organizations instigating violence in the name of religion. Convicts are allowed to challenge the sentences in civilian courts, although none of the sentences has been overturned to date. Lawyers and families in appeal proceedings in civilian courts have questioned evidence in some cases and alleged their relatives were coerced into confessions. The Pakistani army and civilian officials reject the charges and maintain the legislation allowing the trials binds the special tribunals to conduct fair and transparent hearings. Political parties have backed the military courts, noting Pakistans regular judicial system does not offer protection to witnesses. Moreover, judges and attorneys prosecuting suspected hardcore militants have complained of receiving death threats, or have come under attack. The ICJ's statement criticized authorities for failing to enact promised reforms to strengthen the criminal justice system during the four years of operation for the military courts. A recent vaccine scandal in eastern Chinas Jiangsu province, where 145 children were confirmed to have received expired polio vaccinations, has once again exposed the countrys poor vaccine management and lack of systematic regulatory oversight, a former Chinese health official said. To eradicate such lapses, Chen Bingzhong, ex-head of Chinas Health Education Research Institute, calls for a nationwide probe, in which, third-party stakeholders such as parents, lawyers or reporters should take part to ensure transparency. There should first be a thorough probe into the cause of the Jiangsu case, which serves as another wake-up call. But who should launch the investigation? Local health departments alone wont work because they are the ones who cause the problem and should be held responsible. An [unbiased] third party has to be involved, Chen said. Expired vaccine probe Jiangsu police, on Monday, began an investigation after the local government in the provinces Jinhu County concluded that only 145 children were orally administered with polio vaccines that expired on December 11, 2018. And so far a total of 17 officials have been punished, including the deputy head of Jinhu County. Jiangsu province, China The local government has also promised check-ups on all affected children. Tao Lina, a Shanghai-based vaccine expert, blamed the countys online registration system, which she said failed to alert doctors about expired vaccines or registered the wrong expiration date, according to a Global Times report. A cover-up? But many worried parents are skeptical of the official findings and suspect a larger-scale cover-up. The case came to light on Jan 7 when a parent a retired hospital worker discovered that oral vaccine given to her grandkid was nearly a month out of date, according to local media reports. Many parents, who picked up the news on social media, followed suit to check batch numbers on their childrens vaccination history and found that expired vaccines include not only polio vaccines, but also diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DPT), hepatitis B and varicella. And the problem dates back to a decade ago, which is further fueling suspicion that the majority of the countys 20,000 children under the age of 14 may have been exposed to faulty vaccines. The case in Jinhu is the latest in a string of similar scandals in China. Late last week, hundreds of anxious parents gathered in front of Jinhu government offices, demanding answers. Violent scuffles Video footage that has gone viral on the Internet showed repeated scuffles between angry crowds, besieged government officials and squads of mob police, which continued into the night. Three parents ended up being arrested and local residents have expressed difficulty in uploading videos of the protests to social media. On Weibo, the equivalent of Twitter in China, some urged parents in Jinhu to stay calm, but many more shared their anger. The government's credibility is overdrawn and the people's tolerance is being put to the test, one Weibo user said. To be honest, our regulators are all facade with little function, another complained. Public outcry Parents elsewhere complained of governments of all levels inaction to address the countrys vaccine problems including appropriate compensations to those who suffer adverse effects. A father from Fujian province surnamed Lin told VOA that the local government there has done nothing to help this teenaged son, who experienced severe adverse effects from vaccines at the age of three. They [the Fujian government] keep patronizing me and passing the buck, he said. Two to three years ago, my kid was identified to be suffering adverse reactions from vaccines, which is extremely rare. If the government can help deal with it, we have nothing to complain. But its been ten years, the government hasnt even tried to take up a [responsible] stance, which I find very hard to accept. My child is now in a [brain-damaged] state, he added. A series of vaccine scandals in China including years of illegal sales of improperly-refrigerated vaccines and locally-produced substandard vaccines, which respectively came to light in March and July last year, have seriously undermined public confidence in spite of repeated calls for tightened regulation. Vaccine management law Wang Yuedan, deputy director of Peking University's immunology department, however, insisted that the Jiangsu case is an isolated misconduct of local medical staff and the upcoming passage of a law on vaccine management will help address regulatory loopholes. To tighten supervision on vaccines, Beijing released a draft Vaccine Management Law this month and is seeking public opinions until next month. I believe, once the law takes effect, there will be harsher punishments [on lawbreakers] to prevent such lapses. Among past expired vaccine cases, the punishment imposed on officials [in Jinhu] this time have been the harshest-ever, he said. But Chen disagreed. He asked why many people from local medical staff to regulators in Jiangsu, who are responsible of tracking vaccine flows, have failed to sound alarm bells over expired vaccines? That shows a systematic regulatory negligence serious flaws that legal revisions alone wont cure if few profit-driven lawbreakers and officials who helped cover up the crisis have been held responsible, he said, adding a nationwide probe will find parents in Jiangsu arent alone. Regardless of how harsh the punishments will be, whats more important is no more faulty vaccines used on their children, many parents said. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service said on Tuesday it intends to bring back more than 46,000 workers furloughed by the partial shutdown of the federal government to process annual tax returns and refunds and other tasks. The federal tax agency, part of the Treasury Department, said in a shutdown contingency plan that the employees, about 57 percent of its 80,000-member workforce, would be designated "excepted or exempt" from the shutdown. The 2019 tax filing season is set to begin on Jan. 28, with Americans having until April 15 to file their obligatory annual tax returns. Furloughed IRS employees returning to work will not be paid until government agencies reopen. The shutdown, which began with President Donald Trump's demand for $5.7 billion in funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, is now in its 25th day. Trump and Democrats in Congress show no signs of budging, raising the prospects of a lengthy impasse that could leave the president and his Republican allies in Congress vulnerable to public criticism, especially if annual taxpayers' refunds which many people rely on financially are delayed. The 132-page IRS contingency plan sets out a legal rationale for handling returns and refunds during a shutdown, saying those operations are similar to Social Security payments that are unaffected by the disruption. But the agency will not perform audits and other key functions until Trump and Congress agree on funding to reopen the one-quarter of the government affected by the shutdown, according to the document. Lawsuit, hearings The administration's plan is already the target of a lawsuit by the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which claims the plan is illegal because it obligates funds that have not been appropriated by Congress. Democrats in the House of Representatives are also considering hearings on the shutdown's impact on the IRS, including the agency's ability to deliver tax refunds on time. "There is no doubt the IRS needs to get ready for the 2019 filing season that starts Jan. 28, and IRS employees want to work," NTEU National President Tony Reardon said in a statement. "But the hard, cold reality is that they've already missed a paycheck and soon they'll be asked to work for free for as long as the shutdown lasts." The U.S. Senate on Wednesday narrowly upheld a Trump administration plan to lift sanctions against three companies linked to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Eleven Republicans in the Senate joined Democrats in an effort to enforce the sanctions against the giant aluminum firm Rusal and two companion companies, but their effort failed on a 57-42 vote, three short of the number needed to advance the measure. Numerous lawmakers had questioned the U.S. Treasury Department's decision in December to lift the sanctions that were imposed on Deripaska's core businesses Rusal; its parent, En+; and the power firm EuroSibEnergo in response to Moscow's takeover of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Treasury argued that it was appropriate to lift the sanctions imposed last April because Deripaska had committed to curtailing his ownership of the companies and sever his control. FILE - Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talks wit FILE - Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talks with reporters at the White House, in Washington, Dec. 3, 2018. FILE - Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin talks with reporters at the White House, in Washington, Dec. 3, 2018. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said last week that Deripaska remains under sanctions, "his property and interests remain blocked, and any companies he controls are also sanctioned.'' In pushing for the sanctions to be enforced, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said, "For a very long time, the Republican Party predicated its foreign policy on taking a tougher line against Russia and Putin. In so many campaigns for president, we Democrats were accused of not being tough enough on the Russians." But now, Schumer said, "it seems that acquiescence to [President Donald Trump], a fear of breaking with the president, has held back too many of my Republican colleagues from supporting this resolution.'' Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky reiterated that Deripaska's influence over the companies was being limited and called the vote a "Democratic stunt," even as the 11 Republicans joined Democrats in the unsuccessful effort to overturn Treasury's action. ISLAMABAD - A high-level U.S. diplomat responsible for negotiations with the Taliban made it clear the insurgent group would have to engage with the Afghan government if they wanted the peace process to move forward. "The road to peace will require the Taliban to sit with the Afghan government. There is a consensus among all the regional partners on this point," Zalmay Khalilzad, the special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, told a group of journalists Wednesday in Kabul. The Taliban's refusal to engage directly with the sitting administration in Kabul seems to have become a stumbling block in negotiations that started last year, after U.S. diplomats gave in to a major Taliban demand and met them directly. US Envoy in Kabul to Advance Afghan Peace Efforts Zalmay Khalilzad, the man responsible for overseeing Americas negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, arrived Tuesday night in Kabul, after making stops in India, the United Arab Emirates, and China. He is expected to visit Islamabad next. His outreach to regional players continues despite what seems like a setback in talks with the Taliban.The [dialogue] process has halted for now so the venue and the date for a future meeting are not known, a senior Taliban official who is privy to the developments Zalmay Khalilzad, the man responsible for overseeing Americas negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, arrived Tuesday night in Kabul, after making stops in India, the United Arab Emirates, and China. He is expected to visit Islamabad next. His outreach to regional players continues despite what seems like a setback in talks with the Taliban.The [dialogue] process has halted for now so the venue and the date for a future meeting are not known, a senior Taliban official who is privy to the developments So far, the Taliban have held several meetings with the Americans. The last significant round of talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban was held in December in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE government also took part in those discussions. The Afghan government sent a delegation in hopes of joining the talks, but the Taliban refused to meet them. Taliban statements describe members of President Ashraf Ghani's administration as "puppets" or "stooges" of the "invaders." The next meeting, reportedly scheduled in Saudi Arabia earlier this month, was called off by the insurgent group after it came under pressure by the Saudi government to meet with representatives of the current Afghan government. Earlier this week, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid tweeted a statement saying the U.S. agreed last November to discuss "the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and preventing Afghanistan from being used against other countries in the upcoming meeting." The statement then claimed that the U.S. was unilaterally changing the agenda and warned that the negotiations could stall. Responding to the statement, Khalilzad said, "If the Talibs want to talk, we can talk. If they want to fight, we can fight," adding that in the end, if the Taliban chose to fight, the United States would support the Afghan government. Khalilzad, who is on a trip to the region that has included stops in China, India and the UAE, is expected to arrive in Islamabad next. Lisa Curtis, the director for South and Central Asia at the U. S. National Security Council, is already in Islamabad as part of the interagency delegation traveling with Khalilzad. UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations Security Council is due to vote Wednesday to approve the deployment of up to 75 observers to Yemen's port city of Hodeida for six months to monitor a cease-fire and redeployment of forces by the warring parties, diplomats said. After a week of U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Sweden last month, the Iranian-aligned Houthi group and Saudi-backed Yemen government foes reached the deal on Hodeida, the entry point for most of Yemen's commercial goods and aid supplies, and a lifeline for millions of Yemenis on the verge of starvation. The 15-member Security Council last month authorized an advance monitoring team led by retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert and asked U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to recommend a larger operation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses FILE - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates during the opening session of a U.N. Migration Conference in Marrakech, Morocco, Dec.10, 2018. FILE - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses delegates during the opening session of a U.N. Migration Conference in Marrakech, Morocco, Dec.10, 2018. The council will vote Wednesday on a British-drafted resolution that asks Guterres to "expeditiously" deploy his recommended larger operation, which will be known as the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeida Agreement (UNMHA). The draft resolution also "requests Member States, particularly neighboring States, to support the United Nations as required for the implementation of UNMHA's mandate." A military coalition led by neighboring Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen in 2015 to back government forces. The U.N. and Western countries have criticized the coalition for killing a large number of civilians, including children. The Gulf states accuse Iran of supplying arms to the Houthis, a charge Tehran and the group deny. A Security Council resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes by Britain, the United States, Russia, France or China to pass. Diplomats said the Yemen draft is expected to be adopted. In his Dec. 31 proposal to the council, seen by Reuters, Guterres described the proposed 75-strong team as "a nimble presence" to monitor compliance of the deal and establish and assess facts and conditions on the ground. "Appropriate resources and assets will also be required to ensure the safety and security of U.N. personnel, including armored vehicles, communications infrastructure, aircraft and appropriate medical support," Guterres wrote. "Such resources will be a prerequisite for the effective launch and sustainment of the proposed mission," he said. Guterres said the larger monitoring mission would contribute to sustaining a "fragile political process" relaunched by U.N. Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths. Griffiths is aiming to convene another round of talks between the warring parties this month. UNITED NATIONS - The U.N. Security Council unanimously authorized Wednesday the deployment of up to 75 monitors to Yemen's port city of Hodeida as part of efforts to maintain a critical cease-fire there. The resolution provides for the creation of a special political mission for an initial period of six months. It will be known as the U.N. Mission to Support the Hodeida Agreement (UNMHA) and will join an advance team headed by Dutch Major General Patrick Cammaert, which deployed to the city late last month. "Hopefully with the deployment of this substantive mission, we can start to make progress on the ground," said British Ambassador Karen Pierce, whose delegation drafted the resolution. Hodeida Last month, delegations representing the government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and Houthi rebels met under U.N. auspices near Stockholm for a first round of talks aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long conflict. Parties agreed to the localized truce in Hodeida, as well as redeployment of fighters to agreed locations outside the city. Agreements were also reached on the exchange of thousands of prisoners and for easing the situation in the southwest city of Taiz. Wednesday's resolution authorizes the monitors to deploy quickly and oversee the cease-fire not just in Hodeida city, but throughout the governorate, as well as verifying the parties' compliance to redeploy their forces. UNMHA is also tasked with working with the parties so that the security of Hodeida and its ports are guaranteed by local security forces. Yemen's U.N. envoy, Abdallah Ali Fadel al-Saadi, welcomed the resolution and reiterated the Hadi government's commitment to the agreements made in Stockholm. But he criticized the rebel Houthi group, accusing it of having violated the cease-fire agreement 573 times since it went into force on December 18, causing deaths and injuries. "We call on the Security Council to bring pressure to bear on these militias to implement Security Council resolutions on Yemen," the envoy said. The cease-fire in Hodeida is an important first step to restoring peace across the war-torn country. More than 24 million people 80 percent of the population are in need of humanitarian assistance and of those, some 10 million are on the brink of famine. In addition to a food crisis, the country's economy has collapsed. A Saudi Arabian-led coalition began bombing Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels in support of Yemen's government in March 2015. Since then, the U.N. estimates more than 10,000 people have been killed, mostly due to coalition airstrikes. WASHINGTON - U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to sign a bill Wednesday that would guarantee federal workers will eventually be paid for the duration of the ongoing partial government shutdown, but when those paychecks may come is still a mystery as he and Democrats remain far from resolving the crisis. Some 800,000 government employees have either been working without being paid or told to stay home since December 22. If the shutdown lasts another week, they will miss a second paycheck this year. Meanwhile, the Trump administration said Tuesday it has called tens of thousands of federal employees back to work without pay to process tax refunds, maintain flight safety, inspect food and drug supplies and other vital tasks to soften the impact of the shutdown. Financial companies have put in place programs to help those workers deal with a sudden loss in income, while a number of restaurants are giving away meals to federal workers. The charity World Central Kitchen, which is known for its work feeding people in disaster zones such as Puerto Rico after a hurricane devastated the U.S. territory in 2017, is opening a popup stand Wednesday in Washington to feed federal employees. The site is on Pennsylvania Avenue, about halfway between the Capitol and the White House, and the group's founder, chef Jose Andres, said the location is symbolic of the need for Americans to come together. "We're going to be open for any federal family that needs food. We will have food for you to eat or food to take home. But also I hope it will be a call to action for our senators and congressman and especially President Trump to make sure that we end this moment in the history of America where families are about to go hungry," Andres said in a Twitter video announcing the project. The shutdown goes on as Trump remains committed to getting congressional approval for $5.7 billion to fund his desired wall at the U.S.-Mexico border. Democratic leaders have offered $1.3 billion for other border security efforts, saying adding more border patrol agents and technology upgrades would be more efficient and effective. Trump: New Honduras Migrant Caravan Justifies Need for Border Wall U.S. President Donald Trump contended Tuesday that a new migrant caravan leaving Honduras justifies his demand for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border to keep them from surging into the United States."A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras," Trump said on Twitter. He urged people to tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democratic leaders who oppose his demand that U.S. taxpayers pay for a wall, "that a drone flying around will U.S. President Donald Trump contended Tuesday that a new migrant caravan leaving Honduras justifies his demand for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border to keep them from surging into the United States."A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras," Trump said on Twitter. He urged people to tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democratic leaders who oppose his demand that U.S. taxpayers pay for a wall, "that a drone flying around will The Democrats want Trump and their Republican colleagues to agree to reopen the closed government agencies before the two sides continue the debate over what to do at the border, but so far Republicans have shown no interest in that path. Trump invited rank-and-file Democrats for a lunch meeting Tuesday at the White House to discuss the situation, but none accepted. The White House schedule for Wednesday shows Trump having a meeting with a bipartisan group of members from the House of Representatives who call themselves the Problem Solvers Caucus. In addition to federal workers not receiving paychecks, the effects of the shutdown are being felt in a number of ways throughout the country. Some airport security screeners have not been showing up for work, leading to longer lines at airports. Some inspectors from the Food and Drug Administration are not conducting their usual checks to make sure food products are safe. A number of national parks and museums are closed, and the federal court system is warning it will soon run out of operating funds. A National Park entrance fee collection service is A National Park entrance fee collection service is temporarily suspended at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, during the partial U.S. government shutdown, in Death Valley, California, U.S., Jan. 10, 2019. A National Park entrance fee collection service is temporarily suspended at Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park, the lowest point in North America, during the partial U.S. government shutdown, in Death Valley, California, U.S., Jan. 10, 2019. ?The Internal Revenue Service is also calling 46,000 previously furloughed workers back to their offices so they can process income tax returns. The Trump administration has promised the shutdown would not affect tax refunds that many people are expecting. While Trump and Democratic leaders blame each other for the situation dragging on, a number of recent polls have put more of the responsibility on the president. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday indicated 51 percent of respondents blame Trump and 34 percent blame congressional Democrats. In the same poll, 62 percent of people said they support adding more border patrol agents, and there was a roughly even split of 43 percent of people both supporting and opposing additional fencing at the border. The Senate and House were both due to be on recess next week with members going back to their home districts, but leaders in both chambers have said that break will be canceled if the shutdown is still in effect. That outcome seems likely. "We're going to stay our for a long time, if we have to," Trump told supporters in a conference call Tuesday. In Congress, the House has passed several bills that would follow Speaker Nancy Pelosi's plan to reopen the government for now and debate the border later, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he will not bring up any legislation that Trump would not support. McConnell on Tuesday called on Senate Democrats to make "an important choice." "They could stand with common sense, with border experts, with federal workers, and with their own past voting records by the way, or they could continue to remain passive spectators complaining from the sidelines as the speaker refuses to negotiate with the White House," McConnell said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should "see the pain" the shutdown is causing. U.S. Internal Revenue Services (IRS) employees ral U.S. Internal Revenue Services (IRS) employees rally in front of the Federal Building against the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, in Ogden, Utah, U.S., Jan. 10, 2019. U.S. Internal Revenue Services (IRS) employees rally in front of the Federal Building against the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown, in Ogden, Utah, U.S., Jan. 10, 2019. ?"He'd benefit from listening to the stories of federal civil servants who were working without pay, locked out of their jobs, maybe then President Trump will understand the damage he's causing by holding these people hostage until he gets what he wants. Meanwhile, Leader McConnell, Senate Republicans are hiding in the shadows as if they have some kind of aversion to doing their job when it involves the slightest break with the president," Schumer said. While leaders have been more prominent faces of the divide, there is no shortage of lawmakers on both sides advocating for something to change. "Hundreds of thousands of Americans aren't getting paid because the president won't give up his vanity project," said Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris. "They're forgoing insulin, borrowing money, or selling their cars -- just to stay afloat. Let's vote to reopen the government." Were on day 25 of the government shutdown. Hundreds of thousands of Americans arent getting paid because the president wont give up his vanity project. Theyre forgoing insulin, borrowing money, or selling their cars just to stay afloat. Lets vote to reopen the government. Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 16, 2019 ?Republican Rep. Mark Meadows said all members of Congress should remain in Washington without pay until they agree on border wall funding. "No excuses. If Democrats are ready to take border security seriously, there's a compromise to be had," Meadows said. Every member of Congress should have to stay in Washington, DC and work--without receiving a paycheck--until we reach an agreement on wall funding. No excuses.If Democrats are ready to take border security seriously, there%27s a compromise to be had. Mark Meadows (@RepMarkMeadows) January 16, 2019 Democratic Rep. Cheri Bustos accused McConnell and Trump of holding the House-passed spending bills "hostage to score political points." "By prolonging this shutdown and rejecting bill after bill to fund our government, the president is making us less safe by not paying for our border patrol and TSA agents," Bustos said. And by prolonging this shutdown and rejecting bill after bill to fund our government, the president is making us less safe by not paying our border patrol and TSA agents. Rep. Cheri Bustos (@RepCheri) January 16, 2019 Republican Rep. Paul Gosar faulted the Democrats who did not agree to Tuesday's White House meeting. "Each day they refuse to find a solution -- thousands are put in danger. I encourage my Dem colleagues to join Republicans in putting American priorities first," Gosar said. .@POTUS has put a plan on the table. Today Dems refused to meet at the White House to negotiate. Each day they refuse to find a solution -- thousands are put in danger. I encourage my Dem colleagues to join Republicans in putting American priorities first. Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) January 16, 2019 ?Meanwhile, Trump called attention to the latest group of Central American migrants who are traveling in hopes of reaching the United States, citing them as evidence of the need for a border wall. The group of several hundred people left from Honduras and made it into Guatemala on Tuesday. About 6,000 migrants traveled to Tijuana, Mexico late last year after traveling from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador. Many said they left home because of poverty and fears over gang violence. Some are trying to seek asylum in the United States, while other accepted humanitarian visas in Mexico and others returned home. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has called on the United States to be part of a group of nations working to solve the underlying reasons people are leaving their countries. Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have been working on the issue since reaching a cooperation agreement in December and representatives met again Tuesday with a focus on addressing four parts of the migration cycle -- origin, transit, destination and return, with an emphasis on the protection of human rights for the migrants. TAIPEI - Vietnams christening this week of the 11-nation Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, to be followed by a pact with the European Union, will give the export-reliant country tariff-free access to markets totaling 45 percent of the world GDP, its biggest economic boost since joining the World Trade Organization. The National Assembly in Hanoi ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership in November effective January 14, breaking down import tariffs to major markets such as Canada and Japan. The partnership, which Washington dropped in 2017, covers 13.5 percent of the world economy, or about $10 trillion. Other partnership countries are in the process of ratifying the deal and six others have done it already, giving it high odds of full implementation. Vietnam is also waiting for the European Union, 21.8 percent of the world GDP, to ratify a free trade deal that the two sides negotiated in 2015. The EU expects ratification this year. The two deals will combine to power Vietnams export-driven, fast-growing economy and accelerate growth of its middle class, analysts say. They say the deals will also make the country more attractive to foreign investors, who might otherwise pick China for factory sites, though Vietnam will need to get tougher on intellectual property and labor to honor the deals. Vietnam will enjoy a comparatively lower duty rate in some export markets where it competes, said Frederick Burke, partner with the law firm Baker McKenzie in Ho Chi Minh City. Its hard to say what would be bigger than the WTO, that was really a big bang. But (in 2018) weve had already as much foreign direct investment as we did the year of the WTO accession. TPP Breakthrough Vietnam is considered a top beneficiary from the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership because of its developing economy and because exports came to an outsized value of $200 billion in 2017. Other countries in the pact would be net importers of Vietnamese-made goods. Since 1986 the once war-torn country has staked economic progress on foreign investment in factories that make exports from garments to consumer electronics. It entered the WTO in 2008, giving it the same trade rights as 164 other members. Low-value manufactured goods such as shoes will become cheaper to ship to key Pacific partnership countries such as Australia, said Adam McCarty, chief economist with Mekong Economics in Hanoi. European and Pacific Rim countries want trade deals with Vietnam so they can better sell imports to its growing middle class, which the Boston Consulting Group expects will reach up to one-third of Vietnams 93 million people by next year. EU-Vietnam trade has quintupled over the past decade, and that deal could boost the Vietnamese GDP by 15 percent, the European Parliament says in a statement. The EU-Vietnam deal has failed ratification to date because of doubts over the correct ratification procedure but with hopes of final nods this year, it adds. The Trans Pacific Partnership further allows Vietnamese to enter the other 10 countries easily for work-related business. Compliance with non-tariff requirements As a member of the Pacific partnership, Vietnam must allow independent labor unions, standardize government procurement rules so firms from other partnership countries can make bids, and step up enforcement of intellectual property rights. Experts say Vietnam doesnt measure up yet. TPP for Vietnam, because theyve signed it and now its ratified in the National Assembly, for those who want (to) push reforms, its a kind of rod to beat other peoples act to get on the reforms, (saying) we have to meet these international standards, said Carl Thayer, emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Canberra. Officials in Hanoi want to comply so Vietnam gets the broader Pacific trade pact benefits, said Trung Nguyen, international relations dean at Ho Chi Minh University of Social Sciences and Humanities. They want get some new momentum for Vietnams economy, and TPP is one of the solutions, he said. Compliance with non-tariff requirements, especially intellectual property, would further differentiate Vietnam from world factory powerhouse China, McCarty said. Vietnam already stands out, especially among investors from developed Asian economies, over China for its lower labor costs. China also lacks independent labor unions and struggles with intellectual property rights enforcement, a sticking point in the broader Sino-U.S. trade dispute that dominated 2018. The terms and conditions of membership make it unattractive for China to be a member of the Pacific parternship, McCarty said. A lot of its to do with intellectual property rights, and all the things Mr. Trump is asking them for at the moment. Its also labor rights. Youre supposed to offer corporate-grade unions under the TPP, something that China couldnt sign up to. Yale University will not follow dozens of other schools nationwide and dispense contraception pills through campus vending machines, because it is barred by state law. "The wellness machines will not be available on campus," wrote Karen N. Peart, director of external communications at the Yale Office of Public Affairs and Communications, to VOA via email. Connecticut "state laws currently do not permit over-the-counter medications to be sold through these machines." But Peart asserted that Yale would continue to provide Plan B, often referred to as the "morning-after pill," free to students through the campus health center, along with the Paragard IUD, another emergency contraceptive option, and comprehensive counseling regarding contraception and reproductive health. "These products have been available at the Yale Health Pharmacy for many years before a group of students originated the idea of piloting a wellness machine," Peart wrote. Access growing nationwide Yale would have joined a growing list of universities in the United States to install machines that offer condoms, emergency contraception and lubricant last month. Contraception pills under the commercial name Plan B can be taken up to five days after intercourse to thwart conception. "The point of this is to make Plan B more accessible and to make medications, in general, more accessible," said Ileana Valdez, a Yale sophomore who spearheaded the effort, according to Yale Daily News. "Hopefully this will set a precedent for more machines to show up around campus that contain other things so Yale students don't have to go out of their way to go to [convenience stores], especially students from the new colleges." Plan B, or levonorgestrel, can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 89 percent, according to the Plan B One-Step website. "The sooner it's taken, the better it works," says the website. According to the website of the Mayo Clinic, one of the largest not-for-profit academic health systems in the United States, levonorgestrel is an option when intercourse did not include physical, hormonal or device protection such as condoms, birth-control pills taken daily and over time, or intrauterine devices. "Morning-after pills can help prevent pregnancy if you've had unprotected sex," the website explains. "Morning-after pills do not end a pregnancy that has implanted. They work primarily by delaying or preventing ovulation. ... [this] isn't the same as mifepristone (Mifeprex), also known as RU-486 or the abortion pill [which] terminates an established pregnancy one in which the fertilized egg has attached to the uterine wall and has begun to develop." Student health services A survey by the American College Health Association conducted throughout 2015 showed 79 percent of surveyed colleges and universities offered Plan B or over-the-counter emergency contraceptives to students through their student health services. The list of schools that offer levonorgestrel in vending machines is growing, including colleges and universities from large to small, and driven by student demand. A number of University of California campuses, Dartmouth College, and Stanford University were among some of the first. A fall survey showed more than 75 percent of students questioned said they were unaware that Yale Health offers emergency contraception around the clock and for free, the Yale Daily News reported. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. sold Plan B One-Step and other emergency contraception products to Foundation Consumer Healthcare in a $675 million sale in November 2017. The contraception, which previously required a doctor's prescription, became available without a prescription to women 17 and older, although some schools will dispense the drug to males. WASHINGTON - A Senate panel's partisan divide came into focus regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, William Barr, who was lauded and sharply criticized Wednesday by a panel of legal experts, civil rights leaders and other witnesses on Capitol Hill. The Senate Judiciary Committee's top Democrat, Dianne Feinstein of California, expressed lingering doubts about Barr's commitment to making public Special Counsel Robert Mueller's forthcoming report on contacts between Trump's inner circle and Russia, as well as Moscow's interference in the 2016 presidential contest. "I think it's essential that Congress and the American people know what is in the Mueller report," Feinstein said. "I am hopeful that that report will be made public, and my vote [on Barr's nomination] depends on that." By contrast, the committee's chairman, South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham, had nothing but praise for the nominee, whose long legal resume includes a previous stint as attorney general during the George H.W. Bush administration. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, flanked by Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 15, 2019. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, flanked by Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 15, 2019. "I just can't think of a better person to pick than Mr. Barr," Graham said. "I don't know who is going to do better than him in terms of experience, judgment, and temperament. If this guy doesn't cut it, I'm at a loss of who we can pick." Testifying before the panel Tuesday, Barr said the Russia probe should be completed and its results made known to the public and to Congress. He also took issue with Trump's labeling the investigation of his inner circle's contacts with Moscow as a "witch hunt." "I don't believe [special counsel Robert] Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Barr said, adding that the special counsel could only be terminated for good cause and that "it's unimaginable" Mueller would "ever do anything that gave rise to good cause." Democrats and some Republicans have long feared that Trump intends to shut down the Russia probe, which Barr would oversee if confirmed as America's top law enforcement official. Wednesday's panel provided sharply differing views of Barr and whether he should return to the Justice Department. "I don't know of any nominee who has had his background and his credentials for this job," Michael Mukasey, who served as attorney general during the George W. Bush administration, said. "He has done literally everything that you could possibly do, including serving as attorney general, to prepare him. He's an honorable, decent, smart man." Former U.S. attorney general Michael Mukasey takes Former U.S. attorney general Michael Mukasey takes a seat before a Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for William Barr to be attorney general of the U.S., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 16, 2019. Former U.S. attorney general Michael Mukasey takes a seat before a Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for William Barr to be attorney general of the U.S., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 16, 2019. Civil rights leaders, meanwhile, expressed alarm. "For the past two years, the Justice Department has been led by an attorney general [Jeff Sessions] intent on restricting civil and human rights at every turn," National Urban League CEO Marc Morial said. "This nation needs an attorney general who will dramatically change course and enforce civil rights laws with vigor and independence." Morial added, "Based on his alarming record, we are convinced that William Barr will not do so. It's clear that Mr. Barr intends to follow Mr. Sessions down the same regressive, anti-civil rights road map." Rights Groups Worry Barr Will Continue Sessions' Policies A day after reassuring members of Congress that he'd allow the special counsel to complete his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, attorney general nominee William Barr drew fresh criticism Wednesday over his support for the controversial policies of his ousted predecessor, Jeff Sessions.A parade of character witnesses and subject matter experts appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to offer sharply divergent views of the nominee, a tough-on-crime A day after reassuring members of Congress that he'd allow the special counsel to complete his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, attorney general nominee William Barr drew fresh criticism Wednesday over his support for the controversial policies of his ousted predecessor, Jeff Sessions.A parade of character witnesses and subject matter experts appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee to offer sharply divergent views of the nominee, a tough-on-crime Legal scholars disagreed on how Barr's expansive view of executive authority would inform his decisions as attorney general. "Mr. Barr's theory of presidential power is fundamentally inconsistent with our Constitution and deeply dangerous for our nation," Georgia State University law professor Neil Kinkopf warned. "The attorney general appears on behalf of the constitution, not the president. I know that Bill Barr understands that distinction," George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley said. "He has maintained that position through his whole career. He's a law nerd. I should know, because I'm a law nerd." One witness came with a simple plea regarding gun violence in America. Three relatives of Reverend Sharon Risher were slain in the 2015 church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, that claimed the lives of nine worshipers. "I hope he [Barr] will make it a priority to prevent gun violence and work with Congress to update our laws and close loopholes that enable guns to get in the wrong hands," Risher said. Barr's confirmation is considered likely by the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. VOA's Masood Farivar and Wayne Lee contributed to this report. BOGOTA - Women and girls in South America are more likely to become victims of sex trafficking inside their own or neighboring countries than to be trafficked across continents, officials said Tuesday, urging cooperation among regional governments. The sexual exploitation of women and girls remains the most common form of human trafficking in South America, and most victims identified in the past two years came from within their own country or region, according to latest figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). "The trend nowadays is that there's an increase in trafficking within the region of South America, to neighboring countries, especially with those that we share land crossings," said Gilberto Zuleta, project coordinator for the UNODC in Colombia. "Countries in the region have to coordinate efforts to strengthen their capacity to identify victims and prosecute," he told reporters in Bogota. Venezuelans targeted In Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela, local criminal networks running sex-trafficking rings are increasingly targeting destitute Venezuelan women and girl migrants fleeing their homeland, according to state prosecutor Mario Gomez. "Sex slavery can't be the only way to survive for these people," Gomez said. "The number of [victims] is very big in places where there is a lot of sex tourism and at the border. However, there's no census that allows us to determine the number of people involved." Over the past year, local authorities have found dozens of Venezuelan women forced into prostitution living in "inhumane conditions," often in basements in Colombia's tourist cities, with little food and their documents seized, Gomez said. So far about three million Venezuelans have fled economic collapse and food and medicine shortages in their homeland. The mass exodus of people is likely to continue after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for another 6-year term last week amid global criticism that his leadership is illegitimate due to a last year's disputed election. "This continued migration of Venezuelan women and teenagers, we have to confront it by giving opportunities," Gomez said. Women luring women Venezuelan women were also being lured into sexual exploitation in Colombia by their friends, often those already forced to work as recruiters and prostitutes by criminal gangs. "It's the Venezuelans themselves who are roping in other women," Gomez told Reuters. Gomez said he was also concerned about Colombian and Venezuelan women being lured by false promises of earning big salaries abroad only to be trafficked into forced prostitution in nearby Caribbean islands, including Trinidad and Tobago. Adriana Herrera, a children's rights expert at Colombia's inspector general's office, said growing numbers of teenage girls from Colombia and Venezuela were working as prostitutes along motorways in parts of the country. "Truck drivers pay for and sexually abuse underage girls along the highways," said Herrera, who called on truck driver associations to help combat the problem. "We know it's a practice that goes on and we're working on it." Parents, teachers and students are pushing back on a report released recently in Parkland, Florida the site of a mass shooting at a high school last February that recommends arming teachers to secure schools. I dont agree we should arm teachers, said Lori Alhadeff, whose 16-year-old daughter, Alyssa, was shot and killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. We need to train our law enforcement to actively engage a threat! Our teachers should be armed with more resources and pay but definitely not guns! Alhadeff, who now serves on Broward Countys school board, wrote in an email to VOA. The shooter, a 20-year-old recent graduate of the high school, killed 17 people with a semiautomatic AR-15 rifle. While the massacre drew national attention to the larger question of gun control in the United States, it also prompted a months-long local investigation and subsequent report into how the shooter was able to perpetrate the mass shooting, and how similar events may be prevented in the future. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission released a more than 400-page report covering details of the shooting, identifying security problems and making recommendations. Following the February shooting at a high school i Following the February shooting at a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, several hundred students march to a rally on the West Lawn of the Capitol to call for an end to gun violence in schools, in Washington, April 20, 2018. Following the February shooting at a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, several hundred students march to a rally on the West Lawn of the Capitol to call for an end to gun violence in schools, in Washington, April 20, 2018. Among the recommendations was the expansion of a program that allows teachers and staff members to carry concealed firearms to defend students in the event of an active shooter. "School districts and charter schools should permit the most expansive use of the Guardian Program under existing law to allow personnel who volunteer, are properly selected, thoroughly screened and extensively trained to carry concealed firearms on campuses for self-protection and the protection of other staff and students," the report read. Alhadeff was not the only parent of one of the 16 students killed last year who disagreed with the recommendation to arm teachers. Max Schachter, one of two parents of victims on the commission board, voted against the recommendation to arm teachers, the Sun-Sentinel reported. Investigations around the shooting at Marjory Ston Investigations around the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School continue nearly a year after 17 people were killed there (E. Sarai/VOA) Investigations around the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School continue nearly a year after 17 people were killed there (E. Sarai/VOA) Absolutely not But the commission, which included sheriffs and state politicians, as well as two parents of the shooting victims, did not consult with any of Marjory Stoneman Douglass teachers. Theyre not in the school. So, theyre making recommendations on how to make the school safe, make our kids safer going forward. But they didnt ask any teachers, who are in the school, who would have a better idea of whats practical, Felicia Burgin, an English teacher, told VOA. When asked if she agreed with the recommendation to arm teachers, Burgin said, Absolutely not. Burgin and fellow teacher Sarah Lerner agree with Alhadeffs suggestion that increasing the number of security personnel on campus is a more reasonable solution than arming teachers. To have a firearm at school it just seems counterproductive. Im here to teach, Im not a police officer, Lerner, who teaches journalism and English, told VOA. Along with concerns about where the funding would come to arm and train teachers, Lerner, who was teaching on campus in a different building than where the shooting took place, does not think that being armed would have helped her. By the time I would have accessed my weapon, which would have been secured safely in a closet, I would have been dead, she said. FILE - Activists, including some survivors of the FILE - David Hogg (C) a survivor of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, addresses a rally in front of the headquarters of gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Aug. 26, 2018. FILE - David Hogg (C) a survivor of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, addresses a rally in front of the headquarters of gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Aug. 26, 2018. Concerns about objectivity A few days after the report was released, the leader of the commission, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, appeared on a television show of the National Rifle Association (NRA) sparking outrage by some in the community who say that his appearance on a network that advocates for gun rights threatens the objectivity of the commission. Chairman of the #MSDCommission Bob Gualtieri chatted with @DLoesch about the failures of Broward County%27s leadership on last nights episode of #Relentless. Check out the full interview on @NRATV. #FridayFeeling pic.twitter.com/UTJi2v3PQG NRATV (@NRATV) January 4, 2019 Everyone should be disturbed by the leader of the School Safety Commission (which opened following the shooting at the high school) going on NRA TV, David Hogg, a survivor of the Feb. 14 shooting, said on Twitter. This is supposed to be a nonpartisan commission that looks at safety; its (sic) goal is supposed to be protecting students, not selling more guns. Everyone should be disturbed by the leader of the School Safety Commission (which opened following the shooting at MSD) going on NRATV.This is supposed to be a non-partisan commission that looks at safety; its goal is supposed to be protecting students, not selling more guns. David Hogg (@davidhogg111) January 7, 2019 Theres no reason for them to be involved or to be on NRA TV at all if theyre members of this nonpartisan committee, Lerner said. The existing Guardian Program, signed into law by outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott shortly after the shooting last year, only allows administrators or non-teaching staff to receive firearm training. In April 2018, the Broward County School Board voted against adopting the program, which would have given Broward County schools over $67 million to train and arm teachers, according to The Eagle Eye, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School's newspaper. Angelina Lazo, 18, center, a senior at Marjory Sto FILE - Angelina Lazo, 18, center, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, holds signs with other students and parents against gun violence at an intersection near the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Feb. 18, 2018. FILE - Angelina Lazo, 18, center, a senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, holds signs with other students and parents against gun violence at an intersection near the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Feb. 18, 2018. Sheriff suspended The report was released earlier this month and also recommended a full internal investigation of the Broward County sheriff's office, which responded first to the shooting, to "address all of the actions or inactions of personnel on February 14, 2018. Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel was suspended over the weekend by newly inaugurated Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Effective immediately, I am officially suspending Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel for his repeated failures, incompetence and neglect of duty, DeSantis wrote on Twitter Friday. Effective immediately, I am officially suspending Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel for his repeated failures, incompetence and neglect of duty. https://t.co/tkHzxTHhjH Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 11, 2019 Israel has said he will contest his suspension, calling the move political and unjustified. This was about politics, not about Parkland, he told reporters shortly after the suspension was announced Friday. The commission first met in April 2018, setting January 2019 as the deadline to submit a preliminary report. During the second half of 2018, the commission held monthly meetings interviewing witnesses and reviewing "a massive amount of evidence," according to the report. The commission was formed by Scott, who has since become a U.S. senator for the state. SEOUL - United Nations special rapporteur for human rights in North Korea, Tomas Quintana, visited South Korea last week to discuss the ongoing issues north of the demilitarized zone. Quintana told reporters in Seoul the human rights situation remains dire in North Korea. Despite the diplomatic overtures from Pyongyang to reduce tensions on the peninsula, It is all the more regrettable that the reality for human rights on the ground remains unchanged, and continues to be extremely serious," he said. Basic human rights do not exist in North Korea Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, describes the North Korea situation as a consistently bad situation in human rights. North Korea has a systematic use of forced labor, both in the penal system also the use of people and forced labor camps and on forced labor crews building infrastructure, said Robertson. A November 2018 Human Rights Watch report uncovered the systematic sexual violations and use of women by local officials, and basic civil and political rights like freedom of expression, freedom of association, freedom of peaceful public assembly, and the right to protest are nonexistent in North Korea. Robertson says the lack of progress on North Korean human rights is worrisome since the South Korean government seems to be so eager to do deals and promote investment in North Korea when [Pyongyang] is still the same rights-abusing government that it was before. That assessment was corroborated by Quintana, who noted, In all areas related to the enjoyment of economic and social rights, including health, housing, education, social security, employment, food, water and sanitation, much of the country's population is being left behind." The Committee for Human Rights in North Koreas Executive Director, Greg Scarlatoiu, was not surprised by the lack of progress on human rights during the past year. Across multiple US administrations, human rights has often been outcompeted by nukes and missiles, political, security, and military concerns, he said. A lack of human rights discussions While human rights discussions were absent from talks between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in during their three 2018 summits, as well as Kims summit in June with U. S. President Donald Trump, the United States recently imposed sanctions on three additional North Korean officials for rights abuses and censorship. North Korea's foreign ministry warned those measures could reverse the current diplomatic detente and North Korea's disarming could be blocked forever. A 2014 United Nations Office of Human Rights Commission of Inquiry report found systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations in North Korea that in many instances constituted crimes against humanity. The gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a state that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world, it added, calling North Korea a state that seeks to dominate every aspect of its citizens lives and terrorizes them from within. Denials from the North North Korea denies it commits human rights abuses. Pyongyang says the international community uses the issue as a political ploy to isolate it. The Kim regime wants security guarantees, says Scarlatoiu, asserting that it will be impossible for multilateral and bilateral development banks, as well as foreign investors, to intervene in North Korea without the improvement of the North Korean human rights situation. Human rights should be included in US North Korea policy [and] should be the job of the U.S. Special Envoy for North Korean human rights issues, he says, noting the post has been left vacant for two years. Robertson says that both South Korea and the United States need to discuss the issue of human rights in North Korea and that there is no reason why South Korea and the United States should accept that North Korea can dictate that there will be no discussion about human rights because human rights also has to be part of the discussion. Joanna Hosaniak, Deputy Director General of the Citizens Alliance for North Korea Human Rights also says that security and economic development issues and human rights concerns are intertwined. She says North Korea should be pressed on the issue as a member of the United Nations. However, she added the pressure doesnt necessarily matter if that comes from the office of the Special Rapporteur or the U.N. Office of the High Commission for Human Rights, but North Korea should deliver on its obligations. Lee Ju-hyun contributed to this report. NAIROBI, KENYA - Kenya's president on Wednesday vowed to track down terrorists who staged a deadly assault the day before on a hotel-and-office complex in an upscale suburb of Nairobi. President Uhuru Kenyatta said all attackers had been "eliminated" and warned his government was launching an aggressive manhunt for all those involved. Police said at least 21 people had been killed at the capital's Dusit D2 complex, where surveillance video showed at least four gunmen walking through the parking lot as the siege began in midafternoon. WATCH: Kenyan President: Attack, Siege on Nairobi Hotel Is Over "I convened and chaired our meeting of our national security council," Kenyatta said in a nationally televised address. "I want to say this: We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act. We will pursue relentlessly wherever they will be, until they are held to account.'' The Islamist extremist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack, which began with an explosion outside a bank and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby. Previous attacks Authorities have not confirmed the group's claim. However, al-Shabab has been linked to previous attacks in Kenya, including the 2013 attack on Nairobi's Westgate Mall, which killed 67, and a 2015 attack at Garissa University College, which killed 148. An official with the Kenyan Red Cross told reporters that 18 people had been injured and roughly 700 evacuated from the Dusit complex by security forces. The dead included two Somalis, a British man and an American. The American killed was identified by family members as Jason Spindler, who worked in Nairobi as chief executive officer of I-DEV International, a business strategy and investment firm. His father, Joseph, told the Associated Press that his son frequently ate at the hotel cafe, where he was shot. Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiangi speaks to Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiangi speaks to the media at the scene of an extremist gunmen attack in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 16, 2019. Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiangi speaks to the media at the scene of an extremist gunmen attack in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 16, 2019. A graduate of New York University's law school and of the University of Texas-Austin, Spindler had worked in finance but joined the Peace Corps in Peru after the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He would have turned 41 next week. "It is with a heavy heart that I have to report that my brother, Jason Spindler, passed away this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya. Jason was a survivor of 9/11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell!" Jonathan Spindler said in a Facebook post. Two of the other victims, Abdalla Sheikh Mohamed and Feisal Ahmed Rashid Dahir, were also having lunch when they were killed on the terrace of a restaurant in the complex. Both men had worked on the Somalia Stability Fund, a project to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia through various community initiatives, their employer said. Dahir, 31, was born in Nairobi and married last year, his father, Ahmed-Rashid Haji Dahir, told VOA's Somali service. He said his son's wife was seven months pregnant. The elder Dahir went to the mortuary at nearby Nairobi University after another son phoned him with the bad news. "I was still hoping that I will find my son alive," the father said, "but late in the night they brought in eight bodies, including my son and his colleague, Abdalla." 'A normal lad' Abdalla Mohamed was 27. On his Twitter account, he described himself as "just a normal lad from Kenya." Mohamed's uncle, Yasin Jama Ismail, told VOA Somali the young man was helping his siblings with school fees. Ismail said he could not understand the alleged al-Shabab attackers' motivation. "The ones who brought this pain to me are carrying our name, Islam. I am also a Muslim," he said. "The question I'm asking: Why are they killing human beings?" In his address, Kenyatta said security forces were taking steps to prevent further attacks. "Multiple security efforts are under way to detect, deter and disrupt and defeat any terrorist operatives or groups," Kenyatta said. "We are also on highest alert and shall remain so. I assure every Kenyan and our foreign visitors that you are safe in Kenya." Opposition leader Raila Odinga of the National Sup Opposition leader Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition reacts at the Chiromo mortuary, in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 16, 2019. Opposition leader Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition reacts at the Chiromo mortuary, in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 16, 2019. Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for Kenya's cohesion, saying that "divisions are what terrorists thrive on." "All indications are that as a nation, despite persisting challenges in regard to securing our homeland, we are learning and getting wiser and better with every unfortunate attack," Odinga said. He said the nation's objective must continue to be keeping "these forces of evil out of our borders and weeding them out of our midst.'' VOA Somali service's Harun Maruf contributed to this report from Washington. WASHINGTON/NAIROBI - Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta says the deadly attack and siege on a hotel and office complex in the capital Nairobi has ended. In a nationally televised address Wednesday morning, President Kenyatta said 14 civilians had been killed in the attack on the DusitD2 complex, while 700 civilians had been rescued by security forces. Kenyatta said all the "terrorists" who took part in the attack on the DusitD2 complex had been "eliminated." The U.S. State Department confirmed late Tuesday that one American was among the dead, but has not identified the victim. A British citizen was also reportedly killed in the attack. The Islamic extremist group al-Shabab is claiming responsibility for Tuesday's attack, which began in mid-afternoon with an explosion outside a bank and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby. Four gunmen could be seen on surveillance video walking through the parking lot with at least one stopping to open fire. Terrified office and hotel workers and guests ran for cover, streaming from the buildings, climbing out of windows, ducking behind police vehicles and anything they could find while gunfire echoed off the walls. Police found a sad and grisly scene inside one of the restaurants -- wounded and dead diners at their tables, slumped over unfinished meals. Kenya Red Cross personnel helps a woman reacting a Kenya Red Cross personnel helps a woman reacting after learning of a family member killed during a recent terrorist attack Wednesday, Jan. 16 2019, at the Chiromo Mortuary, Nairobi, Kenya. Kenya Red Cross personnel helps a woman reacting after learning of a family member killed during a recent terrorist attack Wednesday, Jan. 16 2019, at the Chiromo Mortuary, Nairobi, Kenya. ?Other witnesses say they found human limbs lying on the ground. Witness Duran Farah told VOA he and some colleagues were entering the complex at the time of the attack. "A loud explosion happened at the gate. Next there was shooting, an exchange of fire, a lot of fire, and we see people rushing and running around in every direction," he said. He and his friends escaped by running down an alleyway. The DusitD2 hotel and shops are in an upscale Nairobi neighborhood popular with American, European, and Indian tourists, although exactly who was targeted and why is unclear. The militant Islamic al-Shabab staged several previous attacks in Kenya, including the September 2013 assault on Nairobi's Westgate Mall that left 67 dead. VOA State Department correspondent Nike Ching, Somali service senior editor Harun Maruf, national security correspondent Jeff Seldin, Nairobi bureau chief Daniel Schearf, and reporter Mohammed Yusuf in Nairobi all contributed to this report. A suicide bomber barreled into a crowd outside a restaurant in the northern Syrian town of Manbij and blew himself up, killing four Americans and raising questions about what happens once U.S. forces pull out for good. The Islamic State terror group quickly claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attack, identifying the bomber as one of its Syrian fighters and said he had targeted a patrol of U.S. and coalition forces. WATCH: Islamic State Attack Kills Four Americans in Syria Doctors in Manbij told VOA two U.S. service members were killed instantly. Officials with the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces said the wounded were rushed to medical facilities in neighboring Iraq. In a statement late Wednesday, the U.S. military said a civilian employee and a defense contractor were also killed in the blast.Three other troops were injured. Earlier, a spokesman for the U.S.-led Operation Inherent Resolve said the Americans had been taking part in "a routine patrol" when the attack took place. U.S. service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time. OIR Spokesperson (@OIRSpox) January 16, 2019 Video and photos of the site in the aftermath of the attack showed bodies on the ground and blood-stained walls. Witnesses at the scene said the attack took place near a restaurant where U.S. troops were known to meet with their coalition counterparts. Manbij Manbij Manbij The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 10 civilians were killed in the attack, along with five U.S.-backed fighters. "Today is a stark reminder of the dangerous missions our men and women in uniform perform on our behalf each and every day," acting U.S. Defense Secretary Pat Shanahan told reporters at the Pentagon before a meeting with the Japanese defense minister. "Our fight against terrorism is ongoing," he added, refusing to take questions."We will remain vigilant and committed to its destruction." Word of the attack quickly reached the White House, where President Donald Trump was briefed on the developments. "Our deepest sympathies and love go out to the families of the brave American heroes who were killed," Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. "Our service members and their families have all sacrificed so much." US - Syria withdrawal FILE - U.S. Soldiers scan the area during a combin FILE - U.S. Soldiers scan the area during a combined joint patrol in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 1, 2018. FILE - U.S. Soldiers scan the area during a combined joint patrol in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 1, 2018. Trump called for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria last month, saying IS had been defeated. The Pentagon Friday confirmed it had begun pulling out some equipment from Syria, but that some 2,000 U.S. forces would remain in place until conditions on the ground allowed for them to leave. Dozens of U.S. forces are based just outside of Manbij, which has been a flashpoint between U.S.-backed Kurdish militias and Turkey. In a speech to U.S. diplomats Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence insisted, "we're bringing our troops home." Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the Global Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference "One Team, One Mission, One Future" at Department of State on Jan. 16, 2019, in Washington. Vice President Mike Pence speaks during the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference "One Team, One Mission, One Future" at Department of State on Jan. 16, 2019, in Washington. Later, in a statement, Pence condemned the attack in Manbij, adding, "We have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities." Some critics of the decision to pull U.S. forces from Syria said the attack should give the administration reason to reconsider. "My concern, by the statement by President Trump, is that you set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy we're fighting," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said during a hearing in Washington, noting he had previously visited the restaurant targeted in the attack. "I would hope the president would look long and hard at where he's headed in Syria," Graham added. "I know people are frustrated, but we're never going to be safe here unless we're willing to help people over there who stand up against this radical ideology." IS transforming Other critics have said that while the Islamic State's self-declared caliphate had collapsed, IS itself was transforming into a capable insurgent force. Sources close to the U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria said the attack was likely the work of a sleeper cell, and indicated efforts were underway to track down those who helped the bomber. "I don't think there is any doubt about the validity of the ISIS claim," said Raphael Gluck, co-founder of Jihadoscope, a company that monitors online activity by Islamist extremists, noting the speed with which the terror group claimed the Manbij attack as well as the details included in its statements. "As insurgents, ISIS are essentially saying, We can strike anywhere,'" he added. As of August, defense intelligence officials estimated IS still had between 13,000 and 14,500 fighters in Syria. And a United Nations report issued at about the same time likewise warned IS fighters were not breaking rank, saying the terror group's "collective discipline" was intact. "While it may not hold territory, it certainly has battle-hardened fighters and facilitators who have blended back into the local population," said Nicholas Glavin, formerly a researcher at the U.S. Naval War College's Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups. Glavin, now studying at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, said it is also significant that the attack was carried out in Manbij, a town that has been regarded as somewhat of a success story since it was liberated from IS by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in 2016. "It raises the question of how Manbij would fare absent the current U.S. force posture, given recent proposals for Turkey to establish a safe-zone in the region," he said. But Manbij has also been seen as a flashpoint between the Kurds and U.S. ally Turkey, which views the main Kurdish militia, the YPG, as a terrorist organization with links to Kurds in Turkey. Carla Babb at the Pentagon and VOA Kurdish reporter Mahmoud Bali in Manbij contributed to this report The United States is criticizing Iran's failed attempt Tuesday to launch a satellite into orbit. Iranian officials say the launch failed when the rocket carrying the satellite did not reach the proper speed to propel it into orbit. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned Iran for what he calls its "defiance of the international community...the launch yet again shows that Iran is pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that threaten Europe and the Middle East." Pompeo said the rocket that Iran used to try to put the satellite into orbit "incorporates technologies that are virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles." He said the launch violates a 2015 UN Security Council Resolution urging Iran not to work on ballistic missile technology for eight years. The resolution is part of the six-nation nuclear agreement with Iran from which the U.S. withdrew last year. Iran says its space launches and satellite program have no military intent and will continue. It also says they do not violate the Security Council resolution which it says only recommends but does not bar Iran from such launches. Iran requested Wednesday the release of a prominent American-born journalist who was reportedly arrested in the U.S. Iran's English-language Press TV reported Marziyeh Hashemi, who is employed by the news outlet, was detained at an airport Sunday in the Midwestern U.S. city of St. Louis and was being held in Washington. She has not been formally charged, the report said, and U.S. law enforcement agencies did not immediately comment on her reported arrest. Iran State TVs English Channel Says Anchorwoman Held in US A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state televisions English-language service has been arrested after flying into the U.S., the broadcaster reported Wednesday. U.S. A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state televisions English-language service has been arrested after flying into the U.S., the broadcaster reported Wednesday. U.S. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state TV the arrest of Hashemi, a black Muslim woman, is an example of the "apartheid and racist policy" of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Press TV quotes Hashemi as saying prison officials have not allowed her to wear a hijab, a head covering worn in public by some Muslim women, and was only giving her pork to eat, which is prohibited by Islam. These accounts of her treatment have not been independently verified. Hashemi is a native of the southern city of New Orleans. Her birth name is Melanie Franklin. Several Iranian media outlets reported Hashemi has lived in Iran for more than a decade. She has reported on discrimination against women, Muslims and African-Americans in the U.S. Her arrest comes as Iran faces mounting criticism for arresting dual nationals and others with Western ties in an effort to gain leverage in negotiations with global powers. Iran confirmed last week it has detained U.S. Navy veteran Michael White at a prison in the country, the first American known to be detained under Trump's administration. Four other American citizens are known to be held in Iran, including Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his father, both serving 10-year sentences on espionage convictions. Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court say they will appeal Tuesday's surprise acquittal of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo of crimes against humanity in connection with the deadly violence after his loss in the 2010 presidential elections. The three-judge panel ordered the immediate release of Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude, his close aide and the country's former youth minister, but suspended the order until Wednesday to give the prosecution time to file an appeal. Jubilation Among Gbagbo Supporters, but Rights Groups Lament Justice not Served In a stunning decision Tuesday, the International Criminal Court acquitted former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo of war crimes charges. The ruling amounts to another major setback for ICC prosecutors in the first case against a former head of state at the Hague-based tribunal. The ruling comes amid growing doubts about the effectiveness of the ICC as a court of last resort' against the world's most heinous offenses. Gbagbo looked blank as he listened to the verdict of his acquittal at the In a stunning decision Tuesday, the International Criminal Court acquitted former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo of war crimes charges. The ruling amounts to another major setback for ICC prosecutors in the first case against a former head of state at the Hague-based tribunal. The ruling comes amid growing doubts about the effectiveness of the ICC as a court of last resort' against the world's most heinous offenses. Gbagbo looked blank as he listened to the verdict of his acquittal at the In its notice to the court, the prosecutors urged the judges to place strict conditions on Gbagbo's and Ble Goude's release, citing a fear that they may flee the court's jurisdiction if the appeal was successful. More than 3,000 people were killed in late 2010 and early 2011 when Gbagbo refused to accept his defeat by Alassane Outtara, his bitter rival and current president. Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser said the majority of the judges had determined there was no evidence that Gbagbo and Ble Goude had concocted a common plan to push their supporters towards violence. Tuesdays verdict was the latest setback for prosecutions of accused war criminals at The Hague. ICC Orders Release of Congo's Former VP Bemba The International Criminal Court ruled Tuesday that former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba be released immediately, following his stunning acquittal last week by appeals court judges at the Hague-based tribunal. The International Criminal Court ruled Tuesday that former Congolese vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba be released immediately, following his stunning acquittal last week by appeals court judges at the Hague-based tribunal. Ex-Congolese Vice President Jean-Pierre Bemba was acquitted last year of war crimes allegedly committed by his militia in neighboring Central African Republic, after his initial verdict was overturned. Prosecutors were forced to drop charges against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2015 involving deadly violence following the 2007 presidential election. When Bella Berrellez learned her mother was furloughed, she looked for ways help the family. Political bickering in Washington means Bella's mom and hundreds of thousands of other U.S. federal employees won't get paid until the dispute is resolved. Some federal workers have been sent home, while others work without pay. Entrepreneur Bella, 11, created homemade body scrubs with various scents and sold them for $7 each to neighbors and online communities. In just two weeks, she has sold more than 400 jars. "Some of them are from the area. Some are from all over the world. And some are from different parts of the country," she said of her customers. Many of them, including 16-year-old Lataija Bonner, are buying the products to show their support during the government shutdown. "I send kudos to her, because I know a few young kids that are doing what she's doing, and I'm really proud of her because I know me being 16 and Bella just turned 11 or 12, I know I probably wouldn't have done it," Bonner said. "I probably would have been like, 'Oh sorry Mom. Sorry Dad.' Like, I don't know what to do." Entrepreneur Bella Berrellez, 11, created homemade Entrepreneur Bella Berrellez, 11, created homemade body scrubs with various scents and sold them for $7 each to neighbors and online communities. Her products are called 'BellaSweetScrubs' and are being sold on Etsy. Entrepreneur Bella Berrellez, 11, created homemade body scrubs with various scents and sold them for $7 each to neighbors and online communities. Her products are called 'BellaSweetScrubs' and are being sold on Etsy. ?Bella's mother works for the Food and Drug Administration and is currently furloughed. She is among the 800,000 federal workers who missed a paycheck on Jan. 11. "My family is OK, and now I felt really, really happy and really good," Bella said. "And now I'm putting my money back into the business and also donating my money to Nourish Now." Nourish Now is a nonprofit organization that collects food from donors like restaurants and cafeterias and distributes it to families in need. The organization also accepts financial contributions from the community. "It's amazing to see people from all ages, especially as young as Bella, trying to step forward and help her family out," said David Joffee, chief program officer at Nourish Now. "It's just admirable what she is doing. And as you can see in social media and the news, there are so many businesses and organizations out there that are willing to lend a hand. It's great to see community members of different ages, types, sizes, etc., are willing to do this. It's a really nice effort that we've seen so far." Recently, the organization set up a dinner for hundreds of people in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area impacted by the shutdown. And Bella says she is happy that her effort is helping her family and others. WASHINGTON - Karen Pences return to teaching at a Virginia school that lists homosexual or lesbian sexual activity as among the disqualifying criteria for employees is drawing criticism from the nations largest gay rights advocacy group. The office of the vice presidents wife said it was absurd to attack both her decision to resume teaching art to elementary students as well as the schools religious doctrine. Mrs. Pence began in the classroom at Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia on Tuesday and will teach twice a week until May. She has taught for 25 years, including previously at Immanuel Christian, before Vice President Mike Pence, who was a GOP congressman from Indiana, was elected governor. The schools employment application lists homosexual or lesbian sexual activity as among the criteria that violates the job qualifications spelled out for employees. The Human Rights Campaign tweeted that the Pences never seem to miss an opportunity to show their public service only extends to some. A spokeswoman for Mrs. Pence defended her return to the school where she had taught for a dozen years. Its absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the schools religious beliefs, are under attack, Kara Brooks said. The schools policy says it can refuse permission to an applicant or discontinue enrollment of a student if the conduct within the students home is counter to the biblical lifestyle the school teaches. Activities listed as counter to that lifestyle includes homosexual activity or bisexual activity. The Huffington Post first reported the schools policies and published the schools employment application and admissions policy. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump began insisting on $5 billion for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico at the end of November after submitting a budget that contained $1.6 billion for border security, including parts of the wall. "I am firm," Trump said of his $5 billion demand in November. Twenty-six days into a government shutdown, he is still firm. But what is not clear is why he is holding firm at what he now says is $5.7 billion for a wall to "stop the crime at our southern border." "He totally changed his own budget," Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen told MSNBC news last week. "They asked for $1.6 billion. And now at the very last minute in December, they came back with this request." Trump first kicked around the $5 billion figure in July when it was buried in a Washington Post story about budget discussions between the administration and Republicans. Border wall prototypes stand in San Diego near the FILE - Border wall prototypes stand in San Diego, California, near the U.S.-Mexico border, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, Dec. 22, 2018. FILE - Border wall prototypes stand in San Diego, California, near the U.S.-Mexico border, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, Dec. 22, 2018. "Trump never formally requested $5 billion for the wall, instead communicating the number privately to lawmakers in recent weeks," the Post said. 'A big fight' A few days later, Trump threatened to shut down the government. "What the president wants to do is get a bigger down payment so it (the wall) can be built faster," former House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a speech at the National Press Club in October. "We intend on having a full-fledged discussion about how to complete this mission of securing our border, and we will have a big fight about it." Locked in a stalemate since Dec. 22, the conflict between lawmakers and the president has shut down parts of the federal government for nearly a month. Newly elected House leader Nancy Pelosi is standing firm on zero dollars for the wall. "The fact is, a wall is an immorality. It's not who we are as a nation," she has said. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, center, speaks as she FILE - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, center, speaks as she stands next to Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, left, and Sen. Dick Durbin right, following their meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, Jan. 9, 2019. FILE - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, center, speaks as she stands next to Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, left, and Sen. Dick Durbin right, following their meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, Jan. 9, 2019. $5 billion worth The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that $5 billion would pay for 375 kilometers (234 miles) of a "new physical barrier" on the southern border with Mexico that stretches more than 3,100 kilometers (just under 2,000 miles). "We know that a border wall system works," a Customs and Border Patrol official told reporters at a briefing Wednesday, his wording suggesting that a wall would not work by itself. The U.S. government oversight agency, the General Accountability Office, reported last year that CBP lacked the data to fully determine the cost-effectiveness of the border wall. "CBP does not have complete information for prioritizing locations to use its resources in the most cost-effective manner," GAO officials noted in August 2018, and not for the first time. The year before, another report by the agency spelled out similar problems. CBP did not respond to a VOA request Wednesday for an update on the status of that data, which it had pledged would be completed by this month. PARIS - European Union leaders are greeting the British parliament's defeat of a hard-reached Brexit plan with a mix of frustration and alarm, even as Europe begins preparing for chances Britain will leave the bloc in just over two months without a withdrawal agreement. If British lawmakers' resounding "no" to the Brexit deal negotiated between Brussels and the British government comes as no surprise, European politicians like their British counterparts are now faced with a major question: what's next? "We know what the UK parliament doesn't want," the European Parliament's chief Brexit representative, Guy Verhofstadt, told reporters. "Now it's time to find out what they want." "What we don't want," he added, "is that this mess in British politics is now transferred and imported in European politics." British Prime Minister Theresa May reacts during a British Prime Minister Theresa May reacts during a no confidence debate after Parliament rejected her Brexit deal, in London, Britain, Jan. 16, 2019. British Prime Minister Theresa May reacts during a no confidence debate after Parliament rejected her Brexit deal, in London, Britain, Jan. 16, 2019. British Prime Minister Theresa May is now expected back in the Belgian capital for more Brexit talks. But she may not get very far. After nearly 18 months of negotiations, EU leaders are unlikely to make any major new concessions. "We'll see," French President Emmanuel Macron told local officials. "Maybe we can improve one or two points, but I doubt it." German Chancellor Angela Merkel says there's still time for more talks, but she also warned it was time to prepare for a "disorderly" or no-deal Brexit. Larissa Brunner, a junior policy analyst at the European Policy Center in Brussels, said a no deal now certainly is seen as "a strong possibility." That's the message sounding in the private sector as well. French employers' union MEDEF says companies must prepare for the worst-case scenario. France's wine and spirits industry is braced for a major loss in business with Britain. "I think a hard, no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic both for the EU and the UK," Brunner said. "And I think it's pretty much impossible to prepare perfectly for it in the time that is left." FILE - A shares trader checks his trading systems FILE - A shares trader checks his trading systems at the start of the trading session the day after the Brexit deal vote of the British parliament at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, Jan. 16, 2019. FILE - A shares trader checks his trading systems at the start of the trading session the day after the Brexit deal vote of the British parliament at the stock exchange in Frankfurt, Germany, Jan. 16, 2019. Only the stock markets seem unfazed for now. Another big unknown is the fate of Britain's EU lawmakers. European Parliament elections are in May, and it's possible the fate of Brexit may still be up in the air. CAIRO - Egypt and Israel are in talks to build an undersea natural gas pipeline between the two countries to allow Israel to export increasing quantities of gas to Europe, via its Arab neighbor. Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Jordan and Italy have agreed to increase cooperation as more of the recently developed undersea gas production comes online. Egypt already has a pipeline to Europe, and exports from its large al Zohr undersea field along with production by its neighbors are expected to help parts of southern Europe with its gas needs. Egypt's liquefied natural gas plants are increasing production as more natural gas from its large offshore gas fields comes online. Egypt's neighbors, including Israel, also have been increasing cooperation in an effort to take advantage of and export undersea natural gas production, which has been slowly ramped up since discoveries of the past several years. Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz was invited to Egypt's regional natural gas conference Tuesday to discuss further cooperation in exporting Israel's own undersea gas reserves to Europe. Officials from more than a half-dozen countries, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Greece, Cyprus and Italy attended. Steinitz was the first Israeli minister to be invited to visit Cairo by the Egyptian government since the revolution in 2011, and he lauded the increasing cooperation between the two governments. He says the development of natural gas in Israel, Egypt and Cyprus has become a motor for geo-strategic and political cooperation across the whole of the eastern Mediterranean. He adds that Egypt, Israel, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Cyprus, Greece and Italy will cooperate to develop natural resources for the benefit of the region. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi attends a Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, whose nation's own extensive offshore natural gas reserves have proven to be a boon to both the Egyptian treasury and to its own consumers of natural gas, told a recent gathering that Egypt is working hard to develop the resource. He says that God has blessed Egypt with self-sufficiency and even more than that in natural gas reserves, and it is only for the purpose of increasing the distribution network across the country that the government has raised prices. Political sociologist Said Sadek tells VOA that Egypt is becoming a regional hub for gas exports and that its neighbors, like Israel, are making use of the fact it has existing undersea pipelines to Europe in order to increase their own exports "Already Egypt has long pipelines since long ago and [they are] ready. If other countries want to build a pipeline, it is expensive and it will take a long time and they don't have enough gas for sustainable exports," said Sadek. "Egypt has one of the biggest gas fields in the Mediterranean, al Zohr, and that's why Egypt has this potential that they will be exporting and they will take from smaller fields that the neighbors have and buy them, re-export them and make a [profit]." Sadek says he does not think gas exports to Europe from Egypt, Israel or Cyprus will affect the dependence of Western Europe on Russian natural gas, however, since most of the Mediterranean gas will be going to southern and central Europe. He also says cooperation between Israel and Egypt will not stir up any serious opposition inside the country. Paul Sullivan, who is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, is not so sure. He tells VOA "there are still many in Egypt who are anti-Israel [and that] the pipeline would be under risk." He stresses that the region is "fraught with angst and anger," and he argues that ordinary Egyptians "need to understand how this might help them and not just the super rich and well-connected." The White House has doubled projections of how much economic growth is being lost because of the partial government shutdown, now in a record 26th day with no end in sight to President Donald Trump's standoff with opposition Democrats over his demand for taxpayer money to build a barrier at the southern border with Mexico. Kevin Hassett, the chairman of Trump's Council of Economic Advisers, said Tuesday the country's robust economy has already lost a half percentage point from the shutdown, during which 800,000 government workers have been furloughed or forced to work without pay. He said quarterly economic growth is being reduced by .13 of a percent each week the shutdown continues. Trump is meeting Wednesday with a group of nearly 50 Democratic and Republican lawmakers that calls itself the Problem Solvers Caucus, as he continues to make the case for more than $5 billion in funding for construction of the border wall aimed at stopping illegal migration into the United States. Democrats have offered $1.3 billion in new border security funding, but none specifically for a wall. Taking to Twitter, Trump cited other examples of walls he argued were 100 percent successful. There are now 77 major or significant Walls built around the world, with 45 countries planning or building Walls. Over 800 miles of Walls have been built in Europe since only 2015. They have all been recognized as close to 100% successful. Stop the crime at our Southern Border! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2019 It is becoming more and more obvious that the Radical Democrats are a Party of open borders and crime. They want nothing to do with the major Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border. #2020! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2019 Pelosi asks to delay State of Union speech House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives and a staunch opponent of Trump's call for a wall, asked him Wednesday to delay his scheduled January 29 State of the Union address before Congress unless the shutdown ends this week, or deliver his address in writing, a practice presidents followed more than 100 years ago. Pelosi cited security concerns, noting that the U.S. Secret Service, which guards Trump and his family, and the Homeland Security agency have not been funded during the shutdown, "with critical departments hamstrung by furloughs." A portion of a letter sent to President Donald Tru A portion of a letter sent to President Donald Trump from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Jan. 16, 2019 in Washington, asking President Trump to postpone his State of the Union address to the nation, set for Jan. 29, until the government reopens. A portion of a letter sent to President Donald Trump from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Jan. 16, 2019 in Washington, asking President Trump to postpone his State of the Union address to the nation, set for Jan. 29, until the government reopens. About one-fourth of government operations has been impacted since December 22, closing some museums, curtailing airport security operations and limiting food inspections, among other government services. The Trump administration recalled 50,000 federal civil servants on Tuesday, many of them to help process refunds during the country's annual tax return filing season, but they, like other "essential" employees already working without being paid, also will not be compensated until the impasse over border wall funding ends. Bill guarantees back pay Trump is set Wednesday to sign a bill to guarantee that federal workers, regardless of whether they were forced to work or furloughed during the shutdown, eventually get paid their lost wages, as has been done during previous shutdowns over the last several decades. Workers for private contract companies hired by the government, however, are unlikely to recoup lost wages. If the shutdown lasts another week, government workers will miss their second paycheck this month. Chef Creole owner Wilkinson Sejour hands out free Chef Creole owner Wilkinson Sejour hands out free hot meals to TSA workers at his restaurant at Miami International Airport, Jan. 15, 2019, in Miami. Chef Creole owner Wilkinson Sejour hands out free hot meals to TSA workers at his restaurant at Miami International Airport, Jan. 15, 2019, in Miami. Helping hand for furloughed workers Some financial institutions have adopted programs to help those workers deal with a sudden loss in income, while a number of Washington area restaurants are giving away meals to federal workers. The charity World Central Kitchen, which is known for its work feeding people in disaster zones such as Puerto Rico after a hurricane devastated the U.S. territory in 2017, is opening a popup stand Wednesday in Washington to feed federal employees. The site is on Pennsylvania Avenue, about halfway between the Capitol and the White House, and the group's founder, chef Jose Andres, said the location is symbolic of the need for Americans to come together. "We're going to be open for any federal family that needs food," Andres said in a Twitter video announcing the project. "We will have food for you to eat or food to take home. But also I hope it will be a call to action for our senators and congressman and especially President Trump to make sure that we end this moment in the history of America where families are about to go hungry." While Trump and Democratic leaders blame each other for the situation dragging on, a number of recent polls have put more of the responsibility on the president. Most Americans blame Trump for impasse A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday indicated 51 percent of respondents blame Trump and 34 percent blame congressional Democrats. In the same poll, 62 percent of people said they support adding more border patrol agents, and there was a roughly even split of 43 percent of people both supporting and opposing additional fencing at the border. The Senate and House were both due to be in recess next week, but leaders in both chambers have said that break will be canceled if the shutdown is still in effect. "We're going to stay out for a long time, if we have to," Trump told supporters in a conference call Tuesday. In Congress, the House has passed several bills that would follow Pelosi's plan to reopen the government for now and debate the border later, while Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he will not bring up any legislation that Trump would not support. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. spea Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. speaks to reporters as he walks into his office for a meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 10, 2019. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. speaks to reporters as he walks into his office for a meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 10, 2019. McConnell vs Schumer McConnell on Tuesday called on Senate Democrats to make "an important choice." "They could stand with common sense, with border experts, with federal workers, and with their own past voting records by the way, or they could continue to remain passive spectators complaining from the sidelines as the speaker refuses to negotiate with the White House," McConnell said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., spea Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks at an event with furloughed federal workers and union leaders as they discuss the impact on families during the partial government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 9, 2019. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks at an event with furloughed federal workers and union leaders as they discuss the impact on families during the partial government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 9, 2019. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump should "see the pain" the shutdown is causing. "He'd benefit from listening to the stories of federal civil servants who were working without pay, locked out of their jobs, maybe then President Trump will understand the damage he's causing by holding these people hostage until he gets what he wants," Schumer said. "Meanwhile, Leader McConnell, Senate Republicans are hiding in the shadows as if they have some kind of aversion to doing their job when it involves the slightest break with the president." LOS ANGELES - The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on Wednesday said they set all-time records for moving cargo in 2018, after U.S. retailers and manufacturers pulled forward imports to avoid higher tariffs on Chinese goods. The Port of Los Angeles, North America's busiest container port, handled 9.46 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, the most in its 111-year history and 1.2 percent more than in 2017. The neighboring Port of Long Beach processed more than 8 million TEUs for the first time last year, after container cargo totals jumped 7 percent from 2017. "This is a rush of cargo based on political trade policy," said Gene Seroka, executive director for the Port of Los Angeles, where direct trade with China accounted for just over half of the $284 billion in cargo the port handled in 2017. "Many people were fearful that we were going to go from a 10 percent tariff on certain items to 25 percent on January 1," Seroka said. The U.S. and China in late November agreed to a 90-day cease-fire in their bitter trade war. Under that deal, the U.S. will keep tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports at 10 percent. That news came after many importers sped up orders for everything from apparel to auto parts to avoid the higher tariffs. The cargo surge at Los Angeles/Long Beach and other major U.S. ports spurred disruptions that are rippling through the supply chain. U.S. warehouses are stuffed to the rafters, forcing some importers to delay port cargo pickups or to park containers in parking lots. The National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates' Global Port Tracker expect 2018 imports to jump 5.3 percent to a record 21.6 million TEUs. They also project cooling in the early months of 2019, as imports typically soften due to a post-holiday drop in demand and Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in Asia. "We'll see a little bit of a lull during Lunar New Year and thereafter. That in and of itself will allow us to catch up," Seroka said. British Prime Minister Theresa May is facing a no-confidence vote Wednesday after members of parliament voted overwhelmingly against her plan to divorce Britain from the European Union. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labor Party, announced he had filed a motion of no confidence in the government immediately after the result Tuesday. If May loses, Britain would hold a general election. But most analysts say they expect May will survive the vote, and the minority Northern Ireland party she relies on to keep her minority government in office has said it would back the government. Tuesday's vote was the biggest parliamentary reversal ever handed a sitting government, with lawmakers including more than 100 rebels from her own ruling Conservative party refusing to endorse a highly contentious Brexit deal. The governments defeat plunges into greater disarray Britains scheduled March 29 divorce from the European Union. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday that after the British parliament's rejection, the risk of reaching the deadline with no deal in place is higher than ever. The much anticipated historic vote by the House of Commons of a draft deal, which took two years of ill-tempered haggling with European leaders to conclude, now throws up in the air the whole Brexit project, with major questions remaining unanswered about when Britain will exit the EU, how it will do so and even whether it still will. ?Just 202 lawmakers backed May's deal with 432 voting against her deal. The defeat dwarfed the previous 1924 record when then-Labor Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald lost a vote by 166, triggering the collapse of his government and a general election, which he lost. Prime Minister Theresa May sits down in Parliament Prime Minister Theresa May sits down in Parliament after the vote on May's Brexit deal, in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2019 in this image taken from video. Prime Minister Theresa May sits down in Parliament after the vote on May's Brexit deal, in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2019 in this image taken from video. ?After the vote, May complained "the vote tells us nothing" about what the Commons would agree to when it comes to Brexit. Vote delayed in December The defeat of May's Brexit plan will give further momentum to a burgeoning campaign in the House of Commons, and among Remainers in the country for a second referendum, according to analysts. Remainers hope a replayed referendum would reverse the Brexit plebiscite of 2016, which Leavers narrowly won. The vote on the deal, which was due in December but was delayed by the government when it became clear there was insufficient backing for it to pass, also leaves hanging in the balance May's own future as prime minister. Her aides insisted at the end of a day of high political drama that she won't resign. WATCH: Brexit vote "She is the person who has to deliver Brexit," said British business minister Claire Perry, who said May doesn't need to resign. "There will be other attempts at this. There will be strenuous efforts to improve on the deal," Perry said. Earlier on Tuesday, May discussed post-defeat options and indicated she would plow on. Her officials say she will try to buy more time and return to Brussels to try to cajole EU leaders into a renegotiation. But the sheer scale of the defeat throws into doubt whether even a reshaped Brexit Withdrawal Agreement would secure parliamentary approval in the future that is, if the EU is prepared to reopen negotiations. "Her Plan B, more of the same, is hopelessly optimistic," said commentator Isabel Oakeshott. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker holds a news conference at the European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium Oct. 18, 2018. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker holds a news conference at the European Union leaders summit in Brussels, Belgium Oct. 18, 2018. EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker canceled an event planned in Strasbourg, France, Wednesday so he can remain in Brussels for possible emergency talks with May. May's RAF jet was put on standby, readied for her to travel to the Belgian capital. Juncker tweeted when news of the historic vote broke: "I take note with regret of the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons this evening. I urge the UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up." EU president Donald Tusk reflected the frustration of many in Brussels, tweeting: "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" As the vote neared, May's aides made several last-ditch efforts to minimize the scale of the crushing defeat by offering amendments to the main motion on the deal that they hoped would peel away some of the Conservative rebels. But to their fury, Commons Speaker John Bercow, blocked their moves. Labor's Tulip Siddiq, who is pregnant, was pushed through the voting lobbies in a wheelchair after postponing a planned Caesarean section so she could vote against the Brexit deal. Anti-Brexit demonstrators react after the results Anti-Brexit demonstrators react after the results of the vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal were announced in Parliament square in London, Jan. 15, 2019. Anti-Brexit demonstrators react after the results of the vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal were announced in Parliament square in London, Jan. 15, 2019. Noisy crowd awaits word While the drama played out in the House of Commons, outside the parliament, noisy, placard-waving crowds of Brexiters and Remainers mounted protests urging the draft plan be approved or cast aside. There was a hush among the protesters in the minutes before the result was announced. May has until next Monday to offer a new proposal to the House of Commons, but it isn't clear what she will propose. EU leaders have flatly rejected the possibility of renegotiations several times since the deal was concluded in November. But with Tuesday's defeat, which followed five days of intense debate, British officials hope Brussels now may offer enough concessions to secure parliamentary backing on a replayed vote on an amended deal. In the run-up to the vote, which the government was bracing itself to lose, May offered a series of carrots and sticks, pleas and warnings, to try to persuade unenthusiastic lawmakers to back her deal. To Brexiters, she warned it could result in Britain never exiting the EU. To Remainers, she cautioned it might lead to Britain leaving without a deal. Leavers hold up signs next to pro-European demonst Leavers hold up signs next to pro-European demonstrators protesting opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Jan. 15, 2019. Leavers hold up signs next to pro-European demonstrators protesting opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Jan. 15, 2019. Final plea from May Minutes before the vote, May told a packed and feisty House of Commons that they should "honor the democratic decision of the British people." She said a vote against her deal would be a vote for "uncertainty, division and the very real risk of no deal." Corbyn countered that the "government's own economic assessment clearly tells us it is a bad deal." To accompanying jeers and cheers, he added, "This deal is the product of two years of botched negotiations in which the government spent more time arguing with itself than it did negotiating with the EU. "We need to keep in mind that the vast majority of people in our country don't think of themselves as Remainers or Leavers," Corbyn said. "Whether they voted leave or remain two and a half years ago, they are concerned about their future. So, Mr. Speaker, I hope tonight that this House votes down this deal, and then we move to a general election." FILE - British Labor party leader Jeremy Corbyn ta FILE - British Labor party leader Jeremy Corbyn talks to journalists outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 27, 2018. FILE - British Labor party leader Jeremy Corbyn talks to journalists outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 27, 2018. With the draft deal, May tried to square the circle between Britons who want to remain in the EU, or closely tied to it, and Brexiters. The withdrawal agreement would have seen Britain locked in a customs union with the EU for several years, while a more permanent, but vaguely defined, free trade settlement could be negotiated with its largest trading partner. In the temporary customs union, Britain would have been unable to influence EU laws, regulations and product standards it would have to observe. And it would not have been able to implement free trade deals with non-EU countries. Customs checks The transition deal was agreed to avoid customs checks on the border separating Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. But British lawmakers who voted against the deal feared Britain would be shackled indefinitely to the bloc, even if a final free trade deal couldn't be agreed upon. Both Brexiters and Remainers claimed the Brexit agreement May negotiated would turn Britain into a vassal state, a rule-taker and not a rule-maker. Brexiters maintained the deal would keep Britain too closely aligned with the EU. A huge range of possible Brexit outcomes has been opened up by Tuesday's defeat. These include leaving the EU with no deal; a more managed no-deal exit a pivot to Britain adopting a Norway-style relationship with the EU that would see Britain being half-in and half-out of the bloc; a second referendum; or a second vote after a renegotiation with Europe. But with British politics in an uproar, with normally disciplined political parties fractured, it is hard to forecast what will happen next. While there are majorities in the House of Commons against leaving the EU without any deal, there are no clear majorities for any alternatives. Constitutional clash The defeat also opens the way for parliament itself to take more control of any future negotiations with the EU, setting the stage for an unprecedented constitutional clash between the House of Commons and No. 10 Downing Street. A cross-party group of senior lawmakers headed by former Conservative ministers is conspiring now to sideline the embattled May by reducing the power of the government to control legislative business in parliament and giving the responsibility of future negotiations with Brussels to a parliamentary committee. The group also wants to force May to ask the EU to delay the scheduled departure date of March 29 to avoid Britain crashing out of the bloc without any kind of deal. Another group of powerful lawmakers is drafting legislation for a second referendum. British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote in parliament Wednesday, one day after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly against her plan to divorce Britain from the European Union. Surviving the vote enables May to refocus on getting a Brexit deal through parliament. She has until Monday to offer a new proposal to the House of Commons, but it isnt clear what she will propose. Shortly after the 325 to 306 vote allowing May to remain in office, she invited party leaders for Brexit talks Wednesday night. More talks? May said before the vote Wednesday that Britain would leave the EU on the March 29 target date, and that the bloc would only consider extending the negotiating period if there were a realistic exit plan. Aides to the prime minister said she will try to buy more time and return to Brussels to try to cajole EU leaders into a renegotiation. EU leaders have repeatedly rejected the possibility of renegotiations since the deal was concluded in November, but British officials hope Brussels now may offer enough concessions to secure parliamentary backing on a replayed vote on an amended deal. Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the Labor Party, talks du Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labor Party, talks during a no-confidence debate after Parliament rejected Theresa May's Brexit deal, in London, Jan. 16, 2019. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labor Party, talks during a no-confidence debate after Parliament rejected Theresa May's Brexit deal, in London, Jan. 16, 2019. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labor Party, filed a motion of no confidence in the government immediately after the result Tuesday. Britain would have held a general election had May lost the vote. Most analysts said they expected her to survive the vote, and the minority Northern Ireland party she relies on to keep her minority government in office had said it would back the government. Tuesday's vote was the biggest parliamentary reversal ever handed a sitting government, with lawmakers including more than 100 rebels from her ruling Conservative Party refusing to endorse the highly contentious Brexit deal. A pro-European demonstrator protests in front of a A pro-European demonstrator protests in front of a Leaver campaign board opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Jan. 15, 2019, ahead of lawmakers' vote on whether to accept British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. Later, the plan was soundly defeated. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. A pro-European demonstrator protests in front of a Leaver campaign board opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Jan. 15, 2019, ahead of lawmakers' vote on whether to accept British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. Later, the plan was soundly defeated. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. The government's defeat plunged into greater disarray Britain's scheduled March 29 exit from the EU. Major questions remain about how and whether it will happen. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Wednesday that after the British parliaments rejection of a draft agreement detailing the countrys divorce from the EU, the risk of reaching the deadline with no deal in place is higher than ever. The vote against the agreement was the biggest parliamentary reversal ever handed a sitting government, with lawmakers, including more than 100 rebels from her ruling Conservative party, refusing to endorse the highly contentious Brexit deal. Just 202 lawmakers backed Mays deal with 432 voting against it. The defeat dwarfed the previous 1924 record when then-Labor Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald lost a vote by 166, triggering the collapse of his government and a general election, which he lost. After the vote, May said, "The vote tells us nothing" about what the House of Commons would agree to regarding Brexit. Second referendum The defeat of May's plan will give further momentum to a burgeoning campaign in the House of Commons, and among Remainers in the country, for a second referendum, according to analysts. Remainers hope a replayed referendum would reverse the Brexit plebiscite of 2016, which Leavers narrowly won. The vote on the deal which originally was due in December but was delayed by the government when it became clear there was insufficient backing for it to pass also leaves hanging in the balance May's future as prime minister. Her aides maintained at the end of a day of high political drama that she wouldn't resign. British Business Minister Claire Perry arrives to British Business Minister Claire Perry arrives to attend a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Jan. 15, 2019. British Business Minister Claire Perry arrives to attend a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Jan. 15, 2019. "She is the person who has to deliver Brexit," said British Business Minister Claire Perry, who said May didn't need to resign. "There will be other attempts at this. There will be strenuous efforts to improve on the deal," Perry said. The sheer scale of the defeat throws into doubt whether even a reshaped Brexit Withdrawal Agreement would secure parliamentary approval in the future, even if the EU is prepared to reopen negotiations.? 'Hopelessly optimistic' Her Plan B, more of the same, is hopelessly optimistic, said commentator Isabel Oakeshott. EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker tweeted when news of the historic vote broke: I take note with regret of the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons this evening. I urge the UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up. EU President Donald Tusk reflected the frustration of many in Brussels, tweeting: If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages. US Attorney General Nominee Grilled on Russia Probe U.S. U.S. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, accompanied by Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.,(R) questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Jan. 15, 2019. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, accompanied by Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.,(R) questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Jan. 15, 2019. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed ``a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller.'' The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advise Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute beyond what was intended" to conclude the president had obstructed justice. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt, and said he frowned on "Lock Her Up" calls for Hillary Clinton. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. Barr stated without hesitation that it was in the public interest for Mueller to finish his investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the presidential election. He said he would resist any order by Trump to fire Mueller without cause and called it "unimaginable" that Mueller would do anything to require his termination. "I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere with the election, and I think we have to get to the bottom of it," Barr said during the nine-hour hearing. He said that, at 68 years old and partially retired, he felt emboldened to "do the right thing and not really care about the consequences." If a president directs an attorney general to do something illegal, he said, an attorney general must resign. "I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr said. Consumed by the partial government shutdown, Trump remained out of sight at the White House but also kept an eye on the news coverage of the hearing and told aides he was pleased with how Barr was handling himself, said two White House officials and a Republican close to the White House who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal conversations. On other topics, Barr echoed in part Trump's hardline immigration stance and said the Justice Department would not go after marijuana companies in states where the drug is legal. He also would not rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs, saying he could envision circumstances where a journalist could be held in contempt "as a last resort." Barr's hearing continues Wednesday with a lineup of character witnesses, including former Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Barr's confirmation is likely, given that Republicans control the Senate. Even some Democrats have been looking to move on from acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to remove himself the Russia probe and has faced scrutiny over his private dealings. But he nonetheless faced skeptical questions from Democrats over whether he could oversee without bias or interference the remainder of Mueller's probe. Feinstein said the nominee's past rhetoric in support of expansive presidential powers "raises a number of serious questions about your views on executive authority and whether the president is, in fact, above the law." Barr, responding with a more moderate view, said he believed a president who ordered an attorney general to halt an investigation would be committing an "abuse of power" if not necessarily a crime. Barr said under questioning from Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, that he wouldn't interfere with a Mueller request to subpoena Trump for his testimony "if there was a factual basis." But he also said he saw no reason to change Justice Department legal opinions that have held that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Barr called Mueller a friend of 30 years and said ``it is vitally important'' that Mueller be allowed to complete his investigation. "I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," he said when asked by the panel's Republican chairman, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The special counsel is required to report his findings confidentially to the Justice Department. Barr said he then expected to produce his own report to Congress and said it was his goal to release as much information as possible to the public, though he stopped short of a direct pledge. He also noted the Justice Department does not typically disclose information about people it decides not to prosecute. He disclosed having discussed Mueller with Trump during a meeting in 2017 when Barr declined to join his legal team. He said he and his wife had been "sort of looking forward to a bit of respite and I didn't want to stick my head into that meat grinder." Trump wanted to know what Mueller, who worked for Barr when he led the Justice Department between 1991 and 1993, was like. "He was interested in that, wanted to know what I thought about Mueller's integrity and so forth and so on," Barr said. "I said Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such." He also defended his decision to send an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department in which he criticized as "fatally misconceived" the theory of obstruction that Mueller appeared to be pursuing with regard to Trump, including investigation into his president's firing of former FBI director James Comey. He said he raised his concerns at a lunch with the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller. Rosenstein didn't respond and was "sphinxlike," Barr recalled. He followed up with the memo in June. Barr sent the document to White House lawyers and discussed it with Trump's personal attorneys and a lawyer representing Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, among others. Barr said the memo was narrowly focused on a single theory of obstruction that media reports suggested Mueller might be considering. He said he would consult with ethics officials on whether he would need to recuse because of the memo but the decision would be ultimately his. NAIROBI, KENYA - Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced that a 19-hour siege on the DusitD2 hotel and office complex in Nairobi is over, but the Kenyan Red Cross said Wednesday that dozens of people are still missing. "The security operation at Dusit complex is over, and all terrorists eliminated. As of this moment, we have confirmation, 14 innocent lives were lost through the hands of these murderers, terrorists, with others injured," Kenyatta said. The president said Kenyan security forces had killed all four attackers, and 700 people were rescued. A few hundred meters from the scene of the attack, victims' relatives and friends gathered to identify the bodies. Coffins are seen at the Chiromo mortuary in Nairob Coffins are seen at the Chiromo mortuary in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 16, 2019. Coffins are seen at the Chiromo mortuary in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 16, 2019. Margret Ojoo spoke of frantic efforts made by her daughter and some friends to find Ojoo's niece, who was trapped in the complex. In the end, her daughter discovered the niece had been killed. Yassin Jamaa lost two nephews who worked for Adam Smith International, a government consulting company that has offices in the DusitD2 complex. "I have lost two boys. One got married the other day, and they both started working at the international agencies. But unfortunately, we have lost them," Jamaa said. The company said Abdallah Dahir and Feisal Ahmed were killed on the terrace of a restaurant in the complex. Both men had worked on the Somalia Stability Fund, a project to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia through various community initiatives. Jamaa said he could not understand the motivation of al-Shabab, the group that claimed responsibility for the attack. "The ones who brought this pain to me are carrying our name, Islam. I am also a Muslim. The question I'm asking: 'Why are they killing human beings?'" Jamaa said. The Islamist extremist group has carried out several killing sprees in Kenya, including the 2013 Westgate Mall attack that left 67 people dead. ISLAMABAD - Two foreigners, an American and an Indian, were said to be among four people killed in this weeks massive suicide truck bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Taliban claimed responsibility for plotting Mondays bomb-and-gun raid against the capital citys high security Green Village complex, which houses offices and residences of foreign companies and charities. Green Village, Kabul The slain American, 55-year-old Mano "Paul" Kamaleson, was working for the First MicroFinance Bank in Kabul when the attack happened. India has also confirmed that one of its nationals was among the dead. An Indian Embassy statement Tuesday strongly condemned what it said was a horrific and cowardly act of terror. An Afghan injured man receives treatment at a hosp An Afghan injured man receives treatment at a hospital after a car bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 14, 2019. An Afghan injured man receives treatment at a hospital after a car bomb blast in Kabul, Afghanistan, Jan. 14, 2019. The Afghan Interior Ministry said the powerful blast wounded more than 100 people, including women and children.The victims were mostly Afghan civilians, it noted. Security camera footage released via social media shows insurgents detonated a sewage truck packed with explosives near the complex that has previously also come under attack. The Taliban said five of its members participated in the operation against what it described as a foreign intelligence site and claimed the attack resulted in dozens of casualties. A suicide bomber drove and detonated the truck before his heavily armed partners stormed the facility, said the insurgent group. Khalilzad back in Kabul US Envoy in Kabul to Advance Afghan Peace Efforts Zalmay Khalilzad, the man responsible for overseeing Americas negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, arrived Tuesday night in Kabul, after making stops in India, the United Arab Emirates, and China. He is expected to visit Islamabad next. His outreach to regional players continues despite what seems like a setback in talks with the Taliban.The [dialogue] process has halted for now so the venue and the date for a future meeting are not known, a senior Taliban official who is privy to the developments Zalmay Khalilzad, the man responsible for overseeing Americas negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, arrived Tuesday night in Kabul, after making stops in India, the United Arab Emirates, and China. He is expected to visit Islamabad next. His outreach to regional players continues despite what seems like a setback in talks with the Taliban.The [dialogue] process has halted for now so the venue and the date for a future meeting are not known, a senior Taliban official who is privy to the developments The deadly attack happened a day before U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, landed in Kabul to brief the Afghan leadership about his meetings with officials of regional countries. The Trump administration has tasked Khalilzad to try to arrange negotiations between Afghan government and Taliban representatives with the help of countries around Afghanistan to find a political settlement to the Afghan conflict. Meanwhile, Afghan officials said Wednesday at least two policemen were killed at a security outpost in southern Kandahar province when their colleague turned his gun on them. A provincial government statement said the incident happened late Tuesday in Panjwayee district, saying the assailant fled the scene. The Taliban claimed the shooter was one of its infiltrators in Afghan forces and that he killed five personnel before fleeing and rejoining insurgent ranks. US senators have urged Cambodia to reverse course an reinstate the countrys main opposition party or face the possibility of trade sanctions. Senators Ted Cruz and Chris Coons introduced the Cambodia Trade Act last week, which would require the Trump administration to review the General System of Preferences (GSP), a preferential trading scheme after its leaders failed to heed to international demands for reform. I think this is an important signal to the Cambodian government that they need to reconsider some of the recent actions or face a very real possibility of review of their GSP eligibility, Coons told VOA Khmer. This is a bi-partisan expression of concern about the direction of the Cambodian government. The Cambodian government cracked down on independent media, civil society groups, and opposition politicians in the lead up to the general elections in July 2018. The head of the opposition is now under house arrest. I have some real concerns about the ways in which the government has been using its authority to crack down on free speech, on opposition groups, and would welcome a more open society in Cambodia, Coons said. A GSP beneficiary country must meet the eligibility criteria established by Congress, including taking steps to afford internationally recognized worker rights; implementing commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor; and the extent to which a country provides adequate and effective protection of intellectual property rights. Cambodia exported more than $400 million worth of products duty-free to the US in 2017, according to Ken Loo of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia. The EU has also begun a process to remove trade preferences from Cambodia under the Everything But Arms scheme, which Cambodia saves almost $700 million annually in tariffs. Cruz said that the bill is aimed at reinforcing steps taken by its EU partner and holding Prime Minister Hun Sen and his government to account. "Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Sen has exploited preferential treatment afforded to it by the United States and Europe, Cruz said in a statement. He has failed to meet basic labor rights standards, undermined the integrity of elections in Cambodia, and tilted toward China. Cambodia has forgotten any image of democracy, Senator Patrick Leahy told VOA Khmer. The bill is expected to go the Senates Foreign Relations committee in two months, according to Coons. Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota said he has not been approached by the bill sponsors, but agreed sanctions need to be applied fairly. I think we ought to look at every opportunity to influence the right outcome there and every other country similarly, he said. The United States is Cambodia's second-largest export market after the European Union. Cambodia exports $3 billion worth of goods annually. Most exported goods are garments, shoes, leather products and plastic. More than 1,000 garment workers have lost their jobs following days of protest calling for wages to be paid for December. The workers were laid off by W&D Cambodia Co. leading to a strike on January 5. W&D Cambodia had refused to pay the former staff for the month of December, according to the workers. Workers have reported that the factory has refused to reinstate male and senior staff members. Ya Kimsrim, 36, a garment worker, told VOA Khmer on Monday: We held this strike peacefully. This is a non-violent strike. We demand that they take back all the workers, not just choosing young female ones while old-aged and male workers are not chosen. Please don't do that. If they do that, it is as if they're taking in new workers, leaving behind old ones. She said that the factory asked the workers to sign agreements in exchange for being able to resume their jobs. But they are yet to be reinstated. They said they would let us come back to work. However, only 200 have so far... They choose only the young ones, not the old ones, Kimsrim said. In the letter, they asked us to agree. If we want to go back to work, just sign and provide a thumbprint. So we did just that. We didnt know that after we provided the thumbprint, the supervisor would discriminate. They take in [workers] selectively even after intervention by the ministry and deputy Stung Meanchey district officer, said another worker, 45, who asked not to be named for security reasons. Ath Thon, president of Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC), told VOA Khmer on Tuesday that there will be a negotiation among related parties to help get the workers back to work. He said that the negotiation will be held on Wednesday with the union raising many proposals from the workers, one of which is a demand that the factory does not hold any grudge against the workers for the protest. Firstly, we want to see them back to work. Secondly, we ask them [the factory owners] not to hold any grudge or ask for compensation. We will raise all the proposals from the workers, he said. A representative of W&D Cambodia Co declined to comment. VOA Khmer could not reach Ministry of Labor spokesman Heng Sour on Tuesday. The protests demanding annual seniority payment erupted in factories in Phnom Penh and other provinces since December, prompting a warning from Prime Minister Hun Sen, who said that the protests are against the law and workers demands could lead to the closure of 800 of the more than 1000 factories in Cambodia. US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Joseph H. Felter wrapped up his official trip to Cambodia this week by warning of Chinas military presence in Cambodia and calling for democratic reform. During the two-day visit, Felter met with General Neang Phat, secretary of state at Ministry of National Defense, and discussed military cooperation and regional security. He also met with Ouk Seiha, the deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Navy, in Sihanoukville. In an interview with VOA Khmer on Wednesday, Felter said military ties between the two countries would be unlikely to improve unless Cambodia has a national reconciliation including the release of opposition leader Kem Sokha, who was jailed on treason charges shortly before the party was disbanded in November 2017. Sokha was later placed under house arrest and is still awaiting trial. The ruling Cambodian Peoples Party claims that Sokha conspired with the United States to overthrow Hun Sen. The CNRP was the countrys largest opposition party and the only party to win seats in parliament in the 2013 election. Yeah, we are concerned. The charges against him [Sokha] were directly related to conspiring with the US. And theyre just false, said Felter. And I think that would be a nice gesture on Cambodias part to drop those charges and I think that would be one example of an area that would help us move down that path that I just described towards improving our military relationship and increasing military-to-military cooperation, he added. In November, Prime Minister Hun Sen, who has been nurturing closer relations with Beijing, denied reports that a Chinese-built port in Koh Kong province could be used to dock China Navy vessels. The news comes after a report published by online newspaper Asia Times quoted analysts as saying that the deep-water port being built by Union Development Group (UDG) was large enough to host frigates and destroyers. Hun Sen said Cambodia doesnt allow foreign military bases regardless of whether its for naval forces, infantry forces, or air forces. During his visit, Felter expressed his concerns over the Chinese military presence in Cambodia, saying that would undermine regional security and undermine Cambodias security as it would undermine its sovereignty. And he warned that Cambodia could fall into a Chinese trap. Were concerned based on the precedent across the region that Cambodia might fall into the same trap other countries have and find themselves with a Chinese military presence or have access to ports and airports that they could use to project military power. We find that very concerning, he added. So we are encouraged that the prime minister has affirmed strongly that, based on the constitution, he will not permit a foreign military presence or foreign military bases in Cambodia. But if China was able to establish a base, we are concerned about how that can undermine regional security and Cambodias security, he said. Ministry of National Defence spokesman Chhum Socheat declined to comment and referred questions to Neang Phat, secretary of state of Ministry of National Defense who could not be reached. Council of Minister's spokesman Phay Siphan and Chinese embassy officials in Phnom Penh also could not be reached for comment. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Tea Banh told the Phnom Penh Post this week that demands for opposition leader Sokhas release in return for military cooperation were not the business of the US. This condition is impossible because it involves our sovereignty, and therefore it is impossible for this or that person to place conditions or demand that we do this or that . . . We cannot exchange our sovereignty, rights, and laws [in return for strengthening military ties], he was quoted as saying in the paper. In short, [the US] has tried to obstruct our development in all sectors through placing this and that pressure or this or that measure this is the way it has practiced [bilateral relations] so far, he added. China holds nearly half of Cambodia's $6 billion in foreign debt, and it is Cambodia's biggest trading partner. Chinese investment is transforming Cambodia's real estate market and gaming industry, particularly in Sihanoukville, where there is a special economic zone. Much of this has been driven by China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which will build $1 trillion in roads, bridges, railways, ports and power plants in more than 70 countries to steer global commerce its way. Billed as China's win-win drive for creating economic opportunity in Asia and the Indo-Pacific, the infrastructure investments, such as deep-water ports, are being met with increasing skepticism. China's maritime BRI projects, the so-called "String of Pearls" in coastal states of the Indo-Pacific, have long been seen by many analysts as a move "to create de facto overseas military bases for China's military forces," according to a recent report by C4ADS, an NGO. The Cambodian navy last week hosted a lavish reception for three Chinese warships that docked in the southern port of Sihanoukville. The visit follows denials by the Cambodian government over claims that China was seeking to create a de facto military base off Cambodias southern coast. Observers said the visit was part of Chinas expansion of its maritime military might in the Southeast Asian region, where Beijing is in dispute with at least four claimant states over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The warships were led by Vice Admiral Xu Haihua, deputy chief of the Chinese Naval Staff. He was welcomed by Defense Minister Tea Banh and senior navy officials at the Ream Naval Base. The three warships -- the Wuhu, Handan and Dongping Lake -- are under the command of Chinas Northern Theatre Command and conduct regular assignments in the Yellow Sea near the Korean Peninsula. The Cambodian navy said the visit was intended to enhance solidarity ties, friendship, and cooperation between both militaries of Cambodia and China. Cambodia has welcomed Chinese economic and military aid with open arms. In a visit in June last year, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe pledged some $100 million in aid to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. Both militaries are planning to hold a third joint army exercise in March. Collin Koh, a naval security expert with the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said the visit would embolden Cambodia not just economically but also militarily -- amid growing geopolitical rivalries in the Indo-Pacific region. Beyond the building of a modest level of interoperability, more because of the level of sophistication of the Royal Cambodian Navy relative to the PLA Navy, such port calls are designed more as a politically symbolic act, Koh told VOA Khmer in an email. The U.S., however, may seek to compensate for its loss of influence in mainland Southeast Asia through further enhancement of its engagement with Vietnam, he added. Click here to log in and see all of our other subscription options for the Mesabi Tribune, including online only & auto-renewal subscriptions. A trade promotion fair to connect firms in Ha Noi and other localities. - Photo kinhtedothi.vn The Vietnamese people using Vietnamese goods campaign has played a key role in helping local enterprises, a conference held in Ha Noi on Tuesday heard. The campaign should not be a slogan but aim to conquer Vietnamese consumers, said deputy minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai. Truong Thi Ngoc Anh, vice chairwoman of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee, said all of localities nationwide had worked to implement the idea. More than 100 trade promotion conferences were held last year and more than 2,000 programmes were organised to bring Vietnamese goods to rural areas. Local consumers in rural and remote areas had opportunities to recognise and know more about made-in-Viet Nam products, Anh said. Domestic producers have expanded their production and focused on sustainable development. Vietnamese goods have improved their quality and sell for more reasonable prices. The country now has some 4,823 specialties of which 695 have registered for intellectual property protection. But it is not all good news. The campaign has seen shortcomings as the counterfeit, poor quality and unsafe goods have been found. Cao Duc Phat, deputy head of the Party Central Committees Economic Commission said the Government should continue to complete policies and mechanisms to facilitate business development while strengthening market management to fight counterfeit or poor quality goods to protect Viet Nams reputation and build links between production and consumption to increase trust for consumers. 2019 is an important year when the CPTPP agreement comes into effect and 60 per cent of tariff lines have been removed, Phat said. In the next 3 years, 85 per cent of tariff lines will be erased. This puts pressure on Vietnamese goods. Therefore, it is necessary to support Vietnamese enterprises to contribute to socio-economic development. The ministry said it would listen to issues and help where it can. It would also pay attention to develop distribution systems to increase the rate of Vietnamese goods at retail and improve competitiveness. Vice President and General Secretary of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee Hau A Lenh said they would suggest new policies which are suitable with the current situation. They would organise a forum to help enterprises exchange ideas and proposals for Government. Meanwhile, the use of Made-in-Viet Nam goods would be enhanced in projects using State money. The Government should encourage investment into developing distribution systems and apply science and technologies to improve quality. Vietrade and Amazon leaders kicked off the co-operation programme Through the co-operation, VIETRADE and Amazon Global Selling are aligned on the following joint efforts: supporting enterprises in Vietnam, especially SMEs, to reach out to Amazon.com; building the branding of Vietnam enterprises on Amazon.com, and organising training programmes targeting Vietnam business about ecommerce export and to teach them how to start selling on Amazon.com. In 2019, VIETRADE and Amazon Global Selling plan to organise programmes to support Vietnam SMEs to increase their export capabilities through selling products on Amazon.com. This engagement will include connecting with qualified SMEs, providing information about export opportunities, and guiding them to start selling on Amazons international marketplaces. SMEs will also receive support to improve their products, enhance packaging, complete export procedures, and more. Through these programmes, products from Vietnamese SMEs will have the opportunity to reach out to millions of Amazon global customers, thus opening huge export opportunities, especially for products such as handmade, textile, leather, shoes, and consumer products. We are excited to join efforts with VIETRADE to promote Vietnams on-line exports, said Bernard Tay, director, Global Selling Southeast Asia, Amazon Global Selling. Vietnamese enterprises are known for their leading manufacturing capabilities. Amazon Global Selling is uniquely positioned with global resources and continuous innovation to empower global sellers to explore international marketplaces. We believe todays announcement will further facilitate Vietnamese businesses to expand global business and build international brands. Amazon Global Selling helps businesses around the world to launch a global business no matter where they are physically established, reaching Amazon customers around the world. Through Amazon Global Selling, sellers all around the globe can directly reach Amazons 300+ million active customer accounts, including more than 100 million Prime customers in overseas Amazon marketplaces and millions of institutional buyers in the US, Europe, and Japan. In 2018, Vietnam's total trade turnover was estimated to reach $480.17 billion, up 12.2 per cent on-year, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. However, Vietnamese export enterprises, especially SMEs, are facing many challenges in terms of information, market insight, competitiveness, and customer acquisition. Based on reports from the government agencies of Vietnam, in 2018, there were more than 700,000 enterprises in Vietnam, of which SMEs take up approximately 98 per cent. SMEs are playing an increasingly important role in the Vietnamese economy and make positive contributions to Vietnamese exports. Last September, Amazon Global Selling Southeast Asia announced upgrading efforts to support Vietnamese sellers, including the launch of the Global Selling website in Vietnamese and the official Vietnamese Facebook page to enable more Vietnamese sellers to easily access information, materials, and support to start selling on Amazon. New development kit for Amazon AVS with far-field voice interaction Launching AcuEdge ZLK38AVS Development Kit for Amazon Alexa Voice Service (AVS), the leading audio front-end solution with a maximum of three microphone configurations, will help ... Vietnams exports more sophisticated: WB Vietnams exports have become more sophisticated with an impressive diversification of exports and increases in higher-value manufacturing exports, according to a recent World Bank report. Amazon, Walmart face hit from new India e-commerce rules Traditional traders and local players rejoiced Thursday (Dec 27) at new e-commerce rules imposed by the Indian government on global giants such as Amazon and ... UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says contributions to peacekeeping operations are lagging AFP/Don EMMERT Guterres told UN member-states in a letter sent last week that the world body was forced to tap into a capital fund and special account to cover expenses from the regular UN budget at the end of last year. "Active peacekeeping missions are soon expected to face liquidity gaps due to late payments and increasing arrears," Guterres wrote in the letter seen by AFP on Tuesday. "As of today, arrears are nearing US$2 billion and are likely to keep growing. Current cash balances cover less than two months of operations, compared to four months last year," he added. The UN peacekeeping budget that runs from July 2018 to June 2019 totals US$6.7 billion, with the United States, China and Japan paying the bulk of that amount. More than 100,000 peacekeepers are deployed in 14 missions worldwide including major operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali and South Sudan that cost more than US$1 billion annually to run. Guterres said he would be making proposals in the coming months to prevent the global organization from sliding into repeated financial crises. Last year, the UN chief wrote twice to member-states to raise alarm over the world body's finances. At the end of last year, unpaid contributions to the UN budget totaled US$528.7 million. While 152 out of the 193 countries had paid their dues at the end of 2018, the regular UN budget ended the year with a cash shortfall of US$323 million. Addressing a UN event of the G77 bloc of developing countries, Guterres warned that the serious financial problems "if left unchecked - will put the continued functioning of our operations at risk." PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) holds a reception in Hanoi on Tuesday for President and Chief Executive Officer of Japans Mitsui i & Co. Ltd Tatsuo Yasunaga. - VNA/VNS Photos Thong Nhat He made the statement in separate receptions in Hanoi on Tuesday for President and Chief Executive Officer of Japans Mitsui & Co. Ltd Tatsuo Yasunaga and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Motor Seiji Kuraishi. In the meeting with Yasunaga, the PM said the Vietnamese Government welcomed the partnership between Mitsui and Minh Phu Seafood Corporation a major shrimp farming business in Vietnam adding that Vietnam was striving to earn US$10 billion from shrimp exports. The success of Mitsui would attract major corporations to Vietnam, he said. He added that with the signing of agreements between the two countries, especially the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Mitsui could feel secure about the legal framework in Vietnam. The host expressed his hope that Mitsui would further increase its consumption of Vietnamese goods. Yasunaga informed the leader that Mitsui had decided to invest $100 million into Minh Phu. He hoped that via the bilateral partnership, Minh Phus shrimp exports would rise to $1 billion from the current $700 million. In the meeting with Kuraishi, the PM lauded Honda for its quality products, tax contributions to Vietnams State budget and active social activities. He asked Honda to contribute more to developing Vietnams support industry and purchase more spare parts manufactured by Viet nam. The leader said that as local incomes increased, more Vietnamese people would buy automobiles. Kuraishi thanked the Vietnamese Government for its support, as well as the Vietnamese people for trusting Honda products over the years. He said Honda was expanding in Vietnam and needed support from the Government, the PM, ministries and agencies. Apart from promoting safe driving, Honda is stepping up a campaign to present helmets to Vietnamese children. It had so far presented 2 million helmets to raise public awareness of traffic safety, he said. Robber Ngo Huu Quynh (right) was arrested by Da Nangs criminal police force. - Photo courtesy of Da Nang Public security Newspaper Director of the citys public security department major general Vu Xuan Vien spoke at a press conference on January 14, saying it was the most serious criminal case in the city for some time. He said a police team had been sent to seize Ngo Huu Quynh, 29, in Quang Nam Provinces Nui Thanh District 90km south of Da Nang while he was playing games in an internet shop. Vien said the team had started trailing the robber just seven hours after the theft thanks to a security camera system. According to a report from the department, Quynh used a fake gun and mine to rob a Viettel shop on Nguyen Luong Bang Street, 6km from the citys downtown. He threatened an assistant before taking a bag of money containing VND40 million (US$1,800). The police said the robber was addicted to internet gaming and was in debt. He carried out the robbery to pay off lenders and online game charges. The crime is under further investigation. Also on January 14, the police and market watch seized 660 imported bottles of brandy that were being transported from Quang Tri Province to HCM City. The truck driver did not have any papers or invoices for the brandy, which was estimated to be worth nearly VND1 billion ($44,000). At the press conference, Major General Vien also said investigative police have not yet determined what toxin killed a mother and her three-year-old son at a hotel four months ago. Of a group of 20 visitors from Nghe An travelling to Da Nang and Hoi An for a vacation, a three-member family was found poisoned. The husband was saved following treatment at a hospital, but his wide and his son soon died. All other members of the tourist group were healthy. Vien said many samples had been sent in for forensic tests, but scientists have not found exactly what kind of toxin was responsible. Police said they suspected a toxic agent that had been used during insect spraying at the hotel killed the mother and son. Investigations are ongoing. Fredy Guayacan, the programme manager, at the seminar held in HCM City to introduce the project. - VNS Photo Hoang Nam The project aims to promote responsible supply chains in increasing corporate social responsibility/responsible business conduct (CSR/RBC) system with regards to decent work, environmental sustainability and respect for human rights, Fredy Guayacan, the programme manager, told a seminar held in HCM City on Tuesday to introduce the project. The project is based on the 2017 ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy and 2011 OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, he said. The project targets to increase understanding and knowledge of investors, businesses, civil society organisations and policy makers on CSR/RBC from the perspective of decent work. Its goals are to create a policy environment conducive to the promotion of socially responsible practices among businesses and increase opportunities for businesses to have a dialogue on good practices, challenges and opportunities in relation to CSR/RBC. To achieve the goals, the project has made recommendations in five areas for governments and enterprises. General policies should be fundamental principles and rights at work, due diligence and promotion of good corporate behaviour and consultations between home and host country governments. Employees should get promotion, social security and equality of opportunity and treatment and [there should be] no forced labour, no child labour. Vietnam should have national policies for vocational training and guidance, closely linked to employment, that require contribution of enterprises to skills development in country. For industrial relations, local authorities and enterprises must ensure freedom of association and right to organise, collective bargaining, consultation, access to remedy and examination of grievances and settlement of industrial disputes. The project has been implemented in six Asian nations: Japan (electronics, vehicle parts), China (electronics, textiles), Myanmar (seafood, agriculture), the Philippines (agriculture/food), Thailand (agriculture, vehicle parts) and Vietnam (wood processing, seafood, aquaculture, textiles). To implement the project, a preliminary study on CSR/RBS in the seafood processing sector was done last December by the Research Centre for Resources and Rural Development (RECERD). Le Van Bang, a RECERD consultant, said: Vietnam has a sufficient legal framework to guide and manage labour and CSR issues and fully implement the ILO conventions that have been ratified. The country has made clear delegation to related agencies and organisations to deploy, monitor and ensure issues related to labour interests are dealt in accordance with the law. However, businesses understanding of and compliance with the legal regulations are still limited. The study found that CSR/RBC staff at enterprises did not fully understand the purpose of CSR implementation and their roles vis-a-vis workers and management. Reluctance to pay insurance premiums and overtime wages were perceived as obstacles to attracting labour and the majority of regular workers said they were satisfied with the Trade Union as their representative. They did not know that other organisations could represent workers. A large number of seasonal workers (20-30 per cent), who move freely between factories/sectors create difficulties/challenges for employers in implementing CSR and fulfilling their responsibilities as committed to their workers in labour/ social insurance contracts. In many cases, employees were not willing to sign labour contracts since they did not want 10.5 per cent of their salaries deducted to pay social/ health insurance premiums. Very few workers are aware of ILO and MNE Declaration, Bang said. Communication activities should be enhanced to explain the nature and benefits of CSR/RBC implementation, and CSR/RBC employees at enterprises should be well equipped with this knowledge so that they are fully aware of the significance of their roles and motivated to fulfil their tasks. Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg (C) is pictured during the retrial at which he was sentenced to death for drug trafficking AFP/HANDOUT Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term. The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment. "We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said. In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens - a former diplomat and a business consultant - on suspicion of endangering national security. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence, and the inclusion of new evidence, raised suspicion among observers. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics." In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously." China executes one or two foreigners every year - nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. The Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, was featured on Time magazines top 100 destinations in 2018. Vietnam sees ATF as a golden chance to promote local tourism spots. - VNA/VNS Photo Trong Dat Under the theme ASEAN The Power of One, delegates will discuss orientations for tourism development and propose sustainable tourism initiatives to promote ASEAN as a tourist destination. Nguyen Trung Khanh, head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, stressed that tourism was a central part of ASEAN member nations socio-economic development. By promoting ASEAN tourism, countries could improve common understanding, preserve cultural values and accelerate bilateral and multilateral co-operation within the region and in the world. Under the framework of ATF 2019, travel agencies, trade delegates, members of the media, sellers and buyers of regional and individual tourism products of ASEAN member nations will gather at TRAVEX the worlds largest ASEAN destination, product and service showcase. Up to 610 companies from Vietnam and ASEAN will be in attendance, while buyers are expected from 32 countries and territories, mostly Europe. The presence of international media at TRAVEX will attract more tourism to the region and help enterprises close deals. Co-operation ties established at the showcase are expected to create diverse tourism products for Vietnam and other ASEAN member nations, said Dinh Ngoc Duc, head of the administrations tourism marketing department. Vietnam recognises ATF 2019 as a golden opportunity to promote local tourism and introduce special products including beach destinations, MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) and food tourism in Quang Ninh Province as well as other localities. This years forum will welcome about 2,000 delegates from regional travel agencies, the World Tourism Organisation, travel agencies, media and international organisations. The ATF 2019 will close on Friday. Vietnam first hosted the ATF in 2009 with the theme ASEAN Tourism Striving for new heights. At that time, despite the global economic crisis, the forum succeeded in attracting more than 2,000 delegates from all over the world, proposing solutions and passing important memorandums of understanding to help the regions sector survive and strive in the downturn. The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, will commemorate its seventh anniversary with a one-day-only special opportunity on Thursday, Feb. 14, presented in partnership with the Chicago History Museum. The event coincides with the 90th anniversary of the St. Valentines Day Massacre. For the first time, all visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to experience The Chicago 00 Projects virtual reality experience dedicated to the St. Valentines Day Massacre, courtesy of a grant from the Union Pacific Foundation. In addition, Nevada residents will receive free admission and non-Nevada residents will receive buy-one, get-one admission all day beginning at 9 a.m. From the day the Museum opened, on February 14, 2012, the St. Valentines Day Massacre wall and related ballistics evidence have been among our most important artifacts. Because of these objects, the Museum stands uniquely positioned to tell this story, explained Jonathan Ullman, president and chief executive officer, The Mob Museum. We are delighted to partner with The Chicago 00 Project, a collaboration between the Chicago History Museum and Professor Geoffrey Alan Rhodes of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, to bring this new, technologically enhanced, historically rich insight into the Massacre to our visitors. Released in February 2017, this award-winning VR experience transports audiences to the exact spots where the St. Valentines Day Massacre events unfolded by superimposing images from then and now in virtual reality. Audiences can use their smartphones and wear Google Cardboard VR Goggles or use the Museums latest technology, Oculus Go, on YouTubes 360 channel to be immersed in the site. A narrator tells the story of the massacre while giving a virtual tour of five sites and more than 30 historical photos and documents from the Chicago History Museums archive. It provides eye-opening insights into the infamous Feb. 14, 1929 event, when Chicago police discovered the bodies of seven men, all shot in the back and riddled with bullets in a northside garage. The site and men were associated with the Prohibition-era bootlegging gangs, then led by Al Capone and Bugs Moran. The gruesome photographs of the scene ran on the front page of newspapers across the country and were some of the most influential crime photos in American history. The photos collected heresome well-known, some raretell this familiar Chicago story in a new and compelling way. The Chicago History Museum is pleased to work with The Mob Museum to mark the 90th anniversary of the St. Valentines Day Massacre, said John Russick, vice president, interpretation and education, Chicago History Museum. The Chicago 00 virtual reality experience of the Massacre was designed to offer users a unique, immersive and visceral encounter with this terrible event, which helped shape the countrys attitudes toward Prohibition and led to the prosecution and eventual incarceration of Al Capone. The Chicago 00 Project was created to produce and publish a series of site-specific, interactive, immersive multimedia experiences designed to showcase the Chicago History Museums film, photo and sound archive and share Chicagos stories in new and unique ways. All Chicago 00 new media projects were inspired by our teams fascination with historical images, said Rhodes. The news photographs of the St. Valentines Day Massacre are shockingeven today. Those pictures were hugely influential. Placing them into the actual site gives people a fresh way to see these astonishing images for what they are. The early 1900s filmmaker, D.W. Griffith, predicted that someday film technology would create experiences of history unlike anything that had come before. Maybe virtual and augmented reality are that prediction realized. In addition to the St. Valentines Day Massacre Wall and the Chicago 00 experience, Museum guests can see other permanent exhibits related to the Massacre. Other artifacts include ballistics evidence recovered from the scene and original coroners documents concerning the victims and reports prepared by pioneering forensic scientist, Calvin Goddard. [This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.] London, 16th January 2019 Hutch have announced the addition of three new hires to their London based mobile gaming studio. Arturo Bonetti, a Customer Support Specialist following a career as an LSP - including work for PlayStation, Theodore Tegos, a Senior Engineer from Paladin Studios, and Peter Pearson, a Senior Engineer from Ubisoft! For full details, see below: Arturo Bonetti - Customer Support Specialist Arturo Bonetti has joined Hutch following a career in the language industry as a translator in an LSP (language Service Provider), in the marketing and market research sectors (including PlayStation), and videogame localisation for AAA titles. Arturo speaks 5 languages and has a wealth of localisation experience, which will help us provide this at a high quality and great customer service for the EFIGS speaking countries! Theodore Tegos - Senior Engineer Theodore Tegos has relocated from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to join Hutch's expanding server development team. He has extensive experience developing backend infrastructure for mobile games at studios including Digital Chocolate, Paladin Studios and BoosterMedia. Theodore has a strong interest in AI and is a former winner of the Jenazon Cup, a competition for the board game, "Amazons". He'll be bringing his expertise to Top Drives, Hutch's successful car collection and battling game. Peter Pearson - Senior Engineer Peter Pearson joins Hutch from Future Games of London (Ubisoft), where he played a key role in the success of the Hungry Shark series. Prior to this he worked with Mediatonic and Zoe Mode. Having also worked on the "pigeon dating simulator" Hatoful Boyfriend, Peter is excited to move out of animal-based game development and bring his substantial expertise to bear on one of Hutch's exciting new IP's coming in 2019. [This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.] For immediate release Berlin, January 16th, 2019 Berlin-based HTML5 Messenger Games pioneer SOFTGAMES are excited to announce the launch of their new branch in Toronto, Canada, in January 2019. Headed by industry veteran Gili Zeevi the newly to establish team will principally be responsible for the companys successful match-3 titles. For that purpose, SOFTGAMES is currently looking to fill the roles of a Game Developer (HTML5/JavaScript) and a Junior Game Producer on the spot. Gili is a producer, game designer, and UX expert with 10 years of wide experience. Overseeing SOFTGAMES developer network since 2016, he will do a brilliant job in building our first remote branch and leading the brandnew team, says SOFTGAMES CEO Alexander Krug. Getting ready for the future In October 2018, about 6 billion MAU on average were reported for the nine most popular messenger apps only, and rising. Additional services and consumer-oriented products that were rolled out in recent years managed to attract more and more users. Gaming is amongst the most popular activities. Therefore, the future of Messenger Gaming looks radiant. To further build on their existing sustainable Messenger Games business on Facebook Instant Games, SOFTGAMES already significantly increased their team in Berlin from 40 to around 70 employees during 2018 and is still hiring for a range of open positions, including several high profile roles on senior level. We are growing fast and have grand and exciting plans for 2019, therefore we are still looking for creative, talented, and experienced people to join our international team in Berlin and shape the future of Messenger Games with us, adds Krug. All current openings can be found on https://www.softgames.com/career/ About us Based in Berlin, the creative capital of Europe, SOFTGAMES is one of the worlds largest developer of Messenger Games with tens of millions of users every month. Our vision is to help users to instantly play games with their friends, while helping brands to reach their target audiences. As a HTML5 games pioneer we've developed over 500 games since 2012. Further we built the world's largest distribution and monetisation platform for HTML5 games outside the messengers with a total reach of 30 million MAU. Patti Dozier/Times-EnterpriseAlan Carson (left) is sworn in as Thomasville's new city manager by city attorney Tim Sanders (right). Carson's wife, Debbie, holds the Bible used in the Monday swearing-in ceremony in Thomasville City Council chambers. Newsbrief: Hitman developer IO Interactive has opened a new studio in Malmo, Sweden. The Danish company said the decision to open IOI Malmo was a "natural choice" given the region already plays home to a strong game dev community. IO claims the new opening will strengthen its ability to deliver "exceptional" Hitman content, while also granting it the freedom to create brand-new franchises. IOI Malmo is already fully operational, and will begin working on projects with IOI Copenhagen immediately, with IO describing the two studios as "one family." (@FahadShabbir) The Venezuelan Embassy to Lima announced on Wednesday that it was suspending consular services until Peru guarantees security to the mission MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) The Venezuelan Embassy to Lima announced on Wednesday that it was suspending consular services until Peru guarantees security to the mission. According to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza, the embassy in Lima was attacked on January 10, on the day of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's inauguration, "by a group of bandits who entered the building." "The Embassy of the Bolivar Republic of Venezuela in Peru informs everyone that consular assistance will be suspended until the host country guarantees due security as stipulated by international agreements," the embassy said in a statement. Earlier in January, the Peruvian Foreign Ministry said following the meeting of the Lima Group foreign ministers that the union did not recognize the legitimacy of Maduro's new presidential term and urged him to call a new presidential election. Peru also banned Maduro and his administration from entry and recalled its charge d'affaires, Rosa Alvarez Nunez, from Venezuela. The military and humanitarian crises in Syria continue and are far from being over, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the General Assembly on Wednesday UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) The military and humanitarian crises in Syria continue and are far from being over, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the General Assembly on Wednesday. Guterres was speaking during a briefing to the General Assembly on the United Nations' goals for 2019, including establishing peace and stability Syria, Yemen, Libya, Afghanistan and the states of the African Union. "In Syria, the war is far from over: millions of civilians remain displaced, and then they are in constant fear of yet another humanitarian catastrophe, particularly in the northeast and northwest," Guterres said. "My new special envoy will continue to push for what remains the only solution - a political path . .. where the voices of all Syrians are heard, and grievances can be addressed in a peaceful and equitable manner." Earlier in the month, Guterres appointed Geir Pederson as his new special envoy for Syria, replacing Staffan de Mistura. Syria has been in a state of civil war since 2011 with the government forces fighting against numerous opposition groups and militant and terrorist organizations. Russia, along with Turkey and Iran, is a guarantor of the ceasefire regime in Syria. Moscow has also been providing humanitarian aid to residents of the crisis-torn country. (@FahadShabbir) Deputy Speaker of the Syrian parliament Najdat Anzour urged the leadership of the Syrian Kurds to abandon the "tricks" and political games against Damascus and to trust the Syrian authorities, as the United States cannot be trusted DAMASCUS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) Deputy Speaker of the Syrian parliament Najdat Anzour urged the leadership of the Syrian Kurds to abandon the "tricks" and political games against Damascus and to trust the Syrian authorities, as the United States cannot be trusted. An official representative of the Syrian Kurds in Moscow, Rshad Bienaf, told Sputnik on Monday that the negotiations between the Syrian Kurds and Damascus have been frozen after a bilateral meeting did not yield any results. "Tricks can hurt those who they come from ... We are extremely saddened, and it will harm those who allegedly represent them [Kurds] ... Americans cannot be trusted, and the Turks are a real threat . .. The Kurds must rely on the source of trust - Damascus, not on anyone else," Anzour told Al Watan newspaper, commenting on the statements made by the Syrian Kurds. On Wednesday, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad said that Damascus stepped up negotiations with the Kurds in the northeast of Syria in light of a possible Turkish military operation in the northern Syrian town of Manbij. In December, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkey was ready to launch an operation against the Kurdish-led People's Protection Units (YPG) in Manbij if the United States does not remove the militia from there. WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) Five million Venezuelans are projected to flee in the next year if a stable, democratic government is not restored in the country and the numbers could rise to seven million over the next 18 months, Organization of American States (OAS) President Luis Almagro said. [The OAS projects] five million Venezuelans fleeing the country over the next 12 months," Almagro told a meeting at the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Tuesday. The figure is projected to rise to seven million in the coming 18 months if the current political crisis in the country is not resolved, Almargo added. "What we cannot accept any more is the violent solution of the Venezuelan dictators," Almagro said. On Sunday, Almagro accused Venezuelan authorities of kidnapping opposition parliament speaker Juan Guaido. US President Donald Trump is considering recognizing Guaido as the country's president, according to media reports. Last week, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a second presidential term. The United States said Maduro has usurped power in Venezuela and called on him to restore democracy. The OAS voted 19 to 6, with eight abstentions, not to recognize Maduro as Venezuela's leader. (@FahadShabbir) The United Kingdom could wake up to a handful of scenarios tomorrow, including a potential call for a new general election if the withdrawal deal is defeated in the House of Commons on Tuesday, or the beginning of an orderly exit if it makes it through the parliament BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th January, 2019) The United Kingdom could wake up to a handful of scenarios tomorrow, including a potential call for a new general election if the withdrawal deal is defeated in the House of Commons on Tuesday, or the beginning of an orderly exit if it makes it through the parliament If the UK parliament backs the agreement, the deal will then be put to the European parliament, which it is expected to pass. The United Kingdom would then most likely be on track to exiting the bloc on March 29, as scheduled. However, if the deal is rejected by the parliament, several things could happen. Firstly, Prime Minister Theresa May would have to submit an alternative proposal within three days. The deadline was voted through by the House of Commons last week. However, Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of opposition Labour party, stressed last week that a general election would be necessary if the government lost the vote on the withdrawal agreement. Janice Atkinson, an independent UK member of the European parliament, believes that there is little chance of a general election. According to her, a delay to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union until the European elections, scheduled for May, is more likely. "What I think will happen when May loses the vote, is that an extension to Article 50 will be granted up until the EU elections. May will then be rid of Brexiteer [members of the European Parliament] MEPs and then will work with a new European Union to rescind Article 50, ultimately leading to canceling Brexit because it's all too difficult," Atkinson told Sputnik. Steven Woolfe, also an independent UK member of the European parliament, believes that the United Kingdom should leave at any cost, even if it would mean exiting without a deal and reverting to the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. "However the numbers add up in the Commons tonight, May has just one duty and that is to make sure the United Kingdom leaves the European Union on March 29th. If the only way to break free of the European Union is to leave with a WTO deal, then that is what May must do," Woolfe told Sputnik. The European parliament member added that the United Kingdom, should it leave without a deal, might be able to get away with not paying the divorce settlement of 39 billion Pounds (or roughly $49 billion). The United Kingdom Damien Lempereur, a Parisian lawyer and national delegate of the French party Debout la France! has pointed out that the United Kingdom's desire to leave is understandable in light of Europe's "incapacity to manage the issue of migration for years." "The British would probably be best served by a clean-cut Brexit, with negotiations later on the trade relations between the UK and Europe. The UK and the continent will of course continue to trade goods and we will find together the best way forward," Lempereur told Sputnik. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is closely watching the situation in the United Kingdom as it is mulling over a Dexit idea. "We hope a 'hard' Brexit if it comes to that will not cause bad disruptions in European trade. Many jobs are involved on both sides of the North Sea and the Channel. But the AfD is also thinking about a 'Dexit', a similar process for Germany, if fundamental changes are not done in the European Union, during the tenure of the next European Parliament, resulting form the elections on May 26, 2019," Joerg Meuthen, a member of the European parliament and of the AfD, told Sputnik. The possibility of a no-deal Brexit has been mentioned a lot in the run-up to the vote. In late December, the UK government said it was ready to implement no-deal plans in full as the deal's chances to pass the House of Commons seemed to dwindle amid strong criticism. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Economic Community of Central African States' (ECCAS) ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR) told Sputnik on Wednesday that he believed the CAR government and the representatives of the country's militia groups would be able to reach a peace deal during their upcoming meeting in the Sudanese capital. MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) The Economic Community of Central African States' (ECCAS) ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR) told Sputnik on Wednesday that he believed the car government and the representatives of the country's militia groups would be able to reach a peace deal during their upcoming meeting in the Sudanese capital. A week ago, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry announced that the next round of peace talks would be held in Khartoum on January 24. "I expect an agreement between the CAR government and the 14 armed groups invited for the dialogue ... ECCAS does support an inclusive agreement for peace in CAR," Adolphe Nahayo, who will be part of the ECCAS delegation to the meeting, said. The Central African Republic has been marred by clashes between the predominantly Muslim armed group Seleka, the Christian Anti-balaka militia, and the government forces since 2012. In August 2018, Seleka and the Anti-balaka militia agreed to establish a platform for consultations on sustainable peace in the African nation. The groups then also called on the government to seek help from Russia, the European Union, and other regional and international players in the reconciliation efforts. Galt, CA (95632) Today A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 58F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 58F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Prime Minister Theresa May sits down in Parliament after the vote on her Brexit deal, in London, Britain, January 15, 2019 in this screengrab taken from video. (Photo via chinadaily.com.cn) LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The British parliament on Tuesday rejected overwhelmingly the Brexit deal, further complicating the country's historic exit from the European Union (EU). Members of Parliament (MPs) voted 432 to 202 against the deal reached between the British government and the EU after a five-day debate, creating the loss that is said to be the biggest defeat for a British government since 1920s. British Prime Minister Theresa May has three sitting days to return to parliament with a "Plan B". Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. "Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour," said May reacting to the huge government loss. Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government following the deal defeat. The motion will be debated in the Commons Wednesday. Dr. Alan Wager, research associate at The UK in a Changing Europe at King's College London, told Xinhua after the vote that the defeat, larger than most expected, has led the country into "completely unknown territories." "It seems almost certain that her (May's) deal which she has spent the last two and a half years negotiating is now dead in the water," he said. Wager believed that a "no-deal Brexit", which will have catastrophic consequences, has become more likely following the vote. Before the main vote, MPs voted on an amendment by Conservative MP John Baron, which was designed to give the British government the right to terminate the Northern Ireland backstop measure without the agreement of the EU. It was defeated by 600 votes to 24. A celebration of the life for John Robert "Bobby" Brown, 72, will be held at his residence on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 10 a.m. Bobby was born in Dublin, but his home was Baldwin County. He was predeceased by his parents, John Preston "Pete" Brown and Virginia Watson Brown. He was retired The punishment (and attendant reeducation) of two Bedford police officers may have been a bit harsh for their offense but thats difficult to determine. In fact, Chief John Bryfonski has not shed much light on laffaire TikTok, in which two of his men using the video social platform apparent IT GOT INTO the 90s back home the other day and friends complained to me over the phone though guiltily because they knew Id spent a day in the ER in New York which, honestly, had been a beautiful illuminatory experience and not miserable at all, but they felt sheepish about complaining of NOTE: this is an archived page and the content is likely to be out of date. Fujitsu Limited, Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., and EXest Inc. will conduct a field trial using artificial intelligence to discover unanticipated needs of travelers visiting Japan, propose tours or other activity plans, and verify the effectiveness of the new services application. The trial will commence from January 30 to March 31, 2019. This field trial will match foreign travelers with activity plans devised by licensed guides(1) on EXest's "WOW U" platform by utilizing Fujitsu Laboratories-developed AI technology to take into account individual attributes and preferences, then recommending appropriate options(2). Input data, such as age and travel goals, will be used to propose a variety of plans suitable for individual foreign travelers and to lead them to various tourist sites throughout Japan. Users' level of satisfaction will also be verified. EXest will provide feedback on the test results while collaborating with Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories to improve the precision of the AI technology. The companies will aim to offer recommendation services that provide optimal activity plans. Background Foreign travelers to Japan now exceed 30 million annually, driving diversifying needs for sightseeing and cuisine, and leading to demands for enhanced planning. The Japanese government has announced its goal of achieving 40 million visitors annually by 2020, and improvements in infrastructure, staffing, content, and services to welcome these visitors are now top priority. Foreign travelers are currently concentrated in urban areas, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. To encourage travelers to a broader range of destinations throughout Japan, it is necessary to promote the appeal of regional histories and culture while raising the awareness of travelers. WOW U, operated by EXest, provides international travelers in Japan with trip plans for enjoying various activities throughout the country in tours led by licensed guides. At present, when EXest receives queries from travelers who seek to visit Japan, or from those visitors to the country who have no clear idea about places to go or things to do, the company's dedicated staff responds by using their individual experience and expertise to select a plan that fits the traveler's needs. At issue, however, is that preparing such proposals takes a considerable amount of time and cost. After EXest signed on to Fujitsu Accelerator Program(3) in 2017, both companies have looked to AI for ways to find solutions to such issues. Fujitsu, Fujitsu Laboratories, and EXest will now conduct a field trial utilizing AI to propose activity plans that match the needs of service users without the burden of site operation, and will verify the effect of introducing AI and its performance. Overview of Field Trial 1. Trial period From Wednesday, January 30, to Sunday, March 31, 2019 2. Website WOW U, a matching platform for foreign travelers: http://wow-u.jp 3. Details of the field trial This field trial will use WOW U, a platform operated by EXest, to match foreign travelers with licensed guides. Based on attribute data entered by users, such as age demographic and purpose of travel, AI technology developed by Fujitsu Laboratories is used to match user attributes and interests and recommend appropriate options, inferring users' interests to propose optimal activity plans. The companies will evaluate the website log and the degree of service user satisfaction with regard to whether or not a proposal was detailed and rich in activities and did it meet the increasingly diverse needs of foreign travelers. In addition, they will verify the effectiveness of their respective expertise by comparing against past results the success rate of activity plan sales and the time required to complete a sales contract. The role of each company in this field trial is as follows: EXest Evaluate improvements in the success rate of purchasing, number of page views and the time spent on the site of WOW U. Fujitsu Laboratories Prior to the field trial, interviews with visitors from abroad and questionnaire results were used to create a mathematical model that expressed the relationship between foreign travelers' characteristics and preferences. This model was then used to develop the AI technology that matches service users and activity plans. Additionally, to verify the validity of the model that had been developed, Fujitsu deployed to WOW U a system (figure 2) to analyze the degree to which user preferences estimated by using AI matched with actual user preferences. Fujitsu Develop and provide to WOW U APIs(4) that will recommend the optimum activity plan based on the Fujitsu Laboratories-developed AI technology. Fig. 2: Screen image Future Plans EXest aims to provide highly satisfactory services by enhancing its offerings with AI-based activity plan recommendations and other services including the planning of trips to Japan. Fujitsu and Fujitsu Laboratories will use the results of this field trial to improve the precision of the newly developed AI technology, and will explore its application in various settings for availability as Fujitsu's currently commercially available AI technology, the Zinrai Platform Service. Related Websites WOW U-media: Videos of tourist sites from around Japan, for foreign travelers to Japan https://wow-u.jp/media City officials paid $45,000 to the woman at the center of a months-long investigation into the conduct of fired city police officers Darren Murphy and Aaron Brown, according to court documents. For full access, please log in, register your subscription or subscribe. Try for 99 a month for two months, cancel or pause anytime. EPPING Selectmen are trying to find a better way to communicate with residents and hear their questions and concerns as Liberty Utilities mo Washington sees no indication that Moscow would choose compliance. A meeting between Russia and the United States failed to resolve U.S. accusations that Moscow is violating a Cold War missile treaty, setting the stage for Washington to withdraw from the pact, a U.S. official said on Wednesday. The United States is now set to start the six-month process of quitting the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty on Feb 2, U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson said after briefing NATO allies, according to Reuters. We werent able to break any new ground yesterday with Russia, Thompson said of the Jan. 15 meeting with Russian Foreign Ministry officials in Geneva. Based on yesterdays discussions and corresponding rhetoric today, we see no indication that Russia would choose compliance, Thompson told reporters. Read alsoNo new U.S. missiles in Europe but there are new Russian missiles: Stoltenberg Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday the United States had not properly considered Moscows proposals to save the pact and prevent a new arms race in Europe. Moscow says the range of its missiles puts them outside the treaty altogether and that the distance they can fly is not as long as Washington alleges, meaning Moscow is fully compliant with the INF. The INF treaty, negotiated by then-President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and ratified by the U.S. Senate, eliminated the medium-range missile arsenals of the worlds two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice. If parliament did vote that it had no confidence in May's government, there is a 14-day grace period in which to pass an act of confidence in a new government. UK Prime Minister Theresa May's government faces a no confidence vote on Wednesday after the crushing defeat of her Brexit divorce deal by parliament left Britain's exit from the European Union in disarray just 10 weeks before it is due to leave. British lawmakers voted 432-202 against her deal, the worst defeat in modern British history, triggering political chaos that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave, as reported by Reuters. With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now ensnared in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project that it joined in 1973. Read alsoBrexit: Theresa May's deal is voted down in historic Commons defeat BBC After the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called a vote of no confidence in May's government, to be held at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday. The small Northern Irish DUP party which props up May's minority government and refused to back the deal said it would stand behind May in the no-confidence vote. Pro-Brexit Conservatives also said they would support her. "I have no doubt that the prime minister will win that and then she can focus on trying to thrash out something with the EU and parliamentarians," James Cleverly, a lawmaker and deputy chairman of the Conservative party, told Reuters. "My fear is that parliament could lose its head and put the whole Brexit process at risk, which I think would be a catastrophic error," said Cleverly who supports Brexit. If parliament did vote that it had no confidence in May's government, there is a 14-day grace period in which to pass an act of confidence in a new government. If there is no vote of confidence in that new government, then a new election must be held within about 17 working days, according to the Institute of Government. That still leaves Brexit up in the air. May's humiliating loss appeared to catastrophically undermine May's two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Information on casualties is being verified. Russian occupation forces outside the village of Troyitske in Luhansk region on Wednesday attacked two trucks carrying the Ukrainian military, spokesman for the Joint Forces Operation Headquarters Vitaly Sarantsev told journalists. Yes, we are aware of the incident, now a medical team is working at the site, providing necessary assistance to those affected," Sarantsev said, according to Obozrevatel. Later on Wednesday, Commander of the 72nd Separate Motorized Brigade, Ruslan Tatus, elaborated on today's enemy attack. Read alsoOSCE spots 22 Grad rocket launchers south-west of Russian-occupied Luhansk As measures were taken as part of logistical support of the Brigade on food and water delivery at one of the strongholds of the military unit, the enemy hit the Ural truck with an anti-tank missile, also hitting the military who were unloading the cargo, the Commander said. According to Tatus, as a result of the shelling, five soldiers were wounded with two of them being in serious condition, while another five troops sustained injuries. There is no threat to life of the soldiers affected, according to the official, who added that the military have been provided medical assistance and evacuated to hospitals. As UNIAN reported earlier, Russia's hybrid military forces mounted five attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas on Tuesday, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action. Four enemy troops were killed and another three were wounded, intelligence reports say. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted five attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action. Read alsoKremlin assesses scenarios for "conflict" in Donbas "One Ukrainian soldier was wounded in the past day. According to intelligence reports, four occupiers were killed and another three were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation (JFO) said in an update published on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on January 16, 2019. Russian occupation forces opened fire from grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns and small arms, attacking the defenders of the villages of Slavne and Hnutove. The enemy also employed 120mm mortars, grenade launchers and heavy machine guns near the village of Krymske, as well as automatic grenade launchers near the village of Novo-Oleksandrivka. "Since Wednesday midnight, Russian-led forces haven't attacked the Ukrainian positions yet," the report said. The new legislation introduces administrative responsibility for the said type of offense. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed off Law "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Counteracting Bullying (Harassment) (No. 8584). The relevant information is posted on the official website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Today, January 16, the document was returned to the Verkhovna Rada after it was signed by President. As UNIAN reported earlier, the Verkhovna Rada passed the anti-bullying law on Dec 18, 2018. The Code of Administrative Offenses is supplemented by Article 173-4, which provides that bullying (harassment), that is, acts of participants in the educational process, which include psychological, physical, economic, and sexual violence, including using electronic communication devices, against a minor or underage person or by such person in relation to other participants in the educational process, as a result of which mental or physical harm could be or was inflicted to the victim's health, entails the imposition of a fine of 50 to 100 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens or community service for a period of 20 to 40 hours. Read alsoSystem failure: Why children die in Ukrainian schools If a group of persons is involved in the act or if it was being done repeatedly within a year after the imposition of an administrative penalty, the penalty will range from 100 to 200 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens or those responsible shall perform community service for a period of from 40 to 60 hours. If the act of bullying has been carried out by a minor, the law says their parents or persons replacing them shall be fined from 50 to one 100 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens or obliged to perform community service for a period of 20 to 40 hours. The law also provides that failure of the head of an educational institution to report the authorized units of the National Police the cases of bullying (harassment) entails a penalty of 50 to 100 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens or correctional work for up to one month with deduction of up to 20% of earnings. The law identifies typical signs of bullying, as well as "social teachers" are responsible for prevention of bullying (harrassment), providing advice to parents, psychological support for students who have suffered from bullying (harassment), have witnessed it, or were wrongdoers, themselves. As noted in the explanatory note to the bill, according to surveys, almost a quarter of Ukrainian school students consider themselves victims of bullying, while nearly 40% of the children who have been victims of bullying never tell their parents. At the same time, 44% of those who observed how other bullied their peers did not react to such facts for fear of being subjected to a similar harassment. Police are taking all measures to identify and detain the attackers. A police officer in the city of Kharkiv has been shot in the head by two masked men. Read alsoPoland shocked as mayor stabbed at charity event media "It has been established that two unknown persons approached the victim while he was leaving the doorway. The attackers hit the man and fired several shots at his head from an unidentified gun, after which they immediately fled the scene in a dark-colored car," the press service of the National Police in Kharkiv region said. The victim is reported to have head and neck wounds. He was taken to Kharkiv's hospital of emergency aid. Police are taking all measures to identify the attackers and detain them. An interception plan has been introduced in the region. The president asked foreign diplomats to deliver truth about the undeclared war waged by Russia against Ukraine. During an annual address to the representatives of foreign diplomatic institutions and representative offices of international organizations, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Russia had been fine-tuning new technologies of hybrid war in Ukraine. "It is Ukraine that happened to be on the cutting edge of clash of civilizations, at the forefront of protecting our common values, the struggle between good and evil. Only by restoring Ukraines territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, we will revive the confidence in the rule of international law. Only by ending Russian aggression, we will save the world from a Kremlin-grown virus of revanchism and neo-imperialism. I want the world to know about it," the president said, according to his press service. He recalled that on January 1, when everyone celebrated the fest of New Year, "we lost a Ukrainian soldier Mykola Golubev, who was killed by Russian aggressors shelling in Donbas." Read alsoGazeta Wyborcza: Russian trolls, propagandists intensify attacks on Ukraine ahead of elections The president asked foreign diplomats to deliver truth about the undeclared war waged by Russia against Ukraine. "About Ukraines sacrifice as we defend peace in Europe. About that the Kremlin does not plan to stop on Ukraine. That in Ukraine Russia fine-tunes its new technologies of hybrid war. And it is only a matter of time where the Kremlin will use them tomorrow, the very next days. Moscow understands well the strategic importance of Ukraine for the realization of its imperialistic fantasies. The design is simple that Ukraine will fall, that Ukraine will not stand. If Ukraine falls, it would only incite Russian appetites in other parts of Europe and in other parts of the world," Poroshenko said. The president said that the "methods of Russian aggression may change." The only thing remains unchanged Russia doesn't strive for peace, according to the Ukrainian president. The bill fully complies with the letter and spirit of the ECHR decision on the case of Svyato-Mykhaylivska Parafiya v. Ukraine, Yelenskiy said. Ukrainian lawmaker and religious scholar Volodymyr Yelenskiy has said the bill on the transition of the parishes of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) to the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) fully complies with European legislation, including a relevant decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Read alsoForeign state should not interfere in church's affairs Poroshenko "There are references in this bill to the statutes of religious communities. For example, it says 'religious associations are free to determine at their own discretion the manner in which new members are admitted and existing members are excluded.' This is a direct-effect provision from the ECHR's decision on the case of Svyato-Mykhaylivska Parafiya v. Ukraine," he told journalists on the sidelines of the parliament, Pryamiy TV Channel reported. According to him, there is a law in Ukraine that provides that every religious community can be subordinated to any spiritual center both in Ukraine and abroad, and freely change denomination. "But there is no procedure how to change it. The new bill proposes a model procedure since the state cannot interfere in the internal affairs of religious communities and respects their autonomy," he said. "This bill [on the change of denomination] fully complies with the letter and spirit of the ECHR decision on the case of Svyato-Mykhaylivska Parafiya v. Ukraine," he added. The closer the elections, the more fake stories emerge attempting to either dehumanize Ukrainians in the eyes of the Russians or demoralize Ukrainian people. Almost five years into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Kremlins use of information as a weapon against Ukraine has not decreased. According to the EU versus Disinformation website, Ukraine still stands out as the most misrepresented country in pro-Kremlin media. In 2018, the country remained the most frequent disinformation target, with 461 references among a total of 1,000 disinformation cases reported in the course of the year by EU vs Disinfo, Poland's Gazeta Wyborcza wrote. The EU created the disinformation watchdog in 2015 by joint decision of Member States. It aims to track and respond to Russian disinformation. Experts say the lies of the Russian media target voters in Russia, Ukraine, and other countries. Ukrainians are being dehumanized in the eyes of Russians who are told that Ukraine is ruled by successors of the Nazis in Kyiv. Also, Russian propaganda is trying to demoralize Ukrainian voters by spreading, for example, stories about the alleged weakness of the country's Army. At the same time, Russians seek to convince western audiences that it is Ukraine, not Russia, that is to blame for the start of war in Donbas. Read alsoAnother attempt by Russia to discredit Ukraine's new church fails media The landmark event of 2019 will be presidential and parliamentary elections, the newspaper recalls, adding that Kyiv warns that Russia will try to influence the voting process in various ways. Recently in the UK, they said that 5,000 accounts had been revealed on Twitter, used to meddle in British elections. We have a common information space with the Russians, so the interference will be enormous, Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said back in December. Experts share his concerns. Besides, a survey conducted by the Socis Center at the end of 2018, says 46.9% of Ukrainians believe that the threat of Russian influence on the elections is real. Poroshenko said he would defend the freedom of religion of those who decide to join the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has stressed the importance of the independence of the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine, saying there should not be any interference in its affairs. "The state should not interfere in the activities of the church. Especially when it is a foreign state. The Ukrainian church cannot be guided by Moscow when Russia attacked us, seized Crimea, committed aggression against our state in the east and kills Ukrainians. And now, through various elements of the hybrid war, including the church, it tries to undermine Ukraine's stability from the inside," Poroshenko said while visiting the newly built Boryspil Academy, the president's press service has reported. Read alsoKyiv Military Hospital's church decides to join new Orthodox Church of Ukraine "Now Ukrainians are united by the church," he stressed and thanked Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, honorable Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus'-Ukraine Filaret, the hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox churches and all who believed and prayed for the creation of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine. "We pray and I hope that the Lord will send wisdom to the Ukrainian priests and they will continue the process of unification into a single church, without any pressure from the state. For, as His Beatitude Epifaniy said, we come with love and prayer," Poroshenko said. "If someone decides to stay in prayer unity with the Russian Orthodox Church, where they start a divine service with the prayer for Kirill, who prays for Putin, for the Russian army and for the Russian authorities, takes part in the meetings of the Ministry of Defense and the Security Council of the Russian Federation this is their choice," the president said. At the same time, Poroshenko said he would defend the freedom of religion of those who decide to join the newly created Orthodox Church of Ukraine. He said that after receiving the tomos of autocephaly, more than 60 parishes throughout Ukraine have become part of the united Orthodox Church of Ukraine. "We will not push for this, but we will thank everyone who makes such a clever decision," the president noted. Canada continues to condemn unlawful Russian actions. Canada has called on the Russian Federation to immediately release the Ukrainian crew captured near the Kerch Strait on November 25, 2018. "Canada is deeply concerned with Russia's decision to extend the detention of Ukrainian crew captured during recent events near the Kerch Strait and calls for their immediate release. Canada continues to condemn unlawful Russian actions," the Embassy of Canada in Ukraine wrote on Twitter on January 16, 2019. Read alsoUkraine protests against Moscow's decision to extend detention term for Ukrainian sailors UNIAN memo. On the morning of November 25, Russia blocked the passage to the Kerch Strait for the Ukrainian tugboat "Yany Kapu" and two armored naval boats "Berdyansk" and "Nikopol," which were on 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. Moscow's Lefortovo district court on January 15, 2019, decided to keep 20 Ukrainian sailors in remand until April 24. Today, January 16, the court extended the detention term for another four Ukrainian sailors. Lavrov called the case against Vyshinsky "ridiculous." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says that Russia will seek the return of chief of the Russian RIA Novosti's Kyiv office Kirill Vyshinsky through international channels rather than through an exchange for Ukrainian citizens. Russia is making efforts to release Vyshinsky through international organizations and journalists' unions, as well as via bilateral contacts with other countries to "influence Kyiv," Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on the results of Russian foreign policy in 2018, an UNIAN correspondent in Russia has reported. Read alsoTrial of chief of Russian RIA Novosti's Kyiv office to take place in Kyiv "I don't think the idea of a swap, which, perhaps, someone considers interesting will help the Ukrainian authorities return to strict compliance with their obligations regarding the activities of journalists. Such ideas can only warm up the desire of those who are ready to use journalists as a bargaining chip for their unseemly purposes," he said. He called the case against Vyshinsky "absurd." "I assure you we will do our utmost to ensure that justice is served and the journalist is freed and gets back to his professional duties," Lavrov said. As UNIAN reported earlier, the press secretary of the Ukrainian SBU Security Service's chief, Olena Gitlianska, said on May 15, 2018, SBU officers had conducted raids in the office of RIA Novosti Ukraine in Kyiv. Later, it became known that Vyshinsky was detained and indicted on charges of high treason. The SBU and prosecutors had uncovered the illegal activity of a Russian-controlled media chain in Ukraine. It was established that in spring 2014, when Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea, Vyshinsky produced anti-Ukrainian materials and received a medal "For the Return of Crimea" from Russian President Vladimir Putin, the SBU said. Vyshinsky jointly with several other journalists started actively supporting the terrorist organizations in Donbas, the "DPR" and the "LPR," after his return from Crimea in 2014. Deputy head of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine Viktor Kononenko said Vyshinsky had been paid EUR 53,000 every month for discrediting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Vyshinsky's lawyer said on May 16 his client had been transferred by Ukrainian law enforcers from Kyiv to Kherson for hearings on a preventive measure. On May 17, the Kherson City Court chose Vyshinsky a preventive measure in the form of detention. In November, the court extended the arrest of the suspect until January 27, 2019. On January 10, 2019, the pretrial investigation into Vyshinsky's case was completed. One of Kyiv's district courts will consider his case. The trial of the Ukrainian servicemen runs counter to international humanitarian law, the diplomats said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Ukraine expresses its resolute protest over the illegitimate decision taken by Moscow's Lefortovo District Court to prolong the pretrial detention of 24 Ukrainian servicemen captured by the Russian Federation in the Black Sea on November 25, 2018. Read alsoMoscow court extends detention term for all 24 captive Ukrainian sailors until April 24 "The trial of these Ukrainian servicemen runs counter to international humanitarian law. The closed-door court hearing today is clear evidence that the Kremlin is fully complicit in this sham trial," the Ukrainian MFA said in a statement on January 16, 2019. "According to the 1949 Third Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, there can be no dispute that these captured Ukrainian sailors have the legal status of prisoners of war. We therefore strongly demand that the Russian Federation treat them in full accordance with their status and with full respect to their rights under international humanitarian law," the Ukrainian diplomats said. "In addition, we urge the Russian side to promptly provide medical findings on the health of these wounded prisoners of war and to provide treatment," they said. The ministry says Ukraine is grateful to its international partners whose representatives came to the court premises to support the Ukrainian servicemen. "We greatly appreciate this manifestation of solidarity with Ukraine and its captured servicemen," the statement said. "We call on the international community to condemn Russia's actions and to consolidate pressure on Moscow that will lead to the release of all 24 prisoners of war, currently incarcerated in Russia," it said. The U.S. remains gravely concerned about Bekirov's deteriorating health and poor treatment in Russian custody. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine has urged Russia to immediately free Bekirov and all other Ukrainian political prisoners. Read alsoCrimea's de-facto authorities promise Ukrainian detainee Bekirov will be taken to hospital "Imprisoning Edem Bekirov was unjust. Denying him proper medical care is unconscionable. We remain gravely concerned about Bekirov's deteriorating health and poor treatment in Russian custody. Russia must release Bekirov and all other Ukrainian political prisoners immediately," the embassy wrote on Facebook. As UNIAN reported earlier, a "court" in Russian-occupied Crimea has remanded 58-year-old Crimean Tatar Edem Bekirov in custody for two months, after he was seized by the FSB on December 12 when he tried to cross into Crimea to visit his elderly mother. Bekirov has an artificial leg, diabetes and last year suffered a serious heart attack. He is, however, also married to a member of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people which Russia is persecuting. "That would seem to have been enough for the FSB to concoct a story about transporting weapons based solely on the 'testimony' of an anonymous individual," the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (KHPG) said. It transpired on December 13, after Bekirov had reportedly been held for well over a day without water or food, that the FSB are charging him with circulating and transporting more than 10 kilograms of DNT and 190 bullets (under Article 222, Paragraph 2 of Russia's Criminal Code). Congolese refugees wait for food rations at a distribution center in Mantapala settlement, Zambia. UNHCR/Enoch Kavindele Jr KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) - Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to cause internal and external displacement. The increase in the number of Congolese fleeing across borders in 2018, particularly to Burundi, Uganda and Zambia, brought the number of Congolese refugees in Africa to some 800,000 as of November 2018. The majority of whom are women and children and nearly 55 per cent are under 18. Neighbouring countries have been generous in maintaining an open-door policy and welcoming Congolese fleeing violence and armed attacks in their country. Protracted displacement is however straining the already limited resources of host communities in a region where half of the population lives below the poverty line. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and UNDP, the UN Development Programme, have come together to address both the short-term impacts of displacement on host communities and the long-term needs of refugees who cannot go back home. Through a joint-programming exercise, the two UN agencies will support host governments in including refugees in national systems and will look for opportunities to further strengthen refugee-hosting areas in countries of asylum and areas of return in the DRC. This joint-programming exercise is not just bureaucratic talk, points out Ann Encontre, UNHCRs Regional Refugee Coordinator for the DRC situation and Regional Representative in the DRC. By working together with other humanitarian and development actors to make livelihoods, health care, documentation and other basic services more accessible, we hope to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of refugees and host communities. David Clapp, UNDPs Sub-Regional Platform Coordinator for East and Southern Africa underscores the importance of the joint effort. This is our attempt to develop a more predictable and sustainable refugee response that brings together humanitarian and development actors in the short, medium, and long term, he adds. The goal is to create a new type of response to refugee crises that includes a development approach as a natural evolution of humanitarian programmes to walk the talk on the so called humanitarian- development nexus. Activities developed through the joint-programme will support the objectives of the 2016 New York Declarations for Refugees and Migrants and are also in line with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF). Strengthened governance, increased protection through rule of law and access to justice, the creation of employment opportunities, and environmental protection through the use of alternative sources of energy fuel are key objectives of the joint UNHCR-UNDP programme which covers the DRC and six neighbouring countries hosting Congolese refugees: Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zambia. In Angola, the Lovua municipality hosts more than 19,000 refugees - more than its own population. The joint-programme aims to improve social cohesion and co-existence between refugee and host populations by increasing livelihood opportunities for all. The Mantapala refugee settlement in Zambia, a country where 64 per cent of the total population lives below the poverty line, is home to over 13,000 refugees from neighbouring DRC. The joint-programme will make opportunities for women entrepreneurs and access to markets and services a priority, benefiting both refugees and locals. In Burundi, cooperation between UNHCR and UNDP will focus on strengthening rule of law and access to justice, which play an important role in the mitigation of tensions between host and refugee communities. UNHCR, together with 56 humanitarian and development partners, launched an appeal of US$ 743 million in December 2018 to help respond to the needs of refugees from the DRC and their host communities in Africa. You can find the joint programming document here: UNHCR: https://data2.unhcr.org/en/documents/download/67603 UNDP: http://www.glrsf.org/news/123-unhcr-undp-joint-programming-initiatives-for-the-drc-situation For more information: UNHCR Kinshasa: Stylianos Kostas, [email protected] UNDP Nairobi: Massimo Nicoletti Altimari, [email protected] Nestled at the end of her sofa in the soft light of a standard lamp, a lined notebook balanced on her knees, Nagham Nawzat Hasan often takes time at the end of the day to record the harrowing accounts she has heard from escaped Yazidi women who were abducted from their homes in northern Iraq and held captive by ISIS. Since devoting her working life four years ago to helping these women recover from their ordeal, the 40-year-old gynaecologist has helped more than a thousand survivors, transcribing countless pages of horrors as part of a personal ritual that has become part testimony, part therapy. I have more than 200 stories written down. I feel like I have to record this for history, Hasan explained. I would get home and cry, thinking about all that I had heard. It affected me psychologically. I am also a Yazidi, and a woman. Writing their stories down helps me to relieve some of that trauma. The Yazidi community from Sinjar in northwestern Iraq, whose ancient religion has its roots in Sufism and Zoroastrianism, were targeted by the militant group in August 2014. Armed fighters separated men and boys older than 12 years from their families and killed those who refused to adopt their beliefs. I would get home and cry, thinking about all that I had heard. It affected me psychologically." It is estimated that more than 6,000 Yazidi women and girls were kidnapped and sold as slaves, and held in captivity for months or even years. Many were subjected to imprisonment, torture and systematic rape, as part of a campaign of persecution that the UN has deemed a genocide and a crime against humanity. To this day, the fate of more than 1,400 Yazidi women remains unknown. Hasan was working at a hospital in Baashiqa a town 14 kilometres northeast of Mosul when the area fell to the militants. As she and her family fled to Duhok, in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, they began to hear the reports of Yazidi men being massacred and women and children being abducted. See also: Yazidi women welcomed back to the faith A few months later, Hasan became aware of two Yazidi women that had arrived in Duhok after fleeing their captors. In seeking them out, she unknowingly changed the course of her own life. When Yazidi women began escaping to Duhok, thats when my work started, Hasan said. I saw immediately that they were destroyed. They had lost all trust in people, so I set out to rebuild that trust. I approached women and encouraged them to seek help and treatment. I gave them my phone number and slowly built up trust. Before long, newly escaped women began calling me themselves. Gynaecologist Nagham Nawzat Hasan visits a Yazidi woman who survived ISIS violence, at a settlement in Duhok Governorate in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. UNHCR/Claire Thomas Nagham Nawzat Hasan counsels and treats a Yazidi woman at an informal tented settlement for displaced people in Duhok Governorate in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. UNHCR/Claire Thomas Nagham Nawzat Hasan, who was displaced from her hometown in 2014, sits at home in the city of Duhok in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. UNHCR/Claire Thomas Nagham Nawzat Hasan visits an informal tented settlement for displaced people in Duhok Governorate in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq.. UNHCR/Claire Thomas Her work was secretive at first as people struggled to come to terms with what had happened. As the scale of the atrocities committed against the captives became clear, religious and social leaders issued calls for the abducted women to be welcomed back into the community. The Yazidi community played a huge role. They were the first ones to receive these women back, Hasan explained. Acceptance by their families and support from the community was an important step, but they needed more. Her experience as a gynaecologist proved essential, but it soon became clear that the needs of the survivors went far beyond their physical treatment. Medically, most of them suffered from pain. Many had sexually transmitted infections as a result of numerous rapes. But psychologically, the state of survivors was extremely bad. I did not have a magical treatment, but being a woman and a Yazidi, I saw most survivors trusted me. I did not have a magical treatment, but being a woman and a Yazidi, I saw that most survivors trusted me. Building on the relationships she was able to forge, Hasan began to devote more and more of her time to visiting survivors in their homes, where they felt safest. Two years ago, she set up her own NGO called Hope Makers for Women, which provides medical and psychological support to female survivors living in camps set up to house displaced Yazidis. On a dazzling early winters morning at a tented camp near Mosul Dam Lake, Hasan arrives on one of her regular visits and is greeted like family by a group of half a dozen smiling Yazidi women, who smother her in hugs and kisses. Later she visits one of her regular patients, a young woman who was held captive for nearly three years along with her three daughters. Life was very bad after we first escaped from ISIS, and in the beginning I couldnt even go outside my tent, the young mother explained. She made herself fully available to us. She treated us and looked after us. The doctor helped me find a strength I didnt know I had. See also: Freed Yazidi boy joins his mother in Canada Hasan points to the living conditions still endured by many survivors, which she says make it harder for them to recover from their ordeal. To have escaped ISIS and then have to spend two or three years living in a tent in a camp, with no work how can they truly recover in that situation? As well as providing ongoing humanitarian assistance to displaced Yazidis, UNHCR the UN Refugee Agency has worked with partner organizations to establish uniform standards for counselling, to ensure that Yazidi women and girls all receive satisfactory care. Hasan says international support for the Yazidi people must be maintained if they are to ever truly recover from the crimes committed against them. International support for the Yazidis has decreased since the liberation of Mosul. Some, like UNHCR and UNFPA, are still offering assistance, but support overall is going down. Im concerned that in future this support will disappear entirely. "Each one of us fought ISIS as much as she could, but you fought them with the most powerful weapon the day you decided to treat us. This brought our souls back to life. She is calling on the international community to offer more resettlement places to Yazidi survivors who choose to make a fresh start elsewhere. Those that opt to stay in Iraq, meanwhile, require financial assistance to help re-establish their lives outside the camps, as well as training and job creation schemes to boost their economic prospects, she added. For Hasan herself, the work of helping Yazidi survivors and others who have lived through similar experiences will continue. This is now what I want to do with my life. I became a doctor to care for people and help those in need. I am still a doctor, but Ive gone from working in a hospital to working as a humanitarian. Next to her notebooks filled with tales of suffering and pain lies another book that serves as a reminder to Hasan of the purpose behind the life she has chosen. One of the first survivors she worked with was the author and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad, who six months ago sent Hasan a copy of her memoir. A handwritten dedication inside reads: To dearest Dr. Nagham. Each one of us fought ISIS as much as she could, but you fought them with the most powerful weapon the day you decided to treat us. This brought our souls back to life. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has met with Estonian Foreign Minister Sven Mikser, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius and Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz, the press service of the head of state has reported. "The head of state expressed gratitude for consistent support from Estonia, Lithuania and Poland for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as well as for the decisive condemnation of Russia's aggressive actions," the presidential press service reported on Tuesday, January 15. According to the report, the participants in the meeting discussed the situation in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea and the existing threats from Russia, taking into account an act of aggression by Russian military forces against Ukrainian ships and the capture of Ukrainian sailors in November 2018. The sides emphasized the need to strengthen consolidated international pressure on Russia with the demand to immediately release Ukrainian captive sailors, return seized ships and ensure freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. The president briefed the ministers on the situation in Donbas and Russia's violation of the Minsk agreements, as well as a ceasefire regime. Poroshenko thanked the leaders of the foreign ministries of the allies of Ukraine for actively promoting the issue of introducing a new "Azov package" of EU sanctions against Russia. The head of state expressed hope for increased assistance from the European Commission and EU member states in support of Donbas and the Ukrainian Azov region suffering from lasting Russian aggression. In this context, he praised the decision of the EU side to send an assessment mission at the end of January to study the additional socio-economic needs of the region. The Ukrainian delegation informed the NATO partners about the security challenges that exist around Ukraine, in particular in the Black Sea region, and about the measures to counteract such threats. "We discussed not only the transition of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to NATO standards. During the meeting, we also touched upon the situation in the Black Sea region, in particular, the military threats to the national security of Ukraine. An important issue is also providing Ukraine with the practical assistance we need today to respond adequately to these threats now and in the near future," Chief of the General Staff, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General of the Army of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko said in a commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent after a meeting with NATO Deputy Secretary General Rose Gottemoeller on Monday, January 15. As the General noted, during the meeting, Rose Gottemoeller was concerned about the fate of Ukrainian military sailors, who had been captured by Russians during the armed provocation against Ukraine in the Sea of Azov. Muzhenko added that the legal department of the General Staff cooperated with the investigators of the Prosecutor Generals Office of Ukraine in refuting the charges laid by the Russian investigative committee against the Ukrainian servicemen for their participation in hostilities in eastern Ukraine. "There is a progress in this issue, and I think we will settle it in the near future," Muzhenko added. As reported, the military delegation of Ukraine led by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko arrived in Brussels to attend a meeting of the NATO Military Committee. Slovakia, which currently holds the OSCE Chairmanship, supports the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, and a priority in its work is settling the crisis in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said this at a meeting with Slovakia's Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Miroslav Lajcak, who will preside at the OSCE in 2019, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported. "I would like to especially thank for defining the issue of 'solving the crisis in and around Ukraine' as a key task for the OSCE in 2019," Poltorak said. According to the report, Poltorak and Lajcak discussed successful cooperation between the defense agencies of Ukraine and Slovakia, in particular, with regard to establishing a military and political dialogue, regional cooperation, the participation of the Slovak Republic in NATO trust funds in support of Ukraine in mine clearance activities, as well as medical rehabilitation of servicemen of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Last month saw the lowest number of residential properties sold for December in seven years, according to the latest figures from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, or REINZ. Your playlist will load after this ad December 2018 had a decrease of 12.9 per cent year-on-year, with 5330 houses sold - a 787-house drop from December 2017. Excluding Auckland, New Zealand had an 8.2 per cent drop in properties sold compared to December 2017. It was the lowest for the month of December in five years. Auckland dropped significantly, plummeting 24.3 per cent for December compared to 2017, seeing it as the lowest month of December in 10 years. REINZ chief executive Bindi Norwell labelled last month as "extremely quiet". With listings also down in November and December, Ms Norwell said it was not surprising December was also a quiet month. Largest annual drops in residential properties sold: Auckland: -24.3% (from 1765 to 1336 429 fewer houses) Taranaki: -23.0% (from 161 to 124 37 fewer houses) Wellington: -16.2% (from 792 to 664 128 fewer houses) Otago: -14.6% (from 391 to 334 57 fewer houses) For more on this story, watch 1 NEWS at 6pm. Source: 1 NEWS Despite the drop, December 2018 saw an increase in the national median house price by 1.5 per cent to $560,000 - from $551,750 in December 2017. "It was a strong month from a price perspective as every region in New Zealand saw an annual increase in the median price," Ms Norwell said. The qualifying period for the Fort Myers Beach Town Council elections in March will close this Friday, and one hat definitely wont be in the ring again. Mayor Tracey Gore has announced that she will not run for another term. But her fellow incumbent, Councilmember Dennis Boback, isnt ready to abdicate his spot in council chambers just yet. He filed his election paperwork Friday and is preparing to defend his seat. When I ran in 2016, I never intended to do it twice, Gore said. I think that weve accomplished more than what I was setting out to accomplish when I got elected. Those accomplishments, according to Gore, include the balancing of a more than $3 million deficit, the hiring of a town manager that is experienced and responsive, and the upgrading of community facilities like Bay Oaks Recreational Center. From the very beginning when Tracey and I got elected, the town was in very dire financial straits And we turned that around in two-and-a-half years by making good decisions, making good hires and I want to make sure that continues forward, Boback said. Gore and Boback won their seats in March 2016 by running on a platform to preserve the small-town character of Fort Myers Beach. When TPIs first resort proposal was brought forward in 2015, it seemed that town council was leaning toward approval. One day I was invited to someones house, and when I got there, it was a bunch of residents asking me to please run for council. I debated, because my daughter was in high school and I had a lot of volunteer responsibilities, as well as running my commercial shrimping business. I finally said yes, Id do it for one three-year term, Gore said. The citizens put their faith in Gores knowledge of the town code, which she keeps in several three-ring binders on her desk at home, marked up and full of post-it notes. I was raised researching, she said, crediting her mother, president of the Ostego Bay Foundation and unofficial historian of San Carlos Island, Joanne Semmer, with instilling that love of knowledge in her. Gore won her seat with 1,336 votes and Boback with 867, in an election that inspired a massive turnout of 58 percent of voters, according to news accounts. That was enough to turn the tide in the council and force TPI to rework its proposal, cutting down the size and scope of the project in order to be approved. Though she is proud of the work shes done on council, it certainly hasnt been the breeziest of terms for Gore. She faced attack ads accusing her of being anti-growth during her campaign, a controversy involving a secret audio tape and allegations of Sunshine Law violations from the Estero Island Taxpayers Association (of which she and Boback have been cleared by the State Attorneys office), and an unprecedented water quality crisis on the beach that led her to join in a lawsuit with four other municipalities against the South Florida Water Management District. In the face of these struggles, she remembered a word of advice that former mayor Dan Hughes gave her when she was elected. He said to me, half the people are going to love you, and half the people are going to hate you. And hes absolutely right, she said. Her solution to this dilemma has been to stick to the comprehensive plan. As long as you follow what the code says and the rules say, then theres no problem, youre doing what the book says youre supposed to do, she said. But politics have left Gore with little time for her family she has a daughter in her first year of college in Orlando, and wants to be available to spend time with her husband, a shrimper whose visits home are few and far between. She cites an obsessive dedication to her work as an obstacle to juggling her public and personal lives. Im one of those people, if I do it, Im 100 percent in. I cant even go on vacation without answering my phoneWhen a resident calls me and they say, I have an issue, I will stay on that issue until its resolved. Im from start to finish, period. And I cant get rid of who I am, she said. Gore insists she will still be active in the community, but she wants to be a private citizen again for a while. An advocate for term limits, she believes everybody should run for office and serve a term, and shes not ruling out another term for herself in the future. I could run again in a year, in the next election if I wanted to. Im not going to put that off the table if that is something that Im able to do, but my family is going to come first, she said. Her advice for the next council is simple: follow the comprehensive plan, and always put citizens first. She has some advice for citizens, too. Stay active and never become complacent if your quality of life is suffering. Most times whatever may be bothering you is something the council or town manager is unaware of it is your elected officials responsibility to set the desired policies of the citizens, so make sure you let them know your desires, she said. Meanwhile, Boback is buckling in for the upcoming race. I think weve made a lot of headway, and I still think we have a little further to go. Weve got the town, I believe, moving in the right direction, and Id like to see that through, he said. With Angus Eve now in the hot seat, and that too a time when T&T football is in shambles, the former player has come in for praise for accepting the job. We are about promoting women being in power and getting out of the rut they may be in and doing what theyve always wanted to do, Ifekoya said. Ifekoya knows the lessons she is preaching. Born and raised in Tulsa, she became a mom at age 15 and had another child at 17. As a high school dropout, she sought help and guidance with the Madonna House at Catholic Charities. Through Tulsa Job Corps, she earned her GED than went to Tulsa Community College. Then, she finished her bachelors degree in business management and then a masters degree in accounting. Along the way, she had a third child. Ifekoya has been growing her nonprofit while working as supervisor at a local company. Her nonprofit hosts activities such as creating vision boards, getting healthy living tips, and providing help in seeking a better job. Her social media posts and website have been shared by thousands across the country. I have lived a life, and God has blessed me for where I was going to go, Ifekoya said. Her cousin, long-time Tulsa activist Mary Riggins, invited her to a planning meeting of the Tulsa Womens March last year. The march sparked feelings of sisterhood that hooked her into ensuring the event continues. "We'd ask him 'How in the world did you land on an aircraft carrier after dark?' because he did that. He said, 'It was like landing on a postage stamp.'" Bond also talked about the planes the ones he loved to fly, like his Hellcat fighter, and those he hated. Bond, who flew missions off the USS Bennington aircraft carrier, was a member of Navy squadron VBF-8. About three years ago, his son said, decades-old photos of the squadron's pilots all 80-something of them, including Bond surfaced for sale on eBay. An alert buyer acquired them and then gave them a home online. When Bond's son showed them to him, it was the first time he'd seen his comrades since the war. "He knew who they all were," including those who, sadly, had not made it home. Bond's son said his father, who ran a lumber business in Tulsa, never lost his passion for flight. He had his private license and continued flying into his 70s. Bond donated his body to OU School of Medicine. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Folds of Honor Foundation in Owasso. Bond was preceded in death by his wife, Janet. Survivors include his sons, Bill and David; three granddaughters; and two great-grandsons. Tim Stanley 918-581-8385 tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @timstanleyTW 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. I follow the Cardinals mostly during the season, just with high hopes. You know, its tough. Im from Arizona, so when I want to like the Rams, they go, You are from Arizona. Well, I have actually been in L.A. longer, but its hard to jump on a team. I have a special spot for the Cardinals and they never quite get there. Its just tough. I feel worse for Larry Fitzgerald. He is so great and they cant get it going over there. Its just hard. But they might give Josh Rosen that Jared Goff first year. Give him the summer. When you come in as a rookie, it must be unbelievable. Everyone is bigger and faster and tougher and talking crap and you are getting your butt kicked and you are like wait, wait, wait. Please let me go back to college. I dont think they even have any idea (how talented the other NFL players are). The best person in college is as good as every single pro. Its too hard. Its like when I went to SNL. I was a pretty good comedian. Im at SNL and Im like, oh my god, I skipped college and went to the pros. Its too much. A Collinsville student has been named to the Deans List at Ohio Christian University College of Adult and Graduate Studies for the fall 2017 semester. Lydia Volz joined several other students in receiving the prestigious recognition from the school, based out of Circleville, Ohio. To be eligible for the Deans List, a student must achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 or better and be enrolled in at least 12 graded semester hours. Ohio Christian University offers degree programs for residential undergraduate students, graduate students, and adult and online students. Additionally, students can participate in OnlinePlus which provides undergraduate classes online with the option of participating in for-credit enrichment experiences on campus or abroad. - Prawit Wongsuwan also told reporters it was "good enough" no Thai citizen was killed - He assured his countrymen the ministry of foreign affairs would deal with any situation - DusitD2 Hotel is owned by Thai investors hence Prawit's comments Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan has claimed the sumptuous meal offered at the DusitD2 Hotel may be the reason it was a target spot for terrorists. Speaking to Daily Mail, Prawit who is also the Defence Minister also told reporters it was "good enough" no Thai national was neither killed nor caught up in the deadly commotion. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens. READ ALSO: DusitD2 attack: American who survived 9/11 attack in US among deceased in Nairobi Thailand Deputy PM Prawit during a press briefing on Wednesday, January 16. Photo: Khaosod English. Source: UGC READ ALSO: DusitD2 attack: Best friends killed while having lunch to be laid to rest today Its good enough that no Thai people died. The Foreign Affairs Ministry is dealing with this," he said. The minister was then asked why attackers may have chosen the hotel which is owned by Thai investors to advance their agenda. I dont know. Maybe because the food is delicious, he responded. TUKO.co.ke previously reported al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack which left 14 people dead. One being a US citizen who survived a similar assault when the Osama Bin Laden-led group al-Qaeda hit World Trade Organisation Centre on September 11, 2001. In his first address to the public, President Uhuru Kenyatta assured Kenyans the security agencies would deal with any elements of terrorism. "In the coming days and weeks, we shall continue the never-ending work of strengthening our systems. From the means available to the security services, and judicial arms, we will continue taking every step to making our nation inhospitable to terrorist groups and network," he assured. 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. Witness Narrates His Experience After 14 Riverside Terror Attack | Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke Cotton is one of the agricultural staples of Pinal County, and much of Southern Arizona. While the state of Arizona could receive well over $150 million in extra tax revenue this year, the jury is out on how the government plans to utilize the funding. Desert Archeology discovered the presence of irrigation canals in Marana along the eastern bank of the Santa Cruz River a decade ago. Archaeologists have studied the site, and concluded it was constructed thousands of years ago. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute students learn in the Lally School of Management, which is adding a new degree program in business analytics. Many commentators are highly critical of the Government given the high debt held at present, particularly so, as the Minister of Finance has told us that the Government is short of money and had to revert to both the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) and borrowing to continue to run the economy and support those disadvantaged by the pandemic and the continuing recession. I am repeatedly asked by various stakeholders whether Covid-19 vaccination could be made mandatory, so today I offer some initial thoughts. This is not a clear-cut legal question and there are good arguments on both sides. There is no law, precedent or policy which governs the matter at present. Labour law, public health and human rights issues intermingle and ultimately, what is reasonable and in the majority interest would likely prevail. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has apologised for the vaccine fiasco last week, but said it was just one bad day. After more than a year of managing and attempting to control the spread of the Covid-19 virus in Trinidad and Tobago, Rowley admitted that the Government made a blunder by allowing walk-in vaccinations at health centres across the country. . . . ... The Senate unanimously passed a bill yesterday which gives the public the right to access a sex offender website providing names, photographs and date of birth of convicted sex offenders. All present in the chamber supported the Sexual Offences Amendment which was passed 28 for, none against. THE legislative road has been paved for the decriminalisation of pepper spray in Trinidad and Tobago. The Firearms (Amendment) Bill 2021 was passed yesterday in the House of Representatives with no objection. THE COVID-19 pandemic has pushed the world to maximise the use of digital platforms. One supermarket that is making good use of this is SuperQuality. With locations in the Trincity Industryal Estate, Couva and Chaguanas, the supermarket has launched its e-commerce store, where customers will be able to access goods and services with the click of a button from the comfort of their home. Director of of e-commerce at SuperQuality, Dion Khan told Express Business that technology and innovation have always been his main focus for the groups supermarkets. rajivbhatia82@gmail.com London, January 16 Britain's parliament on Tuesday voted against Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a massive margin, triggering a no confidence vote that could bring down her government. The House of Commons lower house voted 432 to 202 against May's plan for taking Britain out of the European Union after nearly five decades, one of the biggest defeats ever suffered by a British premier. The EU warned that the vote, which plunges Britain into uncharted waters, boosts the risk of a "no deal" Brexit. Moments after the outcome, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in May's government. The vote is set for Wednesday. Speaking moments before the MPs cast their ballots, May said MPs had a "duty to deliver" on the results of a 2016 referendum that started the divorce. "I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people," May said, warning MPs that the EU would not offer any "alternative deal". "A vote against this deal is a vote for uncertainty, division, and the very real threat of a no deal," she argued to loud jeers from the packed chamber. "The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations." Most lawmakers have always opposed Brexit, as have some leading members of May's government, creating an inherent contradiction that has torn apart the island nation. And with just over two months to go until the scheduled March 29 departure, Britain still cannot decide what to do. May must now decide whether she tries to hold another vote, gets kicked out of office, delays Brexit -- or if Brexit even happens at all. As their nation's fate was being decided, hundreds of noisy supporters and opponents of Brexit, some banging drums and others driving floats with huge dolls mocking top UK politicians, rallied outside the ancient parliament building in London. "It could end up being the day that will lead to us leaving with no deal!" said 25-year-old Simon Fisher, who backs a swift and sharp break with the EU. A much larger rally nearby in support of a second referendum turned Parliament Square into a sea of EU flags. One pro-Brexit activist attempting to join the rally was detained by police to shouts of "scum" from fellow protesters in an indication of rising tensions. Others voiced their support for a second referendum, an option May's government rules out. May made it her mission to carry out the wishes of voters after she became premier in July 2016, putting aside her own initial misgivings and stating repeatedly that "Brexit means Brexit". But facing a heavy drubbing, May decided to postpone a parliamentary vote in December on the Brexit deal in the hope of winning concessions from Brussels -- and that a Christmas break would change lawmakers' minds. EU leaders came back with only non-binding clarifications, and just a handful of new MPs have rallied to May's side. The UK government's current plan appears to be to try to ram a very similar version of the agreement through parliament on a second or possibly even third attempt. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker returned to Brussels from Strasbourg on Tuesday "to handle the situation after the vote," according to his office. In Strasbourg, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas raised the possibility of further talks while ruling out a full renegotiation of the text. Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers oppose the agreement for different reasons and many fear it could lock Britain into an unfavourable trading relationship with the EU. Bitter debates about Britain's place in the world have dominated the national discourse ever since the referendum, dividing families and playing out in front of parliament on Tuesday. Financial markets were also watching closely, with several currency trading companies roping in extra staff for the vote and at least one putting a cap on trades to avoid excessive movements. Criticism of the deal is focused on an arrangement to keep open the border with Ireland by aligning Britain with some EU trade rules, if and until London and Brussels sign a new economic partnership which could take several years. Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, upon which May relies for her parliamentary majority, told the BBC his party would not be forced into backing the deal by fears over the border. The government must set out what happens next by Monday, if -- as is expected -- it survives the no-confidence vote. Speculation is growing on both sides of the Channel that May could ask to delay Brexit. But a diplomatic source told AFP any extension would not be possible beyond June 30, when the new European Parliament will be formed. The withdrawal agreement includes plans for a post-Brexit transition period until a new relationship is drawn up, in return for continued budget contributions from London. Without it, and if there is no delay, Britain will sever ties with its nearest neighbours with no agreement to ease the blow. - AFP vermaajay1968@gmail.com LONDON, January 15 British lawmakers defeated Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin on Tuesday, triggering political upheaval that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave. Parliament voted 432-202 against her deal, the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history. Scores of her own lawmakers both Brexiteers and supporters of EU membership joined forces to vote down the deal. Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn promptly called a vote of no confidence in May's government, to be held within 24 hours. With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now ensnared in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project that it joined in 1973. May's crushing loss, the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. "It is clear that the House does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support," May told parliament, moments after the result was announced. "We need to confirm whether this government still enjoys the confidence of this House," May said. May said parliament had spoken and the government had listened. The small Northern Irish DUP party, which props up her minority government and had said it would oppose the deal, said it would still back May in the no confidence vote. The EU said the Brexit deal remained the best and only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal from the EU. The Brexit deal is basically dead, said Anand Menon, professor of European politics and foreign affairs at Kings College London. Ever since Britain voted by 52-48 per cent to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016, the political class has been debating how to leave the European project forged by France and Germany after the devastation of World War-II. While the country is divided over EU membership, most agree that the world's fifth largest economy is at a crossroads and that its choices over Brexit will shape the prosperity of future generations. Before the vote, May had warned pro-Brexit lawmakers that if her plan was rejected, it was more likely that Britain would not leave the EU at all than that it would leave without a deal. She has also warned fellow Conservatives not to let the Opposition Labour Party seize control of Brexit. Supporters of EU membership cast Brexit as a gigantic mistake that will undermine the West, smash Britain's reputation as a stable destination for investment and slowly weaken London's position as a global capital. Many opponents of Brexit hope May's defeat will lead to another referendum on EU membership, though Brexiteers say that thwarting the will of the 17.4 million who voted for Brexit could radicalise much of the electorate. Brexit supporters cast leaving as a way to break free from a Union they see as overly bureaucratic and fast falling behind the leading economic powers of the 21st century, the US and China. Reuters Post defeat, May tells Parliament how govt will proceed First, we need to confirm whether this government still enjoys the confidence of the House. I believe that it does, but given the scale of vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question if they wish to do so. If Opposition tables a confidence motion, the government will debate it on Wednesday Second, if the House confirms its confidence in this government, I will hold meetings with my colleagues, our Confidence & Supply partner the DUP and senior MPs to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House Third, if these meetings yield such ideas, we will explore them with EU n I offer two reassurances to those who fear that governments strategy is to run down the clock to March 29. Thats not our strategy; second to the British people who voted to leave the EU. I believe its my duty to deliver on their instruction Labour MP delays birth to vote vermaajay1968@gmail.com Beijing: A small green shoot is growing on the moon in an out-of-this-world first after a cotton seed germinated on board a Chinese lunar lander. The sprout has emerged from a lattice-like structure inside a canister since the Change-4 lander set down earlier this month. This is the first time humans have done biological growth experiments on the lunar surface, said Xie Gengxin, who led the design of the experiment. Scientists from Chongqing University, who designed the mini lunar biosphere experiment, sent an 18-cm bucket-like container holding air, water and soil. AFP Model claiming Trump secrets to be deported Pattaya: A Belarusian model who claimed she had proof of Russian efforts to help Donald Trump win office was set to be deported after being convicted nearly a year after her arrest in Thailand for participating in a sex training course. Anastasia Vashukevich, known by her pen name Nastya Rybka, had travelled to Thailand after becoming embroiled in a scandal with Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, a one-time associate of Trumps ex-campaign director Paul Manafort. She set off a scramble for details after promising to reveal missing puzzle piecesregarding claims the Kremlin aided Trumps 2016 victory. AFP A feast of junk food: President Donald Trump talks to the media about the table full of fast food in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Trump hosted a fast-food dinner for a university football team during their national championship celebration at the White House. AP/PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi, January 16 Punjab police chief Suresh Arora has been given nine-month extension in service by the Centre in public interest, according to a Personnel Ministry order issued on Wednesday. The announcement comes on a day when the Supreme Court rejected pleas made by five states, including Punjab, seeking modification of its earlier order on the appointment of heads of the state police. Arora, a 1982-batch IPS officer, was given three-month extension last year. Now, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service of Arora as the DGP for an overall period of 12 months beyond the date of his superannuation, which is September 30, 2018, in public interest, according to the Personnel Ministry order. Arora was in 2015 appointed the DGP by the then SAD-BJP government. The apex court had in July last year outlined the procedures for the appointment of regular DGPs in states. According to the Supreme Court verdict, states were required to send a list of senior officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at least three months prior to the retirement of an incumbent. The commission would then prepare a panel and send it to the states for the appointment. The apex court Wednesday rejected pleas by Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar seeking modifications of the July 2018 order. - PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Takhtupura (Moga), January 15 Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, the Communist Party of India (CPI) has asserted that the BJP is trying to divide the people on communal lines for vested political interests ahead of the 2019 General Elections. Addressing a public gathering at Takhtupura in Moga district on Tuesday, Comrade Jagroop Singh, member of the national council of the party, said, It is high time for the people of the country to understand the divisive policies of the BJP being dictated by the RSS. People must cast their votes with their conscience in the interest of the nation to strengthen the secular nature of the country. He criticised the union government for suppressing the voice of the common people and the intelligentsia, particularly the media, referring to the recent arrests of some writers and killings of a few journalist in the country. The CPI leader also lashed out at Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh for failing to fulfill the promises made during the Assembly elections. monicakchauhan@gmail.com Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 16 AAP MLA Baldev Singh on Wednesday resigned from the party's primary membership, accusing its leadership of "giving up its basic ideology and principles and party chief Arvind Kejriwal of being "dictatorial and arrogant". The AAP legislator from Jaitu tendered his resignation to Kejriwal. He is the second MLA to quit the party after Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira -- another AAP rebel who resigned on January 6. I am pained to forward my resignation from the primary membership of the AAP because the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles, he said in a letter to Kejriwal. "As a result of your dictatorial, arrogant and autocratic style of functioning, pioneers of AAP like Parashant Bhushan, Yogender Yadav, Medha Patikar, Kiran Bedi, Dr. Gandhi, H S Khalsa, Sucha Singh Chottepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ashish Khetan, Ashutosh, H S Phoolka etc. have all left the party or have been thrown out in a humiliating manner, he alleged. Therefore, keeping these saddening developments and circumstances in mind... I have decided to quit as a primary member of the AAP, Baldev Singh said. Baldev Singh, along with other MLAs, had sided with Khaira after he was removed as Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly last year by the AAP. He had even attended the launch ceremony of Khaira's political outfit Punjabi Ekta Party. He said he was shocked that the AAP removed Khaira as LoP and gave the charge to Harpal Singh Cheema. We in Punjab were deeply shocked when you unceremoniously and undemocratically removed an honest Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the post of LoP, without taking Punjab MLA's into confidence," he said. He hit out Kejriwal for tendering an apology to Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia on the drug issue. Your (Kejriwal) meek apology to tainted former minister Bikram Singh Majithia revealed your double standards in politics.Your duplicity on the vital issue of Punjab river waters also puts you on the same pedestal of cunning leaders of India, he alleged. Baldev Singh denounced the AAP leadership for not expressing faith in leaders from Punjab. Instead of expressing faith in the abilities of Punjabis and rewarding them you preferred to send an army of outsiders to muzzle the voice of our people. The said army was headed by two arrogant Subedar's who indulged in every mean maneuvers to promote their near and dear ones, he alleged. This arrogant and over confident attitude of the party hierarchy led to a crashing defeat of AAP in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections, Baldev Singh alleged. With PTI inputs Full text of his letter to AAP chief Dear Kejriwal ji, I am pained to forward my resignation from the primary membership of AAP because the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles. I was deeply motivated and moved by the anti corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare and thus decided to become part of AAP. In order to improve the socio-political situation of our country particularly of our state Punjab I went to the extent of quitting my government job as Head Teacher, although I had more than 4 years of service left. This step of mine not only created panic in my family but also left my future unsure but yet I preferred to take a risk merely due to the lofty promises made by you and AAP. Many Punjabis like me saw a dream to improve the plight of Punjab through the third alternative created by AAP and whole heartedly supported this dream in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections by sending 4 MPs from the state, at a time when the security deposit of most candidates across the country were forfeited. Instead of expressing faith in the abilities of Punjabis and rewarding them you preferred to send an army of outsiders to muzzle the voice of our people. The said army was headed by two arrogant Subedars who indulged in every mean maneuvers to promote their near and dear ones. Thereafter all sorts of allegations including exchange of money, favouritism, nepotism and exploitation of women started gaining ground. Lots of AAP volunteers from Punjab tried to complain about their arrogant activities but you always turned a blind eye to save your blue eyed boys. This arrogant and over confident attitude of the party hierarchy led to a crashing defeat of AAP in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections. Learning no lesson to fix accountability you never bothered to look into the reasons of this humiliating defeat and have once again handed over the reins of Punjab to cunning leaders like Durgesh Pathak. We in Punjab were deeply shocked when you unceremoniously and undemocratically removed an honest Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the post of LoP, without taking Punjab MLAs into confidence. Although few handpicked MLAs were invited for a pre planned meeting in Delhi but most MLAs were pressurised to sign on dotted lines through a letter circulated to them on whatsapp. Some MLAs were called by Mr. Manish Sisodia on telephone to solicit their views but I categorically state that I was neither invited for any meeting nor even called on phone to ascertain my views while illegitimately removing Mr. Khaira as LoP. To further rub salt on the woes of Punjabis you played the Dalit card as a reason to remove Mr. Khaira and appoint Mr. Harpal Cheema as LoP. Let me remind you that not a single Dalit of Punjab accepted this ploy of dalit card because of the track record of AAP. The Punjab AAP never bothered to appoint even one Dalit as District President out of 26 such appointments, similarly no Dalit was appointed Zone President while expanding its state organisational structure post 2017 elections, nor did you consider any Dalit for the three Rajya Sabha seats of Delhi. If you are so genuinely concerned about the upliftment of the weaker sections and dalits, why dont you appoint a Dalit to the top three positions of AAP currently held by you and Manish Sisodia i.e. Convenor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Your meek apology to the drug tainted former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia further revealed your double standards in politics. Your duplicity on the vital issue of Punjab river waters also puts you on the same pedestal of cunning leaders of India. You have blatantly gone back on the most important promise of Swaraj, by centralising all powers with yourself. You have also thrown to winds the constitution of the party merely to remain Convenor and continue your grip on the party. Your hobnobbing and flirting with the Congress is yet another example of sheer political opportunism, that has left the people of India bewildered. As a result of your dictatorial, arrogant and autocratic style of functioning, pioneers of AAP like Parashant Bhushan, Yogender Yadav, Medha Patikar, Kiran Bedi, Dr. Gandhi, H.S.Khalsa, Sucha Singh Chottepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ashish Khetan, Ashutosh, H.S.Phoolka etc. have all left the party or have been thrown out in a humiliating manner. Therefore, keeping in view the above saddening developments and circumstances in mind which portray AAP in the same category of rampantly corrupt traditional parties like the Congress, BJP, SAD etc., I have decided to quit as primary member of AAP. With regards, Master Baldev Singh, MLA Jaitu editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chadigarh, January 15 Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has sought waiver of passport condition for pilgrims to cross the Kartarpur corridor. The Chief Minister said he has asked the Modi government to quickly finalise the alignment of the road access and attendant government infrastructure to be built around the corridor so that the process of acquisition may be commenced without any further delay to ensure early operationalisation of the corridor. He has also written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, requesting that the condition of mandatory passport for devotees seeking to cross the corridor be waived to facilitate the pilgrimage to the historic gurdwara located in the Pakistani territory. A simple procedure to facilitate movement of pilgrims has been sought. The Centre has been suggested that any other valid government document, such as Aadhaar card, may be used in place of passport for identification to enable maximum pilgrims to visit the gurdwara. Putting in place adequate infrastructure to handle rush of pilgrims and provision for both day-to-day prayers and akhand and sehaj paths have been suggested by the Chief Minister in his communication to the Centre. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 15 Senior Congress leader and two-time legislator Joginder Singh Panjgrain on Tuesday joined the SAD in the presence of party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. Panjgrain alleged: I had served the Congress as district president for six years. Despite having dedicated my entire life to the party, I have been ignored for a long time. The Congress has become a party of selfish leaders. Pangrain said the Congress had been hijacked by sycophants who were not allowing the party to work for the poor. He said he had met Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar and even apprised him how the Dalit community was facing discrimination, but no corrective action was taken. Welcoming the former MLA with a siropa, Sukhbir said: The Dalit leader will be given due respect in the SAD and his vast experience in social welfare will be put to good use. He said Leaders like Pangrain were deserting the Congress to join the SAD because they have realised that they would not be able to go back to the people and ask for their votes again. The Congress has failed to deliver on its promises made to every section of society. editorial@tribune.com Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 15 The division in the district Congress was visible at the joining-in ceremony of new district presidents held at Congress Bhawan here on Tuesday. Legislators Sushil Rinku (Jalandhar West) and Hardev S Laddi (Shahkot), both are a part of former minister Rana Gurjit Singhs coterie, skipped the function. Rinku has been protesting against the selection of Backward Class leader Baldev Singh Dev as the District Jalandhar Congress Committee (urban) president. Rinku is opposed to Dev because the latter is a protege of former minister Avtar Henry, with whom Rinku has been at loggerheads for the past more than five years. Dev, for his part, had accused Rinku of getting his ticket cancelled in the last civic body elections. Not just Rinku, all Congress councillors from the Jalandhar West constituency, including Deputy Mayor Harsimranjit Bunty, skipped the function. Gauging the situation, all leaders who addressed the gathering including MLAs Pargat Singh, Chaudhary Surinder Singh and Rajinder Beri gave a call for putting up a united front ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Henry repeatedly said in his speech, Ikathe ho ke raho (Stay united). He went on to say, The choice of the party president is neither mine nor that of Jalandhar MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh. The new president is the choice of AICC president Rahul Gandhi. So keeping that in mind, we all need to stay together and support the new District Congress Committee (DCC) chiefs. On their part, new DCC chiefs will be required to keep the flock together and show their leadership skills. Laddi claimed he skipped the function owing to a wedding in his family, while Rinku could not be contacted as his phone was switched off. He was reportedly away to Chandigarh. Dev said he visited Rinkus house on Monday to request him to attend the function, but was told that he was away. editorial@tribune.com Karam Prakash Tribune News Service Patiala, January 15 Cracking the whip on protesting teachers, the Education Department on Tuesday terminated the services of five leaders of the Sanjha Adhyapak Morcha for participating in a protest last year. They are morcha convener Hardeep Toderpur, Bharat Kumar, Harjeet Singh, Harvinder Singh and Didar Singh Mudki. As per the order, the teachers were terminated from service for participating in an indefinite strike in Patiala. They had misinformed their respective District Education Officers by mentioning false reasons for their emergency leave, it read. The move came two days after the Morcha restarted its protest over the lackadaisical approach of the government in fulfilling the promises reportedly made by Education Minister OP Soni on December 1. The department maintained that the teachers were given show-cause notice, but they couldnt defend their participation in the protest. The action had been taken on the report submitted by the DEOs concerned, it said. Meanwhile, the Morcha members and the SSA/RMSA teachers held a protest march in Patiala. Talking to The Tribune, Toderpur, said: The termination of Morcha leaders is a proof of the governments bid to deflect our protest. We wont give up until our demands are met. We will now intensify the protest in the coming days. Bharat Kumar said: Instead of cancelling the transfer of hundreds of teachers, the government snatched our jobs. The Chief Minister should rather terminate the Education Minister for his arbitrary decisions. Late in the evening, the school staff and students of Government Senior Secondary School Kakarala, where Hardeep Toderpur was posted, burnt the termination order copies and protested outside the school. A local nonprofit organization launched a new program this week to help Floyd County residents improve their job skills and find balance in their lives. St. Vincent Mission of David hosted its first session of Work Life, on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Registration is free and still underway for the program, during which participants will meet from 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday and Thursday for 10 weeks. The program, available free at St. Vincent Mission through grant funding and donations, is based on a curriculum offered by The Chalmers Center, a California-based nonprofit that helps churches and ministries walk alongside people who are poor to help them break the bonds of poverty. It offers practical job skills, as other career readiness programs do, but it also teaches participants to recognize that God is at work in the world and that jobs are a way of participating in that work, the organizations website states. St. Vincent Mission Social Services Director Jennifer Sparkman said that component of this program will benefit any person, even if he or she is already employed because it details Gods design for our work and our lives. Looking at how God wants us to use work, he wants us to use our own personal skills to gain the value of work and to put value into the world through our work, Sparkman said. It makes a lot of sense to me because when you try to do a job that just isnt fitting for you because of your skillset or your belief system, its really hard to be successful at that job and its really hard to want to keep that job because your view of the work is skewed. Shes been social services director at the mission since June 2018, and she previously held a shorter version of this course for local residents who were working to obtain their GED. She said the 10-week course will help people who are seeking employment and people who already have a job. It would be good for people who already have a job, too, because they would learn more about things like conflict resolution on the job. They might learn about how to try to get promoted in the job that they have. So, if theyre underemployed, or just not as happy at their job, it would be a good tool to help them either get a different job or to be promoted in the job that they currently have, she said. The program offers incentives to people who participate, including gas cards, free resume paper, clothing from the missions Career Boutique, haircuts prior to job interviews and other resources. At least one participant will be selected for a three-month paid internship at St. Vincent Mission. At the end of two-and-a-half months, whoever shows the most promise, or whoever seems like theyd be a really good fit for us here at the mission will be offered a paid internship for three months because three months is the average time that it takes to find a full time job, Sparkman said. Sparkman said St. Vincent Mission plans to host additional workshops this year in other areas of the county, including local libraries and other places. For more information, call Sparkman at, (606) 886-2513. uttara@tribuneindia.com Smita Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 16 The UK plans to abolish the cap on skilled workers of all nationalities, remove Resident Labour Market Test (RLMT) applicable for highly skilled workers and extend visa stay for students to be able to gain employment in the country. These proposals are part of a new White Paper on Migration released last month. British Officials today concluded the first round of Joint Secretary-level consultations with Home Ministry counterparts and education and business stakeholders on the White Paper. The dialogue on migration focused on UKs post Brexit plan for new, single, skills based immigration system that seeks to bring European Union (EU) and non-EU nations to a level-playing field. India is the first country, outside of the EU, that the UK is consulting on its new migration White Paper, said British High Commissioner Dominic Asquith. At the moment, only highly skilled workers (graduates and above) are coming in from India and non-EU countries. So the UK is looking to attract medium skilled workers from India, said a source. One of the major Indian concerns has been short stay visa that students are left with, as of now, ranging from a few weeks to four months at the end of their course. The new plan aims to allow under-graduate and post-graduate students six months and doctoral students one year of extension to be able to stay back and apply for jobs in the UK. The aim is to ensure that firms bring immigrant workers with skills needed in the UK but do not undercut wages of Britishers, added an official on high salary threshold requirements for hiring foreign nationals. Meanwhile the logjam over the bilateral Returns Bill dealing with deportation of illegal migrants continues. While the Bill is not a part of the White Paper, the matter was discussed during the talks. 19,000 Indian students in the UK in academic year 2017-2018, up by 33% 55,000 Indians in tier-II visa categories, 56% of combined skilled worker visas issued ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 15 Several Indian soldiers have been receiving Facebook friend requests from leading actresses of Bollywood. More often than not, these accounts of Bollywood actresses are fake and handled from locations as disparate as Pakistan to Europe. Military commanders are clear that smartphones cannot be banned in the force, but want social media use to be regulated. All commanders have been asked to send down a message to sensitise troops, some of whom are as young as 20 years of age, that friend requests from film actresses, unknown women and even those who have a few mutual friends have to be avoided. Why would a film actress send you a friend request? is the question that young troops now have to ask themselves, sources say. Its not just the jawans, even middle-aged officers have been getting friend requests from pretty looking women. Most of these profiles are fake and even the list of mutual friends could be a bait. Do not accept any request from a person who you dont know personally, said a source. Recently, a jawan from Rohtak was allegedly lured into lewd talk by a woman whom he had befriended on Facebook. It was a fake account created in the name of a woman from Gujarat. Once trapped, the jawan was asked to send pictures and details of movement of tank regiments. In April last year, a middle-level IAF officer was nabbed and handed over to the Delhi Police. He had been honey-trapped. The woman started off with having sex-related chats and then threatened to share information. He had accepted a friend request from a woman and a few days later, another woman sent him a friend request. Both requests were accepted and later traced to Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The IAF officer was made to use a hi-tech platform on which messages get deleted automatically once one logs out from the account. A common password is shared to login by users on both ends. The IAF officer shared a tri-nation exercise involving India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a para-drop exercise in Trivandrum. He was also accused of sharing information on operations like Gagan Shakti, para refresher training, information regarding flypast on January 26 and Beating Retreat. Honey-trap alert sounded monicakchauhan@gmail.com Tribune Web Desk Chandigarh, January 16 Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday alleged that he was not allowed to enter centuries-old Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple with the Prime Minister, who was in Thiruvananthapuram to unveil of a plaque of the Swadesh Darshan project. He alleged that the local MP, MLA and Mayor were to enter the temple with the Prime Minister for darshan, but their names were cut us from the list. Tharoor tweeted: Received PrimeMinister @narendramodi at the SreePadmanabhaSwamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram for the unveiling of a plaque of the Swadesh Darshan project. But when the local MP, MLA & Mayor were to enter the temple w/him for darshan, we learned that @PMOIndia had cut us from d list. It seems that under the BJP even God must serve a political purpose & members of other parties must not be allowed to worship in the Prime ministerial presence! https://t.co/OuxbyxRdAb Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 15, 2019 He also wrote: It seems that under the BJP even God must serve a political purpose & members of other parties must not be allowed to worship in the Prime ministerial presence! The PM offered prayers at the centuries-old Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here, known as one of the 108 'divyadesams' of Lord Vishnu. Modi, who entered the sprawling shrine through the eastern entrance, spent about 20 minutes there. Earlier, while speaking at a function at neighbouring Kollam district, the Prime Minister said he would seek blessings of Lord Padmanabhaswamy for the "welfare of people of Kerala and other parts of the country". Before the darshan, Modi inaugurated the multi-crore developmental works carried out at the shrine as part of the union government's flagship Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which is aimed at developing the basic facilities in and around religious institutions across the country. He unveiled at the east gate, a plaque on the project "Development of Spiritual Circuit: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple-Aranmula-Sabarimala", being implemented under the Swadesh Drashan Scheme of the union tourism ministry. After the temple visit, Modi left for New Delhi. The centuries-old temple, dedicated to Lord Padmanabha, had hogged media attention in 2011 after its four underground cellars revealed gold ornaments, vessels, jewels and precious stones worth thousands of crores of Rupees during an inspection. An architectural splendour in granite, the temple was rebuilt in its present form in the 18th century by the erstwhile Travancore Royal family, for whom Lord Padmanabha (Vishnu) is their family deity. With inputs from PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi, January 16 The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the pleas of five states seeking modification of its order issued last year on selection and appointment of directors general of police (DGPs). The apex court was hearing applications of various state governments--Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana and Bihar--seeking implementation of their local laws regarding selection and appointment of DGPs. A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said the earlier directions of the court on selection and appointment of DGPs were issued in larger public interest and to protect the police officials from political interference. The top court, on July 3 last year, had passed a slew of directions on police reforms in the country and chronicled the steps for appointment of regular DGPs. PTI editorial@tribune.com Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 15 The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the West Bengal Government to allow all public meetings and rallies proposed to be held by the BJP at different venues, provided the saffron party furnished adequate and timely information and schedules of such meetings. However, the BJPs plan of holding rath yatras remains in limbo as a three-judge Bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi asked the saffron party to submit a further modified proposal, which meets and answers the apprehensions of the state government, so far as maintenance of law and order is concerned. Looking into the details of the proposed rath yatras and the order of the state government, dated January 14, we cannot say that the apprehensions expressed by the state government are totally unfounded. It is for the state government to maintain law and order and the apprehensions expressed in the order will have to be addressed by the petitioner to the government in a reasonable manner, it said. The Bench, which also included Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice LN Rao, said: Once such a proposal is submitted, the state government will consider the matter and pass appropriate orders keeping in mind that the present involves a case of exercise of the fundamental rights, inter alia, under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The Bench said: It is in that spirit that we expect the state government to deal with the matter on receipt of such revised proposal as may be submitted. Any revised proposal submitted by the petitioner will be responded to by the state government with utmost expedition, keeping in mind that with the commencement of examination of CBSE and other Boards, the use of loudspeakers etc may be banned. The order came on the West Bengal BJPs petition challenging the December 21 order of a division Bench of the Calcutta High Court setting aside a single-judges order allowing the partys rath yatra. On behalf of the BJP, senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi asserted that the TMC government cant suppress a partys right to hold public meetings and rath yatras in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Rohatgis arguments were countered by senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi who said the party had not given details of rath yatra programme and there were intelligence reports that it could lead to communal disturbances. The BJP had originally planned 40-day rath yatra/ganatantra bachao yatra/chetna yatra i.e. simultaneous processions from four different parts of the state but later cut it short to 20 days. The yatras were to start from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Medinipur and the Lok Sabha constituency of Kolkata North and cover all the 42 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. A minimum of 2,000 people were expected to join each of the yatras proposed. Cant suppress right The TMC government cant suppress a partys right to hold public meetings and rath yatras in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Mukul Rohatgi, BJP Counsel No details available The BJP has not given details of rath yatra programme and there are intelligence reports that it can lead to communal disturbances. Abhishek Manu Singhvi, WB Counsel uttara@tribuneindia.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 16 The Congress said on Wednesday its coalition government with the JDS in Karnataka was safe and there was no threat of any rebellion. Congress leader from the state Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed as speculation the talk that the state governments was unstable. This is a lie being spread by the BJP which has a history of attempting to dislodge democratically elected governments, said Kharge. He said the BJP was using all enforcement agencies to intimidate Karnataka MLAs to try and buy them over. But all our 118 MLAs are with us. They are sticking to our principles and are not going anywhere. The BJP is jittery and thats why it has had to herd its own MLAs in a five star hotel in Gurugram, said Kharge slamming the BJP for spreading lies. Kharge said the Congress CLP is meeting in Bengaluru on Thursday along with JD-S to reaffirm the stability of the coalition government. The government is safe and we will run it, Khare said. editorial@tribune.com Lucknow, January 15 On her 63rd birthday, Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati today appealed to the workers of both BSP and SP to set aside past grievances and work together to make the alliance script a historic win in the forthcoming LS poll. UP decides who will come to power at the Centre and who will become the prime minister. The announcement of the BSP-SP alliance has robbed the BJP and other parties of their sleep. I want people to ensure victory of the alliance. It would be the best and most precious birthday gift that people can give to me, she said. Addressing a press conference, she also made a move to win over support of the Muslims by pitching for reservation for them on economic grounds. Welcoming the 10 per cent quota for economically deprived upper castes, she said the Muslims also needed support as their participation in government jobs had sharply declined from 33 per cent at the time of Independence to 2-3 per cent now. She attacked the BJP for targeting the Muslims and misusing the government machinery to create a controversy over Friday prayers. She did not spare the Congress either. Mayawati once again criticised the Congress for ignoring interests of the marginalised, Dalits, OBCs, minorities and farmers during its long rule. TNS rchopra@tribunemail.com Patna, January 16 Maoists have shot dead two men in their stronghold Jamui district in Bihar suspecting them to be police informers, police said on Wednesday. The incident created panic at Gurubad village on Tuesday night in which a woman was also injured. A group of armed insurgents attacked the village and killed Mohammad Ushman Ansari, 40, and Mohammad Ghulam Ansari, 38, officer in-charge of Chakai police station Chandeshwar Paswan said. Both were forcibly dragged from their house, beaten up and then shot dead, Paswan added. Villagers informed the police that Maoists targeted them as they suspected them to be police informers. Security forces have been deployed in the village as the police continue a combing operation in the area. IANS gspannu7@gmail.com Kolkata, January 16 Jadavpur University on Wednesday divested professor Kanak Sarkar of teaching duties and barred him from entering the campus with immediate effect, pending inquiries, following outrage over his Facebook post in which he likened a virgin woman to a sealed bottle. In view of the recommendation of the department of International Relations, Prof Kanak Sarkar is divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect. Substitute arrangements will be decided in the meeting of the Board of Studies on January 18, a university notification said. Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das told reporters that Sarkar wont be allowed to take classes or enter the varsity campus with immediate effect till the inquiries of the university-appointed committee, the State Womens Commission and National Womens Commission are over. We took the step after talking to students and department of International Relations and the internal code of conduct committee of the institute on the issue, he said. Sarkar, a professor of International Relations department, had likened a virgin woman to a sealed bottle or packet in his post on Sunday. Though he had deleted the post, screenshots of it went viral. A top university official said, The university is taking stringent measures in consultation with legal experts against Sarkar in sync with the statute of the institute. Facing criticism, a defiant Sarkar had appeared to justify his comments, asserting that it was intended for fun among a social media group of friends and not for public consumption. Someone took a screenshot of the post and forwarded it, which triggered the response. I did not intend to hurt anyones sentiment or insult any woman, he said. He also said according to a Supreme Court order every individual is entitled to express his opinion. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com New Delhi/Gurugram, January 16 A group of Youth Congress workers on Wednesday protested outside a resort in Haryana where the BJPs Karnataka MLAs have been camping in an effort to thwart any poaching attempt by the JD(S)-Congress ruling coalition. Around 20 Youth Congress workers led by the partys Haryana Pradesh Congress general secretary Pradeep Singh raised slogans against the NDA government outside the five-star ITC Grand Bharat resort located on the outskirts of Gurugram. The protesters alleged that the BJP was disrespecting the Constitution and murdering democracy in the country. Meanwhile, sources said BJPs Karnataka unit chief BS Yeddyurappa is likely to hold a meeting with the party MLAs who are camping at the resort and discuss the prevailing situation in the state. They said the 104 BJP legislators would stay put till the top leaders in the party gave their nod to return to Karnataka. Mobile phones of the first-time MLAs had been kept aside to safeguard them against any poaching attempt, sources said. A political crisis is brewing in Karnataka, where two Independent MLAs on Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP. Union minister DV Sadananda Gowda had said on Tuesday that the BJP would stake claim to power in Karnataka if the Congress-JDS coalition government fell. Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, reiterated that he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making futile attempts to destabilise his government. In the 224-member Assembly, the BJP has 104 members, Congress 79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides the Speaker. PTI Meleah Denson credits UM-Flint with giving her the support she needed to start a new career in nursing after her sister's death. Mike Naddeo | Flintside FLINT, Michigan Coping with an unexpected family tragedy lead Meleah Denson to a new passion and new career. Densons sister, Daneka Poole, was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after Denson graduated from Michigan State University in 2012 with a degree in physiology. During that time, Denson witnessed up close the profound impact nurses have on patients and families under their care. Being home, helping care for her, and interacting with her nurses, that is where my passion for nursing came about, said Denson, a 2007 Flint Southwestern graduate. I wanted to give other families the hope and comfort that they helped give us. Poole passed away in 2015, but prior to her death had encouraged her sister to pursue a nursing career. Denson enrolled in the University of Michigan-Flints nursing program and said she received both a quality education and a student-centered experience where faculty, staff, and fellow students were supportive of her many responsibilities outside of the classroom. The nursing program at UM-Flint is fantastic, Denson said. It was challenging academically, and nursing programs are always stressful but the professors, clinical associates, advisors, staff they all have your best interest at heart. In addition to her class schedule, Denson was helping her family care for her sister and working two jobs. I was taking my prerequisites, Denson said. (Poole) was staying with my parents. I would get off of work and then go help out. I just had to juggle it all. She passed away in June (2015) and I started the nursing program in August. She was my motivation to get through. My mom, dad, and sister were my biggest cheerleaders. Denson started the program while coping with depression and grief of losing her sister, but found support systems within the UM-Flint community. The people at UM-Flint gave me everything I needed to succeed tutoring, flexibility, anything they could do to help me, she said. They would do that for any student too. Denson also had a support system within the program her cousin, Kevin Poole, went through the program with her and both graduated last month. Having someone else who understands the stress of a nursing program and what you are going through was extremely helpful, she said. Denson and Kevin Poole were also the only two African-American students in their class. Now that theyve graduated, they hope to encourage more African-American students to study nursing. My cousin and I want to set up a scholarship fund and mentorship program to promote more African-American students getting into nursing, especially at UM-Flint, she said. We want to better our community and help in any way we can. Denson didnt just complete the program while coping with the loss of her sister, she did so with significant academic achievement. At UM-Flint, you have to have high academic standards to even get into the nursing program, she said. Once I got in, I told myself I wanted to do as well as I can. My personal goal was to graduate with honors to show I could do it. As she begins her career, she hopes to go into labor and delivery nursing, a postpartum unit, or possibly an emergency department. Her goal is to one day become a certified nurse midwife. African-American mothers and infants have a higher mortality rate than any group in the country, and she hopes to use her nursing background to provide access to greater resources and birthing options to economically disadvantaged mothers. Her career aspirations were something she and her sister discussed at length. She was my motivation to get through nursing school, Denson said. Her son pinned me at the pinning ceremony. To see me start and finish my degree and be able to use it to help people, she would be extremely proud. File Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying Beijing said on Tuesday that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusation that China "arbitrarily" sentenced a Canadian drug smuggler to death is irresponsible and lacks the spirit of the rule of law. "We urge the Canadian side to respect China's judicial sovereignty, correct mistakes and stop making irresponsible remarks," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news conference in Beijing. Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" after Canadian national Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, convicted of smuggling over 222 kilograms of methamphetamine, was sentenced to death by a Chinese court on Monday. He said China has chosen to arbitrarily apply the death penalty. "I'm wondering whether the relevant individual has carefully read the information released by the Dalian Intermediate People's Court on this case. And has he carefully learned about related Chinese laws?" Hua said. A statement released on Monday by the court in Liaoning province said that Schellenberg, along with others, took part in organized international drug smuggling, which is a crime punishable by death in China. "The criminal facts presented by the prosecutors were clear, and the evidence was verified and sufficient," it said. Schellenberg has decided to lodge an appeal, according to his lawyer. Robert Lloyd Schellenberg appears in court. [Photo from Intermediate People's Court of Dalian city] Hua said that drug-related crimes are globally recognized as serious crimes that inflict tremendous harm on society, and every nation cracks down on them. "Any responsible government will take strong measures in the face of such a serious drug smuggling crime. This reflects the highly responsible attitude and resolute determination of a government protecting the lives and safety of the public." In response to Canada's travel advisory, warning its citizens about "the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws" in China, Hua said Canadian citizens should be reminded never to engage in serious crimes such as drug smuggling in China. "Otherwise, there will be grave consequences." Also on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry and the Chinese embassy in Canada issued a Canada travel alert. It warned Chinese citizens to fully evaluate risks and exercise caution when traveling to the country, given Canada's recent "arbitrary detention" of a Chinese national at the request of another country. rchopra@tribunemail.com Washington, January 16 India has committed to purchasing USD 5 billion worth of oil and gas from the US per annum and USD 18 billion worth of defence equipment that are under implementation, a top Indian diplomat here said, highlighting the growing bilateral trade cooperation. The US export to India has gone up by at least 30 per cent, Indias Ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the American business community, his first major public engagement on Tuesday. In the last two years, the bilateral trade had increased from USD 119 billion to USD 140 billion, he said. At a reception hosted in his honour by the US-India Business Council (USIBC), Shringla said India had been sourcing and buying much more from the US than ever in the past. In the field of oil and gas alone, he said India had committed to purchasing USD 5 billion from the US every year. Commercial Indian airlines, Shringla said, had placed orders of 300 aeroplanes worth USD 40 billion. Were looking at importing products that weve never bought from the US before, he said, adding that some of the consumer products from the US are increasing in demand in India. In the defense sector, India is looking at USD 18 billion worth of orders that are under implementation. Not only this, the large number of Indian studentsnumbering 2,27,000 currentlycontributed USD 6.5 billion to the American academic sector, Shringla said, giving an example towards Indias contribution to the US economy. Addressing representatives from the American corporate sector, he said the progress made by India and the US in the last few years had been unparalleled. What amazes me is that in the last few years, the amount of progress that our relationship has made is unparalleled in many senses. The United States is Indias largest trading partner. We are among the top 10 trading partners in terms of sheer volume of business, Shringla said. Referring to the pro-business initiatives of the Indian government, the Indian Ambassador urged the American corporate sector to take benefit of the new business-friendly atmosphere in India and invest in the country. In his remarks, US Chambers of Commerce president Tom Donohue said there are many issues in common, many challenges that the two countries had to deal with collectively. Our promise (is that) we will put all the attention and energy it takes to make this relationship successful, Donohue said. The US-India relationship had gone from being a bilateral relationship to be both global and local, USIBC president Nisha Desai Biswal said, observing that the two countries had boundless opportunities in partnership. Were partnering across the Indo-Pacific. But were also deepening the ties between our cities and states. In fact, throughout the year, you will see more and more engagement between our states in our cities, more and more governors, mayors going to India, chief ministers and legislators coming here, said Biswal, the former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia. Noting that the US-India relationship is strong, Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi said it transcended politics and is getting stronger. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 16 India on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official to lodge a strong protest at the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani security forces on January 11 in Sunderbani sector. Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control and the International Boundary, said a Ministry of External Affairs statement. Pakistan blames Indian security forces for having carried out more than 2350 ceasefire violations along the LoC and International Boundary in 2018 resulting in loss of 36 civilian lives while 142 were injured in 2018. According to India, Pakistan Army carried out over 1962 incidents of unprovoked ceasefire violations in which 50 Indians lost their lives last year. We also protested Pakistans continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces, the MEA statement added. gspannu7@gmail.com Kolkata, January 16 Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta on Wednesday became the youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents after conquering Antarticas highest point Mount Sidley. Satyarup climbed Mt Sidley at 6:28 IST, at a temperature of minus 40 degree Celsius according to the inReach Satellite Communicator he was carrying. Satyarup achieved the feat at the age of 35 years 262 days while Australias Daniel Bull did it aged 36 years 157 days. With this feat, Satyarup also became the first Indian to conquer the seven mountain peaks and seven volcanic summits. 6:28 AM (IST) AT 10.10 successfully sumitted Mt Sidley highest volcanic peak of Antarctica. Fluttered the India flag at Sidley, what a proud moment, Satyarup tweeted. Last year, the 35-year-old had scaled the highest volcanic peak in North America, Pico de Orizaba. Satyarup hails from Haridevpur in south Kolkata and is a software engineer by profession. He is presently based out of Bangalore. He holds the record of conquering several summits such as the Mt Elbrus in Europe, Mt Denali in Alaska and Mt Monc Blanc in France, Kilimanjaro in Africa. PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 15 Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal started his Haryana campaign on the plank of development by promising better schools and hospitals if his Aam Aadmi Party comes to power in the state, but has suddenly switched over to cow politics. In the past three days, he has visited three gaushalas (cowsheds) in three districts and has tried to convey that he is a better gau sewak than Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. During all these visits, Kejriwal said stray cows in Delhi were getting better treatment than in Haryana, as his government had been spending Rs 40 per cow per day against merely 40 paise by the Khattar government. The AAP convener, who has announced that his party would contest the parliamentary and Assembly polls in Haryana, had been telling voters to see the difference between the schools and mohalla clinics in Delhi and government schools and primary health centres in Haryana. Kejriwal was also involved in a war of words after he invited Khattar to visit mohalla clinics in Delhi. Suddenly, Kejriwal has taken to cow politics. Naveen Jaihind, state convener of AAP, justified Kejriwals visits to gaushalas and said the Delhi CM was going there on the invitation of locals. Denying abandoning the development plank, he said the Khattar government came to power by promising better care for stray cows, but has done little. editorial@tribune.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, January 15 Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Opposition appears to be pulling in different directions, straining national plans to forge an anti-BJP alliance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party unilaterally stitched the crucial LS alliance keeping the Congress out, news is that all opposition stalwarts may not attend the January 19 mega rally Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called in Kolkata. Although Banerjee, the All India Trinamool Congress chief, has sent out invitations to all opposition party heads, BSP, Congress and TRS chiefs are yet to confirm their attendance. A top Congress source today said Gandhi was yet to return home after his UAE trip and his schedule would determine his attendance at the Mamata event. The party is, meanwhile, mulling nominating its Lok Sabha leader Mallikarjun Kharge to attend the Kolkata rally of Banerjee and it remains to be seen if Gandhi attends it too. The West Bengal Congress has been asking the central party leadership to maintain distance from the TMC citing the persecution of party workers at the hands of Banerjee. Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Choudhry today told The Tribune that Banerjee has declared she will contest all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The state Congress uneasiness with TMC is not lost on the central leadership which is still debating the contours of a potential Bengal alliance and whether to go with the TMC or the Left. BSP chief Mayawati is playing her own game looking at a potential role in national politics, and it remains to be seen if she attends the January 19 event being organised by Banerjee. K Chandrashekhar Rao of the TRS, basking in the glory of a sweep in the just held Telangana elections, may not want to share the stage with rival TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu either. The Congress too hasnt forgotten that Banerjee nominated her partys Lok Sabha member Dinesh Trivedi to attend the swearing in of Kamal Nath as the new CM of Madhya Pradesh recently when she was personally invited for the event. Besides its common knowledge that Banerjee doesnt accept Rahul Gandhi as the face of the larger anti-BJP coalition. Congress leaders privately feel Banerjees show of Opposition strength on Jan 19 may more or less become a show of her personal political strength. Why back didi The TMC has even started campaigning. CM Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly spoken of contesting all 42 seats. Why should we engage the TMC when they have already taken a stand? Adhir Ranjan Choudhry, Bengal Cong Chief ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM New Delhi, January 15 Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat on Tuesday warned Pakistan that India will not hesitate in carrying out strong action against inimical moves, asserting that its forces were giving enemies along the Line of Control a befitting reply and inflicting heavy losses. Gen Rawat also said Indias neighbour on the western border continues to support terrorism. The Army is ensuring dominance along the LoC and will continue to do so, he assured. Our forces are giving a befitting reply to our enemies along the Line of Control. They are suffering heavy losses. I am warning our enemy (across the LoC) that we will not hesitate in carrying out strong action against any inimical action, he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day here. We are ensuring moral dominance along the border in J&K, he said. The Army has ensured heavy damage to terrorists in the state, Gen Rawat said. The youth in J&K are being terrorised and forced to take up arms, he said. We do not want that people in J&K are disturbed. Our neighbouring country has a hand in these activities. Terrorists are being trained and given arms by our neighbouring country, which is being termed state-sponsored terrorism globally, he said. Referring to the border with China, he said the armies of both India and China have issued new guidelines to their respective forces. Efforts are on to maintain peace along the (eastern) border. But we will keep reviewing the situation, he said. PTI Pak prepared: Bajwa amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi, January 16 BJP president Amit Shah is suffering from swine flu and was admitted to AIIMS here on Wednesday. "I have been diagnosed with swine flu for which the treatment is underway. With God's grace and good wishes from all of you, I will recover soon," he said on Twitter in Hindi. According to sources at AIIMS, the BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues. He reached the hospital at around 9 pm and is admitted in the old private ward of the hospital. A team of doctors are monitoring his condition under the supervision of AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, they said. - PTI ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM New Delhi, January 15 The HRD Ministry today announced that it will implement 10 per cent reservation for economically weaker section of the General Category from the 2019 academic session and increase around 25 per cent seats in higher educational institutions and universities across the country. Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar said the decision was taken at a meeting of officials from the ministry, University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE). The reservation will be implemented from the 2019-2020 academic session itself. Nearly 25 per cent seats will be added to ensure that the reservation does not disturb the existing quota for SC, ST and other categories, Javadekar told reporters. The minister, however, did not specify the number of seats which will be added. Javadekar said that private universities are also ready to implement the 10 per cent quota. TNS/PTI Operational manuals to be issued soon There are 40,000 colleges and 900 universities across the country and supernumerary quota will be provided in these... modalities are being worked out. Operation manuals will be issued soon and institutions will be asked to mention the quota in the prospectus. Prakash Javadekar, Union HRD Minister ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Bengaluru, January 15 In a jolt to the HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka, two Independent MLAs today withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid turmoil triggered by charges of horse-trading flung at each other by the ruling coalition and the BJP. In a significant turn to the political war that erupted yesterday with both sides venting fears of poaching, H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (KPJP) wrote to Governor Vajubhai Vala, conveying their decision to withdraw their support with immediate effect. Both lawmakers, staying at a Mumbai hotel, sent identical letters to the Governor, requesting him to take necessary action, a move that reduced the ruling coalitions strength to 118, but still kept it in the safe zone in the 224-member Assembly. Putting up a brave face, Congress and JDS top leadership said the government was safe, with a seemingly unfazed Kumaraswamy saying his ministry was stable and I am totally relaxed. The action by Nagesh and Shankar came even as the 104 BJP MLAs were hunkered down at a resort in Haryanas Nuh district, fearing poaching by the ruling coalition. Shankar was dropped from the ministry during the recent Cabinet reshuffle, reportedly for showing reluctance to be an associate member of the Congress, while Nagesh was miffed over not being included in the ministry. During the ministry formation exercise after the May 2018 Assembly polls, Shankar had announced support to the BJP, but made a last-minute switch towards the Congress. Nagesh, a former Congress man, had contested and won as an Independent candidate after not getting the party ticket. Insisting that the two MLAs action would have no bearing on his ministry, Kumaraswamy said: I know my strength. My government is stable. Dont worry. Taking a swipe at the BJP, the Chief Minister said: What is going to happen? If two Independents declare support (to BJP). What will be the numbers? I am totally relaxed. I know my strength. With fear of Operation Lotus a reference to BJPs alleged move in 2008 to lure Opposition MLAs to ensure stability of then BS Yeddyurappa govt taking shape, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal held a meeting with Kumaraswamy. Yeddyurappa has rubbished reports about the BJP attempting Operation Lotus to topple the government and alleged the Congress-JD(S) combine was trying to lure Opposition MLAs. PTI Siddaramaiah, oppn in Twitter war Mr Saaf Niyat @narendramodi is allowing your disgraceful @BJP Ktaka leaders to destabilise govt. A Saaf Niyat towards democracy? Your PR slogans dont hide your actual Niyat & your Sahi Vikas should go beyond developing resorts. Siddaramaiah, Cong Ex-CM Disgraceful is when you form govt even after being rejected by people of Karnataka. Lack of Niyat & Vikas in your unholy alliance is a result of crippled govt. BJP gspannu7@gmail.com Mumbai, January 16 Emraan Hashmi fails to see any logic in the now revised title of his film, Why Cheat India and the actor believes the move reflects a mindset in the country where people are more invested in changing names and not the system. The makers of the film had said the Central Board of Film Certification had objected to the original titleCheat Indiasaying it was misleading. After thorough discussions with the board, producers changed the title to Why Cheat India, almost a week before its release this Friday. In our country, we dont want to change the system. We just want to change names as its the easiest thing to do. Sit in the comfort of your room, change names but dont go out and change the system because that takes a lot of work, Emraan told PTI. Calling the move ridiculous, the actor said the board seems to have raised a question on the sensibilities of the audience. Do you see any logic in that? I fail to see it. Cheat India for them is a negative title. They have passed the title for the promos and I thought after watching the film theyd realise its even more relevant. I dont think they attribute too much of sense to the audience. That the audience wont get it. You wont end up cheating the country of you watch Cheat India. Its ridiculous, he said. Hashmi said the current development speaks volumes about the freedom of expression enjoyed by artistes. Artistes dont have creative freedom. A lot of the stuff we do, we self censor or cut it off. Youre not really spreading the wings and wanting to make the kind of film you want to make. You are always scared and on tenterhooks, Oh, will they have a problem with this? You never know what they wont like. Its very surprising. Hashmi said the censor board needs a major rethink in the way it functions. PTI SoftBank Ventures Asia, a Seoul, South Korea-based early-stage investment vehicle of the SoftBank Group, hired Seung Lee as a chief financial officer. Seung Lee will be responsible for the management of the global funds and the limited partners of SoftBank Ventures Asia. He will also oversee the financial initiatives of global offices including Beijing, Singapore, and Silicon Valley. Lee has extensive experience of advising on mergers and acquisitions and raising capital for major corporates for more than 15 years at Morgan Stanley Hong Kong and Seoul office. He had also started a startup prior to joining SoftBank Ventures Asia. Lee completed his undergraduate studies at Yale University and his masters degree at Stanford University. Led by JP Lee, CEO and Managing Partner, SoftBank Ventures Asia was recently renamed from SoftBank Ventures Korea to expand its emphasis on Asian startups. With US$1.1B in funds under management, SoftBank Ventures Asia has invested in over 250 companies across 10 countries with a focus on AI, IoT, and robotics startups. Currently operating teams in Seoul, Beijing, San Francisco, and Tel Aviv, the firm is now looking to expand its presence by opening offices and hiring investment professionals in Singapore and Shanghai. Notable investments globally include Tokopedia, a technology company in Indonesia focused on commerce, logistics, payments and financial services; Mythic, an AI chip company based in Silicon Valley; Hyperconnect, operator of video communication service Azar with over 200M downloads across 230 countries; and SNOW China, an augmented reality camera app that is #1 in terms of users in Asia. FinSMEs 16/01/2019 editorial@tribune.com On the 71st Army Day on Tuesday, members of the film fraternity paid tributes to the Indian soldiers. The Army Day is celebrated to commemorate the day when Field Marshal M Cariappa took over as Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher on January 15, 1949. Celebrities like Anupam Kher, Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit Nene took to social media to praise the real heroes of the nation. Anupam thanked the Army for always protecting the Indian flag and sacrificing lives for civilians. Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it; it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it. Wishing the amazing Indian Army a very happy 71st Army Day, Jai Hind. Remembering her freedom fighter grandfather on Army Day, actress Richa Chadha wrote: Its Indian Army Day. This is my Nanaji. Lt Col Dharamveer Prasad. He was a freedom fighter and then a surgeon in the Indian Army post independence. He fought all wars till 1971 and even took a bullet in the leg in one. I miss him; he passed away in 2007. In these times of global jingoism, I miss his quiet dignity, his peaceful strength and his commitment to the cause of humanity. Sushant Singh Rajput posted a video on Instagram where he can be seen taking training from commandos. He urged people to spend at least one day, every six months with Indian Armed Forces and try to learn from them. Heres what others wrote: Anushka Sharma: There is nothing but gratitude to the men and women in uniform, the veterans and their families who have kept our nation safe and have put the country before themselves. Jai Hind. Sanjay Dutt: Playing a soldier is tough and being one is even tougher! On this Army Day, my tribute to the Indian Army jawans for their selfless sacrifice and service. I salute you all with respect and gratitude. Sunny Deol: Salute to all the men and women who do so much for us. Anil Kapoor: Wishing all the men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives for our nation and its safety a very happy Army Day. Saluting the real heroes of India. Arjun Kapoor: My utmost respect to all the soldiers and their families.No words will be enough to express how thankful we are for the sacrifices and everything that you do for us. Randeep Hooda: We sleep peacefully because there is someone staying awake guarding our peace...to the nameless soldier guarding our sovereignty, to the many who laid down their lives for our freedom. Madhuri Dixit Nene: We are safe as they are awake. A big salute and gratitude to the brave men & women of the Indian Army for their innumerable sacrifices, valour and dedication! Jai Hind. IANS harinder@tribunemail.com Abhishek Goel If you take a look around, from the phones we use to the food we eat to the medicines we are prescribed, every aspect of our lives is rooted in research. In fact, academic research is the backbone of a countrys development. It helps the authorities to understand and find solutions to complex problems such as climate change, national security, and life-threatening diseases. In countries at the forefront of ground-breaking research, academic institutions play a crucial role in furthering research output. Beyond facilities for general education, these provide thriving research environments that facilitate students to explore their innovative side. This, however, has proved to be our Achilles heel as well. Despite producing several internationally acclaimed Indian researchers, we have lagged behind in becoming a dominant scientific force. This brings us to the question: Are we doing enough to nurture our research landscape? The missing link Time and again, questions have been raised about the research culture of our country. In India, higher education and the research sector tend to operate in isolation. Due to lack of a platform that can help make an easy transition from learners to researchers, a career in research is rarely on a students mind. While we might not have been very successful in empowering our institutions, there is a silver lining to this cloud. According to a report published by the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers in October 2018, Indias publication output has seen a rapid growth and were ahead of Germany, the UK and Japan in terms of publication volume. The world is now looking at India as an important contributor to global research. However, when it comes to publication quality, the Indian landscape is marred by rampant issues of plagiarism and questionable journals. Unfortunately, India is home to several debatable or predatory journals. These journals are willing to publish any piece of scientific literature in exchange for money and guarantee quick publication without assessing the quality of the research paper. Usually, unsuspecting authors pay fees only to realise that the journal is counterfeit. The same also reflects in the lack of awareness among researchers and the inability of statutory bodies to monitor bogus publishers. Go for genuine journals While most authors unwittingly publish in predatory journals, acute pressure to publish might drive some to willingly take the unethical route. To boost research uptake and output, several medical and academic institutions mandate that their faculty publish a certain number of papers to qualify for promotions. As a result, journals that promise quick publication are likely to allure researchers. Awareness is important To increase the impact of our research, authors must be educated about ethical publishing practices. For this, researchers can seek professional publication support, publication-related training, and academic-editing services. Qualified scientific editors understand the challenges authors face as well as the expectations of reputed journals from research papers. They can, therefore, help authors weed out concerns related to plagiarism and predatory journals. As an academically inclined nation that has produced some of the worlds brightest minds, we have it in us to unravel the secrets of this universe. Now, with the thrust placed on scientific research and science communication, India is in a unique position to establish itself as a research-focused nation. editorial@tribune.com Our Correspondent Anantnag, January 15 Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said the militant leadership in Kashmir should be talked to along with the separatists and Pakistan. Not now, at a proper time but I believe its important that the parleys are held with the gun-holding youth of Kashmir, Mehbooba said during an interaction with mediapersons in Anantnag on Tuesday. She met delegations of her party workers at the Dak Bungalow in Anantnag town after which she had a detailed interaction with mediapersons. Mehbooba said since her advent into politics in 1996, she had firmly believed that the local militants were the sons of the soil and assets to the community. Yes, if there is an encounter and militants are in a face-off with the Army, nothing can be done then. But in the larger picture, our efforts should be to save the young boys, Mehbooba Mufti said. She said it was her firm belief that it was the militants who could put an end to the violence. So, it is imperative that the militant leadership is talked to. I believe parleys should be held with the Hurriyat and Pakistan too, she said. When asked about the filing of a charge sheet against Kanhaiya Kumar, Omar Khalid and seven Kashmiri students in the JNU sedition case, Mehbooba said it was akin to the Congress government hanging Afzal Guru before the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. Like the Congress hanged Guru out of turn in an attempt to garner votes, the BJP is doing the same thing with the JNU sedition case because of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, she said. Mehbooba also took a dig at the National Conference (NC) for promising a Truth and Reconciliation Committee into the 2016 civilian killings if it came to power. If any such thing happens I will welcome that but the NC has been making promises for the last 70 years. Have they delivered on any of them yet? she asked. She blamed the NC for bringing the notorious Task Force, Prevention of Terrorism Act and other things while they had a two-thirds majority in the Legislative Assembly. editorial@tribune.com Suhail A Shah Kulgam, January 15 Raising pitch for early elections in J&K, former Chief Minister and vice-president of the National Conference (NC) Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said it was not the Governors job to meddle in state politics. We will do the politics. Its not the job of the Governor to meddle in the politics of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said, while addressing a gathering of party workers in Kulgam. Omar was referring to the recently held local bodies and panchayat elections, where he said every decision was taken while being out of the public eye. Nobody knows who was elected and how. Everything was done from police camps, Omar said. This is why we are asking Governor (sahib), for gods sake, hand back the people their government, said Omar. He said these decisions taken in the dark were not in favour of the people of Kashmir. The only responsibility of the Governor and his government is to make the atmosphere of Jammu and Kashmir conducive, so that the elections are held at the earliest, Omar said. The meeting was the second such in south Kashmir by the National Conference in the last few days. Earlier, party president Farooq Abdullah had attended a workers meet in Anantnag. Omar alleged that some people, including BJP workers and their friends in Kashmir, were going door-to-door in New Delhi to get the elections deferred in Jammu and Kashmir. They are afraid they will lose the elections. We have been reiterating that the Governor should make things conducive, so that the elections are held and we are given a chance to go before the people again, said Omar. During his long speech, Omar also took a dig at former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for apologising for her toffee and milk remark. Had she apologised in 2016 or 2017 or even 2018 while she was in power, I would have understood. But now that she is not the chief minister and her party is falling apart, she suddenly remembers that she needs to apologise for her remarks, he said. Omar, following his speech, also interacted with media persons, where he reiterated his father Farooq Abdullahs remarks about not supporting Armys Operation All-out in the Valley if elected to power. We want no such operation that targets the general public of Kashmir, Omar said. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Amir Karim Tantray & Sanjay Pathak Tribune news service Jammu/Kathua, January 15 A BSF Assistant Commandant was killed in Pakistani sniper fire from across the International Border (IB) in Samba sector this morning. The slain officer has been identified as Vinay Prasad of 19 Battalion. He was a resident of Chapra district, Bihar. A Border Security Force spokesperson said around 10.50 am, BSF troops on border domination were fired upon by a Pakistan sniper at Pansar outpost, resulting in grievous injuries to Prasad. The injured officer was evacuated to the Satwari military hospital, Jammu, where he succumbed to his injuries, the spokesperson said. The DG, BSF, and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of the martyr. Offering condolences to the family of bereaved, the BSF stands by them in this hour of grief, he added. The BSF retaliated with limited fire after the incident, but there was no information of any loss on the other side. This is the first incident of ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rangers along the 198-km IB this year. Last year witnessed around 500 incidents of ceasefire violation along the IB in which 13 BSF personnel were killed and over 50 injured, the highest in the past eight years. From 1999 to 2003, firing and shelling had become routine along the IB, leading to casualties among civilians as well as the BSF. After both countries agreed to a ceasefire in 2003, the situation turned peaceful. But after 2010, the Pakistan Rangers have been regularly violating the truce agreement. Meanwhile, the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation in Sunderbani sector on the Line of Control (LoC) around 10 am. The Indian Army retaliated in equal measure. There were no reports of loss of life or property. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Dharamsala, January 15 The infighting between former CM Virbhadra Singh and former HPCC president Sukhwinder Sukhu has reached ground level. The district presidents of the Congress in Dehra and Kangra flayed Virbhadra Singhs remarks against Sukhu. Nardev Kanwar, district president of Dehra Congress, while addressing a press conference at Dehra, alleged that the remarks of the former Chief Minister had demoralized the party ahead of the parliamentary elections. Former HPCC president Sukhwinder Sukhu had worked hard in the last five years to build the organisational set up of the party at the ground level. However, Virbhadra Singh has recently declared his entire team as junk. This would only divide the party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The party high command should take note of the remarks of Virbahdra Singh as it seems to be a conspiracy to divide Congress ahead of the parliamentary elections, he said. Suman Verma, district present of Kangra Congress, in a press release issued here today, said that remarks of the former Chief Minister against Sukhwinder Sukhu were unfortunate. Sukhu had worked hard to bring the party out of the cult culture of Virbhadra Singh and it strengthened the party at the ground level, she said. In a rally organized at Sujjanpur Assembly constituency in Hamirpur district last week in favour of son of Congress MLA, Rajinder Rana, Virbhadra Singh had allegedly expressed satisfaction at the removal of Sukhwinder Sukhu from the post of HPCC president and termed his team as junk. He also demanded that the entire organization should be overhauled from the district level upwards. The statement of Virbhadra Singh evoked strong response from Sukhwinder Sukhu who was sulking at his removal just before the parliamentary elections. Sukhu said that Virbhadra Singh was never able to repeat the government in the state as Chief Minister. He also alleged that former Chief Minister always blackmailed the party ahead of elections. Yesterday the MLA from Virbhadra Singh camp issued statement against Sukhu. The MLAs blamed Sukhu for loss in the last Assembly elections in the state.Since Sukhu had been heading the HPCC since 2012, he had appointed his own loyalists as district presidents and in the organisation. The feud between Sukhu and Virbhadra Singh is likely to divide the Congress at the ground level at a time when the party was facing an uphill battle ahead of the parliamentary elections. editorial@tribune.com Kuldeep Chauhan Tribune News Service Shimla, January 15 As many as 700 MBBS students are enrolled in medical colleges in Himachal Pradesh every year. But most of them are not getting an opportunity to perform real-time cadaver dissection or virtual cadaver dissection because the colleges lack cadavers as per norms fixed by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) and Hospital has registered 364 persons who have offered to donate their bodies for medical research. But the college has got just five cadavers of which four were unclaimed bodies. The five cadavers are of men. MBBS students have no exact knowledge of female anatomy, said anatomists. The newly opened medical colleges at Nahan, Nerchowk, Chamba and Hamirpur are looking for cadavers from the IGMC and the PGI, Chandigarh, revealed sources. The real or virtual cadavers are mandatory for first-year MBBS students to have the knowledge of real human anatomy, physiology and surgery. The dissection rooms of these colleges are either showcase old museum pieces of human skeleton or antiquated images, they revealed . It is a matter of concern as to what kind of medical professionals the state is producing. These colleges have neither faculties, nor well-equipped dissection rooms and infrastructure, said Dr SK Nanda, state president, Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA always pleaded with the government not to start a medical college without providing enough staff, equipment and facilities for the students, teachers and patients. But politics behind these colleges remains a main consideration, everybody has to pay the price for this, Dr Nanda said. The Department of Medical Education is also to blame as it has no cadaver donation programme. Even doctors and common man refuse cadaver donations due to their religious beliefs, said an anatomist. MBBS students rued that they did not have even access to virtual cadavers that gave a three-dimensional view of the human anatomy. There are not enough teachers, equipment and lab facilities in these colleges, they added. Anju Pratap Kaundal, head, Department of Anatomy, IGMC, said: We do not find any female cadaver due to religious beliefs and same hold true for doctors as well, said Dr Kaundal. Dr Kaundal said human cadaver, after it is treated with chemical, could last 15 years or so. We have set up museum that caters to the needs of the college as the students can learn from parts of skeleton as well. But as per MCI norms, we need a cadaver weather real or virtual for every 10-15 MBBS students, she added. Must for first-year course Real or virtual cadavers are mandatory for first-year MBBS students to have the knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and surgery. The dissection rooms of these colleges are either showcase old museum pieces of human skeleton or antiquated images Religious beliefs to blame The Department of Medical Education is also to blame as it has no cadaver donation programme. Even doctors and the common man refuse cadaver donation due to their religious beliefs Even virtual cadavers inaccessible: Students MBBS students rue that they do not have even access to virtual cadavers that give a three-dimensional view of the human anatomy. There are not enough teachers, equipment and lab facilities in these colleges vinaymishra188@gmail.com That there is only one regular lecturer for the 181 students of a government college in Haryanas Hathin block of Palwal district reflects the general malaise afflicting the Mewat region. Along with the adjoining Nuh district, Hathin block is Haryanas most backward area. In fact, in April 2018, Niti Aayog identified Mewat as Indias most backward district. The college, set up in 2017, is just one of the many initiatives by successive governments over the past decade to bring the area out of a morass. Sadly, like most other projects, this too has failed to make an impact. Will Mewat be able to rise above its barren and alkaline landscape? Or, will its situation continue to be exacerbated by the acutely poor state of its residents, majorly comprising the minority Meo Muslim community, in agriculture, literacy, health and per capita income? Though touching the bustling Gurgaon and Faridabad, both of which have benefited immensely from their proximity to Delhi, development seems to have stopped short of Mewats threshold. This is best evident from the Census 2011 report: Gurgaon district has the highest literacy rate of 84.7 per cent in the state, while Mewat with 54.1 per cent makes the lowest end. The young students braving these utterly difficult socio-economic odds deserve a much better deal. But what they are offered is just one teacher for three days a week. Because, on the other days, the lady teaches at another college! And, she is expected to cater to the needs of both arts and commerce streams. An impossibly daunting task! Education is the key to development. Political and administrative will is required in extra measure to lift Mewat out of the rut. Posting enough quality teachers in both schools and colleges of the region is the first step. Give them additional incentives for having to serve in this most backward segment. A well-read generation of the local population thus produced will have sufficient power to pull development from the threshold well into their courtyards. rchopra@tribunemail.com Houston, January 16 An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest health care fraud cases in the US history involving a USD 464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record USD 7 million bond. Rajendra Bothra, 77, who was awarded Padma Shri, Indias fourth-highest civilian award, was indicted along with five other physicians in the alleged USD 464 million health care fraud conspiracy, which the federal government said fuelled the opioid epidemic. US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for him despite the governments concern that the doctor had hidden money that could bankroll an escape to his native India. Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be released on home confinement and tracked by a GPS tether, must identify all assets under penalty of perjury, Detroit News reported. Being the lead defendant in one of the largest health care fraud cases in the US history, he must liquidate a USD 8.5 million retirement account to cover the bond, a process that could take three days, it reported. His wife and daughter, who attended the hearing on Tuesday, will surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July. Bothra has deep ties to India, including investments and several siblings. He is one of the most high-profile Indian-American Republican Party activists and fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted major fundraisers for former president George HW Bush and other senior Republican lawmakers. Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Bothra has been active in working for the poor and sick in India. For about eight weeks each year, Bothra leaves his general surgery practice in Warren and travels to India at his own expense to work with Indian organisations to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction. He holds regular lecture tours in India to educate professional and lay audiences on health issues. Bothra has worked with the Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two documentaries, one on AIDS and another on tobacco abuse. The Indian government also lauded him for being instrumental in gifting of sophisticated American medical equipment to Indian hospitals and assisting in the rebuilding of hospitals in Latur, Maharashtra, after a severe earthquake. Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable to pinpoint Bothras net worth, which could be as high as USD 35 million. Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion noted that Bothra owned a real-estate company that owned 22 properties across Metro Detroit, including USD 2.8 million worth of condominiums and commercial buildings in downtown Royal Oak. Prosecutors are trying to identify whether the properties were purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activity. US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended the brief court hearing on Tuesday and said his team of prosecutors would meet and decide whether to appeal the bond. Bothra, jailed since last month when he was indicted alongside five others, is accused of fuelling the nations opioid epidemic, cheating Medicare and subjecting patients to needless, painful back injections. PTI amansharma@tribunemail.com Varinder Singh Tribune News Service Jalandhar, January 16 Punjabis strive to leave their indelible mark wherever they go. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in general and Brampton, in particular, are no exceptions where the 'high-spirited' Punjabis express themselves via an array of personalised, vanity or in some cases even 'offensive' number plates of their vehicles. The hiring of staff, which are able to speak and decipher various languages by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and calls by a section of Punjabi community to recall such 'offensive or provocative' licence plate has hardly deterred youngsters who are passionate about such plates. The ministry's variety of translation tools to filter out such vanity plates which don't meet regulations have seemingly a little effect on vanity licence plate seekers. As a result, one can often see vehicles with angilicised plates displaying purely 'Desi' and even 'vulgar' expressions like "BANDOOK" (Gun), "DONALI" (Double-barrel gun), "JATT", "PEG-SHEG" (A shot of liquor), FEEM (Opium), " SOORMA", "PK 3 PEG", "5AABI", "GRAB HER", "CLEANPWR", "COCO", "STUPIFY", 'CRAMPED", "PLAY ON" and even "TRUMP JR" and "FU". In fact, it is relatively damn easy to fetch personalised vehicle licence plates in Ontario, even as the Ministry of Transport had recently reviewed over 50 plates and had even flagged nearly 30 such plates for recall for they were allegedly violating the stipulated provincial transport guidelines which, don't allow references to sex, violence, drugs or alcohol. Interestingly, the figures show that despite application of filtering tools and staff there is a great demand for vanity number plates particularly, amongst the vibrant Punjabi communit. It was clear from ordering of over 31,000 personalised licence plates in Ontario of which, over 3,300 applications for such plates were turned down by the transport authorities for their direct or indirect reference to some 'objectionable' words or meanings. What was more interesting that any driving licence or a or Registrant Identification Number (RIN) holder could buy a vanity or personalised number plate online for his or her private four-wheeler after paying a meager sum of -- $310 (2 to 8 character letters and/or numbers without a graphic) and for $336.40 (for 2 to 6 character letters and/or numbers, with a graphic). For a commercial vehicle, one has to shell out $310 for plates of choice. Even people not armed with a licence number or RIN could get hold of a personalised licence plate, sources pointed out. "There should be no place for any licence plates referring to alcohol, drugs or vulgarity. These send out a wrong message for growing kids with tender minds," observed Deepinder Loomba, a Para Legal Expert dealing in traffic violation cases. He said in most of cases, selection of vanity plate is to display their 'money power' by people. Traffic volunteer Manan Gupta said the transport authorities should ban such plates. "What is the worst impact of such plates is that these distract other drivers and road users. Moreover, what is the use of words like 'Bandook' and what these depict? Our culture? Not at all," said Deepak Punj, owner of Toronto-based radio Frontline. UK has turned out to be more strict in case of personalised or 'offensive' licence plates. The UK Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) has banned as many as 68 licence plates like MY68 DCK, OR68 ASM, NO68 EAD and SH68 AGR which were considered to be 'rude' to other road users or vehicle drivers. Plate combinations like DO68 GER, BA68 TRD, BL68 JOB and CA68OMB were also banned for these allegedly could suggest sexism, homophobia or racism. A website has become a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Whether you are a small entity or a well-established business, a good online presence helps you serve your audience better. Additionally, a good website enables potential customers to find you via an online search. So, if youre a startup and planning to build a small business website, you should stick to this post until it ends. In this post, we will be sharing a few basic steps to build a successful business website. So, without making any further delay, lets get to know about them. Step- 1 Choose Web Hosting Services Wisely A web hosting plays an important role in the success of a website. From speed to uptime to security, everything depends on your hosting service. Therefore, you cant take it back seat. Nowadays, you can easily find providers offering hosting for small businesses. Some good providers are thinking outside the box to accommodate the needs of small businesses particularly. Hostinger, SiteGround, Wix, A2Hosting are some good options that you may consider. However, we would advise you to take a look at the amount of storage, bandwidth, database support, customer support, etc. before settling down on the one. Step- 2 Decide on Content Management Software Your small business website might have some special requirements. So look for a content management software that is fulfilling them. Luckily, you have myriad of options. Even some may let you open a store with minimal charges. If the primary purpose of your site is e-commerce, go for a platform designed for the same. On the contrary, if e-commerce is a small part of your site, you may choose inexpensive add-ons that work with the most popular free CMSs such as WordPress, Joomla, etc. WordPress is an open source CMS that allows you to use different templates and give your small-scale business site a different look. The best thing about WordPress is, it supports a wide range of plugins that you can use to bring different functionalities and features to your website. For example, by installing the WooCommerce plugin, you can turn your WP website into a fully-fledged eStore. Joomla is similar to WordPress. This free content management comes with great flexibility. However, the structure of your site will be limited. Joomla has a wide range of add-ons that can give your site a good amount of functionality and features. Step-3 Choose the Right Template for your Website After you have chosen your web hosting and decided on CMS software, it is time to pick the right template and plugins. Most webmasters are not aware of but a template plays a vital role in the success of a website. After all, its main function is to produce web pages at a fast speed. Templates are important attributes of a website. For that reason, it is crucial that you pick a template that is attractive and effective both. Below are a few tips to choose a template to a small business website. -Always look for a responsive and lightweight integration. -Say No to complex templates. -It is better to try with a demo first. -Look for SEO options in advance. When it comes to the plugins, install only those you find necessary. Usually, a small business site will not require a large number for plugins. Remember that, unnecessary plugins may put extra load and make your site slow loading. Some of the important plugins for a small business site are: WPForms (For contact forms) BackupBuddy (For taking backup) Yoast SEO (For Search engine optimization) Imagify (To load images faster) iThemes Security (To ensure the security of a website) Step 4 Organize Your Website Carefully According to your business niche, consider your logo and menu selection. Think carefully about how you want to showcase the information on your website. If you have just 3 menu selections initially, add the important options only. Make sure the content on your site welcomes visitors. The content should convey the right message. Also, add images and visual elements on your site to make it more appealing. Step 5 Focus on Customer Service A good customer service is one of the features that can make your website a big success. Being an owner of a small business website you should focus on offering a good customer service. Remember that, happy customers keep coming back and also refer their friends and family. Dont forget that your brands reputation is incredibly valuable. And in the absence of a good customer service, you may lose the trust of your audience. So do focus on your customer service. Final Words It takes a lot of efforts and time to make a website successful. You should think of your site as a smart investment that deserves your time and energy. Start with these basic steps; continue making good efforts, your small business website will surely taste success soon. vermaajay1968@gmail.com Vijay C Roy Tribune News Service Chandigarh, January 15 The growing cheap imitations of pure wool and pashmina shawls is giving sleepless nights to manufacturers in Punjab. They have requested the Centre to make labeling on shawls mandatory. It will have detailed information, particularly the composition of the fabric, as is done in the case of medicines and food items. According to manufacturers, shawls made of viscose by unscrupulous manufacturers have labels of pashmina tagged to it. There is a huge price difference between the two yarns and customers are fleeced in the garb of original pashmina. Due to non-labeling or wrong labeling, customers are misled. The cost of the shawl depends on the yarn used. The price of pure wool product and that of viscose differs manifold. But the consumer is fooled by the retailer by pronouncing wool for viscose and silk for polyster, said Shawl Club (India) chairperson and Shingora Textiles MD Mridula Jain. The price of pashmina yarn starts from Rs 10,000 per kg while blended yarn or viscose is priced between Rs 150 and Rs 300 per kg. Almost 50% of the products are blended with other fabrics, Mridula said. Unless the content of the yarn is written on the shawls, the customers will not be able to judge it simply by seeing or touching it. The manufacturers and retailers are minting money by not declaring or wrong declaring the content of the yarn used in the product, she added. This malpractice is hitting the genuine manufacturers and buyers. There are less than 40 Woolmark licensees (Woolmark stands for 100% pure wool) in Punjab. But those who dont have a licence are also using Woolmark logo and this is adversely affecting the industry, said Apollo Shawls proprietor Piara Lal Seth. In Punjab, the shawl industry is restricted to Ludhiana and Amritsar. Around 1,000 units are engaged in the manufacturing of shawls. The total industry size is between Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 10,000 crore, including exports, which was to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore from Punjab last year. Apart from Amritsar and Ludhiana, shawls are exported from Kullu and Srinagar too. Highlighting the plight of the industry, the Shawl Club (India) has also written a letter to Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani. The Shawl Club has requested the textile and consumer affairs ministry to draw a comprehensive regulation to enforce labeling of textiles and textile products to protect the consumers interest. The manufacturers said these regulations should be implemented strictly and periodic testing should be carried out to check the correct labeling. Yarn prices rchopra@tribunemail.com Phuket, January 16 Budget carrier GoAir is looking for an increase in flying rights to Thailand amid growing air passenger traffic, according to a senior airline official. GoAir Vice-President (International) Arjun Dasgupta said the airline wanted to launch flights from seven more Indian cities, including Chandigarh and Lucknow, to Phuket. Currently, it has direct flights to Phuket from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Dasgupta said the government should consider increasing flying rights to Thailand in view of growing passenger traffic between India and Thailand. The airlines of both the countries have almost exhausted their seat quotas and we are pushing for an increase in flight rights, he said here. Bilateral flying rights refer to an agreement between two countries that allows each others airlines to operate services with a specific number of seats. Interacting with journalists on the sidelines of Thailand Yacht Show at Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) last week, he said the airline would also start services to Bangkok as Thailand is a big part of its international expansion plans. Explaining the rationale behind starting more flights to Phuket, GoAir Managing Director Jeh Wadia said the city offered huge opportunities for wedding planners, boating enthusiasts and vacation home buyers due to its attractive locations and good weather. By end of this year, Phuket would become the number one international destination for Indians, Wadia said. Royal Phuket Marina Chairman Gulu Lalvani said the partnership was a win-win for GoAir and RPM. Last month, Thailands Ambassador to India Chutintorn Gongsakdi said the rise of India would help in opening up new flights and connections. As many as 1.7 million tourists from India are expected to visit Thailand this year and rise to 2 million by 2020. A total of 10 million tourists were expected by 2030, he had said. PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Mumbai, January 15 Aircraft manufacturing will soon become a reality in India with the government working on a blueprint for the same, Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said on sidelines of the Global Aviation Summit 2019 here. Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the event, Prabhu said India needed 2,300 aircraft to meet the domestic demand for air travel in the coming years. We will soon roll out a roadmap for the manufacturing of aircraft in India, Prabhu said. He said the government was looking to attract top players from around the world to build aircraft in India. The minister added that maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of aircraft can be done domestically. At present, most of the MRO work on bigger aircraft is carried out abroad. Apart from money, job opportunities for Indians were being lost with MRO work being done out of the country, the minister noted. Prabhu added that the government wanted aircraft financing to be carried out by domestic financial institutions. We are already working on financing of aircraft and how that should happen from India. We are losing out lot of resources to outsiders, he said. According to the minister, the government was now emphasising on the growth of air cargo and policy for this segment has been unveiled. The government has also regulated the use of drones and these tools would be used in agriculture and disaster management, Prabhu said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state government was planning nine airports across Maharashtra in addition to the proposed Navi Mumbai airport. Pune and Nagpur airports were in the process of being upgraded to cater to national and international traffic, Fadnavis added. Fadnavis, who hails from Nagpur, said a passenger and cargo hub will also be created in that city. MCKINNEY, Texas - Velma Lynn Yettman passed away on June 4th, 2021 in Mckinney, Texas. She was born on October 25th, 1951 in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was predeceased by her sister Valeta May in 2018, and her parents Lloyd and Frances Zenor. Velma is survived by her brother Steve (Becky) Zen Gov. Tom Wolf made it a point to focus on issues on which members of both parties worked together during his first term as he spoke after taking the oath of office to begin his second term at noon Tuesday. Chronicled, Inc., a San Francisco, CA-based provider of enterprise blockchain-powered supply chain ecosystems with automation, and privacy, raised $16m in Series A funding. The round was led by Mandra Capital, with participation from Streamlined Ventures, The Perkins Fund, Frank Fiore, and David Aho. Chronicled is a software technology company leveraging blockchain to bring efficiency, and automation to global supply chains. The company has developed tools and protocols to enable decentralized blockchain networks that support multi-party supply chain ecosystems. The decentralized network architecture extends trust boundaries and enforces cross-organization business rules without revealing private data. Chronicled is currently piloting the MediLedger Network with a group of major companies, including manufacturers, distributors, and solution providers, and it plans to launch the network commercially in 2019. The company intends to use the funds for expansion of the MediLedger Network with service provider integrations and additional protocols that address channel integrity and chargebacks, contracting, and revenue management. As part of its growth plans, Chronicled is opening a development office in Vancouver, BC. The company currently employs 50 personnel and plans to add approximately 20 employees over the next year, targeting both its San Francisco and Vancouver locations. It is a founding member of Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, Trusted IoT Alliance, and Mobility Open Blockchain Initiative and has an active presence in Pharmaceuticals and Precious Metals and Minerals industries. FinSMEs 16/01/2019 featured Government Politicians will eat each other alive if FBI or AG launches C-word investigation Zahmiyah Garvin dreamed of computer access and books after she secured first Trenton Free Public Library card with help from mom, Zaquana Scott. Screengrab from body camera footage of police investigating a reported break-in at the office of Trenton Mayors chief of staff Yoshi Manale, seen here in his office. Climate Crisis Learn how the climate crisis impacts our health, our weather, our food supply, and our coastal cities and what we can do to help reverse it. Monterey County embodies the perfect backdrop to uncover a new, relaxed and inspired you in 2019. (TRAVPR.COM) CA - January 16th, 2019 - Monterey, CA, January 16, 2019 Monterey County embodies the perfect backdrop to uncover a new, relaxed and inspired you in 2019. The natural beauty of CaliforniasCentral Coast redwood forests, verdant valleys and sweeping, towering cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean will erase stress and inspires a new state of being. With plentiful offerings that will rejuvenate mind, body and soul, Monterey County is the ultimate destination for travelers to disconnect and focus on themselves in the New Year, says Rob OKeefe, Chief Marketing Officer for the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. From spas and meditation studios to hiking trails and literary sites, travelers will surely be relaxed and revitalizedafter a trip to Monterey County. Below are some ideas for the perfect new you escape to Monterey County: The newest luxury resort in Marina,The Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resortleavesguests feeling refreshed and inspired with their range of custom treatments focusing on body care and total wellness. For ultimate pampering time, guests can indulge in the unique Salt Wood Spa RX treatment, a sea salt exfoliation using seasonally inspired salt blends to aid the body in releasing toxins while unveiling a healthy glow. For head to toe relaxation,The Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resort offersthe Pacific Ocean Body Treatment - a basalt stone face massage, mineral rich seaweed body mask and a full body massage. To further cultivate and elevate well-being, consciousness and kindness, visit Monterey Bay Meditation Studio for a variety of movement, nature and relational meditation sessions, retreats and courses. Sessions are held on the beach, in the forest, by the river, and in meadows throughout Monterey County, as well as in their ocean-view studio in Pacific Grove. In 2019, the studio will be offering a Conscious Living Series, which includes several courses focusing on different aspects of incorporating mindfulness into daily life. Among the rolling hills and sun-dappled vineyards of Carmel Valley, the Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers a variety of unique experiences for rejuvenation, inspiration and indulgence. With seasonal body treatments focusing on the solstices and equinoxes, the experiences integrate celestial reminders to take time for ourselves; reflect on the past, renew for the future and optimize balance. Find inner peace at Refuge in Carmel Americas first co-ed outdoor relaxation spa. This sanctuary is a wellness paradise offering the ultimate in relaxation through a three-step thermal cycle featuring a cedar sauna with Himalayan salt walls, eucalyptus infused steam rooms, cold plunges, and warm pools with thermal waterfalls. Repeated use of Refuges thermal cycle soothes aches and pains, speeds up metabolism, and enhances muscle recuperation the perfect recipe for a new you. More than 50 years ago, the Esalen Institute was founded as a retreat and educational center focused on creating a space where people could explore holistic approaches to wellness and personal transformation. Esalen attracts a worldwide network of teachers and seekers who look beyond dogma to explore deeper spiritual possibilities; forge new understandings of self and society; and pioneer new paths for change. Located in Big Sur, visitors can enjoy a plethora of experiences from moonlit baths in natural hot springs to unique forms of massage that focus on energy exchange and psychological well-being. To expand the mind in the New Year, don't miss out on some of Montereys most notable literary sites including the National Steinbeck Center in downtown Salinas, Robinson Jeffers' Tor House in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Henry Miller Library in majestic Big Sur. Visitors looking to reconnect with nature will discover the exquisite beauty of Monterey Countys great outdoors. Take a stroll or bike ride along the 18-mile scenic stretchof the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from Castroville (also known as the "Artichoke Capital of the World") in the North, to Pacific Grove in the South. Picnic on the white sands of Carmel Beach, hike through Fort Ord National Monumentor explore Pebble Beachs gentle tide pools. Learn how to unplug and discover mindfulness in beautiful Monterey Countyby uncoveringincredible, life changing, and enriching experiences. Additionally, Monterey County has become one of the countrys leaders in sustainable travel while offering unforgettable moments. Visitors are asked to practice responsible travel that will help minimize negative impacts to the environment, and preserve the cultural and natural resources of the destination. Visit responsiblyand preserve the wonder of Monterey County on the beautiful California Central Coast in the New Year, and for years to come. CONTACT: Jessica Lessard, Monterey County CVB (831) 657-6413; JLessard@SeeMonterey.com ABOUT MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) is a 501c6 non-profit destination marketing organization that drives tourism for Monterey County as a premier destination to leisure and business travelers. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. MCCVB is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that drives business growth through compelling marketing and targeted sales initiatives that maximize the benefits of tourism to our guests, members and the community. Travel spending in Monterey County was $2.85 billion in 2017, representing a 3.5 percent increase from 2016. Visitor spending supported 24,990 jobs, contributed $255 million in total taxes and generated $127 million local tax dollars that directly benefited the community. Contact: Marci Bracco Cain Chatterbox PR Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 747-7455 http://www.SeeMonterey.com ### California Underwater Parks Day arrives Saturday through Monday, January 19-21. (TRAVPR.COM) CA - January 15th, 2019 - Salinas, CA, January 15, 2019 - STATEWIDECalifornia Underwater Parks Day arrives Saturday through Monday, January 19-21. The annual event represents a special statewide celebration of a stunningly beautifuland richly diversenetwork of 124 marine protected areas (MPAs) that includes gems like Point Reyes State Marine Reserve, Elkhorn Slough State Marine Reserve and Swamis State Marine Conservation Area. MPAs have helped conserve and protect the ocean along the legendary West Coastand that means defending fuzzy otters and spotted harbor seals, electric orange nudibranchs and garibaldi, regal egrets and gorgeous grey whales, as well as protecting the ecosystems that support them. It also means preserving famous viewscapes, areas of cultural significance to indigenous communities, and boosting local economies with the power of the tourist dollar. As outlets including the BBC and PBS reported in 2015, the recovery of over-taxed ecosystems like Monterey Bay has translated to billions in tourism. BBC series producer Adam White called Monterey Bay's recovery one of the greatest wildlife conservation success stories on the planetand all of this is happening between San Francisco and Los Angelestwo of the largest cities in the world. If it can work here, it should inspire the rest of the world to take care of their ocean." That would not have happened without MPA Watch, which helps defend 58 different MPAs statewide. The MPA Watch story is one of community heroism and tons of data. Legion volunteers use standardized methods to collect endless information on California's beaches and bluffs inside and outside MPAs, recording all offshore and onshore coastal activities, from swimming and surfing to fishing and harvesting. All data collected by volunteers undergo rigorous quality assurance before being accepted and shared with users like state coastal managers and environmental researchers. Those authorities then use that information to target the most important places for enhanced education and outreach, signage, and law enforcement. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) leads the management and enforcement of MPA regulations. All told MPA Watch heroes monitor 187,917 acres of marine protected areas. They submitted 3,164 surveys in 2018. With warming oceans, oil companies hoping to drill in all sorts of places, poachers and other bad actors all threatening the health of Californias coast, continuing to protect the states ocean ecosystems nowand for generations to comeis a perpetual priority. It also makes California Underwater Parks Day an important holiday and a major public benefit. There are many ways for everyday people to get involved, including 1) completing simple surveys on the MPA Watch website, 2) volunteering to help monitor the coasts MPAs, 3) donating to local MPA Watch organizations, and 4) visiting MPAs to enjoy their beauty! More information awaits at www.mpawatch.org. Contact: Marci Bracco Cain Chatterbox PR Salinas, CA 93901 (831) 747-7455 http://www.mpawatch.org ### Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa is the theme that will be at the center of discussions during the 32nd Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU), which kicked off with the 37th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC), on Tuesday, 15th January 2019 at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The opening ceremony took place in the presence of the Deputy Chairperson of the AU Commission, AUC Commissioners, all the Ambassadors of the 55 African Union member states based in Addis Ababa, representatives from the diplomatic corps, the international community, civil society, private sector and invited guests, among others. While making his opening remarks, the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission H.E. Kwesi Quartey noted that the African Union Commission has been undergoing far-reaching, sweeping and progressive Reforms for the past few months. Gender-Parity is top on the agenda of leadership, transparency, openness good governance and rule of law both within the Commission as well as in Ethiopia, he said. He was speaking on behalf of the Chairperson of AUC, H.E. Dr. Moussa Faki Mahamat. The Deputy emphasized the need for these reforms to help work together and enhance the cooperation of Member States in order to achieve the targets set for the Commission, and the pillar of this process is the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC). The Administrative and Financial Reforms are at the core of the Commissions Institutional reform agenda and together we intend to contribute our best efforts towards our Pan-African Vision of an integerated, prosperous and peaceful continent, he said. He further added, the Recruitment process of the Commission has faced many challenges over the years and the Commission headed by H.E. Moussa Faki is determined to live up to expectations by endorsing the recommendations brought by Policy Organs. He explained that, the Human resource management and capacity development are key aspects of the work of the Commission. The expertise of Member States, as with external auditing, will be sought to review the Unions recruitment system and because of the shared principles of equity, transparency and solidarity, the Personal Management Offices of Member states have a constructive role to play in strengthening the recruitment processes. In order for our Union to achieve the development objectives of Agenda 2063, the new structure being evolved must be fit for purpose, he explained. The PRC Meeting is the first of three statutory meetings to be held under the 32nd Summit of the African Union. The second meeting is that of Executive Council, which will held from 7-8 February. The final meeting of the Summit will be of the Heads of State and Government to take place from 10-11 February 2019. Over two days, the Permanent Representatives will convene in closed sessions to deliberate on the different items on their agenda including: reports of the PRC sub-committees, Reports of meetings of the AU Specialized Technical Committees (STCs) during the last six months, Reports of the Commission, Reports of AU Organs and Specialized Agencies, Reports of the Commission, and the items proposed by Member States. The Meeting will also consider and prepare draft agenda decisions, and declarations of the 34th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 32nd Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly. The 37th Ordinary Session of the PRC will officially conclude today, Wednesday 16th January 2019. Everybodys been raving about the new Ram HDs comprehensive offering of onboard safety systems as well as its top-of-the-line Cummins 6.7-liter diesel engine with 1,000 pound-feet of torque on tap. However, for this article, well be looking at two narrow storage compartments placed above the wheels of the new Ram. The new Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty comes packed with cutting-edge tech and can tow more than its Ford and Chevy rivals. It also comes with two storage spaces on either side of the cargo bed. Its not weird that you can lock these storage compartments up but what is weird is that they feature an emergency latch so Dodge thought that somebody could get stuck in there somehow. If it can be locked, it needs an emergency latch to unlock it! Weve first laid eyes on the new Ram HD the other day at the Detroit Auto Show and, beyond the features and systems and crazy specs that everyones buzzing about, theres one thing thats interesting on the outside of the Ram. If you look at the truck from its side you will notice an openable lid cut through the sides of the bed, just above the flared wheel arches. These are the so-called Ram Boxes and you can pop these lids open and store some extra stuff in there. This isnt an all-new feature as youll spot these lockable compartments on older Rams as well but what caught our attention was the presence of the familiar T-shaped emergency exit latch inside. Latches like these have been mandatory in the trunks of all cars in the U.S. since 2002 but we didn't expect to see them inside some rather narrow storage compartments on the Ram. Its worth pointing out that, on the inside, the floor of the compartments basically follows the wheel arch itself so, in the middle, theres very little depth and you can put things deeper towards the compartments extremities. This is the main reason why we think that equipping the lids of these storage areas with an emergency exit latch is strange. I mean, sure, kids still get trapped inside car trunks to this day and there have been cases of people kidnapped in trunks before - more on that below - but who can actually fit inside those compartments and lock himself or herself in? I guess only a kid or a baby could probably fit in there but then theres the question of access. The Ram Heavy Duty isn't a low-slung exotic, it's not even your regular light pick-up truck. Its a tall vehicle thats hard to climb onto if youre a kid so its really unlikely for someone thats small enough to fit inside those Ram Boxes to get in there. But, still, its better to be safe than sorry! A brief history of the trunk emergency exit latch The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) had been petitioned as far back as 1984 about urging automakers to implement on all cars an interior trunk-release lever that would free people stuck in trunks before its too late. At the time, the NHTSA "stated that it was not aware of any data indicating that there is much likelihood of occurrence of unintentional entrapment in a vehicles trunk," and, as such, denied the petition. It wasn't until late 2001 that the NHTSA finally required car manufacturers to include the emergency exit latch for 2002 model year vehicles. Since then, no kid has died by getting stuck in the trunk of a car equipped with the latch. However, as many as 22 children have died since 2002 in the trunks of older cars that did not have this safety feature. What is more, the advocacy group that pushed for the implementation of this simple and very effective system, Kids and Cars, reports that between 10 and 20 people die stuck in trunks of older cars in the U.S. annually. Thats why if you have a car thats older than 2002 you should retrofit it with a lever of this kind thats a real bargain considering it actually saves lives. The Kids & Cars organization was kicked off by Janette Fennell, a woman who felt first hand the horror of being stuck in a cars trunk all the way back in 1995. Her story makes for a chilling read but its something that has happened to many people over the years and something that can still happen today. Jeanette, her husband Greig and their newborn son were returning home one Saturday evening in their white Lexus LS. They got to their home in the San Francisco area, parked the car in the garage and, just as the garages doors were closing, two men wearing Halloween masks slipped underneath and proceeded to threaten Greig and Jeanette at gunpoint. They demaned that the couple would climb in their own cars trunk, which they proceeded to do. Unaware of the state of their son, who was still in his child seat at the time the thieves showed up in their garage, they felt as the car backed out of their driveway and powered away. Jeanette was terrified in the trunk of the familys LS as "she had heard on Oprah that if you were kidnapped and didnt escape within five minutes, you were dead," according to an article on the awful events that led to the introduction of this seemingly obvious safety feature that took way too long to be implemented. The thieves drove on for a long time, so much that the couple started wondering if theyll end up in L.A. or beyond. While stuck inside, the two started pulling away the cars interior carpeting to reveal wires and other electrical connections inside the trunk with the hope that they could short-circuit the taillights or do something else to signal to other cars that there was someone stuck in the trunk of this white LS. Finally, when the kidnappers decided theyd driven far enough, they pulled over in a dark park away from the concrete jungle and the innumerable shining lights. Then, they opened the trunk and, while holding the Fennells at gunpoint, urged them to hand over all of their valuable belongings including their credit cards. "They had the Fennells repeat the code five times over, and they said that if it wasnt right they would come back, and they would kill them. And then they left," the same article states. After they got everything they were after, the urgently closed the trunk back again, leaving Jeanette and Greig in complete darkness again. Finally, after many minutes of fiddling with the wires inside the trunk, Jeanette said in a calm voice: "I think I found the trunk release. Once out, they realized that their son was gone. Happily, with help from the police, they found out that the robbers had left the child on the doorstep still firmly belted in his kid seat. This harrowing experience pushed Jeanette to understand more about this type of kidnapping. She worked her way through dozens upon dozens of cases, some of which end in a horrific manner. It took her over two years to compile the data and send out letters to automakers and bureaucrats about a problem that had already been raised before but was met with general ignorance. This time, though, Jeanette was helped by then-Representative Bart Stupak who, as a former police officer and state trooper, understood the issue. By that time, mid-way through 1998, "Congress had directed the federal agency responsible for traffic safety to study the possible benefits of equipping cars with a device that would internally release the trunk lid." The issue gained widespread publicty as mainstream media picked it up after almost a dozen kids died of overheating stuck inside car trunks that summer alone. Still, the expert panel that was formed to analyze everything wasnt all for the proposed safety latch and, at the third and final meeting, the Trunk Releases Urgently Needed Coalition won by one vote to push automakers to fit this device in each of their cars. Ford was the first to put emergency trunk-release latches on their cars, even before the ruling came through. The latch was mandated to be a T-shaped glow-in-the-dark piece of plastic that can be easily accessible if youre inside the closed trunk. The final rule by the NHTSA was published on 10.20.2000. This new Federal motor vehicle safety standard (FMVSS) was part of every new car built after September 1st, 2001 for the 2002 model year. It was a long road for this initiative to fight the system but now the latch is out there and, as weve seen, it isnt only placed inside customary trunks. Anything that is large enough to fit a kid or a baby has to have them and this is why this latest Ram 2500 Heavy Duty has them too. Further reading 2019 Ram Heavy Duty Looks Menacing, Pumpas out 1,000 Pound-Feet! Read our full review on the 2019 Ram 1500. County legislators had harsh words at meeting to discuss Jackson County Jail Hide Transcript Show Transcript WEBVTT TODAY. IT LOOKS LIKE THE TROUBLED JACKSON COUNTY JAIL HAS ARBITRARILY CUT BACK ON STAFF BECAUSE IT CAN'T FILL JOB OPENINGS. AND KMBC 9'S MICHEAL MAHONEY SAYS THAT'S PROMPTING A COUNTY LEGISLATOR TO WARN TROUBLE I COMING. That's a direct quote from a legislator as tensions rise and local politicos lose patience with a process that's going to be exceptionally priceypossibly start even more fights betwixt Team Frank Vs. The rest of the Courthouse . . . Read more: Shut Down Run Down The Government Shutdown: Here's Where Things Stand Now into its fourth week, the partial shutdown has had wide-ranging effects. The news is too much to fit into one article, so here's a guide to our latest reporting. The partial government shutdown is more than three weeks old, and the nation's economy, airports and citizens are straining under the pressure. Cold Season Of House Fires KCFD dealing with cold and electricity-related fires Hide Transcript Show Transcript WEBVTT GET IN THE CHIEFS GAME, COMING UP. HALEY: AS TEMPERATURES DIP AND POWER RETURNS FOR THOUSAND ACROSS THE AREA, FIRE DEPARTMENTS ARE DEALING WITH RELATED FIRES. KMBC 9'S WILLIAM JOY SHOWS US WHAT'S CAUSING THEM AND WHAT YOU CAN DO. >> IT DOES SMELL LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. Who Owns The Shut Down??? Despite polls blaming Trump, Dems 'run the risk' of owning shutdown if they won't negotiate: Tom Bevan As the partial shutdown continues, Democrats risk losing the upper hand if they continue refusing to negotiate a compromise with Republicans to reopen the government, Real Clear Politics founder Tom Bevan warned Tuesday. Recent polls show Americans overwhelmingly blame President Trump and the GOP for the partial shutdown, which began Dec. Virtue Signal Salesmanship Gillette is woke now? When brands try to keep up with the times You won't see a single razor in Gillette's new one-minute, 49-second advertisement, "We Believe." The ad, which addresses toxic masculinity and the #MeToo movement, inverts the brand's famous tagline, "the best a man can get." Instead, it poses a challenge to men, asking, is it the best? Politico Self-Pownz Steve King Says Yes to Resolution Rebuking His Own Comments: 'Let's Vote for This' On Tuesday, H.Res.41, a resolution "rejecting white nationalism and white supremacy" serving as a condemnation of remarks by Rep. Steve King (R-IA), came before the House. King himself stood to deliver floor remarks, and said he would be voting yes. In the resolution's text, King is mentioned among the "Whereas" statements. Kansas City Help For Survivors Switcheroo Inside The Loop Somera Road buys City Center Square - Kansas City Business Journal One of downtown Kansas City's largest office buildings has sold to a New York-based real estate investment firm. Somera Road Inc. bought City Center Square for an undisclosed amount from NG City Square LLC, an investment group led by principals Alex Sassoon, a Seattle-based real estate investor, and a pair of New York City-based investors, David Werner and Elie Schwartz. Celebrate Tech Big Boss The most powerful person in Silicon Valley Billionaire Masayoshi Son-not Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, or Mark Zuckerberg-has the most audacious vision for an AI-powered utopia where machines control how we live. And he's spending hundreds of billions of dollars to realize it. Are you ready to live in Masa World? London Calling Encore?!? Brexit: May's plan for cross-party talks under fire as MPs condemn her for sidelining Corbyn - Politics live Parliament to debate Labour no-confidence motion after Brexit deal defeat that gives May just days to present a fresh vision for EU withdrawal Kansas City Lawyer Mayor Redux Seg. 1: Kansas City Mayoral Candidate Steve Miller. Seg. 2: Sports Predictions For 2019. Segment 1: Lawyer and lifelong Kansas Citian realized his past role as chairman of Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission "functions much like the mayor of a city." In the first of our series of interviews with Kansas City, Missouri, hopefuls to become mayor, Steve Miller laid out his views on crime, affordable housing, pre-K education and more. PROMO: WHERE'S THE FUN?!?! It's at WALDO WEEK!!! Possibly. Legal Dance Battle The Epic emote debate: all the news about Fortnite's ongoing dance lawsuits Since Terrence Ferguson, aka rapper 2 Milly, filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against game developer Epic Games last month, the debate around whether copying a real-life dance move and turning it into a virtual good for sale has become a legal quagmire. World Wide Scare At least 14 killed as Kenya hotel siege is declared over Armed men burst into a hotel complex in Nairobi with gunfire and explosions, killing at least 14 people in an attack that lasted hours and ended Wednesday morning, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said. Spark Fear In Kansas City Power restoration sparks house fire near Red Bridge Road KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -What Don Bayless thought was fog, ended up being smoke from a fire that ripped through his neighbor's home. "I went up to the street and got the power guys, they cut it and that's the remains," said Don Bayless, Called 911. Online Video: No Pranks YouTube Finally Explicitly Bans Dangerous Pranks and Challenges After Bird Box Fiasco YouTube has changed its policies in an attempt to cut down on potentially dangerous challenges and pranks, Engadget reported on Tuesday, updating its rules to explicitly ban them from the site. Local Shovel Guide Clearing snow on Mission roof to avoid catastrophe MISSION, KS (KCTV) -- Wet, melting snow and subzero temperatures this weekend could create a hazardous combination for your home. Some people might consider shoveling snow, work, but to Jeff Tummons, it's fitness. "Shoveling snow, pretty good workout. You get that cardio going and that wet snow's pretty heavy," said Tummons. Celebrate Pork Journalism The Local Pig meat shop, Pigwich food truck relocate to City Market | The Kansas City Star After six years in the East Bottoms, locally owned Pigwich and The Local Pig have relocated to City Market, taking the 5,000-square-foot former Winslow's BBQ space at 20 E. Fifth St. Be All That You Can't Be . . . Exclusive: Green Berets Targeted After Email Exposed Lowered Standards The anonymous email, signed, "A concerned Green Beret," accused the leaders of the school of "moral cowardice" for lowering the standards, and weakening instructors' ability to discipline students as they look to get further through the pipeline. Pricey Conversation In The Dotte Proposed Costs For Flood Management Give Some In Wyandotte County Sticker Shock At an open house in west Wyandotte County Tuesday night, residents and business owners voiced concerns about proposed changes to their monthly water and electric bills. Currently, everyone pays $4.50 a month for stormwater management - meaning the sprawling Legends outlet mall pays the same as the owner of a one-bedroom home. Kansas City Gunfire Life Lesson We're gonna do something different today . . . We'll be looking at news links. J/k.Seriously, as always we work to highlight important local news items, break stories and offer anglimpse at every day Kansas Cityin this section that we hope to (somewhat) consistently update we offer a glimpse at the worldThis section was created because our reader community sends us links from around the globe that we never know exactly where to put . . . And because we hate to waste, at the very least we'll store the best of the best in this section forstories that have caught our interest. Even better, in order to continue our conversation. We're closing off the section from comment and encouraging readers toif they feel strongly about any links in this section. If it's pithy, clever or worthwhile . . .Those are the rules and now here are the news links from KC, around the nation and the world . . .Developing . . . Community members welcome students back to school at Million Fathers March Men and women from the Kansas City community lined the sidewalk of Frontier School of Innovation Tuesday, Jan. 8 for the Million Fathers March event, welcoming students back to school after the winter break with smiles, high fives, and encouraging words. KC Wolf was even in attendance, greeting students as they stepped off the bus. Community news offers this perspective on a splendidly outdated world view and tribute to local dudes role-playing for a day to much acclaim. While this even might make a "banner year" difference in the lives of these youngsters . . . The decline of the American family continues unabated . . . Northland Crash Tragedy Cont'd Driver in wreck that killed four-year-old in KC north dies KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The driver of an SUV that crashed in Kansas City north last week, killing a four-year-old, died shortly after the wreck. Officials announced on Tuesday that Omer Hamsic, 53, of Kansas City, Missouri died on Jan. 10. Officials said the vehicle went off the road just west of Parvin and Prather in Kansas City north. Urban Core Gunfire Olathe Aftermath KCK Shooting Drama Police: Man critically injured after shot by girlfriend's ex-boyfriend in Kansas City, KS KANSAS CITY, KS (KCTV) -- Police are investigating after a man was shot by his girlfriend's former boyfriend. It happened in the 300 block of North Coy. Detectives say the victim was sitting in his car when the gunman walked up and began shooting at him. Police Want To Help This Guy KCPD looking for man who left mental health center KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City police are looking for a 23-year-old man who walked away from a mental health treatment center. Christian Ault was last seen around 5 p.m. Sunday in the 2900 block of Holmes Street. He needs daily medication and medical care, police said. Important news from throughout the community, check the quick recap . . .Developing . . . Jackson County Legislators Frustrated With The Sheriff At A Jail Budget Hearing Jackson County legislators had lots of questions for Sheriff Darryl Forte, given that he just took over the troubled downtown jail. But at a budget hearing Tuesday they got few answers since the sheriff was absent for much of the meeting. This report offers a surface look at a public meeting . . . The real story is that if the Legislature wants the Sheriff gone, it won't take much to send him packing . . . Remember that the former KCPD honcho has never held athroughout his entire career.Even better, we already know there's more than enough dirt to go round and now thehas very little political capital with which to bargain or fend off criticism or fire off his own retorts.Here's a preview of what could be a very short tenure if the Eastern Jack block sets their sights on him . . . Yoder, Messer land on K Street Former Republican Reps. (Kan.) and (Ind.) are the next on the growing list of lawmakers who are headed to K Street firms after Congress. Yoder, who lost his reelection to Democrat , will be a partner at HHQ Ventures. Messer, who left the House to unsuccessfully run for the Senate, will be a principal at Faegre Baker Daniels Consulting. Taking a bit of the luster off his good guy image, here's a glimpse of the former JoCo power player now earning a lot of cash by way of exerting his influence around D.C. and beyond . . . Source: Ubisoft Fans of the Far Cry series now know how to spec out their rigs to play the upcoming title, Far Cry New Dawn. Ubisoft Montreal tech director Raphael Parent said it the post-apocalyptic game features a bold art direction that is all about a colorful, hopeful, and inviting world. (Which happen to be the exact same adjectives that spring to our mind when we think of the post-apocalypse. Twinsies.) And, of course, its said to take advantage of new hardware. Without further ado, here are the system requirements: Specs Minimum Configuration Recommended Configuration 4K 30FPS Configuration 4K 60FPS Configuration CPU Intel Core i5 2400 @ 3.1GHz or AMD FX 6350 @ 3.9GHz Intel Core i7-4790 @ 3.6GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 @ 3.2GHz Intel Core i7-6700 @ 3.4GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X @ 3.6GHz or equivalent Intel Core i7-6700K @ 4.0GHz or AMD Ryzen 7 1700X @ 3.4GHz or equivalent GPU Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 (2GB) or AMD Radeon R9 270X (2GB) or better Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 (4GB) or AMD Radeon R9 290X (4GB) or better Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 (8GB) or AMD RX Vega 56 (8GB) or better Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 SLI (8GB) or AMD RX Vega 56 CFX (8GB) or better Memory 8GB 8GB 16GB 16GB Storage 30GB Available Space 30GB Available Space 30GB Available Space 30GB Available Space Operating System Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (64-bit versions only) Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (64-bit versions only) Windows 10 (64-bit versions only) Windows 10 (64-bit versions only) Resolution 720p 1080p 2160p 2160p Video Preset Low High High High DirectX DirectX June 2010 Redistributable DirectX June 2010 Redistributable DirectX June 2010 Redistributable DirectX June 2010 Redistributable Sound DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card with latest drivers DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card with latest drivers DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card with latest drivers DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card with latest drivers Peripherals Windows-compatible keyboard, mouse, headset Windows-compatible keyboard, mouse, headset Windows-compatible keyboard, mouse, headset Windows-compatible keyboard, mouse, headset Far Cry New Dawn is expected to debut on February 15 for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It's technically a full game, much like Far Cry Blood Dragon, but the standard edition costs $40 instead of the usual $60. (A deluxe edition with exclusive in-game items costs $50.) You can learn more about Far Cry New Dawns supported controllers and other hardware via Ubisofts website. (Image credit: Kano) Kano already makes the best educational PC for kids in its Computer Kit Touch, and now the UK-based company is going to combine its unique brand of tech learning with a galaxy far, far away. Today, Kano announced a partnership with Disney that will allow it to bring Star Wars-themed products to market. Details were scarce at press time, but Kano said that it plans to come out with a Star Wars-styled product system in the second half of 2019. The licensing agreement goes for two years and is specifically with Disney's Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products group. There's no word about whether theme parks will be involved. "Collaborating with Disney is a blessing," Kano CEO Alex Klein said in a statement. "We can combine connected, creative technologies with some of the most memorable stories ever told." This past fall, Kano launched its Harry Potter Coding Kit, a Potter-themed set that features a Bluetooth-enabled wand, which teaches kids about programming. Using the kit, you can write programs that let you virtually levitate a feather, create jelly beans and perform other Harry Potter spells. We reviewed Kano's Computer Kit Touch last year and gave it an Editor's Choice because it offers a truly unique and compelling learning experience for kids. My six-year-old son learned a fair amount about how computers work, how to program and even about Linux by putting together and taking apart the Raspberry Pi-powered PC. In addition to its Computer Kit and Harry Potter Coding Kit, Kano offers a Motion Sensor Kit and Pixel Kit, a programmable LED light box. All of these products use Kano World, the company's code repository and learning tool, to help kids share their apps with others and learn more about code. Rosenberg, TX (77471) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable. The Razr is coming back, again. And this time, it'll be foldable. (Image credit: VCG via Getty Images) The once iconic Motorola phone will return to the market this year possibly as soon as February according to The Wall Street Journal. Motorola's parent company, Lenovo, has reportedly entered an exclusive partnership with Verizon to sell the handset, which could cost as much as $1,500. The Journal's report, which cites anonymous individuals close to the matter, says Lenovo is eyeing a limited production run of about 200,000 for the foldable device. But it wouldn't be the first time Motorola resurrected the Razr name. Back in 2011, it partnered with Verizon to release the Droid Razr, which was the thinnest smartphone in the world at the time, measuring 7.1 millimeters thick. We don't know much about the new Razr yet, as the handset's design and specs are still shrouded in mystery. If it turns out to be a foldable phone, the Razr would join an increasingly crowded field of phones with foldable displays. Last week at CES, we got our first extended look at Royole's FlexPai and Samsung's promised Galaxy F could debut in the months ahead, too. It's also worth noting that Lenovo and Verizon have joined forces on a 5G Moto Mod for the Moto Z3, with that add-on set to arrive in the coming weeks. The 5G Moto Mod adds support for the new wireless standard to Motorola's 2018 flagship, making the Moto Z3 Verizon's first and likely only 5G smartphone for a limited time at least until it's joined by other devices including a 5G-enabled version of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus later in the year, tentatively called the S10 X. The mobile arm of Motorola enjoyed one of its most prosperous periods with the original Razr line, which debuted in 2004. As the industry shifted to smartphones late in that decade, Motorola forged a close partnership with Google as one of the first device manufacturers to jump on the Android bandwagon. The Verizon-exclusive Droid series was a brief hit for the carrier, especially before Verizon began selling Apple's iPhones. MORE: FlexPai Foldable Phone Hands-On: Flexible Meets Awkward Unfortunately, Motorola subsequently endured something of an identity crisis, bouncing between corporate owners and shifting its focus from the premium end of the market to more budget-minded devices. Google took the phone maker under its wing from 2011 to 2014, before selling it off to Lenovo, which doubled down on emerging markets by greatly expanding Motorola's mid- and low-range offerings. That makes the rumored decision to sell a limited-run, $1,500 foldable phone a strange one. Then again, it could be exactly what Motorola needs to breathe some enthusiasm back into its brand. The company failed to deliver a true flagship throughout 2018, opting instead to churn out a slightly-updated version of the modular Moto Z2 with the Snapdragon 835-powered and Verizon-exclusive Moto Z3. The new Razr could either be just around the corner or a few months away, as The Wall Street Journal says that Lenovo hasn't finalized a release schedule yet. Should the device emerge in the spring, we may hear about it officially at Mobile World Congress 2019 in Barcelona, which kicks off Feb. 25 so stay tuned. [January 16, 2019] United for U.S. Coalition Grows More corporations are joining the United for U.S. Coalition, which is helping furloughed federal workers and others impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. The Coalition, announced last week by United Way Worldwide, is a joint effort by corporate partners, organized labor, the United Way network and nonprofits. Since the shutdown started, United Way and its community partners have been fielding calls from furloughed workers seeking assistance with a variety of needs, including rent and mortgage payments, utility bills and groceries. Those calls have mostly come to 2-1-1, a free nationwide service that connects people with locally available community resources, public benefits and corporate assistance programs. "United Way commends our corporate partners for stepping up to help struggling furloughed workers," said Mary Sellers, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. "We work every day in communities around the country to strengthen financial stability. The shutdown puts furloughed workers and their families in a precarious financial situation, so all of us need to do what we can to help." United for U.S. brings together companies, employers, organized labor and others who want to minimize the shutdown's harmful effects on furloughed workers and their families. To date, eight companies have joined the United for U.S. Coalition, and more are in the works. Two of United Ways closest corporate partners, Wells Fargo (News - Alert) and Bank of America, were previously announced as part of the coalition and are providing the following assistance: Wells Fargo has pledged $250,000 in grant support to help federal employees meet their most basic needs: food, bill assistance, shelter etc., in addition to waiving fees for customers who have direct deposit from the federal government, and offering short and long-term assistance for those who need extra time to make payments. Customers should call 800-219-9739 for help, or visit any branch. has pledged $250,000 in grant support to help federal employees meet their most basic needs: food, bill assistance, shelter etc., in addition to waiving fees for customers who have direct deposit from the federal government, and offering short and long-term assistance for those who need extra time to make payments. Customers should call 800-219-9739 for help, or visit any branch. Bank of America is reaching out to affected clients to let them know of the bank's Client Assistance Program. Customers can call 844-219-0690, or schedule an appointment at a local branch. Bank of America has also pledged $10,000 to the United Way National Capital Area Emergency Assistance Fund. The funds will be directed to organizations in the Washington, D.C. area that will help affected people with food, rent and utility assistance programs Additionally, the following companies have joined the effort: Nationwide will institute a grace period and delayed payments for standard personal lines; expedite requests for withdrawals and loans to disburse money quickly; waive certain fees; and extend due ates for insurance premium and loan payments. Customers should refer to the contact information on their policy or contact their agent for more information. will institute a grace period and delayed payments for standard personal lines; expedite requests for withdrawals and loans to disburse money quickly; waive certain fees; and extend due ates for insurance premium and loan payments. Customers should refer to the contact information on their policy or contact their agent for more information. U.S. Bank is offering a new low-rate quick loan designed to help customers families impacted by the shutdown. Qualified federal government employees can apply for a $100-$6,000 low-rate, quick loan, or find out about mortgage relief options. Customers should call U.S. Bank's designated federal government shutdown line at 877-760-6046. is offering a new low-rate quick loan designed to help customers families impacted by the shutdown. Qualified federal government employees can apply for a $100-$6,000 low-rate, quick loan, or find out about mortgage relief options. Customers should call U.S. Bank's designated federal government shutdown line at 877-760-6046. Lyft is working in the Washington, D.C. area - home to 300,000 federal workers - to provide financial support, including donating food to local food banks. is working in the Washington, D.C. area - home to 300,000 federal workers - to provide financial support, including donating food to local food banks. Airbnb will pay hosts who are furloughed employees for an extra night (up to $110) for every three nights they rent out their house, apartment or room to travelers. will pay hosts who are furloughed employees for an extra night (up to $110) for every three nights they rent out their house, apartment or room to travelers. Sprint (News - Alert) is encouraging customers struggling to pay bills because of the shutdown to call 888-211-4727 or go online at Sprint.com to talk with a customer care representative about short-term payment solutions to keep service uninterrupted. is encouraging customers struggling to pay bills because of the shutdown to call 888-211-4727 or go online at Sprint.com to talk with a customer care representative about short-term payment solutions to keep service uninterrupted. Comcast (News - Alert) urges federal workers to call 800-934-6489 to find a payment solution that works for them. And local and state United Ways continue to offer support and services. For example, United Way Puerto Rico is launching a joint effort with Consumer Credit Counseling, 2-1-1, and the Bank and Cooperative Associations. United Way will distribute 6,000 bags of food, and is working with community partners on mortgage and credit card payment extensions, and low-interest emergency loans. The city of Denver is working with Mile High United Way to create a new Temporary Mortgage Assistance program, which will offer financial assistance to homeowners who are facing hardship due to unexpected changes in their employment status - including furlough, temporary layoff or significant reduction of hours worked. The program, being offered through a partnership with Mile High United Way's 2-1-1 Call Center, will provide households up to two months or $5,000 maximum of help to cover mortgage payments. United Way urges those seeking information or assistance to call 2-1-1 or go to www.211.org. About United Way Worldwide United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. Supported by 2.9 million volunteers, 9 million donors worldwide and $4.7 billion raised every year, United Way is the world's largest privately-funded nonprofit. We're engaged in 1,800 communities across more than 40 countries and territories worldwide to create sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our communities. United Way partners include global, national and local businesses, nonprofits, government, civic and faith-based organizations, along with educators, labor leaders, health providers, senior citizens, students and more. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) : @UnitedWay and #LiveUnited. About 2-1-1 2-1-1 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals to resources and services in their local communities by phone, text and on the web. Individuals in need or who are looking for information for someone else can call 2-1-1 from a cell phone or landline. United Way supports and provides 2-1-1 services in most communities across the U.S. For more information about 2-1-1, visit 211.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005784/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Videojet Earns Top 101 Status Among the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation" for a Second Time Videojet Technologies, a global leader in coding, marking and variable data printing solutions, announced today that they have been recognized for the second year in a row by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) as one of the top 101 2018 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. The competition identifies and recognizes companies that deliver exceptional human resource practices and an impressive commitment to their employees. This year, 2,000 companies were nominated and 511 were selected as winners with only 101, including Videojet, earning top company honors. In 2018, Videojet was also named an Elite Award Winner in the Employee Achievement and Recognition category for Chicago companies. "At Videojet, our associates are our most valued resource. Every day we strive to continuously improve our workplace by building and reinforcing a culture that provides great opportunities for our team to openly collaborate, learn, grow and Imprint the World," said Rich Wachter, Vice President of Human Resources for Videojet. "Receiving this recognition from the NABR for the second year in a row reminds us how far we have come on our journey to build a best-in-class workplace while reinforcing the outstanding efforts of our associates. These efforts, along with our innovative products and services, have made Videojet the Global Leader in Marking & Coding." The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition assesses organizations based on categories such as communication, employee education, diversity, recognition, development, retention and more. In addition, ational winning companies were assessed by an independent research firm that reviewed a number of key measures relative to other nationally recognized winners. According to NABR President and CEO, Jennifer Kluge, "National companies realize that their employees are key to business success. The companies that were selected demonstrated innovative human resource practices. They intentionally keep employee needs at the forefront of their policies. We are very impressed by the commitment that they have demonstrated to their employees." Videojet will receive additional recognition as a national top 101 winning company at the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For National Summit that will take place September 15-17, 2019 in Chicago. To learn more about Videojet and the company's dedication to continuously working towards developing their workplace and team, visit www.videojet.com/careers. About the Best and Brightest Programs The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that lead to increased productivity and financial performance. This competition scores potential winners based on regional data of company performance and a set standard across the nation. This national program celebrates those companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community as a whole. There are numerous regional celebrations throughout the country. About Videojet Technologies: Videojet Technologies is a world-leader in the product identification market, providing in-line printing, coding, and marking products, application specific fluids, and product life cycle services. Our goal is to partner with our customers in the consumer-packaged goods, pharmaceutical, and industrial goods industries to improve their productivity, to protect and grow their brands, and to stay ahead of industry trends and regulations. With our customer application experts and technology leadership in Continuous Inkjet (CIJ), Thermal Inkjet (TIJ), Laser Marking, Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO), case coding and labeling, and wide array printing, Videojet has more than 345,000 printers installed worldwide. Our customers rely on Videojet products to print on over ten billion products daily. Customer sales, application, service and training support is provided by direct operations with over 4,000 team members in 26 countries worldwide. In addition, Videojet's distribution network includes more than 400 distributors and OEMs, serving 135 countries. About Danaher (News - Alert) Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in some of the most demanding and attractive industries, including health care, environmental and industrial. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team of over 62,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com. 2019 Videojet Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. Videojet is a registered trademark of Videojet Technologies Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005772/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] XYO Partners with Telematics Leader DRVR to Make Pan-Asia Vehicle Fleets Smartest and Most Cost-Efficient Globally XYO, the technology that bridges blockchain to the physical world, today announced a partnership with top Asian vehicle fleet analytics and management leader DRVR. The partnership and subsequent deployment of XYO-backed Sentinels are expected to leverage location-based data to improve the company's analytics insights and overall vehicle management. As a prominent Telematics and fleet management brand in Asia, DRVR (pronounced "driver") is a solution provider serving companies managing vehicle fleets, as well as vehicle manufacturers directly. DRVR uniquely combines vehicle and fleet monitoring and data analytics, and is helping to transform the way vehicles and related services are organized and managed. The company was founded to connect the transport networks of Asia and is on track to become Southeast Asia's leading IoT analytics platform. With business across many nations in the region and thousands of miles, DRVR offers fleet-management solutions to customers in Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, the Philippines and Myanmar, and expects to announce further growth shortly. DRVR customers include global leaders such as Canon (News - Alert) , Carlsberg, Mercedes and DHL. "From our first conversation, we have beenvery interested in what the XYO team is doing with location verification, specifically as it applies to our far-reaching work with fleet management and analytics across Asia," commented David Henderson, CEO and Founder of DRVR. "We are focused on turning Asia's vehicle fleets into the smartest and most cost-efficient in the world. We're confident that our partnership with XYO will help us move more quickly along that path, making use of relative location and other important heuristics." The XYO / DRVR partnership, initially centered around location verification Internet of Things (IoT) beacon technology from XYO, promises to dramatically improve fleet analytics to industry-leading levels, while driving down management costs and making the entire system even more cost-effective. DRVR expects the blockchain-enabled data gathering and record-keeping to drive significant new business insight and efficiencies, while maintaining gathered data on a distributed ledger. XYO will provide the decentralization, location data, and distributed oracle capabilities. "We're excited about our partnership and look forward to working very closely with DRVR," commented XYO Network Co-Founder Markus Levin. "This young company is already respected for its innovative approach and insights in the industry. We like partnering with these types of forward-looking organizations to incorporate blockchain and our XYO capabilities into existing businesses. We expect to help DRVR create richer data sets and business efficiencies, which will support the company and their regional customers, in many concrete ways." For more information, visit XYO Network and DRVR. About XYO Network XYO Network is an effort to create a vast, geospatial, blockchain-powered location network currently under development with the goal to provide accurate, certainty-driven location data on everything from cars to smartphones. By combining location beacons with IoT and mobile devices, the XYO Network ecosystem plans to deliver the verified coordinates and data needed to execute smart contracts, run smart cities, foster financial transactions, and power a legion of location-centric applications. For more information, please visit https://xyo.network. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005763/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] INVESTOR ALERT: Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Announces Investigation on Behalf of Wayfair Inc. Investors (W) Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces an investigation on behalf of Wayfair Inc. investors ("Wayfair" or the "Company") (NYSE: W) concerning the Company and its officers' possible violations of federal securities laws. On November 1, 2018, Wayfair issued a press release announcing a net loss of $151.7 million ($1.69 per share) for the third quarter 2018, compared to a net loss of $76.4 million (or $0.88 per share) for the third quarter of 2017. The Company attributed the loss to a 43% increase in adverising expenses. On this news, the price of Wayfair stock fell more than $14 per share, or approximately 13%, to close at $96.16 per share on November 1, 2018. If you purchased Wayfair securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Howard G. Smith, Esquire, of Law Offices of Howard G. Smith, 3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112, Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020 by telephone at (215) 638-4847, toll-free at (888) 638-4847, or by email to howardsmith@howardsmithlaw.com, or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005758/en/ [January 16, 2019] Bear Clan Patrol welcomes new support from Bell Let's Talk and City of Winnipeg $200,000 donation to grow mental health outreach to vulnerable people in the community WINNIPEG, Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW Telbec/ - Bell Let's Talk and the City of Winnipeg today announced a combined donation of $200,000 to Bear Clan Patrol, the community-based organization providing safety and belonging, mental wellness support, conflict resolution and crime prevention for vulnerable people in the community. This new funding will help Bear Clan Patrol expand patrol coverage, grow its food distribution program and add a new resource for the counselling program. "Bell Let's Talk is proud to join with the City of Winnipeg to help Bear Clan Patrol in its work to provide a safe and supportive environment for members of the community struggling with mental health challenges," said Mary Deacon, Chair of Bell Let's Talk. "Bear Clan Patrol is having a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in Winnipeg and we are pleased to support the impressive work they are doing." "I am happy to be able to support the Bear Clan Patrol which has had a tremendously positive impact in our community," said Mayor Brian Bowman. "Their work continues to be a source of pride and inspiration while providing a volunteer-based community service. It is wonderful to see Bell Let's Talk putting significant dollars toward the Bear Clan and I commend them on their support." Bell Let's Talk's donation of $150,000 and the City of Winnipeg's $50,000 donation will allow Bear Clan Patrol volunteers and staff to increase engagement to as many as 1,450 people per week from the current capacity of 450. Additional funding will also grow the food distribution program capacity from 250 people per week to 750, and also support a new resource and weekly counselling program for 25 people. "Over the last four years, The Winnipeg Bear Clan Patrol has provided community-based solutions that offer a sense of safety and kinship to both our members and the people we serve," said James Favel, Executive Director of Bear Clan Patrol Inc. "It's amazing what a group of people with a purpose can accomplish and our volunteers and staff are deeply gratiied by this kind of support from Bell Let's Talk and the City of Winnipeg." Bell Let's Talk in Manitoba With the launch of Bell MTS in Manitoba in 2017, Bell Let's Talk announced it would further expand in the province with the launch of a dedicated fund for Indigenous mental health. Today's announcement is the third major commitment from the fund, following donations in May 2017 to Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata and in January 2018 to Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin. The Bell Let's Talk team continues to consult with leaders from Manitoba Indigenous communities on plans for future program funding. Bell Let's Talk Day is January 30 Everyone is invited to join the conversation on Bell Let's Talk Day by sending messages of support across multiple platforms to drive awareness and action in mental health. Bell will donate 5 cents to Canadian mental health programs for each of the following interactions on Bell Let's Talk Day, at no extra cost to participants beyond what they would normally pay their service provider for online or phone access: Talk: Every mobile call and every long distance call made by Bell and Bell MTS wireless and phone customers Text: Every text message sent by Bell and Bell MTS wireless customers Twitter: Every tweet and retweet using #BellLetsTalk, featuring the special Bell Let's Talk emoji, and Bell Let's Talk Day video view at Twitter.com/Bell_LetsTalk Facebook: Every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video at Facebook.com/BellLetsTalk and use of the Bell Let's Talk frame Instagram: Every Bell Let's Talk Day video view at Instagram.com/bell_letstalk Snapchat: Every use of the Bell Let's Talk filter and video view To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk. Total Bell Let's Talk Day interactions since the first event in 2011 stand at 867,449,649 and are expected to exceed 1 billion on January 30. Bell's funding commitment for mental health, including the company's donations based on Bell Let's Talk engagement and its original $50-million donation to launch the initiative, is now $93,423,628.80 and expected to surpass $100 million on January 30. About Bell Let's Talk The Bell Let's Talk mental health initiative is focused on 4 key action pillars: Anti-stigma, Care and Access, Research and Workplace Leadership. Since its launch in September 2010, Bell Let's Talk has partnered with more than 900 organizations providing mental health services throughout Canada, including major donations to hospitals, universities and other care and research organizations. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk . Media inquiries: Morgan Shipley Bell MTS Media Relations 204-391-2849 morgan.shipley@bellmts.ca @Bell_LetsTalk @Bell_News SOURCE Bell Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Grant Helps Revitalize Historic Downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico One of Route 66's most iconic small towns - Tucumcari, New Mexico - is undergoing a revitalization, thanks in part to $17,000 in Partnership Grant Program ( PGP (News - Alert) ) funds from Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas). The funds were awarded to Tucumcari MainStreet Corporation yesterday during a ceremonial check presentation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005737/en/ Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association and FHLB Dallas awarded $17,000 in Partnership Grant Program funds to Tucumcari MainStreet Corporation to help revitalize downtown Tucumcari, New Mexico. (Photo: Business Wire) As part of Tucumcari MainStreet Corporation's goal to encourage, foster and stimulate the preservation of downtown Tucumcari, Board President Cooper Glover said the organization wants to take the small-town charm for which Tucumcari is known and breathe new life into the downtown area. The funds will be used to offset operating expenses, support educational opportunities for entrepreneurs and develop fundraising programs. "We're trying to reinvest in our community and return it to how our residentsremember it - a friendly place where everyone knows each other," said Mr. Glover. "The grant funds will help us achieve that goal." This is the organization's second PGP award. Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association President David Hale said the PGP supports the mutual thrift's commitment to serve the community. "Because we are owned by our depositors and borrowers, we have a commitment to the community that has made us what we are today," said Mr. Hale. "The PGP funds help us fulfill that commitment." The structure of the PGP enables FHLB Dallas member institutions like Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association to contribute $500 to $4,000 to a community-based organization (CBO), which FHLB Dallas matches at a 3:1 ratio. In 2018, FHLB Dallas awarded $300,000 in PGP funds through 31 member institutions to assist 32 CBOs. Combined with the $114,010 contributed by FHLB Dallas members, a total of $414,010 was awarded to CBOs. "FHLB Dallas members who utilize the PGP strengthen their bond to the community while the community works toward revitalization," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "Through the PGP, members have the opportunity to effect positive change in their communities through the organizations they assist." To learn more about the PGP, visit fhlb.com/pgp. About Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association was founded in 1934 to provide a safe place for residents of the community to deposit their money, and to help residents own their own homes. Tucumcari Federal continues to employ its original philosophy: to provide a safe place for depositors' hard-earned money, pay competitive rates and support homeownership for residents in Quay County. For more information, visit tucfed.com. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $73.7 billion as of September 30, 2018, is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 825 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005737/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] 6th Edition of the Puerto Rico Investment Summit Set for February The 6th edition of Puerto Rico's premier investment conference, Puerto Rico Investment Summit, will take place on February 14th and 15th, 2019, at the newly renovated El San Juan Hotel, in Isla Verde. Each year, over 400 investors and business owners gather to learn about the tax incentives, competitive advantages, and opportunities that make Puerto Rico a unique destination. PRIS brings new topics to its program in 2019, such as "Opportunity Zones", "Gilti Tax" and, for the first time, a half day Financial Services Forum, focused on financial and insurance specific content including International Insurance Center and IFEs. PRIS unites professionals (investors, CPA's and lawyers) that work directly with these programs, plus investors and entrepreneurs that have already made Puerto Rico their destination for business and export services. The 2 Day confeence format will include: panels, power talks, workshops, and campfires, plus two networking events providing attendees the opportunity to meet industry leaders and government officials. PRIS participants to include key speakers and Government officials such as Secretary of Department of Economic Development and Commerce Manuel Laboy, and Ella Woger, Chief Operating Officer of Invest Puerto Rico. Others include early adopters Nicholas Prouty, CEO of Putnam Bridge, a company that has invested over $150 million in the Island and owns the largest marina in the Caribbean; Margaret Anadu, Partner at Goldman Sachs; Edgar Rios from PMA Law, one of the leading tax law firms on the Island; Gaby Hernandez at BDO Puerto Rico; Jeff Carmichael, CEO for the Yingke Caribbean Center, Walter Keenan from Advantage Insurance; and Manuel Lopez-Zambrana from DLA Piper. "Puerto Rico is a great option for business, export services or new investments. It not only has the most attractive tax structure under the US, but provides other benefits that include a highly skilled workforce, a privileged location and it is under with the US legal and financial systems," said Brenda Gonzalez-Santini, organizer and owner of the event. "PRIS provides the best platform to learn, meet and network with top level professionals." About PRIS Created in 2013, PRIS is the perfect platform to present potential investors with competitive advantages to develop and grow their businesses, while creating much needed jobs and helping boost the local economy. For more information please visit: PRINVESTMENTSUMMIT.COM View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005724/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Calling All Startups for the MetLife Digital Accelerator Powered by Techstars MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) announced that applications are now open for the second MetLife Digital Accelerator powered by Techstars. The MetLife Digital Accelerator identifies and mentors startups around the globe that are developing transformational capabilities and potentially industry-disrupting technologies in the insurance space. Selected entrepreneurs will join a 13-week mentorship program and gain access to a network of MetLife and Techstars leaders and technologists. At the conclusion of the program, each founder will present their accomplishments to MetLife, potential investors, local entrepreneurs and the media during "Demo Day." "MetLife's digital-transformation strategy is focused on innovating internally while also looking across industries to gain critical external perspectives," said Greg Baxter, executive vice president and MetLife's Chief Digital Officer. "Digital Accelerator is an important part of our innovation ecosystem. Our goal is to have first-mover advantage on capabilities that are strategically important both to MetLife and its customers." MetLife's first Digital Accelerator in partnership with Techstars concluded in October of last year, and MetLife is now pursuing pilots with nine of the 10 companies, with five tests already in flight. "The MetLife Digital Accelerator powered by Techstars provides entrepreneurs access to MetLife's 150 years of deep experience in a highly complicated and regulated industry, and it provides access to 10,000 Techstars mentors who have built and scaled successful businesses," said Andrew Bate, Co-founder & CEO of Safely and a 2018 Digital Accelerator participant. "I'd highly recommend it for any startup considering an accelerator program." Who Should Apply MetLife and Techstars are looking for entrepreneurs who are building nextgeneration financial services solutions, particularly those focused on: Customers , for example, solutions to support freelancers or those who participate in the gig or sharing economies. , for example, solutions to support freelancers or those who participate in the gig or sharing economies. Products , for example, new approaches to deliver employee benefits or experiences that will support the financial, emotional or physical health of customers. , for example, new approaches to deliver employee benefits or experiences that will support the financial, emotional or physical health of customers. Process, for example, new ways to underwrite and manage risk or technologies to accelerate integration across industry partners. Startups selected will be hosted at MetLife's Global Technology (News - Alert) Campus in Cary, North Carolina, for the duration of the program. Startups may apply at www.techstars.com/apply. Visit MetLife's YouTube (News - Alert) channel to learn more about the program and watch a "Day in the Life" video with 2018 Digital Accelerator participants. About MetLife: MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. About TechStars: Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporations to grow their companies. Techstars operates three divisions: Techstars Startup Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Programs, and Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships. Techstars accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,300 companies with a market cap of $13.9 billion. www.techstars.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005617/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Fact Check: Puerto Rico's Per Capita Debt Recent discussions of Puerto Rico's debt levels by both Puerto Rico officials and the Financial Oversight & Management Board for Puerto Rico represent that the island's per capita debt levels are far higher than the average per capita levels of mainland states in the U.S. However, that analysis compares only state-level debt and ignores both the local government debt and federal debt that is also supported by mainland taxpayers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005681/en/ Chart #1 THE FACTS: Residents of Puerto Rico are not required to pay federal income taxes. When you include the state and federal debt that is borne by mainland U.S. residents, Puerto Rico's per capita debt load is 75% lower than the average for even the 10 states with the lowest per capita debt burdens in the country (see chart #1). The Commonwealth has acknowledged this key difference between itself and the mainland states' tax burden in the past. For example, in an October 2013 presentation to prospective investors (see chart #2), the Commonwealth fully supported this measurement of debt burden and stated "any comparison of the public debt levels of Puerto Rico with the states should include state, local and federal debtif one factors in the federal debt load, Puerto Rico would rank last in outstanding debt per capita amongst all U.S. jurisdictions." On top of that, the island would likely have much higher tax revenues if it improved its ability to effectuate tax collections, as currently it is ranked by the World Bank as 161 out of 190 in ease of paying taxes. As the island with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the Caribbean and with a beneficial status as part of the United States, Puerto Rico should be moving to resolve its overall debt situation in 2019. Making sure real figures and straight talk are part of the solution for Puerto Rico is an important aspect of reaching that goal. Trust and transparency will be an essential part of the Commonwealth's reentry into the capital markets to attract investment and develop a modern and resilient infrastructure and economy. Source (News - Alert) : 2013 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Investor Presentation Revitalize Puerto Rico is an effort funded by Assured Guaranty. For more information, visit revitalizepuertorico.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005681/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Tauriga Sciences Inc. Secures GS1 Barcodes to Support the Upcoming Commercial Launch of its Cannabis/CBD Infused Chewing Gum Product Line New York, NY, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), engaged in building its business through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities and equity investments, today announced that it has secured GS1 Barcodes (barcodes) to support the upcoming commercial launch of its Cannabis/CBD infused chewing gum product line (CBD Gum). These barcodes will be integrated into the designs of both the individual CBD Gum packs (individual packs) as well as the retail display boxes (each contains 10 individual packs). The barcodes obtained thus far are exclusive to the Mint Flavor CBD Gum product, which will comprise the entirety of the Companys initial production run. GS1 Barcodes are symbols that can be scanned electronically using laser or camera-based systems. They are used to encode information such as product numbers, serial numbers and batch numbers. Barcodes play a key role in supply chains, enabling parties like retailers, manufacturers, transport providers and hospitals to automatically identify and track products as they move through the supply chain. GS1 manages several types of barcodes. Each is designed for use in a different situation. AN IMPORTANT COMMITMENT: The Company wishes to confirm to its shareholders, that at all times, it will remain in compliance with both U.S. Federal and individual State rules and regulations & laws that govern this sector. At the same time, the Company will be constantly monitoring the legal landscape which may experience material change(s), at any point in the future. Studies have shown that a chewing gum product may provide a superior delivery method for distributing its key active ingredients (such as CBD), in comparison to other oral dosage forms, such as: pills, capsules, beverages, nd gummies. As an individual chews gum, the CBD is released from the gum quickly and is absorbed by the Oral Mucosa, rather than the Digestive System. Bypassing the Digestive Tract allows the CBD to maintain its inherent bioavailability, and it also means that the CBD gets absorbed by the body substantially faster than other forms of Oral Ingestion. Studies have also shown that CBD that is swallowed as capsules, beverages, gummies, or edibles delivers less than 10% of the CBD shown on each respective label. With CBD Infused Chewing Gum, an individual can get relief for aches and pains in rapid time, and at a dose that is potentially strong enough to make a noticeable difference, and delivered cost effectively without wasting the majority of the CBD consumed. ABOUT: TAURIGA SCIENCES INC. Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is engaged in building business through the development, distribution, and licensing of proprietary products as well as the evaluation of potential acquisition opportunities/equity investments. The Company is currently evaluating potential acquisition candidates, as previously disclosed, to create lasting shareholder value. Additionally, the Company is working diligently to identify potential opportunities to generate revenue and leverage its considerable resources and expertise to build a diversified and sustainable business model. The Company has disclosed to shareholders that it is launching a Cannabis/CBD Chewing Gum product line, branded under the name Tauri-GUM, and expects the launch to occur on or around March 1, 2019; the Company executed a comprehensive manufacturing agreement (for the production of its CBD Gum) on December 28, 2018. Please visit our corporate website at www.tauriga.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Contact: CONTACT INFORMATION Tauriga Sciences, Inc. 555 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor New York, NY 10022 Chief Executive Officer Mr. Seth M. Shaw Email: sshaw@tauriga.com cell # (917) 796 9926 www.tauriga.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Inspur uses L11 rack level integration to deploy 10,000 nodes in 8 hours BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspur recently delivered a shipment of rack scale servers of more than 10,000 nodes to the Baidu Beijing Shunyi data center within 8 hours, the equivalent of one server delivered every 2.88 seconds. The delivery sets a new record for server delivery in the industry, and has taken Inspur's rack scale delivery capacity to 30,000 nodes per day. Speed is key for internet service providers The Baidu data center in question was built in 2018 in Shunyi, Beijing, with the capacity to host hundreds of thousands of servers. The center supports Baidu's fast-growing emerging services, including Baidu Cloud and AI. In 2018, the number of Baidu Cloud's users and partners increased by 3 times, traffic by 5 times, and revenues by 4 times. For internet service providers, business growth is rapid and unpredictable. Unexpected surges in access traffic occurs frequently, requiring internet companies, especially Tier1s, to improve the scalability of their infrastructure, by adopting technologies like cloud computing and improving business processes to strengthen the supply chain and increase deployment efficiency in the data center. Rack scale deployment boosts delivery efficiency by 20 times Inspur is one of Baidu's key data center infrustracture providers. The two parties achieved a new record for server deployment speed as a result of continuous innovation across technical and business models over decades. As early as 2012, Inspur and Baidu were using rack scale deployment of 10-40 node increments instead of a single node. Meanwhile, the delivery and deployment model Inspur adopted for Baidu's data center was upgraded to L11 (Rack Level Integration), increasing delivery efficiency over 20 times. Moreover, formerly on-site deployment processes including assembly, debugging, and strong ad weak power cabling of the rack were completed during manufacturing, further simplifying on-site deployment. Agile supply chain accelerates order response Rapid delivery relies on agile and efficient supply chain management in addition to technical innovation. Inspur is continuously upgrading business processes, including production, transportation and qualification. For example, to address the logistical challenges of transporting a 2.1 meter tall, 1.2 ton rack without incurring damage, Inspur leveraged IoT and mobile technology to develop a route spectrum test to assess each freight line in advance, with intelligent terminals on each product to monitor transport conditions in real time. Throughout the years, Inspur has established an agile supply chain system that uses intelligent manufacturing to enable large-scale customized production and shorten the server delivery cycle. Learn more about Inspur's intelligent manufacturing here: https://www.inspursystems.com/intelligent-manufacturing JDM: a unique model to serve Internet companies Internet companies are known for their speed, which forms the basis for their demands from data center infrustructure providers. They not only seek high efficiency, but also require the seamless and rapid integration of custom demands. To serve these enterprises, Inspur made product technology innovation and business chain agility the core of its business strategy. In working with CSPs, Inspur explored various operating models that are more suitable for today's intelligent computing era, leading to the inception of its Joint Design Manufacturing (JDM) methodology. JDM is an agile business model based around deep collaboration between Inspur and the client throughout the product life cycle demand, R&D, procurement, quality control, production, delivery, and service to enable the fastest product turnaround and greatest compliance to users' personalized demands. Inspur's vast experience in serving CSPs and deep understanding of customer application scenarios are augmented by a willingness to share technology innovations and co-design customized solutions through JDM to identify and meet precise customer needs. Inspur's new product development cycle from R&D to manufacturing takes 9 months, and upon the customer's request, the prototype can be delivered in 3 months. Based on that, in 2018, Inspur and Baidu established a rolling forecast mechanism to improve supply chain operation and management with balanced supply and demand, significantly shortening the overall arrival cycle. About Inspur Inspur is a leading global data center and cloud computing solutions provider, ranked among the world's top 3 server vendors according to Gartner and IDC. Inspur delivers and deploys robust, performance-optimized, purpose-built solutions to major data centers around the globe to address important emerging fields and applications. Learn more about Inspur at www.inspursystems.com. View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inspur-uses-l11-rack-level-integration-to-deploy-10-000-nodes-in-8-hours-300779210.html SOURCE Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co., Ltd [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] SAS helps leading ASEAN banks comply with evolving regulatory standards CARY, N.C., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In just one year, Indonesia's adaptation of International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9), known as PSAK 71: Instrumen Keuangan, will officially go into effect, requiring a significant accounting change that will affect operations, financial planning and portfolio strategy at banks across the nation. Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), the largest bank in Indonesia and a top 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bank for tier 1 capital, is using SAS Expected Credit Loss to make that deadline. Working with SAS' technology services partner Nexia Indonesia, SAS is helping BRI reduce its IFRS/PSAK 71 implementation risk and ensure long-term flexibility to meet evolving regulations. With the IFRS 9/PSAK 71 implementation deadline in Indonesia set for January 2020, financial institutions need to act fast in their convergence of functions, technology and models. The updated standard on credit loss measurement drastically changes how financial institutions estimate, reserve and report on losses. To meet the compliance requirements, banks must analyze large volumes of data efficiently and tailor approaches to deploy risk management solutions across their organizations. After a highly stringent process, BRI selected SAS to help the bank meet regulatory changes across its 12 business segments. SAS' solution has the full suite of capabilities to meet changing accounting requirements, while hlping BRI converge its risk and finance functions. BRI will use SAS Expected Credit Loss to ensure fast, efficient risk model implementation as well as for testing and maintenance efforts after the IFRS 9/PSAK 71 implementation deadline in Indonesia. SAS Expected Credit Loss is the preferred platform for transparent, fast and efficient credit loss modeling for IFRS 9 compliance among top-tier banks. With 100 deployments globally since 2014, SAS has helped a growing number of banks in ASEAN achieve operational readiness to meet the new accounting standards. Most recently, British multinational Standard Chartered Bank present in all 10 ASEAN markets was awarded The Asian Banker Risk Management Award for the implementation of an IFRS 9 solution, for which they used SAS Expected Credit Loss. "IFRS 9 brings with it complex computational challenges and banks need a partner that can help them scale to meet these demands efficiently," said Sheldon Goh, Regional Head of Risk Solutions for SAS in ASEAN markets. "With significant traction in the region, SAS is well-positioned to help banks in emerging markets, such as Indonesia and Philippines, ensure effective and timely IFRS 9 implementations. We will support BRI with a centralized, high-performance analytics platform to address IFRS 9/PSAK 71 and other changing requirements in the financial services sector." As the largest bank in Indonesia, BRI is backed by a customer base of more than 50 million, supported by modern facilities and comprehensive savings and loan products, from microfinancing to corporate. BRIsat, BRI's satellite covering Indonesia and Southeast Asia, connects over 10,000 BRI operating units to meet customer banking needs across the region. What is ASEAN? The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, is a regional intergovernmental organization made up of 10 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. What is IFRS 9? IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is an International Financial Reporting Standard that arose in the wake of the global financial crisis. Intended to address weaknesses in the current IAS 39 standard, it includes a more forward-looking view of expected losses and how they are recognized on balance sheets. For more on IFRS 9, download Tackle the New Complexity of IFRS 9 and CECL Standards, a free SAS white paper (registration required). About SAS SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW. SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright 2019 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sas-helps-leading-asean-banks-comply-with-evolving-regulatory-standards-300778362.html SOURCE SAS [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Tigera's Growth and Expansion Continues with Opening of New Office in Vancouver Tigera, the leader in security and compliance solutions for Kubernetes platforms, today announced its expansion to Canada and opening of a new engineering office in Vancouver. This office addition comes on the heels of the company's $30 million Series B funding announcement to help Tigera meet the growing market demand for their software. "Over this past year, we've seen a huge increase in demand for our security and compliance solution and we are recruiting engineers, salespeople, and customer success engineers to help meet that demand," said Ratan Tipirneni, president and CEO of Tigera. Tigera is the leader in Kubernetes security and compliance solutions. Their technology is the defacto choice for Kubernetes network security; Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google (News - Alert) , and IBM have all selected and embedded Tigera's technology in their managed Kubernetes offerings. Additionally, the market leaders in on-premises Kubernetes distributions, RedHat and Docker, as well as others, have integrated Tigera into their offerings. Tigera evaluated 6 locations for their new office across North America and found Vancouver to be the most appealing city to open a new engineering office. Each city was measured on the quality of talent, employee retention rates, ease of commute, and availability of Golang and Kubernetes skillses. "Our main focus at the moment in Vancouver is on recruiting top engineering talent that can help us grow exponentially" added Tipirneni. "We look forward to bringing our company, resources, and opportunities for professional and personal growth to Vancouver and being part of the thriving tech ecosystem." Modern microservices based architectures are built using containers and orchestrated using Kubernetes and present a unique challenge for existing security and compliance solutions since these new workloads are highly dynamic and ephemeral. Security teams have traditionally used firewalls to secure network traffic - which works well to defend against external attacks but aren't effective in handling threats from inside the network. Additionally, given the highly dynamic nature of these workloads, traditional audit based compliance models break down and a Continuous Compliance model is required. Tigera Secure Enterprise Edition (TSEE) and Cloud Edition (TSCE) secures Kubernetes environments and ensures continuous compliance using a declarative model similar to Kubernetes. Tigera provides zero trust network security and continuous compliance for Kubernetes platforms. About Tigera: Tigera provides Zero Trust network security and continuous compliance for Kubernetes platforms. Tigera Secure Enterprise Edition extends enterprise security and compliance controls to Kubernetes environments with support for on-premises, multi-cloud, and legacy environments. Tigera Secure Cloud Edition is available on the AWS marketplace and enables fine-grained security and compliance controls for Kubernetes on AWS and Amazon EKS. Tigera powers all of the major Hosted Kubernetes environments including Amazon EKS, Azure AKS, Google GKE, and IBM (News - Alert) Container Service. Tigera is also integrated with the major on-premises Kubernetes deployments and is shipped "batteries included" in Docker EE and fully integrated with Red Hat (News - Alert) OpenShift. Visit us at www.tigera.io or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @tigeraio View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005206/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Motive Unveils New Retargeting Capabilities for Mobile App Developers SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Motive Interactive, the global app marketing company focused on turning high-quality users into lifelong customers, today announced the launch of its new retargeting capabilities to further help brands streamline their ability to target and reactivate users across user channels and touchpoints. In support of the platform expansion, the company has appointed former VP at InMobi, Beatrice Olivas, as the Chief Revenue Officer, to spearhead business development operations and national expansion. As Motive continues to expand the capabilities of its customized solutions through its programmatic offering for app developers, the new retargeting offering will enhance Motives ability to provide a seamless user experience across channels, devices and touchpoints by reactivating latent, high-quality mobile users with the most relevant messaging, at key points in time. By driving the acquisition of high-quality users, as well as the re-engagement of users past the app install point, marketers will be able to better achieve their post-install performance goals and ultimately boost ROI. User acquisition is only half the battle for marketers today, said Motives CEO Brendan Smith. We know that its becoming increasingly more important and cost-effective to re-engage existing high-value users rather than trying to acquire new ones in mobile display, which is why Motive has added this capability for our customers.> I am thrilled to be joining an industry-leading company that is fueled by such a dedicated and passionate team, said Olivas. "I look forward to leading the charge as we grow and scale Motives programmatic offering in this rapidly evolving and expanding marketplace where mobile advertisers are constantly looking for solutions that drive their bottom line. Im impressed with what Motive has done in its 15 year history and Im excited to see what Motive will bring in the next 15 years as the mobile industry continues to consolidate. In addition to the onboarding of Olivas, Motive has plans for further expansion of the business development team in New York and San Francisco regions for the upcoming year, in support of the build-out of its enhanced capabilities, such as this retargeting. Motives new retargeting platform will help to solve the cross-device challenges faced by app marketers who want to retarget users across the mobile web, desktop and app ecosystem. For more information about Motives mobile programmatic platform and the team behind its curated solutions, please visit: https://motiveinteractive.com/ About Motive Motive Interactive is a global mobile app marketing company that combines over 15 years of experience in the digital marketing industry and sophisticated programmatic technology to drive user acquisition for some of the worlds top mobile app companies. In 2017, Motive was recognized as part of Inc. 5000s exclusive Hall of Fame list for its five-year consecutive rating as one of the fastest-growing private firms in America. Motive has been named a Top Partner by industry rankings for the top-performing mobile media sources, including Singulars Mobile ROI and AppsFlyers Performance Indexes. For more information about Motive, visit: http://www.motiveinteractive.com. PRESS CONTACT: Alexis Roberts Blast PR for Motive 805-886-8511 alexisr@blastpr.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] NTT DATA Among Awardees for ITES-3S Contract by the U.S. Army NTT DATA Services Federal Government, a public sector subsidiary of NTT DATA Services, a recognized leader in global technology services, has been awarded a prime position on the U.S. Army's Information Technology Enterprise Solutions - 3 Services (ITES-3S) contract vehicle. The Multiple Award Task Order (MATO) and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will enable the Army to procure information technology services throughout the world. The ITES-3S prime contract was awarded to NTT (News - Alert) DATA as one of 135 companies eligible to provide IT services for the Army. ITES-3S replaces its predecessor ITES-2S and has a $12.1 billion ceiling with a 5-year base period through September 2023, as well as four one-year option periods through September 2027. With a history of successful performace as a prime contractor under ITES-2S, NTT DATA will continue to support Army clients with a full complement of information technology services covered by the ITES-3S contract. NTT DATA has significant qualifications and a record of delivery performance in several areas of the ITES-3S vehicle, including cybersecurity, business process reengineering, IT supply chain management, education and training, as well as enterprise design, integration and consolidation. "NTT DATA's commitment to the Army spans several decades and our modernization efforts have made a significant impact in helping support our nation's defense initiatives," said Kevin Durkin, president of NTT DATA Services Federal Government. "Recent R&D investments in data analytics and cybersecurity are having a positive impact on our commercial clients, and we look forward to bringing the latest technology-forward solutions to our current and future Army clients." NTT DATA is expanding in several key areas that will positively impact Army delivery, including a strong presence at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta (News - Alert) , Georgia. Visit NTT DATA's website to learn more about the company's public sector division which has more than 3,000 professionals in the U.S. serving the federal government, state and local governments and other public sector clients. About NTT DATA Services NTT DATA Services partners with clients to navigate and simplify the modern complexities of business and technology, delivering the insights, solutions and outcomes that matter most. We deliver tangible business results by combining deep industry expertise with applied innovations in digital, cloud and automation across a comprehensive portfolio of consulting, application, infrastructure and business process outsourcing services. NTT DATA Services is a division of NTT DATA Corporation, a top 10 global business and IT services provider with 118,000+ professionals in more than 50 countries, and NTT Group, a partner to more than 80 percent of the Fortune 100. Visit https://us.nttdata.com/en/ to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005160/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] 3650 REIT Funds $27.5 Million Senior Construction Loan for Attainable Multifamily Project in Phoenix 3650 REIT, a relationship lender providing tailored fixed-rate bridge and long-term financing solutions to commercial real estate investors, has funded a $27.5 million senior construction loan to Greenlight Communities for the development of a 252-unit attainable multifamily project in Phoenix, Arizona. Located at 4235 N. 12th Street within the fundamentally strong downtown submarket, the multifamily project will be one of the area's first new developments to offer attainable rents. The new development will feature an innovative, modern design with a focus on in-demand amenities including on-site management, gated parking, parcel storage, a pool and a fitness area. The project is being engineered to maximize efficiencies in design and construction, and should benefit from its proximity to major employment centers and transportation corridors. "This loan aligns with our strategy of providing short-term, fixed-rate capital to high-quality sponsors with strong projects in markets that we believe exhibit compelling growth prospects," said Jonathan Roth, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at 3650 REIT. "We are pleased to provide the financing for this innovative development, which will contribute towards addressing the affordability gap in rental housing in the Phoenix market." "The team at 3650 REIT brought a wealth of experience to the underwriting of this loan," said Pat Watts, Partner at Greenlight Communities. "Tey understand our business plan and provided us with a highly attractive financing solution that will help bring this much-needed project to completion." The Phoenix metropolitan area is an emerging technology hub that features a diverse and well-educated population. According to CBRE data, Greater Phoenix is home to more than 83,000 high-tech employees with metro employment growing 33.5 percent over a five-year period. Moreover, the area's labor pipeline is supported by a collection of major universities and college systems including Arizona State University, which U.S. News and World Report named the most innovative university in the nation for three consecutive years. Churchill Commercial Capital, a commercial mortgage banking company in Phoenix, was responsible for arranging the financing. About 3650 REIT 3650 ("Thirty-Six Fifty") REIT is a relationship lender providing tailored fixed-rate bridge and long-term financing solutions to commercial real estate ("CRE") investors. 3650 REIT's unique fully-integrated platform enables it to service the loans it provides throughout their lifecycles, to ensure a close alignment of interests with its borrowers. 3650 REIT's co-Founders and Managing Partners, Toby Cobb, Justin Kennedy and Jonathan Roth, have played leading roles in the evolution of the CRE debt markets with track records of success across CRE lending, mortgage banking, capital markets, loan servicing and distressed credit management. Headquartered in Miami, Florida with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Newport Beach, 3650 REIT is well positioned to lend on properties located throughout the country. For more information, visit: www.3650REIT.com. About Greenlight Communities The founding partners of Greenlight Communities, Rob Lyles, Dan Richards and Pat Watts, are proud to continue a long-standing tradition of innovative, quality real estate development. Formerly operating under the Starpointe and Deco marquees, one of the largest and most respected for sale and for rent multi-family development companies in Arizona, Scottsdale-based Greenlight is focused on developing attainable rental housing under the Cabana brand. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005488/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (OTCQB: CLSH) (CSE: CLSH.U) Locks Up Acquisition of In Good Health, Inc. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CLS Holdings USA, Inc. CLS, a diversified cannabis company operating as Cannabis Life Sciences, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option (the Agreement) to acquire In Good Health, in accordance with the previously executed letter of intent. In Good Health is a licensed medical dispensary in Brockton, Massachusetts. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the parties have agreed upon all of the documents necessary to complete the acquisition. The completion of the acquisition of In Good Health remains subject to a number of conditions as set out in the Agreement. In Good Health is located 25 miles south of downtown Boston and is one of the 48 licensed dispensaries in the state. In Good Health operates a dispensary that was the second licensed medical dispensary in the state and has been operational since September 2015. In Good Health is currently servicing 18,000 registered patients and delivering to 1,700 homes with key product offerings of flower, concentrates, vapes, edibles, pre-rolls and tinctures. Massachusetts has a population of 6.9 million people as compared to 5.6 million people in Colorado. Massachusetts is also centrally located to the dense population of New England with a less than 100-mile drive from Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont. In 2017, Colorado generated $1.5 billion in legalized marijuana sales and had over 500 licensed dispensaries and over 700 licensed cultivation facilities. Massachusetts currently has issued only 48 licensees. About In Good Health In Good Health is a for-profit corporation which holds a Certification of Registration to operate a registered marijuana dispensary in Massachussets. In Good Health was one of eleven original applicants awarded a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Public Health, and was the second to open in the state. In Good Health successfully operated its co-locatd marijuana cultivation and dispensary facility in Brockton, Massachusetts in September, 2015. About CLS Holdings USA, Inc. CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (CLSH) is a diversified cannabis company that acts as an integrated cannabis producer and retailer through its Oasis Cannabis subsidiaries in Nevada, and plans to expand to other states. CLS stands for "Cannabis Life Sciences," in recognition of the Company's patented proprietary method of extracting various cannabinoids from the marijuana plant and converting them into products with a higher level of quality and consistency. The Company's business model includes licensing operations, processing operations, processing facilities, sale of products, brand creation and consulting services. For additional information, please visit: http://www.clsholdingsinc.com Twitter: @CLSHusa Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, the forward-looking statements). These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to whether and when certain transactions will be completed, including the proposed In Good Health acquisition. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "intends," "expects," "plans," "goals," "projects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risk that the conditions precedent contained in the Agreement for the acquisition of In Good Health are not satisfied. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance and we cannot guaranty that the proposed transactions described in this press release will occur. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered together with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. See CLS Holdings USA filings with the SEC and on its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com for additional details. Contact Information Corporate: Chairman and CEO Jeff Binder jeff@clsholdingsinc.com 888-438-9132 Investors: Adelaide Capital Markets Jackie Kelly Jackie@adelaidecapital.ca 416-301-2949 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Wayne State University, Microsoft team up to strengthen employability in Detroit DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wayne State University and Microsoft Corp. announced a new partnership to pilot an employability skills program. The program will foster job-ready, employable talent for high-demand technical positions such as cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, AI engineering and more. Wayne State is part of a select group of universities globally involved in the pilot program. The goal is to create economic opportunities and a talent pipeline that will strengthen Detroit's ongoing revitalization. "At Microsoft, we want to empower everyone to achieve their career aspirations and make sure they can succeed in a technology-driven society," said Karen Kocher, global general manager, 21st Century Jobs, Skills and Employability for Microsoft. "We aim to move people and technology forward together. We are proud to work with Wayne State as the university provides leadership and opportunities at a key moment in Detroit's history." The initiative seeks to address current and projected shortages of skilled technology workers. In addition, it will explore how technology education can keep up with the swift evolution of technology. This effort to enhance technical learning experiences for students is particularly important as the greater Detroit region strives to become a home for the transforming mobility industry and looks toward employing new technological solutions for addressing health disparities. "We are a place of opportunity and upward mobility in the heart of Detroit, a city undergoing a significant transformation," said Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson. "Partnering with Microsoft's employability initiative will help move the city forward. We have enjoyed recent successes in student achievement, enhanced research funding and more, and this will ensure this momentum continues while building the digital economy workforce for Detroit and this entire region." <>The Microsoft partnership will provide Wayne State students with the Microsoft Professional Program curriculum to enhance students' knowledge with up-to-date technical skills that will make them more valuable to potential employers. "Student success and employability are tied together," said Wayne State University Provost Keith Whitfield. "We want our students to reach their graduation day, and we also want them to have great jobs to go to the following week. Moreover, we want the businesses and industries in Detroit and Michigan to view our graduates as integral to their growth and success. This pilot program with Microsoft helps us institutionalize our efforts and ensure our graduates are ready for 21st-century jobs." The program extends Microsoft's commitment to the city. In spring 2018, the company opened a Microsoft Technology Center in downtown Detroit to serve as its Great Lakes regional headquarters, and Microsoft-owned LinkedIn secured a permanent office downtown to meet the needs of its expanded team. "Our city is quickly becoming a major center for technology innovation and that shift is creating a whole new range of career opportunities that previously haven't been within easy reach of many Detroiters," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "This new partnership between Wayne State University and Microsoft will be an important addition to our ongoing efforts to provide residents the education and training they need to take advantage of these tech sector opportunities. It also will make our city even more desirable to tech companies looking to locate in an area with a highly skilled workforce." Wayne State and Microsoft have spent the last 18 months exploring other partnership opportunities that will enhance the university's data systems and impact student success and research initiatives. In 2018, Wayne State and Microsoft launched several programs in Detroit, including a technology curriculum for teachers and students through the Microsoft Imagine Academy and a pilot program in partnership with Grow Detroit's Young Talent, a citywide summer jobs program. Microsoft also supplied HoloLens technology to Wayne State that was used in recruiting efforts for the School of Medicine and will be used to enhance classes and simulation labs with virtual reality and augmented reality learning experiences. Future projects include a technology skills camp for high school students at Wayne State's Mike Ilitch School of Business; TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools), a Microsoft program to increase youth access to computer science and computer engineering education; and enhancements to Wayne State's existing K-12 STEM learning initiatives in the College of Engineering. About Wayne State University Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering nearly 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students. For more information, visit wayne.edu. For more information, press only: Matt Lockwood, Wayne State University, 313-577-9098, mlockwood@wayne.edu View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wayne-state-university-microsoft-team-up-to-strengthen-employability-in-detroit-300779325.html SOURCE Wayne State University [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] OneDigital Health and Benefits Acquires BCA Benefits Group OneDigital Health and Benefits, the nation's largest company focused exclusively on employee benefits and HR, has acquired BCA Benefits Group with offices in Norwell and Gloucester, Massachusetts. Principals Jack McIntosh, Scott Falk, and Jim Bianchi and their team will continue serving the firm's clients throughout the country. BCA Benefits Group works with clients across a range of industries, emphasizing client services and practical benefits assessments, using a strategic approach that focuses on specific needs. By joining OneDigital, the firm's clients will have access to enhanced offerings including innovative enrollment technology, HR support tools, health and wellbeing experts and national compliance resources. "We decided to join OneDigital to further our growth in the region. We felt that with OneDigital's back office and marketing team that we could continue to increase our growth trajectory," says Jim Bianchi, principal of OneDigital's Northeast Region. "It is important for us to always keep on the leading edge of data, research and technology and we believe that OneDigital is the partner that fits. As a large firm, OneDigital allows us to tap into resources such as benchmarking and data analytics, adding value to our current clients." "The OneDigital footprint continues to expand in the Northeast region with the addition of our newest offices in Gloucester and Norwell, MA," says Regional Managing Principal Brian Driscoll of OneDigital Northeast. "In addition to a great cultural fit, Jim, Scott and Jack have a strong focus on growth that aligns well with our strategic plan." About OneDigital Health and Benefits OneDigital Health and Benefits, the nation's largest company focused exclusively on employee benefits and HR, combines people and technology to power business growth. Serving companies of all sizes, OneDigital offers employers a sophisticated combination of strategic benefit advisory services, analytics, compliance support, human resources management tools and comprehensive insurance offerings. Headquartered in Atlanta, OneDigital has over 1,400 employees throughout the country, serves 38,000 clients and manages nearly $4.5 billion in premiums. OneDigital has been named to the Inc. 5000 List of America's fastest-growing companies every year since 2007. Currently listed as 13th in EBA's Top 50 Brokers in the Large Employer Group, OneDigital's experience offers a fresh thinking and strategic perspective that will improve all aspects of plan design and performance. For more information, please visit www.onedigital.com. About BCA Benefits Group BCA Benefits Group has over 40 years of experience helping companies effectively navigate through their complex employee benefits programs. They offer both small and large companies specialized design, implementation, technology and monitoring of group benefits. BCA Benefits Groups' experienced team of advisors assess where employers are today and work with them to design a package that will encompass corporate goals and objectives. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005024/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Moody's Analytics IFRS 17 Solution Licensed by Manulife Moody's Analytics, a global provider of financial intelligence, announced today that it is collaborating with Manulife to be the solution provider for its global implementation of IFRS 17. Moody's Analytics solution for IFRS 17 includes AXIS IFRS 17 Link Modules and RiskIntegrity IFRS 17, helping insurers and reinsurers meet the financial reporting challenges under the new reporting standard. This solution has been designed to coordinate and facilitate the full suite of actuarial, accounting, and data management processes required for the reporting components for IFRS 17 statement preparation. "We have been working on defining our needs for new solutions to meet IFRS 17 requirements and, after a preliminarily trial with Moody's Analytics, we decided to continue to partner with Moody's Analytics for their RiskIntegrity IFRS 17 solution and AXIS IFRS 17 Link Module to support us in implementing the new standard," said Jon Bradbury, IFRS 17 Systems Delivery lead at Manulife. "We are confident that Moody's Analytics will support Manulife as we work towards meeting the requirements of IFRS 17." "We are delighted that Manulife will use our solution to meetits IFRS 17 financial reporting requirements," said Christophe Burckbuchler, Head of Insurance Strategy and IFRS 17 Solutions at Moody's Analytics. "Our existing relationship with Manulife laid the foundation for this collaboration and we look forward to working with their team on another successful project." Click here to learn more about the Moody's Analytics RiskIntegrity IFRS 17 solution. About Moody's Analytics Moody's Analytics provides financial intelligence and analytical tools to help business leaders make better, faster decisions. Our deep risk expertise, expansive information resources, and innovative application of technology help our clients confidently navigate an evolving marketplace. We are known for our industry-leading and award-winning solutions, made up of research, data, software, and professional services, assembled to deliver a seamless customer experience. We create confidence in thousands of organizations worldwide, with our commitment to excellence, open mindset approach, and focus on meeting customer needs. For more information about Moody's Analytics, visit www.moodysanalytics.com. Moody's Analytics is a subsidiary of Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO). Moody's Corporation reported revenue of $4.2 billion in 2017, employs approximately 12,600 people worldwide and maintains a presence in 42 countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005425/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Tenet and Anthem Blue Cross Sign Multi-Year Agreement Tenet Healthcare Corporation (NYSE:THC) and Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) today announced that they have signed a new multi-year agreement, providing Anthem Blue Cross members with continued in-network access to Tenet's California facilities and other providers. Ron Rittenmeyer, Tenet's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We look forward to serving Anthem Blue Cross members in our communities in California, and continuing to provide them with high-quality, convenient and affordable options for care." "We are pleased to continue collaborating with Tenet to make healthcare simpler and more affordable for the consumers and business we serve," said Brian Ternan, President of Commercial Business at Anthem Blue Cross. "We value the relationships we have with the providers in our network, which are important to helping us improve the lives of the people in the communities we serve." About Tenet Healthcare Tenet Healthcare Corporation is a diversified healthcare services company with 115,000 employees united around a common mission: to help people live happier, healthier lives. Through its subsidiaries, partnerships and joint ventures, including United Surgical Partners International, the Company operates general acute care and specialty hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent care centers and other outpatient facilities. Tenet's Conifer Health Solutins subsidiary provides technology-enabled performance improvement and health management solutions to hospitals, health systems, integrated delivery networks, physician groups, self-insured organizations and health plans. For more information, please visit www.tenethealth.com. The terms "THC", "Tenet Healthcare Corporation", "the company", "we", "us" or "our" refer to Tenet Healthcare Corporation or one or more of its subsidiaries or affiliates as applicable. About Anthem Blue Cross Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Also follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/AskAnthem or www.twitter.com/AnthemBC_News, on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.Facebook.com/AnthemBlueCrossCA. Tenet uses its company website to provide important information to investors about the company including the posting of important announcements regarding financial performance and corporate developments. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005225/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] HomeServices of America Expands its Executive Leadership Team HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team to support the rapid and unprecedented growth of the organization. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005196/en/ HomeServices of America Executive Chairman Ron Peltier (left) has appointed Gino Blefari, current CEO of HSF Affiliates, to the HomeServices' position of CEO. The two will work together to lead the growing business of HomeServices of America, formulate and execute strategies consistent with the mission, values and culture of the organization, and drive its continued acquisition strategies. (Photo: Business Wire) HomeServices' Executive Chairman Ron Peltier appointed Gino Blefari, current CEO of HSF Affiliates, as CEO of the company. HSF Affiliates is the HomeServices' subsidiary operating the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living franchise networks. Peltier and Blefari will lead the growing business of HomeServices of America, formulate and execute strategies consistent with the mission, values and culture of the organization, and drive its continued acquisition strategies. "Our growth brings substantial opportunity. In today's competitive and fluid landscape we are the preferred choice for market leaders looking to join a company known for its integrity, financial strength, and operational excellence," Peltier said. "To best capitalize, I wanted to add an executive with an extended history of enterprise growth and success. Gino has been instrumental in the growth and continued success of our franchise networks. His extraordinary expertise will provide a valuable dded level of support for me and for our companies and will be a tremendous addition to the superb leadership team already in place." Blefari began his real estate career more than 30 years ago and held executive leadership positions at Century 21 Seville Contempo and NRT before founding Silicon Valley-based Intero Real Estate Services, which HomeServices of America acquired in 2014. He was named president and CEO of HSF Affiliates in 2015. Under his leadership, HSF Affiliates' award-winning franchise networks have grown to include nearly 52,000 agents across 47 states. In 2018, Blefari led Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices' global expansion to include leading brokerage companies based in Berlin, London and Milan. "HomeServices of America is an incredible organization built on the strength of local brands and supported by a world-class leadership team," said Blefari. "I couldn't be more excited or proud to be joining a team that is so deeply connected to one another and committed to the ongoing success of their companies." Peltier founded HomeServices of America in 1998 and has grown the company into America's largest residential real estate brokerage firm and the premier provider of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and corporate relocation services. Peltier and Blefari will reinforce HomeServices of America's mission of delivering an exceptional real estate experience through improved product offerings, emerging technology solutions, dynamic consumer-first strategies, and increased use of HomeServices' full suite of homeownership services. Blefari will continue driving the vision and mission of the franchise networks and remains actively involved in their operations. As part of the transition, Blefari appointed Chris Stuart to the roles of CEO of HSF Affiliates and president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices; and Allan Dalton as CEO of Real Living Real Estate. "Chris brings a unique perspective to our industry based on his combination of enterprise technology experience plus his time with me operating Intero Real Estate, one of the country's largest real estate brokerage firms. I have the highest confidence in Chris, who has been a skilled leader at HSF Affiliates, delivering exceptional growth and innovation to our networks," said Blefari. "Allan, with decades of industry experience and success, will be a visionary leader of the Real Living network." These appointments are effective immediately. "HomeServices' commitment to acquiring market-leading companies and keeping the local brands intact remains unchanged," concluded Peltier. "2019 promises to be a busy and exciting year for our company." ABOUT HOMESERVICES of AMERICA HomeServices of America is through its operating companies, one of the country's premier providers of homeownership services, including brokerage, mortgage, franchising, title, escrow, insurance, and relocation services. HomeServices of America is the owner of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks. HomeServices is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. HomeServices' operating companies offer integrated real estate services, including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties, and other homeownership services. Information about HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com. About HSF Affiliates LLC Irvine, CA (News - Alert) -based HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Real Living Real Estate brokerage networks. The company is a subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation's largest, full-service residential brokerage firm and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. affiliate. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005196/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Data Privacy Day 2019 Reminds Businesses and Consumers About the Value of Personal Data and the Need to Protect It WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Last year, worrisome headlines jolted consumers into reality about protecting personal data. A recent survey indicates that 90 percent of those polled were "very concerned" about their privacy. Our always-connected lives require that we understand how our data is collected, used and shared and what actions to take to better manage our personal information. In addition, businesses of varying industries and sizes must recognize that transparency builds trust and it is critical to communicate clearly, honestly and often about what happens to consumers' personal information. We are in an unparalleled age of technological growth. By 2020, there will be an estimated 24 billion internet-connected devices globally which is more than four devices for every person. Consumers have an increased understanding about the importance of privacy and want to know how their information and is being used and protected. This new era of privacy has tremendous benefits; yet, coupled with these infinite opportunities are challenges. As businesses learn to extract value from and utilize data at a deeper level, it is essential for companies to be extremely conscientious about protecting personal information. For any organization, respecting consumers' privacy is a smart strategy for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation and growth. Data Privacy Day, led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) in the United States, is built on the theme, "Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data and Enabling Trust." To generate awareness about the day, NCSA will host a timely event, titled A New Era in Privacy ? streamed live from LinkedIn in San Francisco, CA on Monday, Jan. 28. NCSA will convene leading experts from industry, government and nonprofits to discuss how to best bring this new dynamic into focus and address future challenges. "As we continually share more data on our connected devices, businesses are collecting and using this personal information more than ever before. Just think about everything we do online from healthcare and banking transactions to posting family vacation photos to pinpointing our location at any given time. Data Privacy Day provides an opportunity for everyone to encourage organizations to improve data privacy practices and inform consumers about the number of ways their information is being used," said Kelvin Coleman, NCSA's executive director. "In short, privacy is good for business. If companies protect data and respect privacy, they will earn the trust of their customers. It is, however, up to all of us to learn about and practice simple steps to help protect our personal information." Advice for Organizations: Privacy is Good for Business Create a culture of privacy in your organization. Educate employees on the importance and impact of protecting consumer and employee information as well as the role they play in keeping it safe. Top Three Tips to Build Trust If you collect it, protect it. Follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals' personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access. Follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals' personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access. Be open and honest about how you collect, use and share consumers' personal information . Think about how the consumer may expect their data to be used, and design settings to protect their information by default. . Think about how the consumer may expect their data to be used, and design settings to protect their information by default. Build trust by doing what you say you will do. Communicate clearly and concisely to the public what privacy means to your organization and the steps you take to achieve and maintain privacy. Advice for Consumers: Safeguarding Your Data and Managing Your Privacy Personal info is like money: Value it. Protect it. Information about you, such as your purchase history or location, has value ? just like money. Share with care. Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what it reveals, who might see it and how it could be perceived now and in the future. Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what it reveals, who might see it and how it could be perceived now and in the future. Own your online presence. Set the privacy and security settings on websites and apps to your comfort level for information sharing. Each device, application or browser you use will have different features to limit how and with whom you share information. Set the privacy and security settings on websites and apps to your comfort level for information sharing. Each device, application or browser you use will have different features to limit how and with whom you share information. Lock down your login: Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media. Strengthen online accounts and use strong authentication tools like a unique, one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Join In and Support the Greater Effort NCSA encourages everyone to do their part to promote a culture of privacy. Here's how you can get involved this Data Privacy Day and year-round: Become a Data Privacy Day Champion : Individuals and companies can get involved and actively show their dedication to respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust. Champions receive a toolkit of privacy awareness materials that they can use to educate themselves, their colleagues and communities. Becoming a Champion is easy and does not require any financial support. : Individuals and companies can get involved and actively show their dedication to respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust. Champions receive a toolkit of privacy awareness materials that they can use to educate themselves, their colleagues and communities. Becoming a Champion is easy and does not require any financial support. 5 Ways to Help Employees Be Privacy Aware : This tip sheet shares ideas to help promote awareness about the importance of respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust throughout the workplace. : This tip sheet shares ideas to help promote awareness about the importance of respecting privacy, safeguarding data and enabling trust throughout the workplace. Join the conversation on social media: Using the hashtag #PrivacyAware, post on social media about why privacy is important to you and/or your organization. Download our social media posts and graphics. Resources Consumer Get Involved Infographic: Learn simple, actionable advice you can use to educate people about privacy at home, at work and in your community. Social Media: Use #PrivacyAware and share the importance of data privacy foryour family, community and workplace. Empower others to protect their personal online data by tweeting, "I am #PrivacyAware, are you? Find out at https://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-day/ ." Lock Down Your Lockin: Usernames and passwords are no longer enough to keep your accounts secure. Anyone with your username and password can access your account. Visit LockDownYourLogin.com to easily learn how to move beyond the password and better secure your online accounts. Verizon: With technology constantly changing, it can be challenging to keep up - and to manage your family's technology usage. That's why Verizon has partnered with leading online safety partners to provide you with resources so you and your family have the confidence to use technology safely and responsibly. Learn more here: https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/online-safety Identity Theft Resource Center 2018 End of Year Data Breach Report: The amount of information stolen through data breaches emphasizes the need for stronger security measures for data privacy and a consumer push to not only ensure they are personally keeping as much of their information private as they can, but to question the need for businesses to retain their data. The Identity Theft Resource Center's 2018 End of Year Data Breach Report sponsored by CyberScout will be released on January 28, 2018. Yubico: Sixty-three percent of respondents in Yubico's upcoming authentication research survey say they have become more concerned about the privacy and security of their personal data over the past two years. The study, which will be published on January 28, 2019, covers the pitfalls of current security options as well as approaches to help individuals manage and protect their data both personally and professionally. Business CyberSecure My Business is a national program helping small and medium-sized businesses learn to be safer and more secure online. The program is a series of in-person, highly interactive and easy-to-understand workshops based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit: The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Facebook and MediaPRO have joined forces to develop an easy-to-use cybersecurity guide with a breadth of helpful resources to help launch your own cybersecurity awareness program. The materials are all free and address both opportunities and challenges that SMBs face each day. Protect Your Customers: NCSA and the U.S. Small Business Administration have teamed up to create this helpful tip sheet. Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) Blog Series: FPF wants to know what you think will be the major data privacy issues ten years from now. FPF is commemorating its 10th anniversary with a series of interviews with FPF policy experts on hot topics in data privacy such as connected cars, student privacy and genetic tests including what we may see in the next decade. The series kicked off on January 9 and will run weekly through FPF's 10th anniversary celebration on April 30. The inaugural post will feature an interview with FPF CEO Jules Polonetsky. With Congress likely to consider privacy legislation this year, this series will help you stay on top of important privacy topics. https://fpf.org/tenth-anniversary/ Events Twitter Chat: Thursday, Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. EST/noon PST Data Privacy Day is only a week and a half away, which makes it a great time to think about how your business collects, stores, manages and uses data. Personal information about customers and employees may be important to the operation and prosperity of your business but the protection of that data and transparency of how it's used has tremendous value for your consumers. During this Twitter chat, we'll let the experts discuss the importance of safely handling data, what things to consider when collecting and protecting this information and how to create a #PrivacyAware workforce across all levels. Use #ChatSTC to join! Twitter Chat: Thursday, Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. EST/noon PST Data Privacy Day is less than a week away! With smart technology advancing and taking a more prominent role in our daily lives and the introduction of new regulations, the digital landscape is shifting rapidly and forging a new era in privacy. In this #ChatSTC Privacy experts with diverse perspectives will explain opportunities and challenges for the privacy road ahead. Use #ChatSTC to join! New Era in Privacy: Monday, Jan. 28 at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. PST NCSA will host a timely event entitled A New Era in Privacy ? streamed live from LinkedIn in San Francisco, CA on Monday, Jan. 28. Join us via livestream to learn about timely issues from leading privacy experts that impact both business and consumers. IAPP's Privacy After Hours: Monday, Jan. 28 In recognition of Data Privacy Day, the next Privacy After Hours is Monday, January 28. Interested in hosting a Privacy After Hours? Check out the FAQ Page to learn more. Privacy Ref's Workshop(s): Monday, Jan. 28 at 9 a.m. EST, Delray Beach, FL Privacy Ref is proud to announce that we are an official training partner of the IAPP. You now have the opportunity to learn from one of our knowledgeable privacy professionals using the most respected training content in the industry. Learn more here: http://privacyref.com/iapp.php Rice University Symposium on Data Privacy: Monday, Jan. 28, 1 to 5 p.m. CST, Houston, TX BioScience Research Collaborative at Rice University Speakers and panelists will provide a platform for stimulating discussion on the current practice, challenges and research in data privacy and protection as we face a world where digital information impacts every aspect of our lives. Learn more here: https://kinder.rice.edu/events/rice-university-symposium-data-privacy EDUCAUSE Live! Webinar: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1 to 2 p.m. EST Artificial Intelligence in Education: Legal Considerations and Ethical Questions Learn how schools can use artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to promote student success, improve retention, and better manage resources. Discover the benefits and limitations of these emerging technologies, legal obligations related to privacy, data protection, equal protection, and discrimination law, as well as ethical questions raised by the use of AI tools in education. Understand best practices and sample policies to guide school procurement, implementation, and oversight of machine-learning systems. Learn more here: https://events.educause.edu/educause-live/webinars/2019/artificial-intelligence-in-education-legal-considerations-and-ethical-questions About Data Privacy Day Data Privacy Day began in the United States and Canada in January 2008 as an extension of the Data Protection Day celebration in Europe and is officially led by NCSA in North America. Verizon and Visa are Contributing Sponsors of the 2019 privacy awareness campaign. VISA and Verizon are Contributing Sponsors of the 2019 privacy awareness campaign. Yubico , Mozilla and Trend Micro are Participating Sponsors. The hashtag for NCSA's privacy campaign efforts is #PrivacyAware. About the National Cyber Security Alliance NCSA is the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society. NCSA's primary partners are DHS and NCSA's Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; Bank of America; CDK Global, LLC; CertNexus; Cisco; Cofense; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; InfoSec Institute; Intel Corporation; Marriott International; Mastercard; Microsoft Corporation; Mimecast; NXP Semiconductors; Raytheon; Salesforce; Symantec Corporation; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA's core efforts include National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28); STOP. THINK. CONNECT., the global online safety awareness and education campaign co-founded by NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group with federal government leadership from DHS; and CyberSecure My Business , which offers webinars, web resources and workshops to help businesses be resistant to and resilient from cyberattacks. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/ . View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/data-privacy-day-2019-reminds-businesses-and-consumers-about-the-value-of-personal-data-and-the-need-to-protect-it-300778899.html SOURCE National Cyber Security Alliance [January 16, 2019] Benevity Clients Make Up More than One Third of "JUST 100" List of America's Most JUST Companies CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benevity, Inc., the global leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement software, today announced that more than one third of the companies on JUST Capital's list of Americas 100 most JUST corporations are Benevity clients. Developed in partnership with Forbes, the 2018 JUST 100 is the independent research nonprofits third annual ranking of publicly traded U.S. corporations based on a range of issues that Americans care about the most including fair pay, benefits, support for local communities, customer privacy, environmental impact and more. America's Most JUST Companies At JUST Capital, our goal is to build a more just marketplace that better reflects the true priorities of the American people, said Michelle Mullineaux, Managing Director of Marketing at JUST Capital. Benevity shares our mission of empowering companies to be a positive force for change, so its no surprise that many of their clients are on the JUST 100. These companies are leading by example, demonstrating that doing well can and should be synonymous with doing good. JUST Capital conducts some of the most comprehensive surveys ever on public attitudes toward corporate behvior, reaching 9,000 American respondents in 2018 and more than 81,000 over the past four years. When asked what was most important for companies to prioritize, Americans ranked the following issues in order of importance: Workers, Customers, Products, the Environment, Jobs, Communities, and finally, Leadership & Shareholders. JUST Capital then tracked and evaluated the performance of companies against these priorities and created the ranking model that drives Americas Most JUST Companies, including the JUST 100 list of the top companies across all industries. This year, 37 of Benevitys clients made the JUST 100 list, with 21 (more than half) in the top 50 overall. These progressive companies, which include Microsoft , Biogen and Prudential Financial , are part of Benevitys global community of more than 550 enterprise companies who share a deep commitment to infusing the world with more Goodness through modern approaches to their corporate social responsibility and employee engagement programs. Companies on JUST Capitals list are leading their respective industries while also doing right by their employees, customers and the broader context of society, said Bryan de Lottinville, Founder and CEO of Benevity. We couldnt be more proud of our clients that comprise a significant part of the JUST 100 and look forward to working with JUST Capital to evolve the way companies define impact and become catalysts for greater positive change. About JUST Capital JUST Capital, an independent, nonprofit organization, aligns business practices with the priorities of the American people to ensure capitalism works for all. Our research, rankings, indexes, and data-driven tools help people make more informed decisions about where to invest, work, and buy to direct capital toward companies advancing a more just future. For additional information, visit: www.JUSTCapital.com . About Benevity Benevity, Inc. , a certified B Corporation, is the global leader in corporate social responsibility and employee engagement software, including online giving, matching, volunteering and community investment. Many of the worlds most iconic brands rely on Benevitys award-winning cloud solutions to power corporate Goodness programs that attract, retain and engage todays diverse workforce by connecting people to the causes that matter to them. With software that is available in 17 languages, to an employee base of 10 million users around the world, Benevity has processed over 2.5 billion dollars in donations and 15 million hours of volunteering time this year to almost 150,000 charities worldwide. Media Contact Amanda Orr Kickstart for Benevity 1.323.601.5734 press@benevity.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80e54109-ccd7-4c31-83ea-1891b267d00d [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Precognize Leader to Provide Insights on Industry 4.0 at World Economic Forum in Davos HAIFA, Israel, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hands-on experience provides perspective from the factory floor Chen Linchevski, CEO and Co-founder of Precognize, a company of SAMSON AG that focuses on SAM GUARD predictive monitoring for the process industry, has been invited to share his vision for the future of manufacturing at the 2019 Davos World Economic Forum (WEF) later this month. The focus of the event is "Globalization 4.0." One major theme is, "Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution." Precognize's on-the-ground interactions with plant managers across the globe give it unique understanding into the practical problems in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. Deploying the SAM GUARD solution requires the capture of the institutional memory of the plant and combines it with AI to deliver unparalleled insights about quality, processes, and equipment health that deliver significant competitive advantages. "The most pressing issue is that vry few companies really manage to use digitalization to its maximum benefit," says Chen Linchevski, CEO and co-founder of Precognize. "To remain competitive, companies need to take a predictive approach to quality, improving operations and efficiency and environmental constraints. Maximizing investment in AI-and Human Intelligence-based technologies is critical. In the long run, it's less expensive to deploy software that anticipates and handles problems before they shut down production." Mr. Linchevski has been actively participating in the WEF activities since the forum named Precognize a 2018 Technology Pioneer. Every year, the WEF Annual Meeting brings together leaders of global society from more than 100 governments, top executives of 1,000 leading worldwide companies, and heads of international organizations, NGOs, and thought leaders to define priorities and shape international industry as well as regional programs. One of the goals of the WEF is to enable constituents to make sustained positive change and work with them to understand and influence the entirety of the system. They do this through a series of System Initiatives, addressing the transformation of production systems, from R&D through sales, drive innovation, sustainability and employment. The System Initiative at WEF on Shaping the Future of Production provides a global, diverse and dynamic platform for leaders to understand the transformation of production systems, develop new and unique value for their organizations and drive the application of technologies to build more innovative, sustainable and inclusive production systems that benefit all. About Precognize Precognize delivers predictive monitoring software for the process industry. Precognize predicts and detects problems, preventing costly shutdowns, casualties, and bad reputation. It relies on sensor data collected from the entire plant to trigger only a few true, early and actionable alerts. It transforms the human knowledge of the plant into a mathematical graph combined with machine learning to take the process industry to the digitized era. For more information visit http://www.precog.co/ Media Contact Amy Kenigsberg K2 Global Communications amy@k2-gc.com +1-913-440-4072 (+7 ET) +972-9-794-1681 (+2 GMT) SOURCE Precognize [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Recent Data Collected by Spherix Global Insights Highlights Key US vs. EU Differences Between Perceptions and Adoption of Eli Lilly's Olumiant and Pfizer's Xeljanz for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis EXTON, Pa., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Analysis of Spherix Global Insights' RealTime Dynamix: Rheumatoid Arthritis market tracker and RealWorld Dynamix: Biologic/JAK Switching in Rheumatoid Arthritis patient audit, including responses from US and European rheumatologists, reveals many similarities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment but also some striking differences currently impacting treatment behaviors. Olumiant's earlier launch in Europe has had a profound effect in prescription patterns: More than half of EU5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK) rheumatologists report current use of Olumiant in the second half of 2018, a figure significantly greater than what is reported by their American counterparts. As a result, self-reported patient share for Olumiant in Europe was three times as high as in the US. Conversely, the near totality of American rheumatologists report current use of Xeljanz in Q4 of 2018, while just over half of those in the EU5 had done so by the end of 2018. Brand share follows the same pattern, with Pfizer's JAK capturing nearly three times more of the US market than what is reported across the EU5. Furthermore, share of the last five RA biologic/JAK prescriptions (new Rx) and future six-month share projections suggest continued outpacing of Olumiant over Xeljanz in Europe, and the converse in the US. It should be noted that the approved labeling of each JAK has likely had a substantial impact on these preferences. For example, Xeljanz's once-daily XR formulation is not available in the EU5, whereas only the 2mg dose of Olumiant was approved in the US. Indeed, nearly half of EU5 rheumatologists agree that if Xeljanz was approved for once daily administration they would prescribe it more, while nearly 40% of US rheumatologists agree that they would prescribe substantially more Olumiant had the 4mg dosing been FDA approved. Patient level chart data on the biologic/JAK switching markets in these geographies via Spherix's RealWorld Dynamix reports, which analyzed the records of over 2,300 recently switched RA patients, further corroborates the contrasts in JAK preferences. While the JAK class is equally popular in the RA switch environment, accounting for just under one-fifth of all recent switches in both the US and EU5, the distribution of the two specific brands varies dramatically between the two locations. Indeed, ecently switched RA patients were a whopping sixteen times more likely to have recently been switched to Xeljanz than Lilly's JAK, while in the EU5, recently switched patients were just under twice as likely to be placed on Olumiant over Xeljanz. Indeed, EU5 rheumatologists participating in this study report that they are significantly more comfortable with Olumiant's risk-benefit profile than their US counterparts. Leading JAKs in development, such as AbbVie's upadacitinib and Gilead/Galapagos' filgotinib, will need to enter the market with the ability to differentiate themselves in this increasingly competitive field. Spherix Global Insights will continue to track the evolution of JAK adoption, as well as the impact on RA biologics, in both the US and EU5 via their 2019 RealTime Dynamix and RealWorld Dynamix report series. About RealTime Dynamix The RealTime Dynamix Rheumatoid Arthritis (US) report series (n=100 rheumatologists per quarter) provides a detailed and timely look at current and future trends in the RA market and the effects of the future shifting landscape. The next US wave of this study will field in February 2019 and will continue to track the launch of Olumiant and Kevzara, uptake of biosimilars, as well as the overall evolving US RA market. The next bi-annual wave of a parallel study tracking the evolution of the European RA market, RealTime Dynamix Rheumatoid Arthritis (EU), will field in Q2 2019 (n=250 rheumatologists per wave). About RealWorld Dynamix RealWorld Dynamix: Biologic/JAK Switching in RA (US) is a robust and deep patient chart analysis of 1,074 RA patients who were switched from one biologic or JAK to a different brand in the past three months. The 2018 audit (n=211 rheumatologists) is the third annual wave of this report and includes trending back to 2016. A parallel audit, RealWorld Dynamix: Biologic/JAK Switching in RA (EU), examines the charts of 1,235 RA patients in the EU5 (France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK), who were switched from on from one biologic/JAK to another brand), submitted by 320 rheumatologists. About Spherix Global Insights Spherix Global Insights is an independent business intelligence and market research company, specializing in renal, autoimmune, neurologic and rare disease markets. Our aim is to apply our commercial experience and unique relationships within core specialty markets to translate data into insight, enabling our clients to make smarter business decisions. All company, brand or product names in this document are trademarks of their respective holders. For more information contact: Lynn Price, Immunology Franchise Head Email: info@spherixglobalinsights.com www.spherixglobalinsights.com View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/recent-data-collected-by-spherix-global-insights-highlights-key-us-vs-eu-differences-between-perceptions-and-adoption-of-eli-lillys-olumiant-and-pfizers-xeljanz-for-the-treatment-of-rheumatoid-arthritis-300778878.html SOURCE Spherix Global Insights [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. Achieves Significant Milestones in Restructuring Progress Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. (NYSE:ANW) ("Aegean" or the "Company") announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the "Court") has approved its revised final motion related to $535 million in aggregate Debtor-in-Possession financing (the "DIP Facility") from Mercuria Energy Group Limited ("Mercuria"), one of the world's largest independent energy and commodity companies. The Court also approved the Company's Restructuring Support Agreement (the "RSA") with Mercuria, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors of Aegean, American Express (News - Alert) Travel Related Services Company, Inc., and certain holders of the Company's unsecured convertible notes. In addition, the Company filed its plan of reorganization and disclosure statement, critical steps toward exiting bankruptcy. "The Court's actions represent key milestones in Aegean's restructuring process and position the Company to quickly emerge from Chapter 11 much stronger than before. Both the DIP and the RSA (News - Alert) result from a deliberate, arm's-length process involving world-class institutions, undertaken to ensure continued high-quality service across our global network, maximize creditor recoveries and avoid months of contentious, value-destroying litigation," said Tyler Baron, Aegean Board Director. "Upon completion of this process, currently anticipated around the end of the first quarter, the new company - with ample access to liquidity, streamlined operations, a refreshed management team, and the ability to leverage Mercuria's core competencies - will be better positioned for long-term growth than ever." Under the terms of the Court-approved RSA, Mercuria will receive 100% of the common equity of the reorganized Company. Mercuria will also fund $40 million in cash on account of general unsecured creditor recoveries at the Company and backstop a $15 million loan to a trust to fund litigation (the "Litigation Loan Trust"). General unsecured creditors at the parent will receive 100% of the initial proceeds from litigation claims (after repayment of the Litigation Trust Loan plus $3 million), until they receive payment in full on account of their allowed claims. General unsecured creditors at the subsidiaries will receive full recoveries in the normal course, under the agreement. Holders of the Companys pre-prepetition common equity will receive 100% of the residual interests in the litigation claims once general unsecured creditors at the parent have received payment in full. Pursuant to reasonable and achievable milestones, the Company will implement its restructuring plan, and expects to emerge from Chapter 11 around the end of the first quarter of 2019. In connection with the Company's restructuring efforts, Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as legal counsel to Aegean, Moelis & Company LLC is acting as investment banker to Aegean, and EY Turnaround Management Services LLC is acting as restructuring advisor to Aegean. Additional Information Additional information about the Chapter 11 cases, court filings and other documents related to the Chapter 11 cases are available on a website administered by the debtors' claims and noticing agent, Epiq Corporate Restructuring, LLC, at http://dm.epiq11.com/aegean. About Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. is an international marine fuel logistics company that markets and physically supplies refined marine fuel and lubricants to ships in port and at sea. The Company procures product from various sources (such as refineries, oil producers, and traders) and resells it to a diverse group of customers across all major commercial shipping sectors and leading cruise lines. Currently, Aegean has a global presence in more than 30 markets and a team of professionals ready to serve its customers wherever they are around the globe. For additional information please visit: www.ampni.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This release contains "forward-looking" statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "will," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate, in part, to the risks and uncertainties relating to the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern; the debtors' ability to obtain approval by the bankruptcy court of the relief requested in the first day motions, for DIP financing, any sale, and any plan of reorganization of the Company, among other things; the ability of the debtors to develop and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 cases; the bankruptcy court's rulings in the Chapter 11 cases and the outcome of the Chapter 11 cases in general; the length of time the debtors will operate under the Chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third-party motions in the Chapter 11 cases; the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 cases on the debtors' liquidity, results of operations or business prospects; the ability to execute the Company's business and restructuring plan; increased legal costs related to the Chapter 11 cases and other litigation; the inherent risks involved in a bankruptcy process; and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings with the SEC (News - Alert) . Given the risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements are made. Aegean undertakes no duty, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements to reflect any future events, developments or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005350/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Vakrangee Limited Launches 3,300+ NextGen Vakrangee Kendras Across India MUMBAI, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vakrangee Limited has launched 3,300+ NextGen Vakrangee Kendras across Pan India today, 14th January, 2019. After successful launch in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) & National Capital Region (NCR), the company has now rolled out these outlets on Pan India basis. 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, 340+ districts and 2,000+ postal codes of the country, out of which more than 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 today successfully launched these NextGen outlets all over the country. I would take this opportunity to thank all our Vendor Partners and Service Partners who all have played a key role in this transformation and upgradation exercise. Without their support this would have not been possible. We believe that these NextGen outlets will enable every Indian to seamlessly benefit from financial inclusion, social inclusion, digital India, skill development, employment, government programmes and a wider access to basic goods and services." 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'." Vote of Thanks for few of our Vendor Partners & Service Partners: National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has been our support system for various services such as Banking through AePS, Bill payments through BBPS and ATMs for usage of RuPay cards. We believe our vast network of Vakrangee kendras would financially empower a larger section of society which till now had been excluded from mainstream activities such as banking, insurance and ATM. All Jan dhan accounts have been provided with a RuPay card and these citizens would be able to use our outlets for various services. Quote from Partner: "National Payments Corporation of India is proud to be a network of choice for members across the strata from the country. From the largest domestic ATM network to RuPay Card scheme and fast growing UPI, we believe that the spread of NextGen Vakrangee kendras across 20 states is a big leap forward towards the inclusion of customers across the tier V, Tier VI centres as well. NPCI wishes Vakrangee success in this endeavour and we commit to providing all possible support in driving the core agenda of digitalization across the country supported by the growing community," said Mr. Vishal Anand Kanvaty, SVP - Innovation & Product, NPCI. Amazon has been our e-commerce partner, providing our customers easy access to Amazon's 170MM products over the last three years. Customers can walk into nearby Vakrangee kendras and get help in buying on Amazon, enabling access to a wide selection at great value that was otherwise only available to customers buying online on Amazon. b>Quote from Partner: "Under our Amazon Easy program, we have been serving hundreds and thousands of customers who have never shopped online before. Vakrangee has been a very important partner for us in this journey, helping customers to discover and buy products they like and also get post purchase assistance. We are happy with the services offered through Vakrangee kendras and look forward to expanding far and wide throughout India," said Zahid Khan, Head, Reach customer experience, Amazon India. HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India's leading private sector non-life insurance has been our service partner for distribution of General Insurance products. Quote from Partner: "The Vakrangee-HDFC ERGO tie-up has been a win-win affair for all our stakeholders. Leveraging Vakrangee's outlets distribution network we were able to extend our reach to areas which were un-served and under-served. Thanks to our tie-up with Vakrangee, citizens, especially in un-served and under-served areas are now able to access quality General Insurance products and services offered by HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company," said Vishal Desai, Senior Manager - Key Relationships, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Co. Ltd. Netmeds.com has been our service partner for the assisted shopping of medicines and other health products. Vakrangee Kendra acts as the Assisted Digital platform where citizens will now be able to order, pay and collect a wide range of prescriptions and OTC medicines and other health products at their nearest Vakrangee Kendra outlet. Quote from Partner: "Our association with Vakrangee has helped to bridge the gap between residents of Tier 4 and Tier 5 cities who don't have access to the Internet or are not tech savvy. Vakrangee has helped us to reach out to consumers who are still not familiar with the concept of buying medicines online. With the launch of these 3,300 Kendras, a lot of people residing in both urban or rural areas can enjoy the benefits of Netmeds.com through their Assisted Digital platform," said Anand Pathak, Director Sales & Marketing, Netmeds.com. Eko India Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. an authorised Prepaid Instrument License holder from RBI has been our service partner for the Domestic Money Transfer service. This Domestic Money Transfer service can be availed across Vakrangee's nation-wide franchisee network of NextGen Vakrangee Kendras. Quote from Partner: "Eko India is a leading player in the cash to digital space, including Domestic Money Transfer business, in the country and our symbiotic association with Vakrangee Limited has helped both of us in bringing value to our customers. With the launch of these NextGen Kendras, all customers of Vakrangee will be able to experience our dependable and top notch service of Domestic Money Transfer at a NextGen Kendra near them. With this partnership the Domestic Money Transfer service will extend its reach over 10 million customers over the next 12 months. It also helps us expand our distribution reach to the hitherto untapped geographies across the country. I am sure this relationship will only grow stronger in years to come," said Abhinav Sinha - Founder, EKO India Financial Services (P) Ltd. NCR has been our technology partner right from the time of inception and this partnership is critical as they play a key role in supplying and maintaining ATMs at the Vakrangee Kendras. We thank them for their support. Quote from partner: "NCR, the largest ATM manufacturer and deployer in the country, will partner with Vakrangee Ltd. to help them to reach the 191 million unbanked population of India. We wish Vakrangee the very best in this important endeavor and will partner them to ensure that formal banking services are available to rural unbanked customers when and where they want," said Navroze Dastur, Managing Director, NCR India. AGS Transact Technologies has been our trusted ATM OEM partner and a leading provider of end-to-end cash and digital payment solutions and automation technology that helps streamline our operational efficiencies. We thank them for their support. Quote from Partner: "We are happy to partner with Vakrangee. We believe the NextGen Vakrangee Kendras will provide further impetus to the payment ecosystem especially in tier 3 & 4 towns. Our ATMs are equipped with customized in-house solutions, such as voice-guided ATM software and biometric-based solutions. They are designed to provide operational efficiencies and synergy benefits," said Ravi B. Goyal, Chairman & MD, AGS Transact Technologies Limited. Vortex Engineering has been our ATM supplier and plays an important role in supplying and maintaining our ATMs at the Valrangee kendras. We thank them for their support. Quote from Partner: "The NextGen Vakrangee Kendra project is unique in its standardization of delivery & breadth of banking & related services offered. At its complete planned scale, it has the potential to make a significant mark on the country's progress towards Financial inclusion & Digital India. As an Indian technology products company, Vortex Engineering is proud to be a partner to Vakrangee in this project," said Sathyan Gopalan, CEO, Vortex Engg. Pvt. Ltd. About NextGen Vakrangee Kendra Model: 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 Code: 511431) (NSE Code: VAKRANGEE) Incorporated in 1990, Vakrangee 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. Media Contact: Chandrakant Pattade chandrakant@conceptpr.com +91-9930155711 Concept Public Relations India Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Technology Links Global Real Estate, Uoolu 2019 Global Real Estate Internet Summit was successfully held on Jan. 14th in Beijing BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 14, 2019, Uoolu successfully held the 2nd Global Real Estate Internet Summit (GREIS) at Millennium Hotel in Beijing. The summit brought together hundreds of developers from 20 countries, as well as lots of renowned media, including The Wall Street Journal, South China Morning Post, and Bloomberg. Mr. Huang Xiaodan, the founder and CEO of Uoolu, launched the summit by strategically releasing Uoolu Global Websites, which cover 13 languages and 135 countries. Uoolu is dedicated to building a network that connects global users and global real estate to facilitate cross-border sales and services for over 100,000 real estate developers. Presently, the unique visitors to Uoolu Global Websites have been increasing sharply. Meanwhile, three interesting numbers were showed in Mr. Huang's speech, 40% of global investment users have need for cross-border investments, 70% of developers have an international business, and 25% of revenue is from international sales. Later, base on big data of global users, Uoolu released two brand new products, U-data and G-sale, which could solve the major problems in cross-border real estate investments. With the help of U-data, developers can realize real-time mastering of the global home buyers' portrait. At the same time, G-sale, an efficient global marketing solution, enables developers to implement and expand their global sales. The summit included two panel discussions to explore the most cutting-edge issues in the global real estate industry, including technology empowering global real estate investment and opportunity for real estate in the age of global citizens. The sharing and views from the guests provided a new direction for cross-border investments. Another peak of the summit was Uoolu's strategic signing ceremony with 17 developers from 7 countries, including Eco World from Malaysia, Ananda from Thailand, Landsea from US, Regal London from UK, SMDC from Philippine, Select Property Group from UK, Oriental Pearl from UAE, Balance Capital from US, and Royal Bridge Capital from UK. This significant cooperation indicated that the "Uoolu Global" strategy has been recognized by its worldwide partners. At the end of the summit, Uoolu released 2 heavyweight awards: The 2018 Globalized Real Estate Brands and 2018 Globalized Popularity Projects. The link shows the list of awardees:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/809134/UOOLU_awards.jpg Uoolu Website: www.uoolu.com Uoolu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uoolu/ Uoolu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uoolu.com/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/technology-links-global-real-estate-uoolu-2019-global-real-estate-internet-summit-was-successfully-held-on-jan-14th-in-beijing-300779246.html SOURCE Uoolu.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Funeral services for Grace C. Soeth, 93, of Spirit Lake, formerly of Estherville, will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 21, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church in Estherville with the Rev. Dr. Dave Ullom officiating. Interment will be at East Side Cemetery, Estherville. She departed this life on Jan. 7, 2019, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., Sunday at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. Grace Carol McKay was born Dec. 21, 1925 to Edith and Ralph McKay in Estherville, Iowa. A 1942 graduate of Estherville High School, she was also a 1944 graduate of Estherville Junior College. She graduated from Drake University in 1946 and accepted a position as an elementary school teacher with the Pasadena City School District. One year later she assumed a position in the Fort Dodge School District. In Fort Dodge she met lifelong friends Laurie Van Dyke and Dorothy Fryer. While traveling to and from her parents home in Estherville, Grace met Max Soeth whom she married at the Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines on June 15, 1951. Their son, Mark, was born in 1954. Over the next 30 years, Grace taught several times in the Estherville school system mostly at Lincoln and McKinley schools. After retirement she began to visit Spirit Lake more often and in 1988 moved there permanently. In 2014 she moved to Welcov Assisted Living in Spirit Lake and in 2016 to Trinity Elms in Clemmons, North Carolina. She enjoyed traveling and participated in many trips sponsored by Iowa Public Television. Her travels took her throughout Europe, as well as to New England, Alaska and Mexico. She was an avid collector of china, antiques and Christmas decorations. She enjoyed exercising with her friends at Brooks Resort and later at the Bedell YMCA. In later years, she treasured sunsets over the west shore of Spirit Lake and opened her home to others for the annual fireworks show. She had an interest in family history and sponsored the McKay House at the Genessee County Village Museum for a number of years. Grace Soeth was a member of the P.E.O., Questers, the Spirit Lake Protective Association and the Estherville Retired Teachers Association. She was also a life member of the Eastern Star. Grace Soeth was pre-deceased by her parents, Edith and Ralph McKay, her husband, Max, her brother, Jim, and sister, Ruth. She is survived by her son, Mark and his wife Joan of Salisbury, N.C., and her grandchildren, Pamela Soeth of Salisbury and Kelsey Soeth of Boulder, Colo. www.henryolsonfuneral.com [January 16, 2019] Discover to Increase Acceptance in the Nordics Through Agreement with Nets Diners Club International, a subsidiary of Discover Financial Services and part of the Discover Global Network has signed an agreement with Nets, a leading payment processor and acquirer in Europe, to help expand Discover Global Network acceptance in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Today, Nets offers customers one of the widest ranges of payment brands in the Nordics, including both local payment schemes and international payment brands. With this agreement, Nets will work with current and prospective merchant partners to help provide increased acceptance of Discover, Diners Club International, PULSE and affiliate network cards across these markets. "This agreement is good news for merchants as well as tourists in the Nordic countries," says Anne Marie Kindberg, Senior Vice President and head of Commercial Management at Merchant Services in Nets. "This is a great opportunity for Nordic merchants to welcome not only the large volumes of international cardholders that use these schemes today, but also the potential Nordic cardholders in the future." The Discover Global Network includes Discover Network, Diners Club International, PULSE and affiliate networks. It has more than 44 million merchant acceptance locations and 2 million ATM cash access locations across 190 countries and territories. Discover has established network to network alliances across the globe, including relationships in China, Japan, Korea, India, Brazil, Turkey, Nigeria and throughout Europe. "We are seeing a rise in popularity for the Nordic region as a business and tourist destination," said Amy Parsons (News - Alert) , senior vice president of global acceptance at Discover. "Many Discover and affiliate network cardholders are traveling here, and our agrement with Nets will provide them with the opportunity to use their Discover Global Network card of choice at an increasing number of merchants while visiting." About Nets Nets sees easier products and solutions as the foundation for growth and progress - both in commerce and society. Nets helps financial institutions, businesses and merchants making tomorrow easier for their customers while delivering unrivalled security and stability. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nets has 2,400 employees in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Recently, Nets has also expanded with activities in Germany and Poland. About Diners Club International Ltd. Established in 1950, Diners Club International became the first multi-purpose charge card in the world, launching a financial revolution in how consumers and companies pay for products and services. Today, Diners Club is a globally-recognized brand serving the payment needs of select and affluent consumers, offering access to more than 850 airport lounges worldwide, and providing corporations and small business owners with a complete array of expense management solutions. With acceptance in 190 countries and territories, millions of merchant locations and access to more than 1 million cash access locations and ATMs, Diners Club, as a part of the Discover Global Network, is uniquely qualified to serve its cardmembers all over the world. Diners Club International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS), a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. For more information, visit www.dinersclub.com. About Discover Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts and certificates of deposit through its direct banking business. It operates the Discover Global Network comprised of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in 190 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discover.com/company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005145/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] Bell Education Group Attends CES, Wins Awards and Media Attention for Innovation LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Bell Education Group recently attended the 2019 International CES. As one of the leading educational companies in China, Bell was eager to display its new product line. Combining AI and education, its STEAM-focused Mabot, Wingbot, and Thunder were unveiled. Featured at the display was the Mabot theme park, which won not only the attention from attendees, but also the CES Innovation Awards. It's also a recipient of the prestigious G-Mark Design Award. Mabot is a modular, reprogrammable robot with infinite possibilities! Kids can create any robot they can imagine. The ergonomic spherical design is easy to assemble and re-assemble into thousands of combinations. Plug and play connectors and sensors make it easy to make a smart creation. Added compatibility with Lego-type building blocks expands the potential. Mabot's innovative building and programming design has created a new standard in the field of educational products. The fun, easy, and intuitive play pattern sparks children's imaginations and awakens them to the world of robotics. The Mabot amusement park became a major attraction at the CES. Circuits, sensor and motor modules were combined to create a miniature world complete with roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and other rides. Mabot's sensors were programmed to interact with attendees and activate the system with just the wave of a hand. In a single day at CES, the Mabot coaster completed the track over 2,700 times, covering a distance of nearly 15 kilometers! Also on display was the metal-framed robotic kit 'Rebot' as well as an educational drone -- 'Wingbot'. These items demonstrated Bell's core principle of AIQ AIQ (Artificial Intelligence Quotient) was first developed by the founder of Bell Education Group Wang Zuobing, and refers to the cooperation and competition between humans and AI algorithms. The index is composed of elements of creativity, learning, communication, and data. It's intended as a standard to measure adaptability to the future world. Using AIQ, Bell creates perfectly integrated intelligent hardware for education. A hybrid online/offline educational model increases the effectiveness of these products. In addition robotics competitions are used to strengthen kids' confidence in their educational progress. Bell Education Group has distributed its products to more than 30 countries and has established programs with hundreds of schools and educational organizations in the US and EU. The products have been widely used in STEAM curriculums in the classrooms, as well as at home. Bell continues to expand its distribution worldwide with the sincere hope that children everywhere can access high-quality learning products and services. These intelligent hardware products and STEAM curriculums will help kids prepare for the future world of AI with confidence. About Bell Education Group Shenzhen Bell Creative Science and Education Co., Ltd. (Bell Education Group) is the largest and most diverse creative science and education group in China. It is also the only vertically-integrated education group, covering the range from online courses, to smart product development. Since its founding in 2011, Bell has focused on education for kids aged 3-13 and trained them to be ready for the new world of AI. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bell-education-group-attends-ces-wins-awards-and-media-attention-for-innovation-300779176.html SOURCE Shenzhen Bell Creative Science and Education Co., Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] VALNEVA Announces New $59 Million IXIARO Supply Contract with US Government Valneva Announces New $59 Million IXIARO Supply Contract with US Government Saint Herblain (France), January 16, 2019 - Valneva SE ("Valneva" or "the Company"), a biotech company developing and commercializing vaccines for infectious diseases with major unmet needs, announced today the signing of a new $59 million contract with the U.S. government Department of Defense for the supply of its Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine IXIARO. Under the terms of the agreement, Valneva will supply IXIARO doses to the Defense Logistics Agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, through 2019 and the beginning of 2020 with a value of $59 million guaranteed and potentially worth up to $70 million. A delivery schedule is being prepared and supply shipments will commence immediately. Franck Grimaud, Chief Business Officer of Valneva commented, "We are pleased to continue our important collaboration with the U.S. government to fight this deadly disease. The U.S. military has been using IXIARO since 2010 and we are excited to further support the expansion of its use and help protect military personnel and their families from Japanese encephalitis." IXIARO is the only JE vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been developed through a cooperative research and development agreement with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Valneva markets and distributes IXIARO directly to the U.S. military and U.S. private market. In October 2018, the Company announced that the FDA approved an accelerated IXIARO vaccination schedule of two doses administered seven days apart, compared to the previous 28 day schedule. The accelerated schedule was approved for adult travelers aged 18-65 years in addition to the previously approved schedule. Following this contract award, the Company will provide initial financial guidance on the outlook for 2019. About IXIARO/JESPECT Valneva's Japanese encephalitis vaccine is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of the disease for people who travel to, or live in, endemic areas. It has received marketing approval in the U.S., Europe, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Israel under the trade name IXIARO and in Australia and New Zealand where it is marketed as JESPECT/sup>. It is the only vaccine available to the U.S. military for Japanese Encephalitis. IXIARO is approved for use in individuals two months of age and older in the U.S. and EU member states, Canada, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel. In all other licensed territories, IXIARO/JESPECT is indicated for use in persons aged 18 years or more. About Japanese Encephalitis Japanese encephalitis is a deadly infectious disease found mainly in Asia. About 70,000 cases of JE are estimated to occur in Asia each year, although the actual number of cases is likely much higher due to underreporting in rural areas. JE is fatal in approximately 30 percent of those who show symptoms, and leaves half of survivors with permanent brain damage. The disease is endemic in Southeast Asia, India and China, a region with a population of more than three billion. In 2005, JE killed more than 1,200 children in only one month during an epidemic outbreak in Uttar Pradesh, India, and Nepal. About Valneva SE Valneva is a biotech company developing and commercializing vaccines for infectious diseases with major unmet needs. Valneva's portfolio includes two commercial vaccines for travelers: IXIARO/JESPECT indicated for the prevention of Japanese encephalitis and DUKORAL indicated for the prevention of cholera and, in some countries, prevention of diarrhea caused by ETEC. The Company has various vaccines in development including a unique vaccine against Lyme disease. Valneva has operations in Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and the U.S. with over 450 employees. More information is available at www.valneva.com. Valneva Investor and Media Contacts Laetitia Bachelot-Fontaine Global Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications M +33 (0)6 4516 7099 investors@valneva.com Teresa Pinzolits Corporate Communications Specialist T +43 (0)1 20620 1116 communications@valneva.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the business of Valneva, including with respect to the progress, timing and completion of research, development and clinical trials for product candidates, the ability to manufacture, market, commercialize and achieve market acceptance for product candidates, the ability to protect intellectual property and operate the business without infringing on the intellectual property rights of others, estimates for future performance and estimates regarding anticipated operating losses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional financing. In addition, even if the actual results or development of Valneva are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, those results or developments of Valneva may not be indicative of their in the future. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "could," "should," "may," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "aims," "targets," or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the current expectations of Valneva as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In particular, the expectations of Valneva could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties involved in the development and manufacture of vaccines, unexpected clinical trial results, unexpected regulatory actions or delays, competition in general, currency fluctuations, the impact of the global and European credit crisis, and the ability to obtain or maintain patent or other proprietary intellectual property protection. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements made during this presentation will in fact be realized. Valneva is providing the information in these materials as of this press release, and disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Attachment 2019_01_16_VLA_DoD_Contract_PR_EN.pdf [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] SNAP SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors with Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Snap Inc. - SNAP Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until January 31, 2019 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP), if they purchased the Company's shares between March 2, 2017, and August 10, 2017, inclusive (the "Class Period") or traceable to its March 3, 2017 Initial Public Offering. This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. What You May Do If you purchased shares of Snap and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-snap/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by January 31, 2019. About the Lawsuit Snap and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. On August 10, 2017, Snap disclosed disappointing Q2 results including ongoing lower-than-expected growth in daily active users ("DAU"), a key user engagement metric. During the earnings conference call, the Company admitted to using "growth hacking" or sending push notifications to users to stoke their access levels, and hence boost user metrics. On this news, the price of Snap's shares plummeted $1.94 per share, or approximately 14%. The case is In Re Snap Inc. Securities Litigation, No. 2:17-cv-03679. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190115005866/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] ZTE and Heavy Reading Jointly Release 5G Transport White Paper on the Innovative FlexE Channel Technology SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ -- ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a major international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, today released the white paper "Meeting 5G Transport Requirements With FlexE" along with the consulting firm Heavy Reading. Based on the new trends of the 5G network architecture and the new requirements for the transport network, the white paper focuses on the key role of the innovative FlexE-based technology in the new service transport. The white paper introduces the goals, values and key technologies of the 5G transport network solution, and provides comprehensive technical support and advice on the construction of future-oriented high-value transport networks. The white paper elaborates four major technical features of the 5G transport solution. First, the FlexE channel technology supports on-demand bandwidth provision. It adopts large-port bonding to expand network capacity on demand, effectively solving the problems of bandwidth upgrade resulting from 5G development so that 100GE bandwidth can meet the needs of early 5G services. By virtue of FlexE bonding, the bandwidth can be upgraded to beyond-100GE by simply expanding the capacity of several 100GE ports. It simplifies network adjustment while effectively making use of initial investments. Second, the 5G transport network solution enables ultra-low latency and ultra-stable jitter forwarding. The FlexE time slot cross-connection technology allows the user service traffic forwarding based on the physical layer so that the user packet is not required to be parsed in the network intermediate node, and the service traffic forwarding can be completed in real time. As a consequence, the single-hop device forwarding latency is less than 0.5 microseconds and the jitter is less than 30 nanoseconds, laying a foundation for ultra-low-latency service transport. Third, the FlexE cannel technology can guarantee ultra-high network reliability. By extending OAM, FlexE Channel provides with the FlexE channel-layer protection, greatly improving the reliability of customer service transport. In case of a fault, the protection switching can be completed within 1ms, enabling the entire network to reach the 99.9999% industry-level reliability. Fourth, the FlexE channel technology supports FlexE-based flexible network slicing. By virtue of the end-to-end slicing based on FlexE and FlexE Channel, the network features both TDM-like exclusive bandwidth and physical isolation while supporting Ethernet statistical multiplexing. Therefore, it allows slice forwarding separation, management separation, fault separation and protocol separation, ensuring the deployment of 5G differentiated services. "Operators must address many challenges to meet the unique demands of coming 5G application scenarios, and the transport network will be essential to the large-scale 5G deployments. As a viable 5G transport solution, FlexE is gaining interest and attention of operators, and the new FlexE time-slot cross-connection technology is likely to be an efficient solution for hard network slicing," said Sterling Perrin, Principal Analyst of Heavy Reading. By proposing a layered network architecture based on FlexE, ZTE lays a solid foundation for the research of 5G transport technology standards. The architecture has been widely recognized by the industry, making a significant contribution to ITU-T G.mtn. Moreover, ZTE's 5G Flexhaul solution has been verified by several operators in China, Spain and other countries. The following is the link to access the full white paper "Meeting 5G Transport Requirements With FlexE": http://www.heavyreading.com/lg_landing.asp?piddl_lgid_docid=228757 About ZTE ZTE is a provider of advanced telecommunications systems, mobile devices, and enterprise technology solutions to consumers, carriers, companies and public sector customers. As part of ZTE's strategy, the company is committed to providing customers with integrated end-to-end innovations to deliver excellence and value as the telecommunications and information technology sectors converge. Listed in the stock exchanges of Hong Kong and Shenzhen (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), ZTE's products and services are sold to over 500 operators in more than 160 countries. ZTE commits 10 per cent of its annual revenue to research and development and has leadership roles in international standard-setting organizations. ZTE is committed to corporate social responsibility and is a member of the UN Global Compact. For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn. Media Contacts: Margaret Ma ZTE Corporation Tel: +86 755 26775189 Email: ma.gaili@zte.com.cn View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zte-and-heavy-reading-jointly-release-5g-transport-white-paper-on-the-innovative-flexe-channel-technology-300779098.html SOURCE ZTE Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] Trilogy International Partners Inc. Announces Newly Appointed New Zealand CEO BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trilogy International Partners Inc. (the Company) (TSX: TRL) today announced that the board of its New Zealand subsidiary, 2degrees, has appointed Mark Aue as the companys new Chief Executive. Mark joined 2degrees in July 2018 as its Chief Financial Officer. As part of an orderly transition plan, once 2degrees appoints a new CFO to take his place, he will begin his new role as CEO and current CEO Stewart Sherriff will commence his retirement. 2degrees Chairman Brad Horwitz says the appointment followed an international search that attracted a high caliber of applicants. Mark has impressed the Board with his financial management, active leadership and understanding of our business today and the opportunities ahead. Coupled with his extensive local and global industry experience, we are delighted to make an appointment that will ensure stability and continued growth at 2degrees, says Mr. Horwitz. When Stewart announced his retirement in August last year we set the bar high for his replacement. Among a very strong field of applicants, Mark stood out as a leader with a clear vision for the future of 2degrees. Mark has gained significant industry experience through financial, commercial and operational leadership roles over the course of his career. He has served as CFO of Vodafone New Zealand, CFO of Vodafones Global Enterprise division in the UK, a Director of Vodafone Fiji, in addition to other business transformation and planning positions. Mark says leading 2degrees is a unique opportunity, and something he had long aspired to do. Few companies have made as much impact on the everyday lives of kiwis as 2degrees. From a distance, I have watched the company grow from strength to strength, bringing significant benefits to the telecommunications market through its disruptive innovation and an unrelenting belief in fighting for fair for all New Zealanders, says Mark. Since joining the team Ive been impressd by the passionate culture, the strength of our people and how dearly the brand is regarded by customers. Stewart and the team have created a successful and very special organization, and as we approach our 10th birthday, Im honored to take on the role of CEO and excited about what 2degrees is going to do next. About Trilogy International Partners Inc. Trilogy International Partners Inc. (TSX: TRL) is the parent company of Trilogy International Partners LLC, a wireless telecommunications operator formed by wireless industry veterans John Stanton, Theresa Gillespie and Brad Horwitz. Its founders have an exceptional track record of successfully buying, building, launching and operating communication businesses in 15 international markets and the United States. The Company currently provides wireless and fixed communications services through its operating subsidiaries in New Zealand and Bolivia. Its head office is located at 155 108th Avenue NE, Suite 400, Bellevue, Washington, 98004 USA. For more information, visit www.trilogy-international.com . Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information Certain information contained in this news release may be forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 of the United States of America. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are often, but not always identified by the use of words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions or words suggesting future outcomes. This news release includes forward-looking information and statements pertaining to, among other things, the expected closing date of the debt facility and further investments in the 2degrees business. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the actual events and results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please see Risks Factors in our Annual Information Form available under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com, which is also included with the Companys Annual Report on Form 40-F under the Companys profile at www.sec.gov, for information on the risks and uncertainties associated with our business. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information and statements, which speak only as of the date made. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this release represent our expectations as of the date of this release. We disclaim any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Trilogy International Partners Inc. Ann Saxton Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development (425) 458-5900 ann.saxton@trilogy-international.com www.trilogy-international.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] ZhongAn and Grab Form JV to Create Digital Insurance Marketplace in SE Asia HONG KONG and SINGAPORE, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance Co., Ltd. ("ZhongAn" or "ZA Insurance", HKEX stock code: 6060), the first Internet-based insurer in China, announced today that its subsidiary ZhongAn Technologies International Group Limited ("ZA International"), and Grab Holdings Inc. ("Grab"), Southeast Asia's leading online-to-offline mobile platform, will establish a joint venture company ("JV") to enter the digital insurance distribution business in Southeast Asia. The JV will create a digital insurance marketplace that offers innovative insurance products in a range of categories with fractionalized premiums, directly to users through the Grab mobile app. The JV will collaborate with global insurance partners to develop products that are tailored specifically to Southeast Asians' lifestyle needs. As part of the agreement, ZA International, the entity for overseas business development formed by ZA Insurance, will bring technical assets to build the platform and insight into Internet ecosystems to the JV. Grab will launch the digital insurance platform through its mobile app and tap its wide userbase and unparalleled customer insights to deliver customized insurance products to millions of users. The platform will be launched in Singapore in the first half of 2019, before being rolled out in other markets. It will give millions of uninsured and underinsured people access to insurance products through their mobile phones, allowing them to directly browse and pay for affordable insurance products through the Grab app, without going through an agent or broker. The tie-up will address the usual pain points of insurance discovery, unaffordable premiums and payment options by allowing for insurance premium payments to be adjusted and automatically deducted through GrabPay or its affiliate payment parters. To start, in conjunction with Chubb, Grab will offer a drivers' insurance product to its driver-partners in Singapore to protect them from loss of income owing to illness or accident. Last year, Grab expanded beyond its core transport offering to become the region's super-app and provide users with food delivery, parcel delivery, grocery delivery, financial services, content and more. This year, Grab will expand into cross-border remittance and online healthcare. Ming Maa, President of Grab, said: "The launch of our insurance platform is part of our commitment to becoming the leading everyday superapp in the region. With over 130 million downloads in Southeast Asia and a presence across 336 cities, our deep understanding of consumer behavior and needs uniquely allows us to deliver innovative insurance products that create value for our customers." Wayne Xu, Vice General Manager of ZhongAn, in charge of International business, said: "We are very pleased to announce this profound partnership with Grab, the Internet giant in Southeast Asia. During the past five years, ZA Insurance has accumulated rich experience providing a new generation of customers with protection against risks in daily life. We have joined hands with over 300 Internet ecosystem partners and exported our technology solutions, with a shared aim to build an insurance ecosystem centered on ZhongAn. We're confident we can better meet the insurance needs of customers in Southeast Asia, with Grab and other leading insurance companies." Reuben Lai, Head of Grab Financial, said: "Our mission is to bring relevant and affordable financial services to Southeast Asia. Through this partnership, we hope to provide our users, driver-partners and merchants with relevant and affordable insurance protection from life's uncertainties. As the only digital payments player to have licenses across the six major Southeast Asian countries, we will leverage our regional reach and work with global insurance partners to quickly scale up across our markets." The JV with Grab is a major step into the Southeast Asia market for ZA International, which is the entity for overseas business development of ZA online founded in December 2017. Commenting on ZA International's first year, Bill Song, COO of ZA International said: "Since inception, ZA International has focused on building technology capacity and fostering platform cooperation to support overseas business development. Going forward, we hope the Asian market will act as a bridgehead in expanding our business globally with the mission of redefining insurance in the connected world." # # # About ZA International ZA International was established in Hong Kong in December 2017, by ZhongAn, an online-only Insuretech company in China to explore international business development, collaboration and investment opportunities in the areas of Fintech and Insuretech in overseas market. In August 2018, ZA International and SoftBank Vision Fund announced cooperation to boost ZhongAn's technology solutions businesses outside China, with an initial focus on Asia. In September 2018, ZA International announced that it will help Sompo, the Japanese insurance giant, to support digital transformation with its next generation insurance Cloud-based end-to-end system. About Grab Grab is one of the most frequently used O2O mobile platforms in Southeast Asia, providing the everyday services that matter most to consumers. Commute, eat, deliver shopping and pay with one e-wallet. Grab believes that every Southeast Asian should benefit from the digital economy, and the company provides access to safe and affordable transport, food and package delivery, mobile payments and financial services. Grab currently offers services in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia. For more information, please visit www.grab.com. Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2347804-1LOGO Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190116/2347804-2LOGO SOURCE ZhongAn and Grab [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] The global cloud storage market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 20.31% over the forecast period of 2019-2027 NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- KEY FINDINGS The global cloud storage market is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 20.31% over the forecast period of 2019-2027. The major factors responsible for this growth include the increased applications of cloud computing, the data loss augmenting the demand for cloud storage solutions, the emergence of cloud storage gateways, decentralized workforce and an increased internet penetration in the global market. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05718820 MARKET INSIGHTS The global cloud storage market has been classified into four major segments.The first segment is end-users which consist of banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI), telecommunication, consumer goods & retail, etc. The second segment is on the basis of solution which includes primary storage, backup storage, etc. The third segment consists of organization type which includes large enterprises and medium businesses, and the fourth segment is on the basis of the deployment mode that includes public cloud deployment and private cloud deployment. REGIONAL INSIGHTS Currently, North America is the world leaer in this market due to the presence of various big players such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, etc., with the United States being a major contributor for the region. Likewise, the Asia-Pacific region also has an advantage in terms of the presence of prominent market companies, startups and many such conducive factors providing it the potential to be the fastest growing region for the global market over the forecast period. COMPETITIVE INSIGHTS Some of the major players in the market are: Acronis, Inc., Amazon Web Services Inc., Apple, Inc., AT&T Inc., Backblaze, Inc., Box Inc., Cisco Systems, Inc., Ctera Networks, Dell EMC Corporation, Dropbox, Inc., Fujitsu Ltd, Google, Inc., Hp, Inc., Idrive, International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), Microsoft Corporation, Nasuni Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Rackspace Hosting, Inc., Salesforce.Com, Inc., SAP SE, SugarSync and Vmware Inc. Companies mentioned 1. AMAZON WEB SERVICES 2. APPLE INC. 3. IBM CORPORATION 4. MICROSOFT 5. ORACLE CORPORATION 6. SALESFORCE.COM, INC. 7. SAP 8. VMWARE, INC. 9. RACKSPACE HOSTING, INC. 10. HP INC. 11. GOOGLE 12. FUJITSU 13. DELL EMC CORPORATION 14. DROPBOX Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05718820 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: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-global-cloud-storage-market-is-predicted-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-20-31-over-the-forecast-period-of-2019-2027--300778471.html SOURCE Reportlinker [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] iSIGN Media Announces A Promissory Note Extension and Related Interest Terms TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. (iSIGN or Company) (TSX-V: ISD) (OTC: ISDSF), a leading provider of interactive mobile advertising solutions that serves brands, commercial locations, retailers and service providers throughout North America, today announced the extension to the due date of a promissory note (Note) with Korona Group Ltd. in August 2017. The Note matured on August 31, 2018 and the parties have agreed to an extension of the due date to January 31, 2020. Additionally, the parties have agreed that the interest on the additional term will be by way of a warrant bonus, with the number of warrants being 6,007,000. Calculation of the number of warrants is based on the $600,700 value of the Note and the warrant exercise price of $0.10. The warrants will have a term that matches the due date of the Note, January 31, 2020 and cannot be extended. When exercised, each warrant will allow for the purchase of one common share of iSIGN. The Company elected to satisfy this outstanding indebtedness with warrants in order to preserve its cash for operational purposes. This arrangement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (Exchange). The Company will issue these warrants once approval has been received from the Exchange. Additionally, the Company announced it has entered into a shares-for-debt arrangement in which the Company has agreed to issue 500,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.08 per share in settlement of a debt totaling $40,000. Satisfying this outstanding indebtedness with shares was undertaken in order to preserve the Companys cash for operational purposes. This arrangement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (Exchange). The Company will issue these shares, which are subject to a four-month hold period, once approval has been received from the Exchange. About iSIGN Media iSIGN, a Canadian company based in Toronto, Ontario is a data-focused, software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that is a pioneering leader in the areas of location-based security alert messaging and proximity marketing utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity in complete privacy. Creators of the Smart suite of products, a patented interactive proximity marketing technology, iSIGN enables the delivery of messages to mobile devices in proximity, with real-time reporting and analytics on a variety of metrics. Partners include: IBM, Keyser Retail Solutions, Baylor University, Verizon Wireless, TELUS and Mtrex Network Solutions. www.isignmedia.com 2019 iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Investor contacts: Bruce Reilly iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. bruce@isignmedia.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor Its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility or accuracy of this release. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] The Crowd, a New Mobile Platform For University Students, Faculty, and Staff to Pitch Promising New Business Ideas Directly To Investors The Crowd - The first mobile app that enables students, faculty, and staff from universities to pitch promising new business ideas directly to investors around the world. History has shown us that there are lots of great new business ideas at universities, but investors cannot afford to spend time on campuses hoping to stumble upon the next business legend of our time. Likewise, it has traditionally been difficult for students, faculty, and staff to get in front of the "right" investors to pitch their ideas. The Crowd bridges these gaps by allowing investors to quickly find new ideas they are interested in, and likewise, entrepreneurs get the opportunity to be in front of investors they didn't have access to before and achieve better deals. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190115005969/en/ The Crowd's platform enables investors to set their selection criteria for any type of idea in which they are interested. They then review the resulting set of 60-second pitch videos, and then swipe right on a pitch video they'd like to know more about. After swiping right, investors can contact entrepreneurs directly, or even offer to invest in entrepreneurs. An investor can also swipe left to pass onto the next idea. Bob Hellman, Former President, Stanford DAPER Inestment Fund, Palo Alto, California states: "The Crowd slashes the time and cost of finding amazing new business ideas, and for people with great ideas but previously without access to resources, they are now allowed into the game. I, and other like-minded investors, will be looking for the best new ideas coming out of The Crowd. A new paradigm has arrived." Bill Johnson, Former Global Deputy and Americas Head of Asset Management at Credit Suisse "The Crowd levels the playing field so that everyone on earth has equal access to a global network of investors. It's no longer about who you know; now it's only about the quality of your thinking, and your ability to perform. Step onstage and show the world what you have to offer, everyone is waiting to meet you." University students, faculty, and staff can create their profile in a few minutes: Visit www.thecrowd.net and register for free. Record a 60 second pitch video for potential investors. Upload your pitch video, and complete your profile with information that will allow investors who have an interest in these areas to find. Watch your inbox for investor messages and share your pitch video all over the world with the "share" function on the App. The Crowd is built around five core pillars: Impartial: The Crowd is all about the quality of your ideas and your ability to execute, regardless of your connections, background or location. Accessible: You don't need to "know the right people" anymore. Whether you are looking to invest, or looking to create, anyone can find what they are looking for on The Crowd. Efficient: The Crowd offers a platform without gatekeepers. New ideas are sent straight to the people with an interest in seeing them and the resources to support them. Investors will decide if a new idea is a hit, or needs more polishing. Valuable: Ideas are the most renewable natural resource on earth. The Crowd is the best way for entrepreneurs to attain resources via our specialized investor networks. Targeted: The Crowd's filter system provides an equal platform for all people. Great ideas can come from any race, religion, age, gender, orientation, educational level, or geography. Welcome to The Crowd: The Marketplace for Ideas. Please visit our website, upload your video and pitch your idea today: www.thecrowd.net View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190115005969/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Rembrandt van Rijn revolutionized painting with a 3D effect using his impasto technique, where thick paint makes a masterpiece protrude from the surface. Thanks to the ESRF, three centuries later an international team of scientists led by the Materials Science and Engineering Department of TU Delft and the Rijksmuseum have found how he did it. Impasto is thick paint laid on the canvas in an amount that makes it stand from the surface. The relief of impasto increases the perceptibility of the paint by increasing its light-reflecting textural properties. Scientists know that Rembrandt, epitome of the Dutch Golden Age, achieved the impasto effect by using materials traditionally available on the 17thcentury Dutch colour market, namely lead white pigment (a mixture of hydrocerussite Pb 3 (CO 3 ) 2 .(OH) 2 and cerussite PbCO 3 ), and organic mediums (mainly linseed oil). The precise recipe was, however, unknown until today. Plumbonacrite, Pb 5 (CO 3 ) 3 O(OH) 2 is the mysterious, missing ingredient of the impasto effect, researchers from The Netherlands and France have discovered. It is extremely rare in historic paint layers. It has been detected in some samples from 20th century paintings and in a degraded red lead pigment in a Van Gogh painting. We didnt expect to find this phase at all, as it is so unusual in Old Masters paintings, explains Victor Gonzalez, main author of the study and scientist at the Rijksmuseum and Delft University of Technology. Whats more, our research shows that its presence is not accidental or due to contamination, but that it is the result of an intended synthesis, he adds. The European Synchrotron, ESRF, played an essential role in these findings. The team sampled tiny fragments from the Portrait of Marten Soolmans (Rijksmuseum), Bathsheba (The Louvre) and Susanna (Mauritshuis), three of Rembrandts masterpieces. Using the ESRFs beamlines, they quantified the crystalline phases in Rembrandts impasto and in the adjacent paint layers, modelled the pigment crystallites morphology and size and obtained crystalline phase distribution maps at the microscale. The samples were less than 0.1mm in size, requiring the small and intense beam delivered by the synchrotron. The scientists analysed them on two ESRF beamlines, ID22 and ID13, where they combined High-angular Resolution X-Ray Diffraction (HR-XRD) and micro-X-Ray Diffraction (-XRD) . In the past, we have already successfully used the combination of these two techniques to study lead-white based paints. We knew that the techniques can provide us with high quality diffraction patterns and therefore with subtle information about paint composition, explains Marine Cotte, scientist at the ESRF, 2018 Descartes-Huygens Prize laureate for her research on art conservation. Part of the team during the experiments on ID13. From left to right: Marine Cotte, Martin Rossenthal and Victor Gonzalez. The analysis of the data showed that Rembrandt modified his painting materials intentionally. The presence of plumbonacrite is indicative of an alkaline medium. Based on historical texts, we believe that Rembrandt added lead oxide (litharge) to the oil in this purpose, turning the mixture into a paste-like paint, explains Cotte. The breakthrough yields the path for the long-term preservation and conservation of Rembrandts masterpieces. However, the number of samples studied is not extensive enough to assess if lead white impastos systematically contain plumbonacrite. We are working with the hypothesis that Rembrandt might have used other recipes, and that is the reason why we will be studying samples from other paintings by Rembrandt and other 17th Dutch Masters, including Vermeer, Hals, and painters belonging to Rembrandts circle, explains Annelies van Loon, scientist at the Rijksmuseum. Scientist Marine Cotte on beamline ID21. Credits: Steph Cande. In addition to this, the team will reconstruct specific impasto-like samples, preparing and ageing them under CO 2 rich and CO 2 free atmospheres (to assess the origin of carbonates in plumbonacrite) and in humid and dry conditions (to assess the effect of water). This work, led by the Materials Science and Engineering Department of the Delft University of Technology and the Rijksmuseum is a collaboration between academia (Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, Sorbonne University and University of Amsterdam), Cultural Heritage research institutes (C2RMF: Centre de Recherche et des Restauration des Musees de France), museums (Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis) and the ESRF. Reference: Gonzalez V., et al, Angewandte Chemie, 7th January 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201813105 Text by Montserrat Capellas Espuny Image recognition technology is on display during an internet expo in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. [Photo by Tian Jianming/For China Daily] UN report anticipates country's bigger role as influential exporter, import China is poised to expand its global dominance of trade in creative goods and services in such areas as film, television and artificial intelligence, according to a new UN report. The Geneva-based United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said global trade in creative goods, with export growth rates of more than 7 percent over 13 years, is an expanding and resilient sector. In the second edition of the Creative Economy Outlook: Trends in International Trade in Creative Industries, released on Monday, UNCTAD examines the global creative industry between 2002 and 2015 and offers profiles of 130 countries, with China's performance standing out. The report shows that China is the largest exporter and importer of creative goods and services, with its exports of creative goods growing at double the global average between 2002 and 2015. "China's trade in creative goods between 2002 and 2015 has been exponential, with average annual growth rates of 14 percent," the report said. "In 2002, China's trade in creative goods was $32 billion. By 2014, this figure had increased more than fivefold, tallying $191.4 billion." Creative industries, which include architecture, arts and crafts, marketing and advertising, media and publishing, research and development, software, computer games and other core creative work, are the lifeblood of the creative economy, according to the report. In noting the creative economy's contribution to world trade, the report said the value of the global market for creative goods doubled from $208 billion in 2002 to $509 billion in 2015. It also said the creative sector "can make a valuable contribution to the achievement of sustainable development goals". Doreen Wang, global head of BrandZ at Kantar Millward Brown, told China Daily that nearly 10 of the top 50 Chinese brands overseas are software and gaming brands, such as Tencent and FunPlus. Wang cited TikTok, a media app for creating and sharing short videos. The app, owned by ByteDance, was launched as Douyin in China in September 2016 and introduced to overseas markets a year later as TikTok. TikTok's popularity "has exploded in the last few months. You can see its advertising everywhere in London," Wang said. "We will see more Chinese creative brands like TikTok going global in the future." The report noted that from 2002 to 2015, developing economies' participation in the creative goods trade was markedly higher than in developed economies, driven mainly by the performance of China. China's exports of creative goods "grew at double the global average between 2002 and 2015", according to the agency's report. China had a drop-off in 2015, but "despite the drop, China has dominated the bulk of the trade in creative goods" through 2015, it said. China's annual average growth from 2002 to 2015 was 14 percent, and its performance during that period buoyed the global creative economy through difficult periods, the report said. China's exports of creative goods in 2015 alone totaled $168.5 billion four times those of the United States, it said. Cui Qiao, president of the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation, said the relationship between the creative industry and people's livelihoods and the education industry is "extremely close". Cui said "the new generation of leading Chinese companies shows a new look in the openness of international cooperation". For example, companies such as online video platform iQiyi, mobile video and photography company Meitu and tech giant Tencent integrate their operations well with big data, youth culture, product development and marketing, Cui added. Simon Collins, founder and CEO of WeDesign, said the rapid development of China's creative industry is linked to the rise of the smartphone, which he said has enabled people to "see everything in the world". "So their tastes are becoming more elevated and the critical thing here is they are appreciating quality much more," said Collins, who also has been dean of the fashion school at the Parsons School of Design in New York City and a designer and creative director for brands such as Nike, Polo and Zegna. According to the UNCTAD report, "The main creative industry development and innovation sectors to watch are design, fashion and film, which account for the lion's share in the world trade in creative goods. "As the Chinese economy grows, its creative goods and services are set to grow in tandem and will have a lasting impact on trade and high cultural influence," the report said [January 15, 2019] Voice First Health and Alexa in Canada to Broadcast Live Sessions from the 2019 Alexa Conference VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ -- Voice First Health and Alexa in Canada, two of the leading voice technology industry podcasts, will be the only brands to stream live audio sessions from the 2019 Alexa Conference in Chattanooga, TN from January 1517, 2019. Both brands were founded by Dr. Teri Fisher, a physician and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia. He is an accomplished keynote speaker, educator, analyst, and consultant. He is a finalist for the "Commentator of the Year" Alexa Award, and his speaking sessions at the Alexa Conference will be broadcast live on January 16 and 17. Dr. Fisher's first talk is entitled No Appointment Necessary: Your Healthcare Team Now Lives in your Home. According to Fisher, "Voice-first technology will completely revolutionize the way we experience healthcare and medicine." The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday, January 16 from 10:50 - 11:15am EST and will be broadcast live at https://VoiceFirstHealth.com/LIVE Dr. Fisher's second appearance is an interactive workshop entitled The Prime Real Estate of Voice: How to Create a Flash Briefing. The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, January 17 from 10:30am - 12:00pm EST and will be broadcast live at https://AlexaInCanada.ca/LIVE Voice First Health and Alexa in Canada are independent publications, based out of Vancouver, BC, Canada. Voice First Health is the leading podcast that documents the worldwide news, research, and innovation at the intersection of health and voice technology. Alexa in Canada is the leading podcast about news, tips and tricks, and latest developments with respect to Amazon Alexa and Echo devices in Canada. Alexa in Canada also produces the "Voice in Canada" Flash Briefing, the top rated Amazon Alexa Flash briefing and news skill in Canada. For more information: Visit Booth 517 at the Alexa Conference Visit https://VoiceFirstHealth.com and https://AlexaInCanada.ca and Follow Dr. Fisher on Twitter @DrTeriFisher SOURCE Voice First Health [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] The Optical Society Announces the 2019 OIDA Executive Forum The Optical Society (OSA) in conjunction with OFC will hold the annual OIDA Executive Forum, an exclusive event for business leaders in networking and communications technology. OIDA Executive Forum is the premier event for leaders in optical communications and networking. The OIDA Executive Forum features industry executives in an informal, uncensored setting discussing the latest issues facing companies in the business. More than 200 senior-level executives will attend the event to discuss recent technology advancements, opportunities and challenges facing the next generation in optical networking and communications. What: OIDA Executive Forum When: Monday, 4 March 2019, 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel - Indigo Ballroom, San Diego, CA (News - Alert) , USA Members of the press may attend the OIDA Executive Forum free of charge. Please register by contacting: oida@osa.org A keynote address will be delivered by Buddy Bayer, Chief Network Officer, Windstream. Attendees will also hear from industry leaders in the following panel presentations: > The Path to 400G and Beyond, moderated by Shamim Akhtar, Chief Optical Network Architect, Apple, with panelists Wenhua Lin, Intel (News - Alert) Corp.; Vijay Vusirikala , Google ; Tom Williams , Acacia Communications; Martin Zirngibl , Finisar Corp. Google Tom Williams Acacia Communications; Martin Zirngibl Finisar Corp. Action in the Access Network, moderated by Stephen Hardy, Lightwave, with panelists Curtis Knittle, CableLabs; Lucy Lombardi, Telecom Italia; Toby Redshaw, Verizon; Sachin Vasudeva, Calix Views from the APAC Region, moderated by Heidi Adams, IHS Markit, with panelists Junjie Li, China Telecom; Sun Min, Tencent; Ankit Agarwal, Sterlite; Yongwook Lee, KT (News - Alert) Commercial QKD & Encryption, moderated by Vladimir Kozlov, LightCounting, with panelists Jorg-Peter Elbers, ADVA Optical Networking; Michele Mosca, Institute for Quantum (News - Alert) Computing, University of Waterloo; John Prisco, Quantum Xchange; Lily Chen, NIST Fireside Chat: The View from the Top, moderated by Natarajan Subrahmanyan, AO Asset Management with panelists Basil Alwan, Nokia (News - Alert) ; Andreas Bechtolsheim, Arista Networks; Bill Gartner, Cisco Systems, Inc.; Richard Jin, Huawei forum schedule and speaker profiles. Sponsored by: Synopsys, Cisco, and MRSI Systems OSA Industry Development Associates (OIDA) serves and represents the optics and photonics community of more than 270 corporate members. Members include the leading providers of optics and photonics components and systems and leading universities and research institutions. OIDA provides roadmap reports and market data for the industry, serves as the voice of the industry to government and academia, acts as a liaison with other trade associations worldwide and provides a network for the exchange of ideas and information within the optics and photonics community. To learn more about a corporate membership with OIDA, visit osa.org/industry. About The Optical Society Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190115005816/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 15, 2019] Offensive Security Appoints Ning Wang as CEO to Lead Organization's Next Stage of Growth Offensive Security, the leading provider of online penetration testing training and certification, today announced the appointment of Ning Wang as CEO. Wang joins the company with proven experience in growing community-driven, subscription-based businesses in the security and online training markets as COO and CFO of HackerOne and Lynda.com (formerly Spectrum (News - Alert) Equity-backed and acquired by LinkedIn), respectively. Her appointment follows the growth investment in the company, led by Spectrum in September 2018. "In an age when software is in everything we touch and use, it's now a matter of when and not if it will be breached because adversaries are organized and talented," said Wang. "For companies to best protect and defend themselves, they need to work with well-trained security professionals capable of doing their jobs with the same offensive, 'try-harder' mindset. The opportunity to join Offensive Security is unique not only because of the impact we can make on closing the talent gap, but also because of its tremendous brand in the community, the shared values of the founders and the commitment of its team to our students' success." Offensive Security was founded in 2007 and created the first practical, hands-on online penetration testing certification programs that are highly-respected by both employers and employees alike. Offensive Security also offers innovative virtual labs, giving users safe virtual network environments designed to be attacked by course takers to complement training courses and sharpen penetration testing skills. The number of enrolled students provisioned in the virtual labs has ore than doubled in the past two years. Additionally, Offensive Security funds and maintains important community projects, including the open source Kali Linux distribution, the leading operating system used by penetration testers and downloaded more than 3 million times per month. Kali Linux is used in all Offensive Security courses and virtual lab environments. "Ning brings a perfect blend of experience in building community-driven brands and a sound vision for growing Offensive Security," said Mati Aharoni, the founder of Offensive Security. "This vision is rooted in a strong belief in open source values, which is important to the Kali community, and that the primary means to achieve sound defensive security is through an offensive approach. This resonated with our team from the beginning and we are fortunate to have her on board." Wang served as COO and CFO at HackerOne for more than three years, playing an instrumental role in growing adoption of its hacker-powered security platform by more than 10x during that time. Prior to HackerOne, Wang was CFO at Eucalyptus, the leading open source software for building private and hybrid clouds, which was acquired by HPE. During her three and a half years as CFO, CTO and later COO of Lynda.com, Wang led profitable year-over-year growth of more than 50 percent, including during the 2008 recession, and the expansion of its B2B subscription business. "Ning is the ideal executive to lead Offensive Security's next phase of growth and we look forward to partnering with her again," said Adam Margolin, Managing Director at Spectrum Equity. "Her exceptional track record is based on a fundamental understanding of the importance of company culture and company values in building a successful business." Offensive Security is accelerating its investment in delivering market-leading penetration testing training products and services, while ensuring that Kali Linux remains freely available to the community forever. This includes releasing new online classes that were previously only available live and providing students with more content to understand what class to take next to assist them with their career goals. The growth investment also encompasses its community projects, such as the recent redesign of Exploit Database, the world's largest archive of public domain exploits. About Offensive Security Offensive Security is the leading provider of online penetration testing training and certification for information security professionals. Created by the community for the community, Offensive Security's one-of-a-kind mix of practical, hands-on training and certification programs, virtual labs and open source projects provide practitioners with the highly-desired offensive skills required to advance their careers and better protect their organizations. Offensive Security is committed to funding and growing Kali Linux, the leading operating system for penetration testing, ethical hacking and network security assessments. For more information, visit www.offensive-security.com and follow @offsectraining and @kalilinux. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190115005815/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [January 16, 2019] White Oak Healthcare Finance Provides Facility to Support GMF Capital and Meridian Senior Living's Acquisition of Rhode Island Assets White Oak Healthcare Finance, LLC ("White Oak") today announced it acted as sole lender and administrative agent on the funding of a senior credit facility for GMF Capital ("GMF") and Meridian Senior Living ("Meridian"). The funds were used to acquire assisted living/skilled nursing facilities located near Providence, Rhode Island. In the subject transaction, GMF formed a strategic partnership with Meridian, a national seniors housing operator that provides care to independent and assisted living, as well as memory care, residents across 19 states. "GMF is an active investor in the healthcare real estate sector with a strong leadership team with decades of expertise," said Ross Eldridge, Managing Director at White Oak. "We are thrilled to be able to build a relationship with GMF and support their growing pipeline, as well as their partnership with Meridian, one of the most experienced seniors housing providers in the nation." "White Oak not only has flexible capital, but also has a dedicated team of healthcare real estate professionals that offered a competitive and creative structure that will help us achieve our business plan," said Dan O'Keefe, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare at GMF. "We hope to partner on future transactions and continue to grow our business." About GMF Capital GMF is an investment management platform engaged in private equity and alternative investments across real estate, healthcare, and structured credit. GMF's ivestment strategy is to create programmatic partnerships with sophisticated operators of real estate properties who are focused on specific asset classes, geographies, and investment strategies. The healthcare platform consists of 125+ properties with $600 million of assets under management across 10+ states, including skilled nursing, independent living, assisted living, memory care, behavioral health, and dialysis facilities. About Meridian Senior Living Meridian is a seniors housing operator headquartered in Metropolitan Washington, DC. With 4,100 employees, Meridian provides care to approximately 5,500 senior residents in 71 independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities across 19 states plus the District of Columbia. Current estimated portfolio value is $1.25 billion. The Company has also successfully completed several billions of acquisitions, divestitures, and recapitalizations in the past decade. About White Oak Healthcare Finance White Oak Healthcare Finance, LLC ("WOHCF"), an affiliate of White Oak Global Advisors, LLC is a lender to all subsectors within the healthcare industry including healthcare services, pharma and life sciences, medical devices, healthcare technology, healthcare real estate, hospitals and SNFs. WOHCF has deep domain expertise with a sole focus on healthcare which enables it to provide flexible and creative solutions with certainty of execution. WOHCF offers a differentiated product set including cash flow term loans, asset based loans and ABL Stretch facilities, unitranche facilities, last out financings, real estate financings, equipment financings and opportunistic investments. As a lender with large pools of capital to deploy, WOHCF generally holds its full loan positions to maturity. About White Oak Global Advisors White Oak Global Advisors, LLC is a leading global alternative asset manager specializing in originating and providing financing solutions to facilitate the growth, refinancing and recapitalization of small and medium enterprises. Since its inception in 2007, White Oak Global Advisors' disciplined investment process focuses on delivering risk-adjusted investment returns and establishing long term partnerships with our borrowers. More information can be found at www.whiteoaksf.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005134/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] IFA president Joe Healy has travelled to London to meet UK farm leaders ahead of the crucial vote on Brexit in the House of Commons this evening. While the vote is a matter for the UK parliament, farmers in Ireland and the UK are clear that a no deal outcome would be catastrophic for farmers on the two islands and hugely damaging to the interests of consumers, he said. Mr Healy said the Irish and UK food supply chains were deeply integrated. He said that IFA had grave concerns regarding the dangers of a no dealoutcome that would cause massive disruption to the normal trade flows between the two countries, on which farmers greatly depended for their livelihoods. I know our colleagues are bringing the maximum pressure they can to bear on the political system to work for a solution that maintains frictionless trade, he said. Irish farming had just as much to lose as farmers in the UK if we find ourselves in a no-deal scenario. Given the scale of what Ireland exports to the UK market 37 per cent of our food products it would be a seismic shock to our system if Ireland doesn't have full access between EU and the UK, while maintaining the value of the UK food market. Its often overlooked that we import 4bn of agri-food products from the UK, he said. I believe EU and UK farm leaders have a shared interest in ensuring that the UK, which is an important market for all European farmers, does not pursue policies which will further drive down food prices. Importing food and food ingredients from countries with lower production costs and lower standards will undermine the value of the UK food market for EU and UK farmers, he said. We must send a strong message that a cheap food policy is a race to the bottom which will ultimately lead to the destruction of EU and UK farming and lower quality food for the consumer, said Mr Healy Doris Jean Ice, 85, of Fairview, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021. She was born February 10, 1936 in Pine Grove, WV, a daughter of the late Clarence LeMasters and Jesse Anderson LeMasters. Doris enjoyed quilting and crocheting. Doris is survived by her sons, William Ricky Ice and his wife K News Reporter Eddie Trizzino has been a reporter with the Times West Virginian since August of 2017, covering the entertainment, business and health beats. He spends most of his time listening to records, going to the movies and strolling through the town. Suspected drunken drivers, thieves and vandals are among the fugitives State Police say they need the public's help as they look for targets of their so-called Warrant Wednesday effort. Cory Ching, 26, is wanted by State Police in Marcy for a 2016 burglary charge that accuses him of breaking into a home in Remsen in 2016. The warrant was issued in October. Lauren N. DeHayes, 31, is wanted by State Police in Cortlandt on identity theft charges that stems from a credit card fraud investigation. Troopers said she failed to go to court to answer the charges. Kzechariahs A. Fuller, 21, is wanted by State Police in Canton on a burglary charge that accused him of vandalizing a seasonal home in the town of Russell. The warrant was issued after he failed to follow through on the conditions of his release. William D. Hartson, 39, is wanted by State Police in Batavia on a drunken driving charge and tickets that accuses him of driving drunk last year in the town of Alexander Court. Shawn Hylton, 21, is wanted by State Police in Catskill on a criminal mischief charge that accuses him of throwing a brick through a car windshield during an argument. He was arrested by troopers who said he did not return to court to answer the charge. Joshua D. Noel, 35, is wanted by State Police in Oneonta on an allegation he failed to pay a fine in connection with a trespassing charge. Alejandro Tobon-Tobon, 36, is wanted by State Police in East Meadow on a charge of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Tobon-Tobon was arrested by troopers on Long Island in 2010. The warrant was issued two years later, troopers said. Saud M. Alsubayal, 30, is wanted by State Police in Albany on a drunken driving charge connected to a May 18, 2014 arrest. Troopers said Alsubayal was arrested after they stopped his vehicle for traffic violations and discovered he was intoxicated. Troopers urged the public not to approach any of the suspects but to instead call their local State Police barracks or email crimetip@troopers.ny.gov. WATERVLIET Troy Fire Chief Thomas O. Garrett will retire this week, then cross the Hudson River to become the part-time chief of the Watervliet Fire Department. It will be good to have an experienced chief come in, Mayor Michael Manning said Tuesday. Watervliet Fire Chief Robert Conlen recently retired from command of the 24 officers and firefighters in Watervliet creating the vacancy for chief. Manning said Garretts more than 20 years of experience leading Troy will be invaluable for Watervliet as the city looks to groom a successor to promote from within the department. Troys 2019 budget for the fire department calls for 120 firefighters and officers. Garrett is expected to start at the end of January. The soon to be former Troy fire chief will work part-time as a decision is made how to proceed with the department, Manning said. Garrett salary will be prorated based on his hours worked. Conlen earned $103,465 in 2018, according to the website Seethrough.net, which tracks the salaries of municipal employees. Garrett could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon about his next job in Watervliet. Garrett steps down Thursday as Troys fire chief. He became chief of the Troy Fire Department in 1996. Garrett leaves Troy 20 days before he would no longer have been covered by the new contract between the city and the Uniform Fire Chiefs Association. The new contract language places the fire chief is the same position as the police chief in having to negotiate an individual contract with the city. Garrett will have some familiarity with Watervliet Fire Department operations. Although the Watervliet department is about one-fifth the size of the Troy department, both agencies support each other through mutual aid. Thats when neighboring fire departments provide support in responding to fire calls. ALBANY - Democratic lawmakers banking on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to fund early voting in his budget were let down on Tuesday. The cost of adding nine more days of voting was in the backdrop of Monday's debate of the issue in the Legislature, and how to pay for it remained an unresolved question as legislation was sent to the governor for his signature. The New York State Association of Counties estimates between $500,000 and $1 million will be needed per county board of elections to cover the cost of additional space and staff for more days of voting. Last year's state budget amendments included $7 million for early voting, and Democratic state legislators were taking a wait-and-see approach when questioned about funding by their Republican colleagues. "Hopefully there will be some inclusion of funds in the budget," Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, D-Brooklyn, said during a committee meeting on Monday. She also noted that separate legislation consolidating federal and state primaries would result in savings. The state Division of Budget explained that a specific allocation wasn't necessary in light of the governor's budget proposal enabling local governments to capture sales tax from all on-line purchases by New Yorkers. "This would raise $390 million in local sales taxes, far more than enough to cover the cost of early voting, while helping New York's businesses compete," the budget office said. "The savings from the primary consolidation bill will more than cover the cost of early voting and put money back into local governments," said Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy. "And we will fight to include money for this crucial reform in the budget and are confident that the governor agrees and will support this money." The memorandum attached to the legislation creating one primary date estimates a savings of $25 million. NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said the combined federal and state primaries will not offset the cost of early voting, and previously called on the state government to fund the voting expansion through the budget. Senate Republican spokesman Scott Reif described the lack of specific funding as the "mother of all unfunded mandates" from Senate Democrats, although some GOP members supported the legislation. "While Democrats enacted these measures with great fanfare, we now know they haven't provided a single cent to help pay for them," Reif said. "If this is what change looks like, we're all in big trouble." David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87 SARATOGA SPRINGS A Mohawk Valley developer of affordable housing wants to change city zoning laws to accommodate a 192-unit apartment complex next to the Saratoga Casino Hotel. Attorney Matthew Jones, representing Liberty Affordable Housing of Rome, asked the City Council on Tuesday night to rezone the 30.27 wooded acres on Crescent Avenue and Jefferson Street from residential to equine-related facilities to allow for greater density. Increasing the density to 25.4 units per acre, as calculated by the city's Planning Board, from its current 3.5 units per acre would move the development forward, Jones said. The property, now owned by Saratoga Casino Hotel, borders the harness track on two sides. Jones explained the apartments would be rented to those with incomes ranging from $34,600 to $69,120. The lowest rent would be $875 for a one-bedroom and go up to $1,500 a month for a three-bedroom. Skip Carlson, vice president of external affairs at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, said that many of his workers are interested in moving into the apartments. Eighty to 85 percent of his 600 employees live outside of Saratoga Springs; 85 percent fall into the income eligibility. He also emphasized that the complex would not be reserved for Casino Hotel employees. "We showed our employees what it would look like," Carlson said. "I would say the majority of people are excited about it and want to move in." The apartment complex also is adjacent to homes and some residents oppose the project for its scale and its environmental impacts. "We are not in favor of the proposed project," said Fran Ludwig, president of the Clubhouse Estates' Homeowner Association. "We are of the opinion, it is an unsuitable location for 192 units and 276 parking spots. We are concerned that a campus-style development of this magnitude will have environmental, infrastructure and safety consequences. In particular, the possibility of 276 vehicles will result in substantial increase in traffic, road deterioration and vehicular instances." That's just for starters. Others in the Clubhouse Estates neighborhood, which would be across the street from the Liberty Affordable Housing project, said they also are concerned for the wildlife, plant species, sewers, the aquifer, the lack of sidewalks, visual impacts and storm runoff. The project, which was rejected by the city's Planning Board in September, joins five other affordable housing projects planned in the city. The City Council hearing is one of several steps required for approval of a rezoning request. The New Jefferson/Vanderbilt apartments on Jefferson and Vanderbilt Street will add another 24 units to that neighborhood. The Intrada on Washington Street and West Avenue will have 157 units and is under construction. Several projects are in the final stages of approval and likely to be built: The Link at SoBro on South Broadway will have 110, The Promeade on West Circular is planned to have 63 units and Allen Drive Reserve on Allen Drive and Tait Lane will add 200 units. That's a total of 554 units. A recent housing study of Saratoga Springs indicated that the city needed 180 units affordable housing in the range of $817 for one-bedroom to $1,259 for a three-bedroom. The study also indicated that the federal housing and urban development standard is that 30 percent of a person's income should pay for housing. Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, urged the City Council to get more workforce housing built because city employers cannot find employees. "Employees can't afford to live and work in the city," Shimkus said. "We must build more workforce housing, close to jobs." Tracey Chamberlin, another resident of the neighborhood, said she would like to see more workforce housing, but not 192 units. "If you want to build 60 or 40 units, that would be appropriate," she said. "If you put 400 people in there, it's not going to work." She also said that those who work minimum wage jobs in the city still wouldn't be able to afford an apartment in the proposed Liberty complex. Ludwig emphasized that she and her neighbors are not against workforce housing. They are against the scope and density of this project. "We will have close to 500 people living there," Ludwig said. "I hope the city denies this proposal." Los Angeles Some basic similarities exist between the new CW series "Roswell, New Mexico" and The WB/UPN series "Roswell" that aired from 1999-2002. Both series were adapted from the books in the "Roswell High" series by Melinda Metz. In the new version, which was to launch Tuesday, Max (Nathan Parsons), Isobel (Lilly Cowles) and Michael (Michael Vlamis) are aliens who came to Earth in the spaceship the United States government denies crashed just outside Roswell in 1947. Liz (Jeanine Mason) splits her time between dealing with her feelings about Max while working at her family's Crashdown Cafe. The biggest difference between the two series is the players in the current tale have been out of high school for a decade. "Roswell" was a story about teen angst that unfolded in the local school's halls. Series creator Carina Adly MacKenzie ("The Originals") decided to make the cast older to raise the stakes. "They don't have a community or family to go running to for support," MacKenzie says. She also wanted to give the characters real jobs such as Max as a police officer to show along with their fears of being discovered as beings from another world, they would also have real adult responsibilities. Cowles ("Braindead") loves that Isobel is married to a man who doesn't know she's an alien. Having the characters be older gives everyone more complicated issues to face than being late for class. "Adult life has all of these shades of gray and nuance where when you are younger, things seem a lot more black and white," Cowles says. "When you get older, it becomes a lot harder to say what is good and what is bad. People have so much more at stake." Cowles gets to play Isobel as a capable, fierce and smart woman who is the peacekeeper of the three aliens. All she wants is for everything to remain calm. That changes when Liz returns and not only puts Max back on his emotional quest, but also threatens the safety of all three. Mason also likes that "Roswell, New Mexico" takes place when all the characters have started creating their own career and life paths. In her case, Liz is a scientist who starts finding clues about the truth behind Max. "What was exciting to me was that we would imagine that the unraveling of these secrets could happen to a group of people who are set in their ways a little more than high schoolers are," Mason says. "They are a little jaded. The world has been hard on them. They are tired. "To have their world views flipped like this was just so exciting." Before taking on the role on "Roswell, New Mexico," Mason worked on several shows including "Bunheads," "Major Crimes," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" plus a recurring role on "Grey's Anatomy." The Miami native was also the winner of the fifth season of "So You Think You Can Dance." Part of her preparation to play Liz was to watch episodes of the original series, where her character was played by Shiri Appleby. Mason has pulled moments from the original series to use in her version as a way of paying homage. In some ways, the Michael that Vlamis is playing is the same outsider and disruptive force Brendan Fehr played in "Roswell." Some major differences will be revealed as the first season airs. The main thing for Vlamis was to find the right balance between being a jerk and being a guy who isn't afraid to speak his mind. The Chicago native, whose past work includes "New Girl" and "HomeBoyz," says the line was easy to find because it's close to how he has been his entire life. "My mom always said to do whatever I want but to not get caught," Vlamis says. "I was a kid who got straight As and did the right things on paper; meanwhile Dad might be picking me up at the station over the weekend. "It's always been this thing of seeing how far I could push the limits. I have good intentions so like Michael Guerin I know when I have gone too far. Although Michael can be really hard on some the people in his life, at the end of the day he will punch you in the face and then save your life." As for the idea that the show is based on an incident that remains a mystery, each cast member agrees we are not alone. Vlamis jokes it would be amazing if the truth behind Roswell was revealed while the show is on the air because it would send the ratings skyrocketing. Albany Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to build the new $750 million Wadsworth Center at the Harriman State Office Campus is a huge win for the city of Albany, which had been in competition to keep the state's public health lab and its 800 jobs from moving across the Hudson River to East Greenbush. Cuomo revealed Tuesday in his budget proposal plans to build the lab at the Harriman campus. The University at Albany had lobbied to move Wadsworth, which is operated by the state Department of Health in multiple buildings in Albany and Guilderland, to its Health Sciences Campus in East Greenbush, where the university has its School of Public Health, which works closely with Wadsworth. However, in the end, Cuomo decided that Albany was the right place for Wadsworth, despite the synergy with UAlbany. Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, who represents the city and parts of Albany County, said she did "cartwheels" when she heard the good news. Fahy has been advocating that Wadsworth must remain in the city as part of any funding for new lab facilities. The lab, considered one of the premier public health labs in the country, has become too cramped and outdated in recent decades to keep up with its mission. Albany Mayor Sheehan said she hopes this project will help better make the case for Albany's need for $12.5 million in state aid. There's long been talk about either setting up a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for the Harriman Campus to help bridge the gap Albany suffers from the sprawling site being off the city's tax rolls, or selling off the land to private developers. Neither option has come to fruition. If Wadsworth was being built on city land not already tax exempt, Sheehan said Albany would have the opportunity to create a PILOT. "I'm cautiously optimistic that this opens the door for permanent funding," she said. Cuomo and the Legislature had previously approved the $750 million in funding for the new lab in previous budgets. Contractors were already being sought for the project, although no location had yet been announced. The two finalists were Albany and the UAlbany site in East Greenbush. There is not enough room to build it near its current building locations in downtown Albany. Fahy noted in a tweet Tuesday afternoon that the Wadsworth announcement was a big deal. "#WadsworthLabs is the biggest win for the #CapitalRegion in the @NYGovCuomo State of the State!" Fahy wrote. "$750M is biggest single local public investment (since) @SUNYPolyInst & @GLOBALFOUNDRIES!" UAlbany officials said they are behind the decision to put Wadsworth at Harriman, which is right next to its main uptown campus. UAlbany is building its new Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex, or ETEC, facility at Harriman as well. "We are excited that Gov. Cuomo is proposing to build New York's new, state-of-the-art Wadsworth Center next to the University at Albany's uptown campus," said UAlbany spokesman Jordan Carleo-Evangelist. "This is a powerful opportunity to build on the successful, 33-year partnership between Wadsworth and UAlbany's School of Public Health as well as explore new collaborations involving UAlbany's world-leading atmospheric science and homeland security researchers, who will be based nearby in the university's new Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex." Amanda Fries contributed to this story. Colonie They're working long hours, in high-pressure jobs. And they're not getting paid. On Tuesday, air traffic controllers and TSA officers got a brief break when actor Treat Williams, who lives just over the Vermont line, treated them to a breakfast of pancakes and Vermont maple syrup. The meal was served in the terminal's third floor observation deck. Williams, who is also a pilot, said he appreciates what these workers do to keep the air transportation network safe. In a tweet later in the day, he made an appeal to end the shutdown. "Just had a great breakfast with Albany TSA," Williams wrote. "Dear US Government. Please work it out and get these good folks paid. Thank you." Workers posed for photos with Williams, and Bart Johnson, the the federal security director at Albany, thanked him and the federal employees. "My hat's off to the officers," Johnson said. "I was in New York City during that day," Williams said of Sept. 11. "I'd like to thank all the TSA folks," he added, pointing out there hasn't been such an attack since. His acting credits range from Prince of the City to Chicago Fire. Johnson and airport spokesman Doug Myers said TSA employees have been receiving plenty of thanks from travelers. Williams, asked what he thought of the shutdown, said "I never mix pancakes and politics. But these are the people who are getting hurt." On Tuesday, the federal government shutdown, now entering its 26th day, showed no signs of ending. Andrew Pegler, an air traffic controller in the Albany tower, said that while Albany is authorized to have 28 controllers on staff, it currently has just 16. Another 16 are in training, and three of those have had their training suspended. And two of the controllers are eligible to retire. Meanwhile, equipment isn't being updated. "Every day of the shutdown injects more risk into the air system," Pegler, a member of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said. While travelers see the TSA officers staffing the checkpoints, other TSA employees work behind the scenes, Johnson said. screening luggage and freight. Their responsibilities also extend to surface carriers such as Amtrak and mass transit. For Williams, Tuesday's event was a chance to thank controllers and officers in person. "I've talked to these guys (in the tower) for 35 years," he said. "I felt I was just coming down to say thank you to neighbors and friends." Albany Limousine operators across upstate are worried about Gov. Andrew Cuomo's package of new limo regulations that includes an outright ban on stretch limos. Cuomo proposed the ban and tougher regulations on the limo industry in reaction to the Oct. 6 limo crash in Schoharie County that killed 20 people. Limousine operators like David Brown, who owns Premiere Transportation on North Pearl Street in Albany, understand that changes had to be made in the wake of the tragedy, which involved 17 friends and family from Amsterdam on their way to a birthday party in Cooperstown. But they also worry that the outright ban on stretch limos will hurt a lot of decent business people who already follow stringent regulations. "It's almost like a knee-jerk reaction three months after the tragedy, where you throw the baby out with the bath works," Brown said. "There's a lot of concern about what's going on." Prestige Limousine, the Wilton-based company that owned the stretch 2001 Ford Excursion involved in the Schoharie County crash, had evaded proper state Department of Transportation certification and inspections after buying the vehicle in 2016. Cuomo's proposals, which he included in his executive budget, are designed to close some of the loopholes in the existing state transportation laws. Brown's company owns several stretch Lincoln MKT limousines and fears they would become outlawed under the Cuomo proposal. The oldest he has is only four years old. "We don't think that the governor thought this one all the way through," Brown said. "And we're questioning if somebody from our industry helped him formulate the law, because we don't think so." Brown is also worried that because the limo ban and tougher regulations are included in Cuomo's budget bill, they could be adopted without much debate. "The scary thing about this law is that if they pass the budget and it's worded the way that it is, it's going to affect a lot of people." Brown says he has already spoken to his state legislators as well as a national limousine association, and he believes that the funeral home owners, which use stretch limousines a lot, will also oppose Cuomo's stretch limo ban. The Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York also has concerns about the ban, says Kevin Barwell, who is president of the association and owns Giorgio's Limousine Service in Buffalo. Barwell says that although he was heartbroken like other operators in the state about the Schoharie County crash, he isn't certain that a ban will get to the heart of the problem. "I think personally the state has a tendency to overreact," Barwell told the Times Union. 'The final report hasn't come out yet on the cause of the accident. Obviously our members are very upset. This is their livelihood." The State Police and the National Transportation Safety Board have yet to conclude their investigations into the crash. To date, only Nauman Hussain, the son of Prestige Limousine owner Shahed Hussain, has been charged criminally in connection with the crash. Nauman Hussain, who goes by Arslan, has been charged with one count of criminally negligent homicide. He has pleaded not guilty and is out on bail. "This crash was a horrific tragedy that shocked this state to its very core," Cuomo said when he announced the limo law changes on Monday in advance of his Tuesday budget address. "We are advancing reforms that will give aggressive new powers that will allow authorities to take dangerous vehicles off the roads without delay, hold unscrupulous businesses accountable and increase public safety in every corner of New York." More for you Business Cuomo to seek stretch limo ban Barwell says that those who have seen crash photos will notice that the Excursion was essentially intact after the crash. He says that raises questions about whether it being a stretch had any role in the crash. "Until we understand what happened here, I don't think the fact that it's a stretch limo is the problem here," Barwell said. Schenectady A law service that helps low-income people is stepping in to investigate the pension collapse of the former St. Clare's Hospital. So far, the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York has two former hospital workers as clients, said Victoria Esposito, advocacy coordinator for the Albany-based not-for-profit group. Esposito said she will be investigating the troubled pension fund that covers more than 1,100 workers at the former hospital, which closed in 2008 as part of a state-ordered consolidation. "Whatever relief we might obtain for our clients might also be helpful to other former employees," she said. She said she is being assisted Gary Stone, a lawyer with Brooklyn Legal Aid who is part of the group's Mid-Atlantic Pension Counseling Project. Esposito is a former assistant district attorney in St. Lawrence County who joined Legal Aid in 2011. Legal Aid offers legal help for people who meet income requirements, which are set at a household income of no more than 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Late last year, hundreds of former St. Clare's workers learned that pensions would be reduced or eliminated because the fund was millions of dollars short of what would be needed to pay full benefits. St. Clare's Corp., which remained in place after the hospital merger to run the pension fund, blamed the fund's crisis on the economic recession that started in 2008. Corporation President Joe Pofit has said the fund would need at least $29 million to restore reduced pensions to more than 660 former workers who have lost all benefits. That would bring their pensions up to 70 percent of what had been promised, which is now being provided to 434 workers who had retired before November 2015. Pofit has said the pension would run out of cash entirely by 2024 if pensions were not slashed. During the 1990s, officials at St. Clare's Hospital sought and received federal approval for a religious exemption for its pension, which up to that point was federally insured as a private plan. The hospital then got a $90,000 refund for its previous premiums, but the plan was then left uninsured from fiscal calamity. The fund was also exempted from requirements that could have alerted former workers of financial underperformance. Founded in Schenectady by Catholic priests and Franciscans in 1949, St. Clare's from its beginnings has been linked to the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese. Bishops also served on the hospital board of directors. Albany Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, who is on the St. Clare's board, has said the diocese empathizes with retirees, but does not have the money to restore the pension fund. He said the diocese believes a state bailout would be needed to salvage the fund. A spokeswoman for the diocese declined comment on Tuesday. Retirees have also turned to Albany Law School for assistance from labor lawyer David Pratt. Retirees are holding a meeting there 6 p.m. Monday, he said. Birthdays Richard Heller of Portsmouth will mark his 90th birthday on Aug. 19. His family is planning a card shower in his honor. Cards will reach him if sent to PO Box 92, Portsmouth IA 51565. His family An 18-year-old man is missing and feared dead after falling through a blowhole at a state beach south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office said. The teenager, identified by KION as Braxton Cooper Stuntz of Carmel, was hiking with friends Saturday along a cliff at Garrapata State Beach when he spotted a blowhole in the rocks. Curious, Stuntz approached the hole for a closer look, but slipped and fell through the opening, landing about 15 feet below on a sandy beach hemmed in by large rocks. He apparently was not hurt in the fall as he flashed a thumbs-up sign to his two companions peering through the hole, Coast Guard spokeswoman Emily Rowan told KSBW. But his friends soon lost sight of Stuntz as 14-foot waves crashed around him. The waves were coming in at 9-second intervals, the sheriff's office said. Stuntz's companions ran for help and flagged beachgoers Ali Bowen and her friend. "He said, 'Do you have cell phone service? Our friend fell into a hole between two rocks and we can't get him out,'" Bowen told KION. She called 911. MORE: Woman swept out to sea at Queen's Bath on Kauai The Monterey County Sheriff's Office, CalFire and the Coast Guard responded. Helicopters with the Coast Guard circled the area until sundown Sunday, but searchers found no sign of Stuntz. Divers were reportedly unable to enter the water Sunday morning because the surf was too rough. While Stuntz is considered missing, the sheriff's office is now treating the case as a recovery operation. SCHENECTADY The Schenectady County Human Rights Commission's Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition will sponsor two events in Schenectady over the next few days in honor of the late civil rights activists. On Thursday evening, panelists will share their thoughts on human and civil rights during a forum being co-sponsored by Capital District Area Labor Federation. SCHENECTADY Even his closest allies acknowledge Mayor Gary McCarthy's idea of having three instead of four City Court judges appears to be misguided and something they likely will not be supporting. "I saw the face of some of my colleagues looking over at me at the same time when he announced it," said City Council President Ed Kosiur. "We didn't know anything about it, and I talked to some of my colleagues after the meeting, and several of them said there's absolutely no way we're going to support any type of resolution." City Councilman John Polimeni also has reservations about doing away with one of the four City Court judges. "As far as I know it's warranted to have four judges but (McCarthy) may have documentation otherwise," said Polimeni. "I was a little surprised that it was in the speech because I didn't know it was on the radar." Councilman Vince Riggi said he would need to hear compelling evidence from the mayor that a fourth judge is a waste. "Our courts are jam packed right now so why is this position not needed," said Riggi, an independent, who argued crime remains an issue in the city. City Councilwoman Leesa Perazzo also has many questions for McCarthy. "From what I know our courts are very busy so the elimination of one of the judges would make the dockets that much longer," said Perazzo, adding City Court judges handle more than just criminal matters. "It's not just about crime being down, the function of our courts are much more granular than that." Despite the mounting opposition, McCarthy said Tuesday that he still plans to ask the City Council to support legislation opposing the fourth judgeship and push to have it removed from the state budget. The state a few years ago mandated that Schenectady bring on another judge, which it did, and provide more space for one court facility. The latter is still pending. McCarthy, a Democrat, who will soon announce he is seeking a third term, is floating the three-judge solution because Judge Guido Loyola, who turns 70 in December, will have to retire. The other City Court judges are Mark Caruso, Robert Hoffman, and Teneka Frost. The state positions carry $187,200 salaries, according to the Office of Court Administration. On Tuesday, they all denied comment through supervision court clerks or referred questions to OCA office. Besides the number of judges, Kosiur said the other major issue is where the second courtroom could go. He favors a proposal from a few years back with a price tag of $1 million that called for either the water or engineering department to vacate the premises on the second floor of City Hall to make way for the state mandated court facility. Currently, there is a court room on second floor in City Hall as well as in the police station down the street. The engineering department would relocate to the half-empty Foster Building that houses the city's bureau of services, added Kosiur. Kosiur said the city can't afford to build a new facility, which McCarthy disagrees with. "The most efficient use is to build onto the existing courtroom at the police station and the better utilization of space is to run a night court, which the Office of Court Administration says they cannot do," he said. In response, Lucian Chalfen, an OCA spokesman said in a written statement that there is "no operational need for a night court in Schenectady" and dismissed the proposed idea as one that "was made in order to avoid spending money to create an adequate court facility," which he stressed is the city's obligation. He also maintained that a fourth judge is needed. "Schenectady City Court is very busy with annual filings in excess of 18,000, in a jurisdiction with a population of 65,000, which is why we maintain that the City of Schenectady needs to provide us with a suitable court facility as they are mandated to do," the statement reads. McCarthy countered that three judges handled the caseloads in Schenectady in 2012 before the state passed legislation mandating Schenectady and others places across the state have more judges and improved court facilities. Thomasville, GA (31792) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 93F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Low around 70F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Local Barre's Street Crime Unit off to a good start BARRE The Granite City has had a street crimes unit for a little over two months and the police chief said he is already seeing positive results. Police Chief Tim Bombardier said he took the idea for a street crimes unit from St. Albans. Bombardier said he sent one of his detectives up there for a week in October to learn how the unit works. Barre City then started its own unit in November. Bombardier said no additional funding was used to create the unit. Instead, he shuffled some personnel around from his uniform division, moving Cpl. Jonathan Houle from that division to the street crimes unit while also having Sgt. Steve Durgin supervise the unit and the departments detectives. He said officers will be rotated in an out of the unit so they have a chance to do something different. Last year we did close to 11,500 calls for service. That gets old after a while, he said. Bombardier said the street crimes unit typically works during the day so it is available to assist if something major happens in the city. He said the unit responds to anything even remotely drug related, including property crimes. It also conducts surveillance on problem areas and Bombardier said it will conduct controlled buys in the future. He said the unit has produced several search and arrest warrants that have been executed in the city. Thats a result of just being afforded the opportunity to run things down to the end. Theyre not always successful. You may spend two or three days on something or two or three weeks on something and it may turn up a goose egg. But you may spend two or three days on something and you may get a big bang for your buck, so to speak, he said. Bombardier said the unit is also working with other local law enforcement entities. Earlier this month, a Barre Town man was charged with selling cocaine following an investigation that started with a vandalized vehicle in Barre Town. Police said the investigation revealed text messages between the offender and the victim that indicated drug activity in Barre City. The street crimes unit was contacted and a search warrant was executed on Eastern Avenue, where police said they found a scale and other drug paraphernalia as well as yellow pills, white pills, a gun and six plastic baggies containing crack cocaine. Bombardier said his department executed nine search warrants last month several of those are credited to the street crimes unit. And those on the streets have noticed. Bombardier said things are calming down in the city and people are becoming apprehensive because they know the street crimes unit is out there. I know of certain people that have left the city. Thats what this is about. Its about interrupting criminal conduct and making Barre City not a place where people are comfortable committing crimes, he said. He said hes also heard from members of the public that are happy with what they are seeing. Bombardier said that includes people who have complained in the past about a problem house or area known for drug activity. Next thing they know theres four or five police cars, officers executing a search warrant and people going away in handcuffs and getting arraigned in court. Those things dont go unnoticed in the city, he said. Washington County States Attorney Rory Thibault praised the approach on Tuesday. My office has been working closely with the Street Crimes Unit. Our cooperation ensures quick turnaround on warrants and opportunities to disrupt criminal activity, specifically, drug distribution. The Street Crimes Unit presents a proactive approach to identifying and responding to threats to public safety. One of my offices primary goals is the sustained disruption of drug distribution networks in the county, and that requires the type of dynamic intelligence driven policing being done here. An effective response to the drug epidemic requires a commitment to reduce the demand for drugs through rehabilitation and treatment, while focusing scarce law enforcement resources on disrupting, and dismantling, drug distribution networks. eric.blaisdell @timesargus.com This subscription will allow current subscribers of The Tillamook Headlight Herald to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area. NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please call us at 1-(503) 842-7535 or email admin@countrymedia.net. Javier Diaz, Mexicos consul general in Atlanta, and Tom Rawlings, the interim director of the state Division of Family and Children Services, sign an agreement Wednesday at the consulates office in Atlanta. Washington, MO (63090) Today Mostly clear. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low around 65F. Winds light and variable. The following companies are subsidiares of The Sherwin-Williams: Acquire Sourcing LLC, CTS National Corporation, Comex North America Inc., Compania Sherwin-Williams S.A. de C.V., Contract Transportation Systems Co., Deep Pride Limited, Dongguan Lilly Paint Industries Ltd, Duron, EPS (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., EPS B.V., EPS Polidrox Industria e Comercio de Resinas Ltda, Geocel Holdings, Geocel Limited, Guangdong Valspar Paints Manufacturing Co Ltd., Guangdong Yuegang Dadi Paints Company Limited, Guardsman Australia Pty Limited, Guardsman Industries Limited, Inver East Med S.A., Inver France SAS, Inver GmbH, Inver Industrial Coating SRL, Inver Polska Spoka Z O.O, Inver Spa, Invercolor Bologna Srl, Invercolor Ltd, Invercolor Roma Srl, Invercolor Torino Srl, Invercolor Toscana Srl, Isocoat Tintas e Vernizes Ltda, Isva Vernici Srl, Jiangsu Pulanna Coating Co. Ltd., Leighs Paints, M.A. Bruder & Sons, Omega Specialty Products & Services LLC, Oy Sherwin-Williams Finland Ab, PT Sherwin-Williams Indonesia, PT Valspar Indonesia, Paint Sundry Brands, Pinturas Condor S.A., Pinturas Industriales S.A., Plasti-Kote Co. Inc., Plasti-kote Limited, Productos Quimicos y Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Quest Automotive Products UK Limited, Quetzal Pinturas S.A. de C.V., Resin Surfaces Limited, Ronseal (Ireland) Limited, SWIMC LLC, SWIPCO Sherwin Williams do Brasil Propriedade, Sayerlack, Sherwin Williams Colombia S.A.S., Sherwin-Williams (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Belize) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Caribbean) N.V., Sherwin-Williams (Ireland) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams (Nantong) Company Limited, Sherwin-Williams (S) Pte. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Shanghai) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (South China) Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Sherwin-Williams (Vietnam) Limited, Sherwin-Williams (West Indies) Limited, Sherwin-Williams Argentina I.y C.S.A., Sherwin-Williams Aruba VBA, Sherwin-Williams Automotive Mexico S.de R.L.de C.V., Sherwin-Williams Balkan S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Bel, Sherwin-Williams Benelux NV, Sherwin-Williams Canada Inc., Sherwin-Williams Cayman Islands Limited, Sherwin-Williams Chile S.A., Sherwin-Williams Coatings India Private Limited, Sherwin-Williams Coatings S.a r.l., Sherwin-Williams Czech Republic spol. s r.o, Sherwin-Williams Denmark A/S, Sherwin-Williams Deutschland GmbH, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands (Australia) Pty Ltd, Sherwin-Williams Diversified Brands Limited, Sherwin-Williams France Finishes SAS, Sherwin-Williams Italy S.r.l., Sherwin-Williams Luxembourg Investment Management Company S.a r.l., Sherwin-Williams Norway AS, Sherwin-Williams Paints Limited Liability Company, Sherwin-Williams Peru S.R.L., Sherwin-Williams Pinturas de Venezuela S.A., Sherwin-Williams Poland Sp. z o.o, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings, Sherwin-Williams Realty Holdings Inc., Sherwin-Williams Services (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Sherwin-Williams Spain Coatings S.L., Sherwin-Williams Sweden AB, Sherwin-Williams Uruguay S.A., Sherwin-Williams do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., Spanyc Paints Joint Stock Company, Syntema I Vaggeryd AB, TOB Becker Acroma Ukraine, Taiwan Valspar Co. Ltd., The Sherwin-Williams Acceptance Corporation, The Sherwin-Williams Headquarters Company, The Sherwin-Williams Manufacturing Company, The Sherwin-Williams US Licensing Company, The Valspar (Asia) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Australia) Corporation Pty. Ltd., The Valspar (Finland) Corporation Oy, The Valspar (France) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (France) Research Corporation SAS, The Valspar (Germany) GmbH, The Valspar (Malaysia) Corporation Sdn Bhd, The Valspar (Nantes) Corporation S.A.S., The Valspar (Singapore) Corporation Pte. Ltd, The Valspar (South Africa) Corporation (Pty) Ltd, The Valspar (Spain) Corporation S.R.L., The Valspar (Switzerland) Corporation AG, The Valspar (Thailand) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar (UK) Corporation Limited, The Valspar (Vietnam) Corporation Ltd., The Valspar Corporation, The Valspar Corporation Limitada, UAB Sherwin-Williams Baltic, Valspar (India) Coatings Corporation Private Limited, Valspar (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Valspar (Uruguay) Corporation S.A., Valspar (WPC) Pty Ltd, Valspar Aries Coatings S. de R.L. de C.V., Valspar Automotive (UK) Corporation Limited, Valspar Automotive Australia Pty Limited, Valspar B.V., Valspar Coatings (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Valspar Coatings (Tianjin) Co. Ltd, Valspar D.o.o Beograd, Valspar Inc., Valspar Industries (Ireland) Ltd., Valspar Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Valspar Industries GmbH, Valspar LLC, Valspar Mexicana S.A. de C.V., Valspar Paint (Australia) Pty Ltd, Valspar Paint (NZ) Limited, Valspar Powder Coatings Limited, Valspar Rock Company Limited, Valspar Specialty Paints LLC, Vantaco Oy, and ZAO Sherwin-Williams. For about 200 passengers, a flight from London to Thessaloniki in northern Greece took almost 24 hours. Foggy conditions in Thessaloniki airport led Ryanair to divert the flight from London Stansted Airport to the city of Timisoara in western Romania, late on Friday. Many passengers, already grumbling that the diversion was not made to an airport closer to their destination were outraged when the company offered buses to take them the 770-kilometer (480-mile) distance in freezing weather. Ryanair passengers on a flight to Greece were left furious after it was diverted to Romania and they were told they would have to take a nine-hour bus journey to reach their destination Ryanair has scheduled flights to Timisoara, as well as Athens, Greece, and some passengers felt that the decision to divert to the Romanian city was made on the basis of minimizing costs. One of them, Sakis Papadopoulos, told the Associated Press: 'They could have landed us at a Greek airport. 'Our flight was already delayed and then, around 10:30 p.m. (Friday), they informed us we would be landing at Timisoara instead of Thessaloniki.' A total of 89 passengers refused to take up the offer of buses, despite what they said was pressure from airport authorities, who kept them in the baggage area overnight. Passengers took to Twitter to complain about their treatment and question why they weren't taken to an airport closer to their final destination Mr Papadopoulos, who had traveled to London for the festive period, said that the passengers were finally offered a hotel stay at 8am on Saturday but they refused, saying they would stay put until a plane arrived to take them to Greece. 'Some of us contacted Greek media,' he added. Others took to Twitter to complain about their treatment. Ioannis said: '@Ryanair instead of landing the passengers in SKG airport (thessaloniki) in GREECE you've decided to land the plain in Timisoara in ROMANIA?couldn't you find an airport CLOSER?' While Ioannis John Glykos tweeted: 'Last night a flight to #SKG (Thessaloniki, Greece) the worst airline in the world @Ryanair could not land due to bad weather. They diverted to Romania and they left 200 people at the airport with no service at all. 2 GR airports few km away were open for landing SHAME.' Ryanair has scheduled flights to Timisoara, as well as Athens, Greece, and some passengers felt that the decision to divert to the Romanian city was made on the basis of minimizing costs Informed of the passengers' plight, the Greek government arranged with Greek carrier Aegean Airlines to send a plane to Timisoara. Greek transport Minister Christos Spirtzis weighed in against what he said were 'low cost, low social responsibility' airlines. The 89 passengers arrived in Thessaloniki around 5pm on Saturday. The flight normally would have taken around three hours, 30 minutes. Ryanair later issued an apology for the diversion, saying that it was 'beyond our control'. The fatality rate on passenger jets worldwide jumped in 2018 after airlines recorded zero accident deaths on commercial planes in the prior year, according to an annual report. Dutch aviation consulting firm To70 and the Aviation Safety Network both reported there were more than 500 deaths stemming from passenger airline crashes in 2018, but emphasized that fatal crashes remain rare. To70 estimated the fatal accident rate for large commercial passenger flights at 0.36 per million flights, or one fatal accident for every three million flights. The fatality rate on passenger jets worldwide jumped in 2018 after airlines recorded zero accident deaths on commercial planes in the prior year. Pictured is the wreckage of the Cubana flight that crashed just outside Havana airport, killing 112 people last May That is up from 2017's 0.06 per million flight rate and above the most recent five-year average of 0.24 per million flights. There were 13 deaths in 2017 in two fatal crashes worldwide, but both were on regional turboprop aircraft. Over the past two decades, aviation deaths around the world have been falling. As recently as 2005, there were 1,015 deaths aboard commercial passenger flights worldwide, the Aviation Safety Network said. A graph from Dutch aviation consulting firm To70 showing the fatal accident rate on commercial jets since 2011 WHAT THE ACCIDENTS CAN TELL US Dutch aviation consulting firm To70 says that as in previous years, Europe and North America remain the safest parts of the world to fly in, as accidents here are rare. It reports that the bizarre misfortune that led to the death of a single passenger in a Boeing 737-700 following an uncontained engine failure during flight is one of the rare accidents in North America. The aviation experts also point out that several mentions of Boeing's 737 should not be seen in a negative light. To70 explains that there are as many accidents within the Airbus 320 family as there involving 737s. However, the firm points out the possibility that the Lion Air accident may have a technical cause is of serious concern, considering that the Max is the future of the successful 737 model. But To70 warn: 'While accidents in commercial air transport remain rare, the industry must remain alert to incidents and accidents from which lessons can be learned. 'We will be studying the causes of these accidents in 2018 as the investigations progress.' Advertisement Despite the increase, 2018 was still the third safest year ever in terms of the number of fatal accidents and the ninth safest measured by deaths, the Aviation Safety Network said. Harro Ranter, the Aviation Safety Network's chief executive, explained: 'If the accident rate had remained the same as ten years ago, there would have been 39 fatal accidents last year. 'This shows the enormous progress in terms of safety in the past two decades.' Fatal accidents last year included the crash of the Lion Air-operated Boeing 737 Max 8, which crashed into the Java Sea after takeoff from Jakarta, killing 189, in October. In May, a Cubana Boeing 737-201 crashed just outside Havana airport, killing 112 people. Earlier last year in March, 51 of 71 on board died after a US-Bangla Airlines plane crashed on landing at Nepals international airport. In February, a plane operated by Saratov Airlines crashed in Russia after taking off from Stepanovskoye, killing all 71 people aboard, while in the same month an Aseman Airlines flight crashed into a mountain in Iran, killing 66 people onboard. Meanwhile, the United States suffered its first accident death involving a U.S. airline since 2009 in April, when a fan blade on a Southwest Airlines Co Boeing 737s jet engine broke apart in flight, shattering a window and nearly sucking a woman out of the plane. Officials inspect parts of the wreckage of the Lion Air plane that crashed into the Java Sea after takeoff from Jakarta, killing 189, in October The United States suffered its first accident death involving a U.S. airline since 2009 in April, when a fan blade on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737s jet engine broke apart in flight, shattering a window and nearly sucking a woman out of the plane Flying has been made safer over the past few decades in part because of rigorous investigations into the causes of crashes and then learning from mistakes and design faults that have been uncovered. Mark Millam, with the U.S.-based Flight Safety Foundation, said: 'You have less aircraft that are running into mountaintops because of systems that warn pilots if they are close to the ground. 'This is coming from things that were witnessed in other accidents. It is decades of effort.' The magical Northern Lights have intrigued and enchanted Arctic adventurers for centuries. And what better way to experience them for yourself than on our exclusive new 12-day voyage along the stunning Norwegian fjords? As well as enjoying one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places on Earth, you will have the chance to meet the extraordinary explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has completed record-breaking missions to both Poles and Mount Everest, and conquered the north face of the Eiger. Sir Ranulph will give two special talks and a Q&A during your trip, and will also join you on an included excursion to see the spectacular North Cape, the most northerly point of Europe. Enchanting: The dazzling Northern Lights Once-in-a-lifetime: The port of Bergen where your voyage begins Our previous exclusive Mail on Sunday sailings to see the Northern Lights, with special guests Kate Humble and Julia Bradbury, have sold out, so please book early for Sir Ranulphs trip to avoid disappointment. REASONS TO BOOK Meet Sir Ranulph Fiennes This is a unique opportunity to meet the legendary explorer and hear first- hand about his remarkable feats of courage and endurance. Sir Ranulph will give two exclusive talks during your voyage, and you will also have the chance to ask him your own questions in a private Q&A. The spectacular North Cape You will enjoy a special included excursion with Sir Ranulph, on which you will visit Norways remote and beautiful North Cape. OUR SPECIAL GUEST Sir Ranulph Fiennes, pictured above Sir Ranulph Fienness extraordinary achievements have seen him widely recognised as the worlds greatest living explorer. He served in the Army for eight years, as a member of the Royal Scots Greys and the SAS, and later embarked on a series of pioneering missions to many of the most remote and inhospitable places on the planet. He was the first person (with Charles Burton) to conquer both the North and South Poles on foot, and was the first (with Mike Stroud) to cross the Antarctic continent on foot. In 2009, Sir Ranulph climbed Mount Everest at the age of 65, becoming the oldest Briton to reach the summit. Advertisement The worlds most beautiful voyage During this wonderful 12-day voyage, you will see 2,500 miles of Norways stunning coastline, have the opportunity to explore more than 30 historic ports, and spend seven days in the auroral zone, where sightings of the Northern Lights are at their most breathtaking. Brilliant Arctic activities You can also take your pick from dozens of optional activities**, from guided nature walks and husky-sledding to joining a midnight concert at Tromsos Arctic Cathedral. You can even tuck into a traditional Viking feast. Sail the fjords in style Throughout this unforgettable journey, you will be sailing on MS Finnmarken. Its facilities include a two-storey panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, an a la carte restaurant, bar, cafes, swimming pool and hot tub, sauna with a view, fitness room and library. The ship also hosts a series of free talks and demonstrations. The delicious food, which includes Norwegian specialities such as roast reindeer and aquavit ice cream, is all sourced locally. Meals are included in the price. Your Northern Lights promise Our travel partner Hurtigruten is so confident that you will see the Northern Lights during your 12-day trip that if you dont, the company will offer you another six- or seven-day Northern Lights voyage free of charge***. Revived hopes of a softer Brexit, following Theresa May's failure to push through her deal for leaving the EU through the House of Commons, helped. Investors feared that the economy could slow if the UK suddenly cut ties with the continent, and this has weighed on companies like Bovis since, theoretically, fewer people would buy houses. But it said the UK housing market 'remains strong, with demand for new homes supported by attractive mortgage finance and Government initiatives'. The same optimism caused Metro Bank to soar, as the lender's shares lifted 10.1 per cent, or 188p, to 2056p. Bovis Homes said it was on course to beat analysts' profit predictions of 166m in its 2018 results, which are due at the end of February Bovis said uncertainty surrounding Britain's departure from the EU slowed sales of larger homes, however. For 2018, it built 3,759 homes, 3 per cent up on the previous year. The average selling price rose to 273,000 from 272,400. Greg Fitzgerald, the chief executive, said: 'The significant improvement across all areas is expected to deliver a record year of profits.' Bovis was up 3.8 per cent, or 35.4p, to 962.2p, Persimmon climbed 5.4 per cent, or 119p, to 2320p, Taylor Wimpey rose 5.6 per cent, or 8.75p, to 164p and Barratt Developments edged up 3.9 per cent, or 19.5p, to 518p. Education company Pearson hasn't yet turned over a new leaf with investors, as shares fell following an update on 2018. Although it said profits would be in the region of 540million to 545million, at the central point of previous guidance, this was driven by higher cost savings rather than improved performance. Revenue was down 1 per cent. Stock Watch - Van Elle Ground engineering business Van Elle was on shaky foundations as it announced results for the six months to the end of October. The Nottinghamshire firm, which also builds the infrastructure for rail networks and has worked on stations such as East Croydon, said profit sank 53.6 per cent to 2.6million. A quiet start to the financial year pushed revenue down by 18.4 per cent to 42.9million, though new boss Mark Cutler has already begun to cut costs. Shares sank 18.2 per cent, or 14.5p, to 65p. The textbook seller has desperately been trying to break into the digital education market, as demand for books has declined. Digital products now account for 55 per cent of US course materials sales, up from 50 per cent in 2017, though growth has not been fast enough to offset the decline in sales. George Salmon, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said there was good news in that digital products were increasing in popularity. But he added that its shift 'from far-reaching media conglomerate into digital education specialist is a risky one, and Pearson is nearer the start than the finish line'. Shares fell 6 per cent, or 58.4p, to 918.2p. Despite the housebuilders' gains, Pearson dragged the FTSE 100 down by 0.5 per cent, or 32.34 points, to 6862.68. Bread and cake manufacturer Finsbury Food Group was also left feeling flat as it released a trading update for the latter half of 2018. The maker of Disney-branded cakes, Thorntons baked goods and Weight Watchers snacks plummeted 10.5 per cent, or 9.8p, to 83.2p, after revenue slipped 3.5 per cent to 152.3million. Drinkers propped up The City Pub Group, as total revenue leapt by 22 per cent to 45.6million in the 52 weeks to December 30. The majority of the 1.6 per cent like-for-like growth was driven by increased sales, the South of England chain added, since price increases only kicked in at the end of 2018. It owns and runs 44 pubs, and shares fizzed up by 5.1 per cent, or 10p ,to 207p. Over-50s insurance and travel specialist Saga declined, as it warned competition in the insurance sector was tough. Shares dipped 1.7 per cent, or 1.7p, to 101.5p. Marks & Spencer must axe even more stores than the 100 already planned to revive its fortunes, it said last night. The move is likely to affect thousands of jobs at the company, which has around 1,000 stores and 81,000 staff. A transformation plan under chairman Archie Norman and chief executive Steve Rowe aims to move more sales online. Marks & Spencer bosses have admitted they must axe even more stores than the 100 already planned to revive its fortunes A spokesman said: 'We have been very clear that our store closure programme is going to be more than 100 stores. We are delivering the UK's biggest retail transformation plan which includes us modernising and updating our store estate.' Analysts at Shore Capital, the M&S house broker, said the retailer had no choice after dismal sales over Christmas. Clive Black, head of research at Shore Capital, said: 'We concur with management that radical change is necessary, knowing that the closures have not been undertaken lightly. We would still not be surprised to see a more substantial closure programme. 'The change programme is challenging, and predicated upon a poor financial performance for many years.' Rowe has blamed M&S's massive business rates bill for heaping further pressure on the firm and forcing it to close swathes of stores. Seb James, chief executive of Boots, joined the chorus of criticism of business rates, telling the Mail: 'We are not on a level playing field. 'People have dismissed it as whining but now we really are seeing retailers go to the wall.' Greetings card and stationery retailer Paperchase is understood to have appointed KPMG to advise on a major overhaul of its store portfolio. It has 2,000 staff and 130 stores in the UK, and 30 internationally. Rates have hammered traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers which are struggling to compete with an onslaught from online firms such as Amazon. Running Boots is not a job for the faint-hearted. The chain of chemists is right up there with Marks & Spencer as one of the best-loved shops on the British high street, which is going through one of the toughest times in living memory. Most of us more than eight out of ten dash there for everything from cold remedies to corn patches, as well as more indulgent items like lipsticks and bath potions. Its No7 anti-ageing serums, which have been advertised by 55-year-old ballerina Alessandra Ferri (pictured below), have acquired cult status among British women and are catching on in the US and China. Revamp plan: New Boots boss Seb James wants to appeal to 'cool new brands' by opening 31 beauty halls this spring and revamping four big stores But not even a national institution like Boots can rest on its laurels, which is where Seb James comes in. The genial 52-year-old made his name at Dixons Carphone. 'With Boots I am in this incredibly privileged position at this extraordinary British icon with 170 years of history,' he says, in his first major interview since taking up his new role in September. Although Boots is a British stalwart, it is just one part of a huge 50billion international pharmacy group, Walgreens Boots Alliance. Its shares are listed in the US and its kingpin is Stefano Pessina, a septuagenarian Italian billionaire, who took it over in 2006 with private equity backing, and went on to merge it with the Walgreens chain in the US in 2014 in a 16billion deal. 'One of the things that attracted me to this job is that I have been a Stefano groupie for about a dozen years,' adds chief executive James, who says Boots is not one business but three. He says there is a 'get better' business, in other words the pharmacy, medicines, and first aid; a 'live better' arm selling vitamins, supplements and holistic remedies and a 'look better' business for make-up and creams. 'Goodness knows I need all the help I can get in that department,' he jokes. 'We have been a supermarket for all these things. So there were some quite uncomfortable juxtapositions. You might have had expensive cosmetics next to incontinence pads.' He wants to make the three businesses work better together, and to reinvent Boots' beauty halls. The plan is to appeal to 'cool new brands' by opening 31 beauty halls this spring and revamping four big stores, along with one totally new opening in London in the summer. The new store 'will be in a cool part of London and it will be a flagship for what we want to do in beauty,' he says. Top seller: Boots No7 anti-ageing serum Rather than just ladies in white coats providing makeovers, it will have a YouTube studio so people can post videos of their makeovers on social media. 'We will have one very beautiful central space with make-up artists to do makeovers and where people can take selfies. 'There will be magic mirrors,' he says, referring to digital technology that allows women to see what particular lipsticks and eyeshadows would look like on their face, so they don't have to bother applying and wiping off several shades to discover what suits them. He is an admirer of Sephora, the French beauty store chain owned by luxury goods company LVMH. 'It is exciting, I am a bloke and I can't get out of there without spending money. In the wellness business, people want it to be more holistic, to walk in and feel better already. With pharmacy, they want reassurance they are going to be fine. That's about speed and advice. We want to make the consultation spaces more like going to the doctor. 'We are launching a new digital pharmacy experience which will be quicker and slicker. There will be places where you pick up your prescriptions very quickly, so that will be a reason to choose us.' James has picked a tricky time to take the helm. In the most recent full financial year to the end of August, Boots made a profit of nearly 500million before tax. But in the quarter to the end of November, UK pharmacy sales were down 3.5 per cent and retail sales overall down 2.6 per cent. It described market conditions here as 'weak'. So how concerned is he about online competition from the likes of Amazon, which, quite legally, pays much lower business rates? 'We have an effective tax rate of 55 per cent because of rates and corporation tax. 'We are not on a level playing field. People have dismissed it as whining but we are seeing retailers go to the wall. I have a grudging respect for Amazon. The trick for Boots is to identify what we have got that Amazon hasn't. 'We have this incredible network of 2,500 stores, so 70 per cent of customers are picking up their goods in shops. While they are in the shop we can talk to them about their health and their wellness. Boots No7 anti-ageing serums, which have been advertised by 55-year-old ballerina Alessandra Ferri have acquired cult status among British women 'Our other big advantage we have is a very high degree of trust. Our retail brand is very powerful, particularly for women. We have a much more intimate relationship with our customers.' He believes Boots can take pressure off the NHS. It already has done nearly 750,000 flu jabs this year and could do more on vaccinations. There will be more doctors' surgeries. 'In Brighton there is a surgery in a Boots branch. We will do more where we have space.' He doesn't want to say how much he will spend on stores, but concedes it will be 'quite a lot. More of our capital is going to be devoted to transformation.' James himself started out as a management consultant, before setting up a DVD company Silverscreen in 2003, but it went under three years later, due to the arrival of online streaming. He lost a chunk of his own money, and, with a young family to support he and wife Anna have four children it was a brutal lesson. 'I was really very bad at it,' he says. 'To the extent that I am good at anything at all, it is trying to understand things that are really complicated and to see the three or four things that really matter in a business as big as Boots. 'Everyone should fail once, because you learn such a lot. With all leadership, whether it is in business or politics, the real hazard is vanity.' As well as running Boots, he is on the board of insurer Direct Line and the charity Save the Children. 'It has had a torrid year,' he says, referring to the allegations that the charity failed to investigate sexual abuse and inappropriate behaviour by staff. Apart from that, he spends time with his children. 'Having four kids is very full on. One has just gone to uni and is roaming Oxford like Hemingway.' James made his name transforming Dixons, which was, when he arrived in 2008 as development director, a chain of scruffy shops. He smartened up the stores and made sure sometimes sullen staff became enthusiastic and helpful. He segued into the top job in 2012 and oversaw a 3.2billion merger with Carphone Warehouse. Recently, his old company has been feeling chill winds, falling, after James left, to a 440million loss in the first half of its financial year. Some might wonder why James bothers with the hard work at all. He is the third son of Lord Northbourne, and a friend of David Cameron since they were at Eton and Oxford. He bats away, politely but firmly, all questions about the former prime minister and how he might feel now about the consequences of Brexit. But the two share an easy charm that doesn't quite disguise the ambition and sharp intellect beneath. James, a Remainer, believes there 'probably won't be a catastrophic exit. I can't believe we won't find some kind of solution.' He sees retail as an engine for social mobility. 'It is one of the few careers where you can start on the shop floor and end up as chief executive, as my boss Alex Gourlay, co-chief operating officer of Walgreens Boots Alliance did. He started as a Saturday boy. That is an amazing benefit for society.' The owner of stricken cafe chain Patisserie Valerie has admitted its accounting scandal is worse than previously thought. In a strongly worded statement, Patisserie Holdings spoke of the devastating effects of a fraud that involved 'significant manipulation' of its books, including thousands of false entries. Initial findings from a probe into the scandal reveal cash flow and profitability have been overstated. Accounting scandal: Patisserie Holdings spoke of the devastating effects of a fraud that involved 'significant manipulation' of its books, including thousands of false entries The chain is now pleading with lenders for a further extension to loan arrangements. Patisserie Valerie, headed by entrepreneur Luke Johnson, has overhauled its management after a 40million black hole was discovered on its books and former finance boss Chris Marsh was arrested on suspicion of fraud. Its chief executive, Paul May, has also been replaced amid a string of senior appointments. Meanwhile, former auditor Grant Thornton is being investigated by the Financial Reporting Council. Patisserie Holdings has hired RSM as auditors, but said there were likely to be major delays to the restatement of previous accounts and its full-year results. It has also called in KPMG for advice. A spokesman said: 'The work carried out by the company's forensic accountants has revealed that the mis-statement of its accounts was extensive, involving very significant manipulation of the balance sheet and profit and loss accounts. 'Among other manipulations, this involved thousands of false entries into the ledgers. 'It will take some time before a reliable trading outlook can be completed while the above workstreams progress. 'The company has hired KPMG to assist it in a review of all options in order to recover from the devastating effects of the fraud, and to preserve value for its stakeholders.' The boss of Reckitt Benckiser, the firm behind household goods including Vanish, Dettol and Durex, is to retire after more than eight years as CEO and 32 years with the company. Rakesh Kapoor said today that he will stand down by the end of 2019, adding that it had been a 'huge privilege' to head Reckitt but the time was right for new leadership. A search is underway for Kapoor's successor. Reckitt boss Rakesh Kapoor (above) said today that he will stand down by the end of 2019 Shares in the FTSE 100 group slipped nearly 3 per cent on the news to 6,067. It comes after the firm, which also owns Cillit Bang and Nurofen, acquired baby milk maker Mead Johnson in a mammoth $16.6billion deal in 2017. Kapoor said: 'The last two years, in particular, have been transformational with the acquisition of Mead Johnson, the catalyst for the creation of our two business units, health and hygiene (and) home. '2020 will herald a new decade and I believe now is a good time for new leadership to take this great company through the next phase of outperformance.' During his lengthy tenure, Kapoor has seen Reckitt's share price nearly double from 33 to more than 61. This is Money chart shows the Reckitt Benckiser share price over the last five years Kapoor joined Reckitt in 1987, becoming senior vice-president of home care in 1999 and working his way up the ranks before being promoted to chief executive in 2011. In praise of Kapoor, Reckitt chairman Chris Sinclair praised said: 'Under Rakesh's leadership, Rekitt Benckiser has been transformed from a household cleaning business to a world leader in consumer health and hygiene. 'Rakesh has been both the visionary and the architect behind this strategic portfolio transformation since the mid-2000s.' Reckitt counts Nurofen, Cillit Bang, Durex and Vanish among its brands The group's half-year profits rose 9.5 per cent to 1.1billion, but more recently its sales fell by 2 per cent following a 70million hit from problems at its European baby formula factory. AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said the news 'shouldn't come as a surprise given how the business has floundered over the past year or two'. 'So was he pushed out of the job?' he asked. 'While the announcement merely says he is retiring, one can only speculate what was discussed behind closed doors. If he is leaving of his own free will then he's not exactly departing when everything is going well. 'The acquisition of Mead Johnson in June 2017 was considered by many investors to have been a bad deal with Reckitt paying too much and buying a company not in as good condition as first thought. 'Growth has been slowing on a group basis with Reckitt battling various issues ranging from cyber-attacks to factory problems,' he said. The firm's shares have come under pressure since summer 2017. With the Brexit vote having been widely expected to go against the Prime Minister, 'sterling has not been unduly bothered', one analyst observed. Following a bounce to above $1.28 after the result, the pound has now found its 'happy place' around $1.2860, with volatile price action expected as events in Westminster continue to play out. Elsewhere, after speaking with the Chancellor, the boss of accountancy firm EY claimed he would still be advising his business clients to prepare for a no-deal Brexit. And Reckitt Benckiser boss Rakesh Kapoor plans to retire at the end of the year after more than eight years as chief executive and 32 years at the company. Follow the City's reaction to a historic week as it unfolds here, and click through to read on the This is Money app >>> Struggle: TV star Holly Willoughby modelling her M&S range More than 1,000 jobs are at risk after Marks & Spencer revealed its latest round of store closures as it struggles to deal with crippling business rates. In a desperate bid to save money, the High Street stalwart said it would shut another 17 shops. M&S chief executive Steve Rowe has said punishing business rates a tax on commercial properties are an 'unfair' burden that have directly contributed to the High Street's struggles. M&S's rates bill was 184million last year while it made sales of 10.7billion. The company is preparing to close a total of 100 shops and have one-third of sales made online by 2022. So far it has closed 30, with a further eight planned. Another 17 were earmarked for closure yesterday. They included stores in Ashford, Barrow, Boston, Cwmbran, Felixstowe, Luton, Newark, Northwich and Weston-super-Mare. A Daily Mail campaign to save Britain's High Streets has called for a major overhaul of business rates, for online retailers and large companies based overseas to pay their fair share of tax, and cuts to car parking charges. Ann Summers founder and chief executive Jacqueline Gold joined the chorus of calls for business rates to be reformed yesterday after her company posted a 3.1million loss. M&S chief executive Steve Rowe has said punishing business rates a tax on commercial properties are an 'unfair' burden that have directly contributed to the High Street's struggles Sacha Berendji, a director at M&S, said: 'We're continuing to transform with pace and are making good progress with our plans to close over 100 stores, radically reshaping our store estate to become more relevant for customers. 'Proposing to close stores is never easy, for our colleagues, customers or the local community, but it is vital for the future of M&S.' The firm has been forced to slash costs as it struggles to increase sales, which slumped 2.2 per cent over Christmas, forcing Rowe to admit he had much further to go to get the business back on track. M&S said that its latest closures will affect 1,045 staff, while 1,891 workers have been hit by the overhaul so far. However, the retailer noted that 80 per cent of employees have been relocated to other parts of the business. US President Donald Trump's daughter is to help choose the next head of the World Bank after its boss suddenly quit. Ivanka Trump, 37, has worked closely with the organisation for the past two years and will play a key role in the recruitment process, the White House said last night. The model, fashion designer and reality TV star has little experience in the work done by the organisation, which finances projects to cut poverty in developing countries. Ivanka Trump worked with the World Bank's departing leader Jim Yong Kim on a 1.3bn fund to boost entrepreneurship However, she has previously worked with the World Bank's departing leader Jim Yong Kim on a 1.3billion fund to boost entrepreneurship, and she backed aid projects to get more women online in impoverished parts of the world. The Trump administration denied reports Ivanka is in the running to succeed Kim, 59, who is leaving to work for Wall Street investment firm Global Infrastructure Partners. A US citizen traditionally leads the World Bank, although it is thought developing nations may now mount a power grab to install a representative from their ranks in the role. Santander has abandoned a bid to hire Italian Andrea Orcel as it s new chief exec Santander has abandoned a bid to hire a new chief executive after he demanded a massive payout. The Spanish bank, which owns Santander UK, had been courting Italian Andrea Orcel, 55. But it called off the appointment after discovering the cost of compensating him for losing the right to seven years of bonuses from former employer UBS. The U-turn comes four months after Santander announced it was hiring Orcel's on 8million a year. Current chief executive Jose Antonio Alvarez will now stay until a successor is found. Orcel is on leave after he quit UBS, and is not expected to return. Warning: JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon The US government's shutdown could bring its economy grinding to a halt, JP Morgan's boss has warned. The shutdown, which began in December and affects most federal employees, will trigger disaster if it drags on much longer, Jamie Dimon said. The chief executive added: 'If it goes on for the whole quarter, it can reduce growth to zero.' It came as JP Morgan unveiled profits of 5.5billion for the last three months of 2018, up 67 per cent on a year earlier but slightly below what analysts were expecting. The average staff member at its lucrative corporate and investment banking arm earned around 146,000 in 2018, up from 145,000 the year before. German economic growth slumped to a five-year low in 2018 German economic growth slumped to a five-year low in 2018 amid growing fears for the health of the eurozone. Its economy expanded by just 1.5 per cent as its prized car industry was hit by a US trade crackdown. It is the weakest showing by Germany since 2013 and is likely to spark fresh concerns for the euro area, which is heavily reliant on the nations success. There had been fears Germany had slipped into recession in the last six months of the year, but figures from the federal statistics office suggest it dodged that. Choosing the cheapest quote for travel insurance could deny you millions of pounds of vital cover that would actually cost you only 3 more. Insurers are so desperate to beat their rivals by a few pennies so they appear at the top of comparison websites that they now offer cover for as little as 4.59 for a single trip. But the protection can be so basic that it will not pay out if you have to abandon your holiday, your flight or baggage is delayed, or you are permanently disabled or die while abroad. Insurers are so desperate to beat their rivals by a few pennies so they appear at the top of comparison websites that they now offer cover for as little as 4.59 for a single trip Exclusive Money Mail analysis found that by spending an extra 3 with the same insurer, holidaymakers could benefit from as much as 5 million additional medical cover and 30,000 more compensation for problems with flights and baggage. Experts are warning travellers to check the small print carefully before opting for the cheapest deal. They should also scrutinise any cover included with packaged bank accounts, because it may not always be as comprehensive as they think. This month is one of the most popular times for booking holidays, as people look to ease the January blues and researching travel insurance at the same time could better protect you. Using comparison site GoCompare, a couple in their 50s travelling to France for one week in February could get travel insurance for as little as 9. In fact, a total of 12 policies were available for less than 12. However, the medical cover offered varied wildly between these policies, ranging from 5 million to 20 million, while baggage protection swung between 750 and 1,250. The excess the part of the claim you have to pay before your insurer will step in varied between 95 and 200. Several policies were also missing protection many people would expect to be standard. This month is one of the most popular times for booking holidays, as people look to ease the January blues and researching travel insurance at the same time could better protect you Zurich's cheapest cover, at 9.38, for example, does not pay personal accident compensation in the event of death or permanent disablement, nor does it cover baggage delays, missed departures or connections, travel delays or travel abandonment. The policy does not include a hospital benefit daily allowance, which helps pay for food, taxis and phone calls should you or a loved one be hospitalised. Yet, for just 5.07 more, at 14.45, Zurich's enhanced policy would cover all of these eventualities, including 10,000 for personal accident cover and 3,000 for travel abandonment. The cheapest policy available is with Admiral, at just 9.35, and includes 10 million medical expenses, according to research by Defaqto. But, if you pay an extra 4.68, you receive double the cover at 20 million. This so-called 'Platinum' cover, at 14.03, also pays out up to 5,000 if you have to cancel your holiday, compared to 1,000 with the basic policy. Baggage cover also jumps from 1,000 to 2,500, while the amount you could claim for a single item doubles to 400. James Daley, of consumer group Fairer Finance, says: 'Price competition in the travel insurance market has meant that many policies only cost a few pounds. But to stay competitive, insurers are often shedding essential benefits, meaning that many policies are barely worth the paper they're written on.' By spending an extra 3, holidaymakers could benefit from as much as 5m additional medical cover and 30,000 more compensation for problems with flights and baggage However, there are ways holidaymakers can gauge whether they are getting a decent level of cover. Defaqto has created star-rating to help customers decide how comprehensive an insurance policy is. This rating is displayed by comparison sites such as GoCompare.com and CompareTheMarket.com. Fairer Finance has also created travel insurance ratings. To get five stars, you need to have an adequate level of cover across more than 25 different benefits. Virgin Money's standard cover for a couple travelling to France for a week costs 13.99, which is 1.79 more than its basic policy but comes with more than 30,000 worth of extra protection. This receives four stars from Defaqto, while its cheaper cover got three stars. Both provide 15 million medical expenses, but its 12.20 deal fails to include compensation if you were permanently disabled in an accident. This compares to 10,000 of cover with the standard policy. Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, says: 'While you can buy travel cover very cheaply, they have only the most basic cover and exclude things many people might take for granted. For just a few pounds more you can get far better cover, often from the same insurers.' For example, Flexicover provides a much higher level of protection for just 2.42 more than its cheapest policy. Its economy cover, at 12.72, includes 750 of lost or stolen baggage cover, compared to 1,500 if you pay the extra. For individuals, rather than couples, travel insurance can cost less than a fiver. A single person travelling to France for one week, for example, could get insurance for just 4.59 with Travelinsurance. co.uk, Money Mail found. This is followed by Cedar Tree at 5 and Zurich at 5.28. Matthew Sanders, of GoCompare, says: 'With travel insurance you tend to get what you pay for, so spending a few extra pounds can make a difference. Always read policy documents carefully to familiarise yourself with any exclusions and conditions.' Basic cover was not good enough Pitfalls: Christine McCarthy paid 300 for her insurance Retired receptionist Christine McCarthy had to cancel a holiday to Cape Verde after being diagnosed with heart failure. She made a claim with her insurer, StaySure, for the 3,800 holiday costs, but she received just 415. They said it was because she had paid for 'basic' cover, despite forking out 300 for the insurance for her two-week break in 2017. The 75-year-old from New Malden, South-West London, used StaySure because it specialises in policies for people with underlying medical issues and she had an irregular heart rhythm. Christine appealed to StaySure, and the policy's underwriters, EVM, for more compensation, but to no avail. She says: 'I want to make people aware of the pitfalls with travel insurance. I would warn others to always shop around and carefully read the small print.' A spokeswoman for Staysure says: 'The customer was offered both a basic and comprehensive level of cover, and decided to purchase our basic policy for her trip. This was an insurance policy with a maximum cover of 500 (minus excess), which she was made aware of when taking out the policy.' moneymail@dailymail.co.uk What do you do when a firm whose ideas you respect suddenly pulls the rug from under your investments? Hargreaves Lansdown last week revamped its Wealth 150 list of favourite investments into a Wealth 50 (actually 63 funds). The new slimline list meant a stack of funds used by its 1.1 million investors in some cases for more than a decade were cast into the wilderness. Hargreaves isn't telling investors to sell and anyone can still invest in them. But it argues that the Wealth 50 funds are better value and cheaper. Stick or twist? Hargreaves Lansdown has dropped a stack of funds from its list of favourite investments - but does that mean you should ditch them too? This list is hugely influential with investors. The update provoked a massive spat with stock picker Terry Smith, whose own fund, Fundsmith Equity, was not included even though it has given investors me among them a 270 per cent return in eight years. Hargreaves argues that Lindsell Train Global Equity which I also hold covers a similar investment span and has produced better returns recently for a lower charge 0.52 per cent a year against Fundsmith's 0.95 per cent. How far the similarities go is debatable: Fundsmith is 63 per cent in the U.S. while Lindsell Train is about a third there and a third in the UK. Hargreaves says it bases its selections on a distinguished career, a fantastic track record and a robust investment process and charges. But consider Jupiter European, a fund I have held for many years which is now excluded, despite a maximum five stars and gold rating by fund analyst Morningstar. Manager Alexander Darwall has been at the helm since January 31, 2001. Since then, the fund has been ranked number one against similar European funds, giving an average 9.81 per cent return a year. Put another way, a 10,000 investment would have grown to 53,508. It is also a top performer over one and ten years. I won't be selling. Charges are important and can make a significant impact on returns. Jupiter European charges 1.03 per cent a year, while Barings Europe Select, which does make the cut, charges 0.7 per cent to Hargreaves clients. On an initial 10,000 investment that grew by 6 per cent a year, this difference would wipe 8,545 from the growth over 20 years. But investment returns are key and Jupiter beat Barings over six months, one, five and ten years. Among other funds I hold that have vanished are Artemis Strategic Assets, Fidelity Special Situations, Merian (formerly Old Mutual) UK Smaller Companies and Standard Life UK Smaller Companies. While Hargreaves can be praised for giving a spanking to fund managers who won't reduce their charges, there are serious implications for investors. Hargreaves will continue to provide detailed research on excluded funds for 12 months, but after this it will depend on how popular each is with clients. Some will be wondering whether to stick or twist. My feeling is that, in general, we should stick. Use this as an opportunity to take a look at your funds and ask whether they still meet your needs and whether you are happy with the returns you have received. Are they still doing what you want them to do? If they still tick the boxes, then with markets this volatile it is no time to be trading in unit trusts. The archaic trading system where most funds are valued once a day at midday means you have no idea what price you will receive. If you clicked sell at 9am today, your fund would be traded based on its valuation at midday tomorrow. Its value could fall 2 or 3 per cent in that time as we go through a day-and-a-half trading in the UK, a full day in the U.S. and overnight in the Far East. Once you have sold, markets could leap again before you buy something else, adding to potential losses. One man who kept his place on the list despite his fund underperforming recently was Neil Woodford - Hargreaves said that is down to his long track record and maintaining 'conviction' Investors may be surprised to see one name still on the list: that is Neil Woodford, whose Income fund has been the source of much disappointment. I lost patience last year after more than two decades of investing with Woodford as I felt that there were better homes for my money. No doubt they will be proved right eventually but so were the doom-mongers who predicted a downturn for each of the past ten years. Wealth 50 vs Super 60 Hargreaves isn't the only firm with a new top funds list, Interactive Investor also launched its Super 60 last week. That list includes investment trusts too, so how does it compare, what funds are on both lists and are these selections useful? Read editor Simon Lambert's view on the top fund lists. It's just that both will have missed some nice profits in the meantime. A final thought. If Hargreaves is putting price at the forefront of its strategy, then investors can justifiably claim hypocrisy as it refuses to tackle its own fees. With a basic management fee of 0.45 per cent a year, it is expensive compared with most peers. Its service may be superb but so are its profits, which hit 265.8 million last year with a net margin of 52.88 per cent. Tesco, a real supermarket rather than an investment one, has a margin of 1.64 per cent. Hargreaves can afford to cut clients' fees and should make this a priority in 2019. t.hazell@dailymail.co.uk Blackrock were duped by spoof letter Blackrock fell victim to an elaborate hoax after a spoof letter was sent to media outlets purporting to be from the firm's mucho intenso boss, Larry Fink. It warned companies to take more action over climate change or risk being dropped by the sprawling investment giant. No word yet on who's behind the hack. Crusty climate change campaigners remain high on the list of suspects. Re M&S, they've hired Britvic corporate affairs director Victoria McKenzie-Gould as new communications chief. She is well-versed in the art of slick communications. She was Tony Blair's deputy chief of staff for a time, if that's any guide. Like all wise investors, Wall Street hotshot Steve Eisman knows who to consult on the big issues of the day. He tells Radio 4 that not a single person in the UK had a clue what was going to happen over Brexit. 'Not even the London taxi drivers I've spoken to seem to know,' he remarks incredulously. Hedge funder and perpetual prophet of doom Crispin Odey, whose fund gained 53pc last year after three years of misery, reckons the stock market is heading (quelle surprise) for an almighty crash. He informs Bloomberg darkly: 'I had my recession. Now it's your turn.' Delightful fellow, no? Conservative MP Gillian Keegan expressed concern at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday at the rejection of Theresa May's Brexit bill. She said: 'Businesses up and down the country were very disappointed with last night's results with the possible exception of Wetherspoons.' No possibles about it, Gillian. Wetherspoon's Euro-hating boss Tim Martin was on BBC Breakfast yesterday. The mulleted rascal was cock-a-hoop. The most despairing aspect of the whole rotten parliamentary conniption over Brexit is the tendency, especially among those who would prefer the whole thing to go away, to denigrate Britain's economic and social settlement. Yes, there is much that needs fixing post the financial crisis. Policing, social care, the prisons and much else, following austerity. But the UK is in a much better place to do that with a jobless rate of 4.1 per cent, against 7.9 per cent across the euro area, rising real wages and a budget moving towards current balance allowing an extra 20billion to be spend on the NHS. The most despairing aspect of the whole rotten parliamentary conniption over Brexit is the tendency to denigrate Britain's economic and social settlement The remarkable thing is how little of Britain's genius has been crushed by the political furore. Our pharma giants Astrazeneca and Glaxosmithkline, building on the research strength of our universities, are shaping up to be leaders in the next generation of oncology and other medicines. The creative industries continue to shine, with Forbes declaring the Star Wars movies a 'billion-dollar blockbuster for Britain'. This week British cosmetics brand Elemis was snapped by L'Occitane for 700million. We may despair of the tax avoidance efforts of Silicon Valley by Apple, Google and Amazon, but they all seem, like the US investment banks, to regard London as the natural home for European campuses irrespective of whether we are in or out. It is a pity that business investment temporarily suffers through uncertainty. But warnings by the employers' group the CBI that a no-deal Brexit would be a disaster for jobs simply undermine confidence. A disaster for jobs is what much of the euro area has inside the customs union and the single market. House divided As the first housebuilder to scale the heights with profits of 1billion, Persimmon might expect to be garlanded. Instead, the stock market is cool, wondering how long the Help To Buy subsidy can continue to propel it forward and when management will realise that new homes are a social good, not a path to get rich quickly. The replacement of 75million chief executive Jeff Fairburn with his 40million colleague David Jenkinson cannot be a sensible permanent arrangement. If Persimmon is to restore the trust of investors, customers and the rest of the industry it must recognise that although turnover, profits, cash flow and dividend yield are very welcome, public companies have wider responsibilities. It needs to shed past baggage, including further bonuses to those who were recipients of the last jackpot packages. No longer can it be acceptable to produce shoddy houses. It needs to deal with past complaints rapidly and buy back pernicious leaseholds from clients unfortunate enough to have been sold homes on this basis. On a practical note, every new home must be built with access to fibre-optic broadband. Persimmon did well to spot the opportunity of Help To Buy, but the quid pro quo for backing this winning horse ought to be giving more back to society. Funds once set aside for bonuses and perhaps a share of the dividend should be ring-fenced to help deal with Britain's homeless problem. Persimmon would also be well advised to exceed local requirements on social housing in each of the 31 areas in which it operates. That is the least that can be expected of a FTSE 100 company sitting on more than 1billion of cash. Storing up trouble One hesitates to question the judgment of Marks & Spencer chairman Archie Norman. But in shutting 17 stores in towns as diverse as Weston-super-Mare and Rotherham, a retailer which for more than a century stood at the core of communities is tearing the heart out of high streets. The company is known to claim that, because its store portfolio is much older than rival Next, often its outlets are in the wrong places. Then it should move them to a part of town which is more relevant. The plan is to shift one-third of sales online. But one can't help but feel that M&S is putting the cart before the horse. Until it has online services, including food delivery, fit for purpose it is going to lose not just footfall but customers too. The stores are the showroom of the enterprise and can be collection and service centres. Surviving members of the founding families must be pulling their hair out at the negativism. Retailers live on confidence and M&S is losing the plot. It's easy to think that as an educated, sensible person, you could never be caught out by bank scammers. But in the four months since Money Mail launched its Stop The Bank Scammers campaign, we've heard from doctors, lawyers, teachers and as we reveal today even a police officer, who have all lost thousands of pounds. Some people are quick to snigger and call them fools and, trust me, no one feels more stupid than the victims themselves. Sophisticated: These days, fraudsters can spoof numbers to make it look as though calls are coming from your bank, and make text messages appear in the same thread as genuine ones But we've come a long way since the days of abysmally spelt emails from fraudsters claiming to be Nigerian royalty. These days, fraudsters are sophisticated and always one step ahead. They can spoof numbers to make it look as though calls are coming from your bank, and make text messages appear in the same thread as genuine ones. They speak with confidence and appear to know intimate details about your life. They even play the same music as your bank when they put you on hold! Now factor in a busy customer whose mind is full of everyday worries such as bills, children, what to cook for dinner, and you can see how devastatingly easy it is to be caught out. After all, no one is walking around expecting to have to swat away conmen at every turn. So it is hugely significant that the Financial Ombudsman has finally recognised that losing money to a scam does not automatically make you negligent. Fraud victims have not been reckless with their personal details or wilfully handed over passwords to crooks. They are, as the Ombudsman says, victims of 'criminals' sophisticated use of technology and manipulative social engineering'. All we need now is for the banks to catch up with the fact that the age of blaming the victim is over. Pay-back time While on the topic of fraud, it's great news that a taskforce has been set up to fight economic crime. Top priority of co-chairs Chancellor Philip Hammond and Home Secretary Sajid Javid should be to release the frozen funds languishing in criminals' accounts 130 million and use them to compensate fraud victims. Let's also hope they achieve more than the disappointing joint fraud taskforce set up by then home secretary Theresa May in 2016, which has updated its website just three times since then. Charity bonus Two Money Mail readers have recently reminded me about a brilliantly easy way that Amazon customers can donate to charity every time they shop. All you have to do is shop via a special version of their website called smile.amazon.co.uk (rather than the usual amazon.co.uk). You then purchase what you want as usual, for the same price. The only difference is that when you check out, Amazon will make a small donation to a charity of your choice typically half a per cent of the bill, excluding delivery charges. As Julie from Ascot says: 'It costs you nothing.' Some fresh ideas Finally, a few more money-saving tips to share. Last week, reader Geraldine suggested using a bulldog clip on the end of a tube of toothpaste to give you an extra few weeks of product. Well, Michael of St Andrews, Fife, has another: 'When you think your tube of toothpaste is finished, cut it in half. I usually find there is enough toothpaste inside both halves to last me a week.' Sharon Adams suggests: 'Use an empty handwash dispenser for washing-up liquid. It stops you using an exuberant squirt when doing the dishes'. She adds: 'If there is a money off coupon in a newspaper that requires a minimum spend you are likely to exceed by quite a lot, buy two copies. Then, when doing the shop, watch the running total. Once the minimum spend has been reached, stop, pay using one coupon and start again. That way you can double your savings.' Keep them coming! v.bischoff@dailymail.co.uk Today, we call on scam victims who have been denied a refund by their bank to demand their case is reviewed. In a major breakthrough for our Stop The Bank Scammers campaign, we have discovered that customers tricked into handing over their life savings are now winning compensation. Typically, banks refuse to refund scam victims on the grounds that the customers authorised the payment or were reckless with their banking details. Hope for victims: Customers tricked into handing over their life savings to scammers are now winning compensation But now it has emerged that the Financial Ombudsman has overhauled the way it deals with complaints about fraud and is ordering banks to pay back victims. It means it will be harder for banks to throw out complaints in the first place and could open the floodgates for claims from those previously turned away. It follows a landmark ruling where the Ombudsman ordered Santander to refund one victim 12,310. The customer had been sent a text message from criminals posing as the bank's fraud team, which appeared in the same chain as previous, legitimate messages. When he returned the call using the number given, he was tricked into disclosing vital information needed to transfer money out of his account. Initially the bank refused to refund him, claiming he had authorised the payments even though he had no idea he was speaking to scammers. But after referring his case to the Ombudsman, he was awarded a 12,310 payout plus interest. Police officer lost 15,000 saved up for stamp duty Simon and Elizabeth Ghali lost 15,200 to scammers just last week. The Ghalis, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, are due to move house in two weeks and had earmarked part of the money to pay their stamp duty bill. But on January 7, Elizabeth, a police officer, received a call out of the blue from someone claiming to work for NatWest's fraud team. As the phone number that appeared on her mobile matched the one on her bank card, she assumed the call was legitimate. The caller, 'Craig', said there had been suspicious activity on their account and asked if she had made a 186 payment to Currys. He took her through a series of security questions, confirming her date of birth and direct debits. He then said she needed to move her money to a safe account and requested she use her card reader to generate a code to approve the transfer. The caller even played the same music as NatWest when he put her on hold. But after Elizabeth, 36, hung up, she and Simon became suspicious and called NatWest. It then emerged their 15,000 savings for the move and their children were gone. Despite logging the fraud, the bank still allowed the fraudster to take out 15,000 more in the form of a loan in Elizabeth's name the next day. Simon says: 'I almost had a heart attack. We are intelligent people. My wife's a police officer, but he was so convincing she truly believed he was trying to help her. 'We have four children aged between two and 13 and we are supposed to move house in two weeks. This money is everything.' So far, NatWest has wiped the debt but refused to refund the couple their savings, claiming that they authorised the transaction. Simon and Elizabeth are referring their case to the Ombudsman. A spokesman for NatWest says: 'Keeping our customers safe and secure is of paramount importance to us. We sympathise with Mr and Mrs Ghali who have fallen victim to a scam and appreciate this has been a traumatic experience for them. 'We take our responsibilities to preventing scams very seriously, and support the victim of a scam in the recovery of their funds on a best endeavours basis.' How victims can fight to get money back When the Ombudsman receives a complaint about fraud, it first considers whether the customer authorised the transaction. This means transferring money out of the account yourself. If the Ombudsman thinks you did not do this, it will then consider if you acted with what banks call 'gross negligence'. In August the Financial Ombudsman announced it was raising the bar on what it considered to be 'gross negligence' in light of how sophisticated scams have become. It said: 'Banks often tell us they believe their customers have been grossly negligent in handing over personal details to scammers enabling the scam to occur. But gross negligence isn't a term to be used lightly. It is more than just being careless or negligent. 'And the evolution of criminals' methods in particular their sophisticated use of technology and manipulative social engineering means it's an increasingly difficult case to make.' Where banks cannot prove the customer acted with gross negligence when divulging information or passcodes, the Ombudsman may then rule it is 'fair and reasonable' that the customer is refunded the full amount stolen, plus interest at 8 per cent. Why this shift in attitude matters This is a huge shift in the Ombudsman's previous approach, where it often ruled that the bank was not at fault, leaving the customer empty-handed. And Money Mail has discovered that as a result of this tougher approach the number of cases being upheld in favour of the customer is already increasing. Between October and December the Ombudsman sided with customers in 62 per cent of fraud and scam cases up from 55 per cent in the previous three months. One Santander customer, who lost 71,000 in April 2017, is among those who won her case and will get a full refund. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, received a text from the bank concerning fraud on her account. She rang the telephone number included in the message and confirmed her details with someone she thought was a member of the bank's fraud team. But when she later checked her online bank account, she saw there was 71,000 missing. Santander initially reimbursed the customer 2,250, but refused to refund the remaining 68,750, claiming it had not made an error. But last month the Ombudsman ordered the bank to repay the full amount. Following Money Mail's intervention, Naika Butler has also won a 6,125 refund. The 33-year-old childminder had similarly received a text message from her bank about a suspicious payment last summer. When she called the number given she too was convinced to read out a code sent to her mobile. It was not until the next week that she discovered her savings were missing. Initially the bank refused to refund the money, but after pressure from Money Mail last week it has agreed to refund the full amount. How to get money back Not all fraud victims will get their money back. To be eligible, you must not have made the payment yourself. This means you never requested to transfer the money and were instead tricked into handing over personal details that enabled someone else to make the payment. This might include disclosing the answers to security questions because you thought you were talking to the bank's fraud team or the police. Or you may have read out 'one-time passcodes', which are needed to confirm payments, without realising what they were. Alternatively, you may have been targeted by fraudsters posing as your telecoms provider who said they needed remote access to your computer to fix a technical issue. But once they took control of your computer they hacked into your online banking account and stole money without you realising. On the other hand, if you made a bank transfer for a car which later turned out not to exist, it is unlikely you have a case. Similarly, you may also find your complaint rejected if you are convinced to make a payment to a bogus solicitor or builder, or pay a fee to release winnings from a fake overseas lottery. This is because you intended to make the payment. However, the rules are not crystal clear and it is likely there will be many grey areas. So if you are unsure it is always worth referring your complaint to the Ombudsman. It is a free service so you have nothing to lose. You have six years to complain to your bank about a disputed transaction. If your bank throws out your complaint you then have six months from the date you receive its final rejection letter to refer your case to the Ombudsman. To refer your case to the Ombudsman, write to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Exchange Tower, London, E14 9SR. Or call 020 7964 1000 for more advice on making a complaint. You can also fill in a form at help.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/help. If the adjudicator rules in favour of the bank, you typically have two weeks to appeal this provisional decision. This means your case will be passed on to an official Ombudsman, who will make a final decision. If you lose again, your only option is to take your bank to the small claims court, which can be a time-consuming and costly affair. If you have already been through the Ombudsman process and have received a final decision, you cannot ask it to reopen your case. But Martyn James, from Resolver, the complaints website, says you can go back to your bank and demand that it looks at your complaint again. He says: 'Given the new guidance, banks should review whether their customers did actually authorise the payments or were grossly negligent. 'If it maintains it should not pay out, the bank should allow the customer to refer their case back to the Ombudsman as a new complaint and be sure to stress the new complaint part. 'It will be interesting to see how these cases are viewed retrospectively,' he adds. I had to liquidate my business after scammers stole 31,000 Stolen: Steven Vallance and his partner Claire lost 31,000 Steven Vallance was forced to liquidate his firm after scammers stole 31,000 from his personal and business accounts in March last year. He had received a text about a suspicious transaction, which appeared in the chain of messages sent by his bank. Steven called a number given and spoke to someone purporting to be from NatWest's fraud department. He was asked several security questions and told 2,499 had already left his account but would be refunded. Steven, 44, who lives in Essex, was then asked to put his card into his card reader and read out a series of codes to confirm the refund. After the call, he spoke to his partner Claire, who felt uneasy and called NatWest to confirm the call was genuine. But an automated message said there was a waiting time of up to two hours due to severe weather. When Steven finally got through to someone he was told 18,000 had been transferred from his personal account and 13,000 from his business account. He says: 'I felt sick. Like I'd ruined our future and that of our baby daughter Jessica.' He later had to liquidate his commercial cleaning business. 'The money in the account was for tax I didn't have enough time to build up again,' he says. When Steven complained to NatWest, the bank refused to refund him because he had authorised the transaction. But Money Mail has now put the case to NatWest again in light of the new guidance from the Financial Ombudsman. A spokesman for NatWest says that, while its call waiting times were longer than usual, the bank takes its responsibilities very seriously. The bank has agreed to look again at Steven's complaint. Caroline Wayman, chief ombudsman and chief executive of the Financial Ombudsman Service, says: 'It's not fair to automatically call a customer grossly negligent simply because they've fallen for a scam. 'That's especially true in light of the sophisticated way criminals exploit banks' security systems and convince customers that their money is at risk. We often remind banks that they need to support what they're saying with facts. And if they can't do that, it's likely we'll tell them to cover the money their customer has lost.' Denis Stevens, 77, is among those hopeful that the Ombudsman's new approach to dealing with complaints about fraud will help him win back 27,500. The retired bricklayer had been called out of the blue in March 2017, by someone purporting to be from Lloyds. He was told that someone had tried to raid his account and he needed to move his money into a safe account to protect it. The bogus employee then requested he read out a series of passcodes that had been sent to his mobile phone. In fact, these were one-time passcodes that banks send customers to authorise payments. Denis says: 'At 3am I woke with a start and thought, 'You idiot, this is a scam.' ' And when he checked his online bank account he discovered 27,500 had disappeared. Denis reported what had happened to the police and his bank, but Lloyds was only able to recover 11,000. He says that, while he has tried to put the ordeal behind him, he is hopeful that he now has a chance at getting the rest of his savings back. A spokesman for Lloyds says it will contact the customer to see if he has new information. Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, says: 'Banks and building societies take the threat of fraud extremely seriously and invest millions in advanced fraud prevention systems to protect customers, stopping 2 out of every 3 of attempted fraud last year. But we know there is more to be done. 'UK Finance is part of the Authorised Push Payments (APP) Scams Steering Group, established by the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) to lead the development of an industry code for the reimbursement of victims of authorised push-payment scams. This code will help minimise the impact this devastating crime can have on consumers.' fraud@dailymail.co.uk EMILY ST. LAWRENCE, Chariho girls lacrosse, senior: St. Lawrence scored the 100th goal of her career in a 16-1 win against Lincoln. St. Lawrence finished her career with 104 goals, eight short of the school record. The team did not play last season due to the coronavirus pandemic. JOSH MOONEY, Stonington track & field, sophomore: Mooney scored in three events at the State Open meet. Mooney was second in the 110 hurdles, fourth in the javelin and fifth in the 300 hurdles. He scored all 17 of Stoningtons points. ALEX STOEHR, Westerly softball, freshman: Stoehr hit three triples and a double in a doubleheader sweep of Barrington. For the week, she was 7 for 13 with four doubles, two triples and three RBIs. Stoehr is hitting .333 for the season. Vote View Results There is a rapid increase in the number of data breaches last year, jumping by 17%, which has become an increasingly serious issue. Rece... London, Jan 17 (PTI) Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May won a confidence vote on Wednesday and averted a general election, a day after her government suffered a historic parliamentary defeat over her Brexit divorce deal with the European Union. Her government won by 325 votes to 306 - a majority of 19. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn argued that May's "zombie" administration had lost the right to govern during a six hour debate on his motion. His party has not ruled out tabling further no-confidence motions. After her victory, May told MPs that she would "continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union". She invited leaders of all parties to have individual meetings with her on the way ahead for Brexit, starting tonight, but called on them to approach them with a "constructive spirit". "We must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House," she added. May also reiterated a promise to return to the Commons on Monday to give MPs another vote on her plans. "The House has put its confidence in this government," she said. "I stand ready to work with any member of this House to deliver Brexit and ensure that this House retains the confidence of the British people." The Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's minority government, also voted to keep her administration in power despite their strong opposition to the Brexit deal. May's divorce deal to leave the EU was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs on Tuesday, triggering a no-confidence motion against her government and leaving the country with no plans for Brexit on March 29. The PM's bid to get the Withdrawal Agreement, struck between London and Brussels, was rejected by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. Within minutes after the defeat, the biggest for a sitting British government in history, opposition leader Corbyn's Labour party moved a motion of no-confidence against the May government to be held on Wednesday. Britain is set to exit the 28-member European Union, which it joined in 1973, on March 29. With just over two months to go until the scheduled departure, Britain is still undecide on what to do. May, 62, has spent two years negotiating the divorce plan aimed at bringing about an orderly Brexit and setting up a 21- month transition period to negotiate a free-trade deal with Brussels. Her deal included both the withdrawal agreement on the terms on which the UK leaves the EU and a political declaration for the future relationship. May had survived a no-confidence vote by her own Conservative Party in December. PTI HSR ANB ANB ANB Probe to nab main accused behind multi-crore rupee fraud Hyderabad, Jan 16 (PTI) A nation-wide probe has been launched to nab the main perpetrators behind the multi-crore rupee fraud, allegedly committed by marketing firm QNet, police said Wednesday. Police were also examining a complaint which cited involvement of several Hindi film actors for promoting the company, a senior police official said. The case pertains to alleged "cheating" by the Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd Company, a sub-franchisee of QI Group in India, marketing under brand name of QNet, police said. Reacting to the police action, the Company said it was "disappointed" by the action taken by authoritieswhich are against the spirit of the Direct Selling Guidelines issued by the Telangana State Government. In a release, Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt Ltd said a detailed investigation has been launched to punish the culprits. Police said 60 people were arrested last week for "involvement" in the 'QNet scam' in which lakhs of people across the country were "cheated" of crores of rupees. They said a sum of Rs 2.7 crore was frozen in the Bank account of Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd and bank accounts of the accused involved in the cases were also seized. A total of 30 cases were registered against QNet in Cyberabad Police Commissionerate limits here while eight cases are under investigation by the Telangana CID. Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said they were collecting information from police of different states and also from people who have been cheated across the country. "Our teams have been visiting different places including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru. This scam is rampant in the IT corridors of Bengaluru and other cities. The prime accused need to be arrested," the Commissioner told PTI. "We are verifying their bank accounts and examining others," he said. Sajjanar said they have also written to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Registrar of Companies seeking information on what kind of permission these firms had taken to run their businesses. Police said following the arrest of 60 people, some members of the Financial Fraud Victims Welfare Association, which has become the voice of victims of QNet, had met the Cyberabad Police Commissioner last week and requested him to book cases against few Hindi film stars and other celebrities for promoting QNetin India, Dubai and Malaysia. QNet has been using these celebrities to promote their illegal money circulation scheme in India, the victims had alleged in their complaint. "We are examining the complaint over alleged involvement of Bollywood stars," Sajjanar said. According to the Commissioner, Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd formerly known as Gold Quest, Quest Net, is a Hong Kong-based multi-level marketing company owned by QI Group. The company invokes many 'Ponzi' schemes and Binary Schemes, Product based, Vacation Packages etc, business tactics which are "illegal", he said. Police said their pyramidal structure of so called direct sales involves enrolment of a common person based on a payment which the promoters dupe as buying of a product and annual registration fees. According to police, such person will be called an Independent Representative (IR). They receive commissions based on the further enrolments they bring into the scheme. Such enrolment linked payment of commission schemes are banned in India as per 'The Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978,' police said. QNet has also been accused of using the banned binary pyramid business model for their multi-level marketing (MlM) schemes to entice investors. According to police, several cases have been registered against QNet and its earlier firms in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Telangana states. Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt Ltd said "The companys grievance redressal cell is headed by a retired high court judge. Hence, police intervention in a matter which is clearly a consumer complaint is puzzling." "We are further taken aback by the action taken by the authorities and the manner in which over 50 of Qnets Independent Representatives have been taken into custody." The firm said it has taken cognisance of the Police Commissioners statement about the misrepresentation by Qnet independent representatives (IRs) in Hyderabad promising quick money, and making other false claims about the financial returns from the business. "We have launched a detailed internal investigation to ascertain and punish the culprits, and have already suspended several IRs," the release added. PTI VVK BN BN New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The Supreme Court Wednesday agreed to hear next week a plea by an NGO challenging the January 10 order of the government appointing IPS officer M Nageswara Rao as interim director of the CBI. The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for petitioner NGO Common Cause and RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj, appealed to the bench, also comprising Justices N L Rao and and S K Kaul, to hear the plea this Friday. The CJI told Bhushan that it was "definitely not possible" to hear the matter on Friday and the plea would be heard next week. CBI's Additional Director Rao was given the charge of interim chief on January 10 till the appointment of a new director after a high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Alok Kumar Verma as the chief of the probe agency on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. PTI ABA LLP GVS New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The National Green Tribunal on Wednesday sought a report from the Kollam district administration after taking note of a news report about a 17-year-old girl's viral video on environmental impact of sand mining activity in her coastal village of Alappad in Kerala. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the Kollam District Magistrate to furnish a report within a month. The matter will now be heard on March 29. The tribunal's direction came after taking suo motu (on its own) cognizance of an Indian Express news report titled "17-year-old's video gets Kerala talking of impact of sand mining". The news report mentioned about Kavya S, a class 12 student, who made the video about the environmental impact of the decades-long black sand mining activity in her village Alappad. "The video, in which she relays a village's strong fears about falling off the map due to extensive dredging and excavation works by two public-sector firms, has become a huge talking point on television news channels, radio stations, and social media networks. "Her video and word of the campaign have been amplified by Malayalam cinema's young actors like Prithviraj Sukumaran and Tovino Thomas," the news report said. The report said that Alappad and several villages on the coasts of Kollam and Alappuzha in southern Kerala are rich repositories of black sand that contains important minerals like monazite, ilmenite, rutile and zircon. "Sand mining activities began in Alappad in the mid-60s, mainly under the auspices of the Centres Indian Rare Earths Limited and the state-owned Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited," it said. PTI PKS RT Jammu, Jan 16 (PTI) Amid spurt in Pakistani firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, the state administration Wednesday gave directions for early completion of underground bunkers for the safety of the border residents, an official spokesperson said. "Necessary measures should be taken for speeding up the construction work of the border bunkers which provide shelter to people living in border areas during the (Pakistani) shelling," Advisor to Governor, Kewal Kumar Sharma, said. Sharma passed the directive at a meeting convened to review the construction of bunkers in the border areas of Jammu division, including Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua districts, the spokesperson said. In December 2017, the Centre announced construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers for people living along the LoC and the IB in Jammu region to ensure their safety in the wake of frequent cross-border shelling. The spokesperson said the meeting was informed that around 891 individual bunkers and 60 community bunkers have been constructed in the border districts so far. "An amount of Rs 50 crore has so far been received from the central government," he said, adding that 90 per cent of the border bunker project would be completed by ending June. Three security personnel, including two officers and a porter, were killed and several others injured in a series of ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and the IB since the beginning of this year. Last year, 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan -- the highest in the past 15 years with an average of eight cases daily -- in which 61 people were killed and over 250 injured -- were recorded. PTI TAS AD KJ New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The SC Morcha of the BJP will hold its national convention and a massive rally in Nagpur on Saturday and Sunday, the president of the outfit said Wednesday. The event, 'Bhim Vijay Sankalp', is being held at Nagpur, where the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) is located, to dispel "illusion" that the BJP was a party of upper castes only, BJP SC Morcha chief Vinod Sonkar told reporters. "This illusion needs to be removed from the Scheduled Caste society," he said. 'Bhim Vijay Sankalp Rashtriye Adhiveshan, 2019,' and 'Bhim Vijay Sankalp Rally' at Nagpur is relevant as it is associated with the life of B R Ambedkar, Sonkar said. The resolve to bring back the Modi government at the Centre in upcoming polls will be taken during the convention and rally, he said. Sonkar said BJP chief Amit Shah and Union minister Nitin Gadkari would be present in the programme, along with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sonkar, who represents the Kaushambi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, hit out at the Congress and other parties for not doing anything for Dalits in the country. He also attacked Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati for entering into alliance with the Samajwadi Party for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. "Mayawati should tell people why she has allied with SP..." He said the SP-BSP alliance was an indication that the two parties were "scared" of the BJP, claiming that the Modi government had worked for honouring icons of the Dalit community and ensured their social and economic emancipation. PTI VIT HMB New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The Delhi University's Academic Council Wednesday passed a provision to have 10 per cent of permanent positions as contractual appointments, which was met with opposition by some members, sources said. According to sources, the Delhi University's Academic Council, in its meeting held Wednesday, passed an amendment to an ordinance pertaining to contractual appointments. Around 25 members entered the well of the house saying it was passed without adequate discussion. "The original ordinance had provisions for appointments of permanent, temporary and ad hoc, but now the varsity has brought a provision for contractual appointments which was not even discussed," one of the members said. The dissenting members said that contractual appointments pose a threat to the teachers who have been working on an ad hoc basis and expressed fear that in the future the government may force the varsity to have only contractual appointments. The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) organised a flash protest outside the Academic Council meeting Wednesday. The DUTA will march Thursday from Ramila Ground to Parliament Street to demand absorption of ad hoc teachers. The Academic Council meeting on January 2 was adjourned after some members had entered the well of the house over the reviewed report of the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations 2018 not being included in the agenda. A high-powered committee was constituted to review the UGC regulations 2018 regarding service condition of teachers, but the committee report was not placed in the agenda of the meeting on January 2. The committee had recommended absorption of ad hoc teachers with immediate effect and the extension of other benefits like paid maternity leave to them, they added. PTI SLB NIT UZM KJ KJ Jammu, Jan 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3 to lay foundation stones of various projects including one for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, a BJP spokesman said Wednesday. The prime minister will also address a public rally during his visit, the spokesman said. He said senior BJP leaders led by national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna and state president Ravinder Raina inspected the rally site. Khanna asked the leaders to personally review all arrangements for the rally so that the people do not face any inconvenience in reaching the site to listen to their favourite leader, the spokesman said. The leaders also visited the site where the prime minister will lay the foundation stone for the AIIMS, the spokesman said, adding they also examined the stage and reviewed other arrangements for the rally. Besides AIIMS, Modi is also likely to lay foundation stones for several other important projects including the Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway, Shahpur Kandi and Ujh projects, both of which have been declared as national projects. The prime minister will also be laying foundation stone for the Sudh Mahadev-Pul Doda National Highway, besides those for Ladakh University, Devika Rejuvenation Plan and Pattan-Pargwal bridge during his visit. PTI TAS RAX RAX New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) A controversy erupted over presence of Jagdish Tytler, facing allegations of involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in the charge taking ceremony of Sheila Dikshit as Delhi Congress president on Wednesday, with opposing parties terming the incident as an exposure of "anti-Sikh" face of the party. Dikshit backed Tytler saying he was a Congressman and hit back at the BJP and the AAP charging them of having a narrow view of looking at things. "Its a very narrow way of looking at things. After all he is a Congressman. The Congress has not shunted him out and he has not gone away from the party. So, why make an issue out of a non-issue," she told PTI. Tytler, who remains sidelined in the party, was seated along with other party leaders including Dikshit on the stage where the charge taking function took place at the Delhi Congress office. The Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) alleged that the incident exposed Congress's anti-Sikh face and demanded that the party leaders clear their stand on Tytler. "The AAP has been demanding the Congress to clear its stand on Tytler who is the main accused in anti-Sikh riot cases. The incident exposes anti-Sikh face of the Congress. Senior Congress leaders should now clear their stand on Tytler," Singh told reporters. Tytler said that those raising the controversy should tell if there is any FIR against him in the anti-Sikh riot cases. "I do not understand why is this controversy. There were 5,000 people at the function, I was one of them. There is no FIR against me. CBI cleared me three times in its enquiry. You should ask the BJP if there is any FIR against me," Tytler told PTI. Delhi BJP spokesperson Tejinder Pal Singh Bagga said the incident was like rubbing salt into the wounds of Sikhs. "Congress again rubbed Salt into wounds of Sikhs by Inviting Sikh murderer Jagdish Tytler into event of Shiela Dixit(sic)," Bagga tweeted. Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee(DSGMC) general secretary and BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that Tytler sitting in the "font row" at the event was an act to intimidate witnesses in anti-Sikh riot cases. "The Congress wants to send a message to the witnesses that the party high command supports Tytler and nobody should even try to testify against him," alleged Sirsa. Delhi Congress chief spokesperson Sharmishtha Mukherjee said that there was an open invitation for the programme and anybody could come in it. "It was an open programme and anybody could come. Also, there is no judgement against Tytler. The BJP and AAP who are attacking us should instead apologise for their own actions," she said. The BJP should apologise to the whole nation for 2002 Gujarat riots and AAP should also seek apology on why did not they passed resolution to term these riots as "genocide" as they did in case of anti-Sikh riots. A similar controversy arose in April last year over presence of Tytler and former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar, now convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case, during a protest of Congress president Rahul Gandhi against the Modi government at Rajghat. PTI VIT GVS CK Jaipur, Jan 16 (PTI) After its success in the recent Rajasthan Assembly elections, the Congress here has begun seeking feedback from workers in each constituency to pick candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. This is being done through a series of meetings being held in the state capital. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the party's state leadership is inviting workers to discuss the upcoming elections. "We are trying to understand their feelings and will collectively select nominees for the Lok Sabha elections. The final decision will be taken by the party high command," Gehlot told reporters. Gehlot claimed there is no doubt that the party will win all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Party office bearers on Wednesday held a meeting with workers of Chittorgarh Lok Sabha constituency. The meeting was held at the chief minister's residence and also attended by deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and Rajasthan in-charge of the All India Congress Committee, Avinash Pandey. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all 25 Lok Seats. But the Congress wrested two of them in the bypolls later. PTI AG SDA CK ASH CK New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Several opposition leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference chief Omar Abdullah and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday wished speedy recovery to Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, who left for the US for a medical check-up. Gandhi was one of the first opposition leaders who wished Jaitley speedy recovery. In a tweet, the Congress chief said, "I'm upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley." Following his tweet, other opposition leaders Abdullah and Lalu wished speedy recovery for the minister. "We hope to see him back in the country & in the best of health very soon. God speed," Abdullah said. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said he is "deeply disturbed" by the news that his fellow MP and advocate Jaitley has gone abroad for medical treatment, and wished him speedy recovery. Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Salman Khurshid said he prays for Jaitley's full recovery. Jaitley has been an important communicator and interlocutor with the opposition despite recent constraints, Khurshid said. Jaitley, 66, who had a kidney transplant operation and follow-up check-ups at AIIMS last year, left for the US Sunday night for a "regular medical check-up", sources said, adding that he would be back by this weekend. This is Jaitley's first overseas visit since his kidney ailment was confirmed in April last year. PTI JTR SKC KJ New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Three-time chief minister Sheila Dikshit Wednesday took charge as the president of the Delhi Congress at a ceremony which was marred by controversy over the presence of Jagdish Tytler, an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Rival parties were quick to attack the Congress over Tytler sitting in the front row at the event, alleging that the incident had exposed the "anti-Sikh" face of the party. However, Dikshit backed Tytler saying he was a Congressman and slammed the BJP and the AAP for looking at things in a "narrow way". "It's a very narrow way of looking at things. After all he is a Congressman. The Congress has not shunted him out and he has not gone away from the party. So, why make an issue out of a non-issue," she told PTI. Tytler, who remains sidelined in the party, was seated along with other party leaders including Dikshit on the stage where the function took place at the Delhi Congress office here. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that the incident exposed the Congress's anti-Sikh face and demanded that the party leaders clear their stand on Tytler. Three new working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilothia -- also took charge along with Dikshit. The enthused workers greeted the 80-year-old former Delhi chief minister at the Deendayal Upadhyay Marg with slogans such as "Sheila Dikshit ayi hai, badlav ki andhi layi hai" "(Sheila Dikshit has come, she has brought change). Dikshit asserted that she was not in favour of an alliance with the AAP for the upcoming parliamentary polls. "It (alliance) is not there right now. We have not thought about it specially after what they (AAP) said in Delhi Assembly about Rajiv ji. I have already said that I am not in favour of it at all," she told PTI after the oath-taking ceremony. The area around Delhi Congress office at Rajiv Bhawan wore a festive look as a large number of party workers and leaders anticipating the revival of the party under the leadership Dikshit thronged to attend the ceremony. With Dikshit at the helm of affairs, the party is looking to revive its fortunes in the national capital after a series of poll debacles starting with losing power in 2013. Dikshit said she will take the party to new heights in Delhi and sought the help of ground-level workers. She also said the Congress will make full efforts to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. She was appointed to the post by party president Rahul Gandhi after Ajay Maken stepped down citing health problems, earlier this month. Speaking at the event, Maken said people want the Congress back for development to take place and cited achievements such as Metro connectivity, CNG-based transport system, power reforms and a network of flyovers, in the party's rule under Dikshit. "This huge gathering attending the charge-taking function of Sheila ji will rob the BJP and AAP of their sleep," he asserted. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar said the entire country is looking up to Delhi Congress and Dikshit to remove those from power who practice the politics of division. The AICC in-charge of Delhi P C Chacko said Dikshit turned Delhi into a modern city as a chief minister and assured that all the leaders and workers stood with her in reviving the party in the national capital. Senior Congress leaders Karan Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Sandip Dikshit and almost all the top leaders of its Delhi unit attended the function. PTI VIT ASK ZMN New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The high-powered Selection Committee is likely to meet on January 24 to appoint the new CBI Director, sources said here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads the committee, in which the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge are the other members. The sources said the government had proposed the meeting on January 21 earlier while Kharge wanted the meeting on January 24 or 25. After mutual consultations, the government has finalised January 24 as the date for the meeting to select the new CBI Director, a post which is lying vacant ever since the government removed Alok Verma and appointed him as Director General Fire Service. IPS officer M Nageswara Rao was named the interim director of the CBI. The Congress has been attacking the prime minister for not appointing a regular CBI Director. Kharge had also written to the prime minister demanding early holding of the meeting of the high powered committee to appoint a regular CBI Director. PTI SKC RT New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday granted approval to an expenditure of over Rs 3,600 crore for setting up of 13 new central universities within the next 36 months. The new Central universities were established under the Central Universities Act, 2009 in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. While one university each is to be set up in 11 of these states, Jammu and Kashmir will get two new central varsities. "The Cabinet has given its approval for incurring an expenditure of Rs 3,639.32 crore for the 13 central universities for recurring cost and creation of necessary infrastructure for completion of the campuses. The work will be completed within 36 months," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said at a press conference. "The Cabinet has also given ex-post facto approval for Rs 1,474.65 crore being the amount spent over and above the earlier cabinet approval of Rs 3,000 crore for these central universities," he added. The minister said the move will increase access to higher education and set exemplary standards for other universities to emulate and will help in minimising the regional imbalances in educational facilities. PTI GJS CK Shillong, Jan 16 (PTI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will lead a delegation, including members from the BJP, to New Delhi on Thursday to air its opposition against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a senior state minister said Wednesday. The delegation will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to express their "unhappiness" over the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here after a cabinet meeting. He said the team will comprise all the members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which include the BJP, NCP and some regional parties. "We are leaving tomorrow and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to lodge our unhappiness with the intention of the Central government for passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill," Tynsong said. The state cabinet had passed a resolution to oppose the Bill last year. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha last week, provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. On the growing demand for the state government to come up with an official resolution in the Assembly with regards to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Tynsong said the question of passing a resolution does not arise. "It (official resolution) does not carry any weight as opposition (to it) has already been lodged by government as well as the Opposition parties," he said. The Meghalaya deputy chief minister said the state government had already submitted its letter of opposition to the Bill to the Centre through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which visited the state last year. To another query, Tynsong said unlike the opposition Congress which is divided over the issue, the ruling National People's Party has maintained a firm stand to oppose the Bill. "I request the Congress to please be united on this issue," he said. PTI JOP SNS NSD NSD Patna, Jan 16 (PTI) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday targeted Nitish Kumar for his statement that BJP president Amit Shah had suggested induction of former poll strategist Prashant Kishor into JD(U), saying the Bihar chief minister has finally admitted that his party was an advanced version of the saffron outfit. Kumar had said at an event hosted by a private news channel here that he was asked by Shah twice to induct Kishor, who joined the JD(U) in September last year and was elevated to the position of national vice-president a few weeks later. "Finally Nitish Kumar admits that JDU is advanced version of BJP (and) therefore he is giving all important organisational posts except him(self) to the people chosen by Sh Amit Shah," Yadav tweeted. "Hope now you understand why mob lynchings and state sponsored crimes have become a routine practice in Bihar," Yadav said further in his tweet. Kishor had worked as a poll strategist with the BJP during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, while later he also worked for Congress in Punjab for the state assembly polls in 2017. Yadav, who is currently the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, had previously been the deputy chief minister under Kumar when the RJD and JD(U) were together in a grand-alliance. At Tuesday's event, Kumar had also said that his exit from the grand alliance was a fall-out of corruption cases against Yadav and his party had refused to give a satisfactory explanation. Kumar, the Janata Dal (United) national president, further said that he had an affection for Tejashwi Yadav, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad's 28-year-old younger son, despite his acerbic language in attacking him after their parties broke the alliance. PTI NAC SNS BJ BJ Aizawl, Jan 16 (PTI) Around 35,000 Bru refugees living in relief camps in Tripura would continue to receive free ration and cash allowance till March 31, officials said Wednesday. A senior Mizoram government official said inmates of the six relief camps at Kanchanpur sub-division in North Tripura district were in uncertainty as the the Centre was scheduled to discontinue the assistance from Tuesday. The home ministry has conveyed to the state government that the assistance would be available to the Bru refugees till March 31, Mizoram additional secretary for home Lalbiakzama told PTI. The Bru community in the relief camps were happy about the decision, said R Laldawngliana, vice-president of the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), an umbrella organisation of the refugees. Laldawngliana, who is now in Delhi along with other leaders of the MBDPF, said they were informed of the decision by officials of the home ministry. The Centre had earlier decided to close the relief camps and stop the assistance in October last year in accordance to an agreement signed in July on repatriation of the Bru refugees to Mizoram, where they originally belong. The agreement was inked on July 3, 2018 in Delhi among the Centre, the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura and the MBDPF. All the stake holders had agreed to complete the repatriation of Brus to Mizoram by the end of September. However, out of 5,000 refugee families, only 150 members of 42 families returned to Mizoram during the repatriation exercise between August 25 and September 25. MBDPF leaders said the repatriation process could not take off as many heads of families could not obtain necessary documents like Aadhaar and ration cards and were yet to open bank accounts to fulfil the provisions of the agreement. The Centre had stopped the assistance from October 1, but resumed it on October 22 with the condition that it would continue only till January 15. The MBDPF recently said that it hoped that the newly-elected Mizo National Front (MNF) government in Mizoram initiate talks on the repatriation issue. Official sources, however, said resumption of repatriation process is unlikely in the near future in view of the upcoming Parliamentary polls. Thousands of Bru refugees from Mizoram fled to Tripura during an ethnic violence in 1997. The clashes broke out after a forest official was killed by Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) militants. The Centre, in association with the governments of Mizoram and Tripura, was repatriating the displaced Brus in phases. Though several Bru families have returned to Mizoram over the years, many refused to leave Tripura citing security reasons and inadequate package. PTI HCV NN SOM SOM Bhopal, Jan 16 (PTI) CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising the party-led government in Kerala over the Sabarimala row and claimed his statements amounted to "contempt of court". Addressing a gathering of BJP workers in Kollam Tuesday, Modi had said the conduct of Kerala's CPM-led LDF government on the Sabarimala issue would go down in the history as one of the "most shameful behaviours by any party and government". Modi had also said the Congress and Communists were talking about gender justice in the Sabarimala issue but their actions were "just opposite". Yechury condemned Modi for his remarks. "He charged the elected government in Kerala with not paying attention to public sentiments. The issue was that the Supreme Court has ordered that women (of all ages) be given equal rights as far as entry in Sabarimala temple is concerned," he told reporters here. "No elected government has any other option but to implement an SC order. Now the prime minister of the country is saying why the Supreme Court's order was implemented," he said. Yechury said the prime minister had taken oath of the Constitution, which said the apex court's orders have to be implemented, especially by the elected governments. "We believe the PM's speech amounted to contempt of court. Now the Supreme Court has to take cognisance about this, but this doesn't look possible," he said. The veteran Communist termed Modi as a "demolition man", saying he has "demolished institutions and economy of the country". Yechury alleged the RSS and the BJP were violating law in Kerala and had turned Sabarimala into "Ayodhya of South India" by polarising people on religious grounds. The CPM leader ruled out any national-level pre-poll alliance with the Congress and favoured state-specific tie-ups to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He said "an anti-BJP, secular and democratic alliance" is possible after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "Those against Modi ji are facing legal action," Yechury said when asked about the chargesheet filed against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the 2016 JNU sedition case. PTI ADU MAS RSY AAR GUANGZHOU, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's import and export volume in 2018 rose 9.7 percent year on year to more than 30 trillion yuan (4.4 trillion U.S. dollars), a record high amid the complex circumstances mainly thanks to the country's robust ang resilient private sector. "Private enterprises contributed more than half to China's foreign trade growth in 2018, a bright spot of China's foreign trade development," said Li Kuiwen, spokesperson of the General Administration of Customs. This indicates the private sector's stronger presence in driving China's foreign trade. Song Ziqiang, head of the import and export department of Kingfa Technology Co., Ltd., said his company had achieved over 10 percent growth in both imports and exports in 2018. "In particular, our exports of biodegradable plastics, a high value-added new material, rose 117 percent year on year, accounting for about a third of such products in the European market," Song said. As a private new material enterprise in the southern Guangdong Province, Kingfa uses more than 4 percent of the company's annual sales revenue for research and development in high-performance new materials such as special plastics and carbon fiber. "With high-tech innovation and government support for private companies and the real economy, we are confident to realize high-quality development this year," said Song. New trade forms and business models, including cross-border e-commerce, are showing greater vitality, according to Gu Xueming, head of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce. "The effect of China's foreign trade transformation and structural adjustment will be further demonstrated," Gu said. The official data shows that China's total retail imports and exports via cross-border e-commerce management platforms of customs increased by 50 percent in 2018. "Tariff cuts have attracted more overseas quality commodities to China, and consumer goods for daily use have become one of the import priorities," said Huang Hongying, vice president of Vipshop Holdings Ltd., a Chinese online discount retailer. "The expanded imported consumer goods market brings new opportunities for e-commerce platforms. Our foreign purchases are estimated to exceed 10 billion yuan in the future," Huang said. China's home appliance marker Galanz exported its products to more than 70 countries and regions along the Belt and Road in 2018. About 3 million microwave ovens were exported. Demands in Southeast Asia have increased significantly, according to Liang Zhaoxian, president of the company. Domestic appliances are one of China's major export products. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, the company plans to build more branches along the routes and bring more quality products and services to customers, he said. China's robust economy and improved services have also provided a strong impetus for foreign companies to invest in the country. More than 60,000 foreign-funded enterprises were set up in China last year, up 69.8 percent compared with 2017, according to the Ministry of Commerce. In 2018, Guangdong, a major hub for foreign trade, attracted tens of billions of dollars of investment in petrochemical projects from Germany chemical company BASF SE and U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil. Foreign companies including Toyota, Shell and Hitachi also expanded their investment and production in the province. "Our efforts in boosting foreign capital use and creating a better business environment have made a significant contribution to Guangdong's stable development of foreign trade," Yang Yong, deputy director of the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Commerce. Illegal forex trade call centre busted, one arrested Mumbai, Jan 16 (PTI) The police busted an unauthorised forex trade call centre in suburban Andheri and arrested its manager, a senior official said Wednesday. Anup Ram (33), manager of the call centre operating in Andheri East area, was arrested after a raid Tuesday. The call centre did not possess the necessary documents or licenses to run a forex trade business, the police official claimed. While other employees of the call centre were allowed to go after questioning, the manager was arrested under IPC sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) as well as under the Information Technology Act, said senior inspector of MIDC police station, Nitin Alaknure. The accused was produced before a court Wednesday which remanded him in police custody till January 25, the official said. PTI AVI KRK KRK What works against him are the below average dialogues and a sloppy script Bamako (Mali), Jan 17 (AFP) At least 10 people were killed by "terrorists" in northeastern Mali, including members of an armed group and civilians, a government official said on Wednesday. The attack took place around 45 kilometres (27 miles) from Menaka in an area which has been badly hit by jihadist violence that claimed several hundred lives in 2018, most of them civilians of Touareg or Fulani ethnicity. "At least 10 (people), fighters for the Movement for the Salvation of Azawad (MSA) and civilians were killed on Tuesday... by armed men," the government official told AFP adding that "terrorists" were the suspected culprits. In a statement the MSA, part of a Touareg rebellion movement in the north, condemned the attacks. "At the end of the clashes, the assailants summarily executed around 20 people, including the elderly," it said. The attackers "arrived on motorbikes... attacking an (MSA security) post," added a local elected representative, giving a death toll of "at least 10". In August, a panel of experts said in a report to the UN Security Council that inter-communal conflicts in the region were exacerbating existing tensions resulting from clashes between jihadists groups and international and Malian forces. France helped Malian forces stave off a jihadist insurgency that took control of large parts of the troubled north in 2012, but large swathes of the country remain out of the government's control, despite a 2015 peace accord designed to isolate Islamist extremists. Since then, attacks have extended to central and southern regions of Mali and over the borders into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. (AFP) ANB ANB Nairobi, Jan 16 (AFP) The Al-Shabaab jihadist group said Wednesday it carried out the deadly attack on a Nairobi hotel and office complex in retaliation for US President Donald Trump's declaration of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the SITE monitoring group said. The group said in a statement picked up by SITE that its fighters stormed the DusitD2 complex on instructions by Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. "It is a response to the witless remarks of the US president, Donald Trump, and his declaration of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel." AFP NSA NSA Peshawar, Jan 16 (PTI) Security forces in Pakistan have gunned down four militants, including a top Taliban commander who masterminded the last year's powerful bomb blast in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in which at least 31 people including three Sikhs were killed. Those killed in the exchange of fire include Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Islam and Mohibullah who were involved in various terror activities, officials said. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession. Intelligence agencies raided a house near Qazi pump area where the militants were believed to be hiding. The owner of the house was also killed in the firing between the militants and security forces. In November, 31 people including three Sikhs were killed and over 40 others injured in the bomb blast at the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area, bordering Afghanistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan had strongly condemned the terrorist attack. Orakzai, a terror hotbed, is one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal regions of Pakistan which has a porus border with Afghanistan. PTI AYZ CPS New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Union defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman met the cast and crew of "Uri: The Surgical Strike" on the occasion of Army Day on Tuesday. Film's stars Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, director Aditya Dhar and producer Ronnie Screwvala were part of the meeting that took place at Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's 'at home' function. Sitharaman took to Twitter to congratulate the film's team about which she has been "hearing many good things". "At COAS Bipin Rawat's #ArmyDay 'at home', with the team of the film #URITheSurgicalStrike. "Yet to watch it, but hearing many good things. Kudos, @RonnieScrewvala @AdityaDharFilms @vickykaushal09 @yamigautam for a slick war movie on the spirit of our heroes! #howsthejosh?," the union minister tweeted, along with some photos from the event. The actors said they were honoured to make the acquaintance of the minister. "It was an honour meeting you Ma'am," Kaushal wrote in a reply to Sitharaman's post. "We are honoured to meet you Ma'am.... and thanks so much for your encouraging words. What you do for the nation is incomparable," tweeted Gautam. The film is based on the 2016 Indian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan as a retaliation for the Uri attack that claimed the lives of 17 army personnel. Also featuring Paresh Rawal and Mohit Raina, "Uri..." released on January 11. PTI RDS BK BK (Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with NewsVoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) Tokyo, Japan (NewsVoir) 2019 Japan Prize Honors Japanese and American Scientists in Fields of Chemistry and Agriculture Yoshio Okamoto established the groundbreaking concept of asymmetric polymerization; Rattan Lal pioneered no-tillage agriculture and methods to sequester carbon in the soil Central to its deep commitment to honor the most innovative and meaningful advances worldwide, The Japan Prize Foundation today announced the laureates of the 2019 Japan Prize, who have pushed the envelope in their respective fields of Materials and Production and Biological Production, Ecology. Two scientists are being recognized with the 2019 Japan Prize for original and outstanding achievements that not only contribute to the advancement of science and technology, but also promote peace and prosperity for all mankind. India born, Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. is being honored for his work in identifying technological options adapted to various ecosystems through his intensive basic and applied research on processes and factors of soil degradation caused by inappropriate biological production, as well as in evaluating recommended agricultural practices which reduce risks of soil degradation and of anthropogenic climate change while improving the environmental quality and addressing the critical issues of feeding the earth's population, which is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. Lal was born in Gujranwala in West Punjab, Pakistan, and his family came to India as refugees in 1948. He studied in India and later came to the US to work on his doctorate in soils, which he completed in 1968. He has been listed among the World's Most Influential Scientific Minds (2012) and among the top one per cent of all researchers in agriculture. Dr. Yoshio Okamoto, Professor Emeritus at Nagoya University in Nagoya, Japan has contributed enormously to the development of basic science and industry by establishing the groundbreaking concept of asymmetric polymerization for the creation of a helical polymer and developed the results into a practical separation method for optically active drugs. To honor Drs. Lal and Okamoto, the Japan Prize Foundation will host an award ceremony on April 8, 2019 in Tokyo. Each laureate will receive a certificate of recognition and a commemorative gold medal. A cash award of 50 million Japanese yen (approximately $450,000 USD) will also be given to each prize field. The Japan Prize is highly competitive: the nomination process ends in February, and, every year from March to November, the Foundation considers the nominations of 15,000 prominent scientists and researchers from around the world. Currently, the Foundation is in the initial stage of the nomination process for the 2020 Japan Prize, and is asking its selected nominators across the globe to nominate candidates whose achievements they believe to be deserving of the prestigious international prize in the fields of Electronics, Information and Communication and Life Science. The submission deadline is February 28, 2019. Image: Dr. Rattan Lal PWR PWR (Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Business Wire India Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) has opened a new headquarters office and research center to support its operations in India. Located in Mumbai, the new location brings together research and sales as well as business support functions, and enables the company to better meet customer needs across the region. Nouryon is significantly expanding its operations in India. Key projects include an expansion and upgrade of Nouryons organic peroxides facilityinMahad, which is close to completion, as well as a new monochloroacetic acid plant in Gujarat. The latter is a joint project with chemicals manufacturing company Atul, a part of Lalbhai Group, and is scheduled to start production later this year. India is an increasingly important market for us and these investments clearly demonstrate our commitment to grow with our customers in the region, said Charlie Shaver, CEO of Nouryon. The chemical industry is regarded as a backbone of Indias agricultural and industrial development, and we see good opportunities for sustainable growth. The company started operations in India in 1991 and currently serves customers in markets ranging from agriculture to pharmaceuticals, and plastics, rubbers and composites as well as from personal care to paints and coatings, and oil and gas. To View the Image Click on the Link Below: At the ribbon cutting ceremony of Nouryons new India HQ and research center. (Left to Right) Alain Rynwalt, Sales & Marketing Director, EMEIA Polymer Chemistry, Ann Lindgarde, Regional General Manager, EMEIA Surface Chemistry, Shrikant Kulkarni, Managing Director, Nouryon India About Nouryon We are a global specialty chemicals leader. Markets worldwide rely on our essential chemistry in the manufacture of everyday products such as paper, plastics, building materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care items. Building on our nearly 400-year history, the dedication of our 10,000 employees, and our shared commitment to business growth, strong financial performance, safety, sustainability, and innovation, we have established a world-class business and built strong partnerships with our customers. We operate in over 80 countries around the world and our portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Eka, Dissolvine, Trigonox, and Berol. PWR PWR New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Skeletons kept tumbling out of the closet in the forensic audit of embattled Amrapali Group, as court-appointed auditors on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that posh flats were booked on sums as low as Re 1, Rs 5 and Rs 11 per sq ft in the name of over 500 people. The audit found that 23 companies were floated in the name of office boys, peons and drivers and these firms were part of Amrapali consortium and were made fronts to divert home buyers' money. The two forensic auditors told the apex court that they have issued notices to 655 people on whose names 'benami' flats were booked but no one was found in 122 such locations. The interim report of forensic auditors which was submitted before a bench of justices Arun Mishra and U U Lalit said that Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Chander Wadhwa had transferred Rs 4.75 crore to "unidentified persons" just three days before he deposed before the top court on October 26, last year. "He (Wadhwa) had in his account Rs 12 crore till March 2018. Then he had transferred Rs 1 crore in the name of his wife. Just three days before he appeared in the court for the first time on October 26, 2018, he had transferred Rs 4.75 crore to some unidentified persons," forensic auditor Pawan Kumar Agarwal told the bench. The submission of Agarwal irked the bench which pulled up Wadhwa who was present in the court and warned him of contempt action. "You (Wadhwa) are putting spoke in the wheels of justice. You very well knew that questions will be asked by the court and hence you transferred the money. We want the entire tranche of money back in seven days time. You had no business to transfer the money on October 23, 2018. You have obstructed the course of justice and we may haul you up for contempt of court," the bench said. The court also asked the forensic auditors to produce the orders of Income Tax department which during its search and seizure conducted in 2013-14 had recovered Rs 200 crore bogus bills and vouchers besides Rs one crore from Amrapali Group CMD Anil Kumar Sharma and Rs one crore from director Shiv Priya. Another forensic auditor Ravi Bhatia told the court that Amrapali Group had appealed against the IT order which had deleted the paragraph which mentioned of Rs 200 bogus bills and vouchers raised on account of purchase of raw materials. "You submit us both the orders of IT department and the appellate authority. We would like to see them," the bench said. The top court also brought under its scanner multi-national firm JP Morgan Real Estate fund, which had invested Rs 85 crore in Amrapali Zodiac in 2010 by purchasing its share and later selling those shares to the sister companies of reality firm. The forensic auditors pointed out that shares purchased and agreement of JP Morgan Real Estate fund and Amrapali Group were in violation of the provisions of law. "After investing Rs 85 crore in purchasing the shares of Amrapali Zodiac with an agreement which was impermissible in law they again sold those shares for Rs 140 crore to little known companies Neelkanth and Rudraksh which were owned by Chandan Mittal and Vivek Mittal who worked in the office of Amrapali statutory auditors. These two companies were sister companies of Amrapali Group," the forensic auditors said. To this, the bench told the counsel for JP Morgan and its India in-charge that the company needs to explain lot of things and they need the reply within one week. "You have to explain within a week when did this transaction took place, what documents had you seen, when did you appointed your Chief Financial Officer, who took the decision to sell those shares to companies like Neelkanth and Rudraksh, whether any study was conducted to see the standing of these companies in market, who signed the documents and lastly who signed the cheques. We want each and every details in one week," the bench said. It also warned that if their were no satisfactory reply to the questions then the court may direct Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to look into the matter. The counsel for JP Morgan, however, said that they would explain everything to the court and urged the bench not to get prejudiced with the findings of forensic audit. To provide relief to over lakhs of home buyers residing in various projects of Amrapali Group without registration, the bench also sought legal suggestions from parties and the Noida and Greater Noida authorities on registration of their flats and posted the matter for further hearing on January 24. The apex court had on December 12, asked the two forensic auditors to examine the trail of around Rs 3,000 crore, the home-buyers' money allegedly spent by the Amrapali Group on buying shares of its sister companies and asset creation. It had directed the forensic auditors to ascertain the numbers of flats which were 'benami' property, doubly booked or booked on a nominal value by Amrapali Group. On November 13 last year, in a massive crackdown on Amrapali Group for "wilful disobedience" of its orders, the apex court had attached the company's 100-bed multi-speciality hospital, bank accounts, the building which houses its office, certain firms and a "benami" villa in Goa. The court is seized of a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in projects of the Amrapali Group. PTI MNL ZMN (Eds: Changing headline, adding more details) New Delhi, Jan 16 (PTI) Crisis-hit Jet Airways Wednesday said State Bank of India, along with other lenders and stakeholders, is working on a comprehensive resolution plan to turnaround the airline. The resolution plan being discussed contemplates equity infusion and consequent changes in the board of directors, the full service carrier said. Against the backdrop of its shares taking a beating amid uncertainties over possible revival plan, Jet Airways said it has been working on various cost cutting measures, debt reduction and funding options. The full service carrier, which has been grappling with financial woes, defaulted on loan repayment to a consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) on December 31, 2018. In a statement, the airline said a resolution plan that contemplates various options, including proportion of equity infusion by various stakeholders and the consequent change in the company's board, is being worked out. "SBI, in consultation with the other members of the consortium and the other stakeholders, has been working on a comprehensive resolution plan towards a turnaround of the company for its sustained growth and restoration of financial health," Jet Airways said. The airline also said the resolution plan is presently under active discussion amongst the stakeholders and that the various options are yet to be crystallised and agreed to by the stakeholders in the best interests of the company. Citing the board's decision taken in August 2018, the airline said it has been working on various cost-cutting measures, debt reduction and funding options. Infusion of capital and monetisation of assets, including the company's stake in its loyalty programme, in consultation with various key stakeholders are being looked at. According to the airline, the resolution plan contemplates various options on the debt-equity mix, proportion of equity infusion by the various stakeholders and the consequent change in the composition of the board of directors. The implementation of the resolution plan, once approved by all the stakeholders, would be subject to receipt of applicable statutory, regulatory, contractual and corporate approvals and consents. Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent to Rs 271 on the BSE. According to reports, Jet Airways' strategic partner Etihad Airways is looking to hike its stake in the airline. Responding to queries about the reports, an Etihad spokesperson told PTI, "Etihad does not comment on rumour or speculation". Earlier in the day, the Civil Aviation Ministry Wednesday expressed hope that the airline, its strategic partner Etihad and lenders reach a "common plan" to deal with the situation. PTI RAM IAS RAM ANS ANS No Pakistan delegation at Vibrant Gujarat Summit: Rupani (Eds: with minor edits) Ahmedabad, Jan 16 (PTI) No delegation from Pakistan would be attending the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said here Wednesday. Heads of state of some countries are expected to reach Gandhinagar for the 9th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit beginning January 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event and hold one-on-one meetings with the leaders on the sidelines of the summit. There was a controversy when the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), while inviting global trade bodies for the investors' meet, had also invited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce for the mega event. Indo-Pak diplomatic ties have been strained in recent times over the issue of terrorism. "No delegation from Pakistan is coming for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit," Rupani said. The issue (of Pak participation) was discussed, he added. He did not elaborate. Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had last week said there was nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan's trade body for the summit. The GCCI had decided to invite global trade bodies during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and the state government had agreed to it. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce was among the global trade bodies invited by GCCI. The Gujarat government had not sent any invitation, Singh said. The Pakistani trade body was invited to participate in the 'Global Conclave of International Chambers' event to be held during the Summit. In 2013, a trade delegation from Pakistan had come to Gujarat to participate in the summit but due to tension on the border, the delegation left without attending the main event. No Pakistani delegation was invited for the investor meets held in 2015 and 2017. The summit was initiated in 2003 by Modi when he was the chief minister, to promote investment in Gujarat and to establish it as the preferred investment destination in India. PTI PD GK VT VT VT (Eds: Minor edits, adding more quotes after para 9) Mumbai, Jan 16 (PTI) Amid concerns over the financial health of Jet Airways, the Civil Aviation Ministry Wednesday expressed hope that the airline, its strategic partner Etihad and lenders reach a "common plan" to deal with the situation. Jet Airways, which has also defaulted on loan repayments, is looking to raise funds and is in discussions with Etihad and lenders to chart the way forward. There is a proposal for Etihad raising its stake in the full service from the current 24 per cent. On a question on Etihad Airways reportedly seeking exemption over the open offer, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the issue is being discussed amongst the promoters and lenders. "We hope that the three -- Jet Airways, Etihad and the lenders -- come together and decide on a common plan," he said here. According to reports, Etihad might have to make an open offer in case it is hiking the stake in Jet Airways. "If any such thing (open offer exemption) is required, they will have to reach out to Sebi and it will take a call. That is something (open offer exemption) between Jet Airways, Etihad and Sebi. Government has no direct role in this," Choubey said. Under market regulator Sebi's norms, entities have to make an open offer in case their shareholding in listed companies goes beyond a certain threshold. When asked whether the ministry would recommend an exemption like it did in case of SpiceJet acquisition, he said "The ministry has not applied its mind on any application for recommending any waiver (for open offer)." Choubey also said the government would not allow Substantial Ownership and Effective Control (SOEC) norms to be breached. "Under no circumstances the government will allow the substantial ownership and effective control (norms) to be busted," he said on the sidelines of the global aviation summit. In September 2012, the UPA government had allowed foreign airlines to invest up to 49 per cent in an Indian carrier provided substantial ownership and control remained with Indian nationals. According to Choubey, irrespective of Etihad's holding in Jet Airways, the regulator would need to be satisfied that the control remains in local hands. Jet Airways defaulted on repayment of loans to a consortium of lenders. "Payment of interest and principal installment due to the consortium of Indian banks (led by State Bank of India) on December 31, 2018, has been delayed due to temporary cashflow mismatch," the airline informed the stock exchanges on January 1. The carrier has posted three consecutive quarterly losses of over Rs 1,000 crore each since March 2018. Amid financial woes, an official said Jet Airways has deferred deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX planes The airline was scheduled to induct 11 Boeing 737 MAX planes in the fleet by March this year. It has taken only five such aircraft so far. "As of now the delivery of the other (six) aircraft is on hold," the official said. Jet Airways has placed order for 255 single-aisle 737 MAX planes with the US aircraft maker Boeing. The first Boeing 737 Max to Jet Airways was delivered in June last year. PTI IAS RAM ABM Ahmedabad, Jan 16 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday during which he will inaugurate the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The summit is being held in Gandhinagar from January 18 to 20. Modi will take part in a slew of other programmes during his January 17-19 visit which will also cover Silvassa, the capital of the neighbouring Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, according to his itinerary shared by the state government and the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Upon his arrival on January 17, Modi would first inaugurate the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show', an integral part of the biennial investor summit. Later in the afternoon, he would inaugurate a newly built hospital in Ahmedabad, according to the schedule. The 1,500-bed hospital has been built in the premises of VS Hospital, run by the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). In the evening, the PM would inaugurate a shopping festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront. Modi would address gatherings at both these places. On the morning of January 18, Modi will inaugurate the three-day summit. In the afternoon, he will have one-to-one meetings with some of the heads of state who would be attending the event. Heads of five countries and over 30,000 national and international delegates, including CEOs of major companies from India and abroad, are expected to attend the 9th edition of the summit, according to organisers. Indian business tycoons who are expected to attend include Mukesh Ambani, Uday Kotak, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Gautam Adani, Adi Godrej and Pankaj Patel. CEOs and top executives of global companies like BASF, DP World, Suzuki, Vanguard and Maersk would also be present. In the evening, the prime minister will take part in a 'round table interaction' with the heads of global sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and institutional investors. This will be followed by a dinner with VVIP guests. On January 19, Modi is scheduled to visit Hazira industrial area near Surat as well as Silvassa. The PM "will visit Hazira in Surat on January 19 to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory", a PIB release said Wednesday. From Hazira, he will go to Silvassa "to inaugurate as well as to lay foundation stone for various projects", the release said. PTI PJT PD RSY ABM ABM SBI, other banks agree to finance Samruddhi Corridor Mumbai, Jan 16 (PTI) A consortium of banks led by State Bank of India has agreed to provide finance for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' pet Nagpur-Mumbai `Samruddhi Corridor' expressway project, a top official said Wednesday. SBI has agreed to lend the highest amount, Rs 8,500 crore, said Bhushan Gagrani, principal secretary in the Chief Minister's Office. "Other lenders include Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra as well as the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India," he said. The estimated cost of the project, being constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, is around Rs 50,000 crore, of which around Rs 26,000 crore are required for the construction of the expressway. "We were falling short of Rs 3,000-4,000 crore to reach the target of Rs 26,000 crore. The consortium of banks has agreed to share that shortfall too. It has solved the major issue of financial support," Gagrani said. He added that banks believe in the financial viability of the project. Almost 95 per cent of the land acquisition is complete, Gagrani added. Acquisition in some stretches in Amravati and Aurangabad regions is yet to be done. The corridor will have 25 toll plazas, and the toll will be collected for 40 years. PTI MM KRK KRK Maharashtra to set up 3,200 mw solar projects in two years Mumbai, Jan 16 (PTI) Solar projects with 3,200 mw capacity will be set up in Maharashtra in the next two years, Power Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Wednesday. He said chief engineer in each of the 16 zones of Mahavitaran, the state-run power distribution company, has been directed to ensure setting up of 200 mw solar projects (total 3,200 mw) in his jurisdiction in the next two years. Bawankule was speaking to reporters after presiding over a review meeting of his department. All private and government water, irrigation projects, government buildings, including those of gram panchayats, will be powered using solar energy under a scheme, he said. The scheme will be implemented as part of the energy conservation policy of the government, said the minister who asked the authorities concerned to prepare a budget of Rs 500 crore for the Cabinet's approval. MahaGenco is implementing solar projects with 750 mw capacity, he said, adding big projects will be handled by MahaGenco and smaller ones by Mahavitaran. MahaGenco is the generation company of the state electricity board. PTI MR RSY RSY West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that her rally on January 19, at Kolkata's Brigade Parade Ground, will smash the record of Jyoti Basu's legendary 1977 Brigade rally. Days before the state assembly elections, a charismatic Basu raised the slogan of Congress hatao and promised Bengal an end to overwhelming poverty and political violence. The meeting was marked, not by leaders on the dais, but by the massive public participationunofficial reports suggested that more than 25 lakh people attended the rally. Four decades later, Banerjee is raising the slogan BJP hatao, portraying the rally as a game changer in the national politics. Banerjee called the rally a platform for opposition unity. Even though Banerjee has not openly declared her prime ministerial ambitions, the signs are as clear as day. January 19, for CM Banerjee, would be an acid test as she will no doubt attempt to consolidate her strength in a non-BJP, non-Congress setting. If the regional parties combined win around 200 seats in the general elections, they can determine the prime minister. But, she has to negotiate the different sub-groups in the alliance. SPs Akhilesh Yadav will support BSPs Mayawati for prime minister. Congress believes there can be no government against BJP without Rahul Gandhi, a claim that would be supported by TDPs Chandrababu Naidu. Gandhi might even get all southern parties on his side, barring Jagan Reddy's YSRCP and K. Chandrasekhar Rao's TRS. Gandhi will also have the blessings of Sharad Pawar, since their parties are in alliance in Maharashtra. Banerjee is on a sticky wicket. KCR, the first proponent of an anti-BJP front in 2017, and who then arrived in Kolkata to meet Banerjee, will not grace the occasion; he is not comfortable sharing stage with either the Congress or Chandrababu Naidu. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi will give the meeting a miss and send a party leader instead. There will be no Naveen Patnaik. DMK chief Stalin will be non-committal as he has already chosen Gandhi as his prime ministerial choice. The biggest snub to Banerjee's invitation came from Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (CPI(M)), as no response has been received so far. Banerjees rally will most likely witness the presence of Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashwi Yadav, Sharad Pawar, Chandrababu Naidu, M.K. Stalin, Omar Abdullah and H.D. Kumaraswamy. However, their prime ministerial choice will most likely be Mayawati or Gandhi, and not Banerjee. The occasion, in all likelihood, will be a targeted fillip for her own party in the state. At a time when the BJP is threatening to break the TMCwith a number of leaders believed to be in touch with the saffron partyBanerjee would likely look to enforce her support base in West Bengal, which the BJP claims is receding by day. The biggest ever rally, in terms of gatheringif it happenswould only be Bengal-centric, and not create ripples across India as Banerjee hopes it will. As the investigation into human trafficking from the Kerala coast progresses, police have arrested a person who is said to be the co-owner of the boat that was used for trafficking. Anilkumar, the co-owner of the boat Dayamatha, was taken into custody by the investigating team. The boat is believed to have been used by the trafficking gang for taking a group of people to Australia. The other owner of the boat, Srikanth from Tamil Nadu's Thakkala, is believed to have bought the boat from its previous owner, Jibin Antony, for Rs 40 lakh on January 7. They had fled their home at Kovalam on the same day. The probe began after local residents informed the police about some abandoned bags that they had found in Cherai and Munambam areas. This led to the probe into the suspected trafficking of around 40 non-Keralites in the vessel to Australia from Ernakulam. Agencies, including a special squad of Kerala Police and Intelligence Bureau, have begun investigation. The probe is to find out whether the people who took rooms in resorts and home-stays on January 5, providing Delhi addresses, had left the coast in the boat on January 12 or 13. If they had done so, it would be a clear case of human trafficking to Australia because similar attempts were made a couple of years back from Munambam but in vain, they had said. The investigating team are questioning eight people who spoke to Srikanth on January 12 and 13 on the phone. Police are also investigating homes where the some of the women and children stayed before they left. Kerala police also searched the houses rented by the group in New Delhi's Ambedkar Colony and took the house owners' statements. Police were able to gather evidence to the fact that some months ago, a group of refugees had stayed at Alappuzha in a lodge before leaving the country in a similar manner. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard were directed to deploy their vessels to search for the boat, a Defence spokesman said in Kochi on Tuesday. Coast Guard aircraft are also involved in the search, but identifying the particular boat would not be an easy task as the information about the incident reached the agencies very late24 hours after their suspected departure from the coastthe spokesman said. "As the days pass, the area of search will increase. It is a gradual, but deliberate area of search," he said. Defence sources said it was not clear how effective searches could be carried out amid thousands of boats, which are already in the sea for fishing. The sources also said that the Navy and the Coast Guard cannot treat the issue as a matter of coastal security. "It is not a coastal security issue. This is a legal issue. Illegal trafficking. It is a state issue, policing issue," a source said. Local television channels Tuesday telecast CCTV footage of the trafficked persons during their stay at a lodge in Cherai in Ernakulam. The trafficked people, including women and newborns, had left their resorts and home stays in Cherai and Munambam coastal areas of the district on January 12, police had said. Police had said that the addresses and proof of identity recovered from the resorts and home-stays revealed that the 40 people were of Tamil origin. In 2015, Australia had made it clear that people who attempt to travel illegally to the country by sea would not be allowed to settle there. The country's Consul-General to South India had further stressed that anyone who survived the journey would be intercepted and transferred to Regional Processing Centres in Nauru or Manus Island (in Papua New Guinea). At the height of the horsetrading allegations in Karnataka, levelled by both the BJP and the Congress accusing the other of attempting to poach MLAs, one of the three Congress MLAs, who had gone off the radar, re-appeared. According to NDTV, Bhima Naik, MLA from Hagaribommanahalli, said that the party might not have been able to contact him because his phone was switched off. "I have two numbers. One was switched off," he said, adding that he had not been with the BJP, the publication wrote. In a major setback to the Congress-JD(S) coalition government in Karnataka, two independent MLAs had withdrawn their support to the state government. Mulabagilu MLA H. Nagesh and Ranebennur MLA and former minister R. Shankar sent a letter to Governor Vajubhai Vala, announcing their withdrawal of support to the H.D. Kumaraswamy-led government on Tuesday. In the last couple of days, the state witnessed high drama after the BJP legislators, who went to Delhi last Thursday to attend the party's national council meet, chose to stay put in a resort in Gurugram. Simultaneously, a few Congress MLAs led by former minister Ramesh Jarkiholi landed in a Powai-based hotel in Mumbai. The legislators who were denied a cabinet berth during the recent cabinet expansion and those dropped from the cabinet are said to be leaning towards the saffron party. Fearing another 'Operation Kamala' (Operation Lotus) by the BJP, the JD(S), too, has threatened to poach the saffron party's legislators. -Inputs from PTI Call it 'Karnataka effect' or the strategy of Congress to keep at bay those trying to destabilise the government, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath seems to have taken up the cudgels in defence of his government. After many BJP leaders, especially former ministers, commented on the longevity of the new government, the CM warned the BJP to keep its flock together instead of trying to pull down the Congress government. A section of BJP leaders were quoted by the media saying that they have numbers to bring down the Congress government. Former minister and BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya recently said that he can bring down the Congress government in 15 days, provided his high command allows him to do so. We are waiting for the signal from our top, he said. To this Kamal Nath said, I am hearing regular statements from BJP leaders that they can topple my government any day. I ask them to not worry about the Congress and instead look inside their house. The statement was given on Tuesday at the beginning of a loan waiver programme for farmers. According to sources, some BJP MLAs have been waiting to switch sides at the opportune moment. Further, Kamal Nath said, The BJP had run away from division of votes in the assembly last week as they did not have enough numbers. This proves that they are frustrated. Earlier, newly appointed leader of opposition, Gopal Bhargav, had claimed that the Congress government will fall even before the new bungalows of Congress ministers get whitewashed and ready for their occupation. In reply to Bhargavs jibe, PWD Minister Sajjan Verma said, After whitewashing we will enter the new bungalows where the BJP leaders will have enough work for mopping and cleaning. Former PCC chief Arun Yadav said, It seems the BJPs earnest desire to come back to power in Madhya Pradesh by breaking the Congress, is making a section of its former ministers restless. In the first session of state assembly, just before the election of speaker, Congress leader Digvijay Singh had alleged that the BJP was trying to buy some of their MLAs. The Congress had secured 121 votes out of 230 in the session. Singh charged former minister Narottam Mishra and Vishwas Sarang of indulging in horse trading. He even gave the name of the Congress MLA who was approached by the BJP leaders. When the BJP questioned Singh's allegations, the former chief minister said that he had proof of the BJP indulging in horse trading. Despite allegations and counter allegations, the Congress government is firmly in saddle with 121 MLAs on its side. BJP has 109 MLAs in the house of 230. Kamal Nath said, I assure the BJP and all those who have doubts that we have chalked out our programme for five years and that the government has no issue of longevity. Ignoring the huge row over his elevation that has led to supersession of several judges, the Government Wednesday appointed Delhi High Court judge Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court as recommended by the apex court's collegium. A government notification said President Ram Nath Kovind also appointed Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari as a judge of the apex court. With the two appointments, the strength of the top court will rise to 28 with three vacancies. The five-member SC Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on January 11 recommended to the government the elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna to the top court. The appointment of Justice Khanna was announced on a day when the chorus of protests against the collegium's recommendation to elevate him grew louder with Bar Council of India (BCI) saying it is "whimsical and arbitrary" and will lead to "humiliation and demoralisation" of the superseded judges. A sitting supreme court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has already written a note to Justice Gogoi and fellow judges in the collegiumJustices A.K. Sikri, S.A. Bobde, N.V. Ramana and Arun Mishrafor ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources said Justice Kaul was of the view that a wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna stands at Sl.No. 33 in the combined seniority of high court judges on all-India basis. Former CJI R M Lodha said the unprecedented January 12, 2018 press conference by four senior-most judges including Gogoi before he became the CJI has not served the purpose for which it was held and instead the concerns raised including the functioning of Collegium for appointment of judges for higher judiciary have aggravated. "Looking at the overall reaction and perception, it would be better if the matter(of Khanna) is recalled and considered threadbare but this seems to be unlikely to me," he said. "The concerns remain the same. Rather, they seem to have aggravated by this exercise (recent recommendations). I don't think there is any change. At least it is not visible to the public at large. It has not served its purpose because we don't find the changes which the press conference wanted to have really taken place," Justice Lodha said. Justice Kailash Gambhir, a former Delhi High Court judge, also wrote a letter to President Kovind on January 14 expressing concern over the collegium bypassing the seniority of several judges. The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, said the decision of the collegium was viewed by the Bar and the common man as "unjust and improper". In a statement, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Nandrajog and Menon is viewed as "whimsical and arbitrary". "They are men of integrity and judicial competence; nobody can raise a finger against these judges on any ground. The decision will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of high courts," Mishra said. The bar body said it was watching the "strong resentment and reaction of the Indian Bar" as well as keeping a tab on the comments of intellectuals, social activists and general public "which shows that the faith of the people has abruptly eroded from our collegiums system in recent past". While maintaining that the BCI was hard-pressed to raise these issues, it said even the Bar Council of Delhi also adopted a resolution against the decision of the collegium. Further, the statement said that several state Bar Councils, high courts, Bar Associations and other Bar Associations of the country have written to the BCI, pressing it to raise this issue and agitate the matter before the government and the collegium judges. "Most of the councils and associations have even proposed to sit on a dharna and/or organise some nationwide protest on this serious issue," the BCI said, adding that the recent trend adopted by the collegium has completely "eroded" the faith of the Bar and the people. "We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country," it said. "The Bar will request the collegiums and the government not to encourage such supersession. The appointments, in complete derogation of seniority principle, has evoked strong reactions from all corners of the society," the BCI said. The decision on elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna that was put on the apex court website noted that the issue of elevation of judges was deliberated on December 12 last year when Justice M B Lokur was also a member of the collegium. Justice Mishra became a member of the collegium after Justice Lokur retired on December 30. According to the website, after extensive deliberations on January 5-6 this year, the newly-constituted collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look on the issue of elevation of judges in the light of the additional material that became available. "While recommending the names of justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna, the collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of high courts, apart from their merit and integrity," the collegium said. The collegium added that it has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the high courts. A professor at the prestigious Jadavpur University in Kolkata was divested of his duties on Wednesday after his sexist comments on women sparked off an outrage. Kanak Sarkar, a professor of International Relations, had courted controversy after he put up a misogynistic Facebook post recently equating virgin girls to sealed bottles. In view of the recommendations of the Student-Teacher Committee of the Department, Prof. Kanak Sarkar is divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect. Substitute arrangements would be decided in the meeting of the Board of Studies scheduled on 18th January 2019, said a statement issued by the Department of International Relations of the university. Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar who made controversial remarks in a Facebook post has been divested of his duties with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/OlmdshSSUI ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 According to a few media reports, Omprakash Mishra, the head of the International Relations Department, has also asked the vice-chancellor to expel Sarkar. On Monday, the National Commission for Women had asked the West Bengal DGP to probe the allegations against Sarkar and take appropriate action against him. The students at the university held a protest on Tuesday demanding immediate expulsion of the professor, who in his Facebook post had said a virgin girl is like a sealed bottle or sealed packet. Many boys remain fool. They are not aware of virgin girl as wife. Virgin girl is like sealed bottle or sealed packet. Are you willing to buy a broken seal while purchasing a bottle of cold drink or a packet of biscuits?, Sarkar had said in his post, triggering widespread outrage. India-born Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of global beverage giant PepsiCo, is being considered by the White House for the post of the new World Bank president, according to a leading American daily. Nooyi, 63, stepped down as PepsiCo's chief last August after leading the company for 12 years. She "has been courted as an administration ally by Ivanka Trump, the president's eldest daughter, who is playing a role in the selection of a nominee," the New York Times said. The New York Times report, which cited several people familiar with the process, said the decision-making process for the top post at the World Bank is "fluid and in its initial stages and early front-runners and candidates often fall off the radar, or withdraw from consideration, before the president (Donald Trump) makes his ultimate pick". It is unclear whether Nooyi would accept the nomination if chosen by the Trump administration. The first daughter, who has tweeted that she views Nooyi as a "mentor + inspiration", has floated her name as a potential successor. The World Bank's current president, Jim Yong Kim, had earlier this month announced that he would step down from his post in February to join a private infrastructure investment firm. His unexpected departure came nearly three years before the end of his term. The New York Times report said that the process of choosing Kim's successor is being overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Ivanka, whose role in the process was announced by the White House on Monday. Ivanka's "role in the process drew some criticism from ethics watchdogs Monday, which said it could pose a conflict of interest for the president's daughter to be involved in international economic matters when she has not completely divested from her assets," the report said. The group was expected to begin the interview process Tuesday, in order to present President Trump with recommendations for a nominee. Nooyi joined Trump's business council, which was disbanded after many chief executives quit following the president's comments blaming "many sides" for white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, in August 2017. The report, however, added that negative comments made by Nooyi after the 2016 election, during which she did not publicly endorse any candidate, are seen as a potential roadblock to her nomination. Following Trump's win, she said at the New York Times DealBook conference in 2016 that "Our employees are all crying. And the question that they're asking, especially those who are not white: 'Are we safe?' Women are asking: 'Are we safe?' LGBT people are asking: 'Are we safe?' I never thought I'd have had to answer those questions. A spokesman for PepsiCo had told Fortune magazine that "Mrs. Nooyi misspoke. She was referring to the reaction of a group of employees she spoke to who were apprehensive about the outcome of the election. She never intended to imply that all employees feel the same way." Other candidates being considered for the position of World Bank head are under-secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass and president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Ray Washburne. The US president cannot install the World Bank leader, who must be approved by the bank's board, but has traditionally placed his nominee in the job. Trump has already faced harsh criticism for appointing his daughter as a senior White House adviser. Ivanka is a successful businesswoman, fashion designer, author and reality television personality. She has her own line of fashion items, including clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories, which are available in all major US departmental stores. At Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghrahalaya (CSMVS), Nandini Somaya-Sampat, director, Somaya & Kalappa, takes me through an exquisite exhibition, The Living Cathedral. Curated and designed by her, The Living Cathedral commemorates 300 years of Mumbai's St Thomas Cathedral. The exhibition is a collaboration between St Thomas Cathedral, The Cathedral and John Connon School and CSVMS. Both Nandini Somaya-Sampat and her renowned mother, Brinda Somaya, principal architect at Somaya & Kalappa and alumnus of The Cathedral & John Connon School, had, in fact, restored the St Thomas Cathedral in 2003. And now, almost 15 years later, the mother-daughter duo are associated with the beautiful cathedral again. Sampat remembers how the school actually started as a choir school for the St Thomas Cathedral and then went on to grow into an educational institution. Through this well-researched exhibition, one learns not only about the famous cathedral and its growth but also about how it is deeply entwined with the growth of the city of Bombay. Dr Vijaya Gupchups seminal book, St. Thomas Cathedral A Witness To History, was the go to book for Sampat and most people associated with this exhibition, in order to understand the history of the cathedral, she says. Sampat says the idea of an exhibition was put forth by the school's principal, Meera Issacs, and Rev. Avinash Rangayya after they found very old cups, plates and flagons in the cathedral. The Living Cathedral exhibition, entailed writing the story and understanding the objects that were later meticulously conserved by conservationist Anupam Saha and his team at CSMVS who took all these fragile objects and brought life back into them. These beautiful objects had never been displayed to the public before, says Sampat. The exhibition throws light on how Bombay grew and how a church was built in the city which not only evolved but also survived through the centuries, going on to become a historical landmark. According to records, the church was inaugurated on December 25, 1718. The event was so significant that and there was a ten-gun salute in the castle and it was responded by a ten-gun salute by every ship in the Bombay harbour. The church was consecrated on June 7, 1816 by Bishop Thomas Fanshaw Middleton and named St Thomas church. In fact, Mumbais famous railway station, Churchgate, (Churchs gate) derived its name from this very cathedral, says Sampat. The church, later, went on to grow into a cathedral and that growth is represented by its tower, which also represents Bombays promotion to the rank of a city, says Sampat. The Holy Bible on display Chalices on display at the exhibition Rudyard Kipling's baptism entry on display The exhibition, very tenderly, captures the history of not just the birth of Bombay but also of its growthfrom its islands, as they fused to become Bombay over the years, to the manner in which the Portuguese named it Bom Bahai or The Good Harbour. All of this and more are on display at the exhibition, in the form of some extremely detailed cartography to objects such as the steeple cup (only three exist in the world), a beautiful leather-bound Bible with its beautiful spine containing gold lettering and the wax seals that were used to stamp official documents. Records also state that when the British took over, the Bombay Presidency was overseen by the Bishop of Bombay, Thomas Carr, and the St Thomas Cathedral was a centre-stage that oversaw most important events. It was also in this very cathedral that all the citys baptisms, marriages and deaths of Christians were recorded. One of the delights of The Living Cathedral exhibition is seeing the baptism record of the great writer, Rudyard Kipling. A playful Mowgli stands next to Kiplings baptism record, a thoughtful touch by the curator. Besides the exhibits, the highlight is an exquisitely designed sanctum, specially created to give a beautiful panoramic view of the historical city, complete with famous mile markers. The zero marker of course, remains the St Thomas Cathedral, which stands tall even today. Improvement of Vietnam's livestock sector needed, say officials In line with Vietnam's key export priority, Vietnamese meat products have to be both high quality, safe for consumption and affordable, according to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong. However, while there are around 23,000 farms in Vietnam, only 1,505 facilities received certification of being epidemic-free. Livestock farming should also be sustainable, and this can be supported through stronger connections established between producers, processors and consumers, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Son, former director of the National Institute of Animal Sciences, said. Yet, when it comes to monitoring production, processing and selling animal-related products, business associations and co-operatives have not play much of a role, he claimed; that responsibility rests mainly in the hands of government. As such, agricultural monitoring needs an overhaul. Another weakness in the livestock sector is the system for processing and distribution among local pig farms - Vietnam's pig surplus crisis at the end of 2016 was attributed to this factor. In 2017 and 2018, in an effort to improve meat production, many companies invested in farming models which connected various parties and modern technologies, like MASANs new pig slaughterhouse and processing facility in Ha Nam province, which opened on December 23 with a capacity of 1.4 million pigs per year, Vietnam News Agency reported. But, the technical requirements of these companies are challenges that many farmers have difficulty surmounting. Also, with the lack of modern farming facilities, a higher vulnerability to diseases is likely to occur. This problem has been addressed with a safe farming project implemented in several provinces - including Thai Binh, DSong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau - from 2016 to 2018. Eventually, around 134 farms were declared free from epidemics, along with the formation of many working groups. In addition, about 21 types of animal farming models further bolster a preventive effort against diseases. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry and Trade want to improve pork exports and are working on facilitating trade with other countries, including exports of raw pork, Cuong said. Furthermore, there should be a more integrated relationship between big companies and farmers, while also cutting down the number of small farms operated by one individual, said Nguyen Xuan Duong, acting director of the Animal Husbandry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The market also needed to be monitored more closely so that businesses, farmers and customers could be informed, he added. Vietnam's animal husbandry exports in the first 11 months of 2018 amounted to around US$508 million, 12.9% higher than 2017, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. In the first 10 months, poultry exports were valued at US$25.3 million, 2.5 times higher than last year, but exports of water buffalo, beef and pork dropped by around half. - VNS/VNA The Office of theUnited Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14,1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs mandate under the Statuteof the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to leadand co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanentsolutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights andwell-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness,as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on theReduction of Statelessness. Save the Children isthe worlds leading independent organization for children and has programpresence in over 120 countries in the world and has been implementing programsfor over 90 years. Save the Children envisions a Uganda in which every childattains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. Ourmission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, andto achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. We strive to createimpact for children by delivering our Programmes through partnerships, by beinginnovative, by acting as the voice for and of children, and by achievingresults at scale. National Union ofDisabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and Makerere University, Department ofSocial Work and Social Administration are conducting a research on LivingConditions of Persons with Disabilities in Uganda. Overall, the project iscoordinated by SINTEF, a Norwegian agency with funding from AtlasAlliance/NORAD and the work will be done in accordance with the SINTEF projectdocuments. All suitably qualifiedand interested candidates should send their updated resumes, applicationletters, copies of their academic documents and other certificates to; Ireland cattle association's president criticises remark by Irish prime minister The president of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers' Association (ICSA), Patrick Kent, has described comments by Taoiseach (Ireland's prime minister) Leo Varadkar regarding consuming less meat to mitigate climate change as "reckless in the extreme." "As one of the most important beef exporters in the northern hemisphere, it is very unfortunate indeed that our Taoiseach should be calling into question the sustainability of Irish beef production," Kent said. Varadkar had made his comments in response to a question as to what he was doing personally to reduce his own carbon footprint. "In 2018, agri-food sector exports amounted to EUR13.6 billion (US$16 billion) with the value of meat and livestock exports comprising EUR3.97 billion (US$5 billion) of that total. Surely, the onus is on Mr Varadkar to protect such a vital industry; his cavalier comments however will do nothing but undermine it," Kent added. "Ireland's farmers are leaders when it comes to climate change mitigation. We work tirelessly with all relevant stakeholders both here and in Brussels to deliver the highest quality produce while also delivering on food security, traceability and sustainability. Other industries need to be just as proactive and the Taoiseach should remember that before making disparaging remarks about world class produce. Mr Varadkar would be better served putting his efforts in preventing vast quantities of inferior meat products entering the EU from the other side of the world." Kent also called upon Varadkar to clarify that he wasn't suggesting people should eat less sustainably produced Irish beef and lamb. - ICSA Timothy Seth Bryant Pennington was born on January 30, 1988 in Corbin, Ky. He departed this life on June 3, 2021 to be with his Lord and Savior, whom he accepted as a young boy at his church, West Corbin Baptist. Seth was assured of his salvation and knew where he would spend his eternity. S Is this person a citizen of the United States? This 2020 census question, or something similar, was asked on the decennial census from 1820 through 1950, and afterward on the long-form census through 2000. Even now, and ever since 2005, a citizenship question has been included in the annual American Community Survey (ACS) by the federal government. Not even President Obama stopped that. So why all the fuss about this citizenship question now? Apparently opposition to President Trump means opposition to virtually everything he does, and resorting to judicial activism to stymie Trump in every way possible. The census is used to apportion the Electoral College and representation in Congress, so there is political significance to puffing up the population count for California and other sanctuary states by including illegal aliens as legal residents. Dollars are also at stake because more people in a state mean more federal dollars flowing to it. The census must count every person living in the United States, but citizens and aliens should be counted separately in every state and electoral district. President Trump, through his Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, restored this question about citizenship to the 2020 census, and a barrage of lawsuits ensued to stop it. There is nothing racist in asking about citizenship. It may be racist, or at least anti-American, to oppose a citizenship question so that illegal aliens are counted as citizens and sanctuary states unfairly obtain more congressmen and Electoral College votes than they deserve. It is fictional to pretend that American Hispanics are less likely to respond to a census question about citizenship. Citizenship is something nearly all Americans are proud of, and there is no right of privacy at stake. There is no reason to expect any American citizen to be hesitant to respond if he is a citizen. Employers and schools ask about citizenship, as does the federal government on application forms. Yet in a textbook example of legislating from the bench, an Obama-appointed judge held a trial in Manhattan federal court to take this issue away from President Trump and Congress. There are two sets of plaintiffs: 18 States, D.C., 15 cities and counties, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors form one set, and liberal advocacy groups form the other. Plaintiffs asserted a headline-grabbing claim that asking about American citizenship is invidious racial discrimination in violation of the Constitution. They demanded a right to depose the Commerce Secretary to ask him if he is a racist. The allegation was absurd, but falsely claiming that Republicans are racists is how the Left advances its agenda. The Supreme Court shut down an unprecedented attempt to depose the Trump Cabinet member Secretary Ross in this case, after it had been ordered by the trial judge. Plaintiffs also sought to block the citizenship question based on the mundane Administrative Procedure Act. Plaintiffs insisted that it is somehow arbitrary to ask if someone is an American citizen, even though many companies and institutions ask this regularly of new applicants. On Tuesday, federal Judge Jesse Furman issued a 277-page opinion to prohibit the inclusion of this 9-word citizenship question in the upcoming census. He did not expressly hold that the question was racist, but implied without any support in the record that it might be. He stated his mission as one to smoke out racism, in order to uncover hidden forms of discrimination. He implied his disagreement with the Supreme Court, which prevented Judge Furman from requiring Commerce Secretary Ross to testify about his allegedly hidden motives. But no such racism could ever be found. Unable to latch onto any testimony by Ross, Judge Furman instead thrashed those who worked for him. Earl Comstock, who was just doing his job as Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy under Ross, became a punching bag for the courts complaints about a policy change it does not like. Other Trump officials took a beating from the court based on snippets from routine email communications, patched together in the decision as though there was something wrong with them. This ruling was based on mere procedure, not substance. In 277 pages there is nothing to justify branding President Trump, Secretary Ross, or anyone else as a racist. The court admitted that the Framers of the Constitution had a strong constitutional interest in the accuracy of the census. President Trump and Commerce Secretary Ross fully agree, which is why the traditional question about whether someone is an American citizen is an essential part of the census. Fortunately, the census case is already scheduled for oral argument before the U.S. Supreme Court in February. So Tuesdays ruling against asking about citizenship is not going to be the last word on the issue. John and Andy Schlafly are sons of Phyllis Schlafly (1924-2016). EDWARDSVILLE A jury trial is underway for an Alton man accused in a 2016 shooting that led police to evidence that implicated the victim in a burglary. Dedrick M. Cowley, 42, of Alton, went on trial Tuesday on charges of attempted murder of Nicholas Terrell, 32, who is now serving a 10-year sentence for the burglary on Washington Avenue. Cowley is charged with the Aug. 21, 2016, attempted murder for allegedly firing several shots into a Chevrolet Malibu driven by Terrell, who was reluctant to tell police who shot him. Cowley is also accused of aggravated battery with a firearm for allegedly firing large caliber bullets, hitting Terrell once in the thigh. Cowley was originally charged Jan. 8, 2018. During a search of the white Chevrolet Malibu Terrell was driving, police found evidence of the unrelated Washington Avenue burglary. A woman who heard gunshots outside her home Aug. 21, 2016, testified Tuesday, saying became upset because small children were playing just across the street. I saw them babies out there; I did not know if they were dead or not, she said. She said she saw a man come from behind bushes across Elliott Street, get into the car, then drive toward Central Avenue. She said the driver appeared to be trying to hide the license plate number, but she obtained it, anyway, and gave it to police. She also testified to seeing a black truck or SUV in the area but was not sure who was driving. She said she thought it was occupied by the shooter. Terrell did not go to the hospital until the day after the shooting. An officer interviewed him in the emergency room, and, at first, he said he didnt know who shot him. Later, the white Malibu was found abandoned in Alton, and it was towed to the Alton Police Department. Terrell had told police he had taken it back to his mother, who lived in Missouri, before it was found abandoned. It was unclear from testimony Tuesday what prompted the shooting. Terrell is scheduled to testify Wednesday. Three young children were playing outside their mobile home in rural Florida when something caught their attention - a chest freezer that was sitting on the lawn, unplugged, waiting to be put to use. A mother of one of the children had gone inside to use the restroom and, when she returned, the children were gone, authorities said. Authorities said the trio had climbed inside the appliance and closed the door - inadvertently latching a metal hasp that had been installed for a padlock. Investigators believe that it trapped them inside. The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office said the children, ages 1, 4 and 6, were found unresponsive Sunday evening in Suwannee County, about 70 miles northwest of Gainesville, Florida. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. "It's just a real tragic accident," Sheriff Sam St. John said Tuesday in a phone interview with The Washington Post. He said it "devastated" the deputies and hospital personnel. St. John said the mother, who is the biological mother of the 4-year-old girl, had been watching the children but then stepped away. When she returned and could not find them, she alerted another adult in the house, who is the grandmother of the 1-year-old girl and the 6-year-old boy, St. John said. The sheriff said the women began to search the property for the children and, about 30 to 45 minutes later, found them in the chest freezer, not breathing. The young children are suspected to have died of suffocation, though authorities are awaiting autopsy results. No foul play is expected in the case, according to the authorities. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been "numerous" reports about children, most of them 4 to 7 years old, who have suffocated after climbing into household appliances, such as freezers, clothes dryers and "old-style latch type refrigerators." The commission said in a safety alert that in these cases, "the doors could not be easily pushed open from the inside." The safety alert stated: "Frequently, the children were playing 'hide-and-seek' and the appliance or chest provided a deceptively good place to hide. When the door slammed shut, the tight fitting gasket on most of the appliances cut off air to the child. This, along with the insulated construction of the appliance, also prevented the child's screams from being heard. But abandoned appliances are not the only items involved with accidents like these. Entrapment deaths have been reported in products in use or stored in the kitchen, laundry room, basement, or garage. Deaths also have occurred in ice boxes located in campers parked outside the home." More for you News A babysitter returned a dead boy to his mother in a car... Safeguards have been put in place to help prevent such tragedies. The Refrigerator Safety Act of 1956, for instance, banned older-style refrigerators that cannot be opened from the inside. In addition, Florida law prohibits people from knowingly abandoning or discarding airtight appliances such as refrigerators, deep freezers or iceboxes, and clothes washers and dryers. St. John, the Suwannee County sheriff, said that a primary investigation into the three children's deaths revealed that the chest freezer was brought to the property several days before the incident and had not yet been moved indoors. The case is still under investigation, he said. EAST ST. LOUIS An East St. Louis man as pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from an incident in which he peppered a Washington Park home with gunfire, before police opened fire on him when located in a McDonalds drive-thru with a loaded semi-automatic rife resting in his lap. Antoine D. Johnson, Jr., 28, of East St. Louis, has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm after sustaining a felony conviction, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced Monday in a press release. Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison on the charge. Sentencing is scheduled for April 16, before United States District Judge Staci M. Yandle. The federal case against Johnson arose on Feb. 18, 2018, after police received a report of multiple shots fired into a family-occupied home in Washington Park earlier that morning, with injuries to two adults. During the ensuing investigation, officers with the East St. Louis Police Department surrounded a vehicle as it sat idling in the drive thru of the McDonalds restaurant on State Street. Johnson was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle holding a loaded Norinco SKS semi-automatic assault rifle. After Johnson and the driver refused to comply with commands to exit the vehicle, and upon observing Johnsons rifle pointed in their direction, the officers opened fire. The driver attempted to flee but crashed the car into a pole beside the restaurant. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested at the scene. Johnson sustained a gunshot wound to his hip and shrapnel damage to one of his eyes. The driver and the responding officers were uninjured. At the time of his offense, Johnson was on probation in St. Clair County for a 2015 aggravated robbery conviction. Investigators were able to link both Johnson and the rifle to the Washington Park shooting, and as part of his plea deal with the United States, Johnson admitted firing 11 rounds into the residence on Feb. 18 and agreed to plead guilty in St. Clair County Circuit Court to one count of aggravated battery with a firearm. His sentence in that case is expected to run consecutively to his federal sentence. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts. This prosecution is the result of a collaborative investigation by the East St. Louis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James G. Piper, Jr. EDWARDSVILLE A man who allegedly called his domestic battery victim 34 times from the Madison County Jail is on trial this week, accused of entering her home, choking her, punching her, taking their infant child and threatening to kill her. Tony R. White, 37, of Collinsville, is representing himself. Hes currently jailed on $313,000 bond, facing charges of home invasion, domestic battery and 34 charges of harassment of a witness, the woman he allegedly assaulted. He was in the Madison County Jail awaiting trial on home invasion and domestic battery charges when he allegedly made the calls between Oct. 11 and Oct. 14. In the Sept. 17 home invasion case, he entered a home in which the victim was living with their new-born child. Assistant States Attorney Tara Steele told the jury the victim had left White when they lived in Missouri because of his repeated abuse and need to control the woman. The woman rented a home while she was pregnant with her and Whites child. After she moved, White called her with a story about how he was broke and had no running water in his home. She felt sorry for him and allowed him to move into the Collinsville residence, for which she signed a lease and put her name on the utility bills. He would go freely in and out of the house, but on Sept. 17, came into the home drunk, and woke her up, attacked her, then took the baby who was sleeping next to the mother. As she struggled to rescue her child, White choked her so hard, she passed out momentarily Steele told the jury. He then drove away with the child. In his opening statement White said the accusations were false, but he said he would provide specifics during testimony. He also said he was being tried for home invasion of my home. He complained that the case caused him to miss his family during the holiday season. EDWARDSVILLE One Chair Hair founder crossed cultures and countries to find her center and now she provides nurturing styling services through her newly launched lifestyle business, By Cassandra. Stylist Cassie Celuchs artistic path began as a child, encouraged by her parents, of Holiday Shores, both retired educators. The mother of three daughters played the violin and flute and sang while attending Edwardsville High School, from where she graduated in 1998, and at first pursued a career as an actor. In 2000, Celuch moved to Los Angeles to audition for permanent gigs. But, life had other plans and she became a single mother in 2007, prompting her move back to Edwardsville, where she chose to give birth to her first child, Londyn, 11. Celuch, 38, knows firsthand the struggle that todays women endure, balancing children, careers, family, relationships and the pursuit of happiness, from which her singular boutique salon, One Chair Hair, offers a sweet reprieve. Celuch works by appointment only, one on one with each client, on average for two hours, offering aromatherapy for tranquility, warm lavender-scented towels for tired muscles, a bit of Champagne to celebrate me time and a relaxing scalp massage before color and styling services. Celuch has a personal relationship with each and every client, only double booking in cases of emergency, she said. One Chair Hair has probably been ten years in the making, but I wanted to be very deliberate, said Celuch, who started the salon with a few more than 20 clients. Its a wonderful opportunity to provide a customer experience thats largely missing in bigger salons. Its amazing for me, too, to be able to be a working mom and still be able to do activities with my kids and spend time with them. Everything I envision here is about empowering women, not to have women competing against each other. I make it a point to guide my clients to find that confident person again, maybe who got lost along the years of giving so much to everyone else. And I have great empathy, some say to my detriment, but thats absolutely how I live my life. With the trust shes built with each client, Celuch can authentically talk to them about their vision for themselves and how they want to present themselves publicly. If a client seemingly wants to make a drastic change, such as suddenly go from long locks to an uber-short style, she makes sure thats a thought-out choice, not a reaction to a stressful day. My point of being here is to help make people feel better about themselves, said Celuch, who for the past four years donated her time and services of hair and make-up for the Friends of the Wildey Theatres annual gala, Art of Fashion, and is very active in a slew of other nonprofit events. More Information By Cassandra By Cassandra.com features more than a list of services and a booking portal! Check out By Cassandra's blog by the founder herself, Cassie Celuch, who's also a make-up artist, @ bycassandra.com. Discover make-up and lifestyle tips galore! Menu services include: color; haircuts for women, men and children; waxing; special event updos & makeup application; wedding party packages with an unlimited prosecco bar and applications; 5-minute masks; blow dry bar; and, deep conditioning treatments. One Chair Hair's hours are by appointment 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Appointments can be booked online at bycassandra.com or by calling 618-541-4789. See More Collapse Last August, following a soft opening January 2018 of Edwardsvilles One Chair Hair, 226 N. Main St. (in the same historic building as her husbands 40-year-old family-owned marketing business, Inlandesign), Celuch set goals for the salons growth. Over the last four months, its grown by leaps and bounds, Celuch noted. Ninety percent has been through referrals. Im close to capacity. Celuchs client base is made up predominantly of moms, many of whom are working moms, like Celuch, and college students, who all reflect Celuchs own experience. When Celuch returned and lived in Edwardsville for about one year, and Londyn was 5 weeks old, she got a full-time job bartending at Gentelins On Broadway, in Alton, Illinois, and eventually enrolled in cosmetology school in Missouri, which, with classes and the commute, made for 16-hour days, five days a week. Working nights made it possible for me to be with my daughter during the day, explained Celuch, who most recently managed 1818 Chophouses bar in Edwardsville before opening One Chair Hair. Through all of the years as a young mother, thanks to my parents, I was lucky to only have to use daycare for one year. Celuch, pursued by the color line IdHAIR, uses the companys hair color line exclusively and takes advantage of monthly continuing education classes through the company. IdHAIR stays ahead of color trends, such as hair painting, balayage and color melting. That felt good to me, Celuch said of IdHAIRs interest in working with her. They are ahead of the curve. It used to be all foils, all the time, but the trend is more toward hair painting, natural highlights, easy grow out, more free and open, not cookie cutter. And, I like to follow East and West coasts vibes. During the latter part of eight years working at Gentelins, Celuch began to pursue her career as a stylist, also working at Fringe Salon, in Alton, for two years. During that time, she reunited with a high school friend, Adam Celuch, who became her husband in 2010, and the couples family grew to include Londyns sisters, Aspyn, 5, and Phoenyx, 3. All the while, Celuch kept her resolution to start her own lifestyle business, now with its trademarked name, By Cassandra and its website bycassandra.com. The startup business first goal: the launch of One Chair Hair, a comforting, tranquil, stylish salon. Celuchs varied interest over the years all led her to where she is now, including acting, for which she was an extra for two years in L.A. for The Young and The Restless; modeling, for which she signed with St. Louis Talent Plus for one year upon returning to live in Edwardsville; and, fashion design, for which she interned for one year at Altons By Design, which teaches sewing classes, as well as custom couture design. All these pursuits and philosophical worldview of nonjudgment and acceptance of all are underscored by lessons instilled from her dad, Terry Miller, who worked for a St. Louis school district, and her mom, Jan Miller, a music teacher for the Edwardsville school district. Celuchs parents helped start an English language school and church on the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands, Saipan, where Celuch lived with her family from age 7 through age 9. The Miller family, who includes Celuchs two brothers and sister, moved back to Holiday Shores after a few years. Thats really given me my perspective and the concept for how I live my life, she said. Celuchs experiences abroad during that time included eating sushi for the first time on a beach with a Japanese family and traveling across Southeast Asia. One Chair Hairs hours are by appointment 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday. Appointments can be booked online at bycassandra.com or by calling 618-541-4789. Reach Jill Moon at 618-208-6448 and Twitter @jill_moon. 3 1 of 3 Show More Show Less 2 of 3 For the Intelligencer Show More Show Less 3 of 3 STAUNTON The Highball Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is gearing up for its annual dinner auction set for March 9, 2019, at the Crystal Ballroom in Staunton, Illinois. Ducks Unlimited works to promote conservation and to preserve our precious wetlands. Volunteers throughout the state and nation work to secure funding for the many projects Ducks Unlimited is working on. Each chapter designates a date for their annual dinner auction and various fundraising events. Last year, the group had over 500 people attend our banquet. Rich Saal | State Journal-Register (AP) Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he would restore automatic annual raises for 14,000 state employees who belong to a union that clashed with his predecessor. Pritzker said Tuesday that he would sign a number of executive orders on his first full day as governor, including one to restore the annual salary increases to members of the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees Council 31. The step raises arent based on merit. Former Gov. Bruce Rauner had frozen the automatic compounding pay hikes when he took office in 2015 because he said lawmakers never appropriated money to pay for them. Rauner wasnt able to come to an agreement with the union during his term. HAVANA State Rep. Norine Hammond has joined the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in trying to prevent the impending closure of Mason Countys Department of Human Services Office and Family Community Resource Center in Havana. Hammond said the center has five employees, nine when fully staffed, and serves 250 people each month. The caseload is at 2,500. COLUMBIA Local business and community leaders are invited to join Monroe County Economic Development Corp. (MCEDC), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the University of Illinois Extension on the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 23 in Columbia, Illinios to learn how a new grant partnership can help move the regional economy forward. In October, the United States Department of Agriculture awarded the team $680,000 for Fueling Growth: An Integrated, Capacity-Building Grant for Experiential Learning, Extension and Economic (E3) Development in Rural America. The grant is designed to support education and economic development by connecting business and community partners to University research and development services. This article, Giant spinning ice disc in river looks like the moon fell to Earth, originally appeared on CNET.com. The City of Westbrook, Maine, is inviting fans of strange natural phenomena to come check out a massive ice disc rotating in the Presumpscot River -- and perhaps you could patronize some local restaurants while you're at it. "It looks like the moon has landed in Westbrook," the city wrote on its Facebook page when it shared a gorgeous drone video of the ice circle on Tuesday. "The mysterious Ice Disk is still spinning today in Westbrook. Come down to the River Walk, take a selfie, and grab some lunch at one of our awesome nearby restaurants," the city later said on Facebook. Though spinning ice discs are unusual, they're also well-documented. They occur in cold conditions in slow waters. An 1895 issue of Scientific American magazine referenced a "revolving ice cake" on the Mianus River in New York, calling it a "curious formation." The Portland Press Herald reports the disc is roughly 300 feet (91 meters) in diameter. Observers likened it to a frozen crop circle. Bowdoin College physics professor Mark Battle told the Press Herald the circle's rotation is probably powered by the river current. The attention-grabbing ice circle will eventually melt away, but it's one of the most exciting things to happen along Westbrook's riverfront since a huge snake ate a beaver in 2016. CNET en Espanol: Get all your tech news and reviews in Spanish. Special Reports: CNET's in-depth features in one place. VANCOUVERAfter the sudden resignation of the Liberal candidate in the coming Burnaby South byelection, attention is turning to whether the party will nominate someone new in a bid to prevent NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh from winning his first-ever seat in Parliament. The decision could determine Singhs political fate. Karen Wang, the Liberal nominee, stepped down on Wednesday after the Star revealed a post she wrote on WeChat, a Chinese social network. Wang urged voters to support her, the only Chinese candidate in the race, and not Singh of Indian descent. Singh was born in Scarborough, Ont. and is the first non-white leader of a major federal party. Wang apologized to Singh in a statement announcing her resignation Wednesday morning, after the Star published details of her WeChat post. My choice of words wasnt well-considered and didnt reflect my intent, she said, adding that she has deep respect for the NDP leader. Read more: It makes us look bad: Burnabys Chinese-Canadian community reacts to Karen Wangs resignation over WeChat post Liberal candidates WeChat post draws criticism for singling out race of byelection opponent Jagmeet Singh For NDPs Jagmeet Singh, the pressure rises as key byelection draw closer I believe in the progress that Justin Trudeau and the Liberal team are making for British Columbians and all Canadians, and I do not wish for any of my comments to be a distraction in that work, said Wang. Singh told a crowd at a Burnaby press conference on Wednesday that he did not expect race to be an issue in the Feb. 25 byelection. While he encouraged under-represented people to organize, he argued politics that divides people along racial lines is not the type of politics we need from our country. Singh said he did not take Wangs comments personally but was concerned about politics that pick sides and pit people against one another. He also accepted her apology. I think she did the right thing and responded in a way thats very respectful, he said. I appreciate that. With Wang sidelined from the contest, Singh now faces two main opponents in the byelection set for Feb. 25: Conservative candidate Jay Shin and Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson from the Peoples Party of Canada. In an email, Liberal spokesperson Braeden Caley said the party accepted Wangs resignation and that her comments are not aligned with the partys values. Asked whether the Liberals will field a new candidate in the byelection, Caley said: Well have more to discuss on that in due course. Singh said the NDP will do well in the riding whether there is a Liberal candidate running against him or not. Im confident in our message, he said. I am confident that we are the option for people in this riding. Singh also denounced reporters suggestion that the Liberal Party wants him to win the riding as they do not consider his leadership a threat in the upcoming October federal election. He said the Liberals are afraid of the questions he will ask if he makes it to the House floor and repeated his platform messaging, talking about the need for affordable housing and medication. I dont see anyone else who is going to be willing to stand up in the House, he said. I think theyre afraid of facing this reality. The Liberals have until Feb. 4 21 days before the vote to nominate a new candidate, according to Elections Canada rules. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Frank Graves, president of EKOS Research, said he doesnt think the Liberals have enough time to find a quality candidate that can take on Singh in the B.C. riding. Adam Pankcratz, the Liberal candidate who lost by just 547 votes in 2015, told the Star he has no interest in running. Cyrus Eduljee, who placed second in the nomination contest that Wang won last month, did not return a request for comment on Wednesday. I imagine it would be very challenging to find another candidate to meaningfully get in this race, Graves said. As the Star first reported, Wang penned the post for which she apologized last Saturday. Writing in Chinese, Wang said: If we can increase the voting rate, as the only (ethnic) Chinese candidate in this riding, if I can garner 16,000 votes I will easily win the byelection, control the election race and make history! My opponent in this byelection is the NDP candidate Singh of Indian descent! Wang used the terms hua yi to refer to people of the Chinese diaspora and yin yi for those from Indias diaspora. When asked about the post on Tuesday the day before she resigned Wang said her intent was to stress the importance of people from different backgrounds getting involved in this byelection. The phrasing should have been different, and it will be taken down. The Prime Ministers Office declined to comment on Wangs words and her resignation and referred questions to the Liberal Party. Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada have always stood for the full and equal participation of all Canadians in our democracy, regardless of their background, said Caley, the party spokesperson, in a statement. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who represents Vancouver South, said Wangs comments flew in the face of the partys commitment to diversity. Im very disappointed with the comments that the candidate had made, Sajjan told reporters as federal cabinet ministers gathered in Sherbrooke, Que. for a retreat. The values we stand for is representing all Canadians. Diversity is extremely important for us. In Ottawa, NDP MP Nathan Cullen called Wangs WeChat post the worst kind of politics there is. He said her comment about Singhs ethnicity comes after Shin, the Conservative candidate in Burnaby South, disparaged the NDP leader for his past as a criminal defence lawyer. Its brutal, said Cullen, who represents the northwestern B.C. riding of SkeenaBulkley Valley. It should be a warning to the Liberals and Conservatives that this stuff cant come out in the general election. He added that Trudeaus silence on Wangs post is troubling, and pointed out that she resigned; he didnt fire her. Im trying to imagine if a Conservative candidate had said this, how Mr. Trudeau would have been on the front page of your paper, saying weve got to unite, not divide, Cullen said. They screened and vetted her, and it took her quitting to end, instead of Mr. Trudeau being a little bit more courageous in his leadership. With files from Jeremy Nuttall, Joanna Chiu and Bruce Campion-Smith Read more about: VANCOUVERFrom the vantage point of Metro Vancouvers SkyTrain, which runs through the heart of the federal riding of Burnaby South, the blocks whiz by, filled with condos, three-storey walk-ups, small businesses, large shopping centres and, notably, a plethora of food options, from Polish diners to Korean BBQ joints. As one of the most diverse ridings in the country, where more than 68 per cent of 111,000 residents identify as visible minorities, political analysts have questioned how race would play out in the campaign leading up to the Feb. 25 byelection. On Saturday, they got an answer when Liberal candidate Karen Wang used WeChat, a Chinese social media platform, to urge supporters to vote for her, the only Chinese candidate in the riding, rather than NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who she identified as of Indian descent. Singh, who is vying for his first seat in the House of Commons, is Canadas first non-white federal party leader. The other candidates are Conservative Jay Shin and Peoples Party of Canadas Laura-Lynn Tyler Thompson. Translated from Chinese, part of Wangs post read: If we can increase the voting rate, as the only (ethnic) Chinese candidate in this riding, if I can garner 16,000 votes I will easily win the byelection, control the election race and make history! My opponent in this byelection is the NDP candidate Singh of Indian descent! Wang used the term hua yi to refer to people of the Chinese diaspora and used the term yin yi to refer to people of Indias diaspora. The use of WeChat in political campaigns is becoming more common in Metro Vancouver, particularly after Octobers civic elections, when a post from Richmond-based Canada Wenzhou Friendship Society offered people transportation subsidies if WeChat users voted for their suggested candidates. Read more: How a red dot kept Chinese-Canadian readers from getting the full story on Huawei For NDPs Jagmeet Singh, the pressure rises as key byelection draw closer Justin Trudeau shuffles cabinet, Jane Philpott takes over as Treasury Board president An RCMP investigation into alleged vote buying was launched and subsequently dismissed. The social media app is the premiere way to communicate in China, according to Jan Wong, a journalism professor at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, N.B., and a former China correspondent for The Globe and Mail. Everybody is on WeChat, Wong said. I dont think Jagmeet Singh knows what hes up against. Indira-Natasha Prahst, a Langara College sociology professor who has studied Metro Vancouvers South Asian community since the 80s, hasnt seen this kind of racial play before. It is inter-racism between Chinese and South Asians, Prahst said. Im actually very disturbed by the language thats used, the reason being is that the issue of race is not even concealed its blatant. Wang is playing the ethnicity card, Prahst argued, saying its a political strategy to other Singh. Identity politics is more conspicuous and racially motivated in South Asian media and on Chinese media platforms, she added, where the messaging in one language is not the same as what is said in English on the campaign trail. But theres also a history of tension between the two communities, which Prahst said is not new to the region and relates to intense competition between India and China for power on the world stage. In the 2016 Census, 76,080 Burnaby South residents identified as a visible minority, defined as persons, other than Aboriginal peoples, who are non-Caucasian in race or non-white in colour, while 34,925 said they were not a member of a visible minority. Chinese people made up the largest bloc of those minorities, with 42,975 people, while South Asians were a distant second with 9,315 people and the third largest visible minority group was Filipino with 6,890 people. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver residents believe the region is experiencing a major housing crisis and blame foreign buyers, population growth, shadow flipping and money laundering as the primary causes, according to an August poll by Mario Cansecos Research Co. completed ahead of the Oct. 20 municipal elections. Prahst said theres an intense climate of anti-Chinese sentiments in the region, which may explain the increasing for us, by us political attitudes. The Langara sociologist questioned Wangs credibility, saying shes playing on existing tensions between the Chinese and South Asian communities to mobilize votes. Wang, a daycare operator who ran for the B.C. Liberals in the 2017 provincial election, confirmed in an emailed statement that the WeChat post referenced her cultural background and that of other candidates, and said it would be deleted. The intent was to stress the importance of people of all different backgrounds getting involved in this important byelection, it read. The phrasing should have been different and it will be taken down. Story Behind the Story delivers insights into how the Star investigates, reports, and produces stories. But Wangs greatest miscalculation was assuming that all Chinese Canadians would vote as a bloc, said Fenella Sung, head of a Vancouver community group called Friends of Hong Kong. Wang highlighted her ethnicity assuming she will get the Chinese vote, and Sung said thats a very wrong assessment of the community, despite the large population in the riding. You would not assume that everyone would think the same, she said. Its an insult to the Chinese community voters in her riding. Ethnicity was the primary motivator for only three per cent of Chinese and three per cent of South and South East Asians who voted in the 2015 federal election, according to a Vancouver Insights West online survey of 432 Chinese, South Asian and South East Asian people on October 7, 2015. The candidates position on issues was the most important factor for 58 per cent of Chinese and 66 per cent of South and South East Asians polled. Voting one of your own is not the main motivator in a federal election, said pollster Canseco, who was with Insights West at the time of the 2015 poll. Its easy to look at demographics and assume that everyone who fits a specific ethnic origin will vote accordingly, but its extremely misleading. And while earlier reports had Singh polling third in the riding, a new poll of 740 Burnaby South voters by Mainstreet Research released on Tuesday showed 38.8 per cent would vote for Singh, 26.3 would vote for Wang, 22 per cent would vote for Shin, 8.7 per cent would vote for Tyler, according to Mainstreet Research president, Quitto Maggi. For Sung, voting for an MP is such an important action. She slammed Wang for failing to mention her platforms or policy and putting the focus solely on ethnicity. Not only that, but Vancouver immigration lawyer Will Tao noted that WeChat is most popular in B.C. among those who may not speak English as their first language, such as older immigrants or newer community members. In response to the WeChat posts, Singh issued a statement saying he intends to represent everyone who calls Burnaby South their home. We believe everyone brings something to the table and as a community we are better for it, the statement said. While there are real differences in peoples experiences, I have dedicated much of my work over the years to find the common threads that unite us all. With files from Joanna Chiu Correction Jan. 15, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that incorrectly spelled Fenella Sungs last name. Read more about: OTTAWANatural Resources Minister Amarjeet Sohi says the federal government wont consider selling the Trans Mountain oil pipeline until it clears the way for the expansion project that was quashed by a high-level court last summer. The Liberal government may eventually sell the pipeline it bought from Texas oil company Kinder Morgan for $4.5 billion, but right now the focus is on addressing the reasons approval for the lines expansion project was blocked by the Federal Court of Appeal, Sohi told the Star on Wednesday. Sohi made the comments as members of an organization representing oil- and gas-producing First Nations gathered in Calgary to discuss whether to try and buy the 1,100-km pipeline that carries Alberta bitumen from near Edmonton to the coast of British Columbia. The expansion project a proposal that has sparked opposition from several Indigenous groups and environmentalists along the pipeline route would see a new line built roughly beside the existing one, thus tripling the carrying capacity of the Trans Mountain infrastructure and increasing oil tanker traffic through Vancouvers Burrard Inlet from five ships per month to more than 30. The transfer of this project to the private sector may happen sometime in the future, if the issues that have been identified by the federal court have been resolved, Sohi said. At this time our primary focus is to respond to the issues the court has identified, and our focus is to respond to those issues in the most focused and efficient way. The Federal Court of Appeal quashed the cabinet decision to approve the Trans Mountain expansion project in a ruling published last Aug. 30. The court said the National Energy Board failed to consider the impacts of increased tanker traffic off the B.C. coast, and that the federal government fell short on its duty to have a meaningful, two-way dialogue with Indigenous communities affected by the project. In response, the Trudeau government launched a new round of consultations with 117 First Nations and Indigenous groups that started in December. It also gave the National Energy Board until Feb. 22 to review how increased oil tanker traffic would affect marine life like B.C.s endangered southern resident killer whale population. Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the government would be open to having Indigenous groups take a stake in the pipeline but said for now, Ottawa is focused on getting the expansion underway. We welcome those discussions. Were not having those discussions right now, Morneau said about potential ownership stakes. Our view is that the potential for Indigenous peoples to be engaged could be positive for Indigenous peoples, could be positive for the pipeline, could be positive for Canadians, he told reporters at a cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Que. Those discussions would be appropriately held with Indigenous peoples as well as other potential owners because weve said this is not going be a pipeline that is going to be owned over the long term by the federal government, Morneau said. Last week, the NEB published draft recommendations that included requirements for government to create a marine mammal protection program, a coastal bird monitoring scheme, and measures to offset underwater noise and the risk of ship strikes on whales. Sohi said he would wait for the NEBs final recommendations before commenting, but pointed to measures to increase shipping safety and environmental protections under the Liberal governments Oceans Protection Plan. While Conservatives have demanded to know when construction for the expansion will begin, Sohi wouldnt give a firm date. He said the government must ensure it responds to the courts concerns about the project in a way that allows it to move forward. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and others have argued the expansion is essential to increasing Canadas capacity to move oil to new markets for better prices. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Getting our resources to global markets and reducing our dependence on the U.S. is a very important objective, Sohi said. We need to do it in a way that can stand with the test of the day. Read more about: Long after the last factory has left Ontario, one can imagine Doug Ford still sporting a full-on Cheshire grin as he puts up billboards proclaiming the province Open for Business. Certainly, the premier didnt seem even slightly embarrassed that hed posted his billboards along the American border just before Americas biggest automaker announced plans last November to permanently shut down business at its flagship Ontario plant. For the rest of us, however, the closure of General Motors Oshawa plant should serve as a game-changer. Despite Canadian taxpayers bailing out GM with billions of dollars in 2009, the shrinkage of its Oshawa workforce has continued relentlessly from a high of 23,000 in the 1980s, down to 3,000 now and soon to 0. The Stars business columnist David Olive made a persuasive case that Ottawa should step in and buy GM Canada (at a fair, negotiated price), and use its facilities including assembly plants, engineering labs and cold-weather testing centre to create the first Canadian-owned automaker. As Olive observed, we know a lot about building cars in Ontario. We were making motorized vehicles here for about half a century before Honda began its transition from making bicycles to cars. Theres never a perfect moment for a really ambitious move, although actually this might be a good one the global auto industry is in flux, with the world expected to transition to the electric car over the next few decades. A study by researchers at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Georgetown University concluded that such a transition is likely to come faster than expected. They estimate more than 90 per cent of passenger vehicles in the U.S., Canada, Europe and other advances nations could be electric by 2040. Read more: Why impending closure of GMs Oshawa plant is a wake-up call for Canadians Workers at GMs Oshawa Assembly Plant hold work stoppage over closure Opinion | Jennifer Wells: GM Oshawa throws the governments innovation talk a curve Its hard to imagine such a speedy transition but then, it was probably also hard in 1910 to imagine Henry Fords futuristic Model T replacing the ever-popular horse-and-buggy. (Back then, the Model T was far too expensive for ordinary people. But within a dozen years, its price plunged by 70 per cent, and in 1925, almost two million Model Ts were sold.) The IMF researchers point out that a transition to 90 per cent electric cars by 2040 would meet the conditions to keep global temperature rise below 2C. They also note that such a transition would disrupt the auto industry. Since an electric car has fewer parts, they maintain that on-shoring that is, assembling cars in advanced economies rather than offshoring them to low-wage countries is likely. This suggests that a Canadian automaker building electric cars could lead to future jobs here. Of course, any decision to invest billions of taxpayer funds would have to be made with utmost care. Yet, oddly, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau showed no such careful consideration when he promptly jumped in with 4.5 billion taxpayer dollars to purchase the leaky, 65-year-old Trans Mountain pipeline last spring, declaring it in the national interest to ensure the pipelines expansion after the corporate owner threatened to back out of the project. And taxpayers could be on the hook for another $9.3 billion if Ottawa ends up financing that expansion which would enable Alberta to triple production of its heavy oil, delivering a devastating blow to the battle against climate change. Meanwhile, Trudeau has shrugged and shown no interest in using taxpayer dollars to create a Canadian-owned automaker that could involve us in the future challenge of combining transportation and clean technology a challenge that seemingly holds the best hope for tackling climate change. Of course, Trudeaus investment in the pipeline was driven by a desire to appease Alberta (which it failed to do). Furthermore, it had the support of the business community, whereas business would oppose a publicly owned automaker, seeing it as encroaching on its turf. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Thats why, when it comes to an investment that could put Canada in the race to develop a new generation of electric cars and make us leaders in fighting climate change Trudeau is timid and unimaginative. But when it comes to buying an aging, climate-destroying pipeline with the blessing of the business community our prime minister is all boldness and swagger. Correction January 17, 2019: This column was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Toyota began its transition from making bicycles to cars. In fact, Honda was making bicycles before it started making cars. Read more about: Is it better to suffer more traffic chaos for a shorter period of time, or mitigate the disruption a little by dragging construction out for months longer? Thats the debate a Toronto neighbourhood will be having at a public meeting Wednesday night. And whatever decision the city ultimately makes in this case may have broader implications for how construction projects are handled in Toronto. The Bathurst St. and Eglinton Ave. corner is a traffic mess right now because of the construction required to build the Crosstown LRT and the new Forest Hill station. That level of chaos can continue with ever-changing lane restrictions until the end of 2019. Or Metrolinx can move ahead with an alternate plan. That ups the ante for the neighbourhood by closing Bathurst a block north of Eglinton entirely, but would get the intersection back to normal by the end of summer, some 3 1/2 months sooner. Speed it up or drag it out thats the choice. The citys transportation department recommends speeding it up. But that option doesnt seem to be finding much favour among locals or their councillors, Josh Matlow and Mike Colle. Thats a shame. The option to finish construction at one intersection a few months faster may seem like a small thing in the grand scheme of a multi-year project. But massive projects, including this 19-km transit line, are made up of hundreds of these kinds of seemingly small decisions. While no single neighbourhood decision will make a dramatic difference, they all add up to make it more or less likely that the project will finish on time and on budget. And there are already plenty of questions about whether the Crosstown is on track to be completed in 2021. Delays have already cost the public a multimillion settlement with the construction consortium, and Metrolinx has rightly committed to find ways to accelerate the project before additional delays or costs are incurred. But making good on that also requires councillors who are willing to navigate a path through the broad needs of the city and the more local desires of their constituents. Is this a city that can find a way to get things done efficiently? Or is Toronto, as critics often claim, more adept at putting up roadblocks? This intersection may well prove to be the latest test. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Read more about: Well, that was quick. Last November the Ford government turned the clock back on legislation enacted by the Liberals that lowered the maximum donation to political parties and banned Ontario MPPs from attending fundraising events. And just like that, its back to the old cash-for-access system that has been discredited in Ontario and across the country. Allowing well-heeled donors to pay for face time with ministers and other MPPs was always bad for democracy. The Ontario Liberals came under intense criticism for abusing the system, and were embarrassed by revelations in the Star and elsewhere about ministers having to meet yearly party fundraising targets of up to $500,000. The Wynne government was right to finally do away with this broken system in 2016. Even the Progressive Conservatives supported that reform at the time. Whats changed? Nothing, other than Doug Ford now heads the PCs and the Ontario government and clearly believes his party will benefit by going back to the bad old days of trading access for dollars. So his government snuck major changes to the Liberal law into its fall economic update, which went by the remarkably cynical title of The Restoring Trust, Transparency and Accountability Act of 2018. In fact, its doing just the opposite. It raises the maximum a person can donate to a political party from $1,200 to $1,600 over the next four years, and will phase out public subsidies to parties. And it repeals the ban on MPPs (including ministers) attending gatherings designed to raise cash for their party. At first, the PCs made a stab at making it look like its fundraising events would be different. Theirs would be ones where the little guy could afford to rub shoulders with the politicians. So the first event under the new regime was a modestly priced $25-a-plate spaghetti dinner in Kitchener-Waterloo. But now the party is getting down to the business of raising serious cash. To wit: next Tuesday Energy Minister Greg Rickford will speak at an $800-a-ticket cocktail party at Torontos exclusive Albany Club. And on Feb. 27, Premier Ford will headline a $1,250-a-plate dinner at the Toronto Congress Centre. That one is being touted as the biggest fundraiser in the PC partys history. This is a terrible move for at least two reasons. First is simple fairness. Access to politicians shouldnt depend on how fat your wallet is. Typically, ministers and others raised the most money from the very sectors they were supposed to be overseeing. Thats an obvious conflict of interest that voters could smell a mile away. The other reason is more self-serving. The Ontario Liberals took full advantage of the old system when they were in power. That was a big contributor to public anger against the party, and we saw how that ended when the Liberals were crushed last June. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Does Ford really want to lead his party down the same path? Does he believe the for-the-people PCs can play by the old rules and not be tainted in the end? Voters arent stupid. Eventually theyll see the same old influence-seekers playing the same old game and draw the same conclusions they did when the Liberals were at the trough. And the PCs will pay the price. 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As a bevy of television cameras captured Rahaf Mohammeds arrival at Pearson International Airport, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland handed her a Canada hooded sweater, and welcomed her to her new homeland. As many people now know, Rahaf fled to Bangkok from Kuwait, where her family was on holiday, in the hopes of receiving asylum in Australia. She was briefly detained and authorities confiscated her passport. She then barricaded herself in a hotel room to thwart her removal to Saudi Arabia. At this point, she became a person without status as her primary documentation for her identity and travel had been taken from her. Ottawa deserves credit for acting swiftly to offer asylum to the 18-year-old, who alleged her family would kill her if she was forced to return to Saudi Arabia. However, why was Rahafs case prioritized over the other precarious-status or non-status women searching for a new Canadian life free from abuse? Freeland says Rahaf was singled out because every light is significant. But what about the other lights who cannot capture the governments attention? The positive outcome in Rahafs case often eludes the thousands of women and children who become undocumented or non-status in Canada after fleeing domestic abuse. Since people who become undocumented usually fear coming to the attention of immigration authorities, they are often forced to live clandestinely and work under the table in order to avoid removal. There are an estimated 20,000 to 200,000 individuals in Canada who dont have legal immigration papers. And many of them have stories similar to Rahafs. Through my work with the Rights of Non-Status Women Network, a Toronto-based grassroots organization to support and disseminate information to front line workers, I heard many of these stories. The government is, at best, ignoring the claims and calls for protection for these women and their dependants and, at worst, potentially pushing them back to their abusers. It is done through the underfunding of womens shelters and through Ontarios civil court system, where they have to seek injunctions against abusers. It is done through tying subsidized housing access to immigration status, forcing women to choose between abuse and homelessness. It is done through not officially unplugging the Harper-era police hotline for Canadians to anonymously report barbaric cultural practices that could get other people deported. Network sources tell us that abusers and traffickers use the threat of phoning the anonymous hotline threat to manipulate, control, and harm vulnerable people. And, finally, it is done through not providing duty counsel or free access to high-quality legal counsel in immigration and refugee matters before the courts. There has also been no mention of whether Rahaf will need to reimburse the government for her flight, a huge financial burden for other newcomers, or the usual payments for language certification, identification documentation and eventually citizenship. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... At the press conference at Pearson, Freeland said We believe very strongly that womens rights are human rights. Thats something we believe in and act on here at home. Lets hold her up to this promise and support the decisions and actions of women and children like Rahaf, but also those who are already in Canada. Lets also remind ourselves that while migration is not a right, all migrants are entitled to enjoy human rights. Premier Fords promise to build transit in Scarborough is on shaky ground. Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek announced last week that the province will seek private sector partners to build a three-stop Scarborough subway. Its a risky move that is likely to delay transit expansion even further. Weve seen this one before. Former Mayor Rob Ford tried to woo investors into building the Sheppard subway after the LRT plan on the books was nixed, but the investment never materialized. Had it not been cancelled, the Sheppard extension would have opened this year. Minister Yurek claims that one of the benefits to so-called subway uploading is the provinces greater ability to borrow. But the reality is that the provinces credit rating has been reduced twice in the past year and is now lower than Torontos. This might be one reason theyd like to take ownership of the subway and make way for private sector investment. What we know for sure is that splitting up the TTC will mean higher fares for transit riders. With rapid transit under provincial control, Metrolinx could implement the fare-by-speed model that its been considering, where riders pay a premium to ride subways and LRTs. Critical maintenance work on the system will be neglected because the provinces proposed capital spending is inadequate. And if the province doesnt step up its operating funding for transit, riders will continue to be stuck on long bus rides a far too common reality for Scarborough commuters, especially students. Students, like most transit riders, opt for public transit because of its low cost, despite the drawbacks of slow speeds and inconvenience. Preferred modes like driving and carpooling are too expensive to be practical for many students. University of Toronto Scarborough Campus (UTSC) students are therefore overwhelmingly dependent on public transit for their daily commutes. A Fall 2017 transit survey conducted at UTSC revealed students commuting experiences are a key factor in influencing their satisfaction with their overall undergraduate experience. It is unfortunate to note that only about two-fifths of the surveys participants felt satisfied with their daily commutes. Scarborough transit plans have been endlessly debated. Soon, the updated price tag for the one-stop Scarborough subway extension will be made public and City Council will vote on whether to spend billions on a single stop. Sending planners back to the drawing board to add additional stops before seeking out for private investors will add more setbacks. Even Metrolinx has admitted that a market-driven approach to transit could cause delays. Its time to move ahead with a line that everyone agrees on: the Eglinton East LRT to Malvern. Its popular, with widespread support from both residents and politicians, including Councillor Jennifer McKelvie and Mayor John Tory. The line will reach seven priority neighbourhoods; connecting to UTSC and Centennial College-Morningside; and bringing rapid transit to Malvern. Eglinton East would also create good jobs right here in Scarborough. And finally, its time for the province to rethink its plan to fragment the TTC. Its becoming clearer every day that doing so would open the door to privatization and leave all our transit plans up to the whims of developers. That will mean fewer employment opportunities and a Scarborough that isnt just cut off from the rest of the city it wont even be accessible to its own residents. We deserve better transit now and always. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Hana Syed is the vice-president external of the Scarborough Campus Students' Union. Shelagh Pizey-Allen is the executive director of TTCriders. Read more about: WASHINGTONSenate Republicans have seen the same polling as everyone else. More than 50 per cent of Americans blame U.S. President Donald Trump and the GOP for the nearly four-week-long shutdown of some federal agencies, while just 29 per cent blame Democrats, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll. By a 63-to-32- per cent margin, voters oppose shutting down parts of the government as a bargaining chip to force Congress to provide more than $5 billion (U.S.) for a border wall, aQuinnipiac Poll found. But Republicans are in no hurry to get themselves out of this jam. Just look at their political geography. At home in Wyoming over the weekend, Republican Sen. John Barrasso attended several local GOP events and heard the same message everywhere. Build the wall, build the wall, build the wall, Barrasso recalled. He said Wyoming voters, who gave Trump almost 68 per cent of the vote in 2016, do not want to reopen the government until the president is happy with the level of border security. They also would like to see the government open, but not at the expense of not accomplishing what the president has promoted, Barrasso said. Read more: Trump is badly losing the fight over the border wall shutdown, polls suggest Compelled to work without pay, federal employees sue Trump for violating 13th Amendment Trump declares hell never back down in shutdown fight Congress ends with Trumps fight for wall, shutdown and GOP leaders hard to find His Wyoming colleague, Republican Sen. Mike Enzi, up for reelection next year, is only worried about one election, his GOP primary in the summer of 2020. Out of 22 Republican seats up in 2020, 18 are from states that Trump won by comfortable margins. Just two, Sens. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, are running in states that Democrat Hillary Clinton won in 2016. In fact, those two are the only Republicans, out of all 53, representing states that Clinton won. Two other Republicans, Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Martha McSally of Arizona, are running next year in states where Trump won by less than five percentage points. This is a better map for Democrats than 2018 when they defended 10 seats in Trump states and suffered a net loss of two but it is not a great map. That makes it unsurprising to see Collins, Gardner and Tillis as part of a group trying to jump-start bipartisan talks to find a resolution to the impasse, talks that so far have produced nothing tangible. But very few other Republicans feel any discernible political pressure to buckle to Democratic demands, despite national polling that shows Trump getting crushed during this shutdown, now the longest in history. This shutdown really depends on where you sit and what part of the country youre in, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Tuesday. Her state is heavily dependent on federal workers in the Interior Department and similar agencies overseeing fishing and energy industries, almost all of which are shuttered at this point. Murkowskis aides have been fielding plenty of calls from angry constituents demanding the government function again. Are other GOP senators facing a similar influx of calls? Not really, Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said. Not many, not many, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. Both Rounds and Cornyn face reelection in 2020 but are not as focused on the general election. Rounds said that in a battle of Trump vs. Democratic leaders, the president definitely takes his state, where he won by more than 30 percentage points in 2016. The presidents going to win that battle, Rounds said. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Indeed, among conservative voters, support has grown sharply for Trumps position, making it potentially perilous for GOP incumbents to break with the president. Support among Republican voters for building the border wall jumped from 71 per cent to 87 per cent over the last year, according to the Post-ABC poll, findings that were almost identical to the Quinnipiac poll. Moreover, the number of GOP voters who strongly support the wall grew 12 percentage points over last year, up to 70 per cent. I think Republican primary voters are with the president, Cornyn said. Even Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who is often listed as a potential Democratic target in 2020, has shown little sign of breaking with Trump. She won a GOP leadership post, joined the Judiciary Committee in the aftermath of a tense partisan showdown over the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh and has not wavered in support of the wall. They are inadmissible, they are illegal immigrants. And its not just about our southern border. It is about every community, every town here in the United States, Ernst said at Tuesdays GOP conference, at the side of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Despite Iowas swing-state tradition, Trump defeated Clinton by nearly 10 percentage points in 2016. Democrats were more competitive last year, claiming three of the states four seats in the House and splitting even on six races for statewide office. In budget brinkmanship, Republicans once again hold themselves hostage But most Senate Republicans look back at the 2018 election and see a two-seat gain after they mostly stuck with Trump. Gardner and Collins are starting off this election season in potentially bad terrain, but GOP strategists are banking on winning back the seat of Sen. Doug Jones, D-Ala., after his upset victory in the 2017 special election. Democrats need to gain either three seats, and win the presidency, or four seats to claim the majority. For now, Senate Republicans are betting that is a tall order that will only come to pass if Trump goes into a tailspin that takes a bunch of them down with him. That means standing with Trump on his demands for a wall, while bemoaning the shutdown. I think the shutdown is a dumb thing to do. I didnt run for office, and people didnt elect me and others, to preside over shutdowns. They elected us to govern, and this is all about politics right now, Cornyn said. He believes it is up to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to work with Trump to come up with a deal. Murkowski said shes not sure what Trump would accept, but his support is a requirement, both legally, his signature on the bill, and politically, to give shelter to her GOP colleagues. Weve got to get the president to support it, she said. Without that, were still stumbling along. Read more about: WASHINGTONAmid increasing tensions with Beijing, the Pentagon has released a new report that lays out U.S. concerns about Chinas growing military might, underscoring worries about a possible attack against Taiwan. Speaking to reporters, a senior defence intelligence official said Tuesday that the key concern is that as China upgrades its military equipment and technology and reforms how it trains and develops troops, it becomes more confident in its ability to wage a regional conflict. And Beijings leaders have made it clear that reasserting sovereignty over Taiwan is a top priority. The official added, however, that although China could easily fire missiles at Taiwan, it doesnt yet have the military capability to successfully invade the self-governing island, which split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to provide more detail on intelligence findings in the report, which was written by the Defense Intelligence Agency. A Chinese government spokeswoman said the report is full of Cold War ideology and zero-sum game thinking and suggested the U.S. was making excuses to strengthen or develop its own weapons of mass destruction. We use rules rather than weapons to safeguard and promote our own interests, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. The reports release Tuesday comes just a week after Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his Peoples Liberation Army to better prepare for combat. China has warned the U.S. against further upgrading military ties with Taiwan and has threatened to use force against the island to assert its claim of sovereignty. Under U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. has taken incremental moves to bolster ties with the island, including renewed arms sales and upgraded contacts between officials. Read more: Taiwans president, defying Xi Jinping, calls unification offer impossible U.S. reassures Taiwan on security as China increases threats Tensions rise as Taiwan improves missiles to counter Chinas arms expansion U.S.-China tensions have become increasingly frayed on the military and economic fronts over the past year. Trump imposed tariff increases of up to 25 per cent on $250 billion (U.S.) of Chinese imports over complaints Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. Xi responded by imposing penalties on $110 billion of American goods. And last year the Pentagon disinvited China to a major, multinational Pacific exercise, citing Beijings militarization of man-made islands in the South China Sea. The ongoing rise of China, in fact, has triggered greater U.S. military attention on the Indo-Pacific region over the last several years. And last years release of the U.S. National Defence Strategy emphasized the importance of great power competition with Russia and China. And it asserted that Chinas rapidly expanding military and Russias increasing aggression are threatening Americas military advantage around the world. Just after taking over as the acting defence secretary, Pat Shanahan told his military service leaders on Jan. 2 that their focus should be China, China, China. The DIA report talks broadly about the steps China is taking to modernize its military and expand its operations around the globe. The worry, said the defence intelligence official, is that China will reach the point where leaders will decide that using military force for a regional conflict such as Taiwan is more imminent. Beijings long-standing interest to eventually compel Taiwans reunification with the mainland and deter any attempt by Taiwan to declare independence has served as the primary driver for Chinas military modernization, the report says. Beijings anticipation that foreign forces would intervene in a Taiwan scenario led the PLA to develop a range of systems to deter and deny foreign regional force projection. Over time, the report said, the PLA is likely to grow even more technologically advanced, with equipment comparable to that of other modern militaries. That would include advanced fighter aircraft, ships, missile systems and space and cyberspace capabilities. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Cyberthreats from China have long been a major U.S. concern, stretching from massive data breaches and the theft of trade secrets to Beijings campaign to improve its ability to conduct cyberattacks. The U.S. official said China has been working very hard on developing ways to combine cyberattack capabilities with other kinetic weapons that can be used in combat. Still, the official said Beijing will face a significant challenge as it tries to bring generational change to its military. Until now, China has mainly done tightly controlled regional operations and some counterpiracy missions. It will be more difficult, the official said, to create a joint force capable of conducting large, complex combat operations far abroad. Read more about: BERLINGerman prosecutors have filed terrorism charges against a German woman arrested after allegedly spending several years in a part of Syria controlled by the Daesh group. Federal prosecutors said Wednesday that 32-year-old Sabine Ulrike Sch., whose full name wasnt disclosed in line with privacy rules, faces charges of membership in a terrorist organization, looting and violating weapons laws. They said she travelled to Syria in late 2013 and married an Daesh fighter, living with him in houses seized by the group. She allegedly received weapons training between 2014 and mid-2017 and wrote blogs praising life in Daesh-controlled territory. Her husband died in fighting in 2016. The woman was captured by Kurdish forces in September 2017 along with the wives of other Daesh fighters and returned to Germany in April. Read more: Navy SEAL pleads not guilty to killing captured Daesh teen Syrias Assad authorizes Iraqi forces to strike Daesh in Syria Trump says Turkey should easily be able to mop up Daesh in Syria Read more about: MANILA, PHILIPPINES Philippine officials have turned over to China a former government official wanted for alleged economic crime and corruption. Xie Haojie (SHEE-ye hao-JEE-ye) was arrested on Sunday in Manila in an operation co-ordinated with Chinese authorities. The 49-year-old is wanted back home on charges of corruption that amounted to $210 million (U.S.). Officials from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration handed him over Wednesday to Chinas authorities in Manila for deportation. Li Shulei, vice chairman of Chinas National Supervisory Commission, says the case involved a huge amount of money that made Xie a very terrible social influence. Xie was presented to the media in the Philippines but did not make any statement. Read more about: NEW YORK A U.S. agent testified Wednesday that Mexican police were purposely kept in the dark about secret efforts in 2014 to hunt down notorious drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman because they couldnt be trusted. Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Victor Vasquez told a jury in Guzmans trial that he was the American liaison for an operation to try to capture the top leadership of the Sinaloa cartel. He demanded only Mexican marines on his team because he believed, unlike the police, they wouldnt tip off the cartel. Involving police was not going to work because of the corruption level, Vasquez testified in federal court in Brooklyn. Deep-rooted corruption and ineffectiveness among police forces has led Mexico to rely heavily for years on the military and particularly the marines to combat drug cartels in parts of the country. Using DEA intelligence about the whereabouts of the cartel bosses, a strike force of about 100 marines in helicopters and trucks first tried to capture Ismael El Mayo Zambada, but failed to find him in a raid at a ranch in Sinaloa, he said. The trial day ended before Vasquez could describe efforts to find Guzman. The notorious kingpin was caught in 2014 but ended up escaping through a tunnel that was dug into his prison cell. Guzman was recaptured in 2016 and sent to the U.S. to face drug-trafficking charges carrying a maximum sentence of life in prison. He says hes being framed by shady co-operators. Earlier Wednesday, co-operator Alex Cifuentes acknowledged on cross-examination that he had told investigators that his Colombian cartel once paid for protection with a monthly allowance to General Naranjo an apparent reference to Gen. Oscar Naranjo Trujillo. The former general, who was known in his country for fighting drug-traffickers, denied the allegation on social media. Read more about: GENEVAThe UN human rights office says credible sources indicate that at least 890 people were killed last month during three days of clashes among villages in western Congo. Michelle Bachelet, the UN human rights chief, said the perpetrators should be brought to justice over such shocking violence that erupted between the Banunu and Batende communities in the Mai-Ndombe province. Her office said it has launched an investigation, along with national authorities in Congo. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in New York that according to the sources, at least 82 other people were injured during the clashes in four villages. The rights office says Wednesday that hundreds of houses and buildings were also burned down or pillaged in the violence, and an estimated 16,000 people sought refuge in neighbouring Republic of Congo across the Congo River. The violence from Dec. 16-18 came just days before Congos presidential election. Read more: Congos neighbours call for vote recount in troubled election Congo police fire bullets, tear gas amid election protest Congo election runner-up says countrys ruling party is desperate RIO DE JANEIROPresident Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a decree making it easier for many Brazilians to own firearms, the first of many expected changes by the nascent administration to overhaul gun laws in the nation that leads the world in total homicides. Bolsonaro signed the decree in a televised ceremony in the capital of Brasilia, arguing that it and other changes expected to be pushed in Congress would help people defend themselves. The former army captain and far-right leader, who won last years election on promises to crack down on crime, said citizens in Latin Americas biggest country have long made clear that they wanted to arm themselves. The people decided in favour of buying guns and ammunition and we cant deny what the people wanted at that moment, Bolsonaro said, referring to a 2005 referendum in which Brazilians voted against banning the manufacturing and selling of guns. The decree established a wide range of categories for gun ownership qualification, and government officials said it was crafted to cover just about any citizen wanting a firearm. The categories include citizens living in rural areas, in urban areas with high levels of homicide, business owners, gun collectors and hunters. Prospective gun owners must still meet other requirements, such as not having a criminal record, taking a psychological exam, a course at a gun club and being at least 25 years old. Before the decree, the law stipulated that civilians who wanted to own a gun had to justify their interest. Bolsonaro and other proponents of relaxing legislation argued that such a requirement was arbitrary such reviews happened with a federal police official and meant that in practice many would-be owners were denied. The decree also extended from five to 10 years the period to renew the registration of each firearm, and increased from two to four the number of guns each person can own. In one area that could be interpreted as tightening the law, it required gun owners have a safe with a key in any home with children, adolescents or a person with a mental disability. While the decree allows more people to buy weapons, it remains illegal for most civilians to carry them in public. Bolsonaro and the so-called Bullet Caucus in Congress plan a legislative push to overturn that. Security experts have long argued that more guns will lead to increased violence. If the Brazilian government is sincere about improving public security and fighting organized crime, it will enforce existing gun laws rather than dismantling them, said Igarape, a Brazilian think-tank , in a statement. Specifically, it should strengthen national data gathering on seized firearms to disrupt trafficking. It must improve oversight over the arms holdings of police and private security companies. For decades, Brazil has been the world leader in annual homicides. Last year, nearly 64,000 were killed, the majority by firearms. Despite tight gun laws, arms are widely available. Drug traffickers in slums are commonly seen brandishing automatic weapons. Many guns possessed illegally begin as legal, and were then stolen from police or military personnel or sold by corrupt people in those institutions. Several studies, both in the United States and Brazil, have found a correlation between increased guns and homicide and suicide rates. However, some social scientists, and gun proponents, argue such data is inconclusive. Bolsonaro and others in his administration have argued that allowing more Brazilians to carry guns would help combat criminality, one of his key campaign promises. Any criminal in any part of the world fears an armed citizen, said chief of staff Onyx Lorenzoni minutes after the decree was signed. England saw its home assaults increased by 40 per cent since guns were banned there, he added, without providing more details. Polls have consistently shown most Brazilians want tighter restrictions on guns. A Datafolha poll published at the end of last year found that 61 per cent believed firearms should be prohibited and posed a threat to others. The poll interviewed 2,077 people Dec. 18-19 and a had a margin of error of 2 per cent. There were many signs Tuesday that fights over gun laws were just beginning. In an editorial titled Reckless Decree, the newspaper O Globo criticized the changes for not being paired with better mechanisms to track guns. Many Bolsonaro supporters took to Twitter to laud the changes or argue, in angry language, that the decree didnt go far enough. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Shares of gun manufacturer Taurus, which has enjoyed steady gains the last several months in anticipation of sweeping changes, closed 22 per cent down. Many interpreted that as sign investors had expected Bolsonaro to go further, particularly in the number of guns each person can have. Proponents of loosened laws have long pushed for no limit. Meanwhile, Sou da Paz Institute, a rights group dedicated to violence reduction, launched an online campaign with ads blasting the government for its central argument for the change: that guns put people in a better position to protect themselves. When you are sick, the government doesnt ask you to buy a scalpel and operate on yourself, said one of the ads. If youre suffering because of crime, why do you have to protect yourself? Read more about: SYDNEYSelling illicit drugs in Australia has long been a more lucrative business than in most other parts of the world because the countrys remote location means a lot of gets stopped on arrival, driving up prices. But Australia still has some of the worlds highest illicit drug consumption rates, which has encouraged some criminals to go to extraordinary lengths to circumvent those border controls. In several raids earlier this month, Australian authorities arrested eight people, accusing them of being part of an international drug syndicate that smuggled $14 million (U.S.) worth of illegal substances including cocaine and heroin into the country over at least the last five years. The actual figure is likely to be higher, Australian officials in the state of Victoria said. Authorities believe that a Malindo Air flight attendant smuggled the drugs on board in Malaysia, carrying them on his body and in the luggage, before off-loading them in Sydney and Melbourne. It was unclear if other flight attendants were involved or aware of the scheme, but authorities described the investigation as ongoing. They also seized luxury cars belonging to the suspects. The amount of heroin alone involved in this investigation amounts to almost fifty thousand hits in real terms, said Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh. Australia has been struggling to contain a sharp increase in drug-related deaths in recent years. While most of those deaths were connected to overdoses of prescription drugs, a growing number of fatalities has been blamed on smuggled substances entering the country on ships or planes. In a recent study, the Rand Europe research institute estimated that Australia accounted for about 11 per cent of global darknet sales of illicit drugs. U.S. consumers purchased only about three times more illicit drugs online in total, even though the United States is 16 times more populous than Australia. Darknet sales only represent a fraction of overall consumption, but other studies have similarly found that Australias illicit drug consumption is above global levels. While illicit drug use caused 1.8 per cent of all injuries in Australia by 2011, the global average stood at only 0.8 per cent, according to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare. Since then, government authorities have reported further increases in drug consumption. By 2013, almost 3 million Australians were believed to have used illicit drugs within one year, which amounts to about 8 per cent of the population. While prices for illegal substances may be higher in Australia than in most other countries, authorities have been concerned over their easy availability in major cities. This months drug raids across the country appear to have been part of a broader crackdown to combat drug use, even though researchers caution that a broader approach including better mental health care and more prevention trainings is needed to successfully lower consumption rates. Dyersville, IA (52040) Today A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. WASHINGTON U.S. President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday called climate change a huge issue but not the greatest crisis and drew fire from Democrats at his confirmation hearing over the regulatory rollbacks hes made in six months as the agencys acting administrator. Republicans on the GOP-majority Senate Environment and Public Works Committee mostly had praise for Andrew Wheeler, who has served as the agencys acting head since Scott Pruitts resignation in July amid ethics scandals. The committee chairman, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., called Wheeler very well-qualified to take the job. But Democrats pressed Wheeler about his work as a lobbyist helping an influential coal magnate meet with Trump administration officials before his nomination to the EPA and his moves on deregulation and on what they said was his inattention to the growing dangers of climate change. You seem to be consistently doing things that undermine the health and safety of this nation, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., told Wheeler. Markey asked him why he was pulling back on regulations that proponents say protect human health and the environment. I believe we are moving forward on protections, Wheeler responded. Wheeler cited changes he had initiated to roll back future mileage standards for cars and autos and to ease Obama-era clampdowns on dirtier-burning coal-fired power plants. He said EPA staff, whom he did not identify, had concluded that those rollbacks would ultimately lead to health gains. Environmental groups and formal assessments from the EPA and other agencies have contested that, saying the changes would increase pollution and increase harm to people and the climate. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., said the rollbacks in car mileage standards and toxic mercury emissions under Wheeler were examples of unsafe deregulation and went beyond what industries themselves wanted. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., noted Wheeler had failed to mention climate change in his initial remarks to lawmakers. Do you agree that climate change is a global crisis? Sanders asked, shouting at times. I would not call it the greatest crisis, Wheeler said. I would call it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally. Wheeler told lawmakers that he had yet to read a massive government climate change report released late last year that emphasized man-made climate change was already underway. Wheeler said he had received one staff briefing so far on the climate change report. The work of the EPA and other government agencies, the report stresses the massive economic toll expected from increasingly severe wildfires, hurricanes and other extreme weather under climate change. Wheeler said the news media had seized upon worst-case scenarios of the climate report. You are a former coal industry lobbyist that is sitting here, Markey responded. Thats the worst-case scenario, what you are proposing here for easing Obama-era rules meant to clamp down on climate-changing fossil fuel emissions. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and other Republican lawmakers, by contrast, praised Wheeler for a move to remove federal protections for millions of miles of wetlands and waterways and other proposals. Republican lawmakers said the protections had burdened farmers and others. The grandson of a coal miner, Wheeler worked for the EPA in the 1990s and later as a longtime Republican Senate staffer. Democrats pressed Wheeler about his lobbying before joining the EPA, saying his work for coal companies should disqualify him from leading an agency that regulates coal. Wheelers lobbying clients included coal magnate Bob Murray, who pushed hard on the Trump administration after the 2016 elections to grant a series of breaks for the sagging domestic coal industry. Wheeler accompanied Murray to a March 2017 meeting to pitch Murrays list of desired rule rollbacks and other breaks for coal to Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Wheeler told senators that his main work for Murray had been on health benefits and pensions. I did not work on the plan. I do not have a copy of it. I saw it briefly, Wheeler said, referring to Murrays wish list. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., displayed a blown-up version of a photo taken of the meeting with Perry, showing Wheeler at Murrays side. A second photo showed Murrays rollback plan in Wheelers hands. Murray had sought some of the coal breaks that the EPA under Wheeler has since acted on. That included Wheeler signing a rule easing federal regulation of toxic coal ash, redoing an Obama rule that pushed electricity providers to move away from dirtier-burning coal plants and targeting an Obama rule limiting emissions of toxic mercury from coal plants. A watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed an ethics complaint Tuesday with the EPAs Office of the Inspector General alleging that Wheelers oversight of those and other rollback proposals at EPA may have violated his government ethics pledge to abstain from regulatory decisions affecting his former lobbying client for at least two years. EPA spokesman John Konkus called the accusation baseless and wrong and said Wheeler works with EPA ethics officials and follows their guidance. Read more about: In the perilous moments after a gunman shot up Danforth Ave. then fired at them, two Toronto officers shot back at Faisal Hussain because they feared for their lives and for the lives of others, Ontarios police watchdog concludes in a detailed report released Wednesday, clearing the officers of any criminal wrongdoing. The long-anticipated report from the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) report confirms Hussain died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The 29-year-old gunman, clad head to toe in black, shot himself the right temple in front of the Danforth Church minutes after unleashing a spray of bullets down the patio-lined Danforth Ave., killing two and injuring 13 others. Next to his body, police found a Smith and Wesson .40 calibre handgun and two fully loaded handgun magazines, according to the report by the watchdog, which probes all police-involved deaths and serious injuries. Three more loaded magazines were found inside a satchel Hussain was carrying. The officer who found Hussain said he still had his ring and pinkie finger around the grip of the gun, according to the report. The SIUs decision to clear the officers has long been expected, particularly after police documents released by the courts last year confirmed Hussain shot himself and was not killed by police during a standoff that occurred near Danforth and Bowden St. Hes relieved that its done, Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack said shortly after reaching one of the officers Wednesday. McCormack described both officers as experienced and humble, and said both went back work following the shooting. Noting the ammunition Hussain still had when he died, McCormack said the carnage caused by Hussain could have been worse, were it not for our officers. The SIU report presents the most detailed official account to date of the fatal July 22 shooting, a narrative that reveals how quickly the incident unfolded. Calls reporting a shooting on the Danforth began flooding in at 10 p.m.; approximately six minutes later, Hussain was spotted by the two officers and soon after began exchanging gunfire with them in an alleyway near Bowden Ave. By 10:14 p.m., an internal police communications log reported: Susp(ect) is down self-inflicted, the SIU report states. After a thorough investigation and for the following reasons, I am satisfied that Mr. Hussain took his own life and that no TPS officer involved in the incident committed a criminal offence, SIU Director Tony Loparco wrote in the report. Indeed, in this case there is no evidence that the responding officers actions were anything but commendable in the face of truly perilous circumstances. The SIUs report comes one day after newly released court documents show investigators found a cache of ammunition in Hussains apartment, including two loaded magazines for an AK-47 assault rifle, though no guns were recovered inside the home. As police watchdog, the SIU was only examining the circumstances of Hussains death. Toronto police are still conducting what Chief Mark Saunders called a large-scale investigation and will ultimately release a full investigative report. In a statement Wednesday, Saunders said the information about ammunition that was released through the courts Tuesday only represents the very early stages of our investigative efforts. Since then, we have completed nine more judicial authorizations. We understand the concerns raised due to the partial release of this information but once our work is complete, there will be a more fulsome understanding of this incident, Saunders said. The SIU investigation drew on interviews with seven officers, 15 civilian witnesses, photo and video footage, a Toronto police firearms report, and autopsy findings and includes a diagram of the crime scene and previously unreleased photographs taken in the wake of the mass shooting. According to the SIUs report, the first 911 call reported: someone had been shot on the Danforth at Pappas Grill. The 911 communications centre was immediately flooded with other callers reporting a shooting on Danforth Ave. and that people were running or injured, the report found. One caller indicated that the shooter, Mr. Hussain, had stood on top of a woman and shot her multiple times in the back. At 10:05 p.m., another caller reported that Mr. Hussain was heading westbound on Danforth Ave. and was in possession of a black handgun. By 10:06 p.m., two Toronto police officers who are not identified in the SIU report were driving together in a marked cruiser near when they encountered Hussain on the west side of Bowden St. and approached him. According to the report, they saw Hussain shooting towards nearby 7Numbers restaurant. As they got out of their car and drew their weapons, the officers both said Hussain turned towards them and fired between two to four times in their direction. The officers almost immediately shot back, one shooting three times, the other once, according to the report. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Because he was taking cover behind a police car, the officer who shot once hit the frame of the back passenger window causing the glass to shatter and a projectile to become lodged in the windows frame, the report found. Hussain then fled, travelling north on Bowden St. and then westbound on Danforth Ave. A few minutes later, Toronto police officers found Hussains body in front of the Danforth Church, at 60 Bowden St. An autopsy later confirmed his cause of death a gunshot wound to the head and brain, the SIU said. I believe that (the officers) are credible and their accounts of the incident quite reliable because their statements were overwhelmingly consistent with the remainder of the evidence, including the statements of multiple civilian witnesses who witnessed or heard the exchange of gunfire, Loparco wrote. Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis Rhianna Jackson-Kelso is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Stars radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @RhiannaJK Read more about: Ken Seiling, one of two provincially appointed advisers tasked with heading the regional review in Ontario, says change is part of government. My experience has been...that no government should be static, there is always change because times change, said Seiling, who stepped down as chair of Waterloo Region in November after 33 years in the role. You cant stay frozen in time, he said. He said he has no preconception of what the review should conclude. I am going into this with an open mind. All of the regions have some nuances, some differences, so we want to hear from everybody. The Ontario government under Premier Doug Ford announced the regional government review on Tuesday, appointing Seiling and Michael Fenn as special advisers. Its important work, and Im optimistic that we will produce some results that people are going to be pleased with, said Fenn, who was a deputy minister under three Ontario premiers and a municipal chief administrator in Hamilton and Burlington. Read more: Ontario mayors greet regional reform news with excitement, dread Former Waterloo Region chair Ken Seiling to help lead review of regional governments By the numbers: the regions under the Ford governments review The review will examine Ontarios eight regional municipalities (Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District, and Oxford County), the County of Simcoe, and their lower-tier municipalities. Neither man is the type to bend to political pressure, said Harry Kitchen, professor emeritus, Trent University, who has worked closely with them. I dont know if the premier has a preconceived notion of what needs to be done, but if he does, hes picked the wrong two guys, said Kitchen. Theyre honest, thorough, fair, Ive never seen them in a position where they got pushed around in any political manner. I dont expect it now. Kitchen was the provincially appointed commissioner for the restructuring of Victoria County, which became the City of Kawartha Lakes, when Fenn was deputy minister of municipal affairs and housing. He was the provincially appointed commissioner to review the regional government of Niagara in 1988-89, when Fenn was the city manager in Burlington. He has a vast knowledge of municipal affairs, he said of Fenn. Kitchen also worked on a project for the Region of Waterloo in the 1990s when Seiling was regional chair. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Fenn and Seiling have been tasked with consulting municipal leaders and staff, municipal and business stakeholders, members of the public and communities and organizations if necessary, and then deliver advice to the minister of municipal affairs and housing based on their expertise and assessment of the feedback. Seiling said the government is expecting some results by early summer. Fenn said he didnt think the tight deadline would be a problem. We have been involved in and around these issues for decades. We dont need a whole lot of background or getting up to speed. Fenn is the founding CEO of the regional transportation authority Metrolinx, as well as the regional health authority Mississauga Halton LHIN. He helped restructure Burlingtons city hall, crafted Hamiltons amalgamation, and worked on early iterations of Ontarios Greenbelt and Places to Grow initiatives, according to a Hamilton Spectator profile in 2008. He researches and writes extensively on infrastructure and public policy and is now a management consultant specializing in the public sector and healthcare. Im a lifelong public servant; Im used to working with political leadership, Fenn said. I understand that the elected representatives of the people have a right to give broad direction in terms of our public policy and I think thats entirely legitimate and appropriate. I am just an advisor. Obviously, I have my point-of-view, my professional credibility and my conscience, so those things would also be engaged. During his tenure as Waterloo Region chair, Seiling sat on a number of boards and commissions, including the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario board. He was a recipient of the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for service to the community. Ive been through many cycles of government reviews and municipal reforms, said Seiling. I think I have a lot to bring to the table in terms of this review. He said hes pleased to be working with Fenn. Hes considered by people in the field as a top-notch person. The two of us together, I like to think, will be a pretty good team. Read more about: The Ontario government said Tuesday that it will review the governance of eight regional municipalities and the County of Simcoe in a move to cut red tape and find efficiencies. The review will be conducted by Michael Fenn, a former deputy minister and chief executive officer of Metrolinx, and Ken Seiling, the former chair of Waterloo region. It will encompass 82 municipalities in the regions of Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara and Peel, as well as Muskoka District, Oxford County and the County of Simcoe. The news was met with a mixture of enthusiasm and apprehension across the province, and lots of unanswered questions. Heres a look at what we know so far: What does it mean? The province was short on details, but clear the goal is to find ways to improve residents access to services while cutting duplication and saving money. Urban designer Ken Greenberg said he has no idea, what it will look like, but he has heard these buzzwords before. We heard this kind of language during the Harris government, which led to the amalgamations not only the amalgamation of Toronto, but many of the other amalgamations around the province, he said. Efficiency, which is the catch phrase here, can be interpreted as frictionless administration, and large scale, which often leads to amalgamation. What form could amalgamation take? Some services in these municipalities are already centralized. Transit, police, emergency services, water, sewer, and community services are already centralized in York Region, for example, said regional chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson. The review could recommend that more be centralized or that entire regions be brought together under one government, such as Etobicoke, Scarborough, East York, York, North York and the old city of Toronto were in 1998, Greenberg said. Some services, like regional transportation, transcend local boundaries, but the differences between parts of the regions under review are so great that you keep running into situations of one size doesnt fit all, he added. And I think amalgamated Toronto suffers from that, I think theres been a loss of a sense of access to local City Hall. What could be the benefits of the review? Peel Region chair Nando Iannicca said he welcomes the analysis. Iannicca is hoping for a full and fair airing of what it is exactly were trying to fix, as often the red tape and delays are at the provincial level. For example, he said, municipalities often had to wait for hearings with the Ontario Municipal Board, which has now been replaced by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. He hopes the discussion can be frank and open and look at all of these areas, not just processes of cities and towns. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... York Regions Emmerson said he also welcomes the chance for a review but wants to make sure his region has a seat at the table. Can we do things better? Im sure we can, he said. What are the concerns? Cherise Burda, executive director of Ryerson Universitys City Building Institute, says she worries that if municipalities in these regions are amalgamated, the effect will be to dilute local government. You kind of just harmonize places which arent the same. That can result in a homogenous approach to places that need different treatment, she said. Denser areas like, for example, downtown Mississauga, have different interests than more suburban areas in Peel Region. The more that you amalgamate, the more that you weaken local decision-making, the more that you get decision-making further from the local people. Thats what happened in Toronto, not only under amalgamation, but when the province chopped the number of local councillors almost in half last year, she said. When people making decisions have no sense of the place theyre making decisions about it can lead to abstractions, where we get quite far away from the reality, added Greenberg. The tension that I worry about, since we dont know where this is going, but I think its fair to talk about this, is between administrative efficiency and access to local government, and the principle of local democracy and having people engaged in making decisions about the places where they live, he said. Emmerson is also not a believer in amalgamation. Residents, he says, want a local government and the connection to politicians that comes with it. They want to see the mayor at the grocery store. Read more about: The Ontario government is proposing changes to the growth plan that it says will attract jobs, boost the regions housing supply and give municipalities more say in how and where development occurs. But critics and environmentalists fear the amendments would spur sprawl in areas outside Toronto by encouraging the kind of single-family residential development that requires residents to commute long distances by car. Ontarios smart growth plan governs how and where municipalities can grow. The idea is to concentrate the population around services such as transit and infrastructure. The changes would roll back some density targets that were added to Ontarios Places to Grow Act in 2017, reverting to the numbers outlined in the original 2005 smart growth plan. In some greenfields the areas where developers traditionally build single-family home subdivisions the targets would be halved from a combined 80 residents and jobs per hectare, to as few as 40. Barrie, Brantford, Guelph, Orillia, Peterborough and the Durham, Halton and Niagara regions would be required to put 50 residents and jobs per hectare on greenfields. The city of Kawartha Lakes and the counties of Brant, Dufferin, Haldimand, Northumberland, Peterborough, Simcoe and Wellington would need 40 people and jobs per hectare under the planned changes. Although some provincially designated employment lands would be untouchable, municipalities throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe would also be able to convert some of their employment lands to residential development. Municipalities would also be allowed to develop some small parcels beyond the their current growth plan boundaries. Share your thoughts Municipalities want that flexibility ... on how and where they grow, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark said on Tuesday. We made a big decision that one size (growth plan) cant fit all, that we have to provide the flexibility and thats exactly what the new policies on intensification targets and the designated greenfield areas provide, he said. The plan sets growth targets through 2041. By then, the region is expected to grow by 4 million people. That is 85 per cent of the overall provincial population growth forecast. David Wilkes, CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), welcomed the changes, saying they would make development more predictable by better aligning infrastructure, zoning and housing. But critics and environmentalists say the growth plan amendments, along with the governments recently introduced Bill 66, threatens the agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands in the 1.8-million-acre Greenbelt around Toronto. Read more: Builders blame Ontarios growth plan for rising home prices Environmentalists fear provincial changes mean Greenbelt is open for development Its the province setting developers free to do what they want, said Tim Gray of Environmental Defence. Given more leeway to make exceptions, local politicians will be subject to greater pressure from builders, he said. Bill 66 would allow municipalities to apply to the province to build employment on the Greenbelt without telling the public. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Under the existing growth plan municipalities have to prove they need to extend urban boundaries. This guts any kind of rationale, Gray said. York Region chief planner Paul Freeman is among the municipal officials who said they were still studying the changes. But, he said on the surface the amendments would maintain the regions intensification goals while providing flexibility for different community requirements with a new three-zone system that applies different intensification targets according to geography. In the inner zone, which includes York Region, he said 60 per cent of growth would still come within the built-up area; middle zones would have a 50 per cent target and outer zones would have a 40 per cent intensification target. In Yorks case, a 60 per cent intensification would mean more of our growth is in the existing urban area and, if anything, it would decrease the need for urban expansion if at all, he said. Densities around transit stations depend on the kind of transit, Freeman said. Yorks Viva bus rapid transit demands 160 people and jobs per hectare must go with a transit station. The numbers go up to 200 for subways. Northeast of Toronto, the city of Kawartha Lakes welcomed the proposed changes because it allows the community to grow according to its own values, said manager of planning Richard Holy. A lot of people come here because its lower density. Its not Toronto. The prospect of having to become more like those areas isnt something people want, he said. Although builders want to develop land near some of the larger centres such as Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls, Holy said, Were not going to gobble up large amounts of agricultural land or natural environmental features. Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman, who worked on the original growth plan, said he welcomes the changes where they reduce overlapping policies and provide a more diverse housing supply. Peoples preferences need to be respected. Not everyone wants to live in a condo, he said. But Lehman said he also fears a race to the bottom where municipalities are willing to do what it takes to attract business. He said, The potential to allow a development that has negative consequences for the environment exists. Correction January 16, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that misspelled Richard Holys surname. Searching through Danforth gunman Faisal Hussains apartment in the aftermath of Julys mass shooting, Toronto police found a stockpile of ammunition that included two loaded magazines for an AK-47 assault rifle, though no guns were recovered inside the home, newly released police documents say. The documents released Tuesday raise more questions about the possible motive behind the shooting on July 22, when 29-year-old Hussain opened fire with a handgun along a busy stretch of Danforth Ave., killing 18-year-old Reese Fallon and 10-year-old Julianna Kozis and leaving 13 others injured. He then fatally shot himself. Police searching inside the 43 Thorncliffe Park Dr. apartment Hussain shared with his parents found in a drawer under a bed ammunition for various guns, some loosely collected in a black sock, some loaded into magazines, including for a 9mm gun. Investigators also found an empty handgun box and a soft rifle case and trigger guard. The firearms themselves were not located, according to a police document written one day after the shooting. It is reasonable to believe that when fully loaded magazines and cases are located, there would be firearms to match loaded in the residence but there was not, a Toronto investigator wrote. Read more: Details on Danforth gunman revealed in documents police filed to obtain search warrant Suspected Danforth shooters family cites psychosis, severe mental health challenges Who was the Danforth shooter? Faisal Hussain had no criminal court files associated with his name, but a complicated past full of family misfortune The court files released Tuesday are information to obtain (ITO) documents, affidavits police file to get the courts permission to perform certain types of investigations, including a home search. The documents typically contain fresh details about an investigation, including summaries of evidence. A partially redacted version of the documents was released in September, after court applications by the Star and other media, though they did not reveal the information about the ammunition. The documents show police did not obtain a search warrant before the first search, in the early hours after the shooting. Citing a concern for human life, an officer from Torontos Emergency Task Force (ETF) and an explosives-sniffing dog went into the apartment, where they discovered the ammunition. They also found a white powdery substance and an Islamic headscarf, the documents state. Police later filed ITOs to continue their search of the home and the electronics seized inside the apartment. The documents also show police found four DVDs that appear to include several 9/11 conspiracy videos and documentaries about the Iraq war. One of the videos has the same name, American Dictators, as a film released by Infowars conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The ITO also notes receipts in the amounts of $1000 and $8310 for cash paid to the Abad Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. The receipts were for a Mrs. Fakhira Sultana. According to the police documents, Hussains father said Faisal Hussain went to Islamabad, Pakistan two or three years ago to visit family. Faisal was happy on the trip and did not want to return home because people left him alone there, the documents quote Hussains father as saying. Hussains parents have previously said their son suffered from severe mental health challenges and struggled with psychosis and depression. The police documents state Hussain had both a family doctor and a psychiatrist. In another ITO filed to seek authorization to search through electronics seized by police including four cell phones located in his room, a laptop and two tablets police stress that a review of his online activities may be the sole way to learn more about him. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Faisal Husseins only companions appear to be his parents and they do not even know him that well and what he has been up to. The only way to understand the true extent of what ocurred or was planned is to go to the only place Hussein spent time, which is on these devices, the documents state. Hussain exchanged gunfire with two officers before he died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head. Because of the gunfight involving police, Ontarios police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), is probing Hussains death. Spokesperson Monica Hudon said Tuesday that the SIU expects to release a decision in this case in the coming days. Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said in a year-end press conference that there will be an opportunity (to) present whatever we can to the public about the Danforth shooting, since there will be no trial. KITCHENERThe Ontario government announced Tuesday it is reviewing nine regional or county governments and 73 municipalities within them in a bid to save costs. This includes the Region of Waterloo, the cities of Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo, and the townships of North Dumfries, Wilmot, Woolwich and Wellesley. Municipal Affairs Minister Steven Clark has tapped Ken Seiling, the veteran municipal leader, to help recommend ways to improve governance, decision-making and service delivery that may include amalgamations. There have been no parameters drawn around this, Seiling said. Theres been no agenda set out for us other than to come back with a good report. Questions Seiling will help answer include: are two-tier structures appropriate? Are activities duplicated? Can services be allocated better? Joining him to make recommendations is Michael Fenn, a former deputy minister and CAO of Hamilton-Wentworth region. The review meets an earlier pledge made after Doug Ford slashed Toronto council almost by half, arguing that fewer politicians will save costs and improve city hall. Read more: Ontario mayors greet regional reform news with excitement, dread By the numbers: the regions under the Ford governments review Opinion | Edward Keenan: Ford governments regional review could be a good thing or a very bad thing It will be a fairly quick review, said Seiling. Consultations will be this spring to make recommendations this summer. If there are going to be any kind of changes made, the government needs time to plan for them. Seiling chaired Waterloo regional government for 33 years before retiring in October. Seiling has long favoured strengthening regional government or moving toward a single city. He has also cautioned against entering into bruising reform debates without a provincial commitment to act. I go into this with no pre-set views, he said. I want to hear what people have to say. I think quite frankly theres lots of differences across the province ... I think at the end of the day, the measure has to be good governance. Local politicians hailed Seilings role. They said this region and its eight councils are part of a government system that works well. Waterloo is a great city that operates effectively, is one of the best-known cities in all of Canada. And were doing well as is, so why mess with that success? Waterloo Mayor Dave Jaworsky said. I feel its too early to speculate, said Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry, whose city has long opposed amalgamation. Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic supports local councils talking about reforming themselves before reforms are imposed. This community has a long history of reinventing itself with innovation and we can do that again as part of this process, he said. Im a strong believer that a proactive, locally-led solution in terms of the governance of this region will result in the best possible outcome. Regional Chair Karen Redman said reforms should focus not on the number of local politicians but on the effectiveness of government. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... This isnt just a math equation. This is absolutely looking at whats the best outcome for residents, she said. It also has to honour community. She would not rule out amalgamations. In order to have a review that you can say is credible, everything has to be on the table. Local politicians have battled each other for more than a century over service delivery, council reform and amalgamations. Two decades ago, former PC premier Mike Harris left this region out of municipal mergers it imposed elsewhere such as Hamilton-Wentworth. Instead, the province partly separated city and regional councils. Local politicians put transit and garbage under regional control but left water and sewer services split, defying expert advice. A citizens campaign that proposed to make this region into a single city faltered in 2008. In a 2010 referendum, Kitchener voters endorsed merger talks with neighbouring Waterloo, but Waterloo voters rejected talks. Seiling said his role advising the Ford government came together in the last month. Hell earn up to $600 a day to a maximum of $36,000. Its actually going to be very challenging, he said. He expects to meet with the municipal affairs minister Wednesday. Clark said he wants to cut red tape and duplication, save costs, make it easier for residents and businesses to access government services, and deliver local services more efficiently and effectively. Our government (is) committed to improving the way regional government works and we will be looking at ways to make better use of taxpayers dollars, he said in a statement. Business leader Art Sinclair welcomes the review and said the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce has no position on possible reforms. I would say at this point pretty much everything is on the table, said Sinclair, chamber vice-president. Read more about: KITCHENERA registered nurse who was fired from a long-term care home in Kitchener for repeatedly stealing opioids to feed her addiction must be rehired and compensated for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect, an arbitrator has ruled. The nurse, identified in the ruling as D.S., was addicted to opioids when she stole narcotics from Sunnyside Home over a two-year period. She falsified medical records to make it look like she injected residents when she actually saved the drugs for herself. An arbitrator last week ruled D.S.s addiction was a disability. He also found that the nurses union established prima facie(correct until proved otherwise) discrimination and concluded it was wrong to not rehire her. Sunnyside is owned by the Region of Waterloo. The evidence shows beyond any doubt that there is a connection or nexus between (her) substance use disorder and the adverse effect of termination of employment for violation of admittedly valid workplace rules, arbitrator Larry Steinberg said in the ruling. Compulsive behaviour and impaired judgment are symptoms of the mental illness of substance use disorder. They were manifested in this case ... by either no capacity or diminished capacity on the part of (D.S.) to comply with workplace rules prohibiting diversion of narcotics and falsification of medical records. The Ontario Human Rights Code says every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to employment without discrimination because of ... disability. Most psychiatrists consider opioid addiction disorders to be health conditions, Dr. David Wolkoff, an expert in addiction treatment, testified at the arbitration hearing. After being fired, D.S. took treatment. Her union, the Ontario Nurses Association, argued she deserves her job back and should be compensated for any losses including general damages for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect. From the summer of 2014 to August 2016, D.S. repeatedly stole opioids, including hydromorphone and morphine. She documented giving a narcotic to a resident at their false request, Steinberg said. She then falsified the charts to show that they had received the narcotics and she instead took the narcotics for herself. An employee reported seeing D.S. on Aug. 22, 2016, in a Sunnyside washroom with a glass capsule of hydromorphone sideways in her mouth. The arbitrators ruling does not say whether she injected herself while on duty, although a manager noted one day her eyes were glossed over. Sunnyside began investigating and put D.S. on paid leave. At the end of August, D.S. told a Sunnyside manager she was being admitted to hospital to treat severe narcotic withdrawal symptoms. She admitted stealing and injecting drugs from Sunnyside. She was fired a month later. D.S. began taking opioids due to kidney problems. Her doctor prescribed Percocet. She continued taking it to relieve stress and later began using nonprescribed opioids daily. On Oct. 5, 2016, D.S. entered a 35-day, in-patient drug treatment program at Homewood Health Centre in Guelph, where she was diagnosed with a severe opioid use disorder and a mild to moderate sedative-hypnotic use disorder. She successfully completed the program and wanted her job back. The College of Nurses of Ontario prohibited her from practising nursing until June 2017, when she could return to her occupation if she followed treatment recommendations and met several other conditions, including having no access to controlled drugs and being observed at all times. Sunnyside managers said the home could not accommodate D.S. They testified that because of the prevalence of controlled substances in the workplace, all health-care professionals would have access to controlled substances as part of their duties, Steinberg said. In their view, it is not possible to work as a Team Leader or RN without some access to them. Steinberg ordered the home to find a way to accommodate D.S. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... If she follows her recovery program, the risk of relapse is not huge, testified Dr. Gerrit Veenman, the womans doctor. If she breaks any conditions or if a relapse affects her ability to do her job, her certificate of registration can be revoked. I agree, Steinberg said. The amount of compensation will be set later. D.S., now 50, was fired by Sunnyside on Sept. 29, 2016, for theft of drugs and gross misconduct relating to protocols, the arbitrator said. She had worked full-time as a nurse and team leader at Sunnyside. Mayors from around the GTA meeting in Toronto on Tuesday were caught off guard after an announcement from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing informed them the Ford PC government will conduct a review of regional governments. Both Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown were in attendance at the meeting in Toronto when the news broke, with Toronto Mayor John Tory saying Crombie read it aloud to the group midway through the conference. The review will encompass 82 upper and lower tier municipalities including Peel Region, which is made up of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. Crombie told the Mississauga News shes in favour of the review, voicing her desire to see her city leave Peel Region and go it alone. I have been clear for a while that its time to re-evaluate Mississaugas relationship with the Region of Peel and whether or not it makes financial sense for our city, she said in a written statement. As Ontarios third largest city with a population approaching 800,000, its time for Mississauga to be able to control its own destiny as a single-tier city much like other large cities in Ontario including Ottawa, Hamilton, Windsor and London. As the largest tax base in Peel, we must ensure our taxpayers hard-earned money goes towards our City building priorities, including breaking gridlock and maintaining aging infrastructure., she added. Read more: By the numbers: the regions under the Ford governments review Bramptons new mayor was similarly open to the idea, and told reporters at a news conference after the announcement that he didnt believe the announcement had anything to do with his ongoing feud with the Premier Doug Ford and the PC Party he led only a year ago. I wouldnt assume any inappropriate motivation for the change. It is appropriate to look at inefficiencies of wings of government, Brown said. I hope that the municipality and the region will be consulted sincerely as this process unfolds. Obviously, there are savings when it comes to numbers whether its waste management or Peel police. We look forward to participating in that consultation, added Brown. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), which represents municipalities, also released a statement on Tuesday, indicating it will monitoring the review process. (The review) needs to be open and transparent. It is important that during the review process, the work of the affected municipal governments is not destabilized, the statement read. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Graeme Frisque is a reporter with The Mississauga News and Brampton Guardian. Read more about: Did Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun jump the queue over other refugees when Canada quickly opened its doors to the Saudi teen who was fleeing an allegedly abusive family? Not according to Canadian immigration officials and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. While Rahafs plea for help on social media got her international headlines and drew the attention of the UNHCR to her plight, the emergency rescue effort was by no means unique though the warm embrace by a foreign minister at the airport may have been. According to immigration officials, some 200 people are processed under Canadas Urgent Protection Program each year, with about 50 resettled within the rapid timelines seen in Rahafs case. The 18-year-old arrived in Toronto Saturday where she was greeted by Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland after a tumultuous week that began with Rahaf escaping from her family during a trip to Kuwait. Rahaf then flew to Bangkok, where she was detained by Thai authorities who prepared to deport her to Saudi Arabia, where she feared for her life. Canada has the flexibility to respond quickly to individual emergency situations for a small number of refugees, said immigration department spokesperson Beatrice Fenelon. These individuals are resettled on an expedited basis due to their particular circumstances. Read more: Opinion | Heather Mallick: Rahaf Mohammed has escaped an oppression that spans history and the globe Opinion | Thomas Walkom: Good news for Rahaf is bad news for our refugee system Opinion | Rosie DiManno: Canada is Rahaf Mohammeds guardian now In a news conference in Toronto Tuesday, Rahaf, who has dropped her last name after she learned on social media that her family has disowned her, admitted she was lucky. I know that there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality, she told reporters. People in need of protection cannot apply directly to the special Canadian program and requests must be made by referral organizations, such as the UNHCR. Since Rahafs speedy resettlement to Canada less than a week after she started a Twitter campaign while barricaded inside her hotel room she has faced backlash not only from internet trolls criticizing her as a disgrace to her family and Islam but also from refugee supporters accusing her of being a queue jumper. A Syrian refugee from a war zone who lost everything is not welcome in the west. But a person from a golden palace in Saudi-Arabia who says I am not a Muslim anymore is a hero and very welcome. Can someone explain this to me? Arnoud van Doorn, a member of The Hague City Council in the Netherlands, asked on Twitter. In Rahafs case, the UNHCR dispatched a team to her hotel room in Bangkok for an emergency resettlement assessment after learning from media reports that the teenager was going to be handed over to her family, who were en route to Thailand and planned to take her back to Saudi Arabia. Among the 25.4 million refugees worldwide, less than 1 per cent end up being resettled, many of them after years in limbo. Emergency resettlement is extremely rare, noted Jean-Nicolas Beuze, the UNHCR representative to Canada. Based on agreed-upon criteria, we refer these cases to the 30 countries that offer resettlement programs. There are many situations. It could be for the lack of medical care or the fear of torture if someone is returned to the country of origin. At her hotel in Bangkok, Rahaf was given a formal interview where she was asked to provide the details and evidence to substantiate her claims of mental and physical abuse by her family. After she got her UNHCR refugee designation, she underwent a thorough security and criminal check, as well as a medical exam, before being admitted to Canada. Rahaf met those criteria and we referred her case to several countries. Canada was the fastest to respond. Rahaf cant choose her destination. She didnt jump any queue. Its a different process with different criteria, said Beuze. Its not a unique case, but its only unique because of all the media and social media attention. While some critics fear Rahafs case may set a precedent and open the floodgates for other Middle Eastern women to claim gender oppression, experts say resettlement is only available to those who make it outside their country of origin. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... The assumption is your country can protect you. You become a refugee because you dont get the protection and other countries need to step in, said Janet Dench of the Canadian Council for Refugees. Due to the notion of sovereignty, you cant be a refugee in your own country. While praising Canadas quick response to Rahafs situation, Dench said government officials must not politicize the refugee resettlement process by only prioritizing cases of those who have the ears of the Prime Minister or Immigration Minister and are the favourite of the month of the media. According to the UNHCR, 1.4 million refugees have been identified for resettlement in 2019, but only 80,000 spots are available, including 11,000 in Canada. The Ford government announced Tuesday it will be implementing a review of Ontarios eight regional municipalities and Simcoe County to determine whether the municipal governments in these areas are efficient and accountable to their residents and businesses. The review will cover Halton, York, Durham, Waterloo, Niagara, Peel, Muskoka District and Oxford County and their lower-tier municipalities. The province said Simcoe County and its lower-tier municipalities will also be included in the review because of its rapid growth and associated challenges. According to the province, an advisory body comprised of two special advisers will consult with municipal councillors and leaders, as well as stakeholder organizations and the public throughout the spring of 2019. In total, 82 upper- and lower-tier municipalities are included in the review. Were breaking down the municipalities covered under the review (numbers based on 2016 census) this file will be updated as we go. Durham Region When region was created: Jan. 1, 1974 Regional chair: John Henry Total population: 645,862 Number of regional council members: 29. Members include the regional chair, and mayors and regional councillors from the local area municipalities. Lower-tier municipalities: Ajax Population: 119,677 Mayor: Shaun Collier Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 3 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 19,946 Geographic size: 67 square kilometres Brock Population: 11,642 Mayor: Debbie Bath-Hadden Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,940 Geographic size: 423.34 square kilometres Clarington Population: 92,013 Mayor: Adrian Foster Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 15,336 Geographic size: 611 square kilometres Oshawa Population: 159,458 Mayor: Dan Carter Regional councillors: 5 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 15,945 Geographic size: 145.64 square kilometres Pickering Population: 91,771 Mayor: Dave Ryan Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 3 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 15,295 Geographic size: 231.55 square kilometres Scugog Population: 21,617 Mayor: Bobbie Drew Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,603 Geographic size: 414.71 square kilometres Uxbridge Population: 21,176 Mayor: Dave Barton Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,529 Geographic size: 420.95 square kilometres Whitby Population: 128,377 Mayor: Don Mitchell Regional councillors: 4 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 16,047 Geographic size: 146.66 square kilometres Halton Region When region was created: Jan. 1, 1974 Regional chair: Gary Carr Total population: 548, 435 Number of regional council members: 21 Lower-tier municipalities: Burlington Population: 183,314 Mayor: Marianne Meed Ward Councillors: 6 (serve as both regional and ward) Average number of constituents per councillor: 30,552 Geographic size: 185.66 square kilometres Halton Hills Population: 61,161 Mayor: Rick Bonnette Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 6,116 Geographic size: 276.27 square kilometres Milton Population: 101,715 Mayor: Gordon Krantz Regional councillors: 4 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 12,714 Geographic size: 40.36 square kilometres Oakville Population: 193,832 Mayor: Rob Burton Regional councillors: 7 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 13,845 Geographic size: 138.89 square kilometres Muskoka District When region was created: 1971 Regional Chair: John W. Klinck Total population: 60,599 Number of regional councillors: 23 Lower-tier municipalities: Bracebridge Population: 16,010 Mayor: Graydon Smith Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,001 Geographic size: 628.22 km Gravenhurst Population: 12,311 Mayor: Paul Kelly Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1539 Geographic size: 518.06 km Georgian Bay Population: 2,499 Mayor: Peter Koetsier Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 417 Geographic size: 547.61 km Huntsville Population: 19,816 Mayor: Scott Aitchison Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,477 Geographic size: 710.01 km Lake of Bays Population: 3,167 Mayor: Terry Glover Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 528 Geographic size: 677.91 km Muskoka Lakes Population: 6,588 Mayor: Phil Harding Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 732 Geographic size: 794.26 km Niagara Region When region was created: Jan 1, 1970 Regional Chair: Jim Bradley Total population: 447,888 Number of regional councillors: 31 Lower-tier municipalities: Fort Erie Population: 30,710 Mayor: Wayne Redekop Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 4,387 Geographic size: 166.27 km Grimsby Population: 27,314 Mayor: Jeff Jordan Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,035 Geographic size: 68.93 km Lincoln Population: 23,787 Mayor: Sandra Easton Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,643 Geographic size: 162.81 km Niagara Falls Population: 88,071 Mayor: Jim Diodati Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 8,006 Geographic size: 209.73 km Niagara-on-the-Lake Population: 17,511 Mayor: Betty Disero Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,946 Geographic size: 132.81 km Pelham Population: 17,110 Mayor: Marvin Junkin Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,444 Geographic size: 126.43 km Port Colborne Population: 18,306 Mayor: William C. Steele Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,034 Geographic size: 121.96 km St. Catharines Population: 133,115 Mayor: Walter Sendzik Regional councillors: 6 Ward councillors: 12 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 7,395 Geographic size: 96.13 km Thorold Population: 18,801 Mayor: Terry Ugulini Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,089 Geographic size: 82.99 km Wainfleet Population: 6,372 Mayor: Kevin Gibson Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,593 Geographic size: 217.31 km Welland Population: 52,293 Mayor: Frank Campion Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 12 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,486 Geographic size: 81.04 km West Lincoln Population: 14,500 Mayor: Dave Bylsma Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 3 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,625 Geographic size: 387.81 km York Region When region was created: 1971 Regional Chair: Wayne Emmerson Total population: 1.1 million Number of regional councillors: 21 Lower-tier municipalities: Aurora Population: 55,445 Mayor: Tom Mrakas Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 9,241 Geographic size: 49.85 km East Gwillimbury Population: 24,000 Mayor: Virginia Hackson Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 4,000 Geographic size: 245 km Georgina Population: 45,418 Mayor: Margaret Quirk Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 7,570 Geographic size: 288 km King Population: 24,512 Mayor: Steve Pellegrini Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 4,085 Geographic size: 333 km Markham Population: 328,966 Mayor: Frank Scarpitti Regional councillors: 4 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 27,416 Geographic size: 212.35 km Newmarket Population: 84,224 Mayor: John Taylor Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 10,528 Geographic size: 38.45 km Richmond Hill Population: 185,540 Mayor: Dave Barrow Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 23,193 Geographic size: 100.95 km Vaughan Population: 306,230 Mayor: Maurizio Bevilacqua Regional councillors: 3 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 38,279 Geographic size: 273.52 km Whitchurch-Stouffville Population: 45,837 Mayor: Iain Lovatt Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 7,640 Geographic size: 206.41 km Oxford County When region was created: 2001 Warden: Larry Martin Total Population: 110,862 Number of regional councillors: 8 Lower-tier municipalities: Blandford-Blenheim Population: 7,399 Mayor: Mark Peterson Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,850 Geographic size: 382.3 km East Zorra-Tavistock Population: 7,129 Mayor: Don McKay Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,426 Geographic size: 242.30 km Ingersoll Population: 12,757 Mayor: Ted Comiskey Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,126 Geographic size: 12.75 km Norwich Population: 11,001 Mayor: Larry Martin Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,750 Geographic size: 431.27 km Loading... 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South-West Oxford Population: 7,664 Mayor: David Mayberry Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,277 Geographic size: 370.73 km Tillsonburg Population: 15,872 Mayor: Stephen Molnar Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 6 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,645 Geographic size: 22.33 km Woodstock Population: 40,902 Mayor: Trevor Birtch Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 6,817 Geographic size: 48.97 km Zorra Population: 8,138 Mayor: Marcus Ryan Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,035 Geographic size: 528.94 km Peel Region When region was created: Jan 1, 1974 Regional Chair: Nando Iannicca Total Population: 1.382 million Number of regional councillors: 29 Lower-tier municipalities: Brampton Population: 593,638 Mayor: Patrick Brown Regional councillors: 6 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 59,364 Geographic size: 266.36 km Caledon Population: 66,502 Mayor: Allan Thompson Regional councillors: 4 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 8,313 Geographic size: 688.16 km Mississauga Population: 721,599 Mayor: Bonnie Crombie Regional and ward councillors (all act in both roles): 11 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 65,600 Geographic size: 292.43 km Waterloo Region When region was created: 1973 Regional Chair: Karen Redman Total Population: 535,154 Number of regional councillors: 15 Lower-tier municipalities: Cambridge Population: 129,920 Mayor: Kathryn McGarry Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 12,992 Geographic size: 113.01 km Kitchener Population: 233,222 Mayor: Berry Vrbanovic Regional councillors: 4 Ward councillors: 10 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 16,659 Geographic size: 136.77 km North Dumfries Population: 10,215 Mayor: Susan Foxton Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,554 Geographic size: 187.43 km Wilmot Population: 20,545 Mayor: Les Armstrong Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 4,109 Geographic size: 263.78 km Waterloo Population: 104,986 Mayor: Dave Jaworsky Regional councillors: 2 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 11,665 Geographic size: 64.02 km Wellesley Population: 11,260 Mayor: Joe Nowak Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 4 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,815 Geographic size: 277.76 km Woolwich Population: 25,006 Mayor: Sandy Shantz Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 5,001 Geographic size: 326.15 km Simcoe County When region created: 1843 (as Simcoe District) Warden: George Cornell Total population: 305,516 Number of regional councilors: 31 Lower-tier municipalities: Adjala-Tosorontio Population: 10,975 Mayor: Floyd Pinto Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,829 Geographic size: 372.3 km Bradford West Gwillimbury Population: 35,325 Mayor: Rob Keffer Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 4,416 Geographic size: 201 km Clearview Population: 14,151 Mayor: Doug Measures Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,022 Geographic size: 557.32 km Collingwood Population: 21,793 Mayor: Brian Saunderson Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,724 Geographic size: 33.46 km Essa Population: 21,083 Mayor: Sandie Macdonald Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 3 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 5,271 Geographic size: 280.07 km Innisfil Population: 36,566 Mayor: Lynn Dollin Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 4,571 Geographic size: 284.21 km Midland Population: 16,864 Mayor: Stewart Strathearn Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,108 Geographic size: 26.62 km New Tecumseth Population: 34,242 Mayor: Rick Milne Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 8 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,805 Geographic size: 274.21 km Oro-Medonte Population: 21,036 Mayor: Harry Hughes Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,506 Geographic size: 587.08 km Penetanguishene Population: 8,962 Mayor: Douglas Leroux Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 7 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,120 Geographic size: 25.36 km Ramara Population: 9,488 Mayor: Basil Clark Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 1,581 Geographic size: 418.2 km Severn Population: 13,477 Mayor: Mike Burkett Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,246 Geographic size: 549.75 km Springwater Population: 19,059 Mayor: Don Allen Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,177 Geographic size: 536.2 km Tay Population: 10,033 Mayor Ted Walker Regional councillors: 0 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,007 Geographic size: 139.07 km Tiny Population: 11,787 Mayor: George Cornell Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 3 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 2,947 Geographic size: 336.93 km Wasaga Beach Population: 20,675 Mayor: Nina Bifolchi Regional councillors: 1 Ward councillors: 5 Average number of constituents per councillor (ward and regional): 3,446 Geographic size: 24.68 km With files from Emerald Bensadoun Correction January 17, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the population and geographic size of Uxbridge. Correction January 22, 2019: This article was edited from a previous version that incorrectly idenfitied Don Furniss as the mayor of Muskoka Lakes. In fact, Phil Harding is the mayor of that township. Alexandra Jones is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @AlexandraMaeJ Read more about: BARRIE, ONT.Ontarios Special Investigations Unit says an officer with the Barrie Police Service is now facing a criminal charge related to a shooting last September. The SIU says the incident occurred when four people were driving away from a local gas station. It says an officer fired a gun at the fleeing vehicle, which soon crashed into a tree. Three weeks later, a 21-year-old man allegedly in the vehicle at the time was arrested and found to have sustained a gunshot wound during the incident. Barrie police Sgt. Michael Chytuk is now facing one charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm in the case. The SIU is an agency that investigates incidents involving police in which someone is killed, injured or accused of sexual assault. Read more about: OTTAWAThe dispute between Canada and China escalated further Wednesday after the Chinese government rejected Canadas appeal for clemency for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who faces the death penalty there after his 15-year jail sentence on drug trafficking charges was suddenly increased. At a news conference in Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying dismissed Canadas criticism of a hastily convened judicial appeal in northeast China on Monday, during which Schellenberg was ordered to face execution. Hua called it highly irresponsible of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to describe Chinas trial as arbitrary, according to an English transcript posted on the government website. She said the Chinese court is independent, acted according to its rules and its decision on Schellenberg would stand. However, several prominent human rights lawyers in China questioned the haste with which the sentence was handed down, the introduction of dubious new evidence at a retrial, and the more severe sentence levied in apparent contradiction of rules designed not to deter defendants from appealing. In comments published on ChinaChange.org, Schellenbergs lawyer Zhang Dongshuo said there was insufficient evidence to justify the severity of the increased sentence, and that he expected to file an appeal. We have never seen any precedent for this case, in which the death penalty was announced at the hearing, said well-known human rights lawyer Mo Shaoping, who also acted for the Canadian man. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland had directly conveyed Canadas request for clemency to Beijings ambassador in Ottawa, calling the death penalty inhumane and inappropriate. But Hua appeared to toss back in Canadas face Trudeaus defence of Canadas arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on an extradition request from the U.S. She said Chinas government would not interfere in the judicial proceedings against Schellenberg. China is a country governed by law. In accordance with the provisions of the constitution, the peoples courts and the peoples procuratorates shall independently exercise the judicial and procuratorial powers respectively in accordance with the provisions of the law, free from any interference from administrative organs. Chinas rejection of Canadas plea comes as the U.S. State Department slammed Chinas death sentence against the Canadian man as politically motivated and reinforced the Trump administrations intention to seek the extradition of Meng, who is wanted in the U.S. on fraud charges. A U.S. readout of a Tuesday phone call between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Freeland said they expressed their concerns about the arbitrary detentions and politically motivated sentencing of Canadian nationals. They noted their continued commitment to Canadas conduct of a fair, unbiased, and transparent legal proceeding and U.S. extradition request with respect to Ms. Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei. Read more: Opinion | David Olive: China needs to pay a heavy price for its treatment of Canadians What we know and dont know about Robert Schellenbergs death sentence in China Mengs arrest Dec. 1 in Vancouver by the RCMP is believed to have set in motion tit-for-tat detentions of two Canadian men, former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, as well as the tougher sentence meted out to Schellenberg. The Star has learned the U.S. Department of Justice has not yet sent the formal documents in support of the extradition request. It has until Jan. 30 to do so. John McCallum, Canadas ambassador to China, briefed federal cabinet ministers Wednesday as they gathered in Sherbrooke, Que., for a retreat. As he headed into that session, McCallum said that our work is consumed every day by the cases of the detained Canadians. My first priority by far is to do everything in my capacity to secure the release of the two Michaels as quickly as possible and to help save the life of Mr. Schellenberg, McCallum told reporters. McCallum said he has visited all three Canadians, spoken with their families and plans to speak with Schellenbergs father on Thursday. I am determined to do what I can and there are various things we are doing to secure their release and his life, he said. Two Canadian officials told the Star the only signals from American officials are that the U.S. office of international affairs will meet the deadline despite the ongoing shutdown of most government operations in Washington, D.C. Meng is currently out on bail, but obliged to remain in Vancouver until her next hearing, which is scheduled for Feb. 6. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Hua was pressed by reporters to give a direct answer to the clemency request. She pointed to the severe harm to Chinese society caused by drug smuggling going back to the Opium War of the 1840. She said Schellenberg had legal representation at a fair hearing, and pointed at the irony of Canada requesting Chinas government interfere on Schellenbergs behalf. Chinese judiciarys conviction is just, while the relevant remarks of the Canadian leader is apparently somewhat arbitrary and would taint the image and reputation of Canada, she said. We hope that they will respect the rule of law and Chinas judicial sovereignty. While the foreign ministry spokeswoman did not directly mention Meng by name, her arrest in Vancouver infuriated the Chinese. Beijing continues to demand Mengs immediate release, saying she should not have been detained while in transit from Hong Kong to Mexico and has committed no offence in Canada. Chinas ambassador in Ottawa, Lu Shaye, claimed western white supremacy is motivating a double standard at work in her case. Canada and China have now each cautioned their citizens about travelling in the other country, warning about arbitrary imposition of local laws in a diplomatic dispute that has rapidly escalated. Hua said China has made clear the facts, circumstances and gravity of Schellenbergs case. She also referenced Canadian media reports of Schellenbergs prior drug convictions in Canada. Drug crime is world-recognized felony with great harm to the society. All countries crack down on it severely. The real spirit of the rule of law indicates that everyone is equal before the law. Canada has been repeating that it is a law-abiding country. We hope that it could earnestly take some concrete actions to show its respect for the rule of law. John Kamm, a U.S. businessman who founded Dui Hua, a prisoners rights advocacy group based in San Francisco, said Chinas statement is a stock response and not surprising, but it does not mean Schellenbergs cause is lost. Kamm said an appeal can provide time for the temperature to be lowered on China-Canada tensions, during which Schellenbergs death sentence stands a chance of being reduced to death with a two-year reprieve. He called it a uniquely Chinese sentence that would be a smart move for China, while Canada should continue to enlist allies to publicly and privately protest Chinas actions, especially given the increased use of exit bans in that country. China is angered by Canadas effort to engage allies to make statements criticizing its actions. Freeland thanked Germany, France, the Netherlands, the European Union, the United States, Britain, Australia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia for publicly coming out and speaking against these arbitrary detentions, calling their support very important. Trudeau raised the cases of Kovrig and Spavor with leaders of Argentina and New Zealand. The Globe and Mail reported that Chinas aggressive questioning of Kovrig about his past work as an employee of Canadas embassy in Beijing is what prompted Trudeaus harsh criticism that China is not only acting arbitrarily but also violating diplomatic immunity. Kovrig was on leave from Global Affairs Canada and working at a non-governmental organization as a researcher for International Crisis Group when he was arrested in December after Mengs arrest. International conventions on diplomatic immunity bar interrogations of foreign diplomats for their work even after theyve left office. China claimed Kovrig has no immunity because he travelled on his regular passport, not a diplomatic document. On Wednesday, Hua was dismissive about international support for Canada in the dispute. Actually, you can count by the fingers of your hand the few allies of Canada that chose to side with it on this issue, she said. These several countries can by no means represent the entire international community. With files from Bruce Campion-Smith Read more about: OTTAWAGoogle wants the Federal Court to decide whether limiting search-engine results in the name of privacy would infringe Canadians constitutional guarantee of free expression. The leading internet search engine advocates broadening an upcoming court hearing to squarely address the question. Privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien has asked the Federal Court to clarify if Googles popular search tool is covered by the law governing how companies handle personal information. A man who says a Google search reveals outdated and highly personal information about him will be the test case that helps a judge decide whether the search engine must remove the links from its results. Therrien argues the federal law on private-sector use of personal information includes such a right to de-indexing. In documents filed with the court, Google says the privacy commissioners reference application is illogical and inefficient because it is too narrow and therefore wont fully explore the relevant constitutional questions. Read more: Googles marketing of childrens apps misleads parents, consumer groups say More companies are bypassing big app stores, costing Apple, Google millions Google draws ire from activists, some of whom are employees Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Read more about: MONTREALA Quebec man accused of suffocating his ailing wife had inquired about medically assisted death for her a year earlier but was informed she did not qualify because of her advanced Alzheimers diagnosis, a jury heard Tuesday. Michel Cadotte, 57, has pleaded not guilty to one count of second-degree murder in the death of Jocelyne Lizotte, his wife of 19 years who was found dead in a Montreal long-term care facility in 2017. On that day, Michel Cadotte chose to take her life, prosecutor Antonio Parapuf said as he delivered a summary of the Crown case. The prosecution contends that at around noon on Feb. 20, 2017, as Lizotte was in her bed on the fourth floor of the facility, Cadotte put a pillow on her face. By applying and maintaining pressure, he caused her death by suffocation, Parapuf said. Lizotte, 60, had suffered from Alzheimers for about a decade at the time of her death and had lived at Centre Emilie Gamelin since Jan. 24, 2014 a little more than three years. Her health had deteriorated to a point where she could no longer take care of herself, could no longer communicate, and did not recognize her relatives, Parapuf said. Lizotte was in a state of great vulnerability. Read more: Trial opens for Quebec man charged with killing wife suffering from Alzheimers Meanwhile, Cadotte wasnt handling Lizottes health problems very well, the prosecutor said. On the morning of the slaying, he was supposed to go to work with Lizottes brother, Sylvain. Instead he went to the centre, and when a nurse tried to enter the room at 12:45, Cadotte blocked the door. Fifteen minutes later, he told an attendant to call 911 and that his wife was dead before going outside to smoke. He later told the head nurse hed suffocated his wife, the jury heard. In the moments after the crime, he allegedly contacted his brother-in-law Sylvain Lizotte by text message. Sorry brother-in-law, I know Ive caused you hurt, but I cracked, he wrote in a text read out by the prosecutor. He also posted messages to his Facebook page. The jury heard that in February 2016, Cadotte had inquired about a medically assisted death for Lizotte. In the presence of three members of the medical personnel, he was told she was not admissible, Parapuf said. Lizotte did not qualify because her mental state did not allow her to consent to the procedure and because she was not considered to be at the end of her life. A doctor who treated her after she was admitted to the facility and who pronounced her dead is among the witnesses scheduled to testify. She will explain that given the advanced stage of Alzheimers, the objective was to keep her comfortable, Parapuf said. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Four employees of the long-term care centre and several police officers are also expected to testify in support of the prosecutions claim that Cadotte intended to kill Lizotte that day. The first witness was a Montreal police crime scene technician, who described what she and a partner found inside the room. A pillow found inside the room was shown to the eight-man, four-woman jury and entered into evidence. The trial is being presided over by Quebec Superior Court Justice Helene Di Salvo. Read more about: Whenever I see a report touting possible new peanut allergy treatments, I devour it. I cant help it. Its an occupational hazard for any health journalist whose reporting specialty and medical history intertwine. I write about the business of health care, focusing on how consumers interact with the system what we pay, what we get and why American care costs so much. But in this particular instance, I have another kind of authority: 26 years of life-threatening allergies to nuts and peanuts. So, when California-based Aimmune Therapeutics sparked optimistic headlines after releasing clinical trial results that its allergy product, AR101, would reduce the risks linked to an accidental exposure to peanuts, I received the usual wave of questions from friends, co-workers and my parents: Would you try it? Could this help? Aimmune is just one company eyeing the prize. Childhood peanut allergy diagnoses increased more than 20 per cent in the United States from 2010 to 2017. The global market for relief is worth as much as $2 billion. The French drugmaker DBV Technologies is also working to commercialize a peanut allergy patch. Other companies, including industry giant Sanofi, are following their lead. If any one of them succeeds, it could change my life. My friends call nuts Shefali poison. My allergies first surfaced when, as a 15-month-old, I picked Thai noodles off an aunts plate and developed hives on my face, and then a few months later when I tasted my moms kaju barfi an Indian dessert with cashews and ended up in the hospital. Nobody in my family had ever heard of peanut allergies. Ive carried epinephrine since I was 7 years old. My friends are trained to inject it in my leg, the standard procedure for an emergency allergen exposure. Though I luckily havent had to take a shot of it since I was 4. (Another child in my Montessori class had a peanut butter sandwich for lunch.) My mom also recalls another incident when she had to pick me up early from daycare because the class was making peanut butter bird feeders. And I spent too many years of pre-adolescence eating lunch at the designated peanut-free table. Now, I can only dream of flying to visit my parents for Christmas without worrying about whether my seatmates snacks might induce anaphylaxis. And yes, kissing someone who has just eaten peanut butter would put my life in danger. But are these pills and patches a true breakthrough for people like me? I approached the question as I would any other assignment. I read the research, called immunologists, and spoke with economists and drug pricing experts about whether these treatments offer meaningful benefit. One of the first things I heard: We are still in the infancy of these treatments, said Dr. Corinne Keet, a pediatric allergist at Johns Hopkins University. Medically, theres a lot we dont know about the risks, how much these drugs could help and how long any effects would last. None of these treatments have been shown to prevent fatal reaction, Keet emphasized. The idea behind them is to desensitize people. Aimmunes peanut pill is modelled on the oral therapies some specialists use to wean allergic kids back on to nuts. This approach has gained popularity in recent years, especially for children with multiple allergies, or when its a substance particularly hard to avoid. A colleagues young daughter, who was born with multiple allergies, used that very treatment, as did a younger cousin of mine who, for the first several years of her life, was allergic to not joking almost everything but fruits and vegetables. In my case, this therapy came into vogue after I was too old to have a good chance of it weakening my sensitivities. How it works: Kids ingest tiny, escalating doses of peanut protein. They then stay on peanut protein Aimmune recommends the pill, though other doctors I spoke to suggested a little bit of peanut as a maintenance drug. But its unclear how much the new therapies would improve upon that ad hoc oral immunotherapy allergists are already offering. Instead of drugs, they use store-bought peanut protein, usually de-fatted peanut flour available online for as little as $1 a pound. This method isnt approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and often isnt covered by insurance though doctors visits can be billed as food challenges or other visits that are typically covered. In contrast, Aimmunes product is expected to cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for the first six months of use, and $300 to $400 per month after. Analysts predict DBVs will cost more than $6,000 for a years supply, though the company says it has not yet determined a price. DBV, Aimmunes chief rival, has come up with a wearable skin patch that would transmit tiny, desensitizing protein doses. It declined to estimate a price, but it does not view oral immunotherapy as a competitor, said Joseph Becker, a company spokesman. Theres excitement, theres caution and a lot of unanswered questions, warned Dr. Erwin Gelfand, a pediatrics and immunology professor at the University of Colorado. According to Aimmunes results, published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, two-thirds of allergic children could ingest 600 milligrams of peanut without harm after going through treatment. To be clear, even with Aimmunes help, someone like me still couldnt safely eat PB&J. But it would desensitize me enough that I could taste a friends wine even if he recently ate pad thai. Still, the treatment comes with caveats. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... While 496 children started the trial, only 372 completed it. Of the 20 per cent who backed out, half did so because of adverse events. About 14 per cent of kids getting treatment still had to take epinephrine, and one experienced anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can involve rashes, vomiting, a tightening throat and difficulty breathing. (For an allergic kid, even the possibility is maybe one of the most terrifying things you can imagine.) Children who completed the regimen still had to take small doses of peanut protein daily, either the Aimmune drug or a controlled peanut serving. Statistically significant benefits were clear only in patients through age 17, though Dr. Daniel Adelman, the companys chief medical officer, said Aimmune plans to do a follow-up trial for adults. And the results dont indicate who is likely to benefit, or how long improvements would last. Thats impossible to know, Adelman said, though he suggested accidental peanut exposure is scary enough and pure avoidance ineffective enough that the treatment is still worth it. But all this means that anyone who has gone through Aimmunes regimen would still want to carry epinephrine, and try to avoid peanuts. Not everybody responds well, Gelfand said. When you factor in those details, the results are not all that impressive, he argued. Dr. Tina Sindher, a pediatric allergist at Stanford University, pointed out that the Aimmune pill is a repackaged, clinically tested version of that homegrown oral therapy many allergists have already been using. DBVs peanut patch, Viaskin, to a lesser extent, is the same more convenient, perhaps, and more regulated, but still a variation on the existing medical approach. This concept has been around for a long time, she said. Whats new is the addition of labour, standardization and federal oversight which companies then say demonstrates increased value. It highlights a pattern Ive noticed from my reporting: Drugmakers develop medication that refines a low-tech remedy, run a clinical trial to secure FDA approval, and then sell it at a higher price. For pharma, its a logical way to profit. But it puts patients in a bind. The hard outcome is we have these new products and theyre just about as good or slightly better than what we have, said Nicholson Price, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan Law School, who studies drug pricing. And theyre a lot more expensive. He noted: Thats when the choices get hard, and were not good at making hard choices. Also skeptical? The closest authority I know: my mother, who raised me with peanut allergies when they were more or less unheard of, and is now doing it all over again for my 10-year-old brother. (My other brother, my twin, was allergy-free until about a year ago.) Its not worth it, my mom told me. Her concern? Getting any of us to maintain a peanut dose without knowing how long that reduced sensitivity would last could induce what she called a false sense of security. This thinking isnt out of line, Sindher suggested. The way these studies are touted, she said, often gloss over the fact that theres a lot we dont know. So for now, Ill have to maintain my distance from the newsroom stash of Reeses Pieces. My epinephrine and I arent parting ways anytime soon. In 2010, Susanna Fournier had a crisis of faith in the theatre, feeling frustrated by the limited opportunities she was seeing as an actor and playwright, so she spent the year writing three plays she considered unstageable in Toronto: weird, visually demanding, big casts, two acts, highly political and conceptually ambitious. Six years later she was having another crisis of faith, with a collection of unproduced plays and an injury limiting her movement, so she spent a sleepless week creating an application for the Canada Council for the Arts New Chapter grant to celebrate Canada 150, as a last-ditch effort. On the day of the submission deadline, she moved to Berlin for five months with her collaborator ted witzel (who co-wrote the application with her and Leora Morris). Three weeks after she returned to Toronto, both crises were resolved in a letter granting her $108,000 to produce her unstageable Empire Trilogy. And in that moment, Fournier went from an underemployed artist to a Renaissance woman: to pull this off, she would need to become a playwright, an actor, a director, a producer, a fundraiser, a financial manager, an artistic director, a curator and more Thus began the steepest learning curve of my life, she says. My reaction was a mixture of terror and numbness. So much of my artistic perseverance has come from getting told no. And now I was being told yes, says the 34-year-old writer in Little Italys Cafe Diplomatico, across the street from the restaurant she served at in 2010 when she began writing the Empire Trilogy. That days rehearsal for the projects second play, The Scavengers Daughter, was about to begin nearby the first, The Philosophers Wife, was staged in 2018 before officially moving into Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, where it will run until Jan. 27. Fournier pauses. Well, it was a yes with an ellipsis. With the New Chapter grants, the arts community is beginning to see the effects of Justin Trudeaus added $550 million in arts funding. This is by far the biggest grant Fournier has ever received, but its a third of what she requested. And the amount she requested, the limit of what the grant could give, was still about half of what the full project would need. Together with co-producer Alison Wong and their company Paradigm Productions, they fundraised to bring the total budget to $500,000 and brought on bigger companies as partners, Buddies in Bad Times with The Scavengers Daughter and the Luminato Festival for the final production in the trilogy, Four Sisters, which Fournier will also direct. The The Philosophers Wife was presented at Native Earth Performing Arts Aki Studio in November. Essentially, Fournier and Wong have worked full-time on the Empire Trilogy since receiving the grant in May 2017, producing a season of work and hiring more than 50 artists to help with its various elements including short films, a podcast, a graphic novel, an extensive social media presence and an in-depth website while maintaining other freelance gigs for their income. Were not at a loss for ideas of what we would do with more support, says Fournier with a laugh. The Empire Trilogy was born out of Fourniers need to exercise her imagination without limitations, a mindset that has fuelled the entire project through its multiple forms. As an emerging playwright, she found herself self-editing to keep producing requirements reasonable. Funding streams like the New Chapter grant are intended to let artists free themselves of such limitations, to finally think big. I wanted it to make me as excited as I was as a child to sit down and watch Star Wars and The Magic Flute, Fournier says. Sci-fi and fantasy stories were an inspiration in her project: to envision hundreds of years of a fictional imperial civilization in which she could write about colonialism, capitalism, social injustice, knowledge, power and other systems we know in Canada. I look at the Empire as an origin story of western modernity. When I look around at mass culture in Toronto, were facing environmental apocalypse, economic apocalypse, massive injustice. How did that happen? she says. Its a project with the kind of scale the one-time-only New Chapter grant was meant for. Still, Fournier didnt expect approval. I thought, this is a trilogy that criticizes Canada as an imperial power. This is not getting funded. Producing the Empire Trilogy project has fundamentally changed her as an artist and person, she says. On a personal level, Ill be extremely grateful for the confronting of fear, the letting go, the incredible learning and the team of artists that have helped me through that and taught me about the kind of art we can make together, she says. She notes that the Artist Producer Training Program at arts organization Generator was fundamental in helping her pull off the Empire Trilogy. But she has reservations about the way the Canadian arts funding model encourages artists to Uber themselves: to spread themselves across multiple roles to get a project off the ground. Im very lucky in that Im a playwright who has learned how to orient myself in producing. But not every artist is going to be that way and I dont think they should have to, she says. I would love at some point to produce someone elses strange and impossible play. To do for a young artist what no one would do for me I want to see that work and I dont know how they will do it without resourced companies or funders, for all the rhetoric of innovation and risk, actually supporting it. Its easy to talk about it; its harder to do it. Risk doesnt feel good, it feels scary and awful. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... For Fournier, the chance to take risk without restrictions has a much bigger significance than boosting a young career or employing artists in the short term. It plays into the main message of the Empire Trilogy, about how stories give power and agency to individuals under imperialism. If we start limiting our imaginative capacity, we start limiting our tools for resistance and transformation, because all transformation comes from imagination, she says. I would hate that we only get to dream big one time. And even then only a few people get to do it. And even then were told to shrink it down. The way we resist imperialism is by feeding the imagination. And the more we shrink the imagination, the more were going to repeat the same narrative over and over again. SAN FRANCISCOThe e-scooter boom began in Santa Monica, Calif., about 16 months ago. Electric scooters, owned by startups looking to mimic the success of ride-hailing companies like Uber, appeared around town. The idea was simple: Use a smartphone app to rent a scooter and then leave it at the end of the ride for the next person. Soon, people in cities from San Francisco to Paris were complaining that the scooters were all over sidewalks usually without the approval of local officials. In Portland, Ore., city officials worried that they would soon get their own flock of uninvited scooters. So they established a four-month pilot program in July with a limit on scooters and a requirement that companies share detailed data about trips and injuries with city officials. That data, released Tuesday by the citys Bureau of Transportation, offers the most detailed analysis of the impact of e-scooters on a city. Scooters often replaced short car trips in Portland, offering some support for one of the biggest selling points the companies have made to communities: They can help reduce congestion and pollution. And the scooters did not lead to as many injuries as some had feared. But it is not yet clear if scooter companies can comply with different cities tight and varying limits, and still run profitable local operations. The programs often cap the number of scooters and dictate which neighbourhoods they ought to be in. That is not letting the market determine how many scooters should be anywhere, said Gabriel Scheer, Limes director of strategic development. How do you unfetter us in a way that allows us to meet demand? Still, Portland officials are using the pilot program to make a big point with startups: It is better to ask permission and work with local regulators than risk being run out of a community. That has not always been the case among startups trying to get a piece of the so-called sharing economy. Ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft and the short-term rental company Airbnb have usually jumped into new markets before local regulators have had time to understand their businesses. For the scooter startups, not asking for permission has had consequences. After Lime and Bird began to operate without permission in San Francisco, the city instituted a permit system but issued permits to only Skip and another smaller competitor, Scoot, effectively locking Lime and Bird out of the city. Some cities have simply impounded the scooters. A lot of these companies roll into town, flout local regulations, see what they can get away with and how far they can push cities to accommodate them, said Chloe Eudaly, a Portland city commissioner. I feel like there is somewhat of a reversal of that trend among these companies, and they are learning thats not necessarily the best way to do business. Other cities are establishing permit programs to limit the impact of unexpected scooter invasions. Washington, for example, said in November that companies could deploy no more than 600 scooters each, which Bird argued would make it impossible to provide full service. Bird, Lime and Skip received permits to operate in Portland. They handed over a wealth of data about scooter rides, giving city regulators access to information about where each trip started, the route it followed, where it ended and what time of day it occurred. Personal information on riders, such as payment data, was not shared. Portland capped the number of scooters at about 2,000, roughly divided among the three companies. Scheer, from Lime, said the cap system made it difficult to determine how many scooters a city actually needed. But he added that the limits forced scooter companies to hone their operations, offer scooters with smoother rides and ensure they were deployed in neighbourhoods where they could draw the most riders. And the caps forced the startups to compete on how well they could comply with the citys mandates rather than playing a numbers game. We dont think this is a land-grab type of business. This is one where you have to solve problems in a sustainable way, said Sanjay Dastoor, chief executive of Skip. Having more vehicles on the road isnt going to help if there arent places where people can ride them and feel safe. The data that Portland collected allowed the city to assess whether e-scooters live up to their promises of reducing pollution and congestion. According to a citywide survey, 34 per cent of residents who used the scooters and took a survey said they had used e-scooters to replace driving their own car or taking an Uber. City officials also had concerns about accessibility and safety, but saw low rates of injury and will continue to study those issues during a second test run. Some rules were meant to get the scooters into neighbourhoods that could be underserved. One hundred scooters from each company had to be positioned in East Portland, a lower-income neighbourhood with poor access to Portlands public transit system. About 6 per cent of the citys rides originated in that neighbourhood. Scooter startups didnt always comply with restrictions, according to the report. The scooters often exceeded the speed limit of 15 m.p.h. (24 km/h) that the city had imposed, and none of the startups completely fulfilled their obligations to deploy scooters in East Portland. Over the four-month program, Portlanders took 700,369 scooter rides. Nineteen per cent of those rides occurred between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays. But it was a small sample size compared with other cities. In Paris, which has no scooter cap, Lime alone provided more than 1 million rides over four months. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... When the Portland pilot effort ended in November, all of the e-scooters were cleared off the streets. The city is planning a second, yearlong pilot program in the spring but has not decided how many scooters it will allow, a spokesperson said. It seemed like a little bit of carnival on our streets for a while, but I think they definitely have potential to make our city easier to navigate for a lot of different people in different ways, Eudaly said. She even took a ride on an e-scooter. It was fun. It was easy, she said. Now that China is poised to execute a Canadian in its feud with Canada, its time for Ottawa to shed its overly diplomatic approach to the crisis and deal with China in the language it understands that of tough counter-measures. More on that later. First, some crucial context. The Canada-China crisis began Dec. 1 when Canada acted on a U.S. request to arrest Meng Wanzhou, among Chinas most prominent citizens, when she was changing planes at Vancouvers international airport. Meng is chief financial officer and heir apparent to her father as CEO of Chinas Huawei Technologies Co., worlds biggest maker of telecom equipment. She is alleged by the U.S. to have used bank fraud to disguise Huaweis suspected violations of a U.S. trade embargo on Iran. The U.S. is not targeting Meng, but Huawei, a technology powerhouse with an R&D budget that matches that of Apple Inc. and Google parent Alphabet Inc. Huawei is also one of Canadas top 100 R&D spenders. Read more: What we know and dont know about Robert Schellenbergs death sentence in China China rejects Canadas plea for clemency for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg sentenced to death for drug trafficking China rejects Canadas plea for clemency for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg sentenced to death for drug trafficking Huawei is a linchpin in Chinese President Xi Jinpings campaign to achieve world leadership in 21st-century technologies by 2025, quite likely at the expense of Silicon Valley. As it happens, the UN Security Councils sanctions against Iran were lifted as part of the 2015 pact in which Iran agreed to cease its nuclear-weapons program. But the U.S., at President Donald Trumps direction, has withdrawn from that pact. The U.S. alone now rejects Security Council Resolution 2231 that lifts the sanctions. That is, only U.S. interests are served in the arrest of Meng, 46. Also, it is highly unusual for an OECD country to arrest a top corporate executive of a domestic or foreign enterprise for crimes allegedly committed by an employer. (Personal cupidity is another matter.) For example, when he was CEO of Halliburton Co. in the 1990s, Dick Cheney was not arrested for the sanction-busting business the oil-services firm did in several countries under U.S. embargo, including Iran. Neither was the CEO of Toronto Dominion Bank when it and more than a dozen other global banks paid fines for violating Americas sanctions on Iran. In Chinas view, not easily disputed, Canadas arrest of Meng made Canada a collaborator in Americas decade-long attempt to contain the commercial ambitions of China and of Huawei. Huawei is the worlds only enterprise currently able to build an entire 5G, or next-generation, wireless network. As such, Canada was begging for trouble in arresting Meng. Justin Trudeau was given a heads-up a few days before Mengs arrest, but unwisely chose not to prevent it. The prime minister has said he was respecting his justice ministrys sole preserve over extradition matters. If that indeed is the case, Trudeau needs a tutorial on realpolitik. And so, Meng was detained, with predictable, dreadful consequences. The editor of Chinas state-controlled Global Times has said that Arresting Meng Wanzhou is bringing terrorism to state and business competition. That is the over-the-top spirit of the Chinese state-controlled medias relentless Canada-bashing since Dec. 1, which accuses Canada of doing Americas bidding in trying to crush Chinas economic ambitions. How could China see it otherwise, asks Jeffrey Sachs, a Columbia University professor and veteran of geo-economic analysis? The U.S. request that Canada arrest Meng is almost a declaration of war on Chinas business community, Sachs wrote soon after her arrest. But if Americas transparent efforts to protect laggard U.S. companies from formidable Chinese competition have gone too far, Beijing has once again grossly over-reacted to a slight as Ottawa should have anticipated. When Ottawa last year blocked a Chinese state takeover of a Canadian engineering firm, an enraged Beijing reacted as though Canadian agents had been detected spiriting away chunks of the Great Wall with a plan for reconstructing them at the Royal Ontario Museum. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... In retaliation for the Meng arrest though China, of course, denies that motive Chinese authorities quickly took into police custody three Canadian nationals in China. One of those, a teacher, has since been released. But the other two, a former Canadian diplomat and an entrepreneur, remain imprisoned under wretched conditions. It appears that at least 13 Canadian nationals have been arrested in China since Meng was taken into custody. Not content with that, Beijing upped the ante Monday, reopening the case of a Canadian national earlier sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for drug smuggling. In a one-day hearing, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced to die. As no new compelling evidence was presented in court, the link to Mengs detention is obvious. Its worth noting Beijings reaction to Canadas successful appeal for worldwide support to spare Schellenbergs life and get the other Canadians released. The European Union, the U.S., Britain, France, Germany and Australia have rallied to Canadas side. Beijing regards that support as a gang-up to thwart its national interests. This week it lectured Canada to respect the rule of law, respect Chinas judicial sovereignty, correct mistakes and stop making irresponsible remarks. Remember those words. They tell you that China is oblivious to the rogue-state nature of its conduct. Rule of law? China is a vigourous and unapologetic human-rights abuser. The Schellenberg case is a reminder of Chinas kangaroo courts. And China is widely alleged to be the worlds biggest thief of intellectual property. Like other Western countries, Canada wants to increase its business with China. Indeed, we seek a free trade deal with China. But for now, China needs to know in forceful ways that its continued brutal treatment of Canadians will come at a heavy price: This is a time for severing diplomatic relations with China. Its also appropriate for Ottawa to revoke its approval of the $40-billion LNG Canada mega-project in B.C. unless state-owned PetroChina relinquishes its stake in the consortium. And Ottawa should suspend Huawei from further development of 5G networks in Canada. Canada also needs to release Meng Wanzhou, not in exchange for the imprisoned Canadians, but because she should not have been arrested in the first place. Our extradition treaty with the U.S. contains abundant loopholes that enable Canada to release her. Finally, Ottawa needs to remind Beijing that Canada has welcomed with open arms a Huawei that does extensive business in Canada. Thats a sharp contrast with the U.S.; Britain and other major European economies; Australia; and New Zealand. Those are among the many jurisdictions that have banned Huawei or are close to doing so, mostly at American urging. The worlds biggest police state has few friends in the world. Its time for Canada to tell China that its about to lose one of those, and its strongest friend in the West a Canada that Beijing relies on for much of the raw materials and technological prowess that fuels Chinas industrial revolution. Read more about: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to work the phones to rally support in Canadas dispute with China. Trudeau spoke Monday with Argentinian President Mauricio Macri and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, after calls last week to other world leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier Monday, he expressed extreme concern about Chinas actions in the wake of Canadas arrest of a Huawei Technologies Co. executive on a U.S. extradition request. Trudeaus office released summaries of the two calls. One said he discussed the arbitrary detention of two Canadians in China and Chinas application of the death penalty to a Canadian citizen with Macri. Another said he and Ardern discussed the detention and legal treatment of Canadian citizens in China and the need for all countries to respect judicial procedure and rule of law. Canada has also updated its travel advisory on the Asian nation, urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. In response, Beijing issued its own travel alert for Canada on Tuesday. Seeking Clemency Tensions continue to rise between the two countries, after a Chinese court sentenced Robert Schellenberg to death in a drug case Monday. The Canadian citizen will appeal the ruling. China executes more people than any other country in the world, and is one of only a handful to do so for drug charges. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Wednesday that Beijing isnt concerned about international opposition in the wake of Schellenbergs sentencing. The Canadian leader is extremely irresponsible in citing the word arbitrary to comment on the sentence, Hua said at a briefing Wednesday. The remarks from Canadian leaders are what is truly arbitrary, and miss the spirit of rule of law. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Tuesday that the country is seeking clemency for Schellenberg. It is true that this is a difficult moment and our government will continue to advocate for the Canadians who are arbitrarily detained, and we will continue to seek clemency for Mr. Schellenberg, Freeland said during a news conference in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. China also seized two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on national security grounds as the government in Beijing complains about Canadas arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver. Meng is out on bail, while Kovrig and Spavor remain in custody. Ren Zhengfei, Huaweis reclusive billionaire founder and Mengs father, broke a years-long silence this week to insist his company doesnt help Chinese intelligence services. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Read more about: Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China can provide broad business opportunities for the commercialization of Finland's technical innovation as it has a vast market, Premier Li Keqiang told visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto Tuesday, saying China will vigorously protect intellectual property rights. "China and Finland complement each other on cooperation in areas of economic technology and share broad prospects, " Li said during a meeting with Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "We will spare no efforts to protect intellectual property rights as it not only caters to China's own needs of transforming its development model but also helps it learn advanced technology and concepts," he said. China stands ready to further cooperate with Finland on cargo, service and technology, jointly address climate change and work on green development and clean technology, said Li. He said China firmly supports the European integration process and has always viewed the European Union (EU) as an important force to maintain world stability and promote free trade. China looks forward to a new round of China-EU leaders' meeting to push bilateral cooperation to a higher level, Li said. He expressed the hope that Finland can contribute to China-EU relations and EU unity and prosperity as the Nordic country will assume the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year. For his part, Niinisto said he has seen China's progress every time he has visited the country, which has brought opportunities to Finland and other countries. Noting that China is becoming a force for stability in today's world, he said Finland attaches great importance to relations with China and China's vast market. Finland would like to enhance cooperation between enterprises of both countries, especially small and medium-sized companies, as well as in the areas of climate change, technological innovation and clean energy, he said, adding that Finland will work with China to jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system. Also on Tuesday, Chinese top legislator Li Zhanshu met with Niinisto. Li, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Finland have adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation, becoming a model of peaceful coexistence and friendly exchanges between countries of different cultures, sizes and development levels. He said China stands ready to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation to a new level. The NPC is willing to intensify exchanges with the Parliament of Finland at various levels to promote cooperation in economy and trade, innovation, environmental protection and winter sports, said the top legislator. Niinisto said he expects to advance the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China to yield more practical results through the visit. Finland is ready to help China in hosting a successful 2022 Winter Olympic Games, he said. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) U.S. stocks rallied, fuelled by technology shares, after Chinas new stimulus eased concerns about the impact of the countrys slowing economy on global growth. In the U.K., Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit plan was overwhelmingly rejected. Here are some of the things people in markets are talking about. Equities advance Asian stocks looked set to open in the green after a strong day for shares in the U.S and Europe. Technology stocks fuelled a rally after China ratcheted up stimulus to combat slowing growth. The pound turned higher after U.K. politicians voted down a Brexit deal. The S&P 500 gained the most in more than a week, rising above the key 2,600 level which it failed to breach on three occasions last week for the first time in a month. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 recouped two days of losses after China announced more measures to boost its economy, easing concerns about the impact of the trade war. The 10-year Treasury yield traded around 2.71 per cent, while the dollar advanced against major peers. The euro dropped after European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said the economy is weaker than expected. May loses Brexit vote Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal was rejected by Parliament in a humiliating defeat, her plan for leaving the European Union all but dead. She now faces a confidence vote in her government. The House of Commons voted 432 versus 202 against the divorce the U.K. government brokered with the European Union. A margin of less than 60 would have given grounds to hope that the deal was salvageable, with the EU poised to engage in ways to make it more palatable. Now, more than two years after the nation voted to leave the 28-nation bloc, the U.K. is facing political paralysis over a decision that has divided the nation and its political class for decades. The largest parliamentary defeat in over a century prompted the main opposition Labour Party to pounce with a confidence motion to try to force a general election. Canada warns on travel to China Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to work the phones to rally support in Canadas dispute with China. Trudeau spoke Monday with Argentinian President Mauricio Macri and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, after calls last week to other world leaders including Donald Trump. Earlier Monday, he expressed extreme concern about Chinas actions in the wake of Canadas arrest of a Huawei Technologies Co. executive on a U.S. extradition request. Canada has also updated its travel advisory on the Asian nation, urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. In response, Beijing issued its own travel alert for Canada on Tuesday. Read more: U.K.s May faces no-confidence vote after Brexit plan crushed What we know and dont know about Robert Schellenbergs death sentence in China Freeland says China death sentence for Canadian human being is inhumane Tycoons transfer $17 Billion Four Chinese tycoons transferred more than $17 billion of their wealth into family trusts late last year, underscoring how the rich are scrambling to protect their fortunes from the nations newly toughened tax regime. The latest example came from billionaire Sun Hongbin, chairman of real-estate developer Sunac China Holdings Ltd., who disclosed in a filing in Hong Kong on Jan. 12 that he shifted most of his stake in the company to South Dakota Trust Co. on Dec. 31. Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. Chairwoman Wu Yajun, one of Chinas richest women, made a similar move in recent weeks, as did the wealthy magnates behind food distributors Dali Foods Group Co. and Zhou Hei Ya International Holdings Co. Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Becoming Chinas Elon Musk Tesla Inc. is now hiring in China, and China Inc. is hiring in Teslas backyard. A groundbreaking in Shanghai attended by Tesla chief executive officer Elon Musk last week marked what will become the first factory in the nation entirely owned by a foreign automaker. In Teslas Silicon Valley neighbourhood, meanwhile, there are now about a dozen electric automakers with Chinese owners or backers setting up shop or recruiting Musks former co-workers. These well-funded startups, some of which havent sold a single car, are buying up factories, testing prototypes on public roads and kitting out lavish offices in the San Francisco Bay Area. Landing a former Tesla executive has become a top prize. Everybody wants to be the next Elon Musk the Chinese Elon Musk, said Martin Eberhard, a co-founder of Tesla back when it was called Tesla Motors. He served on the board of Chinese EV maker SF Motors Inc. after it bought his post-Tesla startup. Read more about: Katherine Grandstrand Dakota Media Group There are 10 states and a whole neighboring country where recreational marijuana use is legal, but using pot when traveling could get South Dakota residents in legal trouble when they get back home. South Dakota charges ingestion of drugs separately from possession, meaning someone can be charged with a crime if a blood or urine test comes back positive for marijuana or other drugs. If somebody somehow has drugs in their system, under South Dakota law, its a crime, said Chris White, Brown County states attorney. It all comes down to prosecutorial discretion. Possession of a small amount of marijuana 2 ounces or less is a misdemeanor in South Dakota, as is a drug test that comes back positive for marijuana. Other forms of marijuana, like hash, are charged as felonies. Any substance thats illegal in South Dakota that somebody has in their system while theyre in South Dakota could be a violation of South Dakota law, White said. Tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, is fat-soluble, which means traces stay in the system long after impairment, said Jamie Milbrandt, Avera Addiction Care Center counselor. Impairment can last up to 24 hours, but it could be weeks before a drug test comes back clean. If it is just a one-time, small use, then it may be out in a few days, Milbrandt said. But if it is part of the issues that we have is that its really high-grade THC that were seeing so it does stay in the system a lot longer. So it could be two weeks to four weeks before someone has it out of their system. Cannabidiol CBD is also getting a lot of press lately. Its an oil that can be extracted from marijuana or hemp and can be found in products like lotion or mascara. Medically, its showing some promising effects for treating seizures or anxiety. Cannabidiol generally wont show up in a drug test, Milbrandt said. Urine and blood tests look for THC. In South Dakota, CBD is currently only legal with a prescription. Legislative changes Two years ago, Sen. Justin Cronin, R-Gettysburg, proposed a bill that would have removed altered forms of marijuana from the felony possession by ingestion list, citing fiscal concerns. That bill was tabled in committee at the request of Cronin. The January 2017 average daily count of state prison inmates with the most serious offense being ingestion of a controlled substance was 263, Cronin told the judiciary committee in February of that year. While he didnt have any specific proof, he didnt think marijuana use was the biggest problem for most inmates, Cronin told the committee. His research indicated about $4 million would be saved annually in corrections-related costs for the 263 inmates. I was thinking there would be a lot bigger number, Cronin said during the committee meeting. He could not be reached for comment for this story. Then-Rep. Dan Kaiser, R-Aberdeen, was a sponsor of the bill in the House. By putting up this bill, it would have brought more continuity to the marijuana laws and make everything Class 1 misdemeanors, he said. Im assuming it got tabled because it has the word marijuana in it. Typically, because it riles both sides up so much, even if youre trying to do the right thing that everyone would agree on when you talk to them ... publicly, it looks terrible, because youre signing onto a marijuana bill. (People say,) Oh my God, theyre pro-pot. Cronin said in his 2017 testimony that he received hundreds of calls from across the country from people assuming he was trying to legalize marijuana in South Dakota. Kaiser, who is a sergeant on the Aberdeen Police Department, said the bill quickly fell off his radar after it was tabled. Lawmakers have until Jan. 28 to introduce drafts of new bills during the 2019 session. Getting caught Someone would have to show signs of impairment for the Aberdeen Police Department to intervene and request a drug test, said police Capt. Eric Duven. In a driving-under-the-influence case, for example, someone would have to violate traffic laws and then present signs of alcohol, marijuana or other drug use, he said. But someone pulled over for DUI who blows over the legal limit could also have a blood draw. And if theres marijuana in their system, they could also be charged with possession by ingestion. There is a Canadian company thats working on a breath test to check for actual marijuana impairment, rather than traces of previous use, Milbrandt said. Both American and Canadian jurisdictions are testing it. I think thats a huge push and a really good thing that theyre doing, Milbrandt said. I think it will be helpful, especially for DUI situations. No one from the police department will go knocking on someones door demanding a drug test after theyve gotten back from vacation in California, Duven said. Essentially, someone would have to violate another law and then be asked to take a drug test to get charged with possession by ingestion of marijuana if they used in a place where its legal, White said. A blood test is generally only requested in DUI cases or if there was a fatal crash, Duven said. Work consequences Most workplaces have rules and regulations regarding the use of substances whether it be alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs while on the job, Milbrandt said. You could have a prescription for a medication, but if you take it at work and it impairs your work, an employer can have discretion about that, she said. The same goes for marijuana use. There are no laws limiting drug testing in South Dakota, so someone using marijuana off the clock and out of state could be asked to take a drug test once he or she got back to work, according to information from Dawn Dovre, spokeswoman for the state Department of Labor and Regulations. But employers should be consistent with their drug testing policies, she wrote. If employees feel their rights have been violated by a drug test, they could take legal action through a private attorney, Dovre wrote in an email. There are no laws in South Dakota that require or disallow reporting a work-related positive drug test to authorities, she wrote. But Duven couldnt think of an instance during which an employer had reported a worker for possession by ingestion, he said. Sarah Mearhoff Forum News Service PIERRE Legislators are revisiting language in the states regular update to the list of controlled substances after facing public pushback regarding the bills scheduling of cannabidiol, often called CBD oil. The Senate Health and Human Services committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 22 on Monday Jan. 14, which updates the states scheduling of controlled substances in accordance to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. New from last years list, SB 22 schedules CBD oil as a Schedule IV controlled substance. CBD oil is naturally occurring chemical and can be found in everything from hops used to brew beer to breast milk, but most notably in pharmaceuticals. It can be extracted from cannabis or hemp to create medicine and supplements. While cannabis and cannabis-derived CBD oil are federally classified as Schedule I drugs, hemp and its derivatives show no sign of psychoactive effects and contain only trace amounts of THC. They are not regulated by the DEA, but rather by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Congress in December passed the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalizes the growth and production of hemp. The way SB 22 is currently written, all CBD oil would be classified as a Schedule IV narcotic, not just that which is derived from cannabis. The committee on Monday heard testimony from several who opposed this classification, saying that CBD oil helped them or someone they know manage pain and chronic illness, often without the help of addictive opiates. Pat Cromwell of Rapid City told the committee that not only is CBD oil a safe and affordable treatment option for those with chronic illness and pain, but that outlawing CBD oil in the state could create a barrier to growing and developing hemp in South Dakota, where agriculture is the number one industry. This could be the next big thing for this state, Cromwell said. It would be foolish and shortsighted on our part to run interference, to stop this from happening here in South Dakota. Republican Sen. Deb Soholt from Sioux Falls, who chairs the committee, said after the testimony that the committee clearly has to revisit the language of the bill to make it specifically target CBD oil derived from cannabis. She said that is the intent of the bill not to target hemp or its derivatives. Perhaps there is a way we can language it that gets to the intent of the (Drug Enforcement Agency) but doesnt cause misunderstanding or misinterpretation, Soholt said after the hearing. She said that after another look at the bills text, the committee plans to take it up again next week. The Forum News Service Watertown Public Opinion WHITE LAKE Federal investigators have confirmed that an individual was shot and killed Sunday night, Jan. 13, at a rest stop along Interstate 90 near White Lake, about 30 miles west of Mitchell. The FBI said Monday it is investigating a shooting with federal officers that resulted in the death of a subject who was at the rest stop. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. Sunday in the eastbound rest area along I-90, according to Kevin Smith, public affairs officer for the Minneapolis division of the FBI. The rest area is located in Aurora County. Details about the person killed were not available. Smith said the FBI is in the process of notifying the family members. Smith also said the investigation remains in the early stages for the FBI, which is trying to piece together what happened. Aurora County Sheriff David Fink said Monday that the U.S. Marshals Service called the sheriffs office to ask for assistance at the rest stop at about 8:30 p.m. Fink said that the Marshals Service had been following a woman and had pulled her over at the rest stop. Fink said the woman was taken to the Brule County Jail but that he did not know what she was charged with, who she was or how she was involved with the shooting. State officials reached Monday referred questions to the FBI. Swedish tourist rescued at Patong Beach PHUKET: A 76-year-old Swedish tourist is recovering in hospital after being pulled from the water at Patong Beach unconscious yesterday afternoon (Jan 15). tourismmarineSafetypatong By The Phuket News Wednesday 16 January 2019, 02:04PM The Swedish tourist, Sven Goran Berlin, is brought ashore at Patong Beach yesterday (Jan 15). Photo: Romklao Chooklin The tourist, Sven Goran Berlin, was recovered from the water by lifeguards at 1:15pm, Somprasong Saengchard, the chief lifeguard for Patong Beach, told The Phuket News. He was not moving and did not respond to shouts from his friend, so his friend called out for help, Mr Somprasong said. The first lifeguard to respond jumped onto a paddleboard and started heading out to him, but another lifeguard got a jet-ski and brought him back to the beach, he added. The lifeguards provided resuscitation first aid on the sand until Mr Berlin regained consciousness, then an ambulance arrived and rushed Mr Berlin to Patong Hospital, Mr Somprasong explained. Patong Police confirmed in their report that Mr Berlin is now recovering at Patong Hospital. They attributed Mr Berlins age as the reason for the incident This undated photo provided by the Whelan family shows Novi resident Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine arrested in Russia on espionage charges, was visiting Moscow over the holidays to attend a wedding when he suddenly disappeared, his brother said Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. A teenage girl was found passed out in the home of South Lyon Police Chief Lloyd Collins during a New Year's Eve party on Dec. 31, 2018. Collins said he did not observe any drinking being consumed during the party and added he did not condone or authorize it. WASHINGTON (AP) Of all the issues at stake as President Donald Trump and Democrats wrangle over his prized border wall, the latest snag is w MILWAUKEE (AP) The nation's craft beer taps are being squeezed by the government shutdown, which has put new releases on hold, prevented new A Waterford man with an extensive criminal history faces charges for an attempted sexual assault and robbery after allegedly attacking a woman featured Center for Growth and Enlightenment owner charged with scamming patients out of investment money Across all classes of vehicles, the move toward electrification and automation is on the minds of automakers, as its generally accepted that This subscription will allow curernt subscribers of The News Guard to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area. NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please call us at 1-541-994-2178 or email admin@countrymedia.net. A Harrison many will spend between 10 and 40 years in prison for making methamphetamine after drug store records of pseudoephedrine purchases Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., joined at left by Rep. Don Beyer D-Va., talks to reporters after signing a House-passed a bill requiring that all government workers receive retroactive pay after the partial shutdown ends, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Officials at Central Michigan University expected on-campus enrollment for the 2019 academic year to show another decline. It appears they wer If youre fortunate enough to be in Tasmania, Australia for the finish of the annual Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race hosted by the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, I highly recommend you watch these magnificent boats come in - the excitement is amazing. Since its inaugural race in 1945, the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race has become one of the top three offshore yacht races in the world. It is also widely considered to be one of the most difficult competitions of its kind. Last weekend, I shared photos from the start of the race in Sydney. The finish line of the Yacht Race is located off Castray Esplanade on the River Derwent in Hobart. Here are more photos - enjoy. ResMed Inc. develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets medical devices and cloud-based software applications that diagnose, treat, and manage respiratory disorders comprising sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, and other chronic diseases. The company operates in two segments, Sleep and Respiratory Care, and Software as a Service. It offers various products and solutions for a range of respiratory disorders, including technologies to be applied in medical and consumer products, ventilation devices, diagnostic products, mask systems for use in the hospital and home, headgear and other accessories, dental devices, portable oxygen concentrators, and cloud-based software informatics solutions to manage patient outcomes, as well as provides customer and business processes. The company also provides U-Sleep, which enables automated patient coaching through a text, email, or interactive voice phone call; AirView that enables remote monitoring, over-the-air trouble shooting, and changing of device settings; and myAir, a patient engagement application that offers sleep data and a daily score based on their previous night's data, as well as connectivity module and propeller solutions. In addition, it provides business management software and services to out-of-hospital providers, home medical equipment, pharmacy, home infusion, orthotics, and prosthetics; and HEALTHCAREfirst and MatrixCare solutions. The company markets its products to sleep clinics, home healthcare dealers, patients, hospitals, physicians, and third-party payers through a network of distributors and direct sales force in approximately 140 countries. ResMed Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Read More East Japan Railway Co. (JR East) is considering a maximum travel speed of 320 kph in the section between Morioka and Shin-Aomori stations on the Tohoku Shinkansen line, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. It would be the first time for the maximum travel speed, which is currently 260 kph, to be raised in a section for a new Shinkansen line. Aiming to cut the construction costs for new Shinkansen lines, the maximum design speed of bullet trains has been limited to 260 kph under a new Shinkansen line construction plan based on the Nationwide Shinkansen Railway Development Law. If bullet trains can run at a speed of 320 kph in the section between Morioka and Shin-Aomori, the travel time between Tokyo Station and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in Hokkaido is expected to be reduced by about 10 minutes. JR East is aiming to compete with airline services, eyeing the extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen line which is connected to the Tohoku Shinkansen line to Sapporo scheduled for fiscal 2030. The main bullet trains operated by JR East have already run at 320 kph between Utsunomiya and Morioka stations. These trains are therefore capable of traveling at an increased speed. According to sources connected to JR, if Shinkansen trains run at 260 kph or faster between Morioka and Shin-Aomori stations, there would be few facility-related problems in terms of strength. What would be necessary are measures for noise prevention. As noise grows louder in keeping with higher speeds, it is essential to heighten noise prevention walls and improve facilities at the ends of tunnels. Read also: All aboard! Hello Kitty bullet train debuts in Japan Facilities for new Shinkansen lines are owned by the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT). Therefore, a speed increase requires JR East to coordinate with the government and JRTT. The plan has to be studied from a wide range of perspectives, including safety, said a source related to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. JR East is developing ALFA-X, a Shinkansen train model that can travel at 360 kph, with the aim of introducing it on the Tohoku and Hokkaido Shinkansen lines around 2030. Further increases in the speed of bullet trains might be possible if the train development project makes steady progress. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Agnes Anya (The Jakarta Post) Thu, January 17 2019 The Philippines-based armed group, Abu Sayyaf, recently released an Indonesian hostage who was featured in a viral video pleading for his life, but Jakarta denies that ransom was paid to the kidnappers to secure his release. The fisherman, identified as Samsul Saguni, was turned over to Philippine authorities on Tuesday afternoon after spending four months in the hands of a splinter cell of the Abu Sayyaf group, a Foreign Ministry official confirmed on Wednesday. Samsul Saguni is currently at the Westmincom [Western Mindanao Command] military base in Jolo, southern Philippines, where he is undergoing a health checkup while awaiting a flight to Zamboanga city, said Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the ministrys director for overseas citizen protection. Iqbal denied his side had paid ransom to secure Samsuls release, saying that kidnappers would often resort to ... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin I Made Andi Arsana (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Thu, January 17 2019 In 1969, Indonesia and Malaysia signed a historic deal to establish their maritime boundaries. It was in fact the first agreement on maritime boundaries Indonesia had ever signed. The agreement makes clear which seabed belongs to which country in the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea. Now, 50 years later, Indonesia has managed to file 18 agreements with eight neighbors. However, Indonesia has yet to fully complete its maritime boundaries with all 10 neighbors: India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Australia and Timor Leste. There are even no maritime boundaries yet with Palau and Timor Leste. Settling maritime boundaries can take decades. With Malaysia, for example, no agreement has been reached since the first one in 1969. The latest agreement was struck in September 2014 for maritime boundaries between Indones... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Beirut, Lebanon Wed, January 16, 2019 23:03 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e737d3b 2 World #USA,#Syria,US,soldiers,killed,Syria,suicide-attack Free US service members were among those killed in a suicide attack Wednesday in the flashpoint Syrian city of Manbij, the US-led coalition said without specifying how many. "US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today," a coalition spokesman said in a statement posted on social media. "We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time." According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least two US members of the coalition were killed in the attack targeting their patrol. The Britain-based monitoring group relies on a network of sources inside Syria for its information. The attack, the first of its kind against the coalition in Manbij in 10 months, was claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. According to casualty statistics from the Pentagon, Wednesday's blast will go down as the worst loss of US life in Syria since the coalition was created in 2014. The US Department of Defense previously only reported two US nationals being killed in combat in Syria, in two separate incidents. US President Donald Trump announced a month ago that he was ordering a full troop pullout from Syria, saying the war against IS was won. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Kabul, Afghanistan Wed, January 16, 2019 19:27 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e72c557 2 World #Afghanistan,#USA,US,citizen,killed,truck,bomb,attack,Kabul Free A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials said Wednesday, as the government continued investigating the blast site. The Taliban have claimed responsibility after the bomb detonated near the Green Village compound in east Kabul on Monday. Afghan authorities have said at least four people were killed and 113 wounded. On Wednesday an official at the US embassy in Kabul said an American citizen was among the fatalities, but gave no further information. Indian authorities had previously confirmed that one of their citizens was also killed in the attack. It was not clear if they were included in the four dead, with some Afghan officials giving conflicting tolls. "We have launched an investigation and it has not finished yet. Once we finish the investigation we will be able to release the final toll," Najib Danish, the interior ministry spokesman, said. The powerful blast ripped through surrounding neighbourhoods, shattering the windows of surrounding houses and shops. It came as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan, which by some estimates was the world's deadliest conflict zone in 2018. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aurelia Frick (The Jakarta Post) Vaduz Wed, January 16 2019 The year 2018 may go down in history as a year of trade wars and protectionism. But the good news is, 2018 has also seen some progress in international trade and cooperation. After eight years of negotiation, the states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, signed a free-trade agreement with Indonesia, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Jakarta on Dec. 17. Indonesia, like Southeast Asia, is a particularly vibrant and fast-growing area. It has long been in the focus of EFTAs foreign trade activities. Unsurprisingly, Indonesia has been and remains an important partner for Liechtenstein and the other EFTA states. CEPA will foster trade and investment between our countries. Its comprehensive coverage and strong focus on cooperation will be beneficial for both peoples. With the signing... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 13:31 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e71a3a0 1 City Tangerang,bus,bus-service,administration,Transportation,public-transportation,transjakarta Free Tangerang City Transportation Agency head Syaiful Rohman says it plans to consolidate the Trans Kota Tangerang city bus services under the management of city-owned company PT Tangerang Nusantara Global (TNG). Currently, 18 of the 20 Trans Kota buses are owned by various operators, while only two are managed by the Tangerang city administration. The two buses under the city administration ply the routes between Poris Plawad and Jatiuwung (corridor 1) as well as between Poris Plawad and Cibodas (corridor 2). Syaiful said he expected the handover of Trans Kota management to make the service more professional, such as the Jakarta-owned PT Transjakarta service. The handover is intended to ease bureaucracy and to make the buses operation more professional, like Transjakarta, Rohman said on Tuesday, kompas.com reported. He said city-owned companies would find it easier than private operators to establish corporation with other parties and to procure buses. Rohman added that the administration was currently drafting a mayoral decree to give PT TNG the authority to run Trans Kota. Currently, TNG is tasked with managing parking spaces, building public facilities and communication facilities in Tangerang. The mayor wants [the handover] to take place soon, so that public services can improve, Rohman said. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 15:24 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e71d299 1 City land-mafia,hercules,trial,security,West-Jakarta Free The West Jakarta Police have prepared additional security measures at the West Jakarta District Court for the first trial of a case against Hercules Rosario Marshal and his 11 subordinates. We have prepared around 150 police personnel for security, West Jakarta Police head of operations Sr. Adj. Comr. Prio Utomo said on Wednesday, kompas.com reported. He said police had also received assistance from the Indonesian Military (TNI), Jakarta Police control unit and the polices mobile brigade (Brimob), To anticipate any unwanted incidents, Priyo said. He said that if Hercules' followers tried to enter the courtroom, the police would take measures to remove them. We will take use persuasive measures so the trial runs safely and orderly, Priyo said. Hercules and his 11 subordinates were suspected of illegally occupying 2 hectares of land belonging to PT Nila Alam on Jl. Daan Mogot in Kalideres, West Jakarta for three months, during which the defendants allegedly intimidated and extorted money from locals. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rachmadea Aisyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 13:29 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e719b1b 1 Business e-commerce,tax,regulation,online-shopping,marketplace,social-media Free The government insists that a new regulation on e-commerce will not burden online traders, who are required to report their transactions and tax credentials in a move to improve tax compliance in the country. The regulation was criticized by e-commerce players of the Indonesian E-Commerce Association (IdEA), who claimed it might deter small businesses from trading via online platforms, defeating its intended purpose. They also protested the requirement for online traders to register for a taxpayer number (NPWP) as stipulated in the regulation. However, Finance Ministry spokesman Nufransa Wira Sakti said the ministrys bodies the Fiscal Policy Agency, the Taxation Directorate General and the Customs and Excise Officehad already met with IdEA management and agreed to revise the regulation. The meeting [participants] agreed on a major aspect [of the regulation], namely that it is not mandatory for merchants to show a taxpayer number [NPWP] when they register with an online marketplace, Nufransa wrote in a statement. Traders, he said, could instead simply show their identity card number upon registration. This was granted because, under general taxation regulations, people with an income of less than Rp 4.5 million (US$318.91) per month or Rp 54 million per year are not required to have an NPWP. IdEA chairman Ignatius Untung said fewer than 20 percent of online traders qualified as corporate taxpayers (PKP) or those making more than Rp 54 million a year, according to a survey conducted by the association. Untung also referred to President Joko Jokowi Widodos remarks that encouraged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to make use of digital technology, as that could help them promote local products at lower operational and marketing costs. [The NPWP requirement] could come across as an entry barrier for sellers [...]. Many online marketplace sellers are micro businesses that are still testing the waters, Untung told reporters recently. They are not certain whether their business will survive or whether they will even continue to do business. IdEA vice chairman for the digital economy Bima Laga suggested that the government insert a specific article in the regulation to exempt micro-scale traders, claiming that most of them made less than Rp 300 million in revenue a year, far below the Rp 4.8 billion threshold. Radityo Triatmojo, head of government relations at Singapore-based online marketplace Shopee, said 70 percent of more than 1.6 million active local sellers on his platform were categorized as SMEs, meaning most of them would be affected by the new regulation. The new policy is stipulated in Finance Ministery Regulation No. 210/2018, which was signed by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati on Dec. 31 last year. It was initially scheduled to take effect on April 1, but was only communicated to the public last week. The regulation stipulates that online sellers whose revenue is below Rp 4.8 billion per year will be subject to a 0.5 percent SME tax, whereas sellers making above Rp 4.8 billion per year will pay taxes according to the appropriate rates. Furthermore, Untung of the IdEA criticized the regulation as heavily skewed against online sellers transacting on official marketplaces and was not paying enough attention to those on social media. The aforementioned research shows that only 19 percent of Indonesian online sellers run their business exclusively through online marketplaces, whereas 95 percent of them prefer to use social media or both, even though the latter lacks consumer protection. This shows that, even without the regulation, marketplace platforms -- which are complying with the prevailing rules are struggling to compete [with unofficial and unsupervised platforms like social media] to attract revenue, said Untung, pointing to the fact that idEA members were fewer than 30 marketplace platforms, compared to hundreds of thousands of social media-based sellers. Untung emphasized that the request to review and delay the implementation of the regulation did not mean IdEA was encouraging online sellers to evade taxes, but rather because the government had not elaborated on the impacts and economic benefits from the move. Responding to that, the Finance Ministrys Nufransa said the regulation was not intended to boost tax revenue but aimed rather at gathering more information to help authorities build a more comprehensive e-commerce database. This data will be analyzed to assess the progress of e-commerce in Indonesia and will serve as the basis for determining future policies, he said. Therefore, the operational aspect of the regulation will ensure protection for micro-SMEs and people who are just getting started with their e-commerce business. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 11:33 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e712984 4 Business Airlines,government,protection Free Indonesian National Air Carrier Association (INACA) chairman Ari Askhara has called on the government to provide protection to national aviation companies from the inflow of foreign airlines, as many domestic airlines are in a critical condition. Ari, who is also president director of flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, called on the government not to issue any operational permits for new domestic airlines. The 11 airlines are now gasping for breath. So dont add new players, Ari said in Jakarta on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com. The government has to protect national airlines. Dont easily grant spots to foreign airlines at our airports or hubs. He also called on relevant stakeholders to help the national airlines survive through reducing airport costs and lowering avtur (aviation fuel) prices to ease their burden. He called on state-owned airport operators and PT Angka Pura (AP I and AP II), as well as the Indonesian Flight Navigation Service Institution (LPPNPI), AirNav Indonesia, to lower airport costs by 30 percent. Meanwhile, he called on state-owned oil and gas holding company Pertamina to cut the avtur price by 10 percent. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 18:33 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e728957 1 Politics Joko-Widodo-Maruf-Amin,2019-elections,2019-presidential-election,2019-presidential-debate,human-rights-violations,#2019PresidentialElection Free President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said he is ready for the first 2019 presidential debate that will focus on legal, human rights, terrorism and corruption issues. He added that he would explain why gross human rights violation cases have yet to be resolved by his administration. During the 2014 presidential campaign, Jokowi and Jusuf Kalla promised to resolve at least seven cases, including the 1965 communist purge, the 1989 Talangsari incident in Central Lampung, the 2001 and 2003 Wamena and Wasior incidents in Papua, various kidnappings and shootings in the 1980s, the May 1998 riots and the disappearance of activists. "Yes, tomorrow I will talk about these issues," Jokowi said on Wednesday. He previously claimed that his administration had kept its commitment to clear up unsolved past human rights abuses. Candidates' visions and missions, promises and past statements on the law, corruption, human rights and terrorism. #jakpost pic.twitter.com/iZvtGvWti2 The Jakarta Post (@jakpost) January 17, 2019 Jokowi-Maruf Amin campaign political communications director Usman Kansong said the Jokowi administration had taken steps to resolve past gross human rights violations, which he would explain if the opponents raised the issue. He had meeting with the victims families. There has been a dialogue between the Attorney General's Office, The National Commission on Human Rights and NGOs, Usman told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. In May, Jokowi met survivors and families of the victims of past human rights abuses who regularly participate in a weekly silent protest known as Kamisan. The closed meeting was the first time that Kamisan participants had met with any president since they first embarked on their quest in 2007. Jokowi said he would also give answers with regards to the unsolved attack on Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) investigator Novel Baswedan in April 2017, as well as the recent attempted attacks on the houses of KPK leaders Agus Rahardjo and Laode M Syarif. We will answer all [the questions], he added. (ggq) Tonight, The Jakarta Post will be live-tweeting from the first presidential debate for the 2019 election at 8 p.m. Do not miss out!#jakpost #PresidentialDebate #IndonesiaVotes #DebatPilpresPertama pic.twitter.com/Ly9Y4XNlSE The Jakarta Post (@jakpost) January 17, 2019 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji, Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Karina M. Tehusijarana (The Jakarta Post) Palu/Jakarta Wed, January 16 2019 The Tinombala police-military operation to hunt down the remaining members of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has been extended once again, as authorities suspect the group had recruited new members. The latest extension to the joint operation was made in December 2018 and will last until April 2019, making it one of the longest terrorist manhunts in the Reform Era. Central Sulawesi Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Hery Murwono said that the new recruits of the terror group currently led by Ali Kalora were already placed on the polices most wanted list. The groups membership has now increased to 14, Hery told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. After former MIT leader Santoso, alias Abu Wardah, was killed in a firefight in July 2016 and following numerous security operations, it was reported th... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fadli (The Jakarta Post) Batam Wed, January 16, 2019 17:05 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e72191d 1 National aviation,flight,Batam,Riau-Islands Free Indonesia has renewed its pledge to complete the takeover of flight information region (FIR) control over Riau Islands and Riau provinces from Singapore. Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said the forcing down of an Ethiopian Airlines aircraft to land in Batam by the Air Force's F-16 planes on Monday showed that Indonesia had started to gain control in the region. We want to show that our system is improving. Indonesia can now monitor people entering our territory without identity or permission, Luhut told a press conference in Batam, Riau Islands. Luhut, who is also tasked with completing the FIR takeover from Singapore, said the Air Force had shown its high capability and that it deserved appreciation for what it did with the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft. Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto said he had ordered the Ethiopian Airlines airplane to land in Batam, after receiving a report of an unauthorized aircraft entering Indonesian territory. I want the regulation to be enforced and currently it is currently being processed by the relevant ministry, said Hadi, adding that the airplane was carrying Rolls Royce aircraft engines and accessories to be flown to Hong Kong. Separately, Hang Nadim Airport director Suwarso said the Ethiopian Airlines aircraft had received direction from Singapores FIR and had as well planned to land in Batam. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 18:50 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e72a6b1 4 City drugs,West-Jakarta,Jakarta-police,narcotics Free West Jakarta Police said an apartment in Srengseng, Kembangan district was being used as a drug warehouse in their follow up to an investigation into a case pertaining to drugs being stored in the laboratory of a school in West Jakarta. Investigators raided an apartment in Kembangan on Tuesday. The raid was conducted after police questioned three suspects accused of hiding drugs in the schools laboratory. Inside, we found hundreds of pills and other drugs, Kembangan Police chief Comr. Joko Handoko said on Tuesday as reported by tempo.co. Two employees of a school in West Jakarta, initialed DL and CP, were arrested last week for allegedly storing crystal methamphetamine in the schools laboratory. Investigators have seized 355.56 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 7,910 pills and prescription drugs in the raids on the school and apartment. DL and CP are suspected of being couriers for a drug network operating out of a prison and they were allegedly responsible for transporting drugs from another person identified as LK. Joko said the pair could have received a fee of Rp 100,000 (US$7.08) to Rp 500,000 for narcotics delivery and storage. DL and CP could also get free meth to use , Joko said. (gis) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 10:14 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e710ebe 4 Business Hyundai,investment,Luhut-Binsar-Pandjaitan,statement Free Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Panjaitan has said senior executives of South Korean car maker Hyundai Motor will meet several ministers later this month to discuss the companys plan to develop a US$1billion car factory in Indonesia. He said the Hyundai representatives wanted to seek information about the procedures to arrange licenses and about a regulation on the development of electric vehicles, which is being finalized. They will come here soon to learn more about the permit procedure. I will also invite other related ministries to the meeting, Luhut said at a recent media briefing, adding that Hyundai planned to construct their factories in West Javas Bekasi, Karawang and Purwakarta integrated economic and industry zone (KEIT). The area is strategic as it will be connected to the [under construction] Patimban Seaport in Subang, West Java, and the newly launched Kertajati International Airport in Majalengka, also in West Java. Hyundai will team up with another Korean car producer KIA Motors to build the plant, which will have a production capacity of 250,000 units, including electric vehicles, he said, adding that the Korean car producers would use nickel laterite ore to be produced at a nickel-based industrial park in Morowali regency, Central Sulawesi. The Industry Ministry has reportedly completed the draft of a regulation that will be used as a legal umbrella to develop the environmentally friendly vehicles. Luhut said the regulation still awaited the approval of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo before being implemented. Luhut said Hyundai planned to export half of the vehicles produced in Indonesia to ASEAN countries and Australia. (das/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi and Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16 2019 Home Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has dismissed a recent accusation made by suspended Bekasi regent and graft suspect Neneng Hasanah Yasin over his involvement in an alleged corruption case surrounding the Meikarta mega-development project in the regency. Every time there is a problem regarding permit issuance, particularly because of overlapping authority among regional administrations, the Home Ministry has a role in finding [solutions to the problems] as long as it is in line with existing regulations, Tjahjo said in a press statement on Monday afternoon. Neneng testified as a witness against defendants Lippo Group operational director Billy Sindoro and three Lippo Group consultants at the Bandung Corruption Court in West Java on Monday during which Neneng said Tjahjo had told her to facilitate the issuance of the necessary permits for the Meikarta project. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our content on web and app No advertising, no interruption A bonus subscription to share Bookmark and night mode functions on app 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 Wed, January 16 2019 Three children in Segara Makmur subdistrict, Tarumajaya, Bekasi regency, West Java, reportedly suffered skin burns after coming in contact with soil suspected of having been contaminated by a chemical substance. The Jakarta Police bomb squad has been dispatched to check the site following the report. They aim to examine the [soil] believed to be contaminated with chemical waste, Tarumajaya Police chief Adj. Comr. Agus Rohmat said on Monday as quoted by kompas.com. Six officers from the bomb squad have taken samples of the soil for laboratory testing. Previously, a team from the regencys environment agency also took a sample of the soil to be examined. The three children, identified as Denda, Raga and Ramadan, suffered burns to several parts of their bodies on Jan. 10 after being mired in the soil. They reportedly complained of bur... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Frankfurt, Germany Wed, January 16, 2019 18:46 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e72a39d 2 Business #Germany,#Brexit,German,business,warning,Brexit,deal,chaos Free Leading German business organisations warned Wednesday of a "chaotic" Brexit that would cause massive disruption to trade, after MPs in London overwhelmingly voted to reject an EU withdrawal deal. "A chaotic Brexit is coming dangerously close," Federation of German Industry (BDI) director Joachim Lang said in a statement, warning that more than 175 billion euros ($200 billion) of German-British exchanges in goods and services could be affected. "The top priority must be to avoid a hard Brexit," Lang added. "Responsibility for that lies solely with the government and the opposition in London." British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a no-confidence test in Westminster late Wednesday after MPs rejected her hard-fought pact with Brussels by 432 to 202 votes. Without a withdrawal agreement, Britain will abruptly tumble into "third-country" status after March 29 and face regulatory and tariff barriers to trade with the EU, rather than enjoying an almost two-year "transition period" when present rules will still apply. For firms, "I believe it won't be possible to prepare properly for the chaos," Martin Wansleben, director of the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) told public broadcaster SWR2. Wansleben pointed to the car industry with its continent-spanning supply chains as a key sector that would be disrupted by Brexit. "If they no longer have the same rules as in Europe, if they must pay tariffs, then it's increasingly unrealistic or no longer economically rational to produce for all of Europe in such a country," he said. Germany's car industry is present in the UK with production sites like BMW's Mini plant in Oxford or two factories belonging to Vauxhall, a subsidiary of Peugeot-owned Opel. "Without an orderly and workable solution for economic exchanges, jobs in the car industry are at risk, especially on the British side," warned Bernhard Mattes, president of the VDA carmakers' federation. Meanwhile Federation of the German Chemical Industry (VCI) head Utz Tillmann predicted "damage far beyond our industry" if supply chains were disrupted. Governments on both sides must agree "transitional solutions" to preserve the most essential trade even in case of no deal, Tillmann said. "In particular, this is about supplies of medicines in the UK." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16 2019 The Defense Ministry has urged the Health Ministry to issue a regulation to exempt Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel from needing a referral to be treated at military hospitals under the national healthcare scheme (JKN). In a meeting on Monday at House of Representatives Commission I, which oversees defense, Defense Director General Maj. Gen. Bambang Hartawan requested that the health minister issue a ministerial regulation as the legal basis for military personnel to bypass the tiered referral scheme when they want to get treated at military hospitals. According to Article 2 of Health Ministry Regulation No. 4/2018 on hospital and patient obligations, every hospital must implement a tiered referral scheme. As of December, 1.5 million TNI members have been registered with the national healthcare program. Like civil servants, police officers and government offici... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 18:43 882 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e729513 1 Politics 2019-elections,legislative-seats,legislative-candidates,Hanura-Party,NasDem,Golkar,PKB,PPP,House,DPR Free The 2019 presidential race appears to have overshadowed the legislative election in the past few months, leaving in the shade the battle among political parties to win seats in the House of Representatives. As parties struggle to pass the higher electoral threshold, dozens of lawmakers have switched their political vehicles while seeking another term at the House, moving to a party with a greater chance of passing the threshold in a bid to secure their own re-election. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said that at least 31 out of hundreds of incumbent lawmakers had switched parties to contest the 2019 election, with NasDem being the popular party of choice for politicians who have lost faith in their old parties. According to the think tank, 20 politicians from six different parties at the House had joined NasDem, CSIS political analyst Arya Fernandes said. He pointed out that it was an indicator that NasDem had been successful in luring politicians to join them in the upcoming election. Sixteen of the 20 politicians and legislative candidates who switched sides to NasDem are running for the same constituencies in which they had won in the 2014 legislative election. "The candidates' main interest is to secure their re-election and as incumbent legislators, they have already secured their constituencies," Arya said on Tuesday, "At the same time, NasDem wants to win more seats from different constituencies." Though the party is currently the second-smallest among 10 political parties at the House with 35 seats, NasDem secured many victories in the simultaneous regional elections last year, with 10 gubernatorial candidate pairs backed by the party winning in 10 out of 17 provinces participating in the election. Among the best-known lawmakers who switched to NasDem include model-turned-politician Okky Asokawati, who was previously with the United Development Party (PPP), former actor Krisna Mukti, who previously ran with the National Awakening Party (PKB) and former Hanura politician Dadang Rusdiana. Arya pointed out NasDems proactive headhunting as one reason why many politicians agreed to join the party in the upcoming election. "At the same time, most of the politicians [joined NasDem] because their parties were shaken by internal rifts." Of 11 other incumbent legislators who switched parties, three joined the PKB, three went to the National Mandate Party (PAN), two joined the Golkar Party while the rest jumped ship to the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), the Gerindra Party and the Berkarya Party, according to CSIS data. Hanura, the smallest party by far with only 16 seats in the House, lost the most with seven lawmakers leaving, six of whom are joining NasDem. The Hanura Party saw internal conflict divide its top leadership following a rift between its chairman, businessman-turned-politician Oesman Sapta Odang, and the splinter faction led by Sarifuddin Sudding, who was Hanura's secretary-general at the time. Sudding has left Hanura and joined PAN, which is part of the opposition coalition backing presidential contender and Gerindra chairman Prabowo Subianto. Hanura has been supporting the candidacy of incumbent President Joko Jokowi Widodo since the 2014 election. In the past, the PPP also suffered from an internal rift, with the camp of Djan Faridz challenging the leadership of current chairman M. Romahurmuzy. Other than internal rifts, another motive for switching parties might be "differences in ideology," Arya said. Sixteen national parties that will stand in the 2019 legislative election are expecting a tight race, especially after the minimum electoral threshold for the 2019 election was raised to 4 percent of the national vote from 3.5 percent in 2014. A survey by Kompas Research and Development in October concluded that based on their electability ratings, which are still below 4 percent, five out of the 10 older parties -- Hanura, NasDem, the PKS, the PPP and PAN -- will struggle to win House seats. Hanura had the lowest rating at only 1 percent. NasDem secretary-general Johnny G. Plate said he was confident the party could win seats in the legislative body, saying polls did not accurately capture the reality because they did not include surveys on the electability of each legislative candidate. In the 2014 election, surveys put NasDem's electability at 1.5 percent, Johnny said, but the party managed to secure 6.7 percent of the vote, thanks to votes gained by the legislative candidates. Our biggest strength is the power of legislative candidates in each electorate district, he said. NasDem was confident that the incumbent legislators who switched to NasDem could also contribute to the partys overall gain this time around, Johnny said. They already have a strong electorate basis and potential, so what we must do is boost their electability through political canvassing. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 12:10 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e714540 1 Business beer,Bali-Hai,brewery,brewer,Russia,alcohol,exports Free Homegrown beer producer PT Bali Hai Brewery Indonesia has introduced its new Panther Black stout to Russia, where alcohol consumption is among the highest in the world. Bali Hai export manager Bharat Velecha said Russia was a strategic partner for the company, as alcohol consumption in the country was predicted to increase. The Russian Federation is a strategic partner for Bali Hai Brewery Indonesia to continue to expand our export portfolio. This is also in line with our spirit to innovate and explore by developing a unique beer that is accepted by the international market, Bharat said as reported by kontan.co.id. Bali Hai found that its products were sold in the majority of supermarkets in Primorsky Krai, located in the far east of Russia. Whats special is that this year we will start exporting Panther Black [to Russia], which has just been launched in Indonesia, he said. Bali Hai said the beer was made up of four types of malt and its formulation had been inspired by Australian rock band AC/DC. Bharat said the strong beer was expected to appeal to alcohol consumers in eastern Russia. According to data from the Industry Ministry, exports of alcoholic beverages in the first half of 2018 contributed US$10.17 million to the countrys balance sheet, up 89.07 percent from the same period the previous year. Previously, Bali Hai revealed to The Jakarta Post a plan to introduce its products in Africa, one of its efforts to expand its export markets. (dwa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 13:09 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e716cdf 1 Business Alibaba,cloud-computing,cloud-storage,technology,amazon-web-services,Microsoft-Azure,Google,Rudiantara,information-communication-technology Free There is big money for cloud computing services in Indonesia, and Alibaba Cloud, a subsidiary of Chinese tech behemoth Alibaba Group, opened its second data center in the country ten months after launching its first in a race against Amazon, Microsoft and Google to capture a US$400 million market. Leon Chen, Alibaba Cloud general manager for Singapore and Indonesia, told reporters at the launch ceremony in Jakarta recently that his company had built the second center in response to rising customer demand for greater cloud capacity. We doubled our capacity to add more value for companies that have or want to adopt cloud technology, he said. The second data center gives Alibaba Cloud, as a relatively new player, an edge in the Indonesian market over the big three providers, Amazon Web Services (with a global market share of 41.5 percent), Microsoft Azure (29.4 percent) and Google Cloud (3 percent). However, the big three have also stepped up their game last year when Amazon Web Services (AWS) opened an office in Jakarta, Google Cloud launched a cloud region, while Microsoft held its promotional Hybrid Cloud Summit 2018. AWS managing director Ed Lenta told The Jakarta Post that his company was focused on working with local startups, such as homegrown health app Halodoc and blockchain-powered data exchange company HARA Token to drive tremendous social change. We want to have local teams, move quickly for customers and really understand their requirements, said Lenta. The primary target of the cloud companies are the countrys 60 million small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Their preference for public clouds over private clouds is expected to lead the growth of the Indonesian cloud market, according to a recent report by market research firm Frost & Sullivan. The report also estimated that Indonesias cloud market, valued at $172 million in 2016, would grow to $1.2 billion by 2022. Given the compound annual growth rate of 38.23 percent, Indonesias cloud market would be worth around $454.3 million this year. SMEs include startups like business-to-business (B2B) e-marketplace PT Bizzy Commerce Indonesia and B2B technology reseller PT Adfise Teknologi Indonesia. Adfises Heru Kusuma Hadi and Bizzys Faris Baisyir told the Post that their respective companies used the biggest two cloud service providers rather than Alibaba Cloud, because they were more familiar with the more established providers. Familiarity, they said, was important, because it also pertained to cybersecurity, which was their companies top deciding factor when choosing a cloud service provider. In a bid to reduce costs, Alibaba Cloud has partnered with PT IndoInternet (Indonet), the countrys oldest private internet provider, to distribute the cloud services. Indonet director David Tandianus said the second data center improved business cybersecurity by providing a cloud-based disaster recovery system. As the name implies, this system essentially allows companies to store sensitive data in two separate data centers, thereby protecting them in case one of the centers goes down. Businesses can, basically, toss their data to the other side if anything bad happens said David. Similarly, the Frost & Sullivan report identified demand for cloud-based recovery systems as a key driver for the rapid growth of the domestic cloud market. Information and Communications Minister Rudiantara, in his keynote speech at the launch ceremony, welcomed Alibabas new data center, saying it would enrich Indonesias internet ecosystem and thus foster the digital economy. However, he reminded Alibabas Chen that the government was also expecting the company to not only build local infrastructure, but also local human resources, particularly digital talents. We welcome foreign tech giants, but they have to add value to the country, he said. In response, Chen later told reporters that his company had trained and certified 250 of a promised 300 local cloud-computing professionals by year-end, and that it would be training an additional 200 professionals and students with technology-based businesses in Bali this month. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji, Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Karina M. Tehusijarana (The Jakarta Post) Palu and Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 07:27 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e7071da 1 National #Poso,poso,terrorism,East-Indonesia-Mujahidin,#Terrorism,Tinombala-Operation,#Police,military Free The Tinombala police-military operation to hunt down the remaining members of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has been extended once again, as authorities suspect the group had recruited new members. The latest extension to the joint operation was made in December 2018 and will last until April 2019, making it one of the longest terrorist manhunts in the Reform Era. Central Sulawesi Police spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Hery Murwono said that the new recruits of the terror group currently led by Ali Kalora were already placed on the polices most wanted list. "The group's membership has now increased to 14, Hery told The Jakarta Post on Thursday. After former MIT leader Santoso, alias Abu Wardah, was killed in a firefight in July 2016 and following numerous security operations, it was reported that the group had only seven remaining members, including Ali Kalora. The police subsequently revealed that the MIT had grown to 10 members. In December 2018, a miner in Salubanga subdistrict of Central Sulawesi's Parigi Moutong regency was found dead and his body mutilated. The police sent out to recover the miner's body were attacked by unidentified gunmen, and two officers suffered gunshot wounds. The police suspected the MIT group of being behind the miner's killing and the attack on police. Originally Initiated in January 2016 to hunt down then-MIT leader Santoso and his supporters, Operation Tinombala has been extended several times. The operation is itself an extension to 2015s Operation Camar Maleo. Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, a retired military general who was the coordinating legal, political and security affairs minister in 2016, said at the time: No one knows how long the operation will last. We are going to continue to hunt [them down]. By Sunday, authorities had deployed about 1,000 combined personnel from the National Polices elite mobile brigade (Brimob) unit and the Indonesian Militarys (TNI) Raider Battalion under Operation Tinombala. I heard that 1,000 police and TNI personnel are already in Poso, said a police officer who requested anonymity. The Post observed dozens of TNI personnel as they arrived on Wednesday at Poso's Kasiguncu Airport aboard two EADS CASA C-295 military transport aircraft. The heads of the TNI and police units in Poso both refused to comment on the troops' arrival. University of Indonesia terrorism expert Ridlwan Habib said that while Operation Tinombala had been effective in hunting down Santoso and neutralizing the MIT's threat, Ali Kalora and the remaining members of the group still needed to be apprehended to prevent the MIT from consolidating and attracting help from terror networks outside of Poso. Observer Al Chaidar agreed, saying that the operation had rooted out 90 percent of the MIT's terrorist threat, but that the remaining 10 percent also needed to be eradicated. "The military's involvement is needed to stamp out this kind of localized terrorist group, because [the TNI] has the training and experience from places like Mindanao and Maluku," Chaidar said on Monday. The two experts concurred that Ali Kalora lacked Santoso's military skills, which made him less of a threat. "He does not have any skills as a commander," said Ridlwan. "He is only good at surviving by robbing from the residents' land." But Sidney Jones, the Jakarta director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (IPAC), differed in her views, saying that solid intelligence was key to finding Ali Kalora and determining the group's potential for recruitment through its old networks as well as among newly released terror convicts. "Obviously, some combat personnel are needed, but good intelligence is critical. You don't need hundreds of soldiers and police, you need people who can make use of informants," she said. "I'm sure there are institutional pressures to continue Tinombala, but the focus should be on the quality of the personnel, not the quantity. (ipa) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 08:08 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e708fa1 1 Business railway,KAI,ticket,travel,affordable-travel Free The government has vowed to keep train fares affordable in a bid to attract more people to use the mass transportation system and, eventually, reduce road traffic. Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) had agreed to keep providing comfortable and affordable mass transportation to the public. PT KAI and the government reached an agreement that the fares will remain the same to ensure public satisfaction, Budi Karya said after an agreement between KAI and the ministrys directorate general for railways in Jakarta recently. The infrastructure, maintenance and operation (IMO) agreement and reviving old railway routes for the year 2019 are part of the companys continued attempt to provide accessible and affordable mass transportation. An executive train ticket from Jakarta to Surabaya, East Java, which spans about 780 kilometers and takes nine hours will cost passengers between Rp 500,000 (US$35.50) and Rp 600,000. Railways directorate secretary-general Danto Restyawan said the government had prepared Rp 1.1 trillion for the IMO and Rp 183 billion for the old railway routes from the 2019 state budget. The Rp 1.1 trillion budget will be for maintenance and restoring the functionality of railways into a feasible operating condition, he said. The signing of the IMO contract in 2019 is the fifth since 2015. However, the government subsidy is lower than last year, which amounted to approximately Rp 1.3 trillion. Nevertheless, Danto insisted the budget would still be sufficient to cover the maintenance of railways, bridges and stations. The budget will also be used to establish operating facilities such as railway controls, signaling, telecommunications, electricity installation, inspection of railways, bridges, railway crossings, as well as ensuring cleanliness and security. Danto added that the IMO signing was a realization of 2018 Transportation Minister Decree No. 2130, mandating PT KAI to maintain the railways for the year 2019. Meanwhile, Danto said the subsidy for old railway routes would no longer cover the KA Jenggala and KA Siliwangi routes as both of them would be funded through a public service obligation (PSO) scheme, which had been previously signed on Dec. 31, 2018. The 2019 subsidy for old railway routes would be used to fund several trains, including the KA Cut Mutia, KA Bandara Lembah Anai, KA Minangkabau International Airport via Padang, KA Kertalaya, South Sumatra Airport LRT and KA Batara Kresna. Minister Budi added that more people using public transportation, such as trains and light rail transit (LRT), would mean less traffic and fewer accidents which would be beneficial for the country in general. The MRT will operate soon in Jakarta, while LRT establishments are currently under way in Jakarta and Surabaya, he said. This means trains are becoming inseparable from the traveling public in big cities and also those who travel from one city to another. (aak) New York Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed banning stretch limousines from the states roads as part of a safety crackdown on large for-hire passenger vehicles following the deadliest U.S. transportation accident in nearly a decade. Twenty people were killed in October after a stretch Ford Excursion sport utility vehicle lost control, barreled through a stop sign and slammed into a parked SUV in Schoharie, New York. As part of his 2020 budget proposal, Cuomo included a dozen reforms to state rules in response to the crash, including the ban on so-called remanufactured limousines, or vehicles that begin life as a normal car or SUV before being modified by specialty shops to be as long as 30 feet. He also proposed giving state regulators more powers to keep unsafe vehicles off the road, according to a statement released by his office. This crash was a horrific tragedy that shocked this state to its very core, Cuomo said. We are advancing reforms that will give aggressive new powers that will allow authorities to take dangerous vehicles off the roads without delay, hold unscrupulous businesses accountable and increase public safety in every corner of New York. New York governor Andrew Cuomo (Bloomberg/-) Read also: Luxury hypercars we're waiting for in 2019 The Democratic governor, elected to a third term in November, will be working with a Democratic majority in both houses of the Legislature for the first time. While this wont guarantee that hell be able to enact all of his proposals, he made a point during his State of the State speech on Tuesday of mentioning that control of the state Senate had changed hands. Washington Governor Jay Inslee, who is mulling a White House bid, highlighted his clean-energy agenda and many traditional Democratic positions in his State of the State address on 15 January 2019. Photo: Bettina Hansen / The Seattle Times By Joseph OSullivan 15 January 2019 OLYMPIA (The Seattle Times) Standing before a Washington Legislature that for years has balked at his carbon-reduction agenda, Gov. Jay Inslee implored lawmakers Tuesday to make bold moves to combat climate change. The governors State of the State address before a joint session of the House and Senate comes as Democrats return to the Capitol with expanded majorities and hopes of taking on bigger pieces of legislation. But Inslee faces a hotter spotlight. The second-term Democratic governor is considering a presidential bid that would emphasize a national call to reverse climate change. This legislative session will show if he can finally bring his biggest ideas to fruition in his own state. The governor cited the warming oceans and the wildfires that have either ravaged Washington lands or dirtied the skies in recent years as the new normal unless swift action is taken. I dont know of any other issue that touches the heart of so many of the things we all care about: our jobs, our health, our safety and our childrens future, Inslee told those gathered. This is the eleventh hour, but it is Washington states hour to shine. Its a time of great peril, but it is also a time of great promise. [more] Gov. Jay Inslee uses State of the State to urge action on mental health, climate change, orcas At least eight galleries slated to participate in Art Stage Singapore say the art fair has been cancelled by organizers. This would have been the ninth edition of the contemporary art fair, which was to run from Jan 25 to 27 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Representatives of galleries such as Marc Straus Gallery in New York and Instinc Art Space, Intersections Gallery and Coda Culture in Singapore said they received an e-mail on the morning of Jan 16 from Art Stage's founder and president Lorenzo Rudolf, asking them to "cease all preparations for Art Stage Singapore 2019" or to reverse them. "The given circumstances, about which we shortly will inform you, unfortunately leave no other choice," he said in the message. It added: "We will soon inform you about the next steps. We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience." Calls to Art Stage Singapore went unanswered. The Straits Times has also contacted Marina Bay Sands, where the event is scheduled to take place, for comments. Marc Straus Gallery's director, Singaporean Ken Tan, spoke to The Straits Times from New York. He says his gallery has invested a "five-figure" sum in the fair this year, including paying for the booth at Marina Bay Sands; shipping out 10 pieces by storied Viennese artist Hermann Nitsch; flying in Korean artist Jong Oh, as well as curator Lorand Hegyi, who would have spoken on Nitsch's work at the fair. The standard rate for a 35 sq m booth at Art Stage was $26,250 this year, according to the application form. Larger booths are more expensive. Mr Tan says communication with Art Stage Singapore has been sparse since the beginning of this month. He will try and recover some of the gallery's costs through insurance and will be flying down as planned, since he has meetings with collectors. "I'll try with local contacts and art people to see if they can do a pop-up show," he says. Read also: Art Stage Singapore: To give up or persevere Art Stage Singapore started here in 2011 as a flagship art fair for South-east Asia, helmed by Swiss national Rudolf, who used to be director of Art Basel in the mid-1990s. It had the backing of the Economic Development Board (EDB), Singapore Tourism Board (STB), National Heritage Board and National Arts Council (NAC). The first fair featured works by master artists such as China's Ai Weiwei and notched big numbers such as the US$2.2-million sale of Japanese artist Takashi Murakami's acrylic triptych titled Snow, Moon, Flower (2001). Art Stage Singapore's success spurred the development of annual public arts festival, Singapore Art Week, in 2013, organised by NAC, STB and EDB. However, footfall and sales have declined in recent years. According to Mr Rudolf last year, four-fifths of all galleries that had shown at his fair had refused to return. At Art Stage 2018, there were only 84 exhibitors, compared with 131 in 2017 and 170 in 2016, though some galleries reported decent sales. The Art Stage Singapore website listed only 45 exhibitors for this year's edition. Art Stage Singapore has faced more competitors in recent years, including new Taiwan-based art fair Taipei Dangdai from Jan 18 to 20, and a new showcase of galleries in Singapore, S.E.A. Focus, curated by local player STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery and running at Gillman Barracks from Jan 24 to 27. Singapore-based Intersections Gallery had taken a booth at Art Stage Singapore as well as at S.E.A. Focus, to showcase various artists from Myanmar as well as installations from local artists. Gallery owner Marie-Pierre Mol hopes now to include some of the artwork meant for Art Stage Singapore in the display at S.E.A. Focus. "I'm very glad that I'm participating in S.E.A. Focus," she says. Art Porters Gallery co-founder, Guillaume Levy-Lambert, says that they had planned a solo showcase of seven paintings by Indonesian artist Naufal Abshar, which were specially created forArt Stage Singapore and arrived in Singapore on Tuesday (Jan 15). These works might be presented at a separate event in Art Porters Gallery, which is located in Spottiswoode Park Road. "For us, it's not catastrophic. In some way, it's better than the fair happening with little visitorship and little sales," says Levy-Lambert, whose gallery is also taking part in S.E.A. Focus. "We are more concerned that it's embarrassing for Singapore. I have friends in overseas galleries who have already shipped over their works, and booked flights and hotels," he adds. "It's also the reputation of Singapore as an arts hub (that is at stake). We want to do everything we can to help stranded galleries - we'll see if we can fit in (artworks from) foreign galleries at our arts space." An Indian artists fan tribute to celebrate the 90th birthday of Tintin with a sketch of the popular comic character visiting Darjeeling and trying to catch the Toy Train has gone viral, and needless to say it has invited a flood of comments that express joy, emotions, and welcome messages in the Hills. The Belgian Embassy in New Delhi has posted the Tintin in Darjeeling sketch on its Facebook page to mark the 90th birthday of Tintin, a character who is a reporter-cum-detective, on 10 January this year. Created by Belgian cartoonist Herge, Tintin was born in the year 1929 in a weekly youth supplement of a Belgian newspaper, with a full-fledged adventure comic series made of him later, making him an endeared character many years later too. The embassys Facebook post with the picture of Tintin in Darjeeling signed by the artist, Mahafuj Ali, alias Mali, said, Happy birthday, Tintin! On his 90th birthday, here is Tintin making a special visit to the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling in India. Last year, Indian artist Mali created a fan tribute to celebrate Tintins birthday in traditional Bengali attire in front of the Howrah bridge in Kolkata. This time, the Bengalis in West Bengal suggested Tintin to go further north to explore Darjeeling. The sketch has Tintin running after the heritage Toy Train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, with his faithful dog Snowy, so as not to miss it, while the other popular character from the comic series, Captain Haddock, is holding out his hand for Tintin to hold from the train. Also seen behind are the twins Thompson and Thomson falling down while running after the train. Two more characters of the comic, Bianca Castafiore and Professor Calculus, are also seen inside the train with the all famous Mount Kanchenjunga looming over the Hills in the background. Comments like Tintin my favorite character riding the famous Toy Train of Darjeeling could be seen flooded on the Facebook posts and shared posts, while others wrote messages to welcome Tintin to Darjeeling. On the other hand, the Facebook page of the artist, Mali reads, Last year, brought him and all his close friends to cut the cake in Bengali attire in front of Howrah Bridge. After that, they were surprised with the love and affection of the people. So they decided to stay here and travel to other parts of Bengal. Every Bengali suggested him to go to Darjeeling and thats how it is. It came as a complete surprise to me. When I first saw the sketch, I felt that maybe the creators were planning an adventure of Tintin in Darjeeling, but the truth later dawned on me and Tintin being here, even for a brief period alongside the Toy Train with the majestic view of the Kanchenjunga behind, was a welcome treat for me, said Subha Rai, a local resident. Another local resident in his fifties, Mahesh Tamang, said, I grew up reading Tintin and he has been my most favorite comic character with me having all the issues that was released then. The sketch did provide me an excitement of seeing not only him, but my other favorite character Captain Haddock in Darjeeling. Read also: Blistering barnacles! Tintin rides again... aged 90 "Mirror to see the world" Meanwhile, the artist, Mr Ali, 33, said Tintin has a permanent effect on 90s children. He had carved a niche in their minds from childhood when we saw him fighting with the bad through all the stories. In an era without the Internet, there were limited shows on Doordarshan, and Tintin was the mirror for us to see the world. He went to the extreme corners of the world for his friend, explored the moon, flew the plane, steered submarines and did everything to be a role model, Mr Ali said from his present base in a town near Sydney in Australia. As he and all his friends like Snowy, Captain Haddock, Prof Calculus, Thompson and Thomson, all became so close to me and many others like me, we started to believe that they are real persons and our small minds used to always wonder why they are not visiting our land. But of course they will come to Kolkata airport and then they will of course go to other parts of Bengal. Because they are so close to us, everybody admires them here, added Mr Ali, who originally hails from Krishnanagar in West Bengal. Facebook announced Tuesday that it will invest $300 million over three years to support journalism, with an emphasis on promoting hard-hit local news organizations. The move, on the heels of a similar initiative by Google last year, comes with online platforms dominating the internet advertising ecosystem, making it harder for legacy news organizations to make a transition to digital. "People want more local news, and local newsrooms are looking for more support," Campbell Brown, Facebook's vice president in charge of global news partnerships, said in a blog post. "That's why today, we're announcing an expanded effort around local news in the years ahead." In the US, social media has overtaken print newspapers as a news source for Americans, according to a survey released last year by the Pew Research Center. The survey report found 20 percent of US adults say they often get news via social media, compared with 16 percent from newspapers. Facebook, which has been criticized for enabling manipulation of its news feed, has consistently said it does not want to be considered a media organization that makes editorial decisions but wants to support journalism and efforts to fight misinformation. It has funded fact-checking projects around the world, including one in partnership with AFP. The move by Facebook follows the Google News Initiative unveiled last year by the US internet search giant. Ken Paulson, a former USA Today chief editor who heads the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University, said the Facebook initiative was "a great move". "Local news media have suffered significant collateral damage from the enmity directed at national news organizations, and yet they're the most critical to a functioning democracy," Paulson said. "Every investment helps." Smoke and mirrors? But Nikki Usher, a George Washington University professor of media studies, said the effort "is a bit of smoke and mirrors because it's hard to tell what's really local for Facebook." Usher said the effort may end up aiding large regional newspapers and local TV stations but may not impact the under-75,000 circulation publications which make up a large part of the news ecosystem. Facebook's effort is "a lot of money in one sense but in another sense it's not that much, the equivalent of revenues of one large newspaper," said Dan Kennedy, a journalism professor at Northeastern University. "It's certainly better than doing nothing, and I hope it will be of some help," Kennedy said. "But nothing is going to make that much difference unless Facebook and Google pay for the content they are displaying." Matthew Ingram of the Columbia Journalism Review said both the Facebook and Google initiatives include money for previously announced projects. In Facebook's case, it includes spending to get media companies to produce content for its Watch video feature. "In Google's case, and to some extent in Facebook's as well, the aid that is being given amounts to help in convincing newsrooms and journalists to use the company's products more," Ingram wrote. 'Bringing stories home' The Facebook initiative includes a $5 million endowment to the Pulitzer Center to launch "Bringing Stories Home", which will foster coverage on topics that affect local communitiesfunding at least 12 local in-depth, multimedia reporting projects each year. Facebook also said it giving $6 million to the British-based Community News Project, which partners with regional news organizations and the National Council for the Training of Journalists. The huge social network said it was expanding its Accelerator pilot, which launched in the United States in 2018 to help local newsrooms with subscription and membership models. Facebook said it would invest over $20 million to continue the initiative in the US and to expand globally, including in Europe. The funding includes $2 million for the Report for America initiative to place 1,000 journalists in local US newsrooms over the next five years and $1 million for the Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund, a news innovation and technology hub. It also includes a $1 million commitment to the American Journalism Project, aiming at promoting venture philanthropy and local civic news organizations. As the presidential election draws near, clashes between supporters of the two candidates not only happen in social media but also in family group chats such as on WhatsApp. Different political views in group chats may lead to feuds among their members in real life. If this also happens in your family, Devie Rachmawati, an expert in social, culture and communications at the University of Indonesia, advised family members to think about the long-term effect. Dont sacrifice something in the short-run that will influence you in the long-run, Devie told kompas.com on Tuesday. Read also: Time to leave? Hoaxes thrive in WhatsApp group chats It is necessary for the group to set some rules on social media like WhatsApp. The group should only discuss family matters, while other unrelated topics can be discussed in different groups. It is also suggested members avoid or minimize family feuds caused by different perspectives. You need to remember that when you pass away, your family will be the ones who attend your funeral ceremony, not the candidates [of elections], said Devie. However, if a feud has already erupted in your family, Devie suggested one of the family members rekindle relations by initiating communications. Perhaps the conversation may feel awkward at first, but it will flow more smoothly as time goes by. Trust me, we will soon forget [about the feud], Devie said. But the most difficult thing is the initiative: Who will begin the conversation? (wir/kes) The Who got fans buzzing this weekend with news of a brand-new studio album on the horizon, plus a 29-date tour in which the classic rock band will perform with symphony orchestras around North America. The band revealed the news in a short message on their website, referring to an in-depth article in Rolling Stone for the full details. The album is due out this year, says the band, although according to the report, it now consists only of 15 demos crafted by Pete Townshend in studios around England last year. The next step will be for Roger Daltrey to record vocals for the album, about which Townshend said, "This has nothing to do with wanting a hit album. It has nothing to do with the fact that the Who need a new album. It's purely personal. It's about my pride, my sense of self-worth and self-dignity as a writer." Read also: Multigenerational 50th-anniversary Woodstock event set for 2019 Before the LP -- the band's first since 2006's Endless Wire -- comes to fruition, however, the Who will be heading out on an extensive tour of the U.S. While dates have yet to be announced, the band revealed on their website that the tour will kick off in April. In Rolling Stone, the band members offered up a slightly different timeline, saying it will launch in Michigan in May and hit cities all over the East Coast over the course of 12 shows. It will then pick back up in September and October, they say, for shows in Canada and the western United States. Most shows over the course of the tour will be held at arenas, with a local symphony orchestra joining them at each show. Stay tuned for album and tour news at www.thewho.com. Celebrating 2019 as the China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges, China launched the cultural documentary Dans Way in Jakarta on Monday. Hosted by Chinese actress Zhu Dan, the documentary presents the beauty of the people, culture and natural landscape of ASEAN countries, while at the same time eulogizes the universal values of love and life. Aiming to serve as a bridge for cross-cultural communication, the documentary plans to cover all 10 ASEAN member states. Each country chapter is to include 10 episodes devoted to 10 characters. The documentary makers have completed the Indonesian chapter and plan to move to other ASEAN countries in the following years. In his opening remarks in Mondays ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Huang Xilian said most of the figures in the documentary did not have prominent backgrounds but they were deemed inspirational because of their courage and perseverance. The documentary highlights the perspectives of respect in a world of great diversity. It shows what we can achieve with our cultural differences, he added. Read also: Paradiso Ubud celebrates indigenous voices through film The documentary videos have been aired on Chinese video platform Xigua since November 2018. They are to continue to be screened on the channel and other video platforms in China. Dans Way was produced by Beijing Eleven Media Co. Ltd. in collaboration with the China Central Fund of News and Documentary Film, Shanghai Dragon Lord Pictures Co. Ltd. and Zhu Dan's production company. The Indonesian chapter of Dans Way shone a light on 10 people. They were Raka Rasmi, an inheritor of Legong dance, Suyanti, a wildlife protection expert, Robin Lim, founder of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation, Sri, a primary school student and the daughter of a sulphur miner, Rusidah Badawi, a photographer, Didik Nini Thowok, an artist of classic Javanese dance, Lucienne K. Anhar, an art collector, Firliana, a writer, Leu Suprihatin, one of the Istiqlal Mosques cloakroom attendants, and Elora Hardy, creative director of the eco-friendly bamboo architecture firm, Ibuku. Host Zhu Dan said the experience of making the documentary left her with feelings of awe and admiration. I hope that the people of China can now know the things that prior to this were unknown to them, such as the Borobudur Temple. I also hope the rich culture and beauty that have touched my heart will also touch other peoples hearts, she said. The China-ASEAN Year of Media Exchanges aims to promote more exchanges and cooperation among the people. A variety of events are to be held in China and ASEAN countries within the year. (wng) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Aurelia Frick (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 13:07 883 75e76da2d15e495661b6357e2e716c3e 3 Opinion international-trade,CEPA,EFTA,Indonesia,economy,finance Free The year 2018 may go down in history as a year of trade wars and protectionism. But the good news is, 2018 has also seen some progress in international trade and cooperation. After eight years of negotiation, the states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, signed a free-trade agreement with Indonesia, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Jakarta on Dec. 17. Indonesia, like Southeast Asia, is a particularly vibrant and fast-growing area. It has long been in the focus of EFTAs foreign trade activities. Unsurprisingly, Indonesia has been and remains an important partner for Liechtenstein and the other EFTA states. CEPA will foster trade and investment between our countries. Its comprehensive coverage and strong focus on cooperation will be beneficial for both peoples. With the signing of the CEPA, Liechtenstein and Indonesia send a strong signal for open markets in an era of rising protectionism. The fact that the two countries are very different especially in size only goes to strengthen that signal even further. Fostering trade and a rules-based international order is not about ending global diversity, but about finding the best ways to complement each other. Such cooperation must be embedded in an international system based on strong institutions and the rule of law, with effective mechanisms to solve disputes and prevent violent conflict. For a small country like Liechtenstein, with no armed forces, this is not just an economic imperative, but a matter of survival. Liechtensteins history is closely interlinked with the rise of a rules-based international order and the international organizations built around it. It survived two world wars despite having abolished its army. In the 20th century, Liechtenstein sought to strengthen its sovereignty by joining international organizations: the Council of Europe in 1978, the United Nations in 1990 and the European Economic Area in 1995. In the same year, Liechtenstein became a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Today, Liechtenstein is recognized as a reliable and predictable member of the international community. Up to World War II, Liechtenstein had a predominantly agricultural economy, with only a small manufacturing industry. Since then, similar to Indonesia, Liechtenstein has become one of the most industrialized countries. In contrast to Indonesia, however, it has done so without any significant natural resources. Indeed, Liechtensteins economic power stems primarily from its human resources, based on a strong education system, and from a business-friendly environment that fosters entrepreneurship and innovation. This has resulted in a strong industrial and manufacturing sector contributing 40 percent to the gross domestic product and employing some 40 percent of the workforce. Another important factor is the professional, stable and innovative financial center. The financial services sector is second in size to the industrial sector. Another striking and unique feature is that Liechtenstein has more jobs than inhabitants, with 38,600 people working and only 38,200 living in Liechtenstein! About half of the workforce commutes daily from neighboring countries Switzerland and Austria. Being open to its neighbors and to the world is the key feature of Liechtensteins foreign trade policy, which has four cornerstones: Two of them are full access to the European Economic Area (EEA) comprising the 28 EU member states as well as Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway and free trade with third countries via EFTA. The two other cornerstones are the membership to the WTO and the customs union with Switzerland since 1924. The latter allows companies based in Liechtenstein to operate business all over the EEA and Switzerland. This is quite a unique feature of our economic framework. Liechtenstein is home to world leading companies. The varied product base has tended to focus on specialized high-tech sectors. The products range from industrial products in mechanical engineering to vehicle components, dental technology, food products and construction materials. Equally diversified are the export markets. Almost the totality of Liechtensteins production is exported. A comparatively high share of the exports, some 40 percent, goes to markets outside Europe all over the world. Liechtensteins industries also have significant investments abroad. Overall, they keep four times more employees on their payroll abroad than at home. With Hilti (construction tools) and Ivoclar Vivadent (dental products), two of Liechtensteins major companies are already present and active in Indonesia. This highlights Indonesias importance to Liechtensteins business sector. With CEPA, we paved the way for more Liechtenstein and EFTA investment in Indonesia. It will encourage our companies to strengthen their presence in Indonesia and thus contribute to economic growth and job creation. It will also create new opportunities for Indonesia in the EFTA states. This is how we lead by example, making our contribution to the world turning the page on international trade. Hopefully, this will be what 2019 will be remembered for. *** The writer is the minister of foreign affairs, justice and culture of Liechtenstein. 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 Siswanto Rusdi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, January 16, 2019 The two candidates for the 2019 presidential election have so far aired a score of plans to win the publics vote. Unfortunately, maritime issues are hardly found in their campaigns. President Joko Jokowi Widodo has said nothing on whether the vision of a global maritime axis sometimes also dubbed the global maritime fulcrum will be carried on or not. This initiative was launched by Jokowi when he was running in the 2014 presidential election. It was said that one of the winning factors of the former Jakarta governor in the election was the maritime issue. On the other hand, twice-presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto, the former commander of the Indonesian Armys Special Forces (Kopassus), seems to lack any maritime perspective at all. During his campaign as the presidential candidate in 20 to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our content on web and app No advertising, no interruption A bonus subscription to share Bookmark and night mode functions on app Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. A Puerto Rican tody. In the Luquillo rainfoest, the tody population, which eats almost nothing but insects, has dropped by 90 percent due to global warming. Photo: W Arissen / Getty Images By Damian Carrington 15 Jan 2019 (The Guardian) We knew that something was amiss in the first couple days, said Brad Lister. We were driving into the forest and at the same time both Andres and I said: Where are all the birds? There was nothing. His return to the Luquillo rainforest in Puerto Rico after 35 years was to reveal an appalling discovery. The insect population that once provided plentiful food for birds throughout the mountainous national park had collapsed. On the ground, 98% had gone. Up in the leafy canopy, 80% had vanished. The most likely culprit by far is global warming. It was just astonishing, Lister said. Before, both the sticky ground plates and canopy plates would be covered with insects. Youd be there for hours picking them off the plates at night. But now the plates would come down after 12 hours in the tropical forest with a couple of lonely insects trapped or none at all. It was a true collapse of the insect populations in that rainforest, he said. We began to realise this is terrible a very, very disturbing result. Earths bugs outweigh humans 17 times over and are such a fundamental foundation of the food chain that scientists say a crash in insect numbers risks ecological Armageddon. When Listers study was published in October, one expert called the findings hyper-alarming. The Puerto Rico work is one of just a handful of studies assessing this vital issue, but those that do exist are deeply worrying. Flying insect numbers in Germanys natural reserves have plunged 75% in just 25 years. The virtual disappearance of birds in an Australian eucalyptus forest was blamed on a lack of insects caused by drought and heat. Lister and his colleague Andres Garcia also found that insect numbers in a dry forest in Mexico had fallen 80% since the 1980s. We are essentially destroying the very life support systems that allow us to sustain our existence on the planet, along with all the other life on the planet, Lister said. It is just horrifying to watch us decimate the natural world like this. [] As the data came in, the predictions were confirmed in startling fashion. The number of hot spells, temperatures above 29C, have increased tremendously, he said. It went from zero in the 1970s up to something like 44% of the days. Factors important elsewhere in the world, such as destruction of habitat and pesticide use, could not explain the plummeting insect populations in Luquillo, which has long been a protected area. Data on other animals that feed on bugs backed up the findings. The frogs and birds had also declined simultaneously by about 50% to 65%, Lister said. The population of one dazzling green bird that eats almost nothing but insects, the Puerto Rican tody, dropped by 90%. Lister calls these impacts a bottom-up trophic cascade, in which the knock-on effects of the insect collapse surge up through the food chain. I dont think most people have a systems view of the natural world, he said. But its all connected and when the invertebrates are declining the entire food web is going to suffer and degrade. It is a system-wide effect. [more] Insect collapse: We are destroying our life support systems EDWARDSVILLE The Edwardsville District 7 Board of Education recently approved an intergovernmental agreement between District 7 and the Madison County Regional Office of Education #41 to provide instructional services at the Madison County Detention Center effective Jan. 15. For decades, District 7 has been responsible for hiring and assigning teachers to the Madison County Detention Center due to its location within district boundaries. Students at the detention center are from school districts across the county and often other counties in Illinois, District 7 Superintendent Lynda Andre said at the general board of education meeting Monday night. In 2017-18, the district began investigating the possibility of transferring responsibility for the provision of educational services at the detention center to the Madison County Regional Office of Education (ROE). The goal was to develop a plan to transfer this program to the ROE as is common in other Illinois counties with a juvenile detention center, Andre noted. The ROE already operates the center for educational opportunities called CEO (the county safe school), ETC, the Educational Therapy Center, and the Lighthouse Alternative Education Program and would accept the detention center as one of its alternative programs. Andre pointed out that the administration believes that the ROE is better equipped to service this population of students under the umbrella of services already being provided to Madison County school districts. The detention center program is funded through the state through the (section) 18-3 regular orphanage reimbursement, Andre added. I felt that this was an excellent decision. I appreciate you bringing it before the board for approval, Terri Dalla Riva, Edwardsville District 7 Board of Education member said. The ROE handles alternative education. Thats what they do. Its one of the things that I dont think that we easily identify as stakeholders that they work so hard to take care of the students. And so this allows them to focus and train those students as needed. I think its a very important thing. Clearly the agreement establishes the funding for that as well, too. And that funding comes from the state of Illinois which is very nice as well. Theres nothing like a biopic on a snowy Monday afternoon to get the juices flowing. In todays case, the picture was one Id literally been waiting months to see. On the Basis of Sex opened in limited capacity a few weeks ago, but in wide release last Friday. It reminded me a lot of The Post from last year and I would recommend it similarly. Its also about a topic and subject matter that I find impressive and important. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a popular American figure, even rating her own documentary feature in 2018, but moreover she is a catalyst for the ever-changing world in which we live. The new movie focuses on a very specific segment of her life, the one that first brought her to prominence of the national gender-rights campaign, and shows us what made the legend start her crusade in the first place. Ruth (Felicity Jones, the British Oscar winner) enrolled at Harvard Law School in 1956, one of only nine women permitted to do so by the conservative bastion of male legal status (embodied by Sam Waterston as Dean Erwin Griswold, her antagonist and later Solicitor General of the United States). Her pluck and determination were the foundation for a successful studentship that ultimately led her to finish her J.D. at Columbia after her husband, Martin, moved to take a great job in his own field of tax law. She always had a sharp mind and a fierce attacking spirit, but the constant insult of failing to land her own litigating career drove her to become one of the first tenured female professors at Rutgers, teaching the next generation of legal eagles. There is, as you can see, quite a bit of exposition in this movie before the actual action of the plot gets underway. As a matter of fact, I thought the build-up was a nice way to show how Marty and Ruth were equals, both driven by their love of the law, but both also understanding that her destiny was that of a great woman. The demonstration of what this means to their children, particularly daughter Jane (Cailee Spaeny), is also one of the better relationships examined by the film. Frustration over being relegated to teaching gets to Ruth, but Marty comes to the rescue with the 1970 Denver Appellate Court case of Charles L. Moritz v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. Its been a while since high school civics class, but history has a way of sticking with you. Moritz was a bachelor who was denied reimbursement on his taxes for money hed laid out to a nurse that cared for his ill mother while he continued to work simply because he was a man and men werent thought of as approved caregivers. The door that this opened for Ruth and Marty was one that showed equal protection for the sexes under the law as portended by the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution was being rejected in federal court. My nerdy little heart gave a cheer when Joness eyes twinkled over the prospect of getting to adjudicate this one. In order to garner support for their case, Ruth turns for help to the ACLU and its legal director, Mel Wulf (Justin Theroux). She twists his arm with the help of their shared hero pioneer, Dorothy Kenyon (Kathy Bates). Better armed with Mels resources and banner, Ruth takes on the government, who counters her argument by presenting its defense of the American family as its reason for upholding this law and 177 others that hold men and women to different legal standards. Something this repugnant was able to withstand nearly two hundred years of our nations history, but thats not the way its supposed to be. Thats my take-away from this movie and one day, I hope, for my four nieces and two goddaughters to understand that the law cant stop them from being who they want to be simply because they are women. Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a big part of why this is so and why shes now served more than a quarter of a century on the U.S. Supreme Court. I wish her a lasting recovery for the cancer treatment that is currently causing her to miss this terms oral arguments. Godspeed, RBG! On the Basis of Sex runs 115 minutes and is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive content. I give this film three stars out of four. Screenshot of a video showing a protestor standing up to object to the Andrew Wheeler EPA hearing during the Trump shutdown, 16 January 2019. People in the hallway chant shut down Wheeler, not the EPA. Photo: Stephanie Ebbs / Twitter By Timothy Cama 16 January 2019 (The Hill) Environmental protesters on Wednesday disrupted Andrew Wheelers Senate confirmation hearing to be the permanent head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The protesters objected to Republicans on the Environment and Public Works Committee scheduling the hearing, and Wheeler participating, when the EPA is closed and most employees are furloughed due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. I really must object to this hearing happening during a government shutdown! a protester yelled in the committee room, standing up just as Wheeler began giving his opening remarks. Wheeler stopped talking while protesters chanted. The protester and another held signs with photos of Wheeler that read Shut down Wheeler, not the EPA. Capitol Police officers quickly removed both protesters from the Capitol Hill hearing room. But other protesters continued chanting shut down Wheeler, not the EPA in the hallway outside the room. [more] Protesters disrupt Wheeler confirmation hearing By Timothy Cama 16 January 2019 (The Hill) Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), a possible 2020 White House contender, on Wednesday vocally criticized acting Environmental Protection Agency chief Andrew Wheeler for not taking climate change seriously as a crisis. Sanders first pushed Wheeler on whether he agrees with President Trump repeatedly calling climate change a hoax, pointing to the Trumps blaming it on the Chinese at one point. I believe that climate change is real. I believe that man has an impact on it, Wheeler said during his Environment and Public Works Committee confirmation hearing to be the official EPA administrator. I have not used the hoax word myself. The scientific community has said that climate change is one of the great crises facing our planet. And if there is not unprecedented action to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel, to sustainable energy and energy efficiency, there will be irreparable damage in the United States and virtually every country on earth, Sanders told Wheeler. Do you agree with the scientific community? I would not call it the greatest crisis, no sir. I consider it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally, he responded. [more] Bernie Sanders presses Wheeler to confront climate crisis Chinese people participate in online charity 3.6 billion times in first half of 2018 Chinese people donated to charity almost 3.6 billion times through online services in the first half of 2018, a senior official said at a meeting in Beijing on Monday. Online donations to some charity organizations accounted for over 80 percent of their total collections, Gao Xiaobing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said during his speech at the meeting. By Jan. 11, 2019, China has registered over 810,000 social organizations and more than 400 foreign non-government organizations, and approved the registration of 5,355 charity organizations, Gao added. China received donations of both money and goods worth more than 149.9 billion yuan in 2017, up 7.68 percent from the previous year, according to the China Charity Federation, one of the countrys most influential charity organizations. Establishing a statutory floor of $275 million for the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund. This will give taxpayers more certainty about future relief. A proposed constitutional amendment to establish a 3 percent cap on property taxes levied by local governments. He said over the past decade, local property taxes have risen by more than 57 percent. Ricketts said his proposals would provide immediate relief and structural reform. He said he is willing to work with members of the Legislature, who will have other ideas on property tax relief. But any attempts to address property tax relief that include tax increases would not have his support. He said he also supports a proposal to provide a 50 percent tax cut for all veterans receiving military retirement benefits. He said five of six surrounding states do not tax veterans retirement benefits. Other proposals that Ricketts talked about to grow Nebraska is the creation of the Nebraska Talent Scholarships program to help community colleges, state colleges and the university system attract students in targeted programs from engineering to health care. He is proposing more than 2,100 new scholarships. Winter brings ice, snow and wind, which can really hamper something that is needed year-round: blood donations. While there are 15 to 20 blood drives in Nebraska every day, according to Samantha Pollard, the communications director for the American Red Cross in the Midwest region, there is a large decrease in donors due to illness or weather conditions at this time of year. So far, 220 donations have been canceled in Nebraska this winter, said Pollard. She said that every two seconds someone is in need of blood, so on Tuesday, a blood drive was held at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island. Todays goal is to get 15 donations, Pollard said. While technology has changed a lot in the world, specifically the medical field, she said there has yet to be a synthetic substitution for blood, so donors are always needed. The first thing people think about when they think about who needs blood is car accidents, said Pollard. While that is one reason people need blood, there also are people who need it every day, like cancer patients or women who just gave birth. All blood types are welcome, but O positive and O negative blood types are especially appreciated. The departure of the first wave was delayed because the heating unit wasnt working on one of Arrow Stage Line buses. But that actually worked out well. The bus sent to replace it was one of the buses used to transport the Husker football team. So that group of vets rode to Kearney in style. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, standing with American flags, lined the exit of the World War II building as the veterans departed. Fifteen members of the motorcycle group were on hand, said ride captain Ed Taylor of Kearney. Veterans, family members and the volunteers assisting them, known as Ride Buddies, had breakfast in the Liberty Cafe before their names were called to head for a bus. Almost all of the members were taken to the buses in wheelchairs. Its just easier to transport folks, Wilford said. Weve got to make it comfortable for them. Its all about our veterans. One man headed out in a walker, and another traveled on foot. There was a nurse in each bus. I mean, were just adopting out cats like crazy, Hornady said. The shelter euthanizes cats only if they cannot be rehabilitated medically, she said. We save every dog possible, Hornady said. But the reality is that not all dogs can be rehabilitated. In December, five dogs were put down four for behavior, she said. The fifth had cancer. Four dogs were euthanized in November one for medical reasons and three for behavioral causes. One of the dogs euthanized in November bit a police officer, Hornady said. The city insisted the dog be put to sleep. The shelter administration has installed two TV screens in the lobby that show all the animals available for adoption. That system allows people looking for a pet to see all of our animals without having to go back there and stress all the animals out, Hornady said. When people do go back there, the animals get stressed. The state paid nearly $5 million more in overtime during the second half of 2018 than it did during the same period in 2017, according to a new report. The state Office of Fiscal Analysis says that five agencies accounted for 93 percent of the overtime expenses: the Department of Correction, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Department of Developmental Services, Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the Department of Children and Families. Chris McClure, a spokesman for the state Office of Policy and Management, said those agencies operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so overtime usage can fluctuate, depending on staffing levels and what services are needed. In the short-term, as new staff are hired, there may not be an immediate, commensurate drop in overtime as training and supervision may require additional hours, McClure added. Governor Lamont and his team look forward to working with staff and commissioners to reduce these expenses and the need for overtime moving forward. While several departments eliminated overtime pay entirely, multiple departments more than doubled the amount they paid in overtime last year. The greatest increase was in the State Elections Enforcement Commission, which reviewed and audited public-financing grant applications for hundreds of political candidates. The SEEC paid $20,224 in overtime during the second half of 2018 a 1,838 percent increase over the previous year. The agency paid nothing in overtime in 2014, the last year that all statewide offices and legislative seats were up for re-election, and in 2016, the agency awarded $2,360 in extra pay. Michael Brandi, general counsel and executive director of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, said there are two main reasons for the increase a record number of applications for the CEP, and a new law passed last year that penalized candidates for turning in late applications. SEEC processed 335 grant applications between June and August this year, almost 50 more than are normally filed. That effectively shortened the period of time for candidates to get full grants from four-and-a half months to three months, Brandi said. That, in turn, compressed our workload with the same sized staff, causing the need for overtime. Additionally, our staff did night and weekend trainings to accommodate candidates and treasurers who worked days. It is our most work intensive time of the year, and were short staffed to begin with, but were committed to making the CEP work, and work well. It was a very successful year. The Department of Public Health, the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, and the Department of Consumer Protection also had significant increases in overtime spending. In total, the state spent roughly $120 million on overtime payments from the general fund to more than 16,300 employees. Thats 1,000 more employees than received overtime payments the previous year. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt Jan Caldwell Courtesy Jan Caldwell of Carmel Valley has been named chairman of the Scripps Health Board of Trustees. Caldwell, who retired as a special agent from the FBI after a 32-year career, has served on the Scripps board since 2012. Ms. Caldwell is a highly accomplished problem solver and strategic thinker, with experience that spans some of our nations most challenging episodes, said Scripps Health President and CEO Chris Van Gorder. She brings a unique blend of expertise and compassion that will be tremendous assets as Scripps moves forward during a time of great change in health care. During her tenure in the FBI, Caldwell took part in a variety of major investigations, including the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon, the downing of Trans World Airlines flight 800 off the coast of New York, the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado. After retiring from the FBI in 2006, Caldwell joined the San Diego County Sheriffs Department as its media relations director, which included responsibility for news and community relations, internal communications, promotional materials and special events. She retired from this role in 2016 and has rejoined the Sheriffs Department to work on a part-time basis in community relations. Caldwell also serves on the boards of directors of San Diego County Crime Stoppers and the San Diego Rescue Mission. GROTON Gov. Ned Lamont got an early start Monday on his first full week in office, attending a 7:30 a.m. briefing by Electric Boat, the submarine manufacturer that is poised to double its waterfront workforce and approach Cold War employment levels in the next decade. Electric Boat announced it will add 900 jobs this year in Connecticut, boosting a home-state workforce that now totals 12,500. That includes including 6,000 engineers and designers and 3,000 men and women building and overhauling submarines at its shipyard on the Thames River. Lamont joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., and state legislators from across eastern Connecticut in a hotel ballroom for a bullish update by EBs president of the past five years, Jeffrey S. Geiger. EB has $15 billion in government contracts, and its overall workforce including operations at Quonset Point, R.I. recently topped 17,000 for the first time since 1992, Geiger said. The increase last year was more than 1,000 in Connecticut alone, as EB and the Newport News shipyard in Virginia build two Viginia-class attack subs per year. Electric Boat is also designing the next-generation Columbia class of ballistic submarines to replace the aging Ohio class fleet. Geiger is optimistic that new overhaul work is coming that will save the company from a dip in its shipyard employment before construction on the Columbia class, which could double employment by 2029 and keep it in growth mode for decades beyond that. I think I know what we need to do here. I know that this is a part of the state where we have the wind at our back, Lamont said in an interview after the briefing. You heard those numbers. They are extraordinary numbers. Lamont, who mingled with lawmakers before sitting down for a quick breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon, said Connecticut will be a partner in that growth, primarily by ensuring the company has access to a qualified workforce. He called Electric Boat an engine of growth. There is a role that the states going to play to facilitate that a limited role. Thats all I can do is a limited role, but thats why Im here, and why I keep coming back, Lamont said. Lamont campaigned at EB and visited the company once since winning election in November. Right now, we dont have the infrastructure to support the growth that Jeffrey is talking about. Shame on us, Lamont said. Im talking about workforce. Im talking about development. Im talking about housing. Im talking about education. Im talking a little bit about transportation. Shame on us if we lose that opportunity. Lamont is trying to find a messaging sweet spot in his first days. He is trying to convince a state with a shaky view of its own finances and future that economic growth is at hand, while not overpromising with unrealistic expectations. The state has had successive quarters of economic growth and has recovered all the private-sector jobs lost in the Great Recession, but Lamont still faces a projected deficit of about $1.7 billion less than half of what confronted Gov. Dannel P. Malloy eight years ago, but a deep hole, nonetheless. You can see me struggle with that every day, Lamont said. First, we have to go over this chasm. I try. Everywhere I go, I say this budget is going to be really hard, and Im going to be asking a lot of all of you. And that includes the business community and the labor community and taxpayers. Ive got to solve this thing. Sen. Paul Formica, R-East Lyme, whose district includes New London, said Lamonts initial approach to the legislature is welcome. Hes opening up the tent and trying to get as many people as possible in, Formica said. The fact is he wants everybody involved, at least at this point So, were happy to give give him the benefit of the doubt and try to work with him. Hes a personable guy, and hes got a good business background. Lamont, who hopes to spend every other weekend at his home in Greenwich, spent his first weekend as governor in Hartford. His wife, Annie, and three children explored the area. They made stops at the New Britain Museum of American Art and the Wadsworth Atheneum. One of the benefactors of the Wadsworth was J.P. Morgan, who had successive generations of Lamont ancestors as his partners. HARTFORD With New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on the verge of signing legislation to allow early voting, Connecticut is now one of only 11 states that requires voters to show up at the polls on Election Day and requires a legally valid excuse to obtain an absentee ballot. On Tuesday, Secretary of State Denise Merrill, surrounded by politicians and proponents who support early voting, announced a new effort to pass legislation calling for a Constitutional Amendment to allow Connecticut voters to enjoy a minimum of three days of early voting. Voters in the states that have passed legislation are now able to use some form of early voting to cast their ballots. In 2018, close to 40 million voters voted prior to the election, a record number for a midterm election. A record number of Connecticut citizens registered to vote leading up to the 2018 election, and we had record turnout, despite long lines and heavy rains, Merrill said at a press conference in her office. Merrill said that there was a large turnout of voters in the midterms 65 percent overall and up to 80 percent in some towns. She said that turnout caused some long lines and caused some people to change their mind about voting. Those lines were most notably in New Haven, but Merrill said even smaller towns experienced long lines of people waiting to vote in an election that saw a huge surge in new voters in Connecticut, especially among young voters. Early voting would be an immense help in curbing election headaches, Merrill and others said. We should continue to remove barriers to Connecticut voters exercising their most fundamental right to vote by joining the overwhelming majority of states that allow their voters to cast a ballot before Election Day, Merrill said. This popular, common-sense election reform will help ensure that not only can every Connecticut citizen easily register, but that every registered voter can conveniently vote. The earliest Connecticut voters could have a say on early voting will be in the November, 2020 election - and that would only be if both the House and Senate passed legislation this year with a three-quarters vote in both chambers. The last time Connecticut voters weighed in on early voting was in 2014. It was defeated as 53 percent voted no on the ballot question, outnumbering the 47 percent who voted yes. Merrill said she felt that part of the reason is failed was how the question was worded on the ballot. She also said her office would need to do a better job of informing voters about the ballot initiative if it made it that far this time. Connecticuts Constitution requires voters to appear on Election Day unless they are able to meet one of the requirements in order to vote by absentee ballot. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would require a minimum of three days of in-person voting, and would remove the restrictions on absentee ballots. Merrill reiterated that the 2018 Connecticut election, with high-interest translating into voters waiting on long lines in the rain, made clear the need for early voting. Early voting will act as a pressure-relief valve, alleviating long lines at polling places on Election Day, she said. She and others at the press conference also reiterated that people who work two jobs or are dealing with day care often have difficulty making it to the polls at all, or cant wait around for hours to vote.. Even though the Democrats have big majorities in both the House and Senate, it will take Republicans to jump on board the initiative to get to the magic three-quarters numbers. Government Administration and Elections Committee Co-Chairwoman Sen. Mae Flexer believes the numbers can be there this year. She and others at the press conference said they didnt believe the issue was a one that should split parties. Many Americans before us fought for and defended our democracy and our right to vote, Flexer said. Yet we have failed to make the way we vote work for the lives we lead today. Too many residents of our state still cannot exercise this sacred right. Flexer said she hears from college students, seniors, and working people about how difficult it is to vote. We need to secure reasonable access to voting for all Connecticut residents and make early voting a reality, Flexer said. House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said early voting is a priority for both himself and House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin. Its unclear how much Republican support there will be for the measure. Republicans have largely opposed early voting in the past. During a debate on the measure last year in the House, Rep. Laura Devlin, R-Fairfield, said theres no need for early voting. It would just be another unfunded mandate on municipalities. Devlin said her research showed that there was a 74 percent voter participation rate in the 2012 election; 77 percent rate in the 2016 election. Thats significant participation, she said. We do have an active electorate already and this would add costs as an unfunded mandate. We have far more important issues in front of us. Pigg River Community Center is hosting its 17th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast Jan. 21 at 8 a.m. The community center is located at 2410 South Main Street in Rocky Mount. This years keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Charles Miller, Jr. who was recently elected vice chairman of the Board of Supervisors in Pittsylvania County. Miller earned an associates degree from Ferrum College and a bachelors degree from Virginia Union University. He was also awarded a masters degree in early childhood education from Cornerstone Theological University. Miller has served as a teacher and principal in Pittsylvania County Public Schools as well as an instructor at Danville Community College and America National University. He has ministered nationally and internationally in England, East Africa, Israel and India. Miller is also authored a book titled None, but the Righteous. He and his wife, Eloise, reside in Chatham. Franklin County residents who use the Town of Rocky Mounts water, sewer and trash services will see a rate increase in their April bills. The base rate of $39 will go to $42, with a $1.70 increase in the water and sewer rate, and a $1.30 increase for trash pickup. Out-of-town residents using town services will see an additional $3.40 on water and sewer bills, for a total of $4.70. March 26 bills will include a notice explaining the increase. Rates will not increase for any elderly or disabled residents already receiving reduced rates. Rocky Mount Town Council passed the rate increase at its Jan. 14 meeting upon recommendation from the towns finance and human services committee. Town officials aim to impose small increases once every two years to compensate for a deficit stemming from rising expenses. We had $93,000 in revenue but $151,000 in expenses [for trash collection], explained Town Manager James Ervin. That does not include the new truck and other capital expenses. This will not close the gap, but it will make you closer. Mayor Steven Angle said, This will help make up for a loss in revenue. For years, weve been so far behind and were playing catch-up. What do students do when they have an assignment that they need to connect to the internet for? Franklin County does not have a Starbucks on every corner for students to run to and complete homework assignments. Cable has become increasingly expensive, and having internet offers an alternative through streaming devices but one must have high-speed service to be able to take advantage. Cellphones help, but they use up permitted data. So why is one-third of the county without internet? Isnt it time companies expanded their reach to the outlying areas and homes on top of the hills? In a world where technology is evolving every day why is Franklin County still living in the 20th century? For those who think internet doesnt impact them one way or the other, think again. Most employers these days require job candidates to complete job applications online. Finding work means needing access to internet. Not being able to apply online affects employment rates, which affects the number of taxpaying citizens with a trickle-down effect from there. Gov. Ralph Northam gave accolades during a news conference Dec. 14 to Bedford County for finding funding to expand high-speed internet access to rural areas by seeking grant money. Autumn Ravonne King, 20, was arrested on Jan. 14, 2019, for manslaughter in a Dec. 23, 2018, shooting in Austin, Texas. (Austin Police Department) Woman Said She Shot Boyfriend Dead While Posing for Snapchat Photo: Police A Texas woman who said she accidentally shot her boyfriend while posing for a Snapchat photograph was in an argument with him just 15 minutes before calling 911, police said. Autumn Ravonne King, 20, was arrested on Jan. 14 and booked into the Travis County Jail on a manslaughter charge. She was being held on $200,000 bond. The charge stems from the Dec. 23, 2018, shooting of Eric Charles Allen, 26, in Austin. King told police officials that she was holding a rifle pointed directly at Allen while posing for a Snapchat photo that he was set to take. But she accidentally touched the trigger, shooting Allen. He later died from the wound. King told officers, she had the rifle pointed towards Eric and that the assault rifle went off,' officials wrote in an affidavit filed in court that was obtained by KXAN. Autumn said that Eric dropped to the ground, but Autumn thought that Eric was playing, and she told him to get up. She said, I didnt even pull it (the trigger), I just barely touched it,' officials said King told them as part of her statement. She later said she was trying to be like Bonnie and Clyde. She said that the gun belonged to Allen and he always told her it was unloaded. When King realized her boyfriend wasnt joking she tried dragging him to their vehicle but when she couldnt she called 911. A cellphone found at the scene had a video showing the couple arguing about 16 minutes before the 911 call was made. Based on what the video shows the argument between the two is about them both cheating on each other and justification for doing so, detectives wrote in the affidavit. Teens Recorded Snapchat Video Before Fatal Shooting A video recorded on Snapchat shows two Georgia teens who, within minutes, were both dead after playing with guns. The footage shows Chad Carless, 17, and Devin Hodges, 15, who were each holding a gun. In the brief video, they point the gun at a friend holding the smartphone thats recording the footage. Hodges then re-grips the gun so hes not holding it normally, but so its dangling from his hand as he lightly holds it upside down. The video clip then re-focuses on Carless, who points the gun at the camera once again. The video was obtained by the Daily Mail from Bralen Bennett, 15, who went to Discovery High School with the two teens. He said he was angry that his friends were dead. His mother, Rhonda Bennett, added, Its is very sad. My son took classes with them and he received this video just moments before the tragedy. Officials said that the shootings took place on New Years Eve, the first in a makeshift shed in Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County around 3:15 p.m. Officials said that Hodges accidentally fired the gun he was holding and that the bullet hit Carless, who was sitting next to him. Hodges and other teens who were in the shed all fled. Hodges then turned the gun on himself. Police officials arent sure how the boys obtained the guns. As seen in the video, they were both handguns. Andrew Tran, an area resident, told WSB-TV that he used to play in the same shed where the shooting happened. I was shocked because just thinking about it, it could have been my friends, he said. People who live in the area said that the shed was built many years ago and is a popular hangout spot. From NTD News Members of a Carmel Valley Community Planning Group subcommittee are pushing to reinstate public transit in Carmel Valley. Local urban planner Sonya Solinsky and Karen Cody, a former planning board member, have been making their case for two new bus lines for Carmel Valley providing for new east-west and north-south connections and linking surrounding communities. Currently in terms of public transit in the area, NCTD (North County Transit District) has bus route 308 on Via de la Valle toward Rancho Santa Fe, the coastal 101 route from Oceanside to UTC, and the Sorrento Valley and Solana Beach Coaster stations. Transit for Carmel Valley would fall under the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The only way for people in Carmel Valley to reach surrounding communities such as Del Mar, Torrey Hills and Torrey Highlands, work centers, shopping and recreation such as the beach, local parks and libraries is to go by car, contributing to traffic congestion. Its time for transit in this community, Cody said. Public transportation is a passion for Solinsky, who studied transportation planning at San Diego State University, worked as a traffic planning intern at SANDAG, and was a project manager for TransCore, working on Interstate 15 projects. I get really excited about transit, I lived with it in Europe for over 20 years and I know how different my life is not having it, Solinsky said. To advocate for public transit, they have met with Assemblyman Todd Gloria and San Diego City Council President Georgette Gomez, who is chair of the MTS board and a SANDAG board member. The San Diego City Council president is required to serve on the SANDAG board as a result of Assembly Bill 805, which passed in 2017. The bill also requires that SANDAGs regional comprehensive plan addresses greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets set by the State Air Resources Board and includes strategies that shift to public transportation over freeways. The subcommittee members will present at the Carmel Valley planning boards Jan. 24 meeting to gather feedback and support. A SANDAG representative is scheduled to attend the planning boards February meeting and the subcommittee members hope to meet with District 1 Councilmember Barbara Bry prior to next months meeting. Solinsky and Codys goal is to get local transit options included in this years update of the 2050 SANDAG Regional Transit Plan (RTP). SANDAG updates its RTP every four years and the next plan will be adopted this yearthe subcommittees recommended addition is two new lines serving Carmel Valley and North Coastal areas. Their proposed Red line would start at Highway 101 and go east on Del Mar Heights Road to Carmel Valley Road, through Pacific Highlands Ranch and on to Rancho Penasquitos, ending at the Sabre Springs transit station on Carmel Mountain Road. The Blue line would start on El Camino Real/Via de la Valle and go south on El Camino Real through Carmel Valley, past SR-56 to Carmel Mountain Road in Torrey Hills toward Sorrento Valley, connecting with the Sorrento Valley transit station and possibly making the connection up to Genesee Avenue and the future Blue Trolley Line from La Jolla to Old Town that is set to open in 2021. The 2050 RTP does include two lines that serve east-west and north-south in the area by 2035. The proposed north-south connection is rapid transit from Oceanside to Del Mar Heights but does not have stops in Carmel Valley. The proposed east-west connection runs from Carmel Valley Road to the Sabre Springs transit stationIt uses the shoulders of SR-56 instead of city streets so it skips the entirety of Carmel Valley, Solinsky said, which defeats the purpose of linking communities like Pacific Highlands Ranch, Torrey Highlands and Rancho Penasquitos. Their focus is to get there fast but it eliminates all of the areas and disconnects everything. Solinsky said her main focus is at least to get that north-south connection and to get things moved up so when the Blue Trolley line opens in 2021, Carmel Valley will be connected via a bus routeone that doesnt come from Oceanside. This is important to the community, to make it happen in a feasible amount of time, Solinsky said. At some point prior to 2005, MTS did operate a bus line on Del Mar Heights Road down to Highway 101. From 2006 to 2009, MTS ran a pilot route from Carmel Valley that started at Del Mar Highlands Town Center and went to University Town Center. The route was discontinued due to low ridership and low population density at that time, Solinsky said. Carmel Valley also got dinged due to its high property values and median income as those with higher income are considered less likely to use public transit. A lot has changed since 2009, Cody said, and it might be time to try again. Carmel Valley has more density, there has been growth in Pacific Highlands Ranch, there is more retail and hotels and growth in work centers like High Bluff and Sorrento Valley. The population includes older residents who may need public transit and people who work in the area do not have reliable ways to access their jobs. Cody said some environmentally-conscious residents want to do their part to help the city meet its goals in the Climate Action Plan, which calls for eliminating half of all greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. When talking about potential ridership they cannot mention schools as a driving need for transit although area students would certainly benefit. We have to prove that we have riders in this community and get the word out that this is something that the community needs, Cody said. A student displays a banner with one of the slogans chanted by the crowd of some 200,000 pouring into Tiananmen Square in Beijing on April 22, 1989. (CATHERINE HENRIETTE/AFP/Getty Images) Will the Magic of 9 Bring Real Changes to China in 2019? Commentary The number 9 has always had special meaning for the Chinese. Its the biggest single-digit number, and the Chinese have always believed that when something reaches the extreme, it will go in the opposite direction. Perhaps thats why long before 2019 arrived, people in China started to speculate what the year held in store for China, given the number of challenges that Communist China is facing. A Series of Events in XXX9 First of all, they noticed that for several decades, during each year ending with a 9, a historically significant event happened in China: In 1949, the Kuomintang (or Nationalist Party) lost the Chinese Civil War and had to retreat to Taiwan. Mainland China was then taken over by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In 1959, the Great Chinese Famine started, and tens of millions of people starved to death in the following years. In 1969, the SinoSoviet border conflict (or Zhenbao Island Incident) broke out. The seven-month undeclared military conflict between the Soviet Union and China brought the two communist-led countries to the brink of war. In 1979, the SinoVietnamese War broke out. China launched an offensive in response to Vietnams invasion and occupation of Cambodia in 1978 (which ended the rule of the Chinese-backed Khmer Rouge). Vietnamese sources claimed the Peoples Liberation Army had suffered 62,500 total casualties, while China estimated that Vietnam had lost 57,000 soldiers and 70,000 militia members. In 1989, the Tiananmen Square protests happened. They greatly rocked the regime, and ended with the CCP rolling tanks into Beijing, killing thousandsperhaps 10,000 students and civilians died. In 1999, the persecution of Falun Gong started, targeting more than 100 million practitioners and their families. In order to launch and maintain this nearly 20-year-long campaign, an unimaginably large amount of social resources has been expended, and the consequences are hard to fathom at the moment. Human-rights activists have long since declared the repression the largest scale human-rights disaster in China. In 2009, the July 2009 Urumqi riots broke out, with at least 1,000 Uyghurs involved on just the first day. CCP officials claimed that a total of 197 people died during the series of riots over several days, with 1,721 others injured. Uyghur exile groups say the death toll is higher. Ten years later, an estimated 1 million to 2 million Uyghurs and other ethnic groups are being detained in prisons and re-education camps in Xinjiang. So what will happen in 2019? Many Chinese people are holding their breath. 69 Rule The 69 Rule, attributed to British philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell, is being widely circulated among Chinese netizens. It was said that Russell once said that no totalitarian rule could last longer than 70 years. And the examples being cited include: Saddam Hussein: Born in 1937 and died in 2006, when he was 69. Moammar Gadhafi: Born in 1942 and died in 2011, when he was 69. Kim Jong Il: Born in 1941 and died in 2011, when he was 70. Soviet Union: Founded in 1922 and dissolved in 1991, existing for 69 years. And 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the CCPs rule in China. Will it outlive the 69 Rule? People are eager to find out. Some people in China have joked, No wonder our Property Ownership Certificate is only valid for 70 years! In China, if one buys property, one doesnt actually own the land. Instead, the owner has the right to use, or occupy, the land for 70 years. Intellectuals Call for CCP to Fade From History In the first few days of 2019, an article by Zheng Yefu, a sociology professor from Chinas prestigious Peking University, was widely reprinted by a variety of Chinese-language media outlets. In his article, Zheng called for the CCP to peacefully fade from history. This is the best way forward for the Chinese people, for the party, and for the leaders of the party, Zheng said. There is no better way. Political reform is necessary, Zheng said, because problems in Chinese society, such as the rampant abuse of power, a deficient legal system, and economic malaise, have reached the point of no return. He also implored Chinese intellectuals to fulfill their duty to expose the truth about the CCP. Zhengs bold stance resounded with many Chinese intellectuals and ordinary citizens. More than 100 Chinese intellectuals published their takes about Chinas 40 years of reform and openness on the internet. Although the contents were quickly blocked in China, some overseas Chinese-language websites had already posted them. Bao Pengshan, a professor and author from Shanghai, said: The core question for a nation is that we should know our direction. And it is more questionable if we go toward the wrong direction. Cai Shenkun, a commentator in Beijing, said: Reform should not be limited to having everybody fed. It should ensure that everybody can speak out, and nobody should feel fearful for speaking out. Reform should have all the people sharing economic prosperity, instead of having only a few people robbing and plundering the wealth. Hong Zhenkuai, a scholar in Beijing, said, The true reform should be returning power to the people. Cai Xia, a professor of the Party School of the CCP, said: The historical role of a party is evaluated by what this party does. Whether it will be listed on the Honor Roll, or in the Hall of Shame, is up to the party itself. Chen Baocheng, a media professional in Shandong Province, said, Without the freedom to think and speak, reform and openness are meaningless. Chen Tiannan, a former lawyer and judge in Zhejiang Province, said: True reform should be beneficial to the protection of private property and a free market economy. The direction for reform should be increasing peoples freedom. Wang Juntao, an activist in the Tiananmen Square democracy movement and president of the Democracy Party of China, told The Epoch Times that many people in China hope that the CCP collapses as soon as possible. But the CCP wont choose to fade from history. He said just calling for an end to CCP rule isnt good enough; people need to act and encourage others to fight back against it. Xia Yeliang, a former professor at Peking University, said that although he didnt know whether China would fall into chaos this year as some have predicted, 2019 may be a year when big things happen. He said that people hope for bigger changes in China in 2019, and its possible that the CCPs rule will start to shake and crumble. Xia hopes that the Chinese people can work toward that goal, and make 2019 a year when institutional changes can begin in China. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. A construction crew works as new sections of the U.S.-Mexico border barrier are installed replacing smaller fences, as seen from Tijuana, Mexico, on Jan. 11, 2019. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) West Virginia Becomes Second State to Propose Giving Money for Border Wall West Virginia has become the second state to consider giving money to the federal government in support of President Donald Trumps wall along the southern border. Three Republican lawmakers in the states House of Delegates announced they would be introducing legislation that would help fund the wall. The bill would divert $10 million from a state budget surplus, which is projected to grow to $300 million soon, to help build the wall, according to delegates Carl Martin (R-Upshur), Patrick Martin (R-Lewis), and Caleb Hanna (R-Webster). Hanna, 19, the youngest black legislator in the nation, said that the funding is similar to sending National Guard troops to different states. On Fox News this morning, talking about the issues that matter pic.twitter.com/3wwPsS0CcB Caleb L. Hanna (@DelegateHanna) January 15, 2019 I am happy to co-sponsor a piece of legislation that I dont think just West Virginia will be happy about, but the American people as a whole, Hanna told Fox News. We owe it to the voters I believe that the wall is a crucial part in addressing West Virginias drug problem. He added: I believe in President Trump and the wall. For me, this is no different than sending our National Guard to the border or overseas to protect U.S. interests. We, as a state, have resources available to help make America more secure, and I believe West Virginians would want those resources used to make us more safe. According to a press release from the states House of Delegates obtained by WTAP, the drug epidemic that has wreaked havoc upon West Virginians is largely the result of drugs being trafficked over the U.S.-Me We have been in contact with multiple law enforcement officers and judges about the drug epidemic, and every single one has told us 90 percent of the drugs coming to our state are coming in from Mexico, Carl Martin said in the release. This is about our children and our future, and we must do everything in our power to protect them, Patrick Martin added. Since the D.C. liberals wont act on this, we will. And I hope West Virginia serves as an example to other states that its time to stand up against inaction in Washington and band together to do whats right. Hanna noted that the money isnt much but hopes that, if the legislation passes, it prompts other states to contribute. Montana Lawmaker Proposes Wall Funding The planned bill introduction came after a Montana lawmaker said he plans to propose giving $8 million in state money to help fund the wall. I think this is such a critical issue at a critical time that it behooves us to take a look at maybe prompting Congress to do what they should do, state Sen. Scott Sales, president of the Senate, told MTN News. And, in a small token way, providing a little bit of financial resources to get that job done. Sales said that the $8 million accounts for Montanas share of the national economy and that he calculated Montanas share of the cost of the wall by dividing the states gross domestic product by the national GDP and multiplying it by $5 billion. Hitting back at critics, he said: Its a sincere effort. This isnt something Im doing on a whim to try to garner a headline. Ive supported this concept (and) I think a lot of Americans voted for President Trump, and Montanans, on this one concept alone. As of Jan. 16, it did not appear that Sales had introduced the legislation. Neither he nor the West Virginian group pinpointed a date by which theyd introduce the funding legislation. The president still held the lunch, meeting with nine House Republicans: Reps. Susan Brooks (Ind.), Rodney Davis (Ill.), Doug Collins (Ga.), John Katko (N.Y.), Brad Wenstrup (Ohio), Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio), Jodey Arrington (Texas), Van Taylor (Texas), and Clay Higgins (La.). Trump and Democrat leaders are at an impasse over funding for the southern border wall, one of Trumps main campaign promises. The president wants $5.7 billion for the wall included in appropriations to fund the government, but Democrat leader and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she would only give him $1. Today, the president offered both Democrats and Republicans the chance to meet for lunch at the White House. Unfortunately, no Democrats will attend, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement. The president looks forward to having a working lunch with House Republicans to solve the border crisis and reopen the government. Its time for the Democrats to come to the table and make a deal, she said. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), one of the Democrats who was invited, cited a scheduling conflict. I have attended meetings with the president at the White House before, but a scheduling conflict prevented me from accepting this invitation. However, I continue to believe the Senate should pass and the President should sign the bills reopening government that the House already passed, Murphy said in a statement, adding that shed prefer the government reopen. The group of Republicans who met with the president expressed dismay that their colleagues didnt attend. If you dont show up at the table, how are we ever going to come to a solution? said Davis after the meeting. While some outlets portray the shutdown as all-consuming, it affects about 25 percent of the government and 15 percent of the workforce or around 800,000 workers. Lawmakers from both parties passed legislation that would fund back pay for the current shutdown and future shutdowns. Trump was expected to sign the legislation. From NTD News The Walmart logo is seen in a file photo. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Walmart Opts to Leave CVS Partnerships Over Pricing Dispute CVS Health Corp. said on Jan. 15 Walmart Inc. is leaving its network for commercial and Medicaid prescription drug plans after the two companies failed to agree on pricing. CVS said the dispute would not impact Walmarts presence in its Medicare Part D pharmacy network, which according to Cowen & Co analyst Charles Rhyee was a bright spot as it represented a larger chunk of CVS scripts. At a time when everyone is working hard to find ways to reduce healthcare costs, Walmarts requested rates would ultimately result in higher costs for our clients and consumers, Derica Rice, president of CVS Caremark, said in a statement. However, CVS said Walmarts Sams Club division would remain within its pharmacy networks. Walmart spokeswoman Marilee McInnis said the retailer was continuing discussions with CVS Caremark, the companys pharmacy benefits unit. We are committed to providing value to our customers across our business, including our pharmacy, but we do not want to give that value to the middleman, the retailer said in emailed statement. Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have been in the crosshairs of the U.S. administration, which in July proposed a rule that would scale back protections that allow rebates between drug manufacturers, insurers and PBMs. Since then, details of the rule have not been released. Evercore ISI analyst Ross Muken said the separation indicates continuing consolidation across the complex sector and a greater push toward narrow networks. As the dust settles, we expect further tension among the various players and large integrated players to continue to exert economic pressure on competitors, Muken wrote in a client note. Currently, less than 5 percent of affected CVS Caremark members use Walmart exclusively to fill their prescriptions, CVS said. The drug store retailer, which completed its $69 billion acquisition of health insurer Aetna last year, said it has requested Walmart to remain in its networks through April 30 and did not expect the split to impact its 2019 financial results. Shares of CVS Health fell nearly 2 percent to $63.95, while those of Walmart rose 1 percent to $95.9 By Ankur Banerjee & Saumya Joseph An employee works on a Volkswagen e-Golf electric automobile on the assembly line inside the Volkswagen AG (VW) factory on May 8, 2018 in Dresden, Germany. (Jens Schlueter/Getty Images) VW, Ford Team Up on Trucks, Eye Deals on EVs, Self-Driving Cars DETROITVolkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co. said on Jan. 15 they will join forces on commercial vans and pickups and are exploring joint development of electric and self-driving technology, actions meant to save the automakers billions of dollars. Ford and VW announced their partnership against the backdrop of the Detroit auto show. The tie-up, which starts with sales of vans and medium-sized pickups in 2022, will not involve a merger or equity stakes, the companies said. It is no secret that our industry is undergoing fundamental change, resulting from widespread electrification, ever stricter emission regulation, digitization, the shift towards autonomous driving, and not least the changing customer preferences, Volkswagen Chief Executive Herbert Diess told reporters and analysts on a conference call. Carmakers around the globe therefore are investing heavily to align their portfolios to future needs and accelerate their innovation cycles, he added. In such an environment, it just makes sense to share investment. A deal centered around vans and pickups had been expected. Investors are now focused on the potential for additional deals they believe could offer greater savings. Those include potential deals around development of electric or self-driving vehicles, as well as combining forces in markets including North America, South America, Europe, or China. The expanding alliance, which will be governed by a joint committee that includes the CEOs of both companies, highlights the growing pressure on global automakers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as technology to meet tougher emissions standards for millions of internal combustion vehicles they will sell in coming years. You cant do this alone, Fords chief executive, Jim Hackett, said on the call. Ford will provide more details on how the alliance affects Fords regional operations in coming weeks, but does not expect any job cuts in its plants as a result of the alliance, he said. Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies, Volkswagen said. Ford officials said the VW pickups will initially be available only in the South American, European, and African markets. Ford will also engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, while Volkswagen will develop and build a city van. Vans could be built in Fords plant in Turkey, VW said. The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pretax operating results starting in 2023. Ford and VW have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop electric and self-driving vehicles, Diess said. Both executives said they were optimistic those deals would be finalized but provided no timeline. Sources previously said the framework of such a deal would include VW investing in Fords autonomous vehicle operations, including its Argo AI business. VW shares were up 0.7 percent at 145.08 euros in Frankfurt on Tuesday. Ford shares were down 2.7 percent at $8.75 on the New York Stock Exchange in late morning. Automakers arent just competing with each other anymore, theyre under intense pressure from well-funded tech companies, said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis at Edmunds. Cutting costs by sharing vehicle architectures and manufacturing facilities is just table stakes in this new world, she added. US and China Slowdowns Europes biggest automaker and the No. 2 U.S. automaker have been exploring closer cooperation as trade frictions force carmakers to rethink where they build vehicles for Europe, the United States, and China. Slowdowns in the worlds largest auto marketsChina and the United Stateshave ratcheted up the pressure to cut costs. The tie-up with Volkswagen is a big bet for Fords Hackett since he took over in May 2017 from the ousted Mark Fields with the mandate to speed up decision-making and cut costs. Some analysts and investors have been frustrated by Fords laggard stock price and a perceived lack of details from Hackett about the Dearborn, Michigan-based automakers $11 billion restructuring. The two companies previously shared vehicle development and assembly in South America in a joint venture called Autolatina, which was dissolved in 1995. Last week, Ford said it would cut thousands of jobs, discontinue building money-losing vehicles and look at closing plants as part of a turnaround effort for its unprofitable European business. Fords president of global markets, Jim Farley, said on the conference call that the company will do whatever it takes to get Europe back to profitability. Hackett also reiterated that Ford, which is controlled by the Ford family, remains committed to the dividend, which some investors have speculated could be at risk. Last month, Volkswagen announced another 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of cost cuts as part of its effort to improve profit margins and fund its shift to electric cars and automated driving. On Jan. 14, Volkswagen said it would invest $800 million to build an electric vehicle plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, prompting President Donald Trump to congratulate the city and state in a post on Twitter the following day. By Ben Klayman & Jan Schwartz A trader stands in front of New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in New York January 25 , 2017. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) Venture Capital Investment in US Companies Hits a New Record WASHINGTONU.S. startups received a record-breaking amount of venture capital (VC) investment last year, surpassing the high-water mark set at the height of the dot-com boom in 2000. Venture capitalists invested $130.9 billion across nearly 9,000 American companies last year, according to a report by PitchBook and National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). The rise in VC investment was primarily fueled by an unprecedented level of mega-deals (valued at more than $100 million). These deals surged nearly 150 percent in value and 90 percent in number. Capital invested into life sciences companies reached a decade high, and unicorns (startups valued at more than $1 billion) received the lions share, accounting for 34 percent of total VC investment. The PitchBook-NVCA called 2018 a truly exceptional year for the venture industry. Looking ahead to 2019, it appears likely that the arms race of mega-deals into startups backed by a growing number of mega-funds will continue, the report said. VC exits, or successful conclusions of early-stage investments, also were strong last year, surpassing $120 billion for the first time since 2012. The number of investments sold by venture capitalists was 864, equating to a 33 percent rise in terms of total exit value. Strong mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity and initial public offering (IPO) markets fueled VC exits, creating optimism in the venture capital industry. Despite the public market volatility and slight cooling of exit counts, 4th quarter posted one of the stronger recent quarters on an exit value basis, said the report, adding that the number of VC-backed companies entering the public markets in 2018 was the highest in four years. Meanwhile, strong M&A activity was mainly led by Microsofts $7.5 billion acquisition of GitHub, and Ciscos $2.4 billion acquisition of Duo Security. In some sectors, the IPO logjam broke in 2018, and several unicorns including Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft have indicated that they are planning to go public this year. Hence, investor sentiment surrounding big-ticket IPOs in the first half of 2019 suggests that the IPO window could stay open for at least the near future. U.S. startups will continue to enjoy a strong financing environment in 2019, according to Phil Dur, co-founder and managing partner at PeakSpan Capital. PeakSpan, a California-based venture firm, for example, recently closed its second fund with $265 million in capital commitments. That was a significant jump from the firms $150 million first fund, raised in 2016. The firm invests in growth-stage business software companies. Theres a lot of capital on the sidelines. Theres a significant amount raised last year, Dur said. Im not concerned that there wont be access to capital. Venture funds raised $55.5 billion capital from investors last year, the highest capital PitchBook-NVCA has ever recorded. And the fundraising activity will likely continue its strong pace in 2019. Despite a strong funding environment, Dur is worried about higher valuations and VC exit activity. Im concerned that companies that have raised capital, and lots of it, at very high prices are going to feel the pressure to grow at very high rates to justify those valuations, he said. If we see any kind of volatility or correction in the market, those are companies that are going to find themselves exposed very quickly. Sustained volatility in the stock market may depress valuations for public offerings and create uncertainty for VC-backed exits. In addition, the prolonged government shutdown may cause delays in IPOs. Another potential threat to the venture industry is the new foreign investment legislation, called the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act, which expands the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. It enables the committee to scrutinize and block deals, including minority investments in U.S. companies. According to PitchBook-NVCA, this new bill has already impacted some VCs that raise money from foreign companies, causing frictions in fund formation and financing processes. As more regulations and enforcement come out in 2019, [we] expect this to be a growing topic of conversation and concern for the venture industry, said the report. Despite these regulatory hurdles, America is still an attractive market for venture capitalists, even including Chinese funds. The United States continues to be a great place to invest because you have a lot of infrastructure that supports venture investing and technology investing. Its a relatively mature market in terms of all the ecosystem and infrastructure that supports developing companies, Dur said. Despite a sharp drop in Chinese foreign direct investment in the United States, Chinese venture capital funds invested in U.S. companies at a record high last year, according to Rhodium Group, a research company. Chinese investments in the United States dropped amid growing trade tensions with Beijing. However, the venture industry wasnt affected by this downward trend. Chinese venture capital financing increased to $3.1 billion in 2018 from $2.1 billion in 2017. Participants at the annual Chaos Computer Club (CCC) computer hackers' congress, in Hamburg, Germany on December 28, 2012. (Patrick Lux/Getty Images) US Charges Suspected Hacker, Traders Over SEC Database Hack U.S. authorities on Jan. 15 charged a suspected Ukrainian computer hacker and several traders with involvement in a scheme to trade on market-moving corporate earnings news stolen from a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission database. The charges against 10 defendants, including two charged criminally, relate to a suspected 2016 hacking into Edgar, the SECs corporate filing system used by public companies and money managers, that led to $4.14 million of illegal trading profit. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said the case illustrates the significant threats that cyber crime poses to U.S. markets, including from outside the countrys borders, and that his agency is not immune despite efforts to bolster its cyber defenses. Authorities said Oleksandr Ieremenko, 27, of Kiev, hacked into Edgar through a Lithuanian server to obtain thousands of test filings, including roughly 157 earnings announcements, and shared what he found with traders. The U.S. Department of Justice said Ieremenko and Artem Radchenko, also from Ukraine, schemed to send fake emails to SEC employees that appeared to be from other employees, enabling them to install malware on SEC computers and steal the filings. Ieremenko and Radchenko were charged in a 16-count indictment with computer fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy. The SEC filed related civil charges accusing eight individuals and companies in the United States, Russia, and Ukraine of reaping the $4.14 million of gains from May to October 2016, with some profits kicked back to Ieremenko. Two Los Angeles residents, Sungjin Cho and David Kwon, are among the defendants in the SEC case, which seeks to impose fines and recoup illegal gains. Ieremenko was also charged. None of the defendants could immediately be reached for comment, and their lawyers could not immediately be identified. Companies sometimes submit test filings to ensure their actual SEC filings will be processed correctly. Test filings are not typically supposed to contain sensitive nonpublic data, but the SEC said some do. Ieremenko has been at large since being criminally charged in 2015 over the theft of more than 150,000 corporate press releases from Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s Business Wire, West Corps Marketwired and Cision Ltd.s PR Newswire. Authorities criminally or civilly charged more than 40 defendants over that scheme, which they said generated more than $100 million of trading profit over 5.5 years. The SEC said Ieremenko turned his attention to Edgar after the newswire scheme ended. By Jonathan Stempel AG Nominee Barr Says He Will Examine FBIs Handling of Russia Probe In response to request from Sen. Lindsey Graham, William Barr says he will look into FBI's use of Steele dossier in obtaining FISA warrant Attorney General nominee William Barr has praised the integrity of special counsel Robert Mueller, while at the same time committing to find out whether the FBIs Russia investigation, which Mueller eventually took over, was conducted appropriately. Barr, who served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, was repeatedly questioned about his position regarding the Mueller probe during his first confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 15, about a month after President Donald Trump announced Barrs nomination. Do the Right Thing Barr said he reluctantly accepted the nomination. I did not pursue this position, he said, and later added he had been preparing for retirement from his current job at Kirkland and Ellis, a high-profile Washington law firm. He eventually accepted, saying he believes hes capable of defending political independence of the department. Im in a position to be independent, Barr said, noting that, at the age of 68, he is ready to do the right thing and not really care what it may cost him in a political sense. I will not be bullied into doing anything I think is wrong. Mueller Probe Barr addressed how some of his positions were portrayed in the media, particularly regarding the Mueller probe. He said he took issue with the probe on only two points: Mueller should have had a greater balance of political leanings on his team (most of the team donated to Democrats), and the Mueller team was incorrect in considering a potential obstruction of justice case against Trump. Mueller was appointed in 2017 by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to take over an FBI probe of Russian interference into the 2016 elections, as well as allegations that Trumps presidential election campaign had colluded with the interference. Mueller indicted more than two dozen Russians allegedly involved in the meddling but none of the indictments substantiated the collusion allegations. Barr said based on public information, he was under the impression that Mueller was planning to raise the claim that Trump obstructed justice by firing then-FBI Director James Comey in 2017 and by telling Comey he hoped Comey could let go of further inquiries into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn. Trump denied making such a comment. Barr argued the obstruction statute did not pertain to Trumps actions and warned about serious adverse consequences of stretching the statue beyond what was intended. Aside from that Barr said it is vital Mueller is free to finish his work. I think we have to get to the bottom of it, he said, referring to the Russian meddling. He said he has known Mueller for 30 years and trusts him to conduct the investigation properly and fairly to the president. Barr committed to releasing as much of the expected Mueller report as laws and regulations allow and promised Trump will not rewrite the report. FBI Spying on Trump Associates On request from Justice Committee Chair Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Barr said he will examine some FBI actions starting in 2016, when the bureau obtained a FISA warrant to spy on a Trump Campaign Associate Carter Page. In the warrant the FBI used the Steele Dossier, a collection of unsubstantiated claims about Trump-Russia ties compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele who was commissioned by the Democratic Party and presidential campaign of former State Secretary Hillary Clinton. Through using the dossier in the warrant, FBI officials vouched for the reliability of the source, Graham said. However, evidence has since emerged officials were aware the dossier is unverified and its source politically biased. Barr said he was shocked to see text messages between Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, two former FBI officials who had led the Russia probe team. In some of the texts, the two expressed strong animus against Trump. Both are no longer with the bureau. Do you promise me as attorney general, if you get this job, to look in to see what happened in 2016? Graham asked. Yes Mr. Chairman, Barr replied. Barrs Past Explained Late President George H. W. Bush first recruited Barr to join the Justice Department in 1989. He served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993, where he provided legal reasoning used by the administration to justify the invasion of Panama and the arrest of Manuel Antonio Noriega, The Washington Post reported in 1991. He also wrote an opinion [piece] that states the administration has the power to arrest terrorists overseas, even in violation of international law. Before this he served as deputy attorney general in the Justice Department, and the CIA while attending law school. Towards the end of his time at the agency, he occasionally helped write [a] testimony for the [CIA] director, who, at the time, was Bush, the paper said. Since leaving the Bush administration, Barr returned to private practice. Since 2009 Barr sat on the board at Dominion Energy, a $52 billion power and energy company headquartered in Richmond, Va., and on the board at Time Warner between 2009 and 2018. Since 2017, he has also been on the External Advisory Board to the CIA director. Since 2018 he has been on Trumps Intelligence Advisory Board (pdf). Toddler Found Drunk Became Intoxicated at Daycare: Police A toddler found drunk at a Maryland hospital became intoxicated at a daycare center run out of the operators home, police said in documents outlining criminal charges against the woman. Frederick County Detective Michael Toste met with the toddlers parents at the hospital on April 10, 2018. The childs mother said she picked him up from the daycare and took him to the hospital, where a doctor smelled alcohol on the toddlers breath. Testing revealed that boy had a blood alcohol content nearly three times the legal limit for an adult to drive in the state. After a monthslong investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Doris Marie Ott, 50, the daycare operator. Her license was suspended and eventually revoked after the toddler was found drunk but she has now been charged with neglect of a minor and reckless endangerment. Ott had run the daycare for 18 years before the incident. According to charging documents obtained by Fox 5, the boy was at the daycare when he fell out of his chair, wouldnt wake up, and was pale and limp. Ott called the boys mother, who rushed him to the hospital. She said she smelled the alcohol but thought it was hand sanitizer or baby wipes. Ott said there was no alcohol that the toddler could have accessed at her house and that she was not drinking. Detectives found several alcoholic beverages in a refrigerator in the basement adjacent to the daycare portion of the house but Ott said the child couldnt have accessed the fridge and drunk the alcohol without leaving any evidence behind. Toste, the detective, said that Ott could not provide an explanation as to what led to the boys intoxication. She said that she was the sole person alone with the children at the daycare that day, Toste told the Frederick News-Post. So as far as what happened, that would be up to her to tell us, and she hasnt done so yet. You always hope that you get from them a when, what, why and how, but it doesnt always work out that way. Frederick County child was drunk in daycare operator's care, investigators say https://t.co/M43Z8C0pmk pic.twitter.com/zubQnDvwlP FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) January 16, 2019 Ott declined to comment but her attorney Michelle Martz said in a statement to Fox: Mrs. Ott ran a successful daycare facility in the Walkersville community for 18 years. She provided a safe environment in her own home, caring deeply for every child entrusted to her care. She has a whole community that stands with her. Mrs. Ott is completely innocent and has been cooperative from the start. Charging Mrs. Ott was wrong. We look forward to attacking this in court, Martz added. Martz added to the News-Post that Ott has no intention of running a daycare again. She also said that Otts withdrawal of an appeal regarding the license revocation shouldnt be construed in any way as an admission or acknowledgment of any wrongdoing. Otts arrest warrant was served on Dec. 29, and she was released after signing a written promise to appear in court. According to the charging documents, the boy, who has not been named or described at all, such as by age, is in good health. The childs parents declined to comment publicly. From NTD News Justice Hull, 2 months old, was killed in 2015 by a 14-year-old girl. That girl was released on parole in January 2019. (Texas Child Protective Services) Texas Teenager Who Drowned Baby Released on Parole Four Years Later A Texas teenager who murdered a baby in her mothers care in 2015 was released on parole just four years after her conviction. The girl, who was 14 years old when she drowned the baby, was sentenced to 40 years in prison by District Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon. As required by law, Shannon reviewed the case shortly before the teen turned 19. She could have sent the teen to adult prison or granted her parole; now, the teen is free but will spend the next 36 years on parole. Shannon said in the courtroom that she based her decision on a psychiatric report that said the teen felt remorse and shame for killing Justice Hull, who was 2 months old. The report also said that the teen, whose name was not revealed, was ashamed and didnt want to talk about what shed done in group therapy, reported the Dallas Morning News. The Texas Department of Juvenile Justice also recommended parole, but some employees at the department, including the principal of the departments school, doubted whether the teen truly felt remorse. Some employees said the girl was being manipulative and only complying with rules to be released. Babys Murder The teen had planned to kill the baby the night before doing it. The girl placed the babys face in a shallow bowl of water in the bathroom of the familys apartment. The small child couldnt lift her face out of the water and drowned. The teen then called 911 and said, I drowned the baby. During the call, she added: What, it aint nothing. All I did was drown the baby. Kimberly Mayfield, a detective who led the investigation into the murder, told the court: I asked her, had she been planning on doing this, and she said she had been thinking about it for a while and decided the day before that she was going to kill Justice that morning. The process of deciding where the convicted will be housed or where they will complete their sentence term is up to the judge. This article gives a bit of insight in the discretion involved. https://t.co/yMggPcLBB7 #bsucjc240 Kanisha (@Kanisha12206805) January 15, 2019 The teens mother had taken over care of the baby girl from Keshondria Hull, who was separated from her daughter when she was sentenced to 112 days in prison on a probation violation in December 2014. The teen told investigators she was upset her mother took in Justice, saying the baby was Just extra. Asked if she had a message for her mother, the girl said, She shouldve listened. Adults convicted of capital murder are either sentenced to death or life in prison without parole. Shannon chose to have the teen tried in juvenile court, saying the girl would have more access to counseling and other services. Any minor 14 or older can be tried in adult court and defendants who are 17 or older are automatically tried in adult court. Placement After Keshondria Hull was arrested, Justice was placed in the care of a family friend. A Child Protective Services spokeswoman told USA Today that the placement was at the request of Keshondria Hull, the called the new guardian a close family friend of the Hulls. Keshondria Hulls mother, Clarica Hull, said that shed known the family friend for a long time and that her daughter thought that Justice would be safe there. Weve been knowing them since they were little kids coming up, Clarica Hull said. She said that the mother of the killer was in a tough situation. The mother wasnt holding up too good, Hull said. She lost a daughter as well, and my granddaughter, who she had bonded with. From NTD News Navantia Begins Building First Corvette for Saudi Arabia (Source: Navantia; issued Jan 15, 2019) (Unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com) Navantia President Susana de Sarria flanked by Rear Admiral Fahad Ali Alfuraidan, chief of staff of the Royal Saudi Arabian Navy (L) and Admiral Jose Luis Urcelay, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy, at the first cut ceremony on Jan 15. (Navantia photo) -- The program includes construction, on-board systems, logistic support, training and simulators and systems for vessel maintenance and Life Cycle Support -- It will provide about 6,000 jobs per year for 5 years for both Navantia and the auxiliary industry -- The president of Navantia stresses that programs such as the one in Arabia and the Strategic Plan are the basis for the transformation of Navantia that guarantees its future -- Navantia will invest 160 million euros in the next 4 years to modernize the shipyards of the Bay. SAN FERNANDO, Spain --- Navantia started on January 15, in the workshops of the San Fernando shipyard, the construction of the first corvette for the Royal Saudi Arabian Navy. This symbolic action consisted of cutting the first steel plate for the vessel, belonging to block 401 of the engine room. Its measures 12 x 2.4 meters, is 7 millimeters think and weighs 1,254 kilograms. The event brought together more than 500 workers, a good part of the employees that have designed and will build these vessels and their integrated systems, and who assisted a presentation of the program. Also present were delegations from the Spanish and Saudi Arabian navies, respectively led by the two navies' deputy chiefs of staff, Admiral Jose Luis Urcelay for Spain and Rear Admiral Fahad Ali Alfuraidan for Saudi Arabia. The president of Navantia, Susana de Sarria, stressed that "this is a strategic program for Navantia, which in addition to boosting economic activity and employment, positions us internationally as a company that contributes to security and defense. It also showcases a ship having high capabilities that can meet the needs of other potential customers in this region of the world, as well as other regions of interest." She also sent a positive message to the workers, stressing that "with the Strategic Plan a new Navantia will be developed around its rejuvenated workforce to guarantee its future and its identity as a company serving the security and defense of citizens." "We are going to further increase our already very relevant social contribution as drivers of the creation of quality employment in the Cadiz region and in Spanish industry," he said. Over 100 subcontractors The contract, in force since last November, strengthens the immediate future of Navantia and benefits all the shipyards of the company and its subcontractors, especially around the Bay of Cadiz. Specifically, this program will provide a total workload of around seven million hours that, translated into employment terms, mean 6,000 jobs over the next 5 years. Of these, more than 1,100 will be direct jobs; more than 1,800 jobs in Navantia subcontractors and over 3,000 indirect jobs generated by other suppliers. More than 100 subcotractors and suppliers will collaborate on this contract. The program that begins today, and whose last ship will be delivered in 2022, includes, in addition to the construction of the ships, Life Cycle Support for five years from the delivery of the first ship, with an option for an additional five years. The design of the corvettes is state-of-the-art, maximizing Navantia's participation through the incorporation of its own products, such as the CATIZ combat system, the HERMESYS integrated communication system, the DORNA fire control, the Integrated Platform Control System, the MINERVA integrated bridge as well as motors and gearboxes. On the other hand, the contract also includes the supply of various services such as integrated logistic support, operational and maintenance training, supply of Training and Training Centers for the ships Combat System and Platform Control Systems, Life-Cycle Support, as previously mentioned, and systems for the maintenance of the ships in the Naval Base. Todays event also highlighted that, in 2019, Navantia will commemorate the 230th anniversary of one of the most important scientific journeys in history, the Malaspina Expedition. More specifically, the ships that carried out this expedition were the corvettes Discovery and Atrevida, both launched at the San Fernando shipyard in April 1789. They were the first corvettes of the new Spanish Armada, and their construction was a major milestone in Spanish naval history because of their multiple capabilities and their high speed. Story history -- Jan 19, 2019: clarified in second paragraph that the two attending admirals are both deputy chiefs of staffs. -ends- Native American Customs and Border Protection officers remove hundreds of pounds of marijuana in backpacks from the desert, near the Mexican border on the Tohono OOdham Indian Reservation in Arizona, in this file photo. (U.S. Customs/Getty Images) Take Our Silver or Take Our Bullets Commentary With all of the debate about the wall and the government shutdown, I was reminded of a briefing I attended in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, a little over a year ago. The briefing took place in the office of a congressman from Texas, and the subject was gang-related drug smuggling from Mexico that was directly affecting his constituency in Texas. At the briefing, people who lived on the TexasMexico border played video footage that had been secretly recorded at nighttime. The footage showed person after person coming into the United States with large backpacks. People were also seen returning to Mexico without the backpacks, leading to the logical conclusion that they were smuggling drugs into the United States. Of course, the constituents used more than logical conclusions to build their case. They told first-hand stories about the threats they had received. One of the most penetrating accounts related to signs that were found posted near the crossings. The signs said, Take our silver or take our bullets. In other words, the smugglers were willing to pay bribes to Texans who would look the other way, but those who tried to block the smuggling would be killed. The constituents said several families had moved from the area to escape the danger. Smuggling from Mexico is dominated by competing cartels, the mix of which is constantly changing. Over the decades, they have grown, split apart, created new alliances, and fought one another for territory, but they are all violent. Drug Smuggling and Violence According to the Council of Foreign Relations think tank, researchers estimate that since 2006, when Mexican President Felipe Calderon started an intensive campaign against them, the cartels have contributed to the killings of more than 100,000 people, including activists, politicians, and journalists. Over the past decade, the U.S. government has committed more than $2 billion in funding and intelligence resources to supplement Mexicos counter-narcotics efforts. In 2015, 99.8 percent of methamphetamine and 99.9 percent of marijuana seized by federal authorities came across the southern border. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reported that Mexican drug cartels are the largest foreign source of heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine. For the most part, Mexican suppliers produce the heroin and methamphetamine, while cocaine is primarily produced in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru, and then transported through Mexico. Mexican cartels are also leading manufacturers and suppliers of fentanyl, an opioid that has recently contributed to an enormous epidemic in the United States. Its true that most of the drugs come into the United States in trucks and personal vehicles, not in backpacks. But that doesnt change the reality of smuggling and the associated violence along the TexasMexico border. Nor should it diminish the importance of closing this avenue for the smugglers. While most of the violence is still south of the border, it isnt far from American populations. The epicenter may be in Ciudad Juarez, a Mexican city on the Rio Grande, just south of El Paso. In 2018, 1,247 homicides took place in that city, more than twice the average from the years 20132016, but less than the numbers from 20082011, when cartel violence was at its worst. The reason for the fluctuation is that, at various times, different cartels and gangs try to gain control of the drug-smuggling routes. In August 2018, a gang calling itself Artistas Asesinos, or Assassin Artists, even released a video warning of violence along the border as it promised to shed blood to control the pipeline. Action and Consequences President Donald Trump repeatedly referenced the threat of drugs and violence in the United States due to Mexican cartels during his campaign. Less than a month into office, he signed an executive order regarding Transnational criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including transnational drug cartels, [that] have spread throughout the Nation, threatening the safety of the United States and its citizens. The order noted that the criminal organizations derive revenue through widespread illegal conduct, including acts of violence and abuse that exhibit a wanton disregard for human life. He directed the federal government to do what it could to thwart them. This concern about border safety and the violent episodes tied to Mexican drug cartels are an important part of the call to build a border wall. That means its also part of the reason for the partial government shutdown. That shutdown is real, and it could affect my family. I have two nephews in the military and a son who works for the federal judiciary. Their paychecks may be impacted in the very near future. The threat from a porous border, however, is also very real. So, by wall or other means, controlling the border is an important objective for this or any administration. On a related note, with recent legalization of marijuana in California and elsewhere, one might think that smuggling would soon become a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that doesnt seem likely. According to the California Bureau of Cannabis Control, far fewer marijuana licenses were issued to retail stores in 2018 than had been anticipated. In fact, in 2018, legal cannabis sales amounted to $2.5 billion, which is $500 million less than sales in 2017, when only medical cannabis was legal, The New York Times reported. The problem seems to be that, due to regulation and taxes, consumers end up paying about 35 cents in taxes for every dollar they spend on legal cannabis. That makes the black market an attractive alternative. Buyers pay about 45 percent less on the black market than they would pay at a licensed dispensary. The situation is serious enough that then-California Gov. Jerry Brown proposed allocating $14 million of the state budget to policing unauthorized marijuana; the proposal failed. In light of all this, demand for illegal marijuana in California may actually be up. The stigma of using an illegal product is gone, and the fear of criminal prosecution is reduced. How concerned will police, prosecutors, or juries be about possession of a product that can be purchased legally? Of course, if the demand is up, the smugglers will certainly strive to meet it. Thus the need to control the border. Ronald J. Rychlak is the Jamie L. Whitten chair in law and government at the University of Mississippi. He is the author of several books, including Hitler, the War, and the Pope, Disinformation (co-authored with Ion Mihai Pacepa), and The Persecution and Genocide of Christians in the Middle East (co-edited with Jane Adolphe). Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. The Supreme Court of the United States in Washington on June 30, 2018. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Supreme Court Asked How Rules Are Made for Medicare Payments A Midwestern hospital chain asked the Supreme Court to find that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shortchanged it by as much as $4 billion by altering its Medicare hospital reimbursement formula without first conducting a formal notice-and-comment rulemaking process. Minneapolis-based Allina Health Services, a non-profit health care system that runs 13 hospitals and upwards of 90 clinics in Minnesota and western Wisconsin, is challenging the formula-changing decision that was made in 2013 by the Obama administration. The Trump administration defended that decision during oral arguments before the Supreme Court on Jan. 15. Allina had asked the Provider Reimbursement Review Board for relief, but the entity said it lacked jurisdiction to hear the case. Allina took the matter to a U.S. district court, eventually losing at the appellate level. The case, known as Azar, Sec. of H&HS v. Allina Health Services, is important because it affects payments that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is part of HHS, makes to hospitals like those in the Allina chain that disproportionately serve low-income patients. CMS pays out $120 billion every year to cover Medicare inpatient care across the nation. Although legal observers say any ruling the Supreme Court may make is likely to be limited to Medicare funding rates in effect from 2005 through 2013, the courts decision may clarify how federal agencies engage in the rulemaking process. The Supreme Court agreed Sept. 27 to hear the case, which is an appeal of a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. Notice and Comment HHS Secretary Alex M. Azar asked the court to review the circuit court ruling that determined his agency ran afoul of the Medicare Act by skipping the notice-and-comment rulemaking process. Its the administrations position that the formal rulemaking process wasnt required by the statute. The case could have larger ramifications that could substantially undermine effective administration of the Medicare program if members of the Supreme Court buy into the legal reasoning advanced by Allina, U.S. Solicitor General Noel J. Francisco argued in a brief. If CMS were legally bound to carry out a notice-and-comment rulemaking in this case, it could also face the unreasonable burden of having to conduct rulemaking processes frequently in its everyday business, which would be disruptive and counterproductive, Francisco argued. Allina disagrees. In court documents, it argued the question at hand is a unique circumstance, and therefore any impact would be extremely limited if the Supreme Court were to affirm the D.C. Circuit Court ruling. Allina and other hospitals say the Medicare Act required CMS to provide the public with notice and opportunity for comment before altering the formula used to calculate reimbursements. Friend-of-the-court briefs were filed supporting Allinas position, including by the American Hospital Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, and the Association of American Medical Colleges. The AHA argues the administration is exaggerating the potential impact that affirmance would have on CMS operations. Not all CMS policies need to go through notice-and-comment; just those, like the determination here, that substantively alter how providers are paid, the group stated in its brief. The trial court sided with the government, finding HHS didnt contravene the Medicare Acts procedural requirements because the formula revision arose out of an interpretive rule. But the D.C. Circuit disagreed, finding that HHS violated the Medicare Act when it changed its reimbursement adjustment formula without providing notice and opportunity for comment. The language of the Medicare Act expressly requires notice-and-comment rulemaking, the circuit found, adding it was important to respect the will of Congress. Oral Arguments Oral arguments before the Supreme Court on Jan. 15 consisted largely of discussions of the meaning of specific words in the Medicare Act and in other statutes, and abstract, highly technical ruminations about administrative law. In an animated discussion with Justice Stephen Breyer, attorney Pratik Shah for Allina, suggested that calling something by an inappropriate name doesnt invalidate it or alter the law. Even in administrative law, if you call a legislative rule a ham sandwich, that doesnt get you out of the notice-and-comment requirement. If you called an interpretive rule or a statement of policy, there is an exception for those, but if its actually a legislative rule, you have to go through notice-and-comment. Shah told the court his client was treated unfairly and arbitrarily by the government. That annual prospective payment rulemaking is hundreds of pages long. And the agency already puts everything governing prospective payment systems that has a substantive effect into that rulemaking. In fact, 16 times before this case, it adjusted the treatment of certain categories of days through the prospective payment system rulemaking. Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed frustration during the presentation of Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler, suggesting more than once that he was being evasive. Mr. Kneedler, theres a lot of words there, but Im not sure theres an answer to Justice [Elena] Kagans question Im going to give you an opportunity to try again, because its very important to me as well. Arent you using the word substantive in two different senses? Gorsuch said. Only seven of the courts nine justices attended the oral arguments. Justice Brett Kavanaugh recused himself because he wrote the decision that forms the basis of this appeal, when he was a judge sitting on the District of Columbia Circuit. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, 85, is convalescing at home after surgeons excised two cancerous growths from a lung on Dec. 21. It was her second consecutive week of not attending court arguments. Nonetheless, Ginsburg, who has access to the briefs and transcripts of arguments, is expected to take part in the case. File photo: A woman is silhouetted behind the Aboriginal flag in Sydney, Australia, on May 26, 2006. (Ian Waldie/Getty Images) Suicide Crisis: Five Indigenous Girls Under 15 Take Their Own Lives in Nine Days A 12-year-old Aboriginal girl from a community near Adelaide, South Australia committed suicide on Jan. 11, becoming the fifth Aboriginal child to take her own life in just nine days. The Australian first reported the deaths involving girls all aged 15 or under. On Jan. 3, a 15-year-old girl from Western Australia (WA) died from self-inflicted injuries while visiting relatives in Townsville, Queensland. The next day, a 12-year-old girl killed herself in South Headland, a mining town in WA. Two days after on Jan. 6, a 14-year-old girl committed suicide in Warnum, an Aboriginal community in WAs Kimberley region. On Jan. 10, a 15-year-old girl killed herself in Perth, WA. One 12-year-old indigenous boy in Queensland had also reportedly tried to commit suicide and was flown from Roma to the state capitol of Brisbane on Jan. 14 where he was put on life-support in hospital. The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander community has reached a crisis point, having risen 21 percent over the past decade. ABS found that Indigenous children aged between 5 and 17 die from suicide at five times the rate of non-indigenous childrenat 10.1 deaths per 100,000 persons, compared to 2.0 per 100,000 for non-Indigenous persons. Professor Pat Dudgeon from the University of Western Australias Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and School of Indigenous Studies believes young people need to be empowered with a sense of purpose. Something is happening with our young people where they dont see a future. They dont feel empowered, they seek that they are treated as second-class citizens, Dudgeon told the National Indigenous Television (NITV). I think we need to work hard to turn that around to give them a sense of purpose in their own lives, to help them come to that and to give them respect and value them. Poverty Is a Major Driver of Suicide Gerry Georgatos, who leads the federal governments indigenous critical response team, told The Australian poverty and a lack of education are the main culprits for suicidal thoughts among indigenous youths. Nearly 100 per cent of First Nations suicides are of people living below the poverty line, he told NITV. The Kimberley Region in WA is seeing the highest indigenous suicide rates in Australia for both Aboriginal youth and the entire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. A final report on an inquest into 13 Indigenous youth suicides in the Kimberley region between 2012 and 2016 is expected to be released early this year. A 2016 report published in the Medical Journal of Australia found the suicide rate for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley was seven times higher than the rest of the country. Crushing poverty [in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions] is the major driver of suicidal ideation, of distorted thinking, of unhappiness, of watching the world pass one by right from the beginning of life, Georgatos told NITV. One-eighth of First Nations people living in the Kimberley live in some form of homelessness 60 percent live below the poverty line. Sexual Assaults a Contributing Factor Georgatos also said sexual assaults contributed to one-third of suicide deaths, and the five dead girls within nine days was notable. It is a humanitarian crisis one-third of those suicides is identified as children of sexual abuse, and we dont have the early intervention to disable the trauma of child sexual abuse, Georgatos told NITV. We dont have the early intervention and the trauma recovery for them, we dont have the outreaches for them but what we also dont have is the talking up and calling out of sexual predation in communities. Georgatos said if children were educated about how to respond to such assaults, they may internalize their trauma less and have fewer suicidal thoughts. What we need to do is we need to outreach more personal on the ground, to outreach into these communities to support them into pathways where they can access education, he said. In Australia, the suicide prevention telephone hotline at Lifeline is 13 11 14. You can also visit the Lifeline website at lifeline.org.au. Youth can contact the Kids Helpline by phoning 1800 551 800 or visiting headspace.org.au/yarn-safe If you are in an emergency in the U.S. or Canada, please call 911. You can phone the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1 800 273 8255. Youth can call the Kids Help Phone on 1800 668 6868. From NTD.com A firefighter calls for water as most of the homes in the Oakridge mobile home park. (David McNew/Getty Images) California Lawmakers Questioned for Meeting Big Utilities in Hawaii as Deadly Wildfires Raged While a couple of major California wildfires burned through communities back in November 2018, twelve state lawmakers traveled to Hawaii on a paid trip to discuss a bailout for the states big utility companies after it was alleged that their equipment may have contributed to sparking the fires, according to a letter the Consumer Watchdog sent to Californias legislative leaders. The annual legislative junket was hosted by the nonprofit group Independent Voter Project. The group of lawmakers consisted of ten Democrats and two Republicans attended the annual junket at the five-star Fairmont Kea Lani hotel in Maui, joined by representatives from major utility companies from California. The "Wailea 12" Rcvd more than $600K from the utilities in campaign contributions Are on key committees deciding the fate of legislation determining who pays for #wildfires, utilities(whose equipment was at fault), ins. cos., ratepayers or taxpayers.https://t.co/AKPAxV9z2E pic.twitter.com/1chPo2I54w Consumer Watchdog (@ConsumerWD) January 8, 2019 The New York Times reported that the utility companies were seeking legislation from lawmakers that would allow them to reduce their responsibility if their equipment was found to be the cause of the Camp Fire that swept through the community of Paradise, as well as raise electricity rates. Edison and its executives had a captive audience with the 12 Wailea legislators around the pool at the posh Fairmont Kea Lani as the Woolsey fire devastated Malibu, the letter reads. PG&E executives had paid for their seat at the luau, but decided not to show as the Campfire raged and their equipment was fingered as a possible cause. Executives from SEMPRA, parent of San Diego Gas & Electric, were there too. However, the Independent Voter Project Chairman Dan Howle told the New York Times that the event didnt allow any lobbying and no specific legislation has been discussed. Assembly Members Tom Daly, Frank Bigelow, Bill Brough, Jim Cooper, Heath Flora, Jim Frazier, Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Freddie Rodriguez, Blanca Rubio and the Assembly Majority Leader Ian Calderon, as well as Senators Hueso and Cathleen Galgiani, are the names that appeared on a list of attendees. The Consumer Watchdog says that all of the lawmakers who attended the meeting were among those voted for a bill letting ratepayers pay for a certain cost of the 2017 wildfire. In addition, the twelve lawmakers were said to take more than $630,000 in campaign contributions home from the trip. Its shameful that while wildfire victims fled for their lives, and many lost them, legislative policy about the wildfires was being made over Mai Tais in Maui with utilities executives and lobbyists, Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court wrote in the letter. Such junkets should stop, but if they do not then the legislators, lobbyists and lobbyist employers involved should at least be required to disclose them in real time on their websites to constituents. Just days ago, about 30 Democratic members of Congress were also blasted for taking a trip to a winter retreat in Puerto Rico with more than 100 lobbyists and corporate executives, undeterred as the ongoing partial government shutdown. Democrats in Congress are so alarmed about federal workers not getting paid theyre partying on the beach instead of negotiating a compromise to reopen the government and secure the borderhttps://t.co/zpJypJ2Slq Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) January 13, 2019 Besides meeting with lobbyists from major firms, including R.J. Reynolds, Facebook, Amazon, the lawmakers were also planned to see a performance of the Broadway show Hamilton and take part in parties, including one with the shows cast. Spotted: Sen. Bob Menendez on the beach at a resort in Puerto Rico on Day 22 of the partial government shutdown. Reports say dozens of Dems are in PR for the CHC BOLD PAC winter retreat including meetings on Maria cleanup, and a party with PRs Hamilton cast. pic.twitter.com/6FaBYKPo4L David McAlpine (@DavidMcAlpine) January 12, 2019 The Camp Fire broke out on the morning of Nov. 8 near the mountain community of Paradise, sweeping through the town and killing at least 86 people in the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in state history. With dozens of lawsuits filed against the company from the victims of 2017 fires, PG&E said in November it could face significant liability in excess of its insurance coverage if its equipment was found to have caused the Camp Fire in 2018. PG&E could face at least $30 billion in liability for causing fires in 2017 and 2018, according to CNBC. Shadowed by the cost, PG&E said on Jan. 14 that it is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as soon as this month amid pressure from potentially crushing liabilities linked to Californias catastrophic wildfires in 2017 and 2018, according to Reuters. Watch next: 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. Journey (R) a 4-year-old service dog, was shot outside the home of Hannah Westmoreland, on Jan. 13, 2019. (Justice4Journey/GoFundMe) Search for Suspect After Service Dog Shot Dead Outside of Home A service dog was shot outside of a Texas home, prompting an investigation and search for the shooting suspect. Journey, a 4-year-old golden retriever, was specially trained to detect when Hannah Westmorelands blood sugar was low. Hannah got the dog, after the town of Quinlan, where Hannah lives, raised $10,000 to get Journey as a puppy for her. Their partnership was cut short when Journey was shot on Jan. 13. Family members said that Journey was let out of the house for a quick swim in the pond near the rural home, a daily ritual. But while he was outside, someone shot him. He was rushed to a veterinarian but soon died. The family, shocked, wants to find whoever shot the beloved canine. He was my best friend, Hannah, 15, told CBS. He took Hannahs little hero for no reason, added Hannahs mother, Tina Westmoreland. He took what has saved her life more than once. Shes about to get her drivers license and he was going to protect and he was going to be with her while she was in college to keep her help healthy in college. Tina Westmoreland described to the Greenville Herald-Banner the moment she found the dog outside. Journey was laying right outside here and when I called him he reached one leg up, but he didnt pick his head up, and I think I just screamed Oh God, something is wrong with Journey, she said. We ran out, he was (lying) there, and we called for help. He wasnt moving his legs, he didnt whimper. Missy Adkins Mossman, cousin to Tina Westmoreland, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise money for a reward to help find the shooter, pay the vet, and, if theres enough, potentially get Hannah a new dog. This 4yo golden retriever named Journey was a devoted service dog to an East Texas teenager with diabetes. On Sunday, someone shot and killed Journey while he was in the front yard of his familys rural home. More on CBS 11 News at 4:30pm and 6pm pic.twitter.com/zPNqvz8eyA J.D. Miles (@jdmiles11) January 14, 2019 People responding on the page said that the news was painful to hear. As a diabetic myself and having been blessed by sharing my life with Golden Retrievers for more than 20 years, I am deeply saddened to hear about this horrific crime, wrote Lisa Ward. My heart hurts terribly for this family. Im the Mom of a rescued Golden Retriever and fully understand how much Journey meant to the family. My prayers are with you all and I hope for Justice. Im happy to donate as a way of helping this family, added Teresa. Im moved by the amount of people whove donated and/or left their condolences. It just proves that their is still (much more) good in the world even when evil acts are committed. Love wins! said another. Hunt County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the person Hunt County Crime Stoppers 2019115 Update Mossman said in an update on Jan. 15 that Hannah is getting used to life without Journey. Hannah stays close to Tina so Tina can keep a close eye on her especially during the night. The outpouring of love, concern for Hannah and her family has been truly overwhelming. There are so many more good people than bad, she wrote. Mossman said that the Hunt County Game Warden and the Hunt County Sheriffs department have launched an investigation. A $1,000 reward is now being offered for information leading to animal cruelty charges in connection with the shooting of Journey. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hunt County Crime Stoppers at 903-457-2929. Tipsters remain anonymous. Mossman said the family is praying for justice. We are praying they can find the person that done this awful deed, she said. If anything this person will see this coverage and think twice about shooting an innocent animal. Thank you everyone. We will be putting this money toward a reward to find the killer, get bills and the rest will go toward another service dog when the time is right. We need to mourn our dear Journey. Thank you all again from the bottom of our hearts. From NTD News President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Jan. 14, 2019. (Holly Kellum/NTD) Puerto Rican Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill President Donald Trump A Puerto Rican man was arrested for threatening to kill President Donald Trump, American officials said. A criminal complaint filed against Migdoel Cruz-Ruiz on Jan. 16 said that he was in violation of U.S. Code Section 871, U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez-Velez said in a statement. The affidavit in support of the complaint stated that Cruz-Ruiz, no age given, contacted the FBIs National Threat Operations Center by telephone. He then made threats to kill President Trump and destroy Newark, Boston, Colorado, and the White House very soon. He said he planned to kill Trump and destroy the places in vengeance for things the United States did to the people of Pakistan, India, and Iran. Federal authorities will continue to prosecute those who use means of communication to threaten, promote, or incite violent acts, said Rodriguez-Velez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, in a statement. If convicted, Cruz-Ruiz faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison with supervised release up to three years, and a fine of $250,000. Man Who Threatened to Shoot Trump Sentenced The arrest comes a month after an Arizona man who threatened to shoot President Donald Trump, along with other political figures, was sentenced to 37 months in prison. Jerrod Hunter Schmidt of Kingman was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Logan on Dec. 17, the Department of Justice said. The sentence came after Schmidt was found guilty in September by a jury of two counts of threatening the President of the United States and two counts of making interstate threatening communications. Prosecutors said that Schmidt made multiple phone calls after learning that his conviction for a prior felony was affirmed by the Nebraska Court of Appeals. The calls on April 10 and April 11 were made to the court clerks office. In them, Schmidt said he was going to shoot and kill Trump, one of the clerks of the Nebraska Court of Appeals, and other political figures. In one, he said he was going to kill President Trump and put a bullet in his head, according to Secret Service personnel who listened to the calls, court records obtained by the Arizona Republic show. The felony that was affirmed was for child molestation. After serving nine years in prison for the crime, Schmidt filed motions with the Nebraska Court of Appeals claiming he was owed money for wrongful imprisonment, but the court disagreed. After serving 37 months in prison in Arizona, he will be on three years of supervised release. Dakota Man Pleads Guilty to Planning to Kill Trump A North Dakota man admitted he schemed to attempt an assassination on President Donald Trump. Gregory Lee Leingang, 42, pleaded guilty in federal court on Nov. 30 to one count of attempting to enter or remain in a restricted building and on grounds while using a dangerous weapon. The weapon of choice, according to the agreement, was a forklift, which he also pleaded guilty to stealing. Leingang had also been charged with one count of attempting to damage government property, but that charge was dropped in the plea deal reported the Bismarck Tribune. U.S. Assistant States Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell said Leingang knew Trump was set to give a speech on tax reform at the Andeavor Mandan Refinery in Bismarck, North Dakota on Sept. 6, 2017. Prior to Trumps arrival, he stole a forklift in Mandan and entered the motorcade route. The intent was to basically try to get to the limo, flip the limo and get to the president, Russell said. He wanted to kill the president. But the plan failed after the forklift got stuck in a gated area. Leingang fled but was apprehended. He later admitted to the plan. From NTD News Window shopper along Fifth Ave. in New York on Dec. 24, 2016. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Principal Who Banned Christmas at Elementary School Wont Return to Position An elementary school principal in Nebraska who banned Christmas wont return to her position. The announcement was made by the Elkhorn Public Schools district on Jan. 14 in a statement sent to staff and families. Jennifer Sinclair sent a detailed memo (pdf) in late 2018 telling teachers at Manchester Elementary School they were forbidden from engaging in a number of Christmastime traditions, such as handing out candy canes. Historically, the shape is a J for Jesus, she said, without citing a source. The red is for the blood of Christ, and the white is a symbol of his resurrection. This would also include different colored candy canes, she added. She also banned Santa or Christmas items on worksheets, Christmas trees in classrooms, singing Christmas carols anywhere in the school, and playing Christmas music at all. Sinclair also wrote that teachers shouldnt assume that the family of a student celebrates Christmas in her explanation on why all Christmas ornaments were banned. According to the school district, Sinclar agreed with officials that she shouldnt return as principal of Manchester. Due to the level of attention that Dr. Sinclairs memo received, Dr. Sinclair and the District stand united that it is in the best interest of Manchester Elementary that she not resume the Principal position, Dr. Bary Habrock, superintendent of the Elkhorn Public Schools, wrote in the email sent to parents and staff, which was obtained by the Omaha World-Herald. Habrock said Sinclair stepped down as principal with a heavy heart and sadness but noted that she was not fired; she will be moved into a different position with the district. Elkhorn principal who issued controversial Christmas memo won't be returning to the grade school https://t.co/uIizvmFFb1 pic.twitter.com/weDOP62D9D KETV NewsWatch 7 (@KETV) January 15, 2019 And Habrock made clear that the district supported Sinclair, despite her unusual policy directive and a huge backlash from parents. The District would like to thank her for the high level of professionalism during this publicly difficult time, Habrock wrote. We support Dr. Sinclair as a leader and educator. The email was sent out after the Elkhorn Public Schools School Board voted unanimously to accept Sinclairs resignation, reported KETV. Sinclair had reportedly sent an apology to parents but has not commented publicly since the memo was made public. The directive was originally made public by the Liberty Counsel group, which advocates internationally for religious freedom. The nonprofit sent a letter to the superintendent of Elkhorn Public Schools asking for a lift of the Christmas ban, saying that it violated school district policy. The district later said that the memo did not violate district policy but initially said Sinclair had not consulted with any administrators before she issued the ban. Elkhorn principal who banned Christmas-related items leaves job https://t.co/wZhD3pMrrM pic.twitter.com/7rYh86Cv67 Omaha World-Herald (@OWHnews) January 15, 2019 Elkhorn Public Schools District administration promptly addressed the issue at Manchester Elementary School regarding the memo that was sent by the principal to Manchester elementary staff, a statement from the district said after Liberty Counsel published the memo. The memo does not reflect the policy of Elkhorn Public Schools regarding holiday symbols in the school. The District has since clarified expectations and provided further direction to staff in alignment with District policy. This issue was limited to Manchester Elementary School and did not arise at any other schools within the District. Liberty Counsel said it was pleased with the memo being reversed and said Sinclair should apologize. The First Amendment does not require elimination of Christmas. Nothing prohibits public schools from teaching objectively about Christmas or other holidays with religious significance, from displaying religious and secular Christmas symbols side-by-side or singing sacred and secular Christmas songs together, said Mat Staver, founder of the group. The First Amendment prohibits censorship based on religious viewpoint. This outrageous three-page memo by Principal Sinclair was not based on ignorance of the law but hatred toward Christianity and Christmas. Principal Sinclair should issue an apology to her teachers and staff. From NTD News The Huawei booth is seen during CES 2019 consumer electronics show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. on Jan. 10, 2019. (Robert LEVER/AFP/Getty Images) Polish Man Arrested Over Spying for China While Working in Government: WSJ WARSAWA former Polish security official arrested by Polish authorities has been charged with spying for China while still working for Polish government institutions, the Wall Street Journal reported on Jan. 15. Piotr Durbajlo, who was working for Orange Polska at the time of his arrest on Jan. 10, had previously worked for Polands Internal Security Agency and the Office of Electronic Communications, among other state institutions between 2000 and 2017, according to a LinkedIn profile in his name. Spokespeople from Polands national prosecutors office and security services declined to comment on the Journals report when contacted by Reuters. Reuters was not able immediately to determine the identity of Durbajlos lawyers. On Jan. 11, officials said Durbajlo was arrested along with Chinese national Weijing Wang, an executive of telecommunications equipment maker Huawei, on allegations of spying, in a move that fuels Western security concerns about the Chinese company. The officials did not disclose details of the alleged espionage. Both men heard charges in a Polish court last week. Polands government could consider limiting the use of Huawei products by public bodies in the wake of the arrests, a government official told Reuters on Sunday. Heightened Scrutiny Huawei has come under intense scrutiny in recent months as countries including Australia, New Zealand and Japan have followed U.S. moves against the company, citing security concerns. Canadian authorities in December arrested Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou at the behest of U.S. authorities as part of an investigation into alleged violations of U.S. trade sanctions, raising tensions with China at a time when Washington and Beijing are engaged in a broader trade war. The Wests security concerns surrounding Huawei, and fellow Chinese telecoms equipment firm ZTE Corp, center around Chinas National Intelligence Law. Approved in 2017, the law states that Chinese organizations and citizens shall, in accordance with the law, support, cooperate with, and collaborate in national intelligence work. This has sparked fears Huawei could be asked by the Chinese government to incorporate backdoors into their equipment that would allow Beijing access, for spying or sabotage purposes. Some experts also see a risk that Chinese intelligence may develop an ability to subvert Huaweis equipment. By Joanna Plucinska Paraphernalia for smoking and injecting drugs is seen after it was found during a police search on April 19, 2017, in Huntington, West Virginia. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images) Parents Charged in Fentanyl Overdose Death of 18-Month-Old in Michigan A Detroit-area couple have been charged in the Christmas Day death of their 18-month-old daughter who died of a drug overdose, according to prosecutors. Antonio Floyd, 28, and Shantanice Barksdale, 27, were charged in the December 25 death of Ava Floyd in Clinton Township, reported the Detroit Free Press. Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith told the Free Press that Ava ingested up to 15 times the dose of fentanyl that authorities have seen in the past 30 overdose deaths in Macomb County. On Monday the couple faced a judge and were both denied bond. WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit 2019114 The Macomb County Medical Examiners Office told police that Ava had an extraordinary level of the narcotic Fentanyl in her system at the time of death, according to a news release cited by the Free Press. Smith said it was the highest level of fentanyl the medical examiners office had ever seen in a persons system, let alone a young child. It was enough to kill several adults. Barksdale and Floyd were manufacturing drugs out of their Clinton Township home, said police. Detroit parents are charged with murder after their 18-month-old daughter died from fentanyl poisoning https://t.co/4MZ5DA0UCt Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) January 15, 2019 The toddler is believed to have ingested the fentanyl by drinking it, prosecutors allege. Smith noted the countrys opioid epidemic but stressed that to see an infant experience such a tragic death on Christmas morning as a result of ingesting a large quantity of her parents Fentanyl is truly gut-wrenching. Police said other children lived in the home, according to a Fox News report. This type of criminal behavior will be met with the full weight of this Prosecutors office, Smith said. On Christmas Day, Ava was discovered not breathing and transported to the St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren where doctors pronounced her dead, Macomb Daily reported. No signs of abuse or trauma were observed by hospital staff, said the report. Ava Floyd's parents are said to have been manufacturing the opioid at their home Metro US 2019115 On Jan. 10, police carried out search warrants on Avas grandmothers home and the Floyd and Barksdale home. Thats when they discovered evidence of the couples manufacturing and distributing drugs, Smith said. Other than second-degree murder, the couple was charged with manslaughter, delivery, and manufacturing of a controlled substance, second-degree child abuse, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony. LIVE: Arraignment for Mt. Clemens parents charged in the Christmas Day murder of 18-month old baby.https://bit.ly/2FzLprI WXYZ-TV Channel 7 2019114 Floyd, who is a convicted felon, was also charged with felon in possession of a weapon and felony firearm possession. Judge John Chmura ordered them to be jailed without bond, Macomb Daily reported. They are scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 22. Other details about the incident have not been provided by officials. Fentanyl is an extremely potent drug responsible for at least half of the opioid overdose deaths in the United States in 2017, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid pain reliever, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States, says the agency. Fentanyl Overdoses In August, President Donald Trump urged the Senate to pass a measure to stop synthetic opioid drugs such as fentanyl from being transported into the United States via the U.S. Postal Service system. It is outrageous that Poisonous Synthetic Heroin Fentanyl comes pouring into the U.S. Postal System from China, he wrote on Aug. 20. The shipment of fentanyl from China to the U.S. is almost a form of warfare, Trump said in August. In China, you have some pretty big companies sending that garbage and killing our people, Trump said at the time. More than 71,500 Americans have died of a drug overdose in 2017, according to data released the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majorityor least 68 percentof those deaths could be attributed to opioids such as fentanyl. [Chinese drug makers] have been using the internet to sell fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to drug traffickers and individual customers in the United States, said Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in a statement on Oct. 17, 2017. Watch Next: Anastasia LinThe Chinese Communist Party Does Not Represent The Chinese People South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks during a news conference at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, May 27, 2018. (Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji) Nippon Steel: South Korea Is Going Rogue South Korean government should take responsibility to avoid rift with Japan This is the second article in a series. The first is available here. On Oct. 30, 2018, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea (ROKSC) denied a final appeal by Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp., ordering the company to pay damages arising from forced-labor claims during Japanese colonial rule in the 1940s. This startling verdict set an alarming precedent for international business in South Korea, and deeply affected South Koreas relationship with Japan, the United States, and allied countries throughout Asia. New Developments There had been hope that South Korea might find a way to reassure the international business community and mitigate the impact of the Nippon Steel decision. However, recent events have dashed those hopes. On Nov. 28th, the ROKSC denied a final appeal by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in a similar case, ordering the company to pay more than $2 million to 28 plaintiffs. On Dec. 4, lawyers representing plaintiffs in the Nippon Steel case set a deadline of Dec. 24 for payment. After Nippon Steel refused, the Center for Historical Truth and Justice, a civic group bankrolling the lawsuits, announced on Christmas Day that they would move to seize Nippon Steels assets. On Jan. 9, following a court order, lawyers seized stock held by Nippon Steel in a joint venture with a South Korean company. On Jan. 10, South Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in, in response to the case, declared that Japanese companies such as Nippon Steel ought to be more humble. As with many Japanese corporations, much of Nippon Steels stock is owned by retired workers. On Jan. 12, the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea threatened to order asset seizures on the basis of forced-labor claims, unless Japan stopped demanding the return of dozens of Japanese citizens kidnapped in the 1960s and 70s. Settled by Treaty The issue of compensation for colonial-era forced labor was settled by a diplomatic agreement signed in 1965. Under that agreement, Japan paid $300 million to the ROK, along with $200 million in preferential loans. These payments [settled] completely and finally all outstanding claims for unpaid labor. Both sides agreed in 1965 that no contention shall be made regarding further claims. The 1965 agreement plainly and specifically discussed forced labor. In the agreed minutes, which covered the negotiations blow-by-blow and were signed by both sides, South Korean diplomats specifically, clearly, and unequivocally agreed that the agreement covered exactly the sort of claims raised in Nippon Steel. The ROKSC took pains to state many times, at great length, that the Japanese occupation of Korea was illegal. This is, legally, a total non-sequitur. The fact that conduct was illegal doesnt invalidate a settlement. If I negligently injure you and you file suit, we can settle. That settlement is legally binding, even though my negligent actions were in violation of tort law. Dangerous Precedent There are significant procedural problems with the ruling in Nippon Steel. Businesses rely on reasonable restrictions to their liability. If I operate a coffee shop in New York and you file suit against me in Zimbabwe, its unreasonable to force me to fly to Harare. Not every defendant can (or should) be required to defend every case in every jurisdiction. Both Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy are headquartered in Japan. To force either company to defend a claim in Korea, plaintiffs should have to establish that the events giving rise to their claim took place within South Korean jurisdiction. The forced-labor claims in Nippon Steel concern events that took place in Japan. Plaintiffs should therefore sue where the events took placein Japan. The plaintiffs in both Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy apparently agreed because they already previously filed suit in Tokyo. In fact, the Japanese High Court has already heardand dismissedplaintiffs claims. The ROKSC should have dismissed suits out of hand in both Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy, based on this lack of personal jurisdiction. Instead, the ROKSC apparently believes that any corporation, from any country, can be held liable in the ROK for any actions its ever taken that involve the ROK in any wayeven if liability is explicitly precluded by treaty. A Path Forward Many have called for international arbitration of these disputes, and with some reason. The 1965 Agreement explicitly states that all disputes should be decided by a prescribed transnational panel. The ROK was, by binding transnational law, legally obligated to refer any issues to that panel. Unfortunately, even if the ROK agreed to international arbitration (and it should), and even if international arbiters ruled in favor of Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy (and they would), there is no guarantee that the ROKSC would recognize the verdict. Its evident that the ROKSC is willing to ignore binding international treaties in reaching its verdicts, even when the legal arguments are suspect. A ruling for Nippon Steel from the Hague could just be one more international treaty for the court to ignore. To counter this, and to reinforce the rule of law in South Korea, the ROK government should take action. Moon cant constitutionally overturn a decision of the ROKSC. Nor can the National Assembly, which is South Koreas parliament. In fact, Moon has already declined an offer by Japan to attend diplomatic talks in person. Moon cited separation of powers: Ss the judiciary is a separate branch, there is little that the executive can do. But there are other ways of addressing this issue that dont contravene separation of powers. Moon should ask the National Assembly to create a dedicated fund for forced-labor claims, which would compensate any international corporation that has losses because of asset seizures resulting from forced-labor suits. Creating such a fund would remove the economic incentive for international companies and investors to withdraw from South Korea. Firms would still have liability under the precedent set by Nippon Steel, but they could rely on the government to make them whole in the event of any tangible losses. Moreover, by creating a special fund, Moon would express his commitment to the 1965 agreement and to a forward-looking relationship with Japan and the United States. He would also reassure the international community that South Korea takes its diplomatic agreements seriously and respects the rule of law. The total claims resulting from Nippon Steel and Mitsubishi Heavy amount to a fraction of 1 percent of ROKs annual government spending. Such a small investment, for such clear diplomatic and strategic returns, is clearly justified. Cory Evans is an assistant professor at Baruch College, the City University of New York. His research focuses on Japanese law and diplomacy in East Asia. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. New US-Bound Migrant Caravan Swells to 2,000 A new migrant caravan that left for the United States this week, has already swelled to 2,000 people as the group makes its way north. The Honduras National Commission of Human Rights estimated that the caravan, which started with hundreds of people, swelled to about 2,000 by the afternoon of Jan. 15, reported Fox News. The latest caravan was organized by open-borders group Pueblos Sin Fronteras, which was believed by some to be behind the caravans that made it to northern Mexico in late 2018 before clashing with American Border Patrol agents. The group said that it expected the caravan to grow to 4,000 people. Bartolo Fuentes, an open socialist who took credit for the last caravans, was accompanying the new one. The last caravans, four in total, left weeks apart in some cases but coalesced in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, with about 6,000 people there at its peak. The waves of migrants devastated the citys budget, angered some locals, and ultimately forced officials to move the group away from the border to a more remote location. In the end, many of the members turned home after finding it more difficult than they realized to make it into the United States. Most caravan members described situations in interviews with news outlets that would not qualify for asylum, such as leaving their countries due to poverty. Most asylum claims in the United States arent granted by the end of the process. Ira Mehlman, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which supports tighter immigration enforcement, said the departure of a new caravan wasnt surprising considering the number of people helping organize them. Probably there are multiple parties involved, who have an interest in challenging the sovereign right of the United States to determine who can enter the country and under what circumstances, he said. You have opportunists and you have people who, understandably, want to come to the United States. President Donald Trump noted the formation of the newest caravan, which has already crossed into Guatemala, reacting on Twitter. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2019 .@DHSgov is closely monitoring the new caravan heading north. To be clear participation in a caravan does not grant you a special status or provide you special treatment. Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) January 16, 2019 A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy [Pelosi] and Chuck [Schumer] that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown! he said. Polls are now showing that people are beginning to understand the Humanitarian Crisis and Crime at the Border. Numbers are going up fast, over 50%. Democrats will soon be known as the Party of Crime. Ridiculous that they dont want Border Security! he added soon after. Trump and the Democrats are in a standoff over funding for about a quarter of the federal government; the president refuses to sign appropriations that dont include funding for the border wall. He has requested $5.7 billion. Democrats have refused to approve any such funding, leaving an impasse that has resulted in the longest partial government shutdown in history. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristjen Nielsen also announced that American officials would be keeping a close eye on the caravan. DHS is closely monitoring the new caravan heading north. To be clear participation in a caravan does not grant you a special status or provide you special treatment, she said. From NTD News New Migrant Caravan Departs, Headed for United States A new migrant caravan left Honduras late on Jan. 14 as another wave of migrants tries to make it to the United States to claim asylum or illegally cross the border and disappear into the country. Thousands of migrants worked their way through Central America and Mexico to reach the U.S.-Mexico border in 2018, resulting in multiple clashes with American Border Patrol agents. Some migrants snuck into the United States while others waited and entered through official entrances to claim asylum. Still, others turned back home or were deported by Mexico or the United States. The first group in the new caravan left San Pedro Sulas bus station Monday night, taking buses headed to the Honduras-Guatemala border. Others trudged along on foot under a steady rain. More left on Tuesday morning. Honduran media reported that the countrys authorities had reinforced the border with Guatemala to make sure everyone had proper documentation. Children must carry passports and written parental authorization to leave the country, and parents could face up to three years in prison if found to be taking a child without the right documents, Security Minister Julian Pacheco was quoted as saying. Jenny Arguello, a migrant rights activist who was with the caravan, said police patrols were not blocking them but were checking IDs. Bartolo Fuentes, who helped organize the previous migrant caravan, was also among those accompanying the new caravan. He claimed that violence in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala prompt people to leave for the United States. The few migrants quoted in news articles cited gang violence and poverty as the impetus to try to go to the United States; neither are accepted conditions under Americas asylum rules. Im determined to find a good job in the United States, 24-year-old caravan member Darwin Perez told Reuters. Standoff Over Border The continuing waves of migrants to the United States has bolstered U.S. President Donald Trumps case for a southern border wall, especially after the last migrant caravans reached the border despite many media outlets claiming for weeks that they either might not reach the border or that the caravan would dwindle in size. But 6,000 or more migrants poured into Tijuana, a Mexican border city, triggering protests from locals and heavy law enforcement presence. Sickness and disease broke out and streets were strewn in trash from the migrants. On Nov. 25, 2018, a mob of migrants tried storming the United States border, attempting to overwhelm American Border Patrol agents, but most were turned back by the barrier there and tear gas that the agents fired. Eventually, the group was moved away from the border. Some began trickling across the border in small groups while others stayed in Mexico near the border. More than 7,000 others returned to Honduras, Honduran officials told Reuters. Trump said in December 2018 that he wouldnt approve funding for part of the U.S. government unless it included money for the border wall, citing a humanitarian crisis as unprecedented numbers of family units cross into the country. He also noted that many migrants are preyed upon as they journey to the United States, raped, extorted, and even killed. Democrats, with a new majority in the House, have refused to pass any funding for the wall, leading to the current impasse that has seen the government partially shut down since before Christmas. A scheduled lunch meeting on Tuesday was boycotted by Democrats while Trump continues threatening to declare a national emergency as illegal aliens breach the border and undermine U.S. sovereignty. Democrats, on the other hand, said that a wall is unnecessary but that funding should focus on upgraded technology. They havent specified what technology would prevent groups of migrants from breaching the border. The Associated Press contributed to this report. From NTD.com Man With Hammer Kills Chef, Injures Two Others at New York City Restaurant A man wielding a hammer burst into a restaurant in New York City on Jan. 15, killing a chef and leaving two others critically injured. The attacker, who has not been identified, walked into the Seaport Buffet in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn, near Coney Island, just after 5 p.m. He first attacked the 60-year-old owner of the establishment before moving into the back of the restaurant and hitting the chef and a 50-year-old worker. All three were rushed to a nearby hospital where the chef, identified as Fufai Pun, 34, was declared dead. Customers Flee Samantha Randazzo, the owner of Randazzos Clam Bar, which is next to the buffet, said that customers fled from the buffet into her restaurant. A couple of people, customers from the restaurant, came in here, and we let them in and they said a guy came in crazy with a hammer and started hammering certain people, random people, Randazzo told NBC 4. She said a worker from the buffet also came running in to warn them about what was happening. The guy said he was just screaming crazy words, like, Im killing everybody, world is hell,' she said. Just screaming crazy things. I heard a bunch of people screaming: Hes killing people! Lock all the doors! she added to the New York Post. She said that she and her workers tried helping people out but were afraid to leave Randazzos because they didnt know where the man with the hammer was. We tried helping people who were trying to come in, customers, but we were scared to even walk out, she told NBC 4. We didnt know where he was. Just Went Crazy No description of the suspect has circulated but Randazzo told WABC that witnesses described what he was wearing. They said he went in a city uniform and he came in and just went crazy, she said. Blood was spattered around the buffet after the attack, a police source told the Post. This was a grisly murder scene. A serious amount of blood was spilled, the source said. It sucks. These guys were just working and this [expletive] comes in. A customer said that the man who was attacked besides the chef and owner was a Chinese man. I saw the Chinese guy, waiter, he was walking by this all bleeding. He hold his head, his two hands, and he fell by the door, the customer told CBS. Its very freaking scary, added Randazzos employee Elena Randazzo. A random hammer attack inside a Brooklyn restaurant left one man dead and two others critically hurt. Sources tell CBS2 the suspect burst inside during the dinner rush and started randomly striking employees. @BurrellTV reports: https://t.co/3sdbPzYfAm CBS New York (@CBSNewYork) January 16, 2019 Witnesses said they locked the door to the restaurant so no one could get in. We were like. Oh my God. Hes running around, lock the door and thats what we did. We locked the door because we didnt know where he was. Nobody was getting in the restaurant, one witness told NY1. He seemed to be not normal, sick you know? He needs help, added another witness. The suspect, 34, was tracked down several blocks away and arrested. Investigators said he will undergo a psychiatric evaluation and that the attack appears unprovoked. It was unprovoked. It appears random. He is an emotionally disturbed person, a police source told the New York Daily News. No charges have been laid as yet. From NTD News Jayme Closs, a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl, went missing on Oct. 15, 2018. She was found on Jan. 10, 2019. (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) Jayme Closs Rescued Herself, Adults Who Helped Her Say as They Decline Reward Money The couple who helped Jayme Closs after the 13-year-old escaped captivity said that the girl herself should get the reward money offered in her case. Officials were offering $50,000 for tips that led to Jayme being found. Peter and Kristin Kasinskas, two of the three Gordon, Wisconsin, residents who aided Jayme after she fled from the cabin where she was kept on Jan. 10, said they hadnt been offered the reward. But, Peter Kasinskas added, they dont want it even if it was available. If anyone should get it, he told The Associated Press, it should be Jayme because she got herself out. Milwaukee FBI spokesman Leonard Peace said on Jan. 15 that the reward remains under review, and Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said his office is working with the FBI on the reward. The FBI offered $25,000 and Jennie-O Turkey Store, which employed Jaymes parents, Denise and James Closs, added $25,000 more. Shortly after Jayme was found safe, Fitzgerald said that Jayme showed incredible initiative. Jayme was the hero in the case. Jayme was the champion that finally said enough is enough, he said at a press conference the day after Jayme had been found. We cant be more proud of Jayme. Missing Girl Found Safe Jayme stunned the Gordon community by appearing on Thursday near a wooded area, appealing to Joanne Nutter, a woman walking her dog and asking for help. Nutter took the girl to the Kasinskas home because her she feared her own was too close to that of Jake Patterson, who authorities said has confessed to kidnapping Jayme after killing her parents at their Barron home. Hi, I have a young lady at my house right now and she says her name is Jayme Closs, Kristin Kasinskas told the dispatcher in the 911 call after Jayme was settled in her house. As Peter Kasinskas guarded the door with a gun, Kasinskas and Nutter spoke with the dispatcher for about 30 minutes until authorities arrived at the remote area. I was walking my dog and we were almost home and shes walking toward me crying saying, You gotta help me, you gotta help me, Nutter told the dispatcher. And I didnt want to go into my cabin because its too close to Pattersons house. She added, His name is Jake Thomas Patterson and apparently his house is two doors down from our cabin, so were kind of scared because he might come. Patterson Grandfather Says Family Had No Idea The grandfather said the family had no idea that he had kidnapped a girl and had held her for months at the cabin in Gordon. Nobody had any clues up until this thing happened, Jim Moyer told ABC following Jaymes escape from captivity on Jan. 10. Nobody will ever know what went on in his mind, said Moyer. I cant fathom anything in his life that could change him so drastically. It has to be some kind of a twist in the mindset. Patterson was charged with two counts of intentional homicide and one count of kidnapping. Moyer said his grandson was a nice boy, polite, who was shy and quiet and prioritized computer games over social interactions. Moyer first heard that his grandson had been accused of kidnapping and imprisoning the girl via a phone call from his daughter. He said the family was shocked. We are absolutely heartbroken, Moyer said. Its wrenching to deal with. They initially hoped it was a case of mistaken identity, but Patterson confessed to the killings and kidnapping. From NTD News Rep. Elliot Engel (D-N.Y.) speaks during a news conference discussing new legislation on U.S. policy toward Russia on Capitol Hill in Washington, on April 5, 2017. Also pictured is Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.). (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Americans Killed in ISIS-Claimed Syria Attack Weeks After House Terrorism Panel Abolished The deadly suicide attack that killed four Americans, including two U.S. service members, in Syria on Jan. 16, comes about two weeks after new House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) abolished a key subcommittee on terrorism. The ISIS terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack. Engels first official act as chairman on Jan. 3, when Democrats officially regained the House majority, was replacing the terrorism subcommittee with one focused on investigating President Donald Trump. Engel justified the move because there wasnt a great clamor to continue the terrorism panel, formerly known officially as the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Proliferation, and Trade. It was one of the panels busiest subcommittees under Engels predecessor, Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.). We just thought, if were going to do something relevant in this era where Congress is going to reassert itself, where there are so many questionable activities of this administration vis-a-vis foreign policy, that it made sense to have this, Engel told The New Yorker. Engel characterized investigating Trump as indispensable to the foreign-policy concerns of the day, including what he called the presidents hard-to-fathom Russia tilt and Trump relatives pursuit of business deals in the Middle East. Engels committee spokesman, Tim Mulvey, was unavailable for comment early Jan. 16, but analysts told The Epoch Times the ISIS attack demonstrates anew that the terrorist threat to the United States remains real. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), the committees ranking minority member, said: todays deadly bombing targeting our troops in Syria is a reminder that ISIS still has the capacity to carry out attacks. He also urged Trump not to remove U.S. troops from Syria, as the president recently decided to do. McCaul has also strongly urged Engel to reconsider the terrorism subcommittee decision, according to a senior congressional aide who asked not to be identified. Other terrorism experts also urged Engel to rethink the action. It kind of plays into a fear I already had, which was that because this territory has been taken back from ISIS in Syria and because we havent had a kind of catastrophic attack in the West since Barcelona in 2017 is that we think all of a sudden that we dont need to pay as much attention to it, that we can move on, Robin Simcox told The Epoch Times. Simcox is the Margaret Thatcher Fellow at the Heritage Foundations Davis Institute on National Security and Foreign Policy. He specializes in terrorism and national-security issues. Simcox questioned the wisdom of Engels decision, saying one thing we can say weve not had a lack of in D.C. in the last couple of years is a focus on Trump and his connections to Russia its a topic almost of national obsession. The idea that we should focus more on that seems to me odd, to say the least. The Heritage analyst pointed to the Syria attack as evidence that ISIS and al Qaeda, the radical Islamic terrorist group behind the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, are still going to be a great concern to us for many years to come. The ideology that animates these terrorist groups is going to be a great concern and now is not the time for more domestic navel-gazing. Committees like the terrorism subcommittee exist because a conversation is needed on what does the terrorism threat look like in one years time, in five years time, in 10 years time and how do we need to prepare for that, Simcox continued. Robert Spencer, the founder of Jihad Watch, an advocacy group that documents Islamic terrorism, told The Epoch Times he doubts Engel will change course on the abolished subcommittee as a result of the U.S. bloodshed in Syria. No jihad terror attacks, or even a proliferation of jihad terror attacks, will convince Eliot Engel and his ilk that jihad terror is a problem that must be addressed, Spencer said. The foreign affairs chairman, like other Democratic leaders, Spencer said, is focused mono-maniacally on destroying Trump. Every other issue must take a back seat to that. But Engel claims his committee can continue to devote needed attention to terrorism, telling Fox News Friday that of course the committee will still deal with the threat of terrorism. In fact, were expanding the jurisdiction of our subcommittees for different parts of the world to include terrorism so theyre better able to grapple with this problem with a regional focus. Huawei Founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei gestures as he attends a session of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting on Jan. 22, 2015 in Davos. (AFP photp/ Fabrice Coffrini) Huawei CEO Breaks Silence, Says Company Doesnt Spy for China Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei, in a rare public appearance following the arrest of his daughter in Canada, said his company has never spied for the Chinese government, the Financial Times reported. No law in China requires any company to install mandatory backdoors, Ren said, in his first public comments in years, during an interview with reporters in the Chinese city of Shenzhen on Jan. 15. Huawei, and myself, have never received any request from any government to provide [improper] information. The normally reclusive Rens public comments come as the Chinese telecoms giant battles several controversies. Meng Wanzhou, who is Rens daughter and the chief financial officer of Huawei, is facing extradition to the United States, where prosecutors allege that she violated U.S. sanctions against Iran by misleading banks about the companys dealings in the Middle Eastern country. Huawei has also been banned from several countries markets due to security concerns, while an employee was arrested on spying allegations in Poland this past weekend, along with a former Polish security official. Ren, a former army engineer and current Communist Party member, said his company would not answer to requests from the Chinese regime to hand over information, the Wall Street Journal reported. Ren didnt provide details about how the company would resist requests from the government. But under Chinas national security laws, all companies operating in the country are required to grant authorities control of its data if asked. The concept of national security is expansively defined to cover threats to the Chinese Communist Partys authoritarian control, including opinions critical of the Party. Huawei, the worlds largest producer of telecommunications equipment, has been under heightened scrutiny in the West over its close relationship with the Chinese regime and allegations that its products could be used by Beijing for spyingan allegation it has denied. The company has effectively been excluded from the U.S. market since a 2012 congressional report sounded the alarm that the companys products could pose a security threat. Last August, the United States banned government agencies from using or purchasing equipment from Huawei and its domestic competitor ZTE. President Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would also ban U.S. companies from doing so. In a November report, The Australian news outlet cited secret Australian intelligence reports that confirmed Huawei had turned over passwords and access details to Chinas intelligence services to allow them access to a foreign network, although not an Australian one, a source said. Last year, Australia and New Zealand banned Huawei from providing technology for their 5G networks, citing security risks. Japan also barred its government agencies from purchasing Huawei technology. In the UK, the nations largest telecommunications company BT said in December 2018 that it wouldnt use Huawei to develop its 5G network, and it would also remove Huawei gear from the core of its existing 4G and 3G networks. Canada is also currently reviewing whether the companys equipment represents a national security risk. Most recently, Poland said Jan. 13 it may consider banning the use of Huawei products by public bodies, after the arrest of the Chinese Huawei official. Reuters contributed to this report. A Homeland Security police vehicle is parked outside the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, on Nov. 13, 2018. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Homeland Security Ready to Protect Trumps State of Union Despite Pelosi Claim The Department of Homeland Security said that security officers are prepared to protect President Donald Trump and lawmakers during the presidents upcoming State of the Union address, hitting back at Democrat leaders who claimed that security would be lacking due to the partial government shutdown. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), the most visible Democrat of late and ostensibly the leader of the party at the moment, kicked off the latest back-and-forth by releasing a letter she wrote to the president, asking him to reschedule the address or deliver it in writing if the partial government shutdown continues. The speech is scheduled for Jan. 29. Funding for about 25 percent of the government is being held up as Trump and Pelosi, and their respective parties, try to negotiate a deal. Trump has demanded the inclusion of funding for the southern border wall but Pelosi said she wouldnt give him more than $1. Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing, Pelosi wrote in the letter (pdf). She said that the concerns stemmed from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Secret Service being part of the government thats not getting funding. But DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen responded later on Wednesday, saying the security would be adequate. The Department of Homeland Security and the US Secret Service are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union. We thank the Service for their mission focus and dedication and for all they do each day to secure our homeland, Nielsen said in a statement. The Department of Homeland Security and the US Secret Service are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union. We thank the Service for their mission focus and dedication and for all they do each day to secure our homeland. Sec. Kirstjen Nielsen (@SecNielsen) January 16, 2019 Pelosis announcement created confusion among the Democratic ranks, with top Democrat Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) initially declaring that the State of the Union was officially off but later revising his claim. Mr. Hoyer had not read Speaker Pelosis letter and mischaracterized it, a spokeswoman for the House Majority Leader said. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va) was among those questioning the letter. A spokeswoman for Hoyer's office offers this after the interview: "Mr. Hoyer had not read Speaker Pelosis letter and mischaracterized it. https://t.co/eHaOj5DZBG Ashley Killough (@KilloughCNN) January 16, 2019 Im not sure what her intentions are. I have much respect for Speaker Pelosi, but I think this is a wrong approach to be taking right now, he said during an appearance on MSNBC. The approach by saying were going to shut this down and not have because of security. I think our staff, and I spoke to Capitol police, I think theyre still in place and theyre still getting paid. Other security officials said that theyve been planning for the event for months. Its a no-fail mission, one law enforcement official said. Weve been planning for this for months, as we always do. It didnt start up 29 days ago. Secret Service is fully ready to offer full protection during the #SOTU, a sr. law enforcement official tells @petewilliamsnbc. "It's a no-fail mission," the official says. Though USSS personnel are not being paid, the intelligence & protection functions are fully staffed. (1/2) Peter Alexander (@PeterAlexander) January 16, 2019 A senior DHS official tells me that Speaker Pelosis claim regarding security concerns surrounding the State of the Union during a shutdown has zero credibility It is a serious event but one we can handle. Elizabeth Landers (@ElizLanders) January 16, 2019 Another Department of Homeland Security official said that Pelosis claims have zero credibility. It is a serious event but one we can handle, the official said. President Trump has not responded to the issue. Apart from Nielsen, no one from the White House has officially responded to the letter. From NTD News Has Spying Compromised the Separation of Powers and Liberty? Commentary Founding Father James Madison informs us in Federalist 51 that the separation of powers to a certain extent is admitted on all hands to be essential to the preservation of liberty. The checks and balances intended by having three branches of government, and the federalism dichotomy between a national government and the states, were brilliant developments in protecting liberty by compartmentalizing governing powers. Most Americans can easily identify the three branches of government. Three principals, however, actually wield power under the Constitution: the federal government, states, and We the People. Only the first two of those principals are directly regulated by the Constitution, which the fourth chief justice of our Supreme Court, John Marshall, described in a separation-of-powers case as our fundamental and paramount law. The Constitution, to say it another way, is the law that governs government itself. The extra safeguard of a Bill of Rights was added to this paramount law that governs government at the insistence of some of the Foundersin case the structural protections of liberty werent enough. Those safeguards, as with all laws, need some form of remedies or consequences for violations in order to give those laws teeth. So, what happens to this paramount legal structure when one adds in the phenomenon known as the administrative state, that collection of alphabet soup-named agencies that wield extraordinary amounts of power, or the more sinister-sounding deep state, some of whose members even deny its very existence? Also, what are the larger consequences to liberty when agents within the administrative or deep states are able to operate relatively free from consequences for unconstitutional overreach, lawlessness, and outright lawbreaking? It now seems we have unaccountable, even gangster, government peering into Americans computers, in ways designed to compromise these checks on government power. Spying In 2017, reporters wrote about one of the more dangerous, if not sinister, scenarios of clandestine breaches into the separation of powers, focusing on whistleblower claims made by former CIA and National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Dennis Montgomery. The story focuses on Montgomerys claims that a surveillance program he developed for spying on foreign enemies has been used to infiltrate computers of federal judges and other Americans. The notion of the U.S. governments spying on Americans by hacking computers and cell phones isnt new. In May 2016, Kim Zetter, writing at Wired.com, claimed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a long history of surreptitiously hacking us, going back two decades, yet little is known about the invasive tools the bureau, and other law enforcement agencies, use or how they use them. As to the evidence Montgomery found, he handed that over to the Department of Justice (DOJ), where apparently it has been buried. He filed a lawsuit against the likes of former FBI Director James Comey and others for violations of First and Fourth Amendment rights, as well as common law tort claims for conversion and fraudulent misrepresentation. The concept of spying or otherwise using search powers to compromise Americans and government officials is nothing new. In her brilliant law review article, The Original Fourth Amendment, Georgetown University Law professor Laura Donohue writes: The Founding generation voiced concerns about the harms that could ensue from giving the government access to information and thus providing officials with the power to head off political or religious opposition. Information obtained could be used to embarrass citizens or to harm their relationships with others. Even when innocent in itself, information could be combined to make it look as though an individual were engaged in illegal activity. Structural harms could also follow, with the targeting of the other branches personnel, or of state and local leaders, undermining the separation of powers and federalism. The Founders purposes for the Fourth Amendment, of course, werent merely concerns about compromising public officials in ways that harm the separation of powers. They were very familiar with attempts by the English Crown to invade and search the private papers of those who wrote and published criticisms of the government and public officials. The Fourth Amendment, you see, provides a shield for other liberties of We the People. The invasion of the home and private papers of the publisher of The Monitor was addressed in the landmark case of Entick v. Carrington from 1765. English Chief Justice Pratt ruled against the search of John Enticks private papers, and the jury awarded monetary damages against the governments agent, Nathan Carrington, for trespass even though he had a warrant issued by the Earl of Halifax, who was the English Secretary of State. A New Fight A modern, digital-age case reminiscent of what was happening in 1765 is Attkisson v. Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation, scheduled for oral argument before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Jan. 29. Sharyl Attkisson, the multiple award-winning investigative reporter and now host of TVs Full Measure, was a thorn in the side of the Obama administration, writing stories the administration and its Attorney General Eric Holder didnt want reported. Instead of an open search, like that used against the Crowns critic John Entick, this time, the government used proprietary government hacking programs to invade Attkissons home and business computers. Attkisson has clear forensic evidence of the governments hacking, but the DOJ has fought her discovery efforts to uncover which officials were involved, and why they should have immunity from punishment for their lawbreaking. Amazingly, no reporters rights or civil liberties legal groups have offered to assist Attkisson, who is at a huge financial disadvantage against the DOJs vast resources and swarms of lawyers used to weigh down We the People in litigation against government lawbreaking. So, two dozen leaders across ideologies and professions (including myself) set up the Sharyl Attkisson 4th Am Litigation GoFundMe page to raise money for her to pursue this hugely important case, which will help protect all of us. One cannot understate the dangers to freedom when the deep state turns its open or clandestine search weapons on Americans in ways that instill fear and compromise our ability to hold lawless or gangster government accountable. These litigation efforts are essential to exposing and eventually remedying such dangers. Mark J. Fitzgibbons is president of corporate affairs at American Target Advertising Inc., Americas oldest and largest conservative direct marketing and fundraising agency. He is one of the countrys leading experts in fundraising law and policy, and an expert in Fourth Amendment law. Watch next: 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. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. This artists impression shows the first interstellar asteroid: `Oumuamua. This unique object was discovered on Oct. 19, 2017, by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawai`i. Subsequent observations from ESOs Very Large Telescope in Chile and other observatories around the world show that it was travelling through space for millions of years before its chance encounter with our star system. (European Southern Observatory/M. Kornmesser) Harvard Professor Defends Claim Interstellar Object Might Be Extraterrestrial Probe: Report Harvard University Astronomy Department chair Avi Loeb has defended his hypothesis that a strange objectthe Oumuamuafound in the solar system might be an alien probe. As soon as we leave the solar system, I believe we will see a great deal of traffic out there, Loeb told Israeli newspaper Haaretz. Possibly well get a message that says, Welcome to the interstellar club. Or well discover multiple dead civilizationsthat is, well find their remains. Loeb, 56, and fellow researcher Shmuel Bialy published a paper a few weeks ago speculation that the object isnt a comet or asteroid. Due to its strange trajectory, it might be an artificial light sail. According to the report, the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence checked to see if the object emitted any radio messages or frequencies. However, none were found. Loeb said he isnt discouraged by the finding. I dont care what people say, he told the newspaper. I say what I think, and if the broad public takes an interest in what I say, thats a welcome result as far as Im concerned, but an indirect result. Science isnt like politics: It is not based on popularity polls. He elaborated further on his hypothesis, which will likely draw more controversy in the astronomy community. We have no way of knowing whether its active technology, or a spaceship that is no longer operative and is continuing to float in space, the newspaper quoted him as saying. But if Oumuamua was created together with a whole population of similar objects that were launched randomly, the fact that we discovered it means that its creators launched a quadrillion probes like it to every star in the Milky Way. Loeb said he thinks the universe is littered with alien debris. The Head of Astronomy at Harvard asserting that Oumuamua was a non-human solar sail. Great read that reflects on both (1) the lack of academic freedom with which most scientists work (2) further evidence that we haven't passed the Great Filter yet https://t.co/z3NdIJHVtA Saam Motamedi (@saammotamedi) January 12, 2019 Our approach should be an archaeological one, he added. In the same way we dig in the ground to find cultures that no longer exist, we must dig in space in order to discover civilizations that existed outside the planet Earth. In November, the physicist and astronomer who discovered the Oumuamua, the first interstellar object ever discovered in the solar system, said a theory that the object is a lightsail of artificial origin is wild speculation. A study from the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics released this month suggested the 1,300-foot-long object might be a lightsail. 1st Interstellar Visitor 'Oumuamua Is Actually Not That Special https://t.co/2q9iVCN5vi pic.twitter.com/WAH8Bw56b7 #FineDayForScience (@Space_Analysis) January 16, 2019 Theres a maximum speed that you can be traveling to be bound gravitationally by the sun, astronomer Robert Weryk told the CBC. When we first saw this object, it was traveling faster than that, so we know for a fact that its from outside our solar system. We decided that it was a comet that had a bit of outgassing that wasnt visible from the ground, which is why it didnt appear to be a comet. People are evacuated by a member of security forces at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Reuters/Baz Ratner) 7 Killed in Kenya Hotel Compound Attack Claimed by Somali Terrorist Group NAIROBI, KenyaGunmen blasted their way into a hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday, Jan. 15, killing at least seven people and sending workers diving under desks from an attack claimed by Somali terrorist group al Shabaab. Police warned the terror attack, which echoed a 2013 assault on a Nairobi shopping center, may be ongoing, with assailants still inside the upscale 14 Riverside Drive complex. Nairobi is a major expatriate hub, and the compound that was attacked contains offices of various international companies. The main door of the hotel was blown open and there was a human arm in the street severed from the shoulder, said Serge Medic, the Swiss owner of a security company who ran to the scene to help when he heard of the attack from his taxi driver. Medic, who was armed, entered the building with a policeman and two soldiers, but they came under fire and retreated. An unexploded grenade lay in the lobby. One man said he saw two armed men with scarves on their head and bandoliers of bullets, Medic told Reuters, as gunfire echoed in the background. Kenya has often been targeted by al Shabaab, whose members killed 67 people at the Westgate shopping center in 2013 and nearly 150 students at Garissa University in 2015. An Al Shabaab spokesperson said its attacks are revenge for Kenyan troops stationed inside Somalia, which has been riven by civil war since 1991. More than three hours after Tuesdays attack began, small groups of workers were still being taken out by officers escorting them to armored vehicles. Foreign security advisors on the site scrambled to make sure their clients were safe. Gunfire and Explosions Kenyan police Chief Joseph Boinnet said the attack began with an explosion targeting cars followed by a detonation from a suicide bomber. As he spoke, a Reuters reporter on the scene reported heavy gunfire then an explosion shortly afterwards. At least seven people were killed and eight wounded, hospital officials and witnesses told Reuters. A woman shot in the leg was carried out and three men emerged covered in blood. Some office workers climbed out of windows. Many told Reuters that they had to leave colleagues behind, still huddled under their desks. Theres a grenade in the bathroom, one officer yelled as police rushed out from one building. We heard a loud bang from something that was thrown inside. Then I saw shattered glass, Geoffrey Otieno, who works at a beauty salon in the complex, told Reuters. We hid until we were rescued. International Companies Al Shabaab, which wants to overthrow the weak, U.N.-backed Somali government and impose strict Islamic law, quickly claimed responsibility. We are behind the attack in Nairobi. The operation is going on, Abdiasis Abu Musab, the groups military operations spokesman, told Reuters by telephone in Somalia. According to its website, 14 Riverside is home to local offices of several international companies. Kenya is a base for hundreds of diplomats, aid workers, businessmen, and others operating around east Africa. The Australian embassy is across the road from the compound. I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives, a woman working in a bank in the complex said, adding she heard two explosions. Kenyan television featured appeals for blood from local hospitals and showed police cordoning off the route to ensure vehicles could move quickly. Red Cross ambulances ferried victims away. Kenyan troops, concentrated in south Somalia, originally went into Somalia to try to create a buffer zone along the border. They are now part of an African Union peacekeeping force. By George Obulutsa and Baz Ratnera Jake Thomas Patterson, of the Town of Gordon, Wis., who has been jailed on kidnapping and homicide charges in the October 2018 killing of a Wisconsin couple and abduction of their teen daughter, Jayme Closs. Closs was found alive Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, in the Town of Gordon. (Barron County Sheriff's Department via AP) Grandfather of Jayme Closs Kidnapping Suspect Says Family Had No Idea The grandfather of Jake Patterson, the 21-year-old Wisconsin man accused of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs after killing her parents, said the family of the alleged kidnapper had no idea what had happened. Nobody had any clues up until this thing happened, Jim Moyer told ABC following Closss escape from captivity on Jan. 10. Nobody will ever know what went on in his mind, said Moyer. I cant fathom anything in his life that could change him so drastically. It has to be some kind of a twist in the mindset. He said his grandson was a nice boy, polite, who was shy and quiet and prioritized computer games over social interactions. Moyer first heard that his grandson was accused of kidnapping and imprisoning the girl via a phone call from his daughter. He said the family was shocked. We are absolutely heartbroken, Moyer said. Its wrenching to deal with. They initially hoped it was a case of mistaken identity, but Patterson confessed to killing James and Denise Closs on Oct. 15, 2018, before kidnapping Jayme and holding her in his cabin in Gordon until she escaped. Patrick Patterson, the mans father, said that he was passing along a note to the Closs family when he was spotted at the Barron County Justice Center on Tuesday. All I care about right now is Jaymes family. I want to get them a note, Patterson told CNN, declining to provide more details about the letter. Patterson was in the courtroom on Monday when his son was arraigned. Jake Patterson attended via video conference and was formally charged with two counts of murder and one count of kidnapping. His father wept with his head buried in the shoulder of a relative sitting next to him, while Closss family stayed calm, embracing each other on the other side of the courtroom. Patterson Chose to Kidnap Closs Patterson said that he chose to kidnap Closs after spotting her boarding a school bus. In October, Patterson worked for two days at a cheese factory in Barron that was also the workplace of James and Denise Closs, parents to Jayme. He told authorities, according to the criminal complaint, which was published by the Green Bay Press-Gazette, that he spotted the girl when he stopped behind a school bus in Barron County and watched her board the vehicle. The defendant stated he had no idea who she was nor did he know who lived at the house or how many people lived at the house, the complaint read. The defendant stated, when he saw (Jayme), he knew that was the girl he was going to take. He drove to the house twice with the intention of grabbing Jayme but was stymied each time. The third time, he shot through the front door, killing James Closs, and found Denise and Jayme Closs in the bathroom. He shot Denise Closs and restrained Jayme, throwing her into his trunk. Patterson drove her about an hours drive away to the cabin in Gordon and told Closs that nobody was to know she was there or bad things would happen to her. When friends or family members visited him in the coming months, he would hide her under his bed and block her in with stacked totes and laundry bins with weights holding them in place. Closs finally escaped on Thursday after Patterson once again made her get under his bed and informed her he was going to be gone five or six hours. She waited until he left then pushed some bins away, crawled out, put on a pair of his shoes, and fled the house. Police officers found him a short time later driving around the area and arrested him based on the description conveyed to them by the girl. I know what this is about, he told officers. I did it. From NTD News Julian Castro (L) announces his candidacy for president in 2020 at Plaza Guadalupe in San Antonio, Texas on Jan. 12, 2019. Representative Tulsi Gabbard (R) speaks at the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 26, 2016. (Edward A. Ornelas/Getty Images; TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images) Gabbard, Castro Face Long Odds With 2020 White House Bids Members of the House of Representatives elected a presidentJohn Quincy Adams in the deadlocked 1824 contestbut only one sitting member of the lower chamber was ever elected to the Oval Office. Tragically, that one sitting member was James A. Garfield (R-Ohio), who was inaugurated in 1881 and then shot dead by an assassin within months. Such dismal facts point to the incredibly long odds facing one of the two Democrats who over the weekend joined the race for their partys 2020 presidential nomination. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Julian Castro of Texas are the second and third Democrats to announce presidential bids, being preceded by former Maryland Rep. John Delaney, who announced his candidacy in July 2017. On Dec. 31, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts announced she was forming an exploratory committee for a presidential run. Castro, who made his candidacy official Jan. 12, is somewhat more visible than Gabbard, having served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Barack Obama from 2014-2017. His twin brother, Joaquin, represents a Texas district in Congress. Prior to President Donald Trumps election in 2016, Castro was viewed in many quarters as a rising star in Democratic ranks, a status that was enhanced by being the youngest-ever HUD secretary and the youngest member of Obamas cabinet. Castro may also be the lone Hispanic in what will be an extremely crowded field of Democrats yearning for their partys 2020 nomination. His HUD experience is both Castros chief claim to experience and his greatest weakness. His three years at HUD did little to fix one of the federal governments worst managed departments. A 2018 Inspector General report noted HUD has been on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) list of departments at high risk of waste, fraud, and inefficiency since 1994. Castros other claim to fame is his tenure as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 until taking the HUD job in Washington. While the position commands high visibility, its actually a part-time job. San Antonio is a large and important city but the city manager does most of the day-to-day management of the city, Texas Republican political consultant Matt Mackowiak told The Epoch Times. Castros major accomplishment, an aspirational visioning program for the citys future, known as SA2020, was mostly a collection of goals and ideas. Still, as liberal media site Vox wrote in 2016, Its fine to have a part-time job, but it doesnt really prepare you for the presidency. Gabbard is the first woman to announce, but several likely major first-tier 2020 candidates are also women, including Warren and Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Kamala Harris of California. The Hawaii Democrat had something of a reputation as an independent voice among House Democrats before she began serious preparations for the White House campaign she announced Jan. 11. She served in a combat zone in Iraq as a member of a Hawaii National Guard medical unit in 2004. She is the first Samoan-American to be elected to Congress. She follows the Hindu religion. Gabbards biggest obstacle to winning the White House appears to be a 2017 meeting she had with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and her vocal opposition to U.S. efforts to remove him. She was subsequently branded as Assads mouthpiece in Washington by Washington Post columnist Josh Rogin. Assad has launched chemical-weapons attacks on opponents in his countrys civil war, and he has allowed Russia to establish military bases in Syria for air and ground military forces working with the Syrian regime. Gabbards independence is evident in her support for religious freedom. In an op-ed in The Hill, she accused fellow Democrats of religion baiting for their opposition to a Catholic nominee by Trump for a federal judgeship, and also called out Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) by name for telling another Trump Catholic judicial nominee that the dogma lives loud within you. While acknowledging that Gabbard has been almost an independent Democrat in some ways, Mackowiak pointed out that she has changed her views on some social issues. He was referring to Gabbards support as a state legislator for a constitutional amendment to protect traditional marriage, but then in 2012, she reversed course and came out in favor of gay marriage. She said in her Jan. 11 announcement that she regrets the positions I took in the past on gay rights issues. Gabbard has been a consistent abortion supporter, gaining 100 percent ratings from both Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL). A former vice-chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Gabbard resigned in 2016 when she endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) for president. She has been a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus throughout her House tenure. Former PM Paul Martin Nominates Irwin Cotler for Nobel Peace Prize Cotler is one of the most important public consciences that we have, says Martin Former Canadian prime minister Paul Martin nominated Irwin Cotler for a Nobel Peace Prize in part because he believes the human rights lawyer to be one of the most important public consciences that we have. Pretty well anywhere you go in Canada or in the world where human rights are issues, you hear about Irwin Cotler, Martin said in an interview with The Epoch Times. Cotler was justice minister and attorney general in Martins Liberal government but is perhaps better known for his legal work in defending human rights and prisoners of conscience. He was very active against racism and hate, and he also quashed more wrongful convictions in a single year than any prior minister of justice. And thats what he did when he was in office. Outside of office, it was a long list of things, [including the] creation of the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, said Martin. His career is absolutely outstanding. Theres no doubt in my mind that he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Arguably Cotlers most notable achievement has been his work serving as legal counsel for prisoners of consciencepeople who are arrested for exercising their freedom of expression, religion, thought, and belief. Cotler has represented prisoners like Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Andrei Sakharov of the former Soviet Union, and believes it is of the utmost importance to uphold peoples freedoms and rights. Even while serving in Parliament, he took on human rights cases. His first political prisoner case was that of Ottawa professor and artist Kunlun Zhang in 2000. A practitioner of the Falun Gong spiritual discipline, Zhang was arrested while visiting China and imprisoned for his beliefs. Thanks to Cotlers efforts, Zhang was eventually released. He also worked to have Falun Gong practitioner Shenli Lin, husband of Canadian citizen Jinyu Li, released from prison in China in 2002. Those who are free can go on, and have gone on, to make an enormous contribution, not only to the society of which they are a part, but sometimes in utterly transforming that society, Cotler said in an interview. Two political prisoners Cotler helped release support his nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Natan Sharansky was a political prisoner in the former Soviet Union, and Cotler played a central role in his release. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, professor at the American University in Cairo, was jailed in Egypt under Hosni Mubaraks regime. Cotler had to win an acquittal in the case three times, even studying the Egyptian constitution and criminal laws to write a brief to Egypts highest court of appeals. His arguments in my case, which included 23 other young associates, is still held up as a rare case of victory in the use of courts to reverse injustice towards the human rights community in Egypt, Ibrahim said in his letter to the Nobel Committee. I can think of no greater quiet hero to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Importance of Speaking Out The ability to freely speak out about wrongdoing is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is important to protect that right, Martin believes. Speaking out about civil rights is actually crucial if were going to have a democracy that is going to function, he said. Cotler said his passion and drive for human rights stems from his childhood. His father taught him that the pursuit of justice was equal to all the other commandments combined while it was his mother who taught him what it means to pursue justice. A lesson Ive never forgotten, and I can only hope I properly act upon it: if you want to pursue justice, you have to understand, you have to feel the injustice about you. You have to go in and about your community and beyond to feel the injustice, and combat the injustice. Otherwise, the pursuit of justice will end up just being a theoretical abstraction, he said. Cotler describes the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Elie Wiesel as the conscience of our time, and credits him with teaching significant lessons about the importance of speaking out against human rights abuses. The first lesson is the danger of silence in the face of evil, because the silence will become an enabler of ongoing injustice. The second lesson is the danger of indifference and inaction in the face of mass atrocity. The third lesson is the responsibility of bringing war criminals to justice because when criminals are not held accountable, it enables them to commit more crimes. Cotler was a strong advocate for the Magnitsky Law that Canada adopted in 2017, following the lead of several other countries. Named after a Russian corruption lawyer who was beaten to death in a Russian prison, it allows the Canadian government to impose sanctions on foreign individuals accused of human rights abuses. After he left government in 2015, Cotler founded the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights, an international consortium of parliamentarians, scholars, jurists, human rights defenders, NGOs, and students in the pursuit of justice. Driven to do the right thing Some of Cotlers many accomplishments during his 16 years in government include the first-ever law on human trafficking, quashing more wrongful convictions in a single year than any prior minister of justice, and making the pursuit of justice a government priority. Martin described Cotler as driven to do the right thing, while at the same time being effective at explaining why he did what he did. It was not only his deep knowledge, not only the fact that he felt so strongly about it, but he also had the capacity to explain its importance, he said. I think you dont see all those qualities in a one person very often. One of the cases Cotler is currently working on is that of Sun Qian, a Canadian citizen and Falun Gong adherent arrested in China in February 2017. She has been tortured and subjected to brainwashing sessions while in detention, according to her family. If you look around in terms of political prisoners today, regrettably its a global phenomenon, he said, naming China and Iran as two of the worst human rights offenders. Former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson is the only Canadian to have won the Nobel Peace Prize. Cotler was previously nominated for the honour in 2008. He said he had no idea Martin planned to nominate him this time around. I was very surprised, and thats putting it mildly, he said. I have the highest regard for Paul Martin. Ive always said of him that he was the best prime minister that we never had the chance to fully experience because his term was cut short. A nomination coming from him was very moving and very, very humbling. Former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos arrives at U.S. District Court for his sentencing in Washington on Sept. 7, 2018. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images) EXCLUSIVE: In Closed-Door Testimony, Papadopoulos Identified Alleged Spy in Trump Campaign Former Trump campaign adviser also told lawmakers FBI asked him to wear a wire to record Maltese professor in London George Papadopoulos, the former foreign policy adviser to Donald Trumps presidential campaign, revealed during a closed-door interview with congressional lawmakers in Washington the name of the man he believes was a spy working within the campaign, according to a transcript of the testimony reviewed by The Epoch Times. During a day-long session with lawmakers on the House Judiciary and Oversight committees on Oct. 25, 2018, Papadopoulos, under penalty of perjury, detailed a series of what he described as strange interactions with a member of the Trump campaign. The timing and content of that persons communications led Papadopoulos to suspect that the person was covertly working on behalf of U.S. intelligence. Papadopoulos previously hinted in public statements and interviews that he knew of a spy in the Trump campaign, but never revealed the persons name. Fusion GPS co-founder Glenn Simpson also has said the FBI had a human source inside the campaign. When asked about the person who Papadopoulos alleged is a spy, another former Trump campaign member told The Epoch Times that he has no such suspicions about the man in question. The Epoch Times was unable to verify the allegation made by Papadopoulos and is withholding the name he provided to Congress. In this article, we refer to him as Person A. My interactions with [Person A] were quite strange. You know, he would call me on private numbers and kind of ask me where Im sitting, or where Im living at the moment, Papadopoulos said. Asked on Jan. 16 by this reporter if hes still suspicious about the person, Papadopoulos said he is definitely suspicious of him. The alleged spy began contacting Papadopoulos around the time that Papadopoulos met with the foreign minister of Greece in May 2016. Although he isnt named in the testimony, Nikos Kotzias was Greeces minister for foreign affairs at the time. The meeting with Kotzias was significant because Papadopoulos claims it was the only time he told anyone directly that Russia was in possession of thousands of Hillary Clintons emails, a rumor he learned from Maltese professor Joseph Mifsud. While its alleged that Papadopoulos also told Australian diplomat Alexander Downer about the emails, Papadopoulos denies the claim, asserting that he doesnt remember sharing that information with Downer. Papadopoulos told lawmakers that Kotzias was a bit shocked when he learned of the rumor. My understanding, as far as I remember, was he was like, this isnt something that should be talked about. So, that was it, Papadopoulos said. The alleged spy then re-emerged months later, in September 2016, asking Papadopoulos to attend a meeting between the Greek foreign minister and two senior Trump campaign members. Papadopoulos told lawmakers that it made no sense to me why this person would want me to join a meeting with the Greek foreign minister, Michael Flynn, and Jeff Sessions, unless he potentially was informed of what I told the Greek foreign minister myself. So then, I tell the Greek foreign minister, Oh, hey, this information. And then [Person A], all of a sudden, sometime later on in the fall, apparently theres a meeting between the foreign minister of Greece and Jeff Sessions and Michael Flynn. And [Person A] not only wants talking points from me about this meeting, but he also wants me to attend. And he also tells me that its very important for you to attend and that Im doing my best to get you in this meeting, Papadopoulos said. Papadopoulos learned about the alleged existence of the Clinton emails during a meeting with Mifsud in London on April 26, 2016. Papadopoulos would later lie to the FBI that he wasnt part of the Trump campaign when the meeting occurred. He served a 14-day prison sentence for that offense last year, as a result of prosecution by special counsel Robert Mueller. The allegation that Papadopoulos told Downer about the Clinton emails is reportedly the reason the FBI gave for opening the counterintelligence investigation of the Trump campaign. That investigation started in late July 2016 and has since evolved into the Russia investigation headed by Mueller. Papadopoulos revealed the identity of the alleged U.S. intelligence source in the campaign while answering a question as to whether any U.S. government officials reached out to him between July 2016 and January 2017. That period represents a six-month gap between the start of the investigationwhich was predicated on the interactions of Papadopoulosand the FBIs first interview with Papadopoulos. Q: And throughout that intervening period, from July of 2016 through January of 2017, you dont recall any instances where the FBI or anyone in the U.S. government was attempting to contact you or interview you? Papadopoulos: As I think I stated earlier, I have my suspicions about [Person A] perhaps working on behalf of U.S. intelligence reaching out oh, openly you said? Q: Yes. Papadopoulos: Oh, no, absolutely not, about this particular issue of me involved in a crime of some nature. Papadopoulos: [After conferring with counsel] No, no, absolutely not. I dont have I dont recall any U.S. government official or intelligence official openly reaching out to me to talk about this. Papadopoulos previously described the alleged spy as a low-level player in the Trump campaign. Congress knows who it is. And Im sure in a report, or whatever theyre going to release, theyll probably be releasing him as a confidential source. Because I think America deserves to know the truth, Papadopoulos told talk-show host Dan Bongino during an interview in early November last year. In late December last year, the House judiciary and oversight committeeswhich interviewed Papadopoulos and nearly two dozen other witnessesconcluded a joint investigation of actions taken by the FBI and Justice Department (DOJ) surrounding the investigations into the Trump campaign, and also Hillary Clintons use of an unauthorized private email server. The committees concluded that the DOJ under President Obama treated Trump and Clinton unequally, by affording Clinton and her associates with extraordinary accommodations, while potentially abusing surveillance powers to investigate Trumps associates. The Wire In a previously undisclosed interaction with the FBI, a bureau agent asked Papadopoulos to wear a wire to record Mifsud, according to the transcript. The offer occurred at Cafe George in Chicago on or around Jan. 31, 2017, just days after Papadapolouss first interview with two FBI agents on Jan. 27. Papadopoulos, without a lawyer, met a lone FBI agentone of the two who interviewed him days earlier who asked Papadopoulos to travel to London and told him he would get a glimpse into an FBI operation from behind the scenes. While the interview was conducted in an unclassified setting, The Epoch Times is withholding the name of the agent out of an abundance of caution. We instead refer to him as Agent A. If Mifsud really was working with the FBI, this is incredibly problematic, because, during my second meeting with the FBI agent, [Agent A], he tells me basically, we want you to wear a wire to go after Joseph Mifsud or to get some sort of information about him. I rejected it, Papadopoulos told lawmakers. The agent who sought to have Papadopoulos wear the wire also was present at his two previously disclosed interviews with the bureau on Jan. 27 and Feb. 16 in 2017. The same agent was one of the two who arrested Papadopoulos at Dulles International Airport on July 27 later that year. Court documents show Agent A worked with the special counsel on at least one occasion in 2017. The FBIs Jan. 27, 2017, interview with Papadopoulos would eventually lead to the perjury charge against him. Papadopoulos told lawmakers that he went into the interview under the impression that he was assisting the government in an investigation. He says he related to the agents what Mifsud told him about Russians having Clintons emails. A much larger delegation from the FBI and the DOJ attended the Feb. 16 interview. Papadopoulos was surprised that none of the questions centered on Mifsud, the man he just revealed as the source of his knowledge about Clintons emails. As I remember, his particular questioning, it wasnt, had really nothing to do with Joseph Mifsud, who I had just notified the FBI about a couple days ago from that point, Papadopoulos said. It was more, Do you remember talking to a Western diplomat in a bar? And, Do you remember talking about emails with anyone on the campaign? According to Papadopoulos, FBI attorney Kevin Clinesmith led the questioning during the Feb. 16 interview. Papadopoulos told lawmakers that Clinesmith and the rest of the team stormed out of the meeting. Q: [As] they were directing the conversation, when you told them that you had not communicated with anybody in the campaign about the emails, what was their response? Papadopoulos: I cant remember if it was after I told them that I thought that Mifsud was BSing, or if it was after I told them I dont remember meeting this random diplomat that they were alluding to, that they got up, stormed out, and left in a very aggressive manner. And Kevin [Clinesmith] was very aggressive in his exit. Thats how I remember it, but that seemed to be Q: They all got up and left? Papadopoulos: Yes, basically, you didnt tell us what we hoped you were going to tell us. And thats basically what the million dollar question has always been. Clinesmith has been identified as the lawyer who wrote in a text message the day after Trump was elected president that he was stressed about what I could have done differently. Two weeks later, he wrote viva le resistance. The FBI agents offer to wear a wire stands out, given the rest of the teams lack of interest in Mifsud. The timing coincided with efforts by Mifsud to re-engage with Papadopoulos. I believe Mifsud was reaching out to me around that time, and I kept ignoring him. And he was sending me messages on Facebook, trying to reach out to me, Papadopoulos said. And the FBI agent said, we need you to wear a wire and well pay you and you can go to London and you can kind of look behind the scenes of an FBI operation. It was very bizarre, very strange. $10,000 Papadopoulos would eventually meet Agent A again at Dulles International Airport upon his arrest in July 2017. That encounter capped off a separate set of events surrounding a mysterious $10,000 cash payment Papadopoulos received in Israel. Papadopoulos told lawmakers he believes that after arresting him, two agents, including Agent A, were looking for the $10,000 he received during a series of peculiar events in Greece and Israel. Papadopoulos had previously told the story surrounding the $10,000 to Bongino. He relayed the same set of events to Congress under the penalty of perjury. Papadopoulos told lawmakers he believes that he was the target of a sting operation. The main actor in that purported operation was Charles Tawil, who reached out to Papadopoulos in March 2017, around a month after his third interview with the FBI. So lets say a month or so after Im done, what I thought done talking with the FBI. An individual named Charles Tawil falls from heaven into my lap and begins to essentially try and get me involved in what I think is part of a setup, Papadopoulos said. Papadopoulos said that his suspicions were reinforced by the fact that the FBI agents who interviewed him earlier in the year accused him of being an agent of Israel. [Agent A] accused Papadopoulos of being compromised by the Israelis after he refused to wear the wire to record Mifsud. My recollection of his response was, we know what youre up to. I know everything about you. I know what you are doing with the Israelis, and youre lucky theyre allies or wed bust you, or something weird like that. This is my second ever encounter with this [Agent A], Papadopoulos said. Papadopoulos was introduced to Tawil by David Haivri, an Israeli political strategist. Papadopoulos described Tawil as a 60-year-old man with a dual Israeli-American citizenship. They first met with Tawil in March 2017. And then I believe in March it was, or right after around the time Im in discussions with the FBI, David comes back into my life and says, Oh, hi, theres this man Charles Tawil would like to meet with you and talk business, Papadopoulos said. And at that time, I thought I wasnt going to join the administration anyway, considering the FBI was all over me. So I was trying to get back into some private-sector activities. [Tawil] begins to speak very strange at this business meeting with me. For example, Ive been trying to reach you for a very long time, but Israeli intelligence wouldnt let me get near you. So there was some there was some dog whistle. It was a dog whistle, in my mind, that it might be linked to what the FBI was trying to accuse me of. You do realize, George, that everyone here at the restaurant could hear our conversation right now. I said I dont know how they can hear our conversation unless [] you have a wire on you of some nature. Fast-forward to the end of the lunch. He says, Why dont you stand there with David [Haivri]. And I said, okay. And he takes a picture of me. And he took a picture of me, which left this mark of it was a strange episode, Papadopoulos said. Two months later, in May 2017, Papadopoulos flew on vacation to Greece. Before he boarded the airplane, three officers armed with rifles and wearing full Kevlar stopped him at the gate and asked him where he was heading and whether he would be coming back. So it left an impression on me that I was being watched very carefully, very closely, Papadopoulos said. Once in Greece, Papadopoulos said he had friends ask him if he realized that he is being watched. I said, what do you mean Im being watched? And they said, look behind you. And I noticed there were agent-type American-looking, just people, I think, were following me abroad, Papadopoulos said. During the trip, Tawil contacted Papadopoulos and offered to do some business related to political consulting. After Papadopoulos showed interest, Tawil flew to Greece. Once there, Tawil told Papadopoulos that it was imperative that he travel to Israel to close a deal of some nature. Papadopoulos complied. Tawil picked Papadopoulos up at the airport in Israel and drove him to a meeting room with two ex-Israeli intelligence people involved in some sort of program online that they have that the FBI is a client of that helps with Facebook and social media manipulation, and basically what they were accusing the Russians of doing regarding social media. That was my understanding, Papadopoulos said. And I was thinking to myself, why am I here in this room with these people? And I started to believe that I was being framed for something, he added. I leave. We go to a hotel room where Charles is saying, Im going to take care of the hotel for the night. Hes like, Come in my room, and he hands me $10,000 in cash. And at the time, I was incredibly confused. I was intimidated. I didnt know what really was going on, except that I started to feel that I was being set up, Papadopoulos said. Papadopoulos left Israel several days later. He told lawmakers that there were 20 dogs sniffing for money at the airport in Greece, but none caught the scent of the $10,000. He then called Tawil from Greece and asked him to come and take the money back. The money is still in Greece, according to Papadopoulos. He left it behind when he flew back to the United States in July. After landing at Dulles, he was arrested before he made it to Customs. Agent A was one of the two who aggressively searched through his briefcase for what he believed was the $10,000. The agents arrested Papadopoulos before he formally entered the United States and cleared Customs, according to the transcript. The agents didnt show Papadopoulos a warrant for his arrest, or the search of his briefcase, and didnt read him his Miranda rights, he told lawmakers. One of the agents told him this is what happens when you dont tell us everything about your Russia contacts. The next day, Papadopoulos appeared in front of a magistrate judge and was charged with obstruction of justice and lying. He eventually pleaded guilty to lying as part of a plea deal with Mueller. What I could say about this is in part of my plea deal, the $10,000 was the exact amount I had to pay, and that I was being threatened by the special counsel to be charged as an agent of Israel, Papadopoulos said. But I never received really more details about what that allegation was really about, besides what they told me. I dont know what was behind this except that the FBI and the special prosecutors were actually very keen on receiving that $10,000 back, he added. When a question was posed as to whether Mueller wanted to obtain the exact $10,000 he left in Greece, the counsel for Papadopoulos instructed him not to answer. Two days after Papadopoulos was sentenced to prison, Tawil reached out to ask for the $10,000. Papadopoulos had the impression that Tawil wanted the specific bills he gave him, adding that Tawil sent an email threatening to sue him and saying Papadopoulos should act like they never met. My impression of that is that he was trying to recover evidence, not money of some nature, because he had over a year to ask for it, or he could have simply picked it up after I left him, he said. And I was in Greece, and I told him to come take his money back last year. But all of a sudden, now, after Im sentenced, he wants this particular money back. So I find it very suspicious. And I believe, I believe, I dont have evidence about this, but I truly believe that those are marked bills. And theres a reason Ive kept that money safe, because I would certainly like to know if that money would potentially be part of some an operation. Russia and Israel The testimony by Papadopoulos sheds light on a pattern in his key interactions. While most of the focus has previously been on what was said in his meetings about Russia, the same players devoted significant attention to his connections to Israel. The pattern, coupled with the pressure he received from the FBI regarding Israel in January and February of 2017, and the threat of being charged as an agent of Israel by the special counsel, suggests that Papadopoulos was being investigated or surveilled over his Israeli ties concurrent with the Russia probe. So that left an indelible impression on me of that my so-called connection to Israel angered the Department of Justice. And before that, of course, Stefan Halper paid me for information on my ties to Israel. Alexander Downer was interested in my ties to Israel. And you could see there was a pattern, Papadopoulos said. Halper, who has since been identified as a U.S. intelligence asset, probed Papadopoulos about the Clinton emails. Downer was the Australian diplomat who Papadopoulos allegedly told about Russians having dirt on Clinton. Papadopoulos told lawmakers that he believes the pattern of interactions regarding Israel has led him to believe he was surveilled by U.S. intelligence using a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrant. I the reason Im suggesting that there was a FISA was because there was tremendous scrutiny on with my ties to Israel, to the point where I had apparently a formal charge of acting as an agent of Israel, which I dont know how thats even possible really, but there was a charge, Papadopoulos said. And by the time I had my first interview with the FBI, they led me to believe that they knew about certain meetings I was having, who I knew in the Israeli Government domestically and abroad, he added. If there was a FISA warrant on Papadopoulos, he would be the second Trump campaign associate to be surveilled by the FBI. The bureau surveilled former Trump campaign associate Carter Page over the course of a year starting in October 2016. According to the conclusions of an investigation by the House Intelligence Committee, the core of the evidence in the Page FISA application consisted of information from an unverified dossier of opposition research on candidate Trump. The Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee funded the dossier, which was compiled by former British spy Christopher Steele. Questions Remain Despite hours of questioning, some significant gaps in Papadopouloss story identified last year by The Epoch Times still remain. Its unclear why he took meetings with people he perceived as strange, despite facing scrutiny by the FBI. For example, in his first meeting with Tawil, Papadopoulos was given several hints about potential involvement by the Israeli intelligence, yet he agreed to meet with Tawil in Greece and Israel and accepted the $10,000 in cash from the man, despite being convinced that he was the target of a sting operation. Meanwhile, Tawil told a completely different story to investigative journalist Scott Stedman. Tawil said he gave Papadopoulos the $10,000 as a loan because Papadopoulos asked for it and didnt have an account in Europe. The guy is a pathetic liar, Tawil told Stedman about Papadopoulos. I met him when he was out of a job and offered him a job and gave him, on his demand, a loan, cash as he requested because he did not have an account in Europe. He mentioned that I am working with Mossad or the FBI or some crap like this. He is a lunatic. During the testimony in Congress, the lawyers for Papadopoulos blocked several questions about the circumstances surrounding his plea deal with Mueller. The lawyers advised Papadopoulos to not answer whether he was the one to agree to pay $10,000 or if his attorneys made the decision. The attorneys also blocked a question about whether Papadopoulos still stands by his guilty plea. Papadopoulos also was advised not to answer whether the special counsel wanted $10,000 in any form or if the prosecutors requested the specific bills in Greece. The attorneys again intervened when a lawmaker asked if Papadopoulos called Trumps lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, after being asked to wear a wire. Its still unclear how Papadopoulos came to work for the London Center for International Law Practice (LCILP). His colleagues at the center asked him to travel to Rome and made the introduction to Mifsud at a university called Link Campus. In his prior interviews and testimony, Papadopoulos referred to both LCILP and Link as having ties to Western intelligence, casting further significance on the circumstances of how he came to work for the center. Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly described George Papadopouloss denial of allegations about his conversation with Alexander Downer. Papadopoulos stated that he does not remember telling Downer about any information related to Russians possessing Hillary Clintons emails. (L) Mexico's outgoing President Enrique Pena Nieto waves while arriving to the Congress on Dec. 1, 2018. (Carlos Jasso/Reuters) (R) Defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman (1st L) cross examines Alex Cifuentes, a close associate of the accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman (not shown) in this courtroom sketch in Brooklyn federal court in New York, U.S., January 15, 2019. (Reuters/Jane Rosenberg) El Chapo Paid Former Mexican President $100 Million Bribe: Trial Witness Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman once paid a $100 million bribe to former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, a former associate testified Jan. 16 that he had previously told U.S. authorities. Alex Cifuentes, who has described himself as Guzmans onetime right-hand man, discussed the alleged bribe under cross-examination by one of Guzmans lawyers in Brooklyn federal court. Asked if he told authorities in 2016 that Guzman arranged the bribe, he answered, Thats right. Cifuentes testified that he had told U.S. prosecutors Pena Nieto reached out to Guzman first, asking for $250 million. Cifuentes told the prosecutors that the bribe was paid in October 2012, when Pena Nieto was president-elect, he testified. Cifuentes said he told prosecutors at a meeting later last year that he was no longer sure of the exact amounts of the bribes, but did not elaborate. Cifuentes also testified that Guzman once told him that he had received a message from Pena Nieto saying that he did not have to live in hiding anymore. Pena Nieto has previously denied taking bribes from drug traffickers. Reuters could not immediately reach Pena Nieto for comment. His former spokesman and other former officials did not immediately respond to messages requesting comment. Pena Nieto was president of Mexico from December 2012 until November 2018. He previously served as governor of the state that includes Mexico City. Guzman, 61, has been on trial since November. He was extradited to the United States in 2017 to face charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin, and other drugs into the country as leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. Captured by Pena Nietos government in February 2014, Guzman broke out of prison for a second time some 17 months later, escaping through a mile-long tunnel dug right into in his cell. The jailbreak humiliated the government and battered the presidents already damaged credibility, though Pena Nieto personally announced news of the kingpins third capture when he was again arrested in northwestern Mexico in January 2016. Colombian-born Cifuentes is one of about a dozen witnesses who have so far testified against Guzman after striking deals with U.S. prosecutors, in a trial that has provided a window into the secretive world of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the worlds most powerful drug trafficking organizations. Other witnesses at the trial have also made accusations of high-level corruption. Jesus Zambada, another cartel member, testified in November he paid a multimillion dollar bribe to an aide of current Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in 2005. The aide was not named but later Gabriel Regino, an official in Mexico City when Lopez Obrador was mayor, wrote on Twitter that an accusation of bribery had emerged against him in the trial but was false. Cifuentes earlier on Jan. 15 had also testified that Guzman asked an associate to pay a $10 million bribe to a general. The witness said the bribe was never paid and Guzman subsequently ordered the associate killed, though the hit was never carried out. By Brendan Pierson and David Graham Emergency services look for a 2-year-old boy who fell into a well near the town of Totalan in Malaga, Spain, on Jan. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Marrero) Desperate Search for Spanish Toddler Who Fell Into Deep Borehole A 2-year-old boy has fallen into a borehole more than 300 feet deep in Spain, with rescuers searching desperately for him. The boy fell down the 328-foot deep hole near the southern Spanish city of Malaga on Jan. 13 while out walking with his family. The hole is just 10 inches wide and was dug into a hilly plantation to extract water. Rescuers used a machine to suck earth from the hole, and sent down a small camera to look for the boy. Some sweets and a cup that belonged to him were found, but at 240 feet deep the camera was blocked by earth. On Jan. 16 one of the boys hairs was discovered, confirmed by DNA testing to belong to him. It gives us a degree of certainty that the child is there, in that well, said official Alfonso Gomez de Celis, according to the BBC. So far, no signs of life have been found of the boy. Over 100 firefighters and police are working around the clock to find the boy, who has been identified as Julen Rosello. The boys parents are being counseled by psychologists. They lost their other son, Oliver, who was 3 years old when he died of a heart attack during a family walk on a beach in 2017. We Hope That an Angel Is Going to Show Up The father, Jose Rosello, first raised the alarm at 2 p.m. on Jan. 13. The family was taking a stroll through a private estate in Totalan, a town in Andalusia, southern Spain. Rosello said he had a perfect view of how he fell through the hole, the BBC reported. Rosello told reporters he is still confident his child will be found alive. He said he and his wife were heartbroken by the long wait. It feels like we have been waiting for months, he told reporters Jan. 16, according to AP. We are not going to give up. We have the hope that an angel is going to show up for my son to come out alive. Neighbors described Julen as a lively boy who loved his tricycle, according to the BBC. Rescuers have shored up the borehole to prevent it collapsing, and are currently digging a tunnel diagonally down through the hillside to see if they can reach the boy that way. However, most of their work is concentrated on removing earth from the hole. The hole was reportedly left uncovered, but the man who dug it a month ago said he had sealed it. Spanish police confirmed that members of a Swedish firm that helped locate the 33 Chilean miners rescued after 69 days underground more than seven years ago, arrived on Jan. 15 to the site to help in the search for the boy. Rescue workers believe Julen is at a depth of around 260 feet and that they hoped they would reach him in the next 24 to 48 hours. They said they were most concerned about ascertaining exactly where he fell to, and making sure not to let more soil drop on him while they work. Reuters contributed to this article. Flowers are placed next to a memorial plaque commemorating Jan Palach at Charles University in Prague, on Jan. 16, 2019. (Jiri Skacel/Reuters) Czechs Mark 50 Years Since Crushing of Prague Spring PRAGUECzechs marked the 50th anniversary of student Jan Palach setting himself on fire in central Prague on Jan. 16. The self-immolation was a desperate act aimed at lifting the apathy hanging over the country in the wake of the Soviet invasion that crushed the Prague Spring of 1968. Having seen a period of reforms to Czechoslovakias Communist system snuffed out by the invasion five months earlier, and the widespread public demoralization that followed, the 20-year-old Palach decided to take action. He went to Wenceslas Square on Jan. 16, 1969, poured gasoline over his head, and set himself on fire. Passersby smothered him with their coats, but the student of economics and philosophy died three days later of his burns. Palach left a letter behind calling for the end of censorship and Soviet propaganda, and for a general strike. I marched back then with the students [after Palachs death], said Robert Gruen, 70, while visiting a commemorative open-air exhibition in Wenceslas Square. Today I think a mans life is too important to end it like that. Dozens of public events were held across the Czech Republic, including a concert alongside the exhibition in Wenceslas Square and the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Charles University, where Palach studied. Marches with lights were planned at several places for the evening. Palach called himself Torch No. 1 in his letter, giving the impression that he was a part of a larger group that in fact did not exist. But several others followed his example in Czechoslovakia and other eastern bloc countries. People must fight against the evil they feel equal to measure up to at that moment, Palach said before he died in a hospital Jan. 19, 1969. Simon Mirakaj holds the drawings from Tepelena camp in his office. (Antonio Cakshiri for The Epoch Times) Communist Concentration Camps of the Past Haunt Todays Albania Work going ahead on museum to memorialize Tepelena camp TEPELENA, AlbaniaSimon Mirakaj was 4 years old in 1949 when, together with his mother and two siblings, he was transferred to an internment camp a few miles from the town of Tepelena in southern Albania. His familys odyssey of displacement first started in July 1945, when the communist government of Albania, headed by dictator Enver Hoxha, deemed them enemies. This was because Mirakajs father and uncles had been fighting communists in the countryside, sparking the regimes anger. The camp in Tepelena was like nothing they had seen before. It was set in abandoned military barracks built by the Italian army during the GreekItalian war of 1940 and was surrounded by barbed wire fencing. It was clearly a concentration and extermination camp, the same as Auschwitz built by German Nazis. For me, its opening was a strategic move by the regime to wipe out the families of those declared enemies, Mirakaj said. Albania was ruled by communism from the end of World War II until 1991. For about 46 years, the country of 3 million experienced one of the harshest regimes of Eastern Europeone that isolated it completely and stripped all personal freedoms from its people. About 60,000 were put in camps, 18,000 imprisoned for political reasons, and more than 6,000 were executed. The Tepelena camp opened in 1948 and, by the beginning of the 1950s, held around 3,000 peoplemainly women, children, and the elderly. The dire conditions led to disease and death, and soon, it became infamous for high death rates. An estimated 300 children died there. For unknown reasons, the camp closed in 1954 after six years of operation, and those held there were distributed to other camps throughout Albania. Mirakaj is now a member of Albanian Authority for Access to Information on Ex-Sigurimi Files, the body established in 2015 to open up the secret police files of the communist regime. It was this authority that took the initiative in 2017 to turn Tepelena into a museum complex to honor those Albanians who had been put into forced labor camps. The initiative received the green light from local authorities, and as a first move, 300 cypress trees were planted on the grounds in memory of the children who lost their lives. In November 2018, the Albanian Ministry of Culture approved construction of the childrens memorial, considered the first step in transforming the camp into a museum complex. But not everyone was enthusiastic about this approach. In March 2018, Albanian historian Pellumb Xhufi caused a stir when he said during a televised interview that there was no comparison between Tepelena and Nazi concentration camps, and that a CIA document he had seen depicted conditions at the camp as not bad. He also questioned whether 300 children had died there. In addition, those who had served as officials in the communist state or are nostalgic about communist ideals have said the idea of turning the camp into a museum is irrelevant. This stance, along with Xhufis comments, drew outrage from former camp inmates and their families. However, the Authority for Access to Information on Ex-Sigurimi Files remains firm on the project. It has started to gatherfrom the communist archives and from those who are still aliveinformation and testimonies regarding Tepelena and other camps, which will be part of the display at the museum. Among the authoritys most exciting discoveries are drawings by painter Lek Pervizi that depict life inside the camp barracks. His work is helping the authority recreate the camps original setting for the museum. Mirakaj believes that when the museum is completed, the various artifacts on display will help people understand the true and vile nature of the communist camps. The creation of the museum is a necessity. If you forget history, it will repeat itself, and we cannot let this happen again, he said. Communist China Expanding Its Political Indoctrination in Schools and Colleges Young students are being encouraged to report their parents for religious activities The communist Chinese regime has been stepping up a drive to indoctrinate students with the atheist Marxism of official dogma and the greatness of the leadership, while cracking down on religionas reflected in a worrying spate of recent reports. The campaigns, which are happening at schools ranging from elementary schools to colleges and include encouraging children to report on their parents religious activities, come as part of an increasingly totalitarian trend in the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) recent policies. Last year, CCP authorities in Hubei Province, central China, required a university to hold courses on the CCPs political ideology, according to a Jan. 11 report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). Following the introduction of the courses, the Chinese Ministry of Education issued a statement in April 2018 recommending that higher education institutions around the country strengthen and improve their Situations and Policies current events courses. According to one college student, using the pseudonym of Zhang Kai, the course consists of brainwashing. Taking the U.S.China trade war as an example, he told RFA that the course tells us how the United States is being arrogant and unreasonable [in its China policy], and how great the Communist Party is. It instills students with the notion that the Party and the state are one, as well as hatred for other countries. The Ministry of Education stipulated that undergraduate students should take at least eight periods of Situation and Policy per semester. Zhang believes the authorities are moving to preemptively shape students opinions on current affairs. The CCP is basically surrounded by domestic and external troubles. The leadership probably thought the existing level of brainwashing wasnt enough. They are afraid that students will doubt the authorities after learning of current affairs. Many students complained, Zhang said. Some were quite turned off by the brainwashing content. A university student in Northeast China, using the pseudonym Li En, cited his Situations and Policies instructor as saying, If everyone supported the leadership of the Communist Party, then there would be no need to have this course. Cracking Down on Faith Bitter Winter, a magazine focusing on religious freedom and human rights in China, reported Jan. 8 that the CCP is intensifying the indoctrination of atheism to elementary and middle school students in many provinces and cities across the country. According to a document issued by the education department in Shenyang last October and obtained by Bitter Winter, the authorities prohibit teachers from talking about religion in schools. They are also ordered to stop students from having any religious beliefs. Instead, the CCP would like educators to use flag-raising ceremonies and themed lessons aimed at strengthening students ideologies toward Party lines, the report said. Mr. Lin, an elementary school teacher who only provided his surname, told RFA that lately, the school has been educating students not to believe in heretical religions, but didnt specify which faiths belonged to this category. The school also encouraged parents and students to report each others religious tendencies. A man surnamed Wang from Hunan Province told New Tang Dynasty Television, part of the Epoch Media Group, that the school keeps instilling the students with atheistic thought and the Communist Partys philosophy of struggle. In a separate report, Bitter Winter said the police in Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, had gone to a middle school and asked students to immediately report any cases of religious activities. Students would be rewarded 1,000 yuan ($150) for reporting ordinary believers and 10,000 to 40,000 yuan ($1,500 to 6,000) for church leaders. Students were told to report their parents religious beliefs and call the police if preached to by strangers. Brexit Deal Rejected by UK Lawmakers PM May faces vote of no-confidence LONDONBritish lawmakers have rejected the Brexit divorce deal hammered out between the European Union and Prime Minister Theresa May in the biggest defeat of a sitting government in United Kingdom history. The vote on Jan. 15 throws the Brexit process once again into disarray, paradoxically increasing the likelihood of both the most hardcore Brexitleaving without a bespoke agreementand of no Brexit at all. Members of parliament voted by 432 votes to 202 to reject the deal, just 73 days before the UK is due to leave the EU, with over 118 Conservative party lawmakers rebelling against May. The opposition Labour party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has tabled a vote of no confidence in the government, expected to be carried out the next day, on Jan. 16. If passed, that motion could in theory trigger a general election within weeks. When they voted 5248 to leave the EU in June 2016, the British people sparked divorce talks but left the UK wedded to the EU while the terms of the settlement were negotiated. That divorce settlement was wrapped up in November but needs the approval of the British parliament, which is deeply divided over Brexit. Many Brexit-supporting lawmakers cant stomach the terms that guarantee there is no hard border between Ireland and Northern Irelandthe final sticking point in negotiations. They claim it will make the UK a vassal state of the EU. Former foreign secretary and leading Brexit supporter Boris Johnson said that meant Mays deal was now dead. But he told the BBC that it gave the prime minister a massive mandate to go back to Brussels to negotiate a better deal, without that backstop. The vote, however, also leaves the door open to a second referendumincreasingly seen as a solution for the deadlocked parliamentand for the UK to remain in the EU. Normally, such a crushing parliamentary defeat would be followed by the resignation of the prime minister. But the norms of British politics were thrown out of the window after the Brexit vote in 2016, and Mays announcement that she would carry on surprised few political commentators. The House has spoken and this government will listen, she told MPs. May now has three days to put an alternative to lawmakers, which could include an agreement to renegotiate. In theory, current legislation means the UK is on a single-line track out of the EU, and is due to pass the point of no return on March 29 when it breaks the treaty ties binding it to the EU. If no deal with the EU has been agreed at that point, then the UK still leaves, but on World Trade Organization termsa no-deal Brexit. But some lawmakers are desperately trying to figure out how to fit the Brexit legislation with brakes and a reverse gear through various parliamentary procedures. The government itself may try to extend the period of negotiation and push back the current March 29 deadline to avoid the no-deal scenario. A no-deal Brexit is widely seen as the worst-case economic scenario and has spooked markets in recent months. Polls suggest public appetite for Brexit has dulled since the referendum in June 2016. A long-running Eurotrack poll that showed Leave and Remain votes neck and neck at the moment of the referendum now puts Remain four points ahead, as of press time. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro reacts during a signing ceremony of the decree which eases gun restrictions in Brazil, at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Jan. 15, 2019. (Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino) Bolsonaro Loosens Gun Laws in Murder-Ridden Brazil BRASILIA/RIO DE JANEIROBrazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signed a temporary decree on Jan. 15 making it easier for Brazilians to buy guns, delivering on a campaign promise to overturn strict regulations in a country suffering from a record wave of murders. Bolsonaro won the presidency by running on a law-and-order platform, and often delighted supporters at campaign stops with his signature guns up hand gesture. His maverick presidential run energized a base of rural landowners, Christian conservatives, and free-market hawks who wanted a tougher response to years of rising violence and political graft. The temporary decree, which will expire in 120 days unless ratified by Congress, is likely to thrill his supporters. Brazil suffered a record 64,000 murders in 2017, the most in the world. A former paratrooper who took office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro eventually wants to overturn a 2003 law that effectively banned the civilian purchase of guns. To guarantee citizens their legitimate right to defense, I, as president, will use this weapon, Bolsonaro said, holding up the pen he used to sign the decree. Onyx Lorenzoni, Bolsonaros chief of staff, said the government is considering lowering taxes on guns and opening up Brazils small-arms market to foreign firms. The thornier question of granting more permits for citizens to carry guns outside their homes or personal businesses is also under study. Shares of domestic gun maker Taurus Armas SA, which has a dominant share of the Brazilian market, dropped 16 percent in late trading on Jan. 15, as investors took profits. The stock has more than tripled in the last 12 months, as Bolsonaro promised to loosen gun controls. Gun laws toughened considerably under former leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who signed sweeping measures in 2003 that prevented ordinary citizens from carrying guns. The law mandated background checks for gun purchases and gave federal police the right to reject applications for gun ownership for any reason. However, Silvas attempts to deepen gun control foundered in a 2005 referendum, when about 65 percent of Brazilians voted against a proposal to completely ban gun sales. Ending Police Discretion Bolsonaros executive order will remove the discretionary role that police have in approving civilians requests to buy guns. He has said decisions about who can carry weapons are subjective. The measure will apply to people living in the countryside, those residing in urban areas where the homicide rate is above 10 deaths per 100,000 people, and to collectors and hunters. Brazilians will be allowed to keep up to four guns in their homes or offices, though that number could rise on a case-by-case basis. Any home with a child or someone with certain mental illnesses must store the weapons in a safe. Federal Police data shows that just over 646,000 legally-purchased arms are in circulation in Brazil. About half of those weapons are registered to private citizens. The rest are held by security personnel. Accurate data on how many illegal firearms are in Brazil is hard to come by, but previous studies from the Justice Ministry suggest nearly 8 million guns are in the country illegally. Brazils heavily armed drug gangs and paramilitary militias easily get weapons smuggled through the countrys porous borders. Gangs in Rio de Janeiro almost exclusively carry Glock weapons and have obtained an array of AR rifles that come from U.S. and European manufacturers. Lorenzoni said the decree restored the right of citizens to have a weapon for their legitimate defense. By Maria Carolina Marcello and Gabriel Stargardter A contestant serves a Leffe beer during the Stella Artois World Draught Master 2008 on Oct. 29, 2008, in Leuven, Belgium. An alcohol-free version of world-famous Leffe brand is now available. (BENOIT DOPPAGNE/AFP/Getty Images) Belgium Brews First Non-Alcoholic Version of Renowned Abbey Beer Famous Leffe brand joins growing trend for non-alcoholic beer BRUSSELSA Belgian brewer has made history by introducing the first alcohol-free version of the countrys famed abbey beers, which are characterized by their distinctive taste and strong alcohol content. The maker behind the world-famous Leffe brand put its new zero-percent blonde beer on sale this month, marking a watershed moment in a sea-change over attitudes toward alcohol, driven by an increasingly health-conscious society. Belgiums abbey beers originate from just six ancient monasteries across the country. They are either brewed by the monks themselves or on license from them. The full-bodied beverages, which are typically around 8-percent strength and are each served in their own distinctive glass chalice, are an icon of Belgiums culture alongside chocolate, fries, and the cartoon character Tintin. The move to make an alcohol-free version of one of the best-known abbey beers will alarm some people, but experts say it is a sign of a public that is becoming more aware of its relationship with beverages. Brewers have also invested heavily in new techniques to make zero-percent beers taste more like the real thing. To perfect the new alcohol-free version of Leffe, which is usually 6.6-percent strength, scientists developed a new technique that allows them to remove the alcoholic content from the drink after it has been brewed in the normal way. That means it retains the trademark strong taste, which is smokey and features heavy fruity notes, making the two products virtually indistinguishable, the scientists say. Leffe is owned by the brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev, which makes a number of the worlds most famous beer brands, including Budweiser, Becks, and Corona Extra. Other famous Belgian makers that specialize in lager and wheat beers, including Hoegaarden, Maes, and the countrys best known, Jupiler, have already branched out into making zero-percent alternatives. Changing Attitudes Eoghan Walsh, an award-winning beer writer based in Brussels, said the cultural taboo of opting for non-alcoholic options has now been broken, even in Europes most beer-mad country. There is definitely a trend towards low and non-alcohol beers in the last two or three years in Belgium, at least in the sense that breweries have been brewing more of them, and putting some marketing behind their promotion, he said. That breweries are now producing low and non-alcoholic versions of abbey-style beers whose defining characteristic is a healthy alcoholic content and a full flavor, show they are increasingly confident that the trend is sticking. Walsh, who writes the Brussels Beer City blog, explained that brewers are having to try something different from their traditional fare to stop losing market share to non-alcoholic rivals. For most observers, thats for two reasons. Firstly low- and non-alcoholic beers have gotten better as the processes to make them have improved, and are better able to compare with traditional beers when it comes to tastetheyre no longer the watered down, tasteless alternative, he said. And second, people are becoming more aware of their alcohol intakethe dry January phenomenon is just one example of thisbut still want to be able to have a few beers as they normally would. Leffe beer originates from the abbey of the same name, situated in Belgiums southern French-speaking region of Wallonia. Monks there first started brewing ale in 1240, but production has now been moved to the university town of Leuven, near Brussels, which is where another famous Belgian beer, Stella Artois, was invented. We are proud to have been the first to succeed, thanks to the expertise of our brewers, to produce a non-alcoholic beer that is completely faithful to the quality and authenticity of the beer of Leffe abbey, AB InBev spokesman Arnaud Hanset said. The company has predicted that a fifth of all the beer produced in the world will be either non-alcoholic or of low-alcohol content by the year 2025. China Investigates Former Shaanxi Province Party Boss for Corruption Chinas anti-corruption campaign has ensnared yet another senior official, just weeks into the new year. The Communist Partys internal watchdog, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), announced on its website that Zhao Zhengyong, the former Party boss for the northwestern province of Shaanxi, is suspected of seriously violating discipline and law, according to a statement published on Jan. 16. Since taking power in 2012, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has launched a sweeping campaign to rid the Party of misbehaving officials, who were often also members of an opposition faction loyal to former Party leader Jiang Zemin. Corruption Some details of Zhaos alleged crimes were disclosed in a television documentary broadcast on state television on Jan. 9. The footage showed luxury villaswhich, according to the broadcaster, had been illegally constructedbeing razed to the ground. Though the documentary did not name Zhao specifically, it repeatedly criticized the main leader of the Shaanxi provincial committee at the timewho was Zhao. The program also noted that Zhao had agreed overtly, but secretly opposed six instructions from Xi. Chinese financial publication Caixin also received tips from insider sources saying Zhao received bribes in exchange for economic development in local towns in Shaanxi. According to Caixin, Zhao is also accused of meddling in a decade-old Shaanxi coal mining legal dispute that came into the spotlight recently. Influential TV host Cui Yongyuan claimed on social media that Chinas top court had lost documents crucial to the case. The post sparked discussion and prompted Chinas head legal agency, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, to open an investigation into the loss of the documents. Connections The Caixin report also explained that Zhao was close with Wei Minzhou, the Party boss in charge of Xian City, a metropolis within Shaanxi known as the home of the ancient terracotta warriors. Wei had often gifted bribes to Zhao in order to curry favor. Wei, in turn, had ties to Ling Jihua, a former top political aide. Ling is a central figure in the Jiang faction and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2016. In November 2018, Wei himself was also sentenced to life imprisonment on corruption charges. Crimes Against Humanity But the Chinese regime has not acknowledged Zhaos darker crimes. According to research conducted by the U.S.-based nonprofit World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG), Zhao was a key figure in carrying out Jiangs national campaign to persecute adherents of the spiritual practice Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa. Jiang outlawed the practice in July 1999 amid its rising popularity, fearing its large following (official estimates of roughly 100 million at the time) threatened his authority. Since then, hundreds of thousands are estimated to have been arrested and detained in Chinas jails, prisons, and brainwashing centerswhere many are tortured. According to Minghui.org, a U.S.-based website that tracks the persecution of Falun Gong in China, there are 4,276 practitioners confirmed to have died as a result of the persecution, though the true number is likely higher due to the difficulty of passing sensitive information out of China. Between 2000 to 2005, while serving as the Party secretary for the local branches of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission in Anhui and Shaanxi provinces, Zhao oversaw the persecution of local Falun Gong practitioners, including arrests, propaganda efforts to vilify the practice, and campaigns to confiscate and destroy books of the practices teachings, according to WOIPFG. At the time, the commission was the most powerful security agency in China, in charge of all police forces, judicial systems, and detention facilities in the country. In 2010, Zhao was among a list of top Party officials sued by Falun Gong adherents in Taiwan for crimes of genocide and transgressions of civil and human rights conventions. Falun Gong practitioners filed the complaint while Zhao was visiting Taiwan. Bachelor Contestant Cristy Casertas Cause of Death Revealed: Report Officials have revealed the cause of death of The Bachelor contestant Cristy Caserta. TMZ reported that Caserta, who was 38 when she died, died due to an enlarged heart and an overactive thyroid. According to the autopsy report, her cause of death was cardiomegaly and hyperthyroidism, TMZ said. She suddenly died in October 2018 after apparently suffering a seizure. Caserta was attending class at a school in Sunrise, Florida, when she fell forward at her desk. She went into cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead. Caserta appeared on Season 15 of The Bachelor when Brad Womack appeared for the second time on the ABC show. The Sunrise Police Department told Fox News about the incident: We received a call, she was in a classroom settingit was a training class of sort. Students within her class or her classmates became alarmed because she passed out and her head hit the desk, which caused her coffee to spill onto the floor. It added: Fire rescue administered CPR and transported her to Westside Regional where she was pronounced deceased there. 'Bachelor' Contestant Cristy Caserta's Died from Enlarged Heart, Overactive Thyroid https://t.co/hXSLBAvplv TMZ (@TMZ) January 14, 2019 Fellow contestant Emily Maynard issued a statement on her death. Being on a show like The Bachelor, you truly form relationships that are so special because its an experience no one else can relate to, she said, reported Us Magazine. Im grateful for my memories with Cristy and will be praying for her family and friends. Im absolutely heartbroken about Cristy, contestant Ashley Spivey, 34, told the magazine. She was one of the kindest people I met on the first night of the show and she continued to be an amazing friend. She was as smart and funny as she was beautiful. She will be deeply missed in this world. Remembering 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 at 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. His son, 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 he 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 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. Australian Cafe Claims Raw Steak Left in Hot Car for Hours Cooked to Well-Done Some question whether the claim is accurate An Australian cafe is claiming that a raw steak left in a hot car for hours was cooked to well-done amid 113-degree temperatures. The porterhouse steak was left in a car outside the Mildura Dockside Cafe in Victoria for five hours, and the employee returned to find it allegedly cooked well-done, reported the Daily Mail. It's so hot in Australia right now you can cook a steak in the car! This is why you should NEVER leave a child in a hot car. Daily Mail 2019115 It comes amid a heat-wave in the country. Temperatures in Mildura, Australia, are expected to get to 110 degrees Fahrenheit on Jan. 17. The person posted photos of the steak before it was left in the vehicle and after. They left a warning to people not to leave children in hot cars. Australia is currently in the middle of a record-breaking heatwave. LADbible 2019115 With this heat wave please remember never to leave children, elderly or animals in the car, the unnamed worker wrote, reported the Mail. Always check on elderly neighbors, ensure your pets have a way to keep cool and cool drinking water, they added. Also always remember down at Dockside we have plenty of activities to cool you down, yummy cold drinks, great aircon and we are pet friendly out on the deck. Fake News? The photo prompted debate on Facebook, and many were incredulous. A car left IN THE SUN will get up to about 60 to 70 degrees C inside. In the shade? Nope. Not going to get ]well done, said one commenter. Its a good message, but dont take people for fools, said another person. As Australia continues to endure a severe heatwave, this pub worker managed to cook a steak in their car even though it was parked in the shade London Evening Standard 2019116 Another user said that a slow-cooked steak needs a temperature of 130 degrees F, or 55 degrees Celsius, for medium-rare. And it needs 143 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. The Mildura Dockside Cafe responded to some of the incredulous comments I also wasnt sure what would happen when I put it in there either. I was just as shocked at the result as many others have been, the cafe said. I also believe were straying from my initial reason for doing such a thing, I wanted to remind people how dangerous this heat can be and that as a community we should be looking out for one another and keeping each other safe, it added. When the steak was purportedly cooked, temperatures got to 113 degrees Fahrenheit outside. But the insides of cars can get much hotter. The cafe worker said they left it from about 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. If your steak reaches 70C it will be well done. If it remains at 70C for an hour or so it will dry out. This is completely feasible, said one person. The worker responded to inquiries about whether the car smelled like burned meat. Surprisingly not really, it smelt like steak when I opened the door but when I took it out to examine it I also turned my car on with full aircon to cool down so I wouldnt cook, they said. Kids and Cars The U.S. National Safety Council said, Parents and caregivers can act immediately to end these deaths. Even on relatively mild days, temperatures inside vehicles still can reach life-threatening levels in minutes, and cracking the window doesnt help, it says. The National Safety Council advises parents and caregivers to stick to a routine and avoid distractions to reduce the risk of forgetting a child. Keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access, and teach them that cars are not play areas. Place a purse, briefcase or even a left shoe in the back seat to force you to take one last glance. A Green New Deal Part 2: How Much Energy? Is it possible to run New York on renewable energy alone? Commentary Welcome to Part 2 of our groundbreaking effort to make New York the first state in the Union to eliminate all fossil fuels from its energy portfolio. Well, almost all, as we did carve out a few exceptions that we thought would meet with the approval of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and the principles of her Green New Deal. Our mission encompasses the two areas of energy use that consume, by far, the most fossil fuel in New York, or any state: electrical generation and ground transportation. The challenge is to ensure that all electrical generation is produced using clean, renewable resources, and that no trucks, buses, automobiles, or other modes of ground transportation utilize fossil fuels such as gasoline or diesel. How Much? Step one is to estimate how much renewable energy that New York is going to need and when. The when part is easy, because Ocasio-Cortez set the target timeframe in announcing her Green New Deal idea in 2018. Her stated goal was for the United States to kick the fossil-fuel habit in 12 years. That gives us until 2030 to transform New York state into the new model of energy generation that will lead the nation into a bright future, entirely illuminated by renewable energy. The how much piece is a bit more difficult and will, I am sorry to say, involve a fair bit of math. Now, Im not going to drag you through each and every calculation. Anyone who writes about science and technology has a clear duty not to bore his or her readers to tears. So, what you will get is the results of calculations that are, unless otherwise noted, based on publicly available United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. Those calculations have been made available to my editor at The Epoch Times, and are available to anyone who would like to check my math. As of 2017 (the last year for which verified EIA data is available), New York consumed 128 million megawatt-hours (MW-h) of electricity. Since 2005, New York has generally been reducing the amount of electricity it consumes each year. As with any trend, there are exceptions, but between 2005, when the Empire State used 147 million MW-h, and 2017, state electricity use has declined an average of 1 percent per year. If we run that trend out to 2030, electrical consumption will be 108 million MW-h per year. In 2017, renewable sources provided about 34 percent of all electricity used in New York (37 million MW-h). However, the vast majority of this was hydroelectric power (30 million MW-h) and another chunk was biomass sourced (2.3 million MW-h). That leaves 4.1 million MW-h of wind generation and 0.2 million MW-h of solar power. Thats a total of a little over 3 percent of all electricity generated in New Yorka somewhat disappointing start for wind and solar. No matter. Lets push on. The gap that must be filled lies between the 108 million MW-h were going to need to generate in 2030 and the 37 million MW-h New York has proven it can generate solely through the use of renewable sources today. The difference is 71 million MW-h. That renewable gap is what we need to fill, and as we said up front, the only acceptable way to fill it is by using wind and solar power. Yet, we still have a demand problem to solve before we attempt to address the renewable gap. A gap of 71 million MW-hformidable as that isis far too small, because it fails to address the 800-pound gorilla in the room: transforming the ground transportation network to all electric vehicles. This is going to throw a monkey wrench (pun intended) into our plans. Additional Demand As long as electric vehicles are basically a novelty item in the transportation world, they dont place any sort of appreciable strain on any power grid. The amount of electricity they use, in aggregate, is baseline noise. If every single car, truck, bus, etc. goes electric, the transportation sector will become the dominant user, by far, of electricity in any power system and require substantial investment in additional electrical generation capacity. How much additional capacity? Thats an interesting question. As of 2017, New York consumed gasoline at the rate of 15 million gallons per day and diesel at the rate of 330,000 gallons per day. Applying the same 1 percent decrease in demand per year factor we used for electricity, we come up with 2030 demand of 13 million gallons per day for gasoline and 284,000 gallons per day for diesel. Going from gallons of fuel per day used to megawatt-hours required is a bit tricky. In America, the energy stored in fuel liquid is measured in British Thermal Units (Btu) per gallon. While Btu is a measure of the energy available, MW-h is a measure of the energy actually produced. The energy produced will be substantially less than the energy available, because of the inevitable inefficiencies in any system that are the consequence of the laws of thermodynamics. Moving from Btu to MW-h requires us to choose a conversion factor that assumes a certain degree of inefficiency. For those of you interested, I used a factor of 0.293 watts per Btu, which is a commonly used, middle-of-the-road figure. Using that factor, the total 2030 demand to power the road transportation sector would be 164 million MW-h per year. We can add that to the previously calculated renewable gap of 71 million MW-h per year to arrive at a new gap of 235 million MW-h per year. We have now come up with a pretty fair, defensible estimate of Green New York annual electric power needs in 2030. Unfortunately, this doesnt equate to the amount of energy generation capacity needed to maintain grid stability under FERC and NERC rules. Capacity must always exceed usage for the grid to function. In the case of wind and solar, the excess capacity required is rather substantial, as we shall see in our next installment. Richard J. Trzupek is a chemist and environmental consultant as well as an analyst at the Heartland Institute. He is also the author of Regulators Gone Wild: How the EPA Is Ruining American Industry. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas in the Netherlands in an undated photo (Kees Torn via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license) 16-Year-Old Falls to Death From Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Balcony A teen boy died after he fell from the eighth-floor balcony of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship that was docked in Haiti. The 16-year-old was attempting to go into his room on the Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas cruise ship via a balcony when he slipped and fell, witnesses told ABC News on Jan. 16. Details about the death or the victim were not provided by Royal Caribbean. A teenage boy died after falling from an eighth-floor balcony of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship docked in Haiti last week. ABC News 2019116 Corporate communications manager, Owen Torres, told ABC that there was a death on board. We are saddened by the loss of one of our guests in a tragic accident, Torres stated. The Broward Medical Examiners Office in Florida identified the victim as Laurent Mercer of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, which are French islands in the South Pacific, reported ABC. A 16-year-old cruise passenger died after falling from Deck 8 of Royal Caribbean Internationals Harmony of the Seas ship on Friday. He had been scaling the balcony and fell onto a pier. Miami Herald 2019115 The ships medical team responded to the pier and attempted CPR, but the [boy] had sustained major head trauma and he was pronounced dead sometime later, said the medical examiners office to the Florida Sun-Sentinel. The Broward Medical Examiners Office told People that he attempted to climb into his room from a balcony after he forgot his room key. Mercer was on a week-long trip with his family when he fell, reported the Sun-Sentinel. It was docked in Labadee, Haiti, where Royal Caribbean owns a resort. Local officials responded to the scene and determined no crime was committed. They didnt issue a death certificate, however. Mercers body was turned over to the Broward County Medical Examiners Office when it returned to Florida on Sunday. According to accounts posted on Twitter and Facebook, passengers said they witnessed the boy fall. On a Facebook thread, Jaclyn Syroney wrote: I was on the cruise and saw him hit the concrete dock. It was around 11:30 a.m. The workers were amazingly fast acting and tried to keep him alive, but Im pretty sure he was dead on impact, she said. There were also fast acting of removing his body and covering up the area so people wouldnt see it. Royal Caribbean handled this situation with utmost respect for the passenger and the family. Outbreak It comes just days after a Norovirus outbreak sickened at least 277 people on Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas ship, forcing officials to turn back to Florida. Torres, the spokesman, also told The Associated Press on Jan. 10: We think the right thing to do is get everyone home early rather than have guests worry about their health. The firm said it would give passengers a full refund. Torres told Florida Today that about 9,000 people were on the ship when the outbreak was reported. Those affected by the short-lived illness are being treated by our ships medical team with over-the-counter medication. Meanwhile, we are bringing additional medical staff on board and were engaging in intensive sanitary procedures to minimize the risk of any further issues, Torres said. Norovirus outbreak forces one of the biggest cruise ships in the world to cut trip short https://t.co/arcmU0k8gy pic.twitter.com/u56xcIPYci Miami Herald (@MiamiHerald) January 10, 2019 According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Top photo credit: kees torn via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license The counterargument to all of this relies on the 1952 Supreme Court case Youngstown Sheet & Tube vs. Sawyer. During the Korean War, President Truman ordered U.S. steel mills to operate despite a nationwide strike because he wanted to keep materiel flowing to the front. The court concluded that seizing the mills was unconstitutional, a legislative act that could be authorized only by Congress. The link between the Korean battlefield, where the court acknowledged presidential power was at its height, and steel mills in Ohio was just too attenuated. The Youngstown case doesnt apply closely to the border situation; the facts are different. First, the court didnt question the presidents right to declare an emergency during the strike, just the constitutionality of his seizing the steel mills. And Trump need not rely on any constitutional power to move from the emergency declaration to building the wall because Congress has already delegated military construction power to him. A Houston man was arrested late December on charges he stole from Texas A&M's campus after a chance encounter with a University Police Department officer who was off-duty and in Harris County. According to UPD spokesman Lt. Bobby Richardson and a social media post from UPD, campus police have been investigating an ongoing theft case out of the Student Rec Center. Records show that in October, Joshua Rachaud Clark, 29, was believed to have stolen several credit card and other valuables. Richardson said that despite not being a student or staff member, Clark is alleged to have paid to enter the Rec Center, then took various cards, as well as a backpack containing a laptop, from people inside. On Dec. 24, an off-duty UPD officer was on U.S. 290 headed to Houston when he glanced at the car next to him and recognized Clark. The officer notified Houston police, then pulled Clark over and arrested him. He was taken back to the Brazos County Jail on Dec. 29. He is charged with state jail felony theft and three counts of credit card abuse, which is also a state jail felony. He was released from the jail on $10,495 bond. College Station police arrested a Houston teen early Tuesday after they say he was driving while intoxicated and seriously injured his passenger. Officials report that around 1:15 a.m. Brian Lockwood, 19, was driving in the area of Harvey Mitchell Parkway and George Bush Drive when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree. Police say that the passenger in Lockwood's vehicle was seriously injured and was transported to a local hospital before being moved to a facility that offers a higher level of care. Because of the injuries sustained by the passenger during the accident, police arrested and charged Lockwood with intoxication assault, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Lockwood remained in the Brazos County Jail on Tuesday. Melanie joined The Daily Times in the early 90s and has served as the Life section editor since 1993. A William Blount and UT alum, Melanie is generally the early arriver who turns on the lights in the newsroom. Follow Melanie Tucker Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today EARLVILLE - Mary E. Watkins, 90, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Davenport, a daughter of Horace and Katherine Olmstead Burns and was a graduate of Davenport High School. On June 29, 1950, Mary married Gerald E. Watkins in Oneonta, and This is the temporary subscription pass for users returning from the Vision Data subscription process. Your subscription will be updated within 24 hours, after your information is verified. Please click the button below to get your pass. Kirsten Gillibrand. Photo: Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images After much speculation, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has finally announced that she is entering the 2020 presidential race. The Democratic senator from New York made the announcement during a Tuesday appearance on the Late Show With Stephen Colbert, saying she would forming an exploratory committee for the presidency that night. Gillibrands full interview wont be airing until later Tuesday night, but a clip of her announcement was shared online by the the Late Show earlier that evening. In the clip, Colbert acknowledges the speculation about why Gillibrand was on his show that night she had just recently been there in November, after all before asking Gillibrand if she has anything shed like to announce. Yes, she replies, before saying, I am filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight. TONIGHT: @SenGillibrand stops by @colbertlateshow to announce that she is forming an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States! #LSSC pic.twitter.com/vPUpF1gs8z The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) January 15, 2019 When asked why she wanted to run for president, Gillibrand responded: Im going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom, Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own, which is why I believe that health care should be a right and not a privilege. Its why I believe we should have better public schools for our kids, because it shouldnt matter what block you grew up on. And I believe that anybody who wants to work hard enough should be able to get whatever job training they need to earn their way into the middle class. But you are never going to accomplish any of these things if you dont take on the systems of power that make all of that impossible, which is taking on institutional racism, its taking on the corruption and greed in Washington, its taking on the special interests that write legislation in the dead of night. She continued, I know that I have compassion, the courage, and the fearless determination to get that done. The senator further confirmed the announcement on Twitter: Tonight I announced that Im preparing to run for president, because I believe were all called to make a difference. I believe in right vs. wrong that wrong wins when we do nothing. Now is our time to raise our voices and get off the sidelines. Join me: https://t.co/I1vp93u0wh Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 With this, Gillibrand becomes merely the latest Democratic politico to throw her hat into the ever-growing 2020 race. In recent weeks, Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro and U.S. representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii announced that they will be running. A number of other high-profile candidates including former vice-president Joe Biden, California senator Kamala Harris, and New Jersey senator Cory Booker are also expected to enter the race. Gillibrands announcement is a departure from her stance in October. At the time, she said that she would serve my six-year term if she won her midterm the following month. (She won.) However, ahead of the 2008 presidential cycle, another U.S. senator had pledged to serve his full Senate term as well: Barack Obama. So speculation that she would run persisted. This subscription will allow current subscribers of The St. Helens Chronicle to access all of our online Subscriber-Only content, including the E Editions area. NOTE: To claim your access to the site, you will need to enter the Last Name and First Name that is tied to your subscription in this format: SMITH, JOHN If you need help with exactly how your specific name needs be entered, please call us at 1-503-397-0116. Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 Awarded Car and Driver10Best Trucks and SUVs List IRVINE, Calif. (January 16, 2019) The 2019 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV and 2019 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover SUV have been named two of Car and Driver magazines 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2019. This is the second straight Best Compact SUV honor for the Mazda CX-5, and third consecutive Best Mid-Size SUV crowning for the Mazda CX-9. Both SUVs distinguished themselves amongst the competition, while also exceeding expectations with their value. The Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 demonstrated the qualities of a 10Best winner by delivering visceral driving experiences, excellent fuel efficiency, sophisticated design and refined craftsmanship. Car and Driver noted that, The Mazda CX-5 provides luxury-grade interior refinement at solidly nonluxury prices; ride and handling that feel sized up from a Miata, rather than dumbed down for mass-market appeal; and an exterior that bucks the boxy conventions of its segment in favor of something significantly more elegant. But most of all, theres the sense that the CX-5 was designed for people like uspeople who love to drive. The Mazda CX-9 was also praised by Car and Driver for standing out in its class by providing exceptional driving dynamics with a refined interior and design. Nothing in this class can match the CX-9s dynamic competence. Its not even close, friends. If you need a three-row SUV, you will not find a better-driving, more satisfying one than the Mazda CX-9. Period. Take a gander at the flowing curves and taut lines of the CX-9. Inspect its tasteful adornment. Inside, you will find one of the most handsome arrangements of materials in the segment. A mass-market family vehicle neednt look and feel like a plastic storage bin. And you need not pilot a rudderless barge down the shipping lanes of middle age. The Mazda CX-5 raises the bar in 2019 by adding two new, more luxurious top-tier trim levels with Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 refines the powertrain lineup with the addition of the turbocharged four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine and an enhanced focus on the chassis featuring the latest technologies with G-Vectoring Control Plus. It also hosts advanced features that help improve on the vehicles comfort, convenience and safety. The 360 View Monitor and the 7-inch, full-color touchscreen display with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilities are among the new features available on the 2019 model. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 also introduces new features and refinements to benefit drivers and passengers in all three rows. The Mazda CX-9 has a retuned suspension that provides a smoother, more natural ride experience. Greater sound suppression was achieved by way of a thicker headliner and thicker floor mats, which aid in ease of conversation and enjoyment. The flagship three-row SUV is now available with a 360 View Monitor, ventilated front seated, new, power-folding mirrors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilities. Car and Drivers 10Best accolade is one of the most sought-after awards in the automotive industry. For eligibility, vehicles must be a returning winner, all-new or significantly revised with a base price of $90,000 or less. Vehicles are judged on their class, value and driving experience. Most recently, the 2019 MX-5 Miata was named as one of Car and Drivers10Best Cars. For the 18th year in a row, the MX-5 Miata has taken top honors on this renowned list for punching above its weight class and exemplifying the ideal roadster with value, excellent driving dynamics and a timeless design. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. Smithers Rapra Strengthens Global Integrated Services for the Automotive Industry With New Product Testing Lab in Suzhou, China SUZHOU, China Smithers Rapra, a world leader in rubber, plastics, and composites testing expertise, announced today that it is opening a new product testing laboratory in Suzhou. The new 4,000 sq. ft. facility provides air leak and burst, cleanliness, material properties, salt spray, and pressure, vibration, and temperature (PVT) testing. The new laboratory will be positioned to support the quickly evolving automotive market in China with fluid transfer system expertise. This lab will combine with existing labs in Akron, Ohio; Lansing, Michigan; and Shawbury, England to support Smithers global clients. The automotive market in China has experienced enormous growth over the past several years, said Derek Read, Vice President - Asia Operations, Smithers Rapra. In addition to traditional internal combustion engines, electric vehicles have become the wave of the future. New battery technologies require temperature regulation via hoses. We anticipate significant changes in how hoses will be made and tested, and our laboratory can accommodate that shift. The laboratory will be able to support vehicle OEMs and tier suppliers with validation testing for a wide variety of fluid transfer systems used on the vehicle. From brake and fuel lines to coolant hoses, radiators, and turbochargers, the experienced local team can test to international and OEM standards as well as develop custom benchmarking programs to support R&D efforts. Smithers is adapting to a changing global automotive market. Our commitment to serving domestic and multinational clientele calls for us to grow with the market into electric, autonomous, and beyond, said Nat Leonard, President, Smithers Rapra. We have been in Suzhou for over seven years building an industry leading tire and wheel testing lab, and plan to continue to evaluate the expansion into other testing services for various automotive components. The Suzhou laboratory is ISO 17025-certified and will likely be followed by continued expansion in the region to support client needs. This investment in China comes as the country reported 579,000 electric vehicle sales in 2017, reporting the highest sales numbers for any country for the year according to Forbes. Smithers Rapra operates laboratories in North America, Europe, and Asia, covering a wide variety of testing and consulting services from material chemistry and product durability testing, to tire, wheel, and winter testing. For more information about Smithers Rapra, visit www.smithersrapra.com. About Smithers Rapra: Smithers Rapra has been a trusted partner of the plastics and rubber industries for over 90 years. Our business is built around delivering a complete portfolio of rubber and plastic testing services to support a wide range of industry sectors including tire, automotive, polymer products, oil and gas, medical device, pharmaceutical, transport, packaging, industrial, and consumer products. A member of the Smithers Group of companies, Smithers Rapra is one of six member companies providing technology based services to a diverse set of industry segments. By integrating science, technology and business expertise, Smithers goal is to add value throughout the lifecycle of our clients products. For more information, visit www.smithersrapra.com or www.smithers.com. You can reach the Smithers Rapra North America office at: 425 West Market Street Akron, Ohio 44303 Telephone: 330-762-7441 www.smithersrapra.com New Orleans: A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television has been arrested by the FBI during a visit to the US, the broadcaster reported Wednesday, and her son said she was being held in a prison, apparently as a material witness. American-born news anchor Marzieh Hashemi, right, smiles as she stands with her son in Tehran, Iran. Credit:Press TV Marzieh Hashemi, who worked for the network's English-language service, was detained in St. Louis, where she had filmed a Black Lives Matter documentary after visiting relatives in the New Orleans area. She was then taken to Washington, according to her elder son, Hussein Hashemi. The FBI said in an email that it had no comment on the arrest of the woman who was born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans and has worked for Iran's state television network for 25 years. She lives about half the time in Colorado, where her children live, and half the time in Iran, according to a brother. "We still have no idea what's going on. My siblings and I also have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. We don't know what this is about or how it's unfolding," said Hashemi, a research fellow at the University of Colorado who was interviewed by phone from Washington. The historic defeat of British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposal for Brexit is a classic case of what happens when a parliament is too divided to resolve a big problem. The answer is to go back to the people. Mrs Mays plan was shot down by 432 votes to 202, which means about 100 MPs in her own Conservative Party rejected it. They are demanding a complete break with the European Union rather than the Brexit deal Mrs May made with Brussels that maintains close trade and legal ties. Sacking Theresa May would be unlikely to make much difference. Credit:AP She is now in a similar position to former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, who failed to win the support of his party for the National Energy Guarantee, which was one of his signature policies. Mr Turnbull lasted only a few days after he was forced to abandon the NEG and it is hard to see Mrs May lasting much longer. It is too late now to list all her failures. She must regret taking over the prime ministership to implement the leave verdict of the 2016 EU referendum, even though she campaigned for the remain side. She could have let the hardline Brexiteers carry the can for pulling Britain out of its biggest market. Beijing: China has hit back at Australian criticism of the death sentence handed to a Canadian man for the attempted smuggling of 200 kilograms of methamphetamine, calling it "strange". "The smuggled drugs were going to be sent to Australia. You should ask the Australian officials if they were happy to see these drugs being imported into their country," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Wednesday afternoon. She said China's memory of the dangers of drugs was still fresh after 1840 and the Opium War. The Canadian government has appealed for clemency for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who received the death penalty on Monday shortly after a one-day retrial at a Dalian court. Jakarta: Terrorism, human rights, legal affairs and corruption will take centre stage when President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and his opponent Prabowo Subianto square off in the first presidential debate of 2019. Tens of millions of Indonesians are expected to tune in for the debatel, which will also feature Widodo's running mate, the Islamic cleric Ma'ruf Amin, and Prabowo's offsider, former Jakarta deputy governor Sandiaga Uno. Indonesian President Joko Widodo may be targeted for not making enough progress in tackling endemic corruption in Indonesia. Credit:Getty Both camps have indicated they will try to focus on the issues that matter to voters and their political programs rather than ramping up political attacks on their opponents but both sides have vulnerabilities that may be too tempting for the other to ignore. Prabowo is still dogged by allegations of human rights abuses taking place when he was a military commander in East Timor, and alleged involvement in the kidnapping of activists during the 1998 reformasi demonstrations that led to the end of former president Suharto's long rule charges he has always denied. Were not sure whether to applaud establishment stockbroking firm Baillieu Holst for seemingly spending the summer undertaking a rebrand of sorts. Visitors to the Collins Street offices will note that "Holst" has been removed from the companys name which is now simply "Baillieu. 1889". The rebrand went live at the Sorrento Sailing Club, where a fleet of navy blue umbrellas emblazoned Baillieu. 1889 were rolled into position from January 1. The Holst name is also missing from the website, which is a shame, given Ballarats FW Holst & Co has been around since 1893 (just four years after E.L. & C. Baillieu was founded). Labor leader Bill Shorten's pledge to give underperforming superannuation funds their "marching orders" threatens to strip some of the Australia's most powerful union leaders of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bonus pay-packets, setting up a pre-election clash with his most influential supporters. Mr Shorten, who could become prime minister by May, said he had no time for union-backed industry or retail funds in the $2.8 trillion sector that failed to live up to expectations, as he set his sights on eliminating or forcing the bottom 25 per cent of funds to reform or merge. Dodging Prime Minister Scott Morrison's campaign to paint him as "an errand boy for unions", Mr Shorten said on Wednesday he just wanted "to see the underperformers given their marching orders". "We have got to look at the bottom quarter of underperforming funds": Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "If there is anyone trying to unduly charge unfair fees and premiums and not delivering good performance for it, I've got no time for them," he said. She was born in Semarang, Indonesia. Her grandfather had survived the explosion of Anak Krakatau (Krakatoa) in 1883 and the tsunami that followed while anchored in the Bay of Batavia. Despite that, he thought Batavia (Jakarta) was the place for him and raised a family of three that included Mary's mother, Netje. Mary's father, an officer in the Dutch merchant navy, took a shore job after marriage. Marrying in 1925, the family moved between Makassar, Semarang, Medan, and Sumatra. Father worked as a shore agent for Dutch shipping companies while Mother organised social events and fundraisers. Mary's otherwise happy childhood came to an abrupt end when, as a 12-year-old, she looked out the window one day to see Japanese soldiers invading Surabaya on bicycles. She had been largely ignorant of the war raging in Europe and the Pacific, preferring marbles with friends in the schoolyard. Her mother initially showed contempt for Japanese captors by crossing fences surrounding the area where women and children were incarcerated to fetch street food. That changed when women and children were moved to the notorious Ambarawa prison camps, joining what was subsequently described as the forgotten women of the war. Here she experienced the brutality of Japanese occupation; women between 18 and 28 forcibly removed for prostitution, beheadings, sickness and malnutrition. Her mother, ill with dysentery, made Mary a special dress with a secret pocket for stealing from the Japanese kitchen that earned a brutal kicking, but her mother survived. A lasting memory was being forced to bow daily to her Japanese captors. All her life she swore she would never bow to anyone again. Mary's war lasted months after the Japanese surrender. Independence forces blocked the exit from Ambarawa and prisoners had to be rescued by the British India regiment. Her father had died only weeks before the end of the war. She was told he had been sick and a train taking him to hospital in Batavia was left at a siding where the men perished. Freed from the need to make herself look as unattractive as possible to the Japanese, the 16-year-old enjoyed the post-war freedom in Batavia with US and British troops. It didn't last long. By February, 1946, she was on a ship bound for the Netherlands with only her tropical clothes and what her mother had smuggled through the prison camp. Returning colonialists were not particularly welcomed in the Netherlands where the population had also suffered enormous deprivation under Nazi occupation. Fortunately for Mary and her mother, an agent of the Dutch shipping company that had employed her father was waiting on the wharf with salary owed to her father. Mother and daughter settled into Amsterdam's Churchill Laane. Mary was sent back to school but couldn't settle and eventually wanted to leave the cold of the Netherlands. In 1952 she set out with friend Adriana (Addy), whom she had originally met in Medan, on the journey of a lifetime hitch-hiking around New Zealand. For a brief period, the two Dutch girls hitching around New Zealand were minor celebrities; written up in newspapers, feted by local dignitaries and with a following of suitors. For Mary, it ended in March 1953 when she married Kevin. Barbara followed in November. The marriage ended 12 years later. After a stormy return from her first visit back to the Netherlands, Mary took her two kids and set up her own flat. As with the storyline of Ladies in Black, Mary's first job was in retailing at Adairs' Camberwell junction, but she soon moved into the fashion industry. Melbourne's cosmopolitan rag trade, then still based in Flinders Lane, took the Dutch single mother of two to heart and she took the industry to heart. After a period in Flinders Lane, she hit the road selling buttons, zips and accessories, getting to know most of the factories and makers dotted around inner Melbourne. Almost 4500 Victorians have flooded a major inquiry into the state's mental health system with submissions about the crisis in services for people suffering mental illness, including those at risk of suicide. Those making submissions are most likely to be women, to be close to someone who suffers from a mental illness or to have one themselves and they are fed up. The submissions have arrived in less than a month to help shape the terms of reference for the Mental Health Royal Commission, which was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews before the November election. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announcing the Royal Commission into mental health in October. Credit:Joe Armao Even at this early stage, it is more than four times the number of people who made submissions to Victoria's family violence royal commission. Diners who visited a restaurant at one of Melbournes most-famous nightclubs, as well as an inner-city public pool, last week may have been exposed to measles, health authorities have warned. A man in his 20s has been diagnosed with the infectious disease, after spending two hours at Colonel Tan's restaurant at Revolver Upstairs in Prahran on Thursday, January 10. The man visited Colonel Tan's at Revolver Upstairs last Thursday evening. Credit:Rebecca Hallas He also travelled on the Hurstbridge train line and visited the Prahran Aquatic Centre, Laird Hotel in Abbotsford, Blackhearts and Sparrows bottle shop in North Fitzroy and Hooking Bar and Restaurant in Kew East while infectious. A spokeswoman for Colonel Tan's said the venue was not at capacity when the man visited the restaurant. Some of Victorias brightest students want to be teachers, with the average ATAR required for education degrees jumping to 76.2 this year. This is significantly higher than the ATAR benchmark of 70 set by the Andrews government as part of its push to boost teaching standards. And it places the average aspiring teacher among the top quarter of VCE students. One student who obtained a raw ATAR of 98.95 was offered a place in the secondary education course at La Trobe Universitys Bendigo campus, while a student with a 98.45 has been offered a spot in Deakin Universitys secondary teaching and arts degree in Burwood. The clean-up of eight toxic waste dump sites in the citys north is set to begin at the end of January as authorities identify some of the 1.5 million litres of chemicals found on the properties. Preliminary testing of the hundreds of industrial-size bins and drums in warehouses in Epping and Campbellfield have found the industrial solvent methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), automotive and house paints, aerosols and LPG cylinders. One of the illicit chemical dump sites uncovered in Campbellfield and Epping Credit:Chris Vedelago The clean-up operation, which is expected to take several months to complete, will be conducted along with extensive fire prevention and security measures amid concerns about potential fires or spills. Authorities have estimated there are 1 million to 1.5 million litres of chemicals stored across the eight properties, which have been packed floor to ceiling with containers. Many years later, Tony became a colleague of Hector as the Brighton Grammar chaplain, and later had the honour of scattering Hector's ashes under the majestic BGS oak tree in the quadrangle. Tony Poole describes Hector as "the consummate teacher: I was never aware of him trying to direct or influence me and my world view. Except that is on one occasion when I ventured to suggest I was a Christian Socialist and he, with good humour, brusquely said that there was 'no such thing'. "In his own inimitable way, he opened for me a totally new world. He introduced me to such wonders as the humour of Peter Cook and Dudley Moore through their 1960s production of Beyond the Fringe. He demonstrated that the Anglican Chant of the Psalms can be an effective way to forecast the weather in Britain. So often his sense of humour encouraged me to respect the Church of England and also to laugh at its idiosyncrasies. Above all the message was it is OK to laugh at oneself and still to honour the truth that is at the heart of one's actions. "Hector gave me the opportunity to explore the Christian faith from a variety of sources: not least by sharing the works of Chaucer (The Canterbury Tales), Dorothy Sayers (The Man Born to be King). I am sure that for Hector the latter would not necessarily be on the same par as the former." Hector's love of music led him to 3MBS in 1986. For many years he presented Apres Midi on a Sunday afternoon. He selected the music and wrote the comments which were thoughtful and relevant. Hector also presented a lunchtime program Much Ado About Midday during which listeners were introduced to the delights of groups such as Instant Sunshine. He produced specialist programs on composers who were "off the beaten track" and was editor of the 3MBS musical program guide, Libretto, for many years, continuing to assist with proof-reading until just before his death. The yellow vests (originally gilets jaunes) protests in France temporarily waned during Christmas, but have now resurged in a complicated fashion with a rapidly increasing number of participants over the past two weeks. The French Ministry of the Interior stated that last weekend, 84,000 protesters marched across France responding to the appeal of the yellow vests movement. Notably, Bourges has become a new hot spot in terms of security instability. In Paris, protests became tense after numerous clashes with the police on the Champs Elysees Avenue and around the Arc de Triomphe. In order to repel the protesters, the police had to use tear gas and water spouts. The French media stated that the wave of protests and riots in the country has resurged since the beginning of January, after President Macron made a tough statement against the yellow vests movement. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said that, on January 5 alone, about 50,000 people participated in protests nationwide to criticise and call on President Macron to resign. The demonstrations turned violent when protesters marched into central Paris, throwing projectiles at the police, burning multiple cars and barricades, and smashing the office of the French government spokesperson. Over the weekend, the police had to arrest and interrogate 244 people throughout France, 156 of whom were in Paris, for joining in groups plotting violent action, carrying prohibited weapons, and violence against security personnel. Thus far, the yellow vests protests in France have entered their ninth week, causing serious security instability and significant damage to the French economy. Since the phenomenon began in mid-November 2018, as many as 10 people have been killed and more than 1,600 have been injured at the venues blocked by the protesters in yellow vests. Last week, the French government had to mobilise over 80,000 police officers and gendarmerie, together with 14 armored vehicles, to prevent riots. Business activities in certain areas of Paris were heavily affected, while the Christmas sales of many firms plunged by millions of euros. Frances trade, tourism and investment sectors are and will be victims of riots this year. Remarkably, the aforementioned yellow vests demonstrations seem to have no signs of ending, because they still continue even when President Macron has made several policy concessions, as required by the majority of the people. The French press cited analysts and many French people as saying that the protests are being abused by a number of political parties, gradually distorted, and aimed at large businesses. What worries the European Union (EU) at present is that the protests and riots in France are creating a spillover effect and are tending to spread to many other European countries. Last weekend, a major demonstration, which was the same as the yellow vests movement in France, also took place in London, the United Kingdom, with hundreds of participants. The protesters marched along the central streets before gathering at Trafalgar Square to oppose the governments austerity policies and demand a general election. Similar protests have broken out since November 2018 and are posing security challenges for the UK in the context of being just over two months away from leaving the EU. Previously, the yellow vest protest movement, originating from France, had also spread to a variety of countries such as Austria, Turkey, Italy and Portugal. In the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, hundreds of protesters demanding tax cuts poured down the streets, causing traffic interruptions. The aforementioned protests all have one thing in common that they are inspired by the yellow vests movement in France and the protesters are dissatisfied and opposed to the governments current policies. However, whats most worrying is that the wave of protests has already been and is at risk of being abused by certain political parties to create divisions and long-term security and political turmoil, and hinder economic growth. Therefore, this is a ferocious wave that the EU leaders in general and each EU member state in particular need to be especially vigilant of and seek to resolve the disagreements in order to minimise the risk of the protests turning into long-term riots before its too late. Although not living under the same roof, Peter continued to receive our ongoing love, support and advocacy. Every weekend we would visit his government-funded "group home". We'd take him out and about in the community. Like me, he could be a ratbag, but the stakes were raised by his inclination to run onto roads, eat inedible objects, and engage in other hazardous activities all the time innocent and oblivious to risk. My little brother was born in 1987, with slightly redder hair. Peter was intellectually disabled and growing up together was tough. Our family loved him dearly but catering to the full-time demands and vulnerabilities was incredibly stressful and unsustainable. At the age of six, Peter moved into full-time residential care in Melbourne's east. While heart-wrenching, the change enabled us to live with love and meaning. Peter Bain As Mum wrote in a recent memo regarding his care, ongoing love and advocacy were essential ingredients in Peter's development. This particularly manifested over the past 10 years when he became more connected with folk. In our dad's words, "he became an easier guy to be around", full of love and physical affection. While I've spent most of the past decade living abroad, I always felt connected with our family's love for Peter via a stream of photos and stories sent from our parents. Mum chronicled his development in story writing, and we established a messaging group called "Pete's Team". I got all the info about trips to the podiatrist, dentist, hairdresser, cafes, doctors, hospital, speech therapists, visits to friends of the family, clothing shops, and holidays down to the coast. Many individuals and organisations supported his development over the years. In particular, our parents worked tirelessly as advocates to ensure he had the best quality of life despite the challenges, and to help him develop as an individual. Access to quality full-time care, and his community engagement through activities and residential housing, enabled us all to live good lives. Peter's care arrangements were hard fought for. In the early 1990s, services for people with intellectual disabilities were shifting from out-dated institutionalised seclusion towards improved care models enabling integration and participation in the community. While great in theory, the care burden was often pushed back onto families. Government policy said Peter belonged at home, but my family was ill-equipped to manage this in perpetuity. My dad researched care models tested elsewhere and published studies in medical journals. Mum advocated, including on the steps of the Parliament, demanding support to enable sanity for the families of people like my brother. Loading Out of 392 occupations, only two averaged about 38 hours of toil per week - library assistants and museum technicians. Miners recorded the longest hours, spending almost 62 hours on average per week at work. You can also compare jobs by hourly pay. On this metric anaesthetists come out on top at $78.62 per hour, while taxi drivers fare worst with $14.22 an hour. But because of the way census data is collected, it likely understates the hourly income of those in jobs that earn more than $180,000 a year. And within any occupation there is bound to be variation in pay rates and hours worked, for some professions unpaid overtime may be common and for self-employed people income may not be proportional to hours worked. Loading On average caravan park and camping ground managers work about 56 hours per week, but for Mr Rose, this is about the minimum number of hours he puts in during the winter off-peak. His workday starts at 8.30am when the phone lines open and winds up about 1am after he has finished checking the park to make sure people have settled down. Throughout the day, five sets of toilet blocks have to be cleaned three times each, there is constantly tidying to do or repairs to be carried out, he operates a takeaway food store on-site, and he has to help a steady stream of guests arrive and depart. "People come out from Melbourne and dont rock up until 9pm, sometimes 11pm at night. We get people ringing after 11pm looking for accommodation. Your phone is always going to be on," he says. Victorian Caravan Parks Association chief executive Elizabeth White says most parks are family-run businesses, and the owners put in as many hours a week as are needed to get the job done. Mr Rose and his wife Leisa have owned and run the Lake Eppalock Holiday Park for seven years and since taking over the business have added a swimming pool, a playground and a games area to keep guests entertained, as well as extra accommodation so more people can stay there. They have a house in Geelong, but during the summer peak, the couple can spend two months away from home. Lake Eppalock Holiday Park owner and operator Peter Rose gets a rare moment's rest by the pool during the summer school holiday peak. Credit:Darren Howe Towards the end of these busy times, Mr Rose says it can be difficult to remain cheerful in front of visitors. "By the time it reaches February I don't want to talk to anybody. I hibernate. I just want to read a book," he says. But Mr Rose says he likes his work and gets a buzz out of all the activity. "I enjoy seeing other people enjoy themselves. The biggest pleasure is when people are here having a good time and when they leave they have good comments about the park." A lesson in hard work The summer school holidays do offer some respite from the heavy workload of school principal Brendan O'Brien. Brendan O'Brien, the principal of Carranballac College in Point Cook. Credit:Eddie Jim When asked about his jobs responsibilities, Mr OBrien pauses for a couple of seconds then replies with a question: "have you got a couple of hours?" Loading "Its a very complex job," he says. "You have to balance parent matters, student matters, staff matters and the broader community, and each of those have their own complexities." On top of that, he says he has full responsibility for the overall performance of the school, leading 160 staff and overseeing 1550 students across two campuses, making sure what the school teaches is up-to-date, managing the schools budget and - increasingly - legal knowledge around family matters and employment. He estimates he spends 55-60 hours working each week on average, but can sometimes rack up more than that, such as when its time for end-of-year school concerts and he has four to attend in one week. His hours are comparable with other principals. In 2016, census data shows they worked about 52 hours and 45 minutes per week on average, far more than the standard 40-hour working week. Mr OBrien started out as a primary school teacher, and took on more leadership responsibilities until he became principal of Altona North Primary School at age 34. After 25 years there, he moved to Carranballac College in Point Cook three years ago. He says the experience he has gained over that time has been vital, and without it he would be spending 80 hours a week working through everything his job throws at him. About the data When the next recession strikes, it won't be as bad as the last one, JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has predicted. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon doesn't expect the next recession to be as bad as the previous one. Credit:Bloomberg "You will have a recession. It just won't be like you had the last time in ... affecting the banking system," he said in a call Tuesday with analysts after the company released its fourth-quarter earnings. The chief executive said the larger banks have been more prudent when approving new loans. It's the newer, non-bank lenders - dubbed shadow banks - that could have problems during a recession, he predicted. "Someone's going to get hurt," he said. "The issue there for the marketplace is going to be, we have a recession, the lender will not be there. So a lot of these borrowers will be stranded." New Orleans police on Wednesday morning arrested a man accused of trying to help thwart the investigation into last years killing of rapper Young Greatness outside a local restaurant. Donald Reaux, 38, was booked on counts of obstruction of justice, plotting to obstruct justice, and being an accessory after the fact to second-degree murder. A criminal justice source said police used surveillance camera footage to conclude that Reaux was at the crime scene and was familiar with at least one other person involved in the fatal shooting of the 34-year-old rapper, who was born Theodore Jones. Reaux is the first suspect arrested in connection with one of the highest-profile murders in New Orleans in 2018. Police found Jones after he had been shot about 1:35 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2018, outside the Waffle House restaurant in the 2900 block of Elysian Fields Avenue. Jones, who was reportedly in town for a funeral, died at the scene. This is apparently not the first time New Orleans police have accused Reaux of having a hand in a violent crime. Criminal District Court records show Reaux was jailed on a count of first-degree murder on Dec. 30, 1998, but authorities later declined to prosecute him. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In 2001, a man with Reauxs name was found guilty in federal court of aiding and abetting bank robbery by force or violence as well as use of firearm during a violent crime. That man received a prison sentence of nearly 12 years, records show. He was released from federal custody in 2011, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Raised in New Orleans' St. Bernard housing development, Jones was perhaps best known for his 2015 single "Moolah." The song, released through the Atlanta record label Quality Control, registered more than 30 million YouTube views and topped out at No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Moolah's" success prompted Rolling Stone to name Young Greatness on one of its monthly "10 Artists You Need to Know," likening him to rap stars Fetty Wap, Future and Migos. Jones also spent time in Houston before establishing himself as an artist. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto has found himself at the center of a controversy in his native Mexico after a news report alleged he has failed to properly manage the Mexican national orchestra. Prieto, a world-renowned conductor who has been widely praised in New Orleans for helping resurrect the LPO after Hurricane Katrina, leads several orchestras in both the U.S. and Mexico, including the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Mexico, based in Mexico City. But on Monday, Excelsior, a Mexico City newspaper that is considered among the most influential in the country, reported on government documents that suggested Prieto, as head of that orchestra, spent unreasonable amounts of money on foreign guest performers. In addition, the newspaper reported that members of the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional were unhappy with Prieto's leadership, and were anonymously requesting that he be removed from his position in part because of a lack of concerts throughout Mexico and a failure to issue performance recordings throughout his tenure. Prieto, 53, disputed the claims raised in the article and has pushed back vehemently against the allegations, particularly those alleging he overpaid guest performers. This is a 'lost in translation' situation, said Prieto, whose jobs in Mexico and in New Orleans with the LPO are among his four conductor gigs. I am kind of saddened (because) I dont want this to give a bad impression of my country, and it saddens me this was published without verified information. Excelsior's article cited documents from the Mexican governments Ministry of Culture that said Prieto directed the symphony to pay more than 13 million pesos roughly $690,000 to four international artists for visiting performances in 2015 and 2016, compensation that well exceeded typical rates for musicians of their caliber. Excelsior took issue with the amount because the monthly cost of the orchestras 105 members is about 2 million pesos, or about $105,195. The newspaper also reported that two of the performers had earned several times more than some of classical musics brightest stars command for performances. The author of the Excelsior article, Juan Carlos Talavera, provided online links to several government documents, including a database page that showed prominent American cellist Lynn Harrell had received a payment of $282,000. The page converted that to more than 5 million pesos. For now, I have no documents disproving (the story), Talavera said. (Prietos camp) has asked me for time to provide the information to me, but for now its just allegations. Prieto contends that the government and newspaper have mistaken payment amounts made in pesos for U.S. dollars, and then reconverted the amounts to arrive at a new peso amount that was roughly 19 times higher. Columbia Artists Senior Vice President Stefana Atlas, who represents Prieto and Harrell, backed up Prieto on Tuesday. She provided The Advocate with an online link to a contract that showed the Mexican symphony had paid 282,000 pesos or about $15,000 to Harrell in November 2015, far less than the 5 million pesos alleged in the government document. We should all be so lucky to earn the higher amounts, Atlas said Tuesday. But somewhere down the line, theres been a discrepancy and an accusation that is false and not correct. Talavera said Tuesday that he had been made aware of Prietos contentions but stood by his reporting. If the government made a mistake, that correction would have to come from the government, but for now it hasnt arrived, Talavera said. Prieto, a violinist, became the LPOs artistic director in 2005. In December, he received Musical America magazines prestigious Conductor of the Year award. The LPO which receives local, state and federal grant funding has extended Prieto's contract multiple times and in 2017 paid him a salary of about $131,000. Prieto is also the conductor of the U.S.-based Orchestra of the Americas as well as two orchestras in his native Mexico, including the national symphony, which he took over in 2007. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The Excelsior report doesnt focus only on the Mexican national orchestra's spending. It also quotes multiple, anonymous members of the orchestra expressing concerns with Prietos overall leadership of the group. Their complaints included failing to step foot in 24 of Mexicos 31 states; failing to produce a single audio recording of the orchestra performing in the last dozen years; and being sluggish in replacing members who retire or fall ill. They urged Mexican officials to oust Prieto from his post, and they said any support he claimed to have among orchestra members is either apocryphal or nonexistent. Prieto said it is difficult to produce audio recordings while making ends meet at the cash-strapped orchestra, and that the organization tried to compensate for an inability to travel as much as it would like by digitally streaming its performances online. However, he declined to address the rest of the allegations. When you are in an orchestra for a number of years, theres always voices that will (express) concerns about you, he said. However, Ive always had the support and still have the support of the orchestra, just like Ive always had it here (in New Orleans). An LPO spokeswoman on Tuesday said the organization had no comment on the Excelsior report. Then, on Wednesday morning, the LPO issued the following statement: "The LPOs artistic budget is approved annually by our Board of Trustees, with guest artist contracts being negotiated by the LPOs Director of Artistic Programming and approved by our CEO. Contract fees adhere to the parameters set as part of an annual budgeting process. Mr. Prieto has no involvement in the financial aspects of the contracting process. As one of seven voting members that make up our Artistic Programming Committee (the other being six musicians, per our collaborative model), his role is to provide leadership to the LPOs artistic planning process, which includes the selection of guest artists. Additionally, LPO guest artist fees fall well within industry standards of an orchestra managing an annual operating budget of $6M." An additional statement from LPO chief executive officer James Boyd said: During his 13 seasons as the LPOs Music Director and Principal Conductor, Carlos leadership has fostered tremendous artistic development in terms of the orchestras programming and performance standards. Evidence of his impact was on display during the LPOs debut performance at Carnegie Hall last season, and has been further amplified by his recent honor as Musical Americas Conductor of the Year. Moreover, in our experiences with Carlos he consistently exhibits the highest ethical standard related to the LPOs finances. Last month, Musical America presented its Conductor of the Year award to Prieto at a ceremony in New York's famed Carnegie Hall. A Broadway World report said Prieto was selected because of his enthusiastic championing of new music (which) is evident through the ambitious commissioning he has done and premieres he has given of over 100 works, with a particular focus on Latin American composers. Note: This post was updated since it was first published to add remarks from the LPO. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will reopen 17 Farm Service Agency offices in the coming days so workers can provide limited servic The unpaid federal employees are being held hostage by politicians bent on total victory over their adversaries. It is not right that these em President Donald Trump steps off of Air Force One at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport as he is greeted by, from left to right, U.S. House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and U.S. Sens. John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, Monday. President Trump visited New Orleans to deliver a speech at the Farm Bureau convention. President Donald J. Trump made his way to New Orleans on Monday and was greeted with protests organized by several groups, including the hard-left New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice. The group describes itself as "a workers rights and racial justice response to the man-made disaster called Hurricane Katrina." To say the group prefers socialism over capitalism would be the mother of all understatements. The protests featured a statue of a Napoleon-like figure resembling Trump sitting on top of a nuclear bomb. It was titled Fat Man and Little Boy. There was also a guillotine adorned with a sign saying Let them eat king cake rolled alongside a papier-mache "swamp thing" pushed by protesters whose fliers called for the elimination of borders and said, Fu@# all borders and The swamp is a sanctuary. Let refugees in. Another sign read: "Impeach dat. The message that the no-borders crowd was selling was a very different one than what Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry pitched to the president recently. Landry, among others, met with Trump at the White House last week over the topic of border security. Landry supports the presidents push for stronger border security and the commander-in-chiefs willingness to shut down the government to get his way. "I don't care if you have drones or motion detectors or any other security. If you don't have a front door, the criminals are going to come into your house," Landry told the president. Cedric Richmond guest column: Here's how shutdown, Trump policies are hurting Louisiana Today marks the 26th day of President Donald Trumps shutdown, and I find myself intrigued by his visit to New Orleans. While my colleagues an Landry agrees with Trump that our nation is facing a border crisis that needs addressing now, not later. "We have seen what happens when we allow criminals to come into our country illegally," Landry told Trump, pointing to the 2016 death of St. John Fire Chief Spencer Chauvin when a bus driver living in the United States illegally crashed his vehicle and killed Chauvin and Jermaine Starr. "Spencer Chauvin's wife, Jennifer, and his two children, Jude and Jade, will never be reunited with their husband and father here on this earth, said Landry. Louisiana U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, a Republican, also supports Trumps call for building a wall on our nations southern border. Cassidy recently floated the idea of using drug money seized from cartels to pay for the wall. Cassidy claims the feds confiscate approximately $5 billion each year in drug money from cartel members. Trump has asked Congress for $5 billion to build a wall, but Democrats refuse to allocate the money, hence the standoff and partial government shutdown. Cassidy said it wouldnt be the Mexican government or the Mexican people who pay for a wall, but itll be the Mexican cartels, and that is poetic justice." Cassidy also hopes his proposal would help bypass a potential lawsuit should Trump declare an emergency allowing him to use government funds without the consent of Congress for a wall. Louisiana U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, also a Republican, has fully supported Trumps willingness to partially shut down the government in a feud with Democrats over the issue of border security. +15 Trump gives Drew Brees shout-out, calls for border wall in New Orleans address First came the hometown shout-outs from President Donald Trump to the exciting New Orleans Saints, to Drew Brees, who is one hell of a qu "Let me tell you what Trumps sin is: For the first time in 20 years, he's enforcing America's immigration laws," Kennedy said. "For 15, 20 years weve had a bipartisan refusal up here by both big-government Republicans and Ritz-Carlton Democrats to refuse to enforce America's immigration laws, and Trump said, Well, by God, I'm going to enforce the law, and all of a sudden, you know, he's Satan, and I just think the American people see through it. Kennedy attended the same White House meeting as Landry last week, and the senator was also on hand to greet the president when he landed in New Orleans on Monday. "One way to stop illegal immigration is a border wall," Kennedy said. "We know that because we have one in San Diego, and Yuma, and El Paso, and on the West Bank in Israel, and in Hungary and in Saudi Arabia and in Bulgaria, and I could keep going. Border barriers work. Duh. The only Democrat in Louisianas Congressional delegation, U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond of New Orleans, does not supports Trumps stand on border security. Richmond described Trumps wall as something that does absolutely nothing to keep Americans safer. Email Dan Fagan at faganshow@gmail.com. Twitter: @FaganShow. Neel Bhatt, a UW assistant professor of otolaryngology, specializes in treating patients with voice problems. Through his work, he began to realize people did not like the sound of their own voices. With the transition to school over Zoom, many students can relate to the discomfort of hearin With the greetings, if not fawnings, of Louisianas Republican elite, Donald J. Trump arrived at Louis Armstrong International Airport trailin Stephenson Technologies Corp., LSU's applied research center, is entering a partnership with Israel-based Check Point Software Technologies to pursue cybersecurity endeavors together. Gov. John Bel Edwards, who met with Check Point officials during a trade mission to Israel in October, announced the joint effort on Tuesday. Gov. John Bel Edwards hoping Israel trip will pay off in research, economic development opportunities Gov. John Bel Edwards is hoping that a recent trip to Israel will strengthen Louisiana's connections to Israel and lay the groundwork for new Cyber threats are always evolving, and new partnerships such as this one with Stephenson Technologies Corp. at LSU represent a critical effort for protecting vital assets, both public and private, Edwards said in a news release. This agreement is a direct result of our meeting with Check Point officials in Tel Aviv during our trade mission to Israel last fall. We look forward to a rewarding relationship that will build Louisianas strength and leadership in cybersecurity. Check Point is an international network security vendor that works with more than 100,000 global businesses and organizations to protect them from cyber attacks. The new partnership has been designed to develop cybersecurity training scenarios at the Joint Cyber Training Lab in LSU Innovation Park, with the LSU-based team working with and testing Check Point products and technologies. Edwards, who co-chairs the National Governors Associations Resource Center for State Cybersecurity, has invited private cybersecurity industry leaders, as well as educators, researchers and students and representatives of the gubernatorial administrations of all 50 states to attend a cybersecurity event in Shreveport in May. Louisiana residents who rely on food stamps will get their February benefits early under a deal the federal government hashed out to fund the program despite the federal government shutdown. But state officials are warning families that the benefits they receive in the coming days are not bonuses and will need to be budgeted to stretch at least until March. That is not an additional benefit," Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday. "That benefit you get is going to have to carry you all the way through the month of February. The state Department of Children and Family Services, which oversees the federally-funded food stamp program in Louisiana, launched a portal this week to answer questions about the shutdown's impact on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps. "Unfortunately, we are seeing some misinformation about Louisiana SNAP benefits as a result of people sharing information from other states," DCFS said in a news release. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP on the federal level, announced last week that it had figured out a way to fund February benefits, but they would be distributed early to work around restrictions tied to the federal government shutdown that began Dec. 22. I know there has been genuine concern across America about what will happen with these benefits, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a call with reporters last week. Nearly 1 in 5 people in Louisiana receives food stamps more than 850,000 people each year, many of them families with children. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Under the new plan described by Perdue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is working with states to implement an early issuance of February benefits to work around a federal funding deadline. Across the country, more than 19 million households receive SNAP benefits that could be impacted if there were a lapse in funding. It's unclear what will happen with March benefits, if the government remains shut down due to President Donald Trumps impasse with congressional leaders over funding for a wall along the Mexican border. Trump is requesting more than $5 billion for the border wall, which is part of his attempt to curb illegal immigration. For now, weve solved the problem about what to do about February benefits. The next question will be What about March? said Perdue, a Trump appointee who previously was governor of Georgia. The partial government shutdown, which is the nation's longest ever recorded, has forced thousands of federal workers to go without pay until issues are resolved. Trump this week signed legislation that would guarantee the nearly 800,000 furloughed federal workers will ultimately be compensated when the government re-opens, as has happened in past shutdowns. Edwards said about 330 federal employees have sought unemployment pay to make up for lost wages in recent weeks. Leaders have not signaled any movement toward compromise, even as the shutdown stretches into its fourth week. Trump has suggested that he's willing to keep the government closed for "months or even years" to obtain funding for the border wall that was a focal point of his presidential campaign. While public school teachers may get their first substantive pay hike in six years, low salaries are not a glaring issue for new teachers. Louisiana ranks 17th in the U.S. for starting salaries, above the national average. New teachers are paid an average of $40,128 compared with $38,617 nationally, according to 2016-17 figures compiled by the National Education Association. It is roughly what new teachers get in Texas, Rhode Island, Delaware and Washington. But all that changes drastically in a few years. The average salary for all teachers in Louisiana is 37th in the nation and the ranking is falling, according to the education group. Pay averaged $50,000 in 2017, the latest figures available for comparison purposes. The national average that year was $59,660. The state ranked 34th in 2016. Officials said a decade of state budget problems and action sparked by a worsening teacher shortage helps explain the gap. Recurring budget troubles have already pulled teachers salaries here below the average set by the Southern Regional Education Board in Atlanta. The state, after years of trying, finally hit that target for the financial year that began July 1, 2008. But it slipped below the average in 2013, which is a key reason Gov. John Bel Edwards has proposed boosting pay by $1,000 this year, and more in future years, to again reach the education board benchmark by 2022. In addition, fewer people are entering the profession. The number of students finishing teacher preparation programs has dropped 18 percent in Louisiana since the 2010-11 school year, part of a nationwide trend. Also, basic state aid for public schools, which is supposed to help with teacher pay, has been frozen for 10 of the past 11 years. +2 Education leaders support push for teacher pay raise; questions, concerns remain over details While public school teachers are enthused about prospects for a pay raise, they are leery about details of the plan, including how it would be "I believe in the past, possibly over the past 7-10 years, local school boards have focused on maintaining and increasing their pay scales on starting teacher salaries," Shane Riddle, legislative and political director for the Louisiana Association of Educators, said Tuesday in an email. The drop-off starts in about the fifth year of teaching, Riddle said. That means periodic increases for teachers in Louisiana are not keeping pace with Southern states and others, he said. "So bottom line is that local school districts are focusing on adjusting their pay scales upwards on the front end at a higher pace than through the middle and end of the schedules trying to entice teachers to the profession," Riddle said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Gov. Edwards targets boosting Louisiana teachers' regional average pay; downplays talk of walkouts Mixing education goals with re-election themes, Gov. John Bel Edwards said Saturday he is mapping plans to boost teacher pay to the regional a Larry Carter, president of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, made a similar point. Carter said that, for the past five or 10 years, school districts have focused on offering competitive salaries to attract teachers because of shortages. Keith Courville, executive director of the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana, said salaries start falling behind here partly because teachers have less incentive to earn advanced degrees. "We have a culture in our state of not valuing higher education attainment," he said. Courville said that, when he was a teacher, he spent two years investing in a master's degree that only resulted in a $500 per year raise. "If you look at raw calculations it was not worth it in terms of how much money you spent," he said. "Even states with starting salaries lower than us you might get a $5,000 raise once you get a master's degree," Courville said. "So they are above us once you get the master's degree." The governor's proposal, including $500 pay boosts for support workers, enjoys wide support in the Legislature, at least in concept. Disagreements remain on the exact size of the increase, who should be included and how the raises should be financed. The 2019 regular session, which will take place in an election year, begins on April 8. The debate comes amid teacher unrest in Louisiana and elsewhere, including an ongoing strike in Los Angeles and teacher job actions over pay last year in Oklahoma, Arizona and West Virginia. Will Louisiana teachers walk out sometime this year? It depends on this factor, leader says Whether public school teachers walk off the job in the current school year depends on actions by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Repu Louisiana's roughly 50,000 teachers are supposed to get half of any increases in annual state aid for public schools, which is allocated through a funding system called the Minimum Foundation Program. MFP dollars have been frozen for most of the past decade. Edwards wants this year's increase to be spelled out in the MFP so that teachers are guaranteed the money. The latest SREB comparison figures 2015-16 showed teachers were paid $1,250 below the regional average. The governor says that gap is now about $2,200, and that it will take three years of salary hikes to reach the education board target again. Teachers in New York have the highest average salary at $81,902, according to the NEA figures. Oklahoma was ranked 50th at $45,292, which will change after last year's pay raise. Zachary Community School Board members started their new terms of office Tuesday under a cloud that has been hanging over the city for the past week: uncertainty about the effects of massive layoffs at the Georgia-Pacific mill in nearby Port Hudson. The companys announcement last week that it will stop producing office paper, downsize the plant and eliminate about 650 jobs has raised alarm in Zachary. The facility, a top employer in the area, is located outside the city limits but within the school district and is a major source of tax revenue. +2 LSU economist estimates paper mill shutdown will lead to loss of nearly 2,800 jobs in ripple effect Georgia-Pacifics decision to stop producing office paper at its Port Hudson mill and lay off 650 people could ripple into an estimated loss o The local employment and economic outlook took another hit Tuesday, when BASF announced it will close its Zachary chemical plant, causing more than 50 people to lose their jobs. In a work session ahead of the meeting during which the nine board members eight reelected incumbents and one past member who is returning after four years off the board were inaugurated, district leaders talked about their concerns. It came up as they discussed a request for the board to approve a mid-fiscal year revision to the 2018-2019 budget, upping it from $55.3 million to $56.6 million. BASF to shut down Zachary chemical plant, affecting 54 workers German chemical giant BASF will shut down its Zachary manufacturing plant in April, a move that will affect 54 workers, the company said. The board unanimously voted later to make the change, which business manager John Musso said was needed in light of a 12-percent jump in property tax collections in the past year. Board member Heidi Vessel asked Musso how the budget could be affected given the potential for a diminished stream of tax dollars once Georgia-Pacifics partial closure is complete and the impact on the local economy plays out. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In the event that we werent going to collect all the ... taxes, we do have a surplus of funds almost $20 million dollars, Musso responded. Vessel urged officials to be cautious in their spending amid the uncertainty over future revenue, which comes as the city and school system population continue a yearslong trend of growth. In 10 years, were going to need to replace (the Zachary High School stadium) field, and the buildings are getting older, she said. Were increasingly going to have to do more maintenance on them. I dont want a perfect storm to happen, like a reduction in revenue and increase in maintenance, she added. Superintendent Scott Devillier assured Vessel thats all in our plan, saying he and his staff are already careful with their finances. We feel like the sky is not falling down and were going to get through this, Devillier said. This community is resilient and well work through it. He added that his team is looking for ways schools can help parents who have lost jobs at either of the plants and their children. Guidance counselors stand ready to talk with affected students who are stressed by the situation, student support services director Aeneid Mason said under questioning by board member David Dayton. In other business, the board: Thompson Pipe Group will close its Zachary manufacturing plant later this year, a move that will impact 120 workers as the region faces its third announced plant closure in a week. The firms decision comes after Georgia-Pacific said last week it would close down a major division of its Port Hudson paper mill, laying off 650 at the site. And Tuesday, German chemical giant BASF confirmed it is shutting down its specialty chemical plant that employs 54 in the spring. All three closures will take place later this year. Any time when you have plants or people losing jobs its always unfortunate, said Zachary Schools Superintendent Scott Devillier. It sure seems like its hitting us all at once. Devillier said the school system is focusing on helping families and students cope with the recent layoffs and said it will likely host a job fair in the coming weeks. While the closures are not expected to immediately impact the Zachary school systems budget, they could lead to a budget crunch down the road after the facilities are decommissioned. Devillier said it is still too early to say what the financial impact will be. As Georgia-Pacific downsizes, Zachary school officials voice concern about loss of tax revenue Zachary Community School Board members started their new terms of office Tuesday under a cloud that has been hanging over the city for the pas Detlev Schlorke, Thompson Pipe Group's vice president, said the firm is consolidating the plant, at 18585 Samuels Road, into its Alvarado, Texas, operations. He said the company is offering employees jobs in Texas, but its not clear how many will find employment there. Some employees have already moved to Texas, he said. About 30 workers will be seeking employment following the Thompson Pipe closure, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome said Wednesday. The Louisiana Workforce Commission said it has not yet received a WARN notice, which is required for many plant closings and mass layoffs. Were relocating it because we have a huge facility in Alvarado, Schlorke said. It doesnt make sense to have this plant sitting here as opposed to consolidating resources in Alvarado. This is just a strategic plan weve had in place for many years, he added. The plant likely will shut down in late summer, Schlorke said. It will stay in operation through mid-year, then be decommissioned likely by July or August, he said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The Rialto, California-based company acquired the Zachary pipe manufacturing facility in 2008 from Amitech USA for $14 million. The firm manufactures fiberglass piping systems for a range of uses, including sewer systems, potable water and wastewater treatment plants in North America. BASF to shut down Zachary chemical plant, affecting 54 workers German chemical giant BASF will shut down its Zachary manufacturing plant in April, a move that will affect 54 workers, the company said. The Georgia-Pacific layoffs, which are expected to take place in March, will ripple through the regional economy and could lead to 2,150 other lost jobs across the state, according to an LSU study. The BASF closure will affect 54 workers. The firm said it is trying to place employees at its facilities in Geismar. The announced operational shutdowns in East Baton Rouge Parish are unfortunate, and we are working with our partners at the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the City-Parish to provide new job opportunities for the employees affected at Georgia-Pacific, BASF and Thompson Pipe Group as are the companies themselves, judging by their own public statements regarding subsequent job relocation offers," said Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson. He said in each case, the companies appeared to face changing market conditions and their actions aren't reflective of the state's economy, business environment or workforce. The state and local economies are strong, stable and growing, he said. Pierson noted that since Thanksgiving, the department has announced seven economic development projects, representing over $2.2 billion in new capital investment and 1,139 new jobs for the state. Thompson Pipe Group did not appear to have any active tax incentives, according to Louisiana Economic Development records, unlike the Georgia-Pacific mill, which had only recently won approval from locals a $2 million property tax break. The Industrial Tax Exemption award will not move forward following the layoffs, the company has said. The LSU study, conducted by Shaun Tanger, a forest economist at the LSU AgCenter, found the Georgia-Pacific layoffs at its business paper operations will result in the loss of nearly $188 million in labor income and $22.8 million in tax revenue for state and local governments as it ripples through the economy. About 300 people will remain at the Georgia-Pacific mill making paper towels and toilet paper. At his inauguration Monday night, Zachary Mayor David Amrhein said the layoffs wont stand in the way of our progress. Zacharys time-tested and proven resiliency model will continue to make our city even stronger, he said. Zacharys population at last count was 17,538 and it had a median income of $79,346, well above the U.S. figure of $57,000, census data show. East Baton Rouge Metro Councilman Trae Welch, who represents Zachary, said the closures underscore the need to be friendly with the plants. Welch brought the Georgia-Pacific tax break to the council before deleting it in December, effectively approving it. The truth is the bread and butter in this community is to make sure our large employers are able to continue to employ our people, he said. "The timing and proximity of these closures is disheartening news for our residents whove been impacted, but we realize that cutbacks and closures are part of a changing economy and supply and demand," Broome said. "Our collective goal continues to be to help everyone find new jobs and careers here in the Baton Rouge area. Our efforts to support Georgia-Pacific employees are well underway, and it is our intention to consolidate our resources to assist all citizens in need of employment due to recently announced layoffs." DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) She is largely unknown in the United States. But the American anchorwoman for Iran's state-run broadcaster, In context: Following a massive oversupply of GTX 10 series GPUs, Nvidia is finally almost out of its last generation graphics cards. Once they are gone, the company will be able to focus all of its efforts on newer and future generations. Nvidia has blamed the cryptocurrency crash of 2018 for its oversupply of the GTX 10 series, but all the extra graphics cards are almost gone. In a Q&A session with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, an update was provided on the inventory problem. When asked, "Can you tell us more about your problem with excess inventory and how that will be resolved?" Huang reiterated that the overstock problem is a direct result of cryptocurrency, and then went on to note that all of the high end GTX 10 series is sold out. The GTX 1080 Ti, GTX 1080, GTX 1070 Ti, and GTX 1070 are all gone. It will only be "several more weeks" before the GTX 1060 begins to disappear from Nvidia's own stockpile. Once the GTX 1060 is gone from Nvidia's own storage, it will only be a short matter of time before they disappear from store shelves and online retailers. Upon the phasing out of the past generation, Nvidia will be free to push the RTX 20 series at its inflated pricing with little response from AMD. The Radeon VII is sure to come up as a debate point, but all signs are pointing to a very limited release with only reference design cards being available. Upon the final demise of the GTX 10 series, Nvidia will be free to focus completely on Turing and following generations. So far, there are no lower tier RTX 20 series cards below the RTX 2060, or even rebranded GPUs to fill the entry level segment with refreshed models. If Nvidia does release entry level cards, possibly branded as the GTX 11 series, there is little expectation of ray tracing features. Going to the beach Visiting family/friends out of town Camping/hiking Other (let us know!) Vote View Results Why it matters: Although the project will take decades to complete, it will allow scientists to explore areas of physics that have never been possible before. This includes antimatter, dark matter, and the Higgs boson. CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has released a proposal to build the biggest and most powerful particle accelerator in the world. The collider they currently have, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), is roughly 16.6 miles around, but their new accelerator will be 100km (62 miles) around. This endeavor, known as the Future Circular Collider, will be constructed underground in the area near the current LHC. It will surround Geneva and pass through Switzerland and France giving scientists even more insight into particle physics. CERN is famous for producing many ground breaking discoveries in the field of particle physics, most notably the discovery of the Higgs boson. With the LHC, CERN already had the most powerful atom smasher in the world, but science sleeps. The accompanying video includes testimony from many of the scientists working on the project including Nobel Laureate Peter Higgs himself. These massive machines work by accelerating particles to nearly the speed of light and them smashing them into one another. By analyzing the collisions and resulting subatomic particles that fly off, scientists can dig deeper into the building blocks of our universe. Projects like this take decades to realize, so many of the scientists who will eventually be working on the FCC haven't even been born yet. After the LHC was introduced, it took 10 years to be approved, and another 15 years after that until it was operational. The much larger FCC project is expected to span over 70 years. This week's report is the culmination of 5 years worth of work from 1,300 scientists and lays out plans for many future designs. With this new collider, scientists hope to explore antimatter, dark matter, and further explore the Higgs boson. Although the LHC provided many insights, it also created questions that can only be answered with a more powerful collider. This project will come in several phases. The first phase will complete by 2040 and will consist of building the $5 billion tunnel and a $4 billion lepton collider. This device would smash electrons and positrons (the antimatter variant of an electron). Around 2050 or 2060, scientists will upgrade it to a $15 billion hadron collider to smash protons. Scientists in China have also released plans for a 100km collider of their own. A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today! Supermicro CEO Charles Liang on Tuesday informed customers that a leading third-party investigations company found "absolutely no evidence of malicious hardware" on its motherboards. The investigation was undertaken in response to Bloomberg's recent claim that bad actors had inserted spy chips in the firm's motherboards on behalf of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, China's armed forces. Investigators tested a representative sampling of Supermicro's motherboards, including the specific type of motherboard referenced in Bloomberg's article, and motherboards purchased by "companies referenced in the article, as well as more recently manufactured motherboards," Liang wrote. Apple and Amazon are the referenced companies. The findings "were no surprise to us," Liang noted, because "our process is designed to protect the integrity and reliability of our products." The following requirements are established in Supermicro's process: Employees must be on site with assembly contractors; Products go through multiple inspections, including automated optical, visual, electrical and functional tests; Each board is tested repeatedly against its design throughout its supply chain, to detect any aberration; Every layer of every board is tested; No single employee, team or contractor has unrestricted access to the complete board design; and Supermicro regularly audits contractors for process, quality and controls. The company had no comment beyond the letter and video, company rep Sofia Mata-Leclerc told TechNewsWorld. The Plot Thickens Tainted motherboards were discovered in 2015, when Amazon enlisted a third party to scrutinize security at Elemental Technologies, a maker of software for compressing video files and formatting them for different devices, prior to purchasing the company, Bloomberg reported earlier this month. Some troubling issues surfaced, which led Amazon to pursue an examination of some of Elemental's video compression servers. Testers found the servers' motherboards, which were made by Supermicro, included a microchip that was not part of the original design, according to Bloomberg's report. The chip, designed by the Chinese military, essentially provided a backdoor allowing access to networks. Elemental's servers are deployed in the United States Department of Defense's data centers, the CIA's drone operations, and in U.S. naval warships' onboard networks, Bloomberg said, noting that Amazon reported its findings to U.S. authorities. Almost 30 companies -- including a major bank, government contractors, and Apple -- were affected by the tainted motherboards, Bloomberg said, citing unnamed U.S. officials. Apple found malicious chips on Supermicro motherboards in the summer of 2015, according to the Bloomberg report, which cited three unnamed senior insiders at the company. Apple, which reportedly had planned to order more than 30,000 Supermicro servers in two years for a new global network of data centers, severed ties with Supermicro in 2016 for unrelated reasons. Bloomberg claimed to have spoken to 17 unnamed sources for the story, which it developed over a period of years. "The number of witnesses attesting it is true is impressive, but, with a lack of actual names, the veracity of the witnesses can't be confirmed by a third party," remarked Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. "This now reads like some kind of orchestrated attack on China and Supermicro, suggesting Bloomberg was duped," he told TechNewsWorld. "Not a good thing for its reputation." Conflicting Reports Apple, Amazon and Supermicro immediately disputed the Bloomberg report, while the Chinese government stated that supply chain safety in cyberspace was an issue of common concern, and that China was also a victim. Apple and Amazon stated their internal investigations showed no evidence of the spy chips. "As we shared with Bloomberg BusinessWeek multiple times over the last couple months, this is untrue," AWS CISO Steve Schmidt maintained in an online post. "At no time, past or present, have we ever found any issues relating to modified hardware or malicious chips in Supermicro motherboards in any Elemental or Amazon systems. Nor have we engaged in an investigation with the government." The investigation commissioned before purchasing Elemental "did not identify any issues with modified chips or hardware," Schmidt pointed out, adding that "Bloomberg has admittedly never seen our commissioned security report nor any other (and refused to share any details of any purported other report with us)." "Apple has never found malicious chips, 'hardware manipulations' or vulnerabilities purposely planted in any server," Apple said in a statement provided to Bloomberg in advance of its publication of the report. "Apple never had any contact with the FBI or any other agency about such an incident. We are not aware of any investigation by the FBI, nor are our contacts in law enforcement." Over the course of the past year, Bloomberg contacted Apple "multiple times with claims, sometimes vague, and sometimes elaborate, of an alleged security incident at Apple," the statement notes. Each time, Apple conducted "rigorous internal investigations based on those inquiries and each time we have found absolutely no evidence to support any of them." However, six unnamed veteran national security officials, current and former, countered the companies' denials, Bloomberg reported. One of those officials and two unnamed people from Amazon provided extensive information on how the attack played out at Amazon and Elemental. Further, the official and one of the Amazon insiders described Amazon's cooperation with the government investigation, Bloomberg claimed. Four of the six U.S. officials also confirmed that Apple was a victim. On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the UK's National Cyber Security Center both said they had no reason to doubt the veracity of Apple's and Amazon's statements. "The alleged hardware-based attack wouldn't seem to be prudent, given that servers remain in place for up to 10 years and security software is constantly changing, making it almost certain this [chip], if it existed, would eventually be discovered," Enderle pointed out. Apple CEO Tim Cook demanded that Bloomberg retract its story, saying there was no truth to its assertions about Apple. Amazon later joined Apple's call, but Bloomberg stood by its story. If any part of the report should prove true, the consequences could be drastic. The furious response from Supermicro, Apple and Amazon is understandable, because the story "created the specter of a serious unreported breach which could lead to massive customer exists and government fines, particularly in Amazon's case," Enderle observed. Further, given that Supermicro dominates the server motherboard market, the story -- if true -- "should have put every single customer on alert that they need to audit their servers or be found negligent, and they'd need to take every compromised server offline to prevent a breach," Enderle said. "We should have seen massive slowdowns, a huge financial hit on Supermicro, who would have had to pay to swap the machines out, and the number of people aware of this effort alone would have been impossible to contain. Yet we saw zip. You'd think we'd have one or two security companies, or a different Supermicro customer, screaming bloody murder at this point." Supermicro shares fell 50 percent the day Bloomberg's report was published. "I'd say the chances this is a well orchestrated attack on Supermicro and/or Amazon and Apple," said Enderle, "are better than 50 percent." Richard Adhikari has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2008. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, mobile technologies, CRM, databases, software development, mainframe and mid-range computing, and application development. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including Information Week and Computerworld. He is the author of two books on client/server technology. Email Richard. A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today! Selling location data collected by mobile phones has become a lucrative business, The New York Times reported Monday. Location advertising sales are expected to reach US$21 billion this year, according to the article. At least 75 companies receive anonymous, precise location data from applications with the location services feature activated. Several of those outfits claim to track 200 million mobile devices in the United States -- about half of all devices in the country, the Times reported. The data is very accurate, coming within a few yards of a person's whereabouts at a point in time, and is updated often -- as frequently as 14,000 times a day, the paper noted. With that kind of accuracy and frequency, calling the data "anonymous" is a bit misleading. "If you are collecting a person's location over time, and it's tied to a unique identifier, it's disingenuous to call that anonymous," said Natasha Duarte, a policy analyst with the Center for Democracy & Technology in Washington, D.C. "If you have information about where people are going and where people live, you can build the story of who that location data belongs to," she told TechNewsWorld. Someone can learn a lot about you from your location, said French Caldwell, CFO of The Analyst Syndicate, an IT research and analysis group. "They can tell what your interests are and who you're meeting with," he told TechNewsWorld. "Your location data tells more about you than your Social Security number." Not So Anonymous Businesses that collect consumer data typically say they're not interested in individuals but in patterns. Data collected on individuals is "anonymized" by attaching it to an ID number. However, that ID doesn't even have the cover of a fig leaf for anyone with access to raw location data. Those people, who include employees or customers of the data collector, still could identify individuals without their consent, as the Times did in compiling its report. Not surprisingly, the leaders in location-based advertising are Google and Facebook. Both companies offer mobile apps that they use to collect location data. They say they don't sell it but use it only internally, to personalize services, sell targeted ads online, and determine if the ads lead to sales in the physical world. Google did not respond to a request for comment for this story. Facebook, through spokesperson Jay Nancarrow, declined to comment. Some large companies have started to get in front of the location data issue before it becomes a problem for them. For example, Verizon and AT&T announced during the summer that they would stop selling their customers' location data to data brokers. Deceptive Omissions Most mobile apps request permission to use a device's location services before accessing them, but the Times found that process could be misleading. An app might ask for location services access for one purpose but use the information for multiple purposes. "Not all app notices are perfectly clear as to what location data is being used for," CDT's Duarte said. "Often the app will ask, 'Do you want us to use your location to provide you with local weather information, or personalize your experience, or improve the accuracy of the maps that you're using?' They don't list all the other purposes the data will be used for -- like advertising and sales to third parties," she pointed out. Some 1,400 popular applications contain code to share location information, the Times reported. About 1,200 were written for Android phones and 200 for Apple models. In a sample of 17 apps sending precise location data, three Apple iOS programs and one Android offering mentioned that location data could be used for advertising while seeking permission to access the service, the Times found. Creepiness Factor Understanding what's done with location data can be an onerous task for a consumer. It requires reading user agreements and privacy policies, and changing settings for all the apps on a phone. "That can be incredibly time-consuming," Duarte said. "No individual has the capacity to do that properly, and it's not a burden we should be placing on individuals to depend on location-based services." How concerned are consumers about possible abuse of their location information? "Most consumers don't care, but there's a creepiness factor that bothers them a little bit," said The Analyst Syndicate's Caldwell. "We've all been on the Web and looked at a new pair of shoes or something, and all of sudden all you see in your browser for hours are ads for those things," he continued. "The same kind of thing is happening with your physical location," Caldwell pointed out. "Stores are tracking your location and will start pushing suggestions to you based on where you went in that store. There's a creepiness factor there." Legislation Needed Consumers are very concerned about what's being done with their location data, maintained Duarte. "The problem isn't that consumers are not concerned," she said. "It's that even if you're very concerned, it's impossible for anyone to have the capacity and time to understand all the things companies are doing with your data, and then go into your settings and make the choices that align perfectly with your personal privacy interests," Duarte explained. "What really needs to happen is for our laws to recognize that location privacy in a commercial context has to be built into any service," she suggested. Congress should pass a commercial privacy law, "which would include limits on how companies can collect and use location information," Duarte said. Such a law might include provisions already adopted in Europe's General Data Protection Regulation, which allow people to access information companies have collected about them, correct information if it's used to make important decisions about them, and delete information. One area where U.S. lawmakers may want to depart from the GDPR is in consent. The European rule allows data to be collected if consent is given by the owner of the data. "Some uses of information shouldn't be allowed even with consent," Duarte said. "One of those uses might be repurposing of location information -- collecting the information for a location-based service, then reusing it for something completely unrelated -- like location-based advertising -- or selling it to a data broker." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today! Authorities can't force people to unlock their biometrically secured phones or other devices, a federal judge in California ruled Thursday. "The Government may not compel or otherwise utilize fingers, thumbs, facial recognition, optical/iris, or any other biometric feature to unlock electronic devices," Magistrate Judge Kandis A. Westmore wrote in an opinion for the U.S. District Court for Northern California. An attempt by law enforcement authorities in Oakland, California, to force two suspected extortionists to unlock their mobile phones with biometrics violated Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination, Westmore found. Passcodes used to unlock devices already are protected by the Fifth Amendment, which prevents the government from forcing people to testify against themselves, she explained. "Biometric features serve the same purpose of a passcode, which is to secure the owner's content, pragmatically rendering them functionally equivalent," Westmore wrote. "It follows, however, that if a person cannot be compelled to provide a passcode because it is a testimonial communication, a person cannot be compelled to provide one's finger, thumb, iris, face, or other biometric feature to unlock that same device." More Than Physical Evidence While compelling someone to give up their fingerprints or DNA to law enforcement is an accepted practice, Westmore argued they're not the same as compelling someone to unlock a phone with a biometric security feature. "Requiring someone to affix their finger or thumb to a digital device is fundamentally different than requiring a suspect to submit to fingerprinting," she wrote. "A finger or thumb scan used to unlock a device indicates that the device belongs to a particular individual. In other words, the act concedes that the phone was in the possession and control of the suspect, and authenticates ownership or access to the phone and all of its digital contents," Westmore noted. "The act of unlocking a phone with a finger or thumb scan far exceeds the 'physical evidence' created when a suspect submits to fingerprinting to merely compare his fingerprints to existing physical evidence (another fingerprint) found at a crime scene, because there is no comparison or witness corroboration required to confirm a positive match," she wrote. "Instead, a successful finger or thumb scan confirms ownership or control of the device, and, unlike fingerprints, the authentication of its contents cannot be reasonably refuted," Westmore found. Step Forward for Privacy Rights The protection of personal phone data and control over biometric information are two of the most important emerging privacy issues in the criminal justice system, said Alan Butler, senior counsel with the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a civil liberties advocacy group in Washington, D.C. "The decision from the Northern District of California is an important step forward for constitutional privacy rights," he told TechNewsWorld. "The judge rightly recognized that traditional constitutional principles must be adapted as technology changes in order to preserve privacy and other rights ensured by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments," Butler said. "Law enforcement officials are charged with upholding the Constitution and cannot act contrary to its limitations, so there cannot be any legitimate law enforcement activity that violates these important Constitutional rights," he maintained. "The government must use legitimate means subject to proper judicial oversight if they want to obtain evidence for an investigation." Think Outside the Phone Although Westmore rejected law enforcement's reasoning for forcing suspects to unlock their phones by using a part of their anatomy, she wasn't insensitive to law enforcement's position. "While the Court sympathizes with the Government's interest in accessing the contents of any electronic devices it might lawfully seize, there are other ways that the Government might access the content that do not trample on the Fifth Amendment," she wrote. In the case before the court, Facebook Messenger was used in a suspected extortion attempt. Law enforcement officials could have obtained the information they wanted from Facebook under the federal Stored Communications Act or through a warrant based on probable cause, Westmore suggested. "While it may be more expedient to circumvent Facebook, and attempt to gain access by infringing on the Fifth Amendment's privilege against self-incrimination, it is an abuse of power and is unconstitutional," she wrote. "Law enforcement is creative and diligent," said Justin Kay, an attorney in the Chicago law office of Drinker Biddle & Reath. "Law enforcement will find a way to get in even when they can't get in through cooperation," he told TechNewsWorld. SCOTUS Bound? Although Westmore's opinion doesn't have the weight of a higher court decision, it could be very influential. "Defendants and potential defendants are going to be citing this," Kay said, "and other courts will invoke its reasoning." For the most part, the issue of passwords and unlocking electronic devices has been kicking around lower federal courts and state courts -- but that could change. "As the judge in this case acknowledges, there have been other decisions concerning compelled disclosure of passwords, and this decision is consistent with many earlier judgments," EPIC's Butler observed. "However, this issue does come up more frequently each year, given the widespread use of mobile devices with biometric locks," he observed. "So I would expect that courts of appeals -- and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court -- will weigh in on this in the near future." Legislative Inertia The reason the courts have had to take an aggressive stance on electronic device privacy is that lawmakers have failed to address the problem. "Our legislative system is not keeping up with the rate of technological change," said French Caldwell, CFO of The Analyst Syndicate, an IT research and analysis group based in Washington, D.C. "The courts are saying, 'We can't wait for the legislature to sort all this out,' so they're being forced into a position of creating new law because there's no law on this," he told TechNewsWorld. The issue eventually will land before the Supreme Court, Caldwell sid, and "it's going to take a long time before it gets to the Supreme Court, which gives legislators time to act." Aside from protecting citizens' rights, there may be a security lesson to be learned from Westmore's decision. "Biometric authentication is just one layer in what should be multifactor authentication," said Drinker Biddle's Kay. "The technology should be used with a passcode. It should be used to make sure that the person inputting the passcode is the person that should be inputting the passcode." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. A Brand's Guide to Digital Shelf Analytics | eBook What can you do to improve your digital commerce game? The first rule of the digital shelf is to make sure your products can be found. Some might say its mission impossible. Unless, of course, you use digital shelf analytics (DSA). Get the eBook Today! Sometimes it takes more than a few tweaks to turn an old-style desktop design into a fresh new Linux distribution. That is the case with the public release of Blue Collar Linux. "The guidance and design were shaped by real people -- blue collar people," Blue Collar developer Steven A. Auringer told LinuxInsider. "Think useful and guided by Joe and Jane Whitebread in Suburbia." Blue Collar Linux has been under development for the last four years. Until its public release this week, it has circulated only through an invitation for private use by the developer's family, friends and associates looking for an alternative to the Windows nightmare. Another large part of his user base is the University of Wisconsin, where he engages with the math and computer science departments. This new release is anything but a just-out-of-beta edition. It is very polished and is constantly updated and improved. A growing cadre of users submit bug reports and contribute feature suggestions based on real-world user requests. Auringer does as not bother with versioning each release, however. Average people do not care about those things, he claims. "You don't hear them talking about Windows 10-1824-06b-build257. They use Windows 10," he noted. That view in part led Auringer to develop a Linux distro with a goal that responded to typical users who had no interest in learning computer technology. The distro's goal is to be easy to use and be useful for Joe and Jane Whitebread. "There are Millions of home systems. Most are not powerful state-of-the-art office systems. There are a lot of older systems sitting on closet shelves waiting to be brought back to life. Some are hand-me-downs. Is Joe or Jane going to spend money to use Windows 10?" asked Auringer. From Shell Script to OS Auringer is a retired U.S. Marine with a doctoral degree in applied mathematics and a master's in computer science. He worked 10-plus years as a senior software engineer. He started developing Blue Collar Linux as a shell script that would add/delete and configure software/fonts/colors/drivers, etc. He used the scripts and shared them for simplifying automated installation routines. That led to developing his own Linux alternative to the Microsoft Windows nightmare. Auringer was determined to avoid the frustrations nontechnical users experienced with so many Linux distros -- overwhelming software packages and the daunting maze of desktops choices. To remove those barriers, Auringer selected easy, yet powerful, Linux applications. He adopted a one-of-each approach. "I have looked at over 75 Distros. Most -- even the supposed easy ones -- assume some level of Linux geekiness. I spent a lot of time listening to my beta users. They want to point, click and go," he said. "They don't want to search the Net comparing six programs, downloading and polluting their systems just to solve an easy problem." Auringer learned from his beta users that they did NOT want three music players, three video players, four text editors, two video editors, three photo editors, a large complex office suite and Visual Studio IDE to develop software. Most average people are not going to burn an evening trying to get a program to work, he explained. They are not going to log into blogs, ask questions, try six different answers they don't understand, and still have a broken system. For example, they have no idea why removing program A broke program B, or why reinstalling program A does not fix program B. They do not know that it also may have broken program C, Auringer added. Most average people do not know or care about Xfce, KDE, Gnome or Unity desktops. They do not know or care about what a window manager is, he said. "They want to turn it on and use it to accomplish a goal without turning it into a hobby," Auringer maintained. That is precisely what Blue Collar Linux gives nontechnical users. It is difficult not to love Blue Collar Linux. It has all of the usability boxes checked. It does just what the developer designed it to do: make computing simplified! Blue Collar Overview Blue Collar Linux offers both home and small business users an ideal computing platform. They are the developer's intended user base. What makes Blue Collar ideal? Installation is uncomplicated. When the process is finished, no tools or setup are required. The desktop has a simple uncluttered look. You have plenty of options to change the default settings. Personalizing the desktop is easy. Blue Collar Linux's modified Xfce desktop design has a panel bar with multiple menu buttons, system icons, and a collection of applets to display information on the bar. Out of the box, everything works. Nothing is confusing. No time must be spent reading online how-to documents. Blue Collar is Gnome 3.10/GTK-based and runs the Xfce 4.10-based desktop. However, the modifications Auringer built in specifically for his distro are responsible for the tremendous difference in how Xfce works and looks. For example, the applications and controls/buttons look like they belong together. Unlike other desktop designs, each application's appearance reinforces the design and gives users the feeling that it is part of a complete system. Older Code Base vs. New Blue Collar has one slight downside that might only be a concern for more tech-savvy users. This distro is based on Ubuntu 14.04.5 LTS, the Trusty Tahr series released in August 2016. Its long-term support ends this April. That means the developer will be issuing an updated release on a newer code base eventually. In fact, Auringer is working on using Ubuntu 16.04 as a replacement base for Blue Collar Linux. Ubuntu supports 16.04, dubbed "Xenial Xerus," until April 2021. Still, he is happy with the continued performance of 14.04.5 and is not rushing to swap it out. Trusty Tahr code works well today and is not going to drop dead on any certain date in the near future, according to the developer. He plans to support critical issues himself if any develop when the long-term support from Ubuntu runs out, rather than rushing to change the code base. A major advantage of 14.04.5 is the solid support by third-party drivers. Manufacturers and developers of printers, scanners, wireless and other systems have well-developed and tested drivers. Maintaining existing stability counts more than change. "That is more of a concern to my user base than bleeding edge. They generally don't know and don't care what the base version is. All they know is that it never crashes -- or worse, locks their box and loses their work," Auringer said. He prefers the Xenial Xerus code base to the current 18.04 LTS, AKA Bionic Beaver, released last year and supported to April 2023. The 18.04 code base is "squirrelly, unfinished and generally not recommended, or recommended [only] to experienced users." Only experienced users will put up with Bionic Beaver, just to be bleeding edge, he said. The code base was impressive when it was released. It included an updated kernel and X stack for new installations to support new hardware. Since it has been an integral part of Blue Collar from the start, stability and reliability are of no concern. Why Xfce Instead of Other Desktops? There are several answers to the "Why Xfce?" question, noted Auringer, but they all have to do with Xfce having better desktop functionality and adaptability. Since Blue Collar must run on a wide range of legacy computers, a lightweight but powerful desktop environment is essential. For example, newer options such as LXDE and LXLE are light, but the menus are sparse. Plus, their configuration is limited. Auringer sees the Cinnamon desktop as bloated, slow, buggy, and difficult to configure. The Mate desktop lacks comments in the menu for new/beginning users -- something Xfce's Whisker Menu provides. Plus, the Whisker menu in Blue Collar Linux lets you add, delete or rearrange your favorite applications in the main menu. You also can resize the main menu. MenuLibre, a menu-editing tool included in Xfce, makes it easy for Blue Collar users to arrange menu content their way. Xfce is mature; it runs well on minimal hardware and is fast. Plankless and Dockless Another major user benefit with the Xfce desktop is the ability to add or remove application launchers on the panel or the desktop itself. An even nicer feature that you will not find in other Xfce systems is the ability to unlock the panel and move it to the top or side if you prefer. Some Linux distros use both panel bars and a Cairo-style dock or plank-style application launcher. You will not find modifications in Blue Collar Linux built around docks or planks. They do not work well in general, according to Auringer. Some distros tried Awn or Plank and then dropped it. The Cairo dock has lots of bells and whistles, but nothing to add in terms of functionality or ease of use. "I have also found that depending on the version and settings, Cairo can be a little unpredictable," he said. One more great feature with Blue Collar's modified Xfce desktop is the triple menu system. Finding and launching applications is fast, thanks to an application search field built into each menu. The menus live at either end of the panel bar. On the far left is the Whisker menu. At the far right end of the panel is a GNOME-style full-screen display of application icons. With either menu, hover the mouse over an icon to see a brief explanation of what the application does. Right-click anywhere on the desktop not covered by a window to launch a third style menu. The bottom label cascades a list of installed applications. the rest of the column lists various system actions such as creating folders, UL links and application launchers. Massive Software Inventory Auringer's decision to bundle a single software title for each computing task is a win-win. It actually lets the developer bundle more diverse applications without creating bloat. His goal is not to make Blue Collar Linux minimalist in terms of its software inventory. To the contrary, this distro comes with more preinstalled titles than I see in most distros, whether they are Xfce systems or not. The included applications are solid choices. They do not require hours of learning how to use them. For example, typical users do not need feature-heavy office suites with separate components like spreadsheets and database managers they will never use, argues Auringer. So he includes the Abiword word processor with plugins already enabled. Preinstalled applications include Homebank for personal finance management; LibreCAD, a professional-strength drafting program; Diagram for creating and editing designs; and RedNoteBook -- a tool for keeping notes and daily journal entries and calendar. Specialty Tools Included This distro also has Wine, an emulator that lets you run Microsoft Windows programs within the Linux environment. I have used Linux for so many years that I no longer rely on Wine. However, having Wine preinstalled in Blue Collar Linux gives newcomers to the Linux OS an added comfort zone that lets them continue using familiar programs until they find better Linux alternatives. It creates a pseudo C: Drive in the Blue Collar directory to show Wine-installed Windows programs. It comes with tools to install and uninstall windows programs as if you were running them on an actual Windows computer Another great find in Blue Collar Linux is the Parental Controls feature. I test and review hundreds of Linux distros. This is my first time seeing a parental control application. What a great idea for helping children learn responsible computer behavior. It is as simple to use as creating an alarm in a computer calendar. You can set the number of hours per day a user can access the computer. You can add a check for the approved days of usage in general, as well as allotted times and days to use the Web browser, email client and Instant Messaging applications. Using It One of the essential features that a well-designed operating system can provide is access to virtual workspaces. This functionality lets you view different applications or sets of open application windows on separate screens. Some distros make navigating among workspaces confusing and difficult. Not Blue collar Linux. The standard Xfce desktop does a nice job of handling virtual workspaces. Blue Collar Linux goes well beyond the normal functionality. This distro includes the Brightside Properties tool, which enhances navigation options for workspace switching. The Brightside Properties Tool is very handy for adding new features to the Xfce desktop for controlling workspace navigation and hot corner actions. For instance, rolling the wheel in the workspace switcher moves to other workspaces. So does this keyboard shortcut: CTRL-ALT and left/right or up/down arrow keys. Other options let you change workstations by moving the mouse pointer off the left or right screen edges, or clicking the mouse wheel down or using the middle mouse button to display a switcher panel on the screen. With the Brightside tool, you can set a different wallpaper for each workspace. The tool also lets you turn on hot corners, which usually is not a function available with the Xfce desktop. You can select special actions from a dropdown list that activates when you push the mouse pointer into a chosen corner of the screen. You also can create your own action command using the custom option in the dropdown list. One more need trick is rolling the mouse wheel on the sound icon in the system tray to raise or lower the volume. Click the mouse wheel down or use the middle mouse button to display a switcher panel on the screen. Bottom Line Blue Collar Linux is a seasoned operating system that will not disappoint you. It runs well on older computers with less-than-modest resources. It runs superbly on more recent hardware. Even if you are not a fan of the Xfce desktop environment, give this modified iteration a try. What you find in Blue Collar Linux is not the same old thing. This distro is feature-rich. It is easy to install and easier to use. Want to Suggest a Review? Is there a Linux software application or distro you'd like to suggest for review? Something you love or would like to get to know? Please email your ideas to me, and I'll consider them for a future Linux Picks and Pans column. And use the Reader Comments feature below to provide your input! Jack M. Germain has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His main areas of focus are enterprise IT, Linux and open source technologies. He has written numerous reviews of Linux distros and other open source software. Email Jack. Seminole Fire Rescues Jacob Breau, a firefighter EMT based at Fire Station 29, is an Army veteran currently serving in the Army Reserves. Hell be taking a leave from SFR as he undergoes pre-deployment training. When the training is complete, he will be deployed overseas, likely to Iraq or Kuwait. Florida Department of Health reported 12,157 new COVID-19 cases statewide during the week of June 4-10, bringing the cumulative total since March 2020 to 2,300,786. Forty more people died, upping the death toll to 37,265. Hamburg, N.Y. Two people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide Wednesday morning in Hamburg, south of Buffalo. Police said 31-year-old Kevin Kopper shot and killed 25-year-old Danielle Morse and then himself, according to the Buffalo News. Neighbors told police the couple had lived at the home, a three-family residence, about three months. The incident began when Kopper called police and said he had shot his girlfriend and planned to kill himself, according to the News. Police responded and when they knocked on the door, they heard a single gunshot. Officers entered the home and found Morse lying on the kitchen floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the News. Kopper was found dead in an adjacent bedroom. "This is a total shock to me," said Leroy Osborn, a neighbor, according to the News. "Just yesterday these people were here. I didn't know them very well. A young man and a young woman whose life was snuffed out suddenly." Police are still investigating. Autopsies will be conducted on the bodies, according to WKBW in Buffalo. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 Trader Joes is expanding a recall of energy bars over the possibility they contain peanuts, which are not listed as an ingredient. The chain, which has a store on Erie Boulevard in DeWitt, announced the recall of its RXBARs in December. The recall originally covered only the chocolate sea salt and coconut chocolate flavors, according to CBS San Francisco. The recall was expanded Tuesday to include blueberry, maple sea salt, mint chocolate, mixed berry, apple cinnamon and pumpkin spice flavors. The recall covers only bars with certain best by dates, Trader Joes said. Full details and a list of the affected bars are available on the Trader Joes website. All of the potentially affected bars have been removed from sale and destroyed, the company said. Anyone with peanut allergies who has the recalled bars should not eat them. Consumers can discard the affected bars or return them to any Trader Joe's location for a refund. Customers can also call Trader Joes with questions at 626-599-3817. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-282-8598 WASHINGTON U.S. Reps. Anthony Brindisi and John Katko are among a small group of House members headed to the White House today to meet with President Donald Trump about the partial government shutdown. The Central New York congressmen said they will meet with Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and other administration officials at 11:30 a.m. in the White House Situation Room. Brindisi, D-Utica, and Katko, R-Camillus, are members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. All of the House members invited to todays meeting are members of the caucus of House moderates. The attendance of Brindisi, a House freshman, is particularly significant because a group of at least five Democrats declined an invitation from Trump to meet with him Tuesday in the White House. The moderate Democrats viewed the White House meeting as an attempt to bypass House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in negotiations over Trumps request for $5.7 billion to build a wall on the southern border. A spokeswoman for Brindisi said the congressman will be among at least three Democrats who agreed to meet with Trump today. Katko was among nine Republicans who met with Trump over lunch on Tuesday to discuss border security and their views on the partial government shutdown, which is now in a record 26th day In the meeting Tuesday, Trump encouraged Republicans to stay united during negotiations over the shutdown, Katko said. Katko voted with Brindisi and Democrats on at least eight bills over the past two weeks to reopen the government without including money for Trumps border wall. Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. John Katko said he walked away from a lunch meeting with President Donald Trump on Tuesday convinced that theres no end in sight for the 25-day partial government shutdown. Katko, R-Camillus, was among nine House Republicans invited to meet privately with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the Roosevelt Room at the White House. During the one-hour meeting, Trump asked the GOP House members to stand firm in their position and refuse to vote for Democratic bills to reopen the government, Katko said. Its clear that both sides are not budging, Katko said after the meeting. I would just encourage both sides to try to compromise. The White House initially invited Katko to join a bipartisan group of five House Republicans and five House Democrats on Tuesday to discuss ideas for ending the shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. But the five Democrats turned down the invitation, prompting criticism from Republicans, including Katko. That was disturbing to me, Katko said. What would it hurt to come and talk about it. After the meeting, Katko said he was invited back to the White House for a second meeting Wednesday with the president and members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of moderate House Republicans and Democrats. The Tuesday lunch was Katkos first face-to-face meeting with Trump since the Queens native was elected president in 2016. The three-term congressman did not support or vote for Trump. Katko has been among a small group of moderate House Republicans who have voted with Democrats over the past two weeks on bills to fund the government and end the shutdown, without including $5.7 billion for a border wall requested by Trump. After the meeting Tuesday, Katko returned to the House and was among six Republicans to break ranks and vote for a new Democratic bill to open the government. Katko made a campaign promise when he first campaigned for office in 2014 to never support a government shutdown. The issue of Katkos voting record on the shutdown did not come up at Tuesdays meeting with the president, he said. He talked and made it clear what his positions were, Katko said of Trump. He was very clear about what they were doing and why they were doing it. I was very thankful he didnt vilify me for not voting to shut down the government. When given a chance to speak at the meeting, Katko said, he shared his perspective as a former drug prosecutor that a border wall has to be part of a comprehensive border security and immigration reform plan. We know border security is about more than security at the point of entry, Katko said. If you dont have border security as well as barriers, then you wont have border security. Katko was joined at the lunch by eight other Republicans representing a broad cross-section of the country. They were Reps. Susan Brooks (Ind.), Doug Collins (Ga.), Rodney Davis (Ill.), Brad Wenstrup (Ohio), Jodey Arrington (Texas), Van Taylor (Texas), Anthony Gonzalez (Ohio) and Clay Higgins (La.). Among the Trump administration officials in attendance were White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, and senior adviser Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law. Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Rick Monahan purchased the Powerball ticket at the 7-Eleven at the corner of Poquoson Avenue and Wythe Creek Road. He let a computer pick his numbers for the Dec. 29 drawing, according to a news release from the Virginia Lottery. WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday advanced a resolution to oppose a Treasury Department plan to lift sanctions against Russian companies controlled by a Vladimir Putin ally, with 11 Republicans voting to advance the Democratic measure in a rare example of bipartisanship. The resolution, introduced by Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., seeks to block the Treasury Department from removing sanctions the Trump administration imposed last year on companies controlled by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, including the aluminum producer Rusal. The Senate voted 57 to 42 to approve a motion to proceed to debate on the resolution. "Why would we vote to relax sanctions on three essential Russian companies when Putin has not stopped or even curtailed his malign activities? This is sort of a kiss-up to Putin," Schumer told reporters shortly before the vote. Treasury notified Congress on Dec. 19 that it intended to lift the sanctions because Deripaska has agreed to reduce his stake in En+ Group, the holding company that controls Rusal, from about 70 percent to 44.95 percent. This would protect the companies "from the controlling influence of a Kremlin insider," which had been the goal of punishing the firms, Treasury said. Deripaska will remain under personal sanctions, along with a half-dozen oligarchs and more than a dozen government officials the Trump administration targeted in April, for furthering "the Kremlin's global malign activities, including its attempts to subvert Western democracy, its support for the Assad regime, its malicious cyber activities, its occupation of Crimea, and its instigation of violence in Ukraine," Treasury said. "This shouldn't be a political issue," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters after meeting with Republicans shortly before the vote. "We have been tougher on Russia, with more sanctions than any other administration." Under the Treasury plan, Russia's state-owned VTB Bank or another Treasury-approved entity will take ownership of a block of Deripaska's shares in En+ that had been pledged against a loan. The Obama administration added VTB Bank to a sanctions list in 2014, as punishment for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Trump administration issued sanctions against VTB's chairman, Andrey Kostin, last year, in the same group as Deripaska. According to Treasury, Glencore, the Swiss mining and trading company, will swap its shares in Rusal for shares in En+, which will dilute the holdings of all shareholders, including Deripaska. Finally, the Russian businessman will donate about 3 percent of his En+ shares to a Russian charity he founded, Volnoe Delo, according to people familiar with the plan. Schumer said he thought Deripaska would still have too much sway over the company. "When you have 45 percent of a company you basically control it," he told reporters. The resolution must pass both houses of Congress and survive a presidential veto to block Treasury action. On Tuesday, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., introduced a resolution similar to Schumer's. A number of House Democrats have voiced skepticism about lifting the sanctions. "Amid one disclosure after another about President Donald Trump's peculiar relationship with Russian interests, now is hardly the time to lift sanctions on the companies of one of Putin's closest buddies, Oleg Deripaska," Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said Tuesday. Washington's sanctions on Rusal and En+ Group clobbered the oligarch financially, sinking the market value of his publicly traded companies. They caused havoc far beyond Russia. Global aluminum prices spiked, battering U.S. and European companies and prompting complaints from European allies. Soon after announcing the sanctions, Treasury softened its stance, giving Western companies more time to end dealings with the aluminum producer. En+ Group lobbied the Trump administration heavily to lift the sanctions. The British chairman of the company, Gregory Barker, hired Mercury Public Affairs and former U.S. senator David Vitter to try to gain the support of the State Department and other agencies. In a phone interview last week, Barker, a former U.K. energy minister and a member of Britain's House of Lords, called Treasury's plan to lift the sanctions "a very strong and robust response, which is unprecedented in the way it removes Deripaska of control of his own business." If allowed to proceed, [the deal] will chart a new course for an open, global En+ and Rusal led by an independent international board, Barker said. -- By Jeanne Whalen ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A look at some of the details from the $175 billion New York state budget proposal released by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday: EDUCATION Increase aid by $956 million for a total of $27.7 billion, including another $338 million in Foundation Aid, the general operating funding for school districts. Continued transformation of struggling schools into community hubs would get another $50 million for a total of $250 million. Expanded pre-kindergarten for 3- and 4-year-olds in high-need school districts would get an additional $15 million. HEALTH CARE Prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under 21. Pass legislation strengthening women's access to abortion services by codifying the protections from Roe v. Wade into state law and making the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision part of the state Constitution. VOTING REFORM Cuomo supports the state electoral reforms passed Monday by the Legislature, including early voting, consolidating primaries, same-day voter registration and no-excuse absentee voting. Cuomo also wants all polling places to open at 6 a.m. for primaries. In most of upstate New York, polls don't open until noon for primaries. NYC CONGESTION TOLL The governor proposes a new congestion toll on vehicles heading below 60th Street in Manhattan starting in 2021. He hasn't suggested a toll amount, however, or whether discounts would be given to small businesses or low-income commuters. The final details will be negotiated with lawmakers. Cuomo says billions of dollars in revenue would support upgrades and repairs to the city's aging subway system. LIMOUSINE SAFETY Stricter regulating of limos in response to the October crash of a stretch limo that killed 20 people in an upstate town. Ban reconfigured limos like the modified SUV that crashed into a store parking lot in Schoharie. The dozen statutory reforms include making it a felony to remove a state-issued out-of-service sticker from a vehicle without having the vehicle cleared by the Department of Transportation. INFRASTRUCTURE Continue funding an ambitious, multi-year plan to improve highways, airports and rail facilities statewide. Projects include ongoing improvements to New York City airports and planned upgrades for Manhattans Penn Station. CRIMINAL JUSTICE Eliminate the statute of limitations on rape. Abolish cash bail so that only those considered a public safety threat are held pending trial. ENVIRONMENT Another $500 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, maintain the Environmental Protection Fund at $300 million and an additional $110 million in capital funding for state parks and historic sites. MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION Permit personal use by adults 21 and older and license retail pot shops. Give counties and large cities the power to prohibit retail pot shops within their boundaries. Taxes would be imposed at the cultivation, wholesale and retail levels, generating an estimated $300 million a year that would go to mental health and anti-addiction programs. No details yet on whether Cuomo would allow home cultivation. PLASTIC BAG BAN/BOTTLE BILL Ban single-use plastic bags given to customers, a proposal that was shot down last year by the then-Republican-controlled Senate. State environmental conservation officials would work with environmentalists and community leaders to ensure the ban doesn't have an adverse impact on lower-income New Yorkers. Expand the bottle bill to include 5-cent deposits on most non-alcoholic containers such as sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit and vegetable beverages, and ready-to-drink bottled tea and coffee. Dairy milk, milk substitutes, infant formula, syrups and flavorings would be exempted. Two music festivals celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock are scheduled for the same weekend this summer -- which means some artists may have tough decisions to make. Carlos Santana, who performed at the original Woodstock Music and Arts Festival in 1969, revealed his choice Tuesday. The legendary guitarist told Rolling Stone that he will play at the Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, near the original Woodstock site, on Aug. 16-18, 2019. Santana said that he had been in talks with original Woodstock promoter, Michael Lang, for the official Woodstock 2019 concert -- dubbed Woodstock 50 -- at Watkins Glen, also on Aug. 16-18. However, he ultimately decided to take part in Live Nations golden anniversary event at Bethel Woods. They have an amphitheater there. Im going to invite whoever is still here, whether its Joan Baez or members from Sly Stone, and Im going to play Santana music," he told the magazine. "Santanas going to be the house band, but I want to be able to honor those who are still here and maybe invite rappers like Common or Kendrick Lamar. Santanas very interested, like Miles Davis, into connecting with people from 7 years old to under 33. I dont want to be just like a jukebox in the twilight zone, stuck in the Sixties. Santana did not elaborate further on his reasoning for picking one festival over the other. In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of Woodstock, though, hell also be celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Grammy-winning 1999 album Supernatural," featuring the hit song Smooth. To date, hes the only performer whos said hes in for either Woodstock 50th anniversary concert. Lineups for both are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, along with ticket prices and other details. The Bethel Woods event, thanks to the booking power of Live Nation, has a long list of rumored artists that have been approached including Daft Punk, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Phish, The Weeknd, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Pink, Zac Brown Band, Mumford & Sons, and The Chainsmokers. Lang recently said over 40 artists have already been booked for three stages at Woodstock 50 at Watkins Glen, but hasnt revealed any names yet. Itll be an eclectic bill, Lang told Rolling Stone. Itll be hip-hop and rock and some pop and some of the legacy bands from the original festival. Meanwhile, at least one original Woodstock artist has already said he wont be performing: Roger Daltrey of The Who. August in America is too hot for me to work anymore, Daltrey told Billboard recently. You cant redo Woodstock because the stars of Woodstock were the audience. You can celebrate the date, but you cant redo [the festival]. Nobodys approached us about it, anyway, but I really wouldnt be interested in something like that. Lang was the promoter when an estimated 400,000 people attended the first Woodstock concert, held in August 1969 at Max Yasgurs dairy farm near White Lake in Bethel, N.Y. Performers included Santana, Richie Havens, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Joan Baez, Jimi Hendrix, Arlo Guthrie, Joe Cocker, the Grateful Dead and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The iconic concert was revisited in 1994 with a modern lineup of artists like Nine Inch Nails and Red Hot Chili Peppers, but Woodstock 99 -- held at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, N.Y. -- ended the fun with riots, fires and allegations of sexual assault. Syracuse, NY -- Wendell Griffin is no stranger to Investigator Tim Galanaugh. Galanaugh said he watched Griffin grow up, starting as a teenager hanging out with the wrong crowd and morphing into a criminal who spent time in prison for an illegal weapon and violating parole. Now, Griffin, 30, is now facing a murder charge. Hes accused of trying to rip a necklace from a sleeping motorist, Rayshonn Hester, moments before an accomplice killed the victim during a robbery outside an Erie Boulevard East Sunoco station. The accomplice, Joshua Wright, is accused of pulling the trigger, but under law, both men were charged with murder. Among the evidence in the early June 3, 2018 murder was surveillance video. And Galanaugh said he recognized Griffin immediately. When asked how, Galanaugh delved into detail about his past encounters with Griffin. He estimated hed bumped into Griffin 100 times over the past 15 years. Galanaugh was a 17-year Syracuse police officer who later left to work for the Onondaga County District Attorneys Office as a gang expert. Galanaugh recited a few of his encounters with Griffin: As a teenager, Griffin was hanging out on the citys East Side with others who were the subject of police investigations. Galanaugh said he first met Griffin when he was roughly 15 years old. In 2009, Griffin became the target of Galanaughs own investigation. Griffin was sent to prison for attempted illegal weapons possession. In 2012, Griffin had just left prison the first time when he was the victim of a shooting shortly after leaving Destiny USA, Galanaugh said. Griffin was shot on the upper leg on a side street near the mall. Galanaugh said it was determined that Griffin was shot during a gang rivalry: Griffin was a member of the Uptown gang, Galanaugh said, while the assailant was a member of the completing LAMA (Lexington Avenue Midtown Assassins). More recently, Griffin violated parole. He was sent back to prison and later released. Soon after his release, Galanaugh said he ran into Griffin while working a gang detail at the New York state fair. Griffin had a large slash on his face, which Galanaugh said is called a buck fifty" -- a gang-related prison injury. Griffin confirmed hed been attacked during a prison-related beef, Galanaugh said. Days before the Sunoco murder, Galanaugh said he was in the courthouse and saw Griffin standing outside a courtroom. Griffin told the investigator he had picked up a new drug charge. The two men spoke for about five minutes, Galanaugh said. Galanaugh was called as a witness in a hearing in Griffins pending murder case. He was one of the DAs investigators who collected evidence at the Sunoco scene. Prosecutor Michael Kasmarek said that video -- showing the murder itself -- and fingerprints tie Griffin to the scene. Today, Griffin rejected an 18-year-to-life prison sentence in exchange for a murder plea. Hell now take his chances at trial, exposing himself to a 25-year-to-life sentence on the murder and possibly additional time on his unrelated drug case. This case really should be resolved, County Court Judge Stephen Dougherty said, pointing to the video evidence. But moments later, Griffin rejected the plea offer for the last time. After todays hearing, hell face trial later this year. Syracuse, NY -- A former Rochester City Court judge, whose out-of-control behavior led to her removal by the states highest court, will stand trial on a felony gun charge in Syracuse, an appellate court has ruled. Leticia Astacio is accused of trying to purchase a shotgun at Dicks Sporting Goods while on probation for a February 2016 drunken-driving incident that began her downward spiral. Astacio, convicted of DWI, made things worse by cursing out officers at the scene, trying to drive again under the influence and taking off for Thailand while her case was pending. But its her alleged attempt to purchase a shotgun from Dicks while on probation that will be the subject of this years trial. A Rochester-area criminal judge ordered Astacio to stand trial for the felony of attempted criminal purchase of a weapon, the charge a grand jury has indicted her on. This week, an appellate court -- also in Rochester -- ordered the criminal case be moved out of Monroe County. Astacios lawyers told local media it was due to the immense public interest in the trial, given her former position as judge. Onondaga County court officials confirmed that Astacios trial will be moved to a Syracuse courthouse, overseen by as yet-to-be-determined Syracuse judge. The court file had not yet arrived in Syracuse as of early Wednesday afternoon. Astacios trial was originally scheduled for late January. Its unclear if that date will be postponed due to the change of venue. Expect a large Rochester contingent of prosecutors, defense lawyers and media to descend on the Syracuse Criminal Courthouse for Astacios case. Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency has approved $266,250 in tax breaks on a close 3-2 vote Tuesday for the conversion of empty office space into 23 apartments at Deys Plaza downtown. Members of two immigrant rights groups, Workers Center of Central New York and the Syracuse Immigrant and Refugee Defense Network, urged the agency to say no to owners Robert Doucette and Richard deVitos request for the tax breaks because one of the buildings tenants is U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The groups have accused ICE of being heavy handed in its enforcement of immigration law and detention of undocumented immigrants. Syracuse United Neighbors, a group that represents the citys south, southwest and near-west neighborhoods, also opposed the tax breaks. SUN President Rich Puchalski said no breaks should be given for upscale downtown apartments unless similar benefits are given to renovate the hundreds of vacant homes in the citys low-income neighborhoods. But the breaks were approved Tuesday when agency Chairman Michael Frame and members Steven Thompson and Kathleen Murphy voted in favor of them. Members Rickey Brown and Kenneth Kinsey voted against them. The vote was taken without discussion. Frame said after the meeting that he voted for the breaks because the owners said the conversion is necessary to keep the building, one of downtowns anchors, financially viable. Brown and Kinsey said they voted against the breaks not because of ICEs presence, but because the conversion will not create any new jobs in the building. The number one responsibility as a development agency is to make sure there is economic development support for the city, Brown said. When it doesnt create any new jobs, then Im kind of against it, Kinsey said. Located at the southeast corner of South Salina and East Jefferson streets, the building was built in 1893 for Dey Brothers Department Store. It remained a department store for 100 years, until Addis & Deys (the stores name at the end) closed in 1993. The city acquired the building in 1994 and converted some of it into office space, but much of it remained vacant. Doucette and deVito bought it from the city in 2009 for $6.7 million. They initially built 45 apartments in the buildings vacant space and added 16 more apartments in 2014. With the loss in late 2017 of a major tenant, Bank of New York Mellon, 77,000 square feet of commercial space in the building became vacant. Doucette and deVito said they have not been able to find commercial tenants to fill the space and plan to convert a portion, 40,000 square feet, into 23 apartments on the third floor at a cost of $3.7 million. Rents range from $1,000 to $1,650 for one-bedroom units and from $1,650 to $2,150 for two-bedroom units, according to the projects website. Approximately 100 people work in the building, a number that will not change with the creation of the new apartments. The tax breaks approved by the development agency consist of an exemption worth $240,000 from sales taxes on construction materials and an exemption worth $26,250 from the state mortgage recording tax. The project is not receiving property tax exemptions. ABINGDON, Va. Freezing cold temperatures didnt frighten the dozens of people who jumped in South Holston Lake on Saturday. Travis Richards wearing only a pair of swimming trunks braved the chilly waters as he led the crowd into the lake. The temperature just after noon Saturday hovered at about 32 degrees. Earlier in the morning, some moderate snow had fallen at Sportsmans Marina, where the annual Polar Bear Plunge was held. The snow briefly stuck to surfaces but melted by the time people began to arrive at the lakeside marina. The water temperature was in the mid-40s. Richards, owner of Sportsmans Marina, said the polar plunge began as a joke back in 2008. As a way to gather friends during the winter months, when not as many people visit the lake, the marina decided to host its first plunge. Its grown every year and so has the amount of money raised each January. Participants make donations of $10 or $15 or $20 to make the plunge. Richards has also offered a discount on gas for his marina members who donate $100 to charity as part of the Polar Bear Plunge. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} In 2017, Buckland captured the Best in Week Platinum Award, sponsored by Plein Air magazine and the Floyd Center for the Arts, for his painting A Quiet Night on the Town. He competed with as many as 30 artists from around the country. In addition, he took second place at the Bath County, Virginia, Plein Air Festival and has been asked to exhibit at Warm Springs Gallery in Bath County, a high-end gallery that represents Virginia landscape artists. Buckland has also conducted a series of online tutorials on YouTube called The Artful Souls. Its neat to have a broad audience because I get emails from people on the other side of the world telling me theyve gotten the courage to buy an easel and go outside to paint on location, he said. But the thing you lose on a mass level is the direct interaction you get with a small class. I look forward to working with students in Glade Spring and the surrounding areas. At 35, Buckland has been painting for 20 years, always focusing on portraying the beauty of the natural world around him. That never ceases to be my main inspiration. As an instructor, his goal is to teach students to value their own views and thoughts. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Do you already have a paid subscription to any of the SWNewsMedia newspapers? If so, you can Activate your Premium online account by clicking here. Activation will allow you to view unlimited online articles each month. To activate your Premium online account, the email address and phone number provided with your paid newspaper subscription needs to match the information you use in setting up your online user account. If you are having trouble or want to confirm what email address and phone number is listed on your subscription account, please call 952-345-6682 or email circulation@swpub.com and we'll be happy to assist. ...Continued from Part 1 A builder who has made a name for themself in large-scale yachts, Lurssen again feature in the forecasted Top 100 with 95m Fiji. This custom motor yacht, previously named Maui, is currently under construction in Germany. Sold in September 2016 by Moran Yacht and Ship to a repeat American client, Fiji features a steel and aluminium exterior architected by Harrison Eidsgaard, and luxurious interiors by Laura Sessa Romboli that have been described as contemporary modern. She promises features such as a 12m swimming pool, huge spa and helicopter storage on the bow. The latest project set to come out of the Feadship shipyard is Project 817, a 94m that will undoubtedly be one to watch in this years Top 100. As is customary with the Dutch shipyard, details of Project 817 are nebulous, however we know that the vessel is at an advanced stage of production and waiting to be launched from the builders Kaag shipyard. We also known that the yachts owners worked with designers Michael Leach and Reymond Langton on the exterior and interior respectively. Olivia O has been glimpsed during sea trials in the Norwegian fjords and is forecast to launch from the Ottavikane shipyard in Norway this year. First announced in 2016, the 88m comes from Nordic commercial giant Ulstein Verft in collaboration with renowned designer Espen Oeino. The project marks the shipyards shift towards the luxury yacht market, and yet will retain a focus on toughness and adaptability - Olivia O will be a rugged yacht that can tackle all weather conditions. Yasmin, previously Project Y716, is a striking vessel constructed by Dutch industry titan Oceanco, with exteriors and interiors penned by Espen Oeino and Terence Disdale respectively. Currently completing construction in the Netherlands, this 70m vessel is configured to comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests across 7 cabins, with plenty of room to spare for a crew of 26. That concludes our list of the largest boats due to hit the water in 2019. We can't wait to share developments on all of these exciting projects as the year pans out! Located in the city centre, the showroom will feature a bespoke studio offering prospective clients a relaxed atmosphere in which to commission their Rolls-Royce car. Rolls-Royces full portfolio of motor cars will be offered there, including the new Cullinan, the new model Phantom family (Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase), the Ghost family (Ghost and Ghost Extended Wheelbase), Wraith, Dawn and the brands range of dynamic and bold Black Badge models. The new showroom is thought to reflect the British marques confidence in growing demand for luxury products in Spain. In 2017, sales of luxury products and services in Spain rose by nearly 10% year-on-year - faster than anywhere else in the world - thanks to the continued rise in entrepreneurial growth and overseas investment. Julian Jenkins, Regional Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, says, Our new partner in Spain brings significant business experience to the brand and is well equipped to meet the demanding level of customer service expected from the marque. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Barcelona extends our presence across Western Europe, serving increased interest in the Rolls-Royce brand, our new models and our unrivalled capability in Bespoke. Much of which is being driven by a younger profile of entrepreneurs and industry leading professionals. The venue will also offer both new and Provenance Pre-Owned cars, as well as full aftersales services offering local customers a convenient alternative to the authorised Rolls-Royce service workshop already established in Madrid. Bay of Plenty We are looking for a storeman with an OSH forklift license. You will need to be physically for as the job is about 70% forklift... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz A voicemail for the spokesman of the Department of Justice was full. Criminal cases are expected to continue despite the partial government shutdown, according to the Department of Justice contingency plan. Its unclear whether or not the spokesman has been furloughed because of the shutdown. The record-breaking bubble man is making his way to the Bay, on a whirlwind 18-centre North Island tour of The Bubble Show! Master bubbleologist Eran has delighted crowds all over the world, and now holds a Guinness World Record for putting the greatest number of people inside giant soap bubbles in 30 seconds. Eran, better known as The Highland Joker, has been an absolute hit in New Zealand, winning the Audience Choice award at the Nelson Fringe 2018, as well as Face TVs Best Family-Act Award in 2016. He has captured some of our biggest names with his bubble antics, including putting our own PM Jacinda Ardern inside a giant bubble and teaching the Blues rugby team a few bubbly tricks as part of a mental health campaign. He also has a pending World Record for enclosing his wife inside an enormous bubble for 63 seconds the longest in the world. The Highland Joker creates marvels in his show that is a unique blend of magic, storytelling, and bubble-art. Ginormous bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, bouncy bubbles, smoke bubbles, square bubbles, and even fire bubbles are used in this captivating display, suitable for all ages. For those truly inspired, there is also the chance to learn the craft and have a play yourself, with performances in several centres followed by a hands-on workshop. I was travelling when I discovered the craft of giant soap bubbles, so now I feel really humbled to get to make a living from taking by bubble art around the world, says Eran. Its amazing seeing how people react with amazement and laughter these spheres of water and soap and air are so simple yet so magical and profound. The record-breaking bubble artist heads out on his largest North Island tour to date, having previously performed in New Zealand as well as the UK, USA and Europe. Eran will visit 18 centres over five weeks with his one-man show, and with multiple sessions in major centres there is ample opportunity to check out the wonderment of The Bubble Show for yourself. The Bubble show will be in Tauranga on Sunday February 17 and in Rotorua on Tuesday February 19. Tickets are from $10 for children and $16 for adults. Tickets are available now. Workmen accidentally drilling through a gas pipe forced evacuation of businesses in the Tauranga CBD today. One of the busiest streets in the City, The Strand, was blocked off from Wharf Street through to Hamilton Street for more than four hours as emergency services tried to isolate the gas leak. At least six businesses were evacuated. Fire station officer Neil Brown says no one suffered any health problems. We knew where the leak was because theres a drilling rig there that accidentally drilled through a gas pipe, thats what caused the leak, says Neil. The Gas Board came along and used their equipment to trace the pipe work and dig remotely from the leak because it was safest way to isolate the gas. It was a good example of the emergency services, thats police, fire along with the gas board and power company working together to bring about a safe conclusion to an incident that was possibly very dangerous. The gas leak was a major disruption for businesses in the area. Owner of the Crown and Badger, Jess Rafferty, says they missed out on a lot of business because there is a cruise ship in town and it looked like it would have been a busy lunch time. To top it off we had around 10 people, who had mostly finished their lunch, who had to be kicked out in the evacuation. We are hoping to open this evening. The road is now open to traffic, but some business owners and their employees havent been allowed back into the building because of the lingering smell of gas. Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Wildlife Trust founder and Tauranga Holistic Vet Dr Liza Schneiders 10 childrens books are being donated to Western Bay libraries by Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Fostering kindness and respect for wildlife is the message behind the donation, which will be distributed to the councils libraries, some schools and environmental groups. The stories, written by Liza, have been illustrated by five local artists Emma Frederickson, Stiaan Viljoen, Sue Douglas, Frith Bartlett, and Michael Bogalo and are based on true bird life experiences. The books feature the individual adventures of 10 commonly-known New Zealand birds named Frankie, Wiremu, Daphne, Tilly, Sal, Pipi, Kingi, Hemi, Sheldon, Manu as they get into trouble at the hands of humans and are rescued and returned to the wild by the heroes who come to their rescue. The books have catchy titles like Wiremu and the Cat Gang which is about a little waxeye called Wiremu that is attacked by some homeless and hungry cats. A little boy finds him with a broken leg and takes him into ARRC where he receives care and then is released once his leg has healed. Daphnes Dreadful Day is about a duck that becomes paralysed from swimming in a polluted river. After some special treatment and medicine she is able to swim in her favourite spots again. Liza says she wrote the stories in the hope of educating communities on the importance of looking after our natural heritage and taking responsibility for the wellbeing of our wildlife. Most birds come to harm by the hand of humans. The stories are all based on true cases and tell how wildlife can be impacted by humans and how that can be avoided, says Liza. All the stories have a happy ending. The birds featured in the stories are developed into endearing characters and represent those species rescued and brought to Liza at the ARRC refuge. ARRC has been rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife in the Bay of Plenty since 2003 and receives more than 800 rescued birds a year. WBOPDC community relationships advisers Ben Wilson and Glenn Ayo have spearheaded the councils plan to use the ARRC series as a way to promote wildlife education. Council wants to help educate our children about respecting wildlife and having a caring attitude to our animals and the environment, says Glenn. We work with some amazing groups such as Wild About New Zealand and Maketu Ongatoro Wetland Society to promote and support the conservation message in our communities. These great stories from ARRC, presented so beautifully for children, is an excellent way to help with this message and our libraries are a great start. Liza hopes the ARRC Wildlife Trust book series will attract sponsors to enable the trust to fund distribution of the books to all schools in the Bay of Plenty and further afield if possible. Bay of Plenty Ever thought of joining the civil construction industry? if so then this is your chance to get a foot in the door. We are... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz A recent members bill which seeks to introduce harsher penalties and offences is good to see, but any action from it will have to be funded and resourced adequately to have any real impact, says Federated Farmers. The bill is from Nationals Nathan Guy and it comes in the wake of last years Australian strawberry needle scare which triggered copycat offences here and back over the ditch, says Feds Food Safety spokesperson Andrew Hoggard. Thousands of strawberries had to be destroyed as needles started showing up in the fruit across stores. A needle was found in a strawberry bought from a Tauranga supermarket in December last year. At the time, Foodstuffs NZ spokeswoman Antoinette Laird said the company was aware of an issue with a pin or needle being found in a punnet of strawberries bought at one of its Pak'nSave Tauranga stores. "The remaining products were removed from the store's shelves. Andrew says the needle scares crushed spirits and trust. He says this is not New Zealands first rodeo when it comes to deliberate food contamination. In 2016, Jeremy Hamish Kerr was sentenced to eight and a half years for threatening to spike baby formula with 1080. At the time of sentencing the New Zealand Herald reported the crime cost the country more than $37 million. Andrew says deliberate food contamination, or threats of it, hurt the countrys ability to exist. "Our country is built on and relies on primary industries to keep the current living standards we all enjoy. We need to be able to trade products safely. Our trading partners need to be able to rely on us. Any threats and attacks on our nations ability to function must be treated as what they are - acts of treason, piracy, espionage and corruption. "You do not deliberately contaminate food without wanting to cause terror. These are deliberate acts designed to cause incredible anxiety and economic sabotage." Whatever comes of Nathans bill one thing is certain - if tougher penalties are to be introduced they must be backed with resourcing, says Andrew. "Theres no point in waving a flag about an issue and then not resourcing organisations such as the police, the judiciary or the Ministry for Primary Industries to follow through with enforcement. "Politicians at all levels are great at talking about harsher penalties and regulations, but are very relaxed about the details on how those processes will work and how theyll be funded." The man accused of killing the British backpacker Grace Millane has pleaded not guilty. The 27-year-old, who has interim name suppression, appeared in the High Court in Auckland this morning before Justice Moore. He will stand trial from November 4. Grace went missing from a hostel in Auckland on December 1. Her family in Wickford, England became concerned when the University of Lincoln graduate failed to respond to birthday messages on December 2. Her body was found more than a week later in dense bush in the Waitakere Ranges on the outskirts of the city. The accused stood in the dock with his hands clasped in front of him as he entered his not guilty plea this morning. Justice Moore remanded the man in custody until his next court appearance. A District Court judge refused to grant the man name suppression at an earlier hearing, but his lawyer Ian Brookie indicated he would appeal that decision. Google didn't receive the court order until five days later, and by then had already named the accused man in an email to anyone signed up to its "what's trending in New Zealand" service. That prompted the government to call for a meeting with Google's New Zealand representatives to explain the breach. Justice Minister Andrew Little plans to follow up with the multinational company this year. The appeal period has not yet lapsed, so name suppression remains in place. Kristin Dunne Tourism Bay of Plenty Tiaki. It means to care for people and place. As a destination management organisation, we like to think we do just that. We care about the beautiful part of the world we live in because we want to keep it beautiful. This is why we are strengthening our commitment by pledging our support for the Tiaki Promise a guide for how to care for New Zealand. The promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. Take the Bay of Plenty for example. Everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. We have a collective duty to protect and enhance the environment and the community so we continue to love where we live, while enjoying the economic benefits that tourism brings. Whether it is caring for land, sea and nature, respecting culture with an open heart and mind, or showing consideration for others every bit counts. This is especially important during our busy summer season with all the wonderful places, spaces and experiences of our wonderful region enjoyed by thousands of people. Its also an ideal which aligns with our move to destination management coordinating all the elements that make up the region, including attractions, amenities and access, while creating sustainable growth of the tourism sector for the benefit of the local community. Destination management is key to controlling tourisms environmental impacts and preserving our regions unique identity and reputation overseas. Caring for our place means we can sustainably welcome visitors to the Bay of Plenty and encourage them to get out and about, enjoying everything our region has to offer. You can find more about the Tiaki Promise in our Visitor Guide or talk to the friendly staff at our i-SITEs. You can also read about the Tiaki Promise here. Show that you care by helping us make the Bay of Plenty a cherished place for years to come. W-JCC has 12 days built into the school calendar in the event of inclement weather; five school days have been canceled so far this school year. The first two were a result of Hurricane Florence in September, the third in October as a result of Hurricane Michael, and two in December after the heavy snow. W-JCC has made up for some of that missed time by shifting two half-days into full days, including Jan. 24 next week. Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Sponsored By: Arvest Bank The December 18th ceasefire around the Red Sea port of Hodeida has failed and the Shia rebels have resumed most of their combat operations including attacks against targets in Saudi Arabia using Iranian ballistic missiles and UAVs carrying explosives. The December 18th deal was supposed to make it possible for food and other aid to be unloaded from ships and sent off on trucks to an increasingly desperate and hungry population in northern and central Yemen. The ceasefire halted a government offensive that was about to capture the port facilities and the Shia rebels indicated that would (one way or another) probably lead to major damage to the port facilities. The ceasefire terms called for the rebels to withdraw their forces from the port area by January 1st and from all of Hodeida a week later. This was to be monitored by 40 UN personnel. This process could not get started until the shooting stopped and that never happened. That is how previous ceasefire agreements have unraveled and this one was no different. The rebels often went through the motions but some complication always seemed to appear that kept the UN inspectors out of the port area and blocked any supervision of how aid was being handled (and often misdirected or stolen by the rebels). The government is at a disadvantage here because the rebels have been stealing and stockpiling (on their northwestern Yemen homeland) or selling much of the food and other aid. Their core supporters were taken care of but the majority of Yemenis in need of that foreign aid were not. Major damage to Hodeida port facilities would mean delays in getting aid in from the two major southern ports (which do not have the capacity Hodeida has). Rebuilding Hodeida port facilities would take over a year although some unloading could begin within a month or so of an end to the violence around the port that would allow repair equipment and personnel to get in. The rebels could be really nasty and leave Iranian naval mines in the waterways the port depends on. That would make it more times consuming to restore use of the port. The rebels have already planted thousands of landmines and explosive traps in and around the port area. The government forces have been clearing those as they advanced and that did slow the advance. But the rebels could not stop the advance and the rebels know they will eventually lose and all these obstructions are mainly to encourage the government and neighboring Saudi Arabia to leave the Shia tribes with some autonomy and little retaliation for all the mess this failed rebellion has caused. Another reason the war is still stalemated is Iran, which has persuaded the Shia rebels that continued resistance is possible with Iranian support and that this strategy will eventually result in lasting gains for the Shia minority in northwest Yemen. Iran might appear to be overconfident what with growing popular unrest in Iran and opposition to these foreign wars. Even though supporting Yemeni rebels is relatively cheap compared to similar operations in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq most Iranians want it all halted. At the same time, the Gulf Arabs (led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE) do not want a pro-Iran Shia Arab entity in southern Arabia and are willing to keep fighting to get what they want. There are no popular protests in the rest of Arabia about the fight against the Iran-backed rebels. There is general agreement that it is not a good idea having an Iranian ally sitting on the Red Sea coast where Iranian anti-ship missiles can mysteriously appear (along with less visible naval mines underwater) to block traffic in the Red Sea. This would be a major disaster for Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel who all depend on free access to the Red Sea. The Saudis have a major incentive to shut down the Red Sea port of Hodeida; the port made possible major smuggling efforts to get Iranian weapons (especially long-range missiles) to the rebels, who then fire those missiles at targets deep inside Saudi Arabia. These missiles have, so far, done little damage because of the Saudi anti-missile defenses (Patriot PAC 3 anti-missile missiles). The fighting that has shut down Hodeida has also halted the delivery of these missiles (which are broken down and smuggled in as smaller items that are reassembled under the supervision of Iranian technicians). Because of this keeping Hodeida under siege and largely inoperative benefits the Saudis because it is much more difficult to smuggle in large Iranian missiles using the smaller smuggler boats (coastal fishing boats and cargo transports). Currently, all of these small boat smuggling efforts only appear to be carrying small arms, ammo and short-range rockets (and mortar shells). The rebels are not getting any more of the large Iranian UAVs because of this and have to rely on the commercial quad-copters which are much easier to obtain via commercial shipments. In the weeks following the start of the December 18th ceasefire more cargo unloading took place at Hodeida and the rebels managed to keep most UN inspectors away. So the way was clear for the Iranian smuggling to resume. In the last two weeks, the rebels have resumed their use of ballistic missiles and explosive carrying UAVs to hit targets in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Even the UN is losing patience by increasingly blaming the rebels for the failure of the ceasefire deal. The Shia rebels and their Iranian backers are both obsessed with self-destructive, and dangerous for bystanders, goals. The Shia rebels want their autonomy back. The Sunni majority in Yemen opposes autonomy or weapons for the Shia up north because those two things have made the Shia tribes a constant source of trouble for centuries. Iran wants world domination, starting with control of Saudi Arabia and most of the Middle East. Iran also seeks to destroy Israel and the United States. Neither Iran nor the Yemeni Shia have a reputation for honoring promises, treaties or anything that limits their activities. In short, negotiations may seem smooth but compliance will be in short supply. Expect both sides to resist implementing an actual, working, ceasefire or truce. The Shia tribes never had the degree of Iranian support they have now. That support has included large shipments of Iranian ballistic missiles and rockets. These are primarily for use against Saudi Arabia. Because of that Saudi Arabia can both identify with what Israel is going through with Hamas and Hezbollah rocket attacks because Iranian sponsored Shia rebels in Yemen have been firing rockets, ballistic missiles and, mortar shells and machine-gun bullets into Saudi Arabia since 2015 killing over a hundred civilians and soldiers on the border. The Saudis have found the American made Patriot anti-missile missiles very effective in stopping nearly all the ballistic missiles. The shorter range rockets are another matter and there have been discussions about obtaining the Israeli Iron Dome anti-rocket system. This rocket and missile threat to Saudi Arabia will make negotiating a Yemeni peace deal difficult. The Yemeni Shia have always been hostile to the Saudis but now it has moved beyond that. The Saudis will not accept any peace deal that does not guarantee a halt to the rocket and missile attacks. That means more government control of the Shia tribal areas of Yemen than before the rebellion began. That will be difficult for the Yemeni Shia to accept but for the Saudis nothing less is acceptable. Continued rocket and missile attacks would be evidence of Saudi inability to defend its own borders and the Saudi citizens that live there. Iran knows this too but the UN is less concerned about that sort of thing. January 14, 2019: The Shia rebels say they fired another Badr ballistic missile into Saudi Arabia. This one was aimed at the Saudi military base in Narjan province in southwest Saudi Arabia. Normally the Saudis quickly announce that the missile was intercepted and there were no casualties. But in this case, there has been no announcement and that may mean the missile got through to a target. On November 18 the Shia rebels announced a halt of their ballistic missile and drone attacks as a show of good faith and to encourage Yemeni agreement to a ceasefire in the Red Sea port of Hodeida. January 13, 2019: In the north (across the border in Saudi province of Jizan), Shia rebels used an Iranian Ababil UAV carrying explosives to attack a military base near Jizan. The Saudis did not report such an attack. The Yemeni rebels said they would halt their UAV and ballistic missile attacks if the Arab coalition halted all its air attacks. January 12, 2019: The UN openly complains about rebel interference with the ceasefire and Hodeida port operation. The rebels responded by accusing the UN of trying to turn over Hodeida to hostile (to the Shia) powers like America, Britain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Since these accusations were used the Shia refused to meet with UN negotiators. The government was still willing to talk but the UN negotiators were now being shut out by the Shia. Most Yemenis see these tactics as typical of the Shia tribes in the north. Foreigners are unsure what to do when faced with this sort of thing. In Hodeida, there was gunfire and explosions heard most of the day. The fire was coming from the rebels and government forces. January 10, 2019: In the south (Lahj province, just north of the port of Aden), Shia rebels used an Iranian Ababil UAV carrying explosives to attack a scheduled parade and ceremony at an airbase. The UAV was caught on video diving down and exploding over the area where senior officials were standing. The explosion killed seven and wounded at least a dozen. One of those killed was the chief intelligence officer of the Yemen Army. This attack could have been made with the UAV navigating on its own and following pre-programmed instructions to dive on a particular location and explode. The ceremony attacked was scheduled and the location of where the senior people would be was known. The Iranians have used this tactic before. In 2017 four UAVs that Shia rebels used to attack Saudi and UAE air defense radars were not locally made as the rebels claimed but were smuggled in (disassembled) from Iran via Oman hidden in truckloads of non-military goods. The four UAVs were identified as Ababils which are made in Iran and provided to several Islamic terror groups so far. In Yemen, the Ababils are used to try and incapacitate Saudi Patriot air defense systems. If you know where the air defense radars are you can use the GPS guidance of the Ababil to send the UAV, armed with an explosive warhead, to destroy or damage the radar. Ababil is an 83 kg (183 pound) UAV with a three meter (ten foot) wingspan, a payload of about 36 kg (80 pounds), a cruising speed of 290 kilometers an hour and an endurance of 90 minutes. The Ababil under radio control can operate as far as 120 kilometers from its ground controller. But it also has a guidance system that allows it to fly a pre-programmed route and then return to the control of its controllers for a landing (which is by parachute). The Ababil can use its GPS guidance to fly over 300 kilometers in cruise missile mode. The Shia rebels took credit for the UAV attack and said there would be more. The day after the attack the Arab air coalition attacked what they believed was the base the UAVs were operating from. January 5, 2019: In the south (Abyan province), AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) gunmen attacked a checkpoint and left two pro-government militiamen dead. This was apparently a side effect of the major battle with AQAP in the area yesterday. January 4, 2019: In the south (Shabwa province), Yemeni special operation troops sought to capture a rural AQAP base and were met with heavy gunfire. The soldiers eventually prevailed but not until six soldiers and nine AQAP (and tribal allies) died. The soldiers also persuaded tribal elders to help by convincing armed tribesmen not to work for AQAP. The effort to clear AQAP out Hadramawt, Abyan (Aden) and Shabwa provinces has been going on since late 2016 but became more intense since early 2017 when the United States increased its effort to find and kill key AQAP personnel, especially the many who were based in Shabwa. This was mainly done from the air using UAVs for surveillance and attacks using guided missiles and smart bombs. As a result of the air operations, the remaining AQAP groups became more vulnerable to detection and attack on the ground. There are also some ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) groups out in the hills and they will fight with AQAP men as well as soldiers. There seem to be no ISIL groups left in this region and not many AQAP but the search, and the occasional battles, continue. January 1, 2019: In central Yemen (Marib province), the first UAV missile attack of the year killed Jamel al Badawi, the man responsible for planning the year 2000 suicide boat bombing of a U.S. destroyer refueling at Aden. That attack killed 17 American sailors and wounded 40 more. The U.S. carried out 36 UAV missile attacks in Yemen during 2018. These were against Islamic terrorist groups operating in central and southern Yemen. The last such attack was in September. One of the 2018 attacks was against ISIL while all the others were against AQAP targets. There were 144 UAV attacks in 2017 and 44 in 2016. December 31, 2018: The UN threatened to halt food shipments to Yemen if the Shia rebels did not stop stealing portions of this aid and interfering with the distribution of the rest. The rebels responded that they were surprised to hear these accusations. This stealing and interference has been an issue for years and the UN tried to deal with it quietly and that did not work. The government forces also pointed out that the major aid shipments coming through the rebel-controlled port of Hodeida often contained weapons and military equipment that the rebels retrieved while preventing UN personnel from conducting inspections. The government reported to the UN that between December 18 and 30 the Shia rebels carried out 268 attacks, killing 23 government troops and wounding 163. Most of these attacks were small, several mortar shells or small rockets or some machine-gun or sniper fire. But they were all ceasefire violations and the Yemeni government wanted to know why the UN does not recognize those violations because in many cases UN personnel were in the area. A year ago a UN investigation concluded that Iran was indeed smuggling weapons, large (ballistic missiles and UAVs) and small (pistols and rifles) into Yemen for the Shia rebels. December 29, 2018: In Hodeida, the rebels turned over control of the port area to pre-war Yemeni coast guard personnel, who turned out to be allies of the Shia rebels. This was not obvious at first but when these new security personnel proved just as uncooperative with UN inspectors it became clear what had happened. To make matters worse the rebels continued to open fire in and around Hodeida often enough to keep most additional UN personnel away. The UN had a ceasefire deal but they did not have access. December 25, 2018: During the first week of the Hodeida ceasefire the rebel violations became more common and the government forces suffered ten dead and 143 wounded in and around Hodeida city. December 19, 2018: In the northwest, Shia rebels violated the port of Hodeida ceasefire 27 times in the first 24 hours. Iran condemned Sudan for agreeing to send more troops to Yemen to support the Saudi Arabian-led pro-government coalition. Sudan supplies thousands of troops in part because the Saudis pay well and much of the money goes to the Sudan government but enough goes to the soldiers to make it an attractive proposition. Saudi Arabia carried out an airstrike against the rebel-controlled Sanaa (the national capital) airport. The specific target was an Iranian UAV which the rebels were apparently operating from the airbase which is supposed to be free of any military activity. December 18, 2018: The UN arranged ceasefire around the Red Sea port of Hodeida began today. Dave Ress Staff writer Dave Ress covers the military. He's been a reporter in Virginia since 1990 and before that for Reuters in Canada, Britain and Africa. Dave has a PhD in history from the University of New England (Australia) and is the author of 4 books on U.S. and Australian history. The Taliban refusal to negotiate with the government is, for most Afghans, another reason for not believing or supporting the Taliban. The Taliban insist on negotiating a deal with the United States first, to get all foreign troops (unless they work for Pakistan) out of the country. Many Afghans remember that this was similar to what happened after the Russians withdrew in 1989 and left behind a pro-Russian national government that had enough support to hold Kabul and some other parts of the country. Most of the rebels were still based in Pakistan where Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab states financed refugee camps and religious schools that taught hatred of non-Moslems. This led to Pakistan creating the Taliban in 1994 by recruiting refugee Pushtun students from these religious schools (Taliban translates to students) arming them and providing logistical support and plenty of reinforcements from the Afghan refugee camps. The Taliban were, and still are, the Pakistani faction in Afghanistan and the Taliban are seen as repeating same mistake they made in mid 1990s by agreeing with other rebel factions that negotiation with the pro-Russian Afghan government was not possible and it was preferable to fight each other to determine who would dominate Afghanistan. This is what Pakistan wanted and by the late 1990s their Taliban faction was on their way to defeating all the other factions. That job wasnt finished when September 11, 2001 came around and the Americans backed the remaining anti-Taliban coalition (the Northern Alliance of non-Pushtun tribes). Two decades later Afghans regard Pakistan as the foreign invader to worry about not the American and NATO troops. The Taliban have even less credibility (as Afghan patriots) now than they did in the 1990s. The current Taliban as seen, by most Afghans, as a bunch of hired guns working for drug gangs or personal benefit. As long as the Taliban refuses to negotiate with the current pro-West government the Taliban are blamed by most Afghans for being the main obstacle to peace. This war has been going on since 1979. That is four decades of fighting because outsiders (first Russia backed Afghan communists ousting a pro-West monarchy and replacing it with a communist dictatorship). The two-century old Afghan monarchy was always dominated by Pushtuns and the kings were usually Pushtun because Pushtuns were not only the largest minority (40 percent of the population) but across the border, in Pakistan, there were twice as many Pushtuns. However, in Pakistan, the Pushtuns were a tiny minority of the much larger Pakistan population and kept on a short leash by the non-tribal majority that has always run Pakistan. It is true Afghans have long (for thousands of years) been hostile to outsiders and the outsiders feared most were the ones next door (especially many Indian and Iranian Empires.) This history doesnt resonate with most Westerners but it is current events for most Afghans, who often consider most other Afghans (from different tribes or ethnic groups) as outsiders as well. Currently the Westerners are seen as less of a threat because all they want is no sanctuary for Islamic terrorists and no drug production. The majority of Afghans can agree with both of those goals as well as the incoming Western economic and military aid. The Afghan Taliban are suffering the same fragmentation with more factions opposing Pakistani and/or Iranian control as well as cooperation with (and financial support from) the drug gangs. The one thing nearly all Taliban agree on is getting rid of foreign interference. The problem is deciding which foreigners are the biggest threat to Afghanistan. The majority of Afghans agree it is Pakistan and therein lies the main obstacle to Taliban domination of Afghanistan. That means most Afghans see the Taliban as the problem, not the solution. The United States has long backed the possibility of working out a peace deal with the Afghan Taliban. The major problem with that is getting Pakistan to cooperate. The Afghan Taliban cannot make any deals without Pakistan agreeing. Then there is the larger problem of such a deal turning control of Afghanistan over to drug gangs, Pakistan, Iran and Islamic conservatives (who ban education for women and generally unpopular lifestyle restrictions). Russia and Pakistan believe this would be the best possible peace deal. Most American and Afghans disagree. So does India and many Pakistanis unhappy with their military-dominated government. Then there are the traditional (usual) how to negotiate with infidels rules used by Islamic terrorist groups and some governments dominated by Islamic conservatives. These rules stress the use of lies and deception because the Islamic scripture mentions it so it must be the only way to go. This approach has been very consistently used by Islamic terror groups and the fact that the Afghan Taliban are actually a front for Pakistan makes no difference because Pakistan is increasingly dominated by their armed forces who have been using (if not all believing in) Islamic terror groups against their real or imagined enemies since the 1980s. The drug gangs, which also depend on Pakistan to stay in business and are largely run by Pushtuns, will go along with whatever Pakistan wants as long as drug trade is not trifled with. In other words, the Afghan Taliban are actually a minor decision maker when it comes to peace in Afghanistan. That has always been the case, especially before the Taliban lost control of Afghanistan in 2001. Back then the Taliban provided sanctuary for Islamic terrorists, especially al Qaeda. This was allowed by Pakistan because that sanctuary policy was seen as a minor problem but it turned out to be a major problem. The Taliban is still on good terms with al Qaeda, although Pakistan is not. But as long as the Afghan Taliban cooperates in keeping al Qaeda out of Pakistan all is well. The Afghan Taliban is also seen by the majority of Afghans as the creation of Pakistan and a largely Pushtun organization financed by Pakistan-supported Pushtun led drug gangs. The Taliban are also not a unified organization. The Afghan Taliban has sanctuaries in Pakistan which keep their senior leadership safe and are also the site of border crossings where most of the chemicals for refining opium into heroin get into Afghanistan along with the fertilizer and other chemicals used to make bombs. All this is common knowledge and the only practical reason to negotiate with the Afghan Taliban is to force more Pushtun tribes (that are still technically Taliban supporters ) to decide if they still are pro-Taliban and OK with the Taliban and Pakistan controlling the Afghan government. Another obvious negotiating problem is the Afghan government, which is elected and democracy is haram (forbidden) as far as Islamic terrorists are concerned. All this explains why the U.S. is demanding a six-month ceasefire as a precondition to negotiations. The Taliban cannot afford to allow that because most of the Taliban activity is in support of the drug gangs which the majority of Afghans are quite vocal about opposing and not willing to leave alone for six months. In other words, the peace negotiations are not about peace but about smoking out the real intentions of Pakistan in Afghanistan. Making it even more obvious that Pakistan is a major backer of Islamic terrorism and the heroin trade makes it easier to understand that the fears of Islamic terrorists having nuclear weapons have already been realized given the direction the military-dominated Pakistan government is headed. Again this is nothing new and certainly not a secret to those who have worked with (or paid attention to) Pakistan for a while. While the Taliban have tried to improve their relationships with the Afghan civilians the Taliban tendency to shut down schools and cell phone service while putting a heavy tax on local commerce heavily. Increased Taliban use of landmines and roadside bombs has increased civilian casualties in 2018. All this is not popular. Its gotten to the point where more tribes are simply mobilizing their armed men into self-defense militias and telling the Taliban to stay away. In times past the Taliban would have sent in some enforcers (often foreigners) to kidnap or murder some key people and dismantle that resistance. This no longer works (the news gets around, which is who most Afghans want their cell phones and the Taliban resist that). In short, its no longer fashionable to be associated with the Taliban. This is not something that happened overnight, its been going on for a long time and has reached the point where the Taliban are seen more as part of the problem than part of any solution. The Hand Of Iran At the end of 2918, the U.S. Department of Defense revealed that it had found (via its many contacts with the Afghan government) that it had become common for Afghan officials to be bribed by Iran to support Iranian interests. Most of the bribes are in support of Iranian economic activities. But there are also bribes regarding support for the Taliban, not to overthrow the Afghan government, but to help in the fight against ISIL and protection of the Afghan minority. This last point is important because most of the Afghan refugees still in Iran are Shia and over 20,000 have volunteered to serve as Iranian mercenaries in Syria. Iran does not support the Afghan drug gangs that provide the main financial support for the Taliban and the Iranian border with Afghanistan has been a battle zone for years as Iranian border forces shoot to kill when they encounter Afghan drug smugglers (who often shoot back and fight their way through.) These bribes have also allowed Iran to maintain official contacts with the Taliban and participate in peace talks with the Afghan Taliban. Iranian ally Qatar hosts a Taliban headquarters where the Taliban can, in effect, meet with anyone to discuss anything. Recent Russian sponsored Afghan peace talks attracted delegations from Russia, India, Iran, China, Pakistan and five former Soviet republics in Central Asia as well as non-government groups from Afghanistan and some Americans as observers. Technically the Taliban cannot be in Russia because Russia recognizes the international designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization. Nevertheless, the Taliban insisted they would make peace only if all foreign troops left and there were international guarantees to keep the Americans from returning or aiding Afghans fighting the Taliban. Iran is seen as an ally (at least against Pakistan) by most Afghans and Iran is mostly Shia and sees itself as the defender of all Shia. Despite all that good will, the worsening economy in Iran (made worse by the American revival of sanctions in March) caused over a quarter of the three million Afghan refugees still in eastern Iran to return to Afghanistan in 2018. Most of these Afghans are Shia who feared to return as long as the Afghan Taliban (and ISIL) were active in Afghanistan. These two groups, and Sunni Islamic terror groups, in general, consider Shia heretics and targets them for death on a regular basis. But Iran has made returning to Afghanistan easier by increasing its support for the Afghan Taliban. This gesture is also a favor to Pakistan, which Iran is trying to maintain good relations with (as Pakistan is also an ally of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is the only Moslem nation with nukes). Americans Persuaded To Stay A week ago the United States was persuaded to withdraw fewer troops than initially announced in December. Current plans are to withdraw 3,000, not 7,000 of the 14,000 American military personnel in Afghanistan. The Afghan political and military leaders made a case to continue current levels of support because the alternative was still more chaos and uncertainty in Afghanistan. At the same time, the Taliban canceled the next round of peace talks in Qatar because the Americans insisted on including representatives from the Afghan government. That made it clear that a negotiated peace in Afghan was not likely in the near future. The Afghans point out that their security forces continue to fight despite increased Taliban activity. Afghanistan claims they killed over 8,000 Taliban and ISIL personnel in 2018, which is more than their security forces lost and to Afghans that is a win. The Afghans also point out (and American military advisors agree) that American air power is considered a crucial combat advantage for Afghan security forces and demoralizing to any Taliban groups they encounter. This forces the Taliban to avoid battles with Afghan forces and instead rely on smaller attacks on checkpoints and isolated police stations and army bases where they know that air support will be slow in coming because there are no ground controllers to direct the aircraft to specific targets (and not friendly forces or civilians who might be mistaken for the enemy from the air.) The Afghans also pointed out that in November and December joint U.S.-Afghan operations killed more than 1,100 Taliban, ISIL and other enemy fighters. This includes ground operations where American special operations troops worked with their Afghan counterparts to carry out raids or recon missions, which gather crucial information on Taliban and other Islamic terrorist operations. Less visible is the training and advice Afghan intelligence personnel receives. Afghan intelligence has been increasingly effective at uncovering Islamic terror operations before they can be carried out. This often includes attacks on Americans and foreigners in general. In 2018 nineteen NATO military personnel have died in Afghanistan. Fourteen of those were American, one less than 2017 and more than the 13 in 2016. The increase has to do with more active use of American air power and the U.S. trained Afghan special operations troops. The Afghan commandos were often accompanied by American trainers who observe and provide backup if needed. The Americans also provide the helicopters if a mission requires them but in most cases, the Afghan special operations forces travel via ground transportation. The Afghan Special Forces and commandos have been especially effective in finding and killing Taliban and ISIL leaders. Another factor in higher American losses is the Taliban deliberately going after foreign troops. Five other NATO soldiers were killed in 2018, the highest number since most NATO forces left Afghanistan in 2014, when 14 died, along with 55 Americans. The first eleven months of 2018 saw American airpower used more often in Afghanistan than at any other time (including the 2011 surge). In 2018 coalition warplanes (mostly U.S.) used 12 percent more bombs and missiles than in 2011. Coalition warplanes have flown an average to 662 sorties a month, with 12 percent of sorties resulting in weapons being used. This includes AC-130 gunships but not attack helicopters. The trend has been accelerating throughout the previous year. In some months the U.S. Air Force used more smart bombs and missiles since late 2010. The Taliban want the Americans gone in large part because of the greater use of airstrikes by American and Afghan warplanes and changes to the ROE (Rules of Engagement). In 2017 American commanders were again allowed to determine the ROE for U.S. troops overseas, especially in places like Syria and Afghanistan. For example in Afghanistan U.S. troops can now fire on the Taliban even when the Taliban are not firing on them and at long distance. Afghan civilians, the most frequent victims of Taliban violence, complained when the U.S. gradually changed its ROE after 2008 to make it impossible for Americans to fire on the Taliban when Afghan civilians were nearby. When asked Afghan civilians pointed out that was when they most needed the Americans to open fire. As the Afghan air force carries out more airstrikes (about a dozen a day by mid-2018) the Afghan ROE has reduced the enemy use of human shields. The Afghan ROE ignores human shields and puts the priority on killing Taliban or ISIL fighters. This made human shields in general much less effective, even though most of the air strikes are carried out by foreign (usually American) warplanes. So far in 2018 American aircraft are carrying out airstrikes at the highest rate ever (about eighteen bombs or missiles used a day) and a third higher than the previous peak year (2011). The greater availability of air strikes encourages Afghan security forces to be more aggressive. January 15, 2019: The Taliban threatened to withdraw from peace talks unless the Americans agree to withdraw all their forces from Afghanistan and persuade other foreign countries to do the same. Germany revealed it had recently arrested an Afghan immigrant, who was now a German citizen, and charged him with spying on the German military for Iran. The arrested Afghan had long worked as an interpreter and cultural advisor for the German military and had considerable access to German military operations and plans, especially regarding Afghanistan and Iran. Germany has been on the alert for much of 2018 to the increased Iranian espionage, smuggling and assassination activity in Europe and especially Germany. Iran often recruits Afghans to work for them in Europe because many Afghans speak Farsi (Iranian) or are Shia and thus easier to recruit. January 14, 2019: In Kabul, a Taliban car bomb went off outside the heavily guarded Green Village compound where many foreigners live and some NGOs have their headquarters. The explosion near the entrance killed five and wounded over 110. The Taliban wants all non-Moslem foreigners out of Afghanistan as well as foreign troops yet attacks like this injured more Afghans than foreigners. One statistic the Taliban does not want to dwell on is that Taliban violence killed or wounded more Afghans in 2018 than ever before. January 6, 2019: In the north (Badakhshan province), at least 30 Afghans died while working in an illegal gold mine. The government has made it possible for foreign firms to establish mining operations in areas that were long known to have gold deposits. It takes expertise and a lot of money to build commercial mining operations that can extract the gold profitably. But these commercial mines attract enterprising locals who realize the foreigners have located a major gold deposit and the locals will often dig tunnels near the commercial operation and extract what gold they can. This is profitable enough, especially during the cold weather when other work is not available, to attract a lot of rural Afghans. At least fifty illegal miners were in the poorly built tunnel when it collapsed. These legal and illegal mining operations also attract the Taliban who try to extort payments to protect the miners from Taliban attacks. December 25, 2018: In Kabul, five Islamic terrorists (a suicide car bomber and four gunmen) attacked a government compound and after several hours of fighting the five attackers were dead, as well as 38 civilians, police and soldiers. December 24, 2018: As previously agreed, an Indian firm (Indian Ports Global) took over management of the southeastern port of Chabahar. This management deal lasts ten years and that played a role in ensuring that the renewed American sanctions on Iran would not interfere with the new trade route from Afghanistan, via Iran to the Indian Ocean port of Chabahar. The Americans make exceptions for these sanctions and in this case, Pakistan is seen as a larger threat to Afghanistan than Iran. Most of the truck traffic that used to go through Pakistan to the port of Karachi is now using the new route via Iran to Chabahar (built by India and Iran mainly for traffic to Afghanistan and Central Asia). At least $5 billion worth of trade to and from Afghanistan will use Chabahar each year. Pakistan is the big loser here, especially since they had recently increased higher traffic on Afghan goods moving through Karachi. In addition for the last year, Pakistan has frequently closed the main border crossings to Afghan traffic entering Pakistan. Yet Pakistani goods are allowed into Afghanistan and now the Afghans are considering blocking that and depending on trade links via Iran and Central Asia. This is an undeclared trade war by Pakistan. The main reason is growing trade with India and switching from Karachi to Chabahar for Afghan imports and exports. The United States, India, Afghanistan and the UN are increasing pressure on Pakistan over Pakistani support for terrorism. 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 and many suspected this announcement was also a negotiating tactic, which turned out to be the case . 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, an 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, not indefinitely as new reasons were put forward why the U.S. troops were essential. Remember those age-old male traits from a more chivalric, less neurotic epoch, like ruggedness, stoicism, individualism and masculinity? Well, you can chuck them into the dumpster outside your local gender studies classroom because they have just been branded harmful to your health. Although masculinity once upon a time helped privileged males tame the American wilderness, build cities and exhibit courage in battle among other dirty tasks that required no small amount of brute strength and even aggressiveness the medical community would now have us believe there is something inherently wrong with masculinity. In the American Psychological Associations Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men, traditional notions of masculinity are described as undesirable for a host of reasons, but perhaps most disturbingly because boys and men who identify as gay, bisexual or transgender still face higher-than-average levels of hostility and pressure to conform to masculine norms. In other words, the so-called toxic masculinity that has helped men and civilization progress over the centuries has been written off as harmful because some males either by choice or otherwise feel threatened by it. Pseudo-science pounces right out of the gates of the study as we are introduced to yet another parallel reality known as the masculinities. No longer does the singular adjective masculine suffice these days of multiple genders and diverse lifestyles because apparently that would offend a minority subculture of those males whose notions of masculinity do not flush with those of the majority. In the opening paragraph we are informed that It is common to use the term masculinities rather than masculinity to acknowledge the various conceptions of masculine gender roles associated with an intersection of multiple identities. The medical community's habit of tossing about scientifically unproven claims of multiple identities brings to mind Ken Keseys One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest where the medical staff, the ones with the real issues, pushes pure quackery on a trapped patient population. The guideline continues with something of a caveat: When trying to understand the complex role of masculinity in the lives of diverse boys and men, it is critical to acknowledge that gender is a non-binary construct [in other words, comprised of more than just males and females] that is distinct from, although interrelated to, sexual orientation. Here, the authors insist (critical to acknowledge) that society as a whole must cater to the whims of that tiny segment of the population that believes it may not only choose the gender they identify with as if they were shopping in a Fifth Avenue boutique, but that the rest of society must use the correct pronouns when addressing them. Yet, the overwhelming majority of males who are comfortable with their biologically assigned sex and gender, as well as their masculinity, are now being told something is inherently wrong with them. This is openly admitted. And I quote: The main thrust of the subsequent research is that traditional masculinitymarked by stoicism, competitiveness, dominance and aggressionis, on the whole, harmful. Men socialized in this way are less likely to engage in healthy behaviors, writes Stephanie Pappas in a summary. Proof of this assertion is provided by various questionable studies, including one by James Mahalik, PhD, of Boston College, who found that the more men "conformed" to masculine norms, the more likely they were to consider as normal risky behavior such as heavy drinking bouts, abusing tobacco and wait for it not eating their vegetables. However, a weekend trip to a nightclub would quickly prove that a high percentage of females with not a trace of masculinity in their bodies also engage in those same risky activities. Yet with a wave of the academic wand, centuries of male accomplishments have been flushed down the proverbial toilet because part of the male population has a tendency to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and push veggies to the side of their plates. In any case, the Psychological guideline conspicuously fails to mention any of the tremendous accomplishments of the male species and the necessary amount of masculinity that has made modern urban living a comfortable reality in the first place. That is an unforgivable omission. All of this hand-wringing over 'toxic masculinity' will only set up the male population for more dangerous preventive measures now seen today, where many schools, for example, no longer provide recess period to their students, who are bursting with youthful energy and excitement. Instead, the medical community would rather brand boys who cant sit still at their desks with Attention-Deficit Disorder and medicate them into a somnambulist state of submissiveness and passivity. Below is a video of a young woman who discusses her horrible experience with a university gender studies course for anyone who wants a nice primer on the subject. Further on we learn that in Western culture, the dominant ideal of masculinity is of a more rugged and self-sufficient ideal. This is not a good thing because, according to the almighty guidelines, such attributes may infringe upon that infinitesimal segment of the male population who depart from this narrow masculine conception by any dimension of diversity (e.g., race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression) and thus may find themselves negotiating between adopting dominant ideals that exclude them or being stereotyped or marginalized. In other words, otherwise normal males exhibiting symptoms of masculinity, much as men have throughout the life of the species, are the ones with the problem. Why? Because a small fraction of the males do not subscribe to the narrow definition of masculinity (rugged and self-sufficient), which the APA itself has drawn up. So instead of drawing up special guidelines on how the Psychological community should handle that tiny fraction of the population who feel uncomfortable with displays of traditional masculinity, the good doctors have taken it upon themselves to treat the entire male population as if it were one big patient in desperate need of counseling and possibly even medicating, which should make the pharmaceutical industry very happy indeed. In reality, the ones who are in need of serious guidelines are these so-called medical professionals in cahoots with the media industry and drug makers who continue to push this insidious and hyper-liberal Cultural Marxist value system upon an unwitting population. INTRODUCTION (NOTE: Remarks from US President Donald Trump that will be considered as representing possibly his biggest lie will here be boldfaced, so that they will stand out from the context in which he stated them.) Trump escalated Bushs and Obamas invasions and military occupations of the sovereign nations of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. But on January 7th, he promised, in one of his thousands of lying tweets, that, Endless Wars, especially those which are fought out of judgement mistakes that were made many years ago, & those where we are getting little financial or military help from the rich countries that so greatly benefit from what we are doing, will eventually come to a glorious end! Then, on Sunday, January 13th, he tweeted that if Turkey wont do in Syria what he, the US President, wants it to do there, then the United States will be in the first official stage of war against Turkey, the economic-sanctions phase, which nowadays is the prelude to an invasion, as has been the case since 1990 regarding Iraq. On January 13th, he tweeted, Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone. Minutes later, he tweeted: Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey. Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term US policy of destroying ISIS in Syria natural enemies. We also benefit but it is now time to bring our troops back home. Stop the ENDLESS WARS! First, here, will be discussed his January 7th string of lies, in order to isolate which one of those was the biggest: He might be truthful about his intent, to reverse his own (previously escalatory) policies against those named nations (Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria his Administrations efforts to overthrow or to keep in power the given nations leader and government). However, he ignores his own having contributed to those judgement mistakes that were made (such as his having increased American troop-levels in those countries his having escalated, instead of eliminated, those military occupations). And, then, on January 12th, The Hill bannered, US calls for new government in Venezuela. So, Trump obviously still believes that a US President has the right to overthrow or install a government in any country he wishes the right to perpetrate coups and military invasions anywhere in the world. This is a craving for global empire. He still continues to believe, like his predecessors did, that the US President is the policeman, judge, jury, and executioner, of any government, anywhere in the world, just like the international tyrants George W. Bush and Barack Obama did. Their imperialistic lies were accompanied in some cases by coups but in other cases by outright invasions and military occupations, and destroyed Afghanistan and Iraq and Honduras and Libya and Syria and Ukraine. They destroyed those countries, none of which had ever perpetrated aggression against the United States. This was therefore pure aggression. (Trump as President never condemns them, for the lie-based international aggressions that they had perpetrated.) Trumps words have always been untrustworthy, some of them promises to the left, but mostly promises to the right. But only his actions have really mattered, and theyve been consistently to the far right, including neo-conservatism. That means imposition of the American empire. He has been trying to do that impose the American empire. He does it not only by expanding Americas existing bloated defense budget (half of the worlds total), but by expanding the numbers of US military bases and troops in invaded and occupied countries such as Syria. None of those countries had ever invaded nor threatened to invade the United States (although Al Qaeda in Afghanistan did in 2001, with lots of American Government and Saudi help but then the US President, Bush, invaded and occupied Afghanistan, instead of took out Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri and he and his 911 Commission hid the guilt of George W. Bush and his buddy Bandar Bush; so, this was like The Emperor can do no wrong, and Trump is following in their imperial footsteps). Invasions and coups, like those, are (and were, before Trump became President) pure aggressions. Despite Trumps lies, America is the global aggressor, in fact (even recognized globally as being such). Trump does nothing to stop and reverse that horrendous bipartisan (Democratic and Republican) American aggressive reality. Trumps actions have instead been like that of his recent predecessors: neo-conservative, neo-imperialist, aggressive, foreign policies. Theyve made mockeries of his repeated promises not to do that sort of thing. He has even stocked his Administration with loads of G.W. Bush infamous neocons like John Bolton, some of whom he had condemned when he was running for President. This is why everyone distrusts Trump now, except his base-voters, who ignore his incessant record of having lied they trust everything he says, even his self-contradictions. To be intelligent now and yet continue to trust Donald Trump, is extremely difficult, if not logically impossible, to do, especially after his enormous record of self-contradictions. TRUMPS BIGGEST LIE But his biggest big lie has certainly been the one that he stated in his January 7th tweet, about whom the beneficiaries of those military invasions and occupations are. Those beneficiaries are not as he said, rich countries that so greatly benefit from what we are doing. To the exact contrary. Consider what the actual impacts of Americas neo-conservative, neo-imperialist, Government, have been, upon those rich countries (by which Trump is referring to the EU): The January 14th issue of the liberal New Yorker magazine states at least this matter accurately, when Elisabeth Zerofskys article, which is titled in the print edition as The Illiberal State: Viktor Orbans vision for Europe, asserts that: Until 2015, Hungary received around three thousand asylum requests per year. That year, hundreds of thousands of people, mostly from Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, travelled from Turkey through Bulgaria to Serbia and Croatia, where they attempted to cross the Hungarian border into the E.U. Many wanted to reach Germany, where Chancellor Angela Merkel, declaring, We can do this, was welcoming a million refugees. Hungary, a smaller and poorer state than Germany, was ill equipped to deal with the chaotic crowds in the border area headed toward trains and buses that would take them onward. In other words: US President Trump, who is famous for exaggerating the harms that huge numbers of undocumented immigrants cause, must certainly be at least conscious of the fact that those floods of millions of Muslim refugees into what he calls here the rich countries that so greatly benefit from what we are doing, are mostly from Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, and that those refugees have been fleeing countries that the US Government had invaded, and that the US Government still does occupy, by thousands of American troops and constant supplies of weapons. Americas invasions created this crisis for EU nations. Trump demands that those European countries be grateful for those millions of refugees, from countries that he bans or discourages from sending any refugees into the United States. Hypocrisy worse than that, cant be imagined. He thinks that those European countries ought to be grateful for Americas having caused in Europe this refugee crisis, which is tearing the EU apart. If thats not his biggest lie, then what is? But maybe his biggest lie isnt that the rich countries so greatly benefit from what we are doing; maybe, instead, its that all of those judgment mistakes were judgement mistakes that were made many years ago, and that he didnt make any of them, but only his predecessors did. However, maybe his biggest lie is instead his hiding whom the actual beneficiaries of his, and the rest of the American Governments, permanent-warfare state have actually been, and always are. Consider, for example, this passage from the 200-page, 5 November 2018, study by the Project on Government Oversight, Defense Contractors Capture of Pentagon Officials: BRASS PARACHUTES: Defense Contractors Capture of Pentagon Officials Through the Revolving Door The revolving door is just one of several forms of undue influence on the operations of the Department of Defense. While beyond the scope of this report, the reverse-revolving door (when defense industry officials join the government, raising concerns they will then give preferential treatment to their former employers) is also a matter of significant concern. Top contractors have been over-represented in Department leadership. At the beginning of his Administration, President Obama issued an ethics executive order banning lobbyists form [from] working in agencies they lobbied during the previous two years, only to issue the first waiver shortly thereafter to his first Deputy Secretary of Defense, William Lynn, who was previously a Raytheon lobbyist.25 The last Deputy Secretary for that Administration, Bob Work, joined Raytheons board shortly after he retired from the government.26 President Donald Trumps Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, was a former board member of General Dynamics. His Deputy Secretary, Patrick Shanahan, came from Boeing, the Pentagons second largest contractor. Campaign contributions, lobbyists, earmarks, industry-sponsored trips, and contracts structured to garner political support for specific contractors programs, also undermine the fairness and effectiveness of the procurement system. The government and the public have significantly more though still inadequate information about those other forms of influence-peddling. For example, campaign contributions must be periodically disclosed, registered lobbyists must report their expenditures and generic lobbying activities, and incoming executive branch officials have to disclose their positions held outside of government. But the public has significantly less information when it comes to the activities of former government officials. President Trump has spoken out against that conflict of interest. I think anybody that gives out these big contracts should never ever, during their lifetime, be allowed to work for a defense company, for a company that makes that product, then-President-elect Trump said. Just two months before this POGO study, there was a Code Pink study, War Profiteers: The US War Machine, about the major role that foreign buyers of US weapons, such as the Saud family, play in this American corruption. (Americas efforts ever since the late 1940s, to overthrow Syrias determinedly secular non-sectarian Government, and to replace it with one that would be controlled by the rabidly fundamentalist-Sunni Saud family, who own Saudi Arabia, are excellent examples of that corrupt US War Machine in action. See this and this and this and this and this, for documentation of this.) Its people like them, and the billionaires who control the major US defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, and who control Americas international extraction corporations such as ExxonMobil, who benefit from Americas rabid militarism. Its not the rich countries of the EU. And Trumps denial, of this barbaric historical fact, is actually his biggest of all of his big lies. Without being honest to the public, no government can be a democracy; it can only be a corrupt dictatorship. And thats what America now actually is. Trump certainly isnt the truth-teller who stands against, and tries to rectify, that ugly reality. An excellent current example of the insidious nature of this constantly attempted international dictatorship that Trump refuses to expose, was provided on January 8th, by Mark Ames and Max Blumenthal, at the GrayZone Project, and headlined New Documents Reveal a Covert British Military-Intelligence Smear Machine Meddling In American Politics. Their reporting about this would probably win a Pulitzer, if America were a democracy and if the Pulitzers were honest. Then, regarding Trumps tweet on January 13th, Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds. Create 20 mile safe zone, hes clearly threatening economic sanctions against Turkey. He says that he wants to end endless wars and, now, in order to attain that, he uses against Turkey the threat of beginning a new war, this one against them. His followup that same day, Russia, Iran and Syria have been the biggest beneficiaries of the long term US policy of destroying ISIS in Syria is a compound lie, because the US had avoided targeting ISIS in Syria until Russia started bombing ISIS in Syria on 30 September 2015, and the US had even been secretly arming ISIS there so as to help ISIS and Al Qaeda to overthrow Syrias secular and non-sectarian Government. Thus, whereas Russia started bombing ISIS in Syria on 30 September 2015, America (having become embarrassed) started bombing ISIS in Syria on 16 November 2015. Trump wants to steal from Assad, and from Putin, and from Rouhani, the credit for the success that they have thus far achieved at defeating ISIS in Syria. America ISISs (otherwise called ISILs) secret supplier thus tries to present itself as ISILs conqueror. (Table 26 of the July 2015 Orb International poll of Syrians asked Syrians for the reason that explains the presence of ISIL [in their country]? And 82% of Syrians said ISIL is US foreign manufacture. So, theyre aware of that fact.) So, which is Trumps biggest lie? Make your own choice, and itll be reasonable, because theyre all huge. CLOSING NOTE On January 14th, the generally reliable analyst Alex Christoforou headlined at The Duran, Mike Pompeo tours Middle East to challenge John Bolton as US foreign policy TSAR, and concluded that it appears President Trumps promised US troop full and immediate withdrawal from Syria appears to finally be in motion. If that turns out actually and finally to be the case, then the US under Trump is finally withdrawing from Syria, like the US under Nixon withdrew from Vietnam on 29 March 1973. Interestingly, in both cases, that would be a Republican President finally ending a US invasion that had been started by a Democratic President, and the Republican President lying constantly and never condemning the Democratic President for having invaded that country. Unless American Presidents publicly acknowledge that the US Government has been controlled by a deeply evil militaristic and military Deep State that has served only Americas billionaires, and that all of these had been US invasions of countries that never had invaded the US and that actually never even threatened to do so, the US will continue to be that type of country a global invader, which aspires to control the entire world. In that case, the US would turn out to be the successor to Nazi Germany, but a nuclear superpower. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an iconic piece of American culture. Treats like Thin Mints and Samoas are celebrated across the nation, but more importantly, the program has served as the launch point of thousands, if not millions, of Americas female business owners and entrepreneurs. Drawing on this history, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) recently hosted Cookie College at Southwestern Illinois College, in Belleville, to teach girls skills that can help boost their upcoming cookie sales and get a head start on their futures. More than 100 Girl Scouts from ages 6-13 attended Cookie College, where they learned more about making business plans, marketing, money management, goal setting, customer service and more. Volunteer mentors included area professional women, including customer service representative Miranda Clauthier from Scott Credit Union; senior IT business analyst Lynn Torres; certified health education specialist Megan Widman; and business owner Beth Marcoot Young from Marcoot Creamery. While learning more about being a business leader, girls also earned Cookie Badges to proudly display on their vests and sashes and prepared for the upcoming Girl Scout Cookie Program, which kicked off on Jan. 5, in Southern Illinois. Barely two months after Missouri voters said, loudly and clearly, that state legislators official records must be open to the public, the Missouri House on Tuesday effectively overturned that vote and declared that members can keep their records closed. Lawmakers have done this before, on other issues. What part of will of the people dont they understand? Proponents of the Clean Missouri constitutional amendment that voters passed in November and which the House has now thumbed its nose at should get this in front of a judge as soon as possible. The states voters last year overwhelmingly passed ballot measures on organized labor, the minimum wage, medical marijuana and government ethics, each in defiance of the Republicans who control the state government. The measure known as Clean Missouri addressed political reform in areas of redistricting, lobbyist restrictions and freedom of information. The measure, approved by more than 60 percent of voters, changed the state Constitution to subject legislators to the states Sunshine Law, from which they were previously exempted. The voters said, in essence, that legislators official records, like those of other public bodies, must be available for public inspection, with specified exceptions for issues like privacy. A bomb has exploded at a busy market street in a Syrian city patrolled by US troops, according to a monitoring group and local forces. Several causalities were reported after a bomb exploded in a Syrian city where US soldiers are deployed in the area, a militia controlling the city and a UK-based monitoring group said Wednesday. "An explosion in Manbij's busy market street, initial reports of casualties," Spokesman of the Manbij military council Shervan Darwish wrote on Twitter. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human rights said at least eight people were killed. A spokesperson for Operation Inherent Resolve tweeted Wednesday that the coalition is "still gathering information" about the explosion. The attack comes less than a month after President Donald Trump announced that US troops would withdraw from Syria. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump has been briefed on the situation. CNn's Eyad Kurdi contributed to this report. Some people have expressed frustration that the Coast Guard Spouse Association of Hampton Roads hasnt offered a food drive, but its president Amber Smith-St. Louis said it would be nearly impossible to reach all of the Coast Guard families in their geographic area, which spans across all of Hampton Roads and includes the Eastern Shore and parts of North Carolina. Hidden in the woods in rural North Carolina stands an 8-foot-tall creature with what appears to be luscious black fur, flared nostrils and abdominal muscles that would put the Terminator to shame. It looks hostile, holding a giant branch. And when its eyes are caught in the headlight beams from approaching and unsuspecting drivers, those peepers glow blood red. Perhaps that's why people have been calling the Davie County Animal Shelter in Mocksville, N.C., to report what they think it is: Bigfoot. It is, in fact, a statue. But when animal control began receiving numerous calls about a bigfoot sighting, it decided to set things straight. "This handsome fellow stands on Pine Ridge Rd. in Mocksville," Davie County Animal Shelter said in a Facebook Post late last week. "If you are traveling this road at night, please be advised that the eyes appear to glow. If you see this phenomenon, you do not need to call animal control to report seeing Bigfoot, Sasquatch or any other large creature. Thank you." CNN's Chris Cuomo shares a clip of Robert Mueller's 2013 commencement address at the College of William & Mary in which he warns graduates about a predicament similar to the one President Donald Trump faces today. Ready to visit Machu Picchu? Well, you better read up on the Incan citadel's strict new ticket policy first. Here's what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and Out the Door. (You can also get "5 Things You Need to Know Today" delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up here.) 1. Russia investigation President Donald Trump's legal team rebuffed special counsel Robert Mueller's request in recent weeks for an in-person session with Trump to ask follow-up questions. The request was made after Trump's team submitted written answers to questions from Mueller's team focusing on before Trump was in office. As Mueller's investigation into possible collusion between Trump associates and Russians winds down, an interview with the President remains an outstanding issue, even as Trump's attorney, Rudy Giuliani, said an interview would happen "over my dead body." One source familiar with the matter summed it up by saying, "Mueller is not satisfied." 2. Brexit "@VP has been briefed on the situation in Syria. He and @POTUS are monitoring the situation. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the fallen," tweeted Alyssa Farah. Pence has a son, Michael, who is an officer in the Marine Corps. News of the combat deaths prompted a far different response from Republicans on Capitol Hill. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Wednesday that the troop withdrawal announced by Trump has emboldened the militant group. "My concern by the statements made by President Trump is that you have set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy we're fighting," Graham said during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. "So I would hope the president would look long and hard of where he's headed in Syria." Graham compared Syria to Iraq, and said the United States needs to maintain its commitment to forces fighting the Islamic State and the ideology that cannot be as easily wiped out. "Every American wants our troops to come home, but I now think all of us want to make sure that when they do come home, we're safe," he said. "I know people are frustrated. But we're never going to be safe here unless we're willing to help people over there who will stand against this radical ideology." One Florida man apparently didn't realize the phrase "Kill 'em with kindness" wasn't meant to be taken literally. Bryan Duane Stewart, 30, of Milton, a town northeast of Pensacola in the Florida Panhandle, faces aggravated assault charges after police said he went to a neighbor's house saying he was going to "kill 'em with kindness," the Pensacola News-Journal reported. Bryan Stewart Bryan Duane Stewart (Santa Rosa County Jail) Just one small catch: Stewart was allegedly holding a machete on which the word "kindness" had been written. According to a police report, a neighbor told Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office deputies he had heard loud banging coming from Stewart's home throughout the day Wednesday, the Miami Herald reported. When the neighbor returned from a shopping run a little before midnight, he saw Stewart with the machete, getting an up-close look at Stewart's Kindness campaign. The neighbor also heard Stewart tell someone in the house he was going to "kill 'em with kindness," according to the police report. Tom Sullivan called the redevelopment a terrible proposal. To tell all the residents of the affected area they are expendable and will be kicked out of their homes, and to tell the hard-working, diverse small business owners they will be kicked out of their buildings, goes against the values that have long been held in University City, he said. The big lie about the development from the very beginning has been there would be no eminent domain except to acquire Public Storage on Olive. ... The truth is that the developer can ask for the authority to use eminent domain whenever and wherever he wants and he will get it. Its been confirmed by the redevelopment agreement. But some residents spoke out in support of the agreement. I've seen the same handful of redevelopment opponents either ignore or profit from the economic disparity that's been hurting families in our Third Ward and leaving too many storefronts along Olive derelict and vacant, Aren Ginsberg said. Those who disparage U. City's redevelopment have been notably silent about Olivette's $9.6 million TIF one block from our future Costco and Clayton's $147 million TIF. ZEIGLER, Ill. Sheriff Dave Bartoni said Jared Kirkendoll almost did everything right after he found a woman near death on his property in Franklin County, Ill. He pulled the mother of five out of the cold, put blankets on her and tried doing chest compressions on her as they waited for an ambulance. But he also took his phone out and photographed the 30-year-old woman, Brandy Hughes, and sent it out on the social media app Snapchat. The photo shows Hughes covered in blankets on what appears to be a concrete floor. Kirkendoll found Hughes on Saturday while he walked with his family in the snow at their mud ranch, an event space for off-road driving competitions. He said she had a pulse and was breathing, but later lost her vital signs. Hughes was pronounced dead after she arrived at a hospital. From what I understand, he did all the right things right up until then, Bartoni said, referring to taking the picture. The photograph has made the rounds on social media, and Bartoni said he couldnt help but think of Hughes children. If her children were to see that, I cannot imagine the devastation they would feel, he said. A skilled workforce is a top criteria in a businesss ability to create and retain jobs, the DED request notes. Parson also could call for a restoration of funds for tourism. Officials say cuts in the states tourism budget have resulted in a decrease in the states marketing budget. And now, a former top aide to Parson, Ward Franz, is running the Missouri Division of Tourism. There also is a request for a $5 million grant program to help companies expand broadband internet service in rural areas. But the requests for increased spending come as at a time when Missouris tax collections have been described as horrible. For all Parson would like to do, hell have to find a way to keep spending in check as he outlines his first budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. State Budget Director Dan Haug announced earlier this month that net general revenue collections for November 2018 decreased 9.1 percent compared with those for November 2017. Income tax revenue is down more than $400 million from the same time last year. Parson has already said he wants to begin collecting sales taxes from online purchases as a way to boost revenue in the state. That push comes after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in June that states can collect greater online sales taxes. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Maryland state police, working with the U.S. Marshals Service and other police agencies, arrested Peppers shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday while walking in the 900 block of North King Street in Hampton. He had a .38 caliber revolver in his backpack and ammunition in his pockets, according to the news release. Prof. Dr. Thang, also Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, said the delegation was in Laos to attend a high-level seminar between the HCMA and Laos National Academy of Politics and Public Administration to review their cooperation. During the event, the two sides discussed collaboration in personnel training and the translation of the Complete Works of Ho Chi Minh into Lao. They announced the translated version of volumes 5, 7 and 8 as well as a memorandum of understanding on future cooperation, he said. He expressed his hope that the Lao leader will pay greater attention to directing links between the two Central Theory Councils and political academies. For his part, LPRP leader and President of Laos Bounnhang Volachith lauded the cooperation between the two academies over the years along with the outcomes of the working visit. He said Lao suffers from a lack of qualified personnel in theory and scientific research, proposing that the Vietnamese side continue supporting Laos in this field. He said he hopes the two academies will promptly implement their agreements. On the occasion, the Lao leader conveyed gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their support to Laos. Earlier on January 14, the HCMA delegation held talks with officials from the Laos National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, during which the two sides evaluated the results of their cooperation agreement in 2014-2018. During the period, the two academies coordinated closely in personnel training, delegation exchange, scientific research and translation of the Complete Works of Ho Chi Minh into Lao, as well as in a project to upgrade infrastructure for the Laos National Academy of Politics and Public Administration. The two sides also worked together in professional knowledge sharing and information exchange, facilitating research in both Vietnam and Laos. In the 2019-2023 period, the two academies will continue fostering ties in personnel training, scientific research and information and document sharing. Following the seminar, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement for 2019-2023. During their stay, the Vietnamese delegation also worked with the Lao National Social Science Council. The fundraising total would have been smaller had the self-styled outsider not received a refund from one of his campaign consultants. According to the latest quarterly filing, Greitens received a $285,433 refund from Target Enterprises, a campaign consulting firm linked to Vice President Mike Pences former chief of staff, Nick Ayers. Ayers recently turned down an opportunity to serve as President Donald Trumps chief of staff. Among the law firms paid by the Greitens campaign fund was Husch Blackwell, where attorney Catherine Hanaway is a partner. Hanaway, who lost to Greitens in the 2016 GOP primary for governor, has represented Greitens in his various legal battles. Greitens continues to keep campaign aides on the payroll, including Scott Turk, who left the administration when Greitens stepped down after 17 turbulent months in office. The money in Greitens' campaign fund is separate from a nonprofit that was formed after his election that raised almost $6.1 million from secret donors in 2017. JEFFERSON CITY In his first State of the State address, Gov. Mike Parson proposed on Wednesday raises for state workers, a new bonding scheme to fix scores of bridges, $61 million in new money for K-12 education and no change in funding for higher education. The nearly $30 billion budget for fiscal year 2020, which starts July 1, assumes a 2 percent increase in revenue next budget year. Parson, a Republican who became governor on June 1 after the resignation of scandal-plagued Eric Greitens, focused primarily on workforce development and infrastructure spending. I stand before you today to share a vision a vision that will chart Missouris future into the next decade, Parson told lawmakers. Missouri is dear to my heart, and by working together, we can protect and build a Missouri that is successful for the next generation. When we try to make everything a priority, the fact is nothing is truly a priority, Parson said. So let me be crystal clear: Cultivating and training our workforce for high-demand jobs and investing in critical infrastructure are the priorities we must address this session. If it looks like Feinstein and her colleagues on the Senate Judiciary Committee are messing up on another issue, will McCaskill call them out? Thats the threshold test between political spin and actual journalism. McCaskill often liked to say she occupied Harry Trumans Senate seat. When Give em hell Harry left the White House, he largely faded into quiet reflection, as almost all in his generation did. But those lines between actor and commentator have largely faded into oblivion. McCaskill joins a universe populated with highly compensated refugees from the political side: George Stephanopoulos, the ABC star, as a political operative once threatened a journalist probing Bill Clintons infidelities with you will be embarrassed before the national press corps, and people will think youre scummy if the journalist went ahead with a report. Now, Stephanopoulos is one of Washingtons highest-paid political talk figures. MSNBCs Chris Matthews was a speechwriter for Jimmy Carter and chief of staff for Tip ONeill. Morning Joe host Joe Scarborough was a Republican member of Congress. Koontz, of Swansea, said the shutdown has made it more difficult to provide for his wife and five children. To pick up some extra money, he sold some of his blood plasma, he said. While controllers continue to work, Schwaegel said, six support staffers have been furloughed as have eight trainees. Among the support staff's duties, she said, is to assist controllers in consulting computers and the detailed rule books they rely on. She added that while controllers are required to submit reports on anything they regard as possibly dangerous to the system, "there's nobody on the other end looking at them" because of employees on furlough. She said she also worries that if the shutdown drags on for a couple of months or more, a couple of younger controllers might seek employment in other fields. "If we lose good people in such a critically understaffed field because of this shutdown, that would be the most tragic thing that could happen for our facility," she said. "I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility." Another issue, she said, is the shutdown-imposed closure of a controller training academy in Oklahoma City. "They sent over 400 controllers home" from the academy, she said. "They're going to have to start over again." She survived, and both she and a witness claimed the attacker was a black man. Thompson, who had been sleeping in a post office lobby near the victims apartment, was arrested shortly after the crime. Then in his early 40s, Thompson was homeless and was passing through the town on his way to Mississippi from Milwaukee by bus, a route he traveled to see relatives, his nephew said. At the time, Thompson had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Thompson shuffled, rather than walked, because his legs had been injured when he was struck by a car, Jamison said. His public defender, Steve Swofford, has said seeing Thompson shuffle up to the witness stand during his trial was one of the most poignant moments in the courtroom. He hoped the jury would see that he was physically incapable of carrying out the attack. Instead, the all-white jury returned a guilty verdict within four hours. In 1996, Thompson died from natural causes. He had served 14 years. He was 60. A serial killers confession ST. LOUIS Just minutes after it sped away from an attempted traffic stop, a stolen pickup crashed into a car on Natural Bridge Avenue on Tuesday afternoon, killing the driver of the car, police said. Officers had attempted to stop the pickup near the Grand Avenue Water Tower at Grand Avenue and 20th Street because it was driving erratically, police said. The driver refused to pull over. The officers followed the vehicle briefly, but lost sight of it near Natural Bridge and Vandeventer avenues at about 4:30 p.m., the department said. A short time later, the pickup crashed into a car a few blocks away at Natural Bridge and Fair avenues, police said. The sole occupant of the car that the pickup hit was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The three adults and a juvenile who were in the pickup were taken to a hospital. The pickup had been reported stolen from Hazelwood and a gun was found inside, police said. Police have not released any other details. A message from David Nicklaus Want to stay smart about what's happening in St. Louis? Make a modest investment in a Post-Dispatch subscription and I'll tell you how developments around the world affect local businesses big and small. Intro subscription rate: Just $1 for 6 months Stroik was found wearing a wind-breaker suit. She had no alcohol or drugs in her system, according to the autopsy. She had minor bruises and scrapes but may have had those before she drowned, Reinhard said. Stroiks family is still looking for answers about what happened and hopes to learn more when an investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol into the death is complete. We know Mark Twain park was a special place for her, said her father, Duncan Stroik, an architect and longtime professor of architecture at the University of Notre Dame. He also designed the Sacred Heart Shrine and Blessed Mother Chapel in the Cathedral Basilica in St. Louis. Duncan Stroik said that his daughter was a devout Catholic who was considering becoming a nun. She often went on solitary retreats to pray and previously had visited the park with her sister, her father said. She told her family she was going on a retreat before her death, Stroik said. She had things in her life that she had to pray about, but she was herself, Stroik said. She seemed happy. ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY A man is facing drug and weapons charges that are connected to a search of a home here last week that led to the fatal shooting of another man by a Missouri state trooper. Garry William Triplett, 32, is charged with three counts of delivery of a controlled substance for allegedly selling methamphetamine and marijuana. He also faces charges of possessing and attempting to manufacture meth and of unlawful possession and use of a weapon by a felon. Triplett is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. Court records list his residence as the 1400 block of Walnut Street in Bismarck and show at least one previous conviction for theft. The new investigation of Triplett by the Missouri State Highway Patrol led to the execution of a search warrant on Jan. 8 at a home in the 5100 block of Hilltop Road outside of Leadwood where Triplett was staying, court documents say. Federal law allows judges to order witnesses to be arrested and detained if the government can prove their testimony has extraordinary value for a criminal case and that they would be a flight risk and unlikely to respond to a subpoena. The statute generally requires those witnesses to be promptly released once they are deposed. Marzieh Hashemi, an American citizen, had not been contacted by the FBI before she was detained and would "absolutely" have been willing to cooperate with the agency, her son said. Asked whether his mother had been involved in any criminal activity or knew anyone who might be implicated in a crime, Hashemi said, "We don't have any information along those lines." Hashemi said his mother was arrested as she was about to board a flight from St. Louis to Denver. A spokesman for St. Louis Lambert International Airport declined to comment and referred questions to the FBI. The constitutionality of the material witness law has "never been meaningfully tested," said Ricardo J. Bascuas, a professor at the University of Miami School of Law. "The government only relies on it when they need a reason to arrest somebody but they don't have one." No matter the reason for Marzieh Hashemi's detention, she should have been granted a court appearance by now, Bascuas said. As of last week, about 2,350 troops were deployed to the border, with roughly 600 in Texas, 650 in Arizona and 1,100 in California, mostly at the San Ysidro port of entry, according to Michael Kucharek, a spokesman for the U.S. Northern Command. RICHMOND HEIGHTS Four men from Michigan have been sentenced to between about three and five years in prison for robbing a Richmond Heights jewelry store, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Tuesday. The men entered the Jared the Galleria of Jewelry store on Dec. 4, 2017, and used hammers to smash display cases before grabbing loose diamonds and watches worth about $60,000, prosecutors said. They were unable to reach their getaway driver and were quickly caught by police who were in the area on an unrelated incident, prosecutors said. Robert Scott, 29, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Tuesday to five years and five months in prison on a charge of interference with commerce by threat or violence. Tyran Gray, 19, got three years and six months, Darrell Lee, 20, for three years and Xavier Grove, 33, got two years and 10 months. The store is in the Boulevard development just east of the St. Louis Galleria. A message from David Nicklaus Want to stay smart about what's happening in St. Louis? Make a modest investment in a Post-Dispatch subscription and I'll tell you how developments around the world affect local businesses big and small. Intro subscription rate: Just $1 for 6 months Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. ST. LOUIS On Jan. 16, 1919, the Prohibition amendment was passed, making St. Louis and all cities officially dry despite widespread flouting of the law. The last brave bartenders had shut their taps by 12:01 a.m. Jan. 17, 1920, the official start of constitutional Prohibition. Federal agents drove the streets and couldnt find any lawbreaking. The Post-Dispatch noted dryly, Prohibition has had an erratic career in St. Louis. So it would remain, sometimes rattled by machine guns, for 13 long years. History remembers the first day under the 18th Amendment, but Congress had imposed partial prohibition the previous summer. Prohibitionists, or drys, had seized upon saving grain and fuel for World War I, even though the war ended before they got their wish. Lower-alcohol beer (2.75 percent) flowed pending court challenges, but New Years Eve 1919 was more damp than wet revelers had to bring their own hard stuff from dwindling household stocks. The federal Volstead Act, the law intended to enforce the 18th Amendment, made it illegal even to carry a pocket flask outside ones own home. On Jan. 19, John Goheen, proprietor of a rooming house on South 10th Street, was caught on the sidewalk hauling two suitcases filled with whiskey bottles. Photos: Look back at prohibition in St. Louis on the anniversary of its repeal. When credit becomes tighter, we might flex our balance sheet a little bit more, when theres a little bit less competition, he said. Acquiring Bunge would be a nice optimization, Luciano said. But I have a lot of the things that Bunge has, so there is not a lot of urgency to me. Analysts have said ADMs conservative trading strategy and diversification into flavors and nutrition helped it weather a deep slump in commodity prices better than some rivals during a global soy and corn surplus and the U.S.-China trade war. Still, it is the only major trading company without crushing capacity in Lucianos native Argentina, the worlds top exporter of soy meal and oil made by processing soybeans. That has increased investor expectations of ADMs striking a deal with Bunge or acquiring an Argentine crushing company such as Molinos Agro. At the right time, we will go into Argentina, Luciano said. He said crushing plants in Argentina were running at about 65 percent capacity and would only fall further if ADM built a plant, limiting profit margins and further flooding the marketplace. ADM announced on Friday the acquisition of flavors and fragrances firm Florida Chemical Company, a division of Flotek Industries, for $175 million. The seat shows African and European influences. The seat is covered with a hammered brass sheeting while its support is decorated with a powder keg and two rifles, which would have come from Europe. The center field depicts three captives being led away by captors who are wearing hats that look European in design. The stool also has the Sankofa symbol, a bird with its head turned backward to look over its tail. President Klaus Iohannis on Wednesday welcomed at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Ayman Safadi, in which context he encouraged the organisation of a new edition of the Romanian-Jordanian Economic Forum this year. The head of the state underscored on this occasion the special role played by Jordan in the region and appreciated the balanced foreign policy of this state and its efforts made in promoting regional stability in a turbulent and complex environment, informs a release of the Presidential Administration. "President Klaus Iohannis evoked the fruitful meeting that he had with His Majesty King Abdullah II on the sidelines of the high level General Assembly of the UN in September 2018 and underscored the necessity of identifying concrete modalities of strengthening the bilateral relations, including in the economic field. The Romanian President encouraged the organisation of the second edition of the Romanian-Jordanian Economic Form in 2019, according to what he established at his meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II and considering the increased collaboration potential existing in fields of mutual interest, such as tourism, transportation and military cooperation," reads the same release. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan relayed the salute and special appreciation of the Hashemite sovereign to President Iohannis and voiced his country's entire willingness and determination to strengthen the bilateral relations at all levels, especially in boosting trade exchanges and investments. Moreover, Minister Ayman Safadi evoked the concrete possibilities existing for the Romanian-Jordan cooperation on third markets in the Middle East and thanked for Romania's participation in the meetings of the Aqaba Process, while highlighting the importance of this format, initiated by the Jordanian King for the security of the entire region and combating terrorism. During the talks, the two high ranked officials also had an exchange of opinions related to a series of complex regional files, such as the Peace Process in the Middle East, the situation in Syria and Yemen, as well as the importance of maintaining international efforts in combating terrorism and radicalization. The Jordanian official is currently paying a visit to Romania. President Klaus Iohannis believes that the decision adopted on Tuesday by the National Audiovisual Council of Romania (CNA) to temporary suspend the broadcast of a television station is based on political criteria, according to a release of the Presidential Administration. The CNA made this decision in the case of Realitatea TV private television station for the manner in which it reflected the protest in Bucharest held on 10 August 2018 and the decision must be enforced on Thursday evening. "Such an extreme sanction is very dangerous because it can create precedents and opens the path towards abuse of power over the mass media," the head of state showed. According to President Iohannis, "in a rule of law, in which free speech is granted by the law and the Constitution, censure is unacceptable, all the more so since the decision belongs to a autonomous public institution, whose purpose is to protect the public interest." "The political hijacking from this fundamental mission represents an act of sabotaging, precisely of the public interest to guarantee the plurality of opinions and approaches. The journalists shouldn't be punished by those holding the power because they have the courage to tell the truth," the release showed. President Klaus Iohannis draws attention that the CNA shouldn't be used "as an instrument to silence mass media representative who are criticising the power." "Ensuring the freedom of expression of all opinions makes the difference between a democracy and an autocracy. A country is truly democratic if it has the ability to protect the independence of the press and journalists must be aware of their fundamental mission and be united in terms of defending their right to express themselves freely," the release also mentions. On Tuesday, Realitatea TV and Romania TV private television stations were sanctioned by the CNA for the manner in which presented the protest in Bucharest of 10 August 2018, thus, Realitatea TV private television station is forced to broadcast on Thursday, for 10 minutes, the text of the CNA decision and Romania TV private television station will have to pay a fine worth 15,000 lei. National Liberal Party (PNL) leader Ludovic Orban on Wednesday asked that Parliament be convened in extraordinary session, to discuss about the modification or abrogation of the compensatory remedy law. "Considering how serious this situation is, we cannot wait for weeks for a solution to be found to the problem caused by the current Government. (...) We ask that an extraordinary session of Parliament be convened immediately. I ask the speakers of the two chambers - not Mr Dragnea and Mr Tariceanu, who are on leave, but the ones they left in charge in their places, Mr Iordache and Mr Manda - I ask them to immediately convene an extraordinary parliamentary session to either modify this law and to prevent the release of violent detainees, the ones who committed violent acts, murders, rapes, robberies and other types of crimes, either to abrogate this law on compensatory remedy," Orban told a press conference. He also added that "life, physical integrity and private property of each Romanian citizen are endangered by the PSD-ALDE Government [ruling coalition, made of the Social Democratic Party and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats], which released more than 11,000 detainees before term, without any kind of measures of social reintegration of these people, without any kind of measure regarding the possibility of ensuring some form of surveillance for these detainees who were freed or a follow up on their reintegration into their society." "There are serious cases of murders, rapes and other violent crimes that occurred lately. This is a proof that criminality has increased and, unfortunately, of the serious crimes committed by those who were released before serving their time by the PSD-ALDE Government through the back door of penitentiaries, while the whole responsibility for this dramatic situation belongs to the current Government, which governs for criminals and works against the honest Romanian citizens, who observe the law and are normal in a society," added Orban. The PNL leader also transmitted to the Government to take urgent measures to strengthen the probation service, which must ensure the further surveillance of the ones released from prisons, and to cover all the other responsibilities that the probation service must cover. "We ask that the empty jobs in the Police be immediately filled. Because of the stupidity of the Government, who modified the pension low and allowed, at the same time, through the decision of the Minister of Interior, Carmen Dan, for thousands of policemen to retire, right now the Police no longer has the capacity to accomplish its mission," added Orban. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila deemed as "totally inappropriate" the speech of President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group in the European Parliament Guy Verhofstadt held on Tuesday, in the context in which the head of the Romanian executive presented at the plenary session in Strasbourg the priorities of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU. "A totally inappropriate speech [that of Guy Verhofstadt, ed.n.], a speech that I, as Prime Minister, did not accept and I do not accept. I have said every time that I did not come here to do any explaining, and what the leader of the ALDE political group said seems to me totally inappropriate and completely unrealistic. I believe that by what Verhofstadt said he has dealt a blow to internal problems, has brought a lot of disinformation and he has shown a totally hostile attitude towards Romania and the Romanians. I believe this is precisely what should not happen and this attitude is exactly the one that does not find its place in the European institutions," Dancila said on Tuesday at private TV broadcaster Antena 3. She considered that Guy Verhofstadt had an electoral speech and that he wanted to gain visibility. "While I was talking about unity, about a Europe in which we promote cohesion, Verhofstadt, the leader of the ALDE political group, tried to emphasize division, tried to split the states in some where certain things are accepted and some other states in which these things are forbidden and I believe that this attitude wards off citizens from the pro-European path and does not bring them closer. Mr. Verhofstadt had an electoral speech and I think the personal interest, the visibility he wanted to gain, was to the detriment of the gain which the European citizens must have," the prime minister said. Read also: Dancila: It is important that any criteria related to use of European funds be in interest of direct beneficiary Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the ALDE group in the EP, affirmed in his speech in the European Parliament that the Romanian presidency takes over two instances of Article 7 of the treaty being triggered, in Hungary and Poland's case. I hope that during your presidency there will not be a new Article 7, a third case. A case against your government. And I must tell you, you are not very far from that. You are getting closer to the procedure triggering Article 7 by ignoring the recommendations of the Venice Commission," he held. AGERPRES . The Minister of Justice, Tudorel Toader, on Wednesday stated that the perpetrator in Medias is not among those who benefited from the compensatory remedy law. "One thing I want to specify. The perpetrator in Medias is not among those who benefited from the provisions of the compensatory remedy law," Tudorel Toader told a press conference. A young man was killed in the night between January 12 and 13 in front of a bar in the Medias municipality, three men being arrested in this case. The Prosecutor's Office attached to the Sibiu Court maintains that two of the offenders were released based on the compensatory remedy law and the third one was also a recidivist. France's Embassy to Romania launched on Wednesday the second edition of the "Sustainable city" contest, which will reward the innovative initiatives of the territorial communities in the ecological and sustainable development area. "The sustainable development and sustainable city concepts can be found today in all the reflections, in all the strategies, both at European and national levels. The EU structured its strategic action in the environment area within the community action programmes and the environment policy became one of the Union's major objectives. When we take a look at the programme of the Romanian Presidency at the Council of the EU, we see there are several meetings of environmental experts each month," Ambassador of France to Romania Michele Ramis stated, on the occasion of the contest launching. According to her, the issues related to the environment and sustainable city represent priorities for France, especially after the conference on climate change, held in Paris in 2015. "In respect to Romania, it committed to settle the necessary framework in view of meeting the 17 sustainable development objectives, thus, showing its concern in the ecology area, and within the Romanian Presidency at the Council of the EU, there are many objectives to advance the European prospects in the sustainable development area," Ramis stated. She mentioned that in the programme of the Romania-France season, there are events connected to sustainable development. In her view, the territorial units have played an essential role in the fight to achieve a sustainable development. She announced that this year, the competition will end through a conference, to be held on 15 May in Bucharest, as well as through business meetings between French and Romanian enterprises. The "Sustainable city" contest is organised by the Embassy of France to Romania, in partnership with Business France, the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (CCIFER) and the French Institute. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila declared on Tuesday in Strasbourg that it is important that any criteria related to the use of European funds be clear, transparent and in the interest of the direct beneficiary. That is how Dancila answered when asked whether the advancement of the negotiations on the multiannual financial framework is a priority for Romania and what will be the position of Romania, which is holding the Presidency of the EU Council, regarding the proposal to freeze payments to the states that do not observe the rule of law or endanger it. Read also: EP President Tajani: We are counting on Romania's Presidency of EU Council to help with a series of important files "At this point, these issues are being negotiated within the Council. We must continue negotiations with the member states and we need to take into account the proposals made by the member states. Otherwise, it is very important that any criteria relating to the use of European funds be clear, transparent and in the interest of the direct beneficiary of European funds. I believe that these issues must be taken into consideration and, as I previously mentioned, the rotating Presidency must be an impartial mediator and bring consensus among member states", Dancila said in the press statements made together with the President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani. AGERPRES . Romania will tackle of an impartial and pragmatic manner the European agenda in the digital area while holding the Presidency at the EU Council, Communication and Information Society Minister Alexandru Petrescu stated during the talks carried out on Wednesday in Bucharest with Director-General of the DG Connect within the European Commission Roberto Viola. "As the Presidency at the Council of the European Union, Romania will tackle the European agenda in the digital area with impartiality and pragmatism. The challenge is to overcome the general lines of discussion at the member states level and crystallize concrete proposals to generate added value to the citizens of the European Union," Petrescu stated. In his turn, Roberto Viola commended the progress recorded by the Communication and Information Society Ministry (MCSI) in organising the 2019 edition of the annual event called "Digital Assembly," which is to take place in Bucharest between 3 and 14 June. The conference will gather senior officials and representatives of the public and private milieu, in view of discussing essential aspects regarding the European policy in the digital area. Communication and Information Society Minister Alexandru Petrescu met on Wednesday with Director-General of the DG Connect within the European Commission Roberto Viola. The discussion agenda focused on the importance of building some digital single markets at the EU level and explored punctual manners in view of improving the key-policies of the digital area. The DG Connect is the department of the European Commission in charge of the EU policy on the digital single market, internet security, digital science and innovation. Thus, the Directorate drafts and enforces the Commission's policies in terms of economy and digital society, research and innovation, enterprises, culture, audiovisual and mass media. "We concluded the first trilogue of Romania's Presidency (...) and it is important as it is a file regarding personal data protection," Minister-delegate for European Affairs George Ciamba said in Strasbourg on Wednesday. "We concluded the first trilogue of Romania's Presidency, therefore we had a provisional interinstitutional agreement among the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament. It is important as it is a file regarding personal data protection. It is a modification of a regulation aimed at funding political parties and foundations, but in fact it is aimed at personal data protection, in the sense that a political party isn't allowed to request an operators a certain type of action entailing the fact that the latter makes available data that are not submitted to the protection provided by the GDPR directive," George Ciamba said at the European Parliament, at a meeting with Romanian journalists. In respect to the cases concerned with the improper use of personal data, the minister pointed out that "there are some cases," but he doesn't think there has ever been one in Romania. "There is the discussion related to Cambridge Analytica and there are two issues here. What Cambridge Analytica has done, the fact that it used commercial data which it transformed into a politically sold product. But there have been political forces, foundations, EU exiting campaigns that used the services of a firm that had this type of approaches. Also, there are some obligations in this directive, including that of notifying the authorities in charge of data protection if such phenomena are noticed, and, of course, the electoral authorities," the minister explained. The file will then go to the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), and then be adopted as a point A on the agenda in the first format of the EU Council. "To us, it was important that the elections are coming up and we want to do everything possible so these elections have an as high as possible protection level. In some way, it is also related to the confidence of the citizen in a fair electoral process," George Ciamba said. The minister also pointed out that "there has also been a tripartite interest" to agree on regulations that "should be in force during the elections." Last but not least, the Minister-delegate for European Affairs pointed out he came in person for concluding this file, which was finalised at the highest level. "We have the interest to conclude and it was important that I came especially for this trilogue, because on a regular basis there is no need for a minister to be present for this kind of topics, and on the other side, First Vice President Frans Timmermans was present on behalf of the Commission," George Ciamba also said. "The Romanian presidency at the Council of the EU is an excellent chance for Romania to reaffirm its commitment to the values of the European Union and strengthen its role among the EU member states and, at the same time, to promote its national values and show its contribution to the European culture," said the Romanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Dan Mihalache, on Tuesday, at the launch in London of the Romanian presidency at the Council of the European Union. In his introductory speech, the said Ambassador brought to mind that, while holding the presidency, Romania will focus on four topics of major interest: a Europe of convergence, a safer Europe, a Europe to be a stronger player at global level and a Europe of shared values. Moreover, the Romanian presidency's main objective is to place the European citizen at the core of its mandate, according to a press release of the Romanian Embassy in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Among the guests to the event held at the ICR (Romanian Cultural Institute) headquarters in London, in 1 Belgrave Square, they were representatives of the British Government, of the central and local authorities, members of the diplomatic corpus accredited to London and representatives of the Romanian community and business environment. They also held speeches Lord Howe, Deputy Leader of the House of Lords of the British Parliament and Minister of State for Defence, and Caroline Wilson, Europe Director at the Foreign Office. The most important moment of the evening was the concert performed by the members of the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO), which marked a double anniversary: the launch of the Romanian presidency at the Council of the European Union and Romania's National Culture Day. The event in London, launching the Romanian presidency at the Council of the European Union, was organised by the Romanian Embassy in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland together with the Romanian Cultural Institute in London. 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 LINCOLN Anglers can learn about the status of Nebraska fisheries by attending one of seven public informational meetings this winter. Attendees will hear a presentation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission on current and future projects, aquatic invasive species, regulations, and a fishing forecast. Staff then will answer fisheries-related questions. All meetings will be held from 7-9 p.m. The meeting schedule for the Panhandle is: March 4 Sidney, South Platte NRD, 551 Parkland Drive March 5 Ogallala, Lake McConaughy Visitor Center, 1475 Hwy. 61 N. Submit Your News We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form As the twists and turns of this funhouse plot unfold, Claire gets closer to revealing her past life and what she thought shed forgotten. Lopez said the most challenging part about playing Claire is personifying the role of someone with amnesia who is confused everyday as she tries to decipher her fractured life. Throughout the poignant and brutal new comedy, the audience watches as a woman attempts to regain her memory as a curio-cabinet of alarmingly bizarre characters enter her life. Orozco described the shows characters as overwhelmed with a manic energy. Its going to be hard to not get too carried away with it and also tell an efficient story. WNCC Theatre Arts Program Director and Instructor Robert Thompson Jr. will also play a role in Fuddy Meers. His split personality gives rise to two characters, Millet, a dimwitted thug with a foul-mouthed hand puppet. Thompson said the two roles take on a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality. SCOTTSBLUFF After presenting his State of the State address to the Nebraska Legislature, Gov. Pete Ricketts was off on a six-stop, fly-around of the state to talk about his budget proposals for the states new biennium. Speaking at Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff on Tuesday, Ricketts said his vision is to grow Nebraska. I want to help create more well-paying jobs to keep our kids and grandkids here and attract people from around the country to come here to make our state grow. Ricketts outlined four pillars that are needed to grow the state. One is connecting Nebraskans to great paying jobs and making sure they have the needed skills and education to take those jobs. One of Ricketts proposals is to create the Nebraska Talent Scholarships program to help community colleges, state colleges and the university system attract more students in targeted programs from engineering to rangeland management, and from health care to computer information systems. The second pillar is making sure the state is cutting regulatory red tape that only puts up barriers for job creators. One proposal the governor made is to combine some of the states agencies, like the Energy Office and the Department of Environmental Quality to better serve the public. Ogden jazz icon Joe McQueen may be gone, but his memory and legacy live on. One physical reminder of his life, McQueen's lifelong home at 3158 Grant Ave., has now become available for sale. The house received extensive remodeling, but as investor Richard Casperson has said, "Joe's energy is C omedy fans assemble. Classic cop show Magnum P.I is making a return to UK screens tonight. The 1980s hit is the latest in a long line to be rebooted for the modern day, with the show already having aired in the US. Now, its a chance for UK fans to tap back into criminal Hawaii. With a brand new cast, sadly without Tom Selleck and his impressive moustache, the comedy is available on Sky and NOW TV for a weekly nostalgia trip. Here is everything you need to know about Magnum P.I: Starring role: Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum / NBC What is it all about? The detective series, like the original, will follow crime-fighting ex-navy SEAL and charismatic and charming American hero Thomas Magnum as he whips around Hawaii in his famous red Ferrari. His private investigations require his military precision as the law falls into his hands. Magnum works alongside Ms Higgins, who is described as tasked with keeping Magnum in line. Magnum PI: Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks / NBC Who is in the cast? Taking over the reins from Selleck is Friday Night Lights actor Jay Hernandez. Ready Player One actress Perdita Weeks stars as Juliet Higgins, Stephen Hill is Theodore TC Calvin and Zachary Knighton is Orville Rick Wright. Gone: Tom Selleck will not be returning to the detective show as the lead role There are also a few Hawaii Five-0 crossovers, for ultimate crime-fighting fans, amping up the reboot excitement. They include Kimee Balmilero as Noelani Cunha and Taylor Wily as Kamekona Tupuola. When is it on? Magnum P.I starts tonight at 9pm on Sky One and NOW TV. A BBC newsreader made an unfortunate verbal blunder after stumbling over Jeremy Hunts name during a live broadcast. Carrie Gracie appeared to drop the C-bomb as she delivered a bulletin on the UK Governments response to Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's hunger strike on Mondays News 24. The British government has repeatedly called for her release, she said. The Foreign Secretary Jeremy C*** has summoned the Iranian ambassador to discuss the issue. Unfortunately for Gracie, the slip-up was spotted by one eagle-eyed viewer who shared the clip on Twitter, deeming it the best news blooper ever made. Awkward: Carrie Gracie was caught out by Mr Hunt's name / BBC The post has amassed over 4,000 retweets and 13,000 likes, with users hailing it glorious. Others joked they were convinced Gracies blooper was deliberate, with one commenting: No mistake there...the pause was the courage breath needed. Another posted: No blooper there that's a perfectly good description of him. Justin Webb drops the C word while trying to say Jeremy Hunt A third tweeted: Quite an emphatic kicking K! It is not the first time Mr Hunts name has been mispronounced during a live broadcast. The BBC's Justin Webb slipped up in 2018 while reading a news story about funding for social care on Radio 4. The paper says Health Secretary Jeremy C***, he said before quickly correcting himself as he attempted to continue. S ara Cox may not have got the Breakfast show host job but shes still waking up at 3am. Im beside myself. Im not sleeping, the long-time BBC presenter tells me after powering through an early morning HIIT workout in her garage in north London. Yesterday she accidentally put her husbands glasses on when she woke up and last week she found herself watching Catastrophe on her iPad at 4.30am a cruel trick from her body clock after she lost out on Radio 2s early morning flagship show to her old pal Zoe Ball. Cox, 44, covered the show for 10 weeks last year and was the frontrunner to take over from Chris Evans when he left for Virgin Radio but Ball bagged the spot. Just weeks later, Cox was given the stations popular drivetime bill, replacing Simon Mayo and Jo Whiley. After the news about Breakfast came out in October, Cox posted a series of cryptic tweets, joking that Ball is just filling in for the 42 weeks Im on holiday but today she insists it was just a bit of fun. Pals: Sara Cox with friend and fellow presenter Zoe Ball / PA Of course Im rooting for Zo, says Cox, who yesterday congratulated Ball on Twitter to say her Breakfast debut was sounding lovely. They spoke on the phone between their first shows and spent the past few weeks texting about their anxiety dreams, most of which involve radio silence because the microphone isnt working. Women have always got to support each other in the workplace, says Cox, seriously, but she doesnt believe she or Ball got their jobs because they have fallopian tubes. At the end of the day, were broadcasters before were women. There are some fantastic women coming into broadcasting and its a thing to celebrate, she says, referencing Fiona Bruce starting as the new Question Time host. But what weve got to be careful about is not to say women are having a moment like were a superfood or a new shape of pencil skirt. Were not, were half the population, so were just representing that half of the population on radio or on TV. Rumours about a rivalry with Ball are inevitable but tiresome, says Cox. [The news has] switched from how were best mates and party girls to rivals. I guess it makes a more interesting headline than two old mates each get a good job but its a load of monkeys. The pair, who met at a party in the Nineties and went on to be each others bridesmaids, texted throughout the hullaballoo over who would get Breakfast. Cox knew Ball had got it but didnt want to ruin [the BBCs] big reveal. After 14 years of weekends and the last year working until midnight, drivetime is a dream. Im like a six-year-old going to Disneyland, Cox says. I feel like all ears and eyes will be on Zoe, because thats how it should be. By 5pm Ill just be able to pop up with my own lovely show. Crucially, itll fit in with family life. Cox wont be standing in for Ball during half-term because she wants time with her children (Lola Anne, 14, from her first marriage to DJ Jon Carter; and Isaac, 10, and Renee, eight, from her second marriage to husband Ben Cyzer, an advertising executive) and shes excited about doing the school run while listening to Balls breakfast show. Is radio still relevant in an age of podcasts? Theres always going to be a place for radio because theres always going to be that familiarity and that reliability, says Cox. You know this is what theyre about, this is the music thatll be playing you dont have to think, you just whack the radio on and were there. Zoe Ball says she had a 'great time' following her first Radio 2 breakfast show Broadcasters are having to adapt, though. What I think you cant do any more is a feature where youre like what song do you want me to play? and people have to vote, Cox explains. Thats pointless now because people will just go onto Spotify or ask Alexa to put it on. Listeners want the music to be decided for them. She thinks the new Radio 2 line-up hits the perfect balance. Youve got Zoe on brekkie with a big, busy show and loads of celebrity guests, then youve got Ken Bruce whos just hugely popular with his PopMaster. Then current affairs with Jeremy [Vine], Hollywood is always popping up with Steve Wright, and Ill be on in the afternoon. Her shows role is to bring the tunes and the laughter, and despite Radio 2s audience falling year-on-year by 800,000 listeners she doesnt feel a pressure on numbers yet. Im planning to send everyone in the UK a pound to listen and that should work, jokes Cox, admitting she gets quite clingy with listeners. She hopes Thelma, a neighbour in her 80s she meets regularly through loneliness charity Contact The Elderly, will be listening, along with Marc from Yeovil, whos texted in to all her shows since 2013. Will the kids be listening to mum on drivetime? I dont know, laughs Cox. They have quite a lot of me at home. Her teenager is pleased because she gets radio but the younger two are a bit more like meh, whatever, get the tea on. Can I have pink milk? Thats all they care about. K ate Moss turns 45 today, and the Croydon-born model is still arguably at the very top of her game. To mark her milestone birthday, weve looked back at the stars funniest, most scandalous and generally most iconic moments from her storied fashion career (and her equally notable partying career). The supermodel - who was scouted at the age of 14 - rarely gives interviews (though when she does, theyre pretty spectacular), but anecdotes from her partying days have become the stuff of celebrity legend. Never change, Kate Moss Smoking on the catwalk Rule-breaker: Moss walked the runway with a lit cigarette / Reuters Never afraid to bend the rules a little, Moss took the phrase smoking hot to its logical conclusion when she traversed the Louis Vuitton runway with a lit cigarette in hand at the brands 2011 fashion show, seven years after shed officially retired from the catwalk. The model didnt appear to care that she was flouting Frances smoking ban and it was certainly no coincidence that her appearance fell on No Smoking Day, either. The best birthday parties in the business No one does a birthday party like Mossy. There was the Beautiful and the Damned themed 30th celebrations, with a guest list that boasted Naomi Campbell, Sadie Frost, Stella McCartney, Tracey Emin and the late Alexander McQueen. Then there was her 34th, when she planned to party for 34 hours (but only managed a still respectable 18), and the medieval banquet that marked her 35th. Heres to some equally riotous 45th celebrations. The Olympics golden girl Star: Moss at the 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony / AP The 2012 Olympic closing ceremony wasnt short on spectacle (including a surprise Spice Girls reunion) but Moss still managed to steal the show during a segment designed to celebrate the British fashion industry. Billboards of Moss and seven other UK models (Campbell, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Lily Donaldson, Jourdan Dunn, David Gandy, Georgia May Jagger and Stella Tennant) were wheeled into the stadium, before the screens were dropped to reveal the stars standing behind them. Dressed in golden Alexander McQueen, Moss was the standout as the model squad turned the Union Jack into an eight-pronged catwalk The basic b**** incident Kate Mosss most iconic fashion looks Perhaps the best piece of Moss mythology from recent years occurred in 2015, when her Turkish spa holiday with best friend Frost hit a distinctly un-Zen end note. The model was reportedly escorted off her return EasyJet flight by the police as it touched down in Luton, having previously been spotted drinking vodka from her hand luggage after cabin crew refused to serve her alcohol. Her parting shot? Branding the pilot a basic b**** as she was taken away. Never has a pedestrian insult seemed quite so cutting. The Little Britain cameo Charity: Moss joined Matt Lucas on stage / PA No stranger to a comedy cameo (shes also appeared in French and Saunders and Blackadder) and never afraid to make a fool of herself for a good cause, Moss joined Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas on stage for a Comic Relief special in 2006. Donning a blue shellsuit and plenty of gold jewellery, she appeared as the sister of Vicky Pollard, borrowing the characters Yeah but no but catchphrase in a sketch that hasnt exactly aged well. Faking her own death in the Ab Fab movie Cameo: Moss pops up in the Ab Fab movie / Fox Searchlight Pictures For further proof of Mosss willingness to send herself up, theres 2016s Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. Standing out in the films ocean of celebrity cameos, the models death is a major plot point. Our Bolly-addled heroines Patsy and Edina accidentally knock Mossy into the River Thames and, when she doesnt emerge, fear that she has met a watery end. However, it soon transpires that spoiler alert all is not as it seems, as Moss staggers onto the riverbank clutching a glass of champagne in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Sadly, her Best Supporting Actress BAFTA campaign never materialised. Gogglebox with Naomi and Noel Laidback: Moss relaxed with the Oasis star for the Gogglebox special (Channel 4) Their nights out have long been the stuff of tabloid legend, but Moss, Campbell and Noel Gallagher showed us what a Primrose Hill night in looks like as part of Goggleboxs 2014 Stand Up To Cancer special. The old pals gathered on a very swanky velvet sofa to snack on Monster Munch (with Moss remonstrating with Gallagher for his refusal to share his crisps), share their thoughts on Strictly and generally set British TV to rights. Were still holding out hope for a spin-off series starring the A-list trio. The Marilyn Monroe moment Surprise: Moss emerged from a cake / Dave Benett Always one to make an entrance, Moss channelled Marilyn Monroe last year when she arrived at photographer Mert Alas 47th birthday party hidden in a giant cake before jumping out of the huge confection and singing a special tribute to her friend. A frog that was believed to be the last of its kind in the world finally has a partner after more than a decade searching for romance. Romeo, known as the worlds loneliest frog, spent 10 years in isolation at an aquarium in Bolivia. A hunt for a Juliet for the amphibian even saw a Match.com profile set up for, him with an appeal also raising $25,000 for researchers. With the funds, conservationists were able to travel to a Bolivian cloud forest as part of the search. The world's 'loneliest' frog: Romeo / PA And a team from the Global Wildlife Conservation have now discovered three males and two females to help with the breeding programme. Bolivia's Museo de Historia Natural Alcide d'Orbignys programme hopes to bring the species back from the brink of extinction. Teresa Camacho Badani, the museum's chief of herpetology and the expedition leader, said: "It is an incredible feeling to know that, thanks to everyone who believes in true love and donated for Valentine's Day last year, we have already found a mate for Romeo and can establish a conservation breeding programme with more than a single pair. Searching for love: the frog spent a decade in isolation / PA "Now the real work begins, we know how to successfully care for this species in captivity, but now we will learn about its reproduction, while also getting back into the field to better understand if any more frogs may be left and if so, how many, where they are, and more about the threats they face. "With this knowledge we can develop strategies to mitigate the threats to the species' habitat, while working on a long-term plan to return Romeo's future babies to their wild home, preventing the extinction of the Sehuencas water frog." The Sehuencas water frog is a fully aquatic frog that was once abundant in small streams, rivers and ponds in Bolivia. A combination of climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, infectious disease and trout which eat frog eggs has resulted a sharp drop of water frogs in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. Until the latest discovery, the Sehuencas water frog had not been seen in the wild for more than a decade. Match.com release frog dating profile in bid to save its species The team will continue to look for more of the species in other locations in March. Hesam Hosseini, chief executive of Match, said: "Our entire Match community rallied behind Romeo and his search for love last year. "We're thrilled with this outcome for Romeo and his species. A chef was killed in a frenzied hammer attack after a man walked into a New York restaurant and launched an assault. The attack happened shortly after 5pm on Tuesday when an assailant entered the Seaport Buffet in Brooklyn. Police said one 34-year-old man has died while two other restaurant employees aged 60 and 50 were injured in the horrific assault. A 34-year-old suspect has been detained after being discovered two blocks from the scene of the crime and will undergo a psychiatric investigation. Ambulances headed to attend to the injured men / NBC Workers and customers fled the scene as the incident unfolded, some running into eatery Randazzos Clam Bar across the road. Its owner Samantha Randazzo told ABC News: "We let them in and they said a guy came in crazy with a hammer and started hammering random people. "One of the workers came in here and said he started screaming and went crazy." Workers there locked the door in fear as they did not know where the attacker was. "We tried helping people who were trying to come in, customers, but we were scared to even walk out," Ms Randazzo told NBC New York. "We didn't know where he was." It was reported the attacker was screaming crazy things as they launched their fatal blows. A police source told the New York Daily News it was an unprovoked attack and authorities have still not indicated any motive. A British man was among 15 people killed in a militant attack on a luxury hotel in Nairobi, it has been reported. Special forces were sent into the hotel in the Kenyan capital to flush out the gunmen believed to be holed up inside. At least 15 people were killed, including the Briton and an American woman, according to reports. Nairobi Hotel and Office Complex 'Terror Attack' - In Pictures 1 /39 Nairobi Hotel and Office Complex 'Terror Attack' - In Pictures Cars are seen on fire at the scene of explosions and gunshots in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Kenyan security forces enter the building attached to the DusitD2 hotel in Nairobi, Kenya AFP/Getty Images Muslim women console each other as they mourn the death of felllow Muslim men Abdalla Mohammed Dahir, 28, and his age mate Feisal Ahmed Rashid, who were killed in an attack, during a prayer service at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya EPA A glass damaged by bullets is seen at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Armed plain clothes officials secures the areas during an ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi, Kenya EPA A member of security forces keeps guard as people are evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters A woman is evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters This frame taken from video shows a scene of an explosion in Kenya's capital, Nairobi AP People running in a street in Nairobi as a gunfight was underway following a blast at a hotel and office complex in a leafy Nairobi neighbourhood AFP/Getty Images Cars are seen on fire at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP People are evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters People are evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP People run for cover during an ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi, Kenya EPA An injured man is evacuated from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Images People run after being rescued from the Dusit Hotel Getty Images People walk with their hands up after being rescued from the Dusit Hotel Getty Images Members of security forces secure the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters People leave a hotel at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Images People are evacuated by a member of security forces at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit Hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Students leave their campus following an explosion at a nearby hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP AP AP AP AFP/Getty Images EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA AFP/Getty Images The area includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is popular with many American, European and Indian expatriates. Al-Shabab - the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi that left 67 people dead - has claimed responsibility. AFP/Getty Images A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "The situation is ongoing. We are in contact with the Kenyan authorities who are coordinating a response and stand ready to assist as required." Late on Tuesday night, Interior Minister Fred Matian'i said that all of the buildings affected by the attack had been secured. He did not give a death toll and the number of attackers was not clear. In 2013, al-Shabab extremists burst into the nearby Westgate Mall, hurling grenades and starting a days-long siege that left 67 people dead. That attack came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in neighbouring Somalia, killing scores of people. A massive spinning ice disc is attracting global attention after appearing in the middle of a river in the US. Footage recorded using a drone shows the sheer size of the ice disc in the Presumpscot River in the Maine city of Westbrook. The circle, which has drawn crowds, has a diameter of around 300 feet, according to the Portland Press Herald. Mark Battle, a physics professor, told the newspaper that the circles rotation is probably powered by the river current. The ice disc appeared in the middle of the Prescumpscot River in Westbrook, Maine / City of Westbrook The local council posted the video to its Facebook page, telling followers: It looks like the moon has landed in Westbrook. Rob Mitchell, who owns a nearby office building, spotted the alien-looking disc and immediately notified the city. Officials said the disc is spinning slowly counter-clockwise and has served as a big raft for ducks and other birds. The ducks were rotating on this big Lazy Susan, Mr Mitchell said. According to The New York Times, the ice discs are rare but natural. They occur when a pile of slush freezes or a piece of ice breaks off from another and begins to rotate. As it turns, hitting rocks and water, the sides are shaved down. T he man accused of murdering British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand has pleaded not guilty. The 27-year-old man appeared in Aucklands High Court on Wednesday (NZ time) and is now expected to stand trial on November 4. He appeared for 10 minutes and spoke only to answer to the charge of murder. The ban on identifying the man in New Zealand remains in place until the end of this month. Twenty-two-year-old Grace was found dead in a forest west of Auckland in December. The funeral of Grace Millane at Brentwood Cathedral in Essex / Rex Features Police initially launched a missing person inquiry for the University of Lincoln graduate after her parents became concerned that she did not reply to birthday wishes sent on December 2. Since arriving in New Zealand from Peru on November 20, she had been in near-daily contact with her family, officers said. The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane, from Essex, was at 9.41pm on December 1, at the Citylife Hotel, when she was seen with a "male companion". Following the graduates death, her family released a statement in which they said in some way she will forever be a Kiwi. Her family said: "Grace went off to travel the world in mid-October and arrived in New Zealand on the 20th November. "By the amount of pictures and messages we received, she clearly loved this country, its people and the lifestyle. "We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE (overseas experience)." New Zealands prime minister Jacinda Ardern gave an emotional apology to Ms Millane's family after her death, saying: "Your daughter should have been safe here, and she wasn't, and I'm sorry for that." F or the third year in a row, extreme weather events including powerful storms, floods and droughts are the biggest risk to the planet. Experts placed such events above massive incidents of data fraud and theft, and large scale cyber attacks. The Global Risks Report was published ahead of next weeks World Economic Forum Summit in Davos, which sees nearly 1,000 risk management experts rank the 30 biggest threats to the global economy in 2019. It was followed by the failure by governments to limit the magnitude of climate change and adapt to it, which rose three places on last year. Washington Snow: January 2019 - In Pictures 1 /22 Washington Snow: January 2019 - In Pictures People participate in a snowball fight on the National Mall in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Snow from Winter Storm Gia falls over the White House Reuters People and children ride sleds at the US Capitol in Washington EPA Snow blankets a statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square with the White House behind in Washington EPA People ride snowboards and sleds at the US Capitol in Washington EPA Children play in the snow at the US Capitol in Washington EPA A man passes the Washington Monument while using a kite to snowboard on the National Mall during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images A Secret Service agent clears snow off a patrol car on Pennsylvania Ave in front of the White House in Washington EPA People visit Capitol Hill during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images The White House is seen as snow continues to fall AP People sled on Capitol Hill during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images People engage in a snowball fight on the National Mall during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images Tourists photograph a snowman by the Washington Monument on the National Mall during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images People participate in a snowball fight on the National Mall in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Snow is cleared at the White House EPA A jogger runs by the Lincoln Memorial AFP/Getty Images Rare tourists walk by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool as snow is accumulating in Washington DC AFP/Getty Images A family sleds down the West Front of the US Capitol as snow continues to fall in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images A hawk lifts off after catching its prey in the snow on the National Mall EPA A snowman family on Capitol Hill AP Snow hits the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument Reuters Joggers run on Constitution avenue AFP/Getty Images "Of all risks, it is in relation to the environment that the world is most clearly sleepwalking into catastrophe," said the report. After 200 countries, including the United States, agreed to tackle climate change in 2015 at UN talks in Paris, worries in the survey about governmental failure to tackle global warming fell. But that has changed after US president Donald Trump announced in 2017 his intention to pull out of the Paris agreement, a move he emphasized in 2018. Meanwhile, deadly wildfires in Greece and California and hurricanes in Florida and North Carolina were frequently in the news. "People... are beginning to understand increasingly the gravity of the situation and that the Paris Agreement, even if fully implemented, cannot be seen as a panacea," Aengus Collins, the report's author and project leader told Reuters. The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October said global temperatures are likely to rise by 1.5C between 2030 and 2052 if global warming continues at its current pace and if the world fails to take rapid and unprecedented measures. The report said rapidly growing coastal cities, particularly in Asia, are making people more vulnerable to climate change. F ormer Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto was once paid a $100 million (78 million) bribe by drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, a court heard. The claim was made in testimony by Alex Cifuentes, a Colombian narcotics trafficker who was El Chapos right-hand man and lived with the fugitive cartel boss in the Mexican mountains while he was on the run. Giving evidence at Brooklyn federal court in New York, Cifuentes testified that he had told US prosecutors Mr Pena Nieto initially asked El Chapo for $250 million (195 million). Cifuentes said the bribe was paid in October 2012 by a friend of El Chapo when Mr Pena Nieto was president-elect. He also claimed El Chapo had told him that Mr Pena Nieto said he did not have to live in hiding any more if he paid the money. The ex-president, in office between 2012 and 2018, was not available for comment. But he has previously denied taking bribes. His former chief-of-staff Francisco Guzman called the bribery claims false, defamatory and absurd. Support: Emma Coronel Aispuro outside court / Curtis Means He added that it was the Pena Nieto government that located, detained and extradited the Mexican drug king. El Chapo, 61, said to have headed the worlds biggest drugs cartel, has been on trial in the US since November after he was extradited from Mexico to face charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin and other drugs. He faces a possible life sentence if convicted. He broke out of prison after first being arrested in 2014, escaping through a mile-long tunnel dug from his cell. He was recaptured in Mexico in January 2016. During his opening statements at the trial, El Chapos defence lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman had alleged that Mr Pena Nieto and other former Mexican presidents had received hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes from El Chapos Sinaloa cartel. While previous testimony at the trial had implicated police and army officials as well as lower-level politicians, Cifuentess testimony was the first to extend the corruption allegations to Mexicos top politicians. Cifuentes was extradited to the US on drug trafficking charges following his arrest in Mexico in 2013, and agreed to co-operate with American authorities after pleading guilty. El Chapos lawyer has also alleged that Felipe Calderon, Mexicos president between 2006 and 2012, was bribed by the Sinaloa cartel. Calderon has called the claim absolutely false. T he British national killed in a mass shooting in Nairobi has been named as charity worker Luke Potter. Mr Potter worked for international charity Gatsby for ten years and devoted a huge part of his life helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world, the charity said. Gatsby confirmed Mr Potter was among 15 people killed in a militant attack on a luxury hotel. The news of his death comes as it has been revealed a heroic SAS hero stormed into the hotel alongside elite units to try and save hostages. Nairobi Hotel and Office Complex 'Terror Attack' - In Pictures 1 /39 Nairobi Hotel and Office Complex 'Terror Attack' - In Pictures Cars are seen on fire at the scene of explosions and gunshots in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Kenyan security forces enter the building attached to the DusitD2 hotel in Nairobi, Kenya AFP/Getty Images Muslim women console each other as they mourn the death of felllow Muslim men Abdalla Mohammed Dahir, 28, and his age mate Feisal Ahmed Rashid, who were killed in an attack, during a prayer service at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya EPA A glass damaged by bullets is seen at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Armed plain clothes officials secures the areas during an ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi, Kenya EPA A member of security forces keeps guard as people are evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters A woman is evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters This frame taken from video shows a scene of an explosion in Kenya's capital, Nairobi AP People running in a street in Nairobi as a gunfight was underway following a blast at a hotel and office complex in a leafy Nairobi neighbourhood AFP/Getty Images Cars are seen on fire at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP People are evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters People are evacuated at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Security forces are seen at the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP People run for cover during an ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi, Kenya EPA An injured man is evacuated from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Images People run after being rescued from the Dusit Hotel Getty Images People walk with their hands up after being rescued from the Dusit Hotel Getty Images Members of security forces secure the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters People leave a hotel at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Images People are evacuated by a member of security forces at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit Hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Students leave their campus following an explosion at a nearby hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP AP AP AP AFP/Getty Images EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA EPA AFP/Getty Images Extreme militants stormed the luxury DusitD2 hotel complex on Tuesday in a horrific attack on Tuesday, setting off explosions and gunning people down. Victim: Luke Potter Extreme militants stormed the luxury DusitD2 hotel complex on Tuesday in a horrific attack on Tuesday, setting off explosions and gunning people down. At least 15 people were killed, including Mr Potter and an American woman. Paying tribute to Mr Potter, the charity said: We are deeply shocked and saddened to confirm that Luke Potter, our Africa Programmes Director, was killed in the recent security incident in Nairobi. "Luke had devoted the past ten years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. He had worked with us for three and a half years, carrying out assignments across East Africa. "Luke was instrumental in establishing our forestry programme and team in Kenya, and provided crucial leadership, guidance and support to our Tanzanian forestry programme and our tea programmes in Rwanda and Tanzania. An SAS hero reportedly raced to the scene / EPA Luke was respected by all he worked with, bringing huge drive, determination, a relentless work ethic, and a thirst for new ideas to every project. "He brought a calm head and his unique sense of humour to every situation. He was deeply committed to his work, to his teams, to Gatsby and to development in Africa. He was our colleague and our friend. "We share the grief of his family, partner, daughter and friends. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them. We are now focused on offering all the support we can to them and to our staff." People are evacuated by a member of security forces / REUTERS It has also been revealed a SAS hero helped to save victims from Tuesdays deadly attack. The serving member of the elite unit was reportedly on a training mission with Kenyan Special Forces before the frightening attack. During the attack, the lone SAS soldier went to assist after receiving a request for help from the Kenyan special forces, the Sun reported. Images showed a heavily-armed man with a military vest and balaclava working with local forces and helping victims leave the complex. Sources told the newspaper: During the operation he fired off some rounds its a safe bet he hit his target the SAS dont miss. "He is a long serving member of the Regiment, there is no doubt his actions saved lives." Picutres showed a man helping victims flee / EPA It is understood a member of the SAS was involved in the mission, although the Ministry of Defence said it does not comment on special forces. Announcing the end of the operation to secure the area on Wednesday, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said: "All the terrorists have been eliminated." A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of a British man killed in the recent terrorist attack in Kenya. "We are also supporting a British person who was wounded during the attack and is receiving medical attention. "We stand ready to help any other British people affected." A policeman runs past burning cars at the scene / REUTERS Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter: "Shocked by dreadful scenes in Nairobi - thoughts and prayers are with those affected. "Brits in the area should remain vigilant and follow advice of local security authorities." A blast of Arctic air is set to send the mercury plummeting with a cold snap lasting into next month. Forecasters have warned that snowfall is possible across the country but is most likely to fall in northern parts. The Arctic blast is expected to take hold later on Wednesday, with the Met Office saying it could be a shock to the system. Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna said: "Things are turning colder, but it is just more typical winter conditions. "It has been so mild this winter that it will be a bit of a shock to the system even though temperatures will be average for this time of year or just below." He continued: "Certainly we could start to see some sleet and snow showers across the higher ground of Scotland." Pedestrians walk over the Millennium Bridge with St Paul's Cathedral pictured in the background as snow falls over central London (December 2017) / AFP/Getty Images Northern parts of Scotland and the east of England could also see some snow showers over the course of Wednesday, although it is unlikely to settle. "It's nothing unusual, but it's the first wintry weather that some parts of the UK have seen for a while," he said. The temperature will continue to fall going into Thursday, leading to a widespread frost. Washington Snow: January 2019 - In Pictures 1 /22 Washington Snow: January 2019 - In Pictures People participate in a snowball fight on the National Mall in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Snow from Winter Storm Gia falls over the White House Reuters People and children ride sleds at the US Capitol in Washington EPA Snow blankets a statue of Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square with the White House behind in Washington EPA People ride snowboards and sleds at the US Capitol in Washington EPA Children play in the snow at the US Capitol in Washington EPA A man passes the Washington Monument while using a kite to snowboard on the National Mall during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images A Secret Service agent clears snow off a patrol car on Pennsylvania Ave in front of the White House in Washington EPA People visit Capitol Hill during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images The White House is seen as snow continues to fall AP People sled on Capitol Hill during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images People engage in a snowball fight on the National Mall during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images Tourists photograph a snowman by the Washington Monument on the National Mall during a winter storm AFP/Getty Images People participate in a snowball fight on the National Mall in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Snow is cleared at the White House EPA A jogger runs by the Lincoln Memorial AFP/Getty Images Rare tourists walk by the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool as snow is accumulating in Washington DC AFP/Getty Images A family sleds down the West Front of the US Capitol as snow continues to fall in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images A hawk lifts off after catching its prey in the snow on the National Mall EPA A snowman family on Capitol Hill AP Snow hits the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument Reuters Joggers run on Constitution avenue AFP/Getty Images "There won't be too much in the way of snow accumulation, although some of the higher ground of Scotland could see several centimetres," Mr Petagna said. Elsewhere, the Met Office expects to see a few icy patches but nothing that was expected to cause any real issues to public safety. However, things could get quite a lot colder at the beginning of next week. T he Duchess of Sussex today carried out her first official visit to an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron. Meghan, who is due to give birth in spring, showed off her growing baby bump in a chic all-cream outfit for the engagement on Wednesday. The duchess beamed as she arrived at Mayhem's headquarters in London to meet its staff, volunteers and beneficiaries. Meghan was there to hear more about the charity's various initiatives, from community engagement to international projects. The Duchess of Sussex visits Mayhew Charity 1 /14 The Duchess of Sussex visits Mayhew Charity EPA @KensingtonRoyal EPA Reuters The duchess showed off her growing baby bump in a chic fitted dress EPA @KensingtonRoyal PA PA EPA EPA Reuters Reuters Rex Features EPA Mayhew is a grassroots charity which works to keep cats and dogs, whether family pets or companions for the homeless, safe and well, and support local communities. Meghan meets Roobarb the dog during the visit / Kensington Palace Meghan, who revealed earlier this week she is six months pregnant with her baby due around the end of April beginning of May, looked stylish in an H&M dress and an Armani coat. She was named as a patron of Mayhew, based in north west London, last week, one of four patronages announced at the time, reflecting her interest in supporting the arts, vulnerable women and education. During the visit, Meghan met TheraPaws volunteer Clare Godwin and Roobarb the dog. Meghan is a dog lover who supported animal rescue centres in her home city of Los Angeles / REUTERS Mayhews TheraPaws animal therapy programme works to improve wellbeing in their local community. The duchess is a dog lover who supported various animal rescue centres in her home city of Los Angeles. Meghan looked chic in an all-cream outfit for the visit / EPA Meghan had two pet dogs when living in North America but reportedly had to leave behind her dog Bogart, a Labrador-Shepherd mix, who was thought to be too old to make the move to the UK. Her other dog Guy, a Beagle, did make the journey and is now part of the family. The duchess will join Prince Harry for an engagement at the Royal Albert Hall later today / Reuters On Wednesday evening, Meghan will join Prince Harry as part of the Royal Albert Hall audience to watch Cirque du Soleil performers displaying their acrobatic skills in aid of charity Sentebale. The couple will be guests of honour for the evening premiere of the Canadian circus company's production Totem. The event will raise awareness and vital funds for the duke's charity, Sentebale, which helps young people in southern Africa affected by HIV. The evening show will be the second in a series of Sentebale Nights, following on from a fundraising performance of the hit musical Hamilton last year which Meghan and Harry attended. A 2004 gap year trip to the landlocked African nation of Lesotho inspired the duke to set up his Sentebale charity two years later with the country's Prince Seeiso, younger brother of King Letsie III. Their aim was to help youngsters in need and other children who had lost one or both parents to Aids or contracted the disease themselves. J eremy Corbyn has tabled a vote of no confidence in the government after Theresa May's humiliating defeat on her Brexit deal. The confidence vote would allow the Commons to give its verdict on the sheer incompetence of this government, the Labour leader said in a speech following the result. MPs voted to reject the Prime Ministers controversial proposals by an enormous margin of 432 to 202, the biggest government defeat in history, on Tuesday night. As he tabled the confidence vote, which will be debated tomorrow, Mr Corbyn said the government must now accept that a no-deal Brexit is not an option. Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a no-confidence motion in the Government / AFP/Getty Images Take a look at what the motion and what it means: What is a vote of no confidence and how is the motion tabled? The Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 removed the rights of governments to arbitrarily call elections when they want. Under the Act, early general elections can only take place outside of the usual five-year timeframe in two ways. Firstly, if two thirds of all MPs vote in favour of an election. Secondly, if an NCM, which must read "That this House has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government", is passed in the Commons. The House of Commons / PA Erskine May - the rule book for the Commons - states that the Government will promptly allocate time for a NCM in the Government to be debated when it is tabled by the official opposition. What happens when a vote of no confidence is passed? When a motion of no-confidence in the Government is passed, a 14-day countdown begins. If a motion of confidence, which must read "That this House has confidence in Her Majesty's Government", is not passed within 14 days then a general election will be called. According to the House of Commons' website: "The Act provides no guidance on what happens during the 14-day period following a no confidence motion under the Act being passed. "As the Clerk of the House told us what happens during this period is a matter of politics, and not of procedure." Under pressure on Brexit: Theresa May / EPA However, it adds: "If the House of Commons were to resolve by whatever means that it has no confidence in Her Majesty's Government and it cannot be recovered, the Prime Minister loses their authority to continue with their administration and must resign and leave office as soon as an alternative Prime Minster is available." Mrs May could reach out to other parties in the hope of winning the confidence motion within 14 days. However, if 14 days elapses without an alternative Government being formed or the existing one continuing, then the Queen will set a date of an early election. House of Commons When have confidence votes been tabled before? The last time a government was defeated on a confidence motion was in 1979. The Labour government led by Jim Callaghan lost the opposition motion on March 28 1979 by just one vote, 311-310. Mr Callaghan immediately announced a dissolution of parliament and a general election, which was subsequently won by the Conservatives. Since 1900 there have been only three occasions when a government has lost a vote of confidence: twice in 1924 and once in 1979. There have not been any confidence motions formally tabled in the House of Commons since 1993. The most recent example was on July 23 1993, when the Conservative government of John Major tabled a motion of confidence in itself, to shore up support following its defeat the previous day on the Maastricht Treaty Social Chapter. The government won the motion 339-299. T heresa May has survived a no confidence vote in her government less than 24 hours after her Brexit deal suffered a historic defeat in the Commons. In another evening of high political drama, the Prime Minister won the motion called last night by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. 325 MPs voted in favour of the Government while 306 voted against. Without the support of her Northern Irish DUP allies Mrs May would have lost by one vote. Her victory came with the help of the DUP and members of the Tory hardline European Research Group, who had united to crush her withdrawal agreement by an overwhelming majority. Theresa May: 'The House has put its confidence in this government' After the vote, Mrs May vowed to continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise we made to the people of this country to deliver the referendum and leave the European Union. She invited to leaders of other parliamentary parties to meet with her starting tonight, however Jeremy Corbyn refused her invitation unless she took the option of no-deal off the table. Loading.... The House has put its confidence in this government. I stand ready to work with any member of this House to deliver on Brexit and ensure that this House retains the confidence of the British people, Mrs May said. Mr Corbyn retorted: "Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward, the Government must remove clearly, once and for all, the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit from the EU and all the chaos that would come as a result of that." TODO: define component type apester Mrs May will now have to present her Brexit 'Plan B' by Monday. It came as European leaders opened the door to the March 29 Brexit deadline being pushed back by two months. Guy Verhofstadt wrote: "What we will not let happen, deal or no deal, is that the mess in British politics is again imported into European politics. "While we understand the UK could need more time, for us it is unthinkable that article 50 is prolonged beyond the European elections." The Prime Minister also came under increasing pressure to make a break with the Tory partys right to drop her Brexit deal red lines for the sake of a cross-party agreement on a Brexit deal. The cross-party Exiting the EU Committee insisted it was "vital" for the House was given the chance to identify a plan that could command a majority. It called for a series of "indicative votes" on the various options, something Downing Street has so far rejected, to establish where a majority could be found. No-deal Brexit: What does it mean? It also said MPs should be given an opportunity to delay Brexit if Parliament cannot agree on a way forward. Earlier, during Prime Minister's Questions, Mrs May appeared to leave open the door to a possible extension of the Article 50 withdrawal process, which will see Britain leave the EU on March 29, to allow more time for a deal. Asked by Tory Father of the House Ken Clarke whether she would "modify her red lines" and extend Article 50, Mrs May said: "The Government's policy is that we are leaving the EU on March 29, but the European Union would only extend Article 50 if actually it was clear that there was a plan that was moving towards an agreed deal. Ken Clarke speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons / PA "That is the crucial element of ensuring we deliver on Brexit." Also on Wednesday, Justice Secretary David Gauke broke ranks by saying the Government should not be boxed in by old promises, such as Mrs May's rejection of a customs union with the European Union, something that Labour supports. At PMQs, Mr Corbyn asked the Prime Minister to confirm that the Government was ruling out any form of customs union after talks with opposition MPs. PMQs: May reiterates her respect for Brexit referendum result The Prime Minister replied with a list of red lines that would be upheld, with the customs union seemingly missed out. She said the government would deliver on the 2016 referendum verdict and went on: That means ending free movement, getting a fairer deal for farmers and fishermen, opening up new opportunities to trade with the rest of the world and keeping good ties with our neighbours in Europe. Opening the debate on a motion of no confidence, Mr Corbyn accused Theresa May of failing to reach out across party lines to come up with a solution. Jeremy Corbyn in the House of Commons on Wednesday (PA) / PA/UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor "There has been no communication on all-party talks. All the Prime Minister said was she might talk to some members of the House," he told the Commons. "That isn't reaching out. That is not recognising the scale of the defeat they suffered last night." Responding to Mr Corbyn's no-confidence motion, Mrs May dismissed his call for a general election saying it would be "the worst thing we could do". T wo Welsh men were caught on camera having an intense row over Brexit with the Remainer of the two claiming its like turkeys voting for Christmas. The pair were discussing the Brexit referendum with BBC Wales when their argument became heated and the Leave voter said the UK should not be afraid of a no-deal Brexit because this country fought a world war. The Remain-supporter compared Brexit to "like Turkeys voting for Christmas" because "people who live in the Valleys are getting more from the EU than anybody else." The Leave-backer than scolded him for calling people from the Valleys turkeys. "I'm a Valley boy" he said. Wales referendum result reflected that of the rest of the UK, with 52.5 per cent voting to leave and 47.5 per cent voting remain. During the interview, the Remainer said: "If you look at Wales, it amazes me that the people in the valleys, who are getting more from the EU than anybody else, actually voted to come out. The two men were filmed having the row in the street on BBC Wales / BBC Wales "It's like turkeys voting for Christmas." But the leave voter responded: What if it becomes non-conclusive again? Do we have another referendum? Why are you afraid of a no-deal? This country fought a world war. We raised from the ashes. This fear project that theyve got, dont worry about it. Mrs May suffered a humiliating defeat on Tuesday / EPA Britain has got the technology, the ability and the people to rebuild. We dont need Europe. TODO: define component type apester The country was plunged into chaos on Tuesday night after Theresa May suffered the biggest defeat in Parliamentary history for her Brexit deal. 432 MPs voted against the deal, with 202 voting for. Loading.... T heresa May is expected to struggle to get her Brexit deal through Parliament for a second time this evening, with her own Attorney General dealing her a major blow with his legal advice. Geoffrey Cox admitted the Irish backstop, which has generated much of the opposition to the PM's deal, could still see locked forever into EU rules. He concluded the legal risk remains unchanged and unless the UK could prove the EU was acting in bad faith in future, there was no internationally lawful means of exiting the Protocols arrangements, save by agreement. Last night, Mrs May claimed to have secured new "legally binding" assurances on the backstop and urged MPs to back her "improved deal" in tonight's meaningful vote. The backstop, which is aimed at preventing a hard border in Ireland, has seen MPs voicing their dissaproval on two main issues. Some fear the UK could become trapped indefinitely in the backstop while others dislike the fact that Northern Ireland would be operating under different regulations to the rest of the UK. The DUP, which props up Mrs May's government, has also displayed fierce opposition to it. Below, the Standard answers some key questions on the backstop within Mrs Mays deal. Brexit pressures: Theresa May / REUTERS What has the PM achieved? Three new documents were agreed with Mr Juncker. The first is a "joint instrument" that relates to the Withdrawal Agreement. The PM said it reduces the risk that the UK could be "deliberately held in the Northern Ireland backstop indefinitely". The second is a "unilateral declaration" by the UK which sets out "the sovereign action the UK would take to provide assurance that the backstop would only be applied temporarily". The third is a supplement to the Political Declaration "setting out commitments by the UK and the EU to expedite the negotiation and bringing into force of their future relationship". What does all that mean? The joint instrument gives Britain the ability to suspend the backstop if the EU is deemed to have deliberately applied it indefinitely, but the UK would have to win the backing of an independent arbitration body to do so. The unilateral declaration is a statement on the record that the UK can "instigate measures" to remove itself from the backstop if talks break down. This could carry legal weight if it is lodged with the UN without formal objection by the EU. The supplement to the declaration states the intention that both sides will set about finding an alternative to the backstop as soon as possible. Countdown to Brexit: 17 days to go What was planned for the Irish border? A backstop solution aims to prevent the establishment of a hard border, and the reintroduction of border checks, between Northern Ireland and the Republic. It would mean the UK will remain in a customs union with the EU "unless and until" "alternative arrangements" are found to avoid a hard border if future trade talks between the two parties fail once a transition period ends. But it also means some extra regulations relating to Northern Ireland remain aligned with the rest of the EU to ensure the order remains open. It is an insurance policy if no answer can be found through a permanent trade deal after a transitional period from next March but unionists fear it could create regulatory disparity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The EU says it has no plans to change its negotiating stance and the UK Government has also said it would not accept a hard border in place after Brexit. But both sides have been reluctant to concede too much ground over the issue. What exactly does the backstop propose? The Prime Minister says she will negotiate a special customs and trade arrangement with the EU once the Brexit transition period ends in December 2020. But the Irish government, along with the rest of the EU, insisted on an insurance policy in case those talks fail. This backstop, which was agreed on as part of the Withdrawal Agreement struck in November will apply only until such a time as a subsequent agreement is in place. This would create a single EU-UK customs territory avoiding the need for tariffs, quotas or checks on rules of origin between the EU and the UK. Northern Irish businesses would not face restrictions when placing products on the EU's Single Market. But there will be separate regulations for Northern Ireland on some extra rules of the single market, to avoid a return to a hard border on the island. What has been the Irish Government's reaction? Dublin is keen to ensure a free-flowing border to protect the peace process and north-south trade links and wants this insurance policy to protect it. Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said it is not possible to renegotiate the backstop without reopening all aspects of the draft withdrawal treaty. Mr Varadkar pledged to defend the backstop, but said it was important to remember it was an insurance mechanism and a way of avoiding the return of a hard customs border on the island. Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures 1 /9 Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures What has been the DUP's reaction? Party leader Arlene Foster said the Prime Minister must get rid of the backstop and backed calls for alternative arrangements to be made. The DUP is concerned remaining aligned to Europe would create a regulatory divergence between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, requiring extra checks on east-west trade and threatening the integrity of the UK as a whole. MP Sammy Wilson told the BBC that Theresa May's Commons defeat reaffirmed his party's concerns over the backstop and that the Prime Minister must renogotiate with Brussels. Other opposition to the backstop Many MPs dislike the prospect of being bound to EU rules and customs duties that would prevent Britain doing its own trade deals and leave it overseen by EU judges. Mrs May has pushed the EU to put a time limit on the backstop, possibly in 2021. Some EU governments have considered such a deadline - perhaps more like 2025 - but Ireland and all other EU leaders have rejected that. Staunch Brexiteer Boris Johnson has previously said the EU would use the backstop to "blackmail" the UK. He told the BBCs Andrew Marr Show last year: The real problem with the backstop arrangement, it gives the power to Brussels and all the other EU states effectively to blackmail us and to get what they want out of the future trade negotiations. It is a diabolical negotiating position to be in. Mr Johnson insisted that there could be a withdrawal agreement without the Irish backstop. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said his Brexit deal would not include a backstop and that the DUP clearly disliked it "for very good and sensible reasons". What have Remain voices in Northern Ireland said about the backstop? Four pro-Remain parties in Northern Ireland including Sinn Fein and the nationalist SDLP declared it should be "banked" rather than discarded to protect the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. T he EU's chief Brexit negotiator has insisted the Irish border backstop "must remain" a part of the Brexit deal delivering a further blow to Theresa May in the wake of Tuesday's Commons defeat. Michel Barnier today indicated the EU has no plans to change its negotiating stance, despite Mrs May's plans for leaving the EU being overwhelmingly rejected by Parliament. Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, he said Brussels "profoundly regrets" the vote after two years of negotiation "based on the red lines of the British Government". Mr Barnier said it is "too early" to know the consequences of the vote but insisted that it is up to Britain to come forward with ideas on how to move forward. Michel Barnier said the Withdrawal Agreement was 'the best compromise' / REUTERS And he warned European countries to make contingency plans for a no-deal. He said: We must remain lucid and clear in our approach, which is why we are stepping up our efforts to be prepared for that possibility. His statement came as former Cabinet minister Sir Malcolm Rifkind said he believes that the date of Brexit will be delayed until July. Loading.... The PM is grappling to retain power after suffering a major parliamentary defeat over her EU withdrawal agenda. Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: How did MPs vote? Mrs May's deal was overwhelmingly rejected by 432 votes to 202 on Wednesday and Labour subsequently triggered a vote of no confidence in her Government. Calls for Article 50 to be extended have intensified as Mrs May is under pressure to find a Brexit compromise. MPs voting in the House of Commons on Tuesday night / AFP/Getty Images Mr Barnier called on the British Government to explain how it intends to proceed with Brexit. It is up to the British authorities today or tomorrow to assess the outcome of this vote and up to the British Government to indicate how we are going to take things forward on March 29 to an orderly withdrawal, he said. He added: "The agreement that we reached with the British government is a good agreement. It is the best possible compromise. Brexit: Meaningful Vote - In Pictures 1 /29 Brexit: Meaningful Vote - In Pictures A Leaver and a pro-European demonstrator argue during protests opposite the Houses of Parliament in London AP A police officer extinguishes a flag that was set alight by pro-Brexit protestors outside the Houses of Parliament PA An anti-Brexit protester dressed in a Theresa May costume recreates a scene from the 1997 film 'Titanic, EPA Pro Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA PA John Bercow speaks in the House of Commons Sky News Pro-Brexit protestors outside the Houses of Parliament, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May listens to the Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox, speak in the House of Commons ahead of the Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Pro Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters Effigies of Prime Minister Theresa May, former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, current Environment Secretary Michael Gove and former Brexit secretary David Davis, are driven past the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab, Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster, Conservative Peer Lord Lilley and former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis speak to the media during a press conference to offer an alternative Brexit plan Getty Images Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg speaks to the media outside the Palace of Westminster Getty Images Pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Former leader of UKIP Nigel Farage speaks to the media as Pro-Brexit and Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray outside the Houses of Parliament, London PA Pro EU protesters and Pro Leave protesters demonstrate outside Parliament EPA A man dressed to imitate former foreign secretary Boris Johnson holds a fake bank note for 350 million pounds outside the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images A pro-Brexit 'battle bus' (L) drives past a mix of pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters outside the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) talks with a Brexiteer outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA A pro-European demonstrator sings during a protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AP Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a cabinet meeting, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Anti-Brexit and Pro-Brexit protesters fly flags outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street AP A pro remain supporter wears anti brexit badges on his hat, during protests outside of the Parliament EPA Anti and pro Brexit placards are displayed outside of the Parliament EPA Anti-Brexit supporters hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images Anti-Brexit demonstrators hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images Pro-Brexit supporters hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images "Protecting the rights of citizens will continue to be the priority whatever the outcome. "The backstop must remain a credible backstop." Mr Barnier said the EU is 'fearing more than ever' a no deal Brexit / REUTERS Setting out the importance of "security and stability" for Ireland and Northern Ireland, he said the backstop "must remain". And he said that the EU is "fearing more than ever" a chaotic departure of the UK from the bloc. "The scenario we have always wanted to avoid is a no deal. We are stepping up our preparations for that contingency," he said. TODO: define component type apester Mr Barnier added that the political declaration - the framework for the future relationship between the UK and EU - offered "possible options" for further talks. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliaments Brexit co-ordinator, tweeted a number of barbed remarks this morning on the outcome of the vote. He said: It is not up to me, as a humble Belgian, to lecture Brits on what to do, but I think its time the national interest overtakes narrow party politics & cross party politics redefines the red lines imposed by hardliners in the Conservative party. He added: What we will not let happen, deal or no deal, is that the mess in British politics is again imported into European politics. He hinted that the EU could give the UK more time to consider its next steps but would not delay the Article 50 process beyond May, when European Parliament elections take place. The UK is due to leave the EU on March 29. Germanys minister for economic affairs, Peter Altmaier, also suggested Britain should have sufficient time to clarify its position. Mrs May speaks in the Commons on Tuesday / AFP/Getty Images But the PM would need to request an Article 50 extension from the EU, which she is adamant she does not want to do. Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm said that he is confident Britain's date for leaving the European Union will be pushed back from March 29, in an interview with Sky News on Wednesday morning. Sir Malcolm told the broadcaster such a move was "inevitable" as he argued it would remove "the doubt" over whether Parliament will reach a consensus. He added that Labour's bid to oust the Government through a confidence vote will only strengthen the prime minister's position. Crowds watch as the Brexit Vote is read at the Commons Mrs May is battling on two fronts as she fights for her premiership while tasked with coming up with a "Plan B" for Brexit that could command majority support in the Commons. She also faces vote of no confidence in her Government on Wednesday after her deal was rejected. Despite the humiliating defeat, Government sources remained optimistic about seeing off the Labour challenge after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and leading figures from the Brexiteer and Pro-Europe wings of the Tory party said they would back the PM. The scale of the 230-vote rejection of the Government's Brexit agenda saw Mrs May pledge to reach out to leading parliamentarians from across the Commons to try and find a way forward. Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures 1 /9 Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures With the UK scheduled to exit the EU in just over 10 weeks' time on March 29, the Prime Minister has until next Monday to return to the Commons and present an alternative option. After suffering the the biggest government defeat on a meaningful vote for at least a century, which saw 118 Tory MPs rebel, opponents of the PM's Brexit stance insisted Downing Street must now show real movement. Mrs May signalled she hoped to find "genuinely negotiable" solutions that she can hammer out with Brussels after the defeat. However, French president Emmanuel Macron made it clear a renegotiation of the Brexit deal was unlikely. Speaking after the Commons vote, he said: "I don't really believe in this, because we already went as far as we could." European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who had cancelled travel plans in order to be in Brussels for the aftermath of the vote on Wednesday, voiced "regret" at the defeat of what he termed "the best possible deal". He said the Commons vote "increased the risk of a disorderly withdrawal" from the EU. Mr Juncker said: "I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible." F ormer Prime Minister David Cameron has said he regrets the "difficulties and problems" that have emerged since the Brexit referendum vote. He was asked questions on Brexit while on a jog today. The former Conservative leader was probed by the BBC about whether he regrets calling the 2016 referendum. MPs voted overwhelmingly against Mrs Mays deal, as she lost the Meaningful Vote in the biggest Government defeat in history, by 432 votes to 202. Mr Cameron leant his support to Mrs May, but insisted he was right to call the divisive referendum. Mr Cameron was accosted after he went for a jog / BBC News He said: I dont regret calling the referendum. It was a promise I made two years before the 2015 General Election. It was included in a manifesto, it was legislated for in Parliament. I think six out of seven Members of Parliament of all parties voted for that referendum. The government under David Cameron committed to closing specialist hospitals and providing more care in the community/ / PA Archive/PA Images Obviously I regret that we lost that referendum. I deeply regret that. I was leading the campaign to stay in the European Union and obviously I regret the problems that weve been having trying to implement the result of that referendum. The Prime Minister is facing a no-confidence vote from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn today, as she scrambles to keep her position in Government. T heresa Mays humiliating defeat in the Commons sparked a backlash from MPs on both sides of the political divide who lashed out at the state of the Brexit negotiations. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led the condemnation of the Prime Ministers divorce deal as he tabled a motion of no confidence in the government after Tuesday nights vote. Mr Corbyn said the confidence vote, which is to be debated in Parliament tomorrow, would allow the Commons to give its verdict on the sheer incompetence of this government. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable called for a new referendum in the wake of the Withdrawal Agreement's defeat. He tweeted: "This defeat is beyond what anyone imagined. It is the beginning of the end of Brexit. Time for a #PeoplesVote" Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said the result of tonights vote indicated a failure of leadership by Mrs May, and called on her to resign. In a statement on Twitter, he said: A catastrophic failure of leadership by @Theresa_May. If she has any sense of honour then she will resign. Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Labour's push for a meaningful vote all those months ago has been vindicated. Parliament's verdict on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal is clear and decisive. We can't go on like this. After the result was announced, Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "Historic defeat for the PM and it has been obvious for months that it was coming. "Enough time has been wasted. It is time to stop the Article 50 clock and put this issue back to electorate. Scotland voted to remain in the EU and we should not be dragged out against our will." Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said: "The issue is not who does it. The issue is what to do. We should not only be keeping the good bits of the deal, (and) getting rid of the backstop, but we should also be actively preparing for no deal with ever more enthusiasm." Speaking later to BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: "There is never any cause for rejoicing in a defeat of a Conservative government - and I take absolutely no pleasure in it - but I think it's good news that she now has a strong mandate from the House of Commons - 432 against the Withdrawal Agreement. "She can go back to Brussels now and say look this thing isn't going to fly - we need a fresh approach and one that actually gives us the ability to take advantage of the freedoms and opportunities that Brexit gives us." Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster said: "The Prime Minister must now go back to the European Union and seek fundamental change to the Withdrawal Agreement. Loading.... We want an orderly exit from the European Union with a sensible deal which works for Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "The only sensible course of action now is to withdraw Article 50 and give British people the final say - with the option to stay in the EU." Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas supported Mr Corbyns no confidence motion in the PM. She said: There could not be a worse time to have such a dangerous & damaging government, but whoever is in Number 10, the public must have a Peoples Vote. Hilary Benn, the Labour chairman of the Commons Exiting the European Union Committee said the historic vote was humiliating for Mrs May. He said: "I think the defeat is extraordinary and humiliating for the Prime Minister. "It's even larger than many of us imagined. And it shows it's a deal with very little support. Loading.... "The PM says she is now going to reach out across the House of Commons, she could have done that two and a half years ago. "I think her authority has been unbelievably damaged by what has happened tonight." Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: "Labour's push for a meaningful vote all those months ago has been vindicated. Parliament's verdict on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal is clear and decisive. We can't go on like this. First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford tweeted: "The Prime Minister's deal always fell well short of what is needed to protect our economy and jobs. J eremy Corbyn was today warned he will get splinters in places he doesnt want if he sits on the fence over a second Brexit referendum. Senior Labour MP David Lammy piled pressure on his party leader to back giving the public a fresh say on quitting the EU if Theresa May survives a vote of no confidence today despite the Brexit turmoil. But Labour is deeply divided over another referendum, with shadow cabinet ministers insisting that more votes of confidence could be called over the Governments handling of Brexit, rather than moving to a so-called Peoples Vote. Speculation was rife at Westminster that shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott are more in favour of another public vote than Mr Corbyn. TODO: define component type apester However, Mr McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington, insisted there is nothing between us whatsoever, though he admitted there was strong support for a second Brexit ballot among Labour members. A growing number of Labour MPs today gave their support for a second referendum if the attempts to trigger a general election fail. Just over 70 signed a new statement backing this stance. This brings the reported total backing for a new vote to around 100 Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government / REUTERS Mr Lammy urged Mr Corbyn to move towards a second referendum if, as expected, Tory and DUP MPs rally behind Mrs May to keep her in No 10 by supporting her in the confidence vote this evening. At that point he should then follow the overwhelming feeling of the party and party members, which is to arrive in a place where we put this back to the British people in a peoples vote, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. If he vacillates and sits on the fence, Im afraid he is going to get splinters in places he doesnt want. Brexit: Meaningful Vote - In Pictures 1 /29 Brexit: Meaningful Vote - In Pictures A Leaver and a pro-European demonstrator argue during protests opposite the Houses of Parliament in London AP A police officer extinguishes a flag that was set alight by pro-Brexit protestors outside the Houses of Parliament PA An anti-Brexit protester dressed in a Theresa May costume recreates a scene from the 1997 film 'Titanic, EPA Pro Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA PA John Bercow speaks in the House of Commons Sky News Pro-Brexit protestors outside the Houses of Parliament, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May listens to the Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox, speak in the House of Commons ahead of the Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Pro Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters Effigies of Prime Minister Theresa May, former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, current Environment Secretary Michael Gove and former Brexit secretary David Davis, are driven past the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab, Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster, Conservative Peer Lord Lilley and former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis speak to the media during a press conference to offer an alternative Brexit plan Getty Images Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg speaks to the media outside the Palace of Westminster Getty Images Pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Former leader of UKIP Nigel Farage speaks to the media as Pro-Brexit and Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray outside the Houses of Parliament, London PA Pro EU protesters and Pro Leave protesters demonstrate outside Parliament EPA A man dressed to imitate former foreign secretary Boris Johnson holds a fake bank note for 350 million pounds outside the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images A pro-Brexit 'battle bus' (L) drives past a mix of pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters outside the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) talks with a Brexiteer outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA A pro-European demonstrator sings during a protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AP Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a cabinet meeting, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Anti-Brexit and Pro-Brexit protesters fly flags outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street AP A pro remain supporter wears anti brexit badges on his hat, during protests outside of the Parliament EPA Anti and pro Brexit placards are displayed outside of the Parliament EPA Anti-Brexit supporters hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images Anti-Brexit demonstrators hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images Pro-Brexit supporters hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images However, shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner, MP for Brent North, signalled that the party leadership could attempt to hold several votes of no confidence in the Government. He told Newsnight: Thats the sensible thing to do... the quickest way to get a public vote is a general election. He argued that a general election could be done and dusted in four weeks while a second referendum would take seven months at least. Loading.... Streatham MP Chuka Umunna, a campaigner for a Peoples Vote, rejected this argument. With just 37 sitting days until exit day, there is absolutely no time to waste. If the no confidence motion today fails, we must move to the next stage of the @UKLabour conference motion and immediately back a #PeoplesVote as the way to stop no deal and resolve this, he tweeted. Mr Corbyn left his home in Islington at 8.30am, refusing to answer questions on whether the vote of no confidence is a distraction or if he will win it. Labour MP Chris Leslie warned Mr Corbyn not to make a monumental mistake by refusing to back a Peoples Vote after putting it on the table at the partys annual rally last year. He would risk following the path of Nick Clegg nearly a decade ago, he wrote in the Standard. A broken promise on a Peoples Vote could devastate Labours fortunes in the same way it did for Clegg after that tuition fees betrayal. N igel Farage has predicted a second referendum while blasting Theresa May's "surrender document" Brexit deal after its Commons failure. The former UKIP leader commented on the situation from Strasbourg, where he and other Members of European Parliament are meeting on Wednesday. Calling for the PMs resignation, stating if she had any honour she would quit, he expressed his concerns that there will be a push for a new Brexit vote. I think and I fear we are headed on a path towards delays and probably a second vote, he told Sky News. Expressing what he feels should happen, he said that the legal remit states Britain is leaving on March 29, and he prays this will be the case. However, in a second TV interview with Good Morning Britain he said: I fear we will get an extension of Article 50 and what you will hear is voices in Westminster pushing for a second referendum. TODO: define component type apester Mr Farage, one of the most prominent voices in the Leave campaign leading up to the 2016 referendum, also shared his view that the public does not want this and it is instead a move from Parliament. Blasting the failed deal, he told Good Morning Britain: It resembled a surrender document of a nation that has been beaten in war. It was that bad. Theresa May's deal was likened to a "surrender document" by Nigel Farage / AFP/Getty Images In terms of going forward, he voiced his opinion Britain should leave on World Trade Organisation rules and thinks the EU would negotiate further with Britain if it decided to simply leave on no deal. On the Prime Minister, he said: There is still time, Brexit is not the problem, the Prime Minister is. She needs to go. Mr Farages comments come alongside multiple calls for Article 50 to be extended, particularly from pro-Europeans and advocates of a so-called peoples vote. The embattled PM will face a confidence vote in the Commons, brought forward by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on Wednesday. She lost the vote on her deal by 432 votes to 202 on Tuesday evening. The UK is scheduled to exit the EU in slightly more than 10 weeks' time on March 29. T he House of Commons has finally voted on Theresa May's Brexit deal, rejecting her proposals by the biggest Government defeat in modern history. Mrs May is now battling to retain her grip on power while attempting to secure a Brexit compromise that could win the House. With the UK scheduled to exit the EU in just over 10 weeks' time on March 29, the PM has until next Monday to return to the Commons and present a "Plan B" option. TODO: define component type apester In the aftermath of the vote, calls to delay Brexit by extending Article 50 intensified among pro-Europeans as Mrs May signalled she hoped to find "genuinely negotiable" solutions she can take to Brussels. Here the Standard maps out what happens next, and what could still happen, after Tuesday's historic Government defeat. Jeremy Corbyn called a vote of no confidence in the Government / PA Jeremy Corbyn calls a confidence vote in the Government The Labour leader has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government in an attempt to force a general election. The vote is due to take place on Wednesday evening after a debate. How the no-confidence vote will work Mr Corbyn will move the motion tabled in his name as Leader of the Opposition and will speak first in the debate scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The PM will then speak for the Government and at the end of proceedings at 7pm MPs will vote. If the Government wins there will not be a general election and ministers will carry on in office. If the Government loses, the Act states there must be an "early" election unless the Government can regain the confidence of the House by winning a confidence vote within 14 days. During that two-week period there is no statutory limit on how many times a confidence motion can be brought forward and voted on. In the course of that period the opposition may seek to form alliances within the Commons to demonstrate they are the party most likely to command the confidence of the House and therefore should be given the opportunity to form a government. May goes back to Brussels for more talks Under current legislation, Mrs May is required to come back to Parliament by January 21 with a "Plan B" to Brexit. Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, the PM said she would consult with Conservative colleagues, her Democratic Unionist Party allies and senior parliamentarians from across the Commons to identify "what now is required to secure the backing of the House". Under pressure: Theresa May / EPA She indicated that she would return to Brussels "explore" further avenues with the EU, but cautioned that proposals would have to be "genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in this House" in order to do so. However it is unclear what else the PM could do to win over sceptical MPs and the EU has said repeatedly that it will not reopen negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement. Loading.... Its "assurances" on the Irish border backstop were dismissed by Brexiteers on Monday. There are just 73 days until Britain's scheduled exit and no clear indication what more the EU can or wants to offer. Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: How did MPs vote? But the move may win the PM some more time, allowing her some room to win support from MPs who would prefer any deal to no deal. May brings the deal back for another vote Mrs May could opt to bring the deal back to Parliament and ask MPs to reconsider. The PM would likely hope that MPs who fear a no deal Brexit would choose to back her as the deadline to leave fast approaches. MPs voting in the House of Commons on Tuesday night / AFP/Getty Images But following Mrs May's sizeable defeat in the first instance, the logic of such a move would raise questions. May brings back Plan B and wins The Prime Minister has yet to reveal what, if indeed there is one, her fallback position is, in the event of defeat, including it seems to Cabinet members. Under the terms of an amendment tabled by Dominic Grieve last week and controversially passed by MPs, she has until Monday to present a new plan to the Commons. Leaving the EU with no-deal If Parliament cannot come together behind an alternative, the default position is that the UK will leave the EU at the end of March without a deal. This is something to either be afraid of, or not afraid of, depending on your view of Brexit. No confidence vote - what does it mean? The PM has repeatedly stressed her confidence in getting a deal passed, but she could change her tune and decide to actively pursue a no-deal Brexit to avoid the possibility of it being halted. This would likely lead to further resignations from her Cabinet by those on the Remain side - prompting more chaos in Parliament. Asking for an extension of Article 50 Mrs May has previously insisted almost to the point of foot-stamping that Britain will leave the EU on March 29, and a U-turn here would enrage already puce Brexiteers. But the idea of delaying Brexit by extending Article 50 (the legal process that triggered the two years of Brexit negotiations) has been gaining traction in recent weeks. Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures 1 /9 Brexit: Meaningful Vote Front Pages - In Pictures Extending Article 50 would require unanimous agreement in the European Council, the grouping of EU heads of state and government. The length of the extension would be determined through negotiation between the UK and EU, depending on how much is left to do. A general election If Labour's no-confidence motion is successful, the Government will have two weeks to try and regain the House. Loading.... But if no Government is formed in that time, the nation will go to the polls. Mr Corbyn is confident the opposition will win an election and has pledged to go back to Brussels to negotiate a better deal. A second referendum Supporters of a so-called "People's Vote" have argued that this is the only way to resolve divisions within the House of Commons. However Mrs May has repeatedly quashed hopes of a second vote while Mr Corbyn has been focused on triggering a general election. Labour members at conference left the door open to supporting a new vote on leaving if the party could not trigger a general election, something that will be pointed out increasingly noisily to Mr Corbyn if his confidence vote fails. Halting Article 50 A court case last year ruled that, while all 27 other EU states have to agree to extend the Article 50 process of leaving, the UK can unilaterally reverse it. But neither the Tories nor Labour support this PM forced out or resigns While the PM has said she will not lead the Tories into another general election, she has consistently ruled out quitting before Brexit, so it seems almost certain she will stay in office. Speaking after the vote, Mrs May made clear that she intends to stay on as she set out plans for talks with senior parliamentarians from parties across the Commons. Given that Mrs May survived a confidence vote in her leadership last month, she technically cannot be challenged for another year. Chairwoman Ngan expressed her impression with Cambodias preparations for the event as well as the countrys warm welcome given to the participants, showing her belief that the APPF-27 would be successful. She said she believes that, under the reign of King Norodom Sihamoni and the leadership of the Senate, the National Assembly and the Royal Government, Cambodia will continue maintaining its growth and stability during the nation-building process and enjoy a higher role and position on the regional and global arenas. Ngan congratulated Cambodia on successfully organising the 40th anniversary of the victory over the Pol Pot genocidal regime (January 7, 1979). Prime Minister Hun Sen said he is happy to meet Chairwoman Ngan again after his official visit to Vietnam in late 2018. He asserted that Cambodias current development owes to the support and assistance from Vietnam. He said the two countries need to intensify cooperation to further their traditional friendship. He informed his guest that he will chair the debut of the Asian Cultural Council to which he is the founding president. A fter Theresa Mays crushing defeat in her Withdrawal Agreement vote, odds are suggesting the UK may not leave the EU by the March 29 deadline as intended. The Prime Minister suffered the biggest ever Government defeat over her Brexit deal she had spent months negotiating. Her deal was voted down by 432 MPs, while only 202 were in favour of it. Mrs May indicated she would not resign, but bookmakers have odds on her early departure. The odds of Britain voting to remain in the EU in a second referendum also hit a record-low on Wednesday. Theresa May following the vote / Sky News Brexit odds: Will the UK leave the EU by March 29? Betfair has odds of 1/5 the UK wont leave the EU by March 29 and odds at 9/2 we will. Katie Baylis, from Betfair, said: If the Government and Theresa May can withstand the storm then some sort of a deal still needs to be passed to avoid a no-deal Brexit. With so many possible outcomes, issues and controversies ahead, we are expecting a huge amount of movement across all UK political markets in what is almost without doubt the most tumultuous period in British political history. No deal Brexit odds Loading.... Betfair has odds at 1/12 that the Commons won't pass the Brexit vote before the March 29 deadline. According to Oddschecker, the likelihood that there will be a no deal Brexit is quite high. Both Ladbrokes and Coral have odds of 3/1 that the UK will leave the EU with a no deal Brexit before April 1. Next Conservative Party leader odds Odds against Mrs Mays political future have also been placed, with the chances of her leaving between January and March 2019 at 9/4, and for her to leave between April 2019 and June 2019 at 9/4. Boris Johnson is heavily tipped by Betfair to be the next Conservative Party leader, with odds in his favour at 6/1, followed by Sajid Javid at 7/1 and Dominic Raab at 15/2. Next Prime Minister odds If the country is to have a new Prime Minister following the vote, Betfair place Jeremy Corbyn at 4/1, Boris Johnson, at 13/2, and Sajid Javid at 8/1 as the firm favourites. Followed after the politicians, Dominic Raab, at 11/1, and Michael Gove, at the same odds, are also contenders to replace Mrs May. Prime Minister after Theresa May Jeremy Corbyn - 4/1 Boris Johnson 13/2 Sajid Javid 8/1 Dominic Raab 8/1 Michael Gove 1/100 Jeremy Hunt 9/1 General Election odds The chances of another General Election are also strong, with Betfair suggesting a new election in 2019 at odds of 6/4. Following the vote, Mrs May said: It is my duty to deliver on their instruction and I intend to do so." Jeremy Corbyn's spokesman has said Labour could table another motion of no confidence in the Government if they lose Wednesday's vote. Second referendum odds The odds of Britain voting to remain in the EU in a second referendum have never been shorter, according to bookmakers.tv. For the first time, odds with the bookmaker have moved in favour of remain winning a second poll - with it now being odds-on at 8/11. Betfair has odds of 5/4 that there will be another EU referendum before 2020, and 5/8 that there won't. Ladbrokes and Coral both have odds of 6/4 that there will be a second referendum before the end of this year. T om Watson and Michael Gove have been praised for their fiery speeches in the Commons as they wound up the debate ahead of the no-confidence vote in the Government. The Environment Secretary praised the Prime Minister's "inspirational leadership" in the House of Commons as he wound up the debate, and tore into Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Minutes before Theresa May survived the no-confidence vote, Mr Gove listed off the ways in which the government was protecting British security, and contrasted that with the Labour leader. He said: "While we are standing up for national security, what about Mr Corbyn? He wants to leave Nato, he wants to get rid of our nuclear deterrent. "And recently he said in a speech, why do countries boast about the size of their armies? That is quite wrong, why don't we emulate Costa Rica, that has no army at all? Britain's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove / AFP/Getty Images "No allies, no deterrent, no army, no way can this country ever allow that man to be our Prime Minister." He was speaking after Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson finished off the speeches from the opposing side, where he said Tory MPs "know in their hearts that this Prime Minister is not capable of getting a deal through". Mr Gove hit out, saying Mr Watson had failed to mention Mr Corbyn once, adding: "We have several things in common - we've both lost weight, him much more so. We're both friends of Israel - him much more so." And to loud cheers from the Tory benches, the Environment Secretary added: "And we both recognise that Mr Corbyn is about the worst possible person to lead the Labour Party him more so." Mr Watson had slammed the Prime Minister for having no majority and no authority, saying: The UK is more divided and fearful for the future than ever before. Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Tom Watson / AFP/Getty Images Although he said he had no doubt that Theresa May had tried her best and given it her all, he added: She has failed and Im afraid the failure is hers and hers alone. If the Prime Minister really sat down and thought carefully about the implications of that defeat last night for the country, she would have resigned. 432 to 202 Mr Speaker that is not a mere flesh wound. The cruellest truth of all is that she doesnt possess the necessary skills, the political skills, the empathy, the ability, and most crucially the policy to lead this country any longer. Theresa May in the Commons ahead of the vote The passionate speeches came moments before Mrs May survived an attempt to oust her as Prime Minister, as MPs rejected Jeremy Corbyns motion of no confidence in the government by 325 to 306. The Prime Minister's 19-vote victory came less than 24 hours after the crushing defeat of her EU Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons and clears the way for her to start cross-party talks on a Brexit Plan B Conservative rebels and members of the Democratic Unionist Party who consigned the PM to the worst defeat in parliamentary history on Wednesday rallied behind her to see off the threat of a general election. Welcoming the result, Mrs May told the Commons: "I am pleased that this House has expressed its confidence in the Government. "I do not take this responsibility lightly and my Government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. "And yes, we will also continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise we made to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union." Speaking to Sky News after the result, Tom Watson said that he was "trying to reflect the views of the country" in his closing speech. "I think they think she has done her best but she has failed. I don't think she has the acumen to get us out of this mess," he said. A general election is on the way, Cabinet ministers were warning today in the wake of last nights crushing defeat of the Prime Ministers Brexit deal. Though enfeebled, Theresa May was expected to win a confidence vote in the Commons tonight, with the help of the same Northern Irish DUP allies and Conservatives in the hardline European Research Group who united to crush her withdrawal agreement. But the Tory truce was looking fragile, with some senior ministers urging Mrs May privately to make a break with the partys Right wing by tearing up her red lines on Brexit for the sake of a cross-party agreement. One Cabinet minister predicted a general election is on the way because the Government faced the likelihood of being stripped of its ability to control the House of Commons timetable and legislation. In key developments this morning: EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier blamed Mrs May squarely for her own defeat, saying it was based on the red lines of the British Government. He warned of a growing danger of no deal. Chancellor Philip Hammond discussed a possible delay to Brexit and a cross-party deal in a call to business leaders apparently contradicting the Prime Ministers plans. Ireland said it would not discuss alternatives to the backstop that angered the Democratic Unionist Party and many Tories. Deputy premier Simon Coveney said: I dont think the EU is in any mood to change the withdrawal agreement significantly at all. Labour pitched into civil war as Jeremy Corbyns refusal to back a second referendum was challenged by leading Labour MPs backing the Peoples Vote campaign. A business leader said Cabinet ministers were giving no clue what would happen next. Ian Wright, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said after a phone call with the Chancellor: There was very little guidance on what happens next. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliaments Brexit co-ordinator, said Europe would directly engage with the House of Commons to bypass the Government and get a deal. Mrs Mays deal was rejected by a record 432 votes to 202 last night, a shortfall of 230 marking the biggest defeat ever inflicted on a government. Some 118 Tories voted against the Prime Ministers deal. TODO: define component type apester Cabinet Ministers were deeply divided on how Mrs May should attempt to broker a deal. One predicted at least one or two more votes on the withdrawal agreement that was rejected last night, providing the EU agreed on improvements to the backstop. But senior EU figures flatly ruled out that prospect today. The senior minister said the stakes could be raised by crystallising threats of a second referendum or of Article 50 being rescinded. Another senior minister said the Prime Minister should reluctantly relinquish red lines that were erected to please the hardline Eurosceptics in the Tory party, such as insisting on the right to strike trade deals outside a customs union with the EU bloc. The minister said the process might result in the pain of severing our Right [and] finding the centre ground. Loading.... Two Cabinet ministers admitted candidly in private they had no idea how the impasse would be resolved. Labour sources sensed Mrs May was being sucked into an impossible dilemma and indicated Mr Corbyn would table a second confidence vote on Monday when the Prime Minister is due to present her Plan B to the House of Commons. A senior parliamentarian involved in cross-party plots to empower the Commons to call the shots on Brexit agreed that the collapse of Mrs Mays Government was now a risk. If Parliament gives an instruction that the executive is unwilling to accept, the outcome could well be a general election, the former minister said. Lord ODonnell, a former head of the civil service, said officials would already be preparing for a general election. He said: Even though the expectation is that the Government will win, they need to be ready for that period where if that motion is carried, then there is 14 days to think about trying to form another government. Loading.... Lord ODonnell suggested there was no prospect of any party leader being able to form a new government in the current parliament. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said that if Mrs May won the vote of confidence, she would seek to hold discussions with senior parliamentarians on the way forward. Countdown to Brexit: 72 days until Britain leaves the EU The Prime Minister will then not necessarily be looking for new ideas that no one has thought of before, but actually seeking a consensus, a fresh initiative to find a solution that is negotiable with the European Union and that would command a majority in the House of Commons, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to talk to senior parliamentarians about what would command a majority and that is what we will be doing over the coming days. Mrs Leadsom acknowledged that there had been no contact with Mr Corbyn but said the Labour leader needed to come forward with constructive proposals. I dont think she has written him off at all but he needs to come to the table and tell us what he wants to do, she said. Brexit: Meaningful Vote - In Pictures 1 /29 Brexit: Meaningful Vote - In Pictures A Leaver and a pro-European demonstrator argue during protests opposite the Houses of Parliament in London AP A police officer extinguishes a flag that was set alight by pro-Brexit protestors outside the Houses of Parliament PA An anti-Brexit protester dressed in a Theresa May costume recreates a scene from the 1997 film 'Titanic, EPA Pro Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA PA John Bercow speaks in the House of Commons Sky News Pro-Brexit protestors outside the Houses of Parliament, London PA Prime Minister Theresa May listens to the Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox, speak in the House of Commons ahead of the Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Pro Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament in London Reuters Effigies of Prime Minister Theresa May, former foreign secretary Boris Johnson, current Environment Secretary Michael Gove and former Brexit secretary David Davis, are driven past the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union Dominic Raab, Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster, Conservative Peer Lord Lilley and former Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis speak to the media during a press conference to offer an alternative Brexit plan Getty Images Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg speaks to the media outside the Palace of Westminster Getty Images Pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Former leader of UKIP Nigel Farage speaks to the media as Pro-Brexit and Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament Reuters Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray outside the Houses of Parliament, London PA Pro EU protesters and Pro Leave protesters demonstrate outside Parliament EPA A man dressed to imitate former foreign secretary Boris Johnson holds a fake bank note for 350 million pounds outside the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images A pro-Brexit 'battle bus' (L) drives past a mix of pro-Brexit and anti-Brexit protesters outside the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Anti-Brexit protester Steve Bray (left) talks with a Brexiteer outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA A pro-European demonstrator sings during a protest opposite the Houses of Parliament AP Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes leaves 10 Downing Street, London, following a cabinet meeting, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Anti-Brexit and Pro-Brexit protesters fly flags outside the Houses of Parliament, London, ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal PA Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street AP A pro remain supporter wears anti brexit badges on his hat, during protests outside of the Parliament EPA Anti and pro Brexit placards are displayed outside of the Parliament EPA Anti-Brexit supporters hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images Anti-Brexit demonstrators hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images Pro-Brexit supporters hold up placards outside Parliament AFP/Getty Images He has not put forward any specific constructive proposal and that is a problem, which is why the Prime Minister will be engaging right across the House with those who do have very sincerely held views but want to constructively deliver on what the vast majority of parliamentarians voted for. In a phone call with business chiefs, Mr Hammond reassured them that a no-deal departure would be blocked and also discussed the possibility of a delay to Article 50, which the Standard last week revealed was now on the cards. According to the Financial Times, he said: We have to reach out to MPs in the Commons first. There is a large majority in the Commons that is opposed to no deal. His words, which were not denied by Treasury sources, appeared to contradict Downing Street which wants to push ahead with Mrs Mays terms and is refusing to rule out no deal. Giving evidence to the Treasury Committee this morning, Bank of England governor Mark Carney said a rebound in sterling after last nights vote is a sign markets believe Brexit could be delayed. He added: The markets, like the country, is looking to Parliament for direction and one could expect continued volatility. Mrs Mays former de facto deputy Damian Green urged her to make compromises to avoid crashing out of the EU on no-deal terms. That will require all of us to make some compromises, he urged. E uropean leaders are preparing for the worst following Theresa Mays humiliating Brexit vote defeat, although German Chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested there is still time for further talks. Mrs Merkel said she regretted the decision by MPs on Tuesday night to oppose the agreement negotiated by the Prime Minister and the EU over Britains departure from the bloc. She told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday: We will of course do everything to find an orderly solution, but we are also prepared if there is no orderly solution. Speaking ahead of the no confidence vote in the Commons, she added: We still have time to negotiate, but we are now waiting to see what the British Prime Minister proposes. Angela Merkel has suggested there is still time for further Brexit talks / REUTERS French President Emmanuel Macron, however, delivered a blunt message following last nights vote on Mrs Mays Brexit deal, telling Britons to figure it out yourselves. "Good luck to the representatives of the nation who have to implement something that doesn't exist," Mr Macron said after the Prime Minister's motion was defeated by 230 votes. French President Emmanuel Macron / AFP/Getty Images EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned a disorderly Brexit was more likely after Mrs May's historic defeat. Meanwhile, Donald Tusk, the chairman of EU leaders, suggested Britain should consider reversing Brexit altogether. Another warning came from EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, who said the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic "no-deal" after Parliament's left the bloc "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. In Finland, Prime Minister Juha Sipila urged all British citizens living in the Nordic country to immediately register at the immigration service to make sure they receive a living permit in case of a no-deal Brexit. Mr Sipila told Finnish news agency STT that the temporary permit will be issued so that the 5,000 Britons currently living in the country of 5.5 million can continue their stay if Britain exits the European Union without a deal. He said the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has increased as a result of the British Parliament's decision to reject Mrs May's deal. The Finnish government's social benefits office Kela said there may be major changes to what social benefits British citizens in Finland may be entitled to in case of a Brexit without an agreement, but did not provide details. T heresa May will be battling on two fronts today as she fights to retain power while attempting to find a Brexit compromise following a historic defeat on her deal. The Prime Minister faces a vote of no confidence in the Government later after suffering the massive parliamentary blow over her controversial withdrawal plans on Tuesday night. On a historic day in Westminster, MPs overwhelmingly rejected Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement by 432 votes to 202 in a humiliating defeat for the leader. The scale of the 230-vote rejection of the Brexit agenda saw Mrs May pledge to reach out to leading parliamentarians from across the Commons to try and find a way forward. Under pressure: Theresa May / PA After Mrs May suffered the biggest government defeat since the 1920s, opponents of the PM's Brexit stance insisted Downing Street must now show real movement. 118 Tories rebelled to vote against the deal. But the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up the PMs government, and leading figures from both Brexiteer and Pro-Europe wings of the Tory party have said they would back Mrs May today. TODO: define component type apester With the UK scheduled to exit the EU in just over 10 weeks' time on March 29, the Prime Minister has until next Monday to return to the Commons and present a "Plan B" option Calls for Article 50 to be extended, meaning the UK remains in the EU longer, also intensified among pro-Europeans. MPs voting in the House of Commons on Tuesday night / AFP/Getty Images Mrs May signalled she hoped to find "genuinely negotiable" solutions that she can hammer out with Brussels after the defeat. However, French president Emmanuel Macron made it clear a renegotiation of the Brexit deal was unlikely. Brexit Withdrawal Agreement: How did MPs vote? Speaking after the Commons vote, he said: "I don't really believe in this, because we already went as far as we could." He told British leaders to "figure it out yourselves" as he wished them "good luck" as he predicted that Britain would ask for more time to hold talks. The comments came as Chancellor Philip Hammond and Business Secretary Greg Clark used a private telephone call to tell business chiefs not to expect changes to the legal Brexit withdrawal text, sources said. Loading.... Instead there would be a political declaration on future relations with the EU, they added. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn insisted he was tabling the no confidence motion in the Government because Mrs May's "catastrophic" Brexit defeat represented an "absolutely decisive" verdict by MPs on the Prime Minister's handling of EU withdrawal. But, Mr Corbyn's hopes of forcing an early general election were dampened as the DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds said his party would back Mrs May. No confidence vote - what does it mean? He told BBC2's Newsnight: "We will be supporting the Government in the no confidence motion. "What it really shows is when it comes to the crunch and the Government's survival is on the line the DUP will be able to keep the Government in power." Asked if Labour could win Wednesday's no confidence vote, shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner told the BBC: "I think the numbers are probably not there tomorrow. We will hope that we can." Loading.... Mr Gardiner refused to be drawn on reports that up to 100 Labour MPs were set to call on Mr Corbyn to pivot towards a second Brexit referendum on Wednesday. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who had cancelled travel plans in order to be in Brussels for the aftermath of the vote on Wednesday, voiced "regret" at the defeat of what he termed "the best possible deal". He said the Commons vote "increased the risk of a disorderly withdrawal" from the EU. Mr Juncker said: "I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible." T he front pages of Britains national newspapers have outlined the crisis ahead after Theresa Mays Brexit deal was last night dismissed by MPs in an historic vote. A "historic humiliation", "fighting for her life" and "Brextinct" are some of the ways the papers described the Prime Ministers "crushing" Commons defeat and what lays ahead. The Times said Mrs May can only survive by taking a new approach and winning support of the opposition, adding that she played a extraordinarily bad hand. "The country faces a crisis and it is not clear whether Mrs May is part of the problem or part of the solution. She was dealt a near-impossible hand but she has played it extraordinarily badly," the newspaper said. "If her legacy is to be anything other than the hapless prime minister who led the country to chaos and paved the way for a Corbyn government, she must be prepared to make compromises to secure the passage of some form of her deal." The Sun argued that it is time to "batten down the hatches" and "set course for a No Deal". "The Sun reluctantly believes we must head for a clean break, finalise preparations as best we can and batten down the hatches," the paper wrote. "We never wanted a No Deal. It would mean a tough and probably damaging few months. But it would be the only solution left which defends what should now be paramount and most precious to us all: Our democracy - and the public's faith in it." TODO: define component type apester The Daily Mirror, which on Tuesday called for the PM to change course, said it is time for a general election to be called. "Wasting yet more time and effort trying to resuscitate the corpse, with the clock ticking louder as March 29 nears, would be injudicious recklessness from a discredited PM," the paper added. "But swapping one lame duck with another Tory is insufficient. Britain deserves real change. Only Labour can deliver decisive reform, giving people hope where there is none. And that means a general election. Now." The Daily Telegraph said both Mrs May and Brussels misjudged Parliament. "Anyone with a clearer understanding would have seen that the Commons could not back a deal that would threaten to undermine Britain's independence," the paper said. "The Government must regain the confidence of the House, rethink the agreement and go to the Europeans with a united front. Whether or not Mrs May leads that effort is a decision upon which she will now have to think very hard." The Daily Mail, which had called on MPs to back the deal, said the country now needs "cool heads and pragmatism" - with Mrs May in charge. "If MPs wanted to sow the seeds of chaos, they could hardly have done a better job," the paper wrote. "For the sake of the Conservative Party and the country, we must find a way through this current impasse. If anyone can achieve that, she can." Loading.... The Guardian said Mrs May's deal is over and asks what comes next for a country "stockpiling food and medicines as if preparing for war". "The country now faces a situation without precedent in its constitutional history: how to reconcile the sovereignty of the people with the sovereignty of parliament," the newspaper said. "The prime minister has been humbled into admitting she needs to win her opponents over." The Daily Express, which called for MPs to back the PM's deal, said Brussels must heed this vote and compromise. "The integrity of democracy is at stake now. There is no going back," the paper wrote. "Whatever it takes Britain must leave on March 29. It is up to the EU now over whether that is on constructive and friendly terms, or not." C herie Blair was advised against pursuing her legal career by Lord Denning, the late peoples judge, because of her sex, she has revealed. In a video interview posted by Legal Cheek and recorded for the First 100 Years Project, which marks the first centenary of women in the law, the prominent QC and wife of former PM Tony recalls being called to the Bar in 1976. I remember I was invited to make a speech and sit with the benchers, she says, and Lord Denning being there and saying to me, Well, you know really the Bar really isnt the place for women so it wasnt exactly the most encouraging way to start. Denning, who died in 1999, was known for his controversial comments: he called homosexuality a cult and stated that black people should not sit on juries. The professions innate misogyny went beyond him, though: on the same day, Blair made her first little act of rebellion. When it came to filling in the details on the Bar certificate, she told officials: I dont want to put my fathers name and occupation on the certificate, referring to actor Anthony Booth, best known for his role as Mike Rawlins in the BBC series Till Death Us Do Part. He left my mother when I was eight and hasnt been involved in my upbringing. This is my mothers achievement, Blair explained, only to be told: No ones ever wanted to put their mothers name on the certificate before. I insisted, she remembers. And indeed, they put it on. Years later, when she was pregnant for the first time and the only woman in chambers, she describes being so determined to prove to those men in chambers that I was going to come back. I came back very quickly. The only previous time they had a woman in chambers, as soon as she had babies, she left, she recalls. Overdressed Left James Schneider, Momentum co-founder and adviser to Jeremy Corbyn, almost missed watching the vote last night because he didnt have a jacket a requirement of sitting in the Commons press gallery. A source was particularly tickled to watch Seumas Milne Corbyns executive director of strategy and communications try to convince the doorkeeper that Schneiders long overcoat was, in fact, an Edwardian-style jacket. Luckily, Schneider made it through in the end, to join Philip May, Sally Bercow, Corbyns son Seb and Sadiq Khan in the press gallery to watch the dramatic proceedings. -- Twinkle toes: Samuel L. Jackson / WireImage Samuel L Jacksons first role was as the Sugar Plum Fairy, aged three. When the show is over, and people come up to you and they pinch you on the cheek [and say] You were so cute, you always remember that, he tells Jonathan Rosss podcast. Its like, OK, this is good. -- James Middleton, brother of the Duchess of Cambridge, has a surprising new admirer. The businessman has recently unlocked his Instagram account, thus revealing to the world pictures of himself sunbathing and enjoying country walks with his dogs. January Jones, the glamorous star of Mad Men, is flustered. WTF? she asks. Wheres he been hiding? All a bit Green The distractions of Brexit may have got in the way of former First Secretary of State Damian Green paying his TV licence fee. Yesterday he warned his constituents in Ashford about a scam TV licence demand he had received at home in Charing. He posted a photograph of the letter in question online. The correspondence, however, looks legitimate: the font, web address and even the name of the TV Licensing employee who sent it are all consistent with the real thing. As PhD student Michael Docherty points out, it seems that Green is telling his constituents that a genuine payment demand is a hoax. You might want to look into it, Damian. -- Former Bond Pierce Brosnan was relaxing in a lounge at Geneva airport yesterday when who should walk in but fellow Hollywood stars Amanda Seyfried and Hugh Jackman? Seyfried is the link between the pair: she starred with Brosnan in Mamma Mia! and with Jackman in Les Miserables. Dont ask her which leading man has the better singing voice... -- Stonehenge comes to Aldwychs Store X Jeremy Deller and Martina Boaretto last night / Dave Benett/Getty Images The art world descended on Wiltshire B4 Christ last night, a new collaborative project from Jeremy Deller, David Sims and London fashion label, Aries. Debuting at The Store X in Aldwych, the immersive exhibition is shot at some of Britains key neolithic sites including Stonehenge and Avebury. Guests included former enfant terrible Jake Chapman and his wife, nutritionist Rosemary Ferguson. Model Edie Campbell, complete with bleached blonde eyebrows, also turned out in support. Deller hit the headlines recently with his new anti-Brexit T-shirts emblazoned F*** Brexit. The artist, who confessed recently to singeing a Hockney in his first job as a gallery technician, claimed that: Humour is important in these conversations [Vote] Leave at least used imagery; they were cleverer with words and images, more viral. Over in Piccadilly, Evening Standard food writer Clodagh McKenna launched her new cookbook, Clodaghs Suppers, at Hatchards bookshop, with chef Thomasina Miers among the guests. SW1A Priti Patel MP has a flexible memory. Lambasting the corporal punishment sentence handed out by a Singaporean court to former British schoolboy Ye Ming Yuen, as reprehensible and like something from the Dark Ages, she perhaps forgets she once claimed on Question Time that capital punishment would act as a deterrent. She has since rowed back her support for the death sentence. Priti Patel, former International Development Secretary / Bloomberg via Getty Images -- Another thing died in the Commons last night alongside Theresa Mays Brexit deal: the convention of no photography in the chamber. Multiple MPs flooded social media with selfies as they trooped through the voting lobbies. Welcome to the 21st century. -- Last night also proved too much for some. By 9pm Labours leader in the House of Lords, Angela Smith, had posted a photo of a bottle of 46 per cent gin. It was completely empty. Quote of the Day Oh boy: Boy George / GC Images Im moving to Scotland A state school in one of Londons most deprived areas today praised its stunningly able students after 41 received offers to study at Oxbridge. The sixth form at Brampton Manor Academy in East Ham, which is selective, has outstripped competition from top private schools and smashed its own record for offers to Oxford and Cambridge. Two thirds of the students would be the first in their family to attend university and half have received free school meals. The academys sixth form director Sam Dobin told the Evening Standard: Its crazy. Our sixth form has only been open since 2012. In our first year, we had one offer, then we had five and five, nine, 25, and then 41. We always thought it was possible because the students are stunningly able, but its an amazing achievement for them. He said the sixth form opened with the aim of transforming progression rates to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Mr Dobin added that staff had tried to dispel feelings among pupils that they dont belong at top universities. Sometimes students think, am I good enough? Will my face fit? But its our job to dispel that, he said. "When we show them photos of our 25 progressing last year, and half of them are black and all of them are ethnic minorities, that starts to dispel those concerns because they see that in reality. He added: I know there are articles that say Eton do this and theyve got a fantastic model, but its not about knowing the secrets its about showing students that theyre good enough to succeed as they are. We dont give them elocution lessons or lessons for how to dine at high table Oxbridge dont want that. "They want the intellectual talent and thats easy for us. We dont get all our black students into a room and say this is something you can achieve because youre oppressed. We say youre good enough. Hopes are high that most of the 41 will get the A-level grades to secure their place. A top London doctor has called for fruit and vegetable stands outside every Underground station to help tackle the obesity crisis. Professor Sir Sam Everington also said the capital needed to declare a war on chicken shops as he proposed mini-greengrocers at the 270 Tube stations. The east London GP said the stalls would make healthy snacks available to people when they are most vulnerable to buying foods that are high in fat. My idea is to have fruit and veg stalls outside every single Tube station, he told Tower Hamlets health and well-being board. There needs to be a cheap, healthy alternative available at a time when people are most vulnerable to picking up something to eat. Sir Sam is chairman of the London Clinical Commissioning Council, which brings top medical representatives from each borough together to manage health initiatives with City Hall, Public Health England and local authorities. He added: We want to declare a war on chicken shops. They seem to be everywhere and appeal to children. Nearly 40 per cent of children aged 10 and 11 in London are overweight or obese, according to City Hall figures, and adults have higher obesity rates than in New York, Sydney and Paris. Transport for London does not manage all the pitches outside Tube stations and individual councils would probably have to grant licences for the stalls. Next month adverts for junk food will be axed at stations and bus stops as part of Mayor Sadiq Khans plan to fight childhood obesity. Sir Sam said officials needed to find innovative ways of teaching families about healthy eating. Last time I did my weekly shop there was a family with not a single piece of fruit in their basket, he said. It was chocolate drinks and crisps. And this stuff is expensive. We need to get over this idea that healthy food is more expensive than eating unhealthily. Its not. A medical student has delivered his first baby at a Tube station. Hamzah Selim, 21, came to the aid of the woman after hearing her cries at Warren Street station yesterday afternoon. The first-year UCL student told the Evening Standard how he saw the mother leaning against a wall by a Northern line platform. After rushing over to her, he realised she was in the middle of giving birth. Hamzah Selim today told of his joy after delivering his first baby in front of stunned commuters at a Tube station It was just instinct, he said. The whole experience was unbelievable. It was such a mad coincidence. Mr Selim was about to take the Tube home after an anatomy lecture at the nearby UCL campus when he heard the woman in distress. He said the mother told him she had been on a shopping trip with her sister and had to take the Tube when she failed to flag down a taxi. She realised she was going into labour in front of passengers shortly before 2pm, and she told him she had given birth to three other children. Mr Selim told the Standard: I heard one of them shout for help. There was this woman standing there, screaming for help. I went over to help because it looked like she was about to faint. I thought Oh my goodness, they didnt teach us how to do this how to give birth on the Tube. Mr Selim said his training from the time he spent working on a maternity ward kicked in. The mum did absolutely great given it was the first birth I was involved in outside the textbook, he added Paramedics came a few minutes after the boy was born and cut the umbilical cord, Mr Selim said. The child was later taken to hospital by medics. A Transport for London spokesman added: Wed like to thank the staff at Warren Street station, who did a fantastic job in assisting the customer who gave birth. London Ambulance Service attended and both mother and child were taken to hospital." A police officer was threatened with a loaded handgun when he questioned a suspect during a drugs stop in south London early today. Two officers pulled over a suspicious car in Camberwell at 12.30am and attempted to detain a man and a woman because of a strong smell of cannabis. But as he was being removed from the car, the man pulled a gun from his pocket and pointed the weapon at one officer. Police twice fired a Taser at him before he was disarmed and handcuffed to railings in Warner Road. A gun found at the scene was assessed as loaded and ready to fire. Police officers found a gun at the scene / PA Archive/PA Images The 31-year-old suspect was taken to hospital as a precaution. The woman sped off but she was arrested later for failing to stop for police and possession of a firearm. The incident came just hours before police launched dawn raids on suspected drug dealers linked to violence across Southwark. Eleven men and one woman, aged between 18 and 48, were seized in the co-ordinated raids on 16 addresses across the borough. Detectives targeted suspected dealers in Peckham and Camberwell who are linked to a surge in violent street crime including beatings and stabbings. At one address on the Pelican estate in Peckham dozens of officers burst through the doors of a second-floor flat shortly after 5am. A male suspect was led away in handcuffs while his flat was searched for weapons, cash and drugs. The borough witnessed a series of gang-related killings last year. Police said todays raids were aimed at both tackling violence and protecting vulnerable young men from being drawn into gangs. T he parents of a three-year-old girl who are accused of female genital mutilation cast witchcraft spells to silence police and doctors while their child lay in a hospital bed, the Old Bailey heard. The estranged couple allegedly asked a witch to take a scalpel to the young girl, and then tried to cover up the botched procedure with homemade curses. They are accused of buying mineral alum online in order to cast the spells, putting the names of police officers, doctors and social workers inside 40 limes so they would shut up and freeze their mouths. The morning after their child was mutilated, this pair are discussing preparing a curse or spell to silence the police, the doctors, and everyone, said Caroline Carberry QC, prosecuting. Jurors heard the parents, who cannot be named to protect the identity of their daughter, allegedly got an older woman to carry out the mutilation on August 28, 2017. When the girl had sustained significant blood loss, they took her to hospital for emergency treatment. But the parents claimed she had been accidentally injured falling on to a kitchen cupboard door while trying to get some biscuits. Ms Carberry said the girl was later taken into foster care and revealed that she had been told to lie about how she was injured. She told her foster carer that a woman cut her while her parents held her, she said. She told her foster carer that her parents had told her to say that she had fallen. She later told police that her parents called this woman a witch and that her parents held her while the witch cut her. Ms Carberry added that evidence will be heard that the parents had an interest in and were active in preparation of spells, curses, and witchcraft. She said that while their daughter lay in a hospital bed they were discussing the purchase of alum and concocting spells. The mother issued instructions to the father, directing him to lemons, limes and rice at home and telling him to put the police and doctors inside, the prosecutor said. When questioned by police, the mother said her daughter was in the kitchen at home when she heard screaming and claimed that her daughter climbed on a cupboard to get biscuits and fell. However, Ms Carberry told the jury forensic experts did not find any traces of blood in the kitchen or on the cupboard door, and medical experts had comprehensively rejected the accidental injury story. Both defendants, from north-east London, deny female genital mutilation and a charge of failing to protect a girl from the risk of genital mutilation. A toddler was crushed to death by an electric car seat in south London because his mother's boyfriend wanted to stretch his legs out in the front seat, a court has heard. Three-year-old Alfie Lamb was squashed in the rear footwell of a blue Audi convertible by Stephen Waterson, 25, from Croydon, jurors at the Old Bailey have been told. Prosecutors said that as he cried and made chocking noises, his mother Adrian Hoare told Alfie to be quiet. Hoare, 23, also from Croydon, and Waterson are both on trial accused of manslaughter. Emilie Williams, 19, was sitting next to Hoare in the back of the car during the ill-fated trip back from a shopping trip in Sutton, south London, on February 1 last year. In a police interview, Miss Williams said they all went together, with Marcus Lamb, 22, driving. She said she was forced to put a second youngster in the rear footwell next to Alfie because she was not allowed to take the children's car seat. Miss Williams said: "Alfie was crying so much it sounded like he was choking", but that his mother said he was OK. "Marcus's chair was right forward and Stephen's chair was right back," she said. "Alfie was kicking the chair, asking him to move it forward." Waterson said no "because he said he had to stretch his legs right out", Miss Williams said. "He had enough room but he wanted to stretch them out because his legs are quite long. He moved it forward once but only for a few seconds, only a little bit but it gave Alfie more room. "Adrian just kept telling him to be quiet and they would be home soon. Like 'We will be home soon, shut up'." Miss Williams said Hoare told her Alfie was only crying because he was "getting himself worked up". When he went quiet she thought he had gone to sleep, the court heard. "As we was pulling up, she tried to wake Alfie up. She told him not to be silly. She thought he was just mucking around," she added. When Waterson took Alfie out of the car, the child was looking "pale" and not moving, the witness said. Afterwards, Waterson threatened Miss Williams as he tried to persuade her to lie about what happened, jurors were told. "He was telling me a lot of things. He said he would put me in the boot of the car and get rid of me. He said he would kill me," she said. Hoare was "going along with it and helping", she added. Hoare denies manslaughter, child cruelty and common assault on Miss Williams. Waterson has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and intimidation of Mr Lamb. The couple and Williams have pleaded guilty to conspiring to pervert the course of justice by making false statements to police. The trial continues. L ocated in the western Pacific Ocean, the archipelago of Palau a country made up of 340 islands is home to an unusual phenomenon. Palaus Eil Malk Island houses an ancient 14-acre marine lake, filled with hundreds of thousands of jellyfish, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Both moon jellyfish and golden jellyfish live here, and both are safe to swim with which has made the lake a popular tourist destination over the past decade. Yet, the lake was closed to visitors by the Palau government in 2016 after it experienced a drastic decline in jellyfish numbers due to a drought. Now, the Ongeiml Tketau Jellyfish Lake has been re-opened to the public after an estimated 600,000 golden jellyfish have returned to the lake, with numbers expected to rise. The jellyfish found in this lake are a rare subspecies called Mastigias papua etpisoni and are found only in this marine lake. Luckily, this species also dont sting so are completely safe to swim with. People. Fashion. Power. Delivered weekly. Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} To get to the lake, you need to take a 45-minute boat ride from Palaus most populous island Koror to Eil Malk. Before you head to the lake you need to obtain a permit, these last for 10 days and can be purchased for $100 (77). How am I going to keep my quiff vertical under a woolly hat? That was my first thought when I was asked to climb Mount Snowdon late last year. The trek was being organised by The Woolmark Company as part of its Live and Breathe campaign to test Merino wool activewear, so I knew there would be woolly hats involved and a photographer. For someone who does their hair before going to bed, this was a genuine source of anxiety. Flat hair = no pictures. At 1,085m above sea level, Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and I had asked friends, and friends of friends, who had undertaken the challenge before what to expect. The only thing anyone could tell me was that however nice the weather might be at the bottom of the mountain, it would almost certainly be a different story at the top. Layering, it seemed, would be key. I was also told the cafe at the peak sold delicious but overpriced pasties. My gold at the end of the rainbow. After much deliberating, I decided to stop being such a prissy city boy and get on with it. It would be a challenge, something different. I bought hiking boots, waterproof trousers and borrowed a selection of other waterproofs from friends. All the gear, zero idea. The day itself was more enjoyable than I could have imagined. It was challenging, sure, but also cathartic and thrilling to be in the rugged scenery and at one with nature (iphone firmly in hand the entire time, obvs). The trek was almost four hours up and four hours back down. I wasnt expecting to enjoy the process so much but I got a kick from spending time on the mountain and being outdoors in the fresh air. After growing up in rural Lancashire I ran to the bright lights of London at 18 and always believed I was a reborn Londoner a city boy through and through. Turns out, you can take the boy out of the country but Henry's ready for his Snowdon challenge (The Woolmark Company) Here's a diary of my day. And, seriously, if I can do it, you can too... Day Before Climb - 5pm Weather: Horrific. Hailstones the size of ice cubes battering us as we dash from the minibus. Warmth: Nippy Arrive at the Plas Dinas Guest House which was once owned by Princess Margeret and the location of the infamous Snowdon portrait taken of her in the bath. My bath, in fact, as Im staying in her room. There is a handily placed tiara in the bathroom allowing guests to recreate the iconic image which I will definitely be doing later. Day Before Climb - 6.30pm: Safety briefing Weather: Biblical Warmth: By-the-fire-toasty Our tour leader, Dave Barrow from Adventure Cafe, gathers us round the fire to explain the trek and give us some safety advice. The group seems preoccupied by the biblical conditions outside the window and less focused on the walking pole demonstration. After a quick walk up and down the living room testing out walking poles - and lots of nervous discussions whether to pole or not to pole? - and its time for dinner then bed. Climbing Day 6.30: Layer up Weather: Dark and cold Warmth: Scorching After two fortifying Nespressos in my room it was time to layer up. On went my 100% Merino wool long johns, base layer, long sleeve tee and short sleeve tee under my 100% Merino puffa jacket with hood. I almost passed out from the heat so had to remove most of it for breakfast. Climbing Day 8am: All about that base Weather: Pleasantly improved Warmth: Bead-on After a breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, we set off for base camp. Ok, fine, its a main road with a cafe on it but I had so much equipment on that I was definitely feeling more Everest than Primrose Hill. Weather was actually pretty lovely and spirits were high. And we're off... (The Woolmark Company) 8.15am: Were off Weather: Perfect wind level and direction to keep my hair upright. Warmth: Bit hot tbh. Definitely considered turning back. The first 200m were essentially a tarmac cliff face and after ten paces chirpy conversations were replaced with breathless questions of: is it all like this?! 9am: 350m up Weather: Calm and clear Warmth: Toasty After the tarmac cliff face, things eased off and we got our first sighting of the incredible vistas. The hills opened up and we could see wild landscape, and a hell of a lot of sheep, for miles. Time for a team-building problem-solving game and I was upside down in the mud within 30 seconds. Still dry, still warm. 9:55am: Half way up Weather: Hanging in there Warmth: Rosy cheeked The Half Way Cafe is a welcome indicator of our progress. Cheeks are feeling pretty flush at this point and am almost considering removing a layer - if it didnt mean more stuff to carry. Henry's goofing around caused some delays (The Woolmark Company) 10:30am: 750m up Weather: Starting to get chilly Warmth: Had to succumb to a woolly hat Tour leader Dave has had a few stern words with the group. Less selfies and more walking needed. We are running slightly behind schedule if we are going to finish the day with the planned bike ride before dark. Plus, the vegan cafe closes at 5pm 11:55: The Summit! Weather: Like a different planet to the bottom - artic Warmth: Worryingly cold legs. We made it! Feels quite epic and a real sense of achievement, to be honest. If I hadnt genuinely feared for my life at the risk of being blown off the top I might have enjoyed it a bit more! 1.00pm: The heart shaped lake Weather: Still inside the clouds, foggy and wet Warmth: Chilly The route down was through what Adventure Dave referred to as The Horseshoe. Which is in reference to the shape of the mountain and a series of lakes on the rear side of the mountain. Aparently it's some of the most incredible scenery the UK has to offer. Unfortunately for us the cloud had dropped and I'll have to take Daves word for it. Henry drops trou and takes in the view / The Woolmark Company 2.00pm: The descent Weather: Warm enough to take the hat off. Hat hair game: still strong. Warmth: Perfect temperature Dave wasnt wrong when he said the descent was the hard part. Im reminded of the Osgood-Schlatter knees I suffered with as a teen. Am starting to wish we were climbing the hill again! Quick pit stop to ask the photographer to shoot me with my pants round my ankles and were back on our way. 2.45pm: Back on flat ground Weather: Started to p** down just as we reached the bottom Warmth: In need of a hot choc Back down to the bottom and the cafe is still open! Not a single blister, hair still up and feeling euphoric from all that fresh air. Most amount of fun I think I have had without tequila! For more information on how to climb Mount Snowdon, check out visitsnowdonia.info. W axing, shaving, plucking and lasering hair removal has been a common part of lives for centuries. From the ancient Egyptians tweezing fuzz with seashells, to Queen Elizabeth I setting the bald brow trend while letting everything else below the neck sprout free. Whether were growing, tidying or removing completely, as a society we are obsessed with body hair. According to Professor Rebecca Herzig, author of Plucked: A History of Hair Removal, more than 99 per cent of American women voluntarily remove their hair, and more than 85 per cent do so regularly, even daily. Its no wonder then that the hair removal business is booming worth a staggering $880 million (nearly 685 million), the Skin Health Alliance predicts that this figure will continue to increase in coming years. Closer to home, the average waxing fan is forking out a hefty 23,000 in their lifetime, while those more likely to grab the nearest razor are spending around 8,500 and a whole eight weeks of their life removing hair. Its costly, time-consuming and, frankly, quite a lot of effort to keep ourselves hairless, so why do we bother? Jess Pardoe is a digital PR executive based in Manchester; her aversion to hair causes her to shave every single day and she doesnt restrict the razor to just legs and pits. Its just become a habit now more than anything. I dont like body hair, not for any particular reason, I just dont like how it looks or feels on me, she explains. People. Fashion. Power. Delivered weekly. Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} I do get taunted for being a little OTT sometimes, including shaving my belly hair, arms and my feet, she says. Body hair tends to make me cringe, I often wish my boyfriend would shave his legs (though I dont think Ill ever convince him!). But I do understand those who dont want to shave. In contrast, Rosie Khandwala, co-founder of Sugar Strip Ease, a company specialising in natural sugaring, a chemical and cruelty-free alternative to waxing, has seen a decline in the number of women seeking body hair removal and believes its because attitudes are changing. Women have shown confidence in owning the nature of their bodies and not being afraid of it, she explains. She attributes this confidence to body hair beginning to appear in popular culture - Adidas 2017 campaign, for example, featured Arvida Bystrom putting her hair on full display. Despite such a demonstration of body positivity, Bystrom was subjected to a slew of abuse, including rape threats, as a result of her daring to bare her fuzzy legs this abuse is something that fellow model and YouTuber Fenella Fox knows all too well. The reaction to my armpits online was overwhelming at first, she explains. Photos she posted showing her hair were inundated with vitriolic comments and it began to take its toll on the model. She was even losing work as a result of her hairy choices. It felt like I was killing my career every time I [posted a picture] but recently its taken a turn. Things are picking up and the comments are full of love instead. While Fenella admits shes considered removing her hair to get ahead in my career, she says that being honest and showing her reality online is more important. Shes joining many others in ditching the razors and wax strips this month as part of Janu-hairy, a campaign aimed at empowering women and raising money. Started by 21-year-old student Laura Jackson, Janu-hairy celebrates the body by breaking down stigmas surrounding hair. When I first started growing my body hair my mum asked me, Is it you just being lazy or are you trying to prove a point? Why should we be called lazy if we dont want to shave? And why do we have to be proving a point? She writes on Instagram. Whether religious, psychological or for sports, there are countless valid reasons for removing body hair but the expectation that you should is a problem. The perception that body hair is somehow unhygienic or unnatural is a fallacy, and actually compounds the psychosocial burden placed on women and, increasingly, men too, says Nina Goad for the Skin Health Alliance. "Hair is entirely natural and removing it should be a personal preference, not a societal requirement." Despite the negative press and intrusive comments, many people are trying to normalise the idea of body hair. The likes of Miley Cyrus, Bella Thorne and Rihanna have shared photos and walked red carpets proudly displaying hairy underarms and prickly legs. Brands such as MAC are rejecting beauty norms by not editing out the peach fuzz on its models because, surprise, surprise, women also have facial hair. By sharing more natural photos of our bodies, seeing actual hairy legs in adverts and embracing movements such as Janu-hairy, maybe younger generations wont feel the same pressure to hide their hair under tights and t-shirts until theyre handed a razor. Maybe they wont enter into relationships and romantic endeavours feeling embarrassed that theyre a little prickly. When you think of supermodels, there's a few names which reign supreme - and Kate Moss is always on the shortlist. The British model, who rose to prominence in the 90s - starting with her now iconic 1990 shoot for The Face - continues to influence the fashion world to this day, most recently becoming an agency boss and signing her own daughter Lila Moss. Moss borrowed the phrase "never complain, never explain" from her former boyfriend Johnny Depp, and in her three-decade career she's stuck pretty well to that rule, rarely giving in-depth interviews and preferring to let her work do the talking. But occasionally, she lets a few things slip. Here's a few of Kate Moss's funniest and best soundbites. Getty Images People. Fashion. Power. Delivered weekly. Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} Going to the gym wouldnt be on my list of favourite things to do. - speaking to Interview Magazine, 2008 "I was lucky to be with Johnny. He taught me a lot about fame. He told me 'never complain, never explain'. That's why I don't use Twitter and things like that. I don't want people to know what is true all the time and that's what keeps the mystery." - writing in Vanity Fair in 2012. Its a sin to be tired. - speaking to Time Out London, 2001 I havent partied since last Friday. - speaking to New York Magazine When youre shooting you go to references in your mind. You think about how you should stand in these particular clothes, or how you should move. You think about the different characters youre playing, really. - speaking to Interview Magazine, 2008 Getty Images It sounds really corny but I think that if youre beautiful inside it shows on the outside, for sure. You can be a pretty face, but if you're not a nice person, it just doesn't work. I'm not traditionally a beauty, but apparently people think I'm all right. If you're a nice person, it definitely helps. - speaking to WWD, 2009 Kate Moss, speaking to Vanity Fair in 2012 of her church marriage to ex-husband Jamie Hince: I thought we might all burst into flames, all the crap weve done. Im not really a fashion designer. I just love clothes. Ive never been to design school. I cant sketch. I cant cut patterns and things. I can shorten things. I can make a dress out of a scarf. - speaking to Harper's Bazaar, 2010 "I have met almost everyone Ive wanted to meet." - speaking to Interview Magazine, 2008 AFP/Getty Images In my next life, I'm going to be a rock star. I was a ballerina in my last life. No, a stripper in my last life and in my next life, Ill be a ballerina or a rock star, depending on how this one goes. - speaking to Hello!, 2005 "In fashion, excess is not for creative purposes, whatever people may say. It is about escapism. You just have to get out of it to deal with it." - speaking to Time Out London, 2001 "I don't like selfies my favourite picture of myself is the portrait that Mario Testino took of Lila and me for American Vogue. It's timeless. I have it hanging in my bathroom so I look at it every day." - speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, 2017 I'm happier on the runway than I am on the red carpet. Because then I am not being myself. I think, on the red carpet, it's a weird, like, 'Who am I? Am I me? Am I them? - speaking to Image, 2001 AFP/Getty Images I am a woman now! Its true. No, honestly, Ive never worn a bra in my life. Ever! - speaking to New York Magazine With confidence, I think anyone can get a dress and make it their own. I don't think you should have it off the runway and wear it like they want you to wear it. You know, with their hair and makeup - their woman. I just think it's boring. You have to make it your own. That's what fashion is all about. - speaking to Allure, 2013 Getty Images What people say isn't going to stop me. I have to do things for myself. - speaking to Interview Magazine, 2014 There are lots of women I look up to, but mentors are someone you talk to and not just admire. A lot of my friends that I trust are my mentors. - speaking to WWD, 2009 So, Ive got a dog, and the dogs making me (dress) more day. Its a nightmare. You cant do a dog in a heel. - speaking to Grazia, 2012 AFP/Getty Images I think because I still turn up for work wanting to get a picture that hasnt been done. I still get excited, and I like being part of the process of creating an image. I mean, Im still shocked when I get a campaign! - speaking to The Guardian, 2018 I never did a dirty armpit. You can look dirty, but you can't be dirty. - speaking to Vogue, 2011 I'm not going to be horrible just for the sake of having attitude or make other people feel small just to make me feel bigger. - via TheTelegraph L ondoners will now be able to see real-time updates in air quality across the city with the launch of a clean air network programme. Sadiq Khan unveiled the Breathe London network, which is funded by the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, on Tuesday which uses sensors to build a picture of air quality across the capital. In collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund Europe and Google Earth Outreach - which will fix mobile sensors to two of its Street View cars - air quality information will be collected and published on an online map. The map, which will be published on the Breathe London website, will show Londoners the condition of the air they are breathing in each place. It will also provide pollution forecasts for the coming hours and days. To build the picture of air quality across the capital, 100 sensor pods will be installed on lampposts and buildings near "air quality hotspots." Mobile sensors attached to the Google Street View cars will take live pollution readings every 30 metres while driving through London to identify where the air is most toxic. The Breathe London project, devised by City Hall and C40, was launched at Charlotte Sharman Primary School in Southwark by Sadiq Khan, who has declared the city's polluted air a "public health crisis." The Elephant and Castle school was one of 50 involved in the mayor's air quality audits programme last year. Mr Khan said: Londons filthy air is a public health crisis that leads to thousands of premature deaths in the capital every year as well as stunting the development of young lungs and increasing cases of respiratory illness." On Wednesday afternoon Meghan Markle arrived for the first of two engagements. The first was a visit to the Mayhew, an animal rescue centre in London, of which she is patron. Later, she will be joined by Prince Harry at a performance of Cirque du Soleil in support of Sentebale. Despite the wet weather Meghan braved spring-like neautrals. The centrepiece of the outfit, a short light beige marl dress, despite its luxe appearance, was from high street store H&M. The MAMA Fine-Knit Dress, which retails for only 24.99, is from the brand's maternity range and is made up of a soft fine-knit, stand-up collar and gathered side seams. A good choice for a modern mama-to-be. The Duchess of Sussex wears H&M dress for Mayhew visit / PA Wire/PA Images People. Fashion. Power. Delivered weekly. Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} The design is new for this season, and it seems Meghan was one of the first to snap it up as the affordable number is still in stock in all sizes from XS-XL. It also comes in a dark grey marl for those who prefer more subdued shades. Mama Fine-Knit Dress in Light Beige, 24.99 by H&M (H&M) / H&M Adding to the budget-friendly outfit, Meghan also recycled an old 1,699 cashmere coat by Emporior Armani, which was first seen on the duchess during a visit to Sussex in 2018. However, she did finish off the tonal outfit with a few luxury accessories; namely Paul Andrew nude heels and a matching 610 cruelty-free bag by Stella McCartney. Get The Look l ast night MPs decisively reasserted democratic control over a process that has been characterised by secrecy, broken promises and efforts by the Government to get Brexit over the line no matter what the cost.Now, with the clock ticking louder, there is only one way forward to hand the final decision back to the British public through a Peoples Vote. There is neither time nor the appetite for another episode of fantasy Brexit in which all kinds of false promises are made for half-in, half-out proposals which then fall apart in negotiations. Whoever is in power, there is no form of Brexit that can fulfil the promises that have been made, that is better than the deal weve got inside Europe, or will stop this crisis going on forever. The EU-lite Norway proposal would not end freedom of movement or significantly reduce payments to Brussels, it just guarantees that we will have little or no say in rules we once helped make but now would merely follow. Similarly, it is nonsense to pretend that a permanent customs union offers the UK any meaningful say in trade policy or avoids severe economic damage to jobs and industry. And a no-deal Brexit, far from being orderly in any way, would mean the UK trying to exist with no EU trade deal or any trade deal with any country. Guto Bebb MP, Conservative former Defence Minister Vince Cable MP, Liberal Democrat leader David Lammy MP, Labour Caroline Lucas MP, Green Party EDITOR'S REPLY Dear Guto, Vince, David and Caroline We need to defuse Brexit and we havent got long but the question is how? Parliament is now going to take charge which means people working together in new alliances, like the one your letter sets out today. But its still not clear whether any group of MPs can command a majority for a Brexit plan certainly not for a referendum so far. The only two things that might get immediate backing from most MPs are to delay Brexit and rule out no- deal. That would be a start but what then? Stopping Brexit through a referendum appeals to me but getting there wont be simple. First, I cant see how a referendum could happen without the Government being in favour of a vote. Its a complex process that will take time, leadership and new laws. The current Prime Minister just wont do it. Second, what should be the question? Do you want a choice between Remain and no-deal, or between the PMs rejected plan and Remain? Or a three-way contest? And, of course, a referendum might just back Brexit all over again although I dont think it would. Julian Glover, Associate Editor (Comment) Far-Right hijacks pro-Brexit protest AS A group of grassroots protesters against Brexit we wholeheartedly endorse Catherine Andersons letter and Kate Proctors response on restoring order to debates and protests [The Reader, January 11]. We have been peacefully protesting daily outside Parliament since September 5, 2017. Only since last month have there been any regular pro-Brexit protests. For the last month and a half it has been very difficult for our members. We are facing similar extremes of aggression, being called traitors, Nazi scum and not British. We are patriotic, we love our country too and want the best for it. To their credit, many Leave voters who have been protesting since December have been equally disgusted with this far-Right agitation by former English Defence League and Britain First members. M y new year resolution was to stop getting wound up by Brexit. I know talk about setting yourself up to fail. So I decided to go on a yoga holiday to Morocco but there was a slight mishap with the booking. I thought I was staying at a swishy, luxurious five-star all-inclusive resort but I ended up staying at the much smaller, more basic, no-frills retreat down the road. So much for escaping the Brexit metaphor. It was all fine in the end, though there wasnt that much food and I had to stockpile crisps. There were people from all over the world and we were all trying to be zen, so I was only allowed one Brexit conversation all week. Basically, everyone thinks weve gone mad and the woman from the US and the man from Israel were really grateful I was there as, for once, they werent the craziest countries in the room. Armed with my new-found serenity, I ventured back into the thick of it yesterday and found myself co-hosting a big Peoples Vote rally outside Parliament to coincide with the meaningful vote on Theresa Mays deal, which went as well for her as my attempt at a headstand. Its possible she came away less humiliated. She may have lost by 230 votes but she didnt rip her trousers. I was nervous about the rally. How many people would be bothered to turn up? Would it all be a damp squib? Would it all kick off with some scary people in hi-vis jackets? I was pleasantly shocked and surprised by all the people who gave up their Tuesday afternoon and evening to be there, including a little girl called Eva right at the front who held up a placard the whole time and laughed at all my jokes. The mood was upbeat and it was good to have MPs and activists from across the political spectrum, regions and nations working together. I realise I was in a massive Remain bubble but it was nice to be on the right side of a vote for once and the crowds went wild when the result came through and Jeremy Corbyn announced that he was tabling a vote of no confidence in the Government. "I realise I was in a massive Remain bubble in the rally but it was nice to be on the right side of a vote for once" Even though it is unlikely he will win the vote, it felt good because something finally happened. But like most things that give you a short-term euphoric sugar rush, beware the crash. What lies ahead? Will Corbyn ever support a Peoples Vote? Would Remain even win a second time round? Could you even put a deal that has been so conclusively rejected by Parliament on the ballot paper? And what would the question actually be? Ive thought a lot about this and I think Ive found the answer the Marie Kondo method of tidying up and organising your life that is currently sweeping the nation. All we have to do is ask ourselves one question does this still spark joy? Simple. Hey if its good enough for our pants drawer, its definitely good enough for Brexit. Stay sharp, boys, and heed the Gillette ad Gillette razors used to be famous for their Eighties cheesy adverts showcasing buff, chiselled, dead-eyed, Zoolander male models with the slogan the best a man can get. Thankfully and cannily, it has modernised its marketing strategy with a rather good advert which takes on toxic masculinity, damaging gender stereotypes and sexual harassment and leaves us with a new uplifting message the best men can be. Even this old cynic was moved. Although there are commercial reasons to update a brands reputation, advertising has a powerful influence on society and Gillette should be applauded. The advert has worked because all the right people are upset. Piers Morgan threw his toys out the pram over Gillette challenging his big boy manliness (which Im sure is waaay bigger than a vegan sausage roll). Mind you, this is a guy who questioned the machismo of James Bond actor Daniel Craig because he carried his baby daughter Its ironic how these so-called alpha males can be such snowflakes when anyone challenges their privilege. Man up, chaps, its only an ad encouraging you to be nice. Thats all. The correct response would be to take the positive message, therefore proving the need for the advert in the first place. Besides, boys you got off lightly. You were only asked to be kind. No one even mentioned your beer belly or man boobs. *The new film Mary Queen of Scots had a special premiere at Edinburgh Castle hosted by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Theres a parallel with our times. Two female leaders on either side of the border, both tormented by disloyal men yet determined to fight on. Nicola Sturgeon and Saoirse Ronan / PA T he Governments broken promises on Brexit have finally come home to roost. It promised trade talks in parallel with the divorce talks. Instead Theresa May agreed to fork out 39 billion with no treaty in return. Michael Gove promised the day after we vote to leave, we hold all the cards and we can choose the path we want. But that hasnt been the case. It promised high-tech customs solutions at the Irish border and new trade deals. And it promised a December vote on the deal, but broke that one too. Like Nick Clegg promising not to raise tuition fees and then tripling them, the Prime Minister has learned that saying one thing but doing another comes at a cost in this case more than a third of her own MPs voting against her flagship policy. Party leaders are rarely forgiven for putting short-term political interests above those of the country. So what happens next? If Jeremy Corbyns attempt to trigger a general election isnt successful , then next week we will have another Commons motion on the Governments Plan B. That motion will be amendable. And with Parliament at an impasse, the case for a Peoples Vote will be overwhelming. All the attention will be on the pledge made at Labour Party conference in September: if a general election cannot be achieved and if the Governments proposal is defeated then the outstanding option is for Labour to campaign for a Peoples Vote. Polling shows a majority in every Labour constituency for a new Brexit vote 86 per cent of Labour members say they want a public vote. Most Labour MPs agree too. Asking the people what they think is an option that cant be ducked any longer. Most people especially the two million young people who didnt get a chance to vote in the referendum nearly three years ago now expect Labour to deliver on this promise. If Labour MPs are whipped to support a final say for the public, combined with the now growing number of Conservative MPs supporting a Peoples Vote, a majority is achievable. This is therefore one of those unusual moments when the future of the country is in the hands of the Leader of the Opposition. So will Jeremy Corbyn keep that Labour promise or break it? The hundreds of thousands who marched through London last year in support of a Peoples Vote will feel cheated if Labours front bench back out of it. If Jeremy Corbyn breaches the trust placed in him by those who want a Peoples Vote, then he risks following the path of Nick Clegg nearly a decade ago. A broken promise on a Peoples Vote could devastate Labours fortunes in the same way it did for Clegg after the tuition fees betrayal. It would be a monumental mistake. Thats why surely Labours leadership will now let the public decide. A nd so, at long last, the time has come to talk about Brexit. The stage has finally been cleared of distractions, purged of personality and made ready for the substantive argument that has been postponed again and again in the 937 days since the 2016 referendum. To explain: there has been no shortage of technical discussion in the past two-and-a-half years about the proposed form, terms and timetable of the UKs departure from the European Union. But this debate has always been hopelessly entangled with the fate of Theresa May herself. In the general election of June 2017, she lost her Commons majority but held on anyway. Last month she did the same, after a vote of confidence in her party leadership in which more than a third of her own MPs opted to depose her. Last night, her immediate response to a historic defeat a crushing majority of 230 against her deal with Brussels was astonishing in its lack of humility. She showed, yet again, that she is immune to embarrassment, unconstrained by the normal codes of political behaviour. Todays Commons vote of no confidence is merely the latest test of her determination to see through what she regards as her manifest destiny to steer Britain out of the EU regardless of the indignities, humiliations and blows to her authority (if she can be said to have any left). Matthew d'Ancona But the framing of the debate has changed. As terrible a Prime Minister as May undoubtedly is, it is no longer possible to deflect the argument about Brexit into yet another row about her personal merits. There is no longer an easy escape from the grit and grist of the matter: what do MPs actually want to happen? There was absolutely no grace, statesmanship or contrition in her remarks after last nights vote. But she was right about one thing: the comprehensive rejection by the Commons of her deal tells us nothing about what it does support. True, Parliament has found common ground in its loathing for Mays 585-page withdrawal agreement. But the roar of its no last night will quickly subside into a fragmented muttering, as the many different factions, each with a solution that suits itself, disperse into huddles to plot their next moves. Mays holding position is that she will now consult senior parliamentarians in search of a way forward, before reporting back to the House by next Monday. There will be no shortage of proposals Norway for Now, Canada Plus Plus Plus, a stripped-down free trade agreement, a managed no deal and each blueprint will have passionate proponents. But where in all this is the plan that commands a majority? Labour will tell the PM to embrace continued membership of the customs union and a commitment to a range of employment and environmental rights. But the hardline Brexiteers in the European Research Group will never accept the continued jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice a precondition of any such plan. They will claim, accurately enough, that such an outcome would make the backstop mechanism permanent rather than temporary. The Norway option keeps us in the single market, which strikes me as a very good idea. But it would make us a rule-taker rather than a rule-maker. It would also preserve freedom of movement. Again, Im all for that. But I am not sure how this could reasonably be sold to the electorate as the delivery of their instructions, given the poisonous centrality of immigration to the 2016 referendum campaign. Over what, precisely, would we be taking back control"? "As terrible a PM as May is, it is no longer possible to deflect the argument into yet another row about her merits" Likewise, the free-trade plan beloved by many Leavers could not possibly command the support of the many MPs who voted against Mays deal because they want a softer Brexit. For its part, Brussels has made clear time and again that it will not cooperate with such a proposal. So, again, peskily, I ask the question: how does this help? Yes, there is an unexpected panache in the last-minute bid by MPs to seize the reins of the Brexit process, perhaps through the mechanism of the Liaison Committee (composed of the chairs of the various Commons select committees). It is routinely asserted that Parliament is already sovereign but this is not so: sovereignty lies with the Queen-in-Parliament, which is to say ministers of the Crown operating in the legislature. For Parliament to seek to tilt the balance of power away from the prerogative and towards its own decisions and on an issue of such colossal significance is more constitutionally radical than you might suppose. Yet the question that matters more in the days ahead is: to what end? If MPs do indeed wrest control of the debate from ministers, will they fare any better in the quest for an exit plan than can command a majority in the House? Indeed, does such a plan exist? I suppose it is just about conceivable that, somehow, almost by accident, our desperate political class might solve the Rubiks cube of Brexit while wearing a collective blindfold. But the odds seem to be overwhelmingly against it. And with good reason: what was promised in 2016 departure from the EU but with all the continued benefits of membership was always nonsense on stilts. T he alarming thing we learned last night was not that the Governments Brexit deal is dead, because we already knew that; but rather that Theresa May doesnt have a Plan B. Shes had at least six months to come up with one, ever since the Brexiteer resignations after the Chequers Cabinet made it clear that there would be no prospect of a parliamentary majority for her Plan A. She ploughed on, delaying the vote, ignoring the entreaties of her Cabinet allies to consider alternatives, and rejecting the overtures of the Tory moderates, who she drove into opposition against her. Her obstinacy a hindrance in every other walk of life was trumpeted as her principal virtue by her dwindling band of loyal ministers. Yesterday confirmed where this approach was inevitably leading. Alongside the worst manifesto and worst conference speech in history, Mrs May has now added to her list of prime ministerial achievements the biggest government defeat in history. But most assumed that all along, in secret, she was formulating that Plan B. The Cabinet didnt know what it was, as they werent allowed to discuss it even in private bilaterals with her. We were told that Philip would be helping put it together Philip being her husband, rather than her Chancellor. But last night, when the Prime Minister spoke to a House of Commons that had just humbled her, she had nothing to say. There was no pivot to a new approach, exploring the Norway-plus type arrangement that might win over Labour moderates that we proposed yesterday. There was no bold move, proposing a referendum or even an election on her terms before, as the most senior members of the Cabinet now assume, one or the other are visited on her by others. Instead it turns out that she has no plan. The only thing she can offer is a process that leads us back to the same place we are today. She said the Government will listen to Parliament, then Cabinet members made clear this morning that she will not change any of the key elements of the deal they had just rejected. She said she would hold meetings with senior parliamentarians, but her office today said that didnt include the Leader of the Opposition. She even implied, through the ministers that Downing Street sent out to defend her on the media, that her huge defeat would help her wring more concessions from Brussels only for the President of the European Council to crush that forlorn hope immediately with a single tweet, saying that the scale of that defeat made the EU think Britain will reconsider Brexit altogether. It was the best insight of the night. Basic truths For this fortnight will confirm two basic truths about British politics. First, there is now no parliamentary majority that can be assembled for leaving the EU with a specific deal. The scale of the defeat, and reaction to it, proved that yesterday. Second, there is a parliamentary majority for preventing us leaving the EU without a deal. Since the Prime Minister refuses to take no deal off the table, she has invited the parliamentary takeover which will now take place next week to ensure that. Forget the defeat yesterday, the move led by a cross-party alliance of Oliver Letwin, Yvette Cooper, Hilary Benn and Dominic Grieve, to make the Commons the initiator of Brexit legislation, really is unprecedented. It strips the Government of its historic role in the constitution yet it is being cited by no less than Chancellor of the Exchequer of that Government as a reassurance to British business, who are rightly suspicious, as he is, that the Prime Minister might herself favour a calamitous no-deal Brexit if the alternative was no Brexit at all. But having taken control, the question will be: what does Parliament do with it. If they dont want no-deal, and they cant agree on a deal, then the only logical alternatives are: have a referendum, force an election, or delay Brexit. Or all three. One thing is certain. If the Prime Minister is incapable of providing a new direction to her party or her country, then we shouldnt be surprised that others step forward with claims that they can. For politics, like nature, abhors a vacuum. TODO: define component type apester H ere we are in a rare, brief lull in the film awards season. The Bafta nominations have been announced, the Oscar noms are next. Until then, I propose a few alternatives to keep things ticking along. Best Actor, Best Picture yeah, whatever. Here are the awards that tell us what we truly want to know about 2018s movies... Worst title An essential gong for those who enjoy judging books by their covers. Sherlock Gnomes is a groaner. Fifty Shades Freed is gobbledygook. For its unintended ennui, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a contender. But it has to be given in honour of the poor designer tasked with fitting The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society on a poster. Stupidest film controversy We love outrage in these Twittery times, dont we? In 2018 the cultural appropriation debate dominated; anti-bullying campaigners urged us to #BoycottPeterRabbit because of the bunnys merciless abuse of Farmer McGregor; and the American Right huffed and puffed over Damien Chazelles Neil Armstrong biopic First Man because it wasnt patriotic enough. But the stupidest controversy? The Bird Box challenge saw fans of the Netflix horror show don a blindfold and attempt everyday tasks. This led to many minor injuries and a car crash when a bird-brained 17-year-old from Utah tried to drive blind. Honestly, Im almost embarrassed to have to say, Dont drive with your eyes covered, but apparently we do have to, a local police officer said. Worst film to see on a date A dead cert, this one. For turn-offs, nothing rivals the self-important nastiness of Lars von Trier. In his latest effort, The House That Jack Built, Matt Dillons psychopathic Jack bludgeons, mangles, strangles, stabs, shoots and boob-slices his way through women (plus two children and, eventually, some men). If a romantic hopeful suggests this for a hot date, a simple no thanks wont do. Block their phone number and consider moving house. Happy New Year? Still? Dont be an ass Happy New Year! read the opening line of the PRs email. Its a friendly sentiment, but come on were past Januarys halfway point. How far do we have to get into 2019 before its socially unacceptable to greet people thus? What we need is an official cut-off. I suggest January 14. In medieval Europe this was the Feast of the Ass, celebrating the donkeys role in the holy familys flight into Egypt. One practice was that congregations would hee-haw at the priest rather than give the usual replies. I plan a similar response next time someone wishes me a Happy New Year. Cat womans stories still have claws Kristen Roupenians Cat Person was a viral hit when it was published by The New Yorker in December 2017. Its bleak portrayal of a womans experience of crap sex and a bad break-up chimed with readers in the #MeToo era. Kristen Roupenian / Urszula Soltys A little over a year later, will any of her new short stories in her debut collection, You Know You Want This, published next month, similarly capture the public mood? Is that even Roupenians intention? Writing in yesterdays Standard, Phoebe Luckhurst and David Sexton didnt think so. With respect to both of them, Im not so sure. The best story in her collection, The Good Guy, is a deep dive into the mind of a self-loathing man who hates himself just as much as the women he beds. In a time when all it takes is a Gillette advert to launch everyone into angry online arguments about modern masculinity, I think Roupenian has once again written a story of the moment. Stop getting cross about crucifixions There's a mini trend in contemporary art that needs to end. Lets call it ironic crucifixion. Over the years, many Banksy wannabes have depicted mock Passion scenes with pop culture figures to make A Very Important Statement. Heres another. McJesus, a sculpture of a crucified Ronald McDonald by Finnish artist Jani Leinonen, attracted hundreds of Christian protesters outside Israels Haifa Museum of Art last week. R eckitt Benckisers divisive chief executive Rakesh Kapoor on Wednesday revealed he will leave the consumer goods giant, where he has worked since 1987. The 60-year-old, who has been at the helm of the Nurofen, Clearasil and Durex maker for eight years, will retire at the end of 2019. He said: I believe now is a good time for new leadership to take this great company through the next phase of outperformance. The board has started a search for a successor. Shares in Reckitt Benckiser fell 204p to 6048p. His departure will bring an end to a reign which has been far from smooth. The boss has faced shareholder revolts over his package, and in 2017 his pay was voluntarily slashed by 11 million, although he still pocketed 12.5 million in salary and bonuses. Kapoor, who is one of only a handful of BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) bosses at FTSE firms, also had to grapple with a string of setbacks in recent years. There was a cyber-attack that hit factories, and Reckitt Benckiser was hurt by a scandal in South Korea over the sale of a toxic product linked to almost 100 deaths. The chief executive looked to boost the business in 2017, growing in China with the $17 billion purchase of baby formula maker Mead Johnson, and he last year created two divisions to drive growth: health, and hygiene and home. RBC analyst James Edwardes Jones said during Kapoors time as leader Reckitt Benckisers share price has outperformed the European consumer staples sector by 9%, but over the last three years its underperformed by 13%. He added: One could argue on this basis that it is time for a change at the top. I f it werent so serious, youd have to laugh. Since Theresa Mays elevation to Downing Street, business lobby groups have assiduously courted her. They have been successful; the settlement she struck with Brussels ticked most of their boxes. Yet such is the chaos in Parliament that winning over the Prime Minister isnt enough. Now business faces just what it didnt want yet more uncertainty and the continued possibility of a chaotic, costly no-deal exit. Weve come to a pretty pass when government is so dysfunctional that getting the ear of the PM isnt enough. Meanwhile, overseas investors look at us in total bafflement: if the Prime Minister doesnt run the country, who does? We couldnt do more damage to our economy if we tried. Kapoor overtaken by Mead takeover Rakesh Kapoor had come to the end of the road. Having bet big on Reckitts ill-fitting takeover of Mead Johnson baby milk in 2017, he found himself unable to afford Pfizers consumer business, which would have been far more in line with his strategy of pushing more into over-the-counter medicines. Not only had he blown Reckitts acquisition warchest, but the jury was (and is) still out on whether the Mead deal was going to work. So, he had to watch as Pfizer brands such as Advil, a perfect fit for Reckitts Nurofen, were scooped up by GSK. On top of all that, hes seen his pay slashed twice amid anger from restive shareholders. No matter how much youre on, thats a big kick in the ego. Little wonder that, having turned 60, faced with the prospect of no more exciting M&A and a long grind to bed in Mead, hes decided to go. Hes not been an entirely shabby chief executive. Total shareholder return during his eight-year reign is 130%. But it will take years until we know if the Mead deal was worth the money and aggro, and Reckitts core performance has been flagging in recent years. One-off problems including production glitches at its Dutch baby milk factory and the deaths its humidifier cleaner caused in South Korea havent helped. That makes it unlikely chairman Chris Sinclair will hire his next CEO internally. Bad luck, hygiene and home chief Rob de Groot. Unilever finance director Graeme Pitkethly could be a candidate, although he needs more marketing experience first. Kapoors departure came days after his predecessor Bart Bechts exit from brands giant JAB in the opposite circumstances. Hes quitting after disagreeing with a plan to do ever more takeovers. The fact that both men (each in their sixties) have indicated theyre leaving the consumer goods world this year suggests how hard it is out there. T he company running the Eurotunnel on Wednesday said it needs some decisions fast to ensure a disorderly Brexit wont derail transport of goods and people. It asked political leaders for clarity on the border relationship between the EU and the UK as soon as possible. A spokesman for Eurotunnel added that although it had several contingency plans in place, such as adding more booths for border officers and parking, it has to decide which ones to launch. Getlink, the cross-channel rail operators parent company, said: Eurotunnel is working to ensure new post-Brexit border controls will have no significant impact on tunnel traffic. We have adapted our infrastructure so that, with or without a deal, traffic flow through the tunnel will be maintained. Around 26% of trade between Britain and the Continent passes through the tunnel. W orld leaders are ill-equipped to tackle the next major crisis due to rising nationalism across the globe, a major study of Davos decision makers said on Wednesday. Nine in 10 surveyed said the risk of an economic confrontation between major powers would rise this year and that multi-lateral trade agreements would be damaged. The research, published in the World Economic Forums Global Risks Report by insurance broker Marsh and insurer Zurich, asked 1000 business leaders, government officials, academics and charity and aid organisations. The expectation is that risks will intensify even further over the next year and our ability to collectively respond to events as they take place is declining because the commitment to multi-lateral institutions is declining, said Marshs John Drzik. Theres a significant and growing risk in the geo-political arena because of the migration towards nationalist agendas. The move towards more nationalist agendas has been driven by several political changes, from the election of Donald Trump, pictured, and vote for Brexit to support for more nationalist leaders in Italy and Brazil. Drzik said the survey, published for the past 14 years, has shifted focus from economic risks to geopolitical risks. W alk down Bond Street, and youll pass a Crossrail building site where contractors of US engineering behemoth Jacobs beaver away, unnoticed by passing Londoners. Likewise at Tower Bridge, where hundreds more Jacobs engineers are working on almost 500 million-worth of projects related to the High Speed Two rail line. Flush a loo or empty a bath anywhere in London, and again youll be getting closer to that same US corporation: Jacobs is the project manager for Londons 5 billion super-sewer. Visit Parliament, and Jacobs engineers are toiling on the 4 billion Palace of Westminster restoration. Further east along the Thames, the company is working on the planned new Thames barrier and the Lower Thames Crossing. You cant escape Jacobs dominance of Londons infrastructure by flying out of the country either: the Dallas-based engineering giant is quietly working on Heathrows new runway plans, and Gatwicks investment projects. Jacobs is, in short, the biggest company Londoners have never heard of. Research by the Standard shows Jacobs is working on a staggering 200 billion-worth of UK infrastructure projects. In the post-Carillion world, its dominance has led to concerns that it has become too big to fail and far too powerful when it comes to tendering for public work. Its huge size has led to perceptions of conflicts of interest, as it works as both project manager and contractor. Critics say that means its effectively marking its own homework. Its overbearing presence stems from Jacobs buying its awkwardly-named US rival CH2M in 2017, a 2.5 billion deal which created an engineering giant with 10,000 staff in the UK and 80,000 worldwide. Both firms were serious heavyweights here already. CH2M surged to prominence when it was named project manager of the London 2012 Olympics, alongside Laing ORourke and Mace. Jacobs dominance came more stealthily, via a long string of acquisitions of which CH2M is just the latest. Potential conflict of interest issues arose long before the merger. On the HS2 line, for example, CH2M was named the projects development partner on Phase 1, London to Birmingham, in 2012. That role involved setting out the route and design of the line, giving the firm insights into the topography, community issues and so forth along the route. As critics pointed out, that could have given it a clear edge when it came to bidding for the role of engineering delivery partner, which it did, winning the tender in 2016. Then CH2M won another HS2 megadeal, the 170 million contract to design the second phase, extending the route to Manchester. That triggered questions about a different kind of conflict of interest, the revolving door. Not only had HS2 been run by ex-CH2M chief executive Roy Hill but he had been replaced by another high-up at CH2M, Mark Thurston. That seemed rum enough, but when it emerged that CH2M had also hired HS2 executive Chris Reynolds, it was seen as a step too far. Reynolds had been involved in writing the documents at HS2 discussing what lessons they had learned from Phase 1 of the programme, highly useful inside information for a bidder on Phase 2. Outraged, rival Mace complained and CH2M withdrew from the Phase 2 contract. Despite that withdrawal, Jacobs still holds the contract, awarded to CH2M in 2012, to manage and assess all the professional services companies on Phase 2. And, lo and behold, many of those projects have gone to other divisions of Jacobs. In 2016, it was named design partner on the first phase of HS2; a year later, it won the role of Environmental Overview Consultants on phase 2 of the route. Jacobs claims a Chinese wall is in place and that it successfully manages all potential conflicts. A spokesperson says: We are one of the premier professional services consultants supporting the UKs major infrastructure projects... Reflecting this degree of talent we have been awarded various high-profile contracts... This, together with the consolidations in the industry, can create the risk of conflicts of interest. We have strict processes and structures in place to avoid risks of conflict, as well as professional codes of ethics, which we and our clients enforce vigorously. Many in the industry complain about Jacobs influence over public-sector officials. One senior engineer heavily involved in public-sector contracts criticises how CH2M executives are often put in charge of public works. Civil servants have been mesmerised by this big American company. After they hired executives from Jacobs or CH2M because they were wowed by them, those executives now drive the bidding processes. The expertise requirements for suppliers look for certain qualifications, and job titles, that you only find in the US system. So the scoring is rigged against UK firms. Jacobs, plus rival US firms like Bechtel, win more and more deals. In fairness to Jacobs, big executive jobs in public infrastructure have always tended to go to the same small group of people. But critics say this perpetuates the system where contracts are awarded by the same management teams to the same companies. So, Paul Griffiths, managing director for HS2s formerly CH2M-dominated second phase, has just left to become programme director on the $40 billion Metrolinx transport project in Toronto, run by Jacobs. Andy Mitchell, who ran Jacobs-heavy Crossrail from 2009-14, has moved to become chief executive of super-sewer tunneler Thames Tideway, which has given CH2M a clutch of lucrative contracts. The former boss of Tideway affiliate Thames Water, Martin Baggs, is working as an adviser to CH2M. CH2Ms role as programme manager of the 5 billion Tideway project raises more conflict questions; one of the firms it has bought, Halcrow, provided much of the costing for the evaluation of options which recommended the Tideway Tunnel in the first place. Infrastructure finance expert Martin Blaiklock says CH2Ms many roles on the super-sewer are tantamount to a poacher policing salmon fishing rights in a river. He complains theres no independent entity for policing possible conflicts of interest in public decision making. The scenario relies totally upon self-regulation. Several industry sources claim Jacobs/CH2M win so many contracts because they bid low, then return to the client, saying they have to up the fee due to new circumstances. So, CH2M was paid over 100 million for its work as development partner for phase 1 of HS2, not the initial 50 to 70 million estimate. HS2 claimed that ballooning bill covered extras such as support during three years of Parliamentary scrutiny. But one rival alleges: Jacobs underbids, a la Carillion, then racks up the fees retrospectively. Jacobs vehemently disputes this. It says: We remain dedicated to ensuring integrity in the delivery of critical public programmes to the satisfaction of our customers. Talk to senior engineers about Jacobs and many reference Carillions collapse. The comparison is not financial, it should be stressed; Jacobs, unlike Carillion, has a strong balance sheet. But, as one rival put it, the number of projects that Jacobs and CH2M are both working on and the sheer dominance of one company suggests the Governments risk profiling isnt as thorough as it should be. On Crossrail, Jacobs has been project representative on the 15 billion works since 2004: a role that means assuring the Government that the new network will be delivered within budget and to the agreed standard. Jacobs then bought Halcrow, the engineer chosen to do the tunnelling. Again, it is overseeing its own work. Not the greatest look as Crossrail is now expected to be delivered a year late and nearly 3 billion over budget. For investors, Jacobs access to the British publics money makes the companys shares a honeypot, and chairman and chief executive Steve Demetriou clearly knows it. B usiness leaders urged MPs to scotch the threat of a No Deal Brexit in the wake of Theresa Mays historic defeat last night. The vote leaves the UKs future uncertain and business leaders warned of the potentially damaging impact of a cliff-edge departure, which is still the default position for March 29. New Looks executive chairman Alistair McGeorge said: No Deal should be taken off the table that would be the reasonable response and it would provide a bit of certainty and the currency would be okay, from a business perspective. MPs should stop a No Deal a hard Brexit will be incredibly damaging in the short term. Pearson chief executive John Fallon urged MPs to to find out what could command a majority and get on and do that. Not everybody is going to be happy. We might have to settle for the least worst option. The comments came after bosses sought reassurances from the Chancellor Philip Hammond over a No Deal in a conference call immediately after the vote. Top brass from Amazon, BP, Balfour Beatty, the Post Office, Tesco, Siemens as well as CBIs Carolyn Fairbairn and retail veteran Richard Pennycook all asked questions of Hammond, business secretary Greg Clark and Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay. Tech Nations Gerard Grech said the threat of No Deal was alarmingly real, adding: The PM must take urgent steps to make sure that some sort of deal is secured that gives certainty to the EU nationals who work here. Chris Pullen, chief executive of recruiter Staffline which finds jobs for thousands of workers from the Continent said: The extent of the political indecision is at grave risk of becoming more damaging than the decision to leave the EU itself. The City of London Corporations policy chairman Catherine McGuinness added that she was very concerned that smaller firms were not ready for no-deal. Others called for a second vote: Shaftesburys Brian Bickell said: The only sensible course is to postpone our exit, properly negotiate a legally binding plan for our long-term relationshiopp with the EU 27 and put it to the people. May faces a no-confidence vote in her Government today which she is expected to win but other leading Brexiteers called on her to quit and embraced the prospect of a No Deal. JD Wetherspoons Tim Martin said: I would rather go down the free-trade route which means no formal deal. Its nothing personal, but Theresa May cant do the job and has been unable to negotiate anything sensible. It needs somebody else to do the job. Property agent Lambert Smith Hamptons chief executive Ezra Nahome called on May to stop negotiating and make the EU do some of the running. What other chief executives think: Andrew Hynard, from the Howard de Walden Estate: The only surprise about yesterdays vote was the scale of the defeat for the Government. Life and business continues to go on pretty much as normal despite the fact there is no agreement post end of March. I just wish the country could crack on and conclude an orderly exit, and the constant distraction be removed. Helen Brocklebank at luxury goods body Walpole: Weve always said a no deal Brexit would be the worst possible outcome for British luxury and last night MPs raised that threat to critical. We believe the only option is for the government to find a way to extend article 50 and buy more time. Restaurateur David Page: Parliaments role is to provide a just and stable economic and social environment for businesses and workers. They only had one job as the joke goes - only now its no joke. T he capitals successes in fighting HIV will serve as a positive example on how to beat the worldwide Aids epidemic during a special forum to be held in London this month, its host said. Paul van Zyl, whose club The Conduit is the venue for the event, said the citys achievements needed to be shared. Following the Evening Standards AIDSfree campaign in conjunction with the Elton John AIDS Foundation, government ministers and mayors from six cities, including London, will be joined by medical experts to form a plan of action on tackling HIV together. The AIDSfree Cities Global Forum on January 30 will focus on the UNs 90-90-90 targets, which aim to get at least 90 per cent of people with HIV knowing their status, to get 90 per cent of these on treatment, and 90 per cent to have an undetectable viral load, where the levels of virus in the blood are so low it cannot be passed on. London has already reached these goals, but experts say more can be done in both the capital and in the five other cities our campaign is focused on which are yet to achieve the targets Delhi in India, Nairobi in Kenya, Maputo in Mozambique, Kiev in Ukraine, and Atlanta in the USA. Mr van Zyl said: Its wonderful to showcase things that really work and can be a global example. We know the route to stopping and reversing the spread of the virus. We want the successes achieved by a handful of cities to be followed by dozens. We want to replicate the successes of London across the world. The Conduit in Mayfair opened in September as a space dedicated to bringing together a group of people who are passionate about bringing about positive social change, said Mr van Zyl. We think of ourselves as a community, a platform, where talented people, including some of the most senior people in government, in the foundation world, in the philanthropic world, people who are energetic visionaries, can come together to bring about positive social change. We are very much about solutions. Mr van Zyl, who opened the club with co-founders Rowan Finnegan and Nick Hamilton, added: Im South African and a human rights lawyer. South Africa has been at the epicentre of this global epidemic. Its impacted the lives of millions of South Africans and so being able to participate in this event is a tremendous honour. The eight-floor building has an events floor, rooftop lounge with terrace, restaurant with terrace, a speakeasy bar and areas for working and dining. It hosts 200 talks and events a year, open to its 2,000 members. It has run 35 events focused on topics such as Yemen, AI and the future of energy. Mr Finnegan said the Conduit was an ecosystem bringing people together to tackle major issues. Annual membership fees are 1,800, with a reduced rate of 800 for workers in not-for-profit organisations and those aged under 33, and 400 for students. TODO: define component type apester F ew clinics in America have done more in the fight against HIV and Aids than Grady Healths Ponce De Leon Center in the city of Atlanta. Staff at the clinic counsel people about getting tested for HIV, perform the test, talk about the consequences of the result and, if necessary, arrange for them to receive treatment immediately. Sometimes far too often they are present as patients die. Effective drugs mean that people with HIV can now lead normal, or even extraordinary lives.But that requires people to get tested, to acknowledge that they have the virus, and to take the medicine to manage it. For some people, that is too much. Doctors at Grady say they lose about 100 patients to Aids-related illnesses each year. Every year, about 40 to 50 people died because of Aids in the whole of London. Jonathan Colasanti, an assistant professor of medicine in infectious diseases who works at Grady, said: The numbers are certainly astonishing. For 2016 and 2017, a single hospital in the Atlanta area, we have lost over 100 individuals a year. Mostly young people. Jonathan Colasanti, an assistant professor of medicine in infectious diseases at Emory. / Andrew Buncombe/Independent The tragedy is not only do they tend to die very painful, drawn-out, physical deaths, but the tougher thing for me to watch is the emotional aspect. The number of people that we watch die alone, with no one in the room with them, surrounded by no family, is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. Experts say that a gay black man in the US has a one in two chance of being diagnosed with HIV. In Atlanta, the odds are perhaps closer to 60 per cent. There are many reasons for this, but racism, homophobia, poverty and lack of education about HIV are key. Doctors at Grady seek to work as educators to overcome the ignorance that leads some people to choose not to take medicine. Others forego it because they do not want their family to know. The Grady clinic, which is associated with Emory University School of Medicine, is one of the projects supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the charity at the heart of our appeal. Recently, Sir Elton and Evgeny Lebedev, the proprietor of the Evening Standard, visited Atlanta to meet doctors, community workers and survivors. Campaign: Sir Elton John and Evgeny Lebedev, the proprietor of the Evening Standard, in Atlanta / Andrew Buncombe/Independent Wendy Armstrong, professor of medicine at Emory, said there were a number of reasons why the American South has HIV rates comparable to several countries in southern Africa. Among some African Americans there is understandable suspicion, she says, of the medical community, following scandals such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, in which poor black men from Alabama were refused treatment even though penicillin was known to be effective. One cannot ignore in the South the legacy of racism and the remaining structural racism that affects our institutions, she said. Fighting aids: staff at Atlantas Ponce De Leon Center say patients often die with no family present That might be how far patients have to travel to get to a clinic, how welcome they feel in that clinic. Its that milieu that disadvantages our minority populations. TODO: define component type apester The new year is upon us and traditionally, this is the time when most people resolve to change their lives for the better, implement new, productive habits and do away with the old ones. While its certainly a worthy goal to aim to better yourself in the new year, its important to realize that breaking your old, destructive habits is simple, but not easy -- which is why the gyms are empty by the third week into the new year. If you want to maintain your momentum, its important that you tap into your why and focus on replacing your old habits with your new, healthy and productive routines, rather than trying to attempt a total life makeover from one day to the next. 1. Dont buy into the allure of "no days off." When youre excited about a new project, or perhaps you started an entirely new business, its easy to get swept up in the optimism true entrepreneurs possess -- you are eager to put in long hours, work weekends and sacrifice time with friends and family. Its natural to think that putting in more time will result in seeing the fruits of your labor sooner. Id like to caution you however, because not taking any breaks for an extended period of time can cost you dearly. Ive learned this the hard way. Related: 6 Top Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make and What to Do Instead When I first got started in business, I was 20 years old. Id worked in the corporate world for a few years, then branched out to start my own business. Capitalizing on my knowledge of IT and computer technology, I created a business servicing small and mid-size companies as their external IT expert. I was basically fresh out of high school, and with a young mans energy, I approached my new venture with passion and ambition. During the better part of the next decade, I was working 16-20 hours every day. I didnt take any days off, not even on weekends or holidays. Financially speaking, the grind paid off. By the time I was 30, I had three successful businesses. I sold my IT business and grew my second and third companies (both in the marketing industry) into multi-million dollar firms. The more I worked, the harder it seemed to take a break. Even when I wasnt working long hours, I was always thinking and strategizing. Basically, every waking hour was consumed by work. Looking back, it seems obvious that keeping up this obsessive workaholic approach wasnt sustainable. I didnt have the wisdom or life experience to know any better at that time though, and as a result, I suffered a major mental breakdown. The exhaustion, stress and burnout took a toll on my relationships and my personal life. I was only 34 years old, and I was faced with having to seriously reevaluate my choices. Even though I was very successful financially, I found that having a high net worth didnt do much for my overall happiness. Psychologists call this anhedonia -- its an oscillation between feeling nothing at all or feeling down in the dumps. As I started to deeply reflect on my values and what really mattered in life, I came to realize that sacrificing free time, personal fun and relationships for the sake of growing my business was not worth it. I couldnt fix my life without outside help, of course. If you find yourself in a similar situation, Id highly encourage you to seek professional help. Thats what Ive done. Ive worked with psychologists and occupational therapist to get through this. Overwhelmingly, they recommended to focus on self-care, which at the time, I found somewhat vague and intangible. Eventually, implementing their advice and guidance started to pay off. The first thing I had to do was to set boundaries around my work and be less available to my businesses demands outside of work hours. I focused on having a life outside of work and started to pursue long forgotten hobbies. I also reconnected with friends that I hadnt seen in months or even years. Being social, and rediscovering with my hobbies rejuvenated my energy and helped me become more creative in business. It felt as though I got a new lease on life. Today, I am happier than I have ever been in my life. I meet each day with excitement, feel more fulfilled, and life seems to have more depth and meaning. Related: Why Your Mental Health Is the Key to Your Success in Business 2. Celebrate your victories more often. As entrepreneurs, we are driven to high achievement. We love to chase bigger and bigger goals. We face challenges head on and dont even recognize our own victory on the other side. What once seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, once overcome, seems to be instantly forgotten by many. We tend to immediately shift our focus to the next goal, or overcoming the next challenge, rather than taking time to reflect and reevaluate what helped us succeed thus far. The problem is, if we never congratulate ourselves or take time to celebrate, we miss out on receiving the emotional rewards for our accomplishments. When bigger goals are achieved, theyll zoom by unnoticed too. Today, I recognize how much I missed out on in the first decade of building my business. Friends and colleagues would congratulate me for each big success that I achieved, but for me, none of it ever really sunk in. It was as though I didnt feel the success. I only judged my progress by the ever changing goal posts that I kept adjusting so that Id have a reason to strive for more. Despite getting ahead in business, my life felt empty and meaningless. A simple way to overcome this is to focus on being grateful every single day. Take a few minutes each day to journal, and write down what went well. Make sure you dont turn journaling into a chore or just another task on your to-do list. Take the time to connect with your breath, and jot down a few sentences about things you could be grateful for. To help avoid listing things by rote (i.e. things were supposed to be grateful for, such as a roof over our heads and having three meals a day), make sure you connect emotionally with the things that youre expressing gratitude for. If you have difficulties coming up with a list of things to be grateful for, try this. Instead of thinking today Im grateful for... start tapping into what felt nice from the previous days events. Perhaps someone held the door open for you at the bank. Maybe the cashier at the grocery store smiled at you, or a friend called to simply say hello. Whatever small thing it is, as long as you truly feel that it was nice when you think back on the event, write it down in your journal. This practice will help shift your focus and energy toward the positive things that are happening both in and outside your business. Before you know it, your overall mood and outlook will improve and you will start to notice the positive things more often. Another reason why its important to be grateful for the small victories is to truly make gratitude a habit. That way, when big victories come, youll be able to really appreciate them and celebrate your accomplishments. Related: Why You Should Exercise Before Work Every Morning 3. Exercise daily. Exercise is known for being a natural mood elevator. According to this article by the American Psychological Association that reviews a multitude of studies on this topic, exercise could be a powerful intervention for clinical depression. Given that serious depression can result in further health problems and even suicide -- remember the loss we suffered when celebrity designer Kate Spade and chef Anthony Bourdain took their own lives recently -- its important that we pay special attention to our mental health, especially since entrepreneurship is inherently ridden with challenges and difficulties. My recommendation is that you consider exercise mandatory. Think of it just like breathing or eating -- a necessity you simply wont do without. Make sure you start -- and maintain -- a daily exercise routine. Of course, it doesnt have to be complex. A simple 30 minute walk in the morning or during lunch is a great way to get started. As your endurance improves, you can start incorporating more strenuous workouts that fit your style. I like to hit the gym and practice yoga. Several of my successful entrepreneur friends recommend martial arts -- particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as it incorporates exercise, discipline and competitiveness. The latter is a trait of all entrepreneurs, and giving it a regular workout is bound to help you succeed, both on the mat and in the real world. 4. Focus on your personal relationships. According to this Harvard study, our relationships and how happy we are in our relationships has a powerful influence on our health. And yet, we often fail, or at least tend to postpone investing time in our personal relationships. If you take anything from this article, let it be this point. My biggest regret in life is that I thought Id have time to focus on my friendships later. I had a vague sense of an undefined, evasive point in the future where Id have time to invest more in my personal relationships. Unfortunately, Ive lost a few amazing friends -- including my best friend -- because they felt the relationship was one sided, as I was always too busy to really pay attention and be present with them. I hope you learn from my mistakes and make the necessary changes to include your inner circle more in your day-to-day activities, dreams and goals. Sharing your aspirations and your challenges with your loved ones, and listening to theirs in return, will enrich your life. Though I learned this lesson the hard way, since I shifted to become more relationship-oriented, it has certainly enriched mine. As an added bonus, once you start connecting with a handful of friends and family members in a more meaningful way, youll start practicing more empathy, and youll become a better listener. This, in turn, will help you be more effective in your business relationships as well. Related: 9 Ways Successful Entrepreneurs Spend Their Weekends 5. Invest in more professional help. Its easy to get swept up in the superhero syndrome so typical of entrepreneurs. We truly believe that being independent is above all, and it often leads to attempting to solve problems in isolation. We are resourceful, and we think we can figure everything out ourselves. While being resourceful and thinking on your feet has likely contributed greatly to your success thus far, sometimes resourcefulness means accepting help from others, both personally and professionally. Once you build a strong and diverse support network, itll be much easier to navigate life and business with all its complications and challenges. Looking back, I truly wish Id sought out professional advice earlier. Trying to solve everything myself resulted in irreparable damage to some of my close relationships. My advice is to create a safe space for yourself, and have a support team that includes sounding boards, mentors in business and professional help for your personal life when you need it. Doing this will help you overcome challenges much faster and enjoy good times with great people. Invest as much as you can in all of these areas. Youll be glad you did. We are often told that great sacrifice is needed to succeed in business. While that is true, we have to be careful not to sacrifice in the wrong areas. Giving up too much of our free time, personal relationships, friendships and quality time with our loved ones eventually takes its toll. Be careful not to grind so hard that you find yourself with a full bank account and an empty soul. Related: Struggling to Save? Here Is the No. 1 Way People Waste Their Money. Book Review: Business Fixer and Best-Selling Author Chris Collins Shares His Secrets in 'Syndicate X' Why Work Ethic Is the Ultimate Equalizer in Business Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved As the partial federal government shutdown approaches its fifth week, impacted students, faculty and staff may find some measure of relief from the states Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. System president President Mark Ojakian announced Wednesday that he is asking the 17 colleges and universities under the Board of Regents umbrella temporarily suspend requesting tuition payments from impacted students. The system is also looking to help students with the cost of books, transportation, and other social service needs. While the effects (of the shutdown) on the college and university system so far have been limited in scope, a prolonged shutdown could adversely impact the ability of federal employees and their dependents - particularly those employed by the United States Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Bureau of Prisons - to pay tuition and other higher education expenses, Ojakian said. There was no immediate indication of how many federal employees and dependents are enrolled among the 84,000 students in the system, according to Leigh Appleby, a spokesman for the system. It was also unclear how much delaying tuition collection might affect the systems already fragile financial condition. Beyond federal workers and their dependents, Ojakian said the shutdowns impact on the Internal Revenue Service could make it harder for some students to complete financial aid forms. There is a high likelihood that students who are federal employees or dependents thereof will face cash-flow problems as a result of missed paychecks, Ojakian said. As colleges and universities, we should do everything in our power to make sure we are not adding undue stress at an already difficult time. Though Pell Grant and Direct Loan funding is reportedly unaffected at this time, Ojakian said he expects it may be difficult for students and institutions to confirm eligibility for these resources. Students will have to sign a document affirming that they are financially affected by the shutdown and will resume payment when the federal government reopens. The Board of Regents, which is losing students and state financial support, is bracing for still more cuts in the coming years with an infusion of $70 million over the next two fiscal years. lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck The year 2018 will go down as another year of budget cuts for many public school districts in the state, but thats nothing new. It is something Bridgeport has endured for years and which many other local districts are starting to get a taste of, with state finances the way they are. Despite that, the year just ending brought the area new buildings, new leaders and a swell of student activism sparked by yet another deadly school shooting. The mass shooting took place in Parkland, Fla., on Valentines Day, but it helped thousands of young people across the nation to galvanize and find their voice. New activism On March 14, students across southwestern Connecticut and across the nation walked out of class to show solidarity. Among the march organizers were students from Newtown. Some like Jackson Mittleman, said it was like taking care of unfinished business. The walkout was followed by a second in April, then a summerlong push that began in Chicago and ended in Newtown to encourage more young people to register to vote in Novembers midterm election. The effort seemingly paid off when 31 percent of voters ages 18 to 29 cast ballots, according to a Tufts University study, a turnout 10 percent higher than for the 2014 midterms. New tensions The strain of funding the rising cost of education exposed strained relations in at least two Naugatuck Valley communities. In Ansonia, a disagreement over what the city is legally obligated to contribute toward the education of the school districts 2,304 students last spring led to a threat by Schools Superintendent Carol Merlone to end the school year early. She did not follow through with the threat, but the matter and a contested $600,000 in city funding ended up in court and is subject to a state Board of Education inquiry, which will be held in Hartford on Jan. 3. In Shelton, city and school officials also went to court over school buses. The city owns a fleet of them, but Mayor Mark Lauretti threatened not to let the school system use the propane-fueled buses after the district awarded a new contract to a private vendor instead of the city. School officials say they had no other choice because the city failed to offer a specific plan or price for transporting some 3,500 students to school each day. Just before the start of school last fall, a compromise was reached that will turn the operation over to the city in the 2019-20 school year. New economies Buses also played into Stratford school finances. After spending two decades transporting elementary students all over town in the name of maintaining a state-mandated racial balance in its schools, the school board voted last spring to convert Stratford Academy Magnet School into a neighborhood school, sending nearly 1,000 students districtwide back to their home schools and helping the district reduce the number of buses it used. Some parents protested, but the change took effect anyway. New alliances? Finite resources was also the driving force behind a committee formed to see if the Derby and Ansonia school districts should become one. The committee hired a consultant this fall and will spend much of 2019 figuring out if a merger makes sense before taking the findings to votes. New digs While short on operating funds, new schools were opened in several communities. In Bridgeport, a brand new $107 million Harding High School opened a half mile away from the original building on Bond Street in the citys East Side. After several years of renovation, Central High School in the city also was declared good as new. Meanwhile, the Monday after Thanksgiving, the 963 students at Stratford High School relocated to a new building on the other side of Kings Street, signaling a major milestone in that $126 million project. Much of the existing 1925 building is being torn down and replaced with a new auditorium and other spaces that connect to the new main building via a breezeway. In the fall, Housatonic Community College cut the ribbon on a renovation and expansion of Lafayette Hall while Sacred Heart University began settling into the former General Electric headquarters on Easton Turnpike in Fairfield, dubbing it the West Campus. Across town, Fairfield University started the 2018-19 academic year with a new residence hall, 42 Langguth. Recognitions In October, the state named its 2019 Teacher of the Year, Sheena Graham, a music teacher at Harding High School in Bridgeport. Graham will represent the state in a national Teacher of the Year competition. Finalists will be named in January. Rejections In April, the New England Association of Schools and College issued a strongly worded rebuke of a plan to merge the states 12 community colleges into one. The so-called Students First plan was promoted as a way to save money. The accrediting body called the plan unrealistic. Many who objected to the change saw the plan as ill-conceived and stripping the institutions of their community identity. Undeterred, system president Mark Ojakian pledged to proceed with the plan in smaller doses. For the time being, he has kept in place staff sharing, with Housatonic Community College President Paul Broadie also serving as interim president at Gateway Community College in New Haven. Comings and goings The year saw new leadership at some area colleges and announced departures at others. The University of Bridgeport found a replacement for retiring President Neil Salonen in Laura Skandera Trombley, who took office in July. She quickly announced an academic reorganization that merged 14 distinct schools and programs into a three-college structure. In doing so, a number of dean positions were eliminated. Quinnipiac University in Hamden also saw new leadership, when longtime president John Lahey passed the baton to Judy Olian in July. Meanwhile, University of Connecticut President Susan Herbst announced right after commencement in May that she would step down in a years time not to retire, but to return to the classroom, and at the UConn-Stamford campus. The university is expected to name her successor as soon as January. BRIDGEPORT-A year and a day is the cost to a Danbury federal inmate for making a shank. Chief U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill Jan. 14, 2019 imposed an additional sentence of a year and a day on John Faucher, 41 of New Hampshire. Already Faucher is serving a 46-month term after pleading guilty to two charges stemming from a bank robbery. The sentence comes as a result of his guilty plea in July to possessing contraband in a federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia King told Underhill that Faucher had fashioned a weapon from a 7 and a half inch metal rod which was bent at one end for a handle and sharpened into a point at the other end. A cord was attached to the middle to serve as a grip handle. Federal investigators determined that Faucher made the weapon while working in the prisons facilities department. He told them he intended to trade it for drugs. Assistant U.S. Public Defender Tracy Hayes told Underhill Faucher has a history of drug and alcohol abuse dating back to his teen years as well as a learning disability as a child. GREENWICH A clergyman with deep roots in the Emerald Isle will lead the St. Patricks Day Parade in March. From the Greenwich Hibernian Association: Monsignor J. Peter Cullen will be installed as the Grand Marshal of the 45th annual Greenwich St. Patricks Parade by the Greenwich Hibernian Association on Saturday evening, March 2, at the organizations annual St. Patricks dinner dance. The Parade will be held on Sunday March 24th at 2 p.m. Monsignor Cullen was born in Boston, Massachusetts, the third of five children. His family moved to Greenwich in 1958 when he was in college. Monsignor received both his B.A. and Masters Degree in Theology from St. Marys Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, he received a Doctorate of Ministry from Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California and a Certificate of Intercultural Communication from the Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Monsignor Cullen was ordained a priest in 1967 and was assigned initially to Puerto Rico and later to St. Mary and St. Peter Parish in Bridgeport, Connecticut where he worked for many years in the Hispanic Apostolate. While in Bridgeport he served on the Affirmative Action Agency of Bridgeport and the City Board of Fire Commissioners. Monsignor was then transferred to St. Aloysius Parish in New Canaan where he was pastor for 17 years. From there, he was transferred in 2007 to St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Greenwich where he served as pastor until his retirement. While at St. Michaels, Monsignor served as Chairman of Greenwich Catholic School. In addition to his parish duties, Monsignor, in 2002, was named by Bishop William Lori as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia in the Diocese of Bridgeport. As Vicar General, Monsignor assisted the Bishop in governance of the Diocese and as Moderator of the Curia he assisted in coordination of the work of the Diocesan staff. Monsignor Cullen is a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 30 years. In 1998 he was awarded the honors of a Fourth Degree Knight. He is also a member of the Fr. Myron V. Miller Assembly 1794 in Stamford.. He has been a dedicated Chaplain to Orinoco Council 39 in Greenwich and is also Connecticut State Chaplain Monsignor has very strong Irish roots. His Irish ancestors include the Cullen, Collins, Nawn and Curley families. His Cullen ancestors came from Ireland to Boston in the 1850s. His ancestors came from counties Roscommon and Cork. STAMFORD Twenty-one students graduated from Building One Community - The Center for Immigrant Opportunitys (B1C) Home Health Aide program in partnership with Norwalk Community College (NCC) on Jan.10. The graduation ceremony took place at the PepsiCo Theater on NCCs campus and was attended by friends and family of the graduates, NCC and B1C staff members, and Home Health Aide program donors. The fifth cohort of Home Health Aide students began their studies in August 2018. While more than 70 people were interested in enrolling, an interview process that required an English language assessment helped to determine the participants. The graduates range in age from 22-years-old to 60 and represent 10 countries: Colombia, Peru, Guatemala, Ecuador, Spain, Zimbabwe, Eritrea, Mexico, the Philippines, and El Salvador. STAMFORD The one-and-a-half-acre plot of land north of Latham Park that holds a 100-year-old church may soon become the home of a new residential development. For sale in Stamford: Your own piece of holy land The First Congregational Church of Stamford, which has dealt with recurring budget deficits and a dwindling congregation, sold its home on Walton Place last month for $5 million. Copperline Partners, the buyer, is a real estate developer specializing in multifamily and hotel buildings. Copperline owns about 1,000 apartment units in Stamford, including the Hoyt Bedford and Morgan Manor properties. It plans to build 200 units on the church property. Rick Redniss, a land-use consultant working for Copperline, said the developer plans to preserve most of the 1913 church building while adding new residential units. Weve been working on plans to develop around the original church building and to try to come up with a design that sets that church building in its best light as we can, while accommodating a development, he said. Copperline also owns the adjacent 80 Prospect St. lot, as well as 65 and 77 Prospect St., two multistory residential buildings across the street. The property at 80 Prospect St., which was purchased for $2,862,500 in 2016, used to hold the La Marqueta Food Plaza, and is almost half an acre. Redniss said Copperline will use both the 1 Walton Place land and 80 Prospect St. for the proposed project. The new development would become part of a larger campus with the two existing Prospect Street buildings, meaning residents from all would have access to the same amenities, said Redniss. They have been working on this for many years, Redniss said, referring to Copperlines investment. According to the website for Copperline, the company has a history of acquiring older buildings in strong urban and suburban locations, and modernizing them for residential use at a lower price point than that of new construction. The real estate developer has offices in Florida, New York and Connecticut, the three regions it most focuses on. It also owns several hotels, including the Mayfair Hotel and Spa in Miami and the Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach. The sale will allow First Congregational, which has been in Stamford for more than 350 years, to find a space more suited to its congregation, which has become too small for the downtown church. Last summer, the church had agreed to sell the 1.2-acre property to the Coptic Orthodox Church for $3.3 million, but that deal fell through. Over the last 15 years, the church has faced an average annual deficit of $44,000, according to a letter from the churchs ad-hoc planning group from last year. In 2017, the deficit ballooned to roughly $130,000. Because of the financial constraints, the church leadership has looked into multiple ways to recoup some money, including renting space, and merging with another church. But neither solution would seemingly provide the church with the needed funds to control its budget shortfall. In an emailed statement, Pastor Todd Yonkman said church leadership hoped to find a buyer that would preserve the century-old building. It was important that the buyer share our desire to retain much of the original structure, he said. Yonkman said the church has a history of relocating, having moved six times since the institution originally located in Stamford in 1641. We are excited for this opportunity to refresh our congregation in a new location, he said. While the sale is official, the congregation is planning on remaining at the Walton Place location for most of the current year before moving to a new location. STAMFORD Black growth was found in certain office spaces in Government Center during an investigation sparked by complaints from teachers working out of central office because of mold problems already present in their classrooms. Last month, about nine Westhill High School teachers who had filed workers compensation claims due to mold-related symptoms were instructed to work out of Government Center after they presented doctors notes saying they couldnt work out of their classrooms where mold was found, according to Diane Phanos, president of Stamfords teachers union. Teachers said the room they were in was cramped and mold was visible throughout the area. It was outside the room, inside the room, in the hallways, in the bathroom, said Ruth Walden, one of the teachers asked to work out of Government Center. We all saw the mold. We pointed the mold out. Phanos said the teachers reported visible mold on the third floor of the building where they were stationed. Phanos encouraged them to file new workers compensation claims. A portion had to work from home until their classrooms were cleaned or until the district could find them a mold-free work space. A new report from the districts environmental consulting firm found black growth behind vinyl wall coverings in the third floor bathrooms and on the office HVAC cents and adjacent tiles. According to mold task force member Mike Handler, the growth was not tested to determine whether or not it was mold. According to a report from Tighe and Bond, concerns of mold were reported in the womens restroom and assorted office spaces on the third and fifth floors of the building, both of which hold Board of Education space. Phanos previously said the Westhill teachers were working out of the third floor of Government Center. Phanos did not respond to attempts for comment on this story. The report says water-stained drywall near the doorway and black growth was found behind the vinyl covering in a toilet stall on the restroom on the third floor. Both areas were dry when tested with a moisture meter. Black growth was also observed on HVAC venters and adjacent tiles in office spaces on the third floor, as was rust on metal ceiling grids and piping above the ceiling. Water stained ceiling tiles and pipe insulation were also spotted above the ceiling in the third floor office and in the space of the office located beneath the Government Center cafeteria. A building representative indicated to Tighe and Bond that there are frequent leaks in the area that are often corrected. As a result, the firm recommended the water stained ceiling tiles and pipe insulation be removed and replaced and the HVAC vents be cleaned with a high-efficiency particulate air vacuum which can trap smaller air-borne particles. Tighe and Bond also recommended using an EPA-recommended fungicide to clean the vents and hiring an architect and engineer to inspect the plumbing near the cafeteria kitchen. Tighe and Bond recommended removing vinyl covering and growth/water-impacted drywall without the space, inspecting the space behind the drywall for mold before renovating the room with mold-inhibiting drywall and paint and following up by checking the area regularly. On the fifth floor, no abnormal conditions were observed, but Tighe and Bond recommended removing vinyl covering throughout the womens restroom and cubicles and painting with mold-inhibitive paint, as well as performing regular surveillance. Handler said the facilities team at Government Center is working to coordinate Tighe and Bonds suggestions into ADA compliance work already set in place. He added while the mold task force is willing to assist Government Center when it comes to mold complaints, their primary focus is on the schools. Any facility that is of a certain vintage that is capital constrained at times is going to have issues, he said. Were fortunate there have been no complaints. Until we bought Westhill teachers in we hadnt had a single health complaint about air quality in the building. If there are concerns, theyll investigate it. Handler added mold in the glue behind vinyl is a common problem in many Stamford buildings, including many of the schools. The option of replacing the vinyl with non-porous sheetrock in the schools is a costly and large undertaking, but one he said is being considered. Someone thought it was a great idea to put vinyl on interior walls, Handler said. It really does hide and mask underlying conditions. The glue that holds the vinyl on is great for mold... We want to be as careful as possible not to have these conditions return. erin.kayata@ stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2265; @erin_kayata STAMFORD OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma has announced it had submitted a new drug application to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for a treatment of sleep-wake disorders, including insomnia. Securing FDA approval would pave the way for Stamford-based Purdue to put on the market the Lemborexant drug it is developing with Japanese pharmaceutical firm Eisai. In addition to researching treatment of insomnia, the companies have also launched a clinical study of the drugs effects on patients with irregular sleep-wake rhythm disorder and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's dementia. The company expects to learn in about two months whether the FDA would grant a standard review of 10 months or priority evaluation of six months. It is uncertain how the federal governments partial shutdown might affect the timeline. Purdue declined to comment on when it planned to start selling Lemborexant, which would be available as a tablet. Purdues top-selling drug is OxyContin, an opioid whose allegedly fraudulent marketing is the subject of hundreds of lawsuits nationwide. But company officials have said they want to diversify their portfolio by developing other medications. Last week, Purdue announced it would partner with eyecare-pharmaceutical firm Ocular Therapeutix on research aiming to develop non-opioid pain treatments. In another non-opioid initiative, Purdue announced last October an exclusive option to acquire Plymouth, Minn.-based SpineThera, which is developing an injectable steroid treatment for back pain. But the torrent of litigation against the company still threatens the companys long-term prospects. A lawsuit filed last month by the Connecticut attorney generals office was the 20th submitted in 2018 by a state against the company. Connecticuts complaint parallels hundreds of other lawsuits filed in recent years by local and state governments. They accuse Purdue of years of false marketing that misrepresents the risks and benefits of treating chronic, non-cancer pain with its opioids. Purdue has denied the allegations. Last week, a state Superior Court judge dismissed a related group of lawsuits filed against the company by about 20 Connecticut cities and towns, including Bridgeport, New Haven, New Britain and Waterbury. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott Wednesday was hardly a joyous milestone in the world of beer, wine and liquor, but that didnt stop them from raising a toast of half-priced cocktails at Elis Tavern in Milford. And why not? The 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution better known as Prohibition, banning most alcoholic beverages at least highlights the healthy state of the industry today. So Kevin Fitzsimmons, general manager and part-owner at Elis, featured happy hour prices on sidecars and old-fashioneds for the occasion. Speakeasy drinks, he called them. Hopefully history doesnt repeat itself, he said as he prepped for the after-work crowd. No, it doesnt repeat, but it does ebb and flow, like the fluid dynamics of a keg, a cask or the fifth of bourbon used to make those sidecars (mix with lemon). The spirits industry just had its eighth straight year of added market share, reaching 36.6 percent of the total alcoholic beverage market, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Distilled Spirits Council. Distilled spirits sales rose 2.6 percent to 226 million cases, which means the better part of a case per adult. The council had parties last month around the 85th anniversary of repeal, including one at the French ambassadors residence. We were thanking them for supplying us during the long, dark years, said Frank Coleman, senior vice president at the council. And in Connecticut lately, the alcoholic beverage trade has been in the news. Breweries, now numbering almost 90, along with wine and liquor tasting rooms, are trying to win state approval to sell more product over the counter a measure the powerful package store association opposes. Photos: On this day Jan. 16, 1919 Prohibition takes effect in US Diageo North America said last week it will move its headquarters from Norwalk to lower Manhattan at the start of 2020. That will cost Connecticut 350 of the 600 local Diageo jobs as the company migrates to a denser field of marketing talent. The good news and theres always some of that in the spirits business is that Diageo will keep 250 people in Fairfield County, at a location yet to be determined. We are committed to continuing to operate in Connecticut. Our Fairfield County office will house a number of teams, including our innovation center of excellence, said Deirdre Mahlan, president of Diageo North America, in w written statement. We share the governors optimism for the future of the state and look forward to helping deliver on that vision. Thats the first high-profile loss for Gov. Ned Lamont, with at least a consolation prize. The center of excellence is, as one company official put it, where all of the innovation liquids are designed. By rights, Connecticut should keep those testing labs because, back 100 years ago, we were one of only two states, along with Rhode Island, to outright reject Prohibition, with a 20-14 vote in the state Senate. (Apparently two senators were out tipping one up for the evening when it came time to vote.) Diageo has as part of its roots a storied Connecticut spirits maker, Heublein, of Hartford. I was there on the sad day in 1995 when Heublein, then part of London-based Grand Metropolitan, closed its Smirnoff plant, idling 240 workers in the capital city. Less than three years later, the newly formed Diageo moved hundreds of Heublein headquarters employees to Stamford. That period, the mid-90s, was a low point for distilled spirits, said David Ozgo, chief economist of the spirits council. Heublein had made it through Prohibition on the strength of its A.1. steak sauce and other food products but couldnt survive corporate consolidation. And while almost no one can recall Prohibition today, people in the industry dont want it forgotten. Theres never been a constitutional amendment that put a whole industry out of business, said Coleman, at the spirits council. Its a cautionary tale of good intentions run amok ... the bottom line is that it left us with way more crime, all kinds of bad alcohol, government tax revenue went through the floor. That last point is no small deal, then and now. An hour-long, 2012 documentary, Prohibition: Connecticut Goes Dry, produced and directed at CPTV by my friend Jennifer Boyd, shows how the dire need for tax revenues in the depth of the recession sped up repeal. (Disclosure: Ive been in, and helped with, some of Boyds many documentaries.) Boyds piece called Connecticut the wettest state, highlighting the booze-filled Roaring 20s in Westport, with the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his crowd. It makes clear that enforcement was weak at best. Sounds like marijuana laws, todays rapidly ending prohibition. Connecticut will soon in all likelihood join the ranks of recreational-legal states. As always, theres talk of abuse and addiction, with the affected industries saying theyre doing their parts. Legal pot wont affect the sale of distilled spirits, according to the spirits council. The group released a report last week showing spirits sales have not been negatively impacted in the three states that have had legalized recreational marijuana retail sales the longest. Those are Colorado, Oregon and Washington. In Norwalk, an entrepreneur is planning a distillery that will produce spirits made from seeds and flowers of hemp, a marijuana cousin. Now thats a combo. Prohibition itself started a year after ratification, giving the feds time to write rules and rich drinkers time to stock up. These days, it isnt puritanical Protestants leading the temperance movement opposing looser alcohol laws. Public health advocates are much, much bigger players in the anti-alcohol movement, said Ozgo, the spirits council economist. They get tons of money from the federal government. And so the debate over laws continues. The industry says its working to cut down abuse and addiction. Fitzsimmons, serving anniversary speakeasy drinks at Elis Wednesday night, respects the history. Hes the son of a retired New York City IRS criminal investigator. Eliot Ness was his idol. dhaar@hearstmediact.com European Space Agency astronaut Andre Kuipers shares space with some floating fruit in the Unity node of the International Space Station. Image released Feb. 16, 2012. This probably tops your most embarrassing butt-dial moment: Back in 2012, Dutch astronaut Andre Kuipers mistakenly called 911 from the International Space Station (ISS). "If you're in space, it's like you are making a call via Houston first you dial the 9 for an outside line, and then 011 for an international line," Kuipers told the Dutch outlet Nederlandse Omroep Stichting earlier this month. (The article is in Dutch; the quotes here are provided by Google Translate.) "I missed the 0, and indeed there was a report at the Houston alarm center: something happened in the Johnson Space Center, and security went off and they went to the room where the call came from," Kuipers recalled. "There was no one on the ground, but there was the line where the space station came in. I was a little disappointed that they had not come upstairs." See more Kuipers isn't the only astronaut to come down with a case of fumble fingers in orbit; British astronaut Tim Peake had a similar issue a few years back. "I'd like to apologise to the lady I just called by mistake saying 'Hello, is this planet Earth?' not a prank call ... just a wrong number!" Peake tweeted in December 2015. The 60-year-old Kuipers, a physician by training, has retired from the European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut corps. He flew to the ISS twice during his spaceflight career, spending a brief nine days aboard the orbiting lab in 2004, then living off Earth again from December 2011 through July 2012. Peake, 46, is an active ESA astronaut. He has one spaceflight under his belt, serving aboard the orbiting lab from December 2015 until June 2016. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate) is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. The Gateway, formerly known as the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, is a proposed NASA program that would bring astronauts to the moon to operate a lunar space station. The concept has generated a wealth of research and numerous political discussions since 2017, especially because NASA's stated goal under the Trump administration is to return to the moon before going to Mars. The hardware and mission design are still in the early stages of development, but as of mid-2018, NASA envisions a lunar outpost (supplied by Space Launch System rockets) that would hold four people. Unlike the International Space Station, the outpost would not always have a crew on board and would have the capability to perform scientific experiments autonomously. The prime contractor for the first module should be announced in 2019. In August 2018, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence announced that astronauts could fly to the lunar space station as early as 2024; however, it's likely that date will change as design and construction plans proceed. In the same month as Pence's announcement, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine told reporters that the cost of the Gateway won't be nearly as much as the cost of the crewed Apollo missions in the 1960s. NASA's current budget is now about 0.5 percent of annual federal funds, compared to its former height of 4.5 percent in the mid-1960s. The agency plans to begin the Gateway project without drawing on increased federal funding. First steps to a gateway In 2012, NASA publicly discussed the idea of a lunar station on the moon's far side called the Deep Space Habitat. A few years later, in 2014 and 2015, NASA began to consider the idea of "cislunar habitats" as a way to fly humans on longer missions in the 2020s. The agency envisioned a small shelter where astronauts could assemble telescopes, operate rovers and perform scientific research. In March 2015, NASA awarded several contracts under its Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) program to companies developing concepts for lunar modules. The goal was to build modules would attach to the Orion spacecraft (a deep-space vehicle under development by NASA) and allow for missions of about 60 days in duration. The agency also discussed cislunar habitats in a "Journey to Mars" report published in October 2015. One of the earliest mentions of a lunar space station, then known as the Deep Space Gateway, was in an article published on NASA's website in March 2017. As NASA described it at the time: "The agency is ... looking to build a crew tended spaceport in lunar orbit within the first few missions that would serve as a gateway to deep space and the lunar surface. This deep space gateway would have a power bus, a small habitat to extend crew time, docking capability, an airlock, and [would be] serviced by logistics modules to enable research." NASA is planning a deep-space habitat around the moon called the Gateway, as the next destination for astronauts. The cis-lunar space station will be a waypoint for future missions to the moon and beyond. (Image credit: NASA) The agency said the gateway would be useful not only for lunar orbiting missions, but also for increasing the breadth and depth of space exploration in general. "The area of space near the moon offers a true deep space environment to gain experience for human missions that push farther into the solar system, access the lunar surface for robotic missions but with the ability to return to Earth if needed in days rather than weeks or months." In July 2017, NASA issued a competitive request for information about the Power and Propulsion Element, the module that is expected to supply electrical power and chemical and electrical propulsion to the gateway. As a result, five study contracts were issued in November 2017. That September, NASA and Roscosmos (the Russian space agency) signed a joint cooperation agreement to explore the moon and deep space, which included use of the gateway. Back to the moon NASA's mission to return to the moon was bumped up in the agency's priority list after President Donald Trump's first space policy directive was announced in December 2017. Trump directed the agency to focus on returning to the moon before attempting to reach Mars (reaching Mars had been the primary goal during President Barack Obama's administration). Trump's announcement was in line with a previous recommendation from the newly reconstituted National Space Council. The council, which hadn't been active since the early 1990s, was re-formed in June 2017. Later that year, its members concluded that lunar exploration should be NASA's primary goal. The Deep Space Gateway was renamed the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway in February 2018, when NASA made its 2019 budget request. (More recently, NASA has referred to the project as simply "the Gateway.") That document also suggested that the International Space Station should conclude operations in 2024 to make budgetary room for the gateway. NASA held a Deep Space Gateway Science Workshop from Feb. 27 to March 1, 2018, in Denver, which helped the agency formulate a science plan for the lunar complex. Also in 2018, NASA launched the Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts-Academic Linkages (RASC-AL) design competition for university students, which focused on developing concepts for the gateway. The agency is also encouraging the development of international gateway partnerships, especially from the current International Space Station partners (Russia, Europe, Japan and Canada), as it formulates the concept of the gateway. Further reading: This article was updated to change references from the 2018 name of this mission, the Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway, to the more recently used title of the Gateway. Changes were made by Space.com Reference Editor Vicky Stein. The Hubble Space Telescope's main eye on the universe should be back up and running soon. Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) took itself offline last week as a safety precaution, after onboard software noticed anomalous voltage readings within the instrument. But Hubble team members have now determined that voltage levels actually remained within the normal range, ascribing the glitch to a telemetry issue rather than a power-supply problem. The mission team reset the relevant telemetry circuits, gathered some more engineering data and then brought the WFC3 back to an operational state. "All values were normal. Additional calibration and tests will be run over the next 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the instrument is operating properly," NASA officials wrote in a Hubble update Tuesday (Jan. 15). "Further investigation using both the new and the previously collected engineering data will be conducted to determine why those data values were originally incorrect," the officials added. "Assuming that all tests work as planned, it is expected that the Wide Field Camera 3 will start to collect science images again by the end of the week." The WFC3, which was installed by spacewalking astronauts in 2009, views the universe in visible-wavelength light and has snapped some of Hubble's most famous and spectacular photos. Hubble also features three other cameras: the Advanced Camera for Surveys, the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph. All of these instruments continued to function during WCF3's downtime. Hubble launched to Earth orbit in 1990 as a joint mission of NASA and the European Space Agency. The telescope has recently shown some signs of its advanced age. For example, a problem with Hubble's orientation-maintaining gyroscope knocked the telescope offline for much of October. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate), is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. The Kuiper Belt object Ultima Thule, as seen by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft during its historic flyby on Jan. 1, 2019. These images, released Jan. 2, were taken from a distance of 18,000 miles (28,000 kilometers) with a scale of 730 feet (140 meters) per pixels. NASA hasn't been totally grounded by the government shutdown. The partial shutdown which is the nation's longest ever, at 24 days and counting has of course had a serious impact on the space agency. More than 95 percent of NASA employees have been furloughed, and development work on most future space missions has been slowed or suspended. Indeed, some NASA workers gathered outside the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston today (Jan. 15) to protest the shutdown and its deleterious effects on their lives and the nation's space program. But some "excepted" employees remain at work, keeping NASA people and operational spacecraft safe. For example, life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) continues much as it did pre-shutdown, with astronauts conducting a range of scientific experiments and public-outreach work. Last week, NASA astronaut Anne McClain conducted an orbital Q&A with students from Kranz Junior High, a school in Dickinson, Texas, that's named after former NASA flight director Gene Kranz. McClain answered a variety of questions, from the nature of the research performed aboard the ISS to the type of training astronauts receive to whether your ears pop in space. And on Sunday night (Jan. 13), a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule departed the orbiting lab for Earth, eventually splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The robotic Dragon brought down important scientific research and hardware for examination here on terra firma. See more See more See more See more Then there are the active space missions. NASA probes continue to gather data in Earth orbit and at the moon, Mars, Jupiter and beyond. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft slipped into orbit around the near-Earth asteroid Bennu during the shutdown, on Dec. 31. And a day later, the New Horizons probe pulled off the most-distant planetary flyby of all time, zooming past the small object Ultima Thule more than 4 billion miles (6.4 billion kilometers) from Earth. Space fans should all hope that the shutdown ends soon, so NASA can get fully back on track and thousands of workers can start getting their paychecks again. But don't think the agency is shuttered just because its website is much more fallow than before. You can learn more about NASA activities during a shutdown in this FAQ. Mike Wall's book about the search for alien life, "Out There" (Grand Central Publishing, 2018; illustrated by Karl Tate) is out now. Follow him on Twitter @michaeldwall. Follow us @Spacedotcom or Facebook. Originally published on Space.com. A panoramic view of the night sky over the Very Large Telescope in Chile shows several interesting objects: the Milky Way galaxy, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, zodiacal light and gegenschein. (Image credit: Miguel Claro Miguel Claro is a professional photographer, author and science communicator based in Lisbon, Portugal, who creates spectacular images of the night sky. As a European Southern Observatory Photo Ambassador and member of The World At Night and the official astrophotographer of the Dark Sky Alqueva Reserve, he specializes in astronomical "Skyscapes" that connect both Earth and night sky. Join Miguel here as he takes us through his photograph, "Magellanic Clouds, Zodiacal Light and Gegenschein on a VLT Panorama." Taken from Cerro Paranal, a mountain in Chile's Atacama Desert that is home to the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, an almost 360-degree panoramic view shows several interesting objects of the night sky. From left to right, we start with the bright star Canopus and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, two of the Milky Way's neighboring galaxies. The Milky Way's galactic arm is setting behind the horizon while the zodiacal light sunlight reflected off interstellar dust lights up the sky behind the Antu telescope, one of the four units that comprise the VLT. [Amazing Space Views of ESO's Very Large Telescope] Next to Yepun, the last telescope on the right, the elongated diffuse light is clearly visible coming from the Andromeda galaxy. Near the horizon on the right side of the image, the Pleiades star cluster is visible next to the tower silhouette. In the upper right part of the image is another diffuse atmospheric glow known as the gegenschein, a faint brightening of the night sky in the region of the antisolar point, or opposite the sun. Like the zodiacal light, the gegenschein is created by sunlight scattering off particles in space. However, the gegenschein is fainter because the light particles are backscattered, bouncing off dust particles beyond Earth's orbit and back toward our planet. Light particles responsible for the zodiacal light take a more direct path from the sun to Earth. "The soft glow is the collective light of dust particles orbiting the sun out to the orbit of Jupiter and perhaps beyond," said Les Cowley, a retired physicist and atmospheric optics expert, on his website Atmospheric Optics. "Some dust is hypothesized to originate from comets, other from remnants of very rare collisions between asteroids between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter," he added. A faint orange light just above the horizon is another phenomenon known as airglow. Unlike the zodiacal light and the gegenschein, airglow is the result of chemical interactions inside Earth's atmosphere. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun energizes molecules like oxygen and nitrogen. As those energized molecules collide with each other, they release energy in the form of photons, or tiny particles of light that create this vivid glow. Editor's note: If you captured an amazing astronomy photo and would like to share it with Space.com for a story or gallery, send images and comments to managing editor Tariq Malik at spacephotos@space.com. To see more of Claro's amazing astrophotography, visit his website, www.miguelclaro.com. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The first human colonists on Mars will have to forgo many of the creature comforts of Earth things like enjoying an ozone layer, for example, or opting out of rearing genetically engineered Martian babies. Fortunately, one essential earthly amenity these hardscrabble colonists may not have to give up is wine. Georgia, a country with an 8,000-year-old viticulture tradition, is putting its top space and wine scientists to work figuring out how to grow grapes on Mars. The project, named IX Millennium, ostensibly as a nod to Georgia's ninth millennium making wine, will involve several phases of research into building an agricultural infrastructure on Mars. One critical step: identifying the grape varietals on Earth best equipped to withstand the harsh radiation, fearsome dust storms and severe temperature swings of the Red Planet. This research could help hydrate permanent settlements on Mars a soon as 2024 the year when SpaceX founder Elon Musk intends to launch the first crewed mission there. (NASA hopes to follow in the 2030s.) [Mars InSight Photos: A Timeline to Landing on the Red Planet] "If we're going to live on Mars one day, Georgia needs to contribute," Nikoloz Doborjginidze, founder of Georgia's Space Research Agency and an adviser on the wine project, told The Washington Post. "Our ancestors brought wine to Earth, so we can do the same to Mars." (The origins of wine are still debated, but Georgia holds a valid claim thanks to their recent discovery of an old wine-stained pot dated to 6000 B.C.) The first wine on Mars The new space wine project will kick off later this year with the installation of "vertical greenhouses" inside a hotel in the capital city of Tbilisi, according to Georgian news agency Agenda.ge. There, floor-to-ceiling pods of soil and seeds (including grapes, strawberries and arugula) will be left to grow under hydroponic lights with minimal human interference, simulating the possible conditions of a controlled agriculture pod on Mars. In the meantime, Georgian wine experts are hard at work trying to figure out which grape varietals might best survive harsh Martian conditions. Over the next few years, researchers at Tbilisi's Business Technology University plan to simulate a Martian environment in the laboratory, exposing soil samples to subzero conditions, high carbon monoxide levels and thin air meant to mimic the atmospheric pressure at "20,000 feet [6,000 meters] altitude on Earth," The Washington Post reported. These experiments likely will not bear fruit until at least 2022, but scientists already have a hunch that white wine will fare best on the Red Planet. "Whites tend to be more resistant to viruses," Levan Ujmajuridze, director of Georgia's vineyard Laboratory, told The Washington Post. "So, I'd imagine they'll do well against radiation, too. Their skin could reflect it." These experiments could well provide future Martians with grapevines but the actual fermenting, bottling and aging would be up to them. Nobody knows exactly how fermenting grapes in microgravity will actually work yet, but NASA scientists think it's possible. The Georgia team's boozy experiments aren't the first foray into space agriculture. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have already begun growing salad crops in microgravity, while China's recently deployed Chang'e-4 lander will attempt to grow potatoes and rockcress (a flowering plant similar to cabbage and mustard) on the moon. The makers of Budweiser, meanwhile, have launched barley seeds into space three times in hopes of becoming "the first beer on Mars," while a batch of Ardmore scotch whisky spent three years aboard the ISS from 2011 to 2014. That project showed Earthlings that even an old drop of the pure is apparently not immune to the ravages of microgravity; the scotch reportedly came home tasting of "antiseptic lozenges" and "rubbery smoke." Originally published on Live Science. Ted Booker South Bend Tribune SOUTH BEND The three-member St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners unanimously signed off Tuesday on a $3 million contract for a computer-aided dispatch system that will replace the current one at the countys 911 center. Officials hope the new system from Motorola will resolve a long series of problems at the center near Mishawaka. Motorola has estimated it will take a year to install its system. It will replace Plano, Texas-based Tyler Technologies New World system. That system, which took two years to set up at a cost of $3 million, has been used since June 2017. Center leaders have blamed numerous problems on Tyler Technologies system, which they say has caused thousands of dispatches to be delayed and put public safety at risk. In some cases, police and fire agencies continue to be sent to the wrong places because of mix-ups with addresses that have the same street names in different municipalities. And the system has crashed a handful of times this fall, causing 911 call takers to resort to a pen and paper method. The center argues there are several issues spelled out in Tylers contract that the company failed to address. But Tyler argues it never committed to those items, which would be software enhancements, and says it worked diligently for months to help the center resolve problems. Tuesdays vote by commissioners came after Motorolas system was recommended by the centers operations board, comprised of police and fire chiefs, and executive board, comprised of County Commissioner Andy Kostielney, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg and Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood. Motorola was among a handful of providers that submitted proposals for systems last year. Motorola submitted the lowest bid, and 911 center leaders were impressed with a demonstration the company conducted. Motorolas contract calls for a seven-year lease-to-own agreement with annual payments of about $494,000, which includes interest. The first payment will be in 2020. A combination of reserve money and annual revenue drawn by the center will be used to pay off the system. About $2.5 million will be covered by the centers capital and dispatch operating funds, which draw revenue annually from the county, South Bend and Mishawaka. The remainder will come from a fund that draws annual revenue from the state for the center. In addition, the contract calls for ongoing annual maintenance fees of about $290,000. Those fees will kick in two years after the system is launched. The Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 last July to seek proposals for systems from companies, with Commissioner Dave Thomas voting no. Thomas, who voted Tuesday in favor of the Motorola contract, he said he doesnt regret voting in July against seeking proposals. He said that is because at the time, leaders of the 911 center were still trying to resolve issues with Tyler Technologies. He said that after it became apparent this past fall that problems still werent addressed, he supported considering other systems. The company was unable to fix everything 100 percent, he said. Ray Schultz, the centers executive director, said Motorolas system has a tentative launch date of March 1, 2020. Tylers five-year maintenance contract expires July 2020. But Schultz said the center plans to end the contract when Motorolas system is launched. The center also plans to negotiate a lower maintenance fee for the remainder of the contract, Schultz said, based on less services being required from Tyler. Under Tylers contract, the center has paid an annual maintenance fee of $311,000. Schultz said Motorola will do most of the on-site work to implement the system, but that didnt happen with Tylers system. What happened last time, and one of the reasons we were so far over budget, is that Tyler basically sent us the manual and left our folks to do the work, he said, adding that Motorolas system is expected to have a shelf life of at least 20 years. Staff reports South Bend Tribune The Michiana area is once again rich in ways to remember civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who was born Jan. 15, 1929. His official holiday will be observed on Monday, though many events begin well before then, from discussions and prayer to marching and music. All are free unless otherwise noted. South Bend Century Center On Monday, the biggest hub of events will be at South Bend's Century Center, 120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., South Bend, with more than 45 vendors and vendors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at Century Center. That will include free haircuts and free mental health screenings by experts from Oaklawn. There will be an Empowerment Fair with information from universities, financial services, health awareness, student support services and job readiness programs. 9:30 a.m. to noon Give to a blood drive. Sign up in advance at 574-329-3150 or at the Bloodmobile in the Century Center. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Hear stories from five leaders on key moments in their development and advice in We Too Are You. They include retired law enforcement administrator Rosemarie Harris, La Casa de Amistad Director Sam Centellas, political campaign manager Drew Duncan, South Bend Heritage property management assistant director Rosie Leyva and Imani Unidad Director Debra Stanley. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn about the 21st Century Scholars Scholarship Program. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn about the challenges and gains of the Westside Small Business Resource Center, which opened in September in an effort to overcome the racial wealth divide. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Hear from four panelists on the State of Black Youth in Indiana. 10 to 11:30 a.m. Gain empowerment for women to lead their lives. 11:45 a.m. Gather at the County-City Building for the traditional march to the Century Center. It begins inside with songs, prayers and words by public officials. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Listen to a poetry slam against injustice, inequality and violence by members of the South Bend Youth Task Force. 1:30 to 3 p.m. Learn about the housing options of South Bend Heritage Foundation. 1 to 3 p.m. Let kids ages 5-10 join in face painting, crafts, stories and games. 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Learn about the group Stand Against Violence Everyday (SAVE) and the Gun Violence Initiative. 3 to 5 p.m. Attend the youth cultural program with music, poetry, dance, drum, mime, praise and step team performances. 3 to 5 p.m. Hear about systemic barriers to diversity, inclusion and equality from panelists Lynn Coleman, Sheriff Bill Redman, city diversity/inclusion officer Christina Brooks, school board member Lesley Wesley, union leader Tony Flora, city council member Regina Williams-Preston and La Casa de Amistad Director Sam Centellas. Elsewhere in South Bend 6 p.m. Thursday A panel discussion will focus on the state of law enforcement and youth in the city. Held at the Charles Martin Youth Center, 802 Lincoln Way W., it will feature local law enforcement, city officials and youth leaders, taking questions from the audience. It will be hosted by the South Bend National Pan-Hellenic Council. Noon Friday Memorial Hospital will host singing and spoken word celebration in the hospitals first-floor auditorium, 615 N. Michigan St. 7:30 p.m. Friday An African drumming and dancing event, Uzima!, will feature Kelly Morgan and drummer James Riley in the University of Notre Dames DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. Its free but ticketed. Pick up tickets at the will call window starting one hour before the performance. 6:15 p.m. Saturday "A Little Taste of Peace" will be discussed in study circles on race and racism at Holy Cross School, 920 Wilber St. Bring a dessert or other finger food to share (no pork) and participate in the conversation. Register at www.ywcancin.org or call Jena at 574-233-9491, ext. 316. 4 p.m. Sunday An annual worship service at St. Peters United Church of Christ, 915 N. Ironwood Dr., South Bend, will feature choirs, praise teams and youth, led by the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of St. Joseph County. Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Julius Everett of the Berean Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 4-6 p.m. Sunday The Peoples Inauguration 3: No Hate IN Our State will be at the Islamic Society of Michiana, 3310 E Hepler St # 1, South Bend. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday Free admission to Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum. 1-4 p.m. Monday Attorneys with Volunteer Lawyers Network will offer free legal advice at the St. Joseph County Public Library, 304 S. Main St. No appointment needed. 7 p.m. Monday A musical celebration with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, local choirs and Levi Powe on cello at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St. $10 for adults, free for students and kids. Reserve at 574-235-9190 or southbendsymphony.org. Tickets also to be sold at end of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Breakfast. 7 p.m. Monday Black Lives Matter co-founder Opal Tometi will give a keynote speech, then answer questions in Room 102 of DeBartolo Hall at the University of Notre Dame. Mishawaka 11 a.m. Monday Celebrate five colleagues at Saint Joseph Health System for their efforts that represent King in the medical center, 5215 Holy Cross Parkway. Elkhart 9, 10 a.m. Monday A march will start at 9 a.m. from the downtown Civic Plaza and lead to the Community Missionary Baptist Church, 228 Chapman Ave., where a program will start at 10 a.m. with keynote speaker Mondrell Gary, an Elkhart native who now is assistant principal of Susie B. Atkinson Elementary School in Griffin, Georgia. A community service award will be presented to Charles and Amy Gilbert for more than 20 years as foster parents. Lunch will follow. The events are hosted by the Elkhart Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo. Goshen Goshen College will host these events: 9:30 a.m. Sunday LaKendra Hardware, associate director of student life for diversity, equity, and inclusion, will give the sermon "Jesus: The Model for Movement" at College Mennonite Church, followed by a discussion at 11 a.m. 7-9 p.m. Sunday Award-winning poet and featured artist Tiana Clark will read her poetry in the Sauder Concert Hall, joined by students performing poetry, prose and music. 10-11:45 a.m. Monday Annual convocation will feature Hardware and former students Terra Kincy and Clinton Stroble at College Mennonite Church. A candlelight vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Schrock Plaza. More details are at www.goshen.edu/mlk. Michigan City 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST Monday "Talk to a Lawyer Day" will offer free consultation and referrals at the Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. Fourth St. No appointment is necessary. Provided by area lawyer associations. For more information, call 219-873-3049. Benton Harbor Lake Michigan College's Benton Harbor campus will host these events: 7:45 to 10 a.m. Monday Breakfast and awards ceremony in Grand Upton Hall of The Mendel Center. The theme is "Rise Above the Narrow Horizons." The deadline for reservations was Monday, but contact Angela Kurtz at 269-927-6197 for possible seating. Noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 23 Equality and Equity in Healthcare townhall meeting in The Hawk's Nest of the main building. Jerry Price, manager of diversity and inclusion for Spectrum Healthcare Lakeland, will discuss how certain demographic groups were historically disenfranchised from the health care system and how those inequalities persist today. Noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 24 Race relations council forum in The Hawk's Nest of the main building. The panel will discuss Civil Rights and Voting Rights: Then and Now. Cassopolis The 21st Annual Community-wide Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration will take place on Monday with the following events: 9 a.m. Prayer Breakfast at the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl St. Youth from SAMES will compete in the annual essay contest. 11 a.m. Freedom March to the Historical Courthouse. Meet at Rowland St. by the U.S. Post office (weather permitting). Noon to 1 p.m. Food Pantry Distribution at the Church of Cassopolis, 520 Pearl St. 6 p.m. Second Annual Soul Food Dinner, United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. State St. Donation $10. 7 p.m. Gospel Program at United Presbyterian Church, 209 E. State St. Essay winners will read their essay and local youth will display their talents. Catrinka Johnson, pastor of Connor-Mayo AME Church in Dowagiac will be the guest speaker. EDITOR'S NOTE: Herb Teichman, the owner of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm who died Monday at age 88, had helped to mind the German prisoners of war who labored on his father's fruit farm in Eau Claire during World War II. Teichman and his sister recalled those childhood memories for this story in the South Bend Tribune, which ran Nov. 18, 2010. EAU CLAIRE William Teichman would lose his crop if he didnt do something. So, he took his kids, young Herb and Emily, to the sheriffs office in St. Joseph and asked for two driving permits. Emily was the right legal age, 14, but Herb was a year shy. Can you vouch for them? the sheriff asked their dad, who was known as a sort of homeland security volunteer of that time. Sure, his dad replied. Thats how Herb found himself at the wheel of his dads deep green 1934 Ford flatbed truck, an Army guard sitting beside him with a rifle and 10 German prisoners of war in back. It was 1943, and the hilly rural roads of Berrien County opened before him. I felt like I was part of the military, a big shot, Herb recalls. He was on orders from his dad to fetch the POWs from tent cities in Berrien County their prisons and bring them to harvest the familys orchards in Eau Claire. The apples and peaches needed picking. But the Teichmans usual labor, folks from Black Oak, Ark., didnt show up. They couldnt afford the trip, thanks to the fuel and tire rationing that came with World War II. As for other job candidates, well, they were fighting the war. Farms throughout Michigan and the United States hungered for workers, too. So, in the wars final three years, from 1943 to 1945, the Army allowed farmers and packing houses to use the POWs as labor. Out of the roughly 400,000 prisoners who were shipped to the U.S., tens of thousands of them did join in the farm labor, according to a 2009 article in Smithsonian magazine. About 5,000 of them were held at the Fort Custer military training center near Battle Creek. A couple hundred or more stayed in each of the encampments in Berrien County, along with the Naval Reserve Armory in Benton Harbor. Herb drove the prisoners almost daily. They came from a different camp each year in Sodus Township, in Hartford and in Coloma and each unit of 10 prisoners had an armed guard. Most had been captured in north Africa. They seemed to be regular guys in the German military, not heavily entrenched Nazis, says Bob Myers, curator for the History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs. Herb and Emily, now Emily Foster of Niles, are in their 80s. They gathered recently at Herb's home, tucked among those orchards, which Herb took over from his late father and turned them into Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm. They tell stories that echo reports around the country of how farmers treated the POWs. It was an island in time a dose of humanity before the Germans returned to Europe's agony. Lunch with Chopin As a girl, Emily recalls, "My job in the morning was to fill these big tubs with water and leave them in the sun to warm up." At noon, the prisoners would gather by the windmill and dip into the tubs to wash up for lunch. William Teichman didn't think much of the lunch that the Army sent with the prisoners: a loaf of bread and a roll of sausage, but no knife. Rather, his wife would cook a hearty meal such as spaghetti or chili. Emily would pitch in. The men would sit beneath a shady tree at a crude dining set made of boards and fruit crates. Young Herb and Emily didn't know it, but that was a far cry from the weak soup and hard bread that the German military gave its POWs in forced work camps in Europe. The difference here was that the U.S. chose to follow the Geneva Convention about fair treatment of POWs, even allowing the prisoners to earn a few cents each day. Part of their pay went to the Army, and the rest came to the men as coupons to buy items like cigarettes and toothpaste in their camps. The elder Teichman looked at the nice meal as a matter of business. They were his only shot at picking the fruit. And he couldn't get a good day's work out of the men if they didn't eat well. Each summer brought a different batch of guys. By the third year, Herb says, it became stressful for their dad because the units weren't as cohesive, ranging in age from 15 to 65. The first group, in their 20s and 30s, may have come from an enemy army but didn't seem like enemies at all - particularly at lunch. After dining, they'd play games like horseshoes or stretch out on the grass. One of them, a skilled equestrian, gave riding lessons to the other prisoners on Emily's tall black horse, Old Smoky. On their dad's invitation, one of them regularly went into the Teichman house to play piano. Alfons' music drifted through the open windows. "What he could do to Chopin," Emily recalls with awe. A prisoner outside joined in by singing an aria from "La Boheme." No fears Precisely one hour of lunch ended, and the men returned to work. The Teichmans allowed them to eat as many ripe peaches as they found because the ripe fruit couldn't be packed and shipped. Back home, starvation gripped Europe, and they would have been lucky to buy one imported peach. The guards sometimes took a nap. Or, to avoid boredom, they'd leave their gun in a tree and pick fruit, too. One time, Herb says, a guard couldn't remember where he'd placed his gun. The prisoners were timid about looking for it, except one who emerged from the orchard, holding the gun at arm's length. Emily always obeyed the rule about no girls in the orchards while the POWs worked except for one time. The guard's commander dropped by the house. Emily heard him talking with her dad and put two and two together. She didn't want trouble for the guard or anyone. So she ran to the barn, grabbed Old Smoky and rode bareback through the orchard to warn the group. "At that age, there's only one way to ride, and that's fast," she says. She found the guard standing alert, gun in hand. "We know," he responded, having heard the approaching engine of his commander's car. The family had no fears about their guest workers. "Nobody was going to go anywhere with POW written on their clothes," Herb says, describing the Army-issued pants and shirts. German in the family Herb and Emily didn't talk with them much, if at all, because of the language barrier. Herb learned just a few German words "probably not the best words." He explains, "They were always talking about their girlfriends." Their father did speak German. He enjoyed chatting with the men about their home regions. From what Herb and Emily can tell, he never delved into politics. Teichman saw them as regular men from the homeland. Teichman's own parents were German, with his dad serving in the German army before immigrating to the United States in the late 1800s. Still, Herb recalls, his dad's parents "did not hesitate when my father enlisted in the (U.S.) infantry (in World War I)." Herb says they were concerned about the snowballing changes in Germany that were leading to Adolf Hitler's rule. When the POWs finished the harvest, Teichman sent them off with a few pieces of warm clothing for the winter a sign of his gratitude. The first year's group left gifts, too. One prisoner crafted a ship in a small bottle. Another pounded coins into three small crucifixes. And a third sketched a cartoon of one of their misadventures. It shows Teichman wondering what to do after he ran over a neighbor's chicken or guinea hen with his truck. Back to starvation Several POWs wrote letters back to William Teichman after the war ended in 1945, painting a harsh portrait of life in Europe. "Now, after a senseless war, all Germans are beggars," Kurt wrote. Lauren Hahn translated the letters into English and wrote an article about them in the Winter 2001 edition of The Journal of the Midwest Modern Language Association. They wrote how they thought they were going home, only to be diverted to POW camps in England and France, where they complained of harsh conditions. Franz wrote from France in 1946: "It's harvest time and you've got a lot of work to do now. If only I could help pick those beautiful peaches!" They thanked Teichman for his kindness. Even a former prisoner's mother wrote to him about the warm clothing he'd been given. Hahn counted 25 begging letters in all. "My wife and I would be hugely grateful to you if you could send a small food package," Heinz wrote. Food rationing and starvation persisted in Germany and across Europe. "Please don't send money because there's nothing to buy," Kurt wrote, asking for food for his wife and three children. Teichman did send some packages. So did other German relatives in the U.S. and local church organizations. Letter exchanges went on until the elder Teichman's death in the 1960s. Was he really that kind? Or was he just being the practical farmer that he was? "I think our dad put it in such ways that these were human beings, and we needed help," says Emily, who feels that affected her perspective later on. "I was a high school guidance counselor for many years, and I didn't care where they (students) came from. You saw them as individuals." She reflects on a photo of the first year's group of POWs. Her little sister, maybe 4 or 5, sat in the front because the POWs wanted her in the shot. Whenever Emily sees a photo today of an American soldier with a child in a far-off land, she says, "It takes me back, because they are away from home." Herb looks upon the art that the POWs made, which he and Emily still have sparse physical evidence of this time in history. "When you receive something like that," he says, "you don't know what that will be in the future." A campaign aims to raise money to restore and reopen the front entrance of the Historic Chapin Mansion in Niles. The project would also add a ramp for those who cant use the steps. Victoria St. Martin South Bend Tribune SOUTH BEND City school board officials have asked a newly appointed administrator to become the systems next superintendent. Todd Cummings, who was appointed deputy superintendent in December, will lead the system. The current superintendent, Kenneth Spells, plans to leave the district on June. 30. The South Bend Community School Corp. passed on doing a national search for the top job. Board members offered Cummings a two-year contract with a annual salary of $186,000. The contract was announced at 5 p.m. on Tuesday. After a long and healthy discussion the board decided to forgo a superintendent search and hire an internal candidate, a release from the board said. The release also said the school corporation faces many challenges in the year ahead, such as the School Improvement Hearing for Navarre Middle School with the Indiana State Board of Education, crafting a transformation zone for Navarre and its feeder schools, as well as the strong probability of moving forward with a referendum in 2019. John Anella, board president, said officials discussed the contract during an executive session on Monday night. We felt at this time we have some much on our plate, said Anella, that the best thing was to hire a high qualified internal candidate and maintain continuity of leadership. Not everyone agreed with the move. Board members Leslie Wesley and Ruth Warren referred all questions to Anella. Another board member, Stuart Greene, said he wants to wait to comment until an upcoming public hearing. Two board members, Rudy Monterrosa and Dawn Jones, did not respond to calls for comment. New board member Oletha Jones said she and other board members wanted to at least conduct a state search for a new leader. We did want to open up the process to make sure we had the person to be able to pull us up out of the mire that were in, Jones said. We wanted to be fair and transparent in the process. Cummings was the director of human resources for the district before he was promoted to deputy superintendent. He joined the system in 2017 from Fort Wayne Community Schools, where he was the manager of system support and compensation, according to his professional biography online. Jones questioned whether Cummings had any prior experience as a superintendent. Anella said during the meeting, when that question arose, he talked about Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Mayor Pete was never mayor before he was mayor of South Bend, he said. Jones said she stressed to board members who were in favor of the move to offer Cummings the top job that we have to be more open and transparent in making our decisions. Its a public school system so the public has a right know even if its something we think theyre not going to like, she added. We have to trust the public. The board will have a hearing at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28 to receive public feedback on the proposed contract, as required by law. Members plan to vote after the public has a chance to weigh in. Success! An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. FILE - In this July 14, 2010, file photo, the Gannett Co.headquarters sign stands in McLean, Va. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that MNG Enterprises, better known as Digital First Media, is preparing to bid for newspaper publisher Gannett Co. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) Thelma Duncan, age 93 of Columbus, OH, formerly of Somerset, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Kobacker House Hospice Care in Columbus. Services are pending at this time and will be announced on Thursday. Lake Cumberland Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Thelma Duncan. Nordic Gold Provides Production Update Posted by Publisher Internet NORDIC GOLD INC. (TSX-V: NOR)?(\Nordic\ or the \Company\ http://www.commodity-tv.net/c/search_adv/?v=298724) today announced that it has produced a total of 145.3kg of dore (4,100.22 ounces of gold) since the first pour on 30th November 2018. 38,5kg dore were produced at the 1st pour (1,028.91oz of gold) and 78kg of dore ?(1,981.3oz gold) was produced in December 2018, resulting in total 2018 production of 116.5kg of dore (3,010.2 oz of gold). To date, production in 2019 is 39.7kg of dore (1,090oz). Processing operations were shut down for planned maintenance. Certain parts of the mill liners were unavailable at start up, however it was decided to press ahead and produce gold. This decision was made to improve cash flow and a maintenance shutdown was planned accordingly. Gold sales provided $5,172,323 of additional cash. The plant shut down ran from Tuesday 8th January 2019 to Monday 14th January 2019. During the shutdown 60,000 tonnes of high-grade ore was stockpiled. Michael Hepworth, President and CEO of Nordic said: ?The team at the mine has done an excellent job of restarting the mine.? We now need to work towards building a profitable business. The next few months will be critical as we ramp up production. As with any mine start up there are many adjustments required to optimise performance and it will be several months before we reach optimal performance.? Nordic also announced the resignation of David Forest as a director.? Mr Forest resigned so as to avoid potential conflicts with other activities. The company thanks him for his service to the company and wishes him well in future endeavors. For further information, please contact: Michael Hepworth President and Chief Executive Officer (416) 419 5192 mhepworth@nordic.gold www.nordic.gold? For up to the minute news, industry analysis and feedback follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch About the Company Nordic Gold Inc. is a junior mining company with a producing gold mine in Finland.?? The Laiva Gold Mine is fully built, fully permitted and financed via a gold forward sale agreement. The mine recommenced production in November 2018. 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. RiskIQ closes largest year in company history with massive customer and bookings growth January 16, 2019 ? RiskIQ, the global leader in attack surface management, today announced explosive growth in 2018, including a 362.5 percent increase in net new product sales. The company attributes this accelerated momentum to its success in leveraging the strong adoption of attack surface management across the world brought about by a swell of data breaches originating outside the firewall. Uniquely suited to solve this fast growing problem, RiskIQ introduced a next-gen technology which enables customers to detect compromises of internet facing assets. ?2018 saw the promise of attack surface management come to fruition, and the results show it,? said Dan Schoenbaum, President and COO of RiskIQ. ?Our team?s hard work and our key investments intersected with a tremendous market opportunity, and I couldn?t be prouder of our success.? Considerable investments in data science and technology in 2018 empowered RiskIQ to reveal new breeds of threats invisible to other vendors. RiskIQ made international headlines three times in a quarter when the company?s researchers used RiskIQ data to expose and profile Magecart, appearing in NBC News, Forbes, the BBC, and more. Now infamous for its large-scale siege on the e-commerce industry, Magecart is a group of digital credit-card skimming gangs responsible for thousands of hacks, including the data breaches of British Airways, Ticketmaster, Vision Direct, and Newegg. RiskIQ?s enhancements enabled them to collect even more data from across the internet to map, reduce, and monitor customers? internet-facing attack surfaces. As a result, the company?s network of scanners, proxies, and virtual users now processes 10M browser sessions, collects and analyses 100M web pages, performs 2B HTTP requests, monitors over 300 mobile app stores, and creates 10TB of new data each day. In 2018, this investment sparked a 414 percent growth in SSL certificate data, 16 percent growth in Passive DNS data, and 26 percent growth in WHOIS data the RiskIQ platform used to enhance its risk evaluation and threat detection for customers. ?RiskIQ has been crawling and mapping the internet since 2010 and has a larger repository of historical internet data than anywhere else,? said Lou Manousos, RiskIQ CEO. ?Continued investment in our collection technology, data science, and machine learning ensures that we can continue to collect, process, and analyse a unique amount of data to stay ahead of internet-scale threats, which are constantly evolving.? RiskIQ?s ability to help organisations map and monitor their attack surface, detect internet-scale threats, and investigate adversaries led to skyrocketing adoption by security teams around the world. In 2018 RiskIQ experienced a 365 percent increase in registration for RiskIQ community, the company?s freemium entry-level product and a 90 percent increase in upsells demonstrating RiskIQ?s broadened thought leadership and the increasing role of security outside the firewall to the growth of businesses. RiskIQ?s growing recognition and market success have also resulted in 2018 industry honours that include: ? Current 2019 finalist, SC Magazine Trust Award for Threat Intelligence (winner announced in March) ? 2018 Gold Winner, Best IT Company of the Year, IT World Awards ? 2018 Winner, 2018 Overall Web Security Solution Provider of the Year, Infosec Awards (Cyber Defense Magazine) ? 2018 Gold Winner for Social Media, Cyber Security Excellence Awards ? 2018 Gold Winner for Threat Hunting, Cyber Security Excellence Awards More than 270 enterprise customers, including eight of the ten largest financial institutions in the U.S., many large government organisations and five of the nine leading internet companies in the world, rely on RiskIQ to protect their digital attack surface. RiskIQ data and technology help power 49 of the world?s leading security vendors including FireEye, Fortinet, and Rapid 7. Electronica 2018 in review by InnoSenT GmbH Donnersdorf, 14/01/2019. From 13 to 16 November 2018, InnoSenT GmbH exhibited its product highlights for applications in the security, building automation and level measurement sectors at the world?s leading fair and conference for electronics. At the 38-m? exhibition space in hall B3, the company presented innovative solutions such as the iSYS-5020 radar system for security systems, the iSYS-6003 for level measurement and the INS radar sensor for the smart home sector.Around 80,000 people visited the fair in Munich this year ? the biggest electronica to date. There was a 10-percent surge in visitors and the fair was spread out across 17 halls. The increased interest was reflected in the well-frequented fair booths. Looking back on its fifth year of participation in electronica, InnoSenT GmbH?s review is positive. ?The thirst for knowledge regarding radar technology at electronica 2018 was considerable. The demand for sensors is continuously on the rise in the electronics industry. As radar experts, this was very palpable to us at electronica. Even though we rarely had a quiet moment at our booth, the outstanding response was a great experience for our whole team. We would like to thank our numerous visitors for the many talks and intense exchange of experiences?, said Christian Bommel, Head of Sales and Marketing at InnoSenT GmbH. The visitors had the opportunity to experience radar technology hands on at the fair booth: the interactive presentation of the INS and iSYS-6003 products invited visitors to test their different characteristics.The INS sensor for the home automation and security sector demonstrated the combination of proximity switch and motion detector functionality. When visitors approached or moved away from the built-in wall sensor, a display showed their direction of movement and speed. By holding their hand in front of the INS, they switched on the proximity function. This feature is especially useful for intelligent light or alarm systems, because it allows a single sensor to boast multiple control options. This combination is one-of-a-kind to date and is available in two variants with different detection ranges.The iSYS-6003 radar system was also put through its paces at electronica. The product determines the filling level of various materials precisely and reliably. At the fair booth, the system measured liquids such as water or coffee that could be filled into a cup. A display showed the result above the test area. The demonstrated accuracy of the iSYS-6003 remains fully reliable even under extreme conditions such as noise, dirt, heat or cold, thanks to its robust radar technology.In Munich, the company also exhibited its latest products for the security sector. The iSYS-5010 and the iSYS-5020 both can be integrated into security systems in an innovative manner. Especially when monitoring large outdoor areas, this produces synergy effects: integrated radar technology reduces false alarms and boosts efficiency.Just like electronica 2018 itself, InnoSenT GmbH?s presence at the fair likewise proved greater and more in demand. Significantly more visitors acquired information on innovative radar sensors and systems this year. The mid-sized company set new standards for itself with a striking LED screen, its own coffee bar, elegant design and an informative touch panel at its largest fair booth so far. The multimedia offer, the product tests and various coffee delicacies were well received among guests. During the trade fair days, the team also provided online coverage of the happenings at electronica 2018. The articles and impressions can be found on InnoSenT GmbH?s social media channels. Go to the company website at www.innosent.de for more information on the products. PHILIPSBURG:-- TBO Officers arrested the Chief Security of Princess Juliana International Airport Jerry Sprott this morning. The officers also raided Sprott's home in Belvedere while his office was also searched. Sources say the TBO is busy with a bribery investigation. Roderick Gouverneur confirmed the arrest made on Wednesday morning. The Prosecutors Spokesman said he has no further information on the ongoing investigation. Chief of security St. Maarten airport arrested On Wednesday, January 16, 2018, the Anti-corruption Taskforce (TBO) detained suspect S. on St. Maarten. S, 48 years old, is the chief of security of Princess Juliana International Airport and is suspected of accepting bribes, money laundering and complicity in the violation of the duty to register foreign exchange. In connection with this, the home and workplace of S. have also been searched. The suspect has been taken into custody today. Prosecutor's Office Press Release. PHILIPSBURG:--- National Alliance (NA) Members of Parliament are concerned about the manner in which meetings are being convened, adjourned and reconvened in Parliament. A number of urgent Parliamentary meetings pertaining to the hazardous dump, SZV financial situation, establishing the Calibration department, GEBE status and Tax reform (which abruptly ended because the Chair apparently had somewhere to be) are all still pending. The most recent publication of the agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank (WB) of a grant/loan of $100 million to the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) for the facilitys reconstruction, on Wednesday January 9, 2019 sent shock waves throughout the island. Primarily, as the faction notes that Minister Johnson publicly stated that the PJIA would not give up any positions on the board and/or the management positions to the Dutch for the $100 million dollar deal for the reconstruction of the PJIA. The Ministers (or CoMs) obvious change of position on the deal, after the very public demand made by Dutch State Secretary Knops to the government to make a speedy decision, must be explained. An urgent meeting of Parliament has therefore been called on Monday, January 14, 2018 for government to account for the loan/grant agreement decision by the Government for PJIA. An earlier public meeting requested on November 19, 2018 by five MPs with the Minister of TEATT concerning the economy and traffic challenges has to date still not been convened. Another urgent request by NA and USP MPs for an urgent public meeting with Minister of VSA concerning the construction of the Sint Maarten General Hospital on December 5th, 2018 has also not been convened. This meeting was called due to the recent discovery of the financial woes of the parent company Condotte dAcqua, whose subsidiary construction company INSO, was contracted to construct the new St. Maarten General Hospital. Minister Lees recent trip to Italy raised even more questions as to why the Minister is so intent on fighting to maintain this company despite its financial crisis. MP Wescot, in her capacity as Chair of Parliament, is the one responsible for the convening of parliamentary meetings. The dictatorial approach of convening meetings at will by the Chair of Parliament hinders MPs from performing their tasks and duties in a timely and efficient manner. Ministers not being available for meetings is also no excuse as each Minister has a replacement according to the Replacement Regulation. This lack of prioritization of meetings (especially urgent one) by the Chair gives the people of Sint Maarten the impression the MP does not consider these urgent matters and further encourages the thought that Parliament does nothing, as meetings are convened and head nowhere and seem to have no end in sight. Even when meetings are adjourned, they are not reconvened in a timely manner, as to afford the Parliament the opportunity to hold Government accountable to the people of St. Maarten. Many Nicaraguans long viewed Ortega, in office since 2007, as increasingly dictatorial. But what finally drew masses of demonstrators to the streets were wildly unpopular social security cutbacks. The police and pro-government mobs responded with deadly force, even against unarmed protesters, according to human-rights observers, shooting and killing people across the nation. Valdivia said she wondered why nobody helped them. First one fell in her neighborhood, then a second. After the third was shot, she hopped on her new moped and came to their assistance herself. All of the protesters at the safe house want to return to Nicaragua and renew their uprising against President Daniel Ortega. Credit:The New York Times Valdivia spent two months running what she considered a humanitarian command post, administering first aid and providing lunch to protesters who were snarling traffic with improvised road blocks. She learned how to use homemade mortars, she said, although she mostly left the weaponry to the men. Then a relative phoned with a warning: "Don't even think of coming here. There are about 25 police officers in your house, and they are destroying it." She fled and never looked back, leaving behind three shuttered businesses, a house, a car, the scooter and, for his own safety, her 7-year-old son, put in the care of his father, who has sided with the government and sometimes sends Valdivia angry text messages about her allegiances. "For now, I have to be with my people," she said, referring to her fellow fugitives. "In the future, when Nicaragua is free, my son is going to enjoy all of that." Valdivia now lives with her teenage daughter and dozens of people she only recently met, including a radio announcer accused of setting fire to a government station, eight minors and several college students. She is in charge of vetting newcomers to the ranch, turning away anyone who has been in jail, because she fears they could have been released on the condition they become informers. Those living here take turns on nightly guard duty, concerned about agents from Nicaragua infiltrating their haven. Credit:The New York Times In the protests' early days, with hundreds of thousands of people in the streets, many observers thought Ortega who had also led Nicaragua for most of the 1980s would be forced from office. But the government's brutal response, with hundreds killed, appears to have only solidified his grip on power. Still, those who fled try to remain optimistic. "We did not surrender," said Samuel A. Gutierrez, 13, who arrived at the ranch in Costa Rica by bus and on foot after he fled Nicaragua with his parents. Samuel, who survived a government attack on a church that killed two people, is missing his freshman year of high school as he hides out at the ranch. "We are all going back," Samuel's father, Orlando Gutierrez, 50, said as a group of fugitives roasted marshmallows. "All of us." A man uses a makeshift shower on the grounds of the safe house. Credit:The New York Times In the Nicaraguan government's version of this story, the protesters are terrorists and murderers. Those students who paralyzed commerce when they broke off bricks from the streets and used them to build roadblocks at intersections across the country were armed and aligned with well-financed right-wing coup-plotters, including the Catholic Church. Of the 322 people killed since the uprising began, 22 were police officers and about 50 were affiliated with the government's leftist Sandinista Front party, according to a Nicaraguan human rights organization that the government has now banned. Protesters believe many of those people died from friendly fire, or in cynical attempts to cast blame on a citizenry that had been armed mostly with rocks and slingshots. By the summer, the government regained the upper hand. In July, the Nicaraguan police, with assault rifles blazing, demolished more than 100 roadblocks. Friends turned out to be infiltrators, the police intelligence better than anyone imagined, and activists were arrested at their homes and underground hiding spots around the nation. At least 565 people are still jailed, some of them on murder charges and others for what the government calls terrorism. Another 23,000 people, like the Godmother, retreated to neighboring Costa Rica. Valdivia, hiding at first in Nicaragua's mountains, escaped across the border in August after a surprise phone call. "I'm going to help you get out," the voice on the other end said. The caller was a Nicaraguan businessman, Jorge Estrada, who had fled to Costa Rica three years earlier after the government confiscated a housing development he was building. Anti-government dissidents, many wanted by Nicaraguan authorities, record a video message to post to social media at the safe house. Credit:The New York Times Estrada now runs something of an underground railroad. He has arranged for the hasty departure of about 600 people, he said, and pays the rent for three safe houses including this one in Costa Rica. The fugitives call him "Comando." "You know what happens when they are caught: torture and murder," Estrada said. "How do you turn your back on something like that?" On a December day, Estrada pulled up to the safe house with three giant trays of eggs. He said he spends about $200 a day on food alone. The former protesters go through 9 kilograms of rice and 8 kilograms of beans every day at this hideout, Valdivia said. Everyone huddled around Estrada, eager for any news they had not already gleaned from Facebook and WhatsApp, where fake news about the crisis circulates. President Donald Trump had just signed the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act, or NICA, which promises to squeeze Nicaragua with tough sanctions until the rule of law is restored. "If all of this that the United States is doing, all this pressure, does not work for this man Ortega to react and leave, then one of the bloodiest wars Nicaragua has ever seen is coming," Estrada said. That is, the war would come, if only the opposition had guns. Los Angeles: New York rubbish truck driver Felipe Chairez, who drank beer before the Central Park West bicycle crash that killed Australian tourist Madison Lyden, has walked out of court with $US1000 in fines, after prosecutors dismissed the main charge. Madison Lyden was on the trip of a lifetime before tragedy struck in New York. Credit:Facebook Assistant District Attorney Anne Siegel told a hearing in Manhattan on Tuesday "the evidence is insufficient" to prove beyond a reasonable doubt a charge of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated against Chairez. Witnesses and video confirmed Chairez drove his truck in his lane, within the speed limit and in a reasonable manner, she said. "All known eyewitnesses, including the victim's friend who was cycling close behind her at the time she was killed, were spoken to," Siegel said. New York: The US government will lift sanctions against companies linked to a Russian oligarch with close ties to Vladimir Putin after a Senate push to keep them in place failed to attract enough Republican votes. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, on right, and US President Donald Trump, who was suspected by FBI of acting on behalf of Russia. Credit:Bloomberg Eleven Republican senators crossed the floor on Wednesday local time to back a Democratic motion to maintain sanctions against three companies linked to billionaire Oleg Deripaska. But the motion fell just short of the 60 votes needed to take effect, with 57 senators voting in favour and 42 against. If the motion had been successful, it would have dealt an embarrassing blow to the Trump administration which announced it was lifting the sanctions last month. Washington: Almost a dozen Senate Republicans broke with the White House on Tuesday on Russia, voting to move forward on a resolution that would maintain sanctions on companies linked to oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Senator Susan Collins, a Republican. Credit:AP The Democratic resolution would stop the Treasury Department from lifting penalties against the Russian aluminum manufacturing giant Rusal and two other companies connected to Deripaska. Senators took two procedural votes to proceed to the resolution, with 11 Republicans voting with Democrats. While Democrats are unlikely to get the 60 votes they will eventually need to pass the resolution, the strong GOP showing - which came hours after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin came to Capitol Hill and urged Republicans to vote against the resolution - is yet another signal that Senate Republicans are willing to oppose the White House and President Donald Trump on national security matters. United Nations: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday he plans to reactivate an application for the Palestinians to have full membership in the United Nations, and his foreign minister said that will likely happen in a few weeks. Abbas made the announcement just before he took over as head of the key group of developing countries at the United Nations with a promise to confront "assaults" on multilateralism and a pledge to seek a peaceful two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Credit:AP Abbas delivered the Palestinian Authority's application to become the 194th member of the United Nations to then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on September 23, 2011, before addressing world leaders at the General Assembly. That bid failed because the Palestinians failed to get the required support of nine of the Security Council's 15 members. Even if they did, the United States, Israel's closest ally, had promised to veto any council resolution endorsing Palestinian membership. Beirut: The Islamic State asserted responsibility on Wednesday for a suicide blast in the US-patrolled city of Manbij in Syria, the first such attack since President Donald Trump said American forces would withdraw from the country because the militant group has been largely defeated. In a message posted to Twitter, a spokesman for the US-led coalition battling the Islamic State said that US service members were killed while conducting a routine patrol in the city but did not say how many died or provide further details. Statements published by the Islamic State's unofficial news agency, Amaq, said the attacker used an explosives-laden vest to target coalition forces. The Amaq statement claimed that nine American troops were killed or injured in the attack but presented no evidence for that claim. Another day, another record. The 230 majority against the motion to approve Theresa Mays withdrawal agreement on the UKs exit from the EU smashes pretty much any parliamentary record one cares to discover. Anti-Brexit protesters react to the historic vote outside parliament. Credit:Bloomberg That Mays immediate response was to make time for the house to debate and vote on Labours motion of no-confidence in her the day after her loss was thus hardly a surprise: how else to respond to such a heavy blow against the central platform and policy of the government? And yet the abiding impression of these events was of avoiding a resolution, for as long as possible. Most obviously, May did not offer her resignation. That was a reflection not of her principles but rather her analysis of the situation. As she noted in her statement, a lack of majority for her deal doesnt mean theres a majority for another course of action. Without that alternative majority, she clearly feels there is still everything to play for and she is the right person for the job. In essence, what May offered parliament was a put-up or shut-up proposition. Should the government win the confidence motion which looks very likely indeed she will hold a series of cross-party talks, inviting parliament to bring ideas and suggestions about how to build a majority position. The results will then be put to the EU for negotiation and agreement. New York: Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman once paid a $100 million bribe to former Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto, a former associate testified on Tuesday, adding that he previously told US authorities. Alex Cifuentes, who has described himself as Guzman's one-time right-hand man, discussed the alleged bribe under cross-examination by one of Guzman's lawyers in Brooklyn federal court. Asked if he told authorities in 2016 that Guzman arranged the bribe, he said: "That's right." Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, left, poses with an unidentified man. Credit:AP/United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York Cifuentes testified that he had told US prosecutors Pena Nieto reached out to Guzman first, asking for $250 million. Cifuentes told the prosecutors that the bribe was paid in October 2012, when Pena Nieto was president-elect, he testified. Cifuentes said he told prosecutors at a later meeting, last year, that he was no longer sure of the exact amounts of the bribes, but did not elaborate. He also said that Guzman once told him that he had received a message from Pena Nieto saying that he did not have to live in hiding anymore. Bamako: Gunmen on motorbikes have killed more than 30 Tuareg civilians this week in northern Mali, where clashes over land and scarce water are common, an official said on Wednesday. The violence compounds an already dire security situation in the desert region used by jihadist groups to launch attacks in Mali and across West Africa. The identity of the assailants was unknown, but disputes between the nomadic Tuareg and herder Fulani ethnic groups have killed several hundred and displaced thousands over the past year. Tuareg Malian soldiers patrol the streets of Gao, northern Mali. Mali has been in turmoil since Tuareg rebels and loosely allied Islamists took over its north in 2012. Credit:AP Menaka town mayor Nanout Kotia said 34 Tuareg were killed in two nearby villages on Tuesday. Following on from my extensive work as minister for international development and the Pacific (including 35 trips to the Pacific), the government is now rolling out our Pacific "step-up". Blackett Strait in the Solomon Islands. Credit:Alamy I pushed for the Pacific to be a priority in our foreign policy White Paper and more of our overseas development assistance to be redirected to the Pacific. This is our neighbourhood. Our allies expect our focus to be firmly in the Pacific. Scott Morrisons visit to the Pacific this week is recognition of this. I advocated for the Pacific to be given cabinet status. Instead, its downgrading to the level of assistant minister sent the wrong message. I came to understand about Talanoa the process of dialogue and respect and making decisions for the good of the Pacific family. Despite vast distances, Talanoa has underpinned development of Pacific regionalism to which the Pacific Island Forum is central. Hence, our step-up initiatives should be integrated into this regional architecture. The success of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands was a good example of a regional solution where Pacific Island Forum members came together to help the Solomon Islands resolve its security issues. He made the statement in separate receptions in Hanoi on January 15 for President and Chief Executive Officer of Japans Mitsui Tatsuo Yasunaga and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Motor Seiji Kuraishi. In the meeting with Yasunaga, the PM said that the Vietnamese Government welcomes the partnership between Mitsui and Minh Phu Seafood Corporation a major shrimp farming business in Vietnam and the world adding that Vietnam is striving to earn US$10 billion from shrimp exports. The success of Mitsui will attract major corporations to Vietnam, he said. He added that with the signing of agreements between the two countries, especially the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, Mitsui can feel secure about the legal framework when doing business in Vietnam. The host expressed his hope that Mitsui will further increase its consumption of Vietnamese goods. Yasunaga, for his part, informed the leader that Mitsui has decided to invest US$100 million into Minh Phu. He hoped that via the bilateral partnership, Minh Phus shrimp export will rise to US$1 billion from the current US$700 million. In the meeting with Kuraishi, the PM lauded Honda for its quality products, tax contributions to Vietnams State budget, and active social activities. He suggested that Honda contribute more to developing Vietnams support industry and purchase more spare parts manufactured by Vietnam. The leader believed that as local incomes increase, more Vietnamese people will buy automobiles. Kuraishi thanked the Vietnamese Government for its support, as well as the Vietnamese people for trusting Honda products over the years. He said Honda is expanding into auto manufacturing in Vietnam and wants to receive more support from the Government, the PM, ministries, and agencies. Apart from promoting safe driving, Honda is stepping up a campaign to present helmets to Vietnamese children. It has so far presented 2 million helmets to raise public awareness of traffic safety, he said. South Africa: NW MEC commits to addressing farmers challenges North West MEC for Rural Environment and Agricultural Development, Desbo Mohono, says she will speedily address farmers challenges and prioritise the needs of emerging farmers in the province. She made the commitment during her first meeting with farmers in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality on Tuesday. The arranged string of meetings with farmers across the province is part of Mohonos plans to improve stakeholder engagement, public participation and to promote accountability, as well as transparency in government. During the meeting farmers raised a number of challenges, including among others, access to land for farming purposes, mechanisation, and the shortage of water for farming and visibility of extension officers in various areas of Bojanala. A fish farmer from Madibeng, George Moatshe, urged the MEC and the department to make an arrangement for them to be trained and equipped with skills to farm fish and create necessary job opportunities for people in the Madibeng area. We need training MEC! We dont need money, only training on aquaculture, Moatshe said. Agricultural formations, farmer associations and the youth welcomed Mohonos visit to Bojanala. We also wish to commend her initiative of visiting farmers on her first few weeks after her deployment to [the] department, Chairperson of the African Farmers Association of South Africa (AFASA) in Bojanala, K K Motsosi said. In her response, Mohono acknowledged that not everything will be resolved in a short period of time, but her department will do everything possible to assist farmers in the province with production inputs. We would not know the challenges you are facing as farmers unless we engage with you, [and] that is why we are here today. I have heard your complaints and suggestions. Some of your complaints will be attended to as a matter of urgency, as I have said I want to move with speed, Mohono said. She said that farmers contributions will help the department to make informed decisions and proper plans. With regard to the shortage of agricultural technicians, the MEC said the department has taken a decision to employ and increase the number of extension officers and veterinarians in the province who will be attached to farmers at community level. On access to land, the MEC said discussions between her department and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform will take place in the not distant future to assist those in need of land for purpose of food production. Mohono announced that for this academic year, at least 10 students will be supported financially to further their studies in two state-owned agricultural colleges in the province. She challenged the youth to fight for their space in the agricultural and environment sector, noting that there are opportunities there. Food security programmes Meanwhile, Mohono said she has instructed her officials to identify 200 families, or 50 families per district, who will be empowered with food security programmes aimed at pushing back the frontiers of poverty in the rural communities of the province. Mohonos meetings with farmers will continue to other three districts of the province. On Thursday, she is expected to meet with farmers in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in Matlosana Banquet Hall, then proceed to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati on 22 January to meet with farmers in Naledi Banquet Hall. Mohono will on 24 January 2019 meet with Ngaka Modiri Molema farmers in Mmabatho Civic Centre. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the very uncertain and unstable political situation in Britain over its divorce from Europe underscores growing doubts about the global economy in 2019. Mr Morrison said the while Australias direct economic exposure to the Brexit fiasco was limited, events in London highlighted uncertainty in the world economy on top of trade tensions between the United States and China. British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks in the House of Commons in London after losing a vote on her Brexit plan on Wednesday, Australian time. Credit:AP Former prime minister Tony Abbott, meanwhile, has strongly suggested Britain should walk away from negotiations, using Twitter to ask: Whats wrong with a no deal? Australia does $100 billion a year in trade with the [European Union] without a deal. Business peak body the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry stressed that whatever outcome the Brexit negotiations yielded, Britain wanted a closer relationship with Australia and therefore any risks would be accompanied by opportunities. A man who was thrown overboard when a boat capsized off the Great Southern coast has died in hospital. Its understood the vessel ran into trouble at 9.45am on Wednesday, near Peaceful Bay. Peaceful Bay. Police said the boat was swamped by a wave and three people were thrown overboard. One of people, believed to be a man in his 70s, was unresponsive after the capsize and he was collected by a passing boat. Doubt has been raised over how many single indigenous mothers are in Western Australian jails after more than $280,000 was raised to free them. An online fundraiser, set up on January 6, originally sought $100,000 but its popularity and generous donors helped it pass that mark in little more than two days. However, the WA Justice Department says some of the statements used to promote the fundraiser are "not true". An online fundraiser, set up on January 6, originally sought $100,000. Credit:Generic That includes campaign statements that "people who have no criminal convictions are imprisoned if they do not have the capacity to pay a fine" and that "single Aboriginal mothers make up the majority of those in prison who do not have the capacity to pay fines." That search area has since been cordoned off. 'Is Australia safe?' Ms Maasarwe had been studying Chinese and English at Shanghai University, and had spent the past six months in Melbourne on a study abroad program at La Trobe University. Her uncle Rame Maasarwe, who lives in America, said his nephews called him from Israel to tell him what had happened. "I cant believe that something like this has happened in Australia. Its not safe there in Australia? In Melbourne? Its not safe?" he asked. "We think America is dangerous, not Australia." He said his niece was a positive, adventurous young woman, who loved to travel. "Shes positive, she likes to have fun, shes a very friendly person you know. Shes a good sister," he said. "I was very proud of her, she was a very good person, a very loving person. "She liked to discover new things, see new places. She travelled all over the world." Aiia Maasarwe (left) was an Israeli student studying English in Melbourne. It is believed she was sexually assaulted and killed after getting off a tram in Bundoora. Credit:Facebook Ms Maasarwe was originally from Baqa al-Gharbiyye, a predominantly Arab city in the Haifa district in northern Israel, but had been living with one of her sisters in China, while studying there, before coming to Melbourne. She had completed a tandem skydive along the Great Ocean Road in December and visited local sites including the Shrine of Remembrance in September and the Grampians just a few weeks ago. Aiia Maasarwe's family are shocked she was killed in a country the considered safe. Credit:Instagram Another of Ms Maasarwe's uncles, Abed Katane, told Israeli newspaper Haaretz the family was in shock. "It's the kind of thing you never expect," he said. "She was an excellent student, full of life, and was in a country that was not dangerous at all, to say the least. And despite that, we get this incredibly painful news." Mr Katane said Ms Maasarwe's father was on his way to Australia to formally identify his daughter's body, and was in contact with the Israeli Embassy in Canberra, which would help arrange for her body to be sent to Israel for burial. One of her La Trobe University classmates, who requested not to be named, said Ms Maasarwe had been at a comedy show in North Melbourne on Tuesday night. He said Aiia had asked him and some other students if they wanted to go to the comedy venue with her, but he said he couldn't go. Aiia Maasarwe visited the Grampians National Park in Victoria's west in the first week of January. Credit:Instagram "She is the kindest girl. Im so shocked. Some people couldnt sleep last night, including me," he said. He said Ms Maasarwe had been in Australia for about six months and lived in a small apartment near the university. Loading She was part of a WhatsApp group with a number of friends from the English course and when she did not reply to messages they became nervous. "I found out yesterday evening," her classmate said. "In that moment we all, all the students, we couldnt accept it. We didnt believe it. You know, she was an exceptional student." He remembered Ms Maasarwe as a positive person who lived life to the full. "She enjoys her life, she can do everything, shes a positive person. She is happy every day, she is so kind," he said. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The investigation: 'The woman has been assaulted' Tradesmen and another passer-by found Ms Maasarwe unresponsive, behind bushes near the entrance to a car park at Polaris shopping centre about 7am on Wednesday. The location is not far from the intersection of Plenty Road and Main Drive, and just metres from a tram stop. It is believed she was unconscious but breathing when she was found. Homicide Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said police had not ruled out the possibility Ms Maasarwe had been sexually assaulted. "It's apparent, or it seems that the woman has been assaulted," he said. She was wearing sandals and her clothing appeared to be in disarray when she was found. Massive resources have been thrown at the investigation. Dozens of detectives and SES volunteers were at the scene on Wednesday combing the area, including drains and gutters, for evidence. Investigators are expected to focus on CCTV footage from a BP service station on Plenty Road, security cameras outside the shopping centre, and any vision from the No. 86 trams travelling from the city to Bundoora between 11pm and 1am. Just after 6pm on Wednesday, a group of about 30 detectives and SES personnel did a line search of the area between the tram stop, and the bushes where Ms Maasarwe was found. A secondary crime scene was established in heavy bushland in Bundoora Park about 7.30pm. 'Everyone had the right to get home safely' Bundoora residents and workers at the shopping centre laid flowers at the scene of the attack on Thursday morning. Colleagues Claire Cursio and Becky Blenner walked down to the grassy stretch outside the shopping centre with flowers in hand. Kylie Fitzgerald, Clair Cursio and Becky Blenner who work at the shopping centre laid flowers at the scene. Credit:Paul Jeffers "I just wanted to show my support," Ms Blenner said. Monique Hanley said the news had shaken the entire area, prompting her to visit the site to pay her respects. "Bundoora is a safe place, lots of young people live here," she said. Ms Hanley left two notes at the scene, as well as a bunch of roses. One note reads: "Everyone had the right to get home safely." The other says: "My heart aches that you were not safe in our community. You are loved - Bundoora family." Monique Hanley laid flowers and a note where Ms Maasarwe's body was found. Credit:Paul Jeffers La Trobe University spokeswoman Claire Bowers said the academic community and student were shaken by the death. Ratepayers across the state have been slugged millions of dollars in extra rates following a widespread property valuation blunder. Eleven councils have overcharged ratepayers well over $4 million in total, due to an administrative error, the Essential Services Commission has found. The total cost is still unknown, but the error means thousands of ratepayers across Victoria will receive anything from small change to a sizeable refund. Ratepayers across the state have been slugged millions of dollars in extra rates following a widespread property valuation blunder. Credit:Jessica Shapiro It's understood the bungle occurred after councils relied on preliminary property value data provided by the Victorian Valuer-General, rather than final, certified data. Criticism and concern are coming in thick and fast after confirmation one of Queensland's worst serial sex offenders, Robert John Fardon, was released into the community a week ago in secret. Scepticism remains over the Supreme Court's decision to allow Fardon to leave the supervised accommodation, where he has lived for the past five years, and live among the general public. Questions are still unanswered regarding how closely the 70-year-old is being monitored by police. Serial rapist Robert John Fardon has had a supervision order dictating his living arrangements and curfews lifted. Credit:Queensland Corrective Services. The Daniel Morcombe Foundation said the public should not rely solely on the justice system to protect Queensland children after the supervision order was lifted last Wednesday. Hundreds of mourners are expected to flock to Marist College Ashgrove on Friday to pay tribute to former student Joshua Tam, who died last month after taking an "unknown substance" at a music festival. The 22-year-old Brisbane rugby player died in hospital on December 29, after attending the Lost Paradise music festival on the NSW Central Coast. Josh Tam, 22, died after taking an 'unknown substance' at a music festival on the NSW Central Coast. Credit:Facebook In a bid to reduce drug-related deaths, Mr Tams family launched a charity clothing label called Just Mossin, with proceeds to help fund better drug education for young Australians. On Boxing Day 2018 my husband and I left for our annual Christmas holiday at the beach," his mother Julie wrote on the charitys website. A man has been charged with assaulting two passengers on Brisbane buses after patrolling police recognised the shirt he was wearing and arrested him. Police released shocking video of a man punching two passengers in the face as he was getting off the bus in what detectives believed were random and unprovoked attacks. CCTV footage of one of the assaults on a Brisbane bus, previously released by detectives. Credit:Queensland Police Service The accused was taken into custody about 2.30pm on Tuesday by officers on Lutwyche Road in Windsor after he was allegedly wearing the same shirt as he was in the CCTV footage of the two attacks. It will be alleged the first assault happened about 7.45pm on December 9, when a 40-year-old man was punched while he was a passenger on a bus that stopped on Maundrell Terrace in Chermside. NSW Health is warning Sydneysiders to limit their outdoor time until Saturday, as the heatwave nears its peak. Ozone levels are expected to accompany rising temperatures across the city over the next few days, posing a health risk to vulnerable members of the community. Richard Broome, director of environmental health at NSW Health, said people should limit their time outdoors, especially during the middle of the day. Ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors, and generally highest in the afternoon and early evening, so limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day and in the evening helps people to not only keep cool but to limit their exposure to ozone pollution," he said. The Church of Scientology's head office in the US has reportedly claimed that a US television show featuring former members is to blame for the recent fatal stabbing of a church member in Sydney, an accusation NSW defectors from the church say is absurd. A 16-year-old was charged with murder after a 24-year-old Taiwanese Scientology employee was stabbed to death at the churchs Australasian headquarters in Chatswood on January 3. Leah Remini is the host of a documentary series that investigates the Church of Scientology. Credit:AP A letter, allegedly sent by Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw to Paul Buccieri, president of American TV network A&E, accused the network of inspiring bigotry and violence by airing a series Leah Reminia: Scientology and the Aftermath. The letter was then published on the blog of anti-Scientology writer Tony Ortega. A Wollongong teen serial thief, who wore a"onesie" to an early-hours burglary at a post office, has been jailed and ordered to pay thousands of dollars in compensation to the business and others. Cory James Milgate was caught on camera as he climbed over the post office counter on August 29, looting the shop of jewellery and other goods. Cory Milgate is caught on CCTV camera as he climbs over a post office counter wearing a "onesie" and Milgate outside Wollongong courthouse last year. He was identified and charged with multiple robberies after police issued a public appeal for information. Milgate, 19, pleaded guilty to break-ins at the Tarrawanna Post Office and at Ruby's Cafe in Bulli, Balgownie Mini-Mart and Bulli Beach Cafe. An 18-year-old man has been charged with raping a nine-year-old boy in Sydney's west while on vacation from Mauritius in 2017. AFP officers arrested the man (centre) after he arrived at Adelaide Airport on an international flight. Credit:NSW Police Australian Federal Police officers arrested the man, who was believed to have been living overseas, on Sunday after he arrived at Adelaide Airport on an international flight. Police will allege the Mauritian national was on vacation in Australia when he sexually and indecently assaulted the boy twice while staying in western Sydney in January 2017. The man, who was 17 at the time of the alleged crime, was extradited to NSW and charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 and two counts of indecent assault on a person under 16. A 34-year-old Hornsby man has been charged with stabbing six teenagers in Sydney's northern suburbs on the weekend after a bloody brawl in a park left all seven in hospital. Detectives from Kuring-Gai Police Area Command established a strike force to investigate after the six teenagers were found with stab wounds in a park on Gilroy Road, Turramurra, about 11.30pm on Saturday. Emergency vehicles at the scene of the stabbings on Saturday night. Credit:Nine News The man alleged to have stabbed the teens was also found in the park with head and upper body injuries. A NSW Ambulance spokesman told Seven News the scene was "very chaotic" with "lots of people running around." Several readers, notably Greg McLagan of Bellingen, wrote in to correct the attribution of the cheeky quip about Brian Lara's daughter (C8) as being made by West Indian great Michael Holding, not Tony Greig. Tom Falkingham of Edgecliff adds "that Michael Holding was possibly also the most mellifluous speaker of the English language on the planet" while John Christie of Oatley thinks it was most likely made on radio as "I dont think anyone would dare say it on Channel 9s squeaky clean coverage". Peter Miniutti of Ashbury was "surprised that no one from the Shire has mentioned their meal pattern (C8) which consists of breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner and supper". So was Granny, to be honest. However, this reference to the Hobbits of the Shire was particularly apt this week when Theresa May's Brexit deal was comprehensively voted down by the British House of Commons, as it brought to mind the astonishing parody of Theresa May from late 2018 by Andy Serkis, famed for his portrayal of Gollum/Smeagol in The Lord of the Rings. A tour de force and highly recommended. Regarding adjectives (C8), Joy Cooksey of Harrington argues that "at times there is a need to be unequivocally precise. At present millions are too hot, not too cool. Sometimes an existential crisis can turn out to be a non existent crisis. To some the beloved footy teams are actually hated footy teams. But poverty is always abject". "Didnt all the thesauruses (C8) die out with all the other dinosaurs?" asks Shane Spence of Fairlight. Yes, yes, obviously this is going to spark up a thesauruses/thesauri dispute. Perhaps it's due to this infernal January heatwave but Granny feels like stirring the pot a bit. So off you go! Andrew Smith of Lane Cove applauds the person in the programming department of SBS responsible for this gem. "Friday viewing sees a serious BBC history documentary on Britain in the Arthurian era followed by Monty Python and the Holy Grail." A total fire ban has been declared for Thursday as temperatures in the ACT are again expected to go above 40 degrees. The forecast fire danger level was set at "Very High". Wednesday saw temperatures reaching and exceeding 40 degrees in the afternoon, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting dry, windy conditions and a likely temperature of 41 degrees on Thursday. Pools have been packed and there has been the occassional power outage but Canberrans have coped, often with good humour. St Peter's Anglican Church in Weston greeted the heatwave with a bit of wit. "Too hot to keep changing sign sin bad, Jesus good, details inside," read the church sign outside. It prompted one observer to respond on Twitter, "Don't worry St Peter's - it's also too hot to sin." But the authorities are also warning of the dangers of a continued heatwave forecast only to break at the weekend. The beautiful five-year-old girl who moved the hearts of all who knew her in Canberra has died after a desperate search for treatment for her highly aggressive brain tumour. In the two years since her diagnosis, Annabelle Potts became the focus of fundraising efforts as her parents hoped against hope that the doctors who said their daughter had no chance of recovery were wrong. Annabelle Potts was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour in December 2016. She died on Wednesday morning. Credit:Karleen Minney Annabelle was rushed to Sydney Children's Hospital on December 30, 2016, undergoing treatment for a rare brainstem tumour called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). The family's plight became a very public cause that inspired great generosity. As money was raised, Annabelle's parents, Kathie and Adam, sought help at a Mexican clinic that offered treatment not available in Australia. The massive fish kills at Menindee and other environmental strains have revealed huge gaps in the ecological data collected in the Murray-Darling Basin, according to Tony Burke, federal Labor's water spokesman. Mr Burke, who earlier this week visited Menindee, said the deaths of up to a million fish in the lower Darling this month had made it "an absolute priority" to get better information about the state of the basin's ecosystems. Too little information has been collected about the ecology of the Murray-Darling Basin, Labor says. Credit:Dean Sewell "We're dealing with something beyond the problems we've seen before," Mr Burke told the Herald. After speaking with agencies, Mr Burke said it was clear they were good at monitoring water volumes but lacked the funds to track sufficiently the health of the ecology of the basin - including where things were improving. Beware - according to the theory popularised by the economist John Maynard Keynes - "the paradox of thrift". So far, the UK economy has proved remarkably resilient to the tortures of Brexit, which though they have resulted in slower growth and a profound political crisis, have not yet transmogrified into an economic shock. The underlying reasons for this are worth revisiting, for they provide clues as to why, even in the event of a chaotic, no-deal exit, the hit to the UK economy may not be as bad as official forecasts and some business lobbies predict. Have the economic effects of a Brexit being overstated? Credit:AP So what did the mainstream pundits get wrong last time around, when they said that even to vote for Brexit would be to risk a recession? The answer is the resilience of the British consumer, who come rain or shine seems utterly determined, like a drunken sailor oblivious to what the morrow will bring, to carry on spending regardless. One of the things that makes the UK economy somewhat different to many of its European counterparts is its degree of dependence on household consumption, which accounts for around two thirds of British GDP. Exports and investment are comparatively minor components. Assuming household spending remains robust, it therefore requires ruinous levels of deterioration in the other two to tip the UK into recession. Indeed, typically, UK recessions only occur if there is a big fall-off in household consumption. This in turn tends only to happen when households start saving rather than spending. Indeed, that is the immediate cause of virtually all post-war UK recessions, including the one associated with the financial crisis. Australian share movements were muted on Wednesday as investors traded cautiously following the defeat of the Theresa May's latest Brexit plan in the British parliament. The S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 20.6 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5835.2, while the broader All Ordinaries advanced 21.9 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 5893.7. Trading on the ASX had an air of caution about it on Wednesday after the Brexit vote defeat. Credit:Reuters "Although the lead from Wall Street was positive, the local market remains wary given recent the Brexit vote," said BetaShares chief economist David Bassanese. UK Prime Minister May's motion on the withdrawal agreement struck with the European Union was voted down 432 votes to 202, with 118 members of the 217 Conservative MP's in parliament voting against their leader's deal. On Tuesday, Wikipedia celebrated its 18th birthday. If the massive crowdsourced encyclopedia project were human, then in most countries, it would just now be considered a legal adult. But in truth, the free online encyclopedia has long played the role of the Internet's good grown-up. Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales. Credit:Janet Knott Wikipedia has grown enormously since its inception: it now boasts 5.7 million articles in English and pulled in 92 billion page views last year. The site has also undergone a major reputation change. If you ask Siri, Alexa or Google Home a general-knowledge question, it will most likely pull the response from Wikipedia. The online encyclopedia has been cited in more than 400 judicial opinions, according to a 2010 paper in the Yale Journal of Law & Technology. Many professors are ditching the traditional writing assignment and instead asking students to expand or create a Wikipedia article on the topic. And YouTube Chief Executive Susan Wojcicki announced a plan last March to pair misleading conspiracy videos with links to corresponding articles from Wikipedia. Facebook has also released a feature using Wikipedia's content to provide users more information about the publication source for articles in their feed. Wikipedia's rise is driven by a crucial difference in values that separates it from its peers in the top 10 websites: On Wikipedia, truth trumps self-expression. CBHS welders Jada Rides at the Door, London Raemaeker, Dylan Sullivan, Justin Crowe, above, Brianne Murphy and Sadie Pepion not pictured, donated their class time to design and build bike racks for the Cut Bank Trails. 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! STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police arrested two teens at I.S. 75 in Huguenot Tuesday morning in connection to threats made against the school and the NYPD. The two 14-year-old boys, who were not identified because of their age, were taken into custody at around 10:30 a.m. at the school on the 400 block of Huguenot Avenue, according to a spokesman for the NYPD. Police charged both boys with making terroristic threats. One of the boys made threats directed at the NYPD, and the other threatened the school, according to the police spokesman. They both made their threats Monday online, according to the spokesman. Assistant Chief Kenneth Corey, the NYPD borough commander, said Monday that an 8th grade student overheard another 8th grade student saying the crew is going to pop off tomorrow. The student who made the statement, along with his parents, have been interviewed and there is no threat to the school or students, Corey said. It was unclear if Tuesdays arrests were directly related to those threats. According to parents who contacted the Advance, I.S. 75s principal sent out a recording Monday conveying that there is no credible threat to the school. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Authorities say theyve applied the brakes to a crew, headed by a Staten Islander, that peddled forged temporary license plates and registrations throughout the five boroughs and Long Island. Andrew Pandiani, 32, was among seven defendants indicted in the case along with two other borough residents Joseph Algerio, 42, and James (Jimmy) Napolitano, 29, said Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown and Police Commissioner James P. ONeill. Napolitano also provided a Florida address, authorities said. Police said Pandiani lives on Barry Street, Rossville, while Algerio resides on Kiswick Street, Midland Beach. Pandianis brother, Christopher Pandiani 28, a Queens resident, also was charged in the scheme, officials said. Authorities said the Queens-based ring operated as far back as July 2015 and raked in more than $400,000. The probe began when members of the NYPDs Auto Crime Unit spotted Craigs List ads for New Jersey temporary license plates and vehicle registrations, said Brown. Afterward, they bought phony vehicle identification documents and other materials from the seller. Court-authorized wiretaps of Andrew Pandianis phone calls revealed he headed a business he called Verrazano Collision Specialists LLC, said officials. However, it was a shell company, never registered or licensed by the state, authorities said. The crew forged temporary license plates, insurance documents and other fraudulent auto-related paperwork and sold it to customers, said officials. Andrew Pandiani set the prices for the bogus documents, controlled inventory and collected the profits, authorities said. His name was on the business bank accounts where clients payments were deposited, said officials. Pandiani deposited no more than $9,999 in cash into the various accounts to circumvent banks reporting requirements to the federal government, authorities said. Algerio allegedly acted as manager. Authorities said he was Pandianis right-hand man, helping set prices and acting as liaison between Pandiani and drivers and customers. Algerio, at times, also delivered plates to clients, said officials. Napolitano was a driver and transported forged license plates to customers, authorities said. Each drivers car carried a printer and specialized printing paper to facilitate on-demand printing and quick delivery, Brown said. Drivers delivered daily, said officials. The Staten Island defendants were each charged with various counts of enterprise corruption, conspiracy, forgery and forged-instrument possession. Pandiani and Algerio are also accused of money laundering. The defendants could face up to eight-and-a-third to 25 years behind bars if convicted of enterprise corruption. In a statement, ONeill said the charges show criminals often believe they can operate in plain sight with apparently impunity. The NYPD and our law-enforcement partners exist to shatter that notion, the commissioner added. The defendants were arraigned Wednesday in Queens state Supreme Court and denied the charges. Attempts to reach their lawyers were not immediately successful. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A priest, who served for years as a pillar of the Staten Island community, was named Tuesday in a list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse against minors. The Rev. Jack T. Ryan is one of four current and former Staten Island members of the Society of Jesus named in the list published by the Catholic orders Northeast Province. Father Ryan served as director of the Mount Manresa Jesuit Retreat House from 1994 to 2002, and then worked with Project Hospitality. He moved to Florida in 2015, according to public records. Credible allegations were made against Ryan in 2003 and 2014, and were related to incidents that occurred in the 1980s and 1990s, according to the list. The Northeast Province was not more specific on the allegations. Father Ryan declined to comment Tuesday night. Project Hospitality President and Chief Executive Officer Rev. Terry Troia said she was unfamiliar with the allegations, and said she would return comment when she read up on the subject. The three other Staten Island priests named in the list are Rev. Thomas Denny, Rev. Raymond Fullam, and Rev. Joseph Towle. The list names 50 Jesuits with credible abuse allegations, who served in the Northeast Province since 1950. The list did not specify where Father Denny served, but Northeast Province spokesman Mike Gabriele said records indicate he worked at a group home on Staten Island from 1970 to 1975. Father Denny, who is still alive, has a last known address at a Jesuit residence in Manhattan, according to public records. Gabriele could not confirm his address, but said Father Denny is listed as impeded, which means he lives at a Jesuit community not associated with any Jesuit institution and lives under a monitored safety plan with no access to minors. Denny could not be reached for comment Tuesday night. Father Fullam and Father Towle, who are both deceased, served at Mount Manresa from 1967 to 1969, and from 1971 to 1976, respectively. Allegations against Father Fullam were reported in 2009, and related to incidents that occurred in 1954, and 1965. He died in 1987. Father Towle was accused in 1992 in relation to abuse that allegedly occurred in 1972. He died in 2016. The Staten Island abuse allegations cannot be prosecuted, or tried in civil court under current New York law. Victims only have until age 23 to file civil cases or seek criminal charges for most types of child sexual abuse. Some of the most serious child sex crimes have no time limit for when a criminal case can be brought but only for crimes committed in 2001 or later. New York is debating whether to pass the Child Victims Act, which would allow all victims to file civil suits until age 50 and seek criminal charges until age 28. Head of the Northeast Province the Rev. John J. Cecero issued a statement with the list, apologizing for the behavior of any Jesuits who committed crimes of abuse, and pledged to work to provide safe environments. He said the Northeast Province has had no credible allegations reported since the adoption of the Dallas Charter in 2002. It codified ways to prevent sexual abuse against minors in the church, and was adopted by American Catholic bishops following investigative reporting done across the country that exposed the decades of abuse. Changed practices do not erase past history, Father Cecero said in the statement. The list I publish today notes criminal and sinful failures in the pastoral care of children. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island commuters were shocked when opening their E-ZPass bills that said they were charged the non-resident price of $17 to cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge instead of the resident rate of $5.50. Some residents were charged the non-resident price because they failed to flip a switch on their E-ZPass Flex transponder, which indicates either HOV or sub-HOV occupancy inside the vehicle. If a driver goes through a toll with the HOV indicator on as a single passenger, they are charged the non-resident rate of $17. As part of E-ZPass's Staten Island Resident discount plan, borough residents are supposed to be charged a $5.50 toll, and a $3.20 toll when traveling in a high-occupancy vehicle. The bridge toll for non-residents is $17. Councilmembers Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) and Steve Matteo (R-Mid-Island), Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore) and Borough President James Oddo are asking E-ZPass to refund the difference to Staten Islanders whove been unfairly charged. Theyre also asking the agency to fix its system, stating that a switch is not indicative of residency. Motorists have been complaining about this issue since October. A source told the Advance that in order to be eligible for for the SI Carpool plan, a motorist must be a Staten Island resident and their vehicle must be registered in the borough. If the switch on the transponder is not in its correct position, or if there are less than three occupants in the vehicle and/or the license plate of the vehicle is not listed on the customers' account, the cash rate will be billed by mail, the source explained. The source said there have only been about a dozen customer complaints since September regarding charges. When asked about the billing discrepancies and possible glitches in the system, an MTA spokesman said, Cashless tolling has generated significant and sustained improvements for motorists and the environment through decreased travel times, reduced congestion, lower carbon emissions, and has improved safety throughout the system. We will continue to work closely with elected officials and our customers to help resolve any issues or disputes. ISLAND POLS ASK E-ZPASS TO REFUND MONIES Whether a driver has flipped a switch to indicate HOV or not has zero bearing on whether that individual is a Staten Island resident whos entitled to the discounted rate, Borelli said. There is absolutely no way that were going to allow E-ZPass to charge Staten Islanders $17 just because they developed transponders that perform poorly in the field. Weve written to E-ZPass to provide them with an additional opportunity to correct this problem, and were prepared to engage with the New York State Attorney General to demand action if this outrageous practice is not immediately discontinued, he said. Borough President James Oddo said hes grateful that a discount applies to Staten Island residents, however, the mistake is unacceptable. We need to work together to make sure the E-ZPass system continues to fulfill its purpose of making peoples lives easier, and does not cause more stress for our Islands drivers, Oddo said. Minority Leader Steve Matteo (R-Mid-Island) said Staten Islanders are once again being treated unfairly by the citys transit system. The MTA should resolve this immediately, first by issuing a refund to each and every qualified Staten Island resident who has been overcharged when utilizing the E-ZPass Flex, and then by fixing the glitch in the system that has created this problem in the first place. Once again, the folks at E-ZPass have left us scratching our heads, said Assemblyman Michael Reilly. Swift action must be taken to correct this egregious oversight so that it will never happen again, but more importantly, E-ZPass must reimburse those who have been charged the wrong rate. CASHLESS TOLLING WOES There have been several issues with E-ZPass since the MTAs implementation of cashless tolling last year. Residents said the removal of the individual toll plazas have led to fines for commuters because they were no longer able to see a visual indication of low balances on their accounts. At the time, former-Assemblyman Ron Castorina (R-South Shore) and Borelli issued a joint statement encouraging E-ZPass to provide low balance notifications as part of the cashless tolling system. The MTA responded, stating, The use of an E-ZPass when there are no finds available is a violation and can result in fees being assessed. To avoid this situation, we highly recommend our customers sign up for E-ZPass mobile alerts, where they can receive important information regarding their E-ZPass account, including low balance notifications. The march will step off at noon at the Corning Fountain in Bushnell Park. Participants will walk down Trinity Street to the state Capitol, where an outdoor rally will begin at 1 p.m. Those with limited mobility or who chose not to march can go directly to the Capitol building. Street parking is free on Saturdays; there are also garages on West Street and Grand Street. Participants are urged to use CTFastrak or arrive by bicycle. A group will gather at Bici Co, 95 Park St., at 12:15 p.m. to bike over as a group. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- Standing in front of whats been considered the most liberal state Legislature in decades, Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled details Tuesday about his plan to legalize the adult use of marijuana. This year, we think is the year to fully enact a justice agenda, said Cuomo, shortly after taking the stage in Albany for the 2019 budget presentation and State of the State. That agenda includes an emphasis on social justice, said Cuomo, highlighted by a push to legalize recreational pot by April. Cuomo said the move would, in part, reduce the impact of criminalization affecting communities of color." Heres a look at three important aspects of the plan, based in part on a multi-agency study in 2018 led by the Department of Health that determined the positives of legalizing adult-use outweighed the negatives. Age requirement Falling in line with each of the 10 U.S. states, and Washington D.C., where adult use is legal, a customer in New York would have to be at least 21-years-old to purchase cannabis products. According to legislation already drafted and co-sponsored by members of the Senate and Assembly, punishment for fake IDs could include a fine, community service and/or suspension of the offenders license. Vendors knowingly selling to underage customers could be charged with a felony. It remains uncertain if the current bill -- Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act -- would be revised, or a new bill drafted to meet Cuomos 100-day deadline. Tax revenue Cuomo pointed to an estimated $300 million in revenue generated by taxing at the cultivation, wholesale and retail levels, part of which would go toward mental health and anti-addiction programs. According to a Wall Street Journal report, budget documents show the state is estimating no revenue for the coming fiscal year, and $83 million for the following year. Documents show wholesalers distributing to retailers would be taxed 22 percent, with 20 percent of that going to toward the state -- earmarked in part for traffic safety, small businesses and substance-abuse prevention -- and 2 percent to the county in which the retailer is located, according to the report. In addition to tax dollars, Cuomo said the plan creates good union jobs that we need. Social justice Cuomo re-visited his stance that revenue would have to benefit communities most negatively impacted over the years by disproportionate enforcement of drug laws. We have to do it in a way that offers economic opportunity for poor communities and people who paid the price, and not for rich corporations who are going to come in to make a buck, said Cuomo. For New Yorkers convicted of marijuana-related charges over the years, Cuomo said the legislation should automatically seal certain cannabis-related criminal records. Opting out Under Cuomos plan and legislation already drafted, counties and large cities could opt out of the program. Richmond County, however, would be at the mercy of New York City lawmakers in terms of the number and location of marijuana dispensaries licensed to operate throughout the five boroughs, according to local elected officials familiar with the 2019 budget. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has released a construction update regarding the two new Staten Island Ferry vessels -- the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis and the Sandy Ground -- being built in Panama City, Fla. The Florida shipyard, operated by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group Inc., where two of the newest Staten Island Ferry vessels are under construction, was badly damaged by Hurricane Michael in mid-October. At the time, the DOT said that aerial photos where the shipyard is based showed that neither of the ferries appeared damaged. The agency said on-site representatives confirmed that virtually every other structure in the shipyard was lost, either completely or partially. Work has since resumed at the shipyard, with the DOT providing four photos highlighting the progress made on the two vessels. The Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, originally scheduled to arrive in New York Harbor at the end of 2019, is currently having the boats superstructure installed. Meanwhile the Sandy Ground, originally scheduled to arrive in New York Harbor in summer 2020, is currently having its hull pieced together. However, nearly three months removed from the incident, the DOT still cannot provide any specific details regarding the length of the delays or damage to the boats. Work continues on the first two vessels. However, given the scope of the damage to the shipyard and local community, we do not yet have a revised schedule, DOT spokeswoman Alana Morales told the Advance earlier this month. The Ollis boat is named after the late Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp native who died at age 24 while saving a Polish soldier in Afghanistan. The Sandy Ground is named for the historic community settled by freed slaves in Rossville. The new storm-resilient ferryboats, which will replace the Kennedy, Andrew J. Barberi and the Samuel I. Newhouse boats, will be more capable of operating in a wide range of weather conditions and locations -- and can also be used in emergency evacuations. The ships were modeled after the John F. Kennedy boat, popular for its outdoor promenades and extended foredecks. 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Learn more CANBERRA, Australia A Saudi woman accepted as a refugee in Canada has said in an Australian television interview that she expected her experience would inspire other women to flee her homeland. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, 18, told Australian Broadcasting Corp. in an interview recorded in Toronto and broadcast in Australia on Tuesday that she hoped that the international attention on her flight from oppression in Saudi Arabia will be a catalyst for change. I think the number of women fleeing from the Saudi administration and abuse will increase, especially since there is no system to stop them, Alqunun said. Im sure that there will be a lot more women running away. I hope my story encourages other women to be brave and free. I hope my story prompts a change to the law, especially as its been exposed to the world. This might be the agent for change, she added. Alqunun fled her family while visiting Kuwait before flying to Bangkok. Once there, she barricaded herself in an airport hotel to avoid deportation and tweeted about her situation. On Friday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would accept Alqunun as a refugee. Her situation has highlighted the cause of womens rights in Saudi Arabia, where several women fleeing abuse by their families have been caught trying to seek asylum abroad in recent years and have been returned home. Alqunun said she felt like I was born again when she was met at Toronto airport on Saturday by Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. It was something amazing. There was a lot of love and hospitality, especially when the minister welcomed me and told me I was in a safe country and had all my rights, Alqunun said. Alqunun said she was upset by news that her family had issued a statement saying they disowned her. How could my family disown me simply because I wanted to be independent and escape their abuse? It really upset me, Alqunun said. When asked why she had fled her homeland, Alqunun replied: I wanted to be free from abuse and depression. I wanted to be independent. I wouldnt be able to marry the person I wanted to. I couldnt get a job without permission. Several other countries, including Australia, had been in talks with the U.N.s refugee agency to accept Alqunun before she flew to Canada. Australian media reported that UNHCR had withdrawn its referral for Alqunun to be resettled in Australia because Canberra was taking too long to decide on her asylum. Rod McGuirk is an Associated Press writer. TEHRAN An Iranian satellite-carrying rocket blasted off into space on Tuesday, but scientists failed to put the device into orbit in a launch previously criticized by the United States as helping the Islamic Republic further develop its ballistic missile program. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has alleged that Irans space program could help it develop a missile capable of carrying a nuclear weapon to the mainland U.S., criticism that comes amid the Trump administrations maximalist approach against Tehran after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Iran, which long has said it does not seek nuclear weapons, maintains that its satellite launches and rocket tests do not have a military component. Tehran also says they dont violate a U.N. resolution that only called upon it not to conduct such tests. The rocket carrying the Payam satellite failed to reach the necessary speed in the third stage of its launch, Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said. Jahromi said the rocket had successfully passed its first and second stages before developing problems in the third. That suggests something went wrong after the rocket pushed the satellite out of the Earths atmosphere. He did not elaborate on what caused the failure, but promised that Iranian scientists would continue their work. Iran had said that it plans to send two nonmilitary satellites, Payam and Doosti, into orbit. The Payam, which means message in Farsi, was an imagery satellite that Iranian officials said would help with farming and other activities. Its unclear how the failure of the Payam will affect the launch timing for the Doosti, which means friendship. Tuesdays launch took place at Imam Khomeini Space Center in Irans Semnan province, a facility under the control of the countrys Defense Ministry, Jahromi said. Given the facilitys launching corridor, the satellite likely fell in the Indian Ocean. Nasser Karimi and Jon Gambrell are Associated Press writers. MIAMI A U.S. federal narcotics agent known for his expensive tastes and high-profile drug seizures has been implicated in a multimillion-dollar money-laundering conspiracy that involved the very cartel criminals he was charged with fighting in Colombia. A once standout Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Jose Irizarry is accused of conspiring with a longtime DEA informant to launder more than $7 million in illicit drug proceeds, sometimes using an underground network known as the black-market peso exchange, according to five current and former law enforcement officials. The officials described the case as one of the biggest black eyes in the history of the DEA, an agency that has seen repeated scandals in recent years, and one they fear could have compromised undercover operations in the U.S. and South America. The conspiracy not only allegedly enriched Irizarry but is believed to have benefited one of South Americas top money launderers, who is a relative of Irizarrys Colombian wife, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the federal investigation. The allegations have sent shock waves through the DEA and drawn new scrutiny to the agencys Colombia field office, a critical outpost that has been steeped in turmoil in recent years. The division has seen internal strife and turnover in leadership even as it grapples with record-high levels of cocaine production. Some of the details emerged in a federal case in Tampa, Fla., in which a former DEA informant, Gustavo Yabrudi, a dual Venezuelan-American citizen, recently pleaded guilty to money laundering. That case refers to an unnamed co-conspirator 3 a suspect who is in fact Irizarry, the five officials said. It is unknown where Irizarry, 44, is living, or whether he has been charged in the ongoing criminal probe. A DEA spokeswoman said Irizarry resigned from the agency after he was recalled from Colombia to Washington in 2017 but declined further comment. When word of the scandal reached Washington that year, the FBI and Justice Department dispatched investigators to Colombia to conduct criminal and internal inquiries, fearing that it could backfire on the DEAs ability to keep the trust of sources in the criminal underworld, the law enforcement officials said. Joshua Goodman and Jim Mustian are Associated Press writers. Federal workers regardless of their employment classification are hurting while the federal government is shut down, Lamont said. This is particularly true for those employees who must still report to work and incur the cost of commuting and other work-related costs without receiving a paycheck. The action I am announcing today will help federal workers affected by the shutdown understand the benefits to which they are entitled and pay the bills that they and their families are incurring.'' Associated Press CANBERRA, Australia An Australian state government on Tuesday announced plans to mechanically pump oxygen into lakes and rivers after hundreds of thousands of fish have died in heat wave conditions. Up to a million dead fish were found floating last week in the Darling River in western New South Wales state and the state government announced that 1,800 more rotting fish had since been found in Lake Hume in the states south. NAIROBI, Kenya Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenyas capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africas deadliest Islamic militant group. A police officer said at least 15 people had died. It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible, said Charles Njenga, who ran from a scene of blood, broken glass, burning vehicles and pillars of black smoke. Al-Shabab the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that left 67 people dead claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is in a well-to-do neighborhood with many American, European and Indian expatriates. A Kenyan police officer said 15 bodies had been taken to the morgue. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. The U.S. State Department confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed, but did not release the victims identity. Al-Shabab asserted that 47 people were killed but its Shahada news agency post gave no details. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Late Tuesday night, about eight hours after the siege began, Interior Minister Fred Matiangi said that all of the buildings affected by the attack had been secured and that security forces were mopping up. However, more gunfire was heard about an hour later, Kenyan broadcaster NTV reported. And some family members said they had been in touch with loved ones still hiding inside the complex, waiting to be rescued. Early Wednesday, Kenyas interior ministry said in a tweet that all buildings had been secured and there was no further threat to the public. Authorities did not say how many attackers there were or what happened to them though Kenyas Citizen TV aired security-camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-colored, paramilitary-style gear. The coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests, said Kenyas national police chief, Joseph Boinnet. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia since 2011. The al Qaeda-linked group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. Joseph Mwihia is an Associated Press writer. A so-called atmospheric river storm system is carrying a deep layer of clouds into the Bay Area with the potential for lightning this week. National Weather Service meteorologist Drew Peterson says there's potential for extreme temperature differences in the atmosphere known as convection that triggers thunderstorms. When this supercharged system slams into the Bay Area Wednesday evening, likely between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., Peterson says hail, thunder, and lightning are all likely. The unsettled atmospheric conditions could also whip up funnel clouds over the Pacific Ocean. "This is going to be a potent storm system and we're going to see all the ramifications of a big storm including water spouts," Peterson says. "People may see funnel clouds." In the Bay Area, funnel clouds most often form in Monterey Bay and rarely reach over F0 on the tornado scale of F0 to F5. With an F0 reading, wind gusts rage between 40 mph to 72 mph. Earlier this month, two funnel clouds reached landfall in Santa Cruz, tearing the roof off a restaurant. (See photos above.) Peterson says hail storms are of more concern with this incoming storm and are more likely to people, especially motorists. "We can get that really small hail coming down," he says. "The storm could dump buckets and buckets of tiny marbles of ice. It's really dangerous. It's like driving on ice." ALSO: One Bay Area mountaintop could see 7 inches of rain in 24 hours The National Weather Service has issued several winter storm warnings for the upcoming event including a flash flood watch warning of pooling on roadways and flooding on urban creeks and a wind advisory. Valley areas could see gusts up to 40 mph and coastal areas and mountaintops up to 60 mph. Downed trees and power lines causing power outages are possible. More weather stories: Life-threatening blizzard to pummel Sierra Nevada: 'Zero visibility in whiteout conditions' One Bay Area mountaintop could see 7 inches of rain in 24 hours Powerful storm to deliver 40-foot waves to Bay Area beaches People will be saying 'atmospheric river' a lot on Wednesday. Here's what that means Send photos, videos and stories from the storm to SFGATE news producer Amy Graff at agraff@sfchronicle.com A supercharged weather system known as an "atmospheric river" is poised to slam into the Bay Area Wednesday evening and drench the entire region in rain through Thursday. Here are some projected 24-hour rainfall totals from the National Weather Service for Wednesday evening through Thursday evening. Downtown San Francisco: 1.81 inches San Francisco International Airport: 1.71 inches Oakland: 1.62 inches Livermore: 1.33 San Jose: 1 inch Santa Rosa: 2.04 Santa Cruz Mountains: 4.77 inches Mt. Tamalpais: 3.85 inches Mt. St. Helena: upwards of 7 inches Big Sur Mountains: upwards of 8 inches possible on the highest peaks The heavy rain is expected to start anywhere between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. Wednesday, and could impact the evening commute. Drew Peterson with the NWS advises: "It's probably a good idea to leave work an hour early today." The most severe weather including thunderstorms and hail is expected Wednesday night. ALSO: People will be saying 'atmospheric river' a lot on Wednesday. Here's what that means Atmospheric rivers are long plumes of moisture that stretch across the Pacific Ocean. They most often originate in the South Pacific, and as they travel from the tropics across the ocean, they collect incredible amounts of moisture. That rain is funneled into cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle, where the runoff systems are often unequipped to deal with the days-long deluge. This particular atmospheric river originates north of the Hawaiian Islands. When an atmospheric river hits landfall, the water vapor rises and cools, unleashing precipitation. The amount that falls is dependent upon the strength of the storm and its moisture content. National Weather Service meteorologist Brian Garcia likens being at the core of one of these storms to standing under a waterfall. "Some are intense and will put immense amounts of water on you, while others can be seemingly trickles and only bring a little," Garcia says. "Either way, if you move away from the core of the waterfall, it's more of a spray." Send photos, videos and stories from the storm to SFGATE news producer Amy Graff at agraff@sfchronicle.com Mortgage broker: Liz Bayer, ProMortgage. Property type: Single-family home in Elk Grove. Appraised value: $400,000. Loan amount: $278,000 Loan type: 30-year fixed Rate: 4.875 percent. APR: 5.098 percent. Backstory: A San Francisco Chronicle reader reached out to me to refinance her home with the goal of leveraging the equity for enough cash out to pay off all of her student loans, which totaled more than $80,000. The great news is that, for conventional loans, the rate pricing is not considered cash out when the cash out proceeds are being used solely to pay off student loans. Since the money my client took out was used solely to pay off her student loans, the loan did not get priced as cash out refinance. If the loan had been cash out, the rate would have been 5.375 percent because cash out refinance rates price higher than rate & term refinance. Additionally, by paying off her student loan through the new mortgage, her monthly debt payment obligations were reduced by more than $750 a month. On top of this, we structured the loan so that she would receive $2,000, just in time for the holidays. Liz Bayer, ProMortgage, 415-383-3111, lizforloans@gmail.com. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are sparing no expense while renovating their new home, Frogmore Cottageand the latest reports reveal how much they're spending, and on what! According to The Times of London, the royal couple will throw down $3.8 million on Frogmore, which is located on the grounds of Windsor Castle, about 30 miles west of London. That might seem like a lot of money to spend, but keep in mind these former servants' quarters need a lot of work. For one, they'll be taking the cottage's five apartments and merging them into one 10-bedroom home. And besides, these are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex we're talking about, so we doubt there'll be much need for corner-cutting. "Renovations using the best finishes with top-of-the-line, custom 'everything' is $1,000 per square foot," says Michael Hershkowitz, a contractor and founder of REDOnyc in New York City. "Plus they are including structural work[$3.8 million] is probably not an unreasonable figure." So where will that money go? Here's a rundown of the renovations reportedly in the works. A green energy unit Meghan and Harry are planning to install a $60,000 green energy unit. Um, what's that? It's a way to provide heat, hot water, and electricity to the home with minimal carbon emissions. After all, this royal couple is passionate about the environment! In fact, two of the seven charities they supported at their wedding were environmental charities, according to Live Kindly. We don't have particulars on the exact type of green energy unit, but given the size of the home, one likely possibility cited by experts is a solar water-heating unit, a hybrid system that uses solar water heating along with other low-carbon technologies like a heat pump or a wood boiler, according to Simple Energy Advice. In addition to being environmentally-friendly, these units save on energy costs over time. A floating floor A floating floor sounds like the stuff of fairy tales, making it perfect for a royal couple. The reality is a bit more mundane, though. When it comes to flooring, a "floating floor" refers to an installation method. Floating floors are held in place with tongue and groove joints rather than being nailed or glued to the original flooring, according to Networx. "There are all sorts of reasons to go with a floating floor," says California real estate developer Tyler Drew. "Floating floors are often popular with houses that lack cement foundation and rely on wood joists for support." A mom/baby yoga studio Meghan is building a yoga room, with a special springy floor typically found in dance studios, according to the Daily Mail. Hey, only the best for mom and tot. And after all, this baby's grandmother is a yoga instructor! Additional fireplaces Harry and Meghan will also be adding a few grand fireplaces, the Mail reports, a delightfully homey touch. Can't you easily envision them reading a book to their little one in front of a cozy fire? More stairs More stairs will be added to the home, too. Most likely this is to ensure "that security personnel can move through the house without disturbing the occupants," according to Drew. In other words: No need for random bump-ins with bodyguards, since they'll have their own methods of navigating from story to story. Security Frogmore Cottage is currently highly accessible, which won't work for the royal couple. While the exact details of their plans are unknown, one unnamed source told The Times that Frogmore's security measures will be more "like Fort Knox" by the time they're done. Experts surmise that these measures will include fencing, road closures, alarms, and video cameras, among other things. A satellite dish Plans for the cottage also include what some see as a real eyesore: an outside satellite dish. It looks like these royals enjoy their TV time! What better way to unwind after a long day of diplomatic duties than tuning in to a rousing rugby match? Still, the dish has ruffled some locals' feathers. In the words of one historian interviewed by The Sun, with typical British understatement: "Oh, dear, a satellite dish. It's not quite right." Right or wrong, what the royals want, the royals get. The post Inside Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's $3.8M Renovationand One Horrible Eyesore They're Adding appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Several aspects of Attorney General nominee William Barr's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee raised red flags among Democratic commentators, who were on the lookout for signs that Barr might be overly deferential to the president if confirmed, particularly since he sent an unsolicited memo to the Department of Justice in 2018 criticizing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether President Trump obstructed justice. One such moment came when Barr, questioned by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., claimed not to be intimately familiar with the emoluments clause of the Constitution. I lived in New York when they said they would never have casinos. All that revenue was bleeding into Connecticut and New Jersey for years, Wentzel says. I think Connecticut will be in the same position. How much tax revenue are we going to lose by people driving over the borders to spend money in other states? Itll all come down to money eventually. Union officials said last week that they were dismayed by a list of demands from school board members, including a reduction in sick days from 20 to 15, two years of pay freezes followed by a 1 percent pay increase in the third year, and a switch from a preferred provider medical plan to a health savings account. Teachers hired over the last few years have been required to sign up for health savings accounts, Johnson has said, but the new proposal would have forced all union employees to move to that plan. At the same time, a larger Democratic majority in the state House of Representatives and the partys recapturing of the state Senate, which was tied 18-18 the past two years, have strengthened the hand of some Democrats who are pushing to raise the minimum wage, expand paid leave and promote other initiatives opposed by business. Officers were able to take Rivera into custody on First Avenue, and reported that he had a gunshot wound to the pelvis. Rivera was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he remained until Tuesday morning. The Vietnamese top legislator appreciated Cambodias preparation for the APPF-27, and expressed her joy at the strong growth of Cambodia. She highlighted activities held by Vietnam in early January to mark the 40th anniversary of Vietnams victory in the southwest border defence war and the joint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the genocidal Pol Pot regime. Cambodia also organised various events and a grand ceremony to mark the victory over the genocidal Pol Pot regime. The anniversary offered an occasion for the two countries to spread the truth about a period of history in which the two nations fought side by side, thus making the people, especially the young generation, realise their responsibility for preserving this valuable treasure for later generations, NA Chairwoman Ngan said. She thanked the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) and the Cambodian Senate for sending a high-level delegation led by Senate Vice President Tep Ngorn to Vietnam to attend the ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of Vietnams victory in the southwest border defence war and the joint victory of Vietnam and Cambodia over the genocidal Pol Pot regime. The delegations presence has brought warm sentiment and solidarity from the Cambodian people to the Vietnamese people and former volunteer soldiers and experts who had served in the international mission in Cambodia, according to Ngan. The NA Chairwoman affirmed that Vietnam will do its best together with Cambodia to preserve and develop the good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and long-term, sustainable and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, not only for the prosperity of each nation but also for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. Senate President Say Chhum said the participation of the Vietnamese delegation in the APPF-27 will contribute to the events success and promote the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries and two parliaments as well as give encouragement to Cambodia. He expressed joy about the development of bilateral ties and at the Vietnamese NA leaders assessment about Cambodias socio-economic development. Say Chhum thanked the Vietnamese NA for helping the Cambodian parliament organize the APPF-27 and highly valued the speech of great depth delivered by Chairwoman Ngan at the events opening ceremony. Mentioning the commemoration of the victory over the genocidal Pol Pot regime, he again affirmed that there would not be the Cambodia of today if not for the help of the Party, State and people of Vietnam. Say Chhum wished the ties between the parliaments of Vietnam and Cambodia further development, contributing to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Officers responded about 8:15 a.m. to a report of an unresponsive person on the ground outside 35 Center St., near town hall at 41 Center St. Police and medics determined that the woman had died. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) An undocumented Mexican citizen who was convicted of possessing the gun that killed Kate Steinle on a San Francisco pier in 2015 has appealed his conviction, claiming that the trial judge failed to give a key jury instruction. Jose Ines Garcia Zarate was convicted in San Francisco Superior Court in 2017 of being an ex-felon in possession of a gun. The jury acquitted him of the murder of Steinle, who was killed on July 1, 2015, by a ricocheting bullet from a gun held by Zarate. Zarate was sentenced in January 2018 to three years in prison. In an appeal filed last week with the state Court of Appeal in San Francisco, Zarate argues that his rights were violated when trial judge Samuel Feng failed to give the jury an instruction on the theory of momentary possession. That instruction advises jurors that gun possession is not illegal if the possession was for only "a momentary or transitory period" and for the purpose of disposing of the firearm. Zarate contends that he picked up a package wrapped in rags under a swivel chair he was sitting on at the pier, did not know he had a gun until it fired accidentally, and then immediately threw the gun into the bay to stop it from firing. Zarate's appeal attorney, Cliff Gardner, wrote that because that claim "was the central theory of defense, the trial court was required to instruct on the defense of transitory possession." The appeal asks for reversal of his conviction and a new trial. A hearing on the appeal has not yet been set. The next step in the case will be the filing of a prosecution response. The gun held by Zarate had been stolen from the car of a U.S. Bureau of Land Management law enforcement officer. Separately, Zarate faces two federal charges of being an ex-felon and an undocumented person in possession of a gun. He claims that a federal trial on those charges would amount to unconstitutional double jeopardy, or being tried twice for the same crime. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria of San Francisco has postponed the federal trial until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a similar case from Alabama concerning double jeopardy. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. HALF MOON BAY (BCN) A 36-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder Tuesday after San Mateo County sheriff's deputies found her soaking wet with an infant at Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay after allegedly walking into the ocean with the baby, sheriff's officials said. Deputies responded around 3:10 p.m. to the beach off of Poplar Street on a report about a possible suicidal person there. They arrived and found Cupertino resident Chisato Chiyoda and the infant both soaking wet in 56-degree weather, according to the sheriff's office. Chiyoda was seen acting strangely minutes earlier and had entered the water with the infant in what investigators later learned was an attempted murder-suicide. Both she and the baby were treated for hypothermia and were taken to a hospital for further evaluation, sheriff's officials said. After detectives spoke with her and she was released from the hospital, Chiyoda was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The baby was also released from the hospital into the custody of Child Protective Services, according to the sheriff's office. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Detective Velasquez at (650) 363-4062 or jvelasquez@smcgov.org. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Santa Clara police have released the names of the officers who shot and killed 54-year-old Shaun Kennedy of San Jose after he reportedly started a fire and shot up a convenience store on Jan. 5. Kennedy was an employee at Rotten Robbie convenience store in Cupertino at 19030 Stevens Creek Blvd., and set fire to a cashier's kiosk before going to the store's Santa Clara branch at 3471 Lafayette St., according to police. When he arrived at 5:42 a.m., police received multiple 911 calls about a heavily armed man shooting indiscriminately in the parking lot and inside the store. Officers Douglas Bell, Eric Janssen, Jerry Ogg and Kenneth Nagata confronted Kennedy and shot him, according to police. All the officers have been place on routine paid administrative leave. Kennedy died at the scene and the department has not yet released the number of times he was shot. He primarily shot at gas pumps and inside the store, where two employees and one customer were, but no one was injured, according to police spokesman Sgt. Todd Cummins. The store is remains closed. Police said Kennedy was upset over work and personal issues and was armed with a 12-guage shotgun and a 9mm-caliber semiautomatic pistol, with a substantial amount of ammunition in his possession. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is conducting an investigation into the shooting along with police. A firefighter was among the injured in Wednesday's early-morning, two-alarm blaze at two homes in San Francisco, according to fire officials. The firefighter suffered an injury to their face battling the blaze at 70 and 72 Liebig St., and was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and for observation, according to San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Jonathan Baxter. Five others were transported to hospitals, also, including one child who suffered minor injuries. Two adults are currently in critical condition and two others suffered serious-to-moderate injuries, Baxter said. The firefighter wasn't identified. The blaze was first reported around 12:18 a.m. at 70 Liebig St., and then spread to the home next door at 72 Liebig St., Baxter said. The homes are detached, 2-story, single-family homes. Firefighters arrived on scene and found fire extending from the building and people requesting rescues from the second-floor and other locations of the homes, Baxter said. A total of 23 fire apparatuses and 72 firefighters battled the blaze. The fire was placed under control around 1:45 a.m. The American Red Cross is on the scene to assist 17 people who were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No further information is immediately available. Kaiser Permanente leaders on Tuesday announced three major initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes by creating stable housing for homeless people in Oakland and across the country. Bernard Tyson, the chairman and chief executive of Kaiser, which is based in Oakland, said, "Housing security is a crucial health issue for vulnerable populations." Joined by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and others at a news conference at City Hall, Tyson said, "Access to affordable housing is a key component to Kaiser Permanente's mission to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve and to advance the economic, social and environmental conditions for health." One initiative is that Kaiser will spend $5.2 million to buy a 41-unit apartment building in the San Antonio neighborhood in East Oakland. The money will come from the $200 million, multi-year effort to tackle homelessness called the "Thriving Communities Fund" that Kaiser announced in May. California officials on Tuesday hailed a ruling by a federal judge in New York blocking a plan by the administration of President Donald Trump to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census. "This is a victory for all Americans," said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who represented San Francisco in the New York case. "The Trump administration was playing politics with people's lives in a deliberate attempt to undercount the population and tip power in his favor," Herrera said in a statement. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said, "Today's ruling is a victory for democracy. An undercount in the 2020 Census could cost California billions of dollars of federal funding, jeopardize our representation in Congress and our fundamental voting rights." The question proposed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department supervises the Census Bureau, would ask people whether they or members or their household are citizens. Opponents contend the question would deter non-citizen immigrants from participating in the census. They say the resulting undercount will lead to reduced federal funding and congressional representation, which are based on the once-a-decade census. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of New York ruled that Ross's decision to include the question violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act because Ross did not give a rational explanation and "ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence" before him. Police on Tuesday released surveillance images of two suspects connected to a shooting last month at a San Jose liquor store that killed a 43-year-old man. The Dec. 14 shooting at El Rancho Liquors, located at the corner of West Alma and Almaden avenues killed Nathan Johnson-Harper of Fresno. Police have released little details about the fatal shooting and said that a motive is under investigation. The first suspect is described as a possibly Hispanic man in his 20s with a medium build, curly medium length hair, a mustache and goatee. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, a black T-shirt and light blue jeans. The second suspect is described as a possibly black man in his 20s with a slender build. He was last seen wearing a knit cap, a black hoodie and white gym pants, according to police. Anyone with information about the suspects is asked contact Det. Sgt. Bert Milliken or Det. John Figone at (408) 277-5283. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stopper Tip Line at (408) 947-7867. Callers who provide information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward, police said. With PG&E's plans to file for bankruptcy later this month, San Francisco city officials are eyeing it as an opportunity to purchase the utility company's infrastructure and expand the city's public power program. San Francisco Mayor London Breed asked the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on Monday to study the impacts of PG&E's anticipated bankruptcy. In a letter to SFPUC General Manager Harlan Kelly, the mayor requested the analysis include steps the city can take to ensure electric power services aren't interrupted, "including the possibility of acquiring and building electrical infrastructure assets." PG&E's plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection come as a result of its liabilities from devastating wildfires in Northern California in 2017 and 2018. The liabilities could be more than $30 billion, according to a statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Some San Francisco city officials see the PG&E's bankruptcy as an opportunity to wean the city off of its dependence on the private utility as its primary power provider. An undocumented Mexican citizen who was convicted of possessing the gun that killed Kate Steinle on a San Francisco pier in 2015 has appealed his conviction, claiming that the trial judge failed to give a key jury instruction. Jose Ines Garcia Zarate was convicted in San Francisco Superior Court in 2017 of being an ex-felon in possession of a gun. The jury acquitted him of the murder of Steinle, who was killed on July 1, 2015, by a ricocheting bullet from a gun held by Zarate. Zarate was sentenced in January 2018 to three years in prison. In an appeal filed last week with the state Court of Appeal in San Francisco, Zarate argues that his rights were violated when trial judge Samuel Feng failed to give the jury an instruction on the theory of momentary possession. That instruction advises jurors that gun possession is not illegal if the possession was for only "a momentary or transitory period" and for the purpose of disposing of the firearm. A man tried to kidnap a woman outside of the Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael early Tuesday morning but she was able to fend him off and he fled in a van, police said. The attempted kidnapping was reported at 12:57 a.m. after the woman left work on Civic Center Drive and walked toward a bus stop, but realized as she neared it that she had missed the last bus. As she was walking back to her workplace on the west side of the road, a dark-colored minivan with tinted windows pulled up behind her and a man got out and grabbed her from behind, trying to pull her toward its open sliding door, according to police. The woman fought back and struck the suspect with her umbrella, causing him to let go of her and flee in the van, which was last seen heading south on Civic Center Drive. The victim ran from the area and called 911, police said. Authorities responded but did not locate the van. The woman described the suspect as a Hispanic man between 20 and 30 years old who was about 5 feet 8 inches tall with a muscular build and smelled of alcohol and body odor, according to police. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call San Rafael police at (415) 485-3000. People can also leave information anonymously online at www.srpd.org/tips. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Edgar Manuel Maldonado, 23, whose last known address was on Nilan Street in Hartford, refused to come out of the lockup area for his arraignment when he learned there were cameras in the courtroom. He waived his right to appear and listened in from the jail cell. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) San Francisco police on Tuesday released a sketch of a suspect who brutally attacked an 88-year-old woman in the city's Visitacion Valley neighborhood last week. The case started as a call at about 6:45 a.m. on Jan. 8 about a suspect who was seen exiting a residence in the 1000 block of Visitacion Avenue and then walking away eastbound. Shortly afterward, the elderly victim was found in a park across the street, police said. The woman had multiple traumatic injuries that are considered life-threatening and she is still being treated for them this week, according to police. Investigators believe the suspect attacked the victim in the park and then entered her home across the street. He is described as a black man in his 30s who is about 5 feet 6 inches tall with a skinny build, police said. Investigators from the Police Department's Special Victims Unit have been dedicated to the case and released a forensic sketch of the suspect Tuesday. Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call the department's 24-hour tip line at (415) 575-4444 or to send a tip by test message to TIP411 and start the message with "SFPD." Copyright 2019 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) After library systems in Contra Costa and San Mateo counties eliminated fines for overdue returns, San Francisco is proposing to be the latest local jurisdiction to get rid of the fines in an effort to increase access to libraries. Mayor London Breed announced Monday that the San Francisco Public Library will propose at the Library Commission meeting on Thursday to eliminate fines for overdue returns. The library partnered with the San Francisco Financial Justice Project within the city treasurer's office to study the elimination of fines and interview libraries around the country that have done away with them. None of the libraries in the survey saw a decrease in circulation or increase in late returns after eliminating fines. City officials said library patrons across San Francisco miss return deadlines at similar rates, but people in low-income areas have difficulty in paying the fines. Roughly 11 percent of the Bayview Library's cardholders are blocked from accessing library materials because of existing fines, more than three times as many as in most high-income locations, according to the city. "As a city, we need to make sure that we are not placing unnecessary burdens on people to access our public resources," Breed said in a news release. "In this case, the fines and fees are overwhelmingly affecting people in our community from disadvantaged backgrounds." According to the proposal being considered Thursday, patrons will still be responsible for returning books on time and will need to replace or pay for the value of any materials not returned. Library fines create about $330,000 in revenue annually, only 0.2 percent of the library's budget and a number that is expected to decrease as digital materials like e-books become more common. Contra Costa County last month decided to eliminate the fines starting Jan. 1, while San Mateo County made the same move effective Jan. 7. Copyright 2019 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) Kaiser Permanente leaders on Tuesday announced three major initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes by creating stable housing for homeless people in Oakland and across the country. Bernard Tyson, the chairman and chief executive of Kaiser, which is based in Oakland, said, "Housing security is a crucial health issue for vulnerable populations." Joined by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and others at a news conference at City Hall, Tyson said, "Access to affordable housing is a key component to Kaiser Permanente's mission to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve and to advance the economic, social and environmental conditions for health." One initiative is that Kaiser will spend $5.2 million to buy a 41-unit apartment building in the San Antonio neighborhood in East Oakland. The money will come from the $200 million, multi-year effort to tackle homelessness called the "Thriving Communities Fund" that Kaiser announced in May. Kaiser is partnering with Enterprise Community Partners, a Maryland-based nonprofit focused on affordable housing, and the East Asian Local Development Corp. (EBALDC) to ensure that the property gets needed upgrades and is preserved as affordable housing. EBALDC will also provide residents with the opportunity to get supportive social services. Joshua Simon, EBALDC's executive director, said locating the first investment in the San Antonio neighborhood is important because the neighborhood is one of the most diverse in the city but is undergoing rapid change and is "on the verge of gentrification." Simon said, "Housing is more than a roof over our heads -- it is central to our health and well-being. We hope this fruitful partnership can serve as a powerful model for Oakland, California and the nation." The second initiative is a $100 million national fund to support affordable housing development in places where Kaiser Permanente provides care and coverage. The third initiative is an effort to end homelessness for more than 500 people in Oakland who are over the age of 50 and have at least one chronic condition. Kaiser officials said Oakland has been hit particularly hard by the housing crisis because homelessness in the city increased by 25 percent between 2015 and 2017. Tyson said Kaiser, working with a community partner, has identified 500 particularly vulnerable people and is now working with the city, Alameda County and other community partners to secure housing and other vital services for the people on the list. Schaaf said the initiatives are "groundbreaking" and said, "The health and wellness of Oakland is tied to housing." The mayor said, "I'm grateful for partners like Kaiser Permanente, EBALDC and Enterprise who are taking a new approach to improving the health outcomes of all our residents by improving housing security for our most vulnerable residents." Dr. Richard Isaacs, the chief exec and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group, said, "We know that differences in health are striking in communities with poor social determinants of health such as unstable housing, low income and unsafe neighborhoods." Isaacs said the mortality rates for people who live in such poor conditions are three to four times higher than people who live in more stable environments. Isaacs said, "We hope that these initiatives in Oakland will become a model for other cities to follow." Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. SAN JOSE (BCN) Protests are planned at Louis C.K.'s sold-out set at a San Jose theater on Wednesday evening after the comedian admitted to sexually harassing women in November 2017. San Jose Improv, which is part of a national chain, is hosting three sold-out shows featuring Louis C.K. this week. The Enough is Enough political action committee and the San Jose Women's March will protest the first show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at 62 South Second St. "The comedy old-boys club enabled Bill Cosby and Louis CK. Clearly it's still a problem," Michele Dauber, the group's project chair, said in a statement. Dauber also led a successful campaign in November to recall Santa Clara County Judge Aaron Persky, who granted Stanford student Brock Turner a sixth-month sentence for sexual assault in 2016. The protest groups argue that San Jose Improv is giving a platform to an admitted sexual harasser and failing to book an equal amount of female comics in their lineup. Louis C.K. briefly departed from the comedy scene after admitting to masturbating in front of women without their consent, but has since made a slow return to the stage. His appearance at the Comedy Cellar in New York in October was also met with protests. "Powerful, rich, and famous men like Louis C.K. and R. Kelly are able to victimize women with impunity, especially women of color," San Jose Women's March President Jennifer Higgins Bradanini said in a statement. "I hope women will take their anger over disgusting sexual harassers like Louis C.K. and come march with us this Saturday." San Jose Improv couldn't be reached for comment, but listed C.K.'s accolades online and posted an event disclaimer: "Louis CK is trying new material. XXX Adults only." Copyright 2019 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) Five people suffered major-to-moderate injuries at a two-alarm fire that spread from one home to another in San Francisco early Wednesday morning, according to fire officials. The blaze was first reported around 12:18 a.m. at 70 Liebig St., and then spread to the home next door at 72 Liebig St., San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Jonathan Baxter said. The homes are detached, 2-story, single-family homes. Officers arrived on scene and found fire extending from the building and people requesting rescues from the second-floor and other locations of the homes, Baxter said. A total of 23 fire apparatuses and 72 firefighters battled the blaze. Two people were transported to a hospital in critical condition and three others were transported with serious-to-moderate injuries. The fire was placed under control around 1:45 a.m. The American Red Cross is on the scene to assist those displaced. No further information is immediately available. Copyright 2019 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) With PG&E's plans to file for bankruptcy later this month, San Francisco city officials are eyeing it as an opportunity to purchase the utility company's infrastructure and expand the city's public power program. San Francisco Mayor London Breed asked the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on Monday to study the impacts of PG&E's anticipated bankruptcy. In a letter to SFPUC General Manager Harlan Kelly, the mayor requested the analysis include steps the city can take to ensure electric power services aren't interrupted, "including the possibility of acquiring and building electrical infrastructure assets." PG&E's plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection come as a result of its liabilities from devastating wildfires in Northern California in 2017 and 2018. The liabilities could be more than $30 billion, according to a statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Some San Francisco city officials see the PG&E's bankruptcy as an opportunity to wean the city off of its dependence on the private utility as its primary power provider. "I think it's urgent that San Francisco has a complete divorce from PG&E as soon as possible and takes over operation of this utility," said District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen at a hearing today at City Hall. Ronen, along with District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, called for the city to end its tumultuous relationship with PG&E and expand its municipal power program, CleanPowerSF - an effort that they say the company has impeded. "The list of grievances [with PG&E] is growing exponentially," said Peskin. Under CleanPowerSF, the SFPUC uses PG&E-owned infrastructure to deliver solar and hydro electricity to power municipal buildings and public transit services. City efforts to expand the program and make it available to residents citywide have been hindered by a lack of cooperation from PG&E, according to proponents of the expansion. PG&E "is holding this and many other municipalities hostage," said Peskin. "This is an unparalleled opportunity to move towards energy independence." The SFPUC's study on the impacts of PG&E's bankruptcy, as well as options to obtain its assets, is due to be published in April. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. California officials on Tuesday hailed a ruling by a federal judge in New York blocking a plan by the administration of President Donald Trump to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census. "This is a victory for all Americans," said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who represented San Francisco in the New York case. "The Trump administration was playing politics with people's lives in a deliberate attempt to undercount the population and tip power in his favor," Herrera said in a statement. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said, "Today's ruling is a victory for democracy. An undercount in the 2020 Census could cost California billions of dollars of federal funding, jeopardize our representation in Congress and our fundamental voting rights." The question proposed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department supervises the Census Bureau, would ask people whether they or members or their household are citizens. Opponents contend the question would deter non-citizen immigrants from participating in the census. They say the resulting undercount will lead to reduced federal funding and congressional representation, which are based on the once-a-decade census. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of New York ruled that Ross's decision to include the question violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act because Ross did not give a rational explanation and "ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence" before him. He said Ross's announcement in March 2018 that he was including the question at the request of the Justice Department to obtain information to enforce the Voting Rights Act was "pretextual" because evidence showed that Ross made the decision months before conferring with the Justice Department and that there are better ways to obtain citizenship information. Furman also said in a 277-page ruling Ross violated a law requiring him to tell Congress three years in advance before adding new topics to the census. He issued an injunction prohibiting the use of the question. The judge ruled in two lawsuits. One, led by the state of New York, was filed by 18 states, Washington, D.C., and 15 cities and counties, including San Francisco and Monterey County. The second suit was filed by several nonprofit groups. Justice Department spokeswoman Kelly Laco said, "We are disappointed and are still reviewing the ruling. Our government is legally entitled to include a citizenship question on the census and people in the United States have a legal obligation to answer." The New York cases are among several lawsuits filed in federal courts around the country to challenge the citizenship question. Two other lawsuits are currently in trial before U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg in San Francisco. Those cases were filed by the state of California, later joined by Oakland, Fremont and four other cities and counties, and by San Jose and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. Six days of testimony in that trial ended on Monday and Seeborg will hear closing arguments on Feb. 15. Another lawsuit filed by individual residents of Maryland, Arizona and California is due to go to trial before a federal judge in Baltimore on Jan. 22. Copyright 2019 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) Police are investigating a bank robbery that was reported in San Francisco's Financial District on Monday afternoon. The robbery was reported at about 3:20 p.m. in the 200 block of Bush Street. The suspect, a man believed to be in his 20s, entered the bank and handed a note to a teller demanding money. The teller complied, handing over an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect who then fled and remains at large, police said. The suspect threatened that he had a gun but no weapon was seen. No one was injured in the robbery, according to police. A detailed description of the suspect was not immediately available from the Police Department. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. REDWOOD CITY (BCN) A 37-year-old actor from Southern California has been charged with multiple felonies for defrauding a Redwood City homeowner who had defaulted on her property taxes last year, San Mateo County prosecutors said. Justin Rodgers Hall, of Van Nuys, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of filing a false document, grand theft, money laundering, burglary, elder abuse and an aggravated white collar enhancement, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. Rodgers Hall is credited on his IMDb page as having a bit part in the 2009 film "Star Trek" and other movies. He is accused of defrauding a 66-year-old victim who defaulted on her property taxes at her home in Redwood City that is valued between $1.5 and $1.7 million, prosecutors said. MORE NEWS: Woman found dead in water near Aquatic Park identified as SFUSD worker A few weeks before the county tax collector was going to put the property up for auction, Rodgers Hall's co-defendant Tonia Miller, a licensed real estate agent and 33-year-old Studio City resident, took the victim to an Applebee's on July 23, 2018. Miller allegedly bought the victim two margaritas and offered her a $500,000 reverse mortgage with the ability to live on the property until her death, according to the district attorney's office. Miller gave the victim $1,000 in cash and had her sign a grant deed in favor of Rex Regum LLC, which is solely owned by Rodgers Hall. The deed said that the victim had been paid $800,000 for the property, but she said she never received the money and that she didn't know she was signing over ownership of the property, prosecutors said. Rodgers Hall recorded the grant deed later that same day and paid the delinquent property taxes. The county recorder's office reported the sale because the price was so far below market value, according to the district attorney's office. MORE NEWS: Garbage truck driver killed in crash with parked car After an investigator interviewed Miller about her role in the transaction, she called the investigator back and said she had "cleared everything up" with the victim, prosecutors said. The investigator contacted the victim, who said that Miller gave her another $1,000 in cash and upped the purchase price to $600,000. On Aug. 22, Rodgers Hall then sold the property to a third party for $997,000, prosecutors said. Nine days later, Miller went to the home with a U-Haul and tried to get the victim to move out of the property. She also brought a real estate agent with her to "help" the victim find a new property to buy in Auburn, prosecutors said. The real estate agent became suspicious and reported the case to Redwood City police. Officers arrived and ordered Miller to leave. The third party buyer is now working to evict the victim from the property, and Rodgers Hall has spread the proceeds from the sale through various bank accounts. Rodgers Hall made his initial appearance in court Tuesday and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Bail was set at $1.1 million and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28, prosecutors said. His defense attorney Laura Robinson was not immediately available for comment. Miller is not in custody and has not been arraigned, Wagstaffe said Wednesday morning. Wagstaffe said the district attorney's office launched a unit focused on real estate fraud in 2017. "They've been making cases like this," he said. "There are lots of predators out there." Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. BERKELEY (BCN) Six protesters who didn't want arborists to remove five diseased and damaged trees from People's Park in Berkeley were arrested early Tuesday, a University of California at Berkeley spokesman said. The work to remove a Torrey pine tree, three Deodar cedars and one Monterey pine was to have begun on Dec. 28 but protesters blocked the trees and the university decided not to remove the trees at that time, campus spokesman Dan Mogulof said. On Jan. 4, a small group of protesters established a small encampment in the park, which Mogulof said was an illegal move that violating a long-standing prohibition against camping on university property. The encampment grew over time and fluctuated between 10 and 50 people, according to Mogulof. On Jan. 7, UC police officers repeatedly and regularly told people at the encampment that they were in violation of the law and subject to arrest, Mogulof said. The officers also told people at the encampment that there are vacant beds in city of Berkeley shelters and encouraged them to take advantage of those resources, according to Mogulof. When arborists and UCPD officers arrived at People's Park early Tuesday morning, there were still eight people at the encampment, Mogulof said. Six of them were arrested between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday and were cited for unlawful lodging, unlawful camping on campus and breaking the campus curfew, he said. The university didn't disclose the number of officers who carried out the arrests but said California Highway Patrol officers helped UC police make the arrests. University officials said they expect all of the tree work in the park to be completed by the end of the day and will continue to enforce the law that prohibits overnight camping in the park, as they have for more than 20 years. According to the university, the park does not have the appropriate facilities or infrastructure needed to ensure public health and safety nor does the campus have the resources or the responsibility to manage and operate the park as an urban campground. Mogulof said the tree work at the park was part of a university effort to remove trees at 15 sites around the campus that arborists had deemed to be dangerous. Protesters who created a "The People's Park Committee" page on Facebook wrote, "It's a terrible day in People's Park and we are angry." The protesters said, "They have cleared the protest camp and ushered Expert Tree Service (the tree killers) into People's Park." The protesters identified three of those who were arrested, who they described as "People's Park defenders," as Adam Ziegler, Michelle Lot, and James Cartmill. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Tribal police said a brawl erupted at 1 a.m. on Jan. 1 in a casino garage before it spilled into the casino. Tribal police had arrested five people involved in the brawl that resulted in stab wounds to three people. MOUNTAIN VIEW (BCN) Mountain View police arrested a third suspect Saturday in connection with a human trafficking case that police began investigating in October. Abel Estuardo Franco Garcia, 43, was arrested for allegedly intimidating victims of sex and labor trafficking who were brought to the U.S. from Guatemala and dissuading them from speaking to police. The intimidation escalated until Garcia drove up behind one of the witnesses on Friday, nearly hit them, and sped off, police said. He was reported by one of his family members and arrested Saturday. "We want to stress how important it is that victims or witnesses feel comfortable coming forward to speak with us regarding this case, and that we will work to ensure their safety," police said in a news release. In December, police arrested 33-year-old Mountain View resident Carlos Garza and his sister Evelia De Maria Galvez in connection with the case. Garza was renting a two-bedroom home in the 1900 block of Latham Street occupied by at least 12 people, according to police. Garza allegedly helped several adults and minors cross the border into the U.S. to start a new life, but instead forced them into a "culture of fear" involving sex and labor trafficking. Police said they are still searching for additional victims in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Marco Garcia at marco.garcia@mountainview.gov. Copyright 2019 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. A 24 Hour Fitness employee in Santa Cruz was arrested after allegedly setting a fire in the fitness center early Tuesday morning, throwing a fire extinguisher through a window and running away from responding officers, according to police. Christian Cruz, 24, was arrested in a case that started at about 3:20 a.m. Tuesday when officers responded to a report of a man setting a fire in a room at the building at 1261 Soquel Ave., police said. ALSO: Satellite imagery shows massive storm poised to slam the West Coast Cruz allegedly set fire to an exercise mat in the group exercise room on the first floor, then threw the fire extinguisher through a window when another employee came in to try to put the fire out. He then barricaded himself in the room as it quickly filled with smoke, police said. As firefighters arrived and worked to extinguish the blaze, police officers searched for the suspect, who ran out of a side door. Officers eventually caught Cruz, who struggled with them before being taken into custody. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of arson, vandalism and resisting arrest, according to police. Novelist Sherrilyn Kenyon had been feeling inexplicably sick. Then, she said learned she had high levels of poison in her system. Kenyon, a prolific and award-winning fantasy author known for her best-selling "Dark-Hunter" novels, has accused her husband, Lawrence Kenyon II, and his assistant, Kerrie Ann Plump, of poisoning her. A sheriff's department in Tennessee is looking into the claim, the Tennessean reported. The Tennessean reported lab results from a sample of Kenyon's hair showed high levels of tin, lithium, barium, platinum and thorium were found in her system. Kenyon told the Tennessean she believes she was poisoned over a three-year period. RELATED: Novelist who wrote about 'How to Murder Your Husband' charged with murdering her husband The lawsuit filed by Kenyon alleges her husband and Plump a woman who was originally hired to tutor their child fed Kenyon tainted food, causing her trouble with breathing, nausea and hair loss, among other symptoms. Kenyon claims her husband was trying to kill her to gain access to her estate, according to the lawsuit. The two are in the process of divorcing. Kenyon II has responded to the claims through his lawyer, Sean Aiello. In a statement to the Guardian, Aiello said: "There can be no question that Sherrilyn Kenyon is a brilliant fiction writer, but it is apparent that she has irreparably blurred the line between fiction and reality." Kenyon II's statement confirmed no charges had yet been charged against him by local authorities, the Guardian reported. Kenyon II's statement continued: "These astonishing and unsubstantiated allegations may stand as her best fantasy creation yet. When Lawrence Kenyon filed for divorce a year ago, he wanted nothing more from his wife other than an amicable divorce. He is saddened that the stress of these proceedings has brought out the worst in such a talented writer." ALSO: Famous author known for fabricating parts of memoir wins Bad Sex in Fiction Award In an impassioned newsletter to her fans, Kenyon went into more detail about her allegations. The situation came to her attention in March, she wrote. Since then, her symptoms and health have "dramatically improved." "Please be patient with me as I fight one of the hardest battles of my life against these monstrous liars who are trying their best to tear down my career and to take the things that do not belong to them," she wrote. "....I really didn't think I'd be here today. I honestly thought by now we'd be planning my funeral." "I'm glad we're not," she continued. "In spite of the fact that I no longer believe in happy endings, I'm still trying desperately to believe that good will triumph over such dark evil." The staff of the Litchfield Jazz Festival is presenting the fourth installment of their free virtual concert series for April. The Government leader made the request while addressing a conference organised by the MIC in Hanoi on January 15 to deploy its tasks in 2019. The PM recognised the significant contributions of the ICT industry to the countrys development in recent times, but expressed his dissatisfaction with Vietnams low rankings in the field. He said ICT should be a leading sector of the nation, but it has slowed down in recent years. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has lowered Vietnams rankings in the field due to the countrys poor preparations for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the PM said, adding that this is the ministrys responsibility. He said the Government agreed with the ministrys proposal of building draft revised laws on telecommunications, frequency, and press. The PM also suggested building institutions and training officials in the field, noting that this is an important task of the MIC. PM Phuc asked the ministry to prioritise supporting technological start-ups and increase the press management to serve national reforms. The ministry should develop cyber security businesses to turn Vietnam into a power in this sphere, he said. The PM requested that the production of telecommunication equipment must be boosted, stressing that Vietnamese network operators must use Vietnamese equipment. He also ordered the MIC to work with foreign social network providers to ensure they abide by Vietnam law, adding that the ministry must adopt legal and technical measures to handle legal violations. He hailed Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung for turning a green light for the test of the fifth-generation (5G) mobile network in Vietnam, firstly in Ho Chi Minh City. While mentioning Zalo, a social network product developed by a Vietnamese IT firm with 45 million users, the PM asked the ministry to continue boosting the building of such social networks in Vietnam so that the number of users is equal to those of foreign social networks, especially as Vietnam has 60 percent of the population using the Internet. In 2018, the MIC played the important role of facilitating and promoting the sustainable development of the telecommunication market. The Vietnamese domain .vn topped the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the number of registrations and among the top 10 of national domains with the highest number of users in the Asian-Pacific region. The software industry continued to maintain a high growth of 13.8 percent with revenues estimated at US$4.3 billion and exports of US$3.5 billion. The number of software businesses stood at nearly 10,000, with 120,000 workers. The MIC also stepped up inspections of press portals to prevent the spread of false information that causes negative impacts on society and affecting national interests. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press WASHINGTON Speaker Nancy Pelosi, citing security constraints from the partial government shutdown, asked President Trump on Wednesday to scrap his Jan. 29 State of the Union address, and a bipartisan group of senators called on him to reopen the government while they negotiated a compromise on border security. Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government reopens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has reopened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to Congress on January 29, Pelosi said in a letter to Trump on Wednesday. She suggested he forgo the annual presidential ritual of addressing a joint session of Congress in a televised speech during prime time and submit a written message instead. WASHINGTON President Trumps nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday called climate change a huge issue but not the greatest crisis, drawing fire from Democrats at his confirmation hearing over the regulatory rollbacks hes made in six months as the agencys acting administrator. Republicans on the GOP-majority Senate Environment and Public Works Committee mostly had praise for Andrew Wheeler, who has served as the agencys acting head since Scott Pruitts resignation amid ethics scandals in July. The committee chairman, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., called Wheeler very well qualified to take the job. But Democrats pressed Wheeler about his work as a lobbyist helping an influential coal magnate meet with Trump administration officials before his nomination to the EPA, his moves on deregulation and for what they said was his inattention to the growing dangers from climate change. You seem to be consistently doing things that undermine the health and safety of this nation, Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., told Wheeler. Markey asked him why he was pulling back on regulations that proponents say protect human health and the environment. I believe we are moving forward on protections, Wheeler responded. Wheeler cited changes he had initiated to roll back future mileage standards for cars and autos and to ease Obama-era clampdowns on dirtier-burning coal-fired power plants. He said EPA staff, whom he did not identify, had concluded that those rollbacks would ultimately lead to health gains. Environmental groups and formal assessments from the EPA and other agencies have contested that, saying the changes would increase pollution and increase harm to people and the climate. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., said the rollbacks in car mileage standards and toxic mercury emissions under Wheeler were examples of unsafe deregulation and went beyond what industries themselves wanted. Ellen Knickmeyer is an Associated Press writer. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press WASHINGTON The Trump administration said Tuesday that it would summon tens of thousands of federal employees back to work without pay to get the government running amid a partial shutdown well into its third week, as the White House and increasingly agitated lawmakers on Capitol Hill cast about for a way to end to the stalemate. On a day of inertia and theatrics in Washington, the partisan disconnect fueling the deadlock was on full sometimes absurd display. House Democrats spurned an invitation by President Trump to a bipartisan lunch at the White House, drawing howls of outrage from Trumps team, while Democrats dismissed the steak-and-potatoes meal as little more than a photo opportunity. A group of House Democratic freshmen marched across the Capitol with reporters in tow to publicly confront Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the majority leader, with demands to end the impasse. But McConnell was not in his office, so they left a note. You know that pricey restaurant youve had your eyes set on for months? Well this might be your chance to snag a table at a fraction of the price during restaurant week around the Bay Area. San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley are all hosting a restaurant week in January, where participating restaurants offer specials on prix-fixe menus, including some moderate to high-end options. ALSO: Our favorite cheap eats in the Bay Area Some of these restaurants have average prices that range from $31 to $61 or more, but during restaurant week you can score a prix-fixe two-course lunch for $25 or a prix-fixe three-course dinner for $40 or $65. SF Restaurant Week, which runs Jan. 23 to 31, includes the elegant Roka Akor, flour + water and Maybeck's among their pricier and notable participants. Wayfare Tavern has a $40 prix-fixe dinner menu that features their popular buttermilk chicken. The restaurants participating in Oakland and Berkeley's restaurant weeks, which start Jan. 11 and Jan. 17 respectively, tend to have lower prices than the San Francisco options. Many have lunch deals starting at $20 and dinner deals around $25. Click through the slideshow for some of the best deals of the SF, Oakland and Berkeley restaurant weeks. We highlighted restaurants whose deals offered a sizable discount off the regular menu prices, sometimes more than $10 per diner. Shop around and compare prices to find a menu you're craving that's also in your budget. Alameda, Concord and Napa are also hosting restaurant weeks in January. Oakland Restaurant Week runs Jan. 11- 21. Check out the full list of participating restaurants here. Berkeley Restaurant Week runs Jan. 17-27. Check out the full list of participating restaurants here. San Francisco Restaurant Week runs Jan. 23-31. Check out the full list of participating restaurants here. -- Follow Susana Guerrero on Twitter and email her at sguerrero@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. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Veterinary diagnostics market is valued at $XX million in 2017, and is expected to reach $XX million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2018 to 2025. Changing aspects of veterinary diagnostics market The global veterinary diagnostics market is attracting demand various veterinary diagnostics which includes factors such as- Increased adoption of advanced technologies to diagnose the disease Increased demand for meat and dairy products Rising demand for minimal invasive diagnostics methods Increase in pet adoption and companion animals are fueling the market growth of veterinary diagnostics. However, strict regulations such as prohibition of veterinary OTC medicines, expensive products is going to be a major road blocks for the market revenue growth over the forecast period. A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-diagnostics-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx Market summary: Veterinary diagnostics devices market is filled with handful of market players with majority market share. With key strategies such as acquisitions, mergers, collaborations, product launches and innovations are highly adopted which are fueling the market growth. In order to maintain their market position, companies are investing in robust R&D activities for product innovations. For e.g. a joint venture of Sanofis Rhone Merieux and Mercks MSD AgVet. Called Merical was formed in 1997. Regional analysis: According to statistics, more than 62% of U.S. households have a companion animal. U.S. veterinary diagnostics market is growing due to increased awareness coupled with rising pet adoption and increasing expenditure on companion animals. European countries such as France, Germany, and UK are growing due to offer lucrative opportunities for the market. Factors such as increase applications of molecular and serological diagnostics in veterinary parasitology are creating demand for veterinary diagnostics market. Developing nations in Asia-Pacific such as China, India are contributing significant revenue for global veterinary diagnostics devices market. To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-diagnostics-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu Some of the key market players of global veterinary diagnostics devices market are- Mindray Medical International Ltd. ABAXIS, Inc. Biocheck smart veterinary diagnostics Zoetis, Inc. Neogen Corporation Bio rad veterinary diagnostics HESKA Corporation IDVET Biomerieux veterinary diagnostics IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (Life Technologies Corporation) VCA Antech, Inc. Virbac SA Cal biotech Notable market development: BioCheck had launched two new PCR test kits. These two test kits were multispecies campylobacter multiplex DNA test kit and new castle disease virus multiplex RNA test kit in 2017. Need more information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-diagnostics-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 The global Veterinary Diagnostics devices market is divided into following categories- By product type Hematology tests Immunodiagnostics Clinical chemistry Molecular testing. By animal type Canine Feline Bovine Poultry o Poultry ELISA o Poultry PCR Swine o Swine ELISA o Swine PCR Others By end-users Veterinary Hospitals Veterinary Clinics Research laboratories By geographical regions North America Latin America Europe The Middle East & Africa Asia-Pacific Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-diagnostics-market/ About Precision Business Insights Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs. Contact to Precision Business Insights, Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Contact Person: Rajesh Babu Role: Marketing Lead Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553 Website @https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com An illicit marijuana sale ended Tuesday night with a pair of New Yorkers in Sonoma County jail after their rental car was hit by gunfire and plowed into a ditch, leaving the two buyers as well as two sellers busted after one of the men was bitten by a police dog, authorities said. The two New York residents Welington Polanco, 22, of the Bronx, and Carlos Penzo, 32, of Yonkers flew into the Bay Area on Saturday and were visiting Sonoma County to buy 14 pounds of marijuana, more than 200 times the legal limit, said Sgt. Spencer Crum of the Sonoma County Sheriffs Office. The suspects allegedly arranged to make the deal on the 500 block of Todd Road in Santa Rosa around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Consumer banking giant Wells Fargo said its fourth-quarter profit fell slightly as the bank remains restrained by federal regulators who put a tight leash on it after years of scandals and missteps. The San Francisco company said Tuesday that it earned a profit of $6.06 billion ($1.21 per share) in the quarter, down from $6.15 billion ($1.16) in the same period a year earlier. The results did beat analysts expectations, who were looking for Wells to earn $1.19 a share. Wells Fargo has been attempting to turn around after years of scandals in nearly every part of its business. Federal regulators have fined the bank billions of dollars for violating consumer protection laws, and a year ago, the Federal Reserve restrained Wells Fargo from growing any larger than its current size until the bank can prove its a better-run company. Those restraints have hampered the ability of Wells Fargo to increase its profits in the past year. The bank saw its total loans fall slightly from a year ago, and deposits were also down slightly. Thats notable because, in a growing economy, a bank the size of Wells Fargo should be growing both deposits and loans. JPMorgan Chase & Co, which also reported its fourth-quarter results on Tuesday, reported an 8 percent increase in loans and 2 percent growth in deposits. Citigroup, which reported on Monday, also reported higher loans and deposits. This is a troubling erosion of Wells Fargos market share, said Octavio Marenzi, CEO of the management consulting firm Opimas. It doesnt appear that the restraints on the bank will be coming off anytime soon. In a conference call with investors, Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan said he now expects that Wells Fargo will operate under the Federal Reserves restraints through the end of 2019. The bank recently had been expecting those restraints to come off the middle of this year. Wells Fargo, which is the biggest U.S. mortgage lender, posted revenue of $25.26 billion in the period. Without interest expense, its revenue was $20.98 billion, which also missed forecasts. Analysts were looking for Wells to earn $21.74 billion in revenue. Wells Fargos stock fell 1.6 percent to close at $47.67, and slipped a bit more in after-hours trading. Ken Sweet is an Associated Press writer. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Veterinary Radiography Systems market is valued at $XX million in 2017, and is expected to reach $XX million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% from 2018 to 2025. Changing aspects of Veterinary Radiography Systems market Factors which are responsible for the growth of veterinary radiography systems market are- Increased pet adoption and rise in awareness about veterinary healthcare and related health expenditure Increase in zoonotic diseases Technological advancements in veterinary diagnosis However, expensive devices, stringent reimbursement policies and unfavorable regulatory procedures restraint the growth of veterinary radiography systems over the forecast period. Free sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-radiography-systems-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx Market Summary: Animal adoption, companion animals and animals in general have been increased in households yet commercial levels. Research have backed up that having an animal around can lead to mental peace and compassion. This point helps the market players to fix their footprint in the market. With animals taking part in various activities such as sports, exercises, etc. they are bound to injure themselves. This is when radiography framework is needed to assess cracked skulls, heart assaults and joint dysfunctions. The market players are focusing on vets, medical services and also research and development activities. New market players are on constraint and requirement is needed to be fulfilled. Regional Analysis: North America is a major market for veterinary radiography systems market owing to factors such as increased cases of chronic heart diseases in animals, and increase awareness about the animal health and well-established veterinary healthcare infrastructure. Europe is growing at a significant rate due to increased awareness about animal health and rising health concerns. Asia-Pacific region is going to be a lucrative market due to increase in animal adoptions and entry of market players into this market. Free TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-radiography-systems-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu Some of the key players in the global Veterinary Radiography Systems Market include: Siemens AG (Germany) Agfa- Gevaert N.V. (Belgium) GE Healthcare (U.S.) Onex Corporation (Canada) Excelsior Union Limited (Russia) Esaote S.p.A (Italy) VCA Inc. (U.S.) IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.) Hitachi, Ltd (Japan) BCF Technology, Ltd. (U.K.) Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (U.S.) Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging Ltd. (U.K.) Ask Analyst for Full Information about this report @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-radiography-systems-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 The global Veterinary radiography systems market is divided into following categories- By product Digital X-ray Analog X-ray By technology Computed Radiography Digital Radiography Film Screen Radiography By end users Hospitals Diagnostic Centres Ambulatory Surgical Centres Veterinary Clinics By geographical regions North America Europe Latin America Asia Pacific The Middle East and Africa Get access to full summary @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/global-veterinary-radiography-systems-market/ About Precision Business Insights Precision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs. Contact to Precision Business Insights, Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Contact Person: Rajesh Babu Role: Marketing Lead Email: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553 Website @https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Teachers from half a dozen schools in Oakland are planning to walk out Friday to warn the district of a looming strike if they arent offered better pay a move that comes amid a massive teachers strike in Los Angeles. The walkout is the latest action educators have planned since the Oakland Unified School District offered 5 percent raises over a few years last spring an offer teachers balked at and countered with a 12 percent raise. With negotiations at an impasse, the district and the Oakland Education Association teachers union entered the fact-finding phase this month, the final step before a strike vote. The walkout, however, is not sanctioned by the union. This is an additional attempt, after several, to try to get OUSDs school board to come back to the table with a decent offer for teachers, Oakland High School science teacher Suzi LeBaron said. Theres a chance we could be taking a strike vote very soon and be striking during the first weeks of February. On Friday at 8 a.m., teachers from five Oakland high schools and one middle school are planning to meet in front of Oakland Technical High School and walk to the school district offices at 1000 Broadway in downtown Oakland for a demonstration. Oakland schools Superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell agreed that teachers deserve to be paid more, but urged the educators to come to school to support their students on Friday. We are committed to working with the OEA to come to an equitable contract that works for both sides, she said in a statement. The school district hasnt released a plan yet for teacher coverage during the walkout. Several districts across the country have seen teachers go on strike in the past year, most recently in Los Angeles, where thousands of teachers, striking since Monday, are demanding pay raises, smaller class sizes and more support staff. You would think they would look at the national news and see that most of these situations have been resolved in favor of teachers, LeBaron said. You would think, Why would we even put our city through the trauma, expense and public scrutiny? Why not come back to the table and come up with something we can all agree on? Oakland teachers have been working under an expired contract since July 2017. After the fact-finding phase, the district will make a final and best offer, after which teachers will decide to accept or take a strike vote. Because the walkout is not sanctioned by the Oakland Education Association, the school district could discipline teachers who participate by docking their pay. In December, more than 100 teachers, mainly from Oakland High School, walked out to stage a protest at Oakland City Hall. That unsanctioned action did earn teachers a docked paycheck, LeBaron said. Our superintendent is misguided in that she thinks thats a deterrent, when all it really did was really piss people off and make them more determined, LeBaron said. Ashley McBride is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ashley.mcbride@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ashleynmcb Bill Hutchinson / Six people were injured early Wednesday when a fire broke out at two adjacent homes in San Francisco, authorities said. The San Francisco Fire Department responded just after midnight to the blaze at 70 Liebig St. and 72 Liebig St. The first engine arrived to people screaming for help from one houses second-story window as flames and smoke were billowing out of the structure, officials said. The wonderful thing about Donald Trumps presidency (I never thought Id begin a column this way), is that he brings us back to basics. The basic difference between a democracy and a dictatorship comes down to means and ends. Democracy is about means, not ends. If we all agreed on the ends (such as whether to build a wall along the Mexican border), thered be no need for democracy. But of course we dont agree, which is why the means by which we resolve our differences are so important. Those means include a Constitution, a system of government based on the rule of law, and an independent judiciary. A dictatorship, by contrast, is only about ends. Those ends are the goals of the dictator at a minimum, accumulating and preserving personal power. To achieve those ends, a dictator will use any means necessary. Which brings us back to Trump. The conventional criticism of Trump is that he is unfit to be president because he continuously breaks the norms of how a president should behave. Trumps norm-breaking is unsettling, to be sure, but Trumps more fundamental offense is that he continuously sacrifices means in order to build personal power. He thereby violates a presidents core responsibility to protect American democracy. A president who shuts down government to get his way on a controversial issue, such as building a wall along the border with Mexico, and offering to reopen government as a concession when his opponents give in, is not protecting democracy. He is treating the government of the United States as a bargaining chip. He is asserting power by any means possible. This is the method of a dictator. A president who claims he has an absolute right to declare a national emergency and spend government funds that Congress has explicitly refused to appropriate for the ends he seeks is also assuming the role of a dictator. A president who spouts lies during a prime-time national television address over what he terms an undeniable crisis at the southern U.S. border, which is in fact no crisis at all, is using whatever means are available to him to preserve and build his base of power. The real international threat to America is not coming from Mexico. It is coming from a foreign government intent on undermining our democracy by propagating lies, turning Americans against each other and electing a puppet president. We do not know yet whether Trump colluded with Vladimir Putin to win the 2016 election. What we do know so far is that Trumps aides and campaign manager worked with Putins emissaries during the 2016 election, and that Putin sought to swing the election in favor of Trump. We also know that since he was elected, Trump has done little or nothing to stop Putin from continuing to try to undermine our democracy. To the contrary, Trump has obstructed inquiries into Russian meddling. The overall pattern is clear to anyone who cares to see it. Trumps entire presidency to date has sacrificed the means of democracy to the end of his personal power. He has lied about the results of votes and established a commission to investigate bogus claims of fraudulent voting. He has attacked judges who have ruled against him with the goal of stirring up the public against them. He has encouraged followers to believe that his opponent in the 2016 election should be imprisoned. He has condemned as enemies of the people journalists who report unfavorably about him, in an effort to fuel public resentment perhaps even violence against them. To argue, as some Trump apologists do, that whatever Trump does is justified because voters put Trump in power is to claim that voters can decide to elect a dictator. They cannot. Even if a majority of Americans attempted such thing (and remember, Trump received 3 million fewer votes than his opponent in 2016), the Constitution prohibits it. The choice could not be clearer. Democracy is about means, while dictatorship is about ends. Trump uses any means available to achieve his own ends. We can preserve our democracy and force Trump out of office. Or we can continue to struggle against someone who strives to thwart democracy for his own benefit. In the months ahead, that choice will be made, one way or the other. 2019 Robert Reich Robert Reichs latest book is The Common Good, and his newest documentary is Saving Capitalism. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at SFChronicle.com/letters. Neither the head-counting business of the census nor health care for women sounds unduly political. But President Trump has turned both into hot-button issues that have landed in court and this week earned him sharp legal slaps. In each case, the battle will probably go on via appeals, possibly extending to the Supreme Court. In the meantime, both initial outcomes are a deserved check on an administration bent on promoting divisive policies at odds with the law. In the first case, a federal judge in New York ridiculed the Commerce Departments arguments to include a question in the 2020 census asking about citizenship, a question that hasnt been on the questionnaire in decades and was proposed last year. In the second instance, two judges in California and Pennsylvania stalled for now the Trump administrations rules restricting the availability of birth control under health plans offered by employers who object on religious grounds. Both cases come loaded with politics that go well beyond the courtroom arguments. More for you Opinion Citizenship question on census would impair accuracy,... The census question on citizenship was once part of the national count but was dropped in the 1950s. Suddenly it appeared as an idea put forward by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department oversees the census. The proposal is opposed by a string of past census directors from both Republican and Democratic administrations and researchers who say it needs to be tested and refined if ever to be effective. The issue comes with its own backstory of exactly who asked for the citizenship question: the White House, the Justice Department or Ross himself. That tangle lessens the sincerity of arguments that the citizenship question has no implications other than pure fact gathering. The issue was rightly sized up by critics as a way to scare off noncitizens worried about deportation from answering the survey. Fewer respondents would drive down population totals in immigrant-heavy areas that vote Democratic. Decisions on federal funds and, more important, the lines for congressional seats are based on head counts. It was another assault on immigrant rights and voting rights from an administration thats made a crusade on the topic. The federal judge hearing the case didnt delve into those aspects, sticking with the methods and arguments in the legal briefs. He found the Trump teams case unconvincing, a veritable smorgasbord of missteps. In the separate contraception case, the results amount to the second time in a year that the same two judges have paired up to pause Trump regulations that widen employer rights to limit contraceptive coverage. The two rulings lean on Affordable Care Act provisions that guarantee birth control for women in health plans in all but a handful of situations. The White House wants to widen those exemptions drastically, a direction favored by the presidents social conservative base. But that wish is running up against the specifics of the Obamacare law, a fact the judges emphasized in their rulings. Both topics the citizenship question and birth control coverage wont likely go away with the latest legal rulings. The White House is dominated by a person who thrives on divisive and emotional issues. But the court decisions should warn the president of his fading courtroom chances and the primacy of rule of law. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. The $316 million makeover of San Franciscos Van Ness Avenue is running a year and nine months behind schedule, according to the main contractor, with the completion date now pushed to late 2021. At the same time, contractors have submitted claims for cost overruns totaling $21.6 million, with more claims likely to come. Its ridiculous. We need better project management both from the contractors and from the MTA, said San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency board member Art Torres. They are like the Keystone Kops, said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who also chairs the San Francisco County Transportation Authority. Mayor London Breed called the latest projections frustrating. Photos by Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle One cause of the delay was the scores of unexpected utility lines some more than 100 years old uncovered during the infrastructure replacement part of the project. We feel that once the underground work is completed and we start on the surface work that we will be able to make up for the time we lost, SFMTA spokesman Paul Rose said. We certainly dont want it to go past early 2021. Walsh Construction, the main contractor, didnt return calls for comment. The goal of the $185 million-a-mile makeover, which began in 2016, is to build express bus and traffic lanes aimed at shaving about 10 minutes off the trip between Market Street and Lombard Street. In the meantime, businesses along Van Ness have seen their curbside parking disappear and sidewalk fences go up, essentially walling many of them off from the street and potential customers. It is really hurting us, said Azar Korbachen, who works at the Alborz restaurant, on the southwest corner of Van Ness and Sutter. People dont want to walk on this side of the street, especially at night. They dont feel safe. Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle Van Ness is the latest big transit project in the city plagued by delays. The massive Central Subway, which is to run between the Caltrain Station at Fourth and King streets to Chinatown, is a year behind schedule. The Transbay Transit Center opened months behind schedule after the budget for the huge transportation hub had climbed from $1.6 billion to $2.2 billion. This latest delay projection also comes at a time when SFMTA leadership is feeling the pressure. The politically powerful Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club just shot off a letter to Breed calling for new leadership at the transit agency. The SFMTA Board of Directors repeatedly oversees projects that go over schedule and over budget, without any accountability, said club co-chairman Eric Lukoff. This is one of the many reasons why we have called for new leadership on the board and in management. When asked about the delays, Breed, who faces re-election in November, said that while the causes for delays on projects like Van Ness Avenue can be complicated and unforeseen, it is frustrating when it takes a long time to deliver major city improvements. SFMTA Chief Ed Reiskin agreed that the delays are frustrating. We are working hard with the contractor to recover time on the schedule and beat the current projection, he said. And were bringing in project management resources to do everything possible to expedite the work and minimize the disruption. Maybe theyll have better luck next time. A similar makeover of Geary Boulevard is scheduled to begin next month. Punt: The idea of the Oakland Raiders playing their final Bay Area season in San Francisco is getting lukewarm reception from Mayor London Breed. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Raiders management, in a snit over Oakland suing the team over its move to Las Vegas, had reached out to the San Francisco Giants about playing six to eight games of the 2019 season at the teams Oracle Park. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf supported the idea, in part because it would mean local fans could attend one final season in the Bay Area and because the Giants said they would try to use workers from the Oakland Coliseum on game days. But the idea of tens of thousands of Raider fans rolling into South of Market this fall was not a pretty picture for Breed. And with good reason. Right now we are concentrating on the opening of the new Chase Center, said mayoral spokesman Jeff Cretan, referring to the 18,500-seat arena a few blocks down the street from Oracle Park. Adding thousands of cars to the citys already crowded streets to the traffic expected when the new arena opens could lead to epic tie-ups. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Phillip Matier appears Sundays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX-TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call 415-777-8815, or email pmatier@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @philmatier WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked President Donald Trump on Wednesday to postpone his State of the Union address - or deliver it in writing - if the government shutdown doesn't end this week, an extraordinary suggestion that touched off a day of maneuvering and political theater from the White House to Capitol Hill. The address, scheduled for Jan. 29, would give Trump a prime-time televised platform to make his case for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, the sticking point in a partisan stalemate that has closed large parts of the government since Dec. 22. Pelosi did not rescind her invitation for Trump to deliver the address, but in a letter to the president she suggested they work together to find a different date for it after the government has reopened, because of the security costs involved from federal agencies that are going without funding. The White House made no comment about Pelosi's letter, but Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen dismissed any security concerns, writing on Twitter: "The Department of Homeland Security and the US Secret Service are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union." The exchange over the State of the Union address came as White House officials were working to quell dissent on another front, urging Republican senators to hold off on signing a bipartisan letter that would call for an end to the government shutdown, now in its 27th day. At the same time, a group of centrist-leaning House Democrats met with Trump at the White House and urged him to end the shutdown, a day after some of their colleagues had spurned a similar invitation from Trump. And not long after that, some freshman House Democrats embarked on an improvised and somewhat chaotic hunt for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., leaving letters calling for an end to the shutdown at McConnell's office in the Capitol, in the Senate Republican cloakroom, and in the Russell Senate Office Building - holding impromptu news conferences along the way. "Just vote. Vote yes, vote no, but vote. Do something," Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., one of the freshmen, pleaded outside McConnell's office. "The leader has spoken publicly many, many times on holding show votes," McConnell spokesman Donald Stewart said in response, referring to McConnell's opposition to taking up House-passed spending bills that would reopen the government but don't have Trump's support because they don't fund his border wall. Indeed, despite signs of interest on both sides of the aisle in bringing the shutdown to a close, the day ended with few signs of progress toward that goal. There was no indication that Trump planned to yield on his demands for $5.7 billion in border wall funding - or agree to a short-term spending bill to reopen the government while negotiations continue, as a draft bipartisan letter circulating in the Senate was urging. And Democrats continued to reject border money beyond $1.3 billion for barriers and fences that would extend existing funding levels, insisting they won't even negotiate unless Trump signs a bill to reopen the government first. Toward the end of the day, the House passed another stopgap spending bill to reopen the government without funding Trump's wall. As with previous such bills, the White House issued a veto threat. The developments left a number of lawmakers dejected. "I said it could be protracted, and it is," said Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., arguing there could be no progress until Trump, Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., sit down and negotiate in earnest. "Until that happens, the situation looks bleak," he said. Shelby likened the predicament to the play "Waiting for Godot." "Godot hasn't shown up yet," Shelby remarked, while acknowledging that in the play, Godot never does. Pelosi's letter on delaying the State of the Union argued that the agencies responsible for security have been "hamstrung" by furloughs. "Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th," Pelosi wrote. State of the Union addresses are traditionally made to a joint session of Congress in the House chamber at the invitation of the House speaker. The House and Senate must pass a resolution to formalize the invitation - which has not happened this year. Pelosi later told reporters that her letter was intended as a suggestion and that she was not rescinding an invitation for Trump to speak. She stressed that no address had ever been delivered during a government shutdown. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., called Pelosi's move "unbecoming." "It is not a security issue - that's politics. It's pure politics," McCarthy said. The shutdown is forcing some 800,000 federal workers to go without pay while having a variety of impacts on government functions, including the IRS and the FDA. Trump signed legislation Wednesday to guarantee back salaries to furloughed workers once the government has reopened, but thousands of contract workers may never get paid. Senior White House officials, meanwhile, were trying to tamp down any signs of division among Republicans as a bipartisan group in the Senate sought signatures on a letter asking Trump to allow the government to reopen for three weeks "to give Congress time to develop and vote on a bipartisan agreement that addresses your request." "We commit to working to advance legislation that can pass the Senate with substantial bipartisan support," says the three-paragraph letter, a draft of which was obtained by The Washington Post. "This would include debating and voting on investments on the Southern border that are necessary, effective, and appropriate to accomplish that goal." In calls to GOP senators placed after word of the letter became public late Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence and White House senior adviser Jared Kushner made clear that the president is unwavering and would not support the letter's call to reopen the government, despite mounting concerns about the political cost of the shutdown for his party, according to a White House aide and three congressional officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because theywere not authorized to speak about the private discussions. "The president sees this as a capitulation, and he's not going to walk away," the White House aide said. Pence and Kushner reiterated that perspective in a call late Wednesday with lawmakers involved, according to an administration official who was not authorized to discuss the exchange publicly. As of Wednesday evening the bipartisan Senate letter still had not been released, and timing and signers remained uncertain. Trump's aversion to reopening the government while continuing talks was echoed by several conservative senators Wednesday, who expressed skepticism about the bipartisan effort. Sen. John Neely Kennedy, R-La., predicted that Trump would never agree to the short-term solution proposed by the bipartisan group. "You know when that's going to happen? When you look outside your window and see donkeys fly," Kennedy said. Asked whether there's anything more McConnell could be doing to end the shutdown, Kennedy replied: "Pray." Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., one of the senators signing onto the bipartisan letter, said that if Trump won't agree to reopen government, he should declare a national emergency. Trump had previously floated that idea, which could allow him to direct the military to construct a border wall without congressional consent. While it could be a way out of the impasse, Trump has been cooler to the idea more recently. If Trump isn't willing to reopen government, "I'm begging the president, please declare a national emergency," Manchin said. "Please do it, Mr. President. Because we are in a political meltdown, and we're trying everything." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a leader of the bipartisan effort who said he spoke with Pence on Wednesday, said the White House is "trying to figure out what the best play is." "I don't see a way forward under the current construct," Graham said, advocating for "a timeout from the shutdown" that would allow more productive talks about wall funding. The new effort among the senators came as Trump met with a group of House Democrats and moderate House Republicans from the bipartisan "Problem Solvers" caucus. In a statement afterward, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump and his team "had a constructive meeting" with the group. "They listened to one another, and now both have a good understanding of what the other wants. We look forward to more conversations like this," Sanders said. Several Democratic lawmakers present offered similarly upbeat takes, though none pointed to specific progress made. "I think that he [Trump] is willing [to negotiate]. I think Democratic leadership is willing to negotiate. We have just got to come up with some compromise," said Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-N.Y. "I think where is a willingness on his part to open up the government, but we also have to talk about border security as well." But the effort by members of the "Problem Solvers" group to reach across the political divide that has paralyzed Washington earned scorn from some colleagues. "'Problem Solvers'? They're just problems. That's what they are," muttered Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., when asked about the outreach. - - - The Washington Post's Mike DeBonis, David Weigel, Paul Kane and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle The idea of the Oakland Raiders playing their final Bay Area season in San Francisco is getting lukewarm reception from Mayor London Breed. Raiders management, in a snit over Oakland suing the team over its move to Las Vegas, had reached out to the San Francisco Giants about playing six to eight games of the 2019 season at the teams Oracle Park. Surrounded by a few dozen well-wishers, all of whom braved afternoon showers for a sneak peek at her new Brown Sugar Kitchen, chef Tanya Holland showed off her new Uptown Oakland restaurant. The Oakland chef is considered a matriarch of soul food in the East Bay and one of the few black empire builders in the restaurant world. But on Tuesday, for about two hours, Holland was simply a chef spending time with friends, showing off the next chapter of her career. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf was one of several city officials in attendance. You put (Oakland) on a national stage in such an authentic, beautiful way, Schaaf told Holland during the event. In a ribbon cutting ceremony at her Uptown Oakland restaurant at 2295 Broadway, Holland also celebrated the 11-year anniversary of Brown Sugar Kitchen. Holland opened Brown Sugar Kitchen in 2008 on Mandela Parkway in West Oakland. It became a standard-bearer for regional soul food. The business closed roughly five months ago to accommodate the move. Holland also has an outpost of Brown Sugar Kitchen at San Franciscos Ferry Building. It, too, will open in the coming months. The restaurant is not officially open, and likely wont be open for several more weeks. Holland said theres still work to be done on the dining room and kitchen. Plus, staff still needs to be hired and trained, she said. The 85-seat space was designed with an intent to cater to an upscale crowd, with its sleek black surfaces, leather seating and wood finishes. The buildings black bar wraps around the the middle of the room, forming a barrier around an open kitchen area. Its a far cry from Hollands former flagship spot in West Oakland, a more homely location where folks were more than happy to sit shoulder-to-shoulder at the counter for chicken and waffles. Now Playing: BSK Uptown Oakland Video: San Francisco Chronicle Tuesday afternoon, all of the surfaces at Hollands new restaurant were bare. Behind the bar, the wood shelves where bottles of alcohol at some point will be meticulously stacked were empty. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. This was always the dream, serving Brown Sugar Kitchens food in a place like this, Holland said. This is a grown restaurant. For soul food fans in the Bay Area, waiting for Hollands Brown Sugar Kitchen in Uptown Oakland has been a task akin to chasing the end of a rainbow. Potential opening dates have been moved and moved again, but Holland said the debut, at this point, is fast approaching. Brown Sugar Kitchen: 2295 Broadway, Oakland; Opening TBD Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Kome Japanese Seafood Buffet in Daly City closed its doors this week and laid off between 70 and 80 workers. The move comes less than a year after the California Labor Commissioners Office cited the restaurant for multiple wage violations in June 2018, resulting in a total fine of $5.16 million. In June, after investigating worker complaints, the Commissioners Office cited Kome for a host of violations involving 133 employees, including failure to pay minimum wage, overtime and split-shift premiums. The restaurant also included a service charge on the bill, and officials said it had illegally applied the money collected to the workers minimum wage instead of distributing it in tips. Ping Tam, a waiter at Kome, said that underpayment of wages, as well as workplace safety issues, have been problems since he started five years ago. They dont respect us, he said through a translator. David Leung, one of the owners, denied the claims when he spoke to The Chronicle in 2018. He and his co-owners appealed the citation, and a hearing before the commission has been set for March. According to the Chinese Progressive Association, a San Francisco nonprofit that supported the workers in filing the complaint, Kome employees have continued to organize to demand better working conditions. Yet tensions between workers and managers only increased. Tam said that when he raised concerns around the service charge and asked for the full minimum wage, the restaurant cut his hours. In December, the Commissioners Office fined the restaurant an additional $60,000 in unpaid wages and penalties for retaliating against former employee Chris Liu, who said he had assisted the commissioners inspection efforts. On Jan. 3, Komes employees arrived at work to find new signs posted, reading: In order to remedy the Suspected Mold Conditions, repair the outstanding items and complete the Venting Cleaning, starting 01/14/2019, the restaurant will temporarily be closed for three months or until all the outstanding issues are fixed. The notices made no mention of rehiring the employees after the unpaid break. Kome has disconnected its telephone, and attempts to reach Leung have been unsuccessful. The closure does not affect the $5.16 million citation. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. That means nothing, said Paola Laverde, public information officer for the Labor Commissioners Office. They still have a hearing scheduled for early March. Even if the business is shut down, in the citations the owners of the company have been named as liable. It is clear that Komes employers have not been respecting workers and shown any intention of correcting their behavior, said Joyce Lam, political director for the Chinese Progressive Association. Despite that, workers are going to be getting ready to speak truth at the hearing, and we ask the community to continue to support these workers as they move forward. The association and some of the laid-off workers will hold a speak-out Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at the organizations Chinatown offices. Tam has filed for unemployment and is searching for a new job. He and his coworkers are also preparing to testify at the March hearing. We should get what were owed: minimum wage, overtime wages and respect, he said. The planned bankruptcy of Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has opened the possibility of San Francisco taking over some or all of the utilitys local operations and infrastructure, reinvigorating an enduring debate over whether the city should take on a greater role as a power provider. Mayor London Breed has asked the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission to analyze the impacts of PG&Es likely insolvency and what the city needs to do to ensure electricity services continue uninterrupted. The report is due in three months. The analysis should evaluate all options, the mayor said in a letter to SFPUC General Manager Harlan Kelly, including the possibility of acquiring and building electrical infrastructure assets. Breeds direction Monday came after PG&E announced both its parent company and utility subsidiary would file for bankruptcy protection at the end of the month because of extreme financial pressure following two seasons of devastating California wildfires, for which PG&E could be held responsible. Other San Francisco public officials are also interested in exploring an expanded role for the city in providing power to its residents. The idea of creating a fully independent municipal electricity program while decreasing the reliance on PG&E has been batted around in San Francisco the utilitys hometown for generations. But arguments about the costs and complexity of such a move along with stiff opposition from PG&E have long sapped the political will to turn the city into a full-scale retail power provider. But now an unprecedented collision of factors have prompted city officials to consider a takeover of some of the utility companys assets. What were hearing from PG&E, at least through the press and their (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings, is that theyre interested in a reorganization that includes the sale of assets, said Barbara Hale, SFPUC assistant general manager in charge of power. Were thinking, OK, if PG&E is interested in that, San Francisco would be happy to have those conversations. Its unclear how PG&E would react to that idea. PG&E spokeswoman Andrea Menniti did not directly address it in an emailed statement but said the company is committed to working together with policymakers, regulators and all stakeholders to provide safe and reliable energy that our customers expect and deserve. But state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, said the utilitys bankruptcy provides an opportunity to explore creation of an independent electric utility. San Francisco could take a page from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, which provides electricity to residents of Californias largest city. We have plenty of examples in California of publicly owned utilities that are doing a great job delivering energy, Wiener said. (But) we dont know how the bankruptcy is going to play out. Maybe it plays in a way where there is not an opportunity for us. Whether a takeover of PG&Es local power distribution infrastructure would be cost-effective is one of the biggest questions. Michael Wara, director of Stanford Universitys climate and energy policy program, estimated the electric distribution system in San Francisco, including wires and substations, could be worth about $3 billion to $5 billion. But he cautioned he could be off by several billion dollars, because PG&E does not publicly report the value of the electric system in the city. Also, if San Francisco were to move forward and PG&E resisted, a difficult, protracted process could ensue. He pointed to Boulder, Colo., which has struggled for years to split with Xcel Energy in favor of a municipal utility. The city and any other communities that consider a municipal utility would also have to think about whom it leaves behind if it fully divorces itself from PG&E. San Francisco is the heart of the PG&E system, Wara said. Its probably the most valuable portion of the customer base. Its certainly one of the densest parts of the customer base thats cost-effective to serve. If they leave, theyre kind of leaving a bunch of people behind who may not be as easily able to fend for themselves. What San Francisco is considering is not impossible or necessarily a bad idea, Wara said. But there are other considerations, too such as an exit fee the city would face, which would need to account for the citys share of wildfire liabilities, he said. Thats another expense that would go with the wires, Wara said. You dont get to exit at this point without accountability for that. But the shift could also provide some important benefits to San Francisco residents, said Barry Moline, executive director of the California Municipal Utilities Association. If they have the will to want to do this, this is the opportunity to take control of their energy future, Moline said of San Francisco. The other element of being a publicly owned utility is you get transparency. ... Thats a benefit. You get to be not-for-profit and serve the people. Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available. Operating a municipal power program would be more a matter of scale than feasibility, Hale said, since the SFPUC already operates a publicly owned electric utility that serves nearly 115,000 households, businesses and municipal operations, including the Muni system. Since 2016, the agency has been automatically enrolling portions of the city in its CleanPowerSF program. Under CleanPowerSF, the SFPUC sends a mix of energy at least 43 percent of it from renewable sources across power lines and other infrastructure owned by PG&E. Because of CleanPowerSF, the city is already on a path toward becoming a retail electricity provider, said Martin Mattes, an attorney at the Nossaman law firm who specializes in public utility regulatory issues. Its not impractical, but it may not be economical. The city would have to buy PG&E equipment that includes underground transformers, distribution lines and other infrastructure in addition to utility poles, some of which may not reside within the city. San Francisco voters provided the SFPUC with a potential funding source to purchase that equipment back in June, when they passed Proposition A. With the approval of the Board of Supervisors, the measure allows the SFPUC to sell bonds to pay for clean-energy infrastructure. In 2008, voters rejected a measure to even fund a study. The defeat of that measure marked the 12th time in nearly a century voters had decided against pushing the city toward a public power system. But city officials are now reopening the public debate in light of PG&Es dire financial straits. On Tuesday, Supervisor Hillary Ronen, a frequent critic of PG&E, said the city should seize the opportunity to gain more control over its energy independence. Our ultimate goal is providing a clean product to our customers in a reliable way that controls costs and provides a public good like utilities should be run. Thats why I think its urgent that San Francisco has a complete divorce from PG&E and takes over operation of the utility in the city, she said during Tuesdays Board of Supervisors meeting. Dominic Fracassa and J.D. Morris are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com, jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa, @thejdmorris Welcome back to Tech Chronicle. If you want to stay plugged in, make sure youre subscribed. Only you can prevent social network fires For as long as I can remember, Mark Zuckerberg called Facebook a utility. With PG&E going down in flames, maybe thats not the best metaphor anymore. Or maybe it is. In 2005, with Facebook barely out of Zuckerbergs Harvard dorm room, pitching Facebook as a utility was a way for the kid CEO to convince investors that the site was more than an entertaining diversion for college students. His argument was that Facebook, as a kind of digital phone book, would draw users because it helped them find and stay in touch with friends and family members online. His long-term vision was that Facebook would hold your one true digital identity, and undergird a wide range of online activity. When you think of it that way, plugging into Facebook is a lot like plugging into an electrical grid. You need that power to live a modern life but its easy to get shocked if you miswire things. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle 2013 PG&Es equipment is believed by state investigators to have set towns and neighborhoods on fire. Mark Zuckerbergs social utility has set entire countries ablaze think of Sri Lanka or Myanmars ethnic tensions, or elections that have been warped by social media from America to India to Brazil. Unlike Geisha Williams, who resigned as PG&Es CEO Sunday, Zuckerberg is not easily moved from his spot atop Facebook, since he owns a controlling block of shares. But if he is insistent on Facebooks role as a utility a company with a natural monopoly on public life online then perhaps we should insist on utility-style regulation. Hopefully, we can do a smarter job of it than we did with PG&E. Owen Thomas (othomas@sfchronicle.com) Quote of the week That is assuming she understands basic economics, actual humans and technology. I doubt if any of those are true. Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla, criticizing recently elected Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Twitter while ignoring her degree in economics and her 2007 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair prize Interactive Vaccine Tracker: Latest developments Detailed information about the coronavirus vaccines as it becomes available. Coming up Netflix announces earnings Thursday. While its too early to see the effects of its rate increase, look to hear more about the Los Gatos streaming services spending on show production. What Im reading Sign Up for the Newsletter Want to get the latest on Silicon Valley in your inbox? Subscribe to Tech Chronicle. See More Collapse Please dont expect any of the following to make sense, Daniel Victor writes, of the egg that displaced a Kylie Jenner snap as the most-liked photo on Instagram. (New York Times) As the new CEO of self-driving car startup Zoox, Aicha Evans has joined a small coterie of black women leaders in Silicon Valley, Carolyn Said notes. (San Francisco Chronicle) A surprising candidate has emerged for the job of Intel CEO, Ina Fried reports: Apple executive Johny Srouji, whos been helping the company wean itself off the chipmaker by developing its own processors. (Axios) Tech Chronicle is a thrice-weekly newsletter from Owen Thomas, The Chronicles business editor, and the rest of the tech team. Follow along on Twitter: @techchronicle and Instagram: @techchronicle A little restaurant located on Stinson Beach has been bucking the government shutdown for the past couple of weeks, its owner paying thousands of dollars to cover the cost of keeping the National Park open and the tacos and burgers flowing out the walk-up windows. Now, the community is rallying behind the Siren Canteen, hoping to raise more nearly $8,000 to help cover those costs until the government reopens. The Siren is typically open in the winter Friday through Monday and every day during the summer, serving locals and tourists out of a chic shack on the sand. For the past two weekends, though, Siren owner Mary Margaret Stewart has had to apply to reopen the park, writing personal checks to pay about $2,400 on average for federal workers to clear trash and maintain restrooms. I wanted to work and I wanted to resume normalcy, she said. My husband was certainly saying I was crazy, that I should just take the weekend off. But she worried about her staff and she wanted to stay open, thinking the shutdown would end quickly. That hasnt happened. The federal stalemate passed the three-week mark, the longest shutdown in history, with no sign of resolution between Congress and President Trump. I honestly didnt think it would go on this long, Stewart said. The negative impact of the government shutdown is just trickling down to everything, she added. But as she prepared to write another check for the upcoming holiday weekend the community stepped in, starting a GoFundMe campaign to raise $7,713 the estimated cost to keep Stinson Beach open for three weekends. Across the country, the online fundraising site has seen $350,000 raised across 1,500 campaigns to support those impacted by the government shutdown, according to company officials. So far, the Stinson Beach fund has raised more than $7,600 as of Tuesday evening to cover the cost of maintenance and a ranger. The effort not only helps Stewart, but the community as well, said Shannon Rapp, who is helping organize the fundraiser. When the park is closed, our area gets trashed, Rapp said. Everybody needs to pay for this, not just her because it benefits all of us. Also: The Siren is known as the best food in town, the best restaurant in town, Rapp said. For now, Stewart is vowing to stay open, somehow covering the cost until this (political) nonsense stops. It hasnt been easy, she said. Im super humbled by the support. Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jilltucker Police officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded last month to a BART station at around 2 a.m. to deal with an unsteady station agent who said he was having a diabetic attack but turned out to be extremely drunk, according to public records and agency sources familiar with the matter. Though BART police officers had to step in and close up the station in downtown Concord after the Dec. 23 incident, officials refused to comment on what happened, citing the privacy of personnel matters. Its not clear where the agent allegedly consumed alcohol, how he got to the station that night, and how authorities were alerted that he was having trouble with his duties. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo was back out in public Tuesday, two weeks after a devastating bicycle accident put him in the hospital with chest and spine injuries. I cant hug except sideways, he told one woman who greeted him at a San Jose housing event with Gov. Gavin Newsom. But Im happy to be working. Liccardo went back to his office at City Hall on Monday, but the meeting was his first public event. The 48-year-old mayor was upbeat and enthusiastic, despite the large elastic and metal brace he wore over his dress shirt. Ill be wearing my exoskeleton for a couple more months, he said, swinging back his suit coat to display the black brace stretching from his waist to his chest. Hopefully, Ill make it more fashionable. The mayor was lucky to come out of the bike-vs.-car collision at all. Liccardo, a frequent cyclist, was riding his road bike on New Years Day on Salt Lake Drive about 3 miles northeast of downtown when he was hit by an SUV around midday. The driver reportedly stopped briefly at an intersection and then turned right, directly into Liccardos path. The mayor had no time to dodge. Liccardo slammed against the side of the SUV, smashing his head through one of the vehicles side windows. My helmet saved my life, he said. I dont know if my head would have done as well without it. A city spokesman originally said Liccardo was only a bit banged up, but the injuries were far worse than cuts and bruises. He fractured his sternum and two vertebrae. The driver of the SUV was cited for failure to yield, police said. Its the type of accident that is happening more often as the number of cyclists and drivers increases, the mayor said. I learned that SUVs dont bend, Liccardo said. The mayor said hes back to work full time. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth A Twin Peaks property owner has appealed a San Francisco Planning Commission ruling that he must build an exact replica of the 1935 home designed by famed modernist Richard Neutra that previously occupied the site. Last month the Planning Commission turned down an application by property owner Ross Johnston to build a 4,000-square-foot home at 49 Hopkins Ave. that would have replaced the house the Department of Building Inspection ruled was demolished illegally. Instead, the commission ordered Johnston to build a copy of the original Largent House, one of five homes that Neutra designed in San Francisco. Johnstons lawyer, Andrew Zacks, called the decision invalid, bizarre, and illegal. In the appeal to the Board of Supervisors, Zacks argued that the Neutra house was long gone by the time Johnston bought the property in 2017 and that the Planning Commission had in 2015 approved a remodel and expansion to 3,700 square feet. The commissions order that the owner rebuild an exact replica of the original 900-square-foot 1935 Neutra home a home that wasnt even on the site when his family purchased the property in 2017 is absurd given permits previously approved by the S.F. Planning Department for a 3,700-square-foot single-family home, Zacks said. Zacks also argued that the original home had been erased by a 1969 fire and remodels in the 1970s and 1980s, which included the addition of an indoor swimming pool. In 2014, Planning Department staff ruled that the house was not a historic resource and bore no resemblance to Neutras original design. The historic preservation controversy regarding 49 Hopkins has been completely manufactured by the Planning Commission for political purposes with no regard to the facts or previously approved permits, Zacks said. The contractor who illegally razed portions of the previous structure that were supposed to be preserved did so for life safety reasons, Johnstons attorneys have argued. Planning Commissioner Dennis Richards, who came up with the idea of forcing the developer to build a replica, said that the commission never claimed that the destroyed house was historic. He said the move was aimed at speculators who buy modest homes only to knock them down illegally and replace them with much larger, more valuable houses. The decision received international coverage and sparked a debate about whether forcing the property owner to build a replica of a historic structure was appropriate punishment to an illegal demolition. Good luck to him he is within his right to appeal, but I dont know what he thinks he is going to get out of it, said Richards. He is not going to get permission to build a 4,000-square-foot replacement structure. I would bet my house on it. Johnston testified at the Planning Commission that he planned to move his family of six into the Hopkins Avenue house, but contradicted that in a recent news interview on a local access TV program in which he said that he is raising his family in Florida and that he just does speculative real estate development in San Francisco. The video has since been taken down. J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen Courtesy of the U.S. Attorney's office / Handout David Anderson, a San Francisco attorney who has worked as a commercial litigator and a federal prosecutor, was sworn in Tuesday as President Trumps appointee to be U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California, based in San Francisco. Anderson, a Stanford Law School graduate, was a prosecutor in the San Francisco office from 1998 to 2002, then served as the top assistant to U.S. Attorney Joseph Russoniello from 2008 to 2010. The undocumented immigrant acquitted by a jury of murder in the shooting death of Kate Steinle on a San Francisco pier, in a case that touched off a furor about immigration and sanctuary laws, has appealed his conviction for illegally possessing the fatal weapon, saying momentary and accidental possession of a gun is not a crime. The November 2017 verdict in the case of Jose Ines Garcia Zarate showed that jurors believed he did not commit a willful act in firing the gun that it went off accidentally just as the defense contended, Garcia Zarates lawyer, Cliff Gardner, said in a filing Friday with the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco. Because Superior Court Judge Samuel Feng refused to instruct the jury that momentary possession of a gun is not a crime, the jury had no choice but to convict Garcia Zarate of illegal firearms possession by a previously convicted felon, Gardner said. He asked the court to overturn the conviction and order a new trial. Garcia Zarate, 46, was sentenced to prison on the gun conviction and remains jailed to await deportation and possible federal prosecution. Steinle, 32, was fatally wounded as she walked with her father on Pier 14 in July 2015. The bullet bounced off the piers concrete floor before striking her in the back. Garcia Zarate, who was holding the gun when it went off, had been released from federal prison four months earlier after serving 46 months for felony re-entry to the U.S. following a previous deportation to Mexico. Immigration officials had transferred him to San Francisco County Jail because of a local warrant alleging he had fled to avoid marijuana charges in 1995, but city prosecutors dropped that case, and the Sheriffs Department then released Garcia Zarate despite a federal request to hold him for deportation. Then-Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi said he interpreted the citys sanctuary policy, which limited local cooperation with immigration enforcement, as barring him from notifying federal agents. The handgun used in the Steinle killing had been stolen four days earlier from the car of a U.S. Bureau of Land Management ranger. It has not been established who stole the weapon. Prosecutors contended Garcia Zarate had brought the weapon to the site of the shooting, but his lawyers said it was wrapped in a T-shirt or cloth that he picked up from underneath a bench, unaware of its contents, and threw it in the bay after it unexpectedly went off. After nearly six days of deliberations, the jury acquitted Garcia Zarate of murder, manslaughter and assault charges, and convicted him only of illegally possessing the gun. Garcia Zarate was sentenced to three years in prison, a term he has already served, but he remains in jail awaiting further proceedings. President Trump called the verdict a complete travesty of justice, and his administration filed federal gun charges that could extend Garcia Zarates confinement by up to 10 years before he is deported. A federal judge in San Francisco has postponed his trial, however, to await a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on federal prosecutors authority to file charges that duplicate a state prosecution. In appealing the gun conviction, Gardner, the defense lawyer, noted that jurors had asked Feng during deliberations whether knowingly possessing a gun was enough for a conviction and whether there was any time requirement for possession. Gardner said the judge should have instructed the jury, as the defense requested, that Garcia Zarate was not guilty if he had possessed the gun for a momentary or transitory period, solely to dispose of it, and had not intended to prevent police from seizing it. Feng rejected that instruction, citing evidence that Garcia Zarate had told a police officer he fired the gun. But Gardner said there was strong evidence that he disposed of the firearm as soon as he learned what it was. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@BobEgelko Thank you for reading! You have reached your 30-day limit of free access to SentinelSource.com, The Keene Sentinels website. If you would like to read two more articles for free at this time, please register for an account by clicking the sign up button below. We hope you find The Sentinels coverage of the Monadnock Region valuable. We rely on our subscribers to bring you strong local journalism and hope you will consider supporting our work by taking advantage of this special subscription offer here. There is a lot of gorgeous in Port Townsend (as well as a bit of spookiness). And on this day in 1860, those views officially became part of Washington. Back then it wasn't even joining a state -- when the legislature incorporated Port Townsend on January 16, 1860, it would become the fourth incorporated city in what was then the Washington Territory, joining Steilacoom, Olympia and Vancouver. And while modern Washingtonians think of Port Townsend as a sort of sleepy, quaint little town, it was once a bustling seaport, which seemed on its way to an even bigger boom before the Panic of 1893 recession hit the country. At the time of its incorporation, HistoryLink reports the white population had just reached 264, making it the seventh-most-populous place in the territory. (Though estimates vary, sources generally agree that following white settler's arrival with diseases and a wish from the territory governor to clear the land of native people, the local Klallam tribe had dropped from around 1,500 in 1845 to as few as 400.) With a growing metro area and population, Port Townsend residents held out hopes for a railroad. RELATED: Historic Port Townsend: A haunting view to the seaport's past The late 1800s became a bit of a let down for them: After many promises and false starts, Port Townsend was poised to be the northern terminus of Union Pacific's transcontinental line in 1889 (when Washington would be granted statehood). At the time it seemed perfect: the city was a port of entry for most of the 19th century, and with a train it could become more connected with the rest of the country. Property values soared, the city boomed, and optimism abounded. But then financial troubles -- along with geographical challenges -- hit. The railroad was halted, and between 1890 and 1900 nearly a quarter of the town had fled. Port Townsend was never again considered one of the most populous in the state, and much of town reflects this; though the economy would pick up enough to keep the town alive, most of the development took place before the 1890s, hence the city's famous Victorian architecture. RELATED: The greatest ferry runs in the Northwest Relics like the Custom House still stand as a monument to the Port Townsend that the city was poised to be. Now a post office, the building was supposed to be the customs for all sea traffic to go through as they entered Puget Sound, but without a major railroad Port Townsend failed to materialize as a major seaport. Nowadays, Port Townsend is better seen as one of the many popular and charming locales to hit when exploring Washington's islands and peninsulas, with a focus on preserving its history. In 1977, the Port Townsend Historic Landmark District was established, making it one of the three surviving Victorian-era seaports in the nation. Seattle police said they are seeking tips from the public on who killed a 22-year-old Everett man last year at Alki's Anchor Park. The police department also hoped to summon the killer, saying they have obtained the attacker's DNA, but do not have a match on the suspect. The man involved in a murder-suicide in Gig Harbor last week wasn't named John Williams, and it wasn't the first time he violently abused a romantic partner. Police have determined Williams' true identity was John Branden, 62, a man wanted for raping, kidnapping and trying to kill a girlfriend eight years ago in Oregon. Investigators believe Branden shot to death his current partner, critically wounded a friend who tried to intervene, and then committed suicide Thursday. It's unlikely that his latest girlfriend, 66-year-old Turid Bentley, knew about his past. In fact, Bentley might not have even known that she and Branden weren't legally married. "He was obviously trying to establish a new legitimate identity, but we know who he really was," said Pierce County Sheriff's Detective Ed Troyer. When searching Bentley's house, investigators discovered a backpack containing fake identification cards hidden in the attic, Troyer said. Some of the cards identified Branden as a doctor and a pastor; others were blank -- a clean slate in case he needed to reinvent himself again. That's what Branden apparently did when he fled to Washington from Curry County in the southwest corner of Oregon. In 1999, an arrest warrant was issued for Branden after his girlfriend showed up nude and begging for help at a neighbor's house in the Cape Sebastian area. She told investigators that Branden kidnapped, stripped, bound, raped and assaulted her. "Sheriff's Detective Dave Gardiner learned that Branden, who had displayed a knife, had threatened and planned to kill the female victim, cut her up and place the body in the ocean," Lt. Dennis Dinsmore of the Curry County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. The Sheriff's Office contacted the "America's Most Wanted" television show, hoping the publicity would lead to news of his whereabouts, but the show declined to feature Branden. The Oregon woman Branden assaulted changed her name and moved out of state, Dinsmore said. Meanwhile, Branden settled down with Bentley in Gig Harbor. Photos confiscated from Bentley's home show that the couple had a wedding ceremony, and their friends believed they were married. Investigators believe Branden might have been trying to scam Bentley out of her life savings, Troyer said. She owned some property, including two plots of land in Idaho where an acquaintance said the couple planned to eventually live. Branden told people he was a retired naturopath. Becky Minton, a friend of the couple, said he helped her young son overcome an illness by recommending natural substances. Minton added that he was concerned about germs and liked everything to be clean. "John was kind of on and off," she said. "But Turi always saw the best in people. She was very positive, very enthusiastic." The night of the murder-suicide, police believe, Branden shot and critically injured the couple's friend and yoga instructor, Randall Nozawa. Friends said Nozawa was concerned about the couple and went to the home to help. Last weekend, Nozawa underwent eight-hour reconstructive surgery to repair head injuries, Minton said. He is expected to survive. WASHINGTON Attorney general nominee William Barr's 8-year-old grandson just won Washington. As Barr's confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill has carried on, his grandson, Liam Daly, has been working the room - taking notes and offering guidance to his grandfather, as well as accepting career advice from smitten lawmakers. Photo gallery: See a collection of photos from William Barr's confirmation hearing at the end of this story Sitting quietly in the front row Tuesday, Liam penned a letter to Barr, dispensing some words of encouragement as well as a postscript about his thoughts on Russia. "Dear Grandpa," the young boy wrote, "I love you so much. You are doing great so far . . . I am having so much fun. Love, Liam. P.S. I think Rusha's people are fine. It is the government that is the problam." Liam, who was seen in a suit and tie, also held private conversations with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including Sens. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and John Neely Kennedy, R-La. Kennedy later posted pictures of their exchange on Twitter, announcing, "I had a great conversation with Liam this morning." And Liam politely accepted some unsolicited career advice. FLORENCE, S.C. Rooted in tradition, thriving through innovation. The official motto for the seventh annual South Carolina AgriBiz and Farm Expo encapsulates not only the outlook of the upcoming event but also the demeanor of the states largest industry. On Jan. 23-24, thousands of farmers and agriculture enthusiasts from across the state will converge on the Florence Center to celebrate agriculture in South Carolina, showcase whats new in the industry and learn from experts. Jody Martin, the executive director of the expo, said this years event has a little something for everyone. Weve expanded this year, Martin said. We have a lot of new educational tracks for our farmers and some things that will appeal to any type of farmer or even anyone just interested in agriculture. We invite everyone to come out. Its going to be great. The expo was established to serve as an umbrella event for all aspects of agriculture and agribusiness, and that it does. The educational tracks this year include sessions on field crops, fruits and vegetables, livestock and women in agriculture. Taylor June Cox Cox is a native of Darlington County. She graduated from Robert E. Lee Academy in Bishopville in 2011. She is the daughter of Regina Weatherford, owner of the Jewelers Bench in Darlington, and Bobby June, a partner of The Hartsville Country Club and Tobaccoville. She married Jordan Cox in 2018 and resides in Hartsville. Cox is the manager of the Call Center of Seneca Tobacco. This call center reaches out to 30,000 stores a month promoting products and growing business. This is her first year involved with Dancing with the Stars of Darlington County. Cox said she is excited to be here and wants to wish every team the very best. Boulware is originally from Columbia but currently resides in Hartsville. He graduated from Coker College in May 2018 with a music degree and holds a position as a piano accompanist at the college, in addition to being an organist at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church in Hartsville. For the past two years, Boulware has participated in Dancing with the Stars as both a professional dancer and celebrity. This year, Boulware said, he is excited to be a professional dancer once again. He is honored to help represent the Pee Dee Coalition in hopes of raising necessary funds and to spread awareness for this cause. He states that many times people involved with domestic and sexual assault dont feel as though they have someone they can turn to, and many dont. Boulware said he believes the work that everyone involved with the Pee Dee Coalition does helps with this and gives people a ray of hope. He hopes that by spreading awareness and raising funds, the Pee Dee Coalition will continue doing great work and that it can reach out to anyone going through the struggles of domestic or sexual assault. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. NORFOLK, Va. - Navy Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 1st Class James Conder, a West Florence High School graduate and Florence native, is currently serving aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Delaware (SSN 791) stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. As an electronics technician, Conder is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of the boats nuclear power plant. "My favorite part of my job is the leadership opportunities that positively affects the lives of other sailors," Conder said. Conder joined the Navy to gain structure as he matured into adulthood, a task in which he has flourished. I enjoy staying up to date on cutting edge science, technological advancements and politics, Conder said, while describing his interests in life. My long-term goal is to provide an affluent and stable living situation for a happy family. Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Conder's proudest accomplishment is being selected as PCU Delawares Sailor of the Year for 2018. The SOY program was established in 1972 to recognize one outstanding Sailor to represent the many superior petty officers serving Navy-wide. TIMMONSVILLE, S.C. It was an exciting day for Honda of South Carolina on Wednesday as the plant celebrated the start of mass production of the new Talon sport side-by-side. The Talon should be ready for purchase this spring, said Gary Mabrey, president of Honda of South Carolina, through 1,000 dealers around the country. Steve Smith, vice president HSC, the first to greet guests and employees, said a lot of hard work went into this project. He said a side-by-side of this magnitude has not been done before and it presented some real challenges. He said it was more than a team effort. Because of the time involved in bringing this project to fruition, those who worked on the project have become more like family, he said. A $45 million expansion, completed in 2018, made the project possible, Mabrey said. The expansion project added 250 new jobs and 115,000 square feet of space needed to accomplish the work. Mabrey said one of the biggest challenges in seeing the project through was the simultaneous expansion of a new weld area, a new paint line and automated guided carriers. Ive spent the last few years working closely with the business community, and Im looking forward to leveraging those strong partnerships to create opportunities for our students, Buterbaugh said. We have amazing companies in Darlington County and the region that are eager to work with our students. Its an excellent challenge, and I am eager to get to work. Newman said preparing students to enter the workforce after graduation is a critical mission of the district. It is also something business and industry are increasingly looking for from the education system. One thing that Ive heard over and over again from businesses is if you give us employees who are coachable, who want to be part of a team, who show up on time, who want to learn, we can teach them, Buterbaugh said. When our students walk across the stage with their diplomas in hand, we want them to have options and opportunities, Newman said. More than that, we want them to have the skills and experience they need to build a solid future. Our business and industries need workforce-ready workers. By creating opportunities for our students to work in and with our local business community, we create a stronger workforce and provide more opportunities for our students. Dont go running down the road to the store to pick up a pack of Sea Island red peas you probably wont find them. You can sometimes snag a bag from Lowcountry farmers markets, where growers like Celeste and George Albers might have small quantities of peas for sale, or from area grocers under the brands Geechie Boy (a small Edisto Island mill and farm) or Anson Mills (a Columbia-based mill and farming operation that produces the most Sea Island reds). The easiest way for Florence folks to add these peas to the pantry is to order them online from either of these suppliers. But these peas are so good you wont want to wait until Jan. 1 to cook up a pot. Be sure to follow the package directions of the brand you purchase; Anson Mills, in particular, uses special processes to preserve the integrity of its products. Founder and agricultural visionary Glenn Roberts strongly suggests you only use their tried-and-true cooking methods for the best results. As far as seasoning goes, the flavor of these Sea Island beauties blooms with the addition of smoky bits of meat, bay leaf, fresh thyme and a bit of salt. If youre making Hoppin John, carrots, celery, green pepper and onion are often called for. A new WCS-led study published in the journal Biological Conservation says the future of tigers in Asia is linked to the path of demographic transition -- for humans. The study marks the first-of-its-kind analysis that overlays human population scenarios with the fate of these endangered big cats. Prior to the 20th century, some experts estimate there were more than 100,000 tigers living in the wild; today that number is between 3000 -- 4000. At the same, over the last 150 years, the human population of Asia as grown from 790 million to over 4 billion, with dire consequences for tigers and other wildlife. But these trends are changing. The demographic transition is the process by which human populations peak and then go down. The researchers looked at different scenarios of economic, education, migration, and urbanization policy. In 2010, 57 million people lived in areas defined as "tiger conservation landscapes" that contained all of the world's remaining wild tigers. However, by 2100, depending on population trends, as few as 40 million people could be sharing space with tigers, or it could be as many as 106 million. Different population scenarios depend on the course of the demographic transition. Over the long-term, the scenarios associated with the lowest human populations are also associated with the greatest levels of urbanization and education. At the same time, urban consumption is the source of many of the threats to tigers. Therefore, the authors say conservation authorities must engage with people in cities to save tigers, while continuing to support site-level protection efforts around tiger source sites. Said lead author Eric Sanderson, Senior Conservation Ecologist with WCS: "Urbanization and the subsequent human demographic transition is arguably the most important historical trend shaping the future of conservation. How that transition plays out is not pre-determined. Rather it depends on the policy decisions that governments, and the societies they represent, take with respect to fundamental matters such as urban governance, education, economic reform, and the movement of people and trade goods. These decisions matter for us and tigers too." Said co-author and WCS Senior Vice President of Field Conservation Joe Walston: "If we want a world with tigers, forests, and wildness to persist beyond the 21st century, conservation needs to join forces with groups working to alleviate poverty, enhance education for girls, reduce meat consumption, and build sustainable cities." Said co-author Professor Bryan Jones of Baruch College: "Demographic futures, and the socioeconomic causes and consequences thereof, are notoriously difficult to predict. As such, biophysical futures are similarly fraught with uncertainty. Understanding the consequences of different pathways, driven in large part by policy decisions, is crucial to developing a conservation strategy to protect the planets most endangered habitats. Our ability to understand the future will depend in part on how well we understand urbanization, in terms of both land use and demographic behavior." The paper builds on a 2018 WCS study that found that the enormous trends toward population stabilization, poverty alleviation, and urbanization are rewriting the future of biodiversity conservation in the 21st century, offering new hope for the world's wildlife and wild places. Arc welding and additive manufacturing are hugely important for creating large metal components relatively inexpensively and quickly. New research led by Professor Hongbiao Dong from the University of Leicester's Department of Engineering has shown how to optimise this process to improve efficiency and cost. The research, which was a collaboration between the University of Leicester, Delft University of Technology, Diamond Light Source, University College Dublin and TATA Steel Research UK was recently published in Nature Communications. It explores the internal flow behaviour in additive manufacturing of metals and arc welding -- the most widely used welding process in modern manufacturing. The work focused on examining the melt pools that are created during the welding process. To do this, the team inserted small tungsten and tantalum particles into the melt pool. Due to their high melting points, the particles remained solid in the melt pool long enough for them to be tracked using intense beams of X-rays. advertisement The X-rays were generated using the synchrotron particle accelerator at Diamond Light Source, which is the UK's National facility for synchrotron light. Beamline I12 was selected for this research due to its specialised high energy, high-speed imaging capability at thousands of frames per second. Using Beamline I12, the researchers were able to create high-speed movies showing how surface tension affects the shape of the welding melt pool and its associated speed and patterns of flow. The results showed, for the first time, that the melt flow behaviour is similar to that previously only seen via computer simulations. The results revealed that arc welding can be optimised by controlling the flow of the melt pool and changing the associated active elements on the surface. Professor Dong said: "Understanding what happens to the liquid in melt pools during welding and metal-based additive manufacturing remains a challenge. The findings will help us design and optimise the welding and additive manufacturing processes to make components with improved properties at a reduced cost. "Welding is the most economical and effective way to join metals permanently, and is a vital component of our manufacturing economy." Dr Thomas Connolley, Principal Beamline Scientist for I12 at Diamond Light Source commented: "The I12 team was closely involved in the experiment. The beamline was designed with these challenging in-situ experiments in mind and I am very happy that we have helped advance understanding of additive manufacturing and welding, given their technological importance." It is estimated that over 50% of global domestic and engineering products contain welded joints. In Europe, the welding industry has traditionally supported a diverse set of companies across the shipbuilding, pipeline, automotive, aerospace, defence and construction sectors. Revenue from welding equipment and consumable markets reached 3.5 billion in Europe in 2017. The results will help with the future designing and optimisation of the welding and additive manufacturing process, and will have an important and far-reaching impact. Most of the native habitat in California's San Joaquin Desert has been converted to row crops and orchards, leaving 35 threatened or endangered species confined to isolated patches of habitat. A significant portion of that farmland, however, is likely to be retired in the coming decades due to groundwater overdraft, soil salinity, and climate change. A new study led by researchers at UC Santa Cruz looked at the conservation potential of marginal farmland in the San Joaquin Desert and found that restoration of fallowed farmland could play a crucial role in habitat protection and restoration strategies for the blunt-nosed leopard lizard and other endangered species. The study, published January 15 in PLOS ONE, focused on the endangered blunt-nosed leopard lizard as an "umbrella species" whose habitat needs overlap with other threatened and endangered species in the San Joaquin Desert. The researchers identified more than 600 square kilometers of farmland with strong potential for habitat restoration. "These lands were continuously fallowed for three years of the recent California megadrought, which is a good indicator that they are likely to be retired from agricultural use over the coming decades. With proper planning and a strategic fallowing program, land managers have a good opportunity to restore lands in a way that optimizes habitat for endangered species," said first author Joseph Stewart, who conducted the study as part of his Ph.D. thesis research at UC Santa Cruz. The study included a quantitative assessment of habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change impacts, habitat protection, and reintroduction opportunities for the blunt-nosed leopard lizard. The researchers found that there has been ongoing loss of leopard lizard habitat, despite its listing as an endangered species. In fact, the total amount of habitat lost since it was first listed is greater than the amount of habitat currently protected through public ownership and conservation easements. In the midst of this downward trend in intact habitat, the emerging trend toward retirement of marginal farmland presents an opportunity to reclaim land for habitat restoration, Stewart said. For many of the region's endangered species, including the blunt-nosed leopard lizard, sandy and alkaline soils that are least productive for agriculture appear to be ideal for conservation purposes, in part because they support less growth of exotic grasses and other invasive plants. One of the study's findings was that invasive plants had caused the range of the blunt-nosed leopard lizard to contract along the wetter margins of its historical range. The San Joaquin Desert encompasses the western and southern two-thirds of the San Joaquin Valley, as well as the adjacent Carrizo Plain and Cuyama Valley. According to Stewart, retirement of farmland in the San Joaquin Desert has been projected to reach more than 2,000 square kilometers over the next three decades. The factors driving this include the build-up of salts in irrigated desert soils, reduced water availability and increased evaporation due to climate change, and the need to bring an area of historical groundwater overdraft into compliance with California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Stewart noted that both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have funds available to acquire habitat for endangered species. In addition, he said, the Nature Conservancy is interested in the opportunities for habitat restoration in this region. "Conservation of intact habitat is always preferable, but if that can be done in tandem with restoration of lands that are no longer viable for agriculture, the potential is there to set aside some large areas and hopefully delist some of these endangered species," Stewart said. In addition to Stewart, the coauthors of the paper include Barry Sinervo, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz; H. Scott Butterfield at the Nature Conservancy; Jonathan Richmond at the U.S. Geological Survey; David Germano at Cal State Bakersfield; and Michael Westphal at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Microbes that thrive in some of the most extreme places on Earth have discovered another cozy place to live -- inside homes across the United States. Extremophiles like those found in hot springs and thermal vents are also common in residential water heaters, according to a nationwide study that sheds new light on the extent of extremophile colonization in homes and provides insight about how the heat-loving microbes spread. "Extremophiles are a huge part of the biosphere," said Regina Wilpiszeski, a postdoctoral researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and a recent Penn State doctoral recipient. "If we want to understand what life on Earth is doing, we need to understand it across the board." The researchers analyzed samples from water heaters in all 50 states, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, and found evidence of microbes in about half of the homes. They reported their findings online in the journal Extremophiles. Despite their presence, the microbes pose no health concerns for humans and water from the systems remains safe to drink. A single species, Thermus scotoductus, dominated in all the positive samples in the study, even in locations near natural hot springs that host other similar but distinct strains. advertisement "That included houses located near Yellowstone National Park, where we would expect other extreme organisms to live in the natural hot spring environment," Wilpiszeski said. "That was a surprise." Thermus scotoductus has been found in nature, at hot springs in Iceland, hydrothermal waters off the coast of Hawaii and even deep in a gold mine in South Africa. "Most of the time when you are thinking about extreme environments, you are thinking about going out into nature and into these weird and inaccessible places," Wilpiszeski said. "But the truth is we spend the vast majority of our time indoors. And we really just don't necessarily know what is living there." Water heaters offer high temperatures and low levels of organic matter, ideal conditions for extremophile microbe colonies, the researchers said. "Water heaters are unique because they are isolated from each other by cooler temperatures in water lines," said Christopher House, professor of geosciences and director of the Penn State Astrobiology Research Center and the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium. "This study helps us learn more about how microbes are spreading and how they are inhabiting these environments we have inadvertently created for them." Cooler temperatures would not kill the microbes, meaning they could survive being transported between water heaters, scientists said. However, further study is needed to determine the exact paths extremophiles take to enter our homes. advertisement Citizen scientists submitted filters and water samples from their homes as part of a collaboration between the NASA Astrobiology Institute and the NASA National Space Grant Fellowship and Scholarship Program. Researchers analyzed DNA sequences found on the collected filters and grew cultures from the water samples. Together, these different data sets provided a novel view of the thermophilic microbes inhabiting water heaters across the nation. Analyses of the data included comparing genetic differences between samples to the physical distance between their water heater locations. Heather Nelson, formerly of Penn State, oversaw the citizen science portion of the project. Zhidan Zhang, research technician in the Department of Geosciences, also contributed to the study. The NASA Astrobiology Institute and National Space Grant Consortium funded this research. Warmer temperatures are causing more tropical species to move northward. Among these are black mangroves, whose abundance is steadily increasing in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Black mangroves grow as short trees in a dwarf forest and displace many plants common to Gulf salt marshes. An article published this month, Tropicalization of the barrier islands of the northern Gulf of Mexico: A comparison of herbivory and decomposition rates between smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), examines how this tropical species is impacting the salt marsh food web. In this study, researchers with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, University of South Alabama, and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium teamed up to determine the black mangroves ability to shift both grazing and decomposer trophic pathways. To determine which leaf the grazers prefer, the team took a novel approach by studying cumulative leaf damage of black mangroves and smooth cordgrass. The research team worked off the coast of Mississippi on Horn Island from 2012 to 2013 on three sites. The sites included sample areas with just smooth cordgrass and those with mixed vegetation. Throughout the study period, the teams took leaf samples to note grazing habits. "Cumulative leaf damage offers a two-way perspective, for the impact to the plant and for the sustenance of the grazers," Aaron Macy, a graduate student at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of South Alabama, explained. "Reconstructing missing leaf portions of Spartina alterniflora, commonly known as smooth cordgrass, allowed us to consider several possible grazing levels and a greater sampling effort over traditional leaf tagging methods." Sample site locations on Horn Island. Click here for larger map. (Courtesy Aaron Macy) Along with leaf reconstruction, the research team used more conventional litter bags to assess how quickly leaf material of each species was eaten by bacteria on the salt marsh floor. Comparing leaf composition from samples, there was a great deal more black mangrove leaf material consumed and ingested than smooth cordgrass. However, more surface area of the smooth cordgrass was removed due to the leaf tips falling off as a byproduct of grazing. The preference for the higher ingestion of black mangrove could be motivated by it's greater nutritional value. After the leaves fall off and reach the ground, bacteria and microbes began to decompose them, and these organisms showed a preference for black mangrove leaves. By understanding the food preference of the salt marsh grazers, scientists can better identify and explain the changes to shifts associated with these economically and ecologically valuable systems. New research from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research has identified the backup for an important biological system -- the hematopoietic system, whose adult stem cells constantly replenish the body's blood supply. The finding provides evidence that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) consist of different functional populations of cells, including "primed" cells, which are ready at a moment's notice to be activated to produce red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and "reserve" cells, which come into play when there has been damage to the first-line stem cells. "Under severe stress -- radiation or chemotherapy that injures blood cells, including primed hematopoietic stem cells -- that's when reserve cells kick in," says Linheng Li, Ph.D., an Investigator at the Stowers Institute and senior author of the study. Reserve HSCs could hold the key to understanding how blood cells repopulate after severe injury depletes the bone marrow that produces blood cells. This concept may provide an insight for understanding treatment-resistant leukemia cells. The study appears online January 15, 2019, in the journal Cell Reports. Every second, two million new blood cells are churned out by the amazing, regenerative HSCs that reside in the core of most bones. Only a fraction of these cells actively move through the cell cycle at any given time; the rest lie in an inactive or quiescent state, which was once believed to protect them from harm. However, several studies have shown that the majority of these quiescent HSCs are sensitive to DNA damage from chemotherapy. Over a decade ago, Li suggested that a special population of HSCs that are resistant to damage might still reside in the bone marrow, hidden in some unexplored niche. In this study, Meng Zhao, Ph.D. (now a faculty member at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China), Fang Tao, Ph.D., Zhenrui Li, Ph.D. (now a fellow at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital), Aparna Venkatraman, Ph.D., and Xi C. He, M.D., undertook a series of experiments using a mouse model to prove that these cells exist. advertisement A key experiment utilized a cell surface marker to isolate reserve and primed HSCs. The researchers transplanted reserve HSCs or primed HSCs into recipient animals. After the engraftments were established, they treated recipient mice with the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). While the primed HSCs reflected by their derived blood cells began to decline after treatment, the reserve HSCs' derivatives were unscathed. "In effect, we showed that hematopoietic stem cells have functionally distinct subpopulations -- one that acts under normal conditions, and the other that acts under times of stress," says Li. Next, the researchers examined bone and marrow from transplanted mice, labeling the reserve cells with fluorescent tags and studying them microscopically to pinpoint their location in the bone marrow. With Sarah Smith, Ph.D., from the Stowers Microscopy Center, they spotted the fluorescently labeled cells lurking in a specialized niche along the inside surface of the bone, adjacent to a population of cells known as N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells, which was reported by the Li team in 2003 as the first niche identified to support HSCs. In the current study, Tao and colleagues found that these N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells are mesenchymal or skeletal stem cells with the potential to produce bone, cartilage, and fat. Therefore, N-cadherin may be used as a marker to isolate skeletal stem cells and may have potential uses in bone and cartilage regenerative medicine. These N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells appear to protect the reserve cells from injury by feeding them survival factors like the aptly named stem cell factor and others. When the researchers depleted these support cells, the reserve cells were no longer able to survive chemotherapy treatment. "Interestingly, we found that N-cadherin+ cells lining the bone are also resistant to chemotherapy, while stromal cells in the central marrow are sensitive to chemotherapy, which allows N-cadherin+ cells to better support the reserve stem cells," said Tao, who, along with Zhao, is co-first author on the study. Other coauthors include Jay Unruh, Ph.D., Shiyuan Chen, Christina Ward, Pengxu Qian, Ph.D., John M. Perry, Ph.D., Heather Marshall, Ph.D., and Jinxi Wang, M.D., Ph.D. The work was supported by funding from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research to L.L. and a grant to the University of Kansas Cancer Center from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under award number P30CA168524. Additional support included National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFA0103403, 2018YFA0107203) to M.Z.; Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India overseas associateship to A.V.; and the National Institutes of Health award numbers R01AR059088 and R01DE018713 to J.W. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Lay Summary of Findings Blood-forming adult stem cells reside deep in the bone marrow and are responsible for regenerating the body's blood supply including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In a study published online January 15, 2019, in the journal Cell Reports, Stowers Institute for Medical Research scientists from the laboratory of Linheng Li, Ph.D., and collaborators investigated how these cells, despite being sensitive to DNA damage, manage to repopulate blood cells after chemotherapy or injury has depleted their numbers. The researchers report that a subset of blood-forming, or hematopoietic, adult stem cells called "reserve" hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are resistant to chemotherapy. These reserve HSCs are located in a specialized niche, composed of cells on the inner bone surface expressing the molecule N-cadherin, in mouse bone marrow. The finding advances the understanding of HSC biology and may open new avenues for treating blood diseases like leukemia and autoimmune disorders. A new study reveals that helping lower-income high school freshman to regulate their test-taking anxiety can cut their biology course failure rates in half. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and conducted by Barnard College President Sian Leah Beilock and her research team found that brief pre-exam de-stressing strategies could reduce the performance gap often seen between lower-income and higher income students. "It's not just about what you know in a particular moment, but your perceptions of the situation, your worries also matter. Your anxiety can affect how you demonstrate what you know when it matters most," says Beilock, a nationally recognized cognitive scientist who studies the pressures children face in school. "We were particularly interested in whether we could help improve test scores in STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics], an area where a broader representation of students is needed." Job opportunities in STEM fields are expanding, but students from lower-income families are often ill-prepared for them. Much of the discrepancy begins in high school, where they don't take as many STEM classes as other students, in part because they perform poorly in them. One factor may be that they're not expected to perform well, creating performance anxiety. The researchers hoped to address some of the downstream psychological consequences of this anxiety, freeing students' minds to unleash their potential. "This study shows that students' grades are not just about what they know," said Christopher Rozek, lead author on the study and a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Psychology at Stanford University. "Students' emotions factor into how well they do in their classes, and schools should continue to prioritize students' emotional well-being in order to help students perform up to their potential." Close to 1,200 freshmen at a large high school in the Midwest took part in the study. They each completed emotion-regulation exercises before their mid-year and final biology exams. Those randomly assigned to the "expressive writing" intervention were asked to spend ten minutes writing about and openly exploring their feelings about the test. Beilock and other researchers have previously shown that writing about one's anxieties paradoxically reduces their burden, making them feel more manageable and freeing cognitive resources for the task at hand. Students given the "reappraisal" intervention instead tried to turn their anxiety into excitement. They read a passage explaining that physiological arousal -- a fast heartbeat and sweaty palms -- is actually the body's way of preparing for an important task and that such energy can be harnessed for success. Then they summarized what they'd just read. Previous research has shown that reappraisal, too, can improve performance. advertisement A third group of students got versions of both the expressive writing and reappraisal intervention. A final group served as a control by summarizing a passage instructing them merely to ignore their stress. The researchers were especially interested in the performance of lower-income students, those who received free or reduced-price lunch. They found that for these students, using one of the three key interventions -- expression, reappraisal, or both -- instead of the control task significantly improved exam scores. Average exam scores increased from about 57% to about 63%, reducing the performance gap between lower-income and higher-income students by nearly a third. Looking beyond exam scores, but at whether students actually passed both semesters of their 9th grade science course (versus neither or one), the results were even more dramatic. The interventions increased the passing rate for lower-income students from 61% to 82%. Again, all interventions helped them equally, and none helped the higher-income students. "We found that emotion regulation interventions reduced the substantial achievement gaps between higher-income and lower-income students on course-passing rate by more than half," explains Rozek. The researchers also asked students at the end of the year to rate their belief that emotional arousal during a test can benefit them. The emotion-regulation interventions increased lower-income students' beliefs regarding the potential benefits of stress (e.g., as energy to be used to improve performance). advertisement "Students from higher-income backgrounds were more likely to hold the belief that a little stress during tests can be helpful for performance while lower-income students were less likely to view exam stress as helpful -- unless they completed the emotion regulation interventions," Rozek added. "What our research shows is that by giving those students who feel the most performance anxiety during evaluative situations in school an opportunity to think differently about their worries and anxieties, we can boost performance," Beilock says. This work shows that brief emotion regulation exercise -- 10 minutes, twice a year -- can dramatically reduce failure rates, and that it can be readily implemented on a large scale in a working school environment. Alleviating inequalities in resources will surely be part of any solution to the performance gap. "But one other aspect that is less often focused on is how students feel in those important evaluative situations," Beilock says. She considers these exercises to be part of a toolbox of techniques that can improve the whole person. "It's something we think about at Barnard as well," she adds, "not just what our women are learning in the classroom but how we give them the motivation, the psychological tools, so that they can succeed in any situation." Rozek, now a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University who previously served as a postdoc in Beilock's research group, has an extensive background in experimental and longitudinal studies in school contexts that involve understanding the psychological factors associated with students' motivation and success. A major focus of his research has been utilizing psychological insights to increase equity in educational outcomes between students from more advantaged and disadvantaged backgrounds. Beilock, who joined Barnard as its eighth president in July 2017, after serving on the faculty at the University of Chicago since 2005, has conducted extensive research on performance under pressure. She's the author of "Choke: What the Secrets of the Brain Reveal about Getting It Right When You Have To" (2010) and "How the Body Knows Its Mind: The Surprising Power of the Physical Environment to Influence How You Think and Feel" (2015). She believes anyone can benefit from expression and reappraisal in high-stress situations -- even a college president. "I do some 'me-search' in addition to research," she shares. "I practice what I preach here, such as reminding myself that all the anxiety symptoms I sometimes feel in important situations are actually a sign I'm ready to go." The European gypsy moth (EGM) is perhaps the country's most famous invasive insect -- a nonnative species accidentally introduced to North America in the 1860s when a few escaped from a breeding experiment in suburban Boston. The caterpillars have been slowly eating their way across the continent ever since, causing widespread defoliation. In research that could lead to better bioinsecticides to protect forests and orchards, Drs. Don Gammon and Nick Grishin of UT Southwestern have sequenced the genomes of the EGM and its even more destructive cousin, the Asian gypsy moth (AGM). Their work, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, finds that the gypsy moth has the largest moth or butterfly genome (number of DNA base pairs) ever sequenced. "The European gypsy moth has spread as far west as Minnesota and as far south as North Carolina. The rather slow spread -- about 13 miles a year -- is partly due to the fact that EGM females are flightless and must walk or be blown by the wind to disperse," said Dr. Gammon, Assistant Professor of Microbiology and a W.W. Caruth, Jr. Scholar in Biomedical Research. "In contrast, females of the Asian gypsy moth subspecies, which inhabits Asia and eastern Russia, have larger, more developed wings and can fly." If the Asian gypsy moth were to become established in the United States, it would pose an even greater economic threat due to its ability to spread more swiftly, he added. To guard against that possibility, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has surveillance programs at several ports and regularly sprays virus-based bioinsecticides in endangered forests to kill gypsy moth caterpillars. In addition to genome sequencing, the researchers conducted gene expression studies showing how the moths' genes respond to viral infection to understand how viral bioinsecticides might be improved to control gypsy moth populations. Their findings could serve as a roadmap to the insects' vulnerabilities, the researchers said. They also identified genetic differences between the EGM and AGM subspecies that likely contribute to variations in flight ability, chemical sensing, and pathogen interactions. Dr. Gammon became interested in gypsy moths during his postdoctoral work in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Dr. Craig Mello at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. advertisement In a 2014 study in the journal eLife, Dr. Gammon reported that gypsy moth cells are strikingly resistant to arboviruses that otherwise infect a wide range of fly, mosquito, and human cell types. Given the emerging threat of arboviruses such as Zika to human health, Dr. Gammon sought to understand the genetic reasons for gypsy moth cells' resistance with the hope of uncovering novel strategies to block arbovirus infection in other species. However, the gypsy moth genome had not been sequenced, a clear prerequisite for identifying moth-encoded antiviral factors. Shortly after being offered a faculty position at UT Southwestern in 2016, Dr. Gammon asked Dr. Grishin, Professor of Biophysics and Biochemistry and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator, if they could collaborate. At the time, Dr. Grishin's group had just identified two new butterfly species and was sequencing the genomes of several others. That collaboration led to today's study, done with Kyoto Prize winner Dr. Daniel Janzen, a Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania who is world-renowned for his expertise in evolutionary ecology. The Kyoto Prize is considered Japan's highest private honor for global achievement in the winner's field. "Everyone in the Northeastern United States knows the European gypsy moth, or is at least familiar with the devastation its voraciously hungry caterpillar can cause to forests," Dr. Gammon said. Next steps should include functional studies to understand how the genes work, the researchers said. advertisement "From a theoretical perspective, we would like to understand how biological diversity is generated via mechanisms of protein evolution," said Dr. Grishin, who holds the Cecil H. and Ida M. Green Chair in Biomedical Science and is a Virginia Murchison Linthicum Scholar in Biomedical Research. Other UTSW authors on the study include Jing Zhang, a graduate student, and Dr. Qian Cong, a former graduate student, both in the Grishin laboratory, and Emily A. Rex, a research assistant in the Gammon laboratory. The research received support from UT Southwestern's Endowed Scholars Program, the National Institutes of Health, The Welch Foundation, and the HHMI. More about gypsy moths The EGM is currently found in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The EGM is considered particularly high-risk in Kentucky. The gypsy moth prefers approximately 150 primary hosts but feeds on more than 300 species of trees and shrubs. Some of those include: Aspen Birch Cedar Cottonwood Fruit trees Larch Oak Poplar Willow Source: USDA A breeding experiment gone awry: Gypsy moths in North America Etienne Leopold Trouvelot -- an amateur butterfly and moth scientist -- brought the EGMs from his native France to his home in Medford, Massachusetts, in the mid-1860s. His goal was to crossbreed EGMs with the more delicate silkworm moths to produce a hardier silk producer that would inherit the EGM caterpillar trait of eating a broad range of plants. According to the Smithsonian Institution's gypsy moth page, at one time the amateur naturalist had more than a million larvae growing behind his house near what is now downtown Boston. In the late 1860s, some of the EGMs escaped and began feasting on the nearby woods. Since then, the EGM caterpillars have become major forest and orchard pests, defoliating millions of acres. Cancers most commonly arise because of a series of two to five mutations in different genes that combine to cause a tumor. Evidence from a growing number of experiments focused on truncal mutations -- the first mutations in a given sequence -- suggests a new direction in understanding the origins of cancer. In a paper published today in Cancer Cell, authors Arnold J. Levine of the Institute for Advanced Study and Nancy A. Jenkins and Neal G. Copeland, both of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, present a new perspective of these data, highlighting two important variables: 1) the sequence of mutations that leads to the formation of a cancer, and 2) the cell type in which this occurs, providing a new meaningful insight into the growth, properties, and outcomes of these tumors. The concepts developed in this paper suggest new avenues for future experimentation, help to explain previously unclear observations, and recommend new methods to impede cancer development, including blocking the defined sequence that is required to produce a tumor. Levine explains, "This paper does not publish any new experiments. Rather, it outlines a new way to understand and interpret existing results, and in so doing helps to explain previously confusing facts, outlining the differences in developing cancers at young or older ages, and emphasizing the important role of inherited predispositions to developing cancers. The publication suggests entirely new paths to studying the origins of cancers over a lifetime." The Cancer Cell paper collects numerous examples of how the order of mutations affects the outcome of the tumor and its response to therapy. This paper highlights the opportunity for researchers to look at hundreds of these evolutionary trees with different orders of mutations that will perhaps provide a fingerprinting method that could reveal information about a cancer's type, growth, and potential to invade surrounding tissues at the time of diagnosis so that treatments can be planned. With an understanding of these complex mutational chains, pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms could begin to consider interventions to inhibit particular links within a mutational sequence that could block the further development of a cancer. Drugs directed against the first and second mutational outcomes may completely prevent the third and fourth mutations from ever being selected for in a clone of cells. The focus in this paper is thus on cancer prevention, not treatment. Many different kinds of cancers arise by the random accumulation of mutations (mistakes in the information in a gene) over a lifetime. For instance, past research has shown that colorectal cancer is associated with mutations in the following four distinct genes: APC, RAS, TGF-beta, and p53, each of which contributes an error in different functions being carried out by the cells in one's colon. Copeland and Jenkins have demonstrated that colon cancer develops most rapidly when the APC gene is mutated first, the RAS gene second, the TGF-beta gene third, and the p53 gene last. Mutations in the first three genes produce benign tumors. Only when all four genes are mutated is there a malignant tumor. But mutations occur randomly over a lifetime. The order is imposed by Darwinian selection. An APC mutation permits a clone of cells to grow (forming a benign polyp). When an RAS mutation occurs in this clone of cells the polyp enlarges, increasing the number of cells with these two mutations and, therefore, the probability that a cancer may arise. Thus, the ordering of these random mutations is selected for by the viability and replication of cells with this order of mutations. The Levine laboratory showed the same need for an order of mutations in five different genes to produce a different cancer: T-cell lymphomas. It was these two papers, published approximately three years ago, that started Copeland, Jenkins, and Levine exploring whether this was the pathway in the development of all cancers; "Order of Mutations and Cell Type Matters." The trio's new Cancer Cell paper provides scientists and innovators with a new set of questions to ask about tumor development that could move the field of cancer research in a new and exciting direction. This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health -- National Cancer Institute grant 5 P01CA087497-17. The Institute for Advanced Study acknowledges the generous support of the biology initiative from The Simons Foundation and the Leon Levy Foundation. If you're angry about the political feud that drove the federal government to partially shut down, or about a golden parachute for a CEO who ran a business into the ground, you aren't alone -- but you probably won't do much about it, according to new research by Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. The research, coauthored by Rosalind Chow, Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory, and Jeffrey Galak, Associate Professor of Marketing, outlines how people respond to two types of injustices: when bad things happen to good people, and when good things happen to bad people. In the first instance -- a bad thing happening to a good person, such as a hurricane devastating a town -- human beings are reliably motivated to help, but only in a nominal way, according to the research. "Everybody wants to help. They just do it to a small degree," Galak explains. "When a hurricane happens, we want to help, but we give them 10 bucks. We don't try to build them a new house." This response illustrates that even a small amount can help us feel that justice is restored, Chow explains: "You checked the box of doing something good, and the world seems right again." But the converse is not necessarily true: When the universe rewards bad people despite their rotten behavior, people are usually reluctant to do anything about it, even when they're angry at the unfairness of the situation. That's because people often feel that the forces at play in creating the unfair situation are beyond their control, or would at least be too personally costly to make the effort worthwhile, Galak says. So, we stay angry, but often we settle for the hope that karma will eventually catch up. On the rare occasions when people do decide to take action against a bad person, the research says they go for broke, spending all their resources and energy -- not just a token amount -- in an effort to deprive that person of everything they shouldn't have gotten. The desire to completely wipe out a bad person's ill-gotten gains is driven by a sense that justice will not be served until the bad person will be effectively deterred from future bad behavior, which is unlikely to be the case if the punishment is a slap on the wrist. For example, for individuals who believe that President Trump was unjustly rewarded the presidency, indictment may be seen as insufficient to deter future bad behavior on his part. Only by completely removing his fortune -- impeachment from the presidency, dissolution of his businesses -- does justice seem to be adequately served. But given that those outcomes are unlikely, many Americans stew in anger and hope for the best. So when ordinary people see bad things happening to good people, pitching in a few dollars feels good enough. Pitching in a few dollars to punish a bad person who has been unjustly rewarded, however, doesn't cut it; only when people feel that their actions are guaranteed to send an effective signal to the bad person will they feel compelled to act. Since that sort of guarantee is hard to come by, most people will just stand by and wait for karma to catch up. The research, titled "Compensate a little, but punish a lot: Asymmetric routes to restoring justice," will be published on Jan. 10, 2019 in PLOS ONE. Proposals to fight malaria by "driving" genes that slow its spread through mosquitoes is a high-risk, high-reward technology that presents a challenge to science journalists, according to a new report aimed at stimulating a fruitful, realistic public discussion of "post-normal" science and technology. Post-normal science is a new term for technologies where the usual expertise is not enough to evaluate costs, benefits and safety. A debate on a technique to control malaria with genetic manipulation could spark the kind of polarized arguments that persist decades after the introduction of genetically modified (GM) corn, soy and cotton. Inhibiting malaria could reduce the toll of death and disease. The World Health Organization estimated that the mosquito-borne parasite caused 429,000 deaths among 212 million cases in 2015. The new technology of "gene drives" raises the ante on existing uses of GM organisms, says Dominique Brossard, corresponding author of "Promises and Perils of Gene Drives," published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Brossard's scholarship occurs at the intersection of science, media and policy. She chairs the department of life science communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. advertisement Advocates of "gene drives" propose to battle malaria by creating and distributing genetically engineered mosquitoes that prevent them, and their offspring, from transmitting malaria. One tactic could rely on genes that cause the insect's immune system to kill malaria parasites. Beyond diseases carried by vectors, the technology might be applied to reducing populations of invasive species. Other examples of post normal science include two areas currently in the headlines: climate change and human gene editing. News of the birth of two babies from an embryo that was supposedly subjected to gene editing highlights the need to discuss post-normal technologies, Brossard says. "I would characterize this case as illicit, unregulated, unproven, questionable, unnecessary... and perhaps a harbinger of the future." Smart, effective regulation of post-normal science, the PNAS authors argue, requires accounting for a mix of scientific, social, religious, ethical and environmental viewpoints. The new analysis grew from the Third Sackler Colloquium on The Science of Science Communication, and was performed by Brossard, Pam Belluck, a science journalist at The New York Times, and Fred Gould, a professor of agriculture with a specialty in entomology at North Carolina State University. advertisement "Our aim," the authors write, "is therefore to use our collective experiences and knowledge to highlight how the current debate about gene drives could benefit from lessons learned from other contexts and sound communication approaches involving multiple actors." Existing regulations on the release of genetically engineered organisms were "developed for crop plants and animals that typically don't spread on their own in the environment," Brossard's group notes. But even though genetic engineering is now deeply embedded in corn, soy and cotton planted on hundreds of millions of acres, those crop seeds are not to be replanted, and so the novel genes are not supposed to spread. In gene drives, however, success depends on having the GM genes spread broadly in target populations. Thus, gene drives are fraught with a panoply of hazards, real or false, predicted, unpredicted or unimagined. Part of the difficulty emerges from the accelerating pace of science, Brossard says. "If something stays in the lab for a long time, there may be time for discussions about regulation, but now science gets out so fast that the capacity for society to deal with it may lag behind." And in the social-media era, headlines -- scary or promising, accurate or otherwise -- instantly rocket around the world. The issue of gene drives has become even more pertinent with the advent of a fast, precise "gene editing" tool called CRISPR. "We found that efforts to drive genes into wild mosquitoes or other organisms are both exciting and scary," the PNAS authors wrote. A cautionary example about the perils of "post-normal" science surrounds the introduction of genetic engineering technology more than 40 years ago. The new technology seemed threatening, even to some insiders, and scientists voluntarily suspended research in 1975, then held a conference at Asilomar, Calif., to discuss safety limits. Asilomar is sometimes cited as a success, yet controversy persists over releases of GM organisms. "Asilomar was a great example of an issue that was not approached with what we call the post-normal paradigm," says Brossard. "It was approached as 'Scientists know the best way to move forward,' and that is responsible to some extent for what we see today, a very polarized view about GM organisms. As a result, some of the African countries that need them most are not always able to use them." Given that cautionary history, she says, "This is our warning: Let's be careful not to make the same mistake. We need to consider social, ethical and economic dimensions; it's not only the technical aspects of the technology that matters when you think risks and benefits." Gene editing, gene drives and other impending post-normal technologies offer a chance for a do-over, Brossard says. "Can we develop a middle ground for assessing the situation? How could this technology be useful? What would it mean to use this responsibly? What are its risks and for whom?" One sign of progress, Brossard says, "would be the absence of something we had in the GM debate, two extremely vocal, polarized sides. GM crops are not a magic-bullet technology that is going to save the world -- or destroy it, either. All technologies have risks and benefits, and genetic engineering is the same. It still needs regulation." Smart regulation is accepted with older innovations, Brossard says. "Automobiles are a powerful technology. If we did not have traffic laws, if people did not know how to drive, autos could lead to catastrophe, but with smart regulation, they are a highly useful technology." In the context of gene drives and other post-normal technologies, Brossard says, "We need to stop saying, 'We need to promote meaningful dialog.' We need to actually go out and do it." Scientists have long speculated that our planet's climate system is intimately linked to the Earth's celestial motions. The pacing of the most recent ice ages, for example, is attributable to changes in the shape of our planet's orbit around the sun as well as to cyclic changes in the tilt of the Earth on its axis and its "top-like" wobble on that axis, all of which combine to influence the distribution and intensity of solar radiation. Now, it turns out that variations in the axial tilt -- what scientists call "obliquity" -- of the planet have significant implications for the rise and fall of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, the miles-deep blanket of ice that locks up huge volumes of water that, if melted, would dramatically elevate sea level and alter the world's coastlines. Writing this week (Jan. 14, 2019) in the journal Nature Geoscience, a team led by Richard Levy of New Zealand's GNS Science and Victoria University of Wellington, and Stephen Meyers of the University of Wisconsin-Madison describes research that matches the geologic record of Antarctica's ice with the periodic astronomical motions of the Earth. Comparing the two records, the New Zealand and Wisconsin researchers recapitulate the history of the Antarctic Ice Sheet throughout most of the past 34 million years, starting when the ice sheet first formed. Underpinning the new perspective of the Antarctic Ice Sheet is a refined assessment of the sensitivity of the Earth's climate system to changes in obliquity, a powerful tool for probing the icy history of Antarctica. The research is important because it teases out the pattern of growth and decay of the ice sheet over geologic time, including the presence of sea ice, a thin and fragile layer of frozen ocean surrounding Antarctica. A critical finding suggests that in a world warmed by a growing amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide, a loss of sea ice would likely amplify the cyclic effects of the Earth's obliquity on the ice sheet as ocean waters warm. A loss of sea ice due to warming climate could trigger instability of the Antarctic Ice Sheet with dire implications for global sea levels. advertisement "What this study does is characterize the growth and decay of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and sheds light on what is forcing it to change," explains Meyers, a UW-Madison professor of geoscience and an expert on how climate responds to changes in solar radiation from Earth's astronomical motions. "What has become apparent through this work and other studies is that the Antarctic Ice Sheet isn't just sitting there. It is vulnerable to decay." First measured in the late 1950s by UW-Madison glaciologist Charles Bentley, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet alone contains enough ice to raise sea level by roughly 5 meters. The continental ice sheet is, by far, the largest single mass of ice on Earth. Miles deep in places and containing more than 26 million cubic kilometers of ice. The ice sheet is so heavy, Bentley and his colleagues discovered, that much of the West Antarctic ice sheet sits on land thousands of meters below sea level, making it a marine ice sheet in places. Marine ice sheets, note Levy and Meyers, are especially sensitive to heat delivered by ocean currents. Fast flowing inland ice streams of the West Antarctic are buttressed by floating ice shelves, which -- if diminished or lost -- raise the possibility of a runaway flow of West Antarctica's marine ice. The new research suggests that a reduction in sea ice due to climate change would erode the barrier keeping the ice sheet -- including the parts of it below sea level -- in place. "Sea ice creates a barrier between the ocean and the ice. If we fail to achieve carbon dioxide emissions targets and Earth's average temperature warms more than 2 degrees Celsius, sea ice will diminish and we jump into a world that is more similar to that last experienced during the early to mid-Miocene," says Levy, referencing a geological epoch that ended about 14 million years ago when the Earth and its polar regions were much more temperate, with an atmosphere supercharged with carbon dioxide and global temperatures, on average, warmer by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius (7 to 9 degrees Fahrenheit). To recreate the history of the ice sheet, Meyers and Levy turned to the geologic records surrounding Antarctica and linked them to more distant deep-sea marine sediment cores containing the fossil shells of ocean dwelling microscopic organisms known as foraminifera, or forams. The chemistry of foram shells, oxygen isotopes in particular, contains a signature that documents the ebb and flow of Antarctic ice, Meyers explains. Forams living in the deep ocean accumulate isotopes in their shells, and different isotopes of oxygen can yield a detailed chemical record of the changing volumes of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. These geological records, say Levy and Meyers, suggest significant variability in the size of the Antarctic Ice Sheet driven by the predictable changes in Earth's astronomical parameters and threshold changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Prior to this new research, why the ice sheet responded differently to the same astronomical cycles at different times was a puzzle. Linking those cycles to a detailed chemical record suggests that elevated carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the resulting loss of sea ice around the Antarctic played a big role in amplifying the effects of changes in the Earth's astronomical motions on the durability and stability of the Antarctic Ice Sheet. "All of these data suggest we need to get cracking and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," says Levy, noting that 2017 and 2018 saw reduced Antarctic sea ice after several decades of growth. "We don't want to lose that sea ice." This study was supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment contract C05X1001 (R.H.L., T.R.N., N.R.G. and R.M.M.) and by National Science Foundation grant EAR-1151438 (S.R.M.). Raymund Chao, Chairman for Asia-Pacific and Greater China at the PwC, said they surveyed CEOs across the region where they wanted to put their money in the next 12 months. For two years in a row, Vietnam has come out on top. According to the survey at the Asian Financial Forum 2019, Southeast Asia has eclipsed China as the region most likely to produce the best investment returns, as the ongoing US-China trade war puts a chill on the worlds second-largest economy. About 39 percent of respondents viewed Southeast Asia as having the best investment returns, while 35 percent voted for China, a drop from 55 percent in a similar poll last year, and 16 percent for the US. According to a recent report, foreign direct investment flows into the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) rose to a record US$137 billion in 2017, up US$ 14 billion from 2016. The three member states of Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore accounted for some 72 percent of the foreign direct investment inflows into ASEAN. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. In this latest report on Black Beer Market the market size is expected to scale up to USD BN by the end of financial year 2025. This report valued the market at USD BN in 2018. After evaluating the various market drivers and market restraints the report expects a % of CAGR across the study period. The report takes a deep dig in the market with detailed analysis on the Revenue, Production, and Capacity from 2013 to 2025. The report also studies the marketing pricing, trends and extrapolates the growth rate for the next six years. The manufacturers data covered in the report assists in understanding the competitive scenario along with planning the capacity expansion plans. The latest developments such as the organic and inorganic growth adopted by the key players mentioned in the report, throws light on the strategic planning of the competitors, thus assisting in taking informed decisions. Download Free Sample Report of Black Beer Market Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-38804 The regional study covering all the key regions is an ideal data to understand growth opportunities at specific location or region. The analysis on the Industry Chain covering upstream and downstream customers will give access to a vast pool of knowledge to new or existing players. The data in the section covering the opportunities & challenges have been collected by industry experts and analysts with deep understanding of the market. The details of the threats and Affecting factors is sure to assist in corporate decision making. The following manufacturers are covered in this report, with sales, revenue, market share for each company: Budweiser, Modelo, Heineken, Coors, Stella, Corona, Hite, Beck's, Miller. Market size by Product Pasteurimd Beer, Draft Beer. Market size by End User Supermarket & Mall, Brandstore, E-commerce, Others. Market size by Region North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China. Access Report and Full Table of Contents of Black Beer Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/cp/38804-black-beer-industry-market-report Table of Contents - Snapshot Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 Appendix View More Related Reports @ Global Pasteurimd Beer Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/38801-pasteurimd-beer-industry-market-report Global Root Beer Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/31265-root-beer-industry-market-report About Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a Global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For More Details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91-90-28-057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Tinned Seafood Market report is encompassed of unique market dynamics that support the industry growth along with the various market issues such as trends, growth path, revenue, prediction, and market size analysis which directly impact the market dynamic. The information is obtained and analysed from the past and current year to forecast the market covering in the next coming years. The Tinned Seafood industry experts were interviewed across the globe to gather the data which is then validated based on the secondary data. In-depth study of market segmentation and active major players involved in the Market has been outlined in the report. The report also discloses the demand consumption along with the current and future market environment. Besides, it also throws light on the various regional market scenario which gives important information to gain a competitive edge. Moreover, the report also throws light on a strategy adopted by the top players followed by the wide range of service with the recent statistical data that help to understand the Market scenario. Also, this report gives an idea about the potential consumer in the market across the various industry which will definitely help to cater the consumer needs and expectations. Download Free Sample Report of Tinned Seafood Market Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-38809 The regional study covering all the key regions is an ideal data to understand growth opportunities at specific location or region. The analysis on the Industry Chain covering upstream and downstream customers will give access to a vast pool of knowledge to new or existing players. The data in the section covering the opportunities & challenges have been collected by industry experts and analysts with deep understanding of the market. The details of the threats and Affecting factors is sure to assist in corporate decision making. The following manufacturers are covered in this report, with sales, revenue, market share for each company: Dongwon, Bumble Bee Foods, Thai Union Group (TUF), Crown Prince, Inc., Natural Sea, Wild Planet, American Tuna, Century Pacific Food, Frinsa del Noroeste, Hagoromo, Bolton group, Grupo Calvo, Camil Alimentos, Goody, Al Alali. Market size by Product Tuna, Salmon, Sardines, Others. Market size by End User Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retailers, Others. Market size by Region North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China. Access Report and Full Table of Contents of Tinned Seafood Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/38809-tinned-seafood-industry-market-report Table of Contents - Snapshot Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 Appendix View More Related Reports @ Global Canned Seafood Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/32051-canned-seafood-industry-market-report Global Frozen Fish and Seafood Market Research Report 2018 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/1808-frozen-fish-and-seafood-industry-market-report About Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a Global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For More Details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91-90-28-057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ Chandigarh: 16th Jan'19: Jaito MLA Master Baldev Singh in his resignation to Arvind Kejriwal has mentioned that since the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles, therefore he is resigning from the party. Here is the resignation letter by Master Baldev Singh to Arvind Kejriwal: To, Sh. Arvind Kejriwal ji, 3rd tenure Convenor, Aam Aadmi Party, New Delhi. Subject:- My resignation from primary membership of AAP. Dear Kejriwal Ji, I am pained to forward my resignation from the primary membership of AAP because the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles. I was deeply motivated and moved by the anti corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare and thus decided to become part of AAP. In order to improve the socio-political situation of our country particularly of our state Punjab I went to the extent of quitting my government job as Head Teacher, although I had more than 4 years of service left. This step of mine not only created panic in my family but also left my future unsure but yet I preferred to take a risk merely due to the lofty promises made by you and AAP. Many Punjabis like me saw a dream to improve the plight of Punjab through the third alternative created by AAP and whole heartedly supported this dream in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections by sending 4 MPs from the state, at a time when the security deposit of most candidates across the country were forfeited. Instead of expressing faith in the abilities of Punjabis and rewarding them you preferred to send an army of outsiders to muzzle the voice of our people. The said army was headed by two arrogant Subedars who indulged in every mean maneuvers to promote their near and dear ones. Thereafter all sorts of allegations including exchange of money, favouritism, nepotism and exploitation of women started gaining ground. Lots of AAP volunteers from Punjab tried to complain about their arrogant activities but you always turned a blind eye to save your blue eyed boys. This arrogant and over confident attitude of the party hierarchy led to a crashing defeat of AAP in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections. Learning no lesson to fix accountability you never bothered to look into the reasons of this humiliating defeat and have once again handed over the reins of Punjab to cunning leaders like Durgesh Pathak. We in Punjab were deeply shocked when you unceremoniously and undemocratically removed an honest Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the post of LoP, without taking Punjab MLAs into confidence. Although few handpicked MLAs were invited for a pre planned meeting in Delhi but most MLAs were pressurised to sign on dotted lines through a letter circulated to them on whatsapp. Some MLAs were called by Mr. Manish Sisodia on telephone to solicit their views but I categorically state that I was neither invited for any meeting nor even called on phone to ascertain my views while illegitimately removing Mr. Khaira as LoP. To further rub salt on the woes of Punjabis you played the Dalit card as a reason to remove Mr. Khaira and appoint Mr. Harpal Cheema as LoP. Let me remind you that not a single Dalit of Punjab accepted this ploy of dalit card because of the track record of AAP. The Punjab AAP never bothered to appoint even one Dalit as District President out of 26 such appointments, similarly no Dalit was appointed Zone President while expanding its state organisational structure post 2017 elections, nor did you consider any Dalit for the three Rajya Sabha seats of Delhi. If you are so genuinely concerned about the upliftment of the weaker sections and dalits, why dont you appoint a Dalit to the top three positions of AAP currently held by you and Manish Sisodia i.e. Convenor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Your meek apology to the drug tainted former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia further revealed your double standards in politics. Your duplicity on the vital issue of Punjab river waters also puts you on the same pedestal of cunning leaders of India. You have blatantly gone back on the most important promise of Swaraj, by centralising all powers with yourself. You have also thrown to winds the constitution of the party merely to remain Convenor and continue your grip on the party. Your hobnobbing and flirting with the Congress is yet another example of sheer political opportunism, that has left the people of India bewildered. As a result of your dictatorial, arrogant and autocratic style of functioning, pioneers of AAP like Parashant Bhushan, Yogender Yadav, Medha Patikar, Kiran Bedi, Dr. Gandhi, H.S.Khalsa, Sucha Singh Chottepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ashish Khetan, Ashutosh, H.S.Phoolka etc. have all left the party or have been thrown out in a humiliating manner. Therefore, keeping in view the above saddening developments and circumstances in mind which portray AAP in the same category of rampantly corrupt traditional parties like the Congress, BJP, SAD etc., I have decided to quit as primary member of AAP. With regards, Master Baldev Singh, MLA Jaito Kollam, Jan 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the left government in Kerala on the Sabarimala issue, saying Communists do not respect India's culture and spirituality. Hitting out at the CPI-M-led LDF and the opposition spearheaded by the UDF in the state, he said both the fronts were two sides of the same coin and accused them of neglecting people of the state. PM slams LDF govt over Sabarimala issue "We know that the Communists do not respect India's culture, history and spirituality," Modi said at a public meeting here. Modi said the Congress party has multiple stands on the Sabarimala issue. "They say one thing in Parliament and another in Pathanamthitta (where the Lord Ayyappa shrine is located)," the Prime Minister said. Weather Alert ...CODE ORANGE AIR QUALITY ALERT IS IN EFFECT FOR ATLANTA FOR Thursday June 17... The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division has issued a Code Orange (Unhealthy for sensitive groups) Air Quality Alert for Atlanta for Thursday June 17. Under Code Orange conditions, the outdoor air quality is likely to be unhealthy for some people. Children, people who are sensitive to ozone, and people with heart or lung disease should limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the late afternoon or early evening when ozone concentrations are highest. For additional information on the Air Quality Index, please visit http://airnow.gov. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Coconut Milk Market report is encompassed of unique market dynamics that support the industry growth along with the various market issues such as trends, growth path, revenue, prediction, and market size analysis which directly impact the market dynamic. The information is obtained and analysed from the past and current year to forecast the market covering in the next coming years. The Coconut Milk industry experts were interviewed across the globe to gather the data which is then validated based on the secondary data. In-depth study of market segmentation and active major players involved in the Market has been outlined in the report. The report also discloses the demand consumption along with the current and future market environment. Besides, it also throws light on the various regional market scenario which gives important information to gain a competitive edge. Moreover, the report also throws light on a strategy adopted by the top players followed by the wide range of service with the recent statistical data that help to understand the Market scenario. Also, this report gives an idea about the potential consumer in the market across the various industry which will definitely help to cater the consumer needs and expectations. Download Free Sample Report of Coconut Milk Market Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-38823 The regional study covering all the key regions is an ideal data to understand growth opportunities at specific location or region. The analysis on the Industry Chain covering upstream and downstream customers will give access to a vast pool of knowledge to new or existing players. The data in the section covering the opportunities & challenges have been collected by industry experts and analysts with deep understanding of the market. The details of the threats and Affecting factors is sure to assist in corporate decision making. The following manufacturers are covered in this report, with sales, revenue, market share for each company: Theppadungporn Coconut, ThaiCoconut, Asiatic Agro Industry, PT. Sari Segar Husada, SOCOCO, Ahya Coco Organic Food Manufacturing, Heng Guan Food Industrial, WhiteWave Foods, Coconut Palm Group, Betrimex, Goya Foods, Renuka Holdings, HolistaTranzworld, UNICOCONUT. Market size by Product, Regular Coconut Milk, Organic Coconut Milk. Market size by End User, Direct Drink, Dairy & Dessert, Baked Products, Others. Market size by Region, North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, China. Access Report and Full Table of Contents of Coconut Milk Market @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/38823-coconut-milk-industry-market-report Table of Contents - Snapshot Chapter 1 Study Coverage Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Breakdown Data by Manufacturers Chapter 4 Breakdown Data by Product Chapter 5 Breakdown Data by End User Chapter 6 North America Chapter 7 Europe Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Chapter 9 Central & South America Chapter 10 Middle East and Africa Chapter 11 Company Profiles Chapter 12 Future Forecast Chapter 13 Market Opportunities, Challenges, Risks and Influences Factors Analysis Chapter 14 Value Chain and Sales Channels Analysis Chapter 15 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 16 Appendix View More Related Reports @ Global Coconut fiber Market Insights, Forecast to 2025 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/30728-coconut-fiber-industry-market-report Global Milking Cluster Market Research Report 2018-2023 https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ip/24332-global-milking-cluster-market-research-report-2018-2023-market-research-report About Us: DecisionDatabases.com is a United States business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research Report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains. Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed. For More Details: DecisionDatabases.com E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.com Phone: +91-90-28-057900 Web: https://www.decisiondatabases.com/ From time to time, lots of politicians have bemoaned how many Virginia schools are in poor physical condition. Gov. Ralph Northam, in his inaugural address, spoke of crumbling schools and that wasnt a rhetorical flourish not when schools in both Richmond and Norfolk have had chunks of the ceiling come crashing down during school hours. Since last summer, Stanley has been pushing for the state to issue $3 billion in bonds to begin to address the problem. We say begin because when Bob McDonnell was governor in 2013, his administration tallied up school construction needs at $18 billion. The figure surely hasnt gone down since then. Nor has anything happened, either, partly because the problem is so big and because theres no natural constituency for fixing school buildings, at least in our current political landscape. Republicans are wary of spending that much money; Democrats tend to focus on raising teacher salaries, not capital budgets. It probably doesnt help that Virginia Democrats are increasingly coming from suburbs but the most outdated schools are in central cities and rural areas. The latter vote overwhelmingly Republican, and consequently fall outside Democrats range of view, but we do wonder why their urban legislators havent raised more of a ruckus. By Bob Peckman Peckman has a PhD in Physics and is retired from ITT. He lives in Roanoke. Charles Bowman has several things wrong in his commentary, Paris Accord Drives Pipelines in the Jan. 3 Roanoke Times. The most glaring declares that natural gas falls in the camp of good fuels along with wind and solar. Natural gas is a fossil fuel hydrocarbon. Because it has a higher ratio of hydrogen to carbon, burning it produces a little less CO2 than the other fossil fuels. Being not as bad does not make it good. But natural gas, or methane, is actually just as bad as the others because when you mine it and process it and ship it, some of it leaks. Natural gas is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2. When you take the unavoidable leakage of methane into account, natural gas is on a par with all the other fossil fuels. So the Mountain Valley Pipeline is not driven by the Paris Accord. MVP and the Atlantic Coast Pipeline are driven only by money. But that does not make them good for the economy. The money all goes to a chosen few at great cost to the rest of us. The pipelines are guaranteed a 14 percent profit on their investment. (I wish I could be guaranteed a 14 percent profit on anything!) And there is great profit to be made in shipping this natural gas around the world. South Korea alone is ordering 140 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ships. RICHMOND In November 2017, Lakin Gabel left her 3-month-old son behind to head to work in Williamsburg. But she never got there. While the 21-year-old new mom was driving, she started Snapchatting and lost control of her vehicle. On Wednesday, Roxanne Gable held up the last Snapchat selfie her daughter ever took as she joined Virginia lawmakers in Richmond to support hands-free driving legislation that would ban drivers from holding a cellphone for any reason. Our mission, obviously, is to get this bill passed, said Tabitha Clark, Lakin Gabels cousin. Under current law, what Lakin Gabel was doing that day wasnt illegal. The law says drivers cant use their phones for emails or texts, but it isnt broad enough to cover the multitude of things people can do on their phones in the age of social media and live video streaming. A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to change that by passing a hands-free driving law that would allow police to stop anyone holding a phone while driving. Violations would be treated as a traffic action punishable by a $125 fine. Fines would increase to $250 for subsequent violations or violations in a highway work zone. He said that counselors over time have taken on more tasks such as advising on test-taking skills and college preparation that detract from what they are trained to do. His HB 1729 would require counselors spend 80 percent of their time counseling, and the remaining 20 percent on other duties. What were attempting to do is get them back to their focus and responsibilities, Landes said. My estimation and belief is that if school counselors and other professionals can get to students earlier related to emotional or behavioral health issues, we would stave off students acting violently against themselves, in cases of suicide, or others, in the case of what weve seen with shootings and other violent acts. While all in the meetings audience who wanted to speak voiced support for its mission, some expressed concerns about Landes bill. Kathy Burcher, the Virginia Education Associations director of government relations, said duties lifted from counselors would then fall on teachers. She stressed that more funding is needed for schools. RICHMOND For the last three years, the Virginia Senate has passed bills to expand protections for LGBT people. The legislation has never made it out of the House of Delegates, but advocates believe this year could be different. On Tuesday, Del. Roxann Robinson, R-Chesterfield, joined LGBT rights group Equality Virginia at a news conference to highlight her bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Virginias fair housing law. Robinson, who could face a tough re-election challenge this fall in her suburban district, called her bill a common-sense, bipartisan piece of legislation. As a conservative, standing up against discrimination is natural, Robinson said. Because we value individual freedom, hard work and opportunity for all. Equality Virginia highlighted two polls showing that a majority of Republican voters support anti-discrimination measures. The more recent of the two, a Mason-Dixon poll of 625 registered voters conducted this month, found that 53 percent of Republicans support laws to ban anti-LGBT housing discrimination. The poll showed that 63 percent of Republicans support measures to ban anti-LGBT discrimination in public employment. Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, based in Madison County, sells dogs to help people with a variety of physical and mental health problems. The company has come under high-profile criticism and in May, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring filed a civil lawsuit against the company. Among the state lawsuits allegations were that Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers charged $18,000 to $27,000 for dogs that were unable to carry out tasks like sniffing dangerous blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, as well as violating rules for seeking contributions. Burchs attorneys said that the lawsuit, among other factors, prompted the student not to want to be associated with the company. But Burch also did not want to return Lesley. In September, Montgomery County General District Court Judge Randal Duncan said Burch had to give the dog back to the company. The judge also said Burch had been bamboozled and ordered Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers to reimburse Burch for dog food and vet expenses, and to cover her attorney costs. Burch appealed the ruling to return Lesley. CHRISTIANSBURG Montgomery County Public Schools will attempt to provide their employees with an average 3.5 percent across-the-board raise, according to Superintendent Mark Miears proposed budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Miear presented the budget to the Montgomery County school board Tuesday night. The raise would come from approximately $4.9 million in additional funding, $2 million of which the state would provide. That raise amount, however, hinges on the school district ultimately Montgomery County matching the states contribution, which is part of a plan proposed by Gov. Ralph Northam. The school districts sought after raise would allow MCPS to exceed the amount in Northams proposal due to hopes by MCPS officials to bring their teacher pay up to par with those of neighboring school districts. Some Montgomery County teachers with longer tenures could get higher raises under the proposal. Specifically, Miear said he wants MCPS to catch up with neighboring Radford City Schools, which pays beginning teachers more than Montgomery County. Miear told the board that its his understanding that the Radford district itself is going after a 3 percent raise, an amount the superintendent said he fears would widen the gap. Monterey Elementary had an enrollment of 534 at the end of September, about 14 over capacity. Enrollment has fluctuated but typically remained over capacity in recent years. Preston Park, even with a three-classroom trailer, was about 34 students over capacity at Septembers end. Rottenborn said the situation presents three possible options: ask students to voluntarily move within the division, amend attendance zones or simply wait to see if population trends continue. Each proposal, especially tweaking boundaries, would require careful consideration and more data, she said. Schools Superintendent Rita Bishop said she believes some elementary students and their families would opt to move schools specifically to Round Hill Elementary if offered the chance. Round Hill has also had enrollment increases in recent years, but remains well under its capacity of 792. But movement among feeder elementary schools wouldnt relieve pressure on Breckinridge. An option for the middle school involves attracting more students to Lucy Addison Middle, Bishop said. Reigniting the aerospace laboratory could be the motivator, she said. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Exhaust Heat Recovery System Market Highlights: The Global Exhaust Heat Recovery System Market had reached the valuation of USD 29.83 Billion in 2017 and is set to be worth USD 54.01 billion by 2023, as per latest study by Market Research Future (MRFR). It is expected to surge at a healthy CAGR of 10.40% from 2018 to 2023 (forecast period) on account of the fast development of the global cement industry. Moreover, stringent emission regulations coupled with increasing demand for diesel vehicles, particularly in the commercial vehicle segment have been highly instrumental in the overall growth of the exhaust heat recovery system market. Furthermore, the elevated use of exhaust heat for auxiliary applications such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), increasing adoption of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and turbocharger in gasoline vehicles have benefited the market growth to a large extent. Another reason for the global exhaust heat recovery system market growth is the reduction in the size of components. As the exhaust heat recovery system increases the fuel efficiency of the engine, the demand for large sized components happens to decrease as well. Thus, this results in a subsequent reduction in the cost along with the power required for those components. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/exhaust-heat-recovery-system-market-6657 The Key players in the Exhaust Heat Recovery System Market are- Lancome Paris, DECLEOR Paris, Estee Lauder, Kracie Holdings Ltd., BioRepublic Skin Care, Sephora Inc., 3LAB Inc., Innisfree Corporation, Star Skin Beauty Group AG, The Face Shop, Yunos Co. Ltd., Boss Biological Technique Ltd., Tonymoly Co. Ltd., ES Cosmetics are few players in the sheet face mask market Exhaust Heat Recovery System Market Segmentation: Based on the component, the global market is segmented into EGR valve & cooler, turbine, compressor, evaporator, condenser, TEG module and others. Among all components, the EGR valve & cooler is the leading segment in the global market, with the turbine market growing at the fastest rate. Depending on the technology, the market caters to EGR, turbocharger, ORC, TEG among others. Among the technologies, EGR is leading the global market, due to its elevated demand based on the benefits it offers. These benefits include letting vehicles be more environment-friendly coupled with being highly cost-effective by saving fuel. Whereas, the turbocharger segment is growing at the fastest rate on account of increasing demand for energy-proficient engine and optimized atmospheric pollution. The segments, based on vehicle, in the global exhaust heat recovery system market, include PC, light commercial vehicle (LCV), Truck, Bus, Hybrid and overhead valve engine (OHV), where the hybrid electric vehicle segment owns the largest market share, and the PC segment is the fastest growing. Hybrid electrical vehicles aim to deliver considerable fuel savings with no additional cost and these vehicles reduce overall emissions. Based on these factors, the market expansion of hybrid electric vehicles has been inevitable in recent years. Regional Analysis: Region-wise segments in the global exhaust heat recovery system market include Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas, Africa & the Middle East and the Rest of the World (ROW). Globally, the Americas is the leading market in the global exhaust heat recovery system market on account of strict regulations implemented by the government and various environmental organizations to save energy. In the region, the United States (U.S) is a key contributor due to strong economic growth as well as rapid industrialization in the country. The Asia Pacific market is expanding at the fastest growth rate because of the high industrialization combined with growing significance of sustainable energy in emerging markets, such as in China and India. Moreover, flourishing manufacturing sector in the region is predicted to benefit the exhaust heat recovery system market in the region. Also, Japan, China, Singapore, and Australia are the significant contributors to the market in the region. 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 Doherty had to write an essay and present her credentials to win her award. She said she feels honored, and overwhelmed, that she was recognized for her work. I love my job. There is nothing else in the world I would rather do, Doherty said. I am so excited to come see my kids every day. I want to be here in the classroom, and I want to get them excited about being here, too. Doherty is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School who has taught U.S. history at her alma mater for 15 years. Her favorite unit to teach is the birth of democracy. On March 15, Doherty will be honored for her statewide award in Richmond. Shell then compete in the national Daughters of the American Revolution competition in Washington, D.C. Regional teacher recruitment fair upcoming Amid a statewide teacher shortage, area school divisions are looking to fill teaching vacancies for next school year. The Western Virginia Public Education Consortiums Teacher Recruitment Job Fair is scheduled for Jan. 26 at the Salem Civic Center. Admitting that it would take more than a month to burrow through four major rivers in West Virginia, Mountain Valley was forced to suspend work on all stream crossings until it could obtain a new permit. That process appeared to be simplified after West Virginias DEP suggested changes to its regulations that removed the 72-hour requirement for pipeline developers, as long as they used a more environmentally friendly method of stream crossings. After taking public comments, the agency said in November that it was preparing to send the proposed modifications to the Army Corps and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for review. Once that process was completed, Mountain Valley said at the time, it would apply for a new permit, which it expected to receive in early 2019. That now appears unlikely, considering that it would probably be several months after the public comment period before a new permit could be granted. West Virginia is putting up new roadblocks for MVP by prolonging the modification process by another 4-6 months, according to a report issued this week by Height Capital Markets, an investment banking firm in Washington, D.C., that is monitoring the project. New military police base earmarked for Puerto Aventuras Puerto Aventuras, Q.R. The municipality of Solidaridad has donated land to Puerto Aventuras for the purpose of creating a military police station. City Council handed over property located in Puerto Aventuras to the military police to build an operations base, says municipal president Laura Beristain Navarrete. The donated land is located on Avenida Vivero and will be reconditioned to accommodate the military, although it is also expected to eventually also house municipal and federal police. We are looking into the possibility of setting up a camp in Puerto Aventuras for the military police. Depending on the size of the property, maybe there is space for the municipal and federal police as well. We are already analyzing that project, explained the mayor. Once ready, the space will have 30 of the military police elements that arrived in December in Playa del Carmen, however, that number will increase, the mayor noted. Previously, the space was a CROC union building, but will be reconditioned to be used by military and police. The building will become a headquarters for the subdirectorate of Public Security in the town of Puerto Aventuras where it will permanently assign personnel. Mexican navy rescues two after sailboat runs out of fuel Isla Mujeres, Q.R. Two people who called for help after their sailboat ran out of fuel, were towed to land by the Mexican Navy. The Secretary of the Navy of Mexico says that after receiving a call for help by two aboard the sailboat Endurance, personnel were sent to sea where they found the boat approximately six nautical miles north of the shores of Isla Mujeres. When they arrived, they found a man of Argentine nationality and a woman of Venezuelan nationality on board. The pair made the emergency call to the ports harbor master requesting the assistance. Their sailboat was towed to Laguna de Makax-Marina Makax for refueling with the navy saying everyone was in good health. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Armored Vehicles Market by End User (Commercial (SUV, Sedan, Limousine, Bus/Van, Others) & Defense (Wheeled Armored, Tracked Armored)), Technology (Active, Passive), by Region (North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, South America)- Forecast till 2023 Global Armored Vehicles Market is estimated to witness a CAGR of more than 3% during the forecast period till 2023 The key players in Global Armored Vehicles Market are: General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.) BAE Systems Textron Inc. (U.S.) Oshkosh Corporation (U.S.) Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel) Thales Group (France) Lockheed Martin (U.S.) Rheinmetall AG (Germany) Denel Land Systems (South Africa) Sabiex International (Belgium) Diehl Defense (Germany). Get Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3238 Armored Vehicles Market Scenario: Armored vehicles are security vehicles used to transport armed security. Armored vehicles were only owned and used by military, law enforcement, and ministers, but in the past few years prominent figures from the corporate world, VIPs and celebrities, have also been contributing to the demand for these vehicles. The continually increasing security challenges is the main reason for adoption of armed vehicles by the various government bodies and civilians. Technological developments and improvements in artificial intelligence have increased the use and importance of unmanned ground vehicles, virtual training and survivability equipment. The demand for new, technologically advanced transmission equipment in armored vehicle, which are highly effective and secure, are critical in retaining an edge over extremist powers. The growing challenges of tackling modern day security threats are stimulating the need for technological revolution in the market. Frequent investment in R&D activities, and development of highly advanced and innovative technologies, will be the core growth strategies in the upcoming years. The global armored vehicle market is classified into vehicle type, design, and geography. By vehicle type, the market is segmented into infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, light protected vehicles, armored personnel carriers, armored amphibious vehicles, mine-resistant ambush protected and others. Rising need for safeguarding military workforces is anticipated to drive unmanned ground military carrier demand over the forecast period. Tactical military carriers are designed primarily for use in by military in direct combat or tactical operations. Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) are mostly used for safer deployment of infantry to battle fields or high risk regions, and it can be distinguished from Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) based on the weapons it carries. The high costs of advanced armored vehicles is also a major limitation for the global armored vehicles market. Fluctuating raw material costs, import expenses, and a huge taxes levied by countries often result in increased costs of end products. If companies wish to expand their businesses of the global armored vehicles across emerging economies, the key challenge is keeping a balance between the base cost of products and their quality. Growing concerns to protect military workforces during civil wars and the increasing need to protect the nation from a difficult situations and scenarios, ranging from natural disasters to acts of terrorism, is expected to drive security applications across the globe. This would result in, rise in the demand for armored vehicles during the forecast period Armored Vehicles Industry/ Innovation/ Related News: April, 2018: BAE Systems supplied all five variations of its Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle to the U.S. Army for testing. March, 2018: INKAS Armored Vehicle Manufacturing Company released its INKAS Sentry Civilian Edition armored. Feb, 2018: Iveco Defence Vehicles provided final tranche of Light Armoured Vehicles to the Norwegian Army. Access Report Details @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/armored-vehicles-market-3238 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 +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com We might also ask: Are there limits to the toleration demanded by religious freedom (and the First Amendment)? Here, too, Jefferson had much to say, starting with the role of religion in society. While Jefferson was not a Christian by any normal definition he rejected Jesus divinity, the resurrection, biblical miracles, original sin, etc. he did believe that the Christianity of most Americans could serve the nation, but the reason for that belief is crucial: He pointed out that Christianity demanded not simply love for ones family and neighbors, but also for ones enemies. Undoubtedly foreseeing the strife that was inevitable in such a broad and diverse nation, he realized that the broadest possible toleration and acceptance, even love, would be critical. Yet, he also suggested an important limit to toleration: Perhaps the single thing which may be required to others before toleration [is granted] to them would be an oath that they would allow toleration to others. Abraham Lincoln said the same: Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it. This was a lesson that we learned again in Charlottesville in 2017: We need not tolerate those who refuse to tolerate others. Celebrate Religious Freedom Day! But remember that one of the critical reasons we have religious freedom is to protect our diversity and our union, to make E Pluribus Unum a good reason for a celebration. On Monday, the USS Gravely (DDG 107) became the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 during a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Rear Adm. Edward Cashman, U.S. Navy, assumed command of SNMG-1 from Royal Danish Navy Commodore Anders Friis. Cashman will command the NATO group from the Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer based in Norfolk. Cashman spoke with pride of the ships new mission. My staff and I are honored to become part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 as we begin the 70th anniversary year of the alliance, he said during the ceremony. NATO change-of-command ceremonies happen all the time. So, why is this particular event so notable? Because its an impressive assignment well worthy of the ships namesake, Samuel Lee Gravely Jr., and one that should make our city extremely proud. Gravely, a Richmond native, was a pioneer during the earliest days of racial integration in the military services, especially the Navy. He was the first African-American commissioned officer to serve aboard a U.S. warship, the first to command a Navy ship, the first to rise to the rank of vice admiral, and the first to command a U.S. fleet (commander, 3rd Fleet). Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence, is going back to her roots: Shes taken a part-time gig teaching art at a local Christian elementary school, her office announced Tuesday. Karen Pence, a watercolor artist and longtime teacher, will teach twice a week at the Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia, where she taught while her husband served in the House. I am excited to be back in the classroom and doing what I love to do, which is to teach art to elementary students, Pence said in a statement. I have missed teaching art, and its great to return to the school where I taught art for 12 years. Pence, who has made championing art therapy one of her causes, had previously taught in public and private schools in Indianapolis. Her watercolors appear in the book Marlon Bundos A Day in the Life of the Vice President, written by her daughter, Charlotte Pence, and told from the perspective of the familys pet rabbit, Marlon Bundo. Several of her pieces hang on the walls of the familys residence at the Naval Observatory. As lawmakers converged in Richmond for the start of the 2019 session, they made a show of bipartisan effort to finally fix Interstate 81. But with legislators along the interstate corridor divided over tolls and taxes the primary funding recommendations theyre uncertain about whether they will leave Richmond on Feb. 23 with a solution to a widespread complaint among western Virginians. Here is the issue, said House Majority Leader Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah. Everybody agrees there is a problem, and nobody sees the solution in the same way. Lee County School Board sues state after its firearms proposal is rejected The Lee County School Board sued the state Tuesday after it denied a school employee designation that would allow him to carry firearms on school property. The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services denied Division Superintendent Brian Austins application to be a special conservator of the peace. The denial came in September following Virginia Attorney General Mark Herrings Aug. 28 opinion that authorizing special conservators of the peace to carry guns in public schools would violate the law. A tax on hospital revenue to pay for Virginias share of the cost of expanding its Medicaid program might not cover the expense of administering a state proposal for a work requirement and other conditions for people who receive health care benefits under the program. Some members of the Senate Finance Committee were taken aback Tuesday by Gov. Ralph Northams proposal to use money from the state budgets general fund to pay $13 million in administrative expenses for the state to seek federal approval of a waiver that would allow it to establish the work requirement and other conditions. Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment, R-James City, and Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan McDougle, R-Hanover, also expressed surprise at a new estimate that expanding Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of Virginians could cost about $85 million more in the biennium than previously estimated. The additional cost would be covered by the provider assessment created in the budget adopted last year over Norment and McDougles objections, but they questioned the financial effect on the hospitals that would pay for it. Have any of these institutions paying the provider assessments shared with you over what period of time they anticipate recovering these up-front costs theyre having to absorb? Norment asked Finance Committee analyst Mike Tweedy. At a news conference Wednesday morning, several lawmakers said driving with a screen in your hand can be just as dangerous as driving drunk. Just like DUI laws, they said, making it illegal to hold a phone while driving will eventually change Virginians behavior behind the wheel. Del. Mike Mullin, D-Newport News, one of the legislations sponsors, said that when he was driving back to Richmond on Sunday, he saw another motorist playing the video game Clash of Clans on an iPad. Not a phone. An iPad. And thats not unusual, Mullin said. This is something that were seeing with greater frequency on a daily basis. And people are dying. Traffic crashes and fatalities have been rising in Virginia for several years, but the numbers dont show record highs. In 2014, Virginia saw 120,282 crashes and 700 traffic deaths, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. By 2017, the numbers had risen to 127,375 crashes and 843 deaths. Drive Smart Virginia, a safe driving nonprofit backing the hands-free phone bill, said distracted driving was the cause of nearly a quarter of traffic fatalities last year. The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and the Virginia Sheriffs Association support the legislation. A Richmonder has pleaded guilty to a dozen charges in connection with a dogfighting operation. Carlton Hardy, 52, pleaded guilty to five counts of animal fighting and seven counts of animal cruelty, according to the Virginia Attorney Generals Office. Sentencing was set for May 10. According to evidence presented in court, Hardy participated in a dogfighting operation in South Richmond. Investigators found dogfighting paraphernalia, scarred dogs, wound dressings and other items associated with dogfighting on his property, the authorities said. Forensic examination of Hardys phone found text messages, photos and videos related to dogfighting, officials said. Authorities seized 12 dogs from Hardys property, Attorney General Mark Herrings office said in a statement. The dogs were living in deplorable conditions and had injuries due to neglect. The case was handled by Herrings Animal Law Unit and the Richmond Commonwealths Attorneys Office. I think its really confusing when there is no proposal in front of us, but the developer is out in the community making all these presentations and talking about how this project is going to transform our city, yet there are no details in front of the decision-makers to have a deeper discussion about the glossy presentation folks are getting, she said. In December, Larson joined seven other council members who voted to create a citizen advisory commission to review the proposal once its introduced. The commission, which the Stoney administration opposed, must issue a report of its findings 90 days after the council seats its members. In late December, the Stoney administration fended off a citizen effort to force the release of the original plans that NH District submitted to the city last February in response to a call for proposals that Stoney issued. The Richmond General District Court denied a petition challenging the citys decision to withhold the proposal under a provision of the states Freedom of Information Act. Jeffrey Cartwright, the 4th District resident who took the issue to court, said he has filed an appeal of the decision. Were all really busy and we wanted to develop a menu that was well-suited for picking up and then reheating at home, Davenport said. We dont want people to have to pull out five pans to cook, she added. Were really excited to make it as tech-savvy and convenient as possible. The Big Kitchen is located inside an old diesel and engine repair shop. An existing bay door was kept and now serves as entrance to the parking area where customers can pick up their meals. The Big Kitchen also will have a small retail space that will include items that complement the meals, like local breads and artisan crackers and wine, but the majority of its business will happen online. Adjacent to The Big Kitchen is the companys smokehouse, where meats are smoked for the restaurants as well as The Big Kitchen meals. To help with recipe and menu development, Richmond native and chef Danielle Goodreau has been tapped as BKH executive chef. She was most recently executive chef with the local catering company A Sharper Palate, owned by Tuffy Stone of Q Barbeque and his wife, Leslie. Goodreau also served as recipe developer and tester for Stones recent cookbook, Cool Smoke: The Art of Great Barbecue. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Competitive Landscape The key players of the Global Intelligent Pumps Market are Xylem (US), Emerson (US), ABB (Switzerland), Grundfos Holding (Denmark), Sulzer (Switzerland), Quantumflo (US), Kirloskar (India), Yaskawa (Japan), Wilo SE (Germany), Flowserve Corporation (US), KSB Aktiengesellschaft (Germany), and ITT Corporation (US). Market Highlights Intelligent pump helps to control the flow and pressure of water or other fluids. It is widely used across various end-user applications for energy management, remote systems control, and condition monitoring. The major advantages of intelligent pump include energy savings, reduced downtime, and maintenance cost reduction. According to EPA, more than 50% of the water systems in the US do not have proper remote monitoring for the pumping system. Thus, intelligent pump with wireless control capabilities is useful to access the operating data to reduce unplanned downtime and improve the maintenance activities. Based on type, the Intelligent Pump Market is segmented as centrifugal pump and positive displacement pump. Centrifugal pump segment is estimated to dominate the market during the forecast period due to their wide application in building automation for HVAC systems and water systems. Moreover, rising concern for desalination is also driving the growth of centrifugal pumps. The Global Intelligent Pumps Market is expected to grow at 7.55% CAGR during the forecast period. A Sample of This Report Is Available upon Request @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6976 Global intelligent pumps market is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period owing to growing investments in building automation. Growing focus on smart cities and strict energy efficiency standards in developed countries is also resulting in increasing demand for intelligent pumps. Europe holds the largest share in the intelligent pumps market due increasing number of manufacturing activities in countries such as France, Germany, and Italy. Similarly, development in digital oil fields offer opportunity for the intelligent pumps market. A key requirement for the digital oilfield includes accuracy and efficient control of flow from the wells and oilfields. Thus, intelligent pump systems are required to control pressure and temperature control. Asia Pacific holds the second largest share in the intelligent pumps market with increasing investment in IoT and water & wastewater treatment plants. Scope of the Report This report provides an in-depth analysis of the Global Intelligent Pumps Market, tracking three market segments across five geographic regions. The report studies key players, providing a five-year annual trend analysis that highlights market size, and share for North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The report also provides a forecast, focusing on the market opportunities for the next five years for each region. The scope of the study segments the Intelligent Pumps Market by its type, component, end-user, and by region. By Type Centrifugal Positive displacement By Component Control system Variable drives Pumps By End-User Building Automation Water & Wastewater Oil & Gas Power Generation Chemical Others By Regions North America Asia-Pacific Europe Middle East & Africa South America Browse the Full Research Report At@ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/intelligent-pumps-market-6976 Theres a warmth that emanates from the Empanadas Market as soon as you enter, and it has nothing to do with the golden-brown, piping-hot pastries coming out of the large commercial ovens. If youre a frequent Richmond-area farmers market patron, youve likely seen Ignacio and Clara Dutari and their eatery, the Empanadas Market, and maybe even sampled one or six of the savory homemade pastries that pay homage to the Dutaris Argentine roots. But after two years of working the local market circuit, the couple now have a retail space to call their own. Empanadas Market sits at 1110 Westbriar Drive, off Patterson Avenue, in western Henrico County. There, a colorful chalkboard menu greets customers as soon as they walk through the door, but its barely large enough to detail all of the varieties. There are meat-filled pastries, with spicy and mild ground beef and steak, plus pulled pork, chorizo and chicken. A list of vegetarian and vegan options includes butternut squash; caprese; spinach and ricotta; four cheese; zucchini and Parmesan; portabello; and more. The empanadas are sold hot from the oven and ready to eat, or frozen for those who want to take them home and serve later. I wouldnt say that we find the dishwasher position any harder to fill than a line cook position, but in general, its much harder today than it was five years ago, Kincaid said. And there are so many more restaurants now all competing for the same staff. For managers and owners striving to develop a tenured staff, Herndon recommends cultivating an environment where employees dishwashers included want to stay by showing them gestures of appreciation. Show them that you appreciate what theyre doing ... especially back there when youve sort of got the messiest job in the restaurant, Herndon said. As an example of such a gesture, Herndon described one instance when the dishwashing station at Buckheads was particularly busy, and he assisted Daniels to help him get caught up. I did that because it needed to be done, but I think he appreciated the fact that I roll up my sleeves and get in there and get dirty with him too, he said. For Daniels, the environment that Herndon and his team have created feels like one where he wants to stay. Ill probably be here as long as Buckheads is here, Daniels said. As with any job, benefits and pay also matter. The federal government shutdown is in its fourth week. Everything from airport security to some food inspections to tax refund processing may be affected. We want to hear from workers in the Richmond area who are being affected by the shutdown. Are you a federal government worker in the Richmond region worried about paying bills? Is your passport delayed? Is your research grant funding halted? Are you a business providing assistance to Richmond-area federal government workers? School Name Status Buckeye Central Schools Closed Bucyrus City Schools Closed Clear Fork Christian Preschool Closed Clear Fork Valley Local Schools Closed Colonel Crawford Schools Closed Crestline Village Schools Closed Crestview School District Closed Discovery School Closed Fairway School Closed Foundation Academy of Mansfield Closed Galion City Schools Closed Heartland Academy Closed IMAC Closed Lexington Child Development Center No AM preschool Lexington Local Schools Closed Lucas Local Schools 2-hour delay Madison Adult Education Closed Madison Local Schools Closed Mansfield 1st EPC Preschool Closed Mansfield Christian School Closed Mansfield City Schools Closed Mansfield Seventh-Day Adventist School Closed Northmor Local Schools Closed Ohio Heartland Headstart Open - no busing OSU-Mansfield/NCSC campus Open Ontario Local Schools Closed Pioneer Career & Technology Center Closed Plymouth-Shiloh Local Schools Closed Richland School of Academic Arts Closed Richland Newhope Open Sacred Heart School - Shelby Closed Shelby City Schools Closed St. Joseph's School - Crestline Closed St. Joseph's School - Galion Open St. Marys School - Mansfield Closed St. Marys School - Shelby Closed St. Peter's School - Mansfield Closed Sullivan Head Start Open Temple Christian School Closed Trinity Shining Lights Preschool - Shelby Closed Valley View Christian Preschool Open Wynford Local Schools Closed School closings in and around Richland and Crawford Counties can be seen here. To view closings and delays in Ashland, visit ashlandsource.com, and if interested in closings and delays in Knox County, visit knoxpages.com. The President must immediately reopen the government, so workers can get back on the job earning a paycheck and serving Ohioans. Right now, 6,569 Ohio workers including 1,590 at NASA Glenn alone are either furloughed or working without pay. Either way, theyre missing paychecks because of President Trumps shutdown. And those numbers dont even include federal contract workers. Contractors include everyone from aerospace engineers to custodians, security guards, and cafeteria workers. The people who serve the food and clean the floors in federal buildings are usually paid too little as it is and now unless Congress acts, those workers wont receive any back pay at all, because theyre employed by those private contracting companies, not the government. They are out of a job until further notice from the president. Last week, I talked with TSA agents in Cleveland who are working without pay, and with cafeteria workers in Virginia who work for private food service contractors that staff the restaurants at the Smithsonian museums. These workers are paid by the hour, and as of right now, they wont be able to make up any of the wages theyre losing out on. One of those cafeteria workers last week told me: I have to pay rent, I have other bills, I have a college student in his second semester and he needs help with his books. Im working with my colleague Senator Tina Smith on legislation to try to get these workers back pay, and of course I supported our Senate measure to make sure direct federal employees get the back pay theyve earned. I also sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget demanding the administration work with contracting companies to compensate these workers for the wages theyve lost. Missing one paycheck may not seem like a lot to some folks in Washington, but for most Ohioans, missing a paycheck is a big deal. Working people cant just send a letter to creditors, saying please excuse me from paying rent or paying my mortgage or paying for my medication this month. And you cant buy groceries or put gas in the car with an I-owe-you. Im calling on the president to think about these workers. Think about the TSA agents in Cleveland. Think about the workers at NASA Glenn. Reopen the government. The Senate voted unanimously in December to fund the government and avert a shutdown. So were waiting on the president to lead, and let these workers get back to work serving the public and earning a paycheck. MANSFIELD -- The Rotary Club of Mansfield is now accepting public proposals for a major service project, which it hopes to complete in honor of it's upcoming 100th anniversary. Mansfield Rotarians have been serving the community for (nearly a century) and would like to honor our 100-year anniversary by completing a major service project, said club president, Scott King. Involving the community in proposing ideas for the project allows us to field a wide slate of options to ensure we deliver a project of very high value and service to the community. King encouraged anyone interested in working with the Rotary to submit a potential project. Initially, the Rotary is requesting a two-page letter of intent that covers the project scope, including a description, budget and funding sources. It should be drafted with the help of a sponsoring Rotarian. The letter of intent is due to the club by February 28th. In the past, the Rotary has participated in the United Way Day of Caring and the Mansfield in Bloom flower planting. It helped establish the predecessor to Catalysts Rehab Center in 1921, the local Boy Scout Council in 1927 and the Rotary Adult Daycare in 1980. Further, the club had commissioned the Johnny Appleseed Mural in downtown and supported several awards and scholarship programs. Projects could be in keeping with the type on this list, or may be something different than we are used to, King said. The clubs members will narrow the list of submissions and ultimately select one project to recognize the 100 year anniversary, which is March 1, 2020. King hopes to find a project that fulfills the clubs mission Service above self and makes a last impact. Whether through the construction of a long-lasting structure or facility that benefits the community or through the establishment of a service that helps solve a long-lasting problem within the community, King said. Those interested in submitting a proposal, should approach a member of Rotary to help champion a proposal, or if they don't know a member, they can contact Cindy Wood at wood.1183@osu.edu. MANSFIELD -- The Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter is facing potential layoffs after federal money has stopped coming through during the government shutdown. The shutdown, affecting nine of the 15 federal departments, began on Dec. 22, 2018 as Democrats and President Donald Trump argue over building a security wall along the U.S. and Mexico border. This is the longest governmental shutdown in U.S. history. During the shutdown, federal monies passed through to the domestic violence shelter have stopped, creating worries for Katherine Ezawa, executive director of the Richland County Domestic Violence Shelter. The largest portion of federal money the shelter receives, she said, is passed through from the Department of Justice. "Those are now closed," Ezawa said. "We get Violence Against Women Act funds and Victims of Crime Act Funds. The come through the Department of Justice funds." The shelter is also receiving money from the attorney general, but alone, it is not enough to keep the operation afloat. Ezawa added the funding is on a reimbursement basis. "They either come in the quarterly reimbursement or in monthly. All of those funds luckily made it through, but the future funds will not be coming through until the shutdown is over." Ezawa said that is common for almost all Domestic Violence Shelters. "We are all on pins and needles," she said. "Because we're non-profit, we don't sit on a lot of cash. We don't have enough money to keep us going." "We are all on pins and needles," she said. "Because we're non-profit, we don't sit on a lot of cash. We don't have enough money to keep us going." Ezawa said if the shutdown continues, she would have to layoff some off her employees for fiscal reasons. "If we're not able to get the funds that we need, we'll have to lay folks off," the executive director said. "We will go down to a skeleton crew." The current staff includes 26 employees. Ezawa said the Shelter would have to cut about half of its staff to keep their operations going and maintain the budget. "We can't stop taking in victims," she said. In 2017, the Shelter provided 165 survivors with its services. In 2018 the number of survivors increased by 40 percent to 229 survivors. "We have seen a huge increase in people who are asking for our services," Ezawa said. "I think it's because more people are reporting (domestic violence) and more people are aware of our services. A lot of people we meet aren't aware there is a shelter here, and once they are aware, they are more likely to tell a friend about our services." The 41-year-old Shelter provides a crisis hotline and emergency shelter. It also provide immediate support for sexual assault cases at OhioHealth Hospital. Ezawa said the organization would continue to provide those services with a bare-bones crew or volunteers. "We also help people figure out what's next." she said. "People come in here with literally nothing on their backs. "We have a really good success rate -- over 80 percent of people come here and go to safe housing. They don't return to their abusive situations," she added. "That's huge for us. The thing we don't want to happen is have families return to the violence." Ezawa is hoping for community support to continue the services and to be able to hold on to employees. "Without community support, I'd have to (lay off people) soon -- like next week," Ezawa said. "Because we don't know how long the shutdown is going to last and I have to implement a plan. "My hope is that we don't have to do that. We'll talk with our community partners, with our bank. You hear on the news about the 800,000 furlough employees. We know they are not getting paid but are working. But it's much bigger than that. I don't think folks understand that there's a ripple effect. I don't think people are thinking about the victims' services and we are one of them." MANSFIELD -- Jean Taddie has lived in Mansfield's 6th Ward for more than 22 years. On Tuesday night, the 52-year-old Democrat became the voice of that ward. Taddie was sworn in as the 6th Ward representative for Mansfield City Council, replacing Garnetta Pender, who resigned at the end of December to move to South Carolina. Taddie, who will complete the final year of Pender's term, was sworn in by council President Philip Scott before legislators began their meeting Tuesday. The director of the North Central Ohio Land Conservancy, a non-profit land trust that protects nature preserves, Taddie said she wants to be a strong voice for the 6th Ward, an area largely comprised of the eastern part of the city. "The 6th Ward is like a microcosm of Mansfield itself," said Taddie, who lives on Second Avenue. "We have parts of the downtown. We have lots of residential. We have former industrial and current light industrial places. We have (newer) houses and houses like mine that were built in 1900. "I would like to see the best we can have in the 6th Ward, by highlighting the good things, especially the good people and the great things our neighbors are doing ... maybe a community clean-up or block party or a walk," Taddie said. Taddie, who has a bachelor's degree in business administration/human resources and a master's degree in communication, both from Cleveland State University, recently launched a Facebook site for her residents at Ward6Mansfield. "I just want to have those conversations. I want to see good things come to light and I would like to see us strive for a positive vision," said Taddie, who spent nine years working with the North End Community Improvement Collaborative before accepting her new position in 2017. "A lot of things have been torn down in my neighborhood. Some of them need to come down. So what are we going to rebuild and who are we going to become? I don't have all the answers. I would like to see residents of the 6th Ward get involved and help drive that bus, drive that conversation," Taddie said. Taddie, chosen by the local Democratic Central Committee on Thursday to complete Pender's term, has already filed petitions to run on the May Primary ballot. A former adjunct college instructor, Taddie said she expects one or two challengers. "I feel like I have a pretty unique combination of skills on the communication side, in human resources. As a director, I deal with budgets and planning and the important things that will be a part of my (council) role. I felt I could do a good job here," Taddie said. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Council approved two measures presented by city Economic Development Director Tim Bowersock. The first was purchase a small piece of land for $1 as part of the Knight Industrial Park Project that will allow it to become part of the infrastructure there. The second will allow the Richland County Growth Corporation to act on behalf of the city to sell land near the former Sabin-Robbins site at 1111 N. Main St. to Ashland Railway Inc. Bowersock said Edge Plastics is moving into the 150,000 square-foot building on the west side of Ohio 13, one mile north of U.S. 30 and directly across from the Mansfield Correctional Institution. It has 150,000 square feet of warehouse space, including 3,400 square feet of office space. Bowersock, who said the company will need the railway service, will move its warehousing and distribution segments into the facility initially and eventually its manufacturing. Edge Plastics is currently based at 449 Newman St. in Mansfield. According to its website, Edge does "quality plastic injection molding from a family-owned and operated quality certified U.S. manufacturing plant." The site said Edge Plastics has provided premium-quality plastic manufacturing services for a wide range of consumer, commercial and industrial products companies for more than 25 years. The North Main Street facility was recently sold for $3,375,000, according to property transfers filed the Richland County Auditor's Office. The site at 1111 N. Main St. was purchased by O.C.R.E. Investments, LLC, from Shawshank Redeemed, LLC, the records indicate. O.C.R.E. Investments was formed in 2017 with Shelley Fisher of 449 Newman St., Mansfield, as statutory agent, according to paperwork filed with the Ohio Secretary of State's Office. In other action Tuesday, Council: -- approved personnel positions, pay grades and salaries for certain City of Mansfield employees, including those controlled by the mayor's office, law director, finance director and municipal courts. -- accepted a $1,500 donation from NCD Ohio Elks Lodge #56 for the Mansfield Police Department's D.A.R.E. program. U.S. authorities have charged two Ukrainians in an audacious, multiyear scheme to hack into the database of the U.S. securities regulator and use unreleased corporate news releases to make illegal stock trades. Artem Radchenko, 27, and Oleksandr Ieremenko, 26, were charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, and other charges in a 16-count indictment unsealed on January 15. Both men were reported to be in Kyiv. The scheme was first revealed in 2017 by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which regulates U.S. stock markets. According to the U.S. criminal complaint, the scheme, which netted $100 million in illegal profits, involved hacking into a database run by the Securities and Exchange Commission between February 2016 and March 2017. The hackers gained access to thousands of corporate news releases before they were published and then used the stolen information to make money through illegal insider trades on top company stocks. Authorities said the group gave the hackers "shopping lists" of releases they wanted to see in advance, including ones with financial results, and then traded the stocks. The hackers were routinely paid a cut of the profits. Another Ukrainian was sentenced in 2017 to 30 months in a U.S. prison as part of the scheme. The U.S. Senate has moved forward with a resolution opposing President Donald Trumps administration for a plan to ease sanctions on Russian companies tied to billionaire Oleg Deripaska. A total of 11 Republican senators joined all Democrats in the January 15 vote, which clears the way for formal debate followed by a final vote on the resolution. The resolution is in response to last months announcement by the Treasury Department that it would lift sanctions on the core businesses of Deripaska, a powerful Russian oligarch with close ties to the Kremlin. The companies includes aluminum giant Rusal, its parent company En+, and power firm EuroSibEnergo. Earlier on January 15, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin traveled to Congress in an effort push Republicans to oppose the Democratic-backed resolution. If the resolution passes the Senate in the final vote, it would then go to the House of Representatives, where Democrats are in control. It would then go to the White House, where a Trump veto was likely. Were it to pass all those steps, however, the resolution would block the Treasury move. Ahead of the vote, the top Democrat in the Senate, Chuck Schumer, urged the resolutions passage, saying: "This is not the moment to give up a source of leverage over the Russian government." Republicans control the 100-member Senate 53-47. With reporting by Reuters The Pentagon says two U.S. troops and two American civilians are among among those killed in a suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria. "Two U.S. servicemembers, one Department of Defense (DoD) civilian, and one contractor supporting DoD were killed and three servicemembers were injured while conducting a local engagement in Manbij," the U.S. military's Central Command said in a statement. A Syrian war-monitoring group said the blast near a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition in Manbij killed and wounded more than a dozen people. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 people were killed, including at least five U.S.-backed Syrian fighters. It added that nine civilians and others were wounded in the blast. The attack took place at a restaurant near Manbij's main market. The U.S. troops were at the restaurant to meet members of the city's military council, a witness told Reuters. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said he and President Donald Trump condemned the attack, but reiterated that the United States would continue with its plan to withdraw troops from the country. "Thanks to the courage of our armed forces, we have crushed the [IS] caliphate and devastated its capabilities. As we begin to bring our troops home ... we will never allow the remnants of [IS] to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate," Pence said in a statement on January 16. The attack came days after the United States began the process of withdrawing from Syria, pulling out equipment from the northeast into neighboring Iraq. A news site affiliated with Islamic State earlier issued a statement saying an attacker with a suicide vest had targeted a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition operating in Manbij. The Observatory's chief Rami Abdurahman said the blast was caused by a suicide bomber but didn't immediately offer any further details. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Tajikistan's Council of Ulema has given its blessing to anti-impotence drugs such as Viagra, arguing that the pills could help prevent marriages from falling apart. But the blessing does come with a caveat. Abduvohid Homidov, the chief specialist at the council's Department of Fatwas, told RFE/RL on January 16 that this week's decision pertains to "married men only." Treatment for erectile dysfunction was possible in Tajikistan, but Homidov said that the number of men discreetly approaching religious figures asking if the use of anti-impotence drugs was permitted under Islam determined that a ruling was needed. "After studying the issue for some time, we came to conclusion that our religion permits such drugs if they are necessary," Homidov said. The official added that the decision is aimed at strengthening marriages and preventing arguments between husbands and wives over men's "issues." Although erectile dysfunction is not openly discussed in Tajikistan, imported drugs for the condition were readily available without prescription. In 2018, the Health Ministry's drug-control agency said that countrywide raids had resulted in the confiscation of large amounts of such unregulated drugs being sold. In February of that year, a 34-year-old Tajik man was reported to have been taken to an emergency room after taking an anti-impotence pill he said he got from a friend. The man, who gave only his first name, Shamsiddin, later told RFE/RL's Tajik Service that he suffered from erectile dysfunction, but didn't want to seek professional help. "I was ashamed," Shamsiddin said. "Our people like spreading rumors and gossip. I was afraid of that." The specialist Homidov advised that men should approach the drugs with caution. "Men must see doctors first before rushing to buy the pills," Homidov told RFE/RL. "They need to discuss their individual problems with medics and ask doctors about all the possible side effects of the medicine they take." The state-backed Council of Ulema initially addressed the topic early last year, saying that from the religious viewpoint anti-impotence drugs were permissible. When Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Belgrade on January 17, Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic is hoping to hit all the right notes. Literally. Dacic has been known to belt out a tune or two at high-level meetings. And for Serbia, there may be few higher-level meetings than the planned get-together between Putin, the most popular foreign politician in Serbia, and Serbian officials in Belgrade. "Putin's visits are mostly short and there's not much chance for a more relaxed atmosphere," Dacic, who is also first deputy prime minister, recently told the daily Vecernje Novosti. "[Putin] likes to sing, and my choice would be what's according to me the most beautiful Russian song, Moscow Nights, and, of course, Kalinka," Dacic added. Moscow Nights (Podmoskovnye Vechera) was a Soviet-era standard on Radio Moscow broadcasts, while Kalinka, one of the most-famous Russian folk songs, is "an obligatory part" of the diplomatic repertoire he has sung at meetings with Russians, other Europeans, and even Americans, who "enjoyed and applauded it," he said. Serbia and Russia have long shared close cultural and economic ties, including Slavic cultural and Orthodox affinities. The vector of development in Russia-Serbia relations in the new year will certainly be set by the Russian president's visit to Serbia." And though Belgrade has professed many Western-oriented goals, such as membership in the European Union, it has also worked to keep strong ties with Moscow, taking its military hardware, holding joint military exercises, and developing deeper economic ties. For its part, Russia has blocked international recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state, aligning with Serbia, which refuses to recognize Kosovo's secession in 2008 from the former Yugoslavia. It also gifted Serbia six MiG-29 fighter jets recently to bolster Serbias military. The Kremlin remains committed to maintaining its presence in the region, and Putin's visit, his 14th meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in the past six years, "is, obviously, part of that effort," says Jasmin Mujanovic, a U.S.-based Balkan analyst and author of the book Hunger And Fury: The Crisis Of Democracy In The Balkans. WATCH: Serbian Opposition's Weekly Antigovernment Marches Continued On January 13 "For Russia, hot off their major success in Syria, their show of strength in the Azov, they are keen to continue flexing their diplomatic muscle in their now greater near abroad," he told RFE/RL, in a reference to Putin's alliance with embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Russian actions since its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea nearly five years ago. "Serbia and the Republika Srpska entity in Bosnia are central to this approach, at least as far as the Balkans are concerned. And for local strongmen like Vucic and Milorad Dodik, the [Republika Srpska] member of Bosnia-Herzegovina's tripartite presidency, Russia is the central pillar of their strategy to create parallel or even alternative arrangements to the erstwhile hegemony of the EU-U.S. consensus in the region," he added. Russia suffered several setbacks in the Balkans last year and is looking to get back on track in 2019. Macedonia is on the verge of ending a name dispute with Greece, potentially clearing a path to NATO accession, something Moscow strongly opposes. Serbia's importance to Russia has seemingly risen as the Kremlin looks to keep a foothold in a region where it has lost influence with former Yugoslav states like Croatia and Slovenia joining the EU and NATO. In Montenegro, which joined the transatlantic security alliance in 2017 and aspires to EU membership, a trial implicating Moscow in an attempted coup plot continues, even though the Kremlin has denied claims that "Russian state bodies" were involved in the alleged plot. But Moscow might have welcomed some other news from the region, including the election in Bosnia of Dodik, a Serb nationalist who has long courted the Kremlin. Dodik favors an independent Republika Srpska, which many analysts say works to Russias advantage in its efforts to undermine the westward integration of the region. Russia has struck a close relationship with the Bosnian Serb entity through the provision of police training and the exchange of military knowledge. Russia also keeps a presence through its Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center in the southern Serbian city of Nis. Moscow has pushed for the center to receive diplomatic status, a move that has sparked accusations from the West that it is being used for intelligence-gathering by the Kremlin. Serbia, meanwhile, continues to oppose U.S. and EU sanctions on Moscow. In a show of the Kremlin's aim to curry favor with Serbia, Putin last week awarded Vucic with the Order of Aleksandr Nevsky award, which is usually bestowed upon civil servants for at least 20 years of "highly meritorious service" and is rarely given to foreigners. The award, which Vucic is likely to receive during the visit, underlines Putin's popularity among the majority of Serbs. A recent survey by Faktor Plus showed 57 percent named the Russian leader as the most-trusted foreign politician. "Vucic is the first Serb to receive this high award in our time, which in itself speaks volumes," said Aleksandr Chepurin, Russia's ambassador to Serbia. Chepurin predicted the Kosovo situation would be high on the Putin-Vucic meeting agenda, as well as strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in economic and social spheres such as energy, trade, innovation, technological development, and the digital economy. "Protecting the interests of our countries, Russia and Serbia, instead of satisfying the interests of the West -- that's basically the philosophy of both the Russian and the Serbian leadership," he told Tanjug on January 2. He suggested that "the vector of development in Russia-Serbia relations in the new year will certainly be set by the Russian president's visit to Serbia." Singing the praises of that kinship may be easy for some, but not all Serbs see the relationship as harmonious. Serbia's reliance on Russian support on the UN Security Council to hold Kosovo at bay has given Moscow more leverage than some are comfortable with and will continue to do so as long as the issue remains open, said London School of Economics professor James Ker-Lindsay. Meanwhile, Serbia's economic prospects lie more with deeper integration into structures such as the European Union, he argued. "There seems to be a wariness of Russia in many Serbian circles. Many senior officials are aware that it is an unequal relationship and that Moscow's favor cannot be relied on. It will look out for its own interests above those of Serbia," he told RFE/RL. "The degree of pro-Russian sentiment is often overplayed. Polls have regularly shown that while people do believe that Russia is a good friend to Serbia, not least of all over Kosovo, most Serbs do not believe that Russia is a shining example of the future they want. When given the choice, most Serbs still believe that the EU offers a better model for their future than Russia," he added. Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said last month that Serbia's foreign policy priority remains joining the EU and that "we can be even more efficient in the reforms that we conduct, primarily because of our citizens." With the government facing opposition-led protests recently by thousands of voters over what they see as a slide in Serbia's democratic credentials and the use of state media for propaganda, Vucic hopes Putin, who once sang Blueberry Hill at a black-tie charity event, won't change his tune. MOSCOW -- A Moscow court has prolonged the pretrial detention of 24 Ukrainian sailors detained by Russian forces who attacked three Ukrainian Navy vessels in the Black Sea in November. On January 16, the Lefortovo district court ruled that four of the sailors will remain in jail until April 24, pending further investigation and possible trial. The pretrial detention period can be extended again by court order. A day earlier, in a series of rulings, the court granted requests by the Russian Investigative Committee to keep commander Denys Hrytsenko, Security Service (SBU) officer Andriy Drach, and 15 sailors in jail until April 24. The court ruled that three sailors will stay in pretrial custody until April 26. On January 15, as Russian security officers escorted some of the sailors from the courtroom during a break in the proceedings for lunch, some spectators chanted, "Glory to Ukraine!" All 24 say they consider themselves prisoners of war. Russia has held the Ukrainian sailors since its forces fired on, boarded, and then seized their vessels near the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, on November 25. Moscow claims the Ukrainian vessels illegally entered Russian territorial waters near Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula that Russia occupied and took over in 2014. The sailors have been charged with illegal border crossing and face up to six years in prison if convicted. The court rulings came five days after the European Union reiterated its call on Moscow to release the sailors and all other Ukrainians whom Brussels says have been illegally detained in Russia and Crimea. The United States and other Western countries have also called for their release. U.S. national-security adviser John Bolton said in December that there will be no substantial meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Moscow still holds the Ukrainian ships and sailors. Russia moved swiftly to seize control over Crimea after Moscow-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was pushed from power in Kyiv by the pro-European Maidan protest movement in February 2014. Putin's government sent troops without insignia to the peninsula, seized key buildings, took control of the regional legislature, and staged a referendum denounced as illegitimate by at least 100 countries at the UN. Russia also fomented unrest and backed opponents of Kyiv in eastern Ukraine, where more than 10,300 people have been killed in the ensuing conflict since April 2014. The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled in November 2016 that the fighting in eastern Ukraine is "an international armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation." MOSCOW -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States of seeking to dismantle the system of weapons pacts and said that Moscow is willing to continue trying to preserve the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. Holding his annual press conference on January 16, Lavrov lashed out repeatedly at the United States amid severely strained relations between Moscow and Washington. "Unilateral actions by Washington that are aimed at the demolition of very important international legal instruments that provide for strategic stability have not added to optimism," Lavrov said. He claimed that this aim was "confirmed very clearly" at talks in Geneva a day earlier on the INF treaty, asserting that the United States ignored Russian explanations of a missile that Washington says violates the bilateral 1987 pact. Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would withdraw from the treaty limiting medium-range missiles if Russia did not dismantle the weapon that Washington says violates it. A senior U.S. official said after the talks in Geneva that Russia "continues to be in material breach" of the treaty and "must destroy its noncompliant missile system." Lavrov repeated Russia's claim that the 9M729 missile does not violate the pact and said, "We are still ready to work to save the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty." He urged European nations to help influence Washington, saying that they have a serious stake in the issue. The INF bans ground-launched cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. Nearly 2,700 missiles were eliminated by the Soviet Union and the United States -- most of the latter in Europe -- under the treaty. Russia has warned that if the United States abandons the pact and deploys such missiles in Europe, Moscow will respond in kind. Lavrov also repeated suggestions that Moscow would like to preserve the 2010 New START treaty governing U.S. and Russian long-range nuclear arms, which is set to expire in 2021 but can be extended for five years by mutual agreement. On another issue in sharp focus lately, Lavrov repeated that Japan must recognize "the results" of World War II if it wants progress toward a peace treaty and a possible deal that would cede two of four disputed Pacific islands to Tokyo. He claimed that Moscow has issued no ultimatum, but the position amounts to a demand that Tokyo accept Russian sovereignty over the islands, which Russia calls the Southern Kuriles and Japan calls the Northern Territories. "These are not preconditions. It's just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World War II in their entirety'," Lavrov said at the press conference, which came ahead of talks between Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Moscow on January 22. Speaking to journalists later in the day, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said the Putin-Abe talks are expected to be difficult. He repeated the demand that Japan recognize the results of World War II and added that the disputed islands "are our land and nobody intends to give this land away to anyone." No New Policy Statements Lavrov, who has been foreign minister since Putin was elected to a second term in March 2004, holds an annual press conference in January to discuss the previous year's events and set out positions on prominent global, regional, and bilateral issues. But, as in the past, he covered existing ground and made no major new policy statements. The potential for conflict around the world increased in 2018 "primarily due to the stubborn refusal by some countries of the West -- spearheaded by the United States -- to accept the realities of the multipolar world...and due to their ambitions to continue to impose their will," Lavrov asserted, repeating an allegation Putin and others have made in the past. U.S. officials, meanwhile, have accused Russia of conducting "malign activities" around the globe. This year's press conference came amid persistent tension with the West over a welter of matters ranging from Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 to the arrest of Paul Whelan -- a citizen of the United States, Britain, Canada, and Ireland -- on suspicion of espionage in late December. Lavrov repeated Russian assertions that Whelan was caught "red-handed" and was not arrested in order to be used in a potential swap for any Russians held in the West, such as Maria Butina, who has pleaded guilty in a U.S. court to acting as an agent of the Russian government and has agreed to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors. Taking aim at the policies, positions, or alleged actions by the United States and other Western countries on several other issues, Lavrov questioned the legitimacy of the process of changing Macedonia's name to the Republic of North Macedonia, a shift that could end a longstanding dispute with Greece and enable the former Yugoslav republic to join NATO and the European Union -- steps Moscow opposes. Lavrov asserted that there is a "mania" in the West "to push all Balkan states into NATO as quickly as possible" and voiced opposition to the prospect of Bosnia-Herzegovina -- which includes the heavily Serb-populated entity, Republika Srpska -- joining the Western military alliance. He said that Russia is alarmed by what he called talk of a U.S. "military option" for Venezuela, saying that the U.S. approach to the South American country with close Russia ties shows that the United States is seeking to undermine governments around the world that it does not like. The United States, for its part, says that it is Russia that has been meddling in the elections and other internal affairs of countries worldwide. Parts of Syria that are "currently under U.S. control" must come under the control of President Bashar al-Assad's government "after the withdrawal of U.S. troops," Lavrov said, indicating Moscow opposes U.S. calls for the establishment of a Turkish-controlled "security zone." "We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov, whose country has given Assad crucial military and diplomatic support throughout the nearly eight-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions. 'Lowering Of Journalistic Standards' Lavrov also criticized the suggestion that U.S. President Donald Trump could have worked for Moscow's interests rather than the interests of the United States, saying that "accusations that President Trump is a Russian agent" reflected "a lowering of journalistic standards" in the U.S. media. After The New York Times revealed that the FBI opened a counterintelligence probe in 2017 into whether Trump was working for Russian interests following his dismissal of FBI Director James Comey, Trump said on January 14 that he has "never worked for Russia" and called any such suggestions a "big fat hoax." Asked whether Russia would consider releasing the minutes of Trump's one-on-one negotiations with Putin, Lavrov dismissed the idea, saying that it would be undiplomatic and that such requests amount to illegitimate meddling in the U.S. president's constitutional right to conduct foreign policy. Amid uncertainty over Britain's planned exit from the European Union after British Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for Brexit was defeated in Parliament a day earlier, Lavrov said that Russia is not "gloating" or "rubbing its hands" with glee over the issue -- apparently seeking to deny accusations that Russia is happy when there is chaos or disunity in the West. He said that Russia wants the EU to be strong and united. Following three rounds of talks between Putin and Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in December, Lavrov also said suspicions that Moscow is seeking to gain control over Belarus by increasing economic pressure on its smaller neighbor and advocating closer integration under the aegis of a "union state" linking the two countries are misguided. "We are not creating anything," Lavrov said. "We have offered our Belarusian colleagues our pragmatic proposals...and nobody should look for some political or geopolitical plot in that," he said. The increased Russian pressure on Belarus has led to speculation that Putin is considering talking a leading role in a more tightly integrated "union state" as a means of maintaining power after 2024, when he is constitutionally barred from seeking a new term as Russian president. In an unusual development, broadcasts of the nearly 2 1/2-hour press conference -- in the past shown live in full on state TV stations -- were interrupted twice for commercials, in one case cutting Lavrov off midsentence. There are no such breaks in broadcasts of Putin's annual press conference, including the three-hour, 44-minute marathon he held in December. With reporting by Merhat Sharipzhan, Reuters, AP, AFP, TASS, and Interfax Russian President Vladimir Putin alleged that the United States is destabilizing the Balkans by "asserting their dominant role" in the region, according to interviews published in Serbian newspapers. Putin made the comments to Serbia's Vecernje Novosti and Politika newspapers, published on January 15, ahead of his scheduled visit later this week. The comments were also published on the Kremlin's website. Putin's comments underscore Moscow's historically close relations with Serbia, as well as Moscows wariness over Western influence. They also contrast with warnings in Washington and some of its European allies about Russia trying to destabilize the region, including in Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia. In the interviews, Putin recalled NATO's 1999 bombing of Serbia during the Kosovo war, as well as Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008. That declaration was condemned by Serbia and Russia but embraced by Western countries. "As far as the situation in the Balkans is concerned, the policy of the United States and some other Western nations aimed at asserting their dominant role remains a serious destabilizing factor here," Putin was quoted as saying. He also asserted that Montenegro had been dragged into NATO membership. "As a result, the country is now going through a period of political instability," Putin was quoted as saying. Montenegro, along with the United States and other countries, have accused Russia of backing an attempted coup in the country in 2016, as the country moved toward NATO membership. The Montenegrin parliament voted unanimously in April 2017 to join the alliance. "We have also repeatedly said that we viewed the policy of NATO expansion as a remnant of the Cold War and an erroneous and destructive military and political strategy," Putin was quoted as saying. Putin's visit to Serbia is being closely watched in the West for clues as to Moscow's intentions in the former Yugoslavia. Aside from Montenegro, Moscow has allegedly sought to sway public opinion in Macedonia, where the country is on the verge of a historic agreement with Greece that would pave the way for membership in NATO and the European Union. Analysts say the highlight of Putin's one-day visit will be a trip to the biggest Orthodox Christian temple in the Balkans: St. Sava in Belgrade. Putin and his host, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, are scheduled to address thousands outside St. Sava "in a symbol of brotherly ties," organizers of the event said. Putin's visit is set to begin January 17. With reporting by AP A court in Montenegro has sentenced an investigative reporter to 1 1/2 years in prison in a ruling condemned by international media watchdogs as a terrible injustice and a disturbing setback for press freedom in the country. The court in the capital, Podgorica, sentenced Jovo Martinovic on January 15 after convicting him on charges of drug trafficking and criminal association. Martinovic, who has reported widely on crime with both local and foreign outlets, denied the accusations and said he believed they were in retaliation for his reporting. In Paris, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) slammed the verdict as "a disturbing setback for press freedom in a country that says it wants to join the European Union," while the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called Martinovics jailing a terrible injustice that will have chilling effects on press freedom in Montenegro." Martinovic was doing a journalistic investigation on arms trafficking in the Balkans for a French TV production company when he was arrested in October 2015. He was then held in preventive detention for 15 months until granted a conditional release. The journalist has denied the charges against him and said that his contacts with criminal circles were strictly professional in the context of his reporting. "I have been convicted for being a journalist," Martinovic said after the court ruling, adding that he will appeal the verdict. In its statement, RSF condemned this iniquitous verdict, saying Martinovic was convicted despite the overwhelming evidence that his contacts with organized crime were solely the results of his investigative reporting. The group said the extreme harshness of the sentence imposed on Martinovic was yet another sign of the decline in respect for media freedom and the rule of law in a country that says it wants to join the European Union. It also called on international organizations and Western governments not to tolerate this flagrant violation of the freedom to inform. CPJ Europe and Central Asia program coordinator Gulnoza Said called on the Montenegrin authorities not to contest Martinovic's appeal and to right this wrong." OSCE Representative on Media Freedom Harlem Desir expressed concern over the court ruling, writing in a tweet: "Investigating a criminal organization shouldnt lead to accusation of membership! Hope for his acquittal on appeal." Montenegro, which hopes to join the EU by 2025, is under pressure to tackle organized crime and safeguard media freedom. In May, the EU warned the Western Balkan country of 650,000 people that its efforts to join the bloc will suffer a setback unless it does more to protect journalists and media freedom. The warning was issued after investigative journalist Olivera Lakic was shot and wounded in Podgorica by an unidentified assailant. With reporting by AFP and Balkan Insight KYIV -- Konstantin Kilimnik, the alleged Russian intelligence operative who helped run Paul Manafort's operations in Kyiv for roughly a decade, boasted of the duo's closeness to RFE/RL in a 2017 interview. "The only guy who Manafort can conceivably talk to in Ukraine is basically me," he said. Kilimnik added that, while Manafort was working as Donald Trump's campaign chairman in 2016, he was also "briefing [Manafort] on Ukraine." On January 15, Special Counsel Robert Mueller's office suggested in a court filing that the two men spoke a lot, before and long after Manafort was criminally charged, and specifically about an initiative to bring peace to Ukraine that was likely very favorable to the Kremlin. If confirmed, that would indicate that the pair were doing so while Manafort was working for Trump's campaign and Russia was allegedly interfering in the 2016 election to help his candidate win. The heavily redacted court filing shines the brightest light yet on what Manafort was asked to testify about in two grand jury sessions and lays out "documentary evidence" of Manafort's repeated lies to the grand jury and prosecutors even after he pleaded guilty and began cooperating with Mueller's investigation. And it provides more details about Manafort's interactions with Kilimnik, his longtime deputy in Kyiv who has emerged as a central figure in Mueller's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Notably, it indicates that the two communicated about a peace plan for Ukraine during the 2016 presidential campaign and well beyond. 'New Initiative For Peace' According to the court filing, between August 2, 2016 and March 2018, Manafort and Kilimnik communicated about an issue that is redacted in the filing. An exhibit attached to the filing that shows Manafort had worked on a document titled "New initiative for Peace copy" in February 2018 as part of his ongoing interactions with Kilimnik, suggests the two were collaborating on a plan for the future of Ukraine. The revelation comes a week after defense lawyers for Manafort accidentally revealed in a court filing that was improperly redacted that Mueller accused him of discussing a "Ukraine peace plan" with Kilimnik "on more than one occasion" after being shown documents by investigators. In an interview and follow-up conversations with RFE/RL in February 2017, Kilimnik outlined a peace initiative which he called the "Mariupol plan" a reference to the city in southeastern Ukraine that sits near the front line of the simmering war between Russia-backed separatists and Ukrainian forces and on the Sea of Azov. The initiative is seemingly separate from the infamous Ukraine peace plan that involved ex-Trump attorney Michael Cohen and former Ukrainian lawmaker Andriy Artemenko, which reached the desk of former national-security adviser Michael Flynn. Kilimnik's plan -- which he claimed at the time Manafort was not involved with -- recommended bringing disgraced former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych back from exile in Russia to the country that overthrew him in a deadly revolution to be the head of the war-torn eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk. It is unknown whether the "Mariupol plan" and the "New initiative for Peace" are the same. Regardless, if confirmed that Manafort was working on the "Mariupol plan" outlined by Kilimnik or a similar plan during the time frame outlined by Mueller, it would mean that Manafort was involved in a Ukraine peace plan viewed as advantageous for the Kremlin while Russia was reportedly interfering in the 2016 election to help his candidate win. Shadowy Operative In the court filing by Manafort's lawyers last week, Mueller was cited as saying "Manafort 'conceded' that he discussed or may have discussed a Ukraine peace plan with Mr. Kilimnik on more than one occasion," and "acknowledged" that he and "Kilimnik met while they were both in Madrid." The date of the meeting in the Spanish capital was not disclosed, but a Manafort spokesperson told journalists it happened sometime in January or February 2017. Kilimnik is a shadowy political operative and a linguist who studied at a university linked to Russia's military intelligence agency, known as the GRU. It, along with the Federal Security Service (FSB), is alleged to have been involved in the Kremlin's effort to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Unlike Manafort -- who was convicted in August by a federal court in Virginia of bank fraud and tax evasion connected to his work in Ukraine and later pleaded guilty in a separate case to two counts of conspiracy in order to avoid a second trial -- Kilimnik is unlikely to appear in a U.S. courthouse to face charges of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice related to his dealings with Manafort. The Ukrainian-born Kilimnik, 48, is now believed by Mueller's team to be in Russia. He previously told RFE/RL that he split his time between Kyiv and Moscow, where he reportedly owns a home in a gated neighborhood. He did not respond to requests for comment for this story. But during two face-to-face meetings in Kyiv, several phone calls, and many more text messages in 2017 and 2018, Kilimnik insisted to RFE/RL that he did not work for the GRU and said he did not fear Mueller's probe. In a text message sent on June 20, 2017, he wrote: "No one [from Mueller's team or U.S. law enforcement] has contacted me and probably never will." Signing off, he quipped, "Well, off to collect my soviet intelligence veteran pension. ;)))" Also included in the January 15 filing were allegations from Mueller's team that Manafort lied when he said he had not communicated with members of Trump's administration after the president's inauguration. According to the filing, on May 28, 2018, Manafort received a text message from an associate claiming to have an upcoming meeting with Trump who asked, "If I see [the president of the United States] one on one next week am I ok to remind him of our relationship?" Manafort replied: "Yeseven if not one on one." Finally, the filing claims that while Manafort turned over electronic devices and digital media to prosecutors, he "did not provide passwords" to officials on more than 10 occasions. Top Russian officials have dismissed allegations that U.S. President Donald Trump could have worked for Moscow's interests, calling them "absurd" and "stupid." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told a news conference on January 16 that U.S. media reports on the matter reflect a drastic plunge in standards of journalism. The New York Times reported last week that after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in 2017, the FBI opened a counterintelligence investigation into whether Trump was working for Russian interests. That firing resulted in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's appointment to conduct a probe into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and whether associates of Trump colluded with Moscow. The Washington Post reported that Trump has sought to conceal the details of his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Post report said that on one occasion, Trump took the notes made by his interpreter and ordered the interpreter not to discuss what happened with other administration officials. Trump said this week that he never acted in Russia's favor and repeated his claim that the investigation into his ties to Moscow is a hoax. Separately, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, Yury Ushakov, also derided the notion that Trump might have worked for Russian interests. "What kind of nonsense are you asking about?" Ushakov snapped when asked if Trump was a Russian agent. "How can one comment on such a stupid thing? It has reached such a scale that it's awkward to even talk about it." "How can a president of the United States be an agent of another country, just think yourself," Ushakov said at a briefing. Ushakov said that Russia-U.S. relations are currently at a level that "can't be worse." With reporting by AP and AFP U.S. authorities have detained a journalist and television presenter working for Iran's English-language Press TV on unspecified charges, the state-run broadcaster reported on January 16. Press TV said Marziyeh Hashemi was detained on January 13 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport in the state of Missouri. The American-born journalist was later transferred by the FBI to a detention facility in Washington, D.C., although no formal charges have been pressed against her," according to the broadcaster. FBI officials were not immediately available for comment. Press TV said that Hashemi, born Melanie Franklin, was in the United States to visit her ill brother and other relatives. Hashemi is a Muslim convert and has been living in Iran for years, it also said. Her reported arrest comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States was pulling out of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The agreement between Iran and six world powers lifted crippling sanctions in exchange for Tehran curtailing its nuclear activities. Based on reporting by Press TV What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-352-3334 or email legals@waverlynewspapers.com. The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps says Iran will retain its military presence in Syria, defying Israeli threats that Iranian forces will be targeted if they do not leave the war-torn country. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will keep its military advisers, revolutionary forces, and its weapons in Syria," Iranian media quoted Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari as saying on January 16. The comments come days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was "more determined than ever to act against Iran in Syria." Speaking at a cabinet meeting on January 13, Netanyahu also said that Israel had succeeded in curbing Iran's military entrenchment in Syria by attacking Iranian and Hizballah targets there "hundreds of times." Jafari called Netanyahu's threats "a joke" and warned that the Israeli government "was playing with [a] lion's tail." "Be afraid of the day that Iran's precision-guided missiles roar and fall on your head and revenge all the blood you have spilt of innocent Muslims in the region," the Iranian general said. Iran, along with Russia and Lebanons Shiite militant group Hizballah, has given Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government crucial support throughout the war, which began with a government crackdown on protesters in March 2011. The conflict has left more than 400,000 people dead, displaced millions, and devastated many historic sites across the country. With reporting by Reuters and AFP April will mark 10 years since a mysterious explosion at a gas pipeline leading from Turkmenistan to Russia. It was arguably the low point in already uneasy relations between Ashgabat and Moscow. In the years that followed the blast, Turkmen-Russian ties were maintained at a bare minimum. There has been a shift since 2016, possibly driven by the Kremlin's concerns about the security situation in northern Afghanistan and the ability of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to contain any such threat from spreading to countries from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The Turkmen-Russian rapprochement is not necessarily the result of any mutual desire to improve relations; it is being initiated almost entirely by a carrot-and-stick approach emanating from Moscow. Turkmenistan is simply in no position to resist at this point. Ashgabat's official policy of neutrality is no longer a shield. Vulnerable Ashgabat The weak position Turkmenistan finds itself in today is arguably of the government's own making. On December 12, 1995, the UN General Assembly recognized Turkmenistan's status of permanent neutrality, something of an amorphous distinction. In Ashgabat's view, permanent neutrality legitimized policies that sealed off the country from the outside world. Revenues from Turkmenistan's sales of natural gas (the country has the world's fourth-largest gas reserves) enabled the government to isolate the country and still provide for domestic needs. Turkmen foreign policy was dominated by trade, specifically its gas exports. In 2007, with world gas prices on the rise, Russia had promised to pay "European prices" to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan for their gas. In 2008, Turkmenistan sold gas to two countries: Russia, via Soviet-era pipelines; and Iran, via a pipeline completed in 1997. That year, Turkmenistan sold some 40 billion cubic meters (bcm) to Russia -- and there were negotiations to boost that by another 5-8 bcm -- and 5-6 bcm to Iran. Iran paid by barter, but Russia paid in currency. Russia was paying about $140 per 1,000 cubic meters -- up more than fourfold from $32 per 1,000 cubic meters less than a decade earlier -- for Turkmen gas. Additionally, construction was well under way on new gas pipelines leading from Turkmenistan to China and Turkmenistan to Iran, respectively. Gas prices dropped during 2008. The Russian daily Vremya Novostei reported in April 2009 that Gazprom had lost more than $1 billion purchasing Central Asian gas in the first quarter. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed to lower their prices; Turkmenistan did not. And when the explosion hit the gas pipeline on April 9, 2009, Turkmenistan's government complained loudly that it was Russia's fault. The result was a halt in Turkmen gas exports to Russia. When, in 2011, the two sides finally agreed on a resumption of supplies, and the pipeline was repaired, Russia said it would take no more than 11 bcm per year. By 2015, that had dropped to some 4 bcm; and at the end of that year, Gazprom announced it would not purchase any gas from Turkmenistan. Russia has not bought any Turkmen gas since then. Gas exports were really Turkmenistan's main link to Russia. Ashgabat had attempted for years to keep Moscow at arm's length, and that extended to Russian-dominated organizations. Turkmenistan's first president, Saparmurat Niyazov, was not an ardent supporter of the CIS. He was already skipping CIS summits in 1992, just one year after its establishment. In August 2005, Niyazov sent a former bodyguard who'd recently been appointed Turkmenistan's deputy prime minister in charge of CIS affairs, Aganiyaz Akyev, to an informal CIS summit in Kazan, Russia, to announce that Turkmenistan was officially reducing its status in the CIS to "associate member." And part of the Turkmen government's interpretation of permanent neutrality is the avoidance of membership in any military blocs, such as the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) that Central Asian neighbors Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan are all members of and which Uzbekistan has twice been a member of in the past. Economic Freefall At the start of 2017, Turkmenistan suspended supplies of natural gas to Iran, claiming Tehran owed some $1.8 billion for supplies delivered nearly 10 years before. With Russia having canceled its gas deal with Turkmenistan one year earlier, this left Turkmenistan with one gas customer -- China, a country that had loaned Turkmenistan billions of dollars to develop gas fields that would supply China and build the pipelines to carry that gas to China. An unspecified portion of that gas goes toward paying off Turkmen loans from China. At the start of 2016, China was reportedly paying $185 per 1,000 cubic meters, but the China National Petroleum Corp sent a delegation to Turkmenistan in February 2017 to negotiate a lower price. The results of those talks were never made public, but it seems unlikely Turkmenistan could reject the Chinese request for lower gas prices. The result of lower gas prices and fewer customers has been an economic freefall in Turkmenistan. Never since the country became independent in late 1991 has the economic situation in Turkmenistan been as bad as it is right now. People wait in line for flour, bread, and other basic goods, all of which are rationed and often require personal-identification documents to purchase. Turkmenistan has security problems, too. In the late 1990s, when the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan, including areas bordering Central Asia, Turkmenistan was the sole CIS state to engage the Taliban diplomatically. Under President Niyazov, Turkmenistan, referring to its neutral status, managed to establish amiable ties with the Taliban, much to the displeasure of Turkmenistan's Central Asian neighbors and Russia, who all viewed the Taliban as a threat. After 2001, when the U.S.-led coalition began operations in Afghanistan, the northwestern provinces remained relatively calm. Turkmenistan seemingly had little to worry about from its southern neighbor. Current President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has not fared as well. By the start of 2014, the situation in northern Afghanistan changed. Three Turkmen border guards were reportedly killed along the Afghan border in late February 2014 and three Turkmen soldiers in May. Since then, there have been reports of further clashes between Turkmen troops and militants from Afghanistan, but Turkmen authorities have denied, or more usually said nothing, about such incidents, insisting the border with Afghanistan is calm. As recently as November 28, Naqibullah Faiq, the governor of Afghanistan's Faryab Province, one of the four Afghan provinces bordering Turkmenistan, said 80 percent of his province was under Taliban control. And even if the Taliban might not threaten Turkmenistan, there are hundreds, certainly, of foreign militants in northern Afghanistan, stateless people who pay no heed to state borders. The Turkmen government has ordered snap military drills and increased defense spending since 2014 without explaining the sudden need for either. Advantage Russia Other interested parties see the situation along the Turkmen-Afghan border differently. Russian officials have expressed concerns about developments there. On January 3, 2016, Aleksandr Sternik, the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Third CIS Department, said Moscow was prepared to help Turkmenistan strengthen its border with Afghanistan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov repeated the offer during a visit to Turkmenistan at the end of that month. Just a few months previously, in October 2015, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev expressed concern about the Turkmen-Afghan border at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkmenistan's Foreign Ministry repeatedly claimed there was no problem along its border with Afghanistan, even with Afghan media showing footage of fighting in areas along the Turkmen border. The Kremlin didn't seem to believe Turkmen authorities' tales of tranquility along the Afghan frontier, which Russian officials with increasing frequency referred to as the "CIS border" with Afghanistan. On June 9, 2016, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made an unannounced visit to Turkmenistan. Turkmen media was general in its reporting of Shoigu's visit, but Russian media was more to the point: Shoigu was in Ashgabat to "offer" Russia's help in strengthening Turkmenistan's military capabilities, including weapons sales and training. On November 14, 2018, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported on a CIS border-guard meeting in Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan, where officials discussed a "significant deterioration in the situation on the border of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan." Two days later, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying the RIA Novosti report "did not correspond to reality" and calling the report "unfriendly." 'Real Danger' On November 22, the acting general secretary of the CSTO, Valery Semerikov, said in a statement posted on the CSTO website that there was a "real danger" from IS groups forming in Afghanistan along the borders with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. And on December 25, the acting head of Russia's Central Military District, Yevgeny Ustinov, said Russia's military had renewed joint training with military forces from Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Ustinov did not elaborate on this new cooperation with Turkmenistan's armed forces, but it seems evident Russia has forced its military assistance on Turkmenistan whether Ashgabat wants it or not. Another example of Russian pressure on Turkmenistan happened on December 7. Lavrov raised the issue of people in Turkmenistan who had dual Turkmen-Russian citizenship, saying Russia was waiting for information about them. In 2003, Turkmenistan unilaterally withdrew from a 1993 dual-citizenship agreement it had made with Russia. It took this action following a purported assassination attempt on President Niyazov in November 2002. Several of the suspects subsequently arrested had dual citizenship and had reportedly been traveling between Russia and Turkmenistan prior to the purported attack. Those who had dual citizenship prior to 2003 maintained that status. "We expect concrete information about this soon," Lavrov said on December 7, adding a mention of Boris Shikhmuradov, Turkmenistan's former foreign minister who was imprisoned after being found guilty of planning the alleged 2002 assassination attempt. International rights groups have been calling on Turkmenistan for years to release information about Shikhmuradov and show him publicly to prove he is still alive. Lavrov's mention of Shikhmuradov therefore raised a sensitive issue for Turkmen authorities. There has been no public Russian follow-up of Lavrov's December remarks, leading one to wonder if this was a Kremlin reminder of another lever it had at its disposal. Russia seems to have drawn Turkmenistan closer to the CIS, too. Berdymukhammedov has been no more enthusiastic publicly about the CIS than his predecessor, Niyazov; but as an agreement on the legal status of the Caspian Sea drew closer, something vitally connected to Turkmenistan's gas export future, Berdymukhammedov started showing up at CIS summits. Berdymukhammedov made a memorable appearance at a summit in Sochi in October 2017, when Vladimir Putin received a puppy that the Turkmen leader was literally dangling in front of the Russian president as a gift. At a September 2018 CIS summit in Dushanbe that Berdymukhammedov did not attend (the Caspian Convention was signed in August 2018), Turkmenistan was given the rotating CIS chairmanship for 2019. Turkmenistan is now preparing to host the 2019 meetings of CIS prime ministers, CIS foreign ministers, and the CIS summit in October. Russia is also using its economic leverage. Gazprom head Aleksei Miller visited Turkmenistan on October 9 and November 28 to discuss a possible resumption of purchases of Turkmen gas. Sticking Points? Turkmen gas exports have always been the ultimate tie that binds the two countries, but the situation now is very different than it was more than 10 years ago when Russia was buying 30-40 bcm of gas from Ashgabat. Russia has developed several large fields since then and added thousands of kilometers of gas pipelines. Russia and Gazprom did need Turkmen gas in the first decade of this century, but that is arguably no longer true. So why buy any? To prop up Turkmenistan's cash-strapped government? To dissuade Turkmenistan from moving forward with the Trans-Caspian Pipeline project to ship gas to Europe where Russia already sells its gas and wants to sell more? Whether the answer is either, both, or something else, Turkmenistan desperately needs to sell more of its gas -- and the sooner, the better. What Gazprom has to offer Turkmenistan is immediate exports. The pipeline is there; only an agreement is lacking. Turkmen officials were optimistic a deal would be reached by the end of 2018; but halfway into January there is still no word, so sticking points could still remain. If or when the two parties reach a deal, volumes are unlikely to exceed 4-5 bcm and the price is unlikely to be as much as Turkmenistan might wish. But then, Turkmen authorities and President Berdymukhammedov probably wish many things were different about the reality they now face. Turkmenistan has few if any real friends, an abundance of problems, and has left itself open to the intervention of a big power. Ashgabat might not be able to say "no" to Russia at this point. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL. BRUSSELS -- European Union ambassadors agreed on January 16 to impose sanctions on four Russian military intelligence officers who the EU says are responsible for carrying out chemical attacks, including the poisoning of ex-spy Sergei Skripal in Britain in 2018. EU diplomats told RFE/RL that two of the Russians who will have any assets in the EU frozen and be subject to a visa ban are the pair British authorities have blamed for the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, who were hospitalized in critical condition after being exposed to a nerve agent known as Novichok in the English city of Salisbury in March. Those two were carrying passports with the names Aleksandr Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov, but open-source investigative organization Bellingcat has identified them as Aleksandr Mishkin and Anatoly Chepiga and provided evidence they both worked for the Russian military intelligence agency, known as GRU. In June 2018, two other British citizens were apparently accidentally exposed to the nerve agent that the two Russians allegedly brought into Britain. One of them, Dawn Sturgess, died in July without regaining consciousness. The sanctions are expected to be approved by EU foreign ministers when they meet in Brussels for the EU foreign affairs council on January 21. The listing, which also includes 5 Syrian citizens, are part of a new sanctions regime approved by the EU in October 2018. It allows the bloc to impose asset freezes and visa bans on people and entities for the development and use of chemical weapons regardless of their nationality and location. With reporting by RFE/RL correspondent Rikard Jozwiak The United States has urged Moldovan officials to ensure a free and fair election process for the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. The U.S. State Department said in a statement on January 16 that authorities in Moldova should "take all necessary measures" in the run-up to the February 24 elections and guarantee transparent results that reflect "the will of Moldovan voters." "Local and national authorities should ensure that candidates are able to register to participate in the elections and carry out their campaigns without fear of harassment or physical harm," it added. It also encouraged Moldova to implement recommendations for improved elections that were made by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) but not yet instituted. The ODIHR said on January 16 that its observers had begun to monitor the election process in Moldova. Matyas Eorsi, the ODIHR Moldova mission head, said at a press conference in the capital, Chisinau, that his main concern was "not the result but a proper election process" that complies with democratic standards. The State Department also urged the media to provide equal access "to all candidates" and for outlets to be "fair, balanced, and impartial." The 101 parliament seats will be filled in a mixed election system in which 50 will be won by lawmakers on party lists and the other 51 will go to the victors in individual constituencies. There are currently six parties represented in Moldova's parliament, with the largest number of seats held by the opposition Socialist Party. With reporting by Interfax Czechs have been marking 50 years since student Jan Palach set himself on fire in downtown Prague in an act of revolt in the aftermath of the 1968 Soviet-led invasion. Palach, who was 20, went to Wenceslas Square on January 16, 1969, poured gasoline over his head, and set himself on fire. He died three days later of his burns. The student of economics and philosophy left a letter behind calling for the end of censorship and Soviet propaganda, and for a general strike. Dozens of public events were held across the Czech Republic on January 16, including a concert alongside an exhibition in Wenceslas Square and the unveiling of a memorial plaque at Charles University, where Palach studied. Marches with lights were held in the evening. Palach called himself "Torch No. 1" in his letter, giving the impression that he was a part of a larger group which in fact did not exist. "People must fight against the evil they feel equal to measure up to at that moment," Palach said before he died in hospital on January 19. On the 20th anniversary of Palach's death in January 1989, thousands protested in the biggest antigovernment demonstrations in two decades. They were violently dispersed by police, but months later, communism was toppled in the Velvet Revolution. Other dissidents in the Eastern Bloc, before and after Palach, took the same desperate action to protest the Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia. With reporting by Reuters Family members of a petitioner who died in the custody of "interceptors" after traveling to the Chinese capital to pursue a complaint against the government have questioned official claims that he had a heart attack. Liu Zhen died last week after being held for more than two months a police-run detention center in Liaoning's provincial capital Shenyang in northeastern China, his home city. He had been detained after setting out to lodge a petition at the U.S. embassy in Beijing last October, around with a dozen other people. He was detained and taken back to Shenyang by "interceptors," before being held under criminal detention in the city's Hunnan district before his formal arrest in December. His family was informed on Jan. 13 of his death from a "heart attack," but relatives who identified his body said there were visible marks of injury to his chest area that led them to distrust the officially registered cause of death. "Liaoning rights activist Zhu Zhongxiao told RFA that Liu's grown son is now incommunicado after being called in by police for "a chat." "His son had been planning to meet with some rights defenders in Shenyang [on Tuesday]," Zhu said. "But he was taken away by police, and we don't know if he even went willingly; it's likely that he now has restrictions on his freedom." He said Liu's son had been detained after he posted on the Sina Weibo social media platform about his father's death. "His son posted to Weibo that there were greenish-purple marks on his father's chest, which the authorities said were caused by their attempts to resuscitate him," Zhu said. "If that's so, then why wouldn't they allow the family to take photos?" He said the family had submitted a request for an autopsy to the local prosecutor's office on Monday, but that they have no idea where Liu's body is being held. "Where has the body gone?" Zhu said. "That is one question mark." A long and slow process Li Ning, whose mother Li Shulian's death in custody in 2009 led to the charging of six officials with "illegal detention" last month, said the remains of a loved one are the only evidence remaining for families who suspect foul play after a death in custody. "The family has the right to apply for an autopsy, and if they are suspicious about the official autopsy, they can apply for an autopsy carried out by a third party," Li said. "They can't stop you taking photos of the body, and the family also has the right hold the detention center to account and to hire a lawyer to represent them." "They can also demand access to relevant video and audio recordings," she said. But she said any attempt to see justice done isn't for the faint-hearted. "This is a long and slow process, and a very, very tough one," Li said. "There are some similarities between [Liu's death] and my mother's case, and it took me 10 years to get to this point because the family didn't have possession of the body." "It is very, very hard to take this through official channels," she said. Last month, authorities in the central province of Henan executed a petitioner for killing a police officer who was forcibly escorting him home from a petitioning trip in the Chinese capital. Veteran activist Xu Youchen, 58, was executed on Nov. 15 after the China Supreme Peoples Court approved his death sentence the month before, according to London-based rights group Amnesty International, which had campaigned for a reprieve. But rights groups have also cited procedural irregularities with the handling of the policeman's death. Authorities cremated the body of the policeman allegedly killed by the couple just four days after he died, making it impossible to re-examine the exact time and cause of death, Amnesty International reported. China's army of petitioners, who flood the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official complaints departments with more than 20,000 complaints daily across the country, frequently report being held in "black jails," beaten, or otherwise harassed, if they persist in a complaint beyond its initial rejection at the local level. They are often escorted home forcibly by "interceptors" sent by their local governments to prevent negative reports from reaching the ears of higher authorities. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Cambodias Ministry of the Interior on Wednesday arrested a member of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party after he posted a Facebook message saying the European Union plans to impose a tariff on Cambodian rice, sources in the country said. Kong Mas, a political activist from Svay Rieng province, was taken into custody at a coffee shop in the capital Phnom Penh by around 10 officers accompanied by a government prosecutor, fellow CNRP member Em Sokvan told RFAs Khmer Service. The police said they were arresting him because of his Facebook post. They said they wanted to question him, Em Sokvan, who had been drinking coffee with Kong Mas when he was detained, told RFA. Police offered no further details on the reasons for the arrest, Em Sokvan said, adding that Kong Mas is now being held at National Police Commission headquarters in Phnom Penh. Reached for comment, national police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun denied knowledge of the arrest. But speaking to RFA, Kong Mass lawyer Sam Sokong said his client will be held for questioning for 24 hours before attorneys or family members will be allowed to meet with him. Police told me that he has been accused of incitement, but I dont know what that means, he said. In a Facebook posting on Wednesday, Kong Mas said that EU officials plan to impose a tariff on Cambodian rice of $200 per ton. The EU move, which includes Myanmar and targets a surge in imports of rice from both countries, sets a three-year period in which tariffs, set in the first year at 175 euros (U.S. $200) per ton, will decline in the second year to 150 euros and in the third year to 125 euros, media sources say. The policy goes into effect this week. Politically sensitive Threatened EU trade sanctions are a politically sensitive topic in Cambodia, which banned the CNRP and jailed its leader in 2017, paving the way for Prime Minister Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to win all 125 seats on offer in parliamentary elections in July 2018. According to the European Commission, the EU ranked in 2017 as Cambodias second-largest trade partner, importing goods worth 5 billion euros (U.S. $5.8 billion) from the country. Key EU imports from Cambodia include textiles, footwear, and agricultural products. Speaking to RFA on Jan. 16, CNRP activist Sun Makara described the arrest of Kong Mas as politically motivated, calling the opposition activist a brave man unafraid of intimidation by authorities. The authorities used to call Kong Mas to offer him a position [in Hun Sens government], but he always refused, he said, adding, He has really done nothing wrong. Also speaking to RFA, Soeng San Karunaspokesman for the Cambodia-based rights group Adhocsaid that if authorities have arrested Kong Mas simply for posting on Facebook, they will have violated the countrys constitution. If they take actions like these against dissidents, they have violated human rights, he said. Petition to work Also on Wednesday, former National Election Commission member and advisor to the Cambodian Independent Teachers Association Rong Chhun filed a complaint with the Phnom Penh Municipal Court, asking that the court reverse a move by the Ministry of Education to refuse permission to 10 CNRP-affiliated teachers to work. Elected to commune council positions before their party was dissolved by Supreme Court order in 2017, the 10 had petitioned to be allowed to resume teaching, but were turned down. We want the court to annul the Ministry of Educations decision, Rong Chhun said. Meanwhile, Cambodian king Norodom Sihamoni on Tuesday issued statements rehabilitating two former opposition politicians, Kong Koam and his son Kong Bora, allowing them to return to political life in Cambodia. The two were among 118 officials slapped with a five-year suspension of political rights as part of a decision by the Supreme Court in November 2017 to dissolve the CNRP for its role in an alleged plot to topple the government. Prime Minister Hun Sens CPP then ran effectively uncontested in July 29, 2018 general elections, drawing condemnation from Western nations who called the ballot unfree and unfair amid a wide crackdown on the political opposition and other rollbacks on democracy. Speaking to RFA, political analyst Kim Sok called the politicians reinstatement a defeat for plans by Hun Sen to weaken the CNRP, now organized and active in exile, by allowing opposition officials to return to politics only if they each make individual requests for a pardon. Hun Sen has failed in his plans, because only two people have now asked to go back into politics, Kim Sok said. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Richard Finney. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email please call (208) 542-6777 for help. We get it. You don't want to see the ads. We'd just ask you to understand that those ads help us pay the bills and our reporters. Please, consider white-listing the Standard Journal in your ad-blocker or, even better, purchase a subscription so that you can help support quality local journalism. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-283-2144 or email circ@oelweindailyregister.com. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh and Vivien Life, Director for Asia and Australia Negotiations at the UK Department for International Trade, co-chaired the event. The two sides got updated on the UKs negotiations on Brexit and compared notes on orientations to maintain and promote trade and investment ties in the coming time. Last year, the two countries celebrated the 45th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Two-way trade reached a record high in 2017 at US$ 6.2 billion, and reached US$ 3.12 billion in the first half of the year, or a year-on-year rise of 14.2 percent. As of August 20 last year, the UK had 341 valid investment projects in Vietnam, totaling US$ 3.57 billion. At present, many big names in the UK are running successful business in the Southeast Asia country such as Jardine Matheson, Dragon Capital, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC Vietnam, Prudential, and Rolls-Royce. WASHINGTON Sen. Richard Blumenthal and President Donald Trumps nominee for attorney general, William Barr, got into a series of testy exchanges Tuesday over the scope of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of alleged Trump 2016 campaign contacts with Russia, and whether Muellers final full report would be publicly available. The questions and answers over 10 minutes covered some hair-splitting legal questions, hardly surprising for a former Connecticut state attorney general probing a former U.S. attorney general. Barr served as attorney general in the early 1990s under President George H.W. Bush. Barr told the committee that at age 68, he has little to fear in acting independently of Trump and the White House. Trump fired the previous occupant of the office, Jeff Sessions, principally because Sessions recused himself from oversight of Muellers probe. Barr stated that Mueller should be allowed to conclude his investigation. He told Blumenthal and other senators on the GOP-dominated panel that he considered Mueller a friend, harkening back to their days together in the Justice Department under the first President Bush. Mueller is a straight shooter and should be treated as such, Barr said. But he said he would not recuse himself from overseeing Mueller until he is confirmed and sworn in and has a chance to discuss it with other Justice Department officials. Roe v. Wade reference Barr also answered questions about memos he authored, including one in which he appeared to question Muellers pursuit of an obstruction-of-justice case against Trump. Barr played down the memo as a more abstract exercise in legal interpretation, and that it would be an abuse of power for Trump to intervene in an investigation he has a stake in. Although Barrs willingness to buck Trump was the main topic during the first day of a two-day confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Q&A also ranged into other areas including prison-sentencing reform, immigration, marijuana law enforcement and the future of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling that undergirds legal abortion. Do you still believe it? I said in 1991 that as an original matter, it had been wrongly decided, Barr said. Its been 46 years (since the court decision). The department under Republican administrations has stopped asking as a routine matter that it be overruled. I dont see that being resumed. After the hearing, Blumenthal called Barr very polished and well-prepared. But he said he had not made up his mind whether to vote for his confirmation. While Barr has drawn fire from Democrats over his expansive views of presidential power, others have argued that Barr may be the best nominee anyone could expect from a president as legally besieged as Trump. I have a responsibility to evaluate nominees in terms of their ability to do the job, not the much lower bar of whether it is the best we can expect from this administration, Blumenthal said. A totally unqualified nominee would not receive my vote simply because he or she is best we can expect, he added. But William Barr has strengths that warrant serious consideration, and thats what Im giving it. Barr is Manhattan native, but he has family connections to Colebrook, Conn. His parents had a home there. His father, Donald Barr, was a deeply conservative headmaster of the Dalton School in New York and the Hackley School in Tarrytown, N.Y. in the 1960s and 1970s. Red line Blumenthal crossed swords early in his questioning when he labeled as stomach churning news reports of the FBI investigating Trump as a possible asset of Russia after Trump fired FBI Director James Comey in May 2017. What is stomach churning about that? Barr said after determining to which reports Blumenthal was referring. Blumenthal, facing a time limit, moved on to questions about whether Barr would black out portions of Muellers final report and, if so, would he explain the editing to Congress. I dont know what kind of report being prepared, I have no idea, Barr replied. If Im confirmed, Im going to go in and see whats being contemplated, what (Mueller and his Justice Department supervisor, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein) agreed to and what game plan they have in mind. My purpose is to get as much information out as I can, consistent with the regulations. Blumenthal attempted to nail Barr down on whether Muellers probe could be hampered by a red line laid down by Trump such as putting the real-estate moguls personal finances off limits. The scope of the investigation is determined by (Muellers) charter from the acting attorney general, Barr said. If he wants to go beyond that charter, I suppose he would come back and talk to whoever the attorney general is. Blumenthal also asked whether Barr would impose restrictions on other federal prosecutors, such as the U.S. attorney in Manhattan overseeing the case against former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, who brokered deals on Trumps behalf to secure the silence of women with whom hed have affairs. I would not stand by and allow a U.S. attorney to be fired for the purpose of stopping an investigation, Barr said. But the president can fire a U.S. attorney. Its a presidential appointment. In a second round of questioning by Blumenthal, Barr agreed that a president pardoning someone such as Paul Manafort as a quid pro quo would be an abuse of power. Blumenthal described Barrs statement as welcome. Manafort, Trumps one-time campaign manager, pleaded guilty to charges of tax fraud and money laundering in connection with his representation of a pro-Russia party in Ukraine. The New Britain native is now in a legal tussle with Mueller over his agreement to cooperate with the special counsel in pleading guilty. dan@hearstdc.com What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-334-2557 or email legals@bulletinjournal.com. TORRINGTON The latest available statistics show that 2017 was the worst year ever for drug overdose deaths in the state of Connecticut as well as the entire country. Community Health and Wellness Center of Greater Torrington is proactively addressing the opioid epidemic, which is considered the worst public health crisis in American history. CHWC initiated Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services in 2017. The program offers a holistic, whole patient approach to the treatment of substance abuse disorders, by incorporating the use of FDA-approved medications in combination with counseling, behavioral therapies, and primary healthcare. We made the decision to offer MAT services to assist with access to treatment in an area where the opioid addiction and deaths related to overdoses has reached epidemic levels, said Joanne Borduas, chief executive officer of CHWC. We went into the program with a strong foundation and knowledge base, and started building it by hiring Katrin Kat Moskowitz, an APRN who had her DATA 2000 Waiver in place, which is a MAT requirement. By October we had put together a comprehensive program with evidenced-based protocols for patients who desired treatment from substance abuse. The program now has more than 100 patients enrolled, and CHWC has added two more providers who are waivered to provide MAT. Our MAT program offers prescription medications, which can help individuals stay clean and sober, as well as counseling and other support for successfully navigating the path to recovery, says Moskowitz, who is the assistant clinical director of medical services at CHWC and member of the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force. We address not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the emotional triggers that underlie drug dependency. On January 10th, 2019, Moskowitz presented The Opiate Epidemic and our Community, Jan. 10 at the Torrington Library. During her discussion, she provided an overview of how the opiate epidemic has taken a grip within Litchfield County, shared recent statistics, and explain how Medication Assisted Treatment options can help. The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer discussion. Moskowitz explained that she first discovered how widespread opioid dependency is in our community when she worked in the emergency room at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. We saw a lot of overdose cases come through the door, she said. It was a real eye opener, and thats when I decided to dedicate myself to helping individuals who are struggling with addiction. There are a lot of false ideas and stereotypes about drug addicts, said Moskowitz. Contrary to popular belief, most addicts are not young criminals and derelicts. Most of our patients became addicted to the opioid medications they were prescribed for treating pain issues resulting from unfortunate events, such as accidents and surgeries. The majority are male, and range in age from 19 to over 60. Our largest MAT patient segment is between the age of 30 to 39, the second largest demographic 40 to 49, and the third 50 to 59. Opioids affect receptors in the brain, relieving pain and also creating a feeling of happiness and wellbeing. They are highly addictive, and an individual can become physically dependent on them in less than a week. Because of the way opioids affect the brain, it takes an increasingly higher dosage for an individual to experience the same high they did when they first started taking the drug. This is known as chasing the dragon, says Moskowitz. Eventually a prescription may not be renewed or becomes too expensive to afford, and so the individual turns to heroin, which is less expensive. Moskowitz explains that most drug overdoses are not necessarily caused by heroin alone, but by the synthetic opioid Fentanyl, which is stronger, stays in the body longer, and is responsible for an alarmingly high number of overdoses. It is not uncommon for drug dealers to mix Fentanyl in with heroin. An addict may not be aware of this, and consequently overdoses. But heroin and Fentanyl are not singularly responsible for deaths. When I was at the last National Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, we learned that more than 22,000 Americans died from an overdose of prescription opioids last year, Moskowitz said. The pubic and the medical community need to be educated on the dangers of opioids and consider safer alternatives for treating pain issues. CHWCs MAT Program primarily administers the drug Buprenorphine, branded under the names Subutex, Suboxone, and Sublocade. Compared with methadone, it produces less risk of overdose and withdrawal effects as well as a lower level of dependence. Suboxone reduces cravings by affecting the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, but without the high, so it helps an individual stay clean and sober and live their life without being impaired or experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Eight-five percent of our MAT patients are middle class working people who did not know they would become addicted to their Rx pain medications, said Moskowitz. They are everyday people who could be your neighbor, the bus driver, the firefighter, the waitress. They want the same thing most of us do to live a good life, supporting ourselves and our families and being a responsible member of the community. Our MAT program helps patients live a happier, more fulfilling life free of addiction and full of possibilities. Moskowitz ended her presentation by stating that the community needs to become more educated about opioid addiction, and be supportive of programs such as MAT that are combatting the epidemic. Its here. Its present. Its happening, she said. We cannot afford to believe Its Not in My Back Yard. Because it is. To learn more about the Community Health & Wellness Center and the programs it offers, including the MAT program, visit http://www.chwctorr.org/ or call 860-489-0931 or 860-238-4211. TORRINGTON Theres no telling how many Connecticut residents have traveled to Massachusetts to buy retail marijuana from the first facility to open in the Berkshires. But the outlet, in Great Barrington, Mass. is a concern for Torrington Police Chief William Baldwin, a former state trooper for Troop B in Canaan. The dispensary is just 35 miles from the city, and he said hes worried about area residents who head over the border to buy pot. They could smoke it where its legal and be under the influence when they come back (to Connecticut, he said. It could cause accidents. It will come through our state and through our communities, Baldwin said. He noted that the Police Department has an officer specifically trained to test drivers who are under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. Officer Matthew Fifer was trained to detect drug use in drivers through a program sponsored by the National Highway Safety Administration. With the legalization of marijuana, its a major concern, Fifer said. There are some tests that are done roadside that give the indication of being under the influence of marijuana, Fifer said. Its based on eyes and physiology. Fifer received sealed evaluation training in April at the Maricopa County Jail in Phoenix. The site is chosen, Fifer said, because its the only jail in the entire county, and very busy. The evaluation allowed him to test inmates who volunteered for the program. Lots of (prisoners) are in and out of there, and under the influence. You can test their impairment, Fifer said. Winchester Police Sgt. Kevin Kinahan said no special patrols have been planned in this first week of the retail store opening in Great Barrington but If they decide to transport marijuana (into the state) and they get caught, we will cite them. More for you News Legal recreational weed moving closer to CT However, Kinahan noted, We cant do a road block or checkpoints, for cars coming into the state. That would create a legal problem if we stopped cars heading from Massachusetts to Connecticut, he said. We cant legally track people, Kinahan said. We will be diligent in enforcing marijuana laws. The Connecticut State Police also said troopers would enforce the laws the same way we always have. Department spokesman Trooper Josue J. Dorelus said in a statement that officers have to be aware of the changes in laws taking place in surrounding states so that we may better anticipate how these changes may affect our own state. The first license issued for a medical marijuana facility in Torrington is an additional concern for Baldwin. C-3 Ventures, LLC, owned by Thomas Macre of Orange, leased the building at 3568 Winsted Road, where he plans to open the citys first dispensary to serve those with a registration certificate to buy marijuana. The empty concrete brick building in the Still River Plaza is just down the road from Burr Pond State Park and across the street from Marino's Restaurant on Pinewoods Road. By law, Macre must open the facility by within 180 days of receiving the certificate. The timeline for the opening would be mid-summer at the latest. The building is empty and doesnt have any signs yet to distinguish it as a future medical marijuana dispensary. The writing is on the wall, Baldwin said. He believes retail marijuana will be approved fairly soon. Police chiefs and the law enforcement community are concerned, he said. It sends the wrong message. We combat alcohol, what kind of message does this send our youth? He said hes afraid that if pot is legalized, it will be used in public and not in private. If adults want to smoke it in the privacy of their homes, Baldwin said he doesnt have a problem with it. There is a warning, however, connected with his statement: Just dont drive. The state Medical Examining Board fined a Greenwich doctor $3,000 Tuesday for failing to justify prescribing high doses of opioids for patients in 2015 and 2016. The board also reprimanded the license of Dr. Francis X. Walsh, placed his license on probation for six months and ordered him to take courses in medical documentation and controlled substance prescribing, a consent order he agreed to said. In prescribing the drugs in his office practice, Walsh failed to properly document that he had examined the patients and failed to justify potentially dangerous dosing and combinations of medications, the order said. During the probation, Walsh must hire a doctor to review his office practice. Walsh has surrendered his state registration to prescribe controlled substances in that practice, state records show. He can still prescribe drugs at the Nathaniel Witherell nursing home in Greenwich, where he is the medical director, records show. In signing the consent order, Walsh chose not to contest the allegations against him. Board members Jean Rexford and Michele Jacklin voted against the consent order, saying the fine was not high enough given the serious nature of the allegations. At what point do we take a bigger action against the over-prescribing of opioids, Rexford said. This is unacceptable. David Tilles, a staff attorney for the state Department of Public Health, responded that the department believes the penalty is sufficient because Walsh has made substantial improvements in his prescribing practices and because he is only prescribing controlled substances now at the nursing home, where there is oversight. Dr. Andrew Yuan, a board member, agreed with Tilles. I think the public is protected, he said. The board also ordered David Landi of Bristol to cease the practice of medicine without a license after DPH alleged that in April 2016, he administered a penile injection to a patient to treat erectile dysfunction, records show. Landi administered the drug at a mens health clinic in Cromwell, records show. Landi was the owner and operator of the clinic, which has since closed, Tilles said. Landi showed a physician who was affiliated with the clinic how to inject the medication, but the doctor cut all ties with the clinic after one day or so, Tilles told the board. Landi agreed in a consent order with the board to stop practicing medicine without a license. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to health reporting. (c-hit.org) TORRINGTON Jury selection has been scheduled on Feb. 13 for a Salisbury woman charged with two felonies in a fatal crash in Kent in May. Shelby Roger, 26, appeared before Judge John A. Danaher III Tuesday at Superior Court in Torrington. Her attorney entered a not guilty plea. A passenger in Rogers car, 22-year-old Deanna Lynn Silvernail, of Lakeville, was ejected from the vehicle and died. The felony counts against Roger are second-degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle and second-degree assault with a motor vehicle. The proceedings were delayed about 15 minutes while States Attorney David Shepack was said to be meeting with the victims of the accident. One of the victims, Brian Hastings of Kent, was seriously injured when Rogers car struck his vehicle on Skiff Mountain Road. He was under medical care for nearly two months at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. Roger is also charged with driving under the influence and three other counts in the two-car collision after her vehicle hit Hastings car on Skiff Mountain Road. Her blood alcohol level, according to state police, was .15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit. The judge asked her attorney, David Moraghan, and Shepack if they agreed to a motion filed on Jan. 4 requesting property belonging to Roger to be returned. Its secondary evidence. The property should be returned, Morgahan responded. Shepack agreed. More for you News Court case in fatal Kent crash continued The property, which has been kept at State Troop L Barracks in Litchfield since the crash, is equestrian equipment, Morgahan said. BANTAM Two people driving an ice boat on Bantam Lake fell through the frozen surface this afternoon and had to be rescued by firefighters, officials said. The Bantam Fire Department was alerted around noon and quickly made its way to the lake, Chief Ryan Litwin said. The lakes Bantam side borders Route 209 and North Shore Road. Firefighters and rescue teams from Morris, Litchfield and Bethlehem as well as the Goshen Volunteer Fire Departments dive team also responded, Litwin said. There was an ice boat that fell through with two people on board, Litwin said. One of them was out of the water, but the other person was in the water. Using an air boat (a flat-bottomed boat that can be used on ice) from the Morris department, firefighters were able help the second person out of the water and to shore, Litwin said. Litchfield Volunteer Ambulance also responded to check on the two people, and everyone seems to be OK, Litwin said. At 3 p.m. he and other members of the department were returning to the Doyle Road firehouse. Both were being checked by the ambulance team, he said of the boaters. Im not sure what the status was, but we got them out. Litwin was joined by Morris Fire Chief Robert Ebner at the scene. Everyone responded very quickly, Litwin said. The names of the two victims have not yet been released. By January, Bantam Lake is often frozen solid and the ice can be more than a foot thick, Litwin said. This year, the lake has taken longer to freeze because of warmer weather. The recent colder temperatures have frozen the lake, but its not as solid as it appears. A few inches of ice is often not enough to hold an ice boat. People are anxious to get out there, he said. People have to be careful. Litwin said the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was also at the lake, doing its own investigation. The DEEP has a web page dedicated to ice safety; and cautions residents to practice a number of safety tips when ice fishing or boating. Any ice under 4 inches is unsafe, according to the DEEP. The state Board of Examiners for Nursing suspended the licenses of two registered nurses Wednesday, saying their abuse of alcohol poses a danger to the public. The first nurse, Laura Kisatsky of Cornwall, abused alcohol in December, in violation of a consent order she agreed to in 2014. In July, state Department of Public Health officials had told the board that Kisatskys use of morphine endangered the public. Those charges are pending. TORRINGTON - Three years ago, Shawna Hudak was missing her fun times as a Nutmeg Ballet student. So when she visited the Nutmeg Conservatory where her daughter studied, she had a great suggestion for her former teacher, Susan Szabo: Lets do it again. And that was the birth - rather, the rebirth - of Adult Ballet at the Nutmeg, an arts extension program geared to older men and women who want to enjoy the benefits of classical ballet training - regardless of whether they have ever taken a dance lesson in their lives. I thought that it would be great for all of us to be able to dance again, Hudak said. Just a fun way to get back into shape, because once you start ballet, it kind of stays with you. Adult ballet classes were introduced in 1974 by Nutmeg founder Sharon Dante. Szabo said, My first class that Sharon ever gave me was the adult ballet class back in 1977. I eventually took that class over and really enjoyed it, enjoyed teaching the adults. But the classes were discontinued for a few years, until Hudak showed up. She had been a Nutmeg student in the 1980s. I was in The Nutcracker every year, she said. I was everything from an angel on up to Young Clara. It was kind of a big deal in the 80s. Her daughter performed in The Nutcracker this past season. And now, while her daughter studies at Nutmeg during the day, Hudak spends Monday nights back at the barre with other former Nutmeg students and first-time dancers. I think its a relaxing way to get your body back in shape, she said. You dont necessarily need to know ballet. Its just a wonderful experience, a wonderful way to have a little time for yourself. Hope Bourque, a Nutmeg student from 2003 to 2010, has been attending the adult classes for about two years. Even though its a 45-minute drive from her Simsbury home, she said, I wanted to go back to my home studio, because Nutmeg has such a family feel to it, and that kind of brought me back. Bourque said, Its not a prima ballerina class, but we have a lot of fun and we take a lot of time focusing on things that you wouldnt think of, like basic details. But you can be any level of dancer. The teachers make sure that if youre an advanced dancer you could take further steps to make it a little harder. If youre a beginner, you work with just the basics. But youre all doing the same thing at different levels. Melissa Marks, of New York City and Litchfield, said in an email, In the spring of 2018, after more than a half of a century of dreaming to being a ballet dancer, I walked into my first adult ballet class at the age of 57. I was so nervous because I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I needed to give it my best shot. In the beginning I felt silly, barely able to keep up with the class, she said. However I was determined to not give up. I stuck with it and since then, I have been consistently attending adult ballet classes. Just being in the studio is an amazing experience in itself, let alone dancing, and for that I am very grateful. At this point, it is one of the brightest spots of my week that I always look forward to. When Hudak suggested restarting the adult classes, Szabo almost immediately agreed. It really took off, and I really enjoyed it, she said. It gave me a different perspective on teaching, going back to when I started teaching, which was to the adults. I teach the classes the majority of the time, but we have guest teachers, including Victoria Mazzarelli, Joan Kunsch and Donna Bonasera. Mazzarelli is Nutmegs artistic director. Kunsch is associate artistic director. Bonasera, who teaches the current Monday night classes, is artistic director at Connecticut Dance Theatre, teaching artist at Nutmeg Conservatory, and ballet teacher at Torrington School of Ballet (TSOB), Reach for the Stars Academy of Dance, and Ballet Theatre Company. Szabo is director of the TSOB and childrens ballet mistress. Szabo recalls how one woman overcame her lack of self-confidence as a result of the classes. We do movements across the floor, which is very intimidating to some adults, she said. I would say, OK, start in this corner and walk to the other corner all by yourself. I had one woman turn to me and say, I cant do that. I said, You can do that, you really can. And so she walked across the floor all by herself. And two weeks later, she was jumping and leaping across the floor and having a ball. Mazzarelli said, I think its good to open Nutmeg to the community and work with not only former students but also new students in adult ballet. Its never too late to start dancing. The Classical ballet training the adult classes offer are intended to help develop strength, flexibility and balance at a comfortable pace. It includes barre work, center stretching and flowing movements across the floor. Students are encouraged to dress comfortably. Ballet slippers are required and can be purchased at the Dance Shop at 62 Main St., adjacent to the Conservatory. Adult Ballet at the Nutmeg is held in the Premier Studio at the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, 58 Main St., Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. A 10-session class card is $150, and individual drop-in classes are $20 each. Proceeds from these classes will go toward construction of the newly designed set that will be debuted in the Nutmegs 50th anniversary 2019 production of The Nutcracker. For details on registering for adult classes, call 860-482-4413 or email info@nutmegconservatory.org. Contributed photo BETHLEHEM Chime In! Music with a Mission invites the community to its annual program, Ring In the New Year: Dinner & Bells. The doors open at 5 p.m. on Jan. 26, at Memorial Hall on the Green, Bethlehem. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and will include appetizers, breads, three varieties of chili (beef, white bean with chicken, and vegetarian), fresh baked dessert, and beverages. Following dinner, Chime In! will present a handbell mini concert including our popular Ring & Sing, with audience participation. The evening will include a drawing for the opportunity to conduct a handbell choir. LAKEVILLE The Hotchkiss Concert Series presents the Atlantic Brass Quintet on Friday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. in Katherine M. Elfers Hall, Esther Eastman Music Center. Serving as resident brass quintet at institutions including Boston University and the Boston Conservatory, the quintet is lauded regularly in the press for its lively and stimulating style. For specific program information visit www.hotchkiss.org/arts. The concert is free and open to the public. The Atlantic Brass Quintet features Thomas Bergeron, trumpet; Tim Leopold, trumpet; Seth Orgel, horn; Tim Albright, trombone; and John Manning, tuba. Widely acclaimed as one of the worlds finest and most versatile brass chamber ensembles, the Atlantic Brass Quintet has performed in 48 of the United States and dozens of countries across four continents. Atlantic specializes in masterful and vibrant presentations of repertoire spanning five centuries and a broad spectrum of styles, from Bach and Brahms to Mehldau and Monk to Brazil and the Balkans. Winner of six international chamber music competitions, the Quintets distinctive sound, impeccable ensemble, stunning virtuosity, and warm, inviting stage presence have won praise from scores of critics. Founded in 1985, the Atlantic Brass Quintet launched its career with a phenomenal string of competition victories over a period of two years. Grand prizes include the Coleman Chamber Music Competition, Carmel Chamber Music Society Competition, the Shoreline Alliance Chamber Music Competition, the Summit Brass First International Brass Ensemble Competition, and the Rafael Mendez International Brass Quintet Competition. Following these remarkable achievements, the ABQ was honored by Musical America by being named Young Artists of 1988. In May 1992, by unanimous decision, the Quintet won the Premiere Prix at the International Brass Competition of Narbonne, France, recognized worldwide as the preeminent competition of its kind. Highlights in the Quintets busy concert career include performances at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Fleet Boston Celebrity Series, Tanglewood and the White House. Atlantic has been the resident brass quintet of Boston University, the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and the Boston Conservatory. The Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar, an annual residential immersive summer program established in 1993, endures as one of the most popular summer destinations for both student and professional brass players. The Hotchkiss School is located at 11 Interlaken Road in Lakeville. Katherine M. Elfers Hall, Esther Eastman Music Center is situated in the lower level of the main building. For more information about this and other arts events at The Hotchkiss School visit www.hotchkiss.org/arts or call 860-435-4423. Ralph Haze Pettrey, 83, of Pipestem, died Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Rockin Chair Residential Care. Born October 18, 1937 at Forest Hill, he was the son of the late Allen E. and Pearl Farley Pettrey. Mr. Pettrey was retired from the Wildlife Division of the West Virginia DNR. He was a US Navy January 16, 2019 09:12 IST Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has alleged that he and other local leaders were not allowed to enter Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple during Prime Minister Narendra Modis Kerala visit on Tuesday. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and spent around 20 minutes there. Photograph: @PIB_India/Twitter The matter came to light after the MP from Thiruvananthapuram took to Twitter and accused the Prime Ministers Office of not letting him enter the temple on Tuesday. Received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Sree PadmanabhaSwamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram for the unveiling of a plaque of the Swadesh Darshan project. But when the local MP, MLA and mayor were to enter the temple with him for darshan, we learned that the PMO had cut us from the list, he tweeted. The prime minister offered prayers at the centuries-old Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple on Tuesday, while he was in the state to inaugurate developmental projects. Modi, who was accompanied by Governor Justice P Sathasivam and state Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran, entered the sprawling shrine through the eastern entrance and spent about 20 minutes there. Attacking the PM Modi over alleged ignorance of local leaders, Tharoor said, It seems that under the BJP even God must serve a political purpose and members of other parties must not be allowed to worship in the prime ministerial presence. Tharoor has been a critic of PM Modi with his statements often courting controversy. Last year, Tharoor had triggered a row when he claimed at an "unnamed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh source" had compared the PM with a scorpion sitting on a Shiv Linga. Source: January 16, 2019 11:18 IST Rahaf Mohammed, the Saudi teen who was granted asylum by Canada, said she counts herself among the lucky ones as she could change reality to make her own decisions. IMAGE: Asylum Seeker Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun, 18, smiles as she is introduced to the media. She fled her family saying she feared for her life, landing in Canada, after being granted asylum. She gained attention after posting her story to Twitter while seeking refuge in Thailand. Photograph: Mark Blinch/Reuters I am one of the lucky ones. I know that there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality, she said during a press conference on Tuesday. Outlining the ordeal she faced back home, Rahaf revealed, I was not treated respectfully by my family and I was not allowed to be myself and who I want to be. As you know, in Saudi Arabia this is the case for all Saudi women, except for those that are fortunate enough to have understanding parents. They (women) cant be independent and they need the approval of their male guardian for everything. Any woman who thinks of escaping, or escapes, will be at risk of persecution, she remarked while thanking Canada, Thailand United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and everyone else who played a role in finding her a safe refuge. She pledged to work in support of freedom for women around the world in her statement, while highlighting that she would like to start living a normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada. I want to be independent, travel, make my own decisions on education, a career, or who, and when I should marry. I had no say in any of this. Today I can proudly say that I am capable of making all of those decisions. I am so grateful for all of the offers of support for housing and friendship. Thank you to everyone for reaching out and making me feel welcome in my new home, Rahaf further said. IMAGE: Rahaf pledged to work in support of freedom for women around the world in her statement, while highlighting that she would like to start living a normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada. Photograph: Cole Burston/Getty Images The teen fled from her family in Kuwait, where they were on vacation, to Thailand. Her passport was allegedly taken away by a man at the airport in Thailand, as soon as she landed, on the pretext of getting her a Thai visa. The man later showed up with a group of men who claimed that she would have to return to Kuwait as her family had filed a missing person report. Following this, Rahaf barricaded herself in a hotel in Bangkok, claiming on Twitter that her life was in danger. She demanded to meet the UNHCR while hoping to be granted asylum by Australia. She arrived in Canada, her new home, on January 12, after being granted asylum. Last updated on: January 16, 2019 16:15 IST In todays modern, fast-paced world, there are many things that make us tick. Sometimes, things get us so infuriated that we would like to smash things up. Now, young people in China have exactly that chance -- to vent their frustration in an anger room, which allows them to smash up wine bottles and mannequins to release tension. Photographs: Jason Lee/Reuters The anger rooms called, Smash, is equipped with bats and hammers. You can smash up wine bottles, old broken appliances like televisions, clocks, telephones and even a mannequin. In anger rooms, patrons have to wear protective gear and then start breaking whatever comes their way to vent their frustration. The staff play music of their choice in the background. Smash was set up in September 2018 by Jin Meng and her friends. She said around 600 people visit Smash each month. Jin said that she set up Smash not to promote violence, but to help people deal with the pressures of living in big cities like Beijing. Since the venture opened, customers have smashed around 15,000 bottles every month, Jin said. "If you have money, you can smash anything -- smash some TVs, computers, wine bottles, furniture, mannequins, but the only thing you can't do is to smash someone," a customer said. Similar ventures already exist in other countries, including the United States. "A woman brought all her wedding photos here, and she smashed them all. We welcome people to bring their own stuff," Jin said. In Beijing, Jin said her next step is to open a new anger room in a shopping mall where people can take a break from their shopping to smash a bottle or two. Last updated on: January 16, 2019 09:46 IST The Withdrawal Agreement was rejected by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. IMAGE: British Prime Minister Theresa May will now face a no-confidence vote on Wednesday. May's crushing defeat also marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images In the biggest defeat for a sitting British government in history, Prime Minister Theresa Mays divorce deal to leave the European Union was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs, triggering a no-confidence motion against her government and leaving the country with no plans for Brexit on March 29. The crushing defeat Tuesday threw the government and its plan for Brexit into crisis. Mays bid to get the Withdrawal Agreement, struck between London and Brussels, was rejected by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. Within minutes after the defeat, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyns Labour party moved a motion of no-confidence against the May government to be held on Wednesday. Britain is set to exit the 28-member European Union, which it joined in 1973, on March 29. With just over two months to go until the scheduled departure, Britain is still undecide on what to do. IMAGE: Waving European Union flags, hundreds of anti-Brexit activists protested outside the UK Parliament. Photograph: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers opposed the agreement for different reasons. Many feared that Britain could lock itself into an unfavourable trading relationship with the European Union. Over 100 lawmakers of Mays Conservative party -- both Brexiteers and Remainers --overwhelmingly voted against the deal, leading to the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history. The crushing defeat also marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Following her defeat in the House of Commons, May said that the MPs have established what they are against but not what they are for. The house has spoken and the government will listen. It is clear that the house does not support this deal but tonights vote tells us nothing what it does support. Nothing about how, or even if, it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold, she said. I ask members on all sides of the house to listen to the British people who want this matter settled and work with the government to do just that, May said. IMAGE: Pro-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images Moments after the outcome in Parliament, Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in Mays government, calling her defeat catastrophic. Labour will table a motion of no-confidence in Mays government tomorrow, he said. According to the Britains parliamentary procedure, when a bill is rejected by the MPs, the prime minister has three sitting days to return to Parliament with a Plan B. It is expected that May would head to Brussels on Wednesday to try and secure further concessions from the EU before coming back to UK Parliament with a new proposal. This could be put to vote by the MPs. Should this also fail, the government would have another three weeks to come back with another alternative. If the withdrawal agreement never gets through with Parliament, then in all likeliness the UK will crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29. This would mean overnight EU laws and customs and the free movement of goods, services and people will cease. Reacting to the development, the EU immediately warned that the outcome raises the risk of a hugely disruptive no deal Brexit where Britain could sever ties with its biggest trading partner overnight. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged the May government to clarify its intentions as soon as possible, warning: Time is almost up. Source: January 16, 2019 21:38 IST Four of the five nuns who led an agitation against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal in Kerala have been directed to leave their convent in Kottayam district in compliance with a transfer order issued last year, sources said in Kochi on Wednesday. Their congregation --Missionaries of Jesus under Jalandhar diocese of the Roman Catholic Church-- has directed the nuns to join the convents they were assigned previously as per the transfer orders issued between March and May in 2018. However, the nuns, who have been staying with their colleague, allegedly subjected to rape and unnatural sex by Mulakkal, stated they would not leave the convent in Kuravialangad. The protest led by the nuns and Catholic reformist forums in Kochi in September had led to a public outrage and demands for action against the bishop. Bishop Mulakkal, a senior member of the Roman Catholic clergy in India, was arrested in September last following allegations by the nun that he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her in the convent at Kuravialangad between 2014 and 2016, a charge denied by him. The 54-year-old clergyman was 'temporarily' relieved of all pastoral responsibilities as the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese by the Vatican. Three weeks after his arrest, the bishop released on bail in October by the Kerala high court. Reacting to the latest church directive, one of the nuns alleged that the decision was aimed at splitting the group and sabotaging their colleague's case against Mulakkal. The nuns were served notice by Superior General of the congregation Regina Kadamthottu urging them to take up their assigned responsibilities as befitting members of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation. Sister Nina Rose, who also fought for justice for the survivor nun, has not been asked to leave the convent. The congregation had issued their transfer orders last year much before the outbreak of protests but the nuns had then refused to accept them. In her recent communique, Superior General Regina said it was a 'matter of serious concern' for her to note that they have not yet joined their convents assigned previously. "You have, however, chosen not to pay heed to my repeated instructions and orders, throwing to the wind your avowed religious vows and commitments," she said in the letter. January 16, 2019 19:31 IST IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik with former J&K chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah at Srinagar airport, August 23, 2018. Photograph: PTI Photo In a bid to build bridges between Raj Bhavan and the Hurriyat Conference, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday, January 15, reached out to the separatist leaders urging them to apprise him directly of the cases of "atrocity and injustice" to common people that they may come across. "I have a message for the Hurriyat that they should not consider me as an alien," Governor Malik told PTI in an interview. "As far as the Hurriyat is concerned, I have respect for them, even though their ideology is different from mine. They have a different ideology and I have a different one," the governor added. Promising to treat the Hurriyat leaders' complaints with due urgency, the governor said, "If they (the Hurriyat) feel there is any atrocity (by troops or the police), they can contact me on phone or send a person to me." "I will treat them (and their complaints) the way I am treating the rest of the people," said the governor, maintaining that he has opened up Raj Bhavan for all. In his first-ever statement aimed at building bridges between Hurriyat leaders and Raj Bhavan, Malik also expressed hope that "at some level, there will be talks too" with them at some time. Explaining that he has always been hearing out the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Malik said, "I take all calls including those from common people of the state. My mobiles and WhatsApp have never been silent. All those complaints which come to me on WhatsApp, I have tried to address them." The governor even attended a few calls from general public during the interview itself. Malik said he even often sends officials from Raj Bhavan to collect the complaints of aggrieved individuals, even if they may not be so pressing or urgent. Malik emphasised that in his dealings, his opinion is based not merely on official briefings but on the narratives of the common people as well. "I have met all political leaders and keep meeting them regularly," he said, adding he has also met several delegations of common people and youth groups, "opening himself to them and hearing them out". "There is a need to establish contact with them and work according to their aspirations so that they understand that the Centre is not against them," he added. Many in Kashmir believe he needs to stop talking so much. But they are wrong, says Aditi Phadnis. J&K's governor is intelligent enough to know what to say when. A new book on Jammu and Kashmir's educational policy for the future was due to be released. The authors had expected then chief minister Mehbooba Mufti to release it and oversee the implementation of policy recommendations. But the People's Democratic Party- Bharatiya Janata Party government fell and Mufti lost her job. The next best option was to get Governor Satya Pal Malik to unveil it. The governor agreed instantly, but his condition was: The release function should be held in Delhi. 'I will be happy to travel to Delhi for the occasion,' he told the organisers. They had no choice but to agree. They would have liked the release to take place in Srinagar: It was, after all, a book about policy recommendations for the state. But they fell in with the governor's plan. They were told His Excellency would use his special aircraft to fly to Delhi. But there was a problem. The pilot's mother passed away suddenly and he was unable to fly the aircraft. The obvious option was to hold the inauguration in Srinagar. Rather than do that, the governor's office chartered a full aircraft to ferry him to Delhi so that the release could take place there. There is no telling what the governor thought he could get by releasing the book in Delhi: Maybe he believed it would get the attention of the powers that be more easily than an obscure Srinagar event? Malik's career began in student politics when he was elected president of the Meerut University students union in the early 1970s. Anti-Congress movements were just beginning to show and consolidate and Chaudhary Charan Singh (a great institution builder no matter what anyone might say), was always on the lookout for young men who could take the political movement with its roots in western Uttar Pradesh, forward. Malik caught his eye for his oratory and intelligence: He belonged to a small village, Hisawada near Baraut in western UP, the hub of Jat politics. Though his Jat sub caste, Malik, was numerically insignificant, he caught Charan Singh's fancy and was given a ticket to contest the UP Vidhan Sabha in the 1974 assembly election as a candidate of the Bharatiya Kranti Dal. He served a five-year term, but later crossed over to the Congress. When Rajiv Gandhi came to power, he assiduously worked and developed proximity to Arun Nehru, who looked after him through thick and thin. This paid off: In 1986, he became a Congress member of the Rajya Sabha. Nehru told other aspirants to the position that the seat was not available -- it had been promised to Malik. Nehru ignored puzzled expressions, much scratching of the head and exclamations of 'Malik who?' Soon the air began reverberating with slogans of 'gali gali mein shor hai, Rajiv Gandhi chor hai'. V P Singh quit the Congress to form the Jan Morcha and later the Janata Dal. Ram Dhan, a symbol of Lohia politics, was by his side. Arun Nehru and Arif Mohammad Khan followed him out of the Congress. And a step behind, one of the last to join, was also Satya Pal Malik. In 1989, Malik fought and won the Aligarh Lok Sabha seat. He was made minister of state for tourism -- again, at Arun Nehru's behest. From then till now, Malik enjoys unique privileges at Delhi's The Claridges hotel where he could be spotted frequently with his supporters till he became governor. In 2004, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party and much against the advice of well-wishers, he contested the Baghpat Lok Sabha seat. This time, Charan Singh wasn't there to help him. To say he lost the election to his mentor's son Ajit Singh is putting it mildly: He lost his deposit. In those days, the BJP was still on a losing streak and celebrated those who had fought the good fight, even if they'd lost. He stayed on in the party through the presidentship of L K Advani and Rajnath Singh. Then his fortunes got a slight fillip during Nitin Gadkari's tenure as president. He chose the right side in 2014: He sided with Narendra Damodardas Modi. It is hard to believe that it was Gadkari's influence that put Malik on the gubernatorial track given Gadkari's own somewhat emasculated position in the government despite being one of its best performing ministers. But Malik was appointed governor of Bihar in 2017 and then chosen from a shortlist of five, for the knotty and complicated job of governor of J&K, where now, thanks to the breakdown of relations between the PDP and BJP and assembly dissolution, he is a 'raja'. K K Sharma, B B Vyas, K Vijay Kumar and Khurshid Ganai are his advisors. They are all former bureaucrats. Malik is charming and accessible. He is down to earth and is a Lohia-ite, even in the BJP. Many in Kashmir believe he needs to stop talking so much. But they are wrong. Malik is intelligent enough to know what to say when. As Bihar governor, he said once: 'Modiji is here to stay for 10 years. So I too will continue as governor for 10 years.' He probably will. Source: January 16, 2019 22:47 IST High value donations or any donation above Rs 20,000 declared by the national parties were Rs 469.89 crore for the year 2017-18. Out of this, BJP received chunk of the funds at Rs 437.04 crore, while Congress got Rs 26.65 crore. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has declared high value donations totalling more than Rs 437 crore for the last fiscal, which is 12 times of the sum total of donations declared by all other national parties including the Congress, in the last financial year, an electoral think-tank said on Wednesday. The maximum amount of donations to both the BJP and the Congress came from Prudent Electoral Trust, which is backed by some big corporate houses, including major players in the realty and telecom sectors, according to ADR or Association for Democratic Reforms. Prudent Electoral Trust donated a total of Rs 164.30 crore to the BJP and the Congress combined. Of this the BJP got Rs 154.30 crore, which is 35 per cent of the total funds received by the party, and the Congress got Rs 10 crore, which is 38 per cent of its total funds. High value donations or any donation above Rs 20,000 declared by the national parties were Rs 469.89 crore for the year 2017-18. Out of this, BJP received chunk of the funds at Rs 437.04 crore, while Congress got Rs 26.65 crore. 'The donations declared by BJP is 12 times more than the aggregate declared by Congress, NCP, CPI, CPM and Trinamool Congress for the same period,' ADR said in a statement. Nearly 90 per cent of the total donations to the national parties were made by corporate houses, while 10 per cent were by individuals. Corporate houses and businesses donated Rs 400.23 crore to the BJP and only Rs 19.29 crore to the Congress in 2017-18. Meanwhile, the Bahujan Samaj Party declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during 2017-18, as it has been declaring for the past 12 years, the Delhi-based think-tank said. Almost half of the declared donations, Rs 208.56 crore, came from Delhi, followed by Rs 71.93 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 44.02 crore from Gujarat. Rs 42.60 crore or 9.07 per cent of the total donations could not be attributed to any state or union territory due to incomplete information, ADR said. ***** Karnataka poll: BJP spent over Rs 122 cr for campaign, Rs 84 cr for media and publicity The BJP has spent over Rs 122 crore to contest assembly elections in Karnataka, with more than Rs 84 crore used for media and publicity, according to the expenditure details submitted by the party to the Election Commission. The party incurred an expenditure of another Rs 14 crore for contesting similar polls in three northeast states. It recently submitted 'election expenditure statements' for polls in four states and said it has spent Rs 122.68 crore during the Karnataka polls that took place in May last year. The Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition formed government in the state after the polls. Out of the total funds, more than Rs 84 crore was spent on advertisements in print and electronic media, bulk SMSes, cable, websites and general party propaganda, the BJP said in its report to the EC. This was followed by expenditure of over RS 16 crore for travel of its star campaigners in the state, the report said. The party also sent to the commission a similar report of expenses, made by its central office and state units, for contesting polls in the Northeast states of Meghalaya, Tripura and Nagaland. The report filed by the BJP stated that over Rs 14.18 crore has been spent to contest polls in these states, where elections took place last year. While in Meghalaya the party spent Rs 3.8 crore, it spent Rs 6.96 crore in Tripura and Rs 3.36 crore in Nagaland. The expenses include cost incurred by the party under various heads like star campaigners, media, publicity, processions, helicopter sorties, election paraphernalia and road travel of its leaders and candidates. Source: January 16, 2019 08:42 IST The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the Kumbh Mela being held in the sangam city of Allahabad, which is over thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage perhaps the costliest ever. IMAGE: This time the Kumbh Mela area has been doubled as compared to the previous years. This year's Kumbh Mela is spread over an area of 3,200 hectare as compared to 1,600 hectare area in the previous melas. Photograph: PTI Photo The UP government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013, state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal said. He said that apart from this, some other departments have also allocated funds for the mega event. Agarwal said this time the Kumbh Mela area has been doubled as compared to the previous years. This years Kumbh Mela is spread over an area of 3,200 hectare as compared to 1,600 hectare area in the previous melas. The endeavour of the UP government has always been to enhance the facilities for the public and establishing facilities at the ground level has been a big task, the minister said. IMAGE: The Kumbh Mela is anchored in Hindu mythology. It is the largest public gathering and collective act of faith anywhere in the world. Photograph: PTI Photo The Kumbh Mela is anchored in Hindu mythology. It is the largest public gathering and collective act of faith anywhere in the world. Ardh Kumbh is held in every six years, while the Kumbh Mela comes after 12 years. The Yogi Adityanath government has renamed Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh and the Kumbh as Maha Kumbh. The mela draws tens of millions of pilgrims over the course of approximately 48 days. In all there are six auspicious bathing dates in this Kumbh - Makar Sankranti (January 15), Paush Poornima (January 21), Mauni Amawasya (February 4), Basant Panchami (February 10), Maghi Poornima (February 19) and Mahashivratri (March 4). Source: January 16, 2019 23:35 IST Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah is suffering from swine flu and was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi on Wednesday. I have been diagnosed with swine flu for which the treatment is underway. With God's grace and good wishes from all of you, I will recover soon, he said on Twitter in Hindi. According to sources at AIIMS, the BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues. He reached the hospital at around 9 pm and is admitted in the old private ward of the hospital. A team of doctors are monitoring his condition under the supervision of AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, they said. Union minister Piyush Goyal visited Shah at AIIMS. ***** Ravi Shankar Prasad stable: AIIMS sources Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is admitted to AIIMS, has been shifted out of the intensive care unit and is stable, hospital sources said on Wednesday. Prasad was admitted to the hospital Monday following complaints of nasal congestion. He has been shifted to old private ward and is out of the intensive care unit. His condition is stable, a source said. The Union Law and Justice minister is admitted in the pulmonary medicine department. ***** Opposition leaders wish Jaitley speedy recovery Several opposition leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference chief Omar Abdullah and Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday wished speedy recovery to Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, who left for the United States for a medical check-up. Gandhi was one of the first opposition leaders who wished Jaitley speedy recovery. In a tweet, the Congress chief said, I'm upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley. Following his tweet, other opposition leaders Abdullah and Lalu wished speedy recovery for the minister. We hope to see him back in the country & in the best of health very soon. God speed, Abdullah said. Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said he is deeply disturbed by the news that his fellow MP and advocate Jaitley has gone abroad for medical treatment, and wished him speedy recovery. Echoing similar sentiments, Congress leader Salman Khurshid said he prays for Jaitley's full recovery. Jaitley has been an important communicator and interlocutor with the opposition despite recent constraints, Khurshid said. Jaitley, 66, who had a kidney transplant operation and follow-up check-ups at AIIMS last year, left for the US Sunday night for a regular medical check-up, sources said, adding that he would be back by this weekend. This is Jaitley's first overseas visit since his kidney ailment was confirmed in April last year. Source: Last updated on: January 17, 2019 00:04 IST The power play between the ruling Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) coalition and the Bharatiya Janata Party in Karnataka continued on Wednesday, as the two sides escalated their war of words and went into an overdrive to keep their flock together. The Congress and JD-S continued to present a picture of confidence about the brewing crisis blowing over, with Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy saying things were under control and there was no reason for worry. As the ruling partners unleashed a scathing attack on the BJP for allegedly trying to topple the government, the saffron party MLAs continued to be ensconced at a resort in Gurugram, fearing poaching attempts. According to Congress sources, a few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added. It was not known how long the 104 BJP MLAs, who went to New Delhi to attend the party's national council meeting but extended their stay, would remain cooped up in the resort. Meanwhile, sources said BJP's Karnataka unit chief B S Yeddyurappa is likely to hold a meeting with the party MLAs who are camping at the resort and discuss the prevailing situation in the state. They said the BJP legislators will stay put in Gurugram till the party top leaders give the green signal to return to Karnataka. Around 20 Youth Congress workers led by party's Haryana Pradesh Congress General Secretary Pradeep Singh raised slogans against the NDA government outside the resort. The protesters alleged that the BJP was disrespecting the Constitution and murdering democracy in the country. Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said in Bengaluru that it was not necessary for him to carry out any operation (poaching) and that he had sufficient numbers with him. "Everything is under control..don't worry," Kumaraswamy said, trying to present a picture of being relaxed. Kumaraswamy, whose government received a jolt on Tuesday when two Independent MLAs withdrew support to it, was asked if the ruling alliance would also launch a counter-strike on the BJP to lure its lawmakers. The chief minister wanted BJP state president Yeddyurappa to explain if his party MLAs have been shifted to Gurugram to celebrate Sankranthi or for any other reason. Kumaraswamy said his party MLAs were not being shifted to any resort, as being speculated in the media. "So I request media not to fool itself and the people of the state." On five Congress MLAs, who are in Mumbai allegedly under BJP's control, Kumaraswamy said, "I have been saying for the past three days that they are in touch with me, I'm in the know of all the developments." "They may not be reachable to others, but they are reachable to me," he said in response to a question whether the five MLAs were accessible. In New Delhi, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is stable and strong and accused the BJP of trying to destabilise it. At a press meet, he said there was no crisis for the government in Karnataka. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal asserted that none of his party legislators were going to quit. "Not even one MLA is going to quit Congress. I have contacted my MLAs, and therefore, I am telling you this very confidently. In fact, by Thursday evening, you will have a clear picture about Karnataka," he told PTI. "It would be a big slap on the face of BJP as it is going to fail in its endeavour to bring the government down. Their shameless motive to destabilise the government is going to be a big failure. It will be a national shame for them," he said. Speaking to reporters, Minister B Z Zameer Ahmad Khan, considered a trouble shooter for the Congress, said Kumaraswamy-led government faced no threat and Yeddyurappa was daydreaming about becoming chief minister once again. Claiming that seven to eight BJP MLAs were in touch with them, he said "Let them (BJP) leave MLAs, seven to eight of them are ready to come to us..that's the reason they are holding up MLAs." Meanwhile, state Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao told PTI: "The entire confusion has been created by the BJP. Was that really required? They did it brazenly throwing morality and ethics to the wind.It's shameful and disgusting." Seeking to allay fears over the stability of the Congress-JDS dispensation, Rao said, "All our MLAs are intact and nobody is going anywhere. They are all with us together. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and CLP leader Siddaramaiah met Venugopal and held discussions. The Congress has convened a meeting of its MLAs in Bengaluru on January 18 to take stock of the ongoing political developments. A political turmoil has enveloped Karnataka since Monday triggered by horse trading charges over an alleged bid by the BJP to destabilise the coalition government. Countering the allegations, the state BJP blamed the unnatural alliance between the Congress and JD(S) for the turmoil and said the ruling coalition was hiding its inability to keep its house in order by unnecessarily finding fault with the saffron party. State BJP general secretary C T Ravi said the Congress and JD-S that entered into an unholy alliance, promising good administration, have betrayed the people of the state. "Legislators of both the parties have now realised that this government cannot achieve anything," he said. January 16, 2019 08:41 IST 'The message they want to send to the country is that they can do anything by hook or crook.' IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party national President Amit Anilchandra Shah, left, with BJP leader Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yeddyurappa. In a significant turn of events, two Independent MLAs in Karnataka on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, withdrew support to the H D Kumaraswamy-led Congress-Janata Dal-Secular government. Amid political turmoil triggered by charges of horse-trading flung at each other by the ruling coalition and the Bharatiya Janata Party, H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party) wrote to Governor Vajubhai Vala, conveying their decision to withdraw support with immediate effect. In the 224-member Karnataka assembly, the BJP has 104 members, the Congress-79, the JD-S 37, the Bahujan Samaj Party, the KPJP and Independent one each, besides the speaker. In 2018, the Congress and JD-S formed a coalition government in the southern state after BJP leader Bookanakere Siddalingappa Yeddyurappa, who was sworn in as chief minister, resigned ahead of taking a floor test to prove his government's majority in the same month. The two Independent MLAs's withdrawal of support brings down the numbers of the ruling alliance from 120 to 118 -- the halfway mark stands at 113. Meanwhile, the BJP has shifted all its 104 MLAs to an expensive resort in Haryana's Nuh district. "We have 118 MLAs, so where is the BJP going to get its majority from?" JD-S General Secretary Danish Ali asks Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf. Is your government stable? What is the political crisis in Karnataka? There is no crisis. The government is stable. The BJP from day one wanted this government to fall. They know that the Karnataka government is a symbol of Opposition unity. This move (poaching MLAs) by them (the BJP) has come soon after the SP-BSP (Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party) alliance in UP. The message they want to send to the country is that they can do anything by hook or crook. Will your government complete its full term? Yes, we are confident of our majority. We have 118 MLAs even after the Independent MLAs have quit. So where is the BJP going to get a majority from, I fail to understand. The BJP claims some Congress MLAs are ready to switch sides. If that is the case, why is the BJP holding its Karnataka MLAs in a Gurugram resort? The same BJP was criticising the Congress during the Rajya Sabha elections in Gujarat. Why is the BJP keeping its MLAs in lock-up? They are not confident about their MLAs. Horse-trading is in the BJP's DNA. They did that earlier, during Yeddyurappa's time, which was called Operation Kamla. It looks like your government is in danger of collapse. No, it is not true. Our government is stable and will complete its full term. What about the Congress MLAs who are said to be camping in Mumbai with 'BJP leaders'? There are three MLAs and they have not said anything so far. They have not said they are withdrawing support to our government or resigning. Is Congress leader D K Shivakumar going to Mumbai to meet those MLAs? I cannot comment on this kind of speculation. There are reports that these Congress MLAs are being threatened by central agencies. That is why those MLAs are there (in Mumbai). They have got an enforcement directorate inquiry. In such a situation, how do you run the government? In a coalition, these things happen. It is not difficult to run the government as it is stable and will continue to work smoothly. Your government is just seven months old and you are facing this crisis. Is it possible to run a coalition government in Karnataka or in the country? Mili juli sarkar (coalition government) can work. We have seen earlier how mili juli sarkars have completed their terms. The UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government completed two consecutive terms. Coalition politics came to India in 1990s and this is a reality of Indian politics. In the initial stages, there were some instability, but after 2000 onwards, coalitions are a reality of Indian politics. Don't you think people want a strong government? The government will be strong only if they are working for common people, for their welfare and not in the interest of crony capitalists. January 16, 2019 08:28 IST UDAN demonstrates that good policy-making can fulfill important public requirements without requiring budgetary support, says MoS for civil aviation Jayant Sinha. IMAGE: An ATR aircraft landing on an air strip. Photograph: Kind courtesy, balaghat.nic.in UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) is one of the flagship programmes of the Narendra Modi government. Its outstanding success makes the dream of the prime minister of "hawai yatra for the hawai chappal citizen" a reality. Towns and cities which had never anticipated that they would be connected to the aviation network are being integrated into India's efficient and reasonably-priced network. UDAN has resulted in many airlines rushing to provide regional connectivity. So successful has the scheme been that major carriers have updated their business models to cater to the regional market. Unleashing market forces through policy design: UDAN is designed to jump-start the regional aviation market by improving the profitability of under-developed regional routes by harnessing the power of the market. It builds on similar regional connectivity programmes in the US, Canada, and Australia. These large countries support regional connectivity directly through budgetary allocations. UDAN is a first-of-its-kind scheme, which levies a small fee on flights on major metro routes to fund regional connectivity. The levy on flights on the major routes is estimated to collect around Rs 3.48 billion annually (or around $50 million). This is about 17 per cent of the $290 million allocated by the US government to its Essential Air Services programme in 2016. UDAN was developed through extensive and multiple consultations with stakeholders to make it a win-win scheme for passengers and airlines. Passengers get air connectivity to their cities and the ability to fly for a subsidised price of Rs 2,500 an hour. The routes to be connected were chosen by airlines themselves based on their assessment of the market demand between various sectors. The scheme operates at three levels to ensure route profitability: (1) reducing operating costs significantly; (2) providing a market-discovered subsidy for half the seats; and (3) guaranteeing three-year exclusivity on routes. Operating costs are reduced by reducing taxes on aviation turbine fuel and eliminating airport charges for UDAN routes, improving liquidity in the regional aircraft (typically turbo-props weighing less than 40 tonnes and having fewer than 80 seats) leasing market, and streamlining DGCA regulations for regional aircraft so that new airlines can get started with fewer upfront costs. UDAN uses a market-based approach to establish subsidy levels, which are capped on the basis of operating costs estimated from actual industry data for different type of aircraft. Routes are awarded to the bidder bidding the lowest subsidy level for half the seats on the flight. These subsidised seats are priced on the basis of a varying rate schedule such that a 30-minute flight is priced at Rs 1,500, a 60-minute flight is priced Rs 2,500 and so on. The other half of seats can be sold at market prices. Finally, the winning bidder gets three-year exclusivity on the route, incentivising them to invest in building up the route. It is encouraging to see that many bids asked for no subsidy -- the reduction in costs and the exclusivity were enough to jumpstart the market. Stellar success The UDAN scheme has transformed India's aviation network by growing the network by over 50 per cent in two years. It has brought all Indian states onto the aviation map by initiating scheduled air connectivity. Pakyong near Gangtok in Sikkim was recently inaugurated by the prime minister, brining aviation connectivity to all states in India. The eastern-most airport in India at Passighat in Arunachal Pradesh was also activated under this scheme. Air connectivity has now reached 36 UDAN airports within two years of the launch of the scheme: Adampur, Agra, Allahabad, Bathinda, Bhavnagar, Bikaner, Diu, Gwalior, Hubli, Jagdalpur, Jaisalmer, Jalgaon, Jamnagar, Jharsuguda, Jorhat, Kadapa, Kandla, Kanpur, Kishangarh, Kolhapur, Ludhiana, Mundra, Mysore, Nanded, Ozar (Nasik), Pakyong, Pathankot, Porbandar, Puducherry, Salem, Shillong, Shimla, Tezpur and Vidyanagar. Air service has been halted in a few airports owing to the inability of the winning bidder to provide regular service, but these airports are being re-bid in the third round of bidding. More than 888,000 passengers had flown in more than 17,000 UDAN flights till mid-November 2018, of which more than 500,000 passengers have benefitted from the capped fares. Now the number of weekly UDAN flights is around 450 and around 28,000 passengers are being connected weekly. Flights have been overwhelmingly from the private sector: Alliance Air has a market-share of only 22.5 per cent, or less than a quarter, in all the UDAN seats sold. The scheme has seen many airlines rush to provide connectivity to Indian citizens. So successful has the scheme been that major carriers have updated their business models to cater to this market. Indigo is bringing in 50 Airbus ATRs seating 78 passengers for its regional fleet and SpiceJet has placed an order for up to 50 Bombardier Q400s seating 90 passengers. When the scheme was being finalised, many smaller players -- especially the non-scheduled operator permit holders -- wanted relaxed entry conditions so that they could start new carriers. Some of them struggled to live up to the demands of a highly competitive aviation sector. UDAN bidding is unique because the government does not decide which routes will be available for bidding. This is decided by the airlines themselves on the basis of their demand projections. After airlines make a viability gap funding bid for a particular sector or network, the route is opened up for counter-bidding. The first round of UDAN bidding focused on reviving underserved and unserved airports. The second round brought into focus priority areas in hill areas and island destinations by focusing on helicopters. The third round of bidding currently underway is focused on international and tourism routes. UDAN demonstrates that good policy-making can fulfill important public requirements without requiring budgetary support. Its success is due to extensive stakeholder consultation, alignment with market forces, and dynamic policy-making. Flying is really becomin available to all. Jayant Sinha is minister of state for civil aviation and a member of Parliament from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. The views are personal. January 16, 2019 18:23 IST A government panel examined the records of employees surveyed by Labour Bureaus quarterly enterprises surveys and mapped it with EPFO's subscribers and found unexplained variations between the two. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com A government-appointed panel led by former chief statistician TCA Anant has recommended doing away with the quarterly surveys on jobs provided by the Labour Bureau due to its poor coverage and quality. Alternatively, it has suggested if substantial improvements in the Labour Bureaus quarterly enterprises surveys (QES) are made, a first-of-its-kind Employment Index can be formed on the lines of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The idea of an Employment Index was first mooted by Chief Statistician of India Pravin Srivastava to the government in June 2017, when he was the additional director general (employment) in the labour ministry. The Anant-led technical committee, which submitted its report to Labour and Employment Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar recently, has said the Labour Bureaus surveys were incomplete and should be discontinued henceforth, according to documents reviewed by Business Standard. The committee was set up by the government last year, on the recommendations of the Prime Ministers Office (PMO), after it started releasing monthly payroll data of Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), among others to give job estimates. The committee, which had Srivastava, former chief economic adviser Arvind Subramanian, among others as members, was tasked to suggest whether the quarterly enterprises survey (QES) produced by the Labour Bureau is relevant in the present circumstances especially after monthly payroll data and suggest reforms in QES, if it is to be made relevant. The panel said its assessment raises a number of questions about the quality of data collected under the Labour Bureaus QES. The panel examined the records of employees surveyed by QES and mapped it with the Employees Provident Fund Organisation subscribers and found unexplained variations between the two. It noted that the difference could be on account of differences in approaches to data collection, conceptual differences, coverage, completeness and representativeness. It is clear that the QES dataset is incomplete and due to coverage and quality issues should not be continued in its present form to generate estimates at the national level. The QES should be discontinued henceforth, the panels report stated. On the EPFOs database, the committee was of the view that there is a wealth of information that can be used more rigorously if it is categorised statistically using appropriate methods and coding structures of the National Industrial Classification (NIC). The panel said if substantial improvement is made in collecting, sampling and framing the Labour Bureaus QES, an Employment Index can be formed. The panel went a step further by framing a sample index on the basis of the QES reports, in its report submitted to the labour minister. According to the sample employment index framed by the committee, the growth in employment index stood at 1.65 per cent in October-December 2017, compared to 1.76 per cent in the previous quarter. The employment index grew 1.5 per cent in April-June 2017, as per the panels report. The government had discontinued releasing the Labour Bureaus QES reports till the time the panel came up with its recommendations. The last such report, seventh in the series, was released in March 2018 for July-September 2017 quarter. The field work for the eighth round, between October and December 2017, was complete but its findings were not made public. A task force to improve employment data in the country, headed by former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya, had also pointed out serious flaws in the Labour Bureaus quarterly surveys but had not recommended doing away with it in its report sent to the government in August 2017. The quarterly survey of the Labour Bureau was revamped and released in September 2016 to increase its coverage five-fold to 10,000 units. The Labour Bureau has also discontinued its annual household surveys on employment from 2017-18 as it is being replaced by the National Sample Survey Offices period labour force survey to be released shortly. The findings of the survey for 2016-17 are yet to be made public although the report has been approved by Gangwar last month. According to the Labour Bureaus annual survey, the unemployment rate rose to a four-year high of 3.9 per cent in 2016-17. In his interviews to various media outlets last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said how lack of jobs data was more serious issue than dearth of jobs itself. January 16, 2019 17:30 IST Centre has already started work on developing a mechanism to ensure states producing any item in excess is able to transport it to other states where there is demand. The government plans to cut down on nationwide food wastage by linking major producing states with states experiencing high demand. Speaking at the second edition of Indus Food, Indias official export-focused food & beverage trade fair, Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the government will get involved in the transportation of perishable items on priority basis. Every day we hear news of farmers from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, and Maharashtra doing a distress sale of their produce. "But this is soon going to change as the Centre has already started work on developing a mechanism to ensure states producing any item in excess is able to transport it to other states where there is demand, she said. We have already tied up with organisations like the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India to make this happen. This will greatly help farmers get the right price for their produce, Badal said. This will be part of Operation Greens. The scheme is directed at promoting farmer producer organisations, agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management. The operation aims to aid farmers and help control and limit the erratic fluctuations in the prices of onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. India is able to use just 10 per cent of its produce in the food processing industry, while over 60 per cent of the population continues to be engaged in agriculture. The government blames this on lack of proper cold storage facilities. It has announced loans worth Rs 50 crore to build mini cold chains. Investments in the food processing sector have crossed $1 billion under the Narendra Modi government, while it stood at $50 million under the 10 years of the United Progressive Alliance regime. We have also signed agreements to the tune of $14 billion, of which projects worth $14 billion have already started by 30 companies, Badal said. Global buyers reach The Agri Export Policy, released last month by the government, also aims to slash food wastage, but primarily by boosting exports. The two-day expo being organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) is part of the governments plan to push India into the list of top 10 food exporting nations. Indus Food-II is bringing about 800 international wholesale buyers, big-sized food chains, and governmental bodies from about 80 countries, up from 400 buyers in its inaugural year. These players have the chance to meet 500-plus exhibitors covering 15 product zones. With the government itself now working towards the identification of most prominent global buyers and creating their interaction with quality Indian suppliers through Indus Food, the benefit will percolate through to the farmers. "Moreover, the target of $60 billion exports, as envisaged in our Agri Export Policy, is now within reach, said TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla. Supported by the commerce department, Indus Food is the flagship global trade show to maximise business opportunities for the food and beverage industry. It specially promotes value-added and organic products. India is ranked first in terms of the total number of organic producers, with 1.1 million farmers adopting organic farming. With the government removing all restrictions on the export of organic farm products, the organic food export is sure to contribute in a much bigger way now, in meeting the target of $60 billion food and agriculture exports by 2022, as set by the Agriculture Export Policy 2018, added Singla. Photograph: Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters As 2019 gets underway, take a look back at the major events at the University of Georgia in 2018. From the election of a new Student Government Association administration to the rise and fall of a grilled cheese empire, here's a month-by-month breakdown of 2018's top events. Whether you need a quick fix because you have a morning class or you just want to be able to be productive on the weekend, a remedy for a hang By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/16/2019 ADVERTISEMENT Meet the couples FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Meet the singles ADVERTISEMENT The couples get separated ADVERTISEMENT The couples say goodbye ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. debuted with four established, committed couples arriving to a resort where 24 eligible men and women awaited them and were ready to date during Tuesday night's premiere on USA Network.Similar to the show's original seasons that aired on Fox between 2001 and 2003, USA Network's reboot will follow four dating couples at a pivotal time in their relationships in which they must decide whether to stay committed to each other for the rest of their lives or go their separate ways.The couples -- who were at a crossroads in their relationships -- traveled together to the tropical paradise of Maui, Hawaii, and while there, were going to be able to live the "single life" in attempt to determine whether or not being single is exactly what they want.The stakes were high and hearts were on the line, but each exclusive couple seemed pretty confident their bonds would outlast and conquer any temptation. However, everyone was taking a great risk.The broadcast began with viewers being introduced to the four couples -- who would be separated into separate houses for the men and the women. John Thurmond , 35, and Kady Cannon Krambeer , 30, who currently resides in Fort Worth, TX, met through the dating app Bumble and have been dating for three years.Kady constantly questioned John's masculinity and has always wanted an "Alpha guy," but John admitted he's not that type of man because he's very nice and humble. The two of them thought they were ready to take the leap towards marriage, but something was holding them back. Javen Butler , 25, and Shari Ligons , 25, who currently reside in San Francisco, CA, were high school sweethearts who met at 16 years old.They've been dating for eight years and living together for five years, but Shari still couldn't get over the fact Javen cheated on her during college.They were headed to in order to ensure Shari could trust Javen again. She knew this experience would test his loyalty and love more than ever before.And as for Javen, he wanted Shari to experience dating other men since she's never dated anyone else besides him. Karl Collins , 31, and Nicole Tutewohl , 25, who currently resides in Chicago, IL, met at the gym and have been dating for two-and-a-half years.Nicole and Karl were trying to determine what is next for them because they were both feeling stagnant in their relationship. Were they simply past the honeymoon stage or were they actually bored with each other?On top of that, Nicole questioned what "real love" even means, although Karl was technically her first true love. Evan Smith , 28, and Kaci Campbell , 29, who currently reside in Los Angeles, CA, went to rival high schools and connected right before college. They have been dating on and off for 10 years, exclusive for the past five years.Kaci was ready for marriage and motherhood, especially since she comes from a religious family who disapproved of them living together before exchanging vows to begin with.While Evan said he was ready for commitment too, he just hadn't been able to bring himself to get down on one knee -- and Kaci was tired of waiting."My dad cheated on my mom and it led him down the road to actually be murdered by the woman he was cheating with's husband. It rocked me to my core. I love the idea of marriage. I want to spend the rest of my life with Kaci, but I'm scared I'm going to hurt her like my dad hurt my mom," Evan revealed.Evan added that if he didn't propose to Kaci by age 30 she would leave him, but he didn't understand how a ring and a "piece of paper" would change anything about their already-healthy relationship.The couples were then introduced to the beautiful ladies and handsome men who would be tempting themselves and their beloved partners.Hannah, a 22-year-old in E-commerce from Vancouver, WA, said she has a "lot of hustle" and goes after something when she likes it.Johnny, a 31-year-old chiropractor from New York, NY, insisted he's great with his hands and would always have a woman's back.Jeffri, a 31-year-old flight attendant from Scottsdale, AZ, told the men she has traveled the world but has yet to find love.James, a 29-year-old BIM designer from Wilmington, DE, shared how he's respectful, faithful and "husband material."Brittney, a 27-year-old yoga retreat owner from Venice, CA, told the group a spiritual connection is important to her.Allie, a 26-year-old academic advisor from Fort Lauderdale, FL, revealed she has a Master's Degree in Communications and so she "has mastered the art of persuasion." She also said she knows how to have a good time.Kayla, a 28-year-old sales supervisor from Cincinnati, OH, said she's on the island for love and a future partner.Roman, a 28-year-old sales representative from Lexington, KY, announced he's a southern gentleman who likes to ride motorcycles. John immediately looked at Kady and said, "That's your guy right there."Morgan, a 27-year-old real estate agent from Arlington, VA, said when she finds something she likes, she knows how to close the deal.Tyler, a 25-year-old film financer from New York, NY, said he knows how to win and was going to win one of the ladies over.Carlos, a 29-year-old project manager from Spring, TX, spoke Spanish and said he was born and raised in Cuba. He explained that life is an adventure and he doesn't want to go through it alone. He was looking for "the right girl" to take the ride with him.Sheldyn, a 25-year-old student from Houston, TX, insisted one of the guys was going to fall for her.Shari threw shade at several of the women who introduced themselves that day, including Sheldyn, but the singles believed she was just very insecure and poked fun at the women who intimidated her.Val, a 25-year-old barber from Brooklyn, NY, said he's "a momma's boy," and the one thing she taught him was how to treat a lady right.Katheryn, a 30-year-old medical aesthetician from Nashville, TN, called herself a "southern belle" loaded with ambition, and she said she knew exactly what she wanted.Javen pointed out to Shari that the lineup of guys was "horrible" for the women, but then Shari barked back, wondering why her man didn't say that the lineup of women was horrible as well. Javen said Shari was putting words in his mouth and the couple began fighting in front of everyone.The single ladies then pointed out that Shari was "the crazy one," and Javen vented, "Story of my life." He said he wasn't interested in any of the women he saw that day and Shari was going to be his "girl for life," but Shari didn't believe him.That night, host Mark L. Walberg announced the couples would be separated, but it was just goodnight and not goodbye.The next morning, Shari admitted she didn't sleep well because she had "a lot of unfinished business" with Javen.And John then declared to the host what the men's first impressions were of the singles."We just thought the guys were acting like a bunch of nervous p-ssys," he said.The partying then kicked off. Kaci said the guys were "hot" and conversation flowed naturally.Kady and Carlos engaged in a private conversation, and he said he likes to make a woman feel like she is the only person in the world when they are together. And Shari had a swarm of men surrounding her, which made her feel a little uneasy.Meanwhile, Evan seemed to spark a connection with Brittney, who discovered she had went to a high school in the town where he is from. And John pulled Katheryn aside for a chat, which ended with Katheryn saying they should be friends -- or lovers.Later on, each individual in the four couples was given the opportunity to "block" a single from going on dates with his or her partner throughout the entire season. This "block" was executed in the form of putting a necklace around the intimidating single's neck.Kady decided to block Katheryn, who just so happened to be the girl John was interested in given he had said she's "the hottest out of all of them.""It made me feel like Kady is now getting concerned," John said.Although Katheryn was blocked from going on a date with John, the pair could still hang out constantly at their villa, and she had no intention of leaving him alone.John then decided to use his block as well, and he put a necklace around Roman's neck since "Kady is a big sucker for country boys."Kaci, however, said she chose not to take advantage of a "block" because she wanted Evan to get the full experience at . Kaci thought dating other people was exactly why they had signed on to do the show.The episode concluded with the couples enjoying a dinner together, without the singles being present. This marked the last time the couples would be together until they leave the island and must make a huge decision."For some of you, this is goodbye forever," Mark told the couples. "I suggest you say the thing you are afraid to say to one another right now as if you were never getting a chance to say it again."The couples kissed goodbye, exchanged professions of love and reminded each other how they are meant to be."I don't feel 100 percent sure that John is the one for me. Now, I feel like I should not be sitting there picking at him. I'm not perfect either, and I hope he still loves me at the end of it," Kady told the cameras. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available Centrul de Instruire Continua in Domeniul Electoral, cu suportul financiar al PNUD Moldova, anunta concurs de granturi mici pentru biblioteci Dog the Bounty Hunter will return to television in a new WGN America series. ADVERTISEMENT The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the 66-year-old Duane "Dog" Chapman and his wife, Beth Chapman, will star in the network's new "Dog's Most Wanted" reality series. "Dog's Most Wanted" will follow Chapman, Beth and their team, known as "The Dirty Dozen," as they pursue a "bucket list" of wanted fugitives. The series will begin production in the first half of 2019. "America has been captivated by Dog, Beth and their dramatic true-crime experiences for over a decade," WGN America president Gavin Harvey said. "In this brand-new series, millions of Dog and Beth fans will join them on bigger hunts, pursuing more dangerous criminals, with a supporting cast of tough-as-nails crime fighters." Variety said Chapman's production company, Bonnie & Clyde, will produce with Dorsey Pictures. "Crime in America is skyrocketing!" Chapman said in a statement. FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! "Criminals are finding it easier to avoid the system. With more and more dangerous criminals running the streets, the time couldn't be better for the World's Greatest Network to bring back the World's Greatest Bounty Hunter. Fugitives beware!" Chapman confirmed the news in a tweet Monday. "#DogPounds REGULATORS MOUNT UP!! It's been a long time please thank @wgnamerica And set your DVRs for the best show on television," he wrote. Chapman and Beth originally starred on the A&E series "Dog the Bounty Hunter," which had an eight-season run from 2004 to 2012. Property details: Begin investing in affordable land!! The housing market is forecast to accelerate! Get your parcel of land now! they are not making any more of it. 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This year the March for Life will showcase experts on modern ultrasound and other tools of fetal monitoring and the benefit that these tools offer to expectant parents. These scientific and technical advances reveal the vitality of the developing child at the earliest stages in pregnancy. The galloping sound of a babys heartbeat first heard at seven weeks gestation is a great comfort to any new mother. And as each successive week passes, pregnant women are now able to track their babys and their own growth. Each revealed milestone adds to expectation. Similarly, the wonder of lifes first days is within our grasp. Groups like Contend Projects are working hard to spread awareness among youth future mothers and fathers -- of the biological science of human embryology. They hope to educate more people on the science of when a human being begins to exist. Science reveals the mother-child bond -- a bond which is decidedly not adversarial (at least not until the teen years). Our legal tradition, by contrast, currently considers a womans developing child as adverse to her liberty. This shouldnt be surprising. Courts resolve cases and controversies between adversaries. One side wins, one side loses. But when it comes to abortion, the law unlike science -- is getting farther and farther from catching up with the truth. It has been almost 50 years since the Supreme Court created a womans constitutional right to an abortion in Roe v. Wade. Writing for the majority in Roe, Justice Harry Blackmun attempted to balance the liberty interests of a pregnant woman to terminate her pregnancy and the states interest in protecting the potential life of her unborn child. Using arbitrary trimesters that track the progression of a womans pregnancy, he set forth guidelines for permissible limitations on abortion. Roes trimester system quickly proved unworkable, however, and the court replaced it in the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision. Casey retained Roes holding that viability marks the earliest point at which the State's interest in fetal life is constitutionally adequate to justify a legislative ban on nontherapeutic abortions. But instead of Blackmuns approach, the court adopted the undue burden standard to review abortion regulations. A finding of an undue burden, wrote Justice Sandra Day OConnor for the court plurality, is a shorthand for the conclusion that a state regulation has the purpose or effect of placing a substantial obstacle in the path of a woman seeking an abortion of a nonviable fetus. Caseys focus on the burdens to a womans liberty and away from the stages of human development was presented as a pragmatic solution insulating judicial review from advances in medical science. But the problem with pragmatic solutions is that they generally dont work. Since Casey, abortion advocates have argued that any abortion restriction constitutes an undue burden. They even opposed the federal ban on the gruesome partial-birth abortion procedure on these grounds. The response of the Supreme Court came in its 2007 Gonzales v. Carhart decision. The high court upheld the ban, but not because partial-birth abortion is a grave offense against humanity. Rather, the Supreme Court said the partial-birth abortion ban simply did not constitute an undue burden on a womans liberty. Under Roe, courts used a trimester approach to balance the interests of a woman against the states interest in protecting her child. After Casey, courts evaluate the extent to which a regulation burdens a womans liberty. Both standards end up pitting mother against child. Science, however, offers a better answer to this issue by focusing our attention on the strength of the mother-child bond. Perhaps the Supreme Court will incorporate new science and revise how courts consider abortion regulations and limitations. But even if the court fails to do so right away, Americans can still look to science -- the hard science of ultrasounds, fetal monitoring and embryology -- to see the irrefutable connection between mother and child. And that it is a mutually enriching bond that ought to be supported, not severed. If the government shutdown is causing your paycheck to be withheld or you are adversely affected in any way, what you are about to read will make you even angrier. But keep reading for a practical lesson about the emotional power of words, especially when delivered by a showman. When debate over The Wall on our southern border is finally resolved (one way or another), political scientists and strategists will study this divisive, polarizing issue at the heart of a record-setting government shutdown that started as a simple campaign concept. After an early and wildly successful road test by yet-to-be-declared-candidate Donald Trump in January 2015 at the Iowa Freedom Summit, his words I will build a wall slowly morphed into Trumps signature action phrase. Eventually, it became an integral part of his brand and a rallying cry that helped elect him the first president of the United States who had never before held political office or military rank. The genesis of Trumps wall initially suggested in 2014 by his first chief political strategist, Roger Stone, a name now familiar from the headlines of the Mueller investigation has been under-reported. And when reported, according to Stone, the facts have not been entirely accurate. Many Netflix subscribers know that Stones colorful four-decades-long political career was the subject of a popular 2017 documentary "Get Me Roger Stone." In the movie, Stone is compared to Forrest Gump, the fictional character who found himself at the center of every landmark political and cultural event in the mid- to late-20th century. In my May 2017 interview with Stone, he confessed that Get Me Roger Stone is generally an accurate depiction of my life. Now, during the shutdown, that Forrest Gump reference is applicable again with the wall issue dividing the nation, motivating Trump's supporters, infuriating his critics, causing mayhem, disruption, and financial pain. Making an assumption, I said to Stone, No one has talked to you about the wall and he replied, That is correct, they only have [Sam] Nunbergs self-serving version. (Keep reading for an explanation.) That changed after I spoke with Stone by telephone this past Sunday. He took me back to 2014 when Trump was actively considering a run for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. (Stone had been Trumps key political adviser since the 1980s.) You have to recognize that Donald Trump does not operate the way a conventional politician would. He is very much his own man and a free spirit, said Stone. It was Donald Trump who decided to make illegal immigration a cornerstone of his platform and decided we needed a barrier on our southern border. All I helped provide was a rhetorical flourish, as it were, in that I understood that because he was a builder, Trump would have credibility by saying, I will build a wall hes a builder, thats what he does. And I also thought that once Trump road-tested it, people would react favorably and they did. Therefore, Trump would have reason to repeat it repetition being a key element in the art of politics. Then I asked Stone about a recent piece in Forbes, Where the Idea for Donald Trumps Wall Came From by Stuart Anderson. In the column, Anderson quotes from the book Devils Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Nationalist Uprising by Joshua Green. Anderson wrote, Joshua Green had good access to Trump insiders, including Sam Nunberg, who worked with Stone. Roger Stone and I came up with the idea of the Wall, and we talked to Steve [Bannon] about it, according to Nunberg. It was to make sure he [Trump] talked about immigration. Stone takes great umbrage with two of Sam Nunbergs recollections. The first was his saying that the wall was a joint idea (an assertion also chronicled in a recent New York Times piece). This conflict prompted me to ask Stone if he and Trump were alone when he suggested the idea of the wall. He replied, I was NOT the one who suggested it to Trump. I am the one who thought it up. But, since Sam was traveling with Trump, I said, Sam, suggest to him that he propose the building of a wall. Sam did, so Sam was involved in the mechanics of it. Second, Stone emphatically contradicts Nunbergs contention that they talked to Steve Bannon about the wall: Thats false, we never spoke to Steve Bannon. At the time [in 2014] Bannon was supporting Sen. Ted Cruz. Involving Steve Bannon is illogical, a complete invention reflecting Nunbergs current employment as Bannons coat-holder." Curious, I also asked Stone if he had anything to do with Trumps rallying cry that Mexico will pay for the wall. Stones answer: Thats all Trump. Not usually known for deflecting credit, Stone surprisingly said, You cant give me credit for coming up with the immigration issue. I only recommended a rhetorical device -- adding, which turned out to one of Trumps signature issues. I laughed at the notion of a rhetorical device resulting in an epic government shutdown. Our conversation then turned to how Trump used that rhetorical device during the 2016 campaign. Stone recalled (and practically quoted verbatim) a Jan. 31, 2016 New York Times editorial, saying, Trump told the Times in an editorial board meeting, When my rallies start to get slow, and I think people are losing interest, I bring up the wall and they go crazy. So he gets it. Based on the Times piece, I concluded that the wall was an example of showmanship, to which Roger replied, Correct. The fact that the wall was used by Trump as the issue to liven up rallies is truly astounding amid the government shutdowns fourth week. When I asked Stone if the wall was initially just an off the cuff idea or a major branding exercise, he answered, All those things. My final question was Did you ever think that the wall would end up being what it is at this moment? Stone replied, Whats more important is not the wall so much, but the policy of sealing our border. To which I said, The policy of sealing and protecting our borders HAS NOW become the wall, the issue on which Trump is living and dying because he fears losing his base if he backs down. Stone argued that Trump's stubbornness is rooted in something else: "Sealing the border was the cornerstone issue he was elected on. What you call pandering to his base I call keeping faith with the voters who elected him." Stone emphatically said, He shouldnt back down, it would be an error to back down. The base in politics is everything. If you have no base, you cant expand beyond your base. It is a good idea for him to stay the course and not back down -- a good idea politically and, more importantly, from a policy point of view. In the end, Stone admits, We dont know the final result. But this we do know: Powerful words and symbolic phrases such as I will build a wall, when suggested by a seasoned political adviser to an inexperienced candidate, can change the course of history especially when that candidate is a skilled showman. US media giant Viacom has been in talks in China over the sale of its majority stakes in local MTV and Nickelodeon channels, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. No potential buyer was named in the report but Viacom sources told Variety it remains committed to the Chinese market, where it has operated for more than 20 years.The company may be seeking to emulate the model it follows in India, where Viacom has already sold a 1% stake in its erstwhile 50:50 joint venture with Reliance Industries, allowing the latters network TV18 to take majority control in Viacom18 last year . A similar arrangement is held in South Korea where Viacoms local partner SBS assumes control over the SBS MTV and Nickelodeon Korea channels.Viacom operates the 24-hour MTV Mandarin channel and Nickelodeon China with state-owned broadcaster CCTV, and licenses content to Chinese streaming services such as iQIYI The Chinese arm of Viacoms movie studio Paramount Pictures is said to be unaffected by the talks. EUROPE: Polish infrastructure manager PKP PLK has called tenders for the design of a planned upgrade of freight facilities at Terespol, on the Polish side of the border with Belarus at Brest on the Moscow Minsk Warszawa Berlin corridor. Gov. Andrew Cuomo managed to close a projected $3.1 billion deficit in the executive budget he proposed on Jan. 15, but New Yorks finances are still vulnerable to two potential disruptions beyond its control: a volatile economy and the whims of the Trump administration. An economic downturn or cuts in federal aid to could dramatically upset the careful fiscal balance that Cuomo has pursued in his eight years in office, a tenure that began in 2011 with a $10 billion budget deficit. While the governor made some additional strides in his latest budget to keep spending in check, provisions that would go into effect if the states fiscal fortunes head south might not be enough to avoid painful budget cuts down the road. A good firewall against draconian budget cuts is a robust reserve fund, experts say. Cuomo on Tuesday proposed that an additional $488 million be stowed away in the upcoming year, increasing the total amount of the rainy day fund to $2.28 billion, but that is still roughly half of what the state really needs, according to David Friedfel, director of state studies at the Citizens Budget Commission. Ideally, about 10 percent of general fund tax revenues like California has would be set aside, he said. The reserves are simply not there, he said. We do not have a easy revenue source to tap into, particularly if its a severe recession. To keep spending flat would be an extreme challenge and the state simply hasnt taken any steps to prepare. Other measures that the state should take to protect its fiscal health would be capping Medicare reimbursements for high-income people and changes to state employee and retirees health benefits, according to Friedfel. Notably, the Cuomo administration did include in its budget conservative estimates of revenues from legalized marijuana, and it is proactively reducing its fiscal forecasts sooner rather than later, Friedfel added. The Cuomo administration also has to abide by its 2 percent cap on spending increases if it wants to keep the deficit from ballooning to $4.3 billion in fiscal year 2021. If the state stays under the cap, the budget gap that year would be reduced to $747 million and surpluses thereafter, but several variables can disrupt that equation. Changes to the federal tax plan have already upset revenue projections. Contingency plans in the budget proposal can only reduce spending by so much and it is hard for anyone to save when there are lots of reasons to spend. So is New York state ready for a recession? No, said Friedfel. Here are are a few questions that reveal why. How has the federal government upset New Yorks finances? Now on the finances for the state, we start with the $3 billion hole, largely because of the federal policies, Cuomo said during his address on Tuesday. The revenues have slowed. We believe it's attributed to the federal SALT program which we all predicted was going to have a dramatic effect on New York. Indeed, the source of much of the fiscal uncertainty is the new $10,000 cap on federal tax deductions of state and local taxes, which had previously been unlimited. This change to the so-called SALT deduction means that New Yorkers have less incentive to pay their state taxes by the end of year, and that could be what is behind decreasing tax receipts that required state officials last month to reduce revenue projections by $400 million for this year and $1.5 billion for next year. Changes to the federal tax code overall injected volatility into taxpayer behavior, making it very difficult to identify the true underlying income and tax receipt trends, Robert Mujica told reporters after the governors speech. But just as worrisome for state finances are ways that high-income earners might avoid paying taxes. What else are they looking at? said Mujica. Are they looking at other tax avoidance strategies? For now, SALT is a top worry for state officials, but additional moves by the Trump administration could also throw the state budget into disarray. This includes cuts in federal aid to the state or the effects of federal policy on a stock market that has swung dramatically in recent weeks, affecting revenues from sources like capital gains and corporate bonuses. Given these vulnerabilities, why is Cuomo proposing to limit taxes? The proposed budget includes a number of measures aimed at limiting taxes. They include making the 2 percent cap on property taxes permanent and continuing to phases in certain middle-class tax cuts. Overall, the state has to strike a certain balance between taxing high-income earners enough to keep the state fiscally sounds while not depending on them so much that it incentivizes them to move out of state. The Citizens Budget Commission estimates that 0.6 percent of taxpayers pay 20 percent of states operating spending. If just 1 percent of these high earners left the state, they would take $200 million in revenues with them. The latest budget proposal does not do enough to mitigate this vulnerability, according to E.J. McMahon, research director at the Empire Center for Public Policy. Were climbing further out on the limb of heavy dependance on high income taxpayers, he said. Furthermore, budget manipulations present the budget proposal as having a 2 percent cap on spending, when McMahons analysis finds that state spending would rise by 3 percent were Cuomos budget proposal to pass. What is the states current margin of error? So what will the state do if fiscal disaster in one form or another strikes? The current budget proposals includes a few contingency plans. A 3 percent reduction in local assistance appropriations would go into effect if tax receipts drop by $500 million, with exceptions for school aid, Medicaid and public assistance. Another proposal would allow the state budget director to prepare a plan if and when the federal government reduces Medicaid funding by $850 million or more, or reduces state operating funds by the same amount. The state Legislature would have 90 days to reject such a plan, which would otherwise take effect automatically. A similar plan was agreed to in the 2017 session. Professor John Potter, Senior Advisor at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, on being named in the top one per cent of most cited scientists in the world and the state of cancer in New Zealand. If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit Cancer Care, Revolutionized The current one-size-fits-all approach to treating lung cancer patients is not improving outcomes. We are certainly in need of exploring new technologies like artificial intelligence, digital health, and blockchain to improve outcomes Witty Health Inc., an oncology-focused digital health and a blockchain company has announced the launch of Physician-2-Physician collaboration platform for the global oncology community on OncoPower, an oncologist-designed platform that utilizes digital health and professional networking to improve cancer care and precision medicine. The company has also initiated the clinical development of Precision Therapeutic, which is an unique personalized digital therapeutic, for Lung Cancer The OncoPower's Physician-2-Physician collaboration suite released today enables Oncologist-2-Oncologist, Oncologist-2- Virtual Tumor Board, Oncologist-2-Consensus Panel and Oncologist-2- Specialist consultations. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have regulations in place to reimburse these payments for the treating oncologists and consulting physicians. OncoPower Physician-2-Physician consult suite facilitates these consultations efficiently and help generate documentation that complies with these rules. Using OncoPowers physician collaboration suite, the treating and consulting physicians can generate documentation for each patient with specific CPT codes. The suite provides an easy to use option for Primary Care Physicians to consult oncologists while attending to cancer survivors. Please see FAQs: http://oncopower.org/oncFAQ/smartonc.html. Oncology providers, specialists and primary care physicians can join OncoPower at https://oncopower.org/OncCase. The Company has also initiated clinical development of Precision Therapeutic, a first in its class personalized digital therapeutic for Lung Cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. With over 230,000 new lung cancer cases and 140,000 deaths in the US, there is a strong unmet need to improve outcomes with innovative precision medicine methods. Worldwide, an estimated 2.09 million new cases of lung cancer and 1.76 million deaths in 2018 as per WHO. OncoPowers Oncologist-2-Consensus Panel tool is a unique digital health tool for generating consensus precision care by a panel of multiple oncologists or a virtual tumor board. Witty Health intends to use the development of its Precision Therapeutic to objectively evaluate the impact that digital consensus care plans are having on treatment outcomes. We are happy to achieve this milestone and compliance which ensures that Oncologists, specialists and primary care physicians using our Physician-2-Physician collaboration suite are paid for their time and efforts said Witty Health Co-Founder and Chief Oncologist, Karthik Koduru, MD. The current one-size-fits-all approach to treating lung cancer patients is not improving outcomes as expected. We are certainly in need of exploring new technologies like artificial intelligence, digital health, and blockchain to improve outcomes and Quality of Life (QoL) particularly for lung cancer patients. The OncoPower Consensus building tool is a very innovative method to optimize personalized treatment plans and use the treating community to utilize best practices in real time. The current digital health tools are being offered using traditional technologies. Witty Health is carefully researching and slowly implementing blockchain capabilities into the platform. Once fully built, OncoPower will be powered by a blockchain-integrated, digitally generated security called Onco, a class B non-voting security that will power the platform actions and serve as the fuel of the incentivized oncology market. With OncoPower, participants are both shareholders and users. They retain both the clinical and social benefits, as well as most of the financial benefits, via Onco distributed using transparent consensus algorithms. With an estimated 1.7 million new cancer cases expected this year alone, Oncologists need to begin to lean more heavily on peers, digital health, and patient engagement tools to improve access to evidence-based cancer care. While I am utterly impressed with the platform tools themselves, the best part of the OncoPower platform is that it is led by a team of Oncologists who know what is best for the cancer patients, stated Dr. Amitkumar Mehta, a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL. About OncoPower OncoPower (https://oncopower.org/) is an oncologist-designed platform developed to create value for the global cancer community. It is HIPAA-compliant and uses integrated clinical care and social determinants of health (SDoH) approach. It is developed by Witty Health Inc, a Houston, TX based digital therapeutic company that approaches complex problems with smart and inventive solutions. Media Contact: Whitney Ahneman Phone: (713) 470-2580 Uptrust and Palm Beach County Launch Partnership to Reduce Failures to Appear in Court We are proud to join Palm Beach County, Uptrust and other partners to create a low cost, effective model of criminal justice reform which can be rolled out across the nation," said Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. Uptrust, the criminal justice focused text message communication and reminder service, and The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission announced today the official launch of a partnership to reduce the number of Failure to Appear (FTA) incidents and their associated arrest warrants in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. The partnership, which joins more than a dozen established Uptrust contracts with jurisdictions across the country, is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, an international human rights advocacy organization. This collaborative effort between the Criminal Justice Commission, Public Defender, State Attorney, Clerk and Pretrial Services should contribute significantly to our goal of reducing the number of people who are arrested simply for failing to appear in court, said Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Colbath. As an implementation site with the MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge, we are committed to strategies such as this which help to avoid needless incarceration while continuing to keep our communities safe. We are pleased to partner with the foundation, Uptrust and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights in this innovative project which will improve our local criminal justice system. The partnership is slated to reduce costs and improve efficiency for attorneys, staff and law enforcement, while decreasing the number of incarcerations for violations such as FTAs. According to Palm Beach County records, 14 percent of admissions to the Palm Beach County Jail in 2017 were for simply failing to appear in court. Under the agreement, Uptrust, the Palm Beach County Public Defender, Pretrial Services and the Clerk will work together, resulting in public defender clients receiving text reminders for their court dates. Messages are being sent in English, Spanish or Creole, at the defendants request. "The right to liberty is a basic American value. Our failure to preserve that right puts our very democracy at risk, said Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. We are proud to join Palm Beach County, Uptrust and other partners to create a low cost, effective model of criminal justice reform which can be rolled out across the nation." Uptrusts platform is the product of research indicating that many defendants miss court because they forgot, were never reminded, couldnt find childcare or didnt ask for the time off from work. Currently, local governments across the country spend more than $9 billion on unnecessary pretrial incarceration, and an additional $1 billion issuing and enforcing FTAs. At the same time, bench warrants can become wasteful of law enforcements time and funds. By reducing FTAs and bench warrants, Uptrust helps law enforcement to focus on their most important goal, public safety. As our first Florida site, were excited to work with Palm Beach County because of its commitment to being a leader for criminal justice reform, said Jacob Sills, founder of Uptrust. As a model for the entire state of Florida, we look forward to more ways to preserve jail only for those who truly are a public safety risk. ABOUT UPTRUST Uptrust is a text message-based communication and engagement tool helping defendants arrive at court for their scheduled hearings and other mandatory appointments. By improving the relationship between the criminal justice system and defendants, Uptrust has proved to keep low-income defendants out of jail on bench warrants and technical violations, while also saving attorneys time and reducing the cost to the municipality or county. Uptrust currently is contracted with more than 15 public defender offices around the US, and reaches over 100,000 defendants. Uptrust is a public benefit corporation that has offices in San Francisco, CA and Northampton, MA. To learn more about Uptrust, visit http://www.Uptrust.co. Wells Fargo has donated over $545,000 to United Way of Greater Los Angeles to assist individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. The funds will provide supportive and temporary bridge housing; expand client navigation services, crisis/emergency funds, and move-in assistance; as well as support communication, engagement, and community mobilization efforts across Los Angeles County. Wells Fargo has long been committed to the mission of improving lives and building stronger communities, said Gregg Sherkin, vice president, community affairs senior manager of Wells Fargo. We know we can count on United Way of Greater Los Angeles to make the most impact to the lives of vulnerable Angelenos and help them reach a solid financial ground, Sherkin added. In addition to their donation, Wells Fargo has also teamed up with United Way of Greater Los Angeles on numerous engagements over the past year, including the annual Fall Into Literacy book fair, a mobile non-perishable food bank collection pop-up, and the Everyone In Community Pop-Up to End Homelessness. Wells Fargo also provided nearly 200 volunteer hours for the Stamp Out Hunger food drive co-sponsored by United Way of Greater Los Angeles. United Way has been working for nearly a decade to end homelessness and poverty for tens of thousands of people across Los Angeles County, said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. We are at a pivotal moment in the fight. The support and partnership from Wells Fargo is critical to driving effective solutions forward. Through our Everyone In campaign to end homelessness, our Close the Gap education resolution and other community impact solutions, we plan to double down on this work and, with these new resources, do even more to help people across the region break the cycle of poverty, permanently. About United Way of Greater Los Angeles: United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization fighting to end poverty by preparing students for high school graduation, college, and the workforce; housing our homeless neighbors; and guiding hard-working families towards economic mobility. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit UnitedWayLA.org and EveryoneInLA.org. About Wells Fargo: Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.9 trillion in assets. Wells Fargos 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 8,200 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 42 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 265,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 25 on Fortunes 2017 rankings of Americas largest corporations. News, insights and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. 880 Harrison (The Blockchain Building), Loudoun Countys premier office and coworking community, announced today that uAvionix has selected its office space for its Northern Virginia headquarters (HQ2). Based in Bigfork, MT, uAvionix Ping network system combines hardware, software, and real-time airspace mapping to enable companies to safely and reliably operate drones in the national airspace. Experiencing strong growth in the manned and unmanned aviation market, uAvionix sought to expand to Loudoun County to benefit from the areas technology talent pool and access to regulatory and industry advocacy groups. Christian Ramsey, President and local lead for uAvionixs HQ2, needed office space that would appeal to a high-tech workforce and be centrally located to support aviation and international business needs. Ramsey chose 880 Harrison because of its industry-leading amenities, such as redundant high-speed Internet access, and convenience to both Leesburg and Dulles International Airports. We looked at many office spaces, and 880 Harrison was the perfect choice for us, said Ramsey, The Blockchain Building offered more than just office space- it gives us the environment, amenities and location to grow our business and culture locally. 880 Harrison offers both private and shared office space in the heart of Loudoun County and the Leesburg HUBZone. Redundant hard-wired and wireless Internet, conference facilities with state-of-the-art audio/visual capabilities, and private phone rooms insure maximum productivity for members. With an equal focus on personal well-being, 880 Harrison features a workout room, a stretch lab, stocked coffee and snack bar and bikes to access downtown Leesburgs shops and restaurants. Loudoun County is a hub for growth and expansion of the technology industry, said Torge Dennen, partner at 880 Harrison. 880 Harrison is meeting the needs of these companies and employees by offering a state-of-the-art facility with unparalleled amenities and location to maximize productivity and worker satisfaction. About 880 Harrison Centrally located in the Leesburg HUBZone- and minutes from downtown Leesburg, Dulles International and Leesburg Airports, and the Dulles Toll Road, 880 Harrison (The Blockchain Building) is reimagining the workplace for those that live and work in Loudoun County. Whether you are seeking a space for your small business or are a remote worker, 880 Harrison offers a comfortable and collaborative office environment for every local professional to not only work, but to network and share ideas with local industry peers. For more information, please visit http://www.880harrisonstreet.com. About uAvionix Corporation uAvionix develops the worlds smallest, lightest and most affordable ADS-B transceivers, transponders, and GPS receivers for manned and unmanned aviation. Based in Bigfork, MT, uAvionix has gathered a cross-disciplinary team of experts in embedded RF engineering, sUAS operations, avionics, hardware, software, and cloud services. uAvionix was founded in 2015 and has received Series A and Series B investment funding from Playground Global and Airbus Ventures. To learn more about uAvionix Products, please visit: http://www.uavionix.com Follow uAvionix on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/uAvionix Follow uAvionix on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uavionix/ Follow uAvionix on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/%C2%B5avionix-corporation/ Posted Wednesday, January 16, 2019 9:40 am OLYMPIA Standing before a Washington Legislature that for years has balked at his carbon-reduction agenda, Gov. Jay Inslee implored lawmakers Tuesday to make bold moves to combat climate change. The governor's State of the State address before a joint session of the House and Senate comes as Democrats return to the Capitol with expanded majorities -- and hopes of taking on bigger pieces of legislation. But Inslee faces a hotter spotlight. The second-term Democratic governor is considering a presidential bid that would emphasize a national call to reverse climate change. This legislative session will show if he can finally bring his biggest ideas to fruition in his own state. The governor cited the warming oceans and the wildfires that have either ravaged Washington lands or dirtied the skies in recent years as the new normal -- unless swift action is taken. "I don't know of any other issue that touches the heart of so many of the things we all care about: our jobs, our health, our safety and our children's future," Inslee told those gathered. "This is the eleventh hour, but it is Washington state's hour to shine. It's a time of great peril, but it is also a time of great promise." In recent years, Inslee's ambitious carbon-fee and cap-and-trade proposals stalled in the Legislature. Washington voters in 2016 and 2018 also rejected carbon-fee ballot measures. This year the governor is taking a different approach. He's advocating for a series of smaller bills that he said roughly equals the amount of carbon-reduction in his previous, overarching proposals. The package includes a clean-fuels standard for auto emissions, the eventual elimination of "super-pollutant" hydrofluorocarbons used in air conditioning, and more electric-vehicle incentives and tighter energy-efficiency regulations for buildings. Sen. Reuven Carlyle, D-Seattle praised that approach. The governor's proposal "doubled down on getting the most emissions reduction possible at the most modest price," said Carlyle, who chairs the Senate Environment, Energy and Technology Committee. But Inslee's speech drew swift criticism from GOP legislators, who have disparaged his climate-change efforts as too expensive for citizens, too stifling to businesses, or both. In the Republican response to Inslee's address, Rep. Jacquelin Maycumber, R-Republic, Ferry County, described the governor's priorities as "an extreme environmental agenda, no matter the cost to you and me." She called instead for incentives to reduce carbon emissions. Republican lawmakers lashed out at the governor's expansive $54.4 billion proposed 2019-21 state operating budget, the blueprint for Inslee's agenda. And they pointed out that the governor made no mention in his speech of the $3.7 billion tax package he has proposed to fund his priorities. "It's much like my kids when they make their Christmas list out," Maycumber said in a news conference after both speeches. "And they want everything under the sun." Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, took a more creative approach to opposition. On the House floor Tuesday before the governor's speech, Walsh briefly wore a reflective safety vest. It was a visual comparison to the "yellow vest" protests in France that originally broke out in resistance to fuel taxes. Walsh criticized the governor's past and present proposals that might raise vehicle taxes. He urged the governor to drop his focus on climate change, and "let's focus on mental health, that's a clear public good." Inslee in his speech beseeched lawmakers to make big investments to fix Washington's mental-health system -- a point officials in both parties have broadly agreed upon. He pressed for expansion in programs for early learning and college affordability. He laid out his case for more education funding and efforts to save the endangered southern resident population of killer whales. The governor's remarks came as new data show Washington moving in the wrong direction to hit greenhouse-gas reduction goals put into law roughly a decade ago. State law requires greenhouse-gas emissions to return to 1990 levels by next year. But new numbers reveal that emissions have increased about 6.1 percent from 2012-2015. That rise is due in part to more fossil fuel-generated electricity and a roaring economy, according to the Washington Department of Ecology. Inslee is making his push at the Legislature as he also launches an attempt to appeal to a much broader audience: voters across the nation. The governor Tuesday touched on a series of issues that animate voters across the Democratic political spectrum: worker rights, race and a woman's right to be in charge of her own health care. He mentioned Washington's increasing restrictions on guns -- some of them approved by voters in statewide initiatives -- which drew a long standing ovation from Democrats and some state officials. And Inslee touted the end of the death penalty in Washington -- which he put a moratorium on in 2014, before the state Supreme Court struck it down last year -- and the state's commitment to a welcoming environment for immigrants. By contrast, Inslee said, President Donald Trump "stokes fear of 'the other' at every opportunity." The governor spent Saturday giving a speech in Nevada, a key early state in the presidential nominating process. Next Monday and Tuesday, Inslee is scheduled to be in New Hampshire, home of the nation's first presidential primary. He is scheduled to speak to students at Dartmouth College and Saint Anselm College on climate change, and also at a fundraiser hosted by former U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes to benefit the state's League of Conservation Voters. Despite their big new Democratic majorities, the governor and his allies may well struggle to accomplish everything they want. Several Democrats already have declared their discomfort with the governor's proposed $3.7 billion tax package -- which includes a new tax on capital gains and an increase in some business-and-occupation tax rates -- to fund his agenda. Democrats may also lack the support to enact low-carbon fuel standards, a key piece of the governor's climate-change proposal, according to Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, and chief Democratic budget writer in the Senate. But Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, and chair of the House Environment & Energy Committee, struck an upbeat tone. His committee on Tuesday held public hearings for two pieces of climate-change legislation, including a low-carbon fuel standard bill, HB 1110. Fitzgibbon noted that a Republican coalition controlled the Senate for five of Inslee's first six years as governor, stalling big pieces of the governor's agenda. And Democrats last year held ultra-slim majorities. Also, compared to previous years, "I think that there's more understanding in the Legislature about the impacts of climate change now," he said. Added Fitzgibbon: "I think this is the year we're positioned on a breakthrough." Seattle Times political reporter Jim Brunner contributed to this report. When James H.K. Bruners six children were young, he would make up bedtime stories for them on the spot. He realized back then that he had a knack for spinning tales. His talent for storytelling led him to write The Bike Cop: In the Greater Weight of Evidence (published by Xlibris). For more details about the book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Cop-Greater-Weight-Evidence/dp/1984511157. The book tells the story of David Digger Davenport, a 19-year-old college student who develops a penchant for solving crimes. He takes a summer job issuing parking tickets for a small seaside town in Maine not knowing that he will end up solving a murder that has uprooted the community. This is a coming-of-age story in which a young man perseveres against politics, racism and evil to see the truth and justice prevail, Bruner says. It addresses todays conflicts of race and animosity. I hope to entertain readers both young and old. An excerpt from the book: In the good old days in this small Maine seaport, it was safe for an eleven-year-old boy to fish alone at five in the morning. Who could predict that this day was one of the last of the good old days in Port Talbot? The Bike Cop: In the Greater Weight of Evidence By James H.K. Bruner Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 254 pages | ISBN 9781984511164 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 254 pages | ISBN 9781984511157 E-Book | 254 pages | ISBN 9781984511539 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author James H.K. Bruner is an attorney admitted in Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Florida who weaves his experiences from the legal battles in these jurisdictions into his stories. He enjoys combining the legalese with his experiences growing up in the summers in Kennebunkport, Maine, and raising six children with his wife, Gretchen. He practices law out of his Tallahassee office and writes novels from his camp in the Port. James H.K. Bruner is an attorney admitted in Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Florida who weaves his experiences from the legal battles in these jurisdictions into his stories. He enjoys combining the legalese with his experiences growing up in the summers in Kennebunkport, Maine, and raising six children with his wife, Gretchen. He practices law out of his Tallahassee office and writes novels from his camp in the Port. Readers can check out his website at http://www.thebikecop.com/ and his interview on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/525868901/posts/10157662504863902/. Xlibris Publishing, an Author Solutions, LLC imprint, is a self-publishing services provider created in 1997 by authors, for authors. By focusing on the needs of creative writers and artists and adopting the latest print-on-demand publishing technology and strategies, we provide expert publishing services with direct and personal access to quality publication in hardcover, trade paperback, custom leather-bound and full-color formats. To date, Xlibris has helped to publish more than 60,000 titles. For more information, visit xlibris.com or call 1-888-795-4274 to receive a free publishing guide. Follow us @XlibrisPub on Twitter for the latest news. Sterling Caviar The United States consumes upwards of 70 tons of caviar per year with the majority of this supply imported. Michelin, Bocuse, and Zagat rated Chefs, consider California farmed White Sturgeon caviar as the gold standard for consumers. On January 11th, 2019, Alice Waters, Carlo Petrini, and Jessica B. Harris presided over the Good Food Awards at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House. The nominees selected from 2,035 entries with 401 products representing 40 states. Sterling Caviar, a sustainable California farm-raised White Sturgeon caviar, was awarded a Good Food Award in the category of fish. Amongst the nominees and winners in the room, there was a shared commitment to sustainable social and environmental practices, continued innovation and demonstrating individual excellence in each product category tied as a common bond. To win was no small feat. California is home to a diverse community of farmers who produce some of the worlds best artisan wines, cheeses, almonds, and fruit, yet consumers are surprised to find out that some of the world's best caviar comes from Sterling in Sacramento. Even further, they are known as the pioneers of the industry. Utilizing their unique history, combined with a profound love of their fish and their commitment to sustainability and transparency in seafood, as sturgeon stewardship is part of their mastery, Sterling seeks to educate consumers on the value of their product. The farmed White Sturgeon at their Elverta farm, among others, is raised in exceedingly pure water that recirculates using an ozonation process that degrades organic pollutants, ensuring the fish begins its life in optimal conditions. Dissolved ozone is highly effective for nitrite reduction and algae control, thus promoting a very healthy habitat for the fish. They are fed a proportionate balance of both land and sea-based ingredients thus generating a more sustainable food supply for wild fish and oceans. Sterling shares the recycled water for different eco-friendly purposes such as creating artificial wetlands. Of the 27 wild sturgeon species, only the White Sturgeon and the Lake Sturgeon are considered stable populations with the rest listed as endangered, critically endangered or near extinction. Sterling has a had a fully domesticated population of world-class farmed White Sturgeon for over 20 years. By supplying live farmed fish, eggs and tissue samples to biologists at UC Davis, Sterling aids research to increase the wild sturgeon population even further. The United States consumes upwards of 70 tons of caviar per year with the majority of this supply imported. Sterling can produce up to 15 tons annually. Michelin, Bocuse, and Zagat rated Chefs, consider California farmed White Sturgeon caviar as the gold standard for consumers. In 2018 China shipped more caviar to the US than the rest of the world combined. With their high-volume supply, competitive pricing, a variety of farmed sturgeon species and hybrids, Chinese caviar became a fast-appealing option. Sterling stays competitive by focusing on consumer education, directing caviar connoisseurs to appreciate and look for the farmed California White Sturgeon labeling in their purchasing. They seek to educate buyers to search out farm to table sustainable caviar as opposed to factory style homogeny, and to celebrate natural, diverse harvests which can produce eggs of many different colors, sizes, textures and flavor profiles; reminding us all that American caviar, remains a pure healthy pleasure that belongs in every kitchen. The best wines for discerning tastes give the consumer a peek into the vineyards history and practices as should the best caviar. In a global market, consumers want to know more and more where their food comes from which is why the farmers who pioneered the very industry by being the best stewards in raising the fish is an obvious choice. An exhibition of calligraphy and one-stroke paintings by the renown Chinese naturalist YY Ting (1902-1978) opens at Gianguan Auctions on Wednesday, January 24 and runs through February 7. Making the display unique are comparative works by Ming Dynasty naturalist Bada Shanren (1521-1527), who Ting credited with inspiring his oeuvre.The Art of YY Ting & Bada Shanren marks the fortieth anniversary of Tings passing. A native of Maoming, Guangdong Province, Y Y Ting (nee Ding Yanyong) was sent, at the age of eighteen, to study western painting in Japan. The experience opened his eyes not only to technique but also to the passion of Japanese artists who abandoned European opportunities to revitalize their cultural heritage. Ten years later, Y Y Ting saw how the splash ink freehand of Ming artist Bada Shanren reflected Lao Tzus philosophy of open mindedness. Y Y Ting then advanced the concept despite a backlash of public opinion. Just as abstractionists in the West reduced complex visuals to synergistic lines, Y Y Ting brought nature into focus. He rendered an entire lotus stem in a simple stroke that captured both the softness and harshness of nature. When applied to calligraphy, the text was lively, as can be seen in Calligraphy in Couplet. While he preferred painting historical subjects such as "Yang Guifei the Concubine Emerging from the Bath" in vibrant color, later one-stroke paintings dominate the exhibition. In Landscape, for example, traditional subject matter rendered in flowing, seemingly effortless brush lines takes on energy. The same can be said of minimalist subjects such as Myna Bird on Willow, Sleeping Cat and Frogs Coraking in Lotus Pond. Overall, the apparently insouciant lines laid in with the precision of forethought evoke a sense of joy in viewers. It is little wonder that Y Y Tings paintings are in high demand. Meanwhile, the portion of the exhibition devoted to the works of Zhu Da, better known as Bada Shanren (Man of Eight Mountains) offers a look at the origins of Y Y Tings inspiration. Bada Shanrens life as an artist was altered when he broke from Ming formalism to explore a more naturalistic splash ink approach. Incurring the ire of Emperor Jiajing (1522-1566), he was reduced to poverty, a state so dismal that fellow artists were reluctant to experiment lest they too lose everything. This was further complicated by the Manchurian invasion that established the Qing Dynasty. To save himself, Bada Shanren became a monk. In the monastery he was free to pursue his artistic journey. Using long tipped lambs wool brushes, Bada Shanren wrapped strength in softness and created a certain elasticity that allowed the natural changes in ink color to show through. This simplistic approach also allowed a flower be just a flower, a bird just a bird, and so on. Bada Shanrens personal courage and faith ushered in a new era of Chinese art and established him as the founder of modern Chinese painting. Viewers will see his rejection of formalism in Calligraphy, which appears structured compared to Y Y Tings but is a huge departure from the tightly rendered characters of the day. In Geese, a free flyer lords over two waterfowl locked in water. No Birds in the Mountains, painted with a foreshortened perspective of rocks and trees, is a chiaroscuro painting that invites endless study. What a difference time makes. Not only did China change, the world changed and art with it. Western artists challenged the precepts of the Academy to create Impressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism. Y Y Ting, once opened to western experimentation, found in his own heritage the seeds of abstraction. Ink splash blazed a new trail of spiritual civilization in eastern oil painting. To further the understanding how Y Y Ting found inspiration in the works of Bada Shanren, the Renwen Society of China Institute will host a lecture on Sunday, January 27 at Gianguan Auctions. The speaker is Kwon Lum, disciple of Y Y Ting. The lecture begins at 2:00 p.m. It will be in Chinese and English. For those who cannot make the lecture, The Art of Y Y Ting & Bada Shanren opens with a reception in the evening on Wednesday, January 23rd. Daytime hours run 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Thursday, January 24 through Thursday, February 7. Gianguan Auctions Gallery is located at 39 W. 56th Street. For more information, please visit Gianguan Auctions http://www.gianguanauctions.com/. For details on the lecture in Chinese, please visit http://chineselectures.org/012719.html. View from the top: The concrete foundations of the Ombepo Wind Farms first three turbines are able to withstand the extreme environment of the Namibian coastline, thanks to PENETRON ADMIX. The crystalline admixture will now effectively block any deterioration of the concrete matrix through carbonation, sulphate attack, and ASR characteristic for the area for the life of the structure. In December 2018, the Ombepo Wind Farm went online, generating 5MW to provide electricity to the nearby towns. PENETRON ADMIX was the key crystalline product specified to waterproof and densify the concrete foundations of the three massive turbines. The construction of the Ombepo Wind Farm was set up by InnoSun Energy Holding, a French-Namibian renewable energy company, in collaboration with the harbor city of Luderitz, in southern Namibia. Construction of the N$180 million (US$13 million) project started in mid-2016; the initial phase of three turbines was completed on time. During the inauguration ceremonies last year, Tom Alweendo, Namibias Minister of Mines and Energy, stated the country was committed to achieving 70% of renewable energies by 2030, with the Ombepo Wind Farm project representing the beginning of the countrys transition to sustainable energy. Ultimately, four wind farms (with a total of 98 wind turbines) located across the southwestern Namibian coast between Oranjemund and Luderitz will increase local electricity generating capacity from 400 to 600 megawatts. This boost will provide electricity to all schools and health facilities and increase the regions rural electrification rate from 34% to 50% by 2020. The word ombepo means wind in Oshiwambo (Ed: a dialect spoken by the Ovambo people in Namibia), and theres certainly plenty of that out here, says Clive Leader, Managing Director of Penetron South Africa. The coast of Namibia is renowned as one of the least hospitable and for concrete structures most corrosive coastlines anywhere in Africa, with high levels of sulphates, as well as exposure to extreme and constant desert winds. The harsh environment of the Namibian coastline made durability of the planned concrete foundations for each of the three massive wind turbines a concern. Each turbine stands 80 m (over 260-feet) tall, with three gigantic blades and single generators. In addition, the isolated location and limited availability of good concrete materials proved a major challenge for the project. This is where the Penetron products and our technical teams began to play a key role in Phase 1 of the Ombepo Wind Farm project, adds Clive Leader. After extensive durability testing and a number of concrete mix designs, PENETRON ADMIX was specified to densify and waterproof the concrete foundations. The crystalline admixture will now effectively block any deterioration of the concrete matrix through carbonation, sulphate attack, and ASR characteristic for the area for the life of the structure. To achieve concrete durability, especially in critical environments, properties such as low permeability, low shrinkage, and self-healing must be realized. PENETRON ADMIX is the worlds most effective and economic permeability-reducing concrete admixtures, as defined by tests of the American Concrete Institute (ACI). It provides comprehensive protection against concrete deterioration and chemical attack. Previously, Namibia was heavily reliant on energy imports from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, notes Clive Leader. With the successful construction and start-up of the first phase of the Ombepo Wind Farm, that situation is slowly changing. Solar panels and wind-generated electricity are the path toward the countrys electricity independence, and Penetron is proud to be part of this transformation. The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels. For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. Electronic filing grants efficiency to the court process at every step Upon review by the states Technology Oversight Committee (TOC), Tennessee has certified ImageSoft as a trusted eFiling provider. Prior to state-wide certification, ImageSofts TrueFiling solution was welcomed by the Tennessee Appellate Courts and has been successful in supporting their eFiling initiatives since September 2018. ImageSoft is also the state-wide eFiling vendor for the State of Michigan, uniting counties of every size by integrating eFiling with the various case management systems (CMS) currently existing in each county. Already a mature technology in the realm of digital court transformation, there are several advantages to eFiling that the Tennessee Courts can anticipate. A benefit to both the courts and filers, around-the-clock eFiling can be completed at any time and from the convenience of the filers secure internet location, ensuring no one is driving across town to file paperwork before the court closes. As previously mentioned, ImageSofts TrueFiling also integrates with the courts existing case management systems, which alleviates the financial stress of replacing it. With the exception of mail and over-the-counter filings, scanning and indexing become obsolete since eFiled documents are digital by nature. Thanks to automation, the file review process now becomes a filing review workflow, to which clerks have reported a 25-93 percent improvement in overall efficiency. Perhaps the greatest gift to clerks is that statutory fees are collected from filers upon their eFiling submission, abolishing the pain of financial collections. These benefits also transcend into cases that need to be elevated to the higher courts, as the traditionally laborious process of preparing and sending an appellate court case becomes one of electronic ease. Digital assembly reduces the risk of human error in the preparation phase, and advances cases to the higher courts with the click of a button. Earning the green light on state-wide eFiling for Tennessee is a win for everyone, said AJ Drobnich, Director of Product Development at ImageSoft. Just going from paper filing to digital filing empowers attorneys and pro se litigants to file from the convenience of wherever they may be, automates much of every clerks dreaded grunt work, and simplifies the time and effort needed to elevate higher court cases. Electronic filing grants efficiency to the court process at every step. About ImageSoft, Inc. ImageSoft, Inc., integrates document and process management solutions to automate, streamline and improve workplace operations. With a specific focus on courts, we integrate eFiling, workflow, and eBench solutions with existing court case management systems to achieve a more efficient, paperless caseflow. Our suite includes TrueFiling for eFiling, OnBase by Hyland for Workflow and Electronic Case Files, aiSMARTBENCH by Mentis for judges, and other supporting technologies. For more information about ImageSoft, visit the website at http://www.imagesoftinc.com/. The partnership brings together Superloops broad connectivity and network strengths with Single Digits hospitality, MDU and student housing network management software and services to deliver an unparalleled end-to-end Internet solution to customers throughout the Asia Pacific metro areas served by Superloop. Single Digits hospitality-focused Wi-Fi software and managed services will help deliver a premium in-building solution to the marquee US based hotel brands within our service areas, explains Superloop CEO Drew Kelton. Customer accounts will be serviced by two, inhouse, stateoftheart call centers in North America with a large, agile support staff ready to provide 24/7/365 customer service. Single Digits CEO Bob Goldstein added, We can already see how Superloops bandwidth and engineering teams are adding strength to our portfolio of services. Single Digits acquisition of Superloops subsidiary GX2 HSIA service networks and contracts in North America and Europe was completed on December 31, 2018. Our customers always come first, explained Sam Beskur, founder and CTO of GX2. We were looking for a partner that could assure no changes to our customers contract terms, monthly fees or service agreements. Single Digits shares a very similar philosophy with regards to how we operate and offer scope and scalability to better service the GX2 customer base. We couldnt be happier. Single Digits looks forward to providing the rock-solid reliability and best-in-class customer service that GX2 customers had grown accustomed to. Customers will experience a seamless transition as weve already begun welcoming aboard the GX2 teamalong with new marquee hotels and our expansion into new markets, says Steve Singlar, President of Single Digits. The teams talent and expertise was a major factor in the acquisition. Single Digits was recently acquired by GI Partners, a leading private equity firm. This is the first acquisition under GI Partners ownership. ABOUT SUPERLOOP Superloop is an independent provider of connectivity services designing, constructing and operating networks throughout the Asia Pacific metro region. Superloop's vision is to be the most trusted enabler of connectivity and managed services throughout the Asia Pacific. The company owns and operates over 670kms of carrier-grade metropolitan fiber networks in Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, connecting more than 310 of the region's key data centers and commercial buildings. With extensive carrier-grade, metro fiber networks in these markets and fixed wireless networks in Australia, Superloop delivers high-performance, connectivity solutions that are scalable and reliable. ABOUT GX2 Global Gossip LLC dba GX2 Technology was founded in 1997 as an internet and phone card provider to international travelers in Australia. In 2009 GX2 moved into the full hospitality sector as an HSIA Managed Service Provider. GX2 has a robust history of well designed, well installed and well managed networks allowing their clients peace of mind. They have become known for providing innovative technology solutions to their hospitality and resort customers that robustly meet the needs of their customers and guests. ABOUT SINGLE DIGITS As a leading global provider of High Speed Internet Access (HSIA), Single Digits enables property owners to monetize their Wi-Fi networks through our award winning Broadband Authentication Platform. The company provides services to property owners in hospitality, student housing, MDU, malls, transportation, small box retail, mixed use and Class A office space. Single Digits delivers turnkey solutions including IP network design, guest Wi-Fi monetization, professional services, ongoing maintenance, network monitoring, multi-lingual support, revenue reporting and authentication tracking. The company has more than 450 employees with network operating centers in New Hampshire, Colorado, Nevada, Texas and Tijuana, Mexico. For more information about Single Digits or to find out more about its services, please visit http://www.singledigits.com or contact: Kaylin Benfield, Single Digits Inc. Tel: 603-580-1539 Email: kbenfield@singledigits.com ABOUT GI PARTNERS GI Partners is a private investment firm based in San Francisco. The firm has raised over $17 billion in capital from leading institutional investors across the globe. GI Partners' private equity team focuses on investments in the IT Infrastructure, Healthcare, Software, and Services sectors. For more information on GI Partners and its entire portfolio, please visit http://www.gipartners.com. 1. Sierra College Mechatronics professor, Tony Osladil, presenting at the Science of Intelligence and Learning Revolution conference held in China. Sierra College effectively produces graduates with an innovation mindset, ready to work effectively with their co-workers in the rapidly growing and evolving field of automation and robotics. In late 2018, Tony Osladil, Mechatronics Professor, Sierra College was chosen by the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to represent the United States at the International Conference on Science of Intelligence and Learning Revolution held in Hangzhou, China. The conference was hosted by Zhejiang University with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Entrepreneurship Education Network National Chapter in China and the internet company Netease. Osladils travel and participation were fully underwritten by sponsors so that he could present innovative education models from the United States at this multi-national conference. He was joined by Dr. John Short from Southern Maryland College who was also chosen by NACCE, explained Osladil. It was an honor to be selected by NAACE; we were two of only three people from the United States at the conference, said Osladil. There were representatives from multiple countries in Europe and Asia such as Croatia, Denmark, Vietnam, Korea and China. Professor Osladil described Sierra Colleges two-year Mechatronics program that offers certificates as well as an associates degree. Our program offers a project-based, systems-oriented education to produce world-class automation technicians and engineers, said Osladil. Embedded in the program are opportunities to apply entrepreneurial skills as they innovate, troubleshoot and seek ways to solve problems for consumers and businesses. The United States and the rest of the world face a severe shortage of skilled automation and robotics technicians, explained Osladil. The demand for skilled Mechatronics technicians continues to grow as more automation is integrated into our infrastructure and business processes every year, said Osladil. Osladil indicated that not only was his presentation well-received, he gained valuable perspectives from the other presentations and international partipants. There was a focus on applying entrepreneurial principles to students education in preparation for careers, said Osladil. Along with the traditional definition of entrepreneurship, we discussed extending entrepreneurial principles and mindsets to a broad range of careers and education. Preparing students for the future includes emphasizing 21st-century skills such as lifelong learning, innovative business practices and integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence. To meet the increasing need for skilled technicians, Sierra Colleges Mechatronics program teaches automation skills using an experiential and systems-based learning model. With our advisory committee input, we emphasize industry-defined key skills, said Osladil. In the lab, students design and fabricate actual systems similar to those used in the workplace. Conference attendees were very interested in how Sierra College so effectively produces graduates with an innovation mindset, ready to work effectively with their co-workers in the rapidly growing and evolving field of automation and robotics. California manufacturers are snapping up Sierra College Mechatronics graduates, according to Mike Bell, Deputy Sector Navigator for Advanced Manufacturing for California Community Colleges in the Far North Region. Employers are impressed by the students advanced skills in design and troubleshooting, said Bell. Sierra Colleges Mechatronics program is known for producing high-quality, work-ready technicians with hands-on experience in robotics and automation as well as team, communication and documentation skills. For more information about the Sierra College Mechatronics program at the website. The spring semester begins on January 28, 2019 and students can register now for Sierra College and sign up for Mechatronics classes being offered at the Rocklin, Nevada Country and Tahoe-Truckee campuses this semester. These include: Mech 1 - The Science of Electronics, Mech 4 - Fundamentals of Mechatronics, Mech 10 - Fundamentals of Electronics and Mech 14 - Fabrication Techniques, which do not have prerequisites. About Sierra College Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year Universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. Get Cheaper Car Insurance For Seniors It is highly recommended for a senior driver to shop online for cheaper rates, as insurance companies dont begin to charge extra at the same age, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com has released a new blog post that presents the reasons why insurance companies consider seniors high-risk drivers. Once a person reaches the age of 65, he or she is considered senior. Senior citizens can expect a significant increase in car insurance premiums. Companies justify their high prices using the following arguments: Seniors pose a greater risk of being critically injured or killed during a crash. According to American Automobile Association (AAA), drivers that are 80 years old or more are 17 times more likely to die in a car accident than the drivers that are in the 25 to 64 age groups. Once a person gets old, his or her body becomes more fragile and susceptible to severe injuries. The high cost of medical care or funeral expenses determines the insurer to charge senior drivers more. Age affects general perception. Poor hearing and sight and various cognitive problems are common age-related problems. They may impair a persons driving capabilities. Insurance companies are aware of this fact and they ask for more expensive premiums from clients over 65 years old. Prescription pills. Many seniors use medication in order to treat their health problems, some of them being chronic medical conditions. The use of prescription medication may also alter a drivers perception, thus limiting his driving capabilities. For more car insurance info, money-saving tips and free online quotes, please visit https://cheapquotesautoinsurance.com Cheapquotesautoinsurance.com is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. Johanna Rodriguez joins Savills Studley's Workplace Strategy and Occupant Experience team as a senior managing director in Washington, D.C. Johannas expertise in connecting the macro elements of a business with the experience of individuals in their workplace is exactly what our clients need to transform their spaces into dynamic environments. Savills Studley today announced the addition of Johanna Rodriguez as a senior managing director, Occupant Experience. Based in the firms Washington office, she will be responsible for supporting the Northeastern and Southeastern expansion of the Workplace Strategy and Occupant Experience platform. The Occupant Experience group leverages research and analytical tools to instill wellness, comfort, connectivity and innovation in the work environment. The teams subject matter experts help business leaders maximize real estate through more informed, data-driven and people-centric design decisions. As our clients seek more strategic guidance from their global real estate advisors, the addition of key talent to our Occupant Experience group enhances our position as a leading commercial brokerage, said Melissa Marsh, senior managing director, Occupant Experience. Johannas expertise in connecting the macro elements of a business with the experience of individuals in their workplace is exactly what our clients need to transform their spaces into dynamic environments. Prior to joining Savills Studley, Rodriguez worked as a leading member of the Workplace Strategy team at Gensler for seven years, helping U.S. and international clients create work environments that attract and retain talent, improve employee engagement and effectiveness, optimize space efficiency, and reduce operating costs. While there, Rodriguez notably led Red Hat in implementing a global workplace strategy platform for its 1.6 million square feet of office space. She also worked on the portfolios of government agencies, influential technology companies and leading financial institutions, including the U.S. Department of Defense, Comcast, Peace Corps, Pittsburgh International Airport and Royal Bank of Canada. Daily we observe more scientific evidence confirming the impact of employers physical spaces on the personal well-being and productivity of its employees and guests, said Rodriguez, whether improvements come from adding meeting rooms or distributing work space. Im looking forward to working with our real estate teams to maximize clients employee engagement and help them foster a culture that makes people excited to come to work. Rodriguezs arrival signals the firms continued investment in its Workplace Strategy and Occupant Experience services. Last year Savills Studley also announced the addition of prominent design professionals Ann Linstrom in D.C., Shannon Woodcock in Los Angeles and DeJeana Chappell in Chicago. Were honored by the invitation to join the Forbes Agency Council, said John. It reinforces RUNNERs position as one of the top digital agencies in Dallas and beyond. We look forward to sharing our expertise and unique perspective with the community. RUNNER Agency, a Dallas-based digital marketing agency, has been accepted into Forbes Agency Council, an invitation-only community for owners of and executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative, and advertising agencies. John Keehler, Partner at RUNNER Agency, was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. We are honored to welcome John Keehler into the community, said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Agency Council. Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world. As an accepted member of the Council, John has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence, such as connecting and collaborating with other respected local leaders in a private forum, working with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com and contributing to published Q&A panels alongside other experts. Additionally, Council members benefit from exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membership-branded marketing collateral, and the high-touch support of the Forbes Councils member concierge team. ABOUT FORBES COUNCILS Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive. For more information about Forbes Agency Council, visit forbesagencycouncil.com. To learn more about Forbes Councils, visit forbescouncils.com. ABOUT RUNNER Agency RUNNER Agency, based in Dallas, is a digital marketing agency focused on driving growth and business outcomes. RUNNER has driven thousands of leads and millions in revenue through a full set of digital marketing services, including brand strategy, paid media, inbound marketing, website design and creative services. RUNNER Agency is both a Hubspot Gold partner and Google Premier partner and was named in 2018 as a top Dallas digital marketing agency by both Agency List and Clutch. To learn more, visit http://www.runneragency.com. MEDIA CONTACT Caitlin McNeely caitlin@runneragency.com (214) 396-8500 Posted Wednesday, January 16, 2019 2:21 pm Lewis Countys annual event to take the point-in-time homeless count, as well as connect individuals with services and supplies, will be taking place over two days this year, with a Morton location added to the usual gathering at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. We're an entire county. We know there are difficulties with transportation. To say to people, Come to where we are is not really serving the entire county, said Lewis County Housing Program Coordinator Meja Handlen. We're just really excited about the east-end event that little dreams coming true. The primary purpose of the event is to allow the Public Health and Social Services Department to take its annual count of the countys homeless population. That number affects how much funding the county is able to get to put toward homeless programs, and it gives social workers demographic information to be able to serve peoples needs. The point-in-time count is not just about a number, but it's also about the needs a person has or the barriers they're experiencing, Handlen said. The event also connects individuals with services and essentials. Handlen said 26 vendors will be coming to the event at the fairgrounds, with 20 slated to attend in Morton. Cascade Mental Health and the state Department of Social and Health Services will be there to work with people on housing and mental health issues. Centralia Beauty College will be providing haircuts. WorkSource will also have a representative at both events, specializing in reentering offenders into the workforce. Others will be focused on helping veterans and those with substance abuse issues. The Twin Cities event will be held Jan. 24 and will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the community events building at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds. The following day, Jan. 25, the Lyle Community Center in Morton will host the east-side event, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A big meal will be provided, and those in need of clothing will be able to pick out coats, socks and more items. Handlen said many community members and organizations have donated waterproof items. Last years count showed 132 homeless people in Lewis County, a slight drop from the prior two years. Handlen said that Mason Countys count escalated significantly last year, a surprising result in a county thats similar in size to Lewis. After speaking with Mason County officials, Handlen said they upped their outreach to be able to bring in and count more people. Thats what Lewis County is hoping to do by holding events in two locations this year, both to connect those people with services and use the potentially increased and more accurate number to access more funding. The county was able to add the east end event because of buy-in from agencies, nonprofits and care organizations who said they would be willing to come to both locations, Handlen added. As the general population grows and new housing is not in place, that is going to push out those asset-limited people, Handlen said. Without that housing infrastructure in place for lower- and mixed-income housing, many more people are becoming homeless. Handlen said there have been many success stories from previous Homeless Connect events. One such occurrence was a young man who lacked an identification card, but was able to get a voucher from DSHS to obtain one for a reduced price, which then allowed him to apply for jobs. Fundamentally, it is about connecting people with services, so they can be on the pathway to being homed, she said. Photo taken on Jan. 15, 2019 shows lighting decorations celebrating the upcoming Year of the Pig in Singapore's Chinatown. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey) 2 1 [ Editor: Zhang Zhou ] "We appreciate the flexibility that the RapidValue team is showing while developing our solution. I sincerely thank RapidValue for providing us with the kind of product that would hopefully, take our business to a different level. says James Wiseman, Chief Underwriting Officer, MSI. RapidValue, a leader in digital transformation solutions, partners with MSI Assurances & Reassurances, an underwriting agency based out of France, to build an underwriting system which integrates with their broker systems. MSI has various insurance products which they sell on a B2B basis, through retailers, insurance intermediaries, agents and brokers. MSI was looking for a partner who could build a rule-based underwriting decision engine or an underwriting system which enabled integration with their broker systems to validate the insurance policies before they are sold. MSI did not have an IT System in place where they can track and manage the products sold by the brokers/retailers on a real time basis. MSI wanted their underwriting system to generate a PDF policy to brokers in order to ensure that the insurance policy is issued by MSI and brokers would not be able to do it independently without their consent. The client was keen on off-the-shelf underwriting but they partnered with RapidValue for the flexibility that they offered in building the application as per MSIs specific requirement. RapidValue is designing and developing the automated underwriting system and will host it on AWS Cloud. RapidValue is helping implement MSIs underwriting system. With this solution, MSI is expected to gain a significant improvement in process efficiencies which will eventually, lead to the increase in productivity. We also, expect considerable improvement in compliance. We appreciate the flexibility that the RapidValue team is showing while developing our solution. I sincerely thank RapidValue for providing us with the kind of product that would hopefully, take our business to a different level. says James Wiseman, Chief Underwriting Officer, MSI. The underwriting system, which is being built by RapidValue, aims to help MSI create a streamlined workflow. This would enable MSI to track and manage the policies issued in real time and access a dashboard view of statistical data. We are pleased to get this opportunity to partner with MSI to deliver valuable services to its customers. The underwriting application that is being developed by RapidValue facilitates a profiling system for quicker and reliable decisions. There will be a reduction of cost and an increase in productivity and it will significantly reduce the risk through Intelligent system. The commitment and challenges are pretty much evident in how we are designing the underwriting system. says Rajesh Padinjaremadam, President & CEO, RapidValue. The application highlights the use of drools engine and quote engine to build the rules and execute the applications which are going to be hosted in AWS. The underwriting system will help MSI immensely, in streamlining the workflow and reducing turnaround time. It also promises to facilitate real-time tracking and faster processing of applications. About MSI MSI was established in 1996 and has developed into a reputable underwriting agency or MGA for Insurance companies passporting in Europe under the Freedom of Services Act. It has been a "Coverholder" for Lloyds from its very beginning. MSI provides services to affinity groups targeting private lines business, SME, middle market and major corporations. MSI distributes products on a B2B basis, through retailers, insurance intermediaries, agents and brokers. It provides added value in the transactional chain as an Underwriting Agency specialising in bespoke products. MSI offers the ideal solution through binding authorities, service level agreements and customised risk placement programmes. About RapidValue RapidValue is a global leader in digital transformation solutions including mobility, omni-channel, IoT, AI, RPA and cloud to enterprises worldwide. RapidValue offers its digital services to the worlds top brands, Fortune 1000 companies and innovative emerging start-ups. With offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and India and operations spread across Middle-East, Europe and Canada, RapidValue delivers enterprise services and solutions across various industry verticals. To learn more, visit http://www.rapidvaluesolutions.com For more information, kindly get in touch with: Roshmin Nair, Regional Manager - Business Development, RapidValue M: +44-2083966648, E-mail: roshmin.nair(at)rapidvaluesolutions.com Media Contact Supratim Chakraborty, Marketing Manager, RapidValue M: +91-9940426996, E-mail: supratimc(at)rapidvaluesolutions.com As one of the formulators for Radcos new Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL), I designed this lubricant not only to exceed the stringent Military CLP specification, but also exceed my lubricant requirements for my own personal firearms. Michael Damiani -CEO, Radco Industries Inc Radco Industries Inc. is excited to announce our participation in the 2019 SHOT SHOW as an exhibitor in the POP-UP Preview on January 23rd, 2019. Radco Industries Inc. is a manufacturer of critical application MIL-SPEC qualified lubricants. Our Radcolube trademark lubricants are used by every branch of the U.S Military in critical applications across air, sea, and land. Our Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL) is currently used by the U.S and allied militaries and is DOD Approved/Qualified to MIL-SPEC: MIL-PRF-63460F TY: A. Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL) is trusted by both military and law enforcement agencies around the world to ensure that every shot counts. Please visit Radco Industries Inc. at Booth # W2104 to meet us, and talk about how we can grow together, as well as pick up your free sample of RADCOLUBE CLP (GUN OIL). About Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL): A cleaning, lubricating and short-term/long-term preservation of small and large caliber weapons. Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL) also works in various metal applications requiring cleaning, lubricating, or preservation. Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL) Operating in the temperature range of -51 to + 71 Degrees C (-60 to +160 Degrees F) Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL) meets MIL-SPEC - MIL-PRF-63460F TY: A, NATO Code: S-758, carries qualification number # AR-16-10, under Military Symbol: CLP, and is DOD Approved/Qualified. Radco Industries has proudly supplied Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL) to the U.S. Military since early 2017. CLEANER: Formulated to keep small and large caliber weapons preforming in the harshest conditions. Exceeds U.S. Government CLP military specifications, approved for use in extreme environments including cold, salt, and dust. LUBRICANT: Helps weapons perform continuously at maximum firing rate without incident. Proven in extreme conditions with a fire rate of 650 rounds/min with zero stoppages during US Army qualification. PRESERVATIVE: Trusted by the U.S. Military and approved by the U.S. Government to keep their weapons battle ready. Let RADCOLUBE CLP help protect your weapon. NSNs Available from Radco Industries: 9150-01-102-1473 0.5oz Bottle with Twist Cap 9150-01-079-6124 4oz Bottle with Twist Cap 9150-01-054-6453 1 Pint Bottle with Trigger Sprayer 9150-01-327-9631 1 Liter Bottle with Trigger Sprayer 9150-01-053-6688 1 Gallon Jug About Radco Industries Inc: Radco Industries was established in 1971 by Robert Damiani. Radco began by reprocessing and reclaiming degraded thermal fluids. After observing environmental issues associated with most Heat Transfer Fluids, Radco Industries began to develop its own brand of Thermal Oil and Lubricants. Today, we specialize in the manufacturing of high-quality specialty fluids and lubricants that encompass a broad spectrum of applications and temperature ranges. An engineering-based company, we also offer expert technical support and an array of valuable services based on industry knowledge spanning more than 45 years. We apply this approach to create a customer experience that is friendly, efficient, and seamless. All Radco products are supported by stringent ISO 9001 Quality System and are certified in our state-of-the-art testing and R&D laboratories. Since 2002, Radco Industries has been comprised of two divisions: Heat Transfer Fluids and Military Lubricants Division (MLD). The MLD supplies more than 20 MIL-SPEC critical application lubricants with over 25 QPL approvals, which include Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL). Our MIL-SPEC critical application lubricants are manufactured at our facilities in La Fox & Batavia, IL and are used by all branches of the military, both domestic and abroad, as well as in various commercial applications. As one of the formulators for Radcos new Radcolube CLP (GUN OIL), I designed this lubricant not only to exceed the stringent Military CLP specification, but also exceed my lubricant requirements for my own personal firearms. Michael Damiani -CEO, Radco Industries Inc. Sean M. Cook Radco Industries Inc. Radcolube CLP GUN OIL Military Operations Manager http://www.radcoind.com http://www.radcoind.com/clp/ E-mail: scook(at)radcoind.com Phone: 1-630.232.7966 * 136 Pure IP has launched the ONE SD-WAN voice communications solution that provides organizations with the security, reliability, and redundancy of a point-to-point or multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) connection without the costly infrastructure and significant time commitment required with a traditional, physical connection. The Pure IP ONE delivers an efficient, cost-effective, and fully-encrypted SD-WAN connection via one pre-configured device, one network, and one vendor. The solution is designed to be flexible and agile deployable in as little as two weeks and is able to seamlessly integrate with organizations' existing UC infrastructure. The ONE is engineered to be a dependable, secure, and hassle-free experience utilizing Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnels to geo-redundant Points of Presence (PoPs) with automatic re-routing in case of failover requiring no action or intervention from the user. The new solution is supported by Pure IPs in-house, fully-staffed network operations centers that are strategically located in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australasia. A dedicated team of technical engineers proactively monitors and maintains the ONE SD-WAN solution 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and is directly and immediately available to assist with any questions. Paired with Pure IPs global coverage in 90 countries and full PSTN replacement in 32 countries, the ONE SD-WAN solution provides multi-national corporations the ability to route multiple calls from local numbers to anywhere in the world without the expense of international calls. About Pure IP: Pure IP specializes in unified voice communications and international SIP trunking solutions tailored to keep FTSE100 companies, Fortune 500 corporations, and enterprise organizations connected to their regional and international offices. Our engineers are experts in consolidating disparate sites, reducing complexity, and streamlining voice infrastructure. Pure IP is proud to offer international coverage in 90+ countries and local presence via full PSTN feature parity in 32 countries with a network supported by 11 worldwide geo-redundant Points of Presence (PoPs). ALM Intelligence, a division of ALM Media LLC, supports legal, consulting, and benefits decision-makers seeking guidance on critical business challenges. While the tightening credit conditions already seen in North America have not yet landed in EMEA, the region is battling a concerningly lengthy string of fragile economies, weakening currencies, and unstable financial sectors," said Lasse Pitkaeniemi, Senior Director, Research at ALM Intelligence. ALM Intelligence Consulting division, previously known as Kennedy Consulting, has released The ALM Global Forecast - EMEA Consulting. The report provides trends, market size and provider analysis by the largest industries and nine consulting services in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Since the shocking result of the Brexit referendum, consultants have been busy helping private and public entities to sort through a jungle of laws and regulations to build roadmaps showing their future operating environment, said Lasse Pitkaeniemi, Senior Director, Research at ALM Intelligence. This work has been centered in corporate and middle offices due to the need to reformulate strategies and operating models that were created for an increasingly open and integrated world. This world now appears to be receding. The EMEA Consulting Global Forecast report findings include: Due to increasing economic uncertainty consulting growth between the strategy driven corporate office and the operations centered back office is becoming more balanced. Brexit fears have boosted the United Kingdom and Ireland market to overtake the Southern Europe market as the largest source for consulting spend. Provider concentration is increasing due to further specialization and deeper technological expertise. While the tightening credit conditions already seen in North America have not yet landed in EMEA, the region is battling a concerningly lengthy string of fragile economies, weakening currencies, and unstable financial sectors. Some commodity-centered economies in MEA have responded to these problems by working on broadening their economies into manufacturing or healthcare industries, yet no-one has been able to defuse the ticking time bomb of too much debt in a currency not indirectly controlled by the countrys banking or political authorities, said Pitkaeniemi. ALM Intelligence has been researching the management, financial and IT consulting industry for over 40 years, studying the global consulting marketplace at multiple levels. The resulting market analyses help consulting firms to better allocate their resources and find growth opportunities. Firms ranked within the report include: A.T. Kearney, Accenture; Aon; Atos; Bain & Company; Capgemini; Deloitte; EY; IBM; JLT Benefits Solutions; KPMG; McKinsey & Company; Mercer; Oliver Wyman; PA Consulting; PwC; Roland Berger; Sopra Steria; The Boston Consulting Group; Willis Towers Watson For more information or to obtain the full version of The ALM Global Forecast - Consulting portfolio visit the ALM Intelligence website: at.alm.com/ForecastEMEA2018 About ALM Intelligence ALM Intelligence, a division of ALM Media LLC, supports legal, consulting, and benefits decision-makers seeking guidance on critical business challenges. Our proprietary market reports and analysis, rating guides, prospecting tools, surveys, and rankings, inform and empower business leaders to meet business challenges with confidence. Please visit http://www.alm.com/intelligence for more information. ITracker integration with DASDEC creates EAS workflow that automatically documents alerts to meet regulator compliance. Pikolo Systems, the leading provider of broadcast operations management workflows, today announced a technology partnership with Digital Alert Systems (DAS), a leading innovator of next-generation Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) that integrates Pikolos ITracker broadcast operations management workflow with DAS DASDEC and its exclusive EAS-Net communications software. Pikolo ITracker is the No. 1 broadcast incident tracking and discrepancy reporting solution. Now incorporating EAS-Net, ITracker allows similarly configured DAS devices to communicate directly with the ITracker service, eliminating the need for operators to document EAS alerts. ITracker captures both the textual content and the audio stream, allowing for playback verification and documentation. Pikolo President Vernon Omegah stated: With the complexities of modern broadcast operations, operators are already tasked with performing many functions. Having emergency alerts automatically and accurately documented helps relieve the workload. Our partnership with DAS continues Pikolos commitment to helping our clients streamline their operations. ITracker can communicate with any number of defined DAS devices. The updated interface allows an organization to define the processing workflow and classification metrics for incoming alerts. The integration supports all alerts whether static or live events including required weekly and monthly tests. Digital Alert Systems welcomes Pikolo Data Systems, as a new EAS-Net partner, to our award-winning DASDEC platform, said Bill Robertson, vice president of business development at Digital Alert Systems. The ITracker integration is a natural fit as it is seamlessly blends the overall station logs, thereby eliminating the need to separately or manually document alerts. About Pikolo Data Systems, Inc. Pikolo is an innovative software company pioneering best-in-class, client-centric solutions for managing, sharing and distributing business data. Since 2002, Pikolo has been providing solutions that empower our clients by digitizing workflows to create efficiency and accountability. Coupled with real-time data analytics our solutions provide clients the ability to globalize standard operating procedures and implement operational process improvements. For more information please visit http://www.pikoloinc.com About Digital Alert Systems From its headquarters in Lyndonville, New York, Digital Alert Systems/Monroe Electronics provides R&D, manufacturing, sales, and customer service for all Monroe Electronics, One-Net, and Digital Alert Systems brands. Monroe Electronics Emergency Alert Systems (EAS) are the widely accepted standard for CATV with a hard-earned reputation for quality, reliability, and service to valued customers around the world. In October 2009, Digital Alert Systems, the leading innovator of next-generation Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and EAS, merged with Monroe Electronics to further extend its product offerings to radio and television broadcasters and better serve their collective customers into the future. For more information please visit http://www.digitalalertsystems.com Press Contact: Monica Greene Pikolo Data Systems, Inc. https://www.linkedin.com/company/pikolo-systems/ mgreene(at)pikolosystems(dot)com +1 214 446 3020 Digital Alert Systems/Monroe Electronics Agency Contact: Sarah Aller Wall Street Communications sarah(at)wallstcom(dot)com +1 720 418 1739 "We are thrilled at this opportunity to greatly expand and enhance the scope of our pediatrics program by uniting with such an established, experienced, and respected team of pediatric professionals." Pediatric Alliance, one of western Pennsylvanias largest independent pediatric physician groups, has joined Allegheny Health Network (AHN), officials of both organizations announced today. Effective March 1, 2019, the affiliation establishes a foundation in general pediatrics for AHN, bringing a team of more than 60 clinicians into the network, including 44 physicians. The group sees patients from birth through age 21 at 17 practice locations across the region. For more than two decades, the outstanding caregivers of Pediatric Alliance have provided exceptional care and comfort to thousands of children and their families in our community, said Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN President and CEO. We are thrilled at this opportunity to greatly expand and enhance the scope of our pediatrics program by uniting with such an established, experienced, and respected team of pediatric professionals. Formed in 1996, Pediatric Alliance has earned the highest level patient-centered medical home recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). In addition to general pediatric care, the group provides specialty care services for asthma, allergy, and immunology and pediatric endocrinology. Pediatric Alliance has had the privilege of working closely with AHN for several years and we are extremely excited to formally join an organization that shares our values and commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care to children of all ages, said Joseph Aracri, DO, a Pediatric Alliance physician for more than 20 years and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at AHN since 2014. The affiliation with Pediatric Alliance is the latest milestone in AHNs ongoing efforts to expand its services for women and children in the western Pennsylvania region. Just last week, West Penn Hospital unveiled a new $23 million Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) featuring all-private rooms and state-of-the-art treatment capabilities for premature and critically ill infants. In late December, the network opened a new facility and the regions most comprehensive program dedicated to the treatment of women with post-partum depression and other pregnancy-related mood disorders. AHN delivered more than 7,500 babies in 2018 at its four obstetrical hospitals, including West Penn, Forbes, Jefferson and Saint Vincent. The number represents a 60% increase in births over the past five years. The network will open its fifth obstetrics program in 2021 at the new AHN Wexford Hospital that is currently under construction. AHN is also home to the Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute, one of the regions leading multi-disciplinary programs for children, adolescents, and teenagers who suffer from orthopaedic and neuromuscular conditions. At AHN, we believe that the best healthcare is care that is delivered as close to home as possible, where it is more accessible and more convenient, said Allan Klapper, MD, Chair, AHN Women and Children Institute. Women and their families deserve nothing less, and with Pediatric Alliance as part of our network, we are better positioned than ever to deliver on that promise. Pediatric Alliance CEO James Troup has been appointed as Vice President of Pediatrics for AHN and will work with Dr. Aracri to drive the growth and success of the program. Pediatric Alliances integration into AHN is expected to be seamless for patients and families. Those with questions about the transition can call 412-278-5100. The group will continue to provide newborn care to babies born at AHNs Forbes, Jefferson and West Penn hospitals, as well as at non-AHN area hospitals. ### About the Allegheny Health Network Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The Network is composed of eight hospitals, including Allegheny General Hospital, its flagship academic medical center in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights, Canonsburg Hospital in Canonsburg, Forbes Hospital in Monroeville, Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh and Westfield Memorial Hospital in Westfield, NY. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, womens health, diabetes and more. It also is home to a comprehensive research institute; Health + Wellness Pavilions; an employed physician organization, home and community based health services and a group purchasing organization. The Network employs approximately 20,000 people, has more than 2,400 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. "Our goal is to make quality speech treatment available to those living with Parkinsons around the globe, said Parkinson Voice Projects CEO & Founder Samantha Elandary. Parkinson Voice Project is now accepting applications through its website for the SPEAK OUT! and LOUD Crowd Grant Program Honoring Daniel R. Boone, PhD, CCC-SLP for 2019. This year, in addition to awarding grants to clinics across the United States, Parkinson Voice Project plans to award grants to five international speech therapy clinics. The grant is now open to any clinic globally able to utilize therapy materials in either English or Spanish. Grant applications are being accepted through March 1, 2019. Grant recipients will be announced in April 2019 during Parkinsons Awareness Month. The grant program launched in 2018 with 92 grants awarded to speech therapy clinics throughout the United States. 34 of the grant recipients were university speech therapy clinics. More than 900 speech-language pathologists and graduate students were trained in SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy protocols through the 2018 grant program. Grant recipients received free SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd training, speech therapy supplies, funding to support their groups, and a trip to Dallas-Fort Worth to visit Parkinson Voice Projects clinic for hands-on training. Universities, hospitals, and nonprofit Parkinsons organizations interested in bringing Parkinson Voice Projects unique speech therapy program to their communities are encouraged to apply. Applying entities must have the physical space and clinical staff needed to provide both individual and group speech therapy to people with Parkinsons. 2018 grant recipients are also eligible to apply again to sustain their programs. Full eligibility requirements are available at http://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/GrantProgram. Our grant program was a huge success in 2018. Were excited to expand it this year, growing our international footprint. Parkinsons affects more than one million people in the U.S., and an estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide. 89% of people with Parkinsons are at high risk of losing their ability to speak and swallow. Our goal is to make quality speech treatment available to those living with Parkinsons around the globe, said Parkinson Voice Projects CEO & Founder Samantha Elandary. The grants are being offered in honor of Dr. Daniel R. Boone, a world-renowned speech-language pathologist and voice expert, and a former president of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Parkinson Voice Projects speech therapy program is based on Dr. Boones teachings that individuals with Parkinsons can speak louder, clearer, and more expressive when they use intention and deliberation. Dr. Boone passed away in October 2018. Parkinson Voice Project is the only nonprofit organization in the world solely dedicated to preserving the voices of those with Parkinsons and related neurological disorders. Parkinson Voice Project has developed an effective two-part speech therapy program combining one-on-one speech therapy (SPEAK OUT!) with on-going, weekly group speech therapy (The LOUD Crowd). Together, the patient and the speech-language pathologist work their way through a series of speech, voice, and cognitive exercises outlined in a specialized workbook provided to every patient as a gift from Parkinson Voice Project. The program emphasizes speaking with intent and converts speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. Since the muscles used for speaking are the same used for swallowing, speech therapy affects more than just ones ability to communicate. SPEAK OUT! and The LOUD Crowd impact the quality of life for everything from conversing with family and friends, talking on the phone, and dining out at a restaurant. Parkinson Voice Project raised more than $2 million this past holiday season in order to continue treating patients at its clinic in Dallas-Fort Worth and fund the grant program. ABOUT PARKINSON VOICE PROJECT: Parkinson Voice Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Parkinson Voice Project does not charge for its services or bill insurance. The organization was founded in 2005 and runs a speech therapy clinic in Dallas-Fort Worth, where SPEAK OUT! and The LOUD Crowd are available to anyone diagnosed with Parkinsons and Parkinsons-Plus Syndromes. The organization has been successfully funded through donations and the Pay It Forward concept since 2008. To date, Parkinson Voice Project has trained more than 1300 speech-language pathologists in its two-part therapy approach across the United States. Its international reach already includes clinicians trained in: Australia, Canada, Finland, Greece, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and New Zealand. http://www.parkinsonvoiceproject.org/GrantProgram OWNER GROUP OWNER GROUP, on the other hand, empowers its members to trade without any fee, a middleman and a territory limitation. Past News Releases RSS Startup OWNER GROUP announces the launch of its corporate barter social network, reinventing the way that corporate barter works. The web platform is designed to simplify the trade to companies and self-employed professionals worldwide through a free, no middlemen and global social network. OWNER GROUP optimizes corporate barter, bringing companies and self-employed professionals worldwide closer to get connected and trade. Using its innovative platform and barter request system, the social network delivers exceptional environment to company owners, decision makers and self-employed professionals. OWNER GROUP enables members to leverage their products, services and knowledge as a means of payment for other products and services they or their company need, in the most direct way the companies have ever seen. Whilst there are many barter websites for companies out there, their business model is usually based on fees (costly service), they have brokers (indirect negotiation and opportunism) and most of them work only locally (limited exposure). OWNER GROUP, on the other hand, empowers its members to trade without any fee, a middleman and a territory limitation. says Alvaro Reyes Acebal, CEO. The startup aims to help members to reduce wastage and loss caused by excess inventory or idle time by providing them with the most innovative and effective tool for corporate trade. According to Eric Jensen from Cutwater Solutions, the total cost of dead inventory can represent a shocking 25-30% more than the inventorys unit cost value, and although the estimation of industrywide loss of $471.9 billion due to overstocks by research house IHL comes from 2015, it is known that retailers have over 80% of their working capital in stock during current season. Companies and self-employed professionals have either excess inventory, idle time or both, and the current corporate barter systems are expensive and, many times, inefficient. Unfortunately, its almost impossible to avoid excess capacity, that's why we created OWNER GROUP, the world's first corporate barter social network. CEO says. OWNER GROUP was founded in 2018 by Alvaro Reyes Acebal, who has over 12 years of experience in advertising industry as entrepreneur in Mexico City, Mexico. About OWNER GROUP OWNER GROUP is aimed to help companies and self-employed professionals worldwide to reduce wastage and loss caused by excess inventory or idle time. The company provides corporate barter social network service, without any fee, a middleman and a territory limitation. http://www.ownergroup.net Entrepreneurs, officials, and residents with an interest in Brunswicks economic future should pay close attention to Gov. Larry Hogans announcement regarding Marylands 149 Opportunity Zones. On January 3, the governor outlined an ambitious $56.5 million spending program to give additional incentives to businesses who locate in an Opportunity Zone. Created by federal tax reform in December 2017, Opportunity Zones are designed to attract investment to economically-depressed and struggling communities. Downtown Brunswick was designated an opportunity zone by state and local officials in April 2018. Gov. Hogans plan contains incentives from a variety of sources and would complement federal Opportunity Zone benefits and county-level perks through the Maryland Enterprise Zone program. Two businesses have already taken notice. Smoketown Brewing Company, the craft brewery that opened in 2015 after refurbishing downtowns 1948 fire hall, became the first Enterprise Zone-certified business in Brunswick in 2017. This allows owner Dave Blackmon to receive tax credits on real property and income as he works to expand brewing capacity and open a second-floor event space. Im looking forward to applying the tax break for the 2019 tax year, having met the requirements of the Enterprise Zone designation to spend at least $100,000 on my space, which Ive done preparing Cannons for its debut. Smoketown has also benefitted from the Community Legacy grant program offered by Brunswick Main Street, receiving several awards for facade and interior improvements. Mehdi Tehranchi, founder of the start-up software company iyotee, inc., has been vocal about locating the headquarters for his first product, the free, private social networking app called Go2s, in Brunswick in part because of its Opportunity Zone designation. Quoted in a recent Washington Business Journal article, Tehranchi pointed out the advantages of tax breaks for helping spur economic activity and promised that, In return, Brunswick businesses will be exempt from paying Go2s for its services as iyotee moves towards launching its second product, a business dashboard aimed at giving small businesses better access to the lucrative online advertising market. Tehranchi was quick to point out other virtues of his decision to locate in Brunswick, Brunswick works for Go2s because our goal is to create a community-driven social network and Brunswick has all the things one needs to achieve this. The tax incentives are the cherry on the top of the sundae and locating in an Opportunity Zone is another way for Go2s to adhere to its core mission of fostering strong, local connections. If you are interested in learning more about the Opportunity Zone or Enterprise Zone programs, go to: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones-frequently-asked-questions Brunswick Main Street will be hosting an informational session about economic incentives for downtown Brunswick in the near future. ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR OPPORTUNITY & ENTERPRISE ZONES Federal Opportunity Zone Benefits: The Opportunity Zone program allows for the formation of a Qualified Opportunity Fund, an investment vehicle that is set up as either a partnership or corporation, for investing in eligible property in a qualified Opportunity Zone. Investment profits that are reinvested in a Qualified Opportunity Fund defer capital gains tax. Taxes owed on profits generated from the Qualified Opportunity Fund are reduced by 10% after 5 years, 15% after 7 years, and eliminated if the investment has been held for 10+ years. Maryland Opportunity Zone Benefits: More Opportunities for Marylanders Act of 2019 would extend tax credits and offer state property tax exemptions and fee waivers $3 million would be invested in a new Opportunity Works job training program $16 million would be invested in a new Maryland Technology Infrastructure Fund to support development of Marylands tech industry Additional funding would be allocated for the Department of Housing and Community Development for affordable housing projects, small business loans, and acquisition, demolition, and redevelopment of derelict buildings Maryland Enterprise Zone Benefits: Businesses meeting certification criteria are eligible to receive: Jacques will lead the overall strategic direction for Noblis intelligence, national security, and law enforcement programs, spanning over 14 federal agencies. He will also oversee the companys wholly-owned subsidiary, Noblis ESI. Noblis, Inc., a leading provider of science, technology, and strategy services, is pleased to announce that Rich Jacques has joined the company as Vice President of Intelligence, based at Noblis headquarters in Reston, Va. As vice president, Jacques will lead the overall strategic direction for Noblis intelligence, national security, and law enforcement programs, spanning over 14 federal agencies. He will also oversee the companys wholly-owned subsidiary, Noblis ESI, which provides advanced systems engineering, technology, program management, and acquisition services to clients in the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. I am energized by the collaborative culture, passion, and intellect possessed by Noblis employees, and am inspired by their focus on developing solutions that provide value and impact to intelligence community and law enforcement missions, Rich Jacques, Noblis Vice President of Intelligence, said. I am proud to be a part of the Noblis team and look forward to advancing our clients missions. Jacques has over 20 years of experience leading transformational initiatives for federal agencies, ranging from technology modernization to organizational performance and strategic planning. He specializes in the operational aspects of business optimization, including strategy development, technology transformation, organizational process improvement, contract and program management, and human capital strategies. We are pleased to welcome Rich Jacques to the Noblis executive team as Vice President of Intelligence, Amr ElSawy, President & CEO of Noblis, said. Our Intelligence teams advance high priority missions across the Intelligence Community, Department of Defense and law enforcement agencies, in highly sophisticated science and technology areas such as cyber security, advanced biometrics and forensics, data analysis, and bioinformatics. We look forward to seeing our programs grow under Richs strategic direction. Prior to joining Noblis, Jacques held positions at Belcan and Booz Allen Hamilton, leading programs and multi-functional teams across several Intelligence Community agencies. Over the course of his career, several programs he has led or supported have received awards for excellence in delivery, most notably with the Director of National Intelligences Excellence Awards. Jacques holds a Masters in Information Systems from Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Mary Washington. ### About Noblis Noblis is a dynamic science, technology, and strategy organization dedicated to creating forward-thinking technical and advisory solutions in the public interest. We bring the best of scientific thought, management, and engineering expertise together in an environment of independence and objectivity to deliver enduring impact on federal missions. Noblis has consistently been named a top workplace, and was named one of the 2018 "World's Most Ethical Companies" by the Ethisphere Institute. Noblis works with a wide range of government clients in the defense, intelligence and federal civil sectors. Together with our wholly owned subsidiary, Noblis ESI, we tackle the nation's toughest problems and support our clients' most critical missions. Posted Wednesday, January 16, 2019 3:07 pm OLYMPIA The House Committee on Commerce and Gaming took up a bill that would include preschools and school bus stops within the buffer requirements of state-licensed marijuana businesses. House Bill 1003, introduced by Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, would further restrict marijuana businesses from operating in areas frequently visited by children. The Liquor and Cannabis Board is barred from issuing a marijuana license to any business within 1,000 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center, child care center, public park, public transit center or library. This bill would also prohibit the board from issuing or renewing a license for any locations within 1,000 feet of any preschool or bus stop. Seth Dawson testified in general support of the legislation on behalf of the Washington Association for Substance Abuse. The negative effect of marijuana on youth brain development and his desire for children to be protected from advertising near bus stops and institutions prompted the bill. I have six schools that I am responsible for and kids are a passion of mine, Klippert said during the hearing. Protecting them is my lifes goal. Klippert is a law enforcement officer and also serves as a school resource officer. He has taught kids about the dangerous effects of marijuana for many years. Klippert filed HB 1003 on behalf of one of his constituents. He explained times he walked into homes and found parents legally smoking marijuana while they still had children in diapers. Klippert ended the testimony by telling the story of a boy who smoked marijuana before school, at lunch and after school. Stopping improved the adolescents grades and life substantially, he said. The location of pot shops close to bus stops has been a hot-button issue in Klipperts district for a couple years. According to the bill, this act is necessary for the health and safety of public institutions. The bill contains an emergency clause and would take effect immediately if signed into law. Paulina Lopez is Today's Inspired Latina's Woman of the Year for 2019. My mission and vision is to continue strengthening the TIL sisterhood as we celebrate each others successes. I want to elevate and enhance this platform where we can co-create powerful things together and a build a positive environment for other ambitious, passion-driven women to grow. Recognized for her work in helping local, minority and Latina female entrepreneurs grow professionally and personally, Paulina Lopez, a New York City-based business owner and consultant, recently became the recipient of the second annual Todays Inspired Latina (TIL) Woman of the Year Award. Jackie Camacho-Ruiz, the creator of the highly successful and empowering Todays Inspired Latina book series, presented the prestigious award to Lopez who is from the Dominican Republic. The series, which contains four volumes, showcases the poignant collection of 105 stories from Hispanic female authors all over the world. Todays Inspired Latina Volume V will debut this spring. The TIL Woman of the Year Award is presented to a contributing author who exemplifies the values of authenticity, passion, and integrity and makes an active impact in the community to elevate fellow Latinas. Lopez, a Volume I author, has carved a promising career as CEO and founder of both The Business of WE and her New York-based consulting firm, Paulina Lopez Consulting. The Business of WEs mission is to help women unlock their full potential and advance in their pursuits by providing essential strategies, innovative resources, fostering collaborative connections, inspiration and empowerment. Paulina is another beautiful and positive representative of the Todays Inspired Latina movement that I created four years ago, Camacho-Ruiz said. These awards present examples of strong and successful Latinas who are making life-changing contributions in their communities whether its on a local or a global stage. Excited and humbled by receiving the honor, Lopez pledged her continued support of TILs Latina authors. I'm grateful for the opportunity to engage other like-minded Latina women that are looking for the inspiration, motivation and the resources to pursue greater things and create an impact in the world, she said. Lopez takes the reins from Tamika Lechee Morales, TILs 2018 Woman of the Year. Morales busy year was filled with media interviews, speaking engagements and special occasions such as participating in a panel discussion with other TIL authors at the New York Times and celebrating Hispanic culture in the BELLEZA event presented by Estee Lauder and TIL at Macys Oak Brook, Illinois location. At TILs 2019 Woman of the Year, Lopez has a particular goal in mind for her new role. My mission and vision is to continue strengthening the TIL sisterhood as we celebrate each others successes, she said. I want to elevate and enhance this platform where we can co-create powerful things together and a build a positive environment for other ambitious, passion-driven women to grow, thrive and prosper. Together with Jackie, I am dedicated to creating a sacred space for women to feel powerful, exude confidence, grace, authenticity, and integrity as they serve with purpose! For more information about Todays Inspired Latina, visit http://www.todayslatina.com. About the Book Series: Todays Inspired Latina, Volume I, Volume II and Volume III, is a book series of inspiration and hope, a poignant collection of personal stories that will activate your passion. These are success stories that need to be told, to motivate our community and generations to come. By overcoming language barriers, self-doubts and other obstacles in their way, these strong Latinas are a great example of how inspiration and perseverance can lead you to happiness and success in business and life. Its a positive, empowering read for anyone sitting on a dream and thinking it cant come true. Todays Inspired Latina shows that it can! Learn more at http://www.todayslatina.com. Mt. Pleasant, SC Dentist, Dr. Kevin Hogan, Completes Misch International Implant Institute Surgical Training With this training, Dr. Hogan can offer patients seeking a reliable tooth replacement solution with more precise, longer-lasting results with dental implants in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Kevin Hogan, a respected and experienced dentist serving the Mt. Pleasant, SC community, recently completed Sessions 3 and 4 from the Surgical Program by the prestigious Misch International Implant Institute. Completion of these sessions is part of Dr. Hogans commitment to continuing education in order to provide his patients with the highest quality and most advanced dental care possible. These surgical courses focused on precise dental implant placement and bone augmentation into compromised treatment sites. They also discussed treating the posterior maxilla to enhance Dr. Hogans expertise of dental implants for tooth replacement. With this training, Dr. Hogan can offer patients seeking a reliable tooth replacement solution with more precise, longer-lasting results with dental implants in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Hogan completed Session 3 in November. This session covered topics such as CBCT interactive treatment planning for more accurate dental implant placement and how to address any potential complications, such as compromised ridges and bone grafting. Advanced techniques, including small diameter implants, platelet rich fibrin for natural bone growth and indications for various types of membranes and the grafting procedure were also covered. These more specialized treatments enable Dr. Hogan to provide more customized care for his dental implant patients to address their unique needs. Dr. Hogan continued his training with Session 4 in January, which added to his previous sessions by extending to topics such as grafting techniques and custom treatment planning for specific cases. He is excited to bring this knowledge back with him to his practice to share with his team and patients. New and existing patients interested in learning more about dental implants in Mt. Pleasant, SC are invited to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hogan by calling 843-216-0908. More information about dental implants for missing teeth, the practice and Dr. Hogan can be found at http://www.smilesbyhogan.com. About the Practice Dr. Kevin Hogan is a general dentist providing individualized care for patients in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Dr. Hogan is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry and has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education courses to stay contemporary with the latest dental technologies. In addition, he has also completed coursework with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and has lectured at the University of North Carolina, Emory University, the Saginaw Valley University and AUA-American University of Antigua on head and neck anatomy and oral pathology. Dr. Hogan is a member of the American Dental Association, International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics, Academy of Laser Dentistry, International Association of Physiologic Aesthetics, Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, DOCS (the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation), International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the South Carolina Dental Association. He is also a past member of the American Straight Wire Orthodontic Association, Maxillofacial Orthopedic Growth and Development, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Functional Orthodontic Society. He and his team are dedicated to providing exceptional oral care to patients through personalized treatment plans. To learn more about the services offered by Dr. Hogan, please visit his website at http://www.smilesbyhogan.com or call 843-216-0908. Dr. Howard Abrahams, Prosthodontist in Miami Beach, FL, Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary For the past decade, Dr. Abrahams and his team have helped patients realize their health and appearance goals through a variety of cosmetic, general, laser, and restorative dentistry options. Skilled prosthodontist in Miami Beach, FL, Dr. Howard Abrahams, is celebrating his practices 10th anniversary as part of the thriving Miami, FL, community. For the past decade, Dr. Abrahams and his team have helped patients realize their health and appearance goals through a variety of cosmetic, general, laser, and restorative dentistry options. One of the practices most commonly requested treatments is the placement and restoration of long-lasting dental implants. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Abrahams has completed advanced training to specialize in restorative dentistry including dental implants, crowns, temporomandibular joint disorder and more. Considered the gold standard for fixed tooth replacement, dental implants help patients improve the look and function of their mouths. Dental implant posts fuse with the jawbone, creating a supportive base for a single abutment with a dental crown, or full-arch denture appliance. When placed by a trained prosthodontist such as Dr. Abrahams, all types of dental implants can be expected to last for many years with an incredibly low failure rate. In fact, according to figures from the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants success rates routinely remain in the 98th percentile. In addition to the placement of restorative dental implants, Dr. Abrahams offers other dental solutions including teeth whitening, Invisalign, denture repair, dental crowns and bridges, TMJ treatment, and a litany of related services. He concentrates on bringing the most modern equipment and protocols to his practice, including laser-based tools to make procedures more comfortable and patient-centric. To augment his menu of offerings, Dr. Abrahams recently hired associate Dr. Stan Frohlinger, a cosmetic dentist with more than 30 years of experience. Like Dr. Abrahams, Dr. Frohlinger also concentrates on cosmetic dentistry treatments. Individuals who are seeking a new cosmetic dentist or prosthodontist in Miami Beach, FL, can reach Dr. Abrahams and Dr. Frohlinger for an appointment by calling 305-921-0082. Their office location is conveniently located and can be reached through Interstate 195 and Route 907 (Alton Road). About the Practice Dr. Howard Abrahams and Dr. Stan Frohlinger serve advanced general and cosmetic dentistry to patients in the Miami Beach, FL area. Dr. Abrahams is an esteemed prosthodontist who specializes in a wide variety of dental concerns, from simple to the most complex. He has completed a three-year specialty program in advanced prosthodontics with a focus on dental implant and cosmetic rehabilitation. He then went on to complete an additional one-year residency in Maxillofacial Prosthetics and Dental Oncology at New York's prestigious Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Abrahams is a member of the American College of Prosthodontists, The Academy of Osseointegration, American Academy of Maxillofacial Prosthetics, South Florida District Dental Association and American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Frohlinger has been practicing as a cosmetic dentist for over 30 years. An active member of the Florida Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry, he also serves as a clinical evaluator for the ADA. To learn more about Dr. Abrahams, Dr. Frohlinger or the services they offer, please visit http://www.dentalimplantsmiamibeach.com or call 305-921-0082 to schedule an appointment. "We are excited to add Nick to the Senior Management team of Metro as we move into the next phase of Metros growth plan." Metro Storage LLC announced the promotion of Nicholas Gerou to the newly created position of Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Gerou has been employed with Metro Storage LLC since 2010 and previously served in multiple roles, including Senior Financial Analyst and Director of Finance where he has been directly involved in over $1B of acquisitions and developments. Nicks growth in the organization and his direct involvement with the senior management team over the years has greatly contributed to the overall growth of Metro and helped us achieve our business plans through organic and joint venture growth. Nick has been a key contributor in building strong relationships with our joint venture partners and working our portfolio acquisition and development opportunities. We are excited to add Nick to the Senior Management team of Metro as we move into the next phase of Metros growth plan, said Matthew M. Nagel, Chairman of Metro Storage LLC. In this role, Mr. Gerou is responsible for overseeing Metros formation, analysis, and due diligence of new self storage joint ventures and property acquisition and development activities. Prior to joining the company, Mr. Gerou had over four years of commercial and residential real estate experience while working in the acquisition and finance departments of National Equity Fund, a privately held real estate investment firm and General Growth Properties, a publicly traded REIT. Mr. Gerou received his Bachelor of Science in Economics from Michigan State University, and his Master of Science in Finance from Walsh College. About Metro Storage LLC Metro Storage LLC is a privately owned, fully integrated, international self-storage company specializing in the development, construction, acquisition, and management of self-storage facilities in the USA, Brazil, and Central America. Metro operates under the trademark Metro Self Storage in the US, being one of the top 10 largest owner/operators of self-storage facilities in the United States with over 135 stores covering 14 states. Metro Storage International (MSI) has an affiliate/partner in Brazil which operates under the trade name MetroFit. MSIs affiliate/partner in Central America operates under the trade name Mr. Bodeguitas, and is Central Americas leading self-storage operator with locations throughout Guatemala, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. More information about the firm is available at http://www.metrostoragecorporate.com. Marguerite Prager-Thomsons mother, Charline, came from a rural hamlet in the Burgundy region of France. Her father, Eric, from a rich Viennese family, was an Austrian Jew who spent the war hiding from the Nazis. It is their love story that sets the stage for a history of struggle, immigration and integration. In Marguerite de Bourgogne (published by LifeRich Publishing), Prager-Thomson tells her familys story, beginning with her parents and her birth during World War II. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.amazon.com/Marguerite-Bourgogne-Prager-Thomson-Bernadette-Davis/dp/1489720413. In this memoir, she chronicles her history, both the good and the bad from her early life in Paris, her immigration to the United States and Chicago, her graduation from the University of Illinois and her parents acclimation to life in America. She tells how she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 14 and how that disease has affected her. This is a humorous, touching chronicle of lifes little adventures. It is about the emotions of a child going through several immigrations, Prager-Thomson says. They are true and hopefully you will feel the emotions as I did. An excerpt from the book: As far as my mother, obedience was out. He was the head of the family and he admired her steadfast giving of herself, both as mother and spouse. She was by his side in the hospital, after each operation, even every day after work, and she took care of checking over taxes, finding errors of the accountants. Dinner was ready, waiting for him, even when she worked late. The house was under her care, as were my sister and I, on a daily basis, when we were small children. Whatever they went through since they met in the Paris of 1939, my sweetest memory is of her at his bedside in 1999. Papa was ninety years old. Nini, said Maman to him, Tu maimes? At the question, Do you love me? Papa opened his eyes wide and turned his head toward her face. Toute la vie. All my life. Marguerite de Bourgogne By Marguerite Prager-Thomson Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 156 pages | ISBN 9781489720412 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 156 pages | ISBN 9781489720405 E-Book | 156 pages | ISBN 9781489720429 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Marguerite Prager-Thomson was born in France during World War II, and her family immigrated to the United States in 1952. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in teaching Spanish and taught at high school and college levels. She met her husband in 1977 and has traveled with him to assignments in Germany, Louisiana, Massachusetts and finally to Greensboro. LifeRich Publishing, the strategic publishing partnership of Readers Digest and Author Solutions, LLC, was created to provide all writers a platform for sharing their stories, recipes, advice and more. LifeRich authors will benefit from a wealth of editorial design, marketing and education resources, specially created by Readers Digest editors for the enrichment of these LifeSmart individuals. Books can be published in print, ebook or audio formats, with additional distribution to up to 25 million Readers Digest customers through its online properties. Follow @LifeRichPub on Twitter or Like us at facebook.com/LifeRichPublishing for the latest updates. The LXDX exchange gives all investors access to institutional liquidity with products that are not available anywhere else. LXDX, the crypto derivatives exchange, today announced that the first of their derivative productsLXDX Warrantsare now available for trading. The LXDX exchange gives all investors access to institutional liquidity with products that are not available anywhere else. The exchange first opened for spot trading in December 2018. LXDX Warrants allow investors to trade more when they have high conviction and short sell volatility products when the market is expected to remain calm, tempering market exuberance. LXDX warrants provide investors the opportunity to achieve much higher returns with only a fraction of the capital required by spot trading. Furthermore, derivatives, combined with the ability to hedge, help institutions succeed in running more active strategies. The LXDX exchange does not socialize losses or engage in auto-deleveraging, so individual investors never bear the burden of collective risk. The ability to trade derivatives with no socialized losses has never existed in the market before, and creates an opportunity to facilitate more trading in the ecosystem globally. Other exchanges facilitate volume through socialized lossesoffering unnecessarily high leverage and forcing the user base to shoulder the risk. Cautious investors become the unknowing insurers for those taking extreme risks. All the while the exchange collects massive fees at their expense. Institutional investors find socialized losses unacceptable because they eradicate a derivatives value as a hedge. Institutional investors simply wont invest if socialized losses are present. Retail investors should be no different. Our mission with LXDX is to make trading in these markets much better by leveling up the infrastructure and passing on the profitnot the riskto investors, said Joshua Greenwald, CEO and co-founder of LXDX. As we raise the bar and our expectations of our trading venues, the whole system grows. LXDX is the exchange for the million token future and all of the opportunity that it creates. LXDX is the worlds fastest cryptocurrency exchange and creates an environment where market makers can provide liquidity at the smallest spread. LXDX was developed by a team with decades of experience building trading infrastructure for traditional capital markets, at places like Tower Research, DRW, and Laurion Capital. Their mission is to bring innovative financial products to retail crypto investors, providing access to the same speed and scalability that institutional investors enjoy in traditional markets. We believe that crypto traders deserve the same caliber of technology that institutions have enjoyed for years. That means lightning fast trades and a variety of options to capitalize on volatility, said John Hazen, CFO and co-founder of LXDX. So, we built it. Speed, reliability and security are built into the core of LXDXs exchange. The robust platform is written in highly optimized C++ and runs exclusively on their custom-tuned hardware out of Equinix data centers. "LXDX is built to a standard of reliability and speed that is unparalleled in today's crypto market," said Steven Thomas, CTO, "This starts with the technology, and having the right team to execute on it. I can say with confidence that we have both, and from the beginning we have taken the time to make sure that every investor gets access to the exchange experience of the professionals." The exchange offers true colocation and tick-by-tick data. Orders are pushed through the entire system in single digit microseconds, so that individual users can execute millions of trades per second across thousands of securities, even in choppy markets. To begin trading today, visit: http://www.lxdx.co About LXDX LXDX is the crypto derivatives exchange. We give you access to institutional liquidity with products you cant get anywhere else. Anyone can start trading crypto derivatives on LXDX today. We are now live and available to both institutions and the retail public. Our first product is warrants, issued on top crypto assets like BTC, ETH and XRP. Ultra-low system execution latencies of single-digit microseconds or less facilitate the tightest available bid-ask spreads on the market today. LXDX was developed by a team with decades of experience building trading infrastructure for traditional capital markets, at places like DRW, Tower Research and Laurion Capital. With LXDX, retail investors get all the advantages of the tech and security that institutional investors enjoy in traditional markets. We do not socialize losses and we dont engage in auto deleveraging. LXDX operates out of Malta. For more information, please visit: http://www.lxdx.co LXDX. Lever up. From LifeLearns beginnings in 1994 providing continuing education programs to veterinarians across North America using leading-edge technology, LifeLearn celebrates 25 years of continuing innovation and excellence providing education and communication products and services to the veterinary profession, animal health organizations, and pet service businesses. Im thrilled to be part of such a dynamic company as it celebrates 25 years in business, says Randy Valpy, President and CEO of LifeLearn. LifeLearn started out as a company by listening to what the veterinary and animal health industry wants, and by responding to that with leading-edge digital solutions. Today, LifeLearn continues to listen and respond, and this unwavering focus and core commitment poises LifeLearn for future growth. LifeLearn Began as an Idea on a Napkin When we first started LifeLearn, recalls Charles (Chas) Povey, PhD, co-founder of LifeLearn and Chairman of the Board, Jim Stowe was already running a continuing education program at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Jim Stowe, DVM, led the OVCs veterinary continuing education programs at the University of Guelph beginning in 1988 as Head of Veterinary Continuing Education, and in 1994 became LifeLearns co-founder. In the early 1990s, despite a successful continuing education department, OVC needed a solution to overcome government budget cuts. Setting up a standalone business to meet the demand for quality CE and support lifelong learning (the origin of the LifeLearn name) under the direction of Dr. Povey and Dr. Stowe was the answer! As a practitioner, says Dr. Stowe, I was using computers in practice before most other veterinarians. Seeing the potential to adapt technology to overcome the problems of transferring information and skills beyond a traditional classroom setting, Dr. Povey and Dr. Stowe agreed that technology was the way to go to create a distance education program for veterinarians everywhere. So, Chas and I sat down one night and created the proverbial business plan on a napkin, says Dr. Stowe, and then we created a more formal business plan. With financing from the OVC and the private sector (which included veterinarians), Dr. Povey and Dr. Stowe were provided office space by the OVC in the University of Guelphs historic MacNabb House. In 1994, LifeLearn opened its doors to help animal health professionals realize the value of knowledgea precept that remains foundational to everything that LifeLearn does for clients, communities and the animal health industry worldwide. The Challenge At LifeLearns launch in 1994, We were faced with the fact that many veterinarians did not have computers, says Dr. Povey. At that time, adds Dr. Stowe, the media being used was analogue audio visual. So LifeLearns first products used CDi (compact disc interactive) to offer veterinary learning adventurescase-based self-study modules for practical certification on veterinary subjects like veterinary dentistry, cardiology and more. In 1995, LifeLearn won the Gold Award for Best Use of CDi Technology in an Education Title at the CDi Associations fourth annual awards. And from there, as computers became more ubiquitous, LifeLearn moved to CD-ROM, then online development and continued to grow and expand its educational scope and services to veterinarians across North America, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Where LifeLearn Is Today LifeLearns proven expertise in veterinary content and digital technology has delivered a comprehensive suite of solutions to help veterinarians optimize their practices, says Dr. Mark Stephenson, DVM and Chief Veterinary Officer for LifeLearn. LifeLearns practice solutions now include: WebDVM custom veterinary websites with complementary communications and online marketing tools ClientEd a digital pet owner education portal with over 2,000 pet health articles written and reviewed by animal health experts to improve compliance and patient outcomes Sofie the advanced veterinary medical search tool powered by IBM Watson that won an Everyday Health Health Innovation Award in 2015 at a special ceremony at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and won Gold for Best New Products (Workplace Resources) at the 2016 Edison Awards. And for the past 20 years, adds Dr. Stephenson, LifeLearns Industry Solutions have served animal health companies with veterinary-focused education, marketing services and meetings agency services. What Does the Future Hold for LifeLearn? Going forward, were primed for explosive growth, says Valpy. We have a number of new products that were launching in 2019, new partnerships that weve recently announced and others that are about to come. In November of 2018, LifeLearn announced its first entry into the pet services industry through a new partnership with Gingr, the leading online appointment and customer management solution for dog daycare, boarding, training, and grooming businesses. And in January 2019, LifeLearn announced its 50% purchase of VetFolio from the North American Veterinary Community and partnership with the NAVC to deliver an all-new VetFolioone-stop access to hundreds of online veterinary medical education and resources for veterinarians, veterinary students, veterinary nurses/technicians, practice managers and practice staff. Also new for LifeLearn in 2019: Two additional editions of WebDVM Essential & Exclusive The latest pet health articles and updates with ClientEd Two new veterinary reference books added to Sofie and the ability to purchase Sofie online Stratus a Sales Presentation & Empowerment Solution for animal heath companies ALLYDVM NPS (Net Promoter Score) for WebDVM websites PetNurse after-hours telehealth support for clinics and their clients AdLift custom digital media marketing for veterinarians SEO Extreme search engine optimization (SEO) for veterinary websites VetScribe custom content for digital communication channels As we look at our strategic plan, says Valpy, weve got some exciting plans that are going to result in the explosive growth that I think LifeLearn will experience in the coming years. About LifeLearn Animal Health Celebrating 25 years of continuing innovation and excellence, LifeLearn, Inc. provides education and communications products and services to the veterinary profession, animal health organizations, and pet service businesses. LifeLearns award-winning competencies in digital media, combined with longstanding veterinary content expertise, have delivered sophisticated offerings to veterinarians to optimize their practices, including: WebDVM, custom veterinary websites; ClientEd; client education resource; and Sofie, the advanced veterinary medical search tool. For 20 years, animal health corporations have relied on LifeLearn to provide veterinary-focused education, digital marketing, and meetings agency services to optimize their businesses. LifeLearn was named one of Canadas fastest-growing companies from 2015 to 2017 by PROFIT 500 and GROWTH 500 in 2018. Chairish Inc. now offers the largest online collection of high-end home furnishings in the United States. Chairish Inc., the San Francisco-based parent company of Chairish and DECASO, the home design industrys leading online marketplaces for exceptional one-of-a-kind furnishings, today is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dering Hall, the premier New York-based online discovery platform for contemporary furniture brands and interior designers. This purchase makes Chairish Inc. the largest online platform for high-end home furnishings in the United States. According to a 2018 eMarketer report, furniture is the fastest growing e-commerce category in the US as consumers warm up to purchasing furniture online. Until now, the premium and luxury home market has been highly fragmented online, making discovery and buying a challenge for designers and shoppers alike. The acquisition of Dering Hall augments Chairish Inc. by adding newly made items from manufacturers and contemporary makers to their offering. Together, the three brands comprising the Chairish Inc. portfolio will account for: 450,000 exceptional vintage, antique, contemporary and made-to-order products A growing monthly audience of over 2.5 Million affluent and sophisticated design aficionados A community of + 20,000 verified design professionals, the furnishings industrys most valuable buyers Combined executive team comprised of veteran technology, home, fashion and editorial industry leaders A shared vision to bring the very best of design online in a way that fosters the health and growth of the design industry Were pleased to welcome Dering Hall into the Chairish Inc. family. Were now ideally positioned to offer a comprehensive shopping destination for high-end home design, including the finest antique, vintage, newly made and custom items, said Gregg Brockway, CEO and co-founder of Chairish Inc. Speaking to the larger trend of the home industry moving online, Brockway stated, Accelerating digital adoption is creating both new opportunities and challenges for the design industry. Our companies shared commitment to making great design accessible online in a way that fosters the health and growth of the design community made this a natural joining of forces. Were excited to bring mutually beneficial digital solutions for creativity, discovery and efficiency to life. Peter Sallick, co-founder of Dering Hall, will join the executive team at Chairish Inc. as a strategic advisor. He said, Were thrilled to become part of the growing Chairish Inc. network, which will bring us powerful technology advancements, a complementary and accomplished leadership team, an expanded audience of buyers and sellers, marketing power and operational scale. We have a shared belief in the importance of curation and a mutual passion for bringing the best of the design market online, connecting vintage and antique dealers, artisans and high-end manufacturers with passionate design enthusiasts and interior designers. Dering Hall will continue to operate as a standalone site, linked with the other Chairish Inc. properties. Chairish Inc. will share more information on deeper integration between the businesses and new solutions for the design industry in the coming months. About Chairish Inc. Founded in 2013, Chairish Inc. is the San Francisco-based parent company of Chairish.com, DeringHall.com and DECASO.com. Chairish Inc. is focused on making premium and luxury-level home furnishings available online. Chairish is the design lovers indispensable online source for chic and unique decor, art, furniture and home decorating inspiration. DECASO, a decorative arts society, is the online home for the worlds top modernism, antique and contemporary dealers. The leadership team is comprised of veteran technology entrepreneurs who created some of the biggest global travel brands alongside well-known fashion and design industry executives. Investors include Altos Ventures Ltd, Azure Capital and OReilly AlphaTech Ventures. For more information, visit here. About Dering Hall Dering Hall is the premier online resource for designers and sophisticated consumers to discover and connect to the finest interior design products and talent in the world. At the intersection of shopping and inspiration, Dering Hall showcases exceptional high-end design through curated listings and original editorial featuring the work of top brands and design firms in the industry. Dering Hall is the brainchild of leading designer Steven Gambrel and industry veteran and entrepreneur Peter Sallick. The duo came up with the idea in response to Gambrels real need to easily search for furnishings across a wide range of insider sources. For more information on Dering Hall, visit http://www.deringhall.com. ### CME Outfitters (CMEO), a leading accredited provider in continuing medical education, is gearing up to host the 11th Annual Chair Summit this February 7-9th at the Westin Fort Lauderdale in sunny Fort Lauderdale, FL. This unique two-and-a-half-day conference provides attendees with an opportunity to learn about the latest advances in evidence-based treatments for a variety of neurological and behavioral conditions directly from some of the most esteemed neurology and psychiatry department chairs from across the nation. Chair Summit is regarded as one of the preeminent meetings offered to professionals in the neurosciences, delivering innovative features each year. Chair Summit encourages a two-way learning experience and gives attendees more than just lectures, with small-group breakout discussions, networking events, and cutting-edge interactive technology that promotes engagement throughout the discussions. Ive attended Chair Summit every year for the last 10 years, and it is the most outstanding CME activity that I have ever attended, Tony Graham, MD, a psychiatrist from Virginia stated. Its all about the teaching: the small groups, the workshops, the technology that is used to support your learning during this activity, but most importantly the Chairs themselves. The Chairs from all over the United States not only teach all the sessions, but are also available in between sessions to chat. This is an outstanding and totally unique CME activity. Chair Summit offers 20+ continuing education credit for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, case managers, and other clinicians with interest in the neurosciences. This years topics include the use of cannabis in psychiatry and neurology, autism spectrum disorder, opioid use disorder, pediatric OCD, suicide prevention, migraines, HIV related neurocognitive disorders, chronic pain, schizophrenia, and more. For hotel information, rates, registration and more, click here. CME Outfitters offers a live stream option for those who wish to attend virtually. For a one-time, non-refundable fee of $99, live stream attendees can participate in plenary sessions, including being able to ask faculty questions during the presentations. For more information on the live stream, or to register, click here. About CME Outfitters, LLC CME Outfitters develops and distributes live, recorded and web-based, outcomes- and evidence-based educational activities to thousands of clinicians each year and offers expert accreditation and outcome services for non-accredited organizations. CME Outfitters focuses on delivering education to specialty audiences, with strong expertise in neuroscience, inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. For a complete list of certified activities and more information, visit http://www.cmeoutfitters.com or call 877.CME.PROS (877.263.7767). CME Outfitters Improving Clinical Behavior One Change at a Time January has been a record-breaking month so far for Lajollacooks4u, San Diegos premiere team building and cooking events company. Not only has the company already hosted several of its signature cooking classes and team-building events, but it is also gearing up to host Fortune 500 companies, Amazon and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, later this month. Since 2008, Lajollacooks4us team-building events have been a favorite for companies of all sizes; so much so that teams often visit multiple times. Each event is completely customized down to the menu, location and budget and groups can choose from a variety of popular cooking packages. Packages include Iron Chef-style competitions, pizza-making challenges, tapas cook-offs and more and offer team members an opportunity to collaborate, compete, and ultimately, come together while preparing and enjoying a delicious meal. For groups of 30 people or less, Lajollacooks4u hosts events at its La Jolla-based venue overlooking Mt. Soledad. For larger groups, it is able to conduct the cooking event in a location of the teams choosing which are often hotels and conference centers nearby. To accommodate the increase in volume coming through its doors this year, Lajollacooks4u recently began a complete renovation of its kitchen. With additional workspace, updated appliances and modern lighting and fixtures, the new state-of-the-art kitchen will provide an even more unforgettable cooking and dining experience for the many guests who will visit the venue. The new kitchen will also serve as the event location for several upcoming philanthropic efforts Lajollacooks4u is passionate about. In March and May, the company plans to collaborate with local-area hunger-relief organizations, the San Diego Food Bank and Kitchens for Good, in order to create awareness and fundraise for those in need. About Lajollacooks4u: Lajollacooks4u is San Diegos premiere team-building and cooking events company. Since 2008, it has hosted companies from all over the globe, providing guests with a collaborative and one-of-a-kind culinary experience. With skilled facilitators, farm-to-table cuisine and a stunning view overlooking La Jolla, Lajollacooks4u has consistently been ranked one of the areas top attractions by Trip Advisor, having been awarded its Certificate of Excellence four years in a row. For more information about the companys hands-on team building events and gourmet cooking classes, visit http://www.lajollacooks4u.com or contact jodi@lajollacooks4u.com. Posted Tuesday, January 15, 2019 1:39 pm The Centralia teachers union, Centralia Education Association, has taken a vote of no confidence in Centralia School District Superintendent Mark Davalos, the Washington Education Association announced in a press release this afternoon. (Superintendent Mark) Davalos actions and decisions are not transparent, said CEA co-chair Lauri Johnson in the press release. He has failed to make any serious effort to heal the relationship between the district administration and union members after the CEA teachers strike this past fall. According to the press release, 95 percent of CEA members voted no confidence. Mark Davalos has directed district administrators to arbitrarily and irrationally freeze district spending, Johnson said. This spending freeze has harmed Centralias students. Students with serious emotional and academic needs are being denied the assistance of paraeducators, and teachers are forbidden from making copies of materials for their students. The district administration has even threatened to lay off teachers in the spring. In addition, the press release states that Davalos is also attempting to impose an entirely new model for the districts K-3 and 4-6 students. The K-6 transition is ill-conceived, poorly planned, and completely unnecessary, Johnson said. Teachers were not consulted before this transition was announced, and CEA members believe the transition will be harmful to kids and the Centralia community. Centralias teachers have lost confidence in (Superintendent) Mark Davalos. Inlanta presented a check to Pets for Vets Milwaukee area Executive Director Dan Zealley and companion dog Bella a check for $25,000 in celebration of its 25th Anniversary. From left to right: Paul Bu Going into our 25th anniversary, we knew we wanted to celebrate by giving back in a big way Inlanta Mortgage, Inc., announced its 2018 charity partnership with Pets for Vets earned $25,000 for the charity that helps pair rescue dogs with at-risk returning veterans. As part of its 25th anniversary celebration that kicked off in September, Inlanta selected Pets for Vets as the beneficiary of its annual charity partnership. Going into our 25th anniversary, we knew we wanted to celebrate by giving back in a big way, said Paul Buege, Inlantas President and COO. Because our founder and chairman of the board John Knowlton is a devoted supporter of rescue dogs, and as an organization that is committed to supporting our veterans, we knew this organization that blends these two would have deep meaning for our clients, referral partners and our awesome team of employees. In June, Inlanta announced that it would make a donation for every loan closed through the end of the year. In addition, the company held various employee fundraisers both in the home office and branch offices, including its annual charity raffle held during its National Conference in September. The proceeds from the campaign were presented today to Dan Zealley, executive director for the Milwaukee, Wis., area chapter of Pets for Vets. "The donation from Inlanta Mortgage and its customers will go a long way to helping both veterans and shelter dogs to get a second chance, said Zealley. These companion animals assist in the healing our service members. Thank you to all of our veterans!!!" About Pets for Vets: Pets for Vets is a 501(c)3 organization that unites military veterans with shelter pets. This program supports veterans who may be experiencing anxiety, depression or stress, while providing a second chance for animals who will be rescued, trained and paired with veterans who could benefit from the companionship. For more information on Pets for Vets, visit its https://www.petsforvets.com/milwaukee-wi. About Inlanta: Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wis., Inlanta Mortgage is a growing independent mortgage banker with 40 branch offices and a current network of more than 250 mortgage experts licensed throughout 22 states. Founded in 1993, the Wisconsin-based company is celebrating 25 years of helping homeowners with the home loans for their dreams through exceptional service and a suite of loan programs designed to meet each clients unique financial needs. For more information about Inlanta Mortgage, please visit http://www.inlanta.com. Axia Technology Partners We are excited about the future and our ability to offer turnkey technology solutions for a flat, per-employee cost." AxiaTP (Axia Technology Partners, LLC) announced today plans for a massive national expansion in 2019 and beyond. The company is targeting Managed Service Providers (MSPs) throughout the U.S. for acquisition, and by 2020, seeks to open offices in multiple cities including Chicago, Denver, Seattle, Los Angeles, Austin, Scottsdale, Fairfax, Orlando, and New York. Two acquisitions recently completed include Indianapolis-based Dodson Group and ADS Solutions, headquartered in Chillicothe, Ohio. Both of these businesses are natural fits for our portfolio and provide our executive teams an opportunity to step through our processes for M&A transactions and operational efficiencies, said Josh Ross, AxiaTP Holdings Chairman of the Board. Our goal with AxiaTP is to become the largest MSP in the nation, and we are poised to make that a reality as we seek to acquire MSPs in the $10-15 million annual revenue range. In addition to the expansion and growth plans, AxiaTP has appointed a new CEO, Roger Veach, and is filling several other executive-level leadership positions. We are excited about the future and our ability to offer turnkey technology solutions for a flat, per-employee cost, said Veach. We have outlined a cost model that will allow us to offer virtually everything IT-related an employee needs for a flat monthly rate of $99 per employee. That includes a laptop or PC, managed networks, internet, phone, Microsoft Office, and other business-related software. We will manage it all. About AxiaTP Indianapolis-based AxiaTP is a leading national Managed Services Provider with industry-leading offerings that help companies across a multitude of industries solve business communications challenges through IP technology. Our clients include financial institutions, municipal governments, schools, hospitals, law firms, accounting firms, and real estate developers to name a few. Through a consultative approach, we strive to understand your business challenges and identify ways in which our IP Technology solutions can help optimize workflows, reduce costs, and generate revenue. For more information on AXIATP: axiatp.com Iconic Santorini Pool It is our teamwork and attitude that make Iconic Santorini outstanding, says Manager. We are all always trying to find ways to improve our guest experiences. Iconic Santorini, recently recognized as the Best Boutique Hotel on a Global Level and the Best Small Hotel in Greece is offering early booking discounts for a limited time only. Iconic Santorini is a unique cave hotel perched 1,000 feet above the sapphire waters of the caldera in the serene village of Imerovigli. A perfect location, the 19 very special residences are close enough to all the sights, but relaxed and detached from the crowds of nearby Fira and Oia. Amazing early booking discounts are available from 20% to 40% off the full range of accommodations. Special pricing is also available on the spectacular the Iconic, Cliff and Cave Suites, each with a full range of amenities including spacious interiors and personal plunge pools. As a recent guest reported on Trip Advisor, "We stayed in the Iconic Suite which was incredible. We had a private outdoor plunge pool - great to sit in there in the sun with a cocktail (delivered to the room after a phone call)! The Suite also had an indoor pool which we loved to use on the evening. The room layout was unique with lovely tasteful decor (as always). This hotel is exceptional we would recommend it to everybody! We cant wait to come back." A haven of tranquility, Iconic Santorini prides itself in being a hushed getaway, welcoming couples and families with children ages 14 and older. Free of distractions, guests can enjoy simple pleasures like relaxing with a good book, swimming in the infinity pool, taking in a soothing massage and dining in the charming Pergola restaurant while overlooking the Aegean. Guests of this special boutique cave hotel are welcomed as visiting friends and leave with unforgettable memories to cherish so it is no wonder that many continue to return each year. To take advantage of this great offer, please contact reservations(at)iconicsantorini(dot)com. Make your bookings as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as this offer is based on limited availability. SPECIAL MEDIA INFORMATION For additional background details, personal interviews by phone or email and hi-res photography, please contact Martha Morano: 212-860-5566 or martha(at)moranopr(dot)com Iconic Santorini is managed by Precise Hospitality Management and is a proud member of the Mantis Collection of five-star Hotels, Eco-escapes & Lifestyle Resorts. This award-winning combination ensures guests enjoy warm friendly welcomes and world-class service in spectacular locations. HomeSmart Headquarters "We want the relationship between franchisor and franchisee to be an enjoyable one for all parties, so that we can attain mutual success." -- Wendy Forsythe, COO, HomeSmart International HomeSmart International announced that it has been named to Franchise Business Reviews Top Franchise Opportunities for 2019 for overall franchisee satisfaction. The real estate franchisor is the only transaction fee-based, 100-percent commission model brokerage that made the list of 200. Every year, the Franchise Business Review surveys franchise owners in order to measure the health of a franchise network. The Franchise Business Review surveyed more than 30,000 franchise owners from 310 brands and measured training and support, franchise operation, leadership, core values, franchise community, operator self-assessment, financial performance and general satisfaction. Were honored to have been rated so highly by our own franchise owners for the second consecutive year, said HomeSmart International CEO and Founder Matt Widdows. We used the insights gained from last years surveys and have been able to continue growing satisfaction among our network. HomeSmart International credits its high level of franchise engagement to its high-performing real estate brokerage model, proprietary technology, tools and systems that enhance efficiency and service for their brokers, agents and consumers throughout a real estate transaction. We want the relationship between franchisor and franchisee to be an enjoyable one for all parties, so that we can attain mutual success, said HomeSmart International COO Wendy Forsythe. The high marks for company culture that we received from our franchisees on this survey show were on the right path. The organization achieved this milestone with its national agent network of nearly 16,000 people, 52 franchises and 166 offices strategically located across the nation. Amazing service is something our agents strive to provide to their clients and what we champion to our brokerages, said Widdows. That philosophy starts with how we resource and support our franchisees, and while we were pleased with our high marks, were also dedicated to continuous improvement. To learn more about the HomeSmart franchise business model, click here. About HomeSmart International: Founded in 2000, HomeSmart International quickly became the fastest-growing real estate brokerage firm in Arizona. HomeSmart International is ranked in the top 5 real estate brokerages in the United States and the number one brokerage firm in the Phoenix market. From its international franchising headquarters based in Scottsdale, HomeSmart International offers franchisees efficiency and innovation coupled with the systems and technologies necessary to succeed in today's evolving real estate industry. Today, the brand has 166 offices in 28 states and nearly 16,000 agents nationwide. For more information on HomeSmart International and its franchise opportunities, visit homesmart.com. Follow HomeSmart International on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/homesmartfranchise and on Twitter and Instagram @HomeSmartIntl. ### Over 400 hours are spent each year researching and analyzing the approximately 3,000 CEOs and executives who are considered. The Swanepoel Power 200 (SP200), the definitive ranking of the residential real estate industrys 200 most powerful and influential leaders, has named HomeServices of America Chairman and CEO Ron Peltier real estates most powerful person in 2019. HomeServices of America has been a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary since 1999. The annual study was released yesterday by T3 Sixty. Keller Williams Realty CEO Gary Keller, Zillow Group CEO Spencer Rascoff, Realogy CEO Ryan Schneider and Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman round out the industrys five most powerful leaders. Peltier ascends to No. 1 after ranking third and fourth the past two years, respectively, based on his companys tremendous, acquisition-fueled growth and its vast access to capital, the key driver in todays rapidly changing residential real estate industry. With its blockbuster acquisitions of Long & Foster Real Estate, Ebby Halliday Realtors and BHHS Florida Real Estate the firms brokerage wings annual sales total over $125 billion, second only to Realogys NRT. Gary Keller, last years No. 1 and CEO of the nations largest real estate franchise brand, secured the No. 2 spot amidst large corporate repositioning and senior management changes, while Zillow Groups steady revenue growth, despite industry push back on some new initiatives, kept Rascoff at No. 3. In addition to the main power list which includes short bios, company stats and photos for each person ranked, the SP200 also recognizes leaders in five specific categories: Trendsetters, Women, Association and MLS leaders, Technology executives and powerful people outside residential real estate who have enormous industry impact. This is the sixth edition of the SP200, which is published by the real estate research and management consulting firm T3 Sixty each January. The firm uses a rigorous three-part methodology to rank leaders with the aid of organizational charts and proprietary data from leaders and their representatives and the firms Mega 1000 report, the annual ranking of industry brokerages, franchisors and holding companies by size. T3 Sixty analyzes over 3,000 industry CEOs, executives, and leaders to build each years list. T3 Sixty considers eight criteria in ranking leaders on the list: the office leaders hold, their tenure, the size of the company they lead, its financial resources, their significance and impact on the industry, their companys activities in the previous year, other activities outside their own company and their personal power and influence. With the SP200, we aim to hold a mirror up to the industry, reflecting residential real estate back to itself by noting who wields the most power and influence (and in what order), whether by position, personal power, employee count, reputation and trajectory, said T3 Sixty Chairman and CEO Stefan Swanepoel. Big changes and rising stars in the top 20 ranked leaders include: No. 6: Robert Reffkin and Ori Allon, co-founders of well-capitalized Compass, who have raised over $1 billion in equity funding, led by Softbank. No. 8: Adam Contos, the new CEO of Re/Max after legendary co-founder Dave Liniger stepped down after 45 years. Re/Max is the largest real estate franchise in the world. No. 12: Ryan Gorman, the 40-year-old CEO of NRT LLC. With annual sales of over $178 billion, NRT is the worlds largest real estate brokerage. See the full online ranking here http://www.sp200.com. About T3 Sixty Exclusively serving the residential real estate brokerage industry, T3 Sixty provides real estate CEOs, business leaders, association and MLS executives, brokers and high-performance teams the knowledge, best practices and support to grow their businesses. The company does this through management consulting, training and in-depth research and quality publications, such as its hallmark Swanepoel Trends Report, an annual analysis of the top trends shaping the industry for the next 18 to 24 months. The firms consulting divisions include brokerage, technology, mergers and acquisitions, and associations and MLSs. Find out more at T360.com Hitachi Solutions America has announced the latest release of its Extended Field Service Time Card Module. The new version includes an improved user interface and simplified processes that make the solution faster and more convenient to use. Hitachi Solutions America, a leading provider of global industry solutions powered by the Microsoft Cloud, has announced the latest release of its Extended Field Service Time Card Module, a plug-and-play add-on for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Field Service that allows users to easily create, manage, and integrate technician time cards. The new version includes an improved user interface and simplified processes that make the solution faster and more convenient to use for technicians, service coordinators, and approvers. Hitachi Solutions Extended Field Service Time Card Module now includes a host of capabilities that enhance usability, increase visibility, and streamline processes. Key new features include: One-click Approval Users can now review and approve time cards with a single click theres no cumbersome approval process to follow Centralized Dashboard The time card dashboard makes it quick and easy to find time cards ready for approval theres no querying or searching required Enhanced Time Allocation The solution now allows users to easily capture time allocated time to work orders, administrative time, and paid time off Streamlined Time Off Functionality Now as soon as a technician time off request is approved, the system automatically creates an entry on their time card and blocks off their time on the schedule board Automated Resource Booking This new feature integrates time entry with resource booking to ensure the schedule board reflects time off and time allocated to administrative tasks giving service coordinators instant visibility of their resources in real time Easy Editing Time cards can now be edited directly from within the form users dont need to open each time entry record separately anymore The new version also includes enhanced mobile and offline capabilities, improved sorting and labeling, and simplified time card IDs. Dynamics 365 Field Service is helping many field service organizations automate and streamline processes to support growing service as a profit center. Part of that solution is having time cards fully integrated into costing and billing systems, said Martin Boggess, Vice President, Manufacturing and Field Service at Hitachi Solutions America. Our time card module extends Dynamics base functionality and completely automates time card work flows. This simplifies payroll, customer billing, training, and other time tracking processes right out of the box saving time and money and speeding time to value. Hitachi Solutions Extended Field Service augments the capabilities of Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Field Service with unique pre-built solution set designed specifically for the needs of field service organizations. It includes modules that simplify the development and implementation of time cards, warranty management, depot repair, serialized asset tracking, and ERP integration. It also provides an easy path to new technologies such as IoT and augmented reality. For more information visit https://us.hitachi-solutions.com/resources/extended-field-service/ or contact us. Alta Earrings "If a person is a little apprehensive of supporting the dark side of the jewelry industry this winter season, choose the luxury and sustainability jewelry sets of Enji Studio Jewelry." This Valentines Day gift a loved with a piece of luxury jewelry set from Enji Jewelry Studio. During this time of year, earrings are a girls best friend. While its hard to ignore the mass retailer jewelers and their flashy Valentines Day ads this time of year, its even harder to tell where those earrings are coming from and why the price is that ridiculously low. If a person is a little apprehensive of supporting the dark side of the jewelry industry, choose the luxury and sustainability jewelry sets of Enji Studio Jewelry. Founder and and ethical metalsmith Niki Grandics is on a mission to bring jewelry pieces to the market that are timeless and meaningful. Theyre crafted right in the studio with reclaimed gold and silver using only fair trade and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. Each set of earrings inspires a different look. From the Coda style jewelry set to the best-selling Alta set, each piece has a modern, edgy design that brings a classic look using raw diamonds. Enji Studio Jewelry donates a portion of each sale to organizations such as The Alliance for HOPE, Women's Resource Center and Mercury Free Mining Project. These organizations empower women locally and globally and work to end domestic violence and human trafficking. Niki also volunteers for several organizations such as Ethical Metalsmiths (Marketing Volunteer), the Chicago Responsible Jewelry Conference (Marketing), and the Womens Jewelry Association- San Diego Chapter (PR Chair), and the Alliance for HOPE (Pathways to HOPE Mentor). For more information, visit https://enjistudiojewelry.com. FundThrough We believe 919 Marketing, with more than two decades of success extending the reach, visibility, and influence of countless B2B brands, is the perfect partner to spark the next phase of growth for FundThrough in the United States. - Steven Uster FundThrough, North Americas fastest growing automated, tech enabled invoice factoring company and a power player in the fintech SMB (small and midsized businesses) working capital space, has engaged 919 Marketing, a leading national franchise marketing agency offering content marketing and public relations services to all companies (franchise or non-franchise), to generate consistent brand awareness and accelerate expansion in the U.S. markets. FundThrough, headquartered in Toronto, is North Americas leader in online invoicing and online factoring a cutting edge concept that is disrupting the outdated factoring industry. The company offers a modernized form of factoring that helps vendors and contractors maintain their cash flow regardless of slow-paying customers. Its a service of growing importance to companies of all sizes that cope with delayed customer payments despite the booming economy in the United States and Canada. FundThroughs CEO and Co-Founder, Steven Uster, hired 919 Marketing to spread the word about FundThroughs transformative online invoice factoring solutions. Business owners rely on timely payments to make payroll, buy inventory, and re-invest in their business, says Uster. Our simple online platform allows businesses to transform future funds into liquid capital to fuel business growth. Were eager to help more American business owners do just that in 2019 and beyond. We believe 919 Marketing, with more than two decades of success extending the reach, visibility, and influence of countless B2B brands, is the perfect partner to spark the next phase of growth for FundThrough in the United States. Uster, along with fellow co-founders Deepak Ramachandran and Graham McBride, came together to start FundThrough in 2014 to help SMBs across various industries answer their biggest dilemma: ensuring sufficient cash flow. SMBs, as a segment, produce the biggest portion of the Gross Domestic Product and employ the most workers of any business type, and theyre the main innovation drivers throughout North America. Yet, todays traditional invoice-payment structure makes it far too easy for B2B customers to take advantage of small and midsized businesses. A large corporation can afford to pay slowly but SMBs cant survive without cash. About one-third of defunct SMBs fail from a lack of cash on hand, even though many are profitable at some point in their lifespan. We realized that the situation is surmountable, Uster explained. And with the support of our incredible community of investors, backers, and clients, FundThrough is transforming the way SMBs manage cash flow. FundThrough customers get immediate access to their receivables within a day, giving them control over their cash flow and working capital to keep their companies growing regardless of customer payment practices. Using this business model to appeal to small and midsized companies, FundThroughs own projections are so strong that, as the Wall Street Journal reported, the company received an additional $34 million in funding from investors in June 2018. FundThrough is applying those proceeds toward its aggressive growth plan and strategy to become North Americas preferred SMB lender and online factoring partner, in a fast growing financing category. 919 Marketing will partner with FundThrough to create a robust branding program that will position Uster as a thought leader in the industry with high-profile editorial content, including a regular contributor role with the Forbes Finance Council. Beyond that, 919 Marketing will provide a blend of content marketing and public relations services that will help FundThrough reach, influence and convert new customers throughout the United States. 919 Marketings Founder and CEO David Chapman said his team is excited to get started. As an entrepreneur, its easy to see why FundThrough is such a gamechanger, says Chapman. Access to capital is paramount to the success of companies of all sizes and across all market segments. To that end, Steven and FundThrough have enabled hundreds of companies across North America to hire employees and acquire the equipment and services needed to expand their businesses when they need it. We are excited to tell the FundThrough brand story to the North American business community. For more information about FundThrough, please visit http://www.fundthrough.com. For more information about 919 Marketing, please visit https://www.919marketing.com. About FundThrough FundThrough offers businesses flexible, on-demand working capital using their outstanding invoices to overcome cash flow gaps and accelerate their growth. The invoice factoring platform empowers small, new, and growing businesses in the U.S. and Canada to have their invoices paid when they want in as little as 24 hours. For more information, visit http://www.fundthrough.com. About 919 Marketing Formed in 1996 and headquartered just outside of North Carolinas Research Triangle Park and the capital city of Raleigh, 919 is a national franchise marketing agency with a proven track record of helping companies increase revenue, create a competitive advantage and improve marketing results. We provide high-powered strategic planning, public relations, social media, digital marketing, business development support and full creative capabilities each utilizing proven processes refined over hundreds of client engagements. Our award-winning staff of marketing strategists, TV and print reporters, and social media trailblazers are seasoned experts, providing you with the content marketing firepower you need to excite, motivate and engage your customers and prospects. 919 clients include startups, emerging growth companies and Fortune 500 corporations from high-tech to health care, hair care and elderly care. 919 Marketing is a proven, go-to source for national companies of all sizes that want to grow their businesses. For more information, please contact David Chapman, CEO at 919-557-7890 or email dchapman(at)919marketing.com. Latrivette Woodard, second from left, helps break ground on her new MaintenX-sponsored Habitat for Humanity Home. MaintenX employees will volunteer at least 200 hours to help ensure the house is ready for move-in in May. MaintenX helped Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County break ground on a new home yesterday. In addition to monetarily sponsoring the home, MaintenX employees will volunteer at least 200 hours to help ensure the house is ready for move-in in May. The house will be home to Latrivette Woodard, her three children and two grandchildren. Woodard is thrilled to be accomplishing a goal she never dreamed was possible home ownership. MaintenX is thrilled to sponsor the Woodard family, said Bill Schaphorst, MaintenXs VP of Business Development. Being a part of the groundbreaking ceremony really helps reinforce our commitment to Habitat for Humanity and the Tampa Bay region. Its days like this that really show what a difference a company can make when they invest in their community. The groundbreaking ceremony featured local Habitat for Humanity leadership, as well as representatives from other companies helping to sponsor homes in the area. The MaintenX team is well-suited to the volunteer work required to complete a Habitat for Humanity home. For nearly four decades, MaintenX technicians have been providing superior reactive and preventative maintenance to facility managers across the country. Our technicians are excited to put their plumbing, HVAC, roofing and repair skills to work in the Habitat house, said Schaphorst. MaintenX is committed to their customers and their community. To learn more about MaintenX and the services they provide, visit http://www.maintenx.com. ABOUT MAINTENX INTERNATIONAL: MaintenX International is a fully licensed, facilities repair company. As one of the largest national self-performing facility maintenance and repair companies in the U.S., MaintenX has created a wide network of knowledgeable and professional technicians throughout the country. With their team of well-trained technicians, MaintenX self-performs and manages facility maintenance for their clients. In the event there is not a MaintenX technician in an area, the company has established a network of preferred vendor partners throughout the country for continued superior service for their clients. For more than 37 years, MaintenX has been expertly serving multi-location retail stores, restaurant chains and Fortune 500 companies nationwide. Nagpurnanand Prabhala, an expert in empirical corporate finance and financial intermediation, has joined the Johns Hopkins Carey Business Schools full-time faculty as a professor in the research track. His appointment took effect January 1, 2019. Prabhala comes to Carey from the University of Maryland, where he held an appointment as professor of finance and served as the chair of the finance area since 2017. He received his PhD in finance from the New York Universitys Stern School of Business in 1994. He spent his early academic years at Yale University before joining the University of Maryland in 1999. To an already-strong finance area at the Carey Business School, we are delighted to add someone of Nagpurnanand Prabhalas expertise, said Carey Dean Bernard T. Ferrari. Professor Prabhalas appointment reflects our commitment to build on an already very strong finance faculty by attracting senior faculty with broad experience as researchers and instructors. Prabhala's expertise is in the areas of corporate finance, financial intermediation, financial technology, and empirical methods in finance. His recent research focuses on the threats and opportunities posed by technology-driven FinTech intermediation, such as peer-to-peer lending and robo-advising. He currently holds associate editor positions at Financial Management and the Journal of Financial Services Research. He has made significant contributions in institution building beyond academia, when he served from 2014-2016 as research head at the Centre for Advanced Financial Research and Learning (CAFRAL), Reserve Bank of India, developing research capacity to serve the needs of India's central bank. Corian is a remarkable brand and a versatile material that over the years has been synonymous with quality and innovation. DuPont has launched the second issue of the "Corian Design Magazine", a global publication developed by its Corian Design business celebrating the innovative spirit of the Corian brand, which continues to move forward and break new ground in the international markets of interior design and architecture. The online edition of the "Corian Design Magazine" can be accessed at the following URL: http://www.corian.com/magazine-issue2 Corian is a remarkable brand and a versatile material that over the years has been synonymous with quality and innovation. Last year, we announced a new business and brand vision under a new name: Corian Design. This brand repositioning saw the introduction of a dynamic tagline Make Your Space that invites architects, designers and consumers to unlock the potential built into our offerings. Starting in 2018, we have undertaken a series of steps to transform our business. We have expanded our product offering across all regions, aligned ourselves to respond more quickly to industry trends, deepened our commitment to digitalization, strengthened our cooperation with business partners and customers, and launched our global Make Your Space communication campaign. To help champion the advantages inherent in our product line, we also have created the Corian Design magazine, aimed at design-conscious individuals curious to see what our materials, products and solutions could do. This second issue is showing that our vision and strategy is materializing at 360 degrees, said Julie J. Eaton, Vice President and General Manager of the Corian Design business. In the second issue, the Corian Design vision is presented through a series of interviews with global managers of the business. Julie J. Eaton describes the new brand and business model, while other managers present the opportunities in the residential market, the Corian Exteriors initiative, the hospitality segment, the Corian Quartz repositioning and the introduction of Corian Solid Surface with Resilience Technology. The One-on-One section includes interviews with leading personalities, such as interior design star Bobby Berk from USA and Thomas Klee, CEO of Rational kitchen industry, from Germany. Roberto Pagone, Investment Director for Southern Italy of Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, tells the story of the high speed train station in Afragola, Naples, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, featuring exterior cladding solutions based on Corian Solid Surface; Arch Reza Azard of Projectiles studio from Paris, France, talks about his experience in the design of museums. The Portfolio section offers a wide variety of fascinating images, linked also to recent global color trends, featuring the most recent aesthetics and colors of Corian Solid Surface and Corian Quartz in kitchen and bathroom environments as well as in public and commercial spaces. The Spotlight section showcases case histories from the world about Corian Solid Surface and Corian Quartz, such as the YMCA in Calgary, Canada, designed by GEC Architecture; the Menai Science Park building by FaulknerBrowns Architects in Wales, U.K.; the interiors of Midwest Inland Port Financial Town trading centre in Xian, China, a project by Hallucinate architectural studio; the Adidas store in Santiago, Chile, a project by Oarquitectos; the Dining Hall of the Montana State University campus in the USA; the Tuto Mazara temple in Punjab, India, a project by Singh Modelers. The Report section presents different examples of collaborations between the Corian Design business and leading firms with unique skills and know-how: Futrus (furnishing solutions for healthcare environments) and MR Walls (decorative, customized wall cladding solutions), both from USA, and Rexa Design (contemporary bathroom solutions) company from Italy. The Global Digest section includes a series of short articles on significant projects featuring Corian Solid Surface or Corian Quartz, from Australia, Belgium, China, France, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, Japan, Poland, Russia and the UK. About Corian Design Corian Design, a division of the Safety & Construction business, DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont, is a global organization which creates, manufactures and markets advanced materials, products and solutions for interior design and architecture, originating from a foundation of world-class technologies and expertise. Marketed under the Corian brand and the Make your Space tagline, its materials, products and solutions meet the most demanding requirements in terms of beauty, functionality and durability. The Corian Design global portfolio is continuously evolving and it currently includes Corian Solid Surface, Corian Quartz, Corian Elements and Corian Exteriors. To know more about Corian Design: http://www.corian.com / http://www.coriandesign.com. About DuPont Safety & Construction DuPont Safety & Construction, a DowDuPont Specialty Products Division business, is a global leader in products and solutions that protect what matters people, structures and the environment and enables its customers to win through unique capabilities, global scale and iconic brands including Corian, Kevlar, Nomex, Tyvek, Styrofoam and Filmtec. About DowDuPont Specialty Products Division DowDuPont Specialty Products, a division of DowDuPont (NYSE: DWDP), is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials, ingredients and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, building and construction, health and wellness, food and worker safety. DowDuPont intends to separate the Specialty Products Division, which will be called DuPont, into an independent, publicly traded company. More information can be found at http://www.dow-dupont.com. # # # 1/16/18 The DuPont Oval logo, DuPont and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with , or are trademarks or registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company or its affiliates. The images are also available in PDF format: Corian Design Magazine Cover Page Corian Design Magazine Brand Vision Corian Design Magazine Index The China government officials were surprised we could have an 85% success rate without shaming, harassment or litigation Dean Kaplan, CEO of The Kaplan Group, a highly successful commercial collection agency, was recently invited by the United States-China Exchange Council (USCEC) to meet with a delegation of Chinese government officials and discuss the US commercial collection system. The meeting, which was scheduled to last for 90 minutes, lasted over three hours as the Chinese delegation questioned Kaplan about details of the US system and Kaplans business, including The Kaplan Groups ability to collect on debt without engaging in shaming practices or taking companies to court. Obviously, my main business goal is to help my clients, says Kaplan but I do consider it part of my personal mission to educate the public about debt collection. I was honored to be asked to present to this group. The Chinese business community is working to establish a uniform system, similar to our own Uniform Commercial Code. Given that it took the US ten years to develop the code, I think this is a long-term process. Kaplan says the Chinese delegation was most interested in learning how his company has an 85% success rate on large viable claims without engaging in practices such as harassment, embarrassment or litigation in over 97% of successful collections. They were also very interested in the role that Internet research plays in evaluating a companys reputation as a credit risk, US laws regulating the rates of interest that can be charged, and how corporations and LLCs shield owners from personal liability. Kaplan was interested to learn that personal liability for business owners is much more prevalent in China than it is in the US. All in all, it was a great meeting, says Kaplan. There was a lot of laughter, a lot of questions, and a lot of information sharing. I always appreciate the chance to share best practices and ideas, and to learn new information about international trade. Kaplans website has information about the debt collection industry and several of the free resources that Kaplan shared with the delegation. About The Kaplan Group: The Kaplan Group, Inc. is a commercial collections agency founded in 1991. Known in the industry as The Large Claim Experts, the company provides B2B debt collection services on a contingency basis throughout the USA for domestic and international clients. Dean Kaplan has completed over $500 million in transactions during his career and personally handles all large claims. For more information, please visit http://www.kaplancollectionagency.com, email info(at)kaplancollectionagency(dot)com or call 805-541-2639. VAApex attendees will gain visibility to key elements of the value analysis process, said Barbara Strain, University of Virginia Health System. Keeping the patient at the center of all we do leads to mutual success. Dee Donatelli Consulting, LLC, in conjunction with the Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AHVAP), is pleased to announce the faculty for the upcoming Value Analysis Apex (VAApex) event, being held March 7-8, 2019 at The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, TX. The faculty features five of the worlds foremost experts on Value Analysis, coming together from leading healthcare provider organizations to work with supplier sales and marketing executives in a hands on, interactive environment, featuring a mock Value Analysis Committee meeting, highly focused round table discussions, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into hospital Value Analysis processes. Faculty members include: Terri Nelson BSN, RN, MA, Director, Value Analysis - Mayo Clinic Barbara Strain, MA, CVAHP, Director of Value Management - University of Virginia Health System Gloria Graham, DNP, RN, CVAHP, Clinical Value Analyst - Cincinnati Childrens Robin L. Lane, BSN, RN, MBA, CVAHP, Senior Manager of Value Analysis - UPMC Dee Donatelli, MBA, BSN, CMRP, CVAHP, Founder & Principal, Dee Donatelli Consulting The VAApex forum has been designed to help executives from healthcare supplier organizations advance their approach to selling products, devices and services into hospitals. The need to improve cost and quality, and understand patient outcomes, has driven healthcare organizations to increase the reach of their Value Analysis programs, said Dee Donatelli, Dee Donatelli Consulting. For suppliers, this means their customer has changed, and they need new approaches and strategies to succeed. Previously, a supplier might sell their products or devices directly to a surgeon or a materials manager within a hospital. Today, a cohesive VA process brings together cross-functional experts to make decisions that support delivery of the highest quality patient care at the optimal price. Its this process that the VAApex forum has been designed to address. We will help supplier executives understand how to work within VA processes, toward the goal of their organization succeeding in having products accepted for use. Building understanding of the Value Analysis process will help supplier executives refine their sales and marketing programs and prepare their teams for success, creating mutually beneficial relationships with their customers and supporting the shared goal of delivering the safest and most cost-effective patient care. VAApex attendees will gain visibility to key elements of the value analysis process, said Barbara Strain, University of Virginia Health System. This approach is aimed to provide informative interactions that will set the stage for streamlined, meaningful initiatives that yield a high quality of care at a reasonable cost. Keeping the patient at the center of all we do leads to mutual success. John Pritchard, President and CEO, Share Moving Media, which provides numerous publications and meetings, and the Association of National Account Executives (ANAE) professional association for healthcare suppliers, said Supplier business leaders are focused on how they can work most effectively with their customers. Theyre committed to being good business partners and share the mutual goal of delivering the best products at the best prices, in order to support high quality, cost-effective patient care. I see the VAApex event bringing together provider and supplier leaders to build new ways to work together effectively, sharing insights about Value Analysis processes that will help suppliers succeed in an environment where the goals remain the same, but processes have changed. Registration for the inaugural VAApex event is now open and is limited. This unique event will be structured in an intimate conversational setting eliminating all Powerpoint to stimulate greater interaction among faculty and participants, and deliver the greatest return on investment for attendees. To register for the VAApex event on March 7-8, 2019, please visit VAApex.com or AHVAP.org. About Dee Donatelli Consulting, LLC Dee Donatelli, BSN, MBA is the principal of Dee Donatelli Consulting, LLC. Dee is a renowned icon in the healthcare industry, a deeply experienced healthcare professional with more than 40 years experience, and one of the first clinicians to take on a leadership role in supply chain management, paving the way for provider organizations to understand the value of blending clinical knowledge with supply chain management. A nationally recognized speaker, Dee has advised some of the countrys leading healthcare organizations on cost reduction based upon a clinically integrated value analysis process. Dee has in-depth clinical experience from her background as a nurse, and over 25 years of consulting expertise focused on large scale supply chain operations improvement. She is a past President of AHVAP and Chair-Elect of AHRMM. She holds certifications as both a CVAHP & CMRP. For more information about Dee Donatelli visit DeeDonatelli.com. Continental Mitsubishi is currently offering special leasing options for popular new models in celebration of the new year. Drivers in the Chicago area looking to start the new year off right by upgrading their current vehicle to a newer model can find incentive leasing opportunities on select new vehicles at Continental Mitsubishi. Located in Countryside, Illinois, and catering to the greater Chicago area, Continental Mitsubishi is currently offering special leasing options for popular new models in celebration of the new year. Shoppers interested in leasing their next vehicle can find impressive pricing options for Mitsubishi models. The 36-month leasing options include the 2019 Mirage at $68 per month, 2019 Eclipse Cross at $149 per month, 2019 Outlander for $165 per month and 2019 Outlander Sport for $129 per month. Leasing any of these models for a 36-month term is possible with a total of $3,500 due at signing. These leasing opportunities are available for a limited time at Continental Mitsubishi. Customers are encouraged to visit the dealership between now and January 31, 2019 to take advantage of these incentive prices. For more details about the leasing terms and pricing information, interested shoppers are encouraged to visit the dealerships website at http://www.continentalmitsubishi.com. There theyll also find additional model information on each of these models through the dealerships model research library and informative blog. Those with questions or inquiries about new Mitsubishi leases at Continental Mitsubishi are encouraged to reach out to the dealerships staff. Continental Mitsubishi employees can be contacted through the dealerships website, by calling 708-669-0516 or by visiting the dealerships location at 5800 S. La Grange Road. "With just a few more months left for that adoption to come into full-swing, organizations who are still struggling with the changes can benefit from reading this paper. Cognition Corporation, a software company specializing in medical device compliance and commercialization, has just released a new white paper of a two-part series discussing ISO 13485:2016, the quality management system (QMS) standard for medical devices. The new white paper reviews high-level changes to the standard in key areas related to quality systems from its 2003 iteration. Through exploring these changes, the paper helps readers identify what important changes their organization will need to make as FDA harmonization draws closer. By April 2019, medical device manufacturers are going to have to comply with the updated ISO standard, says David Cronin, CEO of Cognition Corporation. Our goal with this white paper series is to help them understand what changes may be necessary for that compliance. The white paper identifies several important areas of quality system management that change or expand under the updated standard. As well, it looks at areas where QMS requirements will come into alignment for both FDA and ISO. FDA has committed to adopting ISO 13485:2016 as the basis for its regulatory requirements for quality systems, says Mr. Cronin. With just a few more months left for that adoption to come into full-swing, organizations who are still struggling with the changes can benefit from reading this paper. After reviewing the changes to the updated standard, this new white paper goes on to discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with adopting the new ISO requirements into an organizations QMS. By offering an evaluation of these possible benefits and drawbacks, the paper can help illuminate areas of concern manufacturers are better able to evaluate and manage. Shifting to a new compliance schemeespecially when it comes to QMSis no easy task, adds Mr. Cronin. Hopefully, manufacturers can use this paper to better address any current and future work to align with regulatory requirements and expectations. The white paper is available for download here. Cognition Corporation, based in Lexington, Massachusetts, has offered solutions for product development compliance for more than fifteen years. Cognition offers the Cognition Cockpit Platform, along with engineering and validation support, and industry expertise. Thousands of users worldwide use Cognition solutions to manage their product development process and meet regulatory, performance, and-time to-market goals. For more information, visit http://www.cognition.us or call (781) 271-9300. Getting online quotes is faster and more effective than calling various agents, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. Carinsuranceplan.org has released a new blog post that explains why online car insurance quotes are better than phone quotes. The internet has revolutionized the way in which prospective policyholders shop for auto coverage. Specialized websites offer online estimates, usually for free. Using online quotes provides the following advantages over phone quotes; Online quotes save time. Getting price estimates via phone can be very time-consuming. The caller must wait until someone from call center picks up the phone and redirects the call to the appropriate agent. After that, the actual call with the agent can last around 15 minutes. The potential client has to answer several questions and wait until quotes are determined. And that just for a single quote. Clients will avoid pressure and cunning sales strategies. Getting estimates online removes the pressure.one may feel when talking with an agent. Pushy agents will try to convince people to buy their offers or add unnecessary coverage, just to pay more. Get access to multiple quotes at once. Users who choose brokerage websites will get access to multiple estimates displayed on a single web page. The search engine will match the input details with existing offers. Getting multiple quotes via phones meant calling multiple agents and repeat the same details every time. Get price estimates anytime, anywhere. Users do no longer have to wait for an agent to be available. All they need is an internet connection, a tablet, telephone, notebook or any internet connected device that can display data. They can online quotes from anywhere and anytime. Online quoting is the solution for those persons that have busy lives. For more examples, money-saving tips and free quotes, visit https://carinsuranceplan.org/ Carinsuranceplan.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. In Partnership with the Smiles for Everyone Foundation, Bright Now! Dental will provide free dental services for low-income, underinsured individuals at its Holiday, FL office on February 16. Dental services provided include same-day procedures such as exams and x-rays, fillings, cleanings and extractions. For more information, please visit the Bright Now! Dental website. About Bright Now! Dental Bright Now! Dental provides general dentistry, childrens dentistry and, in select locations, specialty care services such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics and endodontics at over 150 offices across Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Bright Now! Dentals Holiday office is operated by Castle 1st Dental Care, P.A. (the Group). The Group is affiliated with Smile Brands Inc., one of the largest providers of business support services to dental groups in the United States. Smile Brands Inc. provides comprehensive business support services through exclusive long-term service agreements with affiliated dental groups, so dentists can spend more time caring for their patients and less time on the administrative, marketing and financial aspects of operating a dental practice. Smile Brands is a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors (Gryphon), a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit http://www.smilebrands.com. About the Smiles For Everyone Foundation The Smiles for Everyone Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of delivering smiles for everyone by providing free dental care for those in need, both at home in the U.S. and around the world. Since 2011, the Smiles for Everyone Foundation has delivered over 19,000 smiles and $14.5 million in donated dentistry. The foundation currently supports programs which provide free dental care to those in need in Cambodia, Ghana, Laos, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Thailand, and the United States. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.smilesforeveryone.org. Contacts: Bright Now! Dental Jody Martin PR(at)smilebrands(dot)com 714.427.1299 Smiles for Everyone Foundation Crystal Strait crystal(dot)strait(at)smilesforeveryone(dot)org 714.824.5037 Vertical reference/long line operations are among the most difficult and hazardous procedures within the helicopter industry. For more than fifteen years, Volo Mission has been the industry leader. Bold Entity assured us that their process was industry agnostic and they delivered. Their branding strategy process was thorough and allowed us to think through a lot of areas of our business that we had never considered. In the end, it told the story of who we truly are. - Kim Hutchings, CEO Past News Releases RSS Bold Entity, a Dallas-based branding and digital marketing agency, launched a new brand and website for their client, Volo Mission. Our old website did not represent what Volo Mission is today. We needed a change; a new website that conveyed where we are today as a company, as well as position us for the future growth ahead. Andre Hutchings, Director of Operations, said. As Bold Entity interviewed graduates of the Volo Mission courses, it became very clear that this Texas helicopter company is well-known and well-respected throughout the aviation community. In fact, helicopter pilots from all over the world come to the Volo Mission Ranch in Campbell, TX for the opportunity to train with their highly skilled and experienced team. It was Bold Entitys job to make sure Volo Missions brand and website captured what these students eagerly shared. I cannot express enough how impressed I am with the Volo Mission course. I was training with two other experienced commercial pilots and we were all mutually amazed and humbled just after the first day. Kim, Andre and their team have set the bar so high for a normal standard in the utility (200') longline industry, said Howard Weston, former student with Volo Mission. Founders Andre and Kim Hutchings started Volo Mission to address shortcomings they discovered in traditional long line training. They are passionate about their craft and committed to sharing their knowledge and technical expertise with pilots around the world. We were a bit hesitant to hire an agency that did not specialize in the helicopter industry. Bold Entity assured us that their process was industry agnostic and they delivered. Their branding strategy process was thorough and allowed us to think through a lot of areas of our business that we had never considered. In the end, it told the story of who we truly are, said Volo Mission President and CEO Kimberly Hutchings. Through the use of photography, video, streamlined design, and a clarified message, Bold Entity was able to effectively capture the unique selling proposition of Volo Mission and present it in a new and visually appealing way. To learn more about Volo Mission, visit their new website at volomission.com The Billy the Kid Knife The Billy the Kid tintype was the Holy Grail of the Western collecting industry... But the Billy the Kid knife is a pretty fine runner-up. Old West Events is proud to offer the Robert G. McCubbin Collection, January 25-26, 2019 at the 29th annual Mesa Old West Auction. Consisting of over 1,500 total pieces, it is regarded as the most extensive and important collection of Old West photographs, artifacts and documents in private hands. Among the many highlights is the Billy the Kid knife, estimated to sell for between $800,000 - 1.2 million. The photography portion of the collection will be sold Friday, January 25th; the documents and artifacts, including The Kids knife, will be sold on Saturday, January 26th. Auctions begin at 5:00 pm each evening; combined estimates exceed $6 million. Held at the Delta Marriott Mesa hotel in Mesa, AZ, both auctions are free and open to the public, and all lots may be previewed in person. Bidder registration is free, and bidding may be done live, online, by mobile app, via phone or absentee. Catalogs are available for purchase, or viewed online at https://auctions.oldwestevents.com. The McCubbin Collection is packed with rare and historic Old West memorabilia, but the knife that Billy the Kid was holding when he was killed is by far the most anticipated and highest estimated lot of both sales. The knife, which Billy was carrying to cut meat at the Maxwell family house, was still in Billy's hand when he was shot by Pat Garrett in Pete Maxwell's room July 14, 1881. Noted in numerous accounts of the time, the knife was retrieved by Paulita Maxwell and passed down through the Maxwell-Jamarillo family for over a century. It is accompanied by extensive provenance, including affidavits signed by Maxwell family members and others. Details and provenance may be viewed at http://www.oldwestevents.com/billythekidknife. Brian Lebel, auction owner, is thrilled to offer this exciting Old West artifact. Lebels June Old West Auction sold the only authenticated photograph of Billy the Kid (the Upham tintype) in 2011 for $2.3 million. Lebel states, The Billy the Kid tintype was the Holy Grail of the Western collecting industry; everyone said so, and Ive always agreed. But the Billy the Kid knife is a pretty fine runner-up. The collection includes numerous Kid-related items, including a last-stand note and signature that may, or may not, be that of William Bonney. Other notable artifacts from the McCubbin Collection include Wild Bill Hickoks straight razor (est. $70,000-90,000), the mallet that killed Wild Bunch outlaw Ben Kilpatrick (est. $50,000-80,000), and John Wesley Hardins personal photo album (est. 75,000-125,000). The photography collection includes hundreds of highly sought-after original Old West photos of the most notable and notorious Western figures, as well as hundreds of important historical documents. Highlights may be viewed at http://www.oldwestevents.com/mccubbin-collection. In addition to the auctions, Old West Events will present the 29th annual Mesa Old West Show, a weekend dealer show and sale with over 180 vendors in western art, antiques and other fine merchandise. Details on all of the weekend events may be found at oldwestevents.com, facebook.com/oldwestevents, or by calling 480-779-9378. About Old West Events Old West Events is home to Brian Lebel's Old West Shows and Old West Auctions, held every January in Mesa, Arizona, and every June in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Each annual event consists of a weekend vendor show and sale, along with an exciting, live Saturday night auction. Both events feature the best authentic western art, antiques and artifacts available for public sale. The Old West Auction is best known for the 2011 sale of the only authenticated photograph of Billy the Kid (the Upham tintype) for $2.3 million. Brian Lebel began the Cody Old West Show & Auction in June 1989 in Cody, Wyoming as a way to bring together like-minded collectors of cowboy and western antiques and trappings. The event was held in Cody every June for 19 years, before moving first to Denver, Colorado, then to Fort Worth, Texas, and finally to Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 2014, Lebel purchased the annual January High Noon Show & Auction in Mesa, Arizona, and formed a new venture: Old West Events. The company prides itself on its reputation for honesty, quality and authenticity. InfoMart remains dedicated to an inclusive candidate experience. In the last year, InfoMart--an expert in global background screening and identity verification-- offered employers a more inclusive candidate experience enabling job seekers to select an additional gender option in their technology platforms. In 2018, InfoMart expanded their ASAP Connect platform to include gender non-binary identifiers; this effort continues the company's pledge to improve and enhance the candidate experience for their screening clients' applicants. A positive candidate experience stays with an applicant even if they aren't selected for employment. This benefits future recruiting efforts, brand image, and reputation and is important not just for InfoMart but their clients as well. InfoMart is leading the background check industry in developing a candidate platform that addresses the current needs and priorities of Human Resources. Allowing candidates to choose male, female, nonbinary, or other, InfoMart enables HR to accomplish the goal of unbiased and inclusive hiring. The unbiased, inclusive background screening platform has wider adoption with InfoMart's global customer base, as non-binary identifiers have become legal commonplace in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and many others. The challenges in the United States have been multifaceted. Courthouses, state departments of motor vehicles, and other government agencies that provide data continue to limit options to male or female, though some states--such as Oregon and California--have opted to provide a third option. An additional challenge is the level of adoption in HRIS systems. Many of the HRIS platforms do not give employers the option to allow for any gender identifiers outside of the binary male and female. InfoMart remains dedicated to an inclusive candidate experience. They continue efforts to partner and work alongside data providers and HRIS systems in efforts to perpetuate wide-based adoption of unbiased and inclusive background check options. "Candidates' background screening experiences are a reflection of the mission and corporate mindsets of our clients, as well as InfoMart's," said InfoMart Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Tammy Cohen. "When we design new technology or update processes, we first think about what enables our customers to find the best and most qualified candidates. We're ensuring that our candidates experience is efficient, positive, and inclusive," said InfoMart CEO Marco Piovesan. As of now, only .01% of candidates screened in the past year selected a nonbinary option. This is low compared to the national average; around .6% of Americans identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. However, not all those who identify as nonbinary will likely be searching for jobs at the same time, nor will all of them being screened by InfoMart. However, we will continue to push for an unbiased and inclusive candidate experience. In the past 10 years, the amount of people who identify as gender nonconforming has doubled. As perceptions around gender change, businesses must adapt to create a fair and welcoming candidate experience for all. For more information about InfoMart or to arrange an interview, please contact Tawanda Carlton at Tawanda(at)MediaFrenzyGlobal.com or (678) 367-0043. About InfoMart InfoMart has been revolutionizing the global background and identity screening industry for over 29 years, providing businesses the information they need to make informed hiring decisions. They develop innovative technology that modernizes talent onboarding, including a first-to-market biometric identity authentication application and a verified sanctions search. The WBENC-certified company is a founding member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners, and they have achieved NAPBS accreditation in recognition of their consistent business practices and commitment to compliance with the FCRA. The company is dedicated to customer service, speed, and accuracy, and it has been recognized for its success, workplace culture, and corporate citizenship with over 40 industry awards. To Get the Whole Story on InfoMart, please visit http://www.infomart-usa.com, follow @InfoMartUSA, or call (770) 984-2727. "After years of perfecting the motors design to ensure it performs at optimum level and provides the greatest benefit to consumers, East West obtained UL1004-7 approval in late December, 2018." East West Manufacturing (East West), a global design, manufacturing and distribution company based in Atlanta, GA, has launched its own 1/6th HP EC Motor, which will be available in early January, 2019. This unique product, designed for the HVAC industry, not only offers the same impressive energy savings as other EC motors, but also provides tri-voltage (115, 208/230, 277 VAC) compatibility suited for input power systems ranging from 115-277 V, 50/60 Hz in a single motor SKU. This unique design feature, coupled with its small footprint and extensive input/output options (3-speed selectable, 0-10 VDC, PWM, tachometer output) allows businesses to streamline their operations by reducing the number of motor SKUs in their inventory, ultimately providing more flexibility to adapt to their customer demand. After years of perfecting the motors design to ensure it performs at optimum level and provides the greatest benefit to consumers, East West obtained UL1004-7 approval in late December, 2018. Their team of experts has garnered 20 years of experience manufacturing AC motors before developing its own branded product. We are thrilled to have obtained approval for the motor and hope it is the first of many products being launched by East West, says Adam Sanderson, Vice President of Value Engineering. Our engineering team has put forth monumental effort to get us to this point, and we are looking forward to sharing this product with our customers. EC motors, boast significant advantages over their permanent split capacitor (PSC) counterparts, including their high efficiency and lower noise output. Even with a compact 95 mm frame size footprint the East West 1/6th HP EC Motor has a peak efficiency of 74 percent versus comparable PSC motor efficiencies in the 50-60% range. This motor offers a truly unique blend of a wide input voltage rand, many input/output options and field programmability via Bluetooth interface, all in a compact footprint and affordable price point, said Dave Purvis, Director of Motor Business Development. Those interested in learning more about the 1/6th HP EC Motor by East West are encouraged to contact Purvis to schedule an individualized meeting at dpurvis(at)ewmfg(dot)com. About East West Manufacturing, LLC East West is a leading Atlanta-based design services and global contract manufacturing partner for original equipment manufacturers and distributors throughout the United States and Europe. With domestic operations in Georgia and North Carolina and international operations in Costa Rica, Vietnam, China and India, the company utilizes transparent supply chain, on-site quality control and logistics systems to provide its customers with superior products and competitive cost advantages. Founded in 2001, East Wests U.S.-based management, combined with its domestic and international capabilities, reduces the risks and complexities of global manufacturing for its customers. Asymmetrex Informs Parents About Its Proposed New Solution for Measuring the Dose of Cord Blood Stem Cells Arguably the most important question in stem cell medicine is how to accurately measure the doses of therapies, and now Asymmetrex proposes a solution. On January 15 of this year, the Parents Guide to Cord Blood website featured an invited news article by Asymmetrex director James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D. The PGCB was founded by former physicist Dr. Frances Verter, who now runs cell therapy resources like the PGCB and CellTrials.org. Now in its 21st year of operation, the PGCB continues its mission to educate parents with accurate and balanced information about cord blood banking, medical therapies, and cord blood storage options. In his news article, Sherley takes the opportunity to share with parents, who store cord blood from their babies for future use in medical treatments, information about the newest advance in stem cell medicine. This advance made by Asymmetrex and its partner company, AlphaSTAR Corporation, is quite relevant to cord blood storage and use for medical treatments. Working together the two companies devised a computer simulation approach to solve the stem cell counting problem. The new technology could be used to determine the dose of therapeutic stem cells in stored cord blood samples for the first time. Such knowledge would address presently intractable problems in cord blood transplant medicine, like identifying the high fraction of stem cell-deficient cord blood samples before they fail a patient. The PGCB education opportunity fits well within Asymmetrexs ongoing campaign to increase awareness to the half century-old stem cell counting problem. Asymmetrexs new advance, introduced into the stem cell medicine industry two years ago, is the first, and still the only, solution for the stem cell counting problem. Since the introduction of Asymmetrexs AlphaSTEM Test for specific and accurate counting of therapeutic tissue stem cells, the companys market research made it quite clear that the stem cell counting problem was quite insidious, with many in the industry being unaware or uncertain of it and the medical deficiencies it causes. Asymmetrexs response has been to increase awareness to the problem, including among patients; and in the case of kids, their parents. Frances Verters invitation supports Asymmetrexs education effort. "Arguably the most important question in stem cell medicine is how to accurately measure the doses of therapies, and now Asymmetrex proposes a solution." The news article is an important effort towards bringing this crucial information to the full awareness of patients, as they can be quite effective in bringing its importance to the attention of stem cell doctors. Of course, parents are not the only subscribers to the PGCB. A wide and diverse range of the participants in stem cell medicine and the stem cell supply industry also utilize the website. Sherley observes that, The more who know, the more and sooner our solution will be evaluated for being the new quantitative standard for therapeutic stem cells in stem cell biology and medicine. Thats our goal. About Asymmetrex Asymmetrex, LLC is a Massachusetts life sciences company with a focus on developing technologies to advance stem cell medicine. Asymmetrexs founder and director, James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D. is an internationally recognized expert on the unique properties of adult tissue stem cells. The companys patent portfolio contains biotechnologies that solve the two main technical problems production and quantification that have stood in the way of successful commercialization of human adult tissue stem cells for regenerative medicine and drug development. In addition, the portfolio includes novel technologies for isolating cancer stem cells and producing induced pluripotent stem cells for disease research purposes. Asymmetrex markets the first technology for determination of the dose and quality of tissue stem cell preparations (the AlphaSTEM Test) for use in stem cell transplantation therapies and pre-clinical drug evaluations. A Melbourne woman has faced court accused of passing herself off as a conveyancer to transfer property into her own name. Marina Loprese, 56, is charged with 159 offences dating from 2015, including allegations she stole the title to a $2 million Black Rock property and made and used false documents to transfer it into her name. The Derrimut woman's case came before Melbourne Magistrates' Court today, is also accused of making false documents including bank statements and lease agreements to obtain false mortgages from AET Corporate Trust and Advantage Financial Services. Between March 2016 and May last year Loprese dishonestly obtained $1.526 million by deception, police allege. It's alleged she falsely lodged exemptions with Victoria's State Revenue Office in the name of multiple conveyancing clients, allowing her to keep money paid to her by clients who intended the funds to cover the stamp duty on land transfers. The consumer watchdog issued a public warning about Loprese, who also allegedly used the names Marina Dawson and Marina Dankovic, operating under the name Marina's Conveyancing. EXPERT OBSERVATION Within a country of the size and breadth of Australia, where hundreds of marketplaces function independently and simultaneously, its no surprise that real estate is a dynamic industry. The past 12 months have been no exception: Sydney and Melbourne, the largest metropolitan markets, have softened after prolonged growth; activity in regional markets has grown as buyers seek affordability; investor activity has slowed; the banks tightened lending criteria in the wake of the Hayne Royal Commission; and state legislators moved to give tenants more rights in their rental properties. So, whats around the corner in 2019? 1) Polling points to a change in government in 2019. As constituents did in the Wentworth by-election, analysts believe the public will again queue up at polling booths to punish the Coalition for an unstable year of leadership. But, focusing on property, Labor is taking to the election the same negative gearing and capital gains tax policies it proposed at the 2016 election. Labor wants to restrict negative gearing to new builds and halve the current capital gains tax discount on investment properties. Over the last three years, opponents to the policy have said it will turn investors away from property, jeopardising the availability of rental stock and making tenants compete for remaining rentals. Research undertaken by LJ Hooker has shown negative gearing is an important part of the publics investment strategy with a poll of 1,700 landlords indicating 31% would sell some or part of their property portfolio if negative gearing was abolished or restricted. Labors policy originated in 2015 at the height of property growth in Sydney and Melbourne, where property values grew around 15% and 10% respectively, over a 12-month period. But over the past year, both cities have seen prices decline by -8% in Sydney and -5% in Melbourne. Additionally, removing negative gearing creates less demand for real estate-based employment. The real estate industry would require fewer strata and property managers and rental properties require regular maintenance to be compliant and a fall in demand would impact trades people, handymen and other service providers. Interfering with how people choose to invest while the market is self-correcting will could pose a major challenge for the wider market in 2019. 2) FHBs march continues After several frustrating years on the sidelines, First Home Buyers (FHBs) have been a good news story of 2018. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show FHB activity rose 14.9% in the year to October. Indeed, not since 2009 have more FHBs been involved in the marketplace. FHBs came to the fore as tighter lending restrictions a product of the Royal Commission into Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industries - made it difficult for investors to compete for the same sort of entry level stock. Softening house prices in the major metropolitan markets provided the best levels of affordability for FHBs for several years. The final Hayne Commission report will be handed down in February, with a Federal budget and election following soon after. Lenders will no doubt be chastised in the final Report, as they were in the Interim volume. We expect investors will continue to feel the immediate fall-out from the Report which - along with tightened residential yields will make it harder for them to maintain real estate within their wealth strategy. Consequently, FHBs will have less competition at auctions around the country enabling more to make the leap from renting to owning. FHBs are an important part of the real estate food chain. When FHBs are active, they enable second, third and fourth home buyers to sell their homes and upgrade. Expect to see FHBs out in force again in 2019. 3) Global forces and regulators Buyers and investors have become accustomed to the monthly Reserve Board of Australia (RBA) meeting passing with no fanfare; its been 28 months (August 2016) since the Board changed the official cash rate. However, the Central Banks influence goes only so far with several of the Big Four lifting their variable rates independent of the RBAs decision making since then. Global forces Brexit, the controversial Trump presidency and the ambitions of China will cause economic reverberations around the world at the same time that Central Banks are increasing cash rates. These two things will combine to push up the costs of financing for banks which will, in turn, increase mortgage expenses. The Hayne Royal Commission will also conclude and release recommendations which may also see lending criteria tighten and borrowers jump through more hoops to get a mortgage. 4) Users tap the digital marketplace Technology plays a greater role in our lives every year. In 2019, LJ Hooker will overturn the communication channels between the industry and customers. LJ Hooker has released the LJ Hooker Vendor App. The app is an industry-first product, allowing sellers a birds-eye perspective of the selling process in real time. The LJ Hooker Vendor App provides sellers with immediate information on how many people attended their open home; the number of impressions their property received online; and even tips on how to best present their property for buyers. 2019 will be the year in which real estate sets a new benchmark in this space. 5) Regional radar Despite a correction in prices, buyers will continue to look outside the capital cities for better value. Proximity to Melbournes corporate hub, mixed with the coastal lifestyle and its own transition from a blue collar to white collar economy has underpinned Geelongs fortunes, with the median house price increasing 16.6% to $579,000 over the past 12 months. The introduction of new infrastructure to support the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast this year saw the median house price rise to $655,000 in November, up from $627,000 at the same time last year, according to CoreLogic (a 4% increase), while the Sunshine Coast median increased 7.7%. Also, government polices encouraging people to relocate to regional centres will increase demand in these areas. For instance, the Andrews Governments first home buyer grants encourages renters to make the transition to ownership by building in a regional area with a $20,000 incentive. In NSW, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has flagged incentivising students which are a part of the states $11 billion international education sector to head to universities outside Sydney. Markets to watch in 2019 will also include the resources regions. In 2018, the mining state of WA posted its first net population growth figures for several years. It had an immediate impact on the rental market in Perth with the Real Estate Institute of Western (REIWA) reporting a 3.4% vacancy rate in the September quarter - the best performance for the states investors since March 2014. Perth is a launchpad for Fly-In, Fly-Out workers in the iron ore hub of the Pilbara. The Pilbaras median house price has increased 4.3% to October ($240,000). Whilst it has struggled since the mining boom (the median house price has dropped 69.2% over the last five years) the local employment opportunities bode well for a continued property recovery in 2019. Central Queensland was likewise a former darling for property investors with areas like Moranbah and Dysart returning massive rental returns as mining propelled the Queensland economy. Production is starting up again and the wider Mackay market posted a 12.6% increase in its median house price to $310,000 this year. Consequently, many regional markets will outperform their capital city counterparts over 2019. Mathew Tiller is the head of research at LJ Hooker. Gandhinagar, Jan 16 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives here on Thursday on a three-day visit to his home state to thrown open his pet biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit besides other events in the capital and Ahmedabad. He will first inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show at the Mahatma Mandir Exhibition and Convention Centre, where over 25 industrial and business sectors will be showcased. According to an official release, the Prime Minister, later in the evening on Thursday, will inaugurate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Ahmedabad. Culled from the decades-old Vadilal Sarabhai Hospital, this is a 78-metre high state of the art super-speciality public hospital built by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and is equipped with all modern amenities, including an air ambulance. The press release stated that this will be a completely paperless hospital and is a part of the Ayushman Bharat initiative. Modi will inspect the facilities at the hospital and address a gathering. He would also throw open Ahmedabad Shopping Festival, 2019, which official sources say, has been planned on the lines of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The Prime Minister will unveil the festival mascot. He will also address a public gathering here. On Friday, he will inaugurate the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit at the Mahatma Mandir. Modi had conceptualised the summit as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2003 to position Gujarat as an ideal investment destination. "The summit provides a platform for brainstorming on agenda of global socio-economic development, knowledge-sharing and forging effective partnerships," the official release said. Modi will be in Hazira in Surat on Saturday to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory. From here, he will leave for Silvassa in the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects. The Prime Minister will fly out out Gujarat the same day for Mumbai where he will inaugurate the new building of National Museum of Indian Cinema. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Calling the Congress an "anti-Sikh" party, Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday said the Congress is not a challenge for his party in Delhi, irrespective of who its chief is. Speaking to media, Singh said the presence of Jagdish Tytler at a ceremony where Sheila Dikshit formally took over as Delhi Congress chief showed that the party is "anti-Sikh". "The Congress still doesn't hold people responsible for the killing of so many Sikhs. While Kamal Nath was made Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Tytler was allowed to sit in the front row in today's event. The party should make its stand clear if it is with the victims or with the culprits," said Sanjay Singh. He said the Congress is not a challenge for his party, as the work done by the AAP in four years is "historic". "No matter who the Congress head in Delhi is, the party is not a challenge for us," he added. Singh's comment came amid speculation that the two parties will support each other in the Lok Sabha elections. The AAP also released a statement on Wednesday, saying the prominent presence of Tytler, "one of the main perpetrators of 1984 anti-Sikh riots", in a public function organised by Congress "exposes the real face of that party". "It is a shame that such riot masterminds are today the faces of Congress in Delhi," it said. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Veteran actor Anil Kapoor on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said he was left inspired by their conversation. "I had the opportunity to meet our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modiji today and I stand humbled and inspired in the wake of our conversation. His vision and his charisma are infectious and I'm grateful for the chance to have witnessed it in person," Anil tweeted along with photographs of his meeting with Modi. In the photographs, the "Mr. India" actor is seen greeting the PM. Last week, film fraternity members like Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal also met Modi in the capital. The agenda was to thank him for reducing the GST on film tickets, and to discuss how the film world can be involved more closely in the process of nation building. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Dismissing allegations of wrongdoing and mismanagement in allocating microwave spectrum in 2015, Union Communications Minister Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the DoT (Department of Telecom) had allocated the spectrum to Reliance Jio and Sistema on an administrative basis after the Supreme Courts order of 2012. "The Supreme Court order of 2012 was on access spectrum and not on backhaul spectrum and not only one service provider, but whoever was genuine, we allotted microwave access spectrum administratively both before and after the order," Sinha told reporters here. "Before the Supreme Court order two TSPs (telecom service providers) were allotted and after the order Reliance Jio and Sistema were allotted," he added. The minister's defence came after the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in a report submitted to the Parliament on January 8 had said that the allocation of a set of spectrum in 2015 was done on a first-cum-first-served (FCFS) basis, in contradiction to the recommendations of a committee, even as 101 applications for microwave (MW) spectrum were pending with the government. The report had said: "It was also found that allotment of MWA to Access Service providers was withheld by DoT since June 2010 and allotment against only one application was made in December 2015. There were 101 applications pending till November 2016 for allotment of MWA." The CAG had also observed that spectrum mismanagement by the DoT had led to a loss of Rs 560 crore to the government exchequer. Following the submission of the report, the Congress last week demanded a probe into the matter. Further, Sinha on Wednesday said that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) also had recommended for process of allotment and as per that the DoT had notified its policy in 2015, out of all the applications. The valid applications were given an option that if the government takes another decision in the future then on a retrospective basis the companies would have to give the payment, and only two firms applied after that who were allocated the spectrum administratively, he added. "So I want to say with utmost responsibility that this allegation is baseless and has no evidence," he stressed. The minister said that backhaul spectrum has not been auctioned so far and there is also no proposal or consideration for the same. Defending the decision on deferred spectrum liability Sinha said that extending the period of making payments to 16 years, up from 10 years would bring an additional Rs 74,446 crore to the exchequer. Kolkata, Jan 16 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the state would develop the proposed deep sea port on its own at Tajpur of East Midnapore district. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) with a Centre's share of 74 per cent and 26 per cent of the state was formed to develop the Tajpur port along with a port at South 24 Parganas' Sagar. "We (state) will develop Tajpur port on our own. We have been waiting for it for the last three years," she said at the state secretariat Nabanna. Recently, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) chairman Vinit Kumar had said the Tajpur port would be developed in the first phase, while the proposed Bhor Sagar port would be taken up in the second phase. State Industries and Commerce Minister Amit Mitra on Wednesday said work on the proposed riverine port at Kulpi in South 24 Parganas district and deep sea port at Tajpur have been progressing. Meanwhile, the standing committee on industry, infrastructure and employment of the state cabinet during the day approved eight investment proposals of Rs 750 crore, including Britannia Industries' Rs 300 crore proposal, said state Education and Parliamentary Minister Partha Chatterjee. "Allotment of 75.35 acres of land and 5068.18 sq ft of modules have been approved. Overall Rs 750 crore of investment proposals from eight applicants have been approved, of which, Britannia Industries will be investing Rs 300 crore in the state," he told reporters. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who left for the US for medical treatment, has been diagnosed with a rare kind of cancer and may not be able to present this years Interim Budget on February 1, sources said. Jaitley had left for the US on Sunday for what was believed to be a medical check-up relating to his kidney ailment. However, sources said he was diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma, a rare type of cancer, and decided to go for treatment in New York. There was no word on when he was likely to return, but some sources said he was expected back on January 19, but others said it could be later. Jaitley, 66, had undergone a renal transplant surgery on May 14 last year. Officials have been tight-lipped about the trip which has come at a time when the Finance Ministry is busy with the preparations of the vote-on-account budget to be presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1 -- his sixth and the last by the BJP-led NDA government in its current term. By convention, an interim budget normally does not contain fresh proposals, especially relating to taxation measures. But the coming vote-on-account budget may spring some surprises like increase in the exemption threshold for income tax assessees and some measures to address agrarian unrest. Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS last year in early April following which he underwent dialysis. He had a renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018. In his absence, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was given the additional charge of Finance Ministry on May 14. Jaitley stopped attending office at the beginning of April and was back in North Block - the seat of Finance Ministry - on August 23. Earlier, in September 2014, he underwent a bariatric surgery on account of severe diabetics. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday approved the proposal to provide legal advice and support to veterans and war widows in a meeting attended by the top hierarchy of Defence Ministry and the Chairman Armed Forces Tribunal. Official sources said the existing framework of the Kendriya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Boards will assist the Defence Ministry in its effort. They said the decision is expected to greatly help the veterans and war widows. Guwahati, Jan 16 : Despite a Supreme Court ban on animal fights and race across the country, people of Morigaon district organized the traditional buffalo fight at Bidyabori and Ahatguri area of the district on Wednesday. The Supreme Court had in 2014 banned organizing any kind of animal fight or races and instructed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and state governments to stop inflicting pain and suffering on animals. Thousands of people have, however, organized the buffalo fights at Ahatguri and Boidyabori areas of Morigaon district as part of Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu celebrations. While the Bihu celebrations committees refrained from organizing the fights due to the court ban, some of the buffalo owners or keepers organized the fights unofficially and informally. The buffalo fight has been a tradition of the Ahatguri and Boidyabori area of Morigaon district and the locals say that buffalo fights have been a tradition organized as part of the Bhogali Bihu celebration for a long time. "A total of 40 pairs of buffalos were made to fight here today. We know that there is a ban, but what to do? It's a tradition and buffalo fights are natural during this period. If we do not make them fight, they will attack its keeper or other people," said one of the buffalo keepers. The locals believe that the buffalos gain lots of energy during this period. They believe the buffalo fights are actually the traditional mechanisms adopted by the people to exhaust the buffalos so that the animal does not attack the keepers or people in general. "The committee does not allow us to hold the fight. However, we organize the fight ourselves. The number of buffalos participating in the fight have decreased since 2016. However, some buffalo keepers bring their buffalos and organize the duals on their own," said a local resident refusing to be named. The buffalo fight, popularly known as Moh juj in Assam, are part of tradition in different areas of Assam. The fights are organized on the first day of Assamese calendar month of Magh. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Concerned by the Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's recent tongue-in-cheek comments, which were seen as criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP President Amit Shah, the top brass of the saffron party is understood to have counselled him to observe restraint in making public comments. Rececently the BJP brass was said to have sent an emissary to Gadkari to convey its message. Sources said Gadkari had told the emissary that his comments were not directed at either Modi or Shah and insisted that it was taken out of context. They added that after this sort of fence mending, Gadkari was asked to present the political resolution of the party at the recently concluded two-day National Convention in the national capital, which was unanimously adopted calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi an "honest and courageous" leader who was being challenged by an "opportunist alliance" whose leader is unknown. After Gadkari introduced the resolution, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley hailed Modi and Shah's leadership while speaking on the resolution. Gadkari, who is considered close to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, has been in the news for his comments which were widely seen as an attack on the Modi-Shah duo. Delivering the annual endowment lecture to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) after BJP's defeat in the Hindi-heartland states, Gadkari had said, "If I am the party president and my MPs and MLAs are not doing well, then who is responsible? I am." Gadkari's remarks, seemingly directed at Shah, came days after his comment that "leadership should own up to defeat and failures". He, however later clarified that his remarks were taken out of context. He had also said that he liked the speeches of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. His remark came even as Modi and Shah spare no opportunity in attacking Nehru on various issues. On one occasion, he had said that "tolerance is the biggest asset of the Indian system". The BJP has been accused by its critics of fostering a culture of intolerance in the country. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday urged the railways to explore the possibility of registering FIRs online to expedite the process of investigation. Speaking at an All India Conference on Railway Security here, Singh said the objective of the event is very significant as it gives an opportunity to identify and review the security preparedness of railway security apparatus and also how the forces can serve the passengers better. "We need to explore the system of lodging online FIRs which will expedite investigation and help better control crimes," he said. He further said that trains pass through areas affected by Maoism and insurgency, and therefore, the para-military forces need to have area-specific standard operating procedures to meet these challenges. Singh also called upon the participants to think over points like regular patrolling, improvement in frisking process and alerts in emergency situations. He assured full support of the Ministry of Home Affairs in enhancing security of passengers travelling by the Indian Railways. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal complimented the paramilitary forces for their bravery and courage by serving the country in all conditions. Goyal stressed the need to build confidence of the train passengers and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) being friendlier to passengers. He also complimented women squads for doing exceptional work. Goyal said: "Over 6,000 CCTVs at stations are being procured and cyber crime cells are being made functional." Modernisation and leveraging technology in the RPF are some of the focus areas, he added. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Veteran actor Anil Kapoor on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said he was left inspired by their conversation. "I had the opportunity to meet our honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modiji today and I stand humbled and inspired in the wake of our conversation. His vision and his charisma are infectious and I'm grateful for the chance to have witnessed it in person," Anil tweeted along with photographs of his meeting with Modi. In the photographs, the "Mr. India" actor is seen greeting the PM. Last week, film fraternity members like Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal also met Modi in the capital. The agenda was to thank him for reducing the GST on film tickets, and to discuss how the film world can be involved more closely in the process of nation building. Mumbai, Jan 16 : Actor Jitin Gulati says he is honoured to portray medieval Indian warrior Maharaja Chhatrasal in a show titled "Chhatrasal", the maiden production venture of Abhuday Grover. Jitin said: "Apart from it being a great opportunity, it is my absolute honour to bring to screen the legend, Maharaja Chhatrasal." Grover announced the web show here earlier this week in the presence of Jitin and director Anandii Chaturvedi. Maharaja Chhatrasal was a medieval Indian warrior of 16th century from the Bundela clan, who fought against the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, and established his own kingdom in Bundelkhand, becoming the founder of Panna State. Grover said: "I always wanted to venture into the digital space and with 'Chhatrasal', my dream has come true. I am really excited and thrilled about this debut production venture. I feel blessed to have such an amazing ensemble cast and crew and I am so looking forward for the show to come out this year." "Chhatrasal" also features Ashutosh Rana as Aurangzeb along with Manish Wadhwa, Manmohan Tiwari, Vaibhavi Shandilya, Anusha Lohar and child actor Rudra Soni in important roles. Chaturvedi said: "It is an exciting phase for all of us to venture into digital production. Directing something like 'Chhatrasal' is an absolute honour. I am sure that this show will definitely change the dynamics of historical shows on web." The show is co-directed by Chaturvedi and Bhupesh Sharma. It is produced under the banner of Resonance Digital. New Delhi, Jan 16 : The high-level selection Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will meet on January 24 to choose a new CBI Director to replace the ousted Alok Verma. Sources said the Selection Committee comprising Modi, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and leader of single largest party in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge will meet on January 24. The meeting comes after the Verma was removed from the post after a 2-1 decision by the high-level Selection Committee last Thursday on the basis of a CVC report citing corruption and other charges. On Tuesday, Kharge had written a strong letter to Modi attacking the appointment of M. Nageshwara Rao as interim Chief as illegal and sought an immediate meeting of the Selection Committee. While ousting Verma from the post on January 10, the government shifted him as as Director General Fire Service, Homeguard and Civil Services but he refused to take up the new post and quit. There has been a controversy ever since with Justice A.K.Sikri, the representative of CJI, who had sided with the government in the Jan 10 meeting, refusing to accept his nomination for a London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT) after it triggered a row. Beijing, Jan 16 : China on Wednesday defended a court ruling to impose death penalty against a Canadian who has been convicted of smuggling drugs. The strong defence by the Chinese Foreign Ministry came in the wake of criticism from the UN and some countries on the imposition of the death sentence on Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, for a drug trafficking crime, Efe news reported. "If the imposition of death penalty on Schellenberg is inhuman and inappropriate, (then) they don't think that people killed by these drugs is inhuman? We won't allow drugs to danger Chinese people lives," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters. Schellenberg was sentenced to death for allegedly attempting to smuggle 222 kg of amphetamine hidden in car tyres from China to Australia. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that the sentencing was done "arbitrarily". He discussed the issue with other world leaders, including Argentinian President Mauricio Macri and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Arden. Australia also expressed concerns over the death sentencing in this case. Hua said China was "not concerned" about the criticism, adding that a few countries "couldn't represent the whole international community." "We have made clear the facts and the nature of this case. You know that drug crime is a grave crime recognized by the international community," said Hua. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees on Tuesday hoped that China would review the sentencing. UN Human Rights spokesperson said death penalty should be used in cases of intentional killing and not in crimes like drug smuggling. Schellenberg's case was the latest in the tensions between Beijing and Ottawa, which surfaced after Huawei's Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Canada at the behest of the US. Meng is currently out on bail. Days after Meng's arrest, China detained two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on charges of allegedly endangering the country's national security. The two continue to be in prison. Bangkok, Jan 16 : Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Wednesday said the general election scheduled for February 24 could possibly be delayed again. Since coming to power after a coup in May 2014, Prayut has made election announcements at least three times in the last three years to delay the polls for various reasons. "There will certainly be elections, no matter what. It's impossible to delay. (The date) can be changed, depending on the reasons, but it must be by May 9 as established in the Constitution," Prayut said during an event at the Ministry of Education in Bangkok. He did not reveal any new date for the election and added that the focus was on the coronation of King Vajiralongkorn on May 4, Efe news reported. Prayut expressed his hopes for peace in Thailand, referring to the protests by the citizens in the last few weeks who urged election should not be delayed. In August, he had said the election could be held on February 24, 2019, but the coronation announcement of King Vajiralongkorn led to rumours of another possible delay. The apparent reasons for the delay were said to be that the authorities wanted to avoid the official results -- which could take several weeks -- and the formation of the future government to coincide with the preparations to begin April for the coronation and the events to celebrate it on May 4 and 6, the report said. The date of the election, in order to be official, needs to be published in the Royal Gazette, the official journal of Thailand. Paopoom Rojanasakul, the Vice Secretary-General of the Puea Thai party, said that the elections could take place in March, adding that his party was however, not informed of any particular date. Prayut has not confirmed whether he would run for a second term but political analysts and the local media speculated a possibility. While in office, he tracked dissidents and wooed businessmen with promises of stability and financial aid for working classes. He came to power in May 2014 after a coup when he was the Army chief. He soon left that post with an aim of imposing law and order and fighting against corruption and political divisions amid anti-government street protests. His critics accuse him of trying to cling to power and of persecuting his political opponents. Kolkata, Jan 16 : BJP President Amit Shah will hold five public rallies in three days in West Bengal starting on January 20, a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mega-opposition rally in Kolkata, party's state President Dilip Ghosh said here on Wednesday. Ghosh said the party also has plans to organise a mega public rally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, sometime in February. "Party President Amit Shah will hold five rallies in Bengal this month. Shah's first public rally will be held in Malda district on January 20. He will hold two rallies in Jhargram and Birbhum district's Suri on January 21 and two more rallies in South 24 Pargana district's Jaynagar and Nadia district's Krishnanagar the next day," Ghosh told reporters at the state BJP headquarters here. "We have plans to bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kolkata in February to address a mega rally. We have submitted the suggestive dates for the rally in city's Brigade Parade Ground. The final date will be announced after it is confirmed by the PMO," he said. Ghosh's announcement came a day after the Supreme Court barred the saffron outfit from holding its proposed Rath-Yatra in Bengal until it can fully address the state government's apprehensions on law and order during the event. The BJP leader also revealed that Prime Minister Modi may hold a couple of rallies in the state prior to his proposed mega-rally in Kolkata if possible. "There will be bike rallies by the party's Yuba Morcha (youth wing), door-to-door campaigns by the Mahila Morcha (women wing) and bicycle rallies by the SC, ST and OBC Morcha in all the districts to make people aware of these programmes," Ghosh said. When asked about Trinamool Supremo Mamata Banerjee's rally on January 19, expected to bring a number of senior opposition leaders on one stage, Ghosh ridiculed the event stating many of the leaders who were previously expected to attend the event have already opted out. "As far as I know, many people who were supposed to attend the meeting have waved goodbye (to Banerjee). We are not giving it much importance. It is possible that the aunt and nephew (Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee) would be left on the dais," he said. Chandigarh, Jan 16 : A special CBI court on Wednesday allowed authorities in Haryana to produce convicted Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and three others before it through video-conferencing for their sentencing in the murder case of a journalist. The quantum of punishment to Ram Rahim and the three others, who were convicted by the special CBI court in Panchkula town in Haryana on Jan 11, will be pronounced by the court on Jan 17. The court had held Ram Rahim and his three close aides guilty of conspiracy to murder journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati. Krishan Lal, a former manager of the sect, Kuldeep and Nirmal, who were both carpenters and followers of the sect, who were convicted with Ram Rahim, have been lodged in the Ambala jail. The sentencing will be announced by the Central Bureau of Investigation court judge Jagdeep Singh in Panchkula, adjoining Chandigarh. Chhatrapati, who edited a newspaper in Sirsa, was shot five times on October 24, 2002 in Sirsa town in Haryana. He died on November 21 in a hospital in New Delhi after battling for life. Ram Rahim had appeared before the court on Jan 11 through video conferencing from the Sunaria prison near Rohtak in view of security concerns raised by the Haryana Police and the government. The same CBI judge had convicted the sect chief on two counts of rape on August 25, 2017 and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Chhatrapati's son Anshul has demanded capital punishment for the disgraced self-styled godman. Security forces in Haryana and Punjab have been on alert since Jan 10 in view of the case judgment against Ram Rahim. Security was beefed up in Rohtak and Sirsa towns in Haryana and some parts of Punjab. Security was increased around the sect's headquarters campus on the outskirts of Sirsa town, around 260 km from here. Sect followers were not allowed to gather in big numbers. Ram Rahim's conviction had led to violence in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana, leaving 41 people dead and over 260 injured, on August 25, 2017. Kolkata, Jan 16 : Jadavpur University on Wednesday barred from its campus International Relations' Professor Kanak Sarkar, who has drawn all-round condemnation for his series of sexist and inappropriate comments on virginity, and ordered him not to take classes or be involved with the examination processes pending inquiry by women's bodies and the university. Sarkar has also been summoned by the West Bengal Commission for Women, which has taken suo motu cognizance of the complaints against him. University vice chancellor Suranjan Das said the student-teacher committee of the International Relations Department, which met during the day, recommended that he be divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect. "It has been decided that he will be barred from the campus till the completion of the various enquiries against him. From today he will not be allowed to take any classes or be involved with any examination processes," Das said. The committee forwarded a note to the vice-chancellor giving specific instances where Sarkar made "sexist, unfortunate comments and derogatory remarks inside the classroom". "I have referred the matter to the Internal Complaints Committee of the university," said Das. He said the state women's commission has initiated an inquiry and asked Sarkar to appear before it within seven days and give his version. The vice-chancellor said the National Commission for Women has sent him a letter saying they have also started an inquiry. Earlier, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote to the West Bengal Director General of Police seeking action as per law against Sarkar, who had in a series of recent Facebook posts, compared a virgin girl to a sealed "bottle of cold drink or a packet of biscuits" and commented that to men "virgin wife is like angel". "A girl is born sealed from birth until it is opened... A virgin girl means many things accompanied with values, culture, and sexual hygiene," he said in his post." His comments drew howls of protests from netizens, the teaching community and Awomen's bodies, following which Sarkar deleted some of the posts, but said he was within his rights to make his personal posts and cited his freedom of expression. On Tuesday, the JU students boycotted classes and started an agitation in the campus demanding his explusion from the university. Sarkar had then said that he had deleted his Facebook account and would stay away from the social media for a year. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : The Bharatiya Janata Party's bid to topple Karnataka's coalition government by poaching Congress legislators has failed, Congress leader G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday. "All the Congress legislators are with us and everything is all right in the party. Some legislators may be away, but they will be back in Bengaluru soon," the Deputy Chief Minister told the media here. The BJP's alleged 'Operation Lotus' to poach the Congress legislators has come to an end, he asserted. "The drama of 'Operation Kamala' (lotus) has ended. No attempt to destabilise the coalition government will be effective as we have the support of all our legislators," the Congress leader stressed. A Congress Legislature Party meet chaired by Siddaramaiah will be held on January 18 in the city, he added. The meeting will discuss the state Budget that will be presented in February, Parameshwara said. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also maintained that the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S)-Congress coalition government was functioning well. "Our coalition government is running smoothly. I am relaxed. We are in touch with all our legislators and have their support," Kumaraswamy told the media earlier. The southern state's ruling coalition partners JD-S-Congress and the opposition BJP have been trading charges of poaching each others' legislators for the past few days. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : Microsoft on Wednesday announced that its corporate venture fund M12 will invest in Indian startups with a funding size of $2 million to $10 million. Rashmi Gopinath, partner at M12, will lead the fund's investment portfolio in the country. M12 announced its first India investment in the healthcare SaaS (software-as-a-service) startup called "Innovaccer". "M12 offers unique access to strategic go-to-market resources and relationships globally. I hope we will get a great traction in the Indian market," Gopinath told reporters here. As the corporate venture arm for Microsoft, M12 (formerly Microsoft Ventures) invests in enterprise software companies in the Series A through C funding stage. According to reports, venture capital investments in Indian tech business-to-business (B2B) start-ups have been trending upwards, with over $3.09 billion raised in equity funding across 415 deals in 2018 -- 28 per cent more than $2.41 billion in 2017. "India offers unique competitive advantages by being home to top technical talent in the world in areas like including computer vision, robotics, blockchain and autonomous driving," said Microsoft. "We are thrilled to broaden M12's reach to include India," said Nagraj Kashyap, Global head of M12 and Corporate Vice President, Microsoft. New Delhi, Jan 16 : The government on Wednesday approved tripling the capacity of Numaligarh Refinery in Assam and setting up of oil and product pipelines at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore, so as to meet the demands for petroleum products in the Northeast. "The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a project to expand the capacity of Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) from 3 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) to 9 MMTPA. The project will take four years to complete," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said. The total project cost of Rs 22,594 crore will be financed by a mix of debt, equity and Viability Gap Funding (VGF), the Minister said. The debt of Rs 15,102 crore will be raised by NRL and apart from its internal accrual of Rs 2,307 crore, the promoters, namely, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Oil India Ltd and Government of Assam will contribute to the equity, he said. "The project will be supported by viability gap funding of Rs 1,020 crore from the government of India," Goyal said. Besides, the Cabinet also approved setting up of crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri. "The expansion of the refinery will meet the deficit of petroleum products in the Northeast. It will generate direct and indirect employment in the region and is a part of the government's Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the Northeast," Goyal said. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a statement, said the project will also sustain the operations of all Northeast refineries by augmenting their crude availability. Gurugram Jan 16 : Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesady announced 'Shaurya Award' to students in the name of 71 personnel of the state police force who laid down their lives while protecting society and maintaining law and order in the state. Under this award, a prize money of Rs 11,000 in memory of a police martyr will be given to a student for courageous deeds every year in a village block where the school is located and where a martyr studied during his childhood. The Chief Minister was addressing the family members of Haryana Police martyrs at National Police Memorial in New Delhi. He also laid a wreath and paid homage to the martyrs at the memorial. The Haryana government on Wednesday organised the first state-level function at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi to honour the families of all 71 policemen who died in various attacks and encounters since the formation of the state in 1966. The Chief Minister also announced construction of a state-level police memorial in the state. A book titled 'Martys of Haryana police' highlighting heroic deeds of the police personnel was also released by the Chief Minister. New Delhi, Jan 16 : The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave its approval for Revised Cost of Estimate (RCE) for the construction of 13 new central universities, to facilitate completion of the project within 36 months. The universities will be constructed in Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir (two), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Orissa, Punjab, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, for which the previous UPA government had given approval under the Central University Act, 2009. "This would increase access to higher education and set exemplary standards for other universities to emulate. It will also help in minimising the regional imbalances in educational facilities," Union Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters after a Cabinet meeting. Goyal said the Cabinet has given its approval for incurring an expenditure of Rs 3,639.32 crore for these universities for recurring cost and creation of necessary infrastructure for completion of the campuses, and alleged that the previous Cabinet during the UPA regime gave approval of Rs 3,000 for the purpose. He said the Cabinet has also given ex-post facto approval for an amount of Rs 1,474.65 crore. Goyal said the total estimated cost of the construction of these universities would be Rs 8,113 crore. Gadchiroli: The site where an accident occured between a truck and a bus, reportedly killing six persons at Etapalli in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli on Jan 16, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Gadchiroli: Locals set trucks ablaze after a truck allegedly hit a bus coming from opposite direction reportedly killing six persons, at Etapalli in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli on Jan 16, 2019. (Photo: IANS) Image Source: IANS News Gadchiroli : , Jan 16 (IANS) At least four persons, including school students, were killed and 10 others seriously injured on Wednesday when a state transport bus and a truck collided near Gurupalli village in Etappally region of the district, police officials said. An enraged mob and grieving relatives of the victims vent their anger on other vehicles, mostly belonging to a local mining company and torched around 10 trucks, said Gadchiroli Police Superintendent Shailesh Balakawade. We rushed additional police personnel to the region to pacify the crowds and the situation is now fully under control, he told IANS. The incident happened around 8 a.m. when the passenger state transport bus departed from the Aheri depot, bound for Alapalli, carrying over 50 passengers including many school students. As it sped towards a turn near Gurupalli, a mining company's truck suddenly came from the opposite direction and rammed virtually headlong into the bus. The impact was so powerful that the entire front portions and the driver cabins of both the truck and the bus were completely crushed. As locals reached the scene of the tragedy, they removed at least four bodies, including school students, a forest department employee and a woman official working in Aheri court, and another seven seriously injured passengers. They were soon joined by other people from nearby villages who staged an impromptu road block and some irate people set afire at least 10 trucks of a private transporter working on contract for a local mining company. The seriously injured were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment and another 15 with minor injuries were treated and allowed to go. Police are maintaining security measures on all the roads in the vicinity of the accident - around 300 km from the second capital of Nagpur - as a precautionary measure. Hyderabad, Jan 16 : Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday held preliminary talks with YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy on the proposed Federal Front and they agreed to hold further talks, sources in the two parties said. Jagan, as leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, welcomed the initiative and agreed to hold further talks with Telangana Chief Minister and TRS President K. Chandrashekhar Rao, when the latter visits Andhra Pradesh. He told reporters after meeting Rama Rao and other TRS leaders that they had preliminary discussions over the proposed front. Rama Rao, who is the son of Chandrashekhar Rao, along with three other leaders of the party, met Jagan at his Lotus Pond residence. After nearly two-hour meeting, KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, and Jagan spoke to the media persons. The TRS leader said KCR, who also spoke to Jagan over phone, would soon visit Andhra Pradesh to hold further talks with him. KTR said their meeting was part of KCR's efforts to form a front as an alternative to both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Jagan said he welcome KCR's initiative to create a national platform by bringing together like-minded regional parties to fight for the protection of the rights of the states. He believes that if the regional parties have more strength in Parliament, they could exert pressure on the Centre to undo the injustices to the states. Citing the example of Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP chief said the Centre did not keep the promise of 'special category' status, though it was announced in Parliament. Stating that 25 MPs of Andhra Pradesh may not achieve the special category status but with 17 MPs of Telangana, they could have a strong voice at the Centre. "If states have to progress, regional parties should unite. The number of their MPs should also increase," said Jagan. KTR said TRS had already made its stand clear on the issue of special category status. "The promise made by then Prime Minister in Parliament should be honoured," he said. This is the first direct talks between the leaders of the two parties since KCR floated the idea of the Federal Front in 2018. With Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu working for an anti-BJP front, KCR has decided to rope in YSRCP in his proposed front. The TRS chief has already held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader M.K. Stalin. After taking over as the Chief Minister for a second term following the TRS' victory in December's elections, KCR intensified his efforts to cobble together the Federal Front. New Delhi, Jan 16 (IANS) Inducted as Delhi Congress President ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, Sheila Dikshit says her target is to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. The 80-year-old leader, who assumed office as the Delhi Congress chief on Wednesday, said she will mobilise all workers and leaders for the party's victory. She said her target is "to get Congress active and get all Congressmen together." Asked about her target for the Lok Sabha elections, she said: "I hope to win all the seven. We will target all the seven and then see". Asked when the party will declare its candidates as the AAP has sounded its potential candidates and the BJP already has sitting MPs in all the seven seats, she hoped that the candidates will be decided soon. "Let's see when the high command announces." Dikshit said she is not in favour of an alliance with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the capital and prefers that the party go it alone. However, at the same time she also does not rule out a tie up with the AAP. "No, I am not in favour of it (alliance with AAP)," she told IANS. "The Aam Aadmi Party is not a very polished party. For instance why did they do all that ...Rajiv Gandhi having got the award (Bharat Ratna). What have they got to do with it. They never gave the award 22 years ago. Why did they pick it up? They just pick up things. I don't think they think before what they are doing," the three-time chief minister of Delhi said when she was asked about the reasons for not going for an alliance with the AAP. "Anyway, for me, I mean they are the ruling party of Delhi so that relevance is there but otherwise they are an irrelevant party." Asked if the AAP was in touch with the party's central leadership, she said: "No, not with us in anyway. I don't think so." Pressed further on the issue, Dikshit said she had no idea. "Nobody has spoken about it." Asked if she had conveyed her viewpoint to the central leadership, Dikshit said she had given her views in the media. "I have conveyed to all of you so everybody knows my viewpoint. It has been there for a long time." Asked if she was ruling out an alliance with the AAP, she said: At the moment there is no alliance with AAP, and let's see what happens in future." To a follow up question on when the uncertainty will end, she smiled and refused to comment. She rejected apprehensions that the Congress and the AAP fighting separately will give an advantage to the BJP in Delhi. "Why, why, why...No. We are strong enough ourselves, please remember. We are older than the BJP and much older than the AAP. No thank you...No, there is no need (to align)." To a query whether she had given her feedback to the party, Dikshit said, "Not yet," and added that she will be doing so as soon as she was asked by the leadership. Asked if potential candidates have been sounded out, she said "everybody is working, everybody has got their mind on it and we have to meet and bring (it) to each other's attention." Asked about her being made PCC chief only three months before the polls and if it should have been done earlier, Dikshit said: "What has happened has happened. You make the best of what has happened." She said the party not having declared its candidates so far does not matter. "The God made the whole world in seven days and surely we can do this (declare candidates)." However, she refused to spell out her party's strategy. "I won't tell you just now. I will bring the strategy which is implementable. So let me just study it." She said the workers were motivated and the ground work was visible for the last-three four days. Asked who was the main challenger between the AAP and the BJP in Delhi, she said they both were a challenge. "I think at the national level, if you are looking at their presence, then the BJP is." Asked if Rahul Gandhi was relying on the old guard having appointed Kamal Nath chief minister in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan and Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh, Dikshit did not give a direct answer. "I wouldn't say. This is a question you need to ask Rahulji. I don't make assessments on appointments, they have been made, they have been made." Dikshit admitted that there was some factionalism in the Delhi unit and said it will be addressed. "There is... wherever there are 20...there are hundreds of people in the Congress, there is bound to be a faction. It is not something that cannot be overcome for a particular cause," she said. "The challenge is to face the forthcoming elections to the Lok Sabha and the challenge that is consistent with that is to keep the party together. All of us not to show our differences of opinion if we have any. Carry on what the leaders (say) so that we are seen as a joint organisation working for the good of the Congress," she said. Dikshit said she will campaign for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh if asked to, "but I will focus more on Delhi as there is a lot of work here." Asked about the dim possibility of a grand alliance shaping up in Delhi, she said: "You all bring a time limit saying do it now or tomorrow. In politics there is no time limit. It depends on the opportunities and atmosphere that is there and then we take decisions." She said that both national and local issues will be highlighted in Delhi during the campaign. Dikshit said the party will highlight the development work done during her 15 years as chief minister. "Obviously, those works were done by Congress and we will surely highlight those works." On the recurrent confrontation between the AAP government in Delhi with the BJP-led central government, Dikshit said she had worked smoothly as Chief Minister with the Vajpayee government. "It is for them to understand whether confrontation brings out work," she said. (Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in and Prashant Sood at prashant.s@ians.in) Mumbai, Jan 16 : Rajkumar Hirani is among the most decent people in the Hindi film industry, veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has said in support of the filmmaker, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by a woman. "I had come to the film industry in 1965. After so many years, if I am asked who are the most decent people you met in this industry over almost 5 decades, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is Raju Hirani. G.B Shaw has said: 'It is too dangerous to be too good'," Akhtar tweeted on Wednesday. According to a HuffPost India article on Sunday, a woman "assistant" to Hirani claimed the filmmaker sexually abused her on more than one occasion over a six-month period between March and September 2018 during the making of "Sanju". The 56-year-old filmmaker has denied the allegation. Akhtar is not the first person who has come out in support of Hirani, who has helmed films like the "Munna Bhai" franchise, "3 Idiots" and "Sanju". Sharman Joshi, Dia Mirza and Arshad Warsi have stood by him, and said it is wrong to jump to conclusions and to suddenly start looking at a person differently. New Delhi, Jan 16 : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved capital infusion of Rs 6,000 crore in Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) through recapitalisation bonds to boost the bank's capacity in export financing. "The EXIM Bank will be infused with Rs 4,500 crore before March and Rs 1,500 crore in the next fiscal," Union Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal said the Cabinet has further approved raising the authorised share capital of the bank from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore. "The capital infusion will improve the bank's capacity to support the exporters and importers. This will boost export financing," he said. The minister said India's textile industry has huge export potential and that the government with this step will enable EXIM Bank to better support the textile exporters with adequate lines of credit. Goyal also said the strengthening of EXIM Bank will help in achieving the strategic interests of the country. San Francisco, Jan 16 : Aiming to let its users know that dangerous viral pranks such as the Bird Box challenge or the Tide Pod stunt have no place on the platform, video-sharing giant YouTube has updated its community guidelines. The move comes in the wake of Bird Box challenges that are going viral, and that urge participants to go around wearing blindfolds. "YouTube is home to many beloved viral challenges and pranks, but we need to make sure what's funny doesn't cross the line into also being harmful or dangerous. "We've updated our external guidelines to make it clear that we prohibit challenges presenting a risk of serious danger or death, and pranks that make victims believe they're in serious physical danger, or cause children to experience severe emotional distress," Camilla, Community Manager, TeamYouTube, wrote in a blog post late on Tuesday. Earlier this week, a teenager in the US state of Utah crashed her car while performing the Bird Box challenge being blindfolded, according to the Mashable. The video-sharing platform has seen a surge in users posting recordings of themselves engaging in dangerous stunts/challenges. The Google-owned company started removing videos of the Tide Pod challenge a year ago. The challenge involves participants putting their health at risk by eating the bright-coloured laundry detergent packs known as "pods". YouTube is also threatening strikes against channels that "egregiously" violate policies with their videos' thumbnail images or web links, even if the videos themselves are innocuous, according to the Engadget. Users who rack up multiple strikes will lose their access to custom thumbnails, and those who get three strikes in 90 days will lose their accounts completely, the report added. Bengaluru, Jan 16 : Amidst allegations of poaching by BJP, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said there was no threat to his government. "Our coalition government is running smoothly. I am relaxed. We are in touch with all our (Janata Dal-Secular and Congress) legislators and have their support," he told the media here. Some of the Congress legislators reportedly in Mumbai were also in touch with him, the Chief Minister asserted, though he did not name them. The ruling coalition partners JD-S-Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been trading charges of poaching each others' legislators for the past few days. "Three of our MLAs are in Mumbai. We (Congress) are aware of the horse trading that is being attempted by the BJP. Our legislators have also admitted to being approached by them," Minister for Irrigation D.K. Shivakumar earlier said. The BJP, on the other hand, while denying the poaching allegations, has lodged its legislators in a private resort at Gurugram, Haryana. On Tuesday, R. Shankar, a legislator from Ranebennur Assembly segment in Haveri district, belonging to the regional Karnataka Pragnavantha Janata Party (KPJP), and H. Nagesh an Independent from Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district, withdrew their support to the coalition. "Even if two MLAs withdraw their support, we (coalition) have the majority," Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday. Responding to the political developments, JD-S supremo H.D. Deve Gowda stressed that the coalition government continued to remain "stable". In the 225-member Legislative Assembly, including one nominated Speaker, Congress has 80 legislators, JD-S 37, and the BJP 104, while one Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA continues to support the coalition after one Independent Nagesh and the KPJP legislator Shankar withdrew their support. Washington, Jan 16 : The US State Department has confirmed that one American was killed a deadly attack the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Tuesday. "We can confirm that a US citizen was killed the attack," Xhua quoted a State Department official as sayg. However, he did not provide any further comment. Al-Shabab terrorists struck an upmarket hotel and office complex Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon killg at least six people and jurg several others. The attackers were armed with rifles and grenades. Huge explosions followed by gun shots rent the air as they stormed the complex. Nairobi, Jan 16 : Kenya's government on Tuesday said the situation was under control after six people were killed and some 30 others wounded in a terrorist attack at an upscale hotel and office complex in this capital. "I can now report we have secured all the buildings," Interior Minister Fred Matiangi said. "We are in the final stages of mopping up the area." Somali-based militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault on the 14 Riverside Drive complex, which includes the DusitD2 Hotel, reports Efe. An efe-epa photographer saw five fatalities laid out on the tables of a restaurant inside the complex, as well as the body of an attacker who detonated a vehicle packed with explosives. Lawmaker Esther Passaris told the press that a sixth victim died at MP Shah Hospital. Four people were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, while media outlets said that one of 16 wounded survivors brought to Avenue Hospital was undergoing emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds. "We can now confirm that this criminal activity commenced at about three o'clock (pm) in a coordinated fashion and began at I&M Bank with an explosion that targeted three vehicles in the parking lot, and a suicide explosion in the foyer of Dusit hotel," Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said. Al-Shabaab, which seeks to establish an Islamic state in Somalia, told Al Jazeera English through spokesman Abdiaziz Abu Mus'ab that it was behind the attack. Mumbai, Jan 16 : For her role as a woman from 1970s' Chambal, living and surviving the badlands amidst bloody-thirsty dacoits, actress Bhumi Pednekar says she cut off from the world at large. The actress, known for her work in "Dum Laga Ke Haisha", "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" and "Shubh Mangal Saavdhan", is looking forward to the release of her fourth film "Son Chiriya", directed by Abhishek Chaubey. Talking about what went into tapping in the mind and soul of her character, Bhumi said in a statement to IANS: "Acting for me is a process of metamorphosis. It's about forgetting who I'm and becoming someone entirely new. "Every artiste has his or her method and every character requires a different approach and for 'Son Chiriya', I required isolation. I took to a single-minded approach that saw me cut off from the world at large and be with my character to understand the mind, psyche and behaviour of who I'm becoming." The only people she met during this period was her immediate family. Calling herself a "restless actor", Bhumi added: "Until and unless I find the person I'm looking to become, I dont find my peace. I decluttered myself and lived with my character for about 30 days. "I had to unlearn so much to learn the most about her. I stayed at home, researched as much as I could and had basic human interaction with my family before I boarded my flight to reach Chambal. "It's tough disconnecting from the people you love, the Internet and life. But it was the only way to do it." After her preparation, she lived in Chambal for a week prior to the commencing of the shoot to get familiar with the terrain. San Francisco, Jan 16 : Microsoft has signed a seven-year deal with Walgreens where it will provide its Azure Cloud services to help the second-biggest pharmacy chain in the US develop new health care delivery models, technology and retail innovations. Microsoft will also deploy Microsoft 365 to Walgreens' 380,000 employees and stores globally. Through this partnership, the companies will deliver innovative platforms that enable next-generation health networks, integrated digital-physical experiences and care management solutions, Microsoft said in a statement late on Tuesday. "Improving health outcomes while lowering the cost of care is a complex challenge that requires broad collaboration and strong partnership between the health care and tech industries," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The companies have committed to a multi-year research and development (R&D) investment to build health care solutions, improve health outcomes and lower the cost of care. They will also explore the potential to establish joint innovation centres in key markets. "We will work with Microsoft to harness the information that exists between payers and health care providers to leverage, in the interest of patients and with their consent," said Stefano Pessina, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Walgreens. Walgreens has become the fourth major retailer to partner with Microsoft in recent months, after Walmart, Kroger and Gap. London, Jan 16 : British Prime Mister Theresa May's Brexit deal has been rejected by 230 votes -- the largest marg for a sittg government history, triggerg the tablg of a no confidence motion agast it. The confidence vote was expected to be held at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, reported the BBC. On a day of extraordary drama at Westmster, the House of Commons voted by 432 votes to 202 as Tories turned agast May to reject her deal that sets out the terms of Brita's exit from the European Union (EU) on March 29. Such a crushg defeat on a key piece of government legislation would have been expected to be followed by a prime misterial resignation. But May signalled her tention to carry on a statement immediately after the vote. As noisy protesters from both sides of the Brexit divide massed outside Parliament Square, May immediately rose to accept the verdict sayg she would welcome a vote of no confidence the government. "The house has spoken and the government will listen," she said. "It is clear that the house does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothg about what it does support." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn then tabled a vote of no confidence the government, which could trigger a general election. Corbyn, speakg just before the vote , said May had "treated Brexit as a matter for the Conservative Party, rather than the good of the whole country". The defeat was a huge blow for May, who has spent more than two years hammerg out a deal with the EU, reported the BBC. The Brexit plan was aimed at brgg about an orderly departure from the EU and settg up a 21-month transition period to negotiate a free trade deal. The UK is still on course to leave on March 29 but the defeat throws the manner of that departure -- and the timg of it -- to further doubt. The vote was origally due to take place December, but May delayed it to try and w the support of more MPs. MPs who want either a further referendum, a softer version of the Brexit proposed by May, to stop Brexit altogether or to leave without a deal, would ramp up their efforts to get what they want, as a weakened Prime Mister has offered to listen to their arguments. She has also offered cross-party talks to determe a way forward on Brexit, if she succeeded wng the confidence vote later the day, the BBC report added. Former Foreign Secretary and leadg Brexiteer Boris Johnson said it was a "bigger defeat than people have been expectg" -- and it meant May's deal was now "dead". But he said it gave the Prime Mister a "massive mandate to go back to Brussels" to negotiate a better deal, without the controversial Northern Ireland backstop and also dicated that he would back May the no-confidence motion. May has no plans to head to Brussels immediately, No 10 said, implyg that the Prime Mister first needed to test what would be acceptable to the MPs, the Guardian said. Brussels, Donald Tusk, the European Council president, appeared to back a second referendum soon after the crushg result was announced, and urged her to offer a way forward. May was expected to return to Brussels with days to consult with Tusk and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Officials said the EU was now listeng mode. a statement, Juncker urged the British government to "clarify its tentions as soon as possible", and warned that "time is almost up". Should May w on Wednesday, Corbyn would come under tense pressure to throw his weight behd a second Brexit referendum but his spokesman said Labour did not rule out tablg another no-confidence motion at a later stage. Berlin, Jan 16 : German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Olaf Scholz on Tuesday said that the Brexit vote is not an "accident" but a "warning signal." When delivering a key note speech at the Future Forum Europe at the German Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, Scholz said the European Union must become more political, also in response to the British exit. "The Brexit is a sad development. We would be happy if it would be different. The EU must be prepared for it," said Scholz, who warned of massive consequences of a disorderly Brexit, for example, if additional customs and border controls would be necessary. Scholz did not go straight to the expected vote on Tuesday evening in the British House of Commons over the negotiated exit agreement with the EU, reports Xinhua news agency. In many EU members, anti--European and populist currents have gained in popularity. Many citizens doubted whether Europe had answers to key challenges of the future. That is why the EU must become more political, said Scholz. In recent decades, the EU has focused too much on the single market, which helped to make Brussels a "small, bureaucratic administrative unit." Scholz promoted a better culture of debate in the EU and more ability to compromise within the remaining 27 members. Kolkata, Jan 16 : Former NSA M.K. Narayanan on Tuesday expressed concern over the "internal dissension at the highest level of an institution like CBI" and questioned the way the agency chief was being selected now. Responding to a query on the credibility of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narayanan said: "Internal dissension at the highest level of an institution like the CBI is a matter of concern." Narayanan, who was participating at an interactive session organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, however, said dissension at the top level of the CBI was not a new phenomenon but earlier such issues used to be decided primarily by the bureaucracy itself. Narayanan questioned the present methodology of selecting the CBI chief. CBI Director Alok Verma was unceremoniously removed from the post after a 2-1 decision by the high-level Selection Committee, a decision that came under attack from the opposition and legal experts. According to Narayanan, selection of the CBI Director should be "decided within the system, not by people outside". On China, he said: "China should be our main concern. One country which does pose danger to us is China. "China wants you off the main table, does not want you on the same table," he said. Asked about the Raffle deal controversy, he said, " There is no doubt of the fact that the Prime Minister did not follow all the procedures that were expected..the opposition is blaming the Prime Minister for not following the guidelines. This is more of a political issue rather than for us to comment on that." In any case, once you have to buy any defence equipment in sizeable quantity, there are certain procedures to be followed, he said. "I think that is the main charge that is being levelled against the Prime Minister. Whether that amounts to corruption, I do not know," he said. Narayanan, who had served as West Bengal Governor during 2010 to 2014, saw both the Left Front as well as Trinamool Congress government in the state. Responding to a query on how Trinamool Congress Supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is emerging as national leader, he said, "Amongst leaders today, she is probably better suited than many others." DUBLIN, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "The World Mattress Industry 2018" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The World Mattress Industry report analyses the mattress sector at a global level and contains current and historical data, product trends, market size, international trade flows and market forecasts to 2019. This is a comparative analysis of the mattress industry with data by country and by geographical region, including profiles and addresses of leading manufacturers and useful information on mattress industry suppliers. An executive summary introduces the main highlights of the sector, with basic data, hot trends (sector's features and challenges, bed-in-a-box, type of mattresses and bases, materials, sustainability and innovations) and information on destination segment (consumer/contract). Part I deals with production, consumption and international trade of mattresses and includes a section of world mattress industry statistics. Part II consists of 50 country analysis sections including: Production, consumption and international trade of mattresses Mattress consumption forecasts 2018-2019 Origin of imports and exports destination Socio-economic indicators Mattress production by material (when available) Number of mattresses produced (when available) Leading manufacturers Mattress retailers (when available) Part III includes detailed profiles of 30 major mattresses manufacturers (company information, financial highlights, manufacturing process, distribution system, products, sales performance). Part IV and Part V contain website addresses of selected mattress industry suppliers (Machinery, Materials -Fabrics, Latex foam, Polyurethane, Innersprings, Other-, Certification centers and testing laboratories, Mattress associations) and full addresses of mattress manufacturing companies mentioned in the report. Overall more than 1500 companies are considered. New in the 2018 edition: Analysis for 6 additional countries (Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Philippines, Serbia and Slovakia) and an Excel data file in attachment, providing all the figures included in the report's tables. Key Topics Covered: 1. Methodology, Introduction And Executive Summary Basic data, Product trends, Destination segments 2. Consumption, Production And International Trade Of Mattresses 3. Consumption and imports of mattresses Mattress consumption in major markets Import penetration and opening of major markets Production and exports of mattresses Mattress production in major producing countries Number of units Innerspring and non-innerspring mattresses Major exporting countries. Origin and destination of mattresses Mattress consumption. Scenario Evolution of world GDP Forecasts of yearly changes in real terms to 2019 World Tables: overview of the world mattress industry, international trade and outlook 2018-2019 4. Country Analysis Production, exports, imports and consumption of mattresses Mattress consumption forecasts 2018-2019 Trading partners Socio economic indicators Mattress production by material (when available) Number of mattresses produced (when available) Leading manufacturers Mattress retailers (when available) 5. The 30 Major Mattresses Manufacturers Worldwide. Profiles 6. Mattress Industry Suppliers. List and web addresses for Machinery, Materials (Fabrics, Latex foam, Polyurethane, Innersprings, Other), Certification centres and testing laboratories, Mattress associations 7. Mattresses Manufacturers. Company name and addresses of mentioned players Companies Mentioned A.H. Beard Adova Group Airsprung Boydak Coco-Mat EON Living Flex France Bed Healthcare (Mlily) Herval Mveis e Colches Hilding Anders Ikano Industry (ex Dendro) Kurlon Magniflex Paramount Bed Pikolin Recticel Relyon Serta Sheela Foam Silentnight Beds Simmons Sinomax Tempur Sealy Xilinmen Yatas Yatak For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/j2bb7p/world_mattress?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com PHOENIX, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- VT Business Products, Inc. (the "Company"), announced today that it has changed its name to House of Jane, Inc. to better reflect its new business plan. On November 30, 2018, the Company acquired all the intellectual property related to the "House of Jane" brand ("HOJ") including all promotional materials, designs and websites, trademarks, proprietary formulations, recipes, and trade secrets of HOJ's CBD infused powders, tinctures, coffees, teas, and energy products (together the "HOJ Assets"). The Company also announced that Thomas Quigley has been named Chief Executive Officer of its newly formed operating subsidiary, House of Jane, LLC, which holds the HOJ Assets. Mr. Quigley has extensive experience in brand development and marketing in the legal cannabis industry and has raised capital, founded ventures, and advised numerous cannabis businesses. From 2014 to 2018, he was CEO and Founder of The Florida Cannabis Coalition, a membership-driven industry association hosting educational events for the Legal Cannabis Industry. Prior to this, he was Founding Partner and CEO of Krush Communications, which grew from a start-up into a $25 million telecom enterprise that was acquired in late 2013. Krush licensed the California legacy brand "Homies" building national distribution through independent distributors and chain retail accounts. "We are excited to have Tom accept a leadership position with House of Jane, LLC," said the Company's President, Frederic J. Buonincontri. "Tom's business leadership experience, combined with the network he has built through involvement with The ArcView Network, Canopy Boulder and The Florida Cannabis Coalition makes him an ideal leader for our emerging Hemp-derived CBD brand." "I am thrilled with the opportunity to lead the House of Jane initiative," stated the newly-named CEO of House of Jane, LLC. "I share Rick's vision that the time is right to create a national brand. Cannabis and Hemp are commodities. There are very few legacy brands in this industry. The House of Jane intellectual property and brand is a great foundation to accelerate this strategy. I am truly honored to be able to apply my experience and skill set into national and international expansion." The Company also announced that it has changed to a Nevada corporation. Nevada has adopted comprehensive, modern, and flexible corporate statutes (very similar to those in effect in Delaware) which the Company believes provides better corporate governance. About the Company. The Company will promote its House of Jane brands nationally and sell its federally legal Hemp-derived CBD products via online, health stores and other distribution channels. The Company will also seek to add to its brand portfolio through acquisition and/or licensing arrangements. The Company has offices in Phoenix, Arizona and Riverview, Florida. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be attained. Such statements are inherently uncertain, and actual results and activities may differ materially from those estimated or projected. Certain factors that can affect the Company's ability to achieve its anticipated results include, among others, uncertainties inherent in the development of a new business. Company Contact: Frederic J. Buonincontri 1 N 1st Street, Suite 654 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 688-9981 [email protected] SOURCE House of Jane, LLC OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- vAuto announces the acquisition of iReconCars, a used car reconditioning management platform that allows dealers to automate the reconditioning process to control expenses, reduce mistakes and delays, manage third-party partners, and improve customer satisfaction and trust. iRecon is available to Provision, non-Provision customers, and for third-party reconditioning partner platforms. Founder Mike Boyd will remain with Cox Automotive as the Sr. Director of Business Enablement for iRecon, and co-founder Micah Tindor will serve as the Business Operations Director for iRecon. "Due to margin compression and market competition, it's critical to have a reconditioning system partner to control, manage and maximize the reconditioning process in order for dealers to stay relevant and profitable. With iRecon, we automate the reconditioning process by putting the right vendor on the right job at the right time and providing dealers with a 'real-time' connection to the consumer based on trust," said Boyd. "Reconditioning often slows the time it takes dealers to get used vehicles front-line ready, which can hurt a vehicle's front-end profit potential," said Randy Kobat, Senior Vice President of Inventory Software Solutions at Cox Automotive. "iRecon helps dealers efficiently manage the reconditioning workflow by providing real-time reconditioning reports and statistics that track every touch point until reconditioning is complete. That's why we believe in this technology and thank Mike and Micah for their thought leadership to develop a solution that solves a critical need for our clients." iRecon is the only reconditioning platform that considers all three parties involved in the reconditioning processdealers, their vendors and consumers. With iRecon: Dealers and vendors work together via an easy-to-use dashboard and unique access to identify and address delays, quality issues, and over- and under-worked situations in real time, providing dealers true insight into their reconditioning process and holding costs. Dealers set an electronic reconditioning plan that provides internal team members and vendors with a timetable and targeted work list for each vehicle in advance. Vehicle buyers can review iRecon's MyCarPedigree report to validate the dealer's reconditioning standards and the work performed to bring a vehicle to its current condition. "iRecon has had a far-reaching positive impact on a variety of roles within our store," said John Malishenko, Chief Operating Officer for the Germain Auto Group. "Our used car and service managers can communicate more effectively and adapt the recon process to changing conditions, like volume and capacity, which improves lifecycle times. Sales Managers and their teams benefit from improved visibility regarding a vehicle's availability and pedigree, which further assists with appointment setting building greater value. Overall, we've experienced a 25 percent improvement in lifecycle since beginning with iRecon, and we sell 70 percent of our used vehicles at list." iRecon also has significant benefits for reconditioning companies. "Before iRecon I wasted so much time walking the lot and asking for the same jobs every week," said Sam Britain, Owner of Automotive Impressions, a company that provides reconditioning services for dealers. "Now, I absolutely depend on iRecon to add efficiency when working with my dealers." In a 2017 study conducted by Cox Automotive, dealers rated reconditioning as one of the top three most important tasks when managing vehicle inventory and indicated that the reconditioning process utilizes significant in-house resources. "With iRecon, dealers can say goodbye to process inefficiencies and can work faster and smarter to increase margins," added Kobat. For more information on iRecon, stop by the vAuto booth #1620S at the 2019 NADA Show, visit or call 844-473-2661. About vAuto vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Founded in 2005, vAuto revolutionized dealers' used vehicle operations with the groundbreaking Provision suite of tools. Leveraging The Velocity Method of Management, pioneered by vAuto founder, Dale Pollak, Provision helped dealers adopt a more transparent and turn-focused approach to used vehicle acquisition, appraising, pricing and merchandising based on real-time, local market supply-and-demand data. In 2018, vAuto released the Provision ProfitTime metric and methodology to help dealers maximize inventory turn and gross profit based on the investment value or profit potential of each vehicle. The same year, the company expanded its integrations with Cox Automotive's HomeNet unit and acquired iRecon, an online reconditioning workflow platform. The moves extend vAuto's efficiency-focused used vehicle management solutions into vehicle merchandising and reconditioning. vAuto's solutions also include Conquest, a new vehicle inventory management and pricing system, and Stockwave, which enables dealers to efficiently find and purchase vehicles from leading wholesale sources via a single platform. Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, vAuto is a Cox Automotive brand. About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company's 34,000-plus team members and family of brands, including Autotrader, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, VinSolutions, vAuto and Xtime, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion. coxautoinc.com SOURCE vAuto Related Links http://www.coxautoinc.com The Earth from Space Institute, co-located within USRA Headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, will conduct innovative research and application studies to advance understanding of a wide range of Earth system topics enabled by observational technology from space, and information analysis capabilities, serving societal needs to better respond to natural and human-driven changes in the Earth system. According to Dr. Jeffrey Isaacson, President and Chief Executive Officer, USRA, "The establishment of the Earth from Space Institute is part of our strategic plan to expand USRA's research activities in Earth Sciences. I am very pleased to see this initiative come to fruition under Miguel Roman's leadership, and I look forward to an exciting and promising future for the institute." Under Dr. Roman's leadership, USRA will bring together an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and applied practitioners focused on utilizing space-based technologies and data systems to develop and deliver information products of high societal relevance to a variety of stakeholders. EfSI will focus on strengthening relationships with leaders across space agencies, universities, foundations, industry, and other organizations that share common goals to promote the importance of providing accurate, timely, and easily accessible satellite data, and of addressing the critical information needs of at-risk communities. In conjunction with USRA's team of development officers, EfSI staff will be embedded with stakeholders from across government, academia, civil society groups, and NGOs to foster international cooperation and establish partnerships that can deliver significant and positive impacts on essential issues that link Climate Action, Energy Access, Urban Resilience, and Disaster Risk Reduction to people's lives. "Miguel is at the forefront of what is happening to our planet," said Dr. Nicholas White, Senior Vice President, Science, at the Universities Space Research Association. "He's an outstanding scientist whose accomplishments focus on observing our home planet and how it's changing. We are delighted to have him on board at USRA." Before joining USRA, Dr. Roman served as a research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center where he pioneered the "Black Marble" a global suite of nighttime lights products that enables near-real-time monitoring of power failures during major disasters and the assessment of underserved and vulnerable communities worldwide. As NASA's Land Discipline Lead, he led research projects to evaluate the environmental, health, and societal impacts of urban change, and to monitor the long-term effects of disasters on island communities and areas of intensive risk. Dr. Roman is the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. He holds engineering degrees from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and Cornell University, respectively, and a doctorate in geography from Boston University. About USRA Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology, and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities, and conducts other major research and educational programs, under Federal funding. USRA engages the university community and employs in-house scientific leadership, innovative research and development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu. PR Contact: Suraiya Farukhi [email protected] 410-740-6224 (w) 443-812-6945 (cell) SOURCE Universities Space Research Association Related Links http://www.usra.edu NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Toppan Vintage, a subsidiary of Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd. and part of Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., the world's leading printing group, announced today the launch of the Toppan Merrill brand, following the recent acquisitions of Merrill Corporation's Capital Markets & Compliance and Marketing & Communications Solutions (MCS) businesses. The new brand represents the company's plans for future global growth and expansion as it solidifies its status as one of the top financial printing, communications and technology companies in the world. The company's new tagline is 'Expand Possible,' communicating Toppan Merrill's dedication to expand what's possible in the communication of mission-critical content as it continues to evolve to better meet clients' needs across all levels of their business. The new brand reflects Toppan Merrill's continuous commitment to better customer experience, increased productivity and better outcomes. The company's leading technology solutions, Toppan Merrill Bridge and Toppan Merrill Connect, serve clients' needs in capital markets transactions, regulatory disclosure for corporations, regulatory disclosure for investment management companies, financial services and health insurance marketing and communication. "With our acquisition of Merrill Corporation's businesses came an opportunity to ensure that we are well-positioned to meet our clients' diverse demands around the world," said Yeo Chee Tong, CEO of Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd. "We feel that the Toppan Merrill brand accurately represents our ability to provide our clients with a responsive partnership, rooted in deep market expertise, and modern agile solutions built around their business needs. We are committed to forward-thinking innovation that ensures speed, precision and accuracy." About Toppan Merrill Toppan Merrill, a leader in financial printing and communication solutions, is part of the Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., the world's leading printing group, headquartered in Tokyo with approximately US$14 billion in annual sales. Toppan Merrill has been a pioneer and trusted partner to the financial, legal and corporate communities for five decades, providing secure, innovative solutions to complex content and communications requirements. Through proactive partnerships, unparalleled expertise, continuous innovation and unmatched service, Toppan Merrill delivers a hassle-free experience for mission-critical content for capital markets transactions, financial reporting and regulatory disclosure filings, and marketing and communications solutions for regulated and non-regulated industries. With global expertise in major capital markets, Toppan Merrill delivers unmatched service around the world. Learn more at www.toppanmerrill.com. SOURCE Toppan Merrill Related Links http://www.toppanmerrill.com Mr. Huang Xiaodan, the founder and CEO of Uoolu, launched the summit by strategically releasing Uoolu Global Websites, which cover 13 languages and 135 countries. Uoolu is dedicated to building a network that connects global users and global real estate to facilitate cross-border sales and services for over 100,000 real estate developers. Presently, the unique visitors to Uoolu Global Websites have been increasing sharply. Meanwhile, three interesting numbers were showed in Mr. Huang's speech, 40% of global investment users have need for cross-border investments, 70% of developers have an international business, and 25% of revenue is from international sales. Later, based on big data of global users, Uoolu released two brand new products, U-data and G-sale, which could solve the major problems in cross-border real estate investments. With the help of U-data, developers can realize real-time mastering of the global home buyers' portrait. At the same time, G-sale, an efficient global marketing solution, enables developers to implement and expand their global sales. The summit included two panel discussions to explore the most cutting-edge issues in the global real estate industry, including technology empowering global real estate investment and opportunity for real estate in the age of global citizens. The sharing and views from the guests provided a new direction for cross-border investments. Another peak of the summit was Uoolu's strategic signing ceremony with 17 developers from 7 countries, including Eco World from Malaysia, Ananda from Thailand, Landsea from US, Regal London from UK, SMDC from Philippine, Select Property Group from UK, Oriental Pearl from UAE, Balance Capital from US, and Royal Bridge Capital from UK. This significant cooperation indicated that the "Uoolu Global" strategy has been recognized by its worldwide partners. At the end of the summit, Uoolu released 2 heavyweight awards: The 2018 Globalized Real Estate Brands and 2018 Globalized Popularity Projects. The link shows the list of awardeeshttps://mma.prnewswire.com/media/809134/UOOLU_awards.jpg Uoolu Website: www.uoolu.com Uoolu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uoolu/ Uoolu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uoolu.com/ SOURCE Uoolu.com Related Links http://www.uoolu.com/ LOS ANGELES, Jan 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Silvus Technologies, Inc. announced today that it is supplying the wireless datalink used on the Aerovel Flexrotor, in pursuit of the US ARMY Family of Tactical UAS (FTUAS) program. Flexrotor is a 50lb. UAS designed for maritime and land-based operations. Needing only a 20' by 20' area for launch and recovery, Flexrotor takes off and lands vertically (VTOL) and easily transitions into horizontal wing-borne flight. It flies completely automatically after takeoff, with no pilot intervention needed. Aerovel's Tad McGeer explained, "We use the Silvus radios to downlink real-time video over ranges up to 100 km, and simultaneously to access IP addresses on the aircraft and by relay to other surface stations. The onboard radio provides this throughput while staying within our constraints on weight and power consumption, which are essential for Flexrotor to be both small and highly capable." The SC4200 is a 2x2 MIMO Software Defined Radio (SDR) featuring Silvus's proprietary MN-MIMO waveform which supports high bandwidth Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) in urban, rural, and maritime environments. Other unique attributes include Transmit Eigen Beamforming (a MIMO technique which boosts signal strength 2-4x), dual-band interference mitigation capabilities, and a miniature form factor just 0.75" thick and the footprint of a typical business card. Kasey Cooper, Director of Unmanned Systems at Silvus Technologies comments, "Flexrotor introduced a distinct and innovative design to the VTOL UAV market. Aerovel applied this same thoughtful approach when selecting StreamCaster as the default communications solution. We are very proud to provide our technology to Aerovel, providing a competitive edge in the pursuit of the FTUAS program." Aerovel has teamed with AeroVironment -- the Army's biggest supplier of Group 1-sized UAS to compete for FTUAS. The Army released a request for proposals on Sept. 28 for a Group 2 or Group 3 UAS, seeking multiple suppliers to supply three complete systems that can perform a 96-hr. continuous surveillance orbit. Afterwards, the Army plans to select multiple aircraft to perform a two-year series of demonstrations. The data collected during that phase will inform requirements for a fleet acquisition program. About Silvus Technologies Privately held and headquartered in Los Angeles, Silvus Technologies develops advanced MIMO technologies that are reshaping broadband wireless connectivity for mission critical applications. Backed by an unmatched team of PhD scientists and design engineers, its technologies provide enhanced wireless data throughput, interference mitigation, improved range, mobility, and robustness to address the growing needs of its government and commercial customers. Sales and Media Inquiries: Kasey Cooper Silvus Technologies Phone: 310.479.3333 [email protected] SOURCE Silvus Technologies, Inc. Related Links www.silvustechnologies.com PORTLAND, Oregon, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Implementation of 5G, high adoption rate of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity, and rapid technological advancements in optical fiber cable network infrastructure would propel the growth of the global single-mode optical fiber market. Allied Market Research recently published a report, titled, "Global Single-mode Optical Fiber Market by Type (G.652, G.653, G.655, G.656 and G.657), Applications (Telecommunication & Networking, Data Centers, CATV, Factory Automation & Industrial Networking, Military and Others): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018-2025". The report provides detailed analyses of the top winning strategies, growth factors & opportunities, market size & estimations, major market segments, and competitive landscape. According to the report, the global single-mode optical fiber market was pegged at $3.02 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $6.81 billion by 2025, registering a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) High adoption rate of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity and emergence of the internet of things (IoT) drive the growth of the global single-mode optical fiber market. However, high installation cost and growth in wireless communication systems hinder the market growth. On the contrary, rapid technological advancements in the fiber optic cable technology, implementation of 5G, and increasing investments in optical fiber cable (OFC) network infrastructure are expected to create lucrative opportunities for the market players in near future. Request Sample Report at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/3018 G.652 type optical fiber segment to dominate the market through 2025 The G.652 type optical fiber segment held the largest share in 2017, contributing about 87% of the total market revenue, as they are majorly deployed in long-haul and metro-city networks. However, the G.657 type optical fiber segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 19.8% during the forecast period, as they offer remarkable bend performance for FTTX and enterprise network. The other segments analyzed in the report include G.653, G.655, and G.656 type single-mode optical modes. CATV application segment to manifest fastest growth through 2025 The CATV segment is projected to portray the fastest CAGR of 16.5% during the forecast period, owing to increase in broadband penetration and digitalization of CATV. However, the telecommunication & networking segment held the largest share, contributing about 59% of total market revenue, owing to rise in need for greater bandwidth and faster speed connections. The other segments considered in the scope of the study include data centers, factory automation & industrial networking, military, and others. Get Upto 25% Discount (valid till 31 Jan'19) For Purchase Enquiry: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/3018 Asia-Pacific region to retain lion's share through 2025 The single-mode optical fiber market in the Asia-Pacific region dominated the global market in terms of revenue in 2017, contributing more than two-thirds share, owing to rise in demand for internet, increase in industrialization, and surge in awareness about benefits of the technology across developing countries. However, North America is expected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period, owing to rise in investment in the defense sector and enhancement in security infrastructure. Key market players The report analyzes various leading major market players including CommScope, FiberHome, Furukawa Electronic Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., The Prysmian Group, Corning Inc., Fujikura Ltd., Nexans S.A., Cable Joint Stock Limited Company, Sterlite Technologies Ltd., and Yangtze Optical Fiber. Access KNOWLEDGE TREE (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/knowledgetree Knowledge tree is a cloud-based intelligence platform that offers more than 2,000 selective, off-the-shelf reports on niche markets to enable our clients gain deep insights on the latest trends, dynamic technologies, and emerging application areas. Similar Reports: Global Optical Fiber Market -Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018 - 2025 Content Delivery Network Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2017 - 2023 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 5933 NE Win Sivers Drive #205, Portland, OR 97220 United States USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285, +1-503-894-6022, +1-503-446-1141 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1(855)550-5975 [email protected] Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com SOURCE Allied Market Research SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE) has been named to Forbes' list of the "Best Employers for Diversity 2019" and also to the 2019 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, which distinguishes companies committed to transparency in gender reporting and advancing women's equality. "We're a stronger company because of our diversity and inclusion," said G. Joyce Rowland, senior vice president and chief culture officer for Sempra Energy. "The different perspectives and backgrounds of our employees, management team and board enable better decision-making as we strive to become North America's premier energy infrastructure company." Sempra Energy was ranked as the top utility by Forbes, and 20th overall out of 500 major U.S. companies and institutions from various sectors. This is the first time Sempra Energy has been recognized by Forbes on its "Best Employers for Diversity" list, which was introduced last year. Forbes' list was determined by results from an independent survey of 50,000 employees working for major companies in the U.S. Respondents were asked open-ended questions on a series of statements on the topics of age, gender equality, ethnicity, disability, LGBTQ+ and general diversity concerning their own employer. Diversity among top executives and board members at each company also was considered for the ranking. Sempra Energy was one of 14 utilities and a total of 230 companies recognized on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. This year, the index included companies from 10 sectors headquartered across 36 countries and regions. The Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index measures gender equality using a standardized reporting framework which offers public companies the opportunity to disclose information on how they promote gender equality across four separate areas: company statistics, policies, community engagement and products and services. Sempra Energy scored higher than the utility sector average in the areas of community engagement and gender employer statistics for the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. "We applaud Sempra Energy and the other 229 firms tracked by the index for their action to measure gender equality through the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index framework," said Peter T. Grauer, chairman of Bloomberg and founding chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "Sempra Energy's Gender-Equality Index inclusion is a strong indicator to its employees, investors and industry peers alike that it is leading by example to advance ongoing efforts for a truly inclusive workplace." Over the past five years, the number of women in officer and director roles at Sempra Energy has increased by 34 percent. Across the company, women make up 31 percent of the workforce, compared with the U.S. utility average of 25 percent, and 34 percent of management, compared with the U.S. utility average of 21 percent. Sempra Energy also is a leader in board diversity eight out of 14, or 57 percent, of the company's board of directors are women and/or people of color. Additionally, the Sempra Energy family of companies have programs dedicated to advancing supplier opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities, service-disabled veterans, and LGBT-owned business enterprises. Sempra Energy also supports a number of STEM programs with schools and nonprofits that focus on mentoring young women who are interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Sempra Energy and its subsidiaries offer a variety of programs to enhance diversity of thought and inclusivity in the workplace, including employee councils, a mentorship program, an annual Diversity & Inclusion Summit and supplier diversity programs. Jeffrey W. Martin, chairman and CEO of Sempra Energy, also is a participant of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Sempra Energy owns and operates natural gas and electric distribution utilities and is a major developer of North American energy infrastructure. Sempra Energy, a San Diego-based energy services holding company with 2017 revenues of more than $11 billion, is the utility holding company with the largest U.S. customer base. The Sempra Energy companies' approximately 20,000 employees serve more than 40 million consumers worldwide. Sempra South American Utilities, Sempra North American Infrastructure, Sempra LNG & Midstream, Sempra Renewables, Sempra Mexico, Sempra Texas Utility, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) and Infraestructura Energetica Nova, S.A.B. de C.V. (IEnova) are not the same companies as the California utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E) or Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas), and Sempra South American Utilities, Sempra North American Infrastructure, Sempra LNG & Midstream, Sempra Renewables, Sempra Mexico, Sempra Texas Utility, Oncor and IEnova are not regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. SOURCE Sempra Energy Related Links http://www.sempra.com Samantha was just honored at IAOTP's Annual Award Gala at the Plaza Hotel for the Top Artist of the Year Award. All honorees are invited to attend the IAOTP's annual award gala at the end of this year for a night to honor their achievements. www.iaotp.com/award-gala With over 10 years of experience as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, for High Risk OB/GYN, and over 15 years as an entrepreneur and artist, Samantha has certainly proven herself as an accomplished professional and a talent of many trades. As a dynamic, results-driven leader, Samantha has demonstrated success not only with her paintings but she has also utilized her interest and advocacy in micro-nutrients, which sparked her entrepreneurial side to start her own vitamin brand "Boo Blue" ( boobluecow.com ) while, using her art as the label and the brand. Samantha's artwork depicts her own battles with depression and physical traumas she has faced as a young adult. For Samantha, painting was her outlet and release of dealing with her physical and emotional pains. Being able to paint gave Samantha the courage and inspiration she needed in order for her to find art again. Recently in her career, Samantha has received awards, accolades and has been gaining worldwide recognition for her outstanding leadership and passion to the arts. For 2019, she will grace the front cover of TIP (Top Industry Professionals ) Magazine and was selected for the Empowered Woman of the Year Award by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). For 2018, she was selected as Top Artist of the Year and featured in EPN Magazine. Samantha recently traveled on a medical mission to a 3rd world village in Haiti called Belle Anse where she risked her safety in order to better the lives of the people in the village. Samantha said that trip fueled her inspiration and creativity to combine her passions of art and wellness into her everyday life. Watch Her Video For more information on Samantha please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-meserati-rdms-08bb7175/ Watch IAOTP Gala Contact: Stephanie Cirami, 212-634-4427 SOURCE IAOTP Related Links http://www.iaotp.com METAIRE, La., Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Richard J. Fernandez is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional Member in the field of Law for his role as Attorney at The Law Office of Richard J. Fernandez. The ultimate mission of The Law Office of Richard J. Fernandez is to provide excellent legal counsel to all people who have been injured at the hands of another while maintaining a warm, compassionate environment in which they can feel comfortable. They concentrate heavily on ensuring that their clients' rights are protected throughout their entire legal process, from opening negotiations all the way through to the end of their time in court. With several decades worth of experience in the Law industry, Mr. Fernandez has been representing injured people throughout Louisiana and the rest of the Gulf Coast Region since 1981. He has had a particularly great amount of success in the realms of Maritime injury, toxic torts, worker's compensation, and vehicular accidents. Although he is an accomplished attorney in a wide array of law fields, Mr. Fernandez's main expertise centers around Maritime Law and Personal Injury Law. Prior to entering the world of professional Law, Mr. Fernandez had a great deal of success in academia. Truly dedicated to garnering an education needed to become the elite attorney that he is today, he obtained both his BA and his MBA from Nicholls State University. He was then awarded his LL.M from Tulane Law School. Finally, Mr. Fernandez concluded his formal education by graduating cum laude from Southern University Law Center, where he garnered his J.D. In order to advance his professional development, Mr. Fernandez is affiliated with the Louisiana State Bar Association, American Bar Association, Jefferson Parrish Bar Association, Louisiana Association for Justice, American Association for Justice, Maritime Law Association of the United States, Federal Bar Association, and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys. For more information, visit www.rjfernandezlaw.com Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LA-based Rework Work, a rising force in the world of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) consulting, announced that its influential 25-minute video sequence, What is Unconscious Bias?, has reached three significant milestones: 1) Over 40,000 unique viewers on LinkedIn and nearly 250,000 total views; 2) Ongoing translation into multiple languages; and 3) Licensing by Virgin America/Alaska Air Group for showing as part of the airline's in-flight content offerings. For company CEO Stacey Gordon, these achievements mark a validation of Rework Work's solutions as well as a quickly growing market awareness of the critical need for D&I deficiencies to be addressed in organizations. The Top Problem Going into 2019, few businesses dispute that great imbalances remain in how minorities are handled throughout hiring and work processes. Many companies even survey their staff to assess the success of their D&I efforts. This generates a lot of data and therein lies the problem. "Management collects a lot of data," says Stacey Gordon, "but a lot of it may be inaccurate. After all, if you worry that management isn't going to like the truth, will you give it to them? So, management takes all this data, comes to inaccurate conclusions, and takes inappropriate actions or no actions at all. Because if the company is making money, there must be no problem, right?" The Rework Work methodology follows a nine-point system designed to break down D&I into manageable chunks. Target areas include reputation management, interviewing processes, compensation, onboarding methods, and skills building. At every step, Gordon and her colleagues examine all facets of company practices and look for ways to better integrate inclusion. For example, a company can't encourage employees to suggest change if there's an unwritten one-strike policy. Similarly, by teaching workers how to respect differences, people build trust and collaborate more effectively. Angela Anable, Chairperson, ATD-LA and Director of Training, Landmark Theatres, said, "Stacey's facilitation of Unconscious Bias is not only informative, but also challenging and provocative." "We tailor data to solutions," says Gordon. "We're not doing the same old D&I training where you trot out a 60-slide deck that rehashes all the definitions and ideas everybody already knows. There's no solution to be found in there. We complete the loop from data to outcome. Once people listen to us, they get it." From workshops in London to corporate training in the United States and virtual offerings that reach around the globe, Rework Work has impacted companies the world over. A Unique Perspective Rework Work is staffed by women and minorities. According to Gordon, this allows the consultancy to have conversations with employees that might not be comfortable or possible with conventional management. In effect, companies try to make good change from bad data. By knowing the right questions to ask and being a trusted independent third party with whom workers can relate, Rework Work collects more accurate demographic information. Such surveys also tend to reveal disparities in hiring practices, promoting practices, and day-to-day work evaluation. With this more informative, actionable data in hand, Rework Work meets with stakeholders and crafts policies and procedures that will lead to a fair environment with superior results for everyone involved. Beyond data gathering, analysis, and strategic advising, Rework Work also focuses on employee training. "Especially with women," says Gordon, "there is often a lack of confidence in asking for what they want. They may not even accept an opportunity when it's offered to them. Too often, an employer won't offer second chances. This can close off opportunities for other women and minorities, since the employer may come to feel that those groups won't accept such opportunities. We train those people to identify and appreciate their abilities and say yes." Media Inquiries, please contact: [email protected] SOURCE Rework Work Related Links http://www.reworkwork.com DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamSupport, the industry's top business to business (B2B) customer support software solution, announced today that Rahav Dor has joined the executive team as Chief Technology Officer. Dor, who has more than 20 years of technology leadership experience, is the third C-suite executive to join the company in recent weeks as the company continues to add top leadership talent to further grow the business. After a major investment by Level Equity, TeamSupport enters its second decade of continuous growth and the company is building up its leadership capabilities to take advantage of new marketplace opportunities in the B2B customer support industry. Dor joins the company's C-suite where he will drive the company's research and development, product scalability, security, hosting infrastructure, and other technology initiatives. "I come in with a clean slate, having a new perspective," said Dor, "and I aim to foster an environment of innovation where our engineering teams can focus on improving and expanding upon the business offering of TeamSupport. There is an opportunity to disrupt the industry with revolutionary ideas." "Rahav stood out as a technologist and we are incredibly pleased to welcome him to the team," said CEO Robert C. Johnson. "He has demonstrated an incredible ability to lead teams in multiple industries and has significant experience with cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and software engineering. Rahav has a proven track record of molding engineering teams to create products that drive real business results for their customers. He has always been an innovator and we are all looking forward to his technology leadership." Prior to joining, Dor served as CTO and CISO at Pieces Technologies, where he developed artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for healthcare. Before that, he was Vice President of Product Development at Global Velocity, where he developed a SaaS cyber security product. Dor earned two master's degrees in Computer Science and Computer Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis and is writing his Ph.D. dissertation on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain technologies. About TeamSupport TeamSupport was designed from the ground up by B2B support professionals, especially for mission critical organizations where customer relationships are imperative. The TeamSupport enterprise software solution offers an array of tools that make it simple for teams to work together, share information, and access their collective knowledge to solve customer challenges. TeamSupport makes it easier for support agents to resolve individual tickets while managing the overall customer relationship. Find out more at www.teamsupport.com. Contact: Emma Tiernon 260-458-4260 [email protected] SOURCE TeamSupport Related Links http://www.teamsupport.com CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Winston Salem, NC is on a roll! Listed by Forbes as one of the top 14 "Best Places to Travel" in 2019, it's also attracted a Charlotte-based business, Live Events Media Group, with plans to "wow" visitors as well as local businesses with state-of-the-art event production and audio visual services. After years of working together, Live Events Media Group recently acquired Sterling Audio Visual (Winston Salem) to bring world-class technical and artistic talent, equipment and organization to business meetings and conferences to the Winston Salem area. "With the steady growth of the Salem Winston business community, there is a greater need for sophisticated, streamlined events," explains Live Events Media Group owner, Tom Durban. "We make our clients look good from start to finish; and as a result, we continue to work together, year after year. Adding Sterling Audio Visual to the team allows us to bring that same "Wow" factor and high standards to clients in the Winston Salem area." Live Events Media Group expects to build long-term relationships in Winston Salem and the greater Triad with a client roster that includes local not-for-profits and charitable organizations as well as major corporate, political and social events. The expanded team in Winston Salem can handle event production of any size, as long as the goal is to knock it out of the park or bio-tech place camp, conference or retreat center. About Live Events Media Group: Live Events Media Group (LEMG) is one of the South's premier corporate event production and audio-visual experts. LEMG offers everything from site planning, event design, lighting, sound, video, projection, staging, decor, show producers and technicians. As a second-generation firm, we have decades of combined knowledge and experience. LEMG handles all aspects of planning and implementation for events; whether a conference, convention, trade show, corporate meeting or live event. https://liveeventsmg.com Seth Macchi Live Events Media Group O: 704.844.0121 C: 704.996.5216 [email protected] SOURCE Live Events Media Group Related Links https://liveeventsmg.com DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Perennials and Sutherland, LLC , leader in the international design industry and the preeminent provider of luxury furniture, performance textiles and accessories, has announced the launch of Perennials India, a modern manufacturing facility in the village of Manjusar, of Vadodara district, in Gujarat, India. Partnering with the U.S. India Chamber of Commerce, Perennials India (PI) located a 14,000+ square foot facility in the region, then expanded it to include a new 44,750 square foot space. The new facility ensures quality control and lead time management by housing PI weavers, looms, and operations personnel under one roof. Since 2013 Perennials Rugs has been a growing sector for the Perennials brand and continues to make waves in the luxury performance flooring industry. Perennials rugs combine the technology of 100% solution dyed acrylic fibers with the craftsmanship of artisan weavers. With a newand growingteam of 200+ local weavers, PI is able to increase rug output for the brand, as well as strike off output, while maintaining premier quality. Amol Biniwale, Managing Director, Perennials India, spearheads the on-site operations and development of the new facility. "Our new space will accommodate a total of 100-120 looms, resulting in a vertically integrated process that will increase efficiency and quality," says Biniwale. "We are also proud to provide the region with over 300 jobs in production, administration, and operations." On January 22, 2019 Perennials India will celebrate the facility's grand opening with the U.S. India Chamber of Commerce. In attendance will be Ann Sutherland, CEO of Perennials and Sutherland, LLC. "The relationship with the Chamber of Commerce has been exceptional every step of the way," says Sutherland. "Under the leadership of our own Chief Operations Officer Chris Morris, and of course Amol Biniwaleand with the Chamber's assistancewe are now weaving our own rugs, on our own looms, with our talented weavers, in just a year's time. This success is a result of truly seamless collaborative efforts." Perennials Fabrics and Rugs are available to interior designers and architects through fine showrooms and studios worldwide. About Perennials and Sutherland, LLC The Perennials and Sutherland, LLC companies are icons and acknowledged leaders in the international design industry. Chairman of the Board David Sutherland and CEO Ann Sutherland share an ingenious talent for creating the finest interior and exterior collections of luxury furniture, fabrics, rugs and accessories. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company is comprised of Sutherland Furniture, Perennials Luxury Performance Fabrics and David Sutherland Showrooms. Sutherland Furniture is a world leader in luxury outdoor furniture for modern lifestyles. The company has created the preeminent furniture brand through partnerships with the world's leading designers. View the full collections at sutherlandfurniture.com. David Sutherland Showrooms are full-service, multi-line showrooms which serve the professional design market across the world. David Sutherland Showrooms and Sutherland Perennials Studios are located in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Dania, London, San Francisco, Atlanta, Laguna Niguel, Seattle, Scottsdale, Santa Fe, Denver, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Paris, Munich, and Mexico City. For more information, visit davidsutherlandshowroom.com. Perennials Fabrics is recognized by interior designers and high-end retail customers as the leader in luxury performance fabrics. Perennials Fabrics and Perennials Luxury Performance Rugs combine the look and feel of high-quality, natural materials with the superior performance properties of their genuine 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber technology. View the full collections at perennialsfabrics.com. SOURCE Perennials and Sutherland, LLC Related Links http://www.perennialsandsutherland.com/ LANCASTER, Pa. and PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Securus Contact Systems (Securus), the leading virtual receptionist solution for small and medium service-based businesses, announced today that it has been acquired by PennSpring Capital (PennSpring). PennSpring is a progressive lower middle market private equity firm focused on companies with strong foundations and proven leadership, excelling within sizeable industries typified by high fragmentation. PennSpring has now made six investments in the last six months, including three majority investments. "The virtual receptionist vertical, and call center market in general, present a strong consolidation opportunity and not just of similar businesses but of complementary technologies as well," said Lou Castelli, Managing Partner of PennSpring Capital. "We are fortunate to partner with the dynamic leadership team of Securus Contact Systems; this Founder duo who will remain at the helm and their professional, polished staff of 120 full-time employees represent the industry gold standard for both technological innovation and old-world customer service. "On the strength of the award-winning Securus platform, PennSpring is actively seeking to acquire companies accretive to this holding." Steven Lemma, Securus Co-Founder and CEO stated, "We have grown quickly in a few short years, and our trajectory improves each month. PennSpring's capital resources, sales acumen and M&A expertise are the keys we have sought to unlock the greater potential of Securus Contact Systems. In our partnership with PennSpring we have been able to maintain meaningful equity, providing us both immediate liquidity and a stake in the substantial upside we are confident we will create together." Added Securus Co-Founder and CTO Kris Drebin, "Often overlooked in the business services space is the role for, and value of, technology. With PennSpring we are already implementing a strategy to further evolve and augment our proprietary call handling software, increasing our competitive lead and delivering optimum customer satisfaction." The transaction closed on January 3, 2019. James Huber of Global Legal Law Firm provided legal counsel to Securus Contact Systems, and K&L Gates LLP provided legal counsel to PennSpring Capital. About Securus Contact Systems Founded in 2012 and based in Portland, Oregon, Securus Contact Systems leverages a proprietary software platform to provide elite virtual receptionist and call center services to customers nationwide. Securus is a market leader for service-based businesses who require 24/7 live representation, and small businesses without the infrastructure to support a receptionist or back-office call center. The company has been honored by the Portland Business Journal as one of the region's Fastest-Growing 100 Private Companies for three years running, and in 2018 was named to The Oregonian's list of Top Workplaces. Learn more at www.securuscontactsystems.com About PennSpring Capital PennSpring Capital unlocks liquidity, empowers growth and elevates executive careers. Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, PennSpring is a people-forward investment firm focused on lower middle market opportunities, investing in dynamic firms and helping evolve them to institutional scale. PennSpring's Partners are entrepreneurs with firsthand experience in growing and positioning businesses. PennSpring engages at a deep level and applies its experience to elevate its partners' businesses. Learn more at www.pennspring.com SOURCE PennSpring Capital Related Links http://www.pennspring.com MONROE, La., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Parents, students, and educators will join state and community leaders at a rally to celebrate school choice across Louisiana. The rally will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on January 24 at Our Lady of Fatima School in Monroe. The event coincides with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2019, which will feature more than 40,000 school choice events across all 50 states. "National School Choice Week is an ideal opportunity to showcase the wide array of school choice options available to Louisiana families," said Ann Duplessis, President of the Louisiana Federation for Children. Duplessis continued, "Whether the option is public charter schools, Louisiana Scholarship Program, Tuition Donation Credit Program, Supplemental Course Academy (formerly Course Choice) or traditional public schools; it is important that parents have the option to choose the best school for their children." The event is open to media and to the public. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com , or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek . SOURCE National School Choice Week Related Links http://schoolchoiceweek.com COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ten years after launching a first-of-its-kind effort to eliminate patient harm in children's hospitals in partnership with Ohio business leaders, the eight founding children's hospitals gathered in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium, the very spot where the effort was launched as a collaboration in Ohio in 2009. The effort has now expanded to more than 135 children's hospitals across North America and has transformed pediatric healthcare through its work. The eight Ohio children's hospitals Akron Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Dayton Children's, Mercy Health Children's Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital, ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital and UH/Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital took a risk 10 years ago in January of 2009, when their leaders decided to put aside competition, transparently share data and work together to eliminate serious safety events in their hospitals. The effort now known across the globe as the Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety had never been done before and was even described by Ohio hospital leaders as "herculean" in scope. In fact, the effort was so unique that it required an act of the State of Ohio to protect the peer review process and allow the hospitals to share learning and data in ways that drive change quickly and effectively. "It's highly likely that without the cooperation and support of the Ohio General Assembly, we would have been unable to overcome the legal barriers to transparently sharing our safety data," said Nick Lashutka, President and CEO, Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety (SPS). "We are incredibly fortunate that Ohio leaders shared our vision, understood the barriers that needed removed and took swift and appropriate action to do so." The SPS network's efforts have saved 10,206 children from serious harm and led to an estimated savings of more than $173 million, with consistent progress toward the goal of eliminating serious harm. The hospitals in the network share information and data regularly to learn best practices that are then spread across the network and shared publicly, along with results, on the network's website. Early efforts were led by the Ohio Business Roundtable, with foundational support from the Cardinal Health Foundation. Additional supporters of SPS have included American Electric Power, AK Steel, The George Gund Foundation, Humana, Interact for Health and Medical Mutual of Ohio. "SPS is about eliminating serious harm. Our goal is zero. Children's hospitals have a responsibility for the health and safety of all patients and employees, and SPS ensures we deliver on that commitment," said Michael Fisher, President & CEO, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Chair of SPS. "While nearly every hospital in our country has a program to improve safety, our network is unique because we share goals, data, and processes learning from each other every step of the way and amplifying our work in a way that cannot happen in a singular hospital. We are proud of our accomplishments so far, but until we get to zero, our work is never done." SPS is a network of more than 135 children's hospitals from the United States and Canada. SPS is funded in part by the federal Partnership for Patients program and the Cardinal Health Foundation. SOURCE Children's Hospitals' Solutions for Patient Safety Related Links https://www.solutionsforpatientsafety.org NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Stribling & Associates, a premier New York residential brokerage, today releases the second half 2018 townhouse sales report. The report, which covers 1-3 family home sales in Manhattan and Northwest Brooklyn, showcased a market with increasing inventory, an increase in contracts, but decline in sales as prices fell. "The townhouse market in Manhattan continued to struggle in the second half of 2018," said Garrett Derderian, Director of Data & Reporting at Stribling. "Each market, with the exception of Downtown Manhattan, saw a reduction in sales over the same period last year." The report highlighted 223 sales market-wide in the second half of 2018, 13% less than the prior year. "This is one of the greatest buyers' markets we have seen," Derderian reported. Despite the slowdown, the average sales price and median sales price both had slight increases, a result Derderian attributed to several high-priced outlier sales, sellers drastically reducing their asking prices, and a more robust market in Northwest Brooklyn where homes are more affordable. The Upper East Side, while recording an outsized 48% drop in the number of sales, noted significant price increases. The average sales price ballooned 59% to $13,437,900 while the median sales price grew 9% to $9,000,000, a result of two high-priced sales above $30 million. The same period last year saw no sales exceeding $20 million on the Upper East Side. To understand just how flexible sellers must be with pricing, Derderian pointed to the average discount for townhomes. "The average discount market-wide was 10%," he stated. "However, that number is largely due to a more competitive market in Northwest Brooklyn, where the discount was only 7%." According to the report, Northwest Brooklyn made up 63% of all townhouse sales in the second half of 2018, significantly influencing the overall figure. "In Manhattan alone, the average discount was 14%, twice that of Northwest Brooklyn," Derderian emphasized. Several neighborhoods showed even steeper reductions. On the Upper West Side, a prominent townhouse market, the average discount was 23%. In Downtown Manhattan, the average discount was 15%. "The Upper West Side saw the most negotiability. Even with the vast discounts, the number of sales declined 18% from one year ago," Derderian stressed. He pointed to contract activity for the most accurate picture of transactions that occurred within the second half of the year: "While we saw 32% more contracts signed than this time last year, prices were down considerably." The steepest price drops were in Midtown East, where the average price dropped 40% to $5,387,000 and the median price plunged 45% to $4,675,000. To showcase just how slow the market is, he said the average time it took these homes to enter contract increased 88% to 284 days. The slowest moving market was the Upper West Side, where homes spent an average of 347 days on the market. Every market in Manhattan saw the average time properties spent on the market increase, and each market averaged more than 200 days. The bright spot was Northwest Brooklyn, the only area where the number of days a property was marketed decreased. Here, total time on market was down 14% to 134 days. As to a look ahead, Derderian advised, "There is no question the housing market in New York City has slowed. Townhomes, often older and requiring more maintenance, are at a comparative disadvantage when comparing to new development condos at the same price point. Expect these price declines to continue as sellers adjust expectations to meet the market." Highlights from Stribling & Associates 2H 2018 Townhouse Report: There were 521 townhomes on the market, up 33% from one year ago There were 243 properties in contract, a 32% yearly increase There were 223 home sales, down 13% year-over-year The average listing price fell 17% to $8,416,078 The average sales price increased 13% to $5,035,552 The average sales price was 40% less than the average listing price The median listing price fell 16% to $5,249,000 The median sales price increased6% to $3,450,000 The median sales price was 34% less than the median listing price Total days on market increased 11% to 187 Listing dollar volume decreased 9% to $4.37 billion Sales volume decreased 2% to $1.12 billion Submarket Highlights: The Upper East Side average sales price increased 59% to $13,437,900 , and the median sale price grew 21% to $9,000,000 , and the median sale price grew 21% to Upper East Side saw recorded sales drop 48% The Upper West Side saw a 18% decrease in sales Upper West Side days on market increased 10% to 347 days, the most of any market Midtown East saw recorded sales drop 38% saw recorded sales drop 38% Midtown East days on market increased 88% to 284 days days on market increased 88% to 284 days Downtown had 44% more home sales but a median price drop of 8% to $7,975,000 Downtown had a 113% increase in contracts signed, but an 18% average price drop and 24% median price drop Upper Manhattan recorded 7% less contracts, but a median price increase of 6% to $2,950,000 recorded 7% less contracts, but a median price increase of 6% to Upper Manhattan days on market increased 24% to 201 days days on market increased 24% to 201 days Northwest Brooklyn saw a 14% decline in sales, but price increases across all metrics saw a 14% decline in sales, but price increases across all metrics Northwest Brooklyn homes averaged 134 days on the market, down 14% About Stribling & Associates Stribling & Associates, Ltd. is a premier residential real estate firm with over 300 agents throughout five locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City. As one of the most renowned brokerages in New York, Stribling uses its respected expertise in the current market to provide individualized services to both buyer and sellers. Stribling agents specialize in the sale of luxury townhouses and cooperative and condominium apartments. The company's philosophy is based on professional, personalized services coupled with exceptional knowledge of key residential market trends. Stribling Private Brokerage specializes in the discreet marketing of properties over $5 million and commands a prominent market share in that sector of Manhattan residential real estate. Through strategic partnerships with Miami's Cervera and international estate services firm Savills, Stribling's global reach extends to more than 700 offices worldwide. Press Contact: Ashley Murphy, Director of Public Relations [email protected] 646-675-5068 SOURCE Stribling & Associates Related Links http://www.stribling.com Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan speaks at the APPF-27. (Photo: VNA) Ngan, who is Chair of the 26th APPF Annual Meeting (APPF-26), made the appeal while addressing the 27th APPF Annual Meeting (APPF-27) that opened in Siem Reap, Cambodia, on January 15th. The APPF should further reform its organisation and enhance coordination and relations between legislative and executive channels of each regional country, she said. The Vietnamese top legislator stressed that the Hanoi Declaration adopted at the APPF-26 marked the 25-year development of the forum and opened up a new vision for parliamentary ties in Asia-Pacific by 2030. The document highlights efforts in accelerating trade liberalisation, narrowing development gaps between APPF member countries and promoting the implementation of international development commitments, especially the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), she added. APPF has successfully strengthened its partnership with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in an effort to materialise the wish of people in Asia-Pacific for a region of peace and development, reflecting a trend of the parliamentary diplomacy in a new development period, Ngan noted. The APPF-27 is taking place amidst complex developments of the global and regional situations, with such issues as trade tension, protectionism, unsettled hot spots, terrorism, cyber security, religious, racial and territorial conflicts, cross-border crimes, climate change, natural disasters, and diseases. These issues have posed serious challenges to regional stability, peace and security, as well as sustainable development of nations and peoples living standards. However, she said, the Asia-Pacific region has still maintained its growth pace and served as the driver of the global economy and the core factor in expanding multi-layer connectivity and enhancing partnership for the targets of peace, cooperation and sustainable development. Pursuing the targets of independence, self-reliance, dialogue and cooperation on the basis of international law and the United Nations Charter is the basic foundation to maintain peace, security and development, Ngan emphasised. Within the framework of the APPF-27, President of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin hosted a reception for representatives of delegations to the event. Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese NA Uong Chu Luu attended the meeting./. NEW YORK and WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The number of Fortune 500 companies with greater than 40 percent diversity has more than doubled from 69 to 145 since 2012, according to the "Missing Pieces Report: The 2018 Board Diversity Census of Women and Minorities on Fortune 500 Boards," a multiyear study published by the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD), in collaboration with Deloitte1. Fortune 500 board representation of women and minorities saw an all-time high at 34 percent (1,929 board seats), compared to 30.8 percent in 2016 (1,677 board seats). Total minority representation increased to 16.1 percent (912 board seats) from 12.8 percent in 2010, the first year Fortune 500 data was captured. Report findings point to the increase being driven by the Fortune 100 companies, which have 25 percent women and 38.6 percent women and minorities. The Fortune 500 companies lag behind with 22.5 percent women and 34 percent women and minorities. Though still a slow pace in relation to the rapidly shifting demographics in the U.S., the shift points towards greater diversity in America's boardrooms. Key findings for the Fortune 500 include: African American/Black women gained 32 seats in 2018, an increase of 26.2 percent from 2016. African American/Black men gained 26 seats in 2018, an increase of 8.5 percent from 2016. Hispanic/Latino men gained 21 seats in 2018, an increase of 14.3 percent from 2016. Hispanic/Latina women gained four seats in 2018, an increase of 9.8 percent from 2016. Asian/Pacific Islander men gained 25 seats in 2018, an increase of 20.3 percent from 2016. Asian/Pacific Islander women gained 17 seats, an increase of 38.6 percent from 2016. The study also showed that boards more frequently will pull from a pool of existing minority board members instead of bringing in new directors. African American/Black women and Hispanic/Latinas hold "recycle rates" the rate at which individuals serve on more than one board of 1.39 and 1.36, respectively. The recycle rate of many minority groups increased from 2016 to 2018. African American/Black men hold the highest recycle rate of any group, 1.41 whereas Caucasian/White men who have a recycle rate of 1.19. "The increase in boardroom diversity over the last two years is encouraging, but we must not overlook that Caucasian/White men still hold 66 percent of all Fortune 500 board seats and 91.1 percent of chairmanships on those boards. Not only is this unrepresentative of the country's current population, the more important issue is that we know from research that having a diverse board leads to better business results. This is a bottom-line issue," said Linda Akutagawa, chair for the Alliance for Board Diversity and president and CEO, LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). "We encourage corporate boards to continue to embrace the benefits of diverse board composition and further their efforts to match the changing demographics we are experiencing in this country today." The Fortune 100 in contrast is leading growth in the boardroom, outpacing the Fortune 500 with 38.6 percent of women and minorities holding board seats, compared with 34 percent in the Fortune 500. Other key findings for the Fortune 100 include: In 2018, 19.5 percent of board seats in the Fortune 100 were held by minorities, though that is still a larger percentage than in the Fortune 500 (16 percent). African American/Black women and Asian/Pacific Islander women achieved the largest increase in board seats: 44.8 percent (13 seats) and 30.8 percent (four seats), respectively. Caucasian/White men saw a decrease of 23 seats, a decrease of 3 percent. Regardless of race, the census found an overall decrease of the number of men on boards, at 1.2 percent (11 seats lost). The total number of companies with greater than 40 percent diversity increased from 33 companies in 2016 to 46 companies in 2018. With the benchmark ABD has set (40 percent women and/or minorities on boards by 2020), the Fortune 100 is leading in achieving that milestone. "More and more companies are realizing the significant benefits of having a diverse and highly-skilled board. The 2018 Missing Pieces Report demonstrates that while progress has been achieved, there is still much more work to do," said Deb DeHaas, vice chairman and national managing partner, Deloitte Center for Board Effectiveness. "Boards can optimize their diversity by taking intentional actions to expand the pool of women and minority candidates, including reaching out to a broader set of professional networks and considering candidates with a variety of skills, backgrounds, and experiences." To download the full report, "Missing Pieces Report: The 2018 Board Diversity Census of Women and Minorities on Fortune 500 Boards," which includes additional data on board diversity in the Fortune 100, Fortune 500 and a list of companies with the broadest diversity on their boards, please visit https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/center-for-board-effectiveness/articles/missing-pieces-fortune-500-board-diversity-study-2018.html and https://theabd.org/. Research Methodology The Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) and Deloitte utilized a census methodology for the 2018 Board Diversity Census. The Board Diversity Census counts Fortune 500 board directors to provide a measurement of the representation and progress of women and minorities in business leadership and to allow for comparable statistics based not on a discrete list of identical companies but on the Fortune-listed companies in the given years for which the census was conducted. The Board Diversity Census analyses are based on companies on the Fortune 500 list published in 2018. ABD examined Fortune 500 companies because they are recognized and serve as the most influential businesses in the United States, ranked by revenue each year. For the purposes of this study, extensive research was conducted to confirm the gender, race and ethnicity of board directors. To ascertain each company's total number of directors and board composition, Deloitte reviewed Securities and Exchange Commission annual filings submitted as of June 30, 2018, including the proxy statements and Form 10-K or Form 10-K/A. For insurance companies that do not submit annual filings to the SEC, Deloitte obtained information from the National Association of Insurance Companies (NAIC) regulatory database of annual statements submitted as of June 30, 2018. Fifteen certain data fields (e.g., board chair, lead director, committee chair) are not typically identifiable in filings from insurance companies. In addition, the annual shareholder meeting had to have occurred by June 30, 2018. If these two conditions were not met, Deloitte referred to the most recent filing that satisfied those parameters. For additional information on the research methodology, please reference the report's appendix. Additional quotes from members of the Alliance for Board Diversity: Catalyst, The ELC, HACR, LEAP, and Diversified Search "Diverse boards don't just happen. Smart leaders make them happen. Change can happen if done consciously and deliberately sponsoring highly qualified women and women of color, and committing to speaking up on their behalf," said Lorraine Hariton, president and CEO, Catalyst. "The Catalyst Women On Board initiative, for example, makes powerful connections and brings together women, sponsors and companies to create opportunities and increase diversity in the boardroom." "Diversity matters. A wide range of voices matters. Leadership matters. This isn't merely good business sense it's common sense," Dale E. Jones, president and CEO, Diversified Search; director, Northwestern Mutual. "We are encouraged by the growing number of women and minorities on Fortune 500 boards, but there is still a long way to go," said Cid Wilson, president and CEO of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR). "There are too few people of color serving on corporate boards, with Hispanic women board directors at extremely low numbers. Corporate boards must better reflect the growing diversity of their customers, employees and communities. Companies that champion board diversity are more likely to strengthen their brand, operating performance and ultimately valuations." "We are pleased by the increase in Asian/Pacific Islander (API) representation on corporate boards. APIs are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States with purchasing power of $986 billion in 2018, up 257 percent since 2000*," said Linda Akutagawa, chair for the Alliance for Board Diversity and president and CEO, LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). "There is a clear business case for bringing in more API directors for companies to benefit from diverse perspectives and have continued business growth." *API purchasing power was $986 billion in 2018, according to Nielsen's 2018 Asian American Consumer Report, Asian Americans: Digital Lives and Growing Influence "We are energized to learn that African American women are one of the two largest growing groups on boards as they represent an untapped leadership potential that corporations need to embrace," said Skip Spriggs, president and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council. "Learning that African Americans still hold the highest board recycle rates of all demographic groups is disappointing. This is not a talent issue, but an access issue since a wide pool of qualified African American candidates across all industries exists. Boards must cast a wider net and consider these experienced and skilled candidates for open board seats." About the Alliance for Board Diversity Founded in 2004, the Alliance for Board Diversity (ABD) is a collaboration of four leadership organizations: Catalyst, The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR), and LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics). Diversified Search, an executive search firm, is a founding partner of the alliance and serves as an advisor and facilitator. The ABD's mission is to enhance shareholder value in Fortune 500 companies by promoting inclusion of women and minorities on corporate boards. More information about ABD is available at www.theabd.org. About Catalyst Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world's most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with pioneering research, practical tools, and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership because progress for women is progress for everyone. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 5,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today's marketplace to make an impact that matters delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. About Diversified Search Diversified Search is the largest female-owned and -founded firm in the executive search industry, providing management advisory services focused on talent optimization and leadership. Additionally, of the top 50 executive search firms in the U.S., it is the only major firm with an African-American president & CEO. The firm has offices in nine U.S. cities and worldwide cross sector capabilities as the exclusive U.S. partner of AltoPartners, an international alliance of independent search firms with 60 offices in 38 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. In 2018, Diversified Search was ranked fifth in Forbes magazine's annual ranking of the best 250 executive search firms in the U.S. For more information, please visit http://www.diversifiedsearch.com/. About HACR Founded in 1986, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility (HACR) is one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the nation representing 14 national Hispanic organizations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Our mission is to advance the inclusion of Hispanics in Corporate America at a level commensurate with our economic contributions. To that end, HACR focuses on four areas of corporate social responsibility and market reciprocity: Employment, Procurement, Philanthropy, and Governance. For more information, please visit www.hacr.org. About LEAP (Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics) Founded in 1982, LEAP's mission is to achieve full participation and equality for Asian and Pacific Islanders through leadership, empowerment, and policy. LEAP works to meet its mission by: Developing people, Informing society and Empowering communities. LEAP is the only Asian and Pacific Islander organization dedicated to cultivating a robust pipeline of leaders by encouraging individuals to assume leadership positions at work and in the community, and ultimately, to become role models for future leaders. About The Executive Leadership Council The Executive Leadership Council, an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1986, is the pre-eminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards and in global enterprises. Comprised of more than 800 current and former black CEOs, board members and senior executives at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. 1 For this census, we measured the top companies by revenue as identified by our research cutoff date (for 2018, the research cutoff date was June 30, 2018). The census compares Fortune 100 or 500 results against results from prior censuses, not against a specific identified set of companies over time (in other words, the composition of the Fortune 100 and 500 groups changes over time, but the methodology to identify them does not). SOURCE Deloitte Related Links http://www.deloitte.com/us VANCOUVER, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (TSX: NDM; NYSE American: NAK) ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") announces that it has filed a preliminary short form base shelf prospectus with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada, other than Quebec, and a corresponding shelf registration statement on Form F-10 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the U.S./Canada Multijurisdictional Disclosure System. The base shelf prospectus and corresponding shelf registration statement, when made final or effective, will allow Northern Dynasty to offer up to US$50,000,000 of common shares, warrants, subscription receipts and units, or any combination thereof, from time to time over a 25-month period. The specific terms of any offering of securities will be set forth in a shelf prospectus supplement. The Company filed this base shelf prospectus to maintain financial flexibility but has no immediate intentions to undertake an offering. It remains our goal to re-partner the Pebble Project. The Company anticipates that it will file two Prospectus Supplements in connection with its recently completed private placement of Special Warrants for total aggregate offering proceeds of approximately C$8.4 million (US$6.3 million), as announced in its press releases of December 21, 2018 and December 28, 2018. The initial Prospectus Supplement will be filed to qualify the common shares (the "Common Shares") to be issued upon conversion of the Special Warrants on a one-for-one basis and without payment of any additional consideration. The Special Warrants will convert on the date that is six days following the filing of this initial Prospectus Supplement. The second Prospectus Supplement will be a U.S. focused Prospectus Supplement that will register the resales of the Common Shares issued to the U.S. Special Warrant investors in the United States. The shelf registration statement filed today with the SEC has not yet become effective. No securities may be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. Before purchasing the securities of the Company that may be offered by way of any prospectus supplement, you should read the base prospectus in the registration statement, together with the applicable prospectus supplement, and other documents the issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualifications under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. A copy of the preliminary short form base shelf prospectus can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov or may be obtained upon request from Northern Dynasty's Investor Relations Department, Suite 1500, 1040 West Georgia St., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 4H1 or to [email protected]. About Northern Dynasty Northern Dynasty is a mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, Canada. Northern Dynasty's principal asset, owned through its wholly-owned Alaska-based US subsidiary Pebble Limited Partnership, is a 100% interest in a contiguous block of 2,402 mineral claims in southwest Alaska, including the Pebble deposit. The Pebble Partnership is the proponent of the Pebble Project, an initiative to develop one of the world's most important mineral resources. For further details on Northern Dynasty and the Pebble Project, please visit the Company's website at www.northerndynastyminerals.com or contact Investor services at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. Review Canadian public filings at www.sedar.com and US public filings at www.sec.gov. Ronald W. Thiessen President & CEO Forward Looking Information and other Cautionary Factors. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address the qualification of the Special Warrants and, filing of the base shelf prospectus that the Company plans are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees of the Company's future performance. In addition, any statements made by the Company, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects in relation to the Pebble Project are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements should not be in any way construed as guarantees. For more information on the Company, Investors should review the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedar.com. SOURCE Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. Related Links www.northerndynastyminerals.com The survey revealed soft skills are most in demand by employers (by at least 65 percent), while quantitative skills and computer and technical skills were less so (47 percent and 50 percent, respectively). The top skills today's employers are looking for in candidates include: Listening skills (74 percent) Attention to detail and attentiveness (70 percent) Effective Communication (69 percent) Critical thinking (67 percent) Interpersonal skills (65 percent) Active learning/Learning new skills (65 percent) However, the majority of employers (73 percent) said it was very or somewhat difficult finding qualified candidates, and about one-third (34 percent) say schools have not properly prepared students for jobs. "These results show that we must not underestimate the power of the people factor in the workforce. Technology and automation will continue to change and replace jobs, but there are skills that cannot be automated, such as the ability to think critically or problem solve," said Michael Hansen, CEO of Cengage. "There is a need for more soft skills training, both in college and on the job, and today's learners and graduates must continue to hone their skills to stay ahead," Hansen continued. "The onus is on everyone students, colleges, employers and industry partners like Cengage to make learning more accessible, relevant and affordable." Students are not having an easy time either: 65 percent say finding a job is more difficult compared to their parents' generation. A quarter of students (25 percent) are worried that jobs will be replaced by technology; however, what worries them even more is having the skills needed for a job (77 percent). One in three students believe their education has not adequately prepared them for the workplace. "For candidates willing to hone their 'uniquely human skills,' there is opportunity," said Hansen. "While employers anticipate that computer and tech skills will be among the most coveted in the next five years, many human skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and the ability to learn new skills will remain important." For more information about the survey, please visit https://www.cengage.com/todays-learner/career-readiness#skillssurvey. About Cengage Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service. We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter. About the Survey Methodology Employer Survey: Conducted online from September 11-16, 2018, among 502 managers who have hired in the past 6 months and 150 HR decision-makers directly involved in hiring. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Student Survey: Conducted online from September 11-24, 2018, among a national sample of 1564 Students, with 1050 Current Students and 514 Former Students from community colleges, two-year and four-year colleges, vocational or technical schools, and graduate schools. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Media Contacts: Susan Aspey, Cengage 202-695-6012, [email protected] Kristina Massari, Cengage 203-965-8694, [email protected] SOURCE Cengage Related Links http://www.cengage.com DENVER, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey by Welltok, the leading consumer health SaaS company, validated that today's seniors are increasingly tech savvy, expect more from Medicare plans and are striving for total wellbeing. With over 60 million Americans projected to be covered by Medicare by 20201, it is critical for plans to understand and meet members' individual needs in a meaningful way to attract, retain and better manage this growing market. Welltok, which works with national and regional health plans, conducted a nationwide survey of 1,000 seniors age 65 and older to gather primary data on what seniors are looking for from their plans, how they want to be communicated with and their health priorities. Key findings of the newly released survey include: Why Seniors Would Switch Plans : Nearly six in 10 seniors said they would consider switching their current Medicare Advantage plan in the near future. Low out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage and in-network access to providers were cited as primary factors that could influence a plan change. Seniors also say it is important for their insurance provider to offer programs and resources that address their total health and wellbeing. Yet, roughly half feel that their current plan is not offering relevant or personalized support. : Nearly six in 10 seniors said they would consider switching their current Medicare Advantage plan in the near future. Low out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug coverage and in-network access to providers were cited as primary factors that could influence a plan change. Seniors also say it is important for their insurance provider to offer programs and resources that address their total health and wellbeing. Yet, roughly half feel that their current plan is not offering relevant or personalized support. 65 is the new 45: Seniors want to stay healthy and active as they age 88 percent say they feel healthier than their parents' generation and approximately four in five feel younger than their actual age. Seniors want to stay healthy and active as they age 88 percent say they feel healthier than their parents' generation and approximately four in five feel younger than their actual age. Seniors' New Definition of Health: To improve quality of life, seniors are adopting a new definition of health, which includes all aspects of health (physical, social, emotional and financial). They are most likely to say financial stability (94 percent), adequate sleep (91 percent), and positive relationships (90 percent) are most important for them to achieve and maintain. Managing stress, good nutrition and then maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity followed in importance. To improve quality of life, seniors are adopting a new definition of health, which includes all aspects of health (physical, social, emotional and financial). They are most likely to say financial stability (94 percent), adequate sleep (91 percent), and positive relationships (90 percent) are most important for them to achieve and maintain. Managing stress, good nutrition and then maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity followed in importance. How to Reach Seniors: The way seniors communicate is changing and plans need to track and honor preferences to be successful. Email emerged as the top way that seniors want to communicate with their health plan, especially among Medicare Advantage members (52 percent), followed by phone (automated voice or live agent) and regular mail. There is also growing interest in connecting digitally, including text messaging. "Seniors are the fastest growing population, and health plans will lose if they treat them as a homogenous population," said April Gill, vice president health plan market solutions for Welltok. "We analyze all types of data to understand and target seniors to drive health actions, including gathering insights and preferences directly from consumers themselves. Our Medicare acquisition and retentions solutions are designed to deliver the personalized experience that seniors not only want but expect from their plans." A full copy of the survey is available here. Also, register for a free webinar with Welltok and Gorman Health Group on February 12 at 1:30 2:15 pm ET for a deeper dive on the survey and the steps Medicare Advantage plans can take to support seniors at an individual level. About Welltok Welltok is a data-driven, enterprise SaaS company that delivers the healthcare industry's leading consumer activation platform. Welltok's solutions empower leading health plans, employers, providers and public entities to connect consumers with personalized health improvement resources, making it easy and rewarding for consumers to complete actions that optimize their health and wellbeing. Only Welltok leverages a machine-learning, multi-channel approach proven to help innovative organizations power growth and retention initiatives, improve healthcare value, and streamline the consumer experience, while upholding the highest security and compliance standards. Follow us on Twitter @Welltok.com. About the Study These are the findings from an Ipsos poll conducted October 31 November 1, 2018 on behalf of Welltok. For the survey, a sample of 1,004 adults ages 65 and over from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii was interviewed online, in English. In order to qualify for the survey, seniors had to be covered by Medicare. This includes 503 adults who currently have an original Medicare plan (Parts A/B through government) and 501 adults who have a Medicare Advantage Plan. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of 3.5 percentage points for all respondents. Media Contact Erica Sniad Morgenstern 415.697.3496 [email protected] 1 Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicare Enrollment, 1017-2035, https://www.kff.org/medicare/slide/medicare-enrollment-1970-2035/ SOURCE Welltok RIDGEFIELD, N.J., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- General Devices (GD) and Sonim Technologies have announced that AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, N.J. has purchased the GD e-Bridge Mobile Telemedicine solution along with the Sonim XP8 ultra-rugged smartphone for their emergency medical service (EMS) paramedic units. Together these robust technologies will allow medics to initiate team communications and case metrics that facilitate acute care workflow and process improvements. This can reduce the patient's time to treatment, improve patient outcomes, and save lives. In the case of a stroke, for every minute that passes, about two million brain cells are lost, so time is of the essence. With just a few simple clicks using the GD e-Bridge app on the Sonim phone, paramedics can quickly capture and pass critical information to emergency department (ED) physicians at the hospital which then enables them to call the code stroke alert sooner. This engages the hospital teams to speed care and streamline workflow to more quickly get a CT scan and ultimately clear the clot soon after the ambulance arrives. They can even do video telemedicine consults from the field with a neurologist directly. An added benefit is that the EMS crew can still be in the loop after they deliver the patient and obtain the outcome information and feedback needed for continuous quality improvement of the care they provide. AtlantiCare, already a longtime customer of GD, uses the GD CAREpoint Workstation in the emergency department for communication with ambulances. The new team communication capability is complementary and integrates into hospital workflows. "AtlantiCare looked at various devices and software solutions and ultimately selected GD e-Bridge and the Sonim XP8, which are the best of the best for their robustness, configurability, and ease of use," said Jim Nejmeh, GD's VP of Technical and Support Services. "Nurses, physicians, and care teams from the ED all the way to neurology and interventional labs implement e-Bridge on their mobile devices to reduce time to assessment and treatment for stroke patients brought in by EMS or on their own." "Helping emergency staff collaborate and communicate is critical to smarter patient care. The XP8/e-Bridge solution streamlines team communication and collaboration from beginning to end," said Sonim Technologies CEO Bob Plaschke. "Sonim and GD are united in this regard. We're honored to have been chosen by AtlantiCare and are proud to serve those who serve us." AtlantiCare's initial use case is stroke treatment, but the solution will be expanded to other time sensitive acute care cases like STEMI heart attacks, trauma, sepsis, and even help address the opioid crisis and navigate mental health patients as well. "We are extremely proud to be partnered with both AtlantiCare and Sonim Technologies. Together, we will provide the best communications, information, and documentation to make emergency patient care simply smarter reducing risk and costs while improving outcomes. That's what we call Responsive Innovation," adds Bashford. About Sonim Sonim Technologies is the only US manufacturer of mission-critical smart phone-based solutions designed specifically for workers in extreme, hazardous, and isolated environments. The Sonim solution includes ultra-rugged mobile phones, business-process applications, and a suite of industrial-grade accessories which are collectively designed to increase worker productivity, accountability, and safety on the job site. Please visit sonimtech.com. About GD GD enables smarter patient care by empowering hospitals, EMS, community healthcare and public safety with the most comprehensive, interactive, configurable, affordable, and integrated FDA listed medical communication and mobile telemedicine solutions. The benefits of which are enhanced workflows, minimized risk, reduced costs and improved patient outcomes. Learn more at www.general-devices.com SOURCE Sonim Technologies Related Links http://www.sonimtech.com WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Seventy-seven percent (77%) of people say they recognize paid search ads, according to new survey data from Clutch, the leading B2B research, ratings, and reviews company. People use search engines to find answers to questions and often click paid search ads that respond to their search queries. More than three-quarters of internet users are confident in their ability to recognize when a search engine listing is an add, according to new research from Clutch. Baby Boomers are most likely to click paid search ads that mention a familiar brand, according to new search marketing survey data from Clutch. One-third (33%) of people click a search ad because it directly answers their search query, compared to those who click a search ad because it mentions a familiar brand (26%) or is listed above other search results (20%). To engage potential customers through search, businesses should invest in pay-per-click (PPC) advertising and organic SEO services. Use Branded Search Ads to Engage Baby Boomers The main reasons why people click on paid search ads vary by age. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of baby boomers (ages 55+) click a paid search ad because it mentions a recognizable brand. Familiar brands appeal to older generations that may not trust paid search ads as much as traditional advertising. "Older audiences are generally more skeptical of the internet," said Natalia Wulfe, head of marketing for Effective Spend , a PPC and SEO agency in Austin, Texas. "It makes sense that they approach a search results page with caution and skepticism." Baby boomers (13%) also are the least likely to click on a search ad because it's listed above other search results. Younger generations millennials (ages 18-35) and Gen Xers (ages 35-54) are most likely to click on paid search ads that answer their search queries directly. Businesses can optimize their PPC advertising to engage customers based on search preferences and habits. For example, businesses can bid lower on keywords that aim to engage baby boomers because this generation is less concerned about where an ad ranks on a search engine results page. Format Paid Search Ads Based on People's Preferred Search Engines The search engines people use affect the search ads they are most likely to click. Google users, for example, click on ads that answer their search queries (36%) and are listed above other search results (24%). One-third (33%) of Amazon and YouTube users, on the other hand, engage with ads that mention a familiar brand. Invest in Organic SEO Services and PPC Advertising Businesses can use data from their PPC campaigns to inform which organic SEO services they invest in. SEO services provide long-term benefits for businesses without the explicit costs of PPC advertising. Two SEO efforts that benefit from PPC advertising data are: Meta Tag Optimization : Include keywords from search ads people click on the most to drive engagement with organic search listings. : Include keywords from search ads people click on the most to drive engagement with organic search listings. Content Creation: Feature content on business websites that addresses topics people click on the most in search ads. Clutch surveyed 506 people who clicked on a paid search advertisement in the past month. Read the full report here: https://clutch.co/seo-firms/resources/approach-search-marketing-ppc-advertising-seo-services . For questions about the survey, a comment on the findings, or an introduction to the report's expert sources, contact Grayson Kemper at [email protected]. About Clutch A B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC, Clutch connects small and medium businesses with the best-fit agencies, software, or consultants they need to tackle business challenges together and with confidence. Clutch's methodology compares business service providers and software in a specific market based on verified client reviews, services offered, work quality, and market presence. Contact Grayson Kemper [email protected] (202) 470-0491 SOURCE Clutch FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT) announced today it will continue supporting the Navy's outside contiguous United States (OCONUS) Naval Enterprise Network (ONE-Net) through a new contract extension. The U.S. Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) San Diego, California recently awarded the ONE-Net contract extension of $78 million to CSRA LLC, a managed affiliate of GDIT. The single-award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract includes a one-year base period with one four-and-a-half month option. It holds a total estimated value of up to $160 million if all options are exercised through May 2020. "GDIT's ONE-Net solution supports 47,000 warfighters globally with next-generation technology and services," said Senior Vice President Leigh Palmer, head of GDIT's Defense Division. "This award shows GDIT's continued dedication to the Navy's OCONUS network and our ability to deliver impressive results for our customers." The ONE-Net contract will continue IT services during the transition from the ONE-Net contract to the proposed Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) re-compete family of contracts in support of the Naval Enterprise Networks program office. Through ONE-Net, GDIT provides core IT services for OCONUS Navy commands and claimants, including Non-classified Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet) and Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) access, network connectivity and security, mobile access and desktop support. GDIT's ONE-Net team provides uninterrupted support to 54 overseas sites and spans across ten countries, including Bahrain, Greece, Italy, Japan, Korea, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Spain, and the U.A.E., plus Guam. The critical customer base is operationally focused in a forward-deployed environment, with a multitude of senior naval flag officer staffs, including Commander Naval Forces Central Command/Fifth Fleet, Marine Corps Forces Central Command, Commander Allied Joint Forces/Naval Forces Europe/Naval Forces Africa, Commander 6th Fleet, Commander 7th Fleet, and Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea. For more information about General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), please visit www.gdit.com. SOURCE General Dynamics Information Technology Related Links http://www.gdit.com WASHINGTON and NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. college students from Latin America, as well as both Latino and non-Latino students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, are eligible for two new scholarship programs created through a unique partnership between MPOWER Financing and La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF). MPOWER Financing, a certified B Corporation (social enterprise), is the leading U.S. provider of education loans to international and DACA students. LULF propels students dedicated to advancing the Latino community from high school to college graduation and beyond. These two new scholarship programs La Unidad Latina/MPOWERING Estudiantes Latinoamericanos and La Unidad Latina/MPOWERING DACA Students will support students who demonstrate the highest potential to advocate for and empower other DACA recipients or marginalized communities in their home countries or within the U.S. Latino community. The MPOWER-LULF partnership grew out of a shared passion for supporting high-potential international and DACA students and expanding access to higher education. MPOWER CEO and Co-founder Manu Smadja's was inspired to start his company after he received a request from a fellow member of a University of Virginia (UVA) Latino alumni association for a small personal loan for a tuition payment to complete his degree. "I thought it was so unfortunate that this talented young guy, who is now a successful engineer, could not graduate on time or at all because of financial issues," said Smadja. "It also occurred to me that he was not the only who had to compromise education and a bright future for just a few hundred dollars. I sent him the money and then decided to start MPOWER." The partnership with LULF was a "no-brainer," according to Smadja. "LULF is at the forefront of the movement to eliminate financial barriers to higher education for Latinos, first-generation college students, and others in need," he said. LULF's Chairman, Julio Casado, concurs. "When Manu first shared with me the mission of MPOWER, I knew one day we would work together," he said. "The story of its founding is the story of so many of our students, and it is my story too. These scholarships will help more students overcome financial obstacles and achieve their dreams. We are excited to stand with MPOWER on this important initiative." The emphasis on DACA students reflects MPOWER and LULF's engagement with this underserved population. MPOWER has made loans to DACA students at 16 universities and is working to increase its outreach to this community. "DACA students face a lot of hurdles," Smadja said. "They're not eligible for federal loans, and their parents typically have limited access to bank loans because they lack the credit history or income to qualify. We've assisted DACA students through our core lending product, which does not require collateral or a co-signer. We also include them in our existing Global Citizen Scholarship Program, but we wanted to create a unique scholarship program just for them in partnership with LULF." LULF has awarded scholarships irrespective of immigration status since its inception. In 2015, LULF permanently designated a scholarship for DACA students to support their fight for higher education and their place in America, their home. Since that time, LULF has awarded over $20,000 in scholarships to DACA students and hopes to significantly increase that number through its partnership with MPOWER. The MPOWER-LULF partnership is part of a broader social impact strategy supported by a generous grant from Gray Matters Capital , a social impact investment firm and current investor in MPOWER. About MPOWER Financing MPOWER Financing , headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with offices in New York City and Bangalore, India, is a mission-driven fintech company and provider of global educational loans. It is the only student lender in the world that leverages both overseas and U.S. credit data, as well as future earning potential, to serve high-promise international and DACA students. MPOWER Financing works with more than 200 top universities and colleges across the nation to provide financing to students from over 200 countries. Since 2014, it has received close to $1B in loan application volume on its platform. MPOWER Financing helps students build their credit histories and provides them with personal finance education and career support to help prepare for life after college. The team is backed by Gray Matters Capital, Breega, Potencia Ventures, Zephyr Management, Goal Structured Solutions, 1776, Village Capital, VARIV, DreamIt, Fresco, Chilango, K Street and University Ventures, as well as funds managed by Lloyd Crescendo Advisors and Community Investment Management. About La Unidad Latina Foundation La Unidad Latina Foundation (LULF) is a community of socially conscious college graduates dedicated to the advancement of the Latino community nationwide. Its college access and scholarship programs propel students from high school to college graduation. LULF believes ensuring the future success of its students will ensure the success of all the United States of America. Since 2014, LULF has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships and helped nearly 150 students gain admission to top colleges and universities nationwide. Media Contact: Yasmin Lalani MPOWER Financing 202-417-3800 [email protected] SOURCE MPOWER Financing Related Links http://www.mpowerfinancing.com "With plentiful offerings that will rejuvenate mind, body and soul, Monterey County is the ultimate destination for travelers to disconnect and focus on themselves in the New Year," says Rob O'Keefe, Chief Marketing Officer for the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "From spas and meditation studios to hiking trails and literary sites, travelers will surely be relaxed and revitalized after a trip to Monterey County." Below are some ideas for the perfect new you escape to Monterey County: The newest luxury resort in Marina, The Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resort leaves guests feeling refreshed and inspired with their range of custom treatments focusing on body care and total wellness. For ultimate pampering time, guests can indulge in the unique Salt Wood Spa RX treatment, a sea salt exfoliation using seasonally inspired salt blends to aid the body in releasing toxins while unveiling a healthy glow. For head to toe relaxation, The Spa at Sanctuary Beach Resort offers the Pacific Ocean Body Treatment - a basalt stone face massage, mineral rich seaweed body mask and a full body massage. To further cultivate and elevate well-being, consciousness and kindness, visit Monterey Bay Meditation Studio for a variety of movement, nature and relational meditation sessions, retreats and courses. Sessions are held on the beach, in the forest, by the river, and in meadows throughout Monterey County, as well as in their ocean-view studio in Pacific Grove. In 2019, the studio will be offering a Conscious Living Series, which includes several courses focusing on different aspects of incorporating mindfulness into daily life. Among the rolling hills and sun-dappled vineyards of Carmel Valley, the Spa at Bernardus Lodge offers a variety of unique experiences for rejuvenation, inspiration and indulgence. With seasonal body treatments focusing on the solstices and equinoxes, the experiences integrate celestial reminders to take time for ourselves; reflect on the past, renew for the future and optimize balance. Find inner peace at Refuge in Carmel America's first co-ed outdoor relaxation spa. This sanctuary is a wellness paradise offering the ultimate in relaxation through a three-step thermal cycle featuring a cedar sauna with Himalayan salt walls, eucalyptus infused steam rooms, cold plunges, and warm pools with thermal waterfalls. Repeated use of Refuge's thermal cycle soothes aches and pains, speeds up metabolism, and enhances muscle recuperation the perfect recipe for a new you. More than 50 years ago, the Esalen Institute was founded as a retreat and educational center focused on creating a space where people could explore holistic approaches to wellness and personal transformation. Esalen attracts a worldwide network of teachers and seekers who look beyond dogma to explore deeper spiritual possibilities; forge new understandings of self and society; and pioneer new paths for change. Located in Big Sur, visitors can enjoy a plethora of experiences from moonlit baths in natural hot springs to unique forms of massage that focus on energy exchange and psychological well-being. To expand the mind in the New Year, don't miss out on some of Monterey's most notable literary sites including the National Steinbeck Center in downtown Salinas, Robinson Jeffers' Tor House in charming Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Henry Miller Library in majestic Big Sur. Visitors looking to reconnect with nature will discover the exquisite beauty of Monterey County's great outdoors. Take a stroll or bike ride along the 18-mile scenic stretch of the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail from Castroville (also known as the "Artichoke Capital of the World") in the North, to Pacific Grove in the South. Picnic on the white sands of Carmel Beach, hike through Fort Ord National Monument or explore Pebble Beach's gentle tide pools. Learn how to unplug and discover mindfulness in beautiful Monterey County by uncovering incredible, life changing, and enriching experiences. Additionally, Monterey County has become one of the country's leaders in sustainable travel while offering unforgettable moments. Visitors are asked to practice responsible travel that will help minimize negative impacts to the environment, and preserve the cultural and natural resources of the destination. Visit responsibly and preserve the wonder of Monterey County on the beautiful California Central Coast in the New Year, and for years to come. ABOUT MONTEREY COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU The Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCCVB) is a 501c6 non-profit destination marketing organization that drives tourism for Monterey County as a premier destination to leisure and business travelers. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the County. MCCVB is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that drives business growth through compelling marketing and targeted sales initiatives that maximize the benefits of tourism to our guests, members and the community. Travel spending in Monterey County was $2.85 billion in 2017, representing a 3.5 percent increase from 2016. Visitor spending supported 24,990 jobs, contributed $255 million in total taxes and generated $127 million local tax dollars that directly benefited the community. CONTACT: Jessica Lessard, Monterey County CVB (831) 657-6413, [email protected] SOURCE Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau Related Links http://www.seemonterey.com IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2019 Mazda CX-5 compact crossover SUV and 2019 Mazda CX-9 three-row crossover SUV have been named two of Car and Driver magazine's 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2019. This is the second straight Best Compact SUV honor for the Mazda CX-5, and third consecutive Best Mid-Size SUV crowning for the Mazda CX-9. Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 Once Again Awarded Two Spots on Car and Drivers 10Best Trucks and SUVs List Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 Once Again Awarded Two Spots on Car and Drivers 10Best Trucks and SUVs List Both SUVs distinguished themselves amongst the competition, while also exceeding expectations with their value. The Mazda CX-5 and CX-9 demonstrated the qualities of a 10Best winner by delivering visceral driving experiences, excellent fuel efficiency, sophisticated design and refined craftsmanship. Car and Driver noted that, "The Mazda CX-5 provides luxury-grade interior refinement at solidly nonluxury prices; ride and handling that feel sized up from a Miata, rather than dumbed down for mass-market appeal; and an exterior that bucks the boxy conventions of its segment in favor of something significantly more elegant. But most of all, there's the sense that the CX-5 was designed for people like uspeople who love to drive." The Mazda CX-9 was also praised by Car and Driver for standing out in its class by providing exceptional driving dynamics with a refined interior and design. "Nothing in this class can match the CX-9's dynamic competence. It's not even close, friends. If you need a three-row SUV, you will not find a better-driving, more satisfying one than the Mazda CX-9. Period. Take a gander at the flowing curves and taut lines of the CX-9. Inspect its tasteful adornment. Inside, you will find one of the most handsome arrangements of materials in the segment. A mass-market family vehicle needn't look and feel like a plastic storage bin. And you need not pilot a rudderless barge down the shipping lanes of middle age." The Mazda CX-5 raises the bar in 2019 by adding two new, more luxurious top-tier trim levels with Grand Touring Reserve and Signature. The 2019 Mazda CX-5 refines the powertrain lineup with the addition of the turbocharged four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine and an enhanced focus on the chassis featuring the latest technologies with G-Vectoring Control Plus. It also hosts advanced features that help improve on the vehicle's comfort, convenience and safety. The 360 View Monitor and the 7-inch, full-color touchscreen display with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilities are among the new features available on the 2019 model. The 2019 Mazda CX-9 also introduces new features and refinements to benefit drivers and passengers in all three rows. The Mazda CX-9 has a retuned suspension that provides a smoother, more natural ride experience. Greater sound suppression was achieved by way of a thicker headliner and thicker floor mats, which aid in ease of conversation and enjoyment. The flagship three-row SUV is now available with a 360 View Monitor, ventilated front seated, new, power-folding mirrors and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilities. Car and Driver's 10Best accolade is one of the most sought-after awards in the automotive industry. For eligibility, vehicles must be a returning winner, all-new or significantly revised with a base price of $90,000 or less. Vehicles are judged on their class, value and driving experience. Most recently, the 2019 MX-5 Miata was named as one of Car and Driver's 10Best Cars. For the 18th year in a row, the MX-5 Miata has taken top honors on this renowned list for punching above its weight class and exemplifying the ideal roadster with value, excellent driving dynamics and a timeless design. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 700 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom. Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA. Contact: Tim Olson, Mazda North American Operations, 949-727-6651 Justin Pagtalunan, Mazda Information Bureau, 714-913-9829 SOURCE Mazda North American Operations Related Links http://www.mazdausa.com MORGAN HILL, Calif., Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Marialorena Relos is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Law in recognition of her role as an Attorney at The Heritage Law Group. A full service estate plan preparation law firm, The Heritage Law Group has committed its practice to providing their clients with quality legal services. With over twelve years of experience in the field of Law, Marialorena Relos has established herself as a trusted name in the legal profession. Opening her own business at the young age of nineteen, consulting start-ups throughout the Silicon Valley, Ms. Relos has assisted entrepreneurs in launching their start-ups by setting up their accounting, establishing their business structure, organizing their operations, working with attorneys to form the specific legal entities, assisting in obtaining financing, creating their business and human resource protocols, and finding local talent. Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Relos has attained extensive experience in the areas of business and intellectual property law, real estate law, and estate planning. In her current capacity, Ms. Relos also provides full-service estate plan preparation, including estate tax avoidance for high income and high-net-worth clients, probate and trust administration, conservatorship services, uncontested guardianship matters, elder law advice, assisting families with children with special needs, and children trusts. While pursuing her educational endeavors, Ms. Relos attended the Santa Clara University School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree with a Certificate in International Law. A Certified Legal Researcher in Westlaw and Lexis, thereafter, Ms. Relos would go on to receive her summer tutorial at Oxford University-Magdalen College where she earned her LLM in Intellectual Property. To further enhance her professional development, Ms. Relos is an esteemed member of several influential organizations including the California Apartment Association - Compliance Committee Member, State Bar of California, Santa Clara County Bar Association - Real Property Section, National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, and American Bar Association. In recognition of her professional accolades, Ms. Relos was named by Expert Network as a Distinguished Lawyer for the Top 3% of Lawyers in the U.S. Ms. Relos was also inducted as a Lawyers of Distinction Member since 2017. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com Since the legalization of recreational cannabis in California on July 4 th , 2018, the market has exploded with new and unique cannabis products, providing customers with a rapidly expanding selection, including but not limited to, vapes, edible products and multiple cannabidiol (THC) (CBD)-infused goods. Although the variety provides greater product selection for customers, it can be difficult to navigate for some. As stigma fades, "baby-boomers" are exploring alternative wellness and therapeutic options to treat age related conditions, such as sleeplessness, anxiety, joint pain, and other ailments, with the purpose of improving overall function and quality of life. Starting on January 23, 2019, our dispensary in Desert Hot Springs will offer free, semi-monthly information sessions. Each session will include 30 minutes of information on therapeutic cannabis treatments for a variety of health conditions, 30 minutes of a host-vendor demonstration, ending with a 30 minute comprehensive tour of the sales floor. January 23rd Joint Relief - Product Specialist from Dompen and Papa & Barkley will attend to demonstrate their products to alleviate arthritic conditions. February 6th Back to Basics - Product Specialists from Heavy Hitters on the benefits of vaping for relief of back pain and Cannariginals on treating centralized pain with emu oil and tinctures. February 20th Stimulate - Product Specialists from Bakked and Flourish Gummies to aid in the increase of appetite for nutrition, control of nausea and pain management for those living with the effects of cancer treatment. March 6th Memory Improvement - Product Specialist Henry's Original, CBD & THC as neuroprotectors. For upcoming classes, visit www.greenleafwellnessdhs.com ABOUT LIHT CANNABIS CORP. www.lihtcannabis.com Liht Cannabis Corp. is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Liht has rapidly expanded to include cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide. SOCIAL MEDIA: twitter.com facebook.com STOCK EXCHANGES: Liht trades in Canada, ticker symbol LIHT on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol LIHTF on the OTCQX. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider, nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Liht owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that Liht's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations. Liht's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements. Copies of licenses are posted on Liht's website. Liht has internal compliance procedures in place and has compliance focused attorneys engaged in jurisdictions to monitor changes in laws for compliance with US federal and state law on an ongoing basis. These law firms inform any necessary changes to our policies and procedures for compliance in Canada and the US. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which includes, the expected outcomes of its business, and other matters. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur. Forward-looking statement are necessarily based upon a number of factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances or achievements express or implied by such statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, present and future business strategies, the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: that laws and regulations may become more onerous; the ability of the Company to obtain necessary financing; the economy generally; the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospectus and opportunities; changes in and the effect of government policies; demand for products; competition; anticipated and unanticipated costs; reliance on management; claims and legal proceedings; conflicts of interest; and market price and volatility of the Common Shares. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, technology failures, failure to obtain a license from Health Canada or from other government agencies, failure to develop new and innovative products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include, litigation, global economic climate, loss of key employees and consultants, additional funding requirements, changes in laws, competition, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, nor approved the contents of this news release. SOURCE Liht Cannabis Corporation Related Links https://lihtcannabis.com/ NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- LendIt Fintech , the world's leading conference series dedicated to financial services innovation, today released its comprehensive white paper on SMB banking. With nearly 30 million small-to-medium-sized businesses in the US alone, banks and fintechs are translating years of experience with consumer banking innovation into a growing focus on SMBs. The LendIt Fintech study examines how banking products are being tailored to these customers, and how competitors are adjusting to increase market share. "Innovation in SMB banking covers lending, payments, cash management, accounting, budgeting, and more," notes LendIt Fintech CEO Bo Brustkern. "We are seeing greater adoption of mobile apps and artificial intelligence, bringing a shift in focus from simple banking transactions to more sophisticated and automated financial guidance. We're excited to share our findings with the entire fintech community, as well as our predictions for the coming years." LendIt Fintech interviewed a number of executives at leading firms, among them American Express, Inclusiv, Independent Community Bankers of America, Jack Henry & Associates, and Lendistry. The paper also analyzes product launches and partnerships from scores of global financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo; regional, community and digital banks such as Popular Bank and Starling Bank; and fintech companies including PayPal, Intuit, and Kabbage. Speaking to LendIt Fintech, Kevin Tweddle, Chief Innovation Officer at the Independent Community Bankers of America, said "Until now, the cadence of SMB banking innovation has been slower than in retail. This is all about to change...One question is 'can you completely digitize trust?' That will be an ongoing debate." To download the 22-page white paper, click here . About LendIt Fintech LendIt Fintech is the world's largest event series dedicated to connecting the entire fintech community, including the lending, digital banking and blockchain segments. Our conferences bring together leading fintech innovators, banks, investors, enterprise technology platforms, and service providers to share the latest trends and facilitate networking. LendIt Fintech hosts three conferences annually: LendIt Fintech USA, LendIt Fintech Europe, and LendIt Fintech China, and dozens of complementary online and in-person events. LendIt also owns and operates one of the world's leading industry educational channels, Lend Academy. For more information, please visit www.lendit.com . Media Contact: Caroline Hornby Marketing & Communications Manager LendIt Fintech [email protected] +1-646-930-6366 SOURCE LendIt Fintech Related Links https://www.lendit.com BOSTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan Colantuono, Founder & CEO of Leading Women, the world's premier consulting firm for bringing Gender Balance to corporate leadership, is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelly Lockwood Primus to President & COO. Effective immediately, Kelly, who has been SVP of Strategic Client Solutions since 2013, will take over the helm of Leading Women as Susan shifts her focus to the development of new research and solutions utilized in the intellectual property, which has made Leading Women the cutting-edge resource it has become. As President and COO, Kelly will oversee day-to-day operations, business development and client relationship management. "I am thrilled to turn over the reins to Kelly, who has been instrumental in the explosive growth of Leading Women over the last six years," said Colantuono. "Kelly has proven herself to be the epitome of women's leadership. Her background and business expertise uniquely position Kelly to lead our company in an environment where our clients are looking for ways to increase their revenue growth by decreasing their leadership gender gap and by increasing diversity in their workforce. At Leading Women, we are excited to continue on our mission to help organizations grow by increasing diversity and closing the leadership gender gap." Prior to joining Leading Women, Kelly was a successful business executive in the consumer products industry. Very often she was the only woman at the table and recognized the missed opportunity for the industry from the lack of fair representation of women from these critical conversations. So, in 2010, she joined the executive team for Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF), a national non-profit women's leadership organization. She was instrumental in returning the organization to prominence in the foodservice industry by establishing WFF as the authority for women's leadership development. Her efforts led to "sell-out" status for the organization's live and virtual events. This experience helped her recognize her passion as an advocate for women and organizations that are looking to close leadership gender gap, which in turn led her to join Leading Women. Says Primus, "I'm passionate about women's leadership development because I know firsthand what it's like to be the only female executive in the room, and what it takes to navigate the obstacles women face every day. I am honored and excited to be the President & COO of this amazing company. I look forward to working with our current and prospective clients around the world, equipping them with relevant tools and solutions needed in today's challenging business environment to achieve their diversity goals and gender balance in their leadership teams." To learn more about women's leadership development and for more information on Leading Women's revolutionary solutions visit www.LeadingWomen.biz. ABOUT LEADING WOMEN: Leading Women is one of the world's premier consulting firms for companies committed to closing the leadership gender gap and achieving their diversity goals for women's advancement. Its proprietary research is the basis for innovative solutions that deliver unique insights, actionable tools and a business focus. To close the gender gap at the top of their organizations; executives, Human Resources, Learning and Development, and Diversity & Inclusion clients around the globe have deployed Leading Women's live, virtual and online solutions. Media Contact: Diane Chaput 508.341.7352 [email protected] SOURCE Leading Women Related Links http://www.leadingwomen.biz NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- As school districts prepare for the increased accountability around absenteeism and family engagement detailed in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Kinvolved , the leading social enterprise reducing chronic absence, today released its 2018 Impact Report , which shares a roadmap for improving attendance validated by its successful work with partner districts. Kinvolved 2018 Impact Report Highlights Impressive Results in Reducing Chronic Absenteeism and Details Roadmap for Improving Attendance in K-12 Districts The roadmap was designed as a resource all districts can use to support change management, strengthen school-home relationships, establish accountability, and evaluate the effectiveness of their initiatives. "These learnings come directly from our time on the ground with educators," shares CEO Miriam Altman. "We've learned how schools and districts can increase funding, improve graduation rates, and create more economically viable communities by focusing on student attendance. It's not easy workit takes shared commitment, intention, heart, and mutual engagement, especially with families, to achieve positive, quantifiable results. We're proud of the way KiNVO and its wraparound services amplify their efforts, and we're excited to share a roadmap for success that's grounded in the reality of school systems and communities." Additional highlights from the 20172018 impact report include: 66% of schools using KiNVO , Kinvolved's attendance and communications management app, reduced absenteeism; 52% reduced lateness , Kinvolved's attendance and communications management app, reduced absenteeism; 52% reduced lateness Teachers in KiNVO districts saved an average of 50 minutes/week; administrators saved an average of 75 minutes/week Educators and families exchanged 9 million messages through KiNVO The report also contains abridged case studies from its implementations in Sioux Falls School District (South Dakota), Meriden Public School District (Connecticut), and Providence Public Schools (Rhode Island), all of which reduced chronic absence after adopted KiNVO. For the past three years, Kinvolved has conducted an annual study to gauge the impact of its solutions on chronic absenteeism, family engagement, and mindset shifts. The study comprises surveys and interviews with KiNVO users, analyses of publicly available attendance data and School Quality Reports, and reviews of internal KiNVO metrics. Impact metrics from prior years show the effect of Kinvolved software and services on school systems: Attendance rates increase: Kinvolved partner high schools saw a 13x increase in average daily attendance. Kinvolved partner high schools saw a 13x increase in average daily attendance. Chronic absenteeism drops: Schools using KiNVO Kinvolved's attendance and communications platformsaw a 3% change in chronic absence rates. "Kinvolved is the original education technology solution to absenteeism," says Altman. "We're five years deep into our mission to get all students to school every day, and we're committed to that mission because it's the right thing to do. With the new ESSA attendance requirements, it feels like federal policy is catching up with what we and our districts already know. Our work has become more important than ever." Kinvolved recently raised $1.54M in Seed II investments from notable organizations and angel investors, including the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, the Twilio.org Impact Fund, New York Ventures, Excell Technology Ventures, GingerBread Capital, and u2i. The organization is using the funds to support national growth, product research and development, and client services. About Kinvolved Kinvolved is a social enterprise on a mission to increase student achievement by minimizing absenteeism. Our holistic approach combines technology tools and human interventions to change the deeply ingrained behaviors and external factors affecting student attendance and chronic absence, including poverty, racism, and socio-economic exclusion. Learn more at www.kinvolved.com . Media Contact: Jillian Lubow 347-967-6577, [email protected] SOURCE Kinvolved NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- J.P. Morgan Asset Management released its inaugural Global Alternatives Outlook featuring a 12- to 18-month outlook for each of the key alternative asset classes and highlighting the firm's CEOs, CIOs, portfolio managers and strategists' most promising investment ideas over that time horizon. The report aims to provide investment direction in a year of transition and change as markets adjust to global quantitative tightening, credit markets awash in money with loose covenants, newly volatile equity markets, the threat of trade wars and tariff uncertainty, and a long-in-the-tooth economic expansion. "As market risks continue to build in 2019, our Alternatives Outlook examines how, when and why investors might want to consider using offensive and defensive approaches across a wide range of alternative asset classes and investment strategies," said Anton Pil, Managing Partner, J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. "In the current environment, investors can look to increase returns and reduce risk by focusing on assets that generate stable streams of income, and on strategies that benefit from the rising volatility." "The need for accurate alternatives investment direction, guidance and perspective may never be greater," said Christopher Hayward, Managing Partner, J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives. "In the late-cycle, investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional asset classes to achieve their objectives, recognizing that a sizable allocation to alternatives can be additive to their portfolios." The report also outlines an approach to alternative asset portfolio construction that comprises three components: a core foundation, with assets such as core real assets and core private credit designed to provide stable income with lower volatility; core complements, with assets such as hedge funds adding diversification through differentiated returns; and return enhancers, with assets such as distressed credit and private equity seeking opportunistic returns. The outlook reveals the following key asset class findings: Hedge Funds Volatility driving new opportunities - After the lowest equity market volatility in 100 years, financial markets are undergoing a regime change to a new, higher volatility norm, helping generate trading opportunities for certain hedge fund strategies as the relationship among stocks, rates and credit spreads evolves, affecting prices and correlations. Value stocks set to rebound - Value stocks have significantly underperformed since early 2017. Should borrowing costs rise, or earnings expectations for growth stocks fall, value stocks can be expected to rebound, benefitting hedge fund strategies offering exposure to the equity value factor. Relative value strategies could shine - Cross-asset RV strategies can continue to benefit from an equity volatility pickup and widening credit spreads. So can market-neutral strategies that do not time the market trade to the relationship between securities and asset classes. Infrastructure and Transport ESG critical to infrastructure returns - The integration of ESG standards is the number one trend in private infrastructurecritical to effective due diligence, underwriting and ongoing asset management, and a fundamental influence on investment outcomes. Key opportunities exist in core-plus transport Trade tensions and new regulations are driving a focus on core-plus opportunities, where risk is mitigated by direct involvement of operations, and income generation is relatively protected by long-term leases and the strength of lessees' balance sheets. Private Credit Increased competition driving focus on quality - Increasingly, private debt fund managers have stepped into the private credit void left by banks and insurance companies following the GFC. Against this backdrop, success will require well-resourced, specialist managers with unique sourcing capabilities, prudent underwriting and disciplined structuring skills. Pockets of opportunity exist - Parts of the corporate credit market appear stretched and this requires a cautious approach. Still, not all areas of private debt are overheating - attractive loan origination opportunities still exist, with examples including real estate mezzanine debt, U.S. residential mortgages and corporate loans. Distressed and special situations opportunities to grow - Opportunities in distressed and special situations private credit strategies are particularly well-positioned to take advantage of current late cycle excesses when the next economic downturn occurs. Focus on U.S. and European countries where deep market familiarity is required, where relationships matter and where significant barriers to entry exist. Private Equity Investing has become more challenging - Investors have three choices: lower return expectations; sacrifice underwriting standards; or be disciplined in seeking out solid opportunities in this late-cycle with the potential to deliver on private equity risk and return objectives over the long-term. Even in the current market environment of rising valuations and intense competition, there are ample opportunities in PE markets to help investors achieve required, risk-appropriate returns. Three key areas of focus Small to mid-size companies; Europe, China and, selectively, India; and businesses benefiting from technological disruption are three areas in private equity where investors can find opportunities. Global Real Estate Finding value requires looking beyond the averages - Regional markets are at varied stages of the economic cycle and monetary policy normalization. These differences, and a host of distinct dynamics across and within regions, styles and sectors, create pockets of opportunity that can help investors diversify and enhance real estate portfolio income and return. Four areas viewed as among the most promising over the next 12 to 18 months include: US: Don't underestimate core Europe : Buy value-assets and sell into core : Buy value-assets and sell into core Asia Pacific : Take advantage of a diversified market in mid-cycle : Take advantage of a diversified market in mid-cycle REITs: Use REIT debt to address volatility To view the full 2019 Alternatives Outlook click here. About J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives is the alternative investment arm of J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With more than $135 billion in assets under management and over 800 professionals (as of September 30, 2018), we offer strategies across the alternative investment spectrum including real estate, private equity and credit, infrastructure, transportation, liquid alternatives, and hedge funds. Operating from 23 offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, our independent alternative investment engines combine specialist knowledge and singular focus with the global reach, vast resources and powerful infrastructure of J.P. Morgan to help meet each client's specific objectives. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com. About J.P. Morgan Asset Management J.P. Morgan Asset Management, with assets under management of $1.7 trillion (as of December 31, 2018), is a global leader in investment management. J.P. Morgan Asset Management's clients include institutions, retail investors and high net worth individuals in every major market throughout the world. J.P. Morgan Asset Management offers global investment management in equities, fixed income, real estate, hedge funds, private equity and liquidity. J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management businesses of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), and its affiliates worldwide. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. References to specific asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations. SOURCE J.P. Morgan Asset Management Related Links http://www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Cogobuy Group ("Cogobuy" or the "Company", stock code: 400.HK; with its subsidiaries (the ''Group'')), a platform providing artificial intelligence and internet of things ("AIoT") business solutions in China, is pleased to announce its subsidiary, INGDAN.com, entered a strategic agreement with Toyota to establish the "Toyota INGDAN.com Innovation Platform" ("Innovation Platform") smart car ecosystem in China. Through the new platform, the two parties will apply Toyota's core technologies to China's innovative enterprises, and empower the Chinese smart car industry to develop the next generation of automotive products and applications. Through the Innovation Platform, Toyota will introduce hundreds of advanced Japanese automotive technology suppliers, while INGDAN.com will provide access to its abundant upstream and downstream enterprises and project resources to strengthen the currently weak industrial chain, both helping to facilitate greater auto industry innovation in China. Additionally, several outstanding new startups are expected to grow out of the new ecosystem, which will help the Company capture new energy and industrial dividends. Mr. Jeffrey Kang, CEO of Cogobuy Group, said, "Our partnership with Toyota is a major breakthrough in the development of China's IoT and smart automotive industry. It also positions our two companies well in the new autonomous driving and new energy markets both domestically and globally. Increased sharing of innovation resources in China and Japan's automobile industry can help both countries' automobile industries upgrade from being manufacturing-oriented to intelligence-oriented. We are excited to connect Toyota's advanced automotive manufacturing technology suppliers with Cogobuy's abundant supply chain and project resources, and to enable companies on the new Innovation Platform achieve quick and efficient industrial upgrades." About Cogobuy Group Cogobuy Group is headquartered in Shenzhen, with offices and branches across major cities in China, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Xi'an, as well as overseas branches in the United States, Singapore, Israel, and Japan. The Group is comprised of Cogobuy.com, an IC Components Direct Sales Platform and INGDAN.com, the leading AIoT Business Service Platform. Cogobuy's AIoT ecosystem connects cloud computing and AI core technologies with the Group's expertise in edge computing, machine learning, and deep customization. With the ecosystem, the Group aims to provide AIoT solutions to vertical industries such as smart cars, smart homes, robotics, and customized AIoT chips. For further information, please refer to the Company's website at http://www.cogobuy.com/ About the Toyota INGDAN.com Innovation Platform The Toyota INGDAN.com Innovation Platform is a new innovative resources ecosystem for the smart car industry, jointly established by INGDAN.com and Toyota. The platform connects nearly 100 Japanese advanced auto technology suppliers with more than 100 upstream and downstream Chinese supply chain and project resources for artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, new energy vehicles, auto parts, and automotive electronics, helping to advance the Chinese and Japanese automotive industries with industrial upgrades and smart technology capabilities. SOURCE Cogobuy Group Related Links http://www.cogobuy.com/ WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- For millions of Americans, animals are not just their best friends, but their heroes. Whether they are lending eyes to the unsighted, ears to the deaf, protection to the sleeping family and the soldier, or providing a welcoming lick at the end of a hard day, animals affect us in so many different ways. We know behind almost every hero pet (and millions more animals) is a hero veterinarian or hero veterinary nurse. These benefactors save and improve the lives of our two- and four-legged best friends in many ways, and for the past five years, one awards ceremony has honored the tremendous achievements of America's veterinarians and veterinary nurses. American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, recognizes the hard work these professionals put in day-in and day-out in the name of helping animals, and is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the sixth annual American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards, presented by Zoetis Petcare (a U.S. business unit of Zoetis). Pet owners and animal lovers alike are invited to visit www.herovetawards.org between now and Feb.28 to nominate their favorite veterinary professionals dedicated to the betterment of the health and welfare of animals and the promotion of the people-animal bond. The winning veterinarian and veterinary nurse will be flown to Los Angeles to be honored as part of the ninth annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards on Oct. 5, which will air nationwide as a two-hour special on Hallmark Channel this fall. These awards are not limited to companion animal veterinarians. Professionals from all fields of veterinary medicine are eligible for entry including, but not limited to those who work in: research, emergency services, shelters, and those who work with large and exotic animals. The five finalists in the American Hero Veterinarian and American Hero Veterinary Nurse categories will be selected by a special blue-ribbon panel of judges consisting of celebrities, veterinary professionals, and animal care professionals. Beginning May 9, the American public will be invited to vote online for their favorite veterinarian and veterinary nurse. "Zoetis Petcare is proud and honored to support America's veterinary community, and the American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Veterinary Nurse Awards are our way of saying 'thank you' to these tireless individuals," said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Executive Director, Zoetis Petcare Marketing. "They are the ones in the forefront of the effort to keep America's animals happy and healthy, and they deserve recognition from a grateful nation." "The world's animals depend on veterinarians and veterinary nurses, and we thank Zoetis Petcare, the exclusive sponsor of the Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards and official Corporate Presenting Sponsor of the 2019 Hero Dog Awards, for helping recognize their achievements in saving lives, conducting groundbreaking research, and working on the front lines of animal welfare," said American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert, Ph.D. "To us, all vets and vet nurses are heroes and these awards help us shine a bright spotlight on the best of the best." Key dates for the 2019 American Humane Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse Awards contest are: Nominations Period: Jan. 16 Feb. 28, 2019 Public Voting Round: May 9 Aug. 8, 2019 Oct. 5 : Winning Hero Veterinarian and Hero Veterinary Nurse announced at the 2019 Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles *All rounds open and close at Noon Pacific Time To nominate a veterinarian or veterinary nurse between now and Feb. 28, and for complete contest rules, please visit www.herovetawards.org. To nominate a Hero Dog in your life for the 2019 American Humane Hero Dog Awards, please visit www.herodogawards.org between now and Feb. 28. About American Humane American Humane is the country's first national humane organization. For more information please visit www.americanhumane.org. About Zoetis Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2018, the company generated annual revenue of $5.3 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com . SOURCE American Humane Related Links http://www.americanhumane.org SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- While homebuilding has long been a traditionally male-dominated industry, national homebuilder and developer Taylor Morrison (NYSE: TMHC) is being recognized for creating a gender-diverse workforce. Today the homebuilder joins the ranks of 230 companies selected for the 2019 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), which distinguishes companies committed to transparency in gender reporting and advancing women's equality. Sheryl Palmer, only woman to lead a publicly traded homebuilder, has presided over the company for the last 11 years, growing the workforce to nearly equal male-to-female representation (54 and 46 percent, respectively), and boosting women's seat at the leadership table. Women make up 33 percent of senior leadership and 47 percent of middle management roles across the homebuilder's 17 divisions nationwide. "As a female leader, I have always wanted my strategic eye and work ethic to define menot my gender," said Palmer. "My recruitment philosophy isn't tied to meeting quotas, but rather, to always hire the best person for the job. Fortunately, that 'gender blind' mentality is shared across the organization, and I believe we're a better company because of it. Homebuilding and corporate America at large can benefit from greater diversity of thought and women's intrinsic differences, and I am proud that the exceptional leadership and talent Taylor Morrison enjoys today grew organically." In July of last year Taylor Morrison's board of directors joined the less than one percent (0.4 percent) of U.S. public companies with majority female boards. "In the world of recruiting we so often say 'top talent attracts top talent'and Sheryl is our draw," said Jess Terry, chief people officer for Taylor Morrison. "Companies simply attract more women when they can show that women have successfully risen to their top ranks. More than any recruiting initiative, it has been key for us to demonstrate that there is an open door and a path to the top for women at any level." Bloomberg's standardized reporting framework offers public companies the opportunity to disclose information on how they promote gender equality, but just 10 percent of eligible companies today are disclosing their workplace gender policies and practices. Taylor Morrison scored above a globally-established threshold, based on the extent of disclosures and the achievement of best-in-class statistics and policies, in order to be included in the GEI. According to Bloomberg, disclosures from firms included in the 2019 GEI provide a wide-ranging and comprehensive look at how companies around the world are investing in women. According to GEI data: Women had a 40 percent increase in executive level positions between fiscal years 2014-2017. 60 percent of firms conduct compensation reviews to identify gender-based variations in pay to close their average 20 percent pay gap (18 percent on average in the Americas, Europe , Africa and Middle East regions and 26 percent in Asia-Pacific ). , and regions and 26 percent in ). 34 percent have programs in place to recruit women looking to return to work after a career break. For U.S. employees, the average number of weeks of fully paid primary leave offered is 13 weeks, and the average number of weeks of fully paid secondary leave offered is 5 weeks. 43 percent of firms cover gender reassignment services in health insurance plans. 68 percent of firms evaluate all advertising and marketing content for gender biases prior to publication. About Taylor Morrison Taylor Morrison Home Corporation (NYSE:TMHC) is a leading national homebuilder and developer that has been recognized as America's Most Trusted Home Builder by Lifestory Research from 2016 to 2019. Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., the company operates under two well-established brands, Taylor Morrison and Darling Homes. Taylor Morrison serves a wide array of consumer groups from coast to coast, including first-time, move-up, luxury, and 55-plus buyers. In Texas, Darling Homes builds communities with a focus on individuality and distinctive detail while delivering on the Taylor Morrison standard of excellence. For more information about Taylor Morrison and Darling Homes please visit www.taylormorrison.com or www.darlinghomes.com. Contact: Alice Giedraitis Director, Corporate Communications Taylor Morrison Office: (480) 840-8137 [email protected] SOURCE Taylor Morrison Related Links http://www.taylormorrison.com In making the announcement, Tim Laney, Chairman, President and CEO of National Bank Holdings Corporation, parent of Hillcrest Bank, said, "We are very excited to expand our commercial and business banking footprint into Utah, one of our Country's most diversified and progressive labor markets. We are fortunate to have Chet Samuelson join us to establish a strong foothold in what we recognize is a highly attractive and competitive market. In addition to his well-rounded and seasoned banking expertise, Chet also has a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance of being involved and engaged in the local community. We are thrilled to have Chet lead the way in serving our commercial and business clients and the community in Utah." Samuelson received his Bachelor of Science and MBA from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and began his career in Ogden with Bank One. He remained through the bank's merger with J.P. Morgan Chase, working for them through 2014 in positions ranging from Credit Analyst to Senior Banker. During that time, he also led the effort as Chase Commercial Bank expanded into Idaho through their acquisition of Washington Mutual in 2008. In 2014, Samuelson joined the Wells Fargo Commercial Bank in Utah and led the Global Banking expansion effort for Wells Fargo and its Middle Market customers, serving as Global Banking Regional Manager for the eight mountain states. He has served on numerous boards, including the Utah World Trade Center, Mountain West Capital Network, Utah Microenterprise Fund and the Utah County Chamber of Commerce. Commenting on his decision to join Hillcrest Bank, Samuelson said, "Their strong commitment to relationship and community building is well aligned to my values. I am also impressed with the exceptional experience of the parent company's management team. They clearly recognize the opportunity to serve one of the strongest business communities in the country, and I am honored to serve as a founding leader in the market I call home." NBH Bank also offers residential banking and mortgage services in Utah through Community Banks Mortgage. About NBH Bank NBH Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Bank Holdings Corporation (publicly traded onNYSE: NBHC), operates a network of 104 banking centers, serving individual consumers, small, medium and large businesses, and government and non-profit entities. NBH Bank operates under the following brand names: Bank Midwest in Kansas and Missouri, Community Banks of Colorado in Colorado, and Hillcrest Bank in Texas, New Mexico and Utah. National Bank Holdings Corporation is a bank holding company created to build a leading community bank franchise delivering high-quality client service and committed to shareholder results. Its banking centers are located in its core footprint of Colorado, the greater Kansas City region, Texas and New Mexico. Its comprehensive residential banking group primarily serves the bank's core footprint with an additional office in Utah, operating as Community Banks Mortgage. For more information visit: bankmw.com, cobnks.com, hillcrestbank.com or nbhbank.com. More information about National Bank Holdings Corporation can be found at www.nationalbankholdings.com. Or, follow us on any of our social media sites: Bank Midwest: facebook.com/bankmw, twitter.com/bank_mw, instagram.com/bankmw; Community Banks of Colorado: facebook.com/cobnks, twitter.com/cobnks, instagram.com/cobnks; Hillcrest Bank: facebook.com/hillcrestbank, twitter.com/hillcrest_bank; NBH Bank: twitter.com/nbhbank; or connect with any of our brands on LinkedIn. SOURCE NBH Bank Related Links http://www.nbhbank.com NEW CITY, N.Y., Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Helena Jasna Kukla, MD is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Psychiatry in recognition of her role as a Psychiatrist at Helen Jasna Kukla MD. Helen Jasna Kukla MD is the owner of her own private psychiatric office that has dedicated their practice to providing quality healthcare services to those they serve. With over forty years of experience in the field of Psychiatry, Helena Jasna Kukla, MD is revered for her outstanding contributions to the medical profession. Well-versed in all facets of mental health services, Dr. Kukla offers a combination of drug management and therapy to solve a comprehensive array of mental diseases, including long term depression. Providing psychotherapy to treat neuroses, Dr. Kukla is known for her extensive and strong rapport with clientele. Over the course of her career, Dr. Kukla has become well versed in the areas of Psychopharmacology. Dr. Kukla is an adamant believer that this field has always been great for her. She believes that she can "help people based not only on environmental factors but on genetic factors as well." For the newcomers entering the field, Dr. Kukla advises, "Psychiatry is a very rewarding profession." Attributing her successful, longstanding career to her ability to "employ a combination of insight into biological and environmental causes of natural healthcare issues," Dr. Kukla has established herself as a trusted name in the medical profession. Board-certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, while pursuing her educational endeavors Dr. Kukla obtained her Medical Degree from Charles University. Thereafter, Dr. Kukla would go on to complete her internship at New York University-Valhalla. To further enhance her professional development, Dr. Kukla is an esteemed member of several prominent organizations including holding hospital privileges at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, New York. Dr. Kukla is a distinguished fellow of the American Medical Association, Catholic Health Services of Long Island and the American Psychiatric Association. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com BROWNSVILLE, Texas, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Several hundred students, teachers, and parents will gather at Harmony School of Innovation-Brownsville for a National School Choice Week celebration at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25. The celebration will feature student dance performances and a pep rally. It will be part of a week-long series of activities in honor of school choice, including a poster decorating contest and bingo competition. This event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2019, which will feature more than 40,000 school choice events across all 50 states. "We are excited to be a part of this nationwide effort to increase school choice and celebrate parents being able to find the best fit for their children's educational needs," said Georgette Betancourt-Medellin, public relations coordinator at Harmony School of Innovation-Brownsville. Harmony School of Innovation-Brownsville is public charter school serving students in grades 6-12. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 20 through 26, 2019, more than 40,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com. SOURCE National School Choice Week Related Links http://schoolchoiceweek.com SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Gary Herbert has officially declared Jan. 20-26 School Choice Week in Utah. In doing so, the Governor is helping lead a nationwide effort, along with other governors and local leaders, to recognize the importance of school choice policies for students across the nation. Parents, schools, and other organizers have planned more than 250 events and activities across the state of Utah, including rallies, roundtable discussions, meet-ups, school fairs, and more. These events are designed to foster conversations about the educational opportunities available to families. More than 40,000 events have been independently planned for the week nationwide, raising awareness about opportunity in education. "We are grateful to Governor Herbert for recognizing the importance of school choice for all students," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "We wish Utahns the very best as we celebrate National School Choice Week." As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 20 through 26, 2019, more than 40,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com , or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek . SOURCE National School Choice Week Related Links http://schoolchoiceweek.com VANCOUVER, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Goldplay Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: GPLY, FRANKFURT: GPEOTCQB: GLYXF) ("Goldplay" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged Relations Publiques Paradox Inc. ("Paradox") to provide investor relations services to the Company. Paradox, together with Goldplay, will initiate and maintain contact with the financial community, current shareholders, investors and other stakeholders for increasing awareness of the Company and its activities related to advancing exploration activities in the Rosario Mining District-Sinaloa Mexico. Paradox is a Montreal based IR consultancy that has been in business for 20 years, led by entrepreneur, Jean-Francois Meilleur. Paradox has represented past mining successes through its extensive network and experience in the capital markets. Jean-Francois Meilleur comments: "We are excited to be working with the multi-faceted Goldplay mining team and together building the awareness of a successful exploration company." Paradox will increase visibility towards the financial community by direct introduction, marketing to the investment community to identify potential investors, use of Paradox's proprietary database and contacts for marketing purposes, organizing presentations with interested parties, and handling of incoming calls from shareholders and potential investors. Paradox's extensive experience and large network provides full service approach to investor relations and it will provide creative, effective results-driven investor relations programs for Goldplay. The agreement is for an initial term of one year which may be extended by mutual consent. Paradox will be paid $7,500 per month and will receive stock options exercisable into 250,000 common shares of the Company for a period of 5 years at a price of $0.20/share. The options will be subject to vesting provisions as required by the TSX Venture Exchange's policies. Paradox's principals currently hold 675,000 of Goldplay's common shares acquired in Goldplay's most recent financing (News release, December 12nd, 2018). Marcio Fonseca, Chief Executive Officer, comments: "We are pleased to add Paradox to our investor relations team along with Brisco Capital Partners Corp. and with each contributing complementary skills the Company is excited about our investor relations strategy." About Goldplay Exploration Ltd. Goldplay owns a >250 sq. km exploration portfolio in the historical Rosario Mining District, Sinaloa, Mexico. Goldplay's current exploration focus includes surface exploration and drilling, with a resource update to follow at the advanced-stage San Marcial Project and follow up exploration program at the El Habal Project. The San Marcial land package consists of 1,250 ha, located south of the La Rastra and Plomosas historical mines and 20 km from the Company's 100% owned El Habal Project in the Rosario Mining District, Sinaloa, Mexico. San Marcial is an attractive, near-surface high-grade silver, lead and zinc project for which a historical resource estimate has been previously disclosed. San Marcial exhibits significant exploration upside supported by regional exploration programs completed by previous operators who identified 14 exploration targets similar to San Marcial within its 100% Goldplay-owned concessions. Some of these exploration targets consist of old shallow pits, caved shafts and historical underground workings in areas with extensive hydrothermal alteration, hosted by major regional structures. The El Habal Project is a drilling stage project with an ongoing drill program. The oxidized gold mineralized zone outcrops along a series of rolling hills with evidence of historical shallow underground mining along a 6 km long prospective corridor. The El Habal Project is located near the historical gold-silver Rosario Mine which reportedly operated for over 250 years. Goldplay's team has over 30 years of experience with senior roles in exploration, financing, and development in the mining industry, including over ten years of extensive exploration experience in the Rosario Mining District, leading to previous successful discoveries. A current NI 43-101 report on the El Habal Project is filed on SEDAR. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Mr. Marcio Fonseca P. Geo, President & CEO Goldplay Exploration Ltd. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. SOURCE Goldplay Exploration Ltd Related Links http://www.goldplayexploration.com/ DUBLIN, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Artificial Organs Market: Focus on Organ Type, Technology Type, Competitive Landscape, Pipeline Products Data, and 12 Countries Data - Analysis and Forecast: 2018-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global artificial organs market was estimated at $1.6 billion in 2017 and is anticipated to reach $5.37 billion by 2023 Among the different artificial organs available in the market, artificial ear contributed to the highest market share of the global artificial organs market in 2017. However, artificial pancreas is expected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period between 2018 and 2023. The presence of several artificial pancreas products in the pipeline attributes to the highest CAGR displayed by the artificial pancreas market. Based on technology, implantable devices occupied higher market share as compared to wearable devices, whereas wearable devices demonstrated the potential to register higher growth rate than implantable technology. The global artificial organs market is segmented by the geographical regions into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest-of-the-World (RoW). The RoW region comprises Latin America and Middle East and Africa. North America is the leading contributor to the global artificial organs market with a contribution of more than 45% total artificial organs market share in 2017. The North America market is also expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.16% in the forecast period 2018-2023. The global artificial organs market is majorly dominated by the U.S. and the European players. However, several emerging countries of Asia-Pacific and Latin America displayed high potential to witness robust growth rate during the period. The Australia-based company, Cochlear Ltd. offering artificial ears contributed more than 50% of the market value in 2017. The answers to the following key questions can be derived from this report: What are the artificial organs' key features which make them a suitable substitute to organ transplants? What are the advantages of artificial organs over conventional organ transplants? How did the artificial organs market evolve, and what is its scope in the future? What are the major market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global artificial organs market? What are the key developmental strategies which are implemented by the key players to stand out in this market? What are the leading companies dominating the global artificial organs market? How many types of artificial organs are available in the market, and which are the companies offering the artificial organs? Based on organ type, which artificial organ type is anticipated to witness massive rise in the demand in the forecast period and in which region? What are the different implantable and wearable artificial organs available in the market? Which technology between the two is leading and why? What are investors' perceptions about the global artificial organs market? Also, what is the funding scenario of the market? What are the key companies which made substantial investments to aid technological advancements in the market? What are the regulations pertaining to the global artificial organs market? What are initiatives implemented by different government bodies to combat the shortage of organ crisis? What was the market value of the leading segments and sub-segments of the global artificial organs market? How will each segment of the global artificial organs market grow during the forecast period, and what will be the revenue generated by each of the segments by the end of 2023? How will the industry evolve during the forecast period 2018-2023? Which region will contribute to the highest sales of the global artificial organs market during the forecast period? Which region carries the potential for the significant expansion of key companies for different artificial organ types? Market Overview Transplantation and Rising Need for Artificial Organs The Widening Gap between Demand and Supply of Organs Advent of Artificial Organs and Current Status Impact of Artificial Organs: Advantages and Disadvantages The Future of Artificial Organs Global Market Scenario Assumptions and Limitations Market Dynamics Market Drivers Growing Geriatric Population Rising Incidence of Lifestyle Diseases Increasing Need for Organ Transplantation and Substantial Shortage of Available Donors Persistent Support from Government and Non-Governmental Organizations Technological Advancements and Increased R&D Expenditure Challenges Risks of Device Malfunction and Other Related Concerns Immune Barrier to Artificial Organ Stringent Regulation and Poor Reimbursement Coverage Exorbitant Cost of Artificial Organs Opportunities Application of Advanced Biomaterials in Artificial Organs Organ-on-Chips Technology Monitoring Artificial Organs Using Precise Diagnostics Companies Mentioned Advanced Bionics AG and affiliates Boston Scientific Corporation CARMAT Cochlear Ltd. Dexcom, Inc. Insulet Corporation KeraMed, Inc. MED-EL Medtronic plc Oticon Medical PIXIUM VISION Retina Implant AG Second Sight Medical Products, Inc. SynCardia Systems, LLC Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hx398x/global_5_3_bn?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com DALLAS, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Generational Group, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce that 2018 was a record year for the firm, closing 111 transactions and up 8% over 2017. According to the 2018 Thomson Reuters North American M&A rankings, the firm is now ranked #1 in transactions valued up to $25 million, #2 up to $100 million and #4 up to $500 million. 2018 and 2017 were back-to-back, record-setting years for the company. The total amount of wealth transferred to their clients in 2018 was also a record, increasing 11% over prior year. The firm is now closing in on $5 billion in wealth transferred to business owners since its inception. "I am really proud of the team and their effort last year. We are honored that so many entrepreneurs have trusted us with their businesses," stated Brenen Hofstadter, Chief M&A Officer with Generational Group. "2018 finished strong and I believe that we are well positioned for an outstanding 2019." Terry Johnson, Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer of the firm, added, "I am excited about the growth we are experiencing as an organization. The ability to produce two record years in a row is a testament to our team's commitment to lead our clients through one of the most significant and rewarding events in their lives." "We are very thankful for a successful 2018," stated Ryan Binkley, President & CEO of the firm. "Our associates are dedicated to helping our clients reach their financial goals, and their hard work is evident in the numbers we achieved last year. What is most rewarding though, is that these record numbers represent real people, clients and their families, and their legacy for generations to come. That is our passion and it is gratifying to make a difference." About Generational Group Generational Equity, Generational Capital Markets (member FINRA/SIPC), DealForce and Talis Advisors are part of the Generational Group, which is headquartered in Dallas and is one of the leading M&A advisory firms in North America. With over 250 professionals located throughout North America, the companies help business owners release the wealth of their business by providing merger, acquisition, and wealth management services. Their four-step approach features exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, and M&A transactional services. The M&A Advisor named the company the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Investment Banking Firm of the Year. For more, visit the https://www.generational.com/ or the Generational Group press room. For more information: Carl Doerksen 972-232-1125 [email protected] SOURCE Generational Group Related Links http://www.generational.com WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmers Insurance, one of the leading insurance providers in the United States, today announced an annual commitment of $2 million to help support disaster preparedness, response and recovery programs in affected communities in California, Texas and others through partnerships with Team Rubicon and SBP, each receiving $1 million. "The last several years have been difficult for communities across the country, especially here in our home state of California," said Jeff Dailey, CEO of Farmers Insurance. "Helping communities recover after a disaster is at the core of our business and community efforts, and we wouldn't be able to help communities recover as fast without the great collaboration with organizations like SBP and Team Rubicon." The financial and resource commitment is hardly the first for Farmers the organization has long been an industry leader in disaster response efforts, and prides itself on the ability to prepare for, respond to, and support its customers and their communities when a disaster strikes. Whether it's the dedicated Catastrophe Response Team and state-of-the-art Mobile Claims Centers (MCC), or ongoing collaborations with groups like SBP and Team Rubicon, Farmers has a long-standing commitment to help ensure customers and the communities they live in have access to services and assistance they need in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, as well as throughout the recovery process. "After disaster, American citizens are at risk of being pushed beyond their breaking point if they do not have a clear path forward and are forced to stare into the abyss of uncertainty," said Zack Rosenberg, co-founder and CEO of SBP. "While SBP is proud of our rebuilding work, which is strengthened by year-round volunteers from Farmers Insurance each year, Farmers generous investment will allow SBP to help thousands of families prepare for disaster, and navigate a clear path to recovery after." Farmers first began work with SBP in 2012 when the two organizations collaborated together to help the community of Joplin, Missouri, recover from a catastrophic tornado in 2011. The collective work, which focuses on shrinking the time between disaster and full recovery, continues to develop with Farmers and SBP working together on community resilience and recovery projects in Monmouth County, New Jersey; San Marcos, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and most recently Houston following Hurricane Harvey in 2017. "We are humbled by Farmers generous contribution and on-going support of Team Rubicon," said Jake Wood, co-founder and CEO of Team Rubicon. "We're excited to continue working alongside Farmers and our friends at SBP as we relentlessly pursue our mission of helping communities impacted by disasters stabilize, recover, and rebuild." The insurer group further expanded its recovery efforts by enlisting the help of Team Rubicon in 2015 to deploy up to 100 of Team Rubicon's military veterans to work hand-in-hand with Farmers employees on a range of essential home repair and debris management activities immediately following disasters. The newest financial and resource commitment from Farmers will allow the two organizations to continue to collaborate, moving disaster affected communities from response, to relief, to recovery as quickly as possible. About Farmers Insurance "Farmers Insurance" and "Farmers" are tradenames for a group of affiliated insurers providing insurance for automobiles, homes and small businesses and a wide range of other insurance and financial services and products. Farmers Insurance is proud to serve more than 10 million households with over 19 million individual policies nationally through the efforts of more than 48,000 exclusive and independent agents and approximately 21,000 employees. Farmers Insurance Exchange, the largest of the three primary insurers that are part of the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, is recognized as one of the largest U.S. companies on the 2018 Fortune 500 list. For more information about Farmers Insurance, visit Farmers.com, Twitter and Instagram, @WeAreFarmers, or Facebook.com/FarmersInsurance. Contact: External Communications Farmers Insurance (818) 965-0007 [email protected] SOURCE Farmers Insurance Related Links http://www.farmersinsurance.com Verified hardware and software enhance interoperability and allow faster time to production. SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- eWBM Co., Ltd. today announced it has joined Microsoft Azure Certified for Internet of Things (IoT), ensuring customers get IoT solutions up and running quickly with hardware and software that has been pre-tested and verified to work with Microsoft Azure IoT services. Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT allows businesses to reach customers where they are, working with an ecosystem of devices and platforms, allowing for faster time to production. eWBM, a fabless system on chip (SoC) solution company, specializes in providing hardware-based low power security chips and related solutions optimized for IoT applications. The company's MCU, MS500, provides security features such a variety of crypto engines, real-time TRNG, secure boot, secure storage, and digital key management. Powered by MS500, the company produces a variety of secure IoT products including the Microsoft Azure Certified secure Sensor to Ethernet module (sS2E). The module comes with built-in transport layer security (TLS) protocols and direct connection to Microsoft Azure IoT Cloud Servers where customers will enjoy developing a wide diversity of secure IoT sensor systems on the Azure platforms. "Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT validates our ability to jumpstart customers' IoT projects with pre-tested device and operating system combinations," said Stephen Oh, CEO of eWBM. "Decreasing the usual customization and work required for compatibility ensures eWBM helps customers get started quickly on their IoT solution." "Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT extends our promise to bring IoT to business scale, starting with interoperable solutions from leading technology companies around the world," said Jerry Lee, Director of Marketing for Azure Internet of Things, Microsoft Corp. "With trusted offerings and verified partners, Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT accelerates the deployment of IoT even further." IoT projects are complex and take a long time to implement. Customers find that choosing and connecting the right set of devices, assets or sensors to the cloud can be time-consuming. To jumpstart their IoT projects with confidence, customers are looking for certified devices and platforms that are tested for readiness, compatibility and usability with the Microsoft Azure IoT Suite. By choosing a partner from the Microsoft Azure Certified for IoT program, customers can save time and effort on project specs and RFP processes by knowing in advance what devices and offerings will work with the Azure IoT Suite. Learn more about this collaboration at Azure Certified for IoT and explore the Azure IoT Suite today. About eWBM Co, Ltd. eWBM is a fabless SoC company which provides security MCUs and modules for a variety of IoT applications such as MS500, Secure LoRa Module, Secure Sensor to Ethernet module, Secure NB-IoT module, and Secure IP Cameras. The company also provides the FIDO2 certified fingerprint authenticators based on MS500. The next generation security SoC chip, called MS1200, will be introduced in 2019. Designed with a complete root-of-trust HSM, the IoT security SoC chip will provide industry's highest security level for a variety of application including LoRa, NB-IoT, FIDO, secure IP camera, industrials, and smart home applications. The chip supports the ultra-low power deep sleep mode optimized for battery-powered IoT applications. For more information, visit: www.ewbm.com SOURCE eWBM Co., Ltd. Related Links http://www.ewbm.com DUBLIN, Jan 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Ultra High Performance (UHP) Tire Market By Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Poland, Netherlands and Others), Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Europe UHP tire market stood at over $ 9 billion in 2017 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of more than 8% by 2023, predominantly on account of increasing consumer inclination towards high performance vehicles. Moreover, rising investments by leading tire manufacturers such as Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, etc., in their UHP tire product lines is further expected to positively influence UHP tire market in Europe in the coming years. Additionally, a growing number of automakers are increasingly opting for UHP tires due to the presence of strong road infrastructure in the region, which is further propelling growth in Europe UHP tire market. Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of UHP tire market in Europe To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, UHP tire distributor, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the major players operating in Europe UHP tire market are Michelin Bridgestone Corporation The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Continental AG Hankook Tire Co., Ltd. Pirelli Tyre & C. SpA The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. Kumho Tire Co., Inc. Toyo Tire & Rubber Co. Ltd Cooper Tire & Rubber Company Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Voice of Customer 4.1. Factors Influencing Purchase Decision 4.2. Unaided/Aided Brand Recall 4.3. Brand Satisfaction Level 5. Global Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value & Volume 6. Europe Ultra High-Performance (UHP) Tire Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value & Volume 6.1.2. List of Top 40 Popular Sizes, Replacement Market 6.1.3. List of Favorite UHP Tire Brand 6.1.4. List of Favorite UHP Tread Pattern 7. Market Dynamics 7.1. Drivers 7.2. Challenges 8. Market Trends & Developments 9. Competitive Landscape 10. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/hzmctm/europe_ultra_high?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Burnout and depression rates among U.S. physicians failed to improve in 2019, despite growing efforts by healthcare organizations, hospitals, and academic centers to address the issue through wellness programs and other interventions. Nearly 44% of U.S. physicians reported feeling burned out, with female physicians 28% more likely to experience burnout than male physicians, according to the results of the 2019 Medscape National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report. The report found a correlation between the number of hours worked per week and the percentage of physicians experiencing burnout: From 48% to 57% working more than 50 hours per week reported burnout, versus about one-third of those working between 31 and 40 hours. More than 15,000 physicians across 29 specialties responded to the survey. Click Here to View Report: https://www.medscape.com/2019-lifestyle-burnout Urologists, neurologists, and physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists reported the highest rates of burnout this year, at 54%, 53%, and 52%, respectively. Pathologists, nephrologists, and public health specialists experienced the lowest levels. Nearly 60% of physicians responding said that the bureaucratic demands of medical practice, such as charting and paperwork, are the main reasons for burnout, followed by long hours (34%). Physicians Not Likely to Seek Help Depression and thoughts of suicide were reported by 15% of physicians. (Regarding those reporting depression, that number is more than double that of the general population.) 1 Fourteen percent of physicians responding said they have thought of suicide. (1% said they have attempted suicide, and 6% preferred not to answer.) The report found that 43% of these physicians spoke to no one about their suicidal thoughts, and only one-third discussed them with a therapist. The equivalent of one doctor per day commits suicide each year. 2 About half of physicians said their problems with burnout or depression have not become bad enough to seek help, while others cited potential career-damaging stigma should they seek mental health care, or a belief that the problem lies with the medical system, not them. "While bringing awareness of burnout and depression among physicians is positive and necessary to help rectify the situation, the Medscape Report on Burnout, Depression and Suicide shows that physicians are still struggling," said Leslie Kane, MA, senior director, Medscape Business of Medicine. "In addition to the ongoing issue of bureaucratic demands, we saw in this year's report a correlation between long hours and burnout. Regardless of compensation, a lack of work/life balance has an impact. Physicians are making changes to their work life when and if they can, but much remains to be done." American Psychiatric Association. "What Is Depression?" Source accessed October 22, 2018 . Anderson P. "Doctors' Suicide Rate Highest of Any Profession." WebMD. May 18 , 2018. Source accessed November 1, 2018 . Medscape Survey Methods The 2019 Medscape National Physician Burnout, Depression & Suicide Report was completed by 15,069 physicians representing more than 29 specialty areas, including Medscape members and nonmembers. Respondents were invited to respond to the online survey. The margin of error for the survey was +/- 0.80% at a 95% confidence level. About Medscape Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free C.M.E. and C.E. courses and other educational programs for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Medscape is a subsidiary of WebMD Health Corp. About WebMD Health Corp. WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is the leading provider of health information services, serving consumers, physicians, healthcare professionals, employers, and health plans through our public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications. The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, Medscape Education, OnHealth, and other owned WebMD sites. About Internet Brands Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., Internet Brands is a fully integrated online media and software services organization focused on four high-value vertical categories: Health, Automotive, Legal, and Home/Travel. The company's award-winning consumer websites lead their categories and serve more than 250 million monthly visitors, while a full range of web presence offerings has established deep, long-term relationships with SMB and enterprise clients. Internet Brands' powerful, proprietary operating platform provides the flexibility and scalability to fuel the company's continued growth. Internet Brands is a portfolio company of KKR and Temasek. For more information, please visit www.internetbrands.com . SOURCE Medscape AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- CSA Service Solutions, LLC ("CSA" or the "Company"), a leading national provider of outsourced technical repair and maintenance services to the Healthcare, Laboratory, Self Service, Security, and Critical Power sectors, announced today that it had acquired the operations of Equipment Management Service and Repair, Inc. ("EMSAR"), a national independent service organization providing equipment service and repairs, primarily to the Healthcare industry. EMSAR was founded in 1993 and services equipment for leading Medical OEMs in all lower-48 states and parts of Canada. The acquisition of EMSAR will materially expand CSA's service footprint and technician density, which will lead to faster response times and better service for its clients. EMSAR and CSA share complementary technical capabilities that will enhance customer programs and experiences for clients from both companies. "EMSAR has a long-standing reputation for exceptional quality and customer service in highly regulated environments. We look forward to leveraging our enhanced footprint and full breadth of collective capabilities to provide white glove service and support to our clients on a national basis," said Luc Vallieres, CEO of CSA. "We are delighted to welcome the EMSAR leadership team and employees to the CSA family and to add a major new facility in Wilmington, OH. The two companies already share a common culture of excellence and commitment to putting our clients first." "EMSAR is extremely excited to be joining forces with CSA," said Renee LaPine, CEO of EMSAR. "Not only do our values align, but we believe our teams are excellent complements to each other. This will ultimately lead to an elevated customer experience. EMSAR is truly in great hands with CSA and we are proud to be a part of the team." CSA Board member Bob Nardelli said, "The strategic acquisition of EMSAR is a key step in CSA's broader growth strategy. Through this transaction, CSA has cemented its position as the leading national provider of highly technical repair and maintenance services to the Healthcare industry, both to OEMs and end users. We will continue to aggressively build our capabilities and add technicians both organically and through additional acquisitions." About CSA Service Solutions, LLC CSA SERVICE SOLUTIONS, founded in 1998, is a passionate, professional and customer centric service organization that specializes in the entire life-cycle of professional field service support for global leaders in the healthcare, laboratory, critical power, security and self-service kiosk industries. CSA assists its clients in designing comprehensive field service programs, installing equipment, preventative maintenance programs, repair services, including managing regulated field change orders, and overseeing final decommissioning of sensitive equipment. For more information please visit www.csa-service.com or contact us at [email protected]. About Equipment Management Service and Repair, Inc. EMSAR, founded in 1993, services a wide range of equipment in various healthcare sectors, acting as its client's premier and reliable service partner. In partnership with leading equipment manufacturers, EMSAR offers authorized/certified Equipment Management, Preventive Maintenance, Depot and Repair Services. With a passionate approach to customer service, EMSAR cares so much about your equipment, you will think we own it. For more information, please visit www.emsar.com . SOURCE CSA Service Solutions Related Links https://www.csa-service.com/ Europe proposes its final steel safeguard measures At the end of last week, the EC officially notified the WTO of its intention to impose final safeguard measures on steel imports, and of the proposed form of those measures. The official release can be found here. Quota structure to be more complex All steel products subject to provisional measures would be subject to the final measures. They take the form of a set of tariff-rate quotas, similarly to the provisional measures, based on the average volume of imports over 2015-17 plus 5%. Once the quota is exceeded, further material can be imported but a tariff of 25% will apply. In the event that antidumping measures already exist for certain products and countries, only the higher rate will be paid. The quotas will run for three specified time periods. The first period will run from 2 February until 30 June this year and be followed by two annual periods ending 30 June 2020 and 2021. The available quota volume will increase by 5% each period. The quota for HR coil is global, while the quotas for all other products are set on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis for selected large exporting countries. These country-specific quotas apply for the entire specified time periods. All other countries are assigned to a product specific, "residual quota" pool. In contrast to the country specific quotas, this residual quota is divided into four equal calendar quarters - so the first quarterly quota will end on 31 March this year and be pro-rated accordingly. Unused quota volume can be rolled forward to the following quarter. If volume remains in this residual quota then in the last quarter of each tariff period (i.e. during calendar Q2 of each year), the exporters with their country specific quotas can also access the remaining residual quota should they have exhausted their own. CRU understands that it is possible that any unused quota from the provisional safeguard period will be rolled forward into the final safeguards. The mechanism for this remains unclear since the provisional quotas did not contain per-country elements. Self-proclaimed World Trade Organisation "developing countries" with an import share less than 3% during the reference period of 2015-17 for a specific product are exempt from the quotas for that product. Read the full story: https://www.crugroup.com/knowledge-and-insights/spotlights/2019/what-to-expect-from-the-eu-steel-safeguard-measures/ Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU About CRU CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events. Since our foundation by Robert Perlman in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 260 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia our office in Beijing opened in 2004. When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on our first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view of a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response. CRU big enough to deliver a high-quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers. SOURCE CRU WESTMINSTER, Colo., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Coalfire, a provider of cybersecurity advisory and assessment services, announced today that it will be presenting at Cyber Future Dialogue on January 22, 2019 in Davos, Switzerland. Coalfire Executive Vice President of Cybersecurity Services Mark Carney will chair a panel comprised of global leadership delegates on how to measure and mitigate cyber risks. Cyber Future Dialogue, organized by Cyber Future Foundation, is a roundtable that brings together executive and select global leaders to discuss cyber challenges. The roundtable serves as a pioneer group to deliberate on all things that relate to executive decisions and actions regarding cybersecurity. "The topic of cyber risk raises tension among business and government leaders as our digital world rapidly advances," said Carney. "It is paramount that a united front is assembled to harmonize our global approach to protect our society from emerging threats and collaborate on innovative strategies, bringing more business resiliency as it relates to cyber." The panel, titled "Cyber Risks qualification, quantification and mitigation - How do we measure cyber and risk in order to mitigate risk to our business operating systems," will take place on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 from 2:00 to 2:40 PM. Panelists include Andrea Bonime-Blanc, CEO of GRC Risk Advisory; Norma Krayem, Sr. Policy Advisor at Holland & Knight and Chair of the Global Cybersecurity & Privacy Policy Regulatory Team; David Stender, CSO at M&T Bank; and Charles Blauner, Global CISO at Citibank. The conference is hosted at the Hotel Schatzalp in Davos, Switzerland. For more information, the conference program can be viewed on the event website: http://cyberfuturedialogue.org/ . About Coalfire Coalfire is the trusted cybersecurity advisor that helps private and public-sector organizations avert threats, close gaps and effectively manage risk. By providing independent and tailored advice, assessments, technical testing and cyber engineering services, we help clients develop scalable programs that improve their security posture, achieve their business objectives and fuel their continued success. Coalfire has been a cybersecurity thought leader for more than 17 years and has offices throughout the United States and Europe. For more information, visit Coalfire.com. Press Contact: Mike Gallo For Coalfire 212-239-8594 [email protected] SOURCE Coalfire WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) announced today public disciplinary actions against the following individuals, effective immediately or on the date noted in each case. Public disciplinary actions taken by CFP Board, in order of increasing severity, include letters of admonition, suspensions and permanent revocations. This release contains information about recent disciplinary actions relating to 10 current or former CFP professionals. Of these actions, there were 2 public letters of admonition, 5 suspensions, and 3 administrative revocations. The basis for each decision can be found in a Disciplinary Action Report below and on CFP Board's website. The public may check on an individual's disciplinary history and certification status with CFP Board at www.CFP.net/verify . CFP Board's enforcement process is a critical consumer protection. CFP professionals agree to abide by CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct (Standards), which includes the Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Rules of Conduct and Financial Planning Practice Standards. CFP Board enforces its ethical standards by investigating incidents of alleged violations and, where there is probable cause to believe there are grounds for discipline, presenting a Complaint containing the alleged violations to the CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) pursuant to CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). If the Commission determines there are grounds for discipline, it may impose a sanction ranging from a private censure or public letter of admonition to the suspension or revocation of the right to use the CFP marks. CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules set forth the process for investigating matters and imposing discipline where violations have been found. The Commission meets at least six times a year to provide a fair, unbiased review of any matter in which a CFP professional is alleged to have committed violations of the Standards. The Commission functions in accordance with the Disciplinary Rules and reviews all matters on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the details specific to an individual case. While CFP Board has attempted to capture the details relevant to each decision, the summary nature of these releases may omit certain details affecting the decision. Accordingly, the decisions and/or rationale described in the releases may not apply to other cases reviewed by the Commission or reflect the Commission's future interpretation or application of the Standards. STATE NAME LOCATION DISCIPLINE California Julie A. Bower, CFP Newport Beach Public Letter of Admonition Colorado Scott P. Evans Glendale One Year and One Day Suspension New Jersey Jared S. Friedman Scotch Plains Six-Month Suspension Illinois Richard P. Hohol Roselle Six-Month Suspension Georgia Ike Ikokwu Alpharetta Five-Year Suspension Missouri Robert A. Kahn Chesterfield Administrative Revocation California Mark A. Nordbrock Santa Monica Six-month Suspension Michigan Andrew L. Schade Lansing Administrative Revocation California Dean C. Tellone, CFP Anaheim Public Letter of Admonition Florida John P. Wheeler St. Petersburg Administrative Revocation LETTER OF ADMONITION CALIFORNIA Julie A. Bower, CFP (Newport Beach): In December 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Ms. Bower entered into a settlement agreement in which Ms. Bower agreed that CFP Board would issue a Letter of Admonition. In the settlement agreement, Ms. Bower consented to CFP Board's findings that, in connection with a client's 2012 annuity surrender transaction, she failed to satisfy the fiduciary duty of care she owed to her client and failed to make and/or implement suitable recommendations when she assumed incorrectly that certain "contributions" information reflected on an annuity account statement consisted of the "cost basis" of the annuity, failed to request information from her client or the annuity company that would have helped her to determine the correct cost basis of the annuity, and recommended that her client surrender or cash out a portion of the annuity without verifying the cost basis, which caused her client to incur substantial tax penalties and interest. CFP Board determined that Ms. Bower's conduct violated Rules 1.4 and 4.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline pursuant to Article 3(A) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission admonished Ms. Bower with regard to the above-described conduct. Dean C. Tellone, CFP (Anaheim): In December 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Tellone entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Tellone agreed that CFP Board would issue a Letter of Admonition. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Tellone, who is the President, Founder, Secretary, Treasurer, and Director of a registered investment adviser, consented to CFP Board's findings that he and his firm allocated trades which occasionally were inconsistent with statements in the firm's Form ADV filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2011 through 2015 and failed to follow compliance policies. Specifically, the firm allocated day trades with a profit of less than $300 to a day trade account, even though the firm never identified the day trade account as an account to be allocated a block trade. The firm's Form ADV stated that the firm would group trades based upon investment profiles, risk tolerance, account features such as option and margin trading, cash availability, and commission pricing. Because of this allocation, the day trade account received risk-free and profitable day trades whereas the firm's other clients bore all the market risk of the day trade account. CFP Board further determined that the firm and Mr. Tellone, without admitting or denying, consented to a Cease and Desist Order by the SEC on May 5, 2017 in which the SEC found that Mr. Tellone and the firm violated Section 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Advisers Act), which prohibits investment advisers from directly or indirectly engaging in "any transaction, practice or course of business which operates as a fraud or deceit upon any client." In the SEC settlement, Mr. Tellone and the firm also consented to the finding by the SEC that they violated Section 207 of the Advisers Act, which makes it "unlawful for any person willfully to make any untrue statement of a material fact in any registration application or report filed with the commission . . . or willfully to omit to state in any such application or report any material fact which is required to be stated therein." Pursuant to the Cease and Desist Order, the SEC ordered that (1) Mr. Tellone and the firm cease and desist from committing or causing any violations of Sections 206(2) and 207 of the Advisers Act; (2) Mr. Tellone and the firm be censured; (3) the firm pay a civil penalty of $75,000.00; and (4) Mr. Tellone pay a civil penalty of $25,000. CFP Board determined that Mr. Tellone's conduct violated Rules 2.1, 4.1, 4.3, and 4.4 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct, and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(A) and 3(D) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission admonished Mr. Tellone with regard to the above-described conduct. SUSPENSIONS CALIFORNIA Mark A. Nordbrock (Santa Monica): In December 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Nordbrock entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Nordbrock agreed that CFP Board would issue a Suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks for six months. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Nordbrock consented to CFP Board's findings that he held himself out as a CFP professional when he had not completed the minimum number of continuing education credit hours to satisfy CFP Board's certification requirements. CFP Board further found that Mr. Nordbrock made false statements to CFP Board when he self-reported his completion of certain continuing education courses that he had not actually taken. CFP Board determined that Mr. Nordbrock's conduct violated Rules 2.1, 6.2, and 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and Article 3(G) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules), and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(A) and 3(G) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Nordbrock with regard to the above-described conduct. Mr. Nordbrock's suspension is effective from December 12, 2018 until June 12, 2019. COLORADO Scott P. Evans (Glendale): In October 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Evans entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Evans agreed that CFP Board would issue a Suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks for one year and one day. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Evans consented to CFP Board's findings that he was convicted in Colorado of the felony of driving under the influence with 3+ priors on June 26, 2016, fled the scene of the crime to avoid detection for driving under the influence and did not notify the police of the crime, falsely identified another individual as the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident, and falsely informed the arresting officer that he was not the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident. CFP Board determined that Mr. Evans' conduct violated Rule 6.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and Article 13.3 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules), and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(A) and 3(C) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Evans with regard to the above-described conduct. Mr. Evans' suspension is effective from October 30, 2018 until October 31, 2019. GEORGIA Ike Ikokwu (Alpharetta): In December 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Ikokwu entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Ikokwu agreed that CFP Board would issue a Suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks for five years. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Ikokwu consented to CFP Board's findings that he failed to satisfy his fiduciary duty to financial planning clients when he recommended the clients invest in a company later found to be a Ponzi scheme involving unsuitable and unregistered securities while also failing to disclose that he received selling agent commissions from the company in connection with the investments (a conflict of interest). CFP Board also found that Mr. Ikowku continued to solicit clients to make investments in the company even after the company defaulted on a promissory note it owed to Mr. Ikokwu and his family. CFP Board further found that Mr. Ikokwu falsely informed clients that he had performed extensive due diligence into the company and its securities when he had not and failed to disclose to clients that he had reason to believe the investment was not sound. CFP Board also found that, in April 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia entered a final judgment, by consent, against Mr. Ikokwu in a matter brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), permanently enjoining him from future violations of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, Sections 10(b) and 15(a)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, and Sections 206(1) and 206(2) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Based on the entry of the judgment, the SEC barred Mr. Ikokwu, by consent, from the securities industry with a right to reapply after 5 years. CFP Board determined that Mr. Ikokwu's conduct violated Rules 1.4, 2.1, 2.2(A), 2.2(B), 4.3, and 4.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and Article 13.4 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules), and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(A) and 3(D) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules. Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Ikokwu with regard to the above-described conduct. Mr. Ikokwu's suspension is effective from December 12, 2018 until December 12, 2023. ILLINOIS Richard P. Hohol (Roselle): In October 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) and Mr. Hohol entered into a settlement agreement in which Mr. Hohol agreed that CFP Board would issue a Suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks for six months. In the settlement agreement, Mr. Hohol consented to CFP Board's findings that he allowed an unregistered person to act in a capacity that required registration when he allowed her to meet with customers, complete firm paperwork, assess suitability, make investment recommendations, and accept payment for providing these services. Mr. Hohol also consented to the finding that he violated his firms' policies and procedures that required him to properly associate a non-registered person with the firm and obtain fingerprints before employing that person. CFP Board further found that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) determined that Mr. Hohol's conduct violated FINRA Rule 2010, resulting in a two-month suspension by FINRA. CFP Board determined that Mr. Hohol's conduct violated Rules 4.3 and 5.1 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct, and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(A) and 3(D) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Accordingly, the Commission suspended Mr. Hohol with regard to the above-mentioned conduct. Mr. Hohol's suspension is effective from December 12, 2018 until June 12, 2019. NEW JERSEY Jared S. Friedman (Scotch Plains): In December 2018, CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (Commission) issued an order in which Mr. Friedman received a Suspension of his right to use the CFP certification marks for six months. The Commission issued its order after determining that Mr. Friedman: (1) failed to inform his client and misled his firm when he signed the client's name on two checks in 2017 without the client's knowledge or permission; and (2) presented the checks to the firm for deposit without obtaining the firm's permission for signing on the client's behalf, as required by firm policy, resulting in his termination. The Commission determined that Mr. Friedman's conduct violated Rules 2.1, 4.3, 4.4, and 5.1 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and provided grounds for discipline pursuant to Articles 3(A) and 3(D) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures. Mr. Friedman's suspension is effective from December 17, 2018 until June 17, 2019. ADMINISTRATIVE REVOCATION FLORIDA John P. Wheeler (St. Petersburg): In October 2018, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Wheeler's right to use the CFP certification marks. This discipline followed Mr. Wheeler's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged, among other things, that: (1) he received authority as a Durable Power of Attorney (POA), health surrogate and check writing authority for a non-family member client's account in violation of his firm's policies and procedures; (2) he failed to disclose these activities to his firm as outside business activities; (3) he made false statements to his firm during multiple annual compliance interviews that he was not serving as a POA, personal representative or acting in any other control position for any individual or entity, and also made false statements in response to email inquiries by his firm that he never had possession or control of a client's checkbook and never wrote checks to himself or any entity he controlled from the client's checkbook; (4) his employment was terminated by his firm in connection with the referenced conduct; and (5) in 2017, he entered into a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent ("AWC") concerning the same conduct that resulted in a six-month suspension from association with any FINRA member in any capacity and a $20,000 fine. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Wheeler's conduct violated Rules 4.3, 4.4, and 5.1 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and Article 13.2 of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules), providing grounds for discipline under Articles 3(A) and 3(D) of the Disciplinary Rules. Mr. Wheeler declined to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Wheeler's revocation was effective as of October 10, 2018. MICHIGAN Andrew L. Schade (Lansing): In November 2018, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Schade's right to use the CFP certification marks. This discipline followed Mr. Schade's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged, among other things, that Mr. Schade: (1) recommended unsuitable variable universal life insurance policies ("VUL policies") to a husband and wife in 2012 and 2013 because the VUL policies were inconsistent with the clients' investment objectives, risk tolerances, goals, needs, and priorities; (2) violated his fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of his clients at a time when he was providing them with financial planning services by recommending VUL policies totaling $3.9 million in death benefits to clients that required unaffordable annual payments and surrender charges; and (3) failed to exercise reasonable and prudent professional judgment when he recommended the VUL policies based upon unreasonable assumptions. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Schade's conduct violated Rules 1.4, 4.4, and 4.5 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct and Section 500-2 of CFP Board's Financial Planning Practice Standards, providing grounds for discipline under Articles 3(A) and 3(B) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). Mr. Schade declined to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Schade's revocation was effective as of November 15, 2018. MISSOURI Robert A. Kahn (Chesterfield): In November 2018, CFP Board issued an order permanently revoking Mr. Kahn's right to use the CFP certification marks. This discipline followed Mr. Kahn's failure to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within the required timeframe. CFP Board's Complaint alleged, among other things, that Mr. Kahn: (1) violated the policies of his firm when he engaged in excessive trading in a client's account and improperly placed discretionary orders in that same account between 2011 and 2016; (2) by engaging in excessive trading, made recommendations that were unsuitable and placed his interests above his client's; and (3) violated his firm's policies. CFP Board's Complaint alleged that Mr. Kahn's conduct violated Rules 1.4, 4.5, and 5.1 of CFP Board's Rules of Conduct, providing grounds for discipline under Article 3(A) of CFP Board's Disciplinary Rules and Procedures (Disciplinary Rules). Mr. Kahn declined to file an Answer to CFP Board's Complaint within 20 calendar days of the date of service, as required by Article 7.3 of the Disciplinary Rules. In accordance with Article 7.4 of the Disciplinary Rules, the allegations set forth in the Complaint were deemed admitted, and CFP Board issued an Administrative Order of Revocation. Mr. Kahn's revocation was effective as of November 15, 2018. ABOUT CFP BOARD Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. is a professional body for personal financial planners in the U.S. CFP Board sets standards for financial planning and administers the prestigious CFP certification one of the most respected certifications in financial services so that the public has access to and benefits from competent and ethical financial planning. CFP Board, along with its Center for Financial Planning, is committed to increasing the public's awareness of CFP certification and access to a diverse, ethical and competent financial planning workforce. Widely recognized by firms as the standard for financial planning, CFP certification is held by more than 83,000 people in the United States. SOURCE Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. Related Links http://www.CFP.net/verify VANCOUVER, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - INVICTUS MD STRATEGIES CORP. ("Invictus" or the "Company") (TSXV: GENE;OTCQX: IVITF; FRA: 8IS1) is pleased to provide an update on its binding letter of intent ("LOI") to create a joint venture with Cannamerica Brands Corp. ("CannAmerica") (CSE: CANA) (OTCQB: CNNXF) and CBDistribution Company Ltd. ("CBDC") (collectively the "Joint Venture") that was previously announced on January 7, 2019 with the intention of acquiring hemp biomass for extraction into CBD isolate using purpose-built facilities for large scale CBD extraction. The Joint Venture has entered into a binding LOI with Z3 Sciences, LLC ("Z3") to purchase 80% of the membership interests of Z3 for aggregate consideration, including performance incentives, of USD$42.25 million. Z3 is expected to provide the Joint Venture with existing extraction contracts from extracting Hemp biomass into CBD isolate. The current wholesale cost for CBD Isolate is in the range of USD$5,000 to USD$7,000 per kilogram. Z3 existing extraction contracts range from USD$20 to USD$30 per input pound of hemp biomass plus USD$1 to USD$2 per finished gram of CBD isolate. The current facility has the capacity to process up to 50,000 lbs of hemp biomass per month with a yield of approximately 2,500 kg's of CBD isolate per month. The existing management team at Z3 consists of experienced operators that are expected to continue to operate the extraction facilities in Colorado where Z3 currently resides. The Z3 team includes: Jacob Tupper , Co-Founder and Chairman, specializes in structuring contracts and creating large scale CBD deals to open expansion opportunities; , Co-Founder and Chairman, specializes in structuring contracts and creating large scale CBD deals to open expansion opportunities; Ben Metzker , Co-Founder, has founded multiple companies ranging from digital marketing, software, consulting and most recently manufacturing and production of CBD from hemp. He has helped companies and people to grow their personal and professional brands resulting in over USD$100 million in increased revenue and profits; , Co-Founder, has founded multiple companies ranging from digital marketing, software, consulting and most recently manufacturing and production of CBD from hemp. He has helped companies and people to grow their personal and professional brands resulting in over in increased revenue and profits; Winston Cook , CEO, is an experienced C-level executive with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry with digital strategy, search engine optimization, customer acquisition, advertising, and sales; and , CEO, is an experienced C-level executive with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry with digital strategy, search engine optimization, customer acquisition, advertising, and sales; and Chris Mansfield , COO, has over 15 years of experience in all operations of the information technology solutions, systems integration, and professional services industries; Subject to Board approval, stock exchange approval and completion of satisfactory due diligence, the Joint Venture and Z3 intend to enter into a definitive purchase agreement on or before March 17, 2019. Consideration for the acquisition consists of: 1) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$3.75 million; 2) Common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$3.75 million; 3) USD$5 million in cash payable over a period of 240 days from the closing date; and 4) USD$1.5 million in cash for Z3 to purchase equipment and use for working capital purposes. The consideration also includes performance incentives subject to Z3 achieving gross revenue targets throughout 2020 that consist of: 1) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million and common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million if Z3 achieves gross revenue of USD$10 million for the four months ended April 30, 2020; 2) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million and common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million if Z3 achieves gross revenue of USD$10 million for the four months ended August 31, 2020; 3) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million and common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million if Z3 achieves gross revenue of USD$10 million for the four months ended December 31, 2020; 4) A total of USD$1.75 million in cash to be paid to the shareholders in equal proportions on January 2021 and June 2021; (ii) common shares of the Company having an aggregate value of USD$1 million; and (iii) common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1 million if Z3 achieves each of the above listed gross revenue goals, totaling minimum of USD$30 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2020; 5) USD$8.5 million in cash and USD$4.25 million in shares of CANA and USD$4.25 million in shares of Invictus to be paid to the shareholders in 2021 if Z3 achieves USD$80 million in the 12 months ended December 31, 2020. "This acquisition represents the next step forward in our partnership with CannAmerica and CBDC as we progress toward extracting CBD isolate for the United States market," said George E. Kveton, President and CEO of Invictus. "From the beginning, our goal has been to own the entire process from supply to distribution in order to ensure only the best products come from our facility and end up safely in the hands of consumers and patients around the world. We're poised to take an important step in achieving this goal in 2019 and our new partnerships will only fuel additional growth as we aim to educate and serve the masses," said Jacob Tupper, Co-founder and Chairman of Z3 Sciences. "With this new partnership and expansion in our Colorado facility we anticipate extracting more than 50,000 pounds (22,700 kgs) per month." added Ben Metzker, Co-founder of Z3 Sciences. "The acquisition of a top-quality extractor is expected to give our partnership the ability to immediately generate revenue, fill current and new orders for CBD products, and meet the growing demand for high quality CBD products in the United States. While Z3 does have existing contracts for its CBD isolate CannAmerica plans to eventually use Z3 produced CBD isolate in CannAmerica branding products as well as create an entire line of CBD products," said Dan Anglin, CEO and Co-Founder of CannAmerica. For more information, please visit www.invictus-md.com. On Behalf of the Board, George E. Kveton Chief Executive Officer and Director Jessica Martin Vice President, Public Relations and Regulatory Affairs (833) 879-4363 About Invictus Invictus is a global cannabis company offering a selection of products under a wide range of brands. Our integrated sales approach is defined by five pillars of distribution including medical, adult-use, international, Licensed Producer to Licensed Producer and retail stores. Invictus has partnered with business leaders to convey our corporate vision, including KISS music legend and business mogul Gene Simmons as our Chief Evangelist Officer. To meet growing demand, Invictus is expanding its cultivation footprint, with three cannabis production facilities licensed under the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations in Canada. To accommodate international sales, Invictus' wholly-owned subsidiary, Acreage Pharms Ltd. ("Acreage Pharms"), has designed and is currently building its Phase 3 purpose-built cultivation facility to be European Union Good Manufacturing Practices ("EU-GMP") compliant. The Company is targeting up to 50 percent of production to medical cannabis. To ensure consistency in quality and supply, Invictus maintains all aspects of the growing process through its subsidiary, Future Harvest Development Ltd. ("Future Harvest"), a high-quality fertilizer and nutrients manufacturer. Invictus drives sustainable long-term shareholder value through a diversified product portfolio with over 70 Health Canada approved strains and a multifaceted distribution strategy including medical, adult-use, international, Licensed Producer to Licensed Producer and retail stores. For more information visit www.invictus-md.com. 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. For more information, please visit www.cannamericabrands.com. 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, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including the Company's plan to enter into a definitive joint venture agreement and the joint venture's ability to extract CBD isolate from hemp biomass 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, including that the Company's joint venture will be successful in extracting CBD isolate from hemp biomass and that the Company will be successful in entering into a definitive joint venture agreement. 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. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, the joint venture will not be successful in extracting CBD isolate from hemp biomass and/or the Company will not be successful in reaching a definitive joint venture agreement. 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 Invictus MD Strategies Related Links http://invictus-md.com/ VANCOUVER, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - CANNAMERICA BRANDS CORP. ("CANA" or the "Company") (CSE: CANA) (OTCQB: CNNXF) is pleased to provide an update on its binding letter of intent ("LOI") to create a joint venture with Invictus MD Stategies Corp. ("Invictus") (TSXV: GENE;OTCQX: IVITF; FRA: 8IS1) and CBDistribution Company Ltd. ("CBDC") (collectively the "Joint Venture") that was previously announced on January 7, 2019 with the intention of acquiring hemp biomass for extraction into CBD isolate using purpose-built facilities for large scale CBD extraction. The Joint Venture has entered into a binding LOI with Z3 Sciences, LLC ("Z3") to purchase 80% of the membership interests of Z3 for aggregate consideration, including performance incentives, of USD$42.25 million. Z3 is expected to provide the Joint Venture with existing extraction contracts from extracting Hemp biomass into CBD isolate. The current wholesale cost for CBD Isolate is in the range of USD$5,000 to USD$7,000 per kilogram. Z3 existing extraction contracts range from USD$20 to USD$30 per input pound of hemp biomass plus USD$1 to USD$2 per finished gram of CBD isolate. The current facility has the capacity to process up to 50,000 lbs of hemp biomass per month with a yield of approximately 2,500 kg's of CBD isolate per month. The existing management team at Z3 consists of experienced operators that are expected to continue to operate the extraction facilities in Colorado where Z3 currently resides. The Z3 team includes: Jacob Tupper , Co-Founder and Chairman, specializes in structuring contracts and creating large scale CBD deals to open expansion opportunities; , Co-Founder and Chairman, specializes in structuring contracts and creating large scale CBD deals to open expansion opportunities; Ben Metzker , Co-Founder, has founded multiple companies ranging from digital marketing, software, consulting and most recently manufacturing and production of CBD from hemp. He has helped companies and people to grow their personal and professional brands resulting in over USD$100 million in increased revenue and profits; , Co-Founder, has founded multiple companies ranging from digital marketing, software, consulting and most recently manufacturing and production of CBD from hemp. He has helped companies and people to grow their personal and professional brands resulting in over in increased revenue and profits; Winston Cook , CEO, is an experienced C-level executive with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry with digital strategy, search engine optimization, customer acquisition, advertising, and sales; and , CEO, is an experienced C-level executive with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry with digital strategy, search engine optimization, customer acquisition, advertising, and sales; and Chris Mansfield , COO, has over 15 years of experience in all operations of the information technology solutions, systems integration, and professional services industries; Subject to Board approval, stock exchange approval and completion of satisfactory due diligence, the Joint Venture and Z3 intend to enter into a definitive purchase agreement on or before March 17, 2019. Consideration for the acquisition consists of: 1) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$3.75 million; 2) Common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$3.75 million; 3) USD$5 million in cash payable over a period of 240 days from the closing date; and 4) USD$1.5 million in cash for Z3 to purchase equipment and use for working capital purposes. The consideration also includes performance incentives subject to Z3 achieving gross revenue targets throughout 2020 that consist of: 1) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million and common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million if Z3 achieves gross revenue of USD$10 million for the four months ended April 30, 2020; 2) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million and common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million if Z3 achieves gross revenue of USD$10 million for the four months ended August 31, 2020; 3) Common shares of CANA having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million and common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1.25 million if Z3 achieves gross revenue of USD$10 million for the four months ended December 31, 2020; 4) A total of USD$1.75 million in cash to be paid to the shareholders in equal proportions on January 2021 and June 2021; (ii) common shares of the Company having an aggregate value of USD$1 million; and (iii) common shares of Invictus having an aggregate value of USD$1 million if Z3 achieves each of the above listed gross revenue goals, totaling minimum of USD$30 million for the 12 months ended December 31, 2020; 5) USD$8.5 million in cash and USD$4.25 million in shares of CANA and USD$4.25 million in shares of Invictus to be paid to the shareholders in 2021 if Z3 achieves USD$80 million in the 12 months ended December 31, 2020. "From the beginning, our goal has been to own the entire process from supply to distribution in order to ensure only the best products come from our facility and end up safely in the hands of consumers and patients around the world. We're poised to take an important step in achieving this goal in 2019 and our new partnerships will only fuel additional growth as we aim to educate and serve the masses," said Jacob Tupper, Co-founder and Chairman of Z3 Sciences. "With this new partnership and expansion in our Colorado facility we anticipate extracting more than 50,000 pounds (22,700 kgs) per month." added Ben Metzker, Co-founder of Z3 Sciences. "The acquisition of a top-quality extractor is expected to give our partnership the ability to immediately generate revenue, fill current and new orders for CBD products, and meet the growing demand for high quality CBD products in the United States. While Z3 does have existing contracts for its CBD isolate CannAmerica plans to eventually use Z3 produced CBD isolate in CannAmerica branding products as well as create an entire line of CBD products," said Dan Anglin, CEO and Co-Founder of CannAmerica. "This acquisition represents the next step forward in our partnership with CannAmerica and CBDC as we progress toward extracting CBD isolate for the United States market," said George E. Kveton, President and CEO of Invictus. 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. For more information, please visit www.cannamericabrands.com. About Invictus MD Strategies Corp. Invictus is a global cannabis company offering a selection of products under a wide range of brands. Our integrated sales approach is defined by five pillars of distribution including medical, adult-use, international, Licensed Producer to Licensed Producer and retail stores. Invictus has partnered with business leaders to convey our corporate vision, including KISS music legend and business mogul Gene Simmons as our Chief Evangelist Officer. To meet growing demand, Invictus is expanding its cultivation footprint, with three cannabis production facilities licensed under the Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations in Canada. To accommodate international sales, Invictus' wholly-owned subsidiary, Acreage Pharms Ltd. ("Acreage Pharms"), has designed and is currently building its Phase 3 purpose-built cultivation facility to be European Union Good Manufacturing Practices ("EU-GMP") compliant. The Company is targeting up to 50 per cent of production to medical cannabis. To ensure consistency in quality and supply, Invictus maintains all aspects of the growing process through its subsidiary, Future Harvest Development Ltd. ("Future Harvest"), a high-quality fertilizer and nutrients manufacturer. Invictus drives sustainable long-term shareholder value through a diversified product portfolio with over 70 Health Canada approved strains and a multifaceted distribution strategy including medical, adult-use, international, Licensed Producer to Licensed Producer and retail stores. For more information visit www.invictus-md.com. 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, including statements regarding future estimates, plans, objectives, timing, assumptions or expectations of future performance, including the Company's plan to enter into a definitive joint venture agreement and the Joint Venture's ability to enter into a definitive purchase agreement, the Joint Venture's plan to enter into a definitive agreement with Z3 by March 17, 2019 and such agreement encompassing the terms outlined in the binding letter of intent between the Joint Venture and Z3, Z3 providing the Joint Venture with existing extraction contracts that will provide immediate revenue generation, the anticipated capacity of Z3's facility to produce approximately 2,500 kgs of CBD per month, the existing management team of Z3 will continue to work with Z3 if a definitive agreement with the Joint Venture is executed, the expectation that 50,000 pounds of hemp will be processed monthly, and the ability for the Joint Venture to produce revenue immediately after the signing of the definitive agreement 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, including that the Joint Venture will enter into a definitive Joint Venture Agreement, the Joint Venture will enter into a definitive agreement with Z3 by March 17, 2019 and such agreement will encompass the terms outlined in the binding letter of intent between the Joint Venture and Z3, Z3 will provide the Joint Venture with existing extraction contracts and such contracts will not be in default or terminated, that such extraction contracts will be revenue producing, Z3's facility will operate as anticipated by management and produce approximately 2,500 kgs of CBD per month, the existing management team of Z3 will continue to work with Z3 after a definitive agreement with the Joint Venture is executed, Z3's hemp supply contracts and facility will operate as anticipated by management resulting in such facility processing 50,000 pounds of hemp monthly, and the Joint Venture to produce revenue immediately after the signing of the definitive agreement. 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. Important factors that may cause actual results to vary, include, without limitation, the joint venture will not be successful in entering into a definitive agreement with Z3 encompassing the terms outlined in the binding letter of intent between the Joint Venture and Z3, that the Joint Venture will not successfully enter into a definitive Joint Venture Agreement, the Joint Venture will not enter into a definitive agreement with Z3 by March 17, 2019 and/or such agreement will not encompass the terms outlined in the binding letter of intent between the Joint Venture and Z3, Z3 will not provide the Joint Venture with existing extraction contracts because such contracts will be in default or terminated, that such extraction contracts will not be revenue producing, Z3's facility will not operate as anticipated by management and will be unable to produce approximately 2,500 kgs of CBD per month, the existing management team of Z3 will not continue to work with Z3 after a definitive agreement with the Joint Venture is executed, Z3's hemp supply contracts and facility will not operate as anticipated by management resulting in Z3's facility being unable to processing 50,000 pounds of hemp monthly, and the Joint Venture will be unable to produce revenue immediately after the signing of the definitive agreement. 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. - Willson joins London office team, continuing firm's strategic regional expansion - TORONTO and LONDON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - Retained executive search firm Caldwell (TSX: CWL) today announced a major enhancement to its recruiting capabilities in the global mining sector with the addition of Andrew Willson as a partner in the firm's Industrial Practice, based in London. "Andrew has extensive experience recruiting the senior-most mining executives around the world," said Dave Winston, managing partner of Caldwell's Industrial Practice. "With clients in Europe, South America, the US, Asia Pacific and Africa, he is exceptionally well-respected for his industry knowledge and search execution on the global stage. His addition to the team adds considerably to our already strong mining capabilities in Canada, the US and Asia Pacific - we're thrilled to have him on the team." Mr. Willson has noteworthy experience successfully completing complex executive search assignments in the extractive industries from the board level to senior management, and has worked across a range of functional disciplines including projects, exploration, asset management, engineering, operations, maintenance and reliability, supply chain, IT, finance, safety and assurance. Additionally, he has sourced candidates internationally for owners, contractors, and service companies on a global basis. Mr. Willson joins Caldwell from an international executive search firm specializing in board and senior management appointments within the mining and oil & gas sectors, where he was managing partner of the firm's EMEA region. Mr. Willson holds a Bachelor of Science in geography & geology from the University of Birmingham. "Andrew's hire further expands the London office footprint, which now includes experts across the industrial and financial services sectors, as well as functional specialists across finance, operations, risk and human resources" said John Wallace, chief executive officer. "Our focus continues to be on the strategic expansion of our partner team in industries and geographies that expand our ability to best serve our clients." About Caldwell At Caldwell we believe Talent Transforms. As a leading provider of executive talent, we enable our clients to thrive and succeed by helping them identify, recruit and retain their best people. Our reputationnearly 50 years in the makinghas been built on transformative searches across functions and geographies at the very highest levels of management and operations. We leverage our skills and networks to also provide agile talent in the form of flexible and on-demand advisory solutions for companies looking for support in strategy and operations. With offices and partners across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific, we take pride in delivering an unmatched level of service and expertise to our clients. Caldwell's Common shares are listed on The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CWL). Please visit our website at www.caldwellpartners.com for further information. SOURCE The Caldwell Partners International Inc. Related Links http://www.caldwellpartners.com WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HCS (www.hcsinteractant.com), a leading provider of an all-in-one healthcare information technology platform, today announced that BridgePoint Healthcare, LLC has selected HCS Interactant as its enterprise EHR platform to help improve care quality, operations, and compliance across their network of hospitals. Headquartered in Washington, DC, BridgePoint is a diversified provider of post-acute care in settings including long-term acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. They currently operate five facilities in both DC and the greater New Orleans area. The company is dedicated to promoting healing and wellness in a safe and welcoming environment, with an individualized path to recovery for each patient. BridgePoint reached a point where not having an EHR was no longer an option. The company was seeking an EHR solution that would enable them to deliver exceptional care, leading to better outcomes and operational efficiencies across their organization. Additionally, they were seeking a solution that would uniquely meet their functionality needs as a multi-site LTACH provider. The solution had to be easily and quickly deployed with the ability to scale as the organization expands. After thoroughly reviewing a number of EHR solutions, BridgePoint ultimately selected HCS Interactant as the solution that best fit the needs of a growing multi-site LTACH provider. In addition to its many capabilities, one feature that BridgePoint especially liked was that Interactant is the only solution that integrates the LTCH CARE Data Set within the EMR while providing users with enhanced workflow options to deliver patient-driven care. Furthermore, Interactant will give BridgePoint deep insight and analytics, enabling them to identify trends across their hospitals and make informed business and clinical decisions. "We grew to a point in which having an EHR in place to ensure the delivery of high-quality care became critical. HCS has become synonymous with LTACHs. They have built a system that supports the unique rules and landscape that LTACHs need to be successful in a challenging time," said Marc Ferrell, president and CEO of BridgePoint. "HCS enables us to centralize and standardize our organization through their platform architecture. This will be a major advantage for us to modernize our operations, expand and manage all of our locations effectively and efficiently while helping us deliver better and safer care to our patients." About HCS HCS is a leading provider of an all-in-one healthcare information technology platform that spans electronic health records (EHR), revenue cycle management, financial management, mobility, and business intelligence. In use at over 5,000 LTACH, behavioral health, and senior living facilities, the Interactant platform helps multi-site providers deliver better quality and safety in care while increasing efficiencies and financial performance. To learn more about HCS Interactant, visit www.hcsinteractant.com. Joe Bonelli [email protected] 800-524-1038 x2374 Related Images image1.png SOURCE HCS Related Links http://www.hcsinteractant.com RICHARDSON, Texas, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In a continuing commitment to help fight and raise awareness around preventing and managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced today the awarding of Healthy Kids, Healthy Families (HKHF) grants to community-based organizations statewide. More than $1.8 million in grants were awarded following an extensive evaluation process. The funding will anchor the second year of BCBSTX's $10 million community investment focus to battle CKD and COPD two conditions greatly impacting the life span, productivity and quality of life of Texans. "We launched this strategy understanding that this was an opportunity to impact two chronic diseases that are impacting the lives of Texans," said Dr. Dan McCoy, president, BCBSTX. "That's why it was important for us to collaborate with organizations that are making a difference in changing people lives through various outreach and education programs." Annually, the HKHF program receives numerous applications from organizations across the state. Each application was vetted on the basis of impact, feasibility, capacity, collaboration and sustainability. Grant recipients share BCBSTX's goal to raise awareness around the prevention and early detection of CKD and COPD. This year's Healthy Kids, Healthy Families grantees include: Launched in 2011, HKHF started as a three-year project designed to improve the health and wellness of at least one million children through community investments. The program was extended as BCBSTX's ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of the children and families across Texas. The HKHF program which centers on nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management and supporting safe environments has impacted the lives of millions of Texas children. To date, BCBSTX has awarded more than $10 million in HKHF grants. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 80,000 physicians and healthcare practitioners, and 500 hospitals to serve 5 million members in all 254 counties. BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSTX.com | Twitter.com/BCBSTX | Facebook.com/BlueCrossBlueShieldOfTexas | YouTube.com/BCBSTX BCBSTX's Community Investments BCBSTX is committed to helping improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve. For 90 years, that commitment has been reflected through social responsibility efforts that include corporate giving, local community relations, volunteerism, diversity and inclusion, ethics and compliance, wellness and sustainability initiatives. Our signature program, Healthy Kids, Healthy Families has impacted millions of children and their families in Texas through support in areas of nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, and supporting safe environments. To learn more about BCBSTX's social responsibility efforts, please visit http://bcbstx2017srr.com/. SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Related Links http://www.bcbstx.com HOUSTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- BBVA Compass has appointed Hector Chacon as its new Global Wealth Executive, promoting a long-time employee who has held multiple positions prior to his new role. In his new role, Chacon will lead all Global Wealth efforts across the BBVA Compass footprint, which spans seven states. Chacon has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, all with BBVA in Commercial, Retail and Global Wealth operations. He has held multiple roles with the bank, his most recent being the executive director of Auto Finance and Dealer Services. "Our Global Wealth operations are a key component to BBVA Compass's bottom line, growth and customer experience," said BBVA Compass Chief Operating Officer Rafael Bustillo. "Hector is the perfect person to lead our Global Wealth team, given his deep track record and expertise not only with BBVA Compass, but with this particular line of business. He is going to be an asset for the team, and more importantly, for our Global Wealth client base across the footprint." Chacon joined Bancomer, BBVA's market leading subsidiary in Mexico, in 1987, and its U.S. operations in 1997. Before his stint as head of auto financing, he was the bank's Texas Border CEO, a role that oversaw bank operations from El Paso to Brownsville, Texas. During that same time, he also managed retail for the bank's South Texas markets. Chacon also previously worked for BBVA subsidiaries in Mexico City, Miami and Houston. He graduated from the Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM) and holds a master's from the Instituto Panamericano de Alta Direccion de Empresas (IPADE) in Mexico City. The bank's Global Wealth team boasts a suite of top level products and services tailored to help clients manage their assets, estate, and personal finances, among other areas. The team also provides market insights to help clients make sound investments and fully-informed financial decisions. Chacon takes over a team previously lead by Giampaolo Consigliere, who will now assume the role of the bank's Miami Market CEO in an effort to strengthen BBVA Compass's presence in that region. For more information on the bank's Global Wealth team and the products available, click here . To learn more about BBVA Compass, visit: www.bbvacompass.com. For more news visit: www.bbva.com and newsroom.bbvacompass.com About BBVA Group BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) is a customer-centric global financial services group founded in 1857. The Group has a strong leadership position in the Spanish market, is the largest financial institution in Mexico, it has leading franchises in South America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States; and it is also the leading shareholder in Garanti, Turkey's biggest bank for market capitalization. Its diversified business is focused on high-growth markets and it relies on technology as a key sustainable competitive advantage. Corporate responsibility is at the core of its business model. BBVA fosters financial education and inclusion, and supports scientific research and culture. It operates with the highest integrity, a long-term vision and applies the best practices. More information about BBVA Group can be found at bbva.com. About BBVA Compass BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 645 branches, including 332 in Texas, 89 in Alabama, 63 in Arizona, 61 in California, 45 in Florida, 37 in Colorado and 18 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass ranks among the top 25 largest U.S. commercial banks based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Alabama (2nd), Texas (4th) and Arizona (6th). BBVA Compass has been recognized as one of the leading small business lenders by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and ranked 6th nationally in the total number of SBA loans originated in fiscal year 2017. Additional information about BBVA Compass can be found under the Investor Relations tab at bbvacompass.com. For more BBVA Compass news, follow @BBVACompassNews on Twitter, visit newsroom.bbvacompass.com, or visit bbva.com. SOURCE BBVA Compass Related Links http://www.bbva.com NEW YORK, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- BANKEX, the premier provider of tokenization and securitization services, and Digital Trust Fund, a foundation established to support and develop Uzbekistan's digital economy, partnered to bring fintech solutions - namely blockchain - to Uzbekistan at the state level. Uzbekistan's Digital Trust Fund signed a memorandum with BANKEX to facilitate the introduction of blockchain technology to all government agencies in Uzbekistan in order to minimize the potential for human error and to preclude corruption. "The present memorandum is directed at establishing a legal framework on which the parties can base the mutual cooperation necessary to ensure the quality as well as the qualified undertaking of tasks assigned to the parties," says the memorandum. The parties also agreed "to study the prospects for the introduction of innovative technologies, including blockchain technology" as well as to "exchange all necessary information and work experience, including through mutual internships and consultations." The collaboration will also involve holding joint educational events including workshops, seminars, round tables, and conferences about the principles of the development of the digital economy and the advantages of blockchain. About BANKEX New York-based BANKEX is a global fintech company that provides blockchain solutions, including an end-to-end STO framework, to institutions and customers alike. The owner and operator of the Proof-of-Asset (PoA) Protocol, BANKEX bridges the gap between the worlds of traditional banking and finance and the emerging world of blockchain. BANKEX is also developing unique and flexible products and services for investment, micro-financing, as well as for capital markets and futures markets. BANKEX infrastructure services and technologies include Custody Service, BANKEX Token Exchange, Ethereum Plasma Prime, Supply Chain, Digital Deal, and an STO Framework. BANKEX group companies legally operate within Class 3 and Class 4 licenses for Virtual Financial Assets in Malta. For more information, please visit bankex.com/en Follow BANKEX on Facebook and Telegram. For more information on this and other press release topics, contact: BANKEX Head of PR Maria Zvyagintseva e-mail:[email protected] +1-908-377-8381 SOURCE BANKEX LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandhills Publishing, the tech company behind Auction Flex, HiBid.com, AuctionTime.com, BidCaller, and Equipmentfacts, will host an auctioneer forum and an auction management seminar on January 29th and 30th in Louisville, Kentucky. The event will present attendees with industry insights about a number of online and live auction platforms, auction management solutions, online bidder software, and other resources that simplify auction management, advertising, bidding, and auctions in general. The auctioneer forum will cover auction management solutions, including insights into using technology to automate cataloging, clerking, cashiering, accounting, mailing list management, and more. Day one of the event will include coverage of online-only and simulcast auction technology, bidding and bidder management solutions, and asset valuation resources, as well as financing and payment processing platforms. The day will conclude with a reception where participants can network with others in the auction industry. Day two of the event will focus on streamlining auction management, and will include in-depth coverage of Auction Flex. Interested in attending the upcoming auctioneer forum? Contact [email protected] or call (352-414-1947) or your AuctionTime.com sales representative to register. About AuctionTime.com Powered by Machinery Trader, CraneTrader, ForestryTrader, Truck Paper, TractorHouse, and MarketBook, AuctionTime.com is a product of Sandhills Publishingan information processing company headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. AuctionTime equipment listings appear both online and in print across Sandhills' trade publications and corresponding websites to reach buyers around the world in the trucking, agriculture, construction, and heavy equipment industries. About Auction Flex & HiBid Auction Flex is the market-leader in auction software for live auctions, with capabilities that include cataloging, clerking, cashiering, accounting, mailing list management, inventory management, multi-parcel, and more. Auction Flex also provides a seamless solution that enables auction houses to upload auction catalogs online and accept internet absentee bids, conduct internet-only auctions, or offer webcast live internet bidding through its integrated web service and internet bidding solutionHiBid (both a private-label solution and a portal). Auction Flex and HiBid were built from the ground up to function together seamlessly. Contact Auction Flex: (352) 414-1947 [email protected] SOURCE AuctionTime.com CLEVELAND, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Asurint today announced that their proprietary background screening technology has the capability to evaluate and provide an on-demand instant clear on individuals for the entire state of Massachusetts. This allows hiring managers to extend offers to candidates in hours, not the days that are standard in the hiring industry. A "clear" happens when a background check performed on an individual does not return any criminal history results in the specified jurisdiction of the search. "Massachusetts is a testament of Asurint's ability to work with the courts and provide our clients the most up-to-date and accurate information," said Co-Founder & CEO Gregg Gay. "Last year, our instant clear coverage of Massachusetts only included Worcester and Middlesex counties. Now, we have 100 percent coverage of the state. That's an amazing achievement, and I'm looking forward to seeing more announcements like this for more states across the nation in the near future." Massachusetts is the most populous state in the New England region of the U.S. with nearly 7 million residents spanning across 14 counties. Historically, turnaround time for background checks was slow in Massachusetts due to the manually-intensive process of retrieving court files and dramatically reduced court budgets. Background screen results in Massachusetts normally take over two days to return results on a single search. With the help of Asurint's technology, clear results are now available instantly. Asurint provides instant clears on background screens for many other states such as Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, Florida and more. For more information, visit our page to experience the Asurint Advantage yourself. The counties in Massachusetts with instant clears through Asurint are: Barnstable County Berkshire County Bristol County Dukes County Essex County Franklin County Hampden County Hampshire County Middlesex County Nantucket County Norfolk County Plymouth County Suffolk County Worcester County Contact: Andrew Kraynak, Senior Vice President of Marketing [email protected] 216-420-5578 Related Links Asurint Website SOURCE Asurint Related Links https://choose.asurint.com Under the new agreement, Astranis will design, build, launch, and operate one of its proprietary high-throughput telecommunications microsatellites in geostationary orbit to accelerate the availability of cheaper, faster, and more reliable broadband internet service to the entire state of Alaska. The satellite will launch in 2020 and provide 7.5 Gbps of capacity to roughly triple the currently available satellite capacity in in Alaska while also bringing costs down by an average of three times less than current pricing for both residential and wholesale customers. "We really couldn't have asked for a better first customer and a better partner," said John Gedmark, co-founder and CEO of Astranis. "Not just because of PDI's vision and dedication to bridging Alaska's digital divide, but also because this is a perfect opportunity to showcase our phased approach to bringing online the more than four billion people in the world without reliable internet access." Astranis and PDI will work closely alongside PDI founding partners Space Partnership International (SPI) and Microcom to accelerate the vision for a fully connected Alaska. "PDI was created specifically to address this connectivity problem in Alaska," said Chuck Schumann, founder of Pacific Dataport. "Through our work together, we ultimately hope to provide 40 Gbps - 50 Gbps of dedicated bandwidth to bring the entire state of Alaska online with broadband internet including many in the state who have no access at all. The new agreement with Astranis is the first step toward making that dream a reality much faster than we could with one of the traditional big satellite manufacturers." According to Broadband Now , 39 percent of Alaskans are underserved when it comes to internet access the highest rate of any state. At a global level, more than half of the world's population today is still not online, and if current growth rates persist, more than 3 billion people in the year 2020 still will not have the fast, reliable internet most of the United States take for granted. PDI will hold a press conference and Q&A session at its Anchorage office on the morning of January 17, 2019. Members of the media who wish to attend should RSVP to [email protected] for more information. To learn more about Astranis, please visit www.astranis.com . For more information about PDI, please visit http://www.pacificdataport.com/ . About Astranis Astranis is reimagining the future of telecommunications satellites and taking on one of humanity's most important challenges. Four billion people do not have access to the internet. Astranis is going to change that. We are building the next generation of smaller, lower-cost telecommunications satellites to bring the world online. Astranis launched from stealth in March 2018 with funding from Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz to close the digital divide and reimagine the $126 billion a year satellite telecoms market by providing fast, reliable internet to the 4 billion people on the planet still without access. About Pacific Dataport Pacific Dataport is a satellite communications company formed by Alaskans for Alaskans through a strong interest and investment by Microcom, Space Partnership International, and others. Pacific Dataport is looking to help bridge the digital divide here at home. There are very few places in the world now with internet service as poor as Alaska and this should not be the case. The fact that Alaska is being left out has presented a great opportunity for our company to not only provide ubiquitous broadband coverage to Alaska but also bring back a competitive landscape and better products that will be a benefit to all. The future of Alaska, especially rural Alaska, depends on access to reliable internet service and Pacific Dataport is ready to make it happen. Pacific Dataport is built on Microcom's strong history and knowledge of satellite communications in rural Alaska as well as Space Partnership International's experience designing and developing satellite systems. Microcom has 34 years of satellite projects to proudly look back on in Alaska and around the world, and Pacific Dataport looks forward to continuing Microcom's legacy of being the first to bring new and innovative communications technology to Alaska. About Microcom Microcom has been leading the way in satellite communications in Alaska for over 30 years. Our years of dedication to customer service and competition have allowed all consumers to see a benefit from our work. Microcom is proud of its innovative solutions to our customers' communications needs. Microcom's ingenuity has resulted in many "firsts" in the satellite industry. Today, Microcom installs and services commercial satellite television and internet terminals across its vast territory. Microcom looks forward to continuing our work at pushing the boundaries of satellite communications technology. About Space Partnership International Space Partnership International (SPI) is a multi-disciplinary management consulting firm for space-related technical and business initiatives; our areas of expertise include satellite systems engineering, Business Development, procurement support / program management, ITU regulatory and market access. SPI brings together a multicultural team of experts with experience building and operating space-related businesses all over the world. We help government agencies, as well as start-ups and established companies across the entire satellite value chain and project lifecycle to create opportunities and bring them to fruition. For more information, see www.spacepi.com . SOURCE Astranis Space Technologies Corp. By a margin of more than eight to one (85 percent to 11 percent), Americans say that faith should not be a factor in deciding a person's appointment to a position in the federal government. This includes about three quarters of Republicans (74 percent), and about nine in 10 Democrats (90 percent) and independents (89 percent). The survey of 1,066 adults was conducted January 8 through January 10, 2019 by The Marist Poll, sponsored and funded in partnership with The Knights of Columbus. The results coincide with the observance today (Jan. 16) of the Federal Government's annual declaration of Religious Liberty Day. "Americans rightly support religious freedom and reject religious tests for public office," said Knights of Columbus CEO Carl Anderson. "Article VI of the Constitution, which forbids religion tests, continues to strongly resonate with the overwhelming majority of Americans, who believe that faith should not be a barrier to someone's appointment to public service." In fact, most Americans support allowing religious people to serve in government appointments and judgeships. By about a forty-point margin, Americans say that they: Support people for whom religion is important serving as appointees in the federal government (63 percent to 19 percent). This includes about six in 10 Democrats (58 percent) and independents (61 percent) and more than 7 in 10 Republicans (72 percent). Support people for whom religion is important serving as federal judges (62 percent to 23 percent). This includes about six in 10 Democrats (59 percent) and independents (60 percent) and more than 7 in 10 Republicans (73 percent). A majority of Americans also support protection of religious freedom in general. By a margin of more than 20 points (55 percent to 33 percent), Americans say freedom of religion should be protected even when it goes against government laws. This includes majorities of Democrats (55 percent), independents (53 percent) and Republicans (59 percent). Adults 18 years of age and older residing in the contiguous United States were contacted on landline or mobile numbers and interviewed in English by telephone using live interviewers. Mobile and landline telephone numbers were randomly selected based upon a list of telephone exchanges from throughout the nation from Survey Sampling International. Results are statistically significant within 3.7 percentage points. SOURCE Knights of Columbus TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The airlines have been a safe and reliable way for pets to travel for many years! The incidents of pet injury or death are very low (48 pet related incidents in 2017 across all airlines). Happy Tails Travel believes in airline travel, as they have worked one on one with the airlines' pet safe programs to offer a 100% success rate for pet shipping for 23 years. Happy Tails Travel Inc. Walker Recently, the public perception of airline travel for pets has taken a severe blow due to exaggerated accounts of pet deaths. Most recently were stories of a pet dying in cabin and two pets being sent internationally in error, who were flown back to the U.S. as soon as they were discovered. These stories by the media contribute to inflated misperceptions on how 'unsafe' it is for airline travel. From this past summer until presently, there has been a significant decrease in people wanting their pets to fly, due to news stories they have heard. As a result of the media storm, airlines implemented an unprecedented amount of changes in airline rules and regulations for pet travel over the past eight months. While the changes were for the best interests of the pets and to uphold airline employees to stricter standards, these changes are also posing an inconvenience to many pet owners who need to relocate their pets. Such inconveniences include people not able to send their pets due to size and breed restrictions, huge expenses for the pet owner, or pets not being adopted due to the additional hassle of trying to find a suitable method of transport. In response to the "perfect storm" (public perception of air travel for live animals, greater restrictions and increased requirements), Happy Tails Travel developed a service to address these issues. As an alternative to air travel, this company can relocate pets within the contiguous U.S. by ground in a program called, "By Ground Safe and Sound." This service offers door-to-door transportation for pets in a private vehicle by one of their highly screened, pet-friendly drivers to ensure a happy journey to each pet's new home. Transportation includes communication throughout the day, comfort stops, and dogs have the option of riding in their crate or with a seatbelt and harness/loose, while cats must be sent with a kennel for their journey. Pet owners are relieved to have this service as it provides great peace of mind and the opportunity to have their pets move to their new home. Please see the highlight below from a ground testimonial and follow the link for the complete review and others! "Happy Tails Travel talked to me on the phone about all the ways that would work or wouldn't work based on Walker's background, size and personality. Helping us understand the dynamics of all types of travel and how to get Walker to Texas safely, and the best way for him." Marion C. and Walker who traveled from New York, NY to Austin, TX. Media Contact: Bridget Monrad Happy Tails Travel, Inc. 520-850-0890 [email protected] SOURCE Happy Tails Travel, Inc. ALBANY, New York, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global agricultural adjuvants market is expected to project a highly consolidated scenario. The market is led by a very few key players. As per the recent research report by Transparency Market Research, the three main players, namely Akzo Nobel N.V., Clariant, and Solvay, overall accounted for more than 50% of the entire market. The competitive scenario is foreseen to sustain its consolidation in the coming years too. These key players will be leveraging the lead with their well-settled supply chains across all the developing and developed markets in the world. Nevertheless, with the emergence of new firms, the competition is expected to get intense in the coming years. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) The global agricultural adjuvants market is prognosticated to expand at a steady CAGR of 6.6% within the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. In 2015, the market was valued around worth US$2.36 bn. This figure is likely to reach around US$4.16 bn by 2024-end. Request a Sample of Agricultural Adjuvants Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=17600 On the basis of application, the global agricultural adjuvants market comprise of fungicides, insecticides, herbicides, and various other minor usages in the protection of crops, for example, disinfectants, defoliants, desiccants, plant regulators, bio-stimulants, fertilizers, biocides, and micronutrients. Among these, pest control and crop control as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides dominated the global agricultural adjuvants market as per the demand for application. Geographically, the global market is expected to be led by Latin America and North America region and various new entrants, especially in the US. Request For Multiple Chapters: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=17600 Rising urbanization to Support Demand in Agricultural Adjuvants The market is predominantly marked by the rising awareness about the utilization of adjuvants for the better crops protection. The market is additionally determined by the immense decrease in farmlands accessible for agricultural purposes as steady industrialization and urbanization activities are consuming up wide room in developing and agrarian economies. The surging population of the globe and the successive adoption for sustainable manufacturing of food items is additionally a key support of the global agricultural adjuvant market. Soon, the market will profit by a tremendous rise in use of trend setting innovations and strategies in the cultivating division, all over developing and developed economies. In developing nations, this will be fueled by the supportive initiatives by governments, through subsidizing and empowering controls, towards acquiring enhancement in the agricultural area. Request For Discount On This Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=17600 Genetically Modified Seeds Usage to Hinder Market Demand The global agricultural adjuvants market includes for the most part encouraging scope of grwoth. In any case, certain elements, for example, the expanded utilization of genetically changed seeds, which are in general increasingly proficient with regards to security from pests and harvest yield, could prompt a diminished demand for agricultural adjuvants in future. All things considered, growing awareness among farmers in regards to the advantages of agrochemicals and the rising concentration on rising economies on acquiring enhancements in agricultural industry through teaching agriculturists are probably going to profit the market. Browse Press Release: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/agricultural-adjuvants-market.htm The review is based on the findings of a report by Transparency Market Research, titled "Agricultural Adjuvants Market (Product Types - Activators (Surfactants, Oil Adjuvants, and Ammonium Fertilizers) and Utility (Wetting Agents & Spreaders, Buffering Agents, Drift Control & Foaming Agents, and Defoaming and Antifoaming Agents); Applications - Herbicides, Insecticides, and Fungicides) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024." The report segments the global Agricultural adjuvants market as: Agricultural Adjuvants Market: Product Type Analysis Activators Surfactants Non-ionic Ionic Others Oil Adjuvants Petroleum Oil Vegetable Oil Ammonium fertilizers Utility Wetting Agents & Spreaders Buffering Agents Drift Control & Foaming Agents Defoaming & antifoaming Agents Others Agricultural Adjuvants Market: Application Analysis Herbicides Insecticides Fungicides Others Browse Chemical and Materials Market Research Reports Popular Research Reports by TMR: Specialty Fertilizers Market (Type Analysis - Slow Release Fertilizers, Controlled Release Fertilizers, Nitrification and Urea Inhibitors, and Micronutrient Fertilizers: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/specialty-fertilizers-market.html Biofertilizers (Product - Nitrogen Fixing, Phosphate Mobilizing, Potassium Mobilizing ): https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/biofertilizers-market.html Commercial Seaweed Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/commercial-seaweed-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Our experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact: Mr Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog: https://cmfenews.com SOURCE Transparency Market Research PLYMOUTH, Mich., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Adient (NYSE: ADNT), a global leader in automotive seating, today reported certain preliminary financial results for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2018. Revenue in Q1FY19 is expected to be approximately $4,158M versus $4,204M in the prior-year quarter. Q1FY19 Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be approximately $175M, versus Q1 Adjusted EBITDA of $267M in the prior year. Based on the current operating environment and the anticipated timing of turnaround actions underway, Adient expects earnings to improve in the second half of FY19 compared with first half FY19. Additional details related to Adient's first quarter results and outlook for the remainder of FY19 will be provided on Feb. 7 during the company's Q1FY19 earnings call. "After completing a comprehensive assessment during the first 100 days of my tenure, we are taking actions to improve our financial performance, including assembling a strong management team aligned with turning around our business; reducing our overhead spend; and focusing relentlessly on commercial and operational excellence," said Doug Del Grosso, president and chief executive officer. "We expect to see the benefits of these actions gaining momentum in the second half of fiscal 2019 as we work to achieve industry-leading margins over the longer term." Adient also is continuing to take steps to increase the strength and flexibility of its capital structure to better enable its turnaround. This includes initiating discussions with its bank group to evaluate options to refinance its existing credit facilities, and reviewing various portfolio changes. Adient to present at the 2019 Deutsche Bank Auto conference on Jan. 16 Adient's president and chief executive officer, Doug Del Grosso, and executive vice president and chief financial officer, Jeff Stafeil, will present at the Deutsche Bank Global Auto Industry Conference in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. They are scheduled to present at 9:50 a.m. (ET). Adient to discuss Q1FY19 financial results on Feb. 7 Adient will host a conference call on Feb. 7, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to discuss its first quarter fiscal 2019 financial results. The call will be hosted by Adient's president and chief executive officer, Doug Del Grosso, and executive vice president and chief financial officer, Jeff Stafeil. Live webcasts of the Deutsche Bank Auto Conference presentation and quarterly earnings conference call will be available on the investor section of the Adient website (http://investors.adient.com/). About Adient: Adient is a global leader in automotive seating. With 85,000 employees operating in 234 manufacturing/assembly plants in 34 countries worldwide, we produce and deliver automotive seating for all vehicle classes and all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. Our integrated, in-house skills allow us to take our products from research and design all the way to engineering and manufacturing and into more than 25 million vehicles every year. For more information on Adient, please visit adient.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Adient has made statements in this document that are forward-looking and, therefore, are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements in this document other than statements of historical fact are statements that are, or could be, deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this document, statements regarding Adient's future financial position, sales, costs, earnings, cash flows, other measures of results of operations, capital expenditures or debt levels and plans, objectives, outlook, targets, guidance or goals are forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "should," "forecast," "project" or "plan" or terms of similar meaning are also generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Adient cautions that these statements are subject to numerous important risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond Adient's control, that could cause Adient's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among others, risks related to: the impact of tax reform legislation through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, uncertainties in U.S. administrative policy regarding trade agreements, tariffs and other international trade relations, the ability of Adient to execute its SS&M turnaround plan, the ability of Adient to identify, recruit and retain key leadership, the ability of Adient to meet debt service requirements, the ability and terms of financing, general economic and business conditions, the strength of the U.S. or other economies, automotive vehicle production levels, mix and schedules, energy and commodity prices, the availability of raw materials and component products, currency exchange rates, the ability of Adient to effectively integrate the Futuris business, and cancellation of or changes to commercial arrangements. A detailed discussion of risks related to Adient's business is included in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Adient's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2018 filed with the SEC on November 29, 2018 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov. Potential investors and others should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made only as of the date of this document, unless otherwise specified, and, except as required by law, Adient assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this document. In addition, this document includes certain projections provided by Adient with respect to the anticipated future performance of Adient's businesses. Such projections reflect various assumptions of Adient's management concerning the future performance of Adient's businesses, which may or may not prove to be correct. The actual results may vary from the anticipated results and such variations may be material. Adient does not undertake any obligation to update the projections to reflect events or circumstances or changes in expectations after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent events. No representations or warranties are made as to the accuracy or reasonableness of such assumptions or the projections based thereon. ADNT-FN SOURCE Adient Related Links http://www.adient.com In 2018, America's two most influential travel magazines gave travel to Japan a major thumbs-up, with Travel+Leisure pronouncing Japan the "Destination of the Year" for 2018 and the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards citing Tokyo and Kyoto as the top two big cities in the world. "American tourism to Japan is expected to continue to rise in 2019 as the country builds up to host major international sporting events," continued Ise, "with a host of prestigious American media including Japan in their much-valued annual lists of the most recommended places to visit in the coming year." The list of media is unusually impressive, including the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Architectural Digest, Departures, Fodor's, and Frommer's. For more information about travel to Japan, visit JNTO on its Website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To contact the New York office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) New York office directly, please e-mail [email protected] or call 212-757-5641. ABOUT JAPAN NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANIZATION (JNTO): As the official tourism board of Japan, JNTO is involved in a wide range of promotional activities to encourage international travelers to visit Japan. Through a variety of campaigns and initiatives, JNTO is inspiring more American travelers to visit Tokyo, Kyoto and beyond. SOURCE Japan National Tourism Organization Related Links https://www.us.jnto.go.jp/top/index.php CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Word Mania, the world's biggest online literacy competition, has arrived in the United States, with students invited to join the fun for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes for their school . Created by LiteracyPlanet, an award-winning English literacy (language arts) education program, Word Mania challenges students to build as many words as they can in three minutes from 15 randomly generated letter tiles. Word Mania is fun to play and free for any student from Grades 1 to 9 to enter. Word Mania, the world's biggest online literacy competition, has arrived in the U.S., with students invited to join the fun for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes for their school. LiteracyPlanet CEO Adam McArthur said the company was excited to see students in the U.S. involved in such a fun literacy challenge. "In 2018, we had students from 106 countries participate in our competitions, building 208 million words from more than nine million games. We are looking forward to seeing what U.S. students can do this year." Word Mania challenges students to practice crucial literacy skills including affixes and plurals (morphemes), word recognition, vocabulary and word knowledge. LiteracyPlanet U.S. Commercial Director Ashley O'Connor said she was looking forward to seeing children in the U.S. rise to the challenge. "Word Mania is a great way for students to improve literacy skills while having fun. It's been shown to improve a variety of literacy skills including phonics, spelling, vocabulary and word knowledge and we see an average 36 percent improvement in scores over the competition. We look forward to generating the same excitement and success we have seen internationally here in the United States." Schools can register now for free at https://www.wordmania.com/us/register. Students will have up until March 1 to sharpen their skills as part of the Practice Round. The Competition Round will then run from March 4-8. The top-performing schools will qualify for the Final Round from March 13-15 and have the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes. To register for a login to play LiteracyPlanet Word Mania USA or for more information, parents and teachers can go to https://www.wordmania.com/us/register. For further information, please contact: Ben Squires - (+61) 431-451-638 or [email protected] About LiteracyPlanet LiteracyPlanet is the premier online literacy resource for students in the U.S. It is a gamified learning platform with more than 15,000 interactive exercises that cover pre-reading, phonics, sight words, reading, spelling, comprehension, grammar and punctuation. LiteracyPlanet is aligned to Common Core and All-State Standards, ensuring it is the best program to improve English literacy outcomes in students. Related Images word-mania-usa.png Word Mania USA Word Mania, the world's biggest online literacy competition, has arrived in the U.S., with students invited to join the fun for the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes for their school. word-mania-usa.png Word Mania USA Word Mania challenges students to build as many words as they can from 15 randomly generated tiles. word-mania-usa.jpg Word Mania USA Word Mania is free to enter, fun to play and has been shown to improve literacy skills. word-mania-usa.png Word Mania USA Word Mania USA is created by LiteracyPlanet, the world's leading online literacy education resource. Related Links Word Mania LiteracyPlanet Related Video https://vimeo.com/310502743 SOURCE LiteracyPlanet (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/808542/Wiztek.jpg ) As the number of tech devices becoming part of our everyday lives increases, so too does our need for support and advice. We spend a lot of time tracking down answers in chat forums or trying to find and then follow self-help videos. Typically, we have a go-to person that we call upon - a family member, a friend, a colleague, even a neighbour - however, we can't always rely on these people to have the answer, nor are they always available when we need them. With the revolutionary tech support solution, Wiztek, you can reach an expert in under 30 seconds, anywhere, from any device, using an extremely simple 3- click process via the friendly app or website. Using clever AI technology, your problem is matched to a community of IT experts, who will then connect to you instantly via call, chat or video, any time day or night, and for free. It is the fastest, most convenient way to diagnose your tech problems. The Wiztek community of experts and helpers offer knowledge of a multitude of devices, covering a full range of hardware and software issues. So, whether your laptop is running slow, you are unsure on how to set up a device, you can't connect to a network, or fear your hardware is infected with a virus, a Wiztek expert can help. No problem is too big or too small. And you can be sure that you will never overpay with prices starting at just 4.90. Unlike, alternative tech support options, the Wiztek tech support service is available with no sign-up subscriptions and only charges once an expert is confident that they have a solution for you. The community is user-rated, so you can be assured that you are speaking with an expert you can trust. "Our aim is to revolutionise the tech support market to be more relevant now - it's time to say goodbye to outdated, product support call centres," says Hani AL-Qadi, founder of Wiztek. Paul Amsellem, CEO of Wiztek added: "Nowadays we juggle a number of tech devices in our busy lifestyles, we can't be expected to understand them in their entirety or be experts in identifying and solving problems when they arise. Wiztek is designed to provide everyone with someone to turn to, and to deliver a hassle free, speedy service, at a fair price. It's the most advanced, highly personal, on-demand digital tech support service available, yet it couldn't be simpler," Amsellem concluded. About Wiztek Wiztek is a developer and provider of an innovative multi-platform on-demand IT support service. The company, based in London, England with a development subsidiary in Paris, France, leverages an intelligent suite of AI tools to deliver relevant technical support experts, who register on the service, to consumers and small business professionals with everyday tech issues. The service is competitively priced and will expand to global markets. Founded by Hani AL-Qadi, international investor and entrepreneur, and headed by Paul Amsellem, founder of Phonevalley, Cellcast Interactif and Nemapp, Wiztek aims to become the first trusted IT support service of its kind. For more information, please visit https://wiztek.com/ SOURCE Wiztek This alleged kidnapping occurred in Alabama where son, Eric, was living temporarily due to his mother's 3-year NASA software engineering employment contract in Huntsville. Eric was born in Indianapolis, Indiana where at that time his father was deputy prosecuting attorney with Marion County Prosecutor's Office. Eric's case charges two Alabama judges with accepting a case filed by Limestone county Alabama state agency requesting judge to take charge of Eric by alleging neglect. The Alabama judge accepted state petition without ever having an evidentiary hearing and, to date, Eric is still held by Alabama. As such, plaintiffs charge two Alabama judges with alleged kidnapping along with several agencies which allegedly assisted/participated. Furthermore, the Complaint appeared to cause negative reactions with Indiana judicial system. Earlier in 2016, then-Alabama Attorney General (AG) Luther Strange refused proper service of Indiana District Court Summons/Complaint thereby contradicting provisions of AG's office which mandates that when an Alabama agency is sued the AG office represents such agency. Moreover, said refusal is contradictory to AG's/Alabama Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's duty to investigate fraud as set forth under contractual obligations between Department of Health & Human Services and Alabama. https://ago.alabama.gov/ The Complaint sets forth factual allegations supporting motives for alleged illegal actions by Alabama judges/agencies. For example, one motive alleged is receipt of Medicaid/SSI/other federal & state funds which are applied for and held by said Alabama judges/agencies for those children, however, during sixteen-plus (16+) years, Alabama Judge Jeanne W. Anderson headed a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization where she allegedly directed funds from federal/state agencies into her court budget thereafter directing same funds into her own non-profit for purposes of purported assistance (ostensibly) for minor children's welfare. For seventeen-plus (17+) years, this case traversed Alabama, Indiana, Seventh Circuit and finally Supreme Court. Now, the Petition's central issue is: 'Seventh Circuit disbarment of Attorney-Plaintiff Davis for allegedly filing an appeal in a "pro se" manner which has not been nor cannot be supported by any evidence of "pro se" filing'. Both Petitions above have Cherry as common denominator. In first case, Cherry granted two district court time extensions that were not honored. In second case ( Kennedy, Davis v. Schneider Electric) , Cherry granted summary judgment against Kennedy and also granted motion (sanctions) against Attorney Davis for allegedly filing (frivolous) motion while ignoring credible/disputable facts. Cheryl Janky v. Lake County Convention and Visitors Bureau seemingly reflects fact that Cherry has penchant for ignoring submitted facts. Cherry recently retired. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCOURTS-ca7-08-01606/pdf/USCOURTS-ca7-08-01606-0.pdf Given Cherry's extra-judicial written statements from unrelated cases contained within Orders against Attorney Davis, Cherry did not recuse himself from either case despite Kennedy's filing Motion to Disqualify Judge (28U.S.C.455). Moreover, the Seventh Circuit panel totally ignored appellate brief issues regarding 455motion further ignoring that Cherry [himself] concluded no appearance of bias as Cherry ruled on the 455motion. Eric's parents have exhausted resources bringing Davis v. Jeanne W. Anderson, USCA7, et al. (#18-829) to the Supreme Court. To support continued litigation & autism research, https://www.gofundme.com/tvnrs7z8 was established. Notably, Alabama defendants appear to possess shady motives like others allegedly colluding in "Children-as-Cash-Cows" situations famously enumerated by Late Georgia Senator Nancy Schaefer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5fqaaBpTLY&t=127s See_ PDF_MOTION_w/o_EXHIBITS SOURCE Attorney John H. Davis & Associates KENNEBUNK, Maine, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting the new year off on the right foot can set the tone for the months to come. Each new year offers the opportunity to revisit your wellness routine and make mindful changes. To start 2019 off strong and healthy, natural personal care leader Tom's of Maine is co-hosting a free 4-Week Wellness Reboot. Each week top mindbodygreen contributors and wellness experts will share their self-care tips, recommended products, meal plans and exercise tips on mindbodygreen and through Facebook Live sessions on January 16 with Betina Gozo and January 23 with Cassandra Bodzak. Visit Facebook.com/MindBodyGreen or Facebook.com/TomsofMaine for details. Tom's of Maine is also partnering with the experts at mindbodygreen to help fans "Nature Up" by entering for a chance to win $600 worth of popular mindbodygreen online video classes on wellness topics, a personal consultation with a mindbodygreen expert, and Tom's of Maine products. To enter, visit TomsofMaine.com/NatureUp between now and February 28. "A key component of 'naturing up' is discovering new practices, ideas and products that bring the best of nature to your health and wellness routine," says Rob Robinson, brand and goodness leader at Tom's of Maine. "In addition to the expert tips from our partners at mindbodygreen, Tom's of Maine will introduce nine new innovations in the coming months that harness the power of nature to deliver premium products." mindbodygreen Founder and CEO Jason Wachob says, "mindbodygreen is thrilled to partner with Tom's of Maine, a natural care pioneer, in creating accessible opportunities for everyone to 'nature up' and further their wellness practice with our 4-Week Wellness Reboot. A new year is an opportunity to reset intentions and habits. Our goal is that together with Tom's of Maine we can encourage readers to consider going natural in 2019." Tom's of Maine gives 10% of its profits back to organizations that support nature and healthy families. As well, employees are encouraged to give 5% of paid time to volunteer. For mindbodygreen sweepstakes terms and conditions visit https://www.tomsofmaine.com/natureup/nature-up-official-rules and to learn more about how the company supports healthy lifestyles, visit www.TomsofMaine.com. About Tom's of Maine Tom's of Maine has been making safe, effective natural personal care products for 49 years. It all began when Tom and Kate Chappell moved to Maine in 1968 looking for a healthier, simpler life for their growing family. And when they couldn't find personal care products that were free from artificial flavors, fragrances, sweeteners, colors and preservatives, they decided to make their own. Tom's of Maine products including toothpaste, deodorant, mouthwash, antiperspirant, bar soap, body wash, dental floss, and toothbrushes are made from naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients and never tested on animals. The company has a long-standing commitment to caring for people and the planet. Tom's of Maine has supported hundreds of nonprofits by giving back 10% of its profits, and employees are encouraged to use 5% of their paid time (12 days) volunteering for causes they are passionate about. Most Tom's of Maine products are vegan, kosher, halal-certified and gluten-free. All packaging is recyclable through a partnership with upcycling leader TerraCycle or participating municipalities. Visit us online at http://www.tomsofmaine.com/ or at http://www.facebook.com/TomsofMaine. SOURCE Tom's of Maine Last year, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals Dallas adopted the family of a twenty month old baby girl who has been at the Children's Hospital for seven months battling heart and kidney failure. Through the month of November, Sekisui Specialty Chemical employees donated gift cards and items from the family member's holiday wish list. Gifts included a fishing pole for the baby's father, new sneakers for her mother, and lots of new toys for her to play with while she is not in the hospital. The gifts were well received by the family, and they wrote a heartfelt thank you note to all the participants for making their holiday season a little bit brighter. Looking forward to 2019, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals is searching for additional ways to give back to local communities and help those in need. Sekisui Specialty Chemicals' primary product is Selvol, a line of high performance polyvinyl alcohol polymers and copolymers used in paper, adhesive, packaging, construction, personal care, and many other specialty formulations. Sekisui Specialty Chemicals is a subsidiary of the Sekisui Chemical Group, a multibillion dollar, global company that delivers a wide range of products and services to enrich people's lives. The company is comprised of core businesses and technologies in housing, social infrastructure, and chemical solutions. For more information, visit www.sekisui-sc.com/ SOURCE Sekisui Specialty Chemicals Related Links http://www.sekisui-sc.com Serea, created by Clique Hospitality the boutique hospitality company known for redefining today's dining and nightlife landscapeswill offer a robust, environmentally friendly menu that includes raw and cooked optionsfrom fresh whole catch, to seafood towers and composed dishes. The restaurant's seafood will be sourced from a variety of local and regional purveyors including Tuna Harbor Dockside Market; Catalina Offshore Products; Los Angeles based Superior Seafoods, and Baja California's Pacifico Aquaculture, which has created an innovative, sustainability-first farming program for premium, ocean-raised seabass. Special attention will also be paid to Serea's meats, all of which will come from regional ranchers known for the most tender and flavorful product. The menu at Serea will showcase the comprehensive, complex and expressive flavor profiles of the best fresh fish, intricate seafood and heritage meats the region has to offer, prepared by San Diego native and Clique Hospitality Executive Chef and Partner, JoJo Ruiz. "In San Diego we have such incredible access to some of the best seafood, produce and meats in the country, and I look forward to being able to present the highest quality products of the region in fresh, elevated and inspired ways with the menu at Serea," said Ruiz. "We're going to let the beauty of the ingredients do the talking and there really is no better setting in San Diego for us to do that." Serea will be located just steps from the Pacific Ocean on one of the "Best U.S. Beaches," providing unmatched, coastal viewscomplete with fresh, sea salt-scented air. Serea's indoor / outdoor bar will serve as the restaurant's see-and-be-seen focal point and will spotlight specialty cocktails, local brews and a well-curated, eclectic wine listmaking it the perfect place to celebrate the seaside beauty of San Diego; to toast to a special occasion or wind down to the soothing sounds of the ocean alongside family or friends. "We couldn't be more delighted to embark on the next chapter of The Del, including our partnership with Clique Hospitality and Serea," said Harold Rapoza, Jr., general manager at Hotel del Coronado. "Clique's desire to create unforgettable experiences aligns so well with what we have created at this iconic property. We look forward to continuing to offer new and compelling culinary experiences that are relevant to today's sophisticated diners and evolving our dining experiences over the next few years." Serea is slated to debut at Hotel del Coronado in Summer 2019 and is the first of several dining destinations at The Del that will undergo transformation over the next three years. About Hotel del Coronado Set on one of America's most iconic beaches, the legendary Hotel del Coronado has welcomed discerning travelers for 131 years to experience the Southern California coastal lifestyle at its best. Here, the magic and nostalgia of the property's storied past blends seamlessly with contemporary luxury in 757 guestrooms. Hotel del Coronado and its newest addition, Beach Village at The Del, have every modern amenity imaginable from bespoke concierge services and holistic spa experiences to private chefs and exquisite oceanfront dining. Known for creating memories and engaging experiences with endless recreational seaside activities, an award-winning spa, and oceanfront dining, this world-renowned San Diego resort seamlessly connects her storied past with today's Southern California coastal lifestyle. About Clique Hospitality Clique Hospitality is the boutique hospitality company with operations throughout Las Vegas and San Diego, known for specializing in upscale comfortable dining that sets trends, rather than following them. Clique was founded in 2001 by Andy Masi, a visionary who has helped redefine today's dining and nightlife landscape. Masi has dedicated his life to making guests feel that a simple night out should be more than just a memory, it should also be an experience. In its partnerships with many of the world's biggest corporations, including MGM Resorts International, Pendry Hotels, Station Casinos, Cosmopolitan Las Vegas and Blackstone Group, Clique is transcending the traditional definition of hospitality through unrivaled service, seamless operations, unabashed cuisine, inspired design and unparalleled atmosphere. SOURCE Clique Hospitality Related Links https://cliquehospitality.com/ PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Hundreds of students, parents, and staff from various Rhode Island schools will gather on Thursday, Jan. 24 to highlight school choice and meet community leaders at Rhode Island Families for School Choice's annual legislative reception. The event, which will take place 2:30-5 p.m. at the Rhode Island State House, will feature school choice supporters rallying for educational opportunity and discussing how other states have benefited from increasing parental choice in education. Families and teachers from public, private, and charter schools will have the opportunity to meet legislators and showcase their schools. This event is planned to coincide with the history-making celebration of National School Choice Week 2019, which will feature more than 40,000 school choice events across all 50 states. "Celebrating school choice at the historic Rhode Island State House helps communicate the importance of educational opportunity," said Sheila Konis, director of Rhode Island Families for School Choice. "When so many schools come together, we make sure our leaders hear how much Rhode Island families care about expanding school choice." Rhode Island Families for School Choice seeks to empower families to choose the educational environment that best meets the strengths and needs for each student by advancing public policies and providing a voice for school choice. As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 20 through 26, 2019, more than 40,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com. SOURCE National School Choice Week Related Links http://schoolchoiceweek.com VANCOUVER, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ - MGX Minerals Inc. ("MGX" or the "Company") (CSE: XMG / FKT: 1MG / OTCQB: MGXMF) is pleased to report that shareholders voted in favor of all resolutions brought forth at the Company's annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held on Friday, January 11, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia. At the Meeting 17.7% of shares on record were voted. The ordinary resolutions proposed and approved at the Meeting included: The number of Directors was set to five; The five members re-elected to the Board of Directors included: Jared Lazerson , Lyndon Patrick , Michael Reimann , Andris Kikauka and Christopher Wolfenberg ; , , , and ; Adam Sung Kim Ltd. was re-appointed as auditor of the Company; and The existing 10% rolling stock option plan was approved. MGX shareholders also approved the special resolution to authorize a plan of arrangement involving MGX, its shareholders and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MGX Renewables Inc. (the "Reorganization Resolution"). Under the plan of arrangement, MGX shareholders of record on June 29, 2018 would receive one MGX Renewables Inc. share for each 12.4163 MGX shares then held, and MGX shareholders of record on October 22, 2018 would receive on MGX Renewables Inc. share for each 59.8186 MGX shares then held as a return of capital. The Reorganization Resolution was approved by approximately 98.06% of the votes cast by MGX shareholders represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting. As previously announced, with respect to MGX Renewables Inc., the Company will complete a spin-out of 40% of the common shares of MGX Renewables Inc. to shareholders pursuant to a plan of arrangement as part of a going public transaction planned for February 2019. About MGX Minerals MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in global advanced material, energy and water assets. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SOURCE MGX Minerals Inc. Related Links mgxminerals.com SAN FRANCISCO, January 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightsource BP, a global market leader in the development, acquisition and long-term management of large-scale solar projects and smart energy solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Smith as CEO for the Americas, leading Lightsource BP's expansion across the region. Kevin joins Lightsource BP with over 30 years of experience in the renewable energy sector. Most recently, he was CEO and one of the founding executives at California-based SolarReserve, where he drove the company's global expansion and commercialization of their proprietary solar energy storage technology. Prior to joining SolarReserve, Kevin was Senior Vice President at Invenergy LLC where he led the growth of the business from a start-up in 2004 to one of the largest privately-owned renewable energy businesses in the world just a few years later. Kevin has also previously served as President of Insight Energy, Chief Operating Officer of London-based Rolls-Royce Power Ventures, and Vice President - General Manager of Indeck Energy Services. Over his career, Kevin has actively led the development, financing and construction of privately-owned energy projects in the U.S. and more than a dozen countries across five continents, including solar and wind projects over the last 14 years. He earned his MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago and his Mechanical Engineering degree from Purdue University. Commenting on the announcement, Nick Boyle, Lightsource BP CEO, said: "We are delighted to welcome Kevin to Lightsource BP. As Lightsource BP continues its rapid growth across North, South and Central America, Kevin's knowledge and experience makes him an exciting and valuable addition to the Lightsource BP family." Kevin Smith added, "I'm thrilled to be joining Lightsource BP at this exciting period of the company's expansion. I look forward to applying Lightsource BP's winning formula that has made it such a success story and driving the business forward to support the demand for solar energy in the region." Lightsource BP recently announced two new U.S. collaborations, with California's Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), one of the nation's largest municipal utilities, and with Continental Divide Electric Cooperative (CDEC), a member-owned distribution cooperative in New Mexico. The power purchase agreements (PPAs), comprising 25 megawatts (MWs), will bring locally-generated solar photovoltaic (PV) power to the utilities' customers over 20+ year terms. SOURCE Lightsource BP DUBLIN, Jan 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Kuwait Commercial Vehicle Market By Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle & Bus), By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline & Others), By Application, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Kuwait commercial vehicle market is forecast to reach $ 940 million by 2023 Growing demand for commercial vehicles in the country can be attributed to increasing number of construction and infrastructure development projects, improving road infrastructure and stabilizing crude oil prices. oreover, surging demand for buses for public transportation, worker's transportation and for the transportation of school and university students across the country is expected to positively influence the country's commercial vehicle market in the coming years. Rising logistics demand from e-commerce sector and growing presence of Indian and Chinese players in the bus segment is also expected to positively impact the country's commercial vehicle market through 2023. Why You Should Buy This Report? To gain an in-depth understanding of commercial vehicle market in Kuwait To identify the on-going trends and anticipated growth in the next five years To help industry consultants, commercial vehicle distributor, distributors and other stakeholders align their market-centric strategies To obtain research-based business decisions and add weight to presentations and marketing material To gain competitive knowledge of leading market players To avail of 10% customization in the report without any extra charges and get the research data or trends added in the report as per the buyer's specific needs Some of the major companies operating in Kuwait commercial vehicle market are Toyota Motor Corporation Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation Isuzu Motors Kuwait Co Hyundai Motor Company MAN Truck and Bus Mercedes-Benz Volvo Ashok Leyland Hino Motors Ltd. Tata Motors Limited Key Topics Covered: 1. Product Overview 2. Research Methodology 3. Analyst View 4. Voice of Customer 4.1. VOC - Light Commercial Vehicle 4.1.1. Factors Influencing Purchase Decision 4.1.2. Aided/Unaided Brand Recall 4.1.3. Brand Switching/Brand Switching Attributes 4.1.4. Brand Satisfaction Level 4.2. VOC - Medium Commercial Vehicle 4.3. VOC - Heavy Commercial Vehicle 4.4. VOC - Bus 5. Kuwait Commercial Vehicle Market Outlook 5.1. Market Size & Forecast 5.1.1. By Value & Volume 5.2. Market Share & Forecast 5.2.1. By Vehicle Type (Light Commercial Vehicle, Medium Commercial Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle & Bus) 5.2.2. By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline & Alternate Fuels) 5.2.3. By Application (Construction, Logistics, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) & Others) 5.2.4. By Region 5.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 5.4. Market Attractiveness Index (By Region) 6. Kuwait Light Commercial Vehicle Market Outlook 6.1. Market Size & Forecast 6.1.1. By Value & Volume 6.2. Market Share & Forecast 6.2.1. By Vehicle Type (Light Duty Truck, Pickup Truck and Van) 6.2.2. By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline & Alternate Fuels) 6.2.3. By Application (Construction, Logistics, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) & Others) 6.2.4. By Company 6.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 7. Kuwait Medium Commercial Vehicle Market Outlook 7.1. Market Size & Forecast 7.1.1. By Value & Volume 7.2. Market Share & Forecast 7.2.1. By Tonnage (7.5-12 Ton & 12-16 Ton) 7.2.2. By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline & Alternate Fuels) 7.2.3. By Application (Construction, Logistics & Others) 7.2.4. By Company 7.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 8. Kuwait Bus Market Outlook 8.1. Market Size & Forecast 8.1.1. By Value & Volume 8.2. Market Share & Forecast 8.2.1. By Vehicle Type (Light Bus, Medium Bus & Heavy Bus) 8.2.2. By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline & Alternate Fuels) 8.2.3. By Company 8.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 9. Kuwait Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market Outlook 9.1. Market Size & Forecast 9.1.1. By Value & Volume 9.2. Market Share & Forecast 9.2.1. By Tonnage (16-25 Ton & Above 25 Ton) 9.2.2. By Fuel Type (Diesel, Gasoline & Alternate Fuels) 9.2.3. By Application (Construction, Logistics & Others) 9.2.4. By Company 9.3. Market Attractiveness Index (By Vehicle Type) 10. Import-Export Analysis 11. Market Dynamics 11.1. Drivers 11.2. Challenges 12. Market Trends & Developments 13. SWOT Analysis 14. Policy & Regulatory Landscape 15. Economic Profile 16. Competitive Landscape 17. Strategic Recommendations For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5fg9pj/kuwait_commercial?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 SOURCE Research and Markets Related Links http://www.researchandmarkets.com Egong town in Ganzhou city, Jiangxi province has more than 1,300 disabled residents, most of whom are living under the poverty line. Ye Gensheng is one of them. "I'm 42 years old. When I was seven I was so playful that I fell off a building. The accident severely damaged my spine but I didn't give up on myself," said Ye Gensheng. Ye didn't just survive the accident, he also strove hard to live a better life. Moreover, he managed to provide job opportunities for people like him. "I used to own a department store in town, doing good business. Then I discovered that in the whole town there were more than 1,300 disabled people like me, and they had a hard life too. I tried to find ways to help them, so I decided to open a shop to make silk flower bouquets, and asked them to join in. With the help of the county's disabled person's federation, I opened the first silk flower arrangements factory for the disabled at Egong town," said Ye with a sense of pride. Ye encountered a lot of difficulties and problems due to a lack of experience at that time, but he managed to get through and expand his business into five factories, offering jobs to more than 100 disabled people and those living under the poverty line. "I'm unable to go to the factory, so my boss (Ye Genshen) sends the materials to my home in person. I'm grateful for his care and the life of my family has greatly improved," said Feng Qiulan, a disabled worker whose legs were burnt owing to a gas leak. For Ye, it's more than just a business. Providing jobs and care for disable people has become a mission for him, and he hopes his story could inspire more disabled people to be strong and strive for a better life. "I hope my experience in starting up businesses can be helpful to other people and encourage more disabled workers to enjoy their life by relying on their own hard work, banding together to get rid of poverty and striving for a more prosperous life," he said. Jiangxi, China: Turning hardship into flowers http://p.china.org.cn/2018-12/25/content_74311391.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 BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspur recently delivered a shipment of rack scale servers of more than 10,000 nodes to the Baidu Beijing Shunyi data center within 8 hours, the equivalent of one server delivered every 2.88 seconds. The delivery sets a new record for server delivery in the industry, and has taken Inspur's rack scale delivery capacity to 30,000 nodes per day. Speed is key for internet service providers The Baidu data center in question was built in 2018 in Shunyi, Beijing, with the capacity to host hundreds of thousands of servers. The center supports Baidu's fast-growing emerging services, including Baidu Cloud and AI. In 2018, the number of Baidu Cloud's users and partners increased by 3 times, traffic by 5 times, and revenues by 4 times. For internet service providers, business growth is rapid and unpredictable. Unexpected surges in access traffic occurs frequently, requiring internet companies, especially Tier1s, to improve the scalability of their infrastructure, by adopting technologies like cloud computing and improving business processes to strengthen the supply chain and increase deployment efficiency in the data center. Rack scale deployment boosts delivery efficiency by 20 times Inspur is one of Baidu's key data center infrustracture providers. The two parties achieved a new record for server deployment speed as a result of continuous innovation across technical and business models over decades. As early as 2012, Inspur and Baidu were using rack scale deployment of 10-40 node increments instead of a single node. Meanwhile, the delivery and deployment model Inspur adopted for Baidu's data center was upgraded to L11 (Rack Level Integration), increasing delivery efficiency over 20 times. Moreover, formerly on-site deployment processes including assembly, debugging, and strong and weak power cabling of the rack were completed during manufacturing, further simplifying on-site deployment. Agile supply chain accelerates order response Rapid delivery relies on agile and efficient supply chain management in addition to technical innovation. Inspur is continuously upgrading business processes, including production, transportation and qualification. For example, to address the logistical challenges of transporting a 2.1 meter tall, 1.2 ton rack without incurring damage, Inspur leveraged IoT and mobile technology to develop a route spectrum test to assess each freight line in advance, with intelligent terminals on each product to monitor transport conditions in real time. Throughout the years, Inspur has established an agile supply chain system that uses intelligent manufacturing to enable large-scale customized production and shorten the server delivery cycle. Learn more about Inspur's intelligent manufacturing here: https://www.inspursystems.com/intelligent-manufacturing JDM: a unique model to serve Internet companies Internet companies are known for their speed, which forms the basis for their demands from data center infrustructure providers. They not only seek high efficiency, but also require the seamless and rapid integration of custom demands. To serve these enterprises, Inspur made product technology innovation and business chain agility the core of its business strategy. In working with CSPs, Inspur explored various operating models that are more suitable for today's intelligent computing era, leading to the inception of its Joint Design Manufacturing (JDM) methodology. JDM is an agile business model based around deep collaboration between Inspur and the client throughout the product life cycle demand, R&D, procurement, quality control, production, delivery, and service to enable the fastest product turnaround and greatest compliance to users' personalized demands. Inspur's vast experience in serving CSPs and deep understanding of customer application scenarios are augmented by a willingness to share technology innovations and co-design customized solutions through JDM to identify and meet precise customer needs. Inspur's new product development cycle from R&D to manufacturing takes 9 months, and upon the customer's request, the prototype can be delivered in 3 months. Based on that, in 2018, Inspur and Baidu established a rolling forecast mechanism to improve supply chain operation and management with balanced supply and demand, significantly shortening the overall arrival cycle. About Inspur Inspur is a leading global data center and cloud computing solutions provider, ranked among the world's top 3 server vendors according to Gartner and IDC. Inspur delivers and deploys robust, performance-optimized, purpose-built solutions to major data centers around the globe to address important emerging fields and applications. Learn more about Inspur at www.inspursystems.com. SOURCE Inspur Electronic Information Industry Co., Ltd Related Links http://www.inspursystems.com CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- New Hampshire families will be celebrating National School Week at more than 100 events, and Gov. Sununu has shown his support for the celebrations by issuing a proclamation declaring Jan. 20-26 New Hampshire School Choice Week. Sununu is one of more than a dozen governors and hundreds of city and county leaders nationwide who have issued proclamations in support of school choice. Parents, schools, and other organizers have planned 134 events and activities across the state of New Hampshire to shine a positive light on educational opportunity and raise awareness about the choices parents have, or want to have for their children. The events include rallies, roundtable discussions, festivals, school fairs, and more. More than 40,000 events have been independently planned for the week nationwide, raising awareness about opportunity in education. "New Hampshire parents are showing how much they value education options, and we're grateful to Gov. Sununu for supporting them in that," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "We hope every family can find the best educational fit for their children and we wish New Hampshirites the best in their National School Choice Week celebrations." As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 20 through 26, 2019, more than 40,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com , or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek . SOURCE National School Choice Week Related Links http://schoolchoiceweek.com JACKSON, Miss., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Bryant has officially declared Jan. 20-26 Mississippi School Choice Week. In doing so, he joined more than a dozen governors and hundreds of city and county leaders nationwide who have issued similar proclamations. Parents, schools, and organizations have planned 441 events and activities across the state of Mississippi, including rallies, roundtable discussions, coffeehouse meet-ups, festivals, school fairs, and more. These events are designed to foster conversations about the educational opportunities available to families. More than 40,000 events have been independently planned for the week nationwide, raising awareness about opportunity in education. "We are grateful that Mississippi families are so enthusiastic about school choice, and we're thankful that Gov. Bryant is raising awareness by issuing this proclamation," said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. "We are looking forward to a fantastic Mississippi School Choice Week." As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country. From January 20 through 26, 2019, more than 40,000 independently-planned events will be held in celebration of the Week. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com. For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com , or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek . SOURCE National School Choice Week Related Links http://www.schoolchoiceweek.com PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- getyourpet.com, a revolutionary pet adoption site, has joined forces with Pet Connect, a ground-breaking app that simplifies and modernizes the pet ownership journey for both pet businesses and owners alike. Together they are offering "2019 Must-Haves for Pet Adoption and Care." Pet Connect is now featuring Get Your Pet for people who want a simpler, smarter and more humane approach to adopting a dog or cat. "We are excited to join forces with Get Your Pet and provide our pet-loving communities a one-stop solution for their needs," said Hector Ocasio, Pet Connect Founder. "This partnership makes the process seamless and efficient for any pet parent looking to adopt a dog or cat and research helpful resources for them." Pet Connect is bridging a technological gap that exists in the pet industry. The platform is a gateway for pet businesses to better communicate with and serve their customers digitally through the creation of an attractive, easy-to-navigate profile and targeted messaging. And pet owners can now manage life with their pets right from their pocket with a few simple clicks and explore over 100,000 resources. "Get Your Pet is a national online pet adoption community that has enabled thousands of people who need to rehome a dog or cat to connect directly with people who want to adopt a pet," said Angela Marcus, Get Your Pet Founder. "We are thrilled to work with Pet Connect to help even more adoptable pets find forever homes and bypass the shelter system, where they are exposed to stress, illness and the possibility of being euthanized." Use Get Your Pet to adopt a cat or dog this year by downloading the Pet Connect app from the App Store or Google Play. Simply visit the explore tab to search for adoptable pets! About Get Your Pet Getyourpet.com is a national online pet adoption community where people who have to rehome a pet directly connect with people who want to adopt a dog or cat, making it a simpler, smarter and more humane approach to pet adoption. The site works like a dating website, where Guardians and Adopters are in charge of the home-to-home pet adoption process. A portion of the profits from Get Your Pet will go to benefit local animal shelters. https://getyourpet.com/why-get-your-pet-learn-more/ https://www.facebook.com/getyourpet/ About Pet Connect Leading with a purpose of connecting pet owners to meaningful resources for their pets, the Pet Connect app has quickly become a default solution to optimize the relationship between pet parents and pet businesses through a modern and innovative mobile experience. Pet owners can effortlessly explore over 100,000 pet-friendly resources. Additionally, the app features fun, easy-to-use solutions for the day-to-day obligations of pet ownership, including a pet media gallery, pet documentation archive and family-sharing capabilities. https://www.petconnectapp.com https://www.instagram.com/petconnectapp/ Media Contact: Lindsey Rose [email protected] (615) 490-1908 SOURCE Pet Connect Related Links http://www.petconnectapp.com FPL has secured solar sites throughout the state, which will enable the company to continue to cost effectively build solar energy centers across Florida. This bold plan will capture economies of scale and promote the construction of efficient and cost-effective solar generation. The end result will be the largest installation of solar panels by a regulated utility in the world and a 67 percent fleet-wide reduction in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions rate by 2030 as compared to the national average. FPL and its sister company, NextEra Energy Resources, are already the world's largest producer of renewable energy from the wind and sun and, when this plan is completed, FPL expects to be the largest utility owner and operator of solar in America. Having advanced clean energy affordably for many years, including embarking upon one of the largest solar expansions in the country over the past two years, FPL also will be making unprecedented investments in advanced and innovative battery storage technology that will extend the use of clean, affordable solar energy even after the sun has gone down. "FPL is not your traditional electric company," said Eric Silagy, president and CEO of FPL. "We're a technology company that delivers power, and we've long believed in making smart, forward-thinking infrastructure investments to produce tangible, long-term benefits cleaner air, lower electric rates and reliable service for our customers and our state. Now we're taking our long-standing clean energy commitment to the next level. Bottom line, this bold, innovative plan is the right thing to do for our customers and for our fast-growing state, and we look forward to working with local and state officials and our regulators to make this vision a reality." "I am supportive of programs that will provide Floridians with greater access to affordable, clean energy which will help propel the State to a healthier future," said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. "We live in the Sunshine State and solar energy is a natural resource that should be seriously considered. FPL's initiative is important. As Florida's energy needs continue to grow at a rapid pace, it is important that we diversify our energy resources. This is vital to the economic well-being of our State and quality of life for residents." "FPL's '30-by-30' plan is a monumental commitment to the State of Florida, our clean energy progress and the economic well-being of our cities, counties and all Florida workers and residents," said state Senator Bill Montford (D), Chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. "The best part about this announcement is that we know we can trust FPL to deliver on its promise because the company has a history of overachieving when it says it will modernize Florida's clean energy mix," said state Senator Wilton Simpson (R), Chairman of the Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. FPL already has begun pairing battery storage technology at its solar power plants. Future technology is planned to increase the capacity and cost-effectiveness of batteries, making them a vital part of FPL's future. As a result, the company projects to deploy a significant amount of battery storage throughout Florida by 2030. FPL's planned renewable energy generation and storage, combined with its nuclear power plants in St. Lucie and Miami-Dade counties, is projected to generate more than 40 percent of its electricity emissions-free by 2030, even as the state's population the third highest in the nation continues to grow. In fact, the company's 2030 CO 2 emissions rate target represents a 67 percent reduction versus the 2005 U.S. electric industry average. "FPL and NextEra Energy Resources have been at the forefront of advancing affordable clean energy for decades," Silagy said. "It's why our customers enjoy electricity that is among the cleanest and most reliable in the country for a price more than 30 percent below the national average. That said, we're not satisfied with the status quo and understand that our customers expect even more from us as energy experts and industry leaders. It's why we're reimagining the way we serve our customers and challenging ourselves to find even more innovative ways to do what's best for Florida and the nation." Advancing solar energy affordably and responsibly By far the state's largest producer of solar energy, FPL has studied solar technology for decades and, today, operates 18 large solar power plants and hundreds of other universal solar installations across Florida. In 1984, FPL commissioned its first universal solar installation, a 10-kilowatt photovoltaic facility in Miami that helped the company's employees gain experience with the then-emerging technology. Over the years, FPL has continued to test and operate a wide variety of solar technologies. In 2009, FPL became the first company to build large universal scale solar projects in Florida and, in 2016, was the first to leverage its purchasing power to build three 74.5-megawatt solar power plants, which are producing net savings for FPL customers. Continuing to invest in emerging and innovative technologies for Florida For several years, FPL and its sister companies have researched battery storage technology to study a variety of potential benefits, from grid stabilization to improved solar integration. In 2018, FPL unveiled the largest combined operating solar and storage power plant at Babcock Ranch in Charlotte County, uniquely advantageous because of the ability to harness extra energy produced at solar power plants when the sun's rays are strongest. The additional solar energy and the increased predictability afforded by battery storage can enable FPL to more efficiently dispatch other power plants, helping save customers on fuel costs while reducing emissions. Optimizing nuclear power plants to generate even more 24/7, emissions-free energy FPL's four nuclear units in St. Lucie and Miami-Dade counties have long generated zero-emissions energy 24/7 for customers and are essential to preserve clean air and address climate change. In recent years, FPL has invested more than $3 billion to upgrade its Turkey Point and St. Lucie nuclear units, adding more than 500 megawatts of new carbon-free capacity, which is the equivalent of adding more than two million solar panels. Modernizing power plant fleet and shutting down coal FPL plans to continue increasing the fuel efficiency of its highly efficient fleet of natural gas power plants. Since 2001, the company's program to phase out older, oil-fired power plants and replace them with highly efficient clean energy centers has reduced the company's reliance on foreign oil more than 99 percent, saved FPL customers more than $9.5 billion in fuel costs and prevented 120 million tons of carbon emissions from being produced. The FPL Okeechobee Clean Energy Center which will run on U.S.-produced natural gas is set to be the cleanest, most fuel-efficient power plant of its kind in the world when it comes online later this year, only to be topped in efficiency by the FPL Dania Beach Clean Energy Center when it begins generating electricity in 2022. FPL is also poised to eliminate its only remaining coal plant in Florida by the end of this year. The company shut down two coal plants in Jacksonville in 2016 and 2018, respectively, collectively preventing nearly seven million tons of carbon emissions annually. Florida Power & Light Company Florida Power & Light Company is the largest energy company in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, serving more than five million customer accounts or an estimated 10 million+ people across the state of Florida. FPL's typical 1,000-kWh residential customer bill is approximately 30 percent lower than the latest national average and among the lowest in the U.S. FPL's service reliability is better than 99.98 percent, and its highly fuel-efficient power plant fleet is one of the cleanest among all electric companies nationwide. The company was recognized in 2017 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Market Strategies International for the fourth consecutive year. A leading Florida employer with approximately 8,700 employees, FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, ethics and diversity, and has been ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune's 2018 list of "World's Most Admired Companies." NextEra Energy is also the parent company of Gulf Power Company, which serves more than 460,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida, and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.GulfPower.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com. SOURCE Florida Power & Light Company Related Links http://www.fpl.com ALBANY, New York, January 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The global epichlorohydrin (ECH) market is prognosticated to witness steady growth in the forthcoming years, as reported by Transparency Market Research (TMR). The global epichlorohydrin market comprises of a consolidated business ecosystem. Leading vendors in the global market are anticipated to focus on expanding their production capacities, and offer an innovative product portfolio. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Key vendors in the global ECH market showcase a wide product offering, which caters to a diverse number of end-use industries. The vendors are also seen expanding to different geographies in order to cater to the demand in unexplored regions. Leading players in the global ECH market are seen adopting strategies such as mergers and acquisitions in order to retain their dominance. Epichlorohydrin companies, small or large, are looking for ways to penetrate into the current market and simultaneously expand into new and emerging markets to increase their sales volume. The preferred main strategy followed up by the top players in the epichlorohydrin market is increasing production capacity in the existing and new locations. Request a Sample of Global Epichlorohydrin Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1078 Prominent players operating in the global epichlorohydrin market are the Dow Chemical Company, Solvay, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Aditya Birla Chemicals, and Samsung Fine Chemicals Co. Ltd. As reported by TMR, the global epichlorohydrin (ECH) market is likely to rise at a 3.6% CAGR over the forecast period 2015 to 2023. The market was anticipated to be worth US$ 2.56 Bn in 2014, and is likely to reach a value of US$ 3.52 Bn by 2023. Request For Multiple Chapters: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=1078 High Demand for Water Treatment to Propel ECH Market Epoxy resins, pharmaceuticals, water treatment chemicals and synthetic glycerin are the main application areas for epichlorohydrine. Multiple industries, including adhesives, coats and plastics are used to produce epoxy resin made from epichlorohydrine. These resins are also used in various end-use sectors to produce inks and dyes. In the cosmetics industry, synthetic glycerine is widely used in the surfactant, solvent, pharmaceutical, textile and paper sectors as well as in commercialinsecticide sectors. As applications, technological developments, and growing end user segments grow, the global Epichlorohydrin industry is experiencing high growth. ECH is used in a number of applications like such as epoxy resin, synthetic glycerin, pharmaceuticals, water treatment chemicals, and others. Use of Bio-Based Feedstock to Emerge as Key Trend Epichlorohydrin (ECH) has traditionally been produced by petro-driven, i.e. from propylene. But companies have begun to use glycerin, which replaces propylene slowly. Glycerine is a bio-based feedstock that can be easily obtained from the production of biodiesel. With an increase in bio-based glycerin available from biodiesel production, bio-based epichlorohydrine can also be produced. Research and development activities are undertaken to reduce the dangerous health and environmental impacts of ECH. The ECH market is also projected to increase demand from end-user industries such as paints & coatings. Request For Discount On This Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=1078 The study presented here is based on a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) titled, "Epichlorohydrin (ECH) Market by Raw Materials (Propylene and Glycerin) for Paints & Coatings; Electronics & Electrical; Adhesives; Paper, Inks & Dyes; Textiles; Water Treatment; and Other End-users - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023." The market is segmented for detailed study in the following way: ECH Market - Raw Material Analysis Propylene Glycerin ECH Market - End-user Analysis Paints & Coatings Electronics & Electrical Adhesives Paper, Inks & Dyes Textiles Water Treatment Others (Including agrochemicals, surfactants, etc.) ECH Market - Regional Analysis North America U.S. Rest of North America Europe France U.K. Spain Germany Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Taiwan South Korea Japan ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa (MEA) GCC South Africa Rest of MEA & (MEA) Browse Chemicals & Materials Research Reports Popular Research Reports by TMR: Specialty Silica Market : https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/specialty-silica-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/specialty-silica-market.html Attapulgite Market : https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/attapulgite-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/attapulgite-market.html Epoxy Resins Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/epoxy-resins-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research is a next-generation market intelligence provider, offering fact-based solutions to business leaders, consultants, and strategy professionals. Our reports are single-point solutions for businesses to grow, evolve, and mature. Our real-time data collection methods along with ability to track more than one million high growth niche products are aligned with your aims. The detailed and proprietary statistical models used by our analysts offer insights for making right decision in the shortest span of time. For organizations that require specific but comprehensive information we offer customized solutions through ad hoc reports. These requests are delivered with the perfect combination of right sense of fact-oriented problem solving methodologies and leveraging existing data repositories. TMR believes that unison of solutions for clients-specific problems with right methodology of research is the key to help enterprises reach right decision." Contact Mr Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog: https://cmfenews.com SOURCE Transparency Market Research SEATTLE, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based family law firm Goldberg Jones is excited to welcome divorce lawyer Andrea Seymoure to their team. A committed, competitive family law attorney, Andrea Seymoure has an eye for detail and deep dedication to her clients. She's a strong advocate and skilled litigator, and a valuable asset in divorce, custody, and other family law matters. Helping people through a difficult, potentially scary moment in their lives is what draws Andrea to family law. She wants to help clients navigate emotionally trying times, make them feel heard, and protect what they value most. Andrea brings a unique perspective and diverse professional background to Goldberg Jones. Though primarily focused on family law, she has also worked in real estate, business law, and landlord-tenant disputes, among other areas. In addition to her professional work, she volunteers her time to help underrepresented people obtain much-needed legal services. Talking about Andrea, managing attorney, Ken Alan, says, "Andrea is a sharp, creative attorney with a profound compassion for the people she represents. Her clients know she cares and that she relates, which goes a long way towards making them comfortable." Andrea received her bachelor's degree in International Studies from the University of Washington. Following that accomplishment, she earned her Juris Doctor from the Seattle University School of Law. Moving forward, Andrea Seymoure will put her skills and enthusiasm to use helping her Seattle-area clients during divorce, custody disputes, and other family law cases. About Goldberg Jones: Since being founded in 1996, Goldberg Jones has grown from three-person startup to a multi-state family law firm with offices in Seattle, Portland, and San Diego. We exclusively practice family law with an emphasis on protecting the rights of husbands and fathers in divorce, child custody, and other family law cases. We pride ourselves on direct client contact, accessibility, and responsiveness to our clients' needs. Our divorce attorneys in Washington , Oregon , and California are knowledgeable and aggressive in protecting the rights of husbands and fathers. For more information, please visit: https://www.goldbergjones-wa.com/ SOURCE Goldberg Jones Related Links http://www.goldbergjones-wa.com DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- After seven years of perfecting its IT workforce training model, Creating IT Futures is doubling the reach of its free IT-Ready career program. With classes now available in seven cities, IT-Ready trains, certifies and places unemployed and under-employed adults in their first jobs in the information technology (IT) field. With a shortage of qualified workers, the IT industry has more than a half-million jobs open in America. Thousands of these jobs are in helpdesk technician or software testing roles, making double the national wage. IT-Ready prepares adults for these roles in just eight weeks with full-time training. No previous experience is necessary and only a high school diploma or GED is required. Students can apply to one of the 25 IT-Ready classes this year in Charlotte, NC; Chicago; Minneapolis St. Paul; Phoenix; Portland, OR; San Antonio and San Diego at https://www.creatingitfutures.org/it-ready/apply-to-it-ready. The full-time classroom-based courses are underwritten by grants and financial donations, so that students can attend classes for free. "With financial support from major organizations such as Boeing, Cognizant U.S. Foundation, CompTIA and TEKsystems, and local partnerships with Goodwill Industries, Jewish Family & Children's Service, Urban League, WorkSource and Wounded Warrior Project, among many others, we're able to double our number of classes this year," said Charles Eaton, CEO of Creating IT Futures. "The tech industry needs more workers, and more workers need more opportunities. America has the people to fill many of these tech jobs; they just need the right training. With IT-Ready, we're putting hard-working adults back into the workforce where they can earn family-sustaining wages and drive the economic growth of this country." Creating IT Futures also is helping to diversify the tech industry and open career doors to a wider demographic. Populations that traditionally have been under-represented in the IT workforce, such as women, people of color and veterans, are encouraged to apply. By working with dozens of local employer partners, Creating IT Futures places about 86% of its graduates into full-time employment in the tech industry. Students work toward CompTIA A+ certification in the IT-Ready Technical Support class, and three software testing certifications in the IT-Ready QA class. IT-Ready students receive free tuition, books and learning materials, more than 240 hours of classroom and hands-on tech and soft skills training, and certification vouchers. Classes run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. every weekday for eight weeks. Beyond recruiting for participants for IT-Ready training, Creating IT Futures is looking for businesses to consider the resumes of certified IT-Ready graduates and interview qualified candidates for entry-level IT positions. Interested employers can contact the Creating IT Futures workforce solutions manager that most closely matches their location by visiting https://www.creatingitfutures.org/hire/hire-overview. About Creating IT Futures Founded in 1998 by CompTIA, Creating IT Futures is a 501(c)(3) charity with the mission of helping populations under-represented in the information technology industry and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure, and be successful in IT careers. Learn more at www.creatingITfutures.org. Media Contacts: Lisa Fasold Creating IT Futures 630-678-8558 [email protected] SOURCE Creating IT Futures Related Links http://www.creatingitfutures.org Dynamic growth in all major markets Cognac exports to the NAFTA Zone1 (representing 44.4% of all exports) continue to make progress, with 90.6 million bottles shipped in 2018 for an increase of 5.2% in volume and 0.7% in value. The United States continues to be Cognac's largest market with 87.4 million bottles shipped in 2018. The East Asian market continues to grow, with 60.1 million bottles (an increase of 5.6% in volume and 3.7% in value). The exports to China continue to drive growth in the zone despite a slight decrease during the second semester. Continental Europe exports have declined (-5.3% in volume and - 2.2% in value), for a total of nearly 39.4 million bottles shipped. This decline can be attributed to the difficult economic and political times in some of its markets. Continued potential for development in the rest of the world Increased exports also continue in other areas with high potential for Cognac in countries such as South Africa, Vietnam and the Caribbean2. Exports to these markets rose by 10.4% in volume and 7.1% in value. Additionally, these new areas of opportunity represent more than 6.9% of total exports, or nearly 14.1 million bottles. Exports increase for V.S., V.S.O.P. and Older Categories The export of V.S.3 (50% of total volume), and V.S.O.P.4 (almost 40% of total volume) continue to grow in volume and are up by 2.6 and 3.5% respectively. Value for both remained stable (only down by 0.3%). Representing 11.5% of total volume, the older categories witnessed a growth of 7.5% in volume and 6.3% in value. The 2018 harvest supports positive export figures With a total volume yield of 126.8 hl/ha (compared to 88.95 hl/ha for the previous harvest) or a yield of pure alcohol of 13.06 hl AP/ha, the production in barrels5 will be between 970,000 and 980,000 hl AP6. This level of production would be greater than the region's original business objectives which had been estimated at 902,000 hl AP put in barrel this year, a figure that many trade professionals feared would be too low to meet the demand. The growth of shipments during the year confirms the forecasts announced by the BNIC's (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) business plan. BNIC President Patrick Raguenaud states, "Cognac professionals remain confident in the future prospects and are ambitiously planning to ensure the demands of export markets are always met. " About the BNIC The BNIC (Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) represents, fosters and protects the Cognac Appellation d'Origine Conrolee in France and abroad. In the 150 countries where Cognac is sold, this AOC assures consumers a product of exceptional quality. With a membership that equally represents the agricultural and commercial interests of Cognac, the BNIC is the consultative and decision-making body for the 4,255 growers, 114 distillers and 277 negociants of the Cognac appellation .The BNIC acts in the service of the interests of those who make and consume cognac, upholding the Appellation's responsibilities and standards in regard to the public. www.cognac.fr @CognacUSA Press Contact Teuwen Communications Stephanie Teuwen | [email protected] Cassidy Havens, DipWSET | [email protected] Gabriela Marchand | [email protected] Amanda Torres | [email protected] 1 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) signed by Canada, the USA and Mexico in January 1994 and replaced by the U.S., Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) in September 2018 2 Antigua and Barbuda, St Martin, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, St Barthelemy, Haiti, Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Christopher and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago 3 Very Special 4 Very Superior Old Pale 5 This takes into account the volume lost in distillation 6 As a reminder, the annual Cognac yield for the 2018 harvest is 14.64 hl AP per hectare. SOURCE Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac Related Links http://www.cognac.fr NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, iconic Irish whiskey brand BUSHMILLS debuts RED. SET. GO.", a new high-energy creative campaign in honor of RED BUSH, the latest addition to the brand's award-winning portfolio of malt-rich blended and single malt Irish whiskeys. An Irish whiskey for the American bourbon drinker, RED BUSH, is aged in ex-bourbon barrels to deliver a rich, bold and complex taste profile. BUSHMILLS RED BUSH Presents: Red.Set.Go. Bushmills Red Bush Bushmills Red Bush Red.Set.Go. Created and produced by Virtue, VICE Media's celebrated creative agency, "RED. SET. GO." depicts a fresh, young, real version of Ireland by following a pack of Belfast locals from dusk to dawn on a lively night out, with RED BUSH in hand. The red-hued anthem immerses viewers in the Ireland unseen. Set in Belfast's alleyways, underground raves, tunnels and cobblestone streets, the :60 spot is backdropped against the gritty and intoxicating single "Louder" by Kid Karate. The ad showcases this group en route from one destination to another, because truly great nights are about the moments in-between and the anticipation of what's next. "The next generation of whiskey drinkers craves real experiences and honest brands we made 'RED. SET. GO.' for them," said Jeffrey Schiller, Brand Director of BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey. "For so long, Irish whiskey has been about tall tales and green plastic hats on St. Patrick's Day, so 'Irish-ness' has almost become corrupted. We want to show America the real Ireland, and what better Irish whiskey than BUSHMILLS Ireland's oldest licensed whiskey distillery to show the way." "With 'RED. SET. GO.' we want to show the raw and electrifying Ireland that sets us apart from the romanticized vision of the country that is far too often portrayed," said Jess Toye, Creative Director at Virtue. "The sounds, the set, the people represent the real Belfast and convey the excitement and energy of the city." In 2019, BUSHMILLS will invest over $77 million to double production capacity over the next five years and meet the increasing demand for the BUSHMILLS portfolio while capitalizing on the continued growth of single malt and premium blended Irish whiskeys in the United States and beyond. RED BUSH is now one of the fastest growing new Irish whiskeys on the market, growing 96% in volume over the past year1. "RED.SET.GO." will be distributed digitally, socially and across TV nationwide beginning in mid-January 2019. As part of "RED.SET.GO.", RED BUSH will launch a live music series in Summer 2019. For more information on BUSHMILLS, please visit www.bushmills.com and @BushmillsUSA on Facebook and Instagram, #REALIRISH. About BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey Bushmills Irish Whiskey is crafted at The Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, at Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The brand portfolio includes a range of quality blended and fine single malts. Bushmills is one of few distilleries in Ireland to use malt barley to handcraft triple-distilled whiskey in small batches. This is at the heart of all Bushmills whiskeys and creates a unique combination of smoothness and richness. Visit Bushmills online at www.bushmills.com or at @BushmillsUSA on Facebook and Instagram. About PROXIMO PROXIMO is a global innovator of quality spirits that create excitement with every sip. Its unique portfolio of brands include the world's largest selling tequila Jose Cuervo, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, TINCUP American Whiskey, Boodles British Gin and The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey. www.proximospirits.com About VIRTUE Virtue is a global, full-service creative agency born out of VICE with 26 offices across the globe. Based in Brooklyn, Virtue lives in the heart of culture, helping brands embrace and connect with an audience that sees and navigates the world with more nuance and sophistication than ever before. Virtue develops brand platforms, programs and campaigns that are culturally-rooted and youth-focused for clients such as Asics, AB-InBev, Cazadores, Unilever, Google, Marriott Loyalty Rewards, Netflix and Vega, just to name a few. About Kid Karate Kid Karate formed as a formidable duo in 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. Now expanded to a powerful trio, they released the 5-song EP "Newspeak" in August 2018. They return to basics with RAW rock, recorded live, using mostly analog gear and minimal takes it's the sound of a band having fun in a room together and nothing more. 1 Nielsen P52 weeks ending 12/1/18 all outlets SOURCE BUSHMILLS CALABASAS, Calif., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchor Loans , the nation's leading provider of financing to fix-and-flip entrepreneurs, wraps up its 20th year in business with over $1.4 billion in loans funded to real estate investors, a new annual record for the Company and a twenty percent increase over the prior record-setting year. Since its humble beginnings in 1998 in a spare bedroom in Pico Rivera, California, Anchor Loans has provided more than 20,000 loans totaling over $6.6 billion to real estate entrepreneurs who have used the financing to transform neglected, abandoned and otherwise distressed properties into beautiful homes, improving thousands of neighborhoods around the country. In 2018, as Anchor Loans celebrated its 20th anniversary, the Company was honored with a #886 ranking on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list , which recognizes the achievements of successful U.S. entrepreneurs whose companies are achieving rapid growth. Also in 2018, the Los Angeles Business Journal named Anchor Loans #5 of the 100 fastest growing companies in Los Angeles County. This honor followed Anchor's #2 ranking on the San Fernando Valley Business Journal's 2018 list of the top 50 fastest growing private companies. "We are proud to be the nation's number one fix-and-flip lender, and we are honored to receive this recognition for our success." said Steve Pollack , president and chief executive officer. "We attribute our growth and longevity in this industry to our dedicated employees and our loyal customers. It is the goal of all of us at Anchor to provide unsurpassed customer service, and our dedicated staff work diligently to meet and exceed our borrowers' expectations. More than 85 percent of our current borrowers are repeat customers and 70 percent of our new borrowers were referred by a current client. We wouldn't be where we are today without our customers and our outstanding staff, and we look forward to what next year will bring," Pollack said. Anchor's staff ended the Company's record-setting year with a commitment to giving back to the community. The employees launched a holiday fund raising campaign on behalf of Homes4Families , a non-profit organization providing stable, full-equity affordable home ownership for low-income veterans. Anchor employees raised over $4,000, which the Company matched dollar-for-dollar, and Anchor is sending a team of 60 staff members to participate in a local TEAMbuild to construct a home that will change the life of a service member who bravely stood up to serve our nation. About Anchor Loans At Anchor Loans, we have brought borrowers and investors together for more than 20 years to create mutually beneficial opportunities for all parties. We do this by specializing in the financing of rehab properties that contribute to the improvement of the neighborhoods where they reside. Because we know, understand and anticipate the needs of our clients, we offer the fastest and most reliable funding options on the market resulting in lucrative, honest and long-term relationships. By focusing our mission on these key areas, we continue to grow at a record pace, expanding into new markets and establishing ourselves as a leader in the lending sector for real estate investments. CONTACT: Alexis Woody [email protected] 419-244-7766 SOURCE Anchor Loans Related Links https://www.anchorloans.com HOUSTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: APC) will host an investor conference call on Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at 8 a.m. CST (9 a.m. EST) to discuss its fourth-quarter and full-year 2018 financial and operating results as well as plans and expectations for 2019. Earnings will be released after close of market on Tuesday, Feb. 5. The full text of the release will be available on the company's website at www.anadarko.com. Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 8 a.m. CST (9 a.m. EST) Dial-in number: 877.883.0383 International dial-in number: 412.902.6506 Individuals who would like to participate should dial the applicable dial-in number listed above approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled conference call time, and enter confirmation number 7656732 when prompted. To access the live audio webcast and related presentation materials, please visit the investor relations section of the company's website at www.anadarko.com. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for approximately 30 days following the call. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141103/156201LOGO Anadarko Contacts INVESTORS: Mike Pearl, [email protected], 832.636.3271 Andy Taylor, [email protected], 832.636.3089 Jon VandenBrand, [email protected]. 832.636.1007 SOURCE Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Related Links http://www.anadarko.com Members of the VAR Stars were selected based on factors such growth, industry leadership and recognition, and innovation. Selection is not based on revenue and those firms chosen represent a wide range of size and many different software publishers of accounting software. "We appreciate being included on this prestigious list again," said Aktion CEO Scott Irwin. "2018 was another significant growth year for the Aktion team. I credit our ongoing success to delivering what customers want, which is choice. Every customer is unique. They want to choose the software, choose the licensing and choose the deployment. We offer exactly that -- industry-specific software, licensing and deployments options, all supported by skilled technology professionals who deliver outstanding customer service. It's what sets Aktion apart from other VARs," Irwin added. "Each year, 100 VAR Stars are picked from the best organizations that market financial software. It is always an honor to recognize those who contribute to the development of our business," Bob Scott said. About Aktion Associates, Inc. Aktion Associates Inc., is a national software reseller and IT system integrator focused on the Construction, Distribution and Manufacturing industries. With more than 4,800 customers in the US, we partner with innovative technology providers to deliver vertical-specific business applications to our clients including, Accounting, Estimating, ERP, Project Management, Service Management, eCommerce, Mobile, Analytics/Reporting, HR/Payroll, Document Management and Inventory. Company-owned data centers provide secure Cloud/Hosting, Disaster Recovery and Back up Services, and the Network Operations Center (NOC) monitors/supports Managed Services clients in real-time. Aktion is an IT infrastructure provider for IBM, HP, Lenovo, Cisco, VMware and Microsoft technologies. Other deliverables include Network Engineering, Software Engineering and on-premise IT support. About Bob Scott Bob Scott has been informing and entertaining the mid-market financial software community via his email newsletters for 19 years. He has published this information via the "Bob Scott's Insights" newsletter and website since 2009. He has covered this market for more than 25 years through print and electronic publications, first as technology editor of Accounting Today and then as the Editor of Accounting Technology from 1997 through 2009. He has covered the traditional tax and accounting profession during the same time and has continued to address that market as executive editor of the Progressive Accountant since 2009. SOURCE Aktion Associates, Inc. Related Links http://www.aktion.com/ JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to hiring candidates with the appropriate technical skill sets, 41 percent of decision makers within technology and engineering fields indicated it's becoming more difficult to find the top talent they need, according to the Technology and Engineering Workplace Trends survey by Modis, a leader in IT and engineering workforce solutions, and General Assembly, a pioneer in education and career transformation. This survey explored the attitudes and beliefs of 1,006 decision makers in technology and engineering on issues pertaining to recruitment and benefits, employer challenges and other trends impacting the current and future workplace. When assessing candidates for open roles, decision makers reported that on average, 43 percent of candidates lack the technical skills required for the role. Additionally, soft skills continue to be a concern for hiring managers when looking for the competencies that ensure workers are ready to succeed in the technology and engineering workforce. Respondents said communication (23 percent) and team work and interpersonal skills (22 percent) are the most difficult soft skills to find in candidates. "With a continuously tight labor market and an increasing need for IT and engineering talent, employers are realizing they must play a more active role in helping build up and maintain a pipeline of workers with the most in-demand skill sets," said Ger Doyle, president of Modis. "It's crucial for companies to get involved in attracting more people to these fields, while fostering continuous learning within their own organization, to keep workers skilled-up for jobs today and tomorrow." "Increasingly, companies are recognizing that rapid changes in technology and pervasive skills gaps require new strategies for sourcing and investing in talent," said Jake Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of General Assembly. "There's a growing awareness about the need for new talent pipelines, real-time assessments for both digital and employability skills, and more transparent pathways to the most in-demand roles of the digital economy." Is Salary Taking a Back Seat to Advancement Opportunities and Work-Life Balance? In last year's survey, 55 percent of decision makers agreed with the statement 'workers expect a salary that aligns with the market average for their role,' compared to 63 percent in 2019, indicating the importance of salary has not changed but that many employers understand the need for competitive pay in order to secure these specialized workers. Career advancement opportunities and out-of-the-box benefits have increased in importance, according to respondents. When asked to rank the most important benefits for attracting and retaining talent, the opportunity to advance narrowly beat out competitive salary and raises. The ability to innovate and create new products, projects or ideas ranked third. When examining the responses by generation, Millennial and Gen Z decision makers collectively ranked the ability to create change within a company second. Unlike their Millennial counterparts, Gen Z respondents chose the opportunity to work on a world changing product as the third most important benefit, leaving salary and raises in fourth place. Boomers were the only group to rank salary and raises above career advancement. More than half (56 percent) of decision makers agreed that workers in their field are more concerned about out-of-the-box benefits than salary. When asked about what benefits were most appealing to their employees or potential employees, 39 percent chose flex-hours, while just 6 percent picked tuition reimbursement. Flex-hours were the most commonly selected out-of-the-box benefit in both technology and engineering fields, and across generational lines. Diversity Barriers in Technology and Engineering When asked which of the following aspects of diversity their field struggles with the most, 43 percent of decision makers said age and more than a quarter of respondents (29 percent) chose gender. These results suggest that additional advocacy and awareness-building are needed to close diversity gaps in these fields, especially as industry data points to a lack of women and people of color in technology and engineering positions. Decision makers have an opportunity to identify potential gaps in their organization and develop a plan to recruit and retain teams that are representative of the broader American workforce. Looking Ahead at Engineering and Technology Fields The survey showed that a majority of decision makers (67 percent) plan to increase headcount in 2019, down from 79 percent in 2018. For 2019, 61 percent of organizations with less than 500 employees plan to increase headcount, compared to 76 percent of those with 500 999 employees and 69 percent with 1,000 or more. As employers plan to bring on new team members, they should consider the skill sets that will be needed to take on the transformative technologies of the future. When asked which of the following areas of technology will have a major impact on engineering and technology in the next five years, cybersecurity was at the top of the list, followed by cloud storage, data engineering and computer vision. When asked about the most impactful use of AI in their field, 32 percent of respondents designated machine learning and 28 percent specified predictive analytics. "It's a pivotal time to be a leader within technology and engineering fields as industries across the board become more reliant on highly technical and specialized teams," said Doyle. "Decision makers who are already feeling talent gaps today should work to understand what it will take to attract and keep the talent they need now and in the long-term and always be ready to adapt." The full Technology and Engineering Workplace Trends survey data can be downloaded here. To see the 2018 Modis Salary Guide featuring insights in leading STEM positions around the U.S., please visit Modis.com. To learn more about the work General Assembly is doing to advance the future of work, please visit Generalassemb.ly. Methodology Modis and General Assembly partnered with Allison+Partners to survey 1,006 hiring decision makers within technology and engineering in the U.S. Fielding was conducted using the Qualtrics Insight Platform, and panel was sourced from Qualtrics Panel Services. Fielding was executed in November and December 2018. About Modis Making smarter connections in a global community. At Modis, we connect the smartest people and brightest businesses to the opportunities they need to thrive. We draw on our market knowledge to collaborate effectively with small, medium and large enterprises all around the world, and to deliver Engineering and IT specialists at a local and global level. We're proud to be part of The Adecco Group, the world's leading HR solutions provider with more than 33,000 employees and a network of over 5,000 branches in more than 60 countries and territories around the world. About General Assembly General Assembly (GA) is advancing the future of work by equipping individuals and organizations with the most in-demand 21st-century skills. Offering training and assessments in web development, data science, digital marketing, and more, GA is building transparent career pathways for people, and sustainable, diverse talent pipelines for employers. With 22 locations, immersive online offerings, onsite trainings for the Fortune 500, and a global community of professionals nearly 1 million strong, GA is the leading source for training, staffing, and career transitions. SOURCE Modis Related Links https://www.modis.com The new office is located less than two miles from Austin's famous Pennybacker Bridge, and features multiple kitchen areas, new furniture, large conferences rooms, and views of Texas' famous rolling hills. The office is equipped with the latest video conferencing technology to work closely with the company's global teams in Karachi, Pakistan and Manila, Philippines. The building also includes an outdoor patio area with wireless speakers, a ping pong table, cornhole, and plenty of shaded seating. "The new office space symbolizes the great progress we are making at 360training.com," said Tom Anderson, Chief Executive Officer. "We are aggressively hiring talented people who are interested in delivering great results that make a real difference to the company and the customers we serve." In addition to the Austin office, 360training.com is expanding and upgrading its office in Karachi, Pakistan. In the Philippines, the company is in the process of finding a new, larger office to expand its Manila operations. About 360training.com 360training.com is a leading online eLearning marketplace. We deliver best-in-class training content for workforce compliance, continuing education, professional development, and career certification. Our mission is to provide individuals and organizations with regulatory-approved training, enabling a safe and healthy environment for the communities they serve. SOURCE 360training.com Related Links http://www.360training.com Capify, a leading alternative SME finance provider in the UK, has secured a 75 million credit facility from Goldman Sachs Private Capital ("Goldman Sachs") to support its future growth plans and provide working capital to thousands of British SMEs over the coming years. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/808926/David_Goldin.jpg ) The Greater Manchester-based fintech company will use the new facility to accelerate the growth of its lending business to UK SMEs through its merchant cash advance (MCA) and business loan products. Capify has been active in the UK since 2008, executing over 9,000 transactions for UK SMEs seeking working capital for their business. Since inception, Capify has helped deliver 150 million in business loans and merchant cash advances in the UK. "This is a landmark achievement for Capify and we are very pleased that we have secured this financing with Goldman Sachs, one of the premiere capital providers in the world," said David Goldin, Founder and CEO of Capify. "This new multi-year credit facility allows us to deliver on our own growth plans, whilst providing much needed access to capital for UK SMEs to help them to grow, to boost the economy and to create jobs." "The credit facility validates our company as a leader in the marketplace and underlines the strength of our business model to provide simple, affordable and smart financial options to UK SMEs." Pankaj Soni, Executive Director at Goldman Sachs Private Capital, said: "Capify is one of the leading SME finance providers in the UK. We have been impressed with the management team, business model and innovative finance solutions for SMEs. We look forward to supporting their growth in the years ahead." "We are extremely excited about our future relationship with Goldman Sachs," added John Rozenbroek, Chief Financial Officer at Capify. "The credit facility will enable us to continue on our growth trajectory while offering even more attractive and innovative solutions to thousands of small businesses in need of capital." Pictured: David Goldin, Founder and CEO of Capify. About Capify Capify provides flexible financing solutions to SMEs seeking working capital to sustain or grow their business. The company places a high focus on transparency and provides businesses with fast, personalised small business loans and merchant cash advances. Capify has been operating in the UK market for over 10 years and also has a sister company, Capify Australia, which provides similar services in Australia to Australian SMEs for over 10 years. The company has over 120 employees across both its offices. For more details visit: http://www.capify.co.uk. About Goldman Sachs Private Capital Goldman Sachs Private Capital is Goldman Sachs' investment platform dedicated to providing long term capital to growth and middle-market companies throughout the US, Europe and Israel. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world. SOURCE Capify "An estimated one-in-seven people in the U.S. will develop a substance use disorder in their lifetime 1 , which is why we urgently need to accelerate research efforts focused on improving prevention, treatment and awareness of this public health crisis," said Craig Hopkinson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medicines Development and Medical Affairs at Alkermes. "By supporting promising researchers in this field, we aim to propel innovative ideas forward, and ultimately make a positive impact on those living with central nervous system disorders." The annual Pathways program provides funding for up to four research projects with grant amounts of up to $100,000 per project. The four inaugural recipients were recognized at an awards ceremony on Jan. 14, 2019 for their outstanding work and creative ideas to advance research and help support those living with CNS disorders. The recipients of the inaugural Pathways program grants include: Lais Fernanda Berro , Ph.D., University of Mississippi Medical Center , for preclinical research on quantitative pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics for opioid and benzodiazepine co-abuse , Ph.D., , for preclinical research on quantitative pharmacology and pharmacotherapeutics for opioid and benzodiazepine co-abuse Derek Blevins , M.D., Columbia University , New York State Psychiatric Institute, for evaluating the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of chronic pain in patients currently treated with prescription opioids who are at risk of developing a moderate or severe opioid use disorder , M.D., , Psychiatric Institute, for evaluating the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of chronic pain in patients currently treated with prescription opioids who are at risk of developing a moderate or severe opioid use disorder Mehdi Farokhnia , M.D., Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology (CPN), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), for examining the neurobiological correlates and safety and efficacy of the GLP-1 system in relation to alcohol use , M.D., Section on Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology (CPN), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), for examining the neurobiological correlates and safety and efficacy of the GLP-1 system in relation to alcohol use Sarah L. Withey , Ph.D., Harvard Medical School , McLean Hospital , for assessing the effects of continuous exposure to naltrexone on the behavior and reward circuitry involved in opioid addiction relapses in non-human subjects "Brain diseases are complicated, and we often don't fully understand the cause or how treatments work," said grant recipient Sarah L. Withey, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital. "Given the devastating and widespread effects of the opioid epidemic, I am more inspired than ever to help discover sustainable and scalable solutions that may make a meaningful difference for not only the millions of people who are battling addiction, but also their families, friends and entire communities." To qualify, junior investigators must be M.D.s, Ph.D.s, or equivalent, within five years of initial academic appointment or current post-doctoral fellows, and affiliated with a medical or research institution within the U.S. Applicants are evaluated by an independent review committee comprised of specialists in psychiatry, neurobiology, pharmacology and behavioral science from academic research centers focused on SUDs. "It was a privilege to serve on the Pathways program review committee and have a direct line of sight into the great work being proposed to help combat substance use disorders," said Sandra Comer, Ph.D., Professor of Neurobiology, Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute; and Pathways program review committee chair. "After reviewing a number of impressive applications, which included preclinical and clinical studies, we are pleased to recognize this year's recipients and support their quest to address one of the most pressing health issues of our time." For more information on the Pathways program, including 2019 program information, visit www.PathwaysResearchAwards.com. About Alkermes plc Alkermes plc is a fully integrated, global biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The company has a diversified commercial product portfolio and a substantial clinical pipeline of product candidates for chronic diseases that include schizophrenia, depression, addiction and multiple sclerosis. Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Alkermes plc has an R&D center in Waltham, Massachusetts; a research and manufacturing facility in Athlone, Ireland; and a manufacturing facility in Wilmington, Ohio. For more information, please visit Alkermes' website at www.alkermes.com. Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements set forth in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the expected timing, operation and/or potential impact of the ALKERMES PATHWAYS RESEARCH AWARDSSM program, the funding provided by the program and the research supported by such funding. The company cautions that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although the company believes that such statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge of its business and operations, the forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and they are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk. Actual performance and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various risks, assumptions and uncertainties. These risks, assumptions and uncertainties include, among others, changes in funding, timing or parameters of the ALKERMES PATHWAYS RESEARCH AWARDSSM program, the nature of any findings or results arising from the research supported by the program and those risks, assumptions and uncertainties described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017 and in subsequent filings made by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Except as required by law, the company disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating or revising any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. ALKERMES PATHWAYS RESEARCH AWARDSSM is a service mark of Alkermes, Inc. Alkermes Contacts: For Investors: Eva Stroynowski, +1 781 609 6823 Sandy Coombs, +1 781 609 6377 For Media: Sherry Feldberg, +1 781 609 6276 1 https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/sites/default/files/executive-summary.pdf Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/808701/Alkermes_plc___Award_Recipients.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/808753/Alkermes_plc_Pathways_Research_Awards.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/616416/Alkermes_plc_Logo.jpg Related Links http://www.alkermes.com SOURCE Alkermes plc Chris Menahan Information Liberation January 16, 2019 ThinkProgress LGBTQ Editor Zack Ford deleted a tweet on Tuesday where he slammed conservatives for being thrilled that an innocent woman shot and killed a 19-year-old armed mugger in Chicago. Conservatives are thrilled a woman with a concealed-carry permit shot and killed a 19-year-old would-be mugger, Ford tweeted Monday. Thats not how justice works. The penalty for theft is not death, nor do we want it to be. The kid was 19! Ford said in another tweet after getting pushback. I just feel like were being way too disposable with his life. A gun death is a gun death, and the fact she was about to protect herself in no way motivates me to change my belief that she should not have had a gun in the first place. Ford was reacting to the story of a 25-year-old unnamed Chicago woman who shot and killed 19-year-old career criminal Laavion Goings after he pulled a gun on her during an attempted robbery. As The Chicago Tribune reported last week: Laavion Goings had been released from Cook County Jail two months earlier after pleading guilty to a drug charge and was on probation at the time of the robbery, according to authorities. Goings pleaded guilty Nov. 1 to possession of methamphetamine, Cook County court records showed. He had initially also faced six counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer in connection with the same case, but the charges were later dropped by prosecutors. []The teen had a record of arrests, mostly for drug charges. But last June, he was charged with attacking a sergeant and a police officer after he and his father were arrested during a narcotics raid in Englewood where the father lived, according to court records. Police were executing a search warrant on June 8 when they found two zip-lock bags, one pink and one clear, both containing numerous tan chunks of suspect heroin, according to a police report. They also found a pill bottle filled with what they believed was liquid codeine. []Goings was charged with six counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer but they were dropped in October after the teen pleaded guilty to a drug charge. He was given probation and released from jail in early November, just days before his 19th birthday. His father remains in Cook County, charged with illegal possession of guns and being an armed habitual criminal. Translation: a leftist judge let him off to fight systemic racism. The shooting was not only celebrated by conservatives but also Chicago locals (who actually have to live in the area unlike Ford): In Fords dream world, Laavion should have gotten another slap on the wrist and be let back out on the streets. Thats how justice works! This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:18 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article Omg bacon Paul Joseph Watson PrisonPlanet.com January 16, 2019 18-year-old Saudi refugee Rahaf Mohammed, who was given asylum after fleeing her country and the religion of Islam, continues to receive death threats after she posted a picture on Snapchat of her bacon breakfast. Seeking to communicate the benefits of her new free life in Canada, Mohammed posted a photograph of bacon and eggs alongside the caption Omg bacon. She also posted an image of herself enjoying a Starbucks in which the girls bare legs were also visible. Muslims are prohibited from consuming pork because of a verse in the Koran which states, He has only forbidden you what dies of itself, and blood, and flesh of swine. By becoming a vocal adversary to Islam, Mohammed has received multiple Internet death threats according to Mario Calla, head of the immigration services company tasked with helping Mohammed by the Canadian government. She also has to be accompanied by a security guard 24/7 in Toronto ensuring that she is never alone (because Islam is a religion of peace). She sees these threats. She has left Islam and she basically has broken away from her family, and that scares her, said Calla. Mohammed left Saudi Arabia after renouncing Islam, which is punishable by death in the Gulf Kingdom. After arriving in Bangkok, she was originally set to be returned to Kuwait, where her family, who she claims had threatened to kill her, were waiting. However, after a live tweeting campaign that captured global attention, she was declared a legitimate refugee by the UN and finally given asylum by Canada. Mohammed now plans to become an activist drawing attention to the plight of women living under Islam around the world. Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world, she said. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: Follow on Twitter: Follow @PrisonPlanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.j.watson.71 ********************* Paul Joseph Watson is the editor at large of Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com. This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 2:18 pm Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article CNBC January 16, 2019 European Council President Donald Tusk suggested that U.K. lawmakers revoke the countrys decision to leave the EU, saying its the only positive solution left on the table. His comments came after a historic defeat for U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, who saw her deal to leave the EU rejected by a margin of 230 parliamentarians. The approval of the so-called Withdrawal Agreement is seen as essential to ensure that the U.K. doesnt leave the EU in a disorderly fashion, resulting in WTO trading rules. However, the resounding rejection at Westminster increases the possibility that this scenario will actually happen. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Donald Tusk, the head of the European Council, said on Twitter on Tuesday night, suggesting that the only available outcome to overcome the impasse in the House of Commons is to stop Brexit. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) January 15, 2019 Read more This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 7:12 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article Chris Menahan Information Liberation January 16, 2019 Asking census recipients whether theyre US citizens threatens American democracy, at least according to former Attorney General Eric Holder. On Tuesday, an Obama judge struck down the Trump administrations move to ask citizenship status on the census. Breaking News: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from asking about citizenship in the 2020 census. The case will likely reach the Supreme Court. https://t.co/WBHiti2oAn The New York Times (@nytimes) January 15, 2019 Holder responded to the news writing: The Trump administrations scheme to rig the 2020 Census threatens American democracy and was struck down in court today. The fight is not over though we must make sure that the Census in 2020 is done in a fair, scientific way. The Trump administrations scheme to rig the 2020 Census threatens American democracy and was struck down in court today. The fight is not over though we must make sure that the Census in 2020 is done in a fair, scientific way. https://t.co/mFqPu5G9Sg Eric Holder (@EricHolder) January 15, 2019 According to Holder, asking citizenship status is rigging the census, unfair, unscientific and threatens American democracy. Counting non-citizens on the census to artificially boost the representation of states like California and New York is good for democracy, whereas counting actual citizens to boost the representation of states like Montana and North Carolina is bad for democracy. Capiche? This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:19 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article American Mirror January 16, 2019 Democrats created total chaos during the confirmation hearing for then-Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. And now, one liberal lawmaker claims the Kavanaugh hearings are to blame for an increase in sexual abuse accusations. On Tuesday, Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-CT, appeared to link the alleged uptick in sexual assault in her congressional district with the Kavanaugh hearings. I want to talk to you a little bit about how this shutdown is affecting the people in my community. From domestic abuse survivors to our rural farmers in Connecticut, this has [had] catastrophic effects in those communities, Hayes said. In my district, Connecticut Five, we house five of the nine domestic abuse and violence shelters in the state. Those shelters are at risk of closing their doors. Theres an uptick in the number of reported incidents of sexual assault and domestic abuse following the Kavanaugh hearings, Hayes said. She added: But theres nowhere for these women to be serviced. We cannot be sending that kind of a message. I ran on a platform that government can work and do good for the people. This #shutdown is eroding the peoples trust in government. We are a coequal branch of government. We need the Senate to take up votes to #ReopenTheGovernment like weve done in the House. #EndTheShutdown pic.twitter.com/v65TyP8nQd Jahana Hayes (@RepJahanaHayes) January 15, 2019 Hayes certainly appeared to be blaming the Kavanaugh hearings for an increase in sexual assault and domestic abuse in the district she represents. A d v e r t i s e m e n t For starters, its unclear what Kavanaugh or congressional hearings have to do with women reporting sexual assault in Connecticut. Several women claimed Kavanaugh sexually assaulted them in the early 1980s at high school parties or gatherings. In October, the FBI gave Congress its final report into the supplemental background check, which stated that there was no evidence to support any of the allegations of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh. Secondly, numerous Democrats have argued that all women should be believed. As such, why is Hayes now essentially complaining when women are doing just that and coming forward? Thirdly, she blamed President Donald Trump for the partial government shutdown, which is nearing its fourth week. The president has held numerous working lunches and meetings with congressional leaders to find a solution to reopen the government and provide funding for the border wall between the United States and Mexico. Democrats have refused to even give $1 for the wall, over 30 Democrats spent the weekend vacationing in Puerto Rico, and now the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives is taking an 11-day break. As such, many blame Democrats for the shutdown, which also means they are to blame for the issues Hayes claims are plaguing her congressional district. This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:47 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Daily Caller January 16, 2019 The FBI wanted to reestablish contact with Trump-Russia dossier author Christopher Steele days after President Donald Trump fired bureau Director James Comey, a top Department of Justice official revealed during a previously secret congressional testimony. DOJ official Bruce Ohr laid out efforts to influence the DOJ by Christopher Steele, a former British spy being paid by the Democratic National Committee via the opposition research firm Fusion GPS. The FBI terminated Steele as a source in late 2016, reportedly for his contacts with the media, but he continued to funnel information to the bureau through Ohr. On May 9, 2017, Trump fired Comey, which concerned FBI leaders. Comey has since been sharply critical of the president. On May 15, Ohr and Steele discussed re-engaging with the FBI at the bureaus request, which Steele agreed to, according to the testimony, which was obtained by The Epoch Times. Q: So you have asked him will he re-engage with the FBI? Ohr: Yes. Q: And he says: Talked with my wife; Im in. You say: Thanks. Well let them know and we will follow up. Ohr: Yes. Q: Thanks again. I chatted with my colleagues and can give you an update when you have a minute. What was the update about? Was it about that subject? Ohr: Yes. Q: So that all happens on May 15? Ohr: Yes. The FBI appeared to know that Ohr was funneling them information from a terminated source, since in May 2017, six months after he was terminated, it asked Ohr to have Steele contact the bureau directly. Read more This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:30 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article Steve Watson Prison Planet.com January 16, 2019 Conservative commentator Ann Coulter warned in an interview aired Tuesday that the President is Dead in the water if he doesnt get the border wall built, declaring that Trump is engaging in self preservation by keeping the government shut down. More Americans die from drug overdose every year than died in the entire course of the Vietnam War, and the vast majority of those drugs are being brought in because we have a wide open border, Coulter said, noting that she was not going to complain that the President shut down the government over immigration. I care more about that than I care about the Yosemite gift shop being open. she added. When asked by Vice why Trump is digging his heels on the wall Coulter replied: It is self-preservation because he is dead in the water if he does not build that wall. Dead, dead, dead. "It is self preservation, because he is dead in the water if he doesn't build that wall. Dead, dead, dead." Watch the rest of @AnnCoulter's interview on #VICENewsTonight at 7:30PM EST on @HBO. pic.twitter.com/zyvcy14CaD VICE News (@vicenews) January 15, 2019 Coulter went on to argue that Trumps refusal to relent could be a response to criticism that he has been pandering to Manhattan elites. For 18 months, he said all the right things. He never cared about what Manhattan elites said, and then, bam, Election Day 2016 suddenly all he wants is the approval of Manhattan elites. Who could have seen that coming? Coulter declared. She continued, declaring that Trump has screwed up in the first two years of his presidency by not getting the wall built, adding that now with three seconds on the clock, hes finally throwing the ball. Coulter further criticized Trump as the worst negotiator God ever created for not reaching an agreement with Democrats, and claimed that Trumps own claim of being a world class negotiator turns out [to] have been exaggerated. Coulter predicted in her latest book In Trump We Trust, that the President would fold on the wall negotiations, and that the fallout would lead to the next president being a Democrat. During a podcast interview with The Daily Caller last month, Coulter urged that Trumps presidency would be a joke if he gave in to Democrats by signing a funding bill without the money to build a wall. Trump will just have been a joke presidency who scammed the American people, amused the populists for a while, but hell have no legacy whatsoever, Coulter stated, adding that she would not vote for Trump in 2020 without progress on the wall. The leftist media and Democrats are obsessed with painting up Coulter, along with other conservative media figures such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity as controlling the Trump presidency. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) on Tuesday called for Coulter to tell Trump that its OK to fully reopen the federal government. Dear @AnnCoulter Please tell the President it's OK to open up the government. Jackie Speier (@RepSpeier) January 15, 2019 This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 7:50 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article Zero Hedge January 16, 2019 When in doubt, desperately reach for the Reductio ad Hitlerum argument. Venezuelas self-styled socialist liberator President Nicolas Maduro has dubbed Brazils newly elected right-wing leader Jair Bolsonaro a Hitler of the modern era. Speaking in front of members of Venezuelas Constituent Assembly on Monday, Maduro decried that Brazil was in the hands of a fascist. And in a sign hes perhaps been watching too much vapid American media punditry (though CNN is currently expanding in South America) which knows little beyond the tired argumentum ad Nazium in expressing outrage toward political enemies, he said: Bolsonaro is a modern-day Hitler. He is. What he doesnt have is courage and his own decisions because hes the puppet of a sect. The puppet of a sect remark is a reference to the fact that Bolsonaro has a huge base of support from the countrys conservative Evangelical Christians, often branded by leftists as fascist for their adherence to traditional values like marriage between a man and a woman. The two leaders have been trading barbs for months, with President Bolsonaro among an increasing chorus of regional and world leaders declaring Maduros inauguration last week as illegitimate while simultaneously voicing strong support to the opposition. Maduro, for his part has consistently condemned his Brazilian counterpart, dubbed by local media as the tropical Trump, as a fascist. Meanwhile, some international reports have gone so far as to speculate that with both men fully in power and trading verbal blows in the neighboring South American countries, open conflict could develop to the point of leading to military confrontation. The heated rhetoric took on new geopolitical importance when the Brazilian president said hes open to the idea of his country hosting an American base in the near future. Depending on what happens in the world, who knows if we would not need to discuss that question [hosting a US military base] in the future, Bolsonaro said early this month. He further called the controversial Brazilian embassy move to Jerusalem a done deal. via the AFP The new Brazilian government has made clear it stands by Bolsonaros desire to see Maduro ousted from power, with Brazils now foreign minister Ernesto Araujo publicly stating in December that all of the worlds countries must stop supporting him and come together to liberate Venezuela. A d v e r t i s e m e n t A Washington Post op-ed this week summarized the results of Maduros first term after he was just sworn in for a second last Thursday, describing an implosion unprecedented in modern Latin American history: Though his country was not at war, its economy shrank by 50 percent. The editorial described further, What was once the regions richest society was swept by epidemics of malnutrition, preventable diseases and violent crime. Three million people fled the country. And yet the Post finds, Maduro, having orchestrated a fraudulent reelection, presses on with what the regime describes as a socialist revolution, with tutoring from Cuba and predatory loans from Russia and China. This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:29 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article Potential presidential candidate makes stunning claim Paul Joseph Watson PrisonPlanet.com January 16, 2019 Potential presidential candidate Beto ORourke has stunningly suggested that the United States should ditch its own Constitution. During an interview with the Washington Post, the Texas Congressman openly mulled whether the rapidly changing nature of the world meant that the founding document of the country was out of date. Throughout the two-hour interview which was often interrupted by bystanders urging him to run for president ORourke boomeranged between a bright-eyed hope that the United States will soon dramatically change its approach to a whole host of issues and a dismal suspicion that the country is now incapable of implementing sweeping change. When asked which it is, ORourke paused. Im hesitant to answer it because I really feel like it deserves its due, and I dont want to give you a actually, just selfishly, I dont want a sound bite of it reported, but, yeah, I think thats the question of the moment: Does this still work? ORourke said. Can an empire like ours with military presence in over 170 countries around the globe, with trading relationshipsand security agreements in every continent, can it still be managed by the same principles that were set down 230-plus years ago? The bizarre quote is sure to come up again should ORourke decide to run for president, a scenario that looks more likely in the aftermath of his Senate challenge, which ORourke almost certainly knew he would lose but embarked upon anyway to increase his name recognition. Some analysts think that Beto is more likely to seek a spot on the 2020 ticket as the Democratic vice presidential candidate, but with views like this, many conservatives will want him nowhere near the White House. SUBSCRIBE on YouTube: Follow on Twitter: Follow @PrisonPlanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paul.j.watson.71 ********************* Paul Joseph Watson is the editor at large of Infowars.com and Prison Planet.com. This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 8:00 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: Comment on this article Breitbart January 16, 2019 France has seen a 22 percent rise in asylum applications in 2018, while populist-led countries such as Italy and Austria have seen sharp declines in claims. The French Interior Ministry revealed that the country had received 122,743 asylum applications in 2018, continuing the progressive rise in asylum applications which has occurred every year since 2014, Le Monde reports. A total of 46,700 individuals were granted asylum status by the French government in 2018, up nine percent from the previous year according to the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra). While the largest number of asylum requests came from Afghan, Albanian, Ivory Coat, and Georgian nationals, the main nationalities to actually receive asylum were from Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. The total approval rate for asylum applications was 27 percent for initial claims which went up to 36 percent following the appeals process although it should be noted that rejected claimants are not always deported, either. Read more This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 7:03 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: American Mirror January 16, 2019 Obamas former Housing and Urban Development secretary Julian Castro wants to be Americas next president, and he has some bold new ideas on how to fix the problems plaguing the country. Castro, a former mayor of San Antonio and youngest member of Obamas cabinet from 2014 to 2017, announced his intent to run for POTUS in 2020 on Saturday. The grandson of a Mexican immigrant, Castro told CBS News Face the Nation he would take a different approach than the Trump administration to folks crossing the southern border illegally, though hes apparently unaware that his bright idea is already in use. What I believe we could do and what the Obama administration did do, I believe, toward the end of its tenure, was to look at things like ankle monitors so that youre able to monitor where people are in the country, he told the news station, according to the Washington Examiner. Rather than detain those who break the law, Castro would treat them as probationers and reward those who cooperate with citizenship. We also need to be serious about recognizing the right of people to seek asylum, and the president is playing games with this, blocking peoples right to seek asylum. I would change that, he said. I would make sure that we push as hard as possible for comprehensive immigration reform, so that for people who are already here, if theyve been law abiding, if they pay a fine, that they can get an earned path to citizenship. The problem is, ankle monitors arent a bold or new idea, and apparently they dont work. A d v e r t i s e m e n t The Associated Press reported in August that the federal government is issuing thousands of ankle monitors to illegal immigrants and the devices work great to get people to show up to court, until deportation proceedings begin. After that, many illegal immigrants ditch the devices and run. According to the AP: As of early July, there were nearly 84,500 active participants in ICEs Intensive Supervision Appearance Program, or alternatives to detention more than triple the number in November 2014. Around 45 percent of those were issued GPS monitors. ICE spokesman Matthew Bourke said immigration court attendance is strong for immigrants in intensive supervision, but that ankle monitors and other measures are not an effective tool after deportation orders are issued. There isnt reliable information on the number of ankle monitor recipients who remove them and flee, but many say its high. People can just cut those things off if they want to, said Sara Ramey, a San Antonio immigration attorney whose asylum-seeking clients are routinely assigned ankle monitors. The most recent available data was in 2012, when a contractors annual report showed that 17,524 people, or around 65 percent of nearly 40,500 total participants, left the intensive supervision program that year. Of those, around a fifth were deported or granted asylum, while about 5 percent absconded. The rest were arrested, violated other program rules or were no longer required to participate for unspecified reasons. One immigrant waiting for a case worker in Houston told the news service many of the men simply cut them lose and take off, while two former case workers said those who do are rarely tracked down. ICE has other priorities, one of the case workers said. Castros uninformed comments drew a quick rebuke from the Republican National Committee, which dubbed him one of the biggest lightweights to ever run for president. This article was posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6:20 am Print this page. Infowars.com Videos: FRANCONIA [mdash] Donald "Don" Swift was born in Montreal, Quebec, on March 3, 1954, and passed peacefully from his battle with cancer on June 13, 2021, with some family by his side. He is formerly of Scarborough, Ontario, and Beaconsfield, Quebec. He is survived by his two daughters: Katie Barely a month after Brennan had to talk to a newspaper to be heard after getting nothing from contacting fellow administration officials and even Gov. Murphy himself, state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal quickly cleared the decision to not prosecute Alvarez. Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez knew both Alvarez and Brennan, but Grewal said Suarez had no influence on the decision by officials in her office. Grewal also told legislators there was no need for them to look into the offices dropping of Brennans complaint, since he had already done so. But the key question of whether the Murphy administration influenced that decision all it would take is a brief phone call is too important to be so quickly dismissed. Grewal didnt even talk to Brennan in his rush to judgment. As Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, said, Katie Brennans case had a police report, an immediate hospital examination, fresh complaint witnesses, and a victim who was ready to seek justice. Thats more than we see in a lot of these cases and justice was still denied. TRENTON Gov. Phil Murphy used his first State of the State address to focus on reform of the states tax incentive programs for businesses, saying much of the $11 billion spent on them so far could have been better used to solve the states fiscal crisis. After reading the audit of New Jerseys corporate tax incentives released last week, this is not a time for business as usual, he said as he opened his speech. Democrat Murphy, 61, is a former Wall Street executive and Obama administration ambassador to Germany who campaigned as a progressive liberal but has run into some opposition within the leadership of his own party particularly from state Senate President Steve Sweeney, whose own gubernatorial aspirations were squashed by Murphy. Murphy ordered an audit of the tax incentive programs days after being sworn in, he said, and the report confirmed his fears the state had rewarded the well-connected rather than create jobs and nurture innovative businesses. He said $8 billion in corporate tax breaks were given away under Gov. Chris Christie between 2010 and 2017, and more than $11 billion has been awarded over the past 13 years to lure companies to come to, or stay in, New Jersey. By the close of 2017, we were handing out tax breaks at a cost of more than $160,000 per job. BRIDGETON The state Attorney Generals and Cumberland County Prosecutors offices will host a Community Listening Session on Wednesday focusing on police use of force. Use of force is a sober responsibility solely given to law enforcement to protect both the public and themselves when necessary. Everyone loses when force is used inappropriately, Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said. We are looking forward to hearing what the public thinks should be done to make oversight in this area robust and comprehensive. The session, scheduled for 6 p.m. at Union Baptist Temple, 30 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, will touch on the attorney generals Use of Force Project, according to a news release from the Prosecutors Office. The project comes after NJ Advance Media on Nov. 29 published The Force Report, a database that ranks every police department in the state by the number of times they used force, including compliance holds, takedowns, hands/fists, leg or baton strikes, pepper spray and fired a weapon from 2012 to 2016. Atlantic City officials back police chief after media force report ATLANTIC CITY City officials are backing their police chief after a North Jersey-based med PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. Congressman Jeff Van Drew, D-2nd, urged New Jersey on Tuesday to allow federal workers who are furloughed or working without pay to collect unemployment insurance. It was day 25 of the partial federal government shutdown, and Van Drew is scheduled to speak on the House floor Wednesday at noon about his pending bills to fund the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration during the shutdown. We have heard from federal employees throughout South Jersey that they have been denied unemployment insurance because they will eventually receive back pay once the government opens for business, Van Drew wrote to Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo, of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This is unacceptable as it ignores the fact that cash flow is running low in many households because they have already missed one paycheck and there seems to be no end in sight to the government shutdown. More than 6,700 federal employees statewide are affected, Van Drew estimated, taking the figure from news reports. They work on a variety of critical missions and agencies, from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Coast Guard, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, to the Fish and Wildlife Service, he wrote. Last week Van Drew introduced legislation to fund the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration during the shutdown. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WASHINGTON U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew gave his first speech on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, calling on his peers to support his bills to fund the Coast Guard and Federal Aviation Administration during the partial government shutdown. Politicians like to talk, we like to give speeches, said Van Drew during his one-minute speech just after noon. We talk about the Coast Guard and how noble they are, how brave they are, how they stand up for us, these strong men and women. But currently our Coast Guard men and women are suffering and are without pay. Other members talked about the need to end the shutdown, while some talked about other issues of importance to their district. Van Drew seeks unemployment payments for federal workers affected by shutdown Congressman Jeff Van Drew, D-2nd, urged New Jersey on Tuesday to allow federal workers who a Van Drew said hes beginning to lose patience with the lack of progress on ending the shutdown but is hopeful the Problem Solvers Caucus, of which he is a member, will be able to move things forward. He said a few of its members from both parties were chosen Wednesday morning to meet with President Donald Trump, to talk about possible compromises. Weve got to come up with some answers here, said Van Drew. Every day that goes by it becomes more challenging and problematic. The list of areas we are concerned about grows bigger. Some residents, however, hoped the fees would be collected by the city to fund environmental initiatives locally. I am against charging the consumer to begin with, but not having the money dedicated to some environmental effort of some sort seems rather silly, said City Council President Sean McGuigan, who voted against the fee. Councilman Ron Meischker, who spearheaded the initiative, said the city decided not to collect the fee because that would be considered a tax. The ordinance lets stores be guided by their own corporate consciences, he said. If we mandate that the money comes back to the city, then its a tax, he said. Its not our place to do that. A few businesses are considering only selling biodegradable paper bags, Meischker said, including CVS, Dollar Tree and Staples. Santori said his store will donate the proceeds to the stranding center on a monthly basis. The deli sold about 2,500 bags in the week since the fee was enacted, equal to about $125. He noticed the store has cut its plastic bag usage by about 50 percent. ADVERTISEMENT The Oyo State government workers on Wednesday began a three-day warning strike to press home their demands for regular salaries and improved work conditions. The workers announced this development in a letter of January 14 titled: Re: Unresolved Labour Issues With The State Government and addressed to the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi. In the letter written under the auspices of the Public Service Joint Negotiation Council, the workers said they would be left with no option than to embark on a strike on Wednesday if the government failed to meet their demands by close of work on Tuesday. In the letter signed by the councils scribe, Akinfenwa Olabode, the workers said the state government had failed to address the demands they made in a previous letter dated January 7, in which they issued a seven-day ultimatum. As our seven-day ultimatum expires today and without genuine, fruitful response to our demands as contained in our letter under reference, the Public Service Joint Negotiation Council (Labour side), Oyo State council after due consultations with the centres, has no choice than to direct her members to embark on a three-day warning strike between Wednesday 16 and 18 January 2019 if there is no positive response by the close of work on Tuesday 15, January 2019. The situations in most of the government agencies and schools visited by PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday indicated the warning strike has begun. Students of both public primary and secondary schools were turned back by their teachers who said they were on strike. At the Adamasingba Stadium, the gates were shut when our correspondent visited Wednesday morning. ADVERTISEMENT The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has told voters in Osun State to resist any attempt by politicians to rig elections in their state. Mr. Abubakar, who spoke on Tuesday during his campaign rally in Osogbo, Osun State, expressed displeasure at the current status of Nigeria as the capital of poverty in the world. Nigeria remains headquarters of poverty in the world, he said. This government promised to give you job and security, they promised to turn around the economy, unfortunately, everything has turned out to be deceit. Mr. Abubakar charged the residents of Osun State not to be deceived again in the forthcoming election. You must not allow rigging again in your state, you must resist every attempt to rig again. He also reiterated that he is an advocate of restructuring. I mean what I said when I promised a 40 percent affirmative for youth and 30 percent for women, I am not Buhari, I am Atiku, I mean everything I said, mark my words, the opposition candidate maintained. Also speaking at the rally, the National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, said he was optimistic that the stolen mandate in Ekiti and Osun will be reclaimed by the PDP. He also threw a jab at the former Inspector-General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, for allegedly supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He called on the newly appointed acting IGP, Mohammed Adamu, to clear the mess of the former IGP, Idris Ibrahim, who served APC and not Nigerian people. The Chairman of PDP in Osun State, Soji Adagunodo, said: No other party apart from PDP can deliver dividends of democracy in Nigeria. PDP and its candidate have already won the election, you must go out and resist rigging. Also, at the rally, a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said President Muhammodu Buhari has failed to follow all his campaign promises. When Buhari was campaigning, he was talking about restructuring, he emerged and changed the narrative, saying he doesnt understand restructuring, meaning that all that they have said were nothing but clear-cut deceit. He also said the countrys security has degenerated beyond redemption under Mr Buhari. The Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, has accused members of a group supporting the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, in the state of destroying a billboard they installed to draw attention to the group. Some hoodlums on Friday attacked the campaign office of the support group, Friends of Atiku, and mutilated a giant billboard in front of the office at Mile 50 Abakaliki. The support group is led in the state by a member of the House of Representatives, Linus Okorie, who fell out with Mr Umahi last year after he was defeated at the PDP primary. The support group has since replaced the billboard. However, the governor said Mr Okories group stage-managed the incident to draw attention and money. He spoke during the swearing-in of some commissioners and special advisers. The governor noted that no billboard of any presidential campaign had ever been destroyed in Ebonyi. He said the state is a PDP state and would gain nothing from destroying the billboards of the PDP presidential candidate. A lot of us sit and complain Oh nothing is coming. What do you want to come? God says no food for lazy man. I read on online about a support group that the billboard had been destroyed, and I know the character behind the installation of the billboard because he is not getting enough attention he has to destroy it to get attention. And for me, it is disingenuous. I have told my people instead of sitting down and doing nothing, destroy something and start fixing it back. So the guy has no work, no attention. Ebonyi State is united under the Divine Mandate. So, the guy, an evil genius, he destroyed it. Nobody is destroying Atiku billboard in this state, nobody is destroying the presidents billboard. We are very law-abiding. But in a swift reaction, Mr Okorie described the comments by the governor as uncharitable and unexpected of his exalted office. He said he does not need cheap tricks to be popular in a state he has been a major stakeholder in the past 20 years and played a major role in making Mr Umahi governor in 2015. Mr Okorie expressed shock that the governor did not condemn the destruction of the billboards of the presidential candidate of his own party. He, however, said he was happy that the governor for the first time mentioned the name of the PDP presidential candidate and called on the governor and stakeholders in the state to team up with his group to deliver the state to the PDP. I am also looking forward to seeing the governors Divine Mandate campaign vehicles and materials branded with the images of Atiku and Obi. Mr Okorie, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, represents Umahis Ohaozara/ Onicha/Ivo constituency. He fell out with the governor, who was his longtime ally, during the partys primary last year when the governor, citing zoning arrangement, backed another candidate, Mark Makwe who emerged the candidate of the party for the seat. ADVERTISEMENT Since then, a cold war has been on between the governor and the lawmaker. A building and property worth over millions of naira were destroyed when a fire believed to have been caused by candlelight razed down a building housing tenants and shops. The incident occurred in the university town of Nsukka, Enugu State. It was gathered that the fire, which started around 8:30 p.m., was as a result of a candle left unattended to in one of the rooms. Having burnt out, the candle reportedly melted through the rug and fire spread to other rooms of the building before it could be noticed. A witness said the fire took everybody by surprise because there was power outage at the time of the incident. The entire building was consequently filled with dark smoke as sympathisers poured water in an attempt to quench the fire before the arrival of the state fire service men 30 minutes later. All valuable properties in five rooms as well as goods in the two shops reportedly worth over N20 million were destroyed in the inferno. Speaking with journalists, the landlord, Emmanuel Aka, said the fire razed valuables. I managed to jump out of the room with the help of a friend who was shouting fire fire. I came out to see the entire building was up in flames. I called the fire service men and they said that they have received distress call and were on the way. The fire fighting men arrived 30 minutes later but before then, the fire had taken over the entire building. They helped a lot in putting out the fire but everything had been destroyed, he said. We have five rooms, two shops, and four packing stores, all of them were torched by the fire but no life was lost. I have foreign shoes and bags packed inside my room with cash of N185,000 which I was to pay into the bank the next day. All of them were razed to ashes including household property including those of the tenants. Also the two shops stuffed with goods of different kinds worth over N20 million. The two shops were of supermarket standard and the biggest shops in Odenigbo roundabout and nothing was picked out of the two shops, he lamented. Tanker accident Similarly, vehicular and human traffic were grounded for close to three hours along the Federal Teaching Hospital axis of the Enugu/Abakaliki expressroad when a tanker loaded with diesel burst into flames. No life was lost in the incident but some of the street lights and other structures along the road were destroyed. It was gathered that the driver of the tanker, who was coming from Enugu, lost control of the vehicle and in a bid not to endanger the lives of commuters, rammed into the embankment along the road. A witness said both the driver and his conductor, sensing danger, fled. As at the time of filling in this report, men of the Ebonyi State Fire Service were still battling to put out the fire. Also, the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were busy controlling both vehicular and human movement in the area. ADVERTISEMENT The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has urged Nigerians to show compassion and love to the families of soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for the nation. Mr Emmanuel spoke Tuesday in Uyo during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration. We must reach out to these families and show them that the sacrifices their breadwinners made were not in vain, said Mr Emmanuel while laying a wreath in remembrance of the fallen soldiers. The governor, in his speech, recalled how a young, newly married Air Force officer, Perowei Jacob, died on January 2 this year in a helicopter crash, while fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the North-east. The late officer was a flight lieutenant. He was married for just 25 days. I remember looking at the picture of his wedding on the front pages of national newspapers, my heart bled, the governor said of the death of Mr Jacob. Mr Jacobs death, the governor said, illustrates the danger, the sacrifice, and the heroism the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces face daily. While we go to sleep daily in the comforts of our homes, our gallant officers of the Armed Forces are in the foxholes, swatting away and dodging bullets, evading exploding bombs. As they speed away to the hot spots, they may be killed in the most horrendous manner. Today, on this solemn occasion, we are gathered here to honour the sacrifices of our heroic and gallant soldiers, their spirit of patriotism, the blood, and toil they shed so we may have a nation we can call ours, he said. Governor Emmanuel said as Nigeria honours its gallant heroes today, the nation should ponder over certain questions. Have the ideals of unity and brotherhood that propelled them to pay the ultimate price been achieved? Are we living in a nation where fairness, justice, equity and fair play form the building blocks of our engagements? Are we living in a land where though tongues and tribes may differ, in brotherhood we stand? Have we banished those ancient and primordial animosities that provided the ferment for the wars these heroes paid the ultimate price? Have we given the survivors and the families of the dead the reason to be proud of their service to our nation? Some of the victims of the January 2, 2019 helicopter crash left behind very young children. What will be the fate of the young children they left behind? Will they be left to the vagaries of time because their breadwinner paid the ultimate price so we may live in peace? Governor Emmanuel said Nigerians must spare their time, resources and blessings to remember the fallen soldiers always, not just in January of every year, but in their daily activities. He called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the ideals of national unity and peaceful co-existence. ADVERTISEMENT When our gallant soldiers went to the theatre of war during the First and Second World Wars in far-flung places like Burma, or Myanmar, when they were in Katanga Province in the Congo during that nations turbulent years, when he was killed at various hot spots during the Nigerian Civil War or in Liberia, they were not labelled PDP or APC, neither were they defined as Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba or Igbos, Ibibios, Annangs or Oros; they were not called to the parade grounds based on their States of origin, they were all Nigerians joined together by patriotic fervour ad a passion to serve. We must honour their memory by doing all we can to negate those issues and tendencies that had led us to war in the first instance. As we prepare for the elections, let us allow the will of the people to stand, let us resist the temptation to create tensions in the land just to satisfy the inordinate ambitions of certain individuals, the governor said. More than two years after the federal government flagged off the clean-up of the heavily polluted Ogoniland, in the Niger Delta region, leaders from the area have criticised the project implementation as flawed. The project, before now, had suffered several delays in its implementation. The clean-up was recommended by the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP) in its report in 2011. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who read President Muhammadu Buharis address at the June 2016 flag-off ceremony, had said the project would be vigorously pursued and would have sustainable development components which would benefit the people. But the Ogoni leaders, under the aegis of the Gbo Kabaari Ogoni (The Ogoni Elders Forum), on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, said the project implementation was at variance with the recommendations of the UNEP Report, as well as the assurances given by the federal government. Bennett Birabi, a former senator and the chairman of the Gbo Kabaari Ogoni, read out the position of the group to journalists in Port Harcourt. The statement was jointly signed by him and the secretary of the group, Desmond Nbete. The Ogoni issue has been fraudulently exploited to score cheap public relations benefits at every opportunity, the Ogoni leaders said while assessing the progress made so far in the clean-up project. They said the federal government has failed to provide adequate sources of drinking water to the people affected by pollution, among other things, as recommended in the UNEP Report. They said the government has also failed to organise a comprehensive medical examination for the detection of possible adverse effects of hydrocarbons among the Ogoni people who drank water from contaminated sources. Rather than commencing the implementation of the UNEP recommendations with the proposed emergency measures, what we have come to observe, and much to our chagrin, is that after each tranche of funds released by the oil companies on the clean-up project, the expenditure pattern has not only been opaque but also done in such a manner that not only undermines the smooth implementation of the project but is completely out of sync with the UNEP recommendations, the group said. In this regard, we recall that after the first announced release of the sum of $10 million by the International Oil Companies (IOCs), it became known that about N1 billion contract was awarded to each of three consultancy firms of doubtful profiles and pedigrees and in a manner that looks more like patronages. Similarly, the recent announcement of a further release of funds from the IOCs has been followed by a spree of clean-up contract awards that, amongst other things, debase and negate the concept of local content. In our view, the extreme politicisation of the contract awards, resulting in the exclusion of competent indigenous contractors from Ogoni and other parts of the Niger Delta, is as insensitive as it is unacceptable to our people. It is, therefore, not surprising that the award process has sparked off a considerable wave of discontent throughout Ogoniland capable of derailing the project, the group said. The group said soldiers were drafted into Ogoniland by the government because of an impending protest against the handling of the clean-up project. We make bold to say that the best security that can ever be provided for any project in our community, and indeed anywhere else, is to fully involve the affected people in the implementation of the project, the group said. They demanded that the concerns raised by addressed by the government for the sake of the clean-up project. As our people are still condemned to drinking, bathing, and fishing in the heavily contaminated water, we wonder if the current exercise is not a classic case of putting the cart before the horse. Or worse still, if the health and lives of our people are not being sacrificed on the altar of political exigencies and patronages to certain privileged few! the Ogoni leaders said. Nigerias Niger Delta has remained a troubled region, owing largely to unresolved environmental issues and widespread poverty, despite the billions of dollars that have accrued to the country through several decades of oil exploitation. ADVERTISEMENT Ken Saro-Wiwa, a playwright, environmental activist, and Ogoni leader, together with eight of his kinsmen, was brutally executed in 1995 by the then Nigerian military dictator, Sani Abacha, because of his non-violent campaign against oil exploitation and environmental pollution in Ogoniland. A renowned environmental activist, Nnimmo Bassey, told PREMIUM TIMES November last year that cleanup of Ogoni land would be a measure of atonement for the injustices done to Mr Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people, followed by thorough implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoniland. Righting the wrongs done to Saro-Wiwa, and others, including the Ogoni people, Mr Bassey said, is low-hanging fruit for the Buhari administration. And if they dont do it, it would be a lost opportunity, he said. ADVERTISEMENT A Minna Magistrates Court on Wednesday ordered the remand of 23-year-old woman, Blessing Aluma, docked for allegedly selling her one-week-old baby for N200, 000. Aluma was also arraigned for allegedly selling her friends 15 month- old daughter for N250, 000. The defendant was docked alongside Oludare Prince, both of Passali Giri, Abuja, on a three-count charge, bordering on criminal conspiracy, attempted kidnapping and child trafficking. The prosecutor, Gunduma Ibrahim, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that Aluma conspired with Prince to sell her own baby to one Nkechi Udo of Tunga Maje, Abuja, for N200, 000. She also sold her friend, Precious Ades daughter, for N250, 000 to the same buyer. He said the offences contravened the provisions of Sections 3 (1) (3) of Kidnapping and Cattle Rustling Law of Niger State, 2016 and Section 274 of the Penal Code Law. When the charges were read, the first accused pleaded guilty, while the second pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, however, prayed the court to reserve sentencing to allow the accused persons lead police to the alleged buyer, so as to secure the release of the babies. Magistrate Fati Wushishi ordered the accused persons to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter until February 11, for further mention. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has sworn in six new commissioners, urging them to bring their wealth of experience to impact positively on the development of the state. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Government House, Gombe on Wednesday. He urged them to be hardworking and partner with top government officials of the state. I call on the new commissioners to bring their wealth of experience and proven integrity to bear in the discharge of their duties to impact positively on the development of the state. I enjoin you to work harmoniously with your permanent secretaries, directors and the entire members of your ministries to ensure efficient implementation of government policies and programmes, he said. Mr Dankwambo said that his administration had only five months left to deliver on its mandate of improving the well-being of the people of the state. The governor said his government would continue to provide the enabling environment for government functionaries to perform their duties without hindrance. The new commissioners are: Muhammad Mailumo, Zainab Julde, Ishiyaku Audu, Asabe Nahaya, Ezekiel Boryo, and Ibrahim Abubakar. Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed commissioners, Mr Mailumo, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged support for his administration. NAN reports that the newly appointed commissioners were yet to be assigned ministries. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT President Muhammadu Buhari has said he has the physical rigour to lead Nigeria for another four years. The president said his recent appearances at campaign stomps are enough testament to his agility. He spoke Wednesday night at a town hall organised by journalist Kadaria Ahmed on NTA. Mr Buhari said he has been to Kogi and other states to campaign, during which he took questions from voters and also enumerated everything his government has done since assuming office and vision for a better Nigeria. Mr Buhari was also in Akwa Ibom last week to campaign. He appeared on the town hall event with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. The event is part of a series Ms Ahmed is organising for presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2019 elections. Concerns about President Muhammadu Buharis health have remained an issue in the campaign, even though the president has not embarked on a lengthy medical vacation in recent months. The president spent over three months at a stretch in the United Kingdom in 2017, during which he received treatment for undisclosed ailments. He returned from that trip in August 2017. Before then, then president travelled for several weeks in 2016 and early 2017 to take treatment for persistent hearing complications. Mr Buharis health crisis has been a major campaign point for the opposition, especially the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, which strongly holds that the president might spend more time receiving treatments oversees if elected again next month. ADVERTISEMENT The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has again arraigned a former Executive Director of Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Maimuna Aliyu, for allegedly diverting $360,000 belonging to the bank. In a one-count charge before Nnamdi Dimgba, a judge in the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, the ICPC accused Ms Aliyu of receiving the money for the sale of some plots of lands and refused to remit it to the bank. The Commission said Ms. Aliyu committed the alleged crime in December 2012 while acting as the Executive Director of the bank. It said the offence is contrary to Section 22 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 30 (2) (1) (a) of the Foreign Exchange Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions Act Cap, F34, Laws of the Federation 2004. Part of the charge reads, That you Maimuna Aliyu sometime in December, 2012 or thereabout at Abuja being the Executive Director (Retail) of Aso Savings and Loans Plc, Abuja at the time did accept the sum of about $360, 000 (Three hundred and Sixty Thousand Dollars) the equivalent of N57, 000, 000 (Fifty Seven Million Naira) in cash being the amount for the sale of Plots 2432, 2433 and 2434 all in the Cadastral Zone B08, Jaji District Abuja from one Babagana Bashir on behalf of Vincent Mshelia The accused pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to her. Her lawyer, R. Okotie-Eboh, prayed the court to grant her bail in liberal terms. The ICPC counsel, Ekoi Akponimisingha, did not object to the bail application but urged the court to make the conditions stringent to ensure compliance. Mr Dimgba granted the accused person bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum who must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 14; or if a businessman, must possess properties within the jurisdiction of the court. The bail conditions also include submission of her international passport to the court. The further ruled that the accused should be remanded in the Suleja prison, if she fails to meet the bail conditions after 36 hours. The matter was adjourned to February 6 for the commencement of the hearing. In a similar development, the ICPC in Ibadan on Wednesday charged an Executive Officer of the Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, Kabiru Oladele, to court for allegedly defrauding the college of N738,200. In a suit filed before Justice A.L Akintola of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, ICPC accused Mr Oladele of defrauding the school when he collected the sum as school fees from a part-time student but failed to remit it to the schools account. Mr Oladele was also accused of making false returns as well as presenting a fake bank teller to the college in respect of the said sum to be used as evidence of the school fees paid by the student. The ICPC said the alleged crime contravened Sections 16 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under the same sections. Mr Oladele was further accused of presenting a false document to the institution with the intent that it may be acted upon as genuine, contrary to Section 465 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation 2004. He pleaded not guilty to the charge when they were read to him, and was granted bail by the court in the sum of N2 million and two sureties in like sum who must reside within Oyo State. The judge then adjourned the matter to March 5 for hearing. ADVERTISEMENT President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to re-elect him in the February 16 presidential poll so he can continue with the good work he started in 2015. Mr Buhari who made the plea in Lokoja while addressing a rally of party faithful and supporters said all other candidates of the All Progressives Party (APC) should be voted for during the general election. He warned the electorate against voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that the country should not be returned to the ugly past. Mr Buhari reminded them of the situation in the country in 2015 when he took over, saying that the PDP wanted to return to power to entrench corruption in the system. The president said he had been able to fix roads, power, economy, Ajaokuta Steel Complex, and other sectors. He promised to secure the country against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes. He also promised to sustain and improve upon the achievements recorded in the power, road, education, health, economic and others sectors. He commended the people for their love for him and the party, promising to reward their loyalty. Also, the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole urged the people to vote for Candidate Buhari and others on the platform of the party to guarantee the future of the country. He dismissed allegations that the APC was planning to rig the election. Governor Yahaya Bello assured the president that the people of the state would vote massively for him and other candidates of the APC. He said the forthcoming election is about a choice between the good and bad, saying Mr Buhari represents the good and would win in all the polling units in the state. Meanwhile, the Director-General, Buhari Campaign Organisation, Rotimi Amaechi, while addressing the crowd highlighted achievements of the Buhari led administration in different sectors of the economy. He warned Nigerians against being carried away by empty promises of the opposition party, saying Mr Buhari remains the best of all the candidates contesting in the presidential election. The ex-Rivers governor commended the people for their massive turnout, urging them to come out massively to vote for the president and other APC candidates on election days. ADVERTISEMENT Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, described the late Chief of Defence Staff, Alex Badeh, as a man who had tremendous respect for the judiciary. Mr Abang, was the presiding judge over Mr Badehs trial. Mr Badeh was docked on charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, money laundering and converting public money to personal use to the tune of N3.9billion. At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Mr Badehs counsel, Akin Olujimi (SAN) had informed the court of the death of his client, saying that he was murdered on December 19, 2018 on his way from his farm. Mr Olujimi then requested for a short adjournment to enable him liaise with the prosecution on the next line of action. While not objecting to the application for an adjournment, the prosecuting counsel, O.A. Atolagbe, however, said that the defence team ought to have furnished the court with a death certificate. But Mr Abang, however, held that no death certificate was required because Mr Badehs death was already in the public domain. The court is already aware of his death. The Supreme Court has made it clear that where a matter is already public knowledge, the court being a member of the public, does not require a certificate of death. The judge, who commiserated with family of the late Chief of Defence Staff, described him as a man who was peaceful throughout his trial and conducted himself well. Throughout his trial, he never created difficulties for the court. He was so peaceful throughout his trial. His conduct was a show of tremendous respect to the court. He was always in court before trial and he never asked for any frivolous applications, Mr Abang said. The judge acquiesced to Mr Olujimis request and adjourned the matter until February 26 for a feedback on the meeting between the prosecution and defence counsel. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Nigerias Ambassador to Cote dIvoire, Ibrahim Isah, has died, Foreign Affairs Ministry officials, have confirmed. Sources from the Nigerian Embassy at Deux Plateau, Abidjan, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that Mr Isah, aged 60, died at 7p.m. on Tuesday. The sources said he slumped and died at the Polyclinique Internationale Sainte Anne-Marie (PISAM) where he had gone to see his doctors. The Interim Chairman of Nigerian Community in Cote dIvoire, Musudi Akanfe, told NAN that the entire embassy had been thrown into mourning over the death. We are already in a mourning mood, we received this sad news with rude shock, we pray God to console the family and the Nigerian community, he said. Speaking to NAN by telephone, the former President, Nigerian Youths in Cote dIvoire, Bright Moses, described the death as `shocking and painful. He was a very lively and proactive diplomat, he listened to the plight of the Nigerian people in this country, this is very shocking, he said. Mr Isah, born in 1959 in Niger State, held a bachelors degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Masters degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He joined the Foreign Service in 1983 and was posted to Cote DIvoire in 2017. He served in different capacities in the ministry before his death. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT There was mild drama Tuesday at the Ikeja Headquarters of the Lagos Police Command as two Police Commissioners resumed duty for the day. PREMIUM TIMES understands that at the Government Reservation Area (GRA) headquarters, Edgal Imohimi, the state Police commissioner joined Kayode Egbetokun, a Deputy Commissioner who was on Monday widely reported to be the new commissioner in the state. Mr Edgal, billed to hand over following his redeployment, resumed Tuesday and said he remained in charge, throwing reporters and others at the GRA office into confusion. Earlier, Mr Egbetokun, billed to take over the baton after a joint news conference Tuesday, arrived at the Command ahead of Mr Edgal. But this newspaper gathered that the handing over could not hold due to an order from the police headquarters in Abuja. First, the entire drama began when the handing over event scheduled for 1:30 pm was shifted to 3pm. The drama took a new turn when, few minutes after 3pm, there was wild jubilation in the Conference Hall where the event was scheduled to take place. Details would later emerge that the change of guard had been suspended. Mr Edgal woud later address reporter to clarify the confusion. Gentlemen of the press, he began, are you here for the handing over and taking over? Are you here because you like me or you are eager for me to leave? Well, there is a directive that the status quo should remain till further notice. Kayode Egbetokun I am sure that Kayode Egbetokun is an old-timer in the command. Our first job as police is order and directive; we were about concluding the handing over and taking over procedure when we were instructed by our bosses from Abuja to suspend action for now. So, there is no change of guard for now, he said. Mr Egbetokun, in his reaction, said: We are government agents and we are always taking directives. Minutes after, Mr Egbetokuns vehicle was replaced at the parking lot with Mr Edgals. The Deputy Police Commissioner, who anticipated his resumption of office, had arrived the venue with his aides. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the directive to halt the handing over ceremony came from the Force Headquaters, Abuja. ADVERTISEMENT The meeting of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) expected to discuss the issue of a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers failed to hold Wednesday due to lack of quorum. Only five out of the 36 governors turned up for the meeting Wednesday evening at the NGF secretariat in Abuja. Those who came were the governors of Zamfara, Bauchi, Jigawa, Niger and Adamawa states. Governors of Kaduna, Enugu, Nasarawa and Katsina sent in their deputies. Wednesdays meeting was expected to consolidate on the position taken by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), during an extraordinary meeting which held Tuesday at the Presidential Villa. Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed told State House correspondents at the end of the meeting that he would not divulge the outcome of the meeting until after the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), The NEC, which is headed by the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo has all the governors and some relevant ministries and the Central Bank of Nigeria as members. NGF often meet a day to the NEC meeting to discuss issues they would table before it. Organised labour in Nigeria are threatening strike over the delay in the implementation of a new minimum wage of N30,000. Most governors have said they cannot pay the wage, labour is demanding. Amaechi Meets APC Governors In the meantime, the Director General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has met with governors under the governing All Progressive Congress (APC) at the secretariat of the NGF. Although the agenda of Mr Amaechis meeting with the governors is not known, it may not be unconnected with the ongoing campaign of the ruling party. APC governors are part of the presidential campaign council. They were conspicuously absent when the council held its first meeting at the Presidential Villa last week. ADVERTISEMENT The Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, has said the qualifying examination for the award of federal scholarships will hold on Thursday, January 17. The scholarships include those into Nigerian public tertiary institutions, the Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship obtainable overseas, and the Sustainable Development Goals Scholarship for females. Mr Adamu said the examination will take place in the six geo-political zones simultaneously from 7.00a.m to 2.00p.m same day. The minister said this in a statement by the spokesperson of the education ministry, Ben Bem Goong, Wednesday evening. Mr Goong advised the candidates to go with the print-out of their applications to the examination centres to enable them gain access into the venues, in line with the stipulated time contained in the SMS sent to their contact phone numbers. According to the statement, the list of eligible candidates has been released on the Ministry of Education website www.education.gov.ng. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Gozie Anwukah, is already on his way to Owerri, the Imo State Capital to supervise the conduct of the exercise in the South East geopolitical zone, just as ministry officials have been dispatched to various centres to oversee the exercise, it said. Premium Times reported the federal government clarifying it runs only three higher education scholarship schemes in Nigeria. According to the Nigerian Scholarship Board (NSB), the three schemes are the Bilateral Education Agreement Awards, Nigerian Awards, and Commonwealth Awards. The board, however, said there are many other scholarship schemes in the country through the private and public sectors, Many Nigerians believe the federal government is not offering enough help to citizens with the burden of tertiary education. Presently, hundreds of Nigerians studying overseas under the BEA said they have been abandoned in the last one year by the government, which has failed to remit their monthly stipends. ADVERTISEMENT The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, on Wednesday in Abuja urged religious leaders to maintain neutrality before, during and after the forthcoming general elections. Mr Abubakar gave the advice at the 2nd General Assembly of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), with the theme, General Elections and National Security: the Role of Interfaith Communities. The Sultan, who is also the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), enjoined religious leaders not to allow themselves to be bought by politicians for their selfish interest. He stressed the need for spiritual leaders to continue to preach the word of God with honesty and sincerity for the good of humanity and sustainable peace in the country. As religious leaders, we should be careful about what we say to our followers in churches and mosque bearing in mind that we will all one day stand before Allah and account for our deeds. We should never allow ourselves to be used by any political party or candidate. If you want to support any party or candidates do it personally, the Sultan said. He admonished politicians to be responsive and uphold national interest. The Sultan also appealed to the security agencies to discharge their responsibilities diligently. In a paper titled, 2019 General Elections and National Security: the Role of Interfaith Communities, a professor, Sani Lugga, said interfaith communities have a critical role to play in ensuring credible elections. Mr Lugga said Muslims and Christians had the ultimate duty and responsibility of making Nigeria peaceful and progressive by putting their faith into practice in daily private and public lives. Nigerian Muslim and Christian leaders at all levels must take up the challenges of seeing to religious peace, understanding and accommodation. This is the most important role that interfaith community in Nigeria can play towards the attainment of peaceful, free, fair and credible 2019 elections, Lugga said. James Igwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, urged interfaith leaders to exercise restraint in putting to the public domain, persuasively optimistic views in form of prophecies that declare who would win or lose the 2019 elections. Nigerians are yet to cast their votes, yet some religious leaders are seen as biasing the minds of voters and swaying votes from one candidate to the other. I urge interfaith leaders to use prophesies to promote peace and love as well as act in manners consistent with tolerance and harmony, Mr Igwe said. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT In order to curb the spread of fake news during the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria, Facebook has said only advertisers located in Nigeria would be allowed to run political advertisements on the social media site, says a news report published by Reuters. It has become an unwholesome practice, globally, to see groups with vested interests try to influence elections in different countries, through fake news targeting potential voters. There were reports last year of how a London-based data mining and analytic firm, SCL, which is the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, tried to rig the 2015 Nigerian presidential election in favour of the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan. The firm, said to have been hired to do the dirty job by an unnamed Nigerian oil billionaire who was afraid of Mr. Jonathan losing the election, planted fake news on social media sites to scare voters from voting for the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, who eventually won the election. Nigerias presidential election holds on February 16. Mr Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is running for re-election. His main challenger is the countrys former vice president Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Reuters quoted Katie Harbath, Facebooks director of global politics and outreach, as saying that beginning on Wednesday in Nigeria, only advertisers located in the country will be able to run political adverts on the social media site. Ms Harbath said the decision mirrors a policy unveiled during an Irish referendum last May. The same policy will take effect in Ukraine in February, according to Reuters. Ukraine is holding its presidential election on March 31. Were learning from every country. We know were not going to be perfect, but our goal is continuing, ongoing improvement, Ms Harbath said. Apart from control over advert sources, Facebook would be deploying other tools to curb election interference in Nigeria and other countries. It is, however, unclear to what extent these measures would help curb the influence of fake news on Nigerian voters. The spread of fake news has become a disturbing phenomenon globally. ADVERTISEMENT Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has charged his colleagues to be focused on legislative business despite activities of the election season, even as he called for restraint in the use of power. In his welcome back speech on Wednesday after the end of the year recess, Mr Saraki reminded the lawmakers of the need to get down to the unfinished businesses of the Senate. As evident all around us, the New Year has met our countrymen and women in an anticipatory mood. Spirits are high, because in this year 2019, Nigeria has a date with destiny. But we also know that despite all of this, the work of leadership must go on; governance must not suffer. We must trudge on and fulfil our mandates as legislators subject to the Nigerian Constitution and the will of the people. As we hit this home run, therefore, my distinguished colleagues, we must have our eyes firmly fixed on the unfinished business of the 8th Senate; and that is to bring the legislative agenda to a fitting close and cap our endeavours of these four years with success. We cannot relent or lose steam on this last lap; we must remain focused and finish strong, he said. Mr Saraki said the 8th Senate has so far passed an unprecedented 257 bills adding that Nigerians expect us to continue in this vein, and we owe it to ourselves to meet their expectations. The Senate President also warned his colleagues to eschew partisanship in advancing arguments at the chamber to reduce the tension of the election season. He said, Leaders should help reduce the tension in the polity by contributing to an atmosphere of moderate and measured political conversations. Expectations of the Executive are also palpable, particularly with regard to the need to uphold the Constitution and its tenets, especially as they guarantee the minimum basic requirement of Separation of Powers; the unity of the country and the welfare of the citizens. In that respect, it bears reminding that the exercise of power must be anchored in the best democratic principles. The former US President Obamas Doctrine of Restraint as a key feature in the use of power, is commended to us in this polity at this crucial time. Some of the reports and occurrences in recent times speak to this need for restraint. Those who exercise power should do their best to avoid any action that stands the risk of being misconstrued as coloured by partisan considerations. On that note, I wish to lay emphasis on the role of the Judiciary in promoting justice and bringing respect to the country. If the Judiciary is violated or eroded or otherwise brought to ill repute, so do the values attached to its role in a democracy. Everyone in the political value chain should, therefore, do nothing that could raise tensions in the country. Nigerians are looking up to leaders who will douse flames that have the potential to threaten the peace and wellbeing of our country. Mr Saraki asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to give urgent attention to the issues surrounding the collection of PVCs while urging the commission to bring relevant stakeholders together for a dialogue ahead of the elections. To contestants, Mr Saraki in his speech, wants them to note that the forthcoming election is not a do or die affair. To those of us who are contesting, let us remember that our biggest offer is to serve. Ultimately, the Nigerian people have a right to choose who will represent them at all levels. It is not a do or die affair. I encourage all to participate in the coming polls and I wish Nigerians a safe 2019 Election, he said. After his speech, the Senate adjourned its plenary to January 17 to honour Abayomi Adeola, a member of the House of Representatives who died on December 30, 2018. ADVERTISEMENT The first storey building in Nigeria located in Badagry, Lagos State, recorded 13,609 visitors in 2018, Hodonu Daniel, the officer in charge of the building, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. Mr Daniel said the number of tourists that visited the 172-year-old structure was higher than the 9,009 recorded in 2017. NAN reports that the foundation of the building was laid in 1842 and was completed in 1845. We recorded more tourists toward the end of the year when there were different festivals organised by people and the Local Government Authority attracted tourists to the site. Around August, we celebrated Coconut festival and many tourists that came for the event visited the site. Also during Diaspora festival, many foreigners came to the site. These were just the reasons why the site recorded high number of tourists in 2018. Im sure that the patronage would be higher this year if the Federal Government will complete the reconstruction of the Lagos-Badagry Expressway which is discouraging tourists from visiting the site. The major challenge that we face is the deplorable state of the road, as this discourages tourists from coming to the various historic sites in the city, Daniel said. He reiterated the call on the state government and private companies to assist in giving the structure a facelift. According to him, only the Anglican Church is carrying out the task for now. (NAN) A Lagos Division of the Federal High Court Wednesday ordered the final forfeiture of N2.7 billion recovered from former Chief of Air Staff, Adesola Amosu, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Mojisola Olatoregun, the judge, made the order following application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in June 2018. The court had earlier granted an interim order of forfeiture to the total sum of N2.2 billion recovered by the EFCC from Mr Amosu, an air marshal, which it suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. The judge had also granted an order for the forfeiture of N190 million recovered from a former Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Director of Finance and Budget, Olugbenga Gbadebo, an air commodore. Mrs Olatoregun further ordered the forfeiture of N101 million recovered from Solomon Enterprises, a company linked to Mr Amosu. She had directed the EFCC to publish the interim order in The Nation and Punch newspapers so that the respondents or anyone interested can show cause as to why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government. Mr Amosu and an interested party, Bolaji Adigun, an air vice marshal, had filed counter-affidavits arguing that the funds were proceeds of their personal businesses and not from illegal activity. On Wednesday, the judge dismissed the counter-affidavits, stating that they had failed to provide any facts as to the level of probability to ascertain if the funds were obtained unlawfully. Upon examination of the two applications asking the interim orders to be set aside, dated July 28, 2018. from the first respondent and the interested party, I found nothing to set aside the order, and the applications are hereby dismissed. The only conclusion I can reach is that these funds are proceeds of an unlawful activity. The court has an inherent power to vary or discharge an interim order given, the affidavits filed disclosed no reason why the order of final forfeiture should not be made. I hereby order the final forfeiture of these sums to the Federal Government of Nigeria: N2,244,500,000, N190,828,978.15 and N101 million. The funds should be paid into the nominated GTB treasury single account of the Federal Government and an affidavit of compliance filed within 14 days. Mrs Olatoregun said. Messrs Amosu, Gbadebo and Jacob, a former NAF Chief of Accounts and Budgeting Air Vice Marshal are also on trial before Justice Mohammed Idris of the same court before he was elevated to the court of Appeal. The trial is expected to resume afresh before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The EFCC accused them of converting N21 billion from NAF through various companies, namely Delfina Oil and Gas Ltd, Mcallan Oil and Gas Ltd, Hebron Housing and Properties Company Ltd, Trapezites BDC, Fonds and Pricey Ltd, Deegee Oil and Gas Ltd, Timsegg Investment Ltd and Solomon Health Care Ltd. Messrs Amosu and Adigun were said to have, between July 17 and Sept. 16, 2014, allegedly removed over N663.4million from the Nigerian Air Force accounts to purchase properties at 50-52 Tenterden Grove, London (NW4 1TH) and at 93B Shirehall Park, LondonNW4 2QU, United Kingdom. ADVERTISEMENT They were accused of buying 40A, Bourdillon, Ikoyi, with N900million, and a property at Sinari Daranijo in Victoria Island with N1.5billion. The EFCC said they also bought a property named Cappadol Mall at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Wuse II Abuja, for N750million, as well as a property worth over N1.7billion at Agobogba Street, Parkview, Ikoyi Lagos, using the airforces money. Other properties they allegedly bought using Air Forces funds include one at Salt Lake Street, Maitama, Abuja; one at Agadez Street off Aminu Kano Crescent, Abuja; 61A, Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja; and one at 1, River Street, Wuse II Abuja using alleged stolen funds. The defendants allegedly used N428,139,539.00 removed from NAF accounts to renovate and purchase medical equipment for Solomon HealthCare Ltd situate at 24th Adeniyi Jones Street, Ikeja Lagos. ADVERTISEMENT A media organization on Tuesday bestowed a posthumous award to the late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje who died in October, last year, following alleged serial rape by her guardian. The award ceremony, organized by Daily Asset Newspaper, was attended by John Ameh: an elder brother to the late victim, in Abuja, on Tuesday. Mr Ameh, who spoke on behalf of his family, urged the government to ensure speedy dispensation of justice for the late victim and called on the new Inspector General of Police to arrest the second accused person, Victor Ogbuja. The young Ogbuja and his father allegedly abused the young teenager sexually, on different occasions, for eight years while Miss Ogbanje was living with them. The repeated cases of sexual abuses resulted in Miss Ogbanjes infection with the Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) infection, a development which later caused her death last October. While Mr Ogbuja has been arrested, his son, Victor, is still at large, leaving doubts on the level of governments commitment towards ensuring the successful prosecution of the matter. In an address to thank the organisers, Mr Ameh asked the advocates of justice, to join in helping to bring about the desired justice for Miss Ogbanje. Needless to say that it has been a difficult time for us as a family since the tragic death of our beloved Ochanya in October last year, he said. The circumstances surrounding her painful exit are already in the public domain, but for the sake of emphasis, Ochanyas aggressors and killers, the paedophilic Andrew Ogbuja and his son, Victor, must be brought to justice. We appeal to the new IGP to declare Victor Ogbuja wanted for the rape and death of Ochanya. Our demand for justice is not borne out of vengeance, but the sheer desire to ensure that other girls within the community and Nigeria as a whole, are safe from the pandemic of sexual violence. On behalf of the family, I would like to thank the management and staff of Daily Asset Newspaper for this kind gesture. It is the first of its kind from a private organisation, in trying to raise awareness about the dangers of child sexual abuse, which has assumed epidemic proportions in the country, Mr Ameh said. Other recipients of various awards at the event are the speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and governors of Jigawa, Benue, and Akwa-Ibom States, among others. ADVERTISEMENT A former minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Aliyu Modibbo, has joined St Antony College, University of Oxford, as a senior academic visitor. Mr Modibbo will be at Oxford from January to May 2019, conducting research and presenting papers in three broad areas. He will be focusing on areas such as the transformation of the office of Head of State since independence, the challenges in managing African cities the case of Abuja and, lastly, the problems of trade agreements for Nigeria. Mr Modibbo, in an email to PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday, said he would be working with reputable scholars at the college, notably Wale Adebanwi, a Professor and Director African Studies Centre, University of Oxford. Mr Modibbo earned his doctorate degree 27 years ago in Comparative Education from the University of California, Los Angeles. On his return to Nigeria, he briefly lectured at the University of Abuja. He subsequently worked in the presidency for over ten years, after which he was appointed a minister, three times, overseeing Power and Steel in 2002, Commerce and Industry in 2006 and the FCT in 2007. As FCT minister, Mr Modibbo initiated several projects in the city one of which was the Abuja Central District Development, also called the Abuja Boulevard. He is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of Baze University. ADVERTISEMENT The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said on Wednesday that two politicians who circulated a fake news on Tuesday would be questioned today. Tony Orilade, a spokesperson for the anti-graft office, said the news could injure the countrys interest and said Femi Fani-Kayode and Yinka Odumakin would have to explain their action. Mr Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister, posted a tweet Tuesday afternoon that EFCC operatives had surrounded the residence of the Chief Justice, Walter Onnoghen. Mr Odumakin, an Afenifere chieftain, also posted a video saying he had learnt of the EFCC move against the top jurist. Both claims turned out false by Tuesday night, with Mr Onnoghen himself denying the claim. Mr Onnoghen is facing allegations of false asset filings with the Code of Conduct Bureau. Mr Orilade, who spoke at the conference of Online Publishers Association of Nigeria which is underway in Abuja, said if both men failed to disclose useful information, they may not be released on time. Mr Fani-Kayode is of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) while Mr Odumakin is a civic rights activist, who leans towards the PDP. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has charged the federal government to intensify efforts in making provisional support for the countrys armed forces, in terms of human and material resources needed for securing the country. The NMA president, Francis Faduyile, who made the call in a statement on Tuesday to mark the 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, said the organisation recognises and salutes the selflessness of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces for paying the supreme price for our Nation. It is our belief that your sacrifices will not be in vain. May your beautiful souls continue to rest in peace. That with peace, the workload on security operatives will be reduced. The Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) is marked annually on January 15, as a day set aside to celebrate the fallen heroes, who died in the line of duty while fighting to ensure the territorial integrity of Nigeria. This years celebration is coming in the wake of a seemingly unending war against insurgency in the North-east, herdsmen killings in the Middle-belt, militancy in the South-south and other pockets of violence which have been rocking the nation simultaneously. Many have accused the government of not making adequate provisions for the welfare of soldiers at the forefront in these battles. The efforts of our armed forces in providing security (internal and external) in recent years is highly commendable, the NMA president said, in the statement signed by Obitade Obimakinde, Publicity Secretary of the body of doctors. The counter-terrorism activities of our soldiers in containing insurgencies in some parts of the country is appreciated. We admonish the government not to relent in its support to the Armed Forces in terms of human and material resources needed for security of Nigerians. As we remember our fallen heroes today, we urge Nigerians to show appreciation to the men of the Armed Forces and pray for peace in our land as we approach the general elections. The president, Muhammadu Buhari, his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, senate president, Bukola Saraki, speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, among others, on Tuesday, participated in the laying of wreaths in honour of soldiers who died in service in Nigeria and at international assignments. The wreaths-laying ceremony was held at the National Arcade in the Three Arms Zone in Abuja and other states across the nation. ADVERTISEMENT The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday, took his campaign to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. Speaking at the palace, Mr Abubakar said his visit to the Ooni was to pay respect to Ile Ife kingdom. Ile-Ife, as the source of Yoruba race, has undoubtedly impacted beyond Nigeria, and this visit is genuine to pay respect to the kingdom, he said. All I have to do is to appreciate the Ooni, the chiefs and everyone here for making today a success. Reacting to the visit, the monarch, Oba Adeyeye, urged politicians to put Nigerias interest above their personal interest, in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. We must put Nigeria first, because the country is greater than any interest. Though we are improving as a country, but we must do more, especially by avoiding politics of aggression, either as a member of the ruling party or the opposition, the Ooni said. Atiku Abubakar Takes Campaign To Ile-Ife Atiku Abubakar Takes Campaign To Ile-Ife Atiku Abubakar Takes Campaign To Ile-Ife Mr Abubakar was accompanied to the palace by his wife, Titi; national chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus; former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; and former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel; amongst others. ADVERTISEMENT The United States government has expressed concern over the neutrality of security services ahead of Nigerias general elections beginning with the presidential and National Assembly polls on February 16. A representative of the American embassy in Nigeria, David Young, made this known at a meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday at the commissions headquarters in Abuja. One of the concerns is about the neutrality of the security services. For us, it is very important that the security services provide for the election security, the safety of the process of the election in a way that doesnt interfere with people getting to the polls, civil society monitors, election observers who have access to observe the process freely, he said. Mr Young recalled that the U.S. government had assured INEC of its support when its envoys visited INEC alongside those diplomats from the European Union (EU), the French and Germany embassies in Nigeria. We support INEC and the work they are doing. We look forward to providing more support, he said. He also said the he hoped the new Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, will cooperate and give the necessary support. Ketil Karlsen, EU ambassador to Nigeria, said the EU was meeting with INEC to get updates on the preparations towards the election. Our only real mission here is for Nigeria to succeed in having fee, fair transparent and credible elections, he told INECs management. We want to be briefed by you on the preparation for the election. We already have long term observers. Noting that the 2015 election sent a powerful message that the outcome of a democratic election can be roundly accepted, he said the envoys will like to see that again in 2019. Re-emphasising it is not supporting any candidate, party or ideology, the EU diplomat said whoever emerges from the election, will become a partner of their countries. The British high commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, said their role in supporting INEC as they had done over the years, is to support it to deliver credible election in the eyes of the people of Nigeria. The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, responding to the visitors, said the commission was putting finishing touches to its preparation for the election as all heavy equipment for the election are being delivered. We have concluded and published the guideline, we have finalised the manual for the election to be used for training staff for the election. We are recruiting as hoc staff and will soon start training them. We are aware the election is going to be an intense media event. European Union Ambassadors visit Chairman of INEC in Abuja. [PHOTO CREDIT: LOIS UGBEDE] European Union Ambassadors visit Chairman of INEC in Abuja. [PHOTO CREDIT: LOIS UGBEDE] European Union Ambassadors visit Chairman of INEC in Abuja. [PHOTO CREDIT: LOIS UGBEDE] The chairman, therefore, promised INEC will not disappoint the international community and the Nigerian people. He said, 2019 will be credible, we will zealously guard the process. The representatives later went into a closed-door meeting at the end of which INEC inaugurated its new Election Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC), which is beside the Media Centre in the commissions headquarters. ADVERTISEMENT At least 19 people were killed in southern Mali when a large gold mine collapsed, a local official said on Wednesday. Six people were injured in the collapsed gold mine during the night of Monday to Tuesday in Sikasso province, said the official. The official added that it was a large mine that also had several other smaller operations running inside. The cause of the collapse was not immediately known. In spite of vast gold deposits in southern Mali, the West African country is considered by the UN to be among the worlds poorest. However, in September 2014, at least 16 people were killed following the collapse of a shaft in an artisanal gold mine 130km south of Malis capital, Bamako, the countrys mines ministry said. Ten of those killed were miners from neighbouring Guinea, while the other six were Malian citizens, the ministry said. Artisanal mining is on the rise in Mali as neighbours such as Ghana, Senegal and Burkina Faso have imposed limitations on the activity, pushing more mineworkers into Mali. Mali produced 67.4 tons due to growth in artisanal mining, making it Africas biggest producer after South Africa and Ghana. The government has, however, tried to control artisanal mining by imposing a ban on activities during the rainy season from June to October, when accidents are frequent because the soil is wet and loose. RelatedNews No Content Available In November, 2017, a two-day skirmish between Guinean and Malian villagers over control of a gold mine that straddles the countries joint border killed at least 17 people, a government official in Guinea said. Villagers in both countries lay claim to the zones rich underground deposits, which have lured thousands of people to work in unregulated small-scale mines along the border. Artisanal gold mining, conducted with rudimentary tools, is a key source of income in both Mali and Guinea, but poses numerous safety risks, including frequent mine collapses. There are five dead on the Guinean side and 12 dead on the Malian side, said Cheick Diallo, prefect of the town of Mandiana in eastern Guinea. A witness on the Guinean side of the border said the villagers fought each other with firearms and bladed weapons. The fighting has ceased, local resident Cheikh Keita said, but the situation remained tense. A similar incident occurred in February 2015, when Guinean miners killed three Malian nationals in a fight over a gold discovery. (dpa/NAN) A Saudi royal advisor fired over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi continues to wield influence in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans inner circle, according to Saudi source with links to the royal court. Saud al-Qahtani was dismissed as a top aide to the de facto Saudi leader in late October, after overseeing the operation to kill Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by giving orders via Skype, according to regional intelligence sources. A senior Saudi official at the time called his removal a political decision based on dereliction of duty and participation in the sequence of events that led to the murder. Weeks later, the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Qahtani for his role. But six sources said that Qahtani remains active on behalf of the royal court. Two of them said he has kept in touch with the crown prince while three others said he has continued to instruct a small group of Saudi journalists on what to write about the kingdoms policies. As head of the royal courts media centre until his dismissal, Qahtani ran an electronic media army tasked with protecting Saudi Arabias image, dictating the official line on issues from a dispute with Qatar to security and human rights. The apparent impunity of Qahtani, seen as the crown princes right-hand man, risks undermining Saudi promises to hold those responsible to account, the sources say. The U.S. Senate in December backed a resolution blaming the crown prince, known as MbS, for the killing and insisted Riyadh fully investigate. A Saudi official denied Qahtani was still playing a role inside the royal court, saying he has not conducted any work since his dismissal and that he remains under investigation and banned from travel. At the heart of the crown princes inner circle, Qahtani controlled access to MbS and would often speak on his behalf before he was dismissed, government insiders have said. No official replacement has yet been announced. Qahtani has continued to make repeated appearances at the royal court, although it was not clear in what capacity, five of the sources said. All of the sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive internal matters. He is still around, free and in favour. The crown prince is still holding on to him and doesnt seem to be willing to sacrifice him, one of the foreign sources said. MbS himself has told visitors that Qahtani is still an advisor while assuring them that some responsibilities have been taken from him, according to a source familiar with the discussion between the crown prince and the visitors. The source did not elaborate. Qahtani has also continued to dictate the royal courts official line to columnists and top editors he considers able to influence public opinion, according to three of the sources, in spite leaving a WhatsApp group he ran for that purpose. Qahtanis involvement in Khashoggis murder, which intelligence sources have said included giving orders over Skype to the team inside the consulate, has fueled speculation that MbS ordered the hit. ADVERTISEMENT Saudi officials have said the crown prince knew nothing of the killing. The public prosecutor has said Qahtani briefed a team of Saudi operatives ahead of a mission to repatriate Khashoggi. Saudi officials have refused to disclose whether Qahtani was among those arrested. The Saudi public prosecutor is seeking the death penalty for five of the 11 suspects detained over Khashoggis killing and a first court hearing was held this month. A source familiar with U.S. government agencies reporting and analyses said they believe Qahtani has been instructed to lie low for a while but think it is unlikely that MbS would ditch Qahtani. Some Western allies had been concerned, even before Khashoggis killing, by the power Qahtani wielded within the royal court and have privately urged Riyadh to replace him with more seasoned advisers, according to Western diplomats in Riyadh. Qahtani stopped using Twitter, a platform he regularly used to attack the kingdoms critics, on Oct. 23 and changed the biography on his profile to personal account. But Saudi activists living abroad still see his influence on Saudi media and in the Twitter attacks they say they face, accusing them of being disloyal to MbS or unpatriotic for not supporting his policies. Nothing has changed. It seems to have the same line, the same offensive language. His fingerprints are all over it still, said Hala al-Dosari, a Saudi scholar and activist based in the U.S.(Reuters/NAN) PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 15:01:18 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Ximen Mining Corp. (TSX-V: XIM) (OTCQB: XXMMF) (the "Company" or "Ximen") has engaged William R. Sattlegger P. Geo to perform investor relations services for the company. Mr. Sattlegger has been retained to manage the company's strategic mix of corporate communications and investors relations services to increase investor awareness; and to introduce the company to private investors, analysts, brokers, fund managers, and other key influencers in the mining industry and the investment community. The contract will be effective January 15, 2019, for a period of up to 12 months, Mr. Sattlegger will receive $3,000 per month.Mr. Sattlegger is a practicing professional geoscientist with 37 years of experience within the energy and mining sectors. Through his company Fore Shore Resources Ltd. Mr. Sattlegger provides project management and technical advisory services to operating mining companies. He also has extensive experiencing in instituting investor relations strategies, marketing and corporate development initiatives within North American and European jurisdictions.Christopher Anderson, President and CEO of Ximen Mining remarks "I am pleased to welcome William Sattlegger, a person with extensive experience in the resource world, to the Ximen Mining team." On behalf of the Board of Directors,"Christopher R. Anderson"Christopher R. Anderson,President, CEO and DirectorXimen Mining Corp. 604 488-3900About Ximen Mining Corp.Ximen Mining Corp. owns 100 percent interest in all three of its precious metal projects located in southern BC. Ximen's two Gold projects are The Gold Drop Project and The Brett Epithermal Gold Project. Ximen also owns the Treasure Mountain Silver Project adjacent to the past-producing Huldra Silver Mine. Currently both the Gold Drop Project and the Treasure Mountain Silver Project are under option agreements. The option partners are making annual staged cash and stocks payments as well as funding the development of these projects.Ximen is a publicly listed company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XIM, in the USA under the symbol XXMMF, and in Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Stock Exchanges in Germany under the symbol 1XMA and WKN with the number as A2JBKL.This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.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.Ximen Mining Corp888 Dunsmuir Street - Suite 888,Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3K4SOURCE: Ximen Mining Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:02:25 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 694 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 X-ray aprons are also known as lead aprons or leaded aprons used for protection against harmful radiations. It is a type of protective clothing that acts as the radiation shield. Lead X-ray aprons are used to reduce exposure of radiation to both patient and personnel. X-ray aprons are made up of thin rubber sheet at the exterior. X-ray aprons are used along with lead gloves and lead glasses. The main purpose of using X-ray apron is to minimize the exposure of harmful X-ray to vital organs. Prolonged exposure to X-ray has been linked to increasing chances of developing cancer. X-ray aprons protect vital organs from harmful radiations exposed during medical imaging processes such as radiography, computed tomography, fluoroscopy and others. X-ray aprons also help to protect reproductive organs. Protective reproductive organ is important as radiation may cause changes in the DNA of egg cell and sperm which leads to genetic defects in the offspring of the patients. According to researchers, the thyroid gland is most vulnerable to X-rays. Care should be taken to protect or cover thyroid gland using X-ray aprons or thyroid collars during dental radiographs.X-Ray Aprons Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncrease in the number of medical imaging processes drives the global X-ray aprons market. Other factors such as rise in geriatric population and increase in awareness among the people also expanded the growth of global X-ray aprons market in the stated forecast period. Increase in the number of diagnostic imaging centers in developed and developing countries also boost the market growth of X-ray aprons. Technological advancement and increasing prevalence of diseases that requires medical imaging also escalate the market growth of X-ray aprons. High cost and lack of reimbursement policies restrain the growth of X-ray aprons in the stated forecast period. Heaviness associated with the lead X-ray aprons has shown the detrimental effect on the health of the wearer, particularly spinal injuries also decline the growth of X-ray aprons market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7309 X-Ray Aprons Market: SegmentationThe global market for X-ray aprons is segmented on the basis of material type, end users and geography.Based on the material type, X-ray aprons market is segmented into:Lead free X-ray apronsLight weight lead composite X ray apronsLead X ray apronsBased on end-user, X-ray aprons market is segmented into:HospitalsClinicsDiagnostic LaboratoriesOthersX-Ray Aprons Market: OverviewThere are different types of X-ray aprons available in the market with various modifications. The regular lead X-ray aprons are made up of 100% lead and are the heaviest among all other types. The lead composite X-ray aprons are made up of lead and other light weighted metals such as barium and tin, making it lighter than the regular lead X-ray aprons. Lead-free X-ray aprons are made up of non-lead attenuated metals. They are the lightest and provide complete protection, along with being These aprons are the lightest ones environmental friendly.X-Ray Aprons Market: Regional OutlookX-ray aprons market is segmented on the basis of eight regions into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan and China (APECJ), Japan, China and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America is dominating the overall X-ray aprons market throughout the forecast period. The presence of better healthcare facilities, increase in the number of diagnostic centers and high patient awareness level are some of the leading factors accounting for the maximum market share in these regions. This is followed by Europe, due to better healthcare infrastructure and increase in the number of diagnostic procedures. In developing regions such as Asia-Pacific, X-ray aprons market is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period due to improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Middle East and African region is expected to grow at moderate rate due to poor healthcare facilities and lack of awareness among the patients.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7309 X-Ray Aprons Market: Key playersSome of the leading players operating in the X-ray aprons market are: Lite Tech, Inc., Barrier Technologies, Wolf X-Ray, Shielding International, Inc., Biodex Medical Systems, Inc., Rego X-ray GmbH, Techno-Aide, Inc., and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 08:33:42 Press Information Future Market Insights Contact Us U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ sales@futuremarketinsights.com Sales 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 688 Words 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: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/Sales3479183531 Recent trends of going online in nearly every phase of life may it be communicating with your closed ones to buying anything has been the major growth driver for Website Builder Tool market. As the importance of going online continues to grow markets like Website Builder Tool will continue to proliferate. Anyone from a single individual to giant corporates can find the Website Builder Tool useful for them but the Website Builder Tool is a perfectly fits into the requirements of small businesses which just have started like wedding planners and individuals who want to get famous like writers, musicians, artists, and photographers. These are potential users who are trying to reach people to publish their content and offer their services online. But these individuals and enterprises have budget constraints to reach at their potential readers, viewers and customers. Therefore, they are using website builder tool to develop their own website to provide their content and services with low cost. These Website Builder Tools are cost effective as it allows enterprises to use customizable templates for their required websites without recruiting any technical resource.A sample of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5406 Website Builder Tool Market: Drivers and ChallengesThe rising importance of having a strong online presence for any business is driving the Website Builder Tool market. The cost effective feature of these tools is also one of the most important driver for Website Builder Tool market growth. Apart from this, not everyone prefers to hire an avid programmer or wants to pay high amounts of money to companies to design a website for them, knowing the fact that using a Website Builder Tool requires no level of technical expertise or knowledge of coding with minimal charges. All this leads to healthy growth in market numbers. Also, Website Builder Tool offers many features like hosted services, domain registration, search engine optimization capabilities, responsive web design, and e-commerce integration with extremely user-friendly templates and high flexibility provided by plenty of customization options. Others features include robust integration with a wide array of third-party services like calendars and Instagram feeds and maps. Such features captivate the people into building their website using the Website Builder Tool for their business to increase their online presence and target customers.However, giant enterprises need differentiating strategies for their websites to pursue serious online growth and therefore require significantly higher amounts of flexibility and customization which cannot be fulfilled by Website Builder Tool. These are some of the factors that can restrain the growth of global Website Builder Tool market.Website Builder Tool Market: SegmentationSegmentation of Website Builder Tool market on the basis of type:PC Website BuildersThese tools help create a website on personal computersMobile Website BuildersMobile Website Builders are the builders which provide functionalities to build a mobile friendly version of a websiteSegmentation of Website Builder Tool market on the basis of Application:Personal WebsiteSchool or College WebsitesBusiness WebsiteOthersRegional OverviewThe Website Builder Tool market is sub-segmented into 7 key regions- North America, Latin America, East Europe, West Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa.The APAC region is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the Website Builder Tools market. The major reason being the increasing number of startups and small business due to developing state of numerous countries in the region. While North America, an early adopter of the technology exhibited a significant growth with the introduction of Website Builder Tools, the trend expected to continue over the forecast period.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-5406 Competitive landscape Wix.com , Inc, Automattic Inc., Open Source Matters, Inc., Weebly, Inc. , Webs, Duda and Doodlebit, LLC are some of the key players in the Website Builder Tool market. Other emerging players in the Website Builder Tool market include: Yola Inc, IM CREATOR, SQUARESPACE, Sitey, JIMDO and WebStarts.com . New product launches and product innovations by adding new templates and features is the key strategy followed by major market vendors to gain competitive edge. Vending Cups Market Analysis: Small Vending Cups (< 7 Oz.) Are Expected to Generate over 30% of Sales, Which Is Expected to Increase to Nearly 70% by the End of 2028 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:48:30 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com abhishek manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 949 Words Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.commanager+1 03479183531 Pegged at the global revenue of more than US$ 1.8 billion during the same period, revenues in the global vending cups market are a resultant of the increased on-the-go consumption cultureA recent analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI) on the global sales of vending cups forecasts a modest growth through 2019. However, the demand for vending cups is anticipated to remain rather sluggish through the 2028, considering recyclability questions associated with vending cups.The global vending cups market is expected to expand at moderate annual growth rate of 3.9 percent in 2019, with the CAGR touching an all-time low in 2028, touching the valuation of approximately US$ 2.6 Billion through the forecast timeline.In terms of value, FMI also forecast a dip in the Year-on-Year growth rate as more and more nations implement stringent laws circling single-use plastic policy.Plastic consumption has remained a critical issue, impacting the overall food chain and public health. However, several global initiatives are being taken by Governments- both in emerging and developed markets to reduce or completely eliminate the sales and consumption of single-use plasticswith a key focus on plastic cups, bags, and straws, amongst other commodities. Vancouver, for instance, in its effort to ban all solid waste by 2040, has banned plastic straws. The nation has also moved a motionto be in effect from June, 2019to ban the distribution of takeout containers and foam cups. India, in 2017, took a major step towards banning all forms of single-use plastic. European Union, too, through its new plans, is expected to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and microplastics by 2030. FMI anticipates that growing public consciousness of sustainability and waste issues will remain a critical factor, suppressing the demand for vending cups. Such developments in the market could strike a significant blow to market growth, considering plastic still accounts for over 27% of the global vending cups market, by material, explains a senior research analyst at the company.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-4940 Strategy Analysis through Competition TrackingThe global vending cups market showcases an extremely fragmented-high competition landscape, with the small, tier-3 companies accounting for the largest market share. Tier 3 companies dealing in vending cups such as Dispo International, SwissPrimePack, and Benders Paper Cups receive most of their revenue through aggressively defending their product portfolios.Other key insights from competitive landscape analysis include:Tier-3 companies in the global vending cups market account for a major share of the market, contributed to nearly 60 percent of the total global market share.Tier-2 players, including RPC Tedeco Gizeh and International Paper Company, contributing, falling under the 1-2.5 percent revenue share bracket, are anticipated to account for nearly 16-20 percent of the total vending cups marketTier-1 companies, Huhtamaki Oyj, Coveris Holdings S.A., New WinCup Holdings, Inc., and Nupik-flo UK Ltd.sharing a revenue bracket of above 2.5 percent, are estimated to hold a total of 20-25 percent of the vending cups market share.However, larger vending cups companies are projected to have relatively stronger clout with suppliers and therefore, less alarmed by the pricing issue than smaller operators, considering competitive pricing remains a vital factor for vending cups manufacturers.As a part of their differentiation strategy, participating companies in the vending cups landscape are focusing on the increasing their profit margin through value-added product portfolio expansion.Some other companies, including Nupik-flo UK Ltd and Huhtamaki Oyj are concentrating their efforts on enhancing its custom offeringswith key focus product design and consumer appeal.Production capacity expansion through strategic mergers and acquisitions among vending cups manufacturers looking forward to achieve global market presence.For instance, Huhtamaki Oyjs recent acquisitions Ajanta packaging and CuPrint are aimed at expanding its existing capabilities. Moreover, in as a part of its expansion plan, the company is also to increase Finland's plant capacity and recent expansion of Alf plant in German.Advancements in technology such as 3D printing tools and manufacturing tools have been introduced by vending cups manufacturers to improve product efficiency and packaging quality of vending disposable cups.Regional Insights from the Global Vending Cups Market ReportHolding nearly 1/4th of the total vending cups market, North America is anticipated to remain a key revenue generating pocket, selling over 19k Mn Units of vending cups by 2028 end.However, FMI analysis indicates North America losing its market share to Asia Pacific in the coming years, owing to increasing popularity of vending cups in the region.Buy This Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/4940 In Latin America, vending cups without lid is anticipated to register a peak y-o-y growth rate of during 2020-2021, with cold vending cups dominating the landscape, in terms of application.By molding technology, thermoformed molded vending cups are expected to retain their edge across regions, including Western Europe. In terms of material type, Western Europe is expected to witness increasing demand for paper-made vending cups, expanding at 1.2x of its current value by 2022.In Easter Europe, potential growth opportunities are spotted in Poland, considering the regions expansion at a steady growth rate. However, as opposed to Latin America, Eastern Europe will witness increased demand for hot vending.APEJ will remain a key revenue generating region for the global vending cups market, accounting for more than 34 percent of the total market share, by the end of forecast period. India is identified as the most lucrative market in APEJ, as per FMI study. Leading companies installing more number of vending machines in developing regions of APEJ is a factor driving the product growth.The region will also be seen favoring paper-made vending cups as opposed to plastic cups, considering stringency in Government norms banning plastic. Paper material segment in APEJ is expected to expand 1.4x of its current value by 2022. Global Umbilical Tapes market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding China and Japan, China, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Currently, Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:45:33 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 761 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 During child delivery, either by normal or caesarean procedure there is the threat of bursting or tearing up of blood vessels. This causes life threatening bleeding in the new born babies. Torn blood vessels causes death in at least half of the babies. To prevent this, umbilical tapes and umbilical clamps are used to tie off the umbilical cord during the delivery of new born. Umbilical tapes help to prevent excessive bleeding after the umbilical cord is cut. Umbilical cord is a tube like structure connecting fetus to the mothers placenta providing oxygenated, nutrient rich blood and removing deoxygenated blood. Umbilical tapes are sterile cotton tapes used for tying off umbilical cord stump during catheterization.Umbilical tapes can also be used in cardiovascular procedures to hold small vessels. Umbilical tapes are mainly made up of woven white cotton but nowadays polyester umbilical tapes are also available in the market. These polyester umbilical tapes are strong and durable tapes, reduces the risk of trauma and they are also effective in retraction of blood vessels, ligaments and nerves. Umbilical tapes are available in both sterile and non-sterile forms. Adhesive umbilical cotton tapes of shelf life 5 years and good tensile strength are also available and are more in the use. They are economical, sterilized with no chance of infections. Umbilical tape is the alternative to umbilical clamp. The sterilized umbilical tapes also help to prevent infection within the infants navel.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7133 Umbilical Tapes Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncrease in the birth rate has increased the market for umbilical tapes. According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the birth rate in the United States per 1000 population is 12.2, so the usage of umbilical tapes is increasing accordingly in developed regions. Furthermore, the rise in the number of neonatal care centers has driven the umbilical tapes market. Increasing rate of C-section surgery for child birth also fuelled up the market of umbilical tapes in the stated forecast period. For instance, about one in three births in the U.S. happen by C-section, and the rate of C-section have dramatically grown over the past few decades. Cost-effectiveness and higher adoption by the surgeons have robust the umbilical tapes market in the overall forecast period. Lack of awareness and low facilities in healthcare infrastructure in the lower economic regions are the factors retarded the growth of Umbilical tapes market. Moreover, untrained professionals in rural areas also delayed the umbilical tapes market growth in the overall forecast period.Umbilical Tapes Market: SegmentationThe global Umbilical Tapes market is segmented on the basis of material type, end user and geography.Based on material types, Umbilical Tapes market is segmented into:CottonPolyesterBased on end user, Umbilical Tapes are segmented into:HospitalsNeonatal care centersNursing facilitiesUmbilical Tapes Market: OverviewThe demand for umbilical tapes has increased nowadays to prevent infection and excessive bleeding in the infants. Developed countries with better healthcare facilities hold the largest market share of umbilical tapes market. Polyester tapes are in great demand because it is economical and reduces the chances of trauma. Adhesive umbilical tapes prevent bleeding and reduces the chance of infection in infants. Higher adoption among the end users in the developed countries is driving the overall market of Umbilical Tapes.Umbilical Tapes Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, global Umbilical Tapes market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding China and Japan, China, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Currently, North America is the leading market of Umbilical Tapes due to high awareness among the surgeons and high number of trained professionals. Moreover, the number of key players providing the Umbilical tapes are more in this region particularly in the US. Europe and Japan hold the second largest market of Umbilical Tapes due to advancement in, healthcare infrastructure and public awareness. Asia Pacific market has been expecting the growth in the near future because of the rise in the birth rate. To address it, the current birth rate in India is around 19 births per 1000 population and the current birth rate of Asia is 2.19. Middle East Asia and Africa show the delayed growth due to lack of awareness among the users and low healthcare expenditure per capita.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7133 Umbilical Tapes Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players providing the Umbilical Tapes includes Medline Industries, Inc., Theragenics Corporation, Getinge AB, Johnsons and Johnsons Services, Inc. Medtronic plc, Bioseal, DeRoyal Industries, Inc. Laerdal Medical and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:08:56 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 755 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Transcatheter bioprosthesis is an implantable medical device mostly used for patients suffering from severe symptomatic aortic stenosis of the aortic heart valve. In addition, transcatheter bioprosthesis is considered as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with high surgical risk. Transcatheter bioprosthesis combines exceptional valve design and advanced sealing with an excellent safety profile. Transcatheter bioprosthesis is designed to replace the aortic heart valve without an open-heart surgery. However, the long-term durability of transcatheter bioprosthesis is still unknown. Due to the growing aging population, aortic stenosis is observed as the most frequent primary valve disease in developed countries. In 2013, around 300,000 individuals were suffering from aortic stenosis worldwide and one-third of the affected population were not eligible for open-heart surgery due to the high surgical risk. According to research conducted in 2014, there were around 120,000 transcatheter aortic valve implantations performed around the globe since 2002.Transcatheter Bioprosthesis Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is the major factor expected to drive the growth of the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market. Transcatheter bioprosthesis is rapidly growing in the lower risk population and the midterm durability of transcatheter bioprosthesis is further expected to encourage the growth of the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market. It is observed that aortic valve disease affects more than 60 million individuals worldwide due to growing aging population. However, the snail pace adoption of transcatheter bioprosthesis in middle-income countries is expected to negatively impact the growth of the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market over the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7333 Transcatheter Bioprosthesis Market: SegmentationThe global transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented by material source, type of valve, end users and regions.Based on transcatheter bioprosthesis material source, the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into:BovinePorcineBased on type of valve, the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into:Mitral ValveAortic ValvePulmonary ValveBased on end users, the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsTranscatheter Bioprosthesis Market: OverviewThe transcatheter bioprosthesis market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to promising clinical development of newer technologies and rising demand for minimally invasive therapies. Transcatheter bioprosthesis provides minimally invasive treatment for patients with high-risk of severe native aortic stenosis. Surgical aortic valve replacement is considered as the standard treatment for severe aortic stenosis, whereas transcatheter bioprosthesis offers a new treatment option for patients with high risk for surgery. Based on transcatheter bioprosthesis material source, the transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into the bovine and porcine source. Among them, the porcine material source segment is expected to hold maximum share in the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market. On the basis of the type of valve, the transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into mitral, aortic and pulmonary. The aortic valve is expected to gain maximum market share due to increasing number of aortic stenosis cases. Similarly, based on the end users, the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics. Among all end users, specialty clinics and ambulatory surgical centers segments are expected to grow at maximum CAGRs.Transcatheter Bioprosthesis Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market is segmented into eight key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan, China, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to hold maximum share in the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market primarily due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and availability of well-trained healthcare professionals. Western Europe is expected to hold second large share in the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market. From 2007 onwards the French National Authority for Health (HAS) has implemented an early assessment of transcatheter bioprosthesis in order to speed up the availability in the French market. Asia Pacific transcatheter bioprosthesis market is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period. Growing healthcare facilities and increased healthcare awareness are mainly generating the demand for transcatheter bioprosthesis in the Asia Pacific region. However, the transcatheter bioprosthesis market in Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Africa is projected to show a slow growth over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7333 Transcatheter Bioprosthesis Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the key players in the global transcatheter bioprosthesis market are Medtronic plc, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation, Boston Scientific Corporation, and Direct Flow Medical, Inc., among others. The key players are majorly focusing on product development and geographical expansion to retain their market position. Traffic Sensor Market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 10:55:07 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Budholiya Manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 592 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1 03479183531 Traffic sensors are devices that aid to manage traffic flow efficiently on roads, rails, air and water. Traffic sensors gives signals for traffic lights operations and accordingly checks the movement of vehicles on road, pedestrian and others. Traffic sensors enables orderly movement of traffic, enhances traffic handling capacity at an intersection. Few other advantages for the application of traffic sensors include, minimized frequency and severity of certain types of crashes, especially right-angle collisions. Various parking lots and other places are offering an opportunity for the application of traffic sensors such as in corporate buildings, shopping malls, club houses etc. Traffic sensors utilize multiple technologies including lasers, rubber hoses, video detection, piezoelectric, infrared, radar, and inductive loops. Inductive loops technology is the commonly used technique owing to its simple structure and its advantage that it does not get unaffected by any extreme weather conditions. Inductive loops are coils of wire which are rooted under the surface of roads in order to detect changes in inductance as vehicles pass above it. When the car stops over the buried coils, the cars steel material body acts as core of the induction loop and changes its inductance.Global Traffic Sensor Market: Drivers and ChallengesGovernment initiates towards smart infrastructure is expected to drive the growth of traffic sensors worldwide. Increasing traffic on roads, rail, air and water is making the ways more crowded creating a need to handle the traffic more efficiently. This factor is expected to positively impact the adoption of traffic sensors. Competitive pricing in sensor technology and innovative advancements in the technological sector is boosting the growth in adoption of traffic sensors, hence enabling growth in revenue of traffic sensor market globally.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5527 Few challenges faced by the vendors while deploying traffic sensors include unnecessary delays in traffic, increased traffic congestion, air pollution and gasoline consumption and among others. These factors are expected to impact the growth of global traffic sensor market negatively.Global Traffic Sensor Market: SegmentationGlobal traffic sensor market can be segmented into type and application.On the basis of type, global traffic sensor market can be segmented into infrared sensors, inductive loops, LiDAR sensors, piezoelectric sensors, magnetic sensors, radar sensors, thermal sensors, acoustic sensors, thermal sensors, and image sensors. Radar sensors are used in integration with Wi-Fi offer vehicle and traffic information appropriately and its performance does not get affected by extreme weather conditions.On the basis of application, global traffic sensor market can be segmented into traffic monitoring, automated tolling (e-toll), vehicle measurement & profiling and others.Global Traffic Sensor Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of regions, global traffic sensor market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa. The market in North America and Europe is expected to have significant market share of the global traffic sensor market. Asia Pacific Traffic Sensor Market is having maximum potential during the forecast period. Markets in Latin America and Middle East and Africa are expected to register positive growth during the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-5527 Global Traffic Sensor Market: Competition LandscapeSome of the key players for traffic sensor market include Kapsch TrafficCom AG, EFKON GmbH, International Road Dynamics Inc., TransCore, Kistler Group, TE Connectivity, FLIR Systems, Inc., Q-Free ASA, SICK AG, Agd Systems Ltd., Axis Communications Ab, Diablo Controls Inc., Image Sensing Systems, Inc. (Iss), Jenoptik Ag, Leddartech Inc., Miovision Technologies Inc., and SWARCO AG. Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:44:15 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 709 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 Tracheostomy is surgical procedure in which incision to anterior part of neck is made, opening a direct airway passage into windpipe (trachea). Tracheostomy is done to help you breathe when normal airway passage is obstructed or impaired due to some causes. When the hole is made, tube is inserted into trachea and to hold that tube tracheostomy securement tapes are used. Tracheostomy securement tapes are important to hold the tracheostomy tube in place. Tracheostomy securement tapes can be changed when required and hence making it convenient for use. Tracheostomy is done in adults as well as kids hence requiring different sizes and lengths of tracheostomy securement tapes. Tracheostomy securement tapes are attached with tracheostomy tube fitted around neck not too tight and not too loose to prevent uneasiness around neck.Tracheostomy Securement Tapes Market: Drivers and RestraintsThere are various causes which leads to damage of trachea and hence requiring tracheostomy. Conditions like Paralysis, Cancer of neck, birth defects of the airway and chronic lung disease are some important causes of tracheostomy. Increasing prevalence of these conditions leads to growth of tracheostomy securement tapes market. Tracheostomy securement tapes are used in inpatient settings as well as outpatient settings to hold tracheostomy tube in position. Prevalence of respiratory diseases is on rise due change in lifestyle (Smoking), environmental factors (air pollution) which indirectly drive tracheostomy securement tapes market. Tracheostomy is an effective way to supply oxygen to lungs which makes the procedure widely accepted in term driving tracheostomy securement tapes market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7098 Availability of tracheostomy in kids makes it even more accepted therapy worldwide. Tracheostomy securement tapes are removable and replaceable whenever required hence easy to use, driving tracheostomy securement tapes market. Whereas, handling of tracheostomy securement tapes requires skilled person or at least it requires training acts as a restraint in market. Not many patient prefer long term tracheostomy tubes in trachea due to initial uneasiness which affects tracheostomy securement tapes market. Handling of tracheostomy in kids becomes very tedious process due to cases of misplacing of tube, which lead to seek other options of treatment and hence restraining growth of tracheostomy securement tapes market. Awareness about tracheostomy in developing nations further acts as restrain in tracheostomy securement tapes market.Tracheostomy Securement Tapes Market: SegmentationGlobal tracheostomy securement tapes market can be segmented on the basis of material, distribution channel and geographyBased on material type tracheostomy securement tapes market is segmented as:CottonBrushed nylonBased on distribution channel tracheostomy securement tapes market is segmented as:Hospital pharmacyRetail pharmacyOnline pharmacyTracheostomy Securement Tapes Market: OverviewGlobal tracheostomy securement tapes market is expected to grow steadily attributing to increasing prevalence of tracheostomy procedures performed. Increasing number of tracheostomy procedures performed in adults as well as in kids attributed to drive tracheostomy securement tapes market. Growing prevalence of diseases of airway expected to lead increased number of tracheostomy procedures performed further driving tracheostomy securement tapes market. By material type brushed nylon is expected to dominate tracheostomy securement tapes market attributing to wide adoption. By distribution channel hospital pharmacies are expected to dominate tracheostomy securement tapes market due to inpatient setting required for tracheostomy procedure. New types of materials are developed for tracheostomy securement tapes preparation to avoid uneasiness around neck is further expected to contribute in global tracheostomy securement tapes market.Tracheostomy Securement Tapes Market: Regional OutlookGlobal tracheostomy securement tapes is majorly dominated by North America attributing to widespread awareness about tracheostomy and number of tracheostomy procedures performed. Increasing prevalence of airway disease in North America further expected to contribute to tracheostomy securement tapes market. Europe is next lucrative tracheostomy securement tapes market attributing to adoption of tracheostomy procedure. Asia-Pacific is growing tracheostomy securement tapes market due to emerging economies like India and China with large residing population and increasing awareness about tracheostomy procedures. Middle East and Africa is least lucrative tracheostomy securement tapes market due to low awareness among general population.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7098 Tracheostomy Securement Tapes Market: Key PlayersSome of the global key players operating in tracheostomy securement tapes market are Medronic, CareFusion, Smiths Medical, Welcon, Velcro BVBA, Marpac, insight Medical Ltd., Dale Medical Products, Inc. and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 04:04:02 The New Addition to Bukit Sembawang Estates Limited's Portfolio is the Makeway View at Makeway Avenue. The Condo Project is Now Named The AtelierSINGAPORE / ACCESSWIRE / January 15, 2019 / The launch of a new condo project named The Atelier was announced by the acquisition firm Bukit Sembawang Estates Limited. The Makeway View at Makeway Avenue was successfully acquired through an en block sale for $168 million, which includes development costs, projected at $21.26 million. A purchase of a property in the Core Central Region today is expected to increase in value in the future, making The Atelier appealing for capital gains.The ten-storey building, consisting of 28 apartments and 4 penthouses, were originally developed in the late 1980s. They are situated in the prime District 09. Bukit Sembawang plans to develop the site into residential apartments which feature communal facilities. The Atelier condo will require approval by respective authorities, but plans call for development to a 21 or 22 storey apartment building which features 154 units with an average size of 70 sqm.This upcoming real estate project will allow its residents to enjoy a spectacular 180-degree view of the city and its beautiful greenery without any distractions. The Atelier is well situated, close to prominent schools such as St Josephs Institution Junior, Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) and Anglo-Chinese School (Junior). The property is also a walking distance (400m) from Newton MRT station.The easy access to various amenities is another appealing feature of the planned development. Newton is bordered on the west by Tanglin, on the east by Rohor, on the north by Novena and the south by Orchard. The strategic location of District 09, allowing its residents to access any part of Singapore, makes it a popular destination among Singaporeans as well as expatriates. The site offers unlimited shopping and dining options due to proximity to Newton Food Centre, Novena Square, United Square and the renowned Orchard Road shopping belt. Commutes to other parts of the City are easy and convenient.Location map https://goo.gl/maps/wdPK2dJoxpK2 Contact Info:Name: Mr. SemOrganization: The Atelier NewtonAddress: 2 Makeway Avenue, Singapore 228599Phone: +6561009009Website: https://www.the-atelier.com.sg/ SOURCE:The Atelier Newton Tempeh is a type of fermented soy cake product which can be consumed with rice or as a snack. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 08:19:44 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com abhishek manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 597 Words Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.commanager+1 03479183531 Tempeh is obtained from fermentation of soybean with Rhizopus oligosporus as a starter culture. Tempeh was originated in Indonesia and has been increasing its demand in global market as a competitor of tofu. Tempeh has many health benefits such as reducing cholesterol, increasing bone density, reducing menopausal symptoms, promoting muscle recovery, etc. Tempeh is a rich source of manganese, copper, fiber, protein, phosphorus, vitamins, magnesium, etc. which makes it popular in health conscious consumers globally. Tempeh is a better meat alternative of all fermented soy products. Tempeh contains high nutritional value and hence is used in various vegetarian cuisine worldwide, where it is used as meat analogue. Tempeh contains high levels of vitamins B6, B5, B3, and B2. Tempeh has the ability to have many textures and flavors which makes it a better substitute for meat and meat-based products.Market Segmentation: The global tempeh market is segmented on the basis of type, distribution channels, form, and region. The global tempeh market is segmented on the basis of type such as tempeh bacem, tempe bongkrek, tempe mendoan, and tempe semangit. The global tempeh market is segmented on the basis of distribution channel as supermarket/ hypermarket, retail shops, online shops etc. The global tempeh market can also be segmented on the basis of form such as organic tempeh and conventional tempeh. On the basis of form the demand for organic tempeh is growing worldwide as a result of increasing health awareness among consumers. Hence, the global tempeh market is expected to significantly increase the revenue contribution over the forecast period.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3283 Market Regional Outlook: On the basis of regions, the tempeh market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Globally, among all regions, Asia Pacific has developed as the dominant region in global tempeh market followed by North America. Tempeh is originated in Indonesia which produces and consumes maximum amount of tempeh domestically. China is growing in producing tempeh to cater to consumer needs in global market. Japan, Korea and India are some countries which are gaining interest in producing fermented food products from soybean in turn growing tempeh market globally.Market Drivers and Trends: Tempeh is a healthy food containing probiotic which helps increasing antibodies, build stronger immune system, regulate appetite and reduces sugar. Tempeh is popular in health conscious consumers as it helps in reducing cholesterol levels naturally. Availability of tempeh in supermarket/ hypermarkets is also driving market for tempeh in urban countries. Increasing awareness of consumption of healthy food is driving market for tempeh globally.As a result of growing population of working professionals demand for ready-to-eat tempeh is increasing in urban areas driving market for tempeh globally. Manufacturers are focusing on providing healthier product offerings. Tempeh also has many health benefits such as its helps in muscle building, reduces risk of diabetes and treats inflammatory diseases which helps in growing global market for tempeh. Hence, the global tempeh market is expected to observe robust growth over the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3283 Tempeh Market Key Players: Some of the key players in the tempeh market include Lalibela Farm, The Cultered Bean Company, Nutrisoy Pty Ltd., Impulse Foods, ALIVE & HEALING INC., and American Soy Asia are among these. The companies are expected to expand their business by enhancing their product portfolio in global tempeh market. The companies are projected to frame certain strategies in future in order to gain the competitive advantage in global tempeh market till 2027. market analysis, market business reports, market forecasts, market growth, market Overview PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:39:10 Press Information Research N Reports 10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin 77064 Sunny Denis Sales Manager +1-888-631-6977 email https://www.researchnreports.com # 542 Words 10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin 77064Sales Manager+1-888-631-6977 Research N Reports has added a new market aptitude report to a wide range of market research. This report is named Telecom Consumer Billing Management Market and focuses on key market outlook and market outlook. In addition, it provides an overview of the global market, including listing, description and execution. It also transforms growth strategies along with cost structures and production processes.In this study, analysts adopted the tough first and second research procedures in the telecom consumer payment management market that could increase product demand in the market. Examine broad market prospects with accurate analysis and forecasting. This report includes regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa and Latin America. This will help you gain a better understanding of key key players who have been given key values to understand your strategy in the telecom consumer payment management market.Key Player Included in Report:mdocs,Convergys,Ericsson,Huawei Investment and Holding ,Cerillion Technologies, Comarch, Comptel, Comverse, CSG International, Elitecore TechnologiesGet Sample Copy of Report:Globally, this market focuses on some particular strategies to progress the growth of these industries. To understand the existing structure and scenario of various companies, major key strategies are examined in this report. Different regions are examined to give a clear idea of various terms, such as current trends, size, and shares along with the productivity of industries.The overview of the market includes the applications of the global market along with the regional outlook and industry policies. It also summarizes about various provisions and descriptions from it. The report scrutinizes the production index of the Telecom Consumer Billing Management market in terms of region, technology, types, end-users and materials. Along with this, it also comprises of an opening that is dedicated to analyze the new items in the market. Apart from the global perspective the various regions that are emphasized are North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa and each region is considered on the basis of cost of production, revenues, price of raw materials and capacity.Get Discount on this Report @: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=193916 The report has been put together in a chapter-wise arrangement, by separating required illustrations transversely. This report is an expedient tool to get responses to some of the queries that hold significance for the growth of the Telecom Consumer Billing Management market during the forecast period. The evidence in the report was congregated from qualified organizations & dependable sources and was further authenticated by industry specialists for increased integrity.The drivers, restraints and opportunities have permitted an access to know more about the market growth and the future scope in the Telecom Consumer Billing Management market. Since the market is still in its development stage, small scale traders have the odds of being purchased by the rich contributors in the market. It is stated that the market rises on the basis of value, growth, advantages, distribution and advertising. To know more about the key players in the Telecom Consumer Billing Management market, it is recommended to do an insight and ranking analysis on the same.For More Queries @: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=193916 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:26:26 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 653 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Surgical monitors display important information such as patient vital signs, surgical images, and x-ray images vascular treatments are having an evolution of its own, as the procedure counts are increasing on a year basis. Surgical monitors which are getting introduced in the market with new high definition adjustments over their displays are one step ahead of the traditional CRT devices. There are present range of surgical monitors which are movable modality and is highly recommended in places where infrastructure does not allow any fixed equipment. There are leading providers of Surgical Monitors devices involved in the market presenting technological advanced products with consumer preference.Surgical Monitors Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe entire medical display monitors observe a change in trend following the adoption and conversion to LCD monitors which continues to rise at an unprecedented rate, aided in part by falling LCD unit prices. The demand of diagnostics displays is fueling market growth for surgical monitors across all the application platforms. The aging population is causing a wide array of new entrants with chronic disorders and wasting diseases most often obvious, leading to increased demand for diagnostic services. The present growth in the number of ambulatory surgical centers and short-term care centers contributes a strong overall growth in the surgical monitors market. There are descriptive qualities needed in order to a have a better marketable surgical monitor, like slim profile is key in the space-constrained operation rooms and bigger screen sizes. There is a demand for higher standards of care in general healthcare activities which is forcing healthcare providers to make the most of their potential for providing product choices; many new market players have launched surgical monitors with 10MP and 4K resolution displays.to improve the clarity of images and attract more number of consumer.Surgical Monitors Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global Surgical Monitors Market has been segmented on the basis of screen size, application type, end user and geographyBased on Application, the global Surgical Monitors market is segmented as:EndoscopyOperating RoomBased on end user, the global Surgical Monitors market is segmented as:HospitalAmbulatory Surgical CenterClinicSurgical Monitors Market: OverviewThe global market for surgical monitors is consolidated on the top and fragmented on the bottom with several players operating in the global space. Combined approaches of using surgical monitors with better technological advancements omit the undue problems while performing the surgical procedure. Some of the established companies for Surgical Monitors are Skytron LLC, Steris Corporation, Berchtold Corporation and Stryker Corporation.Surgical Monitors Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, the Surgical Monitors Market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding China and Japan, Japan, China, Middle East and Africa. The North America account for a significant market share owing to extensive use of capital equipment and progressive healthcare facilities. Additionally, Stable growth is reflective of the mature markets including the United States, Japan and Western Europe, in addition to the emerging Chinese market. Western Europe is the second most leading surgical monitors market in the world due to high income and healthcare penetration. Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly and India is likely to lead this market due to fast growing healthcare sector. Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE are projected to drive the Middle East & African market, moderate growth is expected owing to poor economic and healthcare development. Japan is expected to take a progressive step in the market for global Surgical Monitors market throughout the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8118 Surgical Monitors Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the major players in the global Surgical Monitors Market includes Skytron LLC, Barco, NDS Surgical Imaging, LLC Getinge Group, Sony Corporation, Steris Corporation, Berchtold Corporation and Stryker Corporation. Technological advancements in monitoring and surgical market is the major trend emerging in the global Surgical Monitors market. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:02:38 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 821 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Surgical case carts are developed to improve the efficiency of support team of medical professional in a hospital or ambulatory surgical centers. Nowadays, majority of hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers are demanding the surgical case carts to improve their medical services. Surgical case carts have a simple structure which has polished tray placed at the top and the wheels placed the bottom. Wheels provided to the surgical case carts enable the mobility within the hospital or any other medical facility. Surgical case carts are available in two type, open surgical case carts and closed surgical case carts: it is used according to the necessity of surgery. Most of the surgical case carts are made up of stainless steel. These surgical case carts are available in different sizes in the market and all the end user facilities order them according to their need. Generally, most of the surgical case carts are reliable and durable. Additionally, surgical case carts are designed in such a way that large surgical instruments would be fit in that cart.Surgical Case Carts Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe primary factor driving the growth of surgical case carts market are the rising healthcare expenditure and increased spending by hospital improve the medical facilities. Moreover, an increasing number of surgical procedures due to the rising number of chronic diseases is fueling the growth of surgical case carts market over the forecast period. Additionally, rising geriatric population admitted to end-user facilities is also responsible for the robust growth of surgical case carts market. Leading manufacturers are focusing to manufacture more improved and specialized version of surgical case carts will also gain the traction for surgical case carts market. On other hand, lack of funding by hospital management for procurement of secondary tools needed by the hospital professionals will deter the growth of surgical case carts market. Lack of awareness among the people about the specialized surgical case carts provided by the key manufacturer will also responsible for the sluggish growth of surgical case carts market over the forecast period.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7311 Surgical Case Carts Market: SegmentationThe global surgical case carts market is classified on the basis of product type, end user, and region.Based on product type, surgical case carts market is segmented into following:Open Case CartClosed Case CartBased on end user, surgical case carts market is segmented into following:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsSurgical Case Carts Market: OverviewThe global surgical case carts market is expected to show significant growth over the forecast period owing to increasing adoption of more improved healthcare facilities. The adoption of surgical case carts is increasing, as the surgeon feels more comfortable during the surgery when all instruments are placed in a single surgical case cart. Additionally, surgical case carts have elegant look and innovative design along with more specific features according to the need of particular end user facility to boost the demand for surgical case carts in the global market. There are several distributors available in the market which supply the surgical case carts to the hospital and clinics in bulk. For the particular type of surgical case cart with the specific feature, the hospital needs to order that in advance before their requirement. By product type, both open and closed surgical case carts will gain equivalent traction in the market over the forecast period for global surgical case carts market. Among all end user facilities, hospital is expected to have maximum market share by revenue whereas specialty clinics are expected to grow at a faster rate during the forecast period.Surgical Case Carts Market: Regional OverviewOn the basis of regional presence, global surgical case carts are classified into eight key regions North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding China & Japan, China, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the most lucrative market for surgical case carts due to the increasing number of patient pool. After North America, surgical case carts market is then followed by Western Europe and Japan. The increasing adoption of surgical case carts is responsible for the robust growth surgical case carts market in this region. In APECJ region, India and Australia are the major markets for surgical case carts due to high geriatric population in these countries. The MEA and Latin America are expected to show relatively low adoption of surgical case carts owing to lack of awareness among the patients about the modified surgical case carts.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7311 Surgical Case Carts Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players found across the value chain of surgical case carts market are Lakeside Manufacturing Inc., Mac Medical Inc., Pedigo Products Inc.,Haeberle , Hidemar AG, Jiangsu Saikang Medical Equipment Co.,Ltd ., Beijing Jingdong Technology Co., Ltd, Kenmak Hospital Furnitures, BI Healthcare, Gmohling Transportgerate GmbH, Capsa Healthcare, Bailida Medical and others. The global market for surgical broaches is highly consolidated with very few players operating in the global space. Combined approaches of using surgical broaches with other surgical instruments to obtain accurate results to treat patients, which is expected to create high demand for surgical broaches in invasive bone related surgeries. Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:44:38 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 653 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 Surgical broaches are simple instruments designed to provide reconstructive and supportive approach in comforting the operative target in surgical procedures. Surgical broaches are similar to rasps as they are used provide a fine edges to support replacement implants. Surgical broaches are used to form an intramedullary canal in a bone to provide prosthetic support. The presence of cutting teeth provide an efficient approach for guiding such implant and provides a suitable gap between the prosthesis and the intramedullary canal. With better technological developments it has led to a 3D surface textures for better removal of bone particles. Generally made of biocompatible metal to provide a strong and sturdy approach in the operation which requires the removal of bone to place an implant, the features result to create sharp points needed to efficiently place prosthetic. The surgical broaches requires to be of high strength in order to come up with the best result during an operation providing accurate and uniform alignment between implantsSurgical broaches Market: Drivers and RestraintsPrimary factors driving surgical broaches market include growing need for replacement surgeries. Advancement in the production of surgical broaches like 3D etching process which makes it rather convenient as an instrument to use in general orthopedic surgeries. It is an important instrument used in total hip replacement, and with rise in geriatric population. Besides, surgical broaches could also be used in removing soft medial cancellous bone, pulse lavage the canal. However, alternative approaches like rasps which operates the same limit the growth of the global surgical broaches market. Implants now have a set broach to make their own canal for perfect fitting will affect the already established surgical broaches market. The market is also dependent on the trauma incidences which reports the use of surgical broaches as Musculoskeletal injuries in developing countries account for a substantial share (13%) in global burden for trauma cases. Though, state wise medical device regulations makes it harder for the product to penetrate unmet markets. Much of the manufacturers are doing it regionally but it slows down the process in order to make efficient product. Different healthcare regulations or standards are followed by respective regions for the use surgical broaches.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7147 Surgical broaches Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global surgical broaches Market has been segmented on the basis of application, end users, and geography.Based on application, the global surgical broaches Market is segmented as:OrthopedicENTNeurologyPlastic SurgeryBased on end user, the global surgical broaches market is segmented as:HospitalsASCsSpecialty clinicsSurgical broaches Market: OverviewThe global market for surgical broaches is highly consolidated with very few players operating in the global space. Combined approaches of using surgical broaches with other surgical instruments to obtain accurate results to treat patients, which is expected to create high demand for surgical broaches in invasive bone related surgeries. Some of the established brands of surgical broaches are, Zimmer Biomet, Tecomet Inc, Smith and Nephew, Sandvik and others.Surgical broaches Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, the global surgical broaches market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to be the leader in global surgical broaches market owing to the quality difference healthcare infrastructure. The Surgical broaches market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow due to expansion of major manufacturers into such fragmented markets. Europe is expected to take a large share in the global surgical broaches market during the forecast period because of their medical expenditure over healthcare supporting such use.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7147 Surgical broaches Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the major players in the global Surgical broaches market are Surgical broaches are Integrated Medical Technologies (IMT) USA LLC, Zimmer Biomet, Tecomet Inc, Smith and Nephew, Sandvik A, Precision Edge Surgical and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 06:00:33 A train bogie is the chassis or the combined framework with wheel sets used for ferrying passengers or goods and are commonly attached one-after-one to railway engine. Train bogies are normal but are an essential component of the train, it is a drive system and track guidance mechanism is very important for overall transportation of the trains. Train bogies usually have a suspension system and separate breaking system so that the train handling and comfort can be maintained at every stage of the transportation. The crucial function of the train bogies is to support the mass of the train, use of the wheels to guide along the tracks and to provide a good cushioning effect against the shocks transmitted from the railway tracks during the motion.The Train Bogie is used for the purpose of stopping the rail vehicles and from preventing them from crossing the physical section of the track as well as transporting goods and passenger from one destination to the other. Train Bogie is designed according to the construction of train and its engine, it is used in the rail vehicles as it increases the load carrying capacity of the rail vehicles. They provide energy efficient and cost effective solution for the transportation large quantity of goods along with hundreds of passengers. The individual suspension and breaking systems prevent the damage and lessens the danger of injury to the commuters travelling in the rail. Additionally they are designed according to the speed and the weight of the rail vehicle. Train bogies may be either powered by some type of mechanical connected drive to the train engine or by an electrical motor. When the bogies are only used for the carrying fiction they are called as trailer bogies.Request For Report Sample @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6780 Train Bogie Market: DynamicsIncreasing consumer inclination towards safety and security in railway transportation in commercial and passenger sectors is expected to drive the train bogie global market over the estimated period of time. There is a successive growth in the use of public transport since past year and it is expected to continue the same pattern in the near future. Rail industry is estimated to directly drive the train bogie market. Stringent rules and regulation by the government and the ruling authorities of the developed and the developing countries regarding the safety of the passenger and the goods transported is one of the prominent driver of train bogie global market in the near future. Train bogies have prominent characteristic of being energy efficient and cost effective and this is expected to fuel its growth in the global market in the near future.The growing research and development for newer technology has always been acting as a bridge to the railway sectors future, and the coming next half century wont be any different. The most significant driver for the rail industry is the increasing consumer preference to use railways as it is one of the most economical and eco-friendly source of transportation available in the global market. Moreover, with the advent of technologies such as the hyperloop, bullet trains, metros, etc. the manufacturers are able to target the consumer inclination towards public transportation besides provide them with an alternative which is far more economical and safe in global as well as the regional markets.Train Bogie Market: SegmentationThe train bogie market can be segmented on the basis of type of component and sales channel-The train bogie market can be segmented on the basis of component as:Bogie FrameBrake SystemSuspension SystemWheel SetOthers (motors, dampers, axles, bolster, etc.)The Train Bogie market can be segmented on the basis of sales channel as:OEMAftermarketTrain Bogie Global Market: Regional Outlook:Stringent rules and regulation regarding the safety of passenger in dominant markets such as Europe and North America has increased the demand of trains in this regions which in turn is estimated to accelerate the train bogie market in the near future. Growing use of public transport in the countries like India and China of Asia Pacific region is increasing the growth of rail industry and this is estimated to propel the train bogie market in this region. Emerging countries of Middle East Africa and Latin America is expected to cover the significant market value share in the global train bogie market over the estimated period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6780 Train Bogie Global Market: Key PlayersKey players in the global market of Train Bogie are:ALSTOMPROMEC srlSiemens AGTITAGARH GroupPremier Ltd.BombardierNIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION.FLEISCHMANNWBN Waggonbau Niesky GmbH Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Stone Paper Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026 "report to their offering Upcoming Future Market Insights Logo PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 08:13:09 Press Information Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage Abhishek Manager 3479183531 email http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 584 Words 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley CottageManager3479183531 Stone paper is neither pulp nor synthetic made paper but it is a kind of extremely durable, highly strong and ecofriendly paper which is also known as rock paper, rich mineral paper, paper from waste marble. Density range of stone paper is 1.0-1.6, which equals to or more than ordinary paper, and a texture somewhat like peel of a boiled egg. The stone paper can be recycled re-formed into stone paper again, which is not recyclable but is photo degradable and compostable under commercial conditions. Stone paper is appropriate for packaging, bags, stationery, wrappers, adhesives, grease proof paper, containers and many other applications. Stone paper market has positive outlook as a result of packaging industries. The escalation in packaging industry attributed by need for effective labelling and high-quality option, to improve the aesthetics of the packaged product.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2133 Global Stone Paper Market: DynamicsStone paper is a new type of paper making technology that can be recyclable with modern technology in high polymer interface. Its main raw material is the most abundant in mineral resources calcium carbonate with high polymer material and variety of inorganic matter as auxiliary material. The increasing application scope of the product in the packaging, labeling, and self-adhesive paper is attributed to the slight ecological impacts, with regards to usage of energy, water, carbon emissions, and deforestation. The new product development along with investment in R&D for the advancement in manufacturing techniques have been the major strategy adopted by the manufacturers. The major issues faced by the industry are related to environment regulation on mining activities. The market is highly competitive owing to the presence of large number of suppliers worldwide.Global Stone Paper Market: SegmentationThe global market of stone paper market can be segmented on the basis of material type, application and region. On the basis of material calcium carbonate, high density polyethylene and others. On the basis of application labeling papers, packaging paper, self-adhesive paper and others. Among all application, paper packaging is major application of respective product. After packaging application self-adhesive paper segment are expected to register impressive growth during forecast period. On the basis of region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.Global Stone Paper Market: Regional OverviewDue to technology advancement in North America, this region is expected to witness higher growth rate during forecast period. Europe is also expected to account for second highest growth after North America due to demand of packaging application in European countries such as Russia and Germany. Asia pacific, dominated by China is expected to register highest growth in term of volume in global stone paper market during forecast year due to high demand of ecofriendly packaging, easy available raw material in this region, low cost of production and large numbers of manufacturers.Detailed TOC of Research Report available @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2133 Global Stone Paper Market: Key PlayersThe main player of this market such are Stone Paper Company Ltd, Soluz Stone Paper S.A, Kapstone Paper, Taiwan Lung Meng Technology Co. Ltd., Gaia-Concept BV, Parax Paper, packaging corporation.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geography, technology, and applications. market analysis, market business reports, market forecasts, market growth, market Overview PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:34:45 Press Information Research N Reports 10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin 77064 Sunny Denis Sales Manager +1-888-631-6977 email https://www.researchnreports.com # 546 Words 10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin 77064Sales Manager+1-888-631-6977 According to a new report, a comprehensive assessment of the smart water management system market considers key trends and key market factors important for conducting this study. In addition to this, the surge in driving is expected to add to the development of the market in the near future unfairly. The extensive market is closely scrutinized based on the diverse sectors and geographical coverage of this market. In this report, we talk about sustainable growth drivers and demand, as well as a remarkable market segment in that scenario.The scrutinized report offers numerous approaches to view the Smart Water Management System market from a different perspective. The approaches include descriptions, analytics in terms of value & volume, several events and chain assembly of the industry for various practices in the global market. The section assimilates a broad analysis of progress strategies to sway the market in an industrialized process.Get Sample Copy of Report:A 360 degree synopsis of the competitive scenario of the Smart Water Management System market is presented in this report. It has an enormous data allied to the recent product and technological developments in the markets. It has a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these advancements on the markets future growth, wide-ranging analysis of these expansions on the markets future growth. The research report examines the Smart Water Management System market in a detailed manner by explaining the key facets of the market that are predictable to have a countable influence on its developmental predictions over the forecast period.The global Smart Water Management System market has gained substantial momentum over the past few years. The swelling acceptance, the escalating demand and need for this markets product are mentioned in this study. This market report offers a wide-ranging analysis of the overall situation in the Smart Water Management System market. It estimates the market taking up a number of imperative parameters such as the type and application into consideration. In addition to this, the geographical occurrence of this market has been scrutinized closely in the research study.Get Discount on this Report @: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=151581 Different factors have been fathomed to give it a comprehensive perception of the market. The cost analysis of the Smart Water Management System market has been achieved while keeping in view the manufacturing expenses, labor cost, and raw materials and their market concentration rate, suppliers, and price trend.Precisely, the report emphases on the competitive landscape of the Smart Water Management System industry and abides the persuasive development policies and plans that will decide the markets trail in the forecast period. An exploration of the major players functioning in the Smart Water Management System market is included in the report, segmenting and unfolding them on the constraints of manufacturing procedures and business strategies, information related to product classification and profit margins regarding the same. The cost dynamics of the market are also scrutinized and related to the ample breakdown of the markets competitive landscape which provides a complete generous range of price dynamics in the Smart Water Management System industry for the readers to comprehend it clearly.For More Queries @: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=151581 Skin traction market is segmented on the basis of eight regions into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan and China (APECJ), China, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:44:22 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 684 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 Skin traction kits is used for various orthopedics. Skin traction is one of the two basic types of traction used for the treatment of fractured bones or dislocation of the body parts. It is applied at the damaged part to immobilize them to prevent further tissue damage. It also helps to relieve muscle spasms or to reduce deformities such as arthritis. It works by applying bandages, splints, tapes, sponge rubbers or canvas material to the skin surrounding the damaged body structure. Once the material has been applied the weights are put into the skin traction. The amount of weight applied is limited to the tolerance of the skin. Traction should be applied in the desired direction and magnitude for effective results. Nowadays, non-adhesive skin traction kits are mainly used to avoid the risk of skin irritation and they also provides maximum patient comfort. The non-adhesive type of skin tractions are useful for sensitive or delicate skin and for infants. The Latex-free skin traction kits are also available in the market for the allergic people. Low allergy adhesive skin traction kits are effective for long term treatment.Skin Traction Kits Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncrease prevalence of bone-related injuries and other muscle injuries is the driving factor of skin traction kits in the overall forecast period. Rise in geriatric population and increasing the incidence of arthritis and other back pains are the second most driving factors of skin traction kits market. Cheaper cost than other medical procedures also increases the market size of skin traction kits. Longer recovery time and other more advanced surgical techniques have restrained the growth of skin traction kits market in the forecast period. Moreover, lack of awareness among the people and untrained professionals in the low resource regions also delayed the growth of skin traction kits market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7129 Skin Traction Kits Market: SegmentationThe global market for skin traction kits is segmented on the basis of product type, end users and geography.Based on the product type, skin traction kits market is segmented into:Adhesives skin traction kitsNon-adhesive skin traction kitsBased on the end-user, skin traction kits market is segmented into:HospitalsAmbulatory surgical CentersLong term care centersOthersSkin Traction Kits Market: OverviewAs the number of work-related accidents and increasing prevalence of arthritis, the market of skin traction kits is in great boom. They are ready to use and are available in different sizes. The non-adhesive skin tractions hold the largest market share in Skin Traction Kits market due to higher adoption among users as they do not cause skin irritations. The new adhesive skin traction kits are also available in the market provides maximum adhesion, made up of acrylic with less allergy related complications. The skin traction kits are available for short as well as long treatment. They can also be useful to relieve back pain and to correct mild deformities. Tractions are useful for various conditions. It provides pain relief in the earlier stages of the treatment.Skin Traction Kits Market: Regional OutlookSkin traction market is segmented on the basis of eight regions into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan and China (APECJ), China, Japan and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America is dominating the market of skin traction kits due to rise in geriatric population and awareness among the people. This is followed by Europe due to better healthcare facilities and high adoption among the users. Asia-Pacific is expecting to grow at the higher rate in the skin traction kits market due to rise in work-related accidents and increase the incidence of bone-related injuries. The Middle East and Africa is showing the sluggish growth of skin traction kits market due to poor health care facilities and lack of awareness among the patients.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7129 Skin Traction Kits Market: Key playersSome of the leading players operating in the skin traction market are: BSN medical GmbH, Molnlycke Health Care AB, GPC Medical Ltd, Relief Orthotics, BioCare Group Limited and others. Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the "Revenues over US$ 7.13 Bn will be Accounted by Aircraft Refurbishing by 2026-End" report to their offering Aircraft PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:40:00 Future Market Insights recently published report on global market for aircraft refurbishing projects that during a forecast period from 2016 to 2026, the market shall exhibit a steady revenue growth at 5.8% CAGR. The report estimates that in the years to come, the luxury quotient of airline interiors will surge as the number of wealthy air travellers is slated to increase. Frequent air travel by well-heeled people is also prompting aircraft companies to opt for refurbishing of VIP cabins. Setting aside the impact of wealthy travellers on refurbishment of VIP aircraft cabins, the demand for aircraft refurbishing is also expected to gain traction due to its benefits for the aircrafts operational efficiency.According to the report, airline companies aiming to improve performance of their aircrafts are refurbishing the interiors & lowering gross weight of the aircraft. This results in lesser fuel consumption and maximum power retention, thereby upgrading the aircrafts operational performance. Owing to such factors, the global aircraft refurbishing market, which is presently valued at a little over US$ 4 Bn, will bring in more than US$ 7.13 Bn revenues by the end of 2026.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1617 Middle East & Africa to Record Rapid Sales of Aircraft RefurbishmentsDuring this ten-year forecast period, around 890,000 units of aircraft refurbishments will be consumed across the globe. The demand for aircraft refurbishing is projected to remain relatively high across the US and Canada. Through 2026, North America is likely to dominate with more than 30% share on global revenues. However, in terms of volume, the aircraft refurbishing market in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will register a relatively rapid growth at nearly 6% CAGR.The report also projects that by the end of 2026, the demand for aircraft refurbishing will rise across Western Europe, Latin America and Japan. But, during this period, the Middle East & Africa (MEA) aircraft refurbishing market is expected to incur fastest revenue growth. Registering a value CAGR of 6.9%, the MEA aircraft refurbishing market will gain traction during the latter half of the forecast period. Higher concentration of wealthy individuals across Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE or Saudi Arabia is likely to fuel the refurbishment of VIP cabins among aircrafts commuting through this region.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1617 Retrofit Refurbishments Likely to Garner Surplus DemandThe report, titled Aircraft Refurbishing Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026, further reveals that more than half of the markets global revenues will arise from refurbishment of narrow body aircrafts. While large body and wide body aircrafts will collectively account for more than 40% share, refurbishing revenues emanating from narrow body aircrafts will register highest value CAGR 6.1%. Based on the type of refurbishment, commercial cabin refurbishing will hold the majority of global revenues with 83% share, while VIP cabin refurbishing will witness a marginal decline in terms of its contribution to global aircraft refurbishing revenues.More than two-third of aircraft refurbishing revenues collected from across the globe are presently accounted by retrofit fittings. While this share is likely to incur a slight downtrend towards the end of 2026, the global aircraft refurbishing market will witness an uptick from fitting segments such as passenger seats and IFEC. The report has also profiled prominent manufacturers of aircraft refurbishments, which include B/E Aerospace, Inc., Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG, Gulfstream Aerospace, Ltd., Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, JAMCO America, Jet Aviation AG, Lufthansa Technik AGm Sabreliner Aviation LLC, SCI Cabin Interiors, United Technology Corporation, SIA Engineering Co. Ltd, and Zodiac Aerospace SA. Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Water-Borne Inks and Paints Market " report to their offering Future Market insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:09:42 Press Information Future Market Insight Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholia MANAGER 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 768 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comMANAGER3479183531 Solvent-borne paints occupy a major share in the global market, however, with international rules and regulations playing their own cards, the market is set to shift its paradigm towards water-borne paints. The paint industry is growing at a modest rate after the recent economic recession of the 21st century. Solvent-based paints, used primarily for different types of coatings,captures a very large market volume of paints. However, high cost of solvent-based paints along with stringentregulations imposed by government agencies across the globe are pushing the paint and coatings industryto shift their technology to water-borne paints.Increasing use of aliphatic hydrocarbons, ketones and aromatic hydrocarbons as solventsisthe major cause of environmental and health concerns. Water-borne solvents areconsidered the best alternative source for paint industries. With almost nil environmental effect, it is seen to streamline the business operations of the paint and coatings industry in the near future.It is expected that the marketsoperating in the paint and coatings domain will see a moderateCAGR in between 2014 and 2020. The key driving factor behind this vertical surge can be attributed to the fact that end-user applications such as industrial, architecture, wood coatings, packaging, coil coatings, marine protective coatings and aerospace coatings aregrowing at an exponential rate. Of all these, architecture is the focused area for paint industries. It will determine the growth trajectory of the water-borne paint industry by 2020.Read Report Overview @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-water-borne-inks-paints-market China and India are potential markets for the water-borne paint industry in the Asia-Pacific region. By 2050, it is expected that population in the Asia-Pacific region will increase by 64%. Urbanization will be driven by infrastructure investment to meet the peoples aspirations which in turn will scale the market size of the paint industry in this region. The Indian government is framing new policies to boost infrastructure across various cities. It has allocated US $ 1.2 billion for the same. It opens a new gate for paint companies for gaining high revenues. It is because of end-user applications in infrastructure that the Indian paint companiesexpect in between 10 to 15% growth in business volume by 2015. Another largemarket in Asia-Pacific is China. With GDP of China projected to grow over 8%, Chinese government is heavily focused on urbanization.The country has planned to invest US $ 6.8 trillion to develop new cities in its current five years plan. Other potential markets for the water-borne paint industry are Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Japan.In Latin America, Brazil is set to witness a high growth in infrastructure primarily due to its high GDP growth and considerable investment in infrastructure. It is expected to further accelerate its growth because of its destined venue for the Olympics in 2016. Other potential markets in this region are Argentina and Mexico. Growth in infrastructure is set to scale the paint market vertically upwards in Latin America.The water-borne paint industry has a bright future in North America. With the US infrastructure reaching itsmaturity, it needs constant renovation to maintain its durability. Though the paint and coatings market was not flourishing, the industry is expected to review its growth to gain high momentum owing to huge investment in infrastructure maintenance in the future.In Europe, stringent regulations imposed by REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) are driving the market from solvent-borne paints to water-borne paints. With its historical cities, it fascinates tourists from every corner of the world to have a glance at its monumental buildings. Europe, like the US, too is witnessing a maturity. In the coming years, it will need support from end-user segments, including the paint and coatings industry, to support its monumental heritage. However, in Europe, a big role will be played by healthcare and automotive sectors. Europe accounts for in between 25 to 30% of the global market share in the paint and coatings segment. The market in Europe seems to be in the doldrums mainly because of its huge market debt and slow economic reforms.With government policies shifting their need towards water-borne paints and inks, the paint industry is set to be accelerated by water-borne paints in various geographical locations. The US and Europe have already imposed strict regulations and it is expected to be the same in other parts of global region. The water-borne paint industryisset to grow at a moderate CAGR from 2014 to 2019. It has already penetrated in between 12 to 15% of the global paint market and is set to capture the remaining market share of paints driven by solvent-borne technology, in the coming future. With water-borne paints, the paint and coatings industryis set to witness a high return on investment by 2019.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-188 Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the High Temperature Ceramics Market " report to their offering Future Market insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:05:00 Press Information Future Market Insight Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholia MANAGER 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 672 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comMANAGER3479183531 Ceramics are covalent compounds containing metal and non-metal atoms primarily held in covalent and ionic bonds. Generally, ceramics are made by taking mixtures of earth elements, powders, water and clay. This mixture is shaped into the desired form and is then fired in a high temperature oven. Ceramics are then painted with glazes which are waterproof and decorative. At elevated temperature, ceramics have high hardness, high melting points, excellent chemical corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. Some ceramics are good dielectrics or insulators, whereas others are good electrical or thermal conductors. Ceramics are widely used in our daily life. Glass, plates, bricks, tiles and sanitary ware are some examples of the ceramics we see every day. Ceramics can also be found in products like automobiles (sparkplug), phone lines and watches. They are even used in space shuttles and aircrafts. Ceramics can be broadly classified into two categories: traditional and advanced. Traditional ceramics include clay products such as cement and glass, whereas advanced ceramics consist of pure oxides, nitrides, carbides and many others.Read Report Overview @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-high-temperature-ceramics-market Advanced ceramics are widely used in industrial applications where the operating temperature is generally high or which require hard substances that can withstand great pressure. Ceramics offer various advantages compared to other materials. Ceramics are more corrosion and heat resistant than polymers or metals, stiffer and harder than steel, and have a lower density than most alloys and metals. Raw material for advance ceramics materials are plentiful, inexpensive and display wide range of properties. For automotive applications, they are used in various applications like airbag sensors, spark plugs, valves, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, oxygen sensors, thermistors, catalytic converters, ceramic rotors, ceramic filters piston rings and safety glass windshields.The different types of high temperature ceramics include ceramic matrix composites and ultrahigh temperature ceramic coatings. Advanced high temperature materials are key components in the emerging material technologies, which are giving impetus to many industries. The global high temperature ceramics market is driven by several factors like replacement of materials for the sake of creating cost effective solutions, the growing demand for energy conservation across various industries, and government regulations to reduce greenhouse emissions.The global high temperature ceramics market is led by AsiaPacific (APAC) which accounts for over 40-45% of the total consumption by volume. The cost of high temperature ceramics in APAC is lesser than that in Europe, North America or Latin America. In terms of revenue, North America is the largest market followed by APAC and Europe. The cost of high temperature ceramics is expected to remain low for the next few years in the APAC region. Due to government regulations and incentives offered for sustainability and energy conservation, North America and Europe are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the high temperature ceramics market.On the basis of industry applications, the global high temperature ceramics market is segmented into automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, metallurgical, power generation and others. Some of the most common applications of high temperature ceramics are afterburners, boilers, castings, exhaust stacks, flanges, furnaces, headers, incinerators, manifolds, molds and dies, ovens, heat exchangers, pumps, blowers, pipingand ducting. In the aerospace industry, high temperature ceramics are used in cutting edge applications, which require structural and chemical stability at extremely high operating temperatures. On the basis of composition, the high temperature ceramics are segmented into oxides (alumina, zirconia), non-oxides (carbides, nitrides) and composites (combination of oxides and non-oxides).There are many global and regional players operating in the high temperature ceramics market especially in APAC. Some of the key participants are Morgan Thermal Ceramics, ZIRCAR Ceramics, Inc., Skamol A/S, Promat International, IBIDEN Company Ltd., Rath Incorporated, General Insulation Europe Ltd., Unifrax Corporation, and Shandong Luyang Share Co. Ltd.In future, the understanding and controlling behavior of the microstructures and properties of high temperature ceramics are expected to be key elements in research activities. This research will further increase the operating temperature limits of existing high temperature ceramics.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-179 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:25:13 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 791 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Various cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy kills cancerous as well as normal body cells as it cannot differentiate between them. Hence, cancer treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy leads to decrease in the number of neutrophils (neutropenia), thrombocytes (thrombocytopenia) and RBCs (anemia) which is collectively called myelosuppression and when it happens due to radiation therapy it is called as radiation induced myelosuppression. Due to the decreased number of RBCs patients tend to suffer from fatigue and other related disorders. Due to radiation induced myelosuppression leading to neutropenia, patient may suffer from the various infections due to decreased immunity. In radiation induced myelosuppression leading to thrombocytopenia patients body becomes prone to excessive bleeding due to non-coagulation. These are critical conditions in cancer patients and they affects the cancer treatment adversely along with patients therapy outcome. If not managed on time these conditions tend to deter patients health and may result in early death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of deaths due to cancer worldwide in 2015 was 8.8 million and conditions such as anemia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia affects even more.Radiation Induced Myelosuppression Treatment Market: Drivers and RestraintsWorldwide increasing incidence of cancer expected to the major driving factor in the radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market. With increasing use of radiation and chemotherapy for the cancer management incidence of myelosuppression expected to be rising rapidly driving growth of the radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market. Launch of various biosimilars in radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is improving the penetration of cost-effective products. The expiry of patent for different drugs in the radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is further making the way for relatively cost-effective drugs in turn enhancing the adoption. Innovative approach by manufacturers for ease of dosage administration such as eliminating the need for frequent dose administration further driving the growth of radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market. Increasing innovation of radiation induced myelosuppression treatment option which do not interfere with the cancer therapy further driving the growth of radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market. Increasing early diagnosis rate of cancer further enhancing the growth of radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market. However, higher cost of radiation induced myelosuppression treatment remains the major restraint in the radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market growth.Radiation Induced Myelosuppression Treatment Market: SegmentationRadiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is segmented based on the drug class, indication, route of administration, distribution channel, and regionBy the drug class, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is segmented as:Growth FactorsColony Stimulating FactorsThrombopoietin Receptor AgonistsErythropoietin Stimulating AgentsThrombopoietic AgentsIron SupplementOthersBy indication, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is segmented as:NeutropeniaAnemiaThrombocytopeniaBy route of administration, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market segmented as:OralInjectableBy distribution channel, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is segmented as:Hospital PharmaciesRetail PharmaciesDrug StoreClinicsOthersRadiation Induced Myelosuppression Treatment Market: OverviewIncreasing worldwide prevalence of cancer is the major driving factor in the radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market. By the drug class, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is expected to be dominated by growth factors due to their superior efficacy in the radiation induced myelosuppression treatment. By the indication, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is expected to be dominated by neutropenia due to comparative more severity as well as higher cost of treatment. By route of administration, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is expected to be dominated by injectables due to more effectiveness and widespread radiation induced myelosuppression treatment availability in the injectable form. By distribution channel, radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is expected to be dominated by hospital pharmacies due to higher patient convenience receiving radiation induced myelosuppression treatment.Radiation Induced Myelosuppression Treatment Market: Regional OutlookThe global radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market is dominated by North America due to higher rate of early cancer diagnosis and availability of advanced radiation induced myelosuppression treatment options. Europe is expected to be the second most lucrative radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market due to high treatment adoption. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the emerging radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market due to rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure and product penetration. Latin America is expected to be the steady radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market due to gradually increasing radiation induced myelosuppression treatment adoption. Middle East & Africa is the least lucrative radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market due to low adoption and low product penetration in the region.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8116 Radiation Induced Myelosuppression Treatment Market: Key PlayersSome of the global key participants operating in radiation induced myelosuppression treatment market are: Amgen Inc., Novartis AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Mylan N.V., Pfizer Inc., Janssen Global Services, LLC (Johnson & Johnson), Partner Therapeutics, Inc., Myelo Therapeutics GmbH, Intas Pharmaceuticals and Others. Some of the established brands of quadripodal implants are Stryker, Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp., DePuy Synthes, BioMedical Enterprises Inc.,Smith and Nephew, Zimmer Biomet and others. Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:44:35 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 618 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 Quadripodal implants are used as a permanent implant to fix bone fractures. Quadripodal implants are considered as shape memory staples that are for single use and to fix a bone fracture in simple method. They are intended to be permanently implanted. As memory staples could be available as both bipolar or quadripodal implant that is used for compression. The term memory relates to the exact shape the implant should keep in the process of surgery as simple jerks could result in harmful consequences for the quadripodal implant. Mostly the quadripodal implants are made of nickel aluminum alloy as it helps to retain the memory of the initial manufacturing model. They are majorly indicated for hand and foot bone fragments fixation and joint arthrodesis. The major factor remains to use quadripodal implant in surgeries remains its memory retaining quality and stable approach in bone fixation. Quadripodal implants are designed to provide support to the operative target bone in surgical procedures. The quadripodal implants requires to be of high strength in order to provide the best result during an operation providing accurate and uniform alignment in fractured bone.Quadripodal Implants Market: Drivers and RestraintsPrimary factors driving quadripodal implants market include growing incidence of trauma and general cases who are in need to for bone fusion procedures. Trauma cases account for the major reason in bone fractures than general fractures which would create a positive space for the quadripodal implants. Advancements in the production of quadripodal implants makes it a rather convenient choice to use in general orthopedic surgeries required for bone fusion. However, alternative approaches that provide bone fixation like, general use of internal fixation devices like screws, pins could limit the growth of the quadripodal implants market. As the quadripodal Implants have a set range of capability to be used which will affect the already present quadripodal implants market space.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7146 Quadripodal Implants Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global quadripodal implants Market has been segmented on the basis of application, end users, and geography.Based on application, the global quadripodal implants Market is segmented as:OrthopedicENTNeurologyPlastic SurgeryBased on end user, the global quadripodal implants market is segmented as:HospitalsASCsSpecialty clinicsQuadripodal Implants Market: OverviewThe global market for quadripodal implants is highly consolidated with very few players operating in the global space. As the rise in usage of quadripodal implants with other surgical instruments to obtain accurate results in proceeding bone fusion is expected to create a high demand for quadripodal implants in bone fusion surgeries. Some of the established brands of quadripodal implants are Stryker, Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp., DePuy Synthes, BioMedical Enterprises Inc.,Smith and Nephew, Zimmer Biomet and others.Quadripodal Implants Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, the global quadripodal implants market is classified into regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America is expected to be the leader in global quadripodal implants market owing to the healthcare infrastructure they have that support the use of such medium. The market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow due to the present acceptance of such methods in orthopedic surgeries using quadripodal implants. Europe is expected to take a large share in the global quadripodal implants market during the forecast period because of the current rush of companies present there manufacturing such use.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7146 Quadripodal Implants Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the major players in the global quadripodal implants market are quadripodal implants are Stryker, Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp., DePuy Synthes, BioMedical Enterprises Inc., Smith and Nephew, Zimmer Biomet and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 14:35:09 ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / CannaInvestor Magazine announced today Phoenix Life Sciences International Limited (PLSI) (''Phoenix Life''), an international adaptive healthcare solutions company, is the featured company in the CannaInvestor Magazine January 2019 Issue. CannaInvestor Magazine is the leading industry investment magazine for cannabis investors, analysts, executives, entrepreneurs, and the financial media. The digital version of the magazine is accessible and free to all subscribers who enter their email address. Phoenix Life Sciences International Limited's feature can be found by clicking on this link https://joom.ag/WPNa or visiting CannaInvestor Magazine's website www.cannainvestormag.com About Phoenix Life Sciences International LimitedPhoenix Life Sciences International Limited is an adaptive healthcare solutions company. Our business is to advance research and integrate programs and manufacturing of products that target and treat diabetes, pain, cancer, and address psychological, gastrointestinal, autoimmune, neurological and sleep disorders. We strive to create partnerships and integrate these programs for human health into communities worldwide as part of our Global Health Initiative. To learn more about Phoenix Life Sciences International, please visit https://www.phoenixlife.co About CannaInvestor MagazineCannaInvestor Magazine is a free monthly subscription based digital magazine with an exclusive focus on Cannabis industry finance that delivers convenient insights on publicly-traded and privately-held cannabis companies through informative articles, company profiles, and market trends that inform and educate cannabis investors, analysts, executives, entrepreneurs, and the financial media. To learn more about CannaInvestor Magazine, please visit www.cannainvestormag.com and www.cannainvestormag.ca Contact:Cannabis Investor Magazineteam@ cannainvestormag.com or team@ cannainvestormag.ca 1-888-575-1254, Ext. 1SOURCE: Cannabis Investor Magazine Some of the market players in the Pediatric Nasal Cannula market include Flexicare Medical Limited, Salter Labs, DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC, Asid Bonz GmbH, Besmed Health Business Corp., Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, BD, Medin Medical Innovations GmbH Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:44:52 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 704 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 Nasal cannula is the medical device used in the conditions of respiratory help for delivering supplemental oxygen or increased airflow to a patient in need. The oxygen concentration and flow rates can vary among different product types. Nowadays, there are several product types available in the nasal as per the age and size requirements. For pediatric use, nasal cannula with smaller prongs are used which carries 0.5-1 litre of oxygen per minute for neonates, 1-2 litre of oxygen for infants and 1-4 litre of oxygen for older children. These pediatric nasal cannula devices are comparatively soft and gentle to delicate facial skin of infants. The device is made of a lightweight tube which can be easily hooked up around the patients ears. One end of the tube are placed inside the nostrils and the other end is connected to the oxygen concentrator. Sometimes, there exists a slight risk of airway obstruction by mucus.Pediatric nasal cannula is helpful in providing the right amount of oxygen to the children which requires low-flow oxygen therapy. Hypoxaemia occurs frequently in children suffering from pneumonia, trauma or perioperative injuries and other neonatal conditions. Insufficient amount of oxygen is the major cause of death in pneumonic children which causes death of 1.3 million in 2010. This generates the need of adequate supply for respiratory consumables such as pediatric nasal cannula.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7109 Pediatric Nasal Cannula Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing number of respiratory diseases, rising awareness among population, improvising healthcare infrastructure and increasing focus on pediatric care fuels the market growth of pediatric nasal cannula. Furthermore, the device is used in almost all types of acute severe illness which always drives its market. The market is restricted by poor infrastructure facilities in developing countries. Poorly trained staff and improper guidelines further limits the market growth of pediatric nasal cannula. High cost than the nasal catheters is also a restraining factor for the market growth.Pediatric Nasal Cannula Market: SegmentationPediatric Nasal Cannula Market Segmentation by Product TypeNeonatal Nasal CannulaPremature Nasal CannulaInfant Nasal CannulaPediatric Nasal Cannula Market Segmentation by UsabilityReusable Pediatric Nasal CannulaDisposable Pediatric Nasal CannulaPediatric Nasal Cannula Market Segmentation by End UserHospitalsClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersHome Care SettingsOthersPediatric Nasal Cannula Market: OverviewThe market for pediatric nasal cannula is highly fragmented due to the existence of regional as well as international players. Launch of different cost-effective product types providing maximum patient comfort, safety and simplicity would be the market opportunity for the companies in pediatric nasal cannula market. Targeting the developing countries is also a major opportunity for the existing as well as new players as the medical facilities in these countries lack basic necessities which leads to fatalities. Vendors in the pediatric nasal cannula market are also investing in their product development as per market demand. Regional and international market players compete with each other to gain maximum market penetration in the region.Pediatric Nasal Cannula Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, North America is the dominant market for pediatric nasal cannula due to the high adoption trend for the product as well as advanced healthcare infrastructure and favorable reimbursement scenario. This is followed by the Western Europe region which has the established Pediatric Nasal Cannula market base for most of the market players. Japan also represents the established market for pediatric nasal cannula products. Asia-Pacific Pediatric Nasal Cannula market represents a significant growth rate in pediatric nasal cannula market over the forecast period due to the significant developments in healthcare facilities, government support, improved healthcare policies and the fast-paced economic growth in the region. Latin America followed by Middle East & Africa are anticipated to have the lowest market share in the pediatric nasal cannula market over the forecast period because of less developed hospital facilities in most of the countries in the region.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7109 Pediatric Nasal Cannula Market: Key PlayersSome of the market players in the Pediatric Nasal Cannula market include Flexicare Medical Limited, Salter Labs, DeVilbiss Healthcare LLC, Asid Bonz GmbH, Besmed Health Business Corp., Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, BD, Medin Medical Innovations GmbH, Teleflex Incorporated, GaleMed Corporation, Neotech Products and others. Summary: The Pediatric Health Care Products and Services Market has been examined based on drug class, disease/ disorder, services type, and region. The allergy and respiratory segment are probable to account for the foremost share of the market by 2025. Pediatric Health Care Products and Services PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:23:30 Press Information HealthCare Intelligence Markets 601, Winterberry Purple, Koregaon Park, Pune, 411001 Shreyas Tanna Manager +91 7400242424 email https://www.healthcareintelligencemarkets.com # 365 Words 601, Winterberry Purple,Koregaon Park,Pune, 411001Manager+91 7400242424 Pediatric Health Care Products and Services Market Research Report provides wide-ranging information which developments the understanding, scope and application of this report. To provide an effective business outlook, different case studies from various highest industry experts, business owners, and policymakers have been included to get a clear vision about business methodologies to the readers. It offers effective sales approached adopted by the top-level industries to increase the customers rapidly in the sector.Global Pediatric Health Care Products and Services Market is expected to grow at an estimated CAGR of +5% forecast to 2025.Request Sample Copy of this Report@:The competitive landscape has been enlarged by focusing on major key players such as Pfizer, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc. Merck & Co., Inc., AstraZeneca plc, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Sanofi, Pediapharm, Inc., Novartis AG, Eisai Co., Ltd., and Mylan N.V. across the globe to understand the level of competition at the domestic and worldwide market.This research study further discusses the existing and upcoming trends, tools as well as technological advancements. Report specifies growth of the segment which is attributed to increase in demand for pediatric health care products for allergy and respiratory disorders. Furthermore, upsurge in emphasis on newborn screening programs focused on detecting many health conditions in children is expected to boost the market.Pediatric Health Care Products and Services Market Report is providing global regions with North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, Europe, and India. Asia-Pacific markets are expected to grow at significant growth rates for the projected period of time, due to increases in children with disabilities and disabilities and improved healthcare infrastructures in countries such as China, India and Indonesia.Get Reasonable Discount on this Premium Report @:Global Pediatric Health Care Products and Services Market Report has been analyzed using SWOT Analysis and Porters Five Forces analysis model. Conclusion of the report requirements to recover gainful market tactics to accomplish competitive advantage. This Research reports further make use of operative graphical performance systems such as tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and info graphics.For More Information: PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:00:47 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 649 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Particle size analyzers are instrument used to distribute the sizes in a sample of liquid or solid particulate material where it is measured and reported. Particle size analyzers are important for characterizing wide range of product performance factors. There are various methods to measure the particle size such as some are used for the wide range of samples while some are used for the specific applications. Some industries such as pharmaceuticals, life science and food and beverages uses particle size analyzers to determine the efficiency of the manufacturing process and performance of final product. Dynamic light scattering analyzers are usually used to measure particles in solutions with 0.6nm to 6um range and laser diffraction analyzers are used for particles within the range of 10nm to 3mm. particle size analyzers are used in pharmaceutical industries as smaller the particles larger is their specific surface area which quickly they get dissolved. In medical injection, the size of the particle is determined how easily they passed through or penetrate in the capillaries and blood vessels. Use of particle size analyzers improve the lab productivity, reduce downtime, improve analysis and enhance both product quality and process consistency.Particle Size Analyzers: Market DynamicsRising applications of nanotechnology primarily drive the market of particle size analyzers. Various semiconductors components are manufactured with the help of particle size analyzers. Emergence of different new techniques in determining the size of particles and size distribution is expected to boost the market of particle size analyzers globally. However, stringent regulations and various drawback associated with different technologies for the distribution with particles hinder the growth of the particle size analyzers market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7120 Particle Size Analyzers: SegmentationThe global Particle Size Analyzers market is segmented by drug type and distribution channel:Particle Size Analyzers market Segmentation by technology typeDynamic Light ScatteringLaser Particle AnalyzersImagingCoulter PrincipleNanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)OthersParticle Size Analyzers market Segmentation by End UserBiotechnological CompaniesPharmaceutical CompaniesContract Research OrganizationsAcademic Research InstitutesParticle Size Analyzers: OverviewOn the basis of technology, the particle size analyzers is segment into Dynamic Light Scattering,Laser Particle Analyzers, Imaging, Coulter Principle, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and others, among which dynamic light scattering accounts for the largest revenue owing to increasing usage of dynamic light scattering technology followed by laser particle analyzers over the forecast period. On the basis of end users, particle size analyzers are segmented into biotechnological companies, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, academic research institutes, among which pharmaceuticals companies accounts for the largest revenue share owing to increase in research and development and production of various drug owing to increase in prevalence of chronic disease.Particle Size Analyzers: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of geography, global particle size analyzers market is segmented into seven key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is projected to hold largest shares in the global particle size analyzers owing to increasing spending in research and development and presence of large number of key players. Europe particle size analyzers market accounts for the second largest share owing to increasing in academic research and institutes. Asia Pacific region is anticipated to be the fastest growing region in particle size analyzers market owing to increase in investment in the research and development, improvement in healthcare infrastructure. Rapid growth of Asia Pacific particle size analyzers market is owing to the increase outsourcing of pharmaceuticals manufacturing in China and India.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7120 Particle Size Analyzers: Key PlayersSome of the key players present in global particle size analyzers market are Malvern Panalytical Ltd, Angstrom Advanced Inc., Fritsch GmbH, Fluid Imaging Technologies, Particle Measuring Systems, Shimadzu Corporation, Anton Paar GmbH, HORIBA, Ltd., Hosokawa, Haver & Boecker Ohg, Brookhaven Instruments Corporation among others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:25:05 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 789 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Organoids is one of the in-vitro derived 3D cell culture models derived majorly from stem cell or tissue proficient of self-regeneration and simultaneously exhibit organ functionality. Organoids are used in the research of multiple organs and tissue additionally, Organoids derived from self-unifying stem cells which can recapitulate the in-vivo functionally, architecture and genetic markup of original tissue. The application of Organoids in the fields of exploring organogenesis, stem cell biology and human pathologies have further advanced the research and development in the 3D cell culture fields. Some disease causing bacteria are rationally difficult to cultivate in the laboratory, limiting the study potential. For example C. difficile bacteria requires anaerobic conditions, but can survive in an intestine Organoids. Organoids derive from biopsies are allowing scientist to differentiate between the cancer development in various individuals. The presented advancement in market, Organoids an exhilarating new tool for scantiest and researchers. Evidently the prime focus is on the intestine and stomach, nevertheless the procedure is rapidly expanding to other tissue such as brain, breast, liver and gastrointestinal. The advancement in Organoids is anticipated to transform the traditional methods of conducting research, starting from basic understanding to drug discovery and personalized treatmentsOrganoids Market: Drivers and RestraintsSimultaneous research on 3D cell culture and Organoids following with increasing research activity in application of Organoids. Is anticipated to fuel the market. Additionally increasing investment from the major firms and research organization and funding, is symbolizing the growth of the Organoids market. The upsurge in the demand for organ transplantation is categorized as the driving factor for growth of the Organoids market owning to the advancement in the stem cell research. Which is estimated to perform as a significant factor backing the demand for Organoids. The utilization of livestock in research and clinical trials is always been a subject of criticism and holds against the animal cruelty policy, nevertheless Organoids tends to hold the prospective to replace an animals utilized in clinical trials and research. The probable advantage of Organoids over lifestock is estimated to play a vital role in impelling the demand for Organoids market. Growing adaptations in biotechnology and laboratories for 3D cell culture technique is directly affecting the growth of the Organoids market. However, high cost associated with development of Organoids culture and requirements of numerous favorable factors is anticipate the restraint the growth of the Organoids market.Organoids Market: SegmentationBased on product type, the Organoids market is segmented into:Gut OrganoidHepatic OrganoidNeural OrganoidPulmonary OrganoidBased on application, the Organoids market is segmented into:Drug DesigningBio-bankingDevelopmental Biology and Toxicology TestingDisease PathologyOthersBased on components, the Organoids market is segmented into:MediaReagentsPlatformOrganoids Market: OverviewThe manufacturers in the Organoids market are primarily focused on extensive research of new treatment regiments involving the utilization of Organoids. The global Organoids market is witnessing a concrete growth reasoning to rising awareness among the researches for the application of Organoids and high attention towards 3D cell culture research. The upsurge in demand of Organoids is primarily rising from developed regions such as North America and Europe due to intensive research on cell cultures and government aids for the research programs. The manufacturers in the Organoids is focused on potential tie us and mergers coupled with growth in development new application for the Organoids. The advantage of Organoids in targeted stem cell research is estimated to offer manufactures a prime advantage to grip on the market competition.Organoids Market: Region-Wise OverviewThe global Organoids market is segmented into the following regions - North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding China & Japan, China, Japan and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading regional market for Organoids due to growing research on the various cell culture Medias with Organoids in the region. In North America, the U.S. is the dominating Organoids market owing to increasing number healthcare research and bulging research budgets of manufacturers in the country. Europe Organoids market is anticipated to grow considerably owing to inclination towards research associated with organ regeneration. Japan and China is a growing at fast pace due to increasing investment from the manufacturers and availability of resources for the Organoids research. Growth in the Latin America and the Middle East and Africa is considerably low due to lack of research initiatives and technological parity in terms of fundings.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8106 Organoids Market: Key ParticipantsExamples of some of the key participants in the Organoids market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Becton Dickinson and Company, Corning Incorporated, and Sigma-Aldrich Corporation., 3D Biomatrix, Inc., 3D Biotek LLC, Reinnervate Ltd, InSphero AG, Global Cell Solutions, Inc., and Lonza Group among others. XploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. XploreMR PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:36:30 Press Information XploreMR XploreMR 111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113, United States Tel: +1-669-284-0108 Email:sales@xploremr.com Website: http://xploremr.com Neha Bhosle SEO Executive 6692840108 email http://www.xploremr.com # 748 Words XploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300,San Jose, CA 95113, United StatesTel: +1-669-284-0108Email:sales@xploremr.comWebsite: http://xploremr.comSEO Executive6692840108 Non-dairy toppings market forecast, trend analysis and competition tracking global market insights, 2018-2028 is a comprehensive research report covering several facets of non-dairy toppings market revealing vital insights on sales and demand projections. The non-dairy toppings market covers forecasts for a period of 10 years, from 2018 till 2028 along with a year-on-year growth rate. The report on non-dairy toppings market provides historical data, current non-dairy toppings scenario and future non-dairy toppings market projections for the said period. Analysis on various dynamics influencing the growth of the non-dairy toppings market is also included in the report.Chapter 1 Executive SummaryThis chapter covers summary of key findings of the non-dairy toppings market along with industry structure, opportunity assessment and mega trends impacting growth. This chapter outlines a brief picture of the non-dairy toppings market scenario.Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/3067 Chapter 2 Market IntroductionThe chapter includes market definition and detailed segmentation of the non-dairy toppings market.Chapter 3 Fillings and Toppings Market OutlookThis chapter in the non-dairy toppings market report includes detailed assessment on the overall fillings and toppings market along with value projections. The chapter further discusses difference between traditional toppings and non-dairy toppings along with evolution of non-dairy toppings. Key developments in the non-dairy toppings marketplace such as product launches is also covered in this section.Chapter 4 Dynamics and Key Indicator AssessmentKey indicators impacting the growth of the non-dairy toppings market such as world GDP of key countries in 2017 along with various macroeconomic aspects. The chapter also covers the overall food and beverage market overview. Key market dynamics such as drivers and challenges and their respective impact analysis is provided here. A detailed investment feasibility matrix along with Porters five forces model and PESTE analysis and a trade outlook including key exporting and importing countries is covered.Chapter 5 Voice of CustomersThis chapter includes detailed consumer analysis, vegan population growth, non-dairy toppings brand preferences, consumer sentiment and behavior analysis. It also highlights difference between organic and conventional non-dairy toppings.Chapter 6 Price Point AnalysisThis chapter covers intelligence on pricing analysis of non-dairy toppings across key regions, pricing influencing aspects and non-dairy toppings base ingredient pricing.Chapter 7 Non-dairy Toppings Market AnalysisThis chapter includes non-dairy toppings market introduction, global analysis on every segment of the non-dairy toppings market and regional analysis reflecting sales and demand for non-dairy toppings across important regions worldwide.First Time Buyer, Get Discount on this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/check-discount/3067 Chapter 8 North America Non-dairy Toppings MarketThis chapter covers the North America food and beverage industry outlook, segmental snapshot of non-dairy toppings market across major countries of United States and Canada as well as key regional trends impacting North America non-dairy toppings market.Chapter 9 Latin America Non-dairy Toppings MarketThis chapter covers insights on various macro factors impacting the growth of non-dairy toppings in Latin America. Moreover, assessment on demand and sales of non-dairy toppings across key countries in Latin America is covered in this chapter.Chapter 10 Western Europe Non-dairy Toppings MarketAssessment of non-dairy toppings across key countries such as Germany and United Kingdom with respect to consumption of non-dairy toppings across various applications is provided here. In addition, various regulatory factors and trends influencing growth of the non-dairy toppings market in this region are also covered.Chapter 11 Eastern Europe Non-dairy Toppings MarketThis chapter includes analysis on various trends and drivers pushing the growth of non-dairy toppings market. It also includes analysis on all non-dairy toppings market segments across Eastern European countries.Chapter 12 Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) Non-dairy Toppings MarketThis chapter covers a year-on-year assessment revealing sales forecasts of non-dairy toppings along with demand analysis. Consumption rate of non-dairy toppings across key countries such as China and India is also provided in this chapter.Chapter 13 Japan Non-dairy Toppings MarketThis section provides in-depth analysis on non-dairy toppings consumption across Japan, key regional trends influencing non-dairy toppings consumption and key developments and product launches carried out by market participants.Chapter 14 Middle East and Africa (MEA) Non-dairy Toppings MarketThis chapter focuses on various facets of non-dairy toppings across countries in MEA. Analysis apropos to sales and demand for non-dairy toppings across MEA is provided in this chapter along with market attractiveness index.Chapter 15 Competition LandscapeThis chapter reveals the non-dairy toppings market structure and analysis. The assessment includes market shares of key participants in the non-dairy toppings market. The chapter also provides a competition dashboard.Report Overview @ https://www.xploremr.com/report/3067/fiber-optic-gyroscope-market market analysis, market business reports, market forecasts, market growth, market Overview PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:38:09 Press Information Research N Reports 10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin 77064 Sunny Denis Sales Manager +1-888-631-6977 email https://www.researchnreports.com # 449 Words 10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin 77064Sales Manager+1-888-631-6977 Research N Reports provides a new report called Network Payment Services Market. This resurrection version was distributed to help investors and providers to better understand the current market situation. It also provides forecasts for markets where supplier expertise can help business development strategies. In addition, a broad assessment of the forces limiting and driving market development has been providedThe scrutinized report offers numerous approaches to view the Network Payment Services market from a different perspective. The approaches include descriptions, analytics in terms of value & volume, several events and chain assembly of the industry for various practices in the global market. The section assimilates a broad analysis of progress strategies to sway the market in an industrialized process.Key Player Included in Report:Braintree ,CyberSource Corporation ,Elavon ,Index ,Ingenico ePayments ,Intelligent Payments ,GEOBRIDGE Corporation ,Shift4 Corporation ,Transaction Network Services Inc. ,TokenExGet Sample Copy of Report:A 360 degree synopsis of the competitive scenario of the Network Payment Services market is presented in this report. It has an enormous data allied to the recent product and technological developments in the markets. It has a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these advancements on the markets future growth, wide-ranging analysis of these expansions on the markets future growth. The research report examines the Network Payment Services market in a detailed manner by explaining the key facets of the market that are predictable to have a countable influence on its developmental predictions over the forecast period.Different factors have been fathomed to give it a comprehensive perception of the market. The cost analysis of the Network Payment Services market has been achieved while keeping in view the manufacturing expenses, labor cost, and raw materials and their market concentration rate, suppliers, and price trend. Buyers of the report will equally be obtainable to an inspection on market arranging with components like target customer, brand strategy, and value methodology.Get Discount on this Report @: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=166025 Network Payment Services market takes the significant key trends and important market factors in consideration to carry out this research. The growing market is likely to increase the global market extensively over the forthcoming years. Apart from this, the upsurge in number of driving is anticipated to add to the development of this market ominously in the near future. The wide-reaching market is scrutinized on the basis of the various sectors and the geographical reach of this market. In this report, the impelling market segments in its scenario along with the continual rising factors and demand is also mentioned.For More Queries @: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=166025 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 05:57:43 Increase in need for reduced maintenance cost along with unexpected failure is anticipated to fuel the growth of global machine condition monitoring market. In order to find any failure in machine such as noise, vibration and temperature measurements, machine condition monitoring is required. Generally, machine condition monitoring techniques is used in rotating equipment, pumps, electric motors, internal combustion engines, presses. It is a major part of predictive maintenance. Machine condition monitoring allows maintenance to be scheduled and avoids its consequences. The demand for machine condition monitoring is rapidly increasing as they are widely used across various industries such as chemicals, aerospace & defence, automotive, metals and mining among many others. Its unique benefits increases the lifespan of the machines. Above of all, unexpected breakdown and focus on plant asset management is pushing the growth in the machine condition monitoring market.Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Drivers & Restraints Advancement in technology such as expansion of low-cost advanced machine condition monitoring, direct communication processes and rapid processing functions etc, is opening new doors to the growth of machine condition monitoring market. The drivers identified in the machine condition monitoring are machine reliability by effective prediction of their failures, maximizing part life by proper scheduling of maintenance programs, achieving reduction in frequency, severity of machine downtimes along with ensuring the safety of equipment and staff, among others. Fast growth in Asia-Pacific region along with increasing governmental regulation are the key factors driving the growth in the global machine condition monitoring. However, unpredictable maintenance periods and higher cost of the machine decreases the adoption rate and could act as a major restraint in the global market.Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Segmentation On the basis of monitoring technology, the global machine condition monitoring market is segmented as: Vibration analysis and diagnostics, Corrosion Monitoring , Lubricating Oil Analysis, Motor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA), Ultrasound Emission Testing, Infrared ThermographyOn the basis of applications the global machine condition monitoring market is segmented as: Automotive, Chemicals, Aerospace & Defence, Others (Oil & Gas, Power and Mining), Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Region-wise Outlook he global machine condition monitoring market is expected to register a , favourable growth for the forecast period, 2015?2025. The market growth in developed economies for these systems is expected between 7% and 10% whereas in developing regions the growth may even exceed 12% during coming five years. On the basis of region, North America is estimated to be the fastest growing market for Machine condition monitoring. Asia Pacific, and Latin America are expected to be the growth engines of machine condition market in the near future. The remaining regions are expected to grow at a steady rate over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-662 Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Key Players Some of the key players identified in the global Machine Condition Monitoring market are National Instruments, Parker Kittiwake, Rockwell Automation, Bruel & Kjaer Vibro GmbH, Emerson Process Management, Fluke Corp, Honeywell Process Solution, among many others PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:24:46 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 733 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Long Term Care (LTC) patients consist of elderly people who need continuous monitoring of healthcare conditions. These patients need monitoring post-acute care. This type of software helps to maintain or store records regarding patient health information due to treatment or post treatment in any healthcare delivery setting. Long Term Post-Acute Care Software helps to maintain data on patient demographics, medical history, past problems, medications administered, progress notes, recurrent problems, vital signs, immunization history, laboratory data, and radiology reports. Use of the long term post-acute care software helps to automate and streamline the clinicians workflow. This type of Long Term Post-Acute Care Software helps to generate full record of patients treatment journey in clinical settings alongside other supporting care-related activities and evidence-based decision support, quality management, and outcomes reporting.Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market: Drivers and RestraintsPrimary revenue drivers of the Long Term Post-Acute Care Software market are early onset of rapid ageing and rapid rise in baby boomer population. Rising incidence of chronic illnesses across countries is another important factor fuelling the adoption of long term post-acute care software across institutions for better healthcare management purpose. There are cases where the rise in internet penetration rates are driving organizations to adopt these long term post-acute care software. Every market comes with a silver lining though. Restraints of the long term post-acute care software market include need for skilled manpower to operate the machines, high prices of the software, lack of skilled nursing staff, faltering reimbursement rates for long term stays, etc. Overall, increasing attention towards patient record maintenance and need for meaningful patient outcome are factors estimated to create ongoing demand for long term post-acute care software across the globe.Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application type, end user and geography.Based on product type, the global Long Term Post-Acute Care Software market is segmented as:Clinical SoftwareNon-clinical SoftwareBased on application, Long Term Post-Acute Care Software market is segmented as:Financial Data Management and BillingElectronic Health Record ManagementHome Healthcare ManagementALF &ILFOthersBased on end users, the global Long Term Post-Acute Care Software market is segmented as:HospitalsClinics and Nursing HomesManaged Care OrganizationsAssisted Living FacilitiesHome HealthcareOthersLong Term Post-Acute Care Software Market: OverviewThe global market for Long Term Post-Acute Care Software is very niche with a handful of solutions currently approved and available. Increased focus towards personalized therapies coupled with attention towards evidence-based outcome are factors estimated to impact the revenue growth of the Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market. Developed markets are estimated to account for the largest revenue potential as compared to emerging markets due to high internet penetration rates and availability of improved technology. Developing product and process know-how and improvement in decision sciences are factors projected to support the demand for Long Term Post-Acute Care Software. Revenues from Long Term Post-Acute Care Software market is estimated to expand at an impressive CAGR over the forecast period wherein revenues derived from developed markets could outweigh the market value share of emerging markets for the long term post-acute care software.Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market: Regional Wise OutlookGeographically, the Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market is segmented into eight regions viz. North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding China and Japan, Eastern Europe, Japan, China, Middle East and Africa. The North America market is estimated to account for significant market value share due to presence of large number of managed care organizations and assisted living facilities. An ageing population and large incidence of chronic illnesses are factors expected to lead to revenue increase in Western European markets projected to emerge as second largest market for Long Term Post-Acute Care Software. Markets in Asia Pacific region are expected to develop rapidly and create significant demand for long term post-acute care software in various healthcare settings.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8103 Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players in the global Long Term Post-Acute Care Software Market are Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Epic Systems Corporation, Cerner, McKesson Corporation, Omnicare, Omnicell, Inc., MatrixCare, Optimus EMR, Netsmart, and PointClickCare., Strategic initiatives such as divestments and M&A activities define the long term post-acute care software market. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 13:40:35 LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. ("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 5,000,000 incentive stock options to certain officers and employees of the Gabriel group of companies in relation to 2018 compensation awards. All incentive stock options so granted are exercisable for a period of ten years at $0.36 per share and vest as to 50% immediately from the date of grant and 50% on the first anniversary of the date of grant.As of the date hereof, a total of 29,750,126 common shares of the Company are reserved for issuance under the Company's incentive stock plan, representing approximately 6% of the issued and outstanding share capital.For information on this press release, please contact:Dragos TanasePresident & CEOPhone: +44 7799 469694 dt@ gabrielresources.com Richard BrownChief Commercial OfficerPhone: +44 7748 760276 richard.brown@gabrielresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of theTSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Further InformationAbout GabrielGabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal focus has been the exploration and development of the Rosia Montana gold and silver project in Romania ("Rosia Montana Project"). The Rosia Montana Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license ("License") for the Rosia Montana Project is held by Rosia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Rosia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company. It is anticipated that the Rosia Montana Project would bring over US$24 billion (at US$1,200/oz gold) to Romania as potential direct and indirect contribution to GDP and generate thousands of employment opportunities.Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group (as defined below) focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. Despite the Company's fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Rosia Montana Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Rosia Montana Project without due process and without compensation. Accordingly, the Company's current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com Forward-looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements.In this press release, forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: the ICSID Arbitration, actions by the Romanian Government, conditions or events impacting the Company's ability to fund its operations (including but not limited to the completion of further funding noted above) or service its debt, exploration, development and operation of mining properties and the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information.Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "is of the view", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward- looking statements.Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: delay or extension to the duration of the ICSID Arbitration; required disclosure, costs, process and outcome of the ICSID Arbitration against Romania; changes in the liquidity and capital resources of Gabriel, and the group of companies of which it is directly or indirectly parent ("Group"); access to funding to support the Group's continued ICSID Arbitration and/or operating activities in the future; equity dilution resulting from the conversion or exercise of new or existing securities in part or in whole to Common Shares; the ability of the Company to maintain a continued listing on the TSX Venture Exchange or any regulated pu XploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. XploreMR PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:42:57 Press Information XploreMR XploreMR 111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113, United States Tel: +1-669-284-0108 Email:sales@xploremr.com Website: http://xploremr.com Neha Bhosle SEO Executive 6692840108 email http://www.xploremr.com # 751 Words XploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300,San Jose, CA 95113, United StatesTel: +1-669-284-0108Email:sales@xploremr.comWebsite: http://xploremr.comSEO Executive6692840108 The global industrial paint booth market report shares findings on the growth trajectory of the industry over a few years. In a latest research report published by XploreMR on the industrial paint booth market, the market has been comprehensively analyzed for the timeline of 2018 to 2028. The report provides key insights of the industrial paint booth market for the forecast period and offers a deep dive into the segmental analysis, which is instrumental in gauging the overall growth potential of industrial paint booth market.Chapter 1- Global Economic OutlookThis chapter comprises of a picture of the global economy in the near and medium context, with useful projections essential for the study of industrial paint booth market.Chapter 2- Executive SummaryThis chapter of the report on industrial paint booth market offers a detailed summary of the report, along with key findings on each segment of industrial paint booth market. It also emphasizes on the key growth opportunities essential for the market participants and aspiring players of industrial paint booth market to expand on a global scale.Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/3176 Chapter 3- Market IntroductionThis chapter portrays a clear and affluent definition of the industrial paint booth market and an affluent definition of industrial paint booth. Moreover, it also consists of a market taxonomy, wherein discrete segments and their growth have been analyzed.Chapter 4- Market Dynamics and Associated Industry AssessmentThis chapter talks about various trends, drivers, opportunities, and restraints having deep-rooted influences on the growth of industrial paint booth market. Moreover, a close-look at the supply chain also offers immense confidence to the readers for considering the given insights for viable business expansion.Chapter 5- Pricing AnalysisThe pricing analysis is an essential segment to concentrate on in terms of enhancing the product visibility of industrial paint booth. Moreover, this exclusive segment also highlights all the major factors influencing the pricing analysis of the industrial paint booth market.Chapter 6- End Use Behavior and Attitude MeasurementThis report emphasizes on the end user behavior and attitude as an undeniable necessity for growth in the industrial paint booth market space. The readers can take a look at the insights offered in this section, which will enable them to retain the consumer confidence on their product.Chapter 7- Risk and OpportunitiesThis chapter focuses on various risks and opportunities with regard to expansion in the industrial paint booth market.First Time Buyer, Get Discount on this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/check-discount/3176 Chapter 8- Global Industrial Paint Booth Market Analysis and ForecastThis chapter focuses on an in-depth analysis of the industrial paint booth market and forecast for the time period of 2018 to 2027. The forecast of industrial paint booth market has been provided by end user and product type,Chapter 9- North America Industrial Paint Booth Market Size and ForecastThis chapter talks about the details of North America industrial paint booth market across key countries of North America. Moreover, regional trends having a considerable impact on the North America industrial paint booth market have also been discussed in detail.Chapter 10- Latin America Industrial Paint Booth Market Size and ForecastThis chapter enunciates on the performance of industrial paint booth market across the key regions of Latin America. Moreover, exciting investment opportunities pervading in the regional market space have also been included and elaborated on for an unmatched analysis.Chapter 11- Europe Industrial Paint Booth Market Size and ForecastThis section talks about the growth potential of industrial paint booth market across the key countries of Europe. Moreover, growth levers pushing the growth of this regional market have also been discussed for a clear and affluent understanding of the readers.Chapter 12- Japan Industrial Paint Booth Market Size and ForecastThis chapter explains the growth trajectory of industrial paint booth market across prime regions of Japan. Overarching trends invading the space of this regional market have also been discussed in detail.Chapter 13- APEJ Industrial Paint Booth Market Size and ForecastThis chapter talks about details on the industrial paint booth market across leading regions of APEJ. Moreover, this section also talks about the key challenges faced by the players of industrial paint booth market from expansion standpoint.Chapter 14- MEA Industrial Paint Booth Market Size and ForecastThis chapter offers a deep dive into the analysis of the industrial paint booth market performance and revenue aspects across the key regions of MEA.Report Overview @ https://www.xploremr.com/report/3176/coating-binders-market Psyllium is a form of fiber and comes under Plantaginaceae plant family. Psyllium is available in various forms such as psyllium seeds, psyllium husk, psyllium husk powder, psyllium industrial powder etc PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 08:23:04 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com abhishek manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 588 Words Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.commanager+1 03479183531 Psyllium is a form of fiber and comes under Plantaginaceae plant family. Psyllium is available in various forms such as psyllium seeds, psyllium husk, psyllium husk powder, psyllium industrial powder etc. Psyllium seeds can be consumed directly or in powdered form for medical purposes as it has various health benefits. Psyllium seed is a source of fiber, protein, and triglycerides. Psyllium seed also contains ascorbic acid, aucubin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, chromium, cobalt, fiber, linoleic acid, magnesium etc. Psyllium seed can be marketed as whole seed or the husk or husk powder according to convenience of consumers. Psyllium seed is an intestinal cleanser and stool softener for both animals as well as humans therefore it is used as traditional medicinal herb in Asian countries.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3282 Market Segmentation, Drivers, Trends, Regional Outlook:Psyllium seed market is segmented on the basis of application as therapeutics application, industrial application, animal feed etc. In therapeutics, Psyllium seed is used for constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol, heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. In industry, Psyllium seed is used to prevent soil erosion, prevent landscaping, preventing crumbling of solid ingredients as a result of moisture retention. In animal feed, psyllium seed husk is used to move sand from animals digestive system without any harmful effect.Psyllium seed market is segmented on the basis of industrial applications as food industry, pharmaceutical industry, and cosmetic industry. In food industry, psyllium seed can be powdered and used in health drinks, ice creams, breads, biscuits and other bakery products. Psyllium seed is also used in cereal breakfasts by many athletes. In pharmaceutical industry psyllium is used as thickening agent for capsule formation. In cosmetics industry, psyllium seeds can be used in forms like paste or power in anti-aging herbal products for skin care. Psyllium seed market is further segmented on the basis of regions as North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, and Middle East and Africa.On the basis of regions, the Psyllium seed market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Psyllium seed is originated from Iran and increased its travel from Asia to Europe. Production of psyllium seeds mainly comes from Arab world, Afghanistan, Egypt, North India, Sindh, Baluchistan etc. for medicinal purposes. Europe is emerging in psyllium seed market for consumption as well as production. Currently, India is the largest producer of psyllium seeds.Psyllium seed have number of health benefits such as constipation, diarrhea, high cholesterol, heart disease, blood pressure, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease which is increasing demand for psyllium seeds in global market. Other applications of psyllium seed in various industries such as food industry, pharmaceutical industry, cosmetic industry is increasing which drives the market for psyllium seeds globally. Psyllium seed is used as an animal feed which is helping animals without any side effects, therefore the demand for psyllium seed as animal feed is gaining interest in global market which states that the psyllium seed market is expected to in forecast period.Psyllium seed Market Key Players:Some of the key players in the psyllium seed market include Keyur Industries, Atlas Industries, JYOT Overseas Pvt. Ltd., Abhyuday Indutries, Satnam Psyllium Industries, Rajganga Agro Product Pvt.Ltd ., Shree Mahalaxmi psyllium Pvt. Ltd., Ispasen Remedies, Jyotindra International, Shubh Psyllium Industries are among these.Request For Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3282 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 15:03:11 TEMECULA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / International Endeavors Corporation (OTC PINK: IDVV) today announced plans to build a production facility to manufacture the Off Grid Grow Laboratory (OGGL) in Mexico. Recent legalization efforts of marijuana in Mexico gives International Endeavors Corporation the opportunity to expand its global presence.According to Marketing Director, Barry Smith, "We see the Mexico market as having enormous potential. The laws are beginning to improve in Mexico now, especially for medical marijuana. We noticed an increased demand for OGGLs in Mexico, and that encouraged International Endeavors Corporation to rapidly advance its plans for a production facility in the Baja region of Mecico. We are evaluating sites in the Baja region that can accommodate the manufacturing of up to 50 OGGLs per month." The advantages include economies of scale that come from building multiple OGGLs in an assembly-line process and lower transportation and labor costs when compared to manufacturing and shipping the OGGLs from California.Smith further stated, "Baja Mexico makes an excellent location for a production facility to manufacture the OGGLs. Because of its climate and number of clear sunny days there is a lot of demand for off grid products featuring Solar. We are excited about the potential there." About the OGGL: The OGGL is the first purpose-built, self-contained, off-grid growing laboratory. Built in a low-cost shipping container, the OGGL has integrated solar modules and lithium-phosphate batteries coupled with a generator backup to supply uninterrupted power to the grow room. The OGGL is configurable for the three stages of the growing process, which are: vegetative, flowering, and cloning.OGGL UnitAbout International Endeavors Corporation (OTC stock symbol: IDVV)International Endeavors Corporation focuses on building intellectual property and making equipment sales in the medical marijuana and legal cannabis industry through the creation of off-grid grow labs, biomedical devices, clean-energy solutions, and patented devices. The company is also engaged in locating and acquiring established companies, brands, and technologies. The company's real estate portfolio includes commercial property, agricultural land, and buildings.Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. International Endeavors Corporation (IDVV) is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.Contact:Nate Engel, CEOPhone: 1-951-296-1024Email: nate@ internationalendeavorscorp.com SOURCE: International Endeavors Corporation Proteins are the molecular compound made up of chains of amino acids. Hydrolyzed proteins are the breakdown of protein bind into free amino acid. Hydrolyzed oat protein is a naturally derived soluble form of protein. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 08:13:09 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com abhishek manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 645 Words Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.commanager+1 03479183531 Proteins are the molecular compound made up of chains of amino acids. Hydrolyzed proteins are the breakdown of protein bind into free amino acid. Hydrolyzed oat protein is a naturally derived soluble form of protein. Hydrolyzed oat protein is a water soluble natural humectant primarily used in cosmetics products. It also act acts as a natural co-emulsifier and enables in reducing the greasiness of oil/water emulsions. In cosmetics products it acts as a conditioning, softening and moisturizing agent. Rising awareness and increasing demand for cosmetics products containing plant based natural ingredient is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period.Request Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3306 Market SegmentationHydrolyzed oat protein market is segmented on the basis of application which includes cosmetics, toiletries and detergents. Among all these segments cosmetics segment is expected to account for relatively higher value share in terms of value. Wide application of hydrolyzed oat protein in cosmetics products such as skin care or hair care products is expected to support the segmented growth over the forecast period. Cosmetics segment is further sub-segmented as skin care products and hair care products. Among both of these sub-segment skin care sub-segment is expected to have a major market share during the forecast period. Increasing usage of hydrolyzed oat protein in skin care moisturizing cream and sun care products is expected to fuel the growth of skin care sub-segment growth during the forecast period. Moreover, rising demand for ant-wrinkle cream and anti-aging cream with natural food ingredient across the globe is further expected to support the skin care segment growth over the forecast period. In addition, hair care sub-segment is expected to show a favorable growth in the near future. Hydrolyzed oat protein is gaining importance in terms of usage in hair treatment products and conditioning shampoo which is expected to support hair care sub-segment growth in the near future. Toiletries segment is expected to account for favorable growth in hydrolyzed oat protein market during the forecast period.Regional Analysis -:Geographically in hydrolyzed oat protein market Europe is expected to account for the major market share followed by North America during the forecast period. However these region is expected to account for moderate growth due to mature market. Among North American region U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the favorable growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for cosmetics products containing natural ingredient. Moreover in Latin America Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Buy This Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/3306 Consumers across the globe are perceiving food derived or plant based ingredients in personal care products as a healthy and value added products. They giving high preference to the products which contains a composition of natural ingredient which is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period. Traditionally oats have been viewed as healthy food, however their popularity has expanded in recent years they are also increasingly recognized as an ingredient with very low allergenic potential, but very high, proven, therapeutic value which is expected to fuel its market growth during the forecast period. Oats are increasingly used for maintaining skin such as it enables to soothe and heal the skin, reducing inflammation and redness. In addition, hydrolyzed oat protein is increasingly used for manufacturing ant-aging and anti-wrinkle cream which is further expected to fuel the market growth over the forecast period.Key Players -:Some of the major key players operating in flavonoid market includes Croda International Plc, Lotioncrafter LLC, Provital Group, BioOrganic Concepts, Induchem companies, Lonza Group, and Sinerga S.p.A. among others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:09:39 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way Suite 2-9018, Abhishek Budholiya Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 609 Words U.S. Office 616 Corporate WaySuite 2-9018,Manager3479183531 Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the global hips & knees reconstructive market in its upcoming report titled Hips & Knees Reconstructive Market: Global Industry Analysis (20122016) and Opportunity Assessment (2017 2027). In terms of revenue, the global hips & knees reconstructive market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period, owing to various factors regarding which FMI offers detailed insights and information in this report. A key trend witnessed in the global hips & knees reconstructive market is that manufacturers are focussing on new product innovations that are driving technological advancements, but are also cost effective. Globally, surgeons are adopting new minimally invasive surgical procedures, computer-navigated and robot-assisted surgical procedures, 3D printing technology and smart implants, which will have a significant impact on the overall growth of the global hips & knees reconstructive market.Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2717 Global Hips & Knees Reconstructive Market: Segmental ForecastThe global hips & knees reconstructive market is segmented based on product type, fixation type, end user and region. Based on product type, the market segmented into hip and knee reconstruction. The fixation type is segmented into cement, cementless and hybrid fixations. Total hip and knee reconstruction is the leading product type segment in the global hips & knees reconstructive market over the forecast period. The knee reconstruction segment is estimated to be valued at US$ 8,719.9 Mn by 2017 end and is projected to be valued at US$ 16,653.2 Mn by 2027 end, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The hip reconstruction segment is expected to be the second most lucrative segment in the global hips & knees reconstructive market, with an attractiveness index of 0.8 during the forecast period.Based on fixation type, cementless fixation is the leading segment in the global hips & knees reconstructive market over the forecast period. The hybrid segment accounted for 28.1% value share in 2016 and is projected to account for 29.9% share by 2027 end. It is the second most attractive segment in the global hips & knees reconstructive market with an attractiveness index of 1.0 during the forecast period.By end user, the market is segmented into hospitals, orthopaedic clinics, and ambulatory surgical centres. Hospitals is the leading segment in the global hips & knees reconstructive market over the forecast period. Demand for hip and knee reconstruction is expected to be the highest in hospitals, and this segment is projected to register a CAGR of 6.1 % over the forecast period.Global Hips & Knees Reconstructive Market: Regional ForecastNorth America is expected to gain popularity over the forecast period, driven by an increasing geriatric population requiring hip and knee reconstruction. The North America market is predicted to dominate the global hips & knees reconstructive market, accounting for a maximum revenue share of the market by 2017 end. The North America, Western Europe, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan markets are collectively expected to account for around 79% of the global hips & knees reconstructive market value share by 2017 end. Revenue from the market in APEJ is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period.Read Comprehensive Overview with Methodology of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2717 Key PlayersSome of the key hips & knees reconstructive market players covered in the report include Zimmer Biomet, Stryker, DePuy Companies (Sub. Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.), Smith & Nephew Plc, Exactech, Inc., B. Braun Melsungen AG, MicroPort Scientific Corporation, Limacorporate S.p.A., CeramTec, and ConforMIS. In this report, we have discussed the individual strategies followed by these companies regarding bringing improvements in their products, creating new manufacturing facilities, market consolidation and advanced R&D initiatives. The report concludes with key takeaways for players already present in the market and new players planning to enter the market. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 09:05:24 Competitive advantage of adopting power tools has lowered the adoption of hand tools. Multiple industrial operations are being equipped with power tools to benefit from their cost-effectiveness, lesser labour-induced work and higher efficiency. Furthermore, advancements in existing power tools are swiftly outpacing the upgrades done on conventional hand tools. In the long run, there is a possibility that hand tools might lose their applicability to power tools. Future Market Insights projects that during the forecast period 2017-2027, the global market for hand tools will showcase a moderate growth, registering a CAGR of 3.9%.Request For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/REP-GB-1114 Future Market Insights recently published report, titled Hand Tools Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2017-2027, estimates the global hand tools market to reach US$ 15.6 Bn value by end of 2017. In the ten-year forecast period, the global demand for hand tools is likely to witness a downtrend, bringing in just over US$ 22.3 Bn in revenues towards the end of 2027. Factors impacting the growth of global hand tools market are compiled in the report, which include:There has been a rise in the number of major manufacturing plants and industries in the world, wherein hand tools are widely used for maintenance purposesAutomotive repair & maintenance sector is presently a lucrative industrial vertical for application of hand toolsAlthough, the global demand for hand tools is predicted to decline due to rising prices of raw materials such as iron ore and aluminiumIncreasing prevalence of DIY activities and rising employment opportunities for technical jobs are observed as key trends of the global hand tools market. The report further reveals that a majority of hand tools sold in the world will be used for industrial purposes. In 2017, industrial application of hand tools is expected to net global revenues worth over US$ 9.3 Bn. Key findings in the report also indicate that metal cutting tools will be observed as top-selling products, registering a steady revenue growth at 4.9% CAGR. Also, throughout the forecast period, over 40% of global hand tool sales will be accounted by retail distribution channels. Online distribution of hand tools is also expected to gain traction towards the latter half of forecast period.North America is estimated to remain as the most-lucrative region for growth of hand tools market. Consistently procuring one-third share on global revenues, North America will remain the dominant region in the global hand tools market through 2027. On the other hand, the hand tools market in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region will register fastest revenue growth, exhibiting 6% CAGR over the forecast period. Companies such as Channellock, Inc., Akar Tools, Ltd., Apex Tools Group, Wera Tools, Snap-On, Stanley Back Decker, Kennametal Inc., Klein Tools, and JK Files (India) Limited are profiled in the report as key manufacturers of hand tools in the world.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1114 Halal Cheese Market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:01:52 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Budholiya Manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 644 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1 03479183531 Halal Cheese Market Introduction: In our diverse society, it is a necessity to respect all the religions and cultures. The followers of Islam religion prefer only the halal-certified foods, which follows specific guidelines that are acceptable in the Islamic religion. Halal cheese is made with bacterial culture or microbial enzymes, rather than animal rennet, gelatin, lipase, pepsin, vanilla extract or whey. As alcohol is haram according to Islam, the alcohol-based chemicals are not allowed to be used for cleaning of machinery involved in the manufacturing of halal cheese. Around one-fourth of the global population follows Islam religion, and cheese is one of the most popular food item. The global market for halal cheese is indicated to be large and growing further.Halal Cheese Market Dynamics: Other than the followers of the ethics of the Islam religion, halal certification gives a mental peace to the consumers who are concerned towards the unethical practices done with the animals for making food. The halal certification of cheese ensures that the manufacturing of the cheese does not incorporate any misbehavior with the animals and the cheese is made from the bacterial cultural. This psychological fact has driven the market for halal cheese. Some of the countries with a significant population of Muslims provides halal certification to all the food products, and cheese is one of the popular food ingredients for fast food, which is growing globally at a high pace due to the adoption of western culture. Thus, the halal cheese can easily penetrate in the countries concerned with halal certification. On the other hand, the manufacturing of cheese while following the halal guideline poses restraints on the manufacturers. Rest of the population provide a large market for cheese, and a large number of countries do not provide halal certification. These facts have restrained the market for halal cheese.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6072 Halal Cheese Market Segmentation:By types, the halal cheese market can be segmented intoBlueCheddarRed LeicesterMozzarellaNormal MozzarellaReduced-fat MozzarellaReduced-sodium MozzarellaBlendedFruit blendsSavory blendsOthersBy form, the halal cheese market can be segmented intoIndividually quick frozen cheese (IQF)Ribbon cheese (block)String cheeseSliced cheeseChilled cheeseBy end-use, the halal cheese market can be segmented intoHouseholdIndustrialBeverageFoodFast foodBakeryConfectioneryDessertsOthersHalal Cheese Market Regional Outlook: As the halal certification is a matter of concern for Muslims, the halal cheese market size can be estimated by considering the Muslim population in any particular region. The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the largest market for the halal cheese due to more than 60% of the Muslim population residing in the region. ASEAN countries, specifically Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines are the countries with a large population of Muslims, and thus a high demand for halal cheese is expected from the countries in this region. Although the market share of halal cheese in the Asia Pacific is meagre in the complete cheese market of the region, a considerable growth in the halal cheese market is expected. MEA region also accounts for a large population of Muslims, and GCC countries consist of some of the highly developed countries. Thus, a large market demand for halal cheese is expected from the MEA region, while rising at a low growth rate as compared to the Asia Pacific region. North America, Latin America, and Europe account for less than 5% of the global Muslim population, indicating a low market size of halal cheese in these regions.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6072 Halal Cheese Market Key Players: Some of the key players in the halal cheese market areDairy Produce Packers LtdCaledonian Cheese CompanyGlanbia Cheese LtdKnolton Farmhouse CheeseLong Clawson Dairy LtdProszkownia Mleka Spo?ka z o.o.Wyke Farms Limited PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 00:15:32 The Out of the Shadows Index' measures how countries address child sexual abuse and exploitation for an estimated 70% of the world's childrenUS Ranks Fifth with a score of 73.7 out of 100 Among Nine Top Quartile Countries with Best Overall ScoresNEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / January 15, 2019 / Today, the World Childhood Foundation USA (WCF) announced the findings of Out of the Shadows: Shining light on the response to childsexual abuse and exploitation,' a 40-country benchmarking Index, representing 70% of the world's children, which was developed through a first-of-its-kind research program conducted by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) with support from the World Childhood Foundation, the Oak Foundation and the Carlson Family Foundation. The Index measures countries' responses to child sexual abuse and exploitation. This groundbreaking tool will help countries to track their progress toward reaching Sustainable Development Goal target 16.2: ''ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against, and torture of, children by 2030.''"The safety and well-being of the world's children must remain a global priority," said Her Royal Highness Princess Madeleine of Sweden, co-founder of #EyesWideOpen initiative of WCF. ''With approximately 200 million of the world's children experiencing sexual violence each year, the need to document and benchmark the global effort to prevent child sexual violence has never been more important. The Out of the Shadows report provides vital data to track the efforts of countries to end child sexual abuse and exploitation.'' The objective of this research effort is to help raise global awareness and mobilize action to address the global epidemic of child sexual abuse and exploitation. The Index will give policymakers, the public and influencers around the world a clearer understanding of the issue and help identify best practices and areas for attention. The Index assesses the extent to which countries are acknowledging and responding to the problem of sexual violence against children.The Index framework was developed in close consultation with the global expert community. The quantitative and qualitative data in the Index were collected and analyzed between February and December of 2018 by The EIU project team, employing country experts and regional specialists from its global network. The Index focuses on 4 categories:EnvironmentLegal FrameworkGovernment Commitment and CapacityEngagement of industry, civil society and mediaThe important focus areas in EIU's research for the Out of the Shadows study included examining engagement and response from the private sector, particularly information and communications technology and the travel and tourism industries. For companies that share data and content online, such as Internet Service Providers and mobile telecoms operators, the existence of a notice and takedown system, which allows members of the public to report potentially unlawful CSA content, has emerged as a global solution and is present in 28 of the 40 countries in the Index.In the travel and tourism industry, growth of the sexual exploitation of children over the past two decades is linked to increased international and domestic travel, cheaper flights, and the use of mobile technologies. ''TheOut of the Shadows Index is a step towards understanding how effective our collective response has been to the tragic and pernicious problem of child sex abuse and exploitation globally and country-by-country. Its rigorous data-driven approach gives us the ability to evaluate the best way forward to attain the ultimate Sustainable Development Goal of ending all child trafficking by 2030,'' said Kurt Ekert, president & CEO of Carlson Wagonlit Travel. ''As an organization that operates in the travel and tourism industry, we oppose the use of travel and other advances in technology to engage in child sex abuse and exploitation. We applaud the Carlson Family Foundation for supporting this first-of-its- kind benchmarking tool, and we are firmly committed to tracking progress in fighting child sex trafficking and protecting all children from this type of abuse.'' The countries of the Index were scored out of 100 and the countries with the highest overall scores are: 1. United Kingdom (82.7), 2. Sweden (81.5), 3. Canada (75.3), 4. Australia (74.9) and 5. the United States (73.7). (Scores and other additional Index details for all 40 countries are available at: outoftheshadows.eiu.com) OverallKey findings from the Out of the Shadows studydemonstrate that:Child sexual abuse (CSA) and child sexual exploitation (CSE) are pressing concerns for both wealthy and poor countries alike.Social norms and attitudes toward sex, sexuality and gender matter and gender inequality is linked to the acceptance of violence and to sexual violence against children.Boys are overlooked with more than half (21) of the 40 countries lacking legal protections for boys within their child rape laws, and only 17 countries collecting prevalence data about boys. Just five collect prevalence data for boys related to CSE.Given the scale of the problem, preventative strategies are critical. Only 4 (four) of the 40 countries have government-supported programs that make prevention services available to at-risk or prospective child sex offenders.Key findings of the Index specific to the United States:Wherehas progress been made?There are comprehensive laws prohibiting sexual offenses against children, which are enforced at both the federal and state level.Numerous civil society organizations provide a variety of support services for child victims of sexual offenses.The ''National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction'' was adopted in 2016 and involves a large number of federal agencies.The country's private technology, news media, and travel and tourism industries have committed to tackling sexual offences against children.Whatmore needs to be done?A comprehensive survey on the prevalence of child sexual exploitation does not exist.There is no federal system of support for victims of child sexual violence.Most laws on such offenses are state laws, leading to state-by-state variations.''For nearly 20 years, the World Childhood Foundation has supported >100 projects on an annual basis in the US and globally. We hope that the Out of theShadows Index can be a transformative and powerful too PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 14:03:44 TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Gratomic Inc. ("Gratomic" or the "Company") (TSX-V: GRAT) (CB81-FRANKFURT) a vertically integrated graphite to graphenes, advanced materials company is pleased to announce the development of Gratomic's new Graphene Ultra Fuel Efficient Tires (GUET) with certification and terrain testing targeted for completion in Q3, 2019."Purely from a demand perspective, we have been pulled into a market which represents a very large opportunity for Gratomic. Simply put, our customers want what we have; high quality graphene. Not only are Hybrid Graphene enhanced tires fuel efficient, but they can also demonstrate better handling and longer life" commented Gratomic's Chairman and Co-CEO Sheldon Inwentash. "The GUET tire market represents a very large vertical for Gratomic which the Company will be vigorously pursuing in 2019, and beyond." Gratomic recognizes the automotive tire market is large and is expected to grow to 2.5 billion tires by 2022. Gratomic looks to penetrate and disrupt the traditional means of tire production by providing graphene enabled GUET tires. To date, the global tire market has recognized that employing graphenes within tire treads, walls and the inner linings can make tires lighter, provide better grip and reduce rolling resistance to an extent that is not possible with existing tire compounds. On average, this would require 20 to 25 grams of graphene per tire. However, for the Industry, specification consistency and scaleability of supply have been limiting factors and to date have been the biggest constraints in commercializing Graphene.Attributed to the right combination of geology at the mine and our processing partner, Gratomic strongly believes it can satisfy the supply demand of quality graphenes required for what the Company believes is the growing market demand for a new age economy tire. Gratomic is confident in its ability to deliver consistent quality and quantities of Graphenes to end users.Gratomic has been able to achieve this through a unique collaboration agreement with its development partner Perpetuus Carbon Technologies who currently supplies substantial quantities of surface modified graphenes on a monthly basis to the tire industry through its Patented Plasma Process.Ian Walters Director - Perpetuus Carbon Technologies Limited stated:"Perpetuus' investigative analysis and characterization has concluded that the Graphenes derived from the Gratomic mine are highly friable, more so than any other graphite tested for purpose by the Perpetuus Labs. The liberated graphenes when functionalized have demonstrated excellent processability. Initial application in a host of end uses has demonstrated excellent suitability for a range of products. Most noteworthy are the excellent results generated when the Hybrid Graphenes are included in elastomers for tire construction. Perpetuus looks forward to working with Gratomic to launch probably the first range of Graphene enabled ultra fuel efficient tires." Employing its dedicated facility for the patented Perpetuus plasma method Gratomic post plasma processing produces graphenes (less than 10 layers) of a high purity (CK 99.10%) derived from its Graphite Mine in Namibia.Website:Gratomic is pleased to advise shareholders that the Company's website has been updated. Please visit www.gratomic.ca About Perpetuus Carbon Technologies.Perpetuus is the world's largest producer of plasma surface engineered graphenes formulated for specific end uses with a capacity in excess of 100's of tonnes per annum. The company has a lab to commercialization facility based at its two premises in South Wales UK. Cycle and car tires enhanced with Perpetuus graphenes are currently and simultaneously being road tested on bikes, light commercial vehicles and taxis in Asia and Europe and are used on a daily basis. Perpetuus surfaced engineered graphenes are currently being introduced into development programmes for aircraft and industrial tires.About Gratomic Inc.Gratomic is an advanced materials company focused on mine to market commercialization of graphite products most notably high value graphene-based components for a range of mass market products. We are collaborating with a leading European manufacturer of graphenes to use Aukam graphite to manufacture graphene products for commercialization on an industrial scale. The company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol GRAT.For more information: visit the website at www.gratomic.ca or contact:Arno Brand, Co-CEO, +1 416-561-4095 E-mail inquiries: abrand@ gratomic.ca "Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS:This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com) SOURCE: Gratomic Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:01:03 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 646 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 A chest drainage system, also known as a thoracic drainage system, is a sterile, disposable system with a number of drainage holes that are inserted into the pleural (one of the two membranes around the lungs) space, i.e. the space between visceral and parietal pleura, most commonly known as the pleural cavity. It is used to prevent air or fluid back into the patient. A patient may require a chest drainage system at any time the negative pressure in the pleural cavity is disrupted, resulting in respiratory distress. A traditional chest drainage system usually has the following chambers: - collection chamber, water-seal chamber and the wet or dry suction chamber. In addition to the mentioned chambers, a chest drainage system also has many safety features to ensure that high negative pressures can be monitored and relieved quickly. Chest drainage system is usually air tight to prevent the inflow of atmospheric pressure.Chest Drainage System Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe growing prevalence and recurrence of cardiovascular diseases is expected to be the major factor driving the growth of the chest drainage system market over the forecast period. Pneumothorax is one of the major health problems across the globe. Expanding health insurance coverage is expected to increase demand for chest drainage system procedures. Patients with private coverage are more likely to seek medical treatment at an urgent care center or hospital settings. According to industry experts, favorable insurance coverage would influence the chest drain system market significantly by penetrating the sub-urban areas. These factors are expected to boost the growth of the chest drainage system market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7121 Chest Drainage System Market: SegmentationTentatively, the global chest drainage system Market can be segmented on the basis of indication, end user and geography.Based on indications, the global chest drainage system market is segmented as:Pleural EffusionHemothoraxPneumothoraxCardiac tamponadeBased on end users, the global chest drainage system market is segmented as:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsBased on geography, the global chest drainage system market is segmented as:North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia PacificJapanChinaMiddle-East & AfricaChest Drainage System Market: OverviewThe global market for chest drainage system is expected to witness more transactions and consolidations in the next three to four years. Majority of the products are updated and introduced in the Chest Drainage System market and thus there exists a high competition among the key players. Among the indication types, the pneumothorax segment is expected to lead in the global chest drainage system market over the forecast period. Hospitals, by end users are expected to contribute a considerable share in the global chest drainage system market as it is the most accessible channel and majority of patients are recommended for outpatient treatment.Chest Drainage System Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global chest drainage system market is segmented into viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, China and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is expected to be dominant market in the global chest drainage system market due to the factors such as high costs, and high level of awareness. The Chest Drainage System Market in Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow at a significant CAGR due to rising awareness levels in the developing countries. Europe is expected to have second largest share in the global Chest Drainage System Market throughout the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7121 Chest Drainage System Market: Key PlayersThe global market for chest drainage System is highly competitive. Examples of some of the key players operating in the global chest drainage system market are Teleflex Incorporated, MAQUET Holding B.V. & Co. KG, Utah Medical Products, Inc., Smiths Medical, Inc., ATMOS Medizintechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Sinapi Biomedical, (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and others. Mobile Application Development Platform PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 22:30:22 Press Information QYReports Pune, India. Jones John Sales Manager +91-9764607607 email http://www.qyreports.com # 421 Words Pune, India.Sales Manager+91-9764607607 QYReports has added a new report to its research repository. The report is titled, Global Mobile Application Development Platform Market Size, Status and Forecast 2023. The report presents a comprehensive overview of the entire growth trajectory of the global market throughout the course of the forecast period. Various segments have been taken into consideration to provide the readers a holistic view of the entire market scenario. The competitive landscape in consideration with the leading companies and the companies operating in the market has been highlighted and researched upon minutely. Various regions have also been explained where the market is operating successfully and the regions where the players might find lucrative opportunities in the future have also been mentioned in the report.Get sample copy of this report @Under the overall analysis of the global Mobile Application Development Platform market, the researchers have shed light on sales price, sales, and capacity factors. The sales price analysis of the global market has been offered for the year 2015 based on company segment. A parallel pattern of analysis has been practiced for evaluating sales and capacity factors that include growth rate.Top key players included in this report @: Adobe Systems, IBM, Kony, Salesforce, SAP, Appcelerator, Backbase, Globo, Intellectsoft, Microsoft, Oracle, OutSystems, Red Hat, Sourcebits, Telerik etc.The key geographies across the world have been assessed in the report, viz. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East & Africa and Latin America. The progress of each of these countries and regions has been examined on the basis of share, price, local consumption, export, import, and local supply. Besides this, the report has provided a basic overview of all these geographies. The examiners have also conversed the growth trend of the global Mobile Application Development Platform market while taking into account the price, volume, and value forecast, product and application trends, and consumption in different geographical markets.Get discount copy of this report @Describing the competitive hierarchy in the global Mobile Application Development Platform market, the report profiles some of the key players operating in the market. Recent improvements in the industry have been taken into consideration while projecting the future outlook of the market.Major Factors: Global Mobile Application Development Platform Market Overview Economic Impact on Market Market Competition Global Mobile Application Development Platform Market Analysis by Application Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Global Mobile Application Development Platform Market Effect, Factors, Analysis Global Mobile Application Development Platform Market Forecast PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:09:14 Press Information Research report insights Contact Us: Research Report Insights (RRI 42 Joseph Street Port carling P0B 1J0 Muskoka, Ontario1 Phone - +1-631-721-4201 Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.com Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com bishu 1-631-721-4201 1-631-721-4201 email https://www.researchreportinsights.com # 618 Words Contact Us:Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.comEmail: sales@researchreportinsights.com1-631-721-42011-631-721-4201 The commodity chemicals are foreseeing a rise in the market growth because of the economic expansion and rising gross domestic product (GDP) of developing and developed countries worldwide. The worldwide market for commodity chemicals is segmented into organics, petrochemicals, plastics, explosives, resins, synthetic rubbers, films, fibers and inorganics. These segments comprise several types of chemicals, for instance, acetic acid, methanol, propylene, polyvinyl chloride, hexane, benzene, melamine, methyl, acetone, glycol, esters, glycerines, adipic acid, butyl acetate, bisphenol, butanediol in addition to butadiene.There are high expansion prospects in the Asia Pacific market as a result of developing economies like India, Indonesia and China. These nations have flourishing manufacturing sectors that get ample back up from the respective governments. The Asia Pacific commodity chemicals market also gets huge support from gulf nations such as Iran, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the structure of a bulk supply of crude oil and natural gas. The main economical aspect which influences the buying decisions of the end customers is the price. Price is the foremost determining aspect since the product distinction in the instance of these commodity chemicals is extremely low. Though, the rigid governments regulation all over the world in relation to the environment and health side effect of chemicals as well as fluctuating prices of natural gas as well as crude oil are laying noteworthy challenge for the industry.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124689/Commodity-Chemicals-Market Countries Tariffs on Chemicals to Impact the Worldwide MarketsRecently, China's tariffs on chemicals, polymers are considered to alter the regional trade. Among which the US commodity chemical products market is indicated to be most impacted on the basis of exports to China since a percentage of overall production during the year 2017 are styrene, monoethylene glycol (MEG), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), EVA copolymers, ethylene dichloride (EDC) and high density PE (HDPE) , on the basis of an study of select chemicals trade flows. Nevertheless, China is still considered to have a dominant part as the worlds largest importer.Manufacturers Merge to Produce the Various Types of Commodity Chemicals to Meet the Exact Customer RequirementsLyondellBasell has recently finished the $2.25bn acquisition of A Schulman high-performance composites, plastic compounds as well as powders supplier. The acquisition, as indicated by LyondellBasell, doubles more than the companys present compounding business as well as broadens its extend to the high-margin end, growing markets such as construction materials, automotive, packaging and electronic goods. The joint business is likely to function as a separate advanced polymer solutions reporting sector. Also the A Schulman assets and the companys present propylene compounding assets, the segment would include polybutene-1 resins and catalloy thermoplastic resins. Likewise incorporated in the advanced polymers solutions sector would be engineered masterbatches, powders, and composites that are all novel to the product portfolio of LyondellBasells.Request For Report TOC: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124689/Commodity-Chemicals-Market Likewise, The Dow Chemical company ended its force majeure on VAM (vinyl acetate monomer) recently, elevating the proclamation for Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific and India, the Middle East, Africa, in addition to the sales dominance on VAM in North America.LyondellBasell Industries and the Dow Chemical Company are the leading makers in the commodity chemicals market and apart from them, a few of the major market players operating in the worldwide market for commodity chemicals are BASF SE, Chem China, Bayer AG, INEOS Group Holding, Evonik Industries, Sumitomo Chemicals, Asahi Kasei, Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings Corporation, PPG Industries, Linde Group along with Akzo Nobel. Thus, market players are gaining a competitive edge and taking efforts to enhance their product portfolio in the commodity chemicals market.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124689/Commodity-Chemicals-Market Gamma Knife Surgery in India is for Brain Cancer & Tumor Treatment with use of Gamma Rays. Ask DheerajBojwani.com to know the COST of Gamma Knife Surgery & Gamma Knife Hospitals. Gamma Knife Surgery is among the most preferred treatment procedures to treat tumors. The technique makes use of radiations to destroy tumors without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues Gamma knife surgery advantages India PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:04:26 Press Information Dheeraj Bojwani Consultant 160/10, Bannerghatta Road, Opp. 11 M-B, Banglore, Karnataka - 504125, India Ankit Sharma Medical Healthcare Consultant +91-9860755000 email https://www.dheerajbojwani.com/gamma-knife-surgery-India-low-cost-advantages.html # 431 Words 160/10, Bannerghatta Road, Opp. 11 M-B, Banglore, Karnataka - 504125, IndiaMedical Healthcare Consultant+91-9860755000 India offers high Quality and affordable treatment at affordable cost including the Low-cost Gamma knife surgery India. There is no doubt about the fact that Indian hospitals have the best quality and affordable healthcare treatments. If you compare the cost of healthcare services in Indian hospitals with the ones found in US and UK, you can realize the affordability element of the healthcare services in the East particularly in this country is incredible. In fact, India ranks high in giving high-quality healthcare services at much of the affordable cost. This is among the vital Gamma knife surgery advantages India the global patients can find in this country.No waiting period for any healthcare treatment. Interestingly, when you get the healthcare services in countries like India, it comes along with no waiting list. This means if you have any medical emergency and want a quick surgery in the country, one can find the best of the healthcare services with much of the affordable cost. Hence the global patients willing to go for the surgery with the quickest way, one can find the surgery without any delay thus reaping another vital Gamma knife surgery advantages India.The next comes the availability of advanced Equipment in the Indian hospitals. The hospitals dealing with various ailments are equipped with one of the most advanced diagnostic technologies and treatments that can be found in the developed nations. The Indian doctors and surgeons working in hospitals have huge experience of handling various ailments. The Indian hospitals are similarly ranked than the ones found in the U.S. The hospitals govern with state of art technologies, which makes all the difference.The Availability of medical experts always remains available for global patients. In India, most of the hospitals are known to have one of the best teams and which is multidisciplinary in nature. This means you can easily get the Gamma Knife Surgery in India with great ease and professionalism seeking the help of top hematologists, radiation and medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nuclear medicine physicians, nurses, and several other relevant health professionals.About Dheeraj Bojwani Consultants - If you are looking for a leader in the medical tourism industry then look no further than the group Dheeraj Bojwani Group. It has the best doctors, surgeons, oncologists, medical team, hospitals and clinics in its network. This means you will always get quality healthcare services including Gamma Knife Surgery in India packages with great offers and deals. You have many more benefits to reap like getting complete local support in a foreign land that will make you feel at home. Fragrance Emulsion Market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:22:34 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Budholiya Manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 854 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1 03479183531 The flavor and fragrance market is witnessing an upward trend owing to the growing appetite for flavors and fragrances in the food & beverage industry and increasing demand for natural products in the personal care and cosmetics industries. Amidst the prevailing popularity of alcohol-based fragrances, demand for fragrance emulsion is rising quickly, in turn, propelling the fragrance emulsion market. However, higher cost and limited variety of fragrance emulsion products are expected to confine the adoption of fragrance emulsion in the fragrance emulsion market.Functional superiority of fragrance emulsion in terms of their natural origin, less harsh on skin, non-flammable and skin moisturizing properties is gradually gaining traction in the fragrance emulsion market. In addition, as fragrance ingredients are highly monitored for their concentration levels added in the consumer products, adoption of fragrance emulsion is likely to get influenced in the fragrance emulsion market. Amidst the wide-spread popularity of synthetic fragrance ingredients, increasing preference for natural aromas is expected augur well for the fragrance emulsion market in the coming years. Moreover, a recent surge in the demand for water-based perfumes is also expected to challenge the adoption rates of fragrance emulsion ingredients, thereby, restricting the progress of the fragrance emulsion market.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6075 Market IntroductionFragrances are highly complex system of aroma chemicals that are mostly alcohol based or emulsion based. Fragrances based on alcohol are generally known as fragrance solution or fragrance concentrate. Presently, most of the personal care products such as creams or lotion, shampoos, bath gels are emulsion based. In fragrance emulsion, perfume oil is dissolved in water with the help of an emulsifier to stabilize the emulsion. In the formulation of fragrance emulsion, anionic and nonionic emulsifiers can be used. However, the fragrance emulsion can be of water-in-oil type (W/O), generally oil-in-water type (O/W) emulsion has dominant traction in the market. Fragrance emulsion plays an important role in the personal care industry, as a fragrance is the key deciding factor for the consumer. Moreover, fragrance gives a certain characteristic to a brand. The presence of fragrance as an ingredient in personal care products is universal, hence, great opportunities lie for the fragrance emulsion in the developing and under developing market, owing to the increasing demand for cosmetics and personal care products in luxury, mass market, and professional sectors which is anticipated to drive the growth of fragrance emulsion market over the forecast periodMarket SegmentationGlobal fragrance emulsion market can be segmented on the basis notes, application, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of notes, the Fragrance Emulsion market can be segmented into oriental notes, woody notes, fresh notes and floral notes and others. Under oriental note, sweet spices, amber, and resins are taken into consideration. Under fresh notes segment, aromatic herbs, citrus oils, aquatic notes, green notes and fruity notes. While under woody notes, aromatic wood such as vetiver, amber, and dry wood is considered. On the basis of application, fragrance emulsion market is segmented into personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and others. On the basis of the distribution channel, fragrance emulsion can be segmented into direct and indirect sales. Indirect sales can be further sub-segmented into hypermarkets/supermarket, convenience stores, specialty stores, online retail, and others.Market Regional OutlookOn the basis of the regional outlook, fragrance emulsion market is segmented into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Japan. Among all the regions, Europe and Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the fragrance emulsion market followed by North America, Asia Pacific market is expected to exhibit substantial growth rate over the forecast period.Market DynamicsThe global cosmetic and personal care industry has witnessed unprecedented growth over the past decade and is still going strong especially in emerging and developing economies such as China and India respectively, owing to the expansion of major cosmetic and personal care companies in the region which has created a substantial demand for fragrance emulsion. Moreover, attributed to the improving standard of living of middle-income group globally, coupled with the growing concerns regarding skin protection and the increase in emphasis over self-grooming especially in younger demographics has translated into an increase in the per capita expenditure on cosmetics and personal care products and is anticipated to drive the growth of global fragrance emulsion market over the forecast period. However, formulating fragrance emulsion is associated with undesirable consequences such as thinning or breaking of emulsion, discoloration, change in odor or loss of odor strength over time, interaction of fragrance ingredients with personal care products ingredient and with skin, thus to create a new odor of fragrance emulsion all these consequences have to be considered which requires a lot of investment in research and development and is anticipated to hamper the growth of global fragrance emulsion market over the forecast period.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6075 Market Key PlayerSome of the major players operating in fragrance emulsion market include Givaudan SA, Firmenich, IFF, Symrise, Takasago, Mane SA, Frutarom, Robertet SA, Sensient Technologies Corporation and other regional players. Food and Beverage Protective Cultures Market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:04:31 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Budholiya Manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 635 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1 03479183531 The global market for protective cultures, particularly for food and beverages industry is marked by products substituting artificial preservatives in order to promote safe and healthy eating along with extending shelf life of food products. Food and beverage protective cultures are manufactured by bioscience companies that develop natural food ingredient and solutions. Bio science companies operating in the global market are particularly focusing on developing protective cultures for food and beverages market in order to better serve their clients in meeting their business end objectives of reaching to health conscious consumers.Food and Beverage Protective Cultures Market: SegmentationThe global market for food and beverage protective cultures is segmented on the basis of end use as followsYogurtCheeseMeatSeafoodBeveragesRequest to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6074 Food and Beverage Protective Cultures Market: Market DynamicsThe global food and beverages industry is marked by presence of market players competing with each other to appeal to consumers with strong health conscious attitude. Manufacturers and brands operating in the food and beverage industry have to communicate superior product value alongwith sustaining quality of shelf life. Food and beverage protective culture manufacturing companies provide protective culture that are able to replace traditionally used artificial preservatives. Artificial preservatives are being conventionally used in manufacturing of food and beverage products, particularly for fermented products in order to extend shelf life of these food products. Shelf life of a product plays a vital role in achieving inventorying and supply chain objectives in order to serve a large global market. Brands with product portfolio that can withstand long shelf life are able to command strong merchandising value on retail shelves. Food and beverage protective cultures provide milk, seafood, meat, poultry and other processed foods with capability to sustain shelf life.In 2017, Danish bioscience company Chr Hansen launched products in the protective cultures market particularly for yogurt and cheese applications. The protective cultures products launched by Chr Hansen aims to help their clients replace artificial preservatives in order to sustain shelf life of yogurts and cheese products.Protective cultures have higher product cost as compared to artificial preservatives. Despite relatively higher cost, food and beverage brands are gradually preferring protective cultures as it allows them to target consumer demanding natural solutions for processed foods. The growing trend of ingredient marketing allows manufacturers and marketers to communicate the significance of natural ingredients over artificial preservatives. Food and beverages protective cultures are recently being added to food products that do not require fermentation. The global market for food and beverage protective culture is driven by investment by food and beverage manufacturers to serve demand for organic and natural food products.The global market for protective cultures faces limited or restricted scope for foods that are heat treated. However, continuous product innovation and new product development processes are expected to broaden the scope of application for food and beverages protective cultures market.Food and Beverage Protective Cultures Market: Regional OutlookThe global food and beverage protective cultures market is segmented into seven key regions, including, North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) and Japan. Geographic region with popularity of processed and packaged foods are expected to generate considerable revenue for food and beverages cultures market. China and North America region which represents substantial consumption of meat and dairy products is expected to create high total incremental opportunity during the forecast period 2017-2027.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6074 Global Food and Beverage Protective Cultures Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the players operating in the food and beverage protective cultures market include Chr. Hansen A/S, Danisco A/S, Sacco Srl, Prayon S.A., Kerry Inc., DSM N.V. and Dalton Biotecnologie S.r.l. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:01:49 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 650 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Cranial doppler is an innovative technology for diagnosis the neurological related health issues. The cranial transmit information between brain and different part of body which can help the passing of information. The neurological disease is very difficult to diagnosis but the cranial doppler help for diagnosis in a perfect way, so that the correct time for diagnosis help for treatment. The cranial doppler is non-invasive technique for diagnosis neurological disease which can affect the health of the patients. The doppler provide real time measurement, so to monitor flow changes in the brain. The cranial doppler can be used for diagnosis for various diseases like cerebral circulation, ischemic cerebrovascular disease and others diseases. The cranial doppler diagnosis is better than other traditional diagnosis system as the results are more perfect and reduce the time for the process. If the cerebral circulation problem did not diagnosed in early then the flow of blood via arteries and veins in brain can hamper the brain cause a risk for the patients.Cranial Doppler Market: Drivers and RestraintsCranial Doppler market is growing market, the patient are looking preventing method to avoid treatment, so that the diagnosis should occur in proper time which can directly boost of Cranial Doppler. The high cost of neurological surgery for treatment also indirectly boost the market for Cranial Doppler for diagnosis the neurological problem and start treatment via medication and other natural therapy. The Cranial Doppler is the first line for screening the neurological problem have impact on growth of market. The high cost of Cranial Doppler and lack of awareness about the product in various region along with the lack of availability in the region is the current hindrance for the market of Cranial Doppler.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7124 Cranial Doppler Market: SegmentationCranial Doppler market is segmented based onCranial Doppler based on Product TypesPortableTrolley MountedWearableCranial Doppler based on End UserHospitalsAmbulatory Surgery CentreNeurological CentreCranial Doppler Market: OverviewCranial Doppler is an effective medical device which can provide proper diagnosis for neurological problem with proper result in real time. The Cranial Doppler is the first line for start treatment as the Cranial Doppler provide proper diagnosis in real time, so the healthcare professional can analysis the stage of problem and process according to that for further treatment. The market Cranial Doppler increase by enhancing healthcare systems in various geographical region. The availability of favourable reimbursement also boost the growth market for Cranial Doppler market which reduce the pocket cost of individual patients in various regions.Cranial Doppler Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, Cranial Doppler market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America show major growth as the healthcare system are welled managed along with the present of major players within the region. Western and Eastern Europe Cranial Doppler market show growth as the adaptation of product is increasing among healthcare professional for proper diagnosis. Asia Pacific Excluding Japan Cranial Doppler market has sluggish growth as the improving healthcare system and increasing adaptation among the healthcare professional for diagnosis in the various countries. Japan Cranial Doppler market show moderate growth as the product as the healthcare professional are looking for more technology advanced in the current product, so as to increase the growth in the country. Middle East and Africa Cranial Doppler market show slow growth as the healthcare professional are not much aware about the product and the lack of healthcare system in some countries hinder the market of Cranial Doppler.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7124 Cranial Doppler Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in Cranial Doppler market include: ELCAT, Viasonix, Recorders & Medicare Systems P Ltd., Atys medical, Neural Analytics, Inc., Natus Medical Incorporated, bmtech, Rimed,Shenzhen Delica Medical Equipment Co., Ltd. and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:01:32 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 658 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Baby bottle warmers is very necessary device which is needed for warming the milk for baby at a particular temperature which is required and make the milk warm, so that baby can easily take the milk. The baby bottle warmer consist of warm heat which is produce by water boiling and small cooler which cool the bottle and make the temperature of milk normal. Milk is the main food for babies, as milk content all necessary component which is present for growth. The milk can be stored in a frozen condition where it can used for various hours. The bottle warmer is much more effective than any other traditional method for heating milk and then cooling by using cold water, this whole process increase the time limits for preparing the frozen milk to a normal milk which can be taken by babies. The traditional method for milk warming is a time taking process and the temperature control is also not done in a proper way, in some cases after boiling and cool the milk remain hot according to babies or in some cases after cooling the milk got extra chill, this all effect the babies lifestyle and the time management issue is created.Baby Bottle Warmers Market: Drivers and RestraintsBaby bottle warmers is a growing market over the forecast period, as the birth rate per hour is 15,000 over the worldwide which directly boost the market for baby bottle warmers. The time management is the major benefits of baby bottle warmer along with perfect temperature and less losses of energy. The baby bottle warmers are getting technology advancement which reduce more human efforts and improve the quality for temperature control and others. The high efficacy of the baby bottle warmers increase the market share for baby bottle warmers. The lack of product availability in the region along with lack of awareness about the product in all the region and high price problem is also the major hindrance for the growth of baby bottle warmers.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7123 Baby Bottle Warmers Market: SegmentationBaby Bottle Warmers market is segmented based onBaby Bottle Warmers based on Product TypesBaby Bottle Sterilizers TypeBaby Bottle Warmers TypeOther TypeBaby Bottle Warmers based on End UserHomecareBaby Care CentresOthersBaby Bottle Warmers Market: OverviewBaby bottle warmers market is mainly focused by increasing number of baby in various region over the worldwide. The advance technology increase the product quality with additional feature for fully automatic and alarm system when the warming process is completed. The baby bottle warmer is a most important product for all the mothers, as the baby food is the most important part for baby growth and development. Industries players are continuously working to improve the quality of the product with advance sensor technology, along with that the players are working on price problem to reduce the prices of the product.Baby Bottle Warmers Market: Region-wise OutlookGeographically, Baby Bottle Warmers market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America has the major market for baby bottle warmers as the present of major players along with lifestyle of the region also recommended the product by health professional. Western Europe & Eastern Europe Baby Bottle Warmers market also show growth as the product adaptation is increasing within the region. Asia Pacific Excluding Japan show sluggish growth due to lack of product availability with the region along with pricing is also the major factor which affect the Baby Bottle Warmers market growth of baby bottle warmers market.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7123 Baby Bottle Warmers Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in baby bottle warmers market include: Koninklijke Philips N.V., Kiinde, Inc., Handi-Craft Company., beaba, Babybelle Asia Ltd, B.Well Swiss, Barkey GmbH & Co. KG, Tommee Tippee, BELDICO and others. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 13:02:56 FireIce Protects Endangered Property in Camp and Woolsey Fires in CaliforniaJUPITER, FL / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / GelTech Solutions, Inc. (OTCQB: GLTC), an innovator in the use of environmentally-friendly polymers for fire suppression and protection, today announced that FireIce Medium-Term Retardant Gel was utilized successfully in both the Camp and Woolsey fires in California this past fall. In both fires, the application of FireIce, although used on a limited basis, was credited with saving several structures from possible destruction at a significant cost savings.In early 2018, GelTech started an initiative to develop relationships with several major insurance companies, a wildland fire risk analysis and mapping company and several independent firefighting engine companies that all work in concert to identify at-risk properties, develop response plans, and ultimately deploy ground teams that pre-treat homes and structures with FireIce gel in the event of an approaching wildland fire. This fall in California, this response strategy was successful in saving several structures that were in immediate danger from the fires.FireIce proved highly effective in protecting those structures and in protecting the insurance company from what otherwise would have been substantial losses. Based upon the initial successful implementation of this strategy, GelTech Solutions plans to expand its efforts to market our FireIce products to other insurance companies that have assets located in fire-prone wildland urban interface regions across the United States.Additionally, in mid-December, following the devastating wildfires, GelTech Solutions personnel conducted training for firefighters from a major firefighting agency in Southern California, a customer of our distributor, FireIce Solutions. Firefighters were trained in the use of FireIce products, including FireIce gels, Polar Eco-foam, equipment, and UL Rated Fire Extinguishers. This county-wide department initiative will result in FireIce products being used in wildland fire, municipal fire, and structure protection operations. With the training program now completed and initial inventory purchased and distributed, GelTech expects that the product rollout within the county will begin shortly."These are both significant developments for GelTech, not only for our company's advancement in California, but also for the opportunities in new markets for urban interface operations and insurance protection," said Matt Struzziero, Vice President of GelTech's Fire Services Division. "With our complete range of firefighting agents and services, we continue to establish ourselves as an industry leader for cost-effective ground and aerial fire suppression and asset protection." "GelTech has now established a presence in the state of California, which unfortunately has been devastated by these destructive and costly wildland fires in recent years," said Michael Reger, Chairman and CEO of GelTech. "These successes are the culmination of many years of intense effort that is now coming to fruition, and we look forward to a substantial increase in sales of our products in California in 2019."About GelTech's Fire Services DivisionGelTech Solutions' Fire Division Services specializes in providing cutting-edge fire suppression and retardant agents and equipment, as well as training and support, to wildland fire agencies and municipal fire departments around the world. Our talented team has extensive firefighting and aviation experience in federal, state, local, and Canadian government agencies, allowing us to understand the specific needs, challenges and goals of our customers. As an agile organization, we have an ability to be fast moving, flexible and robust - capable of rapid response to unexpected challenges, events, and opportunities in a wildland fire environment where the "new normal" of large and complex fires is unprecedented.GelTech Solutions, under the guidance of chief technology officer Peter Cordani, developed the original FireIce product as a next-generation, environmentally-friendly firefighting agent in 2007. Over the last ten years, GelTech's team of wildland fire specialists has expanded the original FireIce product to a portfolio of FireIce branded fire chemicals, equipment and services designed to help wildland fire agencies around the world fight fire in a safer, more effective, less costly and more environmentally friendly way. For more information on GelTech and FireIce, please visit www.geltechsolutions.com and www.fireice.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements including the expected increase in sales in California and expected product rollout. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "seeks," "believes," "estimates," "expects" and similar references to future periods. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. We caution you therefore against relying on any of these forward-looking statements. They are neither statements of historical fact nor guarantees or assurances of future performance. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the failure to receive material orders, economic conditions in California, budgetary pressures facing state and local governments, and our failure to receive or the potential delay of anticipated orders for our products. Further information on our risk factors is contained in our filings with the SEC, including our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Any forward-looking statement made by us speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.For Investor Relations, please contact:Michael PorterPorter, LeVay & Rose212-564-4700mike@ plrinvest.com For media or product inquiries, please contact% Summary: Financial reporting software is a solution that helps users perform financial and accounting tasks. These types of software range from basic single input systems such as bookkeeping and check writing to complex double input solutions. Report deliberately profile the key players and widely analyze their development plan and strategies. Financial Reporting Software PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:29:12 Press Information Research N Reports 10916, Gold Point, Dr, Houston, TX - 77064. Sunny Denis Sales Manager +1-888-631-6977 email https://www.researchnreports.com # 354 Words 10916, Gold Point, Dr, Houston, TX - 77064.Sales Manager+1-888-631-6977 Global Financial Reporting Software Market report provides all-inclusive study offers a deep and extensive view of this market to all users observing to magnify their business profiles in any aspect. The report establishes a solid foundation for all users looking to enter the market in terms of market trends, opportunities, restrictions, and competitive state analysis. Report defines emerging segments of the industry are covered in this section.Global Financial Reporting Software Market is anticipated to grow at an approximate CAGR of +10% forecast to 2025.Request Sample Copy of this Report@:Global Financial Reporting Software Market with top important Vendors such as Zoho, Intacct, IBM, QuickBooks, Microsoft, Xero, SAP, NetSuite (Oracle), Sage, FreshBooks, KashFlow, Float, Workiva Inc., Qvinci, Host Analytics.The Financial Reporting Software Market report includes the various drivers as well as the influences hampering the development of this market throughout the forecast period. The report also provides the opportunities in the market and their considerable impact on the major players governing the market. This software is the main determinant of actual performance. If financial reporting software is not user-friendly, production is meaningless and monetization is performed negatively.Financial Reporting Software Market report proposes development to the increase in demand. North America is prospective to be the foremost market on the basis of incidentals and implementation of market. Report analysis by region such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Rest of the World (RoW), along with their respective countries. Asia is also measured to encourage at the extreme CAGR throughout the forecast period.Get Reasonable Discount on this Premium Report @:Global Financial Reporting Software Market research report addresses key market drivers, constraints and opportunities that determine market power. The market was analyzed using tools such as SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and Porter 's Five Forces Model. This report offers consumers a durable understanding of the present state of competition, threats, major opportunities, and the major rules, regulations, tactics, & policies impacting the market.For More Information: XploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. XploreMR PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:36:55 Press Information XploreMR XploreMR 111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113, United States Tel: +1-669-284-0108 Email:sales@xploremr.com Website: http://xploremr.com Neha Bhosle SEO Executive 6692840108 email http://www.xploremr.com # 869 Words XploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300,San Jose, CA 95113, United StatesTel: +1-669-284-0108Email:sales@xploremr.comWebsite: http://xploremr.comSEO Executive6692840108 The Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Forecast, Trend Analysis and Competition Tracking Global Review 2018-2026 is a thorough research study collated by XploreMR that reveals the key market insights of the market. The fiber optic gyroscope market has remained under the influence of several market trends which are expected to significantly affect the supply-demand scenario of the market during the forecast. The fiber optic gyroscope market report covers key trends of the market that hold a strong influence on the future growth prospects of the fiber optic gyroscope market.The fiber optic gyroscope market report provides all-inclusive insights and exhaustive market intelligence that covers drivers as well as challenges of the market. The report also delivers the opportunity assessment for stakeholders in the fiber optic gyroscope market. In-depth analysis of several fiber optic gyroscope market indicators such as market attractive index, supply chain analysis and value chain analysis delivers the most credible go-to forecast of the fiber optic gyroscope market during the forecast period.The fiber optic gyroscope market report is divided into sophisticated segments that enable the readers to fathom the overall growth prospects of the fiber optic gyroscope. A quick snapshot of a total of 18 chapters is discussed below.Chapter 1 Executive SummaryThe report commences with the chapter of the executive summary that provides a quick yet affluent information of the fiber optic gyroscope market. Highlighted values of CAGR and market size of individual market segments provide the readers with an all-inclusive outlook of the fiber optic gyroscope market.Chapter 2 Market IntroductionIn the chapter of market introduction, a definition of the fiber optic gyroscope market, market taxonomy and a brief market introduction are covered.Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/3070 Chapter 3 - Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis ScenarioThis chapter provides the fiber optic gyroscope market analysis scenario where in-depth market assessment such as value chain analysis, market size in terms of value and absolute dollar opportunity is covered.Chapter 4 Market DynamicsMarket Dynamics is one of the most attractive chapters of the report that focuses on macroeconomic factors that impact the fiber optic gyroscope market growth. Also, the chapter provides a thorough assessment of the drivers, restraints, opportunities and trends of the market.Chapter 5 - Global Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and Forecast, By Sensing AxisThis chapter of the report covers an in-depth assessment of the fiber optic gyroscope market segment that is categorized based on the sensing axis. The market analysis for all sub-segments including 1-axis, 2-axis and 3-axis is provided in terms of market values and market attractiveness analysis.Chapter 6 - Global Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and Forecast, By Device TypeThe fiber optic gyroscope market analysis and forecast for the segmentation categorized based on device type is provided in this chapter.Chapter 7 - Global Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and Forecast, By VerticalThe chapter provides historical analysis and volume projections of several industry verticals where fiber optic gyroscope finds application. Market assessment for aerospace & defense, automotive, robotics, mining, healthcare and transportation & logistics is included in this chapter.First Time Buyer, Get Discount on this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/check-discount/3070 Chapter 8 - Global Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and Forecast, By RegionThe regional analysis of the fiber optic gyroscope market, analysis and forecast values for a total of seven regions including North America, Latin America. Western Europe, Eastern Europe, APEJ, Japan and MEA are included.Chapter 9 - North America Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and ForecastNorth America fiber optic gyroscope market assessment is provided in this chapter. Country-wise analysis of the U.S. and Canada and growth of all market segments are included.Chapter 10 - Latin America Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and ForecastIn this chapter, the fiber optic gyroscope market analysis for Latin America region is covered. Market growth is discussed in terms of country-wise analysis for Brazil, Mexico and rest of Latin America. Current and future growth prospects of all the market segments are also covered in the chapter.Chapter 11 - Western Europe Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and ForecastThis chapter of the report provides fiber optic gyroscope market analysis in the Western Europe region. The analysis is backed by a thorough country-wise analysis of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, U.K., BENELUX and rest of Western Europe.Chapter 12 - Eastern Europe Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and ForecastThe fiber optic gyroscope market growth in the Eastern Europe region is discussed in this chapter. In-depth country wise analysis in Russia, Poland and rest of Europe forms the basis of regional market analysis of the APEJ fiber optic gyroscope market.Chapter 13 - APEJ Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and ForecastThe growth of the fiber optic gyroscope market in APEJ is discussed in this chapter. China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand and rest of APEJ markets are studied to assess the market performance of the Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) region.Chapter 14 - Japan Fiber Optic Gyroscope Market Analysis and ForecastThe fiber optic gyroscope market performance in Japan is provided in this chapter. Multiple country-specific trends, historical analysis and future opportunities in the country are discussed in the chapter.Report Overview @ https://www.xploremr.com/report/3070/tilapia-market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:08:14 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 798 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Distal embolic filters are a type of embolic protection device (EPD) which is generally used for the embolic protection. Embolic stroke is one of the principal risks in the carotid artery stenting (CAS). The distal embolic filters are composed of a tightly wrapped filter which is attached to a guidewire and sheathed within a delivery catheter for the placement of distal to the target lesion. Distal embolic filters are able to trap the debris that embolize. Distal embolic filters are intended to protect the carotid artery stenting patient. Distal embolic filters reduce the plaque debris from reaching the distal bed and significantly prevents the adverse clinical events. Across the globe, distal embolic filters are widely adopted, however, failed in gaining the universal acceptance. Distal embolic filters are usually used during the surgical procedures like carotid artery disease treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention, and others. Distal embolic filters allow smaller debris particles to pass through. As according to Hori et al, embolic particles less than 100 micrometers can be tolerated more before interfering with microcirculatory function than larger particles, as smaller particles are less likely to cause end-organ damage. Some of the advantages of distal embolic filters are: preserve antegrade flow, contract imaging is possible throughout the procedure and simple to use. Whereas, disadvantages include the larger diameter sheath which is usually required to maintain most filters in their collapsed state during the advancements in the lesion, lack of ability to tailor guidewire characteristics to specific lesions, reduced maneuverability of integrated filter guidewire systems when compared with stand-alone guidewires and others.Distal Embolic Filters Market: Drivers and RestraintsIncreasing prevalence of peripheral and cardiovascular diseases is driving the growth of the global distal embolic filters market over the forecast period. Introduction of technologically advanced distal embolic filters and rising research activities in distal embolic filters is also increasing the demand and propelling the growth of the overall distal embolic filters market. Growing trend of providing advanced services with developed medical infrastructure is further driving the demand for distal embolic filters. Strategic collaborations among key players are also contributing in driving the growth of distal embolic filters market over the forecast period. Whereas, product recall and stringent regulations are expected to hamper the growth of the global distal embolic filters market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7325 Distal Embolic Filters Market: SegmentationThe global distal embolic filters market is segmented by distal embolic filters type, end users and region:Based on Distal Embolic Filters Type, the global distal embolic filters market is segmented into:GuardwireFilterwireSpiderBased on Application, the global distal embolic filters market is segmented into:Cardiovascular DiseasesPeripheral DiseasesNeurovascular DiseasesBased on End Users, the global distal embolic filters market is segmented into:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersOthersDistal Embolic Filters Market: OverviewDistal embolic filters market is expected to register a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Distal embolic filters are suggested to those patients who are undergoing high-risk intervention. FilterWire EX from Boston Scientific Corporation was the first FDA approved distal embolic filter. Based on the type, distal embolic filters market is segmented into Guardwire, filterwire and spider distal embolic filters. Guardwire distal embolic filters are anticipated to gain maximum market share in the global distal embolic filters market. Based on the end user, the global distal embolic filters market is segmented into hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. Hospitals segment is expected to gain the highest market share during the forecast period due to factors like favorable reimbursement policies and rising healthcare infrastructure.Distal Embolic Filters Market: Regional OutlookOn the basis of geography, the global distal embolic filters market is segmented into eight key regions, namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding China and Japan, China, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America and Western Europe market together are anticipated to hold maximum market share in the global distal embolic filters market due to the presence of well-trained healthcare professionals and presence of key manufacturers. Asia Pacific distal embolic filters market is projected to grow at a rapid pace with the maximum CAGR over the forecast period. Rising healthcare facilities in the region are generating the demand for distal embolic filters. However, the distal embolic filters market in low middle income countries like Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa is expected to show a slow growth over the forecast period.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7325 Distal Embolic Filters Market: Key PlayersExamples of some of the key players in the global distal embolic filters market are Medtronic plc, Boston Scientific Corporation, Abbott Laboratories, and others. Major key players in distal embolic filters market are primarily focused in geographical expansion with the development and launch of innovative products. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 06:15:03 Advancements in military activities, tactics, exercises and joint operations necessitated the development of niche products used by army personnel. Furthermore, witnessing the opportunity, a handful of equipment, system and solution manufacturers engaged in niche product development suitable for military application, as a result competition intensified in niche products segment used for military applications. Deployable Military Shelter System is one of such product which is used in applications ranging from temporary medical support centres to incident commands and fatality management centres to emergency distribution centres. These systems are deployed in remote area for temporary period. These systems are totally mobile in nature and are made up of technical textiles. These systems are largely used by infantry, rescue team and medical support team but constant research and development in this niche product segment unfolded new opportunities. Nowadays, availability of shelter systems for military application has not limited to support and shelter to just soldiers but also vehicles and aircrafts. A few of the North American and European companies developed deployable shelter systems to be used as hanger for aircrafts.Drivers & Challenges Military shelter systems demand is directly influenced by increase in military expenditure across the globe. Annual increase in defence budget allocation has been observed in across countries, whereas the year on year increase is very high in countries with stronger economy. Global military expenditure in 2014 was estimated at over US $ 1.7 Trillion; and with growing political and military tensions in different geographies, it is projected to increase at 1.5% annually through 2025. Moreover, a substantial share of military expenditure is channelized for buying equipment and systems for on the field military support. Since, deployable shelter systems are used in field exercises, it is anticipated that the increased military expenditure across countries will bolster the demand for deployable shelter systems viz. a viz. global deployable military systems market.Regional Landscape In terms of geography, the global deployable military shelter systems is concentrated in few of the pockets. Usage of deployable military shelter systems is very high in developed countries of North America and Europe. However, the trend is gradually picking up the pace in developed markets. A majority of the deployable military shelter systems manufacturers are dependent on NATO member countries for sales. Meanwhile, in recent years they also registered orders from Middle Eastern, African and Asian countries. Currently, European market for deployable military shelter systems is growing at a higher growth rate than the global average, but industry experts indicate a shift in demand from Asian countries, particularly Middle East and South Asia. In order to capitalize the opportunity, global majors engaged in manufacturing deployable shelter systems have deployed sales representatives in these countries.Deployable Military Shelter Systems Market SegmentsDeployable shelter system is differentiated on the basis of size and application. Deployable Military Shelter Systems Sizes : Small , Medium , LargeRequest For Report Sample @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-678 Key Players : Alaska Structures, Roder HTS Hocker, Reeves, ZeppelinHDT PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:13:14 Press Information Research report insights Research Report Insights (RRI 42 Joseph Street Port carling P0B 1J0 Muskoka, Ontario1 Phone - +1-631-721-4201 Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.com Email: sales@researchreportinsights.com bishu 1-631-721-4201 1-631-721-4201 email https://www.researchreportinsights.com # 655 Words Research Report Insights (RRI42 Joseph StreetPort carling P0B 1J0Muskoka, Ontario1Phone - +1-631-721-4201Website: https://www.researchreportinsights.comEmail: sales@researchreportinsights.com1-631-721-42011-631-721-4201 The worldwide costume jewelry market is reflecting a positive trend of expansion all over the world. There are several aspects that are indicating a positive position of the market for a long and medium term. For example, rising need of costume matching jewelry for fashion, increasing fashion consciousness of consumer, internationalization of brands, rising costs of diamond, silver, gold and different valuable gems jewelry, low-maintenance cost, affordability of costume jewelries, increasing requirement for men costume jewelry, accessibility of wide assortment of designs in costume jewelry as well as safest to carry anywhere, in contrast to real jewelry or ornaments owing to fear of burglary, loss etc. The costume jewelry market has remarkably profited by the economic development in the LAMEA and Asia-Pacific regions. Increases in the standard of living along with rising fashion consciousness are considered to support the market expansion. At present, ensemble gems are highly sought after among corporate individuals, teenagers, working women, and the working populace because of the rising need for men costume jewelry and affordability.Progressions in online advertising trends and increment in the usage of digital media for product promoting are the prominent factors adding to the expansion of the worldwide costume jewelry industry. An increment in acceptance of technologically propelled techniques as well as colorful stones for artificial jewelry is considered to add to the expansion for imitation jewelry of e-commerce websites. Nevertheless, rising and variable raw material costs, stern trade laws, fashion and fad sensitive market of costume jewelry as well as unorganized raw materials supply chain in the costume jewelry industry are likely to impede the market expansion.Request For Report Sample: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upsample/120124691/Costume-Jewelry-Market Urbanization is one of the imperative factors which is likely to impact the requirement for costume jewelry. As per the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (in the year 2014) of the United Nations, approximately 54% of the globes populace dwelled in urban regions during 2014, as well as towards the end of the year 2050, 66% of the globes populace is considered to move to urban regions.The U.S regional market is popularly considered as a trend-setting nation in terms of costume jewelry as well as one which can influence the whole world to follow afterward. The emerging economies, for example, Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) are the fasted developing business sector with twofold digit expansion rates in the costume jewelry market. Also, the Asia Pacific regional market is believed to be the biggest maker of costume jewelry and is anticipated that would assume control over North America as far as utilization in the approaching years. High development pace in Asia Pacific region is credited to the increasing income of the buyers in these nations. Further, with the huge westernization and urbanization occurring, the buyers are presently ending up more trendy and fashionable products. In addition, a large populace of young buyers (average age is 29 to 37 years respectively for India as well as China) is likewise a major contributor in the overall development of costume jewelry in these nations.Request For Report TOC: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/TOC/120124691/Costume-Jewelry-Market A few of the prominent market players functioning in the industry are, The Colibri Group, Buckley Jewellery Limited, Avon Products Inc, H. Stern Com. & Ind. S.A., Swank Inc, Cartier SA, Louis Vuitton North America, Inc., Channel S.A., Stuller, Inc., Billig Jewelers, Inc. Yurman Design, Inc., Gianni Versace S.p.A and others. The leading retailers and makers are expected to put forward better value but more usual price promotions, particularly as limitations on approach to credit possible to hold back sales.The competitive backdrop in costume jewelry remains fairly segmented and the class contains very few of foremost retailers and several smaller, family-owned businesses. These smaller companies provide primarily to lower-income customers and engage from locations outside of shopping centers, with lower commercial rents.Report Analysis: https://www.researchreportinsights.com/report/upcomming/120124691/Costume-Jewelry-Market Commercial Air Traffic Management PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:23:41 Press Information The Research Insights 204, Deshpande Durg, Bhosale Nagar, Pune 411002. Robin Sales Manager +91-996-067-0000 email https://www.theresearchinsights.com # 301 Words 204, Deshpande Durg,Bhosale Nagar,Pune 411002.Sales Manager+91-996-067-0000 Global Commercial Air Traffic Management Market report provides a comprehensive overview of the current development progress of Commercial Air Traffic Management around the world, based on a vital view of market fragmentation and marvelous market intelligence.Global Commercial Air Traffic Management Market is anticipated to grow at an approximate CAGR of +4% forecast to 2025.Request Sample Copy of this Report@:Commercial Air Traffic Management Market includes the top key players such: Indra Sistemes, Harris Corporation, Frequentis, Thales, FLYHT, Leidos, Indra, SAAB, Raytheon.This research focuses on the Commercial Air Traffic Management Market for communications, navigation, surveillance, automation and simulation systems. It is also anticipated to rise the industry growth over the forecast period owing to reduced demand for full-time resource and operational space adoption. The market will see growth as the adoption of automated and digital technologies such as remote towers, forecasting technology and artificial intelligence increases.Geographic regional analysis of Commercial Air Traffic Management Market includes regions for example North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Rest of the World. North America and Europe has accounted top share of total manufacturing revenue across the world owing to quantity of small, midsized and huge enterprises in both the regions are very high.Get Reasonable Discount on this Premium Report @:The Global Commercial Air Traffic Management Market report similarly offerings exhaustive subjective and quantitative information that affects the expected effect of variables on future prospects for market development. About significant questions have been addressed in this report, which helps to focus different ways to find out the desired solutions. Report has been inspected using tools such as SWOT Analysis and Porters Five Forces.For More Information: Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Combined Heat And Power CHP Systems Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026 "report to their offering Upcoming Future Market Insights Logo PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 06:53:01 Press Information Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage Abhishek Manager 3479183531 email http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 607 Words 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley CottageManager3479183531 Cogeneration (also known as combined heat and power systems (CHP)) is a cluster of technologies primarily used for the concurrent generation of electricity and useful heat. This combined generation of heat and electricity is much more effective than separate generation of electricity and useful heat in a way that CHP systems offers improved energy efficiency, reduced managing cost, low CO2 emission and others. Growing data center capacity as business operate more processes, handle complex analytics with increasing storage requirements for customer data and employing rich media. Handling of such large data requires continuous supply of reliable power making cogeneration systems of primary importance. Efficiency level for cogeneration systems can reach up to 80 % against separate generation of heat and electricity which provides combined efficiency of 40-50 %. CHP systems for data centers are gaining traction in the market as using such plants as source of data center power leads to energy efficient and substantial cost reduction benefits. However, another technology commercially available for powering data centers includes fuel cells. Although CHP systems are less efficient than fuel cells but requires lesser fuel to generate the same amount of power and has a win when its ability to supply chilled water is factored. Some of the major benefits offered utilizing CHP systems for data centers are limited reliance over external power supply, increased energy efficiency, low site carbon emission and others.Global CHP System market for Data Centre: Market DynamicsRegions with high electricity cost are readily adopting CHP systems primarily to save on their energy cost to provide base load power and using such systems to provide absorption cooling for the facility. Moreover, government initiatives to install CHP systems in data center facilities due to low CO2 emissions is also expected to increase its adoption rate thereby increasing the adoption of CHP system in data centers.Low economic life of data center IT equipment results in consumer reluctance towards adoption of CHP systems for data centers since these systems have equipment life of around 10-15 years in comparison to economic life of IT equipment which is only 2-3 years.Global CHP System market for Data Centre: SegmentationThe global CHP system market for data center can be segmented on the basis of data center types, facility size, installation type and region. By Data center types the market can be segmented into Telecoms, ISPs (internet Service Provider), CoLos (Co-located server hosting facilities), server farms, corporate data centers, university/ national laboratory and others. Based on facility the market can be segmented into less than 200 sq.ft , 200-700 sq.ft , 700-1,200 sq.ft , 1,200-6,000 sq.ft and more than 6,000 sq.ft . Based on installation type global cogeneration systems market for data center can be segmented into newly installed systems and retrofit systems. By region global CHP system market for data centers can be segmented into seven key regions namely North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East and Africa and Japan.Detailed TOC of Research Report available @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2000 Global CHP System market for Data Centre: Key PlayersSome of the major players identified across CHP system market for data center includes ENER-G, Korea Electric Power Corporation, National Grid plc, Exelon Corporation, NextEra Energy, Inc., Chubu Electric Power Company, American Electric Power Company, Inc. and others.The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types, technology and applications. XploreMR is one of the worlds leading resellers of high-quality market research reports. We feature in-depth reports from some of the worlds most reputed market research companies and international organizations. We serve across a broad spectrum from Fortune 500 to small and medium businesses. XploreMR PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 07:43:20 Press Information XploreMR XploreMR 111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113, United States Tel: +1-669-284-0108 Email:sales@xploremr.com Website: http://xploremr.com Neha Bhosle SEO Executive 6692840108 email http://www.xploremr.com # 682 Words XploreMR111 North Market Street, Suite 300,San Jose, CA 95113, United StatesTel: +1-669-284-0108Email:sales@xploremr.comWebsite: http://xploremr.comSEO Executive6692840108 The coating binders market has been thoroughly analyzed in the latest research report published by XploreMR on coating binders market. The report provides valuable insights along with the factors influencing the coating blinders market growth. The information and the data provided on the coating binders market is accurate, precise, and unbiased. The report also offers information on the market dynamics including trends, opportunities, challenges and driving factors in the coating binders market. The primary and secondary research on competitive landscape is also included in the report.Chapter 1- Executive SummaryThis chapter in the report includes summary on statistics, key findings, and megatrends in the coating binders market. The report also includes information on the growth opportunities for manufacturers in various regions.Get Sample Copy of this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/sample/3179 Chapter 2- Market OverviewThis section in the report on the coating binders market offers a brief introduction on the market. Product-specific definition of coating binders along with the market taxonomy is also included in the report. The market overview in the report provides forecast on the coating binders market in terms of value and volume. Cost structure, pricing analysis, PEST analysis of the coating binders market is also included in the report.Chapter 3- Coating Binding Market Analysis and ForecastThis chapter includes segment-wise forecast of the coating binders market. The key segments included in the report are product type, nature, technology, and application. The key segments are further bifurcated into the sub-segments. The important numbers on each segment is given in the report in form of value, volume, CAGR, and year-on-year growth.Chapter 4- North America Coating Binders Market AnalysisThe chapter provides key insights on the performance of the coating binders market in North America. The country-wise analysis is also offered including the US and Canada as major countries in the coating binders market in North America.Chapter 5- Latin America Coating Binders Market AnalysisThe chapter in the report offers analysis of the coating binders market in Latin America along with the current scenario in the major countries in the region. The impact assessment along with the important factors influencing growth in the coating binders market in Latin America is also included in the report.Chapter 6- Coating Binders Market in EuropeThis section of the report provide essential information on the growth opportunities for the market players operating in the coating binders market in Europe. The report also highlight important factors impacting the coating binders market in Europe along with country-wise analysis.Chapter 7- Coating Binders Market in JapanThis chapter of the report includes historical data and forecast on the coating binders market in Japan. The key trends, challenges and opportunities for the key players in the coating binders market in Japan is also included in the report.Chapter 8- APEJ Coating Binders Market AnalysisThis chapter in the report on the coating binders market offers valuable insights on the market in APEJ. Growth opportunities along with the challenges and regulations in the coating binders market in APEJ is also included in the report. The country-wise analysis of the coating binders market is also provided in the report.First Time Buyer, Get Discount on this report @ https://www.xploremr.com/connectus/check-discount/3179 Chapter 9- MEA Coating Binders Market AnalysisThis chapter provide details on driving factors and latest trends in the coating binders market in the MEA region. Details on the key players in the coating binders market in MEA region is also offered in the report along with the impact assessment.Chapter 10- Competition AnalysisThis section of the report includes market structure of the coating binders market along with the dashboard view of leading players. Company share analysis of coating binders market is also provided in the report.Chapter 11- Competition Landscape and Company ProfilesThis chapter provides detailed profile of all the leading company in the coating binders market along with the market share of each company. Key developments and business strategies of major companies is also included in the report.Report Overview @ https://www.xploremr.com/report/3179/growing-up-milk-market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 05:55:45 When cells in the body grow out of control it leads to cancer. Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia is also one such type of cancer which begins from white blood cells also called as Lymphocytes formed in the bone marrow. These cells can spread to other parts of the body including liver and lymph node. This type of cancer is very common in aging population as it is diagnosed at a very later stage. The increasing number of chronic disease amongst aging population is expected to boost the demand of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market in near future.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapeutics Market: SegmentationThe chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutic market can be segmented on the basis of cancer type, drug type, route of administration and on the basis of region. On the basis of cancer type thechronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market can be segmented into B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and natural killer chronic lymphocytic leukemia. On the basis of drug type the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market is segmented into targeted therapy and chemotherapy. On the basis of route of administration the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market can be segmented into intravenous route, subcutaneous route, intrathecal route, intramuscular route and oral route. On the basis of region the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. Higher incidences of leukemia, improved diagnosis and growing disease awareness are the factors determining the growth of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapeutics: Market Dynamics The food and drug administration has given approval to several drugs used in the treatments of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics. The drugs for this cancer type are currently in preliminary stage, their introduction in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics marketand sales is anticipated to increase the demand for chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market. Increased number of biotechnology firms research and development in oncology sector, new innovation in drug development, introduction of novel therapies and promising pipeline products are some of the factors driving the growth of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market. The cost of treatment and drugs is very much high in chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market and also many entry barriers and FDA approvals which are restricting the growth of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapeutics: Regional Outlook Geographically, North America accounts for largest share followed by Europe in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market. According to the WHO this cancer is more prominent in developed regions due to factors such as unhealthy lifestyle and genetic factors caused by enhanced radiation which in turn is expected to enhance the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market in North America. Moreover, increasing patient awareness, supportive government policies, refined healthcare structure, technological advancements and new product launches are some of the factors anticipated to increase the demand for chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market in North America. Presence of unmet needs in emerging countries of Asia Pacific like Japan, India and China, increasing investment in research and development by biotechnology firms, improving healthcare infrastructure are the factors promoting growth of chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market in this region. Mexico and Brazil are also expected to have significant growth in chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market owing to high disposable income and developing medical infrastructure and prevalence of leukemia. Rest of the world is anticipated to have steady growth in chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market.Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapeutics Market: Key Players The major players in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia therapeutics market are AbbVie, Arno Therapeutics, Genzyme Corporation, Gilead Sciences, Johnson and Johnson, Novartis, Ono pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Roche AG, Teva Pharmaceuticals, TG Therapeutics, Xeme Biopharma and Ziopharma Oncology, Inc., Chocolate has been traditionally used as a flavoring ingredient in various food products such as cakes, ice-creams, milk shakes and others PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 08:14:26 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com abhishek manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 629 Words Future Market Insights 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: www.futuremarketinsights.commanager+1 03479183531 Chocolate has been traditionally used as a flavoring ingredient in various food products such as cakes, ice-creams, milk shakes and others. Chocolate syrup also known as chocolate flavored condiments, is a concentrated solution of chocolate primarily used as a topping or dessert sauce in various desserts. Cocoa powdered, sweetener such as sugar, corn syrup and others are some of the key ingredients for chocolate syrup. Increased usage of chocolate syrup as a flavor enhancer in coffee, tea, milkshakes, cakes and others is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period.Chocolate syrup is segmented on the basis of type which includes organic and conventional. Among both of these segments conventional chocolate syrup has been estimated to account for major share in terms of value and expected to be remain dominant over the forecast period. Organic chocolate syrup is expected to create relatively higher CAGR over the forecast period. Due to increasing awareness among the consumers towards healthy lifestyle they are continuously switching towards organic products which is expected to fuel the segment growth over the forecast period.Buy This Report@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/3286 Chocolate Syrup market is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel which includes hypermarket/supermarket, convenience stores, specialty outlet, grocery stores and online retailing. Among all these segments hypermarket/supermarket is expected to account for major market share during the forecast period. Increasing penetration of retail industry especially in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Middle East and others is expected to support the hypermarket/supermarket segment growth in chocolate syrup market during the forecast period. Online retailing segment in chocolate syrup market is expected represent favorable growth in the near future. Increasing internet penetration level and rising consumer influence towards online shopping is expected to support the segment growth over the forecast period.Geographically in chocolate syrup market Western Europe is expected to account for the major market share followed by North America during the forecast period. Western Europe is one of the largest consumers for chocolate, which is expected to support of the market growth in the region. However these region is expected to account for moderate growth due to mature market. Among North American region U.S.is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the favorable growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for chocolate based or chocolate flavored products. Moreover in Latin America Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Increased used of chocolate syrup as a toppings or flavor enhancer in desserts such as ice-cream, pan cakes, coffee, pastries and others is expected to support the market growth over the forecast period. Coffee shops or cafes are of the largest consumer for chocolate syrup, thus increasing penetration of coffee shops in developing countries such as India, China, Brazil and others is further expected to fuel the market growth in the near future. However, increased lifestyle disorders such as obesity, diabetes and others in developed economies are leading to various health problems which may include respiratory disorders, heart ailments, anxiety and others. All these factors has led consumers to get inclined towards healthier food options and products containing low calorie or sugar level. Thus, this may restrain the market growth in the near future.Chocolate Syrup Market: Some of the major key players operating in chocolate syrup market includes Santa Cruz Natural Incorporated, AH!LASKA, THE HERSHEY COMPANY, The J. M. Smucker Company, Bosco Products, Inc, Walden Farms, and Nestle S.A.among others.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3286 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 05:52:04 Castor oil is one of the most multipurpose plant oils, obtained by pressing the seed of the castor oil plant (Ricinus communis).It is well known source of a monounsaturated, ricinoleic and 18-carbon fatty acid. Owing to its unique chemical structure and rich properties, castor oil and its derivatives find uses in many industries such as cosmetics, food, lubricants, paints, agriculture, electronics & telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, perfumeries, plastics and rubber, inks & adhesives and textile chemicals. After plant oils, castor oil is considered to be the most required oil. However, growing concerns pertaining to biofuels specially biodiesel and biopolymer across the globe is pushingcastor oil to play a much larger role in the world economy.Request For Report Sample @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-474 Castor Oil Derivatives: Drivers & RestraintsGrowth of major end-use industries (includes lubricants, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) and increasing demand for sustainable products & biodegradable, on account of reducing dependence on petrochemicals is anticipated to fuel the demand for castor oil derivatives market. Also regulatory support and rising prices of alternative renewable chemicals is expected to drive the global castor oil derivatives market. However, factors influencing its manufacturing cost includes raw material availability, weather uncertainties, shortage of working capital, techniques & methods used for extraction and availability of substitute oil are resulting in restraints for the castor oil derivative market.Castor Oil Derivatives: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global castor oil derivatives market is segmented into Undecylenic Acid, Sebacic Acid (largest consumed castor oil derivatives), Castor Wax or Hydrogenated castor oil (HCO), Dehydrated Castor Oil (DCO) and others. On the basis of application, global castor oil derivatives market is segmented into Lubricants, Cosmetics & Pharmaceuticals (largest application segment), Biodiesel, Plastics & Resins and Others.Castor Oil Derivatives: Region-wise OutlookThe global castor oil derivatives market is expected to register a double digit CAGR for the forecast period, 2015?2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to continue its dominance on the global castor oil derivatives market. India accounts for largest production of castor oil derivatives worldwide, followed by China and Brazil. Higher demand from the US, Europe and China has resulted in the higher prices for castor as well as increase in demand for castor oil derivatives. The major castor producing countries are India, China, Brazil, Paraguay, Ethiopia, Philippines, Russia and Thailand.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-474 Castor Oil Derivatives: Key PlayersSome of players in global castor oil derivatives market are Thai Castor Oil Industries Co. Ltd., Jayant Agro Organics, Hokoku Corporation, ITOH Oil Chemicals Co. Ltd., Gokul Overseas, Bom Brazil, Liaoyang Huaxing Chemical Co., Ltd., Kanak Castor Products Pvt. Ltd., and others. Global bone cement mixers market is expected to grow significantly attributing to increased prevalence of bone and joint surgeries. Increased prevalence of obesity and geriatric population with complaints regarding joint pain is further contributing to bone cement mixers market. Future Market Insights PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:45:04 Press Information Future Market Insights Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Umesh SEO Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ # 708 Words Future Market InsightsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comSEO Manager3479183531 Bone cement is mixture of solid and liquid components to form bone like structure for usage in human body. Bone cement is used to replace a structure of bone which is damaged or to fill the void space created due to various conditions affecting bone. Bone cement mixers are used to mix different components (solid and liquid) while preparing bone implant used in different kind of surgeries. Antibiotics are often incorporated along with solid and liquid component for mixing in bone cement mixers. Bone implant are mostly used in shoulder, hip, knee, and elbow replacement surgery. In case of fractured vertebra bone cement is injected into the affected site filling the void space and reducing stress on other vertebras. Bone cement mixers are used for preparing moist mass which is then shaped into desired size and shape. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used bone cement in world. Apart from widely used Polymethyl methacrylate, there are various kinds of bone cements used like calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and glass polyalkenoate cement (GPC) are used in different orthopaedic and dental applications.Bone Cement Mixers Market: Drivers and RestraintsGlobally increasing prevalence of hip, knee and other bone replacement surgeries is expected to drive bone cement mixers market. In United States, approximately 2.5 million hip replacement surgeries and 4.7 million knee replacement surgeries were carried out contributing significantly to bone cement mixers market. Furthermore, increasing prevalence of arthritis worldwide is expected to drive bone cement mixers market. Increasing prevalence of joint problems, obesity and geriatric population is expected to drive bone cement mixers market significantly. Advancing technology in bone cement mixers is expected to drive the market. Increase acceptance about bone cement interventional therapy in bone related surgeries further contributes to bone cement mixers market. Various evolved techniques in bone cement mixers and bone related surgeries are driving the market. Whereas, various adverse events (like bone cement implantation syndrome, infection pain and loss of function) reported after use of bone cement in different surgeries expected to restrain bone cement mixers market. Biocompatibility of bone cement is often checkpoint in usage of bone cement in different kind of surgeries.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-7096 Bone Cement Mixers Market: SegmentationGlobal bone cement mixers market can be segmented on the basis of product type, mixing technique, end user and geographyBased on product type bone cement mixers market is segmented as:Bench-Top Bone Cement MixersPortable Bone Cement MixersBased on mixing technique bone cement mixers market is segmented as:Vacuum MixingHand MixingBowl MixingBased on end user bone cement mixers market is segmented as:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersSpecialty ClinicsBone Cement Mixers Market: OverviewGlobal bone cement mixers market is expected to grow significantly attributing to increased prevalence of bone and joint surgeries. Increased prevalence of obesity and geriatric population with complaints regarding joint pain is further contributing to bone cement mixers market. By Product type, bench-top cement mixers segment is expected to dominate the bone cement mixers market. By mixing technique, vacuum mixing technique devices expected to dominate bone cement mixers market. As per one national survey carried out in U.K. 94% of surgeons prefer vacuum cement mixers. By end user, hospital segment is expected to dominate bone cement mixers market attributing to higher convenience. Bone cement mixers manufacturers are focusing on research and development for developing advanced mixing technique devices.Bone Cement Mixers Market: Regional OutlookGlobal bone cement mixers market is majorly dominated by North America due to higher number of hip and knee surgeries performed. Europe is next most lucrative bone cement mixers market attributing to availability of advanced technologies and increased intervention of bone cement in handling joint related surgeries. Asia-Pacific is next major emerging bone cement mixers market attributing to emerging economies like India and China with huge residing population. Middle East and Africa remains least lucrative bone cement mixers market due to low adoption rate.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7096 Bone Cement Mixers Market: Key PlayersSome of the global key players operating in bone cement mixers market are Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., Smith & Nephew plc, Stryker Corporation, DJO Global, MDM Medical ltd., Murray; William M., Summit Medical, Ltd., Corin, Amplitude, Baumer and others. Bay Leaf Market PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 11:25:44 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Budholiya Manager +1 03479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 671 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1 03479183531 The bay leaves, scientifically known as Laurus Nobilis are leaves of a small tree found in the Mediterranean region. The world over the presence of Laurel trees has now declined due to the changing global climate scenario. The various types of bay leaves include California bay leaf, Bay laurel, Indonesian bay leaf, Indian bay leaf, or Indonesian laurel, West Indian bay leaf and Mexican bay leaf. They are used for culinary and medicinal applications since historical times. They are also used in fish sauces, stews, soups, meat, and confectionaries. The leaves, as well as fruits, contain narcotic, stimulant and properties. The oils extracted from the leaves are also used in the spices and as flavorings in the food. Bay Leaves also have hypoglycemic, anti ulcerogenic, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.Bay Leaf Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe primary factors driving the growth of the bay leaf market are growing demand for culinary applications, and health benefits widespread in the Asia-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. The rapidly increasing consumption owes to its usage in food & beverage industry, cosmetics markets, mainly hair health improvement products. While the market is submerged with other pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical products, consumers are inclining toward health awareness of the concerns rising from the surplus usage of these type of products. Also, it helps in controlling diabetes, facilitate efficient digestion and nutrient intake, and alleviate respiratory conditions, aids in reducing inflammation caused by sore joints and arthritis, helps in lowering stress hormone level. Bay leaf oil is also used in aromatherapy due to its strong aroma which will fuel growth in the long-term.Request to Sample of Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6079 There are few restraints of bay leaf market such as the confusion amongst the people between the different plants of this family that might be toxic.Bay Leaf Market: Market SegmentationBased on the product type the bay leaf market is segmented into:California bay leafBay laurelIndonesian bay leaf,Indian bay leafIndonesian laurelWest Indian bay leafMexican bay leafBased on the application type the bay leaf market is segmented into:FoodMedicineCosmeticBased on the usage type the bay leaf market is segmented into:Food and Beverages IndustryHealthcareConsumer GoodsBay Leaf Market: Regional OutlookRegarding geography, Bay Leaf market has been categorized into six key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, APEJ, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Bay Leaf market is expected to register healthy growth in upcoming years due to high demand for spices in various end-user application across the globe. Asia-Pacific represents the considerably high market share and grows with the relatively high share in the forecast period. APEJ is experiencing the rapid increase in the production capacity of Bay Leaf as demand for spices, and essential oils are high in the region.Moreover, the APEJ region accounts for a healthy share regarding consumption of meat products, Spice Ingredients being primarily used for development of food and beverage products. The pharmaceutical consumption in the region is projected to further add value to the Healthcare Industry in the region. Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the bay leaf market globally backed by the factors including rapid economic development, globalization and increasing demand of the spices in food & beverages industry and its sub-verticals. The global market for Bay Leaf Market is expected to grow significantly by the end of forecast period. Bay Leaf market for the Asia Pacific is also expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period primarily attributed to the growth of food and beverage industry, especially in China and India.Request Report for TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6079 Bay Leaf Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the Bay Leaf market are:-McCormick & Company, IncFrontier Natural Products Co-opAnatoli SpicesMars, IncorporatedPacific Spice Company, Inc.Zizira, Tea HavenJust a Little SpiceAlpina Organic Bay Leaf CompanyLaurusHoby Agriculture and Forest Product Co. LtdMountain Rose HerbsDarsilALDERASultar LtdAlpinaG2mOthers PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 06:01:56 Distributor is the component of ignition system and an enclosed rotating shaft used in spark ignition internal (S.I) combustion engine. The main function of distributor is to supply the ignition current to the combustion chamber of engine cylinders in order to correct firing order. Firing order is related to burning of fuel in the particular cylinder wise. In conventional vehicle mainly two types of ignition system is used battery ignition system and magneto ignition system. In terms of type, automotive distributer are two categorys carbon brush type and gap type. In carbon brush type, the carbon brush passed by rotor arm and sliding over the metallic part. While in gap type distributor, electrode of rotor arm does not make direct contact with cap that result of no wear of electrode. New sales of distributor is directly related to the new sales of conventional vehicle owing to a single distributor is used in one vehicles ignition system. In growth perspective the global sales of distributor is anticipated to grow with moderate growth rate owing to phase in of electric vehicle owing to electric vehicle has no need of fuel consumption. Additionally, in electric vehicle tractor motors is used for propelling of vehicles.Request For Report Sample @ www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6783 Automotive Distributor Market: DynamicsOver the last few year, it has been analyzed that automotive industry has come up with several technological advancement in vehicles starting system coupled with strict government regulation of fuel consumption and emission have boosted the demand of automotive distributor across the globe. Furthermore, Countries such as Thailand, Russia, U.K., Brazil and others have high traffic density. In these countries the starting or stopping of engines rate projected to high. This rate increase the chances of failure of ignition system. Thus, the automotive distributor market anticipated to enrich in high traffic countries during the forecast period. In cold countries aged vehicle has problem in starting of engine. So they are replacing vehicles ignition system with high spark power ignition system. This may be create substantial opportunity for the player as well as foster the automotive distributor market over the slated time period. Furthermore, lack of awareness pertaining to quality of fuel in rural area, can decrease the purporting life of the vehicles ignition system. This may enrich the replacement rate of ignition system as well as pump up the aftermarket segment of the automotive distributor during the forecast period.In conventional vehicle generally magneto ignition or battery ignition system is used and distributor is a component of the ignition system. Some factors pertaining to ignition system is also related to distributor such as problem working at low rpm, high cost and risk of misfire due to leakage and variation of voltage in wiring can occur high voltage are anticipated to hamper the global sales of automotive distributor during the forecast period.Automotive Distributor Market: SegmentationThe global automotive distributor market can segmented on the basis of Type:Carbon Brush TypeGap TypeThe global automotive distributor market can be segmented on the basis of Vehicle Types:Passenger CarLight Commercial VehicleHeavy Commercial VehicleCompact carPremium CarSport CarThe global automotive distributor market can be segmented on the basis of Sales Channel:OEMAftermarketAutomotive Distributor Market: Regional OutlookAsia Pacific is projected to be dominate in the global automotive distributor market owing to increasing production of conventional vehicles over the stipulated time period. Europe and North America are anticipated to grow with relatively higher growth rate owing to substantial investment in vehicles ignition system. In Middle East and Arica region, the volume share of automotive distributer is anticipated to relatively low in two wheeler bikes owing to unfavorable climate condition for two wheeler rider. South East Asia and Pacific region is projected to grow with healthy growth rate owing to increasing fleet of vehicle and increasing demand of low fuel consumption and less emission vehicles. On the flip side, continuously increasing trend of electric vehicle over the forecast period, may give tough competition to the ignition system of conventional vehicle at the global level.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6783 Automotive Distributor Market: Key ParticipantThe key participants of the global Automotive Distributor Market are following:Robert Bosch GmbHAUTO-LEK (P) Ltd.Holley Performance ProductsNingbo Jingdu Auto Parts Co., Ltd.Delphi TechnologiesCEP Technologies CorporationValeoDENSO Manufacturing Athens Tennessee, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:40:17 Press Information Research N Reports 10916, Gold Point Dr, Houston, TX, Pin 77064 Sunny Denis Sales Manager +1-888-631-6977 email https://www.researchnreports.com # 528 Words 10916, Gold Point Dr,Houston, TX, Pin 77064Sales Manager+1-888-631-6977 Research N Reports has released an innovative report on augmented reality for the gaming market that analyzes data through exploration techniques such as primary and secondary research. This report summarizes the facts and figures of the growth rate to help increase the augmented reality for the gaming market. Key trends that will drive business are recent trends, price and quality of service. The purpose of this report is to define, describe, and forecast various services around the world, such as North America, Japan, China, Brazil and India.Several factors are inferred to provide a comprehensive understanding of the market. The cost analysis of the Augmented Reality game market has been achieved by taking into account manufacturing costs, labor costs, raw materials and market concentration, suppliers and pricing trends. Buyers of the report can equally be earned on tests that align their market with components such as audience, brand strategy and value methodology.Key Player Included in Report:Augmented Pixels,Aurasma,Blippar,Catchoom,Infinity Augmented Reality,Metaio,Qualcomm,Total Immersion,VividWorks,Wikitude,ZapparGet Sample Copy of Report:Apart from this, the research report offers the vital key segmentation of the market that merges on the development rate and market of Augmented Reality For Gaming market. The key drivers, opportunities, difficulties and the forthcoming trends of the market is well explained to the viewers for their better understanding. Similarly, its key products, end users, applications and technological details are emphasized in this report. It also examines the growth status in the regions like North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. The major difficulties that can hinder the growth of the market is also mentioned in the report.The report also uses feedbacks given by industry experts to support the present and new players in enclosing effective business policies in the upcoming years. The report has been accumulated by taking the aid of info graphics, charts and tables to present the historical data and appraised figures of the 2017.Get Discount on this Report @: https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=199829 A 360 degree synopsis of the competitive scenario of the Augmented Reality For Gaming market is presented in this report. It has an enormous data allied to the recent product and technological developments in the markets. It has a comprehensive analysis of the impact of these advancements on the markets future growth, wide-ranging analysis of these expansions on the markets future growth. The research report examines the Augmented Reality For Gaming market in a detailed manner by explaining the key facets of the market that are predictable to have a countable influence on its developmental predictions over the forecast period.The report also gives detailed information on the global market in terms of its competitors, public growth, mergers & acquisitions and new product launches. The manufacturers in the Augmented Reality For Gaming market are defined in terms of their product and shares in the annual volume of the market between 2018 and 2025.this passage also includes details on the revenue generation capacity of key manufacturers.For More Queries @: https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=199829 PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:00:02 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 666 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Artery compression devices are intended for promoting hemostasis after catheterization of arteries. Artery compression devices consist of compression balloons, unilateral valve, adjustable belt and tubing. Unilateral valve is used for control of air flow which is connected to the pneumatic system on one side and compression balloons on the other. Compression balloons are used for assisting hemostasis with the help pneumatic pressure generated by air flow. Mostly pneumatic devices are used to build pressure inside of the compression balloons. Pneumatic devices utilize compressed air to generate external pressure. The plastic belt is used to position the compression device over the application area. They are two types of artery compression devices, namely radial artery compression devices and femoral artery compression devices. Radial artery compression devices are used for the radial artery in the hand after the transradial procedure. Femoral artery compression devices are mostly used for cardiac catheterization and femoral artery puncture. Artery compression technique is a most effective method for hematomas prevention. For most of the percutaneous coronary interventions and cardiac angiography, radial access is the preferred choice because of reduced complication than femoral access.Artery Compression Devices Market: Drivers and RestraintsArtery catheterization is the most common method of disease management. This procedure is accomplished by cannulating axillary, dorsal pedis, brachial, femoral and radial artery. Radial arteries are most preferable location due to less complication and ease of use. Catheterization is always associated with complications such as the hematoma, vascular occlusion, bleeding, and hematoma. The compression devices are prerequisite to control the complications. Rising demand for artery compression devices is expected to boost the growth of artery compression devices market. Traditionally, hemostasis is attained by physical compression and taping which is a time-consuming and labor-intensive procedure. Recently, artery compression devices are widely used among different end users. This is because traditional methods are associated with severe complications. Artery compression devices are safe and ensure a quick recovery after catheterization. Along with these, artery compression devices are cost-effective and with high patient compliance. All these factors act as a potential driver for the burgeoning growth of the artery compression devices market.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7111 Artery Compression Device Market: SegmentationBased on Indication, the artery compression devices market is segmented into:HospitalsClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersArtery Compression Devices Market: OverviewThe global artery compression devices market has witnessed a robust growth due to increasing demand for artery compression devices in attaining homeostasis. Artery compression artery devices are far advanced than the alternatives available due to lower incidence of vascular occlusion. The artery compression devices market has a presence of many players, which have a huge market share in developed countries. The key players in the artery compression devices market are mainly focused on R&D to accelerate the development due to a large number of innovating companies. The artery compression devices market is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period.Artery Compression Devices Market: Region-Wise OverviewThe global artery compression devices market is segmented into the following regions - North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific Excluding China & Japan, China, Japan and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the dominant regional market for artery compression devices due to high penetration of the devices in the region. In North America, the U.S. is the dominating market due to high adoption of the devices among the end users. Europe artery compression devices market is the second dominating regional market for artery compression devices due to high awareness among the end users. APAC is a fast-growing regional market for artery compression devices due to increasing demand. Growth in the Latin America and the Middle East and Africa is increasing slowly due to increasing adoption.Request to View TOC @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-7111 Artery Compression Devices Market: Key ParticipantsSome of the key participants in the artery compression devices market are Terumo Europe NV, Merit Medical Systems, Medtronic, and BenQ Materials Corporation, among others. Growth of the global ambulatory surgical centres market is principally driven by a growing focus on containment of healthcare costs and increased Medicare spending on ASCs. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 10:50:47 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way Suite 2-9018, Abhishek Budholiya Manager 3479183531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 679 Words U.S. Office 616 Corporate WaySuite 2-9018,Manager3479183531 Future Market Insights delivers key insights and presents a revised forecast of the global ambulatory surgical centres market for a 10 year period from 2017 to 2027 in the report titled Ambulatory Surgical Centres Market: Global Industry Analysis 20122016 and Opportunity Assessment 20172027. The revision in the market size and forecasts have been carried out taking into account the impact of various macroeconomic indicators and other industry-based demand-driving factors, as well as the recent developments of key market participants. The global ambulatory surgical centres market is projected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 4.0% in terms of value during the forecast period, revised from the previous CAGR of 3.9%, due to factors regarding which FMI offers useful insights in detail in this report.Request to View Sample of Research Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-5071 The report broadly segments the global ambulatory surgical centres market on the basis of centre type, modality, services speciality area and region. Based on centre type, the global ambulatory surgical centres market has been segmented into single speciality centres and multispecialty centres.Multispecialty Centres Segment is the Most Lucrative SegmentMultispecialty centres segment is estimated to dominate the ambulatory surgical centres market by product type with 65% value share of the market by 2017 end. Multispecialty centres segment is expected to reach US$ 76,028.6 Mn by 2027 end and will grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period.Hospital-Based Ambulatory Surgical Centre Segment Accounts for Higher Market DemandAmong modality types, hospital-based ambulatory surgical centre segment is expected to dominate the global ambulatory surgical centres market with 59.5% value share in 2017. Hospital-based ambulatory surgical centre segment is expected to reach a market value of US$ 69,700.4 Mn by 2027 end, growing with a CAGR of 4.4% over the forecast period.Surgical Services Segment Dominates by Service TypeSurgical services segment is estimated to dominate the global ambulatory surgical centres market by service type with higher value share of the market by 2017 end. Surgical services segment is expected to reach US$ 77,664.3 Mn by 2027 end and will grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period.Gastroenterology Segment is the Most Attractive Segment by Speciality AreaAmong speciality areas, gastroenterology is expected to dominate the global ambulatory surgical centres market in terms of value share during the forecast period. Gastroenterology is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% over the forecast period.North America Will Continue to Grow at an Exponential RateFMI has analysed the ambulatory surgical centres market across seven key regions namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). North America is expected to dominate the market value share for ambulatory surgical centres and is expected to reach US$ 61,588.4 Mn by 2027 end. The Western Europe market is expected to account for the second largest market value share, followed by APEJ. North America and Europe are collectively expected to constitute more than 82% of the market share over the forecast period. MEA is predicted to be the least attractive region in the global ambulatory surgical centres market.Key Insights from FMIs Report on the Ambulatory Surgical Centres MarketGrowing focus on containment of healthcare costs and increased Medicare spending on ASCs are driving the global ambulatory surgical centre market.Number of outpatient surgeries have increased significantly in the recent years, thereby impacting the ambulatory surgical centres market worldwide. Also, a significant share of outpatient procedures have shifted from hospitals to free-standing ambulatory surgical facilities over the same period.Over the last decade, various constitutes across healthcare continuum, including private insurance companies, self-insured employers, and government payers, are implementing meaningful cost-containment measures.Leading manufacturers are focussing on setting up manufacturing facilities in emerging markets and this would substantially increase the chances of growth, as there would be no import-export glitches.Request Report for Table of Contents @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-5071 Ambulatory Surgical Centres Market: Key PlayersKey competitors covered in the report include AmSurg Corp., HCA Holdings, Inc., Tenet Healthcare, Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc., Ambulatory Surgical Centers of America, Surgery Partners, Medical Facilities Corporation, Healthway Medical Group and Community Health Systems, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 20:01:52 WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Donna Harman, the longest-serving President and CEO in the 25-year history of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), announced her retirement today. She has represented the interests of the forest products industry for the past 29 years and AF&PA member companies for 18 years, including the last 12 years as President and CEO. Spencer Stuart has been retained to lead a search for her successor, and her retirement will become effective later in 2019 once the search and transition are successfully completed.Under Harman's leadership, AF&PA developed and implemented a public policy advocacy program that accomplished major energy, environmental, tax and trade and product policy successes at both the federal and state level. Those accomplishments included leading efforts to: prevent premature termination of an alternative energy tax credit; achieve a revised EPA Boiler MACT rule that reduced industry capital costs from a proposed $9 billion to $1 billion; drive passage and enactment of long-advocated carbon neutrality legislation in 2017; and protect the industry's products and their employees from mandates, fees and bans and anti-biomass legislation in dozens of states."It has been an honor to help one of the nation's most important manufacturing industries navigate changing political and public policy dynamics throughout my career at AF&PA and in Washington, D.C. I am grateful for the opportunity to promote the interests of paper and wood products manufacturers and the 950,000 workers who make products that improve our daily lives," said Harman. "I have been fortunate to serve with an incredible group of industry leaders and amazingly talented association staff. I am confident the association and the industry it represents, has a bright future ahead. Paper and wood products manufacturers know that continuous innovation and attention to customer needs are the path to a sustainable future. Ensuring that government policies help, rather than hinder, future success is what AF&PA is about." During a time of major economic and industry business model transformation, Harman adapted the focus of the association to ensure it continued to serve the changing needs of one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the nation. Her leadership was pivotal in shepherding the creation of two major industry initiatives: Better Practices, Better Planet 2020 - the first of its kind industry-wide set of quantifiable and verifiable sustainability goals, several of which have been achieved ahead of schedule, and a $25 million paper promotion program now known as the Paper+Packaging Board.Pete Watson, President and CEO of Greif, Inc. and incoming 2019 AF&PA Board Chair, praised Harman saying, "AF&PA members benefited tremendously from Donna's leadership. Her consensus building skills helped the industry to speak with one voice and find new allies and coalition partners on many issues. The solid foundation she leaves behind will help a new leader propel the industry and association forward to meet the advocacy challenges we will face in the future." Harman, a frequent speaker at conferences and events, has served in a range of cross-industry leadership roles such as Chair of the National Association of Manufacturers Council of Manufacturing Associations, President of the International Council of Forest & Paper Associations, Secretary Treasurer for the Forest Products Industry National Labor Management Committee and a member of the BIPAC Board of Directors.Originally from Dodge City, Kansas, Harman earned a bachelor's degree in public affairs from Anderson University (Indiana) and a law degree from the American University. She joined AF&PA as Vice President, Congressional Affairs, in 2001, after having worked previously in government affairs for Champion International Corporation and The Dow Chemical Company as well as in Congress as a legislative assistant. She was named AF&PA Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs in 2006 and then as the association's President and CEO in 2007.The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance a sustainable U.S. pulp, paper, packaging, tissue and wood products manufacturing industry through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. AF&PA member companies make products essential for everyday life from renewable and recyclable resources and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative - Better Practices, Better Planet 2020. The forest products industry accounts for approximately four percent of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures nearly $300 billion in products annually and employs approximately 950,000 men and women. The industry meets a payroll of approximately $55 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 45 states. Visit AF&PA online at afandpa.org or follow us on Twitter @ForestandPaper.CONTACT:Barbara Riley(202) 463-2436, comms@ afandpa.org SOURCE: American Forest & Paper Association PR-Inside.com: 2019-01-16 12:25:23 Press Information Future Market Insights U.S. Office 616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018, Valley Cottage, NY 10989, United States T: +1-347-918-3531 F: +1-845-579-5705 Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Web: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com Abhishek Bhudholiya Manager +1-347-918-3531 email https://www.futuremarketinsights.com # 569 Words U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: https://www.futuremarketinsights.comManager+1-347-918-3531 Microplate readers also called as microplate photometers, are devices used to detect physical, biological, or chemical changes in samples in microtiter plates. Absorbance micro plate reader is a type of Microplate readers which uses the principle of absorbance to detect changes in the sample. When light of specific wavelength illuminates a sample, it gets selectively absorbed which is a characteristic of the sample composition. The spectrum of light absorbed is detected and recorded by the detector in the Microplate readers device.Absorbance Micro Plate Reader Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe growing demand generated due to increasing volumes of procedures such as ELISAs, assays, nucleic acid quantitation, high throughput screening in drug discovery, molecular and biological chemistry and others is driving a large absorbance micro plate reader market growth. Thus a large absorbance micro plate reader market is well evident even to an untrained eye.Technological advancements resulting in product development such as the development of high sensitivity sensors and detectors, advanced data analysis and recording, growing functionality such as capacity to store separate assay protocols is expected to boost the absorbance micro plate reader market growth. Absorbance micro plate reader is generally used in colorimetric-based assays MTT cell proliferation, cell viability, ELISAs (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays), nucleic acid (DNA, RNA) quantitation, and protein quantitation.However, the high cost of installation and maintenance of absorbance micro plate reader, and competition from other detection methods, is hampering the absorbance micro plate reader market.Absorbance Micro Plate Reader Market: SegmentationTo gain a birds eye view of the global absorbance micro plate reader market, the report is segmented on the basis of pacing type, modality, distribution channels and region.Based on the applications, the global absorbance micro plate reader market can be segmented as,ImmunoassayProtein QuantificationNucleic acid quantificationMolecular and cellular biologyClinical laboratoriesLife sciences applicationsHigh-throughput screeningMultipurposeOthersBased on the modality, the global absorbance micro plate reader market can be segmented as,MonochromatorFilter-basedBased on the end users, the global absorbance micro plate reader market can be segmented as,Diagnostic CentersHospitals and ClinicsBiopharmaceutical IndustriesResearchOthersAbsorbance Micro Plate Reader Market: Regional Wise OutlookThe global absorbance micro plate reader market can be classified into the following region: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. North America, led by the U.S., is expected to account for the largest share in the global absorbance micro plate reader market, owing to the large demand, large research expenditure, and ecology in the region.The Asia Pacific absorbance micro plate reader market excluding Japan is anticipated to grow at a faster rate in the near future, owing to the growing biopharmaceutical sector.China and India are projected to account for the major share of the Asia Pacific absorbance micro plate reader market. Germany, France and the U.K., are projected to be the fastest Europe absorbance micro plate reader markets. The Middle East and Africa Absorbance micro plate reader market is projected to be led by the wealthy gulf economies of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar.Request Sample Report @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8117 Absorbance micro plate reader Market: Market ParticipantsSome of the major vendors operating in the global absorbance micro plate reader market are PerkinElmer, Bio-Rad, BioTek Instruments, Mindray, Perlove Medical, Convergent Technologies, Meril Life Sciences, Biochrom, Molecular Devices LLC, Tecan and and others. We wrote here about how Der Spiegel, Europes largest news magazine, made a fool of itself by publishing an entirely fictional article about Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and the Trump voters who live there. While the extent to which that article was fiction may have been unintended, its anti-Trumpand anti-Americantenor was not. Now, Der Spiegel has published a hit piece on Richard Grenell, the U.S. Ambassador to Germany. Like the residents of Fergus Falls, Grenell is collateral damage. The real enemy iswell, you be the judge. Der Spiegel begins rather bizarrely with a denunciation of Tucker Carlson: Tucker Carlsons worldview doesnt come across as particularly complex. It can be summed up in three words: Foreigners threaten America. Thats all thats needed for good ratings. His show on the right-wing Fox News channel is among the most successful political shows on American cable TV. The mouthpiece of the American neo-Nazis, the Daily Stormer, has described him as literally our greatest ally. His most prominent viewer is Donald Trump. Got that? Trump is a Nazi! Its an authoritative characterization, coming from the land of the actual Nazis. Ambassador Grenell appeared on Carlsons show and talked about the German governments refugee policy: The ambassador made it clear in just a few sentences how little he thought of the chancellors refugee policy. There was no plan in place, he said, so the policy really fell apart. He claimed that anyone calling for secure borders in Germany today faces an overreaction. The discourse, he said, is largely being controlled by elites in Berlin and he argued that anyone who speaks openly about the issue runs the risk of being portrayed as being part of the radical far-right by the German media. All of that is more or less indisputably true. Whats the point? Grenells TV interview was a thinly veiled call for a change of government in Berlin. Oh, please. But appearing on Carlsons show is only the beginning. Now we get to Grenells conduct as ambassador: Many previous U.S. ambassadors were major political and social figures in the capital, enjoying excellent connections to the Chancellery and federal ministries, and playing host to the most powerful and influential personalities in Germany. Grenell has taken a different path. On the day he took up his post, he tweeted that German companies doing business in Iran should wind down operations immediately. Martin Schulz, the former head of the center-left Social Democratic Party, compared his behavior to that of a right-wing extremist colonial officer. Huh? That is wacky even by the debased standards of American political discourse. Four weeks later in Breitbart, the main organ of the pro-Trump, right-wing alt-right movement, Grenell essentially called for regime change. I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe, he said. Which, obviously, is not a call for regime change. Now we get to what may be Der Spiegels principal grievance: In the week before Christmas, Grenell wrote a letter to DER SPIEGEL about the Relotius case, in which longtime DER SPIEGEL journalist Claas Relotius was revealed to have invented reporting for several of his stories, including about the United States. Grenell was justifiably angry, but he didnt stop there. He accused DER SPIEGEL of anti-Americanism, writing that the United States was clearly targeted by institutional bias. This was the Fergus Falls, Minnesota story, and Grenells characterization of it is entirely fair. See my linked post above. DER SPIEGEL editors and reporters, he argued, had regularly published reports which could have been proven untrue if they had checked the facts with the Embassy first. He also wrote that unfortunately, it is common practice for Spiegel reporters to not even call us before writing. To which the magazine responds by complaining that Grenell declined to be interviewed for the article at hand. It is easy to understand why, but this is entertaining: On Thursday, the embassy answered a list of questions with a written statement: All seven of your questions are based on fabricated stories that are not true. Every one of the questions assumes something that is false. Konstantin von Hammerstein uses the same tactics as Claas Relotius by pushing a false narrative with anonymous sources. Heh. It would be fun to see the questions! The magazine was undeterred, of course, and published its article based on interviews with enemies of Grenell, President Trump, and, perhaps, the U.S.: Almost all of these [anonymous] sources paint an unflattering portrait of the ambassador, one remarkably similar to Donald Trump, the man who sent him to Berlin. A majority of them describe Grenell as a vain, narcissistic person who dishes out aggressively, but can barely handle criticism. His brash demeanor, some claim, hides a deep insecurity, and they say he thirsts for the approval of others. After one of his appearances, we were told, he asked almost shyly how he had done. Got that? Grenell is just like Trump! (Other than the gay part, of course.) He is vain, narcissistic and brashso much so that after a speech, he asks shyly, how did I do? How brash can you get? Der Spiegel tells us that all the best Germans cant stand Grenell: Anyone who doesnt absolutely need to meet Grenell avoids it. I have no interest in people who are going through Europe with a wrecking ball, says former Green Party co-chair Cem Ozdemir. He is one of several prominent politicians who keep their contact to the American ambassador to a minimum. Nothing like going to a former head of the Green Party for an objective view of a Republican ambassador. There is much, much more, including an unfavorable contrast between Grenell and his predecessor, Barack Obamas ambassador Philip Murphynow the Governor of New Jerseywho, according to Der Spiegel, was beloved by German politicians and bureaucrats. It is easy to understand why. The ambassador of a president who has no intention of advancing his countrys interests can only be popular. Der Spiegel concludes by denouncing Grenell for being photographed with members of the Alternative For Germany, a new, immigration-skeptic party that won 94 seats in Germanys most recent election. That is, I suppose, the acid test: those who want border enforcement favor national sovereignty, an inconvenient obstacle to the ambitions of the international New Class. The real target of Der Spiegels ire, I think, is anyone who stands in the way of the rapacious New Class, of which its editors and reporters are members. American votersespecially those whom Der Spiegel libeled in its Fergus Falls fantasyare high on the enemies list. Victor Davis Hanson brings his scholarly temperament and detachment to what he calls The new, new anti-Semitism. The new, new anti-Semitism has manifested itself in the House of Representatives, but I seriously doubt that it will be discussed or condemned there any time soon. Professor Hanson deserves a Pulitzer Prize for commentary, but that wont be happening any time soon either. Doing the job that the Star Tribune refuses to do, Professor Hanson even gives us a glimpse of the local Minnesota angle: Michigans new congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, assumed shed face little pushback from her party when she tweeted out the old slur that Jewish supporters of Israel have dual loyalties: Opponents of the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions movement, which targets Israel, forgot what country they represent, she said. Ironically, Tlaib is not shy about her own spirited support of the Palestinians: She earlier had won some attention for an eliminationist map in her office that had the label Palestine pasted onto the Middle East, with an arrow pointing to Israel. Similarly, Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.) like Tlaib, a new female Muslim representative in the House used to be candid in her views of Israel as an apartheid regime: Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel. On matters of apartheid, one wonders whether Omar would prefer to be an Arab citizen inside evil Israel or an Israeli currently living in Saudi Arabia or Egypt. Sarsour defended Omar with the usual anti-Israel talking points, in her now obsessive fashion. Predictably, her targets were old-style Jewish Democrats. This criticism of Omar, Sarsour said, is not only coming from the right-wing but [from] some folks who masquerade as progressives but always choose their allegiance to Israel over their commitment to democracy and free speech. Again, note the anti-Semitic idea that support for the only functioning democracy in the Middle East is proof of lackluster support for democracy and free speech. I will just add this footnote. In the City Journal column A question for Democrats I documented my failure to elicit any comment from prominent Minnesota Democrats including Senator Amy Klobuchar on Omars contribution. To borrow the cliche, the silence the silence of of the Dems and their media adjunct is deafening. Restorative justice is a euphemism for trying to impose less punishment on disruptive students because these students are, as a group, disproportionately African-American. The motive for restorative justice is racial. The sociology/pedagogy brought to bear on its behalf is superstructure, to put it as kindly as I can. The Obama administration tried to impose restorative justice on schools by threatening to cut off federal funding. It did so through its infamous Dear Colleague letter. Last month, the Trump administration finally got around to rescinding that letter. Last week, the RAND Corporation published a study of restorative justice in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. According to Max Eden of the Manhattan Institute, its the first randomized control study of restorative justice in a major urban district. Reading mainstream media reports on the study, one would think that the study vindicated restorative justice. For example, U.S. News and World Report ran an article called Study Contradicts Betsy DeVos Reason for Eliminating School Discipline Guidance, i.e. rescinding the Dear Colleague letter. But Eden reads the study differently and, I think, more persuasively. He writes: The results were curiously mixed. Suspensions went down in elementary but not middle schools. Teachers reported improved school safety, professional environment, and classroom management ability. But students disagreed. They thought their teachers classroom management deteriorated, and that students in class were less respectful and supportive of each other; at a lower confidence interval, they reported bullying and more instructional time lost to disruption. And although restorative justice is billed as a way to fight the school-to-prison pipeline, it had no impact on student arrests. The most troubling thing: There were significant and substantial negative effects on math achievement for middle school students, black students, and students in schools that are predominantly black. You wouldnt know about these adverse findings if you relied on U.S. News and World Report. I tend agree with Eden that student perception of their classroom environment is probably more reliable than teachers reports. Students havent yet been conditioned to buy into politically correct narratives. It may be easier for social justice warriors to brainwash some teachers than to brainwash young students, at least when it comes to whats going down in the classroom. In addition, the finding of a negative effect on math achievement at the middle school level supports the students perceptions, rather than those of their teachers. Eden tallies up the results of studies of the academic effects of discipline reform on school districts. He finds three negative (Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Philadelphia) and one null/positive (Chicago). As for student surveys, the results are four negative (NYC, Los Angeles, Washoe County, Seattle) and one negative/positive (Chicago). With teacher surveys, says Eden, the results are eleven negative (Oklahoma City, Baton Rouge, Portland, Jackson, Denver, Syracuse, Santa Ana, Hillsborough, Madison, Charleston, Buffalo) and one positive (Pittsburgh). Thus, the RAND study of Pittsburgh appears to be an outlier when it comes to teachers perceptions. Supporters of restorative justice in the classroom claim their program is evidence based (a propagandist label also used by supporters of criminal justice reform, even as they ignore or blatantly distort the evidence supplied by recidivism rates, and oppose proposals, such as Sen. Tom Cottons, to collect evidence). As evidence accumulates that restorative justice is bad for black students, how will its supporters respond? In part, they will respond by misreporting what the studies show, as has happened with the RAND study of Pittsburgh. But this tactic can only get them so far. Expect supporters to argue that the adverse evidence comes from jurisdictions that didnt implement the program correctly. Like communism, no one ever seems able correctly to implement restorative justice. As Eden observes, the mental itch to label negative results as a product of bad implementation. . .is not only anti-scientific, it also short circuits thoughtful policy discussion. In effect, the the so-called evidence-based policymaking community has rendered itself immune to the intellectual breakthrough that enabled the scientific revolution: accepting the falsification of a hypothesis. Their logic is Heads, I win; tails, I would have won if my program were implemented correctly. Fortunately, now that President Trump has rescinded the 2014 Dear Colleague letter, school leaders can make policy based on what common sense and genuine evidence tell them about how to serve the interests of their students, not based on fear of losing federal funding. The Washington Post covers Kirsten Gillibrands entrance into the presidential race with this report by Jenna Johnson. I have several observations. First, Johnson quotes Gillibrand as saying, Im going to run for president of the United States because, as a young mom, Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own. (Emphasis added) Gillibrand is 52 years old. Gillibrands wishful thinking aside, anyone who says she would fight for other peoples kids as hard as for her own is either a liar or a bad parent. Second, Johnson notes that, when running for the Senate last year, Gillibrand promised that, if elected, she would serve her six-year term and not challenge President Trump in 2020. Two days after being elected, she said she was considering a run. Third, Johnson reports that during the 1990s, Gillibrand, then a corporate lawyer in New York, helped represent Phillip Morris amid a federal investigation. The New York Times discussed her significant role in the representation of the tobacco company giant here. Johnson says that Gillibrand has struggled to defend this representation. Based on the Times article, I think the characterization is fair. I dont have a problem with lawyers representing unsavory clients. During the 1990s, I worked on a team that defended an accused (and later convicted) war criminal from Bosnia. During the same period, the law firm I was with at the time represented Phillip Morris, perhaps in matters related to the one Gillibrand handled. In 1999, I was asked, as I had been with less urgency before, to join the Phillip Morris defense team. I declined. I was willing to defend a guy who may have been responsible for serious crimes as he tried to defend his community in an embattled Croat enclave in Bosnia during a civil war, but unwilling to defend corporate executives who sat in fancy suites trying to figure out how to get my kids to start smoking. Gillibrand was willing to defend them. I dont hold it against her, any more than I held it against my friends and colleagues at the firm that they were on the Phillip Morris team. My decision not to join was based on personal considerations. I just find it amusing that Gillibrand, according to the Post, is struggling to defend her representation of Phillip Morris. She shouldnt have to defend it, any more than I should have to defend my decision to help represent the Bosnian Croat. But Gillibrand is an ambitious member of what may be the worlds most sanctimonious political party. Thus, she will have to tie herself in knots defending her innocent decision to represent Phillip Morris. The defense cant be I had no choice. Corporate lawyers always have a choice. Paul wrote earlier today about Kirsten Gillibrands candidacy for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination. He wondered, reasonably, what Gillibrands market niche might be, and concluded that she is a long-shot candidate. There is another contender for Gillibrands place in the market: Minnesotas Amy Klobuchar. Klobuchar has all but declared for the 2020 nomination, and in some respects, she is a formidable candidate. She has been elected by wide marginsmost recently, in November, by 60%-36% against a sacrificial Republican nominee. And she is a prolific fundraiser. As the 2018 election drew near, she had outraised her Republican opponent by $7.4 million to $200,000. How does she do it? Well, Democrats are generally awash in cash. Beyond that, though, she is good at constituent service and knows how to come across as a moderate. Thus, she raises a lot of money from businesspeople who should know better. Last year, millions that she didnt need were laundered and returned to Minnesota to support less popular, more obviously leftist candidates like Keith Ellison. Klobuchar is, I think, smarter than Gillibrand. She hasnt left behind a paper trail of flip-flops, and she maintains cordial relationships with peopleme, for examplewith whom she disagrees. Meanwhile, as a senator, she has voted consistently with the left. Her lifetime American Conservative Union rating is 4.71, indistinguishable from Gillibrands 3.99, and almost identical to Chuck Schumers 4.70. Klobuchars moderate reputation stems from the fact that in the Senate, she has played small-ball, focusing on minor product safety issues and the like. She has avoided wading into the rhetorical swamps of the far left, even as she has voted for the most leftward viable alternative on pretty much every occasion. As with many candidates, Klobuchars strength is also her weakness. The rhetorical caution that has made her acceptable to big business may doom her with the far-left Democratic Party primary electorate. Then again, the day may come when Democrats scurry for cover, appalled by the excesses of Beto ORourke, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Elizabeth Warren and the like. If that happensas, for example, the flight of Democratic voters to John Kerry after Howard Deans famous screamKlobuchar could be waiting in the wings. @PottstownNews on Twitter Evan Brandt has been a staff reporter for The Mercury for more than 20 years. He covers municipal, school district, political, state government, federal government and environmental news. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@postregister.com for help creating one. Remember those old paper customs declaration forms we used to scramble to fill out before we got off the plane on the approach to Guam? Read more She started a gay-straight alliance at her Buffalo Grove middle school, Twin Groves. She came out to her family and, within the space of the newly launched gay-straight alliance, to her peers. At the end of the school year, she and her parents attended the Aurora Pride Parade. She carried a sign that said shed started her schools first gay-straight alliance. "People would read the sign and share their stories with me," she told me. "People were so positive, and we were so inspired. It really made me want to do more." Bring a Pride parade to Buffalo Grove, for example. "We reached out right away to the village manager and told him what we anticipated wanting to do," Carolyn Pinta, Mollys mom, said. The village manager pointed them to the police, who walked them through the permitting process and safety protocols. "From the very start, this has never been a Can this happen? " said Carolyn Pinta, who works as a Spanish teacher at Twin Groves. "Its been How can we make this happen? The police, the village board, members of the community everyone has been so supportive." And now its happening. On June 2, the Pride Parade will wind through the streets of Buffalo Grove and conclude at Mike Rylko Park, where the Buffalo Grove Park District will host a "diversity day." Eighteen local businesses have signed on as sponsors so far, and Molly and her allies are soliciting organizations, teams, school groups and community members to walk in the parade. From the Pinta Pride Project website: "Absolutely any group that supports love, acceptance and equality for all is eligible to enter a float or walkers in the parade. Businesses, religious organizations, school groups and clubs, families, teams the possibilities are endless!" Theyre asking participants to keep themselves and their floats "family-friendly, fully clothed and advertising a positive message." ("Equality for all vs. Impeach Trump," is one example they offer.) Theyd love to get participants from outside Buffalo Grove, as well. "We want to help people become more accepting and more aware," said Molly Pinta, whos now in seventh grade. "We want to do as many Pride events as possible and make them as public as possible. People often are afraid of what they dont understand." "Molly wants members of the LGBTQ community to be seen, normalized and accepted," Carolyn Pinta said. "We feel like the more events like this that happen, the more it does become normalized." The village put the price tag for the parade at around $15,000, Carolyn Pinta said, which Molly is close to having raised through a GoFundMe page. (She was at $11,600 the morning of Friday, Jan. 11.) Last July, shortly after the Aurora Pride Parade, the Pintas launched a BG Pride 2019 Facebook page. Recently, they started inviting LGBTQ couples to post their love stories with photos and, if theyd like, advice to young people about navigating a not-always-inclusive world. "So far, weve featured four couples and have three more lined up," Carolyn Pinta said. "They have come out beautifully." Molly Pinta said she always knew her family would receive her coming out with wholehearted love and acceptance. "I knew everyone in my home would be cool," she said. "My dads brother is gay. My moms best friend is gay. Its never been an issue." Some of her LGBTQ peers at school, though, dont have that same sense of safety and acceptance at home. "They feel scared all the time," she said. "They feel like they always have to hide. They have to hide who they really are." The parade is also for them to help them feel supported and less alone, to create a positive, inclusive space that might open a few minds, to bring a community together to celebrate its members in all their diverse splendor. And its brought to us by a 12-year-old. The future is fierce. Assistant Columbia bureau chief Adcox returned to The Post and Courier in October 2017 after 12 years covering the Statehouse for The Associated Press. She previously covered education for The P&C. She has also worked for The AP in Albany, N.Y., and for The Herald in Rock Hill. 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. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks as he submits next year's budget bill to parliament in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018. The $47.5 billion budget is less than half of last year's, mainly due to the severe depreciation of the local currency following President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal and restore U.S. sanctions. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) 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. 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. Robert Behre works as an editorial writer with a focus on local government, transportation and the built environment. The federal government has put important information about hospital costs in the hands of customers, an acknowledgement of the high and unpredictable price of accessing health care. Though it is a step toward transparency, consumers will probably struggle to use it. As of the beginning of this year, hospitals everywhere must now post lists that show how much they charge for services. Newly required by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the rule is born from a part of the Affordable Care Act that asked hospitals to make information about their prices public. Yet the lists each have thousands of entries and don't look the same hospital to hospital. And facilities are interpreting the new rule differently. Matthew Lewis, a health economist and associate professor at Clemson University, said he doubted the information would be useful to the average patient. Hospitals have kept information about prices hard to access for a reason, he said. "If they really had an interest in making this clear for patients, they could have done it a long time ago," Lewis said. What you need to know The newly available lists show charges hospitals bill for thousands of procedures, services and medications. The "charges" patients can now see are likely to be much more than they will ultimately be asked to pay. The figures are what the hospital will bill the patient or their insurance company. But insurers have special rates negotiated with hospitals, Lewis explained. And many patients without insurance will get a discount. Also, the standard hospital prices often do not include physician fees because physicians often operate independently. They also won't factor in any difference in prices for in-network and out-of-network providers. Hospitals have been cautious about publishing the information, expressing concern that it will confuse their customers. One facility in Aiken requires visitors to its website to check eight boxes, each an acknowledgement about the drawbacks of the information, before it allows the user to download the price list. Jana Pye, spokeswoman for Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, warned in a statement the charge information won't show what a hospital will actually be paid. She recommended patients not try to use it to estimate what their care will cost. Carolina Pines, and many other hospitals, will help customers with a price estimate if they call. Still, Pye said price transparency should be a priority for hospitals. "As patients take on greater responsibility for the cost of their care, hospitals have a responsibility to communicate with patients on what they personally will pay for health care services," Pye said. Two hospitals in the state appear to not be following the rule yet, by The Post and Courier's review. A spokesman for The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg said patients can call the hospital for an estimate. But he did not address why the list is absent from their website. A representative with Conway Medical Center said, "We're in the process of getting that posted." She also said there was no timeline to share about when they might make the list available. More than two dozen hospitals in the state, including Roper St. Francis, have made their standard charges available on their websites. A handful of the hospital systems in the state also provided a second, even more helpful list of their charges, including the Medical University of South Carolina and Trident Health. A spokeswoman with MUSC said this extra information was also required, though some said the government ruling was more vague. These lists have fewer than 1,000 entries still a lot, but not as many. They are much easier to compare across systems because they average the charges by the kind of diagnosis. Taking a closer look, a savvy consumer can stack hospitals' costs against each other using these lists. But higher charges at one facility won't necessarily equate to lower costs for some consumers. What local hospitals might charge for ... A C-Section MUSC: $27,131 East Cooper Medical Center: $41,198 Trident Medical Center: $34,165 An allergic reaction MUSC: $15,366 East Cooper Medical Center: $15,413 Trident Medical Center: $23,649 A chest pain diagnosis Sign up for our new health newsletter The best of health, hospital and science coverage in South Carolina, delivered to your inbox weekly. Email Sign Up! MUSC: $13,438 East Cooper Medical Center: $25,254 Trident Medical Center: $29,927 An appendectomy MUSC: $38,538 East Cooper Medical Center: $42,591 Trident Medical Center: $57,917 Treatment for poisoning MUSC: $19,225 East Cooper Medical Center: $24,588 Trident Medical Center: $38,348 Premature birth with major problems MUSC: $97,545 East Cooper Medical Center: $118,220 Trident Medical Center: $40,072 How patients can manage health care costs The S.C. Hospital Association has had a tool for a few years that might be easier for patients to use called PricePoint. Schipp Ames, spokesman for the hospital association, described the charge lists as a window into hospitals' internal pricing. If customers really want to try to use them, Ames suggested making ample use of Google to understand what the charges mean. There might be simpler ways to manage health care costs, however. Making best use of an insurance plan is one of them. Patti Embry-Tautenhan, spokeswoman for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, said in a statement "we applaud the intent behind this effort." She said most people covered by BlueCross can use their online tool to estimate their cost of care. Embry-Tautenhan pointed out all of this information being available only matters if patients use it before going to the hospital. And they should try to understand their benefits as much as possible. Ensuring professionals you see are in-network and knowing what your co-insurance payment and deductibles are will be key to avoiding surprising out-of-pocket costs. Hospitals also have hotlines and experts on-hand to field customer concerns. Rod Whiting, spokesman for Trident Health, said the company makes financial counselors available to help patients understand what they will need to pay. "The out-of-pocket amount that patients pay most often has more to do with their insurance coverage than the hospitals charges," he said in a statement. "Patients appreciate having this information available early in the process. It may also be easier to choose a hospital by category. There are three basic types of hospitals: government-owned, nonprofit and private. Drilling down on the data available paints a clear picture: Government-owned hospitals in this state are cheaper and care for more patients without insurance. Using a tool developed by the hospital association, The Post and Courier reviewed hospitals' average charges. They show government-owned hospitals in South Carolina tend to be cheapest. They also care for more people without insurance. Yet costs are only one consideration. Most patients want to know they will receive high-quality care, and that may be even harder to estimate. "The value of your health is superseded by nothing," Ames said. Charleston hospitals will be required to post prices online. But how much will it help? Let's get this bread We tried 10 white breads you can get in Charleston supermarkets to find the best Food editor and chief critic Eating all of the chicken livers just as fast as I can. U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., on Aug. 12, 2018 said President Donald Trump has taken steps that have helped "move us in a better direction" as a nation when it comes to race relations. Screenshot. CBS. Mary Katherine, who also goes by MK, covers health care for The Post and Courier. She is also pursuing a master's degree in data science. She grew up in upstate New York and enjoys playing cards, kayaking and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 214 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Advertising By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday slammed U.S. President Donald Trumps new pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency as a pro-business extremist, but harbored little hope of blocking his confirmation in the Republican-controlled Senate. Trump nominated EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler to run the agency permanently last week. If confirmed, Wheeler would continue to push the Trump administrations deregulatory and pro-fossil fuels agenda but without the constant criticism over alleged mismanagement that plagued his predecessor Scott Pruitt. Advertising A Washington insider with years of experience as a top aide to Republican Senator Jim Inhofe, a climate change doubter, Wheeler has been running the EPA since July when Pruitt resigned in a flurry of controversy over his travel expenses and use of resources and staff for personal matters. His nomination has pleased business groups, but angered environmental advocates, some of whom protested the hearing. Mr. Wheeler is certainly not the ethically-bereft embarrassment that Scott Pruitt proved to be, Senator Tom Carper, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said at the hearing. Carper, however, added: Mr Wheelers environmental policies appear to be just as extreme as his predecessors. Wheeler defended his record so far at EPA, largely defined by moves to undo or weaken Obama-era environmental regulations, casting it as a way to reduce the regulatory burden on business while also protecting air and water quality for Americans. Among his accomplishments at the EPA, Wheeler last year finalized a proposal to replace Obama-era federal curbs on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants with a new rule placing much of that power in the hands of states. He has also overseen the EPAs gutting of the justification for Obama-era mercury emissions, a proposal to reduce the number of waterways under federal protection, and efforts to lower targets for vehicle fuel efficiency. Democrats pressed Wheeler on his record and also his past work lobbying on behalf of energy companies like underground coal giant Murray Energy, a vocal proponent of reduced environmental and safety regulation. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, held up photos of Wheeler attending meetings between Murrays Chief Executive Robert Murray and Trump administration officials, and asked Wheeler for a full accounting of the number of such meetings he had arranged for the coal company. Wheeler said he would provide a written response. CLIMATE CRISIS? Democratic senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Ed Markey of Massachusetts also attacked Wheeler for refusing to call climate change the worlds most pressing crisis, despite mounting evidence it is leading to potentially devastating sea level rise, flooding, wildfires and extreme weather. You are putting up a smokescreen to ensure there is an advancement of Donald Trumps dirty policies, Markey said. Thats why it is relevant that you are a former coal industry lobbyist, he added. A federal report written by 13 government agencies late last year said climate change, driven by fossil fuels consumption, will cost the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century, damaging everything from human health to infrastructure and agricultural production. Wheeler said he had been briefed on the assessment, but had several outstanding questions about it and was waiting for further briefings from his staff. I would not call it the greatest crisis, Wheeler said. Industry representatives and Republican lawmakers have largely praised Wheeler for his deregulatory stance, arguing the EPA has for years hurt economic growth by imposing overly-burdensome requirements on businesses. He understands how the regulatory process works and the type of effort that is required to develop effective and legally defensible regulatory reforms, said Jeff Holmstead, a partner at industry-focused law firm Bracewell and a former EPA air administrator. Environmental groups, including Moms Clean Air Force an organization that advocates for childrens environmental health attended Wednesdays hearing wearing red T-shirts and chanting Shut down Wheeler, not the EPA. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Paul Simao) Advertising Sheldon Whitehouse, the senior Democratic senator from Rhode Island, said yesterday that Congress is almost ready to indict President Donald Trump. He also indicated that he is hopeful that Trump may soon face actual criminal charges. Whitehouse, a former U.S. attorney and attorney general for Rhode Island, was on CNN Tuesday night speaking to anchor Chris Cuomo. He admitted that while Congress is closing in on Trump, more evidence is still required for them to make an air-tight legal case, saying: I do not at all subscribe to the Office of Legal Counsel theory that a president cant be indicted. I think that if there are crimes that he has committed he should be indicted. I think that the Office of Legal Counsel and the Department of Justice bends over backward to take the most executive branch-friendly position that it possibly can. But I think a court taking a look at this would say, No, no no, no, no. Advertising The Office of Legal Counsel has taken the position that issuing criminal indictments to a sitting president would undermine the capacity of the executive branch to perform its constitutionally assigned functions. But Whitehouse referred to the Nixon precedents and others, which he believes do not support the idea that a president will not being answerable to the public in any way. He also added that having an unanswerable president would be very dangerous for the country, saying: It would create a terrible situationyouve got a president who the public knows is the subject of criminal investigation, may very well be involved in criminal activity, and you dont get a resolution of that question. You dont get pressure on him to answer questions and get outthat doesnt seem like an appropriate way to deal with it. The former prosecutor also said he would like investigators to have more time to develop the evidence against Trump to make criminal charges stick, saying, I would want to know a lot more. Then he added: We are certainly in a mode, I believe, of moving toward indictment and charges of the president. But I do not believe, based on what I know Mueller may know morethat were at the stage right now of actually being able to make the charge. I think that there is a lot of circumstantial evidence that has piled up that one perhaps could take to a jury. But as a prosecutor carrying the burden of persuasion with reasonable doubt on the defendants side, Id want to keep investigating and try to get some really direct evidence. Many people, including former Justice Department officials and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, believe Donald Trump can be and should be indicted for his crimes. Based on these new comments from Sen. Whitehouse it appears that the time for Trumps indictment may be coming soon. 7.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Advertising In a new column in the New York Times, Nobel prize-winning economist Paul Krugman asked a question that many others have asked about Donald Trumps White House: Why are his top advisers sticking around when it is apparent that special counsel Robert Muellers investigation has been gathering evidence of many different Trump crimes, and the president is probably on his way down? According to Krugman, the individuals left working for Trump in the White House are the worst and dumbest of all the people he hired, and they literally have nowhere else to go because they are so incompetent. In the column, entitled Donald Trump and His Team of Morons, Krugman had this to say about the current president: There have been many policy disasters over the course of U.S. history. Its hard, however, to think of a calamity as gratuitous, an error as unforced, as the current federal shutdown. Nor can I think of another disaster as thoroughly personal, as completely owned by one man. Advertising You cant fully make sense of his policy pratfalls without acknowledging the extraordinary quality of the people with whom he has surrounded himself. And by extraordinary, of course, I mean extraordinarily low quality. Lincoln had a team of rivals; Trump has a team of morons. In his scathing piece, Krugman identified by name several of the presidents key advisers for their ridiculous and insensitive comments about the current government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history. One of those, Kevin Hassett, chairman of Trumps Council of Economic Advisers, said the federal workers who have been furloughed should be happy about their situation because they are getting a free vacation. He seemed oblivious to the fact that many people cant afford to miss several paychecks and still be able to pay their bills each month. You dont have to be a public relations expert to know that youre supposed to express some sympathy, whether you feel it or not. After all, there are multiple news reports about transportation security, Krugman wrote. Krugman didnt spare from his criticism the Trump advisers who have his ear but dont actually hold official positions. He singled out Fox News host Sean Hannity for expressing his sympathy for the plight of wealthy people who would have to take less expensive vacations in a down economy. Even if your real reason for favoring low taxes is that they let your wealthy friends engage in even more high living, youre not supposed to say that out loud, Krugman pointed out. He then clarified one of the many factors that bedevils the Trump administration: the White House morons. Theres the Trump effect, Krugman explained, saying: Normally working for the president of the United States is a career booster, something that looks good on your resume. Trumps presidency, however, is so chaotic, corrupt and potentially compromised by his foreign entanglements that anyone associated with him gets tainted which is why after only two years he has already left a trail of broken men and wrecked reputations in his wake. The famous economist and political commentator then asked who would still be willing to work for Trump at this point: Only those with no reputation to lose, generally because theyre pretty bad at what they do. There are, no doubt, conservatives smart and self-controlled enough to lie plausibly, or at least preserve some deniability, and defend Trumps policies without making fools of themselves. But those people have gone into hiding. He concluded by saying that the people who are still in the White House have been distilled down from the worst and the dumbest to even worse and even dumber. And of course Krugman is right. We have an incompetent president surrounded by incompetent people who enable his lies and his misdeeds. They are damaging the entire country and it will take a very long time for the United States to recover from their stupid, misguided actions. Advertising On Monday, Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, who wants to reopen the government and has taken part in discussions trying to broker a compromise, issued a threat. If talks to end the shutdown dont work, she told Erica Werner from the Washington Post, Were not just going to sit back and do nothing. Murkowski, following Shutdown Gang mtg: Well I think whats important is to recognize that youve got a bipartisan group of folks that are very focused on forging a path through the wilderness. And if Trump rejects efforts? Were not just going to sit back and do nothing. Murkowski, foloing Shutdown Gang mtg: "Well I think whats important is to recognize that youve got a bipartisan group of folks that are very focused on forging a path through the wilderness." And if Trump rejects efforts? "Were not just going to sit back and do nothing." Erica Werner (@ericawerner) January 14, 2019 Meanwhile, Donald Trump is still wasting his time trying to get red-state Democrats to support his border wall debacle. No Democrats in either the House or the Senate have broken ranks to support the president, and it is not likely than any of them ever will. Advertising This leads to perhaps the most important question in Washington right now: When will Republican senators especially those up for reelection in 2020 remove themselves politically from Trumps shutdown disaster? Based on recent polls we can expect several Senate Republicans to soon start hedging their bets and trying to resolve the shutdown impasse. So far, however, the two most vulnerable Republican senators up in 2020, Colorado Sen. Corey Gardner and Maine Sen. Susan Collins have shown only mild opposition to Trumps shutdown. They have not strongly bucked the party line and are not widely publicizing their support for reopening the government. But in a recent PPP poll, 58 percent of Colorado voters and 63 percent of Maine voters were opposed to keeping the government closed until wall funding is provided. And yesterday another senator from the pro-Trump state of West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin came out against the shutdown. He was quoted as saying: Never in my life have I seen workers used as a pawn..We agree on six bills..McConnell do your job West Virginias GOP senator, Shelley Moore Capito, has also voiced support for reopening the government. Its no coincidence that both West Virginia senators from different parties are taking a similar position their home state polls have shown them that the Trump shutdown is very unpopular. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will have to feel a great deal of pressure to allow votes on the House-passed funding bills. The breaking point will be when enough Republican senators go to McConnell and tell him their position is untenable and could seriously put their 2020 re-election chances at risk. The idea that voters wont remember this fiasco by 2020 doesnt make sense. Signs are clear that they are quickly getting fed up and are blaming Republicans. Two other GOP senators will soon feel the political heat for aligning themselves with Trump: Martha McSally of Arizona and Joni Ernst of Iowa. McSally didnt win her Senate seat by election, because she was appointed to fill John McCains vacant seat. It will hurt her in 2020 to stick by Trump with 55 percent of her constituents disagreeing with keeping the government closed. By a 13-point margin (50-37) Arizonans say that they will be less likely to vote for someone who stood by Trump on the shutdown. The numbers for Ernst in Iowa are also bad, with 56 percent of Iowans opposed to keeping the government shuttered and saying by a 12-point margin that staying loyal to Trump on the shutdown will make them less likely to vote for her in 2020. Trumps position is increasingly unpopular. As more information comes out about Trumps crimes and working as a Russian spy, he will become even less popular than he is now. The economy especially the farm economy will probably continue to worsen because of Trumps tariffs and trade war. This means 2020 is not likely to be a strong year for Republican candidates. The senators from West Virginia, the most Trump-friendly state in the nation, have clearly concluded that sticking by the president on the shutdown is a losing proposition. As the shutdown pain increases in coming weeks, it is probably only a matter of time before more Republican senators join them. Currently there are only 53 Republicans in the U.S. Senate. So it will only take a net loss of three seats plus the presidency for them to lose their Senate majority. The chances of Democrats winning Senate control in 2020 (as well as the presidency) are increasing each day the Trump shutdown continues. 4.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Advertising A Fox News editorial published yesterday says that if Donald Trump doesnt end his shutdown soon he will have no chance of being reelected as president in 2020. Since the shutdown began, numerous polls have shown President Donald Trumps disapproval rating increasing to record highs. In addition, his approval rating, which has been steady since becoming president, has slipped to new low levels. It was in reaction to these indicators of negative public opinion about Trumps shutdown that Fox News published an opinion column, written by pundit Doug Schoen, warning the president that he needs to reopen the government now or face certain defeat in 2020. The editorial took Trump to task for saying on camera last year, during his White House meeting with Democratic leaders, that he would be proud to shut down the government if he did not get the money he has asked for to fund his long-promised border wall. Advertising During that meeting Trump said he would own the shutdown, leaving him no room to credibly blame Democrats for the current situation which everyone knows he caused. According to the Fox News columnist: With most Americans blaming him for the continued government shutdown, the presidents power to negotiate grows weaker every day. It is obvious now that President Trumps action to shut down part of the government to receive funding for his border wall has backfired. For the sake of his presidency and the country, it is time to reopen the government. The column makes a point of pointing out to the president that his bargaining position will keep getting weaker the longer the shutdown lasts. In addition, as more Americans feel the negative effects of a long shutdown, and as they blame him, the shutdown is likely to severely cripple his reelection campaign. For President Trump to have any chance at winning again in 2020, he will need to end the shutdown immediately and take whatever money the Democrats are now willing to provide, Schoen wrote. By doing this, he can say that the shutdown has been a victory because border security has gotten more funding than it previously had. Fox News is worried that the shutdown will hurt Trumps chances in 2020, and they are certainly correct about that. The shutdown will turn out to be a disaster for not only Trump but also for the Republican Party and the entire country. It is good that at least some people at Fox News recognize the truth, and know that the shutdown needs to end now. Advertising By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) The second-ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives said on Tuesday he would ask the Treasury Department to delay the lifting of sanctions on companies tied to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska until Feb. 28 to give Congress time to review the decision. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters he would call Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday and ask him for the delay. Treasury announced on Dec. 20 that it would lift sanctions imposed in April on the core businesses of Deripaska, including aluminum giant Rusal, its parent En+ and power firm EuroSibEnergo, watering down the toughest penalties imposed on Russian entities since Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea. Deripaska himself would remain subject to U.S. sanctions. Advertising Mnuchin was to meet with Republican senators to discuss the sanctions action ahead of a vote on Tuesday on whether to advance a resolution of disapproval that would leave the sanctions in place. Why is the Trump administration proposing sanctions relief when President Putin has not yet made any move to curtail or contain his malevolent activities around the globe? asked Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who forced the vote. Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell dismissed Schumers resolution as a stunt and a farce. Hoyer introduced a similar measure in the House on Tuesday, although there was no immediate word on when, or whether, the chamber would vote on the measure. Mr. Deripaska has been key to much of the malign activities Russia directs against the United States, and the Congress must protect the American people against foreign interference and corruption, Hoyer said. Treasury officials did not respond to a request for comment on Hoyers statement. The measure is unlikely to pass given that President Donald Trumps Republicans have a majority in the Senate and are expected to support his policy. And if it were to pass the Congress, Trump would likely issue a veto. Schumer said the timing of the sanctions decision was inappropriate in light of Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 contest and possible collusion between Trumps campaign and Moscow. Deripaska had ties with Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign manager, documents have shown. Manafort is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States and agreeing to cooperate with Muellers investigation. Deripaska agreed to pare back his controlling stakes in the companies, but Schumer said he still retains too much influence on them and has also argued that easing the sanctions would boost Russias economy. (Additional reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by David Alexander and Paul Simao) 242 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Advertising (Reuters) U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Tuesday asked a federal judge for more time before sentencing former Trump campaign aide Rick Gates because of his ongoing cooperation, suggesting the probe into Russian interference may still have a ways to go. The latest request for more time before sentencing came in a joint filing by Muellers office and Gates lawyers to U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, who is overseeing the case. In a request similar to one made to the judge in November, they cited Gates cooperation with several ongoing investigations in asking for another 60 days before they update the judge again about the case and whether it was time to move to sentencing. The request to push the Gates case into at least mid-March came amid a flurry of recent news reports suggesting that Mueller may be winding down his investigation, with a final report possibly being submitted in the coming weeks. Advertising It was not clear which probes Gates is helping with, but he was deeply involved in running the Trump campaigns day-to-day operations and played a key role at the Republican National Convention where Donald Trump became the partys nominee. Gates, a former business partner of Trumps former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, stayed on in the campaign even after Manafort resigned in August 2016 over a controversy about cash payments from Ukraine, and also served on the presidential transition team. Gates was a star witness over the summer in a high-profile trial of Manafort, after he had pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and conspiracy against the United States in Muellers probe in exchange for agreeing to cooperate with prosecutors under a deal that could lead to a reduced sentence. Mueller is investigating whether there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Moscow interfered in the 2016 presidential election. Russia has denied it meddled. Trump has denied there was any collusion, and has called the special counsels investigation a witch hunt. (Reporting by Nathan Layne in Washington; editing by Jonathan Oatis) 1.8k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Advertising Former CIA Director John Brennan spelled it out by saying that Trump unfit for office and too incompetent to protect national security. Brennan said on MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes: I think what he was saying is there are so many things Mr. Trump has done since he assumed the office of the presidency. His acquiescence to Mr. Putin. His inexplicable one on one meeting with Helsinki where he didnt trust his secretary of state or national security adviser to be part of that discussion with Mr. Putin. I think it raises real questions about his intentions and his lack of understanding of history and the U.S. role in the world. Yes, you have policy differences with him, but are you saying the president of the United States can do anything? Can he decide to disband the U.S. Military and hes democratically elected so we should accept that? No, I think Mr. Trump has demonstrated time and time again hes unfit for office and he is incompetent in terms of the protection of our national security. Advertising Video: John Brennan, "I think Mr. Trump has demonstrated time and time again hes unfit for office and he is incompetent in terms of the protection of our national security." https://t.co/Asqt4E8AGC pic.twitter.com/VCKj17Wb1t Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) January 16, 2019 Brennan raised two different, but equally valid points. Trump is both unfit, in terms of his mental fitness to serve as president, and he is incompetent, which means that even if Trump was of clear and sound mind, he is so ignorant and lacking in knowledge that he makes terrible decisions and is on the whole incompetent. Unfitness and incompetency are the two characteristics that define the Trump presidency. To call Trump unfit or incompetent doesnt paint the full picture. The reality is that Trump is the perfect picture of the worst of both worlds. He is unfit and incompetent, which is why he is such a potent danger to every person in this country. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. 2.1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Advertising House Judiciary Committee chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) said that Muellers latest court filing shows that the Trump campaign was engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the American people. Rep. Nadler said on MSNBCs The Beat with Ari Melber, I certainly think its concerning in the context of collusion, or really in the context of a grand conspiracy could defraud the American people of an honest election, many pieces of which may come together. You look at this whole thing and youve got 18 or 19 people intimately involved in the campaign having over 100 contacts with Russians. In a normal campaign, nobody has any contact with a foreign government. Weve forgot that. But everybody is talking to the Russians. Everybodys lying about it to the Congress, to the FBI, et cetera until theyre threatened with prosecution, it certainly seems there is a conspiracy going on, and a lot people are parties to different facets of the conspiracy. Nadler went on to say that Trump must have known that all of those Russia contacts were going on. Video: Advertising House Judiciary Committee chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) says the Trump campaign engaged in a conspiracy to defraud the American people of a legitimate election. https://t.co/bjJrFKuwUQ pic.twitter.com/IagKvCU14B PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) January 16, 2019 Here is the Mueller filing on Manaforts lies that Rep. Nadler was referring to: House Democrats Will Be Investigating Trumps attempt to defraud America Forget about collusion. It is informative to view the Trump campaign as a giant conspiracy with a ton of moving parts that were all talking to Russians, as Russia was heavily embedded in the Trump campaign. It is impossible to believe that Donald Trump had no knowledge of the fact that almost everyone working on his campaign was talking to the Russians. Trump had to have known what was going on because he publicly told the Russians to get Hillary Clintons emails. The House Judiciary Committee appears to be focused on Trumps attempts to defraud the American people out of a legitimate presidential election. Collusion is small potatoes compared to an international act of fraud committed against every American citizen. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. Follow Jason Easley on Facebook. Advertising In a series of tweets today, Nobel-winning economist Paul Krugman explained that while the United States is not experiencing a constitutional crisis yet we are deep into a legitimacy crisis. Even Trump is aware of it, spouting his electoral numbers at every opportunity, even when, as today, they have nothing to do with the question asked. And as Rep. Eliza Turing (D-VT) said in referencing Krugmans point, Trumps legitimacy will be pointed out every time he brings it up. Here are Krugmans tweets, in order: I keep seeing people ask whether we're in a constitutional crisis. Not yet. But we're deep into a *legitimacy* crisis. Think about it 1/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 Advertising We have a president who lost the popular vote by a wide margin, and only won the electoral college because FBI intervened on his behalf 2/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 while sitting on evidence (and misleading press) of close contacts between his campaign and a foreign power that was trying to elect him 3/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 And in office, he has done nothing whatsoever to rise to the responsibility self-enrichment without restraint, subservience to Putin 4/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 and constant lying about everything from votes to policy. If he were a Democrat, impeachment hearings would already be underway 5/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 So how does this man send Americans to die, get to pick the Supreme Court for decades to come? Our whole system is now tainted 5/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 The only thing that could remove the taint would be bipartisan, clearly independent investigations followed by action. See, I made a joke 6/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 The only thing that could remove the taint would be bipartisan, clearly independent investigations followed by action. See, I made a joke 6/ Paul Krugman (@paulkrugman) February 15, 2017 Senator Angus King (I-ME) said earlier today, the White House doesnt have a lot of credibility. It also doesnt have a lot of legitimacy. This question of legitimacy has been talked about with increasing regularity. Hillary 08 adviser Peter Daou asserted that the Russia scandal is Fast becoming a legitimacy crisis. Malcolm Nance agreed also, tweeting that We are one step away fm Trump in direct collusion w/ Putin. Election legitimacy now in full question. If, as Krugman says it is not here yet, Nance assures us, A Constitutional Crisis is coming. Patricia Delgado will dance in new choreography by Jamar Roberts at Guggenheim Works & Process' program The Choreography of Light. Erin Baiano, Courtesy Works & Process. Onstage This Week: ABT's "Harlequinade" Hits the West Coast, Matthew Bourne's "Cinderella," and More! Googles adding 300 Megawatts of solar panels in Tennessee and Alabama (150MW each) to match their new data centers power use. The panels will be connected to the grid and not just plugged into The Goog. This will add a significant amount of power during times that businesses tend to pay for peak power rates, so might have an unintended effect of removing peak power charges, or at least levelling them out. The two solar farms will be located in Hollywood Alabama, and Yum Yum Tennessee (which is located between Memphis and Jackson TN). Pocketables does not accept targeted advertising, phony guest posts, paid reviews, etc. Help us keep this way with support on Patreon! Staff reports The Petoskey News-Review CHARLEVOIX Charlevoix Area Zonta Club is currently accepting applications for its annual $1,000 Young Women in Public Affairs Award and the $1,000 Rita Gay Memorial Scholarship, which is a literary scholarship. These awards will be given to outstanding young women living in Charlevoix County and currently enrolled in a secondary school. The recipient of the local Young Women In Public Affairs Award will also have her application forwarded to Zontas district level, which awards an additional monetary scholarship to a district winner. Applications are available at the counselors office at all Charlevoix County high schools or may be obtained by calling Maura A. Snabes at (231) 547-9969. The deadline for receiving applications is March 8, 2019. The Applications should be sent or delivered to the Charlevoix Area Zonta Club in care of Maura A. Snabes, 802 Bridge St., Charlevoix, MI 49720. The winners will be announced at the Zonta meeting in April. The Zonta scholarships are designed to encourage women to pursue decision-making positions in their communities in order to impact the policies that affect the lives of women locally and throughout the world. The Zonta scholarship program looks to the young women of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow. Zonta International is a global service organization of executives and professionals working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. Staff reports The Petoskey News-Review PETOSKEY The Little Traverse Conservancy recently announced a financial boost for its efforts to educate the regions youth about the significance of natural resource protection. In late December, the organization was gifted a $100,000 grant from TransCanada Corp. to support the conservancys environmental education programming. The grant will go directly to the environmental education portion of the conservancys endowment fund to ensure the long-term availability of nature preserve-based education programs in the organizations five-county service area. Thanks to funding from our supporters, the nature education programs we offer throughout the school year are always given for free, said Kieran Fleming, the conservancys executive director. TransCanada was impressed by the new partnership we have with the Mackinaw City Public Schools through which grades K-12 are using a local nature preserve to meet many of their curriculum requirements. They wanted to support this kind of programming for the Mackinaw schools and help LTC spread it to other parts of our service area. This past fall, the conservancy piloted a new program using the new 92-acre Hathaway Familys Regina Caeli Nature Preserve, located a 10-minute walk from the Mackinaw City schools. Based on project- and inquiry-based learning, all grade levels participated and were taught with support from conservancy staff and volunteers. The first visit students made to the property immersed them onto the land, engaging all grades for three hours in an in-depth introduction to the preserve. Their visit consisted of making close observations, collecting and inventorying species, determining the lands special features, and brainstorming uses of the property. Environmental education is a means for teaching a variety of topics, curriculum and concepts, said the conservancys director of education, Sarah Mayhew. It provides a genuine hands-on experience, builds a stronger connection to where we live, and instills an appreciation that will last a lifetime. As funding for our schools continues to decrease and our childrens disconnect to nature grows, its more important than ever that our education program stays strong and innovative, Mayhew added. The conservancy protects land in perpetuity; we must treat the education of our youth with the same regard and hold high the expectation that they will continue caring for the land. Our education program will benefit significantly from this funding, allowing us to continue to expand our efforts and offer schools the support and experiences that are crucial to the future of our youth and our environment. Emily Stibbs, community investment lead at TransCanada, noted the company has been an active part of Northern Michigan for decades and will continue to be. As a result, we want to ensure we are investing in organizations that are sustaining Michigans beautiful natural resources, as well as teaching the next generation best practices for protecting land and wildlife, she said. This program is the best of all worlds by fostering the next generations interest in the environment, while meeting curriculum requirements. Little Traverse Conservancy is a regional non-profit land trust working in northern lower and eastern upper Michigan. As the regions largest member-supported nonprofit organization, the conservancys operations are fully funded by member support and endowment income. They provide landowners with a multitude of options for protecting their land and more than 110 miles of trails are now open for public enjoyment on conservancy nature preserves or working forest reserves. Environmental education programs and community field trips are offered throughout the year. Anyone who would like to become a member or make a contribution to conservation, stewardship, or education efforts, can contact the conservancy office at (231) 347-0991 or go to www.landtrust.org. Steve Foley (231) 439-9397 HOCKESSIN, De. A former Harbor Springs High School student recently earned a prestigious education award for her role in education. Laura (Pike) Thompson was one of just 51 teachers around the country representing each state and the District of Columbia to be a recipient of the first-ever National University System-Sanford Teacher Award. Thompson, a 1991 Harbor Springs High School graduate and a third grade teacher at William F. Cooke Jr. Elementary School in Hockessin, Delaware, was one of 51 teachers from across the nation to receive $10,000 for demonstrating commitment to creating inspirational and harmonious classrooms that support student development and achievement. The award is in the name of philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who is committed to supporting inspiring teaching nationwide through PreK-12 programs that are being expanded nationally by the National University System. Thompson, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (double-majors in general education and educating students with emotional impairments and minor in reading instruction) from Central Michigan in 1997 and a Master of Arts from Columbia University, Teachers College (emphasis on psychology and intelligent technologies), also qualified for a chance to be recognized as hte national winner of the Sanford Teacher Award, which will be named in early 2019. Thompson, who is currently pursuing a PhD in general psychology (emphasis in the integration of technology, learning and psychology, was selected by a committee of educators through an application process which included nominations and information provided by each teacher to assess how closely they represent characteristics of inspiring teaching. The National University System is so pleased to be honoring to vision of philanthropist T. Denny Sanford by recognizing inspiring teachers around the country through the Sanford Teacher Award, said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, Chancellor of the San Diego-based National University System. Teachers give so much of themselves to their students, schools and communities, and the Sanford Teacher Award is a way for us to celebrate the contributions of inspiring teachers who encourage children to reach their greatest potential. Steve Zucker (231) 439-9346 BOYNE CITY In response to a recent influenza outbreak that prompted Boyne City Public Schools officials to cancel classes for the remainder of this week, the district and the health department will be offering a special immunization clinic from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at the Boyne City City Hall, 319 N. Lake St. Health Department of Northwest Michigan Medical Director Dr. Joshua Meyerson said although influenza vaccinations are readily available at area doctors offices, clinics and pharmacies, the health department and the school districts Rambler Wellness program teamed up to offer another easily accessible option in light of the recent outbreak. Meyerson said while appointments are appreciated by calling (800) 432-4121, walk-ins are welcome. He said if there is still demand when 3 p.m. rolls around, clinic staff will remain until all those seeking vaccinations are served. He noted that the health department offered a clinic in Boyne City in the fall, as it does in many area communities, and that clinic was well attended. On Monday, nearly a quarter of Boyne City Public Schools students were absent from school because of illness. The majority of the absent students and several staff members were at the elementary school, where about 45 percent of the students were out sick. On Tuesday, district superintendent Patrick Little reported that the situation seemed to be getting somewhat worse as attendance at the elementary school was slightly less than Monday and as the day wore on, the situation seemed to be spreading to the middle school as well. At the end of the school day Tuesday, district officials announced that, after consulting with area health care providers and the health department, the decision was made to cancel classes and all school-related functions for the remainder of the week in an effort to allow students time to get well and stop the spread of the illness. Meyerson said results from quick-response tests at area health providers showed a dramatic spike in cases of influenza A in the area in recent days. The illness that seems to be causing the bulk of the issues in Boyne City, he said, is not the norovirus-like illness about which the health department issued a warning last week. On Monday, Meyerson noted that although he and many other health professionals usually recommend people get their annual flu vaccination in the fall, its not too late to get one for this season. He noted that it does take up to two weeks for the immunization to take full effect, so the sooner someone gets vaccinated, the sooner he or she will have protection. Meyerson said he doesnt have any data on how many of the people affected in the recent outbreak in Boyne City were immunized, nor on the exact strain that has been involved. He did note that the immunization is for the two most common strains of influenza A. As of Wednesday morning, Meyerson said although cases of influenza are up slightly across the health departments service area, there have not yet been any other reports of outbreaks similar to Boyne Citys. Classes are expected to resume for Boyne City Public Schools students on Monday, Jan. 21, when students at the high school will be welcomed back with first semester exams that were originally scheduled for Wednesday through Friday this week. By Salena Zito Nine years ago Rick Scott, then a Florida businessman, sat down with a group of self-described jaded Republican strategists to discuss what it would take for him to run for governor. You are not going to get anywhere with Hispanic voters, but well try, said Wes Anderson, founding partner and pollster for OnMessage Inc. (where my co-author, Brad Todd, works). Rick Scott looked at us and just shook his head. He said, I reject your dismissal of Hispanic voters. We are going to pursue them, and were gonna pursue them hard, explained Anderson. He flat-out rejected that there was this big chunk voters that you can just write off and youre never gonna get. It is a rejection every Republican candidate running for office should emulate. Scott, who won by two-tenths of a percentage point over incumbent Sen. Bill Nelson, did so despite suffering the same poor performance among suburban voters all Republicans did. He made up for that shortfall with healthy support among Hispanic voters. He won 48 percent of the Hispanic vote, just about the same portion he won in his two gubernatorial victories. Anderson said OnMessage conducted a post-election survey of 1,014 Hispanic Florida Senate election voters for contemplation: Every time we win in a state we do a post-elect so that we can figure out what we did right, and what we did wrong, and what we need to do for the future. In an exclusive to the Examiner, OnMessage released the findings of the survey, which was stratified to reflect turnout. The bilingual telephone interviews were conducted Dec. 10-15 of last year with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. The Hispanic voter breakdown was 35 percent Cuban, 21 percent Puerto Rican and 44 percent other, which includes Colombian, Venezuelan and other South American countries. The partisan breakdown was 44 percent Democrat, 42 percent Republican and 11 percent independent, with 2 percent refusing to answer. The first question was Who is the most popular statewide elected official, Gov. Rick Scott, Sen. Bill Nelson, Sen. Marco Rubio, or President Trump? This is the image test, Anderson said. The most popular person of the four we tested without question was Rick Scott. Scott topped out at 56 percent, with Nelson and Rubio both at 53 percent and Trump at 45 percent. On job approval, Scott scored at 61 percent, with 47 percent strongly approving and 14 percent somewhat approving. Hispanics, including a chunk who said, Im not sure if I like him personally, said, Yeah, hes doing a good job as governor, explained Anderson. Then the survey asked a series of agree/disagree statements, where surveyors read the voters a question and they answered whether they agree or disagree. On whether Scott cares about the concerns of Hispanic communities in Florida, 58 percent agreed, and 37 percent disagreed. Scott blows it out with Cubans, but we had majorities of all Hispanic voters agreeing that yes, Gov. Rick Scott, in fact, cares about the concerns, Anderson said. The next agree/disagree question on Scotts time as governor of Florida was whether he made it a better place for Hispanics to prosper. Fifty-eight percent agreed, and 35 percent disagreed. Scott, who was sworn in Tuesday, Jan. 8, talked to The Washington Examiner exclusively about this survey and his early refusal to give up on Hispanic voters. In his first sit-down interview since becoming senator, Scott said hes never believed people vote just based on the color of their skin. I think that their vote is tied to whats in their best interest, as a general rule. And so as governor, what I found is most issues come down to one of three things: They want a job; everybody does. They want their kids to get a good education. And they want to live in a safe community, he said. And so what I did was I showed up, and I showed up and I talked to everybody. Scott said he went to Hispanic communities, Hispanic groups and small businesses and focused on their issues no different than he focuses on everyone elses. I put a lot of effort into making sure I could speak Spanish, he said. What is his message for his fellow Republicans who often struggle with Hispanic voters, especially as the debate in Washington heats up over border security and what to do with illegal immigrants, especially given the sentiments expressed at the end of the survey? He said: I think what we have to talk about is what people care about. They care about security. I dont meet people that dont want border security. And Ill talk to anybody, right? He added: People want a secure border, and they want everybody to have the same chance. And we want it to be fair. And I agree with them. And so what weve got to talk about is the dream of this country, which I lived. From public housing, getting to go build companies, being governor now senator. Youve gotta talk about, I want that for you. And I want that for your children, and I want that for your grandchildren. And its gotta be sincere. Anderson said his biggest takeaway from the survey is that its a result of eight years of showing up. That is not six months of showing up. Thats eight years of showing up and speaking Spanish the best you can, he said. You dont get to that level where a Republican sitting governor has 58 percent of Hispanic voters saying that he cares about them without doing that. Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. Her work appears frequently on PennLive Opinion. COPYRIGHT 2019 CREATORS.COM By Terry M. Jarrett For those who follow energy policy in the United States, these are intriguing times. A number of significant changes are underway, with natural gas occupying a newfound prominence in electricity generation. Some older coal plants are being retired, too. And more utilities are exploring wind and solar even as nuclear power continues to recede from consideration. The pace of change is somewhat dizzying, given the complexities of maintaining sufficient electricity for a nation of 325 million people. The challenge will be to find a smart, cohesive energy balance across this shifting landscape. For example, California and nine other states are already pursuing new quotas for electric vehicles. Those mandates alone could significantly increase electricity demand across the nations power grid. Can America continue to churn out sufficient baseload power each day? And what role will coal play, now that nuclear power is on the wane? Undoubtedly, coal has lost market share in recent years. A hefty spate of regulations over the past decade saw coal plants close in record numbers. And many of the mines needed to supply them shuttered as well, with more than 62,000 coal miners losing their jobs between 2011 and 2016. Water tends to run to its lowest level, however, and Americas coal fleet has emerged leaner than it was before. In 2017, coal still supplied 30 percent of U.S. electricity, compared with 32 percent from natural gas. What policymakers must consider now is how much more coal-fired power can realistically be retired before the loss of so much around-the-clock, baseload power threatens the reliability of Americas overall electric grid. This should be a pressing concern, since much-touted wind and solar power only work when the wind blows and the sun shines. And as recent events have demonstrated, there are also consequences for being overly reliant on natural gas. For all of natural gas strengths, challenges remain. Utilities are still beholden to a vast, spidery network of pipeline systems that criss-cross the continent, delivering just-on-time gas supplies. Regional grid operator ISO New England has already cautioned about fuel uncertainty for the six states it supplies. Natural gas is prioritized for home heating, and ISO says that high heating demand during unpredictable winter cold snaps could mean very little to no pipeline capacity for electric generators, which creates a number of concerns for the power system. ISO-NE explains that such fuel constraints could sideline thousands of megawatts of natural-gas-fired generation. When that happens, system operators turn to power plants with stored fuelcoal, oil, or nuclearto meet demand. Last winter Boston was forced to import Russian liquified natural gas when the regions over-taxed pipeline network struggled to meet demand. Natural gas has also seen price spikes in recent months due to increased demand and lower domestic storage. Its an issue that bears watching, since Americas exports of natural gas are projected to triple by the end of 2019. The Trump administration has taken criticism for attempting to shore up Americas coal industry. But coal mining employment in the U.S. has stabilized since President Trump took office, and gained roughly 3,000 jobs. Its an interesting turn of events, and it suggests that the nations coal sector is well-positioned to keep supplying the bedrock portion of the electricity generation that Americans need each day. It also confirms the wisdom of a diverse energy portfolio that can supply ongoing power in every season. Terry M. Jarrett is an energy attorney and consultant who has served on both the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the Missouri Public Service Commission. He contributes regularly to LeadingLightEnergy.com. Cumberland County District Attorney Skip Ebert announced Wednesday that he is running for election this year. Ebert has twice served as the countys DA. His current term began last year when he stepped down as a county judge to replace former DA David Freed, who became U.S. attorney for the Middle District Court. Ebert served 12 years as a judge and before that was DA from 1996 to 2006. Ive worked most of my adult life to acquire the skills necessary to excel in the office of district attorney, Ebert said. Im a proven prosecutor. Under my leadership, the district attorneys office has moved far beyond just prosecuting cases. Weve become a statewide leader in improving the criminal justice system for all people. Ebert is the second person to announce a bid for the office. Jaime Keating, a former first assistant district attorney for Cumberland who is now a prosecutor in Franklin County, also is in the race. The chancellor of Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education is calling for fundamental transformation and redesign of the systems 14 public universities without delay. In delivering his first State of the System address after being sworn in on Wednesday to lead the system of nearly 100,000 students, Chancellor Daniel Greenstein said the system should be organized around students needs and not institutions. After taking a comprehensive look at the system and the challenges it faces, he said, Its not a pretty picture. Enrollment is down. Public investment in the system sits at the same level it was in 12 years ago. What is supposed to be the states most affordable four-year degree has gotten out of reach for most low- and middle-income families. And competition amongst higher education institutions in this state is intense. So what does he intend to do about it? Plenty and fast. His vision includes keeping all 14 universities open but having them be less about competing and more about collaborating. Its one where every student on every campus has access to the full breadth of academic programming at every other campus in the system, he said. The chancellor spoke at the systems headquarters in Harrisburg in front of an audience of 120 higher education and business leaders and students as well as Gov. Tom Wolf and the founding chancellor of the system James McCormick. He outlined his framework for the direction hed like to see the system move. He said the system needs to reorganize and reprioritize its resources. The system must redouble its efforts at retaining students. Greenstein wants to explore new public-private partnerships. He said the system needs to ramp up its fundraising efforts and build new revenue streams. And he said its also time to look outside the system for practices that produce good results. Hes not talking about tinkering around the edges. He said that wont cut it. What is needed is significant reforms that keep the universities turning out students who can participate in the 21st century economy and become contributors to the communities in which they live. The chancellor wants to steer the system away from the redundancy of having every business and administrative function exist at its universities so more of its resources are freed up to direct to students. In a transformed system, we operate on a multi-university or regional basis, he said. Greenstein explained he doesnt aim to undermine the identities or brands of the 14 universities. Instead, he envisions the system emulating something like Amazon web services. That is a service that multiple businesses and organizations, including some that are competitors, use to drive their individual computer needs without having to build their own IT infrastructure so they can focus on doing what their main business is. So actually I look at this approach of being able to give Shippensburg and 13 others much greater strength at doing what they are already doing pretty well, he said. The former Gates Foundation Postsecondary Success strategy director, Greenstein took over as the systems CEO in September. He said he is not one to back away from a challenge. In an earlier interview, Greenstein explained that his plan will enable faculty to make academic programs stronger by collaborating with their colleagues at sister schools and offer students access to specialized courses in their field of study not available on their campus. Those opportunities are important if were going to move quickly as were going to need to, nimbly as were going to need to in order to keep up with the needs of our students and the needs of employers, he said. After visiting all 14 campuses and talking to hundreds, if not thousands of students, faculty, staff, community and business leaders, Greenstein said he came away feeling optimistic about their shared desire for change. He heard from students who yearn to help people. A faculty member who is ready to stop pointing fingers and blaming others for our problems and start to figure out how to solve them. Another who suggested it is time for the system to look at offering alternatives to a four-year degrees. Still another faculty member who sees sharing resources across universities as a way to expand opportunities for students and faculty. From that, Greenstein came away encouraged that those he spoke with are willing partners in doing the hard work necessary to help the system not only survive but thrive. Another important task is convincing state policymakers who control the states purse strings that an investment in the system is too compelling, too critical to the states economic and social well-being to ignore. The systems board in October voted to request a $38 million increase in its state support, for a total of $505.8 million - an amount similar to what it received in 2010-11. The board suggested that would allow it to consider holding next years tuition increase to 3 percent when it sets tuition rates in the spring. Under that scenario, this years $7,716-a-year base tuition would rise to about $7,950. Some may think the unionized faculty is another hurdle to overcome. The chancellor said from his conversations with the leaders of the faculty union, he isnt seeing that. In fact, he sees the negotiations on a new contract as a tool to help achieve the redesigns objectives. Greenstein and system board Chairwoman Cynthia Shapira are personally handling the contract talks. Greenstein is asking the systems board at its meeting today to back his framework. That, he said, would allow the system to begin the series of next steps of more detailed planning and implementation within a year. That may be too long for some state lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Turzai said last fall that Republican and Democratic legislators he has spoken with are ready to move on ideas that came out of a Senate-ordered study of the system last year. That review, conducted by Rand Corp. called for closing universities, merging some of the lower-enrolled ones, or even folding them into Penn State, Pitt and/or Temple universities as answers to the long-term sustainability of the State System. But Greenstein said he is hoping to convince lawmakers to give him a little more time that he sees as necessary to move smartly as well as quickly not only for the sake of students but for the long-term well-being, health, and economic strength of the state. I feel an obligation as the CEO of an enterprise to be able to put my hand on my heart to say to any legislator: Based on my analysis, this is a direction that I am confident will produce the following outcomes. Im not there yet, he said. This is a complex industry but its been a helluva four months. The next six are going to be even more fun. A controversial plan to arm teachers in one Pennsylvania school district has been suspended. In the wake of two lawsuits filed over the proposal, the Tamaqua Area School Board voted 7-1 Tuesday night to suspend implementing the policy, WNEP is reporting. At least until the lawsuits are taken care of. The policy was first approved in September, allowing teachers and other employees to volunteer to carry concealed, district-issued firearms after training. It also established guidelines for use of force. The rationale for the policy is to prevent the apocalypse, school board member Nicholas Boyle told The Associated Press. When we have a shooter in the building, how are we going to stop that shooter from killing more and more and more people? We have to have an armed presence there. But the policy prompted both the teachers' union and a group of parents to file lawsuits. Tuesday night, according to WNEP, Boyle was the lone dissenting vote on suspending the implementation of the policy. The board has had the foresight to create a policy to allow administrations, teachers, and staff to volunteer as our students' guardians, he said at the meeting, according to reports. Teachers union president Frank Wenzel told the board hes glad they chose to suspend the policy and looks forward to proving the unions case in court. Parents werent quite as pleased, though, saying suspending the implementation of the policy isnt enough, according to reports. They want it to be revoked. I am very disturbed by it. This is not what we need in this community, parent Lisa Behr told the school board, according to WNEP. What we need is policy thats based on whats best for our students. Harrisburg School District confirmed that they are hosting an emergency parent, family and community meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at Harrisburg High School, John Harris Campus, located at 2451 Market Street. District spokeswoman Kirsten Keys said she is learning more about the details of Thursdays meeting this afternoon. Its important to have these forums, Keys said in a phone interview. She would not confirm whether the emergency meeting has anything to do with the recent fight on the high schools campus. One student was arrested and charged Monday with aggravated assault on a police officer after a brawl broke out. District security guards responded to the fight that erupted in the cafeteria, but three other police agencies also had to respond to help alleviate tensions. Harrisburg police reported they had to use pepper spray during the altercation in order to control the situation. Keys said additional information will be forthcoming. When Jawan Washingtons mother stood to accept a candle for her son, she wept. The group around her, together at the All Nations Evangelistic Church to honor those lost to gun violence, jumped to their feet to hold and stand with her as her son was honored along with 13 others on Tuesday night. Washington was killed during a shooting outside Double Ds bar in Harrisburg in March 2018. He was the first of that group mentioned during the vigil, which went on to include every person killed in a shooting between then and the first week of January, when a family was killed in a murder-suicide in Middletown. The Memorial to the Lost service was put together by Heeding Gods Call, an interfaith organization aimed at stopping gun violence. Faith leaders from several religious groups and an audience of about 50 people participated in the service by reading prayers, singing songs, and acknowledging the victims and their families. Rev. Gerald Rhoades, the president of the Harrisburg chapter, said the memorials were intended to bring together the victims' families and the community. We want them to know theyre not alone, Rhoades said. The group aims to hold memorials every three months for the gun violence deaths during that time period, but even if there are no deaths Rhoades said theyd happily get together to celebrate. Rhoades said he hoped through these memorials and the other awareness the group does that people would learn there are better ways to respond to conflict than by using a gun. Jamie-Claire Chau, a community member with a local church, spoke about the importance of grieving for those who lost their lives and the way they died while at the same time celebrating the lives they did have. We cannot reduce these people to names and numbers lost to gun violence, Chau said. She told the group to not give the power over to the evil and violence, allowing the evil to kill them twice. Candles were lit for each victim, and if a victim had loved ones present, the candle was given to them. Bryan Miller, the Executive Director of Heeding Gods Call, attended the service and said advocacy became a survival mechanism for him when he lost his brother to gun violence many years ago. Rhoades finished the service by telling the group we seek to support one another, to uplift one another." The people remembered: Jawan Washington Donna Warren Christopher Alexander Jeremanuel Negron-Quiles Kevin Royster Daniel Chacon Jeremy Cadwallader Daniel Finkel Donnell Williams Sean Jackson Laquan Clark Nightflower Staats, Marvin Caddell and their son Joe The first invitation for unpaid federal workers to stock up on donated food generated relatively light demand. But it didnt lessen concern about local hunger resulting from the government shutdown now in its fourth week. Rather, the half-dozen or so who came to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank warehouse near Harrisburg on Tuesday afternoon hinted at potential for substantial hunger and financial struggle in the region. They included an air traffic controller from Harrisburg International Airport who said he is among about 30 working without pay, and who came for help in feeding a family of four. They included a mom accompanied by her young daughter who said she is among about 100 people based at a U.S. Department of Agriculture office near Harrisburg whose paychecks have been cut off by the shutdown. They included a woman who does federal inspections at livestock slaughtering operations. Shes based in East Berlin and said her unit includes more than a thousand people in Pennsylvania who have been without pay. Its a major impact. You have kids. You have bills and hes the only one working right now, said Tanya Harper, whose husband works at the federal prison at Allenwood in Union County and commutes there from Dauphin County. Its hard. Tuesdays food distribution, which ran from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., was intended solely for federal workers. The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank will hold them again on Wednesday and Thursday at the Harrisburg area location and in Williamsport, where it also held one on Tuesday. If demand warrants, it will hold them indefinitely. Near Harrisburg, federal employees picked up items such as milk, eggs, hams, chicken, beans, flour, bananas, snack foods and bathroom tissue. Food bank staffers accompanied them among pallets of goods, explaining whats available and helping them load items into their cars. Each was given an amount intended to enable them to fully feed their family for a week. Joe Arthur, the executive director of the food bank, recalled that during a 2009 state government shutdown, the effort to connect with impacted workers took a while to build. He expects the same with this one. He predicted people who came on Tuesday will tell co-workers that food is plentiful and of high quality, and resulting word of mouth will trigger demand. And the longer people go without paychecks, the more their need will grow. If this extends, peoples situations tend to deteriorate, he said. The HIA air traffic controller said he didnt want to give his name for reasons including we have a lot of rules about what we can say. The married father of two in his 20s said hes required to work even though hes not receiving a paycheck. The shutdown is causing financial struggles, he said. Harper said shes been contacting lenders and finding it hard to answer their questions about how long it will take until she can resume normal payments. In Williamsport, the distribution drew members of about 25 families, with many employed at the Allenwood prison complex. Its very nice they are offering this, said Grover Danley, a prison guard who heads a family of five. He said the food he picked up Tuesday will help him avoid dipping into his savings. I just depleted my savings, said Farrah Kipp, another Allenwood prison guard. The single mother from Jersey Shore said the food she picked up Tuesday will help her keep food on the table for herself and two children. The East Berlin-based agriculture department inspector, picking up food for herself and her husband, didnt want to give her name. She teared up while answering questions about the shutdown and its impacts. We collected for the food bank all the time. Now were on the other side, she said. With that, a food bank staffer reached out and hugged her. The food distributions for federal employees are being held at Central Pennsylvania Food Bank locations at 3908 Corey Road in Lower Paxton Township and 3301 Wahoo Drive in Williamsport. People must show their federal employee ID. More information about the program can be found at www.centralpafoodbank.org or by way of a recorded message at 717-547-6336. A group of employees who sued the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in a wage dispute must pay UPMC more than $317,000 after withdrawing the case, a federal court panel has ruled. That bill is for the cost of some of the millions of pages of documentation the employees demanded UPMC provide during the course of the court battle. So, the workers are legally bound to reimburse their employer for that expense, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell concluded in the opinion from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. Rendells ruling upholds an earlier decision by U.S. Western District Judge Cathy Bissoon in a case that has some unusual legal twists. Four employees filed suit against UPMC in 2009, claiming it was violating the federal Fair Labor Standards Act by automatically deducting a 30-minute lunch break from them. They sought to have the suit rated as a class action and open it to participation by about 2,800 other workers. The workers also demanded that UPMC provide a massive amount of records, even though UPMC warned that would be massively expensive. Although the district court judge initially granted class action status to the suit, it was later rescinded, leaving only the four initial plaintiffs to contest the case. Those four workers then voluntarily dismissed the suit with prejudice meaning it could not be refiled - so they could appeal the class action decertification to the 3rd Circuit court. The voluntary dismissal move was employed because, in general, the federal circuit courts do not hear cases that have not been the subject of some sort of final resolution at the district court level. The workers move backfired, however. Rendells court rejected their decertification challenge after finding the voluntary dismissal was an impermissible attempt to create finality for the purposes of appeal. Thats when UPMC sought the $317,572 reimbursement. Bissoon ordered the employees to pay after rejecting their claim that they werent legally bound to reimburse UPMC for the document compilation expense. Bissoon also discounted the workers contention that the cost was so high because of bad behavior by UPMC regarding their records request. Nor was the district judge swayed by the employees insistence that they cant afford to pay the award. Rendell agreed with Bissoons findings, including the district judges conclusions that the workers arent indigent and citing indications that their lawyer will bear the cost of the award. In denying the workers appeal of the reimbursement order, Rendell also rejected their claim that UPMC isnt eligible for the repayment because it wasnt the prevailing party since the suit was voluntarily dismissed rather than resolved with a court or jury ruling. She found the employees argument that the reimbursement order will entirely eviscerate they purpose of the FLSA to be unpersuasive. The workers claimed the reimbursement is contrary to Congress intention that employees should be able to file FLSA actions regardless of legal costs. The possibility that a losing party will be compelled to compensate the other side for its costs would not entirely eviscerate the purpose of the FLSA, Rendell wrote. Instead, it should cause parties to litigation to pause and calculate the risks of pursuing meritless or marginal claims. The workers in the UPMC case voluntarily chose to bring their claims as a class action, and their counsel presumably informed them of the risks of doing so, the circuit judge wrote. Camp Hill planning officials unanimously approved a 60-day extension Tuesday to Wormleysburg-based Consolidated Properties to submit its pending Chick-Fil-A land development plans, which wasnt what borough residents who oppose the project wanted to hear. Members of the boroughs planning commission said they arent pleased that they havent seen a traffic study yet, either. But, they added, they voted to extend the developers deadline to submit formal land development plans to allow the borough to do its own research. Chairwoman Deb Scherkoske said she would like the process to move forward, but added that she is frustrated with the developers lack of providing a traffic study. In the future, she said shed like developers interested in borough projects to not only have all preliminary scoping work done in the sketch plan phase but also provide officials a traffic study draft. Nearly 100 Camp Hill residents were disappointed Tuesday night to hear that the planning commission approved a local developer a 60-day extension to submit land development plans for a Chick-Fil-A. Theyve come to us with a sketch plan, one for review, she said. They have not come to us with a formal presentation. Commissioner Brigid Landy supported Scherkoskes point of view, and explained further that the extension would allow the borough to strengthen" its position to counter a possible suit brought against the borough by the developer in the future, if the project is denied. Residents reacted to commissioners saying Shame on you, and asking, Why? They insisted planning officials stop the projects development now. During public comment, which lasted over an hour, residents said Camp Hill is a gem: its a safe place for children to play outside; neighbors care about neighbors; and its still purely residential. I get it, the residents are concerned with the extension because it gives the developers more time to work out their bugs, Mark Molesvich said prior to the vote. He was among the more than one dozen residents who spoke during public comment. I think I have the backing of every resident in this room when I say, dont be afraid of letting them sue you. The roughly 100 residents in attendance applauded in agreement. He said he enjoys eating Chick-Fil-A and drives to the one in Mechanicsburg. However, he described his experience going to the fast-food chain as dealing with a massive traffic jam in a nasty parking lot thats surrounded by acres of parking. Theres an old song that says, you dont need a weather man to tell you which way the wind blows, Molesvich said. I would continue to say, you dont need a traffic study to tell you that this project is a joke. According to his research, he noted, Pennsylvania municipality code discourages the use of streets for thru traffic" or cars passing through an area whos destination is elsewhere. The sketch plan presented alludes to alleys and surrounding roads that could be used in that manner. Were done with this conversation, Molesvich said. We dont want to be an exit ramp to a fast-food drive thru. At issue is a 1.4 acre, seven-lot section of land at the southeastern corner of 32nd and Chestnut streets, where developers at Consolidated Properties plan to construct a 5,000-square-foot Chick-fil-A restaurant. According to preliminary plans, the restaurant would include a 68-space parking lot and a double-lane drive-thru. Consolidated Properties owns the lots, upon which six buildings currently sit. Those buildings would be demolished by the developers to allow for construction. The property borders residential neighborhoods, which has attributed to residents' worries about traffic, noise and litter, among other concerns. It also is the only corner of the four-way intersection that has not been commercially developed. As part of the development process, officials at Consolidated Properties agreed to conduct a traffic impact study for the proposed Chick-fil-A site. Two weeks ago, Charlie Courtney, the developers land-use attorney with McNees, Wallace & Nurick LLC, said the study likely will be completed this month. Joshua Bonn, the planning commissions solicitor, explained the developer now has a deadline of May to have its land development plans prepared. Camp Hill Borough council would either approve or deny the project in June, he said. WILLIAMSPORT - One of three men charged in a 2016 Halloween night double homicide in Williamsport has pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree murder. Casey N. Wilson, 32, of Williamsport, Monday in Lycoming County court also pleaded to charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery and tampering with evidence. The plea agreement calls for a 25- to 50-year term and requires him to testify against co-defendants Joseph Sentore Coleman Jr., 37, and Jordan Adonis Rawls, 36. They are charged in the shooting deaths of Shane Wright and his mother Kristine Kibler in Wright's half a double in the 600 block of Poplar Street. Wilson already testified against the co-defendants at their preliminary hearings and detailed what occurred the night of Oct. 31, 2016. Information he provided led to investigators finding a .22-caliber pistol and video footage of co-defendants together before the shooting. Wilson admitted driving the other individuals to and from the Poplar Street address, going into the residence to see who was there but returning to the car before the shooting occurred. He claimed he was coerced by Coleman to participate and told police the other two were aware Wright sold marijuana and Molly, a synthetic psychoactive drug. Wright was discovered dead from a head wound at the front door and his mother, who was shot in the abdomen, died a short time later at Williamsport Regional Medical Center. Police allege Rawls, whose trial tentatively is scheduled for April, fired the fatal shots. A jury was selected Tuesday for Coleman's trial that is scheduled to begin Feb. 12. Rawls and Coleman are charged with homicide, conspiracy, robbery, attempted robbery, tampering with evidence, possession of an instrument of crime and receiving stolen property. They are jailed without bail. Wilson also pleaded guilty in a separate case to two counts of retail theft and was sentenced to 1 to 2 years in prison. He is being held without bail pending sentencing in the homicide case. BEIRUT - The Islamic State asserted responsibility Wednesday for a suicide blast in the U.S.-patrolled city of Manbij in Syria, the first such attack since President Donald Trump said American forces would withdraw from the country because the militant group has been largely defeated. In a message posted to Twitter, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition battling the Islamic State said that U.S. service members were killed while conducting a routine patrol in the city but did not say how many died or provide further details. Statements published by the Islamic State's unofficial news agency, Amaq, said the attacker used an explosives-laden vest to target coalition forces. The Amaq statement claimed that nine American troops were killed or injured in the attack but presented no evidence for that claim. Reuters news agency quoted an unidentified "U.S. official" as saying four U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded in the blast. There was no immediate confirmation of those figures from the Pentagon or from Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. Photographs from the area appeared to show bodies and blood trails on the ground. It was not clear whether U.S. personnel were in the area at the time. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 19 people were wounded or killed. A Kurdish news agency said that at least 10 people were injured in the attack, which it said occurred at a popular restaurant. President Donald Trump abruptly announced his intention to rapidly withdraw the 2,000 troops from Syria just before Christmas, declaring the Islamic State group to be defeated. The announcement took some of his closest aides by surprise, upset allies in the region, and led to the resignation of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. Since then, U.S. officials and Trump himself have suggested the withdrawal would be slower than initially thought. The White House said in a statement Wednesday that Trump had been "fully briefed" on the Manbij attack and that officials would continue to monitor the situation. (c) 2019, The Washington Post Louisa Loveluck. The Associated Press contributed to this report. It may not have much impact until the weather warms up, but a statewide smoking ban on New Jerseys beaches will take effect Wednesday, meaning no lit cigarettes, cigars or other smokables, and no vaping, except in designated smoking areas that local governments will have the option to create. The beach smoking ban is part of the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, effective 180 days after its signing last July by Gov. Phil Murphy. The law, which also expands an existing statewide smoking ban on a variety of public places, is intended to improve public health and the attractiveness of the states beaches, long cherished by residents and visitors alike, and highly valued by businesses and tourism officials as a key component of the states economy. The Smoke-Free Air Act codifies on a statewide level what local officials say had already become the norm up and down the Jersey shore, where many if not most municipalities had already banned smoking on the beach via local ordinances. I would say its been the majority, of shore towns, said Seaside Park Mayor Robert Matthies, whose Ocean County borough had already banned smoking by the time Murphy, State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3rd) and the Democratic-controlled legislature took action last summer. Murphys Republican predecessor, former Gov. Chris Christie, had opposed a statewide ban, insisting it should be left up to individual municipalities. A co-sponsor of the legislation, Assemblyman Vincent Mazzeo (D-2nd), said the law merely speeds a policy that was already becoming universal. I think were all going in the same direction, but this just expedites it in terms of having more environmentally friendly beaches, said Mazzeo, who said he was tired of seeing cigarette butts on his beach of choice, in Margate. The new law states: Smoking is prohibited in an indoor public place or workplace or at a public beach, except as otherwise provided in this act, which is posted in its entirety online. Violators of the ban are subject to, a fine of not less than $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense, and $1,000 for each subsequent offense. Signs must be posted indicating both the smoking ban, and any designate areas where smoking is permitted. Enforcement of the state ban is left to individual municipalities, and one question that arose before it was passed was whether it would impose a burden on shore cities and towns. However, officials of several locations that already had bans in place said compliance had been all but universal and enforcement was not a burden. Typically, officials said, word of the ban from a beach attendant or lifeguard was sufficient to extinguish a lit cigarette, and it was rare, if ever, that police had to be called to insure compliance. Officials of some towns said they could not recall a summons ever having been issued. A provision in the new law allows municipalities and counties to create designated smoking areas not to exceed 15 percent of the total area of the beach. The law does not explicitly state that the area could be divided into multiple designated smoking areas, but Mazzeo, its co-sponsor, said that was his intent. It gives the municipalities an option on whether they want to make one designated area or several designated areas, said Mazzeo. The municipality would know better than I would because thats their own beach. Surf City, which sits on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay, is one shore town that had not banned smoking on all its beaches prior to the new laws adoption. Surf City Councilman Peter Hartney said the borough had banned banned smoking throughout its parks and on its bay beaches, where the compliance level was high. But Hartney, who chairs the councils beach replenishment and beach fees committees, said the borough was now weighing whether to allow smoking on any of its ocean beach, where multiple smoking areas would present less of a hardship on smokers or their families. Our beach is a mile and half long, Hartney said. Officials of several other shore communities when a ban has already been in place said they had not intention of creating any designated smoking areas. There are no plans to do that, and I wouldnt, said Mayor John Moor of Asbury Park, which banned smoking on its increasingly popular beaches last year. Moor and others said the possibility of losing tourist dollars to competing beach towns that do allow smoking in some areas was not an issue. I havent heard that concern by business owners, and Im sure I would if such concern existed, said Matthies. But thats not to say no one is concerned about the shrinking opportunity for law-abiding adults to occasionally flavor the fresh air with a relaxing puff on a 100mm friend. Michael Homans is a Philadelphia-based employment lawyer and civil libertarian who has defended clients under the New Jersey Smoking Law, which prohibits most employers from discriminating against workers or job applicants simply because they are smokers or non-smokers. And while the Smoke-Free Air Act specifically states that the state ban does not apply to, private homes, private residences and private automobiles, as well as smoke shops and certain other locations, Homans wondered whether lawmakers would draw a line in the sand at beach smoking bans, or somewhere beyond. I do think you have to step back and question how far the state is going in telling people they cant do a lawful activity, outdoors, on a windy beach, he said. East Pennsboro Township-based engineering giant, Gannett Fleming has acquired three companies from three different parts of the country in the last six months. The most recent deal for the global company is the acquisition of Chicago-based transportation firm Bowman, Barrett & Associates Inc. which occurred on Dec. 31. The 30-year-old firm will now operate as BB&A, a business group of Gannett Fleming and will combine with Gannett Flemings Chicago office late this year. Around 40 employees have joined Gannett Fleming from Bowman, Barrett & Associates Inc. BB&As team has worked on transportation operations, transit and rail, structures, construction management, and aviation projects across the greater Chicago area and the Midwest. Bowman, Barrett & Associates Inc.s president, Jim Daum is now a vice president at Gannett Fleming. The firm was founded by Louis Bowman and John Barrett, who are retiring. The latest deal comes on the heels of two other acquisitions, one in California and one in Virginia. In August, Gannett Fleming acquired the assets of KEH & Associates Inc., a water and wastewater engineering firm based in California that was founded in 2006. The company now operates as KEH, a Business Group of Gannett Fleming. About 25 employees joined Gannett Fleming at the time from KEH. In October, GeoDecisions, Gannett Flemings geospatial technology division, acquired WorldView Solutions, a geographic information systems consulting firm based in Virginia that offered geospatial technology solutions for nearly 20 years. About 45 employees joined GeoDecisions at the time from Worldview Solutions. The company has more the 60 offices and employs more than 2,300 employees. Bob Scaer is the chairman and CEO of Gannett Fleming. Gannett Fleming provides global infrastructure solutions with a focus on planning, design, technology, and construction management services. --Business Buzz Actor Kirk Cameron, best known for his role as Mike Seaver in the popular 1980s sitcom Growing Pains, will be discussing a different set of pains this spring at a church in central Pennsylvania -- namely those pertaining to marriage and parenting. Cameron will bring his ongoing Living Room Reset tour to Christian Life Assembly, 2645 Lisburn Road, Camp Hill, at 7 p.m. April 25. Tickets prices have not been announced yet but are $20 for general admission at other tour stops, with a $15 discount price to groups of four. VIP tickets are $50 and include a private Q&A and photo-op with Cameron. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Jan. 28. A pre-sale will be held Jan. 25-27. Tickets, when available, can be purchased via Camerons website or the Living Room Reset Facebook page. On his website, Cameron says the event will feature a heartfelt conversation about what matters most to us as husbands, wives and parents. Musical guest Matt Hammitt will also perform. An evangelical Christian, Cameron has starred in such religious movies as Fireproof, Left Behind and Saving Christmas. Microsofts Insider preview builds for 19H1, the next major update for Windows 10, havent been packed as chock full of new features as in releases past, favoring tweaks and adjustments instead. The Windows Insider Build 18317 released on Wednesday also goes this route, most notably by separating Cortana from the Windows 10 search box. The new build also includes new ways to import fonts, a tweaked Windows Console for Linux, and a separate process for the Start menu, a behind-the-scenes change thats being made for stabilitys sake. The most significant change is the separation of Cortana and the search box, which Microsoft has been testing with a few Insider builds previously. This will enable each experience to innovate independently to best serve their target audiences and use cases, Microsoft executives wrote in a blog post. Previously, Cortana and search were inseparable, so that clicking the search box used to launch Cortana as a facilitator for searches, reminders, and more. Over time, however, clicking the Windows search box was transformed into a way to search the Internet and your PC for documents, photos, and more, while Cortana took a back seat. Now, Microsoft says that Cortana will launch you once again into a voice-first digital experience. Microsoft Heres the way that Cortana and Search within Windows will look in the upcoming 19H1 release of Windows 10. Build 18317 also includes the ability to drag and drop fonts into the Settings > Fonts page, rather than manually importing them. Theyll only be applied to the user currently using Windows (and without the need for administrator privileges), though you can apply it to all users as well. Microsoft is also warning that the company is locking down the inbox apps, like Mail, Calendar, and Photos. Whats a bit worrying is that Microsofts blog post says that the company is removing features from the apps, especially Photos. Insiders can get these features back by going into the settings of an inbox app like Photos and clicking the Join preview button, but it might be something to watch out for when 19H1 finally ships. (And no, its not immediately clear whats going away.) Microsoft Youll be able to drag and drop fonts into the Settings menu. This build also features a few bugs, so be wary. If a game contains anticheat technology, it may crash the system with a green screen of death bug check; blank icons may appear in the taskbar when you open your notebook; and the night light functionality and Creative X-Fi sound cards arent working properly, Microsoft says. Microsoft Microsofts also tidied up its Windows Insider page within the new Windows 10 Insider build. What this means to you: Microsoft says that the 19H1 bug bash will begin on January 23rd. Traditionally, the bug bash signals the end of the development cycle, but this may be just an early run, to try and nip the last-minute bugs that nagged the Oct. 2018 Update. On the other hand, Microsoft usually wraps up its Insider builds in March or so to prepare for an April release. March isnt too far away. Android phones might get a bad rap, but theyre actually quite secure. Or at least they can be. With a little work, your Galaxy, Pixel, or OnePlus phone can be a veritable fortress, virtually impenetrable to hacks, attacks, and bad apps. So whether youre looking for a little extra security or a complete lockdown of your phone, heres everything you need to keep your data from falling into the wrong hands. Android security: Default protection Even if you skip the entire set-up process and ignore every safeguard prompt, your Android phone still does plenty to keep your information safe. Play Protect IDG Google has built a malware scanner right into the Play Store called Play Protect. First and foremost, it runs a safety check on apps before you download them, but more importantly, it also checks your phone for any apps that may have gone awry since you downloaded them. If it finds any, it will warn you via a notification and in extreme cases delete them from your device on its own. You can check your Google Play Protect settings and see the apps it scanned in the Updates tab inside the My apps & games section of the Play Store. Encryption Ever since Android 5 Lollipop, Android has offered full-device encryption by default, as long as you set some kind of an locking method on your phone (pattern, pin, or password). In Android 7 Nougat, that switched to file-based encryption, but the end result is essentially the same: The data on your phone is protected by 256-bit AES standard encryption as soon as its locked, so unless someone knows your passcode, they cant see anything. Android security: Basic protection You dont need to be a paranoid android to put a basic layer of protection on your device, you only need to change a few settings. Set a password While newer Android phones offer numerous biometric methods for unlocking, every phone still requires one of three traditional locking methods: pattern, PIN, or password. Theyre not created equal, though. A pattern (made on a 9-dot square) is easiest to remember but the least secure. A 6-digit pin is far better, but the best of all is a random password. But even if you choose a string of letter and numbers, you should set a reminder to change once every six months or so. And make sure its not the same as the one that protects your primary Google account. Turn on 2-step verification No matter what you use your phone to do, your Google account is central to everything that happens. As the name suggests, with 2-step verification, youre adding an extra layer of protection, so even if someone steals your password they still wont be able to get into your account. Heres how it works. After youre prompted to enter your Google password, a code will be sent to your default phone via text or call which will need to be entered in order to grant access your account. While this wont necessarily protect your phone against theft, it will protect whats on it. For example, if someone tries to remotely log in to your Google account from another device, youll know via the 2-step message on your phone. And then you can take the appropriate action and change your password. Install Find My Device IDG Google offers a handy tool to track a lost or stolen phone right in the Play Store. Called Find My Device, it lets you track, lock, and erase your handset from wherever you are with just a tap. After downloading, you can sign in using your Google account and allow it to access your your devices location. From then on, youll be able to log into Googles Find My Device site and instantly locate where your phone is if you lose it. Youll also be able to remotely lock your device, display a message or phone number for whomever finds it, or completely erase all of the content on your phone. Stay updated Google releases monthly security updates for Android that most newer phones distribute in a relatively timely manner. You dont need to check for themonce one is available, your phone will automatically let you know. But dont delay, because its easy to forget about them. Set or schedule an update to be installed as soon as your phone lets you know its available. It only takes a few minutes and it could make all the difference. Android security: Moderate protection Now that the basic stuff is out of the way, lets work on putting an even stronger lock on your Android phone. Set up fingerprint unlock IDG A password might be a strong way to secure your phone, but it cant beat your fingerprint. And if you bought your Android phone within the past two years, theres a good chance it has a fingerprint sensor either below the screen, on the back, or built into the power button. Find it and head over to your security settings to register one or more fingerprints. It only takes a few seconds to enact a very important layer of protection. Numerous phones also offer face unlocking, but unless you have a Huawei Mate 20, you should skip these. Thats because most phones use the 2D front camera to scan your face rather than a 3D map like with Face ID on the iPhone or Huaweis depth-sensing camera, so theyre very easy to spoof with little more than a picture. Prevent unknown downloads One of the greatest benefits of Android is also one of its biggest risks: downloading apps that arent on the Play Store. When you install an app from outside Googles store, youre losing out on Play Protect and opening your phone up to possible malware. To keep a lid on any potential trouble, Google has built a way to shut off any accidental or unintentional downloads. In the Special app access settings, youll find an Unknown sources or Unknown apps tab, which lets you shut off the installation of apps from a non-Play Store source, such as Chrome or some other browser. IDG Depending on your phone, the mechanism is a little different. Up until Android Nougat, there was a single toggle that let you either block or install apps from unknown sources. In Android Oreo and later, permission is granted on a per-app basis, so you can allow Chrome or Slack to install apps while blocking others. Its a good habit to visit this setting every once in while to make sure there arent any malicious apps that are allowed to install software behind the scenes. If you find any that are, tap the name and turn the toggle off. Uninstall apps Speaking of wayward apps, one of the best ways to keep your system safe is good, old-fashioned house cleaning. Simply jump into your app drawer and simply uninstall apps that you havent used in a while. Itll free up storage and itll make sure they dont turn into potential risks. Check app permissions Its also a good idea to check in on your app permissions every now and again. When you download an app from the Play Store and launch it for the first time, Android asks you if it can have access to things like the microphone, camera, phone, etc. A lot of times we just tap away access without even realizing what theyre asking for, but you can always of back and revoke it after the fact. Head over to the Permissions tab inside Apps in Settings and youll be able to see which apps are allowed to do whatand turn off anything that looks suspicious. Android Security: High protection If you came here to learn how to turn your Android phone into a vault, heres what you need to do. Disable Smart Lock for Passwords and Auto Sign-in Smart Lock for Passwords might be convenient, but if you want to lock down your phone, youre going to need to handle your passwords on your own. And that unfortunately means turning off Smart Lock for Passwords. Heres why: Googles method doesnt use any kind of authentication on a per-site or account basis like password managers do, so after signing in to your account for the first time on your device, all of your passwords will be available. That obviously could be a problem if someone swipes your phone. IDG Youll find the toggle inside the security settings for your Google account, not inside the Security tab in Settings. Once you get there, tap on Security, then scroll down to Signing in to other sites, and tapped Saved Passwords. Youll see two toggles: Offer to save passwords and Auto sign-in. If you dont want to turn the whole thing off, you can also select sites that ignore auto sign-in. We think a much better solution would be to require biometric authentication every time a password is entered (which Apple does on the iPhone), so until that happens, you should switch it off if youre paranoid. Download a password manager If youre turning off Smart Lock, the only way to keep your passwords safe and organized is to lock them up inside a password manager. Stronger and more secure than the Smart Lock password sync Google offers, a password manager encourages unique, complex passwords, lets you organize and manage multiple logins, and stores sensitive notes, credit card information, and anything else you want to keep in a digital locker. And its all protected by a password or a fingerprint, whichever you choose. Since your password mananger is a separate service, youll be able to access your passwords on any device or browser, so even if someone steals your phone your most personal data will still be protected. And with Android Oreo, youll even be able to incorporate some of them into Autofill on your phone (fingerprint-protected, of course). Our favorite password manager is LastPass, but there are plenty of great options out there. Youll need to pay an annual fee, but its worth it. Check out PCWorld's guide to the best password managers for everything you need to know. Use a VPN No matter how many safeguards you add to your phone, its inherently vulnerable every time you visit the web. Why? Because the information you send can be stolen and spied on with little effort, especially if youre using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. If you use a VPN service, your information is encrypted before it hits the airwaves, so your data is fully protected from everybody except the VPN provider and whatever website you're visiting. Even if someone manages to steal it, its protected. There are numerous VPNs in the Play Store, so make sure you check out the rankings and user reviews before making your pick. Our recommendation for starting out is TunnelBear, which is free and super simple. If youre looking for something more advanced, you can download OpenVPN for Android and experiment with Mullvad, the top PC pick in our roundup of the best VPN services. Use an Authenticator app Weve already discussed how important 2-step verification is for your Google account, but you should also be using it for any service that offers it: Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, etc. But if you want to take it one step further, you can use an authenticator app to generate unique codes right on your phone rather than sending them over SMS text messages, which can be riskier. Google makes its own authenticator app for your Google account and many other sites thats free in the Play Store, so we recommend checking it out. Get a physical security key Google If you want the ultimate protection for your accounts, nothing beats an NFC security key. Roughly the size of a flash driven (so you can attach it to a keychain) and completely phishing-proof, a security key dispenses with codes and stores all of your authentication on a physical device. So its basically impossible to get into any of your accounts without the key, even if someone manages to steal all of your passwords. The $50 Titan Security KeyRemove non-product link bundle (which includes USB and Bluetooth security keys) is a great option from Google, but there are also less-expensive options from YubicoRemove non-product link. Enter Lockdown mode If all else fails, Google has added a new Lockdown option to Android 9 that lets you completely secure your phone at a tap. Hold down the power button for a second and youll see a Lockdown option at the bottom of the list. (If you dont, you can enable it in the Lock screen settings.) Tap it and your phone will instantly lock, turn off the fingerprint scanner (so someone cant force your finger to unlock it), remove all notifications from the lock screen, and disable Smart Lock. And itll stay that way until the next time you re-lock your phone. Yesterday when the FTC lead counsel Jennifer Milici said "Your Honor, the FTC rests its case," you could have heard a pin drop even if there had been thousands of people in the audience. Seconds before that procedural notice, former Qualcomm licensing president Marvin Blecker had been confronted, in a videotaped deposition, with an internal email in which a colleague confirmed to him that Qualcomm's chip division had actually held product shipments to a customer who had not yet accepted Qualcomm's license terms. Up until that moment, it had been Qualcomm's mantra that they had never actually carried out the "No License-No Chips" threat against existing customers. They couldn't deny that they wouldn't accept a new customer prior to taking a license from them. And an Apple witness said that after Apple sued Qualcomm (in January 2017), Qualcomm refused to even discuss a potential 5G product partnership with Apple. Qualcomm's lawyers had over and over again elicited testimony from current and former Qualcommm executives that the company had never carried out the threat of holding chipset shipments to an existing customer due to disagreements on licensing. While the FTC's "No License-No Chips" theory was just one of four key arguments against Qualcomm, the explosive nature of the video deposition contradicting Qualcomm executives under oath deny such behavior ever existed was profound. You could read more about (FOSS Patents) Florian Mueller's coverage of yesterday's court testimonies, especially from Professor Carl Shapiro who appears to have been the FTC's star witness, here. Yesterday Koreas largest mobile carrier SK Telecom launched a next-generation messaging service, called Rich Communication Services. The service will be available first on Samsung's flagship models Galaxy S9 and S9+ and then Samsung's new Galaxy S10 when in officially launches in Korea in late March. The new messaging service, when widely used, is expected to pose a challenge to local mobile messenger firms Kakao, Line and Apple which provides similar messaging services like iMessage and FaceTime. Taking part in the CES trade show early this month in Las Vegas, SKT CEO Park Jung-ho said RCS could help Android-based phones like Samsungs Galaxy gain a competitive edge over Apples iPhones. Our cover graphic illustrates the service offering a Memoji-like feature that offers face options at the bottom of the image area instead of below the image area as it is on iPhones. Based on technical standards set by GSMA, a global association of telecom operators, the service allows users to send text messages, images and videos freely among mobile users of different mobile carriers. With SKTs new messaging service, subscribers can send pictures and short videos, which are 5MB or less, without hindering their data plan. They can also exchange files up to 100MB via the messaging app -- in this case the corresponding amount of mobile data will be used. During a promotional period for the new service until June, SKT subscribers using Galaxy S9 and S9+ can exchange files up to 100MB in size without spending their allotted cellular data. Users can also participate in a group chat, as in most mobile messenger apps, such as KakaoTalk and Line, check whether their messages are read or not by receivers, send mobile gift coupons and transfer a small amount of money. SKT said it is currently in talks with other telecom carriers here -- KT and LG Uplus -- and also LG Electronics to incorporate RCS in more handset devices. When all three mobile carriers in Korea jointly offer the service, there will be 50 million mobile subscribers using it, he said. A new report from India states that Apples iPhone shipments in India last year are estimated to have shrunk by as much as half from the 2017 level, its worst performance since 2014 in the worlds fastest-growing smartphone market, adding to global woes that have forced the company to cut its revenue outlook. While Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Technology Market Research projected Apples India shipments at 1.6 to 1.7 million in 2018, CyberMedia Research pegged them at roughly 2 million both estimates are lower than the 3.2 million units in 2017. The Indian publication squarely blamed Apple's fall to high iPhone prices. One Indian market analyst stated that the iPhone was simply unable to compete with rivals including Chinas OnePlus, which offer devices with better features at half or even a third of the cost of iPhones. Apple may have shipped about 400,000 iPhones in October-December, according to Neil Shah, research director at Counterpoint Research. In comparison, OnePlus, the leader in the premium segment, shipped an estimated 500,000 units. Apple had been rising every year until 2017 the 2018 shipments will be at the level of 2014-15, setting them three years back in a market that has grown 50% between 2014-15 and 2018, he said. Losing Steam in India Indias smartphone market almost doubled to 150 million units in 2018 from about 80 million in 2014. Comparatively, Apples shipments have risen to 1.6-1.7 million now a market share of about 1.2% compared with 1.5 million in 2014, according to Counterpoint. Analysts said the slump in 2018 can be attributed to intense competition and the $1,000 price tags of the new iPhone models, which failed to attract buyers even after offering EMI schemes, zero down-payment and cashback plans. Some offers on older models such as iPhone 8 and 8 Plus also didnt work, said analysts. Shah added that "Chinese brands have 30-40% cheaper pricing than Apple. It doesnt make sense to pay sky-high prices for a product that doesnt have new features" and wont even support 5G until 2020." Apple's CEO told CNBC's Jim Cramer last week, in context with the Indian market: "For us, we're about making the best product that enriches people's lives. And so we're not about making the cheapest, right? We want to make a great value. But that's not necessarily the cheapest. And so for us, what we've seen is there's enough people in every country in the world that we play in that we can have a really good business by selling the best phones." Like a broken record, Apple's CEO repeated Apple's position and theory on pricing which has worked flawlessly until Q4 2018 in general. It hasn't worked in india for years as Shah and the chart above points out. Apple's iPhone XR may be seen by Apple as their big bargain iPhone for most developed countries, but OnePlus and Xiaomi have nice phones for half the price or less in India and their sales are skyrocketing. By the end of the month, Samsung will be releasing their "M" series in India for stunning prices between at $US135 to $US215. The phones are made at their new Indian plant. Even in a high scale market like South Korea, Samsung will be launching their new A8 smartphone this month to take on Apple's iPhone XR with a larger 6.4" LCD display, larger 3,400mAh battery and 3 backside cameras and a hole punch face camera design instead of the dreaded notch. The prices, not discounted, will reportedly come in at around $US450 - $US550 depending on the model. Pricing is a factor and in some markets it's the number one factor even for the middle class. The middle class in India are choosing the OnePlus premium phones that are now outselling Apple's premium iPhones as we pointed out earlier. OnePlus hit US shores in November 2018 via T-Mobile and the reaction to their phones were fantastic on day one as their promo video shows. We covered the OnePlus T-Mobile connection in October. These Chinese OEMs are offering nice features, so it's not just about price alone that makes their phones winners. Most Indian customers couldn't care less about Face ID, Apple Pay or AR. So these are not winning features for a huge chunk of the market and add to the cost of iPhones. Apple doesn't have to lower the prices on the same iPhone models sold around the world, just create a more basic iPhone to get Indian consumers to buy into the Apple brand. Xiaomi's busness model is the classic Razor and Blades model. Sell the phone at a reasonable price and aim to win over their customers to buy services and accessories that are sold at better margins. With Apple's CEO pushing services as he has over the last year, the razor and blade model for India and similar third world countries may be an option. Less features, lower prices and win selling services. In the end, India is a market that Apple has been going nowhere for years. Later this month there may be some positive news about a new full product Apple plant for India and the right for Apple to begin building flagship Apple Stores in major Indian cities. While reining in their iPhone pricing is one possibility for 2019, Apple's presence in India could make a huge factor in rebuilding the Apple brand in that country. Apple's service, in general, is legendary and having huge stores for customers to get training with Apple Today staff is a way to connect with the customer that few competitors offer. Apple is likely to put a lot of emphasis on software aimed at the Indian market too. Last week Apple introduced turn-by-turn Maps for major Indian cities. Apple's software could be a huge factor going forward if Apple could hit the right chord in that market. So stay tuned. While it admittedly looks gloomy for Apple in India today, Apple is working and thinking long term in India, and a new plant and multiple high-end stores will make a world of difference in the not-too-distant future. Daily Dose is your daily source for the song you absolutely, positively need to hear every day. Curated by the Paste Music Team. Post-punk quintet Blessed, who hail from Abbotsford, British Columbia, a farming town in Canadas bible belt, have had a long, hard road to their debut album, Salt. The band, whove steadily risen through the DIY ranks of British Columbias Fraser Valley since their formation in 2015, will independently release their first full-length on April 5, reaching a new milestone in their fourth year as a band. Salts first single is penultimate track Disease, premiering right here at Paste. Blessed make doom and gloom sound good, spiking their post-punk disaffection with new-wave touches, like rays of light let in to leaven the darkness. Drew Riekmans vocals alternate between bitter despair and devil-may-care confrontation, while Jake Holmes punishing drums resonate in emptiness, bright synths and guitars interwoven over it all. Hope for the disease to heal itself, Riekman sings in the songs closing moments, holding on as we all only can. In the years leading up to todays announcement, Blesseds founding foursome hustled tirelessly to find a foothold in the larger music community, working their way up through the Fraser Valleys sparse arts scene (the bands bio describes their home as a Lynchian setting that nurtures overt conservatism and covert creativity) to build continent-wide connections, with only a single and two acclaimed EPs to their names. Their relentless touring efforts saw the band play 225 shows across North America, making appearances at festivals like Austins SXSW and Calgarys Sled Island, sharing stages with the likes of Preoccupations, The Courtneys, The Austerity Program and Chastity, and earning the endorsement of fellow Western Canadians Purity Ring, adding a fifth member along the way. Its only fitting the genesis of Disease was as arduous as that of its creators: Blessed explain to Paste that, unsure of the singles direction, they created two versions of the song while recording it, tracking dual iterations that were structurally the same but with very different aesthetic choices regarding the sound design with the help of Josh Rohs of The Avulsions. Blessed mixed their albumwhere else?in the middle of a lengthy tour, swapping headphones in the back of the van and during downtime between soundchecking and bands starting, as they recall. When engineer Jace Lasek eschewed a version of the song that was much safer, cleaner and almost completely devoid of effects in any form and sent them the track youll hear below, they realized they were hearing Disease as it was always meant to sound. We can only imagine Blessed have more bold choices up their sleeves on Salt. Listen to Disease and revisit Blesseds 2017 Daytrotter Session below. Youll find the bands North American tour dates and the details of their forthcoming album further down. Salt Tracklist: 01. Rolled In Glass 02. Thought 03. Purpose & Conviction 04. Zealot 05. Pill 06. Anchor 07. Disease 08. Caribou Salt Album Art: Blessed Tour Dates March 07 Salt Lake City, Utah @ The Underground 08 Denver, Colo. @ Nude City Relief Center 09 Albuquerque, N.M. @ The Fly Honey Warehouse 10 Denton, Texas @ TBA 13-16 Austin, Texas @ SXSW April 05 Abbotsford, B.C. @ Rugby Club 06 Vancouver, B.C. @ Red Gate 09 Calgary, Alta. @ The Palomino Smokehouse & Social Club 10 Lethbridge, Alta. @ The Slice 11 Edmonton, Alta. @ The Buckingham 12 Saskatoon, Sask. @ SK Indoor Skatepark 13 Winnipeg, Man. @ The Handsome Daughter 15 Fargo, N.D. @ The Aquarium 16 Minneapolis, Minn. @ 7th Street Entry* 18 Iowa City, Iowa @ Iowa City Gabes (Downstairs)* 19 Madison, Wis. @ Art In* 20 Milwaukee, Wis. @ X Ray Arcade* 21 Chicago, Ill. @ Subterranean (Downstairs) 22 St. Louis, Mo. @ FOAM 23 Fayetteville, Ark. @ Backspace 25 Nashville, Tenn. @ Drkmttr Collective 26 Lexington, Ky. @ Best Friend Bar 27 Cincinnati, Ohio @ The Comet 28 Pittsburgh, Pa. @ Black Forge (* w/ Tunic) As the government shutdown lingers on, I have some questions for our House of Representatives. Members of Congress, are you still accepting paychecks during this crisis? I hope not, considering the hundreds of thousands of government employees who are now without pay. Why arent you negotiating in good faith with the White House, so that your brothers and sisters employed by the government can get a paycheck and feed and clothe their families? Why are you opposed to enhanced border security, such as the proposed wall? Is it because each illegal alien is a potential vote for the Democrats? Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. What studies has your House done analyzing the effects of illegal immigration and resulting crime rates, dependency on government programs, and above all the extra burden on hard working, tax paying American citizens? Why are you spending time and the taxpayers' money proposing silly things like abolishing the Electoral College? It takes two-thirds' approval from both houses of Congress and three-fourths' of all 50 states. Which means, it aint gonna happen! How much time and taxpayers money do you intend to spend in an attempt to impeach the president? By the way, thats dead on arrival at the Senate, where the final decision is made. It takes a two-thirds' super-majority to convict and remove the president. The votes arent there. I sincerely hope that were not in for two years of endless misguided bill proposals by the House. That would be a real waste of taxpayer dollars. Rick Skelley, Bloomington Love 2 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Central Illinois chapter of American Civil Liberties Union is glad that Bloomingtons Public Safety and Community Relations Board will remain intact despite lack of public appeals of official resolutions of police complaints. Its extremely important that the PSCRB maintain a community presence. If and when citizens do appeal official resolution of complaints regarding police conduct, there will be a civic body empowered to address their concerns. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. The boards presence will provide incentives for police to be sensitive in their conduct while interfacing with the public. If, because of the boards existence, there are fewer citizen complaints and appeals, that will benefit law enforcement and enhance community relations. Citizens knowledge of the boards presence will instill confidence in police protocols and behavior, and provide assurance that grievances have potential redress. (To achieve this, the board should undertake vigorous, creative, and continuous education of the public.) Robert D. Sutherland, Normal for the Central Illinois ACLU Steering Committee Love 1 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Political compromises in Washington arent easy to find these days, but for how long can an obvious solution to a standoff be ignored? As he reiterated in his address to the nation last Tuesday night, President Donald Trump wants $5.7 billion to begin building a wall on the southern border; congressional Democrats refuse. You know the surround: Without a budget agreement, the government went into partial shutdown mode roughly 25 percent of federal operations last month. Trump described the chasm that separates him from Democratic leaders: He asserted that the government remains shut down for one reason and one reason only because Democrats will not fund border security. Trump spoke of what he sees as the dangers Americans face because of inadequate border controls, and he challenged his political opponents to help end what he called a growing humanitarian and security crisis at the border. Trump wants the wall because he wants to be seen as tough on immigration. Democrats want to protect the status of young immigrants known as the Dreamers. Some version of wall money in exchange for an agreement to maintain the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program makes sense. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Granted, Trump is playing hardball at a puzzling time: Democrats have just taken control of the House and are itching for big-stakes political wins. Trump doesnt want to look weak. Thats why the partial shutdown is in Week 3. Meanwhile, thousands of federal workers and contractors employees are on layoff or potentially working without pay. A few more days and this shutdown becomes the longest on record, with uncertain, potentially serious consequences for the government but also the booming U.S. economy. In Trumps first Oval Office address of his presidency, his arguments for building an expensive, imposing barrier on the border with Mexico never struck as realistic. Theatrical? Yes. Compelling? Not so much. The cost would be prohibitive and the logistics likely impossible. Trump doesnt help his credibility by having claimed Mexico would pay or by exaggerating the national security implications. Anyone without legal permission to enter the United States shouldnt try. For those seeking asylum, there is a process. Tighter security is needed in the form of well-staffed border patrol operations, high-tech surveillance and, in certain locations, improved barriers. So give the president the money he wants to spend on concrete or steel fencing as part of a budget agreement that reopens the government. In exchange, lets see a deal on DACA. There are about 800,000 protected immigrants in the U.S. who arrived as children. They didnt choose to break the law, their parents did. Many have no memory of their native country. Their status is now tied up in the courts, but Congress can solve this humanitarian problem. Even Trump has said that hed like to do right by them. The two parties can take turns declaring victories. It will be a refreshing change of pace. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHAMPAIGN -- More than 120 stations across the Midwest had their wettest year on record in 2018, according to the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) at the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS). Regional precipitation for the Midwest ranked among the 10 wettest on record (1895-2018), and may be the wettest with official data still pending. Statewide totals in Kentucky, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin also ranked among the wettest years on record. Heavy rain fell on many occasions across northern Iowa, southern Wisconsin, and the Ohio River Valley, where most of the station records occurred. Several cities with broken precipitation records included Lexington, KY (71.98 inches, 134 years on record); Green Bay, WI (39.21 inches, 132 years on record); and Waterloo, IA (54.05 inches, 124 years on record). Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. More than twice the normal amount of precipitation fell in a record month of February in the region. Heavy rain returned in June to the Ohio River Valley, with extreme rainfall in August, September, and October across northern Iowa and southern Wisconsin. One-day rainfall amounts of more than 3 inches were common at stations on multiple occasions. One of the most extreme events led to more than 10 inches of rain west of Madison, WI on Aug. 20-21. Flooding and flash flooding from heavy rain affected the region throughout the year and led to record crests on tributaries of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Damage to property in the Midwest from flooding and flash flooding was estimated at over $340 million through September 2018 alone, according to NOAAs Storm Events Database. More than $17 million in crop damage was also reported in Iowa and Wisconsin. At least 14 fatalities were recorded from flooding or flash flooding in the region. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHINGTON Staring down the next deadline to pay federal workers, the White House shifted tactics Tuesday, trying to bypass House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to negotiate with rank-and-file lawmakers even as President Donald Trump dug in for a prolonged shutdown. The House and Senate announced they would stay in session, canceling an upcoming recess week at home if the shutdown continued, which seemed likely. On the shutdown's 25th day, Trump did not move off his demand to have Congress provide $5.7 billion to build his promised border wall with Mexico. Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened, but Pelosi is refusing money for the wall they view as ineffective and immoral. The president, on a conference call with supporters, showed no signs of backing down. "We're going to stay out for a long time, if we have to," Trump said. "We'll be out for a long time." With some 800,000 federal employees furloughed or working without pay, Trump suggested the partial shutdown that has clogged airport security lines and shuttered federal agencies was going smoothly. "People are very impressed with how well government is working with the circumstances that we're under," Trump said. Behind the scenes, though, the administration and its allies on Capitol Hill are warily eyeing the next payday, hoping to reach a resolution before next week's Tuesday deadline when they'll need to prepare the next round of paychecks for workers who have been seeing zeros on their pay slips. "There is definitely a sense that there is a deadline approaching, which would be next Tuesday, to make sure that we're able to solve this problem," said Mercedes Schlapp, a White House spokeswoman. Tuesday brought another day of high theatrics, but low substance, as the shutdown dragged into its fourth week. The president, who a week ago seemed intent on declaring a national emergency in order to build the wall, has turned his attention back to Congress as polling shows he is taking much of the blame for the standoff. The White House invited rank-and-file lawmakers to lunch with Trump at the White House as part of a strategy to build support from centrist Democrats and newly elected freshmen, including those from areas where the president is popular with voters. But the White House quickly learned the limits of that approach. None of the House Democrats took Trump up on the offer. One, Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., "welcomes the opportunity to talk with the President about border security," his spokesman said, "as soon as the government is reopened." Trump ended up lunching with a handful of lesser-known House Republicans. The White House will try again later this week, inviting a bipartisan group of lawmakers known as the Problem Solvers caucus to talks. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Trump urged his supporters to call the offices of Democratic lawmakers to press them to support the wall to reopen the government A short time later, a group of House Democrats made its way to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office demanding that he consider House-passed bills to fund the government. McConnell was not in his office at the time, so the Democrats left a note. McConnell says he doesn't want to waste the Senate's time and will only bring up measures that Trump will sign into law. Democrats, he said, have turned Trump's wall into "something evil" and it's time to get the country off the "political carousel" of the shutdown fight. Republicans complain that Democrats are the ones who are refusing to budge, and they say it's up to Pelosi to bring Trump a new offer. "The president who is not well-known for flexibility has been more flexible than the other side," said Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, a member of GOP leadership. Meanwhile, the effects of the 25-day partial government closure intensified around the country, with workers facing deepening anxieties about mortgage payments and unpaid bills. Some lawmakers are reluctant to return home for next week's planned recess some were planning their first town halls of the new year as the standoff deepens. JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon told reporters Tuesday that he expects U.S. economic growth to slow to nothing this quarter if the government shutdown continues. "I hope it doesn't go to the end of the week," said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican. "I'd like to see us have a breakthrough here." But hopes of side deals being cut by the White House seemed unlikely, as did the prospect of groups of senators meeting privately to forge a compromise. Said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., "The shutdown will eventually take us to a place where the average American is angry at and sick of all of us." Even though Trump is focused on pushing Democrats to return to the negotiating table, it was the president who walked out of the most recent talks last week after Pelosi told him she would not yield to his demands. As the White House invited lawmakers to lunch Tuesday, Pelosi gave her blessing for lawmakers to attend. She told her team that the group can see what she and others have been dealing with in trying to negotiate with Trump. Pelosi predicted that after meeting with Trump, the lawmakers would want to make a "citizen's arrest," according to an aide, who wasn't authorized to publicly discuss the meeting and spoke on condition of anonymity. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, another centrist Democrat, said the White House is "grasping at straws." -- Associated Press writers Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly, Jonathan Lemire, Alan Fram, Lisa Mascaro, Andrew Taylor, Laurie Kellman, Elana Schor and Ken Sweet contributed to this report. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 BLOOMINGTON For the second time since his release on murder charges in the 2014 death of his ex-wife, Kirk Zimmerman is asking a judge to return half of his bond to pay his expenses. Zimmerman, 60, faces first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Pam Zimmerman. The 53-year-old victim was found in her east-side Bloomington office with multiple gunshot wounds. Zimmerman was charged with murder in July 2015 and posted $200,025 in November to be released on home confinement. In a new motion, St. Louis defense lawyer John Rogers asks that $100,000 of the bond be returned to Zimmerman to cover legal expenses, including the hiring of experts to counter the opinions of state experts. A similar motion was made and withdrawn by Zimmerman in September 2017. At the time, he said he was putting his home on Park Ridge on the market. The address listed in the recent motion indicates Zimmerman still resides in the home that is located down the street from what was Pam Zimmerman's home. The court filing explains Zimmerman's need for additional money. "The case against Mr. Zimmerman is circumstantial and is heavily dependent on forensic evidence from phones and other electronic devices. This evidence involves a number of complicated, technical issues that necessitate the use of experts at trial," according to the motion. Zimmerman's tether to an ankle monitor, coupled with a restriction that he must remain home except for medical and legal appointments, has made it impossible for him to work, Zimmerman argues in the request to modify the bond. With the exception of an unauthorized stop at a fast food restaurant, Zimmerman has complied with the terms of his release, said the defense. The court filing further states that Zimmerman has significant ties to Illinois, including a girlfriend and children who reside in the Bloomington area. Judge Scott Drazewski ruled the state may use evidence that places Zimmerman's car near the victim's East Washington Street office building found around the time police believe she was killed. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. The defense may be looking for another expert to address an opinion from a newly disclosed state witness. Dr. Shae Cronin, associate professor of criminal justice at Boston University Metropolitan College, is listed as a potential state witness on recently filed discovery documents. Cronin has conducted extensive research on gun-related issues, including the sales of hand guns by dealers in various states. Drazewski has allowed the state to use circumstantial evidence that Zimmerman may have traveled to Crawfordsville, Ind., on Oct. 25, 2014 about a week before his ex-wife was killed. In a 2017 hearing, prosecutors argued that data collected from Zimmerman's 2011 Hyundai Sonata shows he went to Indiana where he may have purchased a hand gun. The state has conceded the weapon used to kill the victim has not been found. Zimmerman has denied he ever owned or fired a gun. The state also points to information that Kirk Zimmerman may have tried to conceal his travels to Indiana by wiping all internet searches from his computer and disabling the locator device on his Sirius radio system in his car. The judge told prosecutors an expert would be needed if they plan to argue that Zimmerman went to Indiana because it's easier to buy a gun in that state. Cronin's opinion may be used to support the state's theory that Zimmerman bought the gun in the neighboring state. Zimmerman's alleged motive for killing his former spouse can be found in the pages of the couple's 2012 divorce records, according to the state. Contentious and protracted negotiations on child support and visitation arrangements were followed by more hearings over expenses related to the couple's three children, who were in high school at the time of their mother's death. A dispute over unpaid expenses for the children was pending at the time Pam Zimmerman was killed. The judge also ruled that several people familiar with the divorce will be allowed to testify about remarks the victim made to them about her alleged fear of her ex-husband. The defense contends Kirk Zimmerman had moved on after the divorce that had been resolved two years earlier. A Feb. 1 hearing is set on pending motions. The trial set to begin April 1 is expected to last four to six weeks. Photos: Pretrial testimony in Zimmerman murder case Contact Edith Brady-Lunny at (309) 820-3276. Follow her on Twitter: @pg_blunny 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. BLOOMINGTON The day after a new crop of state leaders was sworn in, McLean County officials finalized their wish list for the new General Assembly. An infrastructure plan, permission to levy a county motor fuel tax and additional state mental health funding are among requests for the state in the 2019 McLean County Legislative Program, approved by the County Board on Tuesday. "This will now go to our local legislators and our lobbying firm in Springfield," said County Board Vice Chair Jim Soeldner, who chaired the committee that drafted the document. "Hopefully, we get some action." "The 2009 capital funding program ... expired July 1, 2015, and has resulted in a steep decline in transportation maintenance and repair projects," according to the county document. County officials hope the state also will assign a dedicated funding source to any capital plan though Soeldner acknowledges one option, a statewide motor fuel tax hike, might diminish the appetite for a local tax at the pump. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Suburban DuPage, Kane and McHenry counties have instituted county-level motor fuel taxes, and Bloomington and Normal have their own, but McLean County can't under state law. "McLean County is the largest, geographically, county in the state. We have the second-most county roads," said Soeldner. "We think we should have the right to (tax motor fuel purchases), even if we don't decide to do it." The plan also says the state is doing a poor job of funding mental health services, a longtime priority for McLean County officials. Illinois received a "D" grade in that area from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "The lack of an effective system with interventions, structure and solutions burdens families, community services and police," according to the plan. "Both the human cost and the public costs are extraordinary." Soeldner said county officials also will be watching what the state does with new revenue from gambling or legalizing recreational marijuana. State Sen. Jason Barickman, a Bloomington Republican, said last month he'll fight for funding for local law enforcement as part of marijuana legislation. Committee members also discussed County Board term limits, Soeldner said, but opted to wait to act until McHenry County finishes its own push. That could clear up whether counties can legally add elected official term limits, which local voters said overwhelmingly they want in a ballot question last fall. In other business, the board: Met for the first time since changing its meetings to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. New members advocated for a change from 9 a.m. on Tuesdays. Contact Derek Beigh at (309) 820-3234. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_beigh Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. LINCOLN The freezing drizzle that caused havoc on many roadways Tuesday is expected to return, forcing the National Weather Service to issue a new winter weather advisory, starting at 6 p.m. and extending through 6 a.m. Wednesday. Counties affected include McLean, Woodford, Peoria, Tazewell, Logan, DeWitt, Champaign and Macon in Central Illinois. The NWS notes that as temperatures drop below freezing, untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots could become slick again, with bridges and overpasses particularly dangerous. As they did Tuesday morning, first responders are urging motorists to be extra cautious and allow for more time during their Wednesday morning commute. Tuesday morning's freezing drizzle caused numerous accidents, including one involving a District 87 school bus in Bloomington, because of the slick roads. Also, a 4-mile stretch of a northbound lane of Interstate 55 between Lincoln and Atlanta in Logan County was closed for several hours. Details or reports of injuries have not yet been released, but police confirm at least two semi trucks were involved. The bus accident involved about 11 preschool students that slid off a roadway around 9 a.m. The Bloomington Fire Department responded and handed out plastic fire department helmets and stickers to the kids, none of whom were hurt. Meanwhile, Olympia schools opened an hour late and Unit 5 buses reportedly ran late because of the slick conditions. Illinois State University was closed until 10 a.m. Essential personnel report at their regular times, the school said in a statement. Illinois State Police said they received reports of area interstates being slick early Tuesday. Troopers responded to several accidents, including one near Carlock on I-74. Trouble spots also were reported I-39 north of Bloomington and several other locations on I-55. There have been no reports of serious injuries as of 11:15 a.m. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The National Weather Service in Lincoln reports conditions have improved in the past hour. Police in Bloomington were called to the scene of a crash at Empire Street and Veterans Parkway and say one vehicle knocked out a set of stop lights. Crews made repairs this morning. Further details of the crash are not yet available. In DeWitt County, a garbage truck was reported to be involved in a crash and was turned on its side on Revere Road near Clinton. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Forecasters said the current weather system will produce a mix of freezing rain and snow Wednesday night and Thursday morning and motorists may experience more slick roadways on their Thursday morning commute. The weather service's updated forecast Tuesday morning says another winter storm system is expected to impact Central Illinois Friday night through Saturday night, with another chance of accumulating snow. Plow crews are still at work after that storm. From 11 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday, Bloomington crews will remove excess snow from downtown. All vehicles need to be off the streets during those hours; downtown residents are encouraged to park in nearby parking garages. Crews also are making another sweep through streets. Photos: Drivers find icy commute across Bloomington-Normal Tuesday Your Submissions: Snow Day in Central Illinois! Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 0 BLOOMINGTON Local first responders are getting the word out about several new laws, including rear-facing car seats that are now a requirement for children under the age of 2. This new law is designed to protect the really young and fragile kids, said Kerri Fish, the Illinois Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Liaison with the Child Care Resource & Referral Network in Bloomington. Studies have shown that rear-view seats are safer for the younger children because their spines are better protected in case of a crash. Doctors can mend a broken leg or arm, but they cant mend a broken spine. Children weighing more than 40 pounds, or who are taller than 40 inches, are exempt. Children are five times safer riding in a rear-facing seat because their head, neck and spine are better protected in a crash, said Secretary of State Jesse White in explaining the legislation that took effect this month. He added that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Local first responders are working to educate motorists about the new law. We plan on pairing up with the Bloomington Fire Department for an education video and our social media post about the new law reached over 10,000 people, said BPD Public Information Officer John Fermon. On Tuesday, the Bloomington Fire Department hosted a car seat installation day at the department headquarters at 310 N. Lee St. The Normal Fire Department also holds one safety check every month at the NFD station at 1200 E. Raab Road. The new Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act requires that children under the age of 8 must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system, including booster seats that must be used with a lap/shoulder safety belt. If the back seat is not equipped with a lap/shoulder type of safety belt, a child weighing more than 40 pounds can be transported in the back seat without a booster seat, secured with a lap belt only. Police in both Bloomington and Normal said they try to educate the public prior to issuing tickets for car seat violations. In 2018, Fermon said, police in Bloomington issued 14 citations for child safety belt laws and only 12 in 2017. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Parents may have to buy or switch their car seat to meet the law's new standards, he said. From what I have seen, parents are pretty good at keeping kids rear facing until they meet the height or weight guidelines set by the car seat manufacturer. The penalties for a first violation include a $75 fine. A second violation nets a fine of $200. As with any citation, officers have some discretion during the early phases if they think a motorist is truly unaware of the law change, versus not having a child in a seat at all, which has always been a violation, said Normal Police Chief Rick Bleichner. The Secretary of States office provides child safety seat inspections by certified child safety seat technicians at many facilities throughout the state through its Keep Me in a Safe Seat program. Anybody can post something on YouTube so we suggest going to the manufacturers website for correct safety seat installation, she said. That is vital. We dont want someone getting injured because the seat wasnt installed properly. And, officials warn, if you don't have a car seat, don't transport a small child. "Its the responsibility of the parents to provide a car seat," Bleichner said. "I think most individuals in this day and age, when they have to transport a child, will automatically look for their car seat. The best advice is if you dont have a car seat for the child, dont transport them in a vehicle." 15 new Illinois laws for 2019 Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. BLOOMINGTON Amanda Jones has been tapped to fill a newly created position at The Pantagraph vice president of sales. In the role, Jones heads advertising sales in print, online and on other digital platforms, as well as increasing the newspaper's community events and special projects efforts. "I am very excited for the opportunity," said Jones. "We have a wonderful team here. This industry is moving faster than it ever has so there is a lot of opportunity and I am happy to be leading the charge." Jones has been an integral part of The Pantagraph's sales team, said Michelle Pazar, publisher of The Pantagraph and Central Illinois Group publisher for Lee Enterprises Inc. "Her leadership, expertise and ability to creatively collaborate with our customers has helped our local businesses meet their goals," said Pazar. "She has a singular commitment to customer service and is able to align our multi-media platforms with business needs to ensure client success." Jones joined The Pantagraph in 2009 as an advertising sales executive. She then advanced into additional roles, most recently as advertising manager. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Pazar headed The Pantagraph's advertising sales as advertising director from 2015 until she was promoted to regional advertising director, overseeing Lee's advertising operations in Bloomington, Decatur and Mattoon. She was named publisher earlier this month. "I don't plan on any major changes, but media and especially digital are changing every day," said Jones. "My job is to make sure we are changing with it. With a strong corporate backing through Lee Enterprises and our wonderful team, we are equipped to do so." Jones, 38, is originally from the Plainview-Joliet area and came to the Twin Cities in 1998 to attend Illinois State University. She graduated from ISU in 2002 with a mass communications degree. "I had every intention of moving back home after graduating, but I just really loved Bloomington-Normal and decided to stay," said Jones. She met her husband, Dan, here; the couple and their two children reside in Bloomington. Jones said she enjoys working with local businesses. "Whether they are a very small, one-person shop or one of the largest organizations in town, what we do on a day-to-day basis is help these businesses grow in our community," she said. "That means a lot to me and definitely is one of the things I love most about my job." Contact Maria Nagle at (309) 820-3244. Follow her on Twitter: @Pg_Nagle Illustration provided by N. Stewart, courtesy UTIA University of Tennessee Center for Agricultural Synthetic Biology, or CASB, will perform research, such as automated production of single cells from crop plants and cultures, gene editing, and rapid synthetic biology design-build-test cycles to make better crop plants, farm animals, and food microbes for health and sustainability goals. The John Alden Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution held its first meeting of the new year at the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Community Room. The guest speaker was Christina DeClerck-Szilagyi of Delta College who presented on "The Lives of Women in the Revolutionary War". Women were a part of the revolutionary movement from the beginning. They banded together in patriotic groups to carry out anti-British actions. They campaigned against the high tax on tea, organized Daughter of Liberty groups to boycott British goods and encouraged women to buy only "American Made" items, much like today. Colonial leaders, ministers and the press urged women to use domestic duties as political weapons. This was not a role women were used to. Young women in Massachusetts went so far as to refuse to marry their fiances if they had applied for British-stamped marriage licenses. Both Patriots and Loyalists understood this would be a war on the home front. How it affected women and families was at times different due to their level in society. Wealthier women had more resources and did not worry as much about the breadwinner being away. These women would take over running plantations, shops and other businesses. For the poor, loss of the breadwinner could mean starvation. These women would be doing physical labor such as farming, learning to do chores they never had to do before, just to survive. Wealthy and poor alike might have soldiers boarding in their homes. The women had to feed and take care of all these men as well as the family. Disease came with the soldiers, especially smallpox. Women also had to guard their daughters from potential rape. Traditional "women's work" was also important during the war effort. Women made cloth and sewed uniforms. One group collected money to give to General George Washington at Valley Forge, only to have him give it back and tell them to make his soldiers shirts. Women brought the wounded and ill into their homes. Soldiers wives or family members sometimes followed the troops. This was begrudgingly allowed as it helped to prevent desertion and the women took up the tasks of cooking and laundry which the men did not want to do. And yes, some women were directly involved in fighting. The name "Molly Pitcher" is used to represent women who brought water to the soldiers, if they saw a man fall, they might take up his position. There were women who assumed male identities to fight. Women also acted as spies and sabatours. One woman hung different dresses on the clothesline to indicate a certain message. Despite all the contributions, following the war, little changed for women. Thomas Pain advocated for a woman's right to vote, but this did not happen until 1919. Speaker Christina DeClerck-Szilagyi can be followed at facebook.com/HistoryWithTheSzilagyis or at twitter.com/_Historian. A business meeting followed the presentation. Thora Goodnight received a DAR award for Lineage Research and Joan Rodgers for contacting more than 10 schools for the Good Citizen's contest. The next meeting will be held Feb. 1 with guest speaker Lisa Williams of the Dow African American Employee Network. Contact Karen at jaldenpr5@gmail.com or 989-387-0434 for information. Zee Brown of Midland is one of 42 high school students entering Michigan Technological University next fall who have earned one of the highest honors Michigan Tech can give. They've been named Leading Scholar finalists. They will receive awards ranging from $10,000 per year scholarships to scholarships covering full tuition, room and board, plus $1,000 a year toward fees and expenses. Three Michigan students will receive the top award. Three out-of-state students get full-tuition scholarships. The rest of the finalists who are Michigan residents will receive $8,000 scholarships, and the remainder of non-resident students will receive $17,000 toward non-resident tuition. Ottumwa, IA (52501) Today Partly cloudy skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 96F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Oskaloosa, IA (52577) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 98F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. MEXICO CITY A former associate of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman testified Tuesday that the accused drug cartel kingpin bragged of bribing former Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto with a $100 million payoff, according to news reports. Alex Cifuentes, described as Guzman's former right-hand man, said in a Brooklyn courtroom that the money was delivered via an intermediary while El Chapo was on the lam and around the time Pena Nieto became president in December 2012, according to the reports. Cifuentes first told U.S. prosecutors about the alleged illicit payment in 2016, when he began cooperating with the government, but the allegation first became public during Tuesday's testimony. Neither Pena Nieto nor a spokesman could not be reached for comment. A spokesman called the accusations "false and defamatory" when they were first raised earlier in the trial. Pena Nieto left office in December after a troubled six-year term punctuated by accusations of corruption and incompetence - with Guzman's 2015 escape through a tunnel from his maximum-security prison cell marking a low point. The former president presided over Guzman being recaptured twice, tweeting "mission accomplished" on the second occasion in January 2016, when Guzman was nabbed at a seedy hotel. The former president is not the first public official to be accused by witnesses of wrongdoing by witnesses at Guzman's trial. Jesus Zambada Garcia, Guzman's former accountant, said he paid off former public security secretary Genaro Garcia Luna, plying him twice with suitcases containing at least $3 million. Garcia Luna called the accusations "lies, defamation and perjury." A two-time escape artist with a base of social support in his native Sinaloa state, Guzman, 61, rose from childhood impoverishment to leading the Sinaloa cartel, which transported tons of cocaine from Colombia to the United States, smuggling its illegal merchandise through tunnels under the border, and reportedly bribed public officials across the country. His ability to evade the authorities and seemingly mock their attempts to capture him came to embody impunity in Mexico and the difficulties in the country's crackdown on drug cartels and organized crime, which has cost more than 200,000 lives and left more than 30,000 missing since 2006. Guzman was extradited on the eve of President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017 to face charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin and other drugs into the United States. The accusations against Pena Nieto captured attention in Mexico, where the former president's approval rating cratered as he left office, according to polls, and his party is so unpopular that it has considered changing its name. "This would merit an investigation in order to know if it's true. The @lopezobrador_ government should take it seriously. The problem is . . . we know they won't do anything," journalist and columnist Mario Campos tweeted in Spanish. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador won election in a landslide, promising to clean up corruption. He stunned many in Mexico, however, by saying he preferred not to prosecute outgoing public officials accused of corruption. Lopez Obrador has a history of equating the actions of allegedly corrupt politicians to those of the "mafia." He did so as he toured the country over the past 12 years, visiting all of Mexico's more than 2,400 municipalities, including many overrun by organized crime. On a 2016 tour of Sinaloa shortly after El Chapos arrest, he told a crowd: Nothing is said about the cartel that robs the most: the Los Pinos Cartel a reference to the presidential palace Lopez Obrador refuses to live in which is headed by Enrique Pena Nieto. The Washington Post Urban Airship, a Portland marketing technology company that enables push notifications on smartphones, said Wednesday it has acquired its biggest competitor in Europe. The Oregon company said it paid cash and stock for Accengage, which provides push notifications and similar mobile marketing technology, but didnt disclose a value for the transaction. Online startup database Crunchbase said Accengage has raised $9 million altogether, most recently in a $6 million round in 2017. Urban Airship has raised just over $100 million since it was founded in 2009, including a $25 million round last summer. With Accengages 80 employees, its workforce grows to 300; that includes 140 at its Portland headquarters. Wednesdays deal is unusual in that an Oregon technology company is buying a competitor rather than the other way around. The states tech businesses tend to operate in market niches and so are much more commonly sold to larger companies. Last year alone, for example, Silicon Forest companies including Electro Scientific Industries, Radisys, Viewpoint Construction Software, Avnera, Cozy, SmartRG and Mirador Financial all sold to big, out-of-state buyers. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 The Portland Police Bureau says its investigating an apparent hit-and-run crash caught on video near Wilkes Park in Northeast Portland last Thursday in which a pickup driver speeds down a sidewalk toward three people as theyre running away and plows into them -- sending two of them flying. The video was posted to YouTube the next day by a resident who captured the scene on a surveillance camera. The identities of the people involved and the person who posted the video, as well as the conditions of the three people hit, were not immediately clear as of Tuesday. Its also not yet clear what caused the driver to mow down the pedestrians. The crash occurred a little before 5 p.m. Officers were informed of the video Monday and Tuesday and told to be on the lookout for the gray pickup with a canopy to see if they can identify the driver or the truck, said Sgt. Brad Yakots, a Portland Police Bureau spokesman. He said authorities havent yet heard from anyone involved, and an investigation is still underway to find the driver. Portland police ask anyone with information on the crash or the people involved to contact its traffic division at 503-823-2103. WARNING: The video contains graphic content. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 |@EvertonBailey Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. The mother of a Portland boy who went missing nearly 9 years ago and has yet to be found took to social media Tuesday to spread a hopeful message after another missing child returned home safely. Seven-year-old Kyron Horman disappeared June 4, 2010, triggering Oregons largest-ever search and rescue operation. No arrests were ever made, and his whereabouts remain a mystery. Another missing child, 13-year-old Jayme Closs, was abducted last year and forced to hide in a 2-foot space beneath her kidnapper's bed, going without food, water or a bathroom for hours. The Wisconsin teen escaped last week after almost three months. The man accused of abducting her is also accused of killing her parents. Desiree Young, Kyrons mother, posted a hopeful message on Facebook about missing children Tuesday. See the entire text of the message below: I have been paying attention to the Jayme Closs story since the day she went missing and I have shared her information and flyers, in the hopes that she would be found and come home. I can't speak for everyone but I think all parents of missing children are driven by the one hope that their child is alive and will come home, that is why we continue to get up everyday, we keep fighting the good fight, keeping their faces in the media, wearing their buttons, t-shirts and bracelets all to keep that hope in the forefront of everyone's minds. Most importantly ours. I think there are days, that is the only thing that keeps us going, that hope. When we hear a story like hers it gets us energized and keeps that light burning in our heart even brighter, the light that can never go out for our child or any other missing child. The possibility that it could happen, even to us, keeps the hope alive. My prayer now is for Jayme, I hope that she can heal from the horrors that have become a part of her life, I hope that she will one day be able to help others with the message that only she can share. Lets bring all missing children home. Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 The Oregonian/OregonLive staff and Associated Press contributed to this report Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. One of our governments key responsibilities is to appropriate funds to provide services for citizens like you and me. We pay taxes for these services. Once again, it has failed to do so, causing a partial government shutdown resulting in a cessation of many government services to its citizens. This is wrong. Additionally, the government is forcing over 400,000 key government employees to continue to work without pay. Yes, they most likely will be paid ultimately, but how do they pay their bills until then? This would be illegal for any other business in America, but our government has exempted itself from the same employment laws it applies to everyone else. This is wrong. Because the government can force employees to involuntarily work without pay, it is able to mask the true impacts of a shutdown so that it can play politics. I am pretty sure if all civil air travel were halted on day one of a government shutdown because the air traffic controllers were furloughed, there would be no more shutdowns. In effect, our government is holding its citizens hostage to score political points. This is wrong. So, how is our government working for you? For me, not so well, and I am letting my elected representatives know how I feel. You should, too. David Morrow, McMinnville By Steve Messinetti As I was reading the Jan. 4 article Minority homeownership climbs across Portland metro but stalls within city limits in The Oregonian/OregonLive, I was impressed with the great news that Latino households have made gains in homeownership. But I was also struck by how much of our regions shameful history of racial discrimination in home ownership was left out of this story. Fifty years ago, our nation mourned the tragic death of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Congress passed the Fair Housing Act. The act, which Dr. King had advocated for, outlawed housing discrimination and residential segregation. It was meant to ensure that each one of us -- no matter who we are, where we come from, or the color of our skin -- can live in neighborhoods of opportunity. Dr. King called this the Beloved Community, a world where poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because it violates the basic tenants of human decency. While it is great to see any gains in minority home ownership in our region, the fact remains that there is a disgraceful gap in Portlands ownership rates due to a half century of racist government policies that kept neighborhoods segregated and restricted people of color from buying a home. Improving minority home ownership rates is the only way to alleviate the gap and move toward a future where people of color can benefit financially as much as their white neighbors always have. Habitat for Humanity has been tackling this issue for the past 38 years in the Portland metro region. Weve built and repaired homes for more than 1,800 people, 80 percent of whom were homebuyers of color. And these families are successful with less than a 1 percent foreclosure rate. We found that 92 percent of kids raised in a Habitat home graduate from high school. Families also reported that they were healthier and no longer needed government assistance, such as food stamps. By building affordable homes and providing affordable mortgages for low-income families, we see an immediate shift in their lives. As Dr. King said, we now have the techniques and the resources to get rid of poverty. The real question is whether we have the will. Habitat for Humanity and other organizations, including Hacienda CDC, Proud Ground, the African-American Alliance for Homeownership and Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives Inc., have waiting lists of mortgage-ready homebuyers of color. But there are no affordable homes on the market to buy. Thats why I could not be more thrilled that our community recently passed the Metro governments $653 million regional housing bond in conjunction with the passing of the constitutional amendment, Measure 102. If jurisdictions dedicate even a modest percentage of these funds toward affordable homeownership, the impact would be immense. The election created a historical opportunity to do something about the gap in minority home ownership. It is time for us to come together and bridge the racial divide that resulted from our local, state and federal governments policies over many decades, and to take a giant step toward fulfilling Dr. Kings dream of the beloved community. Steve Messinetti is the president and chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East. When Emma Stanton first read about how Islamic State militants were abducting, raping and enslaving women in the Yazidi religious minority in northern Iraq, she felt paralyzed by anger. Anger that this kind of genocide happens over and over again. Anger that women's bodies are treated as weapons of war and containers of legacy, she said. And all the while, the world stands by and debates the meaning of the word genocide. She began to think about the Bosnian War of the early 1990s about the siege of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, and about the women forced into rape camps. She was about 10 at the time and her mother was a Slavic and Eastern Languages professor who monitored the war by television in the kitchen every day. After the war ended, her mother hosted Bosnian artists at their home, as well as the filmmaker Bill Carter, who had just made the film Miss Sarajevo, which told the stories of children who were living in Sarajevo while the city was under siege. I'll never forget putting that tape of Miss Sarajevo into the VCR and watching him interview a young girl in an alley while shells were echoing in the background. I wanted to write about that little girl, Stanton said. That became the beginning of her new play, No Candy, which Portland Playhouse will present beginning Jan. 16. The company first presented No Candy as a staged reading during its 2017 Fall Reading Series. The play explores the effects of war specifically, the effects of the Bosnian War on a multigenerational community of Bosnian Muslim women who survived the Srebenica genocide as perpetrated by elements of the Bosnian Serb army in July 1995. Since the war, theyve opened a gift shop for tourists visiting the Srenebenica memorial, which allows for a humorous element in the play. Stanton said the persecution of the Yazidi women prompted her to think about what it means to be in a community of women during a time of war, where rape and other physical acts of violence are all too common a weapon. The Bosnian crisis emerged as an entry point to a discussion about how women come together after a mass traumatic event, and about how a community as a whole holds and transmutes trauma. According to Stanton, it was Brian Weaver, artistic director of Portland Playhouse, who suggested bringing on Tea Alagic as the plays director. Alagic a New York director whose credits include Off-Broadway, regional and international productions is a Croatian who was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina and fled that country in 1992. (Tea) is my dream director for this play, said Stanton. When Brian mentioned bringing her on board, I knew he understood the needs and aesthetic of the play. No Candy When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16-Feb. 10. Where: Portland Playhouse, 602 N.E. Prescott St. Tickets: $19-39, portlandplayhouse.org or 503-488-5822. Hi, my name is Eder Campuzano. This week, I start as The Oregonian/OregonLives new education reporter, primarily covering Portland Public Schools. For nearly three years, I worked on The Oregonian/OregonLives trending team, where I tracked down stories about paddle-boarding witches , rounded up the best concerts Portland has to offer and covered protest after protest after protest after protest . As I shift my focus to education and wade into the beat behind Bethany Barnes, quite a hard act to follow heres what you can expect: I want to elevate the voices of students, as I did when I covered youth protests against gun violence last year. Ill report on aspects of teen culture, like what this Fortnite thing is or why theyre suddenly flocking to certain parks. I also want to put my Spanish to good use and give a voice to students and parents who, historically, are under-represented by Portland media. And, of course, Ill work to hold district leaders accountable for keeping their promises and delivering quality educational offerings. Astute readers might notice it doesnt seem like Im starting on the schools beat today. Ive already attended a Board of Education meeting, during which Portland school officials green-lit a $105,000 payment the last in a total allotment of nearly $280,000 to the lawyers of a journalist who prevailed in a prolonged public records battle. The previous week, I was tipped off to the pending release of a Secretary of States audit that said Portland Public Schools systemically fails its students of color . And Ive explored differing points of view on police officers in schools in a manner my editors praised for its nuance. In a way, its fitting that my time at The Oregonian has led to this beat. I fell in love with journalism when I worked for my high school newspaper, The Bruin at McMinnville High School. One of my first (unofficial) jobs there was to snag a copy of The Oregonian from the stack delivered to the schools main office for our adviser. On Wednesdays, I stole the science section for myself. On Fridays, A&E. Days after graduating high school in 2005, I attended The Oregonians High School Journalism Institute, a week-long summer camp for teen journalists the newspaper puts on to help aid in diversifying the profession. I returned to the program 10 years later, this time as an editor. I spent the week teaching two brilliant students Elise and Jamari in the journalism institutes class of 2015. And in February 2016, after spending six months at The Grants Pass Daily Courier as the papers county government reporter, I was hired by The Oregonian. Since then, Ive worked on the trending desk, where I looked for anything that might pique your interest and, if luck held, go viral. I had a hand in my fair share of viral moments, from the time Sen. Jeff Merkley stole the nations attention by reading of Coretta Scott Kings letter about Jeff Sessions on the Senate floor and led to whispers of his 2020 ambitions to the time that kids selfie with Justin Timberlake became the best moment of Super Bowl LII. But lets be honest: If youve known me for anything during my time with The Oregonian/OregonLive, its probably for one of my many dispatches from the seemingly endless series of protests that have taken center stage in Portland since the 2016 election. (And by the way, if youve been wondering all that time how exactly I pronounce my name: Call me EDD-urr.) I was on the ground for that first week of unrest following President Trumps election. I also provided readers an up-close view from various parks throughout the city as a right-wing group from Vancouver, Washington, began regular incursions into the city, brawling it out with local anti-fascist activists. Ive also covered peaceful gatherings that flew under the radar, like the time a few thousand people flocked to the waterfront to march for science . Or when a bunch of Pokemon Go players came together to celebrate a 5-year-olds birthday after nobody in his class RSVPd . When Portland-area students joined the national movement against gun violence in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting last year, I followed the local events that culminated in a March For Our Lives protest downtown . On occasion, Ive also written about myself, most recently when a wayward projectile bonked my noggin at a protest and my bloodied face made national headlines . Last summer, I wrote about my familys 29-year history in this country and of my own immigration experience on the heels of my swearing-in ceremony as a U.S. citizen. My experiences have run the gamut here at The Oregonian. Ive covered breaking news, human interest and poured a bit of myself into the work I did on the trending desk. Ill miss hanging out at Rose City Comic Con and letting a bit of air out of the tires of the Oregon football fan machine . But Im looking forward to digging into the issues that affect students, parents and staff at Portlands educational institutions. As the City Council prepares to weigh in on a new contract between the Portland Police Bureau and the school district to staff each high school with a student resource officer, Ill be right here covering each step of the process. Im also keeping my eye on the bonds PPS will propose to voters in 2020. And, of course, the ongoing conversation about the Secretary of States audit of the school district . Is there anything Im missing? (Of course there is.) You know where to find me Six people, including three in Oregon, have been charged with federal racketeering, accused of running Asian sex trafficking organizations in the United States, Canada and Australia. The FBI also seized and shut down a website used by one of the alleged criminal enterprises, www.supermatchescort. com, and about 500 other related websites, including portlandasianescort.com, according to federal prosecutors. Chaodan Wang, 32, of Beaverton; Ting Fu, 35, of Beaverton; Zongtao Chen aka Mark Chen, 46, of Toronto, Canada; Weixuan Zhou aka Marco Zhou, 37, of Guangzhou, China; and Yan Wang aka Sarah Wang, 33, of Temecula, California, are charged with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to engage in racketeering and promoting, managing and carrying out a racketeering enterprise. In a separate indictment, Hui Ling Sun, 40, of Portland is charged with using interstate facilities to promote a racketeering enterprise. The international investigation began after nearly 20 anonymous tips came into Crime Stoppers of Oregon during the summer of 2016. "International prostitution ring operating in Portland,'' a June 16, 2016, tip read, according to court documents. "When will you shut down this operation?'' After months of surveillance, the FBI Portlands Child Exploitation Task Force raided multiple Beaverton, Portland and Tigard locations Tuesday with search warrants: 13957 S.W. Ronald Court in Beaverton, 11875 S.W. Center St. Apt. 82 in Beaverton, 11975 S.W. Center St. Apt. 1 in Beaverton, 1030 S.W. Jefferson St. Apt. 340 in Portland, 410 N.W. Lost Springs Terrace Apt. 108 in Portland and 13309 S.W. 72nd Avenue Apt. 1-D in Tigard. FBI agents watched nine men come and go on Feb. 25, 2018, from Apt. 1 at the Willow Grove apartment complex at 11975 S.W. Center St. in Beaverton. They say the apartment was one of multiple locations used as an Asian brothel. According to the indictments, Zongtao Mark Chen, based in Toronto, headed the criminal enterprise that recruited women, primarily from China, to travel to the U.S. and elsewhere to engage in prostitution and other sex trafficking activities. In Oregon, Chen is accused of promoting illegal prostitution at brothels in motels and apartments in Portland, Tigard and Beaverton. Investigators identified Chen as the subscriber for the advertised email supermatchescort@gmail.com, according to court documents. Typically, a boss would oversee and manage a local brothel in a hotel or apartment complex. Customers would call a number listed on www.supermatchescort.com or related websites, or send a message by text, email or WeChat, an encrypted internet messaging service based in China, according to the indictments. The websites advertised massages and escorts. So-called dispatchers would receive the incoming requests and schedule dates with women working at the brothels, the indictments say. Dispatchers used a computer program to coordinate and track all of the meetings. The computer program had a customer database of more than 30,000 phone numbers and details from previous dates, according to prosecutors. Undercover officers who set up "dates'' with women through the websites were directed to apartments that were sparsely furnished, often with just a towel covering a mattress in a bedroom, with multiple Kimono Special brand condoms on a bedside stand, as well as towels and bottles of oil and lubricants, FBI agent June Piniewski wrote in one search warrant affidavit. One woman who was waiting for an officer at one of the Beaverton locations was interviewed by investigators. She told them, "She just opens the door when a customer shows up and does whatever the customer says,'' Piniewski wrote in the affidavit. Sun, a single mother of a 7-year-old boy, made her initial appearance Tuesday in federal court in Portland and returned to court Wednesday. According to prosecutor Scott Kerin, Sun engaged in posting prostitution-related ads on the internet. Fu also appeared in court Wednesday afternoon in Portland. As she entered the courtroom, she started crying upon seeing family in the public gallery. Fu, a mother of 2-year-old twins and a 9-year-old, is accused of leasing and managing residences in Beaverton that were used as brothels, Kerin said. U.S. Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta allowed both Sun and Fu to be released from custody but ordered them each to return to the U.S. Marshals Service on Thursday to be fitted for GPS ankle-monitoring bracelets. The judge also ordered monitoring of their computers and phones and restrictions on their bank accounts as they await trial. Yan Wang was arrested by the FBI in California. The Toronto police previously arrested Chen in Canada. Investigators believe Zhou is in China and Chaodan Wangs location is unknown, according to prosecutors. Trafficking adults for sex can at times be overlooked by our society because some believe the adult victims have a choice. This notion is false. These victims are powerless and often thousands of miles away from their home, native language and personal connections who might help them escape. We have always and will continue to aggressively pursue criminals who exploit vulnerable victims, said Billy J. Williams, Oregons U.S. attorney. Federal authorities ask anyone with information on these investigations to contact the nearest FBI office or submit information online at https://tips.fbi.gov. In many cases, these women lack the language skills and understanding of American civil rights to ask for help or assistance from law enforcement. For that reason, we need community members who suspect such illegal activity to come forward to help us identify these instances of human trafficking so we can recover the victims and provide them the social, medical and legal services they need, said Renn Cannon, FBIs special agent in charge in Oregon. The FBI investigated the case with help from Homeland Security Investigations agents in Omaha, Nebraska. Toronto police, officers from the Portland Police Bureau, Beaverton Police and Tigard Police departments and Clackamas County Sheriffs Office also worked with the FBI on the case. The National Cyber Forensics and Training Alliance assisted in the seizure of the websites related to the Chen investigation. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian A Beaverton man who used a darknet marketplace to buy 86,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills filled with fentanyl and then distributed most of them in Oregon was sentenced Tuesday to eight years and one month in federal prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Radcliffe argued for a stiffer sentence of more than 10 years in prison for Jared Dale Gillespie, citing the extremely serious risk from drug traffickers who pass off fentanyl as something else and the large quantity he bought and distributed. Illegally made fentanyl, a powerful opioid described as 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, cause more fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths than other sources of fentanyl, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its hard to know how many people were affected by Gillespies sales but no deaths were linked to him, prosecutors said. Defense lawyer Thomas Price said Gillespie has changed significantly since he was released from custody in September 2017 before pleading guilty to the crime in January 2018. He now owns his own car dealership and volunteered time at Portlands Blanchet House, which provides transitional shelter for men struggling with addictions, mental illnesses or other issues. Price urged a sentence of six years and six months. Gillespie, 30, told the judge he was 18 when he first went to prison, sentenced in 2008 to seven and a half years for robbery and unlawful use of weapon. He was out of custody for about 19 months when he got involved in fentanyl trafficking, he said. Asked what drew him into it, Gillespie replied, Just greed, your honor. He said he lost his sister to a heroin overdose in 2014. I really regret even being involved in the lifestyle, Gillespie said. According to prosecutors, Gillespie bought counterfeit oxycodone pills from a vendor in Salt Lake City using AlphaBay, a darknet site. He had those packages sent to a private post office box in Portland. He paid for the fake pills by sending $294,000 in Bitcoin to the Salt Lake City vendor, according to the federal investigation. When the Salt Lake City vendor was arrested, investigators seized 16,000 of the pills packaged for shipment to Portland. They believe Gillespie distributed the rest 70,000 pills to buyers in Oregon. Just before Gillespies arrest, he also received a small shipment of fentanyl from Hong Kong, according to prosecutors. Evidence seized from Gillespies computer showed he was planning to begin manufacturing his own counterfeit oxycodone, using a $1,900 pill press that he ordered with a die to stamp 30 and M on pills to pass them off as 30 mg oxycodone. Before his arrest, he was searching on the internet how much fentanyl to press into Oxy. according to investigators. He was also searching for ways to make oxycodone pills using fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Anna J. Brown said she believed Gillespie had demonstrated a commitment to change while hes been out on pretrial release. Thats the reason, she said, she didnt accept the prosecutors recommendation, but instead chose a sentence at the low end of the sentencing guideline. But she didnt dip lower than the guidelines as Gillespies lawyer urged, largely because of the vast amount of fentanyl Gillespie distributed, she said. Gillespie was ordered to turn himself into the U.S. Marshals Service by noon next Tuesday. -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian UPDATE JAN. 16: The number of confirmed cases is up to 14. All the victims are children. Two unvaccinated children in the Vancouver area have confirmed cases of the measles, public health officials said Tuesday, and its unclear if the outbreak is connected to another case from earlier this month. Clark County Public Health officials are investigating the two confirmed cases plus an additional 11 suspected cases, all among children in southwest Washington. The measles outbreak comes days after a separate Jan. 4 confirmed measles case in the Vancouver area. Its unclear if the child in the Jan. 4 case was vaccinated, and officials also dont know the vaccination status of the 11 suspected cases. Dr. Alan Melnick, public health director and health officer for the county, said there are likely more measles cases out there, and the county is waiting for test results on the 11 suspected cases to come back. Melnick said the outbreak is occurring even though measles is completely and entirely preventable with vaccines. Measles was considered eradicated, Melnick said in an interview. Were obviously seeing more cases more recently, he added, as some parents opt not to vaccinate their children against the disease. According to Washington state records, just 77.4 percent of all Clark County public students last year had completed all of their vaccinations, the sixth worst among all counties in the state. Some 6,218 students had a recorded exemption either for religious, personal or medical reasons from completing their vaccinations. Melnick said before the measles vaccine hit the U.S. in 1963, 400 to 500 people would die from the disease every year, and 48,000 more were hospitalized. It can be a very deadly disease. Melnick said the recent outbreak is scary, and he notes that schools need well over 90 percent of students to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. Once you get below that, it can spread like wildfire, he said. Children are typically vaccinated twice, once from 12 to 15 months and a second dose between the ages of 4 and 6. Those two doses are 97 percent effective in preventing disease contraction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Washington health officers are warning people who visited the following public locations that they could have been exposed to measles: Church of Truth, 7250 NE 41st St. in Vancouver, from 11 am to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6. Portland International Airport, from 10:45 am to 3:45 pm Monday, Jan. 7. Specifically, anyone who was in Concourse D and the Delta Sky Lounge during that time. Melnick said measles incubation period is anywhere from seven to 21 days, and that symptoms will likely pop up in that timeframe. Dont go to the ER or doctor, Melnick said, unless people are in a life-threatening situation. Call first. You can infect other people in the emergency room or the doctors office. Measles poses the greatest risk for infants 12 months and younger. Measles sufferers will develop a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, Melnick said, then a rash originating from the head and spreading to the rest of your body. But measles is contagious for four days before the rash appears and as long as four days after it appears, officials said. Complications can include ear infections or diarrhea, plus more severe health issues like pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling) or total hearing loss. Measles is dangerous for pregnant woman as well, and can lead to miscarriages, premature births or babies with low-birth-weights Here are some number to call if you need more info: Clark County Public Health, 564-397-8182 Multnomah County Public Health, 503-988-3406 Washington County Public Health, 503-846-3594 Clackamas County Public Health, 503-655-8411 -- Andrew Theen atheen@oregonian.com 503-294-4026 @andrewtheen Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox. Ross Island Sand & Gravel will close its concrete division and lay off at least two dozen employees, including truck drivers, mechanics and fuelers, according to a union representing drivers. Other Ross Island operations will apparently continue. Bill Elzie, business agent with Teamsters Local 162, said drivers in his union got the word at a morning staff meeting Tuesday. All the reps, all the drivers that I talked to, they were caught flat-footed. Thunderstruck, Elzie said. They thought they were on the rebound. Ross Island is owned by the RB Pamplin Corporation. The company declined to comment on the cutbacks and said any information about the layoffs will be released through The Portland Tribune, which is owned by Pamplin. That newspaper did not report on the cuts at its sister company Tuesday. With Oregons construction industry booming, Elzie said he believed the Ross Island jobs were safe. In fact, he said many driver openings were left unfilled because of a general driver shortage. So, its not clear what is causing the hardship at Ross Island. In addition to its concrete business, Ross Island also offers marine dredging and owns asphalt general contractor KF Jacobsen and Pacific NW Aggregates. Elzie said he has been told the company will continue operating on Ross Island and that its marine work will continue. -- Mike Rogoway | twitter: @rogoway | 503-294-7699 SEATTLE Alaska Air Group says it plans to add more than 3,000 jobs this year, with three-fourths of the positions opening in Washington state and 500 in Oregon. The Seattle Times reports the Seattle-based airline group says the new jobs will include maintenance technicians, airport operations, customer service, cargo specialists, flight attendants and pilots. The company says most of the openings will not require previous airline experience. A study commissioned by the airline found that employment at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air grew by about 35 percent at the Seattle hub between 2013 and 2017. The company says it recently hired its 10,000th employee in Washington state. 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Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.The report for Liquid Eyeliner Market analysis & forecast 2018- 2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region- wise Analysis Global Liquid Eyeliner Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)For More Information On This Report, Please Visit @ https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/49612The Major players reported in the market include: LOREAL Esteelauder Procter & Gamble LVMH Shiseido Christian Dior Amorepacific Group CHANEL Jordana Cosmetics Revlon SISLEY Jane Iredale KATE Almay Phydicians Formula VOV Marykay Marie Dalgar Carslan Flamingo BleunuitGlobal Liquid Eyeliner Market: Product Segment Analysis: High-Grade Mid-Grade Low-GradeGlobal Liquid Eyeliner Market: Application Segment Analysis: Women Males for Purpose Like Fashion GirlsThe Report covers in- depth analysis as follows: Chapter 1 Overview of Liquid Eyeliner Chapter 2 Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions Chapter 3 Global Market Status and Forecast by Types Chapter 4 Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry Chapter 5 Market Driving Factor Analysis of Liquid Eyeliner Chapter 6 Liquid Eyeliner Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers Chapter 7 Liquid Eyeliner Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data Chapter 8 Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Liquid Eyeliner Chapter 9 Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Liquid Eyeliner Chapter 10 Marketing Status Analysis of Liquid Eyeliner Chapter 11 Report Conclusion Chapter 12 Research Methodology and ReferenceAvail Discount On this Report @ https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/49612Liquid Eyeliner Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 2025 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report also calls for market- driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real- time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real- time scenario.Global Liquid Eyeliner Market: Key Stakeholders: Liquid Eyeliner Manufacturers Liquid Eyeliner Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Liquid Eyeliner Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Liquid Eyeliner are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Liquid Eyeliner Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 2025 and its commercial landscape. Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations. To understand the future outlook and prospects for Liquid Eyeliner market analysis and forecast 2018- 2025.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.You can also ask for region wise market research report, as below: Liquid Eyeliner Global Market Status & Trend Report 2018- 2025 Top 20 Countries Data Liquid Eyeliner North America Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner South America Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner China Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner India Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Liquid Eyeliner United States Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well- defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States Sustainable Growth Study of Home Audio Products Market 2019-2025 Revenues, with Incorporated key Players Like - Panasonic, Continental, Fujitsu Ten, Harman, Clarion, Hyundai MOBIS, Visteon, Pioneer Etc. Home Audio Products https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/49505 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/49505 https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/49505 www.upmarketresearch.com UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Home Audio Products Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2025 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains 124 pages which highly exhibit on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability.Get Exclusive FREE Sample Copy Of this Report @Home Audio Products Market research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report. The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Home Audio Products Market global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 2025.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.The generated report is firmly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.The report for Home Audio Products Market analysis & forecast 2018- 2025 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Region- wise Analysis Global Home Audio Products Market covers: North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)For More Information On This Report, Please Visit @The Major players reported in the market include: Panasonic Continental Fujitsu Ten Harman Clarion Hyundai MOBIS Visteon Pioneer Blaupunkt Delphi BOSE Alpine Garmin Denso Sony Foryou Desay SV Automotive Hangsheng Electronic E-LEAD Electronic JL Audio Burmester Focal Dynaudio Bower & WilkinsGlobal Home Audio Products Market: Product Segment Analysis: Speakers Amplifiers Stereos OtherGlobal Home Audio Products Market: Application Segment Analysis: Passenger Vehicles Commercial VehiclesThe Report covers in- depth analysis as follows: Chapter 1 Overview of Home Audio Products Chapter 2 Global Market Status and Forecast by Regions Chapter 3 Global Market Status and Forecast by Types Chapter 4 Global Market Status and Forecast by Downstream Industry Chapter 5 Market Driving Factor Analysis of Home Audio Products Chapter 6 Home Audio Products Market Competition Status by Major Manufacturers Chapter 7 Home Audio Products Major Manufacturers Introduction and Market Data Chapter 8 Upstream and Downstream Market Analysis of Home Audio Products Chapter 9 Cost and Gross Margin Analysis of Home Audio Products Chapter 10 Marketing Status Analysis of Home Audio Products Chapter 11 Report Conclusion Chapter 12 Research Methodology and ReferenceAvail Discount On this Report @Home Audio Products Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 2025 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report also calls for market- driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real- time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real- time scenario.Global Home Audio Products Market: Key Stakeholders: Home Audio Products Manufacturers Home Audio Products Distributors/Traders/Wholesalers Home Audio Products Subcomponent Manufacturers Industry Association Downstream VendorsIn this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Home Audio Products are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025Key Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Home Audio Products Market Analysis and Forecast 2018- 2025 and its commercial landscape. Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations. To understand the future outlook and prospects for Home Audio Products market analysis and forecast 2018- 2025.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.You can also ask for region wise market research report, as below: Home Audio Products Global Market Status & Trend Report 2018- 2025 Top 20 Countries Data Home Audio Products North America Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products South America Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products China Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products India Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025 Home Audio Products United States Market Status and Trend Report 2018- 2025About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well- defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: Alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500 East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Market Size 2019 by Top Key Players: Alstom, Amec Foster Wheeler, Dongfang Electric, Harbin Electric, MHPS, Bono Energia, China Energy Recovery, Forbes Marshall, Ormat Technologies, Siemens Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Market https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1244725?utm_source=openpr.com&utm_medium=Abhijeet https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1244725?utm_source=openpr.com&utm_medium=Abhijeet https://www.marketstudyreport.com/enquiry-before-buying/1244725?utm_source=openpr.com&utm_medium=Abhijeet https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog Market Study Report, LLC, has recently developed a report on the Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas market which presents substantial inputs about the market size, market share, regional trends, and profit projection of this business sphere. The report also enlightens users regarding the foremost challenges and existing growth tactics implemented by the leading organizations that constitute the dynamic competitive gamut of this industry.This report focuses on the Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request a sample of this premium report atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAlstomAmec Foster WheelerDongfang ElectricHarbin ElectricMHPSBono EnergiaChina Energy RecoveryForbes MarshallOrmat TechnologiesSiemensWaste heat recovery is a process that involves capturing of heat exhausted by an existing industrial process. This waste heat is utilized for other heating applications, including power generation and other applications in different industries. There are numerous ways of recovering waste heat from industries.It is estimated that 20%-50% of industrial energy usage is eventually released as waste heat. The sources of waste heat mainly include discharge of hot combustion gases into the atmosphere and heat transfer from hot equipment exteriors. Waste heat recovery unit is normally a heat exchanger where the heat is recovered from hot streams with high energy content.Thermal application segment is anticipated to dominate the oil and gas waste to heat recovery throughout the forecast period. The enhancement in equipment design is predicted to generate high revenue in thermal segment.Also, the electricity power generation application segment is anticipated to grow at highest CAGR throughout the forecast period. In addition, power management solutions are mounting owing to industrial inclination towards it thus is expected to boost growth of electricity power generation.The worldwide market for Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly xx% over the next five years, will reach xx million US$ in 2023, from xx million US$ in 2017, according to a new study.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report atMarket Segment by Type, coversDownstream SectorUpstream SectorMidstream SectorMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCommercialResidentialOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas market.Chapter 1, to describe Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas, with sales, revenue, and price of Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the market by countries, by type, by application and by manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceTable of Contents1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Alstom2.2 Amec Foster Wheeler2.3 Dongfang Electric2.4 Harbin Electric2.5 MHPS2.6 Bono Energia2.7 China Energy Recovery2.8 Forbes Marshall2.9 Ormat Technologies2.10 Siemens3 Global Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Sales, Revenue, Market Share and Competition by Manufacturer (2016-2017)4 Global Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Market Analysis by Regions5 North America Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas by Countries6 Europe Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas by Countries7 Asia-Pacific Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas by Countries8 South America Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas by Countries9 Middle East and Africa Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas by Countries10 Global Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Market Segment by Type11 Global Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Market Segment by Application12 Waste Heat Recovery in oil and Gas Market Forecast (2018-2023)13 Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and Dealers14 Research Findings and Conclusion15 Appendixbuying decision on this premium reportAbout Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report LLC4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog: Exclusive Research Report on USB Microscopes Market Growth 2019 by Major Vendors/Manufacturers (Celestron, Learning Resources, Opti-TekScope, AmScope, Dino-Lite, Plugable Technologies, Koolertron Digital, Omax) https://www.marketresearchnest.com/report/requestsample/507146 https://www.marketresearchnest.com/Global-USB-Microscopes-Market-Growth-2019-2024.html https://www.marketresearchnest.com/report/enquirybuy/507146 MarketResearchNest.com published an Exclusive Research Report on Global USB Microscopes Market Growth 2019-2024 that highlights the in-depth market analysis and covers significant data with future prospects of the market.This comprehensive USB Microscopes Market research report includes a brief on these trends that can help the businesses operating in the industry to understand the market and strategize for their business expansion accordingly.The research report analyzes the market size, industry share, growth, key segments, CAGR and key drivers.New vendors in the market are facing tough competition from established international vendors as they struggle with technological innovations, reliability and quality issues. The report will answer questions about the current market developments and the scope of competition, opportunity cost and more.Request a sample copy of USB Microscopes Market Report 2019@USB Microscopes Market in its database provides an expert and in-depth analysis of key business trends and future market development prospects, key drivers and restraints, profiles of major market players, segmentation and forecasting. A USB Microscopes Market provides an extensive view of size; trends and shape have been developed in this report to identify factors that will exhibit a significant impact in boosting the sales of USB Microscopes Market in the near future.The report also presents the market competition landscape and a corresponding detailed analysis of the major vendor/manufacturers in the market. The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in in Chapter 3. Celestron Learning Resources Opti-TekScope AmScope Dino-Lite Plugable Technologies Koolertron Digital OmaxSegmentation by product type: breakdown data from 2013 to 2019, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.7. Desktop Type Handheld TypeSegmentation by application: breakdown data from 2013 to 2019, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2024 in section 11.8. Science Forensics Education IndustrialMoreover, the research report assessed market key features, consisting of revenue, capacity utilization rate, price, gross, growth rate, consumption, production, export, supply, cost, market size & share, industry demand, export & import analysis, and CAGR.Browse full content and In-depth TOC of USB Microscopes Market Report 2019@The report firstly introduced the USB Microscopes basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.This report also splits the market by region: Breakdown data in Chapter 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Americas-United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil APAC-China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia Europe-Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain Middle East and Africa-Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey GCC CountriesKey questions answered in this report: What will the USB Microscopes Market Size is in 2024 and what will the growth rate be? What is the key USB Microscopes Market Trends? What is driving this USB Microscopes Market? What are the challenges to USB Microscopes Market Growth? Who are the key vendors in this USB Microscopes Market Space? What are the USB Microscopes Market Opportunities and Threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the USB Microscopes Market Key Vendor?Inquiry for buying a sample copy of USB Microscopes Market Report 2019 Copy@Key USB Microscopes Market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. The report also focuses on leading industry players with information such as company profiles, products and services offered financial information of last 3 years, key development in past five years.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.About us: - MarketResearchNest.com is the most comprehensive collection of market research products and services on the Web. We offer reports from almost all top publishers and update our collection on daily basis to provide you with instant online access to the Global and Southeast Asias most complete and recent database of expert insights on industries, organizations, products, and trends.Contact us: - Mr. Jeet Jain, Sales Manager, sales@marketresearchnest.com ;+1-240-284-8070, +44-20-3290-4151;Connect with us: Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook Endoscope Camera Heads Market: Global Industry Trend Analysis 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 - 2026 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/26203 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/26203 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Endoscope camera heads include a medical diagnosis that utilizes endoscopes to penetrate and view inaccessible body cavities by using minimally invasive surgical procedures. Endoscope camera heads are generally used for collecting HD image data in an easy and compact way. Endoscope camera heads are small and lightweight for ease of use by medical professionals. Endoscope camera heads are connected by cable to a camera control unit (CCU) where video monitoring is done at a remote location. Camera control units which generally contains the majority of the electronic circuitry required to process video images which are usually not sterilized and are permanently wall-mounted or placed in carts. Endoscope camera heads are sterilized prior to each use as endoscopes and endoscope camera heads enter the sterile field during a surgical procedure. Video system function command signals, timing signals, and camera head supply voltages are all generated in the CCU for transmission to the endoscope camera heads. For this reason, new or differing endoscope camera heads cannot be utilized for different timing signals.Request for Report Sample@The endoscope camera heads market is majorly driven by the growing demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures due to the increasing preference amongst the general population. Endoscopy procedures are low-risk procedures with minimum blood loss which increases the demand for endoscope camera heads and further contributes to driving the growth of the global endoscope camera heads market. Furthermore, technological advancements and rising chronic disease prevalence further drive the growth of the global endoscope camera heads market. These factors are expected to propel the growth of the global endoscope camera heads market. However, high treatment cost reduces the adoption and hampers the growth of the global endoscope camera heads market.The global market for transportation splint is segmented on basis of product type, sensors, end user and geography.Based on product type, the global endoscope camera heads market is segmented into:3D Endoscope Camera HeadsHD Endoscope Camera HeadsDigital Endoscope Camera HeadsBased on sensors, the global endoscope camera heads market is segmented into:CMOS SensorsCCD SensorsSingle Chip SensorThree Chips SensorBased on End User, the global endoscope camera heads market is segmented into:HospitalsSpecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersOthersThe endoscope camera heads are light-weight and waterproof. The endoscope camera heads have an image sensor along with lenses for zooming and focusing. Generally, there are two types of sensors which are used with endoscope camera heads and they are CCD (charge coupled device) and CMOS sensor. Amongst them, the CCD sensor has been in use longer and produces high quality, low noise images but consumes more power. The CMOS sensor is more susceptible to noise and comparatively consumes less power.On the basis of geography, the global endoscope camera heads market is segmented into six key regions viz. North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific excluding China, China and the Middle East & Africa. The North America endoscope camera heads market is projected to dominate the global endoscope camera heads market, followed by Europe endoscope camera heads market. This is majorly due to the advanced technological advancements and presence of established manufacturers in the region. Asia Pacific endoscope camera heads market is anticipated to register maximum CAGR over the forecast period. In Asia Pacific endoscope camera heads market, India and China are expected to contribute maximum market share in the endoscope camera heads market. However, due to less availability of skilled healthcare professionals in Latin America and Middle East & Africa regions, the endoscope camera heads market in these regions is expected to grow with a slow growth rate.Request for Report Table of Content (TOC) @The endoscope camera heads market is highly fragmented. Some of the key players present in the global endoscope camera heads market are Olympus Corporation, XION GmbH, Stryker Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, WISAP Medical Technology GmbH, and others. Key players in the North America endoscope camera heads market are focused on increasing their product features and portfolio to strengthen their position in the global endoscope camera heads market and also to expand their footprint in the emerging markets.ABOUT US:Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.CONTACT:Persistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Global Artificial Intelligence Software Market 2018 - Braina, nanoRep, Reach Accountant, IPsoft, A.L.I.C.E. AI Foundation, Ada Support, Astute Solutions, Axonize, Ideal Artificial Intelligence Software https://www.researchreportsinc.com/check-discount?id=138858 https://researchreportsinc.com/enquiry?id=138858 https://www.researchreportsinc.com/sample-request?id=138858 https://researchreportsinc.com/checkout/?add-to-cart=138858&&attribute_pa_choose-license=single-user&&quantity=1 A fresh report titled Artificial Intelligence Software Market By Component, By Type, By Enterprise, By End-users and Global Region Market Size, Share, Trends & Forecast 2018-2023 has been presented by Research Reports Inc.. It evaluates the key market trends, advantages, and factors that are pushing the overall growth of the market. The report also analyses the different segments along with major geographies that have more demand for Artificial Intelligence Software Market.Grab Discount Now :The global market size of Artificial Intelligence Software is $$$ Million in 2017 with $$ CAGR from 2013 to 2017, and it is expected to reach $$$ million by the end of 2023 with a CAGR of $$% from 2018 to 2023.There are 3 key segments covered in this report: geography segments, end use/application segments and competitor segment.For geography segment, regional supply, application-wise and type-wise demand, major players, price is presented from 2013 to 2023.Make An Enquiry Now:This report coverss following regions:North AmericaSouth AmericaAsia & PacificEuropeMEA (Middle East and Africa)Download Sample Report Now: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 Artificial Intelligence Software as well as some small players.The Compnaies Include:Braina, nanoRep, Reach Accountant, IPsoft, A.L.I.C.E. AI Foundation, Ada Support, Astute Solutions, Axonize, Ideal et al.Purchase Now:The information for each competitor includes:Company ProfileMain Business InformationSWOT AnalysisSales, Revenue, Price and Gross MarginMarket ShareWe also can offer customized report to fulfill special requirements of our clients.TABLE OF CONTENTSChapter 1 Executive SummaryChapter 2 Abbreviation and AcronymsChapter 3 PrefaceChapter 4 Market LandscapeChapter 5 Market Trend AnalysisChapter 6 Industry Chain AnalysisChapter 7 Latest Market DynamicsChapter 8 Trading AnalysisChapter 9 Historical and Current Artificial Intelligence Software Market inChapter 10 Historical and Current Artificial Intelligence Software Market in South America (2013-2018)Chapter 11 Historical and Current Artificial Intelligence Software Market in Asia & Pacific (2013-2018)Chapter 12 Historical and Current Artificial Intelligence Software Market in Europe (2013-2018)Chapter 13 Historical and Current Artificial Intelligence Software Market in MEA (2013-2018)Chapter 14 Summary for Global Artificial Intelligence Software Market (2013-2018)Chapter 15 Global Artificial Intelligence Software Market Forecast (2019-2023)Chapter 16 Company ProfileResearch 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.Research Reports Inc.#766, 99 Wall Street, New YorkNY 10005, United StatesUS / Canada Toll Free: +18554192424,UK :+4403308087757Email: info@researchreportsinc.com North America Microgrid Market Current Growth Analysis of Tesla, GE, ABB, Schneider Electric, Alstom, Siemens, Honeywell, Caterpillar https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1230587/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1230587/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/north-america-microgrid-market https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/united-states-energy-storage-battery-for-microgrid-market-report-2017/?utm_source=RR&utm_medium=DC https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog The North America Microgrid market report published by Market Study Report, LLC, enumerates information about the industry in terms of market share, market size, revenue forecasts, and regional outlook. The report further illustrates competitive insights of key players in the business vertical followed by an overview of their diverse portfolios and growth strategies.North America Microgrid Market is predicted to reach over USD 7 billion by 2024. Aging grid infrastructure coupled with stringent government policies toward adoption of sustainable power technologies will stimulate North America microgrid market. Economic competitiveness, low power cost & transmission losses and reliability are key the parameters that will encourage the product penetration. In addition, ongoing funding toward the development of distributed generation technology will enhance the industry landscape.Eminent participants in the North America microgrid market include GE, ABB, Schneider Electric, Alstom, Siemens, Honeywell, Caterpillar Inc, Tesla, Virdity Energy Solutions, EnSync Inc, Toshiba, Hitachi, Advanced Microgrid Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Exelon and Power Analytics Corporation.Request a sample of this premium report at:Increasing high-end power consumption across the industries on account of development of new HVAC systems and heavy load machineries will foster the microgrid market. Growing electricity demands across hospitals, retail outlets, automotive, manufacturing operations, offices and industries will encourage product penetration across commercial and industrial application. For instance, as per EIA, the commercial and industrial sector in 2017 accounted about 4.5% and 22.4 % of the primary energy consumption respectively.Ongoing adoption of captive power plants across the manufacturing and industrial sector for ensuring regulated power production will foster North America microgrid market. Increasing investment toward the expansion of decentralized grid coupled with rising investments for the expansion of infrastructure and power sector will accelerate the business growth. For instance, in 2016, the government of Canada, announced an investment of about USD 900 million were financed toward installation of numerous energy sources and R & D across the country.Natural gas microgrid market will grow on account of stringent government measures pertaining to the adoption of lower emission fuel as a replacement for conventional fuel sources. Ongoing investment toward exploration of unconventional fuel reserves owing to escalating gas demand will enhance the industry outlook. Amren Corporation in 2017, developed an advanced microgrid which utilizes, solar, natural gas and wind energy as a source along with an integrated battery storage and automation system.Request a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:Canada microgrid market is predicted to reach deployment of over 400 MW capacity by 2024. Growing electricity demand across remote and off grid areas along with upsurge in investments toward the adoption of clean energy technology will complement the business growth. Furthermore, ongoing development of distributed energy sources to minimize the dependency on conventional grid will enhance the industry outlook. In 2016 Canada government made an investment of USD 2.4 billion for developing wind and solar energy sources.Flow batteries accounted for over 5% of North America microgrid market in 2017. Ongoing investment pertaining to the integration of sustainable grid coupled with innovations toward the development of cost-effective and efficient storage technologies will propel the industry growth. key features including long life cycle and higher efficiency will further encourage the product adoption over available substitutes.Complete report for 2017-2024 on North America Microgrid market is now available atRelated Report:United States Energy Storage battery for Microgrid Market Report 2017United States Energy Storage battery for Microgrid Market research report is added by Market Study report by covering all major market aspects. The report also touches the key scenarios like top players, competition, types, applications, regions, recent developments and future market predictions.About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report LLC.4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog: Social Television Market to Witness Huge Growth by 2023 | Top Key Players - Yidio, Youtoo Social Tv, Rovi, Grace Note, Bluefin Labs, Airtime, etc Social Television Market https://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012340250/sample https://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00012340250/buy/4660 https://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012340250/discount Social Television Market research report focuses on the leading competitors and provides information such as the company overview, product portfolio, key developments, price, cost, value, volume, revenue, capacity, production, and contact information. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis have also been carried out in this report. The report also analyses the current development trends and patterns, as well as the distribution and marketing channel.The key manufacturers covered in Social Television Market report:Yidio, Youtoo Social Tv, Rovi, Grace Note, Bluefin Labs, Airtime, Tweet-TV, Buddy TV, Lexalytics.Download Sample of Social Television Market report @Social television is the union of television and social media. The social TV market covers the technologies that support communication and social interaction around TV as well as companies that study television-related social behavior and measure social media activities tied to specific TV broadcasts-many of which have attracted significant investment from established media and technology companies.This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Social Television market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions.Segmentation by product type: Sharing Technology, Social Epg/Content Discovery, Content Detection/Matching, Others.Segmentation by application: TV Specific Social Network, Social Gaming/Interaction, Social Check-In, Social Rewards, Remote Control.Purchase this report @Table of Contents :1 Scope of the Report2 Executive Summary3 Global Social Television by Players4 Social Television by Regions9 Market Drivers, Challenges and Trends10 Marketing, Distributors and Customer11 Global Social Television Market Forecast12 Key Players Analysis12.1 Yidio12.1.1 Company Details12.1.2 Social Television Product Offered12.1.3 Yidio Social Television Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016-2018)12.2 Youtoo Social Tv12.2.1 Company Details12.2.2 Social Television Product Offered12.2.3 Youtoo Social Tv Social Television Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016-2018)12.3 Rovi12.3.1 Company Details12.3.2 Social Television Product Offered12.3.3 Rovi Social Television Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016-2018)13 Research Findings and ConclusionGet discount on Purchase report atAbout UsReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.The market research industry has changed in last decade. As corporate focus has shifted to niche markets and emerging countries, a number of publishers have stepped in to fulfil these information needs. We have experienced and trained staff that helps you navigate different options and lets you choose best research solution at most effective cost.Contact UsPhone : +1-646-491-9876E-Mail : sales@reportsweb.com New Study Report on Global Luxury Hotel Design Market by 2026: Top Key Players- HBA, Rockwell Group, Gensler, Wilson Associates, Leo A Daly, HKS, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Stonehill Taylor Architects, Daroff Design https://www.itintelligencemarkets.com/request_sample.php?id=651 https://www.itintelligencemarkets.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=651 https://www.itintelligencemarkets.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=651 www.itintelligencemarkets.com Luxury Hotel Design includes hotel planning, drawing creation, design and development. The concept of Luxury Hotel Design is rooted in the tradition of hospitality for travelers dating back to ancient times and the development of various types of hotels in many cultures.The report, titled Luxury Hotel Design market research, provides actionable insights that supplement the growth strategies of market players. This market research report provides growth estimates, forecasts, and an in-depth analysis of all key factors at play in the global Luxury Hotel Design market.Ask for Sample copy:Top Key Players Included in This Report: HBA, Rockwell Group, Gensler, Wilson Associates, Leo A Daly, HKS, Pierre-Yves Rochon, ForrestPerkins | Perkins Eastman, Stonehill Taylor Architects, Daroff Design.There are many kinds of Luxury Hotel Designs in the world. Examples of Luxury Hotel Design are no-frills, which offers basic amenities at affordable rates, including guest palaces throughout Asia, America, UK. Another types like Country inns, hotel casino resorts, designer and art hotels, hotel-spa resorts, boutique hotels, the hotel offers a refuge, a monastery and an extra bedroom for rent in a typical home. Another type of capsule hotel is offered in Japan as an option for those who need basic necessities during their stay.Key Questions and Answers Covered in This Report: What will be the market size in 2026 and what will be the growth rate? What are the key market trends? What is driving the global Luxury Hotel Design market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the major suppliers of global Luxury Hotel Design marketspace? What are the key market trends that affect the growth of the globalLuxury Hotel Design market? What are the market opportunities and threats that vendors face in theglobal Luxury Hotel Design market?Get Discount on this Report:In particular, the report focuses on the competitive landscape of the Luxury Hotel Design industry and dwells on the influential development policies and plans that will determine the markets trajectory in the forecast period. An analysis of the major players operating in the Luxury Hotel Design market is included in the report, segmenting and describing them on the parameters of manufacturing processes and business strategies, information related to product classification, and profit margins regarding the same. The cost dynamics of the Luxury Hotel Design market is also examined in detail and, associated to the comprehensive breakdown of the markets competitive landscape, provide a complete indulgent of pricing dynamics in the Luxury Hotel Design industry for the readers to understand clearly.The analytical tools such as investment return and feasibility analyses have also been employed in this research to determine the market attractiveness. The report evaluates the products available in the market on the basis of the production volume, their pricing structure, and the revenue generated by them.Production chain and the dynamics of demand and supply has also been assessed in this report. The research report also analyzes the market hierarchy carrying out a SWOT analysis of the key players operating on the global Luxury Hotel Design market in order to provide an overall picture of the competitive landscape in the industry and assist the participants to come up with market winning strategies to gain an edge over their peers.Get more information:The report additionally defines the various marketing channels prevailing in the global Luxury Hotel Design market and delivers information about some of the imperative distributors operating in the market. The report serves as a helpful guide for the new as well as existing players in the market.Overview of This Report: Global Luxury Hotel Design Market Overview Economic Impact on Industry Market Competition by Manufacturers Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Market Analysis by Application Manufacturing Cost Analysis Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Market Effect Factors Analysis Global Luxury Hotel Design Market ForecastAbout Company:We at IT Intelligence Markets conduct intensive market research and generate detailed reports about the products and services offered in the IT domain. Our team is devoted to providing custom reports that are taylor-made to suit the customers requirements. We make sure to keep our customers updated with the latest market dynamics as IT industry is undergoing sea change intrinsically & extrinsically by forces such as regulatory fluctuations, rapidly evolving consumer preferences, and newer technologies. Not only do our market research analysts scrutinize market requirements but also track competitors relentlessly for obtaining the most updated scenario of the market.Contact:IT Intelligence MarketsVijay Tanna(Sales Manager)+91-740-024-2424sales@itintelligencemarkets.com Online Travel Booking Market | Industry Leading Players: Expedia, Inc., Hostelworld Group, Hotel Urbano Travel, Trivago GmbH, MakeMyTrip ltd https://goo.gl/JXkw7C https://goo.gl/e2YfRv https://goo.gl/JfmPXk Zion Market Research has published a new report titled Online Travel Booking Market by Service Type (Transportation Booking, Accommodation Booking, and Others), by Mode of Booking (Online and Direct Agency), and by Platform (Desktop and Mobile): Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 20172026. According to the report, the global online travel booking market was valued at approximately USD 765 billion in 2017 and is expected to generate USD 1,955 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of around 12.1% between 2018 and 2026.Request Free Sample Report Keyword @The travel industry and online hotel booking sector are experiencing a major transformation, mostly due to technological improvements and digital trends. Rapid technological advancements, such as handheld mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are constantly upgraded with new features. This is one of the major factors likely to drive the global online travel booking market in the forecast time period. Increasing penetration of internet, the rising disposable income of people in emerging countries and ease of comparing various travel options online is predicted to drive the online travel booking market in the future.Online travel providers aim to make travel planning and bookings easy and simple for customers. Along with the easy accessibility of online travel booking sources, they also include many innovative services for customers. These services include easy and secure payment modes, twenty-four by seven service accessibility, easy and free cancellation, online comparison of hotels and transportation, easy installation of applications, etc. Thus, the aforementioned parameters are expected to positively impact the online travel booking market over the forecast timeframe.By on service type, the online travel booking market is segmented into transportation booking, accommodation booking, and others. Transportation booking is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the future, due to the rising number of online flight bookings, expanding of various low-cost transportation, and an increasing number of connecting flights for tier I and II cities across the world.By mode of booking, the market is segmented into online and direct agency. Online travel agency accounted for a major revenue share in 2017. The growth is attributed to the rising popularity of online travel agencies (OTAs). OTAs are also expanding their offerings in order to attract travelers. Such factors are expected to drive segment growth in the upcoming years.By platform, the market is segmented into desktop and mobile. The mobile platform is expected to grow at the highest rate in the forecast time period, due to the increasing penetration of smartphones and the growing confidence of people in making secure mobile payments.Download Free PDF Research Report Brochure @North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa comprise the regional segment of the global online travel booking market. North America held a major market share in 2017 with the U.S. being a major revenue contributor. The region is expected to grow substantially over the forecast timeframe, due to the increasing adoption of mobile applications for online travel booking, especially in the transportation sector. The Asia Pacific region is likely to grow at the fastest rate in the future, due to digitization trends and internet penetration in the region.Some key players operating in the global online travel booking market include Priceline Group Inc., Expedia, Inc., Ctrip.Com International, Ltd., Trip Advisor LLC, Hostelworld Group, CheapOair.Com., Hotel Urbano Travel, and Tourism SA, Trivago GmbH, MakeMyTrip Limited, and Thomas Cook Group Plc.This report segments the global online travel booking market into:Global Online Travel Booking Market: Service Type AnalysisTransportation BookingAccommodation BookingOthersGlobal Online Travel Booking Market: Mode of Booking AnalysisOnlineDirect AgencyGlobal Online Travel Booking Market: Platform AnalysisDesktopMobileBrowse the full Online Travel Booking Market Report atGlobal Online Travel Booking Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaThe U.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilThe Middle East and AfricaAbout Us:Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting-edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, the company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research244 Fifth Avenue, Suite N202New York, 10001, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651 Prebiotics & Probiotics Market 2019 Is Growing Globally With GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Amway Corp., Nebraska Cultures, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Cargill Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Yakult Honsha Co.Ltd., Dabur India Limited, Nestle S.A, Prebiotics & Probiotics Market https://databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-digestive-health-enzymes-prebiotics-probiotics-market https://databridgemarketresearch.com/speak-to-analyst/?dbmr=global-digestive-health-enzymes-prebiotics-probiotics-market https://databridgemarketresearch.com/toc/?dbmr=global-digestive-health-enzymes-prebiotics-probiotics-market https://databridgemarketresearch.com/inquire-before-buying/?dbmr=global-digestive-health-enzymes-prebiotics-probiotics-market Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics Market is segmented in product, application, end-user, and region, which is being used the top players and brands that are dominating the market by their moves like product launches, their researches, joint ventures, merges, and accusations, and as the calculation of historic year 2018 base year 2019 shows that they are moving in the right direction.A report, titled Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics Market has been added to our repository. The report represents the current situation of the market based on in-depth analysis of all the major factors that are expected to impact its demand in the near future, it evaluates the state of the market by 2025. The report takes stock of the global market on the basis of its attractiveness as well as investment viability. It also offers quantitative and qualitative analysis of every feature of the market and catches the emerging industry trends. The aim of the report is to allow the readers to concentrate on the classifications on the basis of product qualifications, standing competitive landscape and the market's incomes with profitability.For In-Depth Review | Get Sample Copy@The Global Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics Market is expected to reach growing at a healthy CAGR during the forecast period of 2019 to 2025. The upcoming market report contains data for historic year the base year of calculation is 2018 and the forecast period is 2019 to 2025.Recent Development:In March 2018, GlaxoSmithKline Plc (U.K.) which is one of the major key player had signed an agreement with Novartis to acquire full ownership of consumer healthcare business. It is USD 13.00 billion venture. This will increase focus of the company on science-based innovation and improved operational efficiencies, The Company is well positioned to deliver sales growth, operating margin improvements and attractive returns.A birds eye view of the Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics Industry made available in the report helps readers to understand the key drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities that are shaping the Teeth Whitening Products market. Furthermore, the report evaluates challenges experienced from buyers and sellers side.Speak To Industry Experts, Request For Details Report@Major Market Competitors:The key players operating in the global digestive health enzymes, prebiotics & probiotics market are Beneo-Orafti GTC Nutrition Amano Enzyme, Inc Specialty Enzymes and & Biochemicals CO National Enzyme CoThe other players in the market are GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Amway Corp., Nebraska Cultures, Inc., Pfizer Inc., Cargill Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Yakult Honsha Co.Ltd., Dabur India Limited, Nestle S.A, and Douglas Laboratories Canada Inc and many more.Global Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics Market Competitive Landscape:The global digestive health enzymes, prebiotics & probiotics market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of digestive health enzymes, prebiotics & probiotics market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, South America and Middle East & Africa.For a pervasive understanding of the market, business strategies and latest developments of the vital players accompanied with co-development deals and market size have also been enclosed. Briefly citing, their revenue share, contact information and meticulous SWOT analysis is available. The regions which have been studied in depth are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America. This helps gain better idea about the spread of this particular market in respective regions.This report implements a balanced mix of primary and secondary research methodologies for its analysis. The market is segmented on the basis of key criteria.Table of ContentChapter. Introduction Report description and scope Research scope Research met Market research process Market research methodologyChapter: Industry Analysis Value Chain Analysis Technology Roadmap Market Attractiveness AnalysisChapter: Market Dynamics Introduction Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities Market TrendsChapter: Porters five forces analysis Bargaining power of suppliers Bargaining power of buyers Threat from new entrants Threat from new substitutes Degree of competition Market attractiveness analysis Market attractiveness analysis, by product type segment Market attractiveness analysis, by type of segment Market attractiveness analysis, by end user segmentChapter: Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics Market Competitive Landscape Company Market Share Analysis Digestive Health Enzymes, Prebiotics & Probiotics market: company market share, 2016 Strategic Development Acquisitions & Mergers New Therapy Launch Agreements, Partnerships, Collaborations and Joint Ventures Research and Development, Therapy and Regional ExpansionChapter: Major Application Analysis Major Application Market Share Major Down Stream Customers Analysis Others GlobalChapter: New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis: New Project SWOT Analysis New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisToc continued!Get Full Toc@Market Drivers: Rising demand for digestive health enzymes, prebiotics & probiotics for nutrition products Protein deficit among the population Consumer awareness about the benefits of following a healthy dietMarket Restraint: High R&D costs Contamination of food due to inappropriate packaging and availabilityOur purpose is to serve you, the most customised in-depth Market access data. Our plethora of titles, made us one of the most searched market research library across the globe. We work with the most esteemed Publishers around the globe who caters vast industries. We are quick and fragile, when it comes to your various queries, and we ensure our team cater your needs to the best of our abilities, we promise to stay by your side for both pre and post sales servicing, as we believe in long everlasting symbiotic relationship.Note: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Make an Inquiry for Discount On this Report@About Us:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com Global HVDC Converter Station Market - Siemens AG, ABB, GE, Toshiba, LSIS Co. Ltd. https://www.kdmarketinsights.com/sample/647 https://www.kdmarketinsights.com/product/hvdc-converter-station-market-2017 https://www.kdmarketinsights.com/discount/647 https://www.kdmarketinsights.com/ A fresh research report presented by KD Market Insights provides a detailed analysis of HVDC Converter Station Market research report will include all the major trends and technologies that play an important role in market growth in the predicted span of 6 years. It also presents the overview of industry players, advantages, challenges the business is going through. The research provides a complete understanding of the HVDC Converter Station Market terms of revenue.Report start from the market overview section which demonstrates the market drivers, restraints and opportunities that influence the current and future status of the market. It also includes key trends, implementation restraints, end-user product issues and many more. These factors are responsible for changing the market scenario. The deep analysis of each segment in the report is provided in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall scenario in the HVDC Converter Station Market. The report covers the competitors strategies that help them to capture the market.Request for sample @The global high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station market held a notable revenue by end of 2017. Factors such as, increased investor confidence and improving global economic conditions, are likely to the market is expected to show considerable growth in the future and is expected to hold an aggregate market value of USD 52.4 billion during the period 20182023.SegmentationThe research offers a comprehensive analysis of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station market with respect to following sub-markets:By Configuration- Monopolar- Multiterminal- Back to Back Station- BipolarBy Technology- LCC-HVDC- VSC-HVDCBy Component- Valve- Converter Transformers- Harmonic Filters- Reactors- Circuit Breakers- OthersBy Geography- North America (U.S. & Canada)- Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and Rest of Europe)- Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Rest of Asia Pacific)- Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Rest of Latin America)- Middle East & Africa (GCC, North Africa, South Africa and Rest of Middle East & Africa)Competitive LandscapeThe report profiles various major market players such as:- Siemens AG- ABB- GE- Toshiba- LSIS Co. Ltd.- Other Major & Niche PlayersCompetitive landscape analysis provides detailed strategic analysis of the companys business and performance such as financial information, revenue breakup by segment and by geography, SWOT Analysis, risk analysis, key facts, company overview, business strategy, key product offerings, marketing and distribution strategies, new product development, recent news (acquisition, expansion, technology development, research & development expansion and other market activities.Browse Full report With TOC @Table of Content:Research MethodologyMarket Definition and List of Abbreviations1. Executive Summary2. Growth Drivers & Issues in Global HVDC Converter Station Market3. Global HVDC Converter Station Market Trends4. Opportunities in Global HVDC Converter Station Market5. Recent Industry Activities, 20176. Porter's Five Forces Analysis7. Market Value Chain and Supply Chain Analysis8. Products Average Price Analysis, By Country9. Global HVDC Converter Station Market Value (USD Million) & Volume (MT) Forecast, 2017-202310. Global HVDC Converter Station Market Segmentation Analysis, By Configuration10.1. Introduction10.2. Market Attractiveness, By Configuration10.3. BPS Analysis, By Configuration10.4. Monopolar Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202310.5. Multiterminal Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202310.6. Back to Back Station Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202310.7. Bipolar Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202311. Global HVDC Converter Station Market Segmentation Analysis, By Technology11.1. Introduction11.2. Market Attractiveness, By Technology11.3. BPS Analysis, By Technology11.4. LCC-HVDC Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202311.5. VSC-HVDC Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202312. Global HVDC Converter Station Market Segmentation Analysis, By Component12.1. Introduction12.2. Market Attractiveness, By Component12.3. BPS Analysis, By Component12.4. Valve Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202312.5. Converter Transformers Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202312.6. Harmonic Filters Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202312.7. Reactors Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202312.8. Circuit Breakers Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-202312.9. Others Market Value (USD Million) Forecast, 2017-2023ContinueCheck for Discount @About KD Market InsightsKD Market Insights has come with the idea of helping business by intelligent decision making and thorough understanding of the industry. We offer a comprehensive database of syndicated research, customized reports as well as consulting services to help a business grow in their respective domain. At KD Market Insights, we offer our client a deep market research reports accompanied by business consulting services that can help them to reach on top of the corporate world. Our customized reports are built by keeping all factors of the industry in mind.Contact us150th State street, 3rd FloorAlbany, New YorkUnited states (12207)Telephone: +1-518-300-1215Email: - sales@kdmarketinsights.comWebsite: - Global Baby Tissue Paper Market Demand Analysis By Top Key Players Like Nice-Pak Products, Georgia-Pacific, SCA, Vinda, Body Use and Others 2019 - 2025 https://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1661969 https://www.researchtrades.com/discount/1661969 https://www.researchtrades.com/report/global-baby-tissue-paper-market-research-report-2019/1661969 www.researchtrades.com The Baby Tissue Paper is a type of commodity. Baby tissue paper is gentle and safe on baby's skin, for usage on hands and mouth.Request for sample@This report studies the global Baby Tissue Paper market status and forecast, categorizes the global Baby Tissue Paper market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions (India, Southeast Asia).The major manufacturers covered in this reportNice-Pak ProductsGeorgia-PacificSCAVindaHengan InternationalC & SProcter & GambleBody UseFacial and Hand UseGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeRest of Asia-PacificEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCommon TypeSanitary TypeAntiseptic TypeOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingAt Home(AH)Away from Home(AFH)The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Baby Tissue Paper capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Baby Tissue Paper manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and 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.Request for discount@In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Baby Tissue Paper are as follows:History Year: 2013-2017Base Year: 2017Estimated Year: 2018Forecast Year 2018 to 2025For 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 StakeholdersBaby Tissue Paper ManufacturersBaby Tissue Paper Distributors/Traders/WholesalersBaby Tissue Paper Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsAvailable CustomizationsWith the given market data, QYResearch offers customizations according to the company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:Regional and country-level analysis of the Baby Tissue Paper market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.Table of ContentsGlobal Baby Tissue Paper Market Research Report 20181 Baby Tissue Paper Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Baby Tissue Paper1.2 Baby Tissue Paper Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Baby Tissue Paper Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Common Type1.2.3 Sanitary TypeAntiseptic Type1.3 Global Baby Tissue Paper Segment by Application1.3.1 Baby Tissue Paper Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 At Home(AH)1.3.3 Away from Home(AFH)1.4 Global Baby Tissue Paper Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Baby Tissue Paper (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Baby Tissue Paper Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Baby Tissue Paper Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Baby Tissue Paper Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Baby Tissue Paper Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Baby Tissue Paper Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Baby Tissue Paper Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Baby Tissue Paper Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Baby Tissue Paper Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Baby Tissue Paper Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Baby Tissue Paper Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Baby Tissue Paper Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)Browse complete report@4 Global Baby Tissue Paper Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Baby Tissue Paper Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Baby Tissue Paper Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Baby Tissue Paper Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Baby Tissue Paper Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Baby Tissue Paper Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Baby Tissue Paper Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Baby Tissue Paper Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)Who we areResearch Trades has a team of experts who is working on a comprehensive analysis of market research. This estimate is based on a comprehensive study of the future and estimates of future estimates, which can be used by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the customer's specific requirement. Our company provides a large collection of high-quality reports obtained by customer-centered approaches, thus providing valuable research insights.Contact us:Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +1 6269994607 (USA), +91 7507349866 (IND)Website:Skype ID: researchtradescon Global Underwater Modems Product Market 2018 | Major Key Players DSPComm, EvoLogics GmbH, LinkQuest, Nortek AS, Ocean Innovations, Teledyne Marine - Analysis & Forecast: QY Research Group Underwater Modems Product Market 2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3624889-global-underwater-modems-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3624889-global-underwater-modems-market-research-report-2018 http://www.wiseguyreports.com WiseGuyReports.Com adds Underwater Modems Product Market - 2018 research report to its databaseDescription :This report studies the global Underwater Modems market status and forecast, categorizes the global Underwater Modems market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, and other regions (India, Southeast Asia).Request For sample Report @The major manufacturers covered in this reportDSPCommEvoLogics GmbHLinkQuestNortek ASOcean InnovationsTeledyne MarineAquatecSubnero PteGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeRest of Asia-PacificEuropeGermanyFranceUKItalySpainRussiaRest of EuropeCentral & South AmericaBrazilArgentinaRest of South AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSaudi ArabiaTurkeyRest of Middle East & AfricaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoShort Range: 6000MOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingOil and gas IndustryConstruction IndustryDefense IndustryOthersComplete Report Details @Table Of ContentGlobal Underwater Modems Market Research Report 20181 Underwater Modems Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Underwater Modems1.2 Underwater Modems Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Underwater Modems Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Underwater Modems Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Short Range: 6000M1.3 Global Underwater Modems Segment by Application1.3.1 Underwater Modems Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Oil and gas Industry1.3.3 Construction Industry1.3.4 Defense Industry1.3.5 Others1.4 Global Underwater Modems Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Underwater Modems Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Underwater Modems (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Underwater Modems Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Underwater Modems Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Underwater Modems Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Underwater Modems Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Underwater Modems Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Underwater Modems Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Underwater Modems Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Underwater Modems Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Underwater Modems Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Underwater Modems Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Underwater Modems Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Underwater Modems Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Underwater Modems Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Underwater Modems Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Underwater Modems Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)12 Global Underwater Modems Market Forecast (2018-2025)12.1 Global Underwater Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue Forecast (2018-2025)12.1.1 Global Underwater Modems Capacity, Production and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2025)12.1.2 Global Underwater Modems Revenue and Growth Rate Forecast (2018-2025)12.1.3 Global Underwater Modems Price and Trend Forecast (2018-2025)12.2 Global Underwater Modems Production, Consumption , Import and Export Forecast by Region (2018-2025)12.2.1 North America Underwater Modems Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2018-2025)12.2.2 Europe Underwater Modems Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2018-2025)12.2.3 China Underwater Modems Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2018-2025)12.2.4 Japan Underwater Modems Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2018-2025)12.2.5 Southeast Asia Underwater Modems Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2018-2025)12.2.6 India Underwater Modems Production, Revenue, Consumption, Export and Import Forecast (2018-2025)12.3 Global Underwater Modems Production, Revenue and Price Forecast by Type (2018-2025)12.4 Global Underwater Modems Consumption Forecast by Application (2018-2025)Continued.About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Robotic Floor Cleaners Market is Expected To See Robust Worldwide Growth During 2019 2022 | Top Key Players: iRobot, Philips, Samsung, Yujin, Neato Robotic Floor Cleaners Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/123211 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/123211/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/123211 Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Report 2019 offers elaborated knowledge on the market parts like size, Key Regions, growth, trends, dominating firms, Major Manufactures. The Robotic Floor Cleaners report introduces market competition situation among the vendors, revenue, product & services, latest developments and business strategies.Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Overview:According to market analysts, Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market is projected to grow at a high CAGR value from 2019 to 2022.Sample Copy of Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Report Available @Robotic floor cleaners are automated cleaning equipment that allows users to clean facility autonomously without human control. Robotic floor cleaners enable comparatively quick and easy cleaning of large spaces than manual cleaning. 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Rise in disposable income among consumers in Asia-Pacific has led to the adoption of cleaning robots.Purchase this report online along with table of contents @Key Regions:1 North America Country (United States, Canada)2 South America3 Asia Country (China, Japan, India, Korea)4 Europe Country (Germany, UK, France, Italy)5 Other Country (Middle East, Africa, GCC)Top global key service provider companies covered in the study include:1 iRobot Corporation2 Neato Robotics3 Yujin Robot4 Dyson5 Ecovacs Robotics6 Philips Electronics and More..Grab Your Report at an Impressive Discount @Key Questions Answered in this Report:1 How has the Robotic Floor Cleaners market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?2 What are the price trends of Robotic Floor Cleaners?3 What is the structure of the Robotic Floor Cleaners industry and who are the key players?4 Who are the key vendors in the global Robotic Floor Cleaners market?5 What are the latest market trends?Table of Content:1 Robotic Floor Cleaners Definition2 Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Major Player Share and Market Overview3 Major Player Robotic Floor Cleaners Business Introduction4 Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Segmentation (Region Level)5 Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Segmentation (Type Level)6 Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Segmentation (Industry Level)7 Global Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Segmentation (Channel Level)8 Robotic Floor Cleaners Market Forecast 2019-20229 Robotic Floor Cleaners Segmentation Type10 Robotic Floor Cleaners Segmentation Industry11 Robotic Floor Cleaners Cost Analysis12 ConclusionAbout us:BusinessindustryReports.com is digital database of comprehensive market reports for global industries. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Media ContactBusiness Industry ReportsPune Indiasales@businessindustryreports.com+19376349940 Global 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol (PCMC, CAS 59-50-7) Market 2018 - Hunan Lijie Biochemical Company Ltd, Hunan Dajie Technology Co., Ltd. https://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-4-chloro-3-methylphenol-pcmc-cas-59-383708 http://bit.ly/2MeJOZn The 'Global 4-Chloro-3-methylphenol (PCMC, CAS 59-50-7) Market Outlook 2018-2023' offers detailed coverage of 4-chloro-3-methylphenol industry and presents main market trends. 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Furthermore, the report also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key vendors operating in this market.Get Complete Report with TOC:Key Regions:North AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle East & AfricaSouth AmericaKey Vendors:- Shandong Aoyou Biological Technology Co., Ltd- Hunan Lijie Biochemical Company Ltd- Jiangsu Huanxin High-tech Materials Co. 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We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Joel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.comWeb: Market Research Store Horticulture Lighting Market Sales, Share and Forecast 2018 - 2028: Philips NV, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, General Electric, Cree, Inc. https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/12638 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/toc/12638 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/checkout?rep_id=12638&licType=S An increasing awareness about the concept of sustainability is witnessed across the globe. Owing to this awareness, increasing initiatives are correspondingly being taken by various organizations, researchers, government etc. globally. One such sustainable technological advancement witnessed in the agriculture industry is the introduction of horticulture lighting market.Horticulture lighting, by tuning the light according to the required need and by utilizing the unique properties of LED lighting, assists in boosting yields and maintaining plant health, throughout the year. By offering a varied ratio between deep blue, hyper red and far red of LED lighting, a horticulture lighting arrangement is established. Some of the key applications of horticulture lighting include controlled urban farming, Supplemental lighting and cultivation without natural daylight, multilayer cultivation, etc.Horticulture lighting market is a comparatively new concept, and thus, has witnessed a limited traction since the past four years, in terms of value. However, owing to the advantages associated with horticulture lighting system, a continuous demand for the same has been witnessed since its inception. The market for horticulture lighting is further expected to witness a significantly high growth rate during the forecast period as well.Get the Sample Copy of This Report @Horticulture Lighting Market: Market DynamicsOwing to the increasing initiatives taken by the government, across various developed and developing countries such as the U.S., the U.K., India, China etc. to support sustainability, complimented by the increasing awareness about the same, an increasing adoption of horticulture lighting system is expected during the forecast period. This, as a result, is expected to be the primary driving factor for the global horticulture lighting market. In addition to this, the advanced features and advantages associated with the implementation of horticulture lighting market is also expected to be a factor impelling the demand of horticulture lighting system.However, due to lack of awareness about the concept of horticulture lighting market amongst various developing and under developed countries acts as a restraining factor for the global horticulture lighting market.Horticulture Lighting Market: SegmentationGlobal Horticulture Lighting market can be segmented on the basis of component, application area, environment and region.Segmentation for Horticulture Lighting market by application area:On the basis of application area or rather crop type, the horticulture lighting market can be segmented as:Greenhouses Vertical Farming Intra-canopy OthersSegmentation for Horticulture Lighting market by environment:On the basis of environment or rather crop type, the horticulture lighting market can be segmented as:Vegetables and Fruits Floriculture City Farming OthersSegmentation for Horticulture Lighting market by component:On the basis of component, the horticulture lighting market can be segmented as:Hardware Software ServicesRequest for Complete Report TOC @Horticulture Lighting Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the Horticulture Lighting market are Philips NV, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors GmbH, General Electric, Cree, Inc., Illumitex, Edison Opto, LEDiL, Active Grow LLC, FUTURELED GmbH, Lumigrow, and various others.Various tier-1 players of the global horticulture lighting market are focusing on expanding their business globally by implementing their horticulture lighting solutions across various countries. For instance, owing to the increased crop yield witnessed due to the implementation of Philips GreenPower line of horticultural lighting horticulture lighting system, in April 2018.Horticulture Lighting Market: Regional OverviewBy geography, the horticulture lighting market can be segmented across North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, China, Japan, SEA and others in Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, North America horticulture lighting market is expected to dominate the global horticulture lighting market during the forecast period, owing to high awareness and demand for horticulture lighting systems, in the region. Asia Pacific (including Japan and China) horticulture lighting market and Europe horticulture lighting market are expected to follow North America horticulture lighting market in the global horticulture lighting market. China horticulture lighting market is, however, expected to exhibit highest growth rate during the forecast period. Besides this, Latin America horticulture lighting market and MEA horticulture lighting market are also expected to witness a considerable growth rate during the forecast period, in the global horticulture lighting market.The report covers exhaustive analysis on:Regional analysis for global Horticulture Lighting market includesThe report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Buy This Report From here @Report Highlights:Global Horticulture Lighting market segmentsGlobal Horticulture Lighting market dynamicsHistorical actual market size, 2012 - 2016Global Horticulture Lighting market size & forecast 2017 to 2027Supply & demand value chain for Horticulture Lighting marketGlobal Horticulture Lighting market current trends/issues/challengesCompetition & companies involved in Horticulture Lighting marketHorticulture Lighting technologyValue Chain of Horticulture LightingGlobal Horticulture Lighting market drivers and restraintsNorth America Horticulture Lighting marketU.S.CanadaLatin America Horticulture Lighting marketMexicoBrazilRest of Latin AmericaWestern Europe Horticulture Lighting marketGermanyFranceU.K.SpainItalyNordicBeneluxRest of Western EuropeEastern Europe Horticulture Lighting marketPolandRussiaRest of Eastern EuropeSEA and other Asia Pacific countries Horticulture Lighting marketIndiaIndonesiaOceaniaSingaporePhilippinesMalaysiaThailandRest of SEA and other Asia Pacific countriesJapan Horticulture Lighting marketChina Horticulture Lighting marketMiddle East and Africa Horticulture Lighting marketGCC CountriesTurkeyNorth AfricaSouth AfricaRest of MEADetailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics of the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and product offeringsPotential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective towards market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprintMarketResearchReports.biz is a seller of syndicated market studies, featuring an exhaustive collection of research reports from leading international publishers. Our repositoryis diverse, spanningvirtually every industrial sector and even more every category and sub-category within the industry. We also provide consulting services to enable our clients have adynamicbusiness perspective.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Solar PV Glass Market By Top Players - Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., Henan Huamei Cinda Industrial Co., Ltd., Taiwan Glass Ind. Corp., AGC Solar, Xinyi Solar Holdings Ltd. https://www.researchreport.co.uk/Request-Sample/100299 https://www.researchreport.co.uk/Request-Sample/100299 https://www.researchreport.co.uk/Reports/Solar-PV-Glass-Market The global solar PV glass market is segmented on the basis of application and geography. On the basis of application, the global solar PV glass market can be segmented into non-residential, residential, and utility. On the basis of geography, the global solar PV glass market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa.Some of the major companies in the global solar PV glass market are :Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.Henan Huamei Cinda Industrial Co., Ltd.Taiwan Glass Ind. Corp.AGC SolarXinyi Solar Holdings Ltd.Guardian Glass, Sisecam Flat GlassBorosil Glass Works Ltd.Saint-Gobain SolarGuangfeng Solar Glass (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd., among others.PDF Sample for New Advancements with Applications :Photovoltaic glass is coordinated with sun powered cells to think daylight and change over sunlight based vitality to power. Semiconductors and photovoltaic cells are implanted between the sheets of glass which is utilized on the modules. It constitutes for more than 80% of the module by weight and acts as the prime cooperation amongst module and light. Once in a while an extra plastic hostile to intelligent sheet or covering is connected to improve the impact of glass cover to create power, forestall UV radiations, persevere through extraordinary temperature conditions and give foreseen straightforwardness.Stringent strategies and controls relating to clean vitality reception combined with laws to check Greenhouse Gas (GHG) outflows will support the worldwide sun based PV glass advertise measure. Great government activities to energize the reception of economic vitality for building envelopes will emphatically impact the business viewpoint. In 2015, the U.S. government presented Executive Order (EO) 13693 to design the Federal Sustainability and slice the GHG outflows up to 40% from 2008 levels throughout the following decade. 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The leveled cost of new PV plants in the U.S. have diminished fundamentally finished years attributable to Investment Tax Credit (ITC) arrangement of the nation.Sample Brochure Enlightening the New Advancement and Future Prospects :In October 2016, the U.S. Vitality Information Administration (EIA) announced that the nation had an aggregate establishment of 12.6 GW of little scale sun oriented photovoltaic frameworks dominant part of which falls under private segment. Stringent government directions against carbon emanations alongside continuous government program towards housetop establishment will fuel UK sunlight based PV glass showcase. In 2016, the legislature of UK declared to totally eliminate the current coal let go stations by 2025. The administration is principally meaning to embrace PV for age and cancel dirtying petroleum product utilization.Obtain Report Details @About us :Research Report UK ( A Division of Envision Research & Consulting) offers Premium quality market intelligence, market research, industry analysis reports and forecast data for different domains across the business industry. Research Report totally understands the importance of market analysis for any strategy implementation in any organization or association. In order to provide the quickest and the most dependable solution, Research Report have associated with major organizations within market research and consultancy firms. This portfolio offers market analysis reports at one place for different business verticals. Research Report ensures to offer you the most reliable and qualitative market research available.Contact Us-Research Report109 ,Straford Street,Leeds, West YorkshrieLS11 6JG, United KingdomToll Free - +442037693786Email -help@researchreport.co.uksales@researchreport.co.uk Metal Fibres Market Analysis and Opportunity 2017-2027 | BASF SE, Huntsman International LLC, HYOSUNG, Celanese Corporation, PPG Industries Ohio, Inc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/13352 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/toc/13352 http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ "The Latest Research Report Metal Fibres Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017-2027 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. MarketResearchReports.bizRapid advancement in technology and demand for more durable, cost-effective, corrosion resistant materials with long life resulted in innovation in the field of metal fibres. Metal fibres are composedof metal or metal-coated with plastic as well as plastic coated with metal. This is done to enhance the mechanical properties and physical properties of the metal fibres according to specific requirements. It is not a new concept, as Gold and Silver have been used for a long time for fabric decoration, which is recently replaced by aluminized plastic yarn, aluminized nylon yarn and aluminium yarns for fabric decoration. Metallic transparent films filament coating is also done to minimize tarnishing. Other than these, metal fibres are used in a wide variety of applications, such as for the manufacture of hybrid composites, production of fibre metal alloys for filter elements, automobile body, airframe structure and electrical insulation. Metal fibre textile stands as a wide functional application area of metal fibres coupled with latest technologies. Metal fibres are used for both functional and decorative purposes. A common application of these fibres is in interior decoration such as sofa covers, curtains and carpets.Metal fibres are also used in protective clothing, space suits, military armour, in making garments for people who work near bladed machinery and cut resistant gloves for butchers. They are further used in towels, bathing suits, automotive textiles, hat bands, etc. Metal fibres are also warped with other fibres such as cotton fibres, wool fibres, synthetic fibres and nylon to make yarns, which add a royal effect to the end products. Their colour do not fade due to the coating and add a sparkle to the fabric, thus making it more attractive.Get Sample Copy of this report @Metal Fibres Market:Market DynamicsRising demand from Automotive, aviation, aerospace and arms industry for materials with high strength and lightweight is boosting the global metal fibre market growth. Moreover, rising demand for lightweight fabric, perfect finish and insulation in end user industries such as textile industry, electrical industries, is expected to drive the market during the forecast period.However, volatility in prices and supply of raw materials at a high price for manufacturing of metal fibres is expected to hamper the market growth during the forecast period.Use of metal fibres in electrical, aerospace and automotive industries is in trend these days, which will definitely boost the growth of the global market for metal fibres over the forecast period.Metal Fibres Market:Market SegmentationSegmentation of Metal Fibres Market can be doneon the basis of end-use industry as follows;Textile IndustryAerospace industryElectrical industryArms industryHome Furnishing industryAviation IndustrySegmentation of Metal Fibres Market can be doneon the basis of method of fibre coating as follows;Vacuum depositionCoating metal powder with bindersSputter coatingElectroless coatingSegmentation of Metal Fibres Market can be doneon the basis of application as follows;Decorative and interior items (carpet, sofa covers)Cut resistant garmentsAutomotive textilesSpace suitsFiber metal alloyMilitary armourAirframe structureOthersMetal Fibres Market: Regional OutlookThe global metal fibres market is highly fragmented, with no clear leader.Asia Pacific holds the major share of the global Metal Fibres Market due to the presence of a large number of China-based manufacturers and the rapid growth of end user industries such as automotive, aerospace and electrical and electronics industry, mainly in China and India. Asia Pacific is followed by Europe and North America, as a result of the significant demand from automotive and aerospace as well as military equipment end-user industries for metal fibres.Metal Fibres Market: Market ParticipantsSome of the examples of market participants in the global Metal Fibres Market, identified across the value chain areE. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyBASF SEHuntsman International LLCHYOSUNGCelanese CorporationPPG Industries Ohio, IncAhlstrom CorporationThe research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.Request For TOC Report @The report covers exhaust analysis on:Market SegmentsMarket DynamicsMarket SizeSupply & DemandCurrent Trends/Issues/ChallengesCompetition & Companies involvedTechnologyValue ChainRegional analysis includes:North America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC Countries, S. Africa, Northern Africa)The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies.Report Highlights:Detailed overview of parent marketChanging market dynamics in the industryIn-depth market segmentationHistorical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and valueRecent industry trends and developmentsCompetitive landscapeStrategies of key players and products offeredPotential and niche segments, geographical regions exhibiting promising growthA neutral perspective on market performanceMust-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint.About usMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.ContactMr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Task-Based Learning Market 2019 is thriving by world during upcoming year Duolingo, Houghton Mifflin Harcour, Pearson, Rosetta Stone, Sanako Task-Based Learning Market https://www.theresearchinsights.com/request_sample.php?id=5648 https://www.theresearchinsights.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=5648 https://www.theresearchinsights.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=5648 https://www.theresearchinsights.com/ The Task-Based Learning Market report systematically analyzes the most essential details with the help of an in-depth and specialized analysis. Defined in a ground-up manner, the report presents a comprehensive synopsis of the market based on the factors that are predictable to have a considerable and determinate impact on the markets developmental prospects over the prognosis period.Task-based language instruction, also known as task-based teaching, focuses on the use of real language and asking students to do meaningful tasks using the target language. These tasks include doctor visits, interviews, or customer service calls for help.Request Sample Copy of this Report@:This market research report on analyzes the growth prospects for the key vendors operating in this market space including Duolingo, Houghton Mifflin Harcour, Pearson, Rosetta Stone, SanakoThe increasing demand for the above-mentioned market in the well-established and emerging regions as well as latest technological advancements, and the increasing penetration of the end-use industries are all together driving the growth of the Task-Based Learning market.Across the globe, some significant global regions such as North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and India have been considered to study the different specifications of productivity, manufacturing base and raw materials. The major industry key players such as Task-Based Learning have been profiled to get in-depth analysis of successful strategies adopted by the top-level companies.Get Reasonable Discount on this Premium Report @:The report also includes a thorough overview of the competitive landscape and regulatory framework of the Global Task-Based Learning Market. This will offer clients a strong understanding of the current state of competition, threats, major opportunities, and the major rules, regulations, plans, & policies impacting the market.Table of ContentsGlobal Task-Based Learning Market Research ReportChapter 1 Task-Based Learning Market OverviewChapter 2 Global Economic Impact on IndustryChapter 3 Global Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4 Global Production, Revenue (Value) by RegionChapter 5 Global Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by RegionsChapter 6 Global Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7 Global Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8 Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 11 Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 12 Global Task-Based Learning Market ForecastFor More Information:About us:The Research Insights is a global leader in data analytics and a fundamental tool to answer questions and acquire knowledge regarding complexity of interactions between the internal and external factors affecting the dynamics of a marketplace. We exemplify innovative, descriptive, and comprehensive revelations through market research to satisfy your individual and organizational objectives. We assist you to make well-informed, profound and favorable decisions to encompass the advantages of upcoming trends, progressions, estimations, and opportunities through our precise understanding of the market.Our reports will provide the stepping stones for consistent growth of businesses by presenting novel outcomes and solutions to efficiently manage various circumstances and drawbacks of the industry. The accuracy of our statistics is determined by relevant supporting data to enable a step by step approach and reliable verification through experienced skills and verified methodologies. We enable our clients to analyze and anticipate their business requirements to make perceptive decisions, which ensures a substantial impact for our clients. Thus, we deliver value to our clients by assisting the process of their customer management in ways that benefit the organization and its stakeholders.Contact us:The Research InsightsRobin(Sales manager)Contact number: +91-996-067-0000sales@theresearchinsights.com Direct Marketing Services Market 2019 Segmentation By Marketing Type, Application and Regional Analysis with Top Growing Companies Rapp , Harte-Hanks Direct , SourceLink, OgilvyOne, Harland Clarke Corp https://www.reportconsultant.com/request_sample.php?id=1063 https://www.reportconsultant.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=1063 https://www.reportconsultant.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=1063 www.reportconsultant.com Global Direct Marketing Services Market Valued at 5220 million USD and it is expected to reach 6180 million USD by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 2.4% during 2018-2025.The worldwide Direct Marketing Services showcase is portioned based on area/nations, item types, and applications. The center motivation of the report is to give the customer bits of knowledge about the report over the range of parameters which can permit them take better market choices for themselves and their associations.In view of the Direct Marketing Services modern chain, this report for the most part expand the definition, types, applications and significant players of Direct Marketing Services advertise in subtleties. Profound examination about market status (2013-2018), venture rivalry example, preferences and drawbacks of big business Products, industry advancement patterns (2018-2023), local mechanical design qualities and macroeconomic strategies, modern approach has additionally be incorporated.Click for sample report copy @Direct Marketing Services Market Segmented by Marketing Type: Direct Mail Telemarketing Email Marketing Text (SMS) Marketing Other (Handouts, Direct selling)By Main Applications Business to Business Business to Government Business to Consumers OthersTop Regions play vital role in Direct Marketing Services market are:North AmericaEuropeChinaJapanMiddle East & AfricaIndiaSouth AmericaOthersGet Discount on this report @This report focuses on the global top players, covered Rapp Epsilon Wunderman FCB Acxiom Harte-Hanks Direct OgilvyOne Merkle Harland Clarke Corp MRM//McCann DigitasLBi Aimia SourceLink BBDO SapientNitro Leo BurnettMajor Points covered in Table of ContentsChapter 1. Direct Marketing Services Market Overview Chapter 2. Global Economic Impact on Direct Marketing Services IndustryChapter 3. Global Direct Marketing Services Market Competition by ManufacturersChapter 4. Global Direct Marketing Services Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)Chapter 5. Global Direct Marketing Services Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2013-2018)Chapter 6. Global Direct Marketing Services Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by TypeChapter 7. Global Direct Marketing Services Market Analysis by ApplicationChapter 8. Global Direct Marketing Services Manufacturers AnalysisChapter 9. Direct Marketing Services Manufacturing Cost AnalysisChapter 10. Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream BuyersChapter 11. Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/TradersChapter 12. Market Effect Factors AnalysisChapter 13. Global Direct Marketing Services Market Forecast (2018-2023)Chapter 14. AppendixEnquiry before Buying @About Us:Report Consultant A global leader in analytics, research and advisory that can assist you to renovate your business and modify your approach. With us, you will learn to take decisions intrepidly. We make sense of drawbacks, opportunities, circumstances, estimations and information using our experienced skills and verified methodologies. Our research reports will give you an exceptional experience of innovative solutions and outcomes. We have effectively steered businesses all over the world with our market research reports and are outstandingly positioned to lead digital transformations. Thus, we craft greater value for clients by presenting advanced opportunities in the global market.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@reportconsultant.com Application-to-Person (A2P) SMS and API Market: Rising Adoption of Ecommerce In Corporate and Individual User Sectors https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/application-to-person-sms-api-market-2018-2026.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=52014 www.transparencymarketresearch.com A2P SMS is an Application to Person SMS service in which SMSs are sent from an application programming interface (API) based application or platform on a persons mobile/smartphone. A2P SMS typically includes sending SMS for appointment reminders, notifications, marketing, and pin codes among others. Over the years as mobile phones have become ubiquitous, it has changed the way communication is conducted; further A2P SMS API has assisted businesses around the globe to reach a significant number of people rapidly and at a very low cost. Furthermore, OTT (Over-the-Top) service providers and online and mobile payment transaction service providers are using A2P SMS API for two factor authentication (2FA) purpose.Obtain Report Details @The global application-to-person (A2P) SMS and API market has been segmented based on technology, end-users, applications, and geography. Based on technology, the market is segmented into cloud API and traditional API. The traditional API segment dominated the market whereas cloud API is anticipated to grow at a much faster rate. The cloud API market is likely to grow in the coming years as companies are majorly adopting cloud technology for more efficiency and it also has low cost. Cloud technology is the fastest growing technology, cloud API operates as a gateway by providing direct and indirect cloud infrastructure. Several companies to provide API platform so as to support analytical capabilities.Companies are offering security and data loss services with the help of cloud API. Businesses are evolving cloud integration solution with the open platform enabling enterprises to migrate and integrate applications and data. The market in terms of end-users is segmented into SMS aggregators, bulk SMS providers, marketers/resellers and telecom operators. Of these, bulk SMS providers dominated the market in terms of revenue share in 2018, and are expected to continue the dominance during the forecast period. The rising popularity of bulk A2P SMSs as an effective and cheaper mode for undertaking business communications has helped the segment remain at the forefront of the market and the trend will continue in the next few years as well. Based on application, the market is segmented into pushed content services, customer relationship management services, promotional campaigns, interactive services application, and others (inquiry related services). Customer relationship management (CRM) services held the largest market share in the year 2018 and is expected to expand at a significant pace from 2018 to 2026. This growth is primarily attributed to the increasing online trade and rising adoption of ecommerce in corporate and individual user sectors. Moreover, rising use of authentication-related messages adds to the growth of this market over the forecast period.Download PDF Sample for this Research Report @In terms of region, Asia Pacific led the application-to-person (A2P) SMS and API market in the year 2017 and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period from 2018 to 2026. This is due to the ever-rising base of mobile subscribers in the region. In 2017, Asia Pacific dominated the global application-to-person (A2P) SMS and API market with countries such as China, India, and Japan acting as major markets and key users of A2P SMS marketing. It is anticipated to increase at the fastest speed among key regional markets as well. The regions importance in the global market is due to factors such as expanding e-commerce industry, rising online transactions, and the rising penetration of smartphones. North America is the second-largest contributor to the markets revenue and is anticipated to maintain its position in the market in the next few years as well.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendationsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email Id:corporate.ict2@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Online Tutoring Market 2018: Industry Analysis Focusing on Top leading players in the market are Club Z! Tutoring, Fleet Education Services, Pearson ELT, ArborBridge, BechPrep, EF Education First, Kaplan, Knewton https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2866281/?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=SBL https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/request-for-discount/2866281/?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=SBL https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2866281/?utm_source=OPR&utm_medium=SBL https://www.bigmarketresearch.com/global-commercial-cooking-equipment-market-size-study-by-type-cook-chill-systems-fryers-ovens-cookers-ranges-kettles-others-by-end-user-full-service-restaurant-and-hotels-quick-services-catering-services-and-regional-forecasts-2018-2025-market/?utm_source=RR&utm_medium=SBL Big Market Research adds Global Online Tutoring Market By Manufacturers, Countries, Type And Application, Forecast To 2025 report to its research database. The report spread across 200 pages with table and figures in it.Global Online Tutoring Market valued approximately USD XX billion in 2017 is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than XX% over the forecast period 2018-2025. The Online Tutoring Market is continuously growing on surging trend in global scenario in the coming years. The major driving factor of global Online Tutoring market are increasing adult population with need for education, increasing awareness associated Online tutoring and favorable support from government. Additionally, increasing investment in online tutoring is the other major factor which exerts positive influence in the market growth. The major factor restraining of Global online Tutoring Market are limited internet availability and unbalanced demand and supply of online tutors.Request a sample of this report at:Online tutoring is the process or technique in which teaching the individuals in an online, virtual network or networked environment. In this technique teachers and learners are separately by time and space. Online learning gives educators an opportunity to reach students who may not be able to enroll in a traditional classroom course and supports students who need to work on their own schedule and at their own pace. Online tutoring offers various benefits such as flexible scheduling, affordable with ease on budget, personalized session, convenient, saves communicating time, multiple choices of tutors and periodic tracking of students academic progressThe regional analysis of Global Online Tutoring Market is considered for the key regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Rest of the World. North America is the leading/significant region across the world in terms of market share 43% in 2017 owing to growing affordability of online tutoring courses and presence of several established teacher & learners. Europe also contributes a satisfactory growth in the global Online Tutoring market. Asia-Pacific is also anticipated to exhibit higher growth rate / CAGR over the forecast period 2018-2025.Competitive InsightsThe leading players in the market are Club Z! Tutoring, Fleet Education Services, Pearson ELT, ArborBridge, BechPrep, EF Education First, Kaplan, Knewton , Revolution Prep., Sylvan Learning. The major players in the market are profiled in detail in view of qualities, for example, company portfolio, business strategies, financial overview, recent developments, and share of the overall industry.The objective of the study is to define market sizes of different segments & countries in recent years and to forecast the values to the coming eight years. The report is designed to incorporate both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the industry within each of the regions and countries involved in the study. Furthermore, the report also caters the detailed information about the crucial aspects such as driving factors & challenges which will define the future growth of the market. Additionally, the report shall also incorporate available opportunities in micro markets for stakeholders to invest along with the detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product offerings of key players. The detailed segments and sub-segment of the market are explained below:The Online Tutoring Market is segmented as follows-By Courses:STEMLanguageOthersOnline Tutoring Market, By Region:North America: U.S., Canada, Mexico.Europe: Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe.Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, South Korea, IndiaSoutheast Asia : Rest of Asia-Pacific.South America: Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South AmericaMiddle East and Africa: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEAFurthermore, years considered for the study are as follows:Historical year 2015, 2016Base year 2017Forecast period 2018 to 2025Target Audience of the Global Online Tutoring Market in Market Study:Key Consulting Companies & AdvisorsLarge, medium-sized, and small enterprisesVenture capitalistsValue-Added Resellers (VARs)Third-party knowledge providersInvestment bankersInvestorsRequest a discount of this report at:Table of Contents2018-2025 Global Online Tutoring Consumption Market ReportChapter 1.Executive Summary1.1.Market Snapshot1.2.Key Trends1.3.Global & Segmental Market Estimates & Forecasts, 2015-2025 (USD Billion)1.3.1.Online Tutoring Market, by Courses, 2015-2025 (USD Billion)1.3.2.Online Tutoring Market, by Region, 2015-2025 (USD Billion)1.4.Estimation Methodology1.5.Research AssumptionChapter 2.Online Tutoring Market Definition and Scope2.1.Objective of the Study2.2.Market Definition & Scope2.2.1.Industry Evolution2.2.2.Scope of the Study2.3.Years Considered for the Study2.4.Currency Conversion RatesChapter 3.Online Tutoring Market Dynamics3.1.See Saw Analysis3.1.1.Market Drivers3.1.2.Market Challenges3.1.3.Market OpportunitiesChapter 4.Online Tutoring Market Industry Analysis4.1.Porters 5 Force Model4.1.1.Bargaining Power of Buyers4.1.2.Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.1.3.Threat of New Entrants4.1.4.Threat of Substitutes4.1.5.Competitive Rivalry4.1.6.Futuristic Approach to Porters 5 Force Model4.2.PEST Analysis4.2.1.Political Scenario4.2.2.Economic Scenario4.2.3.Social Scenario4.2.4.Technological Scenario4.3.Value Chain Analysis4.3.1.Supplier4.3.2.Manufacturers/Service Provider4.3.3.Distributors4.3.4.End-Users4.4.Key Buying Criteria4.5.Regulatory Framework4.6.Cost Structure Analysis4.6.1.Raw Material Cost Analysis4.6.2.Manufacturing Cost Analysis4.6.3.Labour Cost Analysis4.7.Investment Vs Adoption Scenario4.8.Analyst Recommendation & ConclusionEnquire about this report @Related Report:Global Commercial Cooking Equipment Market Size study, by Type (Cook-Chill Systems, Fryers, Ovens, Cookers, Ranges, Kettles, Others), by End-User (Full Service Restaurant & Hotels, Quick services, Catering Services) and Regional Forecasts 2018-2025Global Commercial Cooking Equipment Market to reach USD XX billion by 2025. Global Commercial Cooking Equipment Market valued approximately USD XX billion in 2017 is anticipated to grow with a healthy growth rate of more than XX% over the forecast period 2018-2025. The Commercial Cooking Equipment Market is continuously growing on ...About Us:Industry executives tend to keep a tab on their business competitors. This keeps them updated on strategic business activities and investment trends. Company profiles are crucial to participating players of interconnected verticals.Contact Us:5933 NE Win Sivers Drive, #205, Portland,OR 97220 United Statescall answer Direct:+1-971-202-1575call answer Toll Free:+1-800-910-6452email help@bigmarketresearch.com Telecom Cloud Market Insights | Key Players : AT&T, BT Group PLC, Verizon Communication and Level 3 Communications https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/telecom-cloud-market-72237103.html?utm_source=OpenPr https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=72237103&utm_source=OpenPr https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/RequestBundleReport.asp?id=72237103&utm_source=OpenPr According to recent research "Telecom Cloud Market by Type (Solution and Service), Application (Billing & Provisioning and Traffic Management), Service Model (SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS), Organization Size, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", The telecom cloud market size is expected to grow from USD 10.92 Billion in 2016 to USD 30.79 Billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.0% during the forecast period.Browse 72 market data tables and 57 figures spread through 160 pages and in-depth TOC on Telecom Cloud Market"Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.The major drivers of this market include the need for lower operational and administration costs, as telecom cloud is hosted on cloud platform. It offers flexible pricing for products & services and allows managing various types of revenue without constraints.The Unified Communication and Collaboration (UCaaS) solution segment is estimated to dominate the telecom cloud market share during the forecast periodUCaaS is estimated to have the largest market share in the telecom cloud market. Various features, such as multimedia, unified messaging, conference bridges, presence management, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) integration are helping improve business functions. Therefore, with its increasing demand, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are providing UCaaS solutions in the market.Network services are expected to capture the highest market share during the forecast periodThe network services of the telecom cloud market is witnessing a potential growth, in comparison to other services, owing to the benefits, such as Local Area Network (LAN)/Wide Area Network (WAN)/Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) management, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), managed network services, Internet Protocol (IP) contact centre management, network integration, and network implementation services.Speak to Analyst@North America is the leading region, in terms of market share in the telecom cloud market spaceNorth America is expected to hold the largest market share and dominate the telecom cloud market in 2016. North America has a huge penetration from large enterprises with technically-sound employees providing continuous innovative technologies. This has led to the growing telecom cloud market. These are some of the major driving factors contributing to the growth of cloud-based services and solutions in North America.Major vendors covered in the telecom cloud market for the study are AT&T, Inc. (Dallas, Texas, U.S.), BT Group PLC (London, U.K.), Verizon Communication, Inc. (New Jersey, U.S.), Level 3 Communications, Inc. (Broomfield, Colorado, U.S.), Deutsche Telekom (Bonn, Germany), NTT Communications Corporation (Tokyo, Japan), CenturyLink, Inc. (Louisiana, U.S), Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singapore), Orange Business Service (Paris, France), and Ericsson (Stockholm, Sweden).Request Bundle Report@MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies revenues. Currently servicing 7500 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions.Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve.MarketsandMarketss flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "Knowledgestore" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche marketsMr. Shelly SinghMarketsandMarkets INC.630 Dundee RoadSuite 430Northbrook, IL 60062USA : 1-888-600-6441newsletter@marketsandmarkets.com Global Directional Drilling Services Market 2019 Key Players: Baker Hughes Incorporated, Halliburton Company, Schlumberger Limited, Weatherford International PLC., National Oilwell Varco, Inc. Directional Drilling Services Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3665427-global-directional-drilling-services-market-size-status-and-forecast-2019-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3665427-global-directional-drilling-services-market-size-status-and-forecast-2019-2025 Directional Drilling Services Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Directional Drilling Services Market 2019 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting 2025 reports tits database.Executive SummaryDirectional drilling is the practice of controlling the trajectory and deviation of the well during drilling operations, along a planned path to explore the oil from a targeted position in the typical geologic structural oilfields.In terms of services, MWD & survey hold the largest market share in the directional drilling services market. In terms of applications, the market is dominated by onshore applications but offshore applications are expected to gain traction as well in the foreseeable future.In 2018, the global Directional Drilling Services market size was xx million US$ and it is expected to reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, with a CAGR of 4.7% during 2019-2025.This report focuses on the global Directional Drilling Services status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Directional Drilling Services development in United States, Europe and China.The key players covered in this studyBaker Hughes IncorporatedHalliburton CompanySchlumberger LimitedWeatherford International PLC.National Oilwell Varco, Inc.GE Oil & GasNabors Industries Ltd.Cathedral Energy Services Ltd.Jindal Drilling & Industries LimitedGyrodata IncorporatedScientific Drilling InternationalLeam Drilling Systems, LLC.Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoLogging While Drilling (LWD)Measurement While Drilling (MWD) & surveyRotary Steerable System (RSS)MotorsOthersMarket segment by Application, split intoOnshoreOffshoreMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaRequest Sample Report @The study objectives of this report are:To analyze global Directional Drilling Services status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.To present the Directional Drilling Services development in United States, Europe and China.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Directional Drilling Services are as follows:History Year: 2014-2018Base Year: 2018Estimated Year: 2019Forecast Year 2019 to 2025For the data information by region, company, type and application, 2018 is considered as the base year. Whenever data information was unavailable for the base year, the prior year has been considered.Table of Contents1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Directional Drilling Services Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2014-2025)1.4.2 Logging While Drilling (LWD)1.4.3 Measurement While Drilling (MWD) & survey1.4.4 Rotary Steerable System (RSS)1.4.5 Motors1.4.6 Others1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Directional Drilling Services Market Share by Application (2014-2025)1.5.2 Onshore1.5.3 Offshore1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered2 Global Growth Trends2.1 Directional Drilling Services Market Size2.2 Directional Drilling Services Growth Trends by Regions2.2.1 Directional Drilling Services Market Size by Regions (2014-2025)2.2.2 Directional Drilling Services Market Share by Regions (2014-2019)2.3 Industry Trends2.3.1 Market Top Trends2.3.2 Market Drivers2.3.3 Market Opportunities3 Market Share by Key Players3.1 Directional Drilling Services Market Size by Manufacturers3.1.1 Global Directional Drilling Services Revenue by Manufacturers (2014-2018)3.1.2 Global Directional Drilling Services Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers (2014-2018)3.1.3 Global Directional Drilling Services Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)3.2 Directional Drilling Services Key Players Head office and Area Served3.3 Key Players Directional Drilling Services Product/Solution/Service3.4 Date of Enter into Directional Drilling Services Market3.5 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion Plans4 Breakdown Data by Type and Application4.1 Global Directional Drilling Services Market Size by Type (2014-2019)4.2 Global Directional Drilling Services Market Size by Application (2014-2019)5 United States5.1 United States Directional Drilling Services Market Size (2014-2019)5.2 Directional Drilling Services Key Players in United States5.3 United States Directional Drilling Services Market Size by Type5.4 United States Directional Drilling Services Market Size by Application12 International Players Profiles12.1 Baker Hughes Incorporated12.1.1 Baker Hughes Incorporated Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.1.4 Baker Hughes Incorporated Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.1.5 Baker Hughes Incorporated Recent Development12.2 Halliburton Company12.2.1 Halliburton Company Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.2.4 Halliburton Company Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.2.5 Halliburton Company Recent Development12.3 Schlumberger Limited12.3.1 Schlumberger Limited Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.3.4 Schlumberger Limited Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.3.5 Schlumberger Limited Recent Development12.4 Weatherford International PLC.12.4.1 Weatherford International PLC. Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.4.4 Weatherford International PLC. Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.4.5 Weatherford International PLC. Recent Development12.5 National Oilwell Varco, Inc.12.5.1 National Oilwell Varco, Inc. Company Details12.5.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.5.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.5.4 National Oilwell Varco, Inc. Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.5.5 National Oilwell Varco, Inc. Recent Development12.6 GE Oil & Gas12.6.1 GE Oil & Gas Company Details12.6.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.6.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.6.4 GE Oil & Gas Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.6.5 GE Oil & Gas Recent Development12.7 Nabors Industries Ltd.12.7.1 Nabors Industries Ltd. Company Details12.7.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.7.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.7.4 Nabors Industries Ltd. Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.7.5 Nabors Industries Ltd. Recent Development12.8 Cathedral Energy Services Ltd.12.8.1 Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. Company Details12.8.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.8.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.8.4 Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.8.5 Cathedral Energy Services Ltd. Recent Development12.9 Jindal Drilling & Industries Limited12.9.1 Jindal Drilling & Industries Limited Company Details12.9.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.9.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.9.4 Jindal Drilling & Industries Limited Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.9.5 Jindal Drilling & Industries Limited Recent Development12.10 Gyrodata Incorporated12.10.1 Gyrodata Incorporated Company Details12.10.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.10.3 Directional Drilling Services Introduction12.10.4 Gyrodata Incorporated Revenue in Directional Drilling Services Business (2014-2019)12.10.5 Gyrodata Incorporated Recent Development12.11 Scientific Drilling International12.12 Leam Drilling Systems, LLC.ContinuousFor further information on this report, visit Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528/524, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411028+91 841 198 5042 Capsule Endoscopy Market Research Study 2019 by Top Industry Players | Chongqing Jinshan Science and Technology, Medtronic Plc, IntroMedic, Olympus Corporation https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1359 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/capsule-endoscopy-market-1359 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1359 MRFR is Leading Research Firm who recently published Capsule Endoscopy Market Research Report which includes Growth Study, Regional Analysis, Top Industry Players Formation, Major Drivers, Upcoming Trends and Forecast to 2023.Global Capsule Endoscopy Market - OverviewThe capsule endoscopy procedure is used where the traditional endoscopy is ineffective. Capsule endoscopy helps to capture internal images of the digestive tract using a small camera, transmitter, battery, and light sources. Capsule endoscopy is majorly performed in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal complications such as small intestinal bleeding, chronic pain, ulcer, and abnormal tissue growth.The real-time data provided by the capsule help expediting diagnosis of gastrointestinal complications and hence, the faster treatment and recovery. As a result, the uptake of capsule endoscopy is widening rapidly. This, in turn, is allowing the capsule endoscopy to evolve further, escalating its market on the global platform.TRY PREMIUM SAMPLE COPY @Acknowledging the traction, this market is witnessing currently; Market Research Future (MRFR) in its recently published study report asserts that the global capsule endoscopy market will garner exponential accruals registering approximately 8.7% CAGR throughout the forecast period (2018-2023).Leading Industry Key PlayersIntroMedic Co., Ltd.Given Imaging (Israel)Olympus CorporationCapsoVision Inc.,Fujifilm Holding CorporationChongqing Jinshan Science & Technology (Group) Co., LtdCheck-Cap Ltd.RF System labAnd MoreGlobal Capsule Endoscopy Market Growth and AnalysisAdditional factors substantiating market growth include the growing prevalence of intestinal diseases and cancerous tumors and diseases. Factors such as the changing lifestyle and the inclination towards the sedentary lifestyle among people are fostering the market growth, leading to the occurrence of gastrointestinal diseases and stomach cancer.Undoubtedly, technological advancements transpired into the field of medical science qualifies as a predominant factor propelling the market growth. Seminal efforts & investments put into the R&D activities to bring the betterments in the endoscopy are driving the market growth. Favorable reimbursement policies are playing a significant role, propelling the market growth to an extent.On the other hand, factors such as the high cost of capsule endoscopy, limited reimbursement, and the risk of capsule retention are obstructing the market growth. Also, the low awareness among physicians about the benefits of capsule endoscopy acts as a headwind that hampers the growth of the capsule endoscopy market.Detailed Market Segments AnalysisMRFR has segmented the analysis into five key dynamics; for better understanding: -By Type : Wireless Capsule Endoscopy, Workstation, and Receiver Capsule Endoscopy among others.By Purpose : Investigation, Treatment, and Diagnostics among others.By Application : Crohn's Disease, Intestine Disease, and GIT Bleeding among others.By End-user : Clinics & Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, and Medical Research Institutes among others.By Regions : Europe, North America, APAC and the Rest-of-the-World.Global Capsule Endoscopy Market Regional AnalysisNorth America accounts for the dominating market in the global capsule endoscopy market, holding the largest market share. Factors influencing the market growth include the increasing number of gastrointestinal cases, increase in inflammatory bowel diseases, and the increase in the number of colon cancer patients, government initiatives, and technological advancements in the region.Moreover, factors such as the presence of a well-proliferated healthcare sector and the leading market players alongside the availability of skilled healthcare professional fuel the growth of the market. Continuing with the same growth trends, the capsule endoscopy market in the region will retain its dominance throughout the assessment period.The European region holds the position of the worlds second-largest market for capsule endoscopy following the North American market closely. This market is fostered by the resurging economic conditions that are increasing the per capita healthcare expenses and penetration of healthcare in the region.OBTAIN PREMIUM RESEARCH REPORT DETAILS @Additionally, huge market growth in countries like the UK, Germany & France drives the growth of the regional market on a large scale.Furthermore, the increasing demand for advanced diagnostic and treatment methods, the research and development expenditure provided by the public and private associations, increasing competition among key players, increasing patient population, and amendments in reimbursement of healthcare policies are expected to foster the market growth in the European region.The Asia Pacific market for the capsule endoscopy perceives an exponential growth, emerging as one of the promising markets.Attributing to the factors such as the huge patient population and the availability of low-cost procedures & drugs to treat the diseases, growing markets in Indian and China will lead the market growth. Additional factors that would support the market growth in the region include favorable government policies and others.Industry/Innovations/Related NewsDecember 13, 2018 Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published their study of an ingestible capsule that can be monitored outside the body for health data, using Bluetooth wireless technology that they have developed.The capsule could deliver drugs as well as sense the condition of its surroundings in the gut, including gastrointestinal diseases, infections or allergic reactions, the researchers explained.Once these health conditions were spotted, one of the gastric devices could release the proper medicine in response. The 3D-printed capsule could someday become "a personalized diagnostic and treatment that is widely accessible.December 13, 2018 University partners in the UK, Glasgow, Dundee, Heriot-Watt and Leeds, and features a multidisciplinary team of researchers ranging from electrical and mechanical engineers to life scientists and clinical fellows who are working together under a 5-year, USD 10MN programme Sonopill acknowledged efforts from the National Instruments and combined LabVIEW software in accelerating the design and test of Sonopill.The team Sonopill required a single, unified instrumentation platform to take it from component and system integration testing, to lab-based in vitro testing, to in vivo pre-clinical trials.The solution came from National Instruments and combined LabVIEW software with a broad range of NI Hardware, including PXIe, CompactRIO, myRIO, and Diagnostic Sonars FlexRIO-based FIToolbox, to implement a full-featured system taking the Sonopill prototypes from initial characterization through encapsulation to final deployment for pre-clinical validation.GET EXCUSIVE DISCOUNT @Some Points form TOC for Capsule Endoscopy Market Research Report Forecast to 2023Chapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope of the Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.1.1 Bargaining Power of SuppliersTOC 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 Bread Flour Market 2018; Projected to Grow Radiantly in Food Market| Top Players Revenue by 2023 Associated British Foods plc. Conagra Brands Inc, Archer Daniels Midland Company, General Mills, Inc., Etc. Bread Flour Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4427 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/bread-flour-market-4427 Market Definition:High demand for healthy flour and its multipurpose applications have a positive impact on bread flour market. Rising consumer demand for bakery goods are also influencing the growth of the bread flour market positively. Moreover, shifting consumers food consumption pattern backed up by increasing disposable income is propelling the growth of this market. High consumer end demand is encouraging the players to enter the bread flour market and generate high revenues. Furthermore, high focus on R & D based on the have a positive impact on this market and has helped in bringing innovations in terms of flavors and ingredients to the existing product line.Receive a Sample Report @Market Scenario:Bread flour is referred to the flour which is prepared with the help of key ingredients such as wheat, rye, rice and others. Increasing consumption of healthy bakery goods and high application of bread in the food industries is estimated to escalate the demand for bread flour on a global level. The high protein and fiber content of bread flour makes its demand more potential amongst the health conscious consumers. Rising consumer based demand for cross cuisines and wide applications of breads in fast foods is also supporting the growth of bread flour in the global market.Key players are more inclined towards enhancing the production of whole grain bread flour to satiate the growing demand for healthy bread and bread products among the consumers. Also, based on the technology strides, manufacturers are focusing on bringing new techniques to optimize the production capacity.Key Players:Some of the key players profiled in the global Bread Flour Market are Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.), General Mills, Inc. (U.S.), Associated British Foods plc. (U.K.), Conagra Brands Inc. (U.S.), Goodman Fielder (Australia), King Arthur Flour Company, Inc. (U.S.), Grain Craft (U.S.)Segments:Bread flour has been segmented on the basis of source, which comprises wheat, rice, rye, others. Wheat flour holds a major share owning to high demand based on its nutritional value and high overall wheat production capacity globallyBread flour has been segmented on the basis of type, which includes all-purpose flour, plain flour, whole grain flour, others. Among these segments, all-purpose flour dominates the global market based on high less gluten content and healthier option for bread preparationBread flour has been segmented on the basis of specialty features, which comprises of organic, gluten-free, bleached, unbleached, others. Organic bread flour is found to be escalating at a high rate based on increasing consumers demand for chemical-free food commoditiesBread flour has been segmented on the basis of distribution channel, which include store based and non-store based channels. Owning to one-stop shopping experience, the share of store based channels is projected to dominate the segmentRegional Analysis:The global bread flour market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Europe accounts for the major market share followed by North America. High consumption of bread as a staple food in the countries of these regions is influencing the high production volume of bread flour. Furthermore, rising population of health conscious consumers will support the sale of whole grain as well as multi-grain bread flour across the regions during the assessment period. The major importers of bread flour include Iraq, the U.S., the Netherlands, France and Brazil.Access Complete Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Benzyl Carbazate Market 2019 | Amino Organics, HIO Chemical Co.,Ltd, Binhai Hanhong Biochemical Co., LTD., Vande Mark, Hunan Spark Science Co., Ltd. and Shandong Yinglang Chemical Co,.Ltd Research For Markets https://www.researchformarkets.com/sample/global-benzyl-carbazate-market-379826 https://www.researchformarkets.com/inquiry/global-benzyl-carbazate-market-379826 https://www.researchformarkets.com/reports/global-benzyl-carbazate-market-379826 Benzyl Carbazate is a pesticide and pharmaceutical intermediate, mainly used for the synthesis of indoxacarb.This report studies the global Benzyl Carbazate market status and forecast, categorizes the global Benzyl Carbazate market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, India and other regions (Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa)The major manufacturers covered in this report Amino Organics, HIO Chemical Co.,Ltd, Binhai Hanhong Biochemical Co., LTD., Vande Mark, Hunan Spark Science Co., Ltd. and Shandong Yinglang Chemical Co,.Ltd.Get Sample of Report atGeographically, this report studies the top producers and consumers, focuses on product capacity, production, value, consumption, market share and growth opportunity in these key regions, covering North America Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into Purity:97%-99% Purity: more than 99%On the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, including Pesticide Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Manufacturing OthersInquiry Before Buying atThe study objectives of this report are: To analyze and study the global Benzyl Carbazate capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025); Focuses on the key Benzyl Carbazate manufacturers, to study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in future. Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Get More Information atNote: If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Contact Info:Name: Research For MarketsEmail: alan.naidu@researchformarkets.comPhone: +44 8000-4182-37Research For Markets indulge in detailed and diligent research on different markets, trends and emerging opportunities in the successive direction to cater to your business needs. We have established the pillars of our flourishing institute on the grounds of Credibility and Reliability. RFM delve into the markets across Asia Pacific, North America, South America, Europe, Middle East And Africa.Level 21, Dashwood House69 Old Broad StreetLondon EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom Global Quad-Flat-No-Lead Packaging Market | Top Key Players: XP Semiconductor, Fujitsu Ltd., Toshiba Corporation, Texas Instruments, Microchip Technology Inc., STATS ChipPAC Pte. Ltd., ASE Group, Amkor Technology, UTAC Group, Market Research Reports Search Engine https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4582 https://www.mrrse.com/quad-flat-no-leads-packaging-market https://www.mrrse.com/ The Global Quad-Flat-no-Lead Packaging Market is expected to witness high growth throughout the period of forecast. This growth can be attributed towards increased reliability on wireless applications, rising adoption of portable devices, small form factor, good thermal performance, and increasing applications in the automobile sector. The global quad-flat-no-lead packaging market had gained high traction during 2012-2016 timeline and its growth thus has significantly enhanced since then. The global quad-flat-no-lead packaging market is projected to grow at a high CAGR of 13.1% throughout the period of forecast, 2017-2027. Around US$ 62 Bn is the market standing of the global quad-flat-no-lead packaging market and with this enormous growth rate, it is estimated to touch a valuation of more than US$ 235 Bn by the end of the year of forecast.Free | Request Sample Report Copy, Click here @In the years to follow, it is anticipated that the consumer electronics and automotive sectors would witness high growth. This substantial growth is attributed towards increased adoption of advanced technologies such as wearable devices and electronic automobile accessories. Wearable devices such as personal medical monitoring devices, wristwatch and others are small electronic devices that re widely being used among customers thus triggering the demand for packages as compact as UQFN or QFN. Additionally, almost every car manufacturer provides accessories such as keyless locks and unlock systems for car doors. Such devices boost the demand for QFN package. Thus vendors have tremendous opportunities to offer their offerings in these sectors and invest in their product innovation with a view to create more compact and enhanced global quad-flat-no-lead packages.Quad-Flat-No-Lead package to account for high market share in the global marketQuad-flat-no-lead segment in the QFN variant category of the global market is anticipated to account for a high market share in the coming years. In the previous years, this segment contributed largely to the growth of the global market by reflecting high market valuation. It is expected from this segment to retain its status quo in the coming years. In 2017, this segment reflected a valuation a bit under US$ 30 Bn and is estimated to touch a value of more than US$ 95 Bn by the end of the year of assessment (2027). This segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% during the period of forecast.VQFN (Very Thin Quad-Flat-No-Lead) segment to grow significantly in the years to followVery thin quad-flat-no-lead segment in the QFN variant category is projected to grow at a high rate and is expected to be the second fastest growing segment. It is expected to register a CAGR of 13.5% throughout the period of assessment. In 2017, this segment was estimated a value a bit over US$ 17 Bn and with this significant growth rate, it is anticipated to reach a valuation of around US$ 63 Bn by the end of the year of forecast. The very thin quad-flat-no-lead segment is likely to follow the quad- flat-no-leads segment in terms of market value and thus is expected to be the second largest segment in the global quad-flat-no-lead packaging market.Browse Full Report with TOC @About (MRRSE)Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY 12207(United State)Telephone: +1-518-730-0559(USA & Canada Toll-Free)Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Wearable Camera Market 2019-2023 Global Demand, Trends, Technology and Insights Analysis | Top Key Players are GoPro, Garmin, Sony, Narrative, Pinnacle Response, Axon Enterprise, Axon Enterprise, etc Wearable Camera Market https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/638790 https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/638790 https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/638790 www.orianresearch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ Wearable cameras are worn on the body parts such as head, ear, and eye. Thus, users do not need to hold them by hands to record events. According to the report, one of the major drivers for this market is growing popularity of social networking sites. The increase in social media activities is one of the major drivers for the sales of wearable cameras. In 2016, Facebook had 1.8 billion and Twitter had 350 million monthly active users.Over a billion unique users visit YouTube every month. Google Plus has around 150 million active users monthly, and there are more than 350 million people on Instagram.Get Sample Copy of this Report@Global Wearable Camera Market competition by top manufacturers, with Production, Price, Revenue (value) and Market share for each manufacturer including: GoPro Garmin Sony Narrative Pinnacle Response Axon Enterprise ..Key segments covered in this report: Geography segment, end use/application segment, and competitor segment. 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.Global Wearable Camera Industry 2019 Market Research Report is spread across 121 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector.Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on this report@This report focuses on price, sales, revenue and growth rate of each type, as well as the types and each type price of key manufacturers, through interviewing key manufacturers. Second on basis of segments by manufacturers, this report focuses on the sales, price of each type, average price of Wearable Camera, revenue and market share, for key manufacturers.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.The study objectives of this report are: To analyze and study the global Wearable Camera sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2019-2023). Focuses on the key Wearable Camera manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future. Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Order a Copy of this Report@The main contents of the report including:1 Wearable Camera Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Wearable Camera Market Competition, by Players4 Global Wearable Camera Market Size by Regions5 North America Wearable Camera Revenue by Countries6 Europe Wearable Camera Revenue by Countries7 Asia-Pacific Wearable Camera Revenue by Countries8 South America Wearable Camera Revenue by Countries9 Middle East and Africa Revenue Wearable Camera by Countries10 Global Wearable Camera Market Segment by Type11 Global Wearable Camera Market Segment by Application12 Global Wearable Camera Market Size Forecast (2019-2023)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 Appendix.Research MethodologyData SourceAbout UsOrian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.Contact Us:Ruwin MendezVice President Global Sales & Partner RelationsOrian Research ConsultantsUS: +1 (415) 830-3727 | UK: +44 020 8144-71-27Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn: IoT in Elevators Market Worth US$ 50.76 Bn by 2026 | Product innovation and upgrade of RnD 2026 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=57546 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/iot-in-elevators-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ According to a new market report titled IoT in Elevators Market -Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2018 - 2026, published by Transparency Market Research, the global IoT in elevators market is expected to reach US$ 50.76 Bn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 16.1% from 2018 to 2026. According to the report, the global market is expected to continue to be influenced by a range of macroeconomic and industry-specific factors. North America is anticipated to continue to be at the forefront of global demand, with the market in the region expanding at a CAGR of 15.3% during the forecast period. Technical advancements, increased digitization, increasing number of high-rise buildings, and presence of a large number of IoT in elevator providers are anticipated to drive the IoT in elevators market in North America.Get the Request a Sample -Rising Significance of Automation in Construction Industry and Technological Advancement across the World Driving the Global IoT in Elevators MarketIncreasing adoption of new IT solutions with modern consumer trends in different organizations and IT modernization is expected to boost the IoT in elevators market in the coming years. Moreover, increase in number of high-rise buildings is expected to fuel the growth of the market in the near future.In terms of IoT in elevators, both North America and Europe are mature regions of the market, due to high awareness about IoT in elevators among users and technological developments. However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a robust pace during the forecast period. Rise in penetration of technology as well as significant investments in the optimal utilization of IT solutions across countries such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, China, India, and Brazil are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities for IoT in elevators providers in the near future.IoT in Elevators Market: Scope of the ReportBased on component, the global IoT in elevators market has been segmented into hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment held significant market share, followed by services and software segments in 2017. However, services segment is projected to witness significant growth in the coming years and will hold major share of the market by the end of the forecast period. Hardware component includes M2M gateway or elevator gateway, designed for connectivity to the controller through data interfaces for remote monitoring of the elevator, which facilitates remote diagnostics to optimize work processes, time, and expenses. However, the software segment is expected to expand significantly over the forecast period due to the rapid increase in application of analytics software, IoT platforms, and security software. The report includes analysis of the IoT in elevators market by region, segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America.Browse The Report :By application, preventive maintenance segment occupied major market share in 2017 as it helps to maximize an elevators availability, efficiency, service quality, and customer satisfaction, while the remote monitoring application segment is likely to expand significantly over the forecast period. Remote monitoring solution, created with IoT, improves smart elevator maintenance and reduces disruption of service to customers.By end-user, the market is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial. Growing demand for smart, IoT enabled elevators from the commercial sector, especially hotels, hospitals, transportation, and malls is anticipated to drive growth of the global IoT in elevators market in the coming years. Based on end-user, the commercial sector is a prominent user of IoT in elevators. This segment accounted for major market share in 2017 and is expected to hold its leading position over the forecast period. However, the market in the residential sector is projected to expand at a rapid pace in the near future.North America held a prominent share of the IoT in elevators market in 2017.The market in the region is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 15.3% during the forecast period. In 2017, the U.S. held a significant share in terms of revenue of the IoT in elevators market in North America, followed by Canada. However, the market in Asia Pacific and South America is anticipated to expand at a significant CAGR in the coming years.Global IoT in ElevatorsMarket: Competitive DynamicsThe research study includes profiles of leading companies operating in the global IoT in elevators market. Profiles of market players provide details on company business overview, broad financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments. Some of the key players in the IoT in elevators market profiled in the study are ThyssenKrupp AG, KONE Corporation, Otis Elevator Company, Schindler Group, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and Toshiba Elevators among others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insights for decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: B2B Legal Outsourcing Market Is Thriving Worldwide With leading vendors: - Clutch Group, American Discovery, Amstar Litigation Support, Cobra Legal Solutions, Infosys, Elevate Services, Thomson Reuters https://www.reportconsultant.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=5333 https://www.reportconsultant.com/request_sample.php?id=5333 https://www.reportconsultant.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=5333 www.reportconsultant.com The global B2B Legal Outsourcing Market analytical report has recently published by Report Consultant to its massive repository. The research report has been summarized with informative and technical details of the dynamics of the market. It has been compiled by using some significant research methodologies such as primary and secondary research techniques.The report also elaborates on the factors which are fueling or hampering the growth of the B2B Legal Outsourcing Market. It gives more focus on recent trends and technologies which are boosting the performance of the companies.Get up to 60% Discount on this report @:B2B Legal Outsourcing Market Top Leading Vendors :-Clutch Group, American Discovery, Amstar Litigation Support, Cobra Legal Solutions, Infosys, Integreon, QuisLex, Cogneesol, CPA Global, Unitedlex, Evalueserve, Elevate Services, Thomson ReutersMarket Segment by Type:-OffshoreOnshoreMarket segment by Application:-BusinessGovernmentThe research B2B Legal Outsourcing Market report tries to comprehend the ground-breaking strategies taken by merchants in the worldwide market to offer product separation through Porter's five forces analysis. It likewise calls attention to the courses in which these organizations can reinforce their stand in the market and increase their incomes in the coming years. Continuous technological headways and the steady penetration of Internet in the remote corners of the world are additionally in charge of the remarkable development of the Global B2B Legal Outsourcing Industry.Try a sample Copy of this Market report now! @The research report segments the Global B2B Legal Outsourcing Market based on its application classified into numerous applications which is highlighted in this report. On the basis of topography, the worldwide market is separated into North America, China, Europe, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. The research report witnesses that North America will be a key territorial market in the general market.Report Consultant is one of the expanding organizations whose capability is in making a far-reaching research and reports an organization wishes to have. It offers the most recent industry updates, market patterns, and research tools. At that point, it uses the reports they accumulate to design methodologies and answers for the organization. In addition to the fact that it is accessible in the realm of trade, yet it additionally works over several industry segments.See the complete table of contents and list of exhibits, as well as selected illustrations and example pages from this report @Table of Content:-Chapter 1 Global B2B Legal Outsourcing Market OverviewChapter 2 Market Data AnalysisChapter 3 Market Technical Data AnalysisChapter 4 Market Government Policy and NewsChapter 5 Market Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and ForecastChapter 6 Global Market Manufacturing Process and Cost StructureChapter 7 B2B Legal Outsourcing Market Key ManufacturersChapter 8 Up and Down Stream Industry AnalysisChapter 9 Marketing Strategy - Market y AnalysisChapter 10 Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter 11 Global B2B Legal Outsourcing Market New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisAbout us:Report Consultant is a prime destination for your business aptitude and analytical solutions because we provide qualitative and quantitative sources of information that are proficient to give one-stop solutions. We skillfully syndicate qualitative and quantitative research in exact proportions to have the best report, which not only gives the most recent insights but also assists you to grow.Contact us:Rebecca Parker(Report Consultant)Akasaka biz tower,5-3-1 akasaka minato-ku,Tokyo, JapanContact No: +81-368444299sales@reportconsultant.com Digital Signage Market Insights of Leading Key Players Cisco, Intel Corporation, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Panasonic, Samsung Electronics and Scala Digital Signage Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/392 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/392 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/digital-signage-market-report www.gminsights.com Digital Signage Market size is set to exceed USD 23 billion by 2023. Growing production and distribution of content through digital signage serves as an efficient marketing strategy for enterprises and is predicted to drive the digital signage market over the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the capability of the technology to deliver fast and inexpensive means for advertising in comparison to the print media.Request for Sample Copy of This Report @Outdoor digital displays segment of the digital signage market offer an accessible and a more appealing experience to users in comparison to conventional static signage. It supports the firm to function and use money effectively. Furthermore, it benefits the firms by helping them to target a specific audience and thereby, enhance user experience.Content management systems form an integral part of the digital signage market ecosystem and enables users to regulate the content on their displays. Content inventors are those marketing or advertising firms that develop contents such as texts, pictures, graphics, and videos to create an effect on the targeted audience.Companies Operating in the Digital Signage Market: - ADFLOW Networks BrightSign LLC Cisco Intel Corporation Keywest Technology, Inc LG Electronics Microsoft NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc. Omnivex Corporation Panasonic Polk Audio Samsung Electronics Scala Winmate Inc.Make an Inquiry for purchasing this Report @Increasing penetration of flip-chip technique is predicted to propel the digital signage market share. The implementation of the flip-chip ensures improved heat dissipation, minimized LED failure, and improved availability of light angles which result in a favorable digital signage market price trend. The lack of standardization, high initial cost, and awareness about the benefits of the technology may restrain the industry growth.LED based digital signage market share is anticipated to witness significant growth over the forecast timeline. The incorporation of LED backlit panels due to its energy saving features which diminishes the operational cost of an enterprise may provide opportunities to the industry.Healthcare applications are predicted to exhibit considerable growth prospects due to escalating adoption of the technology for numerous purposes such as display notices, delivering tips for improving patients health and sharing essential registration information. Retail dominated the digital signage market size with the revenue share of over 40% in 2015 owing to the rising adoption of the technology in the retail stores to boost customer experience. Furthermore, it aids in brand awareness, saves printing cost, and diminishes the operational costs.The U.S. digital signage market share is set to continue being the largest regional segment due to the presence of large number of suppliers of digital signage and services in the region. In addition, the rising technological advancements and urbanized infrastructure may drive the industry growth.Browse Complete Report Summary @Asia Pacific digital signage market is anticipated to witness significant growth at a CAGR of nearly 6% over the next seven years. This growth is attributed to the decreasing cost of the display panels accompanied with the rising funding on infrastructure development in the region.Companies operating in the industry include LG, Samsung, AUO, Cisco System Inc, Innolux, and Panasonic Corporation. Polk Audio, BrightSign LLC, and Scala Inc. Industry participants offer innovative solutions to help small or large businesses interact with their customers and develop creative marketing strategies.About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact UsArun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb: Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Global Market for 2018-2019 Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1958260 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1958260 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-market-for-contract-research-organization-cro-services-report.html/toc www.researchmoz.us Press Release 16 Jan 2019Research and Development News --. .Latest Update "Global Market for Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services" with Industries Survey | Global Current Growth and Future.' 'The CRO market continues to exhibit stellar growth, largely attributable to increased demand for services in clinical trials between Phases II and IV, which account for approximately REDACTED of total CROrevenue. All segments, including preclinical and post-approval, continue to grow solidly as well.Outlook for the industry remains extremely positive; with the proliferation of therapies for orphan drugs and precision-based medicines, clinical trials are becoming increasingly complex and are driving demand for sophisticated outsourcing partners with expertise in combination products, risk-based monitoring, disease registries, real world evidence and medical affairs. Expanding service offerings and capabilities remain a predominant strategy among CROs.. . Get Sample Report_' 'CROs obtain the lions share of their revenue from actual clinical trials, which accounted for nearly REDACTED in CRO revenue last year. Discovery, preclinical and central lab services all represent strong areas of growth despite accounting for a smaller share of revenue.The geographical distribution of clinical trials is slowly shifting from developed nations to emerging countries; rising costs of trials and difficulty in patient recruitment has led biopharma companies to shift toward regions such as Central and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America for quicker patient recruitment and cost savings. The greater disease variation among developing countries also helps create more diverse population samples, particularly for rare disease studies.. . For Other Requirement and Enquiry_' 'Based on indication, the oncology segment is the largest and one of the most rapidly growing within the CRO space, with nearly REDACTED spent in 2016 on preclinical and clinical oncology trials. Pain management remains one of the faster growing and more lucrative disease areas, with new treatments for chronic and acute pain and rising investigational studies for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) and analgesic molecules driving this segment.The dominant players in the industry are Quintiles IMS, Covance, PAREXEL, Charles River Labs and ICON. Mergers and acquisitions by these and other larger companies in this space continue at an unprecedented pace; high valuations along with the increasing need to become complete service providers are driving this trend.Key drivers impacting CRO market growth include globalization of clinical trials, development of new treatments such as personalized medicine, augmenting evolution of technology and greater penetration of CROs into the clinical trial process. The demand or biogenetics and particularly biosimilars will be a clear driver going forward.Current pharma R&D spending is being driven by precision-based medicines and immunotherapies for smaller populations, genetic therapies for oncology and rare disease treatment and generally more demanding and complex protocols for drug development.The clinical trial environment continues to be tied to exorbitant costs as complex therapies requiring larger and more diverse samples are extending the time required and geographies involved to conduct a typical study. In an effort to contain these costs and shorten development timelines, pharma and biopharma firms are increasingly outsourcing many services associated with the development of todays complex therapies to CROs.""Report ScopeThe Global CRO market is identified in this report along with all major global CRO companies. The total CRO market is broken out globally and by geographic region. Additionally, all major therapeutic areas covered by CROs in the clinical trial process are detailed. The service areas provided by CROs are extensively covered as well. The phases of the clinical trial process and the role provided by CROs are detailed in this report as well.This report provides detailed analysis of top CRO companies and their evolving role in the clinical trial process. Faced with rapid development of new therapies, Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly turning to CROs for their services. CROs expertise within specific therapeutic areas as well as their experience with new and adaptive study design protocols, can reduce costs and study duration. With typical clinical trials costing upwards of $2.5 billion and spanning over a decade from initial testing to Phase IV and post market approval, a thriving market exists to lower these costs and timelines. CROs are expected to continue to play an increasingly role in many facets of the clinical trial process. Oncology, neurology, cardiovascular, metabolism-diabetes, vaccines and other rapidly growing therapeutic areas that have a significant number of drugs in the clinical trial process are detailed in this report.Strong demand for CRO services is leading to heightened market valuations and correspondingly a plethora of blockbuster Merger and Acquisition deals are taking place. M&A activity has led to a few powerful companies with expertise across many areas of the clinical trial process, although many niche players are still playing a critical role. These emerging trends and changing dynamics within the CRO industry are analyzed in detail in this report.Report Includes:- 19 tables- An overview of the global market for contract research organization (CRO) services- Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2016, 2017, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022- Analyses of the CRO market by services, trial phases, and geographical region- Coverage of all major therapeutic areas covered by CROs in the clinical trial process and the types of services they provide- Examination of competitive landscape of the market, including mergers and acquisitions, and current pharma CRO contracts- Company profiles of key market players, including Charles River Laboratories, Icon Plc, Parexel, Pharmaceutical Product Development and Quintiles"Continue..... More Clear Details get Full Table of Contents_About Researchmoz,ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Corneal Surgery Devices Market 2019 Analysis - Research Covers Top 10 Players as Alcon Laboratories Inc., KeraMED, Abbott Medical Optics Inc., Bausch & Lomb, Inc., Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG Etc Corneal Surgery Devices Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/913 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/corneal-surgery-devices-market-913 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/913 The Worldwide Corneal Surgery Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during forecasted period 2018-2023. Corneal surgery is a surgical procedure where a damaged or infected cornea is treated by transplantation of corneal tissue. There are two major types of transplantation namely, penetrating keratoplasty and lamellar keratoplasty. An unhealthy or damaged cornea affects the vision by scattering or distorting light and causing glare and blurred vision. Corneal eye disease is the fourth most common cause of blindness after cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.Causes of damaged cornea include infections such as eye herpes or fungal keratitis, trichiasis, Fuchs' dystrophy, advanced keratoconus, complications from LASIK surgery, chemical burns of the cornea or damage from an eye injury, edema of the cornea, graft rejection following a previous corneal transplant and others.Get Exclusive Sample Copy atAccording to World Health Organization, in 2014, worldwide 285 million people estimated to be visually impaired in which 246 had low vision and 39 million were completely blind and 82% of people living with blindness are aged 50 and above. Increasing prevalence of ophthalmic diseases and increasing aging population is the major factor for the growth of the market.Moreover, continuous developments and high advancement in the corneal surgery devices, increasing incident of diabetes, and increasing number of corneal surgeries has provided fuel for the growth of the market. Whereas, high cost of treatment and risk of infection due to devices has hampered the growth of the market. The risk of infection is very high since the cornea has no blood vessels and it derives its nutrients from the aqueous humour. Thus, prophylaxis treatment is an important part of the treatment even if there is no infection.Cornea rejection, occurs in about 20% of cases. Graft failure can also occur at any time after the cornea has been transplanted, even years or decades later. These complications are the greatest barriers for the global corneal surgery market.Corneal Surgery Devices Market Regional Analysis:Global corneal surgery devices market is dominated by America due to increasing geriatric population and well developed healthcare sector. Additionally, the greater number of hospitalization procedures due to greater healthcare penetration in the U.S. and Canada drives the urethritis 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. The consolidation of large healthcare players in the U.S. also causes the growth in the market due to increase in buying power of the healthcare players which results in the economies of scale.Europe accounts for the second largest market which is followed by Asia Pacific. The growth of Europe market is majorly driven by the increasing number of ophthalmic clinics and other health care organization. Europe is the second largest market in the world due to growing healthcare 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.Asia Pacific has the fastest growing market due to the increasing number of patients suffering from visual impairment, and increasing demand for better treatment options. China and India are likely to lead this market due to fast growing healthcare sector and large unmet needs over the forecast period. South East Asian countries such as China, India, and Malaysia are projected to contribute highly to the market growth. The growing penetration of healthcare industry in the Asia Pacific region is expected to drive the future urethritis market in the region.Browse Complete 80 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with 68 Respective Tables and Figures atGulf 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.Key players for global corneal surgery devices market:Alcon Laboratories Inc. (Switzerland), KeraMED (Canada), Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (U.S.), Bausch & Lomb, Inc. (U.S.), Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Germany), Haag-Streit AG (Switzerland), Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG (Switzerland), Topcon Corporation (Japan), Essilor International S.A. (France), Johnson & Johnson Private Limited (U.S.), Nidek Co. Ltd. (Japan), Cooper Vision (U.S.).Corneal Surgery Devices Market Segmentation:Global Corneal Surgery Devices Market is segmented on the basis of devices types, into diagnostic devices, corneal surgery devices, vision care. Diagnostic devices are further segmented into fundus cameras, keratometers, corneal topographer, ophthalmic ultrasound imaging systems and other.On the basis of transplantation type, market is segmented into deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty, synthetic corneas, and other. Synthetic corneas are further segmented into boston keratoprosthesis, alphacor, osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis.On the basis of procedures, they are segmented into pre-operative examination, penetrating keratoplasty, and lamellar Keratoplasty. On the basis of end users, they are segmented into ophthalmic clinics, hospitals and other.Major TOC of Global Corneal Surgery Devices Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023:1 INTRODUCTION1.1 DEFINITION1.2 SCOPE OF STUDY1.2.1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE1.2.2 ASSUMPTIONS & LIMITATIONS1.2.2.1 ASSUMPTIONS1.2.2.2 LIMITATIONS1.3 MARKET STRUCTURE:2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY2.1 RESEARCH PROCESS:2.2 PRIMARY RESEARCH2.3 SECONDARY RESEARCH:3 MARKET DYNAMICS3.1 DRIVERS3.2 RESTRAINTS3.3 OPPORTUNITIES3.4 MACROECONOMIC INDICATORSTOC Continued.!Ask to Expertise @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Orphan Diseases Market 2019 Analysis - Research Covers Top 10 Players as Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Novartis AG, CELGENE CORPORATION, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pfizer Inc. Orphan Diseases Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2547 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/orphan-diseases-market-2547 Market Scenario:Global Orphan Diseases Market also known as rare disease is growing rapidly. It affects a very small percentage of the global population. Most of the orphan diseases are genetic and is remains throughout the life of the patient. There are no exact number of diseases available but approximately there are about 7000 different rare diseases and disorders throughout the globe. Global orphan diseases market is expected to grow at the average CAGR of 24.9% constantly throughout this period 2015-2022. It is also expected that this market which was US$ 121.6 billion in 2015 will grow to US$ 576.9 billion by 2022.However due to lack of awareness, correct diagnosis, correct treatments and availability of healthcare facilities are inhibiting the growth of the global orphan diseases market.Get Premium Sample copy @Key Players for Global Orphan diseases Market:Some of the key players in this market are: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (US), Novartis AG (Switzerland), CELGENE CORPORATION (US), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Pfizer Inc. (US), Alexion (US), Sanofi (French), Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (US), GlaxoSmithKline plc. (UK), Merck & Co., Inc (US), AbbVie Inc. (US)Segments:Global Orphan Diseases Market has been segmented on the basis of types of diseases which includes autoimmune disorders, genetic disorders, blood disorders, cancer, growth disorder, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, eye disorders and others. On the basis of treatment type it segmented into gene therapy, cell therapy, drug therapy and others. On the basis of end user the market is segmented into hospital and clinics, research laboratory and others.Regional Analysis of Global Orphan diseases Market:Considering the global scenario of this market, North American region is believed to be the largest market of the global orphan diseases market. Moreover the European market is also growing and is the second largest market for global orphan diseases. On the other hand, Asia-Pacifics orphan disease market is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecasted period. Rest of the World is likely to have a limited but steady growth with respect to this market.Table of Content1 Report Prologue2 Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 Limitations2.3 Market Structure3 Research Methodology3.1 Research Process3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size Estimation3.5 Forecast Model4 Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restraints4.3 Opportunities4.4 Mega Trends4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentContinued!Browse Full Reports @About US:Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Ultrasound Devices Market 2019 Analysis - Research Covers Top 10 Players as Siemens AG, General Electric Company, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Hitachi Ltd. Etc. Ultrasound Devices Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2789 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/ultrasound-devices-market-2789 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2789 Global Ultrasound Devices Market SegmentsGlobal ultrasound devices market has been segmented on the basis of applications, which comprises diagnostic and therapeutic. On the basis of clinical application; market is segmented into radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiac and others. On the basis of product; market is segmented into cart based and portable. On the basis of end user; market is segmented into hospitals/clinics and ambulatory.Global Ultrasound Devices Market - Key PlayersSome of the key players in this market are:Siemens AGKoninklijke Philips N.V.General Electric CompanySamsung Electronics Co. Ltd.,Hitachi Ltd.Toshiba CorporationShimadzu CorporationMindray Medical International Ltd.Analogic CorporationGet Sample Report @Global Ultrasound Devices Market OverviewUltrasound Devices uses Ultrasound Waves (high frequency sound waves from 20 kHz up to several gigahertz) for noninvasive imaging and therapeutic applications. The Global Ultrasound Devices Market is expected to reach around USD 10.37 billion by the end of the forecast period and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period.The Ultrasound Devices Market is primarily driven by product development especially technological advancements such as:Development of 3D & 4D imaging which provide detailed evaluation of fetal anatomy and morphology. These provide better visualization of fetal morphology not possible by 2D imaging thereby increasing the detection rate of fetal defects like cleft lip, heart defects etc. Moreover, 4D imaging allows live videos of the motion of the fetus allowing greater detection of abnormalities.Replacement of black and white monitors with color monitorsDoppler ultrasound allows estimation of blood flow through the blood vessels and helps diagnose many conditions, including blood clots and blocked blood vessels, valves defects and congenital heart disease etc.Development of portable ultrasound devices is also driving the market as the point of care applications of ultrasound such as ambulatory care is also growingOther market drivers include increase in prevalence of diseases such as cardiac diseases, cancer etc., growing demand for noninvasive therapies, and growing awareness for early disease detection.The advantages of ultrasound include real-time imaging, low costs and safety as it does not use harmful ionizing radiation etc. Different tissues reflect varying degrees of sound and these differences are recorded and displayed as an image. Therapeutic ultrasound devices use focused or unfocused ultrasound for stimulating, or removal of a tissue. Drawbacks of ultrasound include variability of results due to differing patient physique, difficulty imaging structures behind bone and air etc.Global Ultrasound Devices Market - Intended AudienceUltrasound Devices ManufacturersUltrasound Devices SuppliersPrivate Research LaboratoriesResearch and Development (R&D) CompaniesMarket Research and Consulting Service ProvidersGovernment Research LaboratoriesContract Manufacturing OrganizationsGlobal Ultrasound Devices Market - Regional AnalysisGlobally America is the largest market for ultrasound devices. Rapid uptake of technology and excellent reimbursements scenario in the U.S. are the two most important factors for the dominance of America. Europe is the second-largest market for ultrasound devices. Asia pacific region is expected to be fastest growing region in ultrasound devices market.The report for Global Ultrasoun/d Devices Market of Market Research Future comprises extensive primary research along with the detail analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides detail information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regions.Browse Complete 84 Pages Premium Research Report Enabled with Tables and Figures @The report for Global Ultrasound Devices Market of Market Research Future comprises extensive primary research along with the detail analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides detail information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regions.Major Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope of Study1.3 Research Objective1.4 Assumptions & Limitations1.5 Market Structure:2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Challenges3.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor AnalysisContinuedTo Know More Enquire @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 Future Growth of Building Thermal Insulation Market 2025 Global Analysis By Key Players - GAF Materials Corporation, Huntsman, Atlas Roofing Corporation, Dow Building Solutions, Owens Corning Corp., Saint-Gobain S.A https://www.statsandreports.com/request-sample/183379-global-building-thermal-insulation-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.statsandreports.com/report/183379-global-building-thermal-insulation-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.statsandreports.com/check-discount/183379-global-building-thermal-insulation-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.statsandreports.com/placeorder?report=183379-global-building-thermal-insulation-market-insights-forecast-to-2025 https://www.statsandreports.com This recently published report examines the global Building Thermal Insulation market for the projected period of 7-years, i.e. between 2018 and 2025. The report highlights the accomplishments and opportunities lies in the market throughout the forecasted period. The report offers the thorough information about the overview and the scope of the global Building Thermal Insulation market along with its drivers, restraints, and trends. It also classifies the market into different segments such as by type, by applications and by-product. In short, this report comprises of all the necessary details of the global Building Thermal Insulation markets such as value/volume data, marketing strategies, and expert views. The comprehensive information about distribution channels such as suppliers, dealers, wholesalers, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers have also given in this report.The report represents the statistical data in the form of tables, charts, and info-graphics to assess the market, its growth and development, and market trends of the global Building Thermal Insulation market during the projected period. Stats and Reports has used a framework of primary and secondary research to make this report a full-proof one.Ask for sample:Global Building Thermal Insulation market research report can be used by the following group of people:Distributors, dealers, suppliers, and manufacturersJournalists, school students, writers, universities, authors, and professorsMajor service providers, huge corporates and industriesExisting and current market players, private firms, event managers and annual product launchersRead detail report:This study categorizes the global Building Thermal Insulation breakdown data by manufacturers, region, type and application, also analyses the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.Global Building Thermal Insulation market size will increase to Million US$ by 2025, from Million US$ in 2017, at a CAGR of XX during the forecast period. In this study, 2017 has been considered as the base year and 2018 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for Building Thermal Insulation.Ask for the discount:The following manufacturers are covered in this report:1. GAF Materials Corporation2. Huntsman3. Atlas Roofing Corporation4. Dow Building Solutions5. Owens Corning Corp.6. Saint-Gobain S.A7. BASF Polyurethanes GmbH8. Guardian Building Products, Inc.9. Johns Manville Corporation10. Cellofoam North America, Inc.11. CertainTeed Corporation12. Roxul, Inc.13. Byucksan Corporation14. Kingspan Group PLCBuilding Thermal Insulation Breakdown Data by Type Glass Wool Mineral Wool EPS XPSBuilding Thermal Insulation Breakdown Data by Application Residential Commercial BuildingBuy this Report:The study objectives are: To analyze and research the global Building Thermal Insulation capacity, production, value, consumption, status and forecast; To focus on the key Building Thermal Insulation manufacturers and study the capacity, production, value, market share and development plans in next few years. To focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis. To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region. To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks. To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth. To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments. To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the market. To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.About UsStats and Reports is a global market research and consulting service provider specialized in offering wide range of business solutions to their clients including market research reports, primary and secondary research, demand forecasting services, focus group analysis and other services. We understand that how data is important in today's competitive environment and thus, we have collaborated with industry's leading research providers who works continuously to meet the ever-growing demand for market research reports throughout the year.Contact:Stats and ReportsSatish K. (Global Sales Manager)Mangalam Chamber, Office No - 16, Paud RoadSankalp Society, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038Phone: +1 650-646-3808Email: sales@statsandreports.comWeb: Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Proficient Insights 2022 Dominated By Key Players: L'Oreal, Estee Lauder, ESSE ORGANIC SKINCARE, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Unilever, AOBiome, Aurelia Skincare, BeBe & Bella, The Clorox Company Probiotic Cosmetic Products https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/sample/98822 https://www.worldwidemarketreports.com/quiry/98822 www.coherentwire.com Worldwide Market Reports has announced the addition of the Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Research Report 2017, The report classifies the global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market in a precise manner to offer detailed insights about the aspects responsible for augmenting as well as restraining market growth.Top Key Players mentioned in our report: Estee Lauder, ESSE ORGANIC SKINCARE, L'OREAL, Procter & Gamble (P&G), Unilever, AOBiome, Aurelia Skincare, BeBe & Bella, The Clorox Company, EMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE, NUDE brands, Onesta Hair Care, Rodial, TULA Life, THE BODY DERequest & Get a Sample Copy:On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMoisturizerCleanerOtherBy Application, the market can be split intoAcneAppearance Of WrinklesWhiteningOtherScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Probiotic Cosmetic Products in Global market, especially in coversNorth AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaReport Answers Subsequent Questions:Which are most dynamic companies with portfolios and recent development within Probiotic Cosmetic Products industry till 2022?What are the important R&D factors and data insights to responsible for growing market share?What are future investment opportunities in the in Probiotic Cosmetic Products landscape analysing price trends?What are key factors that will influence growth, including future revenue projections?What are market opportunities and potential risks associated with Probiotic Cosmetic Products by analyzing trends?How is the market projected to grow in the upcoming years?Else place an Inquire before Purchase Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Research Report 2017":Table of Content HighpointsGlobal Probiotic Cosmetic Productss Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Probiotic Cosmetic Products1.2 Probiotic Cosmetic Products Segment by Type (Product Category)1.3 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Segment by Application1.4 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market by Region (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Probiotic Cosmetic Products (2012-2022)2 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)5 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Analysis by Application7 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Probiotic Cosmetic Products Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Probiotic Cosmetic Products Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 AppendixAbout Us:Worldwide Market Reports is your one-stop repository of detailed and in-depth market research reports compiled by an extensive list of publishers from across the globe. We offer reports across virtually all domains and an exhaustive list of sub-domains under the sun. The in-depth market analysis by some of the most vastly experienced analysts provide our diverse range of clients from across all industries with vital decision making insights to plan and align their market strategies in line with current market trends. Worldwide Market Researchs well-researched inputs that encompass domains ranging from IT to healthcare enable our prized clients to capitalize upon key growth opportunities and shield against credible threats prevalent in the market in the current scenario and those expected in the near future.Contact :Mr. ShahWorldwide Market ReportsTel: +1 415 871 0703Email: sales@worldwidemarketreports.comVisit our news Website: Global Bladder Cancer Market Research and Forecast 2018-2023 Global Bladder Cancer Market https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/bladder-cancer-market/ https://www.omrglobal.com/reports-category/healthcare/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/omr-global-research/ www.omrglobal.com Global bladder cancer market size, share, market trends, research and analysis report by diagnosis (cystoscopy, biopsy, urinalysis, urine cytology, intravenous pyelogram) by therapy (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery) forecast 2018-2023Orion Market Research (OMR) recently published a market research report on global bladder cancer. It is estimated that the market is augmenting with a notable growth rate during the forecast period 2018-2023. The market is augmenting due to increasing incidence of bladder cancer globally and high prevalence of bladder cancer in the geriatric population. The geriatric population is also growing significantly globally. The global bladder cancer is segmented on the basis of cancer type, therapy and by diagnosis method. The report provides detailed and insightful chapters which include market overview, key findings, strategic recommendations, market estimations, market determinants, key company analysis, competitive landscape, company profiling, market segmentation, geographical analysis, and analyst insights of the market.Full report of global bladder cancer market is available atA bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ of the urinary system. Its cancer is a tumor which starts in the cells of the bladder. Generally, bladder cancer starts in cells of the urothelium. When the cancer is only in the urothelium, it is called non-invasive bladder cancer. When cancer spreads into the connective tissue or muscle in the wall of the bladder, it is known as invasive bladder cancer. As per the American Medical Association, the total incident cases of the bladder cancer in 2015 were more than 540,000 with a growth of 31% as compared to 2005 globally. Out of this, total mortality registered due to bladder cancer is 188,000 globally. Bladder cancer is the ninth leading cause of mortality due to different types of cancer globally in 2015. It is the 5th leading cause of death in Italy, Spain, and Poland due to different types of cancer. It occurs mainly in older people. About 90% of people with this cancer are over the age of 55. The average age at the time of diagnosis is 73 in the US.Large geriatric population is another major factor in augmenting the bladder cancer cases and their overall market globally. Factor for the high prevalence of bladder cancer to an elderly person is the prolonged exposure to hazards over the course of one's lifetime. The consumption of cigarette, aromatic amines, and others harmful substances results into body inability to clear toxins secondary to organ system deterioration. Additionally, a decline in bladder function is believed to increase the exposure time of urine carcinogens to the bladder urothelium. Additionally, due to continuous medical advancements, older adults are surviving longer than before with cancer. Alone in the US, about 6.5 million cancer survivors have aged more than 65 years. Approximately 43% of these patients surviving over 10 years and 17% surviving over 20 years from their initial cancer diagnosis.As per WHO between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will double from about 11% to 22%. The people aged over 60 years is expected to increase from 605 million to 2 billion by 2050. According to United Nations over the next 15 years, the number of older persons is expected to grow fastest in the Caribbean and Latin America with a projected 71% increase in the population aged 60 years or over, followed by Asia with 66%, Africa 64 %, Oceania 47%, Northern America 41% and Europe 23%. Hence, it is predicted that the disease will become an enormous challenge for the society and the government. Therefore, a significant investment in diagnosis and treatment can be expected in the forecast period regarding bladder cancer market.The report covers:Comprehensive research methodology of Global Bladder Cancer Market.This report also includes detailed and extensive market overview with key analyst insights.Exhaustive analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations.Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the Global Bladder Cancer Market.Insights about market determinants which are stimulating the Global Bladder Cancer Market.Detailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenues.Extensive profiles and recent developments of market players.For related reports please visitFor more update follow LinkedInAbout Orion Market ResearchOrion Market Research (OMR) a research company known for its crisp and concise reports. The company is equipped with an experienced team and young brigade of analysts. The company aims to provide business insights for decision making to the global clients and offers quality syndicated research reports, customized research reports, Company profiling, consulting and other research-based services. OMR provide global and regional market reports of various domains such as healthcare, energy, IT, chemicals, and automobiles. OMR provide a 360-degree view of the market with parametric analysis, key market insights, key findings, statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, extensive segmentation, key trends, strategic recommendations and detailed company profiles.Contact usOrion Market Research Pvt. Ltd.Anurag TiwariEmail: info@omrglobal.com, support@omrglobal.comIndia: +91-780-304-0404, +91-917-982-8694Global:+1-646-755-7667Indore-India-452010Web: Peripheral Artery Disease Market 2019 Analysis - Research Covers Top 10 Players asBoston Scientific Corporation, KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V, Abbott, Medtronic, B. Braun Melsungen AG, TERUMO CORPORATION Peripheral Artery Disease Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1540 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/peripheral-artery-disease-market-1540 MRFR is the Leading Brand in The Research Company who Recently Published Peripheral Artery Disease Market Research Reports which includes Study of growth, Regional Analysis, Top Industry Players Formation, Major Drivers, Upcoming Trends and Forecast to 2023.Get Sample Copy @Industry Leading PlayersBoston Scientific Corporation, KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V, Abbott, Medtronic, B. Braun Melsungen AG, TERUMO CORPORATION, Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), Sanofi S.A., Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., AstraZeneca Plc., Angioscore, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Betagenon AB, Proteon Therapeutics, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Symic Bio, Inc., CardioVascular BioTherapeutics, Inc., AnGes, Inc., TheraVasc Inc., Smith & Nephew plc, Stryker Corporation, Cook Medical, Cordis, Aspen Surgical Products, Inc., Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc., and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the peripheral artery disease market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis.Peripheral Artery Disease Market - OverviewThe peripheral artery disease market is growing mainly due to rising prevalence of arterial diseases. According to a recent study report published by the Market Research Future, the peripheral artery disease market is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is forecast 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).Peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral vascular diseases or peripheral Occlusive diseases, is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries due to deposition of plaque or cholesterol on the walls of artery. The most common symptoms of the disease includes painful cramping in hip, thigh or calf muscles, coldness in lower leg or foot, Hair loss or slower hair growth, no pulse or a weak pulse in legs or feet, sores on toes, feet or legs, and erectile dysfunction in men. Peripheral artery disease is mostly caused by atherosclerosis in the peripheral arteries. In atherosclerosis, plaque becomes brittle, and triggers clot formation which further narrow the artery, or completely block it.Notably, rising research and development expenditure is the primary driver for peripheral artery disease market. In the year of 2016, the R&D expenditure in the Pharmaceutical Industry was EUR 35000 million, suggested by European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the per capita national health expenditures in 2015 was amounted to be USD 9,990 and total national health expenditure was USD 3.2 trillion. It is also reported that out of total national health expenditures in the US, prescription drugs 10.1% share.Other push factors such as, rising prevalence of arterial diseases, and related complications, increasing awareness among the people, changing reimbursement policies, and growing geriatric population are also fuelling the growth of the market. As per the Pacific Bridge Medical, the government of China partially reimburses the cost of many drugs, provided the drug is in the list of Chinas National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) which was first published in 2000. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), in 2016 the generics market of India stood at USD 26.1 billion.Despite these drivers, presence of misbranded and spurious drugs, risk of infections, and side effects associated with treatment options are expected to hinder the growth of the market.Peripheral Artery Disease Market - Competitive AnalysisThe peripheral artery disease market is currently dominated by various players. Due to rising research and development expenditure various existing and new marketers are continuously coming up with advanced drugs to control this condition. The global peripheral artery disease market is currently dominated by numerous players.Abbott is one of them by holding a strong share in the market. The company is a global leader that develops and manufactures pharmaceuticals and medical products. In 2017, the company entered into an agreement with Roxwood Medical for U.S. product distribution, and completed the acquisition of St. Jude Medical. In the year 2014, Abbott acquired Topera, Inc., a private, venture-backed medical device company to expand the catheter business. The significant strategies adopted by company is to merge with other market players to expand their portfolio in different business sectors, and to receive product clearance approval from government bodies.Medtronic is another renowned market player in peripheral artery disease market. Medtronic is one of the world's largest standalone medical equipment development company. The company offers a distinct portfolio of products such as Euphora Semicompliant Balloon Dilatation Catheter, NC Euphora Noncompliant Balloon Dilatation Catheter, NC Sprinter RX/ OTW Noncompliant Balloon Dilatation Catheter, and others.Access Report Details @Table of Contents1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Scope Of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations1.2.2.1 Assumptions1.2.2.2 Limitations1.3 Market Structure:2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Process:2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research:3 Market Dynamics3.1 Drivers3.2 Restraints3.3 Opportunities3.4 Macroeconomic Indicators4 Market Factor Analysis4.1 Porters Five Forces Model4.2 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers4.3 Bargaining Power Of Buyers4.4 Threat Of New Entrants4.5 Threat Of Substitutes4.6 Intensity Of RivalryAbout 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 Emerging Trends: LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market By Key Players: Cree, Samsung, GE 2019-2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=2010802&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-led-and-oled-displays-and-lighting-products-market-insights-forecast-to-2025.htm http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products to its huge collection of research reports.The light-emitting diode (LED) is one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. LEDs are smaller and have a comparatively long operating life along with lower cost of ownership compared to conventional lighting technologies. The prices of LED lighting products are reducing continuously and these lighting products are becoming the economic choice in both indoor and outdoor applications. LED displaysare atype of flat panel displays, which utilise an array oflight-emitting diodesaspixelsfor image and videodisplay.The LED bulbs sub-segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at US$ 193.9 Mn in 2017.The LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products market was valued at xx Million US$ in 2018 and is projected to reach xx Million US$ by 2025, at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period. In this study, 2018 has been considered as the base year and 2019 to 2025 as the forecast period to estimate the market size for LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products.This report presents the worldwide LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products market size (value, production and consumption), splits the breakdown (data status 2014-2019 and forecast to 2025), by manufacturers, region, type and application.For more info, get sample report for FREE here:This study also analyzes the market status, market share, growth rate, future trends, market drivers, opportunities and challenges, risks and entry barriers, sales channels, distributors and Porter's Five Forces Analysis.The following manufacturers are covered in this report:CreeSamsungGESharpOSRAMDaktronicsEatonLG DisplayBarcoLucecoLED LightingEagle LightingThe study objectives are:To analyze and research the global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products status and future forecastinvolving, production, revenue, consumption, historical and forecast.To present the key LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products manufacturers, production, revenue, market share, and recent development.To split the breakdown data by regions, type, manufacturers and applications.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends, drivers, influence factors in global and regions.To analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the market.Browse Complete Research Report at:Table of Contents1 Study Coverage1.1 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Product1.2 Key Market Segments in This Study1.3 Key Manufacturers Covered1.4 Market by Type1.4.1 Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market Size Growth Rate by Type1.4.2 Mobile Displays1.4.3 Consumer TV Displays1.4.4 Outdoor LED Displays1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market Size Growth Rate by Application1.5.2 Smartphone1.5.3 Television1.5.4 Tablet1.5.5 Smartwatch1.5.6 Others2 Executive Summary2.1 Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market Size2.1.1 Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Revenue 2014-20252.1.2 Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Production 2014-20252.2 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Growth Rate (CAGR) 2019-20252.3 Analysis of Competitive Landscape2.3.1 Manufacturers Market Concentration Ratio (CR5 and HHI)2.3.2 Key LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Manufacturers2.3.2.1 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Manufacturing Base Distribution, Headquarters2.3.2.2 Manufacturers LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Product Offered2.3.2.3 Date of Manufacturers Enter into LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market2.4 Key Trends for LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Markets & Products3 Market Size by Manufacturers3.1 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Production by Manufacturers3.1.1 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Production by Manufacturers3.1.2 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Production Market Share by Manufacturers3.2 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Revenue by Manufacturers3.2.1 LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Revenue by Manufacturers (2014-2019)...List of Tables and FiguresFigure LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Product PictureTable LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Key Market Segments in This StudyTable Key Manufacturers LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Covered in This StudyTable Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market Size Growth Rate by Type 2019-2025 (K Units) & (Million US$)Figure Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Production Market Share 2014-2025Figure Mobile Displays Product PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Mobile DisplaysFigure Consumer TV Displays Product PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Consumer TV DisplaysFigure Outdoor LED Displays Product PictureTable Major Manufacturers of Outdoor LED DisplaysTable Global LED & OLED Displays and Lighting Products Market Size Growth Rate by Application 2019-2025 (K Units)Figure SmartphoneFigure TelevisionFigure TabletFigure SmartwatchFigure Others...About Us: QYResearchReports delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com Immuno-oncology Drugs Market Growing at 14.2% CAGR to Hit USD 109.2 billion by 2023|Top Most Players Like Amgen, Inc, AstraZeneca, Plc, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene Corporation, Eli Lilly and Company and Merck & Co. Immuno-oncology Drugs Market https://www.orianresearch.com/request-sample/665469 https://www.orianresearch.com/enquiry-before-buying/665469 https://www.orianresearch.com/checkout/665469 www.orianresearch.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company-beta/13281002/ Immuno-oncology Drugs Market 2019 Industry research report is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 14.2% over the next five years, will reach 109200 million US$ in 2023, from 49200 million US$ in 2017, according to a new research studyFor Sample Copy of this Report atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Immuno-oncology Drugs in global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Immuno-oncology Drugs Industry 2019 Market Research Report is spread across 152 pages and provides exclusive vital statistics, data, information, trends and competitive landscape details in this niche sector.Inquire more or share questions if any before the purchase on reportReport Covers Market Segment by Manufacturers: Amgen, Inc AstraZeneca, Plc Bristol-Myers Squibb Celgene Corporation Eli Lilly and CompanyMarket Segment by Type, covers: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Monoclonal Antibodies Cytokine-Based Immunotherapy Cancer Vaccines CAR-T Cell TherapyMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Hospitals Pharmacies Online PharmaciesOrder Copy of this Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Immuno-oncology Drugs market.Chapter 1: Describe Immuno-oncology Drugs Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, and market driving force.Chapter 2: Analyze the top manufacturers of Immuno-oncology Drugs, with sales, revenue, and price of Immuno-oncology Drugs, in 2015 and 2017.Chapter 3: Display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2015 and 2017.Chapter 4: Show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Immuno-oncology Drugs, for each region, from 2011 to 2017.Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9: Analyze and talked about the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions.Chapter 10 and 11: Show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2017.Chapter 12: In Chapter Eleven Immuno-oncology Drugs market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022.Chapter 13, 14 and 15: Describe Immuno-oncology Drugs sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.About UsOrian Research is one of the most comprehensive collections of market intelligence reports on the World Wide Web. Our reports repository boasts of over 500000+ industry and country research reports from over 100 top publishers. We continuously update our repository so as to provide our clients easy access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, and products. We also specialize in custom research in situations where our syndicate research offerings do not meet the specific requirements of our esteemed clients.Ruwin MendezVice President Global Sales & Partner RelationsOrian Research ConsultantsUS: +1 (415) 830-3727 | UK: +44 020 8144-71-27Email: info@orianresearch.comWebsite:Follow Us on LinkedIn: Mobile CRM 2019 Global Industry Key Players Salesforce.com , Zoho , IBM , Microsoft Market Analysis And Forecast To 2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3652816-global-mobile-crm-market-size-status-and-forecast-2019-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3652816-global-mobile-crm-market-size-status-and-forecast-2019-2025 Global Mobile CRM MarketA mobile customer relationship management is an application that enables to keep track of customer relationship management activities via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The idea behind mobile CRM is to gather all data regarding clients on mobile using CRM apps within the organization to give an integrated and complete view of each customer. It offers better customer service as it satisfies and anticipates customer due to complete and up-to-date customer database on mobile. The benefit of mobile CRM is it helps in increasing work capacity as its strategy optimizes all the process related to customer relationship management. Mobile CRM aids in improving overall sales performance and growth in productivity due to social and mobile enabled CRM.North America and Europe are expected to dominate the mobile CRM market in the forecast period due to increase in usage of mobile services or platform for employees and clients in business. Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa are expected to be the emerging regions to contribute for maximum growth during the forecast period.In 2018, the global Mobile CRM 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 2019-2025.Request a Sample Report @The key players covered in this studySalesforce.comZohoIBMMicrosoftOracleSAP SESybaseKony SolutionsResco.netSoftware AGRepsly, IncThis report focuses on the global Mobile CRM status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players. The study objectives are to present the Mobile CRM development in United States, Europe and China.Market segment by Type, the product can be split intoOn-premiseCloudMarket segment by Application, split intoBFSIGovernmentRetailHealthcareManufacturingOtherMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaCentral & South AmericaThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze global Mobile CRM status, future forecast, growth opportunity, key market and key players.To present the Mobile CRM development in United States, Europe and China.To strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their development plan and strategies.To define, describe and forecast the market by product type, market and key regions.Table of Contents-Key Points Covered1 Report Overview1.1 Study Scope1.2 Key Market Segments1.3 Players Covered1.4 Market Analysis by Type1.4.1 Global Mobile CRM Market Size Growth Rate by Type (2014-2025)1.4.2 On-premise1.4.3 Cloud1.5 Market by Application1.5.1 Global Mobile CRM Market Share by Application (2014-2025)1.5.2 BFSI1.5.3 Government1.5.4 Retail1.5.5 Healthcare1.5.6 Manufacturing1.5.7 Other1.6 Study Objectives1.7 Years Considered12 International Players Profiles12.1 Salesforce.com12.1.1 Salesforce.com Company Details12.1.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.1.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.1.4 Salesforce.com Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.1.5 Salesforce.com Recent Development12.2 Zoho12.2.1 Zoho Company Details12.2.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.2.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.2.4 Zoho Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.2.5 Zoho Recent Development12.3 IBM12.3.1 IBM Company Details12.3.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.3.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.3.4 IBM Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.3.5 IBM Recent Development12.4 Microsoft12.4.1 Microsoft Company Details12.4.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.4.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.4.4 Microsoft Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.4.5 Microsoft Recent Development12.5 Oracle12.5.1 Oracle Company Details12.5.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.5.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.5.4 Oracle Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.5.5 Oracle Recent Development12.6 SAP SE12.6.1 SAP SE Company Details12.6.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.6.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.6.4 SAP SE Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.6.5 SAP SE Recent Development12.7 Sybase12.7.1 Sybase Company Details12.7.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.7.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.7.4 Sybase Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.7.5 Sybase Recent Development12.8 Kony Solutions12.8.1 Kony Solutions Company Details12.8.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.8.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.8.4 Kony Solutions Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.8.5 Kony Solutions Recent Development12.9 Resco.net12.9.1 Resco.net Company Details12.9.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.9.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.9.4 Resco.net Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.9.5 Resco.net Recent Development12.10 Software AG12.10.1 Software AG Company Details12.10.2 Company Description and Business Overview12.10.3 Mobile CRM Introduction12.10.4 Software AG Revenue in Mobile CRM Business (2014-2019)12.10.5 Software AG Recent Development12.11 Repsly, IncContinued..Enquiry For Buying Report@Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Office No. 528/524, Amanora Chambers, Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411028 Water Softener Market Trend 2024 By Regional Manufacturers EcoWater Systems LLC, Culligan International, Kinetico Incorporated, Pentair, Morton Salt, Whirlpool Corporation, 3M Water Softener Market https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2887 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2887 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/water-softener-market www.gminsights.com/ According to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Water Softener Market is set to surpass USD 10 billion by 2024. Global water softener market share is competitive and moderately consolidated with key industry precipitants includes, Culligan International Company, General Electric Company, Pentair, Whirlpool, Honeywell International and 3M.Increasing consumption of soft water has encouraged sellers to invest intensely in R&D for the product. Companies are spending more on product design, increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.Request for a Sample copy of this Report @UK salt-based water softener market size in 900,000 grain from hotel/restaurants is likely to surpass USD 3 million due to its usage in removing lime scale on toilets, tile and faucets. It eliminates scale causing minerals in water, subsequently resulting in cleaner fittings and tiles, which may propel product demand.- Water Softener Market, By Product Salt Based Salt Free- Water Softener Industry, By Application Residentialo Single Familyo Multi Family Commercialo Office Buildingso Hotel/Restaurantso Laundrieso Hospital & Healthcareo Others Industrialo Food Processing unito Textileo Chemicalo Oil & Gaso Refinerieso OthersMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Intensifying demand for soft water owing to growing industrialization and urbanization may expand water softener market growth by 2024. Growing penetration of multinational brands along with its features including high effectiveness in decreasing formation of scale in boilers, pipes and tanks are likely to further propel product demand. This equipment improves product lifespan of water using appliances by removing salts and minerals, which can damage product quality. Growing customer spending on water treatment equipment supported by increasing contamination issues will propel product demand.Supporting government regulation in Europe and Asia pacific reinforced by R&D activities on water softener manufacturing will promote product demand. Additionally, rising industrial sector and manufacturing industries may fuel water softener demand owing to application of soft water in steam generation, product manufacturing and cleaning.Global salt free water softener market is anticipated to exceed USD 2 billion in projected timeline owing to its extensive consumption in the U.S. There is no electrical valve required in salt-free softener as system operates as a conditioner and do not captures anything, thus eliminating need to purge minerals. Soft water from this system results in less soap consumption and brighter laundry, which is anticipated to stimulate product demand.Browse Complete Report Summary @China water softener demand in 1200,000 grain from laundries units is projected to witness gains of up to 7%. Fabric quality is adversely affected along with high amount of detergent is required when hard water is used thus, softener is needed for both cleaning and washing applications. Softening equipment is used in this industry to maintain quality, easy cleaning of fabrics and also reduces the amount of detergent required, which may boost market growth.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: In-Vitro Diagnostics Market Shows Progressive Expansion at 6.5% CAGR till 2023 | by Accelerate Diagnostics, Hycor Biomedical, Diagnostic Biosystems, Eurogentec, Orgentec Diagnostics, Immunarray PVT. LTD, etc In-Vitro Diagnostics Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1165 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/in-vitro-diagnostics-market-1165 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1165 In-Vitro Diagnostics Market report explores Scope of the Study as Research Objective, Assumptions and Limitations in-depth. The report gives Market Dynamics by Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Challenges, Macroeconomic Indicators and Technology Trends & Assessment.The in-vitro diagnostics products include reagents, instruments and any other system or equipment that is required to carry out the diagnostics procedure. The rapid increase in chronic and infectious diseases and rise in geriatric population are some of the major factors that are inducing high demand for in-vitro diagnostics in the global market, which in turn is propelling the growth of the global in-vitro diagnostics market.To Get PDF Sample Copy of Report VisitIncorporation of advanced technology for diagnostic purposes has fastened the process altogether leading to the significant growth of the global in-vitro diagnostics market. However, strict regulatory framework imposed by the government on the manufacturing of IVD products and lack of reimbursement policies are likely to create hindrance in the growth of the global in-vitro diagnostics market during the forecast period.In-Vitro Diagnostics Industry Updates:In September 2018, OptraSCAN, a leading end-to-end digital pathology solution provider, has announced that its whole-slide scanners have received CE Mark approval for in-vitro diagnostics use.The market is immensely growing due to the increasing demand for advanced diagnostic techniques. Additional factors that influence the market growth are increasing technological advancement in healthcare that supports the desired results, further increasing the market growth.Moreover, the government funding to encourage the adoption of in-vitro diagnostic are pervasively fostering the market growth. On the other hand, factors such as the lack of proper reimbursement policies in the developing countries and strict FDA regulations are obstructing the market growth.Regional Analysis for Global In-Vitro Diagnostics MarketThe global in-vitro diagnostics market is geographically segmented into Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. The Americas dominate the global in-vitro diagnostics market owing to the increased healthcare expenditure by the population of this region and increasing penetration of advanced technology in the healthcare sector of this region. The Europe region constitutes of second largest share in the global in-vitro diagnostics market owing to the easy adoption of advanced technology and high prevalence of chronic diseases among the population of this region. The Asia Pacific region is projecting noteworthy growth in the global in-vitro diagnostics market owing to the rapid development of the healthcare sector and increasing number of private diagnostic centers in this region. Whereas, low penetration of advanced technology in the healthcare sector of the underdeveloped areas of the Middle East and Africa region is creating hindrance in the growth of the global in-vitro diagnostics market in this region.Key Players for Global In-Vitro Diagnostics MarketThe prominent players profiled by MRFR in the report on the global in-vitro diagnostics market are Abbott (the U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), Biomerieux (France), Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (the U.S.), Johnson & Johnson (the U.S.), Siemens Healthcare GmbH (Germany), Sysmex (Japan), Becton Dickinson (the U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (the U.S.), Accelerate Diagnostics (the U.S.), Hycor Biomedical (the U.S.), Diagnostic Biosystems (the U.S.), Eurogentec (Belgium), Orgentec Diagnostics (US), Immunarray PVT. LTD (the U.S.), Werfen Group (Spain), Danaher Corporation (the U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories INC (the U.S.), Stago Diagnostica (France), Alere Inc (the U.S.) and others.Segmentations for Global In-Vitro Diagnostics MarketThe global in-vitro diagnostics market has been segmented on the basis of techniques, application and end users. Based on techniques, the in-vitro diagnostics market has been segmented into Immunodiagnostics, blood testing, molecular diagnostics, tissue diagnostics and clinical chemistry. The immunodiagnostic segment is sub-segmented into enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIAS), fluorescence immunoassays (FIAS), colorimetric immunoassays (CIC), and radioimmunoassay (RIA) and other immune assay techniques.To Browse Complete Report visitBased on applications, the in-vitro diagnostics market has been segmented into infectious diseases, cancer, cardiac diseases, and immune systems disorders, nephrological diseases, gastrointestinal diseases. The infectious diseases segment is sub-segmented into acinetobacter infections, actinomycosis, hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E) and others. The cancer segment is sub-segmented into skin, lung, brain and others. The cardiac diseases segment is sub-segmented into heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, congenital heart disease and others.Based on end users, the in-vitro diagnostics market has been segmented into laboratories, academics and medical institutions and others.Some Brief Table of Contents of ReportChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of SuppliersTOC ContinuedTo Get an Exclusive Discount on Report VisitAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureHadapsar, Pune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Menstrual Cup Market Expected to Touch $1515.01 Million up to 2023 - Ruby Life Ltd., LadyCup, FemCap Inc., Me Luna, The Keeper Inc., Irisana S.A., and Lunette, etc Menstrual Cup Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1407 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/menstrual-cup-market-1407 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/1407 The report for Menstrual Cup Market is Exclusory Available at MarketResearchFuture.com with Latest Advancement. Report covered the detailed Information in a segregated way like Segmentation with sub segments, Growth Overview, Mega Trends, Key Companies Profiles and major Drivers. Outlet till 2023Industry NewsLoon Labs has created reusable cups which tracks the color and volume of the menstrual fluid. It is the worlds first Bluetooth connected menstrual cup which offers women with analytics and tools to monitor their bodies by using metrics.To Get Sample Report visitThe market is segmented on the basis of type, product, and distribution channel.By mode of product, the market is segmented into disposable menstrual cup and reusable menstrual cup. Reusable menstrual cup is presumed to dominate the market during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the reusability cycle of these cups which ranges from 1 to 5 years. Moreover, these products are cost-effective and eco-friendly which makes them highly demanding.By mode of type, the market is segmented into pointy, hollow, flat, and round. Among these, the round menstrual cups account for 43 % of the market share due to the flexible design of such products.By mode of distribution channel, the market is segmented into retail outlets, online stores, and others. Among these, online store channels account for 62 % of the market share due to penetration of e-commerce stores.Drivers and Restraints Impacting the MarketMenstrual cup possesses a lifespan ranging from 1-10 years and is one of the most affordable solutions for female hygiene. They are reusable, thus making their demand high. With the growing awareness regarding menstrual cups among the female population, availability of a variety of cups with different sizes, and increasing campaigns conducted by the educational institutes, manufacturers, and the women community are considered some of the major factors propelling the market growth. Government is taking initiatives to educate women about hygiene. Also, the guidelines to use the cup is triggering the product demand in the global market. For example, in 2015, South Africa launched Serithi Campaign which aimed to address the issues faced by young girls the during menstrual cycle.On the flip side, conservative societies have a low-level acceptance of such products which is expected to retard the market growth in the coming years. Also, tough competition faced from other menstrual product manufacturers can inhibit the market growth.Key Players for Global Menstrual Cup MarketAs the market continues to propel, it is becoming highly fragmented with the presence of local vendors and established players. The major players operating the global market are Diva International Inc., Vcup, Anigan, Ruby Life Ltd., LadyCup, FemCap Inc., Me Luna, The Keeper Inc., Irisana S.A., and LunetteRegional Analysis for Global Menstrual Cup MarketAmerica is presumed to lead the global menstrual cup market during the assessment period. Programs conducted by the government to create awareness among the consumers is likely to propel the market growth. Also, with the presence of major manufacturers such as LENA Cup and Diva International are likely to propel the market growth.European is predicted to lead the global market owing to the presence of established players. Also, with the increasing health care cost, the demand for menstrual cup is estimated to trigger in this region.Asia Pacific is presumed to be the third largest market and registers a steady growth in the healthcare sector. The major contributors are Japan, India, China, the Republic of Korea, and Australia. The market is likely to expand owing to the several awareness programs conducted by the organizations and the government in this region.To Browse Complete Report visitSome Brief Table of Contents of ReportChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 Opportunities4.4 Challenges4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators4.6 Technology Trends & AssessmentChapter 5. Market Factor Analysis5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of SuppliersTOC ContinuedDo You Have Specific Requirement? Ask To Our ExpertsAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureHadapsar, Pune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com APAC Identity & Access Management Market to reach $3 bn by 2024: Oracle, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Infosys, HCL Technologies and SailPoint Technologies Asia Pacific Identity and Access Management (IAM) Market https://www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1131/sample https://www.graphicalresearch.com/industry-insights/1131/apac-identity-and-access-management-market https://www.graphicalresearch.com/request/1131/inquiry-before-buying https://www.graphicalresearch.com/ According to a new report presented by Graphical Research, titled, Asia Pacific Identity and Access Management (IAM) Market Size By Solution (Provisioning, Password Management, Directory Services, Advanced Authentication, Single Sign-on, Audit, Compliance and Governance), By Deployment Model (On-premise, Cloud), By Application (BFSI, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, Education, Public Sector and Utilities, Manufacturing, Retail), predicted to cross USD 3 Billion By 2024.The rising number of data breaches witnessed by organizations is a major factor responsible for the rapid adoption of IAM solutions. Countries including India and China are the key centers of data breaches with around 39 million data records being stolen in India since 2013 and 35 million in China. Hence, enterprises residing in this region are more focused on improving their digital relationship by connecting trusted employees and users to trusted applications, thereby preventing fraudulent access.Request for a sample of this research report @The single sign-on solution is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 15% in the Asia Pacific IAM market. The combination of single sign-on with IAM assists in improving organizations productivity and augmenting user experience by enabling the users to access their applications from a single location coupled with a single set of credentials.The public sector and utilities application dominate the APAC IAM market with a market revenue projected to cross USD 1 billion by 2024. The water and energy power utilities are witnessing persistent cyber threats, such as DDOS and ransomware attacks, leading to large damages due to the disruption of industrial power provision, public to business disruptions, and revenue & information loss or damage to assets. Hence, IAM solutions are largely being adopted by the public-sector domain to reduce cyber threats and serve a satisfied customer base.The Asia Pacific IAM market includes multinational companies as well as pure IAM providers, offering niche products and services. The leading players functioning in this market include CA Technologies, Oracle Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Okta, and IBM Corporation.Browse key industry insights from this 2018 report APAC Identity & Access Management Market in detail along with the table of contents @As the Asia Pacific IAM market portrays tremendous growth opportunities, various domestic and multinational companies are expanding their business offerings in this region. Some of the major companies include Oracle, IBM Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Infosys, HCL Technologies, and SailPoint Technologies.Segments we Cover:Asia Pacific IAM Market Statistics, By SolutionProvisioningPassword ManagementDirectory ServicesAdvanced AuthenticationSingle Sign-onAudit, Compliance, and GovernanceAsia Pacific IAM Market Trends, By Deployment ModelOn-premiseCloudMake an inquiry for purchasing this report @Asia Pacific IAM Market Analysis, By ApplicationBFSIIT & TelecomHealthcareEducationPublic Sector and UtilitiesManufacturingRetailOthersThe above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:ChinaIndiaAustralia and New Zealand (ANZ)JapanSouth KoreaSingaporeAbout Graphical Research:Graphical Research is a business research firm that provides industry insights, market forecast and strategic inputs through granular research reports and advisory services. We publish targeted research reports with an aim to address varied customer needs, from market penetration and entry strategies to portfolio management and strategic outlook. We understand that business requirements are unique: our syndicate reports are designed to ensure relevance for industry participants across the value chain. We also provide custom reports that are tailored to the exact needs of the customer, with dedicated analyst support across the purchase lifecycle.Contact Us:Parikhit B.Corporate sales,Graphical ResearchEmail: sales@graphicalresearh.comWeb: Convenience Foods Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2014 - 2020 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-96 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-96 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com The convenience foods market is driven by busy lifestyles and ageing population. It includes a range of processed foods that has longer shelf life and are easy to use. The major attributes that consumers look for in convenience foods are ease of use, packaging, nutritional value, safety, variety and product appeal. These are prepared by adding various preservatives at specific conditions and few of them need an efficient supply chain and storage to retain their properties. Convenience foods save time and energy for preparing food at home or hotels. Technology and innovative packaging options have widened the food choices that are available in the market in various categories such as frozen, chilled, packaged foods, etc.The market has been segmented by type as canned foods, frozen foods, ready-to-eat snacks, meals, chilled foods and others. The market can also be segmented on the basis of distribution channels into supermarkets and hypermarkets, departmental stores, mom-and-pop shops, convenience stores and others. Geographically, the market can be segmented into Asia-Pacific, North America (the U.S., Canada and Mexico), Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East & North Africa and RoW (Rest of the World, including Latin America and South Africa).Request to Sample of Report @With more women in the workforce, the demand for convenience foods is rising, primarily in emerging economies. The rapid growth of the food service industry in large number of developing markets is also expected to fuel the demand of packaged ready-to-eat snacks such as potato fries, bakery products and meat products. However, lack of proper storage and logistics is a threat to the frozen and chilled category of convenience foods in developing countries. There are stringent regulations on labelling and manufacturing of convenience foods in both developed and developing nations. One of the major drivers for convenience foods industry growth is widened distribution channels and tendency of consumers to buy off-the-shelf especially in emerging markets of BRICS and MENA.The U.S. is the largest market for convenience foods in the world and the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Latin America would fuel the future growth of the same. The U.S. will remain a strategic market for convenience food processors in the forecast period due to declining trend towards away-from-home dining and at-home cooking. There is a rising demand for meal solutions/ready-to-eat meals that can be prepared in two-step cooking. For instance, in December 2013, ConAgra Foods launched 23 new varieties of quality meals and desserts in Bertolli and P.F. Changs brands to enhance consumers at-home dining experience with convenience. In addition, consumers are looking for meals with foraged, hyper-local ingredients with different flavours and blends such as mushrooms, nettles, blackberries, rose hips, seaweeds, truffles, etc.The global convenience foods market is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR from 20142020. Some of the emerging markets may even experience a double-digit growth rate through the forecast period in significant categories.Large multinational corporations follow multiple strategies to develop and penetrate the market for convenience foods in different regions. However, providing products that match local consumer taste is of utmost importance. Pricing is another important factor for convenience foods, however nowadays, consumers are ready to pay a premium price if they get to buy quality convenience foods with health benefits. Some of the common strategies that companies have adopted in recent times are portion controlled packaging, in-store promotions, mergers & acquisitions and health claims in labels. There is a growing trend towards healthy convenience foods that are rich in proteins, functional fibres, vitamins, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acid. For this, many market leaders are integrating their operations by acquiring ingredient manufacturers to increase their technical know-how. Availability of customized food ingredients has become a boon for convenience food manufacturers as they can provide large varieties in each category.Request Report for TOC @Some of the key companies manufacturing and distributing convenience foods are Amy's Kitchen, Inc., Cargill, Incorporated, ConAgra Foods, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Tyson Foods, Inc., Mondel?z International, Inc. and Kraft Foods Group Inc.About UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.U.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Air Cushion Machine Market: Market Intelligence and Market Trends https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-6299 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-6299 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Protection of packaged items from the external environment is the main function of packaging. Products are packed in different layers of primary and secondary packaging, all serving the basic purpose of protection of goods. Despite all the measures, goods in transit possess a threat of getting damaged and to overcome this restraint packaging manufacturer have innovated a new solution, by providing air cushioning to the packaged products. These air cushions are produced by sealing air between the layers of a plastic films using air cushion machines. Air cushion machine forms air pockets in the film by sealing air thus producing products such as bubble wraps and air pillows. Air pillows are then used between primary and secondary packaging for locking of the product movement during the transit.A sample of this report is available upon request @Air Cushion Machine Market: Market DynamicsIncreasing technological advancements in packaging industry have inflated the market size for the same over the last decade. The packaging industry has been estimated at US$ 827 Bn in 2017 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. The key driver boosting the growth in air cushion machine market is increased demand for air cushions on the backdrop of its ability to protect the packed products. Manufacturers of various end-use industries are focusing on strengthening their supply chain network, and protective packaging is playing an important role in the process hence increasing the demand for air cushions and positively influencing the growth in air cushion machine market. Being lightweight and compatible with production processes are some other factors boosting the growth in air cushion machine market. Increasing penetration of e-retail formats especially in APEJ region is further strengthening the growth in air cushion machine market. Despite extremely efficient is protecting goods the demand for air cushions may fall in future due to the use plastic films in the production process as most of the countries are making norms for reducing plastic waste which can significantly hamper the growth in air cushion machine market. Increasing use of substitutes of air cushions such as molded fiber trays and foam is further reducing the use of air cushions and limiting the growth in air cushion machine market.Air Cushion Machine Market: Market SegmentationAir cushion machine market is segmented Speed and end use industry.Based on the speed (Cushions per minute), air cushion machine market is segmented into:100Based on the end use industry, air cushion machine market is segmented into:Electrical & Electronic IndustryE-retail IndustryShipping & Logistics IndustryConsumer Goods IndustryOthersAir Cushion Machine Market - Regional Outlook:Regionally global air cushion machine market is segmented intoNorth AmericaLatin AmericaEastern EuropeWestern EuropeAsia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ)Middle East & Africa (MEA)JapanAsia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) region is expected to dominate the air cushion machine market as the region has a very high concentration of manufacturing industries. North America is the highest importer and exporter of goods is expected to follow the APEJ region in air cushion machine market. Air cushion machine market in Western and Eastern Europe region is expected to grow moderately over the forecast period. Latin America and Japan region are expected to contribute small but rapidly growing region in air cushion machine market. The Middle East and Africa Region are expected to expand sluggishly in air cushion machine market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Air Cushion Machine Market - Key Players:Some major players of the air cushion machine market are Compak, AirWave Packaging LLC, Hangzhou Bing Jia Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuhai E-One Science And Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen Dinglisheng Technology Co., Ltd., Jie Siming Precision Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou Gashili Machinery Co., Ltd., Airfil Protective Packaging Ltd, Daily Sealing System Co., Ltd., Kite Packaging Ltd, Ultipac.co.uk., FP International (UK) Ltd, Green Light Packaging Ltd, CLINGFOIL LIMITED, Direct Packaging Solutions, Zhengzhou Shaolin Mechanical & Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd. and Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbHAbout UsFuture Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.FMIs research and consulting services help businesses around the globe navigate the challenges in a rapidly evolving marketplace with confidence and clarity. Our customised and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. We continuously track emerging trends and events in a broad range of end industries to ensure our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Mouse Model Market Scenario Highlighting Major Drivers & Trends, 2019 2025 | Envigo, GenOway, Harbour Antibodies, Janvier Labs, Taconic Biosciences, The Jackson Laboratory, Horizon Discovery Group. Mouse Model Market https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/request_for_discount/48344 www.upmarketresearch.com Mouse Model Industry research report delivers a close watch on leading competitors with strategic analysis, micro and macro market trend and scenarios, pricing analysis and a holistic overview of the market situations in the forecast period. It is a professional and a detailed report focusing on primary and secondary drivers, market share, leading segments and geographical analysis. Further, key players, major collaborations, merger & acquisitions along with trending innovation and business policies are reviewed in the report.Get Free Exclusive PDF Sample Copy of This Report: https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/requested_sample/48344The report contains basic, secondary and advanced information pertaining to the Mouse Model Industry global status and trend, market size, share, growth, trends analysis, segment and forecasts from 2018 2023.The scope of the report extends from market scenarios to comparative pricing between major players, cost and profit of the specified market regions. The numerical data is backed up by statistical tools such as SWOT analysis, BCG matrix, SCOT analysis, PESTLE analysis and so on. The statistics are represented in graphical format for a clear understanding on facts and figures.For Any Query Please Visit: https://www.upmarketresearch.com/home/enquiry_before_buying/48344The generated report is firmly based on primary research, interviews with top executives, news sources and information insiders. Secondary research techniques are implemented for better understanding and clarity for data analysis.UpMarketResearch offers a latest published report on Global Mouse Model Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 delivering key insights and providing a competitive advantage to clients through a detailed report. The report contains exclusive content which highly exhibit on current market analysis scenario, upcoming as well as future opportunities, revenue growth, pricing and profitability. The report for Mouse Model market analysis & forecast 2018-2023 is segmented into Product Segment, Application Segment & Major players.Mouse Model Market Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 report helps the clients to take business decisions and to understand strategies of major players in the industry. The report also calls for market-driven results deriving feasibility studies for client needs. UpMarketResearch ensures qualified and verifiable aspects of market data operating in the real-time scenario. The analytical studies are conducted ensuring client needs with a thorough understanding of market capacities in the real-time scenario.To Buy This Report Directly and get it in PDF format within 24 hours, please visit: https://www.upmarketresearch.com/buy/mouse-model-market-researchThe major manufacturers covered in this report Envigo GenOway Harbour Antibodies Janvier Labs Taconic Biosciences The Jackson Laboratory Charles River Laboratories International Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings Horizon Discovery Group Trans Genic Ingenious Targeting LaboratoryOn the basis of product primarily split into Inbred Mice Outbred Mice Genetically Engineered MiceOn the basis of the end users/applications Medical Pharmaceutical Education OtherGeographically, this report studies the top producers growth opportunity in these key regions, covering North America Europe China Japan India Southeast Asia Other regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)The Report covers in-depth analysis as follows: Chapter 1 Mouse Model Market Overview Chapter 2 Global Mouse Model Competition by Manufacturers Chapter 3 Global Mouse Model Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018) Chapter 4 Global Mouse Model Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018) Chapter 5 Global Mouse Model Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Chapter 6 Global Mouse Model Market Analysis by Application Chapter 7 Global Mouse Model Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis Chapter 8 Mouse Model Manufacturing Cost Analysis Chapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Chapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Chapter 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis Chapter 12 Global Mouse Model Market Forecast (2018-2025) Chapter 13 Research Findings and Conclusion Chapter 14 AppendixKey Reasons to Purchase: To gain insightful analyses of the market and have a comprehensive understanding of the Global Mouse Model Industry Analysis and Forecast 2018-2023 and its commercial landscape. Learn about the market strategies that are being adopted by your competitors and leading organizations. To understand the future outlook and prospects for Mouse Model market analysis and forecast 2018-2023.Customization of the Report:UpMarketResearch provides free customization of reports as per your need. This report can be personalized to meet your requirements. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you to get a report that suits your necessities.Grab Special Discount :You can also ask for region wise market research report, as below: Mouse Model-Global Market Status & Trend Report 2013-2023 Top 20 Countries Data Mouse Model-North America Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-South America Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-Europe Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-EMEA Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-Asia Pacific Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-China Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-India Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023 Mouse Model-United States Market Status and Trend Report 2013-2023In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Mouse Model are as follows: History Year: 2013-2017 Base Year: 2017 Estimated Year: 2018 Forecast Year 2018 to 2025About UpMarketResearch:The UpMarketResearch () is a leading distributor of market research report with more than 800+ global clients. As a market research company, we take pride in equipping our clients with insights and data that holds the power to truly make a difference to their business. Our mission is singular and well-defined we want to help our clients envisage their business environment so that they are able to make informed, strategic and therefore successful decisions for themselves.Contact Info:Name: Alex MathewsEmail: alex@upmarketresearch.comOrganization: UpMarketResearchAddress: 500, East E Street, Ontario, CA 91764, United States. UK True Fleet continues to battle to remain Europes #1 for volume www.dataforce.de The UK has continued to recover from the massive drop caused by WLTP in September. While still in negative territory it has reduced the gap to December 2017 to only 1.1% (a little over 600 units) and for 2018 vs 2017 to -6.6%. The race to remain Europes #1 fleet market in terms of volume is still alive but it is certainly going to be a close race with Germany as both battle on the final straight. The Private market like fleets also continued to recover bringing the December gap to -3.8% though Special channels took their foot off the gas and recorded a -15.3% with both the Short-Term Rental & Dealership/Manufacturer sub-channels playing a somewhat equal role in this result.Brand performanceTop of the December ranking Christmas tree was VW, it has been consistently in top spot since May 2018 with the only blot on the landscape coming in September when Vauxhall (Opel) took top as WLTP testing became mandatory. Ford were in 2nd place, retaining the same position as last year thanks mostly to a stellar month for Ecosport. Munich OEM BMW had a good growth month, ranking 2nd in highest growth rate in the top ten which secured the final place on the podium. Their number one seller for December was the 5 Series, which almost out registered the 1 Series (number two seller) by two to one!Vauxhall came next (4th) and Mercedes followed, with both A-Class and GLA Class contributing the most to the +19.4% growth of the brand. Nissan, Skoda, Audi and Hyundai filled out the 6th to 9th positions respectively, Audi was the hardest hit in terms of volume contraction but none of these OEMs managed a positive month. Our final position was yet another reason for Munich and the BMW Group to celebrate as MINI entered the True Fleet top 10 for the first time ever (according to Dataforce records). The maker of diminutive vehicles posted a pretty big growth of 59.3% for December as all versions (One/Cooper, Countryman and Clubman) pitched in to help the brand. Interesting side note was to see the share of Diesel engine versions at 3.6%, its lowest since April 2007 and a far away from the high of 74.0% seen in December 2013.Vehicle SegmentsAs we finish out 2018 on what can only be described as a challenging year thanks to various influences both from inside and outside of the industry itself it is worth identifying those vehicle segments which have increased regardless of the climate. On the first level SUV is the only outright segment which can claim growth with a 12.1% increase with three of the SUV sub-segments i.e. Small, Compact and Medium producing 19.7%, 12.9% and 5.6% respectively over YTD December. We see PC Medium-Large with a +8.8% (mostly thanks to the BMW 5 series) and the Utilities Medium eking out a + 1.4% (thanks to the Ford Transit Custom, Toyota Proace, Citroen Dispatch (Jumpy) and VW Transporter).Flash addendum: Germany numbers are now in-house and have been processed. For the full year 2018, Germany beat the UK to take the highest True Fleet volume in Europe by a slim margin of 974 registrations.(538 words; 3,059 characters)Publication by indication of source (DATAFORCE) and author (as listed below) onlyDATAFORCE Focus on FleetsDataforce is the leading provider of fleet market data and automotive intelligence solutions in Europe. In addition, the company also provides detailed information on sales opportunities for the automotive industry, together with a wide portfolio of information based on primary market research and consulting services. The company is based in Frankfurt, Germany.Richard WorrowDataforce Verlagsgesellschaft fur Business Informationen mbHHamburger Allee 1460486 Frankfurt am MainGermanyPhone: +49 69 95930-253Fax: +49 69 95930-333Email: richard.worrow@dataforce.de Laxman Pai, Opalesque Asia: Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Luxembourg's Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the mutual recognition of funds (MRF). The agreement will allow eligible Hong Kong public funds and Luxembourg UCITS funds to be distributed in each other's market through a streamlined process. With the new agreement, funds that are already authorized by the HKSFC will be able to earn faster approvals from the CSSF to be sold in Luxembourg and vice versa. Hong Kong funds can be either a general equity fund, bond fund or mixed fund; or a feeder fund where the underlying fund falls within one of these fund types. Over the years, the HKSFC has signed several similar agreements with regulators in mainland China, Malaysia, France and the UK. Chinese media quoted SFC chief Ashley Alder as saying: "The new cooperation framework expands our MRF network following Mainland China, Switzerland, France and United Kingdom. It further strengthens our ties and regulatory cooperation with Luxembourg, a major hub for fund domicile." Luxembourg-domiciled funds are distributed in more than 70 markets worldwide, including Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Luxembourg's Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna told the Post in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the Asian Financial Forum that the agreement is an important development for the fund industry in both markets...................... To view our full article Click here RTG Asia Gets Historical with New Wu Zetian Slot Published January 16, 2019 by Mike P Travel back to the days of Chinas Tang Dynasty and meet Empress Wu Zetian in this historical slot game from RTG Asia. RTG Asia has released Wu Zetian as the developers very latest slot game. From January 2019, the Wu Zetian slot shall be playable on desktop and mobile devices across participating RTG Asia casinos. From an organisational standpoint, RTG Asia is a subsidiary of the main RTG company. In recent years, RTG Asia has released as series of slots, including Fantasy Mission Force, Eagle Shadow Fist, Ancient Gods, Cai Hong, and San Guo Zheng Ba. A Volatile Chinese Empress In terms of theme, the slot is historical in nature, having been based on Chinas only empress. Wu Zetian rose to power in 690 AD and inspired the Tang Dynasty to grow in many ways. Although known for delivering economic and political changes, Wu Zetian maintained a secret police force in order to neutralise her enemies. RTG Asia is fully aware of the history of the empress, whom the developer has described as not only being compelling and beautiful, but also ruthless and dangerous. The volatile nature of the empress also plays out in the fact that the slot has a high volatility, as evidenced by the 50,000x maximum payout. Slot Setup RTG Asia has crafted Wu Zetian with an interface of five reels by three rows. In total, there are 25 paylines that players can use to align either character symbols or opulent items of jewellery. Some symbols can even expand to fill multiple positions, with three by five being one of the largest spaces that can be filled in the base game. A pearl symbol has been chosen to appear as the wild, with players able to plug the gaps of missing symbols along paylines. Wu Zetian also offers the chance for players to trigger free spins by landing three scattered gongs. During this feature, there will also be the benefit of completely connecting the second, third, and fourth reels. South Africa: Disappointment at Menzi school robbery The Gauteng Department of Education has challenged communities to join law enforcement agencies in hunting the criminals who robbed a new state of the art school in Tsakane, in Ekurhuleni. Menzi Primary School, with a price tag of R105 508 403, was officially opened by Gauteng Premier David Makhura last week Wednesday. The green technology school, which is in the heart of Langaville in Tsakane Township, boasts facilities such as 33 smart classrooms, a Grade R block with five classrooms, two smart science labs, two smart multi-purpose rooms, a library and dining hall. But on Tuesday criminals robbed the school making away with several resources. Two patrollers were apparently tied up and locked in one of the strong rooms. The criminals broke the main vault door to access the keys to the entire school, the department said on Tuesday. The criminals got away with all 185 learners tablets, 8 teacher laptops, 2 data projectors, 3 desktop projectors, plasma TV, petty cash of less than R500 as well as a digital video recorder with the hard drive. A case has been opened with the Tsakane police station. MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed his disappointment at the incident and challenged the community to hunt for the robbers. We challenge members of the community to assist in the hunt for the robbers, by Friday, failing which we will have no choice but to withdraw the expensive equipment from the school. Panyaza said it was sad that Grade 7 learners do not have any textbooks as their e-books are now gone. These are educational facilities aimed at enhancing the quality of the education and life of the children in the township. We are extremely disappointed that criminals can disrupt the education of learners. Information which can lead to the arrest of the criminals can be communicated to the SAPS Crime Stop number 086 00 10111 or their nearest police station. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Delta variant around 40 per cent more transmissible, makes unlocking plans more difficult: UK health minister Covid-19: UK considers up to 4-week delay to end of lockdown due to Delta variant For the first time, famous Jardalu mangoes from Bhagalpur reaches UK Theresa May government survives no-confidence vote after Brexit failure International oi-Chennabasaveshwar P London, Jan 17: Theresa May government survived no-confidence vote moved by Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn a day after the crushing defeat for Brexit deal. Theresa May comfortably won the no-confidence vote, by 325 to 306 - a majority of 19. Theresa May has just announced that she wants to start talks with the leaders of the opposition parties tonight about a way forward on Brexit. "The government approaches these meetings in a constructive spirit and I urge others to do the same. But we must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House," she said. Setback for May, British MPs vote overwhelmingly to reject Brexit deal Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn leader said he does not want to start talks with Theresa May until she rules out a no-deal Brexit. A day before British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to reject Brexit deal by a margin of 230 votes. With this, Prime Minister Theresa May sustained the largest ever House of Commons defeat for the Government. Ivanka Trump thanks 'the great' Indra Nooyi for being a mentor and inspiration US considers Indra Nooyi as next World Bank chief, says report International oi-Shubham Ghosh Washington, Jan 16: Former CEO of PepsiCo, global beverage giant, Indra Nooyi, is being considered by the US administration as the next president of the World Bank, leading American daily New York Times has reported. Born in Tamil Nadu in 1955, Nooyi stepped down from the PepsiCo post last August after leading the firm for 12 years. According to NYT, US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, an entrepreneur and a member of the administrative team, is playing a role in selecting a nominee to head the prestigious financial institute. Indra Nooyi steps down as Pepsico CEO Citing people familiar with the process, the NYT report said the decision-making process for the WB president's post is "fluid and in its initial stages and early front-runners and candidates often fall off the radar, or withdraw from consideration, before the president (Donald Trump) makes his ultimate pick". It was, however, not clear whether Nooyi would accept the nomination, PTI reported. Ivanka has expressed her admiration for Nooyi earlier as well. In August last year, she had taken to Twitter to call Nooyi her "mentor+inspiration", like to many others and said she was deeply grateful for the friendship. Ivanka said this after Nooyi stepped down from the post of PepsiCo's CEO. If Nooyi indeed bags the plum post, she will succeed current president Jim Yong Kim who said earlier this month that he would step down in February to join a private infrastructure investment company. Kim was to serve in the post for three more years. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 18:03 [IST] BBC websites convey terrorist ideas, says Russia media watchdog International oi-Shubham Ghosh Moscow, Jan 15: The tense rivalry between Russia and UK is not unknown by now. The relation between the two took a nosedive over the Skripals case last year and led to a major diplomatic crisis. That the tension has not diminished yet became evident on last week when Russia's media watchdog brought a serious accusation against the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Britain's public service broadcaster, saying some content of the latter's websites conveyed terrorist ideas, Russia-based TASS News Agency reported. In a statement, the watchdog said an investigation is under way to see whether the features on the BBC's website are consistent with the Kremlin's counter-terrorism laws. "Features conveying the ideas of international terrorist organizations have been exposed (quotes from terrorist al-Baghdadi [the leader of the Islamic State terror group outlawed in Russia - TASS]). A probe is underway to figure out whether these features are consistent with Russia's counter-extremism legislation," it read. Good to have tied with India, Russia and China: Trump The watchdog also said that BBC's websites, including the one in Russian, are monitored regularly to see whether there is any violation of Russian laws. "The watchdog went on to say that on January 14-31, a probe into the British Television LLP, which transmits the programs of the BBC World News TV channel in Russia, would be conducted to find out if it abided by licensing and other mandatory requirements for TV and radio broadcasting," the TASS report added. On January 9, the company was asked to provide documents supporting its conforming with the Russian law that limits direct and indirect control of Russian media outlets by foreign firms. January 16 was the last date of submission of the documents. It is a tit for tat case. In December, the watchdog revealed probes into the BBC's websites and the BBC World News in Russia TV channel to see whether the content they produce conform to the Russian laws. The development occurred after the UK's media regulator Ofcom had accused Russia's RT TV channel of breaching rules of impartiality. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 6:35 [IST] Why Nitish feels that Rahul Gandhi could have prevented JD (U)'s exit from 'Mahagathbandhan' India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Jan 16: The JD(U)-RJD-Congress 'Mahagathbandhan' in Bihar crumbled after Nitish Kumar walked out of the alliance and formed government in the state with the support of the BJP. Nitih had then cited corruption charges against his former deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as the reason for his decision to walk out of the Grand Alliance. The Bihar Chief Minister on Tuesday said he felt let down by Rahul Gandhi as the Congress president did not take a stand on charges against Tejashwi Yadav. Nitish said Gandhi "did not come up with even a statement that could have made me have second thoughts (about leaving the alliance)". Ram Mandir not our agenda, says Nitish Kumar Kumar, who also heads the JD(U), claimed that his party was instrumental in the Congress getting 40 seats to contest in the 2015 assembly polls. Kumar had quit the alliance, comprising the JD(U), the RJD and the Congress, in July 2017 after the CBI lodged an FIR against Yadav on corruption charges and the following strife between him and the RJD. "It has been always my line that there will be no compromise on crime, corruption and communalism. Their (RJD's) style of functioning was such that it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to work. There was interference at all levels. Their people would telephone police stations with their own decrees," Kumar claimed. He was speaking at an event here organised by a private news channel. "Rahul Gandhi had famously tore that ordinance. It was the JD(U) which insisted that it (Congress) be given 40 seats and they ended up winning 28. The RJD, despite its old association with it, was never ready to give it that much weightage," Kumar said. In 2003, Gandhi had torn an ordinance brought by the Manmohan Singh government with a provision to protect convicted politicians against disqualification. Stating that he resigned as he had no other choice, Kumar said his resignation was immediately followed by an offer of support from the BJP. "So I took the decision (to join hands with the BJP) in the interests of Bihar," he said. Nitish Kumar 'saturated', 'wants to step down', claims Upendra Kushwaha "We have our differences on issues like Ayodhya, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code since the 1990s. My association with the BJP predates the NDA's formation in 1999. But we have always worked amicably. Even now, we are getting full cooperation from the Narendra Modi government," he said. Kumar had snapped ties with the BJP in 2013 following differences over projection of Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, as the prime ministerial candidate. On a query about the RSS, he said, "I may not agree with their thoughts but I cannot help admiring their consistency and commitment towards organisation building, something those adhering to our socialist ideology never excelled at." Recalling the stupendous performances by the JD(U)-BJP combine in 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections a year later, Kumar said, "Now we have an important leader like Ram Vilas Paswan with us. So there is no reason why we should not do even better in the upcoming LS polls." On the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), which comprises the RJD, the Congress, the RLSP, the HAM and some smaller parties, he said, "Even the term mahagathbandhan that they keep flaunting was given by me. After the exit of JD(U), it is just a gathbandhan (alliance)". On the RJD's opposition to the quota for upper castes, Kumar, whose party voted in favour of the bill in Parliament, said social changes have led to a sizeable growth in the number of poor among the unreserved category. "When they are being helped without infringing on the rights of SCs, STs and OBCs, there should be no complaints," he said. He also asserted that the NDA will face no major problems in the Lok Sabha polls, saying in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the margin of defeat was small. "Moreover, people have vented their ire against the governments that ruled the respective states for long. Now there is nothing that voters are going to hold against the NDA," Kumar said. OneIndia News with PTI inputs For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 12:17 [IST] Why honey trapping should top Indias internal security concerns this year India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 16: The arrest of an Indian Army jawan who was allegedly honey trapped revealed the extent of the might racket that the ISI has been running. Investigations even brought under the scanner 50 jawans who could have been honey trapped by the same lady, who went by the name Anika Chopra and posed as an Army Captain at the Military Nursing Corps. The jawan, Somveer Singh who was posted with an armoured unit in Jaisalmer was taken into custody on the allegation that he had shared sensitive information and pictures of his location and army exercises with Anika. While Singh is one part of the problem, the bigger issue that the Intelligence agencies point out is the number of similar cases that have emerged. Honey trapping has been an age old trick of any spy agency. However for India, the biggest problem today comes in the form of a Rs 3,500 crore annual budget that has been set aside by the ISI only to honey trap Indian soldiers. Honey trapped soldier arrested for passing information to ISI It is clear that Pakistan has upped the ante ahead of the elections in India. It not only wants data and sensitive information, but also wants to embarrass the Indian government. The honey trap wing of the ISI is being run from Faridkot. Since 2015, the ISI has earmarked a budget of nearly Rs 3,500 crore for this unit. This only goes on to show, how important the unit is for the ISI. After a trap is laid, the information is either elicited through blackmail or in the lure for cash. The ISI agents, who set the trap pay anything between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for the information. The amount would however depend on the rank of the officer. The higher the rank, higher the money. IB officials tell OneIndia that the number of such cases is on the rise. The BrahMos incident was a major embarrassment and it has now been followed by the Anika Chopra episode. The agencies are now raising questions over whether the social media should be even allowed for those working in such sensitive locations and handling such jobs. The Union Home Ministry was recently told by the Intelligence Agencies that in 2017, a fresh push was made by Pakistan to trap as many young recruits of the Indian Army. The traps were being set on those who had just joined the Army and as well as on those who were in the process of joining the forces. The Anika Chopra case is part of the same plan, IB officials say. The ISI has been looking to trap as many as 200 such young recruits and recent investigations showed that the Pakistan agents were already in touch with over 50 of them. When the police had arrested Gaurav Kumar, a resident of Rohtak, they found that he was asked to click pictures, each time he visited the Army training camp. He had plans of joining the Indian Army and was training for the same. He had already been trapped before he could join the forces. It was found that he had visited 18 Army recruitment camps from where he is alleged to have shared a lot of information. Not only do the operations run from Faridkot, but the ISI has also managed to set up dedicated modules within India to honey trap officials. There are modules in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, which exclusively report to the Faridkot. Army Jawan who was honey-trapped grilled by Intelligence Bureau The ISI agents first create a fake profile on the social media and then begin chatting. Once they find that the target is vulnerable, they lead him to the Hookup chat site. Over here the information is shared. The biggest problem that investigators face is that once a person logs out of Hookup, the chats are automatically deleted. Officials tell OneIndia that the problem is likely to get worse in the coming months. The challenge ahead is huge. The official however adds that while the problem has been immense, the agencies have however managed to nip such incidents in the bud. It could have been much worse had it not been detected early, the official also added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 10:09 [IST] Ahead of Diwali, NGT bans sale or use of firecrackers in Delhi from midnight today till Nov 30 Why even an MLA has no trust in the system: NGT India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa New Delhi, Jan 16: The National Green Tribunal expressed surprise over an MLA approaching it on an environmental issue instead of heading to the authority concerned, saying it wondered "whether even an MLA has no trust and faith in the statutory authorities and is 'helpless' in making such authorities do their duty". A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel said it was astonished that a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) had to approach the tribunal against the construction and debris waste stored, transported and distributed by IL&FS at Jahangirpuri here. NGT imposes Rs 25 cr fine on Delhi govt for failing to curb pollution "It is surprising that an MLA has approached this tribunal instead of approaching the authorities. We wonder whether even the MLA has no trust and faith in the statutory authorities and helpless in making such authorities do their duty," the bench, also comprising Justice S P Wangdi, said. Taking note of the legislator's plea, the tribunal asked the Delhi Pollution Control Committee to look into the matter, take appropriate action in accordance with law and furnish a factual and action taken report within a month. It also reiterated that every order of the NGT was binding as a decree of court and non-compliance was actionable by way of punitive action in terms of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010. The tribunal has posted the matter for hearing on April 24. Adarsh Nagar MLA Pawan Kumar Sharma had approached the tribunal against dumping of construction and debris waste at Jahangirpuri in north west Delhi. No Odd-Even for two-wheelers in Delhi, SC stays NGT order He alleged that in the process, tonnes of stones and cement blocks are crushed, the waste is put on the government land by way of encroachment and garbage dumps have been created, adversely affecting the environment. Celebrating birthday, braiding hair: How Odisha health workers are helping people get through pandemic Monsoon sets in over Odisha, to cover entire state in 2 days Setback to Congress in Odisha, Naba Kishore Das resigns from party, may join BJD India oi-Deepika S Bhubaneswar, Jan 16: In a setback to the Congress party ahead of the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, state working president Naba Kishore Das resigned from the party on Wednesday, saying people from his Jharsuguda constituency wanted him to contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the ruling BJD. Das announced his resignation in a letter written to the party president Rahul Gandhi and said the people of the constituency, which he represents, want him to work with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. "The people and voters of my area want that I should contest the next election 2019 from BJD as they want our area should develop and I should join hands with Sh. Naveen Patnaik, the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Odisha," the Jharsuguda MLA said. Why Nitish feels that Rahul Gandhi could have prevented JD (U)'s exit from 'Mahagathbandhan' "I apologize for this resignation, as done so for the motto i.e. development first. So I should join with BJD (sic)," Das mentioned in his resignation letter. Das is a popular leader in Jharsuguda district. He has defeated BJD candidates twice -- in 2009 and 2014 assembly elections. He is also credited with ensuring Congress victory during 2017 zila parishad elections. In March last year, Das praised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at a function in his constituency. He had said that Jharsuguda had witnessed considerable development due to the chief minister''s untiring efforts. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 17:33 [IST] Who is Subodh Kumar Jaiswal? Former Maharashtra IPS officer apointed as new CBI Director Selection Panel to meet on January 24 to decide on new CBI director India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Jan 18: The Prime Minister-led selection panel will meet on January 24 to decide on new CBI director, said news agency ANI. The position is vacant after Alok Verma was removed over corruption allegations and a petition challenging the appointment of M Nageswara Rao as interim director. After mutual consultations, the government has finalised January 24 as the date for the meeting to select the new CBI director, a post which is lying vacant since the government removed Alok Verma and appointed him as Director General Fire Service, a post that Verma refused to take. SC to hear plea challenging Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim CBI director The leader of opposition Mallikarjun Kharge had also written to the prime minister demanding early holding of the meeting of the high powered committee to appoint a regular CBI Director. Earlier, there was a petition filed by NGO Common Cause seeking direction to quash the January 10 order by the Centre appointing Rao as the interim/acting Director of the CBI. (With PTI inputs) Punjab Bumper Lohri Lottery Results 2019: Check winning numbers India oi-Oneindia Staff By Anuj Cariappa The Punjab Bumper Lohri Lottery Results 2019 has been declared today. The results are available on the official website. This bumper lottery is known by two names - Punjab state New Year bumper lottery and Punjab State Lohri bumper lottery 2019. The Punjab State Lottery ticket is prize at Rs 200 plus Rs 90 extra for postal and packaging charges. Be warned that due to the number of visitors once the draw is held the website may be slow. Be patient, as the website would speed up once the traffic reduces. The first prize of Rs 2 crore is guaranteed from the sold ticket. The second prize is Rs 1 crore. The third and fourth prizes are Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. While there is only 1, first and second prizes, there are 10 and 20, third and fourth prizes respectively. The first, second and third prizes will be drawn only out of the sold tickets. The Punjab State Lohri Bumper Lottery 2019 is available for sale. The results would be declared on January 16 2019 and the winning numbers would be available at 5.30 pm. For more details about how to purchase the ticket and also to check the results you can go to https://www.gandhibrotherslottery.com/punjab-state-lottery/. Dont you have confidence in the state you served for 30 years: SC to Param Bir Singh Prevent black day says retired HC judge on elevation of 2 judges to SC India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, Jan 16: Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi high court judge, has written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind against the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court by superseding 32 judges. The letter written on Monday mentions that Justice Khanna is the nephew of late Justice H R Khanna who was superseded after he gave a dissenting verdict during the Emergency by not supporting the view that even a fundamental right can be curtailed in certain circumstances. Just like Justice H R Khanna's supersession was termed as a "black day" in the history of the Indian judiciary, it would be another black day when there will be supersession of 32 judges who are senior to Justice Sanjiv Khanna and many of them maybe no less meritorious and men of integrity than him. Let it die says Justice Sikri on post-retirement assignment controversy The letter comes in the wake of the January 10 collegium recommendation for elevation of Justice Maheshwari, who is presently the Chief Justice of the Karnataka high court, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a judge in the Delhi high court, as the judges of the apex court. Retired Justice Gambhir, a senior advocate, urged the president that the credibility and independence of the judiciary be preserved and "let another historical blunder not be committed". He said when he saw the news on TV channels on January 11 that the collegium has recommended elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the SC, at first, he disbelieved it. However, he saw that on legal news websites there was a detailed coverage of this event, including the decision of collegium placed on the website of the Supreme Court. "To reiterate what you may be aware, it states that the collegium has discussed the names of chief justices as well as senior puisne judges of the high courts, eligible for elevation to the Supreme Court and is of the considered view that at present the said two persons are more deserving and suitable in all respects than other chief justices and senior puisne judges of high courts for being appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of India. "The decision of the collegium also refers to certain decisions taken by it on December 12, 2018, but since the required consultation could not be undertaken as the winter vacation of the intervened and by the time the court reopened, the composition of the collegium underwent a change," the two-page letter stated. It added that the news breaking all traditions has sent shock waves to the entire legal and judicial fraternity and termed the "earth shattering" decision to supersede 32 judges as appalling and outrageous. Collegium recommends HC judges Dinesh Maheshwari, Sanjiv Khanna for SC "This is appalling and outrageous that such an earth shattering decision has been taken to supersede as many as 32 judges which include many chief justices, casting aspersions on their intellect, merit and integrity," it said. Justice Gambhir also wrote that Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the son of late Justice D R Khanna, and nephew of a highly respected man in the legal world, former Supreme Court Justice H R Khanna, who had given a dissent judgment in ADM Jabalpur matter. "The talk in the legal corridors is that the elevation of Justice (Sanjiv) Khanna is with a view to pay respect to the legacy left by his great uncle and is a tribute to his great ideals, principles, judicial philosophy and most of all, to the courageous stand taken by him in the habeas corpus case. "We all know that Justice (H R) Khanna stood as a rock in his known dissenting and minority voice and refused to bow down to the majority voice of four senior-most judges who went on to compromise the life and liberty of citizens, permitting unrestricted powers of the government for detention during the Emergency," the letter said. It stated that Justice H R Khanna knew when he signed his dissenting judgment that he was signing away his future chief justiceship. As a fait accompli, when the time came, Justice H R Khanna was superseded and in his place Justice M H Beg was appointed as the Chief Justice of India, it said. Justice Gambhir said Justice H R Khanna resigned so as to give a slap on the face of all those votary of playing with the independence of the judiciary and to respect the seniority of judges. Many term the supersession of Justice H R Khanna as a 'black day' in the history of the Indian judiciary, he said. He also referred to the January 12 last year presser by the then four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, including Justice Ranjan Gogoi, the now Chief Justice of India to flag some of the pressing problems they faced with the then CJI Dipak Misra. While addressing the media, it was said that 'unless this institution is preserved, democracy will not survive in this country'. It was also said that the 'democracy will not survive without free judiciary', the letter said. "I humbly urge your Excellency to kindly ponder over as the head of largest democracy in the world with a robust judiciary and having remained a part of the legal fraternity, and see yourself that the way the present collegium of five eminent senior judges have superseded almost 32 judges, how will the democracy and independence of judiciary in the country survive. "It cannot be forgotten that it is just one-and-a-half month back the then collegium members of the Supreme Court had superseded Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and now out of the blue, he becomes more deserving and suitable within such a short gap," Justice Gambhir said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 5:50 [IST] 'Politics is full of challenges ': Sheila Dikshit ahead of taking charge as Delhi Cong Chief India oi-Madhuri Adnal New Delhi, Jan 16: Sheila Dikshit ahead of taking charge as president of Delhi Congress on Wednesday said that the Politics is full of challenges and that she will strategise it accordingly. Speaking to media, Dikshit said,''Politics is full of challenges, we will strategise accordingly. BJP and AAP both are a challenge; we will meet the challenges together. There is nothing on alliance with AAP yet.'' Sheila Dikshit, Delhi's former chief minister, was appointed president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee. A big section of AAP leaders expresses its willingness to join Congress after Sheila takes over Her appointment comes days after Ajay Maken resigned from the post citing poor health. After Congress's Ajay Maken resigned as the Delhi party chief, former Chief Minister Sheila Dixit was said to be the front-runner for the post of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president. Ajay Maken, who has been suffering from "painful orthopaedic ailment", is believed to have cited health reasons for his resignation. Earlier, Dikshit served as the chief minister from 1998 to 2013 before the Congress was crushed in the 2013 assembly polls, only securing eight seats in the 70-member assembly. She herself lost to Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal by over 20,000 votes. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 12:48 [IST] On surgical strikes, did Lt Gen Hooda walk into a trap: Veterans explain India oi-Vikas SV New Delhi, Jan 16: Former Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General (retired) DS Hooda stirred a hornet's nest by saying that the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Special forces in 2016 were politicised and overhyped. The strikes were carried out to obliterate some of the terror launch pads across the Line of Control. Lieutenant General Hooda was in the thick of things when strikes were planned and efficiently carried out. So, two years after the strikes, if he comes and says it was politicised, then it is bound to give ammo to the opposition parties to corner the government. One question that would come to anyone's mind is why did Lt Gen Hooda wait for two years to say it. If he was so miffed with the way it was publicised, then he could have told the government then to not over overboard about the surgical strikes. Shortly after Lt Gen Hooda spoke about strikes at a military literature festival, Congress president Rahul Gandhi lauded him and trained his gun at PM Modi. "Spoken like a true soldier General" tweeted Rahul and went on to chide Modi by saying that the Prime Minister has no shame in using military achievement for political gains. Congress went all guns blazing against the ruling government and the issue took a serious political turn. So, in a way, it was Lt Gen Hooda who actually politicised it, and two years after strikes were carried out, the issue once again took centre stage at political debates on TV channels. OneIndia spoke to some Army veterans about the issue and tried to find why Lt Gen Hooda may have said things which he could have avoided. The veterans felt that that the job of the Army was to carry out the operations, and how the ruling government portrayed it was none of their business. Strategic affairs expert Col Jaibans Singh explained to us the circumstances that led Lt Gen Hooda to say certain things which he otherwise may not have. The Colonel hinted that there could have been a political planning behind it. "Lt Gen Hooda's comment was made during a military literature festival held in Chandigarh under the aegis of the Punjab government which is a Congress government. Government organised the event, then why did they have a discussion on surgical strikes in it. When they have themselves made it a part of the program, then who has politicised it. Why did they bring up the topic? First, you bring up the topic then you say it has been politicised. The entire military literature festival was the brainchild of the Congress government. All those speaking over there were chosen by the Congress. So who has politicised it? You organise an event, choose the topics and then things said have been picked by the media, and then you say the government is politicising it," Col Jaibans Singh told OneIndia. [What the Army veterans say about politicising surgical strikes] Major General PK Sehgal minced no words and said it was Lt Gen Hooda who 'inadvertently' politicised surgical strikes. "I do not agree with Gen Hooda's views at all. I have the highest respect for him. He was the commander of the northern army who planned and executed this operation. After that, whether the government exploits it or does not exploit it, the army has got nothing to do with it. See how Rahul Gandhi tweeted and thanked Gen Hooda. So inadvertently, Hooda has politicised it," Maj Gen Sehgal told Oneindia. The Major General said before pointing fingers at the ruling government, one must look at the larger picture. The government took a big risk by giving a go-ahead to the army for carrying out such a risky operation. Had the operation failed then the government would have had to take the blame for it. So, in that sense, if the government took the risk, then there is nothing wrong in going gaga over it. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 5:00 [IST] The Maharashtra twist and an eerie similarity to what Deve Gowda did in 2006 No need to hype it up so much: Deve Gowda on Independent MLAs exiting coalition India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, Jan 16: Former prime minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda on Wednesday said that the perceived 'political crisis' in Karnataka was a just media hype. Speaking to ANI, Gowda said that,''the two MLAs(who withdrew support from Karnataka Govt) are not affiliated with any party. They are independents. There is no need to hype it up so much. It is all a media hype.'' His comments came just before two MLAs - H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar of the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party - withdrew support to the Congress-JD(S) coalition. Does BJP have the numbers: To form Karnataka govt, House strength should drop from 224 to 211 In the 224-member Assembly, JDS has 37 MLAs while the Congress has 80. The coalition has the support of a few Independent legislators in the House, where the majority figure is 113. Both the Congress and the BJP have been accusing each other of trying to lure away each other's legislators. On Sunday, state Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar had alleged that three Congress MLAs were camping in a hotel in Mumbai. Gowda said it was an "illusion" to think that the Congress-JD(S) government was in trouble. The Congress has alleged that three of its MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in a bid to lure them to their fold. Karnataka: JDS appoints 3 ministers to keep tab on party MLAs The BJP, while dismissing these claims, has alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, on the outskirts of Delhi, because of the fear of the alleged poaching. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 10:40 [IST] Kavinder Gupta Latest reaction came from former Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta who said that Faesal's decision to quit the service was not in "country's interest". "Such a decision isn't in country's interest. We want such people to work for country's welfare instead of speaking in support of militants, supporting militants is like supporting Pakistan," Gupta told ANI. (Image credit - ANI/Twitter) Satya Pal Malik Earlier, hailing Shah Faesal as an "efficient" and "dedicated" IAS officer, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Saturday said although the former's decision to join politics was personal, he could have served people better as an officer rather than as a politician. "Faesal was an efficient and dedicated officer who rendered his services with great zeal and enthusiasm for the welfare of the state and its people particularly belonging to weaker sections of the society. In case, he would continue his service as an IAS officer, he could serve the people of society in a better way," the Governor said in a statement. P Chidambaram P Chidambaram on Thursday took a dig at the BJP-led central government over the resignation of IAS officer Shah Faesal, saying the world will take note of "his cry of anguish and defiance". In a series of tweets, the former home and finance minister claimed whatever Faesal, the first Kashmiri IAS topper, had said was an indictment of the Narendra Modi government. "Though sad, I salute Mr Shah Faesal IAS (now resigned). Every word of his statement is true and is an indictment of the BJP government. The world will take note of his cry of anguish and defiance," he said. Resigned IAS topper Shah Faesal from Kashmir likely to join NC, contest Lok Sabha polls Jitendra Singh Union Minister Jitendra Singh had said that Faesal not condemning terrorism "is an indication of lack of conviction". "You can't enjoy protection of security forces against a potential attack and at the same time not be courageous enough to point out at a terrorist as a terrorist but find a soft target in an Indian state which is tolerant and gives leverage to your expression..This in itself is an indication of lack of conviction. If you have the conviction then you should be ready to condemn the act of terrorism," Singh told ANI today. Faesal, a 2009 Kashmiri IAS topper, resigned from service. In a Facebook post he wrote that he took the decision in protest against "unabated killings in Kashmir, the marginalisation of Muslims and subversion of public institutions" by the government at the centre. Pakistan train accident: Death toll rises to 65 as two passenger trains collide in Sindh's Ghotki district Pakistan passes Bill to give right of appeal to Kulbhushan Jadhav Can men get arrested for sporting long hair: Apparently in Pakistan YES! MEA lodges strong protest with Pak High Commission official for ceasefire violation India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P New Delhi, Jan 16: Pakistan High Commission official was summoned on Wednesday and a strong protest was lodged at the death of a civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces on 11 January in Sunderbani Sector. Ministry of External Affairs, said, "Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the LoC and International Boundary. We also protested Pakistan's continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire." Why honey trapping should top India's internal security concerns this year Pakistan troops also resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in forward areas of the Poonch district on January 11. Army porter Hemraj was critically injured when Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Sunderbani Sector of Rajouri district, PRO Defence Lt Col Devender Anand told PTI. The year 2018 had witnessed 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the India-Pakistan border, the highest in the last 15 years. (With PTI inputs) For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 20:49 [IST] West Bengal Unlock Guidelines: What is open, What is not; Check details Bengal Lockdown: Who needs e-pass and how to apply for it More than 30 BJP workers killed in attacks made by TMC in West Bengal: Dilip Ghosh Do not come back: TMC slams West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar who is visiting Delhi Kolkata Professor who said "virgin girl is like sealed bottle" removed India oi-Chennabasaveshwar P Kolkata, Jan 16: The Jadavpur University professor, who courted controversy after he compared a virgin woman to a "sealed bottle" on a Facebook post, was removed on Wednesday. University Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das told reporters that Professor Kanak Sarkar's comment is akin to "blackening the face of the institution and the entire teaching community". Days after BSP, SP dump Congress, GOP to be with Akhilesh at Mamata show in Kolkata "In view of the recommendation of Departmenttment of International Relations Prof Kanak Sarkar is divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect. Substitute arrangements will be decided in the meeting of the Board of Studies on January 18," a university notification said. Sarkar's Facebook post went viral for his view on women and their virginity and subsequent marriage prospects. The professor has been dragged on social media for his crass views and the resulting outrage has brought forth from accounts of his students who said his misogyny was not limited to his Facebook account. Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar who made controversial remarks in a Facebook post has been divested of his duties with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/OlmdshSSUI ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 21:38 [IST] Karnataka Congress calls legislature party meet on Jan 18 India pti-PTI Bengaluru, Jan 16: The Congress has called a meeting of its Karnataka legislature party on January 18 amid efforts to keep its flock together as it accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading to destabilise the state government. Asserting that the Congress MLAs were "intact," the party leaders dismissed reports claiming that some legislator were ready to quit and said that there was no threat to H D Kumaraswamy-led government. "Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office said in a statement on Wednesday. The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side. According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added. Does BJP have the numbers: To form Karnataka govt, House strength should drop from 224 to 211 There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Chikkamagaluru, Siddaramaiah lashed out at the BJP, calling it "shameless". "They (BJP) don't have any belief in democracy. People have given them a mandate in the election to sit in the opposition. "People have not given them the verdict to govern. In the last six months, they have been trying to destabilise this government," he said. "Yeddyurappa (BJP President) has grown old, but has no brain. He is around 76 years of age, but still he wants to become the chief minister through wrong means by offering crores of rupees to our MLAs. This is a threat to our democracy and BJP doesn't believe in democracy and Constitution," he alleged. Accusing the BJP of keeping its MLAs confined to a hotel in Haryana, Siddaramaiah charged the party leaders with furnishing false information to media about forming the government. Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal, who has been camping in the city since Monday night and holding a series of meetings with party leaders, said that all the Congress MLA's are "fine and intact." He termed the media reports about a few party MLAs planning to resign as "baseless". "Nothing is going to happen. All the Congress MLAs are intact, we are in touch with all of them," he told reporters here. Asked about MLAs camping in Mumbai, Venugopal asked, "Are you sure that they are in Mumbai only? "That was day-before yesterday, just verify now," he said. Venugopal asserted that the coalition government "will continue for next four-and-half years". "We have nothing to worry, we have contact with every MLA, all will be okay. "We are also calling CLP meeting on January 18," he said and accused the BJP of making repeated attempts to destabilise the government by trying to poach MLAs. Pradesh Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said there is not going to be any "Sankranthi-kranti, or Deepawali-damakha or New Year-blast" as claimed by the BJP. "It will be flop show by BJP... our government is stable, there is not even an inch of threat to the government and we are relaxed," he said. Speaking to reporters here, Rao also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, accusing them of 'attempting to lure' MLAs, and called it "unfortunate". "There is no need to worry or discuss our government's stability. What needs to be discussed is unconstitutional attempts by the BJP government at the centre and its use of government machinery to threaten MLAs," he added. PTI Does BJP have the numbers: To form Karnataka govt, House strength should drop from 224 to 211 India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Bengaluru, Jan 16: The drama in Karnataka is expected to continue with some MLAs of the Congress threatening to resign. While the JD(S)-Congress coalition suffered a setback after two independent MLAs resigned, all eyes would on the faction led by Goal MLA, Ramesh Jarkiholi, who is threatening to quit. A source informed OneIndia that Jarkiholi is in touch with several MLAs from the Congress and would coax them to resign. He has reached out to at least 12 MLAs over the past couple of days urging them to quit. For the BJP to be able to form the government, at least 14 from the coalition will need to resign to bring down the 224 House strength. With the two independents resigning, the BJP would now need the resignation of 12 more MLAs. Karnataka: JDS appoints 3 ministers to keep tab on party MLAs However, the key to the success of any such operation lies with the Speaker of the House, Ramesh Kumar. He is likely to accept the resignations as a result of which the process would be further delayed. The BJP now has 104 MLAs in the House. With the two independents declaring support, the BJP's number goes up to 106. For the coalition to be troubled at least 13 of its MLAs will have to resign. The Congress and JD(S) will have a majority until the House strength drops to 211. If 13 Congress MLAs resign, the House strength would drop to 211. The BJP, then with the support of the two independent MLAs will have a simple majority in the House. Once again all this would depend on the action by the Speaker. The Speaker can keep the resignations pending. Lok Sabha Speaker, Sumitra Mahajan, it may be recalled had deferred the decision of accepting the resignations of the YSR Congress MPs by at least six months. Karnataka coalition shaky: Two independents withdraw support With the Speaker being from the Congress, it is only natural that he would take a decision that was similar to the one Mahajan had taken. He could also disqualify the MLAs as was done by K G Bopaiah, who was the Speaker, when B S Yeddyurappa was the Chief Minister. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 8:57 [IST] After getting snubbed in UP, Congress to share platform with SP in Kolkata India oi-Shubham Ghosh New Delhi, Jan 15: Days after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) leaderships announced their alliance for the upcoming Lok Sabha election this year, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to host a massive gathering at the iconic Brigade Parade Grounds in Kolkata where heavyweight non-BJP politicians will assemble to come up with a show of strength. Called the Mahagathbandhan rally, the mega show of 19/1/19 will be in essence an effort to launch TMC chief and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a prime ministerial candidate. Among the top leaders to be present at the rally will be SP chief Akhilesh Yadav though BSP supremo Mayawati will give it a miss along with the two top Congress leaders - president Rahul Gandhi and former president Sonia Gandhi. The Grand Old Party will be represented by senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge. Besides, leaders like HD Deve Gowda, HD Kumaraswamy, Tejashwi Yadav, Badruddin Ajmal, MK Stalin, Arvind Kejriwal, Chandrababu Naidu, Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar, Jignesh Mevani, Hardik Patel, Jayant Chowdhury and dissenting BJP leaders like Shatrughan Sinha and former saffron party leaders like Yashwant Sinha will also be present. KCR against sharing stage with Rahul, to skip Mamata's Jan 19 rally The get-together on January 19 will be the next big thing in the Opposition's scheme of things ahead of the LS poll but one cannot lose sight of certain anomalies in the anti-Narendra Modi front's unity. The SP and BSP have decided against taking the Congress on board in UP where the GOP has announced that it will go alone on all 80 seats, making it a potentially three-way fight and creating enough prospects of the Opposition eating into each other's votes. SP did not entertain Congress in Lucknow, but will stage share with it in Kolkata However, the SP leader next joins Banerjee on a stage where the Congress's representative will be present. This is quite difficult to comprehend and is bound to leave the voters clueless. Moreover, it is speculated that Rahul Gandhi refrained from attending the Kolkata meeting for one, leaders like Banerjee, Mayawati and Akhilesh skipped the oath-taking ceremonies of the Congress government in three Hindi heartland states recently and the Congress was miffed with it. And secondly, since the Bengal chapter of the Congress has an extremely poor relation with Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi's presence with Banerjee could have been seen as a conflict of interest. KCR not to be in Kolkata; his rival Naidu will be Neither will Telangana Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrasekhar Rao be present at the Kolkata rally. Though the leader, who recently came back to power with a massive mandate, met Banerjee in Kolkata in December with an eye of forming the federal front, nothing substantial is said to have materialised it is reported. Moreover, chief minister of another Telugu-speaking state Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu, will be present at the January 19 rally. Rao and Naidu are known to be political rivals and even the Congress joined hands with Naidu in the recent Telangana elections to defeat Rao but the alliance, which also had the CPI, was humbled. We knew about Mamata Banerjee's painting talent but here is another skill she possesses It is said that Banerjee is not too keen on promoting Rahul as the Opposition's prime ministerial face while Mayawati too has her own prime ministerial ambitions. Even Akhilesh echoed the TMC's stand to disagree with DMK chief Stalin's view of promoting the Congress president as the PM candidate in 2019. The ends are far too inconsistent to be linked and given a logical conclusion, as far as the Opposition's unity is concerned. Even if the SP and BSP have decided to bury their hatchets and fight together against the BJP in UP, the absence of the Congress not only denies it a nationalistic flavour but also keeps the possibility open for the parties to eat into each other's votes and benefit the BJP eventually. Mamata-Congress alliance looks unlikely in Bengal too In Bengal, too, the prospects of Banerjee joining hands with the Congress seem unrealistic for she has enough capacity now to win maximum number of seats of her own in the state. The Congress is a weak force today in Bengal along with the Left and there is no electoral gain for a powerful force like the TMC by allying with the GOP even if Banerjee personally has good ties with the high command. Kejriwal with representative of RJD, the party of convicted Lalu Also, the scenario of Kejriwal, the Delhi chief minister who was seen as a messiah in the war against corruption in India, attending a platform comprising representative of the party of a convicted politician like Lalu Prasad could also turn the voters off. It had become an issue in 2015 after the Lalu-Nitish Kumar-Congress alliance won the Assembly elections when Kejriwal was seen hugging Lalu. Even though Kejriwal is no more a force he was a few years ago, yet his attending the meeting with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav could be unconvincing for many viewers. All in all, it's crazy times in the Opposition ranks still even though they are confident of defeating PM Modi and his BJP in the ensuing polls. There are far too many contradictions and puzzles to settle for the 'rainbow coalition' before they take on the PM who is still by far the most popular political leader in the country. The question is: Who will join the dots? There is not another Jayprakash Narayan around today. Congress willing to give a few seats to other players in Uttar Pradesh: Azad India pti-PTI Lucknow, Jan 16: Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Ghulam Nabi Azad Wednesday dropped hints of accommodating more players as he said his party was willing to give a few seats to those who wanted to forge an alliance with the Congress for the Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to reporters here, he noted, "On two to four seats, there could be 'give and take', but at present, we are making preparations for contesting on all the 80 seats in the state". In a significant move, BSP and SP, part of Opposition's Grand Alliance, had recently announced their tie-up in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance. On reports that the Congress was kept out of the BSP-SP combine as it was "weak", Azad hit back, "When elections are held, it will be known who is strong and weak". Setback to Congress in Odisha, Naba Kishore Das resigns from party, may join BJD The Congress had on January 13 declared that it will contest on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats from the politically crucial state on its own. The senior Congress leader also expressed hope that his party will double its tally of seats. It won only two seats from the state in the 2014 general elections and 19 seats in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. On whether the Congress will forge a coalition with other political players, Azad said, "If any political party is willing to accompany the Congress, and the Congress feels that it can fight the BJP, it will be definitely accommodated". PTI BEST workers call-off strike after Bombay HC order India oi-Vikas SV Mumbai, Jan 16: Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) workers, who were on strike since January 8, called off thier strike today after a Bombay HC order. The BEST management is said to have agreed to implement the interim pay-hike for about 15,000 employees. After the BEST management told the court about its decision on the interim pay-hike, the Bombay High Court ordered the workers to call off the strike which had caused great inconvineince to the residents of Mumbai. [Now, Mumbai airport becomes first to scrap boarding pass stamping] The other demands would be negotiated between the workers and the management under a retired high court judge. This was one of the demands of the stiking workers to which BEST m,anagement agreed to. The BEST staff had gone on an indefinite strike to press for three demands: a) Merging of BEST with the BMC budget; b) Wage agreement for employees, including provisions of 7th Pay Commission; c) Bringing salary slabs of 14,000 junior employees, underpaid since 2011, at par with other employees of the same grade. After Marathas, now Brahmins demand reservation India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Mumbai, Jan 16: Following closely on the heels of the Marathas, now the Brahmins have come out demanding reservation for their community in Maharashtra. The Samast Brahmin Samaj has decided to stage a demonstration at the Azad Maidan on January 22 where they would press for various demands. In a press note, Vishwajeet Deshpande, convenor of Samast Brahmin Samaj said that the 10 per cent reservation for upper castes approved by Parliament was unlikely to materialise as it would face legal hurdles. Reservation for Marathas: Is it legally tenable? "Hence, the Brahmin community requires separate reservations. We will gather in large numbers at Azad Maidan to protest in a peaceful manner," said Deshpande. The Samaj says that a huge section of the Brahmins in the state is still backward and does not earn enough through their employment as priests. Hence we have put forth 15 demands that would include a monthly pension of Rs 5,000 for those performing religious duties. They have also demanded formation of a separate Financial Developmental Board for the community, student hostels at every district and free education till post-graduation for the children. On a much larger scale, China is marshaling artificial intelligence and big data techniques to exert even greater control over its population. Xiao Qiang, director of the Counter-Power Lab at the University of California at Berkeleys School of Information, writes in the January issue of the Journal of Democracy that a new generation of digital technology is being used to collect information in China from facial and voice recognition to DNA records and a ubiquitous network of surveillance cameras. Eventually, knitting it all together could allow the state to identify and quash opposition in advance. Xiao says the party-state may be building a responsive tyranny, or a digital totalitarian state, which he concludes will be a nightmare for Chinese citizens and for those all over the world who value human freedom. Classic wrecking of a pension fund Where to start? I just read How to wreck a pension fund in the Jan. 13 World-Herald. This is a classic mistake in finance of biblical proportions. You have amateur financial do-it-yourselfers overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars and running it into the ground a guy in charge who listens to a science teacher whose hobby it is to manage someone elses money. The classic mistake is what happens to most people in times of financial crisis they get emotional and sell when they should buy and buy when they should sell. It happens every day to some investor in America. I know at least 100 advisers right here in Omaha, had the Omaha School Employees Retirement System trustees just asked, who would have given better advice and less costly than the advice they received from Atlantic Asset Management. I wonder if these board members were putting their own money into alternatives and junk bonds during this same time. Now district voters may be asked for more money. Classic. Mark Cavalieri, Omaha Ricketts plan fairer to veterans A local food pantry is offering to help people affected by the government shutdown. Heartland Hope Mission is offering a weeks supply of groceries and diapers, hygiene items and clothing at no cost. Families also can meet with the agency to get assistance receiving additional services. Heartland Hope Mission is setting aside Thursdays at 3 p.m. for families affected by the shutdown, but those families can also receive help during regular hours. The pantrys South Omaha site, 2021 U St., is open: Tuesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays 1:30 to 4 p.m., and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to noon. Many Americans live paycheck to paycheck, so we encourage families to come and get assistance immediately, because we dont know how long the government will be shut down, said Chelsea Salifou, CEO at Heartland Hope Mission. This assistance can help them prioritize the resources they have. Youll soon see dockless electric scooters around Omaha. Mayor Jean Stotherts office announced Wednesday that the city is seeking proposals from companies to participate in a pilot program from late March until mid-November. Such a program will allow people to rent electric scooters for a short period of time. They would be dockless, meaning the scooters wouldnt have a permanent home, a feature thats popular in urban areas. Scooter companies such as Lime and Bird operate in cities across the United States and bill themselves as an affordable and convenient way to get around. Bird is in Kansas City. Stothert said dockless scooters have the potential to expand Omahas mobility options. After the pilot, the city plans to evaluate the effort to see if it supports the citys master plan goals, which include providing multifaceted transportation in Omaha and creating livable and connected neighborhoods. The deadline for companies to submit a proposal to the city is Feb. 8. To participate, companies must pay the city $10,000 for a permit. State and federal offices, schools, libraries and some businesses will be closed Monday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Omahans can attend these events to remember and venerate the civil rights champions life: Information: Together will partner with middle school students from Partnership 4 Kids and UNO students who are recipients of the Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship to provide a community breakfast. Pancakes, sausage and fresh fruit will be served. Donations will benefit Together's Nourish program. Information: Abide Omaha will host any individuals or groups who would like to serve the inner city and connect with the north Omaha community to make a difference in one of the most underserved areas in Omaha. Participants are invited to bring their own lunches and attend an optional talk afterward on poverty in the inner city. Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040449aaa929a57-mlkserve. A second bill, also introduced by the two senators and 12 co-sponsors, would provide workers who qualify for unemployment insurance partial reimbursement for lost wages from the state to care for others or themselves. It would allow six weeks to care for a family member, and up to 12 weeks after the birth of a new child or for ones own serious health problems. It has special provisions for family members in the military. The bills were promoted as helping to retain and attract workers. Historic horse racing. The State Racing Commission will meet Wednesday in Grand Island to reconsider its controversial vote in October to allow betting via terminals that display previously run Thoroughbred races. A 28-year-old man died and two people were injured Tuesday night in a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 30 about three miles northeast of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Cody J. Grandmont of Persia, Iowa, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Missouri Valley, according to an Iowa State Patrol report. Rebecca E. Smith, 34, and Austin L. Tasich, 31, both of Council Bluffs, were taken by ambulance to Creighton University Medical Center-Bergan Mercy in Omaha. Investigators determined that Grandmont was headed west on Highway 30 in a 1999 Saturn SL1 about 6:45 p.m. when the car crossed the center line for an unknown reason. The Saturn collided with an eastbound 1998 Buick Century driven by Smith. Neither Grandmont nor Smith were wearing a seat belt, the report said. The highway was closed in both directions during the crash investigation. The Harrison County Sheriffs Office assisted in the investigation. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. An Omaha in-home day care has been shuttered by the state because the owners husband has been accused of sexually assaulting a boy there for years. Debra A. Harrison, doing business as Debs Day Care at 8328 Bedford Ave., no longer is allowed to provide care for any children other than her own, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday. William Harrison, 62, has been charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child. He is listed in department records as the day cares secondary caregiver. Omaha police officers on Friday interviewed a boy at Project Harmony who said that William Harrison had been sexually assaulting him for four years, starting when the boy was 8 years old and ending about a week ago. The boy told police that Harrison performed oral sex on him and forced him to have oral and anal sex. The alleged assaults occurred at the home, the boy told officers. The father of the boy said his son had attended the day care when he was younger. This has just been such an overwhelming deal as it is, he said. Officers spoke to Harrison at his home and he admitted to the assaults, according to a court affidavit. A 23-year-old man fatally wounded in a Tuesday night shooting at a Bellevue apartment complex was identified Wednesday. Brian Faeller-Crom of Bellevue was found about 10 p.m. Tuesday with a gunshot wound at the Pheasant Ridge Apartments, which is near 36th Street about a mile south of U.S. Highway 370. He was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in extremely critical condition and pronounced dead there. His mother said on Facebook that he lived at the apartment complex. In 2017, Faeller-Crom pleaded no contest to being an accessory to a felony and was sentenced to three years probation. The charge stemmed from an incident Dec. 28, 2016, near 25th Avenue and Hancock Street. Prosecutors said Faeller-Crom hindered authorities in finding a man who later was charged with firing a gun at a residence. That man eventually pleaded no contest to a lesser charge and was sentenced to three years in prison, a term that began in April 2018. Bellevue police have identified the man who was found fatally wounded Tuesday night outside a Sarpy County apartment complex. Brian Faeller-Crom, 23, of Bellevue, had been shot in the back, police said. He was located Tuesday night outside the Pheasant Ridge Apartments near 36th Street about a mile south of U.S. Highway 370. Faeller-Crom was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in extremely critical condition shortly before 10 p.m. He later was pronounced dead at the hospital. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Sarpy County Crime Stoppers at (402) 592-STOP (7867). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Nancy Gaarder Nancy Gaarder helps cover public safety and weather events as an editor on The World-Herald's breaking news desk. Follow her on Twitter @gaarder. Email: nancy.gaarder@owh.com Follow Nancy Gaarder Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A 28-year-old man who hit a pedestrian with his car and drove away was looking at his phone at the time to change his music selection, a prosecutor said in court Wednesday. Johnathan Pulec has been charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury accident resulting in serious bodily injury, a felony. He was ordered held on $200,000 bail. If convicted, he faces a maximum of four years in prison. Pulec is accused of hitting 53-year-old William McKnight of Omaha about 8:30 p.m. Jan. 6 near the Northwest Radial and Hamilton Street. Prosecutor Anthony Clowe said McKnight was knocked unconscious and had to be intubated. He was taken to a hospital and suffered a broken leg. A Crime Stoppers tip led to Pulecs arrest. Omaha police officers spoke to Pulec, who said he was driving while looking at his phone. I worry my grandchildren might not be able to visit me, she said. Tom Weitzenkamp, whose family feeds livestock in northern Dodge County, came to the Camenzinds defense, saying their application deserved to be approved. Will Keech of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska extolled the local property tax and economic benefits of such an operation, as well as the importance of meeting Costcos needs. Nebraska Communities United is among the groups opposing chicken farm applications across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. One of the organizations leaders, Randy Ruppert, says this application is different. Not only is it the biggest chicken farm applying so far, he said, but its location could mean more. This is about payback, Ruppert said. I see a message in it: You guys screwed me out of millions of dollars, so Im going to make your area stink. Camenzind says that is wrong. He says he is simply trying to set his son up for success in farming the same way he helped his daughter start a chicken farm in Washington County. As 2017 drew to a close, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., urged Americans to have more children. To keep the country great, he said, we're "going to need more people." "I did my part," the father of three declared. Ryan's remarks drew eye rolls at the time, but as new data about the country's collapsing fertility rates has emerged, concern has deepened over what's causing the changes, whether it constitutes a crisis that will fundamentally change the demographic trajectory of the country and what we should do about it. Women are now having fewer babies and at older ages than in the past three decades, a change that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics reported this year, and which was confirmed this week with the release of additional data that shows that the trend holds across races and for both urban and rural areas. The CDC said Wednesday that the total fertility rate a theoretical figure that estimates the number of births a woman will have in her lifetime fell by 18 percent from 2007 to 2017 in large metropolitan areas, 16 percent in smaller metro areas and 12 percent in rural areas. A similar downward trend holds for white, black and Hispanic women. - You want someone always on call. Have a question or concern? A team of pharmacists is available 24/7 every day of the year to talk to you on the phone. It might not be for you if: - You need a medication right now. If your physician prescribes an antibiotic or antiviral that you need to start immediately, it's best to head to your local pharmacy. - You tend to set it and forget it. If you set up your account for automatic refills and you stop a medication or your physician changes the dose, you'll need to remember to stop automatic refills or they'll just keep coming. - You take a compounded medication. Few mail-order pharmacies produce customized, made-to-order medicines. You probably will need to find a local pharmacy. - You worry about loss. On rare occasions when a prescription goes missing, mail-order pharmacies will typically resend your medication at no cost. However, if you have real concerns about package theft, then it may be worth your time to pick up your prescriptions in person. Please Enable Cookies www.offshore-mag.com is using a security service for protection against online attacks. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. RENUA Ireland leader and Offaly county councillor, John Leahy, has warned that "the children's hospital debacle should not be used as an excuse to shut down investment in rural health care services." Commenting on the ongoing 453 million over-run on the children's hospital, located at the site of St. James's Hospital in Dublin, Mr Leahy said, "heads should roll over this debacle." "Instead, it is far more likely that rural hospitals will pay the price for the reckless and wastefulness of Dublin centred policymakers," John said. "Our National Children's Hospital should be a showcase of all our talents. Instead, it has turned into a white elephant and the national embodiment of our new 'more for less' culture." "Health Minister Simon Harris should convene a swift inquiry to explain and justify the 453 million over-run. The taxpayer deserves to know who is responsible and what are the consequences." "This should include an inquiry into consultants fees and an explanation for the inaccessible nature of this site," Leahy said. "Many Dublin people, let alone rural visitors, note it would be easier to drive a sick child to Belfast than the proposed location of the children's hospital." "Mr Harris should also analyse the cost benefits of divesting certain hospital functions to a greenfield rural site," he added. "At this point, money has to be found somewhere to complete the project but watch this space; rural Ireland health services will suffer on the back of urban policymakers building the most expensive hospital in the world," Leahy claimed. Former Sinn Fein TD Peadar Toibin's new All Ireland Movement will hold a public meeting in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, on Wednesday, January 22 at 7.30pm. This meeting is one of a series of meetings that are being held throughout the 32 counties of Ireland. According to Peadar Toibin TD, who will be speaking at the event: We are blown away by the level of support. There is an avalanche of people who are getting in contact with us. Many of these people, who are from a Fianna Fail background or a Sinn Fein background, are seriously frustrated that the leadership of their parties do not represent them anymore." Its like watching a pressure cooker valve being released at meetings. People are saying that they have no one to vote for, that all the parties are uniform on so many issues. The truth is respectful opposition is not the enemy, its an important part of a health a democracy." People in housing crisis, who have health care issues and are struggling to makes ends meet want and need their issues to be crowbarred back up the political priority agenda. Yet the political establishment seem to be prioritising everything else but economic justice." We are an All-Ireland party. We seek the unity of the Irish people north and south. We seek the self-determination and Irish independence north and south. A seek to develop a broad inclusive organisation to achieve that. It is our view that Sinn Fein has narrowed the space in which people can participate. We will be broader and much more welcoming," Peadar claims. We believe that all human life should be protected and that no mother or child should be left behind. We seek to protect the most vulnerable in society at all stages of life. We believe that all of the necessary economic and social supports must be provided to mothers and families to ensure that they know that they can raise their children in confidence." I would greatly encourage people from all political backgrounds and none to seize this opportunity and help build this new All Ireland movement. Donald Trump continues his precedent-setting presidency as his demand for a southern border wall that a majority of Americans do not want results in the first time in US history that service members in the US armed forces have not be paid due to a government shutdown. Thats the word from Coast Guard commandant Karl Schultz, who urged the more than 42K active duty members via a Jan. 15 tweet to rise above adversity, stay the course, stand the watch and serve with pride. Since the Coast Guard is part of the Dept. of Homeland Security, it has received no funding since Trumps shutdown. The president, who in the past has showered praise upon the Coast Guard has ignored the financial struggles of its service members caused by his shutdown. Karl Schultz During his Thanksgiving teleconference with the military, Trump said, Theres no brand thats gone up like the Coast Guard over the last few years, perhaps referring to its role in hurricane relief efforts in in the waters of Texas, Puerto Rico, North Carolina and South Carolina. A better bet: Trump likes the Coast Guard brand because it protects him when he hobnobs with the wealthy clientele of his members-only Palm Beach estate. After all, with the president, its always about him. Coast Guard cutters, helicopters, patrol boats and anti-terror personnel protect Trump when he vacations at Mar-a-Lago. That protection costs some serious coin. The Washington Post reported July 28, 2017 that the Coast Guard spent more than $6.6M protecting Trump during his seven visits to Mar-a-Lago in the spring of that year. That Trump protection money is funding diverted from drug interdiction, search & rescue, inspections or port patrols. While the president shows no empathy for his vacation bodyguards, USAA has stepped up via a donation $15M in interest-free loans to financially-strapped Coast Guard members. The American Red Cross will handle electronic distribution of the loans up to $1,000 and $750 for service members without dependents. San Antonio-based USAA provides banking, investments, insurance and retirement products to 12.8M current/former members of the military. Hats off to USAA. Of the little presidential respect shown toward the Coast Guard, the services founder Alexander Hamilton must be turning over in his grave. WE Communications has acquired content marketing agency Codeword. The agency will take the name WE Codeword, and continue to operate as a separate entity, maintaining its own client portfolio and partnering with WE on new business and joint client opportunities. Codeword partners Mike Barash, Jeff Lind, Michael McKloskey and Kyle Monson will still lead the agency, working in partnership with WE leaders through a joint board headed by WE North America President Kass Sells. With offices in New York, San Francisco and Salt Lake City, WE Codeword focuses on editorial and content, and is building out services in PR, social media, strategy and analytics. This move represents growth and diversification for both of our independent, people-focused, high-performing, financially strong firms, said Melissa Waggener Zorkin, CEO of WE. A circular, slow-turning sheet of ice in Maines Presumpscot River has captured the imaginations of millions around the world after photos and videos of it have been shared on social media. Its been called a frozen crop circle, a frozen moon, an alien ship, but scientists say its a rare natural phenomenon at an unprecedented scale. Rotating ice circles have been reported in the US before, but they were in the 20- to 30-foot range, whereas the ice disk in the Presumpscot River, in the city of Westbrook, is roughly 100 meters wide. It is constantly rotating counterclockwise and its size appears to vary according to the outside temperature and sunlight its larger in the morning, but shrinks when the sun is strong and the temperature rises. Photo: Westbrook Maine/Vimeo While the exact science behind the formation of these rotating ice discs is still a mystery, some researchers believe they occur because of temperature changes in the water, which creates a vortex under sheets of ice that break off from the frozen shore. As the ice spins, the friction with the water, slush and other pieces of ice causes the edges to be shaved off and a circle is formed. Mark Battle, an associate professor of physics at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, told the Press Herald that he had never seen anything like the Westbrook ice disk. Its definitely not being caused by the Coriolis force (that objects experience because of the Earths rotation), Battle said. It looks marvelous, its a beautiful thing. It might be a world-record size, if anybody were keeping track, Dr. Kenneth G. Libbrecht, a professor of physics at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, told the New York Times. A Chinese polygamist who was secretly married to three women managed to keep them from finding out about each other despite arranging for them to live within a one kilometer radius, for his own convenience. The 36-year-old man, surnamed Zhang, is facing up to two years in prison for polygamy, after he exploited a loophole in the system to legally marry three different women in a period of three years. He worked as a real-estate agent in Kunshan, eastern Chinas Jiangsu province, and made a lot of money thanks to the countrys booming property market, so providing for three different families was no problem, but he admitted that traveling between three homes up to 10 times a week could be a bit tiring. Not as tiring as it could have been, though, as Zhang made sure to buy the three women apartments within a one kilometer radius, for his own convenience. Zhang, who hails from Henan province, reportedly married his first wife, Ren, in Kunshan, in 2015. A year later, he married his second wife, Chen, in his home province, and in 2017 he tied the knot with a third woman, surnamed Wang, in her home city of Anhui. According to a report by the Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation, Zhang had at least one child with each of the three women, and tried to spend as much time with each of his families. To make it easier for himself, he moved them as close to each other as possible. But how did Zhang manage to get another two marriage certificates after marrying his first wife? Well, it turns out that the civil authorities in the three different provinces where he married his wives didnt share a database, so he didnt show up as already married. The man claims that he didnt know being married to multiple women at the same time was illegal, but authorities are reluctant to believe him, as he did marry them in different provinces before bringing them to Kunshan. After successfully juggling three families for years, Zhangs luck finally ran out in 2017, when his second wife, Chen, became suspicious after discovering texts between her husband and another woman, and decided to follow him on one of his business trips. She didnt have to tag him for very long, as Zhang stopped in a nearby residential area to visit his first wife. Chen discovered Zhangs third wife soon after that, by texting a number that kept calling his phone. After learning about Zhangs multiple families, his first wife divorced him last year, and the other two women filed a police report against him in March. Despite his treachery, Zhangs second and third wives described him as caring and considerate, adding that he always washed the dishes after dinner, when he was at home. Zhang was officially accused of practicing polygamy in November of last year and is now awaiting his sentence. Even though his first wife left him, the man still hopes to patch things up to at least one of his other wives. After I get out, I will see who can forgive me and I will be with her, the ousted polygamist told reporters. The Opelika City Council passed a resolution during its meeting Tuesday night to name the 2nd Avenue Bridge in memory of Sharron Robinson Fuller, who died in a motor vehicle accident last year. The Opelika resident was 47 years old when she died as a result of the Nov. 9 accident on U.S. Highway 280 West, near the Alabama Highway 147 (North College Street) intersection. A Colbert County native, Sharron Fuller was married to John Fuller with whom she had who children, Kathryn and Houston. After the two were married, she moved to Opelika. She was employed by The Alabama Department of Transportation for 26 years, where she worked as a Project Manager and Assistant District Manager. Standing room only was available in the council chamber Tuesday night, as Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller recognized the life of Sharron Robinson Fuller to the city council and a room packed with her family and friends. There werent many dry eyes in the room as the mayor read the resolution. Gary Fuller said he talked to Ike Scott, owner of Scott Bridge Company, Inc., in Opelika. Miles Lackey, who served as Leaths chief of staff at Iowa State, briefly filled the role at Auburn, until he returned to his native North Carolina in April 2018 to work as vice chancellor for business affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. VP for enrollment Joffery Gaymon is scheduled to take the reins as vice president for enrollment on March 4. A graduate of Georgia College and State University as well as Northeastern University, Gaymon has held enrollment positions at the University of West Florida and the University of South Carolina, Beaufort. An Auburn University spokesman could not confirm Tuesday how long the position was open before Gaymon's hiring. Responsibilities of the vice president for enrollment include leading the collaboration between university advancement and enrollment management to identify, prioritize and proactively implement scholarship plans and optimizing use of available federal, state and institutional resources in the recruitment and retention of students while ensuring campus compliance with all federal and state agencies regulations and policies, according to a job description on Auburns website. Steve and Joffery will play key leadership roles as we focus on becoming one of the premier public universities in the nation, Leath stated in a news release from Auburn. Their combined expertise is a powerful asset that strengthens our unwavering commitment to excellence in scholarship, research and outreach. Auburn City Schools board president Tracie West expressed her satisfaction in leaving the board with a plan and competent leadership as she transitions into her role as the District 2 Representative for the Alabama State Board of Education. I am confident in Auburn City Schools' strategic plan, West said. Its a road map to success, and weve already seen this in our most recent report card from the State Department of Education. Every school system in Alabama needs a plan with specific, measureable results for yearly progress in order to remain productive and healthy, and I believe in the strategic plan because it was developed not only by leaders but our citizens that served. In the November election, West received 128,145 votes compared to the 64,150 her opponent Adam Jortner accumulated securing her spot on the state board. 'Service before self' As the city looks to its school board for wise decisions, firm commitments and steady achievements, board members and the superintendent look to their president for strong leadership, Auburn City Schools Superintendent Karen DeLano said. Mrs. Tracie West has provided that leadership that encourages us to pool our resources and fulfill our responsibilities and expectations. Dawson thought making Rosa Parks Day a city holiday was a good idea, and he said he found bipartisan legislation giving the city the right to do so. However, when City Manager Jim Buston pointed out that creating a new city holiday would come at a cost of at least $130,000 annually, all wisely seemed to agree that other ideas, such as naming a library, might be a better option and would still serve the purpose. Indeed, just the math would suggest that the cost of more than a half-million dollars within five years could mean constructing an entirely new building for the city, or perhaps fund many infrastructure needs, or add first-responders and other city personnel to the payrolls. There are many ways a small city can spend $130,000 a year in tax money other than giving employees an additional day off. Dawson and Taylor, to their credit, agreed, and then suggested the city place a library in the Boykin Community Center, with the name Rosa Parks Library. Not only is that kind of move more practical financially, it actually is more likely to prompt educational opportunities about Rosa Parks for future generations curious about the name. Congratulatory Telegram After Trumps Election Mr. Putin was one of the first world leaders to congratulate Mr. Trump on his victory in the 2016 election, with a note Mr. Trump later described as beautiful. First Phone Call Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump spoke for the first time, by phone. The two men agreed on the absolutely unsatisfactory state of bilateral relations between the United States and Russia, according to a statement from the Kremlin. Trumps office said the president-elect noted to President Putin that he is very much looking forward to having a strong and enduring relationship with Russia and the people of Russia. Trump Releases Christmas Greetings From Putin Mr. Trumps office released a translated holiday letter from Mr. Putin expressing a wish for cooperation and collaboration. A very nice letter from Vladimir Putin; his thoughts are so correct, Mr. Trump said in a statement. Congratulatory Call After Trump Takes Office Several of Mr. Trumps senior advisers were present in the Oval Office for his first phone call with Mr. Putin as president. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Mr. Trump received a congratulatory phone call from Mr. Putin that lasted about an hour. Phone Call After St. Petersburg Attack Mr. Trump called Mr. Putin to express his condolences for the victims of a terrorist attack on the subway in St. Petersburg. Phone Call on Syria The two presidents spoke by phone about the war in Syria, terrorism in the Middle East and North Korea. Private Discussion at G-20 Meeting in Hamburg, Germany Stephen Crowley/The New York Times Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin met face to face for the first time on the sidelines of the Group of 20 economic summit meeting, along with Rex W. Tillerson, the secretary of state at the time, and Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister. According to a former senior administration official, after the meeting Mr. Trump took away his interpreters notes and told the interpreter not to discuss the conversation. Second Discussion at G-20 Meeting in Hamburg It was later reported that Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin spoke again at a dinner for G-20 leaders, joined only by Mr. Putins translator. The dinner was closed to reporters, and the White House did not publicly disclose the conversation until it was reported more than a week later. There is no official United States government record of what was said. Brief Conversations at Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meeting in Da Nang, Vietnam The White House said no formal meeting would occur between Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin at the forum, but video showed the two presidents shaking hands and chatting. Mr. Trump later said he asked Mr. Putin about Russian meddling in the 2016 election and that Mr. Putin denied it. Every time he sees me he says, I didnt do that, and I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it, Mr. Trump told reporters. I think he is very insulted by it, which is not a good thing for our country. Hourlong Phone Call The two presidents spoke on the phone about terrorism, Syria and Ukraine. Phone Call After Putins Annual News Conference Mr. Trump thanked Mr. Putin for acknowledging the United States strong economic performance. They also discussed North Korea, according to the White House. Phone Call on St. Petersburg Terrorist Plot Mr. Putin called Mr. Trump to thank United States intelligence agencies for providing information that he said helped to foil a terrorist plot in St. Petersburg, Russia. New Years Letter From Putin Mr. Putin sent Mr. Trump well wishes for the new year and called for pragmatic cooperation between their two countries. Phone Call After Moscow Plane Crash After a plane crash in Russia killed 71 people, Mr. Trump spoke to Mr. Putin to express his condolences. Phone Call After Putins Re-election Mr. Trump called Mr. Putin and congratulated the Russian president on his election victory, confounding aides who wrote clear instructions on briefing materials: DO NOT CONGRATULATE. Two-Hour Private Meeting in Helsinki, Finland Doug Mills/The New York Times After a preliminary meeting that included other American officials, Mr. Trump met with Mr. Putin privately in their first formal summit meeting, accompanied only by their interpreters. The White House provided scant information about what was said, leaving even some administration officials in the dark. At a joint news conference afterward, Mr. Trump avoided criticizing Mr. Putin and questioned his own intelligence agencies conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election. Democrats have called on Mr. Trumps interpreters to testify about this meeting and others. Informal Conversation at G-20 Meeting in Buenos Aires Juan Mabromata/Agence France-Presse Getty Images Mr. Trump abruptly canceled a planned meeting with Mr. Putin, citing concerns about Russian aggression toward Ukraine. Mr. Trump appeared to avoid Mr. Putin, even as they posed for a photograph together with other world leaders. But the two men eventually held a brief, informal conversation over dinner with other world leaders that evening, according to the White House. The dinner was closed to reporters. In Central Asia, a warming climate is shrinking the Tuyuksu glacier. Its losing ice every year. Around the world, vanishing glaciers will mean less water for people and crops in the future. Here, the people need to prepare sooner. On a summer day in the mountains high above Almaty, Kazakhstans largest city, the Tuyuksu glacier is melting like mad. Rivulets of water stream down the glaciers thin leading edge. As she has for nearly two decades, Maria Shahgedanova, a glaciologist at the University of Reading in England, has come here to check on the Tuyuksu. As one of the longest-studied glaciers anywhere, the Tuyuksu helps gauge the impact of climate change on the worlds ice. With colleagues from the Kazakhstan Institute of Geography, Dr. Shahgedanova has made the slow trip from Almaty, 15 miles to the north and nearly two miles below, lumbering up a steep, rutted mountain road in a giant Russian utility vehicle. At the roads end sits a Soviet-era research station that, like the Tuyuksu itself, has seen better days. On the glacier, researchers maintain an array of measuring stakes planted in holes in the ice. Last year, at the end of the summer melting season, the team drew lines on the stakes marking the height of the ice, as researchers have done here for decades. Now, looking at a stake nearly a year later, Nikolay Kasatkin, one of the institute researchers, and Dr. Shahgedanova saw that more of the wood was visible. With the end of melting still a couple of months off, parts of the Tuyuksu were already about three feet thinner. Glaciers represent the snows of centuries, compressed over time into slowly flowing rivers of ice, up to about a thousand feet thick here in the Tien Shan range and even thicker in other parts of the world. They are never static, accumulating snow in winter and losing ice to melting in summer. But in a warming climate melting outstrips accumulation, resulting in a net loss of ice. The Tuyuksu, which is about a mile and a half long, is getting shorter as well as thinner. When the research station was built in 1957 it was just a few hundred yards from the Tuyuksus leading edge, or tongue. Now, reaching the ice requires scrambling on foot for the better part of an hour over piles of boulders and till left as the glacier retreated. In six decades, it has lost more than half a mile. Whats happening in the mountains of southeastern Kazakhstan is occurring all over the globe. The worlds roughly 150,000 glaciers, not including the large ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica, cover about 200,000 square miles of the earths surface. Over the last four decades theyve lost the equivalent of a layer of ice 70 feet thick. Most of them are getting shorter, too. Some have shrunk to nothing: Smaller glaciers in places like the Rockies and the Andes have disappeared. Even if greenhouse gas emissions were sharply curtailed immediately, there has already been enough warming to continue shrinking glaciers around the world. This great global melting contributes to sea level rise. It affects production of hydroelectricity. It leads to disasters like rapid, catastrophic floods and debris flows. It alters rivers and ecosystems, affecting the organisms that inhabit them. But here in the Tien Shan, the biggest impact may be on the supply of water for people and agriculture. As the Tuyuksu melts, the rivulets turn into torrents, carving channels in the surface. The flows merge, forming a stream that joins with those from other melting glaciers. Some of the water from these glaciers eventually becomes the Little Almaty River. The Little Almaty and several other glacier-fed rivers flow through and around the city. They supply some of the drinking water for the regions two million people and irrigation water for fields of corn and other crops outside the city. Runoff from the mountains has not declined so far, Dr. Shahgedanova said. We arent seeing problems yet, she said, but some of her models suggest that is poised to change. Were talking the next 20 years or so. In addition to measuring ice loss on the Tuyuksu, Dr. Shahgedanova and her colleagues study the water in the Little Almaty and other rivers. It doesnt all come from melting glaciers; some comes from runoff of rain and melting snow, which some climate models predict may increase in the region. Other sources include thawing areas of frozen ground, or permafrost, and huge piles of rock fragments and ice that dominate the landscape below many glaciers. Dr. Shahgedanova and other researchers analyze water samples to determine the mix of sources. They take regular flow measurements to record how streams change. Determining the mix of water sources is important for forecasting how the rivers will fare over time. A melting glacier can at first increase stream flow, but eventually the glacier reaches a tipping point, called peak flow, and meltwater begins to taper. At some point they cannot produce the water they are providing right now, said Matthias Huss, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Its really important for water managers to know when this tipping point is reached. Tuyuksu Glacier Kapchagay Reservoir Lake Issyk-Kul Almaty Lake Balkhash Russia Mongolia Kazakhstan Kazakhstan Iran Afghanistan Pakistan China China Kyrgyzstan India Arctic Ocean Arabian Sea Bay of Bengal Flows from Kazakhstans glaciers will eventually decline. Other glaciers in Central Asia will also be affected. But the biggest impact will be farther south. There, countless glaciers feed the great river basins of Asia. Across the Tibetan Plateau and in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges, the glaciers number in the thousands and the people who rely on them in the hundreds of millions, along rivers like the Indus in Pakistan, the Ganges and Brahmaputra in India, the Yellow and Yangtze in China and the Mekong in Southeast Asia. Eventually these rivers will be affected by glacial retreat, said Arthur Lutz, a hydrologist with FutureWater, a Dutch water-resources consulting firm. The timing may vary; the Indus, for example, is more dependent on glacial melt than the Ganges, which receives much of its water from the monsoon. Either way, Dr. Lutz said, the total sum of water you get from the mountains is likely to increase until about the 2050s. In the mountains of Kazakhstan, the decline may start sooner. Thats adding urgency to the researchers work. Much of the water from the Tuyuksu and other glaciers eventually reaches the lowlands north of Almaty where it irrigates crops. When flows in these rivers begin to decline, the regions farmers could face a crisis. Most of the irrigation works in the region date from the Soviet era. They are old, run-down and inefficient. Many canals and ditches are lined with earth, not concrete, so water leaks from them. And the water is not managed well. Most farmers now take whatever water they need, without having to account for how much they use. There is not much incentive, or money, to install improvements like drip irrigation that would save water and improve productivity. But more efficient water management is what Kazakhstan needs to prepare for the days when the flow from glacier-fed rivers starts to drop off. Aleksi Gorbatuk is a farmer with 370 acres of corn in Karaoy, about 25 miles north of Almaty, and more acreage elsewhere. Hed like to install drip irrigation on some of his fields. He knows it would help conserve water, and the government tells him that is important in an era of climate change. It would also save him money in the long run by making his fields more productive. But it is expensive. The government explains that in the near future there will be a shortage of water, Mr. Gorbatuk said. So every farmer needs to think about his money, so if tomorrow we dont have this water, what will we do. Mr. Gorbatuks situation is a reminder that, as Dr. Huss put it, declining waters from glaciers or mountains in general do not necessarily need to be a problem. Its rather a question of how we use the water, Dr. Huss said. And how we use the water is determined by society. In the weeks since President Trump unexpectedly announced that American troops would withdraw from Syria and theyre coming back now rejecting the counsel of generals and advisers, some administration officials stepped down and others tried to chart a path forward. If anyone had any illusions about just how complicated the withdrawal might be, they were unlikely to retain them after the latest bad news out of the war-torn country. On Wednesday, Americans troops were among the dead after a bombing attack in northern Syria that was claimed by the Islamic State. They were the latest deaths in a seemingly intractable conflict that began with a popular uprising in 2011 and grew into a complex entanglement of multiple foreign powers. President Barack Obama sent American troops to Syria in 2015 as part of a coalition against the Islamic State, or ISIS. But in announcing the withdrawal in December, Mr. Trump declared that historic victories over the militants meant the time had come for American forces to come home. In December, President Trump made an extraordinary declaration about U.S. involvement in Syria: We have won against ISIS. Now, its time for our troops to come back home. Ignoring advice from his generals and advisers, Trump said that the U.S. would leave Syria. Defense Department officials said that they were ordered to do it within 30 days. [explosion] Then came a flurry of criticism, even from inside his own party. I believe it is a catastrophic mistake. This is very disappointing. It needs to be reconsidered. Then, the resignations. First, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis quit. And Americas chief diplomat in the fight against ISIS, Brett McGurk, soon followed. Now, the timeline for a full withdrawal is unclear. I never said were doing it that quickly. He went on to say that the U.S. will leave at a proper pace while continuing to fight ISIS, a shift from Theyre all coming back, and theyre coming back now. The nearly eight-year-long war in Syria has left hundreds of thousands of people dead. [explosion] So, how did we get here and what are U.S. forces doing in Syria? In 2011, uprisings rippled through the Middle East. Leaders fell in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. And after months of anti-government protests in Syria, the U.S. had a message for President Bashar al-Assad: This morning, President Obama called on Assad to step aside. He didnt and the conflict escalated. In 2012, Obama warned Assad against using Syrias stockpile of chemical weapons against his own people. Thats a red line for us, and that there would be enormous consequences if we start seeing the use of chemical weapons. A year later, Assads army launched a chemical attack on a Damascus suburb, killing 1,400 people. [screaming] In response, the U.S. debated airstrikes, but they were avoided when Syria agreed to give up its chemical weapons. But a new threat was also emerging ISIS. In 2014, the U.S. began supporting rebel groups to fight extremists, while also conducting airstrikes as part of an international coalition. These efforts expanded and the U.S. troop numbers grew from hundreds to the low thousands. In 2016, U.S.-supported fighters took control of the ISIS stronghold of Manbij and in 2017 their de facto capital, Raqqa. There are now around 2,000 American forces in Syria who are largely fighting alongside the Kurdish groups. This has been a problem for Americas ally Turkey, which has a long-standing conflict with the Kurds. U.S. troops have had run-ins with Assads forces as well as groups backed by Russia and Iran. Since taking office, Trump has ordered two strikes on areas controlled by Assad in response to chemical weapons attacks. We are prepared to sustain this response, until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents. U.S. officials and allies dispute the claim that ISIS has been defeated. They warn that an American departure will weaken U.S. influence in the region and may embolden Russia, Iran and Turkey, who are also on the ground. The other worry? The move may inspire some ISIS fighters to return to Syria. TEHRAN A prominent American-born journalist working for an Iranian state-run satellite television channel has been arrested in the United States, the broadcaster said Wednesday. The reported action, which has not been confirmed by the American authorities, was condemned by Iranian officials. The journalist, Marzieh Hashemi, who has lived in Iran since 2009, is an anchor at the channel, Press TV. It said that Ms. Hashemi, 59, was arrested at the St. Louis airport on Sunday and transferred by the F.B.I. to Washington, where she remained in custody. No charges have been filed against her, the channel said. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif of Iran was quick to denounce the reported arrest of Ms. Hashemi. Foreign auditors are to meet next week in Greece for a post-bailout review, with talks expected to focus on the enduring problems of Greek banks and their nonperforming loans, as well as taxation. The catalyst for the challenge to Mr. Tsiprass government was a proposal to rename the neighboring nation of Macedonia. Greece had long blocked Macedonia from joining NATO, insisting that the countrys name implied territorial claims to the Greek region called Macedonia. Last year, the two nations signed an agreement for Macedonia to change its name to North Macedonia. The Macedonian Parliament approved the name change last week, and the Greek Parliament is to consider it in the coming days. But the proposed change does not go far enough for many, including the Independent Greeks, who cited it in quitting the government. Thousands took to the streets of Athens and other cities to protest the deal last year, and a rally is planned on Sunday. Some people have gone beyond protest. This week, a 63-year-old retired naval officer was arrested on charges of sending threatening messages to a government official over the Macedonia agreement. Over the weekend, a top prosecutor launched an investigation into reports that several lawmakers had received threats warning them not to back the deal. And the police in northern Greece said on Wednesday that they had arrested four people over wanted posters targeting Greek lawmakers who support the name change. Despite the upheaval, officials have expressed confidence that the Macedonia deal will pass with the support of opposition and independent lawmakers. But the outlook appeared unclear after the centrist party Potami, which had originally indicated it would back the pact, said it was reviewing its stance. LONDON Claudia Weber is a seasoned commuter, and she loves to knit. Over the past year, as her train journey from a town in the Bavarian countryside to Munich was replaced with a bus service during track repairs, stretching to two hours or more from a scheduled 40 minutes, she had a novel way of working out her frustrations. Others may roll their eyes, shrug or post complaints on social media. When she got home each evening, she simply added two rows of wool to a striped scarf she was knitting: gray for delays under five minutes, pink for up to 30 minutes and red for a delay of more than a half-hour or delays in both directions. The resulting four-foot Bahn-Verspatungsschal, or rail delay scarf, has become something of a social-media sensation. Put on eBay to raise money for a Germany charity that provides free assistance to people at train stations, it sold on Monday for 7,550 euros, or about $8,650, to an undisclosed buyer. Its not a statistic; its one year and how I felt about it, Ms. Weber, 55, an office clerk at a travel agency, said in a phone interview on Tuesday. The ayes to the right, 202. The nos to the left, 432. So the nos have it. The House has spoken, and the government will listen. It is clear that the House does not support this deal, but tonights vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Mr. Speaker, I want to end by offering two reassurances. The first is to those who fear that the governments strategy is to run down the clock to the 29th of March. That is not our strategy. The second reassurance is to the British people who voted to leave the European Union in the referendum two and a half years ago. I became prime minister immediately after that referendum. I believe its my duty to deliver on their instruction, and I intend to do so. This is a catastrophic defeat for this government. After two years of failed negotiations, The House of Commons has delivered its verdict on her Brexit deal, and that verdict is absolutely decisive. Her governing principle of delay and denial has reached the end of the line. She cannot seriously believe that after two years of failure, she is capable of negotiating a good deal for the people of this country. The most important issue facing us is that the government has lost the confidence of this House and this country. I therefore, Mr. Speaker, inform you I have now tabled a motion of no confidence in this government, and Im pleased Im pleased that motion will be debated tomorrow, so this House can give its verdict on the sheer incompetence of this government and pass that motion of no confidence in the government. LONDON Just minutes after Prime Minister Theresa Mays plan for leaving the European Union was resoundingly defeated on Tuesday night, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, rose in Parliament and vowed in thunderous tones to unseat her. For Mr. Corbyn, a soft-spoken outsider who stormed to the top of the opposition party three years ago, the moment marked a crossroads. After years of lying low on the question of Brexit, he finally made his move, thrusting himself into the center of the debate. He demanded a no-confidence vote, considered the first step in having to choose a side in the Brexit debate. In the end, Mrs. May clung to power as lawmakers beat back the challenge against her. But Mr. Corbyn has still emerged with an enormous amount of influence to shape the Brexit battle moving forward. Not only did Mrs. May barely survive the no-confidence vote in the House of Commons, she also suffered the worst parliamentary defeat in Britain since the 19th century the day before, when her plan for carrying out Brexit failed 432 to 202, with more than 100 of her own party members deserting her. HONG KONG A Canadian man sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling intends to appeal, one of his lawyers said Wednesday, as a diplomatic rift between Canada and China deepened and information emerged about the mans past drug convictions. The man, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, was tried, convicted and sentenced on Monday in what one of his attorneys called a stunningly swift outcome. The hearing in Dalian, a port city in northeastern China, was a retrial ordered by an appeals court last month, after Beijing angrily denounced Canada for arresting a Chinese tech executive at the request of the United States. Zhang Dongshuo, one of Mr. Schellenbergs two defense attorneys, said his client was relatively calm when they met on Tuesday, despite the death sentence and the possibility that a geopolitical conflict could decide his fate. Mr. Schellenberg said during that meeting that he would appeal, Mr. Zhang said by telephone. His main point is that he is innocent, and he didnt do what hes been accused of doing, Mr. Zhang said. Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed were so close that they were almost always together. If you couldnt reach Abdalla, you called Feisal, and if you couldnt reach Feisal, you called Abdalla, said a mutual friend, Abdulahi Mohammed. They even used to joke that they will one day die together. That sentiment became a prophecy on Tuesday. The two men, who worked for a London-based development company with offices in Nairobi, Kenya, were killed while having lunch on a restaurant terrace in a luxury hotel and office complex stormed by Shabab militants. Kenyas police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said Wednesday night that the fatalities had risen to 21 from 14, with six additional bodies retrieved from the attack site and the death of a police officer from injuries. The victims included an American and a British national. And it looked like this: 10 feet wide, 13 and 1/2 feet tall. Itd construct itself to be a 12-foot finished wall, just like that. Thats Representative Steve King We do that with livestock all the time. pitching the idea of building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, more than a decade before it became President Donald Trumps central immigration policy. The walls going to get built folks, just in case anybody has any question. The walls going to get built. King has been a Republican member of Congress from Iowa for the past 16 years. The gentleman from Iowa is recognized. Hes made a name for himself as a hard-line opponent of illegal immigration and for his inflammatory, sometimes racist, statements We are the immigrants! like when he disparaged so-called Dreamers, children brought by their parents as undocumented immigrants, in 2013. For every one whos a valedictorian, theres another hundred out there that they weigh 130 pounds and theyve got calves the size of cantaloupes because theyre hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert. King was an early and fervent supporter of Donald Trump. Hes a quick study. Hes an astute study. And if you explain something to Donald Trump, hes listening carefully, and you need to get it right. And the feeling has been mutual. He may be the worlds most conservative human being. [cheering] Trumps election in 2016 gave King a staunch ally in the White House. These days, the presidents statements sound like echoes of things King said years earlier. Its our job, here in this Congress, to decide who will be citizens, not someone in a foreign country that can sneak into the United States and have a baby and then go home with a birth certificate. Kings ideas and public statements, which once seemed fringe, now appear in the national discourse. His views are central to the white identity politics that heavily influence the Trump administration. The Iowa congressmans ultra-conservative ideas have been a long time in the making. Preventing babies to be from being born is not medicine. Thats not constructive to our culture and our civilization. If we let our birth rate get down below the replacement rate, were a dying civilization. And right now King has denied that his statements are racist and often invokes the idea of protecting our civilization. Its a concept of national identity and racial superiority thats a common talking point among white nationalists. In an interview on MSNBC, King himself explained. Where did any other subgroup of people contribute more to civilization? Than white people? Than Western civilization itself, thats rooted in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and the United States of America and every place where the footprint of Christianity What about Africa? settled the world. What about Asia? Thats all of Western civilization. But what about Africa? And what about Asia? Hes even gotten close to white nationalists outside of the U.S., appearing with far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders. King has also been to Austria several times since 2013, where hes cozied up to the far-right Freedom Party. Back at home, King has been re-elected eight times and is considered a party kingmaker in Iowa. But the 2018 midterms were his toughest contest yet. He won by just three points. And days before the election, a member of his own party called King out as a white supremacist. After more than a decade in Congress, his rhetoric may be finally catching up with him. WASHINGTON One hundred years to the day after the ratification of the 18th Amendment, leading to the nations 14-year experiment with Prohibition, the Supreme Court considered on Wednesday whether Tennessee may impose significant restriction on liquor sales. Several justices were deeply skeptical about the law at issue in the case, which says people who want to operate liquor stores in the state must first live there for two years. The law, they said, seemed to have no purpose beyond protecting local business interests from outside competition. Shay Dvoretzky, a lawyer for a trade association representing the states liquor retailers, said there were good reasons for the law. Duration facilitates background checks, he said. It facilitates investigation and enforcement of the law because somebody whos been there for a while is more likely to have substantial assets that can be seized, and is less likely to flee at the first sign of trouble. Here are the reasons more federal workers are still showing up for work despite not getting paid. The law prohibits them from striking The National Labor Relations Act extends a right to strike to American workers but it specifically does not give that right to government workers. A law passed during President Jimmy Carters administration bars federal workers from striking. When air traffic controllers walked off the job in 1981, demanding better pay and working conditions, President Ronald Reagan ordered them to return to work. When they did not, he fired them. For an employee deemed excepted from furlough during a shutdown which is to say, forced to work without pay walking off the job could carry a similar penalty. Guidance from the federal Office of Personnel Management prohibits excepted employees from taking any sort of leave, including vacation or sick days, during a shutdown. If an excepted employee refuses to report for work after being ordered to do so, the guidance says, he or she will be considered to be absent without leave (AWOL) and will be subject to any consequences that may follow from being AWOL. Employees believe in their mission Union leaders and federal workers frequently stress that furloughed employees want to be allowed to return to their jobs and that employees working without pay are doing so largely because they care about their work, be it protecting public lands, inspecting food for safety or catching drug smugglers at the border. It sounds corny, I know, said Jacqueline Simon, the director of public policy for the American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal workers union. But federal employees are extremely devoted to the mission of their agencies, she said. They dont just fall into these jobs. They believe in public service; they believe in what they do. Theyre not just going to walk away. There may come a point when some of them have to, to feed their families, but no one wants to do that. WASHINGTON Senate Republicans on Wednesday narrowly staved off an effort by Democrats to deal the Trump administrations Russia sanctions policy an embarrassing rebuke. Eleven Republicans joined Democrats in a vote to enforce sanctions against the corporate empire of an influential ally of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, but the effort fell three votes short of the 60-vote threshold required to advance the measure. The vote was 57-42, with one Democratic senator not voting. The sanctions against companies controlled by the influential oligarch, Oleg V. Deripaska, now seem destined to be lifted this week as part of a deal negotiated by the Treasury Department to reduce Mr. Deripaskas ownership and control of the aluminum giant Rusal and two linked companies. Sanctions against Mr. Deripaska personally, which had gone into effect last April, remain in force and would not have been affected by the Treasury Department decision or the Senate measure. Mr. Deripaskas companies waged an aggressive lobbying and legal campaign against the sanctions last year. The administration first delayed putting sanctions on the companies into effect and then announced last month it would lift them entirely. Karen Pence, the second lady of the United States, returned to teaching art this week, accepting a part-time position at a private Christian school that does not allow gay students and requires employees to affirm that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. The website of the school, Immanuel Christian School, which enrolls kindergartners through eighth graders at its campus in Springfield, Va., details its religious beliefs and expectations of both students and their parents, as well as those who wish to work there. The schools employment application requires candidates to describe their faith in Jesus Christ, affirm that they are a born-again Christian and vow to adhere to specific standards in their personal and professional lives. The eighth item on the applications Articles of Employment, which requires applicants to sign their initials next to a list of beliefs, outlines Immanuel Christians definition of marriage and stances on sexual identity. I understand that the term marriage has only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman, it reads, adding that certain moral misconduct would be disqualifying, such as heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female. Mr. Sanders has twice apologized publicly for the incidents but only in response to media questions following detailed articles and has promised to do better if he runs again. He is still weighing a 2020 bid, after finishing second to Hillary Clinton in the Democratic race in 2016. People close to Mr. Sanders have said three of his top advisers from 2016, including his campaign manager, either will not return or will serve in different roles in a future campaign. A draft agenda included a discussion with 2016 campaign management and facilitators from Working IDEAL, a company that advises on workplace inclusion and diversity. One of the facilitators is Ms. Yang, a former chairwoman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Some of the women who have spoken out to reporters about pay disparities, harassment and other instances of discrimination said they were not a part of the planning process for the meeting and were not aware it was happening. Last Friday, concerned that there would be no meeting, some of those women told the Sanders office that they felt it would be unfair to be excluded should a meeting occur, according to emails reviewed by The Times. On Monday, Mr. Sanderss office told them it would be arranging travel for them to arrive in Washington by Wednesday. But the women said the office did not send them formal invitations or any details about what would be discussed. Some of them scrambled to rearrange their schedules, but several women said they did not hear back from Mr. Sanderss office after being asked for travel details. One of the women was Sarah Slamen, who was the state coordinator in Louisiana in 2016 and who told The Times that she quit Our Revolution, Mr. Sanderss progressive organization, because of gender discrimination. Ms. Slamen said she was eventually given a midnight flight back to Texas on Wednesday after the meeting. She declined, she said, because she is six and a half months pregnant. Though she said she would not attend and did not book a flight, she later received a confirmation email for a hotel in Washington. The arrival last year of Mr. Carter and 14 other newly elected Democrats made it possible for Democrats to expand Medicaid. Now the party is aiming to take control of the state legislature this coming November, a goal that once seemed out of reach. The upcoming election also sets the stage for a struggle over Virginias future between those who believe that prosperity lies in wooing more businesses and those like Mr. Carter, who believe it comes from making businesses share more of their wealth. While Virginia is the 12th largest economy in the country by gross domestic product, according to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, it ranks 26th in income equality, according to the American Community Survey. Mr. Carter has been a vocal opponent of the incentive package, worth more than half a billion dollars, used to lure one of Amazons new headquarters to Crystal City, Va. And he fought against a bill overhauling the states energy grid, arguing that it gave away too much to Dominion, a powerful for-profit utility. In recent days, Mr. Carter filed a bill that would get rid of the union-weakening right to work statute that has been in place since 1947, as well as another bill that would give public employees, including teachers, the right to strike. He is the first to admit that these bills have little chance of passing this session, since Republicans hold a slim majority in both chambers of the state legislature, and even some Democrats oppose them. One of the biggest things has been trying to keep in mind that by electing a socialist, my constituents have made the choice to reject the status quo, he said. They want someone to go and fight, even if that person is on the losing end. But it is not clear how many of Mr. Carters constituents know that he is a socialist. More than a dozen voters on the streets of Manassas expressed surprise to learn that the district is represented by a lawmaker who embraces that label. On Thursday, the board of trustees at Michigan State University named a top university administrator, Satish Udpa, as the new interim president, to replace John Engler, after roundly condemning Mr. Englers comments and accepting his resignation, effective immediately. Read more. John Engler will resign as the interim president of Michigan State University after his recent remarks that some victims of the former university and U.S.A. Gymnastics doctor Lawrence G. Nassar appeared to be enjoying the spotlight. In an 11-page letter to the chairwoman of the universitys board of trustees, Dianne Byrum, Mr. Engler said he would comply with her request for him to resign. He will officially step down on Jan. 23, according to the letter. Pressure mounted on Mr. Engler to resign as university administrators criticized his comments, which were reported by The Detroit News on Friday. The letter makes no mention of the remarks that ultimately cost Mr. Engler his job. Los Angeles public school teachers are on the third day of their strike, with thousands of teachers showing up at school picket lines and massive rallies downtown. With some 30,000 teachers off the job, just a third of the districts 500,000 students have showed up to school this week. The unions anger has largely been directed at Austin Beutner, the superintendent who was appointed last year in large part because of his business background. Jennifer Medina spoke to Mr. Beutner as protesters gathered outside the district headquarters. He did not disguise his frustration and exasperation over the strike. Here is an excerpt from the interview, which has been condensed and lightly edited. JENNIFER MEDINA: What is this battle about right now? AUSTIN BEUTNER: The unions desires are the same as mine. In concept we could agree with everything. But theres limits on resources. The regulator on behalf of the state has told us were in dire financial straits. We cannot spend more than what we have. There are no negotiations scheduled between the district and the union, United Teachers Los Angeles. How long will the strike go on and how can it end? Lola Mendez is no stranger to new experiences. Ms. Mendez, 29, an American freelance travel writer, has explored 56 countries, documenting her adventures on her blog. She has visited ancient tombs in Vietnam and trekked across mountains in Chiang Mai, Thailand. While working as an English teacher in Spain in 2015, she had to embark on a new kind of undertaking: going to the gynecologist in a foreign country. Many women dont look forward to their yearly exam, and language barriers made an awkward situation all the more unnerving for Ms. Mendez. But her appointment soon went from uncomfortable to degrading. When she asked for an S.T.I. (Sexually Transmitted Infection) screening a routine request for yearly exams the doctor told her that it wasnt worth his time. If she had an S.T.I., he said, shed just get another one. Ms. Mendez tried to insist, but he refused again and again, telling her only prostitutes contracted S.T.I.s. They went back and forth until she was in tears. It was just so demeaning. I was doing something to check in on my health and he made feel like I was a prostitute, Ms. Mendez said in an interview. Ms. Mendez then skipped future annual appointments for nearly two years, fearing she would be shamed by another doctor. Her experience is unfortunately common among women looking for reproductive care, both in the U.S. and abroad, as they cope with stigmas and laws that vary country to country and even city to city. During the opening weekend of the Tamil-language movie Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, a hard-boiled action flick from one of Indias most popular directors, Mani Ratnam, the environment in the theater was more house party than movie screening. From my seat in the far front corner at Sathyam Cinemas (I had scooped up one of the last available tickets), I couldnt see the film particularly well, but I certainly could hear the whooping and hollering from the packed house when Arvind Swamy, Aishwarya Rajesh or one of the other popular actors appeared on screen. Theres a lot to be excited about in Chennai, capital of the state of Tamil Nadu in South India (and still sometimes referred to by its former name, Madras). While certainly crazy for movies, the city has an electricity and exuberance that extends beyond the cinematic. Call it youthful energy the history of what we know as present-day Chennai extends back merely to the 1600s, compared to ancient cities like Delhi, which have existed for thousands of years. During a four-day trip in September, I found jaw-droppingly good food, beautiful houses of worship and a fantastic day trip. And, as always, I set out with the goal to get the best value for my money. I booked my ticket from Kolkata to Chennai directly on Air India, paying slightly less than 4,500 rupees (about $61) for the one-way flight. A general note on buying air tickets: While booking on O.T.A.s (online travel agencies) like Expedia or Priceline has its advantages, I usually try to book flights directly with airlines I rarely see significantly discounted flights on O.T.A.s, and in the event something goes amiss, its more efficient to deal directly with the airline. My room at the centrally located Courtyard Chennai in Teynampet area of town was ideal for exploring the city. At 5,100 rupees per night, about $70, it was a relatively luxurious splurge after having just spent four days in an inexpensive Airbnb in Kolkata, but I decided Id earned a few nights of air-conditioning and fluffy pillows. At the end of The Pussy Grabber Plays, a program of eight short works that made a raucous debut late Monday night at Joes Pub, six women who had been instrumental in their creation crowded onto the small stage at the Public Theater to take a bow with the actors. During the 2016 presidential campaign, each of them Rachel Crooks, Tasha Dixon, Jill Harth, Sam Holvey, Natasha Stoynoff and Karena Virginia publicly accused Donald Trump of sexual harassment or assault. Now each had allowed her story to be the basis for one of these plays, which collectively form an act of vehement feminist protest. The comedian Judy Gold, who was part of the cast, looked at them standing there. Well, apparently, she said, the president likes tall women. Except that instead of saying president, she used a vulgarity. Then she raised two middle fingers in the air and used another one, her anger on the womens behalf perfectly in tune with the evening. Mr. Trump has denied their accounts. But these plays even the funniest of them vibrate with fury and disgust, and theyre poised to go wide. On Tuesday, in the lead-up to the second anniversary of Mr. Trumps inauguration and the womens marches that followed, the scripts became available royalty-free for production, as long as the proceeds benefit an organization that supports women. After the stormy tenure of Jeff Sessions as attorney general, the likely return of William Barr to the job which he held with distinction under President George H.W. Bush has been greeted with sighs of relief at the Justice Department. The reason is not hard to divine: Bill Barr is an accomplished lawyer with a deep respect for the law and for the integrity and independence of the department something I know from having served under him. After his solid performance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, he seems almost certain to be approved by the full Senate. His critics have focused on a 19-page legal memorandum he sent over the summer to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein questioning whether the special counsel, Robert Mueller, could investigate the president for violating criminal obstruction-of-justice laws. Democrats have demanded that if confirmed, Mr. Barr should recuse himself from overseeing the Mueller inquiry. But that response to Mr. Barrs meticulous legal analysis is wildly overwrought. A more dispassionate review of Mr. Barrs memo shows that he was trying to prevent an unprecedented expansion of a federal criminal statute intended to prevent crimes such as destroying evidence, bribing prospective jurors, intimidating witnesses and the like. The memorandum expressly acknowledges that presidents, like other citizens, can run afoul of the criminal laws. But he questions whether a president can be investigated for actions that are expressly within his constitutional powers such as firing an F.B.I. director. He is sounding a clear warning against prosecutorial overreach. Indeed, one of Mr. Muellers senior prosecutors was a primary architect o f a legal theory of obstruction that was unanimously rejected by the Supreme Court, a rebuff delivered only after the prosecution caused the collapse of a major accounting firm, Arthur Andersen. That example does not stand alone. In case after case, a wary and frequently unanimous Supreme Court has knocked down legal theories drummed up by well-meaning but overly zealous federal prosecutors. In the full frame model, what might look to a traditional case worker as resistance or noncompliance or backsliding can be seen, by contrast, to result from a system that is forcing an unsustainable trade-off on a client who is already in a fragile situation, or even a compliance with a higher sense of self than the case worker imagines. For Lola, the benefits of having her own apartment were outweighed by the loss of the sense of belonging, purpose, stability and social connectedness that she had experienced at the Y. Lola made it back into housing, Ms. Smyth said. But heres what I wish we had done the first time: Celebrate the housing, but say, Lets think about what youre going to have to leave behind and see if we can minimize that so that the change is actually worth it to you. What might that have meant in practice? Perhaps the Y could have offered to buy Lola a bus pass if she agreed to return a day or two each week to lead new groups. She would have stayed connected to her community and maintained that all-important sense of purpose, and she could have scheduled her medical appointments on days when she was in the area. What inhibits this kind of creative problem-solving from emerging more often in systems? One thing is a mental trap that psychologists call the fundamental attribution error. Stated simply, when strangers do things that we see as negative, we tend to attribute it to their characters rather than their circumstances. (By contrast, when we, or people we like, fall short, we tend to attribute it to circumstances.) People living in poverty or dealing with violence or addiction are often seen as fundamentally different, Ms. Smyth says, or as broken or deficient and therefore in need of being fixed. To work around the fundamental attribution error, its essential to get nuanced information about peoples situations. Next weeks article will examine how the Full Frame Initiative has helped the St. Louis County Family Court simplify its approach to assessment focusing on the kind of information that is needed to recognize the role of circumstances, and understanding how court officers can avoid inadvertently forcing youths or families into unsustainable trade-offs. Another problem is that systems deal with problems in sequence, rather than in an integrated fashion. For instance, when a woman seeks assistance for domestic violence, the initial focus is usually entirely on safety for her and her children. People experiencing domestic violence are often told by child welfare workers that they need to leave their partner or risk losing custody of their kids, Ms. Smyth said. Whats going to happen with Brexit? A second referendum? A disorderly hard exit? A new offer from the European Union that isnt as offensive as the deal that just got rejected? God knows, and even He may be uncertain. Part of the problem is that there dont seem to be many rational actors out there. Much has been written about the fantasies of many Brexiteers; I dont have anything to add to all that. But we should also note the fantasies of the Eurocrats, who have behaved at every step of this process as if Britain were Greece, and could be bullied into capitulation. Minor gestures could have saved Remain in 2016; a bit of flexibility, a bit less determination to impose humiliating terms, might have led to a soft Brexit now. But it was arrogance all the way. Now we hear that E.U. officials are horrified by the scale of Mays defeat, and my sense is that European leaders are starting to realize that a disorderly break would do a lot of damage to a fragile eurozone too. No kidding. Anyway, lets talk about where the economics of Brexit seem to stand now. The long-run economics of Brexit still look mostly the same way they did when I and others began analyzing the prospect back in 2016. Exit from Europes customs union would substantially raise transaction costs on roughly half of Britains trade. This would impose a cost on overall British real income that most estimates put at a low single-digit percentage of G.D.P. say, 2 to 4 percent. Senator Kamala Harris, a California Democrat, hasnt made her big announcement yet, but over recent days, as she readied for it, she traced the same steps that Gillibrand subsequently would, also visiting The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. As part of that appearance, she released a Mood Mix video in which she ticks off favorite songs including Beyonces Lemonade, Salt-N-Pepas Push It and Funkadelics One Nation Under a Groove and sings snippets of some of them, cracking herself up. That was positively demure next to a video that Beto ORourke, another potential Democratic presidential candidate, disseminated recently. Beginning with a close-up of his open mouth, it documented a visit to the dentist which was his prompt, to be fair, to interview the hygienist about her life near the border between Mexico and Texas. Image Beto ORourke documented his visit to the dentist on Instagram. Credit... Beto ORourke/Instagram The 2020 presidential race wont be the first in which candidates twist themselves into questionable and sometimes mortifying knots to demonstrate how real, relatable, unpretentious or hip they can ostensibly be, but, Holy Mother of Oversharing, it promises to chart whole new frontiers in that regard. Give partial credit (or blame) to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York Democrat who has developed an enormous following on social media, where she documents even such humdrum moments as the making of her mac-and-cheese supper. The Office of the United States Trade Representative, which has traditionally focused on promoting trade, has been toothless in response. It waited until 2016 to ask the Peruvian government to verify the legality of a timber shipment and even then, did so only after the Department of Homeland Security, acting on information from Osinfor, had already impounded the timber in Houston. It was the first time the U.S.T.R. had ever issued an environmental verification request in any trade deal. When Osinfor inspectors subsequently demonstrated that 93 percent of the impounded timber was illegal, the U.S.T.R. responded by suspending a single Peruvian timber exporter from the United States market for up to three years. Perus response was to fire the head of Osinfor, who fled the country after death threats and a firebombing of one of Osinfors regional offices. The Peruvian government, which rates a 37 out of 100 on the Transparency International scale of perceived corruption (with 100 being very clean), has been maneuvering ever since to bring Osinfor under its thumb. In mid-December, when many people were distracted by pre-Christmas doings, the governments council of ministers decided on short notice and without consulting the affected agencies to bury Osinfor within the environmental ministry. Representative Richard Neal, Democrat of Massachusetts, as incoming chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, fired off a letter to the U.S.T.R., angrily protesting this brazen, bad faith decision as a flagrant attack on the heart of the forestry annex. The surprise came when the trade representative, Robert Lighthizer, appointed by a Trump administration that is otherwise outspokenly contemptuous of environmental concerns, wrote back just two days later, in complete agreement with you and your colleagues that this development is unacceptable. One possible explanation is that the U.S.T.R. has finally become fed up after 10 years of being lied to and laughed off by Peru. Also possible: Mr. Lighthizer may simply be making a show of force on past environmental commitments to help ease the revised Nafta treaty the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement through forthcoming congressional hearings. (Happily for the U.S.T.R., the environmental provisions of the unpronounceable U.S.M.C.A. are largely too weak to require much enforcement.) For now, Mr. Lighthizer has requested consultations with Peru under the Environment Chapter of the trade agreement, another first for the U.S.T.R., with the possibility of sanctions still ahead. In Lima, government ministers are taking a this-too-will-pass attitude. The actions of the citizen Prohibition army in Williamson County, Ill., a hardscrabble rural mining region 300 miles south of Chicago, provides a striking example. The head of the Williamson County board of supervisors and a local Klan leader, Sam Stearns, and a Methodist pastor and Klan ally named Philip Glotfelty, along with members of the local Ministerial Association, had high hopes that Prohibition would usher in a new moral tenor in their community. Before Prohibition, the regions largely native white Protestant miners might stop for a whiskey after a hard days work in the ramshackle bars that dotted the county, ignoring their pastors warnings against the devils drink. In Prohibitions wake, drinking continued in new roadhouses and moonshine joints. Two rival criminal rings, the Birger and Shelton gangs, set up shop to supply the thriving black-market trade. Glotfelty and Stearns, backed by the countys leading businessmen and Protestant pastors, mounted a law and order crusade. They held public meetings to raise the alarm. Italian and French immigrants, largely Catholic, had been drawn to Williamson County by opportunities to work in the coal industry, and Glotfelty blamed the men imported from across the sea for bootlegging. He confidently predicted that all members of the local Catholic church would be in jail before the foundations of the new church were built. Glotfeltys words resonated among the regions native white Protestant miners, whose tenuous hold on economic security was increasingly eroding. A strike to protest wage cuts had ended in open class warfare in 1922. Williamson Countys moral leaders focused native Protestant miners grievances on another threat: the immigrants who competed for mining jobs. The local Klan ranks swelled with the promise to clean up the community. Representing the Klan, Stearns traveled to Washington to plead for support for its local anti-liquor crusade. Commissioner Haynes agreed to supply federal agents to lead the raids if Stearns could provide the foot soldiers. On Dec. 22, 1923, the first raid, in the town of Herrin, got underway. Some 500 citizen volunteers deputized by Hayness agents stormed scores of roadhouses and homes. A second raid two weeks later overwhelmingly targeted Italian immigrants, who protested rough treatment, theft and planted evidence. The Italian vice-consul in Springfield, Ill., denounced the terrorization of foreign residents of Herrin to the State Department. National Guard troops were called in to stem the chaos and violence. Eventually, the federal government ended its authorization for the volunteer army, refusing reinforcements from the Ku Klux Klan or any other volunteer organization. But the citizen army was not easily deterred. Stearns gleefully declared, Weve got the bootleggers on the run now, but we want to give them their hats, so they can keep on running. Over the following months several more raids, each increasingly reckless, targeted Williamson Countys immigrants. On Feb. 2, 1924, S. Glenn Young, a former Prohibition agent who had been recruited by the Klan, led more than 1,000 men in raids against roadhouses and homes, setting fire to some of them. This time the countys French immigrant community joined the Italian immigrants pleading for help from their consul. With Klan and anti-Klan forces battling in the streets, the Illinois governor declared martial law. The orgy of violence resulted in 14 deaths, but it also eroded Klan support among the public. Klan candidates had swept into office in Herrin in 1924, but one year later they lost power. The newly elected mayor promised to bar Klan supporters from parading in masks. But before the collapse of its power, the local Klan had partially accomplished its goals: More than 50 roadhouses and illicit drink spaces had been shut, and many of Williamson Countys immigrants heeded the Klans call to leave the county. Of the 11,000 foreign born and their children in 1920 in Williamson County, only 8,174 remained a decade later. In 1929, a young African-American artist named Elmer Simms Campbell arrived in New York to pursue his dream of becoming an illustrator. Armed with a degree from the Chicago Art Institute, he nevertheless faced a string of rejections because of his race. But a far more generous welcome awaited him uptown in Harlem. It was there that he became a friend of Cab Calloways, the famed bandleader of the Cotton Club; the two men became drinking buddies and regulars at the many speakeasies and jazz clubs that drew thousands of revelers to northern Manhattan during Prohibition. In 1932, Mr. Campbell drew an energetic road map of Harlems hot spots for Manhattan magazine, a portrait that directly conveys the limited reach of Prohibition on the eve of repeal. In fact, a closer look at the map captures the many complex and unintended consequences of the 18th Amendment. The emergence of American jazz itself owed much to the twin forces of migration and discrimination: More than a million African-Americans left the rural South in the 1910s, and the segregation they encountered in other parts of New York drove many to settle in Harlem. The last five years in Western politics has seen a repeated failure of cordons sanitaires the barriers that political establishments have tried to throw up against both radical ideas and xenophobic sentiments. The rise of populism and the return of socialism have breached these cordons, and racism and Judeophobia have come through the breach with them to the point where its entirely plausible that Britain will soon find itself with a prime minister, the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who has an anti-Semitism problem, even as the United States has already elected a birther to the presidency. This week were watching two interesting attempts to re-establish or shore up those old barriers. On the right, theres the congressional Republican effort to isolate Steve King, the Iowa congressman whose racist comments and flirtations with white nationalism have become, at long last, a matter of severe embarrassment to his colleagues. On the left, theres the mass exodus of corporate and political sponsors from this weekends Womens March, which has fallen into controversy because of some of its leaders ties to Louis Farrakhan, and reports that anti-Semitic canards were aired at its organizing meetings. The two efforts are similar but not parallel. The push against King is an attempt to redraw a line effaced by Donald Trumps race-baiting, and since as you may have noticed Trump is still the president, it matters only as a possible marker for a post-Trump Republican future, not a defining statement for the G.O.P. today. The exodus from the Womens March, on the other hand, is an attempt to get out ahead of a problem before it becomes worse before anti-Semitism migrates from the left-wing fringe to the center, before the party starts getting its own versions of Jeremy Corbyn in positions of real influence. This is not to say that anti-Semitism or other paranoid worldviews are a new problem on the left, or that the Democratic Party has always handled them effectively. The permanent prominence of Al Sharpton and the eternal return of Michael Moore testify to certain unsuccessful reckonings, and the grass-roots left can be as amenable to conspiracy theories as the grass-roots right. But the fact that Trump is in the White House while the Democratic National Committee bails on the Womens March illustrates a fundamental difference; if the Democrats struggle with the tiger, the Republicans have let it leap the cage. JERUSALEM If you are reading this, youve most likely seen much about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the pages of this newspaper and of every other important newspaper in the West. That phrase contains a few important assumptions. That the conflict is between two actors, Israelis and Palestinians. That it could be resolved by those two actors, and particularly by the stronger side, Israel. That its taking place in the corner of the Middle East under Israeli rule. Presented this way, the conflict has become an energizing issue on the international left and the subject of fascination of many governments, including the Trump administration, which has been working on a deal of the century to solve it. The previous administrations secretary of state, John Kerry, committed so much time to Israeli-Palestinian peace that for a while he seemed to be here each weekend. If only the perfect wording and map could be found, according to this thinking, if only both sides could be given the right dose of carrots and sticks, peace could ensue. To someone here in Israel, all of this is harder and harder to understand. There isnt an Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the way that many outsiders seem to think, and this perception gap is worth spelling out. It has nothing to do with being right-wing or left-wing in the American sense. To borrow a term from the world of photography, the problem is one of zoom. Simply put, outsiders are zoomed in, and people here in Israel are zoomed out. Understanding this will make events here easier to grasp. In the Israeli view, no peacemaker can bring the two sides together because there arent just two sides. There are many, many sides. Slight pause. Sly grin. Im just kidding! she said. The members of her caucus cracked up, releasing years of frustration, their heads swinging back with joyous laughter. Ms. Stewart-Cousins threw up her hands like a champion, clapped and shouted, Yay! These heady times at the Capitol have some of New Yorks liberals pinching themselves. Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, a reform group, said she was recovering from shock after watching Democrats in the first hours of the new legislative session pass voting reforms that had been stymied for years. Its whiplash, Ms. Lerner said. Is there more to do? Yes. But today, were celebrating. On an Amtrak train taking chattering lobbyists, aides, journalists and lawmakers to Gov. Andrew Cuomos annual budget address on Tuesday, the progressives on board were giddy, a strange feeling for them on a trip to Albany in January. Im jazzed, said the New York Civil Liberties Unions executive president, Donna Lieberman. She joked that in previous years shed often felt like she needed to take a shower after spending time in the State Capitol. Less jazzed were Senate Republicans, who after decades of uninterrupted power, now seemed vaguely lost. On Tuesday, for example, they suggested that if marijuana must be legalized, any revenue should go to a tax cut. Good luck with that. For some Republican lawmakers, a vote for a bill that would treat violence against transgender individuals as the hate crime that it is seemed particularly hard to take. From their seats in the back of the room, a couple of the Republicans rolled their eyes and snickered. At one point, State Senator Jessica Ramos, one of six members who won primaries against turncoat Democrats who had caucused with Republicans, said lawmakers should go even further to help transgender New Yorkers, leading State Senator Frederick Akshar, a Republican, to exclaim: Jesus Christ! Further? Even for Democrats, though, it hasnt been all fun and reforms. In the Assembly, Speaker Carl Heastie marred an otherwise banner start to the new year by engaging in a legal maneuver to try to keep a $50,500 pay raise for lawmakers while eliminating limits on outside income set by a special committee that enacted the raise. No doubt he has better ways to spend his time. Last week, Californias new governor, Gavin Newsom, promised to pursue a smorgasbord of changes to his states health care system: state negotiation of drug prices; a requirement that every Californian have health insurance; more assistance to help middle-class Californians afford it; and health care for undocumented immigrants up to age 26. The proposals fell short of the sweeping government-run single-payer plan Mr. Newsom had supported during his campaign a system in which the state government would pay all the bills and effectively control the rates paid for services. (Many California politicians before him had flirted with such an idea, before backing off when it was estimated that it could cost $400 billion a year. ) But in firing off this opening salvo, Mr. Newsom has challenged the notion that states cant meaningfully tackle health care on their own. And hes not alone. A day later, Gov. Jay Inslee of Washington proposed that his state offer a public plan, with rates tied to those of Medicare, to compete with private offerings. New Mexico is considering a plan that would allow any resident to buy into the states Medicaid program. And this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio of New York announced a plan to expand health care access to uninsured, low-income residents of the city, including undocumented immigrants. SAO PAULO, Brazil Its a new era in Brazil: Boys wear blue and girls wear pink, our new minister of women, family and human rights, Damares Alves, said this month in a video. And she didnt stop there: Under the new government of President Jair Bolsonaro, she declared in her inaugural speech, a girl will be a princess and a boy will be a prince. Ms. Alvess message was meant to be an attack on gender ideology, a concept created by conservatives to disparage the rhetoric of equal rights for women and L.G.B.T. people. The fight for gender equality and sexual and reproductive rights will lead to the collapse of the traditional family, Ms. Alves and others like her say. It will foster homosexuality and threaten Christian values. And so the correct response is moral panic: Nobody will stop us from calling our girls princesses and our boys princes, Ms. Alves fiercely proclaims. Except the conservatives have it backward: Not only is no one stopping them from making their children into gendered royalty, but in fact, their take on children and gender is already effectively a national obsession if not a global one. I experienced this for the first time at the very beginning of my pregnancy, when I went shopping for tools for trimming the babys nails. Is it a boy or a girl? asked the saleswoman. I couldnt possibly fathom what nails had to do with genitals, but I chose to be polite and said I didnt know yet. The saleswoman seemed puzzled. She ran through a series of blue and pink cases, but finally announced she didnt have anything neutral. When I decided to forge ahead and buy a pair of blue nail scissors anyway, she gave me a look of silent reproach. Anarchist, she practically whispered. Yet I was still more encouraged than alarmed by yesterdays confirmation hearing. At this point, I have extremely low expectations for Cabinet officials selected by President Trump. Barr beat these expectations by saying he would allow Mueller to finish his investigation of Trump. He also came off as substantially more competent and professional than much of the Trump team. And once Mueller does finish his investigation, I think its unlikely that his findings will remain secret, regardless of what Barr tries to do. Mueller is a savvy political operator who understands how to use court filings and other means to inform the public of his work. Now that Democrats hold the House, they will also be able to help prevent the findings from remaining secret. The idea an unclassified Mueller report wont end up at least de facto public strikes me as totally ridiculous, tweeted the Georgetown political scientist Matt Glassman yesterday. To sit on this thing would be almost instantly unsustainable politically. The crucial thing at this point is that Mueller be able to continue his work unimpeded. Given Barrs past criticism of the investigation which Andrew Cohen of the Brennan Center for Justice explains in Slate he doesnt deserve the benefit of the doubt. But his remarks yesterday were somewhat better than I had feared. The Brexit mess A quick word on the big parliamentary defeat for Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit plan: Both the cancel-Brexit crowd and the Brexit-without-conditions crowd are feeling hopeful that they can prevail. This confidence has meant neither side has been willing to support Mays more moderate but still radical version of Brexit. Britain s political leaders are now sharply divided among these three broad camps, and none of them has a majority in Parliament. The next steps are uncertain. Any of the three sides could still prevail. If the Brexit-without-conditions side does, Britain could be in for a lot of pain. (And, yes, todays newsletter is unusually long, because yesterday was unusually newsy.) If you are not a subscriber to this newsletter, you can subscribe here. You can also join me on Twitter (@DLeonhardt) and Facebook. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. He was a problem solver unequaled, Peter C. Sarnak, a colleague of Dr. Bourgains at the institute, said in an interview. Dr. Sarnak said that Bourgain started out in an esoteric corner of mathematics with extremely difficult problems. He just came in and started solving one problem after the other in that subject, he said. So he made his name there, became very famous, winning all sorts of young-up-and-coming-star prizes. But then he broadened out. Dr. Bourgain found that tools he had developed could also be applied to other fields of mathematics, including partial differential equations, computer science, quantum mechanics and dynamical systems, making progress on formidable problems that had stymied experts in those areas. There would be some big mountain in front of you, Dr. Sarnak said, and he would ascend halfway up, occasionally all the way up. People couldnt understand how he got all the way up. It would take often months or years for people to understand his proofs. He liked the idea that he was way ahead and people were catching up to him all the time. He would open these doors. Some of Dr. Bourgains recent work included a decoupling theorem a very abstract generalization of the Pythagorean theorem applied to oscillating waves, like light or radio waves. While Pythagoras merely showed how the length of the two shorter sides of a right triangle are related to the longer hypotenuse, the decoupling theorem proved by Dr. Bourgain and Ciprian Demeter, of Indiana University, showed similar relationships in the superposition of waves, when the individual oscillations are added together. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, a third-term Democrat, presented his vision for the coming year, a spectacle accompanied by predictable standing ovations and a 353-page briefing book. It was the ninth such address for Mr. Cuomo, and as in every year before, it was chockablock with dozens of ideas, goals and proposals, ranging from making marijuana legal to banning revenge pornography to allowing people to place bets on sporting events in four casinos upstate. Unlike in past years, however, when the divided Statehouse made big chunks of the State of the State address a pipe dream, the newly elected Democratic-controlled State Legislature puts the governors agenda much closer to becoming reality. Its just us, as the governor put it. We are in control." What, exactly, will that control bring? That depends on whom you ask. Heres a look at what 2019 in New York may look like, as told by the governors speech, his colleagues in the Legislature and history. When and where will marijuana be legal? (Asking for a friend.) Less than two years ago, Governor Cuomo was warning that marijuana was a gateway drug, a Reefer Madness-style condemnation that put him out of step with a national trend toward the acceptance of cannabis as both medicine and recreational hobby. Its a wall. Its made of steel. It was built because immigrants kept coming. But its not the wall youre thinking of. Were talking about the American Immigrant Wall of Honor at Ellis Island: 770 stainless steel panels engraved with the names of about 775,000 immigrants. Each name on the wall was paid for by one of those immigrants family or friends. They want to honor the people who came before them at the site of that persons first steps in America, said Stephen A. Briganti, president of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Inc. The monument serves as both tribute to immigrants and fund-raiser for the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan wanted to preserve the site, but without spending taxpayer money. The solution: build a wall and charge people to add names to it. It opened in 1990. It costs $150 to put one name on the wall and $225 for two names, with more expensive options as well (because this is, still, New York City). So far, the wall has raised more than $80 million. Senator, lawyer, mother, childrens book author and now, Democratic candidate for president. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is in. Im filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight. Hailing from President Trumps home state of New York, shes joining what will likely be a crowded 2020 field. Which Democrats Who will run for president in 2020? The list is growing. It ranges from Gillibrand is a former corporate lawyer and congresswoman. Growing up in a political family in Albany, She fell in love early on. I was drawn into politics when I was a little girl. And it was really with my grandmother, who loved politics. She was appointed to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate in 2009. Welcome, Senator. Gillibrand went on to win the seat again in a 2010 special election and has held it ever since. Over time she has reversed her positions on immigration and gun control. You start off in a different place on immigration and now youre more progressive on that. On guns, you started off, you know, more kind of pro-Second Amendment. Now, you went from having an A to an F from the N.R.A. I recognize that there was a lot of things I didnt know, and I should have been fighting for them before. Shes now one of the partys most reliably liberal voices. Some of her priorities: A populist economic agenda, womens rights and gender equality and fighting for victims of sexual assault with a focus on the military. Who is being held accountable for doing nothing since 2013? Who? Which commander? Gillibrand was the first senator in her party to call for the resignation of fellow Democrat Al Franken, following accusations of sexual misconduct. Enough is enough. Here she is during Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaughs confirmation hearings. I want to really have Dr. Blasey Fords back tomorrow. So Im going to sit behind her. Not only do I support her. But I believe her. So what is her dynamic with President Trump? He said: Shes just a puppet of Schumer. You know that. He put her there. Hes also referred to her as a lightweight who would do anything for money. She responded this way. It was a sexist smear. Its part of the presidents effort at name calling and its not going to silence me. Gillibrand has also voted against almost all of Trumps major nominees. I urge my colleagues. Reject this bad choice. So what are her chances? Gillibrand is seen as a serious contender, but so far her poll numbers are low. Her next step? Building a national profile and campaign. [What you need to know to start the day: Get New York Today in your inbox.] Benjamin Brafman, the high-powered lawyer who was poised to defend the Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein against rape and sexual assault allegations in New York, plans to withdraw from the case, according to a person familiar with the discussions. Mr. Brafman will inform the court of his decision to withdraw as counsel for Mr. Weinstein on Thursday, the person said. The move could potentially delay the trial, which was scheduled to begin in May in State Supreme Court in Manhattan. The two men, each with a big personality, were reportedly at odds recently after Mr. Weinstein began reaching out to other lawyers to beef up his defense team before the trial, angering Mr. Brafman. Losing Mr. Brafman could prove to be a major setback to Mr. Weinsteins defense. Mr. Brafman, a former Manhattan prosecutor, is considered to be among the best trial lawyers in New York City. He is known for his disarming sense of humor, quick wit and skillful cross-examinations. His clients have included mobsters, drug dealers and celebrities like Jay-Z and Michael Jackson. You watch both movies in a kind of fascinated horror at how easy it was for McFarland to create a network of what appears to be unwitting co-conspirators to help him plan an experience that wound up losing $24 million. So many people mention how seductive and magnetic McFarland is that you also watch both movies expecting them to inspect his magnetism. To see him in Smiths film, reveling in footage taken by other people this chubby, gangly, awkward but not not handsome slouch who himself seems attracted to fame, power, wealth and sand is to wonder whether those same people needed a magnet in their lives, especially one who could make them some money. Join Times theater reporter Michael Paulson in conversation with Lin-Manuel Miranda, catch a performance from Shakespeare in the Park and more as we explore signs of hope in a changed city. For a year, the Offstage series has followed theater through a shutdown. Now were looking at its rebound. Fyre needs another layer. You can locate in it this national moment of brashness and effrontery. (Even after McFarland has been arrested, as he was in June 2017, and released on bail, he cooks up another sham business. As you read this, hes serving six years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud.) But the Hulu documentary, by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, does more than locate. It unpacks, analyzes and jabs. Fyre is an ethics thriller. Fyre Fraud is a behavioral farce. It has arguments to make about the insecurities of millennials and the perniciousness of social media. And the arguments dont feel like blather. The sharpest parts of Smiths Fyre, which is a co-production of Vice Studios and, apparently, Jerry Media, the marketing bros who helped sell the festival in the first place, are throwaway observations, like the one someone makes about how a single tweet of a sad sandwich demolished the image of a hot event that it took an armada of supermodels to help sell. Whom are you hiding from? is the question Guy Cramer, a camouflage designer, says you have to ask yourself. Research the optical capabilities of whatever it is youre trying to elude. A duck, for example, can see ultraviolet light. Ungulates see in two colors, yellow and blue, so avoid those hues if youre hoping to go unnoticed by a deer. Cramer worked with an ophthalmic researcher to design his hunting patterns. Because many animals are sensitive to ultraviolet light, avoid washing your camo in laundry detergent that contains UV brighteners, which will give you a sort of glow in their eyes. If youre trying to conceal yourself from someone wearing night-vision goggles or a drone equipped with multispectral imaging sensors, opt for a get-up that at the very least wont make you more visible under infrared. Many hunting patterns are printed using a type of dye that tends to disappear when seen through night-vision goggles, but if the underlying fabric is white, which it often is, youll stand out like Casper the Friendly Ghost, says Cramer, whose company, HyperStealth Biotechnology Corp., has developed more than 14,000 patterns for hunters, anglers and militaries all over the world, including the armies of Jordan, Chile and Mexico. Your camouflage colors should match the general palate of the landscape youre trying to blend into. No forest greens in the arid deserts of Afghanistan during the day; no whites anywhere but in the snow. At a distance, the patterns and color should break up the outline of your human form and blend it into the environment. Avoid being overconfident just because youre adorned head to toe in a sticks-and-twigs print. Slapping camouflage on doesnt make you invisible, Cramer says. If possible, wear the same pattern on everything, even your shoes (go with neutral brown shoes if you cant get camo ones). Wear long sleeves and pants and cover any exposed skin with makeup or gloves and a mask. If youre carrying something like a backpack or a gun, it, too, should be camouflaged. And remember that movement will give you away no matter how shrublike you look when motionless. Maybe your aim is not to disappear at all, but to stand out. In fashion, if youre going to wear camouflage, dont wear pants and a jacket youll look like an idiot if you do, Cramer says. Pick the pants or the jacket. So, did Facebook cause the gilets jaunes uprising in France? Maybe, interesting theory; meanwhile, though, I dont even know why its recommending I friend someone Ive never heard of. Did Facebook swing the 2016 election? Could have, as far as we know; anyway, I cant even guess why Instagram started showing me a bunch of photos of a certain breed of dog or why its suddenly serving me ads for meal kits. I know how these things make me feel, but Facebook knows how they made me behave knowledge it wont soon share. It appears to be the tendency of the press, and of our imaginations in general, to extend these theories in a particular direction. After years of Facebooks telling us how good it is at connecting people and influencing their decisions, it is tempting to say something like: Yes, O.K., then wouldnt it have been easy to use these same tools to persuade people to vote for Donald Trump? Facebook has equivocated on this question in a telling way. Its helpful to imagine what it would have to say to successfully combat claims Russia used its platform to swing the election: Sure, this many users saw propaganda but only for a moment; and besides, this content didnt seem to affect their behavior in any way at all; sure, this amount of money was spent on ads, but those ads dont appear to have done anything; yes, these Instagram accounts had that many followers, but more than half of them were bots themselves; O.K., 76 million people were exposed to this content in some way or another, but they mostly glossed over it, like spam. Theyve inched tellingly in this direction but going all the way would involve unflattering disclosure the sort that would need to be legally compelled. Mainly, it would be tantamount to admitting that the systems were not allowed to know about and the metrics we arent allowed to see might not be quite as valuable, or as worthy of trade secrecy, as Facebook needs us to think they are. While its true that perceptions of the tech industry have shifted, they arent necessarily closer to reality. These companies mythologized their own omniscience when it was a boon to their business. Versions of these myths persist, but theyre no longer under their creators control and theyre starting to bite back. New York Citys doorways, storefronts and cascading fire escapes were the grand backdrop to Helen Levitts photos. In the Lower East Side and Harlem, children pretended to be bride and groom, wore masks for Halloween or drew with chalk on the sidewalk. The lyricism of her work led her to be called the citys visual poet laureate, supposedly an apolitical, black-and-white photographer of the everyday. Helen Levitt is often described as a lyrical and poetic photographer and in my opinion, that is very often the description for female photographers or women artists, said Walter Moser, the curator of a new retrospective at the Albertina in Vienna. The exhibit challenges the prevailing, romantic narrative found in essays and critiques done mostly by men. The first culprit perhaps unintentionally was the writer James Agee, whom Ms. Levitt met through her mentor, Walker Evans. In an essay that later became the introduction to her book A Way of Seeing, he wrote in 1946 that at least a dozen of Helen Levitts photographs seem to me as beautiful, perceptive, satisfying, and enduring as any lyrical work I know. What do you plan to do after high school? Do you plan to go to college, take a gap year, start a training program, begin working or something else? Do your parents, classmates and teachers support your plan? Have they helped guide you toward your post-high school goals? Or have you mostly had to figure them out on your own? In The Misguided Priorities of Our Educational System, Oren Cass writes that the United States spends a disproportionate amount on college-bound students and much less on those who seek an alternative path: Consider two high school seniors one who exhibits strong academic talent and one who does not. For one, December marks the homestretch of a yearslong effort, intensively supported by his school, to prepare the perfect college application. For the other, December is just another month on the path to, well, whatever might come after graduation. The former will likely proceed steadily toward a bachelors degree; the latter is unlikely to finish college if he enrolls at all. To whom does our education system owe what? That second student, to be clear, has done nothing wrong. He probably clawed his way through his towns standard college-oriented curriculum, though it neither targeted his interests and abilities nor prepared him for work force success. Looking ahead, he faces a labor market in which he may need to work harder than his college-bound counterpart for lower pay, with fewer options and slower advancement. Yet we celebrate the first student and lavish taxpayer funds on his education. To the second student, we offer little beyond a sympathetic Sorry. Our education system has become one of our nations most regressive institutions. After high school graduation, the first student can access more than $10,000 annually in public funds to support his college experience. Federal funding for higher education has grown by 133 percent in the past 30 years; combined with tax breaks, loan subsidies and state-level funding, the annual total exceeds $150 billion. That funding will cover not only genuine instructional costs, but also state-of-the-art gyms, psychiatric and career counseling services, and whatever social programming the student-life bureaucracy can conceive. At Ohio State, students living off campus get free fire alarms. The second graduate likely gets nothing. Annual federal funding for a non-college, vocational pathway, at both the high school and postsecondary levels, totals $1 billion. Certainly, he will need to buy his own fire alarm. Students, read the entire article, then tell us: Do you think everyone should go to college? Or should our society offer students more alternatives to higher education? Why? Is what Mr. Cass describes in this Op-Ed article true in your school? Is it mostly focused on preparing students for college by, for example, emphasizing academic achievement, providing college counselors, offering trips to college campuses and giving application help? Is there any support for students who dont plan to attend college? Or are they mostly on their own in figuring out what they will do after high school? Mr. Cass writes, We spend too much money on college students and not enough on everyone else. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Mr. Cass offers one idea for a non-college pathway that includes a combination of traditional high school, a vocational program, a subsidized internship and paid work. What do you think of this model? If you were to design a high school that prepared students for the range of post-high school options, not just college, what would it look like? What classes, extracurricular activities, work opportunities and other resources would the school offer and why? One reader wrote in a letter to the editor regarding this Op-Ed article: Few, if any, parents who send their children to elite private schools do so with the expectation that they will not go on to college. These parents fully understand the economic advantages that a college degree confers and the social capital that the college experience helps to build. Why should this be any different for students from less privileged backgrounds? We have an obligation to ensure that every one of our children has the very same opportunities. And our expectation should be that all students, regardless of background or circumstance, graduate from high school prepared for success in college and with at least one acceptance letter in hand so that college is a genuine option for them. This is an equity issue, even more than an economic or social one. Do you agree with this argument? Is a college degree a key to social mobility? If there were more alternatives to college, do you believe it would make society more or less equitable? Why? 2. Suited for Love Caitlin Elfring and Shamisa Zvoma in Bindle and Keep Caitlin Elfring (left) and Shamisa Zvoma both wanted to wear suits on their wedding day, but they also knew how difficult it could be to find something off the rack. Custom was the only option, and Bindle and Keep was the only company they considered. We knew they would be the ones that would be able to create suits perfectly for us, said Ms. Elfring. And we knew we would have the nonjudgmental experience we were looking for. It was incredible to work with a small LGBTQ+ business thats doing great things for the community, Ms. Zvoma said. On their wedding day, both Ms. Elfring and Ms. Zvoma knew they had made the right choice. Our suits were the best fitting and most well-constructed pieces of clothing weve ever worn in our entire lives. Weve both never felt so beautiful and stunning, Ms. Elfring said. After his time in the United States, Mr. Scott opened his first bar, Shady Pines, and stocked it with whiskey, beer and bowls of unshelled peanuts, and established a western, honky-tonk atmosphere. His next bar, the Baxter Inn, had even more whiskey and emulated an old East Coast tavern. His third, Frankies Pizza, was meant to mimic an 80s L.A. rock bar, he said. (Mr. Scott recently sold his interest in all his Sydney properties.) All three bars are in subterranean spaces. Peppis is no different. [Check out Australia Fare: the dining column by our Australian restaurant critic, Besha Rodell.] I always liked descending into a bar, Mr. Scott said. Something about it feels right. And I like having no windows in a bar. It feels like youre tucked away from the world. (He joked about his effect on Sydney: One real-estate broker said I single-handedly, with my business partners, doubled the price of basement spots.) Peppis also has a speakeasy entrance down a narrow, winding staircase at the back of the restaurant, and the interior features exposed brick and saloonlike clusters of tables and bentwood chairs. Welcome to the Climate Fwd: newsletter. The New York Times climate team emails readers once a week with stories and insights about climate change. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. Hi, everybody! Things have been heating up around here, especially in the ocean. A new study suggests the oceans have been warming more rapidly than scientists previously thought. Zeke Hausfather, an author of the study, told our colleague Kendra Pierre-Louis that 2018 would turn out to be the warmest year on record for the Earths oceans, as 2017 was the warmest year, and 2016 was the warmest year. The news about the oceans makes you wonder how high 2018 will rank among the hottest years in recorded history. Wed love to tell you, but we cant: The government shutdown has stalled that data, and a lot of other important science besides. Kendra has that story, too. Thats just one of the effects of the shutdown. Coral Davenport wrote about furloughed pollution inspectors at the Environmental Protection Agency who would normally be checking up on chemical factories, power plants, oil refineries, water treatment plants and thousands of other industrial sites for pollution violations. Still, not everything is idle for the Trump administration. It is bringing back at least 40 federal employees to work on plans to sell oil and gas drilling leases off the United States coastline. And the hearing over the nomination of Andrew Wheeler to head the Environmental Protection Agency went on as scheduled. Sears lives. For now. The bankrupt retailer and its chairman, Edward S. Lampert, have reached a $5.3 billion deal that would keep its 425 stores open and its 50,000 employees at work, according to a person familiar with the situation. In the deal, which was reached in the early hours on Wednesday, Mr. Lampert would acquire most of Searss assets, the person said. The final details of the sale still needed to be arranged, and negotiations continued through the day. Mr. Lampert, a hedge fund manager, was the only bidder at a closed-door auction this week who sought to keep the company operating. All of the competing bidders planned to liquidate the companys real estate, inventory and brands. A federal bankruptcy judge must still approve Mr. Lamperts bid, giving the companys creditors a chance to derail the deal. Last week, the bankruptcy judge, Robert D. Drain, said Mr. Lamperts bid was a good development because it offered Sears a shot at survival. Parliament overwhelmingly rejects Brexit plan British lawmakers voted 432 to 202 against Prime Minister Theresa Mays plan to leave the E.U. It was the biggest defeat in the House of Commons for a prime minister in recent history, and it appeared to rip the mast off the ship of state. Impact: Much of Mrs. Mays own party deserted her, and her plan looks less likely than ever to be realized. With a historically straitjacketed Parliament now seizing control of the situation, a new kind of British governance is taking shape, with a diminished prime minister and a dynamic of gridlock reminiscent of America. Whats next? The opposition Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, put forward a motion of no confidence in Mrs. May, which Parliament will debate and vote on Wednesday. If the motion is successful, a new government will need to be formed in 14 days. But Mrs. May is seen as somewhat likely to survive that vote. The 432-to-202 vote on Tuesday was the biggest defeat in the House of Commons for a prime minister in modern history. Here are the key takeaways. Whats next: Mrs. May has until Monday to present a backup plan, but European Union officials had said the deal that Parliament rejected was the only one they would accept. We outline the possible outcomes, including a second referendum or a chaotic no-deal exit. News analysis: Much of Mrs. Mays Conservative Party voted against the deal. Her struggle may signal the end of Britains elective dictatorship and the start of a gridlock-prone system. Catch up: What is Brexit, and what does it all mean? In the face of that ominous possibility, Czapski and his colleagues came up with the idea of delivering nightly lectures, with each officer agreeing to speak about what he remembered best. Father Kamil Kantak, a former Polish newspaper editor, lectured on the history of human migration; Lieutenant Ostrowski, an avid mountaineer, recounted his expeditions in South America. Professor Siennicki, of the Polytechnic School in Warsaw, talked about the history of architecture, and a Dr. Ehrlich discussed the history of the book. After first volunteering to speak on French painting, Czapski ultimately chose to lecture in French on Prousts Remembrance of Things Past, a text to which he felt deeply indebted and which he was not sure of seeing again. Miraculously, like Czapski himself, an abridged transcript of some of the lectures survived the war. He had dictated their content to two lieutenants, and the handwritten manuscripts, which have since been lost, somehow escaped the Soviet censor and were typeset. Shortly after the war, Czapski supervised a Polish translation. The lectures were not published in the original French until 1987 and not in English until last fall, when New York Review Books released a translation by Karpeles. Proust is, without doubt, an odd choice for the gulag, a fact of which Czapski was well aware: I can still see my companions, worn out after having worked outdoors in temperatures dropping as low as minus 45 degrees, packed together underneath portraits of Marx, Engels and Lenin, listening intently to lectures on themes very far removed from the reality we faced at that time. Despite the poverty of their conditions, the assembled company was highly educated, which allowed Czapski to wander from Prousts translations of Ruskin to the influence of Latin on his syntax. With no access to physical books in the camp, the lectures are naturally preoccupied with the almost Proustian exercise of remembering Prousts text. At points, Czapski recalls long scenes with exacting precision, but he also cautions his audience that he may be jumbling things up. He calls the famous madeleine a brioche but at other times summons up details like an effortless juggler. The most surprising fact about the lectures, however, is how they conclude: with a meditation on death. This move spares Czapski the accusation that he was merely escaping into the sensory, bourgeois richness of Prousts art. He is not afraid to confront the specter of his own death head-on, and to use literature to do so. He broaches the topic by evoking the death scene of the writer Bergotte, in a section of Remembrance that Proust was editing in the final weeks before he died. Bergotte, by this point in the novel an invalid and shut-in, steps out to see an exhibition that includes Vermeers View of Delft, which Czapski, borrowing from Proust, describes as embodying a mysterious charm, a Chinese perfection and delicacy. Having taken in that sight, Bergotte quickly suffers a fatal stroke and dies in the gallery, overwhelmed by his senses. Czapski notes that Bergottes last wish is to view the paintings one more time though he knows well enough that, given his health, its risky for him to go out to see the exhibition. A good death becomes linked to the experience of good art. Czapski extends this observation about Bergottes death to what may have been on Prousts mind in his final days: Its not possible that he did not understand, given the state of his health, that the enormous and feverish effort required to keep on with his work would precipitate his end. But he had made up his mind, he would not take care of himself, death had become truly a matter of indifference to him. I am not sure if we ever truly achieve indifference toward death, but Czapski suggests that we can weaken its sting. That conviction is reminiscent of the thrust of the computer scientist Randy Pauschs The Last Lecture, a talk he gave at Carnegie Mellon a month after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Explaining why he decided to deliver a lecture that required extensive preparation instead of spending every one of his last moments with his children, Pausch later wrote: If I were a painter, I would have painted for them. If I were a musician, I would have composed music. But I am a lecturer. So I lectured. Czapski, like Scheherazade, gave his nightly lectures in Gryazovets not knowing what the morning would bring. Schitts Creek returns for its fifth season with a special two-episode premiere, and all 10 episodes of YouTubes original series Wayne are available to stream. Whats on TV SCHITTS CREEK 10 p.m. on Pop. When we last saw the Roses, they seemed to be actually liking Schitts Creek, the small town that the formerly wealthy family landed in after being defrauded by their business manager. They were still living in adjoining rooms at the Rosebud Motel, which the patriarch, Johnny, now co-owns with Stevie, and visiting Twyla at the Cafe Tropical, but over all, things were looking up. David and Alexis found love, and Moira even seems to have gotten her acting career somewhat back on track. On Wednesday, the comedy, created by the father-and-son team Eugene and Dan Levy, returns for its fifth season with a special two-episode premiere, reuniting fans with an uncharacteristically happy Rose clan. EQUUS: STORY OF THE HORSE 8 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). Dogs might be considered mans best friend, but horses and humans have a long and storied history. The anthropologist Niobe Thompson takes a deep dive into the species origins, emotional intelligence and connection with humans in this special two-part Nature series on PBS, which was filmed over 18 months across three continents. At the end of George Cespedess El Ultimo Recurso, dancers stand and stare at the audience for the full duration of a song. That extended staring in stillness, with baleful or at least somber faces, is something theyve done many times before in this 80-minute work, usually in silence. The song is Feeling Good. These dancers, clearly, arent. They are members of Los Hijos del Director, a Cuban company that made its United States debut at the Joyce Theater on Tuesday as part of the two-week Cuba Festival. The aggressive-depressive quality of their performance is one clear contrast with Malpaso Dance Company, an unfailingly open and generous crew that had the first week of the festival to itself. (Los Hijos shares its week with the flamenco group Compania Irene Rodriguez.) But the aim expressed in the program for Los Hijos to develop a new dancing style created in Cuba and danced by Cubans is one that Malpaso shares. Both companies were founded recently, six or seven years ago, by renegades from the national modern dance troupe, Danza Contemporanea de Cuba (founded in 1959). Both face what could be called the central problem of Cuban modern dance: that the country consistently produces wonderful dancers but, as of yet, no great choreographers. Malpasos response is two-pronged. Company members create their own dances, but the troupe also performs pieces by outside choreographers. Its a kind of apprenticeship repertory. The work of established artists serves as scaffolding, something solid for the dancers and their audiences, while the local talent develops. The British Parliaments long-anticipated vote on a plan to withdraw from the European Union also known as Brexit came to its expected conclusion on Tuesday night when lawmakers weighed in on a deal proposed by Prime Minister Theresa May. No one really thought that at the last minute Mrs. May would be able to pull a rabbit out of her hat to secure approval for the plan. And she didnt, with her Brexit deal rejected by a vote of 432 to 202. Now she has to go hat in hand to Brussels to see if she can work some magic there. Spoiler alert: She almost certainly cannot. Heres what to know as Britain enters uncharted territory of the process that is Brexit. The opposition has called a vote of no confidence. On Tuesday night, Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, called for a vote of no confidence in Mrs. Mays government, denouncing what he called its sheer incompetence. BERLIN Germanys domestic intelligence agency took a first step on Tuesday toward placing the far-right Alternative for Germany party under surveillance as a threat to the countrys democracy, announcing that it would formally observe its youth wing, which it called extremist. It was the first time in Germanys postwar history that a party seated in parliament was put under such scrutiny, setting the stage for a looming battle between the state and a party whose strength has steadily grown even as its suspected associations with neo-Nazi groups have stirred concern. The leaders of Alternative for Germany, or AfD, as the party is known, routinely attack the press, accuse Muslim immigrants of being criminals, and question the principles of liberal democracy. [Read: Germany shooting is deadliest yet in upsurge of far-right attacks in the country.] The warning on Tuesday was issued by the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, an agency whose founding mission when it was established after World War II was to protect against the rise of political forces primarily another Nazi party that could once again threaten Germanys democracy. SANTA ROSA DE COPAN, Honduras Hundreds of Hondurans traveling in vehicles and on foot converged on the Guatemalan border on Tuesday, part of a new migrant caravan bound for the United States which President Trump has already used as fresh ammunition in his fight for border wall funding. The caravan began departing from the northern Honduran city of San Pedro Sula on Monday night. Others set off throughout the day on Tuesday. Honduran authorities estimated that between 800 and 1,000 people were in the caravan, while officials from Honduras National Human Rights Commission put the range between 1,500 and 2,000. Mr. Trump, whose dispute with Congress over his demand for $5.7 billion for a border wall between Mexico and the United States has led to a partial shutdown of the federal government since Dec. 22, warned on Twitter on Tuesday about the new mass migration. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras, he wrote. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown! WASHINGTON The first time they met was in Germany. President Trump took his interpreters notes afterward and ordered him not to disclose what he heard to anyone. Later that night, at a dinner, Mr. Trump pulled up a seat next to President Vladimir V. Putin to talk without any American witnesses at all. Their third encounter was in Vietnam when Mr. Trump seemed to take Mr. Putins word that he had not interfered in American elections. A formal summit meeting followed in Helsinki, Finland, where the two leaders kicked out everyone but the interpreters. Most recently, they chatted in Buenos Aires after Mr. Trump said they would not meet because of Russian aggression. Mr. Trump has adamantly insisted there was no collusion with Russia during his 2016 presidential campaign. But each of the five times he has met with Mr. Putin since taking office, he has fueled suspicions about their relationship. The unusually secretive way he has handled these meetings has left many in his own administration guessing what happened and piqued the interest of investigators. Whats disconcerting is the desire to hide information from your own team, said Andrew S. Weiss, who was a Russia adviser to President Bill Clinton. The fact that Trump didnt want the State Department or members of the White House team to know what he was talking with Putin about suggests it was not about advancing our countrys national interest but something more problematic. The move prompted howls of protest from Democrats and some Russia hawks, who accused the administration of going soft on Russia in the midst of the special counsels investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Russias election meddling. Mr. Deripaska has emerged as a bit character in the story lines around the investigation as a result of his payments to Paul Manafort, Mr. Trumps former campaign chairman, who has been convicted and pleaded guilty to charges brought by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III. Democrats urged the Treasury Department to postpone the final decision on sanctions relief for Mr. Deripaskas companies until after Mr. Muellers investigation concludes. And the partys congressional leaders began pushing resolutions in the Senate and the House this week to override the sanctions relief. The resolutions were introduced under a provision in a 2017 law that allows Congress to override certain sanctions-related decisions by the Treasury Department. Under the provision, both the House and the Senate would need to pass resolutions by a Thursday deadline to block the administrations move to lift the sanctions. Failing congressional action, the sanctions would automatically be lifted. The Democrats efforts at first seemed to stand little chance, given efforts to stifle them by the administration and the Republicans who control the Senate. Mr. Mnuchin visited Republican senators on Tuesday before the vote to implore them to support the sanctions relief. The appearance followed a briefing to the House last week in which he argued that the deal his agency negotiated with Mr. Deripaskas companies would punish the oligarch by separating him from the companies, without having economic ripple effects. The briefing left Democratic leaders unconvinced. And Tuesdays Senate vote indicated that Mr. Mnuchins assurances did not assuage doubts among the partys Russia skeptics that the deal with Mr. Deripaskas companies sufficiently decreased his control. I dont like the way its structured, said Senator Marco Rubio, Republican of Florida, who voted with Democrats and has been among the partys leading critics of Russia. WASHINGTON The partial government shutdown is inflicting far greater damage on the United States economy than previously estimated, the White House acknowledged on Tuesday, as President Trumps economists doubled projections of how much economic growth is being lost each week the standoff with Democrats continues. The revised estimates from the Council of Economic Advisers show that the shutdown, now in its fourth week, is beginning to have real economic consequences. The analysis, and other projections from outside the White House, suggests that the shutdown has already weighed significantly on growth and could ultimately push the United States economy into a contraction. While Vice President Mike Pence previously played down the shutdowns effects amid a roaring economy, White House officials are now cautioning Mr. Trump about the toll it could take on a sustained economic expansion. Mr. Trump, who has hitched his political success to the economy, also faces other economic headwinds, including slowing global growth, a trade war with China and the waning effects of a $1.5 trillion tax cut. Children had little access to legal services. Instead of several hours of schooling a day, as is offered at licensed shelters for migrant children around the country, children at Tornillo were offered workbooks which they were under no obligation to complete, migrant advocates said. The Office of Inspector General in November criticized the facilitys failure to conduct F.B.I. fingerprint background checks on staff, and also said it had too few staff members to provide sufficient mental health care. Eventually, the private nonprofit operating the sprawling desert site informed the government that it did not wish to extend its management contract, setting it up to close. This tent city should never have stood in the first place, but it is welcome news that it will be gone, Will Hurd, the Republican congressman who represents the southwest Texas border region, wrote on Twitter. The number of migrant children under detention reached record numbers last year, an increase due to both the large numbers of children crossing the border and the roadblocks imposed by the Trump administration to releasing them to family members. The crunch has eased with the elimination of the policy requiring fingerprints of all adults in any household in which a migrant child is placed. Fingerprints are now only required of the adult who is sponsoring the minor. As of Jan. 13, about 10,500 migrant minors were held in more than 100 shelters across the country overseen by Health and Human Services, down from about 14,700 in December. Despite the recent decline, the number of children in federal custody remains substantially higher than a year ago, when about 7,550 were staying in shelters. Ive spent four decades reporting from countries with weak institutions like Russia, China, every Arab state, Turkey, Iran, Venezuela where the arbitrary whims of the leader or his party are the basis of all decision-making, not the rule of law, built on independent institutions. But Trump appreciates none of this. It would be easy to attribute it all to malevolence. But I think a lot of it is sheer ignorance. I dont think Trump ever took civics. I dont think he ever understood the separation of powers or the meaning of independent agencies. Thats why the shutdown doesnt bother him. His instincts are those of a banana republic dictator. Thats also why Trump is so comfortable with the likes of Vladimir Putin and so willing to damage the thing that makes America most special. And thats why I so appreciate Robertss quiet pushback so much. Its why I also appreciate those retired military officers who have been willing to call out Trumps abuse of norms and his willingness to use the U.S. military as a prop for his political purposes. As CNN reported, Trump used a Thanksgiving Day call to U.S. service members abroad to justify his controversial deployment of nearly 6,000 U.S. troops to the southern border. Without evidence, he painted Air Force Gen. David Lyons as a proponent of his hard-line immigration policies after Lyons said U.S. troops are fighting in Afghanistan to prevent terrorists from reaching our shores again. On a post-Christmas visit to Iraq, CNN reported, Trump used his appearance before troops to hammer Democrats for not supporting his wall funding and also posed for photographs with at least one service member who was holding a Trump-Pence campaign sign, and he autographed red Make America Great Again' hats for troops in fatigues, despite military guidelines that prohibit active-duty troops from participating in partisan political activities and the expectation that they keep their political views private while in uniform. The Washington Post reported that on a tour of Border Patrol stations in McAllen, Tex., last week, Trump gathered 15 agents, dressed in uniforms and tactical gear, to stand next to him as he filmed a minute-long video. They have done an incredible job, said Trump, sporting a Make America Great Again hat. But we all want to see a wall or a barrier because that will make your job even easier. The agents remained silent, but the visual message was clear: Trump wanted viewers to believe Customs and Border Protection, an agency of 59,000 employees, is firmly behind him in a political skirmish that has resulted in a partial government shutdown. Contrary to movement myth, Buckley did not purge the Birchers from the movement in the 1960s. National Review articles in 1962 singled out the Birch Societys founder, Robert Welch, for personal condemnation while sparing ordinary members of his organization. (A more full-throated attack on the group followed three years later, but only after Goldwaters defeat.) Goldwater, too, criticized Welch personally but went no further. His campaign was powered by best-selling tracts like Phyllis Schlaflys A Choice, Not an Echo, steeped in the Birchers baroquely paranoid style. A whos who of the hard right, including the anti-Semite Gerald L.K. Smith, enthusiastically supported his candidacy, and the campaign did little to disavow them. Even the party establishment that resisted Goldwaters nomination blanched at calling out extremism. A proposed platform plank at the convention denouncing extremism and explicitly naming the Birch Society failed to find support even from Dwight Eisenhower and George Romney. By the early 1980s, long into the Birch Societys decline, Republicans would feel less reason than ever to hide or apologize for engaging Birchers; the Societys magazine, The Review of the News, featured interviews with the likes of Dick Cheney and Chuck Grassley. The next generation of conservative movement activists, including Paul Weyrich (a key mentor of Newt Gingrich), Morton Blackwell and Richard Viguerie, adopted a more pugilistic approach that brought together radical and mainstream elements on the right. In the 1970s, they avoided traditional Republican small-government political appeals in favor of mobilizations over busing, abortion and gay rights while courting the segregationist George Wallaces followers and brokering a fateful alliance between Christian evangelicals and the Republican Party. The New Right formed think tanks, advocacy groups and political action committees to do the work they didnt trust the formal party to do. Parties are no more than instruments, temporary and disposable, declared the Maryland congressman Bob Bauman at 1975s Conservative Political Action Conference. This troublemaking activism irked party officials like Ronald Reagans first Republican National Committee chairman, Richard Richards, who called the outside groups loose cannonballs on the deck of a ship. But their approach eventually came to dominate, thanks to the expanding right-wing media ecosystem, primary voters, and direct-mail fund-raising dollars. The refusal to police boundaries evolved from an ethos to a structural feature of the political world built by the Long New Right. For decades, the Long New Right has depended on buy-in from moneyed interests within the Republican coalition. The grass-roots right may have disliked the plutocrats economic agenda, but they repeatedly accepted it to gain access to power. For their part, the plutocrats may have regarded the New Right as uncouth and their social agenda divisive, but they, too, preferred it to any available alternative. The road from here to a second vote is no straight line but its trajectory is at least discernible. Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party leader, has tabled a vote of no confidence in Mays government. If passed, this would almost certainly trigger a general election, but the Conservative majority is likely to rally around May to prevent that. Then, later this week, the parliamentary maneuvering will begin under a 10-week deadline to March 29. The backdrop to the maneuvering is this. The European Union has said the only deal is the one May tabled. That deal was a fudge in extremis leaving Britain inside the European single market until a new trade relationship is worked out; it reflected Mays recognition that a no-deal Brexit would be an economic disaster. This compromise, in turn, infuriated many in her Conservative Party. Two Brexit secretaries quit last year over the agreement negotiations. The bill for the divorce, which Britain agreed to under Mays rejected plan, would be about $50 billion, or about eight of Donald Trumps walls. Corbyns Labour Party, but not Corbyn himself, favors staying in the European Union; presumably Corbyn will eventually come around, in the absence of any viable alternative. Britain is a parliamentary democracy. As Hugo Dixon, the deputy chair of the Peoples Vote, a grass-roots movement for a second referendum, wrote in the French daily Le Monde: Parliament will need to pass a new law to authorize this referendum. It can do this either the easy way, with prime ministers support; or the hard way, by forcing it through against her wishes. Dixon told me that a Remain campaign in a second referendum would need to focus on the real issues that caused the Brexit vote: immigration, the areas of Britain starved of investment and left behind, a deficient National Health Service. None of these problematic issues were caused by the European Union. In fact, he said, they are best addressed in Europe, with an economy given a boost by a decision to remain and a political agenda no longer consumed by Brexit. There are no good solutions to the current impasse but a second referendum is the least bad. All the debate has come up against a stubborn fact: Brexit is damaging to the British national interest. No deal can make it look good. May tried and failed. The British, and particularly British youth, deserve the right to determine their long-term future on the basis of reality. In 2007, the company and three of its top executives pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges that Purdue had misrepresented the dangers of OxyContin, and they paid $634.5 million in fines. The Sacklers were not accused of any wrongdoing and have not faced personal legal consequences over the drug. But last June, Maura Healey, the Massachusetts attorney general, sued eight members of the Sackler family, along with the company and numerous executives and directors, alleging that they had misled doctors and patients about OxyContins risks. The suit also claimed that the company aggressively promoted the drug to doctors who were big prescribers of opioids, including physicians who later lost their licenses. The court filing released on Tuesday also asserts that Sackler family members were aware that Purdue Pharma repeatedly failed to alert authorities to scores of reports the company had received that OxyContin was being abused and sold on the street. The company also used pharmacy discount cards to increase OxyContins sales and Richard Sackler, who served as Purdue Pharmas president from 1999 to 2003, led a company strategy of blaming abuse of the drug on addicts, the suit claimed. In 1995, when the Food and Drug Administration approved OxyContin, it allowed Purdue Pharma to claim that the opioids long-acting formulation was believed to reduce its appeal to drug abusers compared with traditional painkillers such as Percocet and Vicodin. At a gathering shortly afterward to celebrate the drugs launch, Mr. Sackler boasted that the launch of OxyContin tablets will be followed by a blizzard of prescriptions that will bury the competition. The prescription blizzard will be so deep, dense, and white, according to a document cited in the legal complaint. [Like the Science Times page on Facebook. | Sign up for the Science Times newsletter.] Company sales representatives told doctors that OxyContin couldnt be abused and were trained to say that the drug had an addiction risk for patients of less than one percent, a claim that had no scientific backing. Within a few years, Purdue Pharma was selling more than $1 billion worth of OxyContin annually. WEDNESDAY PUZZLE Quick one today, as the deadlines go whooshing by. Bruce Haight is back, and hes playing around with his words again. Tricky Clues 1A: It took me the longest time to stop thinking about can lids for the clue Lid attachment. Were thinking about eyelids , and the attachment is a LASH. 48A: Dont panic, weve seen this before. Mr. Rogers as a clue suggests Fred Rogers, the cardigan-wearing television host everyone knew and loved. But not today. In this puzzle, the Mr. Rogers is the cowboy film and television (Hi, kids! Ask your folks) star ROY Rogers. 10D: I wanted molding for Windows strip, but thats because I didnt read the clue closely, and let that be a lesson to you all. A singular window strip might be moldings, but the plural Windows hints at the software program. That strip is the TOOLBAR. The percentage of minorities and women on the boards of the largest public companies in the United States has edged up in the last two years, but advancement is still slow and the bulk of corporate directors at such firms continue to be white men, a study released on Tuesday finds. The study, by the Alliance for Board Diversity, which advocates for broader demographic inclusion in boardrooms, and the professional services firm Deloitte, shows that women and minorities occupied 38.6 percent of board seats at Fortune 100 companies last year, compared with 35.9 percent in 2016. At Fortune 500 companies, the figure rose to 34 percent in 2018 from 30.8 percent two years earlier, the last time the study was done, but still fell short of the alliances target. Our goal is to get to 40 percent diversity so we can have fair representation on Fortune 500 corporate boards, said Linda Akutagawa, the groups chairwoman. She added that some of the largest companies in the world can find talented, diverse board members with the skills and experience to put on large corporate boards. Adam Mosss decision to step down after 15 years as editor in chief of New York sent ripples through the magazine world. The New York Times spoke with peers and colleagues about his career and influence. Their remarks have been edited for length and clarity. Graydon Carter Former editor, Vanity Fair Adam was, and is, one of the giants. He had the instincts for a good story. He found and kept a great staff. And he knew that magazines had to surprise you visually on top of everything else. Janice Min Former editor, Us Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter I found him to be a really good example of what an editor can be, which is to try not to turn into a celebrity himself. I had lunch with him and I always laugh about this we were talking about people who go out too much, and I said, Do you just not go out? He said, very dryly: The closer I get to death, the less I want to hang out with people I cant stand. I just thought, Im adopting that for the rest of my life. Every time I turn down something, I think about that quote. Life becomes much clearer if you abide by that. Frank Rich Writer at large, New York; former Op-Ed columnist and theater critic, The New York Times Im sitting in my office in the mid-1980s and someone who I didnt know calls me, says: Im an editor at Esquire. I want to talk to you about a piece. He said, Can I buy you a drink at Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle hotel? As I later learned from him, hed never been there before in his life. He was 29. I was halfway into my 10 years as drama critic. I eventually wrote a 10,000-word piece for him when I had a full-time demanding job thats how persuasive he was and creative as an editor. It planted the idea at The Times of me becoming an Op-Ed columnist. It completely changed my career. He said no conclusions had been drawn, but played down any conceivable threat to the United States. Later that year, however, H. Marshall Chadwell, the assistant director of scientific intelligence for the C.I.A., concluded in a memo to the C.I.A. director, Walter Bedell Smith, that sightings of unexplained objects at great altitudes and traveling at high speeds in the vicinity of major U.S. defense installations are of such nature that they are not attributable to natural phenomena or known types of aerial vehicles. By 1953, authorities were concerned that communication channels were becoming dangerously clogged by hundreds of U.F.O. reports. Even false alarms could be perilous, defense agencies worried, since the Soviets might take advantage of the situation by simulating or staging a U.F.O. wave and then attack. Documents show the C.I.A. then devised a plan for a national policy, as to what should be told the public regarding the phenomenon, in order to minimize risk of panic. After a closed-door session with a scientific advisory panel chaired by H.P. Robertson from the California Institute of Technology, the C.I.A. issued a secret report recommending a broad educational program for all intelligence agencies, with the aim of training and debunking. Training meant more public education on how to identify known objects in the sky. The use of true cases showing first the mystery and then the explanation would be forceful, the report said. Debunking would be accomplished by mass media such as television, motion pictures, and popular articles. CROWN POINT A man acting as his own defense attorney on a murder charge told a Lake Criminal Court judge Tuesday he wanted to delay his trial because he has "evidence problems." Ronald Menzie, 42, said the state has provided him with crime scene photos that show a red substance all over a Gary home, but he wants evidence showing what that substance was determined to be. "It just says red stains, red substance. There is no evidence of what that is," he said. "I need to know what that is, because that could be exculpatory evidence." Menzie is accused of shooting Broderick Harbin, 30, in the head and a woman in the hand March 11, 2018, as 10 children slept inside a home in the 2100 block of Carolina Street in Gary. Harbin died at the scene. The wounded woman told police Harbin, her ex-boyfriend, argued with her and hit her in the presence of Menzie, which led to Menzie's shooting Harbin, according to a probable cause affidavit. Menzie said it appeared someone tried to clean up the crime scene. "You're supposed to be calling for the police for help, but you're doing this," he said. PORTAGE The Portage Marquette Yacht Club holds a weekly Friday fish fry from 5:30 to 8:45 at 1218 N. Crisman Road. There is lake perch, blue gill, walleye, shrimp, scallops, frog legs and all you can eat whitefish. PORTAGE American Legion Post 260 hosts a fish fry on the second and last Friday of the month, from 4 to 7:45 p.m. During Lent; its every Friday. They serve North Atlantic cod, lake perch, jumbo shrimp, tilapia, catfish, AYCE Alaskan pollock and AYCE ocean perch. Carryouts are available. Call 219-762-3541. PORTER VFW Post 2511 holds a fish fry from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday at 1290 Wagner Road. All-you-can-eat pollock dinner is 5 to 8 p.m. There are also frog legs, lake perch, shrimp, burgers and steaks. Carryout orders available. Call 219-926-4441. SCHERERVILLE Halls of St. George holds fish fries every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at 905 E. Joliet St. The menu include Alaskan pollock, ocean perch, lake perch, salmon, orange roughy, shrimp, etc. There are also Serbian homemade dishes including cevaps and hamburgers, shish kebabs, potato salad, bean soup, crepes with Nutella and more. Call 219-865-9411. SCHERERVILLE Winter/spring fish fries are held from 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday until April 19 at Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 545 E. 77th Ave. Call 219-864-1529. VALPARAISO Moose Lodge 1357 has a fish fry 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays at 108 Indiana Ave. There are fish, shrimp dinners, hamburgers, chicken fingers and fries throughout the whole year. To phone in orders, call 219-462-2311. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 "The number of opioid prescriptions is down, communities are forming their own systems of care and we are getting drug data faster than ever before," Holcomb said. "But better data means we have more information about the extent of the issue, and it shows we still have a long way to go." Holcomb additionally said he remains committed to the long-term project of implementing the 20 consultant recommendations to improve the Department of Child Services, and to ensure more babies celebrate their first birthdays by launching an assistance program for high-risk pregnant women. He also urged the Republican-controlled General Assembly to enact a bias crime penalty enhancement so Indiana no longer is among the five states in the nation lacking hate crime protections for vulnerable groups. Bias crime legislation repeatedly has failed to garner majority support at the Statehouse in prior years due largely to Republicans refusing to extend protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals on the same basis as other protected characteristics. "Standing strong against targeted violence motivated to instill fear against an entire group is the right thing to do," Holcomb said. INDIANAPOLIS Fake drugs soon could be real costly in the Hoosier state. The Indiana Senate voted 50-0 Tuesday to make the penalties for dealing or manufacturing compounds meant to look like illegal drugs the same as the punishments for dealing or manufacturing the actual controlled substances being imitated. Senate Bill 28, which now goes to the House, also authorizes prosecutors to seek longer prison terms for individuals convicted of drug crimes who have a prior conviction for dealing synthetic drugs. "Controlled substances that are synthetics are a real problem, said state Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, SB 28's sponsor. "We have real issues in our schools with it, and my community has been severely and negatively impacted by this," he said. The Senate also unanimously approved Bohacek's Senate Bill 198 to raise the felony level, and corresponding prison term, for any person found guilty of committing a drug crime at a state prison or juvenile facility. "It's kind of surprising that it wasn't already there (in the law)," Bohacek said. Both proposals were co-sponsored by state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago. State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie, is the House sponsor. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Porter County Clerk Jessica Bailey said Tuesday that since taking office at the start of the year, she has heard from no one else interested in investigating the local election or election process. "Will this be all of it?" she asked. "I'm not certain." Audit open to the public The audit, which will be carried out from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 24 and 25 in Room 102-A on the lower level of the county administration center in Valparaiso, will be open to the public, Bailey said. The audit will use statistical approaches to review random ballots cast in last fall's races for county prosecutor, auditor, recorder and coroner, and a public question that was on the ballot, said Bryan Byers, co-director of the VSTOP program. The 20-digit number created Tuesday by rolling the dice will be fed into the audit tool to kick off the random selection of ballots, said fellow VSTOP Director Jay Bagga. The results of the random ballots chosen will then be fed into the audit tool until it decides it has received enough information to determine if last fall's vote count was correct, he said. If the results are not accurate, it could trigger a recount for the purpose of the audit only. Bagga could not recall a time when a recount was triggered. A second email to Snyder from Dalton, a few days after the one from Oct. 6, 2012, spoke of concerns Dan Pickart, Snyder's accountant, might have with the tax returns. "He (Pickart) knows we fabricated some of this," Dalton wrote. "He's going to start asking questions on loans and cars and such." Hatagan testified throughout the morning. Van Bokkelen also voiced concerns Wednesday morning about the tax charge against Snyder. As prosecutors and defense attorneys argued about the emails, Van Bokkelen noted concerns involving the charge, though he declined to elaborate further from the bench. "I have some problems with that count," the judge said in overruling the defense's objections about the emails being admitted as evidence. "If it plays out, that count may be gone." "I'm sort of talking out loud right now. I have not drawn any conclusions. I have some concerns right now," Van Bokkelen said, adding he wanted to let the testimony play out before deciding. "I've said too much already." CROWN POINT A Hobart man told police he was a "dead man" after officers found about 14 pounds of marijuana, THC vape pens, ammunition and a large sum of cash Sunday while investigating a robbery at his house, court records say. William Michael Hawkins, 18, fled before police arrived about 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the home in the first block of North Michigan Street, Lake Criminal Court records state. Hawkins later told investigators two men had arrived to buy marijuana from him but, once inside, pointed a gun at him and robbed him of a pound of marijuana, his wallet and cash, Lake Criminal Court records state. When Hawkins' relative came around a corner, the men allegedly pointed a gun at her. Police began pinging Hawkins' cellphone and found him more than an hour later slumped over the wheel of an idling silver Chevrolet Malibu, with his foot on the brake pedal, near Home Avenue and Linda Street. In an interview with police, Hawkins allegedly admitted he had smoked marijuana and taken Xanax, a benzodiazepine not prescribed to him. He told police he had slept about six hours in the past 72 hours, records state. "Yeah, I smoked some weed, just lost my girl, sir," Hawkins allegedly told an officer. CHICAGO A report by the American Civil Liberties Union says African-American motorists in Illinois are more likely than others to be stopped and searched for routine traffic violations. The report says police asked to conduct searches of vehicles driven by black motorists nearly twice as often as those driven by whites in 2017. Police asked to search cars driven by Latinos 1.4 times more often those driven by whites. The study examined data collected by the Illinois Department of Transportation between 2015 and 2017 from more than 900 law enforcement agencies statewide. Police made about 6.5 million traffic stops and performed more than 283,000 searches in that time. The study found that in certain cities, such as Aurora and Champaign, African-American drivers were stopped at rates more than twice that of the African-American population. In Chicago, African-American drivers accounted for 61 percent of all traffic stops in 2017 while making up 31 percent of the city's population. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 2 Funny 4 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. South Bend is best known as the home of the University of Notre Dame, but theres much more to this city of about 100,000. It also was home of the Oliver Chilled Plow Works and the Studebaker Corp. There are some wonderful historic sites and museums that make it a great destination for a day trip. And if you spend a day there, youre going to have to eat. Start off your morning with a visit to Macadoos Family Restaurant, which was winner of the 2018 St. Joseph County Breakfast Wars. Its a quaint spot with an Irish theme that is welcoming and offers breakfasts that are sure to fill you up cinnamon rolls, a pancake of the month, omelettes, French toast and more. Theyre known for their made-from-scratch sausage gravy. So be sure to order some biscuits and gravy while youre there. Prices are reasonable and if you just want a taste, you can get a 1/4 order for just $2.35. A Top 10 Breakfast Spots in the Bend list can be found at visitsouthbend.com. Middletown police officer Brian Thomas was promoted Monday night to the rank of sergeant. His wife, Alicia, placed his new sergeants chevrons on the lapels of his uniform. The Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art (iMOCA) is announcing its new consulting directorMichael Kaufmann, currently vice president of civic investment at Health & Hospital Corporation. And while the organization revealed a number of different programs, the museum also revealed that it has cancelled plans for relocating to the old Ford Assembly Plant at 1301 E. Washington St., a move announced in April, 2018. While iMOCA is no longer moving forward with plans for a permanent location, the organization is excited about several new multi-year exhibition sites... as well as ongoing temporary sites, Kaufmann said in a statement to NUVO. Through iMOCA's yearlong 2018 re-organization process, it became clear that moving forward with a permanent location for iMOCA wasnt necessary to continue showing and partnering with artists and arts organizations, he continued. We realized we can have a greater direct impact on the artists we support and reach new audiences by taking a more agile approach." In addition, Benjamin Blevins and his wife Janneane, proprietors of PRINTtEXTan Indy-based collaborative publisherwere named directors of communications a press release this week. "Janneane and Benjamin bring a unique blend of design sensibility, project management, and non-traditional problem solving skills that will allow iMOCA to reach not only a local but international audience as well," Kaufmann says. In the same announcement, iMOCA touted its three-year partnership with the John Boner neighborhood centers. The organization received a grant recently from Lilly Endowments Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation Initiative. The grant will help John Boner Neighborhood Centers establish the 10 East Art + Design District. The 10th Street arts initiative will be led by the John Boner Neighborhood Centers in collaboration with six local arts organizations, NEAR, Englewood CDC, and Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership. Beginning in 2019, iMOCA, in partnership with Hoy Polloy, a 10th Street artist collective, will implement joint arts programming and exhibitions in a building located at 10th Street and Beville Avenue. iMOCA was founded in 2001. It was originally a museum without walls, mounting exhibits at Herron School of Art & Design, the Stutz, and Key Cinemas. In 2004, the museum moved into the Emelie Building on Senate Ave. In 2009, iMOCA moved into the Murphy Art Center in Fountain Square, and in 2014 it opened the CityWay Gallery at The Alexander Hotel. (iMOCA is currently exhibiting On Soft Ground through June 23 in this space, it is an exhibit that highlights the printwork of a number of artists who work primarily in other mediums.) In 2016, iMOCA left the Murphy, again becomingwith the exception of its space at The Alexander, a museum without walls, forging partnerships with the Hoosier Salon, Axis Architects and Interiors, Indiana Landmarks, Cat Head Press, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, and other partners to put up pop-up exhibitions and installations that often challenge traditional notions of artmaking and art viewing. As iMOCA enters into 2019, Kaufmann, as consulting director, will also continue at Health & Hospital Corporation even as he pursues his Ph.D in cultural theory at Indiana University, according to Blevins. iMOCA is so incredibly fortunate to have Michael Kaufmann take on the mantle of consulting director, said Paula Katz, former executive director, in the press release. Michael is one of the most exceptional and talented individuals working in the creative industry. As iMOCA moves into this next phase as an organization, I cannot think of another who could meet this challenge with more assiduousness and natural aptitude. Community Reporter Erica Welch is the special sections editor for The News-Review, mother of two and a native of Roseburg. She is an alumni of RHS, UCC and Western Oregon University. Contact her at ewelch@nrtoday.com or 541-957-4218. You are here: World Flash Peng Liyuan, the wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended a performance with Jenni Haukio, wife of Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, on Tuesday. The show, which included poetry reading and musical performances, was held in the stylish bookstore Page One situated in the Qianmen area, a significant symbol of old Beijing. After having strolled around the bookstore and learning about the history of the bookstore and the surrounding block, Peng and Haukio enjoyed wonderful performances on the top floor. Peng also briefed Haukio on the history and recent renovation of the historic district of Dashilar. During the show, students majoring in Finnish read Haukio's award-winning poems, catching her by surprise. Young ladies dressed in ancient costumes sang traditional Chinese poems with the accompaniment of piano and Chinese zither, a traditional Chinese instrument. The performance ended with a violinist and a pianist playing a piece work composed by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The show was performed by teachers and students from the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the China Conservatory of Music. Haukio is in Beijing accompanying President Niinisto who is paying a state visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday. By TAMMY BAINtammy.bain@nptelegraph.comNorth Plattes Shopko will remain open despite the Wednesday morning announcement that the company has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. An online list includes eight Nebraska closures, expected between March and April. North Plattes location, at 510 E. Philip Ave., is not included in the list.An Ord location is expected to close in March, according to the list. Four locations in Lincoln will close. On Wednesday afternoon, the Lincoln Journal Star reported that this consists of all of Lincolns locations.Locations in Kimball, Bellevue and Plattsmouth will also close. A Shopko Hometown store in Ogallala, 50 miles west of North Platte, closed in December. In North Platte, Shopkos pharmacy closed in April. Chapter 11 of the federal bankruptcy code allows a company to restructure its debt without shutting down completely. Shopkos press release called the filing an important step towards protecting our future and ensuring our ability to continue delivering the high-quality products and services that our customers are accustomed to receiving.The company cited excessive debt and ongoing competitive pressures for its filing in another press release on the website.Everythings good here, Dean Van Horn, general manager of North Plattes store, said Wednesday morning. Were still up and running.Van Horn said he was not at liberty to discuss other details of the bankruptcy filing. In a press release on Shopkos website, the chain based in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, confirmed it had sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection along with its subsidiaries.In addition to the 38 store closures nationwide, Shopko plans to relocate more than 20 optical centers to free-standing locations and conduct an auction process for its pharmacy business, according to the website.A spokesperson for the company could not be reached for comment Wednesday.The company reported that it has less than $1 billion in assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette in Wisconsin. After the morning speech, Groene told The Omaha World-Herald that he likes the proposed amendment but the state must do more to boost economic development in rural areas. Directing more state aid to K-12 school in rural Nebraska would help, he said. Besides the tax-lid amendment, Ricketts proposed adding another $51 million a year to the states Property Tax Credit fund. That would raise the funds total to $275 million, a figure he also proposed as a new legal floor for the fund to provide more tax-relief certainty for property owners. State senators would have to approve all three measures, with the tax-lid amendment going before Nebraska voters in 2020 if it clears the Legislature this session or next. If senators agree, the governor said, the owner of a home with a $100,000 taxable value would receive a $106 credit on his or her 2019 property tax bill, up from $86 this year. Of the proposed $51 million increase, The World-Herald said, $20 million is earmarked for farm and ranch land owners. Groene and Sen. Curt Friesen of Henderson said farmers in their districts are hurting and need more help than what Ricketts proposed in his address. We dont have a recession in rural Nebraska, we have a depression, Groene said. The COO of Apple has stated before the US Federal Trade Commission that the company has planned to use Qualcomm LTE chips in its new smartphones. However, Qualcomm seems to refuse to sell the new chips to Apple. 4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 5G , Accessory , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker After Qualcomm has recently been able to ban the sale of various iPhone models in court in various countries (including countries like Germany), Qualcomm now appears to be attacking apple in yet a another way. Apple's COO Jeff Williams told the US Federal Trade Commission today that Apple had planned to use Qualcomm LTE chips in its new iPhone models as well. However, Qualcomm refuses to sell these chips to Apple, which forced the company to switch to Intel. This is also relevant in so far as Qualcomm is already being investigated in the USA for the possible exploitation of a monopoly position. This refusal to sell could also be relevant to these investigations. Furthermore, the Apple COO has put on record that Qualcomm charges 5 times more than usual for its chips. However, since Apple was dependent on Qualcomm's production capacities, Apple had to pay the price for better or worse. So the legal war between Apple and Qualcomm, which is being fought all over the world, is far from over. We're glad you're here. Enjoy an unlimited number of stories and podcasts, for free, right now. Then sign up to get some of our newsletters, which are also free, right now. Subscribe Press Release from City of Williamsport: WILLIAMSPORT -- The City of Williamsport is pleased to invite members of the community to participate in an informal public meeting regarding the draft stabilization plan for the Park Avenue area. The goals of the project have been to identify opportunities to stabilize the area through a strategic approach including actions related to housing, neighborhood identity, connectivity, potential future development, and collaboration and coordination of local leaders and stakeholders. The open house will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday January 23, 2019 in the community room of the YMCA at 641 Walnut Street in Williamsport. Members of the public are welcome to drop in any time between 5 and 7 p.m. There will not be a formal presentation. The purpose of the open house is to review the plan for the stabilization of the Park Avenue area, and to celebrate the efforts of community members, key stakeholders, and business owners who have participated in developing the draft plan. Community members are welcome to attend the meeting to review project information, meet the project team, and provide feedback. The meeting is open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. If any members of the public are unable to attend the meeting but would like to submit comments, you are invited to send ideas and comments by email to the Project Manager, Stephanie Young. The Park Avenue Plan was made possible by financial support from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Contact for questions about the project: Stephanie Young, Community Development Director at 570 327-7577 or email cd2@cityofwilliamsport.org. WILLIAMSPORT -- United Way Worldwide (UWW) announced Friday that it will lead the formation of the United for U.S. coalition, a joint effort by corporate partners, organized labor, the United Way network and nonprofits to assist furloughed federal workers and others impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. As a member of UWW, the Lycoming County United Way will work with its program partners to see that those that need help get access to services. United Way and its local affiliate, the Lycoming County United Way (LCUW), which serves Lycoming, Sullivan and Tioga Counties and its community partners, are preparing for an expected uptick in calls to 2-1-1 from those seeking assistance with rent and mortgage payments, utility bills and groceries. United for U.S. will address these needs by bringing together United Ways deep community knowledge with organized labor and our corporate partners who want to help those in need during the extended shutdown. No organization is better positioned than United Way to bring critical resources together for those who need help. Our reach into every U.S. community and our deep relationships with all sectors allow us to create the safety net that will assist our neighbors maintain the fabric of our communities, said Mary Sellers, U.S. President, United Way Worldwide. We are thankful for the support of our corporate partners, organized labor and local United Ways, who stand ready to provide vital services to those in need. The 2-1-1 non-emergency service will anchor United Ways community support by providing information about local social services, including the availability of public benefits and corporate assistance programs. The 2-1-1 network, 211.org, connects callers to resources and aid for monthly living expenses. Locally, residents can call 2-1-1 and they will be connected with trained caseworkers who can direct them to services they need. We are proud to be partners with Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania who manages PA211 Northeast; one of eight regional 211 call centers helping people in northeastern and central Pennsylvania, said Ron Frick, President of LCUW, and a partner in PA211. Frick said our United Way has a history of partnering with organizations in our community to find the right resources at the right time and this time is no different. Vice President, Community Impact, Brittany Fischer, is reaching out to our program partners to see how they might be of assistance to our friends and neighbors who may not be getting a pay check for a few weeks." One example of a partner prepared to help is the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (CPFB). The healthy food hubs in Harrisburg and Williamsport are prepared to support a regional effort in central PA to help workers in need of supplemental food assistance. According to Joe Arthur, Executive Director, a robust response is planned based on experience with previous state and federal budget impasses. In concert with partner agencies and other community organizations, like the United Way, CPFB is close to where workers need assistance, operating in 27 counties in central PA. Our relationship with CPFB is a strong one and many of our corporate financial partners, like the Kellogg Company Muncy Bakery, support the food bank financially and with volunteer service hours, Frick said. Kellogg has a culture of helping and the local plant is the largest workplace and corporate donor to our resource development efforts. Thanks to friends like Kellogg and others, we will be ready to work with CPFB and others in the community to assist in whatever way we can. According to Frick and Arthur, the organizations are still firming up final details, but CPFB expects to do special food distributions at select locations and at their healthy food hub at 3301 Wahoo Drive in Williamsport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4 to 6:30 p.m. for the duration of the government shutdown. Workers will need to produce workplace identification to receive support. Food provisions will be high-quality dry goods, fresh produce, milk, eggs, frozen meats, etc. and will be uniform for all recipients. Having strong relationships with organized labor and our United Way friends will help us identify workers in need and using the statewide 2-1-1 system gets workers access to community organizations that can help them and their families, Arthur said. Based on initial media reports and USDA notices about SNAP, etc., communities are planning for the shutdown to extend for weeks. Hoping for the best and planning for the worst is how we are approaching this given that workers impacted missed their first paychecks last Friday, January 11, 2019. Pennsylvania has 95,000 impacted workers and there are almost 25,000 federal employees located in central Pennsylvania alone. In addition, many state and local employee paychecks also depend on federal funding streams Both Joe and I hope that the government will be fully funded very soon so American families are not struggling to support their families, but working with other partners in our communities, well be prepared to do what we can to lessen any negative impact on our central Pennsylvania families, Frick said. We urge those seeking information or assistance to call 2-1-1 or go to 211.org. For more specific questions, please reach out to the CPFB Williamsport Hub at 570 321-8023 or call the Lycoming County United Way offices at 570 323-9448. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. Flash Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that his country would establish a safe zone in northern Syria, following a phone call with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump amid a row over Turkey's threat to attack the U.S.-backed Kurdish militia in Syria. In a speech to lawmakers of his ruling Justice and Development Party in the parliament, the Turkish leader said that Ankara will establish a 32-km safe zone inside northern Syria after his phone talks with Trump. Erdogan spoke on the phone with Trump on Monday, in an effort to ease the tensions after the U.S. leader warned Ankara against attacking Kurdish fighters in Syria. Trump threatened on Twitter that he would "devastate" Turkey's economy if Turkish forces attack the U.S.-backed Kurdish group People's Protection Units (YPG), who helped Washington in its fight against Islamic State (IS) in Syria. "Messages from Trump's social media account have saddened me and my friends," Erdogan said on Tuesday, referring to Trump's tweet who shocked the Turkish leadership as their country is suffering already from an economic slowdown following a financial crisis last summer, which Ankara blamed on "foreign forces." The war of words between the two NATO allies followed Trump's surprising decision last month to withdraw 2,000 US troops from northern Syria, potentially leaving the Kurdish militia under threat as Ankara mulls a new offensive there. Erdogan told lawmakers that Turkey regards Trump's offer of building a 32 km safe zone in Syria "positive," adding that the zone could even go deeper if an agreement is reached. "I think we have reached an understanding of historical importance with U.S. President Trump (on Syria), and Turkey will do its part in this regard," he said. Kurdish fighters control around half of the 900-km Turkey-Syria border. Turkey considers the YPG an offshoot of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighting for Kurdish autonomy in southeast of Turkey. In an apparent bid to calm the U.S. president's concerns, Erdogan stated that Turkey's top priority in Syria is to fight the remnants of IS. The Turkish president said Monday that the safe zone in northern Syria would be cleared of militia groups, without providing further details. Turkey has been proceeding with a military buildup at the Syrian border for a possible incursion, which would be the third by the Turkish army inside Syria. "We have said for years that a secure zone or a buffer zone at the Syrian border would ease Turkey's national security concerns. We have to see now how this zone will be set up and how it will work," a Turkish security source told Xinhua. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, didn't elaborate if Turkey would still seek to launch a cross-border operation in northern Syria, after the Trump-Erdogan phone call. Some analysts believe that Erdogan, known for his aggressive remarks, did not to respond to Trump's threats, signaling a detente with Trump for the sake of seeking cooperation on the Syria issue. "Erdogan did the right thing by playing down Trump's threat to devastate Turkish economy," Tulin Dalaoglu, a journalist and expert on the U.S.-Turkey ties, told Xinhua. "This does not make Turkey seem weak against Trump, but shows Erdogan acting in a rational manner watching out for Turkey's best interests," Dalaoglu said. Trump has established an interesting relationship with Erdogan, and it seems that Erdogan understands the U.S. leader well, she said. A 22-year-old Council Bluffs man charged with the first-degree murder of a 16-month-old girl rejected an offer by the state Monday to be sentenced for second-degree murder in return for a guilty plea. Javon Jennings was being held at the Pottawattamie County Jail on $1 million bond as of Tuesday. His jury trial is now scheduled for Feb. 5 after previously being continued several times. In Iowa, first-degree murder carries a sentence of life in prison without parole. Second-degree murder carries a maximum sentence of 50 years in prison. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} According to police, officers responded to an apartment in the 800 block of Second Avenue the morning of April 19 to find the alleged victim, Jazlynn Harshbarger unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Jennings was in the Pottawattamie County Jail on a charge of child endangerment in connection with the childs death when he was charged with murder. According to Bluffs Police, Jennings was the sole caretaker of the girl in the hours before her death. Jennings was initially charged with child endangerment resulting in serious injury pending autopsy results. In July, he was charged with murder after the results were filed to authorities. Twice during the current legislative session, Senate President Page Cortez has taken extraordinary steps to help certain gambling companies that are represented by a former colleague who is close to Cortez. Since raising my hand and taking an oath at age 17 to join the Louisiana Air National Guard, over half of my life has been in public service. I served six years in the National Guard and have been protecting and promoting public health as an investigator for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1998. My sacrifices and dedication led to an honorable discharge as an E-5 staff sergeant from the Guards 122nd Air Support Operations Squadron as well as being selected as the lone Biologics National Expert for all of the FDA. In my 20-plus years of service for the FDA, my family and I have endured multiple government shutdowns. This one certainly has a different feel and tone compared to the previous lapses in appropriations. I can only assume that Louisianas congressional delegation has heard the same words that are being said to describe this current situation that I have: absurd, disgusting, ridiculous, etc. Congress prepares to skip planned recess if shutdown continues I was initially furloughed without pay without the expectation to work. Effective this week, Ive been recalled to excepted status, which is government-ese for having to work for an IOU. To help make ends meet, I began driving for shared ride services. A 20-plus year federal employee who essentially must work a part-time job just to pay the mortgage. Now that Im excepted, I wont be able to drive as many hours for the shared ride services. Ive had to swallow my pride and inform creditors that I might not be able to pay them for the foreseeable future. Im having to work and do my job without knowing when Ill get paid for it. One of the duties for a member of Congress is to develop and pass a national budget. Theyre not doing their job, yet theyre still getting paid. They can spin it however they like. In the end, theyre still getting their paycheck every two weeks. Im not. Im not going to get into the politics of the reasons for the shutdown. I can say they wont be receiving my vote next time around. This is past a border wall or immigration enhancements or whatever their side chooses to call it. The shutdown is now directly affecting the livelihood of 800,000-plus United States citizens. What a great civics lesson for our future generations. They need to do their damn jobs. Kip J. Hanks New Orleans New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell wants to assure any doubters that she absolutely nailed the promotion of NOPD Commander Shaun Ferguson to be the citys next police superintendent. A search process with public input was unnecessary, she says, and an interim appointment to ease the transition from outgoing Chief Michael Harrison to Ferguson would have been a waste of time. Theres no need for me to do a search. I dont need a committee. I dont need an interim, Cantrell told reporters after news broke Tuesday (Jan. 8) that Harrison was leaving for a new job as Baltimore police commissioner. This was her show; no supporting actors needed. But even if Ferguson turns out to be a spectacular choice, and I hope he does, this is another troubling chapter in the short history of a mayor who prefers to operate in secret non-disclosure agreements for her transition team and a leadership shake-up at the Sewerage & Water Board conducted in private telephone calls and by autocratic rule. Texas agrees: Slavery main cause of the Civil War Asked at a news conference about the series of events that led to his appointment, Ferguson thought he might have gotten the call from the mayor on Tuesday, although she quickly jumped in to say that the conversation occurred Wednesday. Either way, the offer came within hours of Harrisons sudden and unexpected departure. There is no evidence that she consulted with anyone else before making the offer to Ferguson. "I called him up and I said, 'Are you ready to be my chief, the next chief of NOPD?' Cantrell said. The mayor, of course, was already familiar with Ferguson, who served about three years as commander of NOPDs 2nd District, which largely aligns with the City Council District that Cantrell represented before becoming mayor. Before that, Cantrell was a community organizer helping Broadmoor rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, working with the police on public safety and other issues in New Orleans neighborhoods. "I come from the ground, working with NOPD, she said in answer to a question about the lack of public input on her superintendent choice. New Orleans city councilwoman six years, had the longest transition as a mayor-elect, seven months. In that period you are really breaking down every single department but truly what priorities are. And public safety has always been a top priority for the citizens of New Orleans. If you still doubt her gravitas, the mayor noted that she had more than seven listening sessions during her campaign, which very much prepared her to make the decision, repeating that she Did not need to do a search committee. Did not need to do an interim. The leadership is within NOPD. Ive identified it and we will have a great next chief leading the New Orleans Police Department in Commander Ferguson." Cantrell certainly made a quick and resolute decision, but thats not always what good leadership is about. Even if Cantrell knows a great deal about Ferguson, the NOPD and community policing, she is still missing the point that outreach to neighborhood, civic, religious and business leaders would have allowed her to build support and consensus, an investment in goodwill that can come in handy when times get tough. There also is the question of how the rest of NOPDs leadership perceives the process. The mayor says she met with others who had expressed an interest in the superintendent post and not only in terms of a courtesy but even some consideration, which seems all but impossible given the timeline of her call to Ferguson. Dividing tourism taxes shouldnt divide city But having done that, she said, I'm absolutely committed to the decision that I made, the right decision for New Orleans." City residents can only hope that Cantrells confidence in Ferguson is warranted. The police chief faces major challenges in reducing crime, continuing progress to meet a federal consent decree and rebuilding a force that has been understaffed for nearly a decade. Cantrell is not doing him or herself any favors by launching the flight solo. Tim Morris is a columnist on the Latitude team at NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Latitude is a place to share opinions about the challenges facing Louisiana. Follow @LatitudeNOLA on Facebook and Twitter. Write to Tim at tmorris@nola.com. Its a question St. Tammany Parish educators hear often: What will I do after I graduate from high school? The public school district will partner with the Northshore Greeks and the St. Tammany Parish Ministerial Alliance next week to help students, and their parents, answer that often vexing question. A workshop for parents and students, What to Do After Graduating from High School, is set for next Thursday (Jan. 24) in the gym at Salmen High School in Slidell. There, parents and students can find information from colleges, universities, technical schools, law enforcement agencies and the military. Experts will also be available to help parents and students understand the college admission and financial aid process. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. The school is located at 300 Spartan Drive. Spanish-language interpreters will be on site. St. Tammany top stories in your inbox A weekly guide to the biggest news in St. Tammany. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up New look School Board gets to work If previous events are an indicator, Associate St. Tammany Parish schools Superintendent Regina Sanford said a big crowd should be expected. This has been very well-received, Sanford said. Weve had great attendance in the past. While many of the parishs high school seniors are college bound, not all are, Sanford said. Some will be interested in technical schools or training for specific fields, as well as the military. This isnt just for college-bound students, she said. We believe career technical education is as important as college. We want students to be able to look at everything. We get it. There are a lot of workplace distractions at the moment. The Saints. Mardi Gras planning. Recovering from the Justin Timberlake concert, maybe? Although you now only have three days left to nominate your company for 2019 Top Workplaces, the good news is that weve made it an easy, fast process. But act now, ahead of the Friday (Jan. 18) deadline. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune will once again honor the Top Workplaces in the region. Through a partnership with Energage, employee surveys are conducted not only to assess standout companies but also to use the results to advise businesses on how to create places where people want to work. The best small, midsize and large companies will be recognized in stories on NOLA.com and in a special section of The Times-Picayune. They also will be honored during a special breakfast event in the spring, when the top overall winners will be named along with special award recipients. From now through Friday we invite you to nominate your company or another local business that you know and admire, as one of the Top Workplaces in the New Orleans area. To take part, businesses must have at least 35 employees and be based in one of the following seven parishes: Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist or St. Tammany. Any type of business can submit a nomination -- from mom-and-pop operations to major corporations. Nonprofits and government agencies are also welcomed to take part, as are hospitals, retail stores, banks, real estate firms, service companies, restaurants and more. Workplaces are evaluated by their employees using a short, 24-question survey. Companies will be surveyed through January by Energage, which conducts Top Workplaces surveys for 50 major metro news organizations and surveyed more than 2.5 million employees at more than 7,000 business organizations in 2018, To nominate an area business, complete a short online form or call 504.708.5384 and speak to an Energage representative. There is no charge to make a nomination. WHY PARTICIPATE? Shout out, stand out: Taking part in Top Workplaces encourages workplace pride. If you work for a great company, youll give your colleagues a morale boost with something to celebrate. Plus, youll give your employer well-deserved credit for creating a special workplace. Assess, reward and improve: The results from the Top Workplaces survey can help assess the health of companies. They validate achievements, reveal problem areas and set a foundation for new goals. 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 Boost recruiting: You can attract and retain the best talent as of New Orleans' Top Workplaces. Employees want to work at companies recognized as leaders that operate by a strong set of values. Raise your business profile: The Top Workplaces logo on company materials and websites helps spread the word about successful work environments. Customers and business partners will take notice, and that awareness can help create new business opportunities, too. Earn public recognition: NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune highlight your companys newsworthy achievement. RESEARCH BACKS TOP WORKPLACES Award-winning companies attract better job candidates and have lower turnover, new research shows. The findings, published in the Academy of Management Journal, support the benefits of third-party verification programs such as Top Workplaces, which has ranked quality companies across the United States since 2006. The study examined more than 600 companies in North America that participated in a workplace ratings competition from 2011 to 2013. The charitable arm of the Society for Human Resource Management funded the research, which David G. Allen of Rutgers University and Brian Dineen of Purdue University conducted. Among their findings: Third-party employment branding efforts can reduce turnover rates, regardless of company size or the number of industry job openings. To nominate a business for Top Workplaces, complete this short online form or call 504.708.5384 to speak to an Energage representative. Flash China on Tuesday expressed strong dissatisfaction with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's remarks criticizing a drug smuggler's death sentence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying urged the Canadian side to respect the rule of law and China's judicial sovereignty, correct mistakes and stop making irresponsible remarks. According to reports, Trudeau said that China had "arbitrarily" sentenced Canadian national Robert Lloyd Schellenberg to death for drug smuggling. Hua said at a press briefing that the relevant information released by the Dalian Intermediate People's Court was very specific and exhaustive, adding that the facts of the crime alleged by public prosecution agencies against Schellenberg are clear and the evidence is solid and sufficient. Drug-related crimes are universally recognized as felonies throughout the world and considered extremely harmful to the society, Hua said. China, like many other countries, cracks down on and severely punishes drug-related crimes, she added. "All people are equal before the law, and this embodies the true spirit of the rule of law," Hua said, noting that the remarks made by relevant Canadian individuals lack the minimum spirit of the rule of law. Schellenberg was sentenced to death on Monday for participating in organized international drug trafficking and collaborating with others in smuggling over 222 kg of methamphetamines. The U.S. Coast Guard is looking for two people in the Mississippi River near Boothville after a vessel capsized Wednesday morning (Jan. 16). Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report around 10:40 a.m. that a 32-foot vessel capsized near mile marker 18. Katelyn Carlisle and Rueben Arellano were aboard the vessel at the time, the Coast Guard said. Boat and air crews were searching for the vessel and the two people, a spokesman for the Coast Guard said. The Plaquemines Sheriffs Office, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries boat crew and Branch Pilot boat crew also helped in the search. River traffic is restricted during the search, the Coast Guard said. The goal of next months high stakes summit of worldwide Roman Catholic bishops at the Vatican is for church leaders to leave the meeting knowing clearly what they need to do to stop the abuse of minors, a Vatican spokesman said Wednesday (Jan. 16). The Feb. 21-24 meeting will include a penitential liturgy and opportunities for discussion and prayer aimed at addressing the clergy abuse crisis that has scarred the church, according to a statement issued by the Vatican. In a communique to reporters, papal spokesperson Alessandro Gisotti said the summit has a concrete purpose: the goal is that all of the bishops clearly understand what they need to do to prevent and combat the worldwide problem of the sexual abuse of minors. Pope Francis wants the summit of bishops to be an assembly of pastors, not an academic conference, and that he knows a global problem can only be resolved with a global response, according to the Gisotti statement, which was provided by various Catholic news agencies. The statement noted that the highly anticipated gathering comes not at the beginning of the fight against abuse for the Church but one step along a painful journey the Church has decisively undertaken for the last 15 years. Archdiocese of New Orleans spokeswoman Sarah McDonald said Archbishop Gregory Aymond is not among the church leaders attending the summit. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, will represent American bishops at the gathering in Rome. DiNardo has been Archbishop of Galveston-Houston since 2006. 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 Next months assembly in Rome will include about 180 participants, including the presidents of bishops conferences, the heads of the Eastern Catholic Churches, members of Vatican departments, members of religious orders and abuse victims, according to published reports. Other U.S. bishops expected to join DiNardo at the gathering are USCCB Vice-President Jose Gomez and Archbishop of Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, who is on the planning committee of the summit. The pope called the gathering after a crush of abuse reports, most notably an exhaustive report from a Pennsylvania grand jury that identified at least 1,000 victims of clergy abuse over decades and how church leaders systematically covered up the abuse and shielded priests from prosecution. The findings prompted upheaval in the church, triggered sweeping investigations in other states and led to dozens of dioceses releasing names of priests who had been credibly accused of abuse. New Orleans Archbishop Gregory Aymond: I thought long and hard before releasing names of clergy The Pennsylvania report drew an even more dramatic response among the faithful than did one from early 2002, when the Boston Globe published an investigation that led to the criminal prosecutions of five Roman Catholic priests and brought the issue of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy under a national spotlight. The Globe report led to reforms in the church, including the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, which established guidelines to prevent clergy abuse. The document has been updated three times since 2002. Church leaders have noted that most of the cases highlighted in the Pennsylvania report occurred before the guidelines were put in place. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) will provide free admission for furloughed federal employees and their immediate families to Thursday (Jan. 17) evenings concert, according to a release. The performance of Mahlers Ninth Symphony will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater in the CBD. It will feature violinist Nikki Chooi, whose work has been called "vigorous and colorful by The New York Times. Guests can arrive one hour prior (at 6:30 p.m.) to attend a pre-concert talk, the release said. By providing complimentary tickets, the LPO hopes to lend its support to all unpaid workers affected by the federal government shutdown and help to boost the morale of the local community here in New Orleans, the orchestra said in a release. LPO is not the first group to extend complimentary services to furloughed employees in New Orleans. Casa Borrega, 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., is giving away free food and drinks to furloughed federal workers on Thursday, Jan. 17, as well. Ruby Slipper Cafe announced Jan. 7 it would offer free meals for affected workers and their immediate families. Top Knot Beauty Co. on Metairie Road is offering free haircuts this month to federal employees who have gone unpaid. Metairie hair salon offers free cuts to furloughed federal workers To receive concert tickets, impacted federal employees should present their ID badge or business card to patron services staff upon entry. Contact patron services at 504-523-6530 or email tickets@lpomusic.com to learn more or reserve tickets. FAQ: Everything you need to know about a government shutdown Have you been impacted by the shutdown? NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune wants to share the stories of people impacted by the government shutdown including government employees who have been furloughed or working unpaid. Click here to find out how to share your story with us. The former principal of the William J. Fischer Academy in Algiers Tuesday (Jan. 15) denied allegations that he sexually harassed a former social studies teacher and claimed the flirtatious behavior was mutual. Stanley Green testified in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana that Lindsay Garcia never told him she was uncomfortable with their interactions ever since they first met in 2016. He told jurors they both initiated calls and text messages between one another that ranged between conversations about her family and her passion for latin dancing. Garcia cried during some of their talks and Green developed a soft spot for the single mothers experience, he told jurors. Green admitted to leaving a hello beautiful note on her classroom desk in one instance in an effort to cheer her up. He considered his behavior toward Garcia no different from how he would treat other employees because he wanted to raise morale across the failing schools campus, Green added. Green denied claims that he ever asked Garcia to go on dates with him, and he denied allegations of him begging her for sexual favors. He also denied ever staring at or asking Garcia about her private parts. Former Fischer charter school principal sued, accused of sexual harassment I never intended to cause her any harm, Green told jurors. Green also told jurors during the civil trial he should have stopped the instances when Garcia flirted with him because it cost him his job. Garcias son, in one instance, was on campus and obtaining candy from Greens office when Garcia told her child that Green could become his new stepdad, and Green told jurors he merely laughed in response. Green, in another instance, arrived to school wearing a polo sweatshirt to participate in the schools pajamas day" when he noticed Garcia staring at his crotch, he told jurors. Green also told jurors Garcia was wearing tight-fitting clothing on the day when she visited his office to discuss her teachers evaluation. Garcia at the time asked him if he saw something he liked, Green added. Green told jurors that it his voice was on Garcias Sept. 12, 2016, recording in which he mentions plans to snatch someone. He said he was initially in his office when he heard a commotion in the hallway that prompted him to check into the situation. He walked into the hallway and stated dont make me snatch someone in reference to the students making noise, Green said. Garcia went on to ask him for more details about his comments, he added. 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 Garcias attorney Harry Ward asked Green why he initially denied the handwritten note was his doing when Green was questioned during the schools investigation. Ward also asked Green why he initially denied that it was his voice in the recording during that investigation. Green told Ward he never not admitted the note was his, and added that he told the schools investigator that he couldnt tell if it was his voice in the recording because the investigator shared it with him outdoors near ongoing traffic. Civil trial underway for former school leader accused of sexual harassment Greens testimony was given following the testimony of attorney Lauren Tafaro, who was hired by Fischers management organization the Algiers Charter Schools Association to investigate Greens behavior. Tafaro told jurors Green denied that any inappropriate comments were shared by him or Garcia, but he also admitted to letting Garcia flirt with him, Tafaro added. Green looked a little upset and surprised when Tafaro approached him at an Enterprise car rental office in Gentilly with Garcias recording, Tafaro said. Green responded to the audio by walking away and saying I know who it isnt, me, Tafaro said. Tafaro told jurors she initially found Green credible until she noted his reaction to the recording. The investigator also learned that Green was allegedly attempting to have a relationship with another woman employed by Algiers Charter over the course of her investigation. Green told jurors after Tafaros testimony that a third colleagues was trying to set up a date between him and the Algiers Charter employee, but he ultimately failed to meet up with that employee. Even so, Tafaro testified earlier to defense attorney Ted Le Clercq that she concluded Greens behavior violated Algiers Charters policy on sexual harassment. Green was subsequently let go from the charter in 2017. Making comments such as snatching someone, Tafaro added, could be perceived as a threat or a sexual advance. Resources for sexual assault survivors in the New Orleans area Wilborn P. Nobles III is an education reporter based in New Orleans. He can be reached at wnobles@nola.com or on Twitter at @WilNobles. New Orleans police arrested a 38-year-old man accused of interfering with the investigation of the killing of rapper Young Greatness Wednesday (Jan. 16), according to online jail records. Donald Reaux was booked with accessory to second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to obstruct justice, records said. NOPD did not immediately say how Reaux was connected to the death of the 34-year-old rapper, who was fatally shot outside a Waffle House on Oct. 29, 2018. The rapper, whose real name is Theodore Jones, was shot dead outside the restaurant at about 1:35 a.m. in the 2900 block of Elysian Fields. Police recovered Jones car that was stolen after the fatal shooting, and had previously released images of Reaux as a person of interest. A sweet, kind person: Family mourns slain rapper Young Greatness Reaux is the first suspect arrested in connection to the killing. Police also released surveillance video Friday (Jan. 11) showing a different man wanted for questioning in the case. That man has not been named a suspect in the shooting, however. Young Greatness is best known for his 2015 song, Moolah," which made it to the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Jones was reared in the St. Bernard area of New Orleans, but moved to Houston after Hurricane Katrina, according to media reports. He often mentioned the influence of his hometown on his songs. The video for Moolah was set in New Orleans. Emily Lane and Laura McKnight contributed to this story. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps administration called out Celgene Corp. for hindering a low-cost generic alternative to its Revlimid cancer drug. U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez made it a campaign issue last year against former chief executive Bob Hugin. Now the House Oversight and Reform Committee wants to know why Celgene charges so much. Summit-based Celgene was one of 12 companies asked by committee chair Elijah Cummings for information on pricing practices and strategies. Others on the list include Johnson & Johnson, based in New Brunswick, and Sanofi US, headquartered in Bridgewater. .For years, drug companies have been aggressively increasing prices on existing drugs and setting higher launch prices for new drugs while recording windfall profits," said Cummings, D-Md. "The goals of this investigation are to determine why drug companies are increasing prices so dramatically, how drug companies are using the proceeds, and what steps can be taken to reduce prescription drug prices. Cummings joined U.S. Sens. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and other members of Congress last week to announce a series of bills designed to hold down drug prices, including allowing lower-cost imports from other countries. The press conference followed an election in which health care was a major issue and helped Democrats capture the U.S. House for the first time in eight years. This is a welcome development and demonstrates that House Democrats are following through on their promise to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for rising drug costs," Booker said in response to the House committees announcement. He issued a report in April showing that none of the 10 biggest pharmaceutical companies planned to use their savings from the Republican tax law to lower prices. Celgene spokesman Greg Geissman said the company would cooperate with the oversight panel. He said the company spends millions of dollars to help patients who cannot afford Revlimid, used to treat multiple myeloma. We price our medicines based on the value they provide to patients, the health care system and the need to fund our extensive research and development, which at 45.5 percent of sales in 2017 is among the highest of any large company in any industry anywhere in the world, he said. Celgene spent $2.8 million on lobbying in 2017, its most ever, as the company helped block legislation that could have sped up generic alternatives to Revlimid. That year, it raised the price of the drug, its biggest seller, three times by a total of 20 percent. Geissman said the company now is restricting price hikes to once a year and limit the size to the projected annual increase in national health expenditures by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Trump highlighted the drugs high cost when he invited Pam Holt, a retired schoolteacher from Granger, Indiana, who had to refinance her home to afford Revlimid, to his May speech on pharmaceutical prices. She later appeared in an ad funded by the super political action committee Patients for Affordable Drugs Action, which spent $3.3 million against Hugin. Following Trumps speech, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a list of companies it said had made it difficult for generic competitors to obtain samples, and reported that the agency had received more requests for Revlimid than any other drug but one. Menendez, D-N.J., also went after Hugin for raising drug prices at Celgene. The attacks allowed Menendez to deflect questions about his own ethical problems, including a rebuke by the Senate Ethics Committee and his indictment on criminal corruption charges. His first trial ended in a hung jury, a judge dismissed some counts, and federal prosecutors dropped the rest. Earlier this month, Bristol-Myers Squibb said it would buy Celgene for $74 billion in cash and stock. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Religious leaders say they are worried Gov. Phil Murphy will renege on a campaign promise he made to them to take controversial police shooting probes out of the hands of local prosecutors. In December, the state Legislature approved a bill (S1036) that would require the state attorney general supersede county prosecutors in any death investigation involving law enforcement and, if charges are brought, to try the case in another county. A previous version of the legislation was effectively vetoed by Murphys predecessor, Republican Gov. Chris Christie, but advocates who had been pushing the measure for several years were hopeful Murphy, a Democrat, would sign it. Now the issue has placed the first-term governor in an awkward place between progressive members of the clergy and his own attorney general, who warned it would have unintended consequences. He made a promise to support the independent prosecutor bill," said Archange Antoine, the executive director of Faith in New Jersey, a social justice group that convened a press conference in Kenilworth Tuesday as the governor prepared to deliver his first State of the State address. "The bill has been on his desk and he has not signed it. A spokesman for Murphy did not respond to a message seeking comment on whether he would sign the measure. Murphy has until the end of the month to either sign or veto the bill before it becomes law. Currently, most police shooting investigations in New Jersey are handled by county prosecutors if they involve local police and turned over to a specialized shooting response team in the Attorney Generals Office only if they involve county or state officers. The attorney general does have the power to supersede local prosecutors in almost any inquiry, however. An effort to change that started as the Black Lives Matter movement rose to national prominence amid national scrutiny of police shootings involving young black men. Advocates for the legislation say county prosecutors can have too-close relationships with local police that cast a cloud over police shooting inquiries, which are among the most fraught cases prosecutors handle. They argue even the appearance of a conflict can undermine public confidence in an investigation. But testifying against the bill in December, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal cautioned lawmakers the legislation as written may slow down police shooting inquiries in the hours immediately after a persons death by requiring county officials stay clear of the scene and wait for state investigators to arrive. He said a frequent source of criticism of police shooting investigations, which can drag on for months, is how long they take. Grewal, who has pushed a number of reforms aimed at improving police-community relations, told an Assembly panel the measure "may, in the end, undermine public trust in law enforcement and will replace a system that already does everything that the sponsors seek to accomplish and more. Antoine said Murphy had repeatedly assured faith leaders during and after the campaign that he supported the measure. He said his group has been pushing for the bill because they are often asked by law enforcement and political leaders to quell unrest in the aftermath of deadly encounters between minorities and the police. You cannot call on the faith community to calm people down after an outrage you could solve with the stroke of a pen, he said in a telephone interview Tuesday morning. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. A Pequannock man was hospitalized after police who pulled him over found he had a blood-alcohol level nearly four times the legal limit for driving in New Jersey, authorities said Tuesday. Wayne police responded about 3:15 p.m. Saturday to a call of a careless and dangerous driver of a van on Route 23 North. Callers said the driver was all over the road, unable to control the vehicle, police Capt. Laurence W. Martin said in an email. The officers stopped the van on Route 23 North in Wayne near the Pequannock border. They detected a strong odor of (alcohol), bloodshot eyes, droopy eyelids, Martin said. Three unopened mini bottles of vodka were also found. The driver, Hitesh Patel, 43, failed a field sobriety test and was taken to Wayne police headquarters where he was given a machine breath test, Martin said. The machine registered 0.3 nearly four times New Jerseys blood-alcohol concentration of .08 for driving, Martin said. Because of his level of intoxication, the suspect was transported to the Wayne Saint Josephs Hospital for treatment and turned over to responsible family members, Martin said. Patel faces DWI charges and was given tickets for reckless driving and failure to wear a seatbelt, the captain said. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Ask yourself this question: What do all the accomplishments that Gov. Phil Murphy rattled off during his State of the State speech Tuesday afternoon have in common? Equal pay for women. Gun control. Paid sick leave. Action on climate change. College scholarships for Dreamers. A solid start towards free tuition at community colleges. And coming up next, a higher minimum wage, recreational weed for adults, and voting rights for ex-felons. The answer: They are all liberal touchstones that are relatively easy layups for a Democratic governor working with a Democratic legislature in a blue state. Chris Christie left, and the dam broke. That's not a knock on Murphy. He had a Christie mess to clean up, and he's doing it pretty well. But I was struck that the speech offered almost nothing on the future, or the fiscal crisis that looms over everything, the crisis that makes it impossible to build the liberal utopia Murphy wants, or even to meet more earthly goals, like making the trains run on time. On that point, there was bipartisan disappointment after the speech. "We've got to address reality," said Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester. "This was a campaign speech," said Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, the Republican leader. "Did you hear anything today that might change your mind about leaving the state?" If Murphy hit one point hard, it was his determination to shrink and reform the state's incredibly expensive and sloppy system for providing subsidies to businesses. Murphy ordered an audit on those programs last year before he hung the drapes in his office, to his great credit, and the findings were at least as horrifying as expected. The program will cost about $1 billion next year, Murphy said. The audit found that some of that money is going to companies that didn't create the jobs they promised, and that the subsidies per job were more than seven times as generous as a similar program in Massachusetts. But Murphy made it sound like fixing that program would produce enormous savings to address the fiscal crisis, and that's a myth. "For the same price as these tax breaks, New Jersey could have funded our public schools, funded NJ TRANSIT, met our pension obligations, provided more property tax relief, or all of the above," he said. "We could have rebuilt the entire Portal Bridge, on our own, seven times. We could have built the ARC Tunnel, or at least financed nearly the entire length of the Gateway Tunnel." Don't believe it. It's not even close to being true. Murphy was referring to the $11 billion in tax breaks the Economic Development Authority has agreed to provide over the last 15 years combined. The cost is growing, but as Murphy said, it will come to $1 billion next year, not enough to finance even a fraction of his long list. That $1 billion, for example, is less than one-third of this single year's pension payments. And killing the incentive program would not produce $1 billion in cash next year. These are long-term contracts, so savings resulting from fixing the program will take years to arrive. And without these tax incentives, how many companies would have actually left the state, taking their revenue with them? Murphy knows that incentives can make a difference, in a day when states and cities are caught in an arms race over tax breaks. He supported the massive subsidies for Amazon, which alone would have cost $5 billion. He made a point of saying that he wants to reform the program, not kill it. So, don't fall for the idea that fixing the incentive program will solve the fiscal crisis. That's going to be harder work, with much greater political pain and anguish. It won't be as easy as cleaning up after Christie's mess. The political challenge for Murphy is that he has attached himself to the public worker unions, especially the New Jersey Education Association. And so far, every credible expert who has examined New Jersey's books has concluded that cutting health and pension benefits is at the heart of the solution. The latest example was the report of a bipartisan commission co-chaired by Tom Byrne, the late governor's son and former chairman of the Democratic State Committee. Maybe Murphy has a better idea. I hope he does. But if so, he's done a great job hiding it. Christie spent his first year holding town halls and public events to pitch the need to cut benefits. Agree or not, we knew what he wanted to do. He did the prep work. Murphy has done none of that. He's spent his first year cleaning up after Christie. The question now is what he plans for Act II. More: Tom Moran columns Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or call (973) 836-4909. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Flash China can provide broad business opportunities for the commercialization of Finland's technical innovation as it has a vast market, Premier Li Keqiang told visiting Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on Tuesday, saying China will vigorously protect intellectual property rights. "China and Finland complement each other on cooperation in areas of economic technology and share broad prospects, " Li said during a meeting with Niinisto at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. "We will spare no efforts to protect intellectual property rights as it not only caters to China's own needs of transforming its development model but also helps it learn advanced technology and concepts," he said. China stands ready to further cooperate with Finland on cargo, service and technology, jointly address climate change and work on green development and clean technology, said Li. He said China firmly supports the European integration process and has always viewed the European Union (EU) as an important force to maintain world stability and promote free trade. China looks forward to a new round of China-EU leaders' meeting to push bilateral cooperation to a higher level, Li said. He expressed the hope that Finland can contribute to China-EU relations and EU unity and prosperity as the Nordic country will assume the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year. For his part, Niinisto said he has seen China's progress every time he has visited the country, which has brought opportunities to Finland and other countries. Noting that China is becoming a force for stability in today's world, he said Finland attaches great importance to relations with China and China's vast market. Finland would like to enhance cooperation between enterprises of both countries, especially small and medium-sized companies, as well as in the areas of climate change, technological innovation and clean energy, he said, adding that Finland will work with China to jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system. Also on Tuesday, Chinese top legislator Li Zhanshu met with Niinisto. Li, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Finland have adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment and mutually beneficial cooperation, becoming a model of peaceful coexistence and friendly exchanges between countries of different cultures, sizes and development levels. He said China stands ready to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation to a new level. The NPC is willing to intensify exchanges with the Parliament of Finland at various levels to promote cooperation in economy and trade, innovation, environmental protection and winter sports, said the top legislator. Niinisto said he expects to advance the future-oriented new-type cooperative partnership between Finland and China to yield more practical results through the visit. Finland is ready to help China in hosting a successful 2022 Winter Olympic Games, he said. Phil Murphy and United Van Lines seem to have a different view of the state of the state. I learned that after the Governors annual address by that name Tuesday. In it, he governor painted a glowing picture of the future that awaits us under his leadership. He told the assembled legislators that this is a state that leads for all the right reasons and in all the right ways. The state others point to and say, thats what the future looks like. But when I ran into Assembly minority leader Jon Bramnick in the hall after the speech, he brought up that pesky annual survey of whos moving where that is assembled by United Van Lines. Once again, New Jersey leads the nation in terms of the number of people moving out. The Union County Republican blamed the high cost of doing business here and argued that Murphy has said or done little to nothing about it. He talked about passing 169 new laws, but not one had any impact on the factors causing people to move out of the state, Bramnick said. But Murphy did bring up a number of new costs that will make it more unlikely for new businesses to move here, such as an increase in the minimum wage to $15 an hour. Thats nice for the workers, Bramnick said, but all youre doing is driving businesses out of the state. I just came back from one of the states that those business owners find so attractive. Thats Texas, where I was reporting on the border crisis. I had last been in Texas in the 1980s, and I was amazed at the transformation of the towns I saw. Back then, they were crude rural outposts with a few older businesses. These days theyve got massive freeways that seem to be in a permanent rush hour as Texans drive to the new businesses, hotels and restaurants. Texas has no income tax. But back when I first visited Texas, New Jerseys top income-tax rate was a mere 2.5 percent, which is competitive with other states. But our rates kept growing over the years and now the top rate is 10.97 percent. Murphy mentioned that as a sign of progress, but I suspect business executives feel otherwise. I suspect theyre not too happy about our fiscal future either. Wall Street keeps warning our pension funds are drastically underfunded. Murphy had good news for them: We met our pension obligation, he said. No, we didnt. Murphy missed that target by $2 billion, said another Republican whos deeply involved in budgeting. During the campaign he said he was going to fully fund the pensions, but he actual stayed on the plan that Chris Christie pushed, said state Sen. Steve Oroho. The Sussex County Republican argued that Murphy should fully fund pensions for current workers before creating any new programs. Instead Murphy called for New Jersey to become A state that redefines public education for our nation, with access to a free education from pre-K all the way to an Associates degree. Thats nice, but first we have to repair the holes in our budget. Oroho served on the Economic and Fiscal Policy Work Group, a bipartisan committee that came up with a long list of cost-cutting measures both in the area of pensions as well as other areas where spending could be trimmed. One thing I didnt hear about was anything about cost controls, he said. Me neither. All I heard were proposals for more spending on new social programs. What the governor is proposing is adding more taxes, he said. But if you look all the studies theres no way New Jersey is competitive. As a former Goldman Sachs executive, Murphy has to realize he cant afford billions in new programs. So whats he up to? The consensus around the Statehouse is that hes setting himself up for a run at national office. But then so are about 20 other Democrats. In the meantime, someone has to run the state. Fortunately for the taxpayers, that someone is Senate President Steve Sweeney. Sweeney first came to prominence in Trenton by advocating pension reforms. And he and Oroho have a lot of the same ideas on how to enact it. As for Murphy, if he has any ideas for pulling New Jersey out of this mess, Ive yet to hear them. Thats the bad news. The good news is that Texas is a pretty nice place to live. And the state of the state is a lot healthier down there. New Jersey may have been promising tax discounts to corporations more freely than Bed Bath and Beyond sends out 20% off coupons. As Gov. Phil Murphy rightly argued in his State of the State speech on Tuesday, this has gotten wildly out of hand. Our state has long been assuring big businesses that theyll receive tax breaks, as long as they utter the magic word: Jobs. The incentives exploded under former Gov. Chris Christie, but this was a bipartisan slobber fest. It seemed like all a CEO had to do was threaten to relocate, and the company was suddenly poised to receive a big tax discount. Then politicians sent out a flurry of press releases, about how theyd created or saved jobs. But how do we know we werent just rewarding CEOs for doing what theyd intended to anyway? The Legislature blew the cap off these awards, a reckless move that made us less choosy. And now, thanks to a blistering new audit, we know the Economic Development Authority oversight is also sloppy. The EDA failed to adequately track these incentives, it found. The state comptroller looked at 48 projects and discovered that about 20 percent of the promised jobs couldnt be documented or were double counted. They were, as Murphy charged, phantom jobs. The EDA released tax credits even when projects didnt meet the requirements, the audit said, which breaks the law that created this incentives program. Its resulted in the loss of untold potential tax revenue. The only good news is that, contrary to what some critics suggest, most of the $11 billion in tax breaks promised to corporations hasnt actually been spent. These are incentives the EDA agreed to give by contract, if the companies fulfill their end of the bargain. It includes the more than $260 million incentive package for Revel, for example, which was never awarded because the project went bankrupt and didnt meet the benchmarks. Of the $11 billion in tax credits promised, $3.4 billion has actually been handed out to corporations. But its still deeply troubling that EDA hasnt always verified that companies met their end of the deal before doling out the tax credits. Enough: We should impose a moratorium on EDA awarding any new subsidies, until this is fixed. Two of the biggest programs are set to expire in June, and we need to hit the brakes, reform the EDA and devise a more thoughtful replacement program. This includes re-instituting caps on the total incentives awarded annually, as Murphy has called for. Our lopsided emphasis on incentives has been to the detriment of other things that attract businesses to New Jersey, like building and fixing bridges and roads that efficiently move goods, investing in reliable mass transit and growing our educated workforce. The larger solution, of course, is national or regional limits on these awards, so big companies cant play one state or town against another like this. Until that happens, though, we are in an impossible situation. We cannot unilaterally disarm in this battle to lure businesses to struggling cities like Camden, when a CEO could just as easily choose Philly, right across the river. Its noteworthy that the comptroller didnt say this program was a total failure; the audit said it was managed poorly and is not delivering the promised benefits. The answer isnt to kill all incentives; its to apply tighter, smarter controls, as Murphy says, while working towards a regional cease-fire. New Jersey is sabotaging its business climate by gambling away revenue so carelessly. Its gotten to the point that every CEO expects a tax break. We have the same branding problem as Bed, Bath and Beyond: Why spend money here if you cant use a coupon? Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. NEW YORK An off-duty New York City police officer was killed Wednesday in a head-on crash with a city-owned garbage truck in the Bronx. Officers responding to a 911 call found the 28-year-old housing officer unconscious and unresponsive around 8:20 a.m., the New York Police Department said. #BREAKING NYPD officer killed in 2-vehicle crash with garbage truck in the Bronxhttps://t.co/I35rssJqCh Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) January 16, 2019 He was pronounced dead at a hospital. Police did not immediately make the officer's name public. He was assigned to Police Service Area No. 8, serving public housing developments in the east Bronx. NYPD Housing Bureau Chief James Secreto said he was sending his thoughts and prayers to the officers family and friends. The Force Report is a continuing investigation of police use of force in New Jersey. Read more from the series or search your local police department and officers in the full the database. MAPLEWOOD A high-ranking official said the state Attorney Generals Office is planning wide-ranging reform of how it tracks every punch, kick and pepper spray by police officers across New Jersey. Tom Eicher, the head of the Attorney Generals Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, told an audience Monday evening that his office is seeking to upend how the states top law enforcement agency tracks and presents police data to the public, weeks after The Force Report, a 16-month investigation by NJ Advance Media, unearthed myriad flaws in the system. Eicher called the current system, through which the attorney general only receives threadbare summaries on use of force from county prosecutors, inadequate. The (Force Report) made it clear that it was not sufficient because there were all sorts of trends and outliers that werent being picked up under that system, Eicher said at a hearing to review the Force Reports findings. NJ Advance Media collected, digitized and analyzed five years of use-of-force data for The Force Report, creating the largest state database of its kind in the United States. The data revealed scores of unchecked outliers, both at the departmental and officer level, showed widespread gaps in data collection and widespread racial disparities. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal called it nothing short of incredible shortly after its publication. Eicher said his office is reviewing practices for data collection across the country, including police departments such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Cincinnati, to assess how to better and more completely track use of force. You need data," he said. "Because if youre just guessing, youre going to get it wrong. Eicher said the state wants to begin tracking use of force on people of Hispanic descent and add more detail on what led to a use of force, all under a digital and centralized system that would allow every level of law enforcement to review officer and department performance in real time. Theres a lot of data we want to add to that form, but its a bit of a balance, because if you make the form 20 pages, then compliance is going to go way down, he said. Separately, Eicher also said the Attorney Generals Office is working on making an officers disciplinary history open to other departments if an officer loses a job in one jurisdiction and applies in another. Though he said the data collected on use of force would largely be made public, Eicher said police officer names may be stripped from future reporting. Residents bristled at this. Those names, unless Im mistaken, are part of the public record, said Maplewood resident Jonah Wolff. Let me urge you to make sure that that is part of the searchable records. Stephen Stirling may be reached at sstirling@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @sstirling. Find him on Facebook. A three-alarm fire - the citys second in about five hours - ripped through four connected homes in Trentons West Ward Tuesday evening. The fire, reported at about 5:40 p.m. on Colonial Avenue, displaced 17 people, but none were injured, Fire Director Derrick Sawyer said. No firefighters were injured either, he said. City firefighters remained at the scene at 9 p.m., extinguishing hotspots, and would likely be there through the night until an investigation can start at daybreak, Sawyer said. Sawyer said the fire originated in a vacant home, in the middle of a row of homes. Engine Co. 8 was first on scene and found flames on the first floor, then the second. Firefighters found the flames had gone into the roof and then spread rapidly into common, connected roof areas of the homes, known as a cockloft. From then on, due to the fire conditions, and some collapsing of floors, firefighters left the buildings and only battled the blaze from the exterior, Sawyer said. The American Red Cross was on scene assisting residents. In February 2018, a nearly identical fire roared through five homes on the same street. Nobody was injured in that fire as well. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Ten priests who spent part of their careers in New Jersey are on a new list of 50 Jesuits who have been "credibly" accused of child sexual abuse. The USA Northeast Province Jesuits, an organization representing the Roman Catholic order of priests in north Jersey and several other states, released its list yesterday. The order is the last of the regional Jesuit organizations to publicly name all priests credibly accused of abuse. Nine of the 10 Jesuits on the list with New Jersey ties served at either St. Peter's Prep, Saint Peter's University or in St. Peter's Parish in Jersey City -- one of the centers of Jesuit life and training in New Jersey. Most were at St. Peter's briefly early in their careers. "Many Jesuits on this list have not been found guilty of a crime or liable for any civil claim," the organization said in a statement accompanying the list. "Many accusations were made decades after the abuse allegedly took place, and often after the accused Jesuit had died. Jesuits with allegations currently under investigation are not included on this list." Seven of the priests who appear on the list spent time at Prep, Jesuit high school in Downtown Jersey City. "In none of the cases did the alleged or verified abuse take place at St. Peter's Prep. In every case it took place after the individual priest had left St. Peter's," said Jim Horan, a spokesman for St. Peter's Prep. "We do applaud the Provinces' transparency and its commitment to having a zero tolerance policy on this. We as a school obviously have a zero tolerance policy on this," Horan added. Angeline Boyer, a spokeswoman for Saint Peter's University, said no allegations were made against the two priests who appear on the list during their time at the school. "We did share with the community today a message that we remain committed to the safety of our community and support the healing of the victims," Boyer said. "We obviously condemn the behavior that's outlined in their release." The list includes the names of priests accused since 1950. In some cases, the priests were convicted of crimes. In many cases, the priests are dead or have left the Jesuit order. The list does not include details about what the priests were accused of doing or who made the accusations. The Northeast Province includes Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and northern New Jersey. "Releasing these names publicly is crucial not only for the healing of survivors, but also to encourage victims who may be suffering in silence to come forward and to deter future clergy sex crimes and cover-ups," said Zach Hiner, executive director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, in an email. "Still," he said, "the fact remains that this is a long-overdue move prompted only by pressure from prosecutors, parishioners and the public." The release of the Jesuits' list comes as the Catholic dioceses in New Jersey are preparing their own list of all priests and deacons who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse. Church officials said the list is expected to be released by the Archdiocese of Newark and the four other dioceses -- Metuchen, Paterson, Camden and Trenton -- early this year. It is unclear how many names will be on it. New Jersey's attorney general set up a task force last year to investigate priest sexual abuse and whether the Catholic Church covered up the crimes. The investigation is modeled on a similar two-year probe in Pennsylvania that used subpoenas to gather decades of church files that revealed more than 1,000 children were sexually abused by at least 300 priests in that state. The New Jersey attorney general's task force set up a hotline -- 855-363-6548 -- for people to report allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy. Among the Jesuits with New Jersey ties on the list: Cornelius Carr: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1954 to 1959 before moving on to parishes and schools in New York, Florida and other states. In a complaint made in 2005, he was accused of abusing minors from 1989 to 1990. He was "impeded," or removed from ministry, in 2006. He died in 2013. Thomas Denny: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1986 to 1992 and again from 1995 to 1997. He was accused in 2002 and 2012 of sexual abuse of minors in the 1960s and 1970s. The allegations were found to be credible. He was "impeded," or removed from ministry, in 2002. Andrew Dittrich: He served at Rutgers University from 1970 to 1977 and at Rider University from 1977 to 1989. He was accused of abuse in 2002 and 2018 of sexual abuse of minors in between 1966 and 1976. The allegations were found to be credible. He died in 1990. Joseph Fitzpatrick: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1967 to 1969 before moving to parishes in New York and Pennsylvania. He was accused in 1999 of sexual abuse of a minor in the 1980s. The allegations were found to be credible. He was "impeded," or removed from ministry, in 2002. Raymond Fullam: He served in the parish at St. Peter's Church in Jersey City from 1964 to 1965 before moving on to parishes and retreats in New York. He was accused in 2009 of sexual abuse of minors in both 1954 and 1965. He died in 1987. James Gould: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1969 to 1971 before moving on to a parish in New York and an assignment in the Marshall Islands. He was accused in 2011 of sexually abusing a minor from 1977 to 1978. He admitted to the abuse, according to the list. He was "impeded," or removed from ministry, in 2012. James Kuntz: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1984 to 1988 and at Saint Peter's University from 2004 to 2007. He pleaded guilty to child pornography charges and was sentenced to prison in 2008. He left the Jesuits in 2012. Eugene O'Brien: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1959 to 1960, then moved on to schools in Connecticut and New York. He was later the president of the Gregorian Foundation in New York. He was accused in 1993 of abuse of minors in the 1960s. He admitted to the abuse, the list said. He was "impeded," or removed from ministry in 2002. Anthony Paone: He served at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City from 1939 to 1942, then went on to teach in Catholic schools in New York. He was accused in 2002 of abusing a minor in 1953. The allegation was found to be credible. He died in 1990. William Scanlon: He served at Saint Peter's University in Jersey City from 1974 to 1976 before moving on to Canisius College in New York and a parish in Nigeria. He was accused in 1994 of abuse of minors from 1985 to 1994. He admitted to the abuse, the list said. He was restricted from ministry in 1994 and "impeded," or removed from ministry, in 2011. Journal staff writers Patrick Villanova and Corey McDonald, and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Pay-to-play legislation a start Twice in the last six months, I have formally requested that the Bayonne City Council draft and ratify pay-to-play legislation. I have asked for a written response; I have yet to receive one. In September of 2018, the city told The Jersey Journal that the law department is reviewing the matter. We havent heard from them about this matter since. Unfortunately, this is a trend with the current council: they say something, and hope everyone will forget about it. Well, I have not forgotten about it. If they were counting on distraction and ultimately apathy to set in, they will be disappointed. I will never stop trying to make our city better. Ethics reforms are sorely needed in the City of Bayonne, and pay-to-play legislation is just a start. In addition to these measures, the Bayonne Center for Progress will fight for other ethics reforms, including term limits so no one can make a career out of politics, and community boards, so Bayonne residents have a say about what goes on in their neighborhoods, as well as many other reforms that simply make the system fairer. We owe it to the taxpayers of our city to run a clean and efficient government that always works in their best interest. Join us by going to www.BayonneCenter.org to sign up. The only way we can change Bayonne is if we fight together. Michael Embrich, Bayonne Parking needed by those attending council meetings An ordinance that was defeated in the past has been resurrected again. It is metered parking that will affect many streets especially downtown Jersey City where City Hall is located. Neighborhood groups are correct to complain that they cannot find parking when they come home. After all, it has been Mayor Fulops goal to eliminate parking with new construction since he was a councilman. Here is the problem, if the metered parking goes to 9 p.m., that means citizens from the other wards will have their cars ticketed or even booted because meetings can be lengthy. Compared to other administrations, this council has had 16 second readings on ordinances while other administrations had four to six. More items on the agenda means longer meetings and more tickets to be placed on cars. I urge the City Council to vote no on this ordinance until they can provide parking for residents who wish to attend council meetings. The mayor and those council people who voted on new construction without one-to-one parking created this parking shortage. It is their obligation to fix the parking problem. If this goes through, then only the wealthy will have the privilege of attending meetings and the rest of us will have our Constitutional rights under attack. The council members and the mayor have their own dedicated parking spaces and would not be affected by this ordinance. The council meeting on 9 p.m. meter parking will be on Jan. 24. Yvonne Balcer, Jersey City Submit letters to the editor and guest columns at jjletters@jjournal.com JERSEY CITY Jersey City riled property owners recently when it told them they would have to pay to register the vacant properties they own and suggested they sell the lots to avoid the registration fee. The ordinance they are accused of violating was adopted in 2014 to rid the city of unsightly properties. But when the city went on a ticket blitz at the end of 2018, code enforcers went after everyone, including a homeowner whose vacant property is her homes well-manicured side yard and a hardware store owner whose adjacent vacant lot is a driveway for his customers. Overall about 2,500 tickets were issued. The citys action has the property owners crying double taxation. They were told the annual registration fee could reach $3,000 in four years, which they would have to pay in addition to their property taxes. There are about 2,000 vacant properties citywide (some owners received tickets for 2017 and 2018). "It's unheard of," said Lorenzo Casco, owner of the hardware store, located on Sip Avenue. "They want to tax us more" Sip Avenue Hardware has been open since 1977. Casco bought the adjacent vacant lot about 10 years ago so his customers and tenants could use it as a driveway. He pays $1,362 in annual property taxes for the driveway. When property owners began to protest the tickets, city officials told them they didnt have to register their vacant lots they could sell them or merge them with the adjacent properties they own. That didnt sit well with Joyce Reynolds, who lives on Columbia Avenue and was ticketed for the vacant property that sits next door to her house. Reynolds said she shouldn't have to register her property or go to the trouble of merging the two deeds if she doesn't want to. Reynolds father bought the vacant lot decades ago and the family uses it as a yard. Reynolds, who pays $2,120 annually in property taxes for the second property, blasted city officials for issuing the tickets. "They can't be bothered with distinguishing between vacant, well-kept land and vacant, hazardous land, she said. Jersey City in November told Joyce Reynolds she must pay to register the vacant property that she uses as a side yard for her Columbia Avenue home. Reynolds' father bought the lot decades ago. Help is on the way, according to city officials. Some property owners who received tickets were told they would be dismissed, and the City Council last week approved creating a committee that will have 60 days to make recommendations on how to move forward. Council President Rolando Lavarro said he hopes the city will be able to differentiate between vacant properties like Reynolds side yard and overgrown, trash-filled lots that belong to absentee owners. The administration has told the council that enforcement of the 2014 ordinance is on hold for now, Lavarro said. When Mayor Steve Fulop proposed the vacant lot registry in 2014, he argued that it would force property owners to tidy up their empty lots. Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. A retired Newark police lieutenant arrested by Bloomfield police after a domestic violence incident fatally shot himself inside the townships police headquarters Tuesday, authorities confirmed Wednesday. Patrick Montella, who was expected to eventually be released on a summons, was being processed after his arrest when he shot himself, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said in a statement. Montella, 58, was pronounced dead at University Hospital in Newark at 1:16 a.m. Wednesday, authorities said. The prosecutors office, which is investigating Montellas death, did not immediately specify where Montella obtained the gun or where he was located inside the building at the time of the shooting. Jon Shane, a retired Newark police captain, said he worked closely with Montella in 1995, when they were both assigned to the West District Station. Shane had just been promoted to sergeant and said he sought advice from Montella, who had more years on the job. I learned a lot from Pat. I thought he was a decent guy. There was never any indication of anything like this, Shane said, referring to the report of suicide. I thought he knew the job and was good at it, Shane said. We worked in a very tough precinct and he knew what he was doing. He was confident, you could approach him with questions. A woman who answered the phone at Montellas home Wednesday declined to comment. A spokesperson for the township deferred to the prosecutors office when asked for comment. State pension records show Montella retired from the Newark Police Department in May 2011. This is the second time in seven months that a detainee at a New Jersey police station has used a gun to commit suicide. On June 22, Jermaine Covington, 41, of Maryland grabbed a gun out of an officers holster at the Hillside Police Department and shot himself to death, authorities said. The department has since banned guns from the processing, booking and cell areas of the police station. Its not clear if Bloomfield police have any such policy. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has asked President Donald Trump for help as the citys lead levels in the drinking water soar to a 17-year high. Calling it a crisis and acknowledging dangerously high levels of lead in the water, Baraka urged Trump in an open letter to fix decaying water infrastructure instead of pushing for a $5 billion border wall. It will cost an estimated $70 million to replace the lead service lines in Newark, hundreds of millions more to replace them in New Jersey, and an estimated $35 billion to replace all of the lead service lines in America, Baraka, a Democrat, wrote in a Monday letter to Trump. Achieving this is possible only with financial help from the federal government. Lead levels in Newarks tap water have exceeded the federal standard of 15 parts per billion for two years and prompted a water advocacy group to sue the city in federal court alleging it hasnt done enough to protect its residents. For weeks after the Natural Resources Defense Council announced it intended to sue Newark, city officials insisted the water was safe to drink. It wasnt until last October -- more than a year and a half after lead levels continued to spike -- that Newark admitted it had a widespread problem and began distributing 40,000 water filters to residents. The city is also fixing its water treatment process at one of its two plants that is causing lead on old pipes to dissolve into the drinking water. Newark officials, however, were warned of problems with its water treatment, known as corrosion control, seven months before it began making changes and publicly admitted a widespread problem with lead. But Baraka minced no words in his Jan. 14 letter to the Republican President, calling the water crisis in Newark and other cities, a true emergency. Dangerously high levels of lead are entering homes and our childrens blood through lead service lines despite the fact that any level of lead can damage the developing brains of young children, he wrote. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Trump Administration on Thursday said: "There is a national security and humanitarian crisis at our Southern border, and the President has proposed a common sense solution to secure the border. Since taking office, the President has also been honest about the need to improve our nations infrastructure in partnership with state and local leaders. For too long, elected leaders of both parties have not been candid about the crisis at the border and the need to improve our nations infrastructure that has changed under President Trumps leadership. Newark has filed to dismiss the federal lawsuit filed by the NRDC, citing its progress to fix its water treatment process. Newark also plans to replace between 15,000 and 18,000 lead service lines over the next eight years through a $75 million bond program. Residents will be responsible for paying up to $1,000 each to replace lines connecting to their homes. This story has been updated with a statement from the Trump Administration. Read more of NJ.coms coverage of New Jersey water issues here. Reporter Michael Sol Warren contributed to this report. Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. Flash British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered the worst defeat for almost a century in the British parliament Tuesday when members of parliament (MPs) rejected the deal she brokered for leaving the European Union (EU). Conservative party leaders had braced themselves for a defeat, but the 432-202 vote with a wide margin of 230 showed May still has a mountain to climb. Around 118 Conservative MPs voted against May. The defeat has created mounting uncertainty over the politics and economy in the country and even the world at large. Historic defeat Within minutes of Speaker John Bercow announcing the result, May told MPs that the government would pave the way for a debate Wednesday to decide if the parliament still had confidence in her government. Main opposition Labor party leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence, with a debate scheduled for Wednesday to decide whether May's government will collapse. "This is a political crisis, a parliamentary crisis, a popular crisis, a crisis of government perhaps and a crisis of the UK as a political entity," Anthony Glees, political expert from the University of Buckingham, told Xinhua. Most politicians expected May to lose, but by a much smaller margin. The big stumbling block for many was the risk of Britain being permanently linked to the EU because of a requirement by Brussels that an arrangement had to be put in place to prevent an EU land border between Ireland and British-controlled Northern Ireland. Although assurances had been given by Brussels that it did not want to introduce the backstop, British politicians, especially those in Northern Ireland, demanded a legally enforceable guarantee that it would never happen. The EU refused to budge on the issue, offering only words but not the cast-iron legally watertight guarantee. "Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour," said May, reacting to the huge government loss. Confidence vote If May loses Wednesday's confidence vote, it could lead to Queen Elizabeth dissolving parliament and the calling of a snap general election. That would throw the Brexit timetable, with Britain due to end its membership of the EU on March 29, into chaos. It could also lead to Corbyn being handed the keys to 10 Downing Street as a Labor prime minister. If she survives, May is expected to hold talks with other political parties to determine whether an alternative Brexit deal can be reached. She would also discuss the crisis with EU officials in Brussels. The result of the confidence vote will determine the next moves, either a general election or May bidding for a deal that could win in the British parliament, or even May resigning or being ousted as prime minister. If May survives the confidence vote she will return to the House of Commons on Monday with her plan B. Experts had doubts about May's future, and were not optimistic about an alternative Brexit deal. Glees believed the vote makes a postponement of article 50 countdown timetable more likely, and makes a second EU membership referendum a stronger possibility. "The EU may improve the deal so we get another vote soon. It is difficult to see any other proposal getting a majority in the House of Commons. Failing a better EU offer, the default outcome is no deal. This looks most likely," predicted Patrick Minford, one-time advisor to Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and a macroeconomist at Cardiff Business School. Mounting uncertainty Global economy responded immediately to the mounting uncertainty resulted from the rejection of the Brexit deal. Tokyo stocks opened lower Wednesday as investors opted to secure profits made from recent gains amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Brexit deal. The pound had fallen more than 1 percent against the dollar immediately after the rejection of the deal on Tuesday and pared some of the losses later as investors saw trimmed possibility of a hard Brexit. However, many analysts still believed that the rejection of the deal would mean more uncertainties to come, which will lead to volatility of the currency. Britain's business community reacted to the vote with dismay, fearing it could lead to Britain leaving the EU with no deal. Mike Cherry of the Federation of Small Businesses said many of its members would struggle to survive should deadlock in parliament lead to the country crashing out of the EU. Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said "every business will tonight feel no deal is hurtling closer. A new plan is needed immediately." The EU has also been carefully monitoring what will happen in London. Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, believed the rejected deal is a fair compromise and the best possible deal, warning that "time is almost up" and urging the Britain to "clarify its intentions as soon as possible." Each member state of the EU will continue preparations for the worst variant of Brexit, Romanian Minister for European Affairs George Ciamba told local media late Tuesday after the rejection. "Romania, as the country holding the presidency of the EU Council, is making an appeal and wishes to continue to express the unity of the 27 members," he said, adding that "at this moment we need to see what will happen tomorrow, it is about the motion of no confidence." While showing respect for the result of the vote, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday evening that the British parliament's rejection of the Brexit deal does not mean a no-deal situation and that "the next step is up to the UK." The result of the vote gave May a massive mandate to go back to Brussels and renegotiate a new deal, said Boris Johnson, former British foreign secretary and ex-Mayor of London. Alan Wager, research associate at The UK in a Changing Europe at King's College London, told Xinhua after the vote that a no-deal Brexit, which will have catastrophic consequences, has become more likely following the vote. "It seems almost certain that her deal which she has spent the last two and a half years negotiating is now dead in the water," he said. UPDATE: Its like a nightmare.' Woman said boyfriend went to the hospital for help but now might die after violent arrest After a drunk 59-year-old man was taken to the ground by police officers during an arrest outside Inspira Medical Center in Vineland Saturday, a police officer wrote in charging documents that he wasnt injured. And yet, William R. Oslin remains in critical condition in a hospital bed in Cooper University Hospital. Oslins girlfriend was with him when he was arrested, and her daughter told NJ Advance Media that he suffered a fractured skull, underwent surgery and is in a coma. Anastasia Oslin says a Vineland officer tried to arrest her 60-year-old father who was intoxicated. In the process, she says, the officer threw her father to the ground to restrain him. He is now in the hospital with a fractured skull. https://t.co/Llwlu5wKPV pic.twitter.com/A8MFm4brpQ Action News on 6abc (@6abc) January 15, 2019 The Cumberland County Prosecutors Office has declined to release the name of the officer or the victim, but family members have identified the latter as Oslin. The prosecutors office said he was taken to the ground outside the hospital, after someone reported a domestic disturbance, because he clenched his fists and took a step toward a woman and a security officer. Oslins girlfriend, Brenda Munyon, said she had brought Oslin to the hospital because they had agreed he was going to detox and get help for alcoholism. Her daughter told NJ Advance Media Tuesday that that the report of domestic violence was false, and caused police to believe Oslin was dangerous when he wasnt. He didnt understand what was going on at the time, she said. The officers name and other details about the arrest were listed in the complaint summons and probable cause statement police filed in Vineland Municipal Court when they charged Oslin with a disorderly persons offense: obstructing the administration of law by refusing to listen to police commands to stand back. The officer who took Oslin to the ground was Anthony Capelli, a 17-year veteran of the force. The probable cause statement, authored by Officer Jeffrey Rowan, said that a hospital staff member flagged down Capelli at 2:23 p.m. because she believed she saw Oslin assaulting a female in a truck. When Rowan arrived to assist Capelli, Oslin was sitting on the curb. Rowan wrote in the document that Oslin drank from a bottle of alcohol in front of them, and was clearly drunk. The officer also wrote that he tried to separate Munyon and Oslin so he could get a statement from Munyon, but Oslin stood up and kept walking towards her, so Capelli grabbed Oslin from behind. Oslin continued to pull and not listen to police commands to stay back, so Officer Capelli pulled him to the ground. Oslin was advised he was under arrest and handcuffed," Rowan wrote. Rowans statement makes no mention of how Oslins head was injured, and actually says he was not injured at all. However, the prosecutors office said Oslins head injury was discovered when he was taken into Inspira, to be cleared medically for arrest. He was transported to Cooper University Hospital where he remained in critical condition Tuesday, according to a hospital spokeswoman. After meeting with an attorney in hospital lobby Tuesday, two of Oslins children declined to comment through the attorney. The prosecutors office is investigating the incident, but Capelli remains on active duty. According to NJ Advance Medias Force Report project tracking police incidents involving force, Capelli used force during arrests 17 times between 2012 and 2016, for an average of 3.4 times per year. Statewide, officers who reported using force did so less than once a year. Subjects were injured in nearly one-quarter of the incidents in which Capelli reported using force, the data showed. Department-wide, the rate of injuries in use-of-force incidents is 17 percent. State pension records show he earns a salary of $95,125. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Brenda Munyon went with her boyfriend, Billy Oslin, to Inspira Medical Center in Vineland Saturday to help him detox. Instead, she said she watched as a Vineland police officer tackled him, causing his head to hit the ground, and for him to briefly lose consciousness. The blood was coming out of his nose and mouth and he was yelling, Help me Brenda! Help me! said Munyon, in an interview at her Vineland home Tuesday. Questions surrounding Officer Anthony Capellis arrest of William Billy Oslin remain as Oslins family and friends cling to hopes that he recovers from the incident. Oslin, 59, also of Vineland, remains at Cooper University Hospital in Camden in critical condition. Munyon said he had a fractured skull and his brain was bleeding. Surgeons operated, she said, but he remains unresponsive days later. The hospital is supposed to be a safe place, she said several times. From me trying to get someone help, how does this turn into me killing somebody? Its like this is my fault because he chose me to bring him to the hospital. According to the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office and police documents, a hospital worker told police she believed Oslin had assaulted Munyon in their parked truck something Munyon adamantly denies. Oslin, who was drunk, was arrested after he ignored police orders to stay away from Munyon, according to authorities. Munyon is upset not only with police but also Inspira. She said the erroneous domestic violence report made police think Oslin was more dangerous than he was, leading to the escalation. Oslin was charged with obstruction, but not assault. She also questioned why the hospital security guard did not come out to talk with them, if staff believed something was going on, so that the issue could be settled without police involvement. She said the guard did not come outside until the police were already there. Inspira Health Network officials would not comment specifically about the incident, saying only, "This is an active investigation with the county prosecutors office and we are cooperating fully in the investigation. The prosecutors office is investigating what happened, but Capelli remains on active duty. Seeking help Munyon said Oslin has had a drinking problem for years, but recently had started asking for help. An officer he knew not a Vineland cop told him the first thing he had to do was detox. Oslin was afraid of being at the hospital by himself, Munyon said, so she bought yarn and planned to crochet an afghan while she waited with him at the hospital Saturday. She brought him to the hospital and went inside to talk to staff, she said, but when she came back to their truck, Oslin didnt want to go inside. She said he sort of patted her down to see if she had a bottle of alcohol on her, but she took the bottle and smashed it on the ground. Munyon said she left him sitting on the curb in front of the hospital and drove to another part of the parking lot to see if he would go inside on his own. She went back when the police showed up. The officers tried to keep them apart, she said, while Oslin tried to approach her. Thats when an officer identified in police documents as Capelli took him down and cuffed him. She said police took her bleeding boyfriend inside the hospital and told her they were just going to issue him a summons and be on their way. Munyon said she had no idea how badly he was hurt until one of his daughters called that night and told her he was being airlifted to Cooper University Hospital. Munyon called the experience "a nightmare and said she can barely sleep or eat, haunted by the memories of his arrest and the pool of blood left behind on the pavement. Im waiting for the phone call: Is he going to live or is he going to die, Munyon said. She is hopeful the doctors will save him, but also said she knows its in Gods hands. If its Gods will, you cant fight it. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Two men were indicted Tuesday on charges that they stole nearly $200,000 from a New Jersey-based religious organization, officials announced Wednesday. Richard Legemah, 49, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and Nsima Idem, of Lagos, Nigeria, were charged with money laundering, conspiracy and misconduct of a corporate official for stealing $187,859 from an unnamed religious organization, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal announced in a statement. A spokesman for Grewal said the name of the religious group is not being disclosed because they are a victim. The indictment charges that Idem emailed the organization pretending to be a vendor that was owed money by the group and coaxed them to transfer him the money into a bank account. Idem then conspired with Legemah by attempting to launder the money by funneling it through a Texas-based company ran by Legemah, DMZ Logistics, the indictment said. After learning about the warrant for his arrest, Legemah tried to flee to Canada, Grewal said. He was eventually arrested on Aug. 13, 2017, by officers with the Canadian Border Service. He was also charged with obstructing administration of law and resisting arrest. Both men face five to 10 years in state prison and fines up to $500,000 on each offense. An attorney for Legemah did not immediately return a call for comment. Attorney information for Idem was not available. Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A caretaker is facing criminal charges after a hidden camera caught her assaulting a 90-year-old woman. The footage was caught on a tiny surveillance camera obtained by the victims family through Safe Care Cam, a state program that loans the cameras at no charge to residents who suspect elder abuse by caregivers. A woman obtained the camera after suspecting that someone was abusing her 90-year-old mother, who is bedridden and nonverbal after suffering a stroke. The camera was placed in the room at an assisted living facility in Park Ridge. It caught Mitsou Gottheim, 50, of Nanuet, New York, slapping the elderly womans handing and roughly pushing her head back onto a pillow. The patient was trying to sit up and reach for something. Relatives turned the footage over to police and Gottheim was charged with simple assault and endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, the state attorney generals office said. Our Safe Care Cam program sends a clear message that we are committed to safeguarding our most vulnerable residents from abuse and neglect, said Paul R. Rodriguez, who heads the offices Division of Consumer Affairs. An undisclosed number of cameras are at work right now across the state, watching over loved ones to ensure they are treated with dignity and care. Caregivers who think they can get away with abusing or neglecting those they are entrusted to look after while no one is looking need to think twice, because a Safe Care Cam may be watching. The state did not say how many cameras are in use across the state. But once obtained, it is up to the participants to review the footage and decide whether to turn over the footage to law enforcement. Gottheim is the first person to face police charges based on a video camera from the program. Anyone who wants to participate in the program can call 973-504-6375 and leave a message. Patients who believe that they have been treated by a licensed health care professional in an inappropriate manner can file an online complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting the website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey). Joe Brandt can be reached at jbrandt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JBrandt_NJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Niagara Falls, NY (14301) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 76F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 62F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. ANSONIA My Sisters Place is getting a facelift. The downtown thrift store and donation center at 380 Main St., which donates 100 percent of its sale to support victims of domestic violence, will temporarily close on Sunday and reopen Jan. 28. Thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Katharine Matthies Foundation, the store will get new flooring, a fresh coat of paint, some much-needed repairs and more, according to Tracy Bruno, communications specialist for BHcare, which operates My Sisters Place. The store, which opened at its downtown location in 1997, is 9,300 square feet, and Bruno said thanks to the grant, renovations will encompass some 4,800 square feet of space. A grand reopening celebration is anticipated for Feb. 1. My Sisters Place offers a variety of new and gently used clothing, furniture, house wares, toys, appliances and more at discount prices. All proceeds from sales support BHcares The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. The Umbrella, according to Bruno, annually helps more than 6,000 adults and children who are victims of domestic violence throughout Greater New Haven and the Lower Naugatuck Valley. The Umbrella provides emergency safe shelter, 24-hour crisis services, counseling, court advocacy, support and other critical services. All services offered by the shelter are free and confidential, and open 24 hours, seven days a week. More News News My Sister's Place in Ansonia back in business According to Umbrella officials, My Sisters Place annually contributes more than $150,000 to the shelter. In addition to donating proceeds from daily sales, My Sisters Place also hold special events throughout the year to further boost contributions to the victims of domestic violence. One of those events is the popular Flea Market Flip contest, where participants purchase an item from the store and repurpose it into a new and exciting piece, which is then put up on the auction block. More information about My Sisters Place can be found online at www.supportumbrella.org and www.facebook.com/MySistersPlace Normal business hours for the store are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Donation hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Donations are not accepted in the store on Sundays, however, an after-hours and Sunday donation bin is located outside in the rear of the stores building. My Sisters Place can be reached at 203-734-2960. jean.sos@snet.net On Jan. 6, while visiting Israel, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cancel a deal with China on a new port at Haifa. This latest case of the U.S. meddling in China's economic cooperation with a third country could seriously undermine China-Israel relations. According to reports, in 2015 the Shanghai International Port Group Co. Ltd. won the tender to build Israel's new Haifa port. The project is due to be completed in 2021, after which the Chinese company will operate the port for 25 years. The Haifa project can be regarded as part of China's efforts to promote infrastructure within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. And just as with other infrastructure projects in the Middle East and other regions, the project entails strictly an economic cooperation. China believes that infrastructure cooperation should promote trade and development that will ultimately benefit the people and countries along the Belt and Road. Yet within the context of mounting tensions between the U.S. and China, the project became the target of U.S. criticism. During his meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, John Bolton raised America's concern that China might use the port to improve its standing in the Middle East and potentially gather intelligence on U.S. interests. The Jerusalem Post even suggested that the sixth fleet of the U.S. Navy will change its longstanding operations in Haifa. However, U.S. criticism and concerns are equally groundless. While the official U.S. line is that China is a "strategic rivalry," China talks about building a new kind of relationship with the U.S. and maintains that avoiding strategic conflicts should be one part of that. Within the context of globalization, cooperation has always been an element of China-U.S. relations, and even at the military level the two sides have maintained modest relations. As an example, U.S. fleets in the Asia-Pacific area have long regarded China's Hong Kong as a site of logistical support. Despite tensions, China is always ready to approve docking of U.S. fleets at Hong Kong, the latest being the USS Ronald Reagan in November 2018. The U.S. has chosen to dock there, never expressing a concern that China would collect intelligence as a result. There is another example. China in 2017 built its logistic support base in Djibouti, which is very close to U.S. military base. According to reports, the two bases, as well as those of other countries, are located in a very limited space, yet again, the U.S. never expressed unease about China's military presence. That is to say, the U.S. seems to have little reason to worry about China's hypothetical effort to collect intelligence and is exaggerating the threat of espionage. The only reason behind these accusations in Haifa might be simply that the U.S. is uncomfortable with the expanding cooperation between China and other countries. Or perhaps they just want to find fault with Chinese companies. In fact, this is not the first time the U.S. has meddled in China-Israel affairs. In 1996, the Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu signed an agreement to sell China the Phalcon radar and early warning system, but Ehud Barak's government canceled the agreement in 1999 under U.S. pressure, which finally resulted in Israel's compensation of $350 million to China. In 2004-2005, China sent Israeli Harpy drones, bought in the 1990s, back to Israel for technological updates and servicing. The Israeli government returned the drones to China without being updated, again due to U.S. pressure. U.S. meddling will firstly undermine mutual trust between China and Israel regarding future cooperation. The Chinese and Israeli nations have long cherished their friendship, even before diplomatic relations were formally established in 1992. And in 2017, the two sides were committed to building a comprehensive innovative partnership. But how can a partner so frequently renege on cooperation? It is understandable that Israel cannot stand up to U.S. pressure, but this is unfair for China, who must tolerate this ongoing uncertainty. According to a Jan. 9 report in The Jerusalem Post, some Israeli officials responding to U.S. concerns were rethinking the agreement and talking about moving things backwards. Such an action would certainly hurt the confidence on the Chinese side, though the final decision of the Israeli government is still unknown. This single issue might have limited implications on China-U.S. relations, but together with similar ones, will undoubtedly hurt efforts to maintain positive cooperation between the two countries. The U.S. challenged China's legitimate cooperation not only with Israel, but also with other countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. It might be idealistic to talk about China-U.S. cooperation in Israel, but such a collaboration would truly benefit all three parties. Dr. Jin Liangxiang is Senior Research Fellow with the Center for West Asian and African Studies, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/jinliangxiang.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to the White House Wednesday explaining why the shutdown of the federal government is undermining efforts to provide necessary security during the Jan. 29 State of the Union address. If the shutdown continues, she said, Donald Trump should submit his address in writing, as was common practice for most of U.S. history, or work with her to determine an appropriate time after the government has been reopened. The headlines around this news items arent necessarily wrong. The speaker is indeed asking the president to submit a written address or postpone delivering it to a joint session of the U.S. Congress. But look more closely. Youll see shes not just asking. Shes telling the president to choose. Keep the government closed, and miss out on being the center of the countrys attention. Or reopen the government, and bask in the glory. The choice is yours, Mr. President. Which do you want more: a wall or an adoring audience? Its hard to overstate how courageous and cunning this is. More than anything, more than his political interests, perhaps more than his fortune, this president desires unlimited, unsophisticated and uncritical attention. By hoarding our attention, Trump gets to feel like hes dominating us, forcing his audience to submit. The State of the Union, among other trappings, is a chance to slake that thirst. And heres Pelosi holding that desire to ransom. Her letter is more than a threat. Its useful. When negotiations stall, and parties fail to see incentive for returning to the bargaining table, one side must find ways of breaking the deadlock if progress is to be made. This problem is compounded when one party (Trump) is just terrible at negotiating and when one party (ibid.) preemptively backs himself into a corner so the only way out is the other side conceding. Pelosi, in threatening to take away his TV time, is giving the president a reason to return. This isnt her only card. The longer this shutdown grinds on, the more we are going to feel its effect on the national economy. Thats something this president appears to believe is important to his base. The Times reported this morning that, The White House doubled its estimate of the shutdowns drag on growth, and other economists warned that a long stalemate could push the economy into a contraction. Aside from every poll showing blame for the shutdown going to Trump and the GOP, Pelosi can boast total unity among the Democrats. Trump tried to entice moderates, people like Connecticuts Jim Himes, to a luncheon. His goal was revealing dissent on the other side. It failed. Not one Democrat joined the president. Meanwhile, vulnerable Republicans are starting to freak as 2018 was a bad year for Senate Democrats, but 2020 promises to be much worse for their counterparts while Trump is president. Cory Gardner of Colorado was earlycalling for the president to cave. Now comes Georgias Johnny Isakson, a neo-Confederate troglodyte, who fears a challenge from popular Democrat Stacey Abrams. Expect this pattern to repeat itself among Republican incumbents in states where Democrats are gaining ground. If Trump were less a TV president, and more of a powerful executive of the worlds largest employer, its hard to imagine any House Speaker behaving as brazenly as Pelosi is. If there is any doubt about how weak this president is, consider Steny Hoyer. Pelosis first lieutenant went on CNN this morning. He was asked: CNN: The letter sounds like shes asking, but isnt she just telling him? Hoyer: The speaker is the one who invites the president CNN: So, the State of the Union is off? Hoyer: The State of the Union is off. Let that sink in for a minute. Indeed, a president can deliver any address any time he wants to. Pelosi cant stop Trump from going on TV. But she can deprive him of being the center of a marquee moment in American politics, and in the process do what Donald Trump most desires: Humiliate the enemy. John Stoehr is the publisher of the Editorial Board, a daily newsletter about politics. He lives in Westville. NEW HAVEN While selling emergency contraception from a vending machine in Silliman College turned out to violate state law, Yale University students now can pick up the medication at Yale Health for free without having to first talk to a clinician . Emergency contraception, often called Plan B, can be taken shortly after sexual intercourse to prevent pregnancy. It is available without a prescription at pharmacies, often on the shelf, although drugstores are allowed to keep it behind the counter, according to Lora Rae Anderson, spokeswoman for the state Department of Consumer Protection. There is no age restriction to purchase it. But over-the-counter medications cannot be sold in a vending machine, Anderson said. They are not supposed to be sold by vending machine and its a regulation that was put in effect in 1999, she said Tuesday. The wellness-to-go vending machine plan was proposed in the fall by a member of the Reproductive Justice Action League at Yale, according to Saloni Rao, a junior who is president of the Yale College Council, which advocates for undergraduate issues. It would have dispensed condoms, lubrication and other over-the-counter medications. Rao said the proposal was made following news [of] a couple of other campuses across the nation that had installed the machines. The college council was working with Vengo Labs, which provides the vending machines, and we were in the process of vetting that partnership with them, their lawyers and Yale administration, she said. However, at a very late stage in that process the students found out that a little-known state law governing vending machines prohibited over-the-counter medications from being sold that way, Rao said. Connecticut is one of two or three states in the entire nation that has that law, she said. When it was discovered that emergency contraception could not be sold from a machine, Yale Health responded by changing its policy that required students to meet with a clinician before being provided Plan B medication. Now, students will go to Yale Health [and] all theyll have to do is show their Yale identification, Rao said. Yale students do not need to be enrolled in the university health plan to get the contraceptive, she said. Before it required one or a series of conversations that a student would have to have with Yale Health nurses or clinicians, Rao said. The health care provider offers advice on how to use contraception as well as information about additional resources that Yale has, such as services for those who feel they are victims of sexual misconduct. Karen Peart, a Yale spokeswoman, said emergency contraceptives, including Plan B and My Way, have been available for free during business hours at Yale Health or the Acute Care Department or after hours at Acute Care. She said the Paragard intrauterine device, which can be used as emergency contraception, is also available in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. edward.stannard@hearstmediact.com; 203-680-9382 Welcome to the smart home, where you may or may not be home, but the lights go on and off at reasonable times, you can see who is at your door and your dog or cat wont freeze, yet youre not burning a hole in your wallet paying for the heating bill. The smart home market is hot and bright. According to the www.statista.com, revenues for the smart home market have amounted to $23,556 million in 2018. That revenue is expected to grow annually by 13.7 percent, resulting in a projected market volume of $44,791 million by 2023. WEST HAVEN The head of the Middle East Crisis Committee renewed his efforts this week to get the University of New Haven to break ties with Saudi Arabia but the City Council did not pass a resolution to call upon UNH to cut those connections. Stanley Heller, a local resident who also works for the national group Promoting Enduring Peace, made his comments in the public speaking portion of the council meeting. There was no motion made to accept or reject Hellers request, so it effectively died there. Its disappointing, but its sort of the beginning of the process, Heller said after the meeting. Part of the process in continuing his pursuit will likely be to take the same request to the New Haven Board of Aldermen, he said. The issue stems from the universitys agreement with the King Fahd Security College in Riyadh to help establish a four-year degree in security studies. The university entered into that agreement in 2016. In a speech to the City Council, Heller said UNH is the only U.S. college that is directly helping police in a country that doesnt respect human rights, one where its Crown Prince, the effective head of state has been unanimously condemned by the United States Senate for ordering the murder of a Washington Post reporter and U.S. resident. Heller was referring to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In response to Hellers extensive list of reasons why UNH should break ties with the country, university spokeswoman Lyn Chamberlin sent the Register a statement dated Oct. 24, 2018, that was used in response to previous stories in the Register. Referring to King Fahd Security College, the UNH statement reads: The goal then, as now, was to help modernize and professionalize criminal justice activities in Saudi Arabia It goes on to say the educational advising is something, we believe should be supported and fostered, and that cross-cultural relationships programs enrich both our faculty and our students Heller said in his comments to the council that while some may believe the matter is above the concerns of a city council, and should be dealt with by congressional leaders, federal leaders want to know how local leaders feel about such issues. Heller told of a case in Massachusetts where such a resolution was made. When the Crown Prince came to MIT last spring, the Cambridge Massachusetts City Council issued a resolution condemning him and criticizing MIT, Heller said. NEW HAVEN The suspect in an officer-involved shooting has been released from the hospital and taken to court for arraignment, state police said Wednesday. Marcus Rivera, 22, of Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven, was charged on a warrant with carrying a pistol without a permit. Additional charges are pending, police said. Undercover officers located Rivera, for whom they had an active arrest warrant, on Lamberton Street in the Hill South neighborhood on the evening of Jan. 8. Rivera engaged officers in a foot pursuit and after several apprehended him, he managed to fight free and continued to flee from officers, police said. An exchange of gunfire took place as Rivera continued his attempt to elude officers. Ultimately, they took him into custody without further incident near Greenwhich Street and First Avenue, Police Chief Anthony Campbell has said. Rivera had sustained a gunshot wound to the pelvis area and was immediately given first aid by officers, Campbell said. He was then taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he later had surgery. New Haven police on Friday identified the officer involved in the shooting as Francisco Sanchez, a seven-year veteran of the department. At the time of the shooting, Sanchez was working on an investigation with a group of officers, all of whom have been placed on administrative duty per department policy. Campbell didnt name the number of officers involved, only saying it was a significant amount. Whenever there is an officer-involved shooting in the state, Connecticut State Police send a squad to take the reins on the investigation. The Major Crimes Division of the states ttorneys office has taken over the investigation, Campbell said. The departments Internal Affairs unit was assigned to conduct a parallel investigation. As Rivera was released from the hospital on Tuesday, he was taken to state police Troop G in Bridgeport for processing, police said. He was then taken to Superior Court in New Haven for arraignment, where bail was set at $75,000. He is still being held in lieu of bail, judicial records show. A new court date was scheduled for Jan. 22. HAMDEN - Police are seeking the publics help to ID three men who Walgreens and stole more than $3,000 in merchandise, specifically cold and flu products. Capt. Ronald Smith said the theft happened around 4:15 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Walgreens store on Dixwell Avenue. NEW HAVEN Justin Elicker filed paperwork Wednesday declaring his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for mayor, a move that was no surprise to anyone who has followed his involvement in the city since he made an initial run for the office in 2013. At the city clerks office, accompanied by his wife, Natalie , and daughters Molly, 4, and April, 7 months, Elicker promised to address the issues of urban blight, a flawed lead protection policy and abusive absentee landlords who fail to provide decent housing for tenants. He said six years ago he outperformed everyones expectations against many odds with an incredible team that he promised to replicate. Elicker, 43, came in second in the Democratic primary behind Toni Harp, who Wednesday said she will run again for a fourth term as the top elected official in New Haven, with a formal announcement in a few weeks. In the general election in 2013, Elicker garnered 9,400 votes, or 45.3 percent, losing by 1,900 votes to Harp, who was a state senator for 21 years. Elicker is leaving open the option to run in the general election after the expected primary because you never know how many people are going to run in the race and there may be the need for a runoff. He said he plans to pursue a slow, steady, deliberate campaign focused on issues. Harp Wednesday said she recognizes that being mayor is a job you have to apply for every two years. She said she knows there are a number of people already lined up, who are considering a run for the office, and that is their right. Elicker is the first to formally file papers declaring his candidacy for mayor in what is expected to be a spirited race. Wendy Hamilton has already announced, but hasnt officially registered as a candidate, while former U.S. Attorney Liam Brennan is continuing to weigh a run. The 2013 race was the toughest one for Harp, who was an alder for five years before becoming a state senator; this race is expected to be as challenging. A Democratic primary is almost a guarantee in New Haven; Harp faced them in each of the last three elections after getting the endorsement of the Democratic Town Committee. Elicker said he fell in love with the city when he came here 11 years ago to attend graduate school at Yale University and quickly immersed himself in civic affairs by volunteering for the Friends of East Rock Park. It was where he met his wife. Elicker also served as the East Rock/Cedar Hill alder for two terms. As executive director of the New Haven Land Trust, the candidate took it over after an embezzlement scandal that had left it with a deficit and only part-time personnel. It now has a $600,000 budget and five full-time workers, many seasonal workers, and programs that partner with nonprofits. This allows the trust to employ students and offer a summer camp for 500 youngsters, where 200 of them can attend for free or at a low cost, depending on need. He said he could have opted for a more lucrative career, but he is committed to public-service-oriented work. Elicker said he wants his two daughters to grow up in a city where everyone has the opportunity for a strong education, that doesnt feel the need to play the school lottery game to get into a school based on luck. He said New Haven students should have strong job opportunities because of the education they receive here and because they are prepared for the jobs of the future. In a statement he issued as he publicly announced his campaign, Elicker said many residents are benefiting from the prosperity that is obvious in a bustling downtown, but not all boats are rising. He said the growth hasnt made it into the neighborhoods. Since 2000, the number of New Haven residents earning more than $100,000 a year is up over 140 percent, yet nearly half (45 percent) of our residents live below 200 percent of the poverty line. We can and must do better, he wrote. Elicker said all residents should be able to live in a home that is not an abusive environment because a landlord neglects his or her property. Asked for what suggestions he has to address this, Elicker said on the lead paint issue, there are many laws on the books already, but the New Haven Legal Assistance Association has to sue the city to implement them. We are talking about children that are in circumstances where in many cases the families are not in a position to defend themselves or the families are not in a position to move. Yet we have laws on the books that the city is not proactively utilizing, he said. The candidate said the Livable City Initiative has many tools available to them force landlords to fix up their homes and they should be doing more of that. There are some LCI reps that are doing a great job of that, but there is a lot more that LCI can do in that area. He said the most important thing is to help the families who need it the most. He said some homeowners are able to address the issue on their own. They are not the target. So it is how we allocate resources, more importantly, than changing the laws around the threshold of lead paint, he said. Elicker said he has seen examples where the city was hard on homeowners attempting to fix a lead paint issue on their own home, while there are many examples of absentee landlords who are not addressing the issue. On the citys budget problems, Elicker said there are a lot of difficult decisions ahead. Much of this is a management issue where and we had the same problem at the Land Trust when I started we were concerned every day for our ability ... to make budget, Elicker said. The candidate said he spent much time prioritizing how the organization could become more efficient and how to resolve problems when they are discovered. In New Haven he said it is the directors who are crucial to this task. Elicker said for some city departments there is a lack of leadership with the wrong person in the position. The candidate said he will be discussing more policy issues as the campaign unfolds over the next nine months. Harp said Elicker was in error in his understanding of the lead issue and she added that the city is working on a protocol. As for other criticisms, the mayor said projects have been undertaken in every neighborhood in the city during her tenure. She also defended her department heads, who she said have done an excellent job. Harp said Elicker will have a hard time backing up his criticisms with facts. Elicker said he will do a lot of things similar to what he did in 2013. I really believe that the candidate that is the hardest working, that is the most focused, that doesnt get caught up in the drama of the moment and surrounds himself with the best team is going to win, he said. Elicker said a significant difference this time is his plan to pursue a 30 ward strategy where he will spend more time in neighborhoods where the residents dont know him as well and are not as familiar with what he cares deeply about. So far, he has picked a campaign treasurer, Laura Snow Robinson of Westville, who works at Jewish Senior Services in Bridgeport. Melanie Quigley, who was treasurer in 2013, is the deputy treasurer this time. Walter Morton, who previously worked for the state Democratic senators and is a veteran of Connecticut campaigns, is campaign coordinator. He is expected to lead the campaigns outreach efforts in the early stages of the race. Elicker is in the process of hiring a campaign manager. Kyle Buda, who ran his last campaign, is advising him at this point. I think that the city still remains divided in many ways even though we share the overwhelming majority of issues across neighborhoods, he said. Elicker said he is going to work twice as hard to get residents to vote for him as he did last time. Elicker already spends some four nights a week attending city meetings and he said that will continue. Natalie Elicker said she was excited for Justin and the city as her husband begins his campaign. As a U.S. attorney, her role in the campaign will be restricted under the Hatch Act. Elicker officially applied for matching funds through the New Haven Democracy Fund Wednesday, a path he also took in 2013. Harp has never participated in the fund, which gives her a substantial edge in fundraising. Her last campaign finance filing, which was in June 2018, showed she had raised $273,852 for her 2017 campaign against Marcus Paca, had a balance at that time of $11,469 and outstanding expenses of $32,764. Asked recently about the deficit, the mayor said she believed it had been paid off. Elicker said in 2013, as a relative unknown, the fund was helpful for him. This time he said he has a much more robust fundraising network and the caps dictated by the Democracy Fund will make it more difficult, but he believes in the process that is aimed at clean government. The candidate said it is important for transparency and to not be beholden to anybody except the voters. I dont want to be beholden to anyone because they wrote me a big check, Elicker said. Individuals not participating in the Democracy Fund can donate $1,000 to a political candidate. The Democracy Fund provides public matching funds up to $125,000 and a public financing grant of $19,000 for both the primary and the general election. A candidates contribution of his or her own personal funds is limited to no more than $19,000 for the primary or general election. In order to qualify, the candidate must raise 200 contributions from separate registered voters in New Haven of no less than $10 and no more than $370. The candidate has been critical of decisions by the school board. He also wants the city to have an honest discussion about its budget problems, pension debt and the possibility of New Haven going bankrupt. The mayor has been visiting the community management team meetings explaining the budget process and the $8 million state cut it received in fiscal 2017-18 that led to a deficit and an 11 percent tax hike. The mayor has pointed to the drop in serious crime during her tenure, her intervention in the neighborhoods to get a better handle on blight and the continuing increase in residential construction and attraction of tech startups to the city. Elicker said his dream and that of his wife is that their children grow up in New Haven, and that the citys rich character instills in them kindness, generosity and resilience. He said one of the things he loves about New Haven is that it has the most community-minded population of anywhere I have lived. Elicker earned a masters degree in business administration from the Yale School of Management and a masters in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry. He was a foreign service officer for five years in the U.S. State Department before coming to New Haven and was posted to Washington, D.C., Taiwan and Hong Kong. His said his work focused on U.S. economic and environmental policy. Elicker was an elementary and high school teacher for at-risk youth and served three years as an adjunct professor of education policy at Southern Connecticut State University. He speaks Spanish and Chinese. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577 Editors note: A previous version of this story incorrectly reported that Walter Morton currently works for state Democratic senators. He does not. WEST HAVEN U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal this week requested bi-weekly updates of VA Connecticut Healthcare Syste m on its progress in providing cable television and Wi-Fi throughout its facilities as those sevices offer patients respite and a way to keep connections with family and friends, Blumenthals office said in a release. Blumenthal made the request through a letter to Director Gerald Culliton. Pamela R. Redmond, spokeswoman for VA Connecticut Healthcare System, said they are working diligently on both. VA Connecticut Healthcare System remains committed to the cable and Wi-Fi projects, Redmond said. We will continue to keep Senator Blumenthals office informed of the status of both these projects. Redmond said that in October 2018, Comcast was selected as the provider for cable television services and trenching of new feeder lines was completed in November. New cabling should be in all patient rooms by the end of March, she said. Redmond said VA Contracting Service has released a solicitation for Wi-Fi services, as the poject is of large scope. She said Wi-Fi services are available in limited areas on the West Haven campus, including the geriatric and extended care area and in the Blind Rehabilitation Unit. The letter to Culliton is a follow-up to Blumenthals recent visit to the West Haven VA, where he learned that the facility still lacks those two amenities, his office states. Access to cable TV and Wi-Fi are simple solutions for improving VAs customer service and are important for ensuring patient satisfaction, Blumenthal said in the release. Internet access can be a lifeline for both patients and the family and friends who visit them. It allows them to connect with loved ones, follow current events, and engage with the outside world while they recover. Cable television, he said in the letter, offers a respite to many veterans who are grappling with health concerns and can also give a sense of normalcy during tough times. Since hearing concerns from veterans at the West Haven VA in 2016, Blumenthal has been a vocal advocate for the installation of both. In 2017, Blumenthal secured a commitment from then-Secretary Shulkin to provide the federal funding necessary to install patient Wi-Fi access at the West Haven facility. To date, little progress has been made, according to Blumenthals staff. While a vendor has been chosen to provide cable, there is still no vendor for Wi-Fi, the release states. Blumenthals office said the VA has said they will begin installation of both Jan. 14. The failure to select a vendor for Wi-Fi is truly troubling and a disservice to Connecticut veterans who have waited years for internet connection in patient rooms, Blumenthal wrote. It is unacceptable that this has taken so long and I urge you to give this matter your full attention. Blumenthal asked for an update every two weeks and immediate notification when an internet provider is selected. HAMDEN Students who attend the Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School program will be heading to a new building next school year. The town issued a statement Monday announcing negotiations with ACES over the future of the Wintergreen building had ended without an agreement. After extensive efforts, the Town of Hamden and Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) have concluded negotiations regarding the sale of the Wintergreen property and were unable to come to financial terms mutually beneficial to our respective needs, officials said in the statement. ACES is seeking a new home for the Wintergreen program, which was founded in 1998 and primarily serves students from Hamden, but also counts young people from New Haven, Meriden, Wallingford and Woodbridge among its student body. Evelyn Rossetti-Ryan, chief of marketing and outreach with ACES, said Monday the North Haven campus of Gateway Community College was the primary option at this time. The campus most recently served as the home of Cortlandt V.R. Creed High School. The New Haven Board of Education voted to shutter that program at the end of the 2018 school year. The ACES board of directors is expected to decide in mid-February where Wintergreen students will attend classes next year, according to Rossetti-Ryan. The program will remain open and is currently accepting applications, she said. We look forward to moving forward and finding a good home for Wintergreen, said Rossetti-Ryan. In the statement, Mayor Curt B. Leng said he remains supportive of parent choice and that both he and Superintendent Goeler wish ACES well in continuing to provide outstanding programs and support services for both Hamden and area students. Thomas Figlar, the parent of three Wintergreen students, said he and his children would follow the program to its new home. He believes a preponderance of Wintergreen parents will do the same. He said Gateway Community College would be an exciting option, but the longer bus ride would be difficult for his son, who battles anxiety. The Hamden Board of Education voted to retake the current Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School building in May 2018 as it considered plans for renovating town schools and reorganizing the district. Figlar, along with other Wintergreen parents, lobbied the Board of Education to reconsider retaking the school as it discussed redistricting. The board did not change course; it voted to formally petition Leng and the Legislative Council to retake the building Nov. 29. As the board deliberated, ACES sought to purchase the building from the town rather than find a new home for the Wintergreen program. Figlar said he had known for some weeks that a sale was unlikely ACES representatives said the organization and Leng were millions of dollars apart on a purchase price. Rossetti-Ryan declined Tuesday to discuss the specific offers put forward by ACES and the town. Figlar said he believes Leng and other town officials did not take the concerns of Wintergreen parents seriously. As a Hamden resident and a parent, it leaves such a bad taste in my mouth, said Figlar. I really dont think they consider us Hamden residents, even though they are. Leng disputed that in a statement late Tuesday. He said he and Superintendent of Schools Jody Goeler had worked hard to reach an agreement that would meet the needs of both ACES and the town, but were unable to ultimately make it happen. Students from the Alice Peck Learning Center, which is expected to be renovated starting in summer, and potentially the West Woods Elementary School, which may be renovated contingent on state approval, may attend classes in the Wintergreen building next year. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com Editors note: This story has been updated to include a response from Mayor Curt Leng regarding a residents criticism. NORTH HAVEN Four police officers were promoted at Tuesdays meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners, buoyed to a new stage in their careers as family, friends and well-wishers looked on. Stanley Lofquist, a 35-year veteran of the department, was promoted to captain; Matthew Falcon, a North Haven officer since 2003, was promoted to lieutenant; Christopher Spose and John Gaspar III, respectively in their 10th and eighth years with the department, were promoted to sergeant. All four officers were lauded by board Chairman David Monz and First Selectman Michael Freda, who spoke ahead of the promotional ceremonies. These officers, each of whom is incredibly talented, loyal and devoted to serving the town of North Haven, are the ideal candidates to manage the department as it moves forward in increasingly challenging times for law enforcement, said Monz. Im truly honored to be able to swear them in. Its a great honor to be here this evening. Id like to congratulate Christopher, John, Matthew and Stanley on their promotions, said Freda. At the very foundation of our North Haven Police Department are the core competencies of fidelity, bravery and integrity and courage. Each of the wonderful men and women who serve this fine community demonstrate all of those qualities. Then, in turn, each officer stepped forward on to the stage in the North Haven Middle School auditorium, swore to faithfully and impartially perform their duties in their new roles and uphold the Constitution, and had a new badge pinned to their chest by a loved one as those in attendance applauded. Both Spose and Falcon said that becoming a police officer was a childhood goal. Its the best job in the world, said Falcon. I knew that when I was small. Gaspar said his wifes cousin, an officer in Waterbury, first recommended that he take up the profession. Hes stayed in it, he said, as he enjoys being out in the community, meeting and helping people. Helping people on some of their worst days is really what makes it worth it, said Gaspar. Lofquist said he grew up in the community, and, after leaving for a time to go to school, realized he wanted to stay and help his friends and neighbors. Theres a lot of nice people in this town. I wanted to continue to live here, serve the public, said Lofquist. Im proud. We have a great town. We have a great police department Im proud to be a member of it. william.lambert@hearstmediact.com State Police are investigating a fire that was intentionally set in an abandoned building on the Southbury Training School property on Tuesday. Troop A barracks was notified at 5:53 p.m. of a fully involved structure fire in the building off of Village Road. HARTFORD Advocates and campus administrators from across Connecticut expressed fears that proposed changes to a landmark civil rights law may reverse years of work done to prevent sexual violence on college campuses. Since U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released her proposed changes to Title IX regulations in November, many working on the front lines to help victims of sexual and gendered violence have been worried about changes in the way they operate. The policy sea change has also created confusion among students and survivors, advocates say. Weve gotten about 600 phone calls from students saying they are really scared about what this means for them, said Michelle Carroll, associate director of external programming at End Rape on Campus. The proposal from DeVos prompted the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence to host its second Campus Sexual Assault Prevention Conference, which was held Tuesday at the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford. The event also offered experts opportunities to discuss public health approaches to preventing violence as well as how to create supportive healing environments and how to teach enthusiastic consent, and more. About 120 people attended, according to organizers. Title IX was created to stop gender-based discrimination on college campuses. The changes would grant students accused of sexual misconduct more protections, and the definition of sexual harassment at colleges would be narrower. We thought that once those proposed regulations came out ... it was perfect timing for us to have the conversation and for folks to be able to share some of their concerns and what some of their success are, said Beth Hamilton, associate director of the Connecticut Alliance to Prevent Sexual Violence. Because Connecticut is a state with legislation that overlaps with Title IX, it is unclear what the outcomes are going to be in terms of federal requirements in alignment with our state requirements, Hamilton added. Title IX uncertainties The new, more narrow definition of sexual harassment laid out in DeVos proposed changes to Title IX is a cause for concern, Carroll said. The proposed change defines sexual harassmanet as unwelcome conduct on the basis of sex that is so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipients education program, she said. They dont explain how to define what severe, pervasive and objectively offensive, said Carroll. When we have a higher threshold, it will decrease the number of cases that get investigated. More students will experience more harassment before a school can get involved. Because the new regulations wouldnt hold institutions responsible for addressing off-campus sexual violence, Carroll said she worries this will affect K-12 students the most a population that already has few resources for reporting such incidents. I think about how this particular change really sends a message to students that there are only certain times when the things that have happened to you matter, she said. The proposed requirement for cross-examination during hearings would keep victims from putting themselves through the reporting process, said Carroll. Not only would this regulation allow an accusers sexual history to be brought into evidence, the DeVos document says cross-examination would allow the accuser to identify the inconsistencies in the other sides story [and] gives the fact-finder an opportunity to assess a witness demeanor and determine who can be trusted. This is one of the most important rhetoric changes in the new regulations, Carroll said. This shows that this new administration really believes that victims are lying. Also, the religious exemptions laid out in the proposed changes would put LGBTQ populations at more risk, the advocate said. If a student reports a same-sex assault, the school could kick the student out of the institution and refuse to do an investigation into the accusations, said Carroll. The same could apply to a student disclosing premarital sex or the use of birth control when they report an assault, she said. They can use the exemption for any part of the story that goes against institutions religion and way they understand it, she said. The other negative outcome which Carroll has already seen is the confusion it has caused for educators and campus staff. One coordinator I met talked about a five-year-long campaign to teach professors how to respond in a trauma-informed way, she said. And now shes worried that all that work will go out the window. Possible solutions discussed by participants included having colleges establish their own parallel processes and collaborate with local law enforcement, which could be solutions. But Carroll said the future of Title IX remains uncertain. The scariest aspect of this is that institutions do not have to be transparent, she said. Its not fair, its not equitable, its not offering students a place in the process and it instills fear. Look no further for the Holy Grail of economic irony: Ray Dalio made an estimated $2 billion last year through his Westport hedge fund company, Bridgewater Associates, by betting against the markets in part because hes concerned about the effects of income inequality. Doesnt get any better than this, folks, whether youre cynical about Dalios wealth, envious, angry or admiring. Think about it: The famously iconoclastic Greenwich billionaire is so concerned about the rich-poor divide and where its sending America that he figures out a way to make a fortune off it. Correction, add to a fortune. Dalio was already pegged at $18 billion in net worth before his 2018 runup, making him No. 25 on the Forbes list of the richest Americans. The $2 billion haul for last year is the estimate of Institutional Investor, a publication that follows the hedge fund industry. Institutional Investor has now installed Dalio as a frontrunner of its Rich List, the top earners of the industry, due out in May. This is the reward for the macro mavens well-publicized bearishness and concerns about what he has described as an ever-widening wealth gap. INSIDE SCOOP: Get the Hearst Connecticut politics newsletter delivered free to your inbox every day. Bridgewaters Pure Alpha fund, is flagship, turned in a 14.6-percent performance in 2018, beating the Standard & Poors 500 by a cool 19 percentage points, the magazine said. Another Bridgewater fund lost 6 percent last year, but whos worried? What does all this mean for the state of Connecticut? Bridgewater employs some 1,200 people in Westport and Stamford, and its safe to assume the 2018 bounty spread itself around pretty well, including to such notables as Ryan Drajewicz, who left as one of Dalios top lieutenants to become Gov. Ned Lamonts chief of staff. We dont know the payroll figures, but get this: If we only count Dalios estimated $2 billion for 2018, and if he declared it as Connecticut income, he alone would pay $139.8 million just in the state income tax. Consider, its a big deal that Connecticuts coffers are $260 million per year ahead of where we thought they were in November. Dalio could be a huge part of that, although the latest run-up is mostly in withholding, not the sorts of capital gains associated with Dalios earnings. And consider this: Dalios potential $140 million tax bill is about the size of a lot of very big debates at the state Capitol. For example, former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and lawmakers battled fiercely a year ago over restoring Medicare premiums for low-income people at a cost of $130 million a year. Dalio, who showed up at the inaugural ball for Gov. Ned Lamont, a fellow Greenwich swell, has had better years and worse years. In 2017, according to Institutional Investor, he snagged $1.3 billion for No. 4 on the Rich List. That means he could pay $49 million more in state income taxes for 2018. Heres my takeaway: Clearly, income inequality matters. But its a national and global issue, not a state-by-state issue. Anyone who measures one state against another based on the states income division, a.k.a. the Gini coefficient, is missing the point. If you think equality of income makes a state better, ask yourself this: If Dalio were to exit the state like a handful of other billionaires have, would you feel better? Of course not, in part because he and his wife, Barbara, give away a lot of that dough close to home. But hey, Connecticut would instantly be a more equal state. Thats why its ironic that Dalios views on equality help drive his fortune. And its a conundrum for the state, which has to figure out a way to tax him and keep him. But its not hypocritical for Dalio to go out and earn it. We have really two different economies...The top one-tenth of 1 percent of the population has a net worth that is equal to the bottom 90 percent combined, Dalio told Charlie Rose on PBS in late 2017, as he formulated his investment strategy for 2018. The biggest economic, social and political issue of our time is that split. OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Media representatives are advised that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, will participate in an armchair discussion at the University of Sherbrooke to discuss climate action in Quebec and across the country, as well as the huge economic opportunity of clean growth. Minister McKenna will also tour the university's civil engineering and biotech labs. Media are invited to attend the armchair discussion. Event: Armchair Discussion Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Time: 11:30 a.m. (EST) Location: Universite de Sherbrooke, Cultural Centre 2500 De l'Universite Boulevard Sherbrooke, Quebec Media are encouraged to express their interest and register for the event with Media Relations at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada For further information: Sabrina Kim, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-743-7138, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected] Related Links http://www.ec.gc.ca ALGIERS, Algeria, Jan. 14, 2019 /CNW/ - SECURA North Africa 2019 is an annual B2B and B2G exhibition taking place in Algeria that contributes to business meetings between safety, fire, security & emergency equipment suppliers and North African private, public and governmental institutions. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/807756/SECURA_North_Africa_2019_Logo.jpg ) This tradeshow was initially created to follow the amazing development of Algerian local industry needs in terms of safety & security but the strong support of Algerian authorities (the Event is organized under the Patronage of the Algerian Ministry of Interior) gave it an international reach and credibility. The Managing Director of EASYFAIRS NORTHERAL, Olivier-Hicham Allard, explains: "The Algerian government unlocked massive investment budgets such as the 59 billion USD investment plan of its national Oil & Gas company Sonatrach or its brand new International Airport in Algiers for 700 million USD. The country is strongly pushing in a quite successful way to switch its importations into local manufacturing investments. Take the pharmaceutical industry, Algeria is Africa's #1 pharmaceutical market, currently worth 3.8 billion USD. Between 2008 and 2018 it went from 25 % to 65 % of pharmaceutical products locally manufactured. More than 120 pharmaceutical plants have been built that all require advanced safety & security equipment. And now the country is preparing to open its 1200 km of virgin coastline and its desert to tourism as last year only, the Algerian Ministry of Tourism approved 1800 touristic projects among which 260 new hotels, 74 motels, and 58 touristic resorts. The emergence of a strong national industrial capacity but also the geostrategic position of Algeria explains the immediate success of the Event." The first Edition of SECURA North Africa took place in 2018 where 3667 unique professional visitors met 62 suppliers. The event generated onsite deals in construction projects, IPEs, perimeter protection, access control, fire prevention and firefighting, private security, cybersecurity, emergency and disaster equipment. But it is also an excellent platform for international companies in that sector looking for local representatives in Algeria and the North African region. SECURA North Africa 2019 is taking place from 26 to 28 February 2019 in Algiers Exhibition Fairground. Over 5000 professionals and decision makers from North Africa will meet 80 exhibitors on 6000 m and will be able to attend 30 free-to-attend conferences. For detailed information about the event or to register online, please visit www.securanorthafrica.com SOURCE Easyfairs Northeral For further information: Contact details: SECURA North Africa, Number: +213-21-94-60-58, Email: [email protected] TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Today, Amsterdam-born creative workspace, Spaces announces that Deloitte Canada, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, has reached an agreement to become the sole tenant in its new Vancouver location, Spaces Granville. In line with Deloitte's commitment to champion collaborative, innovative and productive work environments, Spaces Granville will provide a temporary home for the firm through its vibrant and immersive co-working space situated in Vancouver's historic Tom Lee Music Building on Granville Street. The dynamic work environments of Spaces supports Deloitte's vision to increase flexibility and choice around how people work, encouraging social interaction and collaboration to inspire greater innovation for their employees and clients. Like many other disruptive industries, the purpose of workspaces continues to evolve. The concept of 'the office' has evolved to become the cradle of innovation; less about conventional cubicles and downtown towers, and more about collaborative and productive spaces in creative neighbourhoods. The inspiring and open-minded community of Spaces Granville is what attracted Deloitte to adopt the space as a temporary and agile solution to their present workspace requirements. "We are proud to collaborate with Deloitte as they continue to lead in reimagining the workplace with their national strategy to build unique destinations that foster innovation," said Wayne Berger, CEO of IWG Canada and Latin America, which owns Spaces. "There is a revolution happening in the way people work, and we are supporting enterprises like Deloitte to achieve their new workspace vision. Today's news that Deloitte will become our sole tenant in Spaces Granville is further proof that some of the world's leading companies are redefining the world of work at a growing rate." "This move to Spaces Granvillea 'non-traditional' location for a professional services firmis a milestone in our journey and commitment to flexibility, collaboration and innovation for our people and clients," said Etienne Bruson, Managing Partner, British Columbia at Deloitte Canada. "It's an exciting move for us at a time of significant growth and change. Spaces provided a unique environment and the flexibility to work with our evolving needs and timelines." Both global and Canadian workplace trends are pointing towards fundamental shifts to a new definition of work, which produces benefits for companies, their employees and the overall economy. A study by IWG, the company that owns Spaces, found Canadian businesses recognized that offering flexible working strategies to their employees provided them with significant benefits: Business growth (88%) Competitiveness (88%) Improved client service (85%) Attracting and retaining top talent (71%) Profit maximization (83%) Reduced real estate management costs (81%) Deloitte collaborates globally with IWG's network of workspaces. The professional services firm has a presence in 15 IWG workspaces around the world. In addition to Canada, Deloitte is a tenant in Spaces and Regus locations in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Japan, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Switzerland and Vietnam. About Spaces Spaces offers an inspiring work environment for professionals and growing businesses. In addition to office space, there are memberships and meeting rooms to help encourage creation and cooperation with like-minded people. Spaces' goal is to offer inspirational surroundings with an entrepreneurial spirit where ideas are born, a company can evolve and valuable relationships are built. Spaces has locations in the United States, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Africa, Australia and Asia. For more information visit: https://www.spacesworks.com/ SOURCE Spaces For further information: Linda North, NorthPR, Phone: 416-708-8012, Email: [email protected] There is a relatively long-standing edict in residential real estate: When selling your home, give it fresh coats of paint in popular neutral colors. The snap of a freshly painted decor, combined with the soft, subtle hue is said to be most appealing to buyers as they consider home options. The use of bold color in a homes interiors can help to get the attention of prospective homebuyers who are surfing the Web for their dream home, according to Carol Zuckert, a Realtor with Sothebys International Realty and the owner-developer of 9 Keofferam Road, a 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom coastal colonial. The original 1910 house was demoed to make room for the new construction. Today, the majority of homebuyers start their search online, so it is important to have eye-catching photos. While neutral colors allow buyers to visualize their furnishings and artwork in a home, bold color used in discreet spaces, such as libraries and powder rooms, create drama and draws a person into the space, where they can visualize themselves and create a mental connection, Zuckert explained. 9 Keofferam Road is Zuckerts third major development project in Greenwich. She previously developed 17 and 19 Pintail Lane and built her own two homes at 19 Sherwood Farm and, more recently, 2 Highview Avenue in Old Greenwich. At 9 Keofferam, I decided to use a deep navy-blue paint in the library and an oversized gold light fixture, which creates contrast and drama, Zuckert said. Blue is a color that is popular with both men and women and is considered to be beneficial to the mind and body, as it symbolizes comfort, calmness, safety, loyalty, wisdom and trustworthiness. I worked with Kate DeCarlo, owner of Greystone Staging, to accessorize the room with gold accents and beautiful furnishings, she continued. The navy color is then continued in the staging of the neutral open spaces throughout the home in the form of furnishings, pillows and accessories, so the color palette of the home remains consistent. Whether its marketing her own projects or the homes of her selling clients, Zuckert said that pops of color tastefully chosen and expertly applied can further distinguish properties online. Theres evidence to support that theory. The increasing use of social-media applications, such as Facebook or Instagram, to market and promote homes for sale also bodes well for the use of color in home interiors, Zuckert explained. A study conducted by Readers Digest found that Instagram photos that had one dominant color received 17-percent more double-taps than those with multiple colors. A splash of color The newly constructed six-bedroom Georgian colonial at 37 Doubling Road in mid-country was developed by Greenwich Custom Home Builders, LLC, and designed by James Schettino Architects. Its an outstanding property both IRL and through its virtual presence. Shelly Tretter Lynch of Compass is serving as the listing broker for the $5.295 million property. Here, the decor is predominantly a blank slate for the potential, with white-on-white walls and moldings, contrasted by darker-stained hardwood floors with character. Even the kitchen is crisp and bright white cabinets, white surfaces, set off only by the richness of the hardwood and the sheen of the high-end stainless-steel appliances. The homes library breaks from that neutral theme. Its walls, crown moldings, fireplace mantle and buttressed built-ins have been uniformly painted in a muted blue hue. Buyers browsing online may remember this space as one of the rooms that prompted them to seek out an in-person tour of the home. Neutral colored interiors invoke a sense of new, clean, pure spaces, as well as blank canvases for new owners, and therefore a majority of sellers opt to follow this trend, according to Tretter Lynch. For this reason, its important to stand out from the masses. A splash of color in one or two rooms is a great way to make a memorable impression on potential buyers. CARACAS, Venezuela - We are living a crisis without precedent in Venezuela. We have a government that has dismantled the state and kidnapped all institutions to manipulate them at will. They have attacked the foundations of a democratic system that has refused to die completely, and today we are left with a usurper occupying the presidency. We say "usurper" because Nicolas Maduro has already ended his constitutional term - a term never recognized by Venezuelans because we didn't have an election, What took place last May 20 was a farce that our people and the world rejected. Now Maduro is a de facto ruler. But Venezuela's is not your typical dictatorship. The regime may have ties to drug trafficking and guerrilla groups, but we also have a functioning, democratically elected parliament, the National Assembly. Despite the attacks on our legitimacy by the Maduro-controlled Supreme Court and the loyalist Constituent Assembly, the National Assembly continues to do its work and has the backing of the international community and the majority of Venezuelans. Since 2007, we've mobilized - then as university students - to become staunch defenders of our Constitution, which has been violated and disrespected by the regime amid several attempts to modify it. This Constitution has three fundamental articles that will allow us to resolve the current political crisis and restore the democratic order: The first is Article 233, which establishes that in the absolute absence of the president of the republic - which is the situation we're in now since there's no legitimately elected president - the leader of the National Assembly must occupy the office and call for presidential elections. This would be a simple procedure in a democratic country, since it's clearly in the Constitution, but in Venezuela it isn't. The second is Article 333, which calls on all citizens to restore and enforce the Constitution if it's not followed. Maduro has placed himself above the Constitution, but only the Venezuelan people can be above it. All representatives in public office, as well as the armed forces, have a duty to restore the constitutional order - a duty shared by all Venezuelans. Third, there's Article 350, which calls on the Venezuelan people to reject any regime that violates democratic values and human rights. We are invoking this article to ask Venezuelans to reject, along with the international community, Maduro's usurpation of the presidency. As president of the National Assembly, I am fully able and willing to assume the office of the presidency on an interim basis to call for free and fair elections. With a united National Assembly, along with the military, the people and even those who still support this regime, we can materialize the mandate the Constitution endows on us, as our national anthem says: "Let's scream bravely death to oppression/Loyal compatriots, our strength is our unity." Of course, we can't ignore a key ally: the international community, which has denounced the dictatorship, its human rights violations and the misery it has created. Maduro's lack of legitimacy among world leaders, the international sanctions and the recognition of the National Assembly as the only legitimate representative of the state are crucial at this moment. Our road map is clear: stop the usurpation with national unity and through external and internal pressure; form a transitional government to open channels for humanitarian assistance; restore the rule of law and the separation of powers; and call for free elections so all Venezuelans can decide their future. We want to send a message to the military, a key actor in this process: The chain of command has been broken, and there's no commander in chief - it's time to get on the right side of history. Venezuela and the world will thank you; success will depend on each one of us doing our part in this difficult hour for the country. We call for action, without doubt or infighting. Let's be faithful heirs to the freedom that is inscribed in our blood. - - - Guaido is the president of Venezuela's National Assembly. In a welcome ruling in a lawsuit that shouldnt have to exist, a judge ruled last week that a talk show host with a national audience must turn over business records to families of those killed in the 2012 murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The ruling is one step toward rectifying at least some of the unimaginable pain the families have faced in recent years. Alex Jones, the radio and internet host of Infowars, for years led a shocking campaign claiming that the Sandy Hook massacre never happened, that all involved were actors, and that it was all part of some kind of government plot to confiscate weapons. It was cruel, it was inhumane and it defied all logic. It was also good business. It also led, inevitably, to harassment of victims family members by people who were convinced their grief had been staged. For people facing immeasurable loss, it was an especially awful fate to be confronted by people out to prove their pain wasnt real. Some family members said they have been forced to move or conceal their identities to escape the harassment. There are few people in the world less sympathetic than so-called truthers, who believe everything is a government plot and shut down any evidence to the contrary. But if they keep their horrifying beliefs to themselves, no one is necessarily harmed. When their actions hurt people, they must be stopped. In response to the harassment, the Sandy Hook families have sued Infowars and Jones, saying that the false stories he peddled were essential to his business model. In fighting the suit, Jones had tried to argue his internal documents should be kept private. A judge, reasonably, disagreed. We should be clear on what this ruling means. It is not an abrogation of anyones freedom of speech. The families are claiming direct harm from Jones actions, and their suit is a perfectly legitimate response to their plight. Jones is lying, and his lies have consequences. This ruling also has nothing to do with freedom of the press. A judge ordering a journalist to turn over notes or other documents in a lawsuit would be troubling. But Jones is nothing resembling a journalist. He is, as noted, a liar, and one whose words have brought serious harm. The judges ruling last week is subject to appeal, and is not the final word on the lawsuit. Jones argues that whatever he might have said, he did not encourage a harassment campaign against the families, and that his Constitutional rights are at stake. But the harassment was an easily predictable outcome from the campaign to prove Sandy Hook somehow didnt happen. There is every indication that Jones knew exactly what he was doing. A successful outcome to the families lawsuit will not make up for the additional pain they have suffered at the hands of conspiracy theorists. But it could help save the inevitable next wave of families from a similar fate. Fake editions of The Washington Post claiming that President Donald Trump was leaving office were handed out Wednesday morning at multiple locations in Washington, D.C. The print papers - dated May 1, 2019, and looking strikingly similar to actual copies of The Post - were filled with anti-Trump stories, which also appeared on a website that mimicked the official Post site. The Post's PR department released a statement on Twitter: "There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post's. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this." Late Wednesday morning, a group that describes itself as a "trickster activist collective" called the Yes Men said it produced the bogus newspapers and website - which went offline Wednesday afternoon. Under the headline "Unpresidented," the fake newspaper's lead story said Trump had left a resignation message on a napkin in the Oval Office and left Washington for Yalta, the Crimean resort that was the site of a meeting of Allied leaders during World War II. The false story also reported that his abrupt departure was prompted by "massive women-led protests" around the country, suggesting that the stunt was a promotion for a planned women's march on Saturday. Jacques Servin, who uses the pseudonym Andy Bichlbaum, said he is one of the co-founders of the Yes Men and that the paper was intended to offer the "grass-roots movement" ideas for how to support the impeachment of Trump. "The idea was a newspaper from the future and how we got there - like a roadmap for activists," he said. The print and digital newspapers cost about $40,000, Servin said, adding that $36,000 was raised from the organization's mailing list. They printed 25,000 copies, and he estimated 10,000 of the papers were distributed. He said the group, which is a collaboration between Servin and others, including author-activists Onnesha Roychoudhuri and L.A. Kauffman, practices "clowny activism." Several documentaries chronicle the collective's pranks. They put together a similarly fake copy of the New York Times in 2008. That fake edition, which came out after the election of President Barack Obama, had stories depicting liberal activists putting pressure on the new administration. For more than 20 years they have pretended to represent official groups, such as the World Trade Organization and U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at phony news conferences. The stunt involving the fake Washington Post newspapers also included two emails sent out Wednesday morning designed to look like they came from a Post account. The first announced the fake news of Trump's departure and the second was labeled as an "errata," correcting the first. Copies of the bogus papers were handed out at locations around Washington, including outside the White House and Union Station. The liberal activist group Code Pink posted a video on Facebook of the organization's founder, Medea Benjamin, passing out copies at what appears to be a Capitol Hill office building. In the video, Benjamin tells people, "The crisis is over - Trump has left the White House." Later, she adds, "You got to believe in The Washington Post." Benjamin said in an e-mail that Code Pink, which has become well known in Washington for staging protests that disrupt congressional hearings and other official proceedings, helped to distribute the fake newspapers. The liberal group MoveOn, which some on social media suspected of being behind the fake paper, tweeted that it was not responsible. "While we love the headline, we didn't produce today's satirical Washington Post," it said. A former East Haven history teacher, who was killed in her Watertown home last week, is being mourned by former students and the community. Maryann Stanisz-Kibbe, 70, had taught in East Haven public schools for more than 30 years. According to the Waterbury Republican American, police suspect Stanisz was assaulted in her home on 24 Bushnell Avenue. She was found after a family member requested that police check on her well-being. Officers forced their way into the home after seeing a woman on the ground inside and found her dead. Her assailant or assailants bludgeoned her in the head and neck on Jan. 8 and are also suspected of stealing her car, a gray Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Republican-American also also reported that two homeless men who Watertown police believe burglarized a pizzeria were questioned Monday in connection with the homicide. Surveillance footage from the burglary of the pizzeria on Jan. 9 shows the two climbing into a PT Cruiser after the theft. The two have been arrested in connection with the pizza restaurant burglary and remain in custody. Stanisz-Kibbe was a widow with no children. His husband, Karl Kibbe, a retired electrical engineer, died in 2013. According to her death notice, Stanisz-Kibbe was born on Oct. 18, 1948 in Meriden,, the daughter of the late John and Mary (Ligas) Stanisz and grew up in the Waterbury and Oakville areas. She was a 1966 graduate of Watertown High school and then went on to further her education at Central Connecticut State College (University), graduating in 1970. She taught her entire career of 33 years with the East Haven school system, with the majority of her time teaching freshman history at East Haven High School and retired in 2003. She is survived by her sister Barbara Winkel and her husband Carl of Watertown, two nephews, Steve Winkel, and his wife Kara and their two children of Monroe, and Robert Winkel and his partner Jessica Williams of San Jose, Calif. In addition, she also leaves behind several aunts, uncles, and many cousins, and dear friends. Funeral services for her will be held privately, at the convenience of her family. To honor her memory, donations may be sent to support The Daily Television Mass, through donations to the Office of Radio and Television, 15 Peach Orchard Rd., Prospect, CT 06712-9969. There were many condolences left for her on the ONeill Funeral Home web site. Maryann was a colleague and a friend throughout our careers in East Haven. She had a quiet smile that seemed to say it all. She touched many students in a positive way and was always willing to reach just a bit further to keep some of them on track, wrote Patricia Ball Bello. I taught with Maryann for the first 19 years of my career in East Haven. She was kind intelligent woman who touched the lives of many young people in her years as a teacher., said Cindy Wintjen. I had Ms. Stanisz for history at EHHS, I always enjoyed her class and teaching. She was one of the good ones, wrote Kelly Pompano. Maryann and I shared our 33 years of teaching social studies at East Haven High. We also shared our Waterbury area backgrounds. I enjoyed her dry wit and keen intelligence and her constant,thoughtful friendship. She will be missed, said Peggy Sheehan McIntyre. Anyone with information about the homicide is asked to call Watertown Police at (860) 945-5200 or the confidential Crime Stoppers tip line at (860) 945-9940. Kabul: The Taliban issued a statement on Tuesday threatening to end contact with the US even as Washingtons peace envoy makes another round of the region in pursuit of a negotiated end to Afghanistans protracted conflict before a frustrated President Donald Trump makes good on his 2016 campaign promise to end Americas involvement. Earlier in the day, the US Embassy in Kabul said Zalmay Khalilzad had arrived in Kabul following visits to India, the United Arab Emirates and China. Khalilzad was to meet President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other political leaders to discuss the next steps in US efforts to get an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process started. Zalmay Khalilzad is a US diplomat and Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation at the Department of State. The Taliban have refused repeatedly to meet directly with representatives of the Kabul government. According to the insurgent statement, the US agreed in meetings in November on a two-point agenda: Withdrawal of foreign troops and guarantees that Afghanistan would not again be used as it was by al-Qaida to plot attacks on other countries. Read More | 4 killed, 44 wounded as huge blast rocks Kabul's Green Village The statement accused Washington of seeking to expand the agenda, presumably a reference to a US demand that the Taliban hold direct talks with the Afghan government. Meanwhile, Khalilzad was expected in Pakistan following his meetings in the Afghan capital. There were reports Tuesday that Pakistan had arrested Taliban leader Hafiz Mohibullah in Peshawar, in northwest Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan. Taliban officials, who confirmed the arrest, said he was later released. Mohibullah is a member of the Taliban political commission based in Pakistan. Previously he was head of the Taliban military commission overseeing operations in 18 northern and eastern provinces. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: Raj Shah, the first Indian-American to hold a top White House Press Office post, has quit to join an arm of a prominent communications and lobbying firm, becoming the latest of several senior officials to leave the Trump administration in recent months. Shah, 34, White House deputy spokesman and a former researcher at the Republican National Committee, was in the administration since president Trump took office in January 2017. Im excited to join Brian, Jamie and the top-notch team to launch Ballard Media Group. Our team, with years of proven results, will provide the strategic communications clients need to navigate these challenges and successfully deliver their message to the right audience, Shah said in his statement. His portfolio recently included helping prepare Justice Brett M Kavanaugh for his Senate confirmation hearings to the Supreme Court. Shah will lead the Media Group, the press wing of Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with offices in Florida and Washington, The New York Times reported. Read More | Raj Shah becomes first Indian-American to hold press gaggle aboard Air Force One He will work with Jamie Rubin, a Democrat who was a spokesman for Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state, the report said, quoting the officials. Shahs departure comes as the White House press and communications teams have been depleted. Several aides have moved on to roles at government agencies or have left the Trump administration entirely. Born in 1984 to Indian parents of Gujarati origin, Shahs parents moved to Chicago in 1970s and then moved to Connecticut where he was born and raised. He joined the White House right from the day the Trump administration took charge. He was made the Deputy Communications Director at the White House. Previously, he was director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee. Shah is the latest in a number of top officials to leave the Trump administration. Former Defence Secretary James Mattis left Trumps Cabinet last month, after former Attorney General Jeff Sessions was pushed out in November. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was unceremoniously fired in March and national security adviser H R McMaster was replaced last year. In a sudden move, Indian-American US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley resigned in October. Ballard Partners said Shah will join the firm as a partner. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A group of Google employees took to social media on Tuesday to protest against forced arbitration at workplaces. The social media campaign on Twitter and Instagram aimed at educating people about forced arbitration and held talks with survivors and experts between 9 am and 6 pm EST. Forced arbitration ensures workplace disputes are settled behind closed doors and without any right to an appeal. These types of agreements effectively prevent employees from suing companies in event of an injustice, often without their knowledge. Clauses that make employees waive off their rights are often buried in fine print in employment contracts and they not only allow the organisations against which the case has been filed to make the court proceedings confidential but it also enables them to select the decision makers such that the decision is ruled in the company's favour, reported India Today. This group that led the campaign is the same one that came together about a month ago demanding Google ends forced arbitration as it relates to any case of discrimination. Also Read | Google employees plan to walk out, another hit on Silicon Valley's glaring imbalance towards women In November last year, as many as 20,000 employees staged a walkout at Google an October 25 New York Times report that said Android creator Andy Rubin had allegedly been given a $90-million exit package in 2014 after credible sexual assault allegations had been brought against him. This prompted Google to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment and sexual assault claims, offering more transparency around those investigations and more. Airbnb, eBay and Facebook quickly followed suit. Google told employees that arbitration in cases of sexual harassment and assault claims will be made optional. However, optional arbitration at Google is only granted for full-time employees, which does not include the thousands of contract workers at the company. But Google's response didn't go far enough, organizers wrote in a Medium post on Monday announcing the social media campaign, as reported by CNBC. "The change yielded a win in the headlines, but provided no meaningful gains for worker equity nor any actual change in employee contracts or future offer letters," they wrote, adding that as of the post's publication, "Google is still sending out offer letters with the old arbitration policy." As reported by CNBC, Google did not return a request for comment. New Delhi: In Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley two tenants enjoy a lavish and spacious apartment, they are, however not people but CATS. For a particular man in Silicon Valley, his two cats are his life and he makes sure he not only takes orders from the felines like most cat-owners do but also pay a rent of Rs 1 lakh per month. A cat owner from San Jose, California who owns two cats pet, Tina and Louise reported pays $ 1500 so that the two flurry friends can live as privileged tenants. Tina and Louise have now been identified as Silicon Valley's most privileged tenants. Speaking to local media, landlord David Callisch said, "The cats mind themselves, don't complain, and the USD 1500/month rent comes on time." The owner of the four-legged felines has now been identified as Tory Grood, he is Victoria Amith's father and landlord David's friend. As Victoria Amith's an Azusa Pacific University student was leaving for college, her father was moving as well, and they needed a place to keep the pets, David Callisch came to the rescue. Read | Father builds wheelchair accessible snow fort for daughter, win hearts Callish had planned to use the space as an Airbnb rental, but when he learned he could help his daughters friend, Louise and Tina moved in, he didnt seem to hesitate. This wasnt my life long vision or dream to have cats as tenants, Callisch said. It just worked out that way. They dont drink. They dont smoke. They dont play loud music. To make you vie for Tina and Louises even more, their rented studio also has an Apple TV, along with other furniture. The news about two cats enjoying a lavish apartment on their own in Silicon Valley, with their exorbitant rent has angered certain Twitter users, leaving no filter in their tweets. Check out some of the tweets here: Oh no, I am definitely mad at the owners. Unfuckable She-Ra (@artwormsbrown) January 14, 2019 I don't think people are mad at the owners, it just further highlights the insane income disparity in the Bay Area. Many of us can afford such things, most can't even afford housing for themselves. Simon (@AyeTeaGuy) January 14, 2019 Really @sliccardo @GavinNewsom ??? I love cats but this is a shame with whats going on in that city!! Mr. Popo (@Just_Donnie_Oak) January 13, 2019 For all the Latest Offbeat News News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah is suffering from swine flu and was admitted to AIIMS here on Wednesday. "I have been diagnosed with swine flu for which the treatment is underway. With God's grace and good wishes from all of you, I will recover soon," he said on Twitter in Hindi. "Mujhe swine flue hua hai, jiska upchar chal raha hai. Ishwar ki kripa, aap sabhi ke prem aur shubhkamnao se shigarh swasth ho jayunga (I have been diagnosed with swine flu for which the treatment is underway. With God's grace and good wishes from all of you, I will recover soon)," Amit Shah tweeted. BJP MPs Meenakshi Lekhi and Mahesh Giri visited AIIMS to inquire about the health of the party president. , , Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 16, 2019 Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to BJP chief on phone and wished him a speedy recovery. "Spoke to @AmitShah ji who is undergoing treatment for Swine Flu at AIIMS and inquired about his health. I pray for his speedy recovery," Singh tweeted. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley has also developed serious ailment and is likely to undergo surgery in the United States. Also Read| Rahul Gandhi to Arun Jaitley: Our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery Jaitley had left for New York on Sunday for treatment of soft tissue cancer in his thigh, a type of a tumour which can spread to other parts of the body quickly. The finance minister had unexpectedly left for the US for a medical check-up relating to his kidney ailment, sources had said on Tuesday. According to sources at AIIMS, the BJP leader was admitted following complaints of chest congestion and breathing issues. He reached the hospital at around 9 pm and is admitted in the old private ward of the hospital. A team of doctors are monitoring his condition under the supervision of AIIMS director Randeep Guleria, they said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: While speculations have been rife about an alliance between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019, three-time Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday said there is no talk of alliance with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party in the capital city. Dikshit, who took charge of the Congress Delhi unit on Wednesday, further said both the BJP and AAP are an equal challenge to them and the party will meet the challenges together. In an apparent reference to the amendment, proposed in the Delhi Assembly, demanding a withdrawal of Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna award in December last year, the senior Congress leader said, "The way they talked about Rajiv Gandhi in the assembly... we were hurt by it and it was not right. There have been no talks with AAP". Read | Sheila Dikshit makes a grand comeback to challenge Kejriwal, becomes Delhi Congress chief The change of guard in the Congress' Delhi unit is significant as it may play a crucial role in the upcoming General Elections due by May. Dikshit was appointed as the Delhi party unit head by Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. Devender Yadav, Rajesh Lilothia and Haroon Yusuf were appointed as working presidents to assist the former Delhi chief minister. "The meeting focused on setting priorities and fixing responsibilities of office-bearers in view of the approaching Lok Sabha elections. The ways to strengthen the party unit were also discussed in the meeting," the party leaders said. Meanwhile, sources said most of the party leaders believe Congress is "prepared" to challenge the BJP on its own in the upcoming general elections. A final decision on Congress' alliance with other parties will be taken by the committee headed by A K Antony, they added. Read | Vote for Congress means BJP's victory: Arvind Kejriwal tells partymen ahead of Lok Sabha polls Dikshit's appointment as Delhi Congress chief came after Ajay Maken in early January resigned from his post citing health reasons. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved a proposal to provide legal advice and support to veterans and war widows, sources said Wednesday. The meeting was attended by top officials of the Ministry of Defence and the chairman of the Armed Forces Tribunal. This is expected to greatly help these two sections of the armed forces. "The existing framework of the Kendriya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Boards will assist in this endeavour of the Ministry of Defence," the sources added. Earlier today, Nirmala Sitharaman met the cast and crew of "Uri: The Surgical Strike" on the occasion of Army Day. Film's stars Vicky Kaushal, Yami Gautam, director Aditya Dhar and producer Ronnie Screwvala were part of the meeting that took place at Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's 'at home' function. Sitharaman took to Twitter to congratulate the film's team about which she has been "hearing many good things". "At COAS Bipin Rawat's #ArmyDay 'at home', with the team of the film #URITheSurgicalStrike. "Yet to watch it, but hearing many good things. Kudos, @RonnieScrewvala @AdityaDharFilms @vickykaushal09 @yamigautam for a slick war movie on the spirit of our heroes! #howsthejosh?," the union minister tweeted, along with some photos from the event. The actors said they were honoured to make the acquaintance of the minister. "It was an honour meeting you Ma'am," Kaushal wrote in a reply to Sitharaman's post. "We are honoured to meet you Ma'am.... and thanks so much for your encouraging words. What you do for the nation is incomparable," tweeted Gautam. The film is based on the 2016 Indian Army's surgical strikes on terror launch pads in Pakistan as a retaliation for the Uri attack that claimed the lives of 17 army personnel. Also featuring Paresh Rawal and Mohit Raina, "Uri..." released on January 11. (With agency inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a bid to invite the YSR Congress Party to be a part of the proposed Federal Front, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president KT Rama Rao met YSR Congress Party President YS Jaganmohan Reddy in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Rama Rao, who is the son of Telangana Chief Minister and TRS President K Chandrashekhar Rao, also known as KCR, along with some other leaders of the party will hold talks with Jaganmohan Reddy, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Telangana Rashtra Samithi sources said as per media reports. KCR had floated the idea of a Federal Front as an alternative to both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. This is the first directs talks between the two parties since the idea of a Federal Front was floated. Earlier, the TRS supremo and Telangana Chief Minister KCR had held talks about the proposed a non-BJP, non-Congress alternative with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader MK Stalin. Hyderabad: Telangana Minister and TRS leader KT Rama Rao meets YSR Congress Party Chief Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy pic.twitter.com/SJgDA9mSG4 ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 After a landslide victory in the Telangana Assembly election in December, KCR intensified his efforts to cobble together the Federal Front. Read More | KCR meets Mamata Banerjee over non-BJP, non-Congress front, says 'dialogue will continue' TRS leaders are also likely to discuss with Jagan the possibility of their working together in Andhra Pradesh to defeat the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the ensuing elections in the neighbouring state. "A non-Congress front is my mission. I will continue my effort. This is not a small matter. Wait for the right time. The dialogue continues," KCR had said after meeting Mamata Banerjee. Early this year, the Telangana CM had met a bunch of Opposition leaders, including DMK chief MK Stalin, former prime minister and JD(S) leader HD Deve Gowda to seek their support in stitching a Federal Front minus BJP and Congress to "bring about a qualitative change" in the national politics. He had alleged that both the Congress and the BJP have failed the country as they could not meet peoples expectations even after 70 years of Independence. Also Read | Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao to meet Mamata Banerjee, Odisha CM At that time, Mamata Banerjee had expressed her reservations about keeping the Congress out of the alliance. At the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, most of the regional leaders had shown a glimpse of unity by sharing the state with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and his UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. However, things changed after DMK president MK Stalins recent proposal to project Rahul Gandhi as the Oppositions prime ministerial face. The proposal irked several Opposition leaders, including Mayawati, Akhilesh and Mamata Banerjee, and they all rejected the idea, saying it was too early to decide that. (With agency inputs) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The Karnataka political turmoil deepens as the ruling Congress-JD(S) alliance was nearing a showdown with media reports claiming that as many as seven Congress MLAs holed up in a luxury hotel in Mumbai might withdraw support on Tuesday. A Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been called on January 18 in Bengaluru. Amid talk of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 'Operation Lotus' to topple the coalition government in the neighbouring state, security was beefed up at the five-star resort in suburban Mumbai. The Congress suspects that some of its MLAs are lodged in the Powai-based hotel, kept secretly by BJP leaders. Many journalists and Congress workers were seen in the vicinity of the hotel, searching for the "missing" Congress MLAs on Tuesday. I invite all who left the fold to come back and not worry. Second generation Congressmen who won election must not feel insecure. Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal are aware of your grievances, you will be given chance in next cabinet expansion: Congress MP KH Muniyappa : ANI pic.twitter.com/F6IzFLHiOj News Nation (@NewsNationTV) January 16, 2019 Haryana: Congress workers protest outside the hotel in Gurugram where Karnataka BJP MLAs are staying. Protestors allege BJP is indulging in horse trading pic.twitter.com/9Mn2cvc5Ut ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 On the other hand, the BJP shifted 99 of its 104 state legislators to a private resort in Gurugram, a party spokesman told news agency IANS. Congress workers staged a protest outside the Gurugram hotel on Wednesday morning alleging that the BJP was indulging in horse-trading. Hotel insiders say since they arrived, the police have placed extra layers of security, which means hardly any other guests are left, as reported by NDTV. KC Venugopal, Karnataka Congress in-charge said, "I'm in touch with all our MLAs, this drama is going to end in a day or a two. We are all together, there is no internal fight in Congress. This is all baseless." K C Venugopal, Karnataka Congress In-charge: I'm in touch with all our MLAs, this drama is going to end in a day or a two. We are all together, there is no internal fight in Congress. This is all baseless. pic.twitter.com/3OZaVQ42QJ ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, however, reiterated he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress- 79, JDS- 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. In a jolt to the seven-month-old Janata Dal Secular-Congress coalition in Karnataka, two Independent lawmakers H Nagesh and R Shankar withdrew support from the ruling state government on Tuesday. Congress leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him whether his slogan ''Saaf Niyat'' (Clean intention) meant a coup and grabbing power. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda said that the media is unnecessarily hyping the issue and the resigning of the two MLAs shouldnt be given too much importance. HD Deve Gowda. former PM and JDS Chief: The two MLAs(who withdrew support from Karnataka Govt) are not affiliated with any party. They are independents. There is no need to hype it up so much. It is all a media hype. pic.twitter.com/ObDWT53sAR For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: In a major jolt to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Assembly Elections 2019, former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang on Tuesday resigned from the primary membership of the party. Apang, who served as the Arunachal chief minister for 23 long years, expressed displeasure about the BJP's current ideologies, saying the party has now become a "platform to seek power". In a letter to BJP national president Amit Shah and Arunachal state unit president Tapir Gao, Apang said, "I have been blessed with love and respect from the people of my state. It is because of which I have been seven times MLA and Chief Minister for 23 years". "I am disappointed to see that the present day BJP is no longer following the principles Vajpayee ,the party is now a platform to seek power, it serves a leadership which hates decentralization or democratic decision making and no longer believes that the party founded by, for, of the cadre is only seeking to capture power," the chief minister added. Read Apang's full letter here: "In 2014, in Arunachal Pradesh, the party did not get peoples mandate. But the BJP leadership used every dirty trick of the trade and installed Late Kalikho Pul as CM. Despite an adverse SC ruling, a BJP Government was reinstalled. Neither a proper investigation was done in Pul's suicide nor the present BJP leadership thought of morality and ethics by installing more BJP Governments in northeast. Even in the state level executive committee meeting held on November 10, 2018, at Pasi ghat, General Secretary of the party Ram Madhav did not allow many members and office bearers to place their views before the party cadre. The decision to put Pema Khandu's name as CM before the election is neither the norm nor the tradition that the cadre-based party like BJP had followed. BJP in the past has always asked the views of the legislature party members and then decided on leadership issues. Such undemocratic practices are not for the parties that grew under the leadership of LK Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, BS Shekawat, Kushbhau Thakre, ML Khurana, Rajmata Scindia and Sikandar Bakht. Vajpayee once said to me that it is better to be in splendid political isolation rather than get into power by compromising on political ideologies. The rank and file of the BJP in most of the North Eastern states have no role in any participatory democratic exercise within their state units, they have now become habitual of uploading and downloading decisions from the NAMO APP. Party leadership is more concerned about winning seats and using social media to harp on grass-root level victories. From Issues like grass-root delivery of government schemes to matters like Naga peace talks, Chakma -Hajong issue, amendments of citizenship bill, telecommunications and real-time digital connectivity to peaceful and cordial relation with neighbours like Bangladesh, Myanmar and China, both the party and the Modi Sarkar-are not addressing the real issues". Apang, who was elected Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh in 1980, held the office until 1999 and resigned from his post following a no-confidence motion by a split in the Congress party. In 2014, he resigned from the primary membership of the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the general election and Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly election. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Finance minister Arun Jaitley is unlikely to be in the national capital to present this years Interim Budget on February 1 as he has developed another serious ailment for which he will likely undergo surgery in the United States, as per media reports on Wednesday. Jaitley was to present his sixth and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments last Budget on February 1 --- the last one before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Sources said the decision to undergo surgery was a complicated one because Jaitley had undergone a kidney transplant last year. Any fresh surgery, accompanied by chemotherapy, would be a strain on the kidneys, which are still in the process of being accepted by his body. Officially, the finance minister has said he is going on personal leave for two weeks to New York, as reported by The Wire. Jaitley had already left for New York on Sunday for treatment of soft tissue cancer in his thigh, a type of a tumour which can spread to other parts of the body quickly. The finance minister had unexpectedly left for the US for a medical check-up relating to his kidney ailment, sources had said on Tuesday. Jaitley, who had undergone a renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018, had not travelled abroad in the past nine months. He was scheduled to attend 10th India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue in London in April last year, but had cancelled his visit due to his kidney ailment. Sources said he left for the US on Sunday night for a medical check-up. Read More | Finance Minister Arun Jaitley leaves for US for medical check up Though it is supposed to be an Interim Budget, it is widely expected that his speech would have been full-length Budget speech. Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS last year in early April following which he underwent dialysis. He had a renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018. Jaitleys post-operative recovery was being closely monitored by a team of transplant surgeons, pulmonologist, nephrologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist and critical care experts among others. In his absence, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was given the additional charge of Finance Ministry on May 14. Jaitley, 66, who had stopped attending office at the beginning of April, and was back in North Block - the seat of Finance Ministry - on August 23. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. highlights Kharge alleged that the BJP is trying to destabilise Karnataka government. A Congress Legislature Party meeting has been called on January 18. BJP's Karnataka MLAs have been camping at a resort in Haryana. New Delhi: Amid reports that seven Congress MLAs, holed up in a luxury hotel in Mumbai, may resign from the ruling coalition government in the Karnataka, senior party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that there was no crisis for the government in the state. However, he alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party is trying to destabilise the government. The Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is stable and strong and will continue to be so. The BJP is trying to destabilise the government, the leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha said. Two lawmakers on Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old government led by HD Kumaraswamy amid charges of horse-trading levelled against each other by the ruling coalition and the BJP. The lawmakers who have withdrawn their support are H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (Karnataka Pragnyavanta Janata Paksha). The Congress suspects that some of its lawmakers have been secretly in the Powai-based hotel by BJP leaders. Many journalists and Congress workers were seen in the vicinity of the hotel, searching for the "missing" Congress MLAs on Tuesday. To discuss all this development and decide a future course of action, a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting has been called on January 18 in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the BJP's Karnataka MLAs have been camping at a resort in Haryana in an effort to thwart any poaching attempt by the ruling JDS-Congress coalition. "The entire confusion has been created by the BJP. Was that really required? They did it brazenly throwing morality and ethics to the wind. It is shameful and disgusting," Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao said. In the 224-member Karnataka Assembly, the BJP has 104 members, Congress 80 (including Assembly Speaker KR Ramesh Kumar), Kumaraswamys JD (S) has 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each. BSP is supporting the coalition government. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: The much-awaited, crime-infused series, Sacred Games finally begins its second season shoot. The first season which ended in a cliff-hanger now will also see more thrills and chills in the second season with Pankaj reportedly having a more prominent role. According to sources, Tripathi has joined the team of Sacred Games along with Saif Ali Khan who was already in the country for a vacation with his family for New Years and for the shoot of the second season. Read | Salman Khan-Katrina Kaifs Bharat teaser to be out on January 26? As per sources, Pankaj Tripathi who was seen in a brief but prominent role of Guruji, will reportedly finish his first international schedule in Cape Town and then resume the remaining shoots in Mumbai. Speaking about his character, he had earlier told PTI, My character was kind of kept hidden. I shot for the series for just one day after the main shooting was over. They thought Lets bring this character into the light. Initially, that was not the plan. Something happened that they didnt announce this differently and I am not someone who likes tom-tomming. It was a small role in the beginning, so we did not promote it as if it were a main one in the first season. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane and Anurag Kashyap, Sacred Games season 2 will be releasing in later part of 2019. For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A 30-year-old businessman has been arrested for allegedly gangraping a girl with his two accomplices in a stationary car near a mall in east Delhi. According to reports, the girl was gangraped after being offered juice laced with sedatives. The incident came to light when a passerby saw the girl crying and informed the police. The police have registered a case of rape against Amit on the complaint of the survivor and are now interrogating him to establish the role and identify his two friends. "The police reached the spot and arrested the girl's friend. We are investigating the role of Amit's friends in the crime who are at large," Deputy Commissioner of Police Meghna Yadav was quoted as saying by a news agency. During the initial investigation, the police found that the businessman, who is a native of Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat, met the girl through a common friend some two months ago. Amit befriended the girl on promises of helping her to get a home loan at a cheaper rate. The girl had called Amit for a meeting on Monday. During the meeting, according to the girl's statement, Amit who was accompanied by two of his friends - gave her juice laced with sedatives. After she fell unconscious, she was gangraped by the accused. On her complaint, the Delhi police has arrested her friend, later identified as Amit. The other two accused are at large and police have formed teams to conduct a search operation. For all the Latest Crime News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. highlights Shiv Sena says the BJP committed a "sin" by aligning with Mehbooba Mufti. It has also asked the BJP to refrain from taking political mileage from the case. The Delhi Police had filed a charge sheet in a court against Kanhaiya. New Delhi: The Shiv Sena has said on Wednesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no moral right to criticise student leader Kanhaiya Kumar who has been charged with sedition, after teaming up with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP committed a "sin" by aligning with People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, it said, claiming that she considered Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as a martyr. The Sena has also asked the BJP to refrain from taking political mileage from the sedition case against Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union. In an editorial published in party's mouthpiece 'Saamana', Sena said "The BJP committed the biggest sin of aligning with Mehbooba Mufti, who considers Afzal Guru a freedom fighter and a martyr. Now the BJP, for its own benefit, should not try and take political mileage out of the sedition case filed against Kanhaiya." The Delhi Police had on Monday filed a charge sheet in a court against Kanhaiya Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus in February 2016. If the allegations against Kanhaiya are not true, they will not stand in court, said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. "Kanhaiya Kumar speaks well. Since he represents the harried and unemployed youth, he cannot give slogans hailing Afzal Guru or independence for Kashmir. Anyway, what moral right does the BJP have to condemn Kanhaiya Kumar?" it asked. The Sena wondered if the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, was unable to win elections in JNU as voting there was not held through the electronic voting machines (EVMs). "Maharashtra BJP minister Girish Mahajan recently claimed he will show his 'magic' wherever he is sent and make sure his party wins polls. We request the BJP to send him to JNU to defeat the anti-nationals there. But tell him that elections in JNU are not held through EVMs," it said in sarcastic remarks. (With agency inputs) New Delhi: The Jadavpur University has today divested professor Kanak Sarkar from all duties with immediate effect post his controversial remarks in his Facebook post. On Sunday, professor Kanak Sarkar stoked a major controversy by making comments on virginity of women on Facebook and later defending his remarks. International Relations' professor Kanak Sarkar had likened a woman's virginity to a "sealed bottle" or "packet" in a Facebook post on Sunday, triggering a furore on social media and academic circles. Also Read| Virgin girl is like sealed bottle: Kolkata professors sexist Facebook post goes viral Though he was quick to delete the post, screenshots of it went viral. The students' unions on Tuesday submitted memorandums to JU Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das, demanding strict action against Sarkar. The professor, in his post, wrote: "Are you willing to buy a broken seal while purchasing a bottle of cold drink or a packet of biscuits? It is the same case with your wife. Jadavpur University professor Kanak Sarkar who made controversial remarks in a Facebook post has been divested of his duties with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/OlmdshSSUI ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 "A girl is biologically sealed from birth until it is opened. A virgin girl means many things accompanied as values, culture, sexual hygiene. To most boys, virgin wife is like angel." Facing criticism from all quarters, a defiant Sarkar appeared to justify his comments, asserting it was intended for "fun" among a social media group of friends and "not for public consumption". "Someone took a screenshot of the post and forwarded it, which triggered the response. I did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiment or insult any woman," he said. He also said according to a Supreme Court order every individual is entitled to express his opinion. The JU Arts Faculty Students Union leader Debraj Debnath told PTI that both the AFSU and the Students' Federation of India (SFI) have submitted separate memorandums against the professor to the VC for the "sexist post". "It is their democratic right to submit memorandum against me to the authorities. But, I should be allowed to explain my stand," Sarkar said. A student of his department alleged that Sarkar made similar "sexist comments" on social media in the past as well. "During classes, he had created an uncomfortable situation for woman students. We don't feel secure in his presence in the department," she said. The International Relations Department of the varsity will also appeal to the VC for action against him, she added. The vice-chancellor was not available for comments. (With agency inputs) HIGHLIGHTS Washington: India-born Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of global beverage giant PepsiCo, is being considered by the White House for the new World Bank president, according to a leading American daily. Nooyi, 63, stepped down as PepsiCos chief last August after leading the company for 12 years. She has been courted as an administration ally by Ivanka Trump, the presidents eldest daughter who is playing a role in the selection of a nominee, The New York Times said. The report, which cited several people familiar with the process, said the decision-making process for the top post at the World Bank is fluid and in its initial stages and early front-runners and candidates often fall off the radar, or withdraw from consideration, before the president (Donald Trump) makes his ultimate pick. It is unclear whether Nooyi would accept the nomination if chosen by the Trump administration. The first daughter, who has tweeted that she views Nooyi as a mentor + inspiration, has floated her name as a potential successor. World Banks current president Jim Yong Kim had earlier this month announced that he would step down from his post in February to join a private infrastructure investment firm. His unexpected departure came nearly three years before the end of his term. The NYT report said that the process of choosing Kims successor is being overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Ivanka, whose role in the process was announced by the White House Monday. Read More | Indian-origin White House deputy spokesman Raj Shah quits Trump administration Ivankas role in the process drew some criticism from ethics watchdogs Monday, which said it could pose a conflict of interest for the presidents daughter to be involved in international economic matters when she has not completely divested from her assets, the report said. The group was expected to begin the interview process Tuesday, in order to present President Trump with recommendations for a nominee. Nooyi joined Trumps business council, which was disbanded after many chief executives quit following the presidents comments blaming many sides for white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, in August 2017. The report, however, added that negative comments made by Nooyi after the 2016 election, during which she did not publicly endorse any candidate, are seen as a potential roadblock to her nomination. Following Trumps win, she said at the NYTs DealBook conference in 2016 that Our employees are all crying. And the question that theyre asking, especially those who are not white: Are we safe? Women are asking: Are we safe? LGBT people are asking: Are we safe? I never thought Id have had to answer those questions. A spokesman for PepsiCo had told Fortune magazine that Mrs. Nooyi misspoke. She was referring to the reaction of a group of employees she spoke to who were apprehensive about the outcome of the election. She never intended to imply that all employees feel the same way. Other candidates being considered for the position of World Bank head are undersecretary of the Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass and president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Ray Washburne. The US president cannot install the World Bank leader, who must be approved by the banks board, but has traditionally placed his nominee in the job. Trump has already faced harsh criticism for appointing his daughter as a senior White House advisor. Ivanka is a successful businesswoman, fashion designer, author and reality television personality. She has her own line of fashion items, including clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories which are available in all major US departmental stores. For all the Latest Business News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Please purchase a subscription read this premium content. If you have a subscription, please sign up for a digital website account or log in. A frog, thought to be the loneliest in the world, may have found love. Romeo is a Sehuencas water frog and is thought to be the last of his kind. He has lived in isolation in an aquarium in Bolivia for ten years. But now, luckily for Romeo, scientists think they may have found his Juliet. In an expedition to a remote forest in Bolivia, a team of herpetologists have found five more Sehuencas water frogs in a stream. She says cannabis products are the only thing that has provided her with relief through the constant pain she endures. "The only treatments in New Zealand are opioid medications but I had severe reactions to everything they tried to put me on." She has been given a prescription to use a small amount of medicinal cannabis, but it comes at a huge cost. "It's about $500 for 25ml, which lasts me between 6 and 10 days," she says. Canada legalised marijuana for medical use in 2001, and Ms Hill hopes travelling there will give her more freedom to use the drug in ways not yet available in New Zealand. "I'll be able to do a lot more because there's more freedom there to play around with the effects of cannabis products that aren't available in New Zealand. "I started researching clinics in Canada a couple of years ago and it became more and more appealing to me to get over there, it's ticking something off my bucket list." Doctors have cleared her for travel, but Ms Hill says she was told she'd have to go as soon as possible to minimise the risks of such a long-haul flight. A Givealittle page was set up on Sunday to help with travel and medical costs, and has raised over $20,000. Ms Hill says she's humbled by the support from friends, family, and complete strangers. "I'm speechless. The generosity of people is the reason why I continue to put one foot in front of the other; I feel the love so much." Her mother, Jo Hill, intends to travel with Ruby to Canada, and says the generosity of the donations has been "phenomenal". She said she was incredibly proud of her daughter for fighting through the misdiagnoses and the illness itself. "I have seen her suffer through unimaginable things but she's always stayed a strong, intelligent, articulate young woman. "Some days we would get home from the hospital and I would be exhausted and Ruby, who had been through so much more, was still strong and still fighting." Footage shows the rowdy tourists who've caused havoc around New Zealand pulling the finger, hiding, and almost being hit by a car on Wednesday outside the Hamilton District Court. A 26-year-old woman, who is part of the group of 12 tourists, appeared in court today accused of stealing rope, energy drinks and sunglasses from a Caltex station in Albany. Tina Maria Cash pleaded guilty to the offence and was ordered to pay $55.20 in reparations by 4pm on Wednesday. Two supporters joined the accused at the courthouse. One, a young boy, was filmed pulling the finger and yelling at media, while the other hid her face under a jacket. All three left the courthouse trying to obscure their faces with paper and clothing, facing yells of, "Did you have a good holiday?" and "Why'd you steal a Red Bull?" from the public. Eager to avoid the questions and heckling, they walked straight into the path of an oncoming car, the driver having to brake suddenly and honking their horn in response. The trio then left quickly, running away from reporters. Newshub. The antics of a tourist family have outraged the country over the last few days, and now Kiwis are fighting back with a powerful weapon: memes. After being filmed littering and threatening other members of the public at Takapuna Beach on Sunday, the group of around 12 people has been accused of wreaking havoc across the North Island. From allegedly refusing to pay restaurant bills to causing trouble in a Hamilton Burger King, the travellers (who claim to be from England) have dominated headlines and infuriated New Zealanders. Now the tourists have become the subjects of a series of memes poking fun at the bad behaviour they've been accused of during their short but eventful stay. One particular moment that was captured on camera has inspired several inventive memes. In video taken at Takapuna Beach, an aggressive young boy in an oversized Bunnings sunhat is seen confronting a woman after she asked the family to pick up their rubbish. He demands to know what she said to his uncle (who can be seen lounging against a car in the background) and threatens to "knock your brains out". A variation on the versatile 'Distracted Boyfriend' meme, posted to Facebook page 'the Controversial Kiwi', memorialises the now-infamous moment. A leading Irish figure has slammed media reporting of a group of rowdy tourists as Irish, and says the group's actions have distracted from larger issues. The group of tourists have been accused of leaving a trail of destruction across Auckland and Hamilton - including littering at Takapuna Beach; allegedly abusing beachgoers; fleeing restaurants without paying bills; and causing damage to an apartment building. One of the tourists, Tina Maria Cash, was convicted on Wednesday of two charges related to the theft of rope, energy drinks and sunglasses from an Auckland Caltex, and ordered to pay reparations. The tourists were originally reported as Irish travellers, with many on social media commenting upon their accents as sounding Irish while reports surfaced of the family telling locals they were Ireland residents. However, NZME later reported that members of the group instead identified as English. Now, Niamh McMahon, Ireland's honorary consul general to New Zealand, has criticised reporting of the group as Irish and what she calls racist remarks from people on social media levelled at the group's behaviour. As reports of the group's behaviour at Takapuna Beach surfaced, Ms McMahon told Newshub the consulate's Facebook page began receiving comments from Irish people apparently embarrassed by the group's actions while others made "racial slurs" towards the ethnic group. "That is unacceptable and it's quite hurtful to the local community here, who contribute greatly to the New Zealand community and have a strong presence here, and between two countries that have very strong relationships." However, as the story unfolded and reports of the tourist's Irish background were questioned, commenters began asking why they were judged to be Irish. "Short of seeing people's passports, to say that they are Irish or they are from the UK or whatever, is not known fact," she said. "Their nationalities really shouldn't have come into it. "There are many people who live in New Zealand that don't sound like your traditional Kiwi person... We've had people belong to ethnic communities who are as Kiwi as you get, but don't speak the same... we've got to be very careful about that." While many online have commented that the group's accents clearly sound Irish, Ms McMahon said the group was large and members could come from different areas. "We could delve into a dangerous area by trying to judge people by the way they speak," said Ms McMahon. "I think judging people by their accent, putting an ethnicity on them, and identifying certain traits that might go with that ethnicity is dangerous stuff. It is wrong, it is outright wrong." The rowdy group of tourists who littered at Takapuna Beach, abused beach-goers, and allegedly ripped restaurants off, can apparently add stealing a piece of a Caltex petrol station's Christmas to their list of Kiwi adventures. On Wednesday, Tina Maria Cash, one of the tourists, was convicted after pleading guilty to stealing rope, energy drinks and sunglasses from an Albany Caltex store over two visits. But according to staff at the petrol station, they had seen the hecklers before after the group struck in early December, stealing a Christmas tree and other items. CCTV footage captures the moment a group exits the store, with a child appearing to be carrying the Christmas tree. At the Hamilton District Court on Wednesday, one of Cash's friends told media she had committed the thievery because "she felt like it". Dipesh Patel, who works at the Caltex, told Newshub the group seemed to have the confidence and courage to "just do it... they don't care". "[Cash] took a full pack of Red Bull and one of the child took the sunglasses and something else... a rope as well." Cash has been ordered to pay $55.20 in reparations. On Tuesday, members of the group were served with a deportation liability notice. If they are deported, the group face being banned from New Zealand for five years. Newshub. OPINION: The rowdy UK tourists' campaign of abuse and harassment across New Zealand has been cut short after the group was served a deportation notice. It came as a shock to the group of undesirables, who claimed they came to New Zealand to see "the Hobbits". But while they failed to make it to Hobbiton, here are five places the rowdy tourists would've perhaps felt more comfortable: Huntly The New Zealand Government is warning exporters to prepare themselves for a rough ride after UK lawmakers rejected UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal on Wednesday. The defeat of Ms May's plan, which was voted down 432 votes to 202, is fuelling uncertainty for Kiwi businesses - including wine company Villa Maria, which is doing all it can to avoid disaster as its largest export market enters into confusing times. "For us it has definitely [made things more uncertain], it's more or less thrown up a lot more complexity," said David Roper, a Villa Maria winemaker. As it becomes harder to predict the future of the UK market, and the rules it will play by, the company is preparing for the worst-case scenario - a no deal Brexit. That could mean backlogs at British ports and customs. "We've been bottling recently 24/7 I guess, to have a lot more stock on hand." But it won't only be Villa Maria concerned, with Britain being New Zealand's fifth largest trading partner. Last year, Brits spent almost $1 billion in Aotearoa, and we export $1.6 billion-worth of goods like wine, meat and fruit there. That's why the Government is warning Kiwi companies to prepare for "any" outcome. "It's unfortunate this situation has occurred to create that uncertainty, but the best we can do is what we can control, which is our own preparation," said Finance Minister Grant Robertson. New Zealand is also continuing to seek a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, which could happen sooner rather than later after today's vote. "It potentially brings forward the prospect of a future FTA between Britain and New Zealand but under circumstances that are not clear," said trade expert Stephen Jacobi. But if a Brexit deal is struck, it would be at least two years before New Zealand could strike a trade deal. Villa Maria says it's still hoping the Brits will be their biggest market for years to come. "It is a significant market for us, so any major changes impact the whole New Zealand wine industry," said Mr Roper. Newshub. The Auckland Pride Board has ditched its annual Pride Parade plans and replaced the event with a low-key walk across the city. The board said last month the annual Pride Parade would still go ahead, after controversy around its decision to ban police from marching in their uniforms. It appears the parade has now been replaced with a Pride Walk, set to take place on February 9, starting at Albert Park in Auckland Central. The walk is listed among other events by Auckland Pride as part of its 2019 Auckland Pride Festival line-up. Other events include Big Gay Out on February 10 as well as music performances and cultural gatherings throughout the month. The controversy around Auckland Pride traces back to a decision by the board in November not allow New Zealand Police to wear uniforms at the 2019 Auckland Pride Parade - an annual march down Ponsonby Rd that was set to take place on 16 February. New Zealand Police Senior District Liaison Officer Tracy Phillips said police officers were extremely disappointed by the board's decision, telling Newshub at the time if police are not welcome in uniform, then "we're not going to force ourselves on anybody". The board told police officers they must wear T-shirts instead of their uniforms, which is when Ms Phillips says she made the call that the police would no longer attend the parade. Gillette's latest ad aims to challenge toxic masculinity, but it's being labelled the latest attack in a "war against men" by some. The shaving brand's classic slogan of "The best a man can get" has been subverted in the new advertising campaign to "The best a man can be". Gillette says on its website it was time brands acknowledged the role they played in influencing culture. "As a company that encourages men to be their best, we have a responsibility to make sure we are promoting positive, attainable, inclusive and healthy versions of what it means to be a man," it said. R Kelly's 2019 New Zealand concert will not go ahead as planned, following a public outcry regarding the controversial rapper's history of sex abuse allegations. The 'Ignition' hitmaker was due to perform at Auckland's Trusts Arena on Feburary 15, but the contract has since been cancelled, the venue confirmed to Newshub. Australian promoters Big Music Tour told the Sydney Morning Herald that they'd booked an Australasian tour with R Kelly, despite his claims the tour was fake. "However, given the current situation in R Kelly's personal life and the controversy surrounding him, the promoters have decided not to move forward and are focusing on other events," they said. The King of R&B tour was announced late last year, sparking outrage amongst Kiwis, including choreographer Paris Goebbels, who slammed radio station Flava for their support of the show. "Please tell me it's a joke - R Kelly is having a show in Auckland and @FlavaRadio is hosting him?," she wrote on social media. The NZME station later announced via Twitter that they had cut ties with the show after receiving a raft of negative feedback. The Amazing Spider-Man: Ultimate Edition review Months after the film left theaters, the Amazing Spider-Man game makes its way to the Wii U. Is it any better after all that extra time... GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Best Guardians of the Galaxy comic book stories of all time feature The Guardians of the Galaxy are fan-favorite Marvel characters - and these ten stories are a great place to get into their comics Catch up on local news with our roundup of top 5 headlines of the week, and learn how you can get unlimited access to these stories and more here. There was just something about this one, with the points, she says of the black-and-white detailing. Points are really challenging. Points are really hard. I wanted to do something that was a challenge. Bower created her own pattern for the frock based on Delaunays original design. But because the sketch was only of the front of the dress, Bower took some artistic liberty, creating a silk chiffon cape that cascades down into a train. Its a very 1920s style, she says, when capes often were attached at the shoulder of dresses. She expects the dress to be under a bit more scrutiny than the pieces she creates for the colleges theater productions. They arent seen up-close by audience members, while this dress will be in the middle of a gallery where patrons can inspect every stitch. Im having to do a lot more hand-sewing and a lot more careful details, Bower says. Its fitting, as Delaunay was known for her extraordinarily precise embroidery work, says Rothermel, who calls Bowers dress incredible. I think it will really make her designs come to life. People will see not only a practical aspect [of her work] but a painterly [one]. As the Times noted in its profile, King has supported political figures abroad who have anti-Semitic leanings and neo-Nazi ties. In his response statement, King said he condemns anyone who supports the ideology that led to the Holocaust. So thats something. In years past, however, he did display a Confederate flag in his office an odd and telling choice of decor for a man born and raised in Iowa, where the trees are not draped with Spanish moss and the atmosphere is not suffused with Lost Cause nostalgia. Here is part of what King said last year to a right-wing Austrian website: When I made a statement on Twitter saying, We cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies, it seemed to be more irritating to the left than anything I have ever said. First of all, the total fertility rate in Europe is below replacement rate. When that happens, you are a dying civilization. ... If we continue to abort our babies and import a replacement for them in the form of young violent men, we are supplanting our culture, our civilization. The idea of replacement is a cornerstone of white supremacist ideology. The Gift: Joel Edgertons disquieting goatee. Green Room: Punks. Nazis. Extreme knife violence. Hush: A deaf woman is tormented by a masked killer, and uses her disability as a weapon. I Know What You Did Last Summer: I still know what you did last summer. It Follows: One of the best horror movies since Blair Witch Project, an 80s nostalgia piece with an ingeniously scary premise: monster as venereal disease. Jason Goes to Hell: The title is kind of a spoiler. The Monster: Zoe Kazan stars as an ambivalent mother trying to save her daughter from a monster after her car breaks down on a deserted road. The Nightmare: A horror-hued documentary about the terror of sleep paralysis. Piranha 3D: The director of High Tension makes a dumb, cheesy, gory and irresistible remake of the Joe Dante classic. Virginia's law barring sex with an animal was upheld by the Virginia Court of Appeals on Tuesday in a case appealed from Pittsylvania County Circuit Court. A three-judge panel of the court affirmed the 2017 conviction of Arthur Anderson Warren for soliciting another person "to carnally know a brute animal or to submit to carnal knowledge with a brute animal." According to the appeals court's 13-page ruling, in October 2016, Warren used his cellphone to record video encounters he had with a woman and her dog. In 2017 while Warren was talking to a deputy sheriff about another matter, he asked the deputy if "bestiality type stuff" was legal and described the cellphone videos. The deputy contacted an investigator and a search warrant was obtained before the videos were removed from Warren's phone. He was convicted in an August 2017 trial before Judge Stacey W. Moreau. Online court records show he was sentenced to four years with three years and 10 months suspended. Warren appealed, arguing the Virginia law is unconstitutional because it violated his due process rights. He argued that that the videos showed nothing more than "private sexual conduct of consenting individuals." Life expectancy of Chinese has increased by half a year thanks to improved air quality, according to statistics recently published by the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago University (EPIC). China's war on air pollution in recent years has paid off. In2016, concentration of PM2.5 (or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5mm or less) has dropped by 12 percent compared with 2013, EPIC Director Michael Greenstone told Science and Technology Daily on Wednesday. As part of the global effort to combat air pollution, China's anti-pollution campaign has added six months to its people's lives, according to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) released by EPIC. The AQLI is a measurement designed by EPIC to quantify the causal relationship between long-term human exposure to particulate pollution and life expectancy. Henan province for example, one of the most polluted areas in China, has seen its PM2.5 concentration reduced by 20 percent from 2013 to 2016, meaning that residents' lives could extend by 1.3 years. Particulate pollution is the single greatest threat to human health globally, according to a report published by EPIC in September, with its effect on life expectancy exceeding that of severe communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, behavioral killers like smoking and even war. Seventy-five percent of the global population, or 5.5 billion people, live in areas where particulate pollution exceeds WHO guidelines. The guidelines stipulate that the annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 10 micrograms per cubic meter. According to EPIC's research, Chinese people's lifespan would increase by three years if the country met WHO guidelines. The Chinese government since 2013 has taken a series of measures to reduce air pollution, such as curbing pollution by industrial enterprises, cutting coal consumption, and improving emergency responses to heavy pollution weather. Robert O'Keefe, vice-president of the US Health Effects Institute, told Science and Technology that China's efforts to address air pollution has brought substantial health benefits to the public, with incidences of premature death and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases decreased. One is Kevin Lahmers, a veterinary pathologist who is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Lahmers in, conjunction with the USDA, is studying if an invasive tick is spreading a parasitic pathogen that was discovered last year in cattle in the United States. The parasite, Theileria orientalis, is invasive and can cause anemia and death in livestock, Lahmers said. Scientists are unsure how the parasite is spreading, though an invasive tick discovered in Virginia last year could be the culprit. Lahmers has spent nine months researching with USDA to determine if the tick spreads the parasite and was hoping for a conclusion before the spring when the ticks will become active again, he said. Tests were being conducted at a USDA facility in Washington state, but are now halted during the shutdown. Now, the timeline for figuring out if the ticks spread the parasite is unclear. Everything is in a holding pattern, Lahmers said. If the shutdown ends soon, the experiment will be able to continue and will likely be OK, Lahmers said. He stressed that government employees missing out on paychecks are having a more difficult time than him at the moment. Last November, Lakin Gabel left her 3-month-old son behind to head to work in Williamsburg. But she never got there. While the 21-year-old new mom was driving, she started Snapchatting and lost control of her vehicle. On Wednesday, Roxanne Gable held up the last Snapchat selfie her daughter ever took as she joined Virginia lawmakers in Richmond to support hands-free driving legislation that would ban drivers from holding a cellphone for any reason. Our mission, obviously is to get this bill passed, said Tabitha Clark, Lakin Gabels cousin. Under current law, what Lakin Gabel was doing that day wasnt illegal. The law says drivers cant use their phones for emails or texts, but it isnt broad enough to cover the multitude of things people can do on their phones in the age of social media and live video streaming. A bipartisan group of lawmakers wants to change that by passing a hands-free driving law that would allow police to stop anyone holding a phone while driving. Violations would be treated as a traffic action punishable by a $125 fine. Fines would increase to $250 for subsequent violations or violations in a highway work zone. The bill includes some exceptions for dashboard-mounted phones, allowing drivers to use phone-based GPS navigation as long as they're not holding the device. Personally Ive spent thousands of dollars for an eight-foot fence, Dawson said. I dont see why we should limit anyones fences. Burdette said although the zoning ordinance needed to be updated, he felt the commission should not recommend taking out any height requirements. By doing this we are telling people that they can build an 80-foot-tall fence on their property if they want to, Burdette said. If this is passed someone is going to put a 20-foot fence between their house and their neighbors house before too long. Mays said a property owner should be able to construct any type of fence on their property. I dont care how high they build it, Mays said. Thats why God made drones if the police need to see the other side of the fence. The change to the fencing ordinance was one of six zoning ordinance amendments the commission voted to recommend to the Bedford County Board of Supervisors during Tuesdays meeting. Mitchell said planning staff has been working on zoning ordinance revisions to address concerns the department has seen through implementing an ordinance, changes to the Code of Virginia or listening to concerns from residents and business owners in Bedford County. Barron, WI (54812) Today Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low 59F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. The U.S. Department of Defense has turned to the University of Nebraska to jumpstart the development of drug therapies to protect military service members from the effects of radiation exposure. In an environment where for-profit pharmaceutical companies are often reluctant to embark upon financially risky drug discovery efforts, the unique four-pronged partnership established by the university and the Department of Defense could shorten the U.S. military's wait for drugs that prevent and counteract the effects of radiation exposure. "It's an exciting collaboration among the federal government, our state university and two of its premier research campuses -- University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln -- and consultants from private pharma who are Nebraska alumni," said David Berkowitz, professor of chemistry. This team operates under the auspices of the university's National Strategic Research Institute, one of 13 university-affiliated research centers. Nebraska has the lone research center entrusted by the military to work on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. "This research represents the broad capacity of the University of Nebraska and its alumni consultants to tackle potentially hazardous radiation exposures around the world," said Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert Hinson, founding executive director of the National Strategic Research Initiative. The University of Nebraska project for the Defense Health Agency, and in collaboration with Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, has reached a second increment -- potentially awarding nearly $11 million in federal funding over the next five years. Nebraska researchers will look for therapeutics candidates the U.S. military would need to protect troops from radiation in case of exposure, as in a nuclear accident or a nuclear weapons incident. Leveraging the full, collaborative strength of a united university system -- multiple campuses, a network of successful alums -- directed by the Department of Defense, is something new for the university. "I've never been involved with anything like that before," Berkowitz said. "This team came together as a joint vision between the team leadership and our (Department of Defense) funders and it's pretty unusual across the country to see such a public-private-government partnership." In fact, the university hopes this opens the door to continued partnership with private pharma in the longer term, through identifying and developing therapeutic candidates that have dual-purposing potential, Berkowitz said. Berkowitz is co-primary investigator of the project, with Ken Bayles, professor of pathology and microbiology at UNMC. Bayles said if private pharmaceutical companies are leaving a gap, the University of Nebraska is eager to step in. "We've pitched this concept to develop a virtual pharmaceutical company, a drug development pipeline that would coordinate the activities of all the expertise we have across all of our campuses and develop capabilities to move molecules forward for drug development," he said. Handfuls of NU's top scientists will work on medicinal chemistry, metabolomics and bioinformatics in order to move potential drug candidates toward clinical trials. "We'll be coordinating all of these aspects like a pharmaceutical company does," Bayles said. "If we do it right, this pipeline concept is an opportunity to build the economy in Nebraska, build the pharmaceutical industry in Nebraska." Berkowitz said the new multi-pronged, multi-campus team is complex, but, "it's working pretty well." "We are extremely proud to be affiliated with this research and the impact it can have for the Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency and other agencies as well," Lt. Gen. Hinson said. Consultants from pharmaceutical industry will advise Nebraska scientists on the drug development effort. Collaborators include the following University of Nebraska scientists, who bring key expertise to the project to establish a drug development pipeline that could speed the process of developing new drugs at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute to counteract the effects of radiation exposure: * Samuel Cohen, UNMC, toxicology. * Patrick Dussault, UNL, synthetic chemistry. * Babu Guda, UNMC, bioinformatics. * Tomas Helikar, UNL, computational systems biology. * DJ Murry, UNMC, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogentics. * Rebecca Oberley-Deegan, UNMC, radiation therapeutics. * Robert Powers, UNL, metabolomics. Additionally, multiple University of Nebraska alums, all doctoral scientists, with current or former experience in private pharma, also are involved. This experienced consultant team includes Eugene Cordes of Philadelphia (honorary degree, UNL, 2009), Norton Peet, Holland, Mich. (Ph.D., UNL, chemistry, 1970), Kevin Woller, Antioch, Ill. (Ph.D., UNL, chemistry , 1996), Chad Briscoe, Overland Park, Kan. (Ph.D., UNL, chemistry, 2009), Ryan Hartung, Tuscon, Ariz. (B.S., UNL, chemistry, 2000). "They are appreciative of the opportunity to give back to their home institution," said Berkowitz. "They really like the idea of the Lincoln and Omaha campuses collaborating. They really like working for the DoD. There is a patriotic aspect of helping the country and protecting our troops using the tools of biomedical science. "That's something that has made this project special for all of us." Chinese police will redouble their efforts to crack down on various crimes to ensure the security and stability of society ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 5, the Ministry of Public Security said on Tuesday. Since numerous people will use railways or airlines to go home to spend the holiday, it's inevitable that the number of robberies, thefts and other violent crimes will rise, ministry spokesman Guo Lin said. "We will boost efforts to crack down on various crimes, including those involving property, to guarantee the safety of people's lives and property," she said. Since December, according to the ministry, police across the country have dealt with 2,378 cases involving the scalping of train tickets, arrested 2,558 suspects and confiscated 29,449 train tickets and 48,804 fake ones. In addition, police have uncovered 774 cases involving theft and arrested 698 suspects. They have smashed 12 organized gangs and captured 5,000 fugitives. The police have also dealt with 3,000 illegal behaviors, including taking another person's seat and refusing to move when asked, and administratively detained 500 offenders. "We started a two-month special campaign last week at railway stations to fight violent crimes and crimes involving property and ticket scalping to further ensure passengers' safety and satisfaction," said Bai Shaoqiang, deputy director of the ministry's railway bureau. In the campaign, the railway police will work closely with their colleagues from other departments to maintain order at stations, he said. The police will also use dogs and intensify armed patrols in key areas. They will also focus aggressively on ticket scalpers, aiming for five-minute response times, Bai said. Officers will focus on robbery and fraud in an effort to prevent serious cases, and behavior such as ticket scalping and disturbing the peace while drunk will be severely punished, Bai added. Police will also prepare contingency plans to cope with emergencies, including bad weather, equipment failure and stranded passengers, he said. Reconstructive procedures and organ transplants demand nimble fingers that can restore blood flow by stitching together millimeter-scale arteries. It's a tough ask and time-consuming task for even the most skilled surgeon. But a stent full of sugar may help the surgeries go down - in a 3D-printed way. Designed by Nebraska engineer Ali Tamayol and nationwide colleagues, the small sugar-based tube fits inside the adjacent ends of a clipped artery. By sticking to the interiors, the stent holds those ends in place and provides structural support during the precarious sewing process. "One of the plastic surgeons told us about the challenges of this kind of microsurgery - how time-consuming it is, how skill-dependent it is," said Tamayol, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering. The stent-assisted suturing took just five minutes when tested on pig arteries, the team reported, compared with the roughly 15 minutes required of a conventional clamp-based technique. Tamayol said the stent also reduces the risk of a surgeon mistakenly threading through both the top and bottom walls of an artery, which blocks subsequent blood flow. Then, the finish: Minutes after the arteries are sutured, the resuming blood flow dissolves the stent and harmlessly sweeps it away. SWEET'N FLOW In designing the stent, the researchers came up with a checklist of essential properties. It needed some flexibility - too brittle, and it could break during suturing - so the team added a glucose derivative called dextran. It needed enough stickiness to bind with the arteries, which glucose itself provided, plus a large dose of sucrose to help combat blood clotting. And it needed a pinch of sodium citrate to further diminish any chance of clotting when the stent dissolved. The recipe was simple enough. But arteries, like the people who contain them, come in multiple sizes. So the team turned to 3D printing as a means of customizing the stent's diameter to individuals and areas of the body. By dissolving their sugar-based concoction in water and baking the solution until most of the water evaporated, the researchers produced a molten ink that's fluid enough to print but viscous enough to solidify in minutes. Experiments with transparent tubing and pig arteries showed that the stent erodes quickly but steadily when subjected to the flow rate, temperature and salinity of human arteries. The suturing held up, too, with no signs of leakage immediately following the procedure. The researchers eventually plan to test the stent's use in live animal arteries, Tamayol said. And they envision a future in which such stents are printed at hospitals to meet the needs of individual patients. "One thing that I really like about this concept: We are always trying to avoid sugar," Tamayol said. "Everyone knows that sugar is (sometimes) bad. But here we found an application in which it's good." Source: https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/sugary-stent-eases-suturing-of-blood-vessels/ Using X-ray fluorescence at synchrotrons DESY and ESRF, researchers in the Centre d'Etudes Nucleaires de Bordeaux Gradignan (CNRS/Universite de Bordeaux) have demonstrated the consequences of a mutation responsible for a hereditary parkinsonian syndrome: accumulated manganese in the cells appears to disturb protein transport.This work, carried out with colleagues at the University of Texas at Austin (USA), was published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience on January 16, 2018. Parkinsonian syndrome is a set of diseases with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Some are caused by high quantities of manganese, a metal essential to the body at trace levels. This is especially so for a hereditary form of the disease caused by a genetic mutation responsible for a toxic accumulation of manganese in cells. The team of researchers has shown a key mechanism for the disease caused by this mutation. At the DESY synchrotron (Hamburg, Germany), they have been able to locate manganese inside individual cells, using the fluorescent signature it produces underan X-ray beam. Manganese concentrates essentially in the Golgi apparatus, a cellular compartment which acts as a dispatch center for proteins. The proteins receive a label and are accordingly packaged within vesicles to other compartments, or to the outside of the cell. It is in these vesiclesbarely 50 nm in diameterthat manganese accumulates, as the researchers have demonstrated by repeating their experiments in the ESRF synchrotron (The European synchrotron, Grenoble), with even higher sensitivity and spatial resolution. This is the only place in the world where the equipment's spatial resolution and sensitivity were sufficient to detect the minute amounts of manganese in the vesicles. The researchers think that this manganese accumulation disturbs protein export towards the outside of the cell, altering nerve cell function and leading to parkinsonian symptoms. This must still be confirmed by reproducing these experiments with neurons from animal models for this disease, which are being developed. HeLa cells, a widely used model in cell biology, from a tumor. Queen's University have been awarded 6.1 million euros, in collaboration with 11 other global partner universities and institutions, to develop a test to identify harmful chemicals that affect female fertility. The grant is part of a wider research project funded by the European Research and Innovation programme Horizon 2020 to develop highly needed test methods to identify harmful chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors. The tests will be used to address a range of health issues affecting humans, animals and the environment. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that can interfere with hormones and are found in everyday products such as plastics, air fresheners and cosmetics. Without dedicated tests to assess endocrine disruptor properties, it is difficult to gauge the damage these chemicals can have on humans, animals and the environment. Better test methods will help protect the health of humans and the environment. In humans, endocrine disruptors can affect fertility and brain development. Animals can be affected by endocrine disruptors in the environment. For example, male fish are increasingly carrying female eggs caused by the release of endocrine disruptors released by waste water treatment plants. Researchers at Queen's University and Vrije Universiteit, Netherlands have been awarded 6.1 million euros to develop a test on assess how endocrine disruptors can affect a women's fertility (through the FREIA project). Dr Lisa Connolly from the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen's University, co-author on the study explained: "There is surprisingly limited knowledge on this issue. We will investigate how exposure to endocrine disruptors during different hormone-sensitive phases in a woman's life such as the fetal, puberty, and adult stages, can ultimately affect her fertility." The main aim of this project is to develop tests for humans to identify the chemicals that can cause damage to the female reproductive system. Dr Connolly added: "We are delighted to be part of this research project which brings together experts across a number of countries. It is only through developing a test to better understand how these chemicals affect fertility that we will then be in a position to offer solutions." Source: https://www.qub.ac.uk/News/Allnews/QueensUniversityBelfastawarded61millioneurostoaddressfertilityissues.html New collaborative international project, headed by Bar-Ilan University, aims to promote human immunological data storage, integration and controlled sharing to enable personalized medicine The European Union (EU) and the Canadian government have awarded the international iReceptor Plus consortium, which is composed of more than 20 partners, 8.65 million to promote human immunological data storage, integration and controlled sharing for a wide range of clinical and scientific purposes. The four-year project aims to develop an innovative platform to integrate distributed repositories of Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire sequencing (AIRR-seq) data for enabling improved personalized medicine and immunotherapy in cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, allergies and infectious diseases. iReceptor Plus will enable researchers around the world to share and analyze huge immunological datasets taken from healthy and ill patients that have been sequenced and stored in databanks in multiple countries. The project has received 7.85 million from the EU through the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme and an additional 800,000 from the Canadian government. "Most AIRR-seq data is currently stored and curated by individual labs, using a variety of tools and technologies," said Bar-Ilan University Associate Professor Gur Yaari, of the Alexander Kofkin Faculty of Engineering, who is the initiator and coordinator of the iReceptor Plus Project. "The platform will lower the barrier to access and analyze large AIRR-seq datasets and will ease the availability of this important data to academia, industry and clinical partners." Yaari added that iReceptor Plus will advance the understanding of immune responses, and thus provide new targets for therapies and new methods for monitoring therapeutic efficacy. "We will offer a totally new class of biomarkers to support novel treatments," Yaari concluded. "The ability to share and compare AIRR-seq data will also promote the discovery of biomedical interventions that manipulate the adaptive immune system such as vaccines and other immunotherapies." Although data will remain strictly private under the program, the platform's software is free and open source, making it possible for the research community to extend and adapt the tools and technologies used in the project. Database nodes of the iReceptor Plus network will be distributed at several sites to show its effectiveness in the context of both clinical and biopharma use-cases. The iReceptor Plus project is holding its opening conference this week in Eilat, Israel. Our body's cells are constantly changing. But which of these changes are healthy developments and which lead to serious diseases? This is what LifeTime, a new transnational and interdisciplinary initiative of leading European researchers, aims to discover. The consortium is jointly coordinated by the Max Delbruck Center in Berlin and the Institut Curie in Paris, with the Helmholtz Association and the CNRS. It has now cleared an important hurdle: How can we detect the first signs of disease as early as possible? Could closer investigation at the cellular level help to quickly prevent disease progression through appropriate treatment? The European Union is now investing a million euros over a one-year period to devise the plan for a fundamentally new approach to understanding the constant changes within cells and their relationships to one another, thus creating the foundation for the precision medicines of the future. These funds will go to the international LifeTime consortium, which is jointly coordinated by the Max Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and the Institut Curie. The two largest European research organizations - Germany's Helmholtz Association and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France - are playing a major role in the project. More than 120 scientists at 53 institutions in 18 European countries are supporting the LifeTime consortium, as are more than 60 partners from industry. The European Union will concurrently fund the preparation of five other potential research initiatives. After the first year of funding, it will be up to the European Union to decide if any of them will be continued as a large-scale research initiative. Precise therapeutic strategies If a 58-year-old woman experiences a heart attack, there is currently only one option available to her. Physicians will use a cardiac catheter to look for obstructed or narrowed blood vessels and then treat her according to textbook protocols. The procedure might look different in the future: Physicians first take a tiny sample at the site of the heart attack. They then sequence the RNA which is expressed there by the DNA in individual cells, thereby identifying the cell aggregates that have become inflamed and that can either heal the aftereffects of the heart attack or cause additional damage. What is crucial here is the development of innovative technologies that enable scientists to not only analyze cell populations, but also study individual cells in detail. Data gathered this way can be used by physicians to design precise therapeutic strategies. This vision of precision medicine cannot be realized by only gathering human behavioral data from smartphones and wearable microcomputers - so-called wearables. Instead, it requires an understanding of how individual cells in our body change over time. That is because cells are not static components, but rather dynamic units that undergo constant transformation. Even when we are healthy, our cells develop and multiply, form tissues with numerous other cells, acquire new characteristics, or simply age all the time. Such change can be a normal development or lay the foundation for disease. Cells are especially prone to change over the course of the disease process. Unlocking the future: single-cell biology, organoids, and AI LifeTime's research teams bring together cutting-edge technologies and by collaborating within the project and they can significantly push forward their development in Europe. For example, miniature organs grown in the petri dish - so-called organoids - and other innovative system such as new single-cell biology techniques - recently selected as Science's breakthrough of 2018 - play a crucial role here. The organoids derived from patients' stem cells enable the development of personalized disease models. Combined with the genome editing tool CRISPR, as well as state-of-the-art microscopy, and other models they will help scientists understand how cells stay healthy or progress towards disease and react to therapeutics. The experiments - performed using high-throughput methods - generate huge amounts of data. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are therefore required for the analysis. The computational strategies identify patterns in the transformation of cells and can, for example, predict the onset of a disease or how a disease will progress. Together with mathematical models that enable the reconstruction of the cells' past development, it is thus possible to infer how healthy cells become unhealthy cells. The scientists are also searching for central controls that can reverse or even completely prevent disease-causing changes. The proposed groundbreaking initiative brings together not only researchers from the fields of biology, physics, computer science, mathematics, and medicine, but also experts from disciplines such as sociology, ethics, and economics. LifeTime researchers plan to include the public in their work by holding consultations early on to collect wider views and opinions on LifeTime and how it can meet the needs of European society. It is anticipated that the LifeTime initiative will significantly impact the pharma, biotech, and data processing industries, as well as other sectors, while also positively influencing Europe's competitiveness. More than 60 companies, major European research organizations such as the Helmholtz Association in Germany, the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France, the Wellcome Trust in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), and the EU-LIFE Alliance, as well as several national science academies are already supporting LifeTime. "LifeTime is an outstanding project of European pioneers. This interdisciplinary and international cooperation has the potential to raise health research, and thus medical care to a new level. Therefore, we are very pleased that the EU is financing the LifeTime consortium. LifeTime is in the best sense: research for people," says Otmar D. Wiestler, President of the Helmholtz Association. A European vision The consortium will initially receive funding for one year from the EU. During this time it will prepare a detailed plan for a ten-year research initiative. "We want to use single-cell biology to understand how diseases develop, cell by cell, in an organism. That the EU will now support the initiative is wonderful news for the Center," says Martin Lohse, Chairman of the Board of the MDC. "This affirms that we're developing a specialization in a particularly promising area of research - one that can be expected to quickly make its way into clinical medicine." "This is a huge opportunity," says Professor Nikolaus Rajewsky, who heads the MDC's Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology (BIMSB), a hot spot for single-cell analyses. He is one of the two coordinators of the research consortium. "All of LifeTime's members are among the best in their respective fields. They are doing visionary work. We are going to use this year to intensify our collaboration, share our vision and extend our network within Europe and beyond." A launch conference will be held in Berlin from May 6 to 7, 2019, where the consortium's members will introduce LifeTime and share information on how LifeTime plans to strengthen life sciences and healthcare in Europe. The exact diseases the LifeTime initiative will focus on have yet to be selected. Refining the choice of disease will be a priority and will take into account a multitude of factors: "Europe's citizens face a wide variety of medical conditions. During the first year, part of the plan is to determine which diseases are most amenable to our emerging technologies and models," says Genevieve Almouzni, co-coordinator of the project, Research Director at the CNRS and director of the Research Center of the Institut Curie from 2013 to 2018. "We will do this with the aid of citizens, health professionals and policy makers. We foresee, that the diseases could include cancers but also heart diseases, nervous system disorders, or other diseases." A survey from 2018 had found that 2.1 million students from middle and high schools have smoked marijuana at least once. A new study looked at the effects of marijuana or cannabis on the brains of adolescents. The results of the study were published in the latest issue of the Journal of Neuroscience this week. The researchers were alarmed to find that marijuana or cannabis can affect the teenage brains after even a single use. The team of researchers looked at the brains of 46 fourteen year old students from England, Ireland, France and Germany. They noted that those of the participants who had smoked just one or two joints had a higher brain volume compared to the teenagers that did not. The gray matter in these teenagers was larger. This area of the brain is altered with maturity of the brain. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that with aging the brain size normally decreases. The researchers have said that this study shows that marijuana could affect the normal aging process of the brain. Hugh Garavan, lead author of the study and a professor of psychiatry at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, explained that the cortical region of the brain of these teenagers were going through a process of thinning. He said that the normal maturation and pruning process of the brain was being affected by the marijuana. So, one possibility is that the cannabis use has disrupted this pruning process, resulting in larger volumes (i.e., a disruption of typical maturation) in the cannabis users. Another possibility is that the cannabis use has led to a growth in neurons and in the connections between them, he said. Garavan said in a statement, Most people would likely assume that one or two uses (joints) would have no impact, so we were curious to study this and especially to investigate if first uses may actually produce brain changes that affect future behavior like subsequent use. The team accepts that this is a small study with a small number of participants and thus the results should be interpreted carefully. Larger and long term studies are needed to understand the effects of marijuana on the brain and health. Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, a psychoactive component that leads to several problems including slowing of the reaction time, raising heart rates and also affects the short term memory of the individual. As is always the case, more research is needed to replicate these effects, to try to understand the mechanisms, and critically, to unearth what additional factors may identify which cannabis-using kids show these effects and which ones dont, said Garavan. Data from the National Institute of Drug Abuse has said that 32.6 percent of the tenth graders have used marijuana at least once. On the flip side, 10 states in the United States and the District of Columbia have legalized the recreational use of marijuana. It is also being studied in disease conditions such as pain, muscle spasms, seizures, nausea seen with cancer chemotherapy etc. featured Chardon Council OKs asking voters to fix charter 'conflicts' from mayor issue Chardon Council approves asking voters to fix charter 'conflicts' from mayor issue Free access for current print subscribers As a home delivery subscriber, you get free unlimited digital access to news-daily.com including stories, photos, obituaries, e-edition and more on your computer, tablet or phone. All you need is your print subscription account number and your last name. Don't know your subscription number? Email access@news-daily.com with your delivery address. Activate your account now. The head of a criminal gang from Changsha, Hunan province, was sentenced to life imprisonment and confiscation of all property on Tuesday for 15 crimes, including organizing and leading a mafia-style criminal gang, according to the Changde Intermediate People's Court. The leader, Wen Liehong, had gradually accumulated huge wealth since 2002, when he set up casinos in major hotels in Changsha. He organized others to participate in gambling and loaned money at usurious rates, the court said in its verdict. From 2005 to 2009, Wen hired several people to help him collect debts using violence. In 2010, he set up a pawnshop and loaned money at high interest. The next year, the gang grew by recruiting unemployed people, the verdict said. The criminal organization had a strict structure and clear hierarchy, with one leader, three key members, five active participants and 16 other members. When police cracked the organization, they seized cash and property valued at 1.2 billion yuan ($178 million), the court said. They used the illegally acquired wealth to buy weapons, provide housing and travel to its members, and support the organization's survival and development. The organization and its members committed 84 illegal acts, including intentional injury, illegal detention, fighting and forcing others to trade. Their criminal acts resulted in the closure of several private companies and the suicide of a bank chief, which seriously damaged economic and social order, it said. Wen's 15 crimes included fraud, bribery and perjury. The three key members of the gang were sentenced to prison terms of 25 years, 13 years and 11 years. The other 21 defendants will be sentenced later, the court said. The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council released a document in January last year to begin a three-year campaign against criminal organizations. By the end of last year, 1,082 gangs had been eliminated and 1,620 guns had been confiscated. Between January and November, China saw a decline of 27.6 percent in gun-related crimes from the previous year, according to coordinators of the campaign. As gangs and organized crimes are often deeply interwoven with corruption, the campaign would also target local officials who offer protection to the criminals, the document said. In October, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection gave five examples of typical cases of "protective umbrellas" - corrupt officials who shield mafia-style criminal gangs. Names included Zhou Fubo, former director of the Hunan office for Comprehensive Management of Social Security. In December 2014, when Changsha police started investigating Wen, he sought help from Zhou, who was deputy head of the provincial public security department at the time. The two became friends and Zhou gambled regularly in Wen's casinos, the CCDI statement said. In 2015, Zhou ordered the Changsha police to suspend the investigation and coordinated with Wen and the whistleblower. The police subsequently withdrew the case. Zhou was placed under investigation by Hunan's discipline inspection authorities in March 2017. Ran Saiguang, a law professor at National Police University for Criminal Justice, said many gangs have set up companies to conduct illegal activities while concealing their true nature. They typically bribe grassroots officials to get protection. Only by eliminating the corrupt officials who provide shelter for gangsters can the public achieve true happiness and security, Ran said. Spirits were high last Friday night at Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, where members of Water Witch Hose Co. No. 2 in New Milford, their families and guests celebrated the fire departments annual dinner. The dinner featured a cocktail hour, a welcome by president Bill Byrd, the presentation of the chiefs report, the captains report, milestone anniversary pins and the Chiefs Award, dinner and dancing. For more photographs, visit www.newmilfordspectrum.com. The Office of the Child Advocate released a scathing report Wednesday morning on the substandard conditions in state facilities for imprisoned and detained youth and called for an overhaul of the system. The child advocates office found that incarcerated youths, particularly boys who have complex needs and are imprisoned in the adult correctional system, are the most likely to lose meaningful access to education, rehabilitative services and visits with family, and are more likely to to be placed in isolation. In some cases, the report said, the conditions for youth may violate state and federal law. The report details the individual cases of incarcerated youth, including one boy who is confined for 23.5 hours a day with no access to education or adequate mental health services, and another who was restrained face-down and sprayed with a chemical agent despite his asthma diagnosis. The year-long investigation found that minority youth remain disproportionately confined and incarcerated in Connecticuts state-run facilities and that the deeper youth go into the correctional system, the less likely they are to receive any developmentally appropriate programming supports necessary to help youth change their behavior and successfully discharge back to their communities without committing new offenses. Mickey Kramer, the associate child advocate, said Tuesday that the reports findings prove that Connecticut needs a massive overhaul in the way it both evaluates and meets the needs of incarcerated youth. Essentially, we believe there is a moral imperative to address the current circumstances , Kramer continued. When we believe and know that certain things that we do to kids are harmful, weve got to stop doing those things. The report examined the states juvenile detention centers in Bridgeport and Hartford, which are operated by the Judicial Branchs Court Support Services Division; the Manson Youth Institution for boys and the York Correctional Institution for girls, which are Department of Corrections prisons that house minors; and the former Connecticut Juvenile Training School (CJTS), a locked facility for boys that was operated by the state Department of Children and Families until it closed in April 2018. For the full report, click here. The lack of uniform standards across these facilities can place youth and facility staff at risk of harm, the report says, and may result in some cases in violations of state and federal law and deeply concerning conditions of confinement, particularly for minors in the adult prison system. The advocates report said that for incarcerated youth, there are few and in some cases, no universal standards in Connecticut law or agency practices regarding mental health services, the use of isolation or force, strategies to prevent suicide, education, or family engagement. The investigation, which was mandated by the legislature, examined the year between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017 and included a review of records, observations at the facilities, and interviews with youths. The report takes each facility separately and analyzes key issues affecting the youth including suicidal behavior and prevention, the use of restraints and isolation, the availability of rehabilitative programming, access to educational programming, access to family visits and family therapy, and the reporting and prevention of child abuse. Manson Youth Institution The investigators found the most disturbing conditions at Manson Youth Institution. While the prison houses boys and young men up to the age of 21, the child advocate focused on the approximately 55 boys from the ages of 15 to 17. To illustrate how a child with complex needs is not getting needed services, the advocates report told the story of Nathan, an African American teenager from one of Connecticuts urban areas, who was incarcerated at 16 at Manson Youth on multiple felonies at the time of the investigation. Nathans involvement with the justice system began years earlier, however, when he was only 8 years old and the subject of a truancy petition. By age 10, Nathan was placed on juvenile probation after a charge for breach of peace for fighting. A review of Nathans story shows time after time that when he needed or asked for help, he didnt get it or didnt get enough, the report said. Throughout his young life, Nathans family was the subject of more than 16 reports to DCF alleging abuse and neglect of Nathan and other children in the family home. By the time Nathan was 14, he had been incarcerated in juvenile detention five times and showed signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and was struggling with behavioral control, suicidal ideation, peer and staff relationships and frequent refusal to engage in school. He was placed in room confinement or physically restrained many times. Later, he was discharged to CJTS in Middletown, where he was placed on suicide watch several times for threatening to hurt himself or others. He also was placed in restraints and seclusion many times. Nathan was anxious about leaving CJTS and within three months of his discharge he was arrested again and transferred to Manson, where he has continued to struggle with behavioral control, suicidal ideation, and aggression. He has been placed multiple times in restrictive housing at Manson that confines him to his quarters for 23.5 hours per day with no access to school or rehabilitative programming. He has accumulated 70 days in isolation in nine months. Despite Nathans history of mental health needs, the report says, records indicate that over a two-month period, when he was placed in isolation on many occasions, the 17-year-old was seen for brief mental status checks but not for individual therapy or other clinical programming. Nathan is a classic example of a youth who is identified relatively early in childhood, as having complex needs and coming from a complex family, said Kramer. Thats part of what were trying to say. None of the systems that the child touched effectively addressed his unique needs. He went through the criminal justice system over a long period of time with unmet needs. The report also tells the story of Terrance, who was restrained by several officers after refusing to return to his cell at Manson in May 2018. He was sprayed with a chemical agent twice and ultimately restrained in the prone (face down) position, the report says. During the course of being restrained by the officers, the youth swung at staff, striking a staff member. The report said that following the prone restraint and the use of the chemical agent, the youth could be heard on video tape saying repeatedly that he could not breathe and that he had asthma. The advocate said the youths medical record confirmed a diagnosis of asthma and a prescribed inhaler. The report said that corrections staff could be seen in the video, moving the youth briefly to the shower to wash his face off while he salivated and continued to state he was having trouble breathing. At no time during the incident or its aftermath does it appear the youths vital signs were checked and there is no record that the youth was provided with an inhaler, the report says. The initial medical incident report states that no complaints [were] reported by inmate; no marks or injuries noted.' However, the report notes that on video, the youth could be heard telling the mental health clinician that he was afraid he was going to die. The report said that the boys with complex needs who need the most help are counterintuitively most likely to go without it in the adult prison system, leading to devastating impacts that include suicide. If we say that in the schools or hospitals or in treatment settings that isolation and seclusion are harmful practices, how can we think differently just because its a different setting? Kramer asked. Its the practice thats harmful. In its response to the advocate, which was included in the report, the Department of Correction said that it remains committed to working with stakeholders seeking to improve outcomes and conditions of confinement for youth. The DOC noted, however, that its policies and practices are consistent with best practice for adult correctional programs and while they have made some effort to meet the needs of the youngest offenders, the agency believes youth would be better served outside of an adult correction system. The agency also said that the youngest offenders often present with the most challenging behaviors and restrictive measures are used to ensure staff safety and security. Juvenile detention facilities An examination of the states juvenile detention centers, which are located in Bridgeport and Hartford, found that while the Judicial Branch has instituted some developmentally appropriate and progressive policies for youth, facilities operations and compliances remains an urgent priority. During the period reviewed, the Court Support Services Division reported 688 incidents of youth placed on suicide watch status and 41 occurrences where constant observation was needed to support actively suicidal youth. The support services division also reported that, on average, 11.5 percent of incarcerated youth were physically restrained during the investigation period. The report said that while the agencys policy calls for a sparing use of isolation, the child advocate found several examples of physical isolation for behavior management during the period reviewed. The advocate found that the Support Services Division is challenged in meeting treatment needs for youth with profound mental health treatment needs while in custody and whose stays are longer than average. The agency was not able to provide the advocate with data on its rehabilitative and group programming. The report said that the division has since added this to their data management system and will be able to report on it in the future. The report tells the story of Tiffany, a child committed to DCF due to child abuse and sexual assault who was placed in detention several times. As she grew up, the report said, Tiffany moved back and forth between foster homes, residential programs and inpatient treatment and was eventually diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, complex trauma and persistent depression. Tiffany was admitted to detention three times in 2016 and 2017, where she was subject to multiple physical restraints and room confinement. And while Tiffany did have check-ins with mental health staff, the report found that her detention support plan was not a comprehensive treatment plan designed to address her unmet needs and complex trauma history. In its response to the advocate included in the report, the Court Support Services Division leadership reported confidence in its screening and short-term assessment policies and practices, emphasizing that pretrial detention is typically short term has significant limitations regarding mental health treatment and has not been considered a treatment environment. Not all of the youth living in the detention centers are there for the short-term, however. The closure of the Connecticut Juvenile Training School resulted in the transfer of its entire population into the detention centers a population that typically requires longer incarceration and more intensive treatment. The Judicial Branch looks forward to working with the Office of Child Advocate to improve in the areas of the report in which the OCA has identified opportunities for improvement said Gary Roberge, executive director of CSSD, in a statement Wednesday morning, adding that its centers are nationally accredited. The Judicial Branchs Juvenile Residential Services staff do an outstanding job of working with the juveniles we serve each and every day. Help support your local hometown newspaper/website. Independent local news reporting matters. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, for as little as $3, so we can continue to provide independent local reporting on our communities. The lending of a calligraphy masterpiece from the Taipei Palace Museum to a Japanese museum has sparked outrage among Chinese netizens. Ji Zhi Wen Gao, a funeral ode written by master calligrapher Yan Zhenqing from the Tang Dynasty (618-907) to his nephew, will be displayed at the Tokyo National Museum from Jan 16 as part of a calligraphy-themed exhibition, according to a poster published by the museum. It is the first time the artwork, which was lent from the Taipei Palace Museum in Taiwan, will be displayed in Japan. The loan of the calligraphy work, considered one of most precious cultural relics collected in the Taipei Palace Museum, has sparked heated debate on China's social networking platforms. A topic with the hashtag "Ji Zhi Wen Gao" on Sina Weibo has been viewed 230 million times as of Tuesday afternoon. Many netizens criticized the Taipei Palace Museum for loaning such a precious and delicate treasure to Japan. "The words in the calligraphy are full of deep sorrow for the nation and family, and are a symbol of the unyielding national integrity Art goes beyond boundaries, but where is the moral backbone of our nation?" said one netizen called "Xiarishanlan_Cassiopeia". Sun Peiyang, a cultural scholar, said in a video clip published by People's Daily that Ji Zhi Wen Gao has a high aesthetic value for its varied calligraphy styles written when the calligrapher was overwhelmed by sorrow for the death of his nephew who died fighting the rebellions, as well as high value as historical literature which recorded the Yan family's patriotic spirit in turbulent times of the nation. He worried that the delicate paper artwork, which is more than 1,000 years old, will be damaged in the display overseas. Sun said: "Traditionally, paper works are believed to have a life of 1,000 years. So there is a risk that damage might be caused during its exhibition and transportation due to changes in environment such as temperature." According to a report by the Global Times, the Tokyo National Museum said visitors could take photos of the calligraphy works without using a flash, but later changed the statement in another interview, saying photographing would be banned to protect the cultural relic. Taiwan media reports show Ji Zhi Wen Gao had not been put on public display in the island for 10 years before it was lent to the Japanese museum. And the artwork is on a list of 70 precious relics of the Taipei Palace Museum which are subject to strict display restrictions because of vulnerability. Some other experts voiced support for the overseas display of Ji Zhi Wen Gao as a way to promote Chinese culture in other countries. Ling Lizhong, the director of calligraphy and painting of the Shanghai Museum, told paper.cn: "The exchange of cultural relics among museums is normal. The exhibition of Chinese ancient calligraphy works this time at the Tokyo National Museum demonstrates their love and respect for Chinese culture." A staff worker from the Taipei Palace Museum said in the video clip published by People's Daily that cultural relics from Japan will be displayed in the Taipei museum as an exchange, but did not reveal details of the exhibition. Taiwan's Palace Museum houses a great number of national treasures of China, which were transported to the island from the Imperial Palace in Beijing in the turbulent years of the 1930s and 1940s. There have been exchanges among museums across the Taiwan Straits in recent years. In 2011, two halves of the Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains (or Fu Chun Shan Ju Tu), a painting masterpiece from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), reunited at a display at the Taipei Palace Museum after being separated for more than 359 years. NEW CANAAN The Town Council unanimously approved a three-year contract with New Canaan teachers Wednesday. Council Chairman John Engel addressed three concerns regarding the negotiations, including: the economics of the agreement, whether it would accommodate later school start times and the process that left a councilman cooling his heels during the negotiations. The Board of Education and the New Canaan Education Association reached agreement on a new three-year contract on Oct. 8, 2018. The Town Council received the document shortly before its Wednesday, Dec 12 meeting. Councilman Michael Mauro made the motion to accept the contract even after he read a statement criticizing the deliberation process. He had voiced his disapproval over the Board of Education leaving him out of negotiations in spite of his credentials as a labor negotiations expert. New Canaan Education Association President Vivian Birdsall said the acceptance of the contract is good for both the teachers and the town. Everyone negotiated in good faith and we came to an agreement that works, Birdsall said. This is an uncertain time for all districts in Connecticut, but the teachers and the town have always been able to work out amicable agreements. She added that both the teachers and the town work to ensure the students have the best education possible. She also said teachers are supported by a strong community that believes in and support the programs they bring to the community. Accepting this contract proves that our relationship works, she said. The continued success of our students is also proof that working together makes us a stronger community. The contract The new teacher contract for 2019 through 2022 includes salary increases for up to 3% per year, or up to 9.2% over the course of the deal. The document includes a wage increase for teachers at the top step of the grid about one-third of New Canaan teachers who in prior agreements would not be getting a raise. The wage increase for those teachers will be 1.5% for each of the first two years of the contract and 1.25% increase for the final year. The school district and the NCEA agreed to insert one additional step to the salary grid, which will increase the amount of time it takes a teacher to reach the top step by one year, Thereby helping to reduce costs, according to a press release. The new contract does not change the step increases of 4.5% that roughly two-thirds of the teachers now receive. We were concerned with the economics of this contract, said Engel. Instead, the Town Council has learned that the reported figure of 3% plus each year for three years is the highest potential, and the reality is that we have an expectation that this contract is actually rising around 2% a year, Engel said. Town Council got comfortable with the economics of this contract, he said. Salaries The salary schedules in the contract show that teacher compensation is driven by a years-of-service step structure. Teachers step up one salary level and receive pay increases related to experience and years of service. The range spans from the lowest level, which is a teacher with a bachelors degree on step three to an educator with a masters degree with 90 certification hours at step 19. The top salary range for teachers will go from $120,823 for 2018-19 to $126,031 for 2021-22. In 2019-20 a teacher with bachelors degree will earn from $48,340 to $80,001; with a masters degree and 30 hours of certification credits will receive from $52,851 to $108,294; and a masters degree with 90 hours of certification will reap from $61,874 to $122,635. In 2021-22 a teacher with a bachelors degree will garner from $48,340 to $81,216; with a masters degree and 30 hours of certification credits will bring in from $52,851 to $111,292; and with a masters degree with 90 hours of certification will attain from $61,874 to $126,031. Teachers also receive an additional stipend each year once they have been working for 15 or more years with the district, ranging from $500 to $900 annually once they have worked more than 35 years. In addition, when a teacher earns a doctorate, he or she receives an annual salary differential of $1,000, according to the contract. In teacher contracts, it is not uncommon to provide a General Wage Increase [GWI] along with step movement, which can place additional financial burdens on the towns, said Luizzi in a press release. This agreement, which does not have GWI but does provide step movement, is reflective of the productive and respectful relationship between the Board of Education and the NCEA, he said. In reaching this agreement, both sides understood the importance of recognizing the significant fiscal pressures on New Canaan and across Connecticut while ensuring the district continues to attract, hire, and retain world-class educators and staff on behalf of our students, their parents, and the entire community, Luizzi said in a press release. Medical The health care plan includes an increase in teachers contributions toward premium costs in the third year of the contract, and an increase to the deductible amount of their High Deductible Health Plan. The school district will pay 80.0% and the employee medical insurance while the teachers will pay 20.0% of the premium for the high deductible health insurance policy for 2019-21. Then the district will pay 79% while teachers pay 21% of the premium in 2021-22. This is up from previous years in which the district paid 81.5% and the employee paid 18.5% of the premium for the HDHP health insurance policy in 2016-17. The board shall fund 50% of the applicable deductible, according to the contract. A single teacher will have a deductible of $2,250 with a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $3,250 in network and $5,250 out of network. Employees with families have a deductible of $4,500 with a maximum out-of-pocket of $6,000 in network or $10,000 out of network. Reasons to recommend Mauro recommended his fellow council members vote to approve the contract. If Town Council rejects the contract there is a significant risk that it will cost the town more than the deal struck if an arbitrator is asked to decide, Mauro said. Can New Canaan afford that risk? Given the fact that property values have declined and the town needs to find $7.6 million dollars in new revenue, I believe the risk may be too great, he added. Later start times Engel said people had asked if his contract anticipates changes to school start times and we have been told that it does and there is low risk that if we make changes to the school start times that the contract will be opened up and renegotiated. Process Concerns as Michael has identified with the process have been discussed with Dr. Luizzi and with the chairman [Brendan Hayes] of the Board of Education and they are going to talk about making changes to the process that may involve the Town Council in future negotiations, said Engel. I really wish this process had been much different. I was there to be an asset to Board of Education during its negotiation and be a bridge to Town Council, said Mauro. Engel said that Town Council members had been in numerous meetings, asked several questions prior to the meeting and there was little further discussion. Includes additional reporting by Lynandro Simmons Contributed Photo / Department of Transportation / Contributed Photo BRIDGEPORT The site of a two-car crash that sent two people to the hospital Tuesday afternoon has been cleared. The crash was reported around 2 p.m. on Route 8 north between Exit 5 and Exit 8. Initially, only the two right lanes were closed shortly after the crash. By 2:20 p.m., the lane closure expanded to the three right lanes. Richard Benyon says he "can't see it being anything other than a victory" NEWBURY MP Richard Benyon says he wasnt surprised that Theresa Mays Brexit deal suffered a heavy defeat last night but is still optimistic his government can survive a no confidence vote later today. Mr Benyon was one of the 202 MPs who voted in favour of the Prime Ministers withdrawal agreement, which sets out the terms of Britain's exit from the EU on March 29. However, he was in the minority as 432 MPs including 118 of his own Conservative colleagues - voted against it. It represented the largest defeat for a sitting government in history. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn immediately tabled a motion of no confidence in the Conservative government, which will be voted on by MPs this afternoon. The result is expected to be announced at around 7pm tonight. Speaking to the Newbury Weekly News this morning (Wed), Mr Benyon said: We have 317 Conservative MPs and 10 DUP MPs who say they will support the government, which gets her reasonably comfortably over the line. Of course there are people who fall sick and other factors you have to take into account, but I cant see it being anything other than a victory. Speaking about the withdrawal agreement being defeated, Mr Benyon added: "I was not surprised. It was quite clear that the Government was going to lose quite significantly and thats what happened. The question that is still in my mind, along with everyone else, is where do we go from here? We are in a position where Parliament is going to be forced to take a decision on the basis of a consensus. I am not just sitting here letting events take place around me, I am actively trying to get a resolution. Ive spoken to both Labour and Conservative MPs today to see where we go from here. These next few days are going to be crucial. When asked how he thought things would play out, he said: In my optimistic moments I think we will have a form of Brexit that most people will see as leaving the EU. But I think many will see it as not the type of Brexit they wanted. In my more pessimistic moments I see a complete inability to make a decision, followed by a general election that few people actually want." Mr Benyon sent a message to his constituents saying: "I get completely contradictory messages in my inbox from people saying 'support the deal, don't support the deal, leave the EU, don't leave the EU. "I realised a long time ago that I'm not going to be able to please everyone." Survey asks county's residents what they are prepared to pay through precept THE police and crime commissioner (Pcc) for Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton is asking residents what level of additional contribution they are willing to make towards the cost of local policing through their council tax. The Pccs online survey is due to close on Saturday and Michael Lane is urging council tax payers who have not yet had their say to take part. He said It is more important than ever that I hear from council tax payers the level of contribution they would be willing to make through my precept survey. The Government has given police and crime commissioners the flexibility to increase the policing element of the council tax by up to 24 per Band D household per year. This recognises the challenges faced by todays policing of increasing demands, greater complexity and changes in criminal activity. However, I am conscious that it also shifts more of the burden of paying for the increasing costs of policing to the local council tax payer. All of the money that comes from any rise in local council tax will go to support local policing, and an increase of 24 per year would ensure there will be no reduction in policing in the Hampshire Constabulary area. It is well known that policing budgets are under pressure and I believe that meeting the needs of our communities requires a financial uplift to recognise both increased demand and changes in crime. I continue to believe that a nationally fairer funding formula is the most appropriate way for the long term future of policing funding. I know that there are pressures on Government, but I will continue to fight for this. Police funding is made up of a national grant from Government which accounts for two thirds of the total and council tax, which accounts for the other third. The Government has said that it will ensure that police forces receive the same amount of money as they did last year. However, there is the condition that a minimum contribution is required from local tax to deliver this cash commitment. According to new data from Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services value-for-money profile, Hampshire Constabulary is already the third lowest cost per head of population and its funding levels are 47.7m below the national average, even though it is one of the largest constabularies. The survey is available at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/ budget and is open until noon on Saturday. The trade volume between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan reached 226.2 billion U.S. dollars last year, a record high, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. This was an increase of 13.2 percent year on year, said Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, at a regular news briefing held in Beijing. Taiwan investors' investment on the mainland was also growing steadily. A total of 4,911 projects were approved over the past year, up 41.8 percent year on year, said Ma. Ma said the mainland was ready to share its development opportunities with compatriots from Taiwan first. Since the launch of the 31 measures of preferential policies for compatriots from Taiwan, more than 2,000 enterprises with investment from Taiwan have enjoyed preferential tax treatment in the mainland and more than 100 enterprises have secured special financial support under programs for industrial transformation and upgrading, green manufacturing and intelligent manufacturing. While answering a question about the revised individual income tax law, Ma said compatriots from Taiwan working and doing business on the mainland had the same rights and obligations as their Hong Kong and Macao peers. According to Ma, more than 800 residents of Taiwan have obtained professional qualifications in the mainland and over 100 won honorary titles of various types in the mainland last year. More than 9 million people traveled across the Strait in the past year. Ma added that the mainland had an open attitude towards and was willing to support exchanges among cities across the Taiwan Strait, as long as the participants maintained the right understanding of the nature of relations and city exchanges across the Strait. Newburyport - Paul James Matthews, 95, a resident of Newburyport, died Monday morning June 14, 2021 at Port Healthcare Center in Newburyport. He was born on January 26, 1926, in Newburyport, Mass., to the late James and Mary Matthews. Paul was raised in Newburyport and was a graduate of Newb Regular columnist James Knight explains why everyone stands to benefit by following Christs teachings. Regular columnist James Knight explains why everyone stands to benefit by following Christs teachings. SOUL Church in Norwich needs financial manager SOUL Church in Norwich is seeking to employ an enthusiastic full-time Financial Manager to take the lead in the financial management of the Soul Church Group with direction from the Board Finance Director. Read more Watton church needs Families Matter Keyworker Employed by St Marys Church Watton, the Families Matter Keyworker (FMK) part-time post is in partnership with church and community, working with clergy and volunteers to provide positive spiritual and physical wellbeing for families across Watton. Read more YMCA Norfolk needs SOS Bus Driver YMCA Norfolk is seeking an SOS Bus Driver in King's Lynn to drive the SOS Project Safe Haven vehicle. Read more Two Recovery Workers needed by Matthew Project The Matthew Project is advertising two exciting full time opportunities as Recovery Workers, to support people in the community delivering 1:1 and group work. The roles will be centred in either Great Yarmouth or Kings Lynn and Thetford. Read more Rock legend Rick made CBE in Queen's honours Norfolk-based rock star and keyboard legend Rick Wakeman has been awarded a CBE in the Queens honours list. Read more Yare Valley Churches now up and running! A running club set up during pandemic restrictions at three churches in the Brundall area has now started running together as a group. Read more 2,000-mile cycle challenge reaches Norwich Pedal power took centre stage outside Norwich Anglican Cathedral this week as the nationwide Cathedrals Cycle Route reached the city. Read more Norfolk science-faith lecture on 'dying well' It is often said that the prospect of death concentrates the mind wonderfully. This has been illustrated during the pandemic, and the June meeting of Science Faith Norfolk focused on the medical practice of palliative care in this context. Read more Lead youth worker vacancy at mid Norfolk church The Fountain of Life is a charismatic, evangelical, network church in the Church of England. It is located in mid Norfolk, has mission at its heart and seeks to take the gospel into the centre of the communities in which works. Read more New website for Norfolk pregnancy loss charity Norfolk pregnancy loss charity Time Norfolk has launched a new website to encourage people who need support to find out how to access help. Read more Raisekids to run real-life monopoly in Wymondham Raise Kids Work is running its first three-dimensional monopoly game through the town of Wymondham as a fun fundraiser for Raise Kids Work. Read more Norfolk church to celebrate the beauty of creation Always wanting to punch above its weight, the tiny church of All Saints, Hethel, in South Norfolk, has organised a Celebration of Creation weekend on June 26-27 with everyone welcome. Read more Willy Notcutt exceptional doctor and Christian Tributes have been paid to Dr William Willy Notcutt, retired senior consultant anaesthetist who was also a committed Christian. Tony Mallion describes his remarkable life. Read more Norwich Youth for Christ completes gaming marathon Norwich Youth for Christ has raised 2,418 though a sponsored 24 hours of streaming and gaming. Read more God is Lord of time, and of eternity Philip Young recently presented a paper to the Quaker Universalist Group Conference on 'Life, Time and Eternity from a Christian perspective. He shares a short extract from that paper here. Read more YMCA opens new 90-place nursery in Norwich YMCA Norfolk has just opened a new 90-place Ofsted-registered nursery called Muddy Puddles near Norwich city centre. Harriet King from YMCA Norfolk describes whats on offer. Read more Lyns masks raise funds for Cawston Church A Cawston churchwarden has raised thousands of pounds for her parish church by making and selling face masks during the pandemic. Read more Police say a Rhode Island woman has been found dead in her Providence home and her boyfriend is charged in the killing. Police say 34-year-old Louis Matta stabbed 33-year-old Rachael Rene on Tuesday morning then went to police headquarters to turn himself in. The couple had an 8-month-old child, who was in the apartment at the time but was unharmed. The baby is now in the custody of state child welfare officials. Police say they had a strained relationship and Rene had taken out a restraining order against Matta. Matta was ordered to be held without bail during his arraignment on a murder charge Wednesday. It could not be determined if he has a lawyer. The death was the city's second homicide of the year. A Rhode Island child welfare worker is on administrative leave and three others are on restrictive duty following the arrest of a Warwick woman accused of neglecting a 9-year-old girl with special needs after the child died. Emotions laced the voice of Department of Children, Youth and Families Director Trista Piccola as she spoke about the immediate changes she was implementing following the death of the unnamed 9-year-old. Michele Rothgeb, 55, was arrested on Sunday at her Oakland Beach Avenue home and faces one charge of cruelty or neglect of a child, according to WJAR. Court documents obtained by WJAR state that the suspect has eight adopted children with special needs in a home with deplorable conditions. Piccola confirmed that the children were found in "entirely unacceptable" conditions, and that when social workers were investigating the family in January of 2018, they were not allowed access to the home's second floor. She said she did not have an answer for how eight children found themselves in this situation. The documents obtained by WJAR note that the girl was left in a bathtub for three-and-a-half hours to eight hours on Jan. 3 after Rothgeb allegedly instructed her 15-year-old adopted grandson to take care of the other children. Rothgeb told investigators she was sick with the flu when she left the other childrens care in the hands of the teen. The teen told police he helped the girl, who was wheelchair bound, into the tub. He left the girl in the tub with a few inches of water in it, then went to care for the other kids. The girl was later found unresponsive several hours later. She was taken to Kent Hospital after the 15-year-old called 911, according to WJAR. She was pronounced dead at the medical center. In the court documents, officials said the house smelled strongly of urine and waste. They state that garbage was spewed all over the house and spoiled bedding that looked as if it hadnt been changed in months were in the home. Authorities say the house was so cluttered that the child would not be able to use her wheelchair inside. The names of the DCYF employees who have been placed on administrative leave and restricted duty were not immediately released. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are responding to a vehicle crash in Milton, Massachusetts. Officials received a call of the crash at 8:48 a.m. Wednesday and responded to the intersection of Randolph Avenue and Chickatawbut Road. Animal control was en route to respond to the scene in addition to police and ambulances, according to police. NBC10 Boston and necn's Sky Ranger Helicopter was over the scene, where at least one person could be seen being taken into ambulance. Authorities blocked off one street as crews assessed the scene. No injuries were immediately reported. The investigation is ongoing. Members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation are criticizing Columbia Gas for a rate hike on Merrimack Valley customers affected by September's natural gas explosions. U.S. Sens. Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren joined Reps. Seth Moulton and Lori Trahan asked the utility company Tuesday to cancel a seasonal rate increase. They also called on the company to halt efforts to collect retroactive payment for gas service. The company suspended gas payments following the disaster that killed one person and injured dozens more, but the lawmakers say some residents are now receiving "sizeable" backdated bills due in January. A company spokesman said the rate hike is the typical seasonal adjustment made to reflect higher gas supply costs. He said impacted customers also will be offered "flexible payment options" and won't face late fees or service charges. With no clear answer as to when federal workers can expect their next paycheck, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker is taking action and considering giving those impacted state benefits. Jeffery Davis, of Malden, is one worker who is affected by the partial government shutdown. The father of three has been a federal air traffic controller for nearly a decade. He is now in his fourth week working without pay. Its scary and so unpredictable, Davis said. I have to worry about things like what if I cant make my car payments? And how am I going to pay for gas to get to work? Those concerns are part of the reason why Davis is one of many federal employees across the country seeking donations online to try and support their families. He has raised over $2,000 on his GoFundMe and plans to share it with other air traffic controllers. Its not just me who needs help, its everyone. All employees in the government are affected by this are going to need assistance if this keeps going on, Davis said. The need to help federal workers and their families are why Baker is looking into what the state can do to ease the burden. He is asking the legislature to see if they can offer unemployment benefits to those affected. He also had strong words for those in Washington Tuesday. In this particular case, I think everybody in D.C. has forgotten who they work for and thats the people of the United States of America, Baker said. The governor said the legislature still has some homework to do to try and figure out how exactly the state could give benefits to workers like Davis. Davis said he is in favor of any support the state can offer to workers like him. I think that would be great because at least they would be able to pay bills and keep their houses, Davis said. For now, Davis is brushing up on his graphic design skills and considering driving for Uber to earn some extra cash. Being an employee essential to public safety, he still has to go to work, but he cannot help but wonder how long he will be able to without getting paid. It doesnt just affect us. It affects our whole family. It affects safety. It affects the economy, Davis said. Hopefully it will all end soon. An American man with New England roots was reportedly among the 14 killed in a terror attack in Kenya on Tuesday. WCSH reports that Jason Spindler, the only American killed in the attack, graduated from Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine in 1996. Spindler worked at a business development firm in Nairobi, according to WCSH. While at Hebron, Spindler was the captain of the swim team as an upperclassman and a member of the Diversity Committee, WCSH reports. Authorities in Kenya say security forces have killed all of the Islamic extremist terrorists who are suspected of attacking a luxury hotel and shopping center on Tuesday. Despite a government shutdown, Hyundai and Kia are moving ahead with a recall of about 168,000 vehicles to fix a fuel pipe problem that can cause engine fires. The problem stems from improper repairs during previous recalls for engine failures. The affiliated Korean automakers have been dogged by fire and engine failure complaints from across the nation. They're both under investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which has been trying to figure out whether initial recalls covered enough vehicles. But the agency is mostly closed due to the shutdown. In addition to the recall, each automaker says it will do a "product improvement campaign" covering a total of 3.7 million vehicles to install software that will alert drivers of possible engine failures and send the cars into a reduced-speed "limp" mode if problems are detected. NHTSA employees who do safety investigations and recall notifications are not at work. Under normal circumstances, the agency would review the recalls to make sure they are adequate and post details on the agency website. It also would monitor notices to customers, and make sure customers could check to see if their vehicles are included. Kia spokesman James Bell said the company is proceeding with the recall and campaign regardless of government delays. "Making our customers comfortable is vastly more important than making sure we're following additional government processes right now," he said. Kia sent letters to dealers around Jan. 10 notifying them of the recall, he said. But a U.S. auto safety advocate called the recalls inadequate and said the product improvement campaigns should instead be recalls that are overseen by NHTSA. A NHTSA spokeswoman said she could not comment due to the shutdown. Hyundai and Kia started recalling 1.7 million vehicles in 2015 about 618,000 of which are Kias because manufacturing debris can restrict oil flow to connecting rod bearings. That can cause bearings in 2-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines to wear and fail. The problem can also cause fires. The repair is an expensive engine block replacement. Now the companies are acknowledging that the engine replacements may not have been properly done in all cases by dealers. A Kia statement says the high-pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly tightened while the engines were being replaced under recall. That can allow fuel to leak and hit hot engine parts, causing fires. Kia is only doing the fix on 68,000 of its 618,000 vehicles recalled for the engine problems, while Hyundai is only recalling 100,000 of more than 1 million. The fuel injector pipe recall covers some 2011 through 2014 Kia Optima cars, 2012 through 2014 Sorrento SUVs, and 2011 through 2013 Sportage SUVs, all with 2-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. Also covered are many 2011 to 2014 Hyundai Sonata cars and 2013 and 2014 Santa Fe Sport SUVs. The companies say owners of the recalled vehicles will be notified by letter. Jason Levine, executive director of the nonprofit Center For Auto Safety, said Kia limited the latest recall to a relatively small number of vehicles without adequate explanation, raising more questions than answers. He said some consumers have complained of fires in vehicles that weren't included in the engine repair recalls. He also raised concerns about the government shutdown's impact on NHTSA, which he said should be open to handle critical safety recalls. "This is the exact scenario where you should have safety and enforcement people coming in and doing their jobs," he said. The last recall posted on NHTSA's website was dated Dec. 19, three days before the shutdown began. The agency said it a statement that it "may recall furloughed employees if NHTSA becomes aware of information concerning suspended functions that involve imminent threats to the safety of human life or protection of property." Huawei has never and will not spy for the Chinese government, said Ren Zhengfei, founder of the tech giant, in a rare interview on Tuesday as his company undergoes continuous espionage accusations. "No law requires any company in China to install mandatory back doors," Ren said to The Wall Street Journal, "I personally would never harm the interest of my customers, and me and my company would not answer to such request." According to Bloomberg, the 74-year-old entrepreneur also said there is no "close connection" between his personal political beliefs and the company's business. "Huawei firmly stands on the side of customers when it comes to cyber security and privacy," Ren said. Although Huawei has long rejected security and privacy concerns from Western countries, it has suffered from intensified pressure since the arrest of Ren's daughter, Meng Wanzhou, in the Canadian city of Vancouver where she is a permanent resident, as well as the limits imposed on company in several countries. But Ren is confident that Huawei's revenue would continue growing to 125 billion U.S. dollars in 2019 from more than 100 billion U.S. dollars in 2018, according to Bloomberg. "Huawei is not a public company, we don't need a beautiful earnings report," Ren said. "If they don't want Huawei to be in some markets, we can scale down a bit. As long as we can survive and feed our employees, there's a future for us." The University of Mary Washington in Virginia is hosting a day of professional development and "personal enrichment" for federal employees who have been furloughed during the partial government shutdown. The university has invited all workers affected by the shutdown to a free program Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on its Stafford campus. Faculty will join administrators to offer leadership lessons, workplace tutorials and a free brown-bag networking lunch. Workshop options include Intro to 3D Design and 3D Printing, Succeeding in a Multi-Generational Workplace and Intro to Computer Programming. Some of the topics to be discussed include developing personal leadership philosophies, improving professional performance and discovering ways to engage audiences. Commuters in downtown Washington, D.C. were greeted with a jarring sight Wednesday morning: Activists distributed fake copies of The Washington Post announcing President Donald Trumps resignation. The satirical copies, for which the prank group The Yes Men claimed responsibility, were spotted downtown, and social media users reported seeing copies distributed outside the Farragut North Metro station, in front of the White House and in congressional office buildings, where the progressive group Code Pink distributed copies. A satirical website for the fake Post was launched Wednesday morning but removed by noon, according to DCist. The real Washington Post said they have nothing to do with the fake Post and website. There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Posts. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this, The Posts PR department said. The fake copies of the Post blared a banner headline across the top of the paper reading, UNPRESIDENTED: Trump Hastily Departs White House, Ending Crisis, and featured a collection of stories describing a scenario in which Trump is pushed out of office, flees to the Crimean city of Yalta and Vice President Mike Pence is sworn into office. The edition dated May 1, 2019 featured a spin on the Posts Democracy Dies in Darkness slogan and described global celebrations as Trump left office, as well as how womens movements turned public opinion against the president. The Yes Men group said on its website that it worked with authors Onnesha Roychoudhuri and L.A. Kauffman to create and distribute the paper copies. The story this paper tells is more reasonable than our current reality, Roychoudhuri said on the site. And its anything but far-fetched. Were already seeing unprecedented levels of protest and resistance. Now we just need to ask ourselves: Whats next? This paper offers a blueprint to help us reclaim our democracy. The eight-page document was filled with stories describing slates of progressive legislation, like a Green New Deal, and descriptions of how social progressive movements could resist the Trump administration. Social media users, including Post employees, reacted with shock, as well as curiosity into who produced the paper. Though progressive groups like MoveOn and Code Pink celebrated the prank on social media, they denied being responsible for it. While we love the headline, we didn't produce today's satirical Washington Post, MoveOn said on Twitter. A Maryland State Police trooper helped to deliver a baby Sunday night on the side of the Capital Beltway. Trooper Esai Cunningham was responding to a crash about 11 p.m. on the Outer Loop at the I-95 split in College Park, Maryland, when another vehicle pulled up to the scene. The driver told Cunningham that his passenger, a 21-year-old woman, was in active labor. Cunningham called for EMS assistance, but that baby just wasn't going to wait. "I opened the passenger door, and I could see the baby's head already coming out," Cunningham told News4. He helped the woman deliver her baby boy and wrapped him in a towel. The new mom and her newborn are doing well. They were taken to Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, said a press release from police. Cunningham, who has been a trooper for less than a year, credited his training with Maryland State Police for the healthy delivery. A suicide bombing killed at least 16 people, including two U.S. service members and two American civilians, in northern Syria on Wednesday, just a month after President Donald Trump declared that ISIS had been defeated and he was pulling out U.S. forces. Though ISIS has claimed credit for the attack, the terrorist network has not produced evidence to support that claim. The attack in the strategic northeastern town of Manbij highlighted the threat posed by ISIS despite Trump's claims. It could also complicate what had already become a messy withdrawal plan, with the president's senior advisers disagreeing with the decision and then offering an evolving timetable for the removal of the approximately 2,000 U.S. troops. The attack, which also wounded three U.S. troops, was the deadliest assault on U.S. troops in Syria since American forces went into the country in 2015. The dead included a number of fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces, who have fought alongside the Americans against ISIS, according to officials and the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. According to a U.S. official, one of the U.S. civilians killed was an intelligence specialist working for the Defense Intelligence Agency. The other was an interpreter, who was a contractor. The attack prompted new complaints about the withdrawal and underscored Pentagon assertions that ISIS is still a threat and capable of deadly attacks. In a Dec. 19 tweet announcing the withdrawal, Trump said, "We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency." He said the troops would begin coming home "now." That plan triggered immediate pushback from military leaders, including the resignation of the defense secretary. Over the past month, however, Trump and others have appeared to adjust the timeline, and U.S. officials have suggested it will likely take several months to safely withdraw American forces from Syria. Not long after the attack Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence repeated claims of ISIS's defeat. Speaking at the State Department, Pence said the "caliphate has crumbled" and the militant network "has been defeated." Later in the day he released a statement condemning the attack but affirming the withdrawal plan. "As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to re-establish their evil and murderous caliphate - not now, not ever," he said. Others, however, immediately pointed to the attack as a reason to reverse or adjust the withdrawal plan. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump backer and prominent voice on foreign affairs on Capitol Hill, said during a committee hearing Wednesday he is concerned that Trump's withdrawal announcement had emboldened ISIS and created dangerous uncertainty for American allies. "I know people are frustrated, but we're never going to be safe here unless we are willing to help people over there who will stand up against this radical ideology," he said. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said the attack demonstrates the lethal capability of ISIS and "the fact that it happened in Manbij, probably the single most complicated area of Syria, demonstrates that the president clearly doesn't understand the complexity of the problem." Manbij is the main town on the westernmost edge of Syrian territory held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurds, running along the border with Turkey. Mixed Kurdish-Arab Syrian forces liberated Manbij from ISIS in 2016 with help from the U.S.-led coalition. But Kurdish control of the town infuriated Turkey, which views the main U.S. Kurdish ally, the YPG militia, as "terrorists" linked to Kurdish insurgents on its own soil. The town has been at the center of tensions in northern Syria, with the militaries of two NATO members, the U.S. and Turkey, on opposing sides. The two sides began joint patrols around Manbij in November as part of an agreement aimed at easing tensions. Slotkin, a former senior Pentagon adviser on Syria and other international issues, said it's time for Trump to amend or change his withdrawal order to "something more consistent with the threat" in Syria. Others suggested the attack could trigger change. "Certainly the Islamic State follows the news closely, and observing the recent controversy over a potential withdrawal would incentivize them to try for a spectacular attack to sway both public and presidential opinion," said Jim Stravidis, a retired Navy admiral who served as top NATO commander. Trump, meanwhile, reinforced his withdrawal decision during a meeting with about a half-dozen GOP senators late Wednesday at the White House. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who was at the meeting, told reporters on a conference call that the president remained "steadfast" in his decision not to stay in Syria - or Afghanistan - "forever." But the senator did not disclose the latest thinking on withdrawal timeline. Paul, who has been one of the few voices in the GOP encouraging the president's noninterventionist streak, said Trump told the group, "We're not going to continue the way we've done it." Video of Wednesday's attack released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered with debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area. A security camera showed a busy street, and then a ball of fire engulfing people and others running for cover as the blast went off. The names of the American victims are being withheld until their families can be notified. Associated Press writer Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. Sign up to get breaking news, weather forecasts, and more in your email inbox. Sign Up Now The death toll from an extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed, police said Wednesday in the aftermath of the brazen overnight siege by al-Shabab gunmen. Two people accused of facilitating the attack were arrested. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to the hospital, he said. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the all-night operation by security forces to retake the complex was over and that all of the extremists had been killed. "We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act," he vowed. In an attack that demonstrated al-Shabab's continued ability to strike Kenya's capital despite setbacks on the battlefield, extremists stormed the place with guns and explosives. Security camera footage released to local media showed a suicide bomber blowing himself up in a grassy area in the complex, the flash visible along with smoke billowing from the spot where he had been standing. Al-Shabab, which is based in Somalia and allied with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility. The Islamic extremist group also carried out the 2013 attack at Nairobi's nearby Westgate Mall that killed 67 people, and an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that claimed 147 lives, mostly students. While U.S. airstrikes and African Union forces have degraded the group's ability to operate, it is still capable of carrying out spectacular acts of violence in retaliation for the Kenyan military's campaign against it. The attacks in Kenya's capital appear designed to inflict maximum damage to the country's image of stability and its tourism industry, an important source of revenue. The government said late Tuesday that buildings were secure. However, gunfire continued into Wednesday morning, and dozens of trapped people were rescued overnight. Several loud booms were heard Wednesday as teams sought to clear the complex of booby traps and other explosives. Kenyatta's announcement that the security operation was complete came about 20 hours after the first reports of the attack. The Kenyan Red Cross said about 50 people were unaccounted for. But many of those were believed not to have been in the complex during the attack. Ken Njoroge, CEO of a company in the DustiD2 complex that offers mobile banking services, said he was unable to locate several employees. "It's very difficult for the families because the passage of time only makes the problem bigger," he said. Most of the victims were believed to be Kenyan, though an American and a Briton were among the dead. San Francisco-based I-DEV International confirmed that the American was Jason Spindler, the company's co-founder and managing director. Jason Spindler's father, Joseph, said his son worked with international companies to form business partnerships in Kenya that would boost local economies. The Houston-raised Spindler had a brush with tragedy on 9/11: He was employed by a financial firm at the World Trade Center at the time of the 2001 terrorist attack but was running late that morning and was emerging from the subway when the first tower fell, according to his mother. He became covered in dust and debris as he tried to help others, Sarah Spindler told KTRK-TV in Houston. Spindler "was trying to make positive change in the third world in emerging markets," his mother, Sarah Spindler, told NBC News. He joined the Peace Corps after the Sept. 11 terror attacks and had received grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Foundation. In the Nairobi attack, a man who gave only his first name, Davis, described how he had escaped with colleagues by fleeing down a fire escape. "It's a traumatic experience. It shakes you," he said. Still, Davis said he was impressed by the "inner strength" and compassion of people who helped each other in the midst of danger. His own thoughts, he said, were: "Get people out and get out yourself. That's it." What to Know Four town supervisors in Elwyn, Pennsylvania, were arrested and charged for allegedly operating a kick-back scheme and stealing nearly $1M. Tyloneous Wilson, 40, Karriemah Williams, 34, Lakiea Gay, 36, and Terrance Chatman, 28, all face felony theft charges. In addition to the four supervisors, 37 employees at the different offsite locations were also arrested. Four town supervisors in Elwyn, Pennsylvania, were arrested and charged for allegedly operating a kick-back scheme involving the manipulation of a time-keeping system and stealing nearly $1 million. Tyloneous Wilson, 40, Karriemah Williams, 34, Lakiea Gay, 36, and Terrance Chatman, 28, all face felony theft charges. On May 30, 2017, Pennsylvania State Police were notified of an internal investigation of Elwyns time-keeping system in Middletown Township. Accountants noticed an excessive amount of overtime being paid to several employees at several housing sites throughout Delaware County. Investigators determined that four supervisors were manipulating the time keeping system and fraudulently adding extra hours and shifts to their respective employees time sheets. Employees in Elwyn are required to clock in upon arrival at work and clock out after. Investigators say the extra hours didnt correlate with the clocking in and out times. Investigators also determined Wilson, Williams, Gay and Chatman made special arrangements in which they would edit the subordinates time sheets and input extra overtime. The suspects didnt require the subordinate to work the extra hours and the subordinates would either pay them with a portion of the proceeds or performed extra job-related favors in return, investigators said. The suspects managed more than 37 employees at ten different offsite locations throughout Delaware County, according to officials. They allegedly stole $920,004 from Elwyn as part of the scheme. "Instead of helping others, as is the very mission of their employer, Elwyn, these individuals took advantage of their position of authority, orchestrating an elaborate kick-back scheme for their own selfish gain and profit," District Attorney Katayoun M. Copeland said. "I commend Elwyn investigators, and PSP Trooper Francis Pawlowski and Trooper John Eissler for their diligent work on this case. In addition to the four supervisors, 37 employees at the different offsite locations were also arrested. The nation's 42,000 active-duty Coast Guard members missed their scheduled paycheck Tuesday, as the only military branch to work without pay during the government shutdown, NBC News reported. Because the Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security, it is getting no funding during the shutdown. All other parts of the military are under the still-funded Department of Defense. What to Know Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand officially threw her hat into the 2020 presidential race Wednesday morning, saying she will run for president Gillibrand joins what is expected to be a crowded primary field for the Democratic nomination Gillibrand was appointed to the Senate in 2009 to succeed Hillary Clinton and easily won re-election, most recently in November Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand officially threw her hat into the 2020 presidential race Wednesday morning a day after saying she would be launching an exploratory committee. The New York senator made the official announcement during a brief press conference in front of what she described as her favorite diner in Troy, New York. "I'm going to run for president of the United States, because as a young mom, I will fight for your children as hard as I would fight for my own," she said. Gillibrand first announced her plans to launch the committee on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Tuesday evening, listing a series of issues she'd tackle as president, including better health care for families, stronger public schools and more accessible job training. "... I know that I have the compassion, and the courage, and the fearless determination that is necessary to get this done," she said Wednesday. "And I know this because of all the people on whose shoulders I stand. All the people that have come before me to fight for whats right. Gillibrand, 52, has already made plans to campaign in Iowa over the weekend, more than a year before the leadoff caucus state votes. She joins what is expected to be a crowded primary field for the Democratic nomination that could feature more than a dozen candidates. Already, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has announced her own exploratory efforts, and decisions by a number of other senators are expected in the coming weeks. Gillibrand, who was appointed to the Senate in 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, has been among the Senate's most vocal members on issues like sexual harassment, military sexual assault, equal pay for women and family leave, issues that could be central to her presidential campaign. "I'm going to fight for other people's kids as hard as I would fight for my own," said Gillibrand, a mother of two sons, ages 10 and 15. As she works to distinguish herself from likely rivals, Gillibrand will be able to draw from the more than $10.5 million left over from her 2018 re-election campaign that she can use toward a presidential run. TONIGHT: @SenGillibrand stops by @colbertlateshow to announce that she is forming an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States! #LSSC pic.twitter.com/vPUpF1gs8z The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) January 15, 2019 Gillibrand pledged during her Senate campaign that she would serve out her six-year term if re-elected. She will use Troy, New York, where she lives, as a home base for her presidential efforts. Near the end of their interview, Colbert presented Gillibrand with a basket of campaign gifts, including an ear of yellow corn to wave in Iowa, a piece of granite for New Hampshire and a one-of-a-kind button that reads "I announced on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert." What to Know Jason Spindler, was one of the people killed in Tuesday's terror attack in Kenya Jason was an investment adviser and NYU School of Law grad who survived the 9/11 attacks When terror struck this luxury hotel in Nairobi, Jason was having lunch. He had lived in Kenya for 5 years, operating his business An American investment adviser and NYU School of Law graduate survived one terror attack only to tragically die in another. A mother and father in Texas are shattered after learning their son, Jason Spindler, was one of the people killed in Tuesday's terror attack in Kenya. "I got a call from the embassy letting us know that he had been identified and was at the morgue," Jason's father, Joseph Spindler, said tearing up. Forty-year-old Jason Spindler was from Houston, but he went to NYU School of Law and worked at the World Trade Center where his family says he survived 9/11 arriving at work just after the attacks. Of course he had to take off. The next day he went down to offer some help and building seven collapsed. Right when he was there, Jason's mother said. When terror struck this luxury hotel in Nairobi, Spindler was having lunch. He had lived in Kenya for 5 years, operating his business. "He was there to help people," Jason's father said. "He was in a country, he was trying to help, and its devastating that the same people he was trying to help killed him. It just doesnt make sense." The extremist group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack. His parents say the pain of losing their son, the only American killed in the terror attack, extends far beyond their family. "He was the type of individual that when you meet him you know he was destined to change the world. He was destined to touch people," his father said. What to Know Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday that in 2018, New York City financed 34,160 affordable homesa new record This number includes 10,099 new home constructions and 24,061 homes that were preserved That brings up the total number of homes financed under the Housing New York plan to 122,000 apartments halfway to its 300,000 goal Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Wednesday that in 2018, New York City financed 34,160 affordable homesa new record. This number includes 10,099 new home constructions and 24,061 homes that were preserved. That brings up the total number of homes financed under the Housing New York plan to 122,000 apartmentsalmost halfway to its goal of 300,000 affordable homes by 2026. Nearly 85 percent of all homes financed through the de Blasio's housing plan are aimed at low-income New Yorkers, with more than 40 percent of these homes serving families earning less than $46,950 annually. Family by family, building by building, were giving people the security of knowing they can stay in the city they love, said de Blasio in a statement. And were just warming up. The affordable housing effort cost the city $1.73 billion. Affordable housing is very much tied to workforce availability and the vibrancy of our communities, said Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Chair of the Assemblys Housing Committee, in a statement. The gains we achieved in preserving and creating affordable housing in the last year make it possible for thousands of families, seniors and other New Yorkers to improve their lives and remain a vital, engaged part of our communities. What to Know Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a proposal Tuesday during his State of the State address to go 100 percent clean energy by 2040. Cuomo says New York can wean off fossil fuels by relying on wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear power. Previously, the state's renewable energy goal was set at 50 percent by 2030. New York would adopt the most aggressive clean energy goal of any state under a plan from Gov. Andrew Cuomo that calls for generating 100 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2040. Hitting the new target, which must be approved by state lawmakers, will require the state to increase its use of wind and solar energy as well as existing nuclear and hydroelectric power generation. Speaking on public radio Wednesday, Cuomo said New York has no choice but to move to entirely renewable energy because of the urgent need to address climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Cuomo included the suggested energy standard in his state budget proposal, which was released Tuesday. Lawmakers hope to act on the budget before April 1. "We know we can't continue to do what we're doing," Cuomo said on WCNY about the use of fossil fuels. "You look at the scientific projections and it's scary... I don't think it's really a choice." Advocates for the environment and renewable energy praised the new goal, but said it will take preparation and determination by the state to hit it. Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists, called Cuomo's proposal "impressive, far-sighted," but noted Cuomo's proposal won't impact emissions from cars, trucks and other vehicles that run on fossil fuels. "We can't reach these goals unless we're tackling transportation, the largest source of carbon emissions in the U.S.," he said in a statement. The group NY Renews - representing 160 environmental organizations, labor unions and other groups - called on Cuomo to flesh out his proposal with specifics. "Any truly comprehensive plan to tackle climate change needs more specific deadlines, planning processes, and accountability for moving our whole economy off of fossil fuels than are currently included," the group NY Renews said in a statement. Others questioned why the state has to wait 21 years. Alex Beauchamp, northeast regional director for the group Food & Water Watch, called Cuomo's plan "largely aspirational." His group supports legislation that would set a 100-percent goal by 2030, using state financing for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency to get there. That bill would also phase out nuclear power. Cuomo had previously set the state's renewable energy goal at 50 percent by 2030, but officials now say they believe the state can hit 75 percent by that year. If approved, New York's new renewable target would surpass those set in other states, including California and Hawaii, which have both pledged to generate 100 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2045. What to Know Mobster John Gotti's namesake son was in court to provide support for a mixed martial arts fighter accused of robbing a Queens bank. Gotti Jr. showed up during jury deliberations Tuesday saying that the accused bank robber Sergio DaSilva is innocent. Gotti Jr. described DaSilva as "a magnificent father." Mobster John Gotti's namesake son was in court to provide support for a mixed martial arts fighter accused of robbing a Queens bank. The New York Post reports that John Gotti Jr. showed up during jury deliberations Tuesday saying that his son, also a mixed martial arts fighter, has trained with the accused bank robber, Sergio DaSilva, and that he's innocent. He described DaSilva as "a magnificent father" who "brings his son with him to the gym all the time." Gotti's own father was the former boss of the Gambino crime family. He died in prison in 2002 after being convicted of murder and racketeering in 1992. According to the Post, Junior Gotti's 26-year-old son made his mixed martial arts debut in 2017. What to Know Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday that if he decides to run for president he can still win despite being older The 76-year-old billionaire said during a Q-and-A at University of Toronto that people still want maturity, experience and accomplishment Bloomberg is weighing a 2020 Democratic presidential bid and said he has to decide whether winning is possible Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday that if he decides to run for president he can still win despite being older. The 76-year-old billionaire said there is a thought in America that if you are over 50, white and male you are never going to get elected, but he disagrees. He said during a question and answer session at the University of Toronto that people still want maturity, experience and accomplishment. "There is nothing wrong with people being young. But there is also nothing wrong with people being older," said Bloomberg, who turns 77 next month. "Getting older is a process that I hope continues." Bloomberg is weighing a 2020 Democratic presidential bid and said he has to decide whether winning is possible. Former Vice President Joe Biden is 76 and Sen. Bernie Sanders is 77 and both are also mulling it over. Donald Trump is 72. Bloomberg said priorities for him include climate change, education and public health. "Climate change could destroy the whole world and kill everyone on it," he said. "It's frustrating that a lot of people don't understand that." Bloomberg is dead set against marijuana legalization, an issue popular among young people. He said government shouldn't be making something with serious health effects easier to get. "It's just nonsensical," he said. Bloomberg has said he will decide whether to run this month or in February but said he is not in a rush. He plans to self-fund so he doesn't have to hurry up in order to win major donors. "My donor is not walking away," he said. Bloomberg had pointed words for Brexit and for Trump, calling Brexit the "single most stupid thing a country has done - then we Trumped them." He said America has been treating allies like enemies and enemies like allies. He also said the issue of countries like Russia, China and North Korea trying to influence American elections isn't being taken seriously enough. "That's like taking a gun and shooting one of our candidates," he said. "We should be more than annoyed. I can't believe for the life of me why we don't take stronger action." Editor's note: Months after our interview, Rossi Andrade told the Miami-Dade School Board, when they were considering adopting a policy, that her son takes CBD to treat epilepsy but she hopes he could start using medical marijuana in the future. Michele Riquelmes daughter takes it for brain cancer. Jacel Delgadillos son for seizures. Seth Hymans daughter and Rossi Andrades son for epilepsy. Medical marijuana is what brings the four South Florida parents together. I feel every story because its my story, said Andrade. They know the difficulties of treating a child with a life-threatening illness and the stigma that comes with the use of medical marijuana. They think of a pothead, said Riquelme. They just want to get high. But she says her daughter, Arianna, who has been living with a rare brain tumor since she was a toddler, has no other option. In 2015, doctors gave her two years to live. Her tumor hasn't changed in size since the devastating diagnosis but Riquelme says Ariannas health improved after turning to medical marijuana. They agreed to talk about it publicly in hopes that their stories help to educate the public and other parents. If you havent lived it, if its not your child, theres no way to possibly understand, said Riquelme. Hyman echoed the sentiment. You dont know what we go through every day. The pain that we see our children in every day. Are they going to wake up in the morning? Is this going to be the last day? Are they going to have a seizure that will take them? Thats what this is really about, Hyman said while fighting back tears. They want their kids to live as normal a life as possible, which means going to school. Florida law requires school districts to adopt a policy to ensure access to the medication. However, many schools worry about losing federal funds if they implement a policy since medical marijuana is illegal under federal law. NBC 6 Investigators reached out to every school district in the state. From the Panhandle to Broward County, a dozen districts have enacted medical marijuana policies in the past few months. Ten others are in the process of creating one. I think a lot of other school districts will follow, said Hyman. Miami-Dade, the largest school system in the state, doesn't have a medical marijuana policy in place. In a statement, the district said that they havent had any student come forward who needs to take the drug during school hours and that they will deal with it on a case-by-case basis. Delgadillo is certain that there are more parents who will benefit from having a policy but she says they are afraid of speaking out. Were afraid of them kicking us out, of them discriminating, she said. We dont want that as parents. Delgadillo encourages them to come forward. If they dont come out, Miami-Dade will continue saying we dont have any children taking medical marijuana. Andrades son goes to one of the districts public schools but she says he takes his medication at home for now. What to Know Jose Irizarry is accused of conspiring with a longtime DEA informant to launder more than $7 million in illicit drug proceeds Officials described the case as one of the biggest black eyes in the history of the DEA It is unknown where the 44-year-old Irizarry is living, or whether he has been charged in the ongoing criminal probe A U.S. federal narcotics agent known for his expensive tastes and high-profile drug seizures has been implicated in a multimillion-dollar money-laundering conspiracy that involved the very cartel criminals he was charged with fighting in Colombia. A once standout Drug Enforcement Administration agent, Jose Irizarry is accused of conspiring with a longtime DEA informant to launder more than $7 million in illicit drug proceeds, sometimes using an underground network known as the black-market peso exchange, according to five current and former law enforcement officials. The officials described the case as one of the biggest black eyes in the history of the DEA, an agency that has seen repeated scandals in recent years, and one they fear could have compromised undercover operations in the U.S. and South America. The conspiracy not only allegedly enriched Irizarry but is believed to have benefited one of South America's top money launderers, who is a relative of Irizarry's Colombian wife, said the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the federal investigation. The allegations have sent shockwaves through the DEA and drawn new scrutiny to the agency's Colombia field office, a critical outpost that has been steeped in turmoil in recent years. The division has seen internal strife and turnover in leadership even as it grapples with record-high levels of cocaine production. Some of the details emerged in a federal case in Tampa, Florida, in which a former DEA informant, Gustavo Yabrudi, a dual Venezuelan-American citizen, recently pleaded guilty to money laundering. That case refers to an unnamed "co-conspirator 3" a suspect who is in fact Irizarry, the five officials said. It is unknown where the 44-year-old Irizarry is living, or whether he has been charged in the ongoing criminal probe. Repeated messages seeking comment left on a cellphone number the law enforcement officials said belongs to Irizarry were not returned. Chad Van Horn, a Miami attorney who represented Irizarry in a bankruptcy case, said he had no comment and could provide no assistance in efforts to reach him. Barry Wax, a Miami defense attorney who has also represented Irizarry, did not return phone calls and emails seeking comment. A DEA spokeswoman said Irizarry resigned from the agency after he was recalled from Colombia to Washington in 2017 but declined further comment. When word of the scandal reached Washington that year, the FBI and Justice Department dispatched investigators to Colombia to conduct criminal and internal inquiries, fearing that it could backfire on the DEA's ability to keep the trust of sources in the criminal underworld, the law enforcement officials said. The case raises new questions about the DEA's screening practices in its hiring of special agents. Irizarry was hired by the DEA despite indications he showed signs of deception in a polygraph exam he took upon admission, three of the law enforcement officials said. There were other red flags. In 2010, Irizarry declared bankruptcy with debts of almost $500,000, but he was nevertheless permitted to handle financial transactions in his role at the DEA. Before he was exposed, Irizarry had been a model agent, the law enforcement officials said, winning praise from his supervisors. Based out of Miami, he won special permission to set up an undercover operation to send money and ship contraband merchandise to Colombia on behalf of suspected drug traffickers using front companies, shell bank accounts and couriers. His investigations led to scores of drug arrests, earning him an early-career transfer to a coveted foreign posting in the Colombian resort city of Cartagena, where his successes continued. "He was the superstar everyone wanted to be," one former law enforcement official said. But unbeknownst to his bosses, Irizarry and Yabrudi, his long-time informant, allegedly opened a bank account where they directed deposits from a growing network of criminal contacts looking to repatriate drug proceeds to Colombia, the officials said. Sometimes the funds were used to purchase electronics, textiles and other goods that were exported to Colombia for resale in pesos, which were used to pay the traffickers. Prosecutors allege that $7 million flowed through a single account over almost six years. Yabrudi, in pleading guilty, admitted he withdrew cash from the account and gave payments to his unnamed DEA co-conspirator Irizarry, the officials said and accounts he controlled. "None of these deposits, nor the use of the funds that followed, were officially sanctioned DEA operations," prosecutors wrote in court filings. They said Yabrudi knew that the funds were illegal drug proceeds and that his co-conspirator had been "acting outside the scope of his authority" as a DEA agent. Yabrudi's lawyer, Leonardo Concepcion, declined to comment about the case but described it case as "involving serious corruption by a DEA agent." At times, Irizarry fabricated DEA seizure orders or letters from banks in order to pocket some of the money, the law enforcement officials said. Given the huge sums laundered every day, his unsuspecting criminal clients chalked up the losses to a cat-and-mouse game with the feds. Irizarry also adopted the ostentatious tastes of the drug traffickers he was tasked with targeting. Unlike most agents earning a government salary on temporary assignment, Irizarry bought a home and Land Rover in Cartagena. He traveled first-class to Europe sporting Louis Vuitton luggage and a gold Hublot watch, one official said. He hosted raucous yacht parties with bikini-clad prostitutes, which fellow agents and at least one supervisor attended against DEA policy, according to an official, who went to one such party. The DEA banned such gatherings in the wake of the 2015 "sex parties" scandal in Colombia that prompted the retirement of the DEA's administrator at the time. Investigators are also examining whether Irizarry's marriage into the mafia was driving his off-the-chart arrest and seizure numbers, the law enforcement officials said. His second wife, Nathalia Gomez, is related to Diego Marin, who U.S. and Colombian officials describe as one of the top money-laundering suspects in the country over the past decade. Authorities believe Marin is Colombia's contraband king, importing shipping containers full of electronics and textiles with drug dollars that wind up being sold at flea markets featuring contraband goods at a steep discount. Marin was arrested in 1993 for allegedly hiding dope money for the Cali cartel in Colombia-bound home appliances. But he was never charged and has eluded prosecution ever since by leveraging relationships built over decades as an informant to multiple U.S. law enforcement agencies, the officials said. Current and former U.S. law enforcement officials now suspect Irizarry was using his badge to turn in Marin's rivals. Calls and text messages sent to Irizarry's wife seeking comment from Marin, who is her relative, went unanswered, as did repeated phone calls and emails to Marin's Miami-based lawyer, David Macey. Irizarry's undoing came when he was caught stealing from police informants and interfering in legitimate law-enforcement actions. Among the missteps was an $87,000 wire transfer destined for a trafficker in Cali that mysteriously went missing. Irizarry didn't know the trafficker was an informant for the Miami-Dade money-laundering strike force, which complained to the Justice Department, leading to Yabrudi's arrest last year. Around the same time, the law enforcement officials said, an Internal Revenue Service agent flagged to the DEA what he considered a suspicious phone call Irizarry made trying to reverse the seizure of a container of commercial goods. Later, the officials said, it was learned that he had also been falsifying DEA paperwork used to pay informants pocketing the money for himself. It has been a month and a half since Florida woman Carla Stefaniak was murdered in Costa Rica, and the family of the Venezuelan-American and her lawyers in San Jose are "concerned" about the investigation. Stefaniak, 36, traveled at the end of November 2018 to celebrate her birthday with her sister-in-law and disappeared a day before her flight back to Fort Lauderdale. Her partially buried body was found in the woods near her Airbnb rental in the San Jose neighborhood of San Antonio de Escazu. "We are a little worried. We have some doubts about what is happening (with the case)," said lawyer Joseph Rivera in a telephone conversation with Telemundo 51, referring to the fact that the prosecutor has been changed three times and they have not been allowed to visit the place of the murder. This concern is shared by Carlos Caicedo, father of the victim. "The Office of the Prosecutor has shown a strange behavior. How is it possible that they have changed the prosecutor three different times? What happens there?" Caicedo said to Costa Rican news outlet Repretel.com. Rivera also said that they are aware there is "a person's DNA match" at the crime scene, but it is up to the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) to see if it corresponds to Bismark Espinosa Martinez, the security guard who was arrested for his alleged responsibility in the crime. Rivera, one of the attorneys who represents Carla Stefaniak's family in Costa Rica, said that at least five people participated in the "atrocious murder" and in the burial of the body in a wooded area near the apartment where she stayed in Costa Rica. "The Office of the Prosecutor shares the thesis that there was more than one person involved in the crime," he added. Telemundo 51 contacted the OIJ and they assured that the investigation is ongoing. The family of Carla Stefaniak filed a lawsuit against Airbnb and the Villa le Mas apartment complex for a series of "negligences," such as not having carried out a background check of the security guard, who was "illegally" in Costa Rica. The owners of the accommodation Le Mas de Provence denied having any employment relationship with the security guard who is being held as the only suspect in the murder of Stefaniak. Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House on Tuesday, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed "a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller." The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advise Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute beyond what was intended" to conclude that the president had obstructed justice. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt, and said he frowned on "Lock Her Up" calls for Hillary Clinton. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. Barr stated without hesitation that it was in the public interest for Mueller to finish his investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the presidential election. He said he would resist any order by Trump to fire Mueller without cause and called it "unimaginable" that Mueller would do anything to require his termination. "I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere with the election, and I think we have to get to the bottom of it," Barr said during the nine-hour hearing. He said that, at 68 and partially retired, he felt emboldened to "do the right thing and not really care about the consequences." If a president directs an attorney general to do something illegal, he said, an attorney general must resign. "I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr told the hearing. Consumed by the partial government shutdown, Trump remained out of sight at the White House but also kept an eye on the news coverage of the hearing and told aides he was pleased with how Barr was handling himself, said two White House officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal conversations. On other topics, Barr echoed in part the president's hardline immigration stance and said the Justice Department would not go after marijuana companies in states where the drug is legal. He also would not rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs, saying he could envision circumstances where a journalist could be held in contempt "as a last resort." Barr's hearing continues Wednesday with a lineup of character witnesses, including former Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Barr's confirmation is likely, given that Republicans control the Senate. Even some Democrats have been looking to move on from acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to remove himself the Russia probe and has faced scrutiny over his private dealings. But he nonetheless faced skeptical questions from Democrats over whether he could oversee without bias or interference the remainder of Mueller's probe. Feinstein said the nominee's past rhetoric in support of expansive presidential powers "raises a number of serious questions about your views on executive authority and whether the president is, in fact, above the law." Under questioning, Barr voiced a more moderate view, saying a president who ordered an attorney general to halt an investigation would clearly be committing an "abuse of power" if not necessarily a crime. Barr said under questioning from Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, that he wouldn't interfere with a Mueller request to subpoena Trump for his testimony "if there was a factual basis." But he also said he saw no reason to change Justice Department legal opinions that have held that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Barr called Mueller a friend of 30 years and said "it is vitally important" that Mueller be allowed to complete his investigation. "I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," he said when asked by the panel's Republican chairman, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The special counsel is required to report his findings confidentially to the Justice Department. Barr said he expected to produce his own report to Congress and said it was his goal to release as much information as possible to the public, though he stopped short of a direct pledge. He also noted the Justice Department does not typically disclose information about people it investigates but does not prosecute. He also disclosed having discussed Mueller with Trump during a meeting in 2017 when Barr declined to join his legal team. He said he and his wife had been "sort of looking forward to a bit of respite and I didn't want to stick my head into that meat grinder." Trump wanted to know what Mueller, who worked for Barr when he led the Justice Department between 1991 and 1993, was like. "He was interested in that, wanted to know what I thought about Mueller's integrity and so forth and so on," Barr said. "I said Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such." He also defended his decision to send an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department in which he criticized as "fatally misconceived" the theory of obstruction that Mueller appeared to be pursuing with regard to Trump, including the special counsel's investigation into president's firing of former FBI director James Comey. He said he raised his concerns at a lunch with the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller and has overseen his work. Rosenstein didn't respond and was "sphinx-like," Barr recalled. He followed up with the memo in June. Barr also sent the document to White House lawyers and discussed it with Trump's personal attorneys and a lawyer representing Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, among others. Barr said the memo was narrowly focused on a single theory of obstruction that media reports suggested Mueller might be considering. He said he would consult with ethics officials on whether he would need to recuse because of the memo but the decision would be ultimately his. You are here: Arts Sun Qiming and his colleagues achieved social media success with their uniquely formatted, yet insightful, posts. A book deal-and much more-soon followed, Yang Yang reports. Sun Qiming was about to graduate from Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design with a degree in textile-and-fashion design in the spring of 2016. Rather than seek employment, the 26-year-old talked to three of his friends-25-year-old Zhu Jian, who also was about to graduate, 26-year-old freelancer Mao Tianhua and 30-year-old Zhao Zhe, a PhD candidate studying biology-about starting a designer brand to popularize science in fun ways. "WeChat advocates that every account-no matter how small-should have its own brand," Sun says. "We initially wanted to design daily-use products to represent our ideas about lifestyle. So, we started a WeChat account to attract fans." An intensive care doctor ordered "significantly excessive and potentially fatal" doses of pain medicine for at least 27 near-death patients in the past few years after families asked that lifesaving measures be stopped, an Ohio hospital system announced after being sued by a family alleging an improper dose of fentanyl actively hastened the death of one of those patients. The Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System acknowledged the doses were larger than needed to provide comfort for dying patients. That raises questions about whether there was an intentional or possibly illegal use of the drugs to accelerate deaths. The system said it has fired the doctor, reported findings of an internal investigation to authorities and removed 20 employees from patient care pending further investigation, including nurses who administered the medication as well as pharmacists. Mount Carmel said the situation came to light because an employee reported a safety concern. The health system shared no information about what might have prompted employees to approve and administer the excessive dosages. "Regardless of the reason the actions were taken, we take responsibility for the fact that the processes in place were not sufficient to prevent these actions from happening," Mount Carmel President and CEO Ed Lamb said in a video statement. "We're doing everything to understand how this happened and what we need to do to ensure that it never happens again." The attorney who brought the lawsuit said, in that case, either layers of safeguards repeatedly failed to flag a "grossly excessive" dosage of fentanyl, or the medical professionals intended to accelerate the death of the patient, 79-year-old Janet Kavanaugh. "On balance, it's hard to believe the former occurred rather than the latter. ... This is not just a simple situation of an error," lawyer Gerry Leeseberg said Tuesday. The lawsuit was filed Monday in Franklin County against the health system, a pharmacist, a nurse and the doctor, whom it identifies as William Husel. Case records listed no attorney yet to comment on Husel's behalf. There is no public personal phone listing for him, and other numbers linked to him weren't accepting calls Tuesday. Husel's case emerges amid a national debate over physician-assisted death. In such cases, physicians prescribe medications in life-ending amounts to terminally ill patients. Five states California, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Colorado allow the practice, and 20 have considered but not passed legislation to do so, according to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures. A Montana court also legalized it there, though there's no regulatory framework in place. In Ohio, the practice remains illegal. A bill that would have allowed terminally ill, mentally competent patients to self-administer a prescription to end their lives failed to gain traction in the last legislative session. But Joe Carrese, a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, said that such laws are carefully crafted. He said that if Husel administered lethal quantities of drugs to unwitting patients in order to end their lives, his acts didn't meet the definition of physician-assisted death. "In this case, if that was the intent, this was essentially euthanasia, which is not legal anywhere in the United States and not at all the same as physician-assisted death," he said. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien confirmed that his office has met with doctors, hospital executives and attorneys and that an investigation is underway, but he wouldn't discuss details. He said they've received cooperation from Mount Carmel, which operates four hospitals around Columbus, and from parent organization Trinity Health, one of the country's largest Roman Catholic health care systems. Records show the State Medical Board in Ohio has never taken disciplinary action against Husel. It's unclear whether that board ever received a complaint or conducted an investigation about him, as such records are confidential under Ohio law, and outcomes are made public only if the board takes formal action. Husel was a supervised resident at the Cleveland Clinic from 2008 to 2013, according to a statement from the medical center. It's now conducting an internal investigation of his work, but it said a preliminary review found that his prescribing practices were "consistent with appropriate care provided to patients in the intensive care unit." Carrese, from the bioethics institute, commended Mount Carmel for encouraging a culture in which medical staff and other employees can come forward without fear, but he said the extent of the allegations is concerning. "The fact that there may be other patients, up to 26 other patients, really calls into question whether the culture of safety and reporting that they're shooting for, whether there's more work that needs to be done," he said. The allegations carry echoes of prior Ohio cases in which patients were killed. Nurse's aide Donald Harvey, dubbed "the Angel of Death," claimed responsibility for killing more than 50 people in Cincinnati and Kentucky hospitals during the 1970s and '80s, mostly by poisoning. Many were chronically ill patients, and Harvey claimed he was trying to end their suffering. Admitted serial killer Michael Swango, the former physician dubbed "Dr. Death," pleaded guilty to killing four people, including one while interning at an Ohio State University hospital, and was believed to have poisoned dozens as he moved between hospitals in various places. Leeseberg, the attorney in the Mount Carmel lawsuit, said an important difference in this case is that multiple people were involved in the patients receiving the drugs. "The pharmacist has an obligation to question an order, and the nurse has an obligation to question the order as well," Leeseberg said. "All of those safeguards were overridden or ignored. It's like nothing I've ever seen." Associated Press reporters Julie Carr Smyth, Andrew Welsh-Huggins, Mark Gillispie, John Seewer and Dan Sewell contributed to this report. What to Know A storm fueled by an atmospheric river pulling Tropical moisture into California is expected to arrive Wednesday Widespread rainfall is expected by Thursday morning, marking the final round of rain during a week of storms Several hillside areas were under evacuation orders ahead of the storm Southern California faces a third consecutive day of rain as another Pacific storm fueled by a conveyor belt of moisture bears down on the West Coast. This round is expected to bring widespread rainfall and the threat of mudslides as more moisture is added to already soaked hillsides in the region's wildfire burn areas. Residents in parts of Malibu, Burbank, and Ventura and Santa Barbara counties were under evacuation orders. A week of storms left those communities and others around the state concerned about the potential danger for thousands of people living in foothill and canyon areas devastated by last year's wildfires. Immense areas of the state were razed by wind-whipped flames, leaving hillsides bare of vegetation that could stabilize soil and prevent mudslides. The heaviest rains will move in late Wednesday and early Thursday due to a phenomenon called an atmospheric river. The robust plume of subtropical moisture ushers tropical air up from the Pacific like a conveyor belt. The long, narrow band of water vapor in the sky makes land, then glides up from sea level and condenses, turning to rain. In a typical year atmospheric rivers account for about 30 to 50 percent of the West Coasts annual rainfall. They've contributed to historic rain seasons and flooding, including the 2017 winter storms and the Great Flood of 1862, which devastated parts of the state. "We'll be watching later tonight when that rain really picks up," said NBC4 forecaster Shanna Mendiola. "This (storm) is not going to be as cold. We're going to be tapping into the atmospheric river of moisture." Several thousand people heeded a mandatory evacuation order in Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast, where last year a sudden debris flow swept through Montecito, killing 23 people and destroying 100 homes. Daphne Moore was among the evacuees. "It's a complete drag but it's better than dying in a mud debris flow," Moore said. Some mandatory evacuations remained in the Malibu area of Los Angeles County and voluntary evacuations were in place for some parts of Ventura County. Both were affected by November's Woolsey Fire that destroyed more than 1,500 homes and killed four people. In Northern California, an evacuation warning is in place for Pulga, a neighboring town of Paradise, which was incinerated two months ago by the Camp Fire that killed 86 people. A blizzard warning for much of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe takes effect Wednesday night. The snowfall is a good sign for California's snowpack, which melts in the spring and runs off into the state's aqueduct system. The north could see the strongest storm of the year with heavy rain in the San Francisco Bay Area leading to a widespread flash flood watch beginning in the afternoon. Flood and high wind watches were scheduled for the Sacramento area, with the weather service warning that gusts could lead to power outages, downed trees and tough driving conditions. Mandatory evacuations are in place for some residents as a storm brings several days of steady rain to Southern California. See a map of wildfire burn areas threatened by storms Below you'll find information about the Holy Fire, Woolsey Fire and Montecito evacuations, along with information about Ventura, Orange and Santa Barbara counties: Woolsey Fire Area in Malibu Road Closures: Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Grandview Drive and Pacific Coast Highway; Decker Canyon Road between Pacific Coast Highway and Upper Mulholland Highway; Malibu Canyon Road between Civic Center Way and Piuma Road. (residents of the Malibu Knolls area are allowed in at Civic Center Way with ID) All evacuation orders for the area were lifted as of 3:30 p.m. Thursday and all evacuation centers have been closed. Officials are advising those who return be aware of the potential for falling rocks and debris. Schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District will open Friday after being closed for three days due to the storm. Concerns remain about the closures of Malibu Canyon and Topanga Canyon roads and if any of these schools end up being closed, the district will notify parents via social media and the district website by 6 a.m. Ventura County Mandatory evacuation area: Ventura RV Beach Resort. Evacuation orders for the following areas have been lifted: South Coast of Ventura County/Community of Malibu - Roadways may be impacted. Residents should use caution Matilija / Wheeler Springs / North fork (extending along Oso Road) Bell Canyon (entire community) Oak Park (specific homes adjacent to the hillsides) Residences east of Hwy 33 / Casitas Springs (Vista Burn area) Ventura City La Conchita East Ojai Stewart Canyon Camarillo Springs Nye Road West of Hwy 33 (Sycamore at Edison drives) Road Closures: Yerba Buena Road, from Ellice Street to Yellow Hill Road Extended duration closure (South Coast); Harbor Blvd. between Sanjon Road and the Ventura Pier (city of Ventura); West Main Street at Garden (No access to Ventura Beach RV Park) (city of Ventura); SR 33 Fairview Rd. to Lockwood Valley (N. of Ojai); Bundren Street, between Santa Ana Blvd. and Mahoney (Oak View); Creek Road, between Hermosa and Kenewa Street (Ojai); Hwy 150 between S. Rice Rd. and Avila Dr. (Ojai). The Calabasas/Agoura Community Center was acting as an evacuation center, located at 27040 Malibu Hills Rd.,Calabasas, CA 91301 For more information of road closures, school closures and evacuation updates, click here. Holy Fire Area in Riverside County As of midnight, all evacuation warnings and orders have been lifted. Please remain vigilant as you travel on local roads. A care and reception center was set up at Temescal Canyon High School at 28755 El Toro Rd. in Lake Elsinore to take in residents. Small animals were being accepted at the San Jacinto Animal Campus at 581 South Grand Ave. in San Jacinto. Those who have large animals were instructed to contact Riverside County Animal Services. Evacuees with recreational vehicles or motor homes were being provided free hookups at Lake Skinner Recreation Area at 37701 Warren Rd. in Winchester and Rancho Jurupa Regional Park at 4800 Crestmore Rd. in Jurupa Valley. More information is available at www.rivcoready.org. What to Know Snow Valley Mountain Resort Running Springs More snow in the forecast as of Jan. 16, 2019; check road conditions and chain requirements before heading up the mountain The search & rescue canines spied around California's ski resorts? They absolutely elicit the "awwws" on the part of we humans. They inspire our hearts to melt, just a little, even in a place that's experiencing incredibly cold temperatures. And while we long to pause and cuddle them, these important pups have critical tasks to perform, out on the slopes and beyond. One of the newest members of this elite and essential band o' tail-wagging workers is Jasmine, a brand-new search & rescue trainee at Snow Valley Mountain Resort in Running Springs. The Golden Retriever is currently sharpening her rescue skills in frosty conditions, but she had a far more temperate beginning: She was born in June 2018 in Oxnard. But she's taking to the mountain snow like a duck to water, learning how to "clear the mountain at the end of the day and rescue people who get lost out of bounds." The resort's in-bounds terrain isn't avalanche territory, so honing that particular rescue skill is not on Jasmine's impressive list of things to learn. In her downtime, Jasmine enjoys barking at dogs she sees on TV, per her trainer Dennis Bentson, a longtime search and rescue volunteer with the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department. Mr. Bentson, who has some 40 years experience as a ski patroller and 18 years of training dogs like Jasmine, also confirms that Jasmine "... likes to slide down the snow on her back," to play with balls that squeak, and to give snowboarders kisses (when, of course, they're taking a break). Riding the chairlift? Totally easy for the pooch, who takes being high above the ground in confident stride. Same goes for her snowmobile-riding abilities. No worries for this woofer when she's on the motorized move. As for her current level of training? She is working on locating Mr. Bentson when he hides behind trees, scoring a treat when she locates him. Jasmine will soon she'll move on from finding with her eyes to seeking out "those in need of help" with her nose, a more advanced skill. It's called Wilderness Air Scenting, and given this sharp hound's lively personality and can-do attitude, Jasmine is sure to master that in no time. Where to see her when visiting Snow Valley? She'll may be working, so best give this furry do-gooder a wide berth should you be lucky enough to see her. Unless, of course, she swings by with a few kisses to give, which, as mentioned, has sweetly happened. Watch for Jasmine around the "... ski patrol building at the top of the Snow Valley Express chairlift," which is described as her "HQ." That is, of course, if she's not training in the woods, to serve and save humans who've wandered out of bounds. Or sliding down the snow on her back, just to enjoy blowing off a little steam, Fido-style. Good dog, Jasmine. What to Know Thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District teachers returned to the picket lines on Tuesday. They are asking for increased pay, smaller class sizes and the hiring of more support staff, such as nurses, counselors and librarians. Teachers at The Accelerated Schools charter school in South Los Angeles also went on strike Tuesday. Thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District teachers returned to the picket lines Tuesday, the second day of the district's first teachers strike in 30 years, with educators asking for increased pay, smaller class sizes and the hiring of more support staff, such as nurses, counselors and librarians. Teachers at The Accelerated Schools charter school in South Los Angeles also went on strike Tuesday, calling for increased teachers' salaries and health benefits in order to bolster teacher rentention. Those teachers are represented by the same union that represents teachers in the LAUSD. The walkout is billed as the first ever in California by charter-school teachers. Around mid-afternoon, LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said more than 159,000 students at campuses affected by the strike showed up to class Tuesday, although figures from about three dozen schools were still being collected. The preliminary figure was an increase of roughly 15,000 students from Monday, the first day of the teacher walkout. Beutner said that Monday's attendance of about 144,000 students will cost the district $25 million in state funding based on attendance. Unpaid wages for the strikers amounted to $10 million, meaning the district suffered a one-day loss of $15 million. An estimate of the monetary loss from Tuesday's attendance was not immediately available, but was likely to be in the same range. The district sent a letter to parents saying, "While state law does not excuse absences in case of a strike and students are expected to attend class, principals will work with students and families on attendance. At the moment, schools will not be notifying parents of absences, but will continue to monitor student attendance and provide support to students on an individual basis. Student absences during the strike will no impact graduation." The teachers' union, United Teachers Los Angeles, accused the district earlier Tuesday of failing to issue a "clear, definitive statement" on how the district is handling absences, effectively "exploiting parents' fears and knowingly spreading confusion to try to gain leverage." "If Beutner decides that students who show up out on the picket line are going to be punished for doing so, he needs to be clear about that policy, and the district will see the full force of 35,000 educators standing behind their students," according to the union. "While UTLA cannot encourage students to miss school, we will not allow our students to be bullied by the school district for demanding the schools they deserve." Beutner called on the teachers union to join with the district in pushing Sacramento to better fund schools. "Let's build on the renewed attention on public education in our community," he said. "Let's bottle it. Let's put it on our buses and let's go to Sacramento." All 1,240 elementary, middle and high schools were open Monday and again Tuesday, thanks in part to substitute teachers and credentialed school staffers, Beutner said. Bus service was operating normally, and meals were being served to students as usual. Contract negotiations between the two sides broke off Friday, and as of Tuesday afternoon, there were no new talks scheduled. The district increased its contract offer on Friday when Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his state budget proposal which includes more money for school districts across the state. The offer included, among other things, the hiring of 1,200 teachers, reducing class sizes in middle schools, a full-time nurse at every elementary school and another academic counselor at high schools. The increased staffing would only be for one year, with the district saying the money to pay for the extra employees would come out of a one-time reserve. "This represents the best we can do, recognizing that it is our obligation to provide as much resources as possible to support out students in each and every one of our schools," Beutner said Friday. UTLA rejected the offer, saying it did not go far enough to bolster school staffing, reduce class sizes and prevent them from increasing in the future. The union also blasted the district's staff-increase proposal for being only a one-year offer, and contended the district's salary increase proposal is contingent on benefit cuts to future union members. The LAUSD has offered teachers a 6 percent raise spread over the first two years of a three-year contract while UTLA wants a 6.5 percent raise that would take effect all at once and a year sooner. The district claims the union's contract demands would bankrupt the LAUSD, but the union disputes that contention, pointing to what it calls an estimated $1.8 billion reserve fund and insisting the district has not faced a financial deficit in five years. Underlying the strike is the issue of charter schools. Union officials have accused Beutner and some members of the school board of favoring a vast expansion of privately operated charter schools, which are governed by the state and generally staffed by non-union teachers. "Here we are in a fight for the soul of public education," UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl said. "The question is: do we starve our public neighborhood schools so that they (become) privatized, or do we re-invest in our public neighborhood schools for our students and for a thriving city?" Thousands of UTLA members and their supporters rallied outside the downtown headquarters of the California Charter Schools Association Tuesday. The association's president, Myrna Castrejon, issued a statement saying teachers and other school staff "do some of the most important and difficult work in Los Angeles -- regardless of whether they work in a traditional, magnet, pilot or charter public school." She called for continued pressure on the state Legislature to increase education funding. "Thousands of inspiring Los Angeles educators dedicate their lives to helping kids thrive at both district and charter public schools," Castrejon said. "What unites us is so much more powerful than what divides us, and has more potential to improve kids' lives." The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday agreed to provide the district with up to $10 million for nursing and mental health services -- saying it would be enough to fund a nurse at every LAUSD elementary school. That funding was included in Beutner's most recent contract offer to the union last week. As the second largest school district in the nation, the LAUSD covers an area totaling 710 square miles and serves more than 694,000 students at 1,322 schools, although 216 schools are independent charter schools, most of which are staffed with non-union teachers unaffected by the strike. The district says about 500,000 students and 1,100 schools are impacted by the walkout. The district hired 400 substitutes, and 2,000 administrators with teaching credentials have been reassigned during the strike. The district has set up an information hotline for parents at (213) 443-1300. The migrant caravan that was seized upon by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election has quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, however, many others nearly half, according to U.S. Border Patrol arrest records have sought to enter the U.S. illegally. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Where have they all gone? The U.S. Border Patrol has made about 2,600 caravan-related arrests in its San Diego sector, said spokesman Theron Francisco, indicating that nearly half have crossed into the U.S. illegally. Families are typically released with a notice to appear in immigration court. Mexican officials say about 1,300 caravan members have returned to Central America. Mexico has issued humanitarian visas to about 2,900 others, many of whom are now working legally there with visas. Francis Lopez is among the migrants who have stayed in Mexico. The 26-year-old former clothing factory worker said he and his wife made a snap decision to leave their home in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula when the caravan left in October. He had hoped to join a relative in Florida but is having second thoughts about seeking asylum after an American attorney told him he had a weak case and may be detained until a judge orders him deported. "It's a loss of time, a loss of time that you can never recover," Lopez said. Javier Diaz of El Salvador, who is working as a taxi driver in Tijuana on a visa, said the caravan offered strength in numbers enough safety to avoid paying a smuggler at least $8,000 to reach the United States. Diaz, a 44-year-old former construction worker who fled for economic reasons and to escape violence, said he had hoped to reach the United States to make enough money to support his wife and five children in El Salvador but Mexico was better than going home. "If Mexico deports me today, I will be in Mexico again tomorrow," Diaz said Monday amid sporadic rain at the shelter. "If I can go to the United States, better." The diminished presence of the migrants in Tijuana came as hundreds of Hondurans left the violent city of San Pedro Sula this week in a new caravan hoping to reach the United States or Mexico. That group crossed peacefully into Guatemala on Tuesday, under the watchful eyes of about 200 Guatemalan police and soldiers. About 500 Honduran migrants, including dozens of children, lined up to show their documents to a first line of unarmed security personnel at the Agua Caliente border crossing. Riot police waited in a second line to contain any possible disturbance. News of this latest trek north came as Trump has been working to convince the American public that there is a "crisis" at the southern border to justify construction of his long-promised border wall. Trump's demand for billions of dollars to build the wall has resulted in a standoff with Congress that has forced a partial government shutdown. "A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work," Trump tweeted Tuesday, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer. Caravans have taken place over the years though on a smaller scale, organized to draw attention to migrants' rights and usually not reaching the border. The ones that formed last year gained attention for their larger numbers and after Trump began seizing on them for political purposes. In the lead-up to last fall's elections, Trump frequently referenced the caravans, warning that they posed a national security risk and deploying active-duty troops to the border in anticipation of their arrival. Opponents criticized the move as an abuse of presidential power. The latest caravan began Monday night with many women and children boarding buses bound for the Guatemalan border. Others started walking and hitchhiking under a steady rain. More followed Tuesday morning trying to catch up. Some pushed toddlers in strollers or walked holding older children's hands. Honduran media said the country's authorities had reinforced the border with Guatemala to make sure everyone had proper documents. Children must carry passports and written parental authorization to leave the country, and parents could face up to three years in prison if found to be taking a child without the right documents, Security Minister Julian Pacheco was quoted as saying. Migrants fleeing Central America's Northern Triangle region comprising Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala routinely cite poverty and rampant gang violence as their motivation for leaving. Bartolo Fuentes, a migrant advocate accompanying the new caravan, said Tuesday that migration from Honduras will not stop until those chronic problems are resolved. "People leave every day," he said. "Every day 300, 400 people go. The caravan has been like a constant river of people to Mexico, to the United States." Among them is Honduran Angel Eduardo Cubas, who now sits in limbo in Tijuana, hoping to find work in Mexico. The former school security guard left his family behind, hoping to reach Florida for a job that would allow him to send money home. To others embarking on the journey, his advice was to "keep the faith and don't lose heart." Cubas said he could tell others that the trip isn't worth it, because it hasn't turned out well for him, but they would come anyway. "We don't all have the same luck," he said. "It's gone badly for me, but I met others along the way who are already (in the U.S.) and had better luck." Associated Press writers Christopher Sherman, Maria Verza and Jill Colvin contributed to this report. What to Know A man with a hammer walked into a Brooklyn buffet restaurant and attacked three workers at random, police and witnesses say The 34-year-old chef died at the hospital; two others remain in critical condition, police said A motive behind the violent outburst was unclear; witnesses said the suspect screamed gibberish as he attacked UPDATE: Deadly Hammer Rampage at NYC Buffet May Have Been Racially Motivated, Source Says A chef at a Brooklyn restaurant died after a man with a hammer burst into the business and attacked him and two others in what police say was a random attack. The hammer-wielding suspect burst into Seaport Buffet Tuesday evening, randomly attacking the 60-year-old owner, a 34-year-old chef and a 50-year-old worker, police said. The suspect, identified by police as 34-year-old Arthur Martunovich, walked into the buffet near Emmons Avenue and East 19th Street in Sheepshead Bay just after 5 p.m., first attacking the owner at the front of the restaurant, then going to the back where he hit the chef and worker, according to police. All three victims were taken to NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn in critical condition. That's where the chef, later identified as Fufai Pun of Brooklyn, was pronounced dead. Samantha Randazzo, the owner of Randazzo's Clam Bar next door, said a worker from the buffet came running in to warn them about the tool-wielding suspect. "A couple of people, customers from the restaurant, came in here, and we let them in and they said a guy came in crazy with a hammer and started hammering certain people, random people," Randazzo said. "The guy said he was just screaming crazy words, like, 'I'm killing everybody, world is hell,'" she said. "Just screaming crazy things." She said workers inside the clam bar locked their doors in fear. "We tried helping people who were trying to come in, customers, but we were scared to even walk out," she said. "We didn't know where he was." Witnesses said they saw the suspect running toward a garage behind the restaurant. An officer arrested him a few blocks away. The motive behind the violent evening outburst was unclear. Martunovich, of Brooklyn, was arrested Wednesday on charges of murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Dr Pepper wants to know: Do you love me, Texas? A change.org petition launched on Jan. 15 asks Dr Pepper fans to support the brand by saying that it should be declared the official soft drink of the Lone Star State. After they collect signatures, the petition is headed to the House when Congress is in session, says a spokeswoman. Dr Pepper was created in Waco, Texas, in 1885, and the fizzy, cherry drink has become as synonymous with Texas as Whataburger, H-E-B and Buc-ee's. Dublin Bottling Works, in Dublin, Texas, halted production of Dr Pepper in 2012; Dr Pepper is headquartered in Plano now and is bottled and distributed nationally. Read more from our media partner The Dallas Morning News. Police in Texas say the bodies of a woman and man found in shallow graves in rural Oklahoma are those of two missing central Texas residents. The Temple Police Department says in a statement that a preliminary investigation indicates the bodies are those of 28-year-old Jenna Scott and 32-year-old Michael Swearingin. "All we can say is that we're grieving and we pray justice is done and we thank everyone for the prayers and support their giving," Debbie Harrison, Swearingin's mother, told KXAN. The bodies were recovered Tuesday from clandestine graves in Okfuskee County, about 75 miles east of Oklahoma City. Officials say the two friends were reported missing Jan. 4 and that their car was found in Austin the next day. On Jan. 9, officials said they obtained new information about the friends' disappearance but what that information was has not been revealed. Authorities say the Office of the State Medical Examiner in Oklahoma will make positive identification after autopsies. Harrison told KXAN that the family has tentative plans for his service Saturday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Academy near Temple A grand Washington ritual became a potential casualty of the partial government shutdown Wednesday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked President Donald Trump to postpone his Jan. 29 State of the Union speech. She cited concerns about whether the hobbled government can provide adequate security, but Republicans cast her move as a ploy to deny Trump the stage. In a letter to Trump, Pelosi said that with both the Secret Service and the Homeland Security Department entangled in the shutdown, the president should speak to Congress another time or he should deliver the address in writing. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen denied anyone's safety is compromised, saying both agencies "are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union." Trump did not immediately respond to the request and the White House, thrown off guard by the move, had yet to offer any official response hours later. But GOP allies accused Pelosi of playing politics, with Republican Rep. Steve Scalise tweeting that Democrats are "only interested in obstructing @realDonaldTrump, not governing." Pelosi, who issued the customary invitation to Trump weeks ago, hit the president in a vulnerable place, as he delights in taking his message to the public and has been preparing for the address for weeks. The uncertainty surrounding the speech also underscored the unraveling of ceremonial norms and niceties in Trump's Washington, with the shutdown in its fourth week, the White House and Democrats in a stalemate and the impasse draining the finances of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Pelosi left unclear what would happen if Trump insisted on coming despite the welcome mat being pulled away. It takes a joint resolution of the House and Congress to extend the official invitation and set the stage. "We'll have to have a security evaluation, but that would mean diverting resources," she told reporters when asked how she would respond if Trump still intended to come. "I don't know how that could happen." Pressure on Trump intensified on the 26th day of the shutdown, as lawmakers from both parties scrambled for solutions. At the White House, Trump met a bipartisan group of lawmakers, as well as a group of Republican senators, but progress appeared elusive. While his own advisers said the shutdown was proving a greater drag on the economy than expected, Trump showed no signs of backing off a fight that he views as vital for his core supporters. On Wednesday, Trump signed legislation into law affirming that the roughly 800,000 federal workers who have been going without pay will ultimately be compensated for their lost wages. That was the practice in the past. As he weighs a response to Pelosi, Trump could not go forward with a State of the Union address in Congress without her blessing. Donald Ritchie, former historian of the Senate, said that anytime a president comes to speak, it must be at the request of Congress. Trump could opt to deliver a speech somewhere else, like the Oval Office, but it would not have the same ritualistic heft. Democratic leaders did not ask the Secret Service if the agency would be able to secure the State of the Union event before sending the letter, according to a senior Homeland Security official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Pelosi's office said Congress is already familiar with the percentage of Secret Service and Homeland Security employees who have been furloughed and working without pay. The Secret Service starts preparing for events like these months in advance. Lawmakers struggled to find a way out of the shutdown Wednesday. Trump is demanding $5.7 billion to build a wall along the Mexican border that he says is needed on humanitarian and security grounds. But Pelosi is refusing money for the wall she views as ineffective and immoral and Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened. Some expressed little optimism. Sen. Lindsay Graham, a South Carolina Republican who has been working on bipartisan strategies, declared glumly: "I am running out of ideas." Trump met a bipartisan group of lawmakers Wednesday that included seven Democrats. Two people who attended the White House meeting agreed it was "productive," but could not say to what extent Trump was listening or moved by the conversation. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the event candidly, said it seemed at some points as if people were talking past each other. Lawmakers talked about the shutdown's effect on their constituents and advocated for "border security." Trump and others on-and-off used the term "wall." It was not clear if progress had been made, by those accounts. Meanwhile a group of Republican senators headed to the White House later Wednesday. Many Republicans were unwilling to sign on to a letter led by Graham and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., to re-open the government for three weeks while talks continue. "Does that help the president or does that hurt the president?" asked Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., among those going to the White House. He has not signed the letter. "If the president saw it as a way to be conciliatory, if he thought it would help, then perhaps it's a good idea," he said. "If it's just seen as a weakening of his position, then he probably wouldn't do it." While Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she has signed, others said GOP support was lacking. "They're a little short on the R side," said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., another leader of the effort. The House and Senate announced they are canceling next week's planned recess if shutdown continues, which seemed likely. Some Republicans expressed concerns over the impact of the shutdown and who was getting blamed. Said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc.:"Right now, are you seeing any pressure on Democrats? I think Republicans are getting the lion's share of the pressure." He added: "The president accepted the blame so people are happy to give it to him." A museum dedicated to Jewish refugees in Shanghai will be expanded and renovated this year. The total area of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum will be expanded to more than 4,000 square meters from 900 square meters currently, said museum curator Chen Jian. Tens of thousands of Jewish refugees came to Shanghai during the Second World War, and mostly settled in an area in the northern part of the Suzhou River. They escaped Nazi atrocities and established deep friendship with the Chinese people. Chen said the expansion, expected to be completed by 2020, was an effort to accommodate the rising number of tourists. Since 2008, annual visitor numbers at the museum rose from about 10,000 to 100,000. Last year, local authorities issued a plan to expand the museum. "Increased exhibition areas will allow more historic records to be displayed, and we will be able to introduce the history of Jewish refugees who took shelter in Shanghai more deeply," Chen said. A judge handed out the first prison sentence in connection with a patient abuse case at our states maximum security mental hospital. NBC Connecticut Investigates broke the story about the abuse almost two years ago. Supporters of 45-year-old Gregory Giantonio packed the back benches of the courtroom to watch a judge hand him a sentence of five years in prison, suspended after four months, plus three years probation, on a single count of intentional cruelty to persons. Giantonio is one of 10 employees from the Whiting Forensic Division arrested in connection with charges they repeatedly abused Bill Shehadi, a patient then in his late 50s, at the states maximum security mental hospital in Middletown. Much of it was caught on the hospital surveillance system. Al Shehadi says his brother suffered kicking, poking, and more with Giantonio in his brothers room. Tearing up at times, Giantonio was brief as he made his case for leniency in connection with his plea. He told the court I want to apologize to Mr. Shehadi, to his family and friends, and I want to apologize to my family and friends for what they've had to endure because of my actions, and I'm truly sorry for what happened. Fellow staffers who came to speak on behalf of Giantonio explained they work in an extremely difficult environment where they are often the ones getting hurt by patients, and Giantonio often showed compassion for Shehadi, someone they say is arguably the most difficult patient. All told, the state put 37 people at Whiting on administrative leave in the Shehadi abuse case, and 35 no longer work for Whiting. Of those, 26 were dismissed or terminated, four resigned, and five retired. East Hartford police are warning residents to be on alert for solicitors posing as Eversource employees. Police said they are looking into reports of people using aggressive marketing tactics and claiming association with Eversource. Police said Eversource employees never go door-to-door to discuss bills or energy options. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to Eversource at 800-286-2000 and police. It is common for scammers to pose as utility workers to get into homes. Police caution residents to think before opening the door to an unknown person, especially if they dont have an appointment. As the federal government shutdown drags on, more workers in Connecticut are concerned about how theyre going to make ends meet. We dont care if theres a wall or not a wall at this point. Now its just hey can you pay us or figure this out on somebody elses time and not ours, said Shaun Boylan of Danbury. Boylan is a federal prison employee and patience for the government shutdown is wearing thin. Everybodys worried about what are they going to do? Boylan said. Ive seen some of the people I work with literally selling their couches. Boylan joined thousands of other essential workers nationwide who werent paid last week. His missing paycheck is now creating a strain he has five kids, including one in college. Bills are still due and his creditors want payment. Student loans, theyre not pushing those back for us. Car payments, both of my lenders arent pushing us back. Theyre not pushing those back. Its like your bill is your bill, Boylan said. With each day Washington lawmakers fail to reach a deal, concern grows about how hell provide for his family. Whats going to happen is that in the evenings when Im not working, Im going to have to find another job, he said. Boylans wifes salary wont cover all the family expenses, and theyve had to tell their kids because of the shutdown, some things will have to wait. My birthdays coming up. They might not have money by the time that comes up. Theyre just going to have to postpone it until they can, his son Adam explained. On Tuesday Gov. Ned Lamont announced relief was coming for some federal workers in the form of no-interest loans, being offered through a partnership with the state and Webster Bank. Boylan said while hes grateful for the opportunity to apply, its still unclear how soon he and other essential workers could get that cash in hand. Boylan said hell keep going to work every day because its what right. But he worries for himself and for people like him who might not be able to keep clocking in for free. If these people stop coming to work, this is a prison. It might be a low security, but there are some dangerous individuals back there. If these people cant come to work because they cant afford to get here, what happens? A roadside bomb hit a tourist bus on Friday near the Giza Pyramids, killing three Vietnamese and their Egyptian guide, officials said. The bus was traveling in the Marioutiyah area near the pyramids when the crude roadside bomb, concealed by a wall, went off, Egypt's chief prosecutor Nabil Sadeq said in a statement. The blast wounded 11 other Vietnamese tourists as well as the Egyptian driver. The bus was carrying a total of 15 Vietnamese tourists, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It said that 10 were seriously injured. Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt Tran Thanh Cong visited the scene of the attack and Al Haram Hospital, where the victims were being treated, the ministry said. Egypt has battled Islamic militants for years in the Sinai Peninsula in an insurgency that has occasionally spilled over to the mainland, hitting minority Christians or tourists. However, this is the first attack to target foreign tourists in almost two years. The attack takes place as Egypt's vital tourism industry is showing signs of recovery after years in the doldrums because of the political turmoil and violence that followed a 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Hosni Mubarak. It will likely prompt authorities to further tighten security around churches and associated facilities ahead of the New Year's Eve celebrations and next month's Christmas celebrations of the Coptic Orthodox Church, the dominant denomination among Egypt's estimated 10 million Christians. Over the past two years, militant attacks against Christians in Egypt usually targeting churches or buses carrying pilgrims to remote desert monasteries have killed over a hundred people. The criminal complaint charging a Wisconsin man with abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents laid out the case in detail and offered a possible road map for how prosecutors will seek a conviction in the girl's 88-day ordeal. The 12-page complaint against Jake Thomas Patterson focused almost entirely on Jayme's abduction and her escape , without lingering on her time in captivity. The decision to leave out a description of what happened in the remote cabin where Jayme was held for almost three months was probably intended to spare her more trauma, said Chris Madel, a prominent defense attorney in Minneapolis. The details are also unnecessary, he said. Prosecutors already have evidence of two killings that that could put Patterson away for life. The complaint says Patterson admitted to the slayings. JaneAnne Murray, another defense attorney and a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Law, wondered if the complaint was "designed to send a signal to the defense that the evidence against their client is overwhelming." The prosecutor in the case, Barron County District Attorney Brian Wright, said after Patterson was charged Monday that a conviction in this case is important. "We are seeking justice. We have two parents of a 13-year-old who are deceased. We have a 13-year-old who was abducted for 88 days against her will, forcibly. It doesn't get any more serious than that," he said. Patterson's defense attorneys, Charles Glynn and Richard Jones, have said they might seek a change of venue. According to the complaint, the 21-year-old suspect was working at a cheese factory west of Barron, Wisconsin, when he stopped behind a school bus on his way to work and saw Jayme getting on. He decided then he would take her, the complaint said. On Oct. 15, he went to her home dressed almost entirely in black, wearing a face mask and gloves and armed with a shotgun. He allegedly told authorities he shot Jayme's father, James Closs, through the front door, then went inside and found Jayme and her mother. He shot Denise Closs, then dragged Jayme to a car, the complaint said. He took her to his cabin in Gordon, a township of 645 people in thickly forested Douglas County, according to the complaint. Not until Thursday did Jayme manage to escape, making it to a neighbor's to call 911. Keith Findley, co-founder of the Wisconsin Innocence Project, said it's important not to rush to judgment, noting that the complaint sets forth only one side. "This is all very preliminary, and we all need to take a breath and not rush to judgment ... the process needs to work its way out," Findley said. Murray said prosecutors will want a swift resolution, and that's one bargaining chip the defense has. The defense can drag the case out by raising a host of issues, or they could offer to plead guilty so prosecutors can resolve the case quickly. Madel said the defense may try to suppress Patterson's statement to police, but it's unlikely that will succeed. They also might pursue an insanity-based defense, arguing that Patterson did not understand what he's accused of doing was wrong. But Madel doubts that would work either. "He wore all black. He shaved his head. He took steps to conceal her in his home when people were over, and he was seemingly out looking for her when she was gone," Madel said. Those are indications that "he appreciated the criminality of what he was doing." Wright said he does not plan for Jayme to testify at any upcoming proceedings, but Madel said it should be up to her. He said it can be helpful for victims to testify, even if they undergo extensive cross-examination, because doing so helps them feel like they helped convict their attackers. "I get what the prosecutors are saying: They don't need to call her. But I sure hope they are going to leave that up to her," Madel said. Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be hosting an organizing event in Claremont, New Hampshire on Friday, according to her website. The event is for her 2020 presidential exploratory committee and will focus on "having a real conversation about how to level the playing field for working families and who is best to lead that fight," according to event details. This will be her second event in New Hampshire this week, after an event Saturday at Manchester Community College. The event will be held at The Common Man Restaurant at 16 Mill Road. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence, said Tuesday she would return to teaching art at a northern Virginia elementary school that explicitly bars its employees from engaging in or condoning homosexual or lesbian sexual activity and transgender identity, NBC News reported. The employment application for the Immanuel Christian School, which was first reported on by HuffPost, asks applicants to initial a passage stating they will "live a personal life of moral purity." The application also defines moral misconduct as including premarital sex. Pence previously worked at the school for 12 years. When asked by NBC News about the northern Virginia schools policies regarding LGBTQ people, Pences communications director stated, It's absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the school's religious beliefs, are under attack. A firefighter was among the injured in Wednesday's early-morning, two-alarm blaze at two homes in San Francisco, according to fire officials. The firefighter suffered an injury to their face battling the blaze at 70 and 72 Liebig St., and was transported to the hospital with minor injuries and for observation, according to San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Jonathan Baxter. Five others were transported to hospitals. Two adults are currently in critical condition and two others suffered serious-to-moderate injuries, Baxter said. Also, a child suffered minor injuries. The firefighter wasn't identified. The blaze was first reported around 12:18 a.m. at 70 Liebig St., and then spread to the home next door at 72 Liebig St., Baxter said. The homes are detached, 2-story, single-family homes. Firefighters arrived on scene and found fire extending from the building and people requesting rescues from the second-floor and other locations of the homes, Baxter said. A total of 23 fire apparatuses and 72 firefighters battled the blaze. The fire was placed under control around 1:45 a.m. The American Red Cross is on the scene to assist 17 people who were displaced. The cause of the fire is under investigation. No further information is immediately available. A Mexican man who touched off a fierce immigration debate over his role in the shooting death of a woman walking on a San Francisco pier is seeking to overturn his felony gun possession conviction. It was the only charge he was found guilty of after a jury acquitted him of murder. Jose Inez Garcia-Zarate had been deported five times at the time of the shooting and was wanted for a sixth deportation proceeding. Lawyers for Garcia-Zarate filed the expected appeal last week in state court. He contends he didn't know a gun was in his hands because it was wrapped in a T-shirt when it fired and he dropped it almost immediately after picking it up. He argues in court papers that he can't be convicted of illegal gun possession. Garcia-Zarate was charged with murder and illegal gun possession for the fatal shooting of Kate Steinle in July 2015. Steinle was shot in the back was she walked with her father on a city pier crowded with tourists taking in the sights. Garcia-Zarate had been recently released from jail after prosecutors dropped a 20-year-old marijuana possession charge. He had been transferred to San Francisco's jail after serving nearly four years in federal prison for illegal re-entry into the United States. The San Francisco sheriff released Garcia-Zarate from jail despite a request from federal immigration officials to detain him until they could pick him up for deportation proceedings. San Francisco's so-called sanctuary city policy bars local law enforcement officials from cooperating with most federal immigration investigations. The shooting and the city's sanctuary policy turned into a major campaign issue in multiple national and local races across the country. President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to the shooting during his 2016 campaign to bolster his argument for tougher immigration policies and his opposition to sanctuary cities. The gun used in the shooting belonged to a U.S. Bureau of Land Management ranger who reported it stolen from his car parked in San Francisco. A San Francisco jury in 2017 acquitted Garcia-Zarate of murder but found him guilty of illegal gun possession and he was sentenced to the time he spent in jail awaiting trial. Trump called the verdict in a Tweet "disgraceful" and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions blamed San Francisco's sanctuary city policy for Steinle's death. The U.S. Attorney in San Francisco then filed federal charges of illegal gun possession and he was transferred to federal custody. That case has been on hold pending the outcome of a closely watched U.S. Supreme Court case challenging federal prosecutors' authority to duplicate state court charges in federal court. If the Supreme Court finds the practice unconstitutional double jeopardy, a federal judge said he would dismiss Garcia-Zarate's federal gun case. After library systems in Contra Costa and San Mateo counties eliminated fines for overdue returns, San Francisco is proposing to be the latest local jurisdiction to get rid of the fines in an effort to increase access to libraries. Mayor London Breed announced Monday that the San Francisco Public Library will propose at the Library Commission meeting on Thursday to eliminate fines for overdue returns. The library partnered with the San Francisco Financial Justice Project within the city treasurer's office to study the elimination of fines and interview libraries around the country that have done away with them. None of the libraries in the survey saw a decrease in circulation or increase in late returns after eliminating fines. City officials said library patrons across San Francisco miss return deadlines at similar rates, but people in low-income areas have difficulty in paying the fines. Roughly 11 percent of the Bayview Library's cardholders are blocked from accessing library materials because of existing fines, more than three times as many as in most high-income locations, according to the city. "As a city, we need to make sure that we are not placing unnecessary burdens on people to access our public resources," Breed said in a news release. "In this case, the fines and fees are overwhelmingly affecting people in our community from disadvantaged backgrounds." According to the proposal being considered Thursday, patrons will still be responsible for returning books on time and will need to replace or pay for the value of any materials not returned. Library fines create about $330,000 in revenue annually, only 0.2 percent of the library's budget and a number that is expected to decrease as digital materials like e-books become more common. Contra Costa County last month decided to eliminate the fines starting Jan. 1, while San Mateo County made the same move effective Jan. 7. She said people cant afford to ignore social issues, and while progress has been made in areas such as voting rights and social diversity, there is still work to do. Williams said there are still too many African-Americans in prison and there are issues of education inequality and access to health care. What to Know Maharajas were kings and princes who ruled over some 350 Indian states between the late 1700s and early 1900s Like the Mughal emperors before them, Maharajas had a taste for large gemstones the heavier the better This is the first time these jewels have been shown on the U.S. West Coast Diamonds are a maharaja's best friend or so the saying might go if it had been coined in India during the late 18th or 19th century. During more than a century before India proclaimed its independence in 1947, large jewels including diamonds, rubies and emeralds were worn almost exclusively by men specifically, the kings and princes known as "maharajas" who ruled over some 350 states ranging from small villages to territories the size of France. "The court culture requires a certain presence that the ruler needs to stand out from the crowd," said Martin Chapman, curator in charge of European art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. The Legion of Honor, with its sweeping views of the Bay, is hosting an exhibition of Indian royal jewels that have never before been displayed on the West Coast, after the collection's owner, Sheikh Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, visited the museum and felt it would be a perfect fit. From the earliest days of the Maharajas, in the 18th century, jewels looked different than those we're accustomed to seeing in the West today. Jonathan Bloom "The Indians tended to cut diamonds to preserve weight," Chapman said. "That was important to them, because weight equals value." Heavy though they might be, the jewels didn't sell well to traders from Europe. "They didn't know what to do with them, because they didn't have any sparkle," Chapman said. India, which was the world's main source of diamonds until the 19th century, soon adopted the more European "brilliant cut," which sacrificed weight for sparkle. Jonathan Bloom Drawing on the traditions of the Mughal emperors before them, the Maharajas had a taste for emeralds, mainly imported from Colombia, and for rubies and spinels (a ruby-like stone) that played an important role in their traditions. Spinels were often engraved with the names ancestors, and worn close to the skin. Jonathan Bloom In many cases, Maharajas wore jewelry designed for and previously worn by women in the West. The royal get-up included long strings of pearls, bracelets, collars, pendants and turban ornaments that gradually grew over the years until they resembled tiaras. This was an exclusively male form of dress until it was worn by Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom at her coronation, while India was under British rule. Getty Images "She's taken the style that the Maharajas would wear because there's a very important message she wants to convey: That she is empress of India," Chapman said. The exhibition called "East Meets West" will be on display at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco through February 24. One of the strongest storms of the season continued to slam the Bay Area late Wednesday, prompting flooding and other problems around the region. The latest winter storm triggered multiple weather alerts, including a flash flood watch for the Bay Area and a high wind warning for locations higher in elevation. Widespread rain started around noon before heavy rain picked up and continued nonstop into the evening. Winds were reported to be as strong as 50-60 mph in some higher elevations in the region, the National Weather Service said. The stormy weather caused problems including the closure of BART's underground Civic Center station in San Francisco after a leak from the San Francisco Municipal Railway station above it. A flood advisory has been issued in the North Bay through 6:30 p.m., according to @NWSBayArea. https://t.co/5wIdwhE6Sj pic.twitter.com/YtVbk5qvph NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) January 16, 2019 Flood Advisory issued for SF Bay Area and Santa Cruz Mts through 8:45 PM. #cawx #castorm pic.twitter.com/kksGsuOiiZ NWS Bay Area (@NWSBayArea) January 16, 2019 The closure was reported at 2:49 p.m. and trains were traveling through the station without stopping until it reopened around 3:25 p.m., according to BART. Great Highway on the west end of San Francisco was also closed between Lincoln and Sloat boulevards because of the storm, according to the city's Department of Public Works. A fatal three-car collision was reported shortly before 3 p.m. on state Highway 121 near the Sonoma-Napa county line, according to the California Highway Patrol. CHP Officer Hannah Walcott said there have been reports of flooding on various highways around the region. Walcott encouraged people to slow down on the roads, not follow the motorist in front of them too closely, and to make sure to have headlights on in rainy weather. "The headlights have to be on," she said. "With the rain and reflection, you can't see those cars at all." Rainfall totals through Thursday afternoon could check in anywhere from 3 to 6 inches in the coastal hills, the weather service stated. Most urban areas are expected to pick up 1 to 2 inches. Spots in the North Bay and inland hills could receive up to 3.5 inches of rainfall. Bay City News and the Associated Press contributed to this report. An ex-con who spent more than 30 years in prison for murder is now being hailed a hero after saving a life. Frank Altamirano, who works as an elevator attendant for BART, responded to a report of someone suffering from a drug overdose at San Francisco's Civic Center Station. He was already foaming at the mouth and his nose was running, Altamirano said. Altamirano gave the man Narcan, a nasal spray that reverses the effects of opioids. His job is part of a program created by BART and Muni to keep bathrooms and elevator stations drug free and safe for commuters. It comes after Altamirano spent three decades behind bars after he was convicted of second-degree murder in 1986 for stabbing a man in the heart. I can never change that, but the thing I can change is myself, Altamirano said. Now, Altamirano is a supervisor for Hunters Point Family, a non-profit group hired by BART and Muni. I am happy to report that since the elevator program started, we have zero incidents where we have people using drugs, using it as a bathroom or doing other things. said Jim Allison, a spokesman for BART. Altamirano said that he has not spoken to the man he saved, but hopes to see him again. California officials on Tuesday hailed a ruling by a federal judge in New York blocking a plan by the administration of President Donald Trump to include a citizenship question on the 2020 census. "This is a victory for all Americans," said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who represented San Francisco in the New York case. "The Trump administration was playing politics with people's lives in a deliberate attempt to undercount the population and tip power in his favor," Herrera said in a statement. Secretary of State Alex Padilla said, "Today's ruling is a victory for democracy. An undercount in the 2020 Census could cost California billions of dollars of federal funding, jeopardize our representation in Congress and our fundamental voting rights." The question proposed by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, whose department supervises the Census Bureau, would ask people whether they or members or their household are citizens. Opponents contend the question would deter non-citizen immigrants from participating in the census. They say the resulting undercount will lead to reduced federal funding and congressional representation, which are based on the once-a-decade census. U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of New York ruled that Ross's decision to include the question violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act because Ross did not give a rational explanation and "ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence" before him. He said Ross's announcement in March 2018 that he was including the question at the request of the Justice Department to obtain information to enforce the Voting Rights Act was "pretextual" because evidence showed that Ross made the decision months before conferring with the Justice Department and that there are better ways to obtain citizenship information. Furman also said in a 277-page ruling Ross violated a law requiring him to tell Congress three years in advance before adding new topics to the census. He issued an injunction prohibiting the use of the question. The judge ruled in two lawsuits. One, led by the state of New York, was filed by 18 states, Washington, D.C., and 15 cities and counties, including San Francisco and Monterey County. The second suit was filed by several nonprofit groups. Justice Department spokeswoman Kelly Laco said, "We are disappointed and are still reviewing the ruling. Our government is legally entitled to include a citizenship question on the census and people in the United States have a legal obligation to answer." The New York cases are among several lawsuits filed in federal courts around the country to challenge the citizenship question. Two other lawsuits are currently in trial before U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg in San Francisco. Those cases were filed by the state of California, later joined by Oakland, Fremont and four other cities and counties, and by San Jose and the Black Alliance for Just Immigration. Six days of testimony in that trial ended on Monday and Seeborg will hear closing arguments on Feb. 15. Another lawsuit filed by individual residents of Maryland, Arizona and California is due to go to trial before a federal judge in Baltimore on Jan. 22. (Natural News) Over the past couple decades, there have been several Presidents who angered millions of Americans with terrible policies, bad decisions, false promises, and confounding rhetoric, yet still we did not witness the enraged resentment and outright derangement of the masses that we now see taking place during the Trump Administration era. Like never before, Americans, including celebrities, are threatening to murder the POTUS, and most people cant even have a normal discussion with Leftists, even family members, without starting an all-out screaming match about politics. Today, if you simply garner a MAGA hat (Make America Great Again), bumper sticker, or t-shirt, you will be brutally beaten to the edge of death in the streets. Who are these enraged freaks and why are they acting like Neanderthals when confronted with the truth about an honorable, hard-working President or the crooked, sinister leading Democrats and Socialists? Could it be that its not really so much about politics, but a mass brainwashing taking effect through fake news and heavy metal poisons found in their food, water and medicine? Lets take a close look at exactly what is driving TDS Trump Derangement Syndrome, and see if theres a cure. Mass Media Propaganda is now a POISON that infects more than 50 million American minds fueling stress, violence and outrage Only 50 million (Trump supporters) of the 330 million Americans know that nearly every television news network (except for a few Fox shows) features scripted lies and propaganda purported by the extreme Left (Democrats, Socialists, and Communists) who want to dismantle America, destroy the Constitution, confiscate guns, sicken the masses, eliminate the middle class, and control everything by Oligarchy. CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, nearly every major newspaper, and all social media outlets are controlled and manipulated by dirty Leftist politics. So youre asking, how can so many people, especially educated people with responsible jobs, fall for this brainwashing propaganda? Simple. The masses are simply drugged up, dumbed down, and the lies are repeated across the spectrum day in and day out. In fact, the EXACT same lies are repeated, even by the local TV stations and newspapers. Now imagine these same fake news outlets spreading lies over and over, calling President Trump a racist, bigot, misogynist, Russian conspirator, baby killer, KKK member, immigrant hater, and so on. It becomes embedded in the minds of millions of Americans who just so happen to be eating and drinking neurotoxins daily. Theres a cumulative effect, and its called Trump Derangement Syndrome. Vaccines contain POISON that infects more than 50 million American minds fueling stress, violence and outrage You really want to believe that Americas modern medicine isnt a horror story in the making, but sadly, it is. Kids get more than 50 vaccines before age 7, many of which still contain mercury, aluminum, monosodium glutamate, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, infected animal proteins, and yes, genetically modified organisms. Once the immune system is shocked into mass confusion, the central nervous system breaks down, and the brain cant function on all cylinders. Todays vaccines are loaded with known neurotoxins and heavy metal poison, and it all adds up, despite what the lying doctors and corrupt CDC say otherwise. Thats why the vaccine industry has already doled out $4 billion in damage compensation to those injured (some permanently) by immunizations. Ever heard of Mad Hatter Disease? Mercury (listed as thimerosal on the vaccine insert) accumulates in the brains tissue and drives people mad. Look it up. Fluoridated water is POISON that infects more than 50 million American minds, lowering IQ, thus enabling brainwashing The fluoride dripped into American municipal taps is not helping strengthen teeth that, my friends, is the most insidious lie ever perpetuated on the American people. Fluoride chemicals in tap water are directly linked to lowered IQ, cancer, and brittle bones. Peer-reviewed research out of Harvard University identified artificial water fluoridation as a main culprit in the neural toxicity that significantly lowered IQ in Americans. Maybe thats how at least 50 million Americans believe all the lies the mass media (MSM) spews out on a daily basis. Fact: Based on Ivy League analysis, no amount of lead, mercury, or fluoride is safe for human consumption. Canola oil is really rapeseed oil that coagulates in the blood and brain, causing dementia fueling violence and outrage Take a bottle of canola oil, which is simply diluted rapeseed oil, and pour it in a bowl, then leave it outside for about six weeks. Alarmingly, no insects or animals will even attempt to eat it. Rapeseed oil is an insecticide, not food. The canola oil will coagulate and become a tangled, sticky mess that resembles cement glue. Now imagine this taking place in your brain. Nearly all prepared foods sold in America today contain canola oil, because it never spoils and its super cheap for the corporations who dont care about human health. Canola oil is fueling the dementia epidemic in America. Canola oil is the perfect fuel for Trump Derangement Syndrome. Have you removed it from your daily intake? You better do it fast, before you get demented and brainwashed, and then vote for the insane Democrat-Socialist-Communist freaks that are running for President in 2020. Tune in to Trump.news for more coverage of the Trump Effect, where millions of Americans are brainwashed by bad food, bad medicine, and twisted media messages that say everything Trump says or does is bad, bad, bad, even when the Democrats demanded most of the same exact policies just a few years ago. Sources for this article include: FoxNews.com Trump.news CDC.gov/vaccines TruthWiki.org NaturalNews.com HSPH.Harvard.Edu TruthWiki.org (Natural News) In America, theres basically only one industry that would prosper from everyone being healthy, and thats the organic food industry. About a century ago, all food in America was naturally organic because farmers and corporations werent using chemical pesticides on the crops, and they werent juicing up livestock with drugs. All of that has changed. The biggest source of revenue in America has to do with consumers getting sick from the food and staying sick from the medicine, meanwhile other developing countries try to help their citizens stay healthy, by banning known toxins and carcinogens from the food and medicine supply. Welcome to America, home of adulterated food and chronic sick care, where the corrupted FDA and the CDC purposely deregulate the poisons put in food that other countrys regulatory agencies, like the European Union, consciously filter out and ban. #1. Dangerous CAFO hormones and antibiotics Most American carnivores want their meat and never give its ingredients a second thought. From bacon, turkey, and ham to steak, chicken, and burgers, U.S. consumers grab, chew, and swallow drugged up carcasses, fueling their own chronic sicknesses, including cancer. Nearly all meat sold in grocery stores, supermarkets, fast food joints, and even nice dining restaurants is adulterated with pathogens, parasites, bleach, ammonia, artificial hormones, and loads of antibiotics. Why? Corporations that breed and slaughter confined animals at their feeding operations (CAFOs) dont care about American consumer health, in fact, health care companies insidiously invest in Americans sickness and disparagement. The European Union (EU) bans bovine growth hormone (rBGH) that the U.S. dairy industry pumps into the cows to make more milk and dairy profits. Meanwhile, U.S. cows suffer udder infections from producing way too much milk, so they need antibiotics to fight off those infections and reduce the pus. Plus, rBGH increases human risk of prostate and breast cancer, but what media channels or medical doctors ever warn anyone about that? The EU also bans ractopamine, a dangerous hormonal drug that beefs up (pardon the pun) cows, turkeys, and pigs right before slaughter (and lowers their fat content). Those drugs rush through the body of the animals when they realize theyre about to be killed, and become lodged in the tissue Americans eat, later fueling cancer tumors. No medical doctors in the U.S. are ever allowed to discuss this with their patients. Ractopamine is NOT safe for human consumption. The FDA lies. Hundreds of countries find American meat too gross to swallow, knowing its tainted. Even China bans the chemical ractopamine, but most American omnivores have never even heard of it. Can you say fast food drive through without gagging? #2. Azodicarbonamide (ADA) Tumor-causing, bleaching agent and dough conditioner Its so cool to go to some Italian restaurant and watch pizza makers sling that dough around over their head before crafting your pizza, huh? How does that work? The dough is conditioned with chemicals that keep it gooey and soft. Its also not naturally white thats the bleach at work. When that kind of bread is baked, the chemicals break down to form new chemicals, ones that cause cancer tumors and burn your epithelial tissue in your pancreas, liver, kidneys, prostate, and bladder. The European Union bans azodicarbonamide (ADA), that dough conditioner that breeds cancer in animals. The European Union, Canada, Peru, China, and Brazil all ban bromated flour, another known carcinogen, used to strengthen dough and help it rise. In America, these chemicals help the cancer industry and its investors (Big Food, Big Pharma and politicians) make a fortune off ignorant consumers. #3. Brominated vegetable oil (BVO) A flame retardant chemical that most countries ban from their foods and beverages is heavily used in the United States as a flavor enhancer. Brominated vegetable oil is a known endocrine disruptor that also causes reproductive issues, behavioral problems, and functions as a central nervous system depressant. Banned in Japan and Europe but approved for mass consumption in the USA, youll find BVO in citrus sodas and beverages like Gatorade Thirst Quencher Orange, Powerade Strawberry Lemonade, Mountain Dew, Sunkist Pineapple, Fanta Orange, Squirt, and Fresca Original Citrus, just to name a few. #4. BHA and BHT flavor enhancers Subject to severe restrictions in just about every developing country except for the USA, BHA and BHT are widely used in American products in order to make the cancer industry a fortune. Because most American consumers do little-to-no research on what they shove down their throats as food, they have no idea that even the U.S. government has issued a report on carcinogens that listed BHA as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. #5. Food dyes that are chemicals, coal-tar-based, industrial, and petroleum-based Check those yellow food dyes #5 and #6, and watch out for that red dye #40. In Europe, foods with these chemical dyes must carry a warning about how they adversely affect attention and activity in children. Can you say ADD and ADHD without jumping out of your seat? Your kids probably cant. Medical doctors in America are paid to sling chemical drugs for ADD and ADHD (that make matters worse) and never tell parents about these harmful food dyes. You can find these behavior toxins in millions of products across the U.S., including candy, drinks, desserts, over-the-counter medicine, prescription pharmaceuticals, and even in many vaccines. How absurd is that? Sure, inject our babies and children with toxic food coloring, then have the medical doctors prescribe dangerous, experimental, addictive drugs for their behavior problems caused by the food. What a crooked crux. Read Chemicals.news for more updates on the chemicals used in foods across America. Sources for this article include: EcoWatch.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com NTP.niehs.nih.gov CDC.gov/vaccines NewsTarget.com AntiCorruptionSociety.com (Natural News) When youre bored at home or work, you probably entertain yourself by browsing Facebook. After all, it lets you see what your friends, old classmates and new acquaintances, or your relatives are up to. But did you know that quitting Facebook, whether temporarily or permanently, can help you destress? According to the results of a 2015 study, titled Quitting Facebook Leads to Higher Levels of Well-Being, browsing Facebook can make you more stressed. The study, which was published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, was conducted by researchers from the University of Copenhagen. The link between your Facebook activity and stress levels For the study, Danish researcher Morten Tromholt recruited 1,095 volunteers who were separated into two groups: one who promised not to use Facebook for a week and a control group that used it as usual. The experiment, which lasted for one week, set out to determine if regular Facebook use negatively affected a persons well-being. The researchers compared data from the treatment group who took a break from Facebook with data from the control group. The findings showed that only 87 percent of the group who had to quit the social network made it the full week. The volunteers who kept their word and didnt use Facebook for the whole week reported a higher level of happiness than the control group. After the one-week experiment, 88 percent of the treatment group shared that quitting Facebook made them happier, compared to 81 percent from the control group. (Related: Try a temporary social media detox! Quitting Facebook reduces stress.) The researchers were also worried about the rest of the findings, which showed that: Facebook users are 55 percent more likely to feel stressed. About 39 percent of Facebook users have a greater tendency to feel less happy than their friends. At least four out of 10 of users envy the apparent success of others. On the other hand, the results of the study also showed that: The people who went on a Facebook detox had less difficulty concentrating on their tasks. The participants from the treatment group said that they felt like they wasted less of their time on social media. The volunteers who took a break from Facebook were 18 percent more likely to feel present in the moment. The researchers concluded that going on a Facebook detox had a two-fold beneficial effect on a persons mental health: It can help increase your life satisfaction, and make your emotions more positive. The team of scientists added that the effects of a Facebook detox were more noticeable for heavy Facebook users, passive Facebook users, and users who tend to envy others on Facebook. Tips for going on a Facebook detox If you want to try going on a Facebook detox to improve your mental health, follow the suggestions below. Deactivate your accounts. This prevents you from checking Facebook when you feel the urge to get updates on your friends, and it lets other people know that youre on a detox. Uninstall all social media apps on your phone and gadgets. Doing this will disable the app alerts and notifications that are linked to social media addiction. Block all social media sites on your computer, laptop, or devices. This ensures that you wont be tempted to check Facebook even if you dont have the app installed on your phone. Try another hobby instead of spending time on Facebook. Whether youre on Facebook for only 10 minutes or several hours daily, theres no denying that Facebook eats up time that you could be spending on other worthwhile activities. After youve uninstalled Facebook on all of your devices, spend your free time on hobbies that can teach you new skills or engage your brain in arts and crafts, reading, or sports. Visit Mind.news to read more articles about the benefits of a social media detox. Sources include: GoodHousekeeping.com LiebertPub.com MakeUseOf.com Democrats were so worried about the government workers not getting paychecks, that not one of them showed up to meet with the president to try and end the shutdown yesterday. With another caravan of people heading to the border, maybe they were scared of losing future voters and building a wall scares the hell out of them. Maybe next time they do a survey about Americans wanting a wall they should only ask people in border states like Texas, New Mexico, San Diego, and the Carolinas. New York, Washington DC, and the better part of California aren't being as effected by it are they? (Natural News) Government officials stationed at the U.S.-Mexico border are now seeing an alarming surge in infectious disease among migrants. Reports indicate they are referring upwards of 50 people a day for urgent medical care, including cases of flu and tuberculosis. Most of these cases are children, and nearly a third of the sick are children under the age of five. At the border, authorities say that this wave of illness is unlike anything theyve ever seen before. The report is the result of a massive investigation, which was launched after two illegal immigrant children died in U.S. hospitals in December 2018. As the data shows, dozens of sickly children are turning up at the border on a daily basis. Officials conducted a full review of every child in the custody of Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). Sick migrants enter the U.S. illegally CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan has stated that most of the sick children were unwell when they entered the United States. Many were ill before they departed their homes, he said. Were talking about cases of pneumonia, tuberculosis, parasites. These are not things that developed urgently in a matter of days, the commissioner continued. In many cases, the Washington Times reports, the parents of these children are hoping to use their kids to avoid deportation. In addition to the surge in sickness, federal agents also report theres a new trend of smuggling operations using commercial buses to hasten the transport of illegal immigrants from Central America to the U.S. With the ability to cross the border in just a week, McAleenan says it is now much easier for sick people to come. He added that the faster trip also gives confidence for parents to bring younger children. Coupled with a 2015 ruling from an Obama-appointed judge that forces the government to either separate parents and children or release them, its no surprise that theres been another tremendous uptick in illegal immigration. During the 2014 surge of unaccompanied minors at the border, authorities noted an increase in communicable illnesses like chicken pox. It is sadly not surprising that the current influx in illegal immigration is also corresponding to a tidal wave of illness. Since just December 22, CBP reports there have been 450 medical cases that needed treatment, including flu, parasites, blood infections, abscesses, tuberculosis and pneumonia. Wave of illegal immigration disease, brought to you by Democrats As liberal states like California adopt increasingly expansive policies to not only shelter illegal immigrants, but also provide them with healthcare and other benefits, it should surprise no one that thousands of people from Central America are now trying to cross the border by any means possible. Recall the caravan of illegal migrants from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador, who traveled some 2,500 miles to attempt to cross the border into California. Over 100 were deported by Mexico, for trying to cross the border violently. U.S. officials report that hundreds of migrants tried to storm the border and assaulted several border patrol agents in the process. These people would not be so aggressively trying to invade the country if they didnt think theyd get something out of it and liberal sanctuary cities are promising them the world. According to reports, it is not uncommon for children to be used as pawns by parents who are hoping that having a kid with them will preclude them from deportation. While the liberal left loves to whinge about vaccination rates here in America and insist that unvaccinated kids are enemies of public health, no such rhetoric is present when liberals are discussing illegal immigration. While the Left may pretend to care about infectious disease and public health, it seems toeing the party line and keeping Big Pharma happy are the real priorities. See more coverage of the latest news from the border at OpenBorders.news. Sources for this article include: WashingtonTimes.com BBC.com There are many good sources of CBD products available today. There are also fraudulent sources that lie about CBD content. Do your research before investing in hemp-related products, and never buy anything made with artificial colors or corn syrup. Our lab-verified, recommended source for hemp extract liquids is Native Hemp Solutions which offers a whole-plant extract, not merely isolated CBD. Most CBD products on the market today are made solely from CBD isolate and lack the full spectrum of cannabidiols such as CBD-A, CBG, CBC, etc. Full plant extracts always appear dark in color, while CBD isolate is often colorless. The use of toxic GMOs and synthetic ingredients to manufacture CBD gummies demonstrates yet again the incredible ignorance of many online retailers who are trying to profit from the CBD craze while knowing nothing about supplement formulation or quality. Some organizations will sell anything that can be touted as containing CBDs, even if those products are made from extremely low-quality, China-derived, toxic chemical additives. Notably, none of these CBD gummies weve seen so far have any lab testing to confirm their CBD content . We also know that fraud is rampant across the CBD product category, and weve tested third party products in our analytical laboratory that only contained one-fifth the claimed amount of CBD stated on the label. These toxic ingredients are being blended into gummy shapes to create CBD gummies that are being sold as colorful supplements by incredibly stupid retailers who obviously have no interest in natural health. Even offering CBD gummies with artificial colors is an admission of nutritional illiteracy and an insult to consumers. ( Natural News ) As part of jumping on the CBD craze , many companies that know nothing about nutrition or supplements are starting to peddle toxic CBD gummies made with GMO corn syrup and toxic artificial colors such as Red #40, Yellow #5 and Blue #1. About the author: Mike Adams (aka the Health Ranger) is a best selling author (#1 best selling science book on Amazon.com called Food Forensics), an environmental scientist, a patent holder for a cesium radioactive isotope elimination invention, a multiple award winner for outstanding journalism, a science news publisher and influential commentator on topics ranging from science and medicine to culture and politics. Follow his videos, podcasts, websites and science projects at the links below. Mike Adams serves as the founding editor of NaturalNews.com and the lab science director of an internationally accredited (ISO 17025) analytical laboratory known as CWC Labs. There, he was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for achieving extremely high accuracy in the analysis of toxic elements in unknown water samples using ICP-MS instrumentation. Adams is also highly proficient in running liquid chromatography, ion chromatography and mass spectrometry time-of-flight analytical instrumentation. He has also achieved numerous laboratory breakthroughs in the programming of automated liquid handling robots for sample preparation and external standards prep. The U.S. patent office has awarded Mike Adams patent NO. US 9526751 B2 for the invention of Cesium Eliminator, a lifesaving invention that removes up to 95% of radioactive cesium from the human digestive tract. Adams has pledged to donate full patent licensing rights to any state or national government that needs to manufacture the product to save human lives in the aftermath of a nuclear accident, disaster, act of war or act of terrorism. He has also stockpiled 10,000 kg of raw material to manufacture Cesium Eliminator in a Texas warehouse, and plans to donate the finished product to help save lives in Texas when the next nuclear event occurs. No independent scientist in the world has done more research on the removal of radioactive elements from the human digestive tract. Adams is a person of color whose ancestors include Africans and American Indians. He is of Native American heritage, which he credits as inspiring his Health Ranger passion for protecting life and nature against the destruction caused by chemicals, heavy metals and other forms of pollution. Adams is the author of the worlds first book that published ICP-MS heavy metals analysis results for foods, dietary supplements, pet food, spices and fast food. The book is entitled Food Forensics and is published by BenBella Books. In his laboratory research, Adams has made numerous food safety breakthroughs such as revealing rice protein products imported from Asia to be contaminated with toxic heavy metals like lead, cadmium and tungsten. Adams was the first food science researcher to document high levels of tungsten in superfoods. He also discovered over 11 ppm lead in imported mangosteen powder, and led an industry-wide voluntary agreement to limit heavy metals in rice protein products. In addition to his lab work, Adams is also the (non-paid) executive director of the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center (CWC), an organization that redirects 100% of its donations receipts to grant programs that teach children and women how to grow their own food or vastly improve their nutrition. Through the non-profit CWC, Adams also launched Nutrition Rescue, a program that donates essential vitamins to people in need. Click here to see some of the CWC success stories. With a background in science and software technology, Adams is the original founder of the email newsletter technology company known as Arial Software. Using his technical experience combined with his love for natural health, Adams developed and deployed the content management system currently driving NaturalNews.com. He also engineered the high-level statistical algorithms that power SCIENCE.naturalnews.com, a massive research resource featuring over 10 million scientific studies. Adams is well known for his incredibly popular consumer activism video blowing the lid on fake blueberries used throughout the food supply. He has also exposed strange fibers found in Chicken McNuggets, fake academic credentials of so-called health gurus, dangerous detox products imported as battery acid and sold for oral consumption, fake acai berry scams, the California raw milk raids, the vaccine research fraud revealed by industry whistleblowers and many other topics. Adams has also helped defend the rights of home gardeners and protect the medical freedom rights of parents. Adams is widely recognized to have made a remarkable global impact on issues like GMOs, vaccines, nutrition therapies, human consciousness. In addition to his activism, Adams is an accomplished musician who has released over fifteen popular songs covering a variety of activism topics. Click here to read a more detailed bio on Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, at HealthRanger.com. Find more science, news, commentary and inventions from the Health Ranger at: Brighteon.com: Brighteon.com/channel/hrreport Diaspora: (uncensored social network) Share.NaturalNews.com GAB: GAB.com/healthranger Podcasts: HealthRangerReport.com Online store: HealthRangerStore.com #1 Bestselling Science Book Food Forensics: FoodForensics.com iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-health-ranger-report/id1063165791 SoundCloud: Soundcloud.com/healthranger Health Rangers science lab CWClabs.com Health Ranger bio HealthRanger.com TruthWiki.org Search engine: Webseed.com (Natural News) Robert Mueller has arrested and indicted numerous Trump-related individuals for lying to the government, a so-called process crime that can be attributed to literally anyone the FBI or special counsel wants to frame for a non-crime. Yet Google CEO Sunday Pichai lied under oath to Congress, falsely claiming the company does not manually intervene in any search results. That statement is blatantly false, we now know from a bombshell Breitbart story linked below. Isnt it time to arrest Sunday Pichai and indict him for not only lying to Congress but also for violating the civil rights of hundreds of millions of Americans through the systematic, deceptive and covert manipulation of search results for political purposes? Via Breitbart.com: In sworn testimony, Google CEO Sundar Pichai told Congress last month that his company does not manually intervene on any particular search result. Yet an internal discussion thread leaked to Breitbart News reveals Google regularly intervenes in search results on its YouTube video platform including a recent intervention that pushed pro-life videos out of the top ten search results for abortion. The term abortion was added to a blacklist file for controversial YouTube queries, which contains a list of search terms that the company considers sensitive. According to the leak, these include some of these search terms related to: abortion, abortions, the Irish abortion referendum, Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and anti-gun activist David Hogg. The existence of the blacklist was revealed in an internal Google discussion thread leaked to Breitbart News by a source inside the company who wishes to remain anonymous. A partial list of blacklisted terms was also leaked to Breitbart by another Google source. In the leaked discussion thread, a Google site reliability engineer hinted at the existence of more search blacklists, according to the source. We have tons of white- and blacklists that humans manually curate, said the employee. Hopefully this isnt surprising or particularly controversial. Others were more concerned about the presence of the blacklist. According to the source, the software engineer who started the discussion called the manipulation of search results related to abortion a smoking gun. The software engineer noted that the change had occurred following an inquiry from a left-wing Slate journalist about the prominence of pro-life videos on YouTube, and that pro-life videos were replaced with pro-abortion videos in the top ten results for the search terms following Googles manual intervention. The Slate writer said she had complained last Friday and then saw different search results before YouTube responded to her on Monday, wrote the employee. And lo and behold, the [changelog] was submitted on Friday, December 14 at 3:17 PM. The manually downranked items included several videos from Dr. Antony Levatino, a former abortion doctor who is now a pro-life activist. Another video in the top ten featured a womans personal story of being pressured to have an abortion, while another featured pro-life conservative Ben Shapiro. The Slate journalist who complained to Google reported that these videos previously featured in the top ten, describing them in her story as dangerous misinformation. Since the Slate journalists inquiry and Googles subsequent intervention, the top search results now feature pro-abortion content from left-wing sources like BuzzFeed, Vice, CNN, and Last Week Tonight With John Oliver. In her report, the Slate journalist acknowledged that the search results changed shortly after she contacted Google. The manual adjustment of search results by a Google-owned platform contradicts a key claim made under oath by Google CEO Sundar Pichai in his congressional testimony earlier this month: that his company does not manually intervene on any search result. A Google employee in the discussion thread drew attention to Pichais claim, noting that it seems like we are pretty eager to cater our search results to the social and political agenda of left-wing journalists. Its yet more proof that Google continues to lie to the world about its selective censorship of search results, almost always for political purposes. Dont forget that Google blacklisted my own YouTube channel (the Health Ranger channel) nearly a year ago. And about a year before that, Google blacklisted the entire Natural News website for six days as a kill switch test to see if they could get away with disabling websites they dont want to exist. This was done without any justification whatsoever and was clearly an internal human decision to silence Natural News because of our criticism of Google itself. Brighteon.com/5841025764001 Leaked documents: Google has huge teams working to suppress content they dont want you to see Another bombshell appears in a second Breitbart story: Google has huge teams working on manual interventions in search results, an apparent contradiction of sworn testimony made to Congress by CEO Sundar Pichai, according to an internal post leaked to Breitbart News. There are subjects that are prone to hyperbolic content, misleading information, and offensive content, said Daniel Aaronson, a member of Googles Trust & Safety team. The comments came to light in a leaked internal discussion thread, started by a Google employee who noticed that the company had recently changed search results for abortion on its YouTube video platform, a change which caused pro-life videos to largely disappear from the top ten results. Google, in other words, has become the Ministry of Truth right out of George Orwells nightmarish 1984 dystopian novel. Google employees spend their days literally altering reality to fit the current political narrative of the insane, lunatic Left, which claims that there are no difference between men and women (since biology doesnt exist, they say), but then somehow simultaneously says all men are bad. Brighteon.com/5812959689001 Google is a criminal enterprise run by deranged, dishonest Leftists who hate America and despise free speech its time to defeat and disassemble this destructive monstrosity What has become increasingly apparent in all this is just how evil Google, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter really are. These tech giants are run by deranged, left-wing lunatics who hate America, hate Trump and despise free speech. They want to see as many unborn babies murdered as possible, and they abuse their positions of power to commit massive election fraud by censoring pro-America (conservative) voices while granting billions of dollars in publicity value to Democrat candidates who now seek to destroy this nation. Google, Facebook and the other tech giants are truly enemies of the People. Their CEOs must be arrested, indicted and charged with a long list of serious felony crimes, including conspiracy to defraud the United States of America, mass violations of civil rights of the American people, election fraud, lying under oath and even the tax fraud they are committing with coordinate offshoring of profits to foreign jurisdictions. Google is evil. Its CEO is a unindicted criminal. Its time these people were locked away, and its time to break up Google and the other tech giants disassemble them, tear them down, and prohibit them from continuing to commit their heinous crimes that are harming the American people and stifling freedom of expression. As Ive said before, if Google is allowed to exist, America is finished. Google is the great evil of our time and has become more dangerous than any government tyranny. Google is the Eye of Sauron, and the people who work for Google are working for pure evil, selling their souls for a paycheck while destroying their own society out of some insane left-wing ideology rooted in hatred and intolerance. Learn more at EvilGoogle.news. Brighteon.com/5833239449001 Its time to take our opposition of Google to the 3D world. If Google offices are occupied and their servers are physically disconnected, the evil empire ceases to exist and humanity is set free. Its time for Trump to declare Google to be an enemy propaganda corporation that has committed serious crimes against the United States of America. The evil corporation can not be allowed to continue harming America and must be dismantled. (Natural News) Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the stuff of sci-fi nightmares for decades, but under the reign of Big Tech, those nightmares may soon become reality. As AI technology becomes more advanced, the threat of total robotic takeover becomes more pronounced and the tech industry is perfectly poised to capitalize on the power of AI. Censorship by way of algorithm should be presenting a major moral dilemma to Big Tech right now, but instead, these left-wing zealots are racing towards stronger, more far-reaching suppression tactics. This is bad news for anyone who believes in freedom. The right to think and express your thoughts is supposed to be protected under the First Amendment. The rise of social media has drastically changed the ways in which people communicate across the board, but the lengths to which we preserve our right to free speech has not kept pace. Continuing to allow the tech industry to play thought police is a threat to the most important freedom we have: The freedom to think independently. While proponents of censorship are quick to assure the masses that their actions are intended for good, the truth of the matter is that AI can easily be corrupted and used for flat-out thought suppression. Censorship and the AI takeover As All News Pipeline reports, researchers at the University of California at Berkeley are in the process of creating a tool that will use artificial intelligence to identify hate speech on social media. The scientists are hopeful that their development will be more successful than the human censors used to identify so-called hateful content online. What constitutes hateful content, however, is where controversy starts to arise. There is no doubt that there are clear cases of people being abusive or hateful towards other users online, and in those instances, action is likely justified. But, the liberals of Silicon Valley arent just stopping their censorship at actual instances of hatred and abuse, and instead are expanding hate speech to include any and all speech they simply dislike. Under the Lefts reign, simply campaigning for better border security or supporting pro-life causes is all it takes to be considered hateful, and it should be obvious why that is an explicit overreach. These are not hateful comments, they are differences of opinion. Its become clear in recent months that being a conservative of any kind in a left-wing space is a hanging offense. Sharing a different political persuasion should not be tantamount to hate speech, yet conservatives are being stamped out of social media platforms in droves for merely existing. What is going to happen when Big Tech takes their censorship to the next level? Big Techs role in the end of free speech simply cannot be ignored. As private companies, social media platforms are purposely skirting around any obligation to uphold the First Amendment and this is not by accident, it is by design. As Politico contends, the government has shirked their responsibility by outsourcing the protection of free speech to a private industry. And not just any private industry, but an industry with a strongly suspected political bias. Writer Mark Scott posits further, In this new era of global online censorship, tough calls will have to be made between free speech and online safety, and elected officials, not opaque tech companies, must be the ones to judge what content crosses the line. If youre going to censor the web, you better make sure those doing so are accountable to voters. See more coverage of Big Techs thought suppression at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: AllNewsPipeline.com Politico.eu A US Navy Admiral has assumed command of NATOs Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1, taking over from a Royal Danish Navy Commodore. In a ceremony marking the hand-over in Copenhagen on Monday (14 January 2019), Rear Admiral Edward Cashman of the US Navy said: The North Atlantic is a bridge that connects the Allies, not a barrier that separates them. That connectivity is even stronger today and more important than ever to our security and to our prosperity." Rear Admiral Cashman will command the group from the new flagship, the USS Gravely. At the same ceremony, the Royal Danish Navys Commander Peter Krogh took command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group (SNMCMG) 1, succeeding a Belgian Navy commander. NATOs standing naval forces are integrated into the NATO Response Force, and provide the Alliance with a continuous presence at sea. These multinational forces regularly carry out patrols, exercises and port visits, work with partners, and can be rapidly deployed in times of tension or crisis. They also support the Alliances Aegean deployment helping to cut lines of illegal migration between Greece and Turkey. NATOs naval forces consist of four groups: Standing NATO Maritime Groups 1 and 2, and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups 1 and 2. SNMG1 now consists of the US flagship USS Gravely and Germany's FGS Spessart. SNMG2 is led by the Dutch flagship HNLMS Evertsen and Canadas HMCS Ville de Quebec, while SNMG2s Aegean deployment is led by Germany's FGS Bonn and joined by Albanian vessel ALS Lisus, Greek vessels HS Maridakis, HS Mykonios, and HS Polemistis, and Turkish vessel TCG Kumkale. SNMCMG1 is now led by Danish flagship HDMS Thetis, joined by Germanys FGS Dillengen; and SNMCMG2 is under German command, with the FGS Werra serving as flagship. In November, we said that Brexit look destined to produce a state change, when so much energy had been pumped into the system that it became chaotic, like water becoming steam. The jaw-dropping 230 vote magnitude of the defeat of Mays Withdrawal Agreement was worse than even the pessimistic score-keepers expected. This was a Napoleon-goes-to-Moscow level defeat, the worst loss a Government has ever suffered on a major vote. Despite this epic defeat, May is expected to survive a no-confidence vote today, which she pressed the opposition to lodge. It was the one fillip she could get. The Tories arent about to hand power to Labour and the DUP will vote with them. But the spectacle of a complete failure as a leader still soldiering on is without precedent in the UK. The UK is in the midst of a legitimacy crisis. Reader David summed it up well: . can I suggest that non-UK (and non-European) readers pay attention over the next week or so, at least? Youre about to see the unfolding of a political crisis the like of which happens in the Western world once a generation, if that. The combination of an essentially insoluble problem, an incompetent government, an enfeebled civil service, a bitterly divided political system, and government by convention and precedent rather than constitution, has produced a situation in which almost any outcome, including the most extreme, is possible. The effects on the British political system (and whether, indeed, it survives at all) are the real issue here, not Brexit, no matter how important that objectively is. Whilst I think the sleepwalking idea from the Grauniad is overstated, a more dangerous, related, worry is that Britain has had hundreds of years of political stability, and people assume that such stability (itself preceded by violence and revolution) will just go on forever. It may, but it also might not. And whereas in France, Spain or Germany, say, violent changes of political system are understood and lived with, thats not the case in Britain. Politico took up the same theme: British politics is broken. It may not be fixable in time to solve the Brexit mess. The U.K. wakes up Wednesday with a government unable to govern in office, but without the numbers to fulfill its central purpose: a negotiated exit from the European Union. A defeat of previously unimaginable proportions Tuesday 432 to 202 has left the country adrift, floating towards no deal, with no party or faction in parliament able to command a majority for any way of moving off the course it has set for itself. The only thing MPs can agree strongly on is a desire to avoid an economically damaging no deal, but they currently cant settle on a mechanism for how to do so. And I hate to be mean to Labour, but they deserve it. Corbyn is still fixated on the idea of triggering a GE and taking power when hes still deep in unicorn phase. Even last weekend, Corbyn finally conceded that Brexit might need to be delayed in the event of a general election, and then didnt back down when he was asked how he could negotiate a new deal in three months. So Corbyn and May are stuck on the exact same failed strategy that they can somehow wrest a better deal from Brussels. And the patter that Corbyn has served up for what kind of deal he wants makes the Tory cakeism of 2018 look modest. From the Andrew Marr show on Sunday: As a very minimum, a customs arrangement with the European Union that gives us a say in what goes on but that also avoids the whole issues of the problems of Northern Ireland, which this deal does. Secondly access to the market, the single market, which is crucial, as you were asking the Brexit Secretary earlier. Job losses in Jaguar Land Rover and other places as a consequence of this. And thirdly absolute legal protection of rights, consumer and environmental, and a guarantee that were not going to allow British companies to fall behind European standards in order to entice in American investment in the NHS and all those kind of issues that you know are felt very strongly about in the Labour Party. Recall the Blairite wing has its own unicorn of a second referendum, which none other than Tony himself was pushing hard for a while. While Blair appears to have gone back into his crypt, John Major surfaced in a op-ed in The Times. His proposal at least procedurally and time-table wise isnt crazy. He argues for revoking A50 to have a second referendum. But the idea of revoking Article 50 is so far from anything the realm of perceived-to-be-viable options that its not included in polls. Its not hard to imagine the uproar if any Cabinet minister or prominent MP were to propose this seriously. Now that isnt to say that that idea could not be sold to the public. Historical examples show that intense propaganda campaigns can achieve major shifts in popular views in as little as six weeks. But who would wield that megaphone? Normally its the government. This one wont and Labour wont sell that message either. The EU is sticking to its guns. PlutoniumKun flagged an RTE story saying that EU leaders were actually relieved by the magnitude of the defeat, since it meant that it was obvious that there was no point in further negotiations. EU Council President Donald Tusk said in Twitter diplo-speak a Plan B, like calling the whole thing off, might be in order: If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) January 15, 2019 Jean-Claude Junkcers formal statement threw cold water on any hope UK hope that the defeat would shock the EU into making concessions: On the EU side, the process of ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement continues. The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evenings vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared. I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. The ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement continues is wonderfully deadly. The Guardians live blog didnt have much better news from the Continent this morning. For instance: Germanys foreign minister, Heiko Maas says the ball is now in Britains court to bring clarity to the chaos Extending Article 50 would be complicated in the light of upcoming European elections, he said, and anyway, an extension would require a clear idea as to what London wanted. It will only make sense if theres a way which has as its goal to reach a deal between the EU and Britain and at the moment theres not a majority viewpoint in the British parliament. And this tidbit: Sophie in t Veld, a deputy leader of the liberal group in the European parliament, is sticking to the Brussels line that this crisis is for the UK to sort out. Speaking to BBC Breakfast she said: We got a lot of questions last night saying what is the EU going to do now. Well all the options have been on the table, it is for the UK now to decide what to do. I would strongly recommend all the parties to come together and unite in the interest of the UK. May does not appear to be changing course either. Well, thats not completely fair. In her speech after her defeat, she did show a willingness to work with Labour. But this is still mind-bogggling: if the House confirms its confidence in this Government, I will then hold meetings with my colleagues, our confidence and supply partner the Democratic Unionist party, and senior parliamentarians from across the House to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House. The Government will approach those meetings in a constructive spirit, but given the urgent need to make progress we must focus on ideas that are genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in this House. Thirdly, if those meetings yield such ideas the Government will then explore them with the European Union. Mr Speaker, I want to end by offering two reassurances. The first is to those who fear that the Governments strategy is to run down the clock to 29 March. That is not our strategy. I have always believed that the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal, and I have devoted much of the past two years to negotiating such a deal. As you confirmed, Mr Speaker, the amendment to the business motion tabled last week by my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Beaconsfield (Mr Grieve) is not legally binding, but the Government respect the will of the House. We will therefore make a statement about the way forward and table an amendable motion by Monday. The second reassurance is to the British people who voted to leave the European Union in the referendum two and a half years ago. I became Prime Minister immediately after that referendum. I believe it is my duty to deliver on their instruction and I intend to do so. And in case you thought May might have softened her message with her tone of voice, Richard North points out: In terms of her demeanour, the prime minister did not come across as defeated. If she was humiliated, as some would have it, she didnt show it. If anything, she seemed more determined and uncompromising than she had been before the vote. Clever of May to respect the three-day demand rather than the 21 days she was allowed in the Withdrawal Act. But she cant come up with anything meaningfully different in such a short time, save maybe petitioning the EU for an extension. But doing that also requires primary legislation, at a minimum amending the hard coding of the Brexit date in the Withdrawal Act. And recall that the EU has to agree, and the EU has previously said they wont extend unless the UK has a settled view of what it wants. Philip Hammond does appear to have gotten that message, but that doesnt mean hes in a position to speak for the government, as the subhead of this Financial Times story underscores Parliaments pantomime greeted with corporate fury as no-deal messages from ministers clash : Meanwhile, the chancellor set out the sequencing by which Article 50 could be extended, delaying Brexit. He said the EU would not consider it unless and until the government had a clear plan drawn up by MPs of various parties that would have to be agreed before an extension could be requested. The government was in no mood to consider unicorn requests, he added. Politicos morning European newsletter derided Mays planned next steps: WELCOME TO DAY 1 OF A NO-DEAL BREXIT. The British parliament voted down Prime Minister Theresa Mays agreement with the EU for an orderly Brexit. Her government now hopes to renegotiate the deal, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC in an (excruciating, for him) interview. The gist of what Theresa Mays government now wants: For the EU to get serious on what it is ready to give in exchange for an orderly separation. Really. Really! Theres still hope in London that Brussels just hasnt taken Brexit seriously so far, but will now do so in response to the devastating defeat for a plan the EU never wanted to be activated in the first place (but has spent the past two and a half years negotiating). Odds of a deus ex machina are low. Richard Smith and I spoke today and neither he nor I see a mechanism for the situation changing. I had an argument with some Americans via e-mail who were insistent that John Bercow would enable Parliament to wrest the steering wheel from May. May is very wedded to delivering Brexit. And she still seems to think someone will blink if she persists. The only thing that might change this dynamic is if the UK gets an extension and the idea of an Article 50 revocation gets traction in a big way in the coming months. But what is that path by which that occurs? Businesspeople, who youd expect to have been making a forceful public case for the costs of Brexit, have been almost entirely missing in action. So perhaps I am suffering from a lack of imagination, but despite the high drama of yesterday;s vote, nothing fundamental has yet changed. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos may be the world's richest man right now, but that may soon change once he and his wife of 25 years, MacKenzie, get divorced. If the couple's reported $137 billion fortune gets split in half (which is the likely scenario in their home state of Washington), that would mean Bezos' status would be downgraded to the world's fourth-richest man. Cry us a river, right? But this got us at realtor.com wondering: What will happen to their many homes? How much property do they have, anyway? Apparently, a whole lot. In fact, the Bezoses have purchased so much real estate during their marriage that Jeff was ranked No. 25 on the most recent Land Report 100 list, a ranking of America's 100 largest landowners. Watch: Just How Many Homes Could Jeff Bezos Afford? While all acquisitions aren't known, what we could confirm is that the couple have acquired residences in the Seattle area (Amazon headquarters, of course); Beverly Hills, CA; Washington, DC; and Manhattan, plus a huge ranch in Texas. Will they sell these homes and divide the proceeds? Not likely, since that could cost them millions in taxes. The more likely route is that they'll divvy 'em up. Here's who we'd wager will get what, based on their interests. Washington compound Purchase price and date: $10M in 1998, $50M-plus in 2005 The scoop: First, the Bezoses threw down $10 million for a 5.3-acre lot with a 20,600-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom house on the shores of Lake Washington in the posh town known as Medina. Then seven years later, they purchased the estate next door, which contained an 8,300-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom mansionand is reported to have cost over $50 million. The entire estate underwent a massive renovation in 2010, to the tune of $28 million. In addition to the newly renovated mansions, the compound features 310 feet of pristine shoreline and a boathouse. Who may get it: This is a no-brainer. Since it's the Bezoses' home base, it would be easiest for Jeff to take one house, and MacKenzie the other. That way their four children can easily go back and forth between the two. Beverly Hills, CA, compound Purchase price and date: $24.5M in 2007, $12.9M in 2018 The scoop: In another instance of buying adjoining properties, the Bezoses first purchased an 11,891-square-foot, seven-bedroom, seven-bath mansion for $24.45 million. Then 11 years later, they bought the place next doora 4,568-square-foot, four-bedroom contemporary home for $12.9 million. The compound is located on a posh street known for being the home of stars from the golden days of Hollywood, including Jimmy Stewart, Walter Matthau, and Donna Reed. Who may get it: The Wall Street Journal reports that the Bezos family don't spend much time in their Beverly Hills digs, so if they decide to keep this compound, of course it would be easiestonce againfor novelist MacKenzie to have one (the larger, perhaps?) and Jeff the other. This isn't so tough, right? Bezoses' homes in Beverly Hills, CA Google Maps West Texas ranch Purchase price and date: Undisclosed price in 2004 The scoop: The largest of all the Bezos properties, this 30,000-acre ranch is the site of Jeff's private space transportation company, Blue Origin (a must-have for multibillionaires, and a rival to Elon Musk's SpaceX). When Bezos bought it, the seller had recently spent millions on renovations to the property, located about 30 miles from the town of Van Horn. Bezos told the local media he purchased the property because he wanted his four children to experience ranch life, as he did during the summer he grew up in Texas. Who may get it: Since the ranch has sentimental value to Jeff and is the home of his pet space project, we'd wager he'd keep this one. Washington, DC, mansion The Textile Museum in Washington, DC, in 2013 flickr/Tim Evanson Purchase price and date: $19M in 2015 The scoop: The Bezoses secretly purchased the former Textile Museum in Washingtons Kalorama neighborhoodhome to many other power couples, including Barack and Michelle Obama as well as Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Once renovations on this place are complete, which should be any day now, it will be the city's largest private residence: The property consists of two buildings that span a total of 27,000 square feet. While there is no indication that it will be a full-time residence, it will sure be convenient for when Bezos wants to check in on the Washington Post, which he'd purchased for $250 million. Who may get it: It would make the most sense for Jeff to take this one, because he seems to be more invested in the newspaper than MacKenzie is, and likely spends more time in Washington, DC. Another view of the former Textile Museum Lonely Planet/Getty Images New York City apartments Purchase price and date: $7.65M in 1999, $5.3M in 2012 The scoop: Following in their established pattern of finding a home they like and then buying the place next door, the Bezoses purchased three units on Central Park West in Manhattan's Lincoln Square neighborhood for $7.65 million, from recording exec Tommy Mottola. Thirteen years later, the couple picked up an adjacent 1,725-square-foot unit for $5.3 million. While the media have not been invited for cocktails at this 32-story Art Deco building, it's likely the Bezoses have combined these units for one grand pied-a-terre in the Big Apple. Who may get it: Since the publishing industry is based in New York and MacKenzie is an author, it would make sense for her to take over this property. 25 Central Park West Google Maps What other properties do the Bezoses own? In addition to these residences, celebritynetworth.com reports that the Bezos family owns an additional 100,000 acres scattered throughout the U.S.all of which suggest that the real estate fallout of this divorce could take years before it's all said and done. Now, who said being outrageously rich is easy? The post How Many Homes Does Amazon's Jeff Bezos Ownand Which Will He Keep After Divorce? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. I have a daughter with two young sons and a nephew with a 1-year-old who have both been furloughed because of the government shutdown. Chip Roy is a newly elected representative in the House. I am extremely disappointed he was among only seven representatives and the only one from Texas who voted against a bill that would guarantee back pay for those workers. Not an auspicious start for the congressman. Larry Parnes Refugees right Re: U.S. not responsible, Your Turn, Monday: As far back as Greek civilization, if even your worst enemy came to your door, you gave him food and shelter and sent him on his way. The families coming here from Central America and elsewhere do have the right, by our laws, to seek entry and plead their cases. Save your unutterable loathing for those who created and enforce Homeland Securitys pitiless policy at our borders. Judith Howse It doesnt follow Re: Who protects us? Your Turn, Monday: Mike Colley is mistaken if he believes it follows that to be against the wall is to be against border security. I am as strongly supportive of security as I am convinced a wall will not help. Richard Albanese has a great idea (Wall vs. electronics, Your Turn, Monday), but I believe he already knows what his experiment would show. The Berlin Wall was effective only because the communists were willing to shoot to kill who ever reached the top. I dont believe even the president is prepared to go that far or my name is Pollyanna. Henry Hare Political clones From my perspective, the only major difference between Julian Castro from San Antonio and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from Queens is that the former is a 44-year-old Latino and the latter is a 29-year-old Latina. The former is better educated, has held several high political positions and is a more polished orator. Their political philosophies, at the end of the day, are scarily similar. My advice to these two is that socialism has never worked and will never work, and the continued pursuit of this political philosophy will ultimately bring their political careers to a quick end. Lawrence McMahan Great grammar read To reader Ginger Burkholder, who shared her thoughts on the crimes against punctuation and grammar in our culture (Your or Youre, Your Turn, Monday), you are absolutely correct about the obliteration of punctuation and grammar, and to support your statements, may I recommend you read Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss. For those of us who value the lost integrity of punctuation and grammar, this is a great read! Eileen Shiman I was first told of Channings passing by her longtime publicist Harlan Boll, who sent the following sad tidings: It was at 12:31am on Tuesday, January 15th, 2019, at home in Rancho Mirage, CA of natural causes and it is with extreme heartache, that I have to announce the passing of an original Industry pioneer, legend and icon Miss Carol Channing. I admired her before I met her, and have loved her since the day she stepped ... or fell rather ... into my life. It is so very hard to see the final curtain lower on a woman who has been a daily part of my life for more than a third of it. We supported each other, cried with each other, argued with each other, but always ended up laughing with each other. Saying good-bye is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but I know that when I feel those uncontrollable urges to laugh at everything and/or nothing at all, it will be because she is with me, tickling my funny bone. It is said to be an uphill battle, but it is important and noteworthy nonetheless. We speak of Julian Castros presidential bid. He is from San Antonios West Side and comes from a family with not-so-distant immigrant roots (in Mexico) at a time when the president has fighting words for such immigrants. Simply, his personal story has particular resonance in this time and place. All together, this makes for a specific combination we cant say fits any previous presidential candidate in our memory. He is not a first others have come from humble, perhaps humbler, beginnings, and others have been Latino. In that latter category, we remember businessman Ben Fernandez from decades ago, and Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida running on the Republican side more recently. And there was Bill Richardson, former New Mexico governor, U.N. ambassador and energy secretary, on the Democratic side. But Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and HUD secretary, runs at a fraught time in our country. The culture war rages, over immigration in particular. This comes replete with demonization of immigrants, and amid charges that any desire for meaningful and comprehensive reform is code for being squarely for wide-open borders. Conversely, any legitimate concern for border security is cast as loathing brown people. Both are odious simplifications. Castro will not be alone in what is certain to be a crowded Democratic field in advocating a more humane and thoughtful approach. But we are nonetheless thankful that a voice from San Antonio will be raised on this issue. This city, more than many others, knows the truth and complexities of immigration and diversity. This is how Castro put it at his campaign launch Saturday: Today, this community represents Americas future diverse, fast-growing, optimistic, a place where people of different backgrounds come together. We are, as a city, something a nation would be better for emulating, even as we also exemplify some of the challenges facing the country. But Castro, as one of the first to formally announce, reminds us also that immigration is not the sum total of any valid campaign on the Democratic side, though it is a topic in need of strenuous debate in both parties. Speaking from Guadalupe Plaza, he also stressed affordable housing, affordable and accessible health care, sane energy policy that views climate change as a real threat, a minimum-wage increase, income equality generally and prekindergarten education, crafting nationally what the city, led by Mayor Castro, accomplished. We look forward to an active debate in the Democratic Party on these issues and on the Republican side as well. And were confident Castro will more than hold his own in this debate. In any case, the timing is impeccable for taking the national temperature on these issues, particularly on immigration. Since his keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 2012 as mayor of the nations seventh-largest city, Castro has risen in stature in the party, and, yet, other candidates come out the chute with far better name recognition. This, though Castro was spoken of as a running mate for Hillary Clinton in 2016. And he likely wont be the only Texas native son running. We have no clue how his campaign will fare in these currents, whether it will thrive or flounder. Anyone who tries to anoint front-runners or candidates certain to be nominated this early in the race is on a fools errand. But we nonetheless welcome the San Antonio voice that will be part of this election. There is much that will make this run historic particularly if it is successful but it is the addition of this voice and the timing that make it even more so for us. Re: VA turning to more private care, front page, Sunday: There is reason for concern about privatization of veterans health care due to the support from the Concerned Veterans for America advocacy group. This group led by the Koch brothers hides behind the label of nonprofit trust rather than a not-for-profit corporation, thereby allowing nondisclosure of public reporting requirements. As the article clearly states, one of its senior advisers, Darin Selnick, was instrumental in drafting the language used for the VA MISSION Act, which won bipartisan support last year. As a disabled veteran, I agree that the VA system needs improvement in many areas, but we have to be diligent and wary of any change, especially if support for it comes from a nefarious lobbyist group. Privatization of VA health care will increase costs to the American taxpayer, no doubt about it. Ill give you an example of how this works to the benefit of the private sector. Boeing, one of the worlds largest aircraft manufacturers, was awarded the multimillion-dollar C-17 aircraft maintenance contract instead of it going to the public sector, namely a maintenance depot run by the Department of Defense. The work was largely performed here at the former San Antonio Air Logistics Center, better known as Kelly AFB. The Department of Justice filed a $100 million lawsuit against the company for mischarging and overcharging the American taxpayer. In 2014, it was settled for $23 million, and allowing Boeing to deny any liability. A mere slap on the hand. That is just one example of how large corporations take advantage of the federal government. Make no mistake, the Koch brothers are interested in lobbying for this change because they and their donors tend to benefit from it. Granted, the VA has problems, but it would benefit veterans if proposed changes were to the system itself, not to switch care to the private sector. The closure of VA Hospitals and health care facilities as a consequence of legislation doesnt benefit veterans. From past experience, I can demonstrate the excellent care I have received at Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital. The staff is compassionate and offer some of the best services and care, bar none. From my observations, proper change is in the form of more doctors, better pay for employees to decrease the high turnover rate, better employee training, and a patient advocacy department (call center) that could handle all incoming calls and direct the veteran to the proper department. Albert Baca lives in San Antonio and worked for Boeing Co. as a senior cost estimator. He is employed at the VA as a purchasing agent in the prosthetic department. Throughout my childhood, my father was an abortion provider in our hometown of San Antonio. What I didnt realize until much later was that he would put a Kevlar vest over his scrubs because anti-abortion terrorists threatened and harassed him. Every Friday, he drove hundreds of miles to Laredo and Corpus Christi to provide care for people there. Now, decades later, the communities my father traveled to are without clinics entirely. In fact, since 2013, the number of Texas abortion clinics has dropped from 42 to 21. Right now, no abortion clinics are open in the Panhandle, large swaths of South and West Texas, and East Texas, forcing people in some cities to travel 300 miles one-way to get the care they need. To put it simply, Texas is an abortion desert, and this is entirely by design. For the past decade, anti-abortion lawmakers controlling the Texas Legislature have passed dozens of laws intended to chip away at abortion access, with the end goal of making abortion nonexistent in our state. And this year will be no different, despite the gains made in the midterm elections. But the political tide is turning, and the time is now to offer a vision for restoring and expanding access to abortion in Texas. Texans who are forced to travel for abortion care rack up significant additional expenses for things such as transportation costs and hotel stays, or in lost wages. Research has also shown that as abortion clinics have shuttered, wait times for appointments have increased, which force patients to delay their care until further into pregnancy, adding even more cost to the procedure. But what if patients could communicate with their physician over phone or video and still access safe, effective abortion care? Enter abortion pills via telemedicine. Advances in technology and medicine mean telemedicine is now lauded as a meaningful solution to gaps in health care access. Telemedicine holds the promise that patients in the most rural parts of our vast state can get the basic care they need even if there is no provider in their community. The Texas Legislature acknowledged as much in 2017, passing a sweeping bill that expanded telemedicine in our state. Solely for political reasons, abortion care was specifically excluded. For more than 15 years, medication abortion a two-pill regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol has been an FDA-approved, safe method of abortion care up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. In fact, studies have consistently shown that medication abortion via telemedicine is just as safe as a doctor dispensing the pills to a patient in person. We need only look to pilot projects underway in Iowa , Hawaii or Maine for a glimpse of what abortion via telemedicine could look like. A patient would arrive at a medical facility, consult with an abortion provider over video, and then pick up a prescription at a local pharmacy and manage the abortion at home. Research shows medication abortion is extremely safe, but should a patient need follow-up, a provider is only a phone call away. Another commonsense solution to expanding abortion access would be allowing advanced clinicians such as advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants or certified nurse midwives to provide abortion care. Texas is one of the 34 states that require abortions be provided by physicians, but research tells us that many advanced clinicians have the necessary skills and training to also provide abortions. In fact, these so-called physician-only laws actually create unnecessary barriers to abortion care, according to a recent study by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine. The same study found that abortions provided by advanced practice clinicians are just as safe as those provided by a physician. Whats more, Texas insurance law recognizes registered nurses as primary health care providers, but again, these same nurses are forbidden from performing a safe health care procedure purely because of politics. As I think about what lies ahead this legislative session, Im reminded of my father. He put his life on the line every day to ensure Texans could get the abortion care they needed without shame or stigma. I look forward to the weeks and months to come, when together with our partners and with Texans who share the belief that each of us should be able to make decisions about our own health care, we offer a vision for a better Texas, where people and their decisions are supported and respected, and they can get the care they need with dignity. Starting with commonsense solutions to expanding access to abortion. Aimee Arrambide is the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas. On Saturday, the current government shutdown became the longest in American history. But it has already hit another historic milestone: It is, by far and away, the stupidest government shutdown in American history. In 2019, the federal government will spend a whopping $4.407 trillion. Yet Congress and the president are shutting down the government in a dispute between the $1.3 billion the Democrats have approved for border security and the $5.7 billion the president is demanding precisely 0.0998 percent of the total federal budget. In Washington, that is considered a rounding error. Worse, Democrats are doing it over a border wall strikingly similar to one that they almost unanimously supported just five years ago. While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., now says that a wall is an immorality, back in 2013, she supported a bill that required the construction of 700 miles of border fencing. (Trump has called for a wall of anywhere from 700 to 900 miles long.) The bill negotiated by the Gang of Eight, which included current Democratic leaders Sens. Charles Schumer of New York and Dick Durbin of Illinois declared that not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary (of Homeland Security) shall establish the Southern Border Fencing Strategy, to identify where 700 miles of fencing (including double-layer fencing) should be deployed along the Southern border. Thats not all. The bill further said that the Secretary may not adjust the status of aliens who have been granted registered provisional immigrant status until 6 months after (the Secretary submits) a written certification that there is in place along the Southern Border no fewer than 700 miles of pedestrian fencing. In other words, Democrats agreed that no illegal immigrants could get a path to citizenship until all 700 miles of border fencing had been fully completed. Every Senate Democrat voted for the Gang of Eight bill including 36 Democratic senators still serving today. President Barack Obama agreed to sign it. Indeed, he praised the bill for including what he called the most aggressive border security plan in our history and said that the Senate bill is consistent with the key principles for commonsense reform that I and many others have repeatedly laid out That bears repeating: Obama said building a 700-mile fence on the southern border was consistent with the principles of the Democratic Party. Pelosi supported the Gang of Eight bill, saying at the time that every piece of this legislation has had bipartisan support. But now we are shutting down the government over a wall much like the one that Pelosi and Senate Democrats fully supported just five years ago? Democrats will object that the Gang of Eight bill did fund a border wall, but it was in exchange for a lot of concessions. Of course it was. As Obama said at the time, the bipartisan bill that passed today was a compromise. But today, Democrats are refusing to compromise or lay out what concessions they would accept in exchange for wall funding. When Trump rhetorically backed off the wall and talked about steel slats a fence Democrats ignored it. When Vice President Mike Pence reportedly offered a deal for $2.5 billion, Democrats dismissed it. In a White House meeting Wednesday, Trump asked Pelosi whether, if he agreed to end the shutdown and negotiate separately on border security, she would support wall funding. She said no. That is ridiculous. In their response to the presidents address to the nation, Schumer and Pelosi accused Trump of manufacturing a crisis. That is simply untrue. As the Washington Post reported this month, the United States now faces a bona fide emergency on the border as record numbers of migrant families are streaming into the United States, overwhelming border agents and leaving holding cells dangerously overcrowded with children, many of whom are falling sick. Democrats could not possibly be in a better position to demand concessions from Trump if they had manufactured a crisis. So put some demands on the table, for crying out loud. If Democrats think they have Trump cornered, then squeeze him and try get a lot out of him. But dont refuse to negotiate and tell us the wall is an immorality because their voting history shows they dont believe that. @marcthiessen The new year was only five hours old when Timothy Collins, a 42-year-old gas station clerk, was fatally shot in an armed robbery on San Antonio's Northwest Side. His killer remains at large. And since that moment, there has been a near constant stream of violent crime across San Antonio and surrounding communities. In the first two weeks of the year, the city has experienced five homicides. Officers fatally shot two suspects. Police have investigated the fake kidnapping of King Jay Davila, who was later found buried in a black backpack in an empty West Side lot, and a shooting inside a luxury, gated community in far Northwest Bexar County that left a woman and two girls dead. It's weighed heaviest on the San Antonio Police Department, whose jurisdiction covers most of the cases. "We had plenty of help," said San Antonio Police Lt. Jesse Salame, "but I'd be lying if I told you that all of us weren't exhausted after that. Having worked those investigations before, you can go from a typical day but next thing you know you haven't been home in three or four days." FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox Such a seemingly inexplicable spike in crime isn't unheard of in law enforcement circles. Salame said there's an understanding that crime comes in waves, and trends, such as the decrease in violent crime last year, can be upended in the span of a few days. "It was a pretty wild start to the new year, for us at least," he said. "We had seen such a decline in violent crime over the last couple years, especially last year, that we were sort of expecting something to happen. Crime is cyclical. There are certain things you can do, but no one expects a guy walking down a street firing off a gun during the daytime when everyone is out and about." Salame was referring to Samuel Garcia, 39, who authorities said began indiscriminately shooting at people at about 8:45 a.m. Jan. 3 on the South Side near Harlandale High School. Officers in the area swarmed him and exchanged gunfire, killing him. One officer was injured in the shootout when a bullet pierced his front windshield, sending glass shards into his eye. Less than 24 hours earlier, an officer fatally shot Arron Lambert at about 2:15 p.m. along an access road of Loop 410 near Interstate 35. Lambert was caught removing a license plate from a stolen Cadillac XTS and resisted arrest, officials said. During the struggle, Lambert snatched a stun gun from an officer and deployed it, police said. Another officer opened fire on Lambert as he appeared to reach for a knife in his pocket, authorities said. For more on the two officer-involved shootings, go to our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. With those two investigations pending, a new massive case hit the department on Jan. 4, when Christopher Davila called police to report his infant son, King Jay, had been kidnapped. A full scale search began for the boy, over several days Davila's story fell apart. Police later arrested Davila and two of his family members for allegedly staging the kidnapping to cover up King Jay's death. The father led police to the boy's body just under a week after reporting the kidnapping. RELATED: Court records expose how family allegedly covered up San Antonio baby's death with staged kidnapping Salame said the King Jay investigation required the most manpower and resources to investigate, by far. Now that the body has been recovered, a more painstaking, but less frantic, task begins. "The real hard part now is preparing all the reports and sending over the strongest possible case to the district attorney's office," he said. "We gotta go back and take a weeks worth of work, type it up and review it looking to see if there's any other evidence or any other individuals that had knowledge" of King Jay's death, he said. To read more about how police unraveled the case, go to ExpressNews.com. In addition to those investigations, the SAPD homicide unit opened five cases within the first two weeks of 2019. Hezekiah Jaeden Williams, 19, was shot in the head at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 5 in the 7800 block of Mesquite Farm. Scott Treiber was gunned down at about 12:50 a.m. Jan. 7 in the 8000 block of West Military Drive. And the body of Edward Beltran, 36, was found abandoned in a ditch at 7:30 a.m. Jan. 8 in the 10300 block of Moursund Boulevard. Those followed Collins' killing. Finally, what was initially ruled an accidental death on Jan. 13 has since been found to be a homicide, according to Salame, though no information on the killing was immediately available. Outside of San Antonio proper, Bexar County deputies continue to investigate the triple shooting at a luxurious gated community in far Northwest Bexar County that left 16-year-old Alexa Montez, an unidentified 10-year-old, and 37-year-old Nichol Olsen dead. The three victims were discovered at about 9 a.m. in their home in the 11300 block of Anaqua Springs in Northwest Bexar County. RELATED: Death of woman in luxury San Antonio-area home ruled suicide, officials release IDs of 2 victims The medical examiner has since ruled the girls' deaths homicides and said Olsen died by suicide. But Sheriff Javier Salazar on Monday said the investigation continues, despite the medical examiner's ruling. "One of the greatest fears is that law enforcement is not going to cover all bases, because, well, it's been ruled a suicide and we're going to move onto the next case. And that is not what's occurring here," Salazar said. "I can assure the public that this case remains very much an open investigation." Only two weeks into 2019, it's impossible to make any meaningful assessment of crime rates this year in comparison to previous years. But 2018 represented the continuation of a downward trend in violent crime in San Antonio, with homicides, robbery and aggravated assault totals expected to fall below those of 2017. That trend could continue in 2019, but, Salame noted, it's not off to a good start. "Sometimes it seems like people know when we're busy, and that's when they want to go commit crimes, but we get it done. That's the bottom line," he said. "No matter what happens, we're prepared." Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns A woman was arrested Tuesday after San Antonio police said they found one of her shoes at the scene of a burglary. Angelique Delgado, 23, was charged with burglary of a vehicle and burglary of a habitation by force, Bexar County Jail records showed. Court proceedings in a murder trial came to an abrupt halt Wednesday after a juror passed out as photographs were shown of the victims charred remains. The Bexar County jury was in its second day of hearing testimony in the murder trial of Antonio Nunez Jr., 63, who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend Lisa Carter. Questioned by Whitten about the time frame for getting the equipment in place, Bailey said she wanted to confirm the council was OK with the cost before commissioners signed a contract. She also said she and Auditor Vicki Urbanik discussed making a down payment this year and starting payments next year. A burglar hammered and chiseled his way into a northeast Houston restaurant early Wednesday, authorities said. Houston police arrested a man around 2:30 a.m. after they saw him coming out of a hole he had smashed into the side of the building, Los Jacales Restaurant on 6001 Lyons, according to Metro Video. BREAKING NEWS ALERTS: Get your breaking news updates delivered to you. Two other men were waiting in a truck near the restaurant and were arrested on warrants, Metro Video reported. Police are determining whether theyre connected to the alleged burglar. The man, who used a chisel and hammer to break through the wall, got money from the cash register before he was caught, police told Metro Video. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. Nine weeks ago, Fat Tummy Empanadas excitedly announced Guy Fieri had visited and planned to feature the tiny San Antonio eatery on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." On Sunday, the restaurant took to Facebook to ask for patience from customers amid its sudden uptick in business. We were very lucky that a very popular food network celebrity, Guy Fieri chose our empanadas to be featured in his famous show. We did our best to be prepared for such an increase of business, the restaurant posted to Facebook Sunday. But we dont have the means to grow in a heartbeat. The mom-and-pop business has both a brick-and-mortar location at 2922 West Commerce Street and a food truck, which is primarily used for events and catering. The eatery serves a variety of Argentinian-style menu items, but it's best known for its empanadas. RELATED: San Antonio's 2M Smokehouse offering free pulled pork tacos to employees furloughed by the government shutdown The crust of the family recipe consists of flour, water, salt, milk, butter and eggs, the owner said on Food Network. The savory filling includes oil, onion, green and red bell peppers, several different seasonings, corn, parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Fat Tummy Empanadas offers several different flavors, all of them large and many of them cheesy. "The filling is fantastic, like a commercial," Fieri said in the show. Fieri helped the small business achieve one of its goals: to make its product known. Now, the company is relying on the patience of its customers to further its growth and success. It recently hired staff and is working to train the new employees, the Facebook post said, and in the meantime, management asked customers to understand if the food takes a bit longer to prepare. The quality, however, will never be compromised, Fat Tummy Empanadas added. "Our small restaurant is growing and even though we would love that each one of you is served fast and efficiently, we still have many things to brush up," the post said. "We are giving our (heart) to this dream so rest assured that we are going to try our best to achieve another goal: to provide the best dining experience ever." RELATED: S.A. burger place apologizes, pledges to add staff after being inundated following national ranking In June, another local eatery posted a similar message after Money Magazine named its burgers fourth best in the country. Papa's Burgers seats only 41 customers, so the national attention was more than it could immediately handle. "In an effort to keep up with the overwhelming response, we were short staffed, we didn't spend time getting to know each of those that came for the first time and we weren't as neat and tidy as we are known for based on our health department scores," Owner Robert Walker posted on Facebook at the time. "I want everyone to know that who we are isn't who we were this week." His apology was a hit, once again bringing in droves of customers. He is now in the process of opening a second location. S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey New York Tributes from Broadway stars like Kristin Chenoweth and Bette Midler poured in to honor the life and career of Carol Channing, the three-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy star who delighted American audiences over 5,000 performances as the scheming Dolly Levi in "Hello, Dolly!" on Broadway and beyond. She died Tuesday at 97. Publicist B. Harlan Boll said Channing died of natural causes at 12:31 a.m. Tuesday in Rancho Mirage, California. Boll says she had twice suffered strokes in the last year. Besides "Hello, Dolly!," Channing starred in other Broadway shows, but none with equal magnetism. She often appeared on television and in nightclubs, for a time partnering with George Burns in Las Vegas and a national tour. "Channing was one of the few who paved the path for so many women in theater and beyond," Chenoweth wrote on Twitter. "I will forever admire and look up to you, Carol." Midler called Channing "a complete original" and "a legend." Channing's outsized personality seemed too much for the screen, and she made only a few movies, notably "The First Traveling Saleslady" with Ginger Rogers and "Thoroughly Modern Millie" with Julie Andrews. Over the years, Channing continued as Dolly in national tours, the last in 1996, when she was in her 70s. Tom Shales of The Washington Post called her "the ninth wonder of the world." Messages of love and appreciation came quickly, with the League of Professional Theatre Women saying Channing "was a gift of inspiration to so many." Veteran actress Bernadette Peters said Channing "was show business and love personified" and Margaret Cho said "you will forever be missed." Viola Davis mourned: "You had a great run! Rest well." Channing was not the immediate choice to play Dolly, a matchmaker who receives her toughest challenge yet when a rich grump seeks a suitable wife. The show, which features a rousing score by Jerry Herman that's bursting with joy and tunes like "Put On Your Sunday Clothes," ''Before the Parade Passes By" and "It Only Takes a Moment," is a musical version of Thornton Wilder's play "The Matchmaker." Theater producer David Merrick told her: "I don't want that silly grin with all those teeth that go back to your ears." Even though director Gower Champion had worked on her first Broadway hit, "Lend an Ear," he had doubts about Channing's casting. She wowed them in an audition and was hired on the spot. "Hello, Dolly!" collected 10 Tony Awards, including one for Channing as best actress in a musical. She would later win a special Tony in 1968 and a Tony for Lifetime Achievement in 1995. Broadway will pause on Wednesday to honor Channing by dimming all theater marquees for a minute at 7:45 p.m. Houston again ranked among the nation's top 10 moving destinations in the U.S. in 2018 as Sun Belt cities continued to attract residents, according to a new report. The Houston metro area slipped two positions to No. 6, behind Denver, on Penske's Top Moving Destinations list. The list is based on the company's one-way rental truck data in 2018. Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in two events on its Westville and Hammond campuses. Michigan City native, Dr. Theo Williams, an associate professor of communications at Bethel College and an ordained minister, will deliver the keynote presentation at both celebrations. A Community Celebration Breakfast will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. Monday in the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex, Great Hall, on the Westville Campus, 1401 S. US 41. Doors open at 8 a.m. A program honoring Dr. King will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday in the Student Union and Library, Alumni Hall, on the Hammond Campus, 2233 173rd St. Doors open at 10 a.m. A reception will be held following Dr. Williams speech. The events are free and open to the public. Reservations are required at www.pnw.edu/MLK-celebration. The man accused of shooting at a group of egg-chucking teens clocked triple-digit speeds to chase the pranksters before they crashed and killed a woman, officials said. Christopher Lopez, 48, sped up to 100 mph to keep up with the car full of teens, among them the 14-year-old driver who was fleeing him and the pistol he allegedly flashed and fired, prosecutor Teresa Cannady said Tuesday morning in court. The teens were tossing eggs at pedestrians and vehicles, including Lopezs 1971 model Lincoln Continental, for a New Years Day gag, but he pursued them, Cannady said. Harris County Sheriff's Office A witness saw Lopez aim the semi-automatic weapon out the window and fire on the teens, authorities said. The 14-year-old driver hit and killed 45-year-old Silvia Zavala after running a red light, police said. Lopez has been indicted with manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He surrendered at the Harris County Jail on Monday night. He posted a $60,000 bond which is less than the $70,000 Cannady asked for and was released the next morning, records show. A magistrate judge granted a public defenders request to lower Lopezs bond because he has no prior convictions and surrendered after the indictment. The judge, however, believed Lopez could pose a flight risk because he was fleeing responsibility when he left the crash site. The conduct, if it were to occur again, would pose a risk to the communitys safety, the judge said during a 2 a.m. bond hearing. The defender, Jennifer Gaut, said Lopez works as an international product coordinator. He also co-owns a business promoting custom cars known in Houston as slabs, according to county records. Lopez could not be reached Tuesday afternoon at his home where recently placed No Trespassing signs were taped to his fence and door. His lawyer, David Cunningham, has not responded to repeated requests for comments. The 14-year-old driver who Lopez is accused of chasing has been charged with murder in Zavalas death. Nicole Hensley contributed to this report. samantha.ketterer@chron.com Twitter.com/sam_kett Either dozens of Texans watched too many sci-fi movies last year, or they legitimately spotted multiple unidentified flying objects across Texas skies in 2018. More than 70 UFOs were reported to the National UFO Reporting Center in Texas last year, even as UFO sightings have been declining worldwide since 2014. The Guardian reported in September that overall interest in UFOs seems to be declining with the number of sightings. Experts say that technology and more government disclosure has contributed to the decrease. RELATED: UFO sighting in Texas? Keller resident records 'cigar-shaped' object in the sky In Texas, the 77 UFO sightings in 2018 was a steep drop from the 120 reported to the UFO reporting center the previous year. Among the 77 in 2018, seven were reported in Houston. Despite the drop-off, the witness accounts suggest many Texans still want to believe alien lifeforms visit the planet. "I was standing outside with my sister-in-law walking my dog when I noticed the strangest star in the sky," one witness said in an October 2018 report out of Beaumont. "It seemed to slightly morph shapes and it was slowly dimming or moving away from earth." The National UFO Reporting Center stands with the Mutual UFO Network as the largest online site for reporting identified flying objects, the Guardian reported. Both sites documented declines in worldwide sightings in 2018. In Texas, some witness accounts are more dubious than others, such as "UFOs that mimic planes," as one Houston resident reported in August. However, a handful of UFO reports in the Lone Star State deserve a closer look. Those reports include a "black isosceles triangle with six large, faded lights around the inside of its outline" in Houston in September. The previous month, a Spring resident spotted a "cigar-shaped" object in the sky, matching a similar report made in Keller in 2018. Click through the slideshow above to see faint images of what witnesses believed to be aliens in Texas last year. You can view all the sightings made to the UFO reporting center on its website. 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 NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. NEW YORK Former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto took a $100 million bribe from international drug traffickers, according to a witness at the trial of Joaquin Guzman Loera, the infamous crime lord known as El Chapo. The stunning testimony was delivered Tuesday in a New York courtroom by Alex Cifuentes Villa, a Colombian drug lord who worked closely with Guzman from 2007 to 2013, when they were hiding from the authorities at one of the kingpins remote ranches in the Sierra Madre mountains. Mr. Guzman paid a bribe of $100 million to President Pena Nieto? Jeffrey Lichtman, one of Guzmans lawyers, asked Cifuentes during cross-examination. Yes, responded Cifuentes. The bribe was delivered to Pena Nieto through an intermediary, according to Cifuentes. While other witnesses at Guzmans trial in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn have testified about payoffs from traffickers to the Mexican police and public officials, the revelations about Pena Nieto were the most egregious allegations yet. If true, they suggest that corruption by drug cartels had reached into the highest level of Mexicos political establishment. From the start of the trial in November, there were lurid hints that top Mexican leaders might have been compromised by dirty money. In his opening statement, Lichtman claimed his client had been framed for years by a conspiracy hatched by his partner, Ismael Zambada Garcia, in league with crooked American drug agents and a completely corrupt Mexican government, including two of its presidents. More for you News Sen. Kamala Harris grills AG nominee over Mueller... At the time, Pena Nieto released a statement calling Lichtmans claims false. The judge in the case, Brian M. Cogan, later cautioned Lichtman against making promises to the jury that the evidence in the case would not support. Then, as the first week of the trial came to an end, Guzmans lawyers informed Cogan at a sidebar conference that a coming witness, Jesus Zambada Garcia, Ismael Zambadas brother, would testify, if asked, that two Mexican presidents had taken bribes from the Sinaloa drug cartel. But Cogan forbade the testimony, citing the embarrassment it would cause to unnamed individuals and entities who were not directly involved in the case. Until Monday, the most prominent Mexican official accused of taking bribes was Genaro Garcia Luna, the countrys former public security director. When Jesus Zambada testified in November, he told jurors that he had met twice with Garcia Luna in a restaurant and both times gave him a briefcase stuffed with at least $3 million in cash. This article originally appeared in The New York Times Several new business projects are racing toward the finish line to be opened in the next couple months as well, Redevelopment Director Kathy Degulio-Fox said at the meeting. Asada Grill and Cantina, 2707 W. 45th Street, has started training new employees and is expected to be open by the end of January or early February, and construction on the former Anthonys downtown has kicked into high gear so that Marias Buena Cocina can move into its main level. The building received its construction permits in early December. Tuolumne County logo View Photos Sonora, CA As the government shutdown lingers on, Tuolumne County is alerting those enrolled in the local CalFresh food stamp program that Februarys benefits will be coming early and after that funding could be suspended. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP, which is also referred to in California as CalFresh, is run through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is one of the federal departments that is impacted. USDA officials relay that there is no benefit funding allotted after January 20, prompting the department to direct states to dole out Februarys food benefits early. Tuolumne County Social Services Program Manager Laurie Darby details, We really need them to understand that when they receive them in January, actually theyre February benefits. Some of them are going to be getting them three weeks early. So, we really need them to make them last through the end of February because depending on how long the shutdown continues, we dont know when this is going to be remedied. CalFresh February benefits will be issued Wednesday, January 16th for most clients, which is the first early issuance in Californias history, according to state health and human services officials. They share that it was a $550 million undertaking by the state and county human services agencies along with automation system staff that, in less than a week, got these funds ready for release. Darby relays that there are almost 4,400 clients enrolled in the county with no income single households receiving $192 dollars a month, which adds up to $642 for a four person household. If the shutdown goes past next month, Darby relays, If there is no food stamp allotment then we will be referring people to the local food banks and places like that. We dont have any other solutions right now. Weve contacted all of the food banks and let everybody know. Weve made phone calls to all of our recipients letting them know what is going on. If the shutdown ends before February, Darby says clients can go back to the regular allotment schedule. State officials provided these CalFresh early issuance details: Beginning Wednesday, January 16, 2019, most CalFresh clients will begin receiving their February benefits on their EBT cards. Note that these are not extra benefits they are regular benefits for February and customers receiving benefits early should plan for these benefits to last through the month of February. Existing CalFresh recipients who are required to recertify their eligibility in the month of January and who complete their recertification after January 15, 2019, will have their benefits issued on or after February 1, 2019, drawing upon limited federal reserve funds. Individuals and families who apply for benefits after January 15, 2019, will also have their February benefits issued on or after February 1, 2019, drawing upon limited federal reserve funds. Despite the federal shutdown, county offices are and will remain open for new enrollments and case management for existing customers without service disruptions. Governor Gavin Newsom submitted his 2019-20 California for All budget proposal to the Legislature. Newsom was Wednesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. According to Newsom, the budget is a fiscal blueprint that builds a strong financial foundation by investing an unprecedented $13.6 billion in budget resiliency and paying down unfunded pension liabilities. During my inaugural speech, I described the California Dream as a house we are building together, said Newsom. That wasnt just a speech device its exactly what we are proposing today. To make the California Dream available to all, our state must be fiscally sound. This Budget lays a strong financial foundation for our state by eliminating debts, expanding the rainy-day fund and paying down our unfunded liabilities. Here are the highlights according to the Governors press release: Building the Foundation for the California Dream Given federal political uncertainty, the risks to the current economic forecast, and the need for a solid fiscal foundation, the Budget allocates $13.6 billion to building budgetary resiliency and paying down the states unfunded pension liabilities. This includes: $4 billion investment that eliminates all outstanding budgetary debt as well as deferrals $4.8 billion to build reserves, bringing the states Rainy Day Fund to more than $15 billion this year (the largest amount ever) and nearly $20 billion over four years $4.8 billion to pay down unfunded retirement liabilities The Budgets remaining spending prudently charts the path toward building a long-term fiscal foundation. Over 86 percent of the new spending contained in the Budget is one-time, and in each of the out-years the Budget has positive operating balance. The Budget also more than quadruples the size of the states Safety Net Reserve, strengthening programs that provide the first-line of defense for families during an economic downturn. Confronting the Cost Crisis While fortifying the states fiscal foundations, the Budget sets forth a series of proposals that help families confront the cost crisis. The Budget funds a comprehensive early childhood plan, more affordable paths for higher education, brings the state closer toward health care for all, and takes meaningful steps to addressing the housing crisis. The Budget creates a new Working Families Tax Credit by more than doubling the size of the states Earned Income Tax Credit to $1 billion, supporting low-income families with young children by providing a $500 credit for families covered by the credit with children under the age of six. The credit will also be expanded to reach full-time workers earning $15 per hourreaching 400,000 additional families. This expanded credit will be funded as part of a tax conformity package. To improve affordability and access to health care, the Budget addresses the rising cost of prescription drugs, makes critical investments to uphold and expand the Affordable Care Act by increasing subsidies to ensure that more low- and middle-class Californians can afford health coverage through Covered California, and makes progress in providing universal coverage by expanding Medi-Cal to approximately 138,000 young adults age 19 through 25 regardless of immigration status. To address Californias housing crisis, the Budget includes $1.3 billion General Fund one-time and a new approach to spur housing development to address the states affordability crisis and promote economic growth. The Budget also expands state tax credits to further develop both low- and moderate-income housing, and proposes new innovative housing on excess state property. The Budget includes proposals to directly address child poverty and support families in breaking the cycle of poverty through work and education, including a grant increase for the lowest income families served by the CalWORKs program to 50 percent of the Federal Poverty level. The Budget also proposes a supplemental Cal Grant award of up to $6,000 for student-parents with dependent children attending Californias public colleges and an increased number of competitive Cal Grant awards to improve access to higher education. Focus on Early Childhood The Budget includes funding for universal preschool for all income-eligible four-year-old children in the state, phased in over a three-year period. This funding will allow state preschool providers to offer full-day/full-year care to better accommodate working parents. The Budget proposes the development of a plan to achieve universal preschool for all children in California, including new revenue options to support increased enrollment. The Budget includes $500 million one-time General Fund to build child care infrastructure, including investing in the education of the child care workforce. To promote affordability and family bonding, the Administration is committed to expanding the Paid Family Leave program with the goal of ensuring that all newborns and newly adopted babies can be cared for by a parent or a close family member for the first six months. The Budget proposes to adjust the reserve requirement for the fund that supports the Paid Family Leave program. This change will enable the state to make a down payment in expanding Paid Family Leave in the upcoming budget year while maintaining an adequate reserve. During the year, the Administration will convene a task force to consider different options to increase participation in the program and to phase in this program expansion. Largest K-12 Education Per-Pupil Expenditure in History The funding guarantee for K-12 schools and community colleges in 2019-20 is $80.7 billion a new all-time high with per-pupil expenditures now nearly $5,000 higher than just 7 years ago. The Budget also funds critical work to build a longitudinal data system to better track student outcomes and increase the alignment of our educational system to the states workforce needs. The Budget also includes $750 million one-time General Fund to address barriers to full-day kindergarten. About one quarter of students enrolled in kindergarten do not have access to a full-day kindergarten program. This investment will put California on a path for all kindergartners to attend full-day kindergarten. To address the rising costs of CalSTRS pensions and provide immediate relief to districts, the Budget proposes a $3 billion one-time non-Proposition 98 General Fund payment to CalSTRS on behalf of schools (the employers). Overall, this payment is expected to provide immediate relief to school districts and will reduce the out-year contribution rate by half a percentage point. The Budget reflects $576 million in Proposition 98 General Fund to support expanded special education services in school districts with a high concentration of special education students. Free Two Years Community College & Long-Term Investments in Higher Education The Budget includes $1.4 billion ($942 million ongoing) for higher education to support increased enrollment, improved time to degree and a tuition freeze. Segments serving a higher number of students receive a greater amount of the increased resources. The Budget proposes funding for two free years of community college tuition for first-time, full-time students. University of California$240 million ongoing General Fund for operational costs; student success, student hunger and housing initiatives; ongoing support for graduate medical education; and mental health resources. The Budget also includes $138 million one-time General Fund for deferred maintenance. California State University$300 million ongoing General Fund for operational costs, increased enrollment, and for continued progress toward the equity goals of the Graduation Initiative 2025. The Budget also includes $247 million in one-time General Fund for the expansion of on-campus child care facilities serving students and deferred maintenance, and $15 million in one-time General Fund for student hunger and housing initiatives. Community Colleges$402 million ongoing Proposition 98 General Fund, including a 3.46-percent COLA, enrollment growth, legal services for undocumented students and families, and providing a second year of free tuition. Invests in Emergency Readiness, Response and Recovery The Budget proposes to continue to support local areas devastated by the 2018 wildfires by backfilling wildfire-related property tax losses and waiving the local share of cost for debris removal. Funding for impacted schools is also backfilled. The Budget includes $200 million General Fund to augment CAL FIREs firefighting capabilities, adding 13 additional year-round engines, replacing Vietnam War-era helicopters, deploying new large air tankers, and investing in technology and data analytics that will support CAL FIREs incident command in developing more effective initial fire suppression strategies. The Budget also continues $25 million General Fund ongoing for pre-positioning local government fire engines to support the states critical mutual aid system. The Budget also includes $60 million General Fund one-time to jump-start upgrades to the 911 system, including an overhaul to the existing fee that will sustainably fund a modern, reliable system. The Budget includes $16.3 million General Fund to finish the build-out of the California Earthquake Early Warning System. To help local governments and individuals be more prepared for emergencies, the Budget proposes $50 million General Fund one-time for local grants and to immediately begin a comprehensive, statewide education campaign on disaster preparedness and safety. The Budget also provides a sizable investment in forest management$214 millionto increase fire prevention and complete additional fuel reduction projects, including increased prescribed fire crews. Promotes Justice and Dignity For All Our Communities Homelessness pervades both urban and rural communities across the state and puts stress on local resources, from emergency rooms and mental health and social services programs to jails. The Budget includes $500 million one-time General Fund to encourage local governments to build emergency shelters and navigation centers, and $25 million General Fund ongoing to assist homeless disabled individuals in applying for disability benefits. The Budget focuses on finding ways to improve brain health and improve care by investing in mental health workforce training, early psychosis research and treatment, and a Whole Person Care pilot program to coordinate health, behavioral health and social services, including supportive housing for people with severe mental illness. The Budget allocates $25 million General Fund (including $5 million to be made available in the current year) for an immigration rapid response program to assist qualified community-based organizations and non-profit entities in providing services to address this crisis. The Budget also includes $75 million General Fund ongoing for immigration-related services, including assisting applicants seeking Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; naturalization; and other immigration remedies. The full summary of the Governors budget proposal can be found at www.ebudget.ca.gov. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. Sonora, CA This morning new Tuolumne County Board Chair Karl Rodefer announced a Chairmans Initiative to create a Firewise Tuolumne County effort. He first noted that forest management and tree mortality have been a major focus of the board over recent years. He added, We must continue to work hard to resolve these issues, however, we can no longer ignore the remaining issues that are in our state responsibility area associated with vegetation densities and inadequate response infrastructure. Rodefer went on to state, We must rethink how we are approaching thisboth a near and longer term effortto make our county both as resistant to wildfire, and as responsive to wildfire, as possible. Rodefer pointed out that the county is ready to lead the effort, but it will take state and federal resources, as well as coordination and cooperation with sovereign tribal partners, the city of Sonora, various fire districts, fire safe councils, businesses and the public. He acknowledged that forest policy debates can be contentious, but there is no time to wait in light of what was witnessed in Paradise, California last year. He said, We ultimately need to come to decisions and act on them. Unproductive public gridlock, hindering progress, will constitute, in and of itself, a public safety hazard. We must all agree that the status quo is unacceptable. A big element will be public outreach. In addition, prior to the upcoming fire season the county needs to ensure that the response plan is current, and effective, and that the public knows what the plan is. In addition, there needs to be a general consensus of what the vegetative landscape in the county should look like, and what must be done to achieve the desired outcome. Rodefer said he has asked Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors, Sherri Brennan, to lead a committee related to the initiative. Brennan responded, We are going to need the engagement of every partner that is out there because this is multi-faceted and very complicated, and we are going to need a level of engagement from our public that we havent seen historically. It was also noted that new supervisors Ryan Campbell and Anaiah Kirk both stated that fire resiliency were major issues upon taking office. Kirk emphasized that he would like the initiative and outreach to be as simple as possible for the public to understand. More details and information will be hashed out over the coming weeks and months. Our concern, as always is in regard to the details: Will the proposal be for the next 2-year budget or will it be a permanent change? This will determine if we are receiving funds to be used on a one time purchase or if we can add to our long term expenditures. She said the Merrillville campus is the only DeVry facility in Indiana and serves more than 3,000 students in the Chicagoland area. She said students can take classes at the site, go to any of the other DeVry locations or take some or all their classes online. Finance Mins. to appear in Parliament ... A: Its called See It, Feel It and Touch It. When you see a beautiful flower, you want to smell it, come over and touch it. Thats my interpretation. Ninety-nine percent of the time, artists say do not touch. Because my work has lots of energy, I want people to feel my energy. Im more like an athlete, so I want to do something fast. I have a hard time sitting still. Theres a lot of motion, instinct. Theres a lot of nature. I come from an island. Thats what I want to incorporate into my art, and let it flow onto the canvas. Facebook on Friday announced that it may allow former President Donald Trumps Facebook and Instagram accounts to be reinstated in January 2023. At that time, the social media company will re-evaluate whether the risk to public safety of allowing Trump back onto its services has receded. This two-year suspension will prevent Trump from using Facebook or Instagram to broadcast to his followers until after the 2022 U.S. midterm elections. Do you think tech giants like Facebook are using their power to censor political speech and manipulate U.S. politics? Choices are: You voted: Discuss this article with your neighbors or join the community conversation. Click here to get access This map by the Murfreesboro Planning Office shows the location of the proposed development called The Cottages at Snell Cove in the Barfield community. Dozens of residents around the property have expressed traffic concerns by connecting the site to Kristi Charline Street. The U.S. shale revolution, propelled by unprecedented production in Texas, has elevated the United States as the worlds top oil and natural gas producer. While much attention is paid to the indisputable benefits of job growth, domestic energy security and global stability, another life-changing achievement receives far less coverage: American natural gas is making the air cleaner at home and around the world. The U.S. not only leads in energy production, but our nation also leads the world in emission reductions while helping other countries improve their air. Natural gas, now Americas leading source of electricity generation, is credited with driving U.S. carbon-dioxide emissions to their lowest levels since 1992. The U.S. Global Change Research Program reports that North American CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion have declined on average by 1 percent per year over the last decade, largely because of reduced reliance on coal, greater use of natural gas, and increased vehicle fuel efficiency standards. Natural gas operators are poised to play a key role in future environmental progress through continued aggressive and innovative efforts to reduce methane emissions. So far, these efforts, driven by billions of dollars invested in advanced technologies, have led to an approximately 14 percent reduction in methane emissions from oil and natural gas systems since 1990. Domestic natural gas production increased by 50 percent during the same period. Simply put, production is up and emissions are down an incredible achievement. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions around the globe increased 50 percent since 1990. Fortunately, help in improving air quality around the world is on the way, as the U.S. could more than double its natural gas export capacity in the next year, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration Just as it has in the United States, expanded use of natural gas is improving air quality elsewhere. As China transitioned more of its power generation to natural gas, the country benefitted from a 33 percent decrease in air pollution from a year earlier across Beijing, Tianjin and 26 surrounding cities, according to a report by Greenpeace East Asia. Pollution levels in Beijing alone dropped 54 percent, according to the report. Texas leaders like Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recognize the role exported LNG will make toward continued environmental progress. In a letter in support of a proposed LNG export terminal and pipeline project, Mayor Turner demonstrated his leadership and understanding that expanded energy infrastructure in Texas will enable developed and emerging markets around the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our nation and our trading partners are realizing this tremendous progress because of hydraulic fracturing. This safe, proven technique has unleashed vast reserves of oil and natural gas that are quite literally changing the world. The abundant and affordable supply of clean burning natural gas is a global game changer and Texas producers are the pacesetters. America is more secure, the world is more stable, and the air is cleaner because of hydraulic fracturing. As countries around the world grow their economies and demand more energy and a better way of life, American natural gas is poised to be part of the solution both for the environment and the global economy. Todd Staples is president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association. (Bloomberg) -- The year has barely begun but its already shaping up nicely for OPEC, with crude rebounding sharply after the worst fourth-quarter performance since 2014. A new production cuts deal with Russia and thawing U.S.-China trade relations have given the market a boost. But for the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, good news often comes hand-in-hand with bad news. For that, look no further than the Permian basin. The biggest shale play in the U.S. is set to pump 3.8 million barrels a day this month, according to Energy Information Administration data. Thats more than the United Arab Emirates, OPECs third-largest producer. The cartels decision to cut its own production has actually thrown a lifeline to companies in the U.S. by stabilizing crude prices, according to Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih. This is a dark cloud on OPECs horizon, but theres some good news. Prolific output from Texas and New Mexico is placing serious pressure on infrastructure. The region isnt equipped to handle such production levels and could only ship around 3.5 million barrels a day at the end of 2018, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Shale drillers will need about $31 billion in new pipeline construction during the next five years to keep up with output, according to Wells Fargo Securities LLC analysts. The pipeline constraints mean oil flows in the Permian have less of an effect on the globally relevant prices that OPEC cares about. As production surged last year, the value of crude delivered at the Midland, Texas hub relative to Cushing, Oklahoma -- the delivery point for West Texas Intermediate -- and on the Gulf coast at Houston dropped, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence report. The bad news for OPEC is that the U.S. is working on another wave of pipeline expansion, which could add 2.1 million barrels a day of takeaway capacity by the end of 2019, and another 2.2 million by 2021, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. On the plus side for OPEC, shale oil is of the lighter variety thats less amenable to U.S. Gulf coast refineries configured for heavier grades. That quality could keep the pressure on shale oil prices compared with WTI, and subsequently diminish the cash flow of local explorers and producers. Problem is, Asian refineries can take the lighter crude. If U.S. shale can reach those plants, then American drillers will happily keep pumping and threatening OPECs share of the worlds fastest growing market. The crude has to get to Asia first, and limitations in U.S. export infrastructure work in OPECs favor here. Constraints on tank space, shipping facilities and dock capacity at U.S. ports still have to be resolved, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. But they are the first to thank those who serve making our roads safe for us when they are on the scene and give aid. Perhaps some of the drivers on the Tri-State did the same for Trooper Lambert when he pulled up although he didnt have to because he had clocked out that early Saturday evening. FILE- In this Dec. 11, 2018 file photo, Georgia Governor elect Brian Kemp speaks at the 31st Biannual Institute of Georgia Legislators at the University of Georgia in Athens Ga. Kemp is set to be sworn in as Georgias 83rd governor Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Atlanta. (Joshua L. Jones/Athens Banner-Herald via AP, File) HAHIRA [mdash] Michael Brandon Lodge, 35 of Moultrie passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Lodge was born June 3, 1986 in Albany, Ga. Survivors include his parents, Gary and Carolyn Lodge of Moultrie; brother, Jonathan (Shayla) Lodge of Richmond Hill; and one niece, Rylei George Jankowski, a furloughed U.S. Department of Agriculture worker, helps a friend move out of an apartment in Cheyenne, Wyo., Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Jankowski was paid $30 for his help. Many federal workers are doing odd jobs or driving for ride-hailing apps to help make ends meet during the partial federal government shutdown. (AP Photo/Mead Gruver) Narrow-moat-rated Citigroup (C) reported solid fourth-quarter results, with net income of $4.2 billion, or $1.61 per share, on $17.1 billion of revenue. Revenue was a bit lower than the same quarter last year after normalizing for one-time effects of tax reform, but expense control was excellent, with expenses down 4%. This allowed net income to grow 14%, with EPS up 26%, aided by continued share repurchases. Citigroup repurchased roughly $18.4 billion in shares, reducing the year-end share count by 8%. The bank has now repurchased roughly 13% of the share base since investor day, and has another $9.8 billion of capital left to return to shareholders in the first and second quarters of 2019. Overall, we have been pleased with the progress Citigroup has made, and the bank is largely meeting the targets it set at its last investor day. We are increasing our fair value estimate to $80 per share from $77. Citigroup's efforts to increase profitability continue to show results, with a return on tangible common equity of 10.9% for full-year results, up from 8.1% last year. This is on track with the banks updated goals, and management reiterated its goal of hitting a 12% return on tangible common equity in 2019. We are encouraged that, despite only marginal revenue growth, expenses were well-managed and actually decline year over year. This allowed the banks efficiency ratio and overall profitability to improve. Even in the face of a tougher trading environment and limited revenue growth for the branded card portfolio, the bank was able to manage expenses to meet its goals. This supports managements previous assertions that while there may be some give and take along the top line, they felt the goals they set were realistic enough that they were not fully dependent on hitting aspirational growth levels. If Citigroup can continue meeting its goals throughout 2019, we believe shares offer value at todays prices. Following the investigation, detectives attempted to locate Deacon, but he fled from his residence and they believe he may be avoiding apprehension hiding out in Chicago or the Ingleside area. Two warrants were issued for Deacon, according to the statement. Wells Fargo (WFC) is one of our top banking picks entering 2019, as the bank is currently trading at one of the highest risk adjusted discounts to our fair value estimate among the U.S. money center and regional banks. We believe shares are worth $67, which is 13.5 times our 2019 earnings estimate and 2.1 times tangible book value as of September 2018. Wells recently came to a settlement with the Attorneys General of all 50 states (as well as the District of Columbia) in regards to many of the already disclosed issues the bank is facing. This settlement covered the fake accounts sales practices, the unnecessary auto insurance issues, and the mortgage rate lock issues. The bank agreed to pay a total of $575 million to resolve the civil claims related to these. Wells had already accrued $400 million for these items, meaning an additional $175 million would be needed in its fourth-quarter earnings. We note that Wells had already been fined by regulators for these issues, therefore we would expect much, if not all of the liabilities resulting from these specific items to be closed. Overall, we believe this is how 2019 will play out for Wells Fargo, as the bank settles outstanding items and puts much of the last three years in the rear view mirror. As the news cycle runs out of new negative items to report, the bank increasingly puts old issues behind it, and more normal levels of profitability return to the bank, we would not be surprised to see sentiment change over time. The next big item we expect an update on would be progress on getting the asset cap lifted. Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. @MJ_JournalRick on Twitter Richard Payerchin covers Lorain City Hall, business news and other interesting stories for The Morning Journal. Reach the author at rpayerchin@MorningJournal.com or follow Richard on Twitter: @MJ_JournalRick. A Japanese battleship, Kongo, fired two rounds from her main cannons. One round punched through the thin side armor of Johnston and cut a hole through the engine room. The enemy ships closed in for an easy kill, pouring fire into the crippled destroyer. Johnston took a hit that knocked out the forward gun and damaged another, and her bridge was rendered untenable by fires and explosions resulting from a hit in her ammunition locker. Evans (who had just had two fingers on his left hand blown off during the battle and had shifted his command to the ships fantail) was yelling orders through an open hatch to men turning her rudder by hand. At one of her batteries, a crewman kept calling, More shells! More shells! Still, the destroyer battled to keep the Japanese destroyers and cruisers from reaching the five surviving American carriers. January 16, 2019 A Turkish 'Security Zone' In Northeast Syria Is A Bad Idea U.S. President Trump wants U.S. troops to leave northeast Syria. His National Security Advisor John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tried to sabotage that move. Trump came up with idea to hand northeast Syria to Turkey, but soon was told that Turkey would fight the Kurdish YPK/PKK who the U.S. armed and used as proxy force against the Islamic State. Turkey has no interest in fighting the Islamic State or in occupying Raqqa and other Arabic ethnic cities along the Euphrates. Its only interest is to prevent the formation of an armed Kurdish entity that could threaten its soft southern underbelly. It thus came up with the idea of a "security zone" in Syria that it would occupy to keep the Kurds away from its borders. But that border strip is exactly where the major Kurdish settlements are. Ayn al-Arab, in Kurdish 'Kobane', and many other cities along the border all have largely Kurdish populations. These would certainly fight against a Turkish occupation. Turkey also wants to control the Manbij area west of the Euphrates. Russia will not allow Turkish control of more Syrian land: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday the Syrian regime must take control of the country's north, after calls from the United States to set up a Turkish-controlled "security zone" in the area. "We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov told reporters. The Kurdish organizations and the Syrian government also also reject the Turkish plan: Syria affirms that any attempt to target its unity will be considered as a clear aggression and an occupation of its territories as well as a support and protection for the international terrorism by Turkey, [an official source at Foreign and Expatriates Ministry] said. Turkey moved enough troops to its border to launch an invasion but the risk for its economy is high. There are local elections in March and the Turkish President Erdogan does not want to upset them by jumping into a quagmire. Erdogan will soon visit Russia again and discuss the issue with President Putin. Most likely Erdogan will be convinced that Syrian government control over the Kurdish areas, and Russian guarantees for a mostly quiet border, are a better solution than a costly Turkish occupation of a hostile population. Earlier today a suicide bomber killed 4 U.S. soldiers and wounded at least three in an attack in Manbij city (video). A number of YPK/PKK fighters and bystanders were also killed or wounded. The incident happened in front of a restaurant where the U.S. troops presumably were meeting someone. In March 2018 an IED attack in Manbij killed two U.S. soldiers. Kurdish sources accused sleeper cells of Turkish supported terrorist groups of the incident. Ahmad Rahhal, a Turkish sponsored leader of the 'Free Syrian Army', accused 'Syrian government agents' within the Islamic State. A Turkish news service accused the YPG of responsibility. Others suspect the CIA initiated this to keep Trump in Syria. Neither is likely right. The Islamic State took credit through its regular outlets and even named the suicide bomber. The killed and wounded U.S. troops were evacuated in a Sikorsky S-92 helicopter. The S-92 is not flown by U.S., French or British forces in Syria. The armed helicopter is likely owned and operated by a private military company hired by the U.S. military for MedEvac services. This again proves that official U.S. numbers of 2,000 soldiers in northeast Syria do not paint the full picture. There are surely several thousands more, including more than 1,000 French troops, 200 British SAS and several hundreds if not thousands of U.S. contractors who are also involved in combat missions. The suicide attack in Manbij also confirms that the Islamic State, even as it lost nearly all its territory, will continue to exist as an underground terrorist organization. One reason is that many of its fighters escape by bribing the U.S. proxy forces who evacuate civilians from the last Islamic State held territory: [T]he Syrian Observatory learned that some of those who fled the enclave of the organization, and while being transported to Al-Omar Oilfield and before being sorted out into camps, pay large sums of money in order to get out to areas such as Al-Busayrah, Theban and Gharanij, where sums of money exceed $ 10,000 are paid for fear of being arrested when they reach the camps into which they are sorted out, and the sources suggested that in most cases, ISIS members and families of ISIS members are the ones who pay such sums of money, where they pay them to the parties that are responsible for the transport to the camps from Al-Omar Oilfield, .. The Observatory also reports that the escaping ISIS elements often carry six digit dollar amounts that can be used for future attacks. It will take years, and a lot of cooperation from the local people, to completely root these elements out. Those U.S. politicians who want to continue the U.S. occupation in Syria will use the Manbij incident to argue for an unlimited U.S. stay. ISIS would have won. Those who, like Trump, want the U.S. out will use the incident to argue for an urgent retreat from the area. Trump is likely to win that argument. Posted by b on January 16, 2019 at 16:51 UTC | Permalink Comments next page A new bill that was slightly revamped but is basically the same bill is already moving in the General Assembly and will be sent to new Gov. J.B. Pritzker for consideration, according to state Sen. Terry Link. The Vernon Hills Democrat is again sponsor of the bill in the Illinois Senate. With the new year upon us and a legislative session (under way), let us resolve to be the bright light that shines through the darkest night for the smallest and most vulnerable of angels. Australian-based resource exploration company Blina Minerals NL [ASX:BDI] hasnt seen much movement in its share price over the past five years. In fact, BDIs share price has pretty much flatlined since mid-2013, not once peaking beyond 0.3 cents. Blina currently trades at 0.1 cents per share. The Australian exploration company is involved in gold and base metal exploration, holding mining tenement in Australia and Africa. Whats in Blinas pipeline? Blina has undergone several initiatives over the past few years in order to diversify its holdings. Namely, land acquisitions in the high-grade cobalt producing district of La Cobaltera, Chile and the procurement of Madacu Resources Pty Ltd, and the right to farm at the Maintirano Copper Exploration Project in Madagascar. Coming off a trading halt requested on Monday, BDI announced this morning it had acquired approximately 11% of the New Zealand-focused gold explorer, Condamine. Condamine is an Australian public (but unlisted) company. It owns several highly prospective gold projects in New Zealand. Known as the Condamine Projects, the companys four key gold projects include Alexander River, Big River, Reefton South and Lyell. In the announcement released this morning, Blina stated that the granted brownfield tenements are part of a well-known mining region with an extensive history of high-grade gold production. The combined historical production from the Condamine tenements is estimated to be 268,000 ounces of gold. Free Guide: How to invest in gold for 2019. Download now. What does this mean for Blinas share price? While its healthy for any company to want to expand and diversify its holdings, this mornings announcement is unlikely to have an immediate effect on the companys share price. In what could be a compounding effect on Blinas share price, the gold price has had a relatively sluggish start to 2019. According to Bloomberg, this has been the worst January for gold since 2019. This is despite the backdrop of political and economic uncertainty. See Golds first half January performance: Source: Bloomberg Blinas investment in Condamine may catch the attention of more investors than previous ventures. While it is still very much a wait and see situation at the moment, Condamines projects are located within some of New Zealands highest gold producing areas and have serious profit-making potential. It is worth noting that these projects are still in their infancy and it may be some time yet before they begin to yield pay dirt. Regards, Ryan Clarkson-Ledward, For Money Morning PS: Interested in mining stocks leading into 2019? Markets & Money resources analyst Jason Stevenson believes that your best opportunities lie in smaller, more speculative stocks that arent restricted to iron ore. The kind that could see massive share price moves from a single positive drill-hole result. For 10 of his favourite mining stocks on the Aussie market this year, download his free report Top 10 Mining Stocks today. www.auctionpacl.com . The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has disclosed details of 29,000 properties of PACL, the massive ponzi scheme that went bust. These details, says SEBI in a press release issued today, are available on the website . SEBI has now received details of another 13,863 properties from the authorities. These details are available at https://www.sebipaclproperties.com SEBIs disclosure is in compliance with a Supreme Court order of 2 February 2016, in the matter of Subrata Bhattacharya vs Securities and Exchange Board of India (CA No. 13301/2015). The Court asked for the constitution of committee under the chairmanship of Justice RM Lodha, former Chief Justice of India, for disposing of the properties of PACL Ltd so that the sale proceeds can be paid to it hapless investors. Unfortunately, there is no listing or record of the properties easily available on the website. The links take the viewer to those interested in bidding for the auction with cumbersome navigation. The Delhi High Court today issued notice to the government of India in a petition filed jointly by the All India Bank Officers Confederation (AIBOC), and the All India Vijaya Bank Officers Association, against the proposed amalgamation of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with the Bank of Baroda, and against the scheme of amalgamation published on 2 January 2019 under Section 9(6) of the of the Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act(s), 1970/80. The merger, aiming at consolidating and integrating smaller banks with bigger banks, was to have been operational on from 1 April 2019. A bench led by Justice S Raveendra Bhat issued the notice to the finance ministry, RBI, Bank of Baroda, Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank. The petitioners have challenged the decision making process involved in going ahead with the merger, contending that the decision making process is vitiated on several grounds. The petition points out that even though the three banks are publicly listed companies, their boards have acted under the diktat of the government as the concurrence of the respective boards appears to have been manufactured and taken under compulsion. The government, says the petition, has not acted like a model promoter and has instead presented a fait accompli to the bank boards. The petition further states that there was no prior consultation with RBI, which is mandated by the Banking Regulation Act and the Bank Nationalisation Act. The merger plan has also been challenged on the ground that officer and workmen directors were missing from the three boards that took the decision. These posts are mandated under the Bank Nationalisation Act, which the government has not filled up for over three years, despite orders from Delhi HC in another related petition filed by AIBOC. The petition also questions the merit of the decision, particularly that of Vijaya Bank, which is presently a profitable bank with a positive Return on Assets (RoA) and its amalgamation with a negative RoA bank to form a bigger entity would adversely affect the interests and fundamental rights of a large number of persons, including members of the organisations. The court reiterated its earlier direction to place on record all relevant files/ records and minutes of meetings and listed the matter for final hearing on 13 February, 2019. US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has assured lawmakers that companies will be able to request exclusions on tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods under discussion with Beijing if talks do not yield a deal by the March 2 deadline. Lighthizer told US Senators he will extend a process of requesting exclusions that is currently only available on an earlier round of 25-percent tariffs on $50 billion worth of goods. US companies currently have no recourse to seek exemption on the latest round of 10-percent tariffs rolled out in September. The United States has levied the tariffs since mid-2018 as a tit-for-tat trade battle between the two countries escalated. The Trump administration was scheduled to increase the most recent tariffs to 25 percent but delayed it until March 2 to allow for negotiations between Washington and Beijing to try to resolve their differences. If the talks don't yield a deal by the deadline, Washington is set to proceed with higher tariff rate, which many companies have warned could cause supply disruptions. "If the duty rate on the $200 billion tariff actions is raised to 25 percent, USTR will initiate an appropriate exclusion process," Lighthizer said in a letter dated January 11 to pro-trade Republican Senator Pat Toomey. Toomey, of Pennsylvania, and Democratic Senator Doug Jones from Alabama have led an bipartisan group of senators to press the administration under President Donald Trump for exclusions from the tariffs. The tariffs are "increasing costs for US consumers, workers, and businesses," the lawmakers said in a November letter to USTR. Escalating tensions between the United States and China have roiled global markets and cost billions of dollars for both. US officials went to Beijing last week to discuss intellectual property theft and increased purchases of US goods and services. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa said on Tuesday that Lighthizer told him that he saw no progress on structural issues during those discussions. Higher-level talks are scheduled in Washington later this month. USTR is still addressing exclusion requests on the earlier round of tariffs after granting nearly 1,000 of the requests last month, Lighthizer said in the letter. The board voted to add the issue to its 2019 Legislative Agenda, and staff noted that a similar measure was introduced in the Illinois General Assembly in 2017 by Republican state Sen. Chuck Weaver of Peoria. That bill would allow a chairman to be removed with or without cause as long as four-fifths of the board voted for it, and in such cases, the person removed would go back to a regular board position. 3. International Monetary Fund | At 2,814 tonnes gold in its reserves, the IMF is on the third spot. The International Monetary Fund will resume discussions with Sri Lanka in February for further disbursal of part of a $1.5 billion loan, the lender said, after a political crisis led to talks being delayed by three months. Sri Lanka government leaders had agreed to stick to a reform programme following a meeting with IMF managing director Christine Lagarde in Washington on January 15, the bank said in a statement. Sri Lanka is struggling to restore investor confidence and pay down its debt after it was plunged into political turmoil in October when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly removed Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and then dissolved parliament. A court later ruled the move was unconstitutional, and Wickremesinghe was reinstalled as premier. "The IMF remains ready to support the Sri Lankan authorities in these endeavors and an IMF team is scheduled to visit Colombo in mid-February to resume program discussions," Lagarde said after meeting with Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera and the central bank governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy. "We discussed the challenging economic environment and the policy priorities for the country. The authorities stressed Sri Lanka's continued commitment to their economic reform agenda under the IMF-supported program," Lagarde said. A series of credit rating downgrades have made it harder for Sri Lanka to borrow as it faces record high repayments of $5.9 billion this year, $2.6 billion of which fall due in the first three months. On January 15, the island nation's junior finance minister Eran Wickramaratne told Reuters that Sri Lanka is considering an offer from Bank of China for a loan of $300 million, which could be raised to $1 billion, to help it meet repayments in coming months. The by-election in Haryana's Jind, necessitated by the death of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Hari Chand Middha, is scheduled for January 28. Around 21 candidates are in the fray for the crucial battle, where Congress has fielded its senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Krishan Middha, son of the deceased MLA. The bypoll is important taking into consideration the Haryana assembly polls expected to happen later this year. Factionalism Both national as well as regional parties are battling factions within their respective organisations. The INLD is engaged in a battle between the Chautalas, whose patriarch, Om Prakash Chautala, controls the party. INLD is fielding Umed Redhu for the Jind bypoll. Dushyant Chautala, the son of Ajay Chautala -- both of whom have been expelled from the INLD -- is contesting as an Independent with the backing of Jannnayak Janata Party (JJP). The real battle for the INLD, experts believe, would not be winning the election, but defeating Dushyant Chautala, to claim moral victory. According to a report by The Indian Express, the Congress too, is battling in-fighting between supporters of Surjewala, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Ashok Tanwar's factions. While Hooda is a stalwart of Haryana politics, Surjewala is the son of a three-time Haryana cabinet minister. A recent video of a Haryana minister telling Hooda that his troubles so far as Surjewala was concerned are over has gone viral on social media. The minister, Ram Bilas Sharma, was allegedly referring to a probable defeat for Surjewala in the bypoll, which would clear the way for Hooda within Congress state unit. Surjewala is a Jat by caste and Jind has not elected a Jat MLA since 1972. According to the report, however, Congress leaders feel that Surjewala has acceptability that cuts across caste lines. Surjewala has also made the bypoll a battle for the state, announcing that "this (bypoll) is not only a poll battle to elect an MLA but to form the government in Haryana." With many leaders trying to establish superiority both within and outside of their respective parties, observers believe the Jind bypoll result would clear the decks for certain leaders in state politics. Civic polls, five states and caste equations The BJP swept the civic elections held in the state in December. The saffron party bagged all five cities where the polls were held. BJP's victory came immediately after its losses in assembly elections in three key Hindi heartland states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. While the losses in the assembly elections might not hurt BJP's Jind chances, the party's show in the municipal elections will provide a boost, experts say. According to a report by The Indian Express, BJP has chosen Krishan Middha taking into consideration the urban-rural ratio of the constituency. The report suggests that out of the 1.7 lakh voters in the constituency, more than 1.07 lakh live in urban areas. Almost half of the total voters belong to backward castes. There are over 44,000 Jat voters and 15,000 Brahmin voters in Jind. BJP has never won the constituency while both Congress and INLD have managed to win on multiple occasions. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has been focusing extensively on Haryana in the past few months, has decided not to field a candidate from the seat. AAP sources told Moneycontrol that the party is being careful since it does not want to "embarrass" itself by contesting and then losing the election, especially since the party is planning to go big in the state elections later this year. "Plus, we do not have the cadre required to do door-to-door campaigning in Jind," a source said. Officially, however, the party has stated that it would be backing NOTA (None of the above) to understand "wrongs adopted by parties during the elections." BJP_bhartiya Janta party The West Bengal unit of the BJP on January 15 said it did not take the Supreme Court verdict, putting on hold the party's proposed "rath yatra" programme in the state, as a setback, adding that it would decide on the future course of action after discussions with the party's central leadership. The proposed "rath yatras" of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls were put on hold on January 15 by the Supreme Court, which asked the saffron party to seek a fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal by submitting a revised proposal. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh declined to accept the apex court verdict as a setback and said the party would take up other programmes to expose the "misrule" of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in the state. "In politics, sometimes you taste success, sometimes you taste defeat. But there is nothing called a setback. We have other plans to reach out to the masses," he said. Asked whether his party would come up with a new "rath yatra" schedule and seek permission from the state government in view of the Supreme Court verdict, Ghosh said, "We will take a call after discussions with our central leadership. But one thing is for sure that even if we submit a new plan, the state will again deny us permission. So, we have to act accordingly." The apex court said the law-and-order apprehensions of the state government were not "totally unfounded", but allowed the Bengal BJP to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its "Ganatantra Bachao Yatra". Hitting out at the Mamata Banerjee government, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said, "By repeatedly opposing our programme, the West Bengal government has actually exposed the lawless situation prevailing in the state. It has repeatedly been saying that our programme will create law-and-order problems. "By doing so, they (the TMC) have actually admitted that they are unable to maintain law and order in the state," he said. TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee alleged that the BJP's sole aim behind the "rath yatras" was to disturb peace and flare up communal passions in the state. The Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, in its verdict asked the TMC government to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the BJP, keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. Congress workers and supporters celebrate after the party's victory in Rajasthan Assembly elections, at party office in Jaipur. (Image: PTI) The Congress has called a meeting of its Karnataka legislature party on January 18 amid efforts to keep its flock together as it accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading to destabilise the state government. Asserting that the Congress MLAs were "intact," the party leaders dismissed reports claiming that some legislator were ready to quit and said that there was no threat to H D Kumaraswamy-led government. "Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office said in a statement on Wednesday. The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side. According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Chikkamagaluru, Siddaramaiah lashed out at the BJP, calling it "shameless". "They (BJP) don't have any belief in democracy. People have given them a mandate in the election to sit in the opposition. "People have not given them the verdict to govern. In the last six months, they have been trying to destabilise this government," he said. "Yeddyurappa (BJP President) has grown old, but has no brain. He is around 76 years of age, but still he wants to become the chief minister through wrong means by offering crores of rupees to our MLAs. This is a threat to our democracy and BJP doesn't believe in democracy and Constitution," he alleged. Accusing the BJP of keeping its MLAs confined to a hotel in Haryana, Siddaramaiah charged the party leaders with furnishing false information to media about forming the government. Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal, who has been camping in the city since Monday night and holding a series of meetings with party leaders, said that all the Congress MLA's are "fine and intact." He termed the media reports about a few party MLAs planning to resign as "baseless". "Nothing is going to happen. All the Congress MLAs are intact, we are in touch with all of them," he told reporters here. Asked about MLAs camping in Mumbai, Venugopal asked, "Are you sure that they are in Mumbai only? "That was day-before yesterday, just verify now," he said. Venugopal asserted that the coalition government "will continue for next four-and-half years". "We have nothing to worry, we have contact with every MLA, all will be okay. "We are also calling CLP meeting on January 18," he said and accused the BJP of making repeated attempts to destabilise the government by trying to poach MLAs. Pradesh Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said there is not going to be any "Sankranthi-kranti, or Deepawali-damakha or New Year-blast" as claimed by the BJP. "It will be flop show by BJP... our government is stable, there is not even an inch of threat to the government and we are relaxed," he said. Speaking to reporters here, Rao also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, accusing them of 'attempting to lure' MLAs, and called it "unfortunate". Ghulam Nabi Azad: He is the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, and has also been a former Union Minister. Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday dropped hints of accommodating more players as he said his party was willing to give a few seats to those who wanted to forge an alliance with the Congress for the Lok Sabha polls. Speaking to reporters here, he noted, "On two to four seats, there could be 'give and take', but at present, we are making preparations for contesting on all the 80 seats in the state". In a significant move, BSP and SP, part of Opposition's Grand Alliance, had recently announced their tie-up in Uttar Pradesh for the Lok Sabha polls, sharing 38 seats each and keeping the Congress out of the alliance. On reports that the Congress was kept out of the BSP-SP combine as it was "weak", Azad hit back, "When elections are held, it will be known who is strong and weak". The Congress had on January 13 declared that it will contest on all the 80 Lok Sabha seats from the politically crucial state on its own. The senior Congress leader also expressed hope that his party will double its tally of seats. It won only two seats from the state in the 2014 general elections and 19 seats in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. On whether the Congress will forge a coalition with other political players, Azad said, "If any political party is willing to accompany the Congress, and the Congress feels that it can fight the BJP, it will be definitely accommodated". HD Kumaraswamy Amid a political turmoil in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday accused the Opposition BJP of creating "nuisance" to destablise the government, but expressed confidence that the current crisis would fizzle out soon. Kumaraswamy, who is preoccupied with pre-budget consultation meetings in Bengaluru, also dismissed reports of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the likely resignation of four Congress ministers from the state cabinet. He stressed that the Congress-JD(S) ties were "strong" and the parties would together fight the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. On Tuesday, two independent MLAs withdrew their support to the coalition government in a significant turn to the political war that erupted in the state, with both sides venting their fears of poaching. "There is no plan to meet Modi. No Congress ministers are resigning. No MLAs from Congress or JD(S) will resign and shift to BJP. It is not going to happen. This nuisance has been created by the BJP," Kumaraswamy told PTI. Asserting that the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition was "stable and strong", he said his MLAs will not fall for the offer made by the saffron party, adding that the current crisis will "fizzle out" in a day or two. "My government is stable. Congress and JD(S) are together. We will be together even in the LoK Sabha elections," Kumaraswamy said. Attacking the BJP for trying to destablise the Karnataka government, the JD(S) leader sought to know why the saffron party has holed up its 104 MLAs in a resort in Gurgaon, Haryana at a time when the southern state was reeling under severe drought in 165 taluks. "BJP has exposed itself before the nation how desperately it wants to come back to power. They have made a fool of themselves before people. They have made a mockery of our democracy by offering huge amount to some of our JD(S) MLAs," he said. Kumaraswamy also alleged that the BJP was "misleading" people with "false information" through media, especially local electronic channels. In the 224-member state assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Karnataka cheif minister HD Kumaraswamy Viju Cherian The southern state of Karnataka is currently witnessing yet another round of resort politics. This time it is the turn for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders to be holed up in a resort in Gurugram. The eight-month-old Congress-JD(S) government, headed by HD Kumaraswamy, has alleged that the BJP yet to come to terms with the fact that despite being the single largest party it is warming the opposition benches in the assembly is poaching its MLAs to destabilise the government. The BJP, on its part, is alleging that their MLAs are being poached. If the ruling coalitions allegations are true, it reflects poorly on the BJP is this the way it wants to come to power? What message does it want to send to the voters? The Congress-JD(S) combine is to blame if there is a perception that the coalition partners are at loggerheads. The developments in Karnataka will take the fizz out of Congress victory in forming governments in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The bigger message a warning, perhaps for the Congress is: Governments with wafer-thin majorities propped up on the support of smaller parties and independents will constantly be under threat. At least 1,300 Rohingya Muslims have crossed into Bangladesh from India since the start of the year, an official said on Wednesday, as fears of deportation to Myanmar spark an exodus. New Delhi has faced sharp criticism for turning members of the persecuted minority over to Myanmar in recent weeks, despite the army there being accused of atrocities against the Rohingya. The United Nations and rights groups accused India of disregarding international law and returning the Rohingya to possible danger in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. India, which is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, arrested 230 Rohingya in 2018 -- the most in years as Hindu hardliners called for the displaced Muslims to be deported en masse. The round-ups in India, and fear of deportation to Myanmar, have driven even more of the stateless Muslims into Bangladesh, where a million Rohingya live in giant refugee camps in the country's southeast. Nayana Bose, a spokeswoman for the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), which includes UN agencies and other foreign humanitarian organisations, said the pace of new arrivals had escalated since January 3. "Some 1,300 individuals from 300 families have arrived from India to Bangladesh until today," she told AFP. The new arrivals were being housed in a UN transit centre, she added. UNHCR spokesman Firas Al-Khateeb said the UN refugee agency was "aware of the situation". Those crossing the border in recent weeks have been detained by police and sent to Cox's Bazar, a southern district home to the world's largest refugee camps. Some 40,000 Rohingya have been living in India. Police said those who arrived were living in India for years. Rohingya for decades have faced persecution and pogroms in Myanmar, which refuses to recognise them as citizens and falsely labels them "Bengali" illegal immigrants. They were concentrated in Rakhine state, the epicentre of a brutal Myanmar army offensive in August 2017 that UN investigators described as genocidal in intent. At least 720,000 Rohingya fled the bloody crackdown and entered Bangladesh to join some 300,000 already living in the camps. Amnesty International, among other rights groups, has blasted India for forcibly repatriating the Rohingya to Myanmar when persecution in Rakhine is ongoing. Dozens of Rohingya were also deported from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh last week. They were arrested for illegally using Bangladeshi passports to travel to the kingdom. Rahul gandhi_President_Congress Congress president Rahul Gandhi is likely to address a rally of the party workers in Goa by this month-end, a senior party functionary said Tuesday. "Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Goa this month-end during which he will address the party workers," Congress Goa spokesman Sunil Kavthankar told reporters here tonight. He said Congress has begun preparations for the rally as well as for the upcoming by-elections to Shiroda and Mandrem assembly constituencies. The bypolls are necessitated following resignation of sitting Congress MLAs last October, who crossed over to the ruling BJP. Earlier in the day, the Congress held a meeting which was attended by AICC secretary and Goa desk-incharge Chellakumar and GPCC president Girish Chodankar, among other leaders. "It is also decided to finalise the booth level and ward-level committees by January 20 and to start preparations for the bypolls," Kavthankar said. Kavathankar said the party will soon launch door-to-door "Jan Sampark Abhiyaan". Narendra Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday during which he will inaugurate the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The summit is being held in Gandhinagar from January 18 to 20. Modi will take part in a slew of other programmes during his January 17-19 visit which will also cover Silvassa, the capital of the neighbouring Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, according to his itinerary shared by the state government and the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Upon his arrival on January 17, Modi would first inaugurate the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show', an integral part of the biennial investor summit. Later in the afternoon, he would inaugurate a newly built hospital in Ahmedabad, according to the schedule. The 1,500-bed hospital has been built in the premises of VS Hospital, run by the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). In the evening, the PM would inaugurate a shopping festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront. Modi would address gatherings at both these places. On the morning of January 18, Modi will inaugurate the three-day summit. In the afternoon, he will have one-to-one meetings with some of the heads of state who would be attending the event. Heads of five countries and over 30,000 national and international delegates, including CEOs of major companies from India and abroad, are expected to attend the 9th edition of the summit, according to organisers. Indian business tycoons who are expected to attend include Mukesh Ambani, Uday Kotak, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Gautam Adani, Adi Godrej and Pankaj Patel. CEOs and top executives of global companies like BASF, DP World, Suzuki, Vanguard and Maersk would also be present. In the evening, the prime minister will take part in a 'round table interaction' with the heads of global sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and institutional investors. This will be followed by a dinner with VVIP guests. On January 19, Modi is scheduled to visit Hazira industrial area near Surat as well as Silvassa. The PM "will visit Hazira in Surat on January 19 to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory", a PIB release said Wednesday. From Hazira, he will go to Silvassa "to inaugurate as well as to lay foundation stone for various projects", the release said. Facebook Inc told Reuters on Tuesday that it would extend some of its political advertising rules and tools for curbing election interference to India, Nigeria, Ukraine and the European Union before significant votes in the next few months. As the largest social media service in nearly every big country, Facebook since 2016 has become a means for politicians and their adversaries to distribute fake news and other propaganda. Buying Facebook ads can widen the audience for such material, but some of those influence efforts may violate election rules and the company's policies. Under pressure from authorities around the world, Facebook last year introduced several initiatives to increase oversight of political ads. Beginning on Wednesday in Nigeria, only advertisers located in the country will be able to run electoral ads, mirroring a policy unveiled during an Irish referendum last May, Katie Harbath, Facebook's director of global politics and outreach, said in an interview. The same policy will take effect in Ukraine in February. Nigeria holds a presidential election on Feb. 16, while Ukraine will follow on March 31. In India, which votes for parliament this spring, Facebook will place electoral ads in a searchable online library starting from next month, said Rob Leathern, a director of product management at the company. "We're learning from every country," Leathern said. "We know we're not going to be perfect, but our goal is continuing, ongoing improvement." Facebook believes that holding the ads in a library for seven years is a key part of fighting interference, he added. The library will resemble archives brought to the United States, Brazil and Britain last year. The newfound transparency drew some applause from elected officials and campaign accountability groups, but they also criticized Facebook for allowing advertisers in the United States to obfuscate their identities. The Indian archive will contain contact information for some ad buyers or their official regulatory certificates. For individuals buying political ads, Facebook said it would ensure their listed name matches government-issued documents. The European Union would get a version of that authorization and transparency system ahead of the bloc's parliamentary elections in May, Leathern said. The ad hoc approach, with varying policies and transparency depending on the region, reflects local laws and conversations with governments and civil society groups, Harbath said. That means extra steps to verify identities and locations of political ad buyers in the United States and India will not be introduced in every big election this year, Leathern said. In addition, ad libraries in some countries will not include what the company calls "issue" ads, Leathern said. Facebook's US archive includes ads about much-debated issues such as climate change and immigration policy even though they may not directly relate to a ballot measure. Australia, Indonesia, Israel and the Philippines are among nations holding key votes this year for which Facebook said it is still weighing policies. Leathern and Harbath said they hoped to have a set of tools that applies to advertisers globally by the end of June. They declined to elaborate, saying lessons from the next couple of months would help shape the worldwide product. "Our goal was to get to a global solution," Harbath said. "And so, until we can get to that in June, we had to look at the different elections and what we think we can do." Other Facebook teams remain focused on identifying problematic political behavior unrelated to ads. Last month, researchers working for a US Senate committee concluded that the Russian government's Internet Research Agency used social media ads and regular posts on inauthentic accounts to promote then presidential candidate Donald Trump to millions of Americans. Russia has denied the accusation. Source: PTI The Supreme Court collegium's decision of revoking the promotion of two High Court judges to the apex court has generated disquiet amongst the legal fraternity. The collegium on January 10 announced the elevation of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sanjeev Khanna, a judge of Karnataka High Court. This decision was in contention with the December 12 decision of the collegium, which had recommended that Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, and Justice Rajendra Menon, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court be elevated to the apex court. Lets delve into the matter and take a look at what is causing the upheaval among the judges of the countrys top court. The collegium system, which is responsible for the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court, revoked its December 12 decision of promoting Justice Nandrajog and Justice Menon, and recommended the names of Justice Maheshwari and Justice Khanna in its January 10 decision. What might have caused the collegium to reverse its decision? The collegium consists of four senior-most judges and is led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI). On December 10, the collegium, comprised Justices Madan B Lokur, AK Sikri, SA Bobde, NV Ramana and was led by CJI Ranjan Gogoi. This collegium unanimously recommended the names of Justice Nandrajog and Justice Menon. However, CJI Gogoi was unhappy when he found out that the names have been leaked to the media before they could be sent to the President. Hence, he sought the reconsideration of choices at the next meeting of the collegium, which was scheduled to be held on January 5 and 6. Meanwhile, Justice Lokur had retired and had been replaced by Justice Arun Mishra in the collegium. On January 5, when the newly constituted collegium met, a judgment of the Delhi High Court headed by Justice Nandrajog was brought to the panel's notice. In the judgment, titled 'F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd vs Cipla Ltd', 35 paragraphs were lifted verbatim from a 2013 article, The Times of India has reported. Even though Justice Nandrajog had admitted to the mistake, saying those paragraphs were incorporated by a law clerk, and had expunged those paragraphs from the order after apologising to the authors, the fact seems to have weighed on the minds of the collegium members, leading them to reverse their earlier decision. Why has the move sparked rumblings among the judges? The abrupt decision to reverse the earlier promotion of judges has caused anguish among the judicial fraternity. A Times of India report has quoted sources telling the paper that a Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kaul has written to the collegium expressing its disappointment over the sidelining of Justice Nandrajog. In his letter, he is known to have said that Nandrajog is the senior-most judge in the zone of consideration and passing him over would send a wrong signal. In addition, former Delhi High Court judge Kailash Gambhir has written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind appealing to him that "credibility and independence of the judiciary be preserved and let another historical blunder be not committed". Retired judge of Delhi High Court Justice Kailash Gambhir has written to President Ram Nath Kovind, objecting to the decision of collegium which recommended elevation of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari to the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/zblIFuy2rZ ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 "This is appalling and outrageous that such an earth-shattering decision has been taken to supersede as many as 32 judges which include many Chief Justices, casting aspersions on their intellect, merit and integrity," Gambhir wrote in his letter. Former CJI RM Lodha has reiterated this sentiment in a recent interview to news agency ANI, saying that he was surprised to know that a junior judge was recommended for elevation superseding senior judges. He told ANI, What I always feel is that the Collegium should act in a transparent manner, and reasons must be forthcoming why the decision was an upturn. There must be transparency. The question is after Justice Nandrajog, there are two more judges, Justice Gita Mittal, the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Justice S Ravinder Bhatt. The Karnataka High Court Judge, who is from Rajasthan, was superseded six weeks ago, was not found to be, as per reports, deserving for being elevated to the Supreme Court, Lodha added. What is the Supreme Courts response? The Supreme Court has put up the following on their website: The then Collegium on 12th December, 2018 took certain decisions. However, the required consultation could not be undertaken and completed as the winter vacation of the Court intervened. By the time the Court re-opened, the composition of the Collegium underwent a change. After extensive deliberations on 5th / 6th January, 2019, the newly constituted Collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look at the matter and also to consider the proposals in the light of the additional material that became available. What is the collegium system of appointment of judges? The collegium system was commissioned by two judgments of the Supreme Court in the 1990s. It has no mention in the original Constitution of India or its successive amendments. Under the system, two chief justices of high courts and two senior judges of the Supreme Court, led by the CJI form a panel which recommends suitable candidates. The shortlisted candidates undergo scrutiny the collegium before being appointed as judges to the apex court. Is the collegium's recommendation final and binding? The collegium sends its final recommendation to the President of India for approval. The President can either accept it or reject it. In the case it is rejected, the recommendation comes back to the collegium. If the collegium reiterates its recommendation to the President, then he/she is bound by that recommendation. Mincing no words, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on January 16 said that the government will lose out on the votes of around 7 crore traders in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections if it extended the deadline for the implementation of new foreign direct investment rules in e-commerce. "Major chunk of seven crore traders will not vote for them because any extension or any change in the policy will run against the genuine interest of small traders," Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of CAIT, told Moneycontrol. E-commerce companies such as Walmart-owned Flipkart and US-based Amazon have sought an extension of the FDI deadline stating that the regulation requires extensive overhauling of their business model. While Amazon has asked for time till June, Flipkart has sought six more months, as per the report. Interestingly, these deadlines extend beyond the potential election dates. The new norms make it difficult for the e-commerce companies fund discounts, do exclusive tie-ups and do business via group companies on their platforms. Many companies were flouting these norms while running their businesses in India. The government move is seen more opportunist and political in nature than anything else since it happens right ahead of the elections. However given continuous lobbing by the e-commerce companies, the government is also open to discuss other possibilities with the stakeholders and would take a call on these issues closer to the deadline. Moneycontrol reported it first on January 4. The traders are definitely feeling the heat following these developments. "We will be compelled to launch an agitation if the government doesn't listen to us," Khandelwal said. CAIT has also demanded the government to institute a thorough probe into business activities of major e commerce players in past few years. It has been demanding penalties for e-commerce companies who were so far not doing business as per the required norms. The online retail sales in India are expected to grow by 31 percent to touch $40 billion in 2019. Indias e-commerce revenue is expected to jump from $39 billion in 2017 to $120 billion in 2020, growing at an annual rate of 51 percent. Representative image Private airlines Air Odisha and Air Deccan are unlikely to be given any routes under third phase of the government's regional connectivity scheme (RCS), UDAN, a senior government official told Moneycontrol. "Air Odisha and Air Deccan are not being considered, at present, for routes under UDAN 3," RN Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, told Moneycontrol. He said that existing financial conditions make it difficult for the government to consider both of them as suitable airlines. "We would like to see if they have the necessary capability to undertake such flights because they have not kept up with the commitment which they had given during UDAN 1 and 2," he said. Airports Authority of India (AAI) had cancelled licence of both these private airlines, established to provide regional connectivity, on 58 routes in November 2018. AAI has also served notice to cancel licence of 26 other routes. AAI has reasoned that the routes were cancelled due to "infrequent flying and delayed operations". "The airlines would suddenly withdraw from the routes after a few weeks without any valid reasons. Right now, neither airline is operating any UDAN routes," officials have been quoted as saying. UDAN, acronym for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik, is a RCS launched by the government in 2016-17. The scheme envisioned to make air travel affordable for common man, capping air fares at Rs 2,500 per one hour flight. Air Odisha and Air Deccan were given licence to operate under the first phase of UDAN scheme. The airlines, however, failed to operate as was projected. This also led to government not allocating routes to them under UDAN 2. As things stand, the airlines are unlikely to fly during the third phase as well. Moneycontrol had previously reported that the government had only opened their technical bids while considering bids for UDAN 3 and declared their financial bids "invalid". "We have done due diligence this time so as to check the financial conditions of the airlines. Thus, it was decided to consider their bids invalid," a senior aviation ministry official had told Moneycontrol. According to data provided by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), both, Air Odisha and Air Deccan have managed to fly only 3,000 and 1,000 passengers, respectively between July and November 2018. Asked if any of the airlines was planning or has shown intent towards raising funds or getting another investor on board, Choubey said that AO has been saying that they were raising funds but "to what extent they were in a position to get funds is not know". The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday permitted the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration to participate in the prestigious Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative, officials said. Noida and Greater Noida, the twin cities in Gautam Buddh Nagar, adjoining Delhi, were in November invited by the Global Sustainability Index Institute (UNGSII) to become a member of the initiative. Noida and Greater Noida are among the only 25 cities across the world which have been selected in five categories by the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cities initiative, Senior UN Advisor and CEO UNGSII Roland Schatz had said during a visit here when he extended the formal invitation to the district administration. "After due consideration, Noida and Greater Noida are permitted to participate in the SDG Cities initiative," Chief Secretary, UP government, Anup Chandra Pandey said in a letter on Tuesday. His letter came in response to a letter by District Magistrate Brajesh Narain Singh on December 1, 2018. Singh welcomed the development and said the "great step" by the state government would have far-reaching implications in times to come. "The government's approval is interest of the people in Noida and Greater Noida. The twin cities will be qualitatively very different from other cities in the country in the future after becoming a member of the initiative," he told PTI. Noida and Greater Noida have been chosen under the 'University City' category of the initiative along with cities such as Cambridge (UK), Palo Alto (US), Hiedelberg (Germany), Espoo (Finland). The twin cities, according to officials, have eight universities, over 600 primary government schools, 139 public schools affiliated to the CBSE with a collective student strength running into lakhs. Signing a contract will enable Noida and Greater Noida to get "multi-million dollar finance and implementation know-how for each of the 17 SDGs along the defined KPIs (key performance indicators)", among others from the UNGSII Foundation, an official note had said. The district will have to shell out 100,000 Euros every year till 2025 as administrative support to the initiative from participant cities in return of funds and resources for capacity-building and working towards achieving the SDGs, Schatz had told PTI in an interview earlier. In his letter to the government, the district magistrate had suggested roping in local private partners to arrange the funds in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in order to reduce burden on the state. In September 2015, 193 heads of state, including India, had pledged their commitment to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations. The 17 SDGs, otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The UNGSII Foundation was created to assist and accelerate the implementation process. With 160 deals, IT and ITES was the busiest sector followed by manufacturing and healthcare (47). The banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) space was third, recording 41 deals. Let's take a look at the biggest mergers and acquisitions in India this year. (Representative image) Aparna Mehra This past year in the Indian merger control regime has seen an interesting mix of some new trends and challenges. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved over 60 proposed combinations. As before, there were no prohibitions but 3 cases raised concerns of an appreciable adverse effect on competition (AAEC) and resulted in remedies. The CCI has continued to demonstrate that it is a constructive yet watchful regulator, and that it is open to consider extensive remedies that allay its concerns in relation to an AAEC in India, rather than blocking a transaction. 2018 witnessed generally swift and speedy approvals by the CCI. Yet again the CCI showed its maturity whether it was dealing with cases under the new Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 (Insolvency Code) or with high profile mergers such as Walmart/Flipkart and Siemens/Alstom. In 2018, the CCI cracked down, as never before, on procedural violations of merger control rules, with a number of investigations being launched and fines being imposed, including on UltraTech for the non-furnishing of information (in the first ever penalty of its kind) and on Bharti Airtel for entering into a locked box arrangement. In relation to remedies, the CCI was innovative in: (i) imposing hybrid and untested remedies in the Bayer/Monsanto merger[1]; and (ii) accepting voluntary commitments which removed structural link between the parties in the acquisition of Fortis Hospitals by Northern TK Ventures.[2] This article discusses the key highlights and developments of 2018. Insolvency and Merger Control In light of the introduction of the time-bound insolvency resolution process under the Insolvency Code, the CCI was very closely involved in the review of several insolvency cases. Initially, there were apprehensions as to how both laws could work harmoniously. The CCI reviewed about 10 transactions under the newly enacted Insolvency Code such as Tata/Bhushan Steel, AION and JSW/Monnet and ArcelorMittal /Essar. Of these, 6 pertained to the steel industry. Given the tight timelines prescribed by the Insolvency Code, each of these combinations (which the CCI found had no AAEC in India) was speedily reviewed and cleared. Gun Jumping The merger control regime in India is suspensory in nature. Simply put, parties cannot take any steps towards closing a transaction before receipt of the CCIs approval in relation to the combination. Under Section 43A of the Competition Act, 2002 (Act) the CCI has the power to impose penalties for a failure to notify the CCI and/or gun-jumping. In 2018, the CCI imposed penalties in approximately 13 such cases. For the first time, the CCI provided guidance and clarity on the scope of the standstill obligations. In LT Foods, the CCI found that the acquirer had agreed to certain measures contrary to the standstill obligation, such as handing over inventories, making introductions to the suppliers sellers, restrictions on promotional selling and restrictions on the seller entering existing territories). The CCI pointed out that the Act prohibited not only completion of the transaction but also any coordination between the parties, pending receipt of the CCI approval. In 2018, the CCI also penalized various companies on grounds such as: (i) the advance payment of cash consideration; (ii) acquisitions of the right to use spectrum without seeking prior approval of the CCI and (ii) providing bank guarantees/loans to the target prior to CCI approval. Notably, the CCI also came heavily down on arrangements akin to a locked-box mechanism which have become popular in M&A transactions in recent years. In August, Bharti Airtels acquisition of Tata Teleservices was penalized by the CCI for having a valuation mechanism which, according to the CCI, allowed the acquirer potentially to have operational control on the target from the notional date set in the agreement and reduced the targets incentives to compete with the acquirer before consummating the transaction. Although, due to confidentiality of the privately agreed terms, the specific mechanism objected to by the CCI was not been disclosed in the public order, it appears that the CCI was concerned about the valuation mechanism where the methodology of computing leakages in the value of the target, made the target susceptible to the acquirers commercial influence, pending receipt of the CCI approval. Remedies/Modifications Remedies are playing an increasingly important role in the review process of the CCI. There has been active use by the CCI of its power to require remedies to address competition concerns before clearance. In the past year, the CCI has accepted a broad range of structural and non-structural remedies. It must be added that, in cases of significant horizontal overlaps, the CCI continues to prefer structural remedies over behavioural remedies. One of the key cases on remedies in 2018 was the well-known Bayer/Monsanto merger. It was the fourth and last transaction in the recent consolidation in the agrochemical and seeds industry worldwide. In 2017, the CCI had analysed Dow/Dupont, Agrium/Potash and ChemChina/Syngenta, requiring significant remedies in approving those transactions. Bayer/Monsanto went through a lengthy phase II review conditional on Bayer offering India-specific remedies. These remedies included both structural and behavioural remedies, including a set of remedies requiring Bayer to license on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. In reviewing the transaction, the CCI closely coordinated with competition law authorities in other jurisdictions. In another case involving the proposed combination of industrial gas companies Linde/Praxair, the CCI approved the combination after accepting modifications involving divestments of Linde Indias shareholding in a joint venture and divestiture of some of the parties plant and cylinder filing stations. Interestingly, towards the end of the year, in Northern TK Ventures acquisition of Fortis Healthcare, the focus of the CCI was on removing any common structural links between two competitors and not on imposing any structural remedies by way of divestment. This was also the first case in which a life-long ring-fencing obligation was imposed by the CCI. It was noted that the acquirers group, IHH Healthcare had an existing joint venture (JV) with Apollo Hospitals for operating another hospital. Thus the acquirer (along with its group entities), the JV partner (Apollo), the JV and the target were all present in similar businesses. In order to avoid the JV being used as a common platform for coordinated behaviour by the competing companies, the CCI accepted a number of voluntary commitments made by the acquirer ensuring that the JV and the combined entity would operate as separate, independent and competitive businesses. This including the removal of interlocking directorates. Key Developments In a welcome move, to ease doing business in India, the CCI made a number of amendments to the Combination Regulations,[1] particularly allowing parties to pull and refile a merger notification and enabling parties to offer modifications (remedies) in response to a show cause notice, before the commencement of a detailed Phase II investigation. Against this backdrop of smoothing the process of merger control, in July 2018 the CCI also introduced an online do-it yourself tool kit to help stakeholders assess the notifiability of a transaction. In November 2018, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta was appointed as the Chairperson of the CCI and will remain in office until October 2022. The Competition Law Review Committee was set up in September to review the Act in view of the changing business environment and to bring necessary changes if required. The study of merger guidelines is specifically mentioned in the terms of reference. It will be interesting to see whether there will be any changes in the Indian merger control regime in 2019. Aparna Mehra is Partner, Competition Law at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas. E-commerce companies such as Walmart-owned Flipkart and US-based Amazon have sought an extension of the February 1 deadline for complying with the Press Note 2, which the government issued in December, The Economic Times reported on Wednesday. While Amazon has asked for time till June, Flipkart has sought six more months, as per the report. "We remain committed to be compliant to all rules and regulations. We await clarifications from the government on the new policy changes. As we seek clarity, we have written to the government seeking an extension of four months. With over 4 lakh sellers and hundreds of thousands of transactions happening daily on the Amazon India Marketplace we need adequate time to understand the details of the policy," an Amazon India spokesperson told Moneycontrol. Earlier this month, Moneycontrol reported that the government was open to discussions with the stakeholders with regards to the new FDI policy and would take a call nearer to the deadline. In a politically opportunistic move, the government last month 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 FDI norms. The government has also barred companies 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 government which is also working on an e-commerce policy, didn't have a specific round of consultation with any stakeholder from the sector, including e-tailers and offline traders before announcing Press Note 2. The e-commerce companies that have invested billions of dollars in the India market are also demanding a consultation driven framework. According to the companies, it would be difficult to meet the February 1 deadline given that that regulation requires extensive overhauling of their business model. The $20 billion online commerce industry is a fraction of Indias $700 billion offline retail sector. SBI live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More SBI plans to sell over Rs 15,000 crore worth bad loans belonging to Essar Steel to recover its dues from the debt-laden steel maker. "State Bank of India (SBI) invites expression of interest (EoI) from banks/ARCs/NBFCs/FIs for the proposed sale of its non performing financial asset with total dues of Rs 15,431.44 crore," the bank said in an advertisement. The lender has put the reserve price for the recovery of bad loans from Essar Steel India at Rs 9,587.64 crore. SBI said the resolution plan for the recovery of non-performing asset (NPA) has been approved and filed in NCLT Ahmedabad, according to which the minimum recovery to the bank is Rs 11,313.42 crore. SBI said the reserve price of over Rs 9,587 crore is on the basis of net present value (NPV) of minimum recovery discounted at 18 per cent with a time factor of one year. SBI has asked the interested ARCs/ banks/ NBFCs/ financial institutions (FIs) that they can conduct due diligence of the asset with immediate effect, after submitting EoI and executing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with the bank. The sale of the NPA account is to happen through e-auction on January 30, as per the bid invite. In September last year, SBI had withdrawn the process of sale of debt of Essar Steel to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) after NCLAT asked lenders of the debt-ridden firm to consider the second round bid of Numetal and mining baron Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta. Essar Steel, which runs a 10-million-tonne steel mill in Gujarat, owes more than Rs 49,000 crore to over two dozen banks led by SBI and has been under bankruptcy proceedings. As per the resolution plan submitted by ArcelorMittal, Rs 42,000 crore will be paid to the secured lenders, while an additional Rs 8,000 crore will be pumped into the company as working capital. ArcelorMittal's offer to take over the bankrupt Essar Steel was accepted by the committee of creditors (CoC). Essar Steel Asia Holding, the holding company of Essar Steel that was controlled by the Ruias, had also proposed to the CoC, led by SBI, to pay an upfront Rs 54,389 crore to retake the management of Essar Steel. Last week, the Ahmedabad bench of NCLT reserved its verdict on the maintainability of the bid by Essar Steel Asia Holdings to retake the management of the company. Saudi Arabia, the second largest producer of crude oil to world, faced an attack on its oil infrastructure facilities on September 14, which caused a sharp increase in fuel prices. Do you know where petrol prices were the highest? Here's a list of the countries where petrol is the cheapest and most expensive. (Note: All price comparisons are on rupee terms only. Global rates as of September, 16 2019 - Image: Reuters) MOFSL Crude prices last week posted their biggest weekly gain in six months due to data showing output declines among major oil producers and a weekly fall in US crude inventories. The bias turned positive after news of a possible resolution to the US-China trade dispute. Although no concrete agreement was reached after three-day of mid-level discussions between US and Chinese officials, the positive outcome resulted in the two economic powerhouses agreeing to higher-level talks later in the month. The weakness in the US dollar this week despite Powell's comments reiterating that the Fed would be patient and prepared with flexible policy supported the prices. On the other hand, the talks of slowdown in global economy after news that China plans to set a lower economic growth target of 6-6.5 percent in 2019 compared with last years target of around 6.5 percent dampened the positive bias and kept pressure on prices. Meanwhile, data from China showed that country's December exports fell 4.4 percent from a year earlier, the biggest monthly drop in two years, pointing to further weakening in the worlds second-largest economy. Imports also contracted, falling 7.6 percent, the biggest decline since July 2016. On the supply side, oil markets are receiving support from supply cuts led by OPEC and aimed at reining in a glut that emerged in the second half of 2018. Lower oil exports from Iran since November, when US sanctions against it resumed, have also supported crude. Inventory report For the week, EIA reported that crude inventories fell by 1.7 million barrels compared with expectations for a decrease of 2.8 million barrels. The huge build up in distillate and gasoline kept prices under pressure. Distillate stockpiles rose 10.6 million barrels, more than five times the expected 1.9 million-barrel increase. Gasoline stocks rose 8.1 million barrels, the largest weekly rise since December of 2016 against the forecast a 3.4 million-barrel gain. Net US crude imports rose last week by 6,26,000 bpd while crude production was steady at 11.7 million bpd. The data from API reported a sizable crude oil inventory draw of 6.127 million barrels, compared to expectations that we would see a smaller draw in crude oil inventories of 3.3 million barrels. For driller's data, US energy firms cut oil rigs for a second week in a row as more producers, like Occidental Petroleum Corp, turned conservative in their 2019 drilling plans due to uncertainty over a recovery in crude prices. Drillers cut four oil rigs, bringing the total count down to 873. OPEC Efforts Saudi Arabia reported it would slash its oil exports by 8,00,000 barrels per day in January and promised further cuts as producers move to shore up tumbling prices. Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said Saudi would cut its exports to 7.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in January, down from 8.0 million bpd in November. He also announced a further 1,00,000 bpd cut in February. This brought back the positive bias regarding OPEC capacity to bring balance in the markets. For Russia, it has assured the markets that it would cut production by 50,000 to 60,000 barrels a day in January. The preliminary data shows that the nation's output has already fallen by more than 30,000 bpd relative to October levels and is gradually reducing oil production in line with the OPEC+ deal and is on track to get about a fifth of the way toward its pledged cut this month. Outlook Oil traders will continue to monitor global crude supplies and the outlook for energy demand in the week ahead. In the short term, we maintain positive bias for crude oil with WTI touching levels of $54 for the week ahead. Market players will also focus on monthly reports from OPEC and the IEA this week to assess global oil supply and demand levels. Markets await the result of the next meeting of the Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, which oversees implementation of the production cuts, may take place in April. Technically speaking, MCX Crude oil traded with positive bias in the past two weeks and is signifying further strength in price. The RSI has reversed from its oversold zone and going ahead, possible crossover of MACD will confirm further strength in price. Immediate resistance is capped at Rs 3,725 per barrel and price sustained break above the same will lead the rally towards Rs 3,875 - 4,000. Short-term supports are placed at Rs 3,480 - 3,370 levels. Buying on dip near support or above resistance is advised. The author is VP- Commodity Research at MOFSL. : The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Hunting for fresh ideas in volatile market might be tricky, but taking a sneak peek in a portfolio of mutual fund houses might be of some help. Mutual fund (MF) industry's assets declined to Rs 22.8 lakh crore in December 2018 from Rs 23.4 lakh core in November 2018 on the back of moderation in the flows into equity funds and outflows from liquid funds. However, assets under management (AUM) were up 5.5 percent for CY18, primarily led by inflows in the liquid, equities, other ETF and balanced categories. Equity mutual funds attracted steady flows, largely due to the participation through systematic investment plans (SIPs). Inflows into equity funds (including equity-linked saving schemes) declined 21 percent on a month-on-month (MoM) basis to Rs 6,606 crore in December, but flow into systematic investment plans (SIPs) soared to record highs. SIP inflows remained strong and crossed Rs 8,000 crore for the first time in December 2018, ICICIDirect said in a report. However, the growth in number of SIP additions has slowed down significantly, but in no way, it suggests that retail investors are losing confidence. Also read - Fund manager survey finds emerging markets favourites against backdrop of slowing growth Retail flows have been resilient in recent years, which truly speaks volumes of our domestic strength. These inflows have credibly helped fight volatility at times when FIIs were on a selling spree, suggest experts. Technology has played a vital role as many SIPs are on auto debit mode from bank accounts. My sense is that retail flows will continue to flow into equities in a disciplined manner, Amar Ambani, President & Head of Research at YES Securities told Moneycontrol. It would take over 10 percent downside from current market levels followed by a lackluster market for a prolonged period for the auto debit SIPs to be turned off. That seems highly unlikely, he said. The year saw a notable change in the sector and stock allocation of funds. The weight of defensives increased from 24.3 percent in CY17 to 27.6 percent in CY18. Global Cyclicals weight, too, increased 50 bps to 10.7 percent, Motilal Oswal said in a report. In December 2018, MFs showed interest in utilities, oil & gas, banks and capital goods. These sectors saw a MoM increase in weight. On the other hand, technology, automobiles, healthcare, metals, consumer, telecom and cement saw a MoM decrease in weight, added the report. Here's what mutual fund managers bought and sold in December quarter: ONGC, Coal India, IOC, Bharat Electronics, and NTPC witnessed highest buying interest in the largecap space during December 2018. In midcaps, stocks like Oil India, NBCC, SJVNL, Reliance Infrastructure, and REC witnessed highest buying during December 2018. In smallcaps, JK Cement, CDSL, Healthcare Global, SH Kelkar, and Sanghi Industries found favour among fund managers. Top stocks which fund managers sold in December: In the largecap space, selling by AMCs were seen in Indiabulls Housing, Bosch, SAIL, Godrej Consumer and Biocon. Midcap stocks which saw selling by AMCs were Gillette India, Glaxo Pharma, IDBI Bank, Pfizer and Bayer CropScience. Small cap stocks that saw selling were Aster DM Healthcare, Jet Airways, ICRA, Shoppers Stop and Johnson Controls - Hitachi Air Conditioning India. Note: Investors should ideally follow their own research before putting their money and at best the below list could be taken as a reference point to shortlist stocks. It could turn out to be a relatively risky strategy for retail investors if they follow what fund managers buy or sell because the objective, holding period and exposure in the portfolio could be totally different. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said a sum of Rs 1,500 crore would be spent on improving rural and urban infrastructure in the state. Making the announcement during pre-budget consultations with his party MLAs from the Majha region, along with the top brass of his government, the chief minister assured the elected representatives that the paucity of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of development in both the rural and urban sectors. The chief minister said that out of the Rs 1,500 crore, Rs 1,000 crore would be spent on improving rural infrastructure while Rs 500 crore would be used for urban infrastructure, to ensure the best civic amenities to the residents. The pre-budget meeting to elicit the views of MLAs from Majha region on budget proposals to ensure holistic development of their respective assembly segments was held here, according to an official spokesperson. The state government has chalked out a four-phased programme of consultations with Congress MLAs from Majha, Doaba, Malwa-I and Malwa-II. Responding to the concerns expressed by the Majha MLAs, Amarinder directed the concerned departments to evolve programmes and schemes for promoting the smart village campaign and to also undertake a comprehensive urban environment improvement programme. He sought a detailed proposal for the same to be presented at the next meeting of the state committee. The MLAs highly lauded the work done by the government with regard to debt waiver, which would cover nearly seven lakh farmers with a total waiver amounting to Rs 6,000 crore by March 2019. Taking part in the deliberations, the MLAs made key suggestions, including strengthening of roads and bridges, expediting the debt waiver amount disbursement and new debt waiver scheme for landless labourers. The MLAs also suggested that concerted efforts should be made to further improve the urban infrastructure for better delivery of civic services. They demanded measures for overall development of Dera Baba Nanak area and Kartarpur corridor, besides sprucing up of the infrastructure of the holy town of Sultanpur Lodhi in view of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Member Parliament from Gurdaspur Sunil Jakhar suggested that a special budgetary provision be made to facelift the holy city of Amritsar so as to showcase it as an iconic city across the globe. A ministerial panel headed by Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar will examine uniformity of taxation on lottery under GST or other issues arising out of it. The Group of Ministers (GoM) comprising Kerala finance minister TM Thomas Isaac, Amit Mitra, West Bengal Finance Minister, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Mauvin Godinho, Minister of Panchayat, Goa, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Krishna Byre Gowda, Karnataka Finance Minister, and Jarkar Gamlin, taxes and excise minister of Arunachal Pradesh has been constituted. Under GST, state-organised lottery falls under the 12 percent tax slab while state-authorised lottery attracts 28 percent tax. In the GST Council meeting on December 22, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said a final view will be taken in January if status quo should continue on GST on lottery or if there it could be tweaked. However, in the next Council meeting on January 10, Jaitley said that a GoM will be constituted to take a final call on the issue. According to the terms of reference, the panel will decide whether the disparity in tax structure on the same product needs be continued or a uniform rate be prescribed for both, the finance ministry said in a statement. "Whether private persons authorised by the states are misusing the lower rate and getting enriched themselves at the cost of the state and suggest measures to curb it," the statement said. The panel will also examine any other issue related to enforcement, including the legal frame work, in order to curb evasion of tax on lottery and suggest appropriate tax rate to address the problem. The GoM for lottery will submit its report to GST Council in next its meeting for approval. The founder of China's Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear to phone and internet companies, says his company would not share secrets about its customers and their communication networks. Ren Zhengfei spoke in a rare meeting with foreign reporters as Huawei Technologies Ltd. tries to protect its access to global telecom carriers that are investing heavily in next-generation technology. His comments were the 74-year-old former military engineer's most direct public response to accusations his company is controlled by the ruling Communist Party or is required to facilitate Chinese spying. Huawei is China's first global tech brand. The United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments have imposed curbs on use of its technology over such concerns. "We would definitely say no to such a request," said Ren when asked how the company would respond to a government demand for confidential information about a foreign buyer of its telecom technology. Ren said neither he nor the company have ever received a government request for "improper information" about anyone. Asked whether Huawei would challenge such an order in court, Ren chuckled and said it would be up to Chinese authorities to "file litigation." Huawei is facing heightened scrutiny as phone carriers prepare to roll out fifth-generation technology in which Huawei is a leading competitor. 5G is designed to support a vast expansion of networks to serve medical devices, self-driving cars and other technology. That increases the cost of potential security failures and has prompted governments increasingly to treat telecoms communications networks as strategic assets. The company's image suffered a new blow last week when Polish authorities announced one of its Chinese employees was arrested on spying charges. Huawei announced it fired the employee and said the allegations had nothing to do with the company. Ren is the father of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested December 1 in Canada on US charges related to possible violations of trade sanctions on Iran. Ren said he couldn't discuss Meng's case while it still was before a court. But he said Huawei obeys the law, including export restrictions, wherever it operates. Ren expressed gratitude to Canadian justice officials for their treatment of Meng, who was released on bail and is staying in a house in Vancouver. He also expressed thanks to her fellow jail inmates prior to her release "for treating her kindly." "After all the evidence is made public, we will rely on the justice system," he said. "We are sure there will be a just conclusion to this matter. Two Canadians were arrested by Chinese authorities on national security charges, prompting suggestions abroad they might be hostages to secure Meng's release. On Monday, a Chinese court announced another Canadian had been sentenced to death in a drug case after he was ordered retried. The French government is moving to dismiss Renault's scandal-hit Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn and has requested a board meeting to consider candidates to replace him, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. France, Renault's biggest shareholder, had until now supported the company's decision to keep Ghosn in office while he awaits trial in Japan for alleged misconduct at Nissan, the French carmaker's alliance partner he also chaired until his dismissal in November. But the government, which commands a 15 percent Renault stake and two board seats, has asked the company to convene its nominations committee followed by a full board meeting on Jan. 20 to begin the process of appointing one or more successors to Ghosn, according to three people briefed on the process. A spokesman for Renault and a French finance ministry official both said they had no knowledge of plans for a weekend board meeting. Ghosn's November 19 arrest in Japan and swift firing by Nissan have deepened tensions with Renault, which owns a 43.4 percent stake in the Japanese carmaker. The French move to replace Ghosn follows a decision by the Tokyo District Court earlier on Tuesday to deny the ousted chairman's request for release on bail. Ghosn has been charged over allegations he failed to disclose close to $80 million in additional compensation for 2010-18 that he had arranged to be paid later. Nissan director Greg Kelly and the company itself have also been indicted. Both men deny the deferred pay agreements were illegal or required disclosure, while former alliance boss Ghosn has denied a separate breach of trust charge over personal investment losses he temporarily transferred to Nissan in 2008. Jean-Dominique Senard, who is soon to step down as CEO of tyre maker Michelin, is likely to replace Ghosn as Renault chairman, according to two sources. The French state and its advisers are also considering candidates for the Renault CEO role currently occupied on an interim basis by Ghosn's deputy Thierry Bollore. Bollore is among contenders for the permanent CEO appointment. Others under consideration include senior Toyota executive Didier Leroy, Elior boss Philippe Guillemot and one other potential candidate, a source involved in the discussions said. "Philippe Guillemot denies being a candidate for Ghosn's succession," said a spokesman for food services group Elior. "It's possible that people considered him, but no more than that." Senard could alternatively be appointed chairman and CEO, taking over both of Ghosn's current roles, the source said. "All these options are on the table." Leroy declined to comment, and attempts by Reuters to reach Senard at Michelin were unsuccessful. Headhunting firms Korn Ferry and Emeric Lepoutre & Partners, which are involved in the executive search, could not be reached after hours. French officials had said Ghosn should be kept in office unless it became clear he would remain "incapacitated" for much longer, also hinting that Tuesday's court decision would be an "important development". Two senior French finance ministry officials were travelling to Tokyo on Tuesday for talks with Nissan stakeholders aimed at stabilising the alliance with Renault, daily Le Figaro reported. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa said in a Monday interview he expected Renault to back the Japanese carmaker's ouster of Ghosn when its board of directors were finally given full access to the findings of its internal investigation. The government on Wednesday approved a capacity expansion plan for Numaligarh Refinery in Assam from the existing 3 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) to 9 MMTPA at an estimated cost of Rs 22,594 crore. The project is to be completed within a period of 48 months after the approval and receipt of statutory clearances, Union minister Piyush Goyal told reporters while briefing reporters here. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the project for expansion of Numligarh Refinery Assam with capacity to be expanded from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA. The expansion project involves setting up crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore, he said. Jet Airways owes banks nearly Rs 8,000 crore. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The long-drawn crisis at cash-strapped Jet Airways might be coming to an end as lenders to the carrier, led by the State Bank of India, are expected to meet on January 16 and discuss a resolution plan. To bail out the Naresh Goyal-founded airline, the lenders' plan reportedly includes selling more stake to Etihad Airways and cutting Goyal's stake from 51 percent to nearly 22 percent. Also up for discussion will be inducting the founder's son, Vihaan Goyal to the board. Etihad Airways holds a 24 percent stake in the airline. The banks are trying to come up with a resolution plan for the airline before March, which has a debt worth Rs 8,000 crore as loans and defaulted on repayment dues. Lenders will be able to issue fresh loans to the carrier if a resolution process starts. Jet Airways had asked lenders for Rs 1,500 crore in working capital in December 2018, when the top management of both parties had met, to pay employee salaries. The attempt was unsuccessful as banks were reluctant to extend fresh funds to Jet Airways before the website had a definite restructuring plan. Jet Airways had informed the stock exchanges on January 2 that it couldn't repay interest and principal instalments due on December 31. This triggered an emergency meeting from the lenders to come up with a plan. SBI had also asked for a forensic audit of the company by EY, which did not find any foul play in Jet Airways' books. Therefore, the lenders decided to proceed with a restructuring process. When we go into these (older) buildings, we are very cognizant of what to look for, he said. We are very conscious of how these homes were built and how fast the fire can spread. Its New Age and weve not done a New Age piece before, he said. Its a piece that is very, very popular with high school and college kids. We also have an arrangement of Respect. With the death of Aretha Franklin, we thought that would be a nice tribute to (her), to do a piece that she made famous. I think it will be a great tribute and its good for the kids. It falls in a late middle school-early high school level of playing, so I think it will be a great musical education for kids of that age to learn and study a little bit about Aretha Franklin as well. Jessica Rucinski, assistant principal of Teaching and Learning at the District 228 school, said, "I am absolutely in awe of what Dylan accomplished this year with his light show and food drive. Not only did he collect over 6,000 pounds of food, but he also inspired individuals and organizations throughout the community to give back as well. His passion for service is truly contagious, and we are lucky to have him at Bremen High School." SAGINAW, MI Described by prosecutors as one of the most dangerous men in Saginaw, Troy L. McClain Jr. will now spend the rest of his life behind bars for orchestrating the fatal shooting of a man outside a liquor store. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Janet M. Boes on Tuesday, Jan. 15, sentenced the 42-year-old McClain to two concurrent terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with several consecutive terms of five years in prison. The judge gave McClain credit for 387 days already served. The sentence is imposed to protect society from this type of activity, Boes said. Defense attorney Alan A. Crawford said his client maintains in innocence in the slaying of Willie Dawson, 41. No loved ones spoke on behalf of Dawson. A jury in October found McClain guilty of first-degree premeditated murder, conspiracy to commit that crime, felon in possession of a firearm, and three counts of second-offense felony firearm. The jury also convicted codefendant Benjamin R. Daly of first-degree murder and felony firearm. Boes in December sentenced Daly to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as is mandatory for a first-degree murder conviction. Dawson was killed in the parking lot of Dom's Food Market, 2326 N. Michigan Ave., on Sept. 8, 2017. During McClain and Dalys trial, cohort Alexander J. Red Jones III, 41, served as the prosecutions main witness. Jones testified he was the one who actually pulled the trigger on Dawson. Prosecutors have said McClain had a strong influence over Daly and Jones, describing him as a kingpin, with Daly and Jones as his minions. McClain, they alleged, had instigated Dawsons killing. Prosecutors have said McClains wife had had some type of affair with Dawson, which led to the two men having an altercation two weeks prior to Dawsons death. The early morning of Sept. 8, 2017, several people were hanging out at McClain's house when McClain told Daly to go to Dom's Food Market to get liquor. At the store, Daly spotted Dawson, who was also there as a customer, prompting Daly to place 15 calls to McClain, Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Shellbe A. Sanborn has said. On learning Dawson was at the store, McClain instructed Jones to go to there and kill him, prosecutors have said. "Alex originally said no and he wasn't going to do it," Sanborn previously said. "Troy kind of stood over him and said, 'Get in the truck.' Troy took Alex to Dom's and on the way gave him the gun and told him to kill (Dawson)." Jones exited the truck and shot Dawson as McClain sat in his truck nearby, prosecutors said. Jones and Daly then returned to the vehicle and McClain drove them back to his house. Jones trial related to Dawsons death is pending MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI Two women appeared in Muskegon County District Court Wednesday on charges of obstructing justice, tampering with evidence and harboring a fugitive -- the ex-boyfriend of a missing Texas woman now believed dead. The missing person case, deemed a homicide investigation by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, involves the disappearance of Jenna Scott, 28, and her friend, 32-year-old Michael Swearingin. They went missing early Jan. 4 from the Temple, Texas area and police say they found what what is believed to be their bodies in rural Okfuskee County in Oklahoma a week later. Temple police on Tuesday said the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office was working to make positive identifications. The car they were in, a Huyndai Genesis, was found parked and unlocked in an Austin neighborhood, according to the Temple Daily Telegram. Cedric Joseph Marks, 44, who was identified as Scotts ex-boyfriend, was arrested in Grand Rapids on Jan. 8 by U.S. Marshals and is in the process of being extradited to Bell County, Texas, to face a burglary charge in the southern state. Police have not identified Marks as a suspect or person of interest in the disappearance of Scott and Swearingin, but the burglary he is being charged with occurred at Scotts home in August 2018. Ginell McDonough, 37, of Muskegon, is Marks wife, said Matt Roberts, chief trial attorney with the Muskegon County Prosecutors office. McDonough was arraigned on Wednesday, Jan. 16, before Muskegon County Circuit Court Judge Maria Ladas Hoopes on charges of obstructing justice and harboring a fugitive. McDonough was arrested on Jan. 11 after she was brought in for questioning. She will face her charges in Muskegon County, said Matt Roberts, chief trial attorney with the Muskegon County Prosecutors office Maya Maxwell, 26, is believed to be Marks girlfriend. Maxwell was arrested along with Marks on Jan. 8, according to Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson. Marks was lodged in the Kent County Jail while Maxwell was lodged in the Muskegon County Jail. Maxwell appeared before Muskegon County Circuit Court Judge Timothy Hicks and was ordered to be extradited to Bell County, Texas to face charges of destroying or tampering evidence. Maxwell waived her right to contest the extradition process and said she will willfully return to Texas within the next few weeks, Hilson said. Hilson said an investigation coordinated between Texas law enforcement and Michigan State Police detectives gathered evidence such as computers and cell phones. McDonough remains under investigation so they can better understand evidence contained on those devices. Hilson said his office will continue to have conversations with Texas officials as the investigation continues. Temple police late Jan. 5 issued a missing persons report on the departments Facebook page and asked anyone with information about their whereabouts to call them. Swearingin may have health issues, police indicated. Updates to the investigation into the disappearance of Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin can be found here:... Posted by Temple Police Department, Temple, TX on Saturday, January 5, 2019 Marks and Scott had been in a previous relationship and a Bell County judge issued a civil personal protection order against Marks on July 30, according to the Telegram. Later, he was accused of illegally entering Scotts home on Aug. 21. A burglary arrest warrant was issued in early November for the incident. Court records showed that Scott told police Marks threatened her during the August incident and told her not to call the police. Shawana Neely, a Temple Police Department spokeswoman, said police are not linking Marks to the disappearance. There was a protection order and he is named in it. That is the reason why (media) are putting the two together. We have not confirmed anything, she said. Marks was arrested Jan. 8 by a U.S. Marshals fugitive team in a parking lot at RiverTown Crossings mall in Grandville. He did not resist arrest, police said. Two people were rescued from the home in the 14200 block of 84th Avenue and a man in his 90s was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center, the district said in a release. NORTON SHORES, MI The city of Norton Shores has voted to ban recreational marijuana businesses, including dispensaries and grow operations. The Norton Shores City Council voted on Tuesday, Jan. 15, to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit the sale and growth of marijuana or products containing THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. However, the council said it would be open to amending the ordinance later depending on regulations set forth by the state, which are still a work in progress. The city council also voted to ban the public consumption of marijuana for adults and possession for minors under the age of 21 years old. Three council members, Jen Wolters Cross, William Moulatsiotis and Michael Hylland, voted against the measure, while Mayor Gary Nelund and council members Terry Sladick, Roger Morgenstern, M. Kay Beecham, Jason Flanders and Cindy Jurkas all voted in favor of the ban. Hylland and Moulatsiotis said they believed Norton Shores was moving too quickly to ban such businesses and that the city should wait for the state to develop regulations that would govern the budding industry. Cross, on the other hand, opposed the new ordinance because she said it defied the will of Norton Shores voters, who overwhelmingly chose to legalize marijuana in the state of Michigan during the November 2018 election. We begged people to vote, and they did, and they voted overwhelmingly for it and now were going to turn around and say we know better? Cross said while delivering an impassioned explanation of why she was voting against the ban. We should not be creating policy based on our own agenda and what happened in the past. It should be based on what happened after legalization occurred. We have a duty to be present, navigating new laws and not finding loopholes. To me, thats leadership. Beecham said she was for the ban because she was concerned about marijuana getting into the hands of children. Morgenstern, however, said Norton Shores has a strong economy and a growing tax base, and that the city wont go belly up if it didnt sanction dispensaries within city limits. Several residents who spoke at the meeting shared Cross objections and opposed the councils actions Thomas Lawson, of Norton Shores, said the vote was a continuation of what he called failed policy that voters attempted to dismantle in November. Weve looked at this war on drugs for a long time, Lawson said during public comment. The citizens have rejected it. To me, continuing these practices seems to be the last dying scream of what Christopher Hitchens called an apparatus of control. To me Its a civil liberties issue. It doesnt have anything to do with morality. I really dont think continuing practices that have brought us black markets is a good thing for this community. Donna Bolema, a Norton Shores resident, said she has been a medical marijuana patient for a number of years to control chronic pain. She said city council was placing blame for drug epidemics that have gripped Muskegon County on marijuana and not harder drugs. Thank God for the marijuana because it has helped be more mobile, Bolema said. Im totally for kids not being able to get it, but theyre going to go to other communities and now they can get it. Meth, drinking and driving, opioids, those are the problems. This was the first time I voted because marijuana was on the ballot. I think youre going to do something youre going to regret. Only one resident, Rebecca OGrady, expressed satisfaction with the councils decision, saying that businesses will start moving away and will feel less safe operating in a city that allows dispensaries and grow operations. She also expressed the same concerns as Beecham, saying her own high school age children have struggled with substance abuse. A separate ordinance adopted on Tuesday bans the public consumption of marijuana and THC-infused products and the sale, consumption and possession of marijuana by minors. Adults found violating the ordinance will be issued a civil infraction punishable by a fine of at least $100 or no more than $500 and court costs. Theyll also have to forfeit whatever marijuana they have on them if they are arrested in Norton Shores. For a first offense, a person younger than 18 years old caught with marijuana would be fined $100 or ordered to perform community service and will have to undergo four hours of drug education and counseling. Second-time offenders under age 18 would be fined $500 or ordered to perform community service and will be subject to eight hours of drug counseling or community service. Minors between 18 and 21 years old would be subject to fines without drug counseling. Like adults, minors also would have to forfeit their pot to Norton Shores police. MUSKEGON, MI The West Michigan Shoreline Food Processing Initiative received a $2 million state grant to help fund a processing incubator. The Food Forward FARM incubator is expected to cost $5 million to $7 million. The grant will cover the first phase, which includes construction of the first 30,000 square feet of whats expected to be a 100,000- to 120,000-square foot facility serving companies in the food industry, said Dennis Marvin, senior consultant for the initiative, in an email. Our collective dream of realizing the West Michigan Shoreline Food Processing Initiative is making steady growth in several key areas, said Marty Gerencer, executive director of the initiative, in a written statement. We appreciate the support from all of our contributors and supporters. 2019 will be another year of significant progress. The initiative seeks to grow West Michigans food processing capacity and turn Muskegon into a key shipping port for those goods. It launched during fall 2017. The $2 million grant came during the Michigan Legislatures lame duck session. During 2018, the initiative also received a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Support also came from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and private donors. The FARM incubator is expected to be built on Yuba Street in Muskegon at the former site of the Muskegon Farmers Market. It would offer food-grade industrial space for entities ranging from startups to well-established companies in the food industry. In December, Michigan State Universitys product center agreed to offer its food business counseling services to potential tenants at the proposed FARM, according to a news release. The initiative is also working on an education curriculum with MSU and Muskegon Community College to work with food processors, according to the release. In addition, the initiative is working to meet the need for more than 600 new food processing workers in the next three years but targeting high school students, veterans, employees in transition and people working in food-related fields. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Opioid addiction was declared a public crisis in Kalamazoo County during a decision to join a class action lawsuit seeking damages from drug manufacturers. Previous votes in 2018 to partner with a legal firm and move forward with the lawsuit were split along party lines, with support from majority Democrats. A Tuesday, Jan. 15 motion to sign a revised contract with Sommers Schwartz PC and initiate the lawsuit passed 10-1 with support of two of the three Republican commissioners. Weve been working on this for over a year and Im glad we had bipartisan support tonight to declare opioids a public nuisance in Kalamazoo County, said Board Chair Julie Rogers, a Democrat. To me, its about injunctive relief and changing behaviors of the manufacturers. If we get a financial settlement to use in fighting this problem, that would be a bonus. Im proud to sign this resolution declaring opioids a public nuisance in Kalamazoo County & signed a contract to join the national class action opioid lawsuit. If were awarded a settlement I hope its used to help people with substance use disorders. pic.twitter.com/RVADIXoXdx Julie M Rogers (@vote4rogers) January 16, 2019 Commissioner Ron Kendall voted against approving the contract. Revisions to the contract remove a paragraph regarding indemnification, which conflicts with a Sommers Schwartz policy. The agreement states Sommers Schwartz will take 25 percent of the gross award from a settlement, or ruling in the countys favor, before deducting costs and expenses. If attorneys fees are granted, the firm will receive whichever is greater; the contingent fee or the attorney fees. If attorney fees are collected, the firm agreed to only take 35 percent of the total award. Michigan cities and counties; including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Wayne County, are joining a civil lawsuit filed against some of the largest drug makers and pharmacies in the world. Hundreds of other state and local governments across the country filed similar lawsuits seeking to force companies to award damages for opioid-related deaths, treatment and law enforcement costs. Versions of the lawsuits allege companies knew drugs they manufactured and sold had the potential to be abused but acted with reckless indifference. The board also declared opioid abuse, addiction, morbidity and mortality has created a serious public health and safety crisis. The resolution declared opioids a public nuisance, in part because the county is spending public funds to respond to the situation. Kalamazoo Countys declaration aligns with a similar decision at the federal level. The Trump Administration declared the opioid crisis a nationwide public health emergency in 2017. Statistics from the Medical Examiners Office show there were 61 drug-related accidental deaths in 2017. Three-quarters of all drug-related deaths, caused either by accident or for an unknown reason, involved opioids. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 to 100 times as potent as morphine, contributed to the death of more than half of the deaths from accidental overdose reported last year in Kalamazoo County. Accidental deaths caused by drugs more than doubled in recent years. An average of 36 people died each year from 2011 to 2015, which jumped to 72 in 2016. Figures for drug-related suicides and homicides have stayed relatively flat since 2011. The Council of Economic Advisers estimated that the national economic cost of the opioid crisis was $504.0 billion in 2015, according to a 2017 report. JACKSON, MI Jackson has a Happys Pizza again, as the franchise opened its new store at 800 W. Franklin St. on Wednesday, Jan. 16. The restaurant has been in the works since 2013 the same year Jacksons Happys Pizza on Francis Street closed. Dominos Pizza now occupies that storefront. Brothers Wally and Eddie Yasso own and operate the new restaurant. They have Happys Pizza franchises throughout Michigan and Ohio. Happys Pizza is known for its diverse menu which includes pizza, chicken, seafood, ribs, burgers, sandwiches, subs, salads, sides and desserts. Wally Yasso, whose favorite item is the rib tips, argues their ribs and pizza are the best in town. "It's a one-stop shop," Wally Yasso said. "We have 10 restaurants under one roof." Theres no restaurant seating, as Happys Pizza delivers and does carry-out orders only. Its open from 10 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday. "We try to be able to feed your family for under $20 that's something we really pride ourselves on," Happy's Pizza spokeswoman Sherrie Handrinos said. "We know that food can get expensive. People with kids and whatnot, it always adds up quick." The nearly 1,900-square-foot building and accompanying parking lot have been under construction on and off for more than five years. A different franchisee fought the city of Jackson in a lawsuit after officials deemed the building abandoned in 2015, slating it for demolition. The parties settled out of court. The Yassos became involved in the past year and a half. Since arriving in Jackson, theyve heard from numerous residents itching for their restaurant to open. The building was bought for $275,000 in August 2018, per city records. Despite the wide menu offerings, Handrinos said more variety could be coming. The new restaurant was built with a kitchen to handle a second brand, Handrinos said. Happys Pizza looks to make an announcement soon about bringing in a different brand to some of its restaurants, including Jackson, she said. The Farmington Hills-based chain restaurant has more than 80 locations across the country, most of which are in metro Detroit. The nearest ones to Jackson are in Lansing, Ypslianti and Battle Creek. BLACKMAN TWP., MI A prisoner being questioned by prison officials about his behavior Monday morning responded with his fists and sent two corrections officers to the hospital. A corrections officer was speaking with the prisoner at about 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at the Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center, north of Jackson, when the prisoner punched the officer in the jaw, knocking him to the floor, Michigan Department of Corrections Spokesman Chris Gautz said. Another officer, who ran into the room to assist the fallen officer, attempted to restrain the prisoner and was shoved into a filing cabinet before additional officers rushed in and detained the prisoner, Gautz said. Both officers were taken to Henry Ford Allegiance Health for treatment. The officer who was shoved into a filing cabinet was treated and released several hours after being admitted to the hospital, Gautz said. The officer who was struck is still in the hospital in stable condition and is expected to be released sometime Wednesday, Jan. 16, Gautz said. The Michigan State Police is investigating the incident. The Charles Egeler Reception and Guidance Center is the MDOC facility where all prisoners go after being sentenced to determine if they have any special needs and what level of security would be best suited to house them. The prisoner in this incident has since been sent to a high security MDOC facility, Gautz said. JACKSON, MI An alleged drug dealer found hiding under a mattress during a police raid was convicted on multiple felony charges Wednesday. James Lee Powell, 32, was found guilty by a jury after two days on trial, Jan. 16, according to the Jackson County Prosecutors Office. He was charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver more than 50 grams but less than 449 grams of cocaine, one count of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of felon in possession of ammunition and three counts of felony firearms. The Jackson City Police Department and the Jackson Narcotics Enforcement Team did an excellent job investigating this case, Jackson County Prosecutor Jerry Jarzynka said in a statement. I also want to note the excellent work of the prosecution team: Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jeremiah Smith, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey McKinnie, Detective Mark Easter and Detective Brett Stiles. The Jackson Special Response Team was called at about 5 p.m., Oct. 10, 2017, when Michigan State Police received a tip a suspected armed parole absconder was hiding out in a home in the 800 block of Helena Avenue, police said. Police entered the home and found Powell hiding under a mattress. He was arrested without further incident, police said. Officers searched the home and found a 40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, several boxes of ammunition and cocaine. Powell is scheduled for sentencing March 13 before Circuit Judge John McBain. As this is his second drug offense, he faces 40 years in prison for the possession with intent to deliver conviction. Powell is currently incarcerated in the Michigan Department of Corrections for violating parole. CHEBOYGAN COUNTY, MI -- A Northern Michigan woman with five prior drunken driving convictions has again been accused of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Lovina Carrol Snear, 73, of Indian River in Cheboygan County, has been charged with third-offense operating while intoxicated and second-offense driving while suspended. She was lodged in the Cheboygan County Jail with bond set at $25,000. Police conducted a traffic stop shortly before 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, on M-68 near Cut Off Road in Koehler Township. Snear was driving the 2006 Pontiac, according to police. The driver was arrested after police determined that her preliminary BAC was more than the legal limit of .08 percent. She has since been arraigned, and is due back in court Wednesday morning, Jan. 23, for a probable cause conference. A felony drunken driving charge with at least two prior convictions is punishable by 1-5 years in prison. Each of the two days after Snear was arrested, police in Cheboygan County arrested drivers accused of subsequent drunken driving incidents. Officers arrested Richard Ryan Fischer, 26, of Petoskey on Sunday for his second operating while intoxicated charge. Then on Monday they arrested Thomas Arthur Ross, 54, of Onaway, for operating a snowmobile while intoxicated -- his third drunken driving offense and second operating with a suspended license offense. Both Fischer and Ross are due back in court next week for their respective probable cause conferences. These are very serious charges and create a real danger to the public; they just should not be driving said Sheriff Dale Clarmont, in a press release. MIDDLEVILLE, MI -- U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Gower looked over his shoulder as a bright light shined through one of the hatches in the troop compartment of the military vehicle he was sitting in. Heading back to base, Gowers unit started to pull off to the side of the road to wait for the rest of the platoon to catch up. The tires to the vehicle rolled over a 2-ton improvised explosive device (IED). The date was Aug. 2, 2007 and Gower was serving his second deployment in the Middle East as an infantryman during the Iraq War. He had just finished operations in Baghdad, just south of the Green Zone across the Euphrates River. The bomb explosion ripped through the vehicle, killing instantly several of Gowers unit, including his squad leader seated near him. I remember trying to crawl out of the hatch and I couldnt, I was stuck," Gower recalled. "I started hollering for a medic because at that point, I figured wed been hit. Gower, a Kalamazoo native only one month away from completing his 15-month deployment, suffered gruesome injuries, especially to his legs and feet. More than a decade later and now a father, Gower, 35, expects to get some of his independence back. A new home with specially designed features is being built in Middleville, about 25 miles southeast of Grand Rapids. The home for Gower and his family is being built through Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for veterans with disabilities to accommodate their needs. The home is designed to be fully handicap accessible. Gowers current home features narrow hallways requiring him to discard his wheelchair and crawl to certain rooms. The Gower family is tentatively scheduled to move into the new home in the spring. Gower called the specially designed home a blessing. It will help give me a little bit of that dignity back ... not needing to be so reliant on others, especially my wife," Gower said. Ill be able to move around the house with no problem, go to the bathroom, cook dinner, take a shower because the shower is a roll-in shower. "Its just going to be life changing. Road to Recovery The day after the explosion, Kelli Gower received a phone call that her husband had broken both his legs in an accident. At that time, she didnt realize the severity of his injuries. As the week went on and the phone calls became more frequent, I knew something bad had happened, Kelli said. The phone calls just kept getting worse as the days went on. Gower was sedated for the majority of the time until he arrived at a hospital in Washington, D.C. where he woke up to find his wife next to him. The doctors discussed removing both of Michaels legs below the knee, due to the severity of injuries he suffered. He had critically injured his back, broke both feet, shattered both heels, broke both ankles, had multiple fractures of the tibia and fibula, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Even after learning he wouldnt be able to walk on his own ever again, Michael still wasnt ready to give up his legs. My heels looked like if you cup your hands and held it, it looked like you were holding sharp pea gravel, Gower said. It can beat up on a person mentally to have to rely on others ... especially trying to be so self-sufficient beforehand, then you get that taken away and have to rely on others. ... Its hard. After therapy and multiple surgeries, he was able to go back home and receive medical treatment from the Veterans Administration in Michigan. He officially retired from the military in 2009. After their son Alexander was born, the Gowers realized they needed a different home to support Gower in his quest to live more independently. Kelli started looking into organizations and found Homes For Our Troops online. Construction of the Gowers' new home began in October after the family was approved for the program. The nonprofit-built home will allow the war veteran and his family to live mortgage-free and start building a new life. Thats the mission for Homes for Our Troops, a privately funded non-profit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. The home they currently live in is located on a steep hill, making it a challenge for Gower to access and leave. The house, located in Allegan Countys Dorr Township, also doesnt have enough space for Gower to use his wheelchair, requiring him to crawl down the hallway to get to his bathroom and kitchen. It has been life changing and it will give me peace of mind knowing that Michael can be extremely independent, Kelli said. We are grateful for Homes For Our Troops and it really has been a whirlwind process." Honestly, its one of those things where its hard to put into words because its almost a whole new outlook, its almost like a whole new life," Gower said about his new home. When I wasnt ready to give up my legs, I went to get these braces and then I was accepted into this program There was now a light at the end of the tunnel. Gowers leg braces also provide a level of independence. Veterans Affairs purchased the $20,000 leg braces in 2017. The specially made braces allow Gower to walk, run and jump temporarily. Due to his injuries, he cant wear the braces for long periods of time. Looking forward The Homes For Our Troops house is tentatively scheduled to be completed this spring. A month before the house is finished, Homes For Our Troops is planning to host a Volunteer Day, where anyone in the community can come out and help with landscaping and the finishing touches on the house. Jack Wright, owner of J.R. Wright Builders in Belding, is working with Homes For Our Troops to build the Gowers' house. Wright has built other houses for veterans through Homes For Our Troops. Four years ago, Homes For Our Veterans reached out to me to ask me if I wanted to build houses, Wright said. After I did some research on them, I found out they were an awesome organization and I feel lucky to do this. ... Gowers house is coming along great. The Gowers are looking forward to the day when they move into the house designed to provide the veteran with additional independence in everyday life. Kelli reflected on the the many changes their familys lives have changed since Aug. 2, 2007. We lost so many people we loved that day, we want to live a good life in memory of them, Kelli said. Its hard to put into words. Life will move forward, and you have to brace the struggles. Its the people that make it easier and eventually the playing field will even out. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Ahmed Hasan and his friends planned to rob James King, 17, of marijuana when they met at a strip mall. Hasan drove. Once he got out, another got in the drivers seat. King got in the back. Then, there was a gunshot. King got pushed, or fell, out of the vehicle, a Dodge Magnum, before it sped away. King was shot in the face and died there. Hasan, 17, was left to run away. The allegations are contained in a probable-cause affidavit written by Grand Rapids police Detective Case Weston. Hasan is the first to be charged in the Sunday, Jan. 13, killing of King, an East Kentwood High senior, at the Towne and Country Shopping Center near Kalamazoo Avenue SE and 44th Street. Hasan was arraigned Wednesday, Jan. 16, in Grand Rapids District Court on charges of open murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery, all potential life offenses. Judge Jennifer Faber ordered Hasan held on $500,000 bond. Kentwood school officials could not comment on Hasans status but records once listed him as a junior. Hasan said he was attending school but was not specific. The judge said he has to attend school if he is released on bond. Police said Hasan admitted his role after his friends set up a marijuana buy from King over social media. Hasan provided material support for this crime by transporting and allowing the conspirators to use his vehicle both during the robbery/murder as well as afterwards in order to flee, Weston wrote in the affidavit. Hasan admitted that he was aware of the groups plan to commit a robbery and was aware that a subject was armed with a handgun. Soon after the 5 p.m. killing, police found Hasans vehicle a few blocks away in the 4200 block of Norman Drive SE. Police determined that Hasan usually drove that car. Police found him at his home on Breton Road SE where he lived with his parents and sister. He eventually told police he drove four others to the strip mall intending to rob King, Weston said. As the group arrived at the location, Hasan exited the vehicle and another subject took over as the driver. Hasan then watched the robbery unfold on foot. The co-conspirators then fled in Hasans vehicle leaving Hasan on foot. Hasan was arrested the day after the killing, records showed. Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said police continue to investigate. No one else, yet, has been charged. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Immigration activists wont accept Grand Rapids Public Schools description of a future career academy planned for Ottawa Hills High School The Academy of Public Safety, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity. Members of Movimiento Cosecha GR and GR Rapid Response to ICE said Tuesday, Jan. 15 that the academy is offensive to those of us working on immigrant justice issues and they want to get U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of the district. But the school district said in a statement that the academy has absolutely nothing to do with ICE nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The district has not, does not, and is not planning to have a partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. According to GRPS, the homeland security portion is focused on JROTC and cybersecurity and the academy concept emerged, in part, from the City of Grand Rapids police and fire departments desire to develop a diverse talent pipeline. Superintendent Teresa Weatherall Neal informed the school board she intends to change the academys name to better reflect its true intent. But Gema Lowe, a spokesperson for Movimiento Cosecha GR and district parent, said it is not about the academy name but training students to work in law enforcement. She said, Are they going to teach children to know that they can terrorize and separate families and be unjust? Even the cybersecurity is invading our phones and computers. Group members intended to pass out immigration information to district parents attending the School Choice Expo Tuesday at City High Middle School but the event was canceled due to inclement weather. Still, Lowe and other members held a press conference as planned on the steps of City, 1720 Plainfield Ave. NE. They called on the district to dismantle all plans to open the academy and for the school board to support the termination of an agreement between the Kent County Sheriffs Office and Homeland Security and ICE for the detention of illegal immigrants in custody. But school leaders say they wont support either of those requests, rather plan to continue to explain the merits of the career academy and reiterate it has no connection to the federal agencies. But the groups are still calling for action by Feb. 4 and plan to forward a letter to the district. Since June, these two immigration groups have unsuccessfully lobbied the Kent County Board of Commissioners to pressure the sheriffs office to end its agreement with ICE and Homeland Security, alleging violent and inhumane treatment by ICE agents. The academy was one of six discussed for Ottawa Hills in August 2018 at a district school board meeting. In October, they were publicized again when the district announced the first to roll out would be the Academy for Hospitality & Tourism. But Lowe said they only recently learned of the academy and had concerns. She is asking the community to attend a meeting at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 to discuss the academy. John Helmholdt, communications director for GRPS, said Lowe did not respond to his repeated efforts to contact her to discuss their academy concerns and clarify its goals, after seeing their media advisory. He said he did reach a parent associated with the group, Tony Jacobs, and discuss the matter and the districts sensitivity to their concerns but to no avail. Lowe said group members did not try to contact district leaders in advance of their press conference. Park Forest officials hope that, through the trades initiative, at least one vacant, blighted home a year will be fixed up and offered for sale. Its hoped that proceeds from an eventual sale of the home currently being rehabbed in the 300 block of Sauganash Street will help pay for work on the next home, according to Hildy Kingma, Park Forests director of economic development and planning. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Nearly 200 schools in West Michigan, including all districts in Kent County, have closed Wednesday, Jan. 16, as forecasters warn that roads could turn icy. There were 196 schools closed or delay just before 8 a.m. The list is available at WZZM13.com The roads are an icy mess again and school closings across the area are already being reported, Ionia County Central Dispatch said in a Facebook post. Our hardworking Ionia County Road Commission guys have been treating the roads since 10 p.m., but due to a lengthy bout of freezing precipitation, conditions are still very hazardous. Kent County Road Commission reported that drizzle fell overnight until 2 a.m. The morning crews took over at 4 a.m., and treated highways and primary roads. Now, they are working on local roads. Temperatures are anticipated to drop, with a little light snow, Kent County Road Commission said on Facebook. Motorists should expect scattered slippery spots along commute due to refreezing. Light snow and freezing rain iced up roads in many areas of West Michigan on Tuesday, leading to numerous crashes. Many others fell on the ice while walking and wound up in area emergency rooms. Have you been in a minor accident this AM? No injuries and cars can be driven? Exch. DL, vehicle, and ins. info. with other driver, take a picture if possible and note your location. File the report at the PD where the accident occurred in the next 72 hours. #SafeTravelsGR pic.twitter.com/8ybC0i8ZEg Grand Rapids Police (@GrandRapidsPD) January 15, 2019 Police say the icy areas were spotty, with some areas like skating rinks, and others clear of snow and ice. Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, Kentwood and Rockford schools, the four biggest districts in the Grand Rapids area, joined the rest of the districts in Kent Intermediate School District to shut down for the day. Lowell police had a cheery message for students: Go back to bed! Grand Rapids police Lt. Terry Dixon, below, offered tips after Tuesdays troubles. MACKINAW CITY, MI -- A crucial part of responding to an oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac is unmanned and offline due the partial federal government shutdown. The computer which models currents in the Straits and informs cleanup crews where oil would travel in the event of a Line 5 rupture has been shut down and its operators furloughed since Dec. 26, according to Eric Anderson, a physical oceanographer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory. That kind of information changes everything as far as what their spill response is, Anderson said. We only have so much oil boom, right? We cant possibly contain big spills in the Straits, so we need to know which way its going to go and which direction we station and stage the boats and the crew and the oil boom. The Straits of Mackinac, where lakes Michigan and Huron meet, are characterized by fast-moving currents that can change direction in a matter of hours, Anderson said. Its that dynamic that prompted previous current modeling of the Great Lakes to exclude the Straits due to lack of computational power. U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Lt. Paul Rhynard said his department nonetheless remains ready and able to respond to an oil spill in the Straits. While he declined to speculate on the impact of doing so without NOAAs current modeling, he said its something he hopes we dont have to find out. Rhynard said responders would have to rely on third-party resources in lieu of NOAAs information but that he didnt know what theyd be. Understanding what the currents are doing, what the waves are doing and how thats going to affect the movement of pollutants and oil is absolutely crucial to maximizing our ability to put our equipment and our people in the right place, Rhynard said. Without real-time and forecasted current conditions in place, cleanup crews are limited in knowing where the oil will likely surface and where it will move next, Anderson said. You have no forward-looking capability, he said. You can only go on the oil patch you see and the direction its moving in that moment. Enbridge Energy, the Canadian company which owns and operates the 65-year-old Line 5 oil and gas pipeline, does contract services for trajectory modeling in the event of a spill, said Ryan Duffy, an Enbridge spokesperson. During an emergency situation, Enbridge and its vendors use data from an array of government agencies, including NOAA, as well as real-time data collected from the scene to inform an effective response, Duffy said. We are confident in our ability to respond effectively in the unlikely event of an incident in the Straits. Commercial modeling, though, falls short of NOAAs modeling in several areas, specifically accuracy, immediacy of information and accounting for ice conditions, Anderson said. Anderson said NOAAs current model of the Straits is the only one he knows of that accounts for ice conditions. The ice acts as a barrier between the water and the wind and can significantly affect projections. Currents could be going in the wrong direction because you dont have the ice modeled well, he said. Before the federal shutdown, the GLERL lab computer was making hourly projections and forecasting information five days out. Anderson said Enrbidges contractor, which he claimed runs information in real-time only in the event of a spill, would be in a similar position as NOAA staff to getting its models up and running and feeding that information to responders. Duffy said that during an actual incident we would rely on real-time data. In the event of a spill during the shutdown, Anderson said it could be a day or more before staff is back to work and has the computer up to speed and informing cleanup crews. The difference between having that information right now and lets say, best-case scenario, is we get into work the following day and get the model up and running, thats the difference between the oil maybe still being in the Straits under the bridge or being 50 miles away on a beach somewhere, he said. NOAAs model, according to Anderson, is the same used in most studies seeking to calculate the toll of a Line 5 oil spills in the Straits. One of those studies, a study by Michigan Technological University researchers, concluded that Line 5 would gush 2.4 million gallons of oil, slick 437 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and cost the Canadian company $1.86 billion in damages under a worst-case scenario spill. Line 5 will continue to operate in the Straits for another seven to 10 years or so while a utility tunnel underneath the Straits is constructed to house its replacement. Former Gov. Rick Snyder finalized that deal less than two weeks before leaving office. Under the agreement, Enbridge would pay for the design, construction, operations, maintenance and eventual decommissioning of the tunnel. Cost estimates for the project are roughly $350 to $500 million. Once the tunnel is completed, ownership will be handed over to the newly formed Mackinac Straits Corridor Authority. The authority will have an oversight role during construction. Just a week into office, the new governor, Gretchen Whitmer, asked the also-new attorney general, Dana Nessel, to issue an opinion on the legality of the public act which created the corridor authority and granted it powers to oversee and own the tunnel. KENT COUNTY, MI The ACLU is demanding an investigation after a Grand Rapids-born U.S Marine combat veteran was held for possible deportation. The American Civil Liberties Union said the Kent County Sheriffs Department delivered Jilmar Ramos-Gomez to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, after his release from jail. It is incomprehensible that the Sheriffs Department turned a vulnerable, mentally ill United States citizen over to ICE so that he could be deported from his country a country for which he fought on the battlefield," ACLU attorney Miriam Aukerman and others wrote in a statement. The ACLU and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center sent a letter to Kent County officials demanding an investigation, and information, into Ramos-Gomezs case. They plan a press conference later Wednesday, Jan. 16. Kent County Sheriff Michelle Young said her agency did not deliver Ramos-Gomez to ICE federal agents showed up with legal documents placing a hold on him as he was being released from jail. She said that the jail, as required by law, provides state and federal governments fingerprint information after subjects are booked into the jail. She said that jail officials do not contact ICE about any inmates. She does not believe that Ramos-Gomez told jail officials that he had served in the military. Ramos-Gomez spent three days in the Calhoun County immigration center before Grand Rapids attorney Richard Kessler, contacted by the Marines family, got him out. An ICE spokesman said in an auto-reply email that all public-affairs officers are out of the office because of the government shutdown. Ramos-Gomez, a lance corporal and tank crewman, served in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2014. But when he returned home, he was a shell of his former self, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after he had seen, the ACLU said. His family reports that he is focused on returning for his marine brothers in Afghanistan. He has episodes where he disappears and when he is found again, he often has no recollection of where he has been. He was arrested Nov. 21 after damaging a fire alarm at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital. He also trespassed on the heliport, the ACLU said. He pleaded guilty to trespassing and was to be released on a personal-recognizance bond pending sentencing. The ACLU says the jail should have released Ramos-Gomez immediately but instead worked with ICE agents to enable his transfer to an immigration detention center in Calhoun County to start the deportation process. Public jail records showed that he was subject to an ICE detainer, and that the jail turned him over December 14, 2018. It is unclear how that was possible or why the jail believed it should hand Mr. Romas-Gomez over to ICE, rather than release him as required by the court order, the ACLU said. Kent Countys contract with ICE, which includes incarceration fees for ICE detainees, has come under fire. Protesters demanded the contract be rescinded, arguing that the contract leads to racial profiling, with immigrants who are arrested for minor crimes being exposed to deportation. This is exactly the type of incident that advocates have warned could happen, the ACLU said. In 2017, the county held 185 ICE detainees, according to jail records. In 2016, there were 90, preceded by 107 in 2015, 182 in 2014, and 151 in 2013. GRAND BLANC, MI A local business owner is offering up free bread to employees impacted by what has become the longest government shutdown in United States history. Scott Sassack, owner of Great Harvest Bread Company in Grand Blanc, came up with the idea after watching news reports about the matter stemming over a clash between President Trump and Democrats over potential funding for a wall along the countrys southern border with Mexico. I just couldnt imagine what people in the government, employees have to go through with no money, said Sassack, noting stories hes seen of people finding second jobs, taking out loans and other means to sustain their families. As everybody says, theyre just pawns in this scenario. The Grand Blanc native started what the business is calling the Shut Down Shelf." The shelf consists of a rack of bread dedicated to government employees impacted by the shutdown. Employees showing their current employee ID can help themselves to a loaf while supplies last for the day. A photo posted on the Great Harvest Bread Companys Facebook page with the message on the shelf stating, in part, While we are going through this nonsense...We wanted to try and make it a little easier on those who are being affected the most! has garnered nearly 2,700 shares and dozens of comments. We are hoping this can help during this difficult and stressful period. Available only at Great Harvest in Grand Blanc. Posted by Great Harvest Bread Co. Grand Blanc on Monday, January 14, 2019 The business holds at least one fundraiser each year to aid a person or organization including schools in the community or providing gift certificates and gift baskets. Part of our mission statement is we give back generously to others, said Sassack, a Grand Blanc High School graduate. I think thats part of why weve been around for 17 years. Sometimes a small gesture can go a long way, Sassack added. He said phone calls have been pouring in from media as well as residents including one person living out of state who hoped to donate. Obviously, were hoping this doesnt go on for a much longer period of time, he noted. Were going to do what we can. This does come out of our profits, but thats not something we really look at ... Were going to do our best and make sure that we help out as much as we can. The Harvest Bread Company, located at 252 Perry Road, Ste. C in Grand Blanc, operates from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday. FLINT TWP, MI Baker College president Bart Daig said it was a tough decision to close the flagship campus in Flint Township as part of a consolidation plan. The college announced Jan. 10 that it will close the campus by August 2020 and move operations to the Owosso site. The school will also close its Auburn Hills, Clinton Township and Allen Park locations and combine them into a new metro Detroit campus. From an emotional standpoint thats extremely challenging, Daig said in a phone interview with MLive-The Flint Journal. Weve been here for over 100 years. Were so happy with our community partners in the area. The beginnings of Baker College trace back more than a century in Flint. Eldon E. Baker opened Baker Business University in 1911 at Court and Saginaw streets in Flint, according to the colleges website. Robert Jewell purchased the university and Muskegon College in 1965 and brought them under the same management group. Part of the decision to close the Flint Township campus, Daig said, was made a bit easier by having three additional higher education institutes -- Kettering University, Mott Community College and University of Michigan-Flint -- for students in the community. Theyll be well served and that did play a part ... in the consolidation decision, he commented. Students will have the opportunity to transfer their credits to other Baker College sites including Owosso where housing is available. Housing is also currently available at the Cadillac and Muskegon sites. Well work with each student individually to look at that transition and how that works for them and what is their best plan moving forward, said Daig. We will put some scholarship incentives in place to show our commitment to the students during this transition period, if they need to transition to another campus. Staff and employees at closing campuses may also have an opportunity to transition to another campus, but Daig said they will be provided a severance package if their position is no longer available. Talks will also have to take place, Daig said, on what will become of the empty campus buildings in the impacted areas, including Flint Township. The Mass Transportation Authority acquired the former site of Baker Colleges Center for Transportation Technology along Dort Highway in fall 2018 for a little over $1 million to expand its efforts in Flint. Well have to begin to have discussions and find out what is a good solution for the footprint here in Flint and whats the best use of it for the community and the surrounding area and how best we can transition that, he commented. A Baker College graduate, Flint resident Florlisa Fowler was disheartened at hearing the news of local campus closing. Not only because I went there for my (Bachelor of Business Administration) and (Master of Business Administration), but the history of the college in our area. I was also shocked due to the expansion of the buildings on campus over the last few years, she said. There were many improvement made to that campus, and for them to be shutting it down after putting all of that money into the campus is a shock to me. She discussed the possibility that another college or business may utilize the campus to its full potential. I do hope they find something fruitful to the community to fill the campus, said Fowler. I do understand they have moved many classes online and such, but I do wonder what facilitated the closureparticularly the Flint campus. Daig noted the close proximity of some campuses played a factor, as well as roughly 50 percent of students taking online courses which lessens the need for brick-and-mortar buildings. He added there is no debt on any of the buildings. All programs currently offered by Baker College will still be available with the changes, Daig said. As for programs Baker College currently has with local school districts, he pointed out: We would be happy to continue to work with the public schools in the area, to continue ... with those partnerships and allow students to transition to other campuses as well. Daig emphasized the news does not amount to a fatal blow for Baker. We want to make it perfectly clear that the college is not at risk of closing. The college is here and will continue on in the state of Michigan, he said. Were committed to our students to ensure that they have the opportunity to work through their program and earn their degree from Baker College. PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, MI - Software development company Nexient has promised to bring 300 jobs to the Ann Arbor area by 2020 and has already hired more than planned in the first year. The company aimed to fill 60 jobs in 2018 but reached 100 with help from a $1.5-million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Nexient aims to hire jobs in digital product design, development and quality engineering, according to a news release. Our clients need to get to market fast and deliver great customer experiences, CEO Mark Orttung said in a news release. Our Ann Arbor presence is helping us assemble nimble product teams on tap, combining engineers, designers and strategists to build software people love to use. Orttung previously described Nexient as a software development company to serve Fortune 500 companies with applications that work directly with customers and create a user-friendly experience, adding there is an emphasis on customer experience versus cost savings. Nexient also has promised to invest $4.17 million of its own funds into the 33,000-square-foot facility at 1136 Oak Valley Drive. The company also operates smaller tech offices in Lansing and Kokomo, Indiana, along with consulting teams across the nation. Michigans vibrant tech economy is attractive for fast-growing companies like Nexient, said Jeff Mason, MEDC chief executive officer. Michigan is the place where high-tech talent demands can be met, and tech companies can grow. With a strong culture of innovation and learning, our state is a magnet for the software talent they need. Update: Public meeting scheduled March 6 GRAND RAPIDS, MI Regulators are widening an investigation into air pollution from a Grand Rapids medical device manufacturer and public health officials are hopeful the data could aid a cancer cluster study underway on the citys West Side. On Jan. 11, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced plans to expand air quality testing around Viant Medical Inc. after issuing the manufacturer several pollution permit violations due to elevated emissions of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen. State modeling indicates that elevated concentrations of the toxin could be present in the air moving into nearby neighborhoods where the Kent County Health Department is studying incidences of cancer. Viant Medical is located at 520 Watson St. SW, south of Fulton Avenue on the West Side near the Grand Valley State University downtown campus. The company uses ethylene oxide to sterilize medical equipment. According to the DEQ, Viant Medical has been having trouble with fugitive emissions, or accidental releases of hazardous gas that escape from inside buildings and are vented to the outside air. What we think may be going on is, when the facility removes the equipment after its been sterilized, theres some off-gassing that occurs, said Chris Ethridge, DEQ Air Quality Division field operations supervisor. The DEQ issued its first violation notice in August 2017 after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency dropped the acceptable risk threshold, or screening level, for ethylene oxide by 150 times; from 0.03 to 0.0002 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Since then, DEQ has sent Viant four total permit violation notices, the most recent on Jan. 4. The notice states that outdoor air testing around the facility perimeter found elevated concentrations of ethylene oxide on Nov. 28 and 29. Ethridge said DEQ found ethylene oxide at least several times above the new screening level during that testing an indication we need to be looking into additional measures. DEQ reports show that nearly 400 pounds of ethylene oxide were released as fugitive emissions from Viants downtown facility in 2018. State computer modeling conducted in November indicates that fugitive emissions from building vents likely disperse in a roughly 2,000-foot radius around the facility at concentrations up to 150 times the new EPA screening level over the course of a year. That places hundreds of southwest side homes and apartments, as well as the entire downtown GVSU campus and parts of city public works property east of the Grand River within the circumference of annual impact from emissions, according to the report. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, short exposure to low concentrations of ethylene oxide is not likely to cause problems, but breathing low levels for months or years can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory passages and can impact the nervous system. Chronic exposure over time may cause neuropathy as well as kidney and liver damage, and could cause pregnant women to have a miscarriage. Ethridge said its too soon to say whether theres any connection between the Viant Medical emissions and a West Side cancer cluster analysis underway at the health department, but he said officials there have definitely taken an interest in what were looking at. The Kent County Health Department began looking at cancer rates around the Butterworth Landfill last July at the behest of residents concerned about anecdotal reports that many neighborhood residents had developed cancer. Ethridge said the next step in the DEQ investigation is to analyze ambient air for ethylene oxide in the surrounding neighborhoods. He said the company is cooperating with the investigation. In a Dec. 17 letter to the DEQ, a Viant attorney stated the company had eliminated the sterilization cycle that produced the majority of the fugitive ethylene oxide emissions from the facility. John Truscott, CEO of the Truscott Rossman public relations firm, issued a statement Tuesday on behalf of Viant, stressing that the company has been fully cooperating with the DEQ. Immediately upon receiving the results of the DEQs modeling study in November, we ceased the activity that was likely the most significant contributor to ethylene oxide emissions, Truscott wrote. We are now in the process of evaluating the monitoring results released to us by the DEQ just this week. Viant is committed to taking all appropriate measures regarding ethylene oxide emissions. Grand Rapids is one of about 25 Viant Medical locations around the world. The company previously operated as Medronic Biomedicus, Vention and MedPlast. Alicynne Glazier, an epidemiologist at the Kent County Health Department, confirmed that the DEQs ethylene oxide investigation is being factored into the cancer review. Considering the new information, KCHD and MDHHS are expanding that review to encompass a larger geographic area that will also include a larger population sample, Glazier said. A public meeting on March 6 is being planned in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Kent County Health Department. Were dedicated to addressing this issue and trying to resolve it as quickly as possible, Ethridge said. Weve spent a lot of time and man hours working on this already. This is definitely not something were taking lightly. UPDATE: John Engler turns in resignation letter, effective Jan. 23. John Engler has been asked to resign as interim president of Michigan State University, and the MSU Board of Trustees is prepared to terminate his contract Thursday if that does not happen, a source close to the board told MLive. Engler was asked to resign during a conversation today with board Chairwoman Dianne Byrum, said the source, who asked not to be named. The board already has identified Englers replacement and will appoint that person as interim during an emergency board meeting scheduled for 8 a.m. Thursday, according to the source. Byrum confirmed to MLIve that the board is meeting to discuss Englers employment, and the remarks he made last week regarding the survivors of Larry Nassar. In an editorial board meeting with the Detroit News, Engler said that some Nassar survivors were enjoying the spotlight while the university is trying to go back to work. John Englers comments were a setback for the university, Byrum said. Trustee Brian Mosallam, who has been a vocal supporter of Nassars victims, tweeted John Englers reign of terror is over, this morning, shortly after the emergency board meeting was announced. JOHN ENGLERS REIGN OF TERROR IS OVER. https://t.co/lyumRnuwW4 Brian Mosallam (@Bmosallam63) January 16, 2019 Engler, Michigans governor from 1991 through 2003, started as interim president on Feb. 5 after Lou Ann Simon resigned over the universitys handling of Nassar, a former MSU doctor who molested hundreds of women. His appointment immediately drew criticism from MSU faculty and students who chastised board members for failing to seek public input on the selection. Since then, Engler has become repeatedly embroiled in controversies over his interactions and remarks regarding the women abused by Nassar. In June, Mosallam and Byrum called for Englers termination after an email of his accusing a Nassar victim of taking kickbacks became public. However, the board majority blocked a vote on the issue. MSU trustees defend decision to keep Engler Engler had been scheduled to stay as MSU interim president until the selection of a new president in June. The Michigan State University Board of Trustees has called an emergency meeting for 8 a.m. Thursday to discuss personnel matters." Multiple media outlets have said the meeting is to discuss whether to fire interim President John Engler for remarks he made last week regarding the survivors of Larry Nassar. In an editorial board meeting with the Detroit News, Engler said that some Nassar survivors were enjoying the spotlight. Engler, Michigans governor from 1991 through 2003, started as interim president on Feb. 5 after Lou Anna Simon resigned over the universitys handling of Nassar, a former MSU doctor who molested hundreds of women. His appointment immediately drew criticism from MSU faculty and students who chastised board members for failing to seek public input on the selection. Since then, Engler has become repeatedly embroiled in controversies over his interactions and remarks regarding the women abused by Nassar. In June, Trustees Brian Mosallam and Dianne Byrum called for Englers termination after an email of his accusing a Nassar victim of taking kickbacks became public. However, the board majority blocked a vote on the issue. MSU trustees defend decision to keep Engler Engler had been scheduled to stay as MSU interim president until the selection of a new president in June. A West Michigan woman is heading on a tropical vacation thanks to an appearance on the popular CBS game show Lets Make a Deal. Grandville nanny Kaitlyn Squires appeared on the classic game of deals and zonks on Wednesday and walked away with a collection of electric scooters and skateboards, as well as a 5-night vacation at the Xanadu Island Resort in San Pedro, Belize. The deal, which includes round-trip air fare, is valued at $8,992. Squires appeared in the third segment of the show dressed in an elephant costume. Lets Make A Deal is known for audience members who dress up in outrageous or crazy costumes in order to increase their chances of being selected as a trader. Instructed by host Wayne Brady to bring her purse to the stage, Squires earned $500 every time she was able to pull a randomly-selected item from her purse. She quickly earned $500 by pulling out a pen but did not have the following two items: tissue and battery. She was then offered a chance to trade her $500 for a mystery item behind a curtain, which she took. The skateboards and scooters were quickly revealed and the trip to Belize followed. At the end of the episode she was offered a chance to give it all up for a chance at The Big Deal, but she passed. I love that skateboard and I have friends in Belize, so Im going to keep it, she said. A number of unlicensed medical marijuana provisioning centers will be allowed to reopen for the next three months as Michigan officials respond to pleas from patients and businesses facing a marijuana shortage. The Medical Marihuana Licensing Board agreed Wednesday in a 4-0 vote to allow provisioning centers that are in the process of applying for a license and have local buy-in to reopen until March 31. I think this resolution takes this back to the intent of the law -- and that is to get medicine to the people who need it, said board member Vivian Pickard. The move comes amid a medical marijuana shortage in Michigan caused by officials' closure of 72 unlicensed provisioning centers Jan. 1, as well as a lack of established licensed growers. Regulators had allowed licensed provisioning centers to buy marijuana from caregivers in December, but that had expired Jan. 1. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is facing three lawsuits in the Michigan Court of Claims filed this January by provisioning centers as a result. The first two weeks of January have seen patients scrambling to find their medicine, with provisioning centers reporting desperate calls from patients across the state. Also Wednesday, the board agreed to allow licensed provisioning centers to continue to buy marijuana from a caregiver or a temporarily operating facility and sell it untested until March 31. Board chairman Rick Johnson said he hopes that by March 31, the licensed medical marijuana industry is able to support itself without further intervention from regulators and the licensing board. Were going to take care of patients and on the 31 of March Im hopeful you all will be in the position to be in that process, Johnson said. Board member Don Bailey warned that extending temporary operations will continue to drive business to the black market. What weve done with these temporary operations for the past year and a half -- weve expanded the black market. Its an unintended consequence, but thats exactly whats happened, Bailey said. For the black market weve contributed to -- if we think thats going to contract after April 1, its not. The resolution passed Wednesday largely meets the concerns of the patient community and the industry, which has been lobbying state officials for the past two weeks. This recommendation will extend the temporary operation of facilities and allow licensed businesses to remain competitive during this transition period, said Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Orlene Hawks in a statement. Regulators previously allowed licensed provisioning centers to buy marijuana from caregivers and sell it to patients untested in December 2018, as long as patients signed a waiver. That resulted in three recalls of medical marijuana products last week -- as provisioning centers were required to test any caregiver product they were selling as of Jan. 1. Tests showed some caregiver products were contaminated with mold, E. coli and chemical residue. Bureau of Marijuana Regulation Director Andrew Brisbo said patients need to understand the potential health risks to using caregiver product -- and encouraged patients to consider seeking out their own independent testing. This is the system working properly, said Rick Thompson, a board member of Michigan NORML and MILegalize. " All the cannabis provided in 2018 was all from caregivers. If we didnt hear of any illnesses in 2018, then it doesnt rise to the level of emergency or concern in my mind." -- Amy Biolchini is the marijuana beat reporter for MLive. Contact her with questions, tips or comments at abiolch1@mlive.com. Read more from MLive about medical marijuana. EB I-94 at Jackson Rd Exit 162 Freeway Closed Due to a Crash Washtenaw County MDOT - Ann Arbor (@MDOT_A2) January 16, 2019 CHELSEA, MI -- A man is dead after crashing into the rear of a jackknifed semi on eastbound I-94 at Jackson Road in Chelsea at about 2:30 a.m. Jan. 16. The driver, whom police would not identify, died at the scene of the crash, Chelsea Fire Capt. Chris Smyth said. The victim struck the enclosed semitrailer after the truck lost control due to slippery road conditions caused by ice and freezing rain, Smyth said. The truck driver didnt suffer any injuries. Smyth didnt know if he was issued any citations. State police representatives were unable to immediately provide any details about the crash Wednesday morning. The scene was cleared about 6 a.m. DETROIT - Four mobility-focused technological initiatives in Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Southeast Michigan and the central Upper Peninsula will share $4.7 million in grants to help address transit gaps, state officials announced Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Former Gov. Rick Snyder launched the $8-million Mobility Challenge grant program at the 2018 Mackinac Policy Conference to help address needs for for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans. A first round of winners was announced in September 2018. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and other state officials announced the second round of winners Tuesday, alongside Dr. Kimberly Kennedy of Grand Rapids, a U.S. Navy veteran who uses a wheelchair and advocates for people with disabilities. Too often, when we talk about mobility, we have a tendency to go straight to self-driving cars and autonomous vehicles, Whitmer said. We should be talking about this technology and innovation thats happening right now and impact and improve the quality of life for people ... in every part of our state. We have an opportunity and we have a responsibility to advance our states technology and automotive landscape that improves the lives of countless Michiganders." Kennedy described how difficult it can be to catch a ride when youre in a wheelchair. We dont always think about the impact that it has on the quality of our life, Kennedy said. Many times with Uber, they would ride past me when they saw me sitting outside in a wheelchair. To have an app with ... on-demand (service), is awesome. The projects are: New Autonomous Mobility Vision for Michigan, $2,168,219: an autonomous electric shuttle at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center operating for extended hours to veterans, along with creating an easier method for ordering and scheduling services. Southeast Michigan Integrated Platform for Paratransit Services, $1,050,000: a one-click" online booking and trip management platform for users of AAATA, DDOT and SMART ADA Paratransit services, making scheduling and managing paratransit trips easier for seniors and people with disabilities. Team Grand Rapids: Interurban Transit Partnership, $373,782: a ridesharing mobile app for paratransit services to to shorten trip duration and reservation lead time. Users can book trips on the same day and spend less time on the bus. Michigan Universal Vehicle Ecosystem Pilot, $1,178,129: a ridesharing platform in the central upper peninsula that will increase accessible transportation options decrease isolation for anyone with mobility challenges. DETROIT -- Despite an inauspicious debut, the Infinti QX Inspiration is a hit with design experts who awarded the concept car a trio of design honors Tuesday at the North American International Auto Show. During its debut Monday, the electric concept car failed to power up and drive onto the stage, creating a few minutes of panic for Infiniti executives. It would be hours before the vehicle would make it onto its display space in the Cobo Center showroom. That didnt matter to the judges of the EyesOn Design awards, which focus on visual design innovation. The car took top honors for Most Innovative Use of Color, Graphics or Material, Best Designed Interior and Best Concept Car. The judges explained that the car embodies a modernness that retains traditional Japanese use of space. The judges also loved the use of materials in the interior that added to the ambiance of the space. The interior category is judged on innovation, functionality, ergonomics and overall ambiance. As far as the best concept award, the judges explained the vehicle represented a combination of simplicity and sophistication. Judges were looking for a car that represents inspiration and future thinking. Infiniti's design team receives the award for best color on the Infiniti QX Inspiration concept car during the EyesOn Design Awards at the 2019 North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit. (Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May | MLive.com For best concept, the Infinty QX Inspiration beat out another award winner, the Lexus LC convertible concept, which was chosen for Best Exterior Lighting. The judges raved about the production value of the lights, saying the headlights looked like they were either production level or near production level on a car that is in the concept stage. Lighting signature and innovation was part of the criteria for judging, along with performance and appearance. The Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 was named Best Production Vehicle, an award handed out to the top new car or truck unveiled at the show. The judges said the Shelbys visual design clearly represents its performance capabilities. Among the members of the team honored with the award was Christopher Svensson, who led the project to build the Shelby Mustang before his death in June 2018. He was honored during the awards ceremony for his commitment and dedication to design and the EyesOn Design awards. BIG RAPIDS, MI -- You never know what youll find in a building thats been around since the late 1800s. The owners of Schubergs Bar and Grill in Big Rapids discovered a Prohibition Era poster while in the middle of remodeling project last week, and theyre not quite sure what they have, said Jenn Rumsey, who runs the iconic bar with her husband Brad Rumsey. The couple posted the poster on Facebook last week, and it generated 50-plus comments and 33 shares. The poster shows what looks like a copy of an official ballot for Mecosta County, instructing residents how to vote. It reads: Here is the way to vote for your personal liberty and against the bootlegger." At the bottom it adds the issue at hand: Shall the manufacture of liquors and the liquor traffic be prohibited within the county?" We found the poster being used as a shim actually, in our wall," Jenn Rumsey said. "It would be cool to find out more details about the poster. What they know is that the 18th Amendment took effect 99 years ago today -- Jan. 16, 1920. It was repealed Dec. 15, 1933. Construction is still underway, but theres an upside: we get to find history in the walls! #voteagainstprohibition #history #vintage #schubergsbar #oldposter Posted by Schuberg's Bar and Grill on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 Jenn said Schubergs -- known for its 20-plus burgers, including the top-selling Schu-burger, which we ranked as one of Michigans Best Burgers in 2013 -- has been different types of bars before and during prohibition." She even shared a picture of it as the Elks Buffet in 1905. (See photo below.) It was named Schubergs Bar and Grill for owner Carl Schuberg, who purchased it in 1933, said granddaugther and Mecosta County cheerleader Carlleen Rose, who owns the Old Pioneer Store and Emporium in Big Rapids, located across the street. She said: Grandfathers bar was a working mans bar with lots of farmers and business men as customers. ...I love that they still use the hamburger press that was used in my grandfathers day to make the original Schuberger. Carl Schuberg ran the bart bar with his son, Shi, who eventually owned the bar and partnered with Jeff Rumsey, who owns it today. According to downtownbigrapids.com: "Back in the late 1800s, when lumber was the prime commodity in a small town known as Leonard, Schubergs Bar was born. Originally the building was leased to the county as a temporary jail. Six months later the jail was out and a bar was installed. "Serving the locals and the many lumberjacks of the time, the town grew and changed its name to Big Rapids and the Bar thrived. When prohibition became the law of the land, the original bar was removed and replaced with pool tables to create a pool hall and card room. "Local rumor has it that although no longer a bar, beer was still readily available during those years. After the repeal of prohibition, Carl Schuberg installed a new bar the same one that is there today some tables and chairs and opened the doors as Schubergs Bar. The depression hit and the Bar became a local trading post. A large chalk board hung on the wall where patrons could post items for sale. Livestock, crops, land, furniture and anything else that one had for sale were traded during those years. One of the oldest business in the Big Rapids area, Schubergs Bar has survived wars, depressions, good times and bad. As for today, a lot of the bar remains the same, including the bar itself, wood ceiling and mirrored walls behind the bar, said Jenn Rumsey. We still have that register (from 1940s/50s photo), too, in our attic. Schubergs is re-opened now after the construction project, which was needed to expand the area behind the bar and modernize the kitchen. If you stop in, make sure to try one of those signature burgers. We have over 20 burgers on our menu and lots of chicken sandwiches, regular sandwiches, soups, and salads, Jenn said. The most popular honestly changes consistently, but the classics NEVER die in popularity, so that would be our original Schu-burger, Bacon Cheddar Schu, and The EGGcellent Schu. Carlleen Rose said her Grandpa would be thrilled" that Schubergs is "still an iconic place to sit back and enjoy a favorite beverage. Its great to own a business that keeps creating memories and celebrate important occasions, she said. We love that the Rumsies are carrying on the tradition of owning a well-loved community gathering spot. Schubergs Bar and Grill is located at 109 N. Michigan Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307. More info at http://www.schubergsbar.com/ or on Facebook. Here is what Schuberg's Bar and Grill in Big Rapids looked like in the 1940's and early 1950's. Before it was Schuberg's Bar and Grill, the downtown Big Rapids Bar was known as The Elk's Buffet (circa 1905). MOUNT CLEMENS, MI Parents of an 18-month-old baby who died on Christmas Day have been charged with second-degree murder after a medical examiner determined that the little girl had an extraordinary level of the narcotic Fentanyl in her system at the time of death, according to Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith. Smiths office this week authorized the charges against Antonio Floyd, 28, and Shantanice Barksdale, 27, of Clinton Township. The couples daughter, Ava Floyd, died at St. John Macomb Hospital on Christmas Day. Investigators believe the couple were involved in drug trafficking at the time of their daughters death. They allege the couple were using their home to process and package Fentanyl for distribution. The nation is experiencing an opioid epidemic, said Smith said in a release this week. However, to see an infant experience such a tragic death on Christmas morning as a result of ingesting a large quantity of her parents Fentanyl is truly gut-wrenching. This type of criminal behavior will be met with the full weight of this prosecutors office. On Christmas morning, Ava was at home with her parents and two other siblings, authorities said. That afternoon, Avas parents took their children to a grandmothers house in Warren. While there, someone discovered Ava had stopped breathing. She was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 3:31 p.m. The medical examiners office notified Warren Police that the baby had an extraordinary level of the narcotic Fentanyl in her system at the time of death, Smiths release said. Authorities believe Ava drank something that led to her death. Putting her autopsy results into perspective, Smith said the toddler had ingested up to 15 times the amount of Fentanyl authorities had seen in the countys last 30 overdose deaths, according to the Associated Press. On Jan. 10, police used search warrants to go into the grandmothers home in Warren and Avas parents' home in Clinton Township. It was inside the couples home that authorities found evidence of manufacturing and distributing narcotics, Smith said. In addition second-degree murder, Floyd and Barksdale are now charged with delivery and manufacturing of a controlled substance, manslaughter, second-degree child abuse and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. They were to be arraigned this week in Warren District Court. Let's face it: Most Americans dozed through their high school American history classes, so many of us could use a refresher on the details. President Donald Trump stepped up at an Ohio campaign rally last October and shared his thoughts on the nation's most brutal conflict. After giving some political background on President Abraham Lincoln's political rise to the White House and revealing what he sees as the somewhat surprising news that Abe was a Republican, Trump details his predecessor's Civil War "phobia" about Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee because Lincoln "couldn't beat Robert E. Lee." "He had all of these generals. They looked great. They were the top of their class at West Point. They were the greatest people," Trump said. "There was only one problem: They didn't know how the hell to win." He then praises Lincoln's leadership for elevating the "alcoholic" Ulysses S. Grant over the objections of his advisers, after which Grant led the Union to victory. The president's history lesson praises both Grant and Lee as "great" generals, so it is designed to appeal to everyone, no matter who they supported back in 1861. Derek Waters of "Drunk History" adopted his show's format and the president's speech to present a special episode of "Trump History" on Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" this week. If you're not a fan, the show has guests drink a lot and then explain historical events. Waters hires actors to silently re-enact the story as told by the drunk historian. Waters himself plays Lincoln in this episode. As we all know, Trump has famously announced that he's never had a drink in his life, but his colorful storytelling style adapts surprisingly well to the format. Check out the episode below. The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that furloughed federal employees and their family members who have debts with the VA may be eligible for a temporary suspension of collection activity. Veterans who have a debt to the VA based on a benefit overpayment, such as compensation or GI Bill benefits, can request that the department automatically suspend collections for up to 90 days. The VA's Debt Management Center (DMC) says that veterans who are furloughed federal employees, or a family member of a furloughed federal employee, can request a suspension of collection activity on their debts until April 1. To receive the suspension, veterans must submit a completed VA Form 5655 (Financial Status Report) via mail, fax or electronically. Veterans should indicate in block 36 of the form that they are a furloughed federal employee or family member. No proof is required. Veterans with medical debts can also request a suspension of collection actions; however, VA medical debts are usually much smaller, and collection actions on them usually don't begin until they are delinquent for at least 180 days. Requests for suspension of medical debts will be considered on a case-by-case basis, according to the DMC. For more information, you can visit the Debt Management Center website or call 800-827-0648. Get the Latest Financial Tips Whether you're trying to balance your budget, build up your credit, select a good life insurance program, or are gearing up for a home purchase, Military.com has you covered. Sign up for a free membership and get the latest military benefit updates and tips delivered straight to your inbox. In the latest incident, authorities said Lamonica initially met the Buffalo Grove woman, who is in her 30s, through the Plenty of Fish dating app in 2017 and then reconnected with her in early 2018. Just because your vacation may be delayed by COVID doesn't mean it can't be better than in prior years. Without delving into specifics, Vice Commander of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran said Tuesday that the Navy is "rightfully optimistic that littoral combat ships will deploy this year "100 percent fit and 100 percent full." Vice Adm. Richard Brown, commander of Naval Surface Forces, said last week that the service plans to deploy three LCSs this year -- two from the West Coast and one from the East Coast. The deployments would mark a return to the sea for the ships for the first time in nearly two years. The LCS Coronado (LCS 4), now considered a prototype vessel, along with LCSes 1, 2 and 3 -- returned to its home port of San Diego in December 2017, after deploying to the Pacific for 18 months. The numbers indicate the order in which the ships were built. Odd-numbered ships belong to the single-hulled Freedom-class variant built by Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine; while even-numbered ships numbered 6 and higher belong to the trimaran Independence-class variant, built by a team led by Austal USA. The Navy intended to send three ships overseas in fiscal 2018, following a complete overhaul of the LCS program that included manning adjustments, homeports and training. But those deployments never happened, largely over staffing and advanced training concerns. Speaking to reporters Tuesday at the Surface Navy Association's annual symposium, Moran said he is "not at all worried about LCS manning right now." "What Admiral Brown is rightly focused on is that the training for the crews is as good as we can make it," Moran said. "Talk to the junior officers. They'll tell you the training they've gotten before getting on those ships is far better than they've received on any other ships." According to Brown, the Montgomery, LCS-8, and the Gabrielle Giffords, LCS-10, should deploy from San Diego, and the Detroit, LCS-7, will deploy from Florida. Little Rock, LCS-9, is slated to deploy in early fiscal 2020, also from Florida. "Operational commanders just can't wait to get these ships," Brown said at the symposium. U.S. Naval Institute News reported earlier this year that LCS crews suffered from manning shortfalls, with no excess members to fill manning gaps, and the Navy poaching crew members from crews serving on pre-commissioned vessels to support commissioned ships. Citing briefing slides from Naval Surface Force Pacific, USNI reported that enlisted sailors arriving at LCS vessels were not fully trained, with 31 percent arriving with only a primary enlisted classification. However, on Tuesday, Brown said that the vessels are "incredibly capable ships" and crews will be ready to deploy. "The class starts with LCS 5 and those ships just came out of post-shakedown availability last year. ... From the materiel standpoint, I think they are doing just fine," he said. The LCS is designed to perform offshore -- what Brown described as a "single-mission vessel" conducting anti-surface warfare operations, such as partner-building exercises and maritime patrols. The vessels will receive missile modules that will increase their lethality and capability to provide security in environments where small boats pose a threat, Navy leaders said. The Navy commissioned the Freedom-class Wichita, LCS 13, last Saturday at Naval Station Mayport, Florida. Moran said the vessels will be equipped so that they are more than "just a presence" in the regions they patrol. "LCS 5 to 12 are reliable ships," Moran said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at patricia.kime@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Two U.S. service members were among four Americans killed in the contested northern Syrian town of Manbij on Wednesday in a bombing claimed by the Islamic State, a U.S. military spokesman said. In addition to the two troops, whose military service was not identified, one Defense Department civilian and one American contractor supporting defense operations were killed, officials with U.S. Central Command announced. Three more troops were wounded. The explosion happened while the troops and American workers were "conducting a local engagement" in Manbij, officials said. "Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation," a statement noted. The names of those killed in the blast will not be released until 24 hours after next-of-kin are notified, per military policy. Reuters, in a report from Beirut citing a U.S. official, had earlier said that four U.S. troops were killed and three others were wounded when a suicide bomber set off an explosive vest near a restaurant in a Manbij town market. The Associated Press, which first reported on the explosion, said ISIS claimed that a suicide bomber set off the blast with an explosive vest. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the London-based group monitoring Syria's civil war, and the local Manbij Military Council, more than a dozen people were killed or wounded in the attack. Before the explosion Wednesday, a total of four American troops had died in Syria since the U.S. began training, advising and equipping the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in 2015 -- two in combat and two from non-combat causes, according to the Pentagon. The U.S. has been conducting joint patrols with the Turkish military since early December under an agreement worked out by then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis to ease Turkish concerns about the U.S.-backed SDF's presence in the region. According to the Syrian Observatory, several SDF members were also killed in the explosion Wednesday. Videos from the scene released by local news agencies showed a shattered restaurant and the street outside littered with blood and debris. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence had been briefed on the Manbij attack. There was no immediate word on whether or how the attack might affect the planned withdrawal of the estimated 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria. On Dec. 19, Trump made the surprise announcement that U.S. troops would be withdrawn. In a White House video at the time, he said, "We have won against ISIS. Now it's time for our troops to come back home." The following day, Mattis issued a letter of resignation, saying Trump as commander-in-chief deserved a defense secretary whose views are "better aligned" with his own. Last Friday, CJTF-OIR and the Pentagon confirmed that the withdrawal from Syria had begun but was being temporarily limited to the pullout of equipment. In a statement, a Pentagon spokesman stressed that no personnel had as yet been withdrawn and gave no timetable for the completion of the withdrawal. Operation Roundup, the U.S.-backed offensive by the SDF against the last remnants of ISIS in Syria that began last May, is continuing against ISIS fighters in eastern Syria near the Iraqi border with U.S. air and artillery support, according to the task force. The SDF ousted ISIS from Manbij, about 10 miles from the Turkish border, in August 2016 following a two-month siege. The U.S. hailed that victory as a significant milestone in the ultimate defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The Manbij operation also set the stage for the SDF's march south to take Raqqa, the so-called capital of the "caliphate," in October 2017 following a lengthy siege. From the outset, Turkey, a NATO ally, has protested the presence of the SDF in Manbij and throughout northeastern Syria, adding to the complicated and risky political and military consequences of the planned U.S. withdrawal. In recent months, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed threats to have the Turkish military and its allied local militia, the Free Syrian Army, attack Manbij and clear the region of the SDF. Turkey has also demanded that the U.S. hand over its bases and observation posts in the region. Last week, White House National Security Adviser John Bolton went to Ankara seeking agreements on conditions for the U.S. withdrawal and guarantees not to attack the SDF, but Erdogan refused to meet with him. In a series of tweets Sunday, Trump suggested the creation of a buffer zone in northern Syria to protect the mixed Syrian Kurdish and Arab SDF from threatened attack by Turkey. "Create 20 mile safe zone" in northern Syria, he tweeted. "Likewise, do not want the Kurds to provoke Turkey." Trump also said that attacking the SDF would be against Turkey's long-term economic interests. "Will devastate Turkey economically if they hit Kurds," he said. Trump gave no timetable, but said that, once the troop withdrawal is complete, the U.S. could attack from a base outside Syria if ISIS attempted to regroup. "Starting the long overdue pullout from Syria while hitting the little remaining ISIS territorial caliphate hard, and from many directions," he said on Twitter. "Will attack again from existing nearby base if it reforms." Turkey views the SDF as dominated by the Kurdish YPG (People's Protection Units), the main fighting force within the SDF. Erdogan and other Turkish officials have repeatedly charged that the YPG is allied with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party), the separatist group in eastern Turkey that has been labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S., Turkey and the European Union. In a session with Pentagon reporters in late November, Mattis rejected the Turkish charge that the YPG is allied with the PKK. Add after last graft existing story ending -- with the PKK. It was not immediately clear whether U.S. troops were directly targeted, but the Syrian Observatory said in a later report that the attack occurred at the al-Omaraa restaurant, which is known as an occasional stop-off point for U.S. troops on patrol in Manbij. The Syrian Observatory said the death toll in the bombing had risen to at least 16, including five members of the SDF, and several of the wounded were in critical condition. At a Pentagon welcoming ceremony for Japan's defense minister, Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan extended condolences and "our thoughts and prayers to the families and team members of those killed and wounded during today's attack in Manbij." "Our fight against terrorism is ongoing, and we will remain vigilant and committed to its destruction," he said, adding that the attack is "a stark reminder of the dangerous missions that men and women in uniform perform on our behalf each and every day." Shanahan did not respond to a question on whether the attack would affect the pace of the planned U.S. withdrawal, according to a Pentagon pool report. In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his annual January news conference that his country is prepared to back a buffer zone in Manbij and other areas of northeastern Syria, but only if the area comes under the control of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Parts of Syria that are "currently under U.S. control" must come under the control of the Assad regime "after the withdrawal of U.S. troops," Lavrov said, according to Russian media reports. He said Russia would be against Turkey setting up a "security zone" in the region. "We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov said. Erdogan said Wednesday that the Manbij attack could have been intended to delay the U.S. withdrawal from Syria, Turkey's state-run Anadolu news agency reported. At a news conference with visiting Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Erdogan also said that Turkey is prepared to take over the fight against ISIS from the U.S. "Turkey will continue the fight against Daesh [ISIS] and eliminate this terrorist group in Syria," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. As China continues to flex its strength in the South China Sea, an influential member of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee says he will revive a resolution urging the Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. Addressing an audience at the Surface Navy Association's annual symposium on Wednesday, Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., the committee's ranking member in the last Congress who is in the running to chair the subcommittee, said the fact that the U.S. is not a signatory to the treaty "makes absolutely no sense." "We are always sort of handicapped in trying to make the argument that China's territorial claims [in the South China Sea] are outrageous. The fact that we are not part of the Law of the Sea treaty gets thrown back in our face every time we try to assert our critique," he said. UNCLOS governs the rights and responsibilities of countries regarding use of the oceans, including commercial endeavors, environmental protection and management. It has been signed by 168 groups, including 164 U.N. member nations. The Senate last considered the treaty in 2012 at the urging of Sen. John Kerry, a Massachusetts Democrat who was then chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton supported ratification. But the effort lacked the votes needed -- 67, or a two-thirds majority in the Senate -- for acceptance. Courtney said -- given China's aggressive responses to U.S. naval presence in South China Sea, including coming within 45 yards of the guided-missile destroyer Decatur last September, and Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels in the Sea of Azov -- it's in the nation's interest to reconsider the treaty. "At the end of the day, if anyone is interested in freedom of navigation, it's us, and the fact that we are isolating ourselves from that process makes absolutely no sense," he said. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz said Aug. 1 in an interview at the Center for Strategic and International Studies that he favors signing the treaty. "My predecessors have generally come out overtly in support of it. That's my default position," Schultz said. "But there has to be interest coming out of the Senate, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We would welcome that conversation, and I suspect the [chief of naval operations] and others would too, but there's a lot of politics. It will have to be a priority for the Senate and the administration." He added that being a party to the treaty would help with the growing challenges of patrolling the Arctic. "There are places regarding the outer continental shelf where ratifying it would clarify some things," Schultz said. Courtney admitted that his proposed resolution may land with a thud in the Senate. "The Senate, in terms of composition, is probably challenging, but we need to do this. It's more important today than ever." Objections to signing the treaty include misgivings about entering into treaties with other countries that could dictate U.S. policy. During the last effort to ratify it, several senators said that "no international organization owns the seas." -- Patricia Kime can be reached at patricia.kime@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. This is not your grandfather's 2nd Fleet. The Navy's newest combatant command will be "leaner, agile and more expeditionary" than the U.S. 2nd Fleet that was deactivated in 2011, Rear Adm. John Mustin, the fleet's deputy commander, told attendants Wednesday at the Surface Navy Association's annual symposium. The 2nd Fleet, which the Navy re-established in May, is designed to assert U.S. presence in the Atlantic and support operations in the North Atlantic and Arctic. While its actual makeup is still in the works, it is expected to reach initial operational capability this summer. When it does, it will be a small fighting force that has taken lessons from the service's overseas fleets and II Marine Expeditionary Force, Mustin said. "The focus of 2nd Fleet is to develop and dynamically employ maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic," he said. According to the service, the fleet will serve as the maneuver arm for U.S. Navy North in the Western Atlantic, "ensuring freedom of the sea, lines of communication and executing operational missions and exercises as assigned." It also will serve as a maneuver arm for U.S. Naval Forces Europe in the Eastern and North Atlantic. The idea is that the fleet will focus on force employment, capable of deploying rapidly, regardless of area of operations. "When I say lean, what does that mean? The staff complement is organized and billeted to be operational. The majority of staff will focus on operations, intelligence, plans and training," Mustin said. The Navy first established the 2nd Fleet in the 1950s, a response to deter Soviet interest in the Atlantic, especially Europe. It was disbanded in 2011, and most of its assets and personnel were folded into Fleet Forces Command. But growing concern over potential Russian dominance in the North Atlantic and Arctic prompted Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson to reactivate the unit. 2nd Fleet version 2.0, however, won't look much like its historic predecessor. Mustin said the command staff will be small, currently consisting of 85 members. The full number is still being determined, a 2nd Fleet spokeswoman said. And while technically it will be headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, Mustin said sailors can expect that it will have the ability to deploy its command-and-control element forward, with a small team operating forward from a command ship or "austere offshore location." The command also will integrate reserve forces on an as-needed basis and bolster its staff with personnel from allied nations, he added. "This is not your grandfather's 2nd Fleet or, as my staff likes to point out, my father's 2nd Fleet," Mustin said. It will resemble overseas fleets, he said, which means it will become responsible for forces entering the integrated phase of composite unit training exercises, and "we will own them through deployment and sustainment." The ships will fall under operational control of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, but tactical control will be delegated to 2nd Fleet. Standing up a fleet within a year has been a challenge, Mustin said, but there's excitement surrounding the concept. He noted that many surface warfare officers interested in being assigned to the command had approached him at the symposium. "It's fast and furious, but we are getting there," he said. At the symposium, some observers questioned how integration will work with other naval fleets with overlapping areas of responsibility. Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander of 6th Fleet, said the integration will be seamless. "Our idea is not to make a line in the water. When you make lines, adversaries exploit them. Our idea is to figure out how to flow forces and how to address anything that flows our way," she said. -- Patricia Kime can be reached at patricia.kime@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. 'At the Limits of What I Can Do:' Marine Corps Commandant Makes Plea for Funding Gen. David Berger told Congress that the service has trimmed assets and people and needs full funding to ensure readiness. A 1st Cavalry Division soldier was killed Monday and three were injured in an armored vehicle accident at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. This is the second 1st Cavalry soldier to be killed in a vehicle-related accident this week. The first death occurred Sunday and involved a soldier at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany. Spc. Andrew S. Ortega, a horizontal construction engineer with the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, was killed while conducting "routine redeployment vehicle cleaning," U.S. Army Europe spokeswoman Beth Clemmons told Military.com. No other details about the circumstances of Ortega's death were available. His death remains under investigation. Monday's death involving a 1st Cav soldier, who has not been identified yet, involved a Bradley fighting vehicle during a training exercise at the National Training Center, Kenneth Drylie, a spokesman for NTC, told Military.com. "It was a vehicle rollover accident," Drylie said. The accident occurred about 5 p.m. and injured three other soldiers. One was flown by medevac helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center; the other two were taken to Weed Army Community Hospital, he said. The current conditions of the three wounded soldiers are unknown. The incident remains under investigation. Col. Wilson R. Rutherford IV, commander of the 1st ABCT, offered his condolences to Ortega's family in a statement. "Andrew's service and dedication to the brigade's mission are displays of his true character and professionalism," Rutherford said in a Jan. 15 U.S. Army-Europe press release. "Andrew is a true American hero, who served his country honorably and made many sacrifices in support of our mission. The Ironhorse soldiers are deeply saddened by our loss." Ortega, 32, joined the Army in September 2016 and arrived at Fort Hood, Texas, in March 2017. He was on his first rotation to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, according to the release. Ortega's home of record was Hernandez, New Mexico. His awards and decorations include the Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense Service Medal. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. The most recent workday on Jan. 12 focused on the Craftsbury Preserve on Hart Road. The clearing at this newest addition to CFC's stewardship was supported by a generous grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, and it was a part of the Barrington Greenway Initiative. OLD SAYBROOK The Shoreline Arts Alliances seventh annual Mardi Gras Gala will support the organizations programs, advocacy and educational outreach Feb. 2 at the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa. The event, which runs from 6 to 11 p.m., features live music from Eight to the Bar, gourmet food, complementary drinks, a live and silent auction and Mardi Gras parade, according to a press release. This year, the alliance will honor a king and queen of Mardi Gras: Bill Bendig, founder of the Sculpture Mile in Madison and president of the Hollycroft Foundation; and Betsy McMillan, director/teacher at Ballet Hartford. Both honorees are active members of the arts community and have enriched the cultural landscape of Connecticut for many years, the release said. With these honors, Shoreline Arts Alliance of Guilford wants to show how important the recently retired Bendig is to the community, and acknowledge the legacy he has left for future generations; as well as the work McMillan has done growing her organization into an internationally acknowledge ballet company, according to the organization. Tickets are $150 each ($95 tax-deductible), and sponsorships are available at different levels, including the purchase of a 10-person table starting at $2,500 ($1,950 tax deductible). They may be purchased at shorelinarts.org/mardi-gras-gala. All proceeds go to support Shoreline Arts Alliances programs. These include scholarships for high school students pursuing an education in the arts, mentorships for its Junior Board of Directors and high school interns, as well as accessibility resources at programs such as an ASL interpreter, Braille programs, and sensory friendly performances during Shakespeare on the Shoreline, the release said. On Oct. 7, 2010, the federal government filed a foreclosure complaint against the Moecherville Water District after it failed to make a single payment on the loan from the USDA. As a result, the district had become the first in Illinois to go into foreclosure in more than 30 years. Edible cookie dough is something that has been on my what to write about list for quite a while. Last month an article headlined CDC Issues Warning: Say No to Raw Cookie Dough. was published in the New Haven Register. The article was a reminder about the health hazards of eating unbaked batter. Yet, as a child, who didnt like to do this.then again, as adults, dont we still relish the taste and texture of the sweet unbaked morsels? Consider that, at the Fancy Food Show, there were a few companies touting their edible cookie dough. One of the first cookie dough scoop shops is in New York City. The day I had hoped to experience some dough, the line was around the block. The craze continues, and now there are shops in every state. When you need your fix while traveling, here is a list of the best edible cookie dough in every state https://bit.ly/2TeMR6i. Connecticuts listing is Doughluv www.doughluv.com with two locations; Colchester and Mystic. What was next to help us eat enough of it and safely? A cookbook, of course. The Edible Cookie Dough Cookbook, by Olivia Hops (2018, Harvard Common Press an imprint of the Quarto Group, $19.99) is the first cookbook to focus exclusively on this quickly growing craze of a dessert. Hops serves up 55 doughs, each one completely safe to eat raw off the spoon, from a bowl, or a cup. The author knows her dough. She is the founder, CEO, and recipe creator, of Unbaked Bar in Los Angeles, selling scrumptious edible cookie dough in local retail outlets and nationally, by mail order. Recipes include, gingerbread, snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, chocolate chunk, lemon cookie, white chocolate chai salted caramel, mud pie, brownie and recipes for birthday cake, vegan pina colada, maple bacon. She includes recipes for treats you can make with cookie dough, from a chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake to cookie dough sandwiches, which are like an ice cream sandwich. The recipe for vanilla cake with birthday cake cookie dough is perfect for that special day. For this recipe, visit here. I found the explanation of why her recipes are safe helpful. I knew about not using raw eggs, but new to me was that eating raw flour can cause food-borne illness. Her technique for heat treating flour makes it safe to use. She explains what makes a good edible cookie dough, substitutions, and serving and storing dough. And, dont try to bake the dough, as there are no eggs or leavening ingredients. How to Heat Treat Your Flour The author writes, Heat-treating your flour is a must to ensure your dough is safe to eat. Ill walk you through the steps of how to heat-treat your flour below. Its a simple process and takes only minutes to do. You can heat-treat your flour ahead of time, just be sure to store it in a clean container, separately from raw flour. Materials needed: Flour, 2 microwave-safe bowls, microwave, spoon, candy thermometer, sifter. Measure out the amount of flour needed for the recipe you wish to make and place it in one of your microwave-safe bowls. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for 30 seconds on high. Take the bowl out of the microwave and stir the flour. It will clump together, but thats OK. Heat the flour for two additional 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. After heating the flour for a total of 11/2 minutes, place the candy thermometer into the center of the flour. The temperature should read above 160 degrees. Place the sifter over the other bowl and sift the flour into it until no lumps remain. Make sure the bowl is big enough that you can stir your flour in it without making a mess. Allow the flour to cool completely before using it in your edible cookie dough recipe. Note: If you dont have a thermometer, thats OK. Heating the flour for 11/2 minutes is more than enough to kill any possible bacteria. If you place your finger into the center of the flour, it should be hot enough that you cant keep your finger there for more than a few seconds. Birthday Cake Cookie Dough The author writes, This is the flavor that inspired it all! As I ate my cake batter-flavored ice cream when I first had the idea for Unbaked, I knew I wanted birthday cake to be a main flavor. I set out to create a recipe that tastes just like that ice cream and just like the real stuff. I truly think I accomplished that. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened 1 cup sugar teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup heat-treated all-purpose flour 1 cup boxed yellow cake mix teaspoon salt cup rainbow sprinkles In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. It should take about 30 seconds on high. Scrape down the sides of the bowl when done. Add the vanilla and mix on low until combined. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cake mix, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low. Mix until the flour has been fully incorporated. Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the rainbow sprinkles by hand. Eat immediately or store in an airtight container for 2 weeks at room temperature, 1 month in the refrigerator, or 3 months in the freezer. Serves 6-8. Vegan Pina Colada Cookie Dough The author writes, When people hear there are no eggs in Unbakeds dough, they always ask if its vegan. Unfortunately, its not, due to the butter we use. This recipe is for all of the vegan cookie dough lovers out there who have patiently waited for me to create a vegan flavor. I decided to play off of the use of coconut oil and use it to my advantage to create this extremely flavorful dough. 1 cup unflavored coconut oil (Look for a brand with no coconut flavor or aroma.) 2 tablespoons coconut oil (Look for a brand with a strong flavor and aroma.) 1 cup sugar 2 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour teaspoon salt cup plus 2 tablespoons pineapple preserves In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the coconut oils until completely combined. Add the sugar to the coconut oil mixture and cream together for 30 seconds on high. Scrape down the sides of the bowl when done. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt and whisk until combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the coconut oil mixture and mix until fully incorporated. Add the pineapple preserves and mix until the preserves are evenly mixed throughout the dough. Eat immediately or store in an airtight container for 1 month in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Serves 6-8. Maple Bacon Cookie Dough 2 strips of thick-cut maple bacon 1 cup butter cup lightly packed brown sugar cup granulated sugar teaspoon imitation maple extract 1 cups heat-treated all-purpose flour teaspoon salt In a medium skillet, cook the bacon on medium heat until mildly crunchy (feel free to make it more or less crunchy to fit your liking). Once cooked, place it on paper towels to drain and cool. Set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. It should take about 30 seconds on high. Scrape down the sides of the bowl when done. Add the maple extract and mixed until combined. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix on low until fully incorporated. Cut the cooled bacon into small pieces. Fold into the dough by hand until combined. Eat immediately or store in an airtight container for 5 days in the refrigerator or 2 weeks in the freezer. Serves 6-8. Note: This dough is amazing to use as a spread on toast or to put a scoop on top of pancakes or waffles for breakfast! If you want to use it as a spread, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk to thin it to your liking. What chef would you like me to interview? Which restaurant recipes or other recipes would you like to have? Which food products do you have difficulty finding? Do you have cooking questions? Send them to me: Stephen Fries, professor and coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, at gw-stephen.fries@gwcc.commnet.edu or Dept. FC, Gateway Community College, 20 Church St., New Haven, 06510. Include your full name, address and phone number. (Due to volume, I might not be able to publish every request. For more, go to stephenfries.com.) CULINARY CALENDAR Barrel-Aged Brew Fest , Jan. 19, 1 p.m., Black Hog Brewing, 115 Hurley Road, Oxford, 203-262-6075, $45; designated driver tickets $10. Sample barrel-aged beers and ciders from Connecticut and regional breweries and producers. The Caseus Cheese Truck and Chief Brodys Banh Mi will be on site, with snacks from Drunk Alpaca. Participating breweries and tickets at https://bit.ly/2F2LHHa. Mohegan Suns Sun Wine & Food Fest, Jan. 24-27. Celebrity-chef appearances, tastings of fine wines, bourbons and beers and cuisine from a variety of regional restaurants. On Jan. 24, Boston Brews and Bites, features top Boston chefs teamed up with Boston pro athletes. Theyll cook their favorite tailgate dishes. Saturdays Grand Tasting features 1,000 varieties of wine, beer and spirits and Saturday nights Celebrity Chef Dine Around, with more than 20 top chefs, including Bobby Flay, Todd English, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marcus Samuelsson and Rocco DiSpirito. For schedule of events and prices visit sunwinefest.com. GUILFORD - Shoreline Arts Alliance, a regional Arts Council in Guilford, is hosting its 35th Annual Future Choices program, a visual arts competition and exhibition for high school students. This competition and exhibition takes place on the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts campus in Old Lyme, CT and features work from High School Students in our region. Shoreline Arts Alliance is currently seeking artwork from young artists for in person submissions Feb. 4-6 at the Sill House Gallery. High school students within the 24 town region of CT are encouraged to submit artwork to the visual art competition. The 24 town region consists of all of Middlesex County, Lyme, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Salem, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, and East Haven. Visual Art Categories that are accepted for submission are Ceramics, Drawing, Mixed Media, Painting, Pastels, Photography, Prints, Sculpture, and Video. Submissions are made in person at the Sill House Gallery located on the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Campus at 84 Lyme St, Old Lyme, CT. Submissions are on Feb. 4 - 6 from 2:30-5 p.m. each day. All work must be submitted during these times by either the artist, a teacher, or a responsible person as designated by the artist. For more detailed submission guidelines, go to www.shorelinearts.org/future-choices. Work accepted into the competition by our judges will be hung at the Sill House Gallery from Feb. 14 to March 5. The exhibition will be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm Monday through Saturday (no Sunday hours). Students may have a chance to win cash rewards from Shoreline Arts Alliance such as the Best in Show award and the Ruth Baxter-Tagliatela Award. Teachers and Schools may also win awards such as the Earl Grenville Killeen Founders Award, an award that recognizes the Best in Shows art teacher and allows that teacher to recognize a student in their class with a strong inclination and dedication to the arts. There is also the Judy Streeter Outstanding School Award given to an Art Department of a High School. Shoreline Arts Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 and an arts council based in Guilford. Shoreline Arts Alliances mission is to Transform Lives through the Arts by encouraging, engaging, enriching, and educating the community. Learn more about our programs and events by visiting www.shorelinearts.org. Tickets available for Mardi Gras Gala GUILFORD Shoreline Arts Alliance will hold the 7th Annual Mardi Gras Gala to benefit Shoreline Arts Alliance programs, advocacy, and educational outreach. The 2019 Mardi Gras Gala will be on Feb. 2 at the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa in Old Saybrook, 6-11 p.m., with live music from Eight to the Bar, gourmet food, complementary drinks, a live and silent auction, and a Mardi Gras Parade. Tickets are for sale on the website and can be found at www.shorelinarts.org/mardi-gras-gala. Individual tickets are $150 per person ($95 tax deductible), sponsorships are available at different levels, including the purchase of a 10 person table starting at $2,500 ($1,950 tax deductible). All proceeds will benefit Shoreline Arts Alliances programs, arts advocacy, and educational outreach. About Shoreline Arts Alliance: Shoreline Arts Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 located in Guilford, CT. Shoreline Arts Alliances mission is to Transform Lives through the Arts and we do that through encouraging, engaging, educating, and enriching the arts on the Shoreline and beyond. Learn more about Shoreline Arts Alliances free programs by visiting the website www.shorelinearts.org. Scholarships in the Arts taking applications GUILFORD Shoreline Arts Alliance announces the opening of applications for the 39th annual Scholarships in the Arts: Top Talent. This program is open to juniors and seniors residing within Shoreline Arts Alliances 24 town region and who want to pursue an education in the arts. Applicants can apply in 7 different categories of study. The winner in each category will receive a $1,000 scholarship for continuing education and/or supplies as well as a mentorship from a professional artist in the winners chosen field. Applications are now available on the website and will be open until April 24, which will be followed by in person auditions, interviews, and portfolio reviews on May 3-4. Applications for the scholarships can be found on the Shoreline Arts Alliance website. Applications can be submitted online or through a mail-in form. An in person audition, interview, and/or portfolio review is required for each application and will take place at the ACES Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven May 3-4. These in person auditions/interviews/portfolio reviews give the students the opportunity to learn about presenting themselves and their art before a jury of professionals. Students who reside in the 24 town region (region includes all of Middlesex County, Madison, Guilford, North Branford, Branford, East Haven, Lyme, East Lyme, Old Lyme, and Salem) and are interested in the arts are encouraged to apply. The categories are, Theatre, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Creative Writing, Dance, Visual Art, and, our newest category, the Jeffrey Dobbs Scholarship for Excellence in Painting. The categories are judged by professional, working artists in each field of study. These professionals pay special attention to detail, to the students commitment to the art form of their choosing, and give valuable feedback to each student. Judges choose a winner in each category and they may also choose a special recognition in any given category. Visit www.shorelinearts.org/top-talent to learn more about this program, find submission information, and to download the application or apply online. A $25 non-refundable fee is required for each application. Please contact Shoreline Arts Alliance for further information by emailing office@shorelinearts.org or calling 203-453-3890. MIDDLETOWN Those walking Main Street on myriad missions may have seen new eye-catching signs along the downtown corridor that depict local entrepreneurs as well as familiar figures around the city. These unique, eye-level wayfinding signs, which will eventually number 25, are unique representations that are intended to give pedestrians, shoppers and residents useful and sometimes inside information about the city they live in or visit. The project was a two-year labor of love for Downtown Business District commissioner Jennifer Alexander, owner of Kidcity Childrens Museum. People come to Middletown for one thing. They might not experience something a couple blocks away. This gives them a chance to see something worth walking a block or two, Alexander said of the signs, purposely located away from the business they advertise in an effort to cross-pollinate customers, Alexander said. Pedal Power co-owner Gary Nicols kiosk is in front of NoRA Cupcake Co. in the North End, and the write-up of Ernesto Vargas, the young owner of Finesse Cuts Barbershop, can be found in front of the police station. People at Malloves (Jewelers) who may not find their way up Court Street can read the story of why (Klekolo World Coffee owner) Yvette (Elliott) started her coffee shop, and what its like to be on a one-way street, Alexander said. Middletown is diverse economically, racially and internationally, Alexander said. We have this Main Street filled with independent businesses. Part of the reason why people come to us is they can see room for themselves here, because there are lots of different kinds of people here. This is the place to make it happen, she said. You may have your favorite restaurant and shops, but also might find something new, she added. These 19 waymarks, with six more to come, serve several purposes, said Marie Kalita-Leary, chairwoman of the district. The detailed, color-coded map lets people know whats available to them, and certain businesses might not be open at the time, but pedestrians walking Main Street can stop and look up where theyre located, and also tell people about the area. Middletowns Main Street is unique. Its an old Main Street, but the new Main Street has stories out there. People can see who is around, who works Main Street, and who has a business there, Kalita-Leary said. The stories will remain up for a year, and then updated with other featured individuals. Their subjects are varied: from Middletown Police Capt. Gary Wallace to members of the community and business people such as Rich Garcia and Kevin Wirtes, owners of Krust and Osa restaurant; and the childrens librarian at the Russell Library. They also include street artist Fred Carroll, a fixture downtown as he sweeps the sidewalks, to some longtime businesses many may not know of or have never visited. For example, retired Middletown sanitarian Salvatore Nesci talks about St. Sebastians feast, and Pamela Roose yarn shop owner Pamela Steele explains how she started off with a kiosk at Riverview Center (next to the Police Department), then decided to run her own shop. Organizers chose from a large pool of candidates they had compiled, then decided who would be great to feature, said Alexander, who has been taking photographs of wayfinding signs in cities she has traveled to for the past 15 years. All the maps are rectangle. Middletown is unusual in its linear map is a long straight line other towns (business districts go) off in all directions, she said. When it came time to design the signage, Alexander knew the shape would look weird as a sign, but look great on a pole. Three sides presented more of an opportunity to get creative. Each contains a profile, map of downtown, and a panel that indicates Main Street in big block letters. Some people have lived here all their lives, and when they come down and look, they find something new. You can literally put your finger on the map to find out where it is, Kalita-Leary said. All local vendors were used for the project. Bailey Wright, Meriden Record-Journal reporter and former editor of UConns Daily Campus student newspaper, wrote the blurbs and took photographs. Youngs Printing and Maurer Design were partners in the project. The business district also has 15-second commercials airing on WFSB and WTNH, as part of its branding of the Whats Your Main Street? concept. They include vignettes such as a bride and her friends picking out a dress at Lastrina Girls, enjoying lunch, then looking for a wedding band, Kalita-Leary said. The commercials show Main Street is a kind of place where two old women can go to the jewelry store, get their hair done and eat lunch, or three guys in their 20s can go to a coffee shop and a music store to buy guitar strings, Alexander said. Alexander wanted a mix of stores, restaurants, as well as civic and cultural entities represented, along with a mix of people. On the signs, Jennifer Billingsley of the Russell Library tells a story about moving to the city because of its energy. Mark Levin of Malloves talks about running the family business handed down to him by his father and grandfather. Taken together, these are 25 people who make Main Street a gathering place both for business and culture, Alexander said. While other municipalities gateways may included a number of well-known chain merchants, these independent entrepreneurs rely more on word of mouth and customer experiences for their traffic, she added. Its a way to show our brand, Alexander said. The range and number of businesses, which are constantly changing, provide a seemingly endless font of possible subjects for the kiosks. Weve already got a list of 50 more, said Alexander, who had difficulty narrowing the list down to two dozen. It was hard for me. There are so many great stories on Main Street and we only had 25 street poles. I wanted to be sure it was representative of our diversity of age, background, gender, race that was the challenge. MILFORD A West Haven man will be sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to child molestation charges Tuesday. Rafael Salgar, 63, pleaded guilty under the Alford doctrine to fourth-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor before Judge Peter Brown. Under the Alford doctrine, a defendant doesnt agree with all of the prosecutions accusations but concedes that a conviction is likely if the case went to trial. According to Assistant States Attorney Amy Bepko, Salgar inappropriately touched a girl he knew several times over a period of more than two years from September 2015 to December 2017. The abuse happened when the girl was visiting Salgars home in West Haven, according to the prosecutor. The girl was 9 when the abuse began, Bepko said. The victim disclosed Salgars behavior when she was 10, after which police opened an investigation. The prosecutor said the the girls family has been involved in the case and is aware of the plea offer, which she said she made in the spirit of disposing of the case short of trial. Under the terms of the plea deal between Bepko and Salgars lawyer, Angel Lugo, the judge will hand down an eight-year prison sentence to be suspended after Salgar serves two and a half years behind bars, followed by 10 years of probation during which he must register as a sex offender. The judge continued the case to March 26 for sentencing. Salgar was arrested in the case last May and released after posting $15,000 bond, according to court records. Gov. Ned Lamont and the president of Webster Bank announced a new partnership Tuesday to provide interest-free loans to essential federal workers who are unable to receive unemployment assistance during the government shutdown, now entering its 25th day. The program, which is being supported by the Connecticut Bankers Association, calls for Webster and potentially other banks to provide the loans. The state would guarantee the lending in event some recipients fail to repay. Federal workers regardless of their employment classification are hurting while the federal government is shut down, Lamont said. This is particularly true for those employees who must still report to work and incur the cost of commuting and other work-related costs without receiving a paycheck. The governor estimated 1,200 to 1,500 federal workers in Connecticut could fall into this category, including air traffic controllers and certain Environmental Protection Agency staff. To qualify for unemployment, a federal employee has to be one of those furloughed as part of the ongoing shutdown, and not one of the more than 400,000 workers nationally asked to remain on the job without pay. Lamont said he doesnt want federal workers, particularly those in crucial jobs tied to air traffic safety and environmental protection, to leave to find other work over what amounts to a technicality in unemployment rules. Webster Bank is pleased to work with the state to provide assistance to essential workers during this time of hardship, John R. Ciulla, president and chief of executive officer of Webster Bank, said. Webster has a long history of supporting Connecticut and will work alongside other banks to assist residents during this difficult period. Full details and terms of the loans still are being developed, Ciulla said. But, he added, the loans will be provided interest-free. Ciulla also said that he anticipates other banks agree to participate in this relief program as it is developed. One key detail that still hasnt been resolved is whether Lamont can act unilaterally to provide the loan guarantees such as through an executive order or whether it will require legislative action. The new governor, who was sworn in on Jan. 9, told one reporter he wasnt sure of the process, but that he would reach out to legislative leaders on Wednesday and was confident the matter could be resolved. Legislative leaders from both parties quickly issued statements after Lamonts announcement praising the governors efforts. I know people are having trouble with simple cash flow - they need to buy food, to put gas in their car, to heat their home. And theyre running out of money, said Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee. Osten and several other Democratic senators sponsored a bill Tuesday that would allow the Department of Labor to assist federal employees who are either furloughed or forced to work without pay to be paid through the states unemployment compensation fund. The fund would then be reimbursed by the employee once the federal government shutdown ends and federal employees are paid their back wages. A lot of federal employees who are not being paid are public safety workers, putting their lives on the line in prisons or at airport security, Osten added. These are the jobs that protect us day in and day out, and they shouldnt be treated with disrespect. I want to thank Governor Lamont for his consideration of these hardworking people. I appreciate Gov. Lamonts efforts to create a public private partnership between government and business leaders to quickly solve a problem impacting state residents, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven. All our hearts go out to the federal employees who are struggling to support their families at this time. The proposed temporary support is a clever and unique way to leverage a partnership to help those in need. I look forward to reviewing the details of this proposal and am hopeful that we will see necessary protections to ensure taxpayer funds are protected at the same time assistance is provided to the workers who are most in need. You might want to think pink, as in pink or yellow polka dot bikini, that scantily designed swimwear that defines in two pieces on women and resembles abbreviated underwear. Hard to believe it was named for the site of a nuclear weapons test site, the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Conceived by French engineer Louis Reard in 1946, it has become heralded as one of the most popular female beachwear ensembles, an $811 million industry annually. Recently, the bikini has been reincarnated in an entirely new fashion statement, thanks to co-writers Ray Roderick and James Hindman and composer and musical arranger Joe Baker as a beach party musical The Bikinis. Debuting at the Goodspeeds Terris Theatre in Chester back in 2012, it is now toasting up the stage of Waterburys Seven Angels Theatre until Sunday, Jan. 20. Grab your plaid blanket and rub on the suntan lotion and journey back to the 1960s for some musical fun in the summer sun. Youve made good friends with the Jersey Boys, but now its time to make room on stage for the Jersey Girls. In 1964, four BFFs on a lark enter a talent contest wearing (you guessed it) bikinis and win the Belmar Beach boardwalk banners. Two teenage sisters from Paramus, Jodi (Erin West Reed) and Annie (Brittany Mulcahy), join forces with their impetuous cousin Karla (Chelsea Dacey) from Philadelphia and their best bud Barbara (Samantha Rae Bass) from Staten Island to make their summer fun memorable and youre invited along for the roller coaster ride. With a parade of 30 favorite tunes like Its Raining Men, Dedicated to the One I Love, Its in His Kiss, Im Every Woman, Under the Boardwalk and Chapel of Love as well as brand new songs like In My Bikini and Sandy Shores, youll find yourself dancing in your seat and humming right along. According to Ray Roderick, The show is about fun, females and friendship. Its 75 percent songs we know and love and 25 percent new material. It showcases women in a positive way, written by men who love them. Calling it a joyous party, Roderick finds it an easy, breezy show where the women dont stop. They are a talent pool that delivers and has fun in the process. Stating that the musicals title is a metaphor for the struggle for equality women face, he feels they are empowered by it, even as they are still vulnerable. The quartet of females in the show relive their past but focus, two decades later when they reunite, in the here and now. The great rock and roll music of the 60s and 70s is wrapped around the original talent contest, where the goal of the girls is to get on Dick Clarks American Bandstand and fast forwards to their gathering when they meet to save the Sandy Shores Mobile Home Beach Resort, a favorite landmark on the Jersey beach that is being threatened by a land developer who wants to take over and build condos. Back in 2007, at the Briny Breezes Trailer Park in Florida, the owners were each offered a million dollars to move and The Bikinis is loosely based on that true story. In addition, it touches on the innocent fun of that era as well as the Vietnam War, the Woodstock event, flower children and the rise of womens voices. The Bikinis is a coming of age story that views the world through their eyes. Come rediscover the great songs of the 60s and70s as this one hit wonder girls group reunites as women. Come hear them roar. For tickets ($30 or 4 for $89 using code word BEACH), call Seven Angels Theatre, 1 Plank Road, Waterbury at 203-757-4676 or online at www.sevenangelstheatre.org. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Contributed photo / MIDDLETOWN Wilmington, Del.-based musician Grace Vonderkuhn has included performances at the MAC650 Gallery in Middletown Jan. 26 part of her tour throughout the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Vonderkuhn is supporting her debut LP, Reveries, released in early 2018 by EggHunt Records. Mike Treve was a senior in high school and remembers racing home after school to fire up the ovens on opening day. A year later Raimondos moved to another location on Route 31, where it stayed for 11 years. The business was sold and closed. In 2011, Mike Treve was in another business and his father was bored in retirement, so they decided to give the restaurant another shot and opened Raimondos in its current location. Father and son expanded the menu and added alcohol to the mix, numbering more than 100 beers. UNIONVILLE The village of Unionville council members will hold a public hearing next week in regards to prohibiting marijuana businesses within village limits. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21. The council has information from Michigan Municipal League and the village attorney they have been reviewing. Our attorney supplied the village with sample ordinances to opt out of the commercial applications for recreational marijuana, and to define public places. If that is what is wanted, said Jessica VanHove, the village's clerk. The public can give input on it at that time if there is any from residents." We have an opt out ordinance for commercial applications for recreational marijuana, which may or may not be approved, and to define public places (to use it)," she added. According to VanHove, the village has not been approached about a possible recreational marijuana facility. A second public hearing will take place and is a request from Richard Zimmer to rezone his property to build rental storage units. Zimmer purchased the former Independent Bank in Unionville, and renovated it for office use. He wants to rezone the (parking) lot from office to business, to construct a storage building he can rent," VanHove said. "The hearing will be on possibly of allowing that." Also the council learned the village does not own a section of Staley Street. It is just a little section just north of Church Street," she said. "We are going to purchase that with a quit-claim deed from the DeSimpelere family trust for $1." UPPER THUMB GreenStone Farm Credit Services is now accepting applications through March 1 for its scholarship program. The cooperative will once again award up to $40,000 to incoming college freshmen pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field. Since 2010, the association has presented more than $215,000 in undergraduate college scholarships to the industrys next generation of leaders. Students attending a four-year college program can earn a $2,000 scholarship, while $1,000 awards will go to selected students attending a two-year college program. To qualify, applicants must reside within the associations territory, which includes Michigan and select counties in northeastern Wisconsin, must be a full-time high school graduating senior, have at least a 3.0 grade point average and plan to study an agriculture-related field. In addition, applicants should demonstrate participation and leadership in school, community and agricultural activities. Complete details are available within the scholarship application found online: https://www.greenstonefcs.com/en/community/scholarships. Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2019 and arrive at GreenStones corporate office in East Lansing no later than March 8. Payment will be made after GreenStone receives a transcript identifying a successful completion of the first semester. For complete scholarship guidelines and the application, visit www.greenstonefcs.com/scholarships. New Solicitor General Hammoud to Lead Flint Criminal Cases New Solicitor General Hammoud to Lead Flint Criminal Cases Kelly Rossman-McKinney 517-373-8060 January 15, 2019 LANSING Fadwa A. Hammoud, a career prosecutor who was announced earlier today as Michigans new Solicitor General, will take the lead on the criminal cases related to the Flint water crisis. The cases include those against former Flint emergency managers Darnell Earley and Gerald Ambrose as well as Nick Lyon, the former director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Eden Wells, Michigans former chief medical executive and now advisory physician. Todd Flood, who was appointed three years ago by then-Attorney General Bill Schuette as special prosecutor, will report to Ms. Hammoud. The former Attorney General chose to personally select and supervise Mr. Flood and the criminal cases, which prevented him from being engaged or even informed on any of the civil cases related to Flint, including the lawsuits against various state departments and employees and the city of Flint said Attorney General Dana Nessel. These cases have gone on for years and have cost the taxpayers of this state millions of dollars. Its time for resolution and justice for the people of Flint. Nessel appointed Hammoud as Solicitor General yesterday and immediately assigned her to lead the Flint criminal cases. We dont prescribe to the idea of prosecution for profit in this office, said Nessel. I have worked closely with Ms. Hammoud as a prosecutor and trust her to make the right decisions and take the proper steps to ensure justice for the people of Flint. This department has spent millions of dollars on these cases and our state residents deserve assurance that these cases are handled properly. Nessels appointment of Hammoud as Solicitor General received high praise from Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy, Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Thomas Cameron, and Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Kenny. Attorney General Nessels appointment of Fadwa Hammoud to serve as Michigans next Solicitor General is a brilliant choice. She is a visionary with an excellent work ethic. This is bittersweet for the Wayne County Prosecutors Office and me personally. Fadwa has served all Wayne County residents with integrity, distinction, and honor. We are sad to see her leave Wayne County service, but the citizens of the entire State will be the beneficiary of her fairness and impressive reputation. Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy "While I served as a Wayne County judge, Fadwa earned the reputation of being a smart, strong, and passionate trial attorney who fought for victims' rights and as someone who could be counted on to follow the law. Fadwa's background, experience and intellect are a great fit for this new role, and I'm confident that the State of Michigan will be well-served with her as its Solicitor General. Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Thomas Cameron Fadwa Hammouds years of dedicated public service to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and the Dearborn School Board demonstrate her concern for improving the lives of the citizens of the State of Michigan. She is a passionate advocate for our citizens. Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Kenny ### Come hell or high water, Anthony Gerald shows up. Be it with a cane, a walker or simply limping; he rarely misses a community event because he knows how important it is to be a shining example to his children, often seeks out every opportunity he can to serve as a blessing to someone else. Scenic beauty draws tourists to and from all corners of the world, and some of the most stunning sites of all dont even look like they belong on this planet. These natural wonders are fascinating and beautiful in their strangeness and distinctive features. Her biggest concern with Engler's tenure has been what he has "communicated about abuse," Denhollander said. "What he has communicated is that survivors who speak up will be attacked and blamed and shamed, that those who push for change are going to be accused of enjoying the spotlight, that they will be lied about." Several candidates raised the possibility of ending or curtailing aldermanic privilege, the tradition of giving aldermen effective veto power over real estate deals and permitting in their respective wards. The idea is that aldermen know the most about their wards and what their communities wants. But that power can be abused, and in Burkes case, it led to the accusation that he tried to coerce the owners of a Burger King into becoming law clients by holding up the permitting process for a restaurant under renovation. Former Ald. Bob Fioretti: A commuter tax, involving a 1 percent payroll levy on non-residents who work in Chicago, would yield about $300 million, he said. Its people from Indiana, Wisconsin, the suburbs, who come in here and make their money here and spend it in their community, Fioretti explained. He acknowledged a commuter tax got a razzing from this page after it was mentioned as a potential revenue source by Bill Daley. (We said it would drive away businesses.) Fioretti said ending the ban on video poker would bring in $70 million. He could get to $400 million by cutting $25 million from the budget. Fioretti does not support the city extending its indebtedness by doing another huge bond deal. The city council has a good plan. The narrower lanes will slow traffic. Narrower vehicle lanes will make it too difficult for larger vehicles. A separate pedestrian solution should be constructed away from any vehicular traffic. Widening the sidewalk could work best if a barrier is put up between the sidewalk and vehicular traffic. Vote View Results Services for Ricky Everett Roberson are Friday, 11 a.m., at Stephens Funeral Home. Burial will follow in First Baptist Collinsville cemetery. Mr. Roberson, 68, of Meridian, passed away Sunday. Friends may sign the online register at www.stephensfunerals.com. The purpose of imprisonment historically has been threefold to deter others from committing crimes, to isolate dangerous people from the rest of society and to rehabilitate offenders to prevent future crimes. Our prison system has failed miserably in all three areas. Drug users, who need treatment and not isolation, are sent to prison where they become more dangerous. The mentally ill, who need help and services, are instead warehoused and exploited. The vast majority of those sentenced to prison are released without any rehabilitation, education or learned job skills. Dogs can be great friends they will offer unconditional love, joy, and company. But they can also support your health and well-being in other, more specific ways. Fresh evidence now suggests that dogs could help people with type 1 diabetes manage their condition with extra confidence. Share on Pinterest Our canine friends can sniff out hypoglycemia, a new study shows. Tradition has it that dogs are our best friends, and researchers have been putting this special connection between canines and people to good use. Dogs are currently trained to sniff out illegal drugs at airports, to support people with impaired vision, as therapy animals for people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and even, sometimes, to detect cancer in people. A new study now delivers fresh evidence, supporting the idea that dogs can also help people with diabetes by alerting them to a hypoglycemic episode. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a risk for people with diabetes especially type 1 diabetes who need to take insulin to lower their, typically, high blood sugar levels. However, the treatment can sometimes lead to hypoglycemic episodes, which can cause loss of consciousness and even seizures if the person does not address the symptoms immediately. For this reason, a team of researchers from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom has been looking at how accurately dogs that people have trained can detect hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes. The researchers collaborated with Medical Detection Dogs, a UK-based charity invested in the training of dogs for medical detection purposes. by Sara Guaglione , January 16, 2019 David Haskell will succeed Adam Moss as editor-in-chief of New York Media, overseeingmagazine and its digital verticals. He will take on the role of editor-in-chief on April 1. Moss announced he was stepping down yesterday after 15 years at the helm. Moss told The New York Times that at 61, Im older than the staff. Im older than the readers. I just want to do something new. advertisement advertisement Haskell is 39, and, like Moss, openly gay. When Adam told me hed be stepping down, it was quickly apparent to me that David should be the person to succeed him, and Im thrilled that he accepted the challenge, stated New York Media CEO Pam Wasserstein. We have worked closely together, particularly in the last two years, when he has helped us to establish new business ventures that build on our legacy in exciting ways, she added. I have known David his entire career, and I am confident New York Media's creative future across multiple arenas is in excellent hands," added Moss. Haskell has worked at New York Media since 2007, when Moss invited him to guest-edit a special issue on London. He has enjoyed a variety of roles since then, most recently as editor for business and strategy, a position he has held since 2016 to develop editorial growth projects. Haskell has edited features, as well as led editorial strategy and partnerships for books, film, television, podcasts, events, ecommerce and verticals across New York magazine and its digital brands, which include Vulture, The Cut, Intelligencer, The Strategist and Grub Street. Haskell has edited almost 300 features for New York magazine, as well as much of the magazines long-form political coverage. We are living through an extraordinary time in American life, one eerily well suited to New Yorks strengths and obsessions. Its now my job to make sure we cover it all with the intelligence and creativity our readers have come to expect, Haskell stated. Haskell is also the cofounder of Kings County Distillery and a ceramics artist. by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, January 16, 2019 Dentsu Aegis Network has appointed media industry veteran Brian Monahan global client president, Team Intel and head of U.S. ventures, a new role at the company. In the role, Monahan will lead the recently won global Intel media account. Hes also tasked with identifying partners who can advance the people-based marketing agenda of Intel and other Dentsu Aegis Network clients. Monahan is well known in the businesshes held senior leadership roles at big media companies, marketers and agencies as well as startups. Most recently, Monahan was Head of Customer Strategy at Pinterest. He is also a co-founder of NewCo, a multi-platform global events and media company launched in 2012 that has hosted conferences in 30-plus cities to date. Prior to Pinterest, he ran marketing at Walmart.com, where he focused on transforming the customer acquisition strategy and expanding Walmarts digital advertising business. advertisement advertisement Earlier he held a number of senior posts at Interpublic and two of its subsidiaries, Universal McCann, and Magna Global. Nick Brien, CEO Americas, Dentsu Aegis Network stated, Brian excels at leveraging people-based insights, developing winning strategies, striking first-of-their-kind partnerships and bringing teams together. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with an impressive record of generating growth by leveraging data and developing proprietary marketing technologies, will be the key to success of Team Intel and other new and important ventures. Brien ran Mediabrands for several years before being tapped to run McCann in 2010. Monahan is just the latest former senior Mediabrands executive that Brien has convinced to join him at Dentsu Aegis. A year ago, Matt Seiler, who succeeded him as Mediabrands CEO, joined Dentsu Aegis as president of brand solutions. Former Initiative president and Magna Global CEO Tim Spengler joined last fall to oversee the agencys M1 platform and Kris Magel, who was U.S. president at Initiative after Spengler also joined last year assuming the role of president, DAN media clients. Skin grafts are sections of healthy skin taken from a donor body section to form a thin or thick skin for a number of medically relevant applications. Market Research Future has found that the global skin graft market is on track to expand at an above-average CAGR during the forecast period spanning 2017 to 2023. Calculations and other findings suggest growth at a CAGR of 13.5% which will lead the market toward an estimated market value of USD 7.5 Bn by the end of 2023. Skin grafts are most commonly used to help treat the deformation that burns and accidents can cause. Skin grafts have surgical applications in situations where skin must be removed. Get Sample PDF Illustration @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1674 Increased cases of accidents and burns in recent years has increased the demand for skin grafts. This factor is further supported by the rising purchases of automobiles and urbanizations where such accidents often occur. Skin loss due to diseases such as cancer is also increasing in incidence, thus driving market growth. skin graft. Skin grafts help improve the function and appearance of the body where the skin graft is used. Often, for burn victims and accident patients, skin grafts are highly important and in high demand for facial purposes. Increasing incidence of skin cancer is also expected to increase the value of the skin graft market over the assessment period. Although various types of skin grafting exist, market players and doctors are consistently involved in improving and innovating the existing procedures and tools used to ensure higher medical efficiency. This factor is likely to offer the market new opportunities for growth in the coming years. The market is notably restrained by factors such as the high cost of skin graft procedures. Moreover, patients may be hesitant to receive skin grafts as they may cause infection and can be very painful. However, due to the market opportunities mentioned above, these restraints are likely to be mitigated to some degree by the end of the forecast period. Key Players: The market is experiencing several changes owing to extensive strategic implementations by several key manufacturers. Merger, acquisition, and collaboration are a few tactics that are widely popular. For instance, Avista Healthcare Public Acquisition Corp. is merging with Organogenesis Inc. to expand their market portfolio. B. Braun Medical Inc. has recently acquired NxStage Medical, Inc. which can be considered exemplary. MRFRs market analysis includes extensive research regarding the competition in the global skin graft market. Prominent participants in the market that have been included in the report are Stratatech Corporation, Medtronic, Avita Medical, Convatec Inc, Stratatech Corp, Specmed Medical, Tissue Regenix Group PLC, Organogenesis, Inc., B.Braun Melsungen, Zimmer Biomet, and Coloplast Industry Trend: Researchers from the University of Toronto have developed a hand-held device that could 3D print skin onto burn injuries providing faster, easier, and cheaper solution. This could prevent burn patients getting affected by infections, and the process would be less painful. Researchers from Stevens Institute of Technology in collaboration with Texas A&M University, have unveiled a type of bandage that is a blend of advanced materials, conventional antibiotics, healing proteins, and nanotechnology. This bandage can help in treatment by delivering healing proteins and protective antibiotics and prevent patients from getting further infections. Segments: Segments in the global skin graft market have been divided based on factors such as graft type, graft thickness, applications, equipment, end users and region. Skin graft types have been divided to include prosthetic, allogenic, isogenic, autologous, and xenogenic. Graft thickness has been segmented into composite, split thickness, and full thickness. Applications of skin grafts can be found in the treatment of burns, extensive wound, skin cancer, extensive skin loss due to infection, and others. Equipment used for skin grafting includes general surgical instruments, consumables, dermatomes, and others. The dermatome segment is sub-segmented to include drum dermatomes, electric dermatomes, knives dermatomes, and air dermatomes. End-users include academic & research institutes, hospitals & clinics, and others. Get Prime Discount on Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/1674 Regional Analysis: The U.S is the most significant country-level market across the world and is part of the North American region, thus making it the leading region in the global skin graft market. The highly favorable reimbursement schemes in the region combined with high healthcare expenditure and the presence of a well-developed healthcare sector, are likely to play a key role in the regions market share. Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific is growing rapidly due to the vast potential in the region for market growth. The healthcare sector in the APAC is reforming at a rapid pace and as medical tourism, and focus on the healthcare sector continues to improve, the skin graft market will grow consistently. Some Brief Table of Contents of Report Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope Of The Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.2 Restrains 4.3 Opportunities 4.4 Challenges 4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis 5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers TOC Continued Get Complete Access of Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/skin-graft-market-1674 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Radiotherapy is used for the treatment of various types of cancer. The therapy uses high power X-rays to destroy cancerous cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 50% of cancer patients receive some type of radiation therapy during their treatment. The radiotherapy treatment are less painful than the chemotherapy and surgeries. The damaged cells are broken down by the natural process of body. The Global Radiotherapy Market will grow very rapidly at a rate of 7% CAGR during the forecasted period 2017-2023. The cancerous cells get destroyed totally and does not show its presence in future. The time required is much less in contrast to the chemotherapy. The side effects of the radiotherapy is also nominal as compared to the chemotherapy. Around 4 out of every 10 people are treated for cancer undergo radiotherapy. Normally together with other types of treatment including chemotherapy and surgery. The market for the radiotherapy is increasing as the treatment is quick and easy. The treatment is more effective than chemotherapy and surgery. Though treatment has some side effects but the therapy is widely preferred by doctors. Get Sample Copy @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1526 GE Healthcare (UK), Siemens (Germany), Cardinal Health (U.S.), Nordion (CA), View ray (U.S.), Fuji Holdings (Japan), Philips Healthcare (U.S.), Shimadzu Corporation (Japan), Hologic (U.S.), Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Elekta AB (Sweden), Accuray Incorporated (U.S.), Ion Beam Applications (IBA) (Belgium), Nordion, Inc. (Canada), C. R. Bard, Inc. (U.S.), Isoray Medical, Inc. (U.S.), RaySearch Laboratories (Sweden), Mevion Medical Systems, Inc. (U.S.), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), CIVCO Medical Solutions (U.S.), Brainlab AG (Germany), PRECISIS AG (Germany), Technicas Radiofiscas S.L (Spain), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan), ProNova Solutions LLC (U.S.), ProTom International (U.S.), and others are some of the prominent players at the forefront of competition in the global radiotherapy market and are profiled in MRFR Analysis. Industry Updates Jan, 2018 Varian Medical Systems signed an agreement to acquire Sirtex Medical Limited. This acquisition expands Varians addressable market into interventional oncology to emerge as a global leader in radio embolization. October, 2017 Varian has launched its radiotherapy device ProBeam Compact single-room proton therapy system. July, 2017 View Ray has recently announced the launch of MRI-guided radiation therapy solution, MRIdian Linac. Global Radiotherapy Market Regional: Geographically, the regional market is segmented into America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. America holds the larger market in the radiotherapy the market increasing due to the increasing advancement in the technology. The US is the largest market for the radiotherapy due to the technological advancement. The adoption of new technology is more in this region as the research and development is also more and developing day by day. There are many companies who have already captured the market and developed new technologies for the imaging. The number of cancer patients are more in this region. Europe is the second largest market owing to the advanced technologies due to increasing R&D. The European region is having its own set of regulations for the medical regulations. The expenditures are also more by the government bodies for the healthcare and adoption for the new and sophisticated technologies. Asia pacific region is growing at a rapid pace owing to the increasing number of patients in the region. The increasing consumptions of tobacco is seen in this region. The growth is increasing as the economies are increasing governments in this regions are showing more interest in improving the healthcare sectors. The R&D in this region is also increasing with the big players operating in this sector. The number of cancer patients in this region are more. The number are maximum for the oral and lung cancer. The cases of thyroid are also more in this region. Middle East and Africa is slow growing segment because of the lack of awareness of the chronic diseases and the treatment facilities are also limited in this region. The regions have slow growth due to the factors like unskilled labors are more, illiteracy is more, and economic development is slow. The lack of awareness among the people is very less. The technological advancement is very less. The distribution network for the companies is very less. The poverty in this region is very high. Treatment are not reached to the needy. The cases of cancer is also increasing in this region but the diagnosis is also less in this region. The treatment for cancer is far behind as compared to developed and developing region. Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/radiotherapy-market-1526 Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 Definition 1.2 Scope of Study 1.2.1 Research Objective 1.2.2 Assumptions & Limitations 1.2.2.1 Assumptions 1.2.2.2 Limitations 1.3 Market Structure: 2 Research Methodology 2.1 Research Process: 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Secondary Research: 3 Market Dynamics 3.1 Drivers 3.2 Restraints 3.3 Opportunities 3.4 Macroeconomic Indicators 4 Market Factor Analysis 4.1 Porters Five Forces Model 4.2 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers 4.3 Bargaining Power Of Buyers 4.4 Threat Of New Entrants 4.5 Threat Of Substitutes 4.6 Intensity Of Rivalry About US: Market Research Future (MRFR), enable customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Office No. 528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com We went to CES 2019 to investigate all the latest health-related consumer-centric gadgetry. What we did not expect you is to talk to Penn Jillette and discuss his health concerns and how he managed to lose massive amounts of weight (he even wrote a book about it). But thats what happened, as Mr. Jillette was representing Withings and their line of activity tracking watches, smart scales, and other digital tools that help people improve their levels of physical activity, track blood pressure, ECG, and body temperature, and help folks to get slimmer. The company, which sold itself to Nokia and then broke off to become independent again, is continuing to put out products at an impressive rate. They have six different wrist-based tracker devices for sale, three smart scales, a blood pressure measuring device that also does basic ECG, and a wireless thermometer that can be placed against the forehead to take readings. Heres our conversation with Penn Jillette about how Withings put him on the course to look very different than he did just a few years ago: Link: Withings homepage Penns new book: Presto!: How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear and Other Magical Tales Latest Industry News Tychan has successfully conducted the Phase 1 trial of TY014, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody candidate treatment for Yellow Fever (YF). 13 DEC 2018 The meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials has confirmed that human monoclonal antibody denosumab can more effectively increase the bone mass in patients with low bone mineral density or osteoporosis. This is something that any other bisphosphonate therapy cannot do. 13 DEC 2018 Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced antibodies that are whose purpose is to serve as the substitute of natural antibodies that can enhance or repeat the immune systems attack on harmful cells. Market Research Future (MRFR) has published and released a research report about the global monoclonal antibody therapy market that estimates boost for this market at 10.5% CAGR (Compound Average Growth Rate) between 2016 and 2022. In terms of market value, the worth of global monoclonal antibody therapy market has been estimated to be the US $ 140 bn by the end of the forecast period. To Get Sample Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2089 Analyzing the market structure, this report offers insights about factors affecting the market growth. Estimating the market size and forecasting the revenue, this reports covers and observes the competitive developments of market players that include mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, new product developments, research and developments (R&D), and strategic alliances. The major factors strengthening the growth of the global monoclonal antibody therapy market are rising health awareness, an unhealthy lifestyle lowering the immunity of consumers and increasing spending on healthcare. Key Players for Global Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Market Market Research Future (MRFR) recognizes the following companies as the key players in Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Market: There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe. The key players in the global monoclonal antibody therapy market include AbbVie Inc. (USA), Amgen Inc. (USA), Bayer AG (Germany), Biogen Inc. (USA), Bristol Myers Squibb Company (USA), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), GenScript (USA), GlaxoSmithKline PLC (UK), Johnson & Johnson (UK), Merck KGaA (Germany), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Pfizer Inc. (USA), Sanofi (France), and Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC (USA). Segments for Global Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Market The global monoclonal antibody therapy market has been segmented on the basis of application, end user, source, and lastly, region. The application-based segmentation segments this market into analytical & chemical uses, autoimmune diseases, cancer treatment, diagnostic test, hematological disorders, and others. Based on the end user, the market has been segmented into clinics, hospitals, research laboratories, and others. Regarding source, the market has been segmented into chimeric, human, humanized, recombinant, and other. Regional Analysis for Global Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Market The regional segmentation of the global blood glucose test strip market segments the global market into regional markets known as The Americas (North America & South America), Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is the largest regional market. In this region, the market is growing due to the presence of major manufacturers, technological advancement, and heavy research and development (R&D) with regards to the medical sector. The topmost country-specific markets in this region are USA and Canada. Many key market players are based in this region, especially in the USA. In South America, the market is smaller than North America as this region has less advanced medical facilities. The two strongest economies that can become suitable markets are Argentina and Brazil. Europe is the second largest regional market, and it is expected to grow during the forecast period. The factors backing the growth of this market include a high density of population, established healthcare sector, high level of technological advancement that is second only to North America, and presence of many key market players. The main country-specific markets in this region are the strongest economies known as France, Germany, and the UK, followed by the remaining countries of Europe. To Get an Exclusive Discount on Report Visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/2089 The Asia Pacific is another significant market as healthcare sector is developing in countries like China and India. Advanced medical facilities and rapid technological advancement are available in Japan. The rural market in countries like China and India is still untapped which due to the high density of population can be a lucrative market once tapped into. Many key market players are based in this region too. During the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is likely to emerge as the fastest growing regional market. The MEA region has the least market share due to poor countries, lack of awareness, lack of education, low standard of medical facilities, lack of healthcare facilities, and majority governments not considering healthcare a priority. Some Brief Table of Contents of Report Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope Of The Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.2 Restrains 4.3 Opportunities 4.4 Challenges 4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis 5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers TOC Continued Do You Have Specific Requirement? Ask To Our Experts https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2089 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Harvard international relations scholar Stephen Walt notes that the European Union has three times the population of Russia and eight times the gross domestic product. Russias long-term prospects are gloomy as its population shrinks and ages and as oil and gas become less and less important in the global economy, he wrote in Foreign Policy. Russia can cause trouble of various kinds in nearby areas, but there is no chance that it could expand significantly (or effectively rule any territories it seized). Market Drivers Dermal fillers or injectable are used in different areas of the face and have varying functionalities. The global dermal fillers market appears to be thriving and is likely to expand at a CAGR of 12.5% over the forecast period of 2017-2023, asserts market Research Future (MRFR) in an extensive study. The global dermal fillers market was valued at over USD 4,450 Mn in 2016 and is expected to catapult to USD 10,008.4 Mn by the end of 2023. To Get Sample Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3893 Facial aesthetics has gained prominence across the globe, especially in the emerging economies of China, South Korea, India, Brazil, and Japan where they are available at a relatively lesser price as compared to the US and in Europe. Growing disposable income in such countries coupled with developments in the healthcare sector and growing awareness regarding the same. The growth of the Global Dermal Fillers Market can also be attributed to the improving clinical outcomes. The dermal fillers market is evolving continually, and advancement in injection techniques, devices, and the inclusion of new materials have reflected positively on the growth of the market. Growing cosmetic tourism is likely to influence the growth of the global dermal fillers market. Consumers are traveling to places which offer sophisticated cosmetic procedures at legitimate prices which induce high demand for dermal fillers. However, augmenting requirement for dermal fillers has also given rise to a black market. A growing number of unlicensed practitioners result in a number of faulty surgical procedures which not only evoke hesitance among consumers but also restrain the growth of the market over the forecast period. Key Players: Dr. Korman Laboratories, ALLERGAN, Teoxane Laboratories, GALDERMA, Merz Pharma, Integra Lifesciences, and Sinclair Pharma are the eminent players in the global dermal fillers market. The highly competitive market of dermal fillers appears to be diversified with the presence of a large number of players having a global presence. These players are adopting strategic initiatives such as expansion, and product Launch to gain the competitive edge and are tapping the growing markets for expansions. Leverage to the rising cases of side effects or resistance, players are focusing on innovative products and procedures that would have minimal adverse effects. Also, growth opportunities in the market are encouraging these players to target emerging applications. Industry Updates In December 2018, Silk Inc. announced the development of a sustainable dermal filler. The companys new activated silk technology is made from silkworm cocoons and is meant to be a more biocompatible and eco-friendly as compared to traditional or alternative acid fillers. October 03, 2018 Allergan, Inc. (Ireland), a leading global leader in developing, manufacturing and commercializing branded pharmaceuticals, devices, biologics, surgical and regenerative medicine products launched a new advertising campaign for its product JUVEDERM which is a dermal filler collection. Segments: The Global Dermal Fillers Market has been segmented based on type, and application. By type, the global dermal fillers market has been segmented into Botulinum toxin, Hyaluronic acid, Polymers & particles, and others. By application, the global dermal fillers market has been segmented into Facial line correction treatment, Face-lift, Lip treatments, and others. Regional Analysis: Geographically, the global dermal fillers market has been segmented into the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). The Americas accounts for the largest share of 39.3% of the global market, led by the US and Mexico. Both these countries are popular destinations for cosmetic tourism. The rapidly aging population in the region coupled with the presence of advanced technologies and skilled cosmetic surgeons drive the market in the Americas. The Americas dermal fillers market is likely to reach USD 3769.6 Mn by the end of 2023. To Browse Complete Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/dermal-fillers-market-3893 The Europe market is driven by similar factors as the Americas and is the second largest market for dermal fillers. Advanced healthcare sector and affordability will help the market achieve a CAGR of 12.9% over the forecast period. APAC is poised to exhibit the fastest CAGR of 13.1% over the forecast period. Massive demand has been witnessed in the emerging economies of the region such as China, South Korea, India, and others. South Korea, in particular, is a significant market for dermal fillers. The country offers sophisticated cosmetic services at an affordable price which makes it a prime destination for cosmetic tourism. Some Brief Table of Contents of Report Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope Of The Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.2 Restrains 4.3 Opportunities 4.4 Challenges 4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis 5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers TOC Continued To Get an Exclusive Discount on Report Visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/3893 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com The rising awareness about oral health and advancements introduced in the dental implants industry has fueled the expansion of the dental implants market. Market Research Future (MRFR) has unfolded in its latest report that the global dental implants market will reach a valuation of USD 5,944.5 Mn growing moderately at 4.6% CAGR. To Get Sample Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2753 One of the key factors driving growth in the dental implants market is the exponentially rising geriatric population. The elderly population of the world is rising exponentially which has paved the way for an accelerated demand for dental implants. Furthermore, the increasing awareness about oral health and the availability of implants as a solution for maintaining dental hygiene is projected to propel the market growth globally. The increasing count of patients suffering from oral cancer has escalated the demand for dental implants as a rehabilitation measure. Another factor responsible for the escalation of revenue generated from the market is the developments ushered in cosmetic dentistry treatment market. However, long-term complications, pricing policies, post-surgery infections, etc. are some of the major restraints holding the growth of the market. Key Players: Market Research Future (MRFR) recognizes the following companies as the key players in Dental Implants Market: There are plenty of large and small market players which operate in this market all over the globe. The key players profiled by MRFR in its latest report for a deeper insight into the market forecast include Institut Straumann AG (Switzerland), Osstem Implant (South Korea), Dentsply Sirona (US), CAMLOG Biotechnologies AG (Switzerland), 3M (US), Nobel Biocare (Part of Danaher Corporation)(US), Zimmer Biomet (US), and, Neobiotech USA. Inc. (US) among others. The growth strategies employed by the prominent players for catalyzing their revenue generation include competitive pricing, adoption of latest technology, post-surgical care, etc. Industry Developments: BIOLASE Inc., which is a company that develops, manufactures, markets, and sells laser systems in dentistry and medicine has BIOLASE User Community Initiative for promoting the use of laser in dental practices such as implants. Segments: By procedures, the Global Dental Implants Market has been segmented into comprises root-form dental implants, plate-form dental implants, and others. By types of materials, the global market for dental implants is segmented into zirconium implant, titanium implant, and, others. The titanium implant segment will dominate a significant share of the market due to its characteristics such as biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion, strength, durability, etc. By end-users, the dental implants market has been segmented into dental hospitals & clinics market, dental research laboratories, and, others. Regional Analysis: By region, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and, Rest of the World (RoW). North America market will generate the highest share of market revenue owing to the advancements witnessed in the oral healthcare industry. The region will captivate 37.6% of the market size across the projection period. Growing awareness about aesthetics is the primary driver of the market in this region. Furthermore, increasing count of facial injuries will catalyze the market expansion in the region. Europe market will proliferate at a steady pace throughout the assessment period owing to factors such as increasing count of elderly people, rising incidences of oral diseases, etc. Moreover, the growth strategies employed by the top-notch players will intensify the competition in the market leading to an escalated rate of market growth in the region. To Browse Complete Report visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/dental-implants-market-2753 Asia Pacific market holds potential for growth and will expand at the highest CAGR of 7.2% over the next couple of years. The established healthcare sector in emerging economies such as India and China will complement the growth of the market in the region. Japan will play an important role in the growth of Asia Pacific market due to booming healthcare sector coupled with increasing healthcare expenditure. The Middle East & Africa market will grow but at a slow pace due to minimum market penetration, sub-standard healthcare sector, poor economic conditions, etc. Some Brief Table of Contents of Report Chapter 1. Report Prologue Chapter 2. Market Introduction 2.1 Definition 2.2 Scope Of The Study 2.2.1 Research Objective 2.2.2 Assumptions 2.2.3 Limitations Chapter 3. Research Methodology 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Primary Research 3.3 Secondary Research 3.4 Market Size Estimation Chapter 4. Market Dynamics 4.1 Drivers 4.2 Restrains 4.3 Opportunities 4.4 Challenges 4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators 4.6 Technology Trends & Assessment Chapter 5. Market Factor Analysis 5.1 Porters Five Forces Analysis 5.1.1 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers TOC Continued To Get an Exclusive Discount on Report Visit https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/2753 About Market Research Future: At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services. Contact Us: Market Research Future Hadapsar, Pune 411028 Maharashtra, India Phone: +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Major Vincent August Knapp age 48 of Canton, GA passed away at his home June 3, 2021. The family will receive friends at Darby Funeral Home on Monday, June 21st from 3-8pm. The funeral will be on Tuesday, June 22nd at 11am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church with Lt. Colonel David B In its ongoing battle with the city of Sandy Springs, the Mary Hall Freedom House has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, Mayor Rusty Pa A Sandy Springs resident who took the city to court over the rezoning of his property and won, as a result, has more flexibility to redevelop Get Cobb County news and local guidance about the coronavirus outbreak. Sign up for our Email News Alerts. LONDON (AP) British lawmakers on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union, plunging the Brexit process into chaos. The 432-202 vote in the House of Commons was widely expected but still devastating for May, whose fragile leadership is now under siege. Lawmakers finally got their chance to say yes or no to May's deal after more than two years of political upheaval and said no. It was the biggest defeat for a government in the House of Commons in more than a century. The vote means further turmoil for British politics only 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the EU on March 29. It is not clear if it will push the government toward an abrupt "no-deal" break with the EU, nudge it toward a softer departure, trigger a new election or pave the way for a second referendum that could reverse Britain's decision to leave. May, who leads a fragile Conservative minority government, has made delivering Brexit her main task since taking office in 2016 after the country's decision to leave the EU. Heard an update about the Stacy Hill Road water project, which is about three weeks from completion. The contractor for the job was able to add a bit more to the project due to some cost savings. The final piece of the puzzle will be the relocation of the master meter, said Wooten. Talked about the third phase of the Catawba River greenway. This is a county project and it will be located along the river off Old Greenlee Road. Contracts have been approved with Baker Grading for this third phase and the goal is to start construction by the end of this month. The money for the project will come from a combination of local and state funds. Wooten said a new committee comprised of county officials, city of Marion officials and the McDowell Trails Association members will focus on local trails and greenways. With national parks in the spotlight during the partial government shutdown, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway is seeing an increase in individuals looking for ways to help. FRIENDS is the volunteer, hands-on partner group to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Currently, the group is asking volunteers to wait until the shutdown is over to begin working on the Blue Ridge Parkway to ensure safety. While we wait, we are building our forces, said Ross Akin, FRIENDS Asheville chapter chair. We welcome all volunteers as we build our resources. Once the park is ready, well be there to help. Once the shutdown is over there will be many ways for volunteers to help clean-up the Parkway. The recent weather alone caused road closures due to debris and downed trees. This is in addition to year-round assistance FRIENDS offers the park to keep the Parkway clean. To support FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its mission to support the park: Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Get involved with a FRIENDS Chapter in your area. Nine volunteer chapters span the 469-mile length of the Parkway and coordinate work projects with maintenance staff in the area. As the result of a leak at the Old Fort Recreational Pool, the county water bill for the pool was revealed at $4,355.89. The board agreed to work with the county to work out the expense pending confirmation of an annual leak adjustment if one has not been used in the 12 month period. The board agreed to fix and extend a 10 inch water line located from Shanty Town Road to Pine Street and Reservoir Drive, which was previously capped off following a leak in the last few years. According to Hensley, the objective is to contract the water line to a source that will extend it from its current location to the nearest optimal fire hydrant in the event of an emergency, limiting the need and expense of using the pump house on Spring Street. With an estimated cost of $30,000 to $80,000 to fix, the board made a motion to seek bids to contract the project. In a last minute update prior to the meeting, Hensley announced that FEMA would be providing assistance to the Town of Old Fort following damage from Hurricane Florence. They didnt come through for Alberto, and were still looking at Diego; Michael was a no-show, we didnt have any damage, but this would help us out for sewer lines damaged during the hurricane, said Hensley. The board made a motion to adopt a resolution to accept FEMAs forthcoming assistance. Viola Caudill, 85, a resident of the Gowen Community passed away Thursday June 10, 2021 at home. A Graveside service will be held a 11:00 AM Monday June 14, 2021 in the Pavilion at Bache-Red Oak Cemetery. There will be a family and friends visitation on Sunday June 13, 2021 from 5:00pm to 7: Worcester police are asking for the publics help as officers continue to investigate the death of a woman whose body was discovered outside the Salvation Army store last week. A status posted on the Worcester Police Department Facebook page Tuesday evening asks any witnesses who were near the Salvation Army donation lot at 72 Cambridge St. between Sunday, Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. through Monday, Jan. 7 at 7 a.m. to contact police at 508-799-8651. A body was found outside the Salvation Army, near donation bins, around 9:45 a.m. Jan. 7. Police have only identified the body as a woman and have not released the womans name or age. On Wednesday, a Worcester police spokesman said the woman has not been identified at the request of the investigators. Preliminary autopsy reports are "inconclusive as to the cause of death, police said. Investigators said they will not know more until additional tests are complete. It all started during a guys' weekend in Maine. Longtime friends and Worcester natives Michael Melkonian and Nassim Aoude were spending a summer day on the beach, drinking and playing Spikeball with friends. Someone asked for a drink from the cooler theyd brought, but the group had run out of cups. A solution to the dilemma was then made - just pour alcohol into a freeze pop. "We all had our epiphany moment and said, 'This would be a cool thing,'" Melkonian said. From there, an idea was born combine alcohol and fruit juice to create boozy freeze pops for adults. Just over a year later, Melkonian and Aoude launched PunchPops. The Worcester-based company began distributing the ice pops in Florida this fall, and plans to expand to Massachusetts in the spring. Essentially, we were going to be ready for a launch late fall, so instead of launching up here, which didnt make sense, the Florida market at least has some heat. If people are going down there on vacation, they want something fun to bring to the beach, so we decided to launch in Florida, Aoude said. PunchPops, which currently come in a lemon flavor, are sold in 28 Total Wine & More locations throughout the state. Melkonian and Aoude said they're preparing for a much larger launch in Massachusetts. "It's very exciting right now, just the pace at which things are moving at the amount of attention we're getting from retailers, consumers and distributors," Aoude said. They plan to add more flavors to the lineup and expand into additional states after the Massachusetts launch. When they first came up with the idea, Melkonian and Aoude had to make sure the concept was physically possible, as alcohol freezes at a much lower temperature than water. Once they figured out it could be done, the two St. Peter-Marian graduates began ordering supplies online and experimenting with different recipes. They settled on an orange wine, which they said has less of a harsh flavor and allows them to distribute more easily than the laws around hard liquor would. "There's a small taste to it, but each of these is roughly half a drink," Aoude said. Each pop contains 88 calories and comes in at 7.5 percent alcohol by volume. Packages of 12 currently retail for $19.99 at Total Wine & More in Florida. In the coming months, customers will be able to order them online and have the pops delivered straight to their door. While doing research, Melkonian and Aoude discovered that there were a few other similar products on the market, but werent impressed by what they found. "We weren't satisfied with their take on what a product like this could be. We thought we could do a better job, and we wanted to have our shot at it," Aoude said. "Something like this has been so much easier to launch because there's no good product like this that has a foothold in the market." Aoude, who went to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, already had experience running a startup before starting PunchPops. He left school to start Alpinax, an aerial drone company that collects data for architects and engineers. Melkonian, who graduated from Northeastern University, worked in the finance industry before leaving his job at Fidelity to work at PunchPops full-time. Both owners are 25 years old. They hope to distribute the products, which are packaged in Missouri, to restaurants and bars on the shore and in the Boston area especially those with rooftops and patios. "Picture getting a bucket of pops instead of a bucket of Corona," Aoude said. PunchPops doesnt have a firm launch date set for Massachusetts yet, but the owners said people can expect to see the products hit store shelves sometime this spring. That announcement, along with any new flavors, will be posted on the brands Facebook and Instagram. We cannot wait, Melkonian said. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called on President Donald Trump Wednesday to push back the date of his upcoming State of the Union address until after the federal government shutdown has ended or to deliver the joint congressional speech in writing. The California Democratic leader, who has repeatedly blamed Trump for the partial shutdown, sent a letter to the president asking that the Jan. 29 address be rescheduled or presented as a document as the U.S. Secret Service and other agencies responsible for coordinating, planning and overseeing security for the event have gone unfunded for 26 days. Given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on Jan. 29, she wrote. Pelosi added that since the start of modern budgeting in Fiscal Year 1977, a State of the Union address has never been delivered during a government shutdown. U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, joined the speaker in urging Trump to delay the joint congressional address until after the shutdown. We know the state of our union. Its shut down because the (Senate Republicans and Trump) shamefully continue to play games with the health and safety of the American people, he tweeted. No State of the Union until the Trump shutdown ends. I agree with @SpeakerPelosi. We know the state of our union. It's shut down because the @SenateGOP & @realDonaldTrump shamefully continue to play games w/ the health & safety of the American people. No #StateOfTheUnion until the #TrumpShutdown ends. https://t.co/lp79F47Jwp Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) January 16, 2019 The government shutdown -- which has become the longest in U.S. history -- began in late December when funding ran out for nine Cabinet-level departments and various agencies after Congress and the White House failed to reach an agreement on border security spending. Trump has pledged to oppose any spending bill that does not include $5 billion for his proposed border wall. Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, who briefly met with the president last week to negotiate an end to the shutdown, meanwhile, have rejected the presidents push to build a wall along the United States' southern border with Mexico. The White House meeting came one day after Trump took his case for a U.S.-Mexico border wall directly to the American people in a prime time Oval Office address. Pelosi and Schumer, in turn, delivered their own televised remarks to urge the president to approve federal spending legislation that would reopen the government while Congress debates border security. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren will again make her pitch to New Hampshire voters Friday as the Massachusetts Democrat mulls a 2020 presidential run. Warren, who met with Granite State residents last weekend, will hold an organizing event at The Common Man, located at 16 Mill Rd. in Claremont, N.H., her exploratory committee announced Wednesday. Doors for the 6:30 p.m. event will open at 5:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public, but tickets can be reserved on the Democrats website. The stop in Claremont -- which borders Vermont, the home state of 2016 Democratic presidential hopeful and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders -- will mark Warrens third in New Hampshire in just one week. The senator offered a preview of the themes that will likely dominate her 2020 campaign during a Saturday afternoon organizing event at Manchester Community College. Hours later, she attended a private house party in Concord. The Friday organizing event will allow Warren to test her message in a part of the early presidential primary state that heavily favored Sanders, a progressive leader and potential 2020 contender, in 2016. Warren will return to New Hampshire next month to deliver keynote remarks at the New Hampshire Democratic Partys 60th annual McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner. HOLYOKE -- The City Council on Tuesday approved a zoning change for a property near Whiting Farms Road, the proposed site of a 100-unit apartment complex. Developer Tom Adamczyk asked the city to change the zone for the parcel at 15 Holy Family Road from residential to multifamily, which allows the project to move forward. Adamczyk estimated the project would cost $10 million. The developer plans to build 76 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom market-rate apartments. The development includes several green spaces and a playground. The Ordinance Committee recommended the zone change. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield currently owns the land, which is located near the Maurice A. Donahue School and Mount St. Vincent Care Center. During a Dec. 11 public hearing, Ron Levesque, of R. Levesque Associates, said the developer would provide data from traffic studies to concerned parties, including the Sisters of Providence, the owner and operator of Mount St. Vincent. Ward 5 Councilor Linda Vacon, the Ordinance Committee chairwoman, said the zone change application was "straightforward." The Planning Board held a separate hearing, and also recommended the change. The proposal must undergo an extensive site plan review. Ward 3 Councilor David K. Bartley, who supports the plan, said the abutters had reasonable concerns. He said the parcel is overgrown with weeds and secondary growth. "That parcel is yet another eyesore brought to us by the Diocese of Springfield," he said, continuing his longstanding feud with the diocese, particularly over the demolition of Mater Dolorosa Church. Councilor-at-large Rebecca Lisi said the new zone configuration fits in with nearby neighborhoods. Councilor-at-large Joseph McGiverin said the apartment complex fits with the city's drive for economic growth, especially housing. McGiverin had concerns about the increased traffic on Holy Family and Lower Westfield roads. "It's a win for the City of Holyoke," he said. Councilor-at-large Peter Tallman concurred with McGiverin. "We certainly need the tax dollars," Tallman said. The council approved the zone change 12-0. Ward 4 Councilor Jossie Valentin was not present for the meeting. Newly appointed Ward 2 Councilor Terence Murphy, filling the seat left vacant by Nelson Roman's resignation in December to take a job in Chicago, took his seat for Tuesday's meeting. Depending on how you look at this art, youll either see Tom Brady or Bill Belichick. Whats crazier is that the whole thing was made from LEGOs. Artist Rob Surette teamed up with kids at the Captain Samuel Brown Elementary School in Peabody for a week-long LEGO workshop. Surette travels to different schools in the area to show off work and inspire kids. Hes been to more than 4,000 schools to show off his art. Occasionally, like with Captain Samuel Brown Elementary School, hell be asked to do an artist-in-residency, where hell workshop with kids over several days to tackle a special project. Surette said that the project depends on the location. For Massachusetts, he knew that something involving the New England Patriots would be a big hit and began planning. It took about 150 hours to prepare the plans. The kids were given easier sections to build, while Surette tackled more difficult aspects, including the faces. To achieve the dual-portrait, slanted LEGO pieces were used. When the workshop with the students was finished, Surette worked for an additional 150 hours with assistants to put finishing touches on the work. Its so easy to make a mistake when youre counting all the rows, he said, noting that the difficult work can be set back hours based on one mistake. Sometimes the LEGOs just dont reflect the proper skin tone either. Surette tried to get the Bradys proper skin color, but was having a tough time, so he ultimately created a mixture of several spray paints to touch it up. Surette said the work is difficult, but he enjoys the magic he can bring to schools. People are like, Oh my god its so tedious and Im like, Wait until you see the finished result, he said. Surette noted that he doesnt make much money in the school visits, if any, but loves doing it for the kids. He said the workshops are always a success and the kids are always energetic, but well-behaved. As for future work, Surette will continue traveling to schools to show off art, which he hopes inspires some kids to go after their dreams. Hes also been hired by DC Comics recently to create art for the comic giant. To see more of Surettes work, check out his website. SPRINGFIELD Springfield police announced the arrest of a city man in the Nov. 3 fatal shooting of Jesus Flores on Waltham Avenue. Luis Gomez, 28, of 744 State St., was arrested on Monday in New Britain, Connecticut, on a fugitive from justice warrant. He waived extradition and was brought back to Springfield by city detectives on Wednesday afternoon. He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Springfield District Court. Flores was shot in the abdomen. He died 10 days later, Nov. 13, at Baystate Medical Center. At the time of the shooting, he was apparently working as a doorman at an illegal club that had been operating in an industrial space at 42 Waltham Ave. The club has since been shut down by the city. An investigation by homicide detectives led by Capt. Trent Duda identified Gomez as a suspect. Springfield police obtained a warrant for his arrest on Dec. 21. Gomez is charged with murder, carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, a firearm violation with three prior arrests for violent or drug crimes, and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building. SPRINGFIELD - A 22-year-old city man was arrested on unlawful weapons charges Tuesday in the South End after he was found with a weapon that police say may be linked to gun fire earlier in the McKnight neighborhood. Police arrested Quamel Batchelor on Marble Street at around 6:30 p.m. after he was found in possession of a loaded gun, said police spokesman Ryan Walsh. Officers spotted him in a car that matched the description of a vehicle reported leaving the scene of a gun call earlier on Sherman Street in McKnight. No one was hit in the gunfire, but police found an apartment building in the area of 200 Bay Street that had been damaged by gunfire, Walsh said. Officers reported Batchelor appeared fidgety and kept reaching for his waistband as they talked to him. When he was asked to step out of the car, he attempted to run away but was quickly apprehended. Officers found a loaded handgun in his waistband, Walsh said. He was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and carrying a loaded firearm without a license. Police have not determined if the round that struck the apartment was fired from the gun found on Batchelor, Walsh said. Batchelor is awaiting trial in Berkshire County following an arrest in Pittsfield in January 2018 for weapon and drug possession. He and two other men were arrested following a traffic stop in which police found some heroin and a .45 caliber handgun. By Colin A. Young / STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JAN. 16, 2019....Gov. Charlie Baker has tapped North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor, with whom he has worked in the past, to serve as the states top fiscal watchdog, an announcement that came just after the Boston Globe reported that Comptroller Thomas Shack plans to step down. Maylor, who has also served in senior town government positions in Winthrop, Chelsea and Baker's hometown of Swampscott, will take over as state comptroller effective Feb. 18, the governor's office announced. "Andrews extensive experience in the public sector overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, managing operations and establishing capital improvement and financial plans make him extremely well qualified to serve as Comptroller," Baker said. "I am confident that Andrew will bring the level of transparency, integrity and accountability necessary for this job." The comptroller serves as the independent and apolitical state financial watchdog and is appointed by the governor to serve "coterminous with and independent of" the governor. During his tenure, Shack introduced CTHRU, a heavily used website that breaks down state government spending and payroll information. Shack has also clashed with Baker's administration recently, including a turf battle over who gets to design and implement computer systems that touch all state agencies, affect all state employees and can access sensitive information. During a public meeting in October, Shack suggested the Baker administration was subjecting the apolitical and independent comptrollers office to a political arm of government and was withholding funds for computer software and security upgrades. Shack served as deputy comptroller and chief financial and operations officer in the comptroller's office before Baker appointed him to succeed Martin Benison as comptroller. Before joining state government in 2012, Shack worked eight years as chief operations and financial officer and senior assistant district attorney in the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office. Baker's office did not say what Shack's next move would be and the comptroller's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Maylor began his career working at Putnam Investments in 1985 and entered public service in 1993 when he took a job with the town of Winthrop. In 1996, he became auditor of Chelsea and a year later was named the city's chief financial officer. In 2000, Maylor was named deputy city manager in Chelsea and worked in tandem with Jay Ash, the former secretary of housing and economic development who was serving as Chelsea city manager. Maylor was appointed town administrator of Swampscott, Baker's hometown, in October 2002. Baker told Wicked Local Beverly in 2015 that he served on the town committee that recommended Maylor to the Board of Selectmen. Baker later served on the Board of Selectmen in Swampscott while Maylor served as administrator. In 2011, Maylor was tapped to serve as town manager in North Andover. He and Baker have recently spent a lot of time together working on issues related to the September natural gas explosions and fires in North Andover, Andover and Lawrence. I am looking forward to using the skills I have developed during the past twenty-five years in municipal government in my new role as the Comptroller of the Commonwealth, Maylor said. I am excited about the opportunity to work with state agencies and constitutional officers to ensure accountability and increase transparency. AGAWAM - Two armed men broke into a home, tied up a resident in front of his 9-year-old son and stole money Tuesday. The suspects, described as two Hispanic males, fled following the home invasion that occurred at about 5:30 p.m., sparking an ongoing search for them, Sgt. Anthony Grasso said. The father was with his 9-year-old when the suspects broke into his Silver Street house. They threatened the father with a gun and used duct tape to tie him up, Grasso said. No one was injured in the crime. The amount of money stolen was not released, he said. The Massachusetts State Police Crime Scene unit is assisting in the investigation. A Longmeadow Police K9 officer also responded and tried to track the suspects with a trained dog, Grasso said. Anyone who has any information about the home invasion or was in the Silver Street area around the time of the crime and saw anything suspicious is asked to call Agawam Police at 413-786-4767, he said. SPRINGFIELD A New York businesswoman who is seeking to open a downtown marijuana retail store and her consultants said Tuesday that the location offers an upscale, secure boutique environment with a focus on security and benefits for the community. Just four members of the public attended the community outreach meeting, held at the 15 Hampden St. location. They heard details about the proposed shop including the business' plans for security, product monitoring and ways they expect the shop would bring tax revenues, added foot traffic and spin-off business. Laura Amato, of Nyack, New York, who is proposing the retail store, said she is "very excited to have this opportunity to be part of Springfield," and to contribute to the city financially. She said she has strong experience and "passion" in the retail sector. I love this site, Amato said. Im in love with New England. I have traveled through here many times. I feel very connected, and as soon as I walked into this location, I really felt a great connection. I think its really wonderful. If successful, she anticipates moving to Springfield, she said. Ezra Parzybok, a cannabis consultant for Amato and her company, Hennepx LLC, said Amato is among just a few woman-owned companies seeking to open a retail shop in Springfield. The shop would have stringent security, would not create any nuisances, traffic or parking issues, he and other company representatives said. There is a nearby parking lot as well as on-street parking, officials said. The shop is in the Patton Building that also includes the dental offices of Dr. Richard Elfman, who owns the building. Parzybok, of Greenglove Consulting LLC, of Northampton, said he expects customers of Amatos shop would also visit other downtown shops and restaurants. A representative of American Alarm and Communications, hired for security, said the security will meet stringent local and state requirements including video cameras in all areas, a burglar system, panic alarms and other measures. As required, any customers must have their identification checked at the entrance, and no loitering is allowed inside or outside, officials said. There are also strict guidelines prohibiting nuisances from noise, lighting or odor, officials said. The business will need a license from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission and a permit from the city. The City Council is permitting up to 15 retail marijuana stores in Springfield that must locate only in business or industrial zones. The shops are limited to 58 designated streets within those zones. The proposed store is one of eight that has been publicly revealed in Springfield in recent months including two other sites downtown at the former Hampden Bank headquarters at 1665 Main St., and at the Biergarten building at 1600 Main St., both about a block away from Amatos Hampden Street location. Springfield - The Department of Elder Affairs and the Council on aging announce the launching of mat yoga classes at the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center, 1476 Rossevelt Ave. Classes will begin on Monday, Jan. 28 at 9:30 a.m. The one hour sessions are free to anyone 55 years of age and older. Classes will be held every Monday for eight weeks. Yoga is a total mind-body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses with deep breathing, meditation and relaxation. Classes are great for both men and women. Consider giving yoga a try. Its fun and its free. Yoga mats will be available if needed, however we encourage you to bring your own personal mat. If you need any additional information, or would like to register, call 413-787-6785. SPRINGFIELD MassHousing, the states quasi-public housing finance agency, will provide $50 million in affordable financing to the owners of the long-troubled Chestnut Park Apartments in Springfield, part of an agreement that will raise $87 million to refinance the purchase and renovation of the complex. MassHousing approved the deal in December. Related Companies that month shifted ownership of Chestnut Towers between business entities it controls with the on-paper selling price of $12 million. Related Companies has said it plans a variety of improvements to the 43-year-old complex including kitchens, bathrooms, elevators and an amenity package with a lounge, fitness center, work space with computer stations so folks can apply for work, and a centralized laundry. The owner plans to replace heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and windows as well as make improvements to the outside of the building. Related spokeswoman Jessica Scaperotti said she had few details to share Wednesday. Plans are currently being finalized to extensively renovate the buildings, residences and amenities, she said. MassHousing spokesman Thomas Farmer said Related expects the work to cost $50 million. Construction has not yet begun. Opened in 1976 as high-rise luxury living for Springfield, the Chestnut Park complex has long suffered from neglect and disrepair. Related, which owns affordable housing complexes all over the country, took over management at Chestnut Park, also known as Chestnut Tower, in 2017. It has had an ownership stake in the complex since 1996, but was not managing it. Wednesday, MassHousing said in a news release that Related will create 77 workforce housing units that will be affordable to moderate-income households. The financing doesnt all come from one source within MassHousing. According to the news release, MassHousing will provide $45 million in tax-exempt financing through the agencys Conduit Loan Program in partnership with Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo will act as the projects commercial construction and permanent lender. The $45 million is for construction and bridge financing. Bridge financing is up-front money to get the project going until Related gets the tax credit money. It is paid back to MassHousing fairly quickly, Farmer said. There will be $42.4 million in financing generated by federal and state low-income housing tax credits from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, Farmer said In addition to the MassHousing and tax credit financing, the Chestnut Park transaction is benefiting from $2 million in direct support from the Department of Housing and Community Development, $500,000 from the city of Springfield, a $2.8 million deferred developer fee and $2 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which MassHousing manages on behalf of DHCD. MassHousing is additionally providing $5 million in workforce housing financing through the agencys $100 million Workforce Housing Initiative. The total development and transaction cost for the project is about $87 million including the $45 million in bridge funding. Related Companies is reinvigorating the Chestnut Park Apartments, bringing substantial capital improvements, greater income diversity, and strong property management practices, said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. MassHousing is proud to partner with Related and the City of Springfield on this important project. It will strengthen Springfields downtown, and the families who call this apartment community home. Of the 489 apartments at Chestnut Park, 412 will remain affordable to households earning at or below 60 percent of the area median income, or AMI, with 241 of those units receiving additional support from a project-based Section 8 rental assistance contract, according to the news release. The remaining 77 units will be workforce housing units, affordable to households earning at or below 85 percent of AMI. The area median income for Springfield is $73,900 for a family of four. The Chestnut Park Apartments includes a 33-story tower with a connected four-level parking garage, an 18-story building, a nine-story building and a five-story building with a connected two-level parking garage. The property also includes 19,000 square feet of commercial space. The city now has a police substation in Chestnut Park on the Dwight Street side. Chestnut Park has 207 one-bedroom apartments, 264 two-bedroom apartments, and 18 three-bedroom apartments. The modernization project will bring 25 units up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards for mobility-impaired households and outfit 10 units for hearing-impaired households. This will be the largest MassHousing-financed project in Springfield, Farmer said. In 2004, MassHousing made two loans totaling $40.5 million for the Pynchon Terrace and Edgewater Apartments, two developments consisting of 616 units in Springfields North End. Mayor Marty Walsh criticized the federal government and boasted Bostons progress declaring the state of the city is strong in his fifth State of the City address at Symphony Hall Tuesday night. Walsh, a Democrat who was first elected as the mayor of Boston in 2013, highlighted the differences between what he perceives as inaction at the federal level and proactive policies in the city of Boston. What happens in Washington, we feel on the streets of Boston. But heres what matters more: What we do in Boston can change this country. Weve done it before, and well do it again, because in this time of uncertainty and division, Boston offers a way forward. We are welcoming more voices and expanding our democracy. We are committed to leaving no one behind. And we are not just surviving, we are thriving, Walsh said, according to a draft of his remarks provided to MassLive Tuesday afternoon. There is no federal housing policy, but Boston has created more affordable homes during his administration than any time on record, the mayor said. The nation has no infrastructure plan, but in Boston workers are rebuilding roads and bridges, making our streets work for bikes and buses, and opening parks and libraries all across our city. The White House turned its back on climate change, while Boston has a strategy to be carbon-free by 2050. Walsh, who was previously a state representative for Dorchester and part of Quincy, discussed his robust legislative agenda for 2019, which focuses on health care, education, housing, transportation, the environment and public safety. In Boston, we don't lead by ourselves. We lead as the capital city and economic engine of a great commonwealth, Walsh said, urging residents, activists and legislators to make their voices heard. Walsh said he and Gov. Charlie Baker are going on a road trip to Washington D.C. We have a Republican-led Senate and a Democratic House. So well go to Washington with a united front and call for the investments in housing, transit, and the environment that our future depends on. Instead of building a wall, lets show them how to build bridges, Walsh said. The mayor laid out a plan focused on specific goals for his sixth year in office. The city will launch a Mobile Economic Development Center to provide job training and business workshops in every neighborhood. He said hell create 1,000 new homeowners in the next five years by building affordable housing and giving out more money. In 2019 the city will launch Bostons Age Strong Commission, formerly named the Elderly Commission, to help serve seniors and draw on their tremendous strength. Walsh doubled down on his ambitious goal of ending chronic homelessness -- on the rise in the state according to recent analysis. In the last five years Walsh said the city has housed more than 1,600 people experiencing homelessness. Through the Bostons Way Home Fund, launched in 2018, the city has raised more than $5 million for supportive housing, the mayor said. Walsh also highlighted the work of the Boston police department which he said has committed to lifting people up, not locking people up. Officers have taken more than 4,100 guns off the street since he became mayor, Walsh said. I know for some, the pain remains real even one life lost is too many. So our path forward must be to build even more trust with the community, even more opportunity for our young people, and even stronger partnerships in our neighborhoods, Walsh said. The city is in the midst of a larger cultural shift that began with dialogues on race, Walsh said. The city created an Office of Diversity and is diversifying our EMS team," reviving the citys Boston Police Cadet program, and proposing a first-ever Fire Cadet program, following reports of sexism and harassment within the ranks. To the people of Boston: thank you for the privilege of serving you these past five years. I love my job," Walsh said. Every day, I get to go out into the neighborhoods to talk, listen, and work with the people of Boston. And every day, Bostonians walk through the doors of City Hall and share their hopes and dreams with me. They remind me how grateful I am to live my dream and walk through those doors as the son of immigrants. When Jose Bou was serving a 12-year sentence for trafficking cocaine at MCI-Norfolk, few things gave him hope. Bou, now 43, had been caught up in the criminal justice system since his first arrest at 16. Stints in and out of prison seemed inevitable, he told reporters during a teleconference about the federal ban on Pell Grants for prisoners on Tuesday. A joint study by the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality and the Vera Institute of Justice released Wednesday showed the possible economic benefits of lifting the ban on Pell Grants for the incarcerated. The study was funded by the Vera Institute of Justice. Researchers held up Bou as an example of the positive influence education can have on prisoners. As I was getting educated something happened, he said. I wanted to be part of something bigger. By the time I started my second semester I was done doing time. Bous classes, attended by 12 men in the prison, showed him a way toward reinvention, and the possibility that he could return to the community he hurt as a positive force, he said. When Bou was released in 2011 he had earned a degree in English from Boston University and returned to his hometown of Holyoke to teach criminal justice at the community college. Now he works as the equity, family, and community partnerships manager for Holyoke Public Schools. Bou is something of a phenomena for researchers who are pushing to end a federal ban on the use of Pell Grants, the leading source of financial aid for low income students, for people in prison. In Massachusetts 1,522 people, or roughly 16 percent of the state prison population, would be eligible for Pell Grants, if not for the ban, the research shows. Massachusetts is taking steps to educate its inmates, and to promote more success stories like Bou. A $250,000 grant, from the Vera Institute of Justice and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation - presented to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in September is funding this effort. The money established a consortium that will support access to postsecondary education for prisoners statewide. During the tough on crime era in the mid 1990s, lawmakers banned the use of Pell Grants for the incarcerated, making public funding for people pursuing an education in prison nearly impossible, according to the study released Wednesday. That public policy mistake continues to leave hundreds of thousands of people released from prison annually without a postsecondary degree or certificate at a profound disadvantage, researchers wrote in the report. Most people in prison, 64 percent nationally, have earned a high school diploma or GED and are eligible for post secondary education, the report finds. But the latest data from 2014 shows just 9 percent of incarcerated people receive a certificate from a college or trade school while in prison. People who emerge ill-prepared to compete for a job often get stuck in a cycle of poverty and reinvolvement in the criminal justice system. The corrosive effects are more than individual: They extend into the larger economy, reducing the size of local skilled labor pools and swelling fiscal burdens for states correctional, public safety, and social welfare systems, according to the report. Researchers present this study as a way to disrupt mass incarceration and lower recidivism rates across the United States. Researchers say they are intentionally releasing the data on the heels of a the passage of the First Step Act in December. This law, according to CNN, turns federal prisons toward rehabilitation, tackles some harsh sentencing policies, and gives new protection to women and children in the federal prison system. The United States criminal justice system is not working, and is rooted in a long history of racism, Nick Turner, the president of the Vera Institute of Justice, said. But the First Step Act makes positive strides. Bipartisan effort on this topic, Turner said, seems possible. Arthur Rizer, the justice and civil liberties policy director at the R Street Institute, called the idea transformative. Education is transformative. We know thats true thats why we send our kids to college, he said. [Educating inmates] gives a glimpse of a world of opportunity. Many people incarcerated have no hope. Rizer said the ability to access Pell Grants and fund their education is a way to inmates an ounce of hope." Gov. Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh are going to Washington D.C. In his State of the City address Tuesday night, Walsh teased the road trip during which he and Baker will serve as an example of bipartisanship on issues of transportation, housing, and the environment, Walsh said. We have a Republican-led Senate and a Democratic House. So well go to Washington with a united front and call for the investments in housing, transit, and the environment that our future depends on. Instead of building a wall, lets show them how to build bridges, Walsh said in the speech. David Delmar of Resilient Coders, a nonprofit focused on workforce development, says he admires the relationship between Baker and Walsh and is excited to see what the duo can accomplish in Washington. We have capacity in Boston - in cities and states - to solve these big issues and Im really encouraged by the pragmatic bipartisan relationship between the governor and the mayor, he said. Walsh was critical of the federal government in his address - drawing contrasts between what he says is inaction in Washington D.C. and proactive policies in Boston. Delmar said he was floored, but encouraged by the tough rhetoric. I am so happy to hear the mayor come down with a lament of national character out of Washington, Delmar said. He had a clear stance with regard to our values as a city in broader national issues which I think the mayor deserves a lot of credit for. Jesse Mermell, the president of the Alliance for Business Leadership, was also encouraged but more skeptical. While I was pleased that the Mayor plans to be aggressive with the federal government about supporting the citys transportation infrastructure, our needs are too acute and the federal government is currently too unreliable to put all of our eggs in this basket, she said. The future of our city and regions economy depends on our ability to truly tackle issues of transportation, and Id caution against counting on the federal government to come to our rescue. Speaking to reporters after his address, Walsh said he thinks he and the governor can make real headway for the states housing and transportation issues if they combine forces. He has a great relationship with so many in Congress and the Senate. I have relationships in both bodies as well, Walsh told reporters. I think going down there and focusing on a few issues, not 100, but two or three issues could help. Walsh added: Maybe they can learn from us. The Fall River district fire chief was arrested on charges of drunken driving after he led Massachusetts State Police troopers on a chase Friday night, authorities said. State police received a report for a red pickup truck driving with three flat tires at 12:44 a.m. Friday, David Procopio, a spokesman for state police said. A trooper from the Dartmouth Barracks found a 2013 Honda Ridgeline driving erratically on Interstate 195 southbound near Faunce Corner Road. The trooper tried to stop the truck but the driver - later identified as Ambrose Smith, of Dartmouth - refused to stop, Procopio said. Smith led the trooper on a low-speed chase for more than a mile -- down Faunce Corner Road, across Route 6, through a cemetery, on to Old Westport Road and finally back across Route 6 and Faunce Corner Road, Procopio said. Dartmouth police helped the trooper and brought Smith to a stop near the Dartmouth Mall. When police were removing Smith from the truck, it rolled over the side of a troopers foot, Procopio said. The trooper declined medical attention. In a police report, the trooper said Smiths eyes were glassy and bloodshot and the car smelled heavily of alcohol, WPRI reports. The report, obtained through a court filing, noted Smith was incomprehensible when the trooper asked him questions. The only thing Smith reportedly said was, Im the district fire chief in Fall River, according to WPRI. Smith was taken back to the Dartmouth barracks and charged with operating under the influence of liquor, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, among other charges. Smith, 54, has worked for the Fall River Fire Department since 1998 Fall River Fire Department Chief John Lynch told WPRI. He is taking personal time off while the investigation proceeds. Lynch told the television station that Smith has not been suspended or placed on administrative leave. This things taken me by surprise because its totally out of character for him, Lynch told WPRI. Lynch did not immediately respond to MassLives request for comment on Wednesday. The 29-year-old Fall River man who turned himself in to authorities Monday on charges connected to the Saturday night homicide of Joseph Reading is now being charged with manslaughter. Adam James Conners, of Fall River, was arraigned on an assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing substantial injury charge Monday after he turned himself in to police. Conners is expected to return to court Friday for a dangerousness hearing during which he will likely be arraigned on the manslaughter charge, according to Bristol District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn. At about 11:35 p.m. Saturday police were called to Church and Hall Streets for reports of a car crash. When officers arrived, they found Reading, 39, in the drivers seat of a vehicle bleeding and unresponsive, according to Quinns office. Reading had multiple stab wounds, according to police. A police investigation shows the victim attended a gathering at 160 Hall Street in Fall River where he was injured in a fight. Reading was taken to St. Annes Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Massachusetts State Police and Fall River police continue to investigate the death. The only impact the shutdown has had on the Storehouse thus far is its noticeable that people in the community and clients are worrying that they will lose the SNAP benefits they rely on, he said. We anticipate, if word isn't spread about the protections in place for that, more people will seek food through other means, like the Storehouse, to ensure they have food to feed their families. He added that Community Storehouse is ready to assist any furloughed government worker struggling to pay necessary bills or buy food. We offer groceries -- meats, deli, produce, canned and boxed goods and water -- which, for a furloughed worker, could mean utilizing their money for electricity and heat rather than a trip to the grocery store, Adkins said. Tracy Hinchcliff, executive director of the nonprofit assistance group Grace Network of Martinsville-Henry County, said she is taking a wait-and-see attitude to in regards to whether the shutdown will affect her agency. Right now, we are not seeing any increases but that may change depending how long the shutdown lasts, she said. But we are here either way and are here to help in any way that we can as we move forward for those in need. The center is looking for each veterans DD Form 214, which are military discharge papers, to see if it shows the Southwest Asia Service Medal, said Fran Snead of the historical center. People may submit the verification for themselves or for family members. The deadline will be 5 p.m. July 31. One example of the problem being faced is that one name - Curtis L. Whitlow Jr. - is listed twice, and they dont know if by chance that refers to two different men, or is just one person. In fact, there isnt any documentation that those names are of actual veterans of the Persian Gulf War. So, the names that cannot be verified will have be removed from the plaque, said Snead. Conversely, any Persian Gulf War veteran whose name is not on the plaque and they know of a few already will have his or her name added to it. Kipfinger has been getting estimates on what it would cost to restore the memorial to like-new condition, plus put a protective layer of Plexiglas over the brass name plaques and seal it to be weather-tight. So far they are looking at about $1,500, he said, but they still are accepting estimates for the work. If youre gonna go with ice cubes, make em big. Like, Rubicks cube big. This is one of the takeaways I gleaned after interviewing three people you might call ice cube experts, or bartenders. 12 PHOTOS click for more Recently I spoke with three New York bartenders and learned everything from how to make a quick but impressive cocktail to whether or not theres a best way to get a bartenders attention on a busy Saturday night. Below, their answers to rapid-fire questions culled from some people who have been known to drink on occasion: the Man Repeller editorial team. Bottoms up! Sarah, Tending Bar All Over Bushwick & Ridgewood Sarah Yordkum, 28, works at Bootleg Bar, Old Stanleys, Marcos and Aunt Ginnys. Theyve been bartending for eight years. What is your favorite ice cube shape and why? Big cubes because I like to take my time sipping a good tequila on the rocks. Is there a good way to get a bartenders attention when the bar is crowded? Unless you want to tell us the bathroom is out of toilet paper, or theres broken glass somewhere, no. We all have a system of how we serve people on a busy night. If you wave in my face or yell at me, you mess up my system and will wait longer. How has bartending changed your style? I wear a lot more loose-fitting clothes and sneakers that are good for standing around for hours. Are you flirting with me? If Im asking you to take a shot with me yes. Do you judge patrons based on what they order? Asking for a mojito, Long Island Iced Tea or any type of frozen drink (if its not advertised) in a dive bar makes me think you just turned 21. ID please! Do people actually say bartenders choice? I do get that once in a while. Its annoying but I will usually make something really fruity that I wouldnt ever drink. Weirdest interaction youve had behind the bar? Once, a very intoxicated girl kept trying to get my attention by badly dancing in her seat. Kind of hard to describe how she was dancing, but she was basically wiggling in her seat and locking her eyes onto me. It was so uncomfortable. The bar was busy but when I got to her, she leaned over and said Hey! Youre really pretty! In that moment I smelled death: Her hair caught on fire from one of the candles on the bar! I yelled, Girl! Youre hairs on fire!!! and immediately gave her a wet towel. I didnt serve her anything and said she should probably go home. Whats your drink order? Espolon on the rocks. Have you ever witnessed a memorably incredible or terrible date or pickup attempt? Do tell. A woman was on a date with a guy who ordered for her. He was being the worst by waving his hands at me to get my attention. It was clear that she wasnt having a good time and even flirted with me when he would go to the bathroom. After he closed out and stepped away for a minute, she re-adjusted his crappy tip to 50%, gave me her number and left the bar before he came back. Im now good friends with her. Best day on the job so far? Whenever cute puppies come into the bar is the best day. Best story youve heard behind the bar? I serve a lot of people who are also in the service industry. A girl told me once she served a table of six and their bill came out to around $500. One guy paid the tab for everyone and the change left over was 12 cents. 12 cents as a tip?! She ran after him and threw the change back at his face and went back inside. All of his friends realized he didnt tip and went in and tipped her properly. Share a party trick: Whats the easiest way to make the most impressive looking drink? Shaking and straining any liquor into a chilled coupe glass with a lemon twist. Shannon, Tending Bar at Gladys & Nationwide What is your favorite ice cube shape and why? A big cube. Necessary to enjoy a perfectly diluted spirit or spirit-forward drink. Is there a good way to get a bartenders attention when the bar is crowded? Eye contact and a nod. Please dont wave I saw you when you came in and am glad you came! To that end, trust that you are not being ignored. I may have my hands full but am carving out a few moments during which I can give you my undivided attention. How has bartending changed your style? I went to art school and used to wear some loud, bright, all-over-pattern type stuff. These days I go for a more subdued, focused look; Im into uniform dressing. Lots of monochrome white, navy, gray or black. The guest is the focus; Im here to facilitate a good time rather than draw attention to myself. For an extra bit of flash, I like to up the accessory game a watch that has a bright wristband, nice bar tools which bring a little drama to the show of making a drink. I like to look understated behind the bar and to wear items that can withstand the occasional spill. Are you flirting with me? YES. Everyone likes a compliment every now and again. That said I have never hit on nor pursued a guest. I dont mix work and personal stuff. Do you judge patrons based on what they order? NOPE. Maybe how they order: waving, throwing money on the bar, etc, but not what. Vodka soda? Ill stir it up and garnish it real nice. Martini when Im 10 customers deep? Ill make sure its the silkiest one you ever had. Soda water? Good on you for staying hydrated. If you like it, I LOVE it. Do people actually say bartenders choice? Bartenders choice is the BEST I live for it, hence my preference for working at smaller bars. I regard the cocktail menu as a last resort. Its personal, its a sign of some kind of rapport and an opportunity to win trust and make an impression to go above and beyond. Its never the same; everyone is different and I tailor the drink to the customers taste, the hour, and the occasion. Starting with a few questions Refreshing and light or spirituous? Favorite liquor? Last drink you enjoyed? is how I get a read on where to go. From there, I typically use a classic as a point of departure a margarita, daiquiri, negroni and add a little twist. In a best-case scenario, its easy enough to make at home but memorable enough to make it worthwhile for both parties. Do you actually give out life advice, as the stereotype goes? I try not to. If I do, its usually along the lines of: Do you need to do something about it right away? or Will you be happy with this choice in five, ten, or 15 years? I prefer to offer a different perspective rather than a prescription, and let the guest take it from there. Whats your drink order? A classic Havana-style daiquiri rum, sugar and lime, shaken and served up. Do you have a good sense of when someone comes to the bar to meet someone else romantically versus not? There are a few signs: excessive watch or phone checking, looking over the shoulder, fidgeting with hair or jewelry, declining to order until the other person arrives. Im right about 90% of the time. Best day on the job so far? So many. The first Women Who Tiki pop-up last spring at Memes Diner is up there I worked with four of my favorite ladies in rum and behind the bar (Dani de Luna, Paz Maella, Teylor Smirl and Chelsea Barrett) and served a room full of smiling faces old and new. It was so inspirational and sweet the best kind of fun. Share a party trick: Whats the easiest way to make the most impressive looking drink? Flaming garnish. A flamed orange peel, or edible gold flakes or glitters. Things come and go but the human fascination with and appetite for a little flash shows no sign of falling out of fashion. Madison, Tending at Robert Bar What is your favorite ice cube shape and why? A classic clear big rock. There is some level of work to get it completely clear with no white or gray, and sipping on whatever it is inside always makes me feel elegant. Is there a good way to get a bartenders attention when the bar is crowded? Im going to go ahead and call it the look. I swear if I lock eyes with you and we exchange (either you, or I, or both of us) a nod, a smile or a wink Ive clocked you and will get to you as soon as I can. How has bartending changed your style? Well, for one its afforded me the opportunity to buy things I like and admire. In another way: Ive gotten exposure to a wide range of people and its easy to start conversations about items I like the bonus there being I might pick up a suggestion for a new stop on my shopping trips. Are you flirting with me? Yup. Do you judge patrons based on what they order? Sometimes. Mostly Id say the judgment comes when you order a classic cocktail, and tell me you want it served the way its traditionally prepared. Do people actually say bartenders choice? I do get that every once and awhile. I only feel pressure about this when Im slammed and dont have time to garner all the information I need to make a properly tailored cocktail. I really dont want to make someone something they dont like, so I start out with a few questions: Whats your go-to spirit? Would you like something citrusy or something more spirit-forward? That way, the chances are much greater that Ill make you something that youll like and neither one of us will be displeased with the results! Do you actually give out life advice, as the stereotype goes? I try to steer away from actually doling out anything too intense. Truly, just listening to other peoples stories and about their days gives me a great deal of empathy, and being able to empathize with someone and support them is usually the most helpful. Have you ever received great advice from a drunk person? Someone once told me to just keep putting my shoes on. Im not 100% certain of what they meant, but Ive come to think of it as just keep going. Whats your drink order? At the moment: an Averna on the rocks with a side of seltzer. What makes a good regular? Someone who is patient (bartending can be tedious and busy at times), who asks you how you are and ideally knows your name. Bonus points if they bring food, especially for those that work in a bar without any! Can you tell when someone is there for a date versus not? Sometimes. Most of the time theyll walk through the doors and be on the lookout. If the date cant be found they take a seat, and (if they even bother to take their coats off) immediately take out their phone. Have you ever witnessed a memorably incredible or terrible date? Do tell. No one memorable thing, but its always really lovely to see two people that are truly engaged with each other. It somehow manages to make me both really happy and super jealous! Best day on the job so far? Any day it turns into a dance party. I love when everyone in the entire space is having a good time its a really beautiful thing to help create. Share a party trick: Whats the easiest way to make the most impressive looking drink? Lighting stuff on fire. Photos by Bridget Badore. Motorists travelling along M-59 in Sterling Heights can't help but notice the 35-foot-tall Golden Corridor ring icon that was constructed in t Sheriff: Pontiac woman hospitalized after being grabbed from the street, dragged into bushes and assaulted by ex-con Ensure you get a print copy of the Loudoun Times-Mirror delivered weekly to your home or business! Complete online access is included with all print subscriptions purchased online. Plus, up to four other members of your household can share online access through this subscription with their own, individual linked accounts at no additional charge. (Are you a current advertiser? Ask your sales rep for our special advertiser rate code!) When asked about urbanism in Beirut, Hashim Sarkis is not a fatalist. I still believe that things can be changed. These are not insurmountable problems, and much bigger cities with more acute versions of our problems have already come up with solutions and they work, the architect explains. Many investors bet on the real estate sector in Beirut, according to Sarkis, because they believed that the return on their investments would be much higher than in any other sector of the economy. The returns on real estate investment have been such that you can overbuild, make quick returns by selling a small amount of your property and wait on the rest until you get good value. If you go around the city at night and count the number of unoccupied, dark apartments, you will be shocked, Sarkis says. Once we re-adjust our economic beliefs and investments to support a more diverse economy (agro-industry, digital, creative, etc.), then we can begin to solve the citys urbanism more effectively. Many cities around the world that have overbuilt have tried to encourage investors to take their monies elsewhere and taxed empty property. Beiruts disorderly, even chaotic, urban landscape cant be solely blamed on architects and promoters, who are often accused of not respecting construction rules. Our building regulations are not attentive to topography in a city whose identity is deeply linked to its geography. Our building regulations do not value street alignments and encourage chaotic enclosure of balconies. They do not take into consideration pedestrian needs either and create a horrible skyline, Sarkis argues. In short, the city was built with no respect of urban planning rules, and it led to what we have today. Beirut needs to dramatically improve its building regulations, like so many cities with difficult topographies have done, such as Quito, Valparaiso, Hong Kong and San Francisco, he adds. The Municipality of Beirut is responsible It goes without saying that Beiruts infrastructure is not able to absorb the number of people living in it and the number of cars circulating in it, Sarkis continues. This, again, is not unique to Beirut. Many cities where the public sector is poor suffer from this problem and at much bigger scales. However, Beiruts municipality is quite rich, and it must take on the role of improving its infrastructure. Any urban economist will show you that if a city spends money on infrastructure, including social infrastructure, it only gets richer. For traffic solutions, Beirut does not need to spend more money on highways. It can spend it on improving the highways signage, drainage, and the smart technologies that help mitigate traffic. There are metrics out there that show that if you add a line of buses you are able to save on road maintenance Bogota and Medellin are excellent examples. More importantly, there is the question of social infrastructure: parks, libraries, schools and hospitals. These, again, are assets that cities around the world have used not just to improve on the social life and welfare of the citizens, but also on the citys economies. Public good and wealth are not incompatible, he continues. The process of urban development in Beirut has led to the destruction of architectural heritage. It is a pity. A pity after a pity, Sarkis laments. Not only because we are destroying our heritage for no real benefit, including economic benefit, but because we are losing economically by doing that as well. There is proof, from around the world (New York, Muscat, Amman, Lisbon, the list is endless) that historic preservation and adaptive reuse will bring economic benefits to the developers and the city more than the destruction. History is wealth, cultural and economic wealth combined. There is evidence, especially in Beirut, Byblos, Sidon and Tripoli, that this is the case. The 2020 Biennale Sarkis has been the dean of the prestigious School of Architecture and Urbanism of MIT since 2015, and was just appointed curator of the 2020 Venice Architecture Biennale. He is the first Lebanese, and Middle Easterner, chosen to lead the event, which will take place from May 23 to Nov. 29, 2020. While achieving international recognition, Sarkis has remained connected to peoples daily concerns. He is "particularly attentive to critical themes induced by the contrasting realities of contemporary society," says Paolo Baratta, chairman of the Venice Biennale's Board of Directors. The architect and urban planner is no stranger to the Biennale. He participated in the event in 2016 as a member of the jury. Two years earlier, he participated with a US based project, and in 2010, with Albania. In 2020, he will be in charge of the design, organization, selection of the projects and theme of the exhibition, which will be revealed in due time, he says slyly. MIT: a laboratory of ideas A native of Moukhtara, Sarkis founded Hashim Sarkis Studios (HSS) and was the Aga Khan Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urbanism at Harvard University for 12 years. Since 2015, he has been working full-time as the dean of the School of Architecture and Urbanism at MIT. The schools programs blend the boundaries between disciplines. "It includes different departments to stimulate innovation and make significant progress, helping to create a better world, Sarkis says. In addition to the Department of Architecture and Urban Studies and Planning, MIT has established a multimedia lab, Center for Real Estate, Arts, Culture and Technology and the Norman B. Leventhal Center for Advanced Urban Planning. Sarkis speaks passionately about all these projects. The school will soon move to a 20,000-square-meter former factory. The building was remodeled by Elizabeth Diller, the only architect on Time magazines 2018 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. As co-founder of Manhattan-based Diller & Scofidio, Diller has taken on many major projects, such as rehabilitating New York's High Line, designing the Broad Museum in Los Angeles, the Boston Institute of Contemporary Art, the expansion of New Yorks Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts and the Juilliard School. Some people criticize academia as being too far removed from the real world problems people face in their daily lives. But Sarkis see the university as a laboratory. [Its] a place of exchange and debates between speakers, teachers, researchers and students from diverse backgrounds, he argues. It keeps giving me more expertise and skill. Byblos, Amchit, Barouk Despite having achieved international success, Sarkis continues to work on projects in Lebanon. HSS Studios is designing the Byblos municipalitys new headquarters. Sarkis studio won the bid following a blind competition that was open to all architects. The project design already won a prize from the Order of Lebanese Engineers and Architects. Sitting on a 7,000-square-meter lot, the building will have public space and be connected to both the Byblos old and new cities by pedestrian bridges. The Byblos municipality also commissioned HSS to develop a two kilometers pedestrian walkway linking resorts along the shoreline to archaeological sites, the port and the river. The project is unprecedented in Lebanon. "Environment-friendly and light, it will unify the seafront as well as create an indispensable social link, Sarkis says. Sarkis is also working on a housing development with five villas embedded into Amchits coastal landscape. "The site is inclined to the west, towards the Mediterranean, angled in such a way the facade is open to the view and the breeze while the other sides of the house are protected by land, he explains. Each house has a double-layered wall, and a tower provides shade while simultaneously functioning as a fireplace to release heat from the courtyard and bedrooms. This combination of the courtyard and tower produces a new typology of houses. Seawater will be reused for the air conditioning system, and the plants and trees that were selected for the landscaping require little water. The design won the Arab Architect Award for best residential project in 2018. Another ongoing project, the House of Biodiversity for the Should Biosphere Reserve, uses natural materials recovered from the forest, such as broken branches, dead leaves and stems present on the site, Sarkis says. An 80-unit fishermans housing complex in Tyre developed by HSS also won the Boston Society of Architects 2008 design award. The project was one of Sarkis major achievements. Two years later, the MoMA in New York featured it in an exhibit on the theme of "Small Scale, Big Change: New Architectures of Social Engagement". The exposed, three-dimensional, colored concrete model displayed at the MoMA allowed visitors to fully grasp the concept, the aesthetics and the objective of this social complex, which promotes low-rent housing for the local fishermen. (This article was originally published in French on the 16th of January) Tech & Science, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: January 16 2019 The T-Band is a portion of spectrum used to support critical public safety communications. Long Island, NY - January 16, 2019 - Representatives Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Eliot Engel (D, NY-16), Peter King (R, NY-2), and Al Green (D, TX-9) re-introduced the Dont Break up the T-Band Act (H.R. 491); legislation that would repeal the provision of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, which mandates the sale of the T-Band spectrum, therefore allowing law-enforcement, fire officials, and EMS to continue using the T-Band spectrum to operate their radios for day-to-day life saving operations. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is required to reallocate and auction the T-Band spectrum by 2021, which would endanger public safety communications in major metropolitan areas across the United States. The T-Band is a portion of spectrum used in 11 heavily populated metropolitan areas, including New York, covering over 90 million Americans, to support critical public safety communications (i.e. police, fire and other first responders radios) and provide regional interoperability among first responders. Public safety agencies have spent numerous years and hundreds of millions of dollars of federal, state and local funds to plan and build out these T-Band networks. The result is battle-tested public safety networks that provide resilient coverage, reliability and regional interoperability. This spectrum is essential to public safety and for many public safety entities there is nowhere else to move, so Reps. Zeldin, Engel, and King have introduced the Dont Break Up the T-Band Act to preserve the T-Band spectrum before it is reallocated for good. Congressman Zeldin (R, NY-1) said, Our first responders bravely and selflessly put their lives on the line each and every day to protect our communities, and our first priority must be ensuring they have the resources they need to safely and effectively do their jobs. From hurricanes to fires, in the most dire situations, the T-band spectrum provides critical communication between first responders. Even when cell phones, internet, and electricity cease to function, T-band is the last line of defense, and selling off this spectrum would be a disservice to our nations first responders and the millions of Americans they serve. Congressman Engel (D, NY-16) said, As Ive said before with regard to the T-Band spectrum: if it isnt broke, dont fix it. T-band has been successfully utilized by law enforcement and first-responders for quite some time. It is a reliable and resilient network, that functions in subway tunnels, underground concrete parking lots, and even deep inside large buildings where other systems routinely fail. The T-Band spectrum works and as such it must be preserved for our brave police officers, fire fighters, EMTs and other first responders. Im proud that we were able to quickly introduce this bipartisan bill early in the 116th Congress. Congressman Peter King (R, NY-2) said, This legislation allows our first responders to take advantage of emerging telecommunication technologies while still retaining their radio communications. In addition, it will remove the requirement to re-work emergency communications infrastructure which would be an overwhelming financial burden to our local governments. Congressman Al Green (R, TX-9) said, First responders and emergency personnel must be able to communicate no matter the circumstances. It is imperative that Congress support legislation that protects the lines of communication among the brave men and women who respond to national emergencies and natural disasters. Passing the Dont Break Up the T-Band Act of 2019 will help accomplish this goal. NYC Police Commissioner James P. ONeill said, The NYPD has significantly reduced crime and disorder in New York City due, in large part, to our ability to rapidly respond and effectively communicate. Our police officers depend on the well-engineered T-Band to keep all New Yorkers safe. This system enables the NYPD to efficiently answer more than nine million calls to 911 each year. This legislation is crucial in maintaining our ability to best protect all the people we serve. NYC Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro said, Since September 11th, we have systematically improved radio communications for our Firefighters and EMS personnel responding to fires and medical emergencies because those transmissions can so often mean the difference between life and death. Losing the T-Band spectrum would require billions of dollars to replace existing radios and infrastructure, devastate FDNYs operations at thousands of emergencies each day, and unnecessarily endanger the safety of every single New Yorker. Suffolk County Fire District Officers Association President Jay Egan said, The issue of the T-Band being left as is should be paramount to all and being it is directly a public safety issue, remain supported on a bipartisan bases. The fire service dedicates countless hours to protect the well being of all our residents and keeping the T-Band intact will only assist in this effort. Taxpayers everywhere are currently overburdened as it is and additional costs to meet the demands of the alternative to T-Band would be astronomical. Sports & Recreation, Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Press Releases, Politics By Long Island News & PR Published: January 16 2019 During his visit, Kanter had meetings as well with other Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle in the House and Senate. Long Island, NY - January 16, 2019 - On January 15, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1) met with Turkish native and New York Knicks Center Enes Kanter to discuss human rights violations being committed in Turkey as well as other topics. For too long the Turkish people have experienced violations of basic human rights and the disregard of essential freedoms, such as free speech and religious freedom, said Congressman Zeldin. It was heartbreaking to hear Enes story and that of so many other Turkish people who are suffering due to oppression, including widespread, wrongful imprisonment. We must do more to reject blatant human rights abuses in Turkey and stand for a truly free Turkish people. Local News, Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: January 16 2019 Individuals Trafficked Assault Weapons, Semiautomatic Pistols, Ghost Gun, and Hundreds of Rounds of Ammunition. New York, NY - January 16, 2019 - Attorney General Letitia James today announced the take-down of members of a gun trafficking operation that brought guns from Pennsylvania and illegally resold them in New York. In two separate, but related indictments in Bronx and Nassau Counties, three defendants were charged with trafficking assault weapons, semiautomatic pistols, a ghost gun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Even though New York has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation, lax gun laws in our neighboring states jeopardize our safety, said Attorney General Letitia James. Not only did these individuals illegally traffic highly dangerous firearms through the Iron Pipeline, but they did so in the presence of their children. New York has zero tolerance for activity that is both illegal and harmful and we will continue to go after any individual who tries to bring these weapons of death into our state. In a 45 count indictment unsealed on November 28, 2018, before Nassau County Court Judge Patricia Harrington, Tadarrell Jones, and Shyrein Joseph were charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, and other related charges for their participation in the illegal gun trafficking operation, as the two sold guns, including assault weapons, in New York City and Nassau County. Joseph was arraigned on January 15, 2019, before Nassau County Court Judge Robert McDonald and was remanded without bail. According to the 45 count indictment, Jones and Joseph brought guns to New York from Pennsylvania and sold them to an undercover officer on five occasions between September 27 and November 1, 2016. The investigation, led by the Attorney Generals Organize Crime Task Force (OCTF) along with the New York State Police Troop L Narcotics Enforcement Unit, resulted in the recovery of the following firearms and ammunition from Jones and Joseph: .45 Caliber Springfield Armory Pistol .44 Caliber S&W Revolver Magnum .22 LR Caliber Semiautomatic Rifle ATI 62 x .39 Caliber Semiautomatic Rifle AK 47 .223 Caliber S&W Semiautomatic Rifle .44 Caliber Ruger Magnum Revolver 744 rounds of ammunition Additionally, Jones and Joseph brought their underage children to several of the firearms transactions. As a result, each defendant has also been charged with several counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Each defendant, if convicted, each faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. In a separate and related 41 count Bronx County indictment, Reinaldo Rodriguez, a.k.a. Gringo, was charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, and other related charges. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez was purchasing guns from an unindicted co-conspirator in Pennsylvania and bringing them to Bronx County for resale. Rodriguez was arraigned on November 7, 2018 by the Honorable Harold Adler and remanded without bail. Over the course of the five months long investigation, authorities recovered the following firearms and ammunition from Rodriguez: Four 9mm Semiautomatic Pistols .22 Long Rifle Caliber Assault Weapon .25 Caliber Beretta Semiautomatic Pistol .32 Caliber Revolver .45 Auto Caliber Semiautomatic Ghost Gun 59 Rounds of Ammunition As alleged, Rodriguez focused his operation on the purchase and resale of firearms, specifically from purchasing guns from Pennsylvania and bringing to New York to resell. The investigation uncovered that once Rodriguez obtained a firearm, he would arrange to sell the firearm to one of his customers. If convicted, Rodriguez faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. The Attorney Generals investigation included the use of physical surveillance, electronic surveillance, confidential sources, and undercover operations in Bronx, Nassau, and New York Counties. During the course of the recorded transactions, each of the defendants frequently referenced their ability to purchase other guns from outside of New York. The Attorney General would like to thank the New York State Police Troop L Narcotics Enforcement Unit for their valuable participation in this investigation. The investigation was directed by OCTF Senior Investigator Garry Ferguson and Supervising Investigator Paul Grzegorski under the supervision of Downstate OCTF Deputy Chief Christopher Vasta. The Attorney Generals Investigations Bureau is led by Acting Chief Investigator John Reidy. The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General Shanon Nicholas LaCorte. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of the Organized Crime Task Force. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Jose Maldonado. A pensioner who put a bomb on a bus bound for Dublin, and made hoax bomb threats during Queen Elizabeths State visit to Ireland, claims his Irish language rights were destroyed during his trial. Donal Billings (67), whose trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court was heard in both Irish and English, is seeking to appeal his conviction through the Irish language also. It is the first case to be heard in Irish since the Court of Appeal was established in 2014, and requires the swearing in of two Irish interpreters. Billings, with an address at St Bridgets Court, Drumlish, County Longford, was found guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011. He was found guilty of making false reports on May 16 and May 18, 2011, that bombs had been placed at Busaras and Sinn Fein's headquarters in Dublin and that two mortars were set for Dublin Castle. He was also found guilty of making a false report on May 20 that two bombs had been placed in the toilets at Cork airport. Queen Elizabeth was visiting Ireland at the time. Sentencing him to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, said Billings was "perfectly entitled to hold a low opinion" of Queen Elizabeth and her visit to Ireland but was "not entitled to express such an opinion by engaging in criminality". Concurrent jail terms were imposed for the making of false reports. Counsel for Billings, Martin Giblin SC, submitted that his clients Irish language rights were decimated and destroyed during the trial process. Advancing his arguments in Irish, which were translated into English for the court, Mr Giblin said Billings wanted to be tried by three judges who had an ability in Irish as far back as 2011. The trial was in 2016. Mr Giblin said the State, including the Special Criminal Court and the DPP, had a duty to show respect to the Constitution and to personal constitutional rights. He said constitutional rights couldnt be denied by questions of procedure. Mr Giblin said the defence applied for a transcript of proceedings that recorded everything that was said in both Irish and English during the trial. A transcript was provided in the English language only, even though it was within the States abilities to provide one in Irish also, counsel submitted. He said the Explosive Substances Act 1883, under which Mr Billings was convicted, had never been translated into Irish. Mr Giblin said his clients Irish language rights were independent of his fair trial rights, a point which seems to have been misunderstood by the Special Criminal Court, he submitted. Ronan Munro SC, also for Billings, contended that the charge of possession should have been thrown out at the close of the prosecutions case. Also advancing his arguments in Irish, which were translated for the court, Mr Munro said there was insufficient evidence for the trial court to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the bomb was placed on the bus in Longford. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Garnet Orange SC, said the fairness of Mr Billings trial was not affected by the lack of an official translation of the Explosive Substance Act or the unavailability of an Irish transcript. Insofar as was possible, he said, the DPP facilitated Billings in his desire to have his defence conducted in Irish and the DPP was a stranger to any complaints raised regarding language issues during the trial. Furthermore, Mr Orange said the circumstantial evidence created a compelling case showing Billings was guilty of possession. Mr Orange said Billings had made four threatening phone calls that referenced bombs and busses. Low and behold, he said there was a bomb on a bus that very day headed for Busaras, having stopped in Longford, where Billings lived. He said Billings was found in possession of packaging for a sim card that was used to make the threatening phone calls. On the packaging, was the bus registration number and the name of the bus company in Irish. Everything pointed to (Billings) as being the person who planted the explosive device on the bus and it would have been perverse to have concluded otherwise, he submitted. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Ms Justice Marie Baker and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, said the court would reserve its judgment. During case management last year, Mr Justice Birmingham commented that he was having enough difficulty finding three judges to speak English let alone Irish, in reference to the shortage of judges the court was facing at the time. EVIDENCE The Special Criminal Court heard that a phonecall was made to Longford garda station on May 16, 2011. The caller said there was a bomb on a Dublin-bound Corduff travel passenger bus, a second bomb on a bus at Busaras and a third bomb at Sinn Fein headquarters in Dublin. The Corduff travel bus was stopped on Station Rd, Maynooth, and searched by gardai, who found a suspicious object, comprised of gunpowder and a two-litre bottle of petrol, in the luggage compartment. Mr Justice Hunt said that Billings had placed a highly dangerous explosive on a public transport vehicle containing an innocent driver and many passengers. This was an "outrageous, highly irresponsible and dangerous act", the judge said, which "recklessly exposed passengers, staff and members of the emergency services to very significant risk of serious injury or death". The bomb, the judge added, was intended to give credence to further hoax calls Billings planned to make. A further phonecall was made on May 18, threatening two mortars were set at Dublin castle for 8pm that evening. The time and place coincided with a state banquet in the castle for Queen Elizabeth. The caller said, "I'm a member of the Republican Brotherhood, Squad A. Two mortars are set for Dublin Castle at 8pm." "This is for the Queen of blood and war of Iraq." Searches were carried out but nothing was found. A third phonecall, made at 3.15pm on May 20, threatened two bombs at Cork airport. Queen Elizabeth was due to fly out that afternoon from the airport. After a search, nothing was found. The investigations led to Billings being identified as a suspect. Referring to Billings garda interviews, Mr Justice Hunt said that the "lies told by the accused were rather obvious and unsophisticated". Billings has two previous convictions, from Northern Ireland in 1973, for possession of explosives. Approximately 100 people attended an anti-racism gathering in Rooskey on Sunday after a hotel earmarked for asylum seekers fell victim to a suspected arson attack last Thursday evening. The rally was organised by Leitrim and Roscommon United Against Racism who condemned the attack and among the participants was a group of people from Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon, who have already welcomed Syrian refugees into their community. Emergency services were called to the scene of the fire at approximately 8pm on Thursday, January 10 last, where Gardai have said two men gained entry to the hotel through a side window and started the fire in the hotel reception. One man was working inside at the time. There was no extensive destruction caused by the fire, but there is significant smoke damage to the interior of the 39-bedroom hotel, which was to house approximately 80 asylum seekers in early 2019. There has been a huge online response to the divisive incident, which has thrown up conflicting opinions from people across the country. Also read: Rooskey hotel will be opened to asylum seekers in early January Court told Maybe they will listen to the locals now. We do not want 80 refugee families in our little village, read one comment on the Longford Leader Facebook page. Our village hasnt got enough resources for ourselves: we have no local transport; only one doctor practicing only one or two days a week; one shop. Never mind bringing 80 families that are financially strapped and that are not able to speak English or contribute to our society into the community. The comment was in response to a Longford Leader article: Suspected arson attack at Rooskey hotel 'a sad day for Ireland of a thousand welcomes'. More despicable behaviour being commended as heroics by a worrying number of people. Arson is not a legitimate means of making a point, said another commenter under the same Facebook post. Anyone playing the 'look after our own' first card: ask yourselves, how would the locals feel about 80 homeless people being taken off the streets in Dublin and stuck in a hotel in Rooskey? Is that what you wanted? A third commenter agreed that Rooskey was too small to cater for 80 refugees, but condemned the acts of destruction that were resorted to in the village last week. Also read: Emergency services attend scene of fire at Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey Rooskey was not the place for these people but setting fire to a hotel was not the answer. These people need to be sent to a place which can cope with them. Lest we forget how we as a nation left these shores in huge numbers to seek a better life elsewhere? We all have family or friends who went to the UK or further afield to make a better life for themselves. Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Cllr Sean Mc Gowan has issued an appeal to the public to help Gardai with their investigation into last week's incident. I wish to express my deep concern and unhappiness at the arson attack that occurred at the former Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey last Thursday night, he said. I absolutely condemn this type of behaviour and appeal to members of the public to assist the Gardai in any way possible in their investigations of this matter. The community in and around Rooskey who are decent law-abiding people, are horrified and shocked by these events and would in no way support such actions. Also read: Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan: 'Too early to say when Rooskey hotel might be ready to accept residents' I wish to express my deep concern and unhappiness at the arson attack that occurred at the former Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey last Thursday night, he said. I absolutely condemn this type of behaviour and appeal to members of the public to assist the Gardai in any way possible in their investigations of this matter. The community in and around Rooskey who are decent law-abiding people, are horrified and shocked by these events and would in no way support such actions. I would like to pay tribute to the members of the emergency services from Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils whose swift response to the incident prevented injury to any member of the community and also prevented further significant damage to the property. It is my hope that this property can be restored to its full potential and will become a valued asset to the wider community once more, he concluded. Gardai are appealing for information about last week's incident. Anyone who can help with the investigation is asked to contact Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station on 71 9650510. Read next: Gardai appeal for witnesses in Rooskey following Shannon Key West Hotel fire An Illinois judge acquitted a man of murder Wednesday, more than two decades after jurors convicted him by relying on ballistics that proved to be wrong. Supporters of 53-year-old Patrick Pursley clapped in a Winnebago County courtroom when Judge Joseph McGraw issued his ruling, saying prosecutors had scant evidence to prove Pursley's guilt in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Andy Ascher during a robbery in Rockford, Illinois in 1993. The ruling caps a decades-long journey Pursley undertook to prove his innocence after spending 23 years in prison. He represented himself from prison for years and lobbied Illinois lawmakers to pass a law allowing the ballistics in his case to be retested using technology not available when he was convicted. The Integrated Ballistic Identification System, or IBIS, uses much higher-resolution and multi-dimensional images for ballistics analysis and ultimately matches shell casings to guns. "Basically the whole experience was numbing," Pursley said after the verdict. "I was confident. All the signs were there that the judge would see the evidence for what it was. I'm just grateful that he did." So far, IBIS has been primarily used by law enforcement nationwide to catch and convict criminals, not to prove their innocence. That's because Illinois remains the only state in the country that allows defendants in post-conviction appeals to use the system to retest ballistics. Without the technology, matching bullets to firearms requires an expert to manually compare shell casings from a crime scene to shell casings test-fired from a gun using microscopes that, at the time of Pursley's first trial, weren't as strong as those available now. The processes for ballistics analysis used then were thought to be infallible but have since come under greater scientific scrutiny. When the evidence in Pursley's case was retested with IBIS, it showed that the scratches and dents on bullets and shell casings from the crime scene didn't match the gun that prosecutors presented at trial as the murder weapon. In March 2017, McGraw ordered Pursley retried on a first-degree murder charge and allowed him to go free on bail. Pursley opted to have McGraw decide his fate at his new trial instead of a jury. "In this case, the court found that the evidence presented by the State at the retrial did not rise to the level of proof beyond a reasonable doubt," Winnebago County State's Attorney Marilyn Hite Ross said in a statement. "We respect the court's decision." Prosecutors had maintained that Pursley killed Ascher while he sat in a car with his girlfriend. But the gun and shell casings were the only physical evidence prosecutors used to convict Pursley. Pursley's girlfriend at the time of the killing implicated him in the crime but later recanted, saying her testimony had been coerced by police. Prosecutors also relied on testimony from a man who received a Crime Stoppers reward for telling police that Pursley had confessed to the crime. "I really don't have anything say," said Ascher's mother, Lois Ascher, in a phone call. "But thank you anyway." The centerpiece of the prosecution's case was the conclusion from their ballistics expert who testified with absolute certainty during the 1994 trial that the bullets that killed Ascher could only have come from the gun authorities connected to Pursley. Although his confidence in the language he used then has waned, he still insisted during the latest trial that his initial findings were correct. But defense attorneys had two experts who independently concluded that the gun taken from Pursley's home and presented as evidence was not the firearm used to kill Ascher. "To get to this place it took a tremendous amount of time, work, and commitment that started with Patrick," said Andrew Vail, one of the attorneys from Chicago-based Jenner and Block, which represented Pursley for free, along with Northwestern University's Center on Wrongful Convictions. AP News Researcher Jennifer Farrar in New York contributed to this report. Lockport, NY (14094) Today Sunny along with a few clouds. High around 75F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight A few clouds overnight. Low 61F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram Midland ISD Superintendent Orlando Riddick is among three new members of Chiefs for Change, a nonprofit, bipartisan network of educators from across the nation, according to a news release on the organization's website. "These chiefs reflect the regional and political diversity of our network," John White, Chiefs for Change board chair and Louisiana State Superintendent of Education, said in the release. "They lead systems that in many ways look very different in red, blue and purple states and yet they are all doing the work that can help every child succeed." LONDON - Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence motion in the House of Commons on Wednesday evening, in a close party-line vote of 325 to 302, a day after the humiliating defeat of her Brexit plan imperiled both her leadership and Britain's departure from the European Union. Normally, a British leader who the previous day had lost a vote on her government's most important legislation by such a margin - 432 to 202, the worst parliamentary loss in a century - might be expected to resign or be swept away. But these are not normal times. Brexit is tearing British society and its political classes apart, as the sides devolve into warring tribes of Leavers and Remainers, neither with enough power to best the other. "I think it's astonishing she is carrying on as prime minister," said Jonathan Tonge, a politics professor at the University of Liverpool. "Not just because of the size of the defeat, but also because she told us that this was the 'best and only deal.' So, by definition, any course she pursues now is an inferior course." May now must return to Parliament on Monday to present lawmakers with some sort of "Plan B" for exiting the 28-member union. Yet the deep disagreements over how and if Britain should leave the European bloc persist. In Brussels, European diplomats said that the onus was on British lawmakers to come up with a proposal - any proposal - that could win a majority in Westminster, so that there could be a basis for continued talks between the sides in Brussels. European leaders expressed impatience - and growing dread - that Britain was rushing toward the Brexit cliff edge on March 29 with no safety nets in place. In brief remarks outside her official residence at 10 Downing Street, May said she understood if people outside Parliament found the previous 24 hours "unsettling." "Now MPs have made clear what they don't want, we must all work constructively together to set out what Parliament does want," she said, adding that she had invited the leaders of all parties to meet with her to try to hammer out a deal that could pass a bitterly divided House of Commons. Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, who initiated the confidence motion against the government, had so far refused her overture, May said. Labour leaders insisted May must first rule out a "no-deal" Brexit, which they say would wreak havoc on British workers. "Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward, the government must remove, clearly and once and for all, the prospect of the catastrophe of no-deal and all the chaos that would come as a result of that," Corbyn said. Leaders of the Scottish National Party have been in discussions with May this week, but said that avoiding a no-deal Brexit, extending the deadline for leaving the European Union, and consideration of a second Brexit referendum "have to be on the table" as options. May said again in Parliament on Wednesday that she would not support a second vote. Within May's Conservative Party, too, factions have put down markers. The hardline wing of Tory Brexiteers published a plan Wednesday for leaving the 28-nation trading bloc with no deal and trading with Europe as a third country. Although a third of Conservative Party members on Tuesday voted against May's withdrawal agreement negotiated with European leaders, and even though Conservatives challenged her leadership in a party-only confidence vote just last month, Conservatives supported her in the confidence vote involving the whole House of Commons on Wednesday. Tim Bale, a politics professor at Queen Mary University of London, said May is still standing, in part, because no one else in her party wants to take over at the Brexit helm. "Who else is there? Who wants to take on this role?" Bale said. "No hard Brexiteer wants to, because they know, in their heart of hearts, it can't be done and they don't want to be blamed for it. And anyone else would have to come from a soft Brexit perspective and would end up splitting the party." Besides not having an obvious leader waiting in the wings, the Tories do not want a general election against Labour. The sparring between the parties during the day-long debate over May's fate on Wednesday was punctuated by withering rhetoric and sharp thrusts. Tom Watson, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, was somber, but gripping. "432 to 202, Mr. Speaker," he began, citing the margin by which May lost vote on her Brexit plan. "That is not a mere flesh wound," Watson said. "No one doubts her determination, which is generally an admirable quality. But misapplied it can be toxic." Conservatives sought to turn the tables with a rip-roaring speech from Michael Gove, the environment secretary. Gove laid into Corbyn: "He wants to leave NATO. He wants to get rid of our nuclear deterrent. And recently in a speech he said, 'Why do countries boast about the size of their armies? That is quite wrong. Why don't we emulate Costa Rica that has no army at all?' No allies. No deterrent. No army. No way can this country ever allow that man to be our prime minister." The Conservative benches roared with delight. For his part, Corbyn said May was running a "zombie government," raising the specter of the undead prime minister repeating over and over again that "Brexit means Brexit" while devouring the brains of her party. "Brexit is like a black hole that devours all light," Labour's Angela Eagle said. Phillip Lee, a Conservative Party member who resigned as a minister because he opposed May's deal, asked the prime minister whether she accepts that she may now have to change her approach to Brexit. May did not say yes, but she did not say no. Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, told the BBC that she spoke with May after the defeat of her Brexit bill. Sturgeon said, "To be perfectly frank, I didn't glean very much - she was at pains to tell me she wanted to sit down with other parties and listen to other ideas. But I got the very strong sense she does not have a clear idea herself of what the next steps are, and it doesn't seem to me as if she is prepared to abandon or move any of her red lines to open space for new approaches to be brought forward." Sturgeon added, "It sounded like what she wanted to do was find a minor variation of her current deal - the one that was so overwhelmingly rejected last night." Cifuentes acknowledged that he first spoke with prosecutors about the bribery allegation when he began cooperating with U.S. authorities in 2016. After expressing confusion about the details, he acknowledged that he had told prosecutors that he was informed by Guzman that someone named "Comadre Maria" delivered money in Mexico City in October 2012, at a point when Pena Nieto had been elected president but before he took office. WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court on Monday set the bar on the amount of violence needed to trigger longer prison sentences for some repeat offenders. Deciphering the provisions of the Armed Career Criminal Act, a 1984 law that sets a 15-year minimum sentence for gun crimes if the defendant has three or more violent felony convictions, often divides the justices. It sometimes jumbles the court's usual voting patterns, and Tuesday's decision was a good example. Justice Stephen Breyer, one of the court's consistent liberals, joined his four most conservative colleagues in saying a Florida man with a lengthy criminal past deserved the enhanced sentence. But Chief Justice John Roberts, another of the court's conservatives, went the other way. He joined the three remaining liberal justices in dissent, agreeing that the majority opinion turned "glorified pickpockets, shoplifters and purse snatchers" into violent criminals for purposes of the act. There is no debate about the facts of the case. Denard Stokeling was arrested in connection with a Miami Beach restaurant robbery in 2015, and acknowledged to police that he had a firearm and ammunition in his backpack. After he pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, prosecutors said he should be sentenced under the ACCA. Stokeling previously had been convicted of home invasion, kidnapping and robbery. But he said the robbery conviction should not count because Florida's law did not require sufficient force to constitute a violent felony. The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that the "use of force" necessary to commit robbery in the state requires "resistance by the victim that is overcome by the physical force of the offender." The high court often struggles with reconciling a state's law with the predicates of the ACCA. But Justice Clarence Thomas, who assigned himself the opinion as the senior justice in the majority, said Florida's law was an adequate fit with the statute and the court's past decisions. "Robbery that must overpower a victim's will - even a feeble or weak-willed victim - necessarily involves a physical confrontation and struggle," Thomas wrote. "The altercation need not cause pain or injury or even be prolonged; it is the physical contest between the criminal and the victim that is itself 'capable of causing physical pain or injury.' " He was quoting a 2010 court precedent. Defining force as Stokeling suggests would mean that more than 30 state robbery laws would not qualify as ACCA predicates, Thomas wrote. Besides Breyer, he was joined by Justices Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, who was voting in the first Supreme Court case he heard upon joining the court in October. Sotomayor said the majority opinion was at odds with the very 2010 opinion Thomas quoted, which coincidentally held that Florida's law on battery did not qualify as an ACCA predicate. She wrote that a pickpocket who attempts to pull free of a victim's grasp or a thief who snatches a handbag that the victim instinctively holds onto would meet Florida's definition. Sotomayor even referenced her own recent shoulder separation. "As any first-year torts student (or person with a shoulder injury) quickly learns, even a tap on the shoulder is 'capable of causing physical pain or injury' in certain cases," she wrote. But she said the court in the 2010 case was trying to denote "a heightened degree of force." Secretary of State Michael Pompeo arrived in the Middle East a week ago on a mission to prove the Trump administration can be a reliable partner in tackling the region's thorniest problems. He returns having failed to stifle doubts that have dogged the U.S. for years. With stops in eight countries in eight days, Pompeo sought to hammer home how different President Donald Trump's approach is from that of his predecessor Barack Obama: It will focus on countering, not embracing, Iran's regime. Despite Trump's decision to withdraw troops from Syria, Pompeo said the U.S. is committed to finishing the fight there against Islamic State. The U.S., he argued, is a "force for good." But progress was slim. Missing throughout the trip was any concrete plan or vision for how to move beyond the problems that already bedevil the region -- from the 18-month diplomatic spat between the gas-rich state of Qatar and its Gulf neighbors to the investigation into the death of columnist Jamal Khashoggi, whose killing has become a hurdle for U.S.-Saudi ties. In the background was the drumbeat of the continuing federal government shutdown, new reports about the investigations into Trump and Russia, and the president's own Twitter feed. It all made for weakened leverage for America's top diplomat. "The U.S. rolls in hot without a plan or the architecture of policy planning and bureaucracy to support its aims," said Karen Young, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who focuses on the Middle East. "The underlying anxiety of dealing with the Trump administration, with its domestic upheaval, and its foreign policy towards the Middle East that changes daily, is exhausting and counterproductive to diplomacy." Like his predecessor Rex Tillerson, Pompeo wasn't immune from the Trump Twitter treatment. The president fired off a missive on Sunday that threatened economic "devastation" against NATO ally Turkey if it attacked U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters in Syria after American troops withdraw. Pompeo, who grew close to Trump when he served as CIA director, seemed uncharacteristically unprepared. Asked to explain the president's remark, Pompeo said only: "We apply sanctions in many places around the world. I assume he's speaking about those kinds of things, but you would have to ask him." On Monday, almost 24 hours after his first tweet, Trump sent a much more conciliatory message, saying he had talked with Erdogan "about economic development between the U.S. & Turkey - great potential to expand!" The original rationale for the trip had been for Pompeo to attend two strategic dialogues -- with Qatar and Kuwait -- that the State Department deems crucial for U.S. interests. He took advantage of those appointments to visit other allies such as Egypt, Iraq and the Gulf states to underscore the Trump administration's commitment to its allies. That included a keynote speech in Cairo that emphasized that Trump, who abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear accord, believes the leadership in Tehran is the primary threat to the region. Pompeo castigated the Obama administration as too timid, convinced that it was a "force for what ails the Middle East." "So today, what did we learn from all of this?" he asked. "We learned that when America retreats, chaos often follows." That message continued to be muddled over the U.S. goals in Syria, where Trump has promised to withdraw 2,000 U.S. troops but went from saying they'd be coming home "now" to insisting it would happen "slowly." Pompeo said planning was well underway for the troops to withdraw, but in a subsequent meeting with reporters, he insisted that the departure would have no major impact on the administration's ability to carry out military action in the region. Reality Gap "Their approach is rhetorical and in many ways not unlike Obama's approach -- there is a big gap between the big speeches and the policy," said Brian Katulis, a senior national security fellow at the Center for American Progress. "The message coming from the actions from this administration -- and the previous administration -- is, 'You're on your own.'" A stopover by Pompeo in Iraq was geared as much toward damage control -- healing a rift over Trump's trip to the country last month, when he didn't meet the nation's new leaders -- as it was about reinforcing the U.S. commitment to Iraq's stability. - - - Pompeo's most significant stop was Saudi Arabia, where he had rushed in October in the wake of Khashoggi's killing by Saudi officials in Istanbul. At the time, the secretary of state faced criticism back home for photographs that showed him smiling broadly in his meetings. This time, the photos that were made public showed Pompeo's expression was stern -- as were his words, even though he indicated that the U.S. isn't about to sacrifice its broader relationship with the kingdom over Khashoggi's case. "Our expectations have been clear from early on -- every single person who has responsibility for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi needs to be held accountable," Pompeo said. He didn't say how that would be possible considering that U.S. intelligence agencies believe the leader Pompeo was meeting with, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, ordered the killing or at least knew about it in advance. Pompeo's messaging in the Middle East was weakened by the reality that the administration still has no confirmed assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs or confirmed ambassadors in several of the countries where Pompeo stopped -- including Saudi Arabia. Many of the staff helping Pompeo were doing so without pay, thanks to the partial government shutdown back home. Meeting embassy workers in Doha, he was asked about when the shutdown might lift, and responded, to applause, "I hope it ends tomorrow." "As I have traveled these days with a shutdown underway, you all get that we still have a mission," Pompeo said. "It's the nature of our democracy that these things happen." NEW YORK On most days, while hiding at one of his secret compounds deep in the Sierra Madre, Joaquin Guzman Loera, the Mexican drug lord known as El Chapo, liked to rise at noon. Once awake, a secretary would bring his daily messages. After lunch if his wife was there to cook for him, often enchiladas the kingpin would grab a long-range cordless phone and stroll beneath the trees, returning his list of calls. This idyllic image of the crime lord on the run was described Monday at Guzmans drug trial in New York by Alex Cifuentes Villa, a Colombian trafficker who once served as his secretary and close personal aide. In his second day of testimony, Cifuentes led jurors not only through details of the kingpins life on the lam, but also of his own role in almost every aspect of Guzmans business: how on behalf of the defendant, he struck cocaine deals in Colombia and Panama, sold methamphetamines with the Mafia in Canada, repatriated profits through an insurance firm in Atlanta and bought grenades (and rocket-propelled launchers) from a corrupt Ecuadorean military officer. Portly, bald and a recipient of a double corneal transplant, Cifuentes was so close to the kingpin, he testified last week, that Guzman liked to call him both his right-hand and left-hand man. The two men lived together at several mountain hideouts, conducting their business and playing cat and mouse with the Mexican army, from 2007 until Cifuentes was arrested in 2013. RELATED: El Chapo Trial: Former Mexican President Pena Nieto Took $100 Million Bribe, Witness Says Though Guzman lived and worked in several different cities at the start of his career, he fled to the mountains outside Culiacan in 2002 or so after he escaped from prison (the first time) in the bottom of a laundry cart. For more than a decade, Cifuentes said, Guzman shuttled back and forth between seven different properties, all of them in a rural region called the Golden Triangle, where most of Mexicos pot and poppy plants are grown. The accommodations at the compounds were rustic, mostly composed of humble pine huts, Cifuentes said, with barracks for the drug lords 50-man security team. But behind their tinted windows, Guzmans personal houses had all of the amenities: a washer/dryer, a satellite dish and a DVD player hooked up to a plasma-screen TV. Aside from his bodyguards, Guzman was tended to in the mountains by a pair of maids and a small staff of assistants who would write down tasks in hand-held notebooks, Cifuentes said, and manage the accounts for the $200,000 the kingpin spent monthly on payroll, provisions and as petty cash. The assistants also kept track of Guzmans appointments, scheduling visits from his wife, his business partners and several of his mistresses. Cifuentes was working as one of these assistants in late 2007 when he received an unusual assignment: He was asked to help make a film about his boss. The idea, he said, had come from his own former wife, who thought it was unfair that the media was profiting from the kingpins cinematic story. The plan, Cifuentes said, was to have Guzman write a book. This literary property would then be turned into a movie, he explained, so the crime lord could make the money. Despite being short on experience, Guzman wanted to direct. The team even hired a producer from Colombia, Cifuentes said. But like so many other films, the project never quite got off the ground. Once a year, Cifuentes said, the military would head into the mountains, not in search of Guzman, but instead to conduct crop eradication operations on the regions extensive pot and poppy fields. If the deployment was small enough, Guzman would often send a team of his own people to feed the troops from an icebox, Cifuentes said. The soldiers, he recalled, had a choice. They could either eat and leave, he said, or they would have to face bullets. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan used his second inaugural address on Wednesday to decry the divisiveness of Washington politics, implicitly criticizing President Donald Trump and illustrating his own appeal to the Republican Party's Never-Trump faction. "Those of us blessed by your trust should give you a government that doesn't act as if it is something apart from you but one that is of the people, by the people, and for the people," Hogan, 62, told a crowd of well-wishers on the State House lawn. "A government that appreciates that no one of us has all the answers or all the power. A government that tolerates contrary views among a diverse citizenry without making them into enemies or doubting their patriotism." He drew a standing ovation when recalling the courage of his father, the late Lawrence Hogan Sr., who served in Congress and on the House Judiciary Committee during Watergate and was the first Republican to publicly call for President Richard M. Nixon's impeachment. "Party loyalty and personal affection and precedents of the past must fall before the arbiter of men's actions: the law itself," Hogan said. "No man, not even the president of the United States, is above the law." A former real estate developer long active in state GOP politics, Hogan beat a heavily favored Democratic opponent four years ago and has sustained record-high approval ratings as he battled cancer and jousted with Maryland's Democratic-majority legislature. He easily survived a down-ballot Democratic wave to win a second term in November. Since then, he has been courted by moderate Republicans seeking an alternative to Trump in 2020. After speaking at the Niskanen Center in December, Hogan invited several members of the right-leaning think tank to a lunch at the governor's mansion last week to discuss policy, the future of the GOP and how the governor might be able to help in the discussion. On Wednesday, Washington Post opinion columnist Jennifer Rubin floated Hogan as a potential presidential candidate in a column that posted just as he was taking his oath of office. While Hogan says he is focused on his second term, he has not ruled out a future White House bid. He has railed against the ongoing partial government shutdown, decrying the impact on Maryland's large population of government workers. In his 18-minute address Wednesday, he assigned blame for dysfunction in Washington to Democrats and Republicans, drawing sustained applause from his audience. "Neither side really wants to make progress; they just want to make demands and win arguments," Hogan said. "That's not governing - that's just political theater, and most of us are sick and tired of all that drama." In addition to his father, he invoked other political heroes: former president George H.W. Bush, who he said "showed us the true meaning of honor, integrity, courage and humility," and former U.S. senator John McCain, who broke with his party at key moments to decry partisanship or wrongdoing. "Senator McCain wasn't someone who would yield easily, but he never hesitated to reach across the aisle to get things done, and he always put his country before his party or himself," Hogan said. "As we look back on the lives of these leaders, it makes us yearn for something better and more noble than the politics of today." The speech was written with input from Mark Salter, a former speechwriter for McCain, who before his death was perhaps the most prominent and vocal GOP critic of Trump. "We didn't discuss whether he would run for president, but I'd be happy if he did," Salter said of Hogan in an interview in which he also praised Republican Govs. Charlie Barker of Massachusetts and Doug Ducey of Arizona. Conservative commentator Bill Kristol said Hogan's speech was circulated Wednesday among himself and other Republican Trump critics. "It looked impressive, and it was more forward-leading than it had to be," Kristol said. "You couldn't help but see that he wanted to send a national message and maybe show some interest in the national stage." Hogan took the oath of office in the ornate Senate chamber shortly after Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford, R, was sworn in. The governor placed his hand on the same Bible that Gov. Theodore McKeldin used for his second inauguration in 1955. They are the only two GOP governors reelected in Maryland history. At the outdoor ceremony that followed, Hogan and Rutherford reenacted their oaths before about 1,000 people, many decked out in Maryland-flag-themed beanies, scarves, neckties and ribbons pinned on their overcoats. Encouraged by her father, the governor's 6-year-old granddaughter, Daniella Velez, shyly led the Pledge of Allegiance while standing on a step stool. "It is such an honor to be standing here at this historic State House, where General George Washington resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Forces and where the Revolutionary War ended with the ratification of the Treaty of Paris," Hogan told the crowd, which included current and former elected officials, such as former governor Robert L. Ehrlich and former lieutenant governor Michael Steele, both Republicans, and Democrats Thomas "Mike" Miller Jr. of Calvert, the Senate president, House Speaker Michael Busch of Anne Arundel and former governor Parris Glendening. Hogan was introduced by former Florida governor Jeb Bush, another moderate Republican who has lamented the direction of his party. Bush described Hogan as someone who is "at the top of the list of leaders that I admire," adding that the governor "embodies the strong independent leadership America needs now." Hogan governor touted his willingness to compromise with Democrats, avoiding mention of his sometimes ugly clashes with legislative leaders over school accountability, unions, paid sick leave and other issues. "We spent the last four years working together to unshackle the unlimited potential and promise of this great state," he said. "We argued without acrimony, negotiated without hidden agendas and compromised without political posturing." Former Montgomery County executive Isiah Leggett, a Democrat who became a Hogan ally over the past four years, welcomed the inaugural guests. And Hogan continued his theme of bipartisanship at an inaugural gala Wednesday evening at MGM National Harbor in Prince George's County. He arrived with the song "Surfin' USA" blasting from the speakers, wearing sunglasses and carrying a purple surfboard, a nod to his claim to having ridden a bipartisan wave of support in the election. Flanked by Rutherford and both their families, Hogan spoke to a reported 3,000 attendees, many of them Democrats, on a stage lit by purple lights, with purple and white flowers on either side of him. "I still remember when we had our first event five years ago - I think we had like seven people," the governor said. "Man, we've come a long away." - - - The Washington Post's Rachel Chason and David Weigel contributed to this report. WASHINGTON - Supreme Court justices indicated Monday that they thought Tennessee's tough residency requirements for those who want to run liquor stores have more to do with protecting in-state economic interests than guarding against the evils of alcohol. But they also wondered how far they could go, since the Constitution gives states an especially pivotal role in regulating booze. The two-year residence requirement is being challenged by a mom and pop who moved to Memphis to own a liquor store, as well as by retail giant Total Wine, which is based in Maryland. The oral argument, coincidentally, was held on the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 18th Amendment, which banned the nationwide sale of alcohol from 1920 to 1933. The 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition, returned the power over alcohol regulation to the states. Justice Neil Gorsuch had the line of the day when he worried that the next step after getting rid of residency requirements - a majority of the states have them - would be to expand online sales of alcohol without state involvement. Isn't the next business model "to try and operate as the Amazon of liquor?" Gorsuch asked Washington lawyer Carter Phillips, who is representing Total Wine. That might be Amazon's dream, Phillips said. But Total Wine wants more brick-and-mortar operations like the one it owns in Knoxville and in 22 other states. The case requires the court to harmonize the 21st Amendment's authorization to states to regulate distribution of alcohol in its borders with the so-called Dormant Commerce Clause, which forbids states from erecting barriers to out-of-state economic interests. Tennessee's law says retail licenses may be issue only to those who have been "a bona fide resident of this state during the two-year period immediately" proceeding application. Moreover, it requires those renewing the one-year license to have been a resident for a decade. The state's attorney general has written that the law is probably unconstitutional, and the state did not enforce it for six years. But a trade group, the Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association, objected to an out-of-state application in 2016 and is defending the law in courts. It lost at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, and the Supreme Court agreed to review it. Washington lawyer Shay Dvoretzky, representing the retailers, said the 21st Amendment gave states "virtually complete control over how to structure the liquor distribution system" within their borders, and protected them from Dormant Commerce Clause claims. Several justices, most vocally Sonia Sotomayor and Samuel Alito, were skeptical. Under questioning, Dvoretzky said that neither a 10-year residency requirement nor a hypothetical requirement that an applicant's grandparents be residents would be a Dormant Commerce Clause, nor even a statute that said the restriction was for the "exclusive purpose of protecting in-state retailers." Justice Brett Kavanaugh said the text of the constitutional amendment gives the states power over the "transportation or importation" of liquor to their states. That is "most naturally read to allow states to remain dry," he said, but "not to otherwise impose discriminatory or, as Justice Alito says, protectionist regulations." Illinois Solicitor General David Franklin represented more than 30 states supporting Tennessee, and he, too, received tough questioning. Justice Elena Kagan proposed that finding that the Dormant Commerce Clause applied would still allow states to defend their laws. They could, for instance, show that "we have real health and safety concerns here, and our law is well-tailored to address those concerns," she said. Franklin resisted. That would still "embroil the courts in the kind of line drawing that the 21st Amendment was designed to relieve them of." Gorsuch told Phillips that the case would be easy, except that "alcohol has been treated differently than other commodities in our nation's experience, for better or worse." Phillips - speaking for Total Wine and Doug and Mary Ketchum, the Utah couple who moved to Memphis to buy a liquor store - said the court need not settle all questions about the states' powers to find that Tennessee's law is extreme. Kagan said it was not that easy. "We're leaving a lot of things for another day, but they all seem to be demanded by the principles that you're asking us to adopt," she said. The case is Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Assoc. v. Blair. Burke was charged Jan. 3 with attempted extortion, with authorities alleging he withheld a permit from owners of a Burger King in his Southwest Side ward while trying to get them to hire his firm for property tax work. The Tribune reported that Preckwinkle is the politician on behalf of whom federal authorities say Burke also shook down the restaurant owners for a political contribution. Five and a half years ago, gunmen stormed the Westgate mall in Nairobi, killing 67 people and prompting a days-long standoff with police. The attack rattled Kenya and the entire region, prompting a reevaluation of security in public spaces in East Africa. Then, on Tuesday, another group of gunmen stormed a popular hotel and shopping complex less than a mile from the Westgate mall, which reopened in 2015. The rampage left 14 dead, according to the official death toll released Wednesday, prompting questions about why the increased security measures implemented after the 2013 attack were not enough to prevent another massacre. Al-Shabab, a militant group based in Somalia and linked to al-Qaeda, has asserted responsibility for the Tuesday attack. In Nairobi and other major metropolitan areas in East Africa, malls, supermarkets and hotels are typically protected by gates and staffed with security guards. It is routine for cars that visit high-end complexes regularly to be checked multiple times a day; security officials often run mirrors under vehicles to check for explosives before allowing them to enter. In Nairobi, passengers headed toward Jomo Kenyatta International Airport must exit their vehicles far from the entrance and pass through metal detectors on the side of the road while their vehicles are checked separately. "You're trying to balance convenience and ease of access and not creating hardship in daily lives with protecting from an incident like this," said Omar Mahmood, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. But even with increased security, "the reality is when you have an actor as sophisticated and capable as al-Shabab that's determined to attack you, unfortunately, they're going to get past you," he said. Nairobi is a major international hub, home to many embassies, businesses and hotels. In 1998, the U.S. embassies in Nairobi and Tanzania were targeted by al-Qaeda militants. More than 200 people were killed and thousands injured, the vast majority of them in the Nairobi attack. Al-Shabab has repeatedly attacked Kenya, which deploys troops to Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping mission there. Al-Shabab militants have killed hundreds in Kenya in recent years, including at Garissa University in the northeast, where gunmen killed nearly 150 people in 2015. Mark Bellamy, the U.S. ambassador to Kenya from 2003 to 2006, told The Washington Post that although revamped security in recent years may have deterred some terrorists, it is not a surprise that "there's been another attack like this against an upscale target." "If you accept that this is a problem that Kenya is going to continue to have," Bellamy said, then authorities need to "harden those targets . . .[and] have an effective response." "It's probably not going to be possible to prevent such attacks," he added. "But it should be possible to make them less deadly." Mahmood said that Kenyan security forces have thwarted other attacks in recent years and that finding ways to prevent sporadic violence is a challenge for any country facing such threats. He said he expected increased security and vigilance in the aftermath of Tuesday's attack. One "unfortunate consequence of that could be higher walls, more sort of physical security barriers," he said. But as is the case elsewhere, he said, there will be a "natural tendency over time for that to dissipate." --- Video Embed Code Video: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced Jan. 16 the 19-hour siege on a Nairobi complex was over and that 14 people had been killed during the Jan.15 terrorist attack.(Joyce Lee,Nyasha Kadandara/The Washington Post) Embed code: BRUSSELS - European Union leaders on Wednesday called on Britain to give them a clear plan to split from Europe, amid concern that the political chaos that led to a historic defeat for British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan could lead to a chaotic, uncontrolled crash out. May had been widely expected to lose Tuesday's vote in the British Parliament on the withdrawal agreement she negotiated with the EU, but the definitive scale of her rejection - 432-202 - helped feed a sense on the continent that the March 29 Brexit deadline would need to be postponed, if just to give both sides extra time to prepare for the turbulence that would result from having no safety net of a negotiated transition plan. Even though May survived a confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday, there were few clear indications of what further plans she might propose or whether she can hold on long enough to deliver any Brexit deal. European policymakers gave little ground on their insistence that any withdrawal deal adhere broadly to the principles of the one that was incinerated in the House of Commons. They said that the onus was on British lawmakers to come up with a proposal - any proposal - that could win a majority at home, so that there could be a basis for continued talks between the sides. So far, Westminster appears unable to do so, with a clear majority only agreeing on scenarios that would be unacceptable and with no common vision for a single path forward. In Brussels, diplomats said the scale of the defeat suggested that May had fundamental political problems with the Brexit process that went beyond any individual policy inside the deal, meaning they could do little to influence the discussion from outside. The vote was a "crystal clear" rejection of the withdrawal deal, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, told the European Parliament on Wednesday, after entering the chamber to applause. "This vote is not a clear manifestation of a positive majority which would define a positive alternative to the proposal on the table today," Barnier said. "It's up to the British government to indicate how we ought to take things forward on March 29 toward an orderly withdrawal." But he said that the current agreement was the "objective" outcome based on Britain's own red lines, including a vow to uphold the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that quelled a long-running insurgency in Northern Ireland. That agreement depends on an open border between the Republic of Ireland, which is remaining in the European Union, and Northern Ireland, which would depart the European Union along with the rest of the United Kingdom. Ireland has insisted on keeping the border open, and the British government has also said that is a priority, even as lawmakers have objected to the steps to do so in the deal. Barnier said that if Britain changes its red lines - by softening its opposition to remaining permanently in the EU customs union, for example - more discussions could be possible. European leaders said they would not abandon their red lines - and their Irish allies - just to ease the life of an unruly departing member. There was more openness to the possibility of extending the March 29 deadline. "When parliament needs more time, then this is something that will have to be considered by the European Council, and personally I would see that as a reasonable request," influential German minister Peter Altmaier told the BBC. An extension would need the consent of the remaining 27 EU leaders. It would be relatively easy to offer one until July, when a new European Parliament needs to be seated, but anything longer would embed the EU in a thicket of legal issues. One analyst said that the broad-based British opposition to the deal was a sign to Brussels that it may have miscalculated which incentives would resonate in Britain during the negotiations. "It's a bit like playing strip poker with someone who's an exhibitionist," said Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, the director of the Brussels-based European Center for International Political Economy. "They don't care about economic costs. They care about sovereignty. We just assumed that they had the same interests and the same costs as we do, and they don't." French leaders, concerned about the ticking clock, appeared to be trying to light a fire under British bottoms. "It is not up to us, Europeans, to tell to the British what they should do," French Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau told France Inter, a broadcaster. "Besides hurry up." - - - The Washington Post's Quentin Aries contributed to this report. The Greater Cleveland Chamber will hold its 2019 Annual Awards Banquet on Friday Jan. 25. The theme from this years banquet will be Cleveland through the Ages and it will be held from 6-10 p.m. at the Cleveland Civic Center. The awards banquet is a celebration of Cleveland area businesses and people who have gone above and beyond for the community. Prepaid tickets are $50 and can be purchased online on the chambers website or at the chamber office. Prepaid seniors (65 and older) tickets are $45. An eight pack of prepaid tickets are $360. All tickets at the door will be $55. All prepaid tickets must be purchased by 4 p.m. on Jan. 22. Chamber membership is not required to attend the awards banquet and everyone in the community is invited. There will be a live auction and silent auction at the awards banquet. Top Hat catering will be providing dinner for the attendees. The chamber will give out awards for business of the year, volunteer of the year and citizen of the year. People have already turned in their ballots and the winners will be announced on the day of the banquet. Businesses that were nominated for business of the year are American Legion Post 393, Entergy Texas, KORG 95.1, Anderson Ford, Green Bank, Pace Stancil FH, CBS Furniture, Hart Boat/RV Storage, Sears, Emergency Hospital Systems, Heavens Arms and Texas Elite Hospice. marcus.gutierrez@chron.com High-tech screening that detects early signs of lung cancer, touted as a way to reduce the risk of death in chronic smokers, may lead to more complications and costs than previously thought, according to a Houston study. MD Anderson Cancer Center researchers are reporting that invasive diagnostic procedures, typically done after such scans show possible signs of cancer, were twice as high in community hospitals as those in screening trials done at academic centers. On average, the added costs of such complications ranged from $6,320 to $56,845 per patient. "It's very important for physicians to include information about possible adverse risks when communicating with their patients considering lung cancer screening," Ya Chen Tina Shih, a professor of health services research and a study author, said in a statement. "Our findings suggest these complications may be higher than anticipated when implementing lung cancer screening programs outside a clinical-trial setting, and the health care system needs to be ready for that potential issue." A second study, conducted by researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, found that less than 10 percent of people who underwent the screening discussed the matter with their doctor prior to the test. Shared decision-making sessions are required by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Both studies were published this week by the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. RELATED: Panel urges lung cancer screening for smokers The screening, known as low-dose computed tomography, has been recommended for long-time smokers since 2013, when the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force said its use could reduce the risk of death from the disease by 20 percent. They called for screening in people between the ages of 55 and 80 who've smoked at least 30 "pack-years," meaning, for instance, a pack a day for 30 years or two packs a day for 15 years. The screening is associated with false positives, the term for the detection of malignancies later found to be benign. Studies have found nearly one in four patients undergoing the test get a false positive, a concern because follow-up diagnostic procedures are invasive. Still, those undergoing invasive procedures for abnormal screening findings represent a small percentage of all those being screened, likely less than 5 percent. Shih said lung cancer screening appears to have benefit for those meeting the eligibility requirements, but emphasized the importance of doctors sharing the potential harms and benefits with patients. The MD Anderson study examined nationwide data on nearly 350,000 patients, ages 55 to 77, about half of whom had invasive diagnostic procedures to look for lung cancer and about half of whom did not. It found complication rates of about 23 percent; complication rates in procedures done in conjunction with screening trials at academic centers was under 10 percent. The complications ranged from minor things like allergic reactions to major events like the collapse of a lung. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women and the leading cause of cancer death. Though better detection and advances in treatment have reduced deaths, it still kills more 140,000 people in the U.S. annually. Todd Ackerman covers medicine for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at todd.ackerman@chron.com or twitter.com/ChronMed. Authorities have released the mugshots of individuals who allegedly participated in the Webb County Jail riot. Joaquin Morales, 37, was the first inmate to have been charged in the Dec. 11 riot that left two correctional officers and two inmates injured. Twenty-four more inmates are expected to face charges of arson, engaging in organized criminal activity, criminal mischief, assault on a public servant, inciting a riot and escape, according to authorities. READ ALSO: WCSO: 4 men, including 3 alleged Mexican Mafia members, arrested as part of 'Operation GOTCHA' The Sheriff's Office was not immediately available to provide an update on the incident. Mexican Mafia gang members incited the riot at around 4:40 a.m. when guards searched a cell on the suspicion that they had contraband, the Sheriff's Office said. Immediately upon entering the cell, two correctional officers were assaulted by the inmates. "Inmates started a fire using an electronic device, putting at risk the lives of the entire jail population as well as staff members," according to the Sheriff's Office. "After several minutes and several verbal warnings, the Sheriff's Office Special Operations and Response Team was activated to take control of the situation." RELATED: WCSO: Mexican Mafia failed in its attempt to send message Within three minutes of being activated, the team used a flash-bang grenade as a warning. However, inmates continued with their destructive behavior, the Sheriff's Office said. They destroyed a window, camera equipment, beds and tables. At that time, non-lethal weapons were used to take control of the situation. Property damage was estimated at $29,000, according to the Sheriff's Office. The officers who were assaulted were cleared of injuries by a Sheriff Office's medical unit. Two inmates were taken to the Laredo Medical Center with minor injuries. Laredo Morning Times reporter Maria Salas contributed to this report. Under the new law Pritzker signed Thursday, it would be illegal for retailers to sell guns without being certified by the state. To qualify, stores first must be licensed by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Then, they would have to submit a copy of that license to the Illinois State Police, along with an affidavit declaring it remains valid. Shop owners would have to install surveillance equipment, maintain an electronic inventory, establish anti-theft measures and require employees to undergo annual training. "Blackish" has never shied away from serious topics, but Tuesday night's episode about colorism marked a particularly weighty moment for the ABC sitcom. Spike Lee famously explored society's overt preference for lighter skin and the long-simmering tension it has caused among black Americans in his 1988 film, "School Daze." "A Different World," which predates "Blackish" by more than two decades, also took on the issue. But as "Blackish" executive producer Peter Saji noted in a guest column for the Hollywood Reporter, it's still a delicate topic. Saji - who wrote Tuesday's episode (titled "Black Like Us") and last season's acclaimed take on Juneteenth - said that despite having done installments about everything from police brutality to the n-word, the colorism episode is the one that "terrifies" him the most. "Colorism has been around for generations, but we're only finally addressing it in season five. This is not a coincidence. Where there is shame, there is also heightened sensitivity," he wrote. "We procrastinated in telling this story because we knew we had to get it right or, quite frankly, we would get dragged on Twitter." Saji said the "Blackish" writers room surveyed their colleagues and friends for their experiences with colorism, and those multicultural discussions convinced the staff that the show needed to confront the topic. "The more people we talked to, the more empowered we felt by our collective shame," Saji wrote. "We also found the injuries caused by colorism actually extend beyond our community, demonstrating the worth of discussing this topic out in the open." "Black Like Us" began with subtle nods to its uncomfortable subject. Kendrick Lamar's "Complexion" played as Dre (Anthony Anderson) and Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) started their day. The couple passed each other coffee and half-and-half in the kitchen, and Dre called Bow, who is biracial, his "half-Nubian queen." It was business as usual for the Johnson family until their middle son, Jack (Miles Brown), brought them his school photos. Bow and Dre were horrified to discover that Jack's twin, Diane (Marsai Martin), could barely be seen because the photographer didn't use proper lighting for her brown skin. "Oh my God, they O.J.'d my baby," Dre declared, referring to Time magazine's infamous 1994 cover featuring a darkened mug shot of O.J. Simpson. The picture debacle led to a heated family debate about colorism, but not before Dre offered viewers some historical context in a voice-over paired with animated images. "Black people come in many shades, from Mariah Carey to Wesley Snipes. Because we look different, we get discriminated against differently," he explained. "Sometimes we even discriminate against each other. It's called colorism, the racist belief that light skin is good and dark skin is bad." Dre noted that colorism exists in Asian, Indian and Latin American communities, but that it has been particularly harmful to African-Americans, who were separated by complexion during slavery leading to "deep-seated tension and resentment that continues to this day." Back in the Johnson family kitchen, Bow called the photo "thoughtless and hurtful" and suggested demanding the school retake it. Dre, on the other hand, wanted to confront the school on its "racism," requesting "free pictures for the rest of our lives" and Kanye West tickets to smooth things over. ("I really want to see him, but I will never ever give that man any more of my money!" Dre said of the increasingly controversial rapper.) Diane, meanwhile, dismissed the photo as no big deal, reasoning that everyone takes bad pictures. "I honestly think the photographer just messed up," she told her parents. But then Junior (Marcus Scribner) made an offhand reference to his family's "issues with complexion," stopping his relatives in their tracks. Bow and Junior, the lightest members of the Johnson family, called Dre and his mother, Ruby (Jenifer Lewis), out for making constant jokes at their expense, from calling them "team light skin" to proposing that they "come from Lightskinsylvania." Ruby declared that "light skins don't have problems." "Of course, fair-skinned people have problems," Bow interjected. "Yeah, but it's the same way rich people have problems," her mother-in-law told her. "Oh no, I can't fit all my money in my pocket." "Good heavens, the butler is sick, who will apply my SPF 162 to my translucent fair skin," Dre chimed in. The argument turned increasingly heated as Junior bluntly confronted his father for equating light skin with "being soft" (a larger issue that speaks to Dre's complicated view of masculinity). But tensions boiled over when Diane opened up to her family about why she didn't want to talk about the issue. "No one in this family is as dark as me," she said, before citing the many ways society has reinforced the idea that lighter skin is somehow better, from being discouraged to wear red lipstick or being told - by a black woman - that she's "so pretty for a dark-skinned girl." Bow and Ruby argued over who should comfort Diane, leading to a confrontation over Ruby's constant taunts about Bow's light skin. "You say to me that you're better than me, that you're blacker than me, oh, and I have no struggle," an exasperated Bow said before declaring her mother-in-law "a monster." "I am not a monster," Ruby hit back. "I've been called that all my life. I'm not about to sit here and let you do it." "I guess you can see why we don't talk about colorism," Dre said in a voice-over. "Because after generations of pain and hurt feelings, talking about it never goes well." But the Johnsons continued to talk about it after Ruby opened up about her painful childhood and how she and her dark-skinned father were ostracized by her mother's lighter-skinned relatives. Bow and Ruby apologized to each other, with Ruby calling her daughter-in-law an "incredible black mother." Dre also offered a heartfelt apology to Junior and concluded that the family's tough discussion was cathartic - and necessary. "Colorism is our secret shame, and the pain it causes keeps growing because we rarely talk about," he said in the episode's final voice-over. "But as I looked at my multicolored black family, I realized that because we talked about it, our wounds could finally start to heal as we learn to love ourselves out in the open. Because nothing gets better in the shadows." Airbnb hosts in the greater San Antonio region housed about 420,000 guests in 2018, according to a report released by the California-based company Thursday. Nearly two-thirds of those were in Bexar County, where hosts raked in a combined $27.6 million, or an average of $105 per guest. Gillespie and Comal counties also hosted more than 50,000 guests each. Airbnb determined the region based on media and TV markets, according to the report. Uvalde Airbnbs were the priciest a whopping $218 per guest on average. In comparison, Bandera and Medina hosts only charged $98 and $96 respectively per guest. RELATED: How a San Antonio cat was taken by an Airbnb guest and then returned to his owner Statewide, more than 30,000 Texas residents open their homes to Airbnb guests. In San Antonio, that typically equates to about $8,800 in additional income, the report said. The short-term housing rental company said its continued growth in the Alamo City accompanies gains in the San Antonio hotel industry. "This suggests that Airbnb is opening up the region to a new slice of prospective tourists by catering to travelers less able to afford hotels, those who desire to stay in neighborhoods or cities that lack hotels, and families who prefer to be together under one roof," the report said. This year's report comes just months after the City of San Antonio passed regulations regarding companies like Airbnb and HomeAway. The new legislation, pushed through in November, requires owners to register with the city and limits the density of short-term rentals that are operated remotely. Airbnb and HomeAway both supported the rules, holding them up as a possible template for other Texas cities, according to previous Express-News reporting. Click through the slideshow to see some of the most popular Airbnbs in San Antonio. S. M. Chavey is a breaking news and general assignment writer. Read her on our breaking news site, mySA.com and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | sarah.chavey@express-news.net | @smchavey Some San Franciscans could soon have one more box to check in the paperwork that piles up when theyre trying to sell their properties. In the coming months, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission hopes to get the Board of Supervisors to introduce and pass an ordinance that would require property owners to notify prospective buyers when the building for sale lies in a flood-prone part of the city. The citys Building Inspection Commission unanimously greenlighted the ordinance on Wednesday, clearing the way for supervisors to take it up. And, for the first time in city history, the areas most at-risk for flooding from excessive rainfall have been identified. Last year, the SFPUC completed a mapping project detailing roughly 2,000 parcels that are likely to experience serious flooding during a 100-year storm one that brings enough rainfall to drench more than half a city block with at least six inches of water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has mapped regions of the city likely to flood from coastal and creek flooding, but the city hasnt previously had a map showing places at-risk from rainfall. If the proposed ordinance moves ahead, property owners would use the map to determine if their parcel is in a flood-prone area, triggering a disclosure to would-be buyers. Exactly how the map might impact property values or flood insurance rates is unclear. But SFPUC officials see it as an important layer of transparency when property is changing hands. It also reflects the agencys broader efforts, including major infrastructure improvements, to make the city more resilient to the effects of climate change, which is expected to bring heavier rainstorms to San Francisco. Statistically, there is supposed to be a 1 percent chance of a 100-year storm happening in any given year. But San Francisco has experienced two such storms since 2000. Predictably, the most flood-prone areas are those in low-lying areas and those that were built on top of bodies of water, like the Islais Creek. In danger of flood? To see if your San Francisco home or business lies in a flood-prone area, insert your address in the SFPUC's interactive map at www.sfwater.org/floodmap See More Collapse Sarah Minick, a utility planning division manager with the SFPUCs wastewater division, said that the agency takes seriously the prospect that the map could impact property values. We understand it can be concerning to people. However, we feel that the public policy initiative of making people more flood-resilient is important and that, because we do have this information, to be able to provide it to the public, it seems absolutely a good-government move to do so. Real estate professionals, who are expecting the ordinance to pass, say theyve already been brokering sales with disclosures based on the flood map. Every buyer has to judge this for themselves is (the flood risk) something I want to deal with or not? said Kevin Birmingham, president of Park North Real Estate. We havent seen an effect on value, but could this report change things? It could, but theres no guarantee one way or the other. Through the SFPUCs RainReadySF initiative, the city works to inform the public about the hazards of flooding while providing incentives for preventative measures, like handing out free sandbags and grants to reimburse flood victims who want to upgrade their properties to prevent future damage. Were hoping awareness will also lead to actions that can help folks, Minick told the Building Inspection Commission on Wednesday. It can be as simple as folks saying, Now that I know (about the flood risk), Im not going to store all of this valuable electronic equipment in my garage. Last year, the SFPUC also sent letters to about 4,000 property owners informing them that their parcels were in flood-prone areas. But Riz Gache didnt need a letter to inform him that he was in a flood zone. His home, like dozens of others near the border of Mission Terrace and Glen Park, has flooded multiple times in recent years twice in one week in December 2014. The flooding ruined his basement and home office, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage. Gache successfully petitioned the city to pay for some of the damage. Dozens of others have sued. In a single case, one with more than 40 plaintiffs claiming the city should pay for the damage their property sustained from flooding, officials have authorized just over $1 million in settlements. Three plaintiffs are still waiting to settle their cases. To Gache and others, the flood map and the rest of the SFPUCs efforts to make the city more resilient to big storms is a fig leaf for the much larger and vastly more expensive infrastructure improvements they believe will prevent future flooding. Such improvements would likely cost several billion dollars. He and some of his neighbors started a website called Sandbags Not Solutions, to get the word out about their flooding problems and to call for the city to fix what they see as infrastructure deficiencies. This is not a solution, Gache said of the flood map. Its a new thing where theyre saying, Hey, weve got climate problems, were going to have more rain. Its B.S. For us, its utility repair. Thats what you needed to do. Dominic Fracassa is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dfracassa@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @dominicfracassa Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase an affordable subscription to continue accessing our content. Chinese scientists released this image of a cotton plant germinating in its tank on the moon aboard the Chang'e 4 lander. The photograph was taken Jan. 7, 2019. They were the little cotton sprouts that could: a handful of seedlings that poked themselves up from the dirt inside a small biosphere on China's lunar lander, Chang'e-4. Yes, the plants were stunted compared with the earthbound control plants. But they had just survived a space launch and difficult journey to the moon, and were growing in the low gravity and high radiation of extraterrestrial space. They were the first plants ever to grow on the lunar surface. None of the other species that made the trip with them showed any similar signs of life. Now they're dead. And it's all the moon's fault. During a news conference today (Jan. 16), project leader Liu Hanlong explained the plants' deaths in their little, faraway can, the Hong Kong publication GB Times reported. As night fell on the region of the far side of the moon where Chang'e-4 sits, temperatures plunged in the 5.7-lbs. (2.6 kilograms) mini biosphere. Hanlong reportedly said that the temperature inside the chamber had fallen to minus 62 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 52 degrees Celsius), and could continue to plunge to minus 292 degrees F (minus 180 degrees C). The experiment is effectively over, as the lander has no onboard mechanism for keeping the experiment warm without sunlight. So what, precisely, would have happened to the extraterrestrial growth as temperatures plunged? Some plants are better at dealing with cold than others, as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) explained in a post. As days shorten and temperatures drop, the plants flood their cells with sugar and other chemicals to lower the freezing point of the water inside. This process is important because it keeps intracellular water from turning to ice crystals that expand and shred cells from the inside. Other plants also toughen cell membranes, or in extreme environments, plants survive freezes by dehydrating themselves, literally pumping water out of the cells. However, according to the FAO, all of these "hardening" techniques require that, for several days, the environment send t signals that winter is coming. This is why sudden frosts can kill even cold-weather plants on Earth. And cotton, native to warm regions on Earth, is not particularly well adapted to the cold in the first place. The lunar nighttime chill would have been nothing like the gradual seasonal shift to which plants are adapted. During the two-week daylight period, temperatures on the lunar surface can be as high as 212 degrees F (100 degrees C). But when night falls, they can rapidly plunge to minus 279 degrees F (minus 173 degrees C). So the cold shock to the cotton was likely brutal and sudden. Water in newly formed cells would have turned quickly to ice, flaying them open from the inside. Any buds and leaves would have gone first, according to research published in 2001 in the journal Annals of Botany. A close look at them under microscopes would reveal cell membranes wrinkled and folded on themselves like burst water balloons. The hardier stems would have frozen shortly afterward. At the same time as the cells froze, that study found, water between the cells would have frozen as well. That process would have sucked more water out of the cells before it could freeze, killing the cotton by dehydration as much as physical destruction. Though no earthly plant is known to survive at temperatures colder than even the middle of Antarctica, the cotton likely wouldn't have put up a fight to prevent its death without any autumnal light shifts to signal the temperature change. The end of those cotton sprouts was probably nasty, then. But at least it was quick. We salute the botanical explorers, now frozen in their lunar graves. Originally published on Live Science. A spinning ice disk in the Presumpscot River in Westbrook, Maine, is shown In this aerial image taken from a drone video. Its appearance has been likened to a moon, an alien creation, a crop circle and a giant Lazy Susan; regardless, a sprawling disk of ice spinning in the Presumpscot River in Westbrook, Maine, has people talking. According to news reports, the disk extends up to 330 feet (100 meters) across and is spinning in a counterclockwise direction. (Ducks seen taking a spin spurred the analogy to a duck-go-round.) A drone video shows the gorgeous ice formation in all its glory, slowly rotating in what looks to be a slight bend in the river, with small eddies rolling by in the narrow passage not crowded out by the disk. [7 Crazy Things That Happen Only When It's Really Cold] "It looks like the moon has landed in Westbrook!" the city posted on its Facebook page. Though not unheard of, the wintry treat is "unusual," said Ted Scambos, senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center at the University of Colorado-Boulder. "I think you can see how it is formed that side of the river has a large eddy in the water current that traps the ice," Scambos told Live Science. "Because of the rotation, and probably occasional bumping into the shoreline and the fact that the ice is freezing into a solid plate, the ice that gathered in the eddy was trapped and worked into a giant disk." As for why the huge pancake of ice appears so perfectly circular, Scambos said that has to do with the size of the ice inside. "If it were just loose pieces of ice, the ice would just trace the shape of the eddy (which is probably less circular, more oval or egg-shaped)," Scambos said. "However, as it slowly froze into a solid plate, and since pieces of ice are probably being added from upstream, it slowly grew into a perfectly circular disk." A similar, though smaller, paddy of ice formed in the Sheyenne River in North Dakota in November 2013, Live Science previously reported. That rotating disk was also driven by an eddy in the river. And, in 1993, scientists from MIT suggested eddies were responsible for similarly spinning, yet much smaller, ice disks, Live Science reported. "I have not personally [seen an ice disk like this], but these are seen occasionally in the right conditions, usually at a bend in a river where eddies are common," Walt Meier, senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, told Live Science. Presumpscot has likely hosted such a formation in its past. "I would bet that this is not the first time in history this has been observed there, unless the shape of the river bank was recently changed in a significant way," Scambos said of the Westbrook ice. With snow forecast for this weekend, could the giant grow even larger? We shall see. Originally published on Live Science. This is a total and complete distortion of any even semblance of truth, and its shameful he would have to straight-up fabricate things about me and my record, Mendoza said. There is only one candidate who has championed and sponsored a soda tax, and thats Toni Preckwinkle. He should stick to the facts and not try to score points on cheap shots at my expense. The faces and hieroglyphs on this 3,500-year-old carving were destroyed by someone in ancient times. An intentionally damaged limestone carving found within a 3,500-year-old shrine at Tell Edfu, in southern Egypt, shows what appears to be an ancient couple who someone tried to vanquish in the afterlife. The carving depicts a man and woman standing beside each other, with hieroglyphic inscriptions giving their names and occupations. "The faces of the couple were [damaged]," and hieroglyphic writing on the carving had been "scratched out," Nadine Moeller, the director of the Tell Edfu Project, told Live Science. "Erasing a private person's name in ancient Egypt is usually a sign of someone wanting to erase the memory of this person and therefore obliterate their existence in the afterlife," explained Moeller, who is also a professor at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute. "For the ancient Egyptians, being remembered after death was very important, so they would receive offerings in the netherworld. By erasing someone's name, you are also taking away their identity and the good deeds they did during their lifetimes for which they will be remembered after death," Moeller added. [The 25 Most Mysterious Archaeological Finds on Earth] The intentionally damaged limestone carving was found within a shrine located in this 3,500-year-old villa at Tell Edfu in southern Egypt. (Image credit: GM - Tell Edfu Project 2018) The scratched-out hieroglyphs are difficult to read, and researchers are in the process of trying to reconstruct and decipher the symbols. So far, they can tell that the man "held the title of 'major' and the women held the honorific title 'noble woman,'" Moeller said, noting that the couple "belonged to [the] administrative elite of the town of Edfu." The identity and motive of the person who tried to wipe out their existence is not known. It's also not clear when, exactly, in ancient times the carving was intentionally damaged. Ancestor shrine https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00083-3 (Image credit: GM - Tell Edfu Project 2018) The shrine in which the carving was found is located within a villa that is about 440 square yards (3,960 square feet) in size and was constructed sometime between 1500 B.C. and 1450 B.C., researchers said in a statement released by the University of Chicago. The shrine appears to have been used to worship the ancestors of the people who lived in the villa, researchers found. Several other artifacts were found in the shrine, including a statuette carved in black diorite stone, which depicts a scribe clutching a papyrus roll. Hieroglyphic inscriptions on the statuette indicate that the scribe's name was "Juf," and he may or may not be the man shown in the intentionally damaged carving. The Tell Edfu Project is sponsored by the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. Originally published on Live Science. Outdoor cats can be exposed to harmful bacteria including plague through interactions with infected wildlife (the cat pictured is not suffering from plague). A house cat in Wyoming was recently diagnosed with bubonic plague; it is now the third feline in the state found to have contracted the deadly disease in the past six months. While the word "plague" conjures images of epidemics wiping out medieval communities in their entirety, the bacterial infection actually occurs naturally in wild rodents (and their fleas) in the western U.S. and rarely affects people, according to local health officials. Prairie dogs are common carriers of the disease. [Pictures of a Killer: A Plague Gallery] The cat, named Kaycee, was "known to wander outdoors," representatives with the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) said in a statement on Jan. 4. Kaycee's roaming habits likely exposed it to an animal that was already infected with the plague-causing bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is typically transmitted between animals through flea bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Once called "the Black Death" and "the great pestilence," plague emerged from Asia and decimated Europe during the 14th century, wiping out an estimated 33 percent to 50 percent of the population. Plague then traveled to North America and Australia in 1900, and today, plague is found on every continent except Antarctica, Live Science previously reported. There are, on average, seven cases of plague in people each year in the U.S., and the death rate is 11 percent, the CDC says. The infection is curable with antibiotics if caught early. Animals infected with bubonic plague may experience swelling in the neck and face area, fever, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, WDH representatives said. Symptoms are similar in people. Humans can become infected with plague through contact with sick animals or through bites from infected fleas, Dr. Alexia Harrist, state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH, said in the statement. Now that a third infected cat has been identified, Wyoming officials are taking steps to make sure that people stay safe, according to Harrist. "We are letting people know of the potential threat in the cats home area as well as across the state," she said. Precautions recommended by WDH include applying flea repellent to pets, and to boots and pants when visiting places that might house fleas. Wild rodents dead or alive should be avoided, as well as any location where large numbers of rodents have died suddenly, according to the WDH. Officials have not released further updates on Kaycee's health status since the infection was first reported. Originally published on Live Science. Snow is in the forecast for Chicago on Thursday, but Amy Seeley, a National Weather Service meteorologist, said the flurries are expected to be so light that much of the city wont even notice. Areas south of Interstate 80 could see a bit more snowfall but it likely wont be more than an inch, she said. Protesters did not show up Wednesday as inspectors entered the 8,000-square-foot building. Curious passers-by stopped to take photos and videos of the building. One woman driving by in a car shouted out the window, Is he there? Others came to support Kelly and said they would not stop listening to his music despite the renewed allegations in the documentary. The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board hosted the first of three mayoral forums this week, allowing small groups of candidates to debate the issues and they did and share why they should be the citys next chief executive. As expected, federal charges against Ald. Edward Burke loomed large over the Tuesday morning gathering with Attorney Gery Chico, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Bill Daley, state Rep. LaShawn Ford, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and businessman Willie Wilson. There were a few moments of tension as can be expected, but we worked through those issues and were always respectful towards each other, said Supplitt, who baked Irish soda bread and pumpkin muffins to share with fellow jurors during the proceedings. I wanted to be certain each juror was comfortable with their vote because we would be living with our decision, so I polled the panel several times before I signed the verdict sheet and then passed it around for everyone to sign. A SPEEDING motorist who was prosecuted for dangerous driving on a section of motorway in Limerick has been sentenced to two months imprisonment. Kieran Parrott, aged 28, of Cois na hAbhainn, Tuam, County Galway was detected travelling at 164km/h on the M20 motorway at Cloghacloka, Patrickswell, on September 11, 2018. Inspector John Moloney told Limerick District Court the defendant was stopped at around 7.25pm by members of the divisional roads policing unit who were alerted to his speed. Solicitor Darach McCarthy said his client a father of three young children was not offering any excuse for driving at such speed on the day. Urging the court not to impose a disqualification, he said Mr Parrott has no previous convictions for driving offences and that he requires his licence as his partner does not drive. I would ask that you take into account his family situation, he needs his licence, he said. However, imposing sentence Judge Marian OLeary said the actions of the defendant were ridiculous and stupid. She further that commented the lack of any reason for Mr Parrott driving at such speed was an aggravating factor which she had to consider In addition to a two year disqualification, she fined him 400 and imposed a two month prison sentence. An appeal against the severity of the sentence has been lodged. LABOUR candidate Conor Sheehan has described Fianna Fail's calls for a ban on postering for the local election in Limerick as draconian. Cllr Sheehan, who is seeking a seat for Labour on the northside, wants local election candidates to be limited to 50 posters, as opposed to a total ban, a wish expressed by Fianna Fail council leader Michael Collins. He admitted he was perplexed to hear the call, adding: As a first time candidate, posters are a means of getting name recognition and a total ban on them will only serve to favour the incumbents and aid their re-election efforts. Mr Sheehan acknowledged there are environmental concerns about over-use of posters but said their psychological impact should not be underestimated. For example, in the recent Presidential election, the lack of posters could be seen as a contributory factor for the low turnout. I would also argue that while social media places an important role in modern day political campaigning, it has a limited reach and a ban on election posters would only serve to inhibit new candidates and parties who do not have existing brand recognition, Mr Sheehan explained. Limiting all candidates to 50 posters would stop them plastering areas with placards, he added. The election poster is ingrained in the Irish political psyche and an outright ban would be draconian, he concluded. GARDAI in Limerick are warning retailers to beware of a change scam which has come to light in recent weeks. This is where a person enters a shop and looks to change a large number of notes. Then the person might change their mind and deliberately confuse the member of staff that is dealing with him or her, said divisional crime prevention officer Sergeant Ber Leetch. Ultimately they will leave the shop with more cash than they entered it with. Often the scam isnt noticed until the till is counted at the end of business, she added. Gardai say one local retailer is at a loss of 250 having been targeted. These scammers are very skilful in confusing the shop staff so my advice is simply do not change any notes for bigger or smaller notes. If a person is insistent then call a manager or another person, said Sgt Leetch. IT will take civil disobedience to stop controversial plans to build a car park at Hyde Road park in Limerick city, a local activist has said. Noel Hannan is furious with Limerick Council for introducing plans to do away with part of the grassland in favour of parking spaces, and he has pledged to use people power to ensure the plan does not get off the ground. This comes in spite of the fact Limerick City and County Council has already begun to put in place railings and tools in order to commence work on the project, which comes as part of the Parnell Street improvement works. For its part, the council has pointed out its members have already approved the scheme, and the car park will take up less than 10% of the green-space at the junction of Lord Edward Street and the Hyde Road. Meanwhile, a petition in opposition to the plans established by Social Democrats local election candidate Elisa ODonovan had reached almost 1,000 signatures by this Tuesday. Some 30 people were in attendance at a meeting held at the Hyde Road park on Saturday lunchtime by Ms ODonovan, who is running in City West. She said: We believe we need to value our citys green spaces, and the enormous health, social and environmental benefits they bring to Limerick and its citizens. We call for greater linkage between Russell Park [Hyde Road] and The Peoples Park. This could also include the use of the iconic park kiosk to be used as a cultural hub for the surrounding area. Mr Hannan also made the point that during winter-time, the Peoples Park closes at nightfall, which can be as early as 5pm, leaving dog walkers with few places to take their pets. We say no way, he said in reference to the plan. This is one of the last green spaces in Limerick. Enough is enough. A council spokesperson previously said the development will also see the Hyde Road park landscaped to include new footpaths, walkways and shrubbery, with the car park land not in regular use. A WOMAN who told gardai she was in fear of her former partner when he called to her home went on a mini-break with him less than a fortnight later, a court in Limerick has heard. The 34-year-old was prosecuted after the woman made a formal complaint to gardai that he had breached the terms of a safety order on separate dates last November and December. The defendant, who has two young children with the woman, spent a week in custody earlier this month after he was refused bail following a garda objection when he was arrested and charged. In evidence during a contested hearing, the woman claimed she received threatening phone calls from her former partner on November 28, last. He said he was going to slit my throat and that he would come to my property and burn my house, she said. The second incident, she claimed, occurred on December 27 when he called to her home on the outskirts of the city and began shouting abuse while banging on the door. I felt very nervous, she told Inspector Paul Reidy. I felt like he was going to kick in the door and seriously harm me, she added. Being cross-examined by solicitor John Herbert, the witness accepted she had travelled away from Limerick for a number of days with his client and their children in early December. Mr Herbert also put it to the woman that she also stayed with his client for several days at his home in the city following their return. While the defendants mother gave evidence supporting Mr Herberts contention, she accepted she was not in a position to give evidence in relation to the allegations before the court. Judge Marian OLeary was told more than a dozen complaints were made to gardai last year and Mr Herbert put it to the complainant that she has a propensity to make complaints when it suits you. The woman denied that she spends time with her former partner insisting her only dealings with him relate to their children. Seeking to have the charges dismissed, Mr Herbert said there was a clear contradiction in the evidence before the court particularly relating to the second incident as his client denies calling to the house. He suggested the woman had told lies and that at best her evidence is coloured. Inspector Reidy said the woman had given evidence of being put in fear by the defendant and submitted there was a case to answer. Having considered the matter, Judge Marian OLeary said she was not satisfied the State had reached the necessary threshold to prove its case. Dismissing the charges, she commented she had seen the pair more often than anybody else last year. She also expressed surprise that no formal access arrangements are in place relating to their children. Brexit is not funny, it will have very serious consequences for Ireland and Leitrim politically, economically and culturally. And the price of our beloved Lyon's Tea may increase. In a previous important poll by Leitrim Observer here, we discovered that Leitrim people prefer Lyons tea over Barry's. 58% of Leitrim people say they preferred Lyon's with just 38% choosing Barry's. Lyons Tea is produced in the UK and so with a no deal Brexit looming - it may be subject to increased custom tax. Barry's meanwhile is produced in Ireland, so either you start stock piling Lyon's tea now or begin introducing Barry's tea to your taste buds. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has warned that a hard Brexit could cost each Irish household between 892 and 1,360 a year in rising prices. But that is not all, some brand favourites loved by us Irish could follow suit. - HB Hazlebrook Farm Icecream - McVitie's Digestive Biscuits - Heinz Ketchup - it is time to move to Chef! - HP Brown Sauce - Hovis Bread - Fairy liquid - Walkers crisps .... make the move to Tayto already! Also read: Prices increase as VAT hike impacts Leitrim businesses Sinn Fein Agricultural spokesperson, Deputy Martin Kenny, has described the news that Turkey has suspended live exports of cattle as "a further setback for Irish beef farmers." Deputy Kenny said; "Live exports is a very important part of the Irish beef sector and it will be a huge loss to farmers bringing cattle to market. "There will be a noticeable loss of buyers for the export market around rings in markets up and down the country. I have previously called on the Minister to develop more export markets to ensure there is some competition for Irish meat factory cartel. "I will be raising this again with the Minister as action needs to be taken to ensure Irish beef farmers are protected especially with Brexit coming down the tracks." A 27-year-old man was found dead in his home last February, the victim of a fentanyl overdose. Nearly a year later, a Warren County jury on Tuesday convicted the dealer who sold the victim the fatal dose of the powerful painkiller. Matthew Evans, 40, could spend the rest of his life behind bars when he is sentenced, the Warren County Prosecutors Office announced in a news release following the verdict in Belvidere. Evans, of the first block of Woolston Way in Washington Township, lived within a 10-minute drive of the Green Street home in Washington Borough where his buyer was found dead Feb. 2, 2018. Township police and the prosecutors office arrested Evans two and a half months later. Evans was convicted on a charge of first-degree strict liability for drug-induced death, as well as third-degree drug possession and distribution counts. The first-degree charge normally carries a maximum 20-year sentence, but the prosecutor's office said Evans falls under a New Jersey law allowing the court to impose an expanded sentence up to life imprisonment. When Evans was arrested, investigators at the time said the charges "should send a clear message" to dealers. If you sell drugs to someone and they die as a result of taking those drugs, you can and will be charged with the death, they said. Lets hope they get the message. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveNovakLVL and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A judge has sided with a New Jersey teenager accused of cheating on the ACT exams, saying a clause test-takers must sign giving up their rights to sue the testing company is unconscionable and void as against public policy." The ruling from Somerset County Judge Michael Rogers means Readington Township teenager Brendan Clare can seek damages from ACT Inc., the company that runs the test and threatened to invalidate his scores. It also opens the door for teenagers across the country to attempt to sue the testing company citing Rogers' ruling. This is a huge victory for everyone who believes in due process and the fundamental principle that individuals should be treated as innocent unless proven guilty, said Bob Schaeffer, public education director for FairTest, a national nonprofit group critical of standardized tests. ACT Inc. does not agree with the judges reasoning or conclusions on his recent order, spokesman Ed Colby said. Its considering its options on how best to move forward. The company has vigorously defended its score review process in the past, calling it fair to students and denying labeling students as cheaters. Clare, now a freshman at Penn State University, first took the ACT during his junior year at Hunterdon Central Regional High School. He spent little time prepping, figuring he would set a baseline for his expectations, his father said. Unhappy with his initial score, a 21 out of 36, he spent dozens of hours studying with a tutor and taking practice exams, which helped him score a 26 on his second try and a 25 on his third. Clare used the scores to get accepted to Penn State, Syracuse and the University of Delaware, among other colleges, his father said. Then, a day after the college admissions deadline, the Clare family got a letter saying his second and third scores (from tests taken eight and 10 months before) could be wiped out because of identical responses and identical incorrect responses to other students. He could either agree to have his scores canceled, retake the exam to confirm his score, or provide information to defend his performance. His family sent a letter back explaining his extra preparation, but ACT Inc. rejected that response, setting the stage for a high-stakes retest in July, weeks after Clare graduated. Clare worried he would lose his spot at Penn State if he didnt score high enough, he said. He scored a 23, good enough to satisfy the testing company, but the story didnt end there. Clares father, Patrick, a Bernards Township attorney, wanted to file a lawsuit for damages. ACT Inc. said Brendan Clare had signed those rights away. The clause all students must sign limits them to binding arbitration. But the judges decision voided that agreement. In ruling against ACT, Rogers said teenage students cannot be expected to knowingly and willingly waive their constitutional right to a jury trial without parent input or supervision. The ruling levels the playing field for students whose scores have come under review or been invalidated, Patrick Clare said. The flaws of ACTs score review practices can be scrutinized through litigation, something that could never be accomplished in arbitration because of limited discovery rules, he said. Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Rusty patched bumblebees used to be a common sight in 28 states in the Midwest and Northeast, but their numbers have plummeted by 87 percent over the last two decades, according to the lawsuit and wildlife experts. Now, the bee lives in only 8 percent of its historical range, which includes parts of Illinois. A seventh victim has come forward to accuse a Bethlehem man of sexual assault when she was a child, 10 days after police released the mans photo in a bid to find other potential victims. Berto Vega-Pabon has been charged with sexually assaulting six children over several years and raping two of them. On Tuesday, police filed two additional counts of indecent assault and a single count of corruption of minors against the 66-year-old Vega-Pabon. Vega-Pabon, of the 1500 block of Woodbine Street in the city, had not yet been arraigned Tuesday afternoon in the latest case. He is being held in lieu of $900,000 bail total for the six separate cases. Vega-Pabon is facing multiple charges, including two counts of rape of a child and multiple counts of aggravated indecent assault and indecent assault. The latest accuser, a woman who is now 17, alleges that Vega-Pabon groped her and molested her multiple times when she was 8 in 2009. The teen said she was afraid to tell anyone about the incidents; she was interviewed by police on Monday. The victims ranged in age from 7 to 13, and the incidents occurred between 2006 and 2013, according to court records. The victims, who now range in age from 14 to 23-years-old, reported the alleged assaults to police in the last month. Police have asked anyone who had unwanted contact with Vega-Pabon to contact Detective Moses Miller at 610-997-7674 or via email at mmiller@bethlehem-pa.gov. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. - Suspected billionaire kidnapper, Evans, says he was under duress when he made his confessional statement to the police - Evans said when he asked what he was to sign, the police officers slapped his head and even quenched a cigarette on his hand - Following his cross-examination, the presiding judge adjourned the case till January 30 for further hearing Suspected billionaire kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, also know as Evans, has told an Igbosere high court in Lagos, that his confessional statement to the police was made under duress. Evans made the disclosure before Justice Adedayo Akintoye on Wednesday, January 16, The Nation reports. Legit.ng gathers that the suspect said he signed papers given to him by the police so as not to be tortured to death. According to Evans, before assaulting him, members of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team who arrested him in 2017, intimidated him by executing suspected criminals in his presence. READ ALSO: Social media reacts as Atiku takes part in 10-year challenge Evans is facing two separate charges bordering on conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping and attempted murder. He said: When I asked what I was to sign, the police officers slapped my head and even quenched a cigarette on my hand. The officers were beating me and told me that if anything happened to me, no one would know. They hit my head and blood was gushing, the scars are still on my head. When I saw how five men who were paraded with me were tortured and killed, I agreed to sign the papers with fear of what happened to the other men." Evans, who was led in evidence by his counsel, O. I. Ajanaku, also claimed that there was no video recording while he was giving his statement and that the contents of the papers he signed were not read to him. Following his cross-examination by the counsel for the Lagos state government, Dr Jide Martins, the presiding judge adjourned the case till January 30 for further hearing. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the police gave an account of how the chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors, Chief Vincent Obianuju, was allegedly shot in a gun battle by Evans. The prosecutor, Haroun Adebayo, called the first witness, Inspector Idowu Haruna, attached to the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team which arrested the accused and conducted investigations, to narrate the outcome of the investigations. Haruna testified that the chairman of Young Shall Grow Motors was attacked by the accused on Third Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos in 2013. "They engaged the chief in a gun battle, and he was shot on his left arm," he said. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: We have updated to serve you better! Lawyer reveals why Evans changed from being 'guilty' to 'not guilty' - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit Newspaper Meet new IG of Police in Nigeria! Who is Inspector General of Police today? What is known about his career before his appointment to IGP position? How did Nigerians respond to the new police boss? Ibrahim Idris and Mohammed Adamu; photo: www.naijaloft.com New IG of Police in Nigeria On Tuesday, the President Muhammadu Buhari appointed a new Inspector General of Police. Who is the new IG of Police in Nigeria? The former head of the police force, IGP Idris retired and was replaced by AIG Mohammed Adamu. READ ALSO: Brief history of Nigeria Police Force: interesting facts President Muhammadu Buhari honors AIG Mohammed Adamu with former IGP Ibrahim Idris; photo: www.dentonnewspaper.com The President honored Adamu with a new title at the meeting with former IG of Nigerian Police, Ibrahim Idris and his successor at the presidential villa in Abuja. Nigerian society responded to the appointment of new IG of police in Nigeria in different ways. Some Nigerians welcome the change of the head of the Nigeria Police Force. The others relate to the MPF chief change before the elections with caution. They point to the benefits of this appointment for the northern part of the country. New IG of Police in Nigeria Mohammed Abubakar Adamu; photo: www.thisdaylive.com AIG Mohammed Abubakar Adamus police career The current Inspector General of Police, AIG Mohammed Abubakar Adamu is a native of Lafia in Nasarawa State. He has Bachelor's degree in geography. Adamu was accepted into the Police Force on the 1st of February, 1986. Firstly, he was a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of NPF. Abubakar Adamu served as a Directing Staff at NIPSS (Kuru, Jos, and Plateau State) before he was appointed as AIG of the police force in Nigeria. Besides, Adamu acted as a police commissioner in Ekiti State and Enugu State. Once he served as a director of peacekeeping operations of NPF. Also, he was AIG of police force responsible for Police Command Headquarters of Zone 5 (Benin, Edo State). The IGP post is very responsible. We hope to see Mohammed Abubakar Adamus positive results soon. READ ALSO: Nigerian police uniform history: from green-grey to black-black Source: Legit Even the most seemingly happy people sometimes get stressed out and need to take some time off to avoid breaking down. For celebrities, this seems to be quite common and it can take a toll on a few of them if not properly handled. Over the years, there have been reports of famous people seeking rehabilitation as they reveal their struggle with mental health issues. Some others have been fortunate enough to get the needed help in good time. Late pop star, Michael Jacksons daughter, Paris, is reportedly seeking help for problems relating to her mental well-being. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Nigeria According to E! News, the 20-year-old had a busy year that included her travelling to different parts of the world and she needs some time off. "After a busy year of work engagements that took her all over the globe, Paris decided that she needed to take some time off to reboot, realign and prioritize her physical and emotional health." The source further claimed that the youngster is currently in a treatment facility and hoping to get better. "She checked herself into a treatment facility to aid in her wellness plan and is looking forward to coming out of this revitalized and ready to tackle the exciting new projects that await her." In 2017, the pop star's daughter explained in an interview with Rolling Stone that she used to deal with anxiety and depression without any help. Paris is gradually taking huge steps in the showbiz industry seeing as she is a model, an actress and also staring a music career. Meanwhile Legit.ng previously reported that her grandfather, Joe Jackson, recently passed on after battling terminal cancer. According to Mirror.uk, the senior Jackson had been on his deathbed for a while before he died on June 27, 2018. His demise came nine years after the passing away of his son, Michael. His other son, Jermaine Jackson, had reportedly revealed a few days before his father's death that he was very frail. He said: "He doesn't have long. The family needs to be by his bedside - that's our only intention in his final days." READ ALSO: Personal letter from the Editor-in-Chief of Legit.ng (formerly NAIJ.com) HELLO! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) upgrades to Legit.ng We keep evolving to serve our readers better. Project Fame Winner Olawale Ojo - Why I became a cab driver | Legit TV Source: Legit Emerging reports by Leadership claimed that the new inspector general of police, Adamu Mohammed, has appointed Frank Mba as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Police. The reports showed that Mba studied law at the University of Lagos, and was called to the Nigerian bar in 2002. The police spokesman, who hails from Ezimo in Udenu local government area of Enugu state, was the best graduating cadet inspector in academics at the Police Academy, Kano, in 1993. READ ALSO: 4 top police chiefs may be forced out as IGP Adamu takes over He rose up the police ladder and was promoted to assistant superintendent of police in 1999, deputy superintendent of police in 2003, superintendent of police in 2006 and chief superintendent of police in 2012. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the former assistant inspector general of police, Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, took over as the new police boss after crucial meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa on Tuesday, January 15. Adamu was sighted heading to the office of the chief of staff to the president, Abba Kyari, on Tuesday morning, prompting reports that he would take over from Ibrahim Idris. But in a series of photo tweets by Bashir Ahmed, the personal assistant to the president on new media, the former IGP, Ibrahim Idris, was reported to have taken his successor, Adamu, to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House. In a related development, President Buhari approved the appointment of Vincent Isegbe as the director general of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS). The appointed following the presidents assent to the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (Establishment) Bill, 2018, NAQS became an agency of the government. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates Isegbes appointment is for five years. He is expected to be responsible for institutionalising the administrative and management structures requisite for operationalising the paramilitary status of the agency. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day | Legit TV: Source: Legit - The National Assembly has been asked to confirm fresh appointments by President Buhari - The president is seeking confirmation for the appointment of the director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit - The other appointments include: chairman and members of the North East Development Commission President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the National Assembly to request the confirmation of some fresh appointments. The president is asking the lawmakers to confirm the appointment of the director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, as well as the chairman and members of the North East Development Commission. READ ALSO: Troops didn't kill a biker in Kaduna - Nigerian Army During the Wednesday, January 16 plenary, Senate President Bukola Saraki read the letter from President Buhari seeking the confirmation of the appointments of Modibbo Hamman-Tukur as director of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit. Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) expressed confidence that the appointment of Adamu Abubakar Mohammed as acting Inspector General of Police is pleasant saying it would bring professionalism and true leadership to policing in the country. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app NGF in a statement by Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, head, media and public affairs, said the new IGP had personal accomplishments, having occupied the office of the director of peace keeping operations and other positions. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day | Legit TV: Source: Legit - In December 2018, vehicles and goods worth about N1.1 billion were intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command - Some of the items seized were 29 vehicles with duty paid value of N177 million, 6,753 bags of 50kg foreign rice, equivalent to 11 trailer trucks worth N157 million - The command also generated the sum of N623 million, representing 92 per cent of the target for December The Nigeria Customs Service, Seme Command, says it intercepted 29 vehicles and goods worth about N1.1 billion in December, 2018. The Customs Area Controller, Seme Command, Mohammed Garba, made this known on Tuesday, January 15, while briefing journalists on the activities of the command at the ECOWAS Joint Border Post in Seme. According to him, the items seized were 29 vehicles with duty paid value of N177 million and 6,753 bags of 50kg foreign rice, equivalent to 11 trailer trucks worth N157 million. Other items include vegetable oil worth N573,750; sugar worth N567,000 and 71 kegs of petroleum worth N106, 500. READ ALSO: 2019: Okorocha calls for violent free general elections It also include tin tomatoes worth N127,575; used shoes worth N67, 500 and 91 parcels of hard drug. The suspect of the hard drug, Kenneth Cornelius, has been prosecuted successfully and now serving jail term of two years," Garba said. He said that the command generated the sum of N623 million, representing 92 per cent of the target for December. This, he said, was as a result of the unwavering resolve of the officers of the command in various operations. This focussed on maximising revenue collection, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade in the final month of the year. Similarly, the intensified operation of the enforcement unit has drastically reduced smuggling activities to the barest minimum," Garba said. The controller said that with the inauguration and subsequent movement of the command to the Joint Border Post (JBP) of Seme-Krake, the operations of the command would be further enhanced through cooperation, collaboration and regional integration. He said that it would facilitate the free movement of people and services. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Garba said that the command would further strengthen its anti-smuggling operations against the trans-border crimes through intelligence-driven operations and continuous partnership with relevant agencies. Legit.ng previously reported that the Seme border command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, November 21, said it seized contraband worth over N2.8 billion which included 27 trailers load of foreign parboiled rice smuggled into the country through neighbouring Benin Republic. Speaking while displaying the seized items to journalists, the customs area controller of the command, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, said the command also seized 21 exotic vehicles worth N135 million between September and November 2018. Garuba said among the items seized were; 21 vehicles, worth N134,410,536; 16,729 bags (27 trailers) of foreign rice worth N302,477,049, frozen poultry products worth N728,654,and vegetable oil worth N400,440. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Customs Seize N1bn Worth of Codeine: Importation of Fairly-Used Bags, Shoes Banned | Legit TV: Source: Legit - A group is confident that the INEC will conduct free and fair elections in 2019 - The group said INEC chairman would be feeling very challenged to surpass the performance of his predecessor in 2015 - The grand patron of the group condemned political violence, urging politicians to call their supporters to order A group, Legacy Initiative International (LLI), has expressed confidence on the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct credible elections which begins in February. The grand patron of LII, Chief Kenny Martins, said this while speaking with newsmen at an event to mark his 62nd birthday in Lagos on Tuesday, January 15, NAN reports. He said: Unless something major happens, I have confidence in INECs capacity to conduct free and fair elections in 2019. The reason being that the INEC chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu must be feeling very challenged to surpass what his predecessor, Professor Attahiru Jega, did in 2015. READ ALSO: 4 top police chiefs may be forced out as IGP Adamu takes over When Jega was there, there were also concerns about the elections but he proved himself and everybody was satisfied with what transpired. From my interactions with top INEC officials, going by the level of planning and preparations, I am confident that INEC will not disappoint Nigerians in 2019. On the controversy surrounding the electoral guidelines, he said it was normal for some political parties to disagree with INEC. He, however, noted that the electoral umpire had the power to adopt procedures that would enhance its conduct of elections. Martins also decried the spate of thuggery and violence witnessed recently during campaign rallies of some political parties, stressing that it was not good for the image of the country. In his words: The big political actors need to call their supporters to order. We have been having rallies where guns were being shot by thugs even in the presence of governors and other top party members. That is not the way to go and we need to put a stop to such actions. Elections are supposed to be peaceful processes of electing credible people to take charge of our affairs." Martins said LLI was one of the observers approved by INEC to monitor the elections, adding that it was already training its observers for that purpose. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app He also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to assent to the amended electoral bill in order to deepen democracy in Nigeria. Martins said the LII was unveiled on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, as an interfaith group to promote purposeful leadership by uniting religious and traditional leaders to endorse only credible candidates. Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that INEC had released the regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the general elections. A 33 page document from the commission in Abuja on Monday, January 14, said Smart Card Readers (SCRs) and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would be used for the forthcoming elections. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! Osun Election 2018: Electorate accuses INEC ad hoc staff of taking bribe | Legit TV Source: Legit Want to know more about the salary structure for teachers in Nigeria? Here we gathered for you some known information on this topic. We hope for positive changes in the situation with wages for such an important profession. Photo: britishcouncil.org Source: UGC Teachers salary scale in Nigeria We found out that it is not easy to find public information about teachers salary structure in our country. But several resources have some open information, for example, according to naijaquest.com basic teachers salary in Lagos is N57,000, and in Abuja, the wages of teachers can reach N60,000. mysalaryscale.com claims that the average wage in the salary structure of teachers in Nigeria is N47,000. Wages of primary schools teachers are in the lowest point of teachers salary structure, their average salary is N15,000. As for private school teachers, their salary level is around N67,000. There are also several prestigious private schools, where the salary level is much higher than in average schools. Photo: amore.ng Source: UGC Such schools also considered as the places where a teacher can receive salary of higher level: Atlantic Hall; Dowen College; Charles Dale Memorial International School; International Community School; Norwegian International School; Bloombreed High School; Regent School Maitama; Lead British International School; Nigerian Turkish International School; Chrisland College. Teachers salary scale usually depends on his or her experience and qualification. In most cases the teachers of the most prestigious schools have Masters degrees, in some cases Ph.D. See also: Problems of Education in Nigeria and their solutions Photo: imagenesmy.com Source: UGC Unfortunately, teachers salary structure in Nigeria is not well developed and small wages dont attract young specialists. In this situation, many young teachers decide to change profession in search of bigger salaries. As a result, many schools around the country, and especially in rural areas lack enough teachers. It is difficult to say how the situation can be changed in the future. We see several new governmental programs, designed to raise the wages and attract youth to teaching profession. There are also a big number of teachers who feel very enthusiastic about their work, who consider it as a way to help children, but in any case, the government should not forget the importance of this profession, and to support teachers, because education of citizens is one of the main aspects of development for the whole country. Source: Teachers salary structure Source: Legit.ng - INEC has condemned the continued low turnout of voters during elections across the country - The electoral body called on leaders especially religious leaders to urge their followers to come out en-mass for voting process - According to INEC, a machinery to curb vote buying at the polling units by altering their configuration has been put in place The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed worry over the low turnout of voters during elections in the country. INEC national commissioner for north central, Mallam Mohammed Haruna, said this in Ilorin on Tuesday, January 15, during an interactive session with religious leaders in the state ahead of the February 16, and March 2, general elections. He therefore charged religious leaders to talk to their followers on the need to come out en-mass to vote during the coming elections. One cause of concern is our low turnout. For instance, the Kogi governorship election in November 2015 was 36%. Bayelsa was 35%, Edo 32%, Ondo 35%; Anambra was 21%; Ekiti 44.2% and Osun was 42.6 %. He said the worst turnout of voters for election was recorded at Eti-osa Federal Constituency in Lagos, where less than three per cent of registered voters turned up to vote. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The national commissioner told the religious leaders that a total of 13, 366, 270 voters were registered in the north central zone by INEC to vote during the coming elections. He said Kwara state had the lowest number of voters with 1,406,437, followed by Kogi with 1,646, 350 and Benue with 2,480,131 voters. Haruna added that Plateau state had the highest number of voters in the zone with 2, 480, 455 voters followed by Niger with 2,390,035 voters while Nasarawa registered 1, 617,786 electorate. The commissioner said that men accounted for 52. 86% of the total number of registered voters in the country while 47.14% of the voters were women. According to him, youths between the ages of 18 to 35 years formed the bulk of voters with 51.11% of the total registered voters, followed by middle age voters of 36 to 50 years accounting for 29.97%. He said 15.22% of the registered voters were voters from 51 to 70 years of age while voters of 70 years and above accounted for 3.69%. Haruna told the religious leaders that INEC had put in place a machinery to curb vote buying at the polling units by altering their configuration. According to him, the ballot boxes would be moved closer to the voting cubicles in order to make it difficult for voters to expose their marked ballot papers. We have introduced partial ban on the use of mobile phones and other photographic devices by voters while in the voting cubicles. Thirdly, we are introducing rolling and flattening of ballot papers by voters before casting them into the ballot boxes," he added. READ ALSO: Minimum wage: FG to send proposal to NEC The national commissioner told the religious leaders that the Commission had identified a new method of vote buying by politicians. We have received credible information that some partisan actors are now going around buying up PVCs from voters or financially inducing them to collect the Voter Identification Numbers (VIN) on their PVCs. In some instances, telephone numbers and details of bank accounts of voters have been collected," Haruna told the religious leaders. He added that by collecting the PVCs, the intention of politicians was to deprive the voters of voting since no one could vote without the PVC. By collecting their phone numbers and bank details, the intention is to induce voters by electronic transfer of funds to their account since it will be difficult to buy votes at polling units. By collecting the VINs, they may be acting on the notion that our system can be hacked into and Card Readers somehow preloaded ahead of election compromised, he said. Haruna therefore assured Nigerians that INEC was aware of the new tricks, describing it as a futile effort. We will work with the security agencies to deal with violators of our electoral laws including those who may be trying to compromise our staff who distribute PVCs to legitimate voters, he said. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The commissioner appealed to the religious leaders to enlighten their followers on the various aspects of the elections. These include the voting procedures, the importance of voting, mobilisation of voters, especially women, youths and people living with disability, Haruna said. Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that INEC said will make it possible for every Nigerian to be an election observer and report live from their polling units. INEC national commissioner and chairman, Board of the Electoral Institute, Mustapha Leeky, while declaring open a three-day workshop on electoral security training in Abuja said the commission would be introducing an app before the election. Legit.ng gathered that the application, which has geo-referencing features that can enable the electoral bodys officials to identify wherever challenges may arise, can be download for free on INEC website or Google Play Store. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Nigeria News Today: INEC May Ban Electronic Devices At The Polling Booths | - on Legit TV Source: Legit.ng After killing the child, Harris wrapped up the body and put it in the back seat of a borrowed 1996 Chevrolet Camaro, prosecutors have said. He drove to Chicago, dismembered the boy's body and wrapped the pieces in plastic bags that he tied to barbells and tossed into the Garfield Park Lagoon, according to prosecutors. The Cook County medical examiners office in 2015 did not determine a cause of death. Nacogdoches, TX (75965) Today Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 72F. Winds light and variable. South Africa: Team SA gears up for WEF As the annual World Economic Forum meeting draws closer, Team South Africa has met to chart the path for South Africas strategy at Davos, Switzerland. The meeting, which kicks off on 22 to 26 January 2019, brings together more than 3 000 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, arts and culture and media, as well as the foremost experts and young leaders from all over the world. The 2019 theme for this years gathering is Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Team South Africa, which comprises the leadership of government, business and labour, held a pre-WEF breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on Wednesday. The breakfast provided an opportunity for Team South Africa to develop an integrated approach to South Africas input into the WEF deliberations and to identify areas of emphasis in presenting South Africa as a desired investment destination and trade partner. My take is that we are going to Davos on a firm footing We have been building and stabilising the platform so that we can generate further growth in our economy, said President Cyril Ramaphosa at the pre-WEF gathering. The President said among the key messages that should be punted by Team SA is that government is open for business. To provide fertile ground for investment, government is stabilising State-owned enterprises with particular emphasis on Eskom and key institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Revenue Service. The breakfast also provided government and business bigwigs an opportunity to thrash out concerns and engage on burning issues and how to better position South Africa at Davos. Nonkululeko Nyembezi, the independent non-executive chair of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), raised concerns at the governing partys stance and intention with the Reserve Bank following its manifesto launch at the weekend, which included a review of the central bank's mandate In response to Nyembezi, President Ramaphosa said the ANC did not express an intention to change the mandate of the central bank but a wish that the bank considers employment in its monetary policy deliberations. There is no intention to tamper with the independence of the central bank. The wish that is expressed is that as it goes ahead with its policy decision, it should also keep an eye on the issue of employment, said the President. Standard Bank Chief Executive Sim Tshabalala probed the President on South Africas ambitions in terms of World Bank ease of doing business rankings. President Ramaphosa agreed with Tshabalala that South Africa needs to improve the ease of doing business. We are not well positioned and we need to improve on that. We need to remove bureaucratic clutter and half the time it takes to get permits, said the President. The Davos delegation, led by President Ramaphosa, will be coordinated by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni. Government will be represented by the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation; Economic Development; Trade & Industry; Public Enterprises; Health; Energy, and Communications. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. - The federal government of Nigeria reportedly borrows N6.16 trillion out of the N8.49 trillion pension fund - The new report says the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) also invested 6.87% of the fund or N584.321 billion in domestic ordinary shares - The acting director-general, PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar, speaks about developments in the organisation The federal government of Nigeria has reportedly borrowed N6.16 trillion of the N8.49 trillion made by the countrys pension funds so far as at the end of November 2018 financial period, according to figures from the National Pension Commission (NPC). The Punch reports that the pension commission said 72.5 percent of the fund had been borrowed by the government and invested in the FGN securities totalling N6.16 trillion at the period. The report said the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) also invested 6.87% of the fund or N584.321 billion in domestic ordinary shares while N60.529 billion of the fund was invested in foreign ordinary shares. READ ALSO: NAIJ.com upgrades to Legit.ng: a letter from our Editor-in-Chief Bayo Olupohunda The acting director-general, PenCom, Aisha Dahir-Umar, reportedly said to promote a stable and sustainable pension industry, the agency adopted zero tolerance for non-compliance and consultative supervisory philosophy in the issuance of guidelines and the review of existing ones. This, she said, is to further promote sound corporate governance in the industry and ensure the security of the pension assets. We believe this will promote better risk management in licensed pension operators, she said adding that the commission released the framework and guidelines for the implementation of the micro-pension scheme in 2018. Similarly, circulars on pension enhancement and processing procedures of deceased benefits entitlement were also released by the commission, she said adding that the monitoring and reporting of non-compliance remained part of the responsibilities of the compliance officers. Legit.ng earlier reported that some unidentified fraudsters under the disguise of being relatives of workers and retirees with the Contributory Pension Scheme have been approaching Pension Fund Administrators to collect the pensions of contributors. PAY ATTENTION: Download our mobile app to enjoy the latest news updates According to information obtained from the National Pension Commission, the fraudsters, who have been deceiving the PFAs with fake documents, have successfully collected the pension benefits of some living workers and retirees after providing evidences that they are dead. NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng. We have upgraded to serve you better. Buhari will not attend presidential debate because he has to read | Legit TV Source: Legit.ng A Nigerian man has just shared several screenshots of his chat with a pastor who allegedly scammed him. Stephanie Emeka disclosed that Pastor Joshua Ibrahim stopped chatting with him immediately he transferred the money. Emeka added that he met Pastor Ibrahim in a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) group chat. Narrating the kind of business that transpired between them, Emeka disclosed that he paid the pastor a huge sum of money to help him start a recharge card business. Here, the pastor took his time to explain the various process of the business and he easily gave in. Emeka also added that he trusted Pastor because he was always quoting bible verses and sending him motivational sermons daily. READ ALSO: Young South African man receives miracle to become a private pilot He shared the post with the caption: Scammers everywhere But this guy scam has a lot of spices, he sends you bible verses and sermon daily. He apologizes after scamming you, this scammer has principles and he follows the code of conduct very well. Let me give the intro. I met this guy on one NYSC WhatsApp group chat like that and he told us on how to make money selling recharge cards daily so he caught my fancy and I started private chatting him. See screenshots below: Legit.ng earlier reported that Pastor Cletus Chukwunweuba Ilongwo of the Pentecostal Church, Power of the Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry a.k.a Tuesday Tuesday Church, was arrested again by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in 2018. It was gathered that Prophet Ilongwo who has been arrested before after a former member of his church reported that he defrauded him of N85 million, which led to the loss of his job in one of the first generation banks in the country. PAY ATTENTION: Join Africa Love Aid today for your daily relationship tips and advice Interesting! NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng We have updated to serve you better Primate Ayodele releases 2019 prophecies, says B/Haram will infiltrate the army| Legit TV. Source: Legit.ng - As political parties continue to campaign ahead of the coming elections, Atiku Abubakar has promised to restructure the country - The PDP presidential candidate said he has always stood for the restructuring of the nation - The former vice president urged the people of Osun to vote the PDP from top to bottom Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, has said that he is passionate about the restructuring of Nigeria. Abubakar made the remarks during his presidential campaign on Tuesday, January 15, in Osogbo. He said he would start the process of restructuring in six months of his administration, if elected. "You know I have always stood for restructuring and I promise that I will start the process in six month, if elected and I mean it," he said. The PDP presidential candidate also said he would give 40 per cent appointment to youths and 30 percent to women in his government. READ ALSO: 15 facts about Nigeria's new police IG, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu While urging the people of the state to vote for him and other PDP candidates, Abubakar also appealed to them to protect their votes. "I appeal to you to vote for PDP from top to the bottom and your vote for the party means job, security and improved economy, he said. Also speaking, Abubakars wife, Titi Abubakar, said a vote for her husband would end suffering in the country. She urged the electorate to vote for her husband and other PDP candidates, adding that her husband would provide jobs, empower women and end poverty. The national chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, appealed to INEC and security operatives to be neutral during the election. Secondus also urged the new acting Inspector General of Police Mohammad Abubakar to be fair to all Nigerians. He appealed to the electorate to vote for Abubakar and other PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The Osun PDP chairman, Soji Adagunodo, said the electorate in the state would give 80 per cent of their votes to Abubakar and other PDP candidates in the elections. Olagunsoye Oyinlola, the chairman of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) steering committee, said Abubakar would fulfill all his electoral promises, if elected. Meanwhile, the Action Alliance (AA) on Monday, January 14, reaffirmed its support for Atiku Abubakar in the forthcoming presidential election. The AA national chairman, Chief Kenneth Udeze, who stated this at a press conference at the partys headquarters in Abuja, said: We are for Atiku/Obi leadership and we are glad to work with all believers of true federalism and efficient administration of governance at all levels to accomplish this as we approach the forthcoming elections." NAIJ.com (naija.ng) -> Legit.ng: Same great journalism, upgraded for better service! 2019 Presidency: Nigerians reveal why they prefer Atiku to President Buhari - on Legit TV Source: Legit Phil Gruber is the news editor at Lancaster Farming. He can be reached at 717-721-4427 or pgruber@lancasterfarming.com. Follow him @PhilLancFarming on Twitter. A witness spotted him getting into the cab and called police. A description was radioed to officers within minutes, and the cab made it less than a mile before a police commander pulled it over. The commander, Daniel O'Shea, didn't find a gun or bomb but he did find bundles of cash under the suspect's left pant leg, officials said. The Missouri Department of Transportation has installed three No Texting While Driving signs at the city limits of Sunrise Beach. The signs are located at the north and south entrances to the village on Highway 5 as well as at the entrance on Route TT. I told my officers that they can begin ticketing for texting while driving once the signs were up, Sunrise Beach Police Chief Jeff Campbell said, adding, Its not about tickets, its about safety. I hope this will save lives. The village passed an ordinance banning texting while driving, in July of 2018, and the law went into effect in August. Police had been issuing warnings until signs were erected. Read more below: Denny Hiner, Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club Co-founder, shared a quote he recently heard. In the world we live in, talent is equally distributed among us; however, opportunity is not. This quote reflects the premise behind the Idiots Clubs Dual Credit Scholarship Program: every child should have the opportunity to pursue education after high school if they want to. The Idiots Club believes the path out of poverty is a good-paying job. One of the charitys goals is to help more children living in poverty have the opportunity for education and training after high school, which will lead to better jobs. During the fall semester of 2018, 56 scholarships were provided to high school students at Macks Creek, Camdenton, School of the Osage and Eldon who are expected to earn 220 college credits. The scholarships totaled $14,226. The Charity anticipates another $14,000 in scholarships in the coming spring semester. These scholarships allow low-income students to take college courses while still in high school and receive both high school and college credit. The Idiots Club explained dual credit scholarships serve a two-fold purpose. First, some of these students don't think they will ever have the opportunity to go to college, partly because no one else in their family has ever attended. Their natural instinct is to be afraid of possible failure since exposure to higher education is something they've never experienced. This scholarship program allows students to try one college course to get their feet wet and show themselves that they are capable of succeeding. Secondly, this scholarship program allows children living in poverty who do plan on continuing their education after high school to get a head start on their college career. Juniors and seniors who take two dual credit classes for four semesters can earn 24 college credits, which equates to a one-and-a-half semester head start. For the past two years, the Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club has provided these scholarships to students who qualify for the Free/Reduced School Lunch Program. Since this program began in January 2017, the Idiots Club has provided $35,740.50 in scholarships. These scholarships have allowed 119 students to enroll in 170 courses and earn 504 college credits. The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) and the Missouri Loan and Scholarship Foundation have donated $15,000 and $10,000, respectively, to this effort. The Albers-Kuhn Family Foundation donated $3,100, and together, the Foundation of the Lake and the Lake ReMax Foundation has provided $3,000 in grants. Idiots Club general funds cover the remaining scholarships. The Lake of the Ozarks Idiots Club is a 501(c)3 charity, which is all-volunteer. You may contact the Idiots Club by email at: lotoidiotsclub@gmail.com. The Charitys webpage is: www.LakeOfTheOzarksIdiotsClub.org. Oregon set to add new Congressional District: Where will it go? Bari, January 16 - A 34-year-old Liberian man attacked a 24-year-old Afghan bus passenger with an axe in Bari on Wednesday, local sources said. The man was arrested. Florence, January 16 - A 24-year-old Italian man on Wednesday confessed to stealing a statuette of Jesus from a crib in Florence while drunk on the night of January 4-5. "I don't know why I did it," he reportedly told police. The statuette has yet to be recovered. Naples, January 16 - A bomb was let off Tuesday night outside the historic Sorbillo pizzeria in the heart of the southern Italian city, five years after the premises were torched. "It's an attack on rebirth and legality," said owner Gino Sorbillo. There was no damage to people or property other than scorching to the entrance. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Wednesday he would visit Naples "in the next 48 hours" after eight bombs exploded there in the last week, the last damaging the entrance to the Sorbillo pizzeria. Salvini said the 2019 budget included the hiring of 100 more police in Naples. "In this budget there is 400 million euros for hiring police and I'm happy to have done in six months what others didn't do in years", he said. Cagliari, January 16 - Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Wednesday governments in France, South America and elsewhere should send back to Italy "terrorists" like Cesare Battisti who was captured at the weekend after 37 years in Mexico, France and Brazil. Salvini said Italy had police and intelligence agents working in France and South America. "Let's hope for active and loyal collaboration on the part of governments to make sure that after 30 or 40 years they return to Italy's jails criminals who are having a high time abroad", Salvini said. French European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau said Wednesday that Salvini should give the French government any files he has on fugitives like Battisti possibly on the lam in France. "If Matteo Salvini has files" on Italian fugitives in France "let him give them to us and they will be examined by the justice system, case by case," she said. "Obviously with a spirit of responsibility and always bearing in mind how painful the year of lead were for Italy". Cagliari, January 16 - Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Wednesday he would visit Naples "in the next 48 hours" after eight bombs exploded there in the last week, the last damaging the entrance to the historic Sorbillo pizzeria Tuesday night. Salvini said the 2019 budget included the hiring of 100 more police in Naples. "In this budget there is 400 million euros for hiring police and I'm happy to have done in six months what others didn't do in years", he said. Vatican City, January 16 - The faithful should pray to God like a child speaking to his father, calling Him "Dad, Daddy", Pope Francis told his general audience on Wednesday. The pope also appealed for Christian unity saying that ecumenism was not optional. One of the injured officers was bitten on the hand and arm, the other was hurt in the leg and arm, police said. They were taken in good condition to a hospital. The suspect, 29, was taken to St. Anthony Hospital and was reported stable. Cagliari, January 16 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's Tuesday admission that EU-mandated austerity policies had been "rash" during a recession comes "better late than never", deputy Premier and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Wednesday. "Better late than never, but luckily citizens will be able to express themselves with the cote on May 26," Salvini said, referring to the European elections. The anti-migrant Euroskeptic League leader has frequently criticised Juncker, and on at least one occasion implied that the EC chief was allegedly a heavy drinker. Milan, January 16 - An Egyptian man who jumped out of the back of a plane deporting him from Malpensa to Dakar was tracked down overnight at Samarate near Varese. The man was said not be injured. The interior ministry said he will be deported in the next few hours. The man has been cited for interrupting public services. Traffic was severely disrupted Tuesday night at the airport outside Milan. Tel Aviv, January 16 - Hamas on Tuesday night lifted its siege of three Italian Carabinieri policemen who had taken refuge in the United Nations office in Gaza. The Palestinian militant group said it was satisfied the three were Italians and not Israelis as they had previously suspected. "Investigations enabled us to ascertain the identity of the three Italians as well as the security of the procedures for their entrance into Gaza," Hamas's interior minister said. The three police should be able to return to Jerusalem today after the opening of the Eretz crossing point. While there has typically been video releases of officer-involved shootings per the citys video transparency policy, in this case we have not reviewed any video that captures a Chicago police officer firing a weapon that led to the death of a shooter, COPA spokesman Ephraim Eaddy said. If we had that video, we would have that to release. But in the absence of a video that actually captured the shooting, we have decided to use the exemption as stated in the Freedom of Information Act (for other video from the crime scene). An immigration case slowly snaking through court also makes it harder to get attorneys to take on a case for free, or pro bono, Huebner said. It could be difficult for attorneys to commit to cases because they wont know what their work schedule will be or where they will be working when the case has its final hearing, Huebner said. At the National Immigrant Justice Center, pro bono attorneys help by representing people who are seeking asylum, Huebner said. The reason for declining bus speeds is congestion, which has been blamed on ride-share services, construction and a stronger economy that has led more people to drive. The CTA and the city have added dedicated bus lanes in the Loop to help buses avoid traffic. But the citys share of dedicated bus lanes is still low, at just 4.1 miles compared with 82.8 miles in New York. A Nebraska man who shot his ex-girlfriend and left her for dead in a ditch was sentenced to 55 years in prison. Brian Anderson, 22, had pleaded guilty to attempted kidnapping and use of a firearm to commit a felony in the October shooting of Laura Kucera. In a Ponca, Neb., courthouse, Judge Maurice J. Redmond called Anderson a "bully" and a "coward" in sentencing him to 40 years on the attempted kidnapping charge and 15 years on the firearm charge. The sentences must be served back-to-back. Anderson will be eligible for parole in about 27 years. Anderson abducted Kucera Oct. 1, six days after he finished a 30-day jail term for violating an order to stay away from her. Kucera said Anderson's last words before shooting were, "If I can't have you, then nobody else will." She was shot twice in the head and once in the shoulder, then left in a ditch in a remote area of northeast Nebraska. She survived four days in temperatures that dipped into the 40s before Anderson had second thoughts and led rescuers to her. Mercado said the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen when he was briefly out of the building. The dogs that died were in cages in the house; Mercado said he burned his hands trying to open them. In response to Pennys question about whether to save gift boxes etc., I felt the need to chime in. This year at the majority of the stores I shopped, I discovered no one gave out free gift boxes! Had I not saved/recycled gift boxes from previous holidays, I would have been forced to purchase boxes, which are typically not very good quality. If you have space, it is wise to save boxes, gift wrap etc., and the clear storage containers are a great way to do this, since theyre stackable and allow you to see exactly what you have. FERNDALE, WA - Meet Logan! He is an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy that will always be a puppy his entire life. According to Rescued Hearts Northwest, Logan was recently diagnosed with Pulmonic Valve Dysplasia which is a congenital heart defect of the semilunar valve that is between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery. After some tests the rescue received the devastating news that Logan's heart is in worse shape than what they originally thought and that his time is very short. The rescue decided to create a puppy bucket list, so Logan would be able to experience anything and everything a puppy would ever want to experience. Click here to follow Logan's journey. The rescue asks that you share your ideas with them and they will create "Logans Bucket List" and share his adventures with you. Melstone Public Schools will reopen Wednesday after a threat made against the school district was determined to be unfounded Tuesday. Superintendent Brett Scott told KULR-8 Tuesday that the decision to close the schools needed to happen because of how late the district learned of the threat. "You know this situation... it came in fairly late last night," said Scott. "You know without us being able to confirm it with law enforcement right away, Just in the best interest of our school, my staff, it was just better to cancel school and give us ample time today to investigate it and get to the bottom of it. So it really turned out for the best." The student responsible for the threat has been identified. The superintendent will work with the board to determine disciplinary action. Melstone Public Schools canceled classes Tuesday, for "potential threats made by a student towards [the] school and student body." Melstone is located in eastern Musselshell County, MT. Here is the statement posted on the school district's website: Superintendent Scott and the Board of Trustees have been made aware of potential threats made by a student towards our school and student body. The district takes these threats very seriously and need time to investigate and ensure the safety of our students and faculty. The administration is working with law enforcement at this time. Information is limited. This story will be updated as more comes in. School threats seem to be happening more often and not just in the Treasure State but across the country. KULR-8 spoke with the Director of Communications and Federal Relations for the Office of Public Instruction to see if the office collects data on school threats. Dylan Klapmeier is the Director of Communications and Federal Relations and he explained that Montana is a local control in education state. That means most threats that are made to schools in Montana are handled between school administration and local law enforcement. Data that specifically involves school threats are not necessarily collected. Klapmeier said as part of the annual accreditation process, the State of Montana does not require school districts to report instances of threats to schools. The director explained, "We only hear about and collect that anecdotally as we informally get reports of threats to school. The instances where we will have a record on file of a threat against a school or an emergency, a natural disaster, whatever it might be, that causes a school to shutdown for a certain number of hours or days, our finance department will have that on file if it causes or could become a cause for the school to not meet the minimum number of aggregate hours of instruction time that they are supposed to have." Klapmeier also said that the Office of Public Instruction can see what schools are close to not meeting the required hours. He explained that a more common reason to shut down a school is due to a natural disaster, like a blizzard or flood. MENLO PARK, CA - Facebook says it will invest $300 million in local news over the next three years. The money will go to supporting journalists and newsrooms in the newsgathering process. It will also go towards helping local news stations build sustainable business models. Facebook said the decision came after its users said they wanted to see more local news on their Facebook feeds. Shah and Ioffe have data to support screening in a recently published paper for Urology Times. Looking at tissue from nearly 2,900 biopsies, they found that after the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force - the federal agency that weighs in on the need for PSA tests - said routine PSA screening was unnecessary in 2012, fewer biopsies were performed. But more of those biopsies revealed cancer, suggesting that some cases are being diagnosed later than they could have been. But even as the Wellsteins left the hospital with Janes footprints and a snip of her bright blond hair, the Winnetka couple knew that their little girls story wasnt over. They wanted to do something to honor her and to help other parents who experience similar losses, including miscarriages and newborn deaths. Within a year of Janes death in January 2012, theyd opened the first Janes Room a comfortable, homelike space for grieving parents and family members at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital in Chicago. On Thursday, the sixth Chicago-area Janes Room is scheduled to be unveiled at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights. Family photo of Kyron Horman on left, age progression image of Kyron at age 14 on right released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children on right. (KPTV) According to the Washington-based Direct Selling Associations most recent data, 18.6 million people were involved in the direct selling of $34.9 billion in products in 2017, whether they did so part time, full time, or signed up with companies to receive a discount on their favorite products. Illinois was among the top five states for direct sales, according to the group, with more than 800,000 people involved and $1.5 billion in sales. And across the U.S., 73.5 percent of direct sellers were women, said Joseph Mariano, the associations president and chief executive officer. After reading the title, some readers may recall the old Beetles tune, Let it Be. But, Im not here to talk about music today; rather, Id like to remind readers of the dangers of poison ivy. You may have heard the old adage, Leaves of three, let it be. Let's imagine we're in Vietnam. It's Saturday night, and your hungry buddies are jonesing for something different when someone says: "I'm craving American food!" You head to a neighborhood called Little America, where every kitchen is famous for one dish: pancakes. There's the restaurant Pancakes 777, and next to it, Tank Pancakes. Because in the Vietnam that exists in this alternate universe, American food = pancakes. Crazy notion, right? So why would Americans accept pho the aromatic beef noodle soup as Vietnam's lone culinary ambassador? Pho may be the country's best-known food export, but it's mostly a breakfast dish, lunch perhaps. In Vietnam, ordering a bowl of pho past 7 p.m. would be as peculiar as pancakes for dinner. (That said, like American all-day breakfast diners, 24-hour pho culture is popping up in trendier parts of the country.) For years, I've been happy eating just pho, banh mi (baguette sandwiches) and banh xeo (crispy crepes of pork belly and shrimp). Then I moved to within a half mile of Argyle Street, Chicago's Little Vietnam, and realized I had been wading in the cuisine's shallow end. Like its Southeast Asian neighbors, Vietnamese cooking balances the four pillars of Asian flavors: sweet, sour, salty and spicy. It's rooted in a millennium of Chinese rule, influenced by Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and, until 1954, seven decades of French colonization. You see these cultural intersections in a dessert such as banh bo nho, the raisin butter cookies with a clear lineage to French pastries, or in its history of charcuterie with head cheese and pate. All this, through the bright and pungent prism of lime juice and fish sauce, and the floral herbaceous hints of cilantro, mint and coriander. Eager to venture past old reliables, I invited Tran Ha and her husband, Howard Chen colleagues, friends and resident Vietnamese experts to meet me at Tank Noodle for a course in Vietnamese Cuisine 202. They had full control of the menu; I just sat back and ate what arrived. Lesson 1: Bun bo Hue. It's Vietnam's second most famous noodle soup, Jan Brady to pho's Marcia. Bun bo Hue (No. 93 on the menu) translates to noodle, beef and the central Vietnamese city that served as its imperial capital. When served in Hue, I'm told, the soup's spiciness tests the mettle of the iron-tongued. At Tank, your broth could offer either a piquant nudge or a roundhouse kick. On a later visit, my soup had so many chili flakes that after several sips, my eyes became bloodshot. But on that night with my friends, it was mild enough to detect lemongrass in the beef-and-pork broth, reminiscent of Thai tom yum goong. Its round rice noodles gave slurps an appealing slipperiness. Nestled within were beef shank slices, skin-intact pork knuckle, pork blood cubes and patties of minced pork. Ha suggested I ask for mam ruoc. The waiter returned with a bowl of purple paste, and from a distance it smelled as if it'd been left in the sun ... in the best possible sense. Here was fermented shrimp paste, and a few drops imparted a potent nuttiness that deepened the hot-sour broth. Slurping the last drops of the bowl, I felt I had graduated from pho. Lesson 2: "Pork three ways." That's how Ha described com tam bi suon cha (No. 98 on menu). Sold! It was a blue-collar lunch plate anchored by an outstretched palm-size grilled pork chop. A second pork treatment was a block of coarsely ground pork with an exterior layer of egg yolk. Most interesting was the third element: braised sliced pork and skin, coated with toasted ground rice. It was rich and porky, squishy like vermicelli but with a slight grittiness. The meat was served on cracked rice, which had the texture of puffy, stubby, exploded granules. Sometimes, it even comes topped with a fried egg. There was to be even more pork in my future, as part of Lesson 3: Caramelized pork in clay pot. Here, I was enlightened about a technique central in Vietnamese cooking: boiling sugar and water until it turns into caramel. This combined with fish sauce, scallions and fatty pork slices, sealed within a scorching clay pot, creates something so wondrous it has entered my shortlist of dishes I daydream about (this caramelized treatment is also used with catfish, called ca kho to). It was heo ram man on the menu (No. 189), and the theatrics alone were worth it: The clay pot lid was removed to reveal pork and sauce, bubbling with fury. After it cooled down, I scooped the black pepper-speckled pork and a healthy spoonful of the sweet, savory, pungent-on-the-back-end sauce over rice. This, Chen said, tasted like mom's home cooking. It satisfied the way pho did in the early days, a dish with enough exotic notes to keep it both familiar and fresh. I went back to the restaurant three days later and sat at the same table, just me, a bowl of rice and the sizzling clay pot. Tank Noodle 4953-55 N. Broadway Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday through Saturday, and 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Wednesdays More information: 773-878-2253, tank-noodle.com kpang@tribune.com Twitter @kevinthepang facebook.com/cheapeater President Donald Trump talks with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for the American Farm Bureau Federation's 100th Annual Convention in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Washington. A new source at Hacienda HealthCare spoke about the patient who gave birth in a vegetative state and the kind of care she needed. ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com) - Two of St. Louis' top leaders have a clear message for an agency that manages millions of tax dollars: "stop shredding documents." This comes after News 4 Investigates reported on whistleblowers saying critical information is being covered up. Since News 4s initial stories earlier this month brought forward allegations of financial mismanagement at the agency, federal agents and a number of other entities are now investigating. But whistleblowers have worried that documents won't be there for investigators to find. We don't want to be shredding anything, I told them don't even shred your grocery list, said St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson On Tuesday, Krewson met with employees of SLATE, the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment. Numerous whistleblowers have told News 4 they're concerned about treatment of employees, financial management and other issues. 'It's a lie;' Whistleblowers call for investigation of city agency amid claims of mismanagement of millions in taxpayer money Dozens of current and former employees at SLATE claim the agency, which manages $10 million in taxpayer money, is terribly mismanaged and are calling for a top-down review. Recently, some even said they worry about documents being destroyed. There has been a whole lot of shredding of paper since your story aired. We don't know what's being shredded but the shredders are going into overtime, said a whistleblower "You certainly would not want to have any perception of obstruction of justice, said President of the Board of Aldermen Lewis Reed. Tuesday, Reed called for all shredders to be removed from SLATE. "I think it's vital as a city that we do that. Transparency is a key issue and certainly if indeed when the investigators continue, if documents have been shredded and employees have been directed to do that, then that creates another problem, he said. The decision to remove equipment from any city agency would be up to the Facilities Department, which reports to the mayor. Monday, News 4 also reported that Dr. Alice Prince, head of SLATE, had been suspended in her previous role at the agency. Krewson said she was not aware of that before appointing Prince to the top spot. Would you have wanted to know that ahead of time? Investigative Reporter Lauren Trager asked. Any time you are hiring someone, you want to know everything, so of course you would want to know that, Krewson said. In all, despite whistleblowers' concerns, Krewson says she has confidence in Dr. Prince's leadership. I think Dr. Prince has done a lot of good things at SLATE and brought new energy, going door-to-door to find jobs, so yes, Krewson said. REPRESENTATIVE BRUCE FRANKS RESPONDS For the first time since News 4s investigation broke, Missouri State Sen. Bruce Franks has responded directly to questions about his work as a youth mentor for a subcontractor of SLATE. News 4 compared his timesheets to archive video, as well as his and other people's social media accounts. News 4 found close to 30 instances in seven months that raised questions. Tuesday, News 4 talked with him outside of a courtroom. He was there for a bankruptcy meeting. He declined go on camera but said he worked the correct number of hours on the days he submitted timesheets. Franks said some of the exact hours on the timesheets may have been off. He also said he would be doing a sit-down interview soon. FRANKS BANKRUPCY He and his attorney amended his bankruptcy filing to reflect $800 in income he got from that youth mentor job that he had left out of his bankruptcy case. You can watch all of Laurens investigations she's done so far on the KMOV News app. JERSEY COUNTY, Ill. (KMOV.com) - A husband and wife who starved their 6-year-old son to death were each sentenced Wednesday. Michael and Georgena Roberts were sentenced in Jersey County, Illinois. The pair previously pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges. Court documents said the father and stepmother starved two boys as a form of punishment. The 6-year-old boy weighed 17 pounds at his death. Parents charged in child's death; police say starvation was punishment Two parents are being charged with murder after a 6-year-old child was found dead from malnourishment. On Wednesday, Michael was sentenced to 25 years and Georgena was sentenced to 20 years. Following the sentencing, Jersey County State's Attorney Ben Goetten and Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby issued the below joint statement: Neither Hoffman Estates-based Sears Holdings Corp. nor Lamperts hedge fund, ESL Investments, shared details of the final bid the hedge fund submitted in a bankruptcy auction this week. Bloomberg News reported the final offer is valued at more than $5 billion and represents a more than $150 million improvement over ESLs previous offer. It also doesnt release Lampert from liability related to transactions between his hedge fund and the retailer prior to Sears bankruptcy filing, according to Bloomberg, something Lampert sought in earlier bids. The deal still requires approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. Liam Hehir writes: Veteran New Zealand journalist Gordon Campbell penned a glowing obituary of Chavez, which proclaimed him an example of how much a third-world nation can achieve when it takes control of its natural resources from the US and its corporate allies, and uses them to benefit its own people and the region. He went on to say: The main beneficiaries of Chavez 14 years in power were the ordinary people of Venezuela. Chris Trotter, clearly an admirer of El Presidente, mused wistfully about what the Kiwi analogue of Chavez would look like. Imagine Hone Harawira blended into Willie Apiata, with the ideological fervour of Jane Kelsey and Annette Sykes, he suggested. He dreamed of such a composite being sent into South and west Auckland on a mission to build a movement capable of smashing the neoliberal order in New Zealand, and spreading his revolutionary Aotearoan socialist circles across the entire country. Keith Locke, the Green MP with a good heart, but a history of questionable judgments, slated John Key for not attending Chavezs state funeral. The Herald reports: From the moment Nine and Fairfax announced their merger, it was clear that Stuff wasnt part of the plans for the future of the joint enterprise. Speculation that the company would slice off the New Zealand arm has been confirmed by Nine chief executive Hugh Marks, who told the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday that a formal sale process for Stuff would begin in the next few months. Marks did not specify who the business would be sold to, but did say there had been interest from a broad group of companies. An independent adviser report by Grant Samuel at the end of last year estimated that Nine may be able to get around $115-$135 million from the sale of Stuff. The finance firm also noted that the Kiwi units operating performance is expected to keep declining in the short- to medium-term until its transformation beds in, providing its successful. MILAN, Jan 16 (Reuters) - PIMCO, the world's biggest bond investor, does not expect Britain to leave the European Union without a divorce deal, a top official at the Italian unit of Pacific Investment Management Co said. Speaking at an event in Milan, sovereign credit analyst Nicola Mai said on Wednesday that the global investor did not see a "Scenario of hard Brexit", adding it remained "long" in the British pound. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. (Updates with closing prices) By Peter Hobson LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Nickel touched a 10-week high on Wednesday as falling stockpiles and a tightening of time spreads suggested an undersupplied market. Benchmark nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) closed down 0.4 percent at $11,630 a tonne after reaching $11,770, its highest level since Nov. 8. The stainless steel ingredient is up around 10 percent from a 15-month low on Jan. 2. It has been caught up in a broader slide in industrial metals because of fears that China's economic growth is slowing. Stockpiles in exchange warehouses are near multi-year lows and the price of cash nickel surged this week compared with contracts for later delivery, suggesting a shortage of nearby material. But Citibank analyst Oliver Nugent said the tighter spreads were likely due to temporary factors related to the expiry of an LME monthly nickel futures contract on Wednesday. "This is probably more a feature of a technical imbalance of longs and shorts around a key expiry than it is a reflection of a tightening in nickel's fundamentals," he said. The nickel market will likely be fairly balanced in 2019 after a small deficit of 40,000 tonnes in 2018, he added, predicting prices around $11,500 at the end of this year. STOCKS: Nickel stocks in LME-registered warehouses at around 200,000 tonnes are down from more than 360,000 tonnes at the start of 2018 and at their lowest level since mid-2013. Nugent said the drawdowns were partly due to metal being moved to non-exchange warehouses, rather than because it has been consumed. SPREADS: The discount of cash nickel compared to three-month metal rose to $67 from $9, which was the smallest discount in nearly two years. But at $67 the discount remains below recent levels of around $80 to $90. WARRANTS/POSITIONS: Exacerbating a squeeze on the LME, a single entity held between 40 and 49 percent of nickel warrants and there were large holders of long and short positions in the January futures contract. COLUMN: Flash LME nickel squeeze may be a taste of things to come: Andy Home CHINA: Battling a slowdown that could curtail demand for metals, China signalled more stimulus measures in the near term as it aims to achieve "a good start to 2019". RUSAL: The U.S. Senate voted to advance a resolution disapproving of a plan to ease sanctions on Russian companies including Rusal, the biggest aluminium producer outside China. ALUNORTE: Aluminium maker Norsk Hydro said the Brazilian state of Para had lifted a production embargo on its Alunorte alumina facility, the world's largest refinery of the aluminium ingredient. OTHER METALS: Copper finished 0.8 percent higher at $5,970 a tonne, aluminium ended up 0.7 percent at $1,859 a tonne, zinc rose 1.7 percent to $2,497 a tonne, lead gained 0.4 percent to $1,975 a tonne and tin closed down 0.5 percent at $20,575 a tonne. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Top Base and Precious Metals Analysis - GFMS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Additional reporting by Tom Daly Editing by Louise Heavens and Edmund Blair) LME price overview COMEX copper futures Base metals news All metals news All commodities news Metals diary Foreign exchange rates SPEED GUIDES )) Consolidation season has finally arrived in the goldfields, just as many experts and analysts have been predicting for some time now. With exploration budgets having been slashed since their 2012 peak, and because there are today fewer and fewer ounces of gold available to be mined, one way forward for producers of all sizes will be to ramp up mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity. You might have heard that Newmont Mining will be buying Goldcorp in a massive $10 billion deal. The resultant company, to be headquartered in Denver, will be the worlds largest gold producer by number of ounces minedlarger even than whats being called New Barrick, after the $6.5 billion merger of industry giants Barrick Gold and Randgold Resources, announced back in September. Whereas Barrick-Randgold produced a combined 6.6 million ounces of gold in 2017, Newmont-Goldcorp was responsible for as much as nearly 8 million ounces. click to enlarge I see this news as positive overall for the metals and mining industry, which has long signaled the need for consolidation. As I explained in a Frank Talk Live segment back in October, its when an industry has found a bottom that you start to see big M&A deals. A couple of years ago, the very talented people at Visual Capitalist showed in an infographic that mining M&As peaked in the aftermath of the financial crisis. A Positive Case Study in M&As: Domestic Airlines This tacit rule applies not just to metals and mining but also to most other industries. Look at domestic airlines. Its easy to forget now that between 2005 and 2008, more than two-thirds of U.S. airlines were operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. A huge wave of consolidation followed, giving us the big four carriersDelta, American, United and Southwest. Profits surged to new highs. This year, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global airlines should see their 10th straight year of profitability, and fifth straight year where airlines deliver a return on capital that exceeds the industrys cost of capital, creating value for its investors. Consolidation Could Speed Up the Closer We Get to Peak Gold So will gold miners follow suit and consolidate (more so than they already are)? And will this lead to a similarly sustained period of outstanding profitability? No one can say for sure, of course, but my guess is that well continue to see more and more deals the closer we get to the idea of peak gold. As Ive shared with you before, the yellow metal is getting exponentially more difficult and costly to mine. The low-hanging fruit has likely already been plucked, so to speak. Exploration budgets have been slashed, and the days of 20- and 30-million-ounce gold deposits could be behind us, to say nothing of 50-million-ounce discoveries. click to enlarge To replenish their own reserves, big-name miners such as New Barrick and Newmont might decide to absorb smaller-cap junior producers with provable mines instead of spend higher and higher costs to scour the world for progressively harder-to-find deposits. Says Michael Siperco of Macquarie Research, the Barrick-Randgold and Newmont-Goldcorp deals could spark a wider consolidation in the industry, where too many gold companies are chasing too few assets. Only time will tell if this happens. Ill be curious to see what companies could be next to strike a deal! Although todays story will be of special interest to dentists, it applies to business people of all kinds. Lets begin with these two questions: No. 1: Why are dentists more likely than most other health care professionals to become victims of theft and embezzlement by a trusted employee? No. 2: How much does the dental profession lose a year from theft by employees? Just ask David Harris of Prosperident. As president and CEO of Prosperident, he has seen his company grow to become worlds largest firm investigating financial crimes committed against general dentists and dental specialists. The bill for dental employee theft runs up to a staggering half a billion dollars a year from embezzlement alone, he says. In large part, it is explained by that wonderful quality dentists have, which patients, staff and their colleagues so appreciate, that is also a giant trap: Trust. A great deal of this theft could be avoided had the dentist been much more careful in the hiring process, he points out, adding, The mistakes made by dentists are not unique to this profession, but affect many businesses. Fixer of Teeth Not a Business Owner My law practice has a number of physicians and dentists as clients, and all of them share two qualities: Their full-time job is the delivery of health care, or, Fixer of Teeth, Restorer of Smiles, as Harris relates the way dentists describe what they do. Most dentists did not choose a career to be business owners, unlike the person who owns a restaurant, where they see their job as running a restaurant. To dentists, business ownership is the unwelcome tag-along. So, as you will see, the combination of Trust in what they are told as part of the dentists DNA, and often not really enjoying the business aspects of running a dental office, leads to a series of mistakes in hiring costly mistakes. First Mistake: Failure to Realize the Number of Bad People Out There How many people do you think have a criminal record in the United States? 10 million? 20 million? 40 million? More? Surprise: Estimates by the National Employment Law Project put the figure at about 70 million, or about 1 in 3 adults. The first mistake dentists make is to not to realize the number of bad people out there. A staggering number of Americans have a rap sheet. And in most cases, when dentists hire they are not aware that chances are this person has a criminal record. Merely having a record does not make an applicant un-hirable, but as dental employees often work with money and children, their background can and should be looked into deeply. But proper background checks are not being done, and it is a mistake to view a background check and a criminal records check interchangeably. A criminal records check is a sub-set of a background check, an important one, but a background check is much broader and would include such things as drug testing, he explained. But what if nothing shows up on a criminal records check? Can you assume that it is safe to hire that person? Not yet, says Harris. It could take months for a recent one to show up. You must look in other places, because if they have a tainted past, they are taking steps to conceal it. Second Mistake: Not Contacting Previous Employers He outlines how a bad apple can camouflage reality: You are given the name of a former employer who you phone but you could be talking to anyone on the planet. Applicants often omit certain jobs they have had because you will not hear good things, or they will say, Do not contact my current employer. My boss doesnt know I am leaving so please dont call him. What this could mean is that I was fired and do not want you to learn this, so by saying, Please do not call my employer, you will not discover that they were fired for theft. But it could be a legitimate request, and so your response should be, We do not hire anyone without contacting the most recent employer. The job offer is contingent on speaking with your current employer, and receiving a positive recommendation. Finally, Harris observes that, Unemployment in the United States is at an historic low right now. In the minds of people hiring, as the pool of available candidates is small, they do not see the value in doing much scrutiny. This can be penny-wise pound-foolish thinking, as the damage an unsuitable employee can do to any business is huge. Lawyers know that health care professionals take what people say to them at face value, tending to be on the extreme end of trusting. They have a code of honesty in dealing with each other for the benefit of the patient. And that is often a problem. FOREST CITY, Iowa - It's an issue many rural communities face: a shortage of full-time paramedics. And Winnebago County isn't immune to the alarming trend. Currently, Forest City Paramedics provides not only service to its home town, but also parts of Winnebago, Hancock and Worth Counties; however, they have been running into a staffing shortage. By the end of this month, the service will be down to 2 full-time paramedics, 6 part-timers and some EMT's, as well as support staff and drivers. Now, a paramedic who oversees the service is asking the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors to help create a plan for the future of paramedic service and funding in the county. On more than one occasion, Rebekah Boyer has needed emergency medical services, which provide a vital service to a county that has no hospitals. With this ongoing shortage, Boyer is hopeful the necessary service will receive more funding and staff. "They do a fantastic job. I'm super impressed, but I think it's a necessary for our community to have them here." A scholarship fund was recently formed that has collected $1,000 so far, in the hopes of adding to the service. Boyer loves the idea of trying to get more interested in the field. "I think it's fantastic. I think getting kids interested in emergency services is a great idea." The Board of Supervisors are planning on adding the issue to a public forum in future meetings. MASON CITY, Iowa A teen accused of harboring a runaway girl is pleading not guilty. Mason City police say Devyn Robert Belseth, 18 of Mason City, allowed a 15-year-old girl to stay at his home multiple times after she was reported missing in October 2018. The girl was eventually found in early December 2018. Belseth has entered a not guilty plea to harboring a runaway and his trial is scheduled to start on March 26. MASON CITY, Iowa A man accused of waving a knife at police is pleading not guilty. Anthony John Klimke, 24 of Mason City, is charged with interference with official acts, displaying a dangerous weapon. He was arrested in mid-December 2018 after Mason City police say Klimke ran from them with a large silver knife in his hand. He was found on some playground equipment and reportedly waved the knife around and refused to listen to officers commands before being apprehended. Klimke is scheduled to stand trial starting on February 19. FOREST CITY, Iowa Students in Winnebago County now have the opportunity to get some experience as lawnmower mechanics and engineers through a program offered by the Forest City YMCA. This program gains them hands-on experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) field. I like building and engineering stuff so I thought this would be a fun opportunity to take apart something, said Hayden Reynolds, a sixth grader. Reynolds was not alone as nearly 20 other students gathered in the shop classroom at Forest City High School on Tuesday for the first rendition of Grease Monkeys, an engineering project where the students will take apart a lawnmower engine and reconstruct it in six weeks. The idea was made by Forest City YMCA Program Director, Tony Reynolds, who simply wanted a way for children like his to learn. He loves working with his hands and taking things apart, playing with Legos, and electro sets and stuff like that, Reynolds told KIMT. That's really kind of what sparked this is what can I do for kids similar to him that have that love, but they don't really have a resource to learn. While Mark Jenkins is accustomed to teaching children older than this, he hopes these students gain a passion for the industry. Im looking forward to some of these kids sparking an interest at a younger age so when they do get up into high school, they might already have a plan or that passion to pursue something in the engineering, construction, or mechanic-type field, said Jenkins, the Industrial Technology teacher at Forest City High School. The class was limited to 20 students and is currently full. For information on enrollment for future courses, click here. ROCHESTER, Minn. - If you see something that gives you that funny feeling in your stomach when something just isn't right, it's best to 'see something, say something.' Two men at a Rochester bus stop say they would act on their gut feelings if they saw something suspicious in a public place, especially if it involved a child. "You can tell when something ain't right. I'd interfere, kind of find out what's going on, especially if it's a kid," says Christian Marciano. "I think I would ask questions like do you know this child, different things like that. I'm pretty sure I would step in, like intervene," adds Stephen Strickland. If you see something that feels off to you, the Rochester Police Department advises you to not hesitate to call the non-emergency number at 507-328-6800. Being able to relay as many details as possible about the suspect or their car is helpeful to law enforcement. RPD has a long list of helpful distinguishing details, including height, ethnicity, hair color, facial hair, tattoos, and clothing. As for the vehicle, color, make, year, 2 or 4 door, damage or identifying marks can help police track the suspicious vehicle. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office adds that knowing the car or person's direction of travel and if there are cameras in the area are notable details. Memorizing a person's clothing from top to bottom is also most easily remembered. ROCHESTER, Minn.-Southeast Minnesota is growing in more ways than one. That's what regional leaders tell the public at the Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit held earlier today. Farming is a major industry across our area and the impact agriculture has on the southeastern Minnesota economy is tremendous. We spoke to a Matt Flynn. Hes a fourth generation farmer who works and lives in rural Stewartville. He attended the economic summit to talk about how the agricultural industry is doing...and they're not doing so well. The industry is on a downward trend and that's something Flynn notices. He says expenses are going up and he's not seeing the money in return and it's hard for him and other farmers to make a living. Revenue have been dropping and our expenses have been going up. It's just a matter of time nobody can succeed with that kind of business plan. It's really have gone down a lot in the last year from the tariffs and the commodity prices have gone down in just about everything in agriculture, said Flynn. Flynn says there has to be a change or there will be you'l start to see fewer farmers. NEW HAMPTON, Iowa Drugs are sending a Chickasaw County man to prison for up to 25 years. Jacob Dean Craun, 23 of Fredericksburg, was arrested in June 2018 after law enforcement said a search of his home turned up methamphetamine, marijuana, and smoking devices. Investigators said Crauns home was known to be used for the distribution and use of narcotics. Andria McLaughlin Andria McLaughlin Craun was arrested again in November 2018, along with Andria McLaughlin, after a search for a wanted man led authorities to Crauns home and the discovery of meth, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and Epsom salt being packaged and sold as meth. Craun pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute meth, possession of meth, and possession of marijuana. On Tuesday, he was given concurrent sentences of up to 25 years behind bars. McLaughlin is pleading not guilty to gathering for the use of drugs. Her trial is set to begin on April 24. ROCHESTER, Minn. Its the start to a new year but the same old problem. People are drinking and getting behind the wheel. Already this year, the number of DWI arrests statewide are staggering. According to Minnesota State Patrol, there have been 1,051 DWI arrests from January 1,2019-January 15, 2019. This is an increase from the same time period just last year. There were 910 DWI arrests from January 1-15 in 2018. Its shocking, Hilary Melville, of Rochester said. But to him, its also upsetting. Nine years ago, Melville lost his 23-year-old son, Austin, after he was hit by a drunk driver while crossing the street. We miss him every day, Melville said. Austin would be 31 years old now. He'd probably be married, we'd probably have grandchildren. We have none of that now. Now, Melville and his wife advocate for safe, sober driving no matter the substance. The Melvilles are also going to the State Capitol on Wednesday to advocate against the legalization of recreational marijuana in Minnesota. An issue the states new governor, Tim Walz, has expressed support of. To Melville, joining the 10 states and District of Columbia in ending weed prohibition, would be a step in the wrong direction. People use marijuana for the purposes of getting high. They're not going to not drive just because they're feeling a little high. And it just makes the problem worse on our roads, He said. The drunk driver who killed his son also had THC, the element in cannabis giving a high feeling, in his system. Melville wants people to know driving under the influence of any substance can cost someone more than their license or a legal fine. You might have killed someone or you might of killed yourself because of that stupid decision, it's just not worth it, he said. People have a lot of ways they can solve the problem, they just need to choose to do it. Minnesota law enforcement says one of the best ways to make sure a person or loved one doesnt drink and drive is to simply plan ahead. Before going out for a drink, set up a ride sharing service, taxi, or friend to pick you up. MASON CITY, Iowa A guilty plea is entered in the choking and beating of a woman in North Iowa. Brian Nathaniel Smith, 35 of Mason City, was arrested in December 2018. Law enforcement says his female victim had red marks in the pattern of fingers around her neck and throat. The woman said she was hit several times in the head and face as well. Smith is pleading guilty to domestic abuse causing bodily injury. His sentenced is due to take place on March 4. FOREST CITY, Iowa - This week we are recognizing a local teacher who is helping his students grasp complex concepts in the classroom. He's just a great teacher. Mr. Justin Uhlenhopp, better known as Mr. U, teaches 8th grade science at Forest City Middle School. Science has always been my favorite, says Mr. U. He has a love for science that started early on in life. My three favorite teachers that I had were science teachers. I just loved their approach, it's very similar to mine, I believe, he says. And that approach seems to be working - take it from the four students who nominated him. In 6th and 7th grade I did not like science at all because it was so confusing, but ever since having Mr. U, I understand everything, says Ashlynn Miller. I used to not like science but now science is like my favorite class, says Kaci Suby. It wasn't so good at first but once I got Mr. U as a teacher I got better at it, says Avery Smith. I love science, says Cooper Littrell. Mr. U says it's all about taking the intimidation out of the equation. The vocabulary, the note taking, we don't do that in my room. We get there through labs and hands-on activities and online simulations and it seems to be working, he says. As for how it feels to be a golden apple award winner. Its exciting, it's fun to be recognized and know your students enjoy being in your classroom, says Mr. U. If you want to nominate your teacher click on "Golden Apple" under the Community tab. FOREST CITY, Iowa The fourth and final sentence is issued for a December 2017 drug bust. Charles Gene Barnish, 43 of Mason City, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine-2nd offense and has been ordered to spend seven days in jail, with work release privileges. Barnish was arrested along with three others on December 17, 2017, after Forest City police searched a home in the 700 block of South 7th Street and found meth, marijuana, and children in the home. Audrey Lynn ODell pleaded guilty to gathering where drugs are used and possession of meth-1st offense. She got a deferred judgment and five years of probation. Valerie Lynn ODell pleaded guilty to gathering where drugs are used and child endangerment. She received 36 days in jail and three years of probation. State charges against Joseph Angel Luna were dismissed to make way for federal prosecution, where Luna pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution and meth and got a 10 year prison sentence. MASON CITY, Iowa - Throughout the winter season, ice can be a common thing to see, and it may catch you off guard when you're getting up and ready for the day. The freezing rain from Monday night into Tuesday morning coated roadways and sidewalks in the area. Michael Anderson of Mason City was heading to the bus stop at Central Park Tuesday morning when he encountered a slippery problem. "I started walking across the diagonal from State Street and Washington, and slipping a little bit, fell on my butt there." Upon arrival at the Community Kitchen of North Iowa to volunteer his time, the problem still existed, pointing to an example of helping a fellow volunteer. "The sidewalks were all icy, and so I asked the lady if I can put some salt out there. And I went to help him take some garbage out, and he's slipping and sliding, so I came back in and got the bucket." Hope Jensen of Forest City is no stranger to slipping on the ice, and notes of a couple older people that landed in the hospital after falls on the ice last year. "They had to go to the hospital and get some of that stuff fixed, which can be pretty serious and scary, especially when it comes to breaking bones and hips." She's learned from her experience, and adjusts her walking to the conditions, and when it's time to open up shop at her business Salon Infinity, she spreads plenty of ice melt in entry ways. The ice is serving as a reminder to use caution. "I know a lot of my friends and clients that came in today drove a lot slower than the normal speed limit, which you got to do from time to time. Rather would be safe than sorry. And I've seen a lot of people shuffling out on the ground and 'penguin-ing' it out around so they don't slip and fall and get hurt worse." Fortunately, those with the Emergency Department at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa say that they have not seen a significant increase in people being treated for injuries related to slip and falls. NORTHWOOD, Iowa A man is sent to the hospital after authorities say he smashed his truck into two cars, a shrub, and a mail box. The Worth County Sheriffs Office says it got a call around 3 pm Monday of a vehicle driving through yards and hitting a parked car at A&I Auto and Northwood-Kensett Schools bus barn. A deputy located the vehicle described in the call stopped at the portable stop sign on 8th Street N and 2nd Avenue. The driver was identified as Lee Nelson of Northwood. Northwood Fire and Rescue was called to the scene and Nelson was taken to MercyOne Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. The Worth County Sheriffs Office says Nelson had hit a parked car in the Villa Woods parking lot, a shrub on that property, the mailbox at Northwood Dental Association, and the vehicle in the A&I parking lot. This incident remains under investigation. MADISON, Wis. (AP) Defense attorneys for the man accused of kidnapping a Wisconsin teenager and killing her parents acknowledged Wednesday that they're starting the case at a disadvantage after their client gave detectives a detailed confession and said they're not sure he can get a fair trial in the state. According to a criminal complaint , 21-year-old Jake Patterson outlined in detail for detectives how he gunned down 13-year-old Jayme Closs' parents Oct. 15 in their home near Barron and abducted the girl. Jayme escaped last week from the remote cabin where Patterson had been hiding her. Patterson was arrested minutes later, and he was charged Monday with two counts of homicide and kidnapping. Charlie Glynn and Richard Jones, Patterson's public defenders, told The Associated Press that they face an uphill struggle. Glynn acknowledged that the complaint contains "a very thorough confession." "Yes, it looks like you start out behind the eight ball a little bit," Glynn said. Jones said the defense team will evaluate Patterson's statements to determine whether they were given voluntarily and if they're true. He cautioned that prosecutors have amassed 30 banker's boxes full of evidence, but that the defense likely won't receive any of it, let alone review it, until after Patterson's Feb. 6 preliminary hearing. Terry Sullivan, a Chicago attorney who prosecuted the John Wayne Gacy killings, said he wouldn't have included so many details in the Patterson complaint. "I'm befuddled as to why they would release this amount of their evidence," Sullivan said. "It doesn't take a lot to hold a defendant, especially on a case like this. This guy certainly doesn't deserve any sympathy but, under our laws and our constitution, he at least deserves a fair trial. How do you get one if all the jurors have read this?" Jones said he doubts Patterson can get a fair trial in Barron County or maybe anywhere in Wisconsin, given the publicity surrounding the case. "(Barron) is a small community," Jones said. "So many different people have had not only an interest in the case, but an actual involvement in the case, being part of the search , those things, being part of fundraisers. They've had physical, tangible involvement in the case. The question becomes, 'Can you lay that involvement, that emotion aside and render a verdict based on this case?' In that county, I think that could be extremely difficult." Barron, which lies about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Minneapolis, is home to about 3,400 people. Investigators took more than 3,500 tips during the three-month search for Jayme. Some 2,000 people participated in a ground search for her on Oct. 23. The defense attorneys said they had an extensive conversation with Patterson in jail, but they declined to reveal anything that was said. They described his demeanor as "appropriate" for a 21-year-old facing such serious charges but didn't elaborate. They said they understand everyone wants to know Patterson's motivation, and that it will become clear later as the legal proceedings continue, Jones said. The attorneys declined to comment on Patterson's mental health. Patterson's father, Patrick Patterson, visited the Barron County Justice Center on Tuesday, saying he wanted to pass a note to the Closs' family, CNN reported . On the verge of tears, Patrick Patterson declined an interview but said: "All I care about right now is Jayme's family." Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald told the AP he had no knowledge of a note from the Patterson family. Glynn and Jones described Patrick Patterson as a genuinely kind man who feels terrible. They said he didn't know what was going on, even though his son told detectives Jayme was trapped beneath his bed during several visits from his father. Jayme's grandfather, Robert Naiberg, said Wednesday that he appreciates the father's sympathy. "You can't blame the parents," Naiberg told the AP. "A guy becomes 21 years old, and sometimes it's not how he was raised or anything." Naiberg said his granddaughter continues to recover. He said she will permanently live with her aunt and wants to return to school eventually. "She doesn't want to talk to anybody ... (but her aunt is) bringing her out of her shell slowly," Naiberg said of Jayme. DECORAH, Iowa A northeast Iowa man reaches a plea deal over a disturbance after an ATV accident. Jayme David Kimber, 38 of Decorah, has pleaded guilty to three counts of 1st degree harassment. The Winneshiek County Sheriffs Office says Kimber was the driver of an ATV that crashed the evening of July 31 on 155th Avenue. He was arrested in the early morning hours of August 1 after deputies were called to Middle Sattre Road about a man threatening people. Law enforcement says Kimber was found in a shed surrounded by hay bales. Firearms were also found with Kimber. He had been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of going armed with intent but pleaded guilty to the lesser charges. Kimber has been sentenced to two years of probation. STACYVILLE, Iowa A woman is arrested after law enforcement says she threatened someone with a knife. Rita Aurea Torres Vazquez, 25, was arrested around 7:45 am Wednesday and charged with domestic abuse assault. Mitchell County Sheriff Greg Beaver says Vazquez threatened her victim with a knife in the 100 block of East Vernon Street in Stacyville. Additional charges are also pending after law enforcement says it found suspected amounts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia at the location of the alleged assault. Vazquez was booked into the Mitchell County Jail to await her next court appearance. MASON CITY, Iowa - An Iowa congressman blocked from serving on any committees in congress and facing mounting pressure to resign. U.S. Representative Steve King is facing backlash in Washington and at home after an interview with the New York Times where he made racist comments. "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive?" the Iowa Republican told The New York Times in a story published last Thursday. Now, there are calls for him to resign. I think he ought to step aside and I think congress ought to make it very clear he has no place there, says Utah Republican, Sen. Mitt Romney. King serves much of north Iowa, including those in Mason City so we had to wonder what local people think of this. Some who voted for him could not go on camera because of their job and the divisiveness of this issue but tell KIMT they believe King has the best interest of Iowans in mind and that his comments were taken out of context. King issued a statement saying the times completely mischaracterized what he said. He says, "when saying how did *that* language become offensive - he was referring only to western civilization, not to any evil ideology". But other local constituents like Linda Foell aren't buying it. I think maybe if it was one time it could have been taken out of context but I think for many years he's said things that I think are very offensive and I think this is just the icing on the cake. I am really glad to see the actions taken, I think they should have been taken much earlier, says Foell. On Monday House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy announced King wouldn't be seated on any committees this Congress because of his comments. His loss of committee assignments on the judiciary and agriculture committees renders him virtually powerless in terms of legislating which could be a problem as he already has a challenger in the 2020 election. As for what's next for the congressman, he has made no mention of resigning. If his seat would become vacant, a special election would have to be held to fill his spot in congress. In association with Healthy Ireland, presentations on living with dementia will take place at several loca venues. Loughboy library will host a presentation on Friday next, January 18, starting at 11am. The speaker, clinical nurse specialist, Caroline Clifford has over 20 years experience working with people with dementia and their families. The presentation, Understanding Dementia is the first step to living with dementia, explaining what dementia is, how people can live well with the illness, the support services on offer and what to expect when someone close to you is given the diagnosis. All are welcome to attend. Callan library in conjunction with Healthy Ireland is hosting a talk by Caroline Clifford on Living with Dementia on Wednesday 23rd January at 11am. This talk will explore how people can live well with dementia and what supports are available. Dementia is a condition that touches nearly all families so this is a talk which will be worth attending A new 'movement' which claims to be gaining momentum around the country will hold a public meeting in the Springhill Court Hotel, Kilkenny, on Thursday, January 24 at 7.30pm. This meeting is one of a series of meetings that are being held throughout the 32 counties. According to Peadar Toibin TD, (formerly of Siunn Fein) who will be speaking at the All Ireland Movement event: We are blown away by the level of support. There is an avalanche of people who are getting in contact with us. Many of these people, who are from a Fianna Fail background or a Sinn Fein background are seriously frustrated that the leaderships of their parties do not represent them anymore. Its like watching a pressure cooker valve being released at meetings. People are saying that they have no one to vote for, that all the parties are uniform on so many issues. The truth is respectful opposition is not the enemy, its an important part of a health a democracy. People in housing crisis, who have health care issues and are struggling to makes ends meet want and need their issues to be crow-barred back up the political priority agenda. Yet the political establishment seem to be prioritising everything else but economic justice. We are an All-Ireland party. We seek the unity of the Irish people north and south. We seek the self-determination & Irish independence north and south. A seek to develop a broad inclusive organisation to achieve that. It is our view that that Sinn Fein has narrowed the space in which people can participate. We will be broader and much more welcoming. We believe that all human life should be protected and that no mother or child should be left behind. We seek to protect the most vulnerable in society at all stages of life. We believe that all of the necessary economic and social supports must be provided to mothers and families to ensure that they know that they can raise their children in confidence," the TD said. The Boundary County Sheriff's Office has made an arrest in connection to a burglary from Naples Elementary School on Monday night. Safe, simple and excellent correlation to international standards ERAFLASH S10 is eralytics unique 10-position autosampler flash point tester. 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The medical examiner says Andre died of smoke inhalation, a silent killer, according to firefighters. How you can help the family of 2-year-old boy killed in Sandpoint house fire Two GoFundMe pages have been set up following the tragic death of a Sandpoint boy in a house Its the smoke going up first and causing the problems, Kevin Amorebieta said. Amorebieta is a battalion chief with Selkirk Fire. He says all families need to have an evacuation plan, not soon, right now. That includes having a working smoke detector, crawling out of bed and staying low beneath the smoke, and one that parents may have mixed feelings with, sleeping with doors closed. If you keep your door closed, he said, "it does provide that barrier for keeping smoke from coming in. And with keeping doors closed, Amorebieta says kids can feel if the door is hot or cold to the touch. If its cool, slowly open and check your surroundings to see if you can make it out safely. If its hot, stay in the room and make your way to a window. Amorebieta says families need to sit down and make this plan muscle memory. Practicing it over and over again so that if it does happen, it's not their very first time, it's like 'ok, I remember doing this with mom and dad," he added. JUNCTION CITY, Ore. -- With some lawmakers looking to toughen up gun laws, there could be changes on the way for people who own guns in Oregon. A new bill set to appear in the legislature this year would require Oregonians to get a permit before buying a gun and limit the amount of ammunition a person can buy. The bill would also outlaw magazines that hold more than five rounds, and it would create gun locking and storage requirements. KEZI 9 News spoke with Adam Bryce, the owner of GunRunner Arms. He said the proposed changes are excessive, especially when it comes to the proposed permit. "Getting a permit to purchase a firearm is just adding another layer of bureaucracy, a way to charge us a little bit more money and make the law-abiding citizen more difficult to buy a firearm, Bryce said. It's not necessary. We already go through a full federal background check. You cannot buy a firearm in the state of Oregon without passing a background check." The bill comes from a group called "Students for Change" and was submitted by some Democratic lawmakers. Lake Oswego teens formed the group last year after the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in south Florida. The gun control bill is one of several that have been submitted by lawmakers ahead of the 2019 legislative session, which starts Jan. 22. SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- A former Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy is being held without bail after being accused of raping a woman and sexually abusing a minor while working for a Salem security company that previously contracted with Salem-Keizer Public Schools. The Statesman Journal reports that 28-year-old Jorge Ulises Serrano of Woodburn was arrested Jan. 10. He was charged with first-degree rape, first-degree encouraging child sexual abuse, second-degree sexual abuse and using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct. It wasn't immediately clear if Serrano had an attorney. Serrano was a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office from July 10, 2017, until he was discharged on Nov. 14, 2018, according to the Oregon Criminal Justice Information Records Inquiry System. CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The body of a Brownsville woman who went missing earlier this month has been found in the Willamette River, the Benton County Sheriff's Office said. Suzanne Durheim, 65, was reported missing Jan. 7 after she didnt show up for work at Samaritan Health Plans in Corvallis. Officials said Durheim's body was found around 2:17 p.m. on Jan. 15 in heavy brush on the east bank of the river, about one mile downriver from the original crash site. When Durheim's family and the county began the search for her Jan. 7, they found tracks that went off the road near milepost 1 of Highway 20 near Hewlett-Packard. The crash site indicated that a truck similar in color to Durheim's had driven off the road into the river. Authorities pulled Durheim's red 2003 F-150 Ford pickup out of the river Jan. 9, but no body was found inside the vehicle. RELATED: Woman still missing after truck pulled from Willamette River, officials say The search continued until Jan. 11, when it was suspended temporarily. The county resumed their search Jan. 14. Durheim's family have been notified. The Benton County Sheriff's Office worked with the Linn County Sheriff's Office during the investigation. 111 Shares Share Recently, a child was on a waitlist for five months to get into my practice. For this article, I will call him Tiny Tim. Tiny Tim, now five years old, has a skin condition known as eczema or atopic dermatitis. When we first met, virtuously every area of his body was covered with wounds from constant scratching. Skin that breaks easily and heals poorly can give bacteria access to other parts of the body. After our first visit, his mother complied with all the necessary care, and his condition was slowly improving. But on a weekend day in December Tim was rushed to an urgent care center, with a fever and pain in his ankle. He had no history of injury and the blood work, at first glance, indicated only mild infection. He was diagnosed with a virus and sent home. Two days later his fever spiked to 103 degrees, and he refused to walk, insisting on being carried everywhere, so his mother brought him to my office. He looked sick. Here was a usually defiant boy whose expression telegraphed fear and pain. On examination, his ankle was warm and swollen; he nearly jumped off the table when I flexed his joint. Having eczema increased his risk of developing a joint infection, and additional bloodwork supported the presence of a serious bacterial infection. Today, despite advances in antibiotics and surgical treatment, significant joint destruction can occur in children if an infection is not caught early. It can lead to life-threatening complications and even death. Within hours, he was admitted to Seattle Childrens Hospital and operated on the following morning. By the end of the month, he was skipping into my office as if nothing ever happened, if not for the IV line in his arm delivering daily antibiotics at home. I remember wishing there had been space in my practice earlier than the five-month mark. But Tiny Tim is on the states Apple Health plan, which is Washingtons Medicaid option for children, and providers can realistically only accept a certain number of those patients. He faced a delay that points to a serious flaw in the good intentions of the Medicaid expansion for children. For the first time in a decade, the number of uninsured children in the United States increased in 2018. Apple Health seemed like the quintessential success story because it expanded Medicaid coverage for children in Kitsap County alone, the number enrolled grew from 9,000 to over 21,000 in the last ten years. However, Medicaid reimbursement also decreased by more than 35 percent, after a federal provision that kept Medicaid payments on par with Medicare expired in 2015. Some states set aside funding to maintain rates equal to those of Medicare, but Washington was not one of them. Medicaid reimbursement is set at two-thirds the rate of Medicare, forcing many physicians to limit the number of children they treat on Medicaid to keep their doors open. Physician costs amount to just 8 percent of all healthcare expenditures, a small slice of the healthcare pie. Every day, physicians are retiring early or closing their doors; those who remain on the front lines have more patients than the capacity to manage. Sarah Rafton, the executive director of the Washington Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics (WCAAP), calls Medicaid expansion a hollow promise. She told the Columbian newspaper of Vancouver, This isnt about doctors who want to make a lot of money. If half of your potential patients are on Medicaid, it becomes difficult to sustain your practice. To my dismay, I have to limit the number of Medicaid patients in my own practice. Tiny Tim received timely, high quality pediatric primary and specialty care. He deserved nothing less. Children like him need health care funding parity so primary care physicians can afford to stay in business. But the Washington State Legislature has been loath to fund health care for children on Medicaid. Getting access to high-quality healthcare can seem akin to winning the lottery. Last year, Rep. Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) introduced a bill aimed at increasing reimbursement rates for treating children and pregnant women. Local Reps. Sherry Appleton (D) and Michelle Caldier (R) were co-sponsors. The bill got a hearing but died in committee. The Medicaid parity bill has been reintroduced for the session that opens this coming week, calling for $80 million in state funding to raise Medicaid reimbursement to that of Medicare, $30 million of which would be designated for pediatric primary care. When Medicare rates are already considered the bottom line, why is Medicaid reimbursement below sustainability? Who will care for children like Tiny Tim if basic medical care for children remains underfunded? As we open a new year, please think about children like Tiny Tim and the 840,000 other children also enrolled in Apple Health of Washington. And then contact your local representatives and encourage them to support legislation to bring reimbursement up to the Medicare equivalent. Niran S. Al-Agba is a pediatrician who blogs at MommyDoc. Image credit: Shutterstock.com 102 Shares Share I recently met an old friend of mine for the evening in New York City. Hes a talented young orthopedic surgeon, who has already, in the short amount of time since finishing residency, experienced so many of the problems our health care system faces. The topic of conversation quickly turned to the current state of medical practice, the dramatic swing to corporate medicine, and the consequential loss of autonomy suffered by physicians as a result. I asked him what his views were on why doctors appear to have lost control over their profession. He said something very profound: Oh theres a simple reason for that Suneel: Its because doctors dont get along. That was his single one-sentence summary. He then expanded on how he believed that as a group (considering there are close to a million physicians in America), they could have immense collective power and advocacy. But because we are so fragmented with our own selfish interests, we exponentially diminish any power we have. He went on: An orthopedic surgeon doesnt really care about whats happening to an internist, and vice versa too. We are all solely focused on our own area of practice, work environment, and income. There are far too many big egos running around, and whats worse is that doctors frequently fight with each other as well. All the while, our health care system continues to decline, and patients bear the brunt. I thought that was so true and havent ever considered it in such simple terms before. My mind turned to how this could actually be a story of a million-and-one scenarios in life: A divided house always falls. And that always leaves the door open for a third party to come in and take advantage. I actually started thinking about another story that I grew up with. Being of Indian descent, for some reason the story of British rule of India came racing to my mind (albeit on a much larger scale with bigger consequences). India was a land of princely kingdoms back in the middle of the last millennium, unable to get along with each other. Of course, it was a dog eat dog world back then, and might was right. Whoever was the strongest with the mightiest armies, took control. In came the British with their East India trading company, initially under the rule of Queen Elizabeth 1st in the 17th century. To cut a long story short, the British cleverly exploited the divisions for their own good, implementing a classic divide and rule policy. In a relatively short amount of time, they had gone from trading a small amount, to gaining complete control over a massive country while forming deals with complacent local ruling maharajas to keep them comfortable (inevitably these maharajas would realize that perhaps the deals were not worth the loss of control and autonomy, and that they had been played by an entity that viewed them solely as a commodity, but this would come too late). I am of course giving a very simple account here for this article, but the broad theme is the one to grasp. Who could blame the British in the world as it was back then for cleverly doing this. Nearly every king and country was at it, if they had the means to do so, to expand their power and gain wealth (as an Indian, part of me is actually grateful it was the Brits with their relative fairness rather than a more brutal and murderous force like Imperial Japan or Nazi Germany). Perhaps theres also an argument to be made that India would have even fallen apart on its own, had the Brits not come in at that point in history but thats another story. One can never view historical stories through the lens of todays standards. Thankfully the world progressed, and India was able to gain the self-rule that any group of people or country must have. But it took a few hundred years, unfortunately, after their divisions had been exploited by an external entity for their own benefit. The story of how the British empire took over India, is one of the most classic large-scale examples I can recall of a 3rd party cleverly taking advantage of a divided house. I encourage anyone to read the fascinating history in more detail. This timeless scenario plays out everywhere every day, from your own individual home, community, business, right up to a national level. Its a timeless tale. But back to health care: Im just sad it happened to doctors too. Suneel Dhand is an internal medicine physician, author, and an independent health care experience and communication consultant. He is co-founder, DocsDox. Image credit: Shutterstock.com In 1978, after graduating from the University of Arizona, I boarded a Greyhound bus and traveled to New York City via Chicago. While in the Windy City, a college friend showed me the sights of his town including a stop at The Second City, an improvisational comedy club. Even back then I knew about this place, mostly because so many of the alumni worked for Saturday Night Live and National Lampoon. Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, David Steinberg, John Belushi, John Candy, Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Amy Sedaris the list of Second City legendary performers is long. I wished I had paid attention to the names of the performers I saw there 40 years ago. Instead, I focused on the experience and loved every minute of watching the action on the stage. Last week I had the opportunity to interview a performer with the Second City Touring Co. in advance of the show at 3 p.m. Sunday at The Tassel in Holdrege. You can read more about our interview in Bravo on Thursday. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Jordan Savusa, 33, politely answered my questions and even threw in a few Well, thats a good question comments, which means that no one ever asked that question before and he had to think about the answer. As president of the League of Women Voters of Nebraska, I write to applaud your recent editorial on the new Secretary of State Bob Evnen and his stated goal to introduce voter ID to Nebraska. The League has worked closely with former Secretary John Gale in improving and strengthening the protection of Nebraskans right to vote without impediment as required by our state constitution. Over the past several legislative sessions we have opposed all attempts to impose unnecessary burdens on voters, particularly senior citizens and college students. The League agrees strongly with the Hubs call to register even more voters and promote larger election turnouts, along with updating existing election equipment and allowing such improved methods of accessibility to the ballot as vote by mail. The League of Women Voters is a non-governmental, non-partisan organization dedicated to the goal of strengthening democracy. We could not agree more with your call to stop seeking a solution to a problem that does not exist. Sherry Miller, Lincoln Kearneys population expanded today by 90 as the initial wave of service veterans moved into the $121 million Central Nebraska Veterans Home. The veterans didnt arrive quietly. A contingent of Patriot Riders braved the chilly weather to escort these special new residents of Kearney to their new home at 4510 E. 56th St. Also escorting the veterans were a host of volunteer move-in buddies. The veterans and their buddies became acquainted in Grand Island at the Grand Island Veterans Home a few weeks ago. Today they made the trek together from Grand Island to Kearney. The goal of the traveling companions was to ease the transition for the veterans because a move such as todays can upset their stability. While making the move might have been tough on the veterans home residents, we are betting that as they settle in they will grow to appreciate the functionality, comfort and beauty of their new surroundings. In so many ways, the new Central Nebraska Veterans Home was designed to outperform the facility its replacing. - Climate change. The University of Nebraska would be allocated up to $250,000 to develop an evidence-based, data-driven, strategic action plan to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change under LB 283, introduced Tuesday by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing-Brooks. - Income tax reductions. Gov. Pete Ricketts, for the first time, didnt discuss reducing state income taxes in his annual State of the State address, drawing disappointment from the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has advocated for that. The governor is making property tax relief a higher priority this session. But Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan introduced LB 288, which would allow the Legislature to at least discuss income tax cuts. - Paid family and medical leave. Employees could earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked under a bill introduced by Bellevue Sen. Sue Crawford and Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh. A second bill, also introduced by the two senators and 12 co-sponsors, would provide workers who qualify for unemployment insurance partial reimbursement for lost wages from the state to care for others or themselves. LINCOLN (AP) A federal trial in Nebraska has been pushed to March for a man suspected of being the AK-47 bandit, who investigators believe robbed banks in five states. The Lincoln Journal Star reports that a federal judge on Tuesday denied a motion by Richard Gathercole for a new court-appointed attorney and set trial for March 25. Gathercole has pleaded not guilty to robbery and other charges. Hes accused of stealing more than $90,000 in August 2014 from a bank in Nebraska City. Officials believe Gathercole carried an AK-47 while robbing banks in California, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska and Washington. Gathercole of Roundup, Mont., was arrested in June 2017 near Lexington after a sheriffs deputy spotted a pickup that Kansas authorities had reported stolen by a man who fired at a state trooper. Im no different from any other student sitting in that class, and thats how I expect to be treated, he said. Thats what I want. I want that experience. Rather than choosing the online option, the Grand Island resident commutes to Kearney two days a week to take courses in terrorism and crisis negotiations and substance abuse and addictive disorders. He wants to be on campus where he can meet face to face with faculty and fellow students. Its so important that I understand whats coming, said Watson, who served his last day as sheriff earlier this month. I need to have that interaction with the students. They think differently than I did when I was 18. Theyre exposed to so much more so much earlier on. Julie Campbell, chair of UNKs Department of Criminal Justice, believes the relationship can be mutually beneficial. It will be a lot of fun to have him in the classroom, she said of Watson. That will be a really nice dynamic for our students, just to have his perspective. Campbell appreciates Watsons energy and enthusiasm, but his experiences are what really stand out. CAVE JUNCTION, Ore. UPDATE: A video now made public by Oregon State Police (OSP) could help lead investigators to the identity of the person who burned down a Cave Junction home in January, killing one person inside. OSP is asking for assistance from the public in identifying a vehicle shown in the video. Investigators have known since shortly after the fatal arson that someone had been seen igniting and throwing a flare at the house that caught fire. "Investigators also learned there were several other incidents of people throwing lit flares in the Cave Junction area around the same time," OSP said. The video shows a car pulling into a parking lot, with the driver quickly turning of its headlights. The car then is seen rapidly leaving the parking lot. If there is a flare caught in the video itself, it's incredibly difficult to spot. "Attached is a video of the vehicle seen in the area throwing a lit flare at a structure," OSP said. Anyone with information related to this fatal fire is asked to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at *OSP (*677) from your mobile phone or 1800-442-2068 Reference case #SP19-017772. (Updated 4/17/19 at 3 p.m.) UPDATE: Investigators are treating the house fire in Cave Junction on Wednesday as an arson and are looking for a suspect, according to the Oregon State Police (OSP). A man was seen igniting and throwing a flare at the house prior to the fire, OSP said. 65-year-old Donald Thomas died in the home as it burned. OSP Major Crimes and Arson Detectives are investigating the case. Anyone with information related to this fatal fire is requested to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-442-2068 or *OSP and reference case #SP19-017772 (Updated 1/18/19 at 12:35 p.m.) INITIAL REPORT: One person is dead following a house fire that flared up near Cave Junction around midnight on Wednesday, according to the Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD). Firefighters from IVFD and emergency personnel from AMR responded to reports of a fire in the 100-block of East River Street just after midnight arriving to find "a single-story wood frame house" with flames pouring from oth the front and sides. After knocking down the flames, firefighters entered the house to find a single occupant who had died inside. Crews from Pacific Power also responded to the fire and disconnected power to the house to keep the firefighters safe. IVFD was assisted by firefighters from Rural-Metro Fire. IVFD said that the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Illinois Valley Fire Marshal, a fire investigator from Oregon State Police, and an investigation team from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office. SALEM, Ore. As we enter 2019, Oregon's Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is laying out her major priorities for new laws to be drafted and proposed to state lawmakers. Topping her list are some sure to invite controversy, and others practically guaranteed to win public approval, from gun safety to towing industry practices. We want to build off of the success of the last two legislative sessions, when we were able to help pass landmark legislation in areas including data breach, discriminatory profiling, privacy and student debt, said Attorney General Rosenblum. Last, but definitely not least, I will work to address Oregons increasing incidents of hate-motivated conduct occurring in all parts of our state. The following are the top priorities as described by the state AG's office in a statement released on Wednesday. Hate Crimes: In May, 2018 Attorney General Rosenblum convened a statewide task force on hate crimes. The task force met regularly and also travelled the state to hear from Oregonians impacted by hate-motivated conduct. The task force is working on a bill that will strengthen Oregons existing hate crimes laws by improving data collection, providing additional services to victims and rebalancing criminal penalties to more effectively discourage acts of hate and bigotry. Gun Safety: 3-D printed firearms cannot be detected by a metal detector, making them the ideal firearm to sneak by security systems. The danger posed by these undetectable devices is significant, and will only grow as the technology around 3-D printing improves. Oregon needs to join with other states in taking strong action against these devices. Internet of Things: The Internet of Things is a common term which refers to the billions of devices from toasters to televisions that are now connected to the internet. These devices have the potential to provide hackers with a new method to defraud consumers, acquire deeply personal information and commit cybercrimes. The proposed legislation will require manufacturers to equip their products with reasonable security features that protect consumers private information and protect them from being improperly accessed or used. Violators would face penalties under Oregons Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Kaylees Law: Kaylees law is named for a young woman, Kaylee Sawyer, who was killed by a Central Oregon Community College security guard in 2016. Her tragic death highlighted the sometimes blurry lines between campus police and fully certified law enforcement. The Attorney General joins the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police, Oregon State Sheriffs Association, Oregon District Attorneys Association, Oregon Students Association and the family of Kaylee Sawyer in introducing Kaylees Law. Kaylees law would clarify the limits of the powers provided to college security officers, and require that their uniforms and vehicles look meaningfully different than the vehicles of traditional law enforcement. The bill would also require campus security to install common-sense security features which would protect the students in their care, and require a more detailed background check be conducted before hiring these sensitive personnel. Student Debt: Student debt is the second-highest debt load for Oregonians, with ever-rising burdens from this debt placed on older Oregonians. The companies that service these student loans have been known to steer borrowers in detrimental directions and not to have the borrowers best interests at heart. This proposal would create a student loan ombudsperson to help educate and counsel student loan borrowers, who face complex systems of repayment. The bill also requires student loan servicers to maintain a license from the Department of Consumer and Business Services which would monitor, and, if necessary, sanction servicers of student loans. Towing: Towing is a consistently high area of consumer complaints, yet the industry lacks a centralized accountability mechanism to punish bad actors. This bill, which would create an Oregon Board of Towing, is the result of a workgroup convened by the Oregon Department of Justice with members of the towing industry. This board, comprised of members of the towing industry, law enforcement, consumer advocates and relevant agencies, would address complaints and conduct investigations related to the towing of vehicles, and impose disciplinary action when needed. Data Breach: The Attorney General partnered in 2017 and 2018 with legislative leaders to make needed refinements to Oregons data breach laws in the wake of large data breaches like the Equifax breach. A few refinements remain to help bolster protection of Oregonians personal information. This bill updates the 2018 law by modifying consumer notice of data breach to make the most sense to the consumer and update the definition of personal information to include usernames and passwords so that companies need to protect that information. It also closes a loophole regarding personal information that federal law fails to protect. Police were called just after 3 a.m. Wednesday just west of Troost Avenue to the interstate exit ramp from westbound Interstate 70 to the east side of the downtown loop on an injury wreck. The Kansas City Police Department is investigating if impairment was a factor in a head-on, wrong-way, rollover crash that happened this morning. One driver died and the other has minor injuries. Sarah Jane Lockner, 25, of Redwood City, was arrested on Sept. 4, 2017 after reportedly giving birth to a baby boy and then trying to drown the newborn in a toilet at the McDonald's restaurant where she worked. KCTV5.com is now with you on the go! Get the latest news updates and video, StormTrack5 weather forecast, weather radar, special investigative reports, sports headlines and much more from KCTV5 News. >> Click/tap here to download our free mobile app. << Copyright 2019 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved. International Criminal Court judges said Wednesday that former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo should be released, a day after his shock acquittal over post-electoral violence in which 3,000 people died. Judges rejected a prosecution bid to keep the 73-year-old fallen strongman in detention pending an appeal against the decision to clear him of crimes against humanity. Supporters danced and cheered outside the court in The Hague, while in Abidjan the government of Gbagbos arch-rival, President Alassane Ouattara, said there was no political obstacle to his return. However it remained unclear how soon Gbagbo and his right-hand man Charles Ble Goude would be freed from the ICCs detention centre. Plans for any homecoming were also unknown. Gbagbo last year was sentenced by an Ivorian court to a 20-year term for economic crimes. Gbagbo and Ble Goude, 47, were tried over bloodshed that gripped the West African nation in 2010-2011 after Gbagbo refused to concede defeat to Ouattara in a presidential vote. Head judge Cuno Tarfusser said the three-judge panel, by a two to one majority, rejects the prosecution request to maintain them in detention following the acquittal. He said the exceptionally weak prosecution evidence in the trial meant an appeal was unlikely to succeed, and that there was no proof the pair would flee justice if asked to return to the court at a later date. Tarfusser said, however, that the prosecution could still file an appeal against their release. This could be done during the time needed to complete the logistical, administrative and diplomatic arrangements for the men to be freed, he said. Overwhelmed with joy Gbagbos daughter Marie Laurence said her father planned to return to his home country, more than seven years after he was arrested there and then sent to The Hague. We are so overwhelmed with joy, we are proud of Dad. He went through it with dignity, she told reporters outside the ICC. We think that it was for a cause and that the message was clear an innocent standing for Africa. Justice prevailed, the truth came out, she added. We assume that the plan is to go back to Cote dIvoire. We dont know how long it will take for all the paperwork. Gbagbo has been in detention since 2011, when he was captured by Ouattaras troops, who were being aided by UN and French forces, and sent to The Hague. Ivory Coast faces fresh elections in 2020 to elect a successor to Ouattara, who has said he will not stand for re-election after serving two five-year terms. The government sounded a neutral tone about any return by Gbagbo. Any decision lies with him. We have no comment to make otherwise, said government spokesman Sidi Tiemoko Toure. He added that the government urges calm, forgiveness and reconciliation and that Ouattara and the government are thinking of the victims of the crisis. Gbagbos wife Simone, dubbed the Iron Lady, was granted an amnesty by Ouattara last August from a 20-year jail term. Laurent Gbagbo however still faces a similar sentence for economic crimes. The case meanwhile has put renewed pressure on the ICC after a series of failures in cases involving former national leaders most of them in Africa. Last year, DR Congo warlord Jean-Pierre Bemba was acquitted on appeal for crimes allegedly committed by his militia in the Central African Republic in 2002-03. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also saw charges of crimes against humanity over electoral bloodshed dropped by the ICC prosecutor in 2014. International Criminal Court judges said Wednesday that former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo should be released, a day after acquitting him of crimes against humanity. Head judge Cuno Tarfusser said the court rejects the prosecution request to maintain them in detention, referring to Gbagbo and his right-hand man Charles Ble Goude. ICC prosecutors had asked for the Ivorian pair to be kept in detention pending an appeal against Tuesdays decision to clear them of charges of crimes against humanity. However the judges said that the exceptionally weak prosecution evidence in the trial, and the lack of proof that the pair would flee justice if asked to return to the court, meant there were no special circumstances that could justify keeping them behind bars. Tarfusser ordered court officials to obtain the necessary assurances in ensuring the return of Mr Gbagbo and Mr Ble Goude if and when their presence at the seat of the court is requested. It remained unclear how soon Gbagbo and Ble Goude would be freed from the ICCs detention centre in The Hague. In previous cases it has taken days to make full arrangements for the release of acquitted suspects. Gbagbo and Ble Goude were charged over a wave of post-electoral violence in 2010-11 in which around 3,000 people died, after Gbagbo refused to accept defeat at the hands of now-president Alassane Outtara. Ivory Coasts government on Wednesday called for reconciliation a day after former president Laurent Gbagbo was acquitted of war-crimes charges by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The government urges calm, forgiveness and reconciliation, Communications Minister Sidi Toure told reporters after a cabinet meeting. He added that President Alassane Ouattara and the government are thinking of the victims of the 2010-11 post-election crisis that led to Gbagbos trial. He said further measures would be taken to aid their families, without elaborating. The ICC on Tuesday acquitted Gbagbo and co-defendant Charles Ble Goude, his former youth leader, on charges dating from the 2010-11 violence. Around 3,000 people were killed in the crisis, which was sparked by rival claims of victory in presidential elections, and atrocities were allegedly committed by both sides. Gbagbo has been in detention since 2011, when he was captured by Ouattaras troops, who were being aided by UN and French forces, and sent to The Hague. In a majority decision by two judges to one, the ICC said on Tuesday that prosecutors failed to satisfy the burden of proof to the requisite standard. Prosecutors will appeal the International Criminal Courts shock acquittal of former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo over post-election violence, according to a court document seen by AFP on Wednesday. ICC judges cleared Gbagbo and his right-hand man Charles Ble Goude of charges of crimes against humanity on Tuesday. They also ordered their release, but postponed it pending a fresh hearing on Wednesday where prosecutors would lay out objections. The prosecution filed an urgent request saying that it has determined that it intends to appeal following the acquittals, the document said. Prosecutors also said there were exceptional reasons to oppose Gbagbos unconditional release, citing a concrete risk that he would not come back if its appeal was successful and the trial was to continue. But they said they would accept release to an ICC member country excluding Ivory Coast if the flight risk can be mitigated by imposing a series of conditions. Gbagbo stands accused over the deaths of 3,000 people killed in months of clashes in the West African nation when he refused to accept defeat after elections in late 2010. Gbagbo has already been in detention since 2011, and his trial at the ICC started in 2016. In a majority decision by two judges to one, the ICC said on Tuesday that prosecutors failed to satisfy the burden of proof to the requisite standard. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2019) - Precipitate Gold Corp. (TSXV: PRG) (the "Company" or "Precipitate") is pleased to announce it has closed the transaction previously announced with Everton Resources Inc. ("Everton"). The Company has now completed the transfer of title to fully acquire ownership of all of Everton's Dominican Republic exploration concessions, consisting of Pueblo Grande Project, adjoining Barrick's and Goldcorp's world-class Pueblo Viejo gold-silver mine, and the Ponton Project located approximately 30 kilometers ("km") east of Pueblo Grande (see news release dated October 24, 2018). Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate President & CEO, stated: "We are pleased to have completed our due diligence, satisfied all requirements, and attained the necessary government and regulatory approvals to close this transaction and acquire a 100% interest in this exciting new landholding adjacent to one of the largest gold-silver mining operations in the world. During our due diligence period the Company's technical team has been actively plotting up proposed first phases of work within certain priority target areas and we expect work activities on the ground to commence soon. In preparation for the completion of this transaction, as reported in recent months, the Company has bolstered its Advisory team with the addition of former President and Executive Director of the Barrick-Pueblo Viejo mining operation, Mr. Mejico Angeles-Lithgow and increased its technical understanding of the projects through the engagement of consulting geologist, Dr. Stewart Redwood. With the acquisition now completed, Precipitate and its team are ready to begin a first phases of work." The Pueblo Grande's immediate exploration priority will be the area directly west of Barrick's mining pits, where a notable geophysical magnetic high coincides with an equally substantial area of advanced argillic lithocap alteration. This highly prospective lithocap target area measuring approximately 2.5 km by 3.0 km has seen little systematic exploration and will be the focus of initial phases of work. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, for 100% title to Everton's three Dominican exploration concessions totalling 9,583 hectares, along with an extensive geochemical, geophysical, geological and drill database, Precipitate delivers to Everton the following: CDN $25,000 cash; Seven million common shares of Precipitate subject to sale legend restrictions for up to 3 years, expiring as follows: 10% (700,000 shares) with resale legend expiring 6 months from the date of issue; 10% (700,000 shares) with resale legend expiring 12 months from the date of issue; 10% (700,000 shares) with resale legend expiring 18 months from the date of issue; 15% (1,050,000 shares) with resale legend expiring 24 months from the date of issue; 15% (1,050,000 shares) with resale legend expiring 30 months from the date of issue; and 40% (2,800,000 shares) with resale legend expiring 36 months from the date of issue. Additional stock payment conditions and details of pre-existing advanced-stage or mining-related commitments, including an underlying NSR to a third party can be found in the Company's news release dated October 24, 2018. About Pueblo Grande and Ponton Properties: Two concessions, comprising a portion of the Pueblo Grande Property, are contiguous to the neighbouring Pueblo Viejo mine. The third concession (the "Ponton Project") acquired in this transaction is located approximately 30 km east of Pueblo Grande in a similarly favourable and prospective geological environment. The Company has also submitted exploration concession applications for an additional strategic land position connecting the two main Everton concessions along the eastern boundary of the Pueblo Viejo mine to form the newly consolidated Pueblo Grande Property. As a result, Precipitate's new land position adjoins Barrick's Pueblo Viejo mine site on the west, north and east sides, covering about 9,963 contiguous hectares. See the Company's news release dated October 24, 2018 for more project information and the accompanying maps or the Company's website at www.precipitategold.com for the property location illustration maps. Map View of All New Acquired Concessions The area to the west of the Pueblo Viejo mine is interpreted to be a high-level advanced argillic lithocap alteration type environment which lacks significant known surface gold-silver mineralization but has anomalous trace element suite that typifies the adjacent Pueblo Viejo mineralization style. The lithocap alteration is dominated by pervasive quartz-pyrophyllite-pyrite with numerous and widespread irregular pods, veins, and veinlets of massive hematitized magnetite. Magnetite/hematite, silicification and various pathfinder elements associated with Pueblo Viejo style high sulphidation epithermal gold-silver-copper mineralization offer key exploration vectors into and through the extensive altered lithocap zone. About Precipitate Gold: Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Pueblo Viejo Camp and Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company also maintains the Reef property located immediately adjacent to Golden Predator's 3 Aces Project in the Upper Hyland River area, Yukon Territory. The Company has entered into an Option to Purchase Agreement with Golden Predator whereby Golden Predator can earn a 100% interest in the Reef claims by making certain staged payments in cash and shares and warrants. Precipitate is also actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value. Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Precipitate Gold Corp., "Jeffrey Wilson" President & CEO For further information, please contact: Tel: 604-558-0335 Toll Free: 855-558-0335 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service 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 information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Precipitate Gold Corp.'s ("Precipitate" or the "Company") current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Company and on assumptions it believes are reasonable. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Precipitate to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the exploration concessions may not be granted on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the concessions acquired by the Company may not have attributes similar to those of surrounding properties; delay or failure to receive governmental or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting mining; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Precipitate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Precipitate does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. New Drilling Intersects 38.4 g/t Au Over 2.0 Metres and 16.0 g/t Au Over 2.3 Metres Triple 8 Corridor Extends Over 750 Metres Strike Length TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Mining Inc. (OSK:TSX. "Osisko" or the "Corporation") is pleased to provide new results from the ongoing Triple 8 deep-hole exploration program at its 100% owned Windfall Lake gold project located in the Abitibi greenstone belt, Urban Township, Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec. In May 2018 Osisko commenced deep exploration drilling to investigate the potential for depth extensions of the main mineralized zones, as well as to further test the intrusion-related geological model for the Windfall deposit. In July 2018 Osisko discovered Triple 8, a developing new corridor of mineralization at the Windfall deposit, at 1,425 metres vertical depth. Todays new drill results confirm and expand on the initial discovery (please see Osisko news releases dated July 11, 2018 and September 13, 2018). Drill hole OSK-W-18-1783 tested the continuity at the mid-point between OSK-W-18-1603 (Triple 8 discovery hole) and gold mineralization intersected in a similar setting in OSK-W-18-1616-W1 (see Osisko news release dated August 7, 2018). OSK-W-18-1783 encountered three distinct altered intervals between 1,819 metres and 1,945 metres downhole, each averaging approximately 10 metres width. Significant results from the three gold bearing intervals include 38.4 g/t Au over 2.0 metres and 16.0 g/t Au over 2.3 metres and. Geometry is still being interpreted, however mineralization is open in all directions. Sericite and silica alteration are hosted within an andesite and gabbro package, surrounded by peripheral chlorite - biotite +/- garnet alteration (identical to that encountered in the Triple 8 discovery hole 350 metres to the north, and in hole OSK-W-1616-W1, 400 metres to the south). The mineralized intervals contain disseminated and stringer pyrite with local visible gold, and trace pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Osisko President and CEO John Burzynski commented: We have had excellent high-grade results now from the three deep holes and wedges that have intersected the Triple 8 area, including todays new results. Triple 8 is shaping up to be a significant addition to Windfall, providing good potential for the future growth of the deposit at depth. Our wide spaced exploration drilling has so far defined this new corridor over a strike length of 750 metres. We intend to conduct downhole geophysical surveys and additional drilling in the coming months, to help define the relationships between the mineralized intercepts and further define the full scale of the mineralized corridor. Overall, our large ongoing drill campaign has so far shown the Windfall mineralized system to have a strike length of 3.5 kilometres and a depth extent of 1.8 kilometres. The system remains open in all directions, and we are very confident that we can continue to grow the deposit as we advance our drilling along strike and at depth. Todays results include currently available significant analytical results from OSK-18-1783, and new analytical results from OSK-W-1603-W1 and OSK-W-1616-W2. Maps showing drill hole locations and analytical results are available at www.osiskomining.com. Hole No. From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) uncut Au (g/t) cut to 100 g/t Release date OSK-W-18-1783 1822.8 1826.5 3.3 4.6 New OSK-W-18-1783 1858.9 1860.9 2.0 38.4 28.9 New including 1858.9 1859.4 0.5 138 100 OSK-W-18-1783 1943.8 1946.1 2.3 16.0 New OSK-W-18-1603-W1 1373.3 1375.7 2.4 18.0 New OSK-W-18-1616-W2 2075.0 2077.0 2.0 13.4 New Previous Results OSK-W-18-1603 1491.3 1519.6 28.3 20.4 17.7 7/11/2018 including 1501.0 1511.0 10.0 44.5 36.9 including 1501.0 1505.0 4.0 81.1 62.0 OSK-W-18-1603-W2 1510.3 1524.0 13.7 17.4 9/13/2018 including 1510.3 1512.8 2.5 23.2 and 1517.5 1524.0 6.5 26.3 OSK-W-18-1603-W2 1538.4 1550.9 12.5 6.31 including 1547.7 1550.9 3.2 21.1 OSK-W-18-1616-W1 1985.1 1988.5 3.4 22.4 18.9 8/07/2018 including 1987.1 1987.7 0.6 120 100 Hole Number Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) UTM E UTM N Section OSK-W-18-1783 61 -78 in progress 453534 5434376 3375 OSK-W-18-1603-W1 35 -80 1669 453340 5434543 3275 OSK-W-18-1616-W2 40 -85 2101 454135 5435058 4225 OSK-W-18-1783 intersected mineralization in three sericite-silica altered zones hosted within a pervasively chlorite-biotite-garnet altered andesite. The first interval (4.6 g/t Au over 3.3 metres) has moderate sericite alteration and contains up to 10% disseminated pyrite, with local pyrite clusters and stringers. The second interval (38.4 g/t Au over 2.0 metres) has strong sericite and moderate silica alteration, and is interpreted as the strike extension from the Triple 8 discovery hole. This interval contains up to 10% pyrite stringers, 5% disseminated pyrite, local visible gold and trace pyrrhotite. The third interval (16.0 g/t Au over 2.3 metres) has moderate sericite and silica alteration, and contains up to 10% pyrite stringers, 5% disseminated pyrite, local visible gold and trace pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. OSK-W-18-1603-W1 intersected 18.0 g/t Au over 2.4 metres within a moderate sericite and silica altered porphyritic dike intruded into the mafic volcanic sequence. Mineralization includes up to 20% pyrite stringers, 3% sphalerite and trace chalcopyrite and local visible gold. The interval is approximatively 115 metres above and to the southwest of the Triple 8 discovery in hole OSK-W-18-1603. OSK-W-18-1616-W2 intersected 13.4 g/t Au over 2.0 metres within an approximate 35 metre pervasive chlorite and biotite altered interval within the andesite. Mineralization consists of up to 3% disseminated pyrite, local pyrite stringers and trace pyrrhotite in fracture filling or with weak silica altered bands. The interval was intersected approximatively 1,800 metres below surface and it is the deepest significant gold bearing interval in the deposit to date. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed, prepared and approved by Mr. Louis Grenier, M.Sc.A., P.Geo. (OGQ 800), Project Manager of Osisko's Windfall Lake gold project, who is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Quality Control and Reporting Protocols True width determination is estimated at 65-80% of the reported core length interval for the zone. Assays are uncut except where indicated. Intercepts occur within geological confines of major zones but have not been correlated to individual vein domains at this time. Reported intervals include minimum weighted averages of 3.0 g/t Au diluted over core lengths of at least 2.0 metres. All NQ core assays reported were obtained by either 1-kilogram screen fire assay or standard 50-gram fire-assaying-AA finish or gravimetric finish at (i) ALS Laboratories in Val d'Or, Quebec, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Sudbury, Ontario or Vancouver, British Colombia, or (ii) Bureau Veritas in Timmins, Ontario. The 1-kilogram screen assay method is selected by the geologist when samples contain coarse gold or present a higher percentage of pyrite than surrounding intervals. Selected samples are also analyzed for multi-elements, including silver, using an Aqua Regia-ICP-AES method at ALS Laboratories. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") and interpretation of results is performed by qualified persons employing a QA/QC program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards and blanks are included with every 20 samples for QA/QC purposes by the Corporation as well as the lab. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assay. About the Windfall Lake Gold Deposit The Windfall Lake gold deposit is located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in the Abitibi region of Quebec, Canada. The mineral resource defined by Osisko, as disclosed in the Windfall Lake Technical Report (as defined below) and November 27, 2018 Lynx resource update, comprises 2,874,000 tonnes at 8.17 g/t Au (754,000 ounces) in the indicated mineral resource category and 10,352,000 tonnes at 7.11 g/t Au (2,366,000 ounces) in the inferred mineral resource category. For details regarding the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resources presented in respect of the Windfall Lake gold project, please see the technical report entitled "Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Windfall Lake Project, Windfall Lake and Urban-Barry Properties" and dated June 12, 2018 (effective date of May 14, 2018), which has been prepared by InnovExplo Inc. from Val-d'Or, Quebec (the "Windfall Lake Technical Report") and the press release Osisko Releases Mineral Resource Update for Lynx dated November 27, 2018, which has been prepared by Osisko and reviewed and approved by Micon International, Ltd. from Toronto, Ontario. The Windfall Lake Technical Report and press release are available on Osisko's website at www.osiskomining.com and on SEDAR under Osisko's issuer profile at www.sedar.com. The Windfall Lake gold deposit is currently one of the highest grade resource-stage gold projects in Canada. Mineralization occurs in four principal zones: Lynx, Zone 27, Caribou and Underdog. All zones comprise sub-vertical lenses following intrusive porphyry contacts plunging to the northeast. The deposit is well defined from surface to a depth of 900 metres and remains open along strike and at depth. Mineralization has been identified 30 metres from surface in some areas and as deep as 2,000 metres in others, with significant potential to extend mineralization down-plunge and at depth. About Osisko Mining Inc. Osisko is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal resource properties in Canada. Osisko holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Windfall Lake gold deposit located between Val-d'Or and Chibougamau in Quebec and holds a 100% undivided interest in a large area of claims in the surrounding the Urban Barry area and nearby Quevillon area (over 3,300 square kilometres), a 100% interest in the Marban project located in the heart of Quebec's prolific Abitibi gold mining district, and properties in the Larder Lake Mining Division in northeast Ontario, including the Garrison property. The Corporation also holds interests and options in a number of additional properties in northern Quebec and Ontario. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about the Windfall Lake gold deposit being one of the highest grade resource-stage gold projects in Canada; the significance of results from the new infill drilling and ongoing drill definition and expansion program at the Windfall Lake gold project; the significance of assay results presented in this news release; the deposit remaining open along strike and at depth; potential depth extensions of the mineralized zones down-plunge and at depth; the actual mineralization of local visible gold; the current 800,000 metre drill program; the type of drilling included in the drill program; potential mineralization; the potential to extend mineralization up and down-plunge and at depth at the Windfall Lake gold deposit; the ability to realize upon any mineralization in a manner that is economic; the ability to complete any proposed exploration activities and the results of such activities, including the continuity or extension of any mineralization; and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Corporation at the time such assumptions and estimates were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Osisko to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks relating to the ability of exploration activities (including drill results) to accurately predict mineralization; errors in management's geological modelling; the ability of Osisko to complete further exploration activities, including drilling; property interests in the Windfall Lake gold project; the ability of the Corporation to obtain required approvals and complete transactions on terms announced; the results of exploration activities; risks relating to mining activities; the global economic climate; metal prices; dilution; environmental risks; and community and non-governmental actions. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions. Osisko cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Corporation that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither Osisko nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information, Osisko does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. For further information please contact: John Burzynski. President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (416) 363-8653 Do nothing or do something. Which path is better for our children and grandchildren? Bill Blancato Winston-Salem Oppose the wall I oppose building the wall, as demanded by President Trump, for many reasons. First, it wont increase our security nor reduce the flow of drugs coming into the U.S. The claims that terrorists come through the southern border have been disputed by Homeland Security: The suggestion that individuals who have ties to ISIL have been apprehended at the southwest border is categorically false, and not supported by any credible intelligence or the facts on the ground, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Marsha Catron told The New York Times. Its unfathomable to me that Transportation Security Administration officers, who are keeping us safe, are not being paid and are increasingly calling in sick, while our politicians are arguing about a wall that wont make us safer. Although its not clear how drugs fit with the claim that terrorists coming across the border are making us unsafe, that claim is also questionable. In fact, illegal drugs more often come through legal ports of entry and also through the northern border. The unnecessary and wasteful government shutdown now has become the longest in the history of the United States, and Americans are feeling the effects more and more. If President Trump and congressional leaders cant find some way to get the government up and running, there will be even greater repercussions. Some of the problems were obvious from the beginning, most notably for federal employees who are either out of work and not being paid, or having to work despite not being paid. For many of them, last week marked the first payday with no paycheck. Some employees have jobs that are ruled to be critical and continue to work despite the shutdown. The definition of whats critical has shifted some as the shutdown grinds on, sparking cries of favoritism. There are about 72,000 federal workers in North Carolina. Thats not as many as in some other states, but we know that those serving in the Coast Guard, at one of the nations largest bases, in Elizabeth City, and other stations along our coast are working without pay because the Coast Guard is under the Homeland Security department rather than Defense. The dirty little secret about the United States' relationship with Trump is that we have become addicted to him. His ups, his downs, his laughs, his frowns are (as the lovely song from "My Fair Lady" once put it in another context altogether) "second nature to (us) now, like breathing out and breathing in." When he fails to tweet for even a few hours, Trumpologists search for meaning in the silence. Hours are devoted on cable television, each and every day, to examining the entrails of his most recent utterances. Has there been a day in the past two years without a Trump-related story on the front page of every major U.S. newspaper? How does the president lie to us? Let us count the ways. And we do, endlessly, meticulously. Do you believe for a moment that Americans are ready to give that up merely because, for one reason or another, Trump has been obliged to reoccupy Trump Tower full time? A President Mike Pence would not satisfy that hunger. Nor, for now at least, is it easy to discern within the growing ranks of potential Democratic candidates a man or woman with a matching aura of glitz, a similar degree of shamelessness, a comparable pairing of so much to be humble about with a total lack of humility. Not only that, the Census Bureau itself told Ross in a memo in January 2018 that adding a citizenship question "is very costly, harms the quality of the census count, and would use substantially less accurate citizenship status data than are available from administrative sources." He was undeterred. All of which is to say that there's simply no doubt that the Trump administration has been operating in absolute bad faith on this issue, lying to the public and to Congress about it and offering an absurd story to justify their actions. If there's any silver lining, it's that they're so incompetent that the deception has been completely obvious from the beginning. Today's ruling made that clear: "The court concludes that Secretary Ross's decision was pretextual -- that the rationale he provided for his decision was not his real rationale." That's a judge's way of saying, "You lied." This has to be seen in the context of a broader effort on the part of Republicans to put a thumb on the electoral scale in every way they possibly can, whether it's extreme gerrymandering, voter suppression efforts targeted at minorities, or the use of the Census to make Republican victories just that much more likely. And despite this victory, they may well get away with it. This is one of a series of lawsuits filed by states challenging the citizenship question, and the matter will almost inevitably end up before the Supreme Court. Conservatives now have five justices on the court who appear well committed to doing what's in the interests of the Republican Party. The question is whether they'll be willing to undermine one of the bedrock institutions of American democracy in order to do it. I wish I could say I had any confidence they won't. Throughout this period, Russia backed him with a sophisticated online campaign designed to inspire his voters and put others off from voting at all. Some of that campaign has been revealed by special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, but some of it was visible to anyone who read English-language Russian state media such as Sputnik or RT. Since his inauguration, Trump has shared U.S. secrets with the Russian foreign minister in the Oval Office, appeared cowed by the Russian president at a Helsinki news conference, if not frightened of him, and repeatedly sought to meet Putin without officials present or even, at one point, his own translator. The question, then, is not why the FBI launched a counterintelligence investigation into Trump in the days after he fired James B. Comey as FBI director, as the New York Times revealed Friday, but why are we surprised? And why did it take so long? Why didnt it begin in 2013 or 2014? Why didnt it begin, for that matter, in 1987? Nor should anyone be surprised to learn, as The Washington Post reported over the weekend, that Trump has failed to give a proper accounting of his meetings with Putin to any of his State Department officials, any of his intelligence officers, anyone at all. Of course he hasnt: His relationship with Russia is perverse and peculiar we can all see that so he doesnt want anyone to learn anything more about it. A one-act play by a local playwright has local activist groups asking why the local arts community is presenting and promoting the play now. Hate Out of Winston and Winston-Salem Democratic Socialists of America say the play Our Time: A Conversation in Black and White whitewashes local history surrounding the removal of a Confederate statue and promotes white supremacy. But Lynn Felder said her play is not about the statue and doesnt defend white supremacy. The updated autopsy report said the primary cause of death was complications from the brain tumor. The initial autopsy report said a contributing factor in Braylons death was a traumatic extubation, meaning that the force of the collision knocked out his breathing tube, resulting in a loss of oxygen to his brain. The amended autopsy report said Braylon died from a loss of oxygen caused by brain swelling because of the tumor, noting that the breathing tube was out for only 15 seconds before another tube was put in. That wasnt enough time for it to have been a contributing factor. Assistant District Attorney Matt Breeding told the Winston-Salem Journal in December that because the new autopsy showed there was no evidence that the crash caused Braylons death, prosecutors could not charge Romero with felony death by motor vehicle. Prosecutors also could not charge him with second-degree murder, which requires evidence of malice. One way to prove malice is if Romero had previous DWI convictions, which would show he knew he should not be drinking and driving. Another way would be if he had a drivers license and it had been revoked, showing Romero knew he was not supposed to drive. But Romero didnt have any previous DWI convictions and he did not have a license that had been revoked. If your goal is to outlaw (scooters), you have succeeded, he said. I cant imagine anyone being able to operate with this many restrictions. Good for Clark. Anyone else remember when the GOP was mostly about cutting regulations, helping small businesses and in favor of personal liberty? You know what youre doing when you kick start an electric scooter. If you bust your butt, thats on you. Not the city and not on the company that put them out. Hold harmless agreements should be standard. The city is right to try and recoup the costs associated with administering the fleets and enforcing whatever ordinances they pass. But not to the point where fees and paying for permits makes it impossible to turn a profit. Fifteen pages of rules will take some time to sort out and refine. Itd be nice if council could pass just this one sentence regulation: Dont be stupid. But itd never work. In a world where kids eat Tide pods and otherwise sane adults text while driving, its increasingly difficult to define stupid. Maybe, though, city council could trim the rule book back some. We broke away from England with fewer words. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. featured top story Seniors line up for a chance to get a great photo they can save or give to their family and friends. Letters to the editor should be limited to 400 words, be signed and include a town of residence and a telephone number for verification. Letters are due by 5 p.m. Monday. No thank yous or political endorsement letters. Guest Shot columns are limited to 800 words. Email editor@jhnewsandguide.com. Vanuatu turns the Corner LETS USE THIS AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR THE FUTURE Allie Gross covers Teton County government. Originally from the Chicago area, she joined the News&Guide in 2017 after studying politics and Spanish at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. Kylie Mohr covers the education and health beats. Mohr grew up in Washington and came to Wyoming via Georgetown. She loves seeing the starry night sky again. Scene Editor Billy Arnold covers arts and entertainment. He apprenticed as a sound engineer at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio before making his way to Jackson, where he has become a low-key fan of country music. Mike has reported on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wildlife, wildlands and the agencies that manage them since 2012. A native Minnesotan, he arrived in the West to study environmental journalism at the University of Colorado. Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. Record high temperatures expected. High 118F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight Clear skies with a few passing clouds. Low 84F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow Mainly sunny. Near record high temperatures. High 118F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. British fact-checking charity Full Fact has been chosen by Facebook to reduce the flow of misinformation on the social media site, and will start checking images, videos and articles from this month onwards. In a blog post, the organisation said users could flag content that they suspected of being false for checking by the Full Fact team. "Our team will identify and review public pictures, videos or stories and rate them as true, false or a mixture of accurate and inaccurate content," Full Fact said. Facebook has been embroiled in controversy ever since it was discovered that fake news reports were published in large numbers on the site during the 2016 US presidential election. And last year, revelations that it had allowed third-parties like the data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica to siphon out data on users led to a massive backlash against the company. The fact-checking will not result in content being removed; it will lead to one of the following nine options being assigned to the content: False: The primary claim(s) of the content are factually inaccurate. This generally corresponds to "false" or "mostly false" ratings on fact-checkers' sites. Mixture: The claim(s) of the content are a mix of accurate and inaccurate, or the primary claim is misleading or incomplete. False headline: The primary claim(s) of the article body content are true, but the primary claim within the headline is factually inaccurate. True: The primary claim(s) of the content are factually accurate. This generally corresponds to "true" or "mostly true" ratings on fact-checkers' sites. Not eligible: The content contains a claim that is not verifiable, was true at the time of writing, comes from another social platform or from a website or Page with the primary purpose of expressing the opinion or agenda of a political figure. 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Any content rated false will not be distributed as much as it would be otherwise and will rank lower in Facebook's news feeds. Pages that habitually post content that is rated false by fact checkers will have their distribution reduced. Full Fact said it would publish all fact-checks on its own website and that it would not be given access to Facebook users' private data for any reason. A court in Germany has dismissed a patent lawsuit filed by processor maker Qualcomm against Apple, saying that the patent concerned was not violated by its chips being used in iPhones. Tuesday's verdict is over a patent that concerns bulk tension of voltage in iPhones, and the court ruled that Apple did not violate Qualcomm's patent because smartphones do not have steady voltage. Last month, a court in Munich ruled in favour of Qualcomm in another patent case, which was over IP for power savings in smartphones. Apple was ordered to stop selling some older iPhone models at its stores in Germany as a result. But all models are available at third-party stores in the country. Apple has appealed this verdict. Qualcomm said it would appeal against Tuesday's verdict. The company's executive vice-president and general counsel, Don Rosenberg, said: Apple has a history of infringing our patents. "Only last month the Munich Regional Court affirmed the value of another of Qualcomms cutting-edge patents against Apples infringement and ordered a ban on the import and sale of impacted iPhones in Germany. "That decision followed a court-ordered ban on patent-infringing iPhones in China as well as recognition by an ITC judge that Apple is infringing Qualcomms IP. "The Mannheim court interpreted one aspect of our patent very narrowly, saying that because a voltage inside a part of an iPhone wasnt constant the patent wasnt infringed. We strongly disagree and will appeal. In December, Qualcomm obtained a court order in China imposing a ban on the import and sale of some iPhone models. Apple has appealed that decision as well. Network and endpoint security vendor Sophos has announced the appointment of 30-year industry veteran Gavin Struthers as regional vice-president for Asia Pacific and Japan. Sophos says Struthers has been charged with driving the companys business growth plans and excellence in channel operations across the region. Struthers brings almost 30 years experience in IT sales leadership and general management to his new position, including channel and cyber security expertise. Prior to Sophos, Struthers spent 16 years at McAfee where he held several senior leadership positions in the US and within the Asia-Pacific region, most recently serving as senior vice-president and president, APAC at McAfee. During his time at McAfee, Struthers collaborated with partners, distributors, and managed service providers to deliver sales strategies and growth across the region. Were very excited to have Gavin join Sophos for this next chapter of his career, said Michael Valentine, senior vice-president, worldwide sales at Sophos. Gavins industry knowledge and depth of channel understanding will be critical to our growth and expansion across the APJ region as we continue to deliver our channel first, channel best strategy. I look forward to working with him to deliver the products, services, and programs our channel partners need to succeed and grow. The key to growing a successful business in the Asia Pacific region is to nurture and support the right channel partners. Sophos has a global reputation for focusing 100 percent on its channel and for providing the programs that partners need and the products that customers demand, said Struthers. The innovation that Sophos is delivering to the industry through its synchronised security vision uniquely positions the brand in the market. Im thrilled to join the company as it continues to lead an industry thats constantly evolving and rising to meet new challenges. Data scientists, data engineers and data analysts are in hot demand in Australia, topping the list of IT skills shortfalls for the first half of 2019, according to a new report on the jobs market. The report, by recruitment firm Hays covering the period January to June 2019, finds that Digital Project Managers, Finance Business Partners and REVIT Technicians make the list of the top skill shortfalls for the first half of 2019. According to Hays, Business Intelligence Analysis and Data Analysis professionals, particularly Data Scientists, Data Engineers and Data Analysts with experience in SQL, R or Python and data visualisation tools are sought to assist organisations in exploiting their data. And the recruitment firm says that data scientists with big data experience in Hadoop are also widely desired, as organisations are seeking to problem solve and make more informed business decisions through better utilisation of their data. Vacancy activity will remain high across projects and business change during the first half of 2019. Projects and Business Change is a dynamic and progressive area with most private sector organisations investing in digitisation, process automation and technology upgrades. The banking, finance and insurance sectors will add to vacancy activity as a result of reforms and growth. Agile maturity is improving. Organisations are opting for a more strategic approach with phased implementations of new delivery styles. This brings employees on the journey rather than requiring immediate adaption without notice to a new way of working. Cost reduction is also a focus with Project Managers and Business Analysts sought across multiple projects to maximise output while keeping costs down. This trend is also reflected in outsourcing programs that offshore application support and testing. In the public sector, Local and State Governments will maintain their high volume of vacancy activity as a result of legacy upgrades and transformation works. Public sector employers continue to transform the way they deliver services to their internal and external customers. Microsoft Office 365 has been a major trend and is an increasingly in-demand skillset for Project Managers, Business Analyst and Change Managers. These transformations are being accompanied by a transition to Agile working, with a variety of Agile methodologies adopted across the public sector. Experienced transformation specialists are sought to lead teams on these significant journeys. On market trends, Hays notes that: And on demand in Digital Technology, Hays says that given vacancy activity, hotspots of skills in demand are emerging, including: Full Stack .Net Developers and Full Stack Java Developers remain in high demand across start-ups, SMEs and large enterprise clients. The front end technologies associated with these roles are predominantly either React.js, Node.js or Angular.js. Candidates with skills in JavaScript based technologies such as Node.js and React.js are in high demand with React Native especially growing even more popular as it offers high performance benefits. DevOps Engineers from a development background are in high demand as a number of employers see the additional benefits that a strong coding background can offer an organisation. Azure/AWS Developers will remain in high demand as organisations continue to transfer their data to the cloud. While more professionals are upskilling and gaining experience in this area, the number with proven commercial experience isnt necessarily meeting market demands. While AWS and Azure are the most commonly used technologies, GCP (Google Cloud Platform) is slowly gaining popularity. The need for niche technologies continues to been seen in the software market with the likes of Ruby and Go/Golang being in high demand with the former supporting legacy code and the latter replacing it. UI and UX designers continue to be in demand however with the use of technologies ever-changing, the need for CX designers to design the overall (big picture) experience has become ever more prevalent. Hays reveals the skills that are in greatest demand in 31 sectors and industries and also earmarks risk and compliance, civil construction and data analysis as core areas of demand until June 2019. Recruitment activity will remain buoyant during the first half of the year, especially for highly-skilled professionals who perform non-routine tasks that are not subject to automation, says Nick Deligiannis, managing director of Hays in Australia & New Zealand. With several major infrastructure projects underway or soon to commence across the country, the resurgence of the resources industry, technological transformations and a widening talent mismatch, the demand for skilled professionals is expected to rise even further over the coming six months. According to the full Hays Jobs Report covering all business and industry sectors, skills in demand for the six months ahead include: Alpharetta, GA January 16, 2019 Global Strategic Accountants, LLC, ( GSA) announced today that it will be showcasing its Back Office Accounting and Corporate Tax services at ITEXPO, held January 29 February 1, 2019 at Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. ITEXPO is the communications and business transformation event where influential buyers gather to make their purchase decisions. Meet GSA Controller at ITEXPO at booth #729 to learn more about the company its solution suite. For 20 years, executives, technology buyers, sellers, resellers and manufacturers from companies of all sizes and industries assemble at ITEXPO to forge new business partnerships, collaborate and learn together and from one another. Dozens of conferences sessions, keynotes and panels will be focused on helping attendees move their businesses forward. This is a natural extension of GSAs services and expertise, said Zach LaHood CPA, GSA Controller. As a trusted advisor on tax policy and proven back office support processes you can work with professionals who understand your business and have the accounting experience to make your accounting process effortless, so you can focus on growing your business, LaHood added. In addition to showcasing their Tax, Regulatory and Revenue Assurance programs GSA will be highlighting their new back office accounting offerings at both ITEXPO and Channel Partners Registration for ITEXPO is now open. For the latest ITEXPO news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @ITEXPO. About Global Strategic Accountants, LLC: Global Strategic Accountants LLC provides regulatory, tax, and compliance accounting via a suite of services under the brand name RBO. These Regulatory Back Office services manage regulatory rules and policies; billing-related customer experience management; carrier licensing; and, reporting and remittance. Within the telecommunications space, GSA provides revenue assurance through its latest service, RBO TEM (Telecom Expense Management For more information, go to GSAudits.com. About TMC Through education, industry news, live events and social influence, global buyers rely on TMC's content-driven marketplaces to make purchase decisions and navigate markets. As a result, leading technology vendors turn to TMC for unparalleled branding, thought leadership and lead generation opportunities. Our in-person and online events deliver unmatched visibility and sales prospects for all participants. Through our custom lead generation programs, we provide clients with an ongoing stream of leads that turn into sales opportunities and build databases. Additionally, we bolster brand reputations with the millions of impressions from display advertising on our news sites and newsletters. Making TMC a 360-degree marketing solution, we offer comprehensive event and road show management services and custom content creation with expertly ghost-crafted blogs, press releases, articles and marketing collateral to help with SEO, branding, and overall marketing efforts. For more information about TMC and to learn how we can help you reach your marketing goals, please visit www.tmcnet.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, @tmcnet . Media and Analyst Contact: Jessica Seabrook Marketing Director 203.852.6800 ext.170 jseabrook@tmcnet.com Share this Page Edited by Maurice Nagle Irene Jaehne Mouser beloved mother, grandmother, and friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior at the age of 93, in Huntsville, Tx. on June 9, 2021. Irene met her husband Leroy Mouser while working at the Houston Police Department. In 1947, Leroy and Irene were married, had three sons, Wednesday, January 16th, 2019 (8:30 am) - Score 1,630 The National Farmers Union has published the results from its latest online and telephone based survey of 812 members, which found that just 16% of farmers had access to superfast broadband (24Mbps+) speeds (up from 4% in 2015) and only 17% have a reliable outdoor mobile signal. But the situation has improved. The news that farmers, which tend to work in some of the United Kingdoms most sparse and remote rural areas, suffer from slow broadband and weak mobile signals shouldnt come as much of a surprise. Many of the locations where farmers operate are often last on the list for upgrades due to the economic challenges of building expensive networks to cater for so few users over a wide area. At present nearly 96% of premises can access a superfast broadband connection, which is thanks in no small part to the state aid funded Broadband Delivery UK programme. Meanwhile Ofcoms recent Connected Nations 2018 report found that the outdoor geographic coverage of 4G services across the UK is still painfully low at 66% (up from 43%) from all four mobile operators or 91% from at least one operator (EE). The coverage of both mobile and broadband services has improved a lot over the past few years but this wont mean much to those who have been left waiting at the end of a long line for years. Key Findings from the NFU Survey Broadband * 42% have a download speed of 2Mbps or less. * 16% get superfast speeds of 24Mbps+. * 73% access the internet via copper wire. * 8% access the internet via Satellite. * 45% believe their current speed is not fast enough for their business needs. * 37% identify slow speeds as a barrier to future use of digital technology. * 96% can get online via mobile or computing devices. * 89% agree broadband is an essential tool for their business. Mobile * 19% have a reliable indoor signal in all locations. * 17% have a reliable outdoor signal in all locations. * 93% agree a reliable mobile signal is important for their business. * 38% thought the signal they receive is sufficient for their business. * 97% of farmers own a mobile phone. * 83% own a Smartphone with access to 4G. At this point its worth remembering that Britains food and farming sector is currently worth 113 billion to the UK economy, employing 3.9 million people, and could benefit from digital upgrades (more efficient farming methods etc.). But those can only come if theyre able to access decent connectivity. Stuart Roberts, NFU Vice President, said: Its vital that government ensures rural businesses have access to the same reliable broadband and mobile connectivity as urban businesses so they can remain productive, competitive and innovative. The benefits that farmers receive from applying full connectivity are many; from optimising the use of inputs to decreasing farm costs and improving productivity as a result. With the industry facing so much uncertainty, it is clear that farmers need as many tools as possible to maintain business resilience, and having access to digital connectivity is paramount if they are to compete with our international neighbours in the global market. After all, it can be much easier for companies and organisations located in towns and cities to relocate to access different technologies. But this simply isnt possible for a farm or rural business connectivity needs to be brought to them. Decent telecommunication and 4G coverage is also essential for health and safety with farmers often working long hours alone in isolated areas. Too often we see the consequences of farmings poor safety record. It should be a given that if an accident happens, farmers have access to reliable mobile coverage in all farm locations to call for help. The good news is that the roll-out of faster connectivity services hasnt stopped. For example, the BDUK project hopes to extend the coverage of superfast broadband to around 98% by the end of 2020 and after that the new 10Mbps+ Universal Service Obligation (USO) may help to fill in some of the gaps (here). As a result it may be a case of many farmers simply needing to upgrade (i.e. awareness of the new services). Similarly Ofcoms plan to auction the 700MHz band to mobile operators this year, which could be used for 4G and 5G services, will come attached to a new coverage obligation (here). This should extend outdoor data coverage to at least 90% of the UKs entire land area and provide coverage from at least 500 new mobile mast stations in rural areas, among other things. At the same time its worth remembering that EE alone are already working to extend the geographic reach of their 4G network to 95% by the end of December 2020, although it remains to be seen if that is actually achieved given some of the known challenges with reaching remote locations (power supply, planning permission, rugged terrain, network capacity provision etc.). On top of that the Government has pledged to ensure nationwide coverage of Gigabit capable full fibre (FTTP) broadband ISP networks by 2033 and in last years budget they committed a further 200m to that, which has been targeted to deliver key fibre optic links into rural areas. As an industry, we will hold the government to that promise of ensuring the very best levels of digital connectivity across rural Britain, said Stuart. News Ta'ang Armed Group Wants Talks With China on Rail Project TNLA troops patrol in northern Shan State in June 2014. / The Irrawaddy Mon State The Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) says it wants China to negotiate with it on a proposed railway that would run through territory the ethnic armed group claims to control in northern Shan State, and not only with the Union government. We wanted China to negotiate with us on this project. We want some recognition from the Chinese side through negotiations on building this project in areas we control, said TNLA Brigadier General Tar Phone Kyaw. China and Myanmar signed a memorandum of understanding in October to study the feasibility of a high-speed railway linking Mandalay to the Chinese border at Muse as part of Beijings Belt and Road Initiative. The line would run 431 km and pass through conflict zones in Shan State, including territory claimed by the TNLA. A group is not happy that China has only discussed the project with the Union government. Our Taang people are the original owners of this land. To launch such a huge project in our area, China needs to talk with us, Brig. Gen. Tar Phone Kyaw said. He said China was taking advantage of a four-month ceasefire the Myanmar military declared in northern and eastern Myanmar in late December to start on the study and that the TNLA has been asked to provide the workers with protection. We have been told by China only to take care of security for their engineers and workers building the project. For our side, we think China pays us very little attention, he added. The TNLA says it has raised its concerns over the project with Chinas special envoy for Asia affairs, Sun Guoxiang, but the envoy showed little interest. Parts of the proposed route see sporadic fighting between the Myanmar military and local ethnic armed groups, and Brig. Gen. Tar Phone Kyaw suggested that China hold off on the project until the disputes are settled. He said the TNLA was also concerned that local authorities may not compensate people adequately for land appropriated to build the line. There is no transparency. Both the central and regional government administrations are very corrupt. We are worried that our people will not get the full benefits they deserve from the project, he said. The TNLA is worried of a repeat of the time China built a gas pipeline through northern Shan State several ears ago, when all that most locals got it return for their land were a few schools. Very few people got compensation. Brig. Gen. Tar Phone Kyaw said. The general accused local officials of pocketing most of the money China gave the government to compensate locals. For example, China may have given 10 million kyats for one acre of land. But the local authority gave 50,000 to 100,000 kyats only, he said. China has brokered several meetings between the Myanmar military and government and armed groups based along its border with country. It has repeatedly urged the armed groups to refrain from fighting along the border, where it has several BRI projects in the works. News Regional Parliament Deputy Speaker Expelled for Embezzlement Deputy speaker of the Irrawaddy regional parliament U San Min Aung who was expelled from the NLD on Sunday. / Salai Thant Zin / The Irrawaddy PATHEINThe National League for Democracy (NLD) has expelled from its party the deputy speaker of the Irrawaddy regional parliament for alleged misappropriation of funds. Following the filing of a complaint by a Pathein resident against deputy speaker U San Min Aung, who allegedly embezzled government funds for the purchase of five vehicles for the regional parliament, the NLD party launched an internal investigation into the case in December, leading to his dismissal following a meeting of the partys central executive committee on Jan. 13. We have done this because the special investigation body reported that he is responsible for the purchase of cars for the parliament. We will take further action as necessary according to the report. We have also given serious warnings to three lawmakers who were also involved in the purchase of the cars, NLD spokesperson U Myo Nyunt told The Irrawaddy. The Irrawaddy was not able to contact either U San Min Aung or parliamentary speaker U Aung Kyaw Khaing for comments. According to U Myo Nyunt, the Irrawaddy regional parliament obtained $104,000 from the budget of the Union Parliament for the 2017-18 fiscal year to buy five used vehicles. The regional parliament formed a committee and invited tender to buy a minibus, a light truck, two Toyota HiAces and a Toyota Hilux Double Cab. Out of three companies that submitted tender for the purchase, only one company qualified. However, the qualified company failed to deliver the vehicles. The regional parliament then asked for permission to buy the cars directly, and also proposed buying one more Toyota HiAce instead of the minibus and to buy a Toyota Hilux Extra Cab instead of the Double Cab. The regional parliamentary speaker formed an eight-member team to arrange the purchase of the vehicles. The team was led by U San Min Aung and included officials from the Road Transport Administration Department and a number of lawmakers. The team bought three HiAce vehicles and a light truck from one company, and a Toyota Hilux Extra Cab from another company. Stamps and income taxes worth over $2,170 were given to Pathein Township Internal Revenues Department at the instruction of the Union Parliament. U San Min Aung told Akonthi news agency that he also had receipts for repairs of those cars. Lawmakers as well as other people are surprised that we got those cars for such [low] prices. They only know our buying prices and market prices. Only the team knows how much they paid in tax. They questioned why there is a difference of around 4 million kyats ($2,630), so I think people filed the complaint because they didnt know about the tax paid for those cars or the cost of car repairs, he said in the interview with Akonthi. On the current market, a used HiAce car is usually sold for around $23,000, a light truck around $9,850 and a new Toyota Hilux Extra Cab, around $16,400. U San Min Aung, 38, worked as a lawyer before his success in the 2015 election in Bogale Township, Irrawaddy Region after which he was appointed deputy parliamentary speaker. Before U San Min Aung, the NLD also expelled Bogale Townships NLD member U Aung Myint in 2017 and vice-chairman of the NLDs Pathein Township chapter, U Hsan Shwe who was imprisoned under Article 66 (d) of the Myanmar Telecommunications Law. On Wednesday, U Myo Nyunt told The Irrawaddy that the NLDs central executive committee would refer U San Min Aung on to the Anti-Corruption Committee. Burma Dozens of Village Administrators Tender Resignation in Rakhine: Lawmaker The welcome sign to Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State. / Min Aung Khine / The Irrawaddy YANGON About 30 village administrators across Rakhine States Rathedaung Township submitted resignation letters to their local General Administration Department on Tuesday for fear of being wrongly accused of association with the Arakan Army (AA), according to a Union lawmaker with the Arakan National Party. Daw Khin Saw Wai said the administrators played a key role in delivering public services in rural areas and that their departure en masse could destabilize the local government but that they increasingly felt under pressure from both the Myanmar military and the AA. They have to maintain good relations with everyone, otherwise it will be quite risky for them. But now they are afraid of being sued by senior authorities, she said. The lawmaker said the township General Administration Department has asked senior officials how to handle the resignation letters. The Rathedaung department office could not be reached for comment. The government recently announced that it would be transferring the General Administration Department from the military-controlled Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of the Office of the Union Government, which is under civilian control. Daw Khin Saw Wai said two of her constituents, Yae Gaung Chaung Village Administrator U Maung Tun Hlaing and another man, were accused by the military of having ties to the AA in December. Many administrators assume that kind of action could happen to them in the near future, she said. Yae Gaung Chaung resident U Tun Hlaing said the two men were detained on Dec. 18 and that the administrator of neighboring Tha Yet Pyin Village in Buthidaung Township was recently charged under the Unlawful Associations Act. A high-ranking military official recently sued the administrator of Say Taung Village for accusing the military of forcing 11 locals to act as human shields in the area for its soldiers. The administrator has been summoned by the court three times but yet to appear. In a statement on Tuesday, the Myanmar military said it had detained 15 people in Tha Yet Pyin on suspicion of having ties to the AA and released all but two the village administrator and another man who confessed to informing the AA of the militarys movements. It said two residents of Rathedaung Townships Kyein Thar Village were also detained for allegedly using their phones to take photos of its soldiers in the area and send them to the AA. Burma Chinese Firm Proposes $1.5-bn Elevated Railway for Yangon The Yangon skyline in 2018 / Kyaw Phyo tha / The Irrawaddy YANGONChina is looking to make further inroads into Myanmars economy by funding a US$1.5-billion elevated railway project in the countrys commercial capital, Yangon. China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co., Ltd (CREEC) made a presentation about its planned project to develop an elevated railway to lawmakers in a media room in the regional parliament on Monday. Under the proposed project, CREEC will build the 37.9 kilometer-long elevated railroad with 24 stations in two to three years. The company said it will fund the project, which is estimated to cost $1.5 billion, but asked for a 50-year contract to operate the service, according to MPs who were at the presentation meeting. Regional lawmaker U Than Naing Oo from Panbedan Township told The Irrawaddy that lawmakers raised the issue of the regions ongoing problems with land seizures and confiscations, and disagreed with the companys plan to develop an alternative route instead of connecting with the citys existing circular railway. The Ministry of Transport and Communications is upgrading Yangons circular railway line with the help of Japan International Cooperation Agency. The upgrade includes modernizing the lines stations, tracks and trains. Management expects to finish the project in 2023. Some 73,000 commuters ride the line daily. U Than Naing Oo said CREEC expects the rail line to serve some 400,000 commuters daily. It proposed two lines: one from Kyeemyindaing to Mingalardon and another from North Okkalas Kyauk Yay Twinn to Yangon International Airport. He said the 50-year term would need to be considered, as Parliament is reviewing long-term projects approved in the past. Yangon Region Investment Monitoring Team chairwoman Naw Pan Thinzar Myo, who is also the regions Karen ethnic affairs minister, and Yangon Region Parliament deputy speaker U Lin Naing Myint were also present at the meeting. According to lawmaker U Than Naing Oo, Naw Pan Thinzar Myo said the regional government basically agreed with the proposed project, as the government wouldnt need to fund it or obtain loans. However, for final approval, the minister said the plan would be submitted to the ruling National League for Democracys economic committee and to the Union Government for review, the lawmaker added. Prior to holding its first presentation about the project for lawmakers on Monday, the company met and discussed the issue with regional government officials in late 2018. Regional lawmaker U Yan Aung from Mingalar Taung Nyunt Township said he heard that companies from other countries are also interested in developing the elevated railway and are preparing to present their plans to the regional chief minister. We welcome competition. Officials, including [we lawmakers], can decide which will be the best option for the public, he said. In November last year Hong Kong-listed China Communications Construction Co. Ltd finalized its proposal for the development of $1.5 billion (2.4 trillion kyats) worth of initial infrastructure for the controversial New Yangon City project to the west of the Yangon River. Asia Singapore Urged to Fix Rules on Hiring Domestic Workers to Stop Forced Labor Susan, a 36-year-old maid from the Philippines, works at her employer's house in Singapore on April 29, 2008. / Reuters KUALA LUMPURSingapore must overhaul its rules and systems for the hiring of foreign domestic workers to put a stop to forced labor in the wealthy city-state, campaigners said on Tuesday. Singapore is a top destination for impoverished women from countries including Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines, who take up work cooking and caring for local families. But the estimated 250,000 migrant domestic workers are highly susceptible to forced labor due to a lack of legal protections and the isolated nature of their work, according to a report released by two charities on Tuesday. Its pretty worrying, said Sheena Kanwar, executive director at the Singapore-based Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME), which campaigns for migrant workers and co-authored the report. Policies should make sure our workers are not vulnerable to forced labor but right now, they allow for that. The issue is so invisible because it happens in households, she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. Based on an 18-month study of more than 800 foreign helpers, the report said workers faced a wide range of issues including hefty fees charged by agents who help the women to find jobs but push them into crippling debt. A S$5,000 ($3,700) security bond required by the government for every migrant worker also heightens employers fears and often leads to draconian measures to control their movement. This includes confiscating workers passports and denying them rest days, the report added. Singapores Ministry of Manpower said foreign helpers are protected under comprehensive legislation in the country and the report does not accurately reflect their work conditions. This cannot be further away from the truth, a ministry spokeswoman said in an email to the Thomson Reuters Foundation, citing its 2015 survey of 1,000 migrant domestic workers which showed 97 percent were satisfied working in Singapore. HOME and the report co-author, Hong Kong-based anti-slavery group Liberty Shared, urged Singapore to abolish the security bond conditions and move towards a system where employers pay for all the recruitment fees. They also called on the government to include domestic workers under the countrys Employment Act to better regulate their working hours and overtime, and give them access to benefits such as sick leave. If the basic premise of protections is not clearly formulated then it makes access to justice very difficult, said Archana Kotecha, a regional director at Liberty Shared. Reports of domestic workers being burned, beaten and raped in Asia have sparked outrage in a region that has the largest share of the worlds domestic workers at more than 21 million. A Singapore couple were jailed in 2017 for starving their Filipino domestic helper, who weighed just 29.4 kilograms (65 pounds). The International Labour Organization considers people who are trapped in involuntary workincluding through the use of intimidation, debt or the retention of identity papersas forced labor. A new director general was appointed to the Irish Prison Service last month, but the picture painted of the system by the minister was questionable, writes Michael Clifford. Whats going on in the prisons? Last month, the minister for justice announced the appointment of Caron McCaffrey as the new director general of the Irish Prison Service. Her leadership will be essential in building on the significant advances made in recent years, he said, and in continuing to embed and drive further improvements in how we provide safe, secure, humane, and rehabilitative custody for people sent to prison in line with international human rights standards. Perhaps the minister was referencing another prison service because the one described bears little resemblance to the service that governs prisons in this State. Todays story in the Irish Examiner is one example of the kind of issues that pertain behind the States prison walls. One day last May, 15 officers decided they were walking off the job in Portlaoise Prison. All were attached to A block which houses some of the most dangerous criminals in the State. Their decision came after breakfast on May 4, during which they had a discussion about an assault on one of their colleagues the previous day. On foot of the casual discussion, they came to the conclusion that theyd had enough. They felt their health and safety was not receiving proper consideration. So off they went, leaving behind a largely unmanned wing of the prison. This automatically placed in danger the safety of colleagues and prisoners. Shop workers can down tools and walk off the job. So can factory workers and journalists and train drivers. Prison officers, like gardai, nurses, or fire-fighting personnel dont have the same luxury. The consequences of a spontaneous protest in those jobs places lives at risk. The protest ended after a few hours and the officers went back to work. Within days, all 15 were informed they would be transferred to Cloverhill, in west Dublin, around 90km from their base in Portlaoise. There was uproar followed by talks between the Irish Prison Service and the Prison Officers Association. Out of that came a deal in which the prison officers signed a form admitting that their actions were inexcusable. The text of the declaration was as follows: I refer to the 04th of May 2018 on A Block Portlaoise prison on which date I made the decision to go absent from my post. "The action taken by me was as a result of what I perceived to be unsound or unsafe decisions taken by management in respect of the management of prisoners in A Block. I accept that my absence in this case was without reasonable excuse and that this course of action placed the welfare of my colleagues and the security of the prison at significant risk. The quid pro quo was that the proposed transfers were suspended. If all involved turn up for work on time for a period of 12 months, the threat of sanction ends. Meanwhile, three managers were transferred for minor infringements. Portlaoise prison. File photo. They believe their transfers were part of an unwritten pact between the prison service and the prison officers union, the IPOA, over the incident. The three are not members of the IPOA. If they have a case then governance questions arise for the prison service. Were the three managers sacrificed to keep the IPOA happy? Was the arrangement with the IPOA designed to keep a lid on things irrespective of what had occurred? If enough prison officers, who are members of the IPOA, walk off the job together, can they be assured there will be no consequences? This isnt the only issue the prison service faces about questionable governance. In November, this newspaper reported on claims by a veteran prison officer about covert surveillance that included family and associates of prison officers. The claims also referenced security concerns on the basis that the records of surveillance were kept by a private investigations firm. The prison officer also claimed that investigations of deaths in custody were shabby, unprofessional, and often concerned primarily with avoiding any scandal. The minister, who lauds the prison service, ordered an urgent inquiry into the matter. Nearly two months later, there is not a peep out of anywhere. The urgency has apparently dissipated. Twelve months ago, leading solicitors firm McCann Fitzgerald was retained to investigate a protected disclosure about how a case involving alleged sexual harassment, a settlement with a female prison officer, and the re-employment of the suspect in the case, were handled. Caron McCaffrey, who was appointed the new director general of the Irish Prison Service last month. The disclosure was made the previous September. Nothing was done until the case was reported in the Irish Examiner in December 2017. The law firms investigation took a full year, which infers there was a lot to investigate, or that co-operation wasnt forthcoming from some, or both. One way or the other, it suggests something serious was investigated, something about which nothing was done until the matter appeared in the media. Tomorrow, the Oireachtas public accounts committee will question prison service personnel about issues around another protected disclosure. Noel McGree, a prison officer, was put through the ringer after he made his disclosure. The Workplace Relations Commission awarded him 30,000 for how he was treated by his employer after making the disclosure. No doubt the parliamentarians will want a few answers tomorrow in Leinster House. All of these issues point to a culture within the service that is a long way from the shiny, happy, highly efficient and safe one the minister for justice appeared to reference last month. The worlds most powerful autocratic states have capability and intent to use AI to maintain dominance at home and beat enemies beyond, writes Peter Apps. Chinese teenagers reported to the Beijing Institute of Technology, one of the countrys premier military research establishments last October. Selected from more than 5,000 applicants, Chinese authorities hope they will design a new generation of artificial intelligent weapons systems that could range from microscopic robots to computer worms, submarines, drones, and tanks. The programme is a potent reminder of what could be the defining arms race of the century, as greater computing power and self-learning programs create new avenues for war and statecraft. It is an area in which technology may now be outstripping strategic, ethical, and policy thinking but also where the battle for raw human talent may be just as important as getting the computer hardware, software, and programming right. Consultancy PwC estimates that by 2030 artificial intelligence products and systems will contribute up to $15.7 trillion (13.7tn) to the global economy, with China and the US likely the two leading nations. But it is the potential military consequences that have governments most worried, fearful of falling behind but also nervous that untested technology could bring new dangers. In the US, Pentagon chiefs have asked the Defence Innovation Board a collection of senior Silicon Valley figures who provide the US military with tech advice to come up with a set of ethical principles for the use of artificial intelligence in war. Last month, France and Canada announced they are setting up an international panel to discuss broadly similar questions. So far, Western states have stuck to the belief that decisions of life and death in conflict should always be made by humans, with computers and algorithms simply supporting those decisions. Other nations particularly Russia and China are flirting with a different path. Russia which last year announced it was doubling AI investment said this month it will publish a new AI national strategy roadmap by mid-2019. Russian officials say they see AI as a key to dominating cyberspace and information operations, with suspected Russian online troll farms thought to already be using automated social media feeds to push disinformation. Beijing is seen as even further ahead in developing AI, to the extent that some experts believe it may already be beating the US. Experts say achieving mastery in AI comes down to having sufficient computer power, enough data to learn from, and the human talent to make those systems work. As the worlds most powerful autocratic states, Russia and China have that capability and intent, both to use AI to maintain government dominance at home and beat enemies beyond. Already, Beijing is using mass automatic surveillance including facial recognition software to crack down on dissent, particularly in its ethnic Uighur Muslim north-west. Along with Russia, China has many fewer scruples and controls than Western states when it comes to monitoring its citizens communications. Such systems will likely become more powerful as technology improves. Traditionally, Western democracies particularly America have proved more adept than dictatorships at tapping new technology and innovation. On AI, however, Washingtons efforts to build links between Silicon Valley and the military have been far from trouble-free. In June, employees at Google forced the firm to avoid renewing its contract with the Pentagon. Many tech researchers are reluctant to work on defence projects, nervous they will end up building out-of-control robots that kill. The US and its allies are still researching and building their own autonomous weapons. In October, Microsoft quietly announced it intended to sell the Pentagon whatever advanced AI systems it needed to build a strong defence. US Air Force leaders say its highly classified future long-range strike aircraft, designed to replace the B-2 stealth bomber, will be able to operate both with and without crew. Western militaries are also ploughing growing resources into unmanned trucks and other supply vehicles, hoping to perform many more dirty, dull, and dangerous battlefield tasks without risking human personnel. These dynamics will become much more complex with the growing use of drone swarms, in which multiple unmanned vehicles control themselves. When it comes to drones fighting drones, Western policymakers are generally happy to let unmanned systems make their own decisions. But when it comes to killing, defence department policy requires that a human must remain in the loop. That may become ever harder to manage, however particularly if an enemys automated systems are making such judgments at much faster than human speed. By the early 2020s, Chinese scientists expect to be operating large unmanned and potentially armed submarines in the worlds oceans, aimed at enemy forces in disputed areas such as the South China Sea. Such vessels could travel vast distances and remain concealed for long periods of time China says a prototype drone underwater glider completed a record 141-day, 3,6109km voyage last month. For now, Chinese researchers say any decision for such vessels to conduct attacks would still be made by human commanders but that may not always remain the case. In January last year, the Pentagon reported Russia was building and looking to operate its own large nuclear-powered unmanned submarines, likely capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Both Moscow and Beijing are also prioritizing unmanned robot tanks, with Russia testing its latest version on the ground in Syria. Such systems could dramatically complicate battlefield targeting decisions for Western commanders in any conflict, making it unclear whether individual vehicles or vessels contained human beings. Mistakes could start or dramatically escalate wars. In recruiting their 31 teenagers for the Beijing Institute of Technology, those managing selection reportedly looked for willingness to fight. With technology so untested and so potentially destructive that may prove a very dangerous trait to prioritise. Peter Apps is Reuters global affairs columnist By Daniel McConnell, Fiachra O Cionnaith, Juno McEnroe, and Elaine Loughlin British prime minister Theresa Mays humiliating defeat in the House of Commons increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit, the Government has warned. Ms May stands greatly weakened as she suffered the greatest House of Commons defeat in modern history on her Brexit deal. Her minority government will today be the subject of a motion of no confidence tabled by the leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn after her proposal to accept the withdrawal agreement was defeated by 432 to 202, a margin of 230 in the meaningful vote. EU sources made it absolutely clear that there can be no re-opening of the withdrawal agreement, warning that time is running out for the UK to decide what it wants. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who said the deal was the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal, said he took note with regret of the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons. I urge the UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up, he said on social media. The Irish Government said it regretted the outcome of the vote in Westminster. This outcome will add to uncertainty about the nature of the UK withdrawal from the EU. Regrettably, the outcome of the vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently, the Government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome. The Irish Government said it recognises, however, that a disorderly Brexit is a bad outcome for everyone, not least in Northern Ireland. It is not too late to avoid this outcome and we call on the UK to set out how it proposes to resolve this impasse as a matter of urgency. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Tanaiste Simon Coveney said: We need to hear from the UK now as to what they want. It is not for Ireland or the EU to offer solutions until we know what they are looking for. Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the defeat means there could be an extension to triggering of Article 50 beyond March 29. Ms May is expected to survive the no confidence motion as Brexiteers in her own party and the Democratic Unionist Party, which is propping up the government, indicated they will back her. Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said the deal was dead and the result has given Ms May a massive mandate to renegotiate with Brussels and surgically remove the backstop. Asked if Ms May should resign, he said: We have been through all that, last December, I would definitely vote for her and the Conservative party because the last thing I want is Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister. Addressing the House in the minutes after the result, Ms May told MPs: Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour. The government has heard what the House has said tonight, but I ask Members on all sides of the House to listen to the British people, who want this issue settled, and to work with the Government to do just that. The result dwarfed the previous largest British parliament defeat in modern history which saw a minority Labour government lose by 166 votes in 1924. Earlier, the Irish Government made public some of the likely negative impacts of a no-deal Brexit. Mr Coveney conceded that election promises for tax cuts and promised infrastructure spending will come under strain if the UK crashes out of the EU. He outlined proposed legislation to be published on February 22 and brought before the Dail in the event of a chaotic Brexit. Anybody who considered spending would stay the same was kidding themselves, he insisted. Health Minister Simon Harris urged people not to panic buy drugs in the weeks before Brexit, warning secret stockpiling could cause an unintended medicines access crisis that will put vulnerable patients at risk. Transport Minister Shane Ross conceded that EU goods coming across the border may need to be checked, throwing up the spectre of a fresh border in Ireland. Mr Ross pledged that airline services would not be hit. However, he stumbled in a press conference when quizzed if indeed trucks carrying EU goods coming across the border would be subject to checks. Three prison managers who believe they were scapegoated following a walkout by 15 prison officers from a dangerous unit of Portlaoise Prison are challenging how the Irish Prison Service dealt with them. The 15 prison officers walked off the job on May 4 last year without any notice, leaving A block in the prison dangerously exposed. The previous day, one of the prison officers had been assaulted in the block, which contains members of the Kinahan crime gang and other extremely dangerous criminals. The prison officers accept what they did was without reasonable excuse and that this course of action placed the welfare of colleagues and the security of the prison at significant risk. In the immediate aftermath of the walkout, the prison officers were informed they were to be transferred to Cloverhill Prison as a disciplinary measure. The transfer was subsequently rescinded and suspended for 12 months conditional on officers complying with time-keeping and attendance requirements. This arrangement was agreed following talks between the prison service and the Prison Officers Association. Part of the agreement involved the prison officers signing a declaration admitting that what they did was wrong and that it put the safety of colleagues and the prison in danger. At the same time, three prison managers, who are not members of the association, were transferred on what they believe was a spurious basis associated with the walkout. According to a source, one of them was told that the prison service had to give the appearance of being even-handed between managers and prison officers. None of the three managers was ever informed that they were to be subject to a disciplinary process or that they bore any culpability for the walkout. One has since had the transfer reversed, but the other two are challenging the manner in which they were treated. One of the managers has approached a number of politicians in an attempt to address what he says is a blatant injustice against him and his colleagues. The case was the subject of parliamentary questions submitted by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and justice spokesman Jim OCallaghan late in December, which have yet to receive replies from the Department of Justice. The HSE is to increase the number of needle bins in Cork city centre to reduce the volume of used drug paraphernalia discarded in the city. It is also supportive of developing a supervised injecting centre in the city centre in the near future as part of a multi-faceted approach to reducing the number of heroin users in the Cork and Kerry region. David Lane, the HSEs coordinator of drug and alcohol services for Cork and Kerry, told the Irish Examiner that there are currently 500 people engaging with treatment clinics in the southern region. There are currently two biohazard bins in the city centre in Cork. One of these was recently removed from Charlemont Terrace, just off the Wellington Road, which is largely comprised of residential properties and schools. It had been in place for almost two years and had been a source of contention for some in the local community. In that time, the volume of discarded used needles in the area was all but eliminated, Mr Lane said. The biohazard bin is not being used at the moment so we are keen to get it back into use very quickly. "It was always planned to be a temporary fixture in any area, he said. David Lane In one month before the biohazard bin was introduced, there were 77 used needles found by our outreach worker in the Wellington Road area. That was reduced to nothing within a matter of months. It is not that the bin solved the problem but we did see a reduction of disposals in a public way, such as on the steps. It is part of a multi-faceted approach. "An important element of our work is engaging with needle users to get them treatment and to get them off heroin. Our outreach workers continue to do that. Local investigations have indicated that many users have moved on from the Wellington Road area in recent months, Mr Lane said. From our point of view, we would be following where there seems to be a trend of injecting drug users. But, as you can appreciate, it is often a hidden problem and it can take time to identify locations. That said, Mr Lane said that the HSE has identified a new location for the biohazard bin and that he expects it to be in place by "the end of the month". He did not elaborate on where the bin will be located. However, he did confirm that there are plans to introduce two more biohazard bins in Cork city by the end of the year. It is part of a strategy to clamp down on the broader issue of needle use in the city area. There are currently two in the city and we are hoping to add two more in the next twelve months, Mr Lane said. In addition, we remain part of a task force that is looking at the possibility of a medically-supervised injecting centre in the coming years. Dublin is facing challenges introducing its facility and they can be quite expensive to operate, but the support is still there. Mr Lane said that there has been little change in the numbers attending treatment clinics in the southern region in the last twelve months. We have clinics which would be primarily based in Cork city and Tralee, covering the Cork and Kerry region, he said. There are about 500 people attending these clinics but we have to remember that there are also more who are not engaging with these services and we need to continue to try and get those people to engage and get help. A pensioner who put a bomb on a bus bound for Dublin, and made hoax bomb threats during Queen Elizabeths State visit to Ireland, claims his Irish language rights were destroyed during his trial. Donal Billings, aged 67, whose trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court was heard in both Irish and English, is seeking to appeal his conviction through the Irish language also. It is the first case to be heard in Irish since the Court of Appeal was established in 2014, and requires the swearing in of two Irish interpreters. Billings, with an address at St Bridgets Court, Drumlish, County Longford, was found guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of possessing an explosive substance at Longford railway station car park on May 16, 2011. He was found guilty of making false reports on May 16 and May 18, 2011, that bombs had been placed at Busaras and Sinn Fein's headquarters in Dublin and that two mortars were set for Dublin Castle. Queen Elizabeth in Cork city during her State visit in 2011. He was also found guilty of making a false report on May 20 that two bombs had been placed in the toilets at Cork Airport. Queen Elizabeth was visiting Ireland at the time. Sentencing him to eight-and-a-half years imprisonment, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding, said Billings was "perfectly entitled to hold a low opinion" of Queen Elizabeth and her visit to Ireland but was "not entitled to express such an opinion by engaging in criminality". Concurrent jail terms were imposed for the making of false reports. Counsel for Billings, Martin Giblin SC, submitted that his clients Irish language rights were decimated and destroyed during the trial process. Advancing his arguments in Irish, which were translated into English for the court, Mr Giblin said Billings wanted to be tried by three judges who had an ability in Irish as far back as 2011. The trial was in 2016. Mr Giblin said the State, including the Special Criminal Court and the DPP, had a duty to show respect to the Constitution and to personal constitutional rights. He said constitutional rights couldnt be denied by questions of procedure. Mr Giblin said the defence applied for a transcript of proceedings that recorded everything that was said in both Irish and English during the trial. A transcript was provided in the English language only, even though it was within the States abilities to provide one in Irish also, counsel submitted. He said the Explosive Substances Act 1883, under which Mr Billings was convicted, had never been translated into Irish. Mr Giblin said his clients Irish language rights were independent of his fair trial rights, a point which seems to have been misunderstood by the Special Criminal Court, he submitted. Ronan Munro SC, also for Billings, contended that the charge of possession should have been thrown out at the close of the prosecutions case. Also advancing his arguments in Irish, which were translated for the court, Mr Munro said there was insufficient evidence for the trial court to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the bomb was placed on the bus in Longford Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Garnet Orange SC, said the fairness of Mr Billings trial was not affected by the lack of an official translation of the Explosive Substance Act or the unavailability of an Irish transcript. Insofar as was possible, he said, the DPP facilitated Billings in his desire to have his defence conducted in Irish and the DPP was a stranger to any complaints raised regarding language issues during the trial. Furthermore, Mr Orange said the circumstantial evidence created a compelling case showing Billings was guilty of possession. Mr Orange said Billings had made four threatening phone calls that referenced bombs and busses. Low and behold, he said, there was a bomb on a bus that very day headed for Busaras, having stopped in Longford, where Billings lived. He said Billings was found in possession of packaging for a sim card that was used to make the threatening phone calls. On the packaging, was the bus registration number and the name of the bus company in Irish. Everything pointed to (Billings) as being the person who planted the explosive device on the bus and it would have been perverse to have concluded otherwise, he submitted. President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Ms Justice Marie Baker and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, said the court would reserve its judgment. During case management last year, Mr Justice Birmingham commented that he was having enough difficulty finding three judges to speak English let alone Irish, in reference to the shortage of judges the court was facing at the time. The Special Criminal Court heard that a phone call was made to Longford Garda station on May 16, 2011. The caller said there was a bomb on a Dublin-bound Corduff travel passenger bus, a second bomb on a bus at Busaras and a third bomb at Sinn Fein headquarters in Dublin. The Corduff travel bus was stopped on Station Rd, Maynooth, and searched by gardai, who found a suspicious object, comprised of gunpowder and a two-litre bottle of petrol, in the luggage compartment. Mr Justice Hunt said that Billings had placed a highly dangerous explosive on a public transport vehicle containing an innocent driver and many passengers. This was an "outrageous, highly irresponsible and dangerous act", the judge said, which "recklessly exposed passengers, staff and members of the emergency services to very significant risk of serious injury or death". The bomb, the judge added, was intended to give credence to further hoax calls Billings planned to make. A further phone call was made on May 18, claiming two mortars were set at Dublin Castle for 8pm that evening. The time and place coincided with a State banquet in the castle for Queen Elizabeth. The caller said: "I'm a member of the Republican Brotherhood, Squad A. Two mortars are set for Dublin Castle at 8pm." "This is for the Queen of blood and war of Iraq." Searches were carried out but nothing was found. A third phone call, made at 3.15pm on May 20 threatened two bombs at Cork Airport. Queen Elizabeth was due to fly out that afternoon from the airport. After a search, nothing was found. The investigations led to Billings being identified as a suspect. Referring to Billings garda interviews, Mr Justice Hunt said that the "lies told by the accused were rather obvious and unsophisticated". Billings has two previous convictions, from Northern Ireland in 1973, for possession of explosives. Minimal headway was made at a meeting between health service management and nursing unions ahead of planned strike action over pay and staff shortages. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) was staying silent last night, although one source said there was nothing to report from the talks. Claims by the Psychiatric Nurses Organisation (PNA) that health service management is preparing to bring forward proposals for pay parity between nurses and other graduate health professionals, such as physiotherapists and speech and language therapists, were dismissed by government. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which oversees public service pay, said there was no basis or validity to them. A department spokesperson said the position continues to be that under the terms of the current public service pay agreement, there can be no cost-increasing claims for improvements in the pay and conditions of government employees. Speaking in the Dail, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: We will do everything we reasonably can to prevent this strike from happening but we need to bear in mind that there is already a pay deal in place, a pay deal agreed not just with nurses and midwives but with all public servants, and that pay deals runs until 2020. It would not be fair or affordable to offer a special deal for one group in the public service and then say to every other group in the public service that we have no money left for them. That would not be right. Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the Government has had years to address recruitment and retention crisis in our hospitals, and we see how this is crippling our health service, but it has completely failed. Health Minister Simon Harris said the Government would not be deviating from the public service pay agreement, which both the government and unions, including the INMO, had signed up to. He urged all sides to put their shoulders to the wheel to come up with a remedy or solution, but cautioned that any such remedy must be found within the framework of the public service pay agreement. Mr Harris said in addition to next Mondays follow-up meeting between health management and unions, the oversight group that manages implementation of the public service pay agreement will meet unions on Friday. He welcomed what he called constructive engagement between management and unions. The INMO has scheduled six 24-hour strikes by its 37,000 members on January 30 as well as February 5, 7, 12, 13, and 14. The 6,000 members of the PNA will refuse to do overtime on January 31 and February 1, 5, 6, and 7. Escalating strike action will happen in tandem with the INMO on February 12, 13, and 14. A judge has told a former Dublin civil servant, now retired to a residence in Madrid, Spain, that he had never seen such utter gross exaggeration in his life arising from an injury the claimant had suffered in his local Mace store. Mr Justice Raymond Groarke told 58-year-old Gerard Masterson it had been preposterous of him to claim that his whole life had been turned upside down as a result of knocking his ankle against the bottom shelf of a shop display. Mr Masterson, formerly of Sea Park, Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin, told Philip Fennell, counsel for Clearys Mace Store in St Gabriels Road, Clontarf, at Dublin Circuit Court he had injured his left ankle against the sharp edge of the display after having been forced to side-step a speeding member of staff in an aisle. Mr Fennell said Mr Masterson had not even asked to sit down and had left the store without reporting the incident to anyone. Mr Fennell compared the injury with someone stubbing their toe. Mr Masterson, who claimed damages of 60,000 for his suffering, was awarded 1,500 by Judge Groarke who said he was entitled to succeed on the basis that the sharp edge of the shelf should not have been there. He said he had gone to the store in May 2014 to buy a baguette and a newspaper and had been confronted with a member of staff moving dangerously quickly towards him. The staff member was in his opinion breaking the speed limit and he had been forced to side step quickly to his left to avoid a collision and immediately felt waves of pain in his left ankle. Mr Masterson said he had been too weak to stand around to speak to someone in the busy shop and had gone home where he had lain down on the couch and lost consciousness. He had gone to his GP who had advised him to take some time off work, rest and take Panadol. A medical record had referred to mild swelling and made no mention of a cut or laceration. Judge Groarke said he could not understand why Mr Masterson had been referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who had prepared a report of considerable length. Mr Masterson had firstly said he had been concussed, was unable to walk and had to live on frozen food in his home for several days. After 12 days Mr Mastersons injuries were resolved yet he claims his whole life was turned upside down and he is still complaining. It is preposterous, Judge Groarke said Ireland is now completely reliant on Britain to come up with a solution to avoid a hard border, the Taoiseach has told the Dail. While Leo Varadkar has confirmed that the Government's proposals in the event of a hard Brexit are "no-longer contingency plans" and are now being implemented, he maintained that this does not involve checks along the Irish border. Questioned about the Government's plans for the border if Britain crashes out of the EU, Mr Varadkar said it is now up to Westminster to "honour their commitment to us that there will be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland by coming up with an alternative solution that does exactly what it needs to do". "The ball is now very much in their court," he said. It came after Tanaiste Simon Coveney was recorded telling Transport Minister Shane Ross that there is a likelihood of checks which "could be in the sea" but he added that "once you start talking about checks anywhere near the border people will start delving into that and all of a sudden we'll be the Government reintroducing a physical border on the island of Ireland". Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said the conversation was "deeply worrying" because "it suggests the public is not being told the full truth for party political reasons". "I get the same sense at times with the Government not revealing the full details of its plans for a no-deal Brexit." Mr Martin pressed the Taoiseach on whether Ministers have been instructed not to mention the possibility of border checks in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald accused the Taoiseach of repeatedly skirting around the issue of border contingencies. "The reality is that in the absence of a backstop, there will be a hard border and there will be checks. The Taoiseach has skated around this issue time and again. Is it not now time to say out loud that in the absence of a deal, there will be a hard border and to reassert that this is an unacceptable, indeed, an unconscionable situation for us? She said opposition party leaders had received a Brexit briefing from Mr Coveney on Tuesday evening but "the Tanaiste had nothing to say on contingency planning to protect our all-island economy, citizens rights and the Good Friday Agreement in the event of a crash Brexit." Mr Varadkar said that the solution to avoid a hard border had been found and that is through the withdrawal agreement which was emphatically rejected by members of the House of Commons this week. "It is now up to Westminster to come together and develop a solution to what it believes is a Brexit it can pass through the House of Commons," he said. In terms of plans for checks, we are obviously now implementing the no-deal plans. It is no longer contingency planning; we are implementing our no-deal plans. "That provides for checks at ports and airports in Dublin and Rosslare. "We are not planning for checks along the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, nor are we planning for checks in the sea." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted there are no plans for checks along the land border in Ireland in the case of a no-deal Brexit, despite Transport Minister Shane Ross saying there would be. On Tuesday night, Mr Ross said such checks were likely in the event of a disorderly Brexit on March 29 only to be contradicted by Tanaiste Simon Coveney. Speaking at Government Buildings on Wednesday, Mr Varadkar said any checks would only be at airports and ports. The preparation for checks are being made at ports and airports. There are no preparations for checks along the land border, he said. Our absolute priority is to get the deal ratified. Our focus is on avoiding a no deal scenario. Yes we are making preparations for a no deal scenario, we have to do that now. We are not preparing for checks along the border, he added. 'Our plans for a no-deal exit will continue'- @campaignforleo pic.twitter.com/1Pdh1PMm35 RTE News (@rtenews) January 16, 2019 Mr Varadkar said there can be no movement on the Irish backstop or on the need to avoid a hard border, despite the historic defeat for Theresa May in Westminster, Mr Varadkar restated the commitment made by both the Irish and British governments to avoid a hard border. We cant shift on the issue of there being no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, Mr Varadkar said. That is the outcome that we need. We have said it from day one that Brexit cannot result in a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. We have made that commitment to the people of Ireland, north and south, he said. And the United Kingdom and the United Kingdom Government has made that commitment to the people of Ireland, north and south, so it needs to be honoured. Mr Varadkar made it clear that the British parliament must now decide what type of post-Brexit relationship it wants with the EU. What is required here is for Britain to essentially decide what kind of Brexit it wants. Mr Varadkar also shot down the suggestion of a time limited backstop, saying such a suggestion fundamentally mistunderstands what the backstop is for. He also said there is no support for such a proposal as reflected by one of the votes in the House of Commons. A guarantee with a time-limited is not a guarantee. What we are trying to achieve here is a guarantee that there be no hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. There were two votes last night. One of the votes was on accepting the withdrawal agreement with a time-limited or deleted backstop and only 25 MPs voted for that, he said. Mr Varadkar said if the UK moved on its red lines of ruling out membership of the customs union and single market, the EU position would also evolve. We have also always said that the risk of an unplanned, disorderly Brexit at the end of March can be avoided, including if necessary by an extension of the Article 50 deadline. This would be subject to a request from the UK being made, and agreed by all Member States. He also said the Government profoundly regrets the decision of the House of Commons to reject the withdrawal agreement between the EU and UK and the associated joint political declaration. He added: It is not the outcome we wanted. Over the coming weeks, the Government will continue to work with our European partners in a collective effort to conclude an agreement with the UK. The deal provides a guarantee that a hard border will be avoided, and that citizens rights and freedoms will be protected. A No Deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs and the economy, particularly on agrifood and the traded sector - our farmers, our fishermen, our rural economy and our businessmen and women. A No Deal scenario would not protect the Peace in Northern Ireland. We will work hard to avoid it. Mr Varadkar said the Governments plans for a no deal Brexit will continue. These are no longer contingency plans. They are being implemented by the Government. Now businesses and other organisations must do the same. For Government, this involves legislation including the omnibus Brexit bill, preparations at our ports and airports for customs and SPS checks, contingency plans to ensure medicine supplies are not interrupted, and further plans to support our exporters, businesses, employers, farmers and fishermen who may be affected severely. A Cork father and son with hunting firearms had strayed onto lands leased by a deer hunting company in the Clydagh Valley near Killarney, a court was told. Michael Byrd, aged 64, and his son Darren, aged 22, of Templeacre Avenue, Gurranabrahar, Cork, were captured on cameras set up to monitor wildlife. Sgt Kieran OConnell outlined at Killarney District Court how Irish Deer Hunting had a five-year lease on 987 hectares of An Coillte Forrest at Clydaghroe, the Clydagh Valley. Irish Deer Hunting had set up cameras to monitor wildlife and when the footage was downloaded they found vehicles and people with firearms on the lands on October 14, 2017, November 11, 2017, and November 18, 2017. The vehicle numbers were legible and when the defendants Michael and Darren Byrd were identified from the vehicle numbers, they the made full admissions, the sergeant said. They didnt have a permit to hunt on the lands, the sergeant said. The firearms were legally held and there was no evidence of shots fired on the leased lands. They were fully co-operative and had no previous convictions, the sergeant also said. Solicitor Liam Ryan said the Byrds had permission to go onto adjoining lands and had strayed. Mr Byrd worked as a security guard and had never been in trouble, and his son Darren was a hard-working roofing contractor who also had never been in trouble. This is inadvertence. They are not from the area and simply strayed, said Mr Ryan. The lands were leased by Irish Deer Hunting for the purpose of deer hunting, the judge was told. Not a shot was fired, Mr Ryan assured Judge David Waters. The summonses were issued under the wildlife acts and the father and son pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm capable of deer or bird hunting without having permission from the owner or occupier who was entitled to the sporting rights. Judge David Waters said he would apply the Probation Act, meaning there would be no conviction, given they had no previous convictions. There's something of a poet about Chris Comerford in Peter Varga's striking photograph. A dapper poet, one who knows the streets. And when you meet Chris, and have a chat with him, these impressions ring true. He's as stylish in person as he is in the image, and, with visible tattoos on his hands, neck and face, there's a definite edge to him. His portrait is one of a series of photographs taken by Peter Varga, the man behind Humans of Dublin, in an exhibition entitled 'People Like Us'. The exhibition, organised by the Ana Liffey Drug Project, runs at the foyer of Dublin's City Hall. Chris has had a long life, longer than his 35 years. There's a past there that you could only paint with broad brushstrokes. His parents broke up when he was just nine. Two years later and after his mother met someone else, Chris was out of the family home in Tallaght and living on the streets. Back then I thought I was Jack the lad, but, at 11, I was just a child," he said. It was then he started smoking hash and began staying in hostels and homes, including a residential home in leafy south Dublin between the ages of 12 and 14. He loved much of that time, but his substance misuse, teenage anger and problems with authority got him thrown out. Before he reached 15 he was back on the streets or living in hostels, forming a family of his own with some 25 other teens without homes of their own. None of us had a family. It was a surrogate, he said. We were all looking for that, for that love, that sense of belonging. I found it in my friends and they found it in me and each other. He recalled how they all went out shoplifting and stayed in one room of abandoned flats on Church Street, near Dublin's north quays, and shared the food, cans, smokes and sweets stolen. Charges for shoplifting were clocked up and he was in Saint Patrick's Institution by the age of 17. At age 16 he had smoked heroin and by 18 it had crept into his life in a bigger way. By 19 he was injecting. The drugs started really to get worse, so the charges got more serious and drug dealing was the next big one, he said. At one stage he took 60 pills, which he subsequently discovered were anti-psychotic tablets, and nearly died. He said the fact he never died over his long period of drug taking, which continued up to when he was 33, was down to spells in prison. Luckily, I kept on going to jail. Prison was a lifeline for a lot of us. If I hadn't gone in I wouldn't be here today. He added: You walk into prison and you're in bits, at the point you have one foot in the grave. Some people are that bad the judge says 'I'm sorry I can't let you out'. He has spent time in St Pats, Mountjoy, Wheatfield, Cloverhill, Midlands and Shelton open prison. I've been in every landing in all these jails, he said. Referencing the qualities in the photograph, Chris said he was always interested in poems and the spoken word and it was something he practiced in his time in jails. It grew in prisons, but it was always there, as far back as I can remember. Ya walk around with all these thoughts in my head at end of the day ya speak it out, but not write it down. I should of, but I was more concerned chasing after heroin. Chris's life has turned around in the last two years. Now 35, he will be off drugs two years next month. He has five children, the youngest aged seven months. Chris is meeting his own mother for the first time in a while this week, where she will get to meet her youngest grandson. Chris's father died in 2017, something he said he has drawn strength from. Chris is a born again Christian, but he only brings it up towards the end of our chat, which ran for nearly an hour. I've been saved and I owe my life to my Heavenly Father, he said. I have an apartment, I've a brand new baby, I'm getting married, all the kids are back in my life and I've started back writing recently. He hopes people see the exhibition. What does he want people to take away from his image? That I'm a human being. People are very judgemental, Irish people are the worst. And he has this message for politicians: "It shouldn't just be down to Ana Liffey and voluntary agencies to do something productive. They are doing all the nitty-gritty work. The people in power can change things for people. They need to do more for society. People are suffering out there. Why are people who have nothing, why should they take crumbs? They are human beings too. Update: DUP leader Arlene Foster has elaborated on her claim that there had never been a hard border in Ireland. Speaking on U105.8FM radio, she said: "For those of us who lived on the border and who were attacked by the IRA, we know that the IRA escaped across that border, so it was not a hard border, nobody wants to go back to that. "It takes the will to look for solutions and the regrettable thing is the Republic of Ireland has not been in the solution-finding mode. "I hope that they are now, I hope that our Prime Minister uses that vote last night to go to Europe and to look for a better deal." Earlier: Only border ever in NI was because of Republicans, claims DUP's Sammy Wilson The only hard border that Northern Ireland ever had came about as a result of Republicans, claims the DUPs Sammy Wilson. Ironically the only hard border we ever had in Northern Ireland was a hard border which resulted from the actions of Republicans. People who wanted a united Ireland, he told RTEs Morning Ireland. They were the ones who caused army checkpoints to be put in place, army patrols, watchtowers etc., he added in an interview recorded last night following the historic defeat of British Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit vote. Sammy Wilson Mr Wilson was explaining comments that the DUPs leader Arlene Foster had made in Westminster on Tuesday when she said there had never been a hard border in Northern Ireland, but rather security needed to prevent terrorism. I think it's significant and I think the point she (Arlene Foster) was trying to make was that even with all of that infrastructure in place, there was still not a hard border ie. you could not stop the illegal movement of goods across the border and I think that's what Arlene Foster was referring to. That should be a lesson to both the Irish Government and the EU and anybody who falls for this con trick of a hard border being imposed - 50,000 troops couldn't impose a hard border, so how on earth do the EU believe that putting a lot of barbed poles across roads and putting a few officials to search vehicles that there's going to be a hard border. He said that Mrs May has very little room for manoeuvre on the UKs departure date from the EU. Given the size of the revolt in her party, she has very little room for manoeuvre on the particular date because she would face a massive revolt. There would be a vote against changing the leaving date. If it's chaotic at the moment can you imagine how chaotic it would be when you get the Labour party, the Scottish nationalists, the Liberal Democrats, ourselves and the Conservatives all trying to come with a common policy? It would make this thing look very orderly. A no deal Brexit will happen once we reach the 29th March, legally we will have left and if there's no deal, then we have no deal. I don't fear it, I don't think that the hyperbole that's been around a no deal Brexit bears any relationship to reality. If we move towards that I'm quite relaxed. January 16, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The global switchgears market is estimated to reach $17.9bn in 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.98% between 2018 and 2022, largely underpinned by Asia-Pacific, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. The company's latest report: 'Switchgears for Power Transmission, Update 2018' states that initiatives undertaken by countries globally to improve access to electricity and support the growing demand for power, and technology changes within the power sector are driving the switchgears market. Asia-Pacific accounted for 59% of the global market value in 2017, due to rapid development and establishment of industries driving the demand for electricity. China and India, which accounted for 80% of the Asia-Pacific market in 2017, have development plans focused on deploying sizeable power generation assets, expanding and strengthening grid networks, reducing technical losses, and enhancing grid performance. The large scale rural electrification plan and strong industry base will drive the demand for power, requiring the construction of transmission assets which support the switchgears market. Nirushan Rajasekaram, Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: "In the forecast period, Vietnam and Indonesia are expected to play a greater role in propelling the market, with investments made towards improving electricity access in remote regions within their countries. The abundant market opportunities for the power sector development in Asia-Pacific are expected to contribute $10.5bn to the market in 2022." In 2017, EMEA was the second largest market for switchgears with a value of $3.97bn and is forecast the strongest growth of 5.78% between 2018 and 2022. In Europe, well-established power markets are primarily focused on replacing aging infrastructure and amalgamating to form a grid union. The Middle East and Africa are experiencing strong economic growth, driving capital investments towards developing new infrastructure. The challenges associated with power sector emissions are prompting a shift away from fossil fuels to renewables. Proposed increase in usage of renewables and the economic diversification program will prompt grid transformation initiatives to support the transition within the Gulf. Saudi Arabia, one of the prominent oil producing countries in the Gulf, has issued a development program focused on transforming the economic structure of the country. The Saudi Arabian market is likely to reach a market value of $0.72bn in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. Despite the higher cost, gas insulated switchgears are expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.37% between 2018 and 2022. Improved grid reliability and reduced space requirements are supporting the utilization of these switchgears in highly congested urban spaces and in areas with significant power requirements such as industrial complexes. They also offer better safety measures, lower maintenance and downtimes, when compared to air insulated switchgears. Air insulated switchgears is likely to see deployment where access to capital is limited and space constraints exists. Rajasekaram concludes: "The growing demand for electricity is contributing to the development of power generation assets, particularly technologies with minimal environmental impacts. Until recently, the large scale development of generation assets contributed to a deficit in sufficient transmission capacity, which governments are aiming to rectify in the upcoming years. "Grid reliability and supply security have gained prominence, with power playing a greater role in the development of a country. The likely development of transmission assets to sustain the demand is expected to promote the growth of the global switchgears market." Information based on GlobalData's report, 'Switchgears for Power Transmission, Update 2018 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2022' For more information To gain access to our latest press releases: GlobalData Media Centre Analysts available for comment. Please contact the GlobalData Press Office: EMEA & Americas: +44 (0)207 832 4399 Asia-Pacific: +91 40 6616 6809 Email: pr@globaldata.com Notes to Editors: Quotes provided by Nirushan Rajasekaram, Analyst at GlobalData, Information based on GlobalData's Report: Hot Topic: 'Switchgears for Power Transmission, Update 2018 - Global Market Size, Competitive Landscape and Key Country Analysis to 2022' The report offers in-depth analysis of the market at global, regional (Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA) and key countries (the US, Canada, Brazil, China, India, Japan, the UK, Germany, Russia, and Saudi Arabia) level. The report analyzes the switchgears market in terms of value and volume, classified by various capacity segments and types for the historical (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2022) period. The report provides insight into the drivers and restraints affecting the switchgears market, key upcoming projects, policies governing the sector, tenders and contracts issued, and the competitive landscape for respective countries in 2017. Profiles of major switchgears manufacturers are also presented in this report. About GlobalData 4,000 of the world's largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData's unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData's mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, technology, energy, financial and professional services sectors. TechSectorStocks.com - investing ideas in tech stocks - mobile payments, social media, AI and Robotics, Drone Stocks, GPS, Internet of Things (IoT) Like Tech Stocks? View our Tech Stocks Directory Get News Alerts on Tech Stocks More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. 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Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp London and New York - January 16, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Global clean energy investment[1] totaled $332.1 billion in 2018, down 8% on 2017. Last year was the fifth in a row in which investment exceeded the $300 billion mark, according to authoritative figures from research company BloombergNEF (BNEF). There were sharp contrasts between clean energy sectors in terms of the change in dollar investment last year. Wind investment rose 3% to $128.6 billion, with offshore wind having its second-highest year. Money committed to smart meter rollouts and electric vehicle company financings also increased. However, the most striking shifts were in solar. Overall investment in that sector dropped 24% to $130.8 billion. Part of this reduction was due to sharply declining capital costs. BNEF's global benchmark for the cost of installing a megawatt of photovoltaic capacity fell 12% in 2018 as manufacturers slashed selling prices in the face of a glut of PV modules on the world market. That surplus was aggravated by a sharp change in policy in China in mid-year. The government acted to cool that country's solar boom by restricting access for new projects to its feed-in tariff. The result of this, combined with lower unit costs, was that Chinese solar investment plunged 53% to $40.4 billion in 2018. Jenny Chase, head of solar analysis at BNEF, commented: "2018 was certainly a difficult year for many solar manufacturers, and for developers in China. However, we estimate that global PV installations increased from 99GW in 2017 to approximately 109GW in 2018, as other countries took advantage of the technology's fiercely improved competitiveness." The biggest solar projects financed included the 800MW NOORm Midelt PV and solar thermal portfolio in Morocco, at an estimated $2.4 billion, and the 709MW NLC Tangedco PV plant in India, at a cost of about $500 million. India is one of the countries with the lowest capital costs per megawatt for photovoltaic plants. Offshore wind was a major recipient of clean energy investment last year, attracting $25.7 billion, up 14% on the previous year. Some of the projects financed were in Europe, led by the 950MW Moray Firth East array in the North Sea, at an estimated $3.3 billion, but there were also 13 Chinese offshore wind farms starting construction, for a total of some $11.4 billion. David Hostert, head of wind analysis at BNEF, said: "The balance of activity in offshore is tilting. Countries such as the U.K. and Germany pioneered this industry and will remain important, but China is taking over as the biggest market and new locations such as Taiwan and the U.S. East Coast are seeing strong interest from developers." Onshore wind saw $100.8 billion of new asset finance globally last year, up 2%, with the biggest projects reaching go-ahead including the 706MW Enel Green Power South Africa portfolio, at an estimated $1.4 billion, and the Xcel Rush Creek installation in the U.S., at $1 billion for 600MW. Among other renewable energy sectors, investment in biomass and waste-to-energy rose 18% to $6.3 billion, while that in biofuels rallied 47% to $3 billion. Geothermal was up 10% at $1.8 billion, small hydro down 50% at $1.7 billion and marine up 16% at $180 million. Total investment in utility-scale renewable energy projects and small-scale solar systems worldwide was down 13% year-on-year at $256.5 billion, although the gigawatt capacity added increased. Other categories of investment showed mixed trends in 2018. Corporate research and development spending slipped 6% to $20.9 billion, while government R&D rose 4% to $15 billion. There was a 20% increase in public markets investment in specialist clean energy companies, to $10.5 billion, with the biggest initial public offerings including $1.2 billion for Chinese electric vehicle company NIO, $852 million for Chinese electric car battery maker Contemporary Amperex Technology, and $808 million for French solar developer Neoen. Global venture capital and private equity investment jumped 127% to $9.2 billion, the highest since 2010. The biggest deals were $1.1 billion of expansion capital for U.S. smart window maker View, and $795 million for Chinese electric vehicle firm Youxia Motors. In fact, there were no fewer than eight VC/PE financings of Chinese EV specialist companies in 2018, totaling some $3.3 billion. Looking at the 2018 clean energy investment numbers by country, China was again the clear leader, but its total of $100.1 billion was down 32% on 2017's record figure because of the plunge in the value of solar commitments. Jon Moore, chief executive of BNEF, commented: "Once again, the actions of China are playing a major role in the dynamics of the energy transition, helping to drive down solar costs, grow the offshore wind and EV markets and lift venture capital and private equity investment." The U.S. was the second-biggest investing country, at $64.2 billion, up 12%. Developers have been rushing to finance wind and solar projects in order to take advantage of tax credit incentives, before these expire early next decade. There has also been a boom, in both the U.S. and Europe, in the construction of projects benefitting from power purchase agreements signed by big corporations such as Facebook and Google. Europe saw clean energy investment leap 27% to $74.5 billion, helped by the financing of five offshore wind projects in the billion-dollar-plus category. There was also a sharp recovery in the Spanish solar market, helped by heavily reduced costs, and a continuation of the build-out of large wind farms in Sweden and Norway offering low-cost electricity to industrial consumers. Other countries and territories investing in excess of $2 billion in clean energy in 2018 were: Japan at $27.2 billion, down 16% India at $11.1 billion, down 21% Germany at $10.5 billion, down 32% The U.K. at $10.4 billion, up 1% Australia at $9.5 billion, up 6% Spain at $7.8 billion, up sevenfold Netherlands at $5.6 billion, up 60% Sweden at $5.5 billion, up 37% France at $5.3 billion, up 7% South Korea at $5 billion, up 74% South Africa at $4.2 billion, up 40-fold Mexico at $3.8 billion, down 38% Vietnam at $3.3 billion, up 18-fold Denmark at $3.2 billion, up fivefold Belgium at $2.9 billion, up fourfold Italy at $2.8 billion, up 11% Morocco at $2.8 billion, up 13-fold Taiwan at $2.4 billion, up 134% Ukraine at $2.4 billion, up 15-fold Canada at $2.2 billion, down 34% Turkey at $2.2 billion, down 5% Norway at $2 billion, no change Some of the historical totals for clean energy investment in previous years have been revised in this round, to take account of new information on projects and deals. This is true, for instance, of the 2017 figure. The up-to-date numbers for total investment are: $61.7 billion in 2004, $88 billion in 2005, $129.2 billion in 2006, $182.2 billion in 2007, $205.2 billion in 2008, $206.8 billion in 2009, $276.1 billion in 2010, $324 billion in 2011, $290.7 billion in 2012, $268.6 billion in 2013, $321.3 billion in 2014, $360.3 billion in 2015, $330.1 billion in 2016, $361.7 billion in 2017, and $332.1 billion in 2018. Figure 1: Global new investment in clean energy Source: BloombergNEF Figure 2: New wind and solar PV capacity added worldwide Source: BloombergNEF. Note that the capacity added figures in this chart are preliminary estimates. More on BNEF's 2018 clean energy investment figures can be found at https://about.bnef.com/clean-energy-investment/. Contact Veronika Henze BloombergNEF +1-646-324-1596 vhenze@bloomberg.net About BloombergNEF BloombergNEF (BNEF) is a leading provider of primary research on clean energy, advanced transport, digital industry, innovative materials, and commodities. With a team of experts spread across six continents, BNEF leverages the world's most sophisticated data sets to create clear perspectives and in-depth forecasts that frame the financial, economic and policy implications of industry-transforming trends and technologies. Available online, on mobile and on the Terminal, BNEF is powered by Bloomberg's global network of 19,000 employees in 176 locations, reporting 5,000 news stories a day. Visit https://about.bnef.com/ or request more information. About Bloomberg Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company's strength - delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately - is at the core of the Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg's enterprise solutions build on the company's core strength: leveraging technology to allow customers to access, integrate, distribute and manage data and information across organizations more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit Bloomberg.com/company or request a demo . More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Gibraltar - January 16, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX), an institutional-grade, regulated and insured token sale platform and digital asset exchange, today announced the addition of EOS to its Digital Asset Exchange (GBX-DAX), a state-of-the-art exchange created with the high expectations of professional crypto-traders in mind. EOS has been brought to the GBX-DAX by Sponsor Firm Iconiq Holding, and the announcement continues the strong start to 2019 for the GBX-DAX following the addition of XRP last week. Commenting on the announcement, Nick Cowan, Managing Director and Founder of the GSX (Gibraltar Stock Exchange) Group Limited said, "With a market capitalisation of $2.3 billion USD at the end of 2018, EOS represents a significant addition for the GBX-DAX and is further testament to the amazing work the team continues to do behind the scenes. Everyone is familiar with EOS. It is globally traded at volume. On the GBX-DAX, not only will it be traded in a secure and trusted environment, but a regulated and insured one. As we push for greater adoption of blockchain and digital assets, providing users with access to the best tokens via our regulated exchange continues to be at the heart of everything we do." A free, open-source blockchain software protocol, EOSIO offers developers and entrepreneurs a platform on which to develop, deploy, and run decentralized applications (dApps). With a focus on efficiency, scalability, flexibility, and usability, EOSIO aims to enable users to build dApps as simply as possible. The EOS token allows users to use the infrastructure of EOSIO, and to develop and host dApps on the platform. Patrick Lowry, CEO of GBX Sponsor Firm, Iconiq Holding, said, "Iconiq is excited to bring EOS to the GBX community by sponsoring its listing on the DAX. Iconiq is a large proponent of the GBX vision, and through the continued collaborative efforts of Iconiq, GBX, and the great Sponsor Firms behind GBX, we aim to bring more quality tokens such as EOS to the GBX community." The GBX-DAX is a digital asset exchange built on institutional-grade best practices and good governance, derived from the capital markets experience gained through the GBXs parent company, the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX), an EU-regulated stock exchange. The GBX-DAX platform has been designed to be highly intuitive and easy to use. From strict verification requirements to the listing of a wide range of assets, every aspect of the GBX-DAX works towards creating the most professional and secure trading environment possible. "After also announcing the addition of XRP last week, we are determined to build on this momentum and increase the number of quality digital assets listed on the GBX-DAX. The addition of EOS to the GBX-DAX demonstrates our commitment to providing our users with the highest standards in digital asset trading, a trend that will continue throughout 2019 and beyond," concluded Cowan. For more information, visit https://exchange.gbx.gi/ Nick Cowan, Managing Director and Founder of GSX Group Limited, is available for interview on request Media Contact: Liam Murphy Senior Account Supervisor // Wachsman +353 87 119 2107 // liam@wachsman.com About the GBX The Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX) is a world-leading institutional-grade token sale platform and Digital Asset Exchange that is a part of the GSX Group, which also includes the Gibraltar Stock Exchange (GSX), a European Union (EU) regulated stock exchange. The GBX is a global listing and token sales springboard for utility tokens that have satisfied a strict due diligence and admissions process as well as a high-quality Digital Asset Exchange. The GBX is setting a higher standard for token issuance and trading through best practices and good governance, for the benefit of all market participants. The GBX received its full Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) Licence from the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC) in November 2018. About EOS EOS is a decentralised operating system that uses blockchain technology to enable businesses to build dApps at scale. The EOS network is able to conduct millions of transactions per a second, with no transaction fees. As a decentralised platform, EOS provides businesses with the developmental environment required to host applications and implement smart contracts, whilst solving the scalability issues faced by other Blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Its native utility token, EOS, provides both storage and bandwidth on the blockchain. About Iconiq Holding Iconiq Holding is a global digital asset management firm headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany with offices in London and New York. Iconiq Holding launched Iconiq Lab, the world's first decentralized venture capital group and token sale accelerator program, in early 2017 and is issuing a series of digital asset index funds under the Iconiq Funds brand. Iconiq Holding is an authorized Sponsor Firm of the Gibraltar Blockchain Exchange (GBX) and the issuer of the ICNQ token. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp TORONTO - January 16, 2019 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Cannabis stock news alert Pure Global Cannabis Inc. (TSX.V:PURE) (OTC: PRCNF) (FRA:1QS) an integrated, growth-oriented life sciences and consumer products cannabis company, through its subsidiary PureSinse Inc. ("PureSinse"), reports that Health Canada has issued PureSinse a Sales License under the Cannabis Act. Eligible and pre-registered Canadian medical patients can soon select from two dozen premium cannabis products offered by PureSinse, via its newly launched eCommerce website at PureSinse.com. The Company is committed to supporting medical cannabis patients by emphasizing the quality of and access to the products they need. The Company anticipates growing to 70 SKUs (stock-keeping units) by mid-2019, including adding extracted oil products, and vape pens. PureSinse continues to demonstrate commitment to the medical community by leading one of the largest real-world evidence-based clinical studies in conjunction with the Appletree Medical Group and one of the largest Clinical Research Organizations in the world. The clinical data, which will be collected from thousands of patients, will provide necessary data points for guidance in the therapeutic benefits of specific cannabis strains for commonly reported medical symptoms. This evidence will guide PureSinse's future pharmaceutical product and consumer product development plans and provide the medical community with published peer reviewed observational data on the efficacy of medical cannabis for a range of conditions. As part of the Sales Licence, the Company can also sell products into the adult-legal consumer market through provincially licensed retailers, for which it is launching uniquely curated lines of consumer products tailored to specific market segments. "This is a significant milestone for us and something we have been vigorously preparing for over the last several months," said Malay Panchal, CEO of Pure Global. "We feel the medical community has been hugely underserviced with poor patient and physician education, and product offerings, areas we hope to be trail blazers in and make a significant contribution to in 2019," added Mr. Panchal. About Pure Global Cannabis Pure Global Cannabis Inc. (TSX.V:PURE; OTC:PRCNF; FRA:1QS) is an innovation-based cannabis Company led by experienced pharma, biotechnology, horticultural, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) experts. The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, PureSinse Inc., is a licensed producer under the Cannabis Act. The Company's Brampton campus houses facilities for vertically farmed cultivation, R&D, extraction, manufacturing, and distribution. PURE will produce branded and white-labeled cannabis products for the medical, pharmaceutical, wellness, health & beauty, natural health, food & beverage, and recreational legal markets with uniquely formulated and purified concentrates. The Company is using the Canadian market as a springboard to develop and manufacture GMP-compliant cannabis products for international sale and distribution with a goal to become one of the most trusted premium international cannabis brands. To register to Pure Global's mailing list, please visit www.pureglobal.com. Follow @pureglobalcanna on Twitter and Facebook and @pureglobalcannabis on Instagram. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements about Pure Global's future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, Pure Global cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and Pure Global assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To register to Pure Global's mailing list, please visit www.pureglobal.com . Follow @pureglobalcanna on Twitter and Facebook and @pureglobalcannabis on Instagram. SOURCE Pure Global Cannabis Inc. Disclosure: Investorideas. does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. 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A Bozeman hospital has paid out $10 million to settle a federal lawsuit that accused its radiology department of fraud. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported that recently unsealed court documents show Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital paid about $7.2 million to the U.S. government and nearly $239,000 to Montana. The hospital also paid $2.5 million to the law firm that represented Bozeman radiologists Frank Rembert and Michael Paradise, who filed the lawsuit nearly three years ago. The suit claimed the hospital made millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to government health care programs as part of an illegal kickback scheme to keep a monopoly on radiology services in Gallatin County. A hospital spokeswoman says the defendants listed in the case deny all allegations and any wrongdoing. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits A North Carolina restaurant has been fined by federal officials who say it violated minimum wage and child labor laws. The U.S. Department of Labor announced in a news release that Maxs Pizza in Surf City was fined $14,287 for violating requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. According to investigators, the restaurant required four minors, ages 16 and 17, to clean a meat slicer and a large dough mixer. Youth under 18 are prohibited from operating, setting up, adjusting, repairing, oiling or cleaning such machines. Investigators say they also found the restaurant failed to make up the difference when tipped employees pay totaled less than $7.25 per hour. The investigation also concluded that the restaurant made illegal payroll deductions for tipped employees uniforms and failed to maintain required payroll records. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics North Carolina Restaurant Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis began following up on a campaign promise to make the environment a priority by signing an order last week seeking to tackle Floridas problems with blue-green algae in its rivers and red tide off its coast. DeSantis signed the order in Bonita Springs in southwest Florida, one of the areas where slimy algae have coated waterways because of pollutants flowing downstream from Lake Okeechobee. I pledged I would take action, and today we are taking action, DeSantis said. What weve done is really, really strong I think this is something that can unite all Floridians. DeSantis said he will seek $2.5 billion over the next four years for Everglades restoration and water resources. The order not only touches on algae problems, but rising sea levels and the ongoing battle with Georgia over water diverted for Atlantas use instead of flowing downstream to Apalachicola Bay. The reduction of fresh water entering the bay has hurt the regions oyster industry. He didnt say where the money would come from, and his office didnt immediately respond when asked about the funding. Late in the day, DeSantis demanded the resignations of all nine members of the South Florida Water Management District, which oversees the Everglades area. The board in November extended a lease with sugar farmers for land needed for a reservoir that is key to water purification efforts, angering DeSantis. While critics often said DeSantis predecessor, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, ignored science and rising sea levels, DeSantis addressed it on his second full day in office. He is creating an Office of Resiliency tasked with protecting coastal communities and wildlife from sea level rise. As weve seen things like increased flooding (and) rising waters, we want to make sure that Florida is doing what it needs to do to protect its communities, DeSantis said. The order also directs the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Health and the tourism agency Visit Florida to work together to address algae problems. He is creating the Blue-Green Algae Task Force and the Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency and a new position called chief science officer. It wasnt immediately clear whether the new offices and position would be under the umbrella of another agency and when and how theyd be filled. One of the priorities will be to reduce nutrients flowing into Lake Okeechobee and to treat them before they flow downstream, where algae feeds off the pollutants. Senate Democratic Leader Audrey Gibson had several questions about the DeSantis order. Will he turn to the Trump Administration? Or will he be seeking help from the Legislature? Can our state budget handle this increase? Is the plan to cut into other programs to raise the needed funds? Will Floridians lose services in one area to offset the costs for water cleanup? Gibson said in a press release. She did, however, praise the intent behind the order. We share the urgency for cleaning up our water and our environment; its been a top priority of ours for many years. The policies of the past administration have taken a terrible toll on our natural resources, to say nothing of the impact on our marine life, Gibson said. But an executive order has to have more than just lofty goals, or admirable pursuits. It has to have the details we need to judge whether these goals are doable. __ Associated Press writer Terry Spencer in Fort Lauderdale contributed to this report. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Florida Willis Towers Watson has appointed Jonathan Oppenheim as regional Construction leader in its Southeast region, part of the companys North American Construction business. Oppenheim, a 30-year industry veteran, joins the company from JLT Specialty U.S.A., where he most recently served as partner in its construction risk partners business. Based in Atlanta, Oppenheim will be responsible for business development and managing the companys substantial construction portfolio in the region. He will focus delivering the companys full suite of services and products to clients including contractors, project owners, developers, architects and engineers. Willis Towers Watson is a global advisory, broking and products company. Topics Construction Willis Towers Watson AVYST, a provider of sales and risk management products and services for independent insurance agents and brokers and their carrier partners, announced that Kitty Ambers has joined the insuretech firm in Dallas as chief growth officer. Ambers will be responsible for growing AVYSTs product visibility and distribution across the independent agent channel. Ambers joins the AVYST team from the Network of Vertafore Users (NetVU), where she served as CEO, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization. AVYST is a NetVU corporate partner, and Ambers will continue to provide guidance to the organization until a new chief executive is hired. In her new role, Ambers will work with long-time industry colleagues in serving the needs of all partners in the independent insurance industry, regardless of their selection of technology solution providers. Ambers holds the CIC, CPIA and CISR professional insurance designations. Wave Insurance Technologies Inc., dba AVYST, is a Dallas and Aurora, Colorado-based company providing sales and risk management solutions that enable independent insurance agents, brokers and carriers to efficiently manage a referral through the application and submissions process. Source: AVYST Topics Agencies AAIS (American Association of Insurance Services), a not-for-profit insurance advisory organization, has added additional features to its openIDL blockchain platform, including: improved data call transparency and communication capabilities specifically designed for insurance regulators; enriched core data sets; and innovative blockchain data architecture. openIDL is an open blockchain network that enables the secure and permissioned-based sharing of statistical data between insurance carriers and regulators. The latest release of openIDL offers a more user-friendly interface and enhanced performance. Data from more than 2 million homeowners policies has been added to openIDL, and the AAIS data lake is tapped to connect statistical data with third party services and data providers. Current information on risk context like weather, municipal or satellite data can help AAIS member carriers understand impact potential, validate existing data, overlay historical details, and more, to better manage a book of business, streamline systems and connect operational systems and partners. Regulators can now publicize draft data calls and invite anonymous and public feedback from their respective communities using openIDL. New reporting capabilities also can facilitate greater integrity and transparency to the market, while protecting the privacy of carriers contributing data. Development also includes new support for private data collections, which will enable peer organizations to upload additional data to their openIDL peer node(s), ensuring data integrity, and secure, internal reuse in operational integrations, without exposing data outside the organization. AAIS said it has taken on development of openIDL as a natural extension of its role as a statistical agent and advisory organization serving member carriers and insurance regulators. According to Craig Bedell, IBM Global Insurance Industry Executive, as with its initial version, openIDL is being designed and developed with guidance from carriers and State Departments of Insurance in Design Thinking Workshops. Since launching the openIDL pilot in August 2018, AAIS and IBM have committed to quarterly releases of openIDL to meet the demand for functionality, a commitment made possible by increasing participation in Design Thinking Workshops by vested insurance carriers, regulators and the AAIS community. The next Design Thinking session is planned for January 2019. The next release of openIDL is planned for March 2019. AAIS serves as the openIDL administrator, providing unbiased governance for the blockchain platform within existing insurance regulatory frameworks. AAIS Members may participate in the openIDL blockchain as part of their existing or new Program Affiliations. Established in 1936, AAIS delivers tailored advisory options, including best-in-class policy forms, rating information and data management capabilities for commercial lines, inland marine, farm & agriculture and personal lines insurers. Topics Carriers U.S. authorities on Tuesday charged a suspected Ukrainian computer hacker and several traders with scheming to trade on market-moving corporate earnings news stolen from a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission database. The charges against 10 defendants, including two charged criminally, relate to a suspected 2016 intrusion into Edgar, the SECs corporate filing system used by public companies and money managers. Authorities said the scheme resulted in $4.14 million of illegal trading profit, and cheated ordinary investors. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said the case illustrated the significant threats that cyber crime poses to U.S. markets, including from outside U.S. borders, and that his agency is not immune despite efforts to bolster its cyber defenses. Authorities said Oleksandr Ieremenko, 26, and Artem Radchenko, 27, both of Kiev, used a Lithuanian server to hack into Edgar and obtain thousands of test filings, including 157 earnings announcements, and shared their findings with traders. The Department of Justice said conspirators sent fake emails to SEC employees that appeared to be from other employees, enabling Ieremenko and Radchenko to steal filings through phishing attacks and by installing malware on SEC computers. Ieremenko and Radchenko were charged with computer fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy in a 16-count indictment filed with the federal court in Newark, New Jersey. The SEC filed related civil charges accusing six individuals and two companies in the United States, Russia and Ukraine of reaping the $4.14 million of gains from May to October 2016, with some profits kicked back to Ieremenko. Two Los Angeles residents, Sungjin Cho and David Kwon, are among the defendants in the SEC case, which seeks to impose fines and recoup illegal gains. Ieremenko was also charged. None of the defendants could immediately be reached for comment, and their lawyers could not immediately be identified. Companies sometimes submit test filings to ensure their actual SEC filings will be processed correctly. Test filings are not typically supposed to contain sensitive nonpublic data, but the SEC said some do. Ieremenko has been at large since being criminally charged in 2015 over the theft of more than 150,000 corporate press releases from Berkshire Hathaway Incs Business Wire, West Corp.s Marketwired and Cision Ltd.s PR Newswire. More than 40 defendants were criminally or civilly charged in that scheme, which U.S. authorities said generated more than $100 million of trading profit over 5-1/2 years. The SEC said Ieremenko turned his attention to Edgar after the newswire scheme ended. The cases are U.S. v. Radchenko, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey; and SEC v Ieremenko et al in the same court, No. 19-00505. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis and James Dalgleish) Topics USA Cyber Fraud Abuse Molestation Seven Minnesota cities are suing a group of companies that refine coal-tar sealants to help pay for cleanup after the products harmful chemicals ended up in stormwater ponds across the state. The cities filed separate federal lawsuits last month to try to hold the companies accountable for products used by Minnesota residents to seal driveways and parking lots for years, Minnesota Public Radio reported. The removal of contaminated material from stormwater ponds is a costly process, and the cities are looking for help to cover the expenses. They have this problem, its not going away, and its going to cost money, said attorney Robin Greenwald, who represents the seven cities. They either have to have the taxpayers burdened with that cost, or the polluter. Pittsburgh-based Koppers, one of the companies named in the suits, said the cities claims dont have merit. The company plans to fight the lawsuits. The state banned sealants made from refined coal tar in 2014 as concern grew over the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment. Some of the chemicals are known to cause cancer in humans. Coal-tar sealants contain significantly higher levels of PAHs, which means the chemicals could pose a human health risk. Minnesota has roughly 30,000 stormwater ponds designed to catch water that runs off roads, roofs and lawns. Stormwater carries pollutants into the retention ponds, including sediment and phosphorus and nitrogen from leaves and lawn fertilizer. Cities then remove sediment from their stormwater ponds roughly every 20 years and use the extra dirt in areas where the nutrients can be beneficial. But this process isnt possible because sediment containing high PAH levels is considered hazardous waste that needs to be taken to a landfill, said Raymond Hozalski, an environmental engineering professor at the University of Minnesota. Now, all of a sudden, your costs go up by roughly a factor of two to three, Hozalski said. Burnsville, one of the cities that filed suit, has hundreds of stormwater ponds, so the cleanup could cost millions of extra dollars over time. Burnsville is joined by Bloomington, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, White Bear Lake and Minnetonka in filing lawsuits. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Pollution Minnesota Illinois-based specialty insurance company, RLI Corp. has promoted three leaders within its Claim department. Nic Mesco, assistant vice president, Claims, has been promoted to vice president, Claims, with executive leadership responsibility for RLIs Casualty product claims. Mesco joined RLI in 2013 as Claim director and was promoted to assistant vice president in 2016. Prior to joining RLI, he was an attorney at Tressler LLP. Mesco has more than 11 years of insurance industry experience. Matt Campen, assistant vice president, Claims, has been promoted to vice president, Claims, with executive leadership responsibility for RLIs Property, Marine and Surety product claims. Campen joined RLI in 2013 as Claim director and was promoted to assistant vice president, Claims, in 2017. Prior to joining RLI, he was a commercial catastrophe claim manager at Zurich North America. Campen has 15 years of insurance industry experience. Will Irish, assistant vice president, Claims, has been promoted to vice president, Claims, with executive leadership responsibility for RLIs Transportation, Non-Transportation Auto and Personal Umbrella product claims. Irish joined RLI in 2016 as assistant vice president, Claims. Prior to joining RLI, he was zonal vice president, Claims at AIG. Irish has 32 years of insurance industry experience. RLIs products are offered through its insurance subsidiaries RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company. Source: RLI Corp. Topics Market A Moodys Corp. managing director fired for lashing out at a junior co-worker who criticized his teams work won his Paris job back and a 1.6 million-euro ($1.8 million) payout. Moodys France fired the managing director in March 2015 after saying an internal investigation found that he retaliated against a female analyst he managed who had questioned the way his team monitored a fund. But last week the Paris Appeals Court reversed his dismissal for gross misconduct after ruling that one of the allegations of retaliation didnt stand up. The judges ordered his reinstatement as team managing director within a month on annual pretax pay of about 282,000 euros. Moodys also owes him a provisional amount of 1 million euros in back pay as well as a 2014 bonus and 500,000 euros in damages linked to stock endowments. The man whose name was blacked out in the ruling had lost a prior employment-tribunal lawsuit but appealed, leading to last weeks decision. It wasnt immediately clear how Moodys would comply with the judgment. Representatives for the financial services firm declined to immediately comment. Tarnished Reputations Bankers throughout Europe routinely turn to specialist labor courts to recoup lost bonuses and rehabilitate tarnished reputations. While its rare, some win re-employment. Last year, a Barclays Plc trader fired at the behest of a New York regulator for misusing an electronic trading program won a new contract for a post that paid 150,000 pounds ($193,000) a year. In the Paris case, Moodys fired the managing director for having made an unfounded report about the analyst alleging that she had harassed another colleague. The credit rating firm said the report was yet another example of retaliation that added to poor ratings he gave the analyst in her annual review. Yet the Paris judges said that this was contradicted by the direct testimony of the colleague who was allegedly harassed. The colleague said she had alerted the managing director four times in less than half a year, and that the analyst had an offensive and nearly abusive attitude toward her. That alone justifies canceling the dismissal, the court of appeals ruled, underlining that, under French law, employees cant be fired for having testified about harassment. With assistance from Peter Chapman. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Talent Human Resources HDI Global SE (HDI) has appointed Claire McDonald as managing director of its UK and Ireland operations. She will assume the role on March 18, 2019. McDonald will join the company from Allianz Global & Corporate Specialty SE where she was global head of operations. She has worked for over 31 years within the Allianz group of companies in a number of senior operational and underwriting roles. With immediate effect, Alan Waters has been appointed as interim UK and Ireland managing director. Waters has worked for HDI as director of Corporate Risks for over eight years and is a member of the UK and Ireland executive committee. The appointments follow the appointment of Richard Taylor, the companys former UK and Ireland managing director, who joined HDI Global Specialty SE as a member of the executive board of management, taking on the role of chief marketing officer and UK managing director. HDI Global Specialty SE is the new specialty lines insurer created from the merging of the specialty lines activities of Hannover Re and HDI Global SE, which commenced trading on Jan. 1. HDI Global Specialtys sister company is HDI Global SE, which manages the Industrial Lines Division of Hannover, Germany-based parent company, Talanx. Source: HDI Global Topics Excess Surplus Talent Human Resources Allianz Prime Minister Theresa May was trying to forge consensus in parliament on a Brexit divorce agreement on Wednesday after the crushing defeat of her own deal left Britains exit from the European Union in disarray 10 weeks before it is due to leave. May was widely expected to see off an attempt by the opposition Labour Party to bring down her government, having secured the backing of her own partys rebels and the small Northern Irish party which props up her minority administration. The confidence motion, called on Tuesday after lawmakers rejected Mays Brexit deal by 432-202 the worst defeat for a British government in modern times will be held at 1900 GMT. With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project it joined in 1973. May pledged to work with senior politicians to find a compromise that would avoid a disorderly no-deal Brexit or another referendum on membership but critics said she was not budging from a deal that had alienated all sides of the debate. The exercise (is) about listening to the views of the house, about wanting to understand the views of parliamentarians so that we can identify what could command the support of this house and deliver on the referendum, May told parliament. Labours finance spokesman, John McDonnell, said May could eventually get a deal through parliament if she negotiated a compromise with his party which wants a permanent customs union with the EU, a close relationship with its single market and greater protections for workers and consumers. But her spokesman said it was still government policy to be outside an EU customs union while May, an initial opponent of Brexit who won the top job in the turmoil following the 2016 referendum vote, insisted Britain would leave the bloc on March 29, leaving little time for a solution to be found. Her crushing defeat, though, appears to have killed off her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Labour leader Corbyn said she was now leading a zombie government. Labour says its aim is to win power and negotiate Brexit on better terms. However, many Labour members want to see another referendum with an option to cancel Brexit, and the party says it is ruling out nothing if it fails to bring May down. New Deal? Sterling jumped by more than a cent against the U.S. dollar on news of Mays defeat on Tuesday and was holding close to that level on Wednesday. Many investors see the prospect of a no-deal exit receding as parliament hardens its stance against it. May has said canceling Brexit is likelier than leaving with no deal, but has repeatedly described any failure to carry out the mandate of the 2016 referendum as catastrophic for democracy. Should the next step be a general election? I believe that is the worst thing we could do, it would deepen division when we need unity, she told parliament. Ever since Britain voted by 52-48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016, the political class has been debating how to leave the European project forged by France and Germany after the devastation of World War Two. Companies warned of catastrophic job losses and chaos at ports if there was a no-deal Brexit that would see trade with the EU switch to World Trade Organization rules which many argue could disrupt supply chains relying on friction-free trade. Britains top share index ended down 0.5 percent at 6,862 points. We would now urge ruling out a no-deal immediately as the only option with majority support in parliament, Britains biggest carmaker Jaguar Land Rover said in a statement. Time for Playing Games Is Over Other members of the EU, which combined has about six times the economic might of the United Kingdom, called for discussion but indicated there was little chance of fundamental change to the deal May had negotiated. Germanys Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said there was not much time left to find a Brexit solution and the time for playing games is now over. For the EU, already reeling from successive crises over debt and refugees, Brexit is possibly the biggest blow in its 60-year history, though its 27 other members have shown remarkable unity over Britains exit. While some EU leaders and many British lawmakers have suggested that Britain might want to change its mind, Britains leaders are concerned that to stop Brexit could alienate the 17.4 million people who voted to leave. Brexit supporters anticipate some short-term economic pain but say Britain will then thrive if cut loose from what they cast as a doomed experiment in German-dominated unity. Opponents of Brexit say it is folly that will weaken the West, make Britain poorer and torpedo what remains of its post-imperial clout. (Additional reporting by Kylie MacLellan, William James, and Costas Pitas; writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Michael Holden; editing by Janet Lawrence) Insured loss estimates from major natural catastrophes in 2018 totaled roughly $71.5 billion, the highest since 2011s annual market losses of $120 billion, according to Willis Re. However, the insured losses in 2018 are slightly less than half of those from 2017, and are marginally above the average annual losses over the last eight years, said the report titled Summary of Natural Catastrophe Events 2018. The eight-year average was driven upwards by peak annual losses of $120 billion in 2011 and $143 billion in 2017, said Willis Re, the reinsurance broker subsidiary of Willis Towers Watson. In contrast to these previous peak years, where one or two natural disasters contributed a large percentage of the total insured loss, no such major event or events accounted for a large proportion of the 2018 losses, said the broker. Instead, the total arises from a series of smaller and medium-sized loss events. (See Willis Res annual comparison chart below). The largest single insured loss for 2018 was the Camp Fire, which will cost re/insurers between $6.0 billion and $10.75 billion, pushing the likely combined losses from the Carr, Mendocino, Camp, and Woolsey wildfires to about $15-17 billion. The insured loss range for Hurricane Michael is $6.0 billion to $10.0 billion, while Typhoon Jebi in Japan delivered an estimate of $8.5 billion of insured losses. Willis Re said the largest European loss was winter storm Friederike, with insured losses of about $2.0 billion. No single major insured loss from natural disasters occurred in Latin-America or the Caribbean. Karl Jones, managing director and head of International Catastrophe Analytics at Willis Re, said 2018 was an unusual year. The industry experienced a large number of mid-sized natural catastrophes. Three events the Camp Fire, Typhoon Jebi, and Hurricane Michael have all reached at least the high single digit billions in insured losses, but only the Camp Fire seems likely to exceed the level of $10 billion, he noted. However, a large number of smaller, billion-dollar losses, principally storms, has added up to make 2018 a costly catastrophe year. With the exception of the major California wildfires, these losses are well within modeled expectations, Jones added. The re/insurance industry has now absorbed more than $200 billion worth of natural catastrophe losses over a two-year period, said Vaughn Jensen, executive vice president and head of North America Catastrophe Analytics at Willis Re. It has been a significant test for both traditional and ILS capacity but overall the sectors capitalization remains strong. The distribution of smaller catastrophes in 2018 has given retrocessionaires and excess of loss reinsurers some breathing spaces, with the clear exception of aggregate covers as well as accounts with a concentration of exposure in California, Jensen continued. The frequency of catastrophe losses over the last two years continues to result in many primary insurers rethinking their strategy around retention levels, he added. Several sustained storms may also lead to reconsideration of hours clauses by cedents and reinsurers. On the back of this unusual catastrophe experience, we expect to see further reinsurance program adjustments as the year progresses. Source: Willis Re Related: Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Profit Loss Reinsurance Willis Towers Watson ArgoGlobal Assicurazioni S.p.A, a subsidiary of specialty re/insurer Argo Group International Holdings Ltd., is working with insurtech startup Axieme to provide on-demand, pay-as-you-go insurance for temporary and short-term workers in Italys gig economy. How does the partnership work? Jobs first are listed on the Jobby digital platform. When a worker accepts a job on the platform, they can then activate the insurance cover, which protects them against accidents, illness and liability. Coverage is provided on the platform by Axieme, a Turin, Italy-based specialty broker, while ArgoGlobal provides the underwriting. The policies are live for the term of the workers assignments, although cover also can be extended if their work goes on for longer, explained ArgoGlobal in a statement. The limits provided to Jobby users are: Accidental death of 30,000 euros ($34,317), permanent disability of 30,000 euros with a 5 percent deductible Medical expenses of 250 euros ($286) with a 50-euro deductible Third party liability with limits of 500,000 euros ($571,941) with a deductible of 300 euros ($343) Pecuniary losses (or economic damage to belongings that occurs during the insured activity) of 500 euros ($572) with a deductible of 20 percent. The growth of the gig economy has created a shifting and unpredictable employment environment in which workers lack the traditional protections supplied by employers against unexpected events such as sickness, injury and civil liability, said Mario Borrelli, underwriting director of ArgoGlobal Assicurazioni S.p.A., in a statement. Our innovative collaboration with Jobby and Axieme, which relies on cutting-edge digital technology, offers gig-economy workers across Italy with steadfast, trustworthy insurance coverage combined with pay-as-you-go convenience, he added. A notable feature of this coverage model is the social insurance approach, said ArgoGlobal. Based on the principle of reward, part of the premium is reimbursed to policyholders who do not make claims, which empowers and encourages insureds to adopt more prudent attitudes, added the company. To date, more than 4,500 hours of coverage have been provided to some 600 gig workers, said ArgoGlobal Assicurazioni, which first announced its partnership with Axieme in September 2018. ArgoGlobal was optimistic about the future of such an insurance concept, given the fact that it is fast and flexible for users. Source: ArgoGlobal Assicurazioni S.p.A. Topics InsurTech Tech Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal was rejected by Parliament in a humiliating defeat, her plan for leaving the European Union all but dead. She now faces a confidence vote in her government. The House of Commons voted 432- 202 against the divorce she painstakingly brokered with the EU over 18 months. The largest parliamentary loss in over a century not only prompted the main opposition Labour Party to make its move to try force an election, it also hardened the EUs position. More than two years after the nation voted to leave the 28-nation bloc, the U.K. is mired in a political paralysis over a decision that has divided the nation and its political class for decades. It is clear the House does not support this deal, May told lawmakers following the vote. But tonights vote tells us nothing about what it does support, she said, pledging to talk to her Northern Irish allies and senior politicians across Parliament to try to reach a consensus. The government will approach these meetings in a constructive spirit. A government spokesman later told reporters May doesnt believe her Brexit deal is dead, and that cross-party discussions could be the basis for future agreement. The spokesman said those talks would begin as soon as Thursday, and that ideas coming from those discussions would need to be put to the EU. What Next? The pound rebounded on news of the plan for cross-party discussions. But May also acknowledged the scale and importance of the vote and said the first step must be to confirm that lawmakers still had confidence in her government. A vote is scheduled at 7 p.m. in London on Wednesday. The early signs are that May is likely to win. Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, which props up her government, indicated it will support May, as did the group of pro-Brexit Tories which led a failed effort to oust her over her Brexit strategy late last year. But all that could change. Mays choices are limited by the fact that her Conservative party does not have a majority in Parliament, and the competing interests of lawmakers who want a clean break from the EU and those who want to preserve close ties to the bloc. An opposition party with a sniff of power also complicates matters. The U.K. is scheduled to leave on March 29, and an increasingly boxed-in prime minister could well decide to ask fellow EU leaders for an extension. U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond didnt rule out it out in a conference call with business leaders and executives. The initial reaction to the vote from Brussels was not positive. The risk of a disorderly exit has increased with this vote, the spokesman for EU President Donald Tusk said in a text message. While we do not want this to happen, we will be prepared for it. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Legislation Europe Uk Brexit Members of the wealthy Sackler family behind Purdue Pharma LP pushed it to boost sales of OxyContin and other opioids even as questions emerged about the extent its painkillers were being abused, Massachusetts attorney general alleged on Tuesday. Attorney General Maura Healey filed an amended lawsuit against Purdue and current and former officers and directors of the drugmaker that drew on years of internal records to reveal new details about the familys involvement in the company. The lawsuit, originally filed in June in Suffolk County Superior Court, was the first by a state to try to hold members of the Sackler family, who own privately-held Purdue, personally responsible for contributing to the U.S. opioid epidemic. Purdue in a statement on Tuesday said Healeys lawsuit distorts critical facts and is littered with biased and inaccurate characterizations of these documents and individual defendants. Healeys lawsuit, one of hundreds state and local governments have filed against the company, accuses it of deceiving doctors and patients by misrepresenting the risks of addiction and death associated with prolonged use of prescription opioids. The allegations were made public despite Purdues efforts to keep much of the 279-page complaint redacted. The complaint cites internal records to argue Sackler family members, including Purdues former President Richard Sackler, personally directed the marketing of opioids in order to make billions of dollars. They did so even after Purdue and three executives in 2007 pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the misbranding of OxyContin and agreed to pay a total of $634.5 million in penalties, the lawsuit said. Their push to boost sales, the lawsuit said, came even after staff showed family members on Purdues board a map correlating suspected illegal prescribers and reports of opioid poisonings in 2011. Richard Sackler, as Purdues president, in a 2001 email argued the company needed to shift responsibility away from Purdue and hammer on the abusers in every way possible, the complaint said. After leaving that position in 2003 but still a member of Purdues board, he frequently demanded detailed opioid sales data, the lawsuit said. In 2011, Richard Sackler personally accompanied sales representatives to observe how they marketed Purdue products to doctors and afterwards argued that a legally required warning about opioid risks was unnecessary, the lawsuit said. In an email cited in the complaint, he said, it implies a danger of untoward reactions and hazards that simply arent there and he pushed for a less threatening way to describe Purdues opioids. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Alexia Garamfalvi, Tom Brown and Bill Berkrot) Topics Lawsuits Massachusetts You know that sooner or later, you will have big earthquakes so you have to plan your insurance strategy based on the fact that these really big quakes come along and you know theyre coming, but its very hard to predict exactly when they will occur, said Mike Lloyd, chief technology officer for network cybersecurity analytics platform RedSeal, which works with over 200 global corporations and government agencies. I look at [2018s] breaches very much on that scale, that it does seem like every year we have a breach somewhere in the hundred thousand to a million records lost usually one or two of those and then one really standout breach for the year that will have even higher numbers. While cyber crime generally saw a sharp uptick in 2018, there are other factors at play that have resulted in a flood of breaches coming to light this year, namely rules and regulations that are getting companies to be transparent when a breach does take place. In the last year, we had GDPR finally come into full force, and that has forced an awful lot more organizations to disclose an awful lot more breaches, and so the data shifts, said Lloyd. The first thing that makes it move are disclosure laws and not really the activities because a lot of these breaches were secret up to this point. For organizations and their insurance brokers who are looking to defend against both cyberattacks as well as the fallout from cyber incidents when they inevitably occur and the number of companies and their boards who are becoming aware of the need to prepare for this eventuality is increasing, according to Lloyd they have to determine which category of cyber criminal is after them. We can roughly categorize attackers into two broad camps: the nation-state, very well-funded organizations who are motivated by things like national interest or espionage, explained Lloyd, as well as the people who are committing cyber crime for economic gain. Any insured entity has to figure out which one theyre more concerned about. A regional electricity generating company connected to a grid that runs nuclear power facilities will be more concerned about nation-state actors than actors trying to steal credit card numbers, while an online retailer has the reverse problem. The tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to prepare for and respond to attacks from different types of criminals vary greatly, Lloyd told Insurance Business. How you have to defend yourself and the expectations for whether youll be breached vary a lot whether youre more the target of nation-state [hackers] or the target for the thieves trying to make money the most efficient way they can, he said, adding that awareness around the need for cybersecurity preparedness has grown. Ten years ago, companies were trying to plug every gap in their defensive walls that was springing a leak with a new product, whereas today, most organizations have now realized you cannot expect perfect protection. You can try and harden your defenses thats still a good idea but ultimately you have to plan that your defenses will be breached and once you adopt that mindset, you start thinking about it differently. You start thinking about resilience, which means you care about how well you can recover from a breach, but you also care more about insurance, explained Lloyd. With the cyber insurance market set to double by 2020 as companies prepare to spend more than ever on their cyber insurance, according to Munich Re, the high buyer demand is clear and brokers are responding well to their clients needs, though the offerings still have a way to go, in part because the industry as a whole continues to be nervous about the risks in the space, for good reason, said Lloyd. The product that [brokers] end up giving their customer is complicated because of the tower of policy they have to buy, he explained, adding that buyers want high levels of coverage and because no insurer is willing to take that on, brokers have to put together an often unwieldly stack of insurance products to fill that need. Many insurers have now entered the market with some kind of cybersecurity coverage, so its very common to have some kind of limited product that has a limited premium and a limited payout, said Lloyd. But, the limits are low so the kind of coverage that the buyers want to purchase on the market is so much larger than what any individual insurer is willing to take on. Were seeing market forces work out very well and this is how it should evolve. Weve gone from buyers not really sure they need the product to buyers now wanting more of the product than sellers are willing to underwrite and this is good, but where are we in this evolution? Were at the stage where insurers cant assess the risk. To take it back to the earthquake example, an insurer can balance their book of business between companies with structures in earthquake-prone regions and those in safer locations. Not so for cyber. In earthquakes, we know how to assess how similar buildings are to each other based on where theyre located geographically, and we know how to assess how well built they are so if theyre in an earthquake zone, we know what kind of engineering codes to follow. Neither of these is true in the cyber space, so weve got all these people who want to buy cyber insurance and the insurers problem is they dont have the heritage of seismologists for cyber, so theres a lack of key information and without that the insurers have to write these small products today, said Lloyd. Going forward, brokers should keep an eye on how the industry will assess clients cybersecurity postures. Today, there are various exterior assessments an insurer can do on a company via third-party services that will provide a score of how ready that organization is for a cyber incident. Read more: Brokers hit the books to boost cyber understanding The big change for brokers to be tracking is to watch as the insurers start to work from outside-in to inside-out perspective, so instead of using external scans, these lightweight third-party reviews of looking at the internet footprint of company X and giving you some kind of score, something that you can expect to see coming out is a lot more attempts to say, were going to have some people or software that will go onsite at the company and actually do an inspection on the inside of that network and look at whats likely to happen in a serious incident, said Lloyd, drawing a comparison to assessing fire preparedness in a physical building, where more information can be gathered from inspecting the inside of the building than simply taking photos of the structure from across the street. It is the next shift, its the important thing for brokers to be tracking into 2019 expect the industry to move away from these external lightweight assessments, the photograph from across the street risk assessment of someone youre going to try to write insurance for, over into a deeper analysis that involves going onsite physically or virtually to look at an organization. For dealers in high-peril weather states like Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, North Texas and Ohio, having a solid insurance and risk management partnership with a dedicated insurer is key, according to Michael Dauth, vice president and property broker at Breckenridge Insurance Services. In recent years, rates have increased due partly to weather-related losses, and the number of markets offering auto dealers open lot insurance has declined to just two or three, including Breckenridge. These limited market conditions have pushed auto dealers towards opting for risk pool solutions, like auto dealers insurance programs and captive groups. While these solutions do the job, theyre not always acting in the clients best interests, Dauth told Insurance Business. He said: The problem with programs is that they place auto dealers into a risk pool. An individual dealer might not have a loss, but if the pool has a ton of weather-related losses, everyone in the program will have to pay higher premiums and deductibles. At present, I would say about 80-90% of auto dealers place their business in risk pools - either through programs, captive insurance groups, or via their vehicle manufacturers. Thats slowly changing as auto dealers realize those risk pools arent necessarily the best places for them, especially when loss trends and rates are on the rise. However, auto dealers arent necessarily used to forging their own insurance partnerships, according to Dauth. Oftentimes, when dealers decide to leave a vehicle manufacturers captive group in favor of a private insurance market, they find it difficult to accept the traditional insurance partnership whereby they should accept rate fluctuations in relation to losses. You get a situation where a client has a big claim, and rather than sticking with the insurer who paid the claim, they look to move their business to a competitor who didnt pay the claim in search of a quick fix rate reduction. Thats not a good way to manage risk because the more clients move their business, the harder it will be for their agents to find reasonable, comparable coverage in such a limited market, Dauth said. At Breckenridge, we try to build rapport with the auto dealer and we design an insurance program specifically for them to benefit them long-term. We know its a risk class that will likely experience a loss at some point, especially in certain geographies, so we provide strategic risk management options. Theyre not in a risk pool, which means that if they have a positive loss experience, their premiums will reflect that. The challenge lies in convincing auto dealers to accept that insurance risk transfer needs to be a long and holistic process. Unfortunately, in my experience, not all brokers in the auto dealers open lot space are prepared to work on those client partnerships. They see the high premiums and they chase the commission rather than doing whats best for the client. At Breckenridge, were not interested in clients who are chasing the next best deal. We want to build bespoke policies for auto dealers who are dedicated to building unique risk transfer and mitigation programs. Iroquois Group has appointed Charles Venus (pictured) as vice-president of middle market & specialty a new position created by the insurance agency network. Venus was most recently the commercial lines leader for Brown & Brown of Virginia. Prior to joining Brown & Brown, he served in a number of leadership roles with Travelers and The Hartford. "Were proud to partner with Hull & Company, an organization that values our expertise, culture and commitment to our markets, Izzo commented. Im confident our nationwide workers compensation program for most industry classes, in addition to our exclusive security guard specialty program, will continue to thrive under this platform. The Izzo team looks forward to a very successful partnership while continuing to provide exceptional service to our valued agents." Kathy Colangelo, a senior vice president of Brown & Brown, sang the praises of Izzo Insurance Services, describing the team as recognized leaders in the workers compensation space. She will have oversight of the new Izzo Insurance Services office following the acquisition. Their expertise and customer-focused approach has enabled them to build long-standing relationships with their carrier and retail agent partners, Colangelo said. Were excited to watch the Izzo Insurance Services team succeed and continue to grow as part of the Brown & Brown organization." It suggests Toyota Hilux was also the most frequently stolen in the Bay of Plenty and Northland. In Auckland, thieves lusted after the Mazda Familia; the Ford Falcon in Waikato; and the Honda Civic in Southland and Otago. If you own a Toyota Hilux, Subaru Impreza or Subaru Legacy, you could pay a lot more for car insurance than for less in demand models by thieves, MoneyHub senior researcher Christopher Walsh said. But many models continue to be in demand by thieves, and until now, there wasnt a definite list of which models were most susceptible to being stolen. Car models included in the top 10 most stolen cars across New Zealand, as outlined by MoneyHub, include the Holden Commodore, Toyota HiAce, Ford Courier, Honda Accord, Nissan Primera, Toyota Corolla and Holden Lancer. When it comes to stolen cars as a ratio of a regions population, Otago and Southland reported the lowest number, while Canterbury, Northland and Counties/Manakau posed the highest risk to car owners. With severe heatwaves predicted across the country this week, were reminding Australians to be alert for bushfires in their area and be prepared, Alex Mazzoni, NRMA Insurance partnerships manager, told news.com.au. We know that only one in three people have an emergency plan in place, which means unfortunately many people often leave it too late to make critical decisions in a bushfire. NRMA and the Red Cross jointly developed an app, Get Prepared, to assist Australians in creating their own emergency plan, help people connect quickly with others during an emergency, and access tips on how to best protect their homes. We are in greater danger than ever from such disasters but by taking simple steps to prepare or to review your plans, youre preparing mentally and physically to act, John Richardson, Australian Red Cross, national resilience adviser, told the news website. Right now, with the threat of heat and fires, keep an eye on advice from your local fire service, make sure the people on your emergency plan know what youll do and where youll go in the event of a fire, check off and perhaps gather the items listed on your survival kit list, and plan for pets or livestock. Richard said that while fires may be through in an instant, its impacts can be felt for months and years, news.com.au reported. Real-time social media posts from local businesses and organizations across Northern Virginia, powered by Friends2Follow. To add your business to the stream, email cfields@insidenova.com or click on the green button below. Rahaf Mohammed, the Saudi teen who was granted asylum by Canada, said she counts herself amongst the "lucky ones" as she could change reality to make her own decisions. "I am one of the lucky ones. I know that there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality," she said during a press conference here on Tuesday. Outlining the ordeal she faced back home, Rahaf revealed, "I was not treated respectfully by my family and I was not allowed to be myself and who I want to be. As you know, in Saudi Arabia this is the case for all Saudi women, except for those that are fortunate enough to have understanding parents." "They (women) can't be independent and they need the approval of their male guardian for everything. Any woman who thinks of escaping, or escapes, will be at risk of persecution," she remarked while thanking Canada, Thailand UNHCR and "everyone else" who played a role in finding her a safe refuge. She pledged to work in support of freedom for women around the world in her statement, while highlighting that she would like to start living a "normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada". "I want to be independent, travel, make my own decisions on education, a career, or who, and when I should marry. I had no say in any of this. Today I can proudly say that I am capable of making all of those decisions. I am so grateful for all of the offers of support for housing and friendship. Thank you to everyone for reaching out and making me feel welcome in my new home," Rahaf further said. The teen fled from her family in Kuwait, where they were on vacation, to Thailand. Her passport was allegedly taken away by a man at the airport in Thailand, as soon as she landed, on the pretext of getting her a Thai visa. The man later showed up with a group of men who claimed that she would have to return to Kuwait as her family had filed a missing person report. Following this, Rahaf barricaded herself in a hotel in Bangkok, claiming on Twitter that her life was in danger. She demanded to meet the UNHCR while hoping to be granted asylum by Australia. She arrived in Canada, her new home, on January 12, after being granted asylum. -ANI The Barchart Chart of the Day belongs to the motorsports equipment company Leatt ( OTCQB:LEAT ). Readers are always asking me how to find stocks that are just beginning to trend before everyone else discovers them. One of the best ways is to look at Barchart's Strong Volume Gains preformatted screener. It identifies stocks... Read More Artificial edge in an optical lattice (blue), filled with an ultracold quantum gas that consists of spin-up particles (red) and spin-down particles (green). Along the edge and only there - 'spin-up' particles can only flow to the left, and spin-down particles can only flow to the right. Credit: Bernhard Irsigler Insulators that are conducting at their edges hold promise for interesting technological applications. However, until now their characteristics have not been fully understood. Physicists at Goethe University have now modelled what are known as topological insulators with the help of ultracold quantum gases. In the current issue of Physical Review Letters, they demonstrate how the edge states could be experimentally detected. Imagine a disc made of an insulator with a conducting edge along which a current always flows in the same direction. This makes it impossible for a quantum particle to be impeded, because the state of flowing in the other direction simply doesnt exist, explains Bernhard Irsigler, the first author of the study. In other words: in the edge state, the current flows without resistance. This could be used, for example, to increase the stability and energy efficiency of mobile devices. Research is also being done on how to use this to construct lasers that are more efficient. In recent years, topological insulators have also been produced in ultracold quantum gases in order to better understand their behaviour. These gases result when a normal gas is cooled down to temperatures between a millionth and billionth of a degree above absolute zero. This makes ultracold quantum gases the coldest places in the universe. If an ultracold quantum gas is also produced in an optical lattice made of laser light, the gas atoms arrange themselves as regularly as in the crystal lattice of a solid. However, unlike a solid, many parameters can be varied, allowing artificial quantum states to be studied. We like to call it a quantum simulator because this kind of system reveals many things that take place in solids. Using ultracold quantum gases in optical lattices, we can understand the basic physics of topological insulators, explains co-author Jun-Hui Zheng. A significant difference between a solid and a quantum gas, however, is that the cloud-shaped gases do not have defined edges. So how does a topological insulator in an ultracold gas decide where its edge states are? The researchers in Professor Walter Hofstetters research group at the Institute for Theoretical Physics at Goethe University answer this question in their study. They modelled an artificial barrier between a topological isolator and a normal isolator. This represents the edge of the topological insulator along which the conducting edge state forms. We demonstrate that the edge state is characterized through quantum correlations that could be measured in an experiment using a quantum gas microscope. Harvard University, MIT and the Max-Planck-Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich all carry out these kinds of measurements, says Hofstetter. A quantum gas microscope is an instrument with which individual atoms can be detected in experiments. For our work, it is critical that we explicitly take into account the interaction between the particles of the quantum gas. That makes the investigation more realistic, but also much more complicated. The complex calculations could not be carried out without a supercomputer. The close collaboration with leading European scientists within the context of the DFG Research Unit Artificial Gauge Fields and Interacting Topological Phases in Ultracold Atoms is also of particular importance for us, Hofstetter adds. Publication: Bernhard Irsigler, Jun-Hui Zheng, and Walter Hofstetter: Interacting Hofstadter interface, Physical Review Letters, https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.010406 A picture can be downloaded at: http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/75773481 Caption: Artificial edge in an optical lattice (blue), filled with an ultracold quantum gas that consists of spin-up particles (red) and spin-down particles (green). Along the edge and only there 'spin-up' particles can only flow to the left, and spin-down particles can only flow to the right. Credit: Bernhard Irsigler Information: Bernhard Irsigler, Institute for Theoretical Physics, Riedberg Campus, Tel.: +49 69-798 47883, irsigler@th.physik.uni-frankfurt.de Current news about science, teaching, and society in GOETHE-UNI online (www.aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de) Goethe University is a research-oriented university in the European financial centre Frankfurt The university was founded in 1914 through private funding, primarily from Jewish sponsors, and has since produced pioneering achievements in the areas of social sciences, sociology and economics, medicine, quantum physics, brain research, and labour law. It gained a unique level of autonomy on 1 January 2008 by returning to its historic roots as a foundation university. Today, it is among the top ten in external funding and among the top three largest universities in Germany, with three clusters of excellence in medicine, life sciences and the humanities. Together with the Technical University of Darmstadt and the University of Mainz, it acts as a partner of the inter-state strategic Rhine-Main University Alliance. Internet: www.uni-frankfurt.de Publisher: The President of Goethe University Editor: Dr. Anne Hardy, Referee for Science Communication, PR & Communication Department, Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 1, 60323 Frankfurt am Main, Tel: (069) 798-13035, Fax: (069) 798-763 12531. Bernhard Irsigler, Institute for Theoretical Physics, Riedberg Campus, Tel.: +49 69-798 47883, irsigler@th.physik.uni-frankfurt.de Publication: Bernhard Irsigler, Jun-Hui Zheng, and Walter Hofstetter: Interacting Hofstadter interface, Physical Review Letters, https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.010406 https://aktuelles.uni-frankfurt.de/englisch/physics-understanding-insulators-wit MariaDB Corporation, developers of the MariaDB open-source fork of MySQL, have announced a new open source databasea fusion of two of its existing productsthat processes both transactional and analytical workloads on the same dataset. One database, any workload is how the company is pitching MariaDB Platform X3. The new offering combines two products formerly marketed separately, MariaDB Platform For Transactions and MariaDB Platform For Analytics, into a single, unified solution that incorporates row storage for transaction processing and columnar storage for analytics. [ Discover the Bossie Award winners: 2018s best open source software for enterprise for software development, machine learning, cloud computing, and data storage and analytics. ] With MariaDB Platform X3, an organization may use a single database both for conventional customer-facing workloads (transactional, or OLTP) and internal business-intelligence workloads (analytical, or OLAP). The same data is available for either kind of work and is kept automatically in sync between the two sides. MariaDB Platform is priced at a flat per-node cost, regardless of whether nodes are OLTP or OLAP. This allows for more flexible deployments, where the number of nodes in a given deployment can be moved freely between OLTP and OLAP workloads as demand changes. In a blog post announcing the release, the company outlined some technical details. The product contains two separate instances of MariaDB server one for transactional, one for analytical work. Data is stored on the transactional side, with changes and updates synchronized to the analytical side, which uses MariaDBs ColumnStore engine to handle data for real-time analysis. Both halves of the new product retain their distinctive features. MariaDB Platform For Transactions provides enterprise features like Oracle compatibility by way of data types and stored procedures, and dynamic data masking for sensitive workloads. MariaDB Platform For Analytics already supported connections for many industry-standard analysis tools, and these are available here as well: Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, Pentaho, and clients for C, Java, and Python. Support for Python allows you to use Jupyter/IPython notebooks with MariaDB Platform For Analytics as a data source. MariaDB Platform X3 is available both on-prem and via the newly-announced MariaDB Managed Service offering. For on-prem deployments, MariaDB offers conventional binaries and a host of container-based options: simple Docker containers, Docker Compose sandboxes, and Helm charts and scripts for Kubernetes. Transamine Trading will provide Kamativi Tailings and joint-venture partner Zimbabwe Lithium with $9.5 million of debt funding to finance the Kamativi Tailings Lithium Project, in exchange for supplies of lithium spodumene produced from the mine. The funding will be provided on completion of relevant conditions including the release... Followers of the Kinnar Akhara monastic Hindu order made up of transgender members ride on a chariot in a procession towards Sangam -- the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers -- during the auspicious bathing day of Makar Sankranti at the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad on Jan. 15. The 2019 Kumbh Mela was the first of the mass bathing and festival event in which the Kinnar Akhara order (made up of hijras -- a collective term for transgender, eunachs and intersex people on the Indian subcontinent) was taking part alongside the traditional male-dominated communities of Hindu sadhus. (SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images) Rep. Ami Bera, D-California, has been appointed to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Frontline program. In that role, the Indian American congressman from Sacramento will help the DCCC to retain swing seats. (bera.house.gov photo) An Indian American doctor, Ashu Joshi, of the St. Louis University Hospital in Missouri, who is on trial for producing child pornography, has lost his license to practice in Kentucky. (St. Louis Police Department photo) Photo: Google Maps A body was found in a ditch south of Prince George over the weekend. Police in Prince George are seeking the public's help after a man was found dead in a ditch last weekend. At about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a call of a person lying in a ditch on West Lake Estates Road, off Blackwater Road, south of the Prince George city limits. Police found the body of a 40-year-old Prince George man and they're treating his death as a homicide. Earlier that same morning, the Beaverly Volunteer Fire Department had responded to a vehicle fire just west of the Prince George. Police are attempting to determine if there is a connection between the abandoned vehicle fire and the homicide, said Cpl. Madonna Saunderson of the North District RCMP. Investigators are asking anyone who noticed suspicious vehicles or people on West Lake Estates Road, Blackwater Road, Lower Mud River Road, Chilako Station Road or McBride Timber Road on the morning of Jan. 12 to call them at 250-561-3300. In what could be a lesson of a lifetime, a 16-year-old and her friend chased a 32-year-old man who molested one of them in a general compartment of a local train in Mumbai on December 14. The man tried to flee after physically assaulting the girl, but they got him arrested. Representational Image/AFP According to the railway police, the girl and her friend boarded the train from Dadar station and Om Hari Singh was just behind them. He put his hands on the shoulders of one of the girls, then when the teenager turned around and looked at him angrily, he molested her, the police said. As the girl screamed, Singh disappeared in the crowd. Later when the train stopped at Kurla, the girl again spotted him in the same compartment and caught hold of him with the help of her friend. Representational Image/AFP The shameless man did not stop here, he tried to molest the other girl on the railway bridge and flee, as he was being taken to the police. But the crowd caught hold of him and police arrived at the spot. Wife of the man was informed about his arrest and the teenagers statement was recorded by a female police personnel. Singh was booked under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) act for sexual assault. He was produced before the special POCSO court on Tuesday and remanded in police custody for four days. The man told the court that the compartment was very crowded and he was wrongly identified as one who sexually abused the teenager. The police are still looking if the accused had similar antecedents. On January 6 this year, China made history by not only getting to the Moon for the first time, but also being the first to get to the far side of it. Now, the country's lander has succeeded in another miraculous task, beginning to grow plants on the Moon. A simulation of the Chang'e-4 lander - AFP Though the Chang'e-4 lander's main mission was to land on and study the far side of the Moon, another secondary mission is had was to attempt to grow flowering plants on our planetary satellite, to see if humans would ever be able to farm there as part of a colonisation effort. Also Read: 50 Years On, This Iconic Photo Of Earth From The Moon Shows We Have Only One Planet To Live On The lander has on board a 3 kg canister filled with six different biological species that it will attempt to cultivate. Those include seeds for cotton, rapeseed, potato, and Arabidopsis, as well as Fruit fly eggs and yeast. Altogether, these form their own tiny ecosystem. First in human history: A cotton seed brought to the moon by China's Chang'e 4 probe has sprouted, the latest test photo has shown, marking the completion of humankind's first biological experiment on the moon pic.twitter.com/CSSbgEoZmC People's Daily, China (@PDChina) January 15, 2019 Soon after the Chang'e-4 landed, the experiment was initiated and the seeds given water. Now, China has released photos of the payload taken January 7, which show their cotton seeds sprouting. Alongside it are photos of cotton plants being grown on Earth as control experiments. The Moon plants show markedly less growth, but the fact that there is any at all is scientific achievement. Unfortunately, according to China's official state-run news agency Xinhua, none of the other species seem to be growing. A photo from the Chang'e-4 of the far side of the Moon The achievement has attracted a lot of response on social media channels like Twitter, from celebrating it as yet another milestone in mankind's quest to colonize space to other musings. Hell yeah. Check the tag, 100% cotton. Made on the Moon. Office Junkie (@MuggleButt) January 15, 2019 Seedlings in space! First-ever cotton plant on the Moon growing in #ChangE4 mini biosphere https://t.co/YoCaesBzlA pic.twitter.com/6CQpJ35MRu XHscitech (@XHscitech) January 15, 2019 China is out there, literally growing cotton on the moon and we are sat here liking a picture of an egg?!?! COME ON PEOPLE, we gotta think big picture here.......We gotta get this egg to the moon guys. Ben Bruce (@benjaminbruce) January 16, 2019 Plants have been grown in space before, with things like lettuce and sunflowers being grown on the International Space Station. However, this is the first time plants are being grown in a lunar environment. That means they have to contend with a sixth of Earth's gravity, extreme temperature variations, and much more radiation. And yet, we now have plant life on the Moon. In a major set back to the United Kingdom, the British Parliament with a huge margin rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union. In a huge embarrassment, the deal was rejected by the House of Commons with 432 votes against the government and 202 in support. This is the biggest defeat for any British government in modern history. The previous record was a 166-vote loss in 1924. AFP Even 118 MPs of the Conservative Party voted against Prime Minister May. If the rejection of her Brexit deal wasn't enough, May now faces a no-confidence vote in the Parliament. MPs will vote Wednesday on motion of no-confidence. If the government loses, it will have 14 days to overturn the result or face a national election. AFP Although May lacks an overall majority in Parliament, she looks likely to survive the vote unless lawmakers from her Conservative party rebel. Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's government, said it would support her. With an almost certain no-deal Brexit looming, many blamed Prime Minister May for the mess. I take note with regret of the outcome of the vote in the @HouseofCommons this evening. I urge the #UK to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up #Brexit https://t.co/SMmps5kexn Jean-Claude Juncker (@JunckerEU) January 15, 2019 The UK Parliament has said what it doesn't want. Now is the time to find out what UK parliamentarians want. In the meantime, the rights of citizens must be safeguarded. #Brexit Guy Verhofstadt (@guyverhofstadt) January 15, 2019 Brexit being voted down feels like the end of a European Union reality show where it's like "Britain...please pack your knives and stay." Aparna Nancherla (@aparnapkin) January 16, 2019 For the record, Theresa May has spent 2 years and millions upon millions of tax-payer money / government resources on a #BrexitDeal that will never actually be signed. Meanwhile, the NHS, the housing crisis, regional inequality... All those issues are just waiting.#BrexitVote Femi (@Femi_Sorry) January 15, 2019 The beginning of the end of Brexit. It's time for a People's Vote. #BrexitVote pic.twitter.com/FETrxm7Q1Q Vince Cable (@vincecable) January 15, 2019 Theresa May's defeat in the #BrexitVote is by some margin the biggest in modern political history pic.twitter.com/mBOPOjKmK5 Stephen Jones (@SteveJonesPA) January 15, 2019 In a unique prescription to deal with absenteeism at health centres, the health department has directed doctors on duty at 15 community health centres (CHC) and 43 public health centres (PHC) to send selfies with patients to mark their attendance. And, if a doctor fails to send a selfie on any day, his salary will be cut and disciplinary action will be taken against him. According to the officials of the health department, the move is aimed to ensure that doctors arrive on time for duty every day. The move comes after Agra divisional commissioner Anil Kumar received regular complaints of doctors at CHCs and PHCs taking unreported leaves and arriving late for duty. unsplash/representational image On several occasion, the chief development officer and the chief medical officer, during sudden inspection in rural areas, didnt find doctors during duty hours. The divisional commissioner during a meeting on January 11 ordered health department officials to ensure that doctors come on time for duty and also directed that attendance of doctors to be recorded on a daily basis through WhatsApp. unsplash/representational image Talking to TOI, chief medical officer (CMO) Mukesh Vats said, All the in-charges of CHCs and PHCs and other doctors on duty have been directed to send their selfies with patients to register their attendance. Those who dont send selfies will be marked as absent. Daily report of absentee doctors and latecomers will be sent to the divisional commissioner, and their salary will be cut. Doctors must arrive at these health centres by 10 am. They are required to run the outpatient department (OPD) till 4 pm every day. Some doctors must also remain on duty in the evening to deal with emergency cases. reuters/representational image Following strict orders by the divisional commissioner, health department teams are conducting surprise inspections at CHCs and PHCs. During an inspection on Monday, a team led by CMO Vats found two doctors and three nurses absent at Bah and Jaitpur CHCs. The superintendent of Jaitpur CHC also could not show the ambulance register. After the inspection, the CMO has ordered that the salary of the absentees staff and the superintendent of Jaitpur CHC be stopped. Holy texts have played a pivotal role in justifying hegemonizing and oppressing women for ages. In the social context, women have remained second-class citizens. And thats context religions have shaped. Women are prevented from playing a full and equal role in many faiths, creating an environment in which violations against women are justified, former US President Jimmy Carter noted in 2010 to the Parliament of the Worlds Religions in Australia. The belief that women are inferior human beings in the eyes of God, Carter continued, gives excuses to the brutal husband who beats his wife, the soldier who rapes a woman, the employer who has a lower pay scale for women employees, or parents who decide to abort a female embryo. There have been continuous calls to religious leaders of the world to change all discriminatory practices within their own religions and traditions. AFP And the first wave of change is here. A group of feminist theologians from across the Protestant-Catholic divide have joined forces to draft "A Women's Bible". The #MeToo movement has been exposing sexual abuse across cultures and industries and some scholars of Christianity are clamouring for a reckoning with biblical interpretations they say have entrenched negative images of women. Women, according to the translations and interpretations of Bible have mostly been referred to as servants, prostitutes or saints, seen dancing for a king or kneeling to kiss Jesus' feet. "Feminist values and reading the Bible are not incompatible," insisted Lauriane Savoy, one of two Geneva theology professors behind the push to draft "Une Bible des Femmes" ("A Women's Bible"), which was published in October. Mulnews.com In a bid to counter such notions, Savoy and her 57-year-old colleague Parmentier joined forces with 18 other woman theologians from a range of countries and Christian denominations. The scholars have created a collection of texts challenging traditional interpretations of Bible scriptures that cast women characters as weak and subordinate to the men around them. However, they are not the first to offer a more women-friendly insight of the scriptures. Back in 1898, American suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton and a committee of 26 other women drafted "The Woman's Bible", aimed at overturning religious orthodoxy that women should be subservient to men. For more than three decades Mohammed Mehmood a resident of Muzaffarnagar Uttar Pradesh has been coming to the Kumbh Mela. The 76-year-old has a unique connection with the largest confluence of humanity in the world. A electrician by profession, Mehmood has been lighting up the tents of the famed Juna Akhara at the Kumbh since 1986. According to Mehmood, it was a chance meeting with a Naga Sadhu 33 years ago brought him to Kumbh for the first time. The sadhus tasked Mehmood to light up the tents of the Juna Akhara, one of the largest and oldest of its kind, something that he has been continuing ever since. "I came in contact with the sadhus of Juna Akhara about 33 years ago. At that time, I was young and had very little experience and knowledge of Akhara culture. But after some time, I became familiar with the environment and friendly with the saints. Whenever the Kumbh draws close, they inform me about the work of illumination," Mehmood told The Times of India. AFP Fontly called Light Waale (Mullah ji, the lighting man) Mehmood who runs a electrical shop in Muzaffarnagar said the Sadhus who come for Kumbh treat him like one of them. "They respect me like a family member. Though I earn money here, but spiritual contentment is more important now. I also learn good things from the company of sadhus," Mehmood told The Times of India, adding "I feel proud and happy to be a part of the Kumbh." Mehmood also said he has been given space to offer 'namaz' by the saints at the Kumbh site. "There is no discrimination here. They treat me well. They give me the same food which they eat. I feel spiritually elated here," said Mehmood. Since 1986, Mehmood says he has attended almost all Kumbha except the mela that happens in Nashik. He however admitted that he has not kept the count of how many Kumbh Melas he has been to. AP According to Naga Baba Sangam Giri, a member of the Juna Akhara, Mehmood was there at all Kumbh Melas that he has attended. I have seen him at nearly every Kumbh Mela Ive been to. I never even bothered to ask him, his real name. For us he is, and will always be, simply Mullah Ji our friend, Sangam Giri told News 18. Issues around menstrual cycle have taken over every major political decision in India. Women on periods are seen as troublemakers in their own vicinity. Many battles have been fought around restrictions imposed on menstruating women. Alas, if a woman needs a sanitary napkin she will have to ask for it among a closed group of friends, whispering or using code language to not let anybody else find out. How often have we seen shopkeepers packing sanitary pads in black polythene bags to hide it from the eyes of our respected society. I believe, it becomes all the more obvious that if you spot a black polybag, it means it has a sanitary napkin inside it. If you are travelling or even going to the office, make sure you are carrying your own supply of pads because if you dare to forget, there is no way you will get sanitary napkins, especially during odd hours. We have heard about public places putting up vending machines for accessing food items and water bottles yet the most inherent need of a woman is ignored. A passenger Vishal Khanapure who hails from Kalaburagi in Karnataka helped her friend get sanitary napkin and pain killer tablets by using Twitter platform. Vishals friend, an architecture student was travelling via Hospet Passenger train from Bengaluru to Bellary when she got her period. The train leaves Bengaluru at 10:15 pm and reaches Bellary at 09:40 am the next day. While it was leaving Yesvantpur station, Khanapure tweeted Indian Railways and Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Railway and Coal seeking help. Photo; Vishal Khanapure/Twitter Speaking to TOI, Khanapure said, At 11.06pm, an officer reached my friend and confirmed her requirements and took down her PNR details and mobile number. At 2 am, when the train reached Arasikere station, officials of the Mysuru division were ready with all the items she had sought. We are all surprised by the quick response, Officers of the Mysuru division confirmed the incident and said that such requests were often made to them through tweets or on 138 and that they are always ready to help the passengers. Meanwhile, to assist women in locating sanitary napkin vending machines, city-based youth from Kolkata have come up with a mobile app that will inform women about the location of such vending boxes. Thank you for the immediate response Really I'm wondered, char saal main kitna badal Gaya hai Hindusthan!.isse kehte hai "acche din" I'm really really very happy4 @indianrailway__ @PiyushGoyal @PiyushGoyalOffc @mepratap "ek aur Baar modi Sarkar" @RailMinIndia @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/heCHWEkeYB Vishal Khanapure (@Vishal888782) January 14, 2019 The app is available for download since last Saturday and has been named as Bandhan Sanitary pad app. Also, Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC) installed sanitary pad vending machines and pad incinerators in community toilets on Friday, the Telegraph reported. The vending machines, which have a capacity of storing around 25 napkins, dispenses one pad after the insertion of a Rs 5 coin. The transgender community in India finds itself at a very strange place: while the individuals from the community are sought out when blessings are needed, on the whole, they are kept far away from the society. This archaic tradition of isolating the community means that they have also been kept away from education, jobs and any sort of social mobility. Their voice has been missing from the mainstream for a long time and it's high time that things change. The people working at The Third Eye got together with the folks at Sonalis Cubo to organise The Awakening, an event where panels were organised to discuss the difficulties faced by the transgender community in India. Vayjayanti Pugalia, the mind behind the summit, managed to put up a great show which was interactive and memorable. Held at the Hyatt Regency in Kolkata, the summit started off with panels and culminated with a glamorous fashion show. The panels aimed at laying a foundation for dialogue about the various roadblocks that the transgender community finds in front of it. From rejection by their biological families to the psychological effects of bullying, problems that were once discussed in hushed voices were given a stage at this event. Known faces like Atri Kar- the first transgender individual from Bengal to take the UPSC exam and Gauri Sawant- known for her activism were present at the occasion. Sadhan Pande, Minister for Consumer Affairs & Self Help Group & Self-Employment for Government of West Bengal, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The community feeling was furthered when Amra Odbhuth, a cafe run by transgender individuals, won itself angel investors which is likley to help them further their business. The kind of support and community feeling at the gathering is something that the transgender community needs. The show ultimately concluded with a fantastic fashion show where labels like 145 East, Nandita Thirani and Poonam Kasera showcased their designs which were worn by people from the transgender community. A rather colourful show that was all about elegance and glamour, all the models did a great job. Were hoping that more such summits can be organised so that the transgender communitys narrative is heard and hopefully individuals who find themselves isolated from the society can find a space where they belong. By Acee Agoyo RECAP: Indian Country shares #ShutdownStories WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With efforts to resolve the record-breaking government shutdown at a standstill, tribal leaders and advocates are scrambling for ways out of the crisis. But solutions are far and few between. While Democrats in the House continue to vote on bills to reopen the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service , Republicans in the Senate remain unwilling to take them up. President Donald Trump, whose demand for a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico spurred the shutdown, hasn't budged either. Between tweets about giving fast food to collegiate athletes and denigrating a political rival's kitchen table talk with a snide remark about Wounded Knee , the leader of the free world hasn't acknowledged the impact of the shutdown on the first Americans, or most Americans, for that matter. The impasse leaves tribes and their citizens in a sad but familiar situation. Their programs and services, promised through the trust and treaty responsibility of the United States , have long been underfunded. Now, as a result of the shutdown, they aren't being funded at all. House Natural Resources Committee Democrats on YouTube: Democratic Hearing on Shutdown Impacts on Indian Country and the Environment "Our tribal governments have to choose between providing food or medicine for our most vulnerable people," Mary Greene Trottier, the president of the National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations , said during a Democratic hearing on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, the 25th day of the shutdown. "During this shutdown we have been told to make do with what little we have, but in Indian Country," Greene Trottier added, "we have already been making do with very little for a long time." "If the shutdown continues, we may be forced to make do with nothing," the citizen of the Spirit Lake Nation said. The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), which is overseen by the Department of Agriculture, is among the many casualties of the Washington-induced crisis. It helps more than 90,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives put food on the table but funding for administrative functions runs out at the end of the month. The rapidly-approaching deadline has tribal officials living in fear and uncertainty, Greene Trottier told lawmakers. Some food shipments have already been delayed and the prolonged shutdown will only make matters worse, she said. "After January 31, our food will not make it out of the warehouses," Greene Trottier said. House Natural Resources Committee Democrats on YouTube: Representative Haaland's Question for Witnesses at Shutdown Hearing For those tribal citizens living away from reservations -- where the overwhelming majority reside -- the picture isn't any prettier. Native American Lifelines , which delivers critical services to Native Americans in urban areas in two states, has already stopped offering some programs because the IHS is no longer providing funds, executive director Kerry Hawk Lessard said. But those funds were rather meager to begin with. Of the approximately $922,000 provided by IHS, only $691 is set aside for mental health services at the clinics in Maryland and Massachusetts, Lessard said. "You heard me correctly: $691 for Baltimore and Boston," said Lessard, who is Shawnee. "That is not enough to take care of any one of our patients." For urban Indian health programs across the nation -- there are 41, according to the IHS -- dealing with inadequate resources is all too common. Overall, their share of the federal pie leaves them to spend just $700 per patient, far below the U.S. average of $10,000 per patient , Lessard said. "As a Native veteran patient once said, it is still legal for the federal government to kill Indians, even in 2019," Lessard told lawmakers. @indianz So is @RepMullin. He introduced the #PayOurDoctorsAct last Congress and this Congress. Keeps the doors open to @IHSgov hospitals despite a shutdown. https://t.co/4IzhHugZgW Amy Lawrence (@lawrenceamyc) January 9, 2019 Amid the gloom and doom, both Lessard and Aaron Payment, the chairperson of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians , offered a way to avoid these catastrophes. By providing the IHS with forward funding in a manner similar to Veterans Affairs hospitals , shutdowns will have less of an impact, at least in the future, both said. In his very first bill of the 116th Congress, Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), a citizen of the Cherokee Nation , called for the IHS to be provided with advanced appropriations, which he also sought as the last session came to a close. But while H.R.195 enjoys bipartisan support, such measures haven't gained much traction in the past, even through tribes have long endorsed the idea This shutdown violates the trust responsibility to tribal nations and adds to the trail of broken treaties," said Payment, who also serves as vice president of the National Congress of American Indians , the largest inter-tribal advocacy organization in the U.S. "I'm here to remind the Trump administration that your mortgage payment is due." Democrats who organized the hearing were sympathetic to the tribal woes. But as they blamed the shutdown on President Trump and their Republican colleagues for the shutdown, they didn't appear to offer any immediate help, beyond passing the appropriations bills that are being held up in the Senate. Once again we have failed to meet our trust and treaty responsibilities to tribal nations," said Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota), who chairs the House Appropriations subcommittee that handles most of Indian Country's funding. The hearing also marked the debut of both Rep. Deb Haaland (D-New Mexico) and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas), who are the first Native women to serve in Congress . Like the Indian Country witnesses, they sought to emphasize the personal impacts of the shutdown. "What happens to someone, when they do choose between medicine and food? said Haaland, who is a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna and was the first lawmaker to ask a question at the proceeding. "They choose food, because that's all they have." Davids, who is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation , doesn't have any tribes in her district, which includes Kansas City and the surrounding areas. But she noted that dozens of employees of the Office of the Special Trustee for American Indians in Kansas have been furloughed since the start of the shutdown, which impacts their families and others in their communities. "All of us all connected," said Davids, who was the second lawmaker to ask questions at the hearing. "This affects all of us." As the Democrats were hearing Indian Country's #ShutdownStories, Trump and some Republican members of Congress were discussing impasse strategies at the White House. Trump invited some Democrats in hopes of getting them to abandon their party's efforts but none of them attended. "Democrats will soon be known as the Party of Crime. Ridiculous that they dont want Border Security!" Trump asserted in a post on Twitter in the morning, before his meeting. Honored to have the first Native American Women Members of Congress @RepDebHaaland & @RepDavids at todays hearing on the #TrumpShutdowns impacts on tribal communities. #EndtheShutdown pic.twitter.com/9038qTIlbb Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) January 15, 2019 Republican leaders, meanwhile, are trying to keep their rank and file in line. In the House, upwards of a dozen GOP lawmakers have been voting to pass the Democratic appropriations bills. Over in the Senate, some key members -- including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that handles Indian Country funding -- are seeking to separate the funding fight from the controversy over the border wall. "If we are still in a partial shutdown next week, we should cancel the upcoming recess and stay here to reopen the government and secure our borders," Murkowski wrote on Twitter on Tuesday. Democrats remain adamantly opposed to the wall, which Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) called a "monument to bigotry" on Tuesday. He's the new leader of the House Committee on Natural Resources , whose Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs deals with Indian Country issues. And Grijalva will be at it again on Wednesday morning, when his committee hosts a forum on border issues that Haaland is expected to attend. Verlon M. Jose, the vice chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation , who famously said a wall will be built through his tribe's homelands in Arizona "over my dead body," has been invited to provide testimony. Join the Conversation Related Stories The Quapaw Nation plans to sell some of its land in Arkansas now that the tribe's gaming dreams are finally being realized. The tribe reached a deal to sell the 160-acre property to the Little Rock Port Authority, The Arkansas Times reported. The pending acquisition ends long-running speculation about a possible casino on the land. "We're glad it worked out," Chairman John Berrey told The Times. Berrey at one point was willing to sign a no-casino pledge for the land in Little Rock, which lies within a former reservation. But now that the tribe is moving forward with plans for a development elsewhere in Arkansas, the property is no longer of interest. The proposed Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff would also be located on ancestral land. Chief Saracen , a leader of the Quapaw people, was laid to rest in the city in 1832 at the age of 97. The tribe has won local endorsement to operate the facility, which was made possible after voters approved Issue 4 on the ballot last November. The project still needs a license from the state of Arkansas. The tribe operates two casinos in Oklahoma, including one whose property stretches into Kansas and Missouri. Read More on the Story Join the Conversation Related Stories Photo: CNW Group Claude Lamoureux O.C., FCIA, Chief Clarence Louie O.C., Annette Verschuren O.C., Stephen J. R. Smith. Another honour for Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie, who is being inducted into the 2019 Canadian Business Hall of Fame. Louie is being inducted this year with Claude Lamoureux, retired president & CEO, Ontario Teachers Plan, Stephen J.R. Smith, chairman & CEO of First National Financial, and Annette Verschuren, chair & CEO of NRStor Inc. The Canadian Business Hall of Fame is honoured to recognize their enduring contributions to the business community and our country, said Hall of Fame chancellor David Denison. On June 19, 2019, we will have the great privilege of highlighting their excellence in business leadership, outstanding professional achievements and dedication to bettering Canadas social fabric. Louie will be the first Indigenous person to be inducted into the hall of fame. He was raised on OIB lands by his mother and was elected chief at 24 years old. He has won every election but one since 1985. Through the Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation, founded by Louie, the previously impoverished band has started or acquired nine businesses. A ceremony marking his induction into the hall of fame will take place in June. 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. LEXINGTON Two men are facing multiple charges following an early-morning home invasion that left two dogs dead. Police are still searching for a third man. Jaylen Deshawn Sawyer, 18, of 234 Hargrave Road in Lexington, and Isaiah Scott Beck, 20, of 2002 Stoney Creek Drive in High Point, are accused of breaking into a house in the 200 block of Agner Lane at about 1:15 a.m. today, Lexington police said. Police received a call of shots fired at a house. The resident told officers that someone broke into the house, fired shots through a glass door into the house and killed two dogs at the home, police said. Three people entered the house, stole two firearms and left, police said. The resident was uninjured in the robbery. Detectives identified suspects in the robbery and at about 8:10 a.m. tried to stop a white Kia, driven by Beck, near Young Drive and East Old Highway 64, police said. A vehicle pursuit ended in a crash at the dead-end of Colonial Drive off East Center Street Extension, police said. Beck and Sawyer fled on foot toward Beck Church Road. About 40 percent of Concord residents will see a change in their garbage collection schedules due to redistricting plans voted on by the Concord City Council at their January meeting. The changes come in response to recent growth in the city, which has led to unbalanced collection schedules. Since the city entered into a contract with Waste Pro in 2011 for solid waste disposal service, the number of collection points has risen 16.5 percent. The Monday route is 5,100, Tuesday is 5,200, Lloyd Payne, Concord city manager said. Wednesday it spikes, and a lot of that is due to the growth in the western and southern part of the city. The current schedule allocates approximately 5,000 stops on Monday and Tuesday and then jumps to more than 8,000 on Wednesday and around 7,000 on Thursday and Friday. The city manager said often times with the inbalance, routes can get behind, and it takes collectors until Friday to catch back up. We need to be more efficient with our routes, Payne said. These imbalances have caused delayed pickups and premature wear and tear on waste collection equipment, leading city officials to create a proposed reroute map. The new map will account for a five-year growth projection and will even the imbalances between pickup days. Cabarrus County will come together once again as a community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration spans from Saturday, Jan. 19, through Monday, Jan. 21, which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Each year, the Concord/Cabarrus MLK Planning Committee & Logan Community Association in partnership with various churches and service organizations organize a variety of educational, inspirational and celebratory events to honor and celebrate the life and work of King. Most events are free and open to the public. Activities kick of Saturday, Jan. 19, with a prayer breakfast at Bethel Enrichment Center, 1209 Opal St. in Kannapolis, at 9 a.m. Tickets for that event cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. The Youth Enrichment & College Fair follows at the Logan Multi-Purpose Center, 184 Booker Drive in Concord, from 2 to 5 p.m. On Monday, Jan. 21, the MLK March will take place down Cabarrus Avenue. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. at Union Street. The wreath laying and memorial service will start at MLK Plaza by the Cabarrus Avenue Roundabout at noon. The Stuff the Bus food drive will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities will then move to the Logan Multi-Purpose Center at 1:30 p.m. for the MLK Legacy Celebration Vision, Voices, & Victories in Unity. Sunday, Jan. 20 New Beginning Church of Gods Annual Gospel Fest program will begin at 3 p.m. at 5717 Alexander Road, Concord. In concert will be: Heirs of Salvations, Gospel Keytones, Gospel Lyrics, Men over 60, The Gospel Traveliers of the Carolina and others. For more information, contact Bishop Roseman at 704-630-0126. Monday, Jan. 21 The Christian Education Department of Rock Hill A.M.E. Zion Church, Concord, is hosting their 5th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at 9 a.m. The theme is The Power of Remaining One. Speaker will be Rev. Melvin L. Tate. Tickets for the event are $5 and may be purchased in advance or at the door on the day of the event. For more information, call 704-224-1817. RECURRING Blackwelder Park Baptist Church has launched a new church website. The new web address, www.blackwelderpark.org, replaces the old www.bpbc.cc site. The old site has been taken down and traffic routed to the new web address. For more information, call 704-932-4266. Monday Armed police officers outside the residence of Evan Mawarire in Zimbabwe (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) Police in Zimbabwe armed with AK-47 rifles have arrested a prominent activist and pastor, along with scores of others, in a harsh crackdown over protests against dramatic fuel price hikes. As some hungry Harare residents reported being tear-gassed by police when they ventured out for bread, President Emmerson Mnangagwa denounced what he called wanton violence and cynical destruction. He noted a right to protest and called for calm, saying he understands peoples pain and frustration, but he appeared to side with authorities who have blamed the opposition for any unrest. Pastor Evan Mawarire, who organised what became nationwide anti-government protests in 2016 against mismanagement and then-president Robert Mugabes long stay in power, was clutching a Bible when police bundled him into their car. Expand Close Evan Mawarire (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Evan Mawarire (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) They are alleging that he incited violence through Twitter and other forms of social media in the central business district, Mr Mawarires lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said. Eighty-two people appeared in court in Harare on charges of public violence. There were widespread reports of violence as the country faced a third day of protests over what has become the worlds most expensive petrol. This is Zimbabwes worst unrest since deadly post-election violence in August that saw six people killed. Zimbabwes largest telecom company Econet sent text messages to customers saying it had been forced by the government to shut down internet service. The matter is beyond our control, it said. Service began to return in the evening. Armed police and soldiers broke up groups of more than five people in Harare, while desperation for food forced some people to venture into the streets, but virtually all shops were closed. Expand Close A policeman stands guard as some of those arrested wait to make their court appearance in Harare (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A policeman stands guard as some of those arrested wait to make their court appearance in Harare (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) Police fired tear gas after a crowd tried to overrun a shopping centre that opened to sell bread. Soldiers with AK-47s took charge of the long line. This kind of life is unbearable, we have soldiers at fuel queues and now soldiers again are controlling the bread queue, one man said. Are we at war? Other arrests were reported, with Nkululeko Sibanda, a spokesman for the main opposition MDC party, saying that party leadership had been detained. This is only deepening the political crisis in the country, he said. As Mr Mnangagwa makes an extended overseas trip that will include a stop at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to plead for more foreign investment, former military commander and vice president Constantino Chiwenga, a hardliner, is in charge at home. Eight people were killed on Monday when police and military fired on crowds, according to Amnesty International. Expand Close Women inspect their stalls at a market after they were destroyed during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices in Harare (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Women inspect their stalls at a market after they were destroyed during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices in Harare (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) But Zimbabwes government said three people were killed, including a policeman who was stoned to death by an angry crowd. The anti-government demonstrations amounted to terrorism, information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said on state television. The protests were well-co-ordinated by Zimbabwes opposition, she said. The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said it had attended to 107 patients by late on Tuesday afternoon, with injuries including gunshot wounds to the head. It said most cases were in Harare and Zimbabwes second city, Bulawayo. International concern has been rising over Zimbabwe after a burst of optimism when Mr Mugabe stepped down in late 2017 under military pressure. The British minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin noted worrying levels of violence and urged restraint by Zimbabwes security forces. But South Africas foreign ministry said in a statement that were confident measures being taken by the Zimbabwean government will resolve the situation. Streets were deserted in Harare on Wednesday. Shops closed, schools closed, no public transport, petrol stations closed, said Human Rights Watch southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga. Food fast running out in homes, he added. Zimbabwes acting president was silent, he said. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand hopes to be the next US president (Hans Pennink/AP)) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand plans to put gender issues at the heart of her campaign for the US presidency. Speaking outside a diner in Troy, New York State she said is a stones throw from her familys house, Ms Gillibrand framed the campaign as an extension of motherhood. Im going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom, I will fight for your children as hard as I would fight for my own, Ms Gillibrand, 52, said as she was joined by her husband, Jonathan, their 10- and 15-year-old sons, and her mother, Polly. Tonight I announced that Iam preparing to run for president, because I believe weare all called to make a difference. I believe in right vs. wrong a that wrong wins when we do nothing. Now is our time to raise our voices and get off the sidelines. Join me: https://t.co/I1vp93u0wh Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 That argument could resonate in a Democratic primary in which women will be a crucial voting bloc and comes on the heels of a midterm election that sent a record number of women to Congress. But Ms Gillibrand, who announced the creation of a presidential exploratory committee Tuesday on CBS The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, faces a series of hurdles. She will not be the only woman seeking the White House, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii have already jumped into the race, and several other prominent women are expected to soon follow them. Expand Close Presidential candidate, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, second from right, arrives at the Country View Diner with her sons, Theodore, left, Henry, second from left, and her mother Polly Rutnik (Paul Buckowski/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Presidential candidate, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, second from right, arrives at the Country View Diner with her sons, Theodore, left, Henry, second from left, and her mother Polly Rutnik (Paul Buckowski/AP) And there are persistent questions about whether, more than two years after Hillary Clinton fell short of the White House, Americans have grappled with sexism and are willing to support another woman running for president. The first question Ms Gillibrand received at her press conference Wednesday showed the scrutiny she and other women could face, as a reporter said a lot of people see her as pretty likeable. The remark touched on a raging debate about why women in politics are held to a different standard than men regarding their perceived likeability. Expand Close Kirsten Gillibrand hopes to be the first female president of the United States (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kirsten Gillibrand hopes to be the first female president of the United States (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) First appointed to the Senate in 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Mrs Clinton, Ms Gillibrand has been among the chambers most vocal members on issues like sexual harassment, military sexual assault, equal pay for women and paid family leave. But she angered some fellow Democrats in November 2017 when she said former president Bill Clinton should have resigned after his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. As a mom, Iall fight for your family as hard as I fight for my own. For health care as a right, not a privilege. For every child to get a good education, no matter what block they grow up on. For good jobs for everyone whoas ready to work. Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 16, 2019 She was also the first prominent Democrat to call on her Senate colleague Al Franken to quit after accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. She defended her actions on Wednesday. I just couldnt stay silent, she said, referring to Mr Franken. My job was not to stay silent. I couldnt defend it, and I had to do what was right. And if some wealthy individuals, that makes them angry, thats on them. US President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general has said "it is vitally important" that special counsel Robert Mueller be allowed to complete his Russia investigation in prepared remarks for his Senate confirmation hearing yesterday. William Barr also insisted in testimony he will deliver to the Senate Judiciary Committee that Mr Trump never sought any promises, assurances or commitments before selecting him to be the country's chief law enforcement officer. In releasing written testimony ahead of his hearing, the Justice Department moved to pre-empt the most significant questions Mr Barr is likely to face from Democrats on the panel - including whether he can oversee, without bias or interference, the final stages of Mr Mueller's probe into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign, and whether he will permit the findings to be made public. "I believe it is in the best interest of everyone - the president, Congress and, most importantly, the American people - that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work," Mr Barr said. He described Mr Mueller, a former Justice Department colleague, as a friend he has known personally and professionally for 30 years. Mr Mueller headed the department's criminal division while Mr Barr served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993. The special counsel is required to confidentially report his findings to the Justice Department. Mr Barr stopped short of directly pledging to release Mr Mueller's report, but he expressed general support for disclosing the findings, whatever they may be. "For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can, consistent with the law," Mr Barr said. "I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political or other improper interests influence my decisions." The remarks are intended to reassure Democratic senators who were troubled by Mr Barr's past comments on the special counsel's probe, including an unsolicited memo he sent the Justice Department last year criticising the inquiry into whether the president had obstructed justice. Mr Barr also sent the memo to White House lawyers and discussed it with Mr Trump's personal attorneys and a lawyer who represents Mr Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, he said in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Lindsey Graham. Copies were also sent by Mr Barr to White House lawyer Emmet Flood, solicitor general Noel Francisco and Pat Cipollone, who is now White House counsel. Mr Barr said he discussed the contents of the memo with Mr Trump's attorneys, Jay Sekulow and Jane and Martin Raskin. Mr Barr also previously said the president's firing of FBI director James Comey was appropriate and said the Mueller prosecution team, criticised by Mr Trump for including prosecutors who have contributed to Democrats, should have had more "balance". Those stances raised alarms that Mr Barr could stifle the investigation as it reaches its final stages or make decisions that protect the president. Among the questions that he might confront if, as expected, he is confirmed, would be whether to approve a subpoena for Mr Trump if he refuses to answer additional questions, and whether to disclose to Congress whatever report or conclusions Mr Mueller turns in. Mr Barr, who also moved to quell concerns during private meetings last week with lawmakers, insisted that Mr Trump had "sought no assurances, promises or commitments from me of any kind, either express or implied". "As attorney general, my allegiance will be to the rule of law, the constitution and the American people," Mr Barr said. "That is how it should be. That is how it must be. And, if you confirm me, that is how it will be, and I have not given him any [assurances], other than that I would run the department with professionalism and integrity." ( Daily Telegraph London) The latest caravan of Honduran migrants hoping to reach the US has crossed peacefully into Guatemala, under the watchful eyes of about 200 Guatemalan police and soldiers. About 500 people, including dozens of children, lined up to show their documents to a first line of unarmed security personnel at the Agua Caliente border crossing on Tuesday night. Riot police formed a second line to contain any possible disturbance. Edilberto Hernandez, a former police officer, stood with his wife and four children to cross into Guatemala. After losing his job, he could find only low-paid construction work, and he decided to travel with his whole family to the United States. Expand Close A Honduran migrant sleeps on the street outside a shelter in Esquipulas, Guatemala (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Honduran migrant sleeps on the street outside a shelter in Esquipulas, Guatemala (AP) We are going out of necessity, because of the poverty, Mr Hernandez said. The fate that awaits them at the Mexico-US border is uncertain. The previous caravans that were seized upon last year by US President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election have quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, many others nearly half, according to US Border Patrol arrest records have sought to enter the US illegally. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Expand Close Honduran migrants wait to enter Guatemala (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Honduran migrants wait to enter Guatemala (AP) The US Border Patrol has made about 2,600 caravan-related arrests in its San Diego sector, spokesman Theron Francisco said, indicating that nearly half have crossed into the US illegally. Families are typically released with a notice to appear in immigration court. Mexican officials say about 1,300 caravan members have returned to Central America. Mexico has issued humanitarian visas to about 2,900 others, many of whom are now working legally there with visas. Francis Lopez is among the migrants who have stayed in Mexico. The former clothing factory worker said he and his wife made a snap decision to leave their home in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula when the caravan left in October. He had hoped to join a relative in Florida but is having second thoughts about seeking asylum after an American attorney told him he had a weak case and may be detained until a judge orders him deported. Its a loss of time, a loss of time that you can never recover, Mr Lopez said. Expand Close The migrants are hoping to reach the US (AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The migrants are hoping to reach the US (AP) Javier Diaz of El Salvador, who is working as a taxi driver in Tijuana on a visa, said he had hoped to reach the United States to make enough money to support his wife and five children in El Salvador but Mexico was better than going home. If Mexico deports me today, I will be in Mexico again tomorrow, Mr Diaz said. If I can go to the United States, better. The diminished presence of the migrants in Tijuana came as hundreds of Hondurans left the violent city of San Pedro Sula this week in a new caravan hoping to reach the United States or Mexico. News of this latest trek north came as Mr Trump has been working to convince the American public that there is a crisis at the southern border to justify construction of his long-promised border wall. Mr Trumps demand for billions of dollars to build the wall has resulted in a stand-off with Congress that has forced a partial government shutdown. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work, Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer. Photo: File photo An arrest has been made in the death of a 38-year-old Vancouver man, almost two years after the killing occurred. Maninder Singh Braich was found injured at a home near Prince Albert Street and East 49th Avenue, just after midnight on Feb. 9, 2017. He died in hospital shortly after. Tuesday, Vancouver police arrested 56-year-old Surjit Toor and the Crown has approved a second-degree murder charge against him. Toor remains in custody. A man has denied murdering British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand. The 27-year-old pleaded not guilty to her murder during an appearance at the High Court in Auckland on Wednesday. The man is due to face trial at the court on November 4. Ms Millane, 22, from Wickford, Essex, was on a round-the-world backpacking trip when she arrived in New Zealand in November. She was reported missing on December 5 after her family grew concerned that she had not responded to messages sent on her birthday, December 2. The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm the night before at the Citylife Hotel in central Auckland. Her body was found by detectives near a road in the Waitakere Ranges, a scenic area around 12 miles west of Auckland city centre, on December 9. An order suppressing the name of the defendant is expected to be reviewed at the end of January. Expand Close Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Grace Millane, 22, who is missing in New Zealand. Photo: Auckland City Police/PA Wire. In a statement after her death, Ms Millane's family said their "whole world" had been turned upside down. Her family said: Grace went off to travel the world in mid-October and arrived in New Zealand on the 20th November. By the amount of pictures and messages we received, she clearly loved this country, its people and the lifestyle. We all hope that what has happened to Grace will not deter even one person from venturing out into the world and discovering their own OE (overseas experience). Police initially launched a missing person inquiry for the University of Lincoln graduate after her parents became concerned that she did not reply to birthday wishes sent on December 2. Since arriving in New Zealand from Peru on November 20, she had been in near-daily contact with her family, officers said. The last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane, from Essex, was at 9.41pm on December 1, at the Citylife Hotel, when she was seen with a male companion. A week later, on December 8, police said they were treating the case as a homicide investigation and a day later a body was found in the Waitakere Ranges 10 metres away from the road. Greeces left-wing prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, has narrowly won a confidence vote in parliament days after the governing coalition collapsed. Mr Tsipras received the minimum 151 votes in Greeces 300-seat legislature for his government to survive. His term ends in October. Expand Close Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, centre, claps hands with other members of the government after the announcement of the confidence vote results (Petros Giannakouris/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras, centre, claps hands with other members of the government after the announcement of the confidence vote results (Petros Giannakouris/AP) The defence minister in Mr Tsipras government who leads a small nationalist party, Panos Kammenos, quit the coalition last weekend over a proposed agreement with neighbouring Macedonia. The deal calls for the young country to be renamed North Macedonia in exchange for Greece no longer blocking its path to Nato membership. FILE In this Dec. 13, 2016, file photo, the logo for Goldman Sachs appears above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) Goldman Sachss fourth quarter earnings beat expectations thanks to growth in its core investment banking arm, but the lender booked a multimillion-US dollar litigation charge. The Wall Street giants earnings of 6.04 US dollars per share came in ahead of the 4.88 dollars expected by analysts, and compares with the 5.51 dollar loss the company recorded the year earlier. The US bank swung to a profit of 2.54 billion dollars (1.98 billion) from the 1.93 billion dollar (1.5 billion) loss last year. Revenue of 8.08 billion dollars (6.27 billion) also beat expectations, but was lower than the 8.12 billion dollars (6.21 billion) reported last year. Analysts polled by Zacks expected 7.59 billion dollars (5.9 billion). Goldman Sachs took a 516 million dollar (401 million) hit in the forth quarter due to provisions for litigation and regulatory proceedings compared with the nine million dollars booked for the same quarter in 2017. The bank has been ensnared into the corruption and money laundering scandal surrounding Malaysian state-backed fund 1MDB. Last month, Malaysian authorities filed criminal charges against Goldman Sachs and two of its ex-bankers. New chief executive David Solomon, who took over from Lloyd Blankfein in October, said: We are pleased with our performance for the year, achieving stronger top and bottom line results despite a challenging backdrop for our market-making businesses in the second half. Stocks have taken a hit recently, as investors battle choppy markets and growing uncertainty surrounding US-China trade relations. Mr Solomon added that for the year, the company delivered double-digit revenue growth, the highest earnings per share in the firms history and the strongest return on equity since 2009. HE said: We are confident that we are well positioned to support an even larger universe of clients, continue to diversify our revenue mix and deliver strong returns for our shareholders in the years ahead. Since the start of the year, Goldman Sachss shares have risen 8%, but in the last 12 months shares have declined 30%. Two people walk through a snowy forest in Germany (Martin Schutt/dpa via AP) Residents of a village in southern Germany have been ordered to leave their homes immediately due to an acute avalanche risk. Authorities said villagers of Raiten, near the Austrian border, should take important documents and medicines with them, and inform neighbours who may be unaware of the warning. Expand Close Firefighters clear snow from a roof in Inzell, Germany (Matthias Schrader/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Firefighters clear snow from a roof in Inzell, Germany (Matthias Schrader/AP) Heavy snowfall over the past few weeks has greatly heightened the risk of avalanches in parts of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Dozens of people have died in avalanches and weather-related accidents. German meteorological service DWD said the amount of snowfall in the Alps recently was unusual but not exceptional. Expand Close Children enjoy the snow-covered slopes in Oslo, Norway (Erik Johansen / NTB scanpix via AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Children enjoy the snow-covered slopes in Oslo, Norway (Erik Johansen / NTB scanpix via AP) The agency said heavy precipitation might become more frequent due to climate change, though rising temperatures mean it could come down as rain rather than snow. City Pub Group is expecting to open several new sites this year (Lynne Cameron/PA) City Pub Groups sales grew rapidly last year as the premium operator opened a string of new sites. The 44-strong collection of premium pubs has reported 22% revenue growth in the 52 weeks to December 30. Like-for-like sales were up by 1.6%, with particularly strong growth over the festive period. Comparable sales jumped 7% over the six weeks to January 6. Further growth is expected from the group in 2019 as it opens more sites and increases some prices. Three large sites are on track to open this year in London, Reading and Cambridge. These will increase the number of rooms available for overnight stays to 100 across the whole estate. Our estate is in great shapeClive Watson, City Pub Group CEO Chief executive Clive Watson said: If we enter a period of uncertainty caused by Brexit, there is much we can continue to achieve organically. Our estate is in great shape well-invested and trading well, with considerable upside potential, including the additional benefit of the quality of our earnings increasing as we invest and grow our accommodation business which delivers an incremental income stream. Shares in the company, which is listed on Londons Alternative Investment Market (AIM), were trading more than 6% higher on Wednesday. Analysts at Liberum said the companys pipeline for new sites was impressive. Competition for new sites is waning and underlying trading is accelerating which, combined with its robust balance sheet, puts City Pubs in a strong position to prosper, they said. A Republican congressman whose startling views on white supremacy hit the headlines voted in favour of a resolution to condemn his own comments. Steve King, a nine-term Iowa congressman, said in an interview last week: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilisation how did that language become offensive? Expand Close Steve King himself voted for the measure condemning his own comments (Charlie Neibergall/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Steve King himself voted for the measure condemning his own comments (Charlie Neibergall/AP) A resolution condemning Kings comments, which was sponsored by Democratic Representative James Clyburn, was approved 424-1 in the House, with King among those who voted in favour. Citing Kings comments, the resolution said: The House of Representatives once again rejects white nationalism and white supremacy as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States. King said he agreed with the resolution, adding that the ideology of white supremacy never shows up in my head and that he does not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth. The resolution meant so little that even Steve King could vote for it. That is why we need to censure him. We need to punish him for his bigotry and racism. #CensureSteveKing #OutFront pic.twitter.com/VgOEMdFzPK Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) January 16, 2019 The only member of the House to vote against the measure was Bobby Rush, a Democrat from Illinois. He told CNN the resolution did not go far enough, and was not worth the paper its written on. The dismissal of Theresa Mays Brexit deal by MPs on Tuesday night has brought more questions than answers for the British public, at least if their Google searches are to believed. The worlds biggest search engine has released information on the most-searched questions following the vote, ranging from how MPs voted to WTO trade rules. Here are answers to the biggest questions. Did my MP support Brexit? With more than twice as many MPs voting against the Prime Ministers deal than for it, chances are high that most peoples elected representative went against the Government. The websites MySociety.org and TheyWorkForYou.com both hold details about how every MP voted on the EU Withdrawal Agreement and nearly every other vote in Parliament. What happened with Brexit? After more than a year of negotiations, Mrs May presented her EU Withdrawal Agreement to Parliament in November, but it was immediately dismissed by hard Brexiteers within her own party, leading to a string of Cabinet resignations. Hours before Parliament was due to vote on the deal in December, sensing a heavy defeat, the PM delayed the vote and returned to Brussels to seek reassurances about its implications. Despite her efforts, MPs rejected the deal in a meaningful vote on Tuesday. What is WTO Brexit? Many Brexiteers who support leaving the EU without a deal have argued that a simple solution would be for the UK to trade with the rest of the world on rules set by the World Trade Organisation. WTO rules decide the level of tax imposed on goods whenever they cross a border, known as tariffs, where countries do not already have an agreement. There are no tariffs on UK imports from the EU, and tariffs on imports from other countries are relatively low thanks to existing trade agreements. Trading under WTO rules means tariffs will be much higher. The UK has yet to negotiate any new trade deals with any other countries in preparation for leaving the EU, meaning WTO rules would apply to all imports and exports. Until new trade agreements are signed, anything imported into the UK or exported but UK businesses will be subject to these much higher taxes, damaging businesses and affecting the prices of nearly all goods found in the shops. What will happen now with Brexit? Before anything else can happen on Brexit, Theresa Mays Government must survive a vote from MPs on whether they can still run the country, to be held on Wednesday night. If the Government survives the vote, Theresa May is scheduled to deliver a so-called Plan B for leaving the EU on January 21. If the Government loses, there is likely to be a general election. Whichever way the vote goes, and with only 72 days left until the UK is due to leave the EU, many commentators believe the Government will delay leaving to negotiate a deal that can command a majority in Parliament and be acceptable to the EU. Is Brexit cancelled? Brexit is not cancelled. A large majority of MPs disagreed with Theresa Mays Government about the best way to continue, and a sizeable minority of MPs are arguing for a second referendum but at present the UK is still due to leave the EU on March 29. How much has Brexit cost so far? The Government set aside more than 4.2 billion for Brexit preparations in 2016, not all of which has been spent yet. A study by the Centre for European Reform in September found that the UK economy was 2.5% smaller than it would have been had Remain won the referendum. The centres deputy director, John Springford, estimated the impact to have cost the Treasury roughly 440 million per week and the website CostOfBrexit.netlify has set up a running total, currently at 59 billion. What is the backstop in the Brexit negotiations? The backstop arrangement outlined in the Prime Ministers deal would create a single EU-UK customs area to ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland. This means the UK would continue to follow the EUs tariffs and rules on customs, avoiding the need for checks between the EU and UK including Northern Ireland and the Republic until a new relationship is decided. Northern Ireland would need to follow some of the EUs single market rules including laws on goods, agricultural production, veterinary controls and state aid rules. It is this point that led many including Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party and a number of Conservative backbenchers to oppose the deal. Anti riot police stands on a truckload engaging in running battles with protestors in Emakhandeni township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on January 15, 2019. Photo: AFP/Getty Zimbabwe police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the second city of Bulawayo yesterday, a day after violent demonstrations against a sharp hike in fuel prices rocked the country. Police moved in after protesters chanted for the removal of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and as looting broke out in Bulawayo, a stronghold of opposition to the ruling Zanu-PF party. The streets of the capital, Harare, were deserted after Monday's demonstrations. The government more than doubled petrol prices at the weekend after months of shortages. Photo: The Canadian Press Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster gives a press briefing about American-born news anchor who works on Iranian state television's English-language service, Marzieh Hashemi, shown in banner, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television's English-language service has been arrested by the FBI after flying into the U.S., the broadcaster reported Wednesday. The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The reported detention of Press TV's Marzieh Hashemi, born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans, comes as Iran faces increasing criticism of its own arrests of dual nationals and others with Western ties, previously used as bargaining chips in negotiations with world powers. Iran's state broadcaster held a news conference and launched a hashtag campaign for Hashemi, using the same techniques families with loved ones held in the Islamic Republic use to highlight their cases. "We will not spare any legal action" to help her, said Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster. Press TV said Hashemi, who has worked at the state broadcaster service for 25 years, had been arrested after arriving at St. Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday. Jebeli alleged that her son, Reza Hashemi, had been arrested as well. Lambert Airport spokesman Jeff Lea declined comment, referring questions to the FBI. He said he could not confirm what flight Hashemi arrived on or when. St. Louis police said they were not involved. Rebecca Wu, St. Louis' FBI spokeswoman, directed questions to the press office at FBI headquarters. FBI headquarters in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. There were no references to any case against Hashemi in U.S. federal courts, nor in Missouri. Press TV said Hashemi had travelled to the U.S. "to visit her family members, including her brother, who is suffering from cancer." The broadcaster said she was a grandmother and aired footage of her anchoring news programs and talking about her experience as a reporter discussing the yearslong war in Syria, set to dramatic music. "Unfortunately, because of the job that we do, here at Press TV and our position, there have been many stories that have been very, very difficult, very heavy," she said. Hashemi describes herself online as having studied journalism at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She converted to Islam in 1982 at age 22 after meeting Iranian activist students in Denver. Hashemi's brother, Milton Leroy Franklin of Metairie, a New Orleans suburb, told The Associated Press he knows only what his niece has put on Facebook. He said he believed his sister had been in custody since Sunday. "We don't have any detailed information except she's being held. And her son is being held in a hotel in (Washington) and she's being held in some form of prison or incarcerated area," Franklin said. "I'm very concerned. There's no way of getting any word to her and she can't send any out, apparently. We're all in the dark and just waiting and praying that they release her." He said she had visited to help plan a family reunion. "We all got together, a small celebration, and prepared for the next time she would come," Franklin said. "They detained her on her way back home, from what I understand. We're looking to find out more." Last week, Iran confirmed it is holding U.S. Navy veteran Michael R. White at a prison in the country, making him the first American known to be detained under President Donald Trump's administration. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state TV that Hashemi's arrest indicates the "apartheid and racist policy" of the Trump administration. "We hope that the innocent person will be released without any condition," Ghasemi said. There are four other known American citizens being held in Iran, including Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his 82-year-old father Baquer, both serving 10-year sentences on espionage charges. Iranian-American art dealer Karan Vafadari and his Iranian wife, Afarin Neyssari, received 27-year and 16-year prison sentences respectively. Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang was sentenced to 10 year in prison. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has acquitted former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo over post-electoral violence in the West African nation in a stunning blow to the war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Judges ordered the immediate release of the 73-year-old deposed strongman, the first head of state to stand trial at the ICC, and his right-hand man Charles Ble Goude. They hugged each other as supporters cheered wildly and clapped in the public gallery, prompting head judge Cuno Tarfusser to order them to sit down and "behave". The pair faced charges of crimes against humanity over the 2010-2011 bloodshed in which around 3,000 people were killed. Prosecutors alleged Mr Gbagbo and Mr Ble Goude (47) clung to power "by all means" but the judges said there was no evidence of a "common plan" to foment violence. Members of security forces secure a building at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya January 15, 2019. REUTERS/Baz Ratner A woman reacts after being rescued from the Dusit Hotel on January 15, 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. A current security operation is underway after terrorists attacked the hotel. Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images The 15 people killed in a militant attack on a luxury hotel in Nairobi included a British man, it is believed. Gunmen stormed the DusitD2 complex in the Westlands district of the Kenyan capital on Tuesday afternoon, setting off explosions and shooting people. Expand Close NAIROBI, KENYA - JANUARY 16: Kenyan security forces walk outside the Dusit Hotel on January 16, 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. A security operation has continued into a second day after Al-Shabab militants stormed the hotel, killing at least 15 people. (Photo by Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp NAIROBI, KENYA - JANUARY 16: Kenyan security forces walk outside the Dusit Hotel on January 16, 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya. A security operation has continued into a second day after Al-Shabab militants stormed the hotel, killing at least 15 people. (Photo by Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images) A mortuary worker told Reuters news agency that a British man was among the casualties, while the US State Department said an American woman had also died. Special forces were sent into the hotel to flush out the gunmen believed to be holed up inside the hotel and the Interior Ministry said the area had been secured on Tuesday night. However gunfire and another explosion were later reportedly heard at the scene. On Wednesday morning the National Police Service said the area remained "under an active security operation" and ordered people to stay away "until it is declared safe". Al-Shabab - the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi that left 67 people dead - has claimed responsibility for the atrocity. Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to address the nation on the attack on Wednesday morning. Expand Close A woman is rescued at the scene of an on going terrorist attack at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb on January 16, 2019.) LUIS TATO/AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A woman is rescued at the scene of an on going terrorist attack at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb on January 16, 2019.) LUIS TATO/AFP/Getty Images A UK Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are in contact with the Kenyan authorities who are coordinating a response and stand ready to assist as required." The Kenya Red Cross said it was helping families searching for loved ones missing since the attack began. Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, (C) watches Royal Ballet Principal Dancers Lauren Cuthbertson (L) and Vadim Muntagirov (R) during a visit to the Royal Opera House in London on January 16, 2019 The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Royal Opera House in London where she will see the costume department and meet the Royal Ballet principal dancers The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the Royal Opera House in London where she will see the costume department and meet the Royal Ballet principal dancers The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London It's officially back to business as usual for Meghan Markle, who seems to be taking some criticism on board with her latest, more budget friendly look. Royals, despite their immense wealth, are still supposed to be perceived as relatable and while Meghan spent most of 2018 modelling couture look after couture look to much comment, she has finally displayed an appreciation for high street shopping with a grey polo neck dress from H&M's maternity range, which retails for 27.99. This paired with a custom made Armani coat which she recycled from earlier in the week, might be her relevant outfit yet. Her choice of accessory, a faux suede Stella McCartney Falabella mini-bag was the finishing touch on a thoughtful and considered ensemble (except for, of course, the weather). By showing something affordable mixed with a British designer and just the right amount of glamour is exactly what royal watchers - and shoppers - want when looking at duchess style. It's her third appearance over the last week as she ramps up her duties with her four new patronages, her first official ones since marrying into the British royal family, with today's activity at the Mayhew Animal Home, a rescue home for "dogs, cats and communities". She will also join husband Prince Harry tonight at a showing of Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall in aid of charity Sentebale. Expand Close The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London Read More Harry and Meghan will be guests of honour for the evening premiere of the Canadian circus company's production Totem. The event will raise awareness and vital funds for his charity which helps young people in southern Africa affected by HIV. It's likely that the Duchess of Sussex is full steam ahead with her responsibilities as she prepares for the arrival of their first child in April, after which she will take some months off for her maternity leave. A new report says that the 37-year-old's team might not be accustomed to her "say-it-as-you-see-it American mentality" which could be part of the reason why there is such an exodus among her staff as three employees have left her service in the last six months. "Meghan is very American and wants to get things done, that is her way," royal biographer Ingrid Seward told People. "She hits the ground running and works hard. That is in her makeup." Expand Close The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Sussex leaves after a visit to Mayhew, an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron, at its offices in north-west London A former aide told the Telegraph that a lot of the fracas can be traced to her California way of doing things, which is in stark contrast to the royal family's slow-to-change methods. "I think what we've seen is a clash of cultures rather than a serious falling out between anyone. You have to remember that when people join the royal household, they ultimately expect to be serving queen and country, not necessarily an American actress who has starred in a legal drama on the telly," they said. "There is a great deal of goodwill towards Harry but Meghan is still a bit of an unknown quantity." Meanwhile, sister-in-law Kate Middleton was also at her second event of the week, today visiting the Royal Opera House, where she mentioned her three-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte has expressed an interest in ballet. Dressed in a magenta Oscar de la Renta jacket and skirt and a black Aspinal of London bag, she spent two hours at the costume department on Wednesday. According to royal staff, the duchess is passionate about learning more on textiles and costume design due to her family history - Kate's great-great grandfather ran the family's successful textile manufacturing company, Francis Martineau Lupton, in Leeds. Celebrity chef Clodagh McKenna (39) is single after she and her other half, Peter Gaynor, split. The Herald can reveal that the couple, who had been together since 2012, went their separate ways a few months ago, with privacy-conscious Clodagh opting to keep it under wraps for a while. Clodagh met the businessman - whose sister Olivia Gaynor runs The Residence members' club - six months after she returned home from living in Italy more than six years ago. They were introduced by a mutual friend. Clodagh once described Peter as being "like a male version of me" and had even indicated that marriage might have been on the cards. Given their mutual interest in the food industry, it was only natural that she and her ex, who co-owns Capital Foods, were involved in a number of culinary businesses together. The Homemade by Clodagh Food Court at Arnotts contract was ended by mutual agreement in May 2014. Capital Foods still operates the food court at Arnotts. It was revealed last week that Clodagh had also left her restaurant business in Blackrock village with plans to launch a "new dining experience" in the coming months. The business in Blackrock is still operated by Capital Foods. The Ballymaloe-trained chef opened Clodagh's Kitchen in the southside suburb in 2013, but it re-opened recently under the new name of Barker's. Clodagh reportedly has her sights on opening a restaurant in another Dublin location later this year. "With great thought I have decided to move location and to create and develop a new dining concept," she said. "The exact location will be announced over the next couple of months. I am very excited and so grateful for the support from all of our loyal customers over the years." Clodagh has also been busy continuing to build up her brand in the US. Clodagh's Irish Food Trails was snapped up by PBS and Create TV in America, and she has become a regular on Rachel Ray's lifestyle show in New York. She recently told the Diary that she has exciting plans for a new show for US audiences. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge along with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at St Mary Magdalene's church for the Royal Family's Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain, December 25, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at St Mary Magdalene's church for the Royal Family's Christmas Day service on the Sandringham estate in eastern England, Britain, December 25, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Cambridge pay tribute to those who were tragically killed in the helicopter crash on Saturday 27th October at Leicester City Football Clubs King Power Stadium on November 28, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Neil P. Mockford/Getty Images) There is a certain comfort in nostalgia: while it seems the world is burning around us at times, fashion is encouraging us to look to the past for a certain sense of stability. Distinct hair accessories like hairbands, bows and clips have emerged as the most dominating style trend this season, and it's of no coincidence that each design is rooted in femininity and the fact that the definition of what it means to be a woman is becoming more fluid. If 2018 was the 'year of the woman', then this year represents hope thereafter - and yes, hope can come in the form of a hairclip. So, let's examine the evidence: Ashley Williams showcased show-stopping hair pins, emblazoned with everything from 'YES', 'Paranoia', Paradise' and 'Sorry' in embellishment, while Irish designer Simone Rocha has adopted a more romantic approach with pearl slides and Versace did what Versace does best in statement-making gold. Both were strokes of genius, in its primary goals as a fashion accessory and secondarily in its symbolism. Expand Close Hairclips at Ashley Williams during London Fashion Week / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hairclips at Ashley Williams during London Fashion Week Similarly, Kate Middleton's taste in clothing has always remained more aligned with the past, preferring the modest hemlines and covered shoulders as royal dress code dictates, and her role as Britain's future queen consort means that she isn't afforded the same luxury of experimentation as her sister-in-law Meghan Markle; but it doesn't mean she can't trial new trends above the shoulders. She spent the second half of last year championing hair accessories in all its forms, first with black velvet bows tied neatly around a low ponytail, first, to complement a burgundy Paula Ka skirt suit and then, the finishing touch to a tweed coat dress by Catherine Walker. And the winter months have been about shunning traditional fascinators and hats, embracing textured headbands. Expand Close The Duchess of Cambridge arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 25, 2018 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Cambridge arriving to attend the Christmas Day morning church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 25, 2018 On Christmas Day, she was pictured in a burgundy velvet headband by Jane Taylor, and a month earlier, had worn a cobalt blue with bow detail to Sunday church service at Sandringham. She first wore the style at son Prince Louis' christening last July, with a custom-made ivory piece by Taylor. As we know, what Kate wears, sells - so it's a more thoughtful choice to select accessible accessories than exclusively high end looks. 12 RULES for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, Jordan Petersons book published by Penguin Random House, is as relevant to political conflicts like Brexit as it is to the individual to whom it is addressed. In Rule Seven, Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient), Peterson describes his own search for meaning: I was truly plagued with doubt. I had outgrown the shallow Christianity of my youth After that I could not distinguish the basic elements of Christian belief from wishful thinking. The socialism that soon afterwards became so attractive to me as an alternative proved equally insubstantial; with time I came to understand through the great George Orwell that much of such thinking found its motivation in hatred of the rich and successful, instead of true regard for the poor. Besides, the socialists were more intrinsically capitalist than the capitalists. They believed just as strongly in money. They just thought that if different people had the money, the problems plaguing humanity would vanish. Equally insightful are the words by Dr Norman Doidge in his foreword: Ideologies are simple ideas, disguised as science or philosophy, that purport to explain the complexity of the world and offer remedies that will perfect it. Ideologues are people who pretend they know how to make the world a better place before theyve taken care of their own chaos within. (The warrior identity that their ideology gives them covers over that chaos.) Other parts of the book discuss how strong our need is for order and principle. How we need rules, standards, values alone and together; the importance of routine and tradition and walking the fine line between creative chaos and ordered structure so as to live a meaningful life. Whether in the workplace or in the home it is a feeling of being out of control that is most stressful. What an irony that the tag line of the Brexiteers was Take back control when the truth is that the act of leaving the European Union means Britain losing control and entering the realm of chaos. I hear their tag line, if there is another referendum, is to be: Tell them again. Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn, take note. Alison Hackett Crosthwaite Park East, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin In these Orwellian times, who will be most equal? To parody the great commandant of Animal Farm, all European citizens are equal, but from now on some European citizens will be more equal than others. But will it be EU or UK citizens? Joseph Mackey Athlone, Co Westmeath Second vote would put the detractors in their place Boy, would I like to see a second Brexit referendum. If for no other reason than to shut up British politicians who regularly point to the Irish as being sheepish after we rejected two EU referendums and were promptly sent back to vote again until we gave the answer they wanted. Of course, they may have a point, but at least we will no longer have to put up with that superior attitude from the so-called home of democracy. Anthony McGeough Kingswood Heights, Dublin 24 Why we must remember such a life-changing strike There is an inverse relationship between the numbers involved and the coverage given to three important historical events in January 1919 that are to be commemorated this month. The one that has received most publicity so far is the Soloheadbeg ambush in Tipperary, which involved no more than a dozen people. The next is the founding of Dail Eireann, which involved a few hundred, and the last is the Belfast engineering strike, which involved some 40,000 workers in the city and saw another 20,000 laid off. The Belfast engineering strike was the start of a wave of industrial unrest across the UK, including Ireland, that would see the length of the average working week reduced by an average of 6.5 hours, the largest cut ever. It laid the basis for our current 39-hour week. It may lack the drama and controversy that surrounds its more famous historical counterparts, but arguably it has had a far greater and more beneficial impact on all our lives, confirming the old Irish saying that eaten bread is soon forgotten. The Messines Association is commemorating the Belfast engineering strike event on Friday, January 25, in the ICTU headquarters in Belfast. Padraig Yeates Portmarnock, Dublin US self-serving with the Saudis over Khashoggi Congratulations on the timbre of your report on Mike Pompeo, US Secondary of States (no error intended) visit to the exulted friend of Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia (US will press MBS over killing of Khashoggi, Irish Independent, January 14). In a determined effort to show the world Americas continuing commitment to truth and justice, Pompeo insisted that he would press Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the universally accepted prime suspect in the murder, mutilation and dissolution in acid of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, to ensure that Khashoggis killers were brought to justice. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to learn which of his own entourage MBS will throw to the wolves, as he will do without even thinking, to paper over the huge cracks in what Saudi Arabia continues to insist is itself being the moral centre of the Muslim world; God help all of us. It will be equally interesting to observe how the USA, the Christian equivalent of Wahabi Muslim Saudi Arabia, will try to disguise its own self-serving lies in the face of the overwhelming facts of its own calumny. George Dalzell Stillorgan, Co Dublin The crushing defeat of Theresa May's Brexit deal in the Commons last night now begs pressing questions for both London and Brussels. For all its collective bravado on the subject, the EU is not prepared for no deal and wiser heads in Europe know that this is a divorce where both parties are condemned to be next-door neighbours in perpetuity. And so, after this vote we enter a new and perilous phase. Privately, senior officials on both sides have, in recent weeks, started to recognise this reality. For a long time, the mantra was "May's deal or no deal", partly as a strategy to help Mrs May shoo the deal across the line in Westminster, but it is clear that that has now failed. The margin of defeat - 230 votes - leaves no doubt that something will need to change for both the EU and the UK to agree an orderly exit in the next few months. But it would be a huge mistake to assume - as is so often assumed in Westminster - that it is now for the EU to reach into its negotiator's hat and pull out a rabbit that will save the British Brexit project. Andrea Leadsom is one among many who believes this defeat sends a clear message to the EU that they must budge (presumably on the Irish backstop), but that is not where the thinking is on the EU side. On the contrary. When reports appear in British newspapers that Angela Merkel is about to offer "new concessions" on the backstop, blood boils in Brussels because the underlying presumption is that Brexit is a conundrum for the EU to solve. As one exasperated EU official says, "It's the same old 'Germans to the rescue' storyline." The truth of that Sunday night conversation between Mrs May and Ms Merkel was rather different. Indeed, it was almost the exact opposite, according to a Whitehall source. The German leader focused on MPs needing to take responsibility and not just push everything back to the EU. Because from an EU perspective, Brexit is not first and foremost a collective responsibility but a UK decision - or more accurately, a "non-decision decision". For the last two years, the UK side has been incapable of internal agreement on what it wants. It is from this that all of the woes in this negotiation derive. MPs who dislike the deal demand the EU must budge or give more concessions or that Mrs May should go back into bat. But, the EU asks, bat for what? That is the question the EU wants answered. And after polite expressions of regret at last night's defeat, they can be expected to sit and wait to see what shakes out of the wreckage. They will not want to be seen to be intransigent in Brussels. Indeed, Heiko Maas, the German foreign minister, said there was no reason there could not be further talks, but this offer should not be misconstrued. It is true that EU officials have started to talk about a willingness to extend Article 50 (at least until July) and even to reset negotiations entirely, including (it is whispered) even reopening the Withdrawal Agreement if that is what it takes to get a deal. But that "if" is all-important. To make a new negotiation meaningful, the UK side must turn up in Brussels with a cogent position that convinces the 27 other EU leaders that it is worth reopening talks to get Brexit over the line. Failure to do this - both in Salzburg last September, then again in December at the European Council - have ended disastrously for Mrs May. In December, Mrs May demanded the EU guarantee her a trade deal by the end of 2021 to avoid the Irish backstop kicking in, but when asked how that would work, she was unable to answer. She was, to quote Jean-Claude Juncker, "nebulous". As a result EU leaders, already irritated at her decision to postpone the vote, shut up shop, slamming the door on any possible tweaks to the deal because they could not see how they would deliver Brexit. Well now, in EU eyes at least, the time for nebulosity is over. British MPs need to make decisions based on reality. No one (including UK officials) wants to go back to the table to go through the motions of a negotiation to further indulge the delusions of some UK politicians. And as Mr Maas intimated, the fundamental parameters of the discussion have not changed. "The agreement stands as it is," he said. "I doubt very much that the agreement can be fundamentally reopened. If there were a better solution, it would already have been put forward." Both the EU and the UK remain committed to avoiding a return to a hard Border in Northern Ireland while forging a strong new trading relationship. The Border issue can be solved - MPs could go back to the "October" deal and accept a "de-dramatised" regulatory and customs border in the Irish Sea in order to repatriate full trade independence. It could tack the other way and opt for a permanent customs union and high alignment with Europe, seriously cutting down hurdles that technology would need to solve, both north-south and east-west. It could opt for an ultra-close single market and customs union deal, or even think again and decide that Mrs May's deal isn't so bad after all, since it leaves the door open to the very technological fixes championed by Brexiteers. But, as EU officials say, the answers lie in Westminster, not in Brussels. And if the UK can come up with half-decent answers, they may yet be surprised at how much flexibility the EU will show to get the deal over the line. We are a long way from there at the moment. But the alternative is that, without a plan, EU leaders may sit on their hands and simply refuse to extend Article 50 beyond a certain point. That would present a stark choice indeed. Since last year's European Court of Justice ruling, the UK has the power to unilaterally revoke Article 50, meaning the choice would be in British hands - between a very hard landing or revoking that letter and having no Brexit at all. ( Daily Telegraph London) Anybody who has ever done the tourist trail in London will be familiar with the posters, T-shirts, mugs and magnets carrying the slogan 'Keep Calm and Carry On'. It was originally produced as a motivational poster by the British Ministry of Information in preparation for World War II. It was held in reserve as a way of raising public morale in the event of a particularly bad attack. In essence, the message was British people should adopt a 'stiff upper lip' and defy the chaos around them. Over the decades the phrase has become either timeless or cliched - but in recent weeks it has been adopted by the Irish Government. Tanaiste Simon Coveney has repeatedly said now is a time for Ireland to hold its nerve. He has asked us to trust our EU partners not to abandon us at this late stage in the Brexit process. The minister and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have also appealed to Opposition TDs and voters to trust the Government when it comes to the no-deal preparations. Trust is not something we often associate with politicians, but these are extraordinary times. And, in reality, we have little choice but to hope that they are on top of the crises. That is why Transport Minister Shane Ross's performance at a briefing on contingencies last night is so worrying. Mr Ross appeared to let it slip that customs checks on goods travelling from the UK to Ireland are inevitable in the event of a hard Brexit. My colleague, Philip Ryan, presented him with something most politicians know to avoid: a hypothetical question. The minister was asked if a truck left Scotland and travelled by boat to Larne in Northern Ireland, could it then move south as is currently the case without any checks. "I would anticipate that there would be checks," Mr Ross said before being cut off by the Tanaiste. Later, the Transport Minister was asked by the 'Financial Times' whether a motorist travelling from Co Donegal to Co Derry would continue to be insured once they crossed into the North. "Can I come back to you on that?" Mr Ross responded, before whispering to Mr Coveney "the answer to that is 'yes', isn't it?" "Probably, depending on where they get their insurance," the Tanaiste told him before explaining that such a scenario will be dealt with in emergency legislation being worked on by the Government. Given how carefully Mr Coveney and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar have worked to control the Brexit narrative, they are likely to feel sore about the performance by their Independent colleague. Further explanation will now have to be provided as to what exactly the Government's thinking is on a Border, be that in the Irish Sea, at UK ports or on the island of Ireland. Elsewhere during the press briefing, Mr Coveney hit out at those who "wish things away" but can't provide "any kind of convincing explanation for how you avoid Border infrastructure without regulatory alignment". No doubt, he wishes Mr Ross's contribution away. Now we have entered the realms of the dangerously surreal with the economic carnage of a no-deal Brexit only 10 weeks away. It also comes as there are real questions about the competence of the Irish Government to cope with what may be coming our way. The extraordinary nature of the UK's current politics is best seen by Theresa May shipping a level of defeat not seen in the British parliament in almost a century, and yet still continuing in office. Despite getting few beyond her team on the government payroll to back her draft Brexit deal last night, a majority of that self-same parliament will tonight vote on their confidence in this lame duck prime minister. Harry Turtledove is a renowned US science fiction writer and alternative historian. Mixing historical research with a modest suspension of the laws of physics, he succeeds in changing history. By equipping the Confederate Army with the AK47 automatic rifle in 1861, the South wins the War between the States (formerly the American Civil War). The USA and the CSA (Confederate States of America) take opposite sides in World War I and Ireland becomes a united independent state, before its time. The concept of introducing some random event, or extraneous factor, into a complex situation to change history, is not new. A spider trying to reach a beam on Rathlin Island changed the course of Scottish history. An archduke is shot in Sarajevo resulting in a world war. A delay in a delivery of Exocet missiles to Argentina saved the UK from defeat during the Falklands/ Malvinas conflict. Brexit is one such random event which will impact on the course of European history. Even the term 'Brexit' was unheard of four years ago. Now it hovers over all of us, like the sword of Damocles. A no-deal, or hard, Brexit, will jolt the tectonic plates of UK and Irish politics relatively quickly. Any Brexit will have long-term unintended political and economic consequences. In trying to understand why Brexit is happening, we can speculate on some of its causes. Is Brexit about identity? Is it about ideology? Do we blame the UK anti-EU newspapers? The rise of English nationalism? Perhaps 'all of the above' is the closest we can get. The common denominator in most Brexit debates is, in one form or another, the issue of sovereignty. For EU member states we accept the transfer of some our national sovereignty, to Brussels, as a vital element in making the EU work. We voluntarily lose national power but gain in pooled sovereignty. The UK was never comfortable with this arrangement, as acknowledged by de Gaulle when he blocked UK and Ireland from joining the Common Market in 1967. The irony is that the UK proved to be a good member of the EU, in enacting more EU legislation than the other large states. The key demand of Brexiteers is the reversion of sovereignty from Brussels to London. When this happens Brexit will be complete, or so they say. That of course is not the end objective. Merely leaving the EU is not enough. Leaving aside imperialist undertones, I believe the ultimate objective of hard-line Brexiteers will be to recreate the UK as a strong independent regional power in Europe. Membership of Nato allows them to be such an independent regional power, but membership of an increasingly unified EU will not. With credible armed forces, and a UK nuclear deterrent, they are well placed to achieve this objective. But they also need to retain their economic strength, and that is the most pressing challenge of Brexit. On foreign policy, Brexit frees up the UK to resume a more independent line. Will they try to bring back the glory days, or strike out and create new dynamics in European and world relationships? Leading Brexiteer, MP Jacob Rees Mogg, has been jokingly referred to, by the Remainers, as the "Honourable Member for the 19th Century". It backfired. The eccentric but affable MP has become a celebrity, whose every appearance on TV evokes nostalgia for times past. Reverting to the 19th century still has its attractions for many English traditionalists. On the other hand, the 20th century marked the decline of the British and other empires. It is now clear Brexit alone will not put the 'Great' back into 'Great Britain' again. Post-Brexit, the objective to make the UK 'great again' will be greatly frustrated by the presence of a united EU. For some hard-line Brexiteers, the logical next step will be to bring about the unravelling of the EU itself. If this were to happen, the UK could resume its historical role of playing one European power off against another. It would also be infinitely easier for a post-Brexit UK to deal directly with France, Germany and Spain than with a united EU. The UK could end up sharing a common objective with Russia, but perhaps not with a post-Trump US. Fears that Brexit, and the possible collapse of the euro, could lead to an unravelling of the EU, may have receded but have not entirely gone away. The rise of right-wing populism in Europe, and the failure to deal with the migration issue, could still threaten European stability in the post Merkel/Macron era. There are no certainties in life other than death and taxes. Colonel Dorcha Lee (ret'd) is a former Irish Military Adviser in Brussels, and former representative to the WEU and the EU Photo: CTV News Amid increasing tensions with Beijing, the Pentagon has released a new report that lays out U.S. concerns about China's growing military might, underscoring worries about a possible attack against Taiwan. Speaking to reporters, a senior defence intelligence official said Tuesday that the key concern is that as China upgrades its military equipment and technology and reforms how it trains and develops troops, it becomes more confident in its ability to wage a regional conflict. And Beijing's leaders have made it clear that reasserting sovereignty over Taiwan is a top priority. The official added, however, that although China could easily fire missiles at Taiwan, it doesn't yet have the military capability to successfully invade the self-governing island, which split from mainland China amid civil war in 1949. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in order to provide more detail on intelligence findings in the report, which was written by the Defence Intelligence Agency. A Chinese government spokeswoman said the report "is full of Cold War ideology and zero-sum game thinking" and suggested the U.S. was making excuses to strengthen or develop its own weapons of mass destruction. "We use rules rather than weapons to safeguard and promote our own interests," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday. The report's release Tuesday comes just a week after Chinese President Xi Jinping called on his People's Liberation Army to better prepare for combat. China has warned the U.S. against further upgrading military ties with Taiwan and has threatened to use force against the island to assert its claim of sovereignty. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has taken incremental moves to bolster ties with the island, including renewed arms sales and upgraded contacts between officials. U.S.-China tensions have become increasingly frayed on the military and economic fronts over the past year. Trump imposed tariff increases of up to 25 per cent on $250 billion of Chinese imports over complaints Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. Xi responded by imposing penalties on $110 billion of American goods. And last year the Pentagon disinvited China to a major, multinational Pacific exercise, citing Beijing's militarization of man-made islands in the South China Sea. The ongoing rise of China, in fact, has triggered greater U.S. military attention on the Indo-Pacific region over the last several years. And last year's release of the U.S. National Defence Strategy emphasized the importance of great power competition with Russia and China. And it asserted that China's rapidly expanding military and Russia's increasing aggression are threatening America's military advantage around the world. Brexit is a cult supported by fanatics so zealous they would sacrifice Britain's cohesion, security and prosperity at its altar. The only question that remains is, will parliament allow them? To truly understand the depths Britain has descended to, it is instructive to go back in time to the immediate aftermath of the referendum result and remind ourselves of what was promised. Former Brexit secretary David Davis was adamant "there will be no downside to Brexit, only a considerable upside". Environment Secretary Michael Gove assured the public that, after the vote, "we hold all the cards and we can choose the path we want". Leader of the House of Commons Andrea Leadsom told voters they had "just rediscovered [their] freedom" and said the government would lead them "to the sunlit uplands". Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox vowed that agreeing a trade deal with the EU would "be one of the easiest in human history". Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson scoffed at the notion the UK would be forced to pay the EU to exit and advocated it "go whistle" if it came looking for its cash. Prime Minister Theresa May said she wanted to secure a "red, white and blue Brexit" and said she was "ambitious" about what she could achieve, coining the term "Brexit dividend" to describe the additional spending money that would be available as a consequence of the vote. So, more than two years later, what have these chief architects and advocates of Brexit achieved? They have presided over years of bitter division and rancour, raided the exchequer to spend billions on Brexit planning, overseen the loss of 500m a week in lost economic growth, alienated EU citizens who have made Britain their home, and reduced the UK to an isolated laughing stock on the world stage. Worse, Brexiteers in government refuse to admit they were wrong. They can't even concede they oversold what could be delivered in any Brexit negotiation. Instead, we have Mr Fox telling the BBC, apparently with a straight face, that Brexit is "survivable" and is not akin to "suicide". "Brexit, we may get out alive" doesn't quite have the same ring to it as "the easiest trade deal in human history", does it? Not that those championing Brexit care. They don't give a toss that Brexit is putting jobs, food security, drug availability and the living standards of its citizens at risk. They appear unconcerned that, following the overwhelming defeat of Theresa May's deal in the House of Commons last night, the country is hurtling towards a catastrophic 'no deal', with no escape route in sight. Like any brainwashed adherents of a cult, facts and evidence don't matter. The only thing they give credence to is their faith - and their belief in Brexit is such that they are willing to risk it all in service to the cause. A glib Mr Gove, who formerly boasted the UK "holds all the cards", could only quote from 'Game of Thrones' yesterday, warning "winter is coming" if no deal becomes a reality. Winter may be coming, but he won't feel the cold. It will be working class British people, those without trust funds and hedge funds, who will bear the brunt. If politicians could be charged with recklessly endangering a country, then the slack-jawed oafs in the Conservative Party still braying their support for Brexit would be first in the dock. Having built their careers on decades of maligning the EU, blaming it for societal problems that were actually a result of decisions taken by domestic politicians, they cannot now come clean and admit the EU was just a convenient whipping boy deployed regularly to deflect and absorb public anger. Large swathes of the British media too have covered themselves in ignominy, wholeheartedly endorsing the Brexit delusion of their gurning political acolytes and printing jingoistic articles in which immigrants were likened to vermin. While some have expressed sympathy for May, she doesn't deserve it. She is the author of her own downfall. Having been handed the unenviable task of defining Brexit, she could have opted to try to achieve some kind of consensus in parliament and civil society about what it really meant. Instead, the prime minister preferred to spout those banal platitudes about a "red, white and blue" Brexit, while also endorsing the harshest and most draconian of red lines, with the result she ended up with a pig's ear of a deal that satisfied nobody. The tragedy is she was warned - by moderate members of her own party, by senior civil servants, by business leaders and colleagues in the EU - that her approach was unnecessarily combative and rigid, but she refused to listen. In the words of a former head of the Foreign Office, Simon Fraser, "one of the many sad things about this destructive and humiliating Brexit fiasco is that people with knowledge and experience clearly explained the technical and political complexities from the start", but they were then ridiculed and ignored by these charlatans who really thought they knew better. The narrative of British exceptionalism, so beloved of British Tories who still harken back to their nation's glory days of empire, couldn't conceive of any notion of failure. They were supremely confident that they could dictate the terms of their exit deal and a supine EU, comprised of 27 other countries, would doff the cap and agree. Now that they are learning their place in the world is not as exalted as they once thought, time is running out to mitigate the oncoming disaster. A majority in parliament may not want to crash out of the EU, but March 29 is a 'drop dead' date - unless some kind of plan is in place by then, or unless the EU agrees to an extension, that is exactly what will happen. The Irish Government should now heed the lessons of the chaos in Britain and step up 'no deal' planning to ensure that collateral damage in this country is kept to a minimum. The danger is the Government has been so focused on the negotiations, and attempts to avoid the train crash of Brexit, that it is now woefully unprepared for the aftermath of the impact - and vague memos or plans to hire customs staff don't cut it. Senior members of the British government may be happy to sacrifice their country in pursuit of Brexit - but we cannot allow them to take us down with them. The EU's chief Brexit negotiator says he "profoundly" regretted the vote by MPs on Tuesday to reject the Withdrawal Agreement hammered out with Brussels. The British Government needs to explain how it intends to proceed with Brexit following the defeat of Theresa May's plan in the House of Commons, according to Michel Barnier. Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, he said the vote showed the "political conditions" were not yet present in London to ratify the agreement. "It is up to the British authorities today or tomorrow to assess the outcome of this vote and up to the British Government to indicate how we are going to take things forward on March 29 to an orderly withdrawal," he said. The European Union told Britain it could have a different kind of Brexit - but only if London changes its key demands. Mr Barnier defended the agreement struck with May that was crushed the previous evening by an alliance of British lawmakers on opposing sides of the Brexit divide, and warned that the risk of a disorderly withdrawal was now greater than ever. But the EU executive would step up its preparations, he said, for a disorderly exit that would disrupt the whole of Europe. Mr Barnier indicated that one way forward would be for Britain to accept even closer alignment with EU regulations to secure a very close trading relationship in future -- EU officials say London could, for example, abandon its determination to leave the EU customs union and single market. Mr Barnier said: "If the United Kingdom chooses to let its red lines change in future, and that it takes this choice for its advantage of the ambition of going beyond a simple but not negligible free trade accord, then the European Union would be ready immediately to ... respond favourably." That suggestion for a "deeper relationship" was echoed by the EU legislature's Brexit coordinator, Guy Verhofstadt. But Mr Barnier and others lined up to highlight how the vote in London exposed only divisions, without shedding light on what Britain's could actually rally behind as a consensual position, just 10 weeks before the country is set to leave the bloc, potentially into a legal limbo for its citizens and businesses. "Please, please, please tell us finally what you want to achieve," pleaded Manfred Weber, the centre-right leader in the chamber and an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Consequences But, he added, there was "no room for manoeuvre" in terms of renegotiating the current accord, which Brexit campaigners say leaves Britain too tied to EU rules, especially due to a "backstop" insurance clause intended to avoid throwing up a hard customs border across Ireland. Mr Barnier insisted there could be no weakening on that issue. "Right now its too early to assess all the consequences of this vote," he told a Strasbourg chamber that was sparsely attended for the early morning debate -- a fact that reflects a growing weariness in Europe with Britain's troubles. "We have respected and we continue to respect the democratic parliamentary debate in the UK and I will not speculate on the different scenarios. What yesterdays vote showed is that the political conditions for the ratification of the withdrawal agreement are not yet there in London." Some EU lawmakers have called for Britain to put the question of remaining in the EU to a second referendum. The chair of EU summits, Donald Tusk, suggested on Tuesday that division in Britain could lead to Brexit being cancelled. Frans Timmermans, the deputy head of the European Commission, citing a phrase often attributed to British fantasy novelist C.S. Lewis, suggested Britain should put its past tribulations behind it and seek a fresh start with the EU: "You can't go back and change the beginning," the former Dutch foreign minister said, "But you can start where you are and change the ending." But Nigel Farage, the former leader of the UK Independence Party which drove the campaign for the 2016 vote to leave, told fellow members of the European Parliament that any second ballot would deliver an even greater majority for quitting because Britons had been angered by the EU's stance in negotiations. Our motoring editor looks ahead to all the 191-reg plate cars coming our way this year. ALFA ROMEO: On the market now is the Stelvio 2.9 V6 bi-turbo 510hp AWD Quadrifoglio (118,795); also freshened Giulietta line-up. They are absorbing the diesel VRT increase on Giulia and Stelvio. AUDI: New A6 saloon (from 51,650 on-the-road) is on sale. Revised Q3 is a 191-reg too (petrol, diesel engines, front-wheel or quattro options). Second-gen compact A1 is here too. The new electric e-tron SUV arrives in the spring. Price, including a 4-year service plan, starts from 101,750 on-the-road. Expand Close BMW 7-Series / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp BMW 7-Series BMW: Its new 2019 models include the X5, 8-series Coupe (convertible arriving in the second quarter), the excellent 3-series and Z4 (from 50,420 expected in March). And a heavily revised 7-series is due. CITROEN: They have the new Berlingo van just here; the Berlingo itself and the C5 Aircross SUV arrive in March. DS: The new DS7 Crossback will launch in March and a new small SUV, DS 3 Crossback, is due for a bit later too. DACIA: The new Duster starts at 17,390. The Sandero and Logan MCV have been updated. FIAT: The new 500X has been updated inside and out; first Fiat model to have the brand's new turbo engines. FORD: All-new electric vehicle and new Kuga by year's end. The Mustang Bullitt is here with a 5-litre V8 (464PS). Priced from 73,000. The Mondeo hybrid estate is due next month. The Focus Active is due soon with 1.5 litre diesel and 1.0 litre EcoBoost petrol engines. High-performance variant of the current Ranger, the Raptor, will have a bi-turbo version of Ford's diesel with 213hp when it arrives in June. Expand Close Hyundai Kona electric / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hyundai Kona electric HONDA: The new CR-V hybrid arrives next month and will cost from 38,000. It has a 2-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack to pump 184PS. The front-wheel drive model has emissions of 120g/km and official average (combined) fuel economy of 5.3l/100km (53.3mpg). The all-wheel drive version's figures are 126g/km and 5.5 l/100km (51.4 mpg). I've already driven this abroad and it works well. It will be interesting to see public reaction to it. The CR-V's arrival coincides with the 50th birthday of a key Honda outlet in Dublin. So best wishes to all at Clonskeagh Motors. HYUNDAI: Lot of interest in the Kona electric with its 64Kwh battery (482km range). It costs from 35,995. Hyundai have a lot of up-specced cars, including the evergreen sales-topping Tucson. JAGUAR/LAND ROVER: A facelifted XE is scheduled with hybrid technology featuring. The new Range Rover Evoque will arrive for 192-plate. There is now a new Discovery Commercial as a 2-seater model from 43,367 (ex-delivery and excluding VAT at 9,974). Expand Close Jeep Wrangler / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jeep Wrangler JEEP: The Renegade gets a new look and engine line-up and is due from March. The new Wrangler will come as a 2dr and 4dr. KIA: The new Proceed, a shooting-brake version of the new Ceed has the new 1.4-litre direct injection 140bhp petrol initially. The eNiro electric vehicle is due in the spring; some advance models will arrive for March road testing. Choice of two batteries: 485kms (64kw) or 312 kms (39.2Kw). Also coming around the same time is the new Soul EV. LEXUS: The new ES 300h mid-size executive goes on sale soon (see Page One). RC 300h coupe updated and on sale (see Page One also). Brand's first compact crossover, the UX 200h, gets here in March: (39,500). MAZDA: They're looking forward to the arrival of the 7th generation Mazda3 from April. There will be a 4dr and 5dr; 2-litre petrol, 1.8 diesel and the new Skyactiv-X engine. They claim the latter has the fuel efficiency and torque of a diesel and significantly reduced Co2 emissions. CX-5 gets a few early-year changes. They will also have a limited 30th anniversary version of the MX-5. MERCEDES: Eight new, and seven face-lifted models due this year. They include petrol mild hybrids, petrol/diesel plug-ins and EQC electric mid-size SUV (420km range). Arriving February/March are the new A-Class saloon and B-Class. April/May/June: New CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLE (with 7-seat option). V-Class due a facelift. Also due around then is the EQC. July/September: new GLS expected. Facelifted GLC Coupe and SUV models in July. October/December: new GLB mid-size SUV arrives (slots below the GLC). AMG: The A45 and A45 S are expected Q1 as are GLC 43 and 63 SUV and GLE 53 SUV, GT facelift. The GLC 43 Coupe and GLC 63 Coupe are due Q2. The AMG CLA 35 and 45 Coupe are Q2 arrivals; so is the AMG A35 saloon. MITSUBISHI: Updated Outlander PHEV on the market. New L200 will in September. MINI: Emphasis will be on performance with the MINI Electric due later this year. Countryman Hybrid also expected. OPEL: New Corsa due later as a 5dr; electric version by 2020. Also 'later in 2019' will be the Grandland X plug-in hybrid and the next generation Vivaro. NISSAN: Longer range (330km-350km) 60kw LEAF is a Q2 arrival; also here are the new 1.3-litre and 1.7 PET Qashqai powered models. New 1-litre petrol in the Micra. Expect a new Juke. Expand Close Peugeot 508 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Peugeot 508 PEUGEOT: New 508 large-family fastback has arrived ahead of schedule. It costs from 32,400. The new Rifter, replacement for the Partner Tepee MPV, has arrived as has the new Partner. RENAULT: The Clio has been updated with an all-turbo engine range. The 0.9 TCe comes with 75hp or 90hp. Prices from 16,390. Captur benefits from a facelift and more spec. The Megane 1.5 dCi diesel is upped to 115hp; there's a new 1.3 TCe 140hp in most versions. Both Kadjar and Scenic get the new 1.3 TCe petrol. Diesel versions of the former will have the upgraded 1.5 dCi 115 engine, while the Scenic will get a new 1.7 dCi engine. Expand Close SEAT Tarraco / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp SEAT Tarraco SEAT: The Tarraco large SUV is imminent - early February. The sub-brand CUPRA is also being rolled out. Expand Close Skoda Kodiaq GT / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Skoda Kodiaq GT SKODA: The KODIAQ RS is a January registration (2.0TDI 240hp, 4x4 and DSG gearbox) promising serious performance. The SCALA (Rapid successor) is due by summer. Expect pricing around the 19,000 mark. Petrol TSi engines to range from 95hp to 150hp; there will be a 1.6TDI 115hp diesel. SUZUKI: The facelifted Vitara rolled out here tomorrow; 1.0 and 1.4 Boosterjet engines. TESLA: They expect right-hand drive production of the Model 3 cars by mid-2019. Expand Close Toyota Supra / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Toyota Supra TOYOTA: Stunning new Supra here mid year. The RAV4 hybrid (2.5) is here. Corolla hatchback 'here' too with 1.8 hybrid and 2.0 hybrid powertrains. Also a 1.2T petrol. Hybrid from 26,370. Corolla Touring Sport Hybrid (estate) due third week of February (1.8 and 2.0 hybrid). From 28,420. Corolla saloon hybrid also third week of February; 1.8 hybrid powertrain. Hybrid prices from 26,820. Camry 2.5 hybrid is due by April; from 39,750. Some minor changes to the Prius (from 32,250). VOLKSWAGEN: The first of the electric ID. range will debut by the end of 2019 and go on sale in 2020. Models will have ranges of between 330kms and 550kms with fast-charging of up to 125kW. Their smallest crossover, the T-Cross, arrives in April. Two petrol engines initially, both 1.0-litre TSI (95hp, 115hp). Expect a 95bhp 1.6-litre diesel too. The GTi TCR (Touring Car Racing) is due early this year. It pumps 'around 290hp'. 48,000 or so. Passat gets a facelift for 192. A revised GTE version also on the cards. VOLVO: New S60 from April (T5 petrol); T4 petrol, T8 Twin Engine Hybrid and T6 Twin Engine hybrid follow for 192. Refreshed XC90 due for 192 (D5 and T8 Twin power). Stills from the Gillette ad which, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, asks is this the best men can get? Stills from the Gillette ad which, in the wake of the #MeToo movement, asks is this the best men can get? So, the new Gillette ad has caused some controversy. The brand's old tag line of "The best a man can get" has been used to ask, in the light of the #MeToo movement, "Is this the best a man can get?" and it has got some men (and women too) very riled up. Now let's be clear, this is first and foremost a marketing campaign and it is doing what only the very best marketing campaigns can do - causing controversy and making people talk about it. But that aside, the message is a welcome one from a very male brand and one wonders if this could be a tangible sign of a major cultural shift which ultimately will benefit not only women, but men too. Last week, The American Psychological Association released a report following 40 years of research on 'masculine ideology' that states that "traditional masculinity ideology has been shown to limit males' psychological development, constrain their behaviour, result in gender role strain and gender role conflict and negatively influence mental health and physical health". This masculine ideology is more commonly referred to today as 'toxic masculinity' and I think that it is this term that many men find very difficult to the point of some denying that it even exists. First of all, it is important to understand the difference between masculinity and men. Masculinity is defined as referring to the attributes that are usually associated with being male, such as strength, power, assertiveness, stoicism, etc. The toxic nature of masculinity in our culture is the negative side of these characteristics, which mean that men are generally not taught that it's ok to be emotional, to actively nurture and to appear vulnerable or weak. And at the extreme end of this ideology is the culture that encourages aggression and sense of entitlement. We have seen how poisonous the extreme end of this masculine culture can be and how it can be so dangerous for women. This toxic end of masculinity is why we have more men in prisons, why more men commit suicide and why, not all, but most women have experienced #everydaysexism at some point in their lives. To say that toxic masculinity doesn't exist is to deny all the evidence that it does. The Gillette ad captures this culture well when it highlights the negative behaviour of some men and says that men can't use the same old excuses, such as 'boys will be boys' any longer. In so doing, it reinforces something that feminism has been saying for years, and that is in order for women and men to live equally, men must hold other men accountable for their actions. Women cannot do this on our own. If we now accept that girls and women can be whoever they want to be, if we encourage them to be strong and assertive when it matters, then why on earth would we have a problem in telling our boys and men that they too can, and indeed should, step outside the narrow gender norms that society has imposed on us for centuries? We need to tell our sons that they too can be anything they want to be in life, be it a stay-at-home dad or a rocket scientist. We need our boys and men to know that it's ok for them not to feel ok and to ask for help. That it's ok for them to cry and to be vulnerable. Patriarchy, which has bred this toxic masculinity, hurts men just as much as it hurts women. The push-back by some men to this campaign by Gillette and the dismissal of toxic masculinity as being something that doesn't exist, is not that surprising. As the saying goes "when you are accustomed to privilege, equality can feel like oppression" and so I guess that men finding it difficult to hear that it's ok to be vulnerable and emotional when, for centuries, it has been seen as a mark of weakness or femaleness is somewhat understandable. But times are changing and men are changing. I have just spent two weeks in Australia, that bastion of manliness, where I witnessed the younger generation of men being so much more involved in the minutiae of family life than my generation generally were. These young men are taking responsibility for cooking and being so very hands on with their babies. If it's happening in Australia, it's also happening here and so I am hopeful that despite the push-back by some, often older, men, real change is happening. But I am also thankful to Gillette for their ad and its powerful message. And I am proud to say that I have bought their blue men's razors for years. We have lived for 166 years with the humble clothes peg - but now a Sligo man has been recognised for his redesign of the household accessory. IT Sligo Creative Design student Paul Roper is no stranger to inventions, having previously won an Enterprise Ireland Award for his 'Lock-on' invention, which allows the hitching of trailers to vehicles with a press of a button. Now, after witnessing his ill mother struggling to hang washing on the clothesline, Roper has designed a clothes peg that people of all abilities can use. The peg has been shortlisted for the Institute of Designers of Ireland 2018 annual IDI Irish Design Awards and Paul is currently in talks with a major retailer and distributor with access to an international market. "This idea came from seeing my poor mother struggle with this simple task when she suffered with cancer. I hope this product will help others with similar issues," Paul said. Paul, a mature student at the college, said he was "humbled" to be nominated for the awards and added; "I can't believe I'm among this high a calibre of designers." Expand Close Pictured: Paul's invention the 'MagPin' / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pictured: Paul's invention the 'MagPin' The Cliffoney local has named his invention the 'MagPin', short for 'magnet pin'. The 'T-shaped' pin is much bigger than a peg and is designed to always be on your line. The unique design means clothes are hung from the side as opposed to being clamped on top as you would with a traditional peg. There are three different hanging methods on each 'MagPin', including a hole for smaller items and a hook for trousers or shoes. An added advantage is the ease in which clothes can be taken off the line when dark clouds are spotted. Sadly, the person Paul designed the peg for, his mother, passed away from cancer before seeing the final product. Paul didn't take the traditional route in his design career - he left school at the age of 15 and took up an apprenticeship as a carpenter. When the economy slumped, Paul emigrated with his family to Canada where he worked in multiple jobs before returning to Ireland. He was also one of the best poker players in Europe and has played at some of the biggest tournaments in the world. However, Paul wanted to change his career path completely and returned to college as a mature student at the age of 43. He started studying Quantity Surveying and received his degree in QS last year. He then transferred to study Creative Design. The IDI Ireland Awards will take place on the 24th of January at Dublins Custom House Quay and the winners will be announced that evening. The Taoiseach ate a "very nice Hereford steak" hours after he said he was cutting back on red meat, comments that have caused an angry backlash. Leo Varadkar has been accused of being "reckless" and "flippant" after he revealed he was reducing his meat consumption for health reasons and to decrease his carbon footprint. Farming groups and Opposition TDs have reacted furiously to his comments at a Fine Gael party think-in. However, during heated exchanges in the Dail, Mr Varadkar insisted: "I was specifically asked what I was doing on climate change and I said that I was trying to eat less red meat - not giving it up. "I had a very nice Hereford steak last night." The Irish Independent understands Mr Varadkar took Fine Gael colleagues to an upmarket Dublin restaurant specialising in steaks that evening. But Mr Varadkar's comments have been described as "reckless in the extreme", "flippant" and "hurtful" at a time when farmers are threatened by Brexit. The Taoiseach however stood by the remarks he made on Monday and said he had a "very nice Hereford steak" hours after he made them. Mr Varadkar also told the Dail that he's trying to eat less red meat for two reasons - health and climate change. In the face of heavy Opposition criticism, he said: "It's not flippant. It is a fact that red meat increases instance of cancer and also contributes more to climate change." Mr Varadkar's initial comments came at Fine Gael's parliamentary party meeting where he said tackling climate change is the "next big progressive cause" the party wants to champion. It prompted a wave of criticism from farmers groups, with Irish Cattle and Sheep Association president Patrick Kent saying they were "reckless in the extreme". Mr Kent added that the Taoiseach would be better served putting his efforts into preventing vast quantities of inferior meat products entering the EU from the other side of the world. He called upon Mr Varadkar to clarify that he wasn't suggesting people should eat less sustainably produced Irish beef and lamb. Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Pat McCormack said Mr Varadkar's "timing couldn't be worse" due to Brexit. He defended the environmental record of the Irish beef and dairy industries. On Mr Varadkar's linking of red meat to cancer, Mr McCormack appealed to him to "pause for a minute and think about the impact of his remarks on the reputation and standing" of the agricultural sector. Irish Farmers' Association president Joe Healy said the remarks were "disappointing" and he argued that Irish farmers have increased their output without increasing emissions. He said farmers will seek a clarification on Mr Varadkar's remarks when he attends their AGM later this month. In the Dail, Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill accused Mr Varadkar of making a "flippant comment" that was "totally inappropriate for a head of government and damaging to a hugely important industry". Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae accused Mr Varadkar of not understanding the anger his comments had caused and said they were "hurtful" to farmers. Mr Varadkar told the Dail he had said he was trying to eat less meat, "not giving it up". "I can reassure deputies I have not become a vegan or anything like that and I'm very happy to eat fish landed in Donegal and poultry and turkeys and pork meat and all of the wonderful products that Irish farmers of all sorts produce." Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has left a Fine Gael colleague's proposal to charge a lower property tax rates for homes in affluent areas on the table. Fianna Fail is demanding clarity on the Government's plans for the Local Property Tax (LPT) and accused Fine Gael of "playing games" on the issue. The Departments of Finance, Housing and the Taoiseach, along with the Revenue, are reviewing the LPT system. Officials are to report to Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe in the coming months. The rates paid by households are based on valuations after the economic crash but prices have risen considerably since then. There are fears people will be hit with massive LPT hikes next year if the system is not changed. But Culture Minister Josepha Madigan, says she wants to see a lower LPT rate in areas with the highest house prices. "Residents of south Dublin, for example, should be entitled to reliefs as they could be most affected," she said. The proposal sparked criticism from Opposition politicians. Property prices in parts of Mr Murphy's own Dublin Bay South constituency like Ranelagh and Ballsbridge are also among the highest in the country. However, he has refused to comment on whether or not he supports Ms Madigan's suggestion, thereby leaving the proposal on the table. A spokesman said: "Minister Murphy is involved in the review of the LPT and so cannot comment on specific proposals." Ms Madigan is not the only minister who has entered the debate over the future of LPT. Her constituency rival, Independent Alliance Minister Shane Ross, has sought exemptions for pensioners who are on a fixed income. Fianna Fail criticised the Government for not providing clarity on the future of the LPT for householders and local authorities, saying an announcement had been expected in last October's Budget. Its housing spokesman, Darragh O'Brien, claimed: "There's no reason why this review shouldn't have been published already and Fine Gael has been playing games with this." He raised suspicions that Fine Gael is planning to time an announcement that property taxes won't increase just before the local elections. Party colleague Michael McGrath argued that ministers like Ms Madigan and Mr Ross are calling for changes the Government is responsible for bringing about. He said the Government "needs to be coherent and businesslike on this issue", to agree a collective position and explain it to the public. Mr McGrath was asked about comments by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that changes in the bands and rates in LPT could mean people could see no increase or perhaps a modest increase or decrease in 2020 after the revaluation. Fianna Fail's finance spokesman said: "Talk is cheap. We are now in 2019. People want to know where they stand." Mr Donohoe has said any changes will be "affordable and predictable". Last night, a Department of Finance statement said the review of the LPT is being finalised by officials and will be presented to the minister shortly. It said the residential property revaluation date is November 1. "The Government will make its position clear so that households will know well advance what its plans are for LPT," it added. The family of a 38-year-old woman who was given her third cancer diagnosis shortly before Christmas have started a fundraising drive to help her receive the medical care she needs. Westport native Regina Duffy was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. She successfully underwent treatment but was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2014, which she also battled with treatment. Just months after she got married to her partner Jason Donoghue in March 2018, Regina was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. According to her sister-in-law Sian Duffy, who started a fundraising page alongside Reginas sister, the news came just weeks before Christmas. It all happened very quickly, it came out of the blue. This time around shes coping without her mum, who passed away in 2016, whereas with the previous battles her mum was there along the way, Sian told Independent.ie. At the time of her wedding last year, she had finished her treatment for the tumor. There were side effects of course, it takes a long time to recover from such grueling treatment, but she went back to work as a teacher. We thought everything was going well. Expand Close Regina Duffy (38) from Co Mayo is battling a rare form of cancer. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Regina Duffy (38) from Co Mayo is battling a rare form of cancer. Last week, Regina and her husband made the journey to New York, where they have sought treatment for the rare disease at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre. The problem is that there isnt any treatment here for it. It's rare, and not as well researched here. The prognosis was very bleak, there wasnt any treatment. She went out there last week, shes being seen and assessed, and there is treatment they can offer. How long shell be there will depend on the length of the treatment needed. Sian said the news has had a devastating effect on Regina and the family but said the support from the local community has lifted her spirits. Regina had worked as a teacher in Naas for many years, before moving to a school in Claremorris when she moved back to Mayo last year. Shes very strong, brave and optimistic. It's devastating after her previous two battles, thats difficult to deal with, but she's trying to stay positive and upbeat, Sian said. The response from her former pupils has sort of caught her off guard. It's amazing. I think thats given her a boost. Although what were doing is hard, you realise how good people are and theres a comfort in that. Over 58,000 has been raised in three days, out of the 250,000 target the family have set to cover the costs of the treatment in New York. Regina, you are truly a hero in my eyes. No matter what life throws at you, you smile and conquer. Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending lots of love, one well-wisher wrote. The whole of Ireland is behind you. Doctors have warned about medical experimentation after a man was hospitalised who admitted repeatedly injecting himself with his own semen in an attempt to treat back pain. The 33-year-old patient developed a subcutaneous abscess on his right arm, where he had been injecting himself with semen on a monthly basis for a year and a half. A radiograph at the Dublin hospital also revealed emphysema and oedema excess watery fluid under the skin. An intravenous antimicrobial drip to treat the mans unusual condition was started immediately, but he opted to discharge himself without allowing doctors to make an incision to drain the local collection. He had devised the treatment independent of any medical advice, and revealed that he injected one monthly dose of semen for 18 consecutive months using a hypodermic needle that he bought on the internet. The case was revealed in a report published by the Irish Medical Journal, which was titled Semenly Harmless Back Pain: An Unusual Presentation of a Subcutaneous Abscess'. It prompted the author of the case report, Dr Lisa Dunne of Adelaide and Meath Hospital in Tallaght, to conduct a wide review of sources for information regarding the use of semen for the treatment of back pain or other conditions. She concluded that there were no other reported cases of intravenous semen injection to be found anywhere in medical literature, and a broader search of the internet found no source that recommended this as a cure. This is the first reported case of semen injection for use as a medical treatment, she concluded. The patient had presented in hospital complaining of sudden and severe lower-back pain. He reported having lifted a heavy steep object three days before, after which his symptoms had worsened. However, a thorough physical examination of his upper and lower limbs identified a small, red papule on his right arm. He disclosed at this stage that he had been injecting his own semen as an innovative method of treating back pain. The red area spread down his arm and hardened around the entry wound over the course of the next 24 hours, according to the case report. Dr Dunne described the case as unique and said it demonstrated the risks of innovative treatments that are relied upon prior to clinical research in the form of phased trials. Fianna Fail has demanded urgent government engagemet with nurses who have threatened strike action later this month. The party also want an expert group chaired by a judge to assess the dispute. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has given notice of a 24-hour strike on January 30 amid a row over pay and conditions. Psychiatric Nurses Association of Ireland (PNA) has also warned of industrial action. The Dail will today debate a Fianna Fail motion to engage with the INMO and the PNA to resolve the dispute. The party is calling on the government to commission an independent judge-led review of the nursing and midwifery professions which will examine remuneration, contracts and allowances. The aim of the review would be to address that Fianna Fail say is chronic recruitment and retention issues. Health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said: We are facing into many weeks of discontent. The INMO will hold the first of six nationwide 24-hour strikes on January 30, while the PNA is planning a three-day stoppage from February 12. He said there must be urgency placed on engagement between the government and these organisations. He added: We need to bear in mind the changing nature of the nursing and midwifery professions in recent years and the ever increasing demands of their jobs given the countrys demographic needs. We believe these issues and their overall grievances should be independently assessed by an expert group chaired by a Judge. This expert group would examine the extra specialities and extended duties that have evolved in the nursing and midwifery profession as well as remuneration, contracts and allowances. Mr Donnelly argued that the INMO are asking a very reasonable question. He added: Theyre saying they are the lowest paid degree level graduates in our healthcare system. They point to allied health professionals like physio-therapists and say we have degrees, they have degrees and yet we the nurses are paid about 6,000 less. Why is that? Thats really the question that theyre posing to government. The threatened strike is around pay parity and the government has to date failed to address that issue. It was put to Mr Donnelly that if nurses get a pay rise, other public servants will want one and he was asked if there was any way around that. He replied: this is the balance we have to strike. We have to operate within the national pay agreement, the national pay framework. What we dont want is a situation where a potential award for nurses and midwives leads on to multiple awards from other places therefore endangering the opportunity for nurses and midwives in the first instance. He said this is why Fianna Fail want an independent commission led by a judge to to look at pay, conditions, allowances, staffing and career progression. Sinn Fein, Labour and the Social Democrats have tabled an amendment to the Fianna Fail motion because they believe it needs to be strengthened. Sinn Fein health spokesperson Louise OReilly said they dont disagree on the need for a Commission but that they believe it should have a six-week time-frame to deliver a report. Labours Alan Kelly said he believed Fianna Fails motion isnt strong enough and wont have the desired impact as theres no time-frame and its not dealing with pay. He said: Today not just debate a motion that is laudable but actually put forward a motion thats amended that has some teeth and will actually push the government into actually doing something. Mr Kelly said there is concern that pay rises for nurses would lead to claims elsewhere in the public sector. But he also pointed to working conditions for nurses which he argued are unacceptable. And he said: There is concern in relation to an escalation of other pay claims but specifically and this is why its so important that we look at this in an isolated way. Specifically within the pay agreement there is recognition that the whole issue of recruitment and retention has too be dealt with and there is in that agreement conditionality based on that. That hasnt been met and because that conditionality hasnt been met all the nurses have left after their ballot which we have to recognise is the withdrawal of their labour. What were putting forward now is a mechanism while the pay agreement is in place to leverage that conditionality, use it in order to deal with this issue. Earlier Fine Gael TD Kate OConnell accused Fianna Fails Stephen Donelly of speaking out of both sides of his mouth" and contradicting himself in remarks on entry level nurses, She said that last weekend he told RTE that nurses are the lowest paid graduate profession in our healthcare profession. Ms OConnell quoted an Oireachtas committee meeting from last July where he said new entrant nurses are very well paid compared to private sector workers and Irish nurses are among the best paid in the world. Mr Donnelly said the sections of his committee contribution referred to by Ms OConnell didnt reflect his overall remarks and accused Fine Gael of selectively quoting him. He said: What I said was if you were looking in from the outside and you did an international comparison, the data is what it is. And one could be forgiven from concluding that there may not be a problem but in fact there is a problem and something needs to be done. So my conclusion back in July was that there was a problem with recruitment and retention. He said that a Public Service Stability Agreement report published last October compares Irish graduate nursing salaries with English-speaking countries that seek to hire Irish nurses. What it shows is that for Canada, Australia and the US the starting salary in Ireland is significantly lower than it is in all of those countries. So whats happening? Our nurses are graduating. Some of them are working in hospitals or community settings in Ireland. Theyre getting phone calls from their friends saying Im in Boston, Im in Sydney, Im in Ontario. Im getting paid a lot more money and by the way its a lot cheaper to live here why dont you come over? Photo: Jama network The hands of a youth with rheumatic arthritis. The only Interior B.C. doctor specializing in the treatment of juvenile arthritis has retired, leaving young families forced to make regular trips to Vancouver while the specialists replacement is tied up in red tape. Dr. Katherine Gross has been practicing general paediatric medicine in Penticton for 28 years, along with a subspecialty of paediatric rheumatology. Its not an uncommon condition, she explained. People think that arthritis affects adults and dont think of it affecting children when actually its about as common as type-one diabetes. In youth, the disease is caused by an autoimmune condition that leads to painful inflammation in the joints and a variety of other conditions. Its often treated with chemotherapy, meaning the kids need to see a specialist as often as every 12 weeks. Dr. Gross is the only doctor specialized in the condition outside the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island and sees children from across the Thompson-Okanagan and Kootenays. She has managed to secure a replacement for her general paediatric practice, but a strong candidate with the same speciality faces regulatory barriers. We started planning about two years ago and thought we had someone that would be able to take over from me, she said. The replacement specialist was trained in paediatric rheumatology in Vancouver, but the bulk of her medical education occurred in India, a jurisdiction the BC College doesnt recognize. Dr. Gross explained the BC College has programs to get foreign general practitioners working in Canada through a three-month supervised job-shadow system, but those programs dont exist for specialists. We feel she would do a really excellent job, Dr. Gross said. Thats a frustration, it may work out in the long run, but not for the moment. The candidate we have has been given landed immigrant status in Canada based on her skills, but then shes unable to use those skills because she cant get licensed. That seems to be a catch-22 that Canada needs to deal with. Dr. Gross, who comes from Australia, says she will be staying in Penticton in her retirement and will miss her very satisfying, wonderful career. But it's the time in my life that it's time to step down. Getting up in the night one-in-four nights is hard to do when you get to my age. She is considering some sporadic locum work, and is currently working in a temporary role until the end of February, but cant commit to running the whole paediatric rheumatology outreach program. The doctors in Vancouver who most of her patients will have to travel to have voiced their own concerns about being able to handle the increased caseload, she said. To bring attention to the issue, B.C. charity Cassie and Friends will tour ten Okanagan elementary schools later this month with a puppet show, educating more than 2,500 students about juvenile arthritis The pet dogs of type 1 diabetics can be trained to sniff out dangerous episodes of low blood sugar, the biggest study conducted so far has shown. Researchers from Bristol University in the UK assessed the reliability of 27 dogs for between two and four months and compared their alerts to blood records kept by their owners each time the animal sensed something was wrong. They found that on average the dogs correctly alerted their owners to 83pc of hypoglycaemic episodes in more than 4,000 incidents. Some were able to predict an attack 60 minutes before symptoms began to show. Hypoglycaemia, also known as low blood sugar, can be extremely serious, resulting in seizures, loss of consciousness, even death. The dogs were trained by the charity Medical Detection Dogs to respond to respond to the change in odour when blood sugar drops so that the sufferer can eat to restore glucose levels. Farming groups and Opposition TDs have reacted furiously to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's remarks that he's eating less meat to reduce his carbon footprint. Mr Varadkar's comments have been described as "reckless in the extreme", "flippant" and "hurtful" at a time when farmers are threatened by Brexit. The Taoiseach last night stood by the remarks he made on Monday and said he had a "very nice Hereford steak" hours after he made them. Independent.ie can reveal that he took Fine Gael colleagues to an upmarket Dublin restaurant specialising in steaks that evening. Mr Varadkar also told the Dail that he's trying to eat less red meat for two reasons - health and climate change. In the face of heavy Opposition criticism, he said: "It's not flippant. It is a fact that red meat increases instance of cancer and also contributes more to climate change." Mr Varadkar's initial comments came at Fine Gael's parliamentary party meeting where he said tackling climate change is the "next big progressive cause" the party wants to champion. It prompted a wave of criticism from farmers groups, with Irish Cattle and Sheep Association president Patrick Kent saying they were "reckless in the extreme". Mr Kent added that the Taoiseach would be better served putting his efforts into preventing vast quantities of inferior meat products entering the EU from the other side of the world. He called upon Mr Varadkar to clarify that he wasn't suggesting people should eat less sustainably produced Irish beef and lamb. Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Pat McCormack said Mr Varadkar's "timing couldn't be worse" due to Brexit. He defended the environmental record of the Irish beef and dairy industries. On Mr Varadkar's linking of red meat to cancer, Mr McCormack appealed to him to "pause for a minute and think about the impact of his remarks on the reputation and standing" of the agricultural sector. Irish Farmers' Association president Joe Healy said the remarks were "disappointing" and he argued that Irish farmers have increased their output without increasing emissions. He said farmers will seek a clarification on Mr Varadkar's remarks when he attends their AGM later this month. In the Dail, Fianna Fail TD Jackie Cahill accused Mr Varadkar of making a "flippant comment" that was "totally inappropriate for a head of government and damaging to a hugely important industry". Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae accused Mr Varadkar of not understanding the anger his comments had caused and said they were "hurtful" to farmers. Mr Varadkar told the Dail he had said he was trying to eat less meat, "not giving it up". "I can reassure deputies I have not become a vegan or anything like that and I'm very happy to eat fish landed in Donegal and poultry and turkeys and pork meat and all of the wonderful products that Irish farmers of all sorts produce." It is a busy time for Leaving Cert students and it can be stressful. One way to attempt to keep this stress at bay is to focus on completing some essential tasks that will help students feel they are getting through their workload and moving closer to their post-Leaving Cert goals. Below are a number of suggestions that will help them keep on track and be well prepared for the months ahead. It is a busy time for Leaving Cert students and it can be stressful. One way to attempt to keep this stress at bay is to focus on completing some essential tasks that will help students feel they are getting through their workload and moving closer to their post-Leaving Cert goals. Below are a number of suggestions that will help them keep on track and be well prepared for the months ahead. Register with the CAO Despite the CAO being open for applications since November 5, and numerous reminders from guidance counsellors, many of those who intend to submit a CAO application this year have not yet registered. The CAO offers a discounted rate of 30 for applicants who register before January 20. The rate for registering between January 20 and February 1 is 45. Many students delay this step as they do not feel ready to complete the application. However, no applicant will be at a disadvantage for completing this step early as applicants can continue to work on their application until the deadline of February 1. Once registered, applicants can begin exploring the application form. The form is very straightforward and allows applicants to save their work and return at any time. The most difficult part of the process is deciding the courses for which to apply and the order in which to place them. Applicants who wish to be considered for the HEAR or DARE schemes must register and indicate this on their CAO form before February 1. It is also very helpful for anyone considering applying for the SUSI grant to indicate this in the relevant section before February 1. Apply for a PLC course I advise all my students to apply for a Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course, irrespective of their plan for next year. This sector really does offer something for everyone and it is often the students who does not fully research their options in further education who are left with no place come August. Students who are dreaming of high-points degree programmes will find a wide array of PLC courses that may help them to access their coveted CAO place next year, if the Leaving Cert does not go as planned. Make an appointment with your guidance counsellor Students who may feel overwhelmed with stress, are struggling with study or career choices, or find that personal issues are affecting their ability to reach their full potential at Leaving Cert could all benefit from making an appointment with the guidance counsellor. As well as being experts in the education system, they are vocational and personal counsellors and can help students learn how to manage issues that may be affecting their academic performance in advance of the exams. In relation to careers, a guidance counsellor can help in a number of ways. They can suggest extra courses based on what a student has already found, they can discuss the pros and cons of courses, challenge ideas and help a student clarify their order of preference list. This is a very busy time of year in schools. It is likely a large number of sixth year students will also want to meet the guidance counsellor before the February 1 deadline. Rushed appointments are no help to anyone so book one early and prepare well for it. Aoife Walsh is a guidance counsellor at Malahide Community School, Co Dublin High Street blow: Up to 90 stores could be closed across the Debenhams chain Debenhams has refused to guarantee more than 1,600 Irish jobs are safe amid reports that up to 90 stores face the axe. A further 1,000 jobs are at risk at high street giant Marks and Spencer - although its latest wave of closures do not include Irish shops. Marks has announced plans to shut 100 stores by 2022 - which included a closure in Newry - as it moves a third of its sales online. A Debenhams spokesperson would not comment if any Irish stores will be closed following claims it may double the outlets it shuts in the next three to five years. A senior official at Mandate, which represents 1,600 Debenhams staff, said he had been unable to clarify the chain's plans for Ireland since it announced 50 stores would close late last year. Assistant general secretary Gerry Light said he would seek an urgent meeting with management in the coming days to discuss its plans. Debenhams has 11 stores in the Republic, including outlets in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Waterford and Newbridge. It is understood an internal memo from chief executive Sergio Bucher attempts to reassure staff there is a solid business plan after he was voted off the board last Friday. "There have been concerns about Debenhams for some time in terms of how it is managing to compete in the modern marketplace," said Mr Light. "There has been much speculation about closures. "We met senior management last November about the ongoing difficulties facing the business including control of the business as there was speculation that there would be store closures late last year. We tried to tease that out with the management team. I got a sense there were no immediate plans for the closure of the Irish stores but we were not given a definite response." He said a dramatic annual general meeting last week had fuelled recent speculation about closures. Debenhams announced it could shut 50 stores last October following yearly losses of almost 560m. It went into examinership two years ago, blaming high rents. Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley owns almost 30pc of the company and ousted the chairman and forced the chief executive to leave the board at last week's AGM. Last year, the company made a pre-tax loss of 246,000 in Ireland. Meanwhile, the Government has shot down claims it will table a new pay offer for over 40,000 nurses to avert six strikes from January 30. General secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses Association Peter Hughes claimed department officials would table proposals on Monday to bring nurses' wages in line with other professions following a meeting with officials from the Department of Health. He said overtime and spending on agency staff would be used to offset the cost of the proposals. But Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe's department said there was "no basis or validity" to the claims. "The claim is cost increasing by its very nature with potential repercussive claims arising from other public service employees if it were to be conceded. There is no question of any such trade off on cost neutrality being considered," said a spokesperson. Health Minister Simon Harris said any solution would have to be found within the framework of the public service pay deal, which rules out cost-increasing claims. Nurses plan a 24-hour strike on January 30, and five other dates next month. They want wage hikes in the region of 12pc to put their pay on a par with other healthcare staff including radiographers, on the back of a recruitment and retention crisis. Government ministers have warned they will not improve on a 20m offer for nurses in specialised grades. The Public Service Pay Commission recommended the offer but found no general recruitment crisis among nurses. A van driver who said he was tired and hungry when he lost it and attacked a taxi man in a dispute over parking has received a suspended prison sentence. Geoffrey Cotter (48) was taking a lunch break from delivering oil and had parked in a taxi rank when David Carey asked him to move to let him get his taxi into the rank. Garda Colin Hampson told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Cotter told Mr Carey to f*** off. Cotter then got out of his van and told the victim I'll punch the head of any taxi driver who gets me clamped. Mr Carey asked Cotter to go away and that Cotter then went mental, the court heard. He opened the door of Mr Carey's car and began punching him. CCTV footage played in court showed him taking his top off and moving his body into the car. Cotter of Tubber Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin admitted assault causing harm to Mr Carey at Marlborough Place, Dublin 1 on June 2, 2016. Judge Martin Nolan said he punched and probably kicked the victim. Mr Carey lost consciousness and suffered soft tissue bruising across his body. Judge Nolan suspended a two year prison sentence on condition that Cotter be of good behaviour. He also ordered him to pay a total sum of 3,000 over to his solicitor as a token of remorse. If the victim is unwilling to accept this money Judge Nolan said it will be given to a charity. The court heard the victim has recovered from his physical injuries but still suffers anxiety about sitting in his car in a rank. In a victim impact statement he said he was out of work for nearly two years because of the attack. Cotter later went to gardai and admitted attacking Mr Carey. He was working for the Frylite oil company on the day and had begun work at 6am. He said he was absolutely exhausted and very hungry and was taking a scheduled tachograph break. He parked in the taxi rank and had returned with a sandwich when he met Mr Carey. He claimed that Mr Carey had shouted at him and called him a dirty little scumbag and told gardai I just lost it. Judge Nolan said the attack was unprovoked. Justin McQuade BL, defending, told the court that Cotter told gardai he was sorry. He said the attack was totally out of character and his client said I'm not a violent person at all. The father of four has a previous conviction for dangerous driving causing death from 2003. He also has convictions for assault from 2004 and the court heard he is a fully recovered heroin addict who relapsed briefly around that time. Judge Nolan said that Cotter was a good family man with a good work history who had conquered his past difficulties. A US court has asked for legal submissions before deciding whether to recognise the Bahamas bankruptcy of former media mogul Anthony O'Reilly. The former billionaire wants the bankruptcy recognised in the US to block his former personal nurse, Sabina Vidunas, from restarting a civil action against him. Ms Vidunas alleges he reneged on a promise to give her tens of millions of dollars worth of shares in HJ Heinz company and Providence Resources. She is opposing recognition of the Bahamas case in US courts on grounds Mr O'Reilly lives in France, among other things. A judge in Pittsburgh yesterday gave attorneys time to file additional briefs in the matter. Ms Vidunas has alleged Mr O'Reilly's place of residence was not the Bahamas, citing the fact he lived in France. His address has been given as a chateau in Normandy. However, in a court filing, lawyers for bankruptcy trustee Alastair Beveridge argued the Bahamas was Mr O'Reilly's centre of main interest at the time he filed for bankruptcy in 2015. The lawyers said his principal place of residence had been the Bahamas when the bankruptcy proceedings were initiated, but he was forced to move to France when his real estate was liquidated. They said the chateau was owned by Mr O'Reilly's wife and he had no right, title or interest in it. A statement of affairs dated March 31, 2016, exhibited in the court filing, showed Mr O'Reilly had debts of around 170m at the time, but just 4.6m in unencumbered assets. His debts included 46.8m owed to ACC Loan Management Ltd, 45.6m owed to Lloyds Bank International Ltd and 44.4m owed to LSF VIII Pine Investments Ltd. Other debts included a sum of 15.5m owed to AIB, $8m owed to EFG Bank & Trust Ltd, $6.3m owed to BNY Mellon National Association, 2.1m owed to Bank of Ireland and 1.18m owed to Ulster Bank. It listed an individual retirement account worth $756,955 which was believed to be protected against claims from creditors. It also listed pensions worth around 75,000 which it said may be protected against claims from creditors. An Irishman charged with having an illegal stun gun disguised as a torch has been granted bail by a judge, following his arrest at Birmingham airport. Thomas Kavanagh was detained after landing on Saturday, as part of a UK National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation. The married father-of-six had just returned from a family holiday in Mexico with his wife and children. He was later charged and appeared before magistrates on Monday, before a crown court bail hearing on Tuesday. Kavanagh was charged after NCA officers, supported by colleagues from An Garda Siochana and Staffordshire Police, searched his home address on Saturday, recovering a combination torch and stun gun. The pink-coloured stun-gun was discovered on top of a kitchen cupboard, the previous hearing was told. Kavanagh, who runs a car dealership and has lived in the UK for more than 15 years, was interviewed and charged with possession of a prohibited item under Section 5 of the Firearms Act. Following a 40-minute hearing at Stafford Crown Court on Tuesday, Judge Michael Chambers QC, granted the 51-year-old conditional bail. Kavanagh, of Sutton Road, Mile Oak, Tamworth, Staffordshire, was not required to appear in court for the hearing, which was held behind closed doors. His case was adjourned to be heard back at the same court on February 12, according to court officials. A 20-year-old man arrested alongside Kavanagh at Birmingham Airport has been released under investigation, the NCA said. A third man, aged 19, was also arrested and later released under investigation. Suspended solicitor Declan O'Callaghan is facing a lawsuit and a separate disciplinary tribunal over alleged professional negligence. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal had been due to hear complaints by businessman Tom Fleming and his son Sean against the Co Roscommon solicitor next week. However, the tribunal yesterday agreed to an application from Mr O'Callaghan's barrister Michael Mullooly to defer its hearing of the matter until after a High Court civil action, dealing with similar issues, is heard in May. The tribunal is set to investigate allegations Mr O'Callaghan purported to act for both the vendor and purchaser in a transaction where there was a clear conflict of interest and provided inadequate professional services. The case is one of a number against Mr O'Callaghan likely to come before the tribunal. Last month, the suspended solicitor consented to High Court orders freezing his accounts below 1.062m. Yesterday, Mr Mullooly sought an adjournment until after civil proceedings brought by the Flemings and a company called Nirvanna Property Holdings Limited have been heard. He argued his client would be prejudiced if the tribunal took place first. He also said he wanted to avoid a situation where the tribunal would be "a dry run" for the civil action. Tribunal chairman Philip Joyce agreed to an adjournment, saying it would ensure there was "no prejudice against any party". The application was opposed by Tom Fleming, who said his complaints had been before the tribunal for eight years. Mr O'Callaghan was suspended last year arising from concerns raised in an independent solicitor's report, including that he had withdrawn substantial fees from the estate of a bereaved child. Mr O'Callaghan reimbursed some 344,000 in fees to the child's estate, after accepting they were excessive. He has consistently denied any dishonesty. Last month, the High Court heard the Law Society was concerned the deficit in the client account of his former practice may be almost 1m. Kathleen Kenny (right) and her daughter Gillian arriving at Galway Court for the trial. The daughter of Oughterard publican and teacher, John Kenny, who was found dead in his pub seven years ago, told a jury yesterday she believed a group of Romanian men, led by one man in particular, had killed her father. Gillian Kenny told the trial: My father was made bits of. His injuries shattered every bone in his body. He was strangled. Gillian Kenny was giving evidence at Galway Circuit Criminal Court during the trial of 24-year-old Marian Lingurar, Jnr., who denies the manslaughter of Mr Kenny (56), at Kennys Pub, Main Street, Oughterard, on September 25, 2011. He also denies a charge of burglary by trespassing at Mr Kennys pub with intent to commit theft on the same date. Opening the evidence in the trial, Mr Patrick Gageby SC, prosecuting, told the jury of four women and eight men that Mr Kenny had been left the family pub by his late mother and following an amicable separation from his wife, Kathleen, he moved in there to live. The couple remained very good friends down through the years and were devoted to their daughter, Gillian. He said Mr Kenny was held in very high regard at Presentation College, Athenry, where he had taught for many years and he regularly opened Kennys pub only at weekends. He said the pub attracted a young clientele and that Mr Kenny took a drink himself. Mr Gageby said that a man named Florin Fitzpatrick, who was acquainted with the accused, and his father, Marian Lingurar Sr., worked in the pub at weekends. He said that on the evening before Mr Kennys death, the accused, who was 16 at the time, was acting as a bouncer and was checking patrons ages in the bar. Earlier that evening, Lingurar Sr. had driven his son from their home in Loughgeorge, Claregalway, to work in Kennys pub along with Florin Fitzpatrick. He returned around 10.30pm to bring them home and waited until patrons began to leave around 12.30am. Then, at around 1.30am, he drove the accused and Fitzpatrick home to Galway. Mr Gageby said that, in theory, that left just Mr Kenny - who was a bit the worse for wear alone in the pub. The next morning, a man found a phone broken on the footpath across the road from the pub and left it on a ledge. A local businessman found it around 5pm, put it back together and dialled the last number which had been used. Gillian Kenny thought her father was ringing her. She and her mother had been trying to contact him all day and were getting worried when he had not phoned them as usual. The man explained he had found the broken phone and the women went to the bar. The front door of the pub was open. They asked passer-by, Myles Upton, to come into the pub with them as they could not locate John Kenny. Mr Upton told the trial he noticed a chair had been wedged under the handle on the ladies toilet door, preventing anyone from opening it from the inside. He took the chair away and found Mr Kennys body lying on the floor. There was a green jacket covering his head. He was lying face down with his hands tied tightly behind his back with cable. His trousers had been pulled down around his thighs. Mr Gageby said a post mortem revealed Mr Kenny had suffered extensive injuries to his head, neck and trunk, both front and back. Multiple fractures were found, front and back, consistent with blows from a large object or kicks. Cause of death was deemed to be: Blunt force trauma and positional asphyxia. He explained that when a persons body is placed in such a position at Mr Kennys was, they would find it difficult to breathe. He said it was also the case that Mr Kenny was intoxicated and that didnt help him. He didnt die from a heart attack. He died because he was attacked, beaten, injured and left to die in the toilet of the family bar, Mr Gageby told jurors. He said it was the prosecutions case that the accused, having got a lift back to Galway with his father and Florin Fitzpatrick, at 1.30am, returned to Oughterard at 2.20am and stayed there for 40 minutes. Its our contention that the defendant returned to Oughterard and the only one inference we can draw from that is the desire to steal from the premises and from John Kenny and for that purpose, visit an assault on John Kenny, Mr Gageby said. Kathleen and Gillian Kenny confirmed John Kenny always carried cash in his pockets which he would take from the till on the nights it was open. They told the trial that he didnt trust Florin Fitzpatrick and had been in fear of him. They said the deceased had always been a kind, warm, fun-loving person but in the weeks leading up to his death something had been troubling him and he had been tearful and withdrawn. Kathleen Kenny said he had told her he was afraid of Florin, saying: Im a prisoner in my own home. She said he indicated to her that Florin and the other (Romanian men) were keeping him prisoner and that they had taken over the pub and he had no control over them. I never once dreamed my father would be murdered, Gillian Kenny told the trial. During cross-examination by Mr Colman Fitzgerald SC, defending, who put it to her that she had told Gardai in her statement seven years ago, that she believed Florin Fitzpatrick was to blame for her fathers death. Ms Kenny said her father was upset for a long time that Florin had been using him. He didn't want to talk about it. "We are left wondering why he was not himself that week. Everything said and unsaid will haunt me forever," she said. I know to this day who is responsible. I believe that Florin and his associates murdered him. There is no remorse, she added. We are still here looking for justice, seven years later. She told the jury this was the third trial she and her mother had to attend. The trial continues tomorrow and is expected to last into next week. A woman running massage parlours in Dublin who told gardai she thought the offering of manual relief was legal has received a fully suspended prison sentence Nan Wu (37) of Brandon Square, Waterville, Blanchardstown pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to controlling and directing the actions of prostitution for gain in the Dublin area in 2015. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced her to two years imprisonment, but suspended the entirety of the sentence for a period of three years on condition that she keep the peace and be of good behaviour. Sergeant David Bunn told Siobhan Ni Chulachain BL, prosecuting, that a member of the public complained that a high number of male visitors were attending a massage parlour in Olivemount, Windy Arbour, Dublin. Sgt Bunn called the establishment and was offered prostitution services. He obtained a search warrant and visited the business on April 17, 2017. He identified himself as a garda to the woman who opened the door and she showed him to the treatment room which contained a naked woman and man. The woman got dressed and then provided him with the phone number of her employer, Wu. Wu was arrested and interviewed by gardai. She admitted knowledge of her employees providing sex acts for money and told gardai about a second massage parlour she owned in which similar acts took place. Sgt Bunn agreed with James Dwyer SC, defending, that there was no evidence of coercion and that one of the woman working at the parlour had told gardai I am here of my own free will and no one has threatened me. Mr Dwyer said that there was no sexual intercourse taking place at the massage parlours and that those who visited could get what might be described as manual relief. He said Wu had not directed her employees to engage in sex acts, but rather that they learned to do so from her other employees. She did not directly profit from the acts as her employees kept the money they earned from illegal behaviour. Mr Dwyer said that Wu had believed that what her employees were doing was legal. She had once sacked an employee for having sex with a client. He argued that the lack of coercion meant the crime fell on the lower end of the scale regarding offences of this type. He said that the Criminal Assets Bureau was also bringing proceedings against Wu. Wu has no previous convictions and lives with her two children. She is originally from Dalian in China and has been living in Ireland for 17 years. Judge Sheahan said the aggravating factor in the case was the seriousness of the offence. She said the mitigating factors were Wu's plea of guilty, her previous good character and good work history, her loss of well paid employment and her young family. Judge Sheahan noted that as a result of the Criminal Assets Bureau inquiry any benefit that Wu obtained from illegality would not remain in her possession. A downtown Penticton staple has new owners. Tacos Del Norte has sold to a pair of cousins, including Nick Dosantos, a 25-year-old Osoyoos native fresh out of business school. In addition to being fed them regularly by his grandparents, he grew up crossing the border multiple times a week for tacos. We always had to go to Oroville to try to find authentic street tacos, he said. I finished my business degree in Edmonton and didnt want to sit in an office all day. So me and my cousin Emily Patrocinio were like, let's start a taco shop, he added. The cousins purchased the business off Ian Nelson, who started the food truck and storefront six years ago. He announced the sale via Facebook while on vacation in Mexico. All the cool catering events we did, all the concerts, festivals, Nelson said. All of you regulars that keep coming in day after day slaying plates of tacos emptying my beer fridge as fast as I can fill it, thank you. Dosantos said he recently took his own trip to Mexico, spending a month getting inspired by the local street food. They plan on renovating the space and installing a new kitchen and hope to be reopened within a month. He says customer favourites will stay on the menu. The tacos that Ian had, he called them inauthentic tacos, we will be keeping those still for everyone that enjoyed them, he said. But we will also bring the authentic side from my grandmas recipes. From Mexico, Nelson encouraged his customers to support the new owners. They put all their chips on the line for this one...show these guys a lot of support, he said. We did really good setting the bar making good tacos for Penticton, I started it because Penticton didnt have that yet. Im really happy how it went, but these guys are going to be better. Mourning: Kathleen Connors McDonagh (right) is helped at the inquest at Dublin Coroners Court. PHOTO: Gerry Mooney A 14-year-old boy bravely climbed into a burning portable cabin to rescue his four-year-old nephew from an horrific fire that claimed 10 lives. Little Tom Connors was the only survivor of the Carrickmines halting site tragedy. His teenage uncle John Keith Connors told how he pulled Tom out of the smoke-filled cabin barely alive. "I had Tom in my arms. He was trying to breathe. He was making choking noises," he said. John Keith had climbed into the cabin through a smashed bedroom window but was unable to see due to the thick black smoke. Three times he had to go back to the window to gulp a breath before returning inside. "There was that much smoke I couldn't open my eyes. I felt around the bed but there wasn't anybody on the bed," he said. "When I started feeling on the ground, I felt my brother and I tried to lift him and I couldn't lift him. I lost any breath I had." He also felt the body of his sister-in-law Sylvia (30). He tried to lift her too, but was unable to. John Keith told Dublin Coroner's Court that his father handed him a fire extinguisher to tackle the blaze, but when he pressed the button he couldn't get it to work. "My father was saying 'come out'. I knew I couldn't go back in again," he said. Thomas (28) and Sylvia Connors perished in the blaze, along with three of their five children, Jim (5), Christy (3) and five-month-old Mary. Their other surviving son Michael, then aged six, was staying in his grandparents' cabin that night. Also killed were Willie Lynch (25), a brother of Sylvia, along with his pregnant partner Tara Gilbert (27), and their daughters Jodie (9) and Kelsey (4). Jimmy Lynch (39), a brother of Willie and Sylvia, also died. They were all visiting the halting site on the Glenamuck Road when the fire broke out in the early hours of October 10, 2015. Gardai believe the fire was started by a chip pan in the kitchen. The inquest heard desperate attempts were made by family members to rescue their loved ones. Jim Connors Junior, a brother of Thomas and John Keith, pulled baby Mary from the burning cabin. He was unable to give his evidence in person as it would have been too distressing. However, his statement to gardai was read out for the jury. He told gardai how on the evening of October 9, 2015, he and some of the other adults were drinking in Thomas and Sylvia's cabin. He said Thomas was "smoking weed with his nerves". "It was 2am when I was leaving and we were all drunk," he said. He was woken some time later by his wife Katie screaming that Thomas's cabin was on fire. Jim Jnr kicked down the front door of the blazing cabin but was beaten back by the intense heat. "I could feel myself burning and I had to go back out," he said. He smashed the bedroom window and managed to pull out baby Mary. "I reached into the bed that I knew was there. I couldn't see anything with the smoke... I grabbed a child by the clothes and just reached backwards." The baby was passed to Kathleen Connors McDonagh who ran to her own chalet where she placed her on a bed with her own son, John (4). However moments later, as she raced back towards Thomas's blazing cabin, she saw her own home was now ablaze as the fire had spread. The inquest continues. Pictured: Some of the victims of the deadly Carrickmines fire TRAGIC baby Mary Connors showed no signs of life when she was pulled from a blazing portacabin in the Carrickmines halting site fire. The inquest at the Dublin City Coroners Court has been hearing from first responders to the scene. Fireman Ray Martin of Kill Avenue Fire Station told the hearing that they had received a call to go to a domestic fire at around 4.20am and when they had got to Cornelscourt Hill, they received an update that possibly several people were involved. They pulled up outside the halting site and he immediately began laying down the hose. A man in his 30s began to assist him with the hose, saying: You have to help them, please help them. Mr Martin said the radiant heat from the fire was extremely intense. He was informed that there could be a baby in one of the cabins that was on fire, with flames from top to bottom. They attacked the fire at the door and a woman told him: Shes in there, shes on the bed. They knocked back the flames, said Mr Martin , adding that there was a lot of thick smoke and heat. He couldnt see any flames as they entered the bedroom and he saw the baby lying on the bed, at the foot of the bed with the duvet turned over her. He took the baby off the bed and brought her to the door, handing her over to a colleague. There was no obvious signs of life, said Mr Martin. However there were burn marks on her face and on both forearms. Mr Martin said the two fire tenders had the capacity to deliver 8,000 litres of water to the fire and they had used around 475 litres a minutes. This would fight a fire for approximately eight to ten minutes but after that they would need a further source of water. Asked by Dublin City Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane if it had been a snatch rescue rather than a fire extinguishing operation, Mr Martin agreed. He had needed to wear his breathing apparatus because the atmosphere in the portacabin was unable to support life, he said. He had seen fire gasses above his head but no visible flames in the bedroom where the baby was. When we went in, it was extreme heat, he said. He had seen the baby as soon as he went into the bedroom. His first impression when he picked her up was that there was no signs of obvious life, he said. He eyes were closed and I saw no movement of her chest. I didnt check for a pulse because my priority was to take her out of the atmosphere, he said. Garda Robert Whitty told the inquest that baby Mary was pronounced dead in Tallaght Hospital at 5:31am. Paramedic Catriona Sheehan said when she arrived at the scene, she was directed to a child who had been placed in the seat of a fire truck just seconds before her arrival. She said the child was struggling to breathe and she tried to open up the airways but his jaws were locked. Ms Sheeran said she continued to work on the child in the ambulance with a defibrillator and ventilator. The child was four year old Tom Connors, who survived the fire. She said she had been met by the 15 year old youth who had saved the boy from the fire. He was "hysterical" and saying that he had tried to lift a man out but he was too heavy. Paramedic Rebecca Mooney told the hearing that a fireman had handed her a baby, whom she placed at the bottom on a stretcher along with her brother. She had removed the babys clothes because they were wet though the child was very hot, and she noted that there was soot around her nose and mouth. The baby was in cardiac arrest, she said. She informed her control that they had two patients, one in cardiac arrest and one in respiratory arrest and they were taken to the A&E at Tallaght hospital. In a deposition, Garda Barry Cormack of Cabinteely garda station informed the inquest that when he arrived at the scene, the residents were understandably highly agitated and that Kathleen Connors was shouting that the baby was still in the cabin. He and garda Tino ONeill had spoken to Kathleen in an attempt to comfort her. She was in a state of shock, he said. He witnessed the baby being removed from the blaze and spent the next few hours there with the survivors. Family members leave courtoom Later at the inquest, devastated family members left the coroners courtroom during distressing evidence. The inquest heard how DNA was the chief means by which the bodies of the deceased had been identified though dental records had to be used to distinguish Connors brothers James (5) and Christy (3) from each other. Their six-month-old sister Mary Connors was identified visually. Garda Shane Curran told the inquest that he had inspected one of the fire extinguishers that had been attempted to be utilised in the course of fighting the fire. A fire extinguisher had been retrieved from the ground near to the burnt cabins. The activation handle was missing and the safety pin had been removed. There had been evidence that the council had reviewed cylinders at the site on a six monthly basis and had last serviced these at May 2015. Garda Curran said that ordinarily there would be a pin attached which keeps the two levers separated - but in this case the pin is missing along with the top lever. Coroner Myra Cullinane put it to him that they had heard that something was used to break the windows during the fire and asked if it was possible the cylinder had been damaged in the course of the rescue. Garda Curran replied that there was no definite proof of that. He told the inquest he had assisted in the removal of the nine bodies from the two burned out portocabins. They were later identified using INTERPOL body recovery identification protocols. He concluded that the seat of the fire had been in the kitchen/living room. Samples had been taken from each of the rooms for accelerants but had tested negative. The bedroom furthest from the kitchen suffered the least overall burning, he said. The complete destruction of the corridor suggested the door had been closed. The second bedroom, closer to the kitchen held bunk beds and the fire had progressed into this room not away from it and, again, it was clear the door was closed. In the kitchen, he said the right rear hotplate of the cooker held the remnants of a chip pan which was on the point of being practically unidentifiable. The controls of the cooker had melted away and the spout of the teapot had fallen off as it had been welded with a metal which melted at a lower heat than the steel of the body. Near the cooker were burned electrical cables, indicating power to the modular unit at the time of the fire that had probably started at the cooker area. Garda Curran said there had been arcing of electricity from these cables after they had melted. This was evidence of intense fire in this area, he said. He described the remains of the chip pan as a molten lump of aluminium with a netted steel basket on top. Aluminium melts at 650C, explained Garda Curran, adding that this suggested the fire had started around that location. He conceded the spindles or what lies behind the melted knobs of the cooker may have been turned on by spraying water during the fire fighting process. The way we found it, it was in an on position, he added. Garda Curran said there was no other obvious ignition sources except for the chip pan. In a typical chip pan fire, frying oil can start to flame by itself without a naked flame being touched to it when it reaches a temperature of 400C, he explained. A splash of oil down the back of the cooker can start a very, very quick fire which can spread rapidly, he said. He said fire had spread to the second nearby cabin, through the bedroom window of the first cabin. Asked by the corner the likely speed at which these matters would have developed, Garda Curran said that was not a slow, smouldering fire and there may have been whole involvement in possibly ten or 15 minutes. He said the flames would initially have been more prominent but as the oxygen starts to deplete, thick black smoke and carbon monoxide would develop. Over 80pc of people who die in domestic fires normally die from smoke inhalation and poisonous gas, he said. These act like an anaesthetic so it is more than likely victims are unconscious before any burning takes place, he said. When the coroner said that the family could understand that all their loved ones were almost certainly unconscious before conflagration reached them, Garda Curran replied that it was highly likely. All the victims were on the floor and protection marks indicated they probably died before the fire reached them, he said. Garda David OLeary told the inquest that once the fire had been put out, the bodies of nine people were located and later pronounced dead. The condition of the bodies precluded visual identification. The bodies were transported to the mortuary at Tallaght hospital, while the body of baby Mary was already at Tallaght hospital. On October 12 2015 forensic dentist Dr Mary Clarke carried out examinations. DNA samples from the ten victims were delivered to Forensic Science Ireland and compared with DNA from nearest available family members. In two cases, personal effects were used to assist in the identification of the bodies, as well as location and proximity to other family members. James and Christy Connors were aged using dental records because DNA was not able to go further than that they were both the male children of their parents. A 280,000 sum given to a husband and wife by their "dear and naive" friend was a loan with no specified repayment date and not an unsolicited "gift", a High Court judge has ruled. The "real tragedy" stems from the reaction of Jacqueline and John Keenaghan when Fidelma 'Della' Kerrigan sought repayment in 2014 of the loan made by her in August 2010, Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy said. The 280,000 was one-third of a 750,000 compensation sum secured by Ms Kerrigan over serious injuries she suffered in a road accident in 2002 in which her father died. The judge accepted evidence of Ms Kerrigan and her sister Celine that, in the months leading up to the settlement, Jacqueline Keenaghan - whose architect husband's business was in serious difficulty - broached the possibility of Della Kerrigan helping her out of the settlement proceeds and assured she would pay back "every penny". Ms Kerrigan had agreed in principle to help out her "dear friend" and Celine supported her sister's decision. Rather than acknowledge their debt, the Keenaghans chose to deny it and, thereby, "at least by implication", cast doubt on the honesty of Della and her sister Celine, the judge said. "It was Jacqueline Keenaghan's denial of the true circumstances of this loan that ruptured this friendship," she said. "The Kerrigans saw this denial for what it was - an enormous breach of trust." There was no suggestion Della Kerrigan ever demanded immediate repayment of the full sum and the court was confident any reasonable proposal from the couple would have found favour with Ms Kerrigan. The Keenaghans could have made repayments from the sale of lands and their earnings and it would "not have been unreasonable" for them to have asked their adult children, whose education had been "entirely funded" from Della Kerrigan's money, to make some contribution. Even if she had found the 280,000 was a gift, she would have set that aside as an "improvident transaction" which had "unjustly enriched" the defendants, the judge said. The case has been adjourned to January 29 for final orders and to address cost and interest issues. Outside court, Ms Kerrigan said: "I'm glad it's over." Ms Kerrigan (59), a single woman of St Benildus Avenue, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, and sister Celine had told the court the money was offered as a loan after Ms Keenaghan, of Rathmore, Ballyshannon, sought money from them. Ms Kerrigan said she sought repayment in 2014 but it was not repaid and she is now on social welfare payments. Tributes: Laura Quinn was on her way to work in Cahir, Co Tipperary, when her car left the road and crashed into a tree A young woman was killed when the car she was driving crashed into a tree as she was travelling to work. The 19-year-old victim was named locally as Laura Quinn, from Kilshane, near Bansha, in Co Tipperary. The crash happened on the N24 near the town of Cahir at around 8.30am. It was the second tragedy to hit the extended Quinn family in less than a year, after Laura's cousin Conor Quinn (24) was fatally stabbed in an incident in Co Cork last July. Ms Quinn's car, a Fiat Punto, left the road and struck a tree. Ms Quinn, who worked as a beautician in Cahir, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post-mortem examination, while the coroner for Tipperary South was informed of the death. She was described as a very popular girl in her local community. Ms Quinn lived with her parents Anthony and Philomena in the Kilshane area, and she had a number of siblings. Local Fine Gael councillor Michael Fitzgerald said the news had left the community heartbroken. "They are a very good family, very well known and liked," he added. "It's only sinking in, what happened. I know them very well and they're a lovely family. It's a terrible tragedy." A first cousin of Laura, Conor Quinn died after being stabbed on the street in Mallow, Co Cork, last July. He had attended a horse fair earlier that day in Buttevant and was fatally injured with a knife on the street by a man who is subsequently believed to have fled to the UK. His death happened just days before his partner Stephanie was due to give birth to their baby son. Meanwhile, a mother-of-three who was injured in a crash between a car, a truck and a van in Co Roscommon lost her fight for life. The woman, named locally as teacher Anne Grogan, suffered injuries in an accident at Ballinlough last Friday. Ms Grogan, aged in her 30s, taught at Ballyhaunis Community School. On August 19th, 1561, a pale and slender young woman arrived on the shores of Leith, not far from Edinburgh. Mary Stuart was just 18, and had spent much of her life in the French court, but now returned to Scotland to claim the kingdom that was rightfully hers. The country she sought to rule was riven by sectarian hatred, and the French-speaking, Catholic Mary was the devil incarnate to puritan zealots like John Knox, who wanted rid of her. Even members of Marys own family began to scheme against her, and her return caused deep unease south of the border, where her possible claim on the English throne worried Queen Elizabeths slippery entourage. Underestimated by all parties, Mary turned out to be a formidable and determined young woman who fought her corner long and hard before the tide of history consumed her. Up till now she's mainly been presented to us as a victim, a papist dupe, a wavering impediment to Queen Elizabeths glorious reign. But in Josie Rourkes film, Mary takes centre stage. Expand Close Margot Robbie stars as Queen Elizabeth I in MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Margot Robbie stars as Queen Elizabeth I in MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS This film marks another departure for Saoirse Ronan, playing an arch and demanding role at the central of a vast and lavish period movie. It would be easy for a young actor to get lost in the costumes and speechifying, but this is Saoirse, and her performance has a raw and ruthless focus that makes it entirely compelling. When she returns to court, Mary must first face down her half brother James, Earl of Moray, whos been ruling as regent and is not about to lightly relinquish the Scottish throne to a slip of a girl. He will be dismissively swept aside, but a more implacable enemy soon emerges in the form of John Knox, the tub-thumping, Rome-hating fundamentalist whos played here with commendable sourness by David Tennant. His brimstone speeches will help turn the Scottish people against their ruler, and meanwhile Elizabeths principal advisor William Cecil (Guy Pearce) has become convinced that the menace of Mary must be contained. His queen is without child, and when Mary marries a neer-do-well called Lord Darnley (Jack Lowden), alarm bells are raised in London as any male issue of that union would then have primary claim on the English throne. Cue no end of Machiavellian scheming, which is all grist to the mill of the films screenwriter Beau Willimon, creator of House of Cards. Margot Robbie plays Elizabeth, a thankless task as the film seems determined to see things entirely from Marys point of view. Looking as dowdy as Ms. Robbie is capable of looking, Elizabeth fumes and dons a veil after contracting the pox, but thanks to the lopsided script never achieves three dimensions. Her moment in the sun does come when Mr. Willimon engineers a dramatic meeting between the two monarchs that never actually happened. They meet in a rural laundry, and talk at odds through veils of drying sheets. Its a clumsy metaphor for the forces that divide them, and even here Ms. Robbie wilts before the sheer force of Saoirse Ronans performance. Her Mary positively quivers with pride and an overweening sense of entitlement, but time and again this hubris will prevent her from escaping the tightening Tudor knot. The film itself is sombre, sedately paced, beautifully photographed, if a little too stagey at times. But the script is good, there are some very nicely pitched dramatic scenes, and Alexandra Byrnes costumes have a clean, couturish feel. This might not be an entirely accurate history lesson, but its certainly an entertaining one. (15A, 124mins, releasing January 18) Also out this week: Read More Read More Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Photo: Reuters EUROPEAN shares bounced on Tuesday after China signalled more stimulus measures to soften the blow from a tariff war with the United States, triggering relief in trade-sensitive tech, mining, and car stocks as some results also impressed. The pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.3pc near the close of the session. Overall economic sentiment in the eurozone has slumped over the past months - in December the European Commission's sentiment indicator fell to its lowest ebb since 2012. Sectors reliant on trade and exports to China, such as tech, industrials, basic resources, and autos, were the top gainers on Tuesday though they pared gains fast after the open. Some investors were doubtful this stimulus would have much impact on European exporters. "To give a real boost to European exporters, we would need more than just an announcement on tax cuts, we would need commitments to infrastructure investment [from China]," said Martin Moeller, co-head of Swiss and global equity portfolio management at Union Bancaire Privee in Geneva. Ireland's Iseq Overall Index was 0.6pc lower at 5,637 just moments from the close. The biggest decliner was software firm Datalex, whose shares collapsed as much as 63pc after it said it may have misstated its first-half 2018 results. Ryanair was 1.8pc lower at 10.09 as the end of the session approached, while Glanbia had retreated 5.2pc to 15.75. The UK's Ftse-100 was up 0.7pc near the end of trading. Germany's DAX was up 0.2pc. France's CAC-40 was 0.4pc higher. The US Treasury's decision to lift sanctions on the owner of Aughinish Alumina refinery, which employs hundreds in West Limerick, could be delayed following concerns by Democrats that the Trump administration is being too soft on Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. US sanctions affecting Limerick refinery Aughinish Alumina look set to be lifted, after a bid to stop their removal was defeated in the US senate. Democratic senators didnt get the votes needed to block the US Governments plan to lift the sanctions. The sanctions hit Aughinish because they were imposed on its parent company - Russian business Rusal, which has links to oligarch Oleg Deripaska. Mr Deripaska is an ally of US President Vladimir Putin, who has been accused of meddling in the 2016 US presidential election. Mr Deripaska agreed a deal with the US treasury department whereby he would reduce his stake in Rusal to have the sanctions lifted. The deal was agreed because US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said the sanctions were designed to damage Mr Deripaska, rather than his companies in particular. Some 450 people are employed at the Aughinish refinery, which had previously warned that the sanctions could cast doubt on the plants future. Supermacs founder Pat McDonagh has revealed that the company has been contacted by people from as far afield as Asia and Africa who are interested in becoming franchisees after their epic trademark win against McDonalds. The Galway-based company took on the US giant over the "Big Mac" trademark and won, in a case has that has attracted global attention. Nearly 1,000 articles have been written in 52 countries with a reach of 530m people, after it emerged that the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) made a ruling which gave a landmark legal victory to Supermacs on Tuesday. McDonalds had been objecting to to Supermacs using its own branding across Europe, specifically the "Mac" part, on the basis of the similarity between the names. However, this was a position that the Irish company did not agree with. Mr McDonagh said that: "In their submissions, they said that there could have been confusion either in the decor or the products of the restarants. We couldnt see that there could have been confusion in that." But with their battle now behind them - although McDonalds are appealing - he said that they have now received requests from people who would like to become franchisees in "at least ten different countries, from the US, the UK, Asia, Africa, Australia and mainland Europe, all in the last 24 hours." Its been a four year battle to get to this point and the costs of would run "certainly well into six figure sums anyway," he said. "That is for the most part on legal fees and gathering information and a lot of our own time has one into it as well," said Mr McDonagh who got the nickname Supermac as a teenager. Next up, they will look at their plans for expanding. "The European office now has the opportunity to decide on granting us the Supermac's trademark for a food service, so we can operate in the food service business basically," he said. "The lines have been drawn now and its only a matter of decision. I know they were anxious to get this case decided on first, and I would hope it wouldnt take long." Read More "We have to get the trademark over the line first and then we can move from there." The issue of expanding into Australia, had been put on hold while the company concentrated on this issue, but now it has succeeded, the company can look again at the issue. The story has been covered by all over the world including the US, Canada, Australia and Malaysia. Mr McDonagh said the brand has got "more recognition in the last 24 hours than for the last 20 years probably" in some of these countries. "It has reached proportions of media coverage way beyond what I would have even considered, because we didnt do it for that reason, but I think its because it is such a unique story." He said he thought this was down to a number of factors. "It is the David versus Goliath scenario where its the big brand versus the smaller guy. Normally I suppose the support goes for the small operator at the end of the day." The businessman said that the EUIPO "put considerable time and effort into deciding this. And what it means for general business is that larger companies cant hold trademarks and not use them," Mr McDonagh said. "In other words, what they stated in that judgement is, if you are not using a trademark name, then you lose it." Mr McDonagh said that this ruling would have benefits for smaller companies, because it "gives them an opportunity to use their name."Most people starting a business dont think of a trademark until they are up and running." Part of the ruling from EUIPO, stated that the US multinational had not proven genuine use of the contested trademark Big Mac as a restaurant name. A McDonalds spokesperson said: "We are disappointed in the EUIPOs decision, and believe this decision did not take into account the substantial evidence submitted by McDonalds proving use of our BIG MAC mark throughout Europe. We intend to appeal the decision and are confident it will be overturned by the EUIPO Board of Appeals." Meanwhile, in relation to the "iconic" McDonalds Big Mac burger, it said: "We have a range of intellectual property protection across the brand at an EU and national level and this remains unaffected by the recent EUIPO decision." Tullow Oil is "well placed" to deliver on its growth ambitions in 2019. This is according to a trading update from the company ahead of its full results in respect of 2018. Last year oil production at the African-focused group worked out at 88,200 barrels of oil per day (bopd). This year the company expects production to be in the region on 93,000-101,000 bopd. Full year revenue for 2018 is expected to be around$1.8bn (1.6bn), with additional proceeds of circa $200,000 (175,000) from business interruption insurance. The company said it expects gross profit to be approximately $1.1bn (961m) for 2018. "In 2019, we will increase oil production in West Africa, target final investment decisions in East Africa and drill the first wells in an exciting exploration campaign in Guyana," Paul McDade, CEO of Tullow, said. "Despite a volatile oil price, Tullow's improved balance sheet, low cost production and strong cash flow generation, even at lower oil prices, will allow us to both invest for growth and pay a sustainable dividend." Tullow had free cash flow of about $410m in 2018, while net debt at year-end was approximately $3.1bn. Photo: Contributed For those in Kelowna, West Kelowna and other select regions of the province affected by the speculation and vacancy tax, reality will soon set in. The government Tuesday said letters will be sent to people who own residential property between Jan. 18 and Feb. 28. Those letters will include instructions for how to complete a declaration and register an exemption. "By completing the declaration and registering to claim an exemption, British Columbians will help identify speculators and empty homes, allowing the government to crack down on speculation and make housing more affordable," the province said in a news release. "Over 99 per cent of British Columbians will be exempt, but owners must register to claim their exemption." The new tax also applies to Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Lantzville, some areas of the Capital Regional District and municipalities within the Metro Vancouver Regional District. The BC Liberals have said one of their first acts would be to scrap the tax if they form the next government. Datalexs products help airlines to boost revenue by enabling them to offer additional services and products to passengers when theyre booking their tickets Datalex has declined to say if CEO Aidan Brogan continues to have the support of its board and shareholders after the group's shares collapsed yesterday, as it revealed it "may have" misstated its 2018 first-half revenue and profits. Shares in the Dublin-based travel-software group plunged as much as 63pc. Ultimately, 112m was wiped off its market capitalisation. The market cap had stood at 190m at the close of trading on Monday. Shares in Datalex had closed at 2.44 on Monday and hit as low as 90 cent yesterday before closing at 1. Davy Stockbrokers had expected Datalex to deliver adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) for 2018 of $16.2m (14.1m). That compared to $14.2m Dalalex generated in 2017. Datalex said it now expects to report negative adjusted ebitda for 2018 of between -$1m and -$4m. Those nursing paper losses in the aftermath of yesterday's rout include billionaire financier Dermot Desmond. Mr Desmond owns a 26.8pc stake in the company via his IIU investment vehicle. That holding was worth 51m on Monday evening, but had slumped to as low as 18.8m during yesterday's carnage. Businessman Paschal Taggart, Datalex's chairman, owns 3.2pc of the firm. The value of his stake fell from 6m to as little as 2.2m. The software company's products are used by airlines around the world to help generate additional revenue streams from passengers. The company said that the retreat to negative ebitda for 2018 is "principally due" to a shortfall in services revenue caused a "failure by year-end to recover costs incurred in the delivery of the services revenue component of a significant customer deployment". It said this failure was because customer negotiations regarding the recovery of the revenue shortfall have not concluded, but are ongoing. "The board now considers, arising from the preparation of its full-year results for 2018, that the group's revenue, adjusted ebitda and profit for the half-year ended 30 June 2018 may have been misstated principally due to the accelerated recognition of revenue associated with the significant customer deployment," it told shocked shareholders. It insisted the business remains strong. Asked by the Irish Independent if Mr Brogan retained the board's support, the company declined to comment. Datalex has enlisted a "leading accountancy firm", believed to be PWC, to undertake an independent review of the issue. Mr Brogan said Datalex would post a profit in 2019, but said in a statement that yesterday's announcement was "extremely disappointing for me personally, for the team at Datalex and for our supportive shareholders". NTR's latest investment fund has acquired a number of operational and in-development onshore wind energy projects in Sweden and Finland. The 200MW portfolio includes three operational wind farms generating a total of up to 94MW of power. The total cost of the acquisition and development of the assets is expected to be more than 180m, said NTR. All of the assets were acquired from a consortium of nine industrial companies called Vindin, which includes Dutch paint firm Akzo Nobel. Other members of the consortium include Tara Mines owner Boliden and Germany's Heidelberg Cement. NTR announced earlier this month that it had secured commitments of 229m for its second renewable energy fund, with a target of raising 500m. The company said it has secured 145m for the first close of the fund, and will invest in pre-construction and operational onshore wind and solar projects across a number of European markets. The European Investment Bank is investing up to 84m of equity in the fund, which is guaranteed by the European Fund for Strategic Investments - or Juncker Plan. The three operational wind farms acquired by the new fund include a 69MW facility in northern Sweden, a 10MW farm in the east of the country, and a 15MW scheme in the west of Finland. NTR said it expects to bring a development cluster of sites in southern Sweden with a combined potential to generate 108MW of power into operation in 2021. The company's chief investment officer, Manus O'Donnell, said the investments in Sweden and Finland represent "exciting new geographies" for the latest fund. "This portfolio of projects provides an attractive mix across the development life-cycle, in line with our fund's strategy to complement projects in development with those already up and running," he said. The group said that it will put in place long-term power price contracts for the Swedish projects, adding that there is considerable demand given the scale of the portfolio. It added that the 15MW wind farm in Finland benefits from a feed-in tariff programme that's supported by the Finnish government. NTR announced in November that its new investment fund had acquired nine operational solar farms in the UK for an enterprise value of 61.3m. The solar plants can generate up to a combined 38.4MW of electricity. It also bought wind farms in France, which marked NTR's first entry into that market. It bought an 8.8MW wind farm project in Normandy that is just entering into production, and a 10.2MW plant in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Dublin Airport has confirmed record passenger numbers for 2018, as 31.5 million flyers passed through the gateway. That's 6pc more than in 2017. The airport has been on track to easily breach the 30-million passenger milestone after it saw a number of new services launch during 2018, including routes to destinations such as Seattle, Hong Kong, Beijing and Moscow. A total of 16 new routes were launched, while capacity was increased on 22 services. The surge in passenger numbers reflects the improved economy, as well as Dublin Airport's increasing role as a hub for transatlantic travel. The DAA, the semi-State authority which operates airports at Dublin and Cork, said that 2.1 million passengers used Dublin as a hub, meaning that neither their start nor end point of travel was the capital. Between Europe and North America, the number of transfer passengers using Dublin jumped 18pc to 1.8 million last year. The DAA opened a 16m dedicated transfer facility at the airport during the year. An additional 240,000 passengers transited through Dublin in 2018, landing at the airport but not changing planes. The DAA said short-haul traffic at the airport rose 5pc to 26.5 million last year, while long-haul passenger numbers increased 15pc to 5 million. Of those long-haul passengers, four million travelled between Dublin and North America. A number of new long-haul routes will be launched this year. American Airlines will fly from Dublin to Dallas, while Aer Lingus will fly from the capital to Montreal and Minneapolis-St Paul. Westjet will operate a service between Calgary and Dublin. UK traffic rose just 1pc last year, to almost 10.1 million passengers. The DAA said that UK traffic growth has been sluggish for the past two years because of sterling weakness caused by a looming Brexit. "Dublin Airport is a key economic engine for Ireland. Last year's traffic growth helped deliver a record year for Irish tourism, bringing additional jobs and tourism spending throughout the island," said Dublin Airport managing director Vincent Harrison. A significant amount of infrastructure development is under way at Dublin Airport, alongside the development of a commercial office campus. A new runway is being constructed, while a new control tower being built by the Irish Aviation Authority is almost complete. The DAA plans to spend about 900m by 2023 on additional infrastructure, not including the 320m it will spend on constructing the new runway and associated works such as taxiways. A report prepared for the government and published last autumn claimed Dublin Airport could need a new terminal by 2030. But DAA CEO Dalton Philips has previously insisted that a third terminal would not be required until about 2040. Developer Harry Crosbie has told Dublin City Council that he will abandon his luxury boutique hotel plan for Hanover Quay if the authority insists on the public gaining free access to the waterfront at his planned hotel. Mr Crosbie is planning to convert his own home at Hanover Quay on Grand Canal Dock into a four star 19 bedroom hotel with guest bars and dining areas along the floor length widows on the waterfront. In a strongly worded letter lodged with the Council, Mr Crosbie has stated if the Council insists on an open quayside, then I would prefer to abandon the project and stay as we are now. Mr Crosbie states: To allow free access would bring chaos and would be unsafe and attract anti-social behaviour in this very narrow strip. This behaviour can be unpleasant and nasty which is why I want to glaze the two kiosks in the square to allow full visibility. He added: It would be impossible to run a business with huge crowds of young people regularly sunbathing right up against our windows as now regularly happens around the Basin on Summer days." Mr Crosbie said: We have no problem with people using the quayside provided they enter through the main doors and we can control the numbers and the behaviour. This is a people rather than a planning issue and I hope my long experience in the area and with U2 will be taken as solid advice." Both of these businesses working together will enhance and uplight the whole area and will be much enjoyed for many years to come. Mr Crosbie was responding to a further information request by the Council to investigate the possibility of maximising public access to the quayside at his planned hotel in tandem with the adjoining and proposed U2 visitor centre. The Crosbie hotel proposal is facing some local opposition and in its request for further information last year, the Council stated that it had serious concerns over the addition of two floors at the existing building and requested Mr Crosbie's firm to reduce the proposal from four storeys to three storeys. However, in their response, planning consultants for the scheme, Future Analytics state that the height as proposed is appropriate and suits the site extremely well. RKD Architects have told the council that the removal of a proposed new floor level would seriously impact the commercial viability of the proposed scheme. They state: Any reduction in hotel room numbers would make the overall scheme uneconomic and as such undermine the viability of a new publicly accessible mixed use amenity at this prominent waterfront location. Future Analytics state that the planned hotel and adjoining U2 visitor centre cumulatively provide a stunning architectural statement. A decision is due on the application later this month. The GatheringSheep Farmer Stephen OSullivan, treking the hills of Glanrastel Valley, in the Caha Mountains, on the Beara Peninsula, Lauragh, Co Kerry ahead of scanning for this years lambing season.Photo:Valerie OSullivan Brexit could cause serious difficulties for the Irish sheep processing sector, Bord Bia's Declan Fennell told last week's Meat Marketing Seminar. Pointing out that 432,000 head were imported from Northern Ireland for processing in the South last year, he said these animals would be subject to WTO tariffs of 85.5c/kg in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit. This could effectively end the cross-border trade. Such a move would have massive implications for the viability of the country's sheep processors, Mr Fennell added. He predicted a reduction in the national sheep kill to just under three million head this year on the back of an increase in throughput in the factories in 2018 and lower numbers of available spring lambs due to the last spring's cold snap. Mr Fennell told the seminar that African Swine Fever in China could lead to an increased demand for sheepmeat in China. However, in the last year he said that sheep skins which are destined for China are making just 1/kg compared to 3.50/kg in 2015 due to increased import controls. This year is likely to see a continuation of the marketing diversification drive which has resulted in emerging markets taking around 50pc of the 315m in sheepmeat exports. Diversified, high-value markets such as Belgium, Germany and Sweden, which now account for 29pc of export values, continue to out-perform others both in value and volume growth. Bord Bia has been developing deeper market and consumer understanding in these key markets to support exporters. Niche markets have also helped drive export diversification. More than 13,000 light lambs have been sold to Nordic and southern European markets so far this winter under the initiative by the INHFA and Kepak. Between 600 and 700 light lambs a week were moved before Christmas. The product is being marketed as Atlantic Hill Lamb, with farmers being paid close to French prices for suitable stock. Meanwhile, farmers remain confident that lower number of hoggets on the market this spring will see prices strengthen further. Although external factors such as British exports, the strength of sterling and imports from New Zealand will undoubtedly impact the Irish hogget trade, farmer representatives are confident that lower numbers will help keep a floor on prices above 5/kg. The convergence of the Easter and Ramadan festivals this year is also expected to drive demand through April and early May. Ireland has one of the lowest percentages of female farm managers, a new EU survey has revealed, but dairy farmer Imelda Walsh believes that "women arent shrinking violets" and the tide is turning. According to a new Eurostat survey, in 2016, seven in every ten (72 pc) farm managers on the 10.5 million holdings in the European Union (EU) were male, while 28pc were female. Ireland ranked 24th out of the 28 countries for the number of female farm managers, with only 11pc of farm managers categorized as female. IFA North Tipperary Chair Imelda Walsh, who runs a dairy farm with her husband Tom in Ballywilliam told FarmIreland that the figures were not a surprise but said that there are no barriers to women entering farming. Theres nothing stopping women from getting involved in farming. Were not shrinking violets and we are we well able to put ourselves forward for doing something when we want to, she said. Ive never believed that there were barriers. Since I was elected last year to the IFA I have travelled the length and breadth of the country and can talk to farmers about everything and the subject matter is never about the height of my heels. Ms Walsh feels that more focus needs to be placed on encouraging young people of all genders to help close the labour shortage that is currently gripping Irish farming. Irrespective of gender the amount of young people staying farming is greatly concerning. Theres huge pressure on the livestock sector to encourage young people to stay in the sector, she pointed out. This is part of a bigger story of labour issues on farm, especially on livestock farms where they are fighting for survival. Ms Walsh added that women often work off-farm and their income supports the farm and that sometimes isnt recognised. In the past men would have traditionally got the herd number but things are changing and there is greater female participation. Women often work off farm and their income is keeping farms afloat. Their income is a real lifeline to the farm. According to the survey, the EU countries with the highest proportions of female farm managers in 2016 were Latvia and Lithuania (both 45pc), followed by Romania (34pc) and Estonia (33pc). Expand Close Ireland ranked 24th out of the 28 countries for the number of female farm managers, with only 11pc of farm managers categorized as female. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ireland ranked 24th out of the 28 countries for the number of female farm managers, with only 11pc of farm managers categorized as female. In contrast, there were four Member States where the proportion of farm managers who were female was at or below 10pc: The Netherlands (5pc), Malta (6pc), Denmark (8 pc) and Germany (10pc). In terms of age, the majority (58pc) of farm managers were aged 55 years or more. Only about one in every ten (11pc) farm managers was under the age of 40 years and this share was even lower among female farmers (9pc). A EU survey last year revealed that Ireland had one of the lowest levels of female farmers in the region with 11.6pc female farmers. Our Kerry Group base price for December milk supplies remains unchanged at 32cpl vat inclusive. Based on average December milk solids, the price return inclusive of vat and bonuses is 39.5cpl. Glanbia and Lakeland Dairies to hold milk prices for December supplies at 32c/l and 32.06c/l (including VAT) respectively. Lakeland Dairies will also pay an extra 5c/l Voluntary December Bonus to qualifying suppliers, based on peak to trough supply ratios. The co-op reported that milk supplies for December were up 17pc compared to 2017. Glanbia's returns include a 2c/l support payment from Glanbia Co-op, on top of a base price of 30c/l from Glanbia Ireland. The farm organisations welcomed the processors' decision to hold December milk prices. Tom Phelan of the IFA said it was "the right thing to do in the current market context" given the challenging cashflow situation facing many dairy farmers. He urged all co-ops to follow the lead of Glanbia and Lakelands and called on those that had cut their October or November milk prices to carefully review the situation. Confidence Ger Quain of ICMSA said the decision by Lakelands and Glanbia was reflective of improved confidence in global dairy markets. Last week's increase of the Ornua PPI index to 107.5 for December - up 2.6 points on November and equating to a VAT-inclusive milk price of 32.2c/l - and the latest lift in the GDT were indicative of a major shift in market sentiment, the farm representatives claimed. This was confirmed by the recent sale of more than 80,000t of SMP from EU intervention stocks, leaving just 22,000t to be sold. Photo: Contributed CMHA Community Educator Naaz Grewal is organizing a series of Youth Community Dialogues in Vernon, Armstrong and Lumby No matter the cause or the reason, overdoses and suicides take a heavy toll on a community. As the opioid crisis continues to rip communities apart the Vernon and District Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association has partnered with local organizations, physicians and community leaders to combat the crisis that has devastated so many families. Youth Community Dialogues for Armstrong, Lumby and Vernon is an early intervention and prevention project for youth to address substance use, mental health promotion and suicide prevention, said Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon and District. The goal of this intervention is to change the way individuals and service providers respond to community education, public policy advocacy and stigma as a barrier to services. Statistics show addictions are one of the most dangerous and destructive issues facing youth today, with reports stating 85 per cent of Canadian teenagers have consumed alcohol and 50 per cent have consumed illegal drugs. The most at-risk to develop addictions are youth under the age of 25. The community-centred nature of the forums will address topics that are of the greatest concern in our region for vulnerable youth populations, said Payson. Each panel will include parents, community leaders and relevant stakeholders, with forums open to the entire community. Payson said raising families in smaller, close-knit communities may lead people to believe youth will be sheltered from some of the negative influences of big-city life. Unfortunately, rural youth are often at an increased risk as their communities often struggle due, not to a lack of caring, but because of a lack of resources, she said. Through early intervention and prevention, we can empower our youth with knowledge, resilience and the support and resources needed to make healthy life choices and be a positive influence on their peers, said Payson. CMHA Vernon partnered with more than 10 local groups to establish the forums. Each forum in Armstrong, Lumby and Vernon will feature resources available for youth, parents and caregivers in the community, free naloxone training provided by Interior Health and a light dinner and refreshments. The first forum takes place in Vernon on Jan. 23 at the Marie Fleming Theatre in the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre. The Armstrong forum will be held at the Centennial Hall on Feb. 12 and the Lumby forum will take place at the Whitevalley Community Centre on March 12. Each forum runs from 5:30-8 p.m. To register or for additional information, contact Naaz Grewal at 250-542-3114 ext. 226, or email [email protected]. The DUP's Sammy Wilson says that the only hard border on the island of Ireland was due to the "actions of Republicans". Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland programme, he said: Ironically the only hard border we ever had in Northern Ireland was a hard border which resulted from the actions of Republicans. People who wanted a united Ireland. Expand Close Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster attends "A Better Deal" event in London, Britain, January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster attends "A Better Deal" event in London, Britain, January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh They were the ones who caused army checkpoints to be put in place, army patrols, watchtowers etc." His comments follow DUP leader Arlene Foster's claims that there had never been a hard border between the Republic and Northern Ireland. She said it was merely security to prevent terrorist attacks, "and even in those circumstances we weren't able to stop them". Mrs Foster told an event in London there was never a hard border on the island and how it was upsetting to hear the Prime Minister Theresa May talk of the "borders of the past". Explaining how while there was border infrastructure during the Troubles, she said that was for "completely different reasons". "It was for the reasons of security and even then terrorists were able to come and go at their pleasure," she told the BBC. Calling for the backstop to be binned, she said she believed there were administrative and technology options which could pave the way forward for border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic in order to prevent the need for infrastructure. "As someone who lived through the Troubles," the DUP leader said, "we never had a hard border." "There were 20,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland and they could not hermetically seal the border in Northern Ireland "So it is a bit of a nonsense to talk about a hard border." An anti-Brexit protester clears the area after the result was announced on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, January 15, 2019. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls NOW we have entered the realms of the dangerously surreal with the economic carnage of a no-deal Brexit only 10 weeks away. It also comes as there are real questions about the competence of the Irish Government to cope with what may be coming our way. The extraordinary nature of the UKs current politics is best seen by Theresa May shipping a level of defeat not seen in the British parliament in almost a century, and yet still continuing in office. Despite getting few beyond her team on the government payroll to back her draft Brexit deal, a majority of that self-same parliament will tonight vote on their confidence in this lame duck prime minister. Expand Close Support: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left) with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Support: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left) with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Well, 72 days to go to deadline on March 29, the usual suspects are still giving the rhetoricometer a good whirl. Go right back and tell Brussels we want a new deal, the former foreign minister, Boris Johnson, offered in the immediate aftermath of that 432 votes to 202 defeat. The Democratic Unionist Partys Sammy Wilson was even more gung-ho he believed something could be done on the backstop but also braced himself for a no-deal Brexit. So, more stuff and nonsense after two years of very poor fare by the kingpins of British politics over this whole Brexit farrago. There will be no re-negotiation of the Brexit deal, the EU has insisted and we can believe them. It is likely the UK may yet be able to squeeze more "clarifications" and there is ample precedent for giving such reassurances some kind of legal status. But the EU will only come up with such devices if there is a real prospect of the UKs parliament taking a hard-headed stance in backing a deal. One thing the vote outcome has done is utterly confirm what the UKs 650 MPs do not want. But their performance so far does not inspire confidence that they can overcome divisions and difficulties and crystallise just what they want from this Brexit process. It is clear that neither Theresa May nor her Labour counterpart, Jeremy Corbyn, want a new referendum. Despite the large number of mainly Labour MPs backing a re-run of the 2016 referendum, we appear to be some distance from a new vote. It is now even more increasingly likely that some form of delay in the Brexit deadline will happen. But that, of itself, is problematic with European Parliament elections due at the end of May, less than two months from the deadline. With the UK still technically in the EU, what would happen there? The level of Mays defeat suggests, however, it would be difficult to massage the EU-UK draft and successfully re-run a ratification vote. We will hear much more of the UK parliament speaker, John Bercow, over the coming days. He will have a pivotal role forging some kind of parliamentary consensus on where the MPs want this to go. But Brussels will look askance if the MPs continue to frame wishlists adrift from an already done deal. British Prime Minister Theresa May speaking in the House of Commons in London after losing a vote on her Brexit plan. Photo: UK Parliament/Mark Duffy/PA Wire The Brexit deal agreed by the prime minister with the EU was defeated by a historic margin last night - but Mrs May failed to produce a Plan B. EU President Jean Claude Juncker was blunt in his assessment of the situation last night, saying the risk of a hard Brexit had increased and "time is almost up". In Dublin, the Government promised to intensify preparation for "such an outcome". "The Irish Government recognises, however, that a disorderly Brexit is a bad outcome for everyone, not least in Northern Ireland. It is not too late to avoid this outcome and we call on the UK to set out how it proposes to resolve this impasse as a matter of urgency," a statement said. Addressing MPs after losing the House of Commons vote by 432 to 202, Mrs May warned MPs there was no way of dumping the backstop which will ensure an open Border on the island of Ireland. She said any of the alternative deals being pushed would still require "the insurance policy": "No backstop simply means no deal now and for the foreseeable future." Moments after the result was announced, Mrs May told the House of Commons: "It is clear the House does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support." Labour Party leader Jeremey Corbyn immediately tabled a motion of no confidence, saying the result was "catastrophic" for the prime minister. "After two years of failed negotiations, the House of Commons has delivered its verdict on her Brexit deal, and that verdict is absolutely decisive," Mr Corbyn said. "Her governing principle of delay and denial has reached the end of the line." If half of MPs vote against the Government then it could result in a general election - but all indications are Mrs May will survive to fight another day. Labour hopes of ousting her were undermined when the DUP said they will back the prime minister despite their differences over the backstop. DUP leader Arlene Foster urged Mrs May to return to EU leaders and renegotiate to secure a "better deal". "The House of Commons has sent an unmistakable message to the Prime Minister and the European Union that this deal is rejected," Mrs Foster said. "Mrs May will now be able to demonstrate to the Brussels negotiators that changes are required if any deal is to command the support of Parliament. We will work with the Government constructively to achieve a better deal." She added that while some "may wish to use this defeat to boost their political ambitions, we will give the Government the space to set out a plan to secure a better deal". However, the Northern politician cautioned that "reassurances, whether in the form of letters or warm words, will not be enough". Former foreign secretary and hardline Brexiteers Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg both indicated they will also support the Government. The EU said the Brexit deal remained the best and only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it would intensify preparations for a no-deal Brexit. "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote," he said. Donald Tusk, the chairman of EU leaders, suggested Britain should now consider reversing Brexit. "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" he tweeted. Continued from Page 1 A "historic humiliation", "fighting for her life" and "Brextinct" are some of the ways the papers describe Theresa May's "crushing" defeat and what lays ahead for the Prime Minister. Developments in the House of Commons late on Tuesday night make the front pages across Europe and further afield. Describing the loss as a "humiliating defeat" that has "thrust Britain further into political chaos", the New York Times picks up on Mrs May's warning before the vote that the decision will "set the future of our country for generations". The paper says: "Like most others, though, the prime minister had no easy answers about the way forward." In Britain the Daily Telegraph, which on Tuesday called for MPs to reject the deal, says both Mrs May and Brussels misjudged Parliament. "Anyone with a clearer understanding would have seen that the Commons could not back a deal that would threaten to undermine Britain's independence," the paper says. "The Government must regain the confidence of the House, rethink the agreement and go to the Europeans with a united front. Whether or not Mrs May leads that effort is a decision upon which she will now have to think very hard."The Times says Mrs May can only survive by taking a new approach and winning support of the opposition. "The country faces a crisis and it is not clear whether Mrs May is part of the problem or part of the solution. She was dealt a near-impossible hand but she has played it extraordinarily badly," the paper adds. "If her legacy is to be anything other than the hapless prime minister who led the country to chaos and paved the way for a Corbyn government, she must be prepared to make compromises to secure the passage of some form of her deal." The Daily Mirror, which on Tuesday called for the PM to change course, says it is time for a general election to be called. "Wasting yet more time and effort trying to resuscitate the corpse, with the clock ticking louder as March 29 nears, would be injudicious recklessness from a discredited PM," the paper adds. "But swapping one lame duck with another Tory is insufficient. Britain deserves real change. Only Labour can deliver decisive reform, giving people hope where there is none. And that means a general election. Now." The Daily Mail, which on Tuesday called for MPs to back the deal, says the country now needs "cool heads and pragmatism" - with Mrs May in charge. "If MPs wanted to sow the seeds of chaos, they could hardly have done a better job," the paper says. "For the sake of the Conservative Party and the country, we must find a way through this current impasse. If anyone can achieve that, she can." The Guardian says Mrs May's deal is over and asks what comes next for a country "stockpiling food and medicines as if preparing for war". "The country now faces a situation without precedent in its constitutional history: how to reconcile the sovereignty of the people with the sovereignty of parliament," the paper says. "The prime minister has been humbled into admitting she needs to win her opponents over." The Sun says it is time to "batten down the hatches" and "set course for a No Deal". "The Sun reluctantly believes we must head for a clean break, finalise preparations as best we can and batten down the hatches," the paper says. "We never wanted a No Deal. It would mean a tough and probably damaging few months. But it would be the only solution left which defends what should now be paramount and most precious to us all: Our democracy - and the public's faith in it." The Daily Express, which called for MPs to back the PM's deal, says Brussels must heed this vote and compromise. "The integrity of democracy is at stake now. There is no going back," the paper says. "Whatever it takes Britain must leave on March 29. It is up to the EU now over whether that is on constructive and friendly terms, or not." In France Le Monde says Mrs May was subject to a "humiliating defeat" that left the future of her Government and Brexit "more uncertain than ever". The Prime Minister's loss is on the front page of El Pais in Spain, which says the "crushing defeat" make the "crisis" over Brexit worse. In Germany Der Spiegel says Mrs May's Brexit plan has been "shattered" and asks: "Must she go now?" - while a commentator for Bild describes the situation as "Brexshit". In Belgium L'Echo's headline reads "The shadow of a hard Brexit", while La Libre Belgique mulls "the jump into the void of the British parliament". The Brexit vote is also on the front of two papers in Sweden, the Svenska Dagbladet, which leads with Mrs May's "historic loss", and the Dagens Nyheter, which says: "After the historic setback - May's fate can be decided today." In Denmark the national Jyllands-Posten leads with the "big defeat for May", saying it leaves Brexit facing "maximum insecurity". People have been urged not to panic-buy stockpiles of medicines ahead of Brexit as doing so may lead to a shortage. An update on planning to avoid medicines shortages if Britain crashes out in March was discussed by Cabinet yesterday. In the aftermath of the meeting, patients, hospitals and pharmacists were urged not to attempt to stock up on medicines now as this could disrupt the current supply chain - which accounts for stockpiling - and lead to shortages of certain products and hamper other patients. Health Minister Simon Harris moved to reassure people that the Government is not anticipating an "immediate impact" on medicines in the event of a no-deal. Planning has been under way for two years and there is also work being done with Revenue on a means to fast-track drugs into Ireland. Vulnerable medicines are being monitored in order for alternative treatment plans or new distribution models to be established if they are needed. While Mr Harris appeared to dismiss a suggestion by the Taoiseach that there were 24 such products on a list, he confirmed medicines being monitored include intravenous foods and radiotherapy products. Mr Harris noted that all countries, including Ireland, contend with medicine shortages on occasion and urged patients not to be worried or concerned in advance of Brexit, whether there is a deal reached or not. The memo on medicine supply was one of four brought to Cabinet yesterday outlining the Government's progress on contingency planning in the event of a no-deal Brexit which the Government has insisted it believes is an unlikely outcome, despite the chaos that was witnessed in Westminster. The backstop has remained a major sticking point in Brexit talks, but what exactly does it mean? Here's everything you need to know: The 500 kilometre stretch from Dundalk to Derry becomes the only de facto land frontier between the EU and the UK jurisdictions after Brexit. The border-free EU single market ended customs controls in January 1993. Ceasefires leading to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended security checks. Brexit risks of a return of customs controls which could be a focus for violent attacks. The UK was originally determined to leave both the EU customs union and the single market. That would mean trade tariffs and product standard checks otherwise called a hard border. Brussels, London and Dublin agreed they did not want a hard border. In December 2017, they agreed a formula now called the backstop. In practice the North stays in the customs union with no tariffs. The North would also mimick EU single market product standards minimising checks. The Democratic Unionist Party, propping the minority UK government, objected to the North getting different Brexit terms. The arrangement was extended to all the UK as a temporary insurance policy expiring when a long-term EU-UK trade deal is done. Radical Brexiteers and pro-EU politicians objected fearing it would leave the UK in real terms trapped inside the EU if they could not finalise a trade deal. The EU has given assurances that this will not happen but refused to fix a backstop end-date. There is a private understanding that a hard border in Ireland is increasingly likely - but the Government refuses to tell the public, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has told the Dail. Mr Martin said Government was increasingly like the old episode of the classic television comedy Fawlty Towers which was entitled Dont Mention the War. The Fianna Fail leader was referring to Irish Independent reports of a conversation between the Transport Minister, Shane Ross, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Coveney. In a joint press briefing, Mr Ross had said it was likely that border checks would be needed for goods if a no-deal Brexit happened. Mr Coveney had then publicly intervened to correct that saying there were no plans for checks. Then, in a follow-up conversation caught on tape, Mr Ross admitted that he did not know what to say. And Mr Coveney admitted there was a likelihood of checks, though it was not clear where they would happen. But the Tanaiste also warned that they did not want to become the Government responsible for the re-introduction of border checks in Ireland. The Fianna Fail leader said the episode revealed that there was now a private understanding that border checks were increasingly inevitable. But at all costs, that private understanding is that that knowledge should not be shared with the public, Mr Martin said. Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said the Government regretted the heavy defeat for Mrs Mays proposal in the London parliament on Tuesday night. He insisted there will be no return of a hard border but the only way this could happen would be for Northern Ireland to keep within the EU customs territory, and also maintain EU product standards. Mr Varadkar rejected Mr Martins suggestion of serious budgetary fallout in the event of a no-deal Brexit on March 29. He said the ESRI and other experts had predicted that Irelands economy would go into reverse but reduced economic growth would continue and there would be no recession. Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gives statement on the outcome of yesterday's Meaningful Vote in Westminster / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Leo Varadkar gives statement on the outcome of yesterday's Meaningful Vote in Westminster Replying to Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, he repeated his determination that there would be no return of a hard border. This comes after the Taoiseach warned that the only way to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland is through a deal on customs and regulations but has again insisted that no preparations are being made for border infrastructure. Speaking for the first time since last nights meaningful vote in the House of Commons which resulted in a humiliating defeat for British Prime Minister, Theresa May, Mr Varadkar said: The only way that we can avoid a harder border in the longer term is to have an agreement on customs and regulation and thats whats needed and thats what we have in the withdrawal agreement and the backstop. Thats why its so important that we get it ratified and thats why we have put so much work into it, he said. But he insisted: The preparations for checks are being made at the ports and airports but no preparations are being made for checks on the land border. He reiterated his stance that a border cannot be avoided by simply discussing the desire not to have one. It was put to the Taoiseach that in the event of a no deal there would be a hard border and he replied: We are going to do everything we can to avoid a no deal scenario and were not going beyond that at this stage. Obviously well make the preparations that are necessary but were going to intensify our efforts over the next couple of weeks to make sure that we have a deal ratified. Read More He also warned that a no deal Brexit will not protect the peace in Northern Ireland. A no deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs and the economy, particularly on agrifood and the traded sector - our farmers, our fishermen, our rural economy and our businessmen and women. A no deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland. We will work hard to avoid it, he said. Preparations for a crash out scenario are no longer contingency plans but are now being implemented by the government, the Taoiseach said. More to follow... Theresa May sits down in Parliament after the vote on her Brexit deal. British Prime Minister Theresa May reacts during a confidence vote debate after Parliament rejected her Brexit deal, in London, Britain, January 16, 2019, in this screen grab taken from video. Reuters TV via REUTERS British Prime Minister Theresa May has narrowly survived a motion of no confidence this evening in the House of Commons, after the crushing defeat of her own deal left Britain's exit from the European Union in disarray. May's win means that there will not be a general election and ministers will carry on in office. MPs rejected Labours motion of no confidence in Theresa Mays Government by 325 votes to 306, majority 19. Welcoming the result, Mrs May told the House of Commons: "I am pleased that this House has expressed its confidence in the Government. Expand Close Jeremy Corbyn Picture: PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Jeremy Corbyn Picture: PA "I do not take this responsibility lightly and my government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. "And yes, we will also continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise we made to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union." She invited leaders of opposition parties to take part in individual meetings with her on the way forward for Brexit, starting on Wednesday evening. Mrs May pledged to approach the talks "in a constructive spirit" and urged other parties to do the same, adding: "We must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House." She said: "The House has put its confidence in this government. "I stand ready to work with any member of this House to deliver on Brexit and ensure that this House retains the confidence of the British people." But Mr Corbyn responded: "Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward, the government must remove clearly once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit from the EU and all the chaos that would come as a result of that." Mrs May is now due to set out her alternative plan for EU withdrawal to MPs on January 21. But she risks losing control of the Brexit process, as she must table a motion which can be amended by MPs. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled the motion of no confidence in an attempt to force a general election after May's Brexit deal suffered a heavy defeat in parliament on Tuesday. The Labour leader opened the debate on his motion of no confidence earlier today in the government by attacking May for presiding over "the largest defeat in the history of our democracy". Mr Corbyn said: "Last week they lost a vote on the Finance bill, that's what called supply. Yesterday they lost by the biggest margin ever, that's what's regarded as confidence. "By any convention of this House, by any precedence, loss of both confidence and supply should mean they do the right thing and resign." With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project it joined in 1973. With additional reporting from the Press Association Bread shortages on a par with those experienced during last year's Storm Emma snow could become the norm in the event of a hard Brexit, farmers have warned. Since Ireland produces virtually no large-scale milling wheat used for sliced pan bread, it imports 80pc of flour, the majority of which comes from the UK. North Dublin-based agricultural consultant Richard Hackett said in the event of a hard Brexit Ireland could experience bread shortages on a par with those experienced during Storm Emma last March. "During Storm Emma the flour wasn't able to come over from the UK fast enough, if there was a hard Brexit there could be similar type delays at ports and a backlog. We could very well be short of bread if there is a no deal. We're not good at feeding ourselves as a country and there are opportunities for us to do more, especially when it comes to brown bread and wholemeal." Chair of the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) Bobby Miller said that bread prices could increase as a tariff of 20/tonne would be placed on flour, which would inevitably be passed on to the consumer. "The majority of flour we import is GM and only increasing our carbon footprint," he said. "Virtually none of the ingredients in slice pan breads are Irish." Meanwhile, shipments of goods between Ireland and Europe via the UK landbridge face delays under a hard Brexit. While temporary customs and other checks will be in place at Dublin Airport, Dublin Port and Rosslare Port by the end of March, "the scale of the checks required will likely result in delays for goods moving through the ports," the Government has said. However, Transport Minister Shane Ross has ruled out any impact on flights between Ireland and the UK, saying services would continue to operate. Some aviation issues remained to be addressed, but the biggest challenge was in the maritime sector, he said. The comments came at a Government press conference to outline contingency plans being put in place in the event of a hard Brexit. However, there is still no certainty on cross-Border travel, including possible checks on trucks coming to Ireland from Scotland via Larne, or the potential impact on rail passengers or motorists. This is because contingency plans on the Border will not be published until after the British House of Commons votes on Brexit. Among the most pressing issues is trade, with some 21bn of goods destined for EU markets crossing from Irish ports to the UK before arriving at continental ports, and vice versa. Shipments of perishable products including food must be quickly moved, with haulage firms tending to utilise the landbridge due to shorter journey times and the high frequency of sailings, rather than direct sailings to the continental ports. But "substantial additional customs, agricultural, health controls will be required" at ports and airports in the event of a hard Brexit, a Government document says. Photo: UBCIC Hereditary chiefs opposed to a natural gas pipeline in Wet'suwet'en territory in northern B.C. are holding a gathering of solidarity on Wednesday that is expected to attract Indigenous leaders from across the province. Chief Judy Wilson, secretary treasurer of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said she was planning to attend the meeting and other members of the group had already flown to Smithers. "I'm heading up there to support the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs and the people, the clans, in their fight to protect their land," Wilson said. She said the difficulty that the hereditary chiefs have had in getting their authority recognized by industry and government is familiar. Elected band councils are based on a colonial model of governance, she said. Under the tradition of her Secwepemc First Nation in the B.C. Interior, title belongs to all of the people within the nation. "Collectively, people hold title for our nation," she said. Coastal GasLink says it has signed agreements with all 20 elected First Nations bands along the pipeline route to LNG Canada's $40-billion export facility in Kitimat, B.C. But the project has come until scrutiny because five hereditary clan chiefs within the Wet'suwet'en say the project has no authority without their consent. While elected band councils are administrators of their reserves, the hereditary chiefs say they are in charge of the 22,000 square kilometres comprising Wet'suwet'en traditional territory, including land the pipeline would run through. Members of the First Nation and supporters were arrested last week at a checkpoint erected to block the company from accessing a road it needs to do pre-construction work on the project, sparking protests Canada-wide. On Thursday, the hereditary chiefs reached at deal with RCMP, agreeing that members would abide by a temporary court injunction by allowing the company and its contractors access across a bridge further down the road, so long as another anti-pipeline camp is allowed to remain intact. Hereditary Chief Na'Moks told reporters that the chiefs reached the agreement to ensure the safety of those remaining at the Unist'ot'en camp, but remain "adamantly opposed" to the project. The interim court injunction will be in place until the defendants, including residents and supporters of the Unist'ot'en camp, file a response in court Jan. 31. A Facebook page for the Wet'suwet'en Access Point on Gidumt'en territory posted an alert on Sunday calling for rolling actions across the country. It referred to the 1997 Delgamuuk'w case, fought by the Wet'suwet'en and the Gitsxan First Nations, in which the Supreme Court of Canada recognized that Aboriginal title constituted an ancestral right protected by the constitution. "As the Unist'ot'en camp says, 'This fight is far from over. We paved the way with the Delgamuuk'w court case and the time has come for Delgamuuk'w II,' " the statement says. The ruling in the Delgamuuk'w case had an impact on other court decisions, affecting Aboriginal rights and title, including the court's recognition of the Tsilhqotin nation's aboriginal title lands. Tanaiste Simon Coveney has admitted checks on goods moving between the UK and Ireland will be necessary in the event of a no-deal Brexit. In a private conversation caught on tape, Mr Coveney indicated ministers should not talk about the checks publicly for fear of a backlash. The admission came as British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a historic defeat in the House of Commons on her EU exit deal. "It is clear the House does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support," the prime minister said. She now faces a motion of no confidence in her government. After Mrs May lost by 432 to 202, EU President Jean-Claude Juncker bluntly said the risk of a hard Brexit had increased and "time is almost up". However, during a private conversation with Transport Minister Shane Ross, the Tanaiste confirmed a form of checks will be introduced in a no-deal "but we can't get into where they'll be at this stage". "But once you start talking about checks anywhere near the Border, people will start delving into that and all of a sudden we'll be the Government that reintroduced a physical border on the island of Ireland," he said. Mr Coveney added that the border checks "could be at sea". The admission came after Mr Ross bungled a question from the Irish Independent on whether in a no-deal scenario a truck could travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland and then on to the Republic without any checks. Mr Coveney told this newspaper: "We are not planning to put checks on the Border." What Simon Coveney said about checks Tanaiste Simon Coveney and Minister Shane Ross were talking privately at the end of press briefing without realising the microphone was still on: Shane Ross: Yeah. The border one, should I not have said that? (This is a reference to a question Mr Ross was asked about whether a truck travelling from Scotland by boat to Larne could then proceed to the Republic without any checks. During the press briefing, he replied: I would anticipate that there would be checks.) Simon Coveney: Yes, but we cant get into where theyll be at this stage. They could be in the sea, they could be... But once you start talking about checks anywhere near the border, people will start delving into that and all of a sudden well be the government that reintroduced a physical border on the island of Ireland. Shane Ross: Yeah, but I didnt know what to say. No mood Meanwhile, Mr Coveney says the EU is no "no mood" to change the Withdrawal Agreement significantly after Mrs May's defeat in Westminster on Tuesday. He added that he believes the UK Prime Minister will survive the vote of no confidence tabled by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn. On RTE's 'Morning Ireland' programme on Wednesday, Mr Coveney said: "There is so much still to happen in Westminster in the next few days before it becomes clear what Britain is asking for. "It's hard for us as EU leaders to respond in a helpful way if we still don't know what they are asking for. "We need to hold our nerve this week. There's a motion of no confidence today, I believe that will be lost, and my understanding is that the Prime Minister's intention then is to try and reach across parties to try and find a way of getting a majority in Westminster to support a new approach. "When we understand what that new approach is, which we get next Monday, we'll try and respond in a helpful way." Mr Coveney noted that the Withdrawal Agreement was signed by 28 governments including Britain. "I don't think the EU is in any mood to change the Withdrawal Agreement significantly at all," he added. "We don't even know what the ask is, we'll have to wait and see what they're asking for. "Those who have rejected the backstop do not have alternative solutions in terms of how we provide reassurance (on the border)." He added: "If there isn't a future relationship that resolves the border issue, then the backstop will kick in which involves minimal checks on goods moving from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. "The position is we support the backstop. The Irish Government have made very clear that we are not going to start talking about alternatives to the backstop. It took us two years to negotiate an approach that can provide the guarantees that we have given to people. "We're not going to allow physical border infrastructure to reappear." Mr Coveney concluded saying Ireland will not block any UK request to extend Article 50 but there needs to be a plan. TANAISTE Simon Coveney in insisting the Government is not planning to put checks on the border. However, Mr Coveney has privately admitted checks on goods moving between the UK and Ireland will be necessary in the event of a no-deal Brexit. In a private conversation with his Cabinet colleague Shane Ross, Mr Coveney indicated they should not talk about the possibility publicly. During the discussion, caught on tape after a press briefing, the Tanaiste confirms that some form of checks will be introduced "but we can't get into where they'll be at this stage". He added they "could be at sea", something that would be vehemently opposed by the Democratic Unionist Party. Contacted by the Irish Independent last night about his conversation with Mr Ross, Mr Coveney told this newspaper: "We are not planning to put checks on the border." "What I explained to Shane was that the Government has made it very clear that we are not talking about Plan B in terms of the backstop. "We will continue to advocate for a deal that took two years to negotiation." Backstop Mr Coveney said that the backstop already includes "some checks on goods travelling from Britain to Northern Ireland but they are minimal checks". He added: "Essentially what I was saying to Shane was 'yes there needs to be some checks, potentially at sea, which is consistent with the backstop approach'. "But I was not suggesting the Irish government has some other plan that to construct border infrastructure because we don't." The conversation came after Mr Ross bungled a question on whether in a no-deal scenario a truck could travel from Scotland to Northern Ireland and then on to the Republic without any checks. "I would anticipate that there would be checks," Mr Ross said, before being interrupted by the Tanaiste. Mr Coveney told reporters the question was another way of asking "if there are contingency plans for a Border on the island of Ireland". "Let me just be very clear, we have made it very clear that the way to deal with the Border issue is what has been agreed after two years of trying to find the most sensible way of doing this," he said. The Government has repeatedly sought to play down EU rules which indicate it would be our responsibility to protect the single market when Ireland becomes a land frontier for the EU post-Brexit. Publicly, the Tanaiste said a new side deal between Ireland and the UK - involving several agreements - has been hammered out in order to maintain the common travel area (CTA). The CTA allows free movement of citizens between the two countries and provides for social protection and the ability of students to study in both Ireland and the UK. Mr Coveney confirmed deals have been reached on education, social protection and healthcare, with all "ready to go" as part of a bilateral deal between the two countries. This will ensure the benefits of current arrangement continue "deal or no deal". Fianna Fail health spokesman Stephen Donnelly (centre) along with James Browne and Lisa Chambers speaking to the media at Leinster House in Dublin. (Brian Lawless/PA) Nurses have been systematically ignored and insulted by the Government, the opposition has claimed. Fianna Fail health spokesman Stephen Donnelly said nurses concerns had been neglected, and he called on the Government to engage with unions ahead of their planned industrial action. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) will hold the first of six nationwide 24-hour strikes on January 30, while the Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) is planning a three-day stoppage from February 12. The nurses and midwives have been systematically ignored, they have been systematically insulted by the Taoiseach a few weeks ago blaming them for causing the trolley crisis in winter by daring to take a few days off, Mr Donnelly said. Expand Close Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation take part in a pay restoration protest at Leinster House in Dublin in September 2018 (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation take part in a pay restoration protest at Leinster House in Dublin in September 2018 (Niall Carson/PA) Fianna Fail was scheduled to table a private members Bill on Wednesday afternoon calling on the Government to urgently and meaningfully engage with the nurses and midwives and also establish an independent commission on the professions of nurses and midwifery to look at pay and conditions as well as staffing and career development. We believe using the commission would be a way of addressing the issues of pay and allowances and staffing within the existing national pay frameworks which Fianna Fail support too, he said. But Mr Donnelly said if the INMO strike goes ahead as planned it would only be the second national strike by the organisation in 100 years. The INMO says the decision to hold a national strike is in response to low wages and concerns of safe staffing in the public health service. The organisation claims that the number of staff nurses fell by 6% (1,754) between 2008 and 2018. However, talks have been taking place this week between relevant stakeholders and the Government to try and resolve the issue. The PNAs 6,000 members are planning to refuse to do overtime on January 31 and on February 1, 5, 6 and 7. Expand Close Fianna Fails James Browne speaks to the media at Leinster House in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Fianna Fails James Browne speaks to the media at Leinster House in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Fianna Fails mental health spokesman James Browne said psychiatric nurses had issues around retention and recruitment. Theyre under intolerable stress, pressure and isolation and theyre voting with their feet, Mr Browne said. Theyre resigning from the service or retraining into other sectors. Between January 2017 and September 2018, Mr Browne said there had been a 40% increase in the number of vacancies for psychiatric nurses. He added that 55 million euro was added to the mental health budget as a result of the confidence and supply budget, but in the previous year he said almost a similar amount was spent on agency staff by the HSE on mental health staff because it could get the necessary services. Retention is one of the factors also affecting nurses and midwives. Mr Donnelly said Irish nurses were leaving the country because the starting salary for nurses in Ireland was significantly lower than it is in Canada, Australia and the US. Our nurses are graduating theyre getting phone calls from their friends saying: Im in Boston, Im in Sydney, Im in Ontario, Im getting paid a lot more money and by the way its a lot more cheaper to live here, why dont you come over? He said nurses around the country were asking what he described as a very reasonable question as to why they are the lowest-paid degree level graduates in the Irish healthcare system. The threatened strike is around pay parity and the Government to date has failed to address that issue, he said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday that the decision to ballot for strike action reflected the depth of feeling that nurses and midwives had about their pay and conditions. Mr Varadkar said that the government would do its best try to avoid the work stoppages taking place. Arlene Foster has said there was never a hard border in Ireland but rather security needed to prevent terrorism. "And even in those circumstances we weren't able to stop them," said the DUP leader. Mrs Foster told an event in London there was never a hard border on the island and how it was upsetting to hear the Prime Minister Theresa May talk of the "borders of the past". Explaining how while there was border infrastructure during the Troubles, she said that was for "completely different reasons". "It was for the reasons of security and even then terrorists were able to come and go at their pleasure," she told the BBC. Calling for the backstop to be binned, she said she believed there were administrative and technology options which could pave the way forward for border checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic in order to prevent the need for infrastructure. "As someone who lived through the Troubles," the DUP leader said, "we never had a hard border." "There were 20,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland and they could not hermetically seal the border in Northern Ireland "So it is a bit of a nonsense to talk about a hard border." She said technology should be considered as an option for checks along the border, adding: "The borders of the past were there for a completely different reason. They were there to stop terrorists, they were there to stop the flow of Semtex as opposed to the flow of powdered milk." She said it was also "distasteful" when the Prime Minister talked of a no-deal Brexit changing life in Northern Ireland. "For people who talk about the borders of the past it does quiet upset those of us who live in Northern Ireland where progress has been made in a very meaningful and tangible way," she said. Never again let it be said that the House of Commons is out of touch with the British people. That its a cosseted elite. That it doesnt know how the ordinary people feel. At the end of a historic day in which, actually, nothing has changed, at least that little myth was put to rest. For eight hours inside the House of Commons, MPs rose to attack one another, to tear one anothers positions to shreds but shed no light on what to do next. In the streets outside the House of Commons, the nation simmered gently towards civil war. The Peoples Vote campaign held a rally on Parliament Square. Men, and it must be said, one or two women, moved amongst it in hi viz yellow vests, chanting bollocks to the EU. When Caroline Lucas appeared on the big screens to address the crowds, one of these men screamed at the top of his voice, Commie Slag! Another chap, waving a flag reading Remainers Are Traitors, strolled through the Remain rally, shouting, Remainers Are Traitors. When an elderly man took issue with the notion of his own supposed treachery, the flagman told a nearby police officer he was stirring up trouble. But, inside, after the sound and the fury, they opened up the voting lobbies and they all walked through them together. 202 of them were in favour of Theresa Mays deal. 432 against. If theyd swung open the doors of the House of Commons and let the massed mad ranks of the Brexit radicalised vote with them, theyd have all gone through the same door as well. If Theresa May is searching for the positives, after the sole purpose of her existence for the last two and a half years was killed off in scenes every bit as brutal as the rumours that sometimes slip out of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, she might reflect that she has brought people together. In the introduction to The Audacity of Hope, a then young senator and writer by the name of Barack Obama reflected that the art of politics was that, no matter how divided people are, no matter how irreconcilable their positions, there would always be something that could unite them, if you could only find it. And to that end, this universal loathing of Theresa Mays deal, in the House of Commons, and seemingly in the public at large (at least if the kind of people that can spare a Tuesday afternoon to dress up like a volunteer car park attendant and shout obscenities at perfect strangers can be taken as a representative sample), could yet be the touchstone that drives us to a better future. Because, lets be clear, on this day of history, nothing else historic happened. The study of history cannot be done in advance. History can only be conferred upon events once the thread of time has passed through them and patterns are seen to emerge. No one said anything that will be remembered. No one did anything that will bend the nations future away from the path it was already self-evidently set upon. At 6pm, the MPs crowded into the chamber, packed toe on toe at the bar of the house, and crammed in behind the speakers chair. The air was hot. The great iron chandeliers glowed with their soft light, turning the wood panelled room soft brown to bright orange. All the trappings of history had been conferred upon it, but it only served to confirm the obvious. That both Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn are by several orders of magnitude not up to the job. Even at this grave hour, neither are capable of uttering a word that is worth listening to. High in the peers gallery, where guests of MPs come to watch proceedings, a young woman in dark glasses was asleep to the point of sedation. Her concealed eyes gazed heavenward. Her open mouth formed a scalene triangle. In its least acute corner, dribble visibly gathered. Mr Corbyn could only ramble about Theresa Mays botched and damaging deal. Abstract nouns are always the friend of the politician with nothing to say. On Mrs Mays part, she did at least patiently point out, yet again, that no alternatives are yet forthcoming. As Mr Corbyn made his predictable demands for a general election, she had the courage to point out that, At the end of a general election the choices facing the country would be the same. Which is to say, she admits quite openly there is every chance neither she nor her party would emerge from it with anything like a majority. As the division was called, and MPs filed towards the lobbies, Tulip Siddiq was brought to the floor of the house in a wheelchair. She had been due to give birth today by Caesarian section. She was there to vote, she said, because last year, in a crucial vote, the Tory whips had stolen a vote from a young mother. They would be casting, at least as far as Theresa May was concerned, the most important vote of any of our careers. On this historic day, Ed Vaizey MP had evidently left his security pass at home. The hand of history on his shoulder would only have had to have crept forward slightly to touch the temporary paper visitors badge clipped to his breast pocket. When the numbers, eventually, were read out, the air left the room for a moment then crept back in. The ayes to the right, 202. It was a massacre. But if anything, a prime minister who has never been a stranger to the hopeless flail, found a register of composure that has not been seen before. She would have to wait and see if the house had confidence in her government. She would be told, within seconds, that it did not. Jeremy Corbyn greeted the defeat with the observation that it had been the biggest defeat inflicted on a government since 1924. He was wrong about this. Back then, Ramsay MacDonald only lost by 166 votes, not 230, but when it comes to deviating from the script put in front of him, Jeremy Corbyn makes Ron Burgundy look like an award winning improv act. It was his squeaky little peroration at the end that revealed the degree to which the man is out of his depth. The jabbing of his indignant little head, like a small sparrow trying to get to grips with a discarded chicken nugget. I have now tabled. A motion. Of No Confidence. In this government, he announced. That motion will be voted on tomorrow, and Theresa May, barring a miracle will win it. She can lose a vote by 230, and still, apparently, command the confidence of the House of Commons. They filed out at the end, into their waiting cars, and on to the streets of a country none the wiser. Where next? The four options are the same as before. There is Theresa Mays deal, but the Commons has just killed that stone dead. There is no deal, but the Commons will not permit the economic shock involved. There is some kind of single market, customs union, Norway plus type affair, but the Commons will not permit free movement of people. And there is remaining in the European Union via a second referendum, but the Commons will not permit the betrayal of democracy. The destination of Brexit will be the path of least resistance through that impenetrable forest. Nobody knows what it is, and there are none that will not turn up the burners on a nation ready to break. Almost nothing has changed. Q We are booked to fly to Cyprus on British Airways on 3 April and I am now worried about the effect of a no-deal Brexit, a few days earlier, on our flights. I understand that you have written that some flights may be cancelled. My husband says it will all be fine, because only summer flights will be affected. Im not so sure. Whats the situation? Julia F A suicide attack claimed by Isis has killed two US soldiers, and two other Americans working with the US-led coalition in northern Syria. The Pentagon said a Defense Department civilian and a contractor lost their lives in the attack, along with the soldiers, which also killed more than a dozen civilians. The blast hit a busy restaurant in the centre of Manbij, a strategically important city which is regularly patrolled by the US-led coalition. Three US soldiers were also wounded. Isis claimed responsibility for the attack within an hour, saying the perpetrator had used an explosive vest. A spokesperson for the US-led coalition said in a statement US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today, without giving further details. The attack represents the worst single loss of life for the US military in Syria since it first sent forces to fight Isis in 2015. A total of eight US service members have lost their lives fighting in the country. The news of the deaths comes just weeks after US president Donald Trump declared that the terror group was defeated in Syria, and that the 2,000 US troops stationed in the country would be leaving. We have defeated Isis in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump presidency, the president wrote on Twitter on 19 December. Footage of the explosion shared on social media appears to show that it was detonated in a crowd, on a busy street. Another video showed a US helicopter evacuating wounded from the site of the attack. Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Khaled Alawi stands with his daughters in front of his home in an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Akkar, northern Lebanon Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee child looks from his makeshift shelter at Qab Elias Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Children play in front of a shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugees Jose Ahmad al-Jessi, a mother of eight in her 50s, and her daughter Raghad, stand in the doorway of a shop warehouse, where they fled to when their tent flooded on Tuesday Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Khaled Alawi surveys the damage to his shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugees sit inside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A young boy stands in front of his shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee child plays with snow outside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee shovels mud in front of a makeshift shelter follwoing rain storms in the Bekaa valley AFP/Getty Images Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugee children play with snow outside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee family pumps water after heavy rain in the Bekaa Valley AP Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugee children play outside their family tents after a heavy rain at a refugee camp in the town of Bar Elias, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley AP Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A flooded road leads to an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said that the president had been fully briefed and was following developments. Our deepest sympathies and love go out to the families of the brave American heroes who were killed today in Syria, Ms Sanders added in a later statement. We also pray for the soldiers who were wounded in the attack. Our service members and their families have all sacrificed so much for our country. Mr Trumps abrupt withdrawal announcement last month caught officials within his own administration off-guard, and led to the resignation of defence secretary Jim Mattis. Critics of the pullout argued that leaving so quickly could damage the fight against Isis, which was not yet over, and leave Washingtons Kurdish allies vulnerable to attack from Turkey. Commenting on the attack on Wednesday, Republican senator Lindsay Graham said the withdrawal announcement had set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy were fighting. Video shows wreckage at scene after suicide bomb hits busy restaurant in centre of Manbij I hope the president would look long and hard about what were doing in Syria, he added. However, vice president Mike Pence said that while he and Mr Trump condemned the attack, the US would continue with its plan to withdraw troops from the country. Thanks to the courage of our armed forces, we have crushed the Isis caliphate and devastated its capabilities. As we begin to bring our troops home ... We will never allow the remnants of Isis to re-establish their evil and murderous caliphate, Mr Pence said in a statement. Manbij, where Wednesdays attack took place, has been at the centre of a power struggle between those Kurdish allies and Turkey. The city is controlled by fighters linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces a Kurdish-led militia that has fought alongside the US against Isis. But Ankara views the group as terrorists, and has threatened to launch an attack to remove the group from all the areas it controls in Syria along the border it shares with Turkey. Following Mr Trumps announcement that US forces would withdraw from Syria, the town has been bracing for a long-threatened Turkish incursion. A suicide attack on a US military patrol in northern Syria has killed more than a dozen people, according to a war monitor. The blast reportedly hit a busy restaurant in the centre of Manbij, a strategic city which is regularly patrolled by the US-led coalition. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said two US soldiers were among the dead, but that claim could not be verified. Isis claimed responsibility for the attack on its news site, Amaq, saying the perpetrator had used an explosive vest. A spokesperson for the US-led coalition told The Independent that they were aware of open source reports regarding an explosion in Syria. Coalition forces conducted a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time, they added. Footage of the attack shared on social media shows an explosion on a busy street. There was no obvious presence of military forces. Local residents also shared video that appeared to show a US helicopter evacuating wounded from the site of the attack. The attack comes less than a month after US president Donald Trump announced that American forces would be leaving Syria, and that Isis had been defeated. The abrupt announcement caught officials within his own administration off-guard, and led to the resignation of defence secretary Jim Mattis. Critics of the pull out argued that it could damage the fight against Isis, which was not yet over, and leave Washingtons Kurdish allies vulnerable to attack from Turkey. Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Khaled Alawi stands with his daughters in front of his home in an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Akkar, northern Lebanon Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee child looks from his makeshift shelter at Qab Elias Syrian refugee camp in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Children play in front of a shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugees Jose Ahmad al-Jessi, a mother of eight in her 50s, and her daughter Raghad, stand in the doorway of a shop warehouse, where they fled to when their tent flooded on Tuesday Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Khaled Alawi surveys the damage to his shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugees sit inside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A young boy stands in front of his shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee child plays with snow outside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee shovels mud in front of a makeshift shelter follwoing rain storms in the Bekaa valley AFP/Getty Images Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A shelter in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugee children play with snow outside their makeshift shelter in the Bekaa valley EPA Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A Syrian refugee family pumps water after heavy rain in the Bekaa Valley AP Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures Syrian refugee children play outside their family tents after a heavy rain at a refugee camp in the town of Bar Elias, in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley AP Lebanon storm hits Syrian refugee camps in pictures A flooded road leads to an informal settlement for Syrian refugees in Akkar Richard Hall/The Independent Manbij, where Wednesdays attack took place, has been at the centre of a power struggle between those Kurdish allies and Turkey. The city is controlled by fighters linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces a Kurdish-led militia that has fought alongside the US against Isis. But Turkey views the group as terrorists, and had called for Kurdish fighters to leave the city. Following Mr Trumps announcement that US forces would withdraw from Syria, the town has been bracing for a long-threatened Turkish incursion. The US-led coalition has not yet responded for a request to comment. Ukraine could lose its statehood if the former Soviet republic continues to be divided by competing interests, Russias top security official has said. Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russias security council, accused Ukrainian authorities, including president Petro Poroshenko, of being controlled by the US amid simmering tensions between Kiev and Moscow. "The continuation of such policy by the Kiev authorities can contribute to the loss of Ukraines statehood," Mr Patrushev told Rossiyskaya Gazeta, according to Russian news agency Tass. He continued: The Kiev authorities are doing everything to split Ukraine, implementing the Wests scenario to break Ukraine away from Russia, while ignoring the interests of its own people, "As a result, the country has been de facto split. Mr Patrushevs comments come amid a crisis between the two countries following Russias 2014 invasion and subsequent annexation of Crimea, an autonomous region in Ukraines southeast with close historical and cultural ties to Russia. The standoff moved a step closer towards open conflict last year when three Ukrainian vessels and 24 Ukrainian sailors were fired at and captured by Russian coast guards in the Black Sea in November. A Moscow court on Wednesday extended the detention of eight of the seamen. Russia insists the men should be put on trial for violating its border. Ukraine calls them prisoners of war who were illegally captured. Ukraine Navy and FM reacts after Russia seizes Ukrainian ships The US has provided more than $1bn to Kiev to help enhance its defensive military capabilities, and last year their militaries co-hosted a major exercise involving US Navy warships and hundreds of sailors and Marines. The population of the western regions does not trust natives of southeast, considering them to be supporters of the Russian world, Mr Patrushev said. Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Show all 32 1 /32 Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists of opposition parties burn flares during a rally demanding to break an agreement with Russia on the use of the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait, in front of the parliament building in Kiev Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Volunteers with the right-wing paramilitary Azov National Corps light flares during a rally on the snowy streets in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev after Russia seized two of their armored artillery vessels and a tug boat in the Black Sea AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian Nationalists demand to break the diplomatic relations with Russia and nationalization of Russian property in Ukraine EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian activists burn flares during their rally in front of Russian Consulate in Kharkiv EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Seized Ukrainian ships, small armoured artillery ships and a tug boat, are seen anchored in a port of Kerch Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 The President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, announced, on 25 November, at a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council that they will introduce martial law in Ukraine for a period of 60 days and appeal to the Parliament to consider the move Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Russia seized two small-sized 'Berdiansk' and 'Nikopol' armored artillery boats. The 'Yany Kapu' tugboat has forcibly been stopped Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Children from an orphanage volunteer to help the city defenders strengthen trenches on Ukraine's Army positions near the village of Rybatske 25 km from Mariupol AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Policemen guard at Russian consulate during a protest action in the Black Sea Ukrainian city of Odessa AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 With relations still raw after Russias annexation of Crimea and its backing for a pro-Moscow insurgency in eastern Ukraine, the capture of three Ukrainian naval vessels risks pushing the two countries towards a wider conflict. Graphic explains how the naval incident unfolded on a map Graphic News Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists of far-right parties burn flares in front of the parliament building in Kiev during a rally to support the Ukrainian navy Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A Ukraine army APC moves toward on position at an undisclosed location in eastern Ukraine AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Ukrainian Nationalists sign a banner with a slogan reading like 'Not retreat and not surrendering!' EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Activists glue Ukrainian flag on the fence of Russian consulate AFP/Getty Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A volunteer with the right-wing paramilitary Azov National Corps during a rally on the snowy streets in front of the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A National Guard serviceman extinguishes a torch thrown by a protester during a rally against the seizure by Russian special forces of three of the Ukrainian navy ships Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A protester throws a smoke grenade during a rally in front of the embassy of Russia in Kiev AP Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Protestors set up paper ships on the tires during their rally near of Russian embassy building in Kiev EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 A man extinguishes a burning car of the embassy of Russia Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 Paper boats are seen placed during a protest Reuters Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA Protests break out after Russia seize Ukraine warships in 2018 EPA In southern and eastern regions, Kievs power is ensured, to a large extent, at the expense of moral and physical pressure exerted on the local population by radical nationalists. "Because of that, anti-government sentiment in the aforementioned regions is mounting, with the public rift exacerbated by the inter-church standoff," he concluded, in reference to Ukraines forming of its own Orthodox Church. Photo: Contributed A computer-generated image of the proposed Starbuds cannabis retail store in Lake Country. It's been almost a month since Lake Country councillors changed their minds and approved the municipality's first cannabis retail store, but the province has yet to give its final stamp of approval. While Lake Country's council initially denied Compass Cannabis Clinic's variance application to open their retail store within a 400-metre buffer of a nearby daycare, they approved the store in a second vote on Dec. 18 after significant public support. While construction of the store is now pretty well finished up and government inspectors have been through the store, the province has yet to issue a licence. Unfortunately, there's a lot of waiting in this industry, and we're stuck back in that waiting game route, said Dave Martyn, president of Compass Cannabis Clinics. Compass Cannabis is currently working on opening about 30 Starbuds retail stores across the country, but Martyn, a Lake Country resident, is hoping his company's first store will be within a short drive of his home. The company is also waiting on B.C. government approval for stores in Dawson Creek and Fernie, and they're hoping to open in Revelstoke in the near future. Martyn says he hopes final approval will come within days, rather than weeks or months. The Higher Path cannabis store in Trail was granted a licence late last week, shortly after three licences were given to Vancouver retail stores. There are currently seven provincially licensed private cannabis stores in B.C. in addition to the government-run store that opened in Kamloops on Oct. 17. Summerland city council approved the Green Gaia Cannabis Co. last month, but the store has not been granted a provincial licence at this time. Kelowna city council has not approved any cannabis stores, but a map of the 36 proposed locations can be found at the bottom of this story. Meanwhile, Indigenous Bloom opened up its second cannabis retail store on Okanagan Indian Band land, just south of Lake Country, last week. The company, which advertises medicinal hemp and cannabis, does not have provincial licences for its two stores. Across the country, Starbuds has 26 potential sites in Alberta, where they're waiting for new licensing to reopen, and they were granted a licence through a lottery system in Saskatchewan. The company is waiting for the second round of licensing to open in Manitoba and while they weren't granted a licence in the recent Ontario licensing lottery, they're looking to partner with some of those who did. B.C. may be slow ... but the actual application and licensing process has been good, it just has not gone quick. Whereas everywhere else you've seen random-chance lotteries, merit-based lotteries, just a completely inconsistent set of rules, not even province-to-province, but city-to-city, Martyn said. B.C. as a whole has actually been fairly good to work with in most cases. On Wednesday afternoon in Seville, as Juan Manuel Moreno Morilla of the Partido Popular (PP) was voted into office as Andalucias seventh president, a key invisible borderline will have been crossed in Spains modern-day politics. For the first time in Spain since the death of General Franco in 1975 and the restoration of democracy, a regional government will be formed with the support, if not the direct participation, of an extreme right-wing party, Vox. In last Decembers elections in Andalucia, Vox had already made history by becoming the first far-right party to gain seats in a regional parliament in post-Franco Spain, with Marine Le Pen the first politician outside Spain to congratulate them. But the unexpectedly high number of seats which Vox took 12 out of Andalucias 109-strong parliament when neither of the traditional top parties, the right-wing PP or the Socialist Party, garnered an absolute majority, suddenly meant that Voxs very significant result, as Ms Le Pen called it, gained even greater significance. After some tumultuous haggling in which Vox first insisted some of its more controversial policies such as the deportation of tens of thousands of illegal migrants and the repeal of a gender violence law be respected, Vox finally agreed to vote in favour of a new regional government run jointly by the PP and Ciudadanos, a centre-right party. Ciudadanos has expressed more or less public misgivings about Voxs backing, and insisted its deal with the PP in Andalucia will take precedence. But the fact remains that a party which as recently as two months ago was largely written off as an ultra-conservative splinter group has suddenly, and unprecedentedly, gained a role of powerbroker in Spains most heavily populated region. That this should happen in Andalucia, long considered the bastion par excellence of Spanish socialism, only emphasises what a massive change this represents for a country where memories of four decades of right-wing dictatorship are still relatively fresh. And with a spate of elections due in Spain this year municipal, regional and European in May, as well as possible general elections this autumn after years of domination by the Socialists and Partido Popular, the sensation in Spain is that politically, the country is moving into seriously uncharted waters. In the streets of Granada, eastern Andalucias biggest city, on a freezing cold Wednesday morning and with the usual throngs of tourists jamming the city centre, there is little to indicate such a massive seachange in Spanish politics could be underway in the regions parliament. But shoppers and workers alike in this Socialist-run city are quick to express their concern about having a right-wing party like Vox prowling Andalucias corridors of power. We needed change, its not good for anywhere to have the same government as we have done here in Andalucia for so long, but not change in this way with the hard right coming in, says Sergio Ruiz de Valdivia Roldan, a middle-aged builder, as he takes time off fixing a drain. Voxs success is particularly disturbing, adds Carmen Martinez Gomez, a nurse in a Granada hospital, given their attitude towards women. Im incapable of understanding what kind of women could vote for them. There have always been a few people who thought like this in Spain, but we were used to hearing others talk more loudly and effectively. This is a point where Spain has turned a corner, says Raul Esgueva, a manager with a Granada insurance company, thats worrying both here in Andalucia and further afield. But there seems to be little doubt that Vox is here to stay. Spanish far-right party Vox celebrates election win in Andalusia I am convinced Vox can get people elected in all the municipalities and regions where it will present candidates, Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrids Carlos III University, told Reuters in December. Spain now has a multi-party system with a far right like other European countries. Furthemore, just as it did during Catalonias ill-fated bid for independence in 2017, the imminent trial of a dozen pro-independence leaders for rebellion this spring seems certain to polarise political opinion across Spain again something which would play into Voxs hands. The strength of opposition to Vox is already making itself felt, with thousands of protesters, mainly women, gathering in 140 different marches across Spain on Tuesday evening to rally against the new right-wing party. But so too, is the apparent effect of its success on the larger formations, with the PPs recently elected leader, Pablo Casado, notably toughening up his tone on migration and Catalonia since Voxs emergence. So the question, it seems, is not whether Voxs surge of popularity will dominate Spains political agenda but for how long it may continue to do so. Russia has claimed it caught a British citizen who is being held on spying charges red-handed. Paul Whelan was imprisoned as he was carrying out illegal activities in his hotel room in Moscow, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov alleged. Mr Whelan, a former US marine who also holds American, Canadian and Irish passports, was detained by Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) on 28 December. His family have asserted he is innocent and said he was in Moscow to attend wedding celebrations. He was caught red-handed, Mr Lavrov said during a news conference on Wednesday. He was detained at the moment he was carrying out specific illegal actions in his hotel. 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 Lavrov said the investigation into Mr Whelan continued and his detention was not motivated by any desire to try to exchange him for Russian citizens held in the US. He also said Mr Whelans brother was in Moscow and had been briefed about prison conditions, but David Whelan told Reuters on Tuesday such reports were false. Neither his parents nor his siblings are flying to Russia, and we have no plans to fly to Russia, he said. The FSB has opened a criminal case against Paul Whelan but offered no details of his alleged activities. An espionage conviction in Russia carries a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. Russian online news site Rosbalt.ru earlier this month cited an unnamed Russian intelligence source saying Mr Whelan had been detained five minutes after receiving a thumb drive containing a list of all the employees of a secret Russian state agency. The same source was quoted as saying Mr Whelan had been spying for 10 years using the internet to identify targets from whom he could obtain information and the employee list he was caught with had long been of interest to US spies. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Intelligence experts have suggested Moscow may have arrested Mr Whelan in retaliation for the US arresting a Russian national, Maria Butina, who admitted last month to US prosecutors she had tried to infiltrate American conservative groups as an agent for the Kremlin. Mr Whelans arrest has further soured relations between Moscow and Washington, which have worsened over Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea, and subsequent economic sanctions and accusations of meddling in the US presidential election. Additional reporting by agencies A 27-year-old man has denied murdering British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to her murder during an appearance at the High Court in Auckland on Wednesday. He is due to face trial at the court on 4 November. Millane, 22, from Wickford, Essex, arrived in New Zealand in November as part of a round-the-world backpacking trip. She was reported missing on 5 December after her family grew concerned she had not responded to messages sent on her birthday, 2 December. 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 last confirmed sighting of Ms Millane was at 9.41pm the night before at the Citylife Hotel in central Auckland. Her body was found by detectives near a road in the Waitakere Ranges, a scenic area around 12 miles west of Auckland city centre, on 9 December. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events An order suppressing the name of the defendant is expected to be reviewed at the end of January. As parts of Australia swelter, trees in many towns and cities are rustling not just with the sound of dry leaves, but also with bats fanning themselves with their wings to keep cool. Some areas have recorded temperatures above 48C, and bat deaths have been reported on a biblical scale. The record-breaking heatwave has seen temperatures remain at 39C even at midnight. For some, the relentless heat has been too much. Temperatures above 42C can kill flying foxes, and thousands have dropped dead from the trees in Adelaide, South Australia. Back in November, amid another heatwave, more than 23,000 spectacled flying foxes died in just two days in the northern city of Cairns. Residents were forced to move out of their homes due to the smell of rotting carcases, the ABC reported. The figure represents a third of Australias spectacled flying foxes. This sort of event has not happened in Australia this far north since human settlement, said Dr Justin Welbergen. Its clear from climate change projections that this is set to escalate in the future, he told the BBC, adding the deaths were the canary in the coal mine for climate change. Growing numbers of bats are roosting in urban areas, according to the Australian government a trend that has made the deaths conspicuous. But ecologists have warned the impact of the heatwave could be taking a heavy toll on unseen populations of wild animals. In New South Wales, officials have issued a bat danger alert for the states Hunter region, where the heat has affected bat behaviour. A spate of bites and scratches to humans has been reported. Seven people have been bitten over the past two weeks, including two by bats infected with an incurable virus similar to rabies. Bats can carry a large number of dangerous diseases. Australian bat lyssavirus is related to rabies though can have a longer incubation period in humans and in known infection cases has always been fatal. Trained bat handlers wear protective clothing and are required to have vaccinations. 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 Two of the bats submitted for testing have actually had lyssavirus infection, so it is a real concern for us and for those people who have been exposed, New South Wales public health physician David Durrheim told the ABC. A few of these were bat carers but there were a number of members of the public, and they are the people we are really concerned about because they havent been vaccinated, he said. Wildlife carer Rebecca Koller told the ABC last month almost 850 bats were rescued during the November heatwave and she was looking after about 200 at her own home. None of our carers were prepared for the numbers we would have. We already had 500 orphans in care prior to this event, she said. The highest temperature recorded in recent days was in Tarcoola in the state of South Australia, where it reached 49C on Tuesday afternoon. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Support free-thinking journalism and subscribe to Independent Minds It is only slightly lower than the highest temperature ever recorded in the country, which was 50.7C in Oodnadatta, also in South Australia, in January 1960. A mob of people in an Indian village have brutally attacked an elephant and her calf, hurling firebombs at the pair after they wandered onto farmland. Photographs show the two elephants crossing a road fleeing a group of men who are launching flaming missiles at them. The incident, in the village of Bishnupur a remote settlement in West Bengal appears to be part of an increasingly common phenomenon in the country where elephants were previously been regarded as a cultural icon. But soaring deforestation in India has left wild animals with less space to live and is increasingly driving them into conflict with humans. The images, taken by photographer Biplab Hazra, highlight the extraordinary level of violence the endangered species faces as they try to survive in smaller, more fragmented habitats. Herds of elephants can cause significant damage to crops, impacting peoples livelihoods. Some farmers use flaming torches to frighten elephants away from inhabited areas. This happens because the villagers have to save their crops, Mr Hazra told Caters news agency. There are many elephant corridors in human habitations. Im trying to show this and spread my photos to increase public awareness on the matter. The large animals need to spend up to 19 hours a day feeding, and produce about 220 pounds (100kg) of dung a day. A group of men warn elephants off farmland with flaming torches (Caters News) Despite people being determined to drive elephants away from crops, the animals dung is a key means of spreading germinating seeds, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of forests and grasslands. Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts Show all 10 1 /10 Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts At the Mahouts Elephant Foundation in Thailand, endorsed by World Animal Protection, visitors can observe elephants in their natural environment World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts At the Mahouts Foundation elephants can be watched foraging for food World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts MandaLao Elephant Conservation in Laos, endorsed by World Animal Protection World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts MandaLao is home to elephants rescued from the holiday industry World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand is endorsed by World Animal Protection World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts At Boon Lotts, visitors can watch animal families bathing World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts Boon Lotts is a safe haven for 14 elephants abused in tourism World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts The Mahouts Foundation in Thailand World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts The Mahouts Foundation in Thailand World Animal Protection Elephant sanctuaries approved by experts The Mahouts Foundation in Thailand World Animal Protection Indian elephants are listed as an endangered one level above being critically threatened. Their wild population has fallen by over 50 per cent since the 1940s. Elephant walks in chains sparking cruelty crackdown in India Tigers are also facing similar pressures. Indias booming human population and mushrooming towns and cities have seen forests shrink to become isolated islands, and when animals attempt to move between them, they are increasingly coming into conflict with humans. A woman has become the first to climb a sacred mountain in India which until recently was off-limits to females. Dhanya Sanal reached the peak of Agasthyakoodam, in the southern state of Kerala, on Tuesday. The 38-year-old made the trek after the states High Court ordered women could not be excluded from climbing the mountain on in November last year. Local tribes opposed women ascending the 1,868m (6,128ft) mountain because it has a statue of a Hindu sage associated with celibacy. Ms Sanal told the Times of India newspaper other aspiring trekkers should prepare for extremely tough terrain that demands extra physical fitness. 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 She was the only woman in a group of 100 trekkers, which was accompanied by two female forest officials, the BBC reported. Ms Sanal told the broadcaster she had been ready to turn back if stopped by tribespeople, and said while she encountered protesters they did not prevent her from continuing her climb. Officials in the group told the BBC more than 100 women had registered for treks in over the next month. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events It comes after two women made history by entering an ancient Sabarimala temple, which is among Indias holiest Hindu sites, on 2 January. Temple staff said women of menstruating age, defined as between 10 and 50, were banned from praying at the temple. One of the women is recovering in hospital after relatives allegedly beat her with a wooden plank for entering. Violent protests swept Kerala after the women visited Sabarimala, with one person killed and 15 injured. New questions have been raised surrounding Donald Trump's pick to become the next attorney general and his views on investigating the Clinton Foundation and a uranium mining company. William Barr began two days of confirmation hearings on Tuesday to become the next head of the Justice Department, fielding questions from senators about Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into Russian impact on the 2016 election and other legal issues he would oversee if confirmed. The Republican who served as attorney general from 1991 to 1993 was confronted with comments he provided to the New York Times in 2017 during his first day of hearings, in which he suggested the Justice Department had more of a legal basis to investigate the Clinton Foundation and a longstanding conspiracy theory surrounding a uranium deal under Hillary Clintons tenure as secretary of state than it did probing Mr Trumps alleged obstruction of justice. The conspiracy theory alleges that a Russian energy nuclear agency donated to the Clinton Foundation in order to later secure Ms Clinton's approval of its purchase of a uranium mining company - Uranium One. Mr Barr played off the comments as inconsequential at first, telling senators, "I have no knowledge of Uranium One and adding I didnt particularly think that was necessarily something that should be pursued aggressively." "The point I was trying to make there was that whatever the standard is for launching an investigation, it should be dealt with evenhandedly," he continued. However, the New York Times reporter who interviewed Mr Barr shared his full email response from the 2017 exchange during the hearing, providing more context to Mr Barrs comments. The nominee had suggested in a paragraph that was not included in the initial report that he long believed that the predicate for investigating the uranium deal, as well as the [Clinton] foundation, is far stronger than any basis for investigating so-called collusion. When presented with the full email exchange in real-time, Mr Barr was forced to further explain his remarks. "I didnt necessarily say that the Clinton Foundation should be criminally investigated," he said. "It was the kind of thing that I think should have been looked at from a tax standpoint and whether it was complying with the foundation rules the way a corporate foundation is." 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 "I thought that there were some things there that merited some attention," he continued. "But I wasnt thinking of it in terms of a criminal investigation of the foundation." The theory has been routinely debunked, and several investigations have seen no charges being filed. The Clinton Foundation was forced to admit a shortcoming in its disclosure practices and pledged to correct those mistakes dating between 2009 and 2012. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Barrs apparent attitudes towards the conspiracy theory and his suggestions to probe the Clinton Foundation have caused concern among Democrats and the left, who have questioned how he fairly reached the conclusion the Justice Department had a far stronger basis to investigate those matters than alleged collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Still, Mr Barrs confirmation is a near-guarantee, with Republicans holding a majority in the Senate. On Tuesday, he declined to commit to recusing himself from overseeing the Russia probe, telling senators he wouldnt be bullied by Mr Trump or anyone into making decisions as the next head of the department. Federal air traffic controllers have warned that the government shutdown is going to make travel delays worse given its dwindling workforce, which has already suffered from record low employment rates in recent years. With the federal closure well into its fourth week, officials with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (Natca) say that dysfunction in Washington is causing undue stress for their members who already have precious little room for error in their jobs. Without money coming in, air traffic controllers who have been required to come to work and oversee the delicate dance between planes as they take off, land, and taxi at high speeds must now also worry about whether they have money to pay for their mortgages and child care payments. Morale is at an all time low, and stress is at an all time high, Joel Ortiz, the regional vice president for Natcas Western Pacific Region, told The Independent about the essential controllers called in to work without pay. He continued: The holidays just ended. That first pay cheque, what Ive heard is that most were able to make some adjustments to endure that one, but the next one is really going to start getting people applying for small loans, getting lines of credit, and going into debt if they want to continue to have their jobs. Airport workers and air traffic controllers all over the country are feeling similar financial and professional squeezes with approvals for new technology also on hold as Donald Trump and congressional Democrats spar over the presidents request for $5.7bn (4.4bn) in funds to build a border wall. At Logan International Airport in Boston, a planned rollout of a monitoring system has been delayed even as air traffic controllers have warned the potential dangers without the new system. In the Oklahoma City academy the only school to train air traffic controllers in the nation students have been told to go home and hope to sign back up for classes in six months to a year. In Atlanta, the airport has seen soaring rates of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers staying at home. And in Alaska, air traffic controllers who have just spent a significant amount of cash on repairs to their homes following a major earthquake there in November are being told they may not get a pay cheque for quite some time. A lot of people had spent a lot of money to fix their homes, and then rolled right into the holidays. So the people here dont have the savings that would normally be there, Clint Lancaster, the Alaska vice president for Natca, said. Everybodys staying safe. Were keeping the flying public safe. But the system we rely on to help us do our jobs is slowly eroding away underneath us, he said. How long can it maintain the same efficiency? I dont know. 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 biggest long-term concern may be that Oklahoma academy could see its graduating ranks slowed down for months if not years to come, with classes not in session over the shutdown. Officials say that the staffing situation for the agency had already been close to perilous following the most recent government shutdown of note in 2013, when sequester measures resulted in a year-long gap in training for new employees, even as those eligible for retirement continued to mount. Every year since, there has been record low rates of employment, and 2019 is set to be the worst. Some 18 per cent of employees could in theory get up and retire tomorrow. Were at a 30-year low. Were about 80 per cent staffed at what we should be nationwide, Mick Devine, the regional vice president for Natcas New England region, said. Eighteen per cent of our workforce can retire today. If [the shutdown] goes much longer, they will start to leave. Officials say that the low employment rates are unlikely to translate into dangers for American travellers though the added risk of human error from financial stress is harder to predict but that the long-term impact of the shutdown is likely to mean fewer workers and lower capacity. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events That means more delays, and less capacity to even schedule flights going forward. Even in the short term, the lack of pay cheques has forced some workers to find second jobs, and could jeopardise work attendance. Its a major impact, especially on home life. People have bills. People have car payments. Certainly they had mortgages and rents, and any kid expenses, Rich Santa, the Natca vice president for the eastern region of the country, said. This hits hard. Its not like there is any subsidies. Its a zero balance pay cheque. Donald Trump is said to be considering recognising opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas legitimate president, increasing the pressure on Nicolas Maduro as he begins a second term amid international condemnation. Venezuelas opposition-run Congress has announced it will reject any actions taken by Mr Maduro, calling him a usurper with no legitimate claim to governance. The move arrives as countries in Latin America disavow the presidents re-election in a vote that saw low-turnout and hundeds of allegations of election law violations. Mr Guaido is the president of Venezuelas elected National Assembly and has recently invoked Article 233, demanding a free and fair election. That decision was supported by the White House, with National Security Adviser John Bolton saying in a statement the US backed the courageous decision of the National Assembly President, Juan Guaido, to invoke protections under Venezuelas constitution and declare that Maduro does not legitimately hold the country's presidency. Vice President Mike Pence has also rejected Mr Maduros second term, decrying the Venezuelan president as a dictator with no legitimate claim to power after his swearing in earlier this month. Recommended White House announces tough new policies on Latin American countries The declaration from Congress calls for a political transition to a new government. Today Congress declares that at this time there is no president of the republic, Jorge Millan, an opposition legislator, said in a speech. Let's start the process to recover the constitutional order, he said. The Congress also prroved a measure asking dozens of foreign governments to freeze bank accounts controlled by Mr Maduro's government. 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 Congress has requested governments instruct regulatory agencies to prohibit any movement of liquid assets by the Venezuelan state in local bank accounts. The governments include the United States, European Union, and Latin American neighbors such as Chile and Brazil. The United States and EU have already imposed sanctions that limit the sale of Venezuelan government debt and freeze assets belonging to Maduro and a number of his top officials. Asked if further sanctions could be in the pipeline, a White House spokesman said the United States was considering all diplomatic, political, and economic tools in its arsenal in response to the usurpation of power by the illegitimate Maduro regime. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The United States and many Latin American nations say Mr Maduro has become a dictator whose failed state-led policies have plunged Venezuela into its worst ever economic crisis, with no recovery in sight. Mr Maduro says that a US-directed economic war is trying to force him from power and has defended his re-election, saying last week, We're a real democracy and I, Nicolas Maduro Moros, I am a truly democratic president. Additional reporting by Reuters As Democrats and Republicans clash over Donald Trumps demands for $5.7bn in funding for a southern border wall, the president's Council of Economic Advisers has acknowledged the government shutdown will have a far worse impact on economic growth than anticipated. The agency which advises the president on matters of economic policy revealed in its latest analysis the shutdown could force the US economy to contract, meaning a drop in national output, along with declines in real personal income and industrial production. The loss in economic growth will nearly double what the council had predicted in its original estimates. The shut down is currently in its 26th day. Mr Trump has walk backed the possibility of declaring a state of emergency along the US-Mexico border a move that could possibly provide a path for the president to receive his wall funding, but would likely face legal scrutiny and warned earlier this month the shutdown could last months or even years. Meanwhile, in an effort to alleviate the damage caused by the shutdown, the White House administration has called thousands of federal employees working at airports, food inspection facilities and the Internal Revenue Service back to work this week without pay. Council of Economic Advisers chairman Kevin Hassett blamed the Democratic Party in an announcement revealing the agencys latest assessment of the shutdown. 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 Congress needs to look at the harms that were talking about, he said on Tuesday, and address them. Nearly 800,000 federal employees are currently working without pay or are furloughed across the country, causing a spike in absences at the nine agencies impacted by the shutdown. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Whereas Mr Trump took credit for the government shutdown before it happened, telling Democratic leadership during a televised meeting, I am proud to shut down the government for border security, he has since shifted the blame to Democratic Party for refusing to accept his demands. Nancy and Cryin Chuck can end the Shutdown in 15 minutes. At this point it has become their, and the Democrats, fault! the president tweeted on Monday. I do believe, however, that the column may well lead many Carroll residents astray in its reference to Thomas Jeffersons agrarian thoughts. It is true that Jefferson argued for an agrarian society taking its values and moral sense from Christianity, but not a Christianity todays adherents would recognize. Jefferson was an enthusiastic believer in the worth of Jesus teachings, so much so that most of his usage of the term Christian arises solely from just that. he did not believe in the Trinity, Virgin Birth, and the Resurrection or even in the divinity of Jesus and thought much of the New Testament mere charlatanism. Beyond this he regarded Christianity as practiced in the America of his time as corrupt in large part due to the rags wrapped around it by the clergy. He would not see todays Christianity as an improvement. The first time they met was in Germany. President Donald Trump took his interpreters notes afterwards and ordered him not to disclose what he heard to anyone. Later that night, at a dinner, Mr Trump pulled up a seat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk without any American witnesses at all. Their third encounter was in Vietnam, when Mr Trump seemed to take Mr Putins word that he had not interfered in U.S. elections. A formal summit followed in Helsinki, where the two leaders kicked out everyone but the interpreters. Most recently, they chatted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after Mr Trump said they would not meet because of Russian aggression. Mr Trump has adamantly insisted there was no collusion with Russia during his 2016 presidential campaign. But each of the five times he has met with Mr Putin since taking office, he has fueled suspicions about their relationship. The unusually secretive way he has handled these meetings has left his own administration guessing what happened and piqued the interest of investigators. Whats disconcerting is the desire to hide information from your own team, said Andrew S. Weiss, who was a Russia adviser to President Bill Clinton. The fact that Mr Trump didnt want the State Department or members of the White House team to know what he was talking with Mr Putin about suggests it was not about advancing our countrys national interest but something more problematic. The mystery surrounding the meetings seems to have drawn attention from the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is examining ties between the president and Russia. And it has generated a furor in Congress, where Democrats are pushing to subpoena the notes of the presidents interpreters or perhaps the interpreters themselves. Veterans of past administrations could not recall a precedent for a president meeting alone with an adversary and preventing his own advisers from being briefed on what was said. When they meet with foreign leaders, presidents typically want at least one aide in the room not just an interpreter to avoid misunderstandings later. Donald Trump insists 'no collusion' after Michael Flynn admits lying to FBI All five of the presidents whom I worked for, Republicans and Democrats, wanted a word-for-word set of notes, if only to protect the integrity of the American side of the conversation against later manipulation by the Soviets or the Russians, said Victoria J. Nuland, a career diplomat who worked for Dick Cheney and Hillary Clinton, among others. That would seem an even greater imperative for Mr Trump, who knew there were questions about his relationship with Mr Putin given that U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Moscow tried to help elect him. If any president would have wanted witnesses and protection, it ought to have been Donald Trump, said Richard N. Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations and adviser to four presidents, most recently as President George W. Bushs State Department policy planning director. And yet he chose not to, and that adds fuel to the fire that something here is not right. Mr Trumps defenders acknowledge his approach does not resemble the way his predecessors operated, but note that he has been an unorthodox president in so many ways that it does not prove anything untoward. And, they say, he has reason to feel burned since previous interactions with foreign leaders have leaked, including full transcripts of telephone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia published in The Washington Post. Of course I was disappointed with Helsinki, but I do not just look at how the president handles specific meetings with Putin, said Luke Coffey, a foreign policy scholar at the Heritage Foundation. Instead, Im most interested in what the actual policies are coming out of the administration. He cited additional sanctions, weapons sent to Ukraine, increased Pentagon spending meant to counter Russian aggression and opposition to a new Russian pipeline to Europe. All that, he said, is proof that this is one of the toughest administrations on Russia since Reagan. 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 The question of Mr Trumps meetings with Mr Putin was revived by a pair of news stories last weekend. The New York Times reported that after Mr Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey in 2017, the bureau opened a counterintelligence investigation to explore whether the president was acting on Russias behalf. The Post reported that Mr Trump had gone to unusual lengths to conceal details of his talks with Mr Putin, including taking his interpreters notes. The White House dismissed the stories as unfair smears. The liberal media has wasted two years trying to manufacture a fake collusion scandal instead of reporting the fact that unlike President Obama, who let Russia and other foreign adversaries push America around, President Trump has actually been tough on Russia, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, said in a statement. Mr Trump has been in contact with Mr Putin since shortly after his election in November 2016. Mr Putin sent him a congratulatory telegram and the two spoke by telephone on 14 November. They spoke a few more times before meeting in person for the first time as presidents on 7 July 2017, in Hamburg, Germany, during a Group of 20 economic summit. Aside from interpreters, the only others in the room were Rex W. Tillerson, then the secretary of state, and Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister. The inaugural meeting came at a sensitive time. Mr Trumps team learned that day that one of the biggest secrets of his presidential bid was about to become public: At the height of the campaign, his son, son-in-law and campaign chairman had met at Mr Trump Tower with Russians on the promise of obtaining dirt on Hillary Clinton from the Russian government. Mr Trumps team was scrambling to respond to a request for comment by The Times. Recommended Trump hid details of encounters with Putin from White House officials Mr Trumps meeting with Mr Putin that day lasted more than two hours. Afterward, Mr Trump took his interpreters notes and instructed the interpreter not to brief anyone. Mr Tillerson told reporters that the leaders discussed everything from Syria to Ukraine, but he also described a very robust and lengthy exchange on the election hacking. A few hours later, Mr Trump sought out Mr Putin again during a dinner for all the leaders. Videotape later made public showed Mr Trump pointing at Mr Putin, who was seated across and down a long table, then pointing at himself and then making a pumping motion with his fist. Mr Trump later told The Times that he went over to see his wife, Melania Trump, who was sitting next to Mr Putin, and the two leaders then talked, with Mr Putins interpreter translating. No US officials were present, and the White House did not confirm the encounter until more than 10 days later, after it was independently reported. The day after the two meetings, as Mr Trump was on Air Force One taking off from Germany heading back to Washington, he telephoned a Times reporter and argued that the Russians were falsely accused of election interference. While he insisted most of the conversation be off the record, he later repeated a few things in public in little-noticed asides. He said that he raised the election hacking three times and that Mr Putin denied involvement. But he said Mr Putin also told him that if we did, we wouldnt have gotten caught, because were professionals. Mr Trump said: I thought that was a good point because they are some of the best in the world at hacking. Asked how he weighed Mr Putins denials against the evidence that had been presented to him by Mr Comey; John O. Brennan, then the CIA director; and James R. Clapper Jr., then director of national intelligence, he said that Mr Clapper and Mr Brennan were the most political intelligence chiefs he knew and that Mr Comey was a leaker. Recommended Vladimir Putin sends new year letter to Donald Trump Later on the same flight to Washington, Mr Trump huddled with aides to decide how to respond to the emerging story by other Times reporters about the Trump Tower meeting. He personally dictated a misleading statement, saying the meeting was about Russian adoptions without admitting that it was actually intended to accept Moscows aid for his campaign, as emails obtained by The Times later documented. The confluence of the two conversations with Mr Putin even as Mr Trumps team was grappling with questions about the Trump Tower meeting have fueled further suspicions. If you add up all these pieces, its a very damning picture at a minimum of how to handle national security, said Weiss, who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. If theres a more nefarious explanation, its obviously more disturbing. Mr Trump next encountered Mr Putin in person on 11 November 2017, at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Da Nang, Vietnam. No formal meeting was scheduled, but the two chatted anyway, and Mr Trump later indicated that Mr Putin again denied any election interference. I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it, Mr Trump said. The two stayed in touch by phone. Mr Trump called after Mr Putin was re-elected in a contest heavily managed by the state in his favor. Although wary aides wrote in his briefing papers, DO NOT CONGRATULATE, Mr Trump went ahead and congratulated Mr Putin anyway. US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, 16 July 16, 2018. (file photo:Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS) ((file photo:Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS)) Their most famous meeting came 16 July 2018, in Helsinki, where they talked for more than two hours accompanied only by interpreters. At a subsequent news conference, Mr Trump seemed to again accept Mr Putins denial of election interference over the conclusions of American intelligence agencies. But what happened behind closed doors remained shrouded. The Kremlin later reported that the leaders reached important agreements, but U.S. government officials were left in the dark. U.S. intelligence agencies were left to glean details about the meeting from surveillance of Russians who talked about it afterward. Within months, Mr Trump was angling for another meeting, perhaps at the White House or in Paris. Finally, they scheduled a get-together in Buenos Aires in December on the sidelines of yet another G-20 meeting. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin as they gather for a group photo at the start of the G20 summit, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 30 November 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) ((AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)) Days before, Russian forces seized three Ukrainian naval vessels, but Mr Trump seemed intent on sitting down with Mr Putin anyway, telling reporters as he left the White House for Buenos Aires that the meeting was still on. Just an hour later, after aides briefed him again on the Ukraine standoff, he canceled the meeting on Twitter, catching the Russians off-guard. But when he arrived in Buenos Aires, Mr Trump ended up having another informal conversation with Mr Putin at the leaders dinner. Once again, little information emerged about what they discussed, even to other U.S. government officials. Ive never heard of a president conducting one-on-one meetings with his Russian counterpart without note-takers or without afterward offering readouts to his top aides, said David J. Kramer, a former assistant secretary of state under Bush. Putin is privy to what the two discussed why cant senior administration officials be trusted and looped in, too? The New York Times More than two dozen transgender people were killed in the US last year, according to a data gathered by LGBT+ civil rights group. It is the second year in a row The New York City Anti-Violence Project and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) have recorded such a high number of deaths from being fatally shot or killed by other violent means. In 2017, 29 transgender people were reportedly killed, the HRC reported. The civil rights group estimated that, since 2013, about 128 transgender people were killed in 87 cities, 32 states, and about 80 per cent of whom were people of color. 2018 continued a trend in recent years of all but one of the victims being transgender women and all but one were people of color. Eighteen known victims were shot dead, four were fatally stabbed, and two others had their homes set on fire while they were still inside. Four others were beaten to death. Eighteen cases involving the death of transgender people remain unsolved. Those numbers might be a conservative estimate, as federal statistics are so limited. The Williams Institute, a public policy thinktank specialising in gender identity and sexual orientation, noted that there are serious under-reporting regarding the homicide rates against transgender people. Recommended Women charged with sexually assaulting trans woman in toilet Another area of concern is that police, media and even the victims relatives often misgender the victims posthumously, often referring to them with the name and gender they do not identify with. On Wednesday, CNN reported that out of the 28 victims it discovered, the majority of them were initially misgendered, and in several cases, the police and media would continue to misgender them. Among all other minority groups, the LGBT+ community are far more likely to be violently attacked in the United States, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported. The transgender community is one of the most vulnerable groups. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Sarah McBride, the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, said the combination of misogyny, transphobia and racism in societyespecially for people who live those intersection of multiple identitiescan inflame multiplying prejudices against the victims. While there certainly are examples of individuals killed by people they know, including partners, many of the transgender people who have been killed are murdered by almost complete strangers, Ms McBride told CNN. More people need to understand this epidemic of violence targeting minority people in this country, including transgender people, is hate-based and a byproduct of existing prejudice inflamed by politicians all too eager to appeal to the darker undercurrent of society, she added. The White House has condemned embattled Republican Representative Steve King for questioning why terms like white supremacy and white nationalist have become offensive. Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the comments from Mr King, a politician from Iowa known for a history of controversial remarks over race and immigration were outrageous and inappropriate. Steve Kings comments were abhorrent, Ms Sanders told reporters outside of the White House. She then used the scandal involving a Republican congressman to criticise Democrats: The Republican leadership, unlike [the] Democrats, have actually taken action when their members have said outrageous and inappropriate things. Ms Sanders condemnation follows after several top Republicans condemned Mr Kings remarks, including House Republican Conference chairwoman Liz Cheney, who has called for his resignation. Recommended Republican congressman supports vote rebuking his own racist remarks Mr King has also been stripped of his committee assignments by the House Republican leadership. White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? Mr King said during an interview with The New York Times last week. Mr King, who has a history of contentious remarks disparaging minorities and was elected to a ninth term in November, said that the decision by House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to suggest he lose his committee assignments ignores the truth. 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 Leader McCarthys decision to remove me from committees is a political decision that ignores the truth. . . . Ultimately, I told him, You have to do what you have to do, and I will do what I have to do, Mr King said. Mr King supported a House vote over a resolution comdemning white nationalism and white supremacy, which referenced Mr King's comments. He did not respond to reporter questions after the vote. Steve King defiantly rejected what he described as an "unprecedented assault on his freedom of speech while simultaneously supporting a resolution in Congress condemning his own racist remarks. The Iowa Republican whose has a history of controversial rhetoric sparked a backlash after an interview with the New York Times was published last week in which the congressman appeared to lament why language like white nationalist and white supremacist had "become offensive". Mr King took to the House floor to seemingly clarify his controversial statements before the vote. I regret that we are in this place, the congressman said, urging his colleagues to support the resolution brought by Republican James Clyburn titled, Rejecting White Nationalism and White Supremacy. I agree with every word that you have put in this, he continued. Its an honest and a direct resolution put together to address a subject that has been too long before the public dialogue in this country. I want to ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, let's vote for this resolution. I'm putting up a yes on the board here, Mr King added. The resolution passed 416-1, with Democrat Bobby Rush saying it did not go far enough to punish Mr King for the slate of comments he has made in past years. While the resolution does not punish Mr King in any way, GOP leadership decided to strip him of his seats on committees in the new Congress, effectively removing him from the Judiciary, Agriculture and Small Business Committees. The House Republicans denounce his language. We do not believe in his language and weve decided that he will not serve on any committees, said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday, stopping short of calling on Mr King to resign. Other key Republicans urged Mr King to step down, however, including Liz Cheney, the number three Republican in the House. I think that he should find another line of work, she said Tuesday. The outcry surrounding Mr Kings comments arrived after he said in the Times interview: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? 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 comments were met with swift backlash from Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said on Monday: Rep. Kings statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position. If he doesnt understand why white supremacy is offensive, he should find another line of work. It does not appear Mr Kings support for Tuesdays resolution will put an end to the issues surrounding his remarks. As more Republicans call for his resignation, including Senator Mitt Romney, new controversial videos and interviews of Mr King continue to surface online, causing vocal backlash from Democrats and the left. In an Op-Ed for the Washington Post, Tim Scott the only sitting black Republican senator wrote, Why are Republicans accused of Racism? Because were silent on things like this. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The resolution passed in the House denounces Mr Kings remarks and describes his comments as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States. The congressman said his remarks has not been perceived the way he intended them to. The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has asked Donald Trump to postpone his annual State of the Union address amid a government shutdown now into its 26th day. The move could deny the president the grandeur of the annual platform, which he is likely to use to criticise Ms Pelosi and Democrats over the shutdown. Democrats have said they will not sanction $5.7bn (4.4bn) funding for Mr Trumps proposed border wall which the president has made a central demand for reopening the government. Ms Pelosi said that the Secret Service is in charge of security for the event but has not been funded throughout the closure, and agents guarding the president and other top American officials have not been paid. Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government reopens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has reopened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the congress on 29 January, Ms Pelosi said in a letter to the president. Speaking to reporters, Ms Pelosi said that the security issues are completely out of my hands and Mr Trump can make [the address] from the Oval Office if he wants. Well have to have a security evaluation, but that would mean diverting resources, she said when asked how she would respond if Mr Trump still intended to come. I dont know how that could happen. Ms Pelosi was backed by the leading Democrat in the Seante, Chuck Schumer. If it continues to be closed on the 29th, I think its a good idea to delay it until the government is open, Mr Schumer said. The House and the Senate have to pass resolutions to actually confrm the State of the Union. Neither have done so yet and Ms Pelosi could control whether the house passes one at all. The White House had no immediate comment on Ms Pelosis request and her letter appeared to take aides by surprise. It pointed out that she had invited Mr Trump to make the State of the Union address at the Capitol but said the shutdown complicated the situation. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said on Twitter her department and the Secret Service were prepared to handle a presidential speech at the Capitol. Representative Jim Jordan of the House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republicans who are close allies of Mr Trump, said the move by Ms Pelosi shows how far Democrats will go to obstruct Trump. It sure sounds like shes looking to not have the president come and give the State of the Union address, not have the commander-in-chief come and address the nation, Mr Jordan told Reuters. I think that just shows that theyre more focused on stopping the president than they are on serving the country. Senior Republican Senator John Thune of South Dakota said he was confused by the request. I dont know how they do that, Mr Thune told reporters. I cant imagine telling the president of United States one, they are not negotiating with him on the shutdown and, two, now they are going to tell him he cant come to the Capitol to them. That seems pretty far-fetched. I dont think thats going to go over very well with the American people. 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 White House hosted what it called a constructive meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators, followed by another with group of Republican senators on Wednesday. However, there was a no movement towards a solution to the shutdown. Democrats have remained steadfast in denying the president, blocking a funding measure in the Senate last year after House Republicans then in control of the chamber passed it. Since Democrats have taken control of the house, a series of funding bills have been passed in the chamber that would reopen most or all of the government while providing a more moderate amount of border security funding. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the Senate, which is still controlled by Republicans, majority leader Mitch McConnell has so far refused to allow any of those bills to go to the floor without the funding that Mr Trump has demanded. The partial shutdown began on 22 December and roughly 800,000 workers have either been furloughed or working without pay for the fourth straight week. Those who are working face potential discipline if they do not show up to work, even though many have been forced to work long hours and still somehow find a way to fit in second jobs to keep food on the table. On Wednesday, Mr Trump signed legislation into law affirming that those federal workers who have been going without pay will ultimately be compensated for their lost wages. The US government shutdown is even impacting the heavens. Or, at least those federal workers whose job it is to explore them. Around 50 furloughed NASA employees have gathered to protest outside the Johnson Space Center in Houston, calling for a return to funding so they can do their jobs and waving around symbolic "Payday" candy bars to send the message that they want their money. Ambitious goals including efforts to return to the Moon and Mars are on hold, they said. While most of the attention surrounding the government shutdown has centered on Donald Trump and congressional Democrats. With Mr Trump's demand for $5.7bn to build his border wall being met with an emphatic "no" by Democrats, some at the Houston demonstration laid blame elsewhere: Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Mitch McConnell, the balls in your court, one sign at the protest read, according to The Houston Chronicle. "Tell McConnell to give us a vote," another sign at Tuesday's protest read. Sandra Jones, a public affairs official who just graduated from college and was expecting to start her new job working for NASA last week, told The Independent in a phone interview that every day funding is kept from NASA is a missed opportunity to explore space and expand mankind's understanding of the universe. "Missions are being put on hold. Some projects have some contractor funding that is keeping them going but that is going to be used up soon. Its putting us further and further behind," Ms Jones said. "We have some big goals to return to the moon and to put us on Mars, and its unfortunate that were not able to focus on those missions right now". Mr McConnell is the Republican leader in the Senate, and has refused to bring forward any legislation that does not include the funds Mr Trump has said he needs to build the barrier on the US-Mexico border. Meanwhile, Democrats in the House have passed government funding bills that would likely gain bipartisan support should the Senate take them up, even though they do not include border wall funding. 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 Republican-controlled Senate voted overwhelmingly last year to pass a bill that did not include wall funding, but that measure was rejected by the then-Republican controlled House of Representatives. Mr McConnell has said that a solution must be negotiated with the president, as he would have veto power to reject funding bills he does not approve. The 50 or so NASA employees who make up a small portion of the roughly 800,000 federal employees who have been either furloughed or told to work without pay since 22 December expressed exasperation in Houston. For younger workers like Ms Jones, not having a pay cheque can be especially challenging. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events "For us, its especially difficult. If youve been working for a while hopefully you have a savings, but I really feel like, for us as young people, its hitting us hard," Ms Jones said. "We just graduated college. We have student loans. Were really not sur show to pay for food and stuff like that". Government workers impacted by the shutdown did not receive paychecks last week, and it is not clear that leaders in Washington will find a way to overcome the impasse any time soon. That means tight budgets, second jobs, and desperate searches for cash to put food on the table and pay mortgages for federal workers. Acting attorney general Matthew Whitaker has agreed to testify to Congress next month. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, who had previously threated to issue a supeona if Mr Whitaker agree to appear, said in a letter to the Trump official that the hearing would take place on 8 February. Mr Whitaker's public testimony will give House Democrats a chance to question the official about his views on the special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation and whether he has taken any action while overseeing the probe. Mr Whitaker's ascent to the role of acting attorney general, having been picked by Donald Trump, caused constenation for many in Congress. Particularly as it came after the president forced out Mr Sessions having become frustrated at him recusing himself from overseeing the Mueller investigation. Critics worried that Mr Whitaker, the former chief of staff to Jeff Sessions, had too many possible conflicts of interest to oversee the probe into Russian election meddling in 2016 and any possible collusion with the Trump campaign. Recommended Michael Cohen to testify publicly before congress next month Not only does Mr Whitaker have a close relationship with the president, but he also has been sharply critical of the Mueller investigation in the past. He has hit out at the scope of the investigation and has previously suggested in opinion pieces written for outlets like CNN that the way to curb that would be to cut fuding to the probe. Indeed, an ethics official in the Justice Department suggested that Mr Whitaker should recuse himself because a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts would question his impartiality over statements to the press. Mr Whitaker rejected that advice because the ethics lawyers could not find an example of other attorneys general who had recused themselves based on statements to news outlets, and he did not want to be the first. That was according to a letter sent fromt he Justice Department to the two party leaders in the Seante, Demorat Chuck Schumer and Republican Mitch McConnell. Its crystal clear that Department of Justice ethics officials believe Mr Whitaker should recuse himself from supervision of the special counsels investigation, Mr. Schumer said at the time. Mr Whitakers refusal to recuse is an attack on the rule of law and the American justice system, but it is undoubtedly consistent with what President Trump wanted an unethical yes man who will do his bidding rather than do whats right. 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 Whitaker's testimony to Congress will set up a blockbuster couple of days in the House, with it coming a day after former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen testifies before the House Oversight Committee. The two days will be the first major oversight hearings for the two committees since the Democrats took over the majority in the House. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Mr Trump has nominated former attorney general William Barr for the permanent job, which was vacated by Jeff Sessions last year. A Senate vote to confirm Mr Barr could come as soon as next week, but Mr Whitaker will still appear infront of Congress. As we have discussed and I have informed your staff, I expect you to appear... whether or not the current lapse in appropriations has been resolved, and whether or not the Senate has confirmed a new Attorney General, Mr Nadler wrote. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand used an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to announce she was formally entering the race to become president in 2020 the latest high profile Democrat to enter what will become a crowded field. Im going to run for president of the United States, because as a young mom Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own, she said, when asked if she had any news to share with the audience. Im filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight. The formation of the exploratory committee will allow her to legally begin fundraising and organising her campaign, as she seeks to carve out a distinct presence in a field of candidates that could reach two dozen. Texas Democrat Julian Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and top official in Barack Obamas administration formally launched his White House bid on Saturday. Former congressman John Delaney has been running for more than a year, while senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts formed an exploratory committee last month. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii said last Friday that she too, will run for president. 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 It is generally reckoned that candidates such as Ms Gillibrand, a senator for New York, who is well known but not among the top-rated potential candidates, benefit from declaring earlier in the cycle. This gives them more time to raise the vast sums required for a run, and to build awareness nationwide. People such as Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, should they decide run, already possess extensive networks that would allow them to raise money quickly. They also have greater national recognition. Figures such as congressman Beto ORourke, who narrowly failed to defeat Ted Cruz last year for a senate seat, have displayed they have the power to generate excitement among grassroots supporters that would also allow them to raise money quickly. In her appearance broadcast on Tuesday evening, Ms Gillibrand, who was previously moderate but has shifted to the left on issues over the past decade, pitched herself as someone who would push for universal health care, public school and job training programmes, and seeking to tackle climate change. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events You are never going to accomplish any of these things if you dont take on the systems of power which make all of that impossible, said Ms Gillibrand, who took the senate seat previously occupied by Hillary Clinton. Which means taking on institutional racism, its taking on the corruption and greed in Washington, and taking on the special interests that write legislation in the dead of night, and I know that I have the compassion, courage, and fearless determination to get that done. Reuters said that as senator, Ms Gillibrand has been outspoken about rape in the military and campus sexual assault several years before the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault gathered pace in 2017. In late 2017, as she pushed for a bill changing how Congress processes and settles sexual harassment allegations made by employees some prominent party leaders criticised her for being the first Democratic senator to urge the resignation of senator Al Franken, who was accused of groping and kissing women without their consent. During the same period, Ms Gillibrand said Ms Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, should have resigned from the White House after his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives. Mock newspapers circulating outside of the White House on Wednesday afternoon were quite literally the definition of fake news. The papers, which resembled that of The Washington Post and were reportedly being handed out by a woman near the Union Street subway station in Washington, featured a brooding image of Donald Trump with the main headline reading, UNPRECEDENTED: Trump hastily departs White House, ending crisis. The paper carried The Posts emblem, featuring additional headlines like Celebrations break out worldwide as Trump era ends and Pres. Pence begins clipped duck term. Reporters and Twitter users shared images of the fake newspaper online, describing it as pretty convincing at first glance though clearly fictional upon closer inspection. By Wednesday afternoon, an accompanying website had emerged showcasing stories about the supposed end to Mr Trumps presidency under the domain name My-washingtonpost.com. There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC," The Washington Posts public relations team said in a statement. "We are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Posts. They are not Post products, the statement continued, and we are looking into this. 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 newspapers were apparently circulated by MoveOn, a progressive organisation and political action committee backing left-wing candidates for elected office. The group tweeted a photo of the papers, suggesting it had witnessed a staffer bring a copy into the White House. On May 1, barely six months after the midterm elections, Donald Trump appears to have abandoned the White House and abdicated his role as president, the fake newspapers feature story reads. He issued no formal statement, though four White House aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity claim they found a napkin on the presidents desk in the Oval Office on the evening of April 30, scrawled in red ink with the following message: Blame Crooked Hillary & Hfior & the Fake News Media. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former chairman of Donald Trumps presidential transition team, has attacked the presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner for carrying out a political hit job against him as an act of revenge. Mr Christie claims he was ousted from his position leading the transition in 2016 after Mr Kushner carried out a faceless execution in retaliation for prosecuting his father, Charles Kushner, a decade ago. Mr Kushner is now a senior White House adviser with a large portfolio of responsibilities including negotiating Middle Eastern peace, and overseeing criminal justice reform efforts. Steve Bannon made clear to me that one person and one person only was responsible for the faceless execution that Steve was now attempting to carry out, Mr Christie writes in his book, recalling his firing in Trump Tower by the presidents former campaign chairman, according to a review of the text by The Guardian. He then named the man he was told was responsible: Jared Kushner, still apparently seething over events that had occurred a decade ago. Mr Christie claims that Mr Kushner had targeted him as an act of revenge for putting his father in prison for a year. The senior Kushner was prosecuted by Mr Christie in 2005, when he was then a federal attorney. Mr Christie charged him with witness tampering and tax evasion in that case. After his departure from the transition team, Mr Christie finished up his term as New Jerseys governor, but has not rejoined the Trump team. 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 Christie has been frequently discussed as a potential candidate for top administration posts, but more recently indicated that he is not interested in such a post. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The former New Jersey governor was one of the first of Mr Trumps opponents to endorse the future president in 2016 and during the Republican primary season. I understand that they need more asylum courts and judges, for example. Speaking of ports of entry, almost everyone agrees that most of the illegal drugs coming into the United States through Mexico are coming in through official ports of entry, not from smugglers coming across the border illegally between checkpoints. The problem is that not all the vehicles coming across the border are checked. Most vehicles drive through with their illegal cargo undetected because there are not enough inspectors or technology to check every vehicle. Perhaps the border guards could use the $5.7 billion to hire more inspectors and to purchase better technology to find hidden drugs in vehicles. One third of UN staff and contractors experienced sexual harassment in the past two years, according to a report released by the United Nations on Tuesday. The online survey, carried out by Deloitte in November, was completed by 30,364 people from the United Nations and its agencies - just 17 percent of those eligible. In a letter to staff, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the response rate as "moderately low." "This tells me two things: first - that we still have a long way to go before we are able to fully and openly discuss sexual harassment; and second - that there may also be an ongoing sense of mistrust, perceptions of inaction and lack of accountability," he wrote. The survey comes amid the wider "Me Too" movement around the world against sexual harassment and assault. According to the report, 21.7 percent of respondents said they were subjected to sexual stories or offensive jokes, 14.2 percent received offensive remarks about their appearance, body or sexual activities and 13 percent were targeted by unwelcome attempts to draw them into a discussion on sexual matters. Some 10.9 per cent said they were subjected to gestures or use of body language of a sexual nature, which embarrassed or offended them, and 10.1 per cent were touched in way that made them feel uncomfortable. More than half of those experienced sexual harassment said it happened in an office environment, while 17.1 per cent said it happened at a work-related social event. Two out of three harassers were male, according to the survey. Tarana Burke ted talk: Me too is a movement not a moment Only one in three people said they took action after experiencing sexual harassment. Mr Guterres said the report contained "some sobering statistics and evidence of what needs to change to make a harassment-free workplace real for all of us." "As an organization founded on equality, dignity and human rights, we must lead by example and set the standard," he said. 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 United Nations has tried to increase transparency and strengthen how it deals with such accusations over the past few years after a string of sexualexploitation and abuse accusations against U.N. peacekeepers in Africa. The head of the UN agency for HIV and AIDS is also stepping down in June, six months before his term ends, after an independent panel said that his "defective leadership" tolerated "a culture of harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and abuse of power." Reuters A Saudi teenager who fled the Middle Eastern kingdom due to fears that she would be harmed or killed by family members, has received multiple threats online after being granted asylum in Canada. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun is set to begin her new life in Toronto accompanied by a security guard, who has been hired to ensure she is "never alone" The 18-year-old attracted global attention after she barricaded herself in a hotel room in Thailand before taking to social media to plead for assistance, nonetheless pledged to fight for women's freedoms in her first public appearance since she touched down in the city. "Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world," the teenager said in a statement, which she read out in Arabic at a press conference. "I am one of the lucky ones," she added. "I know there are unlucky women that disappeared after escaping and could not do anything to change their reality." The teenager hit the headlines after she was stopped in Thailand's capital Bangkok on 4 January. Immigration police seized her passport and denied her entry to the country. She then took to Twitter to explain that she escaped Saudi Arabia during a trip to Kuwait and that her life would be in danger if she was forced to return to her family. Her family denies any abuse. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees eventually granted the 18-year-old refugee status and she accepted an offer of asylum from Canada. 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Show all 10 1 /10 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In October 2014, three lawyers, Dr Abdulrahman al-Subaihi, Bander al-Nogaithan and Abdulrahman al-Rumaih , were sentenced to up to eight years in prison for using Twitter to criticize the Ministry of Justice. AFP/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2015, Yemens Sunni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi was forced into exile after a Shia-led insurgency. A Saudi Arabia-led coalition has responded with air strikes in order to reinstate Mr Hadi. It has since been accused of committing war crimes in the country. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Women who supported the Women2Drive campaign, launched in 2011 to challenge the ban on women driving vehicles, faced harassment and intimidation by the authorities. The government warned that women drivers would face arrest. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Members of the Kingdoms Shia minority, most of whom live in the oil-rich Eastern Province, continue to face discrimination that limits their access to government services and employment. Activists have received death sentences or long prison terms for their alleged participation in protests in 2011 and 2012. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses All public gatherings are prohibited under an order issued by the Interior Ministry in 2011. Those defy the ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment on charges such as inciting people against the authorities. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses In March 2014, the Interior Ministry stated that authorities had deported over 370,000 foreign migrants and that 18,000 others were in detention. Thousands of workers were returned to Somalia and other states where they were at risk of human rights abuses, with large numbers also returned to Yemen, in order to open more jobs to Saudi Arabians. Many migrants reported that prior to their deportation they had been packed into overcrowded makeshift detention facilities where they received little food and water and were abused by guards. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses The Saudi Arabian authorities continue to deny access to independent human rights organisations like Amnesty International, and they have been known to take punitive action, including through the courts, against activists and family members of victims who contact Amnesty. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Raif Badawi was sentenced to 1000 lashes and 10 years in prison for using his liberal blog to criticise Saudi Arabias clerics. He has already received 50 lashes, which have reportedly left him in poor health. Carsten Koall/Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Dawood al-Marhoon was arrested aged 17 for participating in an anti-government protest. After refusing to spy on his fellow protestors, he was tortured and forced to sign a blank document that would later contain his confession. At Dawoods trial, the prosecution requested death by crucifixion while refusing him a lawyer. Getty Images 10 examples of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses Ali Mohammed al-Nimr was arrested in 2012 aged either 16 or 17 for participating in protests during the Arab spring. His sentence includes beheading and crucifixion. The international community has spoken out against the punishment and has called on Saudi Arabia to stop. He is the nephew of a prominent government dissident. Getty Costi, a refugee agency, has been hired by the Canadian government to help Ms al-Qunun settle into Toronto. Staff at the agency remain concerned over multiple threats aimed at the teenager online. "It's hard to say how serious these threats are," Mario Calla, the agency's executive director, said. "We're taking them seriously." Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ms al-Qunun thanked the Canadian and Thai governments and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for making her move to Canada possible. "I understand that everyone here and around the world wishes me well and would like to continue to hear about how I am doing, but ... I would like to start living a normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada," she said. Additional reporting by agencies Yet another migrant caravan is making the long and dangerous journey to the United States, with the situation on the US-Mexico border having already contributed to the longest government shutdown in American history. Honduran Deputy Foreign Minister Nelly Jerez said that between 800 and 1,000 people were travelling together and headed towards the Agua Caliente border crossing into Guatemala. Hundreds of Honduran refugees and migrants also left a bus station in the northern city of San Pedro Sula and moved along to join the caravan. The first groups to leave included many women and children who got onto buses destined for the Guatemalan border. Others are walking towards the border, or hitchhiking, braving steady rains to flee violent or impoverished conditions that have made life unbearable at home. People leave every day, Bartolo Fuentes, a migrant activist who is accompanying the caravan, told the Associated Press. Every day 300, 400 people go. The caravan has been like a constant river of people to Mexico, to the United States. What happens is it wasn't visible. Donald Trump has used the issue of such caravans to rally support during last years midterms and more recently, to try and make a case for the $5.7bn in funds he has asked Congress for to build a border wall. Democrats have refused to sanction the spending, leading to the government shutdown. True to form, Mr Trump seized on the incoming migrant caravan on Tuesday to drum up support for his border wall. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras, the president tweeted on Tuesday. Only a Wall will work. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! The first groups left on Monday night from the bus station in San Pedro Sula. Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Show all 30 1 /30 Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Members of the caravan of Central American migrants climb the border wall in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US Border Patrol agents seen through the concertina wire where the border meets the Pacific Ocean AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants pray at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Darwin, a 12 year old migrant boy from Honduras, looks out from under a tarp while taking refuge at a shelter in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants line up for a meal at a shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Angel, a 13-year-old migrant from Honduras looks towards the United States past the border fence in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Members of the LGBTQ community -who split from a caravan of Central American migrants heading to the US- arrive at the Diversidad Migrante (Migrant Diversity) NGO headquarters, which they will use as shelter, in Tijuana AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US military personell install barbed wire fences to stop the passage of Central American migrants EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Young Honduran migrant Daniel Gamez waits with his family in a line for a meal after arriving with the Central America migrant caravan in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Two women, one carrying a child, walk north after crossing illegally into the United States as a Border Patrol agent moves in to detain them AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A child looks out the window of a bus upon its arrival at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants from Honduras dry their clothes in the sand after washing off in the Pacific Ocean AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants at a temporary shelter near the US-Mexico border AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US police agents stand guard near the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant, who claimed not to be part of the Central American migrant caravan walks on the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Eldin, a migrant man from Honduras, awakes next to his seven year old son Jose while taking refuge at a shelter in Tijuana Reuters Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants line up for food at a shelter AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A man installs concertina wire on top of the border structure on the US side AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Central American migrants sit on an overlook in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant, who is part of a caravan traveling en route to the United States, shouts as he waits to receive food in a shelter in Tijuana REUTERS Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A man tries to get over a border structure topped with concertina wire AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border People who are part of the Central American migrants caravan arrive at a shelter EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border AFP/Getty Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border EPA Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants pray at a temporary shelter in Tijuana AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border Migrants shower outside a temporary migrant shelter next to the Us-Mexico border fence Getty Images Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border US Border Patrol agents, left, speak with two Central American migrants as they sit atop the border structure AP Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A Central American migrant looks on through the US-Mexico border fence AFP/Getty Images Migrant caravan reaches Tijuana on US border A migrant stands next to the border fence REUTERS Many of those leaving were reportedly carrying knapsacks, and walked along busy roads as they left the city. Those with children pushed children, or walked along the roads holding the hands of older children. It is unclear what fate may await the migrants once they make their way further north, but Honduran media has reported that authorities there have reinforced their border with Guatemala. Migrants arriving and attempting to travel north will be required to show proper documentation, including children. Parents have been warned that they could face up to three years in prison if they are found attempting to take children across the border without correct to documents, according to Security Minister Julian Pacheco. Mexico, too, is preparing for the migrants, with the interior minister saying last week that they will be prepared. "We have information that a new caravan is forming to enter our country in mid-January, Olga Sanchez Cordero, the interior minister, said at a news conference last week. We are already taking the necessary steps to ensure the caravan enters in a safe and orderly way". The school where Vice President Mike Pence's wife, Karen Pence, has accepted a part-time job teaching art requires potential employees to affirm certain religious beliefs that seek to exclude homosexual and transgender applicants, including that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. The Immanuel Christian School, a private K-8 school in Springfield, Virginia, outside of Washington sets forth the position in its employment application for teachers and support staff in a section that requires applicants to initial a set of standards that begins with a promise that they are born-again Christians. One of the items is a pledge to "live a personal life of moral purity." "I understand that the term 'marriage' has only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive covenant union as delineated in Scripture," the section says, saying that God intended sexual acts to occur only between "a man and a woman who are married to each other." "Moral misconduct which violates the bonafide occupational qualifications for employees includes, but is not limited to, such behaviors as the following: heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female, sexual harassment, use or viewing of pornographic material or websites, and sexual abuse or improprieties toward minors as defined by Scripture and federal or state law." Robert Tuttle, a professor of law and religion at George Washington Law School, said that the school's language on sexuality was typical of other conservative Christian institutions, and was not surprised by Pence's school choice, which he said was well within her rights. "They have staked out a certain set of positions on issues that are confrontational," he said of the Trump White House. "The administration seems to live on wedges, so paying attention to this just feeds their interest in driving one more wedge. And this confirms their bona fides with religious conservatives and they sort of seem to do that, because Donald Trump, whatever he might say, is not that." 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 passage was noted by HuffPost reporter Rebecca Klein on Twitter in the hours after Pence's new position was announced. The application says that employees are subject to termination for the "sexual immorality," it described above. Another section asks prospective teachers to explain their view of the debate about creation and evolution. It's not clear if Pence signed the morality pledge as part of her employment. The school did not return a request for comment. The Pences have long been known for their religiously influenced brand of conservatism. Kara Brooks, a spokeswoman for Pence, pointed out that the second lady has taught at the school for 12 years previously when Mike Pence was a member of Congress. "It's absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the school's religious beliefs, are under attack," Ms Brooks said. In a parent agreement the school hosts its website, it notes that it has the right to refuse admission or kick out students if the activities of either the student or their parents or guardians go against the biblical lifestyle espoused by the school. This includes "condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity, promoting such practices, or being unable to support the moral principles of the school." John Oliver releases spoof book about Mike Pence's gay rabbit JoDee Winterhof, senior vice president for policy and political affairs at the Human Rights Campaign, questioned Karen Pence's choice of the institution in a statement given to HuffPost. "The Pences never seem to miss an opportunity to show their public service only extends to some," she wrote. The Washington Post An American-born journalist working for Irans state TV broadcaster has reportedly been arrested after flying into the US. Press TV interrupted its broadcast on Wednesday to report Marzieh Hashemi was arrested after she arrived at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday. The English-language Iranian broadcaster, citing family members, said its TV presenter and documentary film maker was taken into FBI custody and brought to Washington, DC. In a report on its website, Press TV said Ms Hashemi, a mother and a grandmother, had travelled to the United States to visit her family members, including her brother, who is suffering from cancer. Her relatives were unable to contact her, and she was allowed to contact her daughter only two days after her arrest, it 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 According to the broadcaster the 59-year-old Muslim-convert, who was born in New Orleans and named Melanie Franklin, told her daughter she was handcuffed and shackled and was being treated like a criminal. She was quoted as saying her hijab had been forcibly removed and claiming she was only offered pork to eat, which Islam prohibits Muslims from consuming. The only food she has had over the past two days has been a packet of crackers, Ms Hashemi was quoted as saying by Press TV. The broadcasters account of her treatment could not be independently verified. The Independent has contacted the FBI for comment. Iran has called for Ms Hashemis immediate release and accused Washington of mistreating her in jail as a black Muslim woman. We condemn the illegal arrest of Marzieh Hashemi, the reporter and presenter of Press TV, and the inhuman treatment of her in jail in Washington, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. The sudden arrest of an American Muslim woman, and inhuman and disrespectful behavior of US federal officers with her is a clear example of how an apartheid regime treats its non-white citizens, Mr Qasemi added. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Ms Hashemi has lived in Iran for more than a decade, according to various Iranian media. She has reported on the subject of discrimination against women, Muslims, and African-Americans in the US. Her reported arrest comes amid mounting tensions between Iran and the US. At least 21 people have been murdered in Haiti, after a group of men in uniform opened fire on unarmed residents in an impoverished neighbourhood. The men arrived in Port-au-Prince, the country's capital, in a police truck, carrying machetes and guns. They were accompanied by local gang members and went house to house, gathering up unarmed civilians who they then shot dead or killed with machete blows in alleyways. "When I saw them I thought they were providing security but then I realized they were shooting at the population, said Marie-Lourdes Corestan, a local resident. They were shooting, and I was running to save my life. She said that neighbours told her that the men had killed her unarmed 24-year-old son. Survivors have many theories about the masked killers behind the massacre. Some claimed the group were gang members working with corrupt police officers. Others speculated that Haitian government officials had orchestrated the killings to prevent anti-corruption protests that often start in the neighborhood, which is an opposition stronghold. United Nation (UN) peacekeepers left Haiti in October 2017, at the end of 13 years, because conditions in the country had supposedly improved. 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 But Port-au-Prince residents told reporters that a number of neighbourhoods in the city were controlled by armed gangs. These lawless zones are multiplying, said Marie-Yolene Gilles, head of a local rights group, Fondasyon Je Klere, which put the death toll as high as 25. The authorities have said nothing, she added. They havent even condemned this massacre. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events There were worrying episodes of violence in some of the most notorious neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, areas where state authority is limited, Helen Meagher La Lime, head of the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, said. Investigations by both the authorities and human-rights organizations are ongoing, and our human-rights service is also working to determine what happened. Additional reporting by Associated Press Joaquin El Chapo Guzman once paid a $100 million bribe to former Mexican president Enrique Pena Nieto, a witness has claimed in court. Alex Cifuentes, who has said he was a close associate of Guzman for years, discussed the alleged bribe as part of the accused Mexcan drug lords trial. Asked if he told authorities in 2016 that Guzman arranged the bribe, he answered, Thats right. Mr Pena Nieto, commonly known by his initials EPN, was president of Mexico from December 2012 until November 2018. He was previously governor of the state of Mexico, which includes Mexico City. The former Mexican president could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokesman for Mr Pena Nieto has previously denied clims that he has taken any bribes, calling the accusations false. Cifuentes is a Colombian trafficker who has himself pleaded guilty to US drug charges and is cooperating with prosecutors. Federal prosecutors objected a number of times to questions about alleged bribes from Guzman's defence team. Sometimes these objections were sustained by Judge Brian Cogan. Guzman, 61, has been on trial in federal court in Brooklyn since November. He was extradited to the United States in 2017 to face charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin and other drugs into the country as leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. 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 A lawyer for Guzman, Jeffrey Lichtman, said in his opening statement on the first day of the Brooklyn trial that Guzamn was a scapegoat for the alleged real leadre of the cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada Garcia. Hes blamed for being the leader while the real leaders are living freely and openly in Mexico, Mr Lichtman said at the time. Mr Lichtman claimed that Zambada had been left free because he allegedly bribes the entire government of Mexico including up to the very top, the current president of Mexico - meaning Enrique Pena Nieto. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The office of Mr Pena Nieto denied that accusation as "false". Guzman's trial is expected to last a few more weeks. Reuters contributed to this report Joaquin El Chapo Guzman dreamed of directing his own biopic before his capture, according to a trial witness. Alex Cifuentes, the accused drug lords self-described one-time right-hand man, made the revelation in Brooklyn federal court on Monday. Cifuentez said he learned about a planned movie project while living with Guzman in the mountains of his boss home state of Sinaloa, Mexico, from 2007 to 2009. Guzman was interested in directing a movie about his life story as early as 2007, jurors heard on Monday. That was long before Guzman's well-known meeting with US actor Sean Penn and Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo in 2015. Cifuentes told jurors his own wife came up with the idea for a biopic, the New York Post reported. He loved the idea! Cifuentes said about Guzman, according to the newspaper. Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Show all 4 1 /4 Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside El Chapo's hideout Pictures reveal how the Mexican drug lord had been living since his escape Getty Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside El Chapo's hideout The inside of a house searched by marine special forces where Guzman was hiding Getty Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout Inside El Chapo's hideout Inside a house searched by marine special forces during the military operation to recapture Guzman Getty Inside Mexicos top drug lord El Chapos hideout El Chapo's attempted escape A marine stands guard next to a manhole of the sewer system through which drug kingpin Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman tried to escape Getty It was revealed in January 2016 that Guzman had met with Penn and Del Castillo for an interview. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Guzman had been arrested just a couple of days prior. Additional reporting by agencies. Nigerias ruling party has been accused of plagiarism after its manifesto declared it was dedicated to keeping America safe and secure. The All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Muhammadu Buhari, featured on its website a section dedicated to energy policy ahead of a general election slated for February. It was allegedly headlined, Our first priority is keeping America safe and secure, and featured rambling copy critics said was likely lifted from other websites. Reno Omokri, a former aide for ex-Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, accused the APC of obviously lifting the language from Donald Trump, though it is not clear when or even if the US president ever used the wording. An APC spokesperson, Lanre Issa-Onilu, claimed on Twitter the website had been "hacked" and "unauthorised content" posted on it. We wont allow the desperate people to succeed in their evil plots," he said. The content was later removed and replaced with new wording. It is not the first time the APC has been accused of plagiarism. Screen grab shows APC's website before wording was updated (APC) In 2016, Mr Buhari was forced to apologise after it emerged a number of passages in a speech launching his presidential campaign had been lifted from Barack Obamas 2008 presidential victory speech. 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 Buhari blamed the incident on overzealous staff. The siege at a luxury hotel in Nairobi that left 14 people dead has ended after militants who launched an attack on the complex were eliminated, Kenyas president said. Gunmen stormed the DusitD2 hotel during a suspected terror attack in the Westlands district of the city on Tuesday afternoon, setting off explosions and shooting people. The Foreign Office has announced a British citizen is among the dead. An American man is so far thought to be the only other foreign national known to have died. The British national killed in an attack in Nairobi has been named as Luke Potter by his employer, the international development charity Gatsby. Mr Potter had been the organisations Africa programmes director for the past 10 years. We are deeply shocked and saddened to confirm that Luke Potter, our Africa programmes director, was killed in the recent security incident in Nairobi, the charity said in a statement. Luke had devoted the past ten years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. He had worked with us for three and a half years, carrying out assignments across East Africa. Special forces had been sent to flush out the insurgents holed up inside the building, with officials announcing the area had been secured several hours later. The Islamist militant group al-Shabaab has said its fighters were responsible for the attack. Kenyan leader Uhuru Kenyatta said on Wednesday morning the security operation at the complex was over and all terrorists involved had been killed. The security operation at dusit complex is over, and all the terrorists eliminated, he said. As of this moment, we can confirm that 14 innocent lives were lost through the hands of these murderous terrorists. The president did not say Wednesday how many attackers were involved in the incident, but urged Kenyans to go back to work without fear. Mr Kenyatta announced 14 civilians had been killed, contradicting earlier reports the death toll stood at 15, while more than 700 others had been safely evacuated during the attack. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events At least two groups of people had remained trapped inside the hotel complex early on Wednesday, with gunfire still ringing out at the scene. Kenyas national police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said the coordinated attack on the hotel began with an explosion in a car park outside a bank followed by a suicide bomber inside the hotel lobby. Streams of people were initially seen running from the complex, some injured. Others were trapped inside buildings, forced to wait several hours for medical treatment or evacuation. Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Show all 23 1 /23 Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars are seen on fire at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures An injured man is evacuated from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A soldier takes cover next to a bullet ridden window EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People run for cover during gunfire and explosions in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Kenyan security forces take position following an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces on the scene of an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People are led away from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A soldier takes cover as gunfire continues at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Armed plain clothes officials secure the damaged entrance of a hotel during ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Members of security forces take cover at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People are evacuated from the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn after an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A member of security forces holds a weapon at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces advance at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A glass damaged by bullets at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A woman is helped at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces advance at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Undercover police are on the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi AP CCTV footage circulated in local media purported to show at least four gunmen entering to complex. Witnesses described seeing armed men dressed in green clothing draped in bandoliers of bullets. Many of those killed are thought to have been sitting at a restaurant in the complex when the gunfire broke out. Enoch Kibet, who works as a cleaner for the business, said she escaped by crawling out of a gate in the basement of the building after hearing an explosion. Nairobi attack witness says attackers were 'not normal people' and had 'black bullets' attached to them We were changing our shifts and that is when I heard a loud blast and people were screaming, she said. I couldn't believe I was alive. The blast was so loud and shook the whole complex. Militants from al-Shabaab, a Somalia-based group aligned to al-Qaeda, asserted the attack had killed 47 people in a release through its news agency, but gave no further details. The organisation is also thought to have been behind the siege on the Westgate shopping mall, around a mile from the DusitD2 complex, which killed 67 people across several days in 2013. Additional reporting by agencies County staff expects the program to cost $1.9 million over the next three years, with $851,000 counting against Fiscal Year 2016. The total for the first year is significantly higher than what the program is expected to cost in FY17 and FY18 due to the cost of outfitting and arming four new deputies. A member of the British special forces took part in the military operation following the al-Shabaab attack on a hotel complex in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, in which 14 people were killed, The Independent has learned. The SAS soldier, who had previously served in Afghanistan and Iraq, was seen in the thick of the action, helping to rescue civilians trapped amid the firefight and explosions, and guiding Kenyan forces as they tried to flush out the Islamist fighters from the buildings. The soldier is part of a British training team based in Kenya, and was at the scene mentoring Kenyan troops who had been deployed at the dusitD2 complex in the affluent Westlands area, where the al-Shabaab attackers had smashed through security barriers, throwing grenades and spraying automatic rifle fire. The Independent is not publishing details about the soldiers identity for security reasons. He was spotted at the scene where wearing a balaclava, camouflage body armour, a dark blue top and jeans, he helped carry out stretchers, studied plans and directed sorties with Kenyan colleagues. The SAS man was armed with a Canadian-made C8 Diemarco assault rifle and a Glock pistol. There were reports that he may have been a member of US navy seals as he also had a pirate badge but this may have been picked up while on exercise with American forces. Recommended Nairobi attack a grim reminder of spectre of terrorism over Kenya The SAS soldier was the only western security force member spotted at the scene. Joshua Kwambai, who ran out of a restaurant in the complex when the shooting started, said: This guy got there quick, I think he was one of the first ones there. He had a mask on, but it was obvious he was white. We could see him talking to the police and army and they listened to him, they were looking at pieces of paper, maybe plans of the building. The SAS soldier evacuates an injured woman from the scene (Reuters) (REUTERS) Another witness, Lucy Njeri, added: This man carried out one of the wounded, and then went back and did that again. There was a lot of confusion, lot of people running around, but he stood out because he was a foreigner. He was very brave. A British man and an American woman were among those killed in the attack, but they are yet to be identified. Armed Kenyan police respond to Nairobi hotel attack The UK high commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey, said in a video posted on Twitter that: Im very sad to confirm that we believe at least one British national has been killed in the attack. We are providing our support to his family and friends at this very difficult time. The Foreign Office in London said it was in contact with the Kenyan authorities and was ready to assist as required. The attack started at around 3pm local time on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning the Kenyan president, Uhuru Kenyatta, announced the assault was over, adding that the terrorists had been eliminated and more than 700 civilians had been evacuated to safety. Kenyan security forces appeared to have moved relatively quickly following initial reports of gunfire on Tuesday afternoon. They had faced severe criticism over their slow reaction to an assault and siege at the Westgate shopping mall in the Kenyan capital five and half years ago in which 67 people were killed and more than 200 injured. Extensive training had taken place subsequently with western, including American and British, forces. As the 20-hour siege of the dusitD2 hotel complex ended on Wednesday morning, security forces were combing the city, and survivors and residents were reeling from the attack. Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta says the terrorists have been eliminated after the atrocity left 14 dead, including one British citizen, a development worker called Luke Potter. More than 700 civilians had to be evacuated, and some jumped from windows or ran out under fire. At the Avenue Hospital in the Parklands neighbourhood, Tricia, a staff member at the dusitD2 hotel is being released but is still dazed. I think I was rescued this morning, she says. It was a little dark but all I could think of was that Ill see my family again. After falling down some stairs while trying to escape, Tricia who does not want to give her last name was given the all-clear for internal bleeding. Recommended Nairobi attack a grim reminder of spectre of terrorism over Kenya At least two groups of people were trapped throughout the night, with gunfire continuing as dawn broke. Some sent text messages out begging for medical help. Kenyatta has not identified how many attackers were involved, but CCTV clips show at least five dressed in black. Another survivor, Elec Yule, chimes in. There was flesh. The attackers or a victims, I dont know. I just closed my eyes, Yule recalls. There was flesh. The attackers or a victims, I dont know. I just closed my eyes Elec Yule, survivor As Kenyatta urges Kenyans to go back to work without fear, the Red Cross confirms a number of those involved in the siege are already seeking psychological counselling. It also reports that 94 people remain missing. The city is very quiet and you can see people are extremely worried and cautious, says Charles Meshala, a taxi driver. People on my WhatsApp have been exchanging photos of the terrorists after detonating themselves. Tuesdays attack was claimed by Al-Shabaab, the Somali branch of Al-Qaeda, and brings back memories of the Westgate mall siege and massacre in 2013, in which 67 people were killed over several days, and which was also carried out by the extremist group. This will definitely affect Somalis living here. Especially the ones living in Eastleigh, says Meshala. Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Show all 23 1 /23 Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars are seen on fire at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures An injured man is evacuated from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A soldier takes cover next to a bullet ridden window EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People run for cover during gunfire and explosions in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Kenyan security forces take position following an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces on the scene of an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People are led away from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A soldier takes cover as gunfire continues at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Armed plain clothes officials secure the damaged entrance of a hotel during ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Members of security forces take cover at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People are evacuated from the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn after an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A member of security forces holds a weapon at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces advance at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A glass damaged by bullets at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A woman is helped at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces advance at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Undercover police are on the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi AP Eastleigh is home to many Somali immigrants and is often referred to as Little Mogadishu. Notorious for its traffic jams, Nairobi is noticeably quieter on Wednesday. At a half-empty French restaurant along Riverside Drive, Matt Jones, a 70-year-old British retiree and long time resident of the East African capital, sits on his own. He expresses frustration and sadness for the city he has called home for the past 23 years. I opted to retire here and often invite my friends to see this beautiful country and experience its hospitality, he says. Terrified people flee upmarket hotel complex in Kenya capital after suspected attack Ill be honest with you; it does scare me and brings back bad memories. I feel bad for this world be it Brexit back home or terrorism in other countries but I still believe in the forces here. At an upscale mall not far from the site of Tuesdays attack, Paras Jagdish, a doctor from Mombasa, laments that people are referring to the relatively small death toll, when compared with the Westgate incident. Its scary and sad and what makes me upset is that people think since we have less casualties than the Westgate Mall attack, thats better. Its not. Lives have been lost, he says. Kennedy Kanyangonda, a McGill University staff member on holiday in Kenya to see family, says that when he had been at the Westgate mall, earlier on Wednesday, now ostensibly fully secured with armed officers and sniffer dogs, he couldnt help but feel fearful. I dont want the terrorists to win, but even though I was there having a meal, all I could think about was how Im worried and scared I am. Given Theresa May has just suffered the biggest Commons thumping in history a majority of 232 against her Brexit deal it might appear obvious that MPs lack confidence in her. However, for Jeremy Corbyn to have any chance of the general election he craves, the Commons must deliver that verdict on a specific motion, in a vote on Wednesday night. It is the first time the procedure has been used under the terms of the 2011 Fixed Term Parliaments Act without which the prime minister would almost certainly have resigned already. Jeremy Corbyn launches bid to topple Theresa May in aftermath of major Brexit defeat Members of Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet have rejected approaches from senior government ministers over cross-party Brexit talks, saying Theresa May herself must reach out to the Labour leader. Labour sources told The Independent that they suspected the government was trying to divide and rule the shadow cabinet by working around Mr Corbyn and directly contacting frontbenchers. It comes after Ms May suffered a historic loss over her Brexit deal on Tuesday evening - the worst defeat of a government in parliamentary history and on one of the most critical issues facing the country. In the wake of the defeat, the prime minister claimed she wanted to reach out to MPs across the chamber to reach a new agreement, but the Labour leader said no attempt had been made to contact his office by Downing Street. Before the result of a motion of no confidence was declared, a senior Labour source said that three members of Mr Corbyns frontbench had been contacted by two cabinet ministers, and another government minister. Labour said Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay was one of those who have reached out to members of Mr Corbyns top team. Recommended Everything you need to know about the vote of no confidence Theresa Mays failure to reach out to the leader of the opposition shows shes not serious about finding a way forward, a party source said. They added: Labour will resist this classic Tory divide and rule. If the prime minister thinks MPs are going to allow her to continue to play games rather than have serious conversations, shes got another thing coming. A Downing Street source said they were unaware of the contact made between government ministers and Labour, and Mr Barclay's team were unable to confirm or deny whether he approached shadow cabinet ministers. Earlier, Mr Corbyn said the prime minister had failed to reach out across party lines in the wake of the humiliating defeat, saying any previous prime minister would have resigned in the scale of such defeat. Ms May confirmed she wanted to meet MPs from across Parliament, before returning to the Commons on Monday to make a fresh statement on the way forward on Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn has refused to meet Theresa May for talks to find a way out of the Brexit crisis, saying it would be impossible until she rules out a no-deal outcome. The Labour leader said he could not accept Ms Mays invitation because the idea of a no-deal Brexit is a catastrophe he cannot countenance. The prime minister made her offer of cross-party talks to break the Brexit impasse after she won a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons on Wednesday that had been brought by Mr Corbyn. But the Labour leader responded: Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward, the government must remove clearly once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit from the EU and all the chaos that would come as a result of that. The leader of the oppositions spokesman later repeated the demand that no deal be ruled out before any talks started, and accused the prime minister of trying to use the threat of crashing out without a deal to blackmail Mr Corbyn into talks. He said: There cant be meaningful talks about how to find a deal that reflects the majority in parliament and that can command a majority in parliament while the threat of no deal, which would be disastrous for the country ... is still on the table. That must come off the table. Its effectively a blackmail and makes meaningful talks on a real solution that can command a majority in parliament impossible. Ms May had just survived an attempt to oust her as prime minister, as MPs rejected Mr Corbyns motion of no confidence in the government by a margin of 325 to 306. Jeremy Corbyn launches bid to topple Theresa May in aftermath of major Brexit defeat Her 19-vote victory came less than 24 hours after the crushing defeat of her EU withdrawal agreement in the commons, and clears the way for her to start cross-party talks on a Brexit plan B. Conservative rebels and members of the Democratic Unionist Party who consigned the PM to the worst defeat in parliamentary history on Tuesday rallied behind her to see off the threat of a general election. Welcoming the result, Ms May told the Commons: I am pleased that this house has expressed its confidence in the government. I do not take this responsibility lightly and my government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. And yes, we will also continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise we made to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union. She invited leaders of opposition parties to take part in individual meetings with her on the way forward for Brexit, starting on Wednesday evening. She held talks with DUP leader Arlene Foster, who later described the discussions as useful and said she had made clear the Northern Irish party would act in the national interest. Lessons will need to be learned from the vote in parliament, said Ms Foster. The issue of the backstop needs to be dealt and we will continue to work to that end. Theresa Mays defeat on her Brexit deal losing by 230 votes has made history as the biggest ever government defeat on the floor of the House of Commons. It easily beats the previous record of 166 votes, which was set in 1924 by the minority Labour government of Ramsay MacDonald, which was defeated over his decision to drop criminal proceedings against the editor of the Communist newspaper Workers Weekly. Mr MacDonald declared the issue a matter of confidence and, having lost the vote, obtained a dissolution of Parliament the following day. This led to a general election that his party lost. The result of the vote on Ms May's deal, leaves the prime minister facing a vote of no confidence, also sets a new record for the largest rebellion in modern times by Conservative members of parliament. The 118 Tory MPs who voted against the EU withdrawal agreement breaks the previous record of 95. This was the number who rebelled against John Major in 1997 and voted against gun controls introduced in response to the Dunblane shooting. Ms Mays defeat came close to breaking another record: the largest rebellion in modern British politics by MPs of a single party. The 118 Conservatives who voted against Ms Mays deal was 21 short of the largest ever revolt, which took place in March 2003 when 139 Labour MPs defied prime minister Tony Blair and voted against war in Iraq. This remains the greatest revolt by MPs of any party since the repeal of the Corn Laws in the 1840s. Following the minority government defeats of 1924, the next largest government defeat took place in March 1979, in the last few weeks of the Labour government led by Jim Callaghan. MPs voted by 115 to 26 on a motion to annul the fees for a firearms certificate a defeat of 89 votes, although the number of MPs taking part in the vote was low. Mr Callaghans government also suffered a defeat of 86 votes on January 1978, when MPs voted by 204 to 118 on an opposition amendment to the Scotland Devolution Bill, which excluded Orkney and Shetland from the provisions of the Bill if the islands voted no in a referendum. Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters Government defeats since 1979 have tended to occur by much smaller margins, though no prime minister even with a landslide majority in the Commons has escaped without at least one loss. In April 1986 the Conservative government of Margaret Thatcher suffered a rare defeat over its plans to relax laws on Sunday trading in England and Wales. On the second reading of the Shops Bill, MPs voted against by 296 to 282 a government defeat of 14. More recently, the Labour government of Tony Blair was defeated in November 2005 on its proposal to allow police to detain terror suspects for up to 90 days without charge. MPs voted against by 322 votes to 291 a government defeat of 31. It was a small defeat but a symbolic one, as it was Mr Blairs first House of Commons defeat since becoming prime minister eight years earlier in 1997. Additional reporting by Press Association Theresa Mays Brexit deal was voted down by a record majority of 230 MPs and she now faces a vote of no confidence in her government. The prime minister has suggested that if she wins the vote, as she is expected to, she will meet with senior politicians from across the political spectrum in a bid to save her Brexit deal. Ms May will present her proposals for a plan B to MPs next week but given the deadlock in parliament it is unclear whether she will be able to get anything through the Commons. Given the impasse, The Independent believes it is time for a Final Say referendum, giving the British people the power to make the decision on how to proceed with the Brexit process. Here is what you can do to ensure the UK gets a Final Say referendum: 1) Sign the petition at change.org/finalsay First and foremost, if you havent done so already sign the petition. So far we have received more than 1.1 million signatures, making it the biggest campaign in the history of The Independent. As the deadlock continues the more signatures we obtain the more sway the campaign will have. Sign the petition and share it online. Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street Show all 30 1 /30 Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street Today the Independent's Final Say campaign and People's Vote delivered to 10 Downing Street their respective petitions calling for a public referendum on Theresa May's Brexit deal The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street L to R: Christian Broughton, Editor, The Independent, Justine Greening, Conservative MP for Putney, Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna, Lara Anne Spirit from People's Vote, Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Holly Baxter, Co-Editor Independent Voices and Christina Koci-Edwards from People's Vote hand in a petition to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street Front row L to R: Christina Koci-Edwards from People's Vote, Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna, Christian Broughton, Editor, The Independent, Vince Cable Lib Dem MP for Twickenham, Lara Anne Spirit from People's Vote and Justine Greening, Conservative MP for Putney The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent's editor Christian Broughton delivered over one million Final Say signatures and People's Vote spokesman Chuka Umunna MP delivered 300,000 signatures to Downing Street on Monday December 3 at midday The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street A supporter of the second referendum helps Vince Cable Lib Dem MP for Twickenham out of the rain during a protest The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street L to R: Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna, Lara Anne Spirit from People's Vote, Christian Broughton, Editor, The Independent, Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Justine Greening, Conservative MP for Putney and Christina Koci-Edwards from People's Vote on their way to hand in a petition to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street Christian Broughton, Editor, The Independent, Justine Greening, Conservative MP for Putney and Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna hand in the petition to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP for Brighton Pavilion, Labour MP for Streatham Chuka Umunna and Justine Greening, Conservative MP for Putney hand in petitions to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young Final Say petition delivered to Downing Street The Independent/Lucy Young 2) Email your MP and voice your opinion Ms May lost the vote on her Brexit deal by 230 votes and you can see how your MP voted by clicking here. Now that the prime ministers deal has been rejected, MPs will have increased influence over the Brexit process, so if you want a Final Say referendum, you should contact your MP. You can find your MPs contact details on the parliament website. Send them an email to tell them how you feel, what you think is the best course of action and what issues matter to you. You can also download the suggested email by clicking here. The Independent hands in Final Say petition to Downing Street 3) Keep sharing on social media Take a picture of yourself holding a sign that says I want a Final Say and then post it on social media with the hashtag #FinalSay. Every single post helps to keep the momentum going. You can also download the Final Say poster by clicking here, which you can print out or share on social media. 4) Labour members can influence party policy The Labour partys official policy is to push for a general election, in the event of Ms Mays deal having been rejected by the Commons. This is being done through a motion of no confidence but if this proves to be unsuccessful the partys policy is to keep all options on the table, including a Final Say referendum. Jeremy Corbyn says Labour could campaign for Final Say referendum if general election not possible More than 70 Labour MPs came out in support of having a referendum and Labours Brexit spokesperson, Sir Keir Starmer, has called for discussions on the issue in parliament. If youre a Labour party member, get in touch with the constituency Labour party and speak directly to your local councillors and MPs/parliamentary candidates. There could soon be a shift in Labour party policy and members voicing their opinions is likely to have a major impact. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events 5) Send us your ideas Any other ideas? Send them to finalsay@independent.co.uk One of the practical obstacles faced by the campaign for a second referendum on leaving the EU is the view that it cannot be held before the planned Brexit date of 29 March. That means that if the UK is to hold another referendum, it will have to apply to extend the Article 50 deadline. But why does it take so long to hold a new referendum? Why did the Constitution Unit at UCL estimate that it would take six months? Surely the process could be speeded up in what is, after all, a national emergency? The short answer is that a lot of rules for the conduct of referendums were invented for the 2011 referendum on the voting system and for the 2016 EU referendum the first national referendums since the first ever in 1975, which confirmed our membership of the European Economic Community. The Irish government would impose checks on goods crossing the Northern Ireland border in the event of a no-deal Brexit, according to a leaked recording of the countrys deputy prime minister. The opposition has seized on the admission, warning that there was now a private understanding in government that a hard border with the UK was increasingly likely. Though the fact that a no-deal would create a hard border is well-established, the Irish government has up until this point said it would not impose one under any circumstances but not spelled out how it could actually avoid one. A border would be required under World Trade Organisation rules that both the UK and Ireland are subject to, and the countries could face external sanctions for not imposing one. Both say they want to avoid a border in order to comply with the Good Friday Agreement, however. In a private conversation caught on tape Tanaiste Simon Coveney told a fellow minister there would be checks in the event of a no-deal but we can't get into where they'll be at this stage. But once you start talking about checks anywhere near the Border, people will start delving into that and all of a sudden we'll be the Government that reintroduced a physical border on the island of Ireland, he said. Micheal Martin, the leader of main opposition party Fianna Fail, told the countrys parliament after the recording came to light that there was now a private understanding behind the scenes that border checks were increasingly likely. It seems there is a private understanding and knowledge of a border in the aftermath of a no-deal Brexit but at all costs that private understanding must not be shared with the public, he said. On Wednesday afternoon Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar denied his government has secret plans to impose a border. We are not planning for checks on the land border in Northern Ireland, he said, adding that Mr Coveney had been misinterpreted. We had a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. I remember it well during the Troubles and before the single market in 1993, the Taoiseach said. I remember going there as a teenager. I remember the customs checks, I remember the 24-hour rule, I remember seeing soldiers, and I never want to see any of that ever again. Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters But pushed on how a border could actually be avoided, Mr Varadkar said the question was one for Brexiteers. Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected in the House of Commons on Tuesday night, with MPs objecting mostly to the Northern Ireland backstop drawn up by negotiatiors to avoid a hard border rememerging. Brexiteers say the policy would be a breach of British soverignty and trap the UK in a customs union that it could not leave. Close Theresa May delivers statement outside Number 10 Downing Street following second vote of confidence in her government Theresa May has appealed for other political parties to work with her on Brexit, after avoiding a dramatic bid to topple her government in the wake of the historic Commons defeat of her Brexit deal. MPs rejected Jeremy Corbyn's motion of no confidence in the government by a margin of 325 to 306 after Tory Brexiteers and the DUP rowed in behind the prime minister. Ms May's narrow reprieve came less than 24 hours after the crushing defeat of her Brexit deal in the Commons, and now paves the way for cross-party talks on a plan B. Recommended Shadow cabinet reject approaches from Tory ministers over Brexit talks Conservative rebels and members of the Democratic Unionist Party who consigned the PM to the worst defeat in parliamentary history on Wednesday rallied behind her to see off the threat of a general election. Welcoming the result, Ms May told the Commons: I am pleased that this house has expressed its confidence in the government. I do not take this responsibility lightly and my government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union." She invited opposition leaders to meet her for late-night talks on Wednesday, saying she "stands ready to work with any member of this House to deliver on Brexit". The move triggered an immediate row as Mr Corbyn's spokesman said he would not meet Ms May unless she ruled out a no-deal Brexit. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events It comes after a dramatic day in the Commons, where opposition MPs lined up to rubbish Ms May's administration and decry the lack of support for her central policy - the Brexit deal. The Labour leader said her "zombie government" was unable to govern and declared her "Frankenstein" Brexit deal officially dead. "There cant be meaningful talks about how to find a deal that reflects the majority in parliament and that can command a majority in parliament while the threat of no deal, which would be disastrous for the country ... is still on the table. That must come off the table", his spokesperson later said. If you would like to see how the vote unfolded, please see what was our live coverage below: Popkin noted final orders were issued in about half of the cases. The rest of the cases were generally denied or dismissed. He said that shows judges are properly providing gun owners with due process. Members of the committee, which is overseeing the implementation of the law, asked Popkin for more information about the cases for which final orders were denied to see whether there are other issues that need to be addressed with new legislation. Brexit has been dealt a hammer blow after Theresa Mays plans fell to the biggest ever Commons defeat and Jeremy Corbyn launched a bid to topple her government within 24 hours. Even Downing Street insiders admitted being shocked by the scale of the rout, which sent shockwaves across the English Channel and saw critics brand her deal dead. In total, 118 of the prime ministers own MPs refused to back the withdrawal agreement she spent 19 arduous months negotiating with Brussels. Labour leader Mr Corbyn branded the result catastrophic and immediately said he would table a motion of no confidence, which Ms May must win on Wednesday to avoid a general election. The prime minister will simultaneously begin a desperate scramble to save her deal, meeting senior parliamentarians from across the political spectrum to see what changes she might seek to win support. But sources from both the pro-EU and Eurosceptic wings of the cabinet admitted to The Independent in the aftermath, that a softer Brexit was now a more likely outcome. Ms Mays spinners had briefed that they hoped to limit the number of Tory MPs opposing her to double digits, with many people thinking Conservative opposition would weaken as the big moment approached. But there were gasps as the result was read out 432 votes against and just 202 for making it a bigger margin of defeat than the previous comparable loss suffered by Labours Ramsay MacDonald in 1924. Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters Even Ms Mays spokesperson was forced to admit it was a significant result in a briefing afterwards, justice secretary David Gauke said it was disappointing and another senior source said it was heavier than is comfortable. One cabinet insider from the Remain camp told The Independent: Shes going to be under enormous pressure to back a customs union. The result of tonights vote is the greatest defeat for a government since the 1920s in this House. This is a catastrophic defeat Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn Another from the Brexiteer wing admitted: Where next? It makes a soft Brexit more likely. Ms May told the Commons in the wake of the defeat that this government will listen to the result, and she announced she would hold cross-party talks with MPs across the house to determine a way forward before going back to Brussels. Her aides said she would enter these talks with principles that any deal should allow the UK to hold an orderly Brexit, leave the country in control of its money, borders and laws and with an independent trade policy. But spinners shied away from calling these red lines suggesting some of the strong positions set out by Ms May up to now may be moveable. Michel Barnier reacts to parliament's rejection of Theresa May's Brexit deal: 'Now it's time for the UK to tell us the next steps' A key facet of Mr Corbyns approach is a customs union with the EU, but this could kill off the chances of the UK implementing an independent trade policy from Brussels, and would also risk badly splitting her own party. As he announced he would table a confidence vote in the government, Mr Corbyn said in the Commons: The result of tonights vote is the greatest defeat for a government since the 1920s in this House. This is a catastrophic defeat. But after the DUP and Brexiteer rebels said they would back Ms May in the confidence vote, she looked set to overcome that initial hurdle leading to questions over what Mr Corbyn would do next. Labour MPs set to come out in support for a new referendum looked like they would be disappointed as their leaders spokesperson indicated Mr Corbyn would first pursue other avenues. Jeremy Corbyn launches bid to topple Theresa May in aftermath of major Brexit defeat Ex-education secretary Justine Greening said Ms Mays deal was now dead as she restated her belief that the only way forward was a Final Say referendum something The Independent has campaigned for. European Council president Donald Tusk also appeared to indicate that the UK should now have a second referendum, while Commission president Jean Claude Juncker said Britain needed to set out its intentions adding time is almost up. Before the vote on her deal Ms May appealed to MPs to understand the magnitude of their decision, telling them: This is the most significant vote that any of us will ever be part of in our political careers. A decision we will have to justify and live with for many years to come. A vote against this deal is a vote for nothing more than uncertainty, division. But it was not enough, neither was a push from the prime minister and her attorney general Geoffrey Cox to convince her critics in the final hours before the vote, with many standing in the Commons debate to declare their opposition. Theresa May gives speech before Brexit meaningful vote Tory former attorney general Dominic Grieve called Mr Coxs performance at the despatch box entertaining, but said it filled him with gloom to see that the government having to rely on the advocacy skills of a criminal defence advocate. Leaping on Sir Geoffreys analogy of the withdrawal agreement as an airlock leading to a better future, he said: Im afraid my own view is that we will either choke to death in the airlock as a nation or when the door finally opens we will find the landscape little to our liking. Conservative chair of the defence committee Dr Julian Lewis said: Because Brexit should mean Brexit and no deal is better than this bad deal, I shall vote no, no and no. Much of the opposition to Ms Mays deal focusses on the hated Irish backstop which would come into play if no future trade relations with the EU are agreed by December 2020, at which point the UK would find itself in a potential indefinite customs union until a new deal were decided. John Barron MP and Sir Edward Leigh both tabled amendments that sought to give the UK the unilateral right to leave the backstop, amid fears it could become permanently stuck in it. Both were rejected by the government however, which claimed they would undermine the withdrawal agreement. A further agreement which might have mitigated the governments defeat was not chosen for a vote by the speaker John Bercow, leading to further Tory anger over his continued role in parliamentary proceedings. Sir Bill Cash called on the prime minister to consider her position and to do so with dignity and without rancour over the vote. Labour MPs will pile pressure on Jeremy Corbyn to back a second referendum on Wednesday amid reports of a new push in parliament to give the British public a Final Say on Brexit. Up to 100 are set to meet with some coming out in support for a fresh vote for the first time to set out why only a new referendum can unlock the UKs Brexit deadlock. But early signs were not good after their leader indicated on Tuesday night that he would not immediately throw his weight behind a fresh vote, even if his bid to trigger a general election fails. Recommended May on the brink after huge Brexit defeat and Corbyn election plan After Theresa Mays defeat on Tuesday some Labour MPs were in discussion with colleagues and their local parties before making a final decision to join colleagues backing a new vote. While the group meeting on Wednesday were supporting Mr Corbyn in his bid to call a no confidence vote in the Conservative government, The Independent understands many want the leader to pivot to backing a new referendum afterwards. Some reports emerged that the group were even planning on tabling their own motion for a new vote if the party failed to, though this was denied by organisers of Wednesday's meeting. The partys policy, agreed in September, said: If we cannot get a general election, Labour must support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote. Final Say supporters leapt on the prime ministers devastating defeat on her deal to demand no more pussyfooting around or hesitation by Labour, but Mr Corbyns spokesperson instead indicated he would consider tabling multiple votes of no confidence to topple the prime minister rather than pivot to supporting a public vote. Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters Asked how many times Labour would table a confidence vote before accepting a general election was not going to happen, Mr Corbyns spokesperson replied: It will go on being the case that the best outcome is a general election. He then added: If we cant get a general election, then all the options will be on the table as unanimously agreed in Liverpool. But David Lammy, a Labour supporter of the Peoples Vote campaign, said: There is only one way forward to hand the final decision back to the British public through a Peoples Vote. This is not the time for further pussyfooting around or hesitation by Labour. Our supporters and members now need the opposition to act. If we cannot secure a general election, Labour should honour the next stage of our conference policy and start actively campaigning with people of all parties and of none to give the public the Final Say. Ian Murray, a Labour backer of the anti-Brexit Best for Britain group, echoed the call, saying: The prime minister should put her deal to the public in a peoples vote. The ballot paper should offer the option of remaining in the EU and thats something which Labour should get fully behind. And Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: It is time for Jeremy Corbyn to find his backbone, drop his plans for a Labour-led Brexit, and back our calls for a Peoples Vote. Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP first minister, said: Legislation must be brought forward to put this issue back to the electorate in another referendum. Labour MPs pushing for a new Brexit referendum will try to force Jeremy Corbyn into backing one by supporting a Commons motion as early as next week. They believe the partys official policy now means the leadership must come behind the move, after Mr Corbyn failed to secure a general election on Wednesday night. But they fear he will dodge calling for a new referendum to avoid division in his shadow cabinet and the wider party, and also because they suspect he dislikes the idea. Their moment is likely to come next Tuesday when there will be a debate and vote on Theresa Mays plans for the coming weeks, with any MP able to suggest ideas for the House of Commons to vote on. On Wednesday, Ms May won a vote of no confidence tabled by Mr Corbyn, which would have led to an election had she lost. After winning, she invited other party leaders to meet her that evening to discuss a way forward something Mr Corbyn refused. Details of Labour MPs plan to secure a new referendum comes as Mr Corbyn prepares to make a speech on his Brexit strategy in Hastings on Thursday, with his partys actions now thrust into the limelight. Labours policy is that once Ms Mays plans have been voted down as they were by a thumping majority on Tuesday the party would seek a general election and then consider other options including campaigning for a new referendum. One senior backbencher told The Independent: Now the motion of no confidence has failed, and were not getting an election, our demand is that the Labour leadership must move to back a Peoples Vote by the end of the week. David Cameron on Brexit: 'I don't regret calling the referendum' If they go about just putting down motion of no confidence after motion of no confidence, that will make a mockery of our official policy. They added: Labour wont get a Peoples Vote unless we make one. If we just wait for Jeremy Corbyn we are never going to do it. Labour wont get a Peoples Vote unless we make one. If we just wait for Jeremy Corbyn we are never going to do it Labour MP The group pointed out that as it stands there are only 37 sitting days left before Brexit, leaving little time to waste. Another Labour MP said: There will be a motion tabled in the next week or so either from us or from other people with our support. Time is running out and we have to get moving. Its not certain who or when, but its coming soon. Due to previous decisions by the Commons, Ms May must table a motion on Monday setting out her plans following the defeat of her Brexit withdrawal agreement this week. The motion will be amendable, meaning it will offer the opportunity for MPs to suggest their own ideas and have them voted on. There are likely to be at least four competing amendments put down. Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Brexit supporters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester adjusts her pro-EU wig AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A message to Jeremy Corbyn in support of a peoples vote Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A mock Titanic captained by Theresa May heads towards an iceberg in a stunt by campaigning group Avaaz AP Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters outside parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides are in close contact outside of parliament PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Paintings of Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester in Parliament Square Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Opposing protesters share the space outside parliament Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester holds EU balloons outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters stand on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage speaks to the media at the protests outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the Houses of Parliament EPA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A pro-Brexit protester sets up outside parliament Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An Avaaz campaigner holds a Peoples Vote life float Reuters Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament A demonstrator holds a sign advocating a no-deal Brexit outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament An anti-Brexit protester waves an EU flag on Westminster Bridge PA Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides demonstrate outside parliament AFP/Getty Brexit deal vote: Opposing groups of protesters gather by parliament Protesters of opposing sides stand near parliament Reuters Mr Corbyn will likely table his own, setting out his alternative Brexit vision, and there may also be one from Tory Brexiteers seeking to banish the hated Irish backstop from Ms Mays withdrawal agreement. There could be two further motions facilitating a new referendum, which the Labour MPs plan to stand behind. One could directly demand a new vote, while the other, if tabled, would begin to unlock a longer process. It would likely be submitted by Conservative ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve, who has masterminded much of the Remain-rebellion on the Tory benches, and would mean that draft laws brought forward by backbenchers would take priority in the schedule over government business upending the usual practice in the Commons. On Wednesday, Mr Grieve brought forward plans for new legislation that would deliver a second referendum, indicating that they are the draft laws that he and other Peoples Vote supporters want to be debated and voted on. Another Labour MP told The Independent: Some shadow cabinet members do support the idea of a Peoples Vote but some are really unhappy with it. So it feels like to avoid that division, Jeremy is doubling down on doing everything and anything he possibly can within the remit of Labours policy before getting to a new referendum. Michel Barnier reacts to parliament's rejection of Theresa May's Brexit deal: 'Now it's time for the UK to tell us the next steps' The problem is we have to move quickly because of the time limitations, so I think it will take extra pressure from colleagues and members to make it happen. The Independent has backed calls for a new referendum through its Final Say campaign, with more than 1.1 million people having signed a petition. Earlier this week, backers of a new vote were frustrated when Mr Corbyns spokesperson signalled that instead of pivoting to a referendum, the party may first seek repeated votes of no confidence in the government. Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable also sought to turn up the pressure, tweeting: Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party cannot procrastinate any longer. Either he backs Brexit or he backs the people. He has a responsibility to get off the fence and provide some effective opposition. Jeremy Corbyn launches bid to topple Theresa May in aftermath of major Brexit defeat But a senior figure in Mr Corbyns team called on his party colleagues to be patient and argued that some of the discussion over a new referendum is being manufactured by those who dislike Mr Corbyn as leader. They said: People need to wait and see what the leadership says. Moving towards a referendum is our policy as decided at conference, but people are attempting to impart motives for why that hasnt happened yet that are not there. Its just that we feel we need to go through various stages which our conference motion set out. Two weeks ago people said we wouldnt go for a no confidence motion because we were afraid, but we did. The next stage is how do we amend the motion on Monday. He added: At the end of the day we dont have a majority and I dont believe for one second there will be a Peoples Vote at this stage because there is no majority, even if we were to put a three line whip on it. I think a lot of this is being manufactured, people putting down amendments now to whip things up because they dont like Jeremys leadership. Mr Corbyn will give a speech on Thursday which should flesh out his proposed view of how the country moves forward, but insiders steered The Independent away from the idea that he would back a new referendum. Ms May survived an attempt on Wednesday to oust her as prime minister, as MPs rejected Jeremy Corbyns motion of no confidence in the government by a margin of 325 to 306. Her 19-vote victory came less than 24 hours after the crushing defeat of her EU Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons, and clears the way for her to start cross-party talks on a Brexit plan B. The European Unions chief Brexit negotiator has opened the door to re-opening talks about the EU and UKs future relationship if Theresa May ditches some of her negotiating red lines. Speaking the morning after MPs rejected the prime ministers deal, Michel Barnier said the European Council unanimously agreed and had always said that if the UK chooses to shift its red lines in the future, and if it makes the choice to be more ambitious and go beyond a simple free trade agreement, then the EU will be immediately ready to go hand in hand with that development and give a favourable response. Ms May has said she wants to end freedom of movement, leave the single market, customs union and jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice limiting the scope of her planned future trade deal with the EU and ending frictionless trade. Mr Barnier suggested that there could be no renegotiation of the actual withdrawal agreement, however which contains the controversial backstop hated by so many Tory MEPs and Ms Mays allies in the DUP. But negotiating changes to the accompanying political declaration on the future relationship could give the prime minister more room to win MPs over including from Labour, which wants a customs union and a close relationship with the single market. Recommended Brexit defeat makes history as biggest ever government loss in Commons Whatever happens, ratification of this withdrawal agreement is necessary, Mr Barnier told MEPs in the European parliament. It is a precondition to create mutual trust amongst ourselves looking forward to the second round of negotiations that will start as soon as possible on our future relationship. He added that the backstop, which we agreed to with the UK, must remain a backstop, it must remain a credible backstop. Tory MPs want to put a time-limit or get-out clause on the policy, which is designed to prevent a hard border in Northern Ireland. Speaking in the same debate, European parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt said the question was not how to break this deadlock in the UK over the way forward. Theresa May gives speech before Brexit meaningful vote I know its not up to me as a humble Belgian to lecture the Brits on what to do, but I think its time now to tell our British friends that for the sake of Britain itself its time for cross-party cooperation, as we do here, he said, urging the different factions to come out of the trenches and build a consensus. Elmar Brok, a German MEP and ally of chancellor Angela Merkel, criticised Ms May for reaching out to opposition parties two years too late. He added: Mr Corbyn has said that he wants a customs union what he should do is get a majority for the proposal and, once that emerges, that will be no problem for us. Frans Timmermans, the vice-president of the European Commission, said the EU executive regrets the rejection of the withdrawal agreement. Nobody should be under any illusion: Brexit does harm. It does harm to the UK, and it does harm to the EU, he said. Quoting British author CS Lewis, he hinted at the possibility of the UK staying in the bloc: We cant go back and change the beginning, but we can start where we are and change the ending. Melania-Gabriela Ciot, the Romanian EU affairs minister who is chairing the Council of the EU, said of Tuesday nights vote: Given the many conflicting messages that have been passed in the UK before and during the debates leading to the vote, on all sides of the political spectrum, it is hard to single out one particular explanation of this outcome. Speaking separately in Berlin, Ms Merkel said: We still have time to negotiate, but we are now waiting to see what the British prime minister proposes. A spokesman for the European Commission speaking to reporters in Brussels emphasised the difference between the political declaration on the future relationship and the withdrawal agreement. He said: We are always ready to meet and to talk, but the European Council in its Article 50 formation said in December that the withdrawal agreement and I repeat, the withdrawal agreement agreed by the 27 with the United Kingdom, is not open for renegotiation. He added: The next move has to come from London. There is nothing else we can do from here at this stage. Britain is bracing for icy conditions, plummeting temperatures and snow after the Met Office issued weather warnings for Wednesday and Thursday. A cold weather front is moving from the UK's northwest to its south and icy patches and wintry showers are expected across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A yellow warning for ice has been issued across the three countries and will remain in place from 10pm on Wednesday to 11am on Thursday. The Met Office has said that snow showers may make travelling difficult in Scotland. A separate yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for Scotland and will be in place until midday on Thursday. "The winds are turning more northerly, so it will feel noticeably colder, with possible flurries of sleet or snow," said Sophie Yeomans, a meteorologist for the Met Office. Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Show all 24 1 /24 Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany Workers clear snow from the tracks around a classic steam locomotive AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany German Army Soldiers clear roof of a grammar school from the snow in Berchtesgaden EPA Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A track vehicle of the German army provides food to a village near Berchtesgaden AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Czech Republic A man with a snow cutter cleans a road during a heavy snowfall in Velka Upa, Giant Mountains AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Austria Cars drive on the motorway near Kufstein AFP/Getty Images Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A snowplough train is seen during heavy snowfalls in Miesbach Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A car covered with snow in the Bavarian village of Kaufbeuren AFP/Getty Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A woman removes snow from a car in Berchtesgaden Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A car of German Automobile Club ADAC is seen after heavy snowfalls near Irschenberg Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A child climbing stairs next to a bicycle covered with snow in Ilmenau AFP/Getty Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Austria A sign is seen on a closed road after heavy snowfall near Obertauern Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany Cars jam on the motorway A8 between Salzburg and Munich after heavy snowfalls near Irschenberg Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A man and a bus make their way on a street in Berchtesgaden AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A truck sits on the Autobahn A8 after a crash near Bernau AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A road in a forest is cleaned from snow in Schongau AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A worker removes the snow next to a regional train at the train station in Berchtesgaden Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Greece Snow covers the statue of Alexander the Great at the seaside promenade of Thessaloniki Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Greece People take part in a snowball fight during snowfall, at the seaside promenade of Thessaloniki Reuters Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany Media people are covered with snow as they interview politicians during the winter meeting of the Christian Social Union in Seeon AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Austria Tourist cars queue on the main road out of a valley that was blocked after heavy snow falls in Vilzmoos AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Lithuania Wild ducks sit on the snow-covered banks of the Neris river in Vilnius AP Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany A snow-covered car is seen at a parking lot during heavy snowfall in Obertauern, Austria, 05 January 2019. Austria and southern Germany are expected to receive heavy snowfalls over the weekend. Weather forecasts warn that the snowstorm could cause roadblocks and increased avalanche danger in many parts of the affected region. EPA Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Germany German supporters wait ahead of the trainings and qualifiers of the fourth stage of the Four-Hills Ski Jumping tournament (Vierschanzentournee), in Bischofshofen, Austria on January 5, 2019. - The trainings and qualifiers have been cancelled dur to heavy snow falls. AFP/Getty Heavy snowfall blankets Europe weather in pictures Switzerland Cars drive on a snow-covered road near the town of Taegerwilen Reuters Snow may settle in Scotland and across high ground in Wales. "It's wise to leave a little extra time for travelling on Thursday," Ms Yeomans said. "It will feel much colder than what we're currently experiencing." On Thursday, milder weather from the west of the UK will meet colder air from the east, leading to a risk of sleet or snow Temperatures are likely to hover around 6C or 7C in the south. "Further north temperatures will struggle to get too 4C or 5C," Ms Yeomans said. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The cold snap will abate slightly over the weekend which will be "cold and sunny" she added, although overnight frost is expected to develop on Friday night. "Weather fronts will bring outbreaks of rain at times, with sleet or snow on high ground," the Met Office said. A British citizen was among 14 people killed in a militant attack on a hotel complex in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, sources close to the British government confirmed. An American citizen was also killed, the US state department said, The bodies were identified based on ID documents found on them when they arrived at Chiromo mortuary, an attendant at the facility told the Reuters press agency. Eleven were Kenyan and two did not have identification papers, he said. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office confirmed there had been a British citizen killed. They said: The situation is ongoing. We are in contact with the Kenyan authorities who are coordinating a response and stand ready to assist as required. Gunmen blasted their way into the DusitD2 hotel and office complex on Tuesday afternoon. The al-Shabaab Islamist group claimed its fighters were responsible for explosions and gunfire. Kenyas interior minister Fred Matiangi said at 11pm local time that all buildings at the 14 Riverside Drive complex had been secured and the buildings evacuated of scores of people. Recommended Nairobi attack a grim reminder of spectre of terrorism over Kenya But the interior minister did not comment on the attackers whereabouts and said security forces were still mopping up. Nearly 11 hours after the assault began, bursts of gunfire and an explosion were heard in the area, suggesting the situation was not yet under control despite the government assurances. Earlier in the day, office workers had streamed from the complex, some jumping from windows. Security forces continued to escort small groups to safety into the evening, with some hustled into armoured vehicles amid sporadic gunfire. Foreign security advisers at the site scrambled to make sure their clients were safe. Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said the attack began with an explosion targeting cars outside a bank followed by a detonation from a suicide bomber in the hotel lobby. An injured man is taken from the scene (AFP/Getty) Surveillance video showed three attackers dressed in black running across the parking lot at 3.30pm, shortly followed by a fourth. At least two of the men were wearing green scarves in the closeup footage. One appeared to be wearing a green belt with grenades in it. Enoch Kibet, who works as a cleaner in the complex, said: We were changing our shifts and that is when I heard a loud blast and people were screaming. Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Show all 23 1 /23 Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars are seen on fire at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures An injured man is evacuated from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A soldier takes cover next to a bullet ridden window EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People run for cover during gunfire and explosions in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Kenyan security forces take position following an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands suburb AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces on the scene of an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People are led away from the scene of an explosion at a hotel complex in Nairobi AFP/Getty Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A soldier takes cover as gunfire continues at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Armed plain clothes officials secure the damaged entrance of a hotel during ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi EPA Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Members of security forces take cover at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures People are evacuated from the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn after an explosion in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A member of security forces holds a weapon at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces advance at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Cars burn at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A glass damaged by bullets at the scene Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures A woman is helped at the scene of an explosion in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security forces advance at the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi Reuters Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Undercover police are on the scene of a blast in Nairobi AP Nairobi hotel attack in pictures Security personnel on the scene of a suspected terror attack in Nairobi AP She said she escaped by crawling out of a gate in the basement. I couldnt believe I was alive. The blast was so loud and shook the whole complex, she added. I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up, and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives, a woman working in a bank in the complex said, adding she heard two explosions. Several large international businesses including Dow Chemical and Reckitt Benckiser have offices at 14 Riverside Drive, and it is also home to the DusitD2 hotel, part of Thai group Dusit Thani. The Australian embassy is across the road. The complex is about a mile away from the Westgate shopping mall, where al-Shabaab carried out a days-long siege in 2013, killing 67 people. Additional reporting by agencies Government spending on disability benefits has surged by around 15 to 20 per cent despite promises that controversial changes to the system would significantly reduce expenditure, new figures show. Analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) shows that the transition to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) had costed taxpayers considerably more since its introduction in 2013 despite claims it would reduce spending by a fifth. PIP was originally intended to save money relative to Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Ministers said it would be save 1.4bn a year by 2015-16, but spending on disability benefits exceeded forecasts, often by large amounts. The OBR said it tested PIP against three simple scenarios if DLA had remained in place and found that it appears to have cost around 1.5bn to 2bn a year more than the previous benefit would have. Far from significantly reducing spending as planned, the introduction of PIP appears to have raised it, the OBR said. Indeed, PIP appears to cost more than a continuation of DLA would have done. The new disability benefit has been riddled with criticism from the outset, with concerns that the assessment process for PIP claims was contributing to a pervasive lack of trust in the system, and figures showing that refusals were being overturned at appeal at a rate of 68 per cent. The Independent revealed this week that more than 17,000 people have died while waiting to hear whether their PIP claims were successful since 2013. This prompted accusations that the government was failing people at the most vulnerable point in their lives. Waiting times for PIP claims have meanwhile risen over the last year, with the latest figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing that the average waiting time for new claims is 14 weeks a rise of a month since March 2018. A government spokesperson said: Our priority has always been to ensure disabled people get the support theyre entitled to. PIP is designed to focus support on people with the greatest needs and thats happening, with 31 per cent of people getting the highest level of support, compared to 15 per cent under DLA. As with any major new benefit we have been flexible and adapted our approach, and we continue to make improvements to ensure PIP is working in the best way possible. Just 24 hours after releasing photographs of the first ever plants grown on the moon, China has revealed the tender green shoots are now all dead. The cotton plants had been the only seeds to sprout inside their aluminium container, known as a moon surface micro-ecological circle, which cost more than 10 million yuan (1.15m). But the probe is now in lunar night, and temperatures have fallen too low for life to survive. The Change-4 probe, which landed on the far-side of the moon on 3 January, apparently entered sleep mode on Sunday as the first lunar night after the probes landing fell, Professor Xie Gengxin, chief designer of the experiment, told Chinas Xinhua state news agency. Life in the canister would not survive the lunar night, Professor Xie said. It is not clear why, if the Chinese space agency knew the falling of the lunar night would kill the plants on Sunday, their death was not announced along with the successful germination of the seeds on Tuesday. Other reports have suggested the pod was supposed to last three months and create a self-sustaining environment for life away from our planet. The South China Morning Post even said the China National Space Administration planned to broadcast such an experiment in less than a hundred days time. The moon lander was carrying soil, cotton seeds, rock cress, rapeseed and potato seeds, yeast and fruit fly eggs. On Tuesday Professor Liu Hanlong of Chongqing University, who led the research, said the rapeseed and potato seeds had also germinated, but the cotton seeds were first to sprout, according to the South China Morning Post. Cotton plants seen sprouting on the left hand side of the picture are the first seeds to germinate on the Moon (AFP/Getty ) We have given consideration to future survival in space. Learning about these plants growth in a low-gravity environment would allow us to lay the foundation for our future establishment of space base, Mr Liu said. The report gave no indication the plants had already all died. Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Getty Images Europe Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures AFP/Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures REUTERS Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures REUTERS Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures PA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures AFP/Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures REUTERS Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures London A super moon rises behind blocks of flats in north London. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A super blue blood moon is seen setting behind Salesforce Tower in San Francisco. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures London A full moon rises behind St Pauls Cathedral London. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A 'Supermoon' shines its blood red colors during a full eclipse above the Big A Sign of Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Myanmar A mulitple exposure picture shows the blood moon total lunar eclipse in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A lunar eclipse of a full "Blue Moon" is seen above the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Los Angeles A super blue blood moon is seen setting behind the Hollywood hills in Los Angeles. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Bangkok A "super blood blue moon" is seen during an eclipse behind an elephant statue at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Hong Kong The moon passes into the earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse as seen in Hong Kong. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A rare occurrence called a 'Super Blue Blood Moon' is seen behind a ferris wheel at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jakarta The moon is seen during a lunar eclipse referred to as the "super blue blood moon", in Jakarta. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures New York The "Super Blue Blood Moon" sets behind the Staten Island Ferry, seen from Brooklyn. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A rare occurrence called a 'Super Blue Blood Moon' is seen behind the flags of US and California State at Santa Monica Beach. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jakarta This combo image (from top L clockwise) shows the moon during a lunar eclipse referred to as the "super blue blood moon" in Jakarta. AFP/Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Myanmar The moon rises behind the Uppatasanti Pagoda seen from Naypyitaw, Myanmar. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A plane flies passing the moon over Los Angeles, California. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures North Carolina A plane passes by as the moon sets over trees during a phenomena that combined a supermoon, a blue moon and a lunar eclipse in Charlotte. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Perth A super blue blood moon rises over the city of Perth in Western Australia. Enthusiasts have been waiting 150 years to see the triple lunar event where a total lunar eclipse will turn the moon a brooding, dark red, coinciding with both a super moon and a rare blue moon. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Massachusetts A 'Supermoon' sets over the Control Tower at Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jakarta A full moon is seen before the start of a lunar eclipse in Jakarta, Indonesia. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Russia The full moon shines over a monument dedicated to Red Army heroes in Vladivostok, Russia. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures New York A "Super Blue Blood Moon" sets next to the Statue of Liberty as it is seen from Brooklyn. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Bangkok A full moon rises behind the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures New York The moon sets behind the Statue of Liberty in New York. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Beijing People gather to watch the 'Supermoon' rising above buildings in Beijing. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Sydney A woman looks at the Moon rising near Bondi Beach before the super blue blood moon full eclipse in Sydney. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Seoul The full moon is seen over the Peace Gate at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Budapest The local Fort Salgo is silhouetted by the 'Supermoon' - as seen from Salgotarjan, 109 kilometers northeast of Budapest. 'Supermoon' commonly is described as a full moon at its closest distance to the earth with the moon appearing larger and brighter than usual. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Santiago A full moon 'super moon' rises over Los Andes mountain range in Santiago, Chile. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures St. Petersburg A full moon is seen behind the business tower Lakhta Centre, which is under construction in St. Petersburg, Russia. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Seoul An airplane passes the full moon on its final approach before landing in Seoul, South Korea. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A blue moon rises over Balboa Park's California Tower in San Diego, California. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jerusalem The moon sets behind the city of Jerusalem. A cosmic event not seen in 36 years -- a rare "super blood blue moon" -- may be glimpsed today in parts of western North America, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and Australia. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jerusalem A 'Supermoon' rises above the old city of Jerusalem for the last time in a series of three consecutive 'Supermoons', dubbed the 'Supermoon Trilogy'. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jerusalem The moon sets behind the city of Jerusalem. AFP/Getty It also said the 3kg aluminium container was designed to maintain a temperature of between 1 and 30 degrees, allow in natural light and feed the plants with water and a nutrient solution. It did not add that when lunar night fell, its contents would all be killed. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events The experiment was in part designed to provide an indication of how lengthier space voyages could maintain food sources for astronauts without them having to return to Earth for supplies. It might be called the Large Hadron Collider. But, according to scientists who want to build a huge new one, it isn't quite large enough. Engineers have proposed building a successor to the famous atom smasher that will dwarf the existing one and hope to shed even more light on the darkest mysteries of the universe. Officials at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, presented Tuesday their study for a "Future Circular Collider" inside a 100-kilometer (62-mile) circumference tunnel that could start operating in 2040. It would sit next to the current 27-kilometer (17-mile) circumference Large Hadron Collider near Geneva, which is perhaps best known for helping confirm the subatomic Higgs boson in 2012. Officials hope for a decision by CERN's 22 member states within the next few years about the project that would debut with an electron-positron collider at an estimated cost of 9 billion euros ($10.25 billion). Science news in pictures Show all 20 1 /20 Science news in pictures Science news in pictures Pluto has 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen Pluto has a 'beating heart' of frozen nitrogen that is doing strange things to its surface, Nasa has found. The mysterious core seems to be the cause of features on its surface that have fascinated scientists since they were spotted by Nasa's New Horizons mission. "Before New Horizons, everyone thought Pluto was going to be a netball - completely flat, almost no diversity," said Tanguy Bertrand, an astrophysicist and planetary scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center and the lead author on the new study. "But it's completely different. It has a lot of different landscapes and we are trying to understand what's going on there." Getty Science news in pictures Over 400 species discovered this year by Natural History Museum The ancient invertabrate worm-like species rhenopyrgus viviani (pictured) is one of over 400 species previously unknown to science that were discovered by experts at the Natural History Museum this year PA Science news in pictures Jackdaws can identify 'dangerous' humans Jackdaws can identify dangerous humans from listening to each others warning calls, scientists say. The highly social birds will also remember that person if they come near their nests again, according to researchers from the University of Exeter. In the study, a person unknown to the wild jackdaws approached their nest. At the same time scientists played a recording of a warning call (threatening) or contact calls (non-threatening). The next time jackdaws saw this same person, the birds that had previously heard the warning call were defensive and returned to their nests more than twice as quickly on average. Getty Science news in pictures Turtle embryos influence sex by shaking The sex of the turtle is determined by the temperatures at which they are incubated. Warm temperatures favour females. But by wiggling around the egg, embryos can find the Goldilocks Zone which means they are able to shield themselves against extreme thermal conditions and produce a balanced sex ratio, according to the new study published in Current Biology journal Ye et al/Current Biology Science news in pictures Elephant poaching rates drop in Africa African elephant poaching rates have dropped by 60 per cent in six years, an international study has found. It is thought the decline could be associated with the ivory trade ban introduced in China in 2017. Reuters Science news in pictures Ancient four-legged whale discovered in Peru Scientists have identified a four-legged creature with webbed feet to be an ancestor of the whale. Fossils unearthed in Peru have led scientists to conclude that the enormous creatures that traverse the planets oceans today are descended from small hoofed ancestors that lived in south Asia 50 million years ago A. Gennari Science news in pictures Animal with transient anus discovered A scientist has stumbled upon a creature with a transient anus that appears only when it is needed, before vanishing completely. Dr Sidney Tamm of the Marine Biological Laboratory could not initially find any trace of an anus on the species. However, as the animal gets full, a pore opens up to dispose of waste Steven G Johnson Science news in pictures Giant bee spotted Feared extinct, the Wallace's Giant bee has been spotted for the first time in nearly 40 years. An international team of conservationists spotted the bee, that is four times the size of a typical honeybee, on an expedition to a group of Indonesian Islands Clay Bolt Science news in pictures New mammal species found inside crocodile Fossilised bones digested by crocodiles have revealed the existence of three new mammal species that roamed the Cayman Islands 300 years ago. The bones belonged to two large rodent species and a small shrew-like animal New Mexico Museum of Natural History Science news in pictures Fabric that changes according to temperature created Scientists at the University of Maryland have created a fabric that adapts to heat, expanding to allow more heat to escape the body when warm and compacting to retain more heat when cold Faye Levine, University of Maryland Science news in pictures Baby mice tears could be used in pest control A study from the University of Tokyo has found that the tears of baby mice cause female mice to be less interested in the sexual advances of males Getty Science news in pictures Final warning to limit "climate catastrophe" The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has issued a report which projects the impact of a rise in global temperatures of 1.5 degrees Celsius and warns against a higher increase Getty Science news in pictures Nobel prize for evolution chemists The nobel prize for chemistry has been awarded to three chemists working with evolution. Frances Smith is being awarded the prize for her work on directing the evolution of enzymes, while Gregory Winter and George Smith take the prize for their work on phage display of peptides and antibodies Getty/AFP Science news in pictures Nobel prize for laser physicists The nobel prize for physics has been awarded to three physicists working with lasers. Arthur Ashkin (L) was awarded for his "optical tweezers" which use lasers to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells. Donna Strickland and Gerard Mourou were jointly awarded the prize for developing chirped-pulse amplification of lasers Reuters/AP Science news in pictures Discovery of a new species of dinosaur The Ledumahadi Mafube roamed around 200 million years ago in what is now South Africa. Recently discovered by a team of international scientists, it was the largest land animal of its time, weighing 12 tons and standing at 13 feet. In Sesotho, the South African language of the region in which the dinosaur was discovered, its name means "a giant thunderclap at dawn" Viktor Radermacher / SWNS Science news in pictures Birth of a planet Scientists have witnessed the birth of a planet for the first time ever. This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the center of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. ESO/A. Muller et al Science news in pictures New human organ discovered that was previously missed by scientists Layers long thought to be dense, connective tissue are actually a series of fluid-filled compartments researchers have termed the interstitium. These compartments are found beneath the skin, as well as lining the gut, lungs, blood vessels and muscles, and join together to form a network supported by a mesh of strong, flexible proteins Getty Science news in pictures Previously unknown society lived in Amazon rainforest before Europeans arrived, say archaeologists Working in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, a team led by archaeologists at the University of Exeter unearthed hundreds of villages hidden in the depths of the rainforest. These excavations included evidence of fortifications and mysterious earthworks called geoglyphs Jose Iriarte Science news in pictures One in 10 people have traces of cocaine or heroin on fingerprints, study finds More than one in 10 people were found to have traces of class A drugs on their fingers by scientists developing a new fingerprint-based drug test. Using sensitive analysis of the chemical composition of sweat, researchers were able to tell the difference between those who had been directly exposed to heroin and cocaine, and those who had encountered it indirectly. Getty Science news in pictures Nasa releases stunning images of Jupiter's great red spot The storm bigger than the Earth, has been swhirling for 350 years. The image's colours have been enhanced after it was sent back to Earth. Pictures by: Tom Momary A second phase would involve a superconducting proton machine in the same tunnel, at a cost of about 15 billion euros more. That machine could start operation in the late 2050s. The concept paper, five years in the making, aimed to explore prospects of "tantalizingly more powerful particle colliders that can inaugurate the post-LHC era in high-energy physics," CERN said on its website. Recommended Scientists discover new subatomic particle at Large Hadron Collider Ultimately, the FCC would include a superconducting proton accelerator ring with energy of up to 100 tera electron volts, compared with a maximum 17 TeV in the current collider. CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti called the report "a remarkable achievement" that could help boost understanding of fundamental physics and advance technologies. CERN said it was not possible to say exactly what benefits the new collider would bring to the world, but pointed out that the discovery of the electron in 1897 led to the electronics industry that now contributes $3 trillion annually to the world economy. The proposal came out of the European strategy for particle physics, which recommended that design and feasibility studies be conducted in order for Europe "to be in a position to propose an ambitious post-LHC accelerator project at CERN by the time of the next strategy update". But the decision on whether to go ahead with the FCC - incurring an initial 9 billion euro ($10.25 billion) bill for participating governments plus a later 15 billion euro upgrade - is effectively part of an international race to host the LHC's successor, with China, Japan, the United States and Europe all interested. "Any big machine for the future will be a global machine," said Arnaud Marsollier, head of media relations at CERN. "No one expects to have two 100-km colliders built in the next 20 years, so if one is built in China, maybe Europe will do something else." The LHC is expected to keep running until around 2036-2040, by which time it will have done its job collecting data, but it might also be possible to upgrade it by increasing the energy of collisions, which would require major investment. China has floated plans for its own 100-km collider, but has not yet confirmed it will go ahead. Japan is expected to take a decision on a linear collider in March, which could play into a potential choice by European countries in 2020 about whether to back the FCC or another proposal for CERN, the Compact Linear Collider. For physicists, the location may be less important than the science opportunities on offered by a new collider, allowing them to peer into the debris left when subatomic particles smash together and shatter into even smaller pieces, some of which may answer fundamental questions about the universe. But science mega-projects attract talent and can generate unforeseen spin-offs - including the invention of the World Wide Web at CERN, which has become a global centre for physicists, despite the high cost of living around Geneva. The discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 earned Peter Higgs and Francois Englert the 2013 Nobel prize. They had predicted half a century earlier that it would one day be discovered. Additional reporting by agencies The sky is about to be lit up by an astonishing blood moon, turning our nearest neighbour a deep red and skygazers' eyes towards the sky. The event more officially known as a lunar eclipse, when the Earth moves between the sun and the moon will happen on Monday morning. As it does, the light that is hitting the moon wil change, turning it a deep and rich red that accounts for the events more dramatic name. It should be visible in much of the UK and elsewhere and just requires looking up to the sky. It will be the last time to see one until 2021. Though blood moons are considered fairly common, we are heading into a bloodless period, making this one even more special. What is a blood moon? A blood moon is the unscientific name for a total lunar eclipse, which is when Earth passes in between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow over the moon as sunlight is blocked. During this process, some sunlight is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere, reflecting onto the moon to give a red appearance. Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Getty Images Europe Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures AFP/Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures REUTERS Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures REUTERS Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures PA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures AFP/Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures REUTERS Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures London A super moon rises behind blocks of flats in north London. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A super blue blood moon is seen setting behind Salesforce Tower in San Francisco. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures London A full moon rises behind St Pauls Cathedral London. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A 'Supermoon' shines its blood red colors during a full eclipse above the Big A Sign of Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Myanmar A mulitple exposure picture shows the blood moon total lunar eclipse in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A lunar eclipse of a full "Blue Moon" is seen above the ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Los Angeles A super blue blood moon is seen setting behind the Hollywood hills in Los Angeles. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Bangkok A "super blood blue moon" is seen during an eclipse behind an elephant statue at a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Hong Kong The moon passes into the earth's shadow during a lunar eclipse as seen in Hong Kong. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A rare occurrence called a 'Super Blue Blood Moon' is seen behind a ferris wheel at Santa Monica Beach in Santa Monica. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jakarta The moon is seen during a lunar eclipse referred to as the "super blue blood moon", in Jakarta. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures New York The "Super Blue Blood Moon" sets behind the Staten Island Ferry, seen from Brooklyn. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A rare occurrence called a 'Super Blue Blood Moon' is seen behind the flags of US and California State at Santa Monica Beach. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jakarta This combo image (from top L clockwise) shows the moon during a lunar eclipse referred to as the "super blue blood moon" in Jakarta. AFP/Getty Images Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Myanmar The moon rises behind the Uppatasanti Pagoda seen from Naypyitaw, Myanmar. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A plane flies passing the moon over Los Angeles, California. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures North Carolina A plane passes by as the moon sets over trees during a phenomena that combined a supermoon, a blue moon and a lunar eclipse in Charlotte. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Perth A super blue blood moon rises over the city of Perth in Western Australia. Enthusiasts have been waiting 150 years to see the triple lunar event where a total lunar eclipse will turn the moon a brooding, dark red, coinciding with both a super moon and a rare blue moon. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Massachusetts A 'Supermoon' sets over the Control Tower at Boston Logan International Airport in Massachusetts. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jakarta A full moon is seen before the start of a lunar eclipse in Jakarta, Indonesia. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Russia The full moon shines over a monument dedicated to Red Army heroes in Vladivostok, Russia. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures New York A "Super Blue Blood Moon" sets next to the Statue of Liberty as it is seen from Brooklyn. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Bangkok A full moon rises behind the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures New York The moon sets behind the Statue of Liberty in New York. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Beijing People gather to watch the 'Supermoon' rising above buildings in Beijing. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Sydney A woman looks at the Moon rising near Bondi Beach before the super blue blood moon full eclipse in Sydney. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Seoul The full moon is seen over the Peace Gate at the Olympic Park in Seoul, South Korea. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Budapest The local Fort Salgo is silhouetted by the 'Supermoon' - as seen from Salgotarjan, 109 kilometers northeast of Budapest. 'Supermoon' commonly is described as a full moon at its closest distance to the earth with the moon appearing larger and brighter than usual. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Santiago A full moon 'super moon' rises over Los Andes mountain range in Santiago, Chile. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures St. Petersburg A full moon is seen behind the business tower Lakhta Centre, which is under construction in St. Petersburg, Russia. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Seoul An airplane passes the full moon on its final approach before landing in Seoul, South Korea. AP Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures California A blue moon rises over Balboa Park's California Tower in San Diego, California. Reuters Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jerusalem The moon sets behind the city of Jerusalem. A cosmic event not seen in 36 years -- a rare "super blood blue moon" -- may be glimpsed today in parts of western North America, Asia, the Middle East, Russia and Australia. AFP/Getty Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jerusalem A 'Supermoon' rises above the old city of Jerusalem for the last time in a series of three consecutive 'Supermoons', dubbed the 'Supermoon Trilogy'. EPA Super Blue Blood Moon: in pictures Jerusalem The moon sets behind the city of Jerusalem. AFP/Getty Why is it called a blood moon? The term blood moon harkens back to a time when people were superstitious about the influence of a lunar eclipse, but also when people had no knowledge of what was going on. "The real reason that the term blood moon exists is because people used to be terrified of eclipses - thousands of years ago, if the moon suddenly went red without warning in the sky, people would look up and be terrified," explained Tom Kerss, an astronomer from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Recommended Watch as blood moon rises over the UK and the rest of the world "That would have been seen as a sign or omen of something terrible happening, as the moon looks like it's stained with blood at that point. "It does evoke something I suppose in the way that the moon appears, but the real technical term would simply be a total lunar eclipse." What is significant about this blood moon? The most significant thing about this year's blood moon is that it will be the last of its kind to occur for a couple of years. "This is actually the last total lunar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth until May 2021, so we're going into this unusual lull in total lunar eclipses over the next couple of years," Mr Kerss continued. "So this is a really good one to catch as it's going to be a long time before you catch another one like this - we will have other lunar eclipses, we just won't have anything quite as spectacular until May 2021." Will the blood moon be visible from the UK? Yes, the blood moon will be visible from the UK, weather permitting. Because this is a setting lunar eclipse, it means that the moon is getting lower during the eclipse, so it will start in the south-west at a reasonably high up angle, but will end up going low in the west by the time the moon is really getting into the deepest part of the eclipse. "We're talking about 20 degrees above the horizon," Mr Kerss said. "If you live in an urban or suburban area, usually 20 degrees of your local horizon is obscured by buildings or trees, so it's just worth making sure that you have a good, clear, western view if you want to go out and spot it, or get to a good high window that faces west maybe and look from there." What time will the blood moon take place? The eclipse begins at 2.36am on Monday January 21, though observers are unlikely to see anything until much later in the morning. The best time is around 5.12am to catch the maximum eclipse, when the moon will be completely submerged within the Earth's shadow. "The moon will be red between about 4.40am and about 6.45am, so it's actually more than an hour that you have to observe this blood moon phenomenon where the moon is totally eclipsed," Mr Kerss said. The Royal Museums Greenwich will also host a Facebook Live event from 4am, where viewers can watch as events unfold. Do I need a telescope to photograph the eclipse? Observers do not need a telescope to see or photograph the eclipse - Mr Kerss says a standard DSLR camera should be able to capture decent images. For the sharpest photos, use a tripod or shutter remote, so that camera usage doesn't vibrate the image as it is being captured. Use the longest lens to capture more detail of the moon and colour gradient. If you don't have access to a longer lens, wait for the moon to get lower and closer to the horizon, and frame the eclipse with buildings or scenery instead. When was the last blood moon? The last blood moon took place in July 2018, though clouds largely obscured the celestial phenomenon in the UK. Additional reporting by Press Association First they burned their Nike trainers. Now conservatives are taking their rage out on razors. Gillette has been bombarded with footage of angry men throwing away their shavers in response to an advert warning about toxic masculinity. The campaign, which references the #MeToo movement, workplace sexism and male violence, has been praised by many for its message. But it has also triggered indignation among some men, who have accused Gillette of virtue-signalling and threatened to boycott its products. In scenes reminiscent of the backlash to a Nike advert featuring Colin Kaepernick last year, angry Gillette customers have been filming themselves throwing away razors and shaving foam in protest. We dont need politics with our shave gel, tweeted Art Tavana alongside a video of him dropping a bottle of shaving gel into the bin. Others posted pictures on social media of receipts for razors made by Gillettes rivals. Out with the old, in with the new, wrote one man. Another prompted ridicule by tweeting a picture of his razor apparently discarded in the toilet. My man here ruining his plumbing because a commercial suggested that maybe he should be nicer, mocked one Twitter user. Comedian Tony Posnanski added: You paid for that razor. You now have to put your hand in the toilet to throw that out. You literally owned yourself. Television contrarian Piers Morgan is among the men who have threatened to boycott Gillette over the advert, which he denounced as virtue-signalling PC guff which may drive me away to a company less eager to fuel the current pathetic global assault on masculinity. The campaign plays on the brands 30-year tagline, The best a man can get, which it replaces with: The best men can be. It contrasts footage depicting sexual harassment and violence with images of men intervening to prevent inappriopriate behaviour and fights between boys. The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Show all 12 1 /12 The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Anne Hathaway The 32-year-old actress said she has already experiences job rejections because of her age. Now I'm in my early thirties and I'm like, 'Why did that 24-year-old get that part? I was that 24-year-old once. I can't be upset about it, it's the way things are, she told Glamour. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Helen Mirren On news that Maggie Gyllenhaal had been turned down for being too old, aged 37, to play a 55-year-old mans partner: Its f***ing outrageous. Its ridiculous. Honestly, its so annoying. And twas ever thus. We all watched James Bond as he got more and more geriatric, and his girlfriends got younger and younger. Its so annoying. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Maggie Gyllenhaal Gyllenhaal revealed she was told by a Hollywood producer that she was too old, aged 37, to play the love interest of a 55-year-old man. It was astonishing to me. It made me feel bad, and then it made feel angry, and then it made me laugh, she said at the time. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Meryl Streep Meryl Streep has helped fund an all-female screenwriters group called The Writers Lab to encourage more women to pen Hollywood scripts. She previously told Vogue in 2011: Once women pass childbearing age they could only be seen as grotesque on some level. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Emma Thompson The actress said she thought Hollywood is still completely s*** when it comes to treating women equally to men. When I was younger, I really did think we were on our way to a better world. And when I look at it now, it is in a worse state than I have known it, particularly for women, and I find that very disturbing and sad. EPA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Elizabeth Banks Banks said she was driven from acting to directing due to the lack of roles for older women in Hollywood. "[Industry sexism] drove me to direct for sure. I definitely was feeling that I was unfulfilled and a little bit bored by the things that were coming across my desk. I mean look at Gwyneth Paltrow who has her Oscar [for Shakespeare in Love] and played fifth banana to Iron Man, she told Deadline. PA The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Viola Davis I had never seen a 49-year-old, dark-skinned woman who is not a size 2 be a sexualised role in TV or film. I'm a sexual woman, but nothing in my career has ever identified me as a sexualised woman. I was the prototype of the mommified role, she told The Hollywood Reporter. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Liv Tyler The Lord of the Rings actress said she only get cast in roles where she is treated as a second class citizen at the age of 38. When youre in your teens or twenties, there is an abundance of ingenue parts which are exciting to play. But at [my age], youre usually the wife or the girlfriend - a sort of second-class citizen. There are more interesting roles for women when they get a bit older, she told More magazine. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Cate Blanchett The actress famously called out sexism on the red carpet at the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards. When a camera operator scanned her up and down, she said: Do you do this to the guys? In her Oscar acceptance speech for Blue Jasmine, she reminded the film industry that movies with leading women can still be successful. And thank you to... those of us in the industry who are still foolishly clinging to the idea that female films, with women at the centre, are niche experiences. They are not -- audiences want to see them and, in fact, they earn money. The world is round, people. Gareth Cattermole/Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Ellen Page Asked if she had ever encountered sexism in Hollywood, Page told The Guardian: Oh my God, yeah! It's constant! It's how you're treated, it's how you're looked at, how you're expected to look in a photoshoot, it's how you're expected to shut up and not have an opinion, it's how you... If you're a girl and you don't fit the very specific vision of what a girl should be, which is always from a man's perspective, then you're a little bit at a loss. Getty Images The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Zoe Saldana The actress says she refuses roles where she has to play the generic girlfriend, wife or sexy bombshell. "It's very hard being a woman in a man's world, and I recognised it was a man's world even when I was a kid. It's an inequality and injustice that drove me crazy, and which I always spoke out against and I've always been outspoken, she told Manhattan magazine. Getty The actors fighting against sexism in Hollywood Charlize Theron The actress spoke to ELLE about negotiating equal pay for the Snow White and the Huntsman sequel: "This is a good time for us to bring this to a place of fairness, and girls need to know that being a feminist is a good thing. It doesn't mean that you hate men. It means equal rights. If you're doing the same job, you should be compensated and treated in the same way." Andreas Rentz/Getty Images The advert quickly went viral and has been viewed more than 10.7 million times on YouTube in three days. Bernice King, daughter of civil rights champion Martin Luther King, is among those who have praised the campaigns message. This commercial isnt anti-male. Its pro-humanity, she wrote. And it demonstrates that character can step up to change conditions. The worlds ability to fight climate change and other major risks has dropped to crisis levels thanks to rising political and economic tensions, the World Economic Forum has warned. As world leaders and business figures prepare to meet at the Davos summit next week, the Geneva-based organisation said disintegration of international co-operation was the number one immediate risk faced by the world. Eighty-five per cent of the 1,000 leaders surveyed by WEF expect political confrontations between major powers to increase this year. Tensions have been ratcheting up as US President Donald Trump pursues a trade war with China that has seen the worlds two largest economies slap tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of imports. The dispute, which Mr Trump has blamed on Beijings unfair trade policies, has exacerbated a slowdown in Chinas economy which threatens global growth. The WEF did not reference the US-China trade dispute directly but said rising geopolitcal tensions threaten to undermine efforts to prevent further climate change. Mr Trump's administration has slashed a host of environmental regulations in order to boost economic growth, helping US carbon emissions rise 3.4 per cent last year. China has rapidly boosted its renewable energy capacity but has also provided financial backing for dozens of coal-fired power plants around the world. Over the medium to long term, environmental risks continued to dominate the concerns of the 1,000 experts and decision makers surveyed by the WEF. All five of the environmental risks the report tracks were assessed as high-impact, and high-likelihood: biodiversity loss; extreme weather events; failure of climate-change mitigation and adaptation; man-made disasters; and natural disasters. With global trade and economic growth at risk in 2019, there is a more urgent need than ever to renew the architecture of international cooperation, said WEF president Brge Brende. We simply do not have the gunpowder to deal with the kind of slowdown that current dynamics might lead us towards. What we need now is coordinated, concerted action to sustain growth and to tackle the grave threats facing our world today, After a year of wildfires, heavy flooding and increasing greenhouse gas emissions, it is no surprise the environment is the biggest long-term worry for decision makers, said Alison Martin, chief risk officer, Zurich Insurance. Despite this, businesses and governments are failing to invest enough to combat catastrophic environmental damage. To effectively respond to climate change requires a significant increase in infrastructure to adapt to this new environment and transition to a low-carbon economy, Ms Martin said. By 2040, the investment gap in global infrastructure is forecast to reach $18 trillion against a projected requirement of $97 trillion. Against this backdrop, we strongly recommend that businesses develop a climate resilience adaptation strategy and act on it now. Theresa Mays government must avoid a hard Brexit in order to safeguard the supply of medicines to the UK, German chemical and pharmaceutical firms have warned. The UK was one of the largest buyers of German medicines last year but trade in pharmaceuticals between the two nations collapsed 10 per cent to 16bn from 17.7bn in 2017, according to VCI, the industry body for German drug manufacturers. After Ms Mays Brexit deal was emphatically rejected on Tuesday in the worst Commons defeat ever suffered by a UK prime minister, VCI warned transitional arrangements were needed to avoid the worst consequences for drug supplies. A disorderly Brexit would create such a complex situation that it is impossible for companies to prepare for all eventualities, said Utz Tillmann, managing director of VCI. In a statement, VCI said Mr Tillmann deplores the rejection of the Brexit agreement by the British Parliament. He added: "A collapse of supply chains would cause damage far beyond our industry. Therefore, specific transitional solutions are essential to at least somewhat ease the most detrimental impacts. "In particular, this is about supplies of medicines in the UK. Uncertainty around regulation after Brexit was the primary reason that UK-Germany trade in medicines and chemicals dropped in recent months, VCI said. The drop-off in trade has occurred in both directions. German pharmaceutical companies may have imported fewer UK drugs and instead signed contracts with other suppliers in Europe to replace British products in preparation for Brexit, according to VCI. The cost of customs alone is estimated to be 200m per year and VCI expects even greater burdens in the event that UK and EU rules begin to diverge. A no-deal Brexit would also have significant consequences for the UKs chemicals industry, according to the trade body. In the event of a disorderly Brexit, chemical substances that were registered in the UK for distribution in the EU could be no longer simply sold in the European Union with significant consequences for the supply chains, Mr Tillmann said. He called on the EU Commission to prevent this by temporarily recognising registrations by companies headquartered in the UK. The warning is the latest to underline the far-reaching consequences of a disorderly Brexit beyond Britains borders. On Tuesday, research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) predicted that Danish food imports including bacon and butter could drop by almost a quarter if the UK crashes out of the EU. That would cut Danish GDP by as much as 1.3 per cent, the OECD said. F**k business. Boris Johnsons now infamous quote aptly sums up the way business felt about the way the entire political class was treating it, as Theresa Mays Brexit deal went down in flames. The pent up fury in some of the snap reactions issued in the the wake of her crushing defeat in parliament tells you that. And it was understandable. But this morning the chair of the CBI, John Allan, struck a rather different tone, hailing a new era after a conference call hosted by chancellor Philip Hammond and involving business secretary Greg Clark. That might be overegging it just a bit given the way this government has behaved, and is still behaving, with the Conservative Partys interests, and cabinet ministers personal interests, repeatedly put above the countrys. Those two men are among the more sensible members of the government, although Mr Hammond has been responsible for some glaring errors during the course of the negotiations with the European Union which have poisoned relations with Britains traditional friends and the bloc as a whole. Unfortunately, their colleagues have been engaging in not so much a beauty parade as an ugly parade in an attempt to win the affections of the partys ageing and extreme membership. Its hard to believe that wont continue, even with the doomsday clock ticking. There are too many infants around the cabinet table. They have shown scant sign they even understand the concept of the national interest, much less that they respect it. That is also true of the prime minister, Theresa May. The reality of what faces business this morning really amounts to exactly what it has been dealing with for the past two-and-a-half years of this farce: a steaming pile of uncertainty. In the short term that will continue. The government won the confidence vote put forward by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, but what now? No one can say with any degree of confidence. The FTSE 250, which, with its largely UK-focussed businesses, is a better barometer right now than the much more international FTSE 100, was up a bit in early trading. Ditto the pound, which has become a proxy for the markets view of the ongoing chaos the Conservative Party continues to sow. It is at a high for the month. That isnt saying much, but what it indicates is a bet by the markets on a softer brexit emerging, and on a slightly decreased likelihood of a no-deal disaster. The trouble is that betting on Brexit is rather like betting on the lottery. There is no form to go on, and no guess that could be considered an educated one. Dean Turner, economist, for UBS Global Wealth Management, urged against anyone taking a directional view on UK assets as things stand. That judgement is sound. Mr Allan may see a new era. The markets may see a reduction in the chance of the no-deal chaos the Tory Partys extremists bay for, even though there is no majority in the party, or the country, for it. But those extremists are still there, and they are catnip to broadcasters and certain sections of the print media. The Citys bets, such as they are, may be driven more by hope than expectation, and a bet based on hope is no bet at all. Any veteran of the Cheltenham Festival, of which I am one, will be able to recount placing a lumpy one on one of jump racings heroes only to see them fall. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. Ive made my view clear on what is the best way forward. It is that the only way to resolve the current impasse is to send it back to the people in the form of a Final Say referendum. That is also The Independents view. That would, of course, create still more short-term uncertainty. But it would be short-term pain for the possibility of a longer-term gain. If that is realised, there may be one possible consolation: the businesses that emerge from this will be hardened and battle tested. They will have proven themselves capable of withstanding the worst the political class can thrown at them. It is, however, only a small consolation, and I recognise that. Demand has been so high for Apple's AirPods - the earphones that solved the problem of tangled wires by removing them completely - that they are currently being sold faster than they can be shipped. First launched in late 2016, they automatically connect to a users iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch via Bluetooth, detecting when they are in the listeners ears with the aid of optical sensors and allowing the wearer to skip tracks, adjust the volume and make a call with the help of the Siri virtual assisant. They are lightweight, offer five hours of battery life and can be recharged in their container case. But demand is so high, getting hold of a pair might be difficult. How can I check their availability in the UK? The tech giant allows you to check the availability of the earbuds at your local Apple Store on its website by entering a postcode. Attempting to buy AirPods online through Apple likewise gave a delivery date of between 23 and 25 January at the time of publication. The company stresses though that the dates given represent a worst case scenario and new stock arrives at its facilities on a daily basis, advising customers to place an order with their local Apple Store. The firm has attributed the current shortage to the Christmas rush. Apple unveils the iPhone X Show all 10 1 /10 Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone x during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone X during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone X during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 Reuters Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone x during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone x during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone x during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, shows Animoji during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, speaks during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Phil Schiller, introduces the iPhone x during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam Apple unveils the iPhone X Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, speaks about the iPhone X during a launch event in Cupertino, California, U.S. September 12, 2017 REUTERS/Stephen Lam As for third-party retailers, Amazon likewise has none available until 26 January. Consumers might be able to find an alternative resource online but Apple naturally advises going through its own channels. When will the next generation of AirPods be released? The consumer electronics giant has yet to confirm a release date for its successor model, although some tech experts have tipped them for a release in early 2020. Waterproofing and making Siri voice-activated rather than touch-based are predicted as likely improvements to the existing model. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events In the meantime, Apple is thought to be readying an upgrade for its current AirPods, offering improved connectivity and exchanging the existing case for one that can be recharged wirelessly via a charging mat. Whether this latter innovation relates to the similar multi-device Apple AirPower charger, first trailled in 2017 but only now on its way after being beset by delays, is currently unclear. Although widely liked, the AirPods have also drawn less favourable headlines since their introduction on the high street. Apple was criticised for charging 65 for replacing a lost bud (easy to do without a wire to join them) and over the Live Listen accessibility feature, which users reported could be used as a makeshift bugging device against the manufacturers intentions. An oyster leads a dreadful but exciting life, MFK Fisher observed in her classic book about them, full of stress, passion and danger. The oyster, in other words, fits right in with the beleaguered Balkans. In his 62 years in this tumultuous region, the life of Bode Sare has been at least as eventful as an oysters. Sare has been a partisan warrior, a weapons smuggler, a cafe owner and a prisoner (twice). Now, as the owner of highly regarded seafood restaurants in Croatia, he champions locally grown oysters and is part of a collective of 75 farmers that tends oyster beds in Mali Ston bay, part of the Adriatic Sea along the southern Croatian coast. Recommended How oysters became the king of seafood One early morning, as a mist shrouds the ancient wall that snakes around the hills overlooking the village of Mali Ston, Sares son, Tomislav, guides the familys boat past the plastic markers bobbing in the shimmering blue waters and marking the collectives oyster beds. He stops at one floating pontoon to pluck a string of European flat oysters, known as Ostrea edulis, from the water. He quickly shucks a dozen, tops them with a touch of lemon and smiles. Be careful, it is true what they say, he says. There is a reason Croatians have big families. The cultivation of oysters here stretches back centuries, to the days of Roman rule. Through wars and political upheaval, the harvesting may have been disrupted, but it never ended. Oysters, like the people living along the Dalmatian coast, are survivors, Sare says. Around 5 million of the bivalves are pulled from the waters every year. But they may soon face a threat from the swift and significant change to the ecosystem brought on by the headlong rush in the Balkans to embrace hydropower, often with little regard to the broader environmental consequences. In a region still heavily reliant on coal, hydropower offers a clean and relatively cheap alternative energy source. Across the western Balkans, about 3,000 hydropower plant projects are under way or being planned a 300 per cent increase from just two years ago, according to a study by Fluvius, an ecological consultancy in Vienna. A hydropower plant on the river Trebisnjica, near Trebinje. Farmers fear new dams will have a detrimental effect on the areas oyster population (AFP/Getty) The oyster farmers of the bay are most concerned about projects that would involve damming the Neretva river, which flows from Bosnia into Croatia and then empties into the bay. A recent plan to build a dam in Bosnia on the river was scrapped at the last minute, only when the Chinese company contracted for the project pulled out. Local residents who depend on the bay fear that it is just a temporary reprieve. And they worry that other projects in Bosnia could be pursued. Bosnia is still split by ethnic division, divided into two entities a Serb-run Republika Srpska and a mixed Muslim-Croat Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Political decisions are often made along ethnic lines, with little thought for the effect on the nation as a whole, much less on adjacent countries. Mario Radibratovics family has been farming oysters here for more than 500 years. Now a member of the oyster-farming collective, he worries about what will happen to the oysters if the hydrodam on the Neretva river is revived. 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 Oysters are only as good as the waters that feed them, he explains. The unique blend of nutrients in Mali Ston bay the salt from the sea mixing with the freshwater from the rivers, with a rich bed of phytoplankton on the seafloor creates the crisp, balanced flavour in the local oysters, prized since Roman emperors first funded farms here. The oysters need the freshwater from the river, and the proposed dam will cut that off and kill the ecosystem, he says. Even in the best of circumstances, an oysters chance to live at all is slim, Fisher wrote in her book, Consider the Oyster. Oyster eggs are devoured by the millions of other sea creatures, and a fertilised egg will develop only if the water is warm enough, above 21C. The lucky few develop into free-swimming larvae, which float about as they like for a few weeks each a carefree youth, as Fisher wrote. Sares son, Tomislav, 22, explains what happens next on a tour of the familys farms and the small island in the bay, which oyster lovers can rent for private parties. In socialism, what you get is warm wine. Americans want ice Bode Sare, restaurateur The young oysters are captured in a net and after a year, he says, the ones deemed mature enough are cemented to a rope. For two years, they live hanging in the sea until harvest time. The elder Sare started his seafood empire in 1980, when he opened his first cafe, not much more than a small shack on the side of the road that runs along the bay. Mali Ston and the adjacent city of Ston were built as fortresses during mediaeval times and became renowned for the 3.5-mile Great Wall that snakes around them. So in those days before the war, there were plenty of tourists to feed, Sare says. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events But local businesses did not know how to cater to their needs, especially foreign visitors. In socialism, what you get is warm wine, he says. But he paid attention to what customers wanted. He saw that Italians liked short coffee and the English black coffee. Americans want ice, he says. So he bought what he believes was the first ice machine for miles around. The price for nearly everything on the menu was the same: 1. Soon, he was raking in money, and authorities started to take note. But he refused to give local officials a cut, and it cost him. When some vandals were caught near his cafe urinating on a monument to anti-fascist fighters, he was branded an enemy of the state and sent to jail. Recommended The ultimate guide to Zagreb A few years later, Yugoslavia would be convulsed by violence and when war came, Sare took up arms with the Croat nationalists and was again briefly imprisoned for smuggling weapons. He has since become one of the most successful restaurateurs in Croatia, expanding from his flagship restaurant in Mali Ston to outposts in Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb. And the draw at all the restaurants remains the oyster, so he hopes no dam or ethnic division ever affects their farming or flavour. Oysters know nothing of nationalities or ethnicities, Sare says. But politicians? They prosper on dividing people. So instead of protecting this heritage, they are still fighting about things stretching back to the Second World War. New York Times Whales, manatees and sea turtles are on the rise following landmark legislation to protect some of the most endangered species in US waters. More than three quarters of marine mammal and turtle populations protected by the US Endangered Species Act (ESA) have shown clear signs of recovery in the decades since they were listed. Experts at the Centre for Biological Diversity, an Arizona-based non governmental organisation, took these positive results as evidence that focused species conservation and fishery laws can pay off. The ESA is a powerful environmental law first designed in 1973 with the express intention of stopping animals and plants across the US from going extinct. Previous estimates suggest that without the protection offered by this set of laws, over 200 species would have been wiped out by around 2006. However, with global threats to species survival increasing, Dr Abel Valdivia and his colleagues at the centre emphasised the importance of tracking population of all the species still under threat. This is particularly true of marine animals, for which data is often lacking. In a paper published in the journal PLOS ONE, the team analysed 23 and eight representative populations of 14 marine mammal and five turtle species. They found 24 of the populations that had increased in abundance were from species listed under the ESA for at least two decades, suggesting the importance of long-term protection for these creatures. British mammals fight for survival Show all 11 1 /11 British mammals fight for survival British mammals fight for survival The Mammal Societys assessment of Britains mammal populations is the first such review in over 20 years. The results reveal winners and losers, and highlight some of the key threats facing the countrys wildlife such as habitat loss, invasive species and the spread of diseases. British mammals fight for survival Hedgehogs Populations of the much-loved insectivore may have declined by as much as 73% Richard Bowler British mammals fight for survival Greater mouse-eared bats Only one of these flying mammals has been recorded in the whole country, in a railway tunnel in West Sussex Andrew Harrington British mammals fight for survival Rabbits Despite being a common sight across the countryside, rabbits have decreased in number by nearly 10% Danni Thompson British mammals fight for survival Black Rats Though not generally considered threatened animals, black rats number have collapsed in recent years due largely to pest control measures. However their far more common cousins, the brown rats, are thriving. Tim Melling British mammals fight for survival Red Squirrels Though it is difficult to measure changes in squirrel numbers, their range has shrunk considerably due largely to the spread of squirrel pox virus by invasive grey squirrel Alistair Marsh British mammals fight for survival Wildcats There has been a marked decline in wildcat populations, with only around 200 left in Scotland Rachel Profit British mammals fight for survival Badgers Due to legal protections badgers have recovered from past persecution and the density of their setts (holes) has increased by over 100% in recent decades Phil Mumby British mammals fight for survival Otters The banning of persistent organic pesticides has had a positive population effect on otters Allan Chard British mammals fight for survival Fallow Deer The 2018 review estimates a population size of fallow deer almost three times the size of that estimated in the 1995 review a positive trend that is seen in other deer species. James Shooter British mammals fight for survival Eurasian Beavers These aquatic mammals were nearly extinct in Europe at the start of the 20th century, but their reintroduction to the UK have been largely successful Paul Scott For large whales such as the North Atlantic right whale, the ESA has offered protection for species that were already severely depleted as a result of decades of commercial hunting. This included implementing speed limits for shipping to avert ship strikes, and restrictions on US military use of sonar in whale hotspots like Hawaii and southern California. Sea turtles have benefited from strict prohibitions on harvesting both the animals and their eggs, which in the past has been a major cause of their decline. Documentary makers film starving polar bear in iceless land However, not all animals benefited from ESA protections, including some populations of killer and beluga whales and the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal. The authors of the paper warned that while stronger conservation measures have recently been implemented to preserve some of these groups, the additional pressure of climate change may make recovery difficult. Conservation groups were concerned over the summer when the Trump administration announced its intention to modernise the ESA, including plans to remove some of the protections currently in place for listed species. Bill Maher has revealed he didnt support the idea that Trump should be impeached until recently. The late-night show host whose series Real Time with Bill Maher returns in the US this Friday told Hardballs Chris Matthews that he now fully endorses the notion, accusing the president of treason. I hear those words used a lot more, I mean thats what it is, Maher said, referencing his links to Russia. What is it when you plainly are with the people who are not us? Didnt we see that in Helsinki? Plainly, he was saying, Given the choice, I go with President Putin. President Putin says he didnt do it, I dont know why he would. "Could you imagine if Bush after 9/11 had stood on the rubble with a bullhorn and said Well, Bin Laden says that he didnt do it, I dont know why he would have." He continued: So I dont know how we get out of this except by getting him out of office. I wasnt necessarily for impeachment until recently, but I think you have to go ahead and do it. Maher said Trump had a sick mind, adding: There is no difference [to him] between doing what is right for him and for doing what is right for the country. I dont think he thinks in terms of whether hes betraying anybody - theres only what is right and good for Donald Trump. 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 recently angered the comic book community after writing a blog post in which he seemingly criticised people for mourning the death of Stan Lee He later told presenter Larry King: What I was saying is: A culture that thinks that comic books and comic book movies are profound meditations on the human condition is a dumb f***ing culture. And for people to, like, get mad at that just proves my point. Few health facilities in America have done more in the fight against HIV and Aids than Grady Healths Ponce De Leon Centre. At this Atlanta clinic, staff counsel people about getting tested for HIV, perform the test, talk about the consequences of the result, and, if necessary, arrange for people to receive treatment immediately. Sometimes far too often they are present as patients die. An HIV-positive diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. Effective drugs mean people can with HIV can lead normal or even extraordinary lives. But that requires people getting tested, acknowledging they have the virus, and taking the medicine to manage it. For some people, that is too much. Doctors at Grady say that each year they lose around 100 patients to Aids-related illnesses. The figure is horrifying; in London, a city of 10 million people, 42 such deaths were recorded in 2017, and 51 in 2016. And as the doctors at Grady point out, those deaths were at just one of several hospitals in the city of Atlanta, which has a population of just 500,000. The numbers alone are certainly astonishing. For 2016 and 2017, a single hospital in the Atlanta area, we have lost over 100 individuals a year. Mostly young people, says Jonathan Colasanti, an assistant professor of medicine in infectious diseases. The tragedy is not only do they tend to die very painful, drawn-out physical deaths, but the tougher thing for me to watch, is the emotional aspect, says Colasanti. The number of people that we watch die alone, with no one in the room with them, surrounded by no family, is one of the greatest tragedies of our time. He adds: Thats not everybody. Thankfully there are moments of peace at the end, and surrounded by loving families. That number of 100 is tragic in and of itself. But that is one hospital. Indian clinic provides drop in support and HIV testing in effort to make Delhi #AIDSfree Experts say that a gay black man in the United States has a one in two chance of being diagnosed with HIV. In Atlanta, it is even worse, with those odds perhaps closer to 60 per cent. There are many reasons for this, but racism, homophobia, poverty and lack of education about HIV are all contributors. The doctors at Grady seek not only to work as physicians, but as educators working to overcome the ignorance and stigma that lead some people to avoid taking medicine, rather than admit they have the virus. Others will decide to forgo the drugs because they do not want their family to know. For some, looking at those pills is a daily reminder of their illness, says Colasanti. The Grady clinic, which is associated with Emory University School of Medicine, is one of the projects supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation, a charity being supported by The Independent and Evening Standard. Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Show all 10 1 /10 Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Sir Elton John and Evgeny Lebedev The Independent has launched it's Christmas charity appeal for essential HIV testing around the world with the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Funds raised will pay for those at risk to be able to get tested, and will make sure they have access to the treatment they need. Sir Elton John and Evgeny Lebedev with their HIV test swabs at the Ponce Centre in Atlanta Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Elton John and Andrew Williams Andrew Williams had never heard of the word HIV when he tested positive. It was his mother who had forced him to go to the doctor where he got the diagnosis that he thought was a death sentence. At that time he was in a wheelchair. It was the unbearable itching of his back that finally got him to get medical help but, he discovered, he not only had HIV but diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. That was two years ago. This week, as the 31-year-old joined Sir Elton John and Evening Standard and The Independent owner Evgeny Lebedev in Atlanta to witness the revolutionary new breakthroughs against the disease at the citys Grady Ponce De Leon Centre, there was no need for a wheelchair. Nor, he now knew, was there any need for fear Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Evgeny Lebedev and Andrew Williams Within two months of starting the latest antiretroviral drugs, the virus in his body had become undetectable in his blood. Not only is he now healthy, partly due to the drugs and partly due to the healthy lifestyle adopted for his other illnesses, but he can virtually not pass the infection to other people. He feels, he says, reborn. I have a reason to live, he explained, and that is to help people who were like me and to show youre going to be OK. Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation It was a message so stark in its optimism that it reduced Sir Elton to tears. He knows first-hand the realities of what, in the past, an HIV diagnosis can mean. When he started his Elton John AIDS Foundation in the US in 1992, it was because his friends were dying and he wanted to do what he could, anything that he could, to help. When we set up the Elton John AIDS Foundation we were delivering meals to peoples doors, he said. [The stigma meant] they would not go outside. We have come a long way. Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation But part of the reason for his tears was not only happiness at Andrews story. It was also the knowledge that, despite all the advances that have been made, the fight is far from won indeed, in some parts of the world, things are getting worse. Sir Elton John with everyone at the Ponce Centre in Atlanta Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation It is why he and Mr Lebedev had come to Atlanta to mark the first day of our Christmas Appeal, for that city, sadly, is one place where the situation is not only getting worse but, as those at the centre made clear, dramatically so. Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Sir Elton John with Vic Mensa at the Ponce Centre Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Sir Elton John with his HIV test swab In Atlanta, one of Americas richest cities and the home of such international corporate giants as Coca-Cola and CNN, if you are a gay black man in 2018 then, unbelievably, you still have a one in two chance of being diagnosed as HIV positive during your lifetime. Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Elton John with the mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms Jeremy Selwyn Independent campaign with the Elton John AIDS Foundation Elton John talks at the Ponce Centre Jeremy Selwyn Recently, Sir Elton and Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the newspapers, visited Atlanta, to meet doctors, community workers and survivors. They also got tested for HIV to show how quick the process could be and to encourage others to do so. In a joint statement, they said: As we write, 37 million people globally are living with HIV. Last year alone, 1.8 million people contracted the virus and 940,000 died of an Aids-related illness. This need not happen. Todays medicines not only enable those living with HIV to have full and fulfilling lives, but also ensure they cannot pass the virus on to others, they added. Wendy Armstrong, professor of medicine at Emory, carried out the tests on the two special visitors. She says a tester has to be confident in what they are doing, comfortable about talking to the patient and ready with a plan of action for treatment if the result is positive. The second you hear that youre HIV positive, you may not hear anything else. Armstrong says there are a number of reasons why the American south has HIV infection rates comparable to several countries in southern Africa, while much of the nation has looked away, perhaps believing the disease was defeated in the 1990s. One was the enduring stigma associated with the virus among some communities. Among some African Americans there is still understandable suspicion, she says, of the medical community, following scandals such as the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, in which poor African American men from Alabama were refused treatment for the disease, even though the use of penicillin was known to be effective. One cannot ignore in the south the legacy of racism and the remaining structural racism that affects our institutions, she says. That might be how far patients have to travel to get to a clinic, how welcome they feel in that clinic. Its that milieu that disadvantages our minority populations in accessing treatment. She was gracious and she was generous, sharing with me the legends, the lore and the mechanics of Dolly, much of which had been lost in time, Midler added. I will forever be grateful to her for lighting my way to one of the most magical experiences of my performing life, and for the hours I spent in her company. I flat-out adored her and send her fans, her friends and her son, Channing Lowe, my condolences, although as far as I am concerned, she will live forever. This new year, an estimated 45 percent of Americans resolved to get in shape. And by February, approximately 80 percent of them will have reverted to their old habits and abandoned their efforts toward greater health and wellbeing. Daniel Freedman and Mike Kott are out to change dismal wellness stats like these with a new approach toward empowering personal and social change. They're the co-founders and co-CEOs of BurnAlong, a video and social motivation platform that helps people who struggle to achieve their health and wellness goals. Companies using BurnAlong include leading retailers, healthcare companies, and universities from all around the world. The platform serves all manner of users ranging from children with cancer to professional athletes, the elderly, and people with diabetes or Parkinson's disease. This widespread adoption is a reflection of BurnAlong's remarkable engagement. "Engagement in BurnAlong outperforms traditional wellness programming," Freedman says. While the industry standard is anywhere from four to eight percent engagement, BurnAlong averages 20 percent. Freedman credits BurnAlong's unique social features--which enable users to invite friends, family members, and coworkers to work out with them live and online--and its holistic approach to wellness for these stats. Far from being exclusively a fitness platform, BurnAlong also offers video trainings on everything from nutrition to mindfulness, parenting, insomnia, addiction, and financial wellness. Here's a closer look at how the platform is pioneering a new approach to health and wellness. An Unlikely Path to a Wellness Startup At first glance, neither Kott's nor Freedman's background seem all that relevant to the fitness space. Kott started his career at Black & Decker doing branding and product development before being recruited to then-financial services startup Bill Me Later. That startup was acquired by PayPal for a billion dollars back in 2008, after which Kott helped lead the integration of PayPal and eBay. He met Freedman after moving to the Baltimore area, and the two quickly found they were similarly connected to the idea of improving health outcomes for people most in need. Meanwhile, Freedman spent half a decade working at an intelligence consultancy with colleagues from the likes of the FBI and CIA. (He's also worked for the United Nations and U.S. Senate.) And he believes these experiences uniquely equipped him to develop wellness programming that actually works. "One big thing that we focused on was rehabilitation programs," he says. "[I] traveled everywhere from Belfast to Singapore, and one of the fascinating things I learned... is the role that social circles play in changing people's behavior. So when someone comes out of prison or jail, one of the things you want to focus on is changing their social circle... [that's] how you set them on a different path. You see so clearly the role that family and friends have in shaping behavior for good or bad." These observations were affirmed by Freedman's personal experiences with his now-late grandmother, who developed cancer and other health issues during the last decade of her life. He observed that his grandmother wasn't feeling well mentally or physically, but she would only exercise if her family members showed up to take her to a gym. Freedman found himself asking: "Why when you're at home and you most need the support of others, are you cut off from them?" Together, these experiences inform the premise on which BurnAlong is built. The video platform focuses on making healthy choices social and accessible by bridging offline and online experiences. And it does so by utilizing the same principles that Freedman observed in earlier iterations of his career. Making Wellness Intimately Social The BurnAlong platform most distinguishes itself in two ways. First, by offering unparalleled choice. "Users can take thousands of classes from hundreds of instructors across 30 different categories, [and they] can take them from any device they want," Freedman says. "What we see in fitness and wellness is, the more choice that we offer you, the more you're likely to find that instructor that works for you." Baked into those choices is the principle of authenticity. Instead of featuring hundreds of 25-year-old instructors with washboard abs, the platform enlists participation from instructors of all different shapes, sizes, ability levels, and backgrounds. "It is very much about an emotional connection," Freedman says. "Seeing someone like you who modifies for you is so inspiring... It's not the glitziest videos that are the most popular; it's all about that connection to an instructor." Additionally, BurnAlong offers a unique component in the form of socialization. "You can also take classes live with friends or family members [or coworkers] whom you invite," Freedman says. This bakes community and accountability into the platform and increases the odds of users' success. "The key to initiating change [and] sustaining it is social support." In order to help users sort through the platform's thousands of classes, Kott says BurnAlong is utilizing sophisticated AI to track what people search for and the classes they take in order to provide personalized recommendations. "We try to understand what's leading to the next level of engagement, so that we are constantly elevating the right choices... based on [users'] behavior and the community's behavior," Kott says. "The social aspects of this go beyond just seeing and inviting your friends to take a class. You get to see what the community is taking and what they think of those classes. We want your curiosity to pull you beyond just what you're used to." Uplifting Partners Another core facet of BurnAlong's user experience is the opportunities offered to partner studios, gyms, and instructors. Users are encouraged to seek out their favorite instructors in person (provided they live or travel in the same area), and instructors can assign "homework" on BurnAlong in order to build relationships and foster ongoing accountability. Not only does this improve the user experience, but it also serves as a recruitment tool for instructors both on- and off-line. "For instructors, this means they're reaching more people--getting more in-person clients and corporate bookings through BurnAlong," Kott says. Because the platform is so appealing to instructors, this also increases the number of trainings available to its users. "The amazing... result of that is the youngest person that you'll see in a BurnAlong class is 6 weeks old [as part of Mommy and Me classes]," Kott says. "On the other end, the oldest person you will see is 97 years old. Because of our partnership with all these amazing local health and fitness instructors, there's really something for every age and level." By expanding its scope beyond standard conceptions of fitness, offering unique opportunities for social engagement, and providing resources for all manner of wellness-related topics, BurnAlong is working to remain relevant to people at every stage of their lives. Adam Neumann is not just WeWork's co-founder and CEO--he's also one of his company's landlords. Neumann has been snapping up properties in New York and California and then leasing them to the company, earning millions of dollars in the process, The Wall Street Journal reports. Real estate deals are reviewed and approved by an audit committee or WeWork's board before being disclosed to investors, according to the company. As WeWork's largest shareholder, Neumann controls more than 65 percent of the overall share vote, WSJ reports. A WeWork spokesperson told Inc. that WeWork's 10-person board gets only one vote per person and that these deals are not subjected to shareholder approval. Multiple investors are concerned the dealings represent a potential conflict of interest, WSJ reports. A WeWork spokesperson told Inc. the company is unaware of any investor concerns related to these arrangements. "In a public company, that would be considered highly controversial," Charles Elson, director of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware, told WSJ. "Usually, human beings tend to think of themselves over the company itself when they're on the other side of the transaction." Kirsten Gillibrand thinks she can defeat President Donald Trump in 2020. No, it's not too early to skim her resume for indicators of her understanding of key business issues. "I'm going to run for president because as a young mom I am going to fight for other people's kids as hard as I would fight for my own," Gillibrand, 52, said during an appearance on CBS's The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Tuesday. Gillibrand has vowed to enact universal paid family leave as president, and as the junior senator from New York established herself as an advocate for workers and small businesses. Here are some of the business-related issues she has fought for during her political career. Employee ownership In 2018, Gillibrand wrote and helped pass the Main Street Employee Ownership Act, which gave the U.S. Small Business Administration tools to help small businesses transitioning to a co-op or employee stock ownership plan. In these plans, companies take out loans to buy shares from their shareholders, and then divide the shares among employees. Small-business loans Also last year, Gillibrand introduced a bill to expand the Small Business Administration's Microloan Program. The bipartisan Microloan Modernization Act would provide loans and technical assistance to women and minority business owners struggling to receive loans from banks. The bill passed in the Senate in 2018 and is awaiting House approval. Wage equality Gillibrand helped pass the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which gives victims of pay discrimination more time to file a lawsuit. Karen Pence Returns to the Classroom to Teach Art Washington, DC - Today, Karen Pence is back in the classroom, not as the Second Lady of the United States, but as Mrs. Pence to teach art classes for children at an elementary school in Northern Virginia. Mrs. Pence will teach twice a week at Immanuel Christian School until May. Mrs. Pence accepted this wonderful opportunity to teach art in early December 2018. I am excited to be back in the classroom and doing what I love to do, which is to teach art to elementary students, said Mrs. Pence. I have missed teaching art, and its great to return to the school where I taught art for twelve years. Karen Pence dedicated 25 years in the classroom as an elementary school teacher before becoming the First Lady of Indiana in January 2013. She spent 12 years as an art teacher at Immanuel Christian School, and the other years at public and private schools in Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. Pence earned a B.S. and M.S. in Elementary Education from Butler University in Indianapolis. She is an award-winning watercolor artist. Governor Newsom Appoints Judicial Appointments Secretary and Legal Affairs Staff Sacramento, California - Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of his Judicial Appointments Secretary and Legal Affairs Secretary, and other members of his legal affairs team in the Governors Office. Justice Martin Jenkins, 65, of, San Francisco, has been appointed Judicial Appointments Secretary in the Office of the Governor. Justice Jenkins currently serves as an Associate Justice on the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, and was appointed to this position in 2008. Prior to this court appointment, Justice Jenkins served as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1997 to 2008. From 1992 to 1997, he served as a judge on the Alameda County Superior Court and previously served on the Oakland Municipal Court from 1989 to 1992. From 1986 to 1989, he was a trial attorney with the Pacific Bell Legal Department of San Francisco and from 1983 to 1986, he worked in the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney. From 1980 to 1983, he worked as a prosecutor for the Alameda County District Attorneys Office. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $185,004. Jenkins is a Democrat. Catherine E. Lhamon, 47, of Takoma Park, Maryland, has been appointed Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of the Governor. Lhamon is the Chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and was appointed to the role in 2016 by President Barack Obama. From 2013 to 2017, she served as the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education. From 2009 to 2013, she served as the Director of Impact Litigation at Public Counsel, the nations largest pro bono law firm. From 1999 to 2009, she practiced law at the ACLU of Southern California, eventually rising to the position of Assistant Legal Director. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Yale Law School. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $200,004. Lhamon is a Democrat. Analea Patterson, 47, of Washington, D.C., has been appointed Chief Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of the Governor. Patterson was a partner in the law firm of Orrick, Herrington, and Sutcliffe from 2005 to 2018. She previously served as Special Assistant for Policy and Planning for California Attorney General Bill Lockyer and as Policy and Legislative Director for Lieutenant Governor Gray Davis. She also served as a law clerk for the Honorable Frank C. Damrell (ret.) on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $184,992. Patterson is a Democrat. Kelli Evans, 49, of Oakland, has been appointed Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for Criminal Justice in the Office of the Governor. From 2017 to 2019, she served as Special Assistant to the Attorney General at the California Department of Justice. From 2014 to 2017, she served as Senior Director for the Administration of Justice at the California State Bar. She has served as a member of federal court-appointed monitoring teams for the Oakland and Cleveland Police Departments. From 2010 to 2013, she was the Associate Director of the ACLU of Northern California, and previously served as a Senior Trial Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,008 Evans is a Democrat. Rei Onishi, 37, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of the Governor. He previously served as Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. from 2017 to 2019. From 2015 to 2017, he served as a Senior Policy Advisor and White House Fellow in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 2012 to 2015, he served as a Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice, Office of Attorney General, and from 2011 to 2012 was a law clerk for the Honorable Beverly Martin of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. From 2004 to 2006, he was a legislative aide and Senate fellow in the Office of State Senator Joe Simitian. Onishi is a co-founder of the Buck Fellows Program and past board member of the American Constitution Society Bay Area Lawyer Chapter. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a Master of Public Policy degree from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $155,004. Onishi is a Democrat. Shubhra Shivpuri, 36, of Oakland, has been appointed Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of the Governor. Shivpuri has served as Deputy Attorney General of the Civil Rights Enforcement Section at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General since 2017. She was a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division from 2015 to 2017 and an assistant U.S. attorney at the U.S. Attorneys Office from 2011 to 2015. Shivpuri was a litigation associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP from 2007 to 2010. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $160,008. Shivpuri is a Democrat. Imperial Valley News Center Governor Newsom Unveils Proposals to Tackle Housing Affordability Crisis San Jose, California - In San Jose, a community acutely experiencing Californias housing crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a series of proposals to tackle housing affordability. Surrounded by area families who are considering leaving the state due to the high cost of housing, the Governor signed an executive order and laid out a number of proposals to spur housing production and help families. Governor Newsoms housing proposals are a central pillar of his broader California for All agenda. Californians spend more of their income on housing costs than residents of almost any other place in America, and those huge costs are driving middle-class workers and their families further away from their jobs, and often out of the state. Meanwhile, a number of recent studies have warned that the states tight housing market will constrain future economic growth and deepen economic inequality. At the event today, Governor Newsom laid out components of his plan to tackle the housing affordability crisis for families: An executive order, signed today, to spur affordable housing development on state land; $1.75 billion in new housing production dollars, laid out in his budget, to help incentivize housing production; and Asking the Legislature to work collaboratively on efforts to help renters and protect families from out-of-control rent increases. During the roundtable discussion, San Jose residents shared their stories dealing with the high cost of housing and rent. Shavell Crawford, a working professional, explained how she and her fiance were doubtful that they could afford to live in an apartment without roommates once they were married. Nuemi Guzman, a legal assistant, told of how she had to commute two hours each way to work because she couldn't afford to live any closer, meaning she could only see her two children just before they went to bed each night. The California Dream is in peril if we don't act to address this housing crisis, said Governor Newsom. The cost of housing -- both for homeowners and renters -- is the defining quality-of-life concern for people across this state. Housing costs threaten to erode our states long-term prosperity and are driving hardworking Californians to look for opportunities elsewhere. Thats why I'm proposing a series of unprecedented actions to tackle this crisis head-on, and I look forward to working with the Legislature, cities, and counties to solve these urgent challenges." As part of his California for All housing plan, the Governor proposes: An unprecedented and historic effort to incentivize housing production: To address Californias housing affordability crisis, the Governors budget proposal includes $1.75 billion to spur housing development and promote economic growth. The budget allocates $500 million for incentives for localities that create new housing and $250 million to provide technical assistance to cities and localities to responsibly ramp up zoning and permitting processes. The budget also invests in housing solutions for the missing middle class that too often cannot find affordable housing near their jobs. This includes $500 million for tax credits and $500 million for home construction. Developing affordable housing on state lands: Governor Newsom signed an executive order to develop affordable housing on excess state lands. The executive order directs the Department of General Services (DGS) to take an inventory of all state-owned lands for potential development no later than April 30, 2019. The Department of Housing and Community Development and Housing Finance Agency will be directed to develop new screening tools to evaluate state lands and, where appropriate, state agencies can consider exchanging excess state land with local governments for other parcels, for affordable housing development. DGS, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community Development, can issue Requests for Proposals on individual parcels and accept proposals from developers of affordable housing interested in entering into low-cost, long-term ground leases of parcels on the priority map. Working with the Legislature to address the rising cost of rent: The Governor is committed to increasing protections and relief for renters. He looks forward to working with the Legislature to find common ground on efforts to prevent rent spikes and create stability for renters. Imperial Valley News Center Presidential Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day, 2019 Washington, DC - On Religious Freedom Day, we celebrate our Nations longstanding commitment to freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess ones own faith. The right to religious freedom is innate to the dignity of every human person and is foundational to the pursuit of truth. The Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth shared an experience common to many of Americas first settlers: they had fled their home countries to escape religious persecution. Aware of this history, our Nations Founding Fathers readily understood that a just government must respect the deep yearning for truth and openness to the transcendent that are part of the human spirit. For this reason, from the beginning, our constitutional republic has endeavored to protect a robust understanding of religious freedom. On January 16, 1786, Virginia enacted the Statute for Religious Freedom to protect the right of individual conscience and religious exercise and to prohibit the compulsory support of any church. Authored by Thomas Jefferson, the statute set forth the principle that religious liberty is an inherent right and not a gift of the state. Jeffersons statute served as the inspiration and model for the legal architecture of the conscience protections in the First Amendment, drafted by James Madison just a few years later. Unfortunately, the fundamental human right to religious freedom is under attack. Efforts to circumscribe religious freedom or to separate it from adjoining civil liberties, like property rights or free speech are on the rise. Over time, legislative and political attacks on religious freedom have given way to actual violence. Last October, we witnessed a horrific attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in our Nations history. Tragically, attacks on people of faith and their houses of worship have increased in frequency in recent years. My Administration is taking action to protect religious liberty and to seek justice against those who seek to abridge it. The Department of Justice is aggressively prosecuting those who use violence or threats to interfere with the religious freedom of their fellow Americans. In January of 2018, the Justice Department announced a religious liberty update to the Justice Manual, raising the profile of religious liberty cases. Also in January of 2018, the Department of Health and Human Services undertook major policy changes to protect religious freedom, including forming a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division within the Departments Office for Civil Rights and proposing a comprehensive new conscience protection regulation to reinvigorate enforcement of religious freedom laws within existing health care programs. Around the globe today, people are being persecuted for their faith by authoritarian dictatorships, terrorist groups, and other intolerant individuals. To address this tragic reality, last July, at my request, the Secretary of State convened the first-ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom. We are listening to the voices of those risking their lives for their religious beliefs, and we are listening to the families of people who have died fighting for their fundamental right of conscience. Our Nation was founded on the premise that a just government abides by the Laws of Nature and of Natures God. As the Founders recognized, the Constitution protects religious freedom to secure the rights endowed to man by his very nature. On this day, we recognize this history and affirm our commitment to the preservation of religious freedom. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2019, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to commemorate this day with events and activities that remind us of our shared heritage of religious liberty and that teach us how to secure this blessing both at home and around the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-third. DONALD J. TRUMP Imperial Valley News Center Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act Washington, DC - Statement by the President on law S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act: Today, I have signed into law S. 512, the Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (the Act). Several provisions of the Act, including sections 102(a)(1) and (3), 103(b)(3), (c)(3), (d)(3), (e)(3), purport to require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to submit budget requests to the Congress to implement certain programs or to limit the amount it may request for those programs. Other provisions of the Act, sections 103(e)(4)(B) and (D), purport to require the Commission to evaluate whether additional legislative authority or appropriations are needed to implement a certain program envisioned by the Congress. My Administration will treat these provisions in a manner consistent with Article II, section 3 of the Constitution, which provides the President with the discretion to recommend to the Congress only such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient. We need to change some of the ways that the law states police officers can do chases over the lines of the state, Kentfield said. They honestly believe that because theyre the police theyre allowed to go over state lines without following certain protocols. Those protocols need to be redone or reevaluated. (The Center Square) Illinois lawmakers are expected to come back sometime this summer after failing to bring sweeping energy legislation across the finish line. Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation2@journalnet.com for help creating one. Community Information If you would like to submit an upcoming event or community announcement, please contact our staff at 208-232-4161 or send an email to cjohnson@journalnet.com. We will also accept news from local clubs and engagement, wedding and anniversary announcements. You can post your community or club events on our calendar. Obituaries Submit an obituary/notice All obituaries must be placed by your mortuary or onlineDeadline is 3 p.m. for publication the next day. The ISJ is not responsible for spelling, grammar, or basic mistakes. At the town hall Wednesday, County Police Chief Tim Altomare said he didnt want his department involved in the program for that reason people need to know police officers will help them and arent looking to deport them. He said that in Anne Arundel, as in communities across the world, there is a small population of between three and five percent who prey on the vast majority of law-abiding citizens. This guest opinion piece, submitted to the Idaho Press by Nicole LeFavour, is signed by the following: Add the Words, Idaho; Add the 4 Words; Amaraji Maha Marai; American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho; Association for Indias Development Boise Chapter; Boise First Congregational United Church of Christ; Boise First United Methodist Church/Cathedral of the Rockies; Boise Unitarian Universalist Fellowship; Boise Pride Festival; Center for Spiritual Living, Boise; The Community Center; Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel; Community of Christ; Hillview United Methodist Church; Humanists of the Palouse; Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship; The Interfaith Alliance of Idaho; Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence; Idaho Transgender Healthcare Advocacy Coalition; Include Us Idaho Political Action Committee; King of Glory Lutheran Church; Latah County Human Rights Task Force; Liberating Spirit Metropolitan Community Church; Magic Valley Pride; Mama Dragons of Eastern Idaho; Mama Dragons of Western Idaho; Mama Dragons of the Magic Valley; Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Idaho Falls; Pride Foundation; Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii; Protect Idaho Kids; Queers and Allies Club of College of Western Idaho; Southminster Presbyterian Church; Southern Idaho Pride; Southern Idaho Humanist Alliance; St. Stephens Episcopal Church; Tri-States Transgender. Serenity, contentment and a big serving of island charm. A delicious mix of elegant and quirky. The backdrop for a busy family life and a testament to a 30-year love story. This is Serenity Nowell, the first home to be revealed for the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captivas 18th A Peek at the Unique signature home tour, which raises funds to help empower women and girls. Coming up on March 16, the event will feature four different but equally intriguing and normally inaccessible island residences. Tickets are going fast as the event has typically sold out. Honeymooning on Captiva 30 years ago, newlyweds Vinny and Suzie Nowell drove around Sanibel, passing a brand-new structure on the islands east end, and fell instantly in love with the house. Over the years, as they worked, raised a family and vacationed on the islands, the couple would drive by their house and imagine a future when they might own it. In 2013, the home came on the market and it was time to realize the dream. Built in 1989, the 3,300-square foot Shell Harbour home was architecturally sound but with dated layout and dcor. The Nowells worked with Sanibel home builder Matt Kirchner to create an interior that would facilitate their busy family life and love of entertaining. Peekers will climb stairs into an open and airy, light-filled living space with a calming view, filled with objects found on the couples searches through local antique shops, on travels and from their former life in West Virginia. The Nowells named their home Serenity Nowell as a play on their name and in tribute to a Seinfeld character who frequently shouted Serenity now! A color palette of soft blues, sand beiges and the occasional splash of coral says Sanibel as no other combination can. White, bead-board cabinetry in the bathrooms and kitchen offers a cottage vibe; the mother-of-pearl kitchen backsplash sparkles. Beachy items such as an oversized framed seahorse and lamps that look like buckets of shells reflect an island theme, as does the dreamy granite named Blue Sky. On the top floor, the master bedroom deck overlooks an open pool. The home is sponsored by Kirchner Contracting Inc. and Island Home Service/Tree West. A notable fact: Hurricane Irma in 2017 brought down 40-foot ficus trees, palms and heavy shrubbery fronting the home, leading to replacement with a clusia hedge. Zonta relies on this annual event to fund its support for organizations that empower women, and recently distributed $105,000 in grants to 17 Lee County non-profits through its foundation. Tickets are $100, plus a small service fee to EventBrite. To purchase tickets, visit www.EventBrite.com. Anyone uncomfortable using EventBrite may email PeekTickets@gmail.com. For more information about the Zonta, visit www.zontasancap.com. We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email circulation@idahopress.com for help creating one. Upgrade in Seafood Watch recommendation for Sri Lankan crab a milestone for fishery improvement project by Cliff White January 15,2019 | Source: SeafoodSource The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch's released new precommendations for several species on Monday, 14 January, and an upgrade in the rating of two Sri Lankan crab fisheries are cause for celebration for the National Fisheries Institutes Crab Council, local producer Taprobane Seafoods, and the fishery improvement projects that have worked to improve the sustainability of the regional crab fishing sector. The blue swimming crab fisheries in the Gulf of Mannar and in Palk Bay both were moved from a red Avoid ranking to a yellow Good Alternative rating, five years after parallel fishery improvement projects (FIPs) were created to push the fisheries to implement more sustainable practices. Now, the two FIPs have become the first out of the 14 in Asia to advance a blue swimming crab fishery from red to yellow under Seafood Watch's paradigm, even as many of the other FIPs have been operational for longer periods of time. It really is a huge achievement, Steve Creech, the founder of the sustainable Ffsheries consultancy Pelagikos Ltd. and the coordinator of both FIPs, told SeafoodSource. When we started out back in 2013, there wasn't a single scientific paper or report published on blue swimming crab in Sri Lanka, never mind about the fisheries. Now there's a considerable body of research and reports. It has been long journey, but we have finally gotten there and done something that no one else has done for a small-scale blue swimming crab fishery in South and Southeast Asia. The data collection has been an enormous effort, Creech said, but has resulted in 10 individual studies and four annual stock assessment reports. The body of data and information gathered by the members of the FIP about the fisheries over the last five years means that the fisheries are no longer 'data deficient.' The new data and information about the fisheries was critical to generating the improved scores for the fisheries for stock status, non-target species, management, and environmental impact, Creech said. Data generated through the FIP has demonstrated that crab stocks are generally healthy (i.e. at or above a level equivalent to the maximum sustainably yield) in both fisheries. Furthermore, the status of the stocks has remained at or above a level equivalent to a sustainably managed fishery in each of the past four years. The FIPs are backed by National Fisheries Institutes Crab Council, Taprobane Seafood Group through the Seafood Exporters' Association of Sri Lanka, and the United Nations International Labour Organization, the International Organization for Migration, the Asia Foundation, and Santa Monica Seafood through FishWise. The FIP represents a USD 450,000 (EUR 392,000) direct investment over the past five years, plus about half that amount in in-kind investments, according to Creech. The National Fisheries Institutes Crab Council congratulates the Seafood Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (SEASL) on its latest fishery improvement project milestone; earning the Monterey Bay Aquariums Good Alternative rating, NFI Crab Council Executive Director Ed Rhodes said in a press release. The NFI Crab Council has been proud to support SEASLs Blue Swimming Crab sustainability work since 2013. The dedicated FIP managers on the ground in Sri Lanka and our committed companies have worked tirelessly to improve the ecological status of the stock, advance its management and improve the economic equity of the fishery. The history of crab FIP work, ongoing, in Sri Lanka, and this latest achievement illustrate the power of successful precompetitive collaborations and deserve our sincere applause. While not a formal certification, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program offers influential recommendations for consumers and businesses based off the degrees of consideration a given seafood source puts into ocean health. Its new recommendations for amberjack, carp, crab, smelt, and trout and updated recommendations for crab and lobster fisheries were released at the same time the Global Seafood Market Conference is taking place in San Diego, California, U.S.A. Jennifer Kemmerly, director of global fisheries and aquaculture at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, congratulated those involved with the FIPs on the progress. Engagement with the Sri Lankan government has been critical to advancing fishery improvements in the region, Kemmerly said. Their efforts have culminated in a more sustainable fishery and now a new relationship with SeaChange Ignite. This relationship, and the resulting market connections, can help incentivize fisheries improvements in other regions. Creech said local support has been key to making real improvements in the fisheries. Sri Lankas Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are have introduced a new code of conduct and other fishing regulations, as well as a new export schedule. And the fishermen of the 70 or so fishing communities along the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, off the northern and northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, despite being spread across two provinces encompassing four religions and two languages, are strongly committed to sustainably managing the blue swimming crab resources in both the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay fisheries, Creech said. Creech said the Good Alternative rating is not an end-point for the FIPs, but rather just a waypoint to reaching even higher levels of sustainability. In November 2018, the two fisheries were submitted for pre-assessment against the Marine Stewardship Councils fishery standard, and the FIPs are both targeting the green, Best Choice rating from Seafood Watch. In order to achieve that, more work is needed to better understand the impact of the fisheries on endangered or threatened non-target species, and more time is necessary to know for sure if the newly implemented management measures will be effective. To drive this process on, we want [a] green [rating], Creech said. We're confident that the NFI Crab Council will continue to meet the cost of funding the FIP over the next and of bringing in more direct funding from the seafood industry in Sri Lanka. Taprobane Seafood Group has already commitment to set up an accruement from the sales of its soon-to-be-launched own label, Taprobane Crab Meat. We're confident we can get other crab exporting companies to also commit to financing further improvements to the fisheries, that will take the fisheries from Good Alternative to Best Choice within three years. Taprobane Seafoods CEO Tim O'Reilly said the new Seafood Watch rating will have a significant impact on his business. "It means we will be able to access new markets, which will enable our fisherman too get better prices. It will also stabilize our supply chain, which will enable our workers to earn more income," he told SeafoodSource. Taprobane is working to implement an acrument scheme to ensure that any premium paid for the company's crab products will return to the communties involved in the fisheries, O'Reilly said. 2019 Diversified Communications Theme(s): Others. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. The Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ will host a Recycled Book Sale on Jan. 27 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at 2050 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. There will be gently used books, CDs, DVDs, jewelry and small gift items. Most of the books are priced from 50 cents to $1, with the exception being newer or special editions. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to local non-profit agencies. For more information, call 239-472-0497. Houston, MO (65483) Today Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then partly cloudy late. High near 90F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Last month the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees made a difficult decision. At risk of losing the elected positions for which we all campaigned passionately, we rejected an ultimatum created by state law: Privatize four historically black and brown schools or face a hostile state takeover of the entire district. We were elected to see to it that our public schools thrive, not facilitate their transfer to charter managers who can make money off our students. Now the state is in a position to remove us from office because four schools have been on the improvement required list for at least five years. Some of us reasonably felt that turning these four schools Wheatley High School, Kashmere High School, Henry Middle School and Highland Heights Elementary into charter schools would prevent even worse sanctions from the state. While that may have been true for this year, there was no guarantee that we would not face the same dilemma next year and each year after that for different campuses until our district became segregated into two different communities those that have direct electoral control over their school leaders and those that do not. Such a system of haves and have-nots is simply unacceptable. This board was divided on some high-profile issues last year. The two of us have been on opposite sides on some of those fights. But we are united in a vision for a school district where neighborhood schools are cornerstones of their communities, equity is a guiding principle of resource allocation and all students receive educations that are tailored to their individual learning needs. To achieve that vision, all levels of government involved in making education policy must take a long-term approach that addresses the costs of educating students living in poverty, English language learners and students with special needs. Unfortunately, state funding formulas which have not changed in 30 years woefully underestimate these costs. While steadily shrinking the states share of education funding, lawmakers in Austin have ratcheted up the stakes of a flawed standardized test. Under the new rating system, which relies heavily on STAAR test results, 82 percent of students in schools graded F are economically disadvantaged. The result of this misguided accountability model is a segregated school system, where affluent schools can offer a wide array of opportunities in academics, sports, career preparation and the arts, while schools with high concentrations of low-income students are forced to focus on test prep. As if that were not enough, state officials have crafted a system in which an entire district can be subject to the loss of its democratic representation almost entirely based on the STAAR test outcomes of a single school. Such proposals, along with those that seek to dilute minority representation with the addition of at-large members to the HISD board, are thinly veiled attempts to diminish the voting power of black and brown communities in our city. Ours is not an isolated case. In fact, according to Domingo Morel, assistant professor of political science at Rutgers University, Nearly 85 percent of takeovers occur in districts where blacks and Latinos make up the majority of the student population. Despite all of this, HISD has fared well under the flawed STAAR regime. The district earned an 84 percent rating with 91 percent of schools meeting standard. We reduced the number of schools that could trigger automatic state sanctions from 52 to 4, and we have maintained a recognized financial rating of 90 percent and a high bond rating. It is baffling that HISD taxpayers are required to foot the entire bill for their district and also forfeit $100 million in recaptured dollars and growing to supplement the states obligation to other districts, while at the same time facing the risk of being stripped of their right to elect their own governing board. That hardly seems democratic or just. Apparently no taxation without representation is just something we teach in our history classes. We are thrilled that so many local stakeholders including Mayor Sylvester Turner are willing to partner with HISD to improve our schools, but we will not willingly abdicate our responsibility to govern them. Instead, we hope that local leaders will commit to supporting public education in Houston by bolstering its transportation networks, providing strong health care options, committing to protect our immigrant communities and building safe walking paths to make our schools accessible on foot. We are not perfect and have had missteps, but we are making milestones and progress in a consistent fashion. Our students need citywide support. We look forward to having conversations on ways our local governments can come together to ensure a bright future for them. Skillern-Jones is district II trustee and president of the HISD board. Santos is district I trustee. AAUSTIN The House wants to pour $7 billion more dollars into public schools over two years should state lawmakers change Texas education funding formula and reform property taxes, according to budget documents released late Monday. Although the Senate is expected to release its own budget plan Tuesday, the 17.2 percent jump in funding offers a first glimpse at how Republicans propose to fulfill their promise to give a boost to schools. Passing a budget is the only task lawmakers are required to complete during their 140-day session that began last week. Lawmakers are still a long way from inking their final budget. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox The proposed boost in state funding would be contingent on enacting legislation that helps public schools, such as by increasing the state share of the Foundation School Program, enhancing district entitlements and decreasing the practice of recapture which includes taking money from property-wealthy districts to cover education costs in property poor districts, according to the budget documents. The plan is also contingent on providing local property tax relief, while maintaining an equitable system of school finance. The budget was released late Monday on behalf of newly-elected Speaker Dennis Bonnen. The Senate is expected to release its version of the budget on Tuesday under the direction of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. For subscribers: Outgoing House Speaker Joe Straus says Texas can afford $5B school funding increase It is unclear whether retired Speaker Joe Straus played a part in crafting this budget. He said last month Texas could add $5 billion into school funding and said he would draft his own budget. The proposal from the House chamber suggests the state can spend even more money. Texas lawmakers are likely to spar over school finance and property taxes through May while they figure out how to change how Texas funds schools and reform property taxes amid voter outcry. Both are complicated policy and political issues woven closely together. The spending plan includes a cut of $1.1 billion 3.2 percent in funding for health and human services, including Medicaid spending. The proposal also includes cutting the Department of Natural Resources by 13 percent, or $124 million. Funding for business and economic development would balloon by 64 percent to $319 million, while funding for border security would remain steady at $783 million. We understand his reluctance to commit to billions of new investment in education that the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education is expected to recommend in its delayed report next year. We agree with his hesitation the report was delayed because it didn't include ideas on how to pay for spending but we urge Hogan to look for ways to follow the spirit of the report. As President Donald Trumps inner circle continues to shrink with the departures of key aides and cabinet members, there is one Texan whose role in the administration is only growing more prominent and deeper. Tea party favorite Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick was already close with Trump in 2016, when he led the presidents campaign in the state. But this week the White House showed just how valued Patrick is by repeatedly consulting with him over the last 8 days during the border wall showdown, flying Patrick to Washington, D.C., to help prepare Trump for his first nationwide address from the Oval Office and giving Patrick a key role in Trumps first visit to the Texas border since he was elected president. Over eight days, Patrick has said he was in touch with the White House at least five different times. When the president's team calls, and they dont call unless the president blesses it, it was tough to say no, Patrick said. This week Patrick got so much presidential attention that when he returned to Texas he was batting down rumors that he was angling for a job in the White House or that Trump was going to make him the next Secretary of Homeland Security given his advocacy for border protection. Im not going anywhere, Patrick said at a speech in Austin on Wednesday. It was a message he delivered in another public speech later in the day and privately to Democrats in a closed-door meeting. Related: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick skips first day of Legislature for Trump Job or not, Patrick, 68, has distinguished himself as a trusted ally for Trump and Trumps son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, whom Patrick said he spent most of his time with on Tuesday talking about immigration and pitching ideas for Trumps address to the nation. Patrick initially supported U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for the Republican nomination for president in 2016, but shifted to Trump and publicly called on Cruz to get behind Trump after the nomination was sealed. In late 2017, Trump turned to the Patrick family for a key honor, nominating state district Judge Ryan Patrick, Dan Patricks son, to be U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas. He has as much juice with the White House as anybody in Texas, said Ford OConnell, a veteran Republican strategist based in Virginia. OConnell said that relationship is even more important given the makeup of other states on the Mexican border. Both New Mexico and California have Democratic governors and Arizona just elected a Democrat to the United States Senate. But in Texas, OConnell says Trump has a safe haven where he needs a voice like Patricks to help make the case for the wall. In Texas, Trump has said publicly he has a good working relationship with the less fiery Gov. Greg Abbott. Trump has campaigned for one-time bitter rival Cruz. And hes lauded the more measured U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. But it was Patrick who the White House insisted be in the Oval Office to help Trump and Kushner hone their message to the nation on an issue Patrick has made a centerpiece of his political career, dating back to when he was a radio host. There is no doubt Patrick had a big influence on Trumps speech on Tuesday, said Matt Mackowiak, a Republican political consultant based in Austin and chariman of the Travis County Republican Party. Trumps speech was very statistics-heavy, Mackowiak said. And if youve seen Dan ever talk about the border, he rattles off numbers of people apprehended. He always wants the most updated numbers. He thinks the numbers really tell the story. Patrick put his command of the numbers on full display throughout the week to build support for the president, telling audiences in Austin and on national television segments on Fox News thoughout that of the more than 500,000 people apprehended on the southern border, more than half were caught in Texas. And most of those apprehensions took place in a critical stretch from Falcon Lake to Brownsville less than 200 miles, Patrick said. Related: Texas only needs 200 miles of border not 1,200 says Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick While with Patrick in McAllen, Trump made clear he welcomes his advice, calling him a friend of mine for a long time. Lately, Trump said Patrick has urged him to be more clear about explaining how Mexico is paying for the wall on the border indirectly. At one point during a forum on the border, Trump said Patrick has also been pushing him to let Texas build the wall if Congress continues to fight him. Trump said its not the worst idea I ever heard. You do things very well in Texas and I like that idea, so well take a look, Trump told Patrick during a roundtable discussion on Thursday. Governor Abbott didnt quite endorse that idea during an interview with San Antonios KENS-TV. "Its a hypothetical with no conclusion because the federal government is not stepping up and funding border security and so its a circular argument because we're all just waiting around for the federal government and Congress to do its job, to appropriate funding, to secure our border and our state," Abbott said. Democrats say while Patrick is making lots of proposals, he doesnt speak for all of Texas and they will fight against Texas building such a barrier. It doesnt matter what Dan Patrick says, Texans dont want Trumps stupid wall, and they damn sure arent gonna take state money from their childrens education to build it, said Manny Garcia, the Texas Democratic Partys deputy executive director. Patrick proved his commitment to Trump this week. As the Lieutenant Governor, the Texas Constitution requires Patrick to oversee the Texas Senate. But when the White House called Patrick on Sunday asking him to travel to Washington on Tuesday, it conflicted with the very first day of Texass once every two-year legislative session. Patrick said he hated to miss the first day of the session and thought long and hard about it. State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, filled in for Patrick to start the session. Patrick was back at the front of the chamber on Wednesday, the second day of the session. It was a tough decision for me not to be there on opening day for me really unprecedented, he said. But ultimately he said the weight of the White House calling and the vital importance of the border issue to Texas made him decide to hop a flight to Washington. It is such an important issue to us, Patrick said. Because it really is a crisis along the border. jeremy.wallace@chron.com AUSTIN State lawmakers keen on sending more money to schools have forwarded competing budget proposals: One offers every teacher in Texas a $5,000 raise and an overall $4.3 billion increase in funding; the other offers a gigantic $7.1 billion influx of dollars to schools, on the condition that lawmakers also take action to slow the escalation of property taxes. The two proposals represent starkly different starting points for this years budget negotiations. Its a big gap, said Rep. Alma Allen, D-Houston, a longtime member of the House Education Committee. Were going to have to see what comes out. The devils in the details, said Clay Robison, a spokesman with the Texas State Teachers Association of the prospect of permanent teacher raises. But so far, its a good start and we hope that the leadership continues to work with us throughout the process and keeps the needs of educators and school children in mind. The Texas House proposes pouring $7.1 billion more dollars into public schools over two years that could be spent however lawmakers deem fit, according to budget documents released late Monday. That represents a 17.2-percent jump in funding. Another $1.9 billion is set aside for property tax reform and to reduce recapture funding that shifts money from property-wealthy districts to property-poor districts. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox The proposal from the Texas Senate is more specific. The Senate wants to send $3.7 billion to schools for a $5,000 pay raise for each of the states 350,000 full-time classroom teachers, regardless of what they make now. The Senate also plans to spend $2.3 billion to reduce the states reliance on recapture funding. Passing a budget is the only task lawmakers are required to complete during their 140-day legislative session that began last week. A boost in teacher pay would begin bridging the pay gap between Texas teachers and their peers across the country. The average salary for a Texas teacher is $53,167. The national average is $60,483, according to an estimate from the National Education Association, which examined teacher pay during the 2017-18 school year. If it is indeed a permanent, across-the-board $5,000 annual pay increase for Texas teachers, we think it is a very good start toward closing the $7,300 gap that teachers are paid compared to the national average, said Robison. The House budget was filed on behalf of newly-elected Speaker Dennis Bonnen. The Senate released its version under the direction of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. We have to put our teachers first, Patrick said in his inauguration speech Tuesday. Its been 20 years since theyve had an across-the-board raise. For subscribers: Gov. Abbotts tax break for homeowners would sap billions in school funding It is unclear how much of a role retired Speaker Joe Straus played in crafting the House budget. He said last month Texas could add $5 billion into school funding and pledged to draft his own budget. The proposal from the House chamber suggests the state can spend even more money. Lawmakers are likely to spar over school finance and property taxes through May while they figure out how to change how Texas funds schools and reform property taxes amid voter outcry. Both are complicated issues woven closely together, as property tax revenue is the No. 1 source of funding for Texas schools. The budget proposals received mixed reviews. While the House budget proposal is a great start, several key priorities for kids are missing from the spending plan, like an additional $71 million for therapy for young children with disabilities like autism and speech delays after 18 programs providing those services closed due to a shortage of state funding, said Stephanie Rubin, CEO of Texans Care for Children. The budget is the most important bill of the legislative session, she said. The budget decisions that state leaders make over the next few months will demonstrate their values, their compassion for kids, and their commitment to a strong future for Texas. WASHINGTON Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joined a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers Tuesday urging President Donald Trump not to use recovery money for Hurricane Harvey to end the partial government shutdown over a border wall. In a letter signed by both Republican U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, the lawmakers expressed unanimous support for border security, but made no mention of Trump's $5.7 billion border wall demand, which has divided Democrats and most Republicans. "We strongly support securing the border with additional federal resources including tactical infrastructure, technology, ports of entry improvements and personnel," they wrote. "However, we are strongly opposed to using funds appropriated by Congress for disaster relief and mitigation for Texas for any unintended purpose. As Texans continue to rebuild and prepare for future disasters, these funds, appropriated by Congress to be spent directly on rebuilding and mitigation, are critical to helping our communities recover, preventing future flooding and protecting our constituents." The letter cited recent reports that the administration is considering using unspent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers funds intended to mitigate natural disaster in Puerto Rico, California, Texas and other areas hit by storms. Since Harvey struck the Gulf Coast in 2017, Congress has passed three separate disaster funding bills, including a 2018 spending bill with more than $15 billion dollars for Army Corps civil works projects. Administration officials have not specified what Army Corps funds might be targeted, but they have said that disaster relief funds are off the table. "The President met with leadership of the Army Corps of Engineers to discuss methods of construction for the barriers along the southern border," White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said in a statement Saturday. "But they did not discuss, and there are no plans to take money from disaster relief funding to pay for any potential projects." Concerns about disaster relief funds came to a head last week after Trump threatened to declare a national emergency and go around Congress to get the border wall money he wants. He has also said he might use military construction funds. Among the members of Congress who signed the letter were Houston-area Democrats Lizzie Fletcher, Sheila Jackson Lee and Sylvia Garcia, along with Republicans Randy Weber, Kevin Brady, Pete Olson, Brian Babin, Michael McCaul and Dan Crenshaw. Sandra Jones' first job out of college was her dream gig -- a public affairs position at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston that she couldn't have been more thrilled about starting Jan. 7. But about two weeks before her start date, the federal government shutdown. And just like that, the excitement of her new job turned to dread. She was starting a life in Houston, a thousand miles away from her home in Nebraska, without a job to go to or, more importantly, a paycheck. "I feel like, as a young person, I'm helpless," said Jones, 24, who graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in December. "Johnson has a good network of people to help out but it's not ideal." Now Playing: People protest against the government shutdown outside of NASA's Johnson Space Center Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Video: Houston Chronicle FRUSTRATING: Workers at NASA's Johnson Space Center brace for missing paycheck Friday Jones was among more than 50 people protesting the shutdown Tuesday outside Johnson. They held signs denouncing the government's closure and those responsible for it which incited enthusiastic honking from passersby that became so loud people had to shout to be heard. The number of protesters Tuesday doesn't come close to the number of people impacted by the shutdown. About 94 percent of the 3,055 federal employees at the Houston center have been out of work since Dec. 22, when the government was shuttered as President Donald Trump held firm on his demand that Congress fund a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Johnson is home to the nation's astronaut corps, where human space flight research and training take place. It also is home to the International Space Station's mission operations and the Orion program. About 200 federal employees still working at Johnson are there primarily to ensure the astronauts aboard the International Space Station stay alive. And they're not getting paid. IMPENDING EXODUS? Experts worry government shutdowns will drive NASA employees to the private sector People, organizations and even restaurants have been stepping in to help furloughed workers where they can. A NASA engineer started a GoFundMe page that had raised $3,560 as of Tuesday afternoon to help cover peoples' bills. The Johnson Space Center Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans to those impacted. And several restaurants in Houston D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe in Rice Village, Bistro Provence in the Energy Corridor, Ouisie's Table near River Oaks and the Rainbow Lodge on White Oak Bayou are offering free meals. On the federal level, U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, filed a bill Tuesday that would allow federal workers and contractors to take funds from their retirement without penalization. The measure still must be approved by Congress. "Hardworking federal employees and contractors at federal facilities like Johnson Space Center shouldn't suffer because the federal government can't do its job," Olson said in a statement. "Families of federal employees should not become casualties of partisan politics in Washington. This simple adjustment will allow them to access funds to provide financial stability during a stressful period they have no control over." While most people driving by Tuesday showed support for the protesters, not everyone was thrilled about their presence or message. As the demonstrators chanted about democracy and reopening the government pumping fists full of PayDay candy bars for emphasis drivers more than once slowed down, shouting "get a job" and "secure our border." But protesters, like Paromita Mitra, held strong. A month ago, the 27-year-old uprooted her entire life in Mississippi to take a job at Johnson as an engineer working on space suits. She's only received two paychecks. Her third would have come last Friday if the government hadn't shutdown. "It's stressful," Mitra said of the financial burden that's been placed on her over the past month. Mitra had hoped she could apply for the zero percent interest loans being offered during the shutdown by the JSC Federal Credit Union. But she didn't sign up for an account in time, she said. "I'm living off credit cards and trying to be as frugal as possible," she said Still, Mitra wouldn't consider leaving Johnson, where she's dreamed of working since childhood. But it certainly stings, she said, especially when she thinks about the jobs she turned down just two months ago that were offering double the salary. Steve Candler feels differently, however. Candler, who is in his 60s, has worked at Johnson for nearly 26 years. The day the shutdown began he started sprucing up his LinkedIn profile. "I still want to work here," said Candler, who works in facilities operations. "But I expected to have a job when I signed on and it makes me question working for the government." Candler said he was able to secure a loan from the credit union but not before his bank account dropped to $14 on Saturday. "My reserves are running out," he said. "All we want is our pay day." Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. Last week, Mayor Sylvester Turner said the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade backed by his administration will unite Houstons diverse population and properly honor Kings legacy. On Monday, though, two parades once again are scheduled to compete for participants and audience. The parade organizers, who historically have clashed over permits, sponsors and attendees, appear far from settling their long-running differences. And the parade organization that is not being backed by the city has chosen Turners two mayoral opponents as its co-grand marshals. Though the feud appears to have the makings of political gamesmanship, MLK Grande Parade founder Charles Stamps dismissed that suggestion Tuesday. Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee and businessman Bill King were selected as two of his parades four grand marshals almost a year ago, he said, well before they announced plans to challenge Turner for re-election. Though Stamps insisted that he weighed Buzbee and Kings contributions to humanity over their political ambitions, he appeared irritated with Turners decision to make the Black Heritage Societys Original MLK, Jr. Parade an official city event, and expressed dismay over Turners handling of the situation. Hes using his parade as his official coming out party for mayor, Stamps said. Hes trying to shore up his anemic base going into the campaign, and its backfiring. The mayor, who declined comment Tuesday, announced his support for the Black Heritage Society parade last July, calling the dueling parades antithetical to Kings legacy and message. In the end, we decided that it was time for the city just to stand and put its official seal behind one, Turner said at a press conference last week, flanked by council members and other Houston-area officials. And I hope that the people will honor the decision and we will come together ... as a community, as a city of all backgrounds, all faith, all ethnicities, and that we will come and stand as one. Last July, he said residents have stayed home because they are frustrated by the feud and do not want to choose one parade over the other. Bill King, who sits on the Grande Parade foundations advisory board, said in a statement that Houston citizens should be free to organize a hundred MLK celebrations if they so choose. The Houston area is home to several MLK parades in various neighborhoods, each with their own distinct style and voice in remembering and honoring Dr. Kings life, he said. Dr. King was about diversity in all things, including how individuals chose to celebrate. Buzbee could not be reached for comment Tuesday. This year, both parades are set to kick off at 10 a.m. Monday, with the Turner-backed event beginning at City Hall and the MLK Grande Parade setting off at San Jacinto and Elgin streets in Midtown. There, Buzbee and King will be joined by Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association President Marty Lancton, who is one of 10 parade honorees. Lancton has emerged as arguably the mayors most prominent adversary during his first term amid ongoing disputes over firefighters pensions and pay. Houston firefighters have always been a staple of our parade productions, Stamps said when asked about Lanctons appointment. Though Kings inclusion in the ceremony is not particularly surprising because of his ties to Stamps, the parades incorporation of three Turner foes means it would be unfair to characterize it as anything other than playing politics, said Texas Southern University political science professor Jay Aiyer. Already, municipal candidates effectively are in campaign mode, Aiyer said, even though Houston elections are months away. Everything you see them doing for the remainder of this year is with an eye on the November election, he said. Demetria Smith, a prior mayoral candidate who received 0.5 percent of the vote in 2015, also is listed on the Grande Parades website as an honoree and Candidate For Houston Mayor 2019. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat and civil rights icon who marched with King, will headline the Black Heritage Societys parade as a co-grand marshal alongside Astros outfielder George Springer. The parade is being dedicated to Ovide Duncantell, the heritage societys founder who died in November at 82. Turner and Sylvester Brown, the heritage societys chief operating officer, have said they are anticipating a massive crowd at the city-backed parade. Upwards of 40,000 patrons could turn out Monday, which would make the parade one of the societys largest ever, according to a city news release. We are going to celebrate a parade like weve never celebrated before, Brown said, adding that Turner told him and Duncantell he wanted to make the parade the largest in the nation. Designated an official city event for the first time in its four-decade history, the Original MLK, Jr. Parade has received operational support this year from the citys special events staff. The parade was founded in 1978, making it possibly the first in the nation to commemorate Kings legacy. In 1995, Stamps, who had been a heritage society volunteer, formed a new parade foundation to run a separate Houston MLK event, which went on to garner celebrity and corporate support over the years. Running concurrent events, Duncantell and Stamps developed a rancorous feud that featured name-calling and mutual allegations of profiteering. For years, each would apply for a permit, and the city would allow only one organizer to launch a parade per day. The city eventually changed its permitting rules to ensure both sides could hold parades in different areas. Still, Duncantell and Stamps wound up in court multiple times, and once determined who was granted the downtown route with a coin flip. The two sides held a joint parade in 2006, giving some observers hope that the annual jostling and feud might finally come to an end. The next day, Duncantell sought a solo permit for the following year. Mike Morris contributed to this report. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez on Tuesday called on local law enforcement agencies to devote more resources to improving road safety and to create a new region-wide task force dedicated to reducing the Houston areas alarming number of road fatalities. Gonzalez said past efforts have been too isolated, allowing problems to go unchecked despite individual efforts from local departments. The proposed task force would meet monthly. Everybody is doing something, but we lacked a coordinated effort to tackle this in a sustainable way, Gonzalez said at a summit on road safety that brought together law enforcement officials, engineers, medical professionals and other traffic-safety advocates. The formation of the task force follows a 2018 Houston Chronicle investigation, Out of Control, which found that the Houston region has the nations most dangerous roads. Harris County leads the nation in impaired driving, and the region has more than 600 fatal crashes a year, the Chronicle found. Gonzalez asked local departments to try to assign three employees to targeted traffic-enforcement initiatives every month for a year focusing on areas with a high frequency of speeding or crashes; issuing more warnings to motorists driving dangerously; and trying to deter impaired driving. The impact of those efforts would be re-evaluated after a year, Gonzalez said. This is just kind of a starting point, to get stakeholders in the room, Gonzalez said, noting after the meeting that similar collaborations usually only occur on high-traffic weekends. We want to make sure were visible, and not just performing spot enforcement and make it more sustainable. Executives from many of the regions largest departments pledged to work together to try to improve things. With something as serious as the DWI situation in Houston-Harris County, weve got to pull our resources together, said Troy Finner, executive assistant chief of the Houston Police Department. Were not looking for this to be a one-time hit or initiative. This is going to be a team were going to continue to build and do initiatives together to reduce DWI crashes and deaths. Attendees offered other suggestions on ways to improve safety on the regions roads, including crackdowns on the countys after-hours clubs, enhanced education efforts for local drivers, and improvements to the states Move-Over laws, which require motorists to slow down and change lanes to give safe space to first responders, utility workers, and tow truck drivers stopped on the side of the road. Sean Teare, chief of the vehicular crimes unit at the Harris County District Attorney's Office, said he hoped the task force would help agencies communicate better and share intelligence, particularly on after-hours drinking establishments that fuel many of the drunken driving crashes that plague the county. If we can get everybody in the same room and talking, were going to share intelligence and ideas, he said. If we can be proactive, we can go concentrate on a hot spot for a couple months, and civilly and criminally shut these places down. Jeff Weatherford, deputy director of Houston Public Works, said that while the region pours significant resources into fixing engineering problems and traffic enforcement, there is less emphasis on educating motorists about driving more safely. Right now, none of us are investing in education, he said. We all see it as someone elses job. David Mills of the Kailee Mills Foundation, a seat-belt advocacy organization, said more systemic enforcement also provided the opportunity for more education. The real consequence of not wearing a seat belt isnt a ticket, he said. Its losing your life or being seriously injured. Thats what people need to understand and I think when an officer pulls someone over, its an opportunity to remind them what the real consequence is. Other public safety advocates said they were eager to see whether the task forces work translates into action. As impaired and distracted driving continue to be growing problems in Harris County, Houston and the entire state, AAA Texas encourages community members and traffic safety stakeholders across the Lone Star State to have more conversations about traffic safety, AAA Texas spokesman Joshua Zuber said, of the task forces efforts. Drivers should never drive intoxicated or intexticated, and it is task forces and organizations comprised of traffic advocates that can help create greater public awareness and save lives. Kara Macek of the Washington D.C.-based Governors Highway Safety Association also cheered efforts to address the regions traffic problems more comprehensively. In the current climate, law enforcement agencies are often strapped for resources and may not always prioritize traffic safety, she said. So its great to see this initiative. This story has been updated with the correct name of advocacy group AAA Texas. st.john.smith@chron.com A federal judge in New York on Tuesday blocked the Trump administration from adding a question about citizenship status to the 2020 Census. That was the right call and Texans, in particular, should breathe a sigh of relief. Then, we should shake a fist at our Republican leaders. They have plenty of time to file ideologically motivated lawsuits and to give President Donald Trump personalized tours of the Rio Grande Valley. But they never bothered to object to the inclusion of the question on the decennial Census in the months after the change was proposed last year by Wilbur Ross, the Commerce secretary. Thats notable because ideology aside adding a citizenship question to the Census would harm our state, which was at risk of having its population not fully counted anyway. Grieder: Census question about citizenship would be bad for Texas A question about citizenship would only exacerbate the challenges already anticipated, by dissuading noncitizens from participating in the count. The decennial census is a massive undertaking under the best of circumstances and the Census Bureau is expecting more difficulties recruiting workers this year, because of the current low unemployment rate. Texas demographers have flagged a couple of other factors that will make it harder to get the count right. For example, Texas led the nation in population growth last year. Between July 2017 and July 2018, some 400,000 people moved here or were born here. And many Texans remain displaced as a result of Hurricane Harvey. And advocates for immigrants were also worried about the risk of an undercount in Texas in 2020 given the GOPs belligerent attitude toward migrants, legal or otherwise. Roughly 17 percent of people living in Texas are foreign-born, according to the Census Bureau. And people are less likely to participate in the Census if they think the federal government might use the information gathered to target their families. Grieder: Americans should be outraged by Trumps latest attack on the rule of law Rosss bid to add a question about citizenship should therefore have concerned Republicans and Democrats alike. An undercount would affect the size of Texas congressional delegation and its share of federal tax dollars. The ruling, from U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman of New York, isnt the final word on the substantive question of whether the decennial question should, as a general matter, include a question about citizenship status. But as Furman rightly noted, Rosss decision to insert such a question in the 2020 Census wasnt well-considered either. Ross first testified before Congress in March that the Department of Justice had requested the Commerce Department include a question about citizenship status to facilitate DOJs efforts to enforce the Voting Rights Act. As Furman noted, Ross had acted over strenuous objections of the Census Bureau itself, which warned that adding a citizenship question would harm the quality of census data and increase costs significantly and that it would do so for no good reason. More to the point, the judge continued, Rosss decision was arbitrary and capricious, and therefore at odds with the federal Administrative Procedure Act. The ruling isnt one to celebrate, exactly. The judicial branch of the federal government should not make policy and we shouldnt have to rely on the courts to intervene when the president or Congress makes mistake, or commits misdeeds. But we are having to do that too often, these days. And we might have to accept that for the time being. The dysfunction in our nations capital is practically unparalleled these days. Grieder: Donald Trump deserves a lump of coal in his Christmas stocking The partial federal government shutdown that began last month is already the longest in American history. Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle say that they would like to reopen the government at some point, but theyre either incapable of, or unwilling to, pass the funding measure required to do so. Trump has done little to help. He spent much of the weekend angrily denying the notion that he is, perhaps unwittingly, a Russian asset. And prior to that, the president publicly mulled the idea of circumventing Congresss role in the appropriations process by simply declaring a national emergency to end the shutdown which began after he failed to extort $5.7 billion in funding to pursue his vision of border security. Texans arent happy about the shutdown, or in favor of building a contiguous border wall in the Rio Grande Valley. But public opinion on such matters doesnt seem to count, to our state leaders. So I hope well at least be counted correctly by Census Bureau in 2020. We shouldnt have to rely on a federal judge in New York to point out that a question about citizenship status would make that less likelyand that the question itself isnt even necessary. erica.grieder@chron.com Perhaps more importantly, my experience has given me the humility to understand that public safety and immigration concerns are too complex, too nuanced to be resolved through hyperbolic rhetoric and fearmongering. Too many leaders on the national stage and here in Maryland have taken the easy way out and have opted to scapegoat immigrants and migrants for the challenges we face in our communities. It's been four weeks since the start of the partial federal government shutdown, and many furloughed employees are feeling the pressure of going without a paycheck. For those workers in need, several organizations and businesses are offering help. Restaurant owners to charity leaders across the region have expressed sympathy for workers affected by the shutdown and are finding ways to help. Ronnie Killen, owner of Killen's Barbecue in Pearland, is just one example. "I was thinking, what can I do? Feed people, that's what we do," Killen said. "I'm a chef and that's my nurturing personality." Here are more deals for furloughed federal workers: Navy Federal Credit Union is offering zero-percent loans for furloughed workers. The Houston Food Bank is offering assistance. More information is at its website. Chef's Table Charities is offering cash, gift cards and supplies at their website. Texas Diaper Bank is offering six months of supplies such as diapers, wipes and feminine hygiene products as well as classes to furloughed workers who sign up before Feb. 1 at its website. The Houston Business Journal reports that BBVA Compass Bank and Amegy Bank are offering to waive fees and other financial assistance. Verizon is waving late fees and agent-assist fees. Axelrad, 1517 Alabama: Free canned beer to unpaid federal workers with a valid ID. Rainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella: A free bowl of Smoked Duck Gumbo from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until the government reopens. Purchase of a beverage and gratuity are required; one meal per visit; dine-in only. Proof of furlough with a federally issued government ID. Groups of four or less only. D'Amico's, 5510 Morningside: One free lunch or dinner Monday-Thursday while the shutdown lasts for the worker and a guest. Nonalcoholic beverage included; one meal per visit; dine-in only. Proof of furlough with a federally issued government ID. Pipeline Pizza, 3931 Spencer, Pasadena: Free pizza for furloughed employees, according to its Facebook post, with government-employee ID. This Is It, 2712 Blodgett: Free breakfast and coffee. Must have government-employee ID. Bistro Provence, 13616 Memorial: Free lunch Monday-Friday during the shutdown. Choose one of two main dishes. Must have ID. Ouisie's Table, 3939 San Felipe: Free main course of any item on the menu for lunch any day of the week. For dinner, any main course up to $30 value. Offer is good once a week per person. Proof of furlough with a federally issued government ID. Dine-in only; groups of four or less; reservations required. The piece: Promise You Will Sing About Me The artist: Robert Hodge Where: In his show The Low End Theory, through Feb. 9 at David Shelton Gallery Why: Even in the crush of an opening night crowd in a modestly-sized gallery, it was hard to miss the irony of two found objects Robert Hodge has affixed to his shows largest mixed-media assemblage: At the top, a model of a tall-masted sailing ship, the kind of vessel that might have been designed to carry slaves across the Atlantic Ocean. Hanging directly below it on the bottom of the support, a globe with the phrase World Tour scrawled on it, like a logo for a pop stars concert. The support in between holds two shelves with a black vase of black flowers and some of Hodges favorite books about the Black experience. If you imagine it as a room, the wall is stitched together from vinyl album covers, with a bit of peeling wallpaper made from a jagged collage of newspaper articles showing protesters for Black Lives Matter. Lyrically draped black fabric frames the scene, adding to the funereal sensibility. Hodge used his signature cut-out technique to repeat the word Stereo near the base. That brutal-looking technique is usually the first thing a viewer notices, along with a powerful message. It involves gouging through many layers of distressed, found paper that the artist sometimes leaves outside for weeks or months to weather, so it expresses the entropy and tactility of urban environments. (The piece Too Legit to Quit was even left out through Hurricane Harvey.) Promise You Will Sing About Me is deliberately different, more complex and riskier. Hodge said its his first attempt to create wall sculpture in the vein of Robert Rauschenberg. He borrowed the title from a Kendrick Lamar song music still informs his practice but wanted to take his work in a more narrative direction. There could be dozens of stories in the piece, but its partly about honoring his ancestry, and its also a memorial to a bipolar friend who was killed by constables when Hodge was in his 20s. All of the shows works gave him a fun, formal challenge: He wanted to riff on the so-called Black Paintings of Mark Rothko, Ad Reinhardt and other members of the New York School in the late 1940s who experimented with the expressive qualities of black paint. As a person of color working in the 21st century, Hodge had more to build on. But he found it hard to cover every piece in black paint because he loves color so much as some people might recall from his 2014-15 solo show Destroy and Rebuild at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. So he couldnt resist letting some reds, yellows and blues bleed through. And he kept the titles of the books on the shelf recognizable, so people could look them up if they want to, he said. Look for more work from Hodge soon: He shares a two-person show with Nathaniel Donnett this spring at the Houston Museum of African-American Culture, and hes preparing for another solo show in June at Lawndale Art Center, where hes an artist in residence. molly.glentzer@chron.com Americas first ethane exports to China could go through Beaumont. A Houston company, with majority Russian ownership, plans to ship about 7.2 million tons of ethane a year to China under 20-year-contracts valued at $72 billion after completing a massive export terminal in the Gulf Coast city of about 120,000. The company, American Ethane Co., and Martin Midstream Partners on Monday broke ground on a $1.5 billion expansion of Martins Neches River export terminal in Beaumont. The ethane from Beaumont is poised to be the first shipment of ethane to arrive in the Chinese market. American Ethane estimates it could triple total U.S. ethane exports, which averaged about 272,000 barrels per day in October, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. This helps the trade deficit between China and the U.S., said John Houghtaling, CEO of American Ethane. It will link the Chinese economy and the U.S. economy for 20 years. Ethane, a natural gas liquid, is a byproduct of oil and natural gas production. Ethane is a feedstock for the petrochemical ethylene, which is the building block of most plastics including the most common, polyethylene. Ethane exports have more than quadrupled since 2014 as the shale drilling boom in Texas and throughout the United States has produced an abundance of ethane. Three Chinese companies, Nanshan Group, Ganergy Group and Yangquan Coal Group, will buy the ethane under 20-year contracts with American Ethane. They will build terminals to receive the ethane and processing plants, known as crackers, to convert it to ethylene. Permitting for the construction in China has been delayed by the U.S.-China trade disputes, Houghtaling said, but he expects the permits to be approved within the next 60 days. Our permits were discussed in Beijing and we feel confident that they will be granted, Houghtaling said. American Ethane chose Beaumont in part because of its proximity to Mont Belvieu, a trading and storage hub for natural gas liquids produced in shale oil and gas fields. Plans for the Beaumont terminal call for expanding Martin Midstream Partners Neches Terminal, building a pipeline from Mont Belvieu and installing the equipment to load the ethane onto ships. Additionally, Houghtaling said that 22 Chinese ethane vessels will be built specifically for the project. Ultra large ethane carries can hold 150,000 cubic meters. The terminal would have the capacity to move about 10 million tons of ethane each year, with most of it bound for China. The U.S. currently exports ethane primarily to India, Canada and the United Kingdom, according to the Energy Department. Steven McGinn, natural gas liquids analyst at market research firm ICIS, said the abundant supplies and low prices of natural gas liquids have made U.S. ethane competitive in foreign markets. These barrels have to hit international destinations, said McGinn. The U.S. has that cost advantage, because (natural) gas production is so robust. Houghtaling called the agreement a win-win for China and the United States. China will be able to buy ethane to make ethylene for plastic without using coal, and the United States will benefit from job creation. The Beaumont could initially create 1,000 construction jobs and as many as 200 permanent full-time jobs, the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce projects. While based in Houston, nearly 90 percent of American Ethane is owned by three Russian businessmen, according to company filings reported by E&E News, an energy trade publication. In the fall of 2018, The Washington Post reported Konstantin Nikolaev, a Russian billionaire who is a board member of American Ethane and has investments in U.S. energy and technology companies, allegedly gave financial assistance to Maria Butina, a Russian woman charged in federal court in July for acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government. Jacob Dick of the Beaumont Enterprise contributed. American Ethane reported the incorrect number of ultra large ethane carriers that will be built by Chinese companies for the project. The article has been updated to reflect the correct number of vessels. One of the most significant problems faced by workers is when a company misclassifies them as independent contractors when they should be employees. The Texas Workforce Commission wants to make it easier to deny workers their legal rights. By a 2-to-1 vote, the Texas Workforce Commission approved a rule that would classify almost anyone hired from a website as an independent contractor. The public has until Jan. 21 to comment, but if enacted, the rule would guarantee that companies like Uber, Handy.com and others will not have to follow the same labor regulations as brick-and-mortar companies. Lobbyists have pushed for similar regulations across the country, though typically theyve asked lawmakers to pass bills rather than rely on obscure commissions to promulgate rules. But after lawmakers in four states rejected these so-called marketplace contractor bills last year, the lobby decided on a backdoor approach in Texas. The rules purpose is simple: help companies maximize profits by excluding workers from as many protections and benefits as possible. By creating a new classification for gig workers who rely on websites, the commissioners help companies avoid fundamental labor laws. On HoustonChronicle.com: The U.S. is short a million workers, cant lose 9 million more Federal law, sadly, is open to interpretation. The general rule is that an individual is an independent contractor if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done, the IRS states. You are not an independent contractor if you perform services that can be controlled by an employer. The traditional test is whether the company tells the contractor when to work, how to perform the task, decides how much to pay and whether the work falls outside the companys normal business activities. The contractor should also operate his or her own business. An example is when a company contracts a janitorial service to clean an office during non-business hours for a set price. But if a company hires an individual janitor to work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., provides all of the supplies and supervises the work, then the janitor is not an independent contractor. The rule is supposed to protect individual workers by guaranteeing a minimum wage and overtime as well as health and safety protections. Digital marketplace networks, as these companies like to call themselves, insist their business is connecting a customer with an independent contractor for a fee. They consider themselves a modern-day Yellow Pages, not employers. In practice, though, these companies set rules for when, how and where workers perform their tasks, and most importantly, determine how much they get paid and then take a cut off the top. These companies also bar workers who do not meet the tech companys expectations. For example, ride-hailing companies determine prices and how much the driver will take home. They also set expectations for when and where the driver will work, what kind of car they drive and the expected response time. Drivers who do not conform are kicked off the network, aka fired. Workers claiming that they should be considered employees, not independent contractors, have made significant strides in court. Regulators in California, Oregon, New York, Alaska, the United Kingdom and the European Union have ruled in favor of workers claiming employee status. Hence the industrys need for regulatory relief, which the Texas Workforce Commission sneaked into a new definition included in unemployment insurance regulations. The employment status analysis is generally predicated on determining whether direction and control could exist, the commission said in the Texas Register. Because marketplace platforms business models are becoming increasingly prevalent in our economy, clarification, through rule, of how direction and control apply in these instances is needed. On HoustonChronicle.com: Were not really working anyway, so make every weekend last three days I asked the Texas Workforce Commission where the proposed rule originated and why it was necessary, but a spokeswoman did not respond within two business days. The commissions proposed rule, though, allows multibillion-dollar companies to escape any responsibility to workers. Political appointees shouldnt get to declare the gig economy a separate world in which workers take on all the risk, and a businesss obligations to workers vanish, Texas AFL-CIO President Rick Levy said. When it comes to the needs of working families, it does not matter whether customers enter via the front door, the mailbox or a computer. This is a decision for the state Legislature, not political appointees on the Texas Workforce Commission. Let the bureaucrats know what you think: TWC Policy Comments, Workforce 38 Program Policy, Attn: Workforce Editing, 101 E. 15th St., Room 459T, Austin, TX 78778; or email TWCPolicyComments@twc.state.tx.us. Chris Tomlinson writes commentary about business, economics and policy. chris.tomlinson@chron.com twitter.com/cltomlinson SpaceX, the commercial space company of billionaire Elon Musk, is working in South Texas to develop and test an early prototype of the vehicle designed to take people to the moon and Mars. The Starship vehicle, with a test version recently assembled at Boca Chica beach near Brownsville, could one day carry space travelers atop a powerful rocket. The Starship integrated with the Super Heavy Rocket, previously called BFR, is expected to be more powerful than the Saturn V rocket that NASA used to propel astronauts to the moon. The assembly of the test Starship is reinvigorating the Greater Brownsville community after long delays and roadblocks. SpaceX first announced its Gulf Coast launch facility in 2014, but then years went by with little to no activity. People can now see the vehicle while driving along the beach, stopping to gawk and take pictures. At HoustonChronicle.com: SpaceX success gives Texans reason to cheer Gilberto Salinas, who spent three years negotiating with SpaceX to build the Boca Chica beach launch facility, took his family to see the test vehicle on Sunday. "When this company gets to Mars," he said, "we will be able to come back and say, 'Well, we were there when it all started.'" SpaceX was founded by Elon Musk in 2002. He started with big ambitions and, six years later, launched the Falcon 1 rocket that became the first privately developed, liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth's orbit. The company's growth has continued since then, winning work with NASA to bring cargo and, one day, astronauts to the International Space Station. SpaceX selected Boca Chica for a commercial launch site due to its proximity to the equator and distance from populated areas. SpaceX used a local company to help manage the manufacturing process associated with assembling the test vehicle, said Mario Lozoya, executive director and CEO of the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corp., one of the organizations that provided incentive money to help attract SpaceX. Lozoya believes tests and launches will take place this year, which could provide data for future versions of the Starship. To the moon: SpaceX names first private passenger to fly around the moon "For people from the immediate area around Brownsville and the border region," he said, "to see front-end technology in our backyard is really exciting." Construction of the Boca Chica launch site had previously been delayed as SpaceX discovered the ground was unstable. The company trucked in 310,000 cubic yards of soil, enough to cover a football field that's 13 to 14 stories tall, which was put on top of the sand and left to settle and compress before construction. Unexpected incidents with SpaceX operations outside of Texas, including an anomaly during a flight to the International Space Station in 2015, also forced the company to put its Boca Chica launch site plans on the back burner. The problem temporarily grounded SpaceX operations and demanded the company's attention. But work slowly ramped up. Last year, SpaceX successfully launched the Falcon Heavy billed as the world's most powerful operational rocket from Kennedy Space Center, sending a Tesla sports car into space during the test launch. Musk then floated the idea of testing an even more powerful vehicle in South Texas. Starship is not the first SpaceX test vehicle to be in Texas. In McGregor, where SpaceX tests all of its rocket engines, the "Grasshopper" reusable rocket prototype was used to perfect the guidance, navigation and control systems for landing a rocket booster vertically. The prototype's namesake comes from its large, insect-like landing gear. The Grasshopper started with hops of only a matter of inches, but ultimately it flew half a mile into the air. At HoustonChronicle.com: SpaceX engineers put rocket engines through their paces In a statement, SpaceX said it's developing the Starship test vehicle in Texas "to streamline operations." The decision won't affect its current manufacturing, design and launch operations in Hawthorne and Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. In a Tweet, Musk said the test vehicle, or "test hopper," at Boca Chica beach is at its full diameter of 30 feet, but it's not at full height. It's designed to do suborbital tests. SpaceX expects to complete its first orbital prototype around June. In a separate Tweet, Musk said he will provide a full technical presentation of Starship "after the test vehicle we're building in Texas flies, so hopefully March/April." It's the kind of news that Lozoya said can help counter a barrage of negativity brought onto border communities by the border wall and immigration debates. "Something like this kind of mitigates that narrative to more of a positive narrative," he said. Layer by layer, dot by dot, restoration work on a historic John Biggers mural in Third Ward is nearing completion as the community center that houses the artwork completes roof repairs. The 1953 masterpiece, Contribution of Negro Women to American Life and Education, suffered damage during Hurricane Harvey. Flood waters that seeped into the wall the mural is painted on caused the structure to swell and black mold grew into the paint. Work on the mural had been put on hold until repairs to the Blue Triangle Multi-Cultural Association buildings roof could be done. Charlotte Kelly Bryant, the associations founding president, said several Houstonians pitched in with donations after word got out that more funds were needed to get repairs underway. Initial donations came from the Houston Endowment, National Endowment for the Humanities, Texas Historical Commission, and the Kinder Foundation. MURAL DAMAGED: Historic John Biggers' mural in Houston scarred by mold from Harvey Im relieved and feel blessed, Bryant said. The community centers roof is expected to be fully repaired before the end of the month. Restoration and preservation work on the mural is slated for completion by the end of the week. Its being done by Scott Haskins, a California-based conservator of fine art. Haskins came recommended by the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, Bryant said. Having trained in Italy, and specializing in murals, Haskins previously took inventory of Biggers works at Texas Southern University, where the prolific artist started an art program. ARTIST AND MENTOR: Pioneer John Biggers nurtured a generation of Houston artists Haskins first conservator job called for restoring a 1365 mural in an Italian monastery. Yet he described Biggers Third Ward piece as carrying a greater significance not just for him for the art world at large. Hes telling stories, Haskins said of Biggers work. This isnt just a decoration. When Haskins saw images of the initial damage the Third Ward mural sustained, he said he grew concerned about the paintings stability. The mold looked like it was growling at you, he said, and the wall on which the mural was directly painted on had a spongy quality to it. RELATED: Repairs to historic John Biggers mural on hold, roof repair funds needed After Harvey, staff from the Houston Museum of Fine Arts treated the painting, adding dehumidifiers to the room, partially covering the damaged roof overhead, filling in paint gaps with Japanese tissue paper. That temporary work succeeded in stabilizing the mural and the wall. The folks at the center did everything right, Haskins said. Since the mural is composed of several layers of paint, Haskins is going through each layer, removing mold where he can and dotting in color-matched paint in areas where paint chips have popped off. The work requires a steady hand as some portions of the mural have colors so sensitive, they can disappear with human saliva, he said. Once all gaps are filled and the mold is fully removed, Haskins plans to apply a protective varnish. We dont want to preserve this for the next five or 10 years, he said, We want it to last for generations. ileana.najarro@chron.com twitter.com/IleanaNajarro Migos are preparing for their return to world dominance, promising Culture III for an early 2019 release. The exact date of its release is yet to be determined but the trio may want to figure out their recent legal struggles before moving forward with a new project. According to BET, the Atlanta group and Lil Wayne's touring companies are being sued for pocketing money from a show that they never performed at. Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images According to the report, a man named Ramin Natan loaned $500K to the two groups to promote shows from Weezy and the Migos in 2017 but he never got the money back after neither act performed. The lawsuit reportedly states that Wayne and Migos split the money between themselves and registered fake companies in order to declare it. Obviously, this information should be taken with a grain of salt because it all sounds entirely sketchy. Natan is requesting his money be returned with interest, which is only fair if this ends up being true. The suit refers to the rappers as "ponzi scam artists" after they allegedly stole the money with no intention of ever performing at the shows. Hopefully, Natan has hard proof to support his case because this sounds like he might just be chasing clout. Jerritt Clark/Getty Images An all-new "Space Jam" Air Jordan 11 Low IE will reportedly be featured as part of Jordan Brand's Spring/Summer 2019 lineup. According to sneaker source @Zsneakerheadz, the upcoming Jordan 11 Low IE consists of a black, white and concord colorway, similar to that of the iconic "Space Jam" Air Jordan 11. Early images have not yet surfaced, but the photoshopped image provided below gives us an idea of what the kicks might look like when they arrive this Summer. In addition to the Air Jordan 11 Low IE, Jordan Brand will also be rolling out several colorways of the more traditional Air Jordan 11 Low this year. Among the low-top 11s on deck for 2019 is the "Navy Snakeskin" colorway which first release in 2001, and an "Orange Trance" colorway that will release in women's sizes. Fans of the standard Air Jordan 11 can look forward to the return of the iconic "Bred" colorway - although that sneaker isn't expected to drop until the Holiday season. The rise (and subsequent fall) of Tekashi 6ix9ine has been fascinating to keep track of. The man, born Daniel Hernandez, was seemingly disinterested in becoming a rapper until he needed to find a steady source of income for his newborn daughter. That's when he decided to put his stellar social media skills to the test, becoming one of the biggest viral sensations in the world. All of that is documented in Rolling Stone's extensive new feature about the rainbow-haired kid's career. With Tekashi facing a maximum sentence of life in prison after being charged with racketeering, Rolling Stone reached out to several people who were close to 6ix9ine to learn more about his situation. After he was kidnapped and had his jewelry stolen from him last year, the rapper's label head says that he tried to get Tekashi to move out of New York. Elliott Grainge, the CEO of 10K Projects, tried to convince the star to head to Calabasas, fearing for his safety. Despite Danny's later collaborations with Kanye West, he allegedly had zero interest in moving out of Bushwick to be closer to Drake and Ye. Before he met his former manager Shotti, 6ix9ine had not been involved in gang life at all, state some of the musician's close friends. The full feature is truly eye-opening and you can read it here. [via] RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced the construction of a hotel in its Riu Plaza urban line, in Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the cultural, business and financial centre of the country. RIU Hotels & Resorts has announced the construction of a hotel in its Riu Plaza urban line, in Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the cultural, business and financial centre of the country. The Spanish company intends to invest around 100 million dollars in the project, that will establish the first RIU hotel in Canada and will add continuity to the hotel company's plan to expand into the world's great cities. The project, designed in a sophisticated avant-garde style, as a part of the Riu Plaza line, is now near the end of the design phase and is set to open in 2021. The building, a newly-built modern tower block, will be located in the city's financial district and is mixed use. RIU's investment in the part intended for the hotel will have 350 rooms, meeting rooms, a gym, bar and restaurant; while the upper floors will be for residential use. Luis Riu, CEO of RIU Hotels & Resorts, has made it clear that the opening of the first hotel in Toronto "is a big step forward in our commitment to expanding the Riu Plaza hotel line in the world's key cities, establishing the RIU brand beyond more traditional vacation destinations. We hope this hotel attracts RIU customers around the world to discover the city of Toronto with us, and also hope that the loyal customers we have in Canada decide to discover our urban product. This project means a new drive to raise awareness of our brand within and beyond the country." RIU Hotels & Resorts has had a relationship with Canada for years, with the country being one of the main markets for RIU hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, but it is only now with the opening of this new hotel that it is physically establishing its presence in the country. The Riu Plaza line has important projects in store for upcoming years. The first to be opened, next spring, is Riu Plaza Espana, the first RIU urban hotel in the country, located in the iconic Edificio Espana in the city of Madrid. In London RIU has acquired a building in one of the best areas of the city, beside Victoria Station, in order to open a hotel in its urban line there in 2020, while in New York, Riu Plaza's second hotel is already under construction and is set to open in 2021. Toronto is the fifth largest city in North America and is considered one of the best large cities in the world to live in; it is famous for the CN Tower, that at 553 metres tall, lets you see the whole city, Thousand Islands and the Royal Ontario Museum are a couple of the attractions you can visit. The city is considered to be at the heart of Canadian culture and plays host to many national and international celebrations including the Toronto International Film Festival, one of the most important in the world; being close to Niagara Falls means visiting this natural wonder is a must. RIU currently has six Riu Plaza hotels worldwide, as well as three under construction: Riu Plaza Espana, Riu Plaza London and a second one in New York. The first city hotel opened its doors in Panama in 2010 and has since been joined by the Riu Plaza Guadalajara hotel in Mexico, Riu Plaza Miami Beach and Riu Plaza New York Times Square in the USA, Riu Plaza Berlin in Germany and Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin in Ireland. Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource The first of the Delta Hotels brand in the DFW area and the first new build in North America, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center features 90,000 square feet of convention, ballroom and meeting space, 300 guest rooms and suites and a restaurant by celebrity Chef Stephan Pyles. Marriott International announced yesterday the official grand opening of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center. The first of the Delta Hotels brand in the DFW area and the first new build in North America, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center features 90,000 square feet of convention, ballroom and meeting space, 300 guest rooms and suites and a restaurant by celebrity Chef Stephan Pyles. This new hotel opening kicks off the year for the Delta Hotels brand which is focused on continued global growth. Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center is a public-private partnership between Altera Development, and the City of Allen, Texas. The property is managed by Benchmark A Global Hospitality Company. "We are delighted to welcome this brand new hotel into the Delta Hotels family," said Jennifer Mclennan, Global Brand Leader Delta Hotels by Marriott. "We know our guests are seasoned travelers looking for a seamless experience, and that is why we are laser focused on maximizing those key travel essentials that guests need throughout their stay. The brand's streamlined service, and attention to detail make our hotels exactly where guests want to be for business trips, weekend getaways, and everything in between. We are confident that the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center will help make our guests' journey smooth, more productive and enjoyable." A great complement to the Marriott International portfolio, the Delta Hotels by Marriott brand is rooted in simplicity and focused on perfecting the small details that make a huge difference during travel. Thoughtful design, complimentary water and efficient service are just a few of these elements that guests can come to expect at a Delta Hotels by Marriott. The brand's recent expansion across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific will allow guests to experience the Delta Hotels frictionless service throughout their travel across more of the world. Every Delta Hotel touchpoint is masterfully designed and prioritized to allow guests to glide through their journey without friction.Delta Hotels's promise of purposeful service includes extras such as a room that works, free bottled water, free wifi, grab & go food market, 24-hour elite pantry, full-service fitness center and an enhanced F&B experience. Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center is located in the hub of Allen and within walking distance to premiere shopping, dining and entertaining at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm. Located just north of Dallas off U.S. Highway 75, Allen combines big city amenities with small-town Texan hospitality. Focusing on truly meaningful elements that provide its guests with a memorable and frictionless journey, the hotel will deliver on the Delta Hotels promise. The hotel features 300 beautifully designed guestrooms featuring a fresh, streamlined design and amenities such as lush linens, productive work spaces, a fitness center and outdoor pool, complimentary bottled water, and fast, free WiFi. The property also houses 23 state-of-the-art conference meeting facilities, two hospitality suites, and 15 suites in all, offering a remarkable 90,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Guests of Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center will also be able to enjoy inventive, southern cuisine courtesy of Native Texan and James Beard-Award Winning Chef Stephan Pyles at Stampede 66, an expertly crafted cocktail at Canyon Bar or a quick, on-the-go item at the properties' 24/7 grab and go pantry, Provisions 66. "We are thrilled to bring Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center to the booming North Texas landscape," said Stacy Martin, Managing Director of Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center. "It will be an honor to welcome our future guests while delivering an exceptional experience and warm Texas hospitality with top-of-the-line amenities." Daily News Delivery Join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest Hotel industry news and trends. Subscribe 2021 Hotel News Resource Supplier News 16 January 2019 Greenbelt, Md. - ProfitSword, hospitality's premier developer of business intelligence and data integration software, has announced the implementation of its ProfitSage operational and financial reporting solution by Chesapeake Hospitality, one of the largest independent operators in the hospitality industry, specializing in full-service and upscale properties. Previously utilizing a separate third-party platform for data management and forecasting operations, Chesapeake Hospitality ultimately selected ProfitSage in order to provide its portfolio and staff with a more robust and accessible solution that could also address the complexities of ongoing company growth. "After all of our departments performed an extensive evaluation of potential replacements, ProfitSage unanimously stood out as an intuitive solution that could easily extract the precise data needed to maximize profits, improve efficiency and better serve our clients," says Louis Schaab, Chief Financial Officer at Chesapeake Hospitality. "Unlike other platforms that have been developed by programmers with a purely technological background, ProfitSword is operated by individuals that have an extensive history in working within the hospitality industry, and that expertise is certainly reflected in their ability to produce a platform that fully caters to all of our data forecasting needs. With its unique insight on the industry and as a company that has served our market the longest, ProfitSword really does serve as a bellwether in the field of data management and analytics, and I can absolutely foresee us working with them in order to implement more of their solutions." Photo: ProfitSword With ProfitSage, company leadership and hoteliers at each Chesapeake property can gain instant and real time access to an array of valuable performance metrics, including financial statements, sales data and revenue reports. Through ProfitSage's ability to integrate with multiple disparate systems and by its maintaining of a single shared database, staff members can be confident that any data being analyzed is complete, uniform and accurate at all times. Further enhancing data management efficiency is ProfitSage's ability to automate the delivery of reports that can be scheduled on a pre-set basis. "We are honored to be identified as the most reputable and established innovator of business intelligence technology by Chesapeake Hospitality, and are pleased that their employees now have the ability to understand precisely what their data means and how to use it most effectively," states Paul Bennie, Director of business development at ProfitSword. "We look forward to further working with Chesapeake Hospitality in identifying other areas that can benefit from our experience in enhancing overall business intelligence efficiency." In addition to ProfitSage, ProfitSword's line of data management platforms also includes ProfitPace, ProfitPlan and ProfitWizard. A solution developed to effectively manage sales data, ProfitPace allows businesses to efficiently monitor sales team efforts to ensure that the company is on track to achieve individual and company sales goals. It also allows for the comparison of sales pace to forecast, budget, prior years and same time last year trends. Using ProfitPlan, hoteliers can incorporate stylized report templates to produce several types of reports required to manage daily tasks and information. ProfitSword's data analysis tool, ProfitWizard, combines business intelligence, decision support, performance management and ad-hoc reporting for efficient analysis of data. Supplier News 16 January 2019 The HotelTechAwards (produced by Hotel Tech Report) announced the year's top rated hotel technology companies and products based on more than 20,000 hotelier ratings and data-points. During the HotelTechAwards thousands of hoteliers leave honest reviews of vendor partners across the hotel tech stack. This data is used to identify the best companies based on the judges that matter most - customers. The competition spans core areas of hotel technology: marketing, revenue, operations and guest experience. 2019 Voting included participation from major hotel groups including: Four Seasons, Movenpick, Hilton, Marriott, Kerry Hotels, Auberge Resorts, Best Western, Accor Hotels, Rosewood and dozens more. "We're seeing unprecedented disruptive forces impacting the hotel industry today and technology is our only line of defense. Hotels that operate the same way they did even 5 years ago are quickly becoming the fallout of these tectonic shifts," says Jordan Hollander, CEO of Hotel Tech Report. "The gig economy has brought immense recruiting challenges for hotels, the sharing economy has created similar threats from a competitive perspective and that's not even scratching the surface. Adding fuel to the fire, experts are predicting extremely challenging economic conditions in 2019-2020 - this is the perfect storm. The HotelTechAwards identify the best companies to help hoteliers weather the storm through everything from time saving automation to pricing optimization. Great technology solutions can help hotels bring in more business, operate more efficiently and adapt in a rapidly evolving market." The HotelTechAwards are often referred to as "the Oscars of Hotel Tech" and winners were selected from more than 180 of the top technology products around the world. The HotelTechAwards are the industry's only data driven awards platform with winners determined not by a handful of judges but by a global community comprised from thousands of verified hotel technology users across more than 120 countries. Top Rated Guest Experience Technologies Whistle - 2019 Winner, Guest Messaging Software | Runner up: Helloshift Wrapped - 2019 Winner, Digital Art ALICE - 2019 Winner, Mobile Application | Runner up: Nuvola Crave Interactive - 2019 Winner, Guest Room Tablets | Runner up: Aavgo Top Rated Operations Technologies Clock Software - 2 x 2019 Winner, Property Management System and HMS | Runner up: Mews Systems Quore - 2019 Winner, Housekeeping Software HelloShift - 2019 Winner, Staff Task Management Software | Runner up: Nuvola GuestRevu - 2 x 2019 Winner, Guest Feedback and Survey Software | Runner up: TrustYou Hotel Effectiveness - Labor Management Software | Runner up: M3 Beekeeper - Employee Engagement Software ALICE- 3 x 2019 Winner, Concierge Software, Engineering Software | Runner up: Quore Top Rated Revenue Technologies TravelClick - 2019 Winner, Market Intelligence and Rate Shopping | Runner up: RainMaker M3 - 2019 Winner, Accounting Software Travel Tripper - 2019 Winner, Central Reservations Systems (CRS) | Runner up: TravelClick Cloudbeds - 2019 Winner, Channel Manager | Runner up: SiteMinder HotelIQ - 2019 Winner, Business Intelligence Software | Runner up: Juyo Analytics Atomize - 2019 Winner, Revenue Management Software (RMS) | Runner up: IDeaS Get Into More - 2019 Winner, Event Intelligence Software | Runner up: IDeaS Top Rated Marketing Technologies Supplier News 16 January 2019 Hostelling International, the global non-profit network of youth hostel associations is now partnering with Oaky, the number one upselling platform for hostels, to help its 4,000 hostel members increase incremental revenue and boost guest experience with targeted upsells. From today, the network's hostel members will have access to preferential rates for Oaky's services which can be requested by clicking here. The upselling platform's many integration partners (including MEWS, Siteminder and soon Cloudbeds) make it even easier for hostels to efficiently and effectively promote ancillary services all while giving guests the personalized service they expect. An early adopter of Oaky's data-driven approach to upselling is Stayokay Hostels in the Netherlands, which has been working with Oaky for two years and has seen a rise in both guest satisfaction and ancillary revenue. The team at Hostelling International hopes that many more of the organization's hostel members will replicate these fantastic results and strengthen their reputation for excellent customer service in their respective destinations. Hostelling International's Head of Partnerships, Isabel Llewellyn says, "We are delighted to partner with Oaky to offer our member youth hostel associations access to knowledge and expertise on enhancing customer experience and driving ancillary revenue through their upselling tool. Our hostel network is committed to providing a great customer experience; partnering with Oaky will offer opportunities to add value to guest stays, enhancing the experience of youth travellers and allowing them to make the most of their time in destination." Erik Tengen, Co-Founder, is equally optimistic when it comes to Oaky's partnership with Hostelling International. Says Erik, "We love the work HI does around the world and are happy to support their efforts to create unique experiences for young travelers. This collaboration is also a big step for Oaky as it marks a strong start to 2019 and opens the doors to many new amazing potential hostel partners around the world." About Hostelling International: Hostelling International (HI) is a worldwide network of not-for-profit youth hostel associations. Their member organizations include groups such as YHA (Youth Hostel Association of England & Wales), Stayokay in the Netherlands and DJH (Deutsches Jugendherbergswerk). All partners combined provide a network of more than 4,000 hostels in over 80 countries. For almost 100 years, Hostelling International has been true to its mission to provide young travelers reasonably priced accommodation to enable them to travel, gain a better understanding of other cultures and lay the groundwork for a peaceful, smarter, and more tolerant world. Appointment 16 January 2019 Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the world's largest hotel franchisors, announced Jason Simpson has joined the company as vice president of engineering. In this role, Simpson will lead the company's corporate IT organization to support its ongoing business functions, including corporate operations, global sales, franchise services, finance and legal. Simpson joins Choice Hotels with more than 25 years of industry experience. He has held key leadership positions at companies, such as GoDaddy Inc., was the chief technology officer for the state of Arizona, and most recently, led the engineering team at a Phoenix-based startup to develop API-based digital commerce experiences. Simpson earned his bachelor's degree in computer systems engineering and master's degree in business administration from Arizona State University. He currently serves as a board member of the Arizona Cyber Team Technology Futures Group and has previously held advisory roles for Amazon Web Services and the Arizona Department of Education. Now Open 16 January 2019 Marriott International announced today the official grand opening of the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center. The first of the Delta Hotels brand in the DFW area and the first new build in North America, the Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center features 90,000 square feet of convention, ballroom and meeting space, 300 guest rooms and suites and a restaurant by celebrity Chef Stephan Pyles. This new hotel opening kicks off the year for the Delta Hotels brand which is focused on continued global growth. Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center is a public-private partnership between Altera Development, and the City of Allen, Texas. The property is managed by Benchmark - A Global Hospitality Company. A great complement to the Marriott International portfolio, the Delta Hotels by Marriott brand is rooted in simplicity and focused on perfecting the small details that make a huge difference during travel. Thoughtful design, complimentary water and efficient service are just a few of these elements that guests can come to expect at a Delta Hotels by Marriott. The brand's recent expansion across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific will allow guests to experience the Delta Hotels frictionless service throughout their travel across more of the world. Every Delta Hotel touchpoint is masterfully designed and prioritized to allow guests to glide through their journey without friction.Delta Hotels's promise of purposeful service includes extras such as a room that works, free bottled water, free wifi, grab & go food market, 24-hour elite pantry, full-service fitness center and an enhanced F&B experience. Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center is located in the hub of Allen and within walking distance to premiere shopping, dining and entertaining at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm. Located just north of Dallas off U.S. Highway 75, Allen combines big city amenities with small-town Texan hospitality. Focusing on truly meaningful elements that provide its guests with a memorable and frictionless journey, the hotel will deliver on the Delta Hotels promise. The hotel features 300 beautifully designed guestrooms featuring a fresh, streamlined design and amenities such as lush linens, productive work spaces, a fitness center and outdoor pool, complimentary bottled water, and fast, free WiFi. The property also houses 23 state-of-the-art conference meeting facilities, two hospitality suites, and 15 suites in all, offering a remarkable 90,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Guests of Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center will also be able to enjoy inventive, southern cuisine courtesy of Native Texan and James Beard-Award Winning Chef Stephan Pyles at Stampede 66, an expertly crafted cocktail at Canyon Bar or a quick, on-the-go item at the properties' 24/7 grab and go pantry, Provisions 66. Just scan and upload a photo of your completed "news story" and you'll be entered for a chance to have your story published. Lawmakers did change the laws last session, but Chang wanted to take it further with his noose bill. The delegate said the issue is near and dear to him. At the age of 7, Chang said someone hanged a dead cat from the fence of his family home. Click here to find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine or test. To find out how many local residents have been vaccinated for COVID-19, click here. Use the map to find numbers for individual counties. Find detailed statistics about COVID-19 tests, cases and deaths by county and for the state as a whole on the Indiana State Department of Health's online dashboard. Lima, OH (45805) Today Mostly sunny. Warmer. High 84F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few clouds from time to time. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Amira Fox walked into Courtroom 1-A in the Lee County Justice Center to a standing ovation Friday afternoon. Surrounded by her family, friends colleagues and peers, Fox was sworn in as the third ever State Attorney for the Twentieth Judicial Circuit the first woman to hold the position. Im super excited. Im ready for it, Fox said of her new role. Ive done this for 29 years, between doing private practice and prosecution. Ive seen the criminal justice system as a whole, so I feel incredibly well prepared to tackle it. I feel the community support is just so good, and I think that we have a great community and were so strong. I think that as the leader of the State Attorneys Office, at least, Im very excited and overwhelmed by the amount of support so Im really ready to get going. The swearing-in was presided over by Chief Judge of the 20th Judicial Circuit, Michael T. McHugh. Lee County Tax Collector Larry Hart, as well as the outgoing State Attorney Stephen B. Russell, endorsed Fox to the fullest degree, offering kind words and well wishes. Im so proud, said Hart. Amira has worked hard and put in a lot of time and effort. She is a friend of law enforcement, and a friend of this community. Ive never known for her to take a step back when there is a challenge. She has courage. She has guts. Were going to move this community forward. There is no better person to lead then Amira Fox. Amira is a person of intellect, character, balance and work ethic, said Russell. She was the best, most qualified candidate. She was fully emerged and intricately involved in all aspects of the State Attorneys Office. She epitomizes the core values of the 20th Circuit. Dont think she cant be tough when necessary. Amira has a deep respect of the needs for all aspects of the 20th and the five counties it embodies. Fox was sworn in by United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell, whom she also calls a friend from their time working together under Russell and first 20th Judicial Circuit State Attorney, Joseph P. DAlessandro. Im honored to swear you in, Polster Chappell told Fox just before it became official. So, what will be Foxs goals as the newest State Attorney for Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties? We have the lowest crime rate six years in a row in the state of Florida, but were going to make it lower, Fox said, noting the countless members of law enforcement present. I think both of our goals (hers and law enforcement) here in Lee County and throughout the circuit is to make the crime rate even lower, and to be, for all of our citizens, a really safe and good place to live. Its important to me, and I know its important to the sheriff (Carmine Marceno) that we continue to keep our citizens safe. Thats my number one goal. Part of keeping the community safe is tackling the opioid epidemic that has not only affected Southwest Florida, but the nation, Fox said. One of the first things were going to be jointly announcing with some of the other law enforcement partners in the area is a narcotics task force, said Fox. Were going to be going really hard after people who sell opioids. Were sick and tired of watching people overdose and were not going to put up with it anymore. Thats going to be one of our top agenda items. Weve already got our first meeting set next week, and Ill be going throughout the circuit to form a task force with all the other sheriffs and law enforcement because we all care about this very much. Another topic she feels passionately about is that of mental health. We have a mental health epidemic. And all of us in law enforcement tremendously need resources to attack this. Its imperative we have resources so that we can try to stop it at the root, because the band-aid of sending people to jail who have a mental health issue, is not a very good band-aid. They just get out and keep committing more and more crimes. Were working very hard on that together. Thats our biggest challenge, is we dont have enough resources, theres not enough money being put towards that. So to me, that is the biggest challenge we have I think throughout the state of Florida and perhaps the United States. Fox is humbled to be the first woman to serve as the State Attorney for the 20th Judicial Circuit, something she does not take for granted and is thankful for. Its wonderful, she said of being the first female in her position. In my speech I referenced being the first female office head in Collier County, which was one of the most tremendously exciting things about my career. But now to take over as the first female State Attorney there have been very few female state attorneys in the state of Florida, and Im the first one here, so it feels really good. It was a long road to get here and Im so grateful to all of the citizens who have shown their trust in me, and I will not let them down. Fox will continue to prosecute on behalf of the state, as she will be the presiding lawyer over the Wisner Desmaret case, the man accused of killing Fort Myers Police Officer Adam Jobbers-Miller in July, as well as a lawyer on the Zombiecon case, where one person was fatally shot and six other injured in 2015. Sheriff Marceno also shared his thoughts on Fox and what it means to Lee County that shes in her position. What a huge day. The citizens of this county, the law enfacement community, to have State Attorney Fox today is the best day ever, he said. Her efforts, her training and experience, is going to take this county, and all the other counties shes in charge of, to a place weve never seen. Shes a true leader, and we could not be more blessed to have her in the position shes in. -Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj You bet - Ill be there all weekend. I plan to be there at least part of the time. Im still a little leary because of the crowds. Vote View Results City streets were packed by tens of thousands of guests over the weekend, soaking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the 34th annual Cape Coral Arts and Music Festival. A mass of people filled Cape Coral Parkway, which had been shut down for the event, perusing the 306 separate art exhibitions lining either side of the street. Brian Smith, a member of the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, who organizes the event, served as this years operations manager. According to Smith, 95 businesses joined the 306 art exhibits this year, not including the dozens of food vendors and local restaurants who were out on the street, offering visitors a taste of Cape Coral. Smith estimated that around 120,000 people attended the festival over two days, which would make for the largest turnout in the history of the event, and Rotary members plan on investing the money earned back into the community. Rotary is a charitable organization, so we give it back to the community, said Smith. Every bit of money earned goes into a foundation, and then we are able to turn that into scholarships, [money] for our parks, other projects. Every bit we raise goes back into the community. Traveling from booth to booth, the type of art displayed varies widely. Standards like photography, sculpture, oil paintings and watercolors are joined by colorful arrangements of geodes, highly ornate mechanical water fountains and beautifully crafted custom cookware. The artists themselves vary widely. Some are lifelong journeyman who travel the country, showing their wok. Many are locals, taking their first steps into the world of professional art. Tyler Henatay of Storm Cloud Artworks began painting when he was young, but has recently returned to hobby after many years away. He and his wife, Jessica, moved to Southwest Florida three years ago, and Tyler has used the Cape Coral Art and Music Festival, along with many other local event such as farmers markets, as a platform for the local artists to share his unique wooden paintings. Visitors could also get a little bit of the unexpected out on the street, like meeting Fluffy, a massive Burmese python. Fluffys handler, Bob King, was at the festival with the 3-year-old snake to promote his latest venture, Beyond the Scale Reptiles, making educational demonstrations at events like corporate functions and birthday parties Nathan Craig, a professional metal sculptor who was spending his second year at the festival, said that he was impressed by the local turnout. After facing a downturn during the recession, Craig picked up the art of metalworking four years ago and has begun visiting local festivals as a way to supplement his income. Its a good, large show, a lot of patrons and visitors, said Craig. Im very impressed with it. THERE IS ONLY ONE THING WORSE than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them. As is true of many great quotations from World War II, the author is the inimitable Winston Churchilland if anyone knew the truth of it, he did. During the war, tensions roiled the Anglo-American alliance. The Americans mocked their British allys deliberate nature and their alleged tendency to stop fighting in the late afternoon for tea. The British paid back the insults, shaking their heads at the naivete of American commanders and the amateurishness of American operations. Those were surface tensions, however. The Western alliance suffered from a deeper, more fundamental problem. Go back to the campaign in Burma. Its an apparent textbook case of AmericanBritish cooperation, with the Japanese overrunning the place in 1942 and the British and Americans working to push them out. In fact, its anything but. The United States and Great Britain are so disconnected here, they might well be fighting different wars. The British are in Burma for their empires sake. Their commander, General William Slim, aims first to protect the frontier with India, then to reconquer Burma itself, and eventually to drive into Malaya and retake Singapore. At stake is nothing less than British power and prestige in southeast Asia. To the Americans, none of those concerns matter. They arent fighting for Burma, per se, but for something they call the CBIthe China-Burma-India theater. At stake here is not the country of Burma itself, but the ability to ship badly needed supplies and materiel to Chiang Kai-sheks Chinese armies, then locked in a desperate struggle against the Japanese. Prior to Japans invasion of Burma, those supplies have come by sea, landing at the Burmese capital of Rangoon. The Americans then try to open a land route across northern Burmafrom Ledo in eastern India to Kunming in Chinaa massive engineering project that requires all their resources. Burma is a means to an end, in other words; the United States hasnt gone to war to restore the British Empire. Its painful to watch the two allies struggle forward. The British are fighting on a shoestring, constantly having to beg for transport aircraft from their American friends to supply their troops in the absence of infrastructure on the ground. The Americans have their own problems: much of their fighting strength consists of poorly trained Nationalist Chinese divisions, which are under the fiery leadership of a U.S. commander, General Joseph Stilwell. But even Vinegar Joes constant shouting cant achieve much in this sector. Flying the Hump over the Himalayas remains the key to resupplying Chiang throughout the war. Its a nightmare flight for even the most veteran crews, with looming mountains, stomach-churning updrafts and downdrafts, and bitter cold. In the end, Burma is a harder fight than expected for both allies. They manage to win the campaign only because they have a decisive advantage in logisticsan area of war-making in which the Japanese forces are absolutely hopeless. But lets go one step further. The British Empire exhausts itself winning World War II, losing India just two years after the war, and Burma itself in 1948. The very next year, Chiang Kai-sheks regime in China is brought down by Mao Zedongs communists, despite the billions of dollars Chiang had received in U.S. aid. In the end, the Burma Road is a road to nowhere. Despite the incredible constancy and valor of the men who fought there, maybe none of the great powersthe U.S., the U.K., or Japanhad a clear understanding of what they were doing in Burma. This column was originally published in the December 2018 issue of World War II magazine. Subscribe here. Several scenarios opened up after Prime Minister Theresa May suffered the biggest defeat in British parliamentary history on Tuesday, but she is likely to survive the no-confidence motion tabled by the Labour party on Wednesday and come up with Plan B by Monday. Read: Brexit vote: Theresa May loses vote, UK plunges into uncharted territory The future of Brexit remains up in the air, as EU leaders in Brussels, Paris, Dublin and other capitals regretted the vote in the House of Commons. Business leaders who were watching in horror reacted with despair and dismay at developments in Westminster. After the defeat, May appeared more in office but not in power, but it was clear on Tuesday night that Conservative MPs who voted against the deal will vote in Mays favour and against the no-confidence motion on Wednesday night. Watch: What next for Theresa May after Parliament rejects the Brexit deal The 10-member Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) propping up the minority May government voted against the agreement, but declared its support to May during the no-confidence vote, hoping that she will bring a new deal before parliament after talks in Brussels. Also read: European Council president Donald Tusk wonders about positive solution The Conservative party and the DUP together have a majority in the House of Commons. As May said after losing the vote, I have always believed that the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal and have devoted much of the last two years negotiating such a deal...the government respects the will of the house. We will therefore make a statement about the way forward and table an amendable motion by Monday. The key issue remains whether May can get changes to the agreement in Brussels to ensure its endorsement when it is put before parliament again. EU leaders have already declared that it is not open to re-negotiation, but the new situation may alter the approach. Also Read: Humiliated: British press says PM May crushed by Brexit defeat DUP leader Arlene Foster reflected the hope that it can re-negotiated: The House of Commons has sent an unmistakable message to the prime minister and the European Union that this deal is rejected. May will now be able to demonstrate to the Brussels negotiators that changes are required if any deal is to command the support of Parliament. We will work with the government constructively to achieve a better deal. That is our focus. Whilst some may wish to use this defeat to boost their political ambitions, we will give the government the space to set out a plan to secure a better deal. Reassurances whether in the form of letters or warm words, will not be enough, Foster said. All seven Indian-origin Labour MPs and three from the ruling Conservative party voted against UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays withdrawal agreement on Tuesday two voted in favour: Alok Sharma and Rishi Sunak, parliamentary records show. While Sharma is the minister of state for employment, Sunak (son-in-law of Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy) is a junior minister in the department of housing, communities and local government. The three Conservative MPs who voted against their leaders agreement were Priti Patel, Shailesh Vara and Suella Braverman. Vara and Braverman resigned from their ministerial posts last November when the agreement was published. Watch: What will Theresa May do after her Brexit deal was voted against in Parliament Senior Labour MP Virendra Sharma said after the agreement was overwhelmingly voted down 432 to 202: This evening has proven that there is no majority in parliament for the Prime Ministers Brexit deal and there isnt one for a no-deal Brexit either. The Prime Minister has no support for her deal, so Labour should now renegotiate the deal based on our six tests. If she wont stand aside, she should let the people decide instead and hold a second referendum, with remain as an option. Also Read: Humiliated: British press says PM May crushed by Brexit defeat Besides Sharma, the six Labour MPs who voted against the agreement in the House of Commons were Keith Vaz, Lisa Nandy, Seema Malhotra, Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Preet Kaur Gill and Valerie Vaz. The cohort of 12 elected in the 2017 mid-term elections represents the largest number of Indian-origin MPs elected in British parliamentary history: seven from Labour and five from the ruling Conservative party. Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on American soldiers and their Kurdish allies in Syria, potentially complicating president Donald Trumps plans to pull US troops out of the country citing a victory against the jihadist group. Initial reports indicate four US service members were killed and three were wounded, a Trump administration official said. A suicide bomber wearing an explosive vest attacked international forces patrolling in the northern town of Manbij, according to Islamic States self-styled Amaq news agency, which is used by the group to claim attacks around the world. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the Syrian civil war through activists on the ground, says the blast killed at least 16 people, including two American soldiers. Bloomberg wasnt able to immediately verify the death toll or confirm that US nationals were among the casualties. Also read: US official says withdrawal from Syria has begun The attack, if proven to be carried out by the Islamic State, might be the latest in a series of stumbling blocks in Trumps efforts to exit Syria. The presidents decision -- apparently made during a phone call with his Turkish counterpart last month -- has already faced serious pushback from within the US administration, leading to the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis. A suicide bombing by the jihadist group could bolster the argument that Americas job in Syria remains unfinished. Also read: Donald Trump threatens to devastate Turkey if Kurds are attacked The confusion over US plans to exit Syria has already stoked tensions with NATO ally Turkey; the town of Manbij is at the heart of the dispute over US support for Kurdish YPG fighters. The US and Turkey agreed on a road map last year to have the fighters withdraw from the area. While the US says no timeline was attached to the plan, Ankara wants the Kurds out fast because of their links to a militant Kurdish separatist group Turkey has been battling for decades. An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history involving a USD 464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record-setting USD 7 million bond. Rajendra Bothra, 77, who was awarded Padmashri, Indias fourth-highest civilian award, was indicted along with five other physicians in the alleged USD 464 million healthcare fraud conspiracy, which the federal government said fuelled the opioid epidemic. US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for him despite the governments concern that the doctor has hidden money that could bankroll an escape to his native India. Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be released on home confinement and tracked by a GPS tether, must identify all assets under penalty of perjury, Detroit news reported. Being the lead defendant in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history, he must liquidate a USD 8.5 million retirement account to cover the bond, a process that could take three days, it reported. His wife and daughter, who attended the hearing Tuesday, will surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July. Bothra has deep ties to India, including investments and several siblings. He is one of the most high-profile Indian-American Republican Party activists and fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted major fundraisers for former president George H W Bush and other senior Republican lawmakers. Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Bothra has been active in working for the poor and sick in India. For about eight weeks each year, Bothra leaves his general surgery practice in Warren and travels to India at his own expenses to work with Indian organisations to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction. He holds regular lecture tours in India to educate professional and lay audiences on health issues. Bothra has worked with the Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two documentaries, one on AIDS and another on tobacco abuse. The Indian government also lauded him for being instrumental in gifting of sophisticated American medical equipment to Indian hospitals and assisting in the rebuilding of hospitals in Latur, Maharashtra after a severe earthquake. Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable to pinpoint Bothras net worth, which could be as high as USD 35 million. Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion noted that Bothra owns a real-estate company that owns 22 properties across Metro Detroit, including USD 2.8 million worth of condominiums and commercial buildings in downtown Royal Oak. Prosecutors are trying to identify whether the properties were purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activity. US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended the brief court hearing Tuesday and said his team of prosecutors will meet and decide whether to appeal the bond. Bothra, jailed since last month when he was indicted alongside five others, is accused of fuelling the nations opioid epidemic, cheating Medicare and subjecting patients to needless, painful back injections. India is committed to buying nearly $5 billion of oil and natural gas from the United States every year, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the new Indian ambassador said Tuesday at a US chamber of commerce event, adding bilateral trade between the two countries was growing exponentially and not incrementally. A recent importer of US oil and gas, India plans to scale up its buys which stood at $3.8 billion in 2018, including bitumen substitute and mineral wax, according to the Indian embassy website. India is committed to purchase close to nearly $ billion of oil and gas from the United States every year (and) our companies have placed orders for 300 aircraft manufactured in the US worth $40 billion, Shringla said at a reception hosted for him at the US-India Business Council, a unit of the US chamber of commerce, the most powerful trade body in the US. Speaking of the relationship generally, the ambassador said, What amazes me is that in the last few years, the amount of progress that our relationship has made is unparalleled in many senses. The United States is India largest trading partner and India is among top 10 of USs trading partners. In terms of the sheer volume of business between the countries, the ambassador said, we have been galloping forward; we are not moving forward incrementally, we are moving forward exponentially. Bilateral trade between the countries goods and services rose from $119 billion two years ago to end the year in 2018 at $140 billion. Some people such as former US Vice President Joe Biden have said the target should be $500 billion. The ambassador spoke also of growing defence trade of billions of dollars of orders that are being implemented. and interests in defense platforms such as Chinook and Apache helicopters and Howitzers. India and the United States are in the midst of talks to resolve trade issues that have bedeviled ties for years, irrespective of parties in power in either capital, to which the Trump administration has added a few of its own, specially, tariff on steel and aluminium. The Trump administration has identified India among countries with which the United States runs a trade deficit, though it is nowhere near its deficit with China. Indian purchases of US oil and gas and the aircraft are expected to cut the deficit over the years. President Trump has spoken of these trade talks several times. At a Diwali event last November, he had said, We are trying very hard to make better trade deals with India. And had added: but they are very good traders, very good negotiators the best. But we are working and its moving along. Ambassador Shringla also spoke India students in the United States 227,000 now who contribute an estimated $6.5 billion to the American academic sector. Welcoming the ambassador to the USIBC reception, his first public engagement after taking office, the bodys president Nisha Biswal said, Were partnering across the Indo-Pacific. But were also deepening the ties between our cities and states. In fact, throughout the year, you will see more and more engagement between our states in our cities, more and more governors, mayors going to India, chief ministers and legislators coming here. Chinese scientists say they have grown the first plants on the moon as part of the countrys lunar mission. Pictures sent back Jan. 12 showed plant shoots growing well nine days after the experiment was initiated, Chongqing University, which led the biological project, said in a briefing Tuesday. The biopsy test load carried cotton, canola, potato, Arabidopsis, yeast and fruit fly. Crops were exposed to high vacuum, temperature differences, and strong radiation. After becoming the first country in the world to land a spacecraft on the far side of the moon, China is planning four more missions to get samples back before studying the feasibility of a lunar research base. Watch: China claims to have grown first plants on moon as part of lunar mission China plans to launch the Change-5 probe to the moon later this year, with three more in the offing, said Wu Yanhua, vice administrator of the China National Space Administration, at a briefing in Beijing on Monday. At least two of them will land on the moons south pole and conduct research, he said. We will use the Change-8 to test certain technologies and do some preliminary exploration for jointly building a research base on the moon, Wu said. The worlds second-biggest economy is doubling down on its space program as the race with the U.S. to explore Mars and beyond heats up at a time both the powers are vying for economic, technological and military dominance. With an annual space budget of $8 billion, second only to the U.S., China is also looking to send a probe to the red planet by the end of this decade and build its own space station by 2022. British lawmakers will on Wednesday vote on whether they have confidence in the government, after Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal suffered a heavy defeat in parliament. Here is how the process, which could ultimately trigger a general election, will work: How does the process work? The opposition Labour Party, backed by other smaller opposition parties, has put forward a motion which states That this House has no confidence in Her Majestys Government. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn will open the debate on the motion at around 1300 GMT. May will also speak in the debate and it will last until 1900 GMT. Lawmakers will then vote on the motion at 1900 GMT, with the result due at around 1915 GMT. There are 650 lawmakers in the House of Commons. Mays government needs 318 votes to win the vote, as seven members of the Irish nationalist Sinn Fein party do not sit, four speakers do not vote and four lawmakers who help count votes, known as tellers, are not counted. Also read: Brexit: Theresa May loses vote, demonstrators take to streets What happens if the government wins? The government continues in office. However, there are no restrictions on how soon another confidence vote can be called, so Labour could put forward another no confidence motion at any point. What happens if the government loses? May does not have to resign. A 14-day period is triggered in which any party, including Mays Conservatives, can seek to form a government. To do this they would have to win a confidence vote in the House of Commons. If a new government cannot be formed within 14 days, an election is triggered. Also read: Jeremy Corbyn: Serial rebel may benefit from Brexit divisions What are the chances of May losing? May does not have an outright majority in parliament but the DUP, the small Northern Irish party that props up her government, has said it will support the government. So May would only lose if enough of her own Conservative members voted against the government. What are lawmakers saying about the vote? Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn: The most important issue facing us is that government has lost the confidence of this house and this country ... this house can give its verdict on the sheer incompetence of this government and pass that motion of no confidence. Also read: After Brexit loss, European Council president Donald Tusk wonders about positive solution Pro-EU Conservative lawmaker Justine Greening, who favours holding a second referendum: We dont want a general election, this is not about party politics. Conservative health minister Matt Hancock: My party is no mood to hand over the reins to Jeremy Corbyn. DUP lawmaker Sammy Wilson: Well vote with the government. Well vote against the Labour partys confidence motion. We want to see the Conservative government continuing to deliver on Brexit ... We never wanted a change of government, we wanted a change of policy. Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, who leads an influential pro-Brexit group of Conservatives: I will be supporting the prime minister. Also read: Humiliated: British press says Theresa May crushed by Brexit defeat Also read: Most Indian-origin MPs voted against Theresa Mays Brexit deal Also read: After Brexit vote loss, Theresa May likely to survive, Plan B by Monday A Saudi teen who caused an international sensation by defying her family and seeking asylum abroad on Tuesday vowed to fight for womens freedoms in her first public address since she was taken in by Canada. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun captured the worlds attention with a trail of tweets from her hotel room at Bangkoks airport, where she holed up after Thai authorities initially barred her from travelling on to Australia. Her emotional social media posts ignited a #SaveRahaf movement as she fled what she said was physical and psychological abuse from her family in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia -- and prompted quick action. Also watch: Saudi woman who fled to Canada: More women will follow She was granted refugee status and was welcomed by Canadas Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland after landing in Toronto on Saturday. Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world, the same freedom that I experienced on the first day I arrived in Canada, she told a press conference, reading from a prepared statement in Arabic. Standing in front of a large Canadian flag at the Toronto offices of refugee resettling agency Costi, Qunun denounced Saudi Arabias strict male guardianship rules, saying: I am one of the lucky ones. I know there are unlucky women that disappeared after escaping and could not do anything to change their reality, she said through a translator. Her family has denied the abuse allegations. Reflecting on her own experience, she said: I was not treated respectfully by my family and not allowed to be myself and who I want to be. In Saudi Arabia, this is the case for all Saudi women except for those that have understanding parents. They cant be independent and need approval of their male guardian for everything. Rights groups have said she has renounced Islam, risking prosecution in her home country. - Making own decisions - Upon learning of Canadas asylum offer, Qunun said her stress melted away. Now, she said, she can make her own decisions, including about travel and marriage. I would like to start living a normal life, like any young woman living in Canada, she said. Shortly after her arrival in Toronto, Qunun went shopping for some warm clothes and connected with local acquaintances. Costi executive director Mario Calla said the agency is helping her find long-term accommodations, open a bank account, obtain Canadian documents, and enroll in English classes, as well as showing her how to get around and teaching her about life in Canada. He noted concerns about her safety, citing online threats and saying guards have been posted at her temporary home. She feels safe because she knows she is in a safe country. The people (here) have her best interest at heart and are trying to help her. She has seen the outpouring of support, Calla said. Qunun has admitted that threats posted on social media scare her, he added. When she reads those posts, her emotions go back and forth. On Monday, Qunun told public broadcaster CBC of her family: My greatest fear is if they find me, I would disappear and I wouldnt know what would happen to me after that. She said that at home, she was exposed to physical violence, persecution, oppression, threats to be killed. I was locked in for six months. I felt that I could not achieve my dreams that I wanted as long as I was still living in Saudi Arabia, she said. But in Canada, Qunun said, she has felt reborn, especially when I felt the love and the welcome. Tell Canadians that I love them, she said. amc/sst Think you have what it takes to sing in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 people? The Boston Red Sox are currently looking for new talent to fill approximately 17 spots to perform the National Anthem for the upcoming 2019 Spring Training season at JetBlue Park. Auditions will be held at JetBlue Park, located at 11500 Fenway South Drive, in Fort Myers, today, Jan. 16, from 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 17, from 4-7 p.m. All ages are welcome to audition. Reservations must be made in advance by calling Jenna Doak at 239-226 4707 or emailing jdoak@redsox.com. The Red Sox open its 17-game exhibition season on Friday, Feb. 22, at 1:05 p.m., against the Northeastern University Huskies. For more information, call 239-226-4783 or email jbpevents@redsox.com. (CNN) The death sentence imposed on Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg by the Dalian Intermediate People's Court in north-eastern China is an immense blow for the convicted drug smuggler and his family. China argues it is a simple matter of sentencing a felon according to the Chinese code. But for the rest of the world, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the decision is far more sinister. Following the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver in late 2018, Chinese state media warned Canada that Beijing may "take revenge" if she is extradited to the US. Schellenberg's death sentence, along with the detainment of two Canadians on suspicion of "activities that endangered China's national security," appears to confirm this theory. Schellenberg's plight will backfire on Beijing, however. On the defensive over many issues, China needs to win more hearts and minds. Instead, the ruling will only push away friendly countries and stiffen the unity and resolve of those voicing deep concerns with Chinese actions. China is a growing but lonely rising power and is widely distrusted. It has few enduring allies and supporters. It could be bad faith or bad timing. But sentencing a Canadian to death has only raised collective suspicion and deepened its isolation. Consider the serious road bumps many countries have had with Beijing in recent years. It is enduring a serious and deepening trade war with the United States on a wide-range of complaints over China's trade practices. Washington claims Beijing seeks to dominate the most important and high-technology sectors of the future through unfair advantages given to its state-owned companies and other national champions. It also alleges that Chinese state actors conduct and enable the theft of trillions of dollars in intellectual property from American and other advanced economy firms. The European Union and Japan have expressed similar concerns, especially with respect to intellectual property theft. Numerous countries have expressed concerns with President Xi Jinping's flagship Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). An increasing number of experts and diplomats accuse the BRI of imposing "debt traps" on vulnerable economies. They point to countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia and Djibouti as examples of these countries forced to concede aspects of their sovereign decision making to China once they become incapable of paying back the exorbitant loans. Then there are other once friendly countries which have felt China's economic wrath after making sovereign political or strategic decisions which displease Beijing. "Unofficial" economic sanctions against South Korea were applied by Beijing after Seoul made the decision to install the American THAAD anti-missile defense system in the face of North Korea provocations, resulting in a sharp drop in Chinese tourists and difficulties for South Korean firms operating inside China. In late 2017, relations between Australia and China grew frosty, after Canberra announced multiple new laws aimed at tightening the country's security and electoral processes, including a ban on foreign donations, a move widely seen as attempting to curtail the influence of China. The following year, reports surfaced that Australian ministers had been refused Chinese visas. The underlying takeaway in all these examples are that the reach of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is far and deep and its political objectives prevail above all other considerations. Economic and other activities conducted by Chinese entities and individuals can never be taken at face value because they can be compelled to serve the demands of the Party. Despite almost four decades of reform, the hand of the Party on all tools of national power is as strong as ever. Given this, the burden of proof falls upon China to dispel the argument that Schellenberg's fate is tied to that of whether Meng is extradited to America to face trial -- with the guilt or severity of the crime only a secondary consideration. If China cannot discharge that burden, the perceived link between Schellenberg's sentence to Meng's fate will only strengthen the case made by Western intelligence agencies that Huawei is not an ordinary private company, that Huawei receives special support from and protection by the CCP. Patronage is never free in authoritarian politics and the case will only grow that Huawei advances Party and state objectives in return. Indeed, the death sentence only increases the likelihood that Huawei will be increasingly locked out of the Five Eyes economies -- the US, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand -- including the roll-out of their 5G networks. That would be pivotal. Japan would certainly follow, and perhaps the EU. The arrest of a Huawei employee in Poland over charges he was spying for the Chinese government won't help dispel these beliefs either. The targeting of Canada is particularly counter-productive for China. Previously, the Trudeau government was accused by conservative opponents of being too light and soft a touch on China. This even included accusations that Ottawa had become naive when it came to national security matters and the sale of technology to China. Ongoing tensions between Donald Trump and Trudeau over issues such as trade would have delighted Beijing. The American and Canadian leaders are still unlikely to become close friends. But China can no longer plan for Ottawa being the weak link amongst the Five Eyes when it comes to criticizing Chinese policies. It is now politically difficult for Trudeau to argue the case for a softer approach. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Schellenberg death sentence: Canadian's verdict will backfire on Beijing." Actor Pankaj Tripathi has arrived in Cape Town, South Africa to shoot for the second season of Sacred Games. The show was one of Netflixs biggest hits in India last year. In the previous instalment, Pankaj was seen in a brief but prominent role of Guruji, a mentor to Nawazuddin Siddiquis character. The actor is expected to have a meatier role in the new season. The role has been written as one of the most powerful characters in Vikram Chandras book from which the show has been adapted. He will reportedly finish his first international schedule in Cape Town and will resume the remaining shoots in Mumbai. Pankaj had earlier spoken about his role in an interview to PTI, My character was kind of kept hidden. I shot for the series for just one day after the main shooting was over. They thought Lets bring this character into the light. Initially, that was not the plan. Something happened that they didnt announce this differently and I am not someone who likes tom-tomming. It was a small role in the beginning, so we did not promote it as if it were a main one in the first season. Saif Ali Khan, who plays inspector Sartaj Singh, was spotted shooting for the show in December last year. His characters thumb was mutilated in the last season, which came as a rude shock for the viewers. Nawazuddins character Ganesh Gaitonde had already died in the first episode, after which the story is narrated by him in past tense in a parallel track. Kubra Sait, Rajshri Deshpande had also starred in the last season but their characters also died as the show progressed. Netflix had earlier revealed that two out of three viewers of the show were from outside India. Follow @htshowbiz for more From February, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) will begin tunnelling 12.5m below the Mithi riverbed as Mumbais first underground Metro the Colaba-Andheri-Seepz line goes underwater. The proposed 33.5km Metro-3 line will be the second metro in the country to have tunnels under a riverbed. The first is being constructed in Kolkata under the Hooghly River. The MMRC will construct two tunnels of 1.18km length each with tunnel-boring machines, currently used towards Vidyanagari, and a 170m tunnel using the New Austrian Technology Method (NATM). The tunnels will be between Dharavi and Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC). The south end of BKC station will also be underwater. To accomplish this engineering feat of constructing under a riverbed, the contractors will adopt several safety methods. The soil and broken rocks above the tunnel will be strengthened to reduce permeability and ingress of water. An umbrella of steel bars will be created above the excavation area for safety and there will be a constant check on soil/rocks during excavation. SK Gupta, director (projects), said, The challenge is to create a safe curtain for the work to go on and also resist water pressure. Another engineering challenge is that the rocks here are weaker. Our designers, consultants and contractors have worked on this plan for long to make it possible With the water levels rising in the river every monsoon, Gupta said more precautions would be taken to control water pressure. The BKC station is also a crucial intersection point as it is being planned as a three-line station with two main platforms and a cross-over line, which will connect to either side of the mainline. The cross-over line is being constructed using NATM. This will be the first metro to use NATM underwater. The MMRC has completed close to 17km of tunnelling in the city with all 17 tunnel-boring machines put to work. CONTRACT AWARDED The MMRC on Tuesday awarded the contract for automated fare collection (AFC) system in all of its proposed 27 underground stations to a consortium of M/s. ASIS Elektronik ve Billisim Sistemleri A.S., Turkey and Kalindee -ASIS joint venture. The AFC system will also follow the integrated ticketing system that is being implemented by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority for seamless travel in the city. The strike by BEST workers will continue and buses will stay off roads for the ninth day on Wednesday, even though a solution for their demand of better pay seemed to have been worked out earlier on Tuesday. Until Tuesday evening, the BEST workers union appeared to accept the administrations decision to raise basic salaries of 15,000 employees as a goodwill gesture. The BEST administration explained to the Bombay high court how it would raise salaries. Soon after, the unions lawyer, Neeta Karnik, told the court the workers unions would meet on Tuesday evening to discuss the terms of the raise and decide whether to withdraw their strike. By the end of the day, the BEST Sanyukta Kamgar Kruti Samiti (BSKKS) a joint action committee of labour unions decided to continue the strike after Shashank Rao, its leader, raised a new objection. Rao said the three-member panel led by chief secretary DK Jain, formed by the state last week, has suggested implementing certain reforms that could reduce workers salaries by at least Rs 6,000 to Rs 7,000 a month. Rao was referring to economic reforms that had been suggested in 2017 by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Ajoy Mehta. However, this objection was not part of the workers initial demands, which included raising basic pay and merging the budgets of the ailing BEST and the cash-rich BMC. The committee was also mum on the merger of the budgets. The services of BEST are vital for Mumbai, but there is not a single word about this in the report, Rao said, while addressing BEST workers at Wadala after Tuesdays court hearing. Rao called the committees report a death warrant for BEST workers, and alleged that the committees proposals were being influenced by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray. He added that Thackeray told chief minister Devendra Fadnavis not to intervene to end the strike. The Bombay high court decided to step in after a public interest litigation was filed by advocate Datta Mane, pointing to the inconvenience the strike was causing citizens. For the past nine days, commuters have been scrambling to find other modes of transport, as the citys secondlargest public transport mode stopped working. The BEST buses cater to at least 25 lakh commuters a day, and their absence has also caused traffic jams on roads and more crowds on the suburban trains. In court on Tuesday, the high-powered committee suggested some interim measures to help the striking BEST employees, provided they withdraw the strike. As one of the demands was to increase the pay grade of 15,000 low-grade workers employed after 2012, the committee suggested these employees be given a ten-step increment on basic pay in time-bound manner. Both the BEST administrations advocate and the counsel of the workers appeared agreeable to the offer. The workers counsel told the division bench of Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice NM Jamdar the unions would meet and that she would report their decision in court on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, a letter from the BEST administration to the high-power panel was leaked to the media on Tuesday. The letter says the burden of fulfilling the unions pay demands would amount to Rs 550 crore. Considering the present financial situation of BEST, it is very difficult to support the demands, the letter said. The BEST management claimed the administration had planned reforms but could not implement them as the union had challenged the decisions in court. The letter also said rather than agreeing to discuss a comprehensive package, the union only wants to resolve junior grade in a piecemeal manner. The administration raised concerns about reducing the fleet size of buses from the current 3,337. According to BEST management, the fleet size of buses would reduce to 1,851 by 2022 if buses are not hired on a wet lease. Meanwhile, transport department said they have operated 600 private buses apart from the buses operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). Central and Western Railway are operating 18 additional local train services. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) workers union withdrew its nine-day long strike Wednesday after some of its demands were met by Mumbais civic transport undertaking. The BEST buses will start plying on roads again with immediate effect, Union leader Shashank Rao said. The BEST Sanyukta Kamgar Kruti Samiti (BSKKS), joint action committee of the unions, had called the strike to demand better wages and other benefits for 35,000 workers of the BEST Undertaking, which runs the BEST bus service and distributes electricity in the island city. The assurance to end the strike came after BEST and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) agreed to appoint a retired high court judge to mediate with the workers instead of holding negotiations before a Bombay high-court appointed three-member committee of bureaucrats. BEST had on Tuesday agreed to grant 10 out of 20 point hike demanded by the union on the basic pay of about 15,000 of its employees from February this year. On Wednesday, the union started with a demand of 15 point interim increment for them from January 1, 2019. Its lawyer, advocate Neeta Karnik, pointed out that the union had in 2012 accepted roll back by 20 points, as the financial condition of the transport undertaking was not good. Today, we are in 2019. Seven years have passed since then. Even the last settlement with workers ended in 2016, but the undertaking is not willing to take the plight of its employees into consideration, Karnik said. She also demanded that a person, well versed with labour jurisprudence, must be appointed as a mediator instead of holding negotiations before the panel of bureaucrats. BEST counsel, senior advocate MP Rao, responded by saying that the undertaking on Tuesday had agreed to the demand of 10 point hike as a goodwill gesture to restore normalcy by resuming the bus service. But, Rao said, it was impossible for them to grant 15 point interim hike. He, however, agreed to the demand of mediation instead of holding negotiations before bureaucrats. Rao also agreed to the unions demand of taking up the issue of balance 10 point hike on basic pay on a priority basis before the mediator, and also to that of completing the mediation in a time-bound manner. Accordingly, the high court has asked the mediator to decide upon the issues relating to interim demands within a month and all other issues, preferably within three months. It was hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Datta Mane complaining about the inconvenience caused to lakhs of commuters because of the strike by BEST employees. Acting on the PIL, the court had earlier appointed a committee headed by the chief secretary and also comprising principal secretaries of urban development and transport departments to negotiate between BEST, its striking employees and the BMC. Among the demands of the employees, led by BSKKS, was higher grade pay for those recruited from 2007. They also want compassionate appointments to resume, and discussions on a new wage agreement that was to come into effect from April 2016. They have also demanded bonuses on par with BMC staffers. Merging the budget of the loss-making BEST with the civic bodys budget is another demand. This, said labour union leaders, would end the financial woes of BEST and ensure staffers get salaries on time. The unions are also strongly against the managements decision to get new buses on a lease. BEST officials said that at 8am on Wednesday out of the 2,477 buses that were scheduled to ply, only nine buses operated. And 11 out of 2,958 drivers and 12 out of 3,184 conductors reported for work. BEST is the second largest mass transport system in Mumbai after the suburban trains and ferry 25 lakh commuters every day. Kumbh Mela is a mass gathering of Hindu devotees who congregate to bathe in a sacred river. According to tradition, there are four fairs which are accepted as the Kumbh Melas- the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, Haridwar Kumbh Mela, the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha, and Ujjain Simhastha. The key festival site is on the banks of a river: It is the Ganga at Haridwar; the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayagraj; the Godavari at Nashik: and Shipra at Ujjain. Devotees believe that by bathing in these rivers they cleanse themselves of all their sins. 1.The Kumbh Mela takes place every three years, and each year happens at any one of these four locations- Ganga at Haridwar; the meeting of the Ganga and Yamuna and Saraswati at Prayagraj; the Godavari at Nashik: and Shipra at Ujjain. 2.The meaning of Kumbh is nectar. The tale of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the time when the gods resided on earth. They had been weakened by the curse of sage Durvasa, and the demons were causing mayhem on earth. 3.On Lord Brahmas advice, they started churning out the nectar of immortality with the aid of the asuras. However, when the ausras realized that the gods would not be sharing the nectar with the, they chased them for a period of 12 days. It was during this time period that portions of the nectar fell at the four locations where the Kumbh takes place. 4.The Kumbh Mela is over 2000 years old and proof of this is found in the writings of the Chinese traveler Xuanzang, who had come to India during the reign of King Harshavardhana. 5.The Kumbh Mela takes place on the dates when the nectar is said to have fallen in the river. Each year, the dates are calculated depending upon a combination of Jupiter, the Sun and the Moons zodiac positions. West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday busted an interstate racket and seized 689 live and dead endangered Indian flapshelled turtles. Acting on intelligence provided by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), East Region, of the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change, CID arrested four men, all residents of Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, when they disembarked from Doon Express at Durgapur station in West Burdwan district at 9 am. The men were smuggling the turtles in 22 jute sacks. The Indian flapshelled turtle is killed for its meat which is considered a delicacy in both Bengal and Bangladesh where these are smuggled. This was the biggest seizure of endangered turtles in Bengal in recent months and the second seizure in January. Tuesdays raid established that smuggling of turtles from different parts of Uttar Pradesh is on the rise. The arrested youths, Laxman Kumar, Raju, Rajkumar and Sushil Kumar, are aged between 20 and 30 years and residents of Pakri village in Sultanpur district, said Agni Mitra, deputy director, WCCB (eastern region). The youths told CID officers that they wanted to sell the turtles at Bandel in Hooghly district. They were handed over to the state forest department. On January 4, officers from WCCB and state forest directorate seized 83 live Indian flapshelled turtles from Swarupnagar area of North 24 Parganas district. On January 11, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) claimed to have unearthed a nexus of wildlife smugglers after rescuing 327 endangered turtles and arrested four people from Etawah. The turtles were to be smuggled to Bangladesh through West Bengal, STF claimed. The turtles were trapped by local fishermen from canals and rivers in western Uttar Pradesh districts such as Etawah, Etah and Mainpuri. These were being taken to West Bengal in a luxury car when STF intercepted the gang. On November 16, 2018, UP STF team intercepted a major consignment, comprising 1,583 turtles, that was being smuggled to West Bengal in a truck. A Bangladeshi national arrested for illegally crossing the border to arrive in India two months ago has reportedly told the police he had come to visit the Ajmer Sharif and to sell his kidney, an officer of the Dargah police station said. Mohammad Gaini Mian, 35, who was arrested by the police last Sunday, said he had made several attempts to sell his kidney. Inspector Kailash Bishnoi, the station house officer (SHO) of Dargah police station, said this was Mians third visit to India. He had first crossed the border illegally in 2008 and had lived in Chennai for four months. He, however, couldnt sell his kidney as he was unable to understand the language, the officer said, giving details of the information Mian reportedly shared with the police during his interrogation. The officer said the 35-year-old was back in India four years later, though this time he had travelled on a visa. He again went to Chennai where he visited a hospital to sell his kidney. But the hospital staff refused to conduct the operation saying he was a drug addict and that his physical condition was very weak, the officer added. Police said they have informed the central agencies about Mians purpose of coming to India. His confession puts a light on the existence of illegal organ transplant industry in the country. We have informed the central agencies about it, the SHO said. The police are also on the look out for one Khadim Sayeed Anwar Hussain, who had given shelter to Mian at his house in Taragarh. Around two months ago, Mian illegally crossed the border and reached Bongaon village in West Bengal from where he travelled to Kolkata. The following day he went to Sealdah from where he took a train to reach Ajmer, the officer said. The officer added that the accused visited the Dargah and then tried to sell his kidney but failed. Thereafter, he sold his mobile phone and got in contact with Hussain whom he pleaded for shelter. Hussain hired him to do his household chores for Rs 3,000 per month, Mian reportedly told the police. Last Sunday, police raided Hussains home and arrested Mian, and also seized his passport, four SIM cards of Bangladesh and one of Pakistan. Mian was arrested under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1939. On Wednesday, he was sent to the judicial custody. The nurse gave me the news in a hushed tone on the intervening night of January 24-25, 2012. These three magic words brought a wide smile to my face, and made me jump in joy. I couldnt make sense of the low-spirited reaction of the nurse. There was an air of despondency that she carried around herself, and I suspected that the news of my daughters birth had something to do with it. While leaving the hospital, I gave her some money as a token of appreciation and asked her to distribute sweets to the hospital staff. The nurse refused to accept the money. She said that shed be scolded by the doctor for accepting money at the birth of a daughter. I would have happily accepted the money if the baby was a boy. Since its a girl, I can only take a little amount, she told me. The birth of a boy in Haryana is celebrated by what is traditionally known as thali bajana a ritual of beating a plate. Neighbours and relatives were shocked when my sister marked my daughters birth with the ritual traditionally reserved for a sons birth. When I went to distribute sweets among colleagues, everyone assumed that I had had a son. I was quite shaken. The same day, I decided to check the sex ratio of my village and was left disappointed by the abysmal number. It was for the first time that the gravity of the situation struck me. While I had heard about these biases, I was never affected by them personally. My family was fairly progressive and these regressive notions never shaped my world view. It was only after my daughter Nandinis birth that I was confronted with this ugly truth. I decided to do something to improve the situation, and approached the women of the village, asking them to share their experiences about the issue of female foeticide. They were, however, reluctant to even enter the chaupals. Traditionally, chaupals have been male-dominated spaces, and convincing women to occupy them proved to be a challenging task. Many women backed out. Men from the village asked me to make women from my family volunteer. To allay their concerns, I convinced my sister Ritu to step forward. She was the first woman to speak at the forum and, seeing her, many others stepped in. For all my good intentions, I was aware that taking women into confidence was going to be a challenge. I got in touch with around 12-15 older women, and got them each to convince two more women to join us. Gradually, the message spread and more women joined our campaign. After much coaxing, I was able to hold the countrys first ever chaupal around the issue of female foeticide. During my interactions with women, I learnt about the pressure that they faced from men in their families. They told me how family and society exerted insurmountable pressure on them to give birth to a boy. The prejudice against girls was deep-seated. I decided to reach out to the khaps, hoping to gather their support for my cause. Khaps are influential bodies in northern India and their word carries weight. I called a maha khap panchayat where leaders from Rajasthan, UP, and other states came together. For the first time in my village, a khap panchayat was being held, and that too, with a difference. It was an unprecedented event women were sharing and speaking from the same stage as the khap leaders. Over the next few months, I initiated different campaigns with the aim of creating awareness about female foeticide, infanticide, and discrimination against the girl child. As the sarpanch of Bibipur, I also announced that women would get to decide how half the panchayat funds would be spent. This motivated them to take ownership and participate more in the campaigns. I was aware that campaigns like these couldnt stay confined to only one village. With the aim of expanding the scope of these programmes, I began to mobilise women in my village and convinced them to travel with me to other villages where they could spread awareness about gender rights. These initiatives didnt go down well with the people of my village. Many people complained against me and opposed my efforts. Men from the village stopped our caravan and deflated the tyres of our buses. He will mislead our women and encourage them to misbehave, they said. In 2015, I started a Selfie with Daughter campaign which found a mention in the Prime Ministers monthly radio address. I launched the campaign on June 19, my birthday, by posting a selfie with my daughter Nandini. Selfies poured in, not just from Bibipur and other places in Haryana, but also from states across India and countries across the globe. Many people demonise social media, but through it, I was able to create awareness about these issues. I was called by the former president, Pranab Mukherjee, who invited me to talk about the campaign. I gave him an insight into how the campaign had become a cry for womens empowerment. I wasnt always a crusader for gender rights. I was unfamiliar with the phrase female foeticide till Id completed my masters degree. Even at the time of contesting elections for the post of sarpanch, development was my only focus. However, I was always inspired by the struggles of my father, who was a government school teacher and wanted me to give back to society. He would often tell us how there were fewer girls in schools or how they never got the same opportunities as boys. These stories never quite left me, and when the time came to make a change, I knew that I had to rise to the occasion and do my bit. At the time of my daughters birth in 2012, there were 37 girls in Bibipur for 59 boys. A lot needs to change. There is scope for improvement on the ground. I visit villages across Haryana to spread the message of womens empowerment. In each village, I make a team of women called Team Lado. Over the coming three or four years, my plan is to take this campaign to the national level. There are more than 700 districts in the country and my dream is to have a Team Lado in each district. The larger goal is to mobilise these teams to usher in a revolution in all corners of the country. The country may have gained independence in 1947 but its women still long for freedom. I want my two daughters, Nandini and Yashika, to grow up in a world that doesnt differentiate between men and women. My daughters understand what I do, and hopefully, in the days to come, theyll carry forward my message and help women reclaim the freedom that is rightfully theirs. (As told to Sadia Akhtar. Sunil Jaglan features in the documentary SON RISE a film by National Award winning filmmaker Vibha Bakshi) BJPs Shatrughan Sinha has been vocal critic of his party for quite sometime now. The Patna MP was on Tuesday advised by a party colleague to quit if he doesnt like the BJP. The advice came from Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi during a TV debate on Tuesday night. Sushil Modi said Sinha has fallen into the bad company of Yashwant Sinha. Sinha, a Bollywood actor-turned-politician, often lashes out at his own party leaders, that too from public platforms. He has also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several issues. Shatrughan Sinha is also my icon but the manner in which he is targeting the BJP, he should quit. He is using unwarranted language against the party which had made him the cabinet minister, a Rajya Sabha MP for two terms and also gave two terms in the Lok Sabha, said the deputy CM. What is embarrassing BJP more is that while criticising his own party, Sinha has, of late, started visiting opposition leaders and showering praises on them. He met Lalu Prasad and has started projecting his son as CM of Bihar, said Sushil Modi. Sinha, who had earlier visited ailing Lalu Prasad at his Patna residence, also called on him at RIIMS, Ranchi, where is undergoing treatment since December last. Sushil Modi dared Sinha to leave the BJP and then contest from Patna Sahib if he is so sure of his popularity. His victory in last parliamentary elections was made possible by the joint efforts of BJP leaders Nand Kishore Yadav, Sanjeev Chaurasia, Arun Kumar Sinha and Nitish Navin, he claimed. Sushil Modi, whose name is doing rounds in the political circles as a probable BJP candidate from Patna Sahib, left it to the party to take a call. If the party decides, I will contest. I am born in the BJP and will die in this party, he said. Sushil Modi was elected as an MP from Bhagalpur in 2004 before becoming the deputy chief minister in the Nitish Kumar-led NDA ministry in 2005. Sinha, in all likelihood, will not get the BJP ticket following his anti-party stand over several issues, said officials aware of developments. The BJP MP had announced his intention to contest again from Patna Sahib in 2019, but did not specify which party he would represent. The BJP did not give me a ticket; I took it on my own. And I will contest from Patna Sahib again, he had told party workers at a meet. The location (constituency) will be the same, even if the situation is otherwise. Sinha has been cosying up to opposition parties such as the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress but is yet to disclose which one he might team up with in 2019. He has praised RJDs Tejashwi Yadav, calling him a very mature leader. Yadav reciprocated the gesture at an iftar party last year. Chacha (Shatrughan Sinha) is with us, he said, fuelling speculation that Sinha could be the RJD candidate for the Patna Sahib seat in 2019. The two-time Lok Sabha MP has also openly praised Congress chief Rahul Gandhi. Cape Coral voters will again elect city council members on the same ballots that also contain federal, state and county races. The Cape Coral City Council on Monday approved an ordinance that will change when municipal elections are held, a measure that will save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars while increasing voter turnout. The 7-1 decision will move city elections from odd-numbered back to even-numbered years, when presidential and gubernatorial elections also take place. The ordinance will take effect for the 2020 presidential election for Council seats 2, 3, 5 and 7. The elections for the seats for Districts 1, 4, and 6, and the mayoral seat will be moved to fall of 2022. The ordinance provides for a one-time, one-year extension of terms of current council members and mayor to accommodate the change. All council seats, including the mayoral, are elected citywide. By state law, terms cannot be shortened, only extended when election cycles are changed. Tom Hart, legal counsel, and Bernie Feliciano, assistant supervisor for the Lee Elections Office, addressed the benefits of having even-numbered-year elections, which have the approval of Lee County Supervisor of Elections Tommy Doyle. Doyle, who could not attend Mondays meeting, has stated he is in approval of the change, provided only one general referendum be placed on the general election ballot, with the exception of bond referendums. Any additional city referenda would be placed on the primary ballot. Before the election ordinance was heard, the citys Charter Review Commission said in its presentation of recommended changes to the city charter that it also recommended even-year elections, something the city had before a previous supervisor of elections required Lee municipalities change to their schedules due to too crowded ballots. The proposed change was a problem for Councilmember Rick Williams, who said a change in the election cycle should be brought to referendum and so a public vote. We are taking the vote away from the people and they should have the right to vote on it. We were elected for four years, not five, said Williams, who is in his last term. We need to follow the charter review process. I will not support this. Councilmember Marilyn Stout pointed out there was precedence city elections were moved to odd-numbered years in 2007 via ordinance. Florida Statutes provide that municipalities can exercise home rule powers to amend their charter to change election dates and terms of office changes without referendum. Councilmember David Stokes added that a poll conducted by the Cape Coral Breeze showed 75 percent of participants approved the move. Last time we had 17 percent turnout for the local election and 80 percent for the presidential election, Stokes said. Saving $400,000 and increasing turnout 400 percent is a no-brainer. During public comment, former city council member Kevin McGrail told a story of how he tried to convince former Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington to move elections back to even-numbered years. Harrington took office after her predecessor mandated the change. She hung up on me. Im all for this. Its a home run for the city, McGrail said. With the GO Bonds and all the money youll be saving, put sidewalks in to help kids get to the parks safely. Mayor Joe Coviello said ultimately, Council was elected to make decisions like this, not the residents. This is one of those decisions that we cant just push on the voters. Some people might see this and see the extra year, Coviello said. Some might not turn down the extra year, some might. Well cross that bridge when we get to it. The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to modify its July 2018 verdict on the selection and appointment of state police chiefs. It said the directions in the judgment are wholesome and would serve the public interest. A Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi-led bench rejected pleas of five states Punjab, Kerala, West Bengal, Haryana, and Bihar to modify the July 2018 verdict to let them apply local laws to select their police chiefs. The directions had also put in abeyance implementation of the state laws. The top court had on July 3 issued directions on police reforms and underlined the steps for appointment of regular police chiefs. It said the states will have to send a list of senior police officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at least three months prior to the retirement of the incumbent. The commission will then prepare a panel and inform the states, which, in turn, will appoint one of the persons from that list. The states submitted the choice of the police chiefs should be left to them since it pertains to a state subject. The Centre had suggested the constitution of a composite committee comprising representatives of the Union and the state government concerned for the appointment of a police chief. The five states had told the court that they have framed a comprehensive law, dealing with the procedures to appoint police chiefs in pursuance of the 2006 apex court verdict on police reforms. The courts directions had come following an application the Centre had filed, saying certain states have been appointing acting police chiefs and then making them permanent just before the dates of their retirement. It said it was being done to enable them get the benefit of additional two-year tenure until the age of 62. The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to give urgent hearing to Karti Chidambaram, an accused in Aircel-Maxis case, seeking permission to travel abroad. We are not interested We have better things to do, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi remarked during the hearing. We will see what can be done, he added. In November too, Karti had sought an urgent hearing to let him travel abroad. Dont go... Stay back in India, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had said. Karti, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, is being investigated by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in the Aircel-Maxis and INX media case relating to the clearance by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board to receive foreign funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore when his father was the finance minister. In July this year, the Supreme Court had allowed him to travel to the United Kingdom, France and the United States of America for about a week. When he returned to the Supreme Court for permission to travel abroad again in November, the court made it clear that this was not a matter which deserved an out-of-turn hearing. Despite prohibition on sale of tobacco and related products near educational institutions, its sale and advertisement is still common, found a survey done by activist groups across Delhi, Gujarat, MP, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. As high as 225 (about 40%) of the 487 points of sale surveyed around 243 schools by Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI) and Consumer Voice as part of the study Tiny Targets were found flouting the 100-yard guidelines. Under section 6(b) of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the sale of tobacco is prohibited within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institutions. Street vendors were the most common form of sellers at 56.6% of the 225 tobacco points. Also, 91% of displays were at as low as one metre a childs eye level; 90% of displays were beside candy, sweets and other items for children; and 54% of the points of sale had no visible health warning. Around 32.5% sellers offered free tobacco products to children, and 37.5% offered discounts on these tobacco items. The industry is trying to catch their clients young as they need people who would be regular users later on in life. Early teens are impressionable minds and their brains get addicted to tobacco use very early, so what better way than to make tobacco products accessible closer to school and also advertise to build curiosity, said Bhavna Mukhopadhyay, chief executive, VHAI. The tobacco industry must be held accountable. There is enough proof in the survey data. We will approach the authorities concerned to take action. Protesters forced two women in their 30s to turn back halfway from the hilltop shrine of Sabarimala in Keralas Pathanamthitta on Wednesday, days after two others became the first to offer prayers at the shrine in centuries. Reshma Nishanth and Shanila Sajesh, residents of Kannur, covered almost half of the 5.5-kilometre trek to the temple but were intercepted by angry devotees in the morning. Live Updates Dressed in mens clothes, they used the lean time early in the morning to dodge protesters and started trekking at 5am. Both of them said they came after police promised protection. Also read: Kerala govts stand on Sabarimala temple row one of most shameful, says Modi They managed to trek for some time but were identified and encircled by the protesters as they walked up. Police then arrested five of the protesters and the women continued trekking for some time. They were stopped in Neelimala as large numbers of protesters lay on the path leading to the temple to stop them from going further. The drama continued for two hours and police removed them forcibly. Police pleaded helplessness as the situation turned tense, saying it was beyond their control and took the women to Pambha, the base camp, after they were blocked. States temple minister Kadakampally Surendran said preventing the women, who came after taking the vow and fasted for the pilgrimage, was really deplorable. Surendran said the government did not want to create a scene so police took utmost restraint in handling the protesters. We dont need any certificate from Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi whose party is on a mission to annihilate people in the name of the cow, the minister said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Kerala government on its handling of the Sabarimala controversy, saying the Communists didnt respect Indias culture and spiritual traditions. He also slammed the Congress for taking multiple stands on the issue. Modi hit out at the LDF government led by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the opposition spearheaded by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in the state, said both the fronts were two sides of the same coin. We know that the Communists do not respect Indias culture, history, and spirituality, Modi said at a public meeting in Kollam. Turning to the Congress, he said: They say one thing in Parliament and another in Pathanamthitta. He added that they are only different in name but are similar when it comes to corruption, casteism, communalism and in damaging the cultural fabric of Kerala. Also read: Ten safe houses later, Sabarimala braveheart runs into trouble at home Modi said at a public rally in the state capital, his first in south India with barely three months left for the crucial general election, that the state governments conduct on Sabarimala will go down in the history as one of the most shameful. Both the CPI(M) and Opposition Congress criticised the Prime Ministers comments on Sabarimala. The Supreme Court in September last year allowed women of all ages to worship at the Sabarimala shrine, overturning a centuries-old traditional ban on women of childbearing age from entering the temple. Female devotees aged between 10 and 50 had for decades been barred from the shrine on grounds that the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa is a celibate, and the top courts ruling enraged traditionalists in Kerala. The Left Democratic Front government led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) said it was determined to uphold the court verdict. On January 2, two women in their 40s became the first to worship at the shrine on Wednesday, triggering unrest in many parts of Kerala. One of them, Kanaka Durga, was attacked by her mother-in-law on her return home on Monday. She was admitted in a hospital at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district. Congress President Rahul Gandhi wished a speedy recovery to finance minister Arun Jaitley who is in the US for a regular medical check-up. Im upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley,Gandhi said in a tweet. Government officials said, the finance minister has gone to the US on Sunday for a routine check-up . Opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which was passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8 and is pending before the Rajya Sabha, continues to rage in Manipur. On Tuesday, three protests -- one by representatives of nine political parties and two by students of higher secondary schools in association with women vendors rocked Imphal. The students and the women vendors staged a protest march in the heart of Imphal around noon. However, the police prevented them from marching towards the silent zones at BT road in Imphal, sources said. Later another police team also prevented a similar rally in front of animal husbandry department office at around 2pm. Police also fired tear gas shells to control agitators. Nine political parties including state units of CPI, RSP, CPI(M),NCP, Forward Block, AAP, BSP, JD(S)and PRJA (Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance),a regional party organised, a convention in the state capital against Citizenship Bill and demanded its withdrawal and summoning of the Manipur assembly to discuss the issue. Later, they took out a protest rally to the Kangla fort. Weve a convention of nine political parties to demand withdrawal of the bill and summoning of assembly so that the elected members have to discuss on this issue, said Dr M Nara, CPI leader. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill which was passed in Lok Sabha would pave way for citizenship to migrants from six religious communities including Parsis, Jains, Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus who move to India to escape religious persecution in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh. On January 10, Manipurs coalition government, led by chief minister N Biren Singh, held a cabinet meeting and decided to ask the Centre to exclude the state from the jurisdiction of the Citizenship Bill altogether and to give its consent to the Manipur People Bill 2018, which has been passed by the state assembly and seeks to regulate the entry and exit of non-Manipuris to and from the state. Manipur's population is only about 0.2% of the whole countrys. Almost the entire northeast has opposed the Bill. The BJPs push to turn the Bill into law has already cost it one alliance after the AGP walked out of the Assam government. Last week, the National Peoples Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance cabinet, which has two BJP ministers, passed a resolution opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. A proposed legislation to check Ponzi schemes will make crowdfunding illegal and financing for startups difficult in its present form unless the concept of an unregulated deposit is explicitly defined in the bill, according to M Veerappa Moily, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on finance. The Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2018, which aims to check unscrupulous entities from cheating gullible investors, was introduced in the Lok Sabha in July last year. It was subsequently referred to the parliamentary committee headed by Moily for vetting. The committee submitted its recommendations on the bill to the Parliament earlier this month, on January 3. While appreciating the intent of the bill, the panel expressed its concern over unbridled powers the proposed law gives to enforcement agencies and field staff by not defining unregulated deposits explicitly. Crowdfunding entails raising small amounts of capital from a large number of people to finance a new venture, making use of the easy accessibility of vast networks of people through social media and investor websites. In India, the angel ecosystem is not well defined. Their funding cheque-sizes are often very small. Most of the investors are now consolidating their investments instead of funding more number of startups. The global ecosystem is well ahead of us. At this point in time, a bill in its present form can have negative impact on startups. This is the time for India to nurture startups, said Subhadeep Bhattacharyya, co-founder, jubi.ai, a Mumbai-based tech startup. According to the bill, barring deposits that are regulated by regulators, all other fund-raising activities fall within the definition of unregulated deposits. Legitimate deposits, according to the bill, are overseen by watchdogs such as the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), National Housing Bank, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, Employees Provident Fund Organisation, the ministry of corporate affairs and schemes offered by state governments. The committee finds the definition ambiguous and prone to harassment and misuse. There are also financing arrangements and channels of financing, involving entities in the informal sector including startups and small entrepreneurs, which may by default fall under the ambit of unregulated scheme due to absence in the Bill of a coherent, clear-cut definition of unregulated, the report said. We have submitted our recommendations. Now, it is up to the government to apply its mind and accept or reject our recommendations, Moily said. Shruti Rajan, a partner at the law firm Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas said that while the law can have an impact on crowd funding to kick-start businesses, such funding of charitable ventures is unlikely to be affected. The solution to that could be to introduce exceptions based on ticket size, nature of the investor, etc in this bill. But as and when SEBI introduces a regulatory structure for crowd funding, one would have to go back to this legislation and bring in necessary amendments as well, she said. In a submission to the panel, the finance ministry justified the governments move to keep the definition residual. If unregulated deposit schemes were to be defined by characteristic or features, then the possibility is always there that some illegal operators may deliberately disguise schemes to escape the provisions of the bill, it said. The committee, however, expressed apprehension that this bill could end up leaving unfettered discretion to enforcement authorities in the backdrop of the fact that there are a large number of gullible people who depend on small short-term credits or deposits to meet needs, including trade advances, which are effectively deposits, and the vast informal banking sector. Rajan said the legislation has to be seen against the backdrop of an existing regulatory environment that led to ponzi schemes such as Rose Valley and Sharada in West Bengal in which thousands of investors lost money. A law like this, therefore, only reinforces the importance of protecting that last-mile investor/depositor, she said. Once it becomes law, the bill does not prohibit fund-raising from NBFCs (non-banking financial companies), MFIs (microfinance institutions), etc, even where formal banking channels are not available. In a way, this will also encourage small ventures to seek formal lines of credit rather than unorganised pools of capital for funding. All this serves the larger financial inclusion goal very well, she said. She proposed some exceptions. Like we discussed with crowd funding, the government can consider including exceptions based on the ticket size, sophisticated nature of the investor, etc to allow small start-ups to create innovative funding structures that do not inadvertently trip up on this legislation, she said. The Union government on Wednesday cleared the names of two judges for elevation to the Supreme Court even as the higher judiciary plunged deeper into controversy with former members of the apex courts collegium questioning its decisions and asking for more transparency in the selection process. The five-member body is under scrutiny after it emerged that it reversed a December decision to elevate two high court chief justices to the apex court and instead picked two others in January, in the process superseding several other judges on the all-India seniority list of high court judges. The elevation of the two justices, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna, was cleared by the government in separate orders. Hours before that, the Bar Council of India and the Delhi Bar Council issued strongly worded statements suggesting the collegiums recommendations went against the seniority principle. The row comes a year after the four senior-most Supreme Court judges after the Chief Justice of India (CJI) held an unprecedented press conference where they disagreed with then-CJI Dipak Misras style of functioning, said he was assigning important cases to junior judges, and suggested a consultation-led process among the top five judges and a set of guidelines for deciding on the case roster and work allocation. Three of those judges justices J Chelameswar, Kurian Joseph and Madan Lokur have retired since, as has Misra. The fourth, justice Ranjan Gogoi, is the present CJI. On December 12, the collegium comprising justices Gogoi, Lokur, AK Sikri, SA Bobde and NV?Ramana decided to elevate justice Pradeep Nandrajog, chief justice of the Rajasthan high court, and justice Rajendra Menon, chief justice of the Delhi high court. On January 10, a reconstituted collegium, with justice Arun Mishra replacing retired justice Lokur, instead picked Karnataka high court chief justice Maheshwari and justice Khanna of the Delhi high court. To be sure, the first decision wasnt displayed on the courts website as such decisions are. Nor was it sent to the law ministry. As controversy brewed over the decision, led by former Delhi high court judge Kailash Gambhir who wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday describing the reversal as a black day, former chief justices of the Supreme Court said the goings-on were a sad moment for the judiciary. The collegium is not an individual thing. It is an institution and institutional decisions cannot be a changed because of change in composition. Moreover, a lot of thought goes into collegiums decisions, former CJI RM Lodha said. In the present case, the only judge who was changed was justice Lokur because of his retirement. Four judges were the same, and even if there was additional material that was brought forth, the collegium should have first disposed of the elevation cleared before considering the new names, he added. Juctice Lodha also hit out at the way the collegium recommended the elevation of justice Maheshwari. The case of justice Maheshwari is a curious one. Six weeks back, when the collegium was considering a judge from Rajasthan for elevation, they found justice Maheshwari not suitable and recommended justice Ajay Rastogi. Now suddenly, after six weeks, he is found to be deserving. We cannot find in the collegium resolution why this happened. There is no transparency in this exercise, he said. The present episode shows that not much has changed in the Supreme Court in the last one year following the press conference. Another former CJI, justice JS Kehar said: Whatever is happening is not good for the institution. I believe that if there is a controversy it should be sorted out by wider consultations. A third former CJI, justice KG Balakrishnan, endorsed the view. Its a sad thing that such a thing has happened in Supreme Court. Seniority as a principle is generally not violated for appointments. There are some cases where the senior judge may not be suitable for appointment but there is a way for dealing with such situations. When faced with such a situation, I let the senior judge retire before elevating the junior judge. Retired justice Gyan Sudha Mishra of Supreme Court said she found it very surprising that the names were changed without any rhyme or reason. What exactly was the extraordinary reason for which the collegium changed the names within a month of the last meeting? she asked. Of the retired judges who were part of last years press conference, justices Chelameswar and Kurian Joseph could not be reached despite repeated attempts and justice Lokur declined to comment. A government official, who asked not to be named, argued that while every decision of the collegium is uploaded as Resolutions of Collegium on the Supreme Court website, there is no record for the December 12, 2018 decision that reportedly recommended the elevation of justices Nandrajog and Menon, suggesting that the names were not officially recommended. The official also pointed out that while the elevation of justices Maheshwari and Khanna was ahead others senior to them, there are three more vacancies in the court. Senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, an HT columnist, wrote in a commentary on Wednesday that justice Khannas appointment to the Supreme Court would entail the supersession of chief justices Nandrajog of the Rajasthan high court, and his Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir counterparts S Ravindra Bhat and Gita Mittal. Suppose, for example, we were in the pre-collegium system, such a decision would have been described as being arbitrary and whimsical because all of the three proposed to be superseded are fine judges and are neither lacking integrity nor judicial competence, he wrote. Amid row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi receiving the Philip Kotler Presidential Award, the marketing guru, after whom the award is named, listed the reasons why the Indian leader was chosen. Philip Kotler wrote that Prime Minister Modi stood the highest in the criteria used to select a winner. He has improved his countrys image and visibility on the global stage. A committee voted on possible leaders given the criteria. The final decision was mine, he wrote after political sparring followed in India following the announcement of the award. I was involved in a misunderstanding with the Indian media. Confusion over the award presented to India's PM @narendramodi by my friend Jag Sheth and The World Marketing Summit. Here's my @marketingjour interview to clear up the confusion: https://t.co/rHmnv86QU2 Philip Kotler (@kotl) January 15, 2019 Tweeting the link of his interview to clear all the confusion over the award presented to Modi, Kotler listed the criteria used for the selection. He wrote, the Kotler leader is one who: believes in representative government and in social justice. believes that a good society will build a healthy business climate. encourages businesses to practice the triple bottom line, namely to balance profits, people, and the planet in their deliberations. sincerely and wholeheartedly works for the Common Good. Kotlers post came after Congress President tweeted a tongue-in-cheek congratulatory message. In fact its (the award) so famous it has no jury, has never been given out before and is backed by an unheard of Aligarh company, Rahul Gandhi posted. I want to congratulate our PM, on winning the world famous "Kotler Presidential Award"! In fact it's so famous it has no jury, has never been given out before & is backed by an unheard of Aligarh company. Event Partners: Patanjali & Republic TV :)https://t.co/449Vk9Ybmz Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 15, 2019 Union Minister Smriti Irani bristled back pointing out the Gandhi family gave all awards to themselves. Rich !!! Coming from a person whose illustrious family decided to confer the Bharat Ratna on themselves. https://t.co/ipzyRrXNiX Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 15, 2019 Prof. Philip Kotler is a world renowned Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. Owing to his ill-health, Jagdish Sheth of EMORY University, Georgia, US, was deputed to confer the award. Congress state working president and Jharsuguda legislator Naba Kishore Das on Wednesday resigned from the primary membership of party, a week before partys national president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit the state. Das will join BJD on January 24 when chief minister Naveen Patnaik visits Jharsuguda. In his resignation letter to Gandhi, Das said he was resigning from the party as the people and voters of his area wanted that he should contest the 2019 election from Biju Janata Dal (BJD). On the request of public and voters, I have decided to resign from the Indian National Congress with primary membership and from the post of working president of PCC. My people wanted development of the area. I apologise for this resignation, as it is done for development, wrote Das in the letter. State Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik said: I think this is good for us. People who are not committed to the ideology and treat politics as commercial activity are doing great service to us by quitting. Odisha Congress stands stronger than ever. Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 7:09PM According to Apple, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max couldn't get Qualcomm chips because the chip maker wouldn't sell it to them Qualcomm is currently on trial against the US Federal Trade Commission in California with the former facing charges that accuse them of engaging in monopolistic practices. At the trial, its being brought to light what happened between the chip maker and Apple. Apples Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams said in a testimony to the US Federal Trade Commission that Qualcomm refused to sell them chips after Apple sued them over its licensing practices. At first glance, it seems Apple switched exclusively to Intel modems for competitive reasonsor even out of spitebut according to Williams testimony, there were plans to use both Qualcomm and Intel chips, but the former refused to sell to them. And we heard about how much Apple had to pay Qualcomm for its modems. According to Williams, it was US$7.50 per device, which is five times more than the $1.50 it wanted to pay. But Williams said they paid because they needed the chips and they didnt have a lot of options. The trouble between the two companies started in 2017 when Apple sued Qualcomm for unfair licensing terms. Qualcomm countersued, claiming Apple infringed on its patents and was sharing information with Intel. As of October 2018, Qualcomm claims Apple owes them $7 billion in royalty payments. The company has taken Apple to court in other countries. Its even won in Germany and China has gotten bans for selling older iPhones in those countries. Consumers are getting the short end of the stick here, too. This could hurt Apples chances of getting a 5G iPhone out on to the market soon. Intels 5G chips arent expected to come out until 2020. Plus, its known that Intels LTE modems are slower than Qualcomms. Back when Apple used both chips, Apple had to cap the speeds on Qualcomm modems so some iPhones wont have faster speeds over the others. Source: The Verge Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who was pushed out of city politics following her partys humiliating defeat over four years ago, took over as Delhi Congress chief on Wednesday. In her first comments before taking charge, the 80-year-old politician said the party will strategise to meet the challenges ahead. Her predecessor Ajay Makens exit had sparked buzz that the party could be open to a alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party, which had unseated the Congress in 2015 after three consecutive terms in power. In recent weeks, Sheila Dikshit has not articulated any strong stance on the alliance with Aam Aadmi Party but there have been suggestions that she is unlikely to too enthusiastic about teaming up with AAPs Arvind Kejriwal who had run a stinging campaign against her, accusing her of corruption in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. But just before she formally took charge, Sheila Dikshit spoke of the BJP and AAP in the same breath. BJP and AAP both are a challenge; we will meet the challenges together, she said, according to news agency ANI. There is nothing on alliance with AAP yet, she added. Also Watch: Sheila Dikshit appointed Delhi Congress chief, gets three working presidents Dikshits stand is a sharp contrast to her predecessor Ajay Makens vociferous, and very public opposition to the idea of tying up with AAP. When rumours about a possible alliance with the Congress first emerged from the AAP camp last year, Maken had gone on overdrive to tell the party leadership that this was a very bad idea. This is why his exit, timed around the same time AAPs HS Phoolka who was opposed to an alliance with Congress, had breathed life into rumours of an alliance. Also Read : Why Congress lost Delhi, Sheila Dikshit reveals in autobiography Sheila Dikshit has maintained that it is for the party leadership to decide on alliances. But there have been clear hints to indicate where she stands. We are all hurt... at the way they spoke about Rajiv Gandhi, she said, a reference to the controversy around an assembly resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots when some leaders had attacked former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Also Read : Leadership crisis in Congress, says AAP on Sheila Dikshits appointment It was Rajiv Gandhi back in 1980s who inducted Sheila Dikshit into the government when he gave the alumni from Delhis Miranda House her first ministerial assignment. She had cut her political teeth helping out veteran Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Uma Shankar Dikshit, her father-in-law. She started off as a reluctant politician, and cut her political teeth assisting her father-in-law, a veteran Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Uma Shankar Dikshit, who was a minster in Indira Gandhis cabinet. Many years later when the BJP was trying to make a comeback to the Delhi government and Congress leaders were too busy pulling each other down, the party deployed the outsider Sheila Dikshit. It was her first stint as Delhi Congress chief. She didnt hold the post for very long then. She led the party to victory and became chief minister. The winning streak continued for 15 years till Aam Aadmi Party was born out of an anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare. The Congress came under attack from the Akali Dal (Badal) after Jagdish Tytler, an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case showed up at an event where Sheila Dikshit took charge as the Delhi Congress chief today. Dikshit was appointed as new president of the Delhi unit of the Congress on January 10. Devender Yadav, Rajesh Lilothia and Haroon Yusuf were appointed as working presidents to assist the former Delhi chief minister. Tytlers presence became a red flag for the Akali Dal. What his family did earlier, Rahul ji is just continuing with that tradition. It clearly shows that they have no respect for sentiments of Sikhs,Akali Dals Harsimrat Kaur Badal told ANI. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Akali Dal on Jagdish Tytler present at Congress event in Delhi: What his family did earlier, Rahul ji is just continuing with that tradition. It clearly shows that they have no respect for sentiments of Sikhs. pic.twitter.com/jAI1cJl2X9 ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 Tytler was named as one of the main accused of the anti-Sikh riots in the report by the Nanavati Commission into the immediate aftermath of the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination on October 31, 1984. Last month, former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar surrendered in a Delhi court after being awarded life sentence by the Delhi High Court in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots case. Tytler refused to comment on Sajjan Kumars conviction and insisted that the had nothing to do wit the riots. Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen MLA Mumtaz Ahmed Khan was on Wednesday sworn in as the pro-tem Speaker of the newly-constituted Telangana assembly, the first session of which will begin on Thursday. Khan, who has been six-time MLA from Yakutpura assembly constituency, was administered oath as pro-tem Speaker by Governor E S L Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan at a brief ceremony which was attended by chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, MIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and several TRS and MIM legislators, besides officials and MIM party workers. Khan would, in turn, administer oath of office to the newly-elected MLAs in the assembly which would commence its operations at 11.05 am on Thursday. Lone Bharatiya Janata Party MLA T Raja Singh, representing Goshamahal constituency, however, refused to be administered oath by a pro-tem Speaker belonging to the MIM. The Telangana chief minister will be the first person to take oath as the member of the assembly. Before that, KCR, as the chief minister is popularly known, will pay tributes to Telangana martyrs at the Gun Park in front of the assembly building. All the TRS MLAs will also join him in paying tributes. After all the MLAs take their oath, the pro-tem Speaker would initiate the process for election to the Speakers post. Suspense still continues over the probable candidates, as several MLAs expressed their reluctance to accept the post because of the jinx attached to it: whoever becomes the Speaker loses in the immediate next elections. However, a TRS leader said the names of senior legislators like Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Padma Devender Reddy and Eatala Rajender were under consideration of the chief minister for the post. The election of the Speaker will take place on Friday. The newly-elected speaker will conduct the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting after the house is adjourned. On January 19, the Governor will address a joint session of the state assembly and council. The next day, the House will introduce motion of thanks to the Governors address and adopt the same. As Congress lawmaker L B P Bheema Naik reached a guest house in Bengaluru where party leaders were gathered, the Congress claimed that it had defeated any possibility of desertion in its ranks and called a meeting of its legislature party on Friday to show its strength. The Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance government had been jolted by the withdrawal of support by two Independent MLAs, who had been part of the government, on Tuesday. There had been speculation in the state that the government was set to fall even as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party continued to keep its MLAs in a resort in Gurugram. Arriving at the Kumar Krupa Guest House where Congress general secretary in charge of state, KC Venugopal, was staying and where Congress leaders had congregated , Naik said there was no truth to the allegation that he had been approached by the BJP. The fact that his mobile had been switched off had led to speculation that he was one among five Congress MLAs who had switched sides. I have two mobile numbers and one of them was switched off. There is no truth to these allegations against me. I have not been approached by the BJP, Naik told reporters. Watch: I have sufficient number: HD Kumaraswamy on BJPs horse-trading remark Even as the day began with speculation indications that the Congress was unperturbed came with the news that its trouble shooter in the state, irrigation minister DK Shivakumar, had gone to Maharashtras Aurangabad to attend an international conference. Former chief minister Siddaramaiah, who is the chief of the Congress Legislature Party, too, took to the road, visiting Chickamagaluru district. Speaking to HT later in the day, home minister MB Patil maintained there was no question of any operation to poach Congress MLAs. All of our leaders are in touch with us and they will arrive for the legislature party meeting where everybody will see that we are united and that this government is strong, he said. In fact, one of the independent MLAs who withdrew support on Tuesday also got in touch with us, expressing his desire to join us again, Patil added. Meanwhile, state Congress president Dinesh Gundu Rao said the episode had exposed the BJP and its unethical politics. Today the nation is witness to the level to which the BJP is willing to stoop to destabilise a state government. These past two days have only strengthened our coalition further, he said. Union minister and former Karnataka chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, who had said on Tuesday that his party would form the government if the current one fell, refused to comment on the days developments. Im unaware of the developments as I am in Delhi to attend Cabinet meetings, he said. A 26-year-old male nurse has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting three women patients at a premier cancer institute in Assams Guwahati, police said on Wednesday. Kamal Kanti Sen Choudhury, a resident of Belonia in Tripura, had allegedly assaulted the victims at the B Barooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) in Guwahati on the night of December 31. Following complaints from the patients to the hospital superintendent, a case was lodged and efforts were undertaken to nab the culprit. He was arrested in Tripura on Sunday, said inspector Dharani Barman, in-charge of Paltanbazar police station. Choudhury was brought to Guwahati on transit remand. He is at present in police custody. Police have registered a case under sections 354A, 376 (2) (E) and 511 of Indian Penal Code for sexual harassment, rape and attempting to steal. Reports said the accused, who had completed his nursing course from Tamil Nadu, had resigned from his post at the institute on January 8. Set up in 1973, 230-bedded BBCI is the premier hospital for cancer treatment in Assam. In 2017, the institute was taken over by the department of atomic energy as a unit of Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre. The Madhya Pradesh government has ordered verification of those detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) in the 1970s to ensure only genuine people held under the law get the pension. The order was issued on Wednesday and came days after the government stopped the pension on December 29 until the verification process is completed. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which lost power to the Congress last month in Madhya Pradesh, has opposed the move. Most people detained under the MISA in the state were associated with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJPs precursor. The MISA gave police sweeping powers like taking people into preventive detention indefinitely to counter threats, including those to the national security in the 1970s. The law was used during the national emergency, which the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed from 1975 to 1977, to suppress dissent. It was repealed in 1977 when the Congress was voted out of power. In the order, the government has asked commissioners and collectors to have the verification of those detained under MISA or the spouses of the former detainees, who have passed away, conducted by visiting them. The pensioners, under the scheme for those detained under MISA, get ?25,000 monthly apart from medical and other facilities, which include cremation of MISA detenues with state honour on their demise. Tapan Bhowmick, the state president of an organisation that represents the pensioners accused the states Congress government of vendetta. The former chief minister and BJP leader, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, called the order a U-turn in a tweet on Wednesday while talking exception to it. State Congress spokesman Santosh Gautam said ...This will weed out those among the beneficiaries, who dont deserve to be on the list [of pensioners]. Violence involving BJP-RSS and CPI(M) had rocked parts of Kerala during Jan 3 hartal Violence involving BJP-RSS and the ruling CPI(M) had rocked parts of Kerala during the January 3 hartal with several houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the entry of two women into the temple. The hill shrine would be closed on January 20 The hill shrine would be closed on January 20. All women who have followed the vritham can enter Sabarimala: Surendran Kadakampally Surendran said, All women who have followed the vritham can enter Sabarimala. Whats happening at Sabrimala is goondaism, reports PTI. Stopping women from visiting Sabarimala is barbaric: Kadakampally Surendran Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran termed the act of stopping devotees (women) from visiting Sabarimala barbaric.. reports PTI. P Manju made this claim in her Facebook post P Manju (36) made this claim in her Facebook post saying she entered the shrine by acting as an old woman who was over 50 years of age. 36-yr-old Dalit woman dyes hair grey, claims she entered Sabarimala shrine A Dalit woman activist, who is in her 30s, claimed she entered the hill shrine and had a darshan of the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa in the early hours of January 8.. Kerala has today become hostage to corruption and communalism of LDF and UDF: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said, Kerala has today become hostage to the corruption and communalism of the LDF and UDF. Kanaka Durga was attacked by relatives on her return home Kanaka Durga, one of the two women who made history by becoming the first in centuries to enter the Sabarimala hill temple in Kerala, was attacked by relatives on her return home on Monday. There have been sporadic outbreaks of violence There have since been sporadic outbreaks of violence between the authorities and protesters attempting to prevent women from entering, setting off a cultural battle in what is still a deeply religious country. The temple has been the site of tension The temple has been the site of tension since the Supreme Court ruled in late September to end a ban on women of menstruating age entering it. The two women have been moved to an undisclosed location The two women have been moved to an undisclosed location by the police. Two women who made history by becoming the first in centuries to enter Sabarimala hill temple in Kerala are in hiding Two women who made history by becoming the first in centuries to enter the Sabarimala hill temple in Kerala are in hiding after threats by hardline Hindu groups. Police used force to remove the two women to Pambha Police used force to remove the two women to Pambha. Kanaka Durga was attacked by her mother-in-law on her return home One of them, Kanaka Durga, was attacked by her mother-in-law on her return home on Monday. She was admitted in a hospital at Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district. On January 2, two women in their 40s became the first to worship at the shrine On January 2, two women in their 40s became the first to worship at the shrine, triggering unrest in many parts of Kerala. Kerala govts conduct on Sabarimala will go down in history as one of the most shameful: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the state governments conduct on Sabarimala will go down in the history as one of the most shameful. Communists didnt respect Indias culture and spiritual traditions: PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Keralas Left Democratic Front government on its handling of the Sabarimala controversy, saying the Communists didnt respect Indias culture and spiritual traditions. He also slammed the Congress for taking multiple stands on the issue. Female devotees aged between 10 and 50 had for decades been barred from the shrine Female devotees aged between 10 and 50 had for decades been barred from the shrine on grounds that the presiding deity Lord Ayyappa is a celibate, and the top courts ruling enraged traditionalists in Kerala. We dont need any certificate from PM Modi: Kadakampally Surendran We dont need any certificate from Prime Minister Narendra Modi whose party is on a mission to annihilate people in the name of cow. The PM had criticised the Left for trampling the age old beliefs and customs. Government did not want to create a scene: Kadakampally Surendran State temple affairs minister Kadakampally Surendran says preventing women who came after taking the vow and fast are really deplorable. The government did not want to create a scene so police took utmost restraint. Large numbers of protestors laid on path leading to the temple When the women reached Neelimala, large numbers of protestors laid on path leading to the temple. The drama continued for two hours and finally police removed them forcibly. The women were dressed as men and initially they managed to dodge protestors The women were dressed as men and initially they managed to dodge protestors. But soon some of them identified the women and encircled them. SC in September last year allowed women of all ages to worship at Sabarimala shrine The Supreme Court in September last year allowed women of all ages to worship at the Sabarimala shrine, overturning a centuries-old traditional ban on women of childbearing age from entering the temple. The women started trekking at 5 am The women used the lean time in the early hours to dodge protesters and started trekking at 5 am. Two women attempted to reach Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala Two women in their early 30s, Reshma Nishanth and Shanila Sajesh, attempted to reach Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple on Wednesday morning. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) vice-president Jayant Chaudhary and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief, Akhilesh Yadav, met in Lucknow on Wednesday without making much headway on any seat-sharing formula for the national polls this summer, according to people familiar with specifics of the meeting. Chaudhary called the talks very positive as the two parties were expected to finalise the formula in the days to come along with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). He had last week, too, met Yadav before the SP and the BSP announced their electoral alliance on January 12. The SP and BSP have agreed to contest 38 seats each in Uttar Pradesh, which has the most 80 Lok Sabha seats. They have left two seats each for other allies and the Congress Amethi and Rae Bareli. Congress president Rahul Gandhi represents Amethi while his mother, Sonia Gandhi, is a Parliament member from Rae Bareli. The Bharatiya Janata Party had returned to power in 2014 at the Centre after sweeping elections in states like Uttar Pradesh, where it won 71 out of the 80 seats. The BSP failed to win any seat while the SP managed five and Congress two. The rest of the two seats went to the BJPs allies. Chaudhary said the outcome of his talks with Yadav would be known very soon. We had a very nice meeting. The issues we discussed last time were carried forward today. We are sure an effective alliance against the [ruling] BJPs anti-farmer policies will be in place in the country. We have made a good beginning in this regard in Uttar Pradesh, said Chaudhary after the 90-minute meeting. He parried a question on seat-sharing. It is not an issue. The main concern is of trust and relations and both are very strong, he said. The fight is not mine but ours. And we will fight it together. Yadav is expected to discuss the matter with BSP chief, Mayawati, before making the formula public.People aware of the developments said the RLD was initially demanding half-a-dozen seats but could now settle for three. The SP and BSP had hinted at leaving two seats for RLD. While we have already been offered Baghpat and Mathura, we want Muzaffarnagar, too, an RLD leader, who did not wish to be named, said. He said seats beyond the two they were supposed to get would be given from the SP quota as Mayawati has made it clear that she would keep her share of 38 seats. There is also the possibility of the SP fielding its candidate on RLDs symbol on one or two seats as they did in Kairana Lok Sabha and Noorpur assembly [by] elections [in May], he added. Chaudhary did not rule out this formula being replicated on certain seats. We did it successfully in Kairana and Noorpur without considering whose candidates they were, he said. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao will meet YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy here on Wednesday to invite the party to join the proposed Federal Front. Rama Rao, who is son of Telangana Chief Minister and TRS President K. Chandrashekhar Rao, also known as KCR, along with some other leaders of the party will hold talks with Jaganmohan Reddy, who is the Leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, TRS sources said. This will be the first direct talks between the leaders of two parties since KCR floated the idea of Federal Front as an alternative to both Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress. Watch: Akhilesh Yadav congratulates KCR for trying to bring together federal front The TRS chief has already held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader M.K. Stalin. After taking over as the Chief Minister for second term following TRS victory in last months elections, KCR intensified his efforts to cobble together the Federal Front. TRS leaders are also likely to discuss with Jagan the possibility of their working together in Andhra Pradesh to defeat the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the ensuing elections in the neighbouring state. KCR last month dropped hints to this effect with a remark that he will return the gift to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu. He was referring to Naidu campaigning extensively in the Telangana elections. The grand alliance led by the Congress and comprising TDP and two other parties suffered crushing defeat in the Telangana polls. Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy continued to remain calm on Wednesday amid BJPs alleged bid to poach Congress MLAs in order to destabilise his government, assuring that he was in touch with everybody and there was no need to worry. Congress workers protested outside a resort in Gurugram, where Karnataka BJP MLAs are being kept to avoid being lured by ruling parties, news agency ANI tweeted, saying that they were alleging that BJP was indulging in horse trading. Dont worry, be happy. MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me, I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed, Kumaraswamy said on Wednesday morning. Watch: BJP trying to destabilise Karnataka govt: Kumaraswamy A day earlier, two independent MLAs, R Shankar and H Nagesh, had withdrawn from the JD(S)-Congress coalition, reducing its numbers to 118, which is still above the majority mark of 113. Kumaraswamy had then said that he was totally relaxed as he know his strength. Whatever is going on in media in the past week, I am enjoying. Read | Congress shouldnt treat JDS as third grade citizens: Kumaraswamy Cabinet expansion to accommodate more Since Monday, there was speculation that the BJP has been in touch with some Congress MLAs. Some leaders of the Congress are reported to be in a hotel in Mumbai. HT could not verify this independently. Karnataka Congress in-charge, K C Venugopal, said he was in touch with all Congress MLAs. This drama is going to end in a day or a two. We are all together, there is no internal fight in Congress. This is all baseless, he said. The party has also called a legislature party meeting in Bengaluru on January 18, ANI reported. Congress MP KH Muniyappa asked all those who left the fold to come back. Second generation Congressmen who won election must not feel insecure. Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal are aware of your grievances, you will be given chance in next cabinet expansion. Karnataka minister and Congress leader Zameer Ahmed Khan too said that his party MLAs had gone to Mumbai for holidays and will be back by Wednesday, ANI reported. On the other side, to avoid poaching by the ruling parties, BJP has been housing its 104 MLAs in a resort in Haryanas Gurugram, which has turned it into a fortress with armed men guarding it, according to IANS. With 104 members, even if the two independent legislators extend their support, the BJP is still short of the majority mark of 113 by seven MLAs. What makes the task of toppling the government harder is that any MLA who defects from the Congress or the JD(S) will have to resign from the assembly because of the anti-defection law, under which two-thirds members of a party must leave en mass to form a new group. That effectively means that even if the two independents switch to the BJP, for a total of 106, it will need 13 MLAs from the government to quit to bring down the strength of the house to 211 to gain a simple majority. (With inputs from agencies) The Karnataka Congress on Wednesday firmly ruled out any possibility of desertion in its ranks, soon after the partys legislator LBP Bheema Naik missing since the weekend reached a guest house in Bengaluru. It also claimed to have called a meeting of its legislature party on Friday to show its strength. Karnataka home minister and senior party leader MB Patil said there was no question of any operation to poach Congress MLAs. All of our leaders are in touch with us and they will arrive for the legislature party meeting where everybody will see that we are united and that this government is strong, he said. Arriving at the Kumar Krupa Guest House in the state capital, Naik said there was no truth to the allegation that he had been approached by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The fact that his mobile had been switched off had led to speculation that he was among the five Congress MLAs who had switched sides, Naik claimed. I have two mobile numbers and one of them was switched off. There is no truth to these allegations against me. I have not been approached by the BJP, he said. On Tuesday, the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance government in Karnataka received a jolt after two Independent MLAs, who had been part of the government, withdrew support. This led to both the ruling coalition and the opposition BJP accuse each other of trying to poach their MLAs even as the latter continued to keep its legislators in a resort in Gurugram to protect them from being wooed by the Congress-JD(S) leaders. In Delhi, senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge told reporters that the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka will remain stable alleging that the BJP was trying to intimidate their MLAs in state. On the rumour about the remaining four Congress MLAs deserting the party, he said, The four MLAs had gone to travel to Mumbai for their own personal reasons...They have given their statements also. I also had a word with chief minister Kumaraswamy who assured that there is nothing to worry.. We will be holding Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting on Friday where everyone will be present, he added. He also accused the BJP of trying to destabalise the state government. In Karnataka, the Modi government is trying to manipulate MLAs to form a government. MLAs are being intimidated through threats by of income tax raids and Enforcement Directorate (ED) and all other agencies under their control whether it is the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Kharge said, addressing media in Delhi. They (BJP) have held their own MLAs in a seven-star hotel in Gurugram. If BJP is so strong why are they protecting their own MLAs? Amit Shah is trying to do horse-trading, he had tried to do the same thing earlier in Karnataka and Yeddyurappa despite trying his best to form a government failed to do so, he said. All 118 Congress- JD(S) MLAs are intact and are not going to go anywhere they remain firm on their principles, he added. Union minister and former Karnataka chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, who earlier said his party would form the government if the current one fell, refused to comment on Friday. Im unaware of the developments as I have come to Delhi to attend Cabinet meetings, he said. (With inputs from Anisha Dutta) The Delhi Police on Tuesday said that they have charged former JNU students union president Kanhaiya Kumar with sedition based on the testimony of six fellow students, nine security guards and some of the university faculty members, who confirmed that Kumar had allegedly raised anti-national slogans and had led the protest on the campus on February 9, 2016. According to the police, one JNU student whose statement has been incorporated in the chargesheet as a witness against Kanhaiya Kumar was not a member of any political party. The other five students of the university were associated with the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP). Saurabh Sharma, one of the complainants, said that out of the five JNU students named as witnesses in the chargesheet, two are members of ABVP and three others were sympathisers of the party. The police also said that the eyewitnesses had seen Kumar accompanying the procession of JNU students forming unlawful assembly and raising anti-national slogans. It also added that in a 30-minute video footage, collected officially by Zee News, Kumar is seen accompanying the procession. Police said that Kumar was identified in the videos by eyewitnesses, who also said that he later led students to raise antinational slogans. The police have stated that an SMS, which was retrieved by Forensic Science Laboratory, was sent to Kumar by Umar Khalid asking him to reach Sabarmati dhaba as the permission to conduct the event had been cancelled. The police also said that the location of the mobile phone at the place of occurrence has also been used as evidence against Kanhaiya. It also said that pamphlets of the event were retrieved by experts from Khalids e-mail id. Khalids call detail records also proved his contact with Anirban Bhattacharya, Mujeeb, Muneeb, Umair Gul and Kanhaiya. On Monday, the police had filed a 1,200-page chargesheet against 10 people including Kumar, Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya accusing them of sedition and raising anti-India slogans. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav has accused Nitish Kumars JD(U) of being the advanced version of the Bharatiya Janata Party, a day after the Bihar chief minister said BJP chief Amit Shah recommended him that he should appoint Prashant Kishor as his deputy. Kumar has claimed that he had received calls from Amit Shah to induct poll strategist Prashant Kishor into his Janata Dal(United). He was not a newcomer for us. He had worked with us in the 2015 assembly polls. For a brief period, he was busy elsewhere. Please let it be known that none other than Amit Shah had asked me twice to induct Kishor in the JD(U), Nitish Kumar said on Tuesday. Prashant Kishor has been assigned the task of attracting young talent, from all social segments, to politics which was becoming inaccessible to those not born in political families, he said. Also read: Took Prashant Kishor into JD(U) after Amit Shah asked me twice, says Nitish Kumar Kishor was inducted to the JD(U) in September last year and elevated to the post of national vice-president weeks later triggering speculation that he was being groomed by Kumar as his political heir. The Bihar chief minister also said he had a lot of love for Tejashwi irrespective of the acerbic language he uses against me. Also watch: BJP will be whitewashed in UP & Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav But, Lalu Prasads younger son did not seem to return Kumars feelings. Finally Nitish Kumar admits that JDU is advanced version of BJP therefore he is giving all important organisational posts except him to the people chosen by Sh. Amit Shah (sic), the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader tweeted on Wednesday. Hope now you understand,Why Mob Lynchings & State Sponsored Crimes have become a routine practice in Bihar? (sic) he said. Tejashwi regularly picks on the Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Twitter and calls him chacha or uncle to launch his attacks on the state governments policies. In his latest tweet criticising the JD(U)-led government, Tejashwi accused Nitish Kumar of helping those involved in the sexual abuse of inmates in a Muzaffarpur shelter home. Nitish Kumar also attributed his sudden exit from the opposition alliance to Congress president Rahul Gandhis inability to take a stand on corruption charges against Tejashwi. He said on Tuesday night he had felt let down by Gandhi, then the partys vice-president, when he did not come up with even a statement that could have made me have second thoughts (about leaving the alliance). Kumar had quit the alliance, comprising the JD(U), the RJD and the Congress, in July 2017 after the CBI booked Tejashwi on corruption charges and the following strife between him and the RJD. Jallikattu, the traditional bull taming spectacle, primarily held as part of the four-day Pongal festival, kicked off to a colourful start in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. More than 100 people were injured in the events conducted at Avaniyapuram on Tuesday and at Palamedu on Wednesday. More than 500 bulls and 450 tamers took part in the event at Palamedu, while in Avaniyapuram, it was 450 bulls and 550 tamers. The prizes on offer at these events for successful tamers included an Omni van, gold and silver jewellery as well as consumer durables. At Avaniyapuram, Thirunavukkarasu (24), a BBA graduate from nearby Muthupatti, was adjudged the best tamer, while it was Prabhakaran (27) at Palamedu. Police in Madurai said of the 48 tamers who were injured at Palamedu, 13 seriously injured were admitted to hospital. At Avaniyapuram, 46 were injured and of them 8 critically injured were referred to the government-run Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Around 30 people were injured in the jallikattu at Suriyur and at other places in Trichy and Sivaganga district. #WATCH Karnataka: Cattle made to walk through fire during Kicchu Hayisuvudu ritual in Mandya, during #MakarSankranti celebrations. (14/1/19) pic.twitter.com/EOJXFjkCg5 ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 Madurai district collector Natarajan and additional director general of police Davidson told the media that the events in the past two days have passed off peacefully. Necessary security arrangements have been made for peaceful conduct of jallikattu at Alanganallur in Madurai on Thursday, they added. Alanganallur is long famed for Jallikattu and for long the state government has been showcasing it for tourists from Europe and the US. Bulls for jallikattu are specially reared and mostly, it is the women who take care of them. The ancient sport attracts thousands of people and the bull that defies the tamers is held in high esteem and is a pride for its owner. These bulls are used for breeding. As the bulls are unleashed from the Vadivasal (the starting point), enthusiastic bull tamers try to hold on to their hump till a particular distance. While in Alanganallur, the arena is a circular one, in most of the places it is held in a straight path. The sport was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014, following a plea by the Animal Welfare Board of India and Peta. Though the Union environment and forests ministry revoked the ban, it was later upheld by the top court. Then protests broke out across Tamil Nadu demanding rescinding of the ban and the Marina sea front turned out to the epicentre of the protests that lasted for more than a week. The Tamil Nadu government was forced to bring an ordinance to exempt the sport from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act on January 21, 2017. Subsequently, the Assembly passed the legislation. Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) president K Chandrasekhar Raos (KCR) son and the partys working president K T Rama Rao (KTR) held discussions with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress (YSRC) partys president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on the formation of a Federal Front on Wednesday. The two-hour meeting, which took place at Reddys residence in Banjara Hills was attended by senior leaders from both parties. KTR said he had preliminary discussions with Reddy over the need to form a Federal Front of regional parties to bring about a qualitative change in politics. For the last few months, our party president (KCR) has been meeting leaders of various regional parties including Naveen Patnaik, Mamata Banerjee and others to evolve a consensus... he will also go to Andhra Pradesh to have detailed discussions with Jagan. He will invite Jagan to be a part of the proposed Federal Front, KTR said. Reddy said the two discussed various issues including injustice being meted out to Andhra Pradesh in fulfilling the promises made in AP Reorganisation Act and denial of special category status to the state. If MPs from both the Telugu states could bring pressure on the Centre, we can achieve our goals..., he said. A TRS leader familiar with the development said the two also discussed the political situation in Andhra Pradesh and the prospects of various parties in the coming assembly elections. The TRS working president assured support to the YSRC to ensure the defeat of the N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party. Senior TDP leader and Andhra irrigation minister Devineni Umamaheshwar Rao said the proposed Federal Front was nothing but a Modi Front comprising KCR, Jagan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Senior Congress leader N Tulasi Reddy said he wasnt surprised by the meeting. The two parties are joined at the hip, he suggested. India on Wednesday summoned an official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the death of a civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani forces on January 11 in Sunderbani area of Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry of external affairs said India also protested Pakistans continued support to infiltration of terrorists into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces. Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces on 11 January 2019 in Sunderbani sector, the MEA said. It further said, Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Boundary. A civilian was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistani forces on January 11. The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number of 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border, according to official figures. CRPF jawan cremated with state honours The mortal remains of slain CRPF jawan Mahesh Meena were consigned to the flames with full state honours at his native village in Rajasthans Sikar district on Wednesday. Meena died on Monday while undergoing treatment for the past nine days after getting critically injured in an encounter with militants in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district. It may be tough to resist the taste of the famous Banarasi paan, but mindless spitting on the walls and streets of Varanasi is threatening the cleanliness mission in the city , the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Be it the ghats -- the steps that lead to the banks of the Ganga -- road dividers, streets or walls, red splotches left by paan eaters can be found in the entire city of how many people .That its the Lok Sabha pocket borough of no less than the Prime Minister, who launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) in 2014 to promote sanitation, hasnt made a difference to spitters of paan juice. Paan is a mildly intoxicating preparation wrapped in betel leaf, usually containing tobacco, betel nut and other flavourings. It is chewed as a stimulant, digestive aid or simply as a mouth freshener and spat out. Varanasi district magistrate Surendra Singh has now made an appeal to paan lovers not to spit in the open and deface the city. It is the responsibility of every resident to keep the city clean. It has been seen that some people often spit on dividers, roadsides and at public places which leaves behind red stains. It has a negative impact on the cleanliness mission, Singh said. Such activities create a negative image in the minds of foreigners who visit Varanasi from different parts of the world. He added: I appeal to the people not to spit in the open after chewing paan. I also appeal to paan sellers to urge people purchasing paan from their shops not to spit public places. They should also put up an appeal in their shops., the DM said. If possible, paan vendors should prepare and sell a paan that did not require paan chewers to spit the juice, the DM said This will help in making the cleanliness mission a complete success, he added, expressing the hope that every citizen would cooperate in the initiative. Kailash Chaurasia, a paan seller in the citys Teliabagh area, said: We offer two types of paan to the paan lovers. Paan with both kattha (translate) and choona (lime) and green paan leaves with only choona. After being chewed, kattha paan spit creates stains while choona paan doesnt create any stain. We will now promote the choona paan. In July 2017, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation (VMC) planned to fine paan chewers up to Rs 500 for spitting in the open and Rs 100 for littering public spaces with mahua leaf wrappers the triangular sheaths in which the popular chewy mixture is sold. The step was a part of the mission to clean litter and paan spit smudges in Varanasi. Municipal commissioner Nitin Bansal had then said there was no ban on chewing the Banarasi paan but people should enjoy it responsibly, without spitting and throwing the wrappers in public spaces.No headway was made and no fine was eventually imposed on people spitting in the open. Where there cleanliness, there is health. Where there is dirt, there is diseases. Therefore, I appeal to the people to keep their surroundings clean, said Rajesh Shukla, a cleanliness activist. They should not spit on the dividers and ghats and other public places. Dividers have been made for their safety. Keep them clean. The Banarasi paan is as legendary as its place of origin, known as the worlds oldest living city. Shops selling paan are located alongside the roads, bylanes and the famous Ganga ghats. The Banarasi paan inspired a popular song Khaike paan Banaras wala... in the Amitabh Bachchan:starrer Don (1978). One such establishment also invented a Shah Rukh special, named after Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan who stopped at the shop for a paan during a movie promotion in the city. Ahead of the Lok Sabha election, Congress president Rahul Gandhi Wednesday in a Facebook post, called upon his followers to defend Indias democracy at any cost, giving a reference to Afghanistan. Gandhi met Afghan lawmakers who came to Indian Parliament to watch debates . One day, in our Parliament, I saw a group of MPs from Afghanistan.... And, I was thinking, these MPs have come from abroad and look what we are doing: we are shouting and screaming and yelling. At least when they are here why cant this place be in order? Later ... I said to them I am sorry that you were sitting in the visitors gallery and we were not having a nice debate. We were sort of having an argument, Gandhi wrote. He added one of the Afghan MPs started crying at what Gandhi said. ... I asked her what happened? You know, Mr. Gandhi, she said, in my country the arguments that you have in this building, your parliament, are carried out with guns, Gandhi wrote. Our democracy is our greatest strength. We must defend it at any cost, he added. Three former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers have paid visit to militant-infested areas of South Kashmir in the last four days to test the political temperature in the state, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. On Tuesday, National Conference (NC) vice-president Omar Abdullah addressed party workers in a meeting at Chawalgam in Kulgam district. The meeting was attended by workers from different parts of south Kashmir wherein the former CM sought support for party candidates. The aim of the meeting was to infuse new strength among the workers in South Kashmir, NC spokesperson said. While Omar Abdullah engaged with his party workers, around 15km away at Khanabal, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti was devising strategies for the assembly elections at a party meet, which was joined by prominent workers from Anantnag. Many issues related to the upcoming elections were discussed in the meeting, a senior PDP leader said. Mehbooba is likely to contest from Anantnag constituency which was won by her father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the last assembly election in 2014. After his death in 2016, the former CM vacated her parliament seat and contested elections from the constituency same year, winning by a good margin. Post dissolution of state assembly by governor Satya Pal Malik in November last year, this was the fourth visit of the PDP president to South Kashmir. Mehbooba also apologised for her toffee remark made while heading the coalition government. In a presser with home minister Rajnath Singh, Mehbooba was asked about civilian killings and she had responded by saying, Had these (slain) kids gone to buy milk or toffees from the Army camp, After series of resignations by former legislators and ministers, the PDP is trying to revive its base in South Kashmir by encouraging workers. During the last polls, the party had won 11 seats from South Kashmir claiming a strong base in Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag and Kulgam districts. On Saturday, National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah paid visit to Anantnag and had a meeting with party delegates of South Kashmir. Exhorting to work hard, the former CM said the party is aiming to form government without support. The visits are an indication that both NC and the PDP have realised that the road to power goes through south Kashmir. NC wants to reduce the influence of PDP in the area and are focusing on seats that PDP won during the previous election. They are also looking for a winning candidates in south Kashmir, said local journalist Hamid Gania. At least 31 cities in India will have two airports by 2040 while Delhi and Mumbai will have a third airport by then, according to a vision document released by the ministry of civil aviation on Tuesday. The report released at Global Aviation Summit in Mumbai says most of the large Indian airports are expected to be saturated over the next 10-15 years. Hindustan Times had on November 1 reported that at least 20 cities in India would require a second airport by 2030, quoting the initial findings of a study by the civil aviation ministry. In leading regions like Delhi and Mumbai even the second airports are likely to be saturated by 2040 and will require a third airport. Indias commercial airline fleet is likely to grow from 622 in March 2018 to around 2,359 in March 2040 , said a civil aviation ministry official, quoting the Vision 2040 document released by the ministry. India may have around 190-200 operational airports in 2040. The incremental land requirement is expected to be around 150,000 acres and the capital investment (not including cost of acquiring land) is expected to be $40-50 billion, the official added. Read more| India to add 1,000 aircraft in 7-8 years: Government official The report says that the total capital expenditure for brownfield [upgrading existing projects] and greenfield [new projects] capacity expansion in India until 2040 is conservatively expected to be in the range of $40-50 billion. Another civil aviation ministry official said that the government may consider establishing a NABH Nirman Fund (NNF) with a starting corpus of around $2 billion to support low traffic airports in their initial phases. NABH stands for Next Generation Airports for Bharat. The concept of land pooling may be used to keep land acquisition costs low and to provide landowners with high value developed plots in the vicinity of the airports. HT had reported that Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, Pune, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Patna, Kolkata and Bengaluru are among cities that will need a second airport by 2030. By 2035, more cities will join this list. The ministry will now write to respective state governments, sharing the information and asking them to identify land for a new airport at least five years before the airport reaches its capacity. Indias airports currently handle 183.90 million passengers a year, according to the 2017-18 data released by the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The number has grown in recent years from 134.98 million in 2015-16 to 158.43 million in 2016-17. Read more| Indias air passenger traffic to touch 1.1 bn in 2040, says MoCA vision document This year, it is expected to cross 200 million. Some of the bigger airports are already operating in excess of their capacity. For instance, the Delhi airport handled 63.5 million passengers in 2017, and is expected to reach 70 million this year and will start operating beyond its capacity. It is also among the busiest airports worldwide, according to Airports Council International (ACI), the global trade representative of the airport authorities. It is good that ministry has kept 2040 in mind as aviation infrastructure should last generations. The way growth is going, Mumbai will need third airport and they should start thinking about it now, said Kapil Kaul, CEO & director of CAPA South Asia, which provides market intelligence for the aviation and travel industry. India will also have a robust commercial aircraft manufacturing ecosystem with global collaboration. It will meet at least 70% of the countrys commercial aircraft demand and also export to other countries. | BY Lynchy | YDM Thailand, a leading service provider of digital marketing solution in Southeast Asia intends to acquire FCB Bangkok to strengthen the organization in order to become a One-Stop Service marketing service provider for both online and offline marketing and to meet the needs of customers in every industry completely. The goal of inviting FCB Bangkok as part of YDM Thailand is to strengthen the organization under the vision, Drive.Connect.Grow by joining digital-marketing knowledge which the companys expertise with the creative experience and knowledge of branding strategies of FCB Bangkok which will assist customers step into growth in the digital age and able to meet various all-around needs. FCB Bangkok has expertise in branding communication, communication strategies, advertising campaign management and professional production and is also an organization with full-fledged team with a strong knowledge base. Therefore, we believe that this collaboration will lead to mutual exchanges and learning in order to increase marketing competitiveness which will benefit towards customers and brands as well, Tanapon Subsomboon, CEO of YDM Thailand (pictured above left) said. Content that plays a greater role in the future is content that comes with technology and has a form of communication that combines both online and offline because there is no boundary between offline and online in the real world right now. Therefore, when we create a strategy, we have to think of a big picture that requires the synergy between online and offline together, if we get started from the beginning, it should be a better job. Thats why we decide to invite FCB Bangkok to join force which will allow YDM Thailand to be able to create new O2O (Online-to-Offline) experiences including marketing strategy design or business solutions which meet the needs of customers completely. Its the new form of marketing which combines together very well, Tanapon continued. Joining forces with YDM Thailand is to strengthen us and to make our services complete, and it also to allows customers to access to our marketing campaign. Previously, we found out that some customers contact with their agencies by considering from specific expertise. Therefore, this collaboration will be able to meet the needs of customers in a comprehensive manner because it is a collaboration of agencies with expertise in both creative and digital marketing. In the past year, the company had revenue of over 100 million baht, and after the collaboration, the company aims to grow together with YDM Thailand at 30%, Tutiya Disphanurat, Managing Director of FCB Bangkok (pictured above right) aid. FCB Bangkoks main goal is to create a free form of business solution to meet the needs of customers in each business with different needs which will result in ideas for solving problems for customers from all directions, with no need to separate between online or offline anymore. Devotees led decked-up cows over burning hay to celebrate the Hindu harvest festival in a ritual, called Kicchu Hayisuvudu, seeking good fortune and protection from harm. The Makar Sankaranti festival marks the advent of spring and is celebrated by kite-flying and other regional festivities in the month of January. In the southern city of Bangalore , men decorated the cows with garlands and bells and walked them over hay set ablaze. #WATCH Karnataka: Cattle made to walk through fire during Kicchu Hayisuvudu ritual in Mandya, during #MakarSankranti celebrations. (14/1/19) pic.twitter.com/EOJXFjkCg5 ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 The age-old ritual is believed to bring good fortune and keep cows, which are sacred to Hindus, and other livestock and crops from harms way. The Bathinda police on Tuesday exhumed the body of a farmer from his fields at Lehra Bega village near here, a month after he had gone missing. Three people have been arrested for killing 30-year-old deaf-and- mute Manga Singh, while a patwari, Jagjit Singh, is still at large, police said. Those arrested have been identified as Antar Singh, a farm help of the victims family; Tota Singh alias Gosha and Jagga Singh, who used to manage the victims land. The four accused named in the FIR allegedly killed Manga Singh to grab his the 7-acre land. The cops had to dig up over two acres of land to find the body on Tuesday. The body has been sent for the postmortem. After the body was exhumed, BKU activists raised slogans, seeking arrest of the patwari. The four accused were named in an FIR registered at Nathana police station in December last year. We are on a lookout for the patwari, Nathana police station SHO Shiv Kumar said. The AAP legislator from Punjabs Jaitu Baldev Singh resigned from the party on Wednesday, citing its national convenor Arvind Kejriwals dictatorial, arrogant and autocratic style of functioning among other issues. Singhs resignation, which he sent to Kejriwal, comes four days before the Delhi chief ministers visit to Punjab to address his first political rally in the state since the assembly elections in 2017. He is going to join Sukhpal Khairas Punjabi Ekta Party. In his resignation letter, Singh also said the unceremonious removal of Bholath MLA Sukhpal Khaira from the post of leader of the opposition was a reason for quitting the AAP. Singh is the third AAP MLA to resign from the primary membership of the party. Dakha MLA HS Phoolka and Khaira have also quit the party. Phoolka has resigned from the membership of the state assembly as well. However, the assembly speaker is yet to accept his resignation. Both Khaira and Phoolka are bound by the partys whip in the state assembly. The AAP is the principal opposition party with 20 MLAs in the 117-strong assembly. The panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi (or his nominee) and leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, as its two other members, will meet on January 24 to finalise the name of the next chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation, people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity. After Alok Vermas contentious ouster from CBI on January 10, the agency has been working under interim director M Nageswara Rao. Rao is an additional director in the agency and has been appointed as the interim director till the government selects a regular director. The government initially proposed that the meeting be held on January 21, but after consultations between members, finalised January 24 as the date for the meeting to select the new CBI director, said one of the people cited above, a government official. The move to hold the meeting of the PM-led panel comes even as the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition challenging the appointment of Rao as interim director. The petitioner, NGO Common Cause, claim Raos appointment was not based on the recommendation of the selection panel and, thus, in complete contravention of the law. The petitioners have sought appointment of a regular chief of the agency. The petitioners also want all records of deliberations and rational criteria related to short-listing and selection of the CBI director to be made available under the transparency law. They have also asked for the entire process of selection, including composition of the panel, its mandate and minutes of the meeting of the search committee to be made public. The court is yet to fix a date for hearing, but said on Wednesday that it is likely to schedule it for next week. Watch: Mallikarjun Kharge on Alok Verma: Action was taken only on basis of CVC report Alok Verma took charge as the CBI chief on February 1, 2017 and his formal tenure was supposed to end on January 31, 2019. CBI chiefs get a fixed two-year term by law. Verma and his deputy, CBI special director Rakesh Asthana, were engaged in an internecine feud that affected the agencys functioning. In August, Asthana levelled charges of corruption against Verma in a letter to the cabinet secretary. In October, the CBI filed a first information report (FIR) against Asthana. On the intervening night of October 23 and 24, the government divested both of their powers. Rao took charge as the interim director for the first time on the intervening night of October 23 and 24. Verma challenged the government order in the Supreme Court and the court conditionally reinstated him as the CBI chief on January 8, saying that only the selection panel could remove him. The panel decided by a majority decision of 2-1 to remove Verma on January 10. Besides the PM and Kharge, the panel meeting was attended by the Supreme Court judge, Justice AK Sikri, as a nominee of chief justice Gogoi, who didnt participate since he had heard Vermas petition. In between all this, the government initiated the process of looking for Vermas successor. As per the guidelines set by the Supreme Court, officers from the four oldest serving batches of the Indian Police Service, from 1982 to 1985, will be in contention for the post of CBI director. Their suitability for the job will depend on criteria such as seniority, integrity and experience in investigation of anti-corruption cases. In terms of experience in investigation of anti-corruption cases, prior experience of working in CBI or handling vigilance matters in the cadre matter. The home ministry sent a list of around one-and-a-half dozen eligible officials to the ministry of personnel, and now, the names of these officials will be put before the selection panel for consideration in order of their eligibility, another official said on condition of anonymity. Three members of the legislative council (MLCs), who defected from Telangana Rashtra Samithi to Congress before the recent assembly elections, were disqualified from their membership on Wednesday. While Bhupathi Reddy was elected to the legislative council from Nizamabad local bodies constituency in 2015, Yadava Reddy was elected to the upper house by the MLAs in 2016 and Ramulu Naik was nominated under the Governors quota in 2014. All the three, along with another TRS MLC Konda Murali, joined the Congress party before the December 7 assembly elections in the state without resigning from their council membership. Murali, however, resigned soon after the assembly elections, saying he did not want to continue in the post for which he was elected on TRS ticket. In three separate bulletins, legislative council chairperson K Swamy Goud said R Bhupathi Reddy, K Yadava Reddy and S Ramulu Naik, were disqualified on the ground of defection. The decision to disqualify the defected MLCs was taken by Goud following a petition submitted to him by TRS leaders Paturi Sudhakar Reddy and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy last month. They alleged the MLCs had shifted their loyalties only to further their self-interests. Goud issued a show-cause notice to the defectors and after going through their written explanations, he decided to disqualify them. Interestingly, Goud did not apply the same rule of disqualification to four Congress MLCs Akula Lalitha, Santosh Kumar, MS Prabhakar and K Damodar Reddy, who had defected to the TRS. While Damodar Reddy and Prabhakar defected to the TRS before the assembly elections, the other two jumped the fence after the TRS returned to power for a second term. The four MLCs wrote to the council chairperson stating they had held a meeting of the Congress legislature party in the council and decided to merge it with it the TRS. Within hours, Goud issued a bulletin acknowledging the merger and declared that the defected leaders would be treated as TRS MLCs. The Congress had seven MLCs in the 40-member legislative council till recently. One of them Komatireddy Rajagopal Reddy resigned from his membership following his election to the state assembly from Munugode constituency in the recent elections. With the merger of the four MLCs with the TRS, the Congress is now left with only two, Mohammad Shabbir Ali and Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, and their term, too, will come to an end by March. Since the four defected Congress MLAs constituted more than one-third of the total number of Congress MLCs, they avoided disqualification and the chairman had approved the merger, an official of the legislative council secretariat said. With the merger of the four MLCs, the strength of the TRS in the council has gone up to 24. The Congress party in Telangana is already in a bad shape following its debacle in the recent assembly elections. It could win only 19 seats in the 119-member assembly. There are speculations that some of these Congress MLAs are also keen on shifting their loyalties to the TRS.s Audemars Piguet spent the last seven years designing a new family of wrist watches, heralding its most important product launch in decades as a bold move beyond the Royal Oak timepiece that the company has long relied on for the bulk of its sales. The online reaction was swift and brutal: Its a dud. The Code 11:59 collection aims high, starting at 25,000 Swiss francs ($25,440) and going up to 295,000 francs. Audemars plans to make 2,000 watches in the first year and said it hopes the Code 11:59 will eventually make up at least 20 percent of its portfolio. Thats an audacious target, given the initial response from a stunned watch community, which had become accustomed to Audemars doing little more than churning out updates of the Royal Oak through the years. The companys Instagram feed overflowed with hundreds of comments that decried the design as bland and uninspiring. Before they had even seen it in person, critics likened the watch to cheap fashion timepieces that no serious connoisseur would let near their wrist. Turd emojis were in high demand, all-cap swearing was commonplace, and the puns (the Royal Joke) flowed freely. At best, the dial on the new three-hander is sleek and modern, reviewer Zach Pina wrote in a comparison of two models on the popular A Blog to Watch website. At worst, neither dial design really challenges the viewer they feel safe and trendy, and not the type of disruptive stuff that solidified AP in the pantheon of modern luxury watchmaking. A few people commended Audemars for daring to invest in a new family of watches, and lauded the unusual design of the watch case with its round and octagonal elements or the double-curved crystal glass for better legibility. Others said that the watch was growing on them, and that the true aesthetic test would come on the wrist, rather than in online photos. Audemars Chief Executive Officer Francois-Henry Bennahmias said the Code 11:59 was intended to prove that the company can move beyond the Royal Oak. We encourage people to come and try the watch, see it in real instead of just looking at pictures, Bennahmias said . People will judge for themselves. The watches in the new collection are slender and buck the trend of ever-bigger dials, opening the brand to a clientele for whom the Royal Oak look was too rugged and making it more accessible to women and men with slim wrists. Still, the overall tone of the responses was harsh, injecting a dose of drama into this years Geneva watch salon, where Audemars on Monday presented the new lineup. Its also a study in the perils of trying to move beyond a highly successful product. Cartier a few years ago tried to push its watch portfolio into more complicated and expensive offerings, a move that backfired because customers preferred the simple, elegant designs of its older models. While most watch brands have signature timepieces -- think the Submariner for Rolex, the Speedmaster for Omega, or the Nautilus for Patek Philippe -- no other high-end house is as closely linked to a single design as family-owned Audemars Piguet. The Royal Oak was conceived by legendary designer Gerald Genta in the early 1970s, and it broke new ground with its unusual octagonal shape and its stainless steel case rather than the gold that was typical of watches in that price range. It became a massive hit for Audemars and spawned multiple variants as well as a chunkier sibling called the Royal Oak Offshore. The watch industry is brimming with die-hard enthusiasts willing to fork over the price of a car or even a house for a piece of metal that doesnt even tell time as efficiently as quartz models costing less than $20. Major product launches are closely watched and generate feverish comments on social media. But theres little precedent to the storm of rancor that Audemars unleashed with the Code 11:59. The collective outcry was akin to Ferrari deciding to branch out into camper vans or Chanel opening a pop-up store in a discount supermarket. Of course, even the Royal Oak or Pateks Nautilus, also designed by Genta, needed time to find a loyal customer base because they were so different from competitors offerings. But the social-media onslaught for the Code 11:59 reveals the mixed blessing of the promotional channels available today: while companies reach a much larger audience, the backlash can also be far more ferocious and widespread than it was a few years ago. Social media has changed the way we speak to the consumer, said Davide Traxler, CEO of rival watchmaker Parmigiani Fleurier. Its great news, because you have to listen, and at the same time its challenging. To contact the reporters on this story: Benedikt Kammel in Berlin at bkammel@bloomberg.net;Thomas Mulier in Geneva at tmulier@bloomberg.net;Corinne Gretler in Zurich at cgretler1@bloomberg.net 2019 Bloomberg L.P. Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter The Delhi High Court on Tuesday deferred the implementation of the Measles and Rubella vaccine immunisation campaign (MR campaign) by the Delhi government stating that vaccination cannot be administered forcibly and without the consent of parents. The vaccination drive, which was to start Wednesday, would cover more than 55.5 lakh children between the ages of 9 months and 15 years within five weeks. For now, we have deferred the vaccination campaign till the next hearing scheduled on January 21. We are studying the order and looking at how to seek consent, said Dr Nutan Mundeja, Delhis director general of health services. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said that the petitioners contention that giving the vaccines without the consent of the parents is merited, adding that consent is the precondition for vaccinations. The courts order came while hearing pleas by parents of a few minor students at citys schools alleging that the MR campaign is a violation of the fundamental rights of the students as consent had not been taken from their wards. Appearing for the Delhi government, its standing counsel, Ramesh Singh, submitted that an opt out option could be created for the parents who do not want their wards to get the vaccination, which was objected to by the petitioners. Since it is apparent that the consent of the parents is not obtained and respondent are proceeded on the basis that the consent is not necessary, the campaign for administering the MR campaign is deferred till further orders from the court, the court said. At least 220 million children from 30 states and union territories have already been vaccinated under the nationwide campaign that started in 2017. The campaign in Delhi, as in the other states, was based on implied consent. In case of public health programmes, consent is said to be implied unless a person wants to opt out. People can refuse the vaccine, of course, we will not be forcing anybody, said Dr Suresh Seth, Delhis state programme officer for immunisation. The campaign is also underway in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, with only three more states West Bengal, Sikkim, and Rajasthan remaining to be covered. This is a unique situation; so far, none of the other states have had a petition filed against the campaign, except for Kerala where too the court quashed it, said Dr Pankaj Bhatnagar of the World Health Organisations National Polio Surveillance Programme, which is responsible for observing the coverage of the MR vaccine as well. The plea filed by the students, through advocate Abhinav Mukherjee, had alleged that the Centre had mentioned that the vaccine would not be administered without informed consent of parents. However, the Delhi government issued directions to compulsorily inject children in the age group of nine months to less than 15 years, with an admittedly new vaccine, called the MR vaccine (to prevent disease of measles and rubella) and without taking into account the past vaccination history of the child, where in the child has already been vaccinated for the said diseases. The petition had sought restraining the government from forcibly administering the vaccination in the children. Measles affects an estimated 2.5 million children every year, killing nearly 49 thousand. It is a leading cause of death in children with one-third of all measles death worldwide happening in India. Rubella causes birth defects such as irreversible deafness and blindness in nearly 40 thousand children every year in India. A five-year-old boy died after he was assaulted allegedly by his mothers live-in partner for failing to recite the numeric table at his home in southwest Delhis Samalkha village near Kapashera, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place on January 10. The child died during treatment at a private hospital two days later. Police said the boys mother, a private school teacher, and her live-in partner concealed the crime by allegedly claiming that the boy started feeling dizzy after eating a ladoo(sweet) and fell in the bathroom, because of which he suffered injuries in his head and other parts of the body. However, their claims fell flat when the boys autopsy report confirmed that he died of serious head injuries and physical assault, said police. Deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Devendra Arya said a case of murder and criminal conspiracy with common intention was registered against the boys mother and her live-in partner at the Kapashera police station. The case was registered on a complaint filed by the childs biological father. The womans live-in partner, Narender, has been arrested. We are questioning the woman to ascertain his role in the entire crime. As of now we have established that she lied to the doctors by claiming that her son fell in the bathroom, said Arya. We interrogated Narender and he revealed that the childs head hit a concrete wall while he was beating him for not reciting numeric table properly. The childs mother was not at home when the incident took place. Narender informed her about the incident after admitting the child at the hospital, the DCP added. Police said the boys father in his complaint told them ithat in April 2018, the woman left her husbands home with her son and started living with Narender in a rented home in Samalkha village, said police. In the past, the child had told his father that Narender used to beat him. The father did not take his sons complain seriously, said a police officer, associated with the case. On January 10, police said, the woman called her husband on his cell phone number and informed that their son was admitted in a private hospital. He reached the hospital where his wife told him that their son had fallen sick after eating a ladoo and suffered injuries after falling in the bathroom. The man filed the complaint when doctors told him about the autopsy report, said police. The growing alarm after UK Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal suffered a defeat in Parliament isnt just unsettling for British politics. Global businesses are on edge as well. Asian companies, whose operations and investments stretch far into Britain and the European continent, have a lot at stake as they face higher tariffs and costs. Tuesdays setback will do little to cure the anxiety. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond has sought to assure business leaders that their no-deal nightmare scenario could still be avoided, but with only 10 weeks left before the UK is due to leave the European Union, companies are bracing for a potential hard exit. Read: How will the confidence vote in UK PM Theresa Mays government work? Japanese companies should have been making preparations for the possibility of a hard Brexit, but now the reality of carrying out those measures is getting closer, Hiroaki Nakanishi, chairman of the countrys largest business lobby Keidanren, told reporters in Tokyo Wednesday. Heres what Asian companies are saying about Brexit: Honda The Japanese automaker said Wednesday that a hard Brexit would seriously impact its European operations, even though it is implementing countermeasures. New checks at the border could disrupt its logistics systems, while tariffs on goods moving between the EU and U.K. would hurt its competitiveness, it said. We now look to the government to deliver a clear, legally certain path forward to avoiding no deal and to delivering the conditions that support the continued competitiveness and productivity of our sales and manufacturing operations, it said. Also read: Theresa May loses Brexit vote, demonstrators take to streets About 4.5 percent of Honda Motor Co.s sales come from Europe, and it has one factory in the U.K. with manufacturing capacity of about 150,000 units annually. Toyota Asias biggest carmaker has said it would temporarily halt its production in the U.K. if Britain storms out of the EU without a trade agreement, disrupting weekly revenue of 60 million pounds ($77 million) generated there, the companys Europe President, Johan van Zyl, said in October. Japanese firm wants tariff-free trading after Brexit, he has said. Toyota declined to comment on the vote Wednesday. Of the 144,000 vehicles -- Auris hatchbacks and wagons -- Toyota built in 2017 in the U.K. at its factory in Burnaston, England, about 87 percent was shipped to the EU. It also has another plant for engines at Deeside, Wales. Both were established in 1989 and started production in 1992. They have made more than 4 million cars and 5 million engines. The company has invested about 2.5 billion pounds in the facilities, employing about 3,000 people. Also read: After Brexit loss, European Council president Donald Tusk wonders about positive solution Sony Sony Corp., grappling with questions over its employees and distribution and sales channels, said Wednesday it is closely monitoring the Brexit news. Its European head office is located southwest of London in the town of Weybridge. The Japanese technology giant has a sales office and a factory in the U.K. Panasonic Panasonic Corp. said Wednesday that its preparing for different scenarios to limit the impact on its operations. It shifted its Europe head office from near London to Amsterdam on October 1, and transferred about 10 people from the facility as well. The move was made partly to ward off potential negative effects of Brexit and also because the electronic makers holding company was already based in the Dutch city, it said in August. The company, which produces televisions, digital cameras and tablets in the U.K., wont move its factory, a spokeswoman said in October. Also read: Humiliated: British press says Theresa May crushed by Brexit defeat CK Group The CK Group has one of the highest exposures to the U.K. among Asian business empires, with operations there ranging from ports to infrastructure, telecommunications and retail. Its billionaire founder, former Chairman Li Ka-shing, has warned that Brexit would bring considerable challenges to the U.K. and Europe for years. Lis son, Victor, who took over as chairman of the group last year, has echoed the cautious view. In a speech to employees in January, the younger Li cited Brexit as one the big political and economic challenges that CK will need to weather through this year. CK, which operates the Three mobile network and Superdrug stores in the U.K., has reduced its exposure to the U.K. since the 2016 shock referendum but the country remains the groups biggest profit and revenue generator. At the CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd. flagship, 19 percent of total sales and 30 percent of earnings before interest and taxes came from the UK in the first half of 2018, the companys most recent financial report. Thats down from 21 percent and 39 percent, respectively, two years earlier. Also read: After Brexit vote loss, Theresa May likely to survive, Plan B by Monday Japan Tobacco Japan Tobacco Inc. said Wednesday its assuming a negative impact on exports and imports. Were always looking at how to improve efficiency in our global supply chain by taking into consideration cost, taxes and other regulations, a spokeswoman said. The company sells Camel and Winston cigarettes in the U.K. and had about 41 percent of the countrys tobacco market as of September. The sticks sold in the U.K. are made and imported from the EU region, according to the company. Asahi Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Japans largest brewer, owns and sells European beer brands Peroni and Grolsch in the UK -- picked up from Anheuser-Busch InBev NV in a deal worth $2.9 billion in 2016. In the event of a hard Brexit, its Peroni brand would likely be impacted due to its large presence in the British market -- the beer is brewed in Italy and exported to the UK Asahis flagship Super Dry is also made in Italy and exported to the UK, but it still has only a fledgling presence in the beer market there. A company spokesman said Asahi is focused on strengthening its name as a premium beer brand in the UK market, and said it was too early to comment on any potential business impact. Hitachi Construction Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., which makes equipment like excavators, has said earlier if high tariff rates were to be imposed on after-sales service parts sourced from its Dutch manufacturing base, it would consider shipping them from Japan instead. Although the impact is minor, there are concerns over supply chains, foreign exchange, duties and regulatory changes, a spokesman said Wednesday. The company said in October it isnt planning to cut its operations in the UK, where it owns a sales unit. Jaguar Land Rover The maker of the iconic British brands said this month it plans to slash 4,500 jobs worldwide, about 10 percent of its workforce, in response to the sales slowdown caused by Brexit, a downturn in China and flagging demand for diesel-powered vehicles. The cuts come on top of the 1,500 people who left the UKs biggest auto maker in 2018. Chief Executive Officer Ralf Speth warned in September that a no-deal Brexit would wipe out the luxury carmakers profit and a bad one could cost the automaker more than $1.2 billion pounds a year and put tens of thousands of jobs at risk. Free access to Europes single market is as important a part to our business as wheels are to our cars, he said. The company, owned by Indias Tata Motors Ltd., employs more than 40,000 in the U.K. and has four plants in the country that produce 3,000 vehicles a day. Nomura Nomura Holdings Inc., Japans biggest securities firm, plans to ask fewer than 100 of its London-based staff to move to Europe in preparation for Brexit. The firm said Wednesday its making arrangements to ensure that all current client and counter-party relationships, and access to Nomuras services, will continue without disruption after the UK leaves the EU, it said. Its proceeding on the assumption that UK-based financial services firms will lose so-called passporting rights to operate in the bloc. Nomura, which chose Frankfurt as an EU base after Brexit, has about 3,000 employees in the region and most work in London. Mitsubishi UFJ Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., which has about 2,000 staff in London according its website, has been preparing for Brexit by setting up some operations to Amsterdam. Japans biggest bank already does commercial banking in the Dutch city and got a securities license there in December, calling it a major step to continue providing services to clients in Europe after the UK leaves the union. The company is closely monitoring Brexit developments but doesnt anticipate any impact from it, spokeswoman Kana Nagamitsu said on Wednesday. Abu Dhabi expects India to continue to be the largest source market for overseas arrivals in 2019 with a growth of around 10 per cent year-on year, a senior official said on Tuesday. In 2018, the capital city of United Arab Emirates had around 3.35 lakh arrivals from India up to October. We expect India to continue to be the largest overseas market for arrivals in 2019. We are expecting around 10 per cent growth in the number of Indian arrivals in 2019, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, Travel Trade and Market Development Department Acting Director Anthony Rippingale told PTI. As of October 2018, India is the largest source market for overseas arrivals to Abu Dhabi, he added. The growth we are expecting is despite this being an election year in India. This is on account of long historical ties between the two countries with strong person-to-person contact, Rippingale said. When asked about the focus areas that the department is targeting here, he said: We are focussing on all the segments such as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) segment, leisure segment specially the families and on weddings and honeymoon segment. The average stay per person in Abu Dhabi is 3 to 4 nights, he added. On the initiatives being taken to promote Abu Dhabi as a preferred destination, Rippingale said: We are expanding sales team in India. We are also creating regional sales teams to cater to the specific needs of various regions in India. The efforts are also being made to promote culture tourism. Focus is also to promote cruise tourism. The efforts are being made to support the trade partners, he added. Apart from these initiatives, we are also connecting directly to the consumers. India is a key strategic focus market for Abu Dhabi, Rippingale said. | BY Lynchy | One year old Babychanco, famous for her voluminous and bountiful hair, just made her advertising debut in Pantenes latest film -The Hairy Tale. The campaign, created by Grey Tokyo, encourages viewers to embrace their individuality and differences. babychanco, a Japanese baby girl, rose to fame when her mother started posting pictures of her on Instagram at the age of 4 months. Within seven months Babychanco garnered over 370,000 followers on Instagram and was featured across TV and online media in Japan. As her story started to spread globally, Babychanco caught the eye of Alex Keith, Global President for P&G Beauty, when an article in the U.S. weekly magazine People- introduced her with Get this kid a Pantene ad! and so thats exactly what the team decided to do. To celebrate babychancos first birthday on December 23rd 2018, Pantene and Grey Tokyo released the film The Hairy Tale by Babychanco #HairWeGo PANTENE, featuring stories from babychancos first year of life, and encouraging viewers to embrace their own individuality and differences. The film is part of Pantenes campaign #HairWeGo: My Hair Moves me Forward, built around the insight that we all feel a little anxious about being different, and constantly compare ourselves to others from the day we are born. Pantene encourages people to express their true selves and to take the first step towards being who they really want to be. In addition, the narration in the video is done by TV talent Sato Kondo, who has appeared on Japanese media without colouring her hair -and won respect for choosing to instead wear her hair with its natural colour of Grey, Another example of being your true self and being accepted for whom you are even if you are different. The collaboration of babychanco and Sato Kondo on our Pantene project has received an enthusiastic and positive reaction from across the globe. Through this, I have truly discovered the value and power of our message and I really hope the #HairWeGo My Hair Moves Me Forward campaign reaches as many people as possible who can then think of it as a good and positive start to 2019. We are committed to further empowering women to move forward through hair. Said, Yoshiaki Okura (P&G Japans Hair Care Associate Brand Director) Through this project, I wanted to communicate the importance of loving your individuality and the happiness that came to the people who had the strength to do so. I tried to find the right balance between portraying the sweet and pure world of babychanco while clearly conveying this important message. I hope that the movie will touch a wide range of people. Not only mothers but young females and even little children all around the world, commented Jun Ogasawara (Senior Creative Director, Grey Tokyo). Credits CEO Yukiko Ochiai Senior Creative Director: Jun Ogasawara Associate Creative Director: Ken Mitani Art Direction: Ken Mitani, Katsuhiro Fujimoto Copy Writer: Yukika Anan Strategic Planning(Strategy): Rui Nago Producer: Daijiro Yamakawa, Ryohei Ishizuka Account Service: Sayaka Adachi, Hirohito Maruyama, Melissa Lim Rajkumar Hirani is among the most decent people in the Hindi film industry, veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has said in support of the filmmaker, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by a woman. I had come to the film industry in 1965. After so many years, if I am asked who are the most decent people you met in this industry over almost 5 decades, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is Raju Hirani. GB Shaw has said: It is too dangerous to be too good, Akhtar tweeted on Wednesday. I had come to the film industry in 1965. After so many years if I am asked who are the most decent people you met in this industry over almost 5 decades, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is RAJU HIRANI. G.B Shaw has said . " it is too dangerous to be too good" Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) January 16, 2019 According to a HuffPost India article on Sunday, a woman assistant to Hirani claimed the filmmaker sexually abused her on more than one occasion over a six-month period between March and September 2018 during the making of Sanju. The 56-year-old filmmaker has denied the allegation. Akhtar is not the first person who has come out in support of Hirani, who has helmed films like the Munna Bhai franchise, 3 Idiots and Sanju. Sharman Joshi, Dia Mirza and Arshad Warsi have stood by him, and said it is wrong to jump to conclusions and to suddenly start looking at a person differently. Earlier, Boney Kapoor had come out in support of Hirani and had said, Rajkumar Hirani is too good a man to do something like this. I dont believe this allegation. He can never do something like this. Actor Emraan Hashmi, too, had refused to comment on the matter. He had said, I dont want to comment on this. Its just an allegation. Nothing has been proved as of yet. The director has already dismissed the allegations. Till the time something is not proven, I dont think it right to comment on this. Follow @htshowbiz for more The recent decision of the Collegium of the Supreme Court on January 10, 2019, in recommending the names of Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the Court has evoked strong reaction inasmuch as Justice Khannas appointment will entail the supersession of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog, Gita Mittal and S Ravindra Bhat of the Delhi High Court. Suppose, for example, we were in the pre-collegium regime, such a decision would have been described as being arbitrary and whimsical because all of the three proposed to be superseded are fine judges and are neither lacking integrity nor judicial competence. This decision once again exposes a chink in the process of appointment of judges, a process arrogated to itself by the Supreme Court (in the Supreme Court of Advocates on Record case, 1993), where it was laid down that with regard to the appointment of judges, the opinion of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) would not only have primacy but would be determinative in the matter. The 1993 and 1998 verdicts also gave birth to the collegium system, which comprised of the Chief Justice of India and the senior most four judges of the Court after the CJI. This is not the first time that the collegium system has inflicted injustice. Justice AP Shah was kept out of the Supreme Court because Justice SH Kapadia was averse to him. Take a more recent example. One of our finest judges, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, suffered the ignominy of not making it to the Supreme Court in time, because he had happened to incur the wrath of Justice TS Thakur, while he was in the Delhi High Court. Several years later, Justice Thakur refused to recommend his name. He made it to the Supreme Court eventually but lost out in being made a Chief Justice of India. The subjectivity and the inconsistency of the collegium system makes one wonder whether there should be a relook at the process of appointment of judges and the National Judicial Accountability Commission should be re-introduced in some form or the other. Although the NJAC Act, 2014, meant to replace the collegium system of judges, was struck down on October 16, 2015, by a majority of 4 - 1, it may be opportune that the reconstituted Parliament after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, should bring a legislation so as to bring about a greater transparency and objectivity in the process of appointment of judges. Now take the case in hand. The collegium on December 12, 2018, had apparently recommended the names of Justices Menon and Pradeep Nandrajog to the Supreme Court. The fact that the recommendations were not sent cannot detract from the fact that the proposal to appoint these judges to the Supreme Court had been effectuated. On January 10, 2019, with the departure of Justice Madan B Lokur, (who would have never countenanced any supersession), Justice R Menon, one of the finest chief justices the Delhi High Court has known for a long time, and Justice Nandrajogs names were recalled by the newly constituted collegium, deeming it appropriate to have a fresh look at the matter allegedly in the light of the additional material that had become available. What was the additional material that had become available to the collegium justifying the non-appointment of these two judges to the Supreme Court, recommending the appointment of Justice Maheshwari when on October 30, 2018, the collegium itself had overlooked his name? In the past, and certainly under the pre-collegium system, appointments in derogation of the seniority principle would have evoked strong reactions. There were aberrations by the executive but such instances were rare and insignificant. The proposed recommendations are inconsistent with the judicial view of the Supreme Court in the Second Judges case, 1993, wherein it had been laid down that: Inter-se seniority amongst Judges in their High Court and their combined seniority on all India basis is of admitted significance in the matter of future prospects It is, therefore, reasonable that this aspect is kept in view and given due weight while making appointments from amongst High Court Judges to the Supreme Court. Unless there be any strong cogent reason to justify a departure, that order of seniority must be maintained between them while making their appointment to the Supreme Court this would also lend greater credence to the process of appointment and would avoid any distortion in the seniority between the appointees drawn even from the same High Court. Supersession, as a rule, must never be encouraged unless there are grave and compelling circumstances. In the present case, none appear to be so. The government itself had delayed the appointment of justice KM Joseph to the Supreme Court on the ground that there were other judges more senior to him. Justice Maheshwari is ranked 21st and justice Khanna 33rd in the All India Seniority List. It is not as if there is anything against these two judges but why should they not await their turn? Let us see what sixer (to borrow the expression of the law minister) the government hits. Rajiv Nayar is a senior advocate The views expressed are personal Author and history enthusiast Mark Landis stands by the Santa Fe and Salt Lake Monument that stands near the McDonaldAos off of the Interstate 15 north and the Highway 138 exit. | BY Lynchy | BBDO Greater China has promoted Hans Lopez-Vito, formerly Chief Strategy Officer, to the position of Chief Operations Officer. For the past 10 years, Lopez-Vito (pictured) led BBDOs strategy teams in Shanghai and across Greater China offices in providing the kind of thought leadership BBDO has been known for. Over the years, Hans spearheaded numerous global strategy initiatives and helped propel the agency to the top leagues locally as well as internationally. In this time, he had won many strategy and/or effectiveness awards including China Effies, APAC Effies, and the WARC Asian Strategy Prize. In his new role, Lopez-Vito is tasked with helping the CEO architect agency transformation, reinforce global client relationships as well as assisting with operational matters. He will continue to oversee BBDOs planning teams across Greater China. All of this makes for an extremely strong line up and one which we hope can only better serve our clients business as we strive towards a brave new world, commented Tan Tze Kiat, CEO, BBDO Greater China. A wrongfully convicted man will receive roughly $2.2 million as part of a settlement that also involves the city of Hickory and an insurance company. Willie James Grimes will receive the money as a result of a previous settlement he reached with the city of Hickory in 2016. Grimes was convicted of rape and kidnapping in 1988. After 24 years behind bars, he was exonerated and released from prison by a three-judge panel in 2012. Grimes sued the city following his release. In 2016, the city reached a $3.25 million settlement with Grimes. The city agreed to pay $2.25 million of that amount, with the insurance company National Casualty paying about $1 million. The city also pledged to seek compensation from other insurers who refused to defend the city in the Grimes case. The agreement was to pay Grimes 80 percent of the money they received from those insurers. On Jan. 8, the Hickory City Council voted unanimously to accept a $2.7 million settlement from the Argonaut Great Central Insurance Co. HIDDENITE The Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Centers Lucas Mansion Gallery at 316 Hiddenite Church Road is featuring an exhibit of historical collections honoring the Civil Rights-era service of the late Allen Hines. A reception celebrating the life and legacy of Hines is set for Sunday, Jan. 27, from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Lucas Mansion Gallery. The reception, which will include light refreshments and a gallery talk, is free to attend, and all are welcome. In 1962, Hines was one of the U.S. marshals given the duty of protecting James Meredith, the first African-American man to enroll in the University of Mississippi. Under the direction of U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy, Hines and his fellow marshals played an important role in providing security to Meredith. Merediths courage in desegregating the University of Mississippi opened the doors of opportunity for all Americans. Hines and Meredith bonded over this shared moment and remained friends throughout the years. You can submit items for our weekly By The Way column by emailing your tips to editor@hermistonherald.com. | BY Ricki Green | Sydney Beer Co. has announced the second instalment of its Sydney Time campaign the Sydney Beer Co. Summer Price Index a temperature-related pricing initiative, via BD. The innovation uses real-time weather data to create a temperature-related discount of up to 49% live on your smartphone. Beer drinkers are encouraged to monitor the daily summer temperature, then lock in a discount as it peaks. The discount is redeemable at some of Sydneys favourite venues, including Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, Imperial Hotel Erskineville, Daniel San Manly, Park House and Northies during summer. Says Matt Siely, founder, Sydney Beer Co.: We know if we can make peoples first beer a Sydney Beer Co., theyre very likely to enjoy a second. So, we think the Summer Price Index is a very good reason for people to grab a Sydney first Says Tom Hoskins, ECD, BD: We all know Summer is every beer brands stock-in-trade. We wanted Sydney Beer Co. to be the first to actually use Summers heat as a price gauge. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, last summer, Sydneys heat reached a staggering 47.3 C, which meant 2018 ranked as Sydneys 3rd hottest year ever. The Sydney Beer Co. Summer Price Index is available all summer at each venue every day until 17 March 2019. Sydney Beer Co. Founders: Matt Siely, Dave Maronese Marketing Manager: Jen Maronese Agency: BD ECD: Tom Hoskins Managing Director: Simon Porter Creative: Sionen Adijans Creative: Tom Hoskins Digital Designer: Aaron McCann Digital Manager: William Turner Senior Web Developer: Joseph Hong Content Direction: Beau Simmons Senior Account Manager: Sarah Calver Agency Producer: Anna Francis PR: The Blvd. Sound: Song Zu | BY Ricki Green | Premium fashion swimwear brand Seafolly Australia has launched its first global campaign and new lifestyle positioning: Made to Summer, an inaugural campaign from creative agency ODD, who was selected as the brands global creative and strategic partner at the end of last year. The campaign is running throughout Australia, the UK, Europe and North America. It launches amidst Seafollys plans to further drive international growth and build on its position as Australias leader in fashion swimwear. Made to Summer brings to life the brands optimistic lifestyle, grounded in the brand belief that We dont just live, we summer. Shot in Ibiza, Spain, the new campaign moves the focus away from the big-name models that have dominated in previous years. Instead, the cast celebrates inclusivity and encourages women around the world to be confident in their own skin. Filmed and directed by Terence Connors and backed by the feel-good song Joanna by the Alessi Brothers, the campaign film embodies the elated feeling of summer travel synonymous with the Australian way of living. With photography by Australian Akila Berjaoui, it features key pieces from the brands SS19 collection, demonstrating how Seafollys swimwear has the fashion and fit to have you looking and feeling your best no matter where you are or what youre doing. Running globally across film, press, OOH, social, digital, and an always-on content strategy, it will be supported by events, brand partnerships and in-store activations to inspire and engage wearers around the world. Says Adriane McDermott, head of marketing at Seafolly: Our objective was to work with ODD to step change our approach, moving away from campaign spikes to an always-on content platform backed by a strong brand strategy. In testing the new direction with women in Australia, US, and UK a consistent response was given across all age groups and countries indicating the widespread potential to make a dramatic and positive change for the brand. Specifically, the new direction being more relatable, modern, fashion-forward and representative of women as a whole. Says Nick Stickland, founder and executive creative director, ODD, London: Seafolly have bravely allowed us to drive desire in ways theyve not tried before. Less reliance on super models, more of a focus on creating a relatable lifestyle, filled with hardworking and relevant fashion content. Brand: Seafolly Australia Clients: Adriane McDermott & Kate Napier Creative Agency: ODD Executive Creative Director: Nick Stickland Creative Director: Hannah Vere Strategy Director: Sara Vanore Rewkiewicz Director: Terence Connors Photography: Akila Berjaoui & Cleo Glover Staff reports The Herald-Mail Liberal media an extension of Democratic Party To the editor: I dont know about the rest of you, but Im really getting sick and tired of the 24/7 negative comments against our president. All you hear from most of the mainstream media is Russia, Russia, Russia; hes a racist; hes like Hitler; just to name some of the narratives used to attack him. Just recently, a newly elected congresswomen referred to Trump by a name I wont even repeat. You might not have voted for him or you might disagree with his politics, but this is absolutely a disgrace. However, Nancy Pelosi brushed it off as if it was no big deal. Imagine if a comment like that were made about a Democrat by a Republican. You never hear on the news about the good things Trump has accomplished while in office. Over 90 percent of what they talk about is negative. In my opinion, the news media, especially CNN and MSNBC, have become nothing more than an extension of the left-leaning Democratic Party. The latest onslaught is over the government shutdown and the border wall. I find it very interesting that, not too long ago, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were all in favor of the wall until Trump became president. Now what does that tell you? I will admit that Trump is not perfect. In fact, sometimes he is his own worst enemy. He spends a lot of time tweeting before thinking. However, in his defense, if he received more unbiased reporting from the media, he wouldnt have to tweet so much. Give credit for what President Trump has accomplished since elected: low unemployment, an increase in manufacturing jobs, fewer job- and industry-killing regulations, better trade agreements, dealing with North Korea and the list goes on. But dont expect to hear about it on the news. In closing, it used to be that the media would report the news and let the people make their own conclusions. Today, the liberal media has set an anti-Trump agenda. They keep brainwashing the public constantly until hopefully they will start to believe it. Sad, sad, sad. Michael L. Karn Hagerstown Political party affiliation is out of balance To the editor: Ideally, I would like to see the voting population divided 50 percent Democrat and 50 percent Republican. The actual division of registered voters nationally is 31 percent Democrats, 24 percent Republicans and 42 percent independent, according to an October 2017 Gallup poll. I think that division is completely out of balance for a two-party government. I am a Democrat and have been one for 66 years. My mother-in-law, my grandmother, my great-grandmother and my favorite high school teacher, were Republicans. My great-grandmothers father voted for my favorite president, Abraham Lincoln. I asked my grandmother why we had elections in November and she said, It is a good time to pick out a turkey. During my lifetime there has been a paucity of good presidents. The lack of quality candidates is the reason for so many independent voters. Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan represent the best of the lot. I also liked Dwight Eisenhower. He built the interstate highway system and we did not have any wars during his tenure. The Whig Party died following the presidency of Millard Fillmore. I fear the same fate for the Republican Party because of the election of Donald J. Trump. If a party cannot pick a better president than Trump, then the Republican Party doesnt deserve to exist. My college teacher, Dr. Frazier, stressed the importance of the two-party system. He said that most dictatorships began in countries with multiple political parties. The independents need either to form a new political party or join an existing political party and reform it. Elections should either be held on a holiday or on a weekend to permit more people to vote. James C. Haught Williamsport End the government shutdown To the editor: The inability of our elected leaders to compromise has led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. I am proud of my work as a federal employee in service to the country I love. Federal workers nationwide are forced to stay at home and wait for the government to reopen and are no longer able to provide the services on which our fellow Americans rely. Middle-class federal workers and their families are stretching their pennies until the shutdown is over. Even though pay will be restored eventually, bills still arrive on time even if paychecks dont, and many federal employees are being forced to make difficult and unnecessary financial decisions to make ends meet. Our legislators in Congress and the president need to stop playing political games with our governments services and those who provide them. We are now in a crisis and our leaders must work to promptly reopen the government. We must call on them to reach consensus immediately so committed federal employees across the nation and right here at home can get back to work for our country. Judith Cross Hedgesville, W.Va. THOMAS A. FIREY The Herald-Mail Facing invigorated Democratic opposition and flagging poll numbers, President Trump has launched a public relations offensive to get congressional funding for a barrier along the Mexican border. In the opening salvo of that offensive, last Tuesdays Oval Office address, the president said America welcomes immigrants who enrich our society and contribute to our nation. But, he added, the barrier is needed to obstruct dangerous criminals, terrorists and illegal drugs, and end the humanitarian crisis of migrating women and children falling prey to marauders and human traffickers. President Trump may truly be motivated by public safety and humanitarian concerns. But the administration aides who are crafting his immigration policies appear to be acting from more ignoble intentions. Consider the administrations push to end temporary work permits for H-4 visa holders. These people are spouses of H-1B visa holders, people with rare and valuable job skills. Like their spouses, H-4 holders are vetted by U.S. authorities before they can enter the country. Also like their spouses, H-4 workers tend to be high-skilled often in science, technology, engineering, medicine and finance individuals whose labor expands the economy and creates jobs for Americans. Survey data show that a number of H-4 holders are small-business owners, employing thousands of Americans. A forthcoming benefitcost analysis of the H-4 work permit program finds that ending it would result in a net loss of employment for Americans. It would also deprive local, state and federal coffers of tax revenue and reduce U.S. economic output. There is no national security or humanitarian justification for inflicting such hardships. Rather, there is the appearance that the Trump administration is willing to hurt Americans in order to inflict harm on legal, vetted, high-skilled immigrants. Or consider the administrations push to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The program grants legal status to young adults with no criminal record who were brought into the country illegally as children, through no fault of their own, and have now been educated and are ready to contribute to American society. A recent benefitcost analysis finds that repealing DACA, instead of granting qualifiers legal status, would deprive federal coffers of over $100 billion in revenue over the next decade while having little effect on government spending over that time. The report notes that, without legal status, fewer of these young people would pursue advanced job skills that contribute more to the U.S. economy; they would instead remain in the legal shadows. Again, there is no public safety or humanitarian justification for ending this program and hurting the economy, just the appearance that the Trump administration wants to harm immigrants. Or consider the administrations push to cut legal immigration in half, as well as to end the visa lottery program for countries that have no specific quota levels. Or the administrations sharp reduction in refugee immigration. Or its attacks on family visas derisively called chain migration which rejects one of the strongest predictors of immigration success: the previous success of close relatives. In all these cases, federal authorities investigate the applicants especially refugees for public safety and national security risks, a process that has proven highly effective at preventing the entry of dangerous persons. Once again, there are no public safety or humanitarian justifications for these policies, just the appearance that the Trump administration wants to hurt immigrants. These proposals suggest the Trump administration is driven by bigotry. But the president could dispel that appearance, demonstrate his sincerity about border security and the welfare of migrating women and children, and get the funding he wants for a border wall. All he would need to do is follow through on another of his promises from the 2016 campaign: include a door in that wall. As he explained in an Oct. 28, 2015, Republican presidential candidate debate: Were going to have a big, fat beautiful door right in the middle of the wall. Were going to have people come in, but theyre coming in legally. Now, he could offer that door as part of a compromise in exchange for the $5.7 billion in initial funding he wants for a border wall. Specifically, he could: Renounce the effort to end the H-4 work permit program. Double all immigration and refugee quotas, allowing lawful entry for applicants who have been investigated and approved by immigration authorities. Dismiss the administration aides who unjustifiably attacked the H-4 work permit program and pushed for cuts in legal immigration and refugee quotas. The first termination should be immigration czar Stephen Miller, who has repeatedly brought unnecessary and counterproductive disrepute on the administration and served President Trump very poorly. Offer a path to legal status for both DACA qualifiers and current illegal immigrants who have committed no criminal offenses. The latter could be assessed a penalty for their current status. Increase appropriations for the U.S. immigration system so that applicants can be processed and investigated more quickly and accurately. This would reduce the need for migrant women and children to trek to the U.S. border to request asylum. To be clear, building the wall would still be bad policy. Despite its high price expect it to cost $45 billion to build, $2 billion a year to maintain, and billions more to staff it would have little effect on violent and property crime rates, terrorism, or the flow of illegal drugs into the country. At best it would be a giant, costly symbol of foolish big government. Still, this compromise would mute some of the strongest objections to Trumps wall and undermine the bargaining position of his critics. This maneuver would befit a master negotiator. It would give the president exactly what he says he wants, in return for nothing other than what hes already said he wants to do. | BY Ricki Green | The APAC Effie Awards has named Geometrys Diana Cawley and Johnson and Johnsons Nikhil Tivary as Heads of Jury for the APAC Effie Awards 2019. Cawley is the Chief Executive Officer of Asia Pacific for Geometry Global. She joined Geometry in 2016, and is based in Shanghai, China. Cawley relocated to Asia in 2012 to take on the role of Global Head of Retail for Cheil Worldwide and thereafter had a stint with BBDO Worldwide as Managing Director for Shanghai. Cawley began her career in London at an independent UK agency working on the Safeway account, which was then the third largest grocery retailer in the UK. Her experience in grocery retail marketing led her to specialise in retail and in 2001, she launched a specialist retailer agency working with clients such as BP, BHS, Lloyds bank, Costa Coffee and the Post Office. When the agency was sold to Publicis in 2004 and aligned to Leo Burnett, she became the MD of Arc, London. Cawley said I am delighted to take on the role of Head of Jury for APAC Effie Awards 2019. The Effies are very important not just to our industry but to clients, as it values the results creative solutions generate in response to a business challenge. I look forward to reviewing excellent work that has made a great impact on business. Tivary is the Chief Marketing Officer for Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, Asia Pacific. Having worked in both Asia and Europe, he has over 16 years of experience spanning both global and regional leadership roles. Tivary has successfully turned around businesses in developing and developed markets through the launch of relevant products and communication mixes. Prior to joining Johnson and Johnson, Tivary was part of the Global team on Unilevers Dirt is good, which has helped the business grow multi-fold since its inception. He has built brands across the globe through consumer centricity, championing innovation, creating purposeful brands and using social with big data to build relationships. Tivary is passionate about bringing to life a unique point of view of brands and creating brand experiences that truly elevate the role the brand plays in a consumers life. His goal is to develop and deploy products and ideas that add real value to peoples live. I am really looking forward to recognising and celebrating the best of Marketing Effectiveness at the Asia-Pacific Effies. Today, as consumers exercise moral choices through their wallet choices, our brand stories need to be impactful, not just in business growth but also how they better the lives of our consumers, communities, our planet, and the future generations. I look forward to judging the best of the region so that the rest of us can emulate and better them, for the future, said Tivary. The Effie awards spotlight marketing ideas that work, and recognise any and all forms of marketing communications that contribute to a brands success. Since its inception in 2014, the APAC Effie Awards has been recognised by agencies and advertisers alike as the pre-eminent award for the communications industry in the region. Tim Shea tims@herald-mail.com By The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. Some lawmakers in drug-ravaged West Virginia want to pitch in millions of dollars for President Donald Trumps wall-building effort along the U.S.-Mexico border. The Republican-led House of Delegates issued a statement Monday that a bill planned by three delegates would divert $10 million from West Virginias current $186 million budget surplus for wall construction. Trump is seeking $5.7 billion to fund construction of a wall along about 235 miles of the border, and the federal government has been partially shut down as Trump and Democratic lawmakers are at an impasse over his request. The suggested offer from West Virginia would pay a tiny fraction of the cost. A Republican lawmaker in Montana last week proposed giving more than $8 million for the wall, while senators in South Dakota voted to urge construction of a steel barrier. The sponsors in West Virginia are Dels. Carl Robbie Martin, R-Upshur; Patrick Martin, R-Lewis; and Caleb Hanna, R-Webster. Robbie and Patrick Martin are brothers. West Virginia has by far the highest rate of U.S. drug-overdose deaths. The three lawmakers said Tuesday on a conference call that the $10 million would help stem the flow of drugs from Mexico into West Virginia. Our constituents are crying out, saying that they need help with this drug problem, Patrick Martin said. West Virginians want this wall. I believe that they want border security. Drug trafficking is concentrated at land ports of entry, not remote stretches of the border, according to a 2018 report by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The most common trafficking technique by transnational criminal organizations is to hide drugs in passenger vehicles or tractor-trailers as they drive into the United States though entry ports, where they are stopped and subject to inspection. They also employ buses, cargo trains and tunnels, according to the report, which cited other smuggling methods that wouldnt be choked off by a border wall. The DEA found that most of the heroin sold in the United States is being trafficked from Mexico, but the agency said China is a main source of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids flooding the U.S. market. China has pushed back against the characterization. The DEAs report also noted a drop in the number of U.S. methamphetamine labs being filled by Mexican and Latin American drug cartels. West Virginia Democratic Party Chairwoman Belinda Biafore called the proposal a political stunt and sickening because the money should be used for other pressing needs in the state. Trump carried West Virginia by 42 percentage points in the 2016 election, and 63 percent of state voters who cast midterm ballots approve of the way he has handled the job. Jennifer Fitch waynesboro@herald-mail.com WAYNESBORO, Pa. Municipal officials in Pennsylvanias small communities ran for office because others encouraged them to do so, they want to be active in their community and they want to better the area, according to survey results from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. That survey, which was completed by 1,128 elected officials in boroughs and townships, found the representatives are older and more likely to be female than in years past. The average age of a borough council member or township supervisor was 61.9 in 2018, compared to 55.5 and 57.4 in 1999 and 2005, respectively, the survey found. Twenty percent of those surveyed were women, compared to 14 percent in 1999 and 15 percent in 2005. The Penn State Extension is offering a Toss Your Hat in the Ring workshop for those interested in running for office this year. Pennsylvanias primary election is May 21 and its municipal election is Nov. 5. It gives you a good overview of the financial filing requirements and some of the nitty-gritty things you might not know, Chambersburg (Pa.) Borough Councilwoman Kathy Leedy said in a telephone interview. Leedy attended the workshop when she was running for office in 2015. She will serve as a panelist in the session planned for Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Greater Waynesboro Chamber of Commerce at Walnut and Third streets. Registration is $25 per person and can be completed at www.extension.psu.edu/toss-your-hat. Additional workshops are planned in Adams, Cumberland and York counties, and a webinar is being developed for Feb. 12. Franklin County (Pa.) Deputy Chief Clerk Jean Byers will present instructions on how to file a petition and report campaign expenses. Leedy will speak in Waynesboro, as will a township supervisor and a school board member. They will share their experiences. Serving on borough council has been a rewarding experience in a number of ways, said Leedy, who is seeking re-election this year. It has enabled me to learn things about my community I wouldnt have known otherwise, notice things I wouldnt have seen otherwise and get to know people. Those seeking office should have the time and interest to serve, as well as a baseline knowledge of the community and a desire to help others, she said. Tim Shea tims@herald-mail.com HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Gov. Tom Wolf kicked off his second term Tuesday with a call for Pennsylvanians to work together to build a stronger, fairer and more prosperous future, and said progress in his first term is proof that the state can overcome its challenges. Wolf, 70, returns for a second term battle-tested and perhaps more pragmatic than the politician who waged protracted budget fights before regaining voters confidence and sweeping to an easy re-election win in November. To a great degree, Wolf pronounced his first term a success after delivering an inaugural address four years ago in which he called Pennsylvania a state at a crossroads with rickety finances, stagnant wages and a shrinking middle class where voters were cynical about government. My fellow Pennsylvanians, weve gone from a commonwealth at a crossroads to a commonwealth on a comeback, Wolf said Tuesday in his 16-minute inaugural address to a crowd of hundreds in near-freezing temperatures outside the Capitols East Wing. The Democrat, no longer the outsider who spent $10 million of his own money in winning his first run for the governors office, still faces substantial Republican majorities in the legislature that have proven hostile to large elements of his agenda. But the theme of a divided government played neatly into Wolfs remarks as he contended that working across the aisle shows the state is meeting challenges he cited four years ago. Wolf contended Tuesday that divided government is working pre-kindergarten enrollment, high school graduation and employment are up, while the prison population, crime and the uninsured rate are down and he urged Pennsylvanians to help renew faith in the states future. I ask you to choose hope over hopelessness, empathy over apathy, Wolf said in his inaugural address. I ask you to choose action over passivity. I ask you to take the future of our commonwealth into your own hands and help lead us forward. The election left him with more Democratic allies in the legislature than before, and he seems happy with his new lieutenant governor, John Fetterman, after a first term spent barely speaking with outgoing Lt. Gov. Mike Stack. Fetterman, 49, was sworn in about two hours before Wolf in the Senate chambers. A somber Fetterman wore a black suit and tie, a contrast to the sleeveless work shirts, cargo shorts and boots that the 6-foot-8, bald and goateed Fetterman was accustomed to wearing as mayor of the down-on-its-luck steel town of Braddock, Pa. Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Saylor administered Wolfs oath of office using a 19th-century Bible from Wolfs family. During his remarks, Wolf said his toughest day in office during his first term was Oct. 27, when a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor of that attack, delivered an invocation before Wolfs swearing-in. Myers, who said he stopped using the word hate in the wake of the attack, asked that God grant Wolf the recognition that the vast majority of people are good people, and that their goodness will always overcome others who use the h-word in speech and deed. Wolf on Tuesday gave no insight into his second-term initiatives, although he previously said he plans to push for policies to fight climate change, improve public education, fix inequities in Pennsylvanias criminal-justice system, and make voting easier and more secure. From all appearances, Wolf emerged from his first term with a more realistic outlook about what is politically possible. In his first year, he fought and lost a record nine-month budget stalemate over his proposal for a multibillion-dollar tax increase. Wolf since has emphasized the benefits of fiscal austerity, restoring trust in government and achieving bipartisan agreement. Since that first budget fight, Wolf changed, said state Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson. I have found him to certainly always reach over, always have a conversation, always listen and have an understanding, Scarnati said Tuesday in an interview. Marcus Williams, a retired boilermaker, made the two-hour drive from Philadelphia with his ex-wife to sit on the cold metal stands to support Wolf, who he called a level-headed man who can broker compromises to satisfy a politically moderate American majority. The mild-mannered Wolf spent most of his adulthood running a family building supply company in York County, Pa., and was prominent in civic affairs in York. He was a longtime donor to Democratic political causes and served as then-Gov. Ed Rendells revenue secretary in 2007-08. Wolf attended Dartmouth College before earning a doctorate in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Fetterman, 49, made his name as Braddocks mayor and became a minor media darling for his efforts to help revive the town. Fetterman beat Stack in the Democratic primary last year and was elected with Wolf in November. Joyce F. Nowell jnowell@herald-mail.com GREENCASTLE, Pa. Greencastle is looking to fill the second vacancy on its borough council in the last four months. The borough also has some volunteer board and commission spots available. Longtime Councilman Craig Myers moved from Greencastle and resigned the position effective at the end of 2018. The borough is soliciting those interested in filling the seat. The council has 30 days from the Jan. 7 date that it accepted Myers resignation to do so. To serve, a resident must be a registered voter and have lived in the Greencastle area since at least Feb. 4. Interested applicants should submit their names, addresses and one-page resumes by Jan. 25 to Borough Hall, 60 N. Washington St., Greencastle, PA 17225. Applicants will be able to briefly introduce themselves during the Feb. 4 council meeting and then will be interviewed by the council, which intends to vote to appoint a new member at the session. Joel Amsley was appointed to the council in November after the resignation of Jim Farley, who also moved from the borough. In addition to Amsley, former Councilman Wade Burkholder applied for that seat. Those interested in applying for the council spot are asked to be willing to attend a two-day course for newly elected municipal officials and complete National Incident Management System training within the coming year. If appointed, the resident must complete the Pennsylvania Statement of Financial Interests. Vacancies also exist within the borough government on its commissions and boards, including three spots on the Shade Tree Commission. That commission is a vital part when we look at the stormwater program and the credits we receive, council President Steve Miller said. I highly encourage folks to consider that commission. You can have a high impact on this community. What that commission does around the community is a real effort that shows that Greencastle has a first-rate program. Its a very active, important commission, Borough Manager Eden Ratliff said. They do a lot of good things in the borough as we try to preserve and expand our urban canopy. Greencastle also needs a Vacancy Board chairman. Its an important position that is very rarely called to action, Ratliff said. For more information about the vacancies, call Borough Hall at 717-597-7143. Jennifer Fitch waynesboro@herald-mail.com SCOTLAND, Pa. Attorney Kristin Diller Nicklas recently announced that she will run for the magisterial district judge position in District 39-3-04 in Franklin County, Pa. The district includes Greene and Southampton townships, the Franklin County portion of Shippensburg, and Orrstown. Nicklas, 35, began her legal career as a law clerk for former Franklin County Court of Common Pleas President Judge Douglas W. Herman, according to a campaign news release. After finishing her clerkship, she worked for the Breschi and Associates law firm and later opened Nicklas Law Offices, the release said. Nicklas said she has represented clients in all areas of family and real-estate law. I became an attorney because I wanted to help people. ... I believe my well-rounded legal experience, strong work ethic and dedication to my community make me the best candidate for this position, she said in the release. Nicklas is Franklin Countys support master, which is a quasi-judicial role in which she hears evidence and makes decisions in domestic-relations cases. She also is a former recipient of the Pennsylvania Bar Association Pro Bono Award. Nicklas, who has been licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania since 2010, said she has litigated hundreds of civil and criminal cases in courtrooms. She appealed a case in 2016 to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, which used the case to change the landscape of childrens rights to counsel in the state. Incumbent Magisterial District Judge TR Williams is seeking re-election to his seat for the coming six-year term. A resident of Greene Township, Nicklas is the daughter of Dale and Sherian Diller of Chambersburg. She has a law degree from Widener University. Nicklas and her husband, John, have four children. Her volunteer work includes time with the Franklin County Therapeutic Riding Center and Exchange Club of Chambersburg. Nicklas is a registered Republican who plans to cross-file to appear on both major parties ballots in the May 21 primary election. Pennsylvanias municipal election is Nov. 5. Magisterial district judges in Pennsylvania are paid about $90,000 per year. Don Aines daines@herald-mail.com A prisoner at the Washington County Detention Center is accused of having a homemade knife and asking another inmate to pretend to be a hostage in a planned escape. Elizabeth Dawn Phillips, 31, of North Locust Street, Hagerstown, is alleged to have broken a light fixture cover, then a 10-inch piece of sharp plastic to fashion a weapon, after unsuccessfully trying to remove a blade from a ceiling fan, the charging document said. On Jan. 9, Phillips was placed on special checks because she stated she might harm herself. That confinement requires staff to do well-being checks on the inmate, the document said. An alleged attempt at bribery took place that evening when Phillips told a deputy at the center that she could provide information as to the location of a deadly weapon in exchange for food, the document said. The deputy reported the incident to a superior. An officer at the center spoke with other female inmates. One said Phillips broke the ceiling light cover and made the piece of plastic into a weapon, the document said. Phillips told inmates about her plan to take a deputy hostage and escape, the document said. She allegedly asked at least one inmate if she would pretend to be a hostage to help in the escape. One inmate told an investigator she thought Phillips was going through drug withdrawal. When Phillips was placed on special checks, it required that she be moved to another part of the jail, the document said. During the transfer, she was taken to a day room, seated at a table and handcuffed to the wall before being given a different uniform. Phillips was then taken to a bathroom to change uniforms, but a search of the day room turned up a paper bag containing the makeshift knife under the table at which she had been seated, the document said. District Judge Mark D. Thomas ordered Phillips to remain held without bond on Tuesday, citing the danger she posed to herself and the community. At the time of her arrest on Jan. 7, Phillips had pending criminal cases, including two involving motor vehicle theft, Assistant States Attorney Kenny Shapiro said at Tuesdays hearing. Phillips was picked up Jan. 7 on a bench warrant in another case, according to online court records. On Jan. 11, the Washington County Sheriffs office charged her with felony counts of having a contraband concealed weapon and possession of a weapon while in confinement. She also was charged with misdemeanor counts of malicious destruction of property and trying to bribe a public employee. Julie E. Greene julieg@herald-mail.com The Cascade Town Centres master developer expects to have several old homes at the former Fort Ritchie demolished this year to prepare for the first townhouses to be built. Master developer JG Business Link International wants to kick-start development of the 63-acre section it owns by building 36 townhomes on North Boyd Street, Joe Lee, president of Washington Realty Management, wrote in an email. The property-management company oversees the 63 acres JGBLI owns and is JGBLIs sister company. The 36 townhomes are part of JGBLIs plan for approximately 150 townhomes, condos and apartments, as well as medical and commercial buildings, a retail center, and brand hotel for the 63 acres, Lee wrote. Eleven homes will initially be razed so the Army can check for unexploded ordnance in the ground under those homes, according to Lee. The residential property to the west will need to go through the same process with the Army as the project progresses. The redevelopment effort hit bumps last year as the countys attempt to sell most of the nearly 600 acres fell through twice, with different South Korean developers. But Lee said JGBLI continued talking to potential buyers and working with interested investors toward formal contracts for different development projects at the former Army base in northeastern Washington County. Lee and Jeonghoon Han, vice president of Eutilex Co. Ltd., were among the people who updated the county commissioners Tuesday about the redevelopment project in Cascade. Eutilex is a South Korean pharmaceutical company that has begun clinical trials in South Korea for an immunotherapy drug for NK/T-cell lymphoma, officials said. Han said he hopes to begin clinical trials in the U.S. this year. Since September, JGBLI has been negotiating with Eutilex about establishing its U.S. presence at the Cascade Town Centre, officials said. Han visited the site this week and the company is continuing its feasibility study. Lee said JGBLI also is negotiating with a large South Korean retail chain about the Cascade project. The retailer could help bring a variety of retailers to the site. JGBLI is still awaiting word from the South Korean government about a request for $200 million to help upgrade infrastructure, including roads and utilities, at the former military base, Lee said. The work would include a boardwalk surrounding the lakes. The review process has gone on long enough that Lee said he is optimistic the request will be approved. That money, if approved, would funnel through a South Korean construction company to the Cascade Town Centre project manager, whether thats JGBLI or the county, he said. Then it would go to subcontractors. Officials noted several local firms involved in the redevelopment effort, including Fox & Associates, Ellsworth Electric and Callas Contractors in Washington County and W.F. Delauter & Son in Emmitsburg, Md. Staff reports The Herald-Mail ANNAPOLIS Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan emphasized bipartisanship on Wednesday in his second inaugural address and contrasted civil debate in Annapolis with the partisan rancor in nearby Washington. Hogan is only the second Republican governor to be sworn in to a second term in the state. He says he wants to "keep putting the people's priorities before partisan interests." He called on lawmakers in the General Assembly controlled by Democrats to "repudiate the debilitating politics practiced elsewhere." The full text of his speech follows: It is such an honor to be standing here at this historic state house where General George Washington resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Forces and where the Revolutionary War ended with the ratification of the Treaty of Paris. And it is truly humbling to be inaugurated for another term as only the second Republican to do so in the entire 243-year history of our state. I want to congratulate my friend and partner, Marylands great lieutenant governor, Boyd Rutherford, and thank my wife, Yumi, who has been a wonderful first lady for Maryland. I would not be here today without the love and support of my entire family. President Miller, Speaker Busch, and all our distinguished guests, thank you for being here. Governor Bush, Im honored by your presence here today. Your governorship was a model of leadership, and your entire family has been a shining example of public service. Last month, I had the privilege of attending the memorial services for your father, our 41st president, a true American hero who represented the very best of our nation. Throughout his remarkable life, he showed us the true meaning of honor, integrity, courage, and humility. As I listened to your brother, our 43rd president, deliver his beautiful eulogy, I could not help but think back to just the year before when I lost my own dad and had the difficult job of delivering his eulogy. My father was proud to serve in Congress with George H.W. Bush. He served on the House Judiciary Committee during Watergate as the whole world watched the impeachment proceedings. Despite tremendous political pressure, he put aside partisanship and answered the demands of his conscience to do what he thought was the right thing for the nation that he loved. Party loyalty, he said, and personal affection and precedents of the past must fall before the arbiter of mens actions: the law itself. No man, not even the President of the United States, is above the law. For our system of justice and our system of government to survive, we must pledge our highest allegiance to the strength of the law and not to the common frailties of man. With those words, my father became the first Republican to come out for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. The decision cost him dearly. He lost friends and supporters and his partys nomination for governor that year. But it earned him something more valuable: a quiet conscience and an honored place in history. I learned a lot about integrity and public service from my dad. I miss him a lot, especially today. And as I look out at all of you, the backdrop is the beautiful dome of the United States Naval Academy chapel where I attended the funeral of another American hero, Senator John McCain, a man with passion, toughness, and tenacity. Senator McCain wasnt someone who would yield easily, but he never hesitated to reach across the aisle to get things done, and he always put his country before his party or himself. As we look back on the lives of these leaders, it makes us yearn for something better and more noble than the politics of today. For those of us who have been given the privilege of serving, we could offer those men no greater tribute than to follow their example. Back in January of 2015, I was humbled, eager, and, frankly, a little awed by the opportunity granted me by the people of Maryland to serve them as governor. In the incredible four years that followed, there has not been a single day, good or bad, when I was not grateful for the privilege. Thank you, my fellow Marylanders, for giving me the most important work of my life. Because of the trust that you have placed in me, I pledge to you that I will keep giving this job everything Ive got every single day that I am given. Four years ago, I committed to usher in a new era of bipartisan cooperation and prosperity in Maryland, one filled with hope and optimism. I pledged to govern with civility and moderation, to avoid attempts to drive us to the extremes of either political party, and to uphold the virtues that are the basis of Marylands history as a state of middle temperament. I believe its because we kept that promise to put problem-solving ahead of partisanship and compromise ahead of conflict that Im standing here again today just as humbled and eager and awed as I was at the start of my first term. We have spent four years working together to unshackle the unlimited potential and promise of this great state. We debated, discussed, and reasoned together honestly and productively, with integrity and sincere purpose. We argued without acrimony, negotiated without hidden agendas, and compromised without political posturing. We didnt demand Republican solutions or Democratic solutions; we sought out bipartisan, commonsense solutions that worked for the people of Maryland. We didnt surrender our principles; we simply practiced the art of the possible, and we trusted Marylanders to appreciate the distinction. Do the right thing and the politics will work itself out that was our plan. We faced our fiscal challenges with steady resolve and eased the tax burden on hard-pressed Maryland families, retirees, and small businesses. We cleared away the tangle of regulatory undergrowth and paved the way for historic economic growth and record job creation. We funded education at historic levels to give our schools the resources needed to prepare our children for the opportunities of the future. We protected the healthcare coverage of Marylanders and provided lower insurance rates for the first time in a decade. We met our transportation challenges head on with historic investments in our infrastructure. And we practiced skilled stewardship of the environment, which resulted in a Chesapeake Bay that is cleaner than it has been in recorded history. Today, I ask my partners in the legislature to join in reaffirming our pledge to continue on this bold new path. Rather than engaging in mere rhetoric, lets continue to deliver real results for the people who sent us here. Lets keep putting the peoples priorities before partisan interests. Lets continue to tackle our common problems by accepting our shared responsibility to solve them. Lets repudiate the debilitating politics practiced elsewhere including just down the road in Washington where insults substitute for debate, recriminations for negotiation, and gridlock for compromise; where the heat, finger-pointing, and rancor suffocates the light, and the only result is divisiveness and dysfunction. Where getting something done for the people no longer seems to be a priority. There is plenty of blame to go around. People on both sides of the aisle refuse to give up even a little to get a lot done. Neither side really wants to make progress; they just want to make demands and win arguments. Thats not governing thats just political theater, and most of us are sick and tired of all that drama. Look, Im willing to stand up and fight for the things that really matter but not for status quo politics and not to perpetuate polarization and paralysis. I come from the get-to-work and get-things-done school of politics, and Ill work with anyone who wants to do the peoples business. We have enough worries, stress, and drama in our private lives, dont we? We might have a sick child or an elderly parent to care for; problems at work or in school; a spouse who lost a job; or a close friend whos hurting. Maybe we received a tough diagnosis or recently lost someone we love. We all suffer enough challenges in our lives that give us plenty to worry about. You shouldnt have to obsess over or argue constantly about angry and divisive politics. You should be able to have confidence in the character and competence of the people you elect to office regardless of their party affiliation. You should be able to trust that well do our best for you to solve our problems. Those of us blessed by your trust should give you a government that doesnt act as if it is something apart from you but one that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. A government that appreciates that no one of us has all the answers or all the power. A government that tolerates contrary views among a diverse citizenry without making them into enemies or doubting their patriotism. A government that can discuss and debate with as much civility as passion and with a view to persuade, not intimidate, to encourage, not demonize or defeat. That is exactly what we have succeeded in providing to the people of Maryland over the past 4 years: A humble, tolerant, respectful, and effective government that has worked together and found bipartisan, commonsense solutions. A government that took on the big problems and made things better for the people we serve. A government we could all be proud of. As I stand here today, Im hopeful, and I have every confidence in our collective ability to continue giving Marylanders a state government that is just as decent, hardworking, and pragmatic as they are. Harry Truman once said: Men make history, not the other way around. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better. It isnt always easy to put the public good ahead of personal and partisan interests. If it were, then leaders like George H.W. Bush, John McCain, and my dad would not have stood out from their contemporaries as much as they did. Those men had the wisdom to know that no success is more satisfying than living honorably and keeping faith with the people who gave you their trust. While the tenor of todays national politics may have strayed from the noble example they set, I still believe that what unites us is greater than that which divides us. And to those who say our political system is too broken and cant be fixed, I would argue that we have already shown a better path forward. And if we can accomplish that here in Maryland, then there is no place in America where these very same principles cannot succeed. So on this historic day, in this historic place, let us once again pledge to seek that middle ground where we can all stand together. Lets keep changing Maryland for the better and continue setting an example for the rest of the nation. Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the great State of Maryland and the United States of America. Mike Lewis mlewis@herald-mail.com Plans for new power lines will continue, but the Maryland Public Service Commission has extended the deadline for testimony about parts of the case. The commission handed down that ruling Tuesday in the case involving Transources plans to build two new lines from Pennsylvania into Maryland. PJM Interconnection, which directs the operation of the regions electrical grid, hired Transource to build the lines to address what has been called congestion of the grid in certain areas. We are pleased with the Maryland Public Service Commissions order to deny the motion to dismiss the application for the Independence Energy Connection project, Transource spokeswoman Mary Urban wrote in an email Monday afternoon. Transources application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity has been deemed to be complete and meets all filing requirements under Maryland law. Residents can be assured that the commission will thoroughly evaluate the project before rendering a decision. An updated study last year reported that the project would save $866.2 million in congestion costs over 15 years by providing lower-cost power to parts of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The project would hang lines from monopoles that would be about 135 feet tall and rise from a 130-foot right of way. Estimated to cost about $320 million, the project totals 45 miles in two sections. A western segment would run a line from near Shippensburg, Pa., to the Ringgold substation near Smithsburg. An eastern leg would install a line from York County, Pa., to Harford County, Md. The eastern leg is the focus of the motion filed by the Power Plant Research Program, which is charged with ensuring that the state can meet demands for electricity at reasonable costs while protecting the states valuable natural resources. The research programs motion, filed last month, argued that Transource did not identify or provide the required examination of using nearby existing lines as an alternative to building new ones. Transource responded that it did such an examination. The program argued that it is clear that there was no examination to consider an existing transmission line as an alternative for the eastern segment of the project (in Harford County). The program said it provided a specific configuration, a Conceptual Alternative, for PJM and/or Transources consideration. In its response, Transource referred to the Conceptual Alternative as a hypothetical alternative. The document states that PJM determined the Conceptual Alternative is not viable because it would create significant reliability violations. The commissions staff, the Maryland Office of Peoples Counsel, along with an opposition group known as STOP Transource Power Lines Md. and individuals from Harford County, filed documents supporting the motion to dismiss. In the ruling issued Monday, the commission denied the motion to dismiss. But it extended the schedule to allow the parties time to conduct additional analysis and study regarding the use of existing transmission lines (PPRPs Conceptual Alternative). Those who supported the motion have until Feb. 25 to file direct testimony. In extending the filing date, the commission noted that the Power Plant Research Program represents multiple state agencies and plays an important role ... as the states expert witness. Thus its input helps greatly in determining what is and is not in the public interest. | BY Kim Shaw | Campaign Brief can reveal that after nine years as global chief creative officer of DDB Worldwide, Amir Kassaei is stepping down to focus his time and efforts on the customized global agency C14TORCE owned by DDB for the car brand SEAT. Says Kassaei on his LinkedIn profile: It was an amazing journey but I will not miss advertising, advertising will miss me. Prior to joining DDB Germany in 2003 Kassaei was ECD on Mercedes-Benz and Smart International at Springer & Jacoby Germany from 1997 to 2003. (CNN) An Indian soldier has been "honey trapped" into giving sensitive information to a fake Pakistani Facebook account, highlighting the widespread "catfishing" problem facing India's military. Sombir Singh, 22, was stationed near the India-Pakistan border when he struck up an intimate online relationship with an account he believed to be operated by an Indian army medical officer. Over the course of a year, the soldier revealed sensitive information, including troop and tank movements to his fake lover. "He was honey-trapped via Facebook from a lady in Pakistan," Umesh Mishra, additional director general of police (intelligence) for the Rajasthan Police, told CNN. India and neighboring Pakistan are long-time military rivals. The pair shared erotic and intimate messages, as well as explicit photographs, according to officials. The account, which still appears to be active, was created under the name Anika Chopra. The profile picture shows a woman wearing a green sari. The low-ranking soldier had received money via his brother's account from his online lover, Rajesh Meena, superintendent of police, State Special Branch, Rajasthan Police, told CNN. "She started getting confidential information about the army in lieu of which he received money," Mishra said. Singh was arrested Friday and, if convicted, faces up to three years in prison under the country's Official Secrets Act. Film star Facebook friends The Indian army is battling a widespread outbreak of Pakistani "catfishing" -- when someone is lured into a relationship by a fictional online persona -- army chief Bipin Rawat said last week. Rawat said that "a lot of people" had fallen victim to the online scams. Warnings against suspicious profiles had been issued to army personnel, he added. "For those people who are not reporting the matter, if it comes to our notice that they have been continuously flouting the rules of social media, the punishment being meted is heavy," he said Thursday. "We are taking this very seriously and can't allow the compromise of security through ... social media." The scammers "from across the border" use Bollywood actresses' names to entice recruits into online relationships, said Rawat, urging troops to be skeptical of such accounts. "I tell my boys, Do you think that your film star wants to become friendly with you?" he said. "But yet people are getting trapped by these names. We have told them, Be careful, don't go into these things." Mishra added that the Indian army was monitoring the online activities of soldiers, and that this surveillance had raised the red flag in the case of Singh. "We have seized his mobile (phone) and his digital footprints are being investigated," said Mishra. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Indian soldiers being 'honey trapped' by fake social media accounts from Pakistan." Staff reports The Herald-Mail A New York City man wanted on robbery and weapons violations was arrested Wednesday in Hagerstown. Janssen Smalls, 26, was arrested without incident at 419 W. Church St. and taken to Baltimore, according to a news release from the Hagerstown Police Department. He was wanted by the New York Police Department on robbery and weapons violations. The operation was conducted by Hagerstown police, the U.S. Marshals Service and Maryland State Police. Don Aines daines@herald-mail.com Tuesday nights shooting of a Hagerstown man at a Summer Street residence was over a drug debt or was a robbery during a drug transaction, different witnesses told Hagerstown police. Shortly before 8 p.m., officers were called to Meritus Medical Center after a man with a gunshot wound on his face was driven there, according to the statement of probable cause. The man, identified as 20-year-old Kenneth Tyrone Jackson, was later transferred to R Adams Adams Cowley Shock Trauma in Baltimore. He was listed in fair condition Thursday afternoon, according to the hospital. Two men were arrested and charged after the incident at 155 Summer St. Michael Anthony Degarmo, for allegedly shooting Jackson, and Ramon Leon Breland Jr., on accusations that he tried to hold up the people in the house. Degarmo, 29, of George Street, was charged with attempted second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and handgun offenses. Police charged Breland, 21, of Violet Drive, with armed robbery, robbery, first-degree assault and reckless endangerment. A detective determined Breland drove Jackson to Meritus Medical Center and that Breland and Jason Raeshaud Smith, 21, witnessed the shooting. Breland told police he, Jackson and Smith went to the Summer Street address at Gateway Crossing to collect money for two or three ounces of marijuana sold to someone at the house, the document said. Breland and Jackson were let into the house, but an argument with a man named Will ensued. The argument turned into a fight between Breland and Will, while Jackson was fighting with another man in the dining room, the document said. Breland told investigators that he heard two gunshots and that he and Jackson ran from the house. Breland then discovered Jackson was wounded and took him to the hospital, the document said. When police arrived at the Summer Street address, numerous people trying to flee were stopped and taken to headquarters for questioning, according to the document. One man, 31-year-old Joshua Neal Arnold, told police Degarmo came to the house to arrange a drug deal, wanting to use the mans supplier to buy $1,800 of marijuana, the document said. After calls were made, a car with three men inside pulled up outside at about 6:45 p.m. and two of the three got out, Arnold told police. Arnold told police that one of the two men who entered the house pulled a .22-caliber handgun, pointed it at him and said, Give me the money, the document said. The man instead rushed the gunman, whom police believe was Jackson, and heard a gunshot as they fought. The man told police he saw Degarmo holding a .40-caliber handgun. Jackson and the second man, whom police believe was Breland, fled the house, Arnold told police. Breland left behind a backpack with a 9-mm handgun inside, the document said. Degarmo told police a man matching Brelands description came to the house to settle up on a drug debt, the document said. The man left, but returned a short time later with a man matching Jacksons description. When Jackson pulled the gun and demanded money, Degarmo grabbed a handgun from a kitchen drawer and fired, according to the account he gave to police. Degarmo was prohibited from having a firearm due to his criminal record, which included grand larceny convictions in West Virginia and Virginia and theft in Maryland. Police said in a press release that three handguns were found after they obtained a warrant to search the house. The charging document said there was a blood trail leading from the back door to an alley. Neither Smith nor Arnold was charged in the incident, according to online court records. CJ Lovelace clovelace@herald-mail.com Main Street Hagerstown wants to establish a new program to help beautify the downtown. During a work session at City Hall, the Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday praised the proposed Adopt a Block pilot program, presented by Downtown Manager Amanda Whitmore. Whitmore said the program would include the four blocks around Public Square and require a commitment of one year. It would be similar to other programs in cities that have helped keep downtowns clean and beautiful. Councilwoman Emily Keller, who called the idea awesome, said it would be interesting if the citys Neighborhoods First groups would participate. Other council members urged Whitmore to consider possibly narrowing the duties to maybe one block on one street rather than a square block, on parts of multiple streets, which could be cumbersome without a large group. I think its a wonderful idea all the way around, Mayor Bob Bruchey said. The Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday gave informal approval to draft a license agreement with an artist who wants to install a public art display within a city right of way in March. Artist Scott LoBaidos traveling artwork, called 22-13, seeks to raise awareness of veteran suicide. It would be installed at the corner of Maryland Avenue and Downsville Road near St. Andrews United Methodist Church from March 22 to 24. The display features illuminated life-sized figures to honor the 22 veterans, on average, who commit suicide daily. It also has two 2s facing each other to create a heart. This is a big deal for Hagerstown, Councilwoman Shelley McIntire said, adding that the city is the only Maryland locale LoBaido is eyeing for the installation. The council is expected to vote on a temporary license agreement for the artwork at its regular session meeting on Jan. 29. C.J. Lovelace Janet Heim janeth@herald-mail.com When Dr. Allen Ditto retires on Jan. 31, he has plans for the fine motor and problem-solving skills he honed during his almost 40-year medical career. He will tackle the collection of 4,000 models mostly airplanes hes stockpiled in the basement of his Fountain Head home in Hagerstown. He enjoyed the hobby as a kid. Even though he doesnt love flying in planes, Ditto said he is fascinated with the engineering of them. Since becoming a doctor, he said, he had time to purchase models, decals and supplies over the years, which he referred to as shopping therapy, but no time to put them together. During his career, Allens put together four models, estimating they take an average of 100 hours each. When Ditto visited his patients in the hospital, he generally worked 110 hours a week. Around 2005, his average work week dropped to about 85 hours. With Allen retiring and less income coming in, his wife, Judy Ditto, gave him a Jan. 1 deadline to end purchases related to models She is not retiring from her job as accounting manager of the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, for which she has worked since May 2012. Judy looks forward to coming home to meals cooked by her husband, who has been learning to cook through Blue Apron meal kits and is interested in taking cooking classes in Frederick. I bought myself an Instant Pot and sous vide, Allen said, referring to a process of cooking by vacuum sealing. He also is taking over the house cleaning, a task he has discovered he likes. Following family footsteps It will be the end of an era when Ditto retires on Jan. 31. The third generation of family-practice doctors in Hagerstown, Dittos retirement brings to an end 97 years of local medical care by Dr. Dittos. Ditto-Ditto-Ditto was the headline that ran with a brief AP piece, prompted by a local newspaper story after Allen Ditto returned to Hagerstown to start his medical career. He set up his solo practice on Aug. 2, 1982. There currently are four generations of Ditto doctors, though. Allen and Judy Dittos son Andrew Ditto is a family practice doctor in Navajo Nation in Winslow, Ariz., after graduating from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. I couldnt convince him to come back, said Allen Ditto, who is 65. Edward III and Judy actively discouraged medical careers for their sons, then supported and took pride in the accomplishment. I love what I do, said Allen Ditto, who still makes house calls. There have been lots of tears, hugs, notes and gifts since Ditto announced his retirement in September 2018. Allens grandfather, Dr. Edward W. Ditto Jr., began his medical practice in Hagerstown in 1921, followed by Dr. Edward W. Ditto III in 1953. All three graduated from Hagerstown high schools and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. Ditto Jr. retired in the early 1970s and Ditto III in 1999. Family support A 1971 North Hagerstown High School graduate, Allen met Judy Hughes when they were in the same grade at North Potomac Junior High. We took an instant dislike to each other in seventh grade. It was not love at first sight, Allen Ditto said. He recalls Judy always completing assignments before the due date. She remembers dioramas he made with Army men. Ditto always wanted to go to U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His parents took him for a visit in eighth grade. After 15 minutes, he knew it was not the place for him. I hated it, Ditto said. Thats when he got interested in first aid. He also got a taste for the work going on house calls with his grandfather and father. As a Boy Scout, Ditto assisted his Scoutmaster, local surgeon Dr. Frank Brumback, with first aid at Scouting activities. Hiking the entire 184.5-mile C&O Canal the summer after seventh grade helped Ditto realize he could accomplish anything with support and determination. I wanted to quit every minute of every day, but they helped me, Ditto said. One merit badge shy of Eagle Scout, Ditto said, he disappointed his mother. Even the Eagle project was completed and approved. All that was lacking was the approval of Dittos merit badge counselor. But they couldnt connect over the summer before Dittos 18th birthday, the cutoff date. Allen Dittos father and son are both Eagle Scouts. Allen and Judy both played clarinet in Mr. Hurleys orchestra class in 11th grade. During their college years, they wrote daily to each other, with Allen at Emory University in Atlanta for pre-med and Judy at James Madison University in Virginia. Allen and Judy got married in 1975 after graduation and moved to Philadelphia for medical school. I always say we went to medical school. I wasnt sure if Id have finished if it wasnt for her, Allen Ditto said of Judys encouragement. His knack for worrying, though, has taken a toll over the years. Part of the way he is is what makes him such a good doctor. I think its one of his best qualities. ... You get weary about worrying (about patients), Judy said. Life changed with the birth of twins Megan and Andrew in 1983. Career changes came in 12-year increments for Allen Ditto. After his third-year residency in Allentown, Pa., the Dittos returned to Hagerstown. He was in a solo private practice on Oak Hill Avenue the first dozen years. He and his father covered calls for each other. Then, for the next 12 years, they were part of a combined practice with several other doctors called Potomac Family Medicine on Northern Avenue. The last 12 years have been with Meritus Medical Group. The practice is now called Meritus Primary Care. It recently moved from Pennsylvania Avenue to Crayton Boulevard. Judy did all of the books and human resources for her husbands solo practice and Potomac Family Medicine and early on with the last practice. Fewer worries in retirement Allen Ditto said a good doctor makes many decisions regarding patient care and there is much room for mistakes or errors of judgment, which is always on his mind. On Feb. 1, I look forward to not worrying about that, Allen Ditto said. For many years, he was voted #1 Doctor in The Herald-Mail and Hagerstown Magazines Hot List. Judy and Andrew convinced Allen to sit for the all-day specialty boards renewal test, giving him seven more years and more options in retirement. He took the test with longtime medical partner Dr. Stephen Metzner in April 2018. Judy worries that her husband, who likes to talk, wont have anyone to talk to. Allens not worried about that at all. Besides assembling and detailing models, Allen loves to read, including two newspapers a day. Hell have more time for all of that. The Dittos might join a bird watching group. Judy, Megan and Andrew are hosting an open house on Feb. 9 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Cortland Mansion for patients and colleagues to honor Allen Dittos years of medical service to the community. Allen opposes the idea, but was told it was non-negotiable. The open house will offer some closure and celebration. Ill miss seeing my patients. Its been a privilege being part of their lives. Ill really miss working with other doctors, he said. Staff reports The Herald-Mail SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. Chiquita Howard-Bostic, chairwoman of the department of sociology and geography at Shepherd University, attended the 17th annual Hawaii International Conference on Education in Honolulu from Jan. 5 to 8. Howard-Bostic chaired the curriculum, research and development session, facilitating a two-hour discussion about several presentations on community service, experiential learning and curricular innovation in the social sciences. She also presented a study showcasing a curricular design and theory titled Breaking Resistance Pedagogy for Educators Who Teach Race. The theory of breaking resistance explores resistance to, withdrawal from and anger about structural racial inequality. The curriculum involves critical reflection about social forces and individual life chances from multiple standpoints. The curriculum, theory and breaking-resistance pedagogy were included in the 2018 Ohio Dominican University (ODU) survey of cross-cultural competencies, a larger research collaboration with ODU faculty members Julie Putnam Hart, Jill Guinan and Anjel Stough-Hunter. | BY Ricki Green | Australia has scored 19 finalists in the early entry shortlist for the One Show 2019 global awards, according to The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organization celebrating creative excellence in advertising and design. VML Sydney and Cummins&Partners Melbourne lead the region with six shortlisted each. VML Sydney has scored three finalists with Alexa Lifeline and three for Unicef Australia Hope Page. Cummins&Partners Melbourne has picked up three finalists for Specsavers The Error Ridden Ad, two for Australian Red Cross Blood Service 42 and one for MADC Meet Grant. Isobar, Melbourne has landed two on the shortlist: Cat VR for Zoos Victoria and RSPCA, and Tomb Raider for the Roadshow Films. Five others have one entry each on The One Show shortlist: //Thirteen & Co. Meet Grant for Melbourne Advertising and Design Club; Clemenger BBDO, Brisbane Fun Money-Barbershop for Tabcorp; Common Ventures, Sydney Missing Persons Week for Australia Federal Police; OPEN Brand Consulting, Sydney Thunderstruck for Royal Australian Mint, and The Hallway, Sydney Tin Can Telephone for Royal Far West. Australian client Tourism Australia secured eight finalists with advertising agency Droga5 New York for Dundee: The Son of a Legend Returns Home. Final deadline to enter The One Show 2019 is January 31, 2019. Introduced three years ago, The One Show early entry system benefits all parties involved in the process, including creative teams who submit entries, agency management responsible for awards budgeting and judges who review the work in batches as it comes in. Says Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club for Creativity: By submitting work when its fresh and top-of-mind, creative teams can more easily access materials while they are readily available and capitalize in real time on the works industry buzz. Agency management also gains a budgeting advantage by spreading awards spending over a 12-month period across two calendar years. From a judging perspective, the work is reviewed when its fresh and still topical, and jury members can give it greater attention because theyre reviewing smaller batches of entries. The One Show 2019 finalists list will be announced in April in lead up the The One Show awards ceremonies on 8 and 10 May, 2019 during Creative Week in New York. VIEW THE EARLY SHORTLIST 2019OneShow_ShortlistD1D2.pdf Australian Finalists: Provo, UT (84601) Today Intervals of clouds and sunshine in the morning with more clouds for later in the day. Hot. High 98F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. Low 67F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Shes been on the job for less than two weeks and already has generated more national press coverage than some members of Congress get in their whole careers. Not that its been all positive, of course. Far from it. The news media and not just on the right doesnt quite know what to make of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 29-year-old freshman representative from Queens who is a Democratic Socialist and proud of it. Their inability to fit her neatly into a pre-existing mold has resulted in a barrage of dubious stories, out-of-touch tweets and cable-news weirdness, the likes of which weve never seen before. And, in just about every case, Ocasio-Cortez has flipped critical coverage on its head and continued to make her points not always with perfect accuracy but with pitch-perfect tone and effectiveness. Over the weekend, for example, she drew fire after she criticized CBS Newss spirited (if tone-deaf) announcement of its 2020 campaign team. A graphic showed 12 reporters and producers, not a single one of which was black. The children went to the home of neighbor Sheila Thomas. She said she prayed for the kids and tried to keep them calm. A paramedic went to the house and provided care for them before two were taken to the hospital. At the beginning of Roses 911 call, he said his grandson shot his daughter and his son-in-law. He was audibly shaken and crying. At first, he said he couldnt find his wife. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} During the call, James Millhorn can be heard in the background asking for help and saying, Im going to die. Rose was also talking to the children, and they can be heard crying. While on the phone, Rose asked Millhorn questions, including where Marie, his wife, was, which direction Denton went when he left the house, and what kind of gun was used. Millhorn said he didnt know where Marie was or what direction Denton went, but he said a rifle was used. When Rose asked one of the children where Nana was, they told him shes in the kitchen. When he found his wife, Rose began screaming and crying and said, You better find him before I do. My wife dont even have a face no more. After a brief investigation, Bristol Tennessee Police Capt. Terry Johnson said officers received an anonymous tip identifying Ruiz as the perpetrator. Support Local Journalism Your subscription makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Police took Ruiz into custody Tuesday afternoon and said they recovered the marker. Terry Napier, director of Bristol Tennessees Parks and Recreation Department, said the sign was broken just above where it mounts to a post. It cannot be reused, Napier said after it had been recovered. We capped the post to keep water out, freeze damage so we can reuse it. Napier said the city is working with the state and marker manufacturer to replace it as soon as possible. Johnson said the marker will cost about $1,500. The suspect stated he would pay for it, and if not, we will ask for restitution as part of his court case, Johnson said. | BY Lynchy | CAMPAIGN BRIEF WORLD EXCLUSIVE CANNES VIDEO first aired Jun 23: DDB Worldwide chief creative officer Amir Kassaei has accused some Cannes 2012 jurors of bias claiming that judges of certain global holding groups had been ordered to vote for work from their respective groups. In this world exclusive video interview with Campaign Brief he said the integrity of Cannes was at stake, and suggested that DDB Worldwide would boycott Cannes next year if an investigation of this years jury decisions was not undertaken by the Cannes organisers. Says Kassaei: I have been notified by no fewer than 12 jury members that people from other holding companies this week were briefed to kill Omnicom, especially BBDO, DDB and TBWA, this is a fact. Support local journalism We are making critical coverage of the coronavirus available for free. Please consider subscribing so we can continue to bring you the latest news and information on this developing story. An investigation has been opened and a reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the shooting death of Journey, a diabetic service dog in Quinlan. A recent photo of the Greenville Fire Departments retired 1916 America La France and 1948 Seagraves Pumper fire engines is shown next to another photo of the same two vehicles taken in 1948, when the Seagraves was bought to replace the America La France. | BY Kim Shaw | EXCLUSIVE After four very successful years at Mother London, top Aussie expat creative team Damien Eley and Scott Harris have linked up with an ex-colleague from their time at Ogilvy, New York (and two other partners) to start an agency in LA called Mistress. Eley, who is in Sydney until January 14, told CB: After four years at BMF, Sydney (where we were the founding creative team), four years working on some of the worlds biggest clients in New York and four years pushing the boundaries with Mother, London (we co-wrote and developed the hugely successful and ground-breaking Pot Noodle The Musical), we have decided to bring our learnings from three continents to the new company. Mistress already has a couple of clients. Scotty and I left London inDecember and we will join our partners in LA later this month. It willbe fully independent and we plan to challenge every facet of thenormal way things are done. Mistress is a business idea, the play on words is fun but were quiteserious. The industry as we know it is fracturing and evolving fasterthan a lot of people realise. There are so many more options these daysboth for the client and the agency the global recession has forced usall to demand the most from all of our partners, whichever side of thecreative fence you are on Note: We've recently updated our online systems. If you can't login please try resetting your password. You must login with an email address. If you don't have an email associated with your account email customercare@heraldandnews.com for help creating one. A young motorist died on her way to work yesterday morning in a crash near the town of Cahir in Co Tipperary. The 19-year-old victim was named locally as Laura Quinn from Kilshane, near Bansha, in Co Tipperary, who worked as a beautician in Clonmel and was driving herself to work when the crash happened at about 8.30am. It was the second tragedy to hit the extended Quinn family in less than a year, after Laura's cousin Conor Quinn (24) was fatally stabbed in an incident in Co Cork last July. Ms Quinn's car, a Fiat Punto, left the road and struck a tree, causing fatal injuries to the young woman. Emergency services were quickly at the scene, which was on the N24 close to the Tipperary Road roundabout on the edge of Cahir. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The young beautician was the sole occupant of the car and there was no other vehicle involved. Her body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a post-mortem examination, while the coroner for Tipperary South was informed of the death. Gardai closed the road, a section of the N24 in the townland of Ballydrehid on the Bansha side of Cahir, to allow a forensic examination be carried out by technical experts, and the road remained closed for a number of hours. Tragedy Laura lived with her parents Anthony and Philomena in the Kilshane area, between Bansha and Tipperary town, and also had a number of siblings. "They are a very good family, very well-known and liked," local Fine Gael councillor Michael Fitzgerald said. "It's only sinking in, what happened. I know them very well. They're a lovely family. It's terribly sad, a terrible tragedy." Conor Quinn, a first cousin to Laura, died after being stabbed on the street in Mallow, Co Cork, last July. He had attended a horse fair earlier that day in Buttevant and was fatally injured with a knife on the street by a man who is subsequently believed to have fled to the UK. His death happened just days before his partner Stephanie was due to give birth. Gardai in Cahir are investigating the circumstances surrounding yesterday's crash and have appealed for any witnesses to get in touch. The founder of Supermac's has described winning a long-running battle against McDonald's as a victory for small businesses all over the world. In April 2017, the Irish firm formally submitted a request to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) to cancel the use of the Big Mac and Mc trademarks that McDonald's has registered for certain uses. Expand Close Supermac's restaurant on O'Connell Street in Dublin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Supermac's restaurant on O'Connell Street in Dublin Supermac's had asked the EU regulator that this take effect on the basis that McDonald's is engaged in "trademark bullying; registering brand names... which are simply stored away in a war chest to use against future competitors". In a landmark Europe-wide judgment that has immediate effect, EUIPO said that the multinational had not proven genuine use of the Big Mac trademark as a restaurant name - or even as a burger. Supermac's managing director Pat McDonagh yesterday described the victory as a landmark decision and said a door had been opened for Supermac's to apply for its name to be a registered trademark across Europe. "We objected to their trademark for the Big Mac and that now has been decided by the European Union in Alicante," he said. "They have revoked the Big Mac trademark on the grounds that, for three counts - first of all, in relation to a burger, secondly a food item and thirdly for food services." Bullying He told RTE's Sean O'Rourke programme how McDonald's had set up a "warehouse" of brand names - including a trademark on the word "Snackbox", which was then never used by the company. "You either use it or lose it... you can't stash away all these trademarks and have them in reserve or what they call trademark bullying to stop someone from doing something," he said. Mr McDonagh said that the judgment represents a victory for small businesses all over the world. "It doesn't matter how big or how small you are, it's great that you can get a hearing from the European office," he said. "I'm delighted with the result. I was hopeful for a positive outcome - but not to the extent to which we won. "It's been a long road, nearly four years, but it was worth it to help protect businesses that are trying to compete against faceless multinationals. "Never mind David versus Goliath, this unique landmark decision is akin to the Connacht team winning against the All Blacks." McDonald's previously hit Supermac's with a 41-page objection against its plans to use the Supermac's name in Europe, stating that it would "take unfair advantage of the distinctive character and repute" of trademarks previously won by the global restaurant giant. The US firm partly based its objection on already secured trademarks for its products, including the "Big Mac" and "Chicken McNuggets", claiming that introducing Supermac's into the market would cause confusion. This latest EUIPO judgment could mean that main argument is now invalid. "The original objective of our application to cancel was to shine a light on the use of trademark bullying by this multinational to stifle competition," said Mr McDonagh. "This now opens the door for the decision to be made by the European trademark office to allow us to use our brand as a burger across Europe. We are going to pursue that." A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are currently considering our position". Alan Bathe was caught returning to the scene of the crime A sweet-toothed shoplifter was prosecuted for stealing a chocolate bar worth only 40c in one the lowest value theft cases to ever come before the courts. Alan Bathe (34) got away with snatching the Animal bar, but was caught when he returned to the same shop later and was recognised by staff. Judge John Lindsay put him on a bond to keep the peace for a year after he admitted the charge. Bathe, of Seaview Park, Port-rane, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to theft. Dublin District Court heard the incident happened in Super- Valu on Ballymun Road, Ballymun, last April 12. Unsurprisingly for such a low-value theft, the DPP allowed the district court to deal with the matter rather than sending it for a jury trial at the circuit court, subject to the judge considering the matter. After hearing the value of the goods taken, the judge joked: "I don't think I can accept jurisdiction." The thief also agreed the court was his preferred choice. A garda sergeant gave evidence that Bathe entered the shop at around 12.30pm on the day in question, selected an Animal bar worth 40c and left without paying. He later returned to the same shop and was recognised by security staff, who called gardai. He was arrested and prosecuted for theft. The chocolate bar was never recovered. Trouble The court heard the accused had 67 previous convictions, the last of which was in 2015 for theft. He had not been in trouble since then. Bathe had had a very serious drug problem, which he had now largely dealt with, his solicitor Rory Staines said. Judge Lindsay put Bathe on a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 12 months. Comment Policy Calaveras Enterprise does not actively monitor comments. However, staff does read through to assess reader interest. When abusive or foul language is used or directed toward other commenters, those comments will be deleted. If a commenter continues to use such language, that person will be blocked from commenting. We wish to foster a community of communication and a sharing of ideas, and we truly value readers' input. 'O'Donoghue, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to public drunkenness and breach of the peace.' (stock photo) A drunken man had to be pepper-sprayed after he tried to grab a garda by the throat, pulling off the officer's tie. Thomas O'Donoghue (53) became violent as he was being arrested for shouting abuse at passers-by for "no reason". Judge Mary Cashin adjourned the case for a probation report. O'Donoghue, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to public drunkenness and breach of the peace. Dublin District Court heard gardai saw O'Donoghue spitting and roaring at members of the public on Westmoreland Street at 8.05pm on October 19, 2017. He was apparently being extremely abusive and insulting for no apparent reason. Resisted When approached, he attempted to seize a garda by the throat, but grabbed his tie, pulling it off. He violently resisted arrest and had to be pepper-sprayed. A garda witness said there was no injury, and the officer had been wearing a clip-on tie which "simply came off". Gardai also arrested the accused on O'Connell Street at 4.10am on November 25, 2017. He was approaching members of the public in a threatening manner with his fists clenched, taunting and insulting them. The accused was a steelworker who had been out of work on disability, his barrister Conor Burke said. His wife died and this caused him to drink more heavily. "You cannot blame every- thing on drink," the judge said. Trying to grab the garda's throat was "not just messing," she added. British prime minister Theresa May makes a speech in the House of Commons after her deal was rejected by MPs. Photo: PA The European Union has warned Theresa May that the time for preventing a disorderly Brexit is "almost up" after MPs emphatically rejected her withdrawal agreement. Mrs May will today face a no-confidence motion in her government as British politics continues its meltdown over the so-called Irish backstop. The Brexit deal agreed by the prime minister with the EU was defeated by a historic margin last night, but Mrs May failed to produce a Plan B. EU president Jean-Claude Juncker was blunt in his ass- essment of the situation, saying the risk of a hard Brexit had increased and "time is almost up". Impasse In Dublin, the Government promised to intensify prepar-ations for "such an outcome". "The Irish Government recognises, however, that a disorderly Brexit is a bad outcome for everyone, not least in Northern Ireland," a statement said. "It is not too late to avoid this outcome, and we call on the UK to set out how it proposes to resolve this impasse as a matter of urgency." A new side deal between Ireland and the UK has been hammered out in order to maintain the Common Travel Area (CTA). The CTA allows free movement of citizens between the two countries, provides for social protection and means students can study in both Ireland and the UK. Tanaiste Simon Coveney confirmed deals had been reached on education, social protection and healthcare, with all "ready to go" as part of a bilateral deal. This would ensure the benefits of the current arrangement were maintained "deal or no deal", the Tanaiste said. Legislative plans for a no-deal Brexit have also been fleshed out with a Brexit "mega- bill" covering 17 areas across various departments, including healthcare, taxation and energy, being published at the end of February. Some of the areas it will include are ensuring financial support for students studying in the UK and making sure UK driving licences are recognised here. The Government has outlined a very tight time frame to get the Bill pushed through the Houses of the Oireachtas. Addressing MPs after losing the House of Commons vote by 432 to 202, Mrs May warned MPs that there was no way of dumping the backstop, which would ensure an open border on the island of Ireland. She said any of the alternative deals being pushed would still require "the insurance policy". "No backstop simply means no deal now and for the foreseeable future," she added. Moments after the result was announced, Mrs May told the Commons: "It is clear that the House does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support." Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn immediately tabled a motion of no-confidence, saying the result was "catastrophic" for the prime minister. "After two years of failed negotiations, the House of Commons has delivered its verdict on her Brexit deal, and that verdict is absolutely decisive," Mr Corbyn said. "Her governing principle of delay and denial has reached the end of the line." Undermined If half of MPs vote against the government, it could result in a general election, but all indications are that Mrs May will survive to fight another day. Labour's hopes of ousting the prime minister were undermined when the DUP said it would back her despite differences over the backstop. DUP leader Arlene Foster urged Mrs May to return to EU leaders and renegotiate to secure a "better deal". "The House of Commons has sent an unmistakable mess- age to the prime minister and the European Union that this deal is rejected," Mrs Foster said. On November 28, 2018, Georgians elected their next president in the second round, in the last direct presidential elections before the country fully switches to a parliamentary system. Salome Zurabishvili, an independent candidate endorsed by the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, won the election by securing 59 percent of the vote against opponent Grigol Vashadze from United National Movement (UNM) who received 40 percent. Zurabishvili received the largest number of votes in the first election round on October 28 but did not reach the 50 percent threshold needed to win. Observers assessed that elections were largely competitive but not fair. Some irregularities and incidents occurred during the voting, however, they did not seriously affect the outcome. BACKGROUND: Similarly to campaigning before the 2016 parliamentary elections, this year's election campaign was extremely harsh and divisive. It revealed a deep polarization in the society and media over the irreconcilable political competition between GD and its major political opponent, the UNM. Both parties resorted to negative and highly polarizing campaigning to attract votes and focused their campaigns on personalities rather than on programs. The election campaign was replete with black PR, leaked audiotapes, allegations of corruption and murder all aiming to discredit the opponent and appealing to the most extreme emotions rather than promoting the candidates. The smear campaign completely overshadowed the debate about the important economic and policy concerns that Georgia is currently facing. While this strategy is convenient for political parties, it is unhelpful to voters and turn elections into emotion-fueled plebiscites rather than an actual competition based on programs. The negative campaigning intensified after the first round when the major opponents scored almost identical numbers of votes. Zurabishvili was able to garner 615,572 votes nearly a quarter of a million less than the ruling party received in the last parliamentary elections. The major opposition candidate, the UNMs Vashadze, came a close second and received 601,224 votes, which exceeded the UNMs result in the last parliamentary elections. This result came as a surprise to the ruling party, which was convinced that the fragmented and weakened opposition would not pose a substantial challenge. This contributed to even fiercer and more polarizing campaigning by the two major opponents before the run-off. The ruling party engaged in a new black PR campaign aimed at their main political opponent, including new billboards and videos. The UNM responded with negative coverage in friendly media outlets. Most observers noted that the elections were not fair and that the authorities resorted to undemocratic methods to attract voters. The most notable case took place just before the second round, when Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze promised that the state is ready to help Georgians who are unable to pay off their bank loans. The total number of people who are behind on their debt payments is estimated to 700,000, and the combined value of toxic debts amounts to 1.5 billion lari (approximately US$ 564 million). Debt relief would come through the Kartu Foundation, established by GDs founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili. This unexpected move sparked accusations in Georgia and beyond that the ruling party employed vote buying to gain an unfair advantage over the opposition candidate. IMPLICATIONS: The November presidential elections were the last occasion when Georgias head of state was elected through direct balloting. In line with recently adopted constitutional changes, starting from 2024, the president will be elected indirectly by an Electoral College. The presidents prerogatives will also be limited especially in the field of foreign policy, where the presidential role will be mostly representative. After the first round of elections, only three of the 25 registered candidates were able to gather more than 10 percent of the vote Zurabishvili, Vashadze and Davit Bakradze of European Georgia. The two major candidates, Zurabishvili and Vashadze, received 38.64 percent and 37.74 percent respectively and were unable to cross the 50 percent threshold to win the elections. Thus, for the first time in Georgia's history, the president was not elected in the first round. The elections revealed a deep polarization of the electorate, which was exacerbated by the fierce competition between the ruling party and its major opponent. The fact that the opposition candidate was able to score an almost equal number of votes to the candidate endorsed by the ruling party provided a new boost of hope for UNM. After the 2016 parliamentary elections, when UNM suffered a serious failure and a subsequent split within its ranks, the party seemed to be slipping into irrelevance. Yet the partys presidential candidate was able to attract a substantially higher number of votes and gained support not only from traditional UNM voters but also from thousands of undecided ones. However, at the end of the day, the opposition proved unable to break the glass ceiling: Vashadze lost the presidential race to Zurabishvili receiving 40.5 percent of the vote to her 59.52 percent. Like her opponent, Zurabishvili has substantial foreign policy experience, having served as Frances ambassador to Tbilisi as well as Georgias foreign minister. It is unlikely that foreign policy under the new president-elect will differ from that of Georgian Dream. In her first post-election address, Zurabishvili confirmed Georgias decisive course towards integration with NATO and the EU. She also criticized Russias continually aggressive and provocative behavior toward Georgia. Turnout in the second round was 56.2 percent, compared to 47.8 percent in the first round. This was most likely a result of voter mobilization following the very harsh and polarizing campaigning and the undue advantage provided by government support for the GD-backed candidate just before the second round. Many voters also likely feared that Vashadze would implement former President Mikheil Saakashvilis agenda and pardon not only the former president but also other UNM politicians who were sentenced in the last few years. The elections revealed that even though many Georgians are growing tired of GDs rule, the opposition is incapable of successfully capitalizing on the ruling partys mistakes in order to regain power. The largest opposition party, UNM, used largely the same tactics that resulted in a crushing defeat in the last parliamentary elections. This strategy has generally proved unsuccessful, even though many Georgians are dissatisfied with the ruling party and its seeming inability to tackle the countrys mounting economic and policy problems. Over the last few years, Georgia has been hit hard by an economic slow-down caused by a decline in exports and a rapid depreciation of the national currency. Also, concerns have grown over increasing corruption, a lack of transparent governance and the limited independence of the judiciary. However, the UNMs controversial proposals, for example dissolving the parliament and holding early elections or the promise to pardon Saakashvili ultimately put off many voters. Ultimately, Georgians opted for stability over the uncertain and potentially disruptive changes put forward by the opposition. Subsequent calls for civil disobedience and accusations against GD of rigging the elections did not attract much attention; even some opposition politicians declined to support them. With their revolutionary political ideas, UNM seems unable to convince many undecided constituents, whose support is crucial to challenge GD. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that highly polarizing, negative election campaigns will not disappear from Georgia's political life anytime soon. Manufactured conflict produces political benefits for the main opponents and parties will not abandon this strategy. It allows the ruling party to distract attention from the problems that the country is currently facing and helps to mobilize votes against the demonized opposition. In turn, negative campaigning helps UNM to stay relevant and win part of the undecided voters who are dissatisfied with GD rule. Despite GDs victory, the presidential elections showed that the ruling partys appeal, which capitalized on UNM's unpopularity and has been winning elections by a wide margin since 2012, is fading. GD had to resort to dubious tactics to retain political power even when facing a weakened and fragmented opposition. The upcoming parliamentary elections will be an even bigger challenge for the ruling party, since GD will have to fight to preserve its parliamentary majority for the third consecutive term. Georgian authorities face an important task in improving electoral standards and ensuring an eventual peaceful transfer of power. AUTHORS BIO: Natalia Konarzewska is a graduate of University of Warsaw and a freelance expert and analyst with a focus on political and economic developments in the post-Soviet space. Image Source: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons accessed on 1.16.2019 Free access for current print subscribers As a home delivery subscriber, you get free unlimited digital access to premium content on HenryHerald.com, including local news, local sports, obituaries, legal notices, local features, and the e-edition. All you need is your print subscription account number and your last name. Don't know your subscription number? Email access@henryherald.com with your delivery address. Activate your account now. HENLEY MP John Howell says he will continue to support Prime Minister Theresa May after her Brexit deal was rejected in parliament. Mr Howell voted in favour of the deal but it was defeated by 432 votes to 202 on Tuesday, the largest ever defeat for a government. After the result was announced, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister. Mr Howell said: I voted with the Government because I think its in the national interest. The result is disappointing but we look to the next stage and see where we go with it. That is something that needs to be examined and should be done on a cross-party basis, which is something Ive called for all along. In an open letter to constituents ahead of Tuesdays vote, Mr Howell said he voted to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum and would do so again but said the Government had a responsibility to carry out the will of the people. He said: In this deal we have a compromise between the UK and the EU that takes us out of the EU after a transition period of two years. The bulk of the criticism of the deal, and what is seen as a continuing relationship with the EU, applies to this two-year period. The problem is the Irish backstop. The issue we face comes down to making sure that we are not trapped in the Irish backstop forever and that we have our own ability to come out of it. I do not want a no deal exit from the EU. This is not about whether we can survive on World Trade Organisation terms of trade. It is about bringing a successful conclusion to all the issues which will have no solution if we leave without a deal. Mr Howell rejected claims that he should have opposed the plan as the Henley constituency voted to remain in the referendum. He said: Some have tried to argue that I am mandated to vote in a certain way by their claim that the constituency voted a particular way in the referendum. The view of how the constituency voted is entirely a matter of statistical analysis since the way the vote was counted did not include the constituency at all. This was a national vote. People have said I should think of the country rather than my party or myself. I assure you that this is exactly what I have been doing. After the result, European Council President Donald Tusk suggested the UK should stay in the EU. He tweeted: If a deal is impossible, and no-one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Mr Howell said: I understand why he said that but I think hes completely wrong. The British people gave a very clear view in 2016 of what they wanted. Mr Howell also said he would be supporting the Prime Minister in the no confidence vote. He said: There is no reason, apart from playing politics, why this no confidence vote is being called. Two Pardee physicians named 'America's Best' Chris Parsons and James Radford have been named to Best Doctors in America list. Pardee UNC Health Care physicians Chris Parsons and James M. Radford have been named among the Best Doctors in America for 2017-2018. The prestigious recognition marks the second and eighth times, respectively, that Drs. Parsons and Radford have earned this honor. Related Stories Parsons, medical director of the Pardee Center for Infectious Diseases, is board-certified in infectious disease. Over a 13-year career in academic medicine focused on patient care, clinical education and research in infectious diseases, Dr. Parsons achieved the rank of Professor of Medicine while earning more than $10 million in external funding for clinical trials and original research from the National Institutes of Health and other sources. Its a great honor to receive this recognition from colleagues, Parsons said. Ive been fortunate to work with all of the talented members of the antibiotic stewardship, pharmacy, nursing and infection control teams whose contributions are critical for the good outcomes of patients at Pardee Hospital and the Center for Infectious Diseases. Radford, an oncologist at the Pardee Cancer Center, is board-certified in both internal medicine and medical oncology. Dr. Radford notes that he became an oncologist for two reasons. His mother was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer during his second year in college. She was treated by a very good surgeon and did well, Radford said. But this was before medical oncology became a specialty and before anyone was available to answer our unending questions, to provide other treatment options, or to help people learn how to deal with this gut-wrenching life event. This experience made me want to be that person. Secondly, Dr. Radford said he feared boredom. Oncology may be frustrating, stressful, interesting, exciting, puzzling, joyful and tragic; however, I have never been bored over the years and love learning and experiencing something new in my profession every day. The highly regarded Best Doctors in America List is assembled by Best Doctors, Inc. and results from exhaustive polling of close to 40,000 physicians in the United States. In a confidential review, current physician listees answer the question, If you or a loved one needed a doctor in your specialty, to whom would you refer? Best Doctors, Inc. evaluates the review results and verifies all additional information to meet detailed inclusion criteria. Best Doctors has earned a sterling reputation for reliable, impartial results by remaining totally independent. Doctors cannot pay to be included in the Best Doctors database, nor are they paid to provide their input. The List is a product of validated peer review, in which doctors who excel in their specialties are selected by their peers in the profession. Founded in 1989 by Harvard Medical School physicians, Best Doctors is a global benefits provider and medical information services company that connects individuals facing difficult medical treatment decisions with the best doctors, selected by impartial peer review in over 450 subspecialties of medicine, to review their diagnosis and treatment plans. Best Doctors has grown to over 40 million members worldwide. The innovative services offered by Best Doctors include access to an unrivaled database of physicians who have been selected as the best in their field by other leading doctors. The Company also employs leading analytics and technology platforms that help people in need get the right diagnosis and treatment plan, which significantly improves health outcomes while reducing costs. For further information, visit Best Doctors at www.bestdoctors.com. A procedure assessed by NICE and used in research led by the University of Birmingham has been hailed as an exciting development in increasing the number of livers which can be safely used for transplantation. A perfusion machine can keep the donated liver viable for transplantation for longer. The machine reduces the rate of tissue deterioration that occurs after the liver has been removed from the donor and extends how long the liver can be stored before transplantation. Variations of the technique can also allow the liver to be flushed with blood at body temperature and supplied with oxygen, medications and nutrients allowing its viability and function to be assessed. It is hoped machine perfusion could increase the number of organs viable for transplant, saving more lives and reducing liver transplant waiting lists. Liver transplantation is a highly successful treatment for end-stage liver disease, which kills 11,000 people a year in England. Deaths from liver disease have soared by 25 per cent in a decade and continue to rise, while the average age of death from liver disease (currently 50-59 years) continues to decrease. Today NICE has issued final guidance which recommends the procedure ex-vivo machine perfusion for extracorporeal preservation of livers for transplantation is used under special arrangements as more data is gathered into its efficacy. NICEs independent advisory committee did not identify any major safety concerns. Surgeons undertaking the procedure must inform patients about the uncertainty of the procedures efficacy, comply with the relevant regulatory and legal requirements of the Human Tissue Authority and should enter details about all patients having this procedure into the NHSBT UK transplant registry. NHS England and commissioners will decide whether they fund the procedure. However research is already taking place at centres around the UK including studies by experts from the University of Birminghams Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research in the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trusts Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre. University of Birmingham Honorary Professor Darius Mirza, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: In the 30 years Ive been involved with transplantation there have been three or four events which have been game changers and Im absolutely certain we are looking at a game changer that will change the way we practice organ storage and transplantation. It is already changing practice at the centres that have been able to use this technology either within clinical trials or within an expansion of service evaluation. Professor Kevin Harris, programme director and clinical advisor for the Interventional Procedures Programme at NICE, said: This procedure offers hope for patients needing a liver transplant. It offers another way of preserving the liver, and assessing whether livers which might have previously been considered unsuitable, can be used safely. The latest evidence reviewed by a NICE committee concluded that the procedure worked well and was safe to be offered to patients who had been fully informed of the risks and benefits. Clinicians should seek approval from their trusts management and record all data from the procedure in a database. By using this procedure, more patients on the organ transplant waiting list could be offered a chance of a transplant and there-by potentially extending their lives. Sue Bennett, 45, a mother of three from Ranton in Staffordshire, had a liver transplant using this new technique in 2015. She said: I signed up for the trial not knowing I would be one of the first to have this procedure in the country. Before my transplant I was very ill. I was losing weight, I couldnt sleep and my quality of life was quite low. I had a transplant after the hospital found a donor who was a match. The liver was kept alive using this procedure overnight and I was able to have the operation the following day. Nine days later I was back home. Having a transplant has changed my life. Ive joined the gym, got fit and gone back to work and did some voluntary work for the Staffordshire Search and Rescue team and I also compete nationally and internationally in the Transplant Games as a member of the Team GB transplant team. My life is unbelievably wonderful. Im very healthy, Im very happy and very active. I think Ive been very lucky. John Forsythe, associate medical director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: There has been a huge amount of research in the area of preservation and perfusion methods that allow us to both assess precious donor organs and to enhance their function. This could potentially mean the organ works better and improve transplant outcomes. Many of the lead researchers in the area of transplant preservation and perfusion techniques are in UK and it is good to see UK researchers continue to be at the forefront in this field. Transplantation wouldnt be possible without the generosity of organ donors and their families. Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust said, Every year hundreds of people with advanced liver disease die whilst waiting for a transplant. This new device offers real hope as it may improve transplant outcomes and allow livers that were previously thought to be unsuitable to be used and also increase the time that livers are able to be kept. It is an exciting development that has the potential to shorten waiting list times and reduce mortality rates from advanced liver disease. After transplant, the vast majority of people go on to lead full and healthy lives and it is truly amazing to see the transformation. For the financial year ending 31 March 2018, there were 1,043 liver transplants in the UK and 359 patients on the UK active transplant list, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. The number of patients on the active transplant list reached a ten year high in 2015 when 611 patients were on the waiting list. However the large drop attributed to the 2018 figure may be due to the introduction of the National Liver Offering Scheme (NLOS) in March 2018. Ends For more information please contact: Emma McKinney, Communications Manager (Health Sciences), University of Birmingham, tel: +44 (0) 121 414 6681, or contact the press office out of hours on +44 (0) 7789 921 165 NICE press office on 0300 323 0142 or out of hours on 07973 970534. Notes to Editor About the guidance Videos are available of Professor Kevin Harris; Sue Bennett and Professor Darius Mirza. The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the worlds top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 5,000 international students from over 150 countries. For more information about the Universitys research on liver transplantation in general is available here The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for driving improvement and excellence in the health and social care system. We develop guidance, standards and information on high-quality health and social care. We also advise on ways to promote healthy living and prevent ill health. Our aim is to help practitioners deliver the best possible care and give people the most effective treatments, which are based on the most up-to-date evidence and provide value for money, in order to reduce inequalities and variation. Our products and resources are produced for the NHS, local authorities, care providers, charities, and anyone who has a responsibility for commissioning or providing healthcare, public health or social care services. University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) runs the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham Chest Clinic, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital, Solihull Hospital and various community services across the region. The Trust has regional centres for trauma, burns, plastics, neurosciences, dermatology and cancer. It also has centres of excellence for vascular, bariatric and pathology services, as well as the treatment of MRSA and other infectious diseases. We also have expertise in HIV/AIDS, premature baby care, bone marrow transplants and thoracic surgery. UHB has the largest solid organ transplantation programme in Europe and runs Umbrella, the sexual health service for Birmingham and Solihull. It is also home to the West Midlands Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre and a nationally-renowned weight management clinic and research centre. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham is a Major Trauma Centre treating the most severely injured casualties from across the region. The hospitals single site 100-bed critical care unit is the largest in Europe. The Trust hosts the Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM) and leads the West Midlands Genomics Medicine Centre as part of the national 100,000 Genomes Project. UHB is also proud to host the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (RCDM) at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. The RCDM provides dedicated training for defence personnel and is a focus for medical research. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) is the nations largest funder of health and care research. The NIHR: Funds, supports and delivers high quality research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care Engages and involves patients, carers and the public in order to improve the reach, quality and impact of research Attracts, trains and supports the best researchers to tackle the complex health and care challenges of the future Invests in world-class infrastructure and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services Partners with other public funders, charities and industry to maximise the value of research to patients and the economy. The NIHR was established in 2006 to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research, and is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. In addition to its national role, the NIHR commissions applied health research to benefit the poorest people in low- and middle-income countries, using Official Development Assistance funding. University of Birmingham Scientists at Cardiff University are helping to bring personalised treatments for Parkinsons disease closer to the clinic, thanks to a major investment of over 50,000 from American charity, The Summit for Stem Cell Foundation. Working in partnership with Professor Jeanne Loring of the Scripps Research Institute, Cardiff Universitys Dr Mariah Lelos is testing the potential of alternative dopamine cell therapies to reduce the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Parkinsons disease causes dopaminergic cells in the brain to die, which in turn can cause a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms in patients. One strategy to reduce these symptoms is to replace the missing dopamine in the brain, using cell replacement therapies, explained Dr Lelos. However, there is a limited supply of the gold-standard foetal tissue needed for this treatment. Whats more, while both foetal tissue and new stem cell-derived therapies work well, they require the patient to take immunosuppression drugs, which can be detrimental to their health. One potential solution is to use cells taken directly from the patient (known as induced-pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs), and transform them into dopamine cell therapy. This iPSC-derived treatment is tailored to each patient and avoids the use of immunosuppressive drugs, which means that the therapy should be safe with no side effects. The team hope to determine whether two potential iPSC-derived dopamine cell therapy products can survive in a rodent model of Parkinsons disease and improve motor impairments. Initial results show potential, with cells kept in culture for 18 days being able to survive in rodents and successfully alleviating the motor impairments associated with Parkinsons disease. Professor Jeanne Loring of the Scripps Research Institute, praised the results of this collaborative research project: Further analysis is ongoing, but these results indicate that cells from Parkinsons patients could potentially be used to develop an effective dopamine cell therapy that alleviates the symptoms of the illness. We are excited that our collaboration with Dr Lelos team has given us a great step forward in our development of patient-matched dopamine neuron replacement therapy for Parkinsons disease. Dr Lelos added: Stem cell-derived therapies hold real promise for people with Parkinsons disease. Professor Jeanne Lorings lab is developing an exciting new cell therapy and, by working together, we are delighted to be able to demonstrate how incredibly well this treatment works in our model of Parkinsons disease. These important results move personalised medicine for Parkinsons patients one step closer to the clinic. Cardiff University Blaine, Teton offices re-opening, Chouteau, Liberty and Hill counties not on list U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that some Farm Service Agency offices, including a few in north-central Montana, will re-open temporarily despite the government shutdown, now in its 26th day. In almost half of FSA locations, FSA staff will be available to assist agricultural producers with existing farm loans and to ensure the agency provides 1099 tax documents to borrowers by the Internal Revenue Services deadline, a release from the Department of Agriculture said. That includes offices in Blaine and Teton counties, although Chouteau, Hill and Liberty counties are not on the list provided by USDA of offices that will be opened. USDA recalled about 2,500 FSA employees to open offices Thursday, Friday and Tuesday during normal business hours. The offices will be closed for the federal Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday. Until Congress sends President Trump an appropriations bill in the form that he will sign, we are doing our best to minimize the impact of the partial federal funding lapse on Americas agricultural producers, Perdue said in the release. We are bringing back part of our FSA team to help producers with existing farm loans. Meanwhile, we continue to examine our legal authorities to ensure we are providing services to our customers to the greatest extent possible during the shutdown. The shutdown started Dec. 21 due to a clash between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats over Trumps proposal to spend $5.7 billion to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border to increase security. Democrats, who control the House, refuse to fund the wall, saying it is unnecessary and would be ineffective and immoral. They instead propose funding for increased personnel and technology and other improvements to increase border security. Trump refuses to approve government funding unless it includes paying for the wall. He has shown no sign of backing down from his request, and neither have congressional Democrats. FSA offices closed after Dec. 28. With the temporary staffing, the USDA release said, staff members will be available at certain FSA offices to help producers with specific services, including: Processing payments made on or before Dec. 31. Continuing expiring financing statements. Opening mail to identify priority items. As an intermittent incidental duty, staff may release proceeds from the sale of loan security by signing checks jointly payable to FSA that are brought to the county office by producers, the release said. Information on the locations of FSA offices to be open during this three-day window will be posted: On the USDA at https://bit.ly/2HgdC9k/. On Twitter at @SecretarySonny and @USDA. On USDAs Facebook page. Next seminar set for Jan. 24 Local producers Nathan Keane of Loma and Dick Nicholson of Chinook present their experiences with growing industrial hemp to a packed crowd during the Annual Golden Triangle Cropping Seminar held Jan. 8 at the Northern Agricultural Research Center south of Havre. Press release Hi-Line-area farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners started the new year off right with two educational events held at Montana State University's Northern Agricultura Research Center south of Havre, with another opportunity set for next week. The Annual Golden Triangle Cropping Seminar was held Jan. 8. Turnout was beyond expectations with more than 100 producers learning about paraquat safety, industrial hemp, herbicide modes of action and cropping systems. Cecil Tharp, MSU pesticide education specialist, presented "Paraquat Safety and Product Label Changes." Jed Eberly from the MSU Central Agriculture Research Center focused on the use of diverse cropping systems as a way to manage pests. Tim Seipel, MSU plant and agriculture ecology research scientist, presented integrated weed management and herbicide resistance. Jeff Rumney of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Dry Pea and Lentil Council also spoke. "I didn't realize how toxic and dangerous paraquat is," Havre semi-retired farmer and rancher Bob Larson said after Tharp's presentation. "It strengthened my views of why I use all the protective gear and reinforced I better keep up the safety precautions that I do use." The "Growing Industrial Hemp" workshop, presented by local growers Nathan Keane of Loma and Bob Nicholson of Chinook, garnered strong interest and discussion. "This crop has real potential for Montana growers," Keane said. "The problem is, right now, production is ahead of processing, but that will come now that the Farm Bill passed." MSU Blaine County Extension Agend Juli Snedigar said they purposefully worked to get a hemp workshop into the seminar. "We made a sincere effort to put this type of workshop into the seminar because industrial hemp is getting a lot of attention right now and producers need the facts, not the hype," she said. The cropping seminar was coordinated by Snedigar and MSU Hill County Extension Agent Shylea Wingard. The Winter Beef Symposium held at NARC Jan. 10 saw 60 producers from Judith Gap, Geraldine, Highwood, Big Sandy, Galata, Joplin, Havre, Chinook, Harlem and Malta gather to learn about production methods to improve with their livestock operations. Topics included controlling ground squirrels, risk management and crop insurance, EPDs for commercial cattle operations, weak calf syndrome and winter feed supplementation. Stephen M. Vantassel, Montana Departemt of Agriculture small vertebrate specialist, presented "Controlling Richardson Ground Squirrels." Custom Ag Solutions, developer of BeefBasis.com, discussed risk management and took an in-depth look at producer buying decisions regarding pasture, rangeland and forage crop insurance. Jennifer Thomson, MSU professor of livestock genomics, presented "Expected Progeny Differences for Commercial Cattle Operations." Tim DelCurto, MSU Nancy Cameron Endowed Chair in Range Beef Cattle Production, discussed "Weak Calf Syndrome" and Sam Wyffels, MSU animal and range science doctoral candidate, presented information about winter feed supplementation relating to cow age and her grazing patterns from research conducted on MSU's Thackery Research Ranch in Havre. Courtesy photo/Shylea Wingard Pickups belonging to local farmers and ranchers sit lined up outside the Northern Agricultural Research Center south of Havre during the Jan. 8 Golden Triangle Cropping Seminar. NARC also hosted a Winter Beef Symposium Jan. 10 and is hosting another Winter Beef Symposium Jan. 24. Weston Brown, Big Sandy rancher and board member of the North Central Stockgrowers Association, said he had never seen "PRF insurance explained in that level of detail before or from a rancher perspective." The Winter Beef Symposium was sponsored by NARC in conjunction with Hill, Blaine and Choteau county Extension agencies. The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee provided the refreshments. "I am real pleased with the turn-out," NARC Director Darrin Boss said. "If we continue to have this level of interest, I will seriously make this an annual event." Another Winter Beef Symposium is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m. at NARC. Topics include cheatgrass control, cover crops and cattle grazing, a veterinarian's perspective on weak calf syndrome and beef cattle third-trimester nutrition. For more information or to register, people can contact Emi Smith at NARC, 265-6115 or via email at emi.smith@montana.edu or contact their local extension agent. Staff and wire Montana is issuing February nutrition assistance payments early due to the federal government shutdown. Low-income residents should see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments for February show up on their electronic benefit transfer cards Thursday. The Department of Public Health and Human Services emphasizes these are early payments, not extra payments, and must stretch through February. The U.S. Department of Agriculture authorized states to make early payments because the agency is funded for 30 days after the Dec. 22 government shutdown. Montana pays about $12.2 million a month to 117,000 recipients. The agency is getting the word out via its website, social media and recorded phone calls to recipients along with updating the recording on the phone line people can call to check their balances. DPHHS is also asking grocery stores to post fliers and is asking tribes to notify members. The shutdown is having increasing impacts throughout the nation, with some workers working without pay such as U.S. Border Patrol agents and federal airport officials and other bureaus such as the Farm Service Agency and Bureau of Land Management shut down. Employees deemed non-essential who work for agencies that are not funded, such as FSA, were furloughed without pay. Some federal employees such as airport officials who conduct safety inspection and IRS officials were ordered back to work this week, also without pay. The shutdown has been caused by a clash between President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats over Trumps proposal to spend $5.7 billion to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border to increase security. Democrats, who control the House, refuse to fund the wall, saying it is unnecessary and would be ineffective, calling for increased personnel and technology and other improvements to increase border security. Trump refuses to approve government funding unless it includes paying for the wall. Michigan City, IN (46360) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 87F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy during the evening with thunderstorms becoming likely overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Published on 2019/01/15 | Source Writer Song Jae-jeong claims she got the AR game idea for "Memories of the Alhambra" from Pokemon Go at the press conference held in Seoul on the 15th of January. Advertisement Song Jae-jeong said, "I was asked many times about how I thought about the subject for "Memories of the Alhambra". I was thinking about time-slip after "W". I wanted to talk about a man from the future in the present. That was Yoo Jin-woo. I had already written that he was sleeping in a hotel when he was shot by a stranger". "But it wasn't interesting anymore. Just then Pokemon Go was a thing and I tried it out of curiosity. I caught Pokemon in Yeoeuido. Then I realized how amazing it was". She added, "I like games, but I never used it in my work because I didn't think it would be possible without a huge budget like "Avatar" or "Ready Player One". However, I realized it would be possible if I used CG on augmented reality. It was worth a try if I could convince the production. I got rid of the time-slip idea and started this". Haiti - News : Zapping... No more diesel in 3 days Tuesday Maarten Boute, President of Digicel Haiti said "Three companies are out of stock of gasoline. All companies will be out of stock of diesel in 3 days. Crisis in repetition ! Who benefits from the crime? To Novum ? To BMPAD ? See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26608-haiti-politic-towards-the-end-of-fuel-scarcity-in-gas-stations.html Senate : Lambert will not seek a second term Monday, during the return to Parliament, in his speech before the National Assembly Senator Joseph Lambert, outgoing President of the Senate and the National Assembly has officially confirmed that he will not seek a second term, insisting on the importance of alternation. Security Council delegation to Haiti A large UN Security Council delegation led by Jean Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, is expected Wednesday in Port-au-Prince. The UN delegation will be received by President Jovenel Moise and are expected to discuss the end of the mandate next October of the UN Mission to Support Haitian Justice. Affordable Housing Program Yvon Buissereth, Director General of the Public Enterprise for Promotion and Social Housing (EPPLS) announces the forthcoming launch in Port-au-Prince, of a new program of construction of social housing called "Affordable Housing Program" whose principal beneficiaries will be police officers, nurses and teachers. Cap-Haitien : One fuel Gallon for 750 Gdes In a Communique of the Departmental Directorate North, public institutions of the Department of the North prohibit the retail sale of petroleum products in the streets of the department, including Cap Haitien because on one hand the danger to the population and on the other hand, this illegal parallel market contributes to the increase in transport costs (750 Gourdes du Gallon found on the black market). Police have been instructed to interpelata all offenders See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26213-haiti-news-zapping.html "Come see the mysterious art" The French Institute in Haiti will meet you this Wednesday, January 16th at 6:00 pm for the opening of the exhibition of Herold Pierre-Louis entitled "Come see the mysterious art" HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Petit-Goave : Violent clashes between students at least 6 wounded ! Tuesday, January 15, for the second day in a row, Faustin Soulouque High School was the scene of violent clashes for more than two hours, between the students of the Lycee and those of College Pierre Baptiste with stones and fists. The high school students managed to enter the courtyard of the college Pierre Baptiste and attacked the school benches, while students of Pierre Baptiste went to the High School Faustin Soulouque and seized chairs to High School students who shouted revenge... At least 6 high school students were injured while some schoolchildren of the Pierre Baptiste school were physically hit... This clash occurred following the refusal of Pierre Baptiste students to bring their solidarity to high school students who claim since Monday the resumption of classes in the classroom, after the strike of some teachers (despite their promises https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25191-haiti-petit-goave-promise-of-a-school-year-without-strike-at-lycee-faustin-soulouque.html ) claiming the payment of their salary arrears https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26663-haiti-petit-goave-lycee-faustin-soulouque-closed-angry-students-demand-reopening.html School activities were paralyzed to near 70% and several schools returned at home their students. See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-26663-haiti-petit-goave-lycee-faustin-soulouque-closed-angry-students-demand-reopening.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-25191-haiti-petit-goave-promise-of-a-school-year-without-strike-at-lycee-faustin-soulouque.html HL/ HaitiLibre / Guyto Mathieu (Correspondant Petit-Goave) PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Mayor Dane Maxwell held a press conference on Wednesday announcing his candidacy for the Southern District of Mississippi Public Service Commission seat. Maxwell said after speaking with various former commissioners and gaining their support, he decided to announce his intentions. As the Public Service Commissioner for the Southern District, it is my goal that all rate payer complaints and issues are heard in a reasonable manner for the benefit of all involved, he said. The public service commission is tasked with regulating telecommunication of electric, gas, water and sewer utilities and my experience at the PSC taught me this is a serious responsibility that impacts much of our lives. Current commissioner Sam Brittons term is coming to an end and according to his Twitter account, Britton was in Pascagoula visiting with Maxwell and Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell earlier this month. It was great to be in Jackson County today visiting with Mayor of Pascagoula Dane Maxwell and Sheriff Mike Ezell. So many great things going on in Jackson County! pic.twitter.com/8HrR6WijX4 Sam Britton (@SamBrittonMS) January 3, 2019 As the next Southern District Public Service Commissioner, it is my intent that rates and charges for these services are reasonable and in line with good business practices from those providing the services, Maxwell said. Within his speech, he discussed his intention to hold service providers accountable for safety measures and says he will clamp down on pesky robo calls and telemarketers with the intention of strengthening legislation of the no call list and said he intends to fine them should he be elected. Those guys better look out, I am coming after you, Maxwell said. If elected, Maxwell would have to vacate his seat as mayor and a special election would be held to decide who would complete his term. Currently, Maxwell is running unopposed for the Southern District PSC seat. Primaries is set for Aug. 6 with a runoff to be held Aug. 27 if needed. General election is set for Nov. 5, 2019. If elected, Maxwell will take office January 2020. Maxwells announcement comes at a time where the City of Pascagoula is trying to recover financially after an audit of the city discovered a $14 million deficit existed. Since that time, the city has taken numerous measures such as unloading the city of salary, including raising taxes, layoffs, and finger-pointing between former and current administrations. (Note: The Mississippi Press was not notified of Mayor Maxwells intention to announce candidacy for the Southern District PSC seat. However, we received a tip from a concerned constituent, not Maxwell. Allegedly, text messages were sent to select individuals about the announcement, which was confirmed by a Mississippi Press reporter.) Duluth, MN (55816) Today Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 59F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.. Tonight Showers early, then partly cloudy overnight. Low 59F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Xiaomi is mostly know as a market disruptor with its low prices and aggressive marketing, but the company is catching up to competitors on the technology and innovation side. While it wasnt the first company to introduce a notch or a waterdrop cutout or a tall screen or dual cameras, Xiaomi is now aiming to change that. Lin Bin, the president and co-founder of Xiaomi, posted a video on Weibo, demonstrating a smartphone prototype that uses next gen under display fingerprint scanner. You can set up your finger with only one tap and then unlock the locked screen with pressing pretty much everywhere. According to Lin Bin, the unlocking area is 50 mm by 25 mm, which is more than five times the UD area now and over 15 times the standard scanner on the back, used by Xiaomi. And its not only big - it is fast and reliable, at least according to the video. We even see someone unlocking the phone without looking at the screen. While the technology looks great and is clearly tested on a phone with a Xiaomi Mi 8 front, Bin says if the innovation has great reception among fans, the company will consider placing the scanner in future devices. Until then well have the vivo APEX concept to keep us warm at night. Source (in Chinese) Redmi Note 7 Pro to be one of the first with the new Snapdragon 675 After the successful launch of the Redmi Note 7 the other day, Xiaomi is planning to release a more powerful Pro version too. The new Redmi Note 7 Pro is expected to hit the streets sometime February as per the initial announcement by Redmi. The new information, however, comes from the debris of Weibo revealing some key specs. For starters, the phone will have a 48MP camera, just like the regular Note 7, but this time with a Sony IMX 586 sensor. The Note 7, on the other hand, uses a Samsung ISOCELL Bright GM1 sensor. More importantly, though, the Pro variant will sport Qualcomm's brand new Snapdragon 675 chipset. The SoC is expected to be slightly more powerful than the Snapdragon 710 but in order to keep the cost low, Qualcomm has slapped a slower GPU, less capable ISP and has used a more cost-effective 11nm manufacturing process. And as for pricing, it's probably going to fall in the CNY 1,399 - 1,499 range, which translates into around $205 to $220. That's at least what the guys over at Weibo are saying. Source 1 | Source 2 (in Chinese) The Nokia 8.1 has arrived in the UK and it can be yours for 380. Currently, only the 4/64GB model is available, with Blue/Silver and Steel/Copper color options. You can find it at Clove UK. Note that this phone is a successor to the Nokia 7 plus, which made its debut in March last year at 350 (it has since dropped to 288). We checked, but there are no other (legitimate) stores offering the Nokia 8.1 at the moment. If you find something we missed, leave a link in the comments. No carrier deals yet, either. State income tax revenues surged upward again Tuesday, and this time it could be the middle class not the wealthy behind most of the gains. A new report from fiscal analysts projects overall revenues this fiscal year will surpass budgeted expectations by $464 million an improvement of $204 million from a rosy revised forecast issued in mid-November. A surplus was already projected for this year, and the new forecast enlarges it. The consensus report from Gov. Ned Lamonts budget staff and from the Legislatures nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis anticipates an additional $260 million in revenue for the 2019-20 fiscal year that starts July 1 dropping the potential shortfall to less than $1.5 billion, from about $1.7 billion. Similarly, the latest projections add another $238 million in revenue to the 2020-21 deficit calculations, whittling the shortfall two fiscal years out closer to $2 billion. The first half of this fiscal year has included strong performance from our major revenue sources leading to budget surplus projections with an expected and much-needed deposit to the Budget Reserve Fund and that strength is reflected in the consensus revenue estimates we are releasing today, said Melissa McCaw, Lamonts budget director. Nevertheless, we are continuing to watch recent signals in the economy, such as volatility in the markets or taxpayer behavior in response to federal changes, that could impact our subsequent revenue forecasts. According to the new revenue report, receipts from the personal income tax Connecticuts single-largest source of revenue have been upgraded by another $75 million for the current year, since the Nov. 10 forecast. But unlike most projections over the past 12 months, gains were not registered in the quarterly filings tied to capital gains, dividends and other investment related income thats earned by wealthy taxpayers. This time around, the growth was in paycheck withholding, which represents about two-thirds of the overall $9.7 billion income tax revenue stream. While Connecticuts wealthiest households pay the bulk of income tax connected with Wall Street, middle-income families are the chief contributors to the paycheck withholding portion. The report Tuesday continues a trend that brought an economic uptick in former Gov. Dannel P. Malloys final year in office. Income tax receipts, which frequently have fallen short of state officials expectations since the last recession ended in early 2010, have been doing the opposite. Unemployment in Connecticut fell to 4.1 percent in November and the number of new jobs in 2018, not yet fully reported, is on track to give the state its best year since 2007. Personal-income growth in the state matched or exceeded national growth for the second consecutive quarter. Overall economic growth also rebounded in the first half of the year, the latest measure available. In addition to income tax gains, the new forecast upgraded projections for the states second-largest source of revenue, the sales tax. Receipts for the current year are projected to come in $79 million higher than anticipated in mid-November. Analysts also projected modest growth in receipts from the corporation and inheritance taxes. The states share of video slot receipts from the tribal casinos in southeastern Connecticut is not declining as sharply as originally anticipated. Upticks in paycheck withholding and sales tax receipts typically are viewed as a good sign of sustained economic growth. Still, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, urged caution, saying the state is far from in the clear. Connecticut should view these numbers with cautious optimism. The numbers affirm that national growth has benefited Connecticut and the policies of our bipartisan budgets are beginning to move Connecticut in a positive direction, Fasano said on Tuesday. However, we must remain cautious and not use early signs of growth as an excuse to abandon fiscal restraint. Fasano also warned that a recession could be coming, as most economists predict. It remains unclear whether Lamont and the General Assembly can spend much of this projected windfall, given stringent new spending cap rules enacted in that budget Fasano mentioned, in late 2017. Regardless, Connecticut has a chance to build upon what appears likely to be a record-setting budget reserve. Connecticut held only about $200 million in its rainy day fund in late 2017, a cushion of slightly larger than 1 percent of annual operating costs. But over the past 15 months, Connecticuts rainy day fund has exploded. It now approaches $1.2 billion. In addition, a special volatility cap program designed to force the state to save excess income tax receipts tied to investment earnings holds $648 million this fiscal year. These funds would be deposited into the reserve this fall. On top of that, Comptroller Kevin Lembo had projected the surplus for the current fiscal year at $242.4 million earlier this month. It now could rise to $446 million based upon the updated revenue projections. If this surplus is deposited into the rainy day fund, the total could approach $2.3 billion by the fall a reserve of almost 12 percent. The largest reserve in state history involved nearly $1.4 billion held in 2008. At the time, it represented about 8 percent of annual operating expenses. Much of this growth in the reserve fund has been attributed to one-time factors, particularly changes in federal tax policy that led to changes in state income tax payments and a huge payment from hedge funds which in turn led to a windfall at the start of 2018. Lamont has said he wants to safeguard the reserve as much as possible. This could put the new governor at odds, though, with his fellow Democrats in the Legislatures majority. Hearst columnist Dan Haar contributed to this report. NEW YORK She's running. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand told a national audience on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" Tuesday she plans to run for president in 2020 which, if successful, would make the Albany native the first woman ever to hold the nation's highest office. She's now one of five potential Democratic candidates looking to challenge and unseat President Donald Trump next year. "I'm forming an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight," Gillibrand, 52, of Brunswick, told Colbert during an appearance on the CBS show, which is filmed in Manhattan. The program will air at 11:30 Tuesday. Asked by Colbert why she was running, Gillibrand said, "Because as a young mom, I'm going to fight for other people's kids as hard as I would fight for my own." She cited expanding access to health care ("a right, not a privilege"), better educational opportunities and job training as three key issues. "But you are never going to accomplish any of these things if you don't take on the systems of power that make all of that impossible which is taking on institutional racism, it's taking on the corruption and greed in Washington, it's taking on the special interests that write legislation in the dead of night," she said. "And I know that I have the compassion, the courage and the fearless determination to get that done." Gillibrand's announcement comes on the heels of her campaign representatives signing a lease for 4,000 to 5,000 square feet of space in the Frear Building in Troy at 2 Third St. She hired her Senate chief of staff, Jess Fassler, and Meredith Kelly, a former spokesperson for Sen. Charles Schumer and communications director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, to work on her nascent campaign. The appearance on Colbert's show kicks off a week that will take the senator from New York City to Troy to Iowa, site of the all-important caucuses a year from now. On Wednesday, Gillibrand, her husband Jonathan and their sons Theo and Henry will appear at the Country View Diner on Hoosick Street to have brunch with family and friends and speak to reporters. On Friday, she's set to arrive in Sioux City, Iowa, to make her first public appearance. Her stops in Iowa will include Boone, Ames and Des Moines, and wrap up Sunday in Cedar Rapids. "What is the first thing you would do on Day One in office?" Colbert asked Gillibrand. "Well, the first thing that I would do is I would restore what's been lost the integrity and the compassion of this country," Gillibrand replied. She said she would bring people together. She noted she sponsored legislation with nearly every Republican senator, including an anti-sexual harassment bill with Ted Cruz. "Thank you for believing in something so much you were willing to work with Ted Cruz," Colbert cracked. Asked how to end the government shutdown, now 25 days and going, Gillibrand pinned it squarely on Trump. "What he has done is absolutely outrageous," Gillibrand said. "He created the problem himself. He created the crisis himself and he shouldn't be having a temper tantrum because he can't get what he wants ... shutting down the government is hurting people. Right now he's doing it because he wants his own way. If you're going to do something like that, you better be fighting for other people, not yourself." In a lighthearted dig, Colbert reminded the senator of her propensity for four-letter words. "Everybody knows you like to swear. Are you going to swear on the campaign trail?" Colbert asked Gillibrand, noting the campaign could be stressful. "I'm gonna definitely try," Gillibrand replied. "What's the word you'll miss the most?" Colbert pressed. "It rhymes with duck," Gillibrand answered. Colbert gave Gillibrand some parting gag gifts for states where she will campaign early on an ear of corn for Iowa, granite from New Hampshire, mustard barbecue sauce for South Carolina. He also gave her plane ticket for Michigan so Gillibrand will remember to campaign there a dig at Hillary Rodham Clinton, who lost the state to Trump. A Gillibrand campaign official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the campaign is predicated on the notion that "The lesson of 2018 is that the future of the Democratic Party is with women." The official provided statistics saying that 58 percent of women say they are paying more attention to politics since the election of Trump, a statistic that is reflected in stepped-up participation by women running for and winning seats in Congress. "They contributed, volunteered, voted, ran for office, and won," the official said. Gillibrand's campaign slogan is simple: "Now is our time." The candidate raised more than $27 million in the 2018 cycle and has more than $10.5 million in the bank a sum her campaign called the third-highest total of all declared or potential 2020 contenders. Gillibrand supported action to combat climate change, gun violence, sexual assault and abuse in the military and on college campuses a record that her campaign called the "most solidly anti-Trump voting resume of any U.S. senator." The senator's 2018 Republican opponent, businesswoman Chele Farley, was relentless in accusing Gillibrand of secretly holding presidential ambitions. In their lone debate, Farley managed to get the Democrat to state that, if re-elected, "I will serve my six-year term." Two weeks later after hammering Farley on Election Day by a 2-to-1 margin Gillibrand appeared on Colbert's show to say that she was seriously considering a presidential run that would render her earlier statement inoperative. It is not the first time Gillibrand has adjusted her previous stances, though not in such a brief span of time. Critics on the left and right have pointed to her shift leftward on issues included immigration and gun control changes that corresponded with her ascension from regional congresswoman to statewide senator. More recently, she took heat from some progressives for her decision to call for the resignation of U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., in late 2017 following numerous allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women. Gillibrand's action was followed by an avalanche of Democratic calls for Franken's exit, and he quickly announced his departure. Gillibrand has deep political roots locally. She is the granddaughter of the late Dorothea "Polly" Noonan, the longtime confidante of late Albany Mayor Erastus Corning 2nd. Noonan, who led the Albany County Democratic Women's Club, mobilized women to support Democratic candidates in the old Albany political machine. Gillibrand, who attended the Emma Willard school in Troy, is the daughter of Douglas Rutnik, an attorney and lobbyist, and Polly Rutnik, also a lawyer. A graduate of Dartmouth College and UCLA law school, she is a lawyer whose resume includes work for then-federal Housing Secretary Andrew Cuomo and at the New York City firm of Boies, Schiller & Flexner. Cuomo, beginning his third term as New York's governor, has been mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate for president, though he has denied holding any interest. Gillibrand defeated former U.S. Rep. John Sweeney, a Republican, in 2006. In 2009, Gov. David Paterson appointed her to fill the Senate seat left vacant after Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton was nominated for secretary of state by President Barack Obama. "Kirsten Gillibrand is appealing to Americans because she represents so much what our generation is fighting for her," said Albany Commissioner of Administrative Services Rachel McEneny, who worked for Gillibrand from 2007 to 2011 and got to know the contender while they logged thousands of miles together. "She listens, she's thoughtful, she has empathy, she understands federal government when it's broken," McEneny said. "She is extremely hard-working and tenacious. McEneny noted Gillibrand has lived in New York City, Los Angeles and China but has embraced smaller communities by living near Hudson and Troy. "She had a gift of connecting with people, and I believe it's from being a good listener," McEneny said. "You hear people she has spoken to and their words come out in her speeches. I hope she runs, she represents a lot of what I would like to hear as an American and I think in that she is someone who will create a better country for my daughter." Other candidates in the race to unseat Trump include Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., former federal housing secretary and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro; and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Kamala Harris of California are seen as imminent entries in the contest. Former Vice President Joe Biden has indicated interest if no viable Democrat emerges. He was a visionary and one of the most famous capitalists in all of history. He introduced the automobile to the world and created the modern day production line. By the time of his death in 1947 Henry Ford was worth almost $200 billion in today's dollars. He was an icon and a hugely successful businessman. Except when he failed. And in 1928 he launched a project that failed big time. It was called Fordlandia and no, it wasnt located in Oregon and Fred Armisen had nothing to do with it. Related: 5 Things Real Leaders Do Every Day, According to Henry Ford Its a town located in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil. Believe it or not, the town is still there but not at all like it was planned. Fordlandia (catchy, right?) was established by the automaker so that he could have a reliable source of a very critical raw material: rubber. In 1928, there was (or so it seemed) an endless supply of rubber trees in the Amazon rainforest and hey who gave a hoot about the environment back then anyway, right? The deal seemed like a good idea at the time. Resources were plentiful, labor was cheap. The Brazilian government was happy to give a concession for a cut of the profits. The hope was to build a community of 10,000 workers who could enjoy the high standard of living, like the Americans had, while churning out rubber for Fords factories back home. It failed. Big time. Why? Related: Why Henry Ford's Most Famous Quote Is Dead Wrong Workers building the city were felled by yellow fever and malaria. Transport was only possible by a nearby river because there were no roads. Managers, who knew little about tropical farming, incorrectly planted crops that were then beset by disease and insects. Even worse, the local workers were forced to eat unfamiliar American food, wear ID badges, endure long hours in the hot sun, live in American-style housing and -- can you believe it? -- they didnt like it! In fact, they disliked the arrangements so much that riots broke out after just a few years. Ironically, the whole adventure ultimately turned out to be a waste of time: by 1945 synthetic rubber would circumvent the need for natural rubber. Ford's grandson sold back the property to the Brazilian government six years after its founding for a loss of about $200 million in today's dollars. Related: How Ford Created a Huge Market by Lowering its Prices Talk about a bad business decision, right? But here's the thing: even the greatest capitalists make bad business decisions. Dont believe me? Think of New Coke or Apples Newton or Sonys Betamax. Bad business decisions are a part of doing business. But theres a thing about making bad decisions that separates the successful business people like Henry Ford from all others. The decision doesnt kill your company. The Fordlandia loss most definitely hurt Ford's pride more than his pocketbook because, as mentioned above, he was personally sitting on a fortune worth more than 10 times that amount while the Ford Motor Company was in the midst of a post-war profit boom. Sure, Ford lost money. But he didn't lose his shirt. He did what smart business people do. He took a risk -- a big risk -- but he certainly didn't bet the farm. That's a lesson I've learned from years running a business. When I decide to invest in a new technology, or a new product line, or an updated website I always make sure I can afford to lose the money. Whenever I hear of people investing their life savings in a new business or all of their capital in a new venture I always think uh-oh. Thats not something Henry Ford would have done. Related: Ever Heard Of Henry Ford's Colossal Failed City in the Jungle? How to Get Better at Handling Failure: Key Lessons From Entrepreneurs 5 Compelling Reasons for Starting a Business Even Though Most Businesses Fail Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved GREENWICH Air traffic controllers at Westchester County Airport got a free lunch Wednesday, courtesy of a generous donor. Trays of lasagna from a nearby Italian restaurant were delivered to the controllers, who are working without pay due to the partial government shutdown at the airport located just over the Greenwich border. Mary Ann Liebert, a publisher of trade journals, said she had heard of other donations made to federal workers who are showing up to work without pay at airports around the country. She decided it was time to make a contribution to help out her fellow citizens. I just realized that these are the guys who are helping to keep the skies safe, said Liebert, who travels regularly. The guys in the tower do such a terrific job, and I feel more appreciation of what they do now, with the shutdown. So it would be nice to buy them lunch. And we have to support furloughed families. Earlier in the week, the Canadian Air Traffic Control Association sent pizzas to their American counterparts. Liebert, whose publishing company is based in New Rochelle, N.Y., contacted the airport to find out what the crew in the tower likes for lunch, and she picked up the tab. They were very appreciative, she said. Air traffic controllers in the United States have been working without pay since the partial government shutdown began Dec. 22. Controllers are considered essential employees within the Federal Aviation Administration and are required to be on the job. Air traffic control is fully operational and there is no impact to safety or FAA oversight for travelers, the FAA said in a statement released last month. GREENWICH Fresh off being sworn in, State Sen. Alexandra Bergstein, D-36, is set to hold a community meeting about bringing business back to Connecticut. But it wont just her perspective being heard. The discussion will feature Greenwich resident Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo. The meeting will be open to the public and Bergsteins office said that "their discussion is intended to be interactive and the community is invited to ask questions on this or other related topics such as transportation and economic growth." The meeting will be held at Greenwich Library on Jan. 24. It is scheduled to last from 7 to 8 p.m. inside the librarys Cole Auditorium. It is the second in a series of community conversations Bergstein is holding for Greenwich residents to get involved in after her upset win last November over five term Republican State Sen. L. Scott Frantz. Bergstein is a chair of the State Senates Banking Committee and was also appointed as co-chair of the bodys Judiciary and Transportation Committees. In announcing the meeting, Bergstein said she wanted to focus on economic development, something she also said repeatedly on the campaign trail. "To keep our taxes low, we must grow our states economy by creating an economic environment that attracts and retains business," Bergstein said. "Listening to the experts and following best practices, such as investing in faster train service, will bring new companies, new jobs and new taxpayers to our state that make Connecticut competitive and enable our economy to grow and thrive." According to media reports, Nooyi, who stepped down as head of PepsiCo. last August after 12 years at the helm, is being considered as a possible candidate by President Donald Trump to lead the World Bank. Nooyi has already made history as the first female CEO of PepsiCo. and has continued in her role as chair of the PepsiCo. board with the expectation of stepping down in early 2019. Bergstein is the first Democrat to hold the seat in nearly 90 years. The 36th state senate district covers all of Greenwich as well as portions of Stamford and New Canaan. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com REIDSVILLE City and county government officials have approved a $492,333 local tax incentives agreement with Sanritsu Logistics America. The performance agreement comes after North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Anthony M. Copeland announced at a press conference in Reidsville on Nov. 8 that the Japan-based third-party logistics company had plans to invest $9 million in Reidsville while creating 24 new jobs. Construction is set to begin in early 2019 on a 50,000-square-foot facility sitting on 20 acres inside the Reidsville Industrial Park. The performance agreement is broken down into two five-year phases, with both the county and city reimbursing the company through annual installments hovering around $30,000 through the completion of the first phase in 2024. While that phase focuses on the new construction of the $8 million facility and a $1 million investment into machinery and upkeep, the second phase is based on the companys $5 million commitment to new construction. Starting in 2024, the county will reimburse $17,400 annually, with the City of Reidsville agreeing to an annual installment of $18,500 through 2027. MAYODAN Pain can heal. Marty Roberts believes his suffering through the loss of a sibling and drug use during his 20s informed his decision to find a balm for other peoples wounds. In life, I like to think we are prepared for the work we do, said Roberts, 51, who heads Lot 2540, a crisis ministry here that has grown exponentially since he and Dave Burnette opened its doors in 2011. Just this year, Roberts and his mostly volunteer staff gave food, clothing, counseling and referrals to about 5,700 households and 2,760 individuals in Rockingham County. During that time of pain, I did a lot of drugs, and made decisions that had tragic circumstances. I had a lot of anger issues from the loss, Roberts said of the years spent in his native Midwest trying to numb himself to blunt his grief. God took that loss and I was delivered by my decision to walk away from that and start over. I felt called, knowing that I had gotten through that and had a story to share. After partnering for several years with his brother as a retailer of NASCAR merchandise in North Carolina, Roberts found his niche in technology, moving to Rockingham County in 1995. The externship will allow teachers to see the skills that future graduates need in specific jobs and assist students in obtaining those skills as they work towards graduation, Perkins said. Steve Scott, president of Tri-State Steel in Reidsville, said Wednesday that local industries are continuing to experience difficulty in finding the skilled labor necessary to allow companies to grow. He added that the community is working rapidly to address the workforce issue. I respect the community college system and the role it plays in this process, but I strongly believe the first step in the solution lies within our school system, said Scott, who also serves as president of the Reidsville Industrial Alliance. Together we have worked hard to create the Rock-A-Top apprenticeship program and have had great success and engagement in the Junior Achievement program, he said. There is extreme excitement that we are on the cusp of a manual machining academy program at Reidsville High School as a part of our RCS Career Technical Education. These are all terrific collaborative efforts that are absolute victories for our community. The Educator Externship fits in nicely with these other endeavors and is yet another victory worthy of celebrating. The Rowan County commissioners just learned it can be unpleasant and expensive to thumb your nose at the U.S. Constitution. The price tag for Rowan County was a robust $285,000 and the bitter taste of paying it to a group the commissioners came to despise. The county and the American Civil Liberties Union have sparred for years over the commissioners insistence on opening every meeting with a Christian prayer. Some county residents protested that the commissioners insistence on Christian prayers was slamming a spiritual door in the face of the countys non-Christians, who include Jews, Muslims, Hindus, practitioners of less-known religions and nonbelievers as well. Three of them sued the county and the ACLU represented them. The case finally ended last summer, when the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of lower court rulings that found the practice violated the Constitution. In truth, the Founders were adamant about freedom of religion and the First Amendment specifically forbade the creation of any official state religion. Thats exactly what Rowan commissioners were creating for their county government. We encourage all believers to pray. We need all the help we can get. But we need to create a big prayer tent, one that welcomes adherents of all faiths and invites them to share their unique prayers. There also is wisdom in reserving a moment of silent prayer at a meetings opening. There are plenty of ways to be observant of religious freedom and practice your own religion at the same time. Trump supporters do deserve our sympathies. Though many disavow his behavior yet remain committed to a conservative Supreme Court, theyre stuck defying logic and defending the untenable. The man they must pretend to love seems to loathe them. Evidence is abundant and clear in his coldhearted shutdown. And weve seen that Trump will throw anyone under the bus to get his way. He hires and fires with all the wisdom of, well, a reality-TV host. He pits countries and allies against one another with the impulsiveness of a binge shopper watching QVC at midnight. Meanwhile, facts rarely furrow the presidents brow. Fact: The number of illegal immigrants from Mexico has decreased over the past decade by 1.5 million, says the Pew Research Center. Fact: The number of illegal immigrants entering the U.S. via Canada, nearly half of them Mexican, has increased by 142 percent since 2017, according to CBS News. For about $300, Mexican citizens can fly to Toronto or Montreal without need of a visa and then relatively easily sashay into the U.S. Would Trump shut down the government for a northern wall? Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. CVS is the nation's No. 1 pharmacy retailer, with 9,800 stores, compared with Walmart's 4,500, which rank it fourth. With the loss of Walmart's business, CVS said people covered by its pharmacy insurance will still have 63,000 pharmacies across the country to choose from, including CVS and others. "There's a big clash of titans here,'' said Francis Palumbo, executive director of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy's Center on Drugs and Public Policy. The lack of information about insurance reimbursements makes it difficult to judge whether Walmart's move was justified, he said. "The only thing I can do is raise questions," Palumbo said. "Is Walmart just trying to strong-arm CVS because Walmart has so many stores?'' On the flip side, he said, "we have Caremark, a huge PBM that owns a chain pharmacy and also Aetna. It just seems to me that they have so much market power in so many ways, they can afford to undercut others.'' From the sidelines, independent pharmacists say they are struggling. ORLANDO, Fla. A Maitland police officer fatally shot a rabid otter last week, days after multiple people including a startled Swedish transplant to Central Florida reported being bitten near Lake Maitland. On Jan. 7, a visitor at John Hudson Park was attacked in the evening. The next morning, Ann-Christine Langselius was walking her Goldendoodle in the middle of the bridge at Lake Lily Park when an otter climbed on one end, ran toward her and clamped on to her leg. Ive never seen an animal behave like this so I kind of guessed it was ill when it went for me, Langselius said Tuesday. But the scariest part was that it didnt let go. It bit me in the Achilles tendon really badly so it hung on for a long time. Langselius, who moved to Maitland 18 months ago from Sweden so she could open a factory that produces organic flame retardants, said the otter attack was unprovoked. I didnt disturb it or go near it, she said. It hung on for about 25 yards while I was running with it. After Langselius was attacked, the otter scampered off. Later that day, another person was injured at an apartment complex about half a mile away, according to a police report. Today A few passing clouds. Low 57F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 57F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow Sunshine along with some cloudy intervals. High 84F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. (CNN) In 2018, President Donald Trump privately raised the threat multiple times of withdrawing the United States from NATO, The New York Times reported. When the President first floated the possibility of the U.S. leaving NATO, senior administration officials were unsure if he was serious, the newspaper reported. Since then, Trump -- who has questioned if the longtime alliance is still relevant and has publicly chastised allies over defense spending -- has expressed his desire to leave the alliance several times, senior administration officials told the Times. Last July, around the time of a contentious NATO summit meeting, Trump told his national security officials he didn't see the point of NATO and thought the alliance was a drain on the U.S., the Times said. The Times reported that Trump's repeated desire to withdraw from NATO is raising new concerns among national security officials amid a Washington Post report that Trump concealed details of his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a Times report that the FBI opened a counterintelligence investigation into why Trump was acting in ways that seemed to benefit Russia. A senior official with a NATO partner country told CNN on Tuesday that allied officials did "work hard" over the last year to convince Trump to remain committed to the historic alliance. The concern, the official said, was not so much about Trump completely withdrawing from NATO. The discussions were more centered on making sure Trump would honor NATO's commitment to a common defense of partner countries as established in Article 5 of NATO's charter, the official added, as without that commitment, NATO would be crippled. The official described efforts to keep Trump committed to NATO as consistent over the last year. "We've raised it multiple times at all levels," the official said. The weakening of NATO has been a longtime goal of Putin's and a withdrawal of the U.S. from NATO would be ideal for the Russian leader. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders called the Times story "meaningless" in a comment to CNN on Tuesday. "This story was meaningless when it was written six months ago and even more so now," she said. "The President has made clear our Allies must fulfill their commitments and share the burden for a strong defense." She also referenced comments the President had made praising NATO during a two-day visit to its headquarters last July, when he called the alliance "very important" and the United States' commitment to it "very strong." In response to a request for comment from the Times, a senior administration official pointed to the same remarks by Trump but declined to comment further. During a news conference last July capping his appearance at the NATO summit, Trump was asked specifically if he thought he could pull out of NATO without congressional approval amid reports that he told NATO allies in a closed-door meeting that they needed to raise spending or the United States may go its own way. He replied: "I think I probably can, but that is unnecessary. They have stepped up today like they have never stepped up before." As Trump arrived at the NATO summit last year, Congress overwhelmingly approved a motion of support for NATO. A 2017 Gallup poll showed that 80 percent of Americans said that the NATO alliance should be maintained. A majority of Americans, 78 percent, said Trump should defend all of America's NATO allies if necessary, according to a Quinnipiac University poll from July 2018. This story was first published on CNN.com, "New York Times: Trump raised withdrawing the US from NATO several times in 2018." In 1547, Ivan IV of Russia (popularly known as Ivan the Terrible) was crowned Czar. In 1920, Prohibition began in the United States as the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect, one year to the day after its ratification. (It was later repealed by the 21st Amendment.) In 1935, fugitive gangster Fred Barker and his mother, Kate Ma Barker, were killed in a shootout with the FBI at Lake Weir, Fla. In 1989, three days of rioting began in Miami when a police officer fatally shot Clement Lloyd, a black motorcyclist, causing a crash that also claimed the life of Lloyds passenger, Allan Blanchard. (The officer, William Lozano, was convicted of manslaughter, but then was acquitted in a retrial.) In 1991, the White House announced the start of Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. (Allied forces prevailed on Feb. 28, 1991.) In 2003, the space shuttle Columbia blasted off for what turned out to be its last flight; on board was Israels first astronaut, Ilan Ramon. (The mission ended in tragedy on Feb. 1, when the shuttle broke up during its return descent, killing all seven crew members.) In 2014, the state of Ohio executed Dennis McGuire for the 1989 rape and fatal stabbing of pregnant newlywed Joy Stewart; McGuire gasped and snorted for 26 minutes before he was declared dead, raising questions about the drugs used in his lethal injection. For other highlights from this date, see On This Day in the gallery area of greensboro.com. You can search the News & Record Historical Archive at greensboro.com/archive. Working with Triad Local First, a nonprofit advocate for locally owned businesses, Kennedy said, the vending program will work with local businesses. We have a lot of businesses who would be interested in having vendors during lunch or breakfast hours or at after-hours events, she said. Kennedy is also working with Downtown Greensboro Inc. to determine where the trike vendors would be best-suited. The three-wheeled carts are custom-made. The program will initially buy four trikes. Each will cost $3,000 to $5,000. Kennedy said the investment is cheaper than a food truck. The cost of buying and outfitting a food truck is pretty cost prohibitive, but this is something that can give birth to a micro-enterprise for an individual, she said. The IRC has a long tradition as an advocate of bicycles. Frequently, bikes are the only affordable means of transportation for shelter guests. The shelter even has its own bike support shop. The new mobile food trikes can be outfitted with coolers to sell ice cream or designed to be a rolling coffee shop. They can deliver groceries or fresh produce from neighborhood markets. High said the initiative represents a fundamental redesign of the patient care model in terms of redeploying resources. High and other officials acknowledge the initiative represents a cultural change for all parties in how services are delivered. Its not just going to happen overnight even with best practices, said Terry Akin, president of Cone Health. Conway said reducing healthcare costs in a way that works for all parties involved has been keeping me up at night ... because we know there are individuals not getting the care they need, either because they dont have access to it or cant afford it even with insurance coverage. We want to build a system that not only would have the ability to lower costs, but also be financially sustainable for all involved. Akin expressed his satisfaction that Blue Premier is going down the path Cone Health has plowed with its accountable-care organization since 2012. It fits our structure that incentivizes and supports the right care, at the right time, in the right place for those we are privileged to serve, Akin said. GREENSBORO After 15 years, George Scheer will step down as the head of Elsewhere living museum and artist residency, and an interim executive director will take his place. On Sunday, Travis Laughlin will take over as interim executive director of the downtown museum in a former thrift store at 606 S. Elm St. A native of Osippe, N.C., Laughlin comes to Elsewhere from the Joan Mitchell Foundation in New York City. He had served there in director-level positions since 2008, most recently as senior program director. Scheer will join Elsewheres board of directors alongside his co-founder Stephanie Sherman, who joined the board in 2011. I felt that Id accomplished what I wanted to at Elsewhere, said Scheer, 38. Id successfully built programming platforms that can continue to evolve, restored the historic building, and made Elsewhere sustainable and essential locally and nationally. After two years of succession planning and work, the board and I feel the organization can stand on its own and is in the care of a broad community of stakeholders, Scheer added. All that is to say, Elsewhere is about transformation, and it and Greensboro will flourish with new leadership. The Branson Board of Aldermen on Thursday (now postponed to July 28) will consider an ordinance that would require face coverings in public spaces. The aldermen might approve it, disapprove it, or approve an amended version. Would you be in favor of some form of mandatory face covering ordinance in the city of Branson? You voted: Sunfire GmbH reports the successful start-up and test run (> 500 hours) of a high-temperature co-electrolysis system at its Dresden site, beginning in November 2018. SUNFIRE-SYNLINKa co-electrolyzer based on solid oxide cell (SOC) technologyenables the highly efficient production (a projected ~80% efficiency on an industrial scale) of synthesis gas in a single step using water, CO 2 and green electricity. Co-electrolysis reduces H 2 O and CO 2 simultaneously; this significantly reduces the investment and operating costs for Power-to-X projects such as e-Crude and e-fuels. Sunfire achieved the technological breakthrough within the framework of the Kopernikus project Power-to-X (03SFK2Q0), funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), in conjunction with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The successfully running co-electrolysis plant (10 kilowatts DC, up to 4 Nm/h synthesis gas) will be delivered to Karlsruhe in the next few weeks, where it will be combined with technologies from Climeworks (Direct Air Capture), INERATEC (Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis) and KIT (Hydrocracking) in a container to produce a self-sufficient facility. The aim is to demonstrate the integrated production of e-Crude, a synthetic crude oil substitute, by the end of August 2019the first in a 2-step process of this magnitude made possible by co-electrolysis. Furthermore, on 1 January, Sunfire began the process of scaling-up the high-temperature co-electrolysis process to an industrial scaleinitially with an input power of 150 kilowatts (DC)as part of the SynLink project (03EIV031A) funded by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. This multipliable co-electrolysis module is to be used by Nordic Blue Crude, the Norwegian project partner. The first commercial plant is to be built there and will produce 10 million liters or 8,000 tonnes of the synthetic crude oil substitute e-Crude annually on the basis of 20 megawatts of input power. Background: high temperature co-electrolysis. In previous power-to-liquids processes, two separate process steps were used to break water vapor down into its componentshydrogen and oxygen (electrolysis)and to turn carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide (reverse water-gas-shift reaction). With Sunfires co-electrolysis, hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be recovered in a single process step, significantly improving the efficiency of the overall process and lowering investment (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX). In addition, the single-stage SUNFIRE-SYNLINK technology noticeably reduces the amount of space required. The global demand for electrolysis technologies to produce green, renewable hydrogen is estimated at more than 3,000 gigawatts. Furthermore, many sectors, such as long-distance road transport, air or sea transport, require alternatives to fossil diesel and kerosene, which e-fuels can provide, thanks to their excellent transportability through existing infrastructures. In addition to the production of fuels, synthesis gas attracts customers from a wide range of industries, such as the chemical industry, plastics production or the cosmetics sector. Sunfire recently acquired a new lead investor and technology partner in Paul Wurth, a leading global mechanical and plant engineering company for the metals industry. The investment round, which involved former investors, yielded an additional 25 million in capital. Sunfire will use the money to implement commercial multi-megawatt electrolysis and Power-to-X projects. Resources Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) and Onboard Dynamics, Inc. (ObDI) announced the field demonstration of new mobile compressor technology that provides on-site backup and supplemental compression at natural gas fueling stations. The new compressorthe GoFlo CNG80is now being demonstrated at the Antelope Valley School Transportation Agency in Lancaster, California, where 43 natural gas school busses refuel using the fueling station at AVSTAs fleet yard. SoCalGas and ObDI are partnering to fund the demonstration project to validate the performance of the new mobile compressor, which they expect will further improve on-site refueling for natural gas fleet customers. The Antelope Valley School Transportation Agency installation represents the second phase of field demonstration of the new mobile compressor. In the first phase, field testing was conducted and completed at Mountain View School District (MVSD) in South El Monte, California. There, the GoFlo compressor enabled MVSD to improve on-site refueling of eight compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses, reduce vehicle fuel costs and improve driver productivity. The demonstration at MVSD provided information that led to product improvements of the commercial unit that is now running at AVSTA. The GoFlo compressor uses natural gas instead of electricity to operate, which increases its cost-effectiveness and allows it to provide backup in the event of an existing CNG compressor failure. It is also an economical way to expand CNG refueling capabilities without relying on a connection to an external electric power source to operate. The mobile CNG compressor helps to fuel CNG fleets of all sizes (e.g., school buses, waste haulers, box trucks, etc.) and helps to reduce operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The availability of a more affordable on-site CNG refueling system is expected to increase overall adoption of natural gasand renewable natural gasamong fleet operators. Renewable natural gas is produced from the methane generated in landfills, wastewater treatment plants, food processing and dairies. Depending on its source, it is either low-carbon or carbon-negative. Near zero emission natural gas trucks are helping achieve Californias greenhouse gas reduction goals and clean the air around Californias transportation corridors. Because of this, California provides incentive funding to help trucking fleets transition to renewable natural gas. Close to 70% of natural gas fleets in California are fueled with renewable natural gas. Mcity at the University of Michigan has outlined a test track-based concept for evaluating the safety of highly automated vehicles before theyre tested on public roads that could emerge as a model for a voluntary standard for safety testing. The project comes after two highly publicized fatalities last year stoked consumer fears about the safety of driverless vehicles and slowed development of the technologies that have the potential to save lives, conserve energy and expand accessibility to transportation. The Mcity ABC Test concept would create an independent safety assessment for highly automated vehicles. It would be a key element in a three-pronged approach to HAV testing, along with simulation and on-road evaluation. Mcity is a public-private partnership led by U-M to accelerate advanced mobility vehicles and technologies. Highly automated vehicles must be developed in a responsible way to fully realize their promise as a useful tool that will benefit society. The Mcity ABC Test is an approach that can help rebuild public trust and accelerate the development of these potentially life-changing vehicles. Mcity Director Huei Peng, the Roger L. McCarthy Professor of Mechanical Engineering at U-M The crash of an Uber Level-4 automated vehicle prototype in March 2018 in Arizona killed a woman as she was crossing a street, when the cars sensors failed to detect her. A Level-4 vehicle can drive itself without human intervention. Five days later, a man was killed on a California highway when the Level-2 automated Tesla car he was driving using Teslas Autopilot highway assist system failed to notice the drivers inattention and did not turn off or disable the technology. Instead, the car crashed into a roadside barrier and caught fire. In a Level-2 vehicle, the driver is expected to pay attention at all times and take over driving when necessary. Recent surveys by groups including JD Power found that as many as half or more of US consumers are concerned about the safety of driverless vehicles. Mcity ABC Test. The Mcity ABC Test is a three-part procedure that includes: Accelerated evaluation covering the driving scenarios responsible for the most common motor vehicle crashes; Behavior competence testing to ensure the automated vehicles demonstrate they can handle the majority of driving scenarios; and Corner cases, or test situations that push the limits of these highly advanced automated vehicles. Accelerated evaluation concentrates on the most common risky driving situations. Behavior competence puts vehicles through a set of scenarios that correspond to major motor vehicle crash frequency. Drawing from a variety of sources, Mcity compiled a list of 50 such scenarios, of which 35 were chosen for near-term focus, including 16 scenarios for low-speed, path-following Level-4 vehicles. Corner-case testing focuses on situations that test the limits of automated vehicle performance and technology. Mcity researchers are working on executing the Mcity ABC Test, beginning with three accelerated evaluation behaviors, and the 16 behavior competence scenarios for low-speed Level-4 vehicles, such as the driverless shuttles Mcity is operating on U-Ms North Campus. Mcity will pursue funding support needed to prove the Mcity ABC Test concept. Researchers are developing the ABC test concept using the Mcity Test Facility, U-Ms controlled, real-world environment for testing connected and automated vehicles. The ABC test could be scaled for larger test facilities as well, such as the American Center for Mobility in Ypsilanti Township, Michigan. U-M is a founding partner of ACM. Ford Motor Company, Huayou Cobalt, IBM, LG Chem and RCS Global will use blockchain technology to trace and validate ethically sourced minerals in an effort to support human rights and environmental protection while helping infuse more transparency into global mineral supply chains. The group, which includes participants at each major stage of the supply chain from mine to end-user, will begin with a pilot focused on cobalt and explore the creation of an open, industrywide blockchain platform that could ultimately be used to trace and validate a range of minerals used in consumer products. We remain committed to transparency across our global supply chain. By collaborating with other leading industries in this network, our intent is to use state-of-the-art technology to ensure materials produced for our vehicles will help meet our commitment to protecting human rights and the environment. Lisa Drake, vice president, global purchasing and powertrain operations, Ford Motor Company Cobalt is in high demand for its use in lithium-ion batteries, which power a wide range of products such as laptops, mobile devices and electric vehicles. Morgan Stanley expects cobalt demand to multiply eightfold by 2026, especially for its use in electric vehicles and consumer devices. The typical electric car battery requires up to 20 pounds of cobalt and a standard laptop requires around one ounce of the mineral. The blockchain pilot is already underway and seeks to demonstrate how materials in the supply chain are responsibly produced, traded and processed. For this pilot based on a simulated sourcing scenario, Cobalt produced at Huayous industrial mine site in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be traced through the supply chain as it travels from mine and smelter to LG Chems cathode plant and battery plant in South Korea, and finally into a Ford plant in the United States. An immutable audit trail will be created on the blockchain, which will include corresponding data to provide evidence of the cobalt production from mine to end manufacturer. Participants in the network will be validated against responsible sourcing standards developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Traditionally, miners, smelters and consumer brands rely on third-party audits to establish compliance with generally accepted industry standards. Coupled with these assessments, blockchain technology offers a network of validated participants and immutable data that can be seen by all permissioned network participants in real time. Blockchain can also be used to help network participants address their compliance requirements. While the initial focus is on large-scale miners (LSMs), an important objective of the group is to help increase transparency in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASMs) and enable these operators to sell their raw materials in the global market, while they meet their internationally ratified responsibility requirements. The network can help enable ASM operators to partner with due diligence data providers and, ultimately, join a blockchain-based network of validated participants. The pilot will also explore the use of incentives or financial benefits for ASMs and their local communities impacted by mining. Built on the IBM Blockchain Platform and powered by the Linux Foundations Hyperledger Fabric, the platform is designed to be adopted across industry. Hyperledger Fabric is a blockchain framework implementation and one of the Hyperledger projects hosted by The Linux Foundation. Intended as a foundation for developing applications or solutions with a modular architecture, Hyperledger Fabric allows components, such as consensus and membership services, to be plug-and-play. Hyperledger Fabric leverages container technology to host smart contracts called chaincode that comprise the application logic of the system. Hyperledger Fabric was initially contributed by Digital Asset and IBM, as a result of the first hackathon. The IBM Blockchain Platform is built on Hyperledger Fabrics open architecture. The Blockchain-as-a-Service platform unlocks opportunity in a hardened, security-rich, production-ready environment, including 24x7x365 IBM support. The solution is built to allow interested parties of all sizes and roles in the supply chain easy access, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across the automotive, electronics, aerospace and defense industries and their supply chain partners such as mining companies and battery manufacturers. Supply chain networks will be encouraged to join this open, industrywide network to trace and validate minerals upon successful completion of the pilot. Work is expected to be extended beyond cobalt into other battery metals and raw materials, including minerals such as tantalum, tin, tungsten and gold, which are sometimes called conflict minerals, as well as rare earths. Focus industries for the solution include automotive, aerospace and defense, and consumer electronics. There are plans for a governance board representing members across these industries, to help further ensure the platforms growth, functionality and commitment to democratic principles. The pilot is expected to be completed mid-year 2019. MineHub blockchain project. Separately, mining technology company MineHub Technologies announced a collaboration to use blockchain technology to help improve operational efficiencies, logistics and financing and reduce costs in the high-value mineral concentrates supply chainfrom mine to end buyer. Goldcorp Inc., ING Bank, Kutcho Copper Corp., Ocean Partners USA Inc. and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. are working with MineHub to build the new mining supply chain solution on top of the IBM Blockchain Platform. The $1.8-trillion global mining and metals market has traditionally suffered from inefficiencies due to manual, paper-based processes and a lack of transparency between supply chain participants. Blockchain technology helps address this by providing a shared ledger to create a single, real time view of transactions and data across the supply chain that can be seen by all permissioned participants. Each of the participating companies represent key areas of the supply chain from mining, streaming, trade and finance. The first use case will be built on the MineHub platform and will manage concentrate from Goldcorps Penasquito Mine in Mexico throughout its path to market. When ore is mined, the mining company will upload data, including sustainability and ethical practices, allowing independent verification from regulators to end users as required. When materials are loaded for transport, the MineHub platform can record each transaction and allow permissioned parties to view and reconcile information throughout its journey. Smart contracts for supply chain processes such as trade finance, streaming and royalty contracts will be used by companies such as Wheaton Precious Metals and other institutions who provide credit facilities such as ING bank. The MineHub supply chain platform is built on the cloud-based IBM Blockchain Platform, powered by the Linux Foundations Hyperledger Fabric. MineHub plans to expand the collaboration to additional members across the mining industry to encourage innovation and new applications using the technology. Goshen, IN (46526) Today Except for a few afternoon clouds, mainly sunny. High 87F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy during the evening with thunderstorms becoming likely overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 69F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. The deal with Microsoft will start with a pilot of digital health corners in as many as 12 stores this year, which will be designed to promote the sale of health-related devices and help patients manage chronic diseases. Microsoft has made earlier forays into health software before pulling back. For the past two years, it has been working on cloud and artificial-intelligence products that can be used to reduce data-entry tasks for doctors, triage patients and provide more-targeted cancer care. This time, Microsoft is aiming to partner with health companies rather than competing with them, as well as getting them to use Azure. "One of the core challenges in health care is a little bit the fragmentation of the data, but also when you say 'Let's bring it all together,' it's important to remember that this is a regulated industry and users deeply care about their privacy," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. "We are doing a lot of work on how can you uphold the promise but also be compliant with all the regulations." Financial terms weren't disclosed. The pair have committed to a multiyear research and development investment to develop other health-care tools that could ultimately lower costs. The companies may establish joint innovation centers in some markets. Besides being a win for Azure, the deal involves a commitment by Walgreens to use Microsoft 365 -- a collection of software that includes Windows 10, Office cloud services and security and mobile-management software -- for the drugstore's more than 380,000 workers. Generals are nonpartisan. They serve presidents of both parties and must avoid any involvement in politics. Trump, by contrast, is pathologically partisan: He denounces Democrats as traitors who belong behind bars. One can only imagine what the generals thought as they watched Trump treat his visit to the troops in Iraq as though it was a campaign rally. Or when he deployed troops to the U.S.-Mexico border just before the midterm elections as a political stunt. The politicization of the military will be one of Trumps baleful legacies. Generals are dedicated to the United States allies. Trumps generals spent years training and fighting alongside allied armed forces. They see allies as force multipliers that reduce the number of Americans sent into harms way. Trump sees allies as freeloaders who take advantage of our generosity. He seethed last year: Were like the piggy bank that everybodys robbing. Trump has no compunction about abandoning allies, whether they be Kurds in Syria or Afghans, by withdrawing U.S. troops. The generals, by contrast, see premature pullouts as a betrayal of sacred commitments to those who have risked their lives fighting alongside our forces. According to one motion, at least one of the defendants in the Crips case, Dashaun Trent, has multiple gang-related tattoos on him. And the lead defendant in the Bloods case, DaShawn Anthony, has a five-point star on his chest, signifying membership in the Bloods, according to another motion. James Densley, professor of criminology at Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, said reliance on tattoos in courts of law particularly concerning gang litigation is not so uncommon. It is, I think, quite common insomuch that many states have statues which require evidence of gang membership in order to pursue sentencing enhancements, he said. One of the ways membership can be demonstrated is a tattoo this is not without controversy of course because there are many times people question whether a tattoo is [gang-related]. Tattoos signaling membership in a particular group from infantry regiments, tribes and, yes, street gangs have been around for hundreds of years, though American street gang tattoos are not as rich with symbolism as some other cultures, like the Japanese yakuza. They can convey things like rank and specialization, Densley said. But for your average American street gang thats not the case. Breaking News The Porto Protocol Is Leading The Climate Of Wine Posted: Jan 14, 2019 Following the July 6, 2018 launch of the Porto Protocol by President Barack Obama, US Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore will address the wine industry and its supporters March 5-7, 2019 at Portugal's Alfandega Conference Centre in Porto of the challenges the wine world faces due to climate change during the Climate Change Leadership Porto - Solutions for the Wine Industry conference (CCL-Porto19). Internationally renowned presenters Miguel Torres, Banfi ?s Cristina Mariani-May, Krug ?s CEO Margareth Henriquez, Prof. Roger Boulton of UC-Davis, Antonio Amorim, climatologist Dr. Greg Jones, Switzerlands Dr. Jose Vouillamoz, Alvaro Gonzalez of Concha y Toro, Bollinger's Gilles Descotes, South African water specialist Heinrich Schloms, Britains Jamie Goode and Richard Halstead, Gerard Bertrand from the eponymous Languedoc winery amongst many others will share their studies, practical experiences, and strategies in mitigating the effects of climate change. With US Vice-President and Nobel Laureate Al Gore its keynote speaker, the international CCL-Porto19 conference creates a platform for the wine industry to mitigate the impacts of a changing climate enabling all sectors of the wine industry and its supporters to cooperate in developing a safe and sustainable future. The Ambassador of Portugal to the U.S. Domingos Fezas Vital shared that as it was made clear at last years conference in Porto, climate change is the biggest threat to future generations. This same conclusion was recently reached by the United Nationss International Panel of Climate Change in a report issued at the end of 2018 in which we are all called to take action before it is too late...that expert report makes adamantly evident the challenges we all face, the impact and risks of inaction, and the costs we will all have to endure if we do not change course." "In this context I am very proud to see Portugal leading the way in positioning itself at the forefront of a project that aims at bringing the wine industry together facing these challenges by providing shared solutions in addressing them. This is a collective effort that serves to show how much an old nation such as Portugal can combine its ancient history with a forward looking attitude embracing the future with innovation, creativity, commitment and passion. But to make a difference in changing course, to take action to curb carbon dioxide emissions while maintaining a competitive and thriving wine industry, we all need to work together. This is the main purpose of the 2019 Climate Change Leadership Conference. For conference information and registration please visit www.climatechange-porto.com. More information about the Porto Protocol and membership is at www.portoprotocol.com. The Climate Change Leadership Porto initiative is a joint effort of various entities from the public and private sector that aim to bring awareness, share practices and call to action the agriculture supply chain regarding climate change policy. QUOTE BY ADRIAN BRIDGE The Climate Change Leadership conference will share real experiences and provide effective solutions of real examples of what companies are doing to mitigate climate change, said Adrian Bridge, CEO of Taylors Port, the main organizer of the event. If we share our successes and experiences, we will all benefit. The Porto Protocol commits its participants to adopt and promote concrete actions reducing the impact of climate change, and welcomes the participation of institutions, companies and individuals from all areas. WASHINGTON DC - JANUARY 9, 2019 (Photography appearing from left to right; David Furer, CCL Host; Adrian Bridge, CEO Taylor Fladgate; Portuguese Ambassador Domingos Fezas Vital, Sofia D'alte, Portuguese Embassy Economic and Financial Counselor; Pancho Campo, CCL Director) Source: Climatechange-porto.com January 9, 2019 PAUL BILODEAU/Staff file photo/The Supreme Judicial Court said Judge Timothy Feeley, pictured, was correct when he agreed with an accused rapist's lawyers that the current language of the bail law did not allow him to find the man dangerous, when the only aggravating factor of the child rape charge was the difference in age the accused being more than 10 years older than the girl. Some state lawmakers are asking for an independent review of rulings made by Salem Superior Court Judge Timothy Feeley. You asked. We listened. Your daily crossword, Sudoku and dozens of other puzzles are now available online. Play them or print them here. Play now Syrian Settlement Must Include Withdrawal of Illegal Foreign Troops - Damascus Sputnik News 14:36 15.01.2019(updated 15:20 15.01.2019) Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem has held his first meeting with new UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen in order to discuss a political settlement of the crisis in the country. According to the Foreign Ministry, Muallem stressed that the settlement plan for Syria must include the withdrawal of illegal foreign troops from the country. "Muallem expressed Syria's readiness to cooperate with Pedersen for his successful mission in ensuring an intra-Syrian dialogue to reach a political settlement that in the interests of Syria, among other things, would lead to the defeat of terrorism and the end of the illegal foreign presence in Syria", the ministerial statement read. The statement comes almost a month after US President Donald Trump announced that American troops would soon leave Syria. At the moment, the US military is continuing its campaign, leading a coalition of more than 70 countries conducting military operations against Daesh*. However, their presence in the country has not been authorised by the government or the UN Security Council. Damascus has repeatedly protested against the US operations in the country, as well as the military activity of Turkey, Israel, and other states. * Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/IS/Islamic State) is a terrorist organisation banned in Russia Sputnik US Wants to Keep Presence in Syrian Airspace After Troop Pullout - Ankara Sputnik News 19:43 15.01.2019(updated 20:12 15.01.2019) ANKARA (Sputnik) - The United States intends to maintain its presence in the Syrian airspace after the withdrawal of its troops from the country, Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said Tuesday, citing an unofficial US action plan proposal. "Last week, the US delegation led by [National Security Advisor John] Bolton conveyed to us an unofficial five-point document in which the United States confirms the withdrawal of its troops from Syria, the determination to continue the fight against the Islamic State* terrorist group and Washington's intention to maintain its presence in Syrian airspace as part of the coalition," Kalin told reporters in Ankara. This comes as earlier on Tuesday, President Erdogan said that he had reached a "historic understanding" with Trump in a phone talk, stressing that Ankara was set to create a 32-kilometre safe zone in Northern Syria, which could be expanded. The zone will act as a buffer area in Syria that would ensure the safety of the US' Kurdish allies and prevent terrorists from attacking Turkey. The idea of a buffer zone was first suggested by President Trump amid a bitter war of words that has been ongoing between officials of both Turkey and the US following Washington's decision to withdraw troops from the war-torn Middle Eastern state. The key point in the brewing scandal is the US support for Syrian Kurdish fighters, as Turkey regards them as part of the outlawed separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party. Erdogan declared in December that Ankara was ready to launch a military operation against Kurdish fighters on the eastern bank of the Euphrates, as well as in Manbij in Syria, if the US would not withdraw its forces from there. However, Erdogan announced that the operation was postponed after the phone talk with Trump. *Daesh (aka Islamic state, ISIL, ISIS, IS) is a terrorist group banned in Russia Sputnik Trump, Erdogan talk Syria 'safe zone' amid war of words over Kurdish militants Iran Press TV Tue Jan 15, 2019 09:03AM US President Donald Trump has held talks with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the establishment of a militant-free safe zone in northern Syria, shortly after he threatened to "devastate" NATO ally Turkey economically if it attacks Kurdish militants following Washington's military withdrawal from the Arab state. The Turkish presidency said in a statement that the two sides had "discussed the idea of creating a security zone cleared of terrorism in the north of the country" during a phone conversation on Monday. The phone call came amid a war words between Ankara and Washington over the fate of the Washington-backed Kurdish militants in Syria following the planned withdrawal of American troops. Turkey views those militants as terrorists. Trump threatened to devastate Turkey's economy if it launches attacks against the Kurdish militants in Syria when US troops leave. In response, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu stressed that Turkey is "not scared of and will not be intimidated" by such rhetoric and that economic threats "will get nowhere." Elsewhere in its statement, the Turkish presidency said Erdogan had told Trump that he had no problem with the Kurdish people in Syria, and that Ankara was only seeking to fight the armed groups there that threaten its national security. Trump later tweeted about the call, saying he had spoken to Erdogan on issues such as a "20-mile safe zone" and "economic development between the US and Turkey." "The president expressed the desire to work together to address Turkey's security concerns in northeast Syria while stressing the importance to the United States that Turkey does not mistreat the Kurds," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said. Trump announced the plan to pull US forces out of Syria last month amid plans by Turkey to launch an operation against anti-Damascus Kurdish militants. The Kurdish militants in northern Syria, who have long enjoyed US support, feel abandoned by Washington. Damascus ready to work with new UN envoy to rekindle inter-Syrian talks: Muallem Iran Press TV Tue Jan 15, 2019 04:06PM Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem says the Damascus government is prepared to cooperate with the United Nations' new envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, to facilitate inter-Syrian peace talks aimed at finding a political settlement to the ongoing foreign-sponsored crisis in the country. During a meeting in the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday, Muallem welcomed Pedersen's appointment as the UN chief's new top envoy for Syria, emphasizing that the Syrian government is willing to help the veteran Norwegian diplomat succeed in his mission. Muallem went on to say that UN-brokered Syria peace talks will benefit the war-battered nation as it will put an end to terrorism as well as the illegal presence of foreign forces on Syrian soil, and will effectively preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty and independence. Pederson, for his part, expressed his pleasure to visit Damascus since being appointed last October, pointing out that he plans to listen carefully to the views of the Syrian government for the success of his mission and move towards a political solution to the Syrian conflict. He then briefed the Syrian foreign minister on the meetings and activities that he aims to undertake during his tenure in a bid to activate Syria's political process, underscoring that the process should be led by the Syrian government otherwise it will bear no fruit. The new UN envoy for Syria also highlighted that he would make all efforts to ensure a political solution, and that he will take into account the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and relevant Security Council resolutions. The United Nations remains firmly committed to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Syria, Pederson said. The United Nations' new special envoy for Syria took over from Staffan de Mistura, who stepped down for family reasons after four years and four months of peace efforts that led nowhere. Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies have been aiding Takfiri terrorist groups wreaking havoc in the country. Russia, US: No Progress in Talks Over 1987 Nuclear Arms Treaty By VOA News January 15, 2019 Russia and the United States said Tuesday there was no progress in talks over Washington's intention to withdraw from a 1987 nuclear arms treaty because it says Moscow is violating its terms. "On the whole, we are forced to state that there is no progress. The U.S. position is frozen in its uncompromising and peremptory demands," state news agency Tass quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying after talks with U.S. Under Secretary of State Andrea Thompson in Geneva. The U.S. side described the meeting as "disappointing." The three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty bans production, testing and deployment of land-based cruise and ballistic missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometers. President Donald Trump said the U.S. would abandon the pact on Feb. 2 because of Russian violations. Ryabkov contended that "responsibility for (the possible demise of the treaty) fully and completely rests with the American side." He said the two sides failed to agree on anything and that Washington did not appear to be willing to negotiate further. The U.S. has demanded that Russia dismantle missiles that Washington claims violate the treaty. Ryabkov said Russia proposed holding more negotiations but got no answer from the U.S. "We are ready for dialogue on the basis of equality, mutual respect, (and) without putting forward ultimatums," Ryabkov said. Ryabkov said Russia would brief European diplomats Friday on the status of the talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin said last month that collapse of the treaty would threaten a new arms race. Putin suggested that he was open to other countries joining the INF treaty or to starting talks on a new agreement. S. Korea Removes 'Enemy' Reference to N. Korea in New Defense Report By VOA News January 15, 2019 South Korea has dropped a reference to North Korea as its "enemy" in the military's updated policy document, reflecting President Moon Jae-in's initiative in achieving detente with Pyongyang. The Defense Ministry has labeled the North as enemy in its biennial policy document since 2010, when 50 South Koreans were killed in separate attacks on an island and a naval vessel blamed on Pyongyang. The absence of the "enemy" label in the 2018 document, published Tuesday, is likely to anger conservatives in South Korea, who say that President Moon's efforts to build better relations with the regime of Kim Jong Un is undermining the South's defense posture. Kim's New Year's Day speech in 2017 offering to send a contingent of North Korean athletes to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea set off a series of diplomatic breakthroughs, including three summits with President Moon. The newly established diplomatic ties have also led to a set of confidence-building measures, including dismantling dozens of all armed guard posts and landmines in the so-called Joint Security Area located within the 250-kilometer demilitarized zone (DMZ), where troops from both Koreas are face to face. The South Korean Defense Ministry paper warns that North Korea's weapons of mass destruction, a reference to its nuclear and missile program, continues to pose a "threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." The Defense Ministry says North Korea maintains an active duty force of 1.28 million troops, compared with the South's 599,000 active duty troops. The regime either possesses or is developing 14 different types of ballistic missiles, including five intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) with a range of more than 5,500 kilometers. The North also owns "a considerable amount" of highly enriched uranium, along with 50 kilograms of weaponized plutonium. Iraqi Hashd al-Sha'abi forces stop US reconnaissance mission on Iraq's border with Syria Iran Press TV Tue Jan 15, 2019 02:27PM Iraqi pro-government fighters from the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have stopped a "suspicion reconnaissance mission" by US military forces to collect critical information about the movements and positions of the voluntary forces in the country's western province of Anbar and on the border with crisis-hit Syria. Commander of the volunteer forces better known by the Arabic word Hashd al-Sha'abi in Western Anbar, Qassim Mosleh, told the Arabic-language al-Sumaria television network on Tuesday that the US action amounts to the violation of the Iraqi sovereignty, and could have seriously endangered Iraqi border troops by exposing their deployments and arms depots to terrorist groups. Mosleh went on to say that Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters forced American troops to return to their base, and not approach them. Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters played a major role in the liberation of Daesh-held areas to the south, northeast and north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, ever since the terrorists launched an offensive in the country in June 2014. Iraq has repeatedly condemned allegations of sectarian nature against the voluntary force. In December 2016, Baghdad warned Riyadh of the ramifications of meddling in Iraq's internal affairs, after former Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said Iraq cannot realize unity with the presence of the Popular Mobilization Units. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly labeled the PMU, which incorporates volunteer forces from different Iraqi factions and tribes, as a Shia movement and called for the dismantling of the group. The Iraqi parliament on November 26, 2016 approved a law giving full legal status to Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters. It recognized the PMU as part of the national armed forces, placed the volunteer fighters under the command of the prime minister, and granted them the right to receive salaries and pensions like the regular army and police forces. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the end of military operations against the Daesh Takfiri terrorist group in the Arab country on December 9, 2017. On July 10 that year, he had formally declared victory over Daesh in Mosul, which served as the terrorists' main urban stronghold in Iraq. In the run-up to Mosul's liberation, Iraqi army soldiers and volunteer Hashd al-Sha'abi fighters had made sweeping gains against Daesh. Iraqi forces took control of eastern Mosul in January 2017 after 100 days of fighting, and launched the battle in the west on February 19 last year. Daesh began a terror campaign in Iraq in 2014, overrunning vast swathes in lightning attacks. Iran not afraid of sanctions: President Rouhani IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Gorgan, Jan 15, IRNA -- Iran is not afraid of sanctions, won't retreat and won't let go of its goals, said President Hassan Rouhani in Gorgan, Golestan Province, northern Iran, on Tuesday. 'Iran is in a psychological and economic war; we are familiar with it,' said President Rouhani Speaking at the meeting of Administrative Council of Golestan Province. President Rouhani said, "Like the Imposed War, this economic war has been imposed on us but we will stand.' On Monday, addressing a gathering of Shia and Sunni scholars in Golestan Province, he said that the Iranian nation will resolutely respond to the enemies of the Islamic Revolution on the national day of 22 Bahman (February 11), the anniversary of the revolution when Iranian nation pour to the streets and manifest their support for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Noting that today, Muslims around the world are under pressure, he said that in order to defeat the enemy, there is no option but to return to Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) lifestyle. Comparing today's facilities with those before the victory of the Islamic Revolution, he said that Iran's electricity capacity stood at 7,000 megawatts on the first day of the Islamic Revolution, while the figure has now reached 80,000 megawatts. Accompanied by a number of his cabinet members, President Rouhani, arrived in Golestan Province on Monday. During his two-day stay in the province, he reviewed the process of development in the province and got familiar with problems provincial people are facing. Apart from the meetings with the Sunni Ulema and provincial clerics, the president inaugurated a number of development projects. 9417**1771 Trump Sends Letter to North Korean Leader Amid Preparations for Summit - Reports Sputnik News 09:56 15.01.2019(updated 10:21 15.01.2019) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump last week sent a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un amid ongoing preparations for the two leaders' second summit, the CNN broadcaster reported on Tuesday, citing a source familiar with the matter. According to the source, Trump's letter was sent over the weekend and was delivered by hand, the broadcaster said. It comes two weeks after Trump said that he had received a letter from the North Korean leader and noted that he was looking forward to his second meeting with Kim, which would be set up "in the not too distant future". The first high-level talks between the two leaders took place in Singapore last June. During the meeting, Kim pledged to make efforts to promote complete denuclearisation of the peninsula in exchange for security guarantees for North Korea and the suspension of US-South Korean military drills. However, the United States has expressed discontent over the lack of progress in the nuclear disarmament on the peninsula. Last December, US National Security Adviser John Bolton said that the second Trump-Kim summit might take place in January or February. Meanwhile, Japanese media reported last week that Washington had offered Pyongyang to hold the next meeting in Vietnam in mid-February. Sputnik Pyongyang Urges to Stop Foreign Military Exercises on Korean Peninsula - Envoy Sputnik News 21:04 15.01.2019(updated 21:25 15.01.2019) MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Pyongyang calls for abandoning military exercises involving foreign forces on the Korean Peninsula, North Korean Ambassador to Russia Kim Hyun Joong said Tuesday. "In order to eliminate military hostility between North and South Koreas in a fundamental way and turn the Korean Peninsula into a lasting and eternal peace zone, it is necessary to abandon conducting military exercises with foreign forces because North and South Korea agreed to follow the path of peace and prosperity," Joong said at a dinner marking the occasion of the New Year at the Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in Moscow. Joong went on saying that it was also necessary to abandon foreign strategic weapons on its territory. The ambassador stressed that multilateral negotiations should be conducted with the aim to establish a system of peace on the Korean Peninsula through close cooperation with the countries that had signed an armistice agreement. Pyongyang was ready to establish new relations with the United States in accordance with the spirit of the era and wishes of the people, the diplomat noted. He further added that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in his New Year's speech declared his readiness to meet with US President Donald Trump once again. The situation on the Korean Peninsula has improved since the beginning of this year. During this time, North Korean leader Kim Jon Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have held several meetings, while Kim even had a historic summit with US President Donald Trump. This summit yielded an agreement stipulating that North Korea would make efforts to promote the complete denuclearization of the peninsula in exchange for the United States and South Korea freezing their military drills as well as the potential removal of US sanctions. Sputnik US, North Korea to hold high-level talks this week: Sources Iran Press TV Tue Jan 15, 2019 07:54AM Senior officials from the United States and North Korea are expected to hold a meeting in Washington later this week to discuss a second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, following a prolonged deadlock in denuclearization talks, sources say. A meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean leader's right-hand man, Kim Yong-chol, is expected to take place on Thursday or Friday in Washington, South Korean state-run news agency, Yonhap, cited an unnamed diplomatic source as saying on Tuesday. "Given Secretary Pompeo's other commitments, it's true that (he's) available for the talks on January 17-18," the source said, adding that the two sides were resolved to have face-to-face negotiations. Furthermore, the Seoul-based newspaper Chosun Ilbo, also citing an unnamed source, reported earlier in the day that Pompeo and Kim Yong-chol would likely meet in Washington later this week, adding that the top aide to the North Korean leader would start a two-day trip to the US capital on Thursday. The daily further said that the two were expected to finalize the date and location of a second summit between President Trump and leader Kim. It also reported that the North's envoy is likely to meet the American president as well during his stay in Washington. Pyongyang has not yet commented on the reports. However, Reuters on Tuesday quoted an unnamed official from the US State Department as saying, "We don't have any meetings to announce." If confirmed, the high-level meeting could mean the two countries are nearing a compromise following a months-long standoff over how to move forward in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. Back in November, the American secretary of state was supposed to hold a meeting with Kim, who is also the vice chairman of the North's ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, in New York, but it was abruptly canceled by Pyongyang over the US's failure to reciprocate North Korean steps toward denuclearization. US media have cited Vietnam and Thailand as candidate venues for a second summit, but Yonhap speculated that there is a possibility that the truce village of Panmunjom along the inter-Korean border will be picked. Earlier this month, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has said that he thought a second summit between Trump and Kim was "imminent." Multilateral diplomacy led to the first summit between Trump and Kim in July last year, which was held in Singapore. There, Trump and Kim broadly agreed to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. But diplomacy has been sluggish since then. Washington insists that UN and US harsh sanctions must remain in place until Pyongyang gives up its nuclear program, while Kim wants them immediately eased. North Korea has already taken several unilateral measures toward denuclearization, including suspension missile and nuclear testing, demolishing at least one nuclear test site, and agreeing to allow international inspectors into a missile engine test facility and another nuclear testing site. Earlier this month, the North's leader said that he wanted to "achieve results" on the nuclear standoff on the peninsula in his second summit with Trump, stressing that his country would "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK (North Korea) and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community." Pyongyang, however, has also warned that it would take "a new path" if Washington fails to cooperate. High-level DPRK-U.S. talks expected to be held this week to discuss 2nd summit: S.Korean media People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:36, January 15, 2019 SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- High-level talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States were expected to be held in Washington this week to discuss the second DPRK-U.S. summit, Yonhap news agency reported Tuesday citing diplomatic sources. The unnamed diplomatic source was quoted as saying it was known that Pyongyang and Washington were in talks to hold a senior-level dialogue, noting that given the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's schedule, the possible date for the high-level talks would be from Thursday to Friday. Pompeo reportedly cut short his Middle East trip for a family funeral. He was forecast to attend the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference scheduled for Wednesday to Thursday in Washington D.C. Yonhap estimated that there was a possibility for Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of the DPRK's ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) Central Committee, to visit Washington from Thursday to Friday to discuss with Pompeo the date and venue for the second summit between top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim and Trump already expressed their willingness to meet again after holding the first-ever DPRK-U.S. summit in Singapore in June last year. Pompeo and his DPRK counterpart were supposed to hold a meeting in New York in November last year, but it was cancelled at the last minute. Iran Launches Satellite Despite Pompeo's Warning, But it Fails to Reach Orbit Sputnik News 09:03 15.01.2019(updated 09:06 15.01.2019) The launch was previously criticised by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, while Tehran has stressed it does not violate UN Security Council Resolution 2231 pertaining to the country's nuclear programme. Tehran has launched a domestically-produced Payam satellite, however, it failed to reach orbit, Iranian state TV has announced, citing Minister of Telecommunications Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi. According to him, the satellite's carrier rocket successfully passed the first and second stage of the launch, but could not reach the "necessary speed" in the third stage. In January, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that Iran would face economic and diplomatic consequences if it carried out three scheduled space launches in the coming months. For his part, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif noted that Iran's rocket launches are not in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2231. The Islamic Republic previously attempted to launch a Simorgh orbital carrier rocket, however, that rocket's second stage only burned for 20 seconds. In a joint statement, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France condemned the launch, claiming it violated the UN Security Council resolution, regulating the Iranian nuclear programme. Sputnik Iran Announces Failure Of Satellite Launch January 15, 2019 Iran said it conducted a satellite launch but that the rocket failed to reach orbit. The reported launch, on January 15, came amid growing warnings from the United States about Tehran's rocket tests and accusations that they violate United Nations resolutions. Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi told state TV that the rocket carrying the Payam (Message) satellite failed to reach the "necessary speed" in the third stage of launch. He did not say what caused the failure but vowed that scientists would continue their research. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed Iran over the launch, alleging that the "innocent satellite" was actually "the first stage of an intercontinental missile" Iran is developing in violation of international agreements. Another Iranian satellite named Doosti (Friendship) was waiting to be launched, Azari-Jahromi tweeted after announcing the failed launch. "We should not come up short or stop," the minister wrote on Twitter. "It's exactly in these circumstances that we Iranians are different than other people in spirit and bravery." Payam and Doosti were both intended to gather information on environmental change in Iran, President Hassan Rohani said earlier this week. Tehran is facing increasingly harsh warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that Iran's plans demonstrate the country's defiance of a UN Security Council resolution. That resolution calls on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. Iran insists the launches do not violate the resolution. Washington and its allies worry the same satellite-launching technology could be used to develop nuclear-capable missiles. Based on reporting by AP and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-announces-failure-of- satellite-launch/29710454.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NASA chief accepts invitation to visit Russia People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:38, January 15, 2019 MOSCOW, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has accepted an invitation to make a working visit to Russia in the next several months, Russian space agency Roscosmos said Tuesday on its website. According to a statement by Roscosmos, Bridenstine and Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin on Monday held a telephone conversation that focused on "further cooperation on space exploration and a possible meeting." They agreed to continue working together on the International Space Station and lunar projects, as well as other missions to explore deep space, added the statement. NASA earlier sent an official letter to Roscosmos and revoked an invitation for Rogozin to visit its headquarters, a decision Bridenstine said was made due to pressure from U.S. senators. Rogozin on Jan. 10 said in response that NASA has fallen victim to the struggle between President Donald Trump's administration and U.S. Congress. However, according to Rogozin, NASA defends its cooperation with Russia because it "understands perfectly well that the creation of a lunar orbital platform is the most complicated problem," which cannot be solved by it alone. Al-Shabaab Attack Kills 3, Injures 1 at Hotel Complex in Nairobi - Reports Sputnik News 16:13 15.01.2019(updated 20:31 15.01.2019) Somali Islamist militant group al-Shabaab attacked DusitD2, an upscale hotel complex in the Nairobi, Kenya's capital city, killing at least one person and injuring several others, Reuters reported. Heavy shooting has resumed at the DusitD2 hotel complex, Reuters reported, citing witnesses. The media outlet also informed that eyewitnesses claimed some four bodies had been removed from a building near the site of the attack. Speaking about the assault, Kenya police chief Joseph Boinnet specified that it had started with an explosion among the cars around the hotel and then continued with a suicide bomb in the building. "That (attack) began with an attack at I&M bank with an explosion that targeted three vehicles in the parking lot and a suicide bomb," he said, adding that the law enforcement had secured six floors out of seven at the hotel. Attack Leaves At Least One Dead, Several Injured Earlier in the day, the AP news agency reported about gunfire and explosions have been heard in an upscale hotel complex in the Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. According to The Star newspaper, at least three people have been killed and one more injured as a result of the attack on the DusitD2 hotel complex in Nairobi. However, the number of casualties in different reports varies: thus, Reuters stated, citing a hospital official, that one person has been killed and four others injured. As the officers at the scene stated, quoted by The Star, several people are being held hostage. "Several hostages have been held in Dusit hotel and we are waiting for back up," the law enforcement representative told the newspaper. Al-Shabaab Claims Responsibility Later, Somali Islamist militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault, as their spokesman stated cited by Reuters. Shortly before that, a police spokesperson has stated, as quoted by CGTN Africa, that they are handling the incident as a terrorist attack. Speaking to local television, he also said they were not ruling out that it was a militant attack. "We have to go for the highest incident that could take place. The highest incident we have is a terror (attack)", Charles Owino told Citizen Television. Some social media users have shared alleged photos and videos of the incident. According to footage from the scene, several cars have been set on fire and gunshots are heard in the area. The blasts and gunfire took place at the DusitD2, a luxury hotel complex owned by a Thai multinational hospitality company frequently visited by holidaymakers, businessmen, and tourists. Sputnik Kenyan Government Faces Backlash After Chinese Contract Leaks By Salem Solomon January 15, 2019 The Kenyan government is struggling to respond to revelations that a multi-billion dollar contract with China may imperil its sovereignty, according to The Daily Nation newspaper. Details of the loan for the Standard Gauge Railway, Kenya's largest infrastructure project since independence, emerged Sunday when The Nation published excerpts from a 2014 contract between the Export-Import Bank of China and the Republic of Kenya. Beijing's infrastructure deals typically unfold in secret, and The Nation's reporting provides a rare glimpse into how China structures the terms of its loans. Now, according to the paper, the government has canceled planned appearances and scheduled emergency meetings to determine how best to navigate the latest in a series of damaging reports about the SGR's funding, construction and operation. Sovereignty in question Of chief concern is language that details the scope of assets Kenya must forfeit if it defaults on the loan. According to an excerpt quoted by The Nation, Kenya's largest independent newspaper, "Neither the borrower (Kenya) nor any of its assets is entitled to any right of immunity on the grounds of sovereignty." The contract also stipulates that Kenya must use Chinese "goods, technology and services" in the railway's construction and operation, and a confidentiality clause prohibits the Kenyan government from disclosing the terms of the contract without Beijing's expressed written consent. The excerpts provide some of the most tangible evidence to date that Beijing may engage in what critics, including the United States, characterize as debt-trap diplomacy lending designed to force countries into handing over land, minerals or strategic assets when they default. The Nation didn't reveal how it acquired the contract, nor how it determined its authenticity. But language in the document closely matches contracts VOA uncovered for projects tied to the Belt and Road Initiative, China's trillion-dollar global infrastructure plan, in Serbia, Kyrgyzstan and Guyana, suggesting the terms of the Kenya loan, from asset seizure and confidentiality clauses to stipulations about using Chinese vendors, may reflect Bejing's lending practices across Africa, and beyond. Charles Kanjama, the Nairobi Branch Chairman of the Law Society of Kenya, told The Nation that some features of the contract, such as the confidentiality clause, are typical. He raised concerns, however, with other language specifying that all disputes around the contract must be arbitrated in China. Since launching in 2017, the SGR has been marred by allegations of corruption, racism and poor management. Both Kenyan and Chinese officials have faced criminal charges. Even before ground broke on the project, analysts raised concerns about the cost of the project and design decisions that brought the track through the middle of one of the country's largest national parks. 'I will continue to borrow' Late last month, President Uhuru Kenyatta pushed back against claims that Chinese lending has hurt the country. "China is not seeking to colonize us, but they understand us to our point of need," Kenyatta told a roundtable of journalists, The Star, another Kenyan newspaper, reported. "We are ahead of the payment schedule, and so Kenyans must ignore any propaganda being peddled. I will continue to borrow, but develop," Kenyatta added. Despite ongoing controversies, some experts say the railway could still be a net-positive for a country in need of infrastructure to support its long-term development. "The standard gauge railway is a real game changer," Irene Sun, the author of "The Next Factory of the World," a book about Chinese manufacturing in Africa, told VOA. Before the SGR, Sun added, Kenya's two largest cities, Nairobi and Mombasa, were connected by poor roads and an unpredictable 1015 hour drive. "Now you have a railway where you can get on a train and you can arrive at the other end in five hours," Sun, an associate partner at the consulting group McKinsey & Company, said. "That is completely game changing for people movement, but I think perhaps more importantly for goods movement." US Envoy in Kabul to Advance Afghan Peace Efforts By Ayesha Tanzeem January 15, 2019 Zalmay Khalilzad, the man responsible for overseeing America's negotiations with the Afghan Taliban, arrived Tuesday night in Kabul, after making stops in India, the United Arab Emirates, and China. He is expected to visit Islamabad next. His outreach to regional players continues despite what seems like a setback in talks with the Taliban. "The [dialogue] process has halted for now so the venue and the date for a future meeting are not known," a senior Taliban official who is privy to the developments confirmed to VOA earlier this week when asked whether their peace talks with the U.S. were still on track. Talks scheduled with the Taliban in Saudi Arabia earlier this month were called off by the insurgent group after it came under pressure by the host government to meet with representatives of the current Afghan government. The insurgent group pushed to change the venue to Doha, Qatar, but later canceled those talks as well over disagreements on the agenda. The last significant round of talks between Khalilzad and the Taliban was held in December in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the host government also took part in that round. The Afghan government sent a delegation to Abu Dhabi in hopes of joining the talks, but the Taliban refused to meet them. The group so far has resisted pressure from multiple actors, including the U.S., to meet with the Kabul administration, calling it a "puppet" regime unable to deliver on their demands. The U.S. goal, according to a statement issued by its embassy in Kabul, is to "encourage the parties to come together at the negotiating table to reach a political settlement." Khalilzad will meet with President Ashraf Ghani, CEO Abdullah Abdullah, and political leaders to "discuss the next steps in U.S. efforts to support and facilitate an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process," the statement added. A feud among Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar also seems to be damaging the process, say various media reports. According to the Reuters news agency, Saudi and UAE diplomats refused to take part in any meeting held in Qatar, where the Taliban maintain an unofficial political office. The two countries severed ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing the Gulf state of funding militants - a charge Doha denies. In December, President Donald Trump announced he was withdrawing 7,000 American military personnel from Afghanistan, cutting the U.S. presence in the country by half. The U.S. fulfilled a major Taliban demand last year of talking directly to the Americans, in an effort to jumpstart a peace process. Since then, several rounds of negotiations between the two have been held, albeit without the Kabul administration. Meanwhile, security in Afghanistan continues to present a major challenge. An attack in Kabul Monday killed several people and wounded dozens of others. Indian, Pakistani Servicemen Shell Each Other's Positions in Kashmir - Military Sputnik News 14:05 15.01.2019 NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - The Pakistani soldiers shelled on Tuesday morning India's positions in the disputed state of Jammu and Kashmir, Lt. Col. Devender Anand, the spokesman for the Indian Defence Ministry, said, adding that the country's forces had retaliated. "At 10 a.m. [16:00 GMT], the Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation using small arms and shelling with heavy calibre weapons in the Sunderbani sector. The Indian Army is retaliating strongly and effectively", Anand told reporters, specifying that the exchange of fire was still ongoing near the border zone. Both India and Pakistan, along with China, have been contesting Kashmir since 1947. The state is currently divided between the three sides, with the so-called line of control serving as a de-facto border between the Indian and the Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir. Following several armed conflicts, India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003. However, since then, both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the truce. New Delhi has repeatedly accused Pakistani authorities of supporting insurgents demanding the region's secession from India, with Islamabad refuting all allegations. Sputnik ICC Acquits Ex-Ivorian President Gbagbo of War Crimes, Orders Immediate Release Sputnik News 19:01 15.01.2019 MOSCOW (Sputnik) The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Tuesday dismissed the war crime charges against former Cote d'Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo and his co-accused former political ally, Charles Ble Goude, and ordered their immediate release over lack of sufficient evidence. "The chamber by majority hereby decides that the prosecutor has failed to satisfy the burden of proof to the requisite standard grants the defence motions for acquittal from all charges against Mr Laurent Gbagbo and Mr Charles Ble Goude, orders the immediate release of both accused," the judge said. According to experts, a number of crimes were proven by prosecutors, but direct links between the crimes and Gbagbo were not established. In October 2011, the ICC launched a probe into acts of violence committed during the 2010-2011 conflict in Cote d'Ivoire, during which there were frequent clashes between security forces and the local population. In 2016, the ICC began its trial against Gbagbo and Ble Goude, charging them with crimes against humanity. Between 2010 and 2011, Cote d'Ivoire faced a political crisis. Gbagbo was proclaimed the winner of the presidential election in 2010, after claiming there was electoral fraud in several regions that would have made Gbagbo's rival, Alassane Ouattara, the winner. Nevertheless, Ouattara, backed by a number of countries and international organizations, continued to contest the election results. As the political crisis was gaining momentum, Gbagbo cracked down on the governing regime's opponents, ordering the country's military to close the borders. International organizations reported numerous human rights violations during the conflict. The conflict began to subside after Gbagbo was arrested on 11 April 2011, by Ouattara's forces with the support of the French military. Sputnik Turkmenistan Said To Register Reservists As Tension Mounts On Afghan Border By RFE/RL's Turkmen Service January 15, 2019 ASHGABAT -- Turkmen authorities have launched a campaign to register army reservists -- nearly all men under 50 -- amid concerns about militants in neighboring Afghanistan, according to a Defense Ministry source and accounts by citizens. The Defense Ministry source told RFE/RL on January 14 that all conscription commissions across the Central Asian country had been instructed to register males younger than 50 and assess whether they are capable of taking part in military operations. "It is linked to the tense situation along the border" with Afghanistan, said the source, who was not authorized to speak about the issue publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. An RFE/RL correspondent in the capital, Ashgabat, said that men under 50 had been summoned to local conscription commissions for medical examinations in recent weeks. There has been no official announcement and Turkmen authorities have declined to comment. Many Afghan districts bordering Turkmenistan are at least partially controlled by militants, mainly the Taliban, rather than by the internationally-backed Afghan government. In December, a senior Russian military official said that the Russian Defense Ministry had resumed cooperation and joint training with Turkmen armed forces for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Turkmenistan says it is neutral and has been reluctant to join international military and security groups since the Soviet collapse. The head of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) -- which includes Russia and several other former Soviet republics but not Turkmenistan -- said there was a danger of a "powerful extremist group" appearing along Afghanistan's borders with Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. In January 2016, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said during a visit to Ashgabat that Russia was ready to help Turkmenistan patrol its southern border with Afghanistan, but that Turkmenistan did not need such assistance at the time. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-said -to-register-reservists-as-tension-mounts -on-afghan-border/29711468.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 814-368-3173 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. (CNN) Australia is sweltering under record-breaking temperatures as an extreme heat wave continues to sweep across the country, causing wildlife to die and fruit to cook from the inside out. The past four days are in Australia's top ten warmest days on record, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said in a tweet on Wednesday, with all of the country's eight states and territories affected. South Australia's Port Augusta hit a scorching 48.5 degrees Celsius (119 F) on Tuesday, the highest since records began in 1962, according to CNN affiliate Nine News. The town of Tarcoola in South Australia reached a sweltering 49 C (120 F). Elsewhere, temperatures stayed well above 40 C (104 F) and the hot weather is expected to last until Friday. One town in northwestern Australia, Marble Bar, suffering through 22 consecutive days of temperatures above 40 C, at one point almost reaching 50 C (122 F). As the mercury continues to rise, concerns are with the vulnerable, including the young, elderly and those with asthma or respiratory diseases. High ozone levels On Wednesday, New South Wales Health authorities warned that the high temperatures are expected to contribute to "high ozone" air pollution across Sydney. Dr. Richard Broome, director of environmental health at New South Wales Health, said that people with asthma and other respiratory problems were particularly vulnerable as ozone "can irritate the lungs." "Ozone levels are higher outdoors than indoors, and generally highest in the afternoon and early evening, so limiting time outdoors during the heat of the day and in the evening helps people to not only keep cool but to limit their exposure to ozone pollution," he said. A health warning was in place across New South Wales from Tuesday, warning people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, minimize physical activity and keep hydrated. "Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, thirst, fainting, muscle pains or cramps, headache, changes in skin color, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, vomiting and confusion," the statement said. It's the second heatwave in less than a month to hit Australia. Just over two weeks ago, a brutal post-Christmas heatwave led to extreme or severe fire warnings across at least three states and intensified severe droughts across the country. Fish, bat deaths and fruit cooking from the inside The high temperatures are taking an increasing toll on the country's flora and fauna. In the Murray-Darling River Basin across the southeast, more than a million dead fish have been washed up on the banks. Niall Blair, Primary Industries Minister in New South Wales state, said more deaths of marine life are expected in coming days as temperatures continue to rise, according to local media. But environmental activists have blamed the mass deaths on poor management of the river system by state and federal governments, alleging mass consumption of water by farmers was leaving too little for fish to survive. "A lack of water in the Darling River and the Menindee Lakes means that authorities were unable to flush the system before millions of fish suffocated through a lack of oxygen in water," independent New South Wales lawmaker Jeremy Buckingham said in a statement. "This mass fish kill should be a wake up call for Australia." Colonies of bats were also succumbing to the heat and dropping from trees in Adelaide, according to CNN affiliate Nine News, prompting warnings to avoid contact with the animals as they can carry deadly diseases. Heat can be disastrous for bat species. Following a heat wave in north Queensland in November, an estimated 23,000 spectacled flying foxes died -- almost one third of the species in Australia. In South Australia, the extreme heat is causing stone fruit, including peaches and nectarines, to cook from the inside out, leading to heavy losses for farmers and spurring a race against time to harvest the fruit before it spoils, according to ABC. "The stone burns them, which means they burn on the inside, they become squashy and you can't use them," Dried Tree Fruits Australia chairman Kris Werner told ABC. It comes as the Australian Open kicked off in Melbourne at the Rod Laver Arena, in temperatures which topped 30 C (86 F). It is the second year in a row of extreme temperatures at the Grand Slam event, with some competitors collapsing or complaining of heatstroke in the 2018 event. Climate change taking its toll January is typically the hottest month of the Australian summer and temperatures across the board have been higher in the country in recent years. A report released by the Bureau of Meteorology on Thursday revealed 2018 was the country's third hottest year on record, with rainfall 11% below average. Australia's winter last year saw the worst drought in living memory hit part of the country in August, destroying farmers' livelihoods as farmland turned dry and barren. Even as Australia has suffered the effects of ongoing climate change, the government drags its feet on crafting a comprehensive environmental policy. Despite a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warning of "global catastrophe" should world temperatures rise above 1.5 C by the middle of the next decade, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's administration has refused to phase out the use of coal-fired power. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Stay indoors: Warning issued as Australia's heat wave hits record highs." South Africa: SA in consultation with Zim following violent protests The South African government is monitoring events in neighbouring Zimbabwe following violent protests in which three people were killed. Consultations are taking place between diplomats. We are confident that the measures being taken by the Zimbabwean government will resolve the situation, the Department of International and Cooperation said on Wednesday. The Zimbabwean Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa, on Tuesday said three people, including a police officer, died in the protests that started Monday. The Minister described the violent protests as an act of terrorism. Mutsvangwa told a press conference that government was very aware of the terrorist activities that were targeting police stations with the intentions of stealing weapons for criminal activities around the country. She said the past two days have been characterised by well-coordinated criminal behaviour to destroy properties and unleash violence on innocent citizens. "Government urges members of the public to go about their normal day to day activities without fear, as their security is guaranteed and we appeal to the public to remain calm and peaceful," she told the journalists. Ruling party ZANU-PF spokesperson Khaya Moyo blamed the opposition MDC Alliance for organising the illegal protests. "The current politically instigated, barbaric acts of terrorism being perpetrated by the MDC Alliance under the guise of mass protest should stop forthwith," Moyo said. On Tuesday morning, central streets in Harare, the capital, remained empty as people stayed home following Monday's violence. Internet access in Harare was cut off on Tuesday morning. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions and some civic leaders had called for a three-day shutdown following the announcement of the fuel price increases on Saturday, arguing that ordinary people were being subjected to more suffering. - SAnews.gov.za-Xinhua This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Senior Afghan Taliban Member Reportedly Detained In Pakistan Ahead Of U.S. Peace Envoy's Visit By RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal January 15, 2019 Pakistan has detained a senior member of the Afghan Taliban, sources in the group say. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sources told RFE/RL that Hafiz Mohibullah, religious affairs minister when the Taliban ran Afghanistan before the 2001 U.S.-led invasion, was detained in the northwestern city of Peshawar. There was no immediate comment from Pakistani authorities. The reported detention comes ahead of a visit to Pakistan by U.S. peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is touring the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan. Khalilzad has recently held a series of meetings with the Taliban's political office in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The United States and Afghanistan have repeatedly accused Pakistan of providing "safe havens" for the Taliban on its soil. Islamabad rejects the allegation. The Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) also reported Mohibullah's detention. Even though the militant "did not occupy any key position in the Taliban movement currently, he was quite active in the peace efforts," the news agency said. Taliban sources told the BBC that Mohibullah had been living in Peshawar for a number of years. The broadcaster quoted unidentified Taliban figures as suggesting that he had been detained to put pressure on the militant group into meeting Khalilzad in Pakistan, and to agree to meet with representatives of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The militants have long refused to hold direct talks with Afghan officials, whom they dismiss as "puppets." With reporting by AIP and the BBC Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/senior-afghan- taliban-member-reportedly-detained-in-pakistan-ahea -of-u-s-peace-envoy-s-visit/29710995.html Copyright (c) 2019. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. Houthis dismiss Pompeo's accusations of Hudaydah truce breach Iran Press TV Tue Jan 15, 2019 10:31AM A senior Yemeni official has hit back at US Secretary of State Mike Pomepo over his recent allegations that Houthi fighters are violating the UN-brokered ceasefire in the Hudaydah port city, criticizing Washington for keeping up its support for the Saudi-led war on the impoverished nation. In a post on his Twitter account on Monday night, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of Yemen's Supreme Revolutionary Committee, said that the Houthis' redeployment from Hudaydah refuted Pompeo's allegations. "Pompeo's accusations are refuted by the steps of redeployment at the port of Hudaydah and the submission of positive proposals," he tweeted. Speaking in Riyadh on Monday, the top US diplomat claimed that the Houthis had "chosen" not to comply with the Hudaydah truce. "The work that was done in Sweden on Yemen was good, but both sides need to honor those commitments," Pompeo said after talks with Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. "To date, the Houthis have chosen not to do that." The Houthi official said that the US administration "has refused to stop supporting the war despite the congressional decision," referring to the US Senate's historic vote last month to end American military assistance for the Saudi aggression against Yemen. Representatives from the Houthi Ansarullah movement and militants loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed former regime reached the Hudaydah ceasefire during peace talks in Sweden last month. They agreed to the withdrawal of their forces and deployment of UN monitors to the port city, a lifeline for millions of Yemenis. Hudaydah has seen some of the heaviest fighting in the ongoing Saudi-led offensive since March 2015. Saudi Arabia and its regional allies, including the UAE, launched the devastating military campaign against Yemen to bring the Riyadh-backed former government back to power. The invaders have, however, failed to achieve their objective in the face of Yemenis' resistance. Trump discussed pulling US out of NATO last year: Report Iran Press TV Tue Jan 15, 2019 10:37AM US President Donald Trump, who has made a reputation for abandoning a great number of important international pacts, discussed leaving the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) with his aides last year, according to a new report. The president floated the idea several times throughout last year out of frustration over NATO allies' refusal to increase military funding and compensate Washington for burdening most of the alliance's funding since its establishment in 1949, The New York Times reported Monday, citing current and former administration officials. The Times reported that pro-NATO officials within the administration were concerned that Trump might actually act on his threats and abandon the organization as members lagged behind his funding goals. A US exit, the report suggested, would be "tantamount to destroying NATO." In July 2018, when all NATO leaders gathered in Brussels for what turned to be a tumultuous summit, Trump told his aides that the alliance was a drain on US economy and he could no longer see what point it served. Michele A. Flournoy, an undersecretary of defense who worked for former President Barack Obama, said leaving NATO would be "one of the most damaging things that any president could do to U.S. interests." She said the move particularly play well into the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has time and again warned the alliance against amassing weapons and equipment on Russia's western borders. Since 2014, when NATO severed ties with Moscow over the reintegration of the Crimean Peninsula to Russia, the US-led alliance has been deploying troops and advanced weaponry to the Baltic region to ward off what it calls possible "Russian aggression." Retired Adm. James G. Stavridis, the former supreme allied commander of NATO, said an American withdrawal from the alliance would be "the gift of the century" for Putin. To shield last year's NATO summit from Trump, some US national security officials had secretly pushed the alliance's ambassadors "to complete a formal agreement on several NATO goals including shared defenses against Russia," the report further claimed. But that was not enough to stop Trump, who broke the alliance's protocols on discussing internal matters in public and blasted members for not meeting his demands. NATO members are required to spend at least 2 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on military affairs. This is while the US currently spends around 4 percent. According to the report, Trump was specifically mad at German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the summit, whose country spent only around 1 percent of its GDP on military. Trump's was so mad at Merkel that he decided to get up and leave during her speech, European and American officials present at the meeting confirmed to the Times. Trump further surprised NATO leaders by urging them to aim for 4 percent, a demand that is essentially impossible for some members to fulfill. He also threatened that Washington would "go its own way" in 2019 if other NATO countries did not increase their military spending levels. Concerns for a Trump withdrawal from NATO have prompted some officials to prepare legislation that block such decisions. Under Article 13 of the Washington Treaty, NATO members are allowed to withdraw only after invoking a one-year notification period. This allows Congress to try and stop Trump in his tracks. Kay Bailey Hutchison, the US ambassador to NATO, who is also a former Republican senator, has already launched a bid to build support for the alliance in Congress, the report said. Former US Defense Secretary James Mattis was a strong supporter of the alliance, a point he made clear in his resignation letter last month. His replacement, Patrick Shanahan, backs NATO but has also said that the Pentagon should not be "the Department of No" to Trump's orders. Carrier Strike Group 12 Welcomes Spanish Frigate Mendez Nnez To Naval Station Norfolk Navy News Service Story Number: NNS190115-10 Release Date: 1/15/2019 12:33:00 PM By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacques-Laurent Jean-Gilles, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Alvaro de Bazan-class Spanish navy frigate ESPS Mendez Nunez (F 104) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 14 to train and conduct group exercises as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. Mendez Nunez, homeported in Ferrol, Spain, was commissioned in 2006. She joins CSG-12 assets Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron 2, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) to conduct Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is a training evolution designed to integrate all the assets of the strike group, test their ability to carry out maritime operations, and assess their deployability. "In today's complex and dynamic maritime environment, we have to forge and employ strong partnerships to protect our mutual interests," said Capt. Sean Anderson, Commodore, Destroyer Squadron Two. "Mendez Nunez joining ABESG (Abraham Lincoln Strike Group) is extremely exciting and brings significant and familiar capability as another AEGIS ship. We have been working with our Spanish partners for almost a year leading up to this COMPTUEX and cooperative deployment, and I can tell you, they are extremely professional and proficient. We will continue to learn from each other, which makes ABESG more formidable." Conducting multinational naval exercises improve the warfighting capabilities and partnership between the two NATO countries. Spain and the United States are united by history and common values that underpin the partnership and work closely togethr on a range of global challenges, including promoting international cooperation, peace and security, and economic prosperity. While in port in Norfolk, Sailors from CSG-12 and Sailors and Marines from Mendez Nunez will participate in a variety of events geared toward relationship-building and partnership, to include training with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Two, a wreath laying ceremony honoring fallen Spanish Sailors from the Spanish American War, and a welcome reception. CSG-12 subordinate commands include Abraham Lincoln, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) and ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron 2: Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Mitcher (DDG 57), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94). The components of CSG-12 embody a "team-of-teams" concept, combining advanced surface, air, and systems assets to create and sustain operational capability. This enables them to conduct global operations, have effective and lasting command and control, and demonstrate dedication and commitment to becoming the strongest warfighting force for the Navy and the nation. CIAT Trains its First Ship Navy News Service Story Number: NNS190115-12 Release Date: 1/15/2019 12:49:00 PM From Center for Surface Combat Systems Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 40 crew members of USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) were the first to pilot the updated Advance Warfare Training (AWT) curriculum inside the Navy's newest combat systems trainer, Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD)/Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer (CIAT), onboard Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), Jan. 8-11. The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) officially opened the CIAT during a ribbon cutting ceremony this past December and is planned to deliver tactical training to all San Diego based Baseline 9 warships. "The overall purpose of CIAT is to capitalize on advances in virtual technology to deliver a warfighting laboratory that is realistic, relevant, and just as complex as the threat environment our deployed ships are sailing into," said Lt. Cmdr. Reisheid Dixon, CSCS Det San Diego's officer in charge. The CIAT facility currently provides Navy watchstanders a state-of-the art training environment to detect and engage the entire spectrum of naval combatants. With an emphasis on realism, it is engineered in every detail to replicate a naval warship's actual combat suite. The feedback from Rafael Peralta is overwhelmingly positive. "We are honored and thrilled to be the first warship through CIAT," said Cmdr. Aaron DeMeyer, commanding officer. "It's clear that even this first iteration of the CIAT curriculum is far better than any training we could develop on the ship." Moving away from pre-packaged training scenarios, the virtualization of the trainer is completely customizable by CSCS instructors. Evaluators can now employ advanced enemy tactics, reduce visibility, degrade weapons systems, overwhelm the radars with clutter returns, and in the end, force every single watchstander in the combat information center to adapt. The first CIAT students were able to experience these advanced training capabilities. "This is by far the most realistic level of complexity and integration that our ship's training team has faced," said Lt. j.g. Anthony Pronchilo, fire control officer. Chief Operations Specialist Anna Penrod, anti-air warfare coordinator, has been through the AWT curriculum in the past, but not like this. "The CIAT has so many features," she explained. "This was our team's first opportunity to combat a reactive threat or fight through an electronic attack. I know full well the next time we see this challenged battlespace may be on deployment." "There is a steep learning curve for every training event in CIAT," said Lt. Aaron Van Driessche, CSCS Det San Diego's course supervisor for AWT. "Many of our students are seeing complex enemy tactics for the first time but it's critical that they face these combat challenges now. We need to begin training ships for the worst case scenarios because when a ship leaves the pier, its mission could depend on it." The CIAT is also equipped with a full debrief room capable of replaying all scenarios. CSCS instructors can break-down, in exact detail, every choice made by a ship's combat team. "The debrief room allowed us to articulate the full PBED process plan, brief, execute, and debrief," said Lt. Wayne Badstuebner, tactical action officer evaluator. "With the ability to relive every scenario in the debrief, the feedback loop was instantaneous and their team was maturing with every run." This multi-mission and shore-based trainer also executes training at a lower cost compared to training live on shipboard systems. "CSCS' CIAT is a game changer," said Capt. David Fowler, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 23. "It provides the most realistic combat systems training of any system to date. The full potential of CIAT's capabilities are yet to be experienced." CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites and detachments, including CSCS Det San Diego, located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, and Japan and manages and operates a Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) training division in Rota, Spain. CSCS provides over 538 courses, awards 114 different Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs), and trains over 38,000 Sailors a year. CSCS delivers specialized training for Officer and Enlisted Sailors to tactically operate, maintain, and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors, and command and control systems utilized in today's Navy. Reliance Jio tops 4G download speeds in December 2018: TRAI News oi-Karan Sharma Reliance Jio keeps on maintaining the top position in terms of 4G download speeds. All you need to know. Reliance Jio is one of the fastest growing telecom operators in India which is offering the fastest download speed, with its fast speed and cheap plan the company has disrupted the Indian telecom industry. Now the network has also become the number one in terms of 4G download speeds, as per the latest speed chart published by the MySpeed portal of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The telco is providing an average download speed of 18.7Mbps in the month of December. However, the download speed of Jio is not that impressive since October, but it is still better than the other competitors in the market. Reliance Jio's average download speed in the month of December was 18.7Mbps, back in November it was 20.3Mbps. Airtel comes on the second position with the average 4G download speed of 9.8Mbps, back in November it was 9.7Mbps which means the speed has been improved for Airtel users. On the other hand, Vodafone and Idea received the third and fourth positions with a download speed of 6.3Mbps and 6.2Mbps respectively. Meanwhile, the download speed of the Jio 4G is keeping on falling since October, but despite the drop, it has managed to stay on the top as compared to the rival brands. The company has also recorded the download speed of 22.3Mbps in October 2018. But when it comes to the uploading speed then, its altogether a different story. Idea is the one who is leading the race when it comes to 4G upload speed. Idea is providing an average 4G upload speed of 5.3Mbps. Meanwhile, the partnered company Vodafone secures the second place with 5.1Mbps average upload speed, back in November it was offering 4.9Mbps speed. Reliance Jio got the third sport with an average upload speed of 4.3Mbps. It seems Jio need to work on the upload speed of its 4G network. Source Best Mobiles in India Samsung Galaxy M20 complete design and specs leak: M for Millennial? News oi-Vivek Galaxy M20 is most likely to launch in India on the 28th of January Samsung is all set for the launch of a new smartphone series in India called as the Galaxy M to compete against the likes of the Chinese smartphone OEMs like Xiaomi and Huawei. The company has officially confirmed that the first set of Galaxy M series smartphones will be unveiled on the 28th of January, where the company is most likely to launch the Galaxy M10, Galaxy M20, and the Galaxy M30. The latest leak on the Samsung Galaxy M20 reveals some of the interesting features of the smartphone. According to a report from mobielkopen, the Samsung Galaxy M20 will feature a modern design with a water-drop notch followed by a dual camera setup. Samsung Galaxy M20 Design leak The leaked manual for the Samsung Galaxy M20 suggests that the device will have a USB type C port with a dedicated 3.5 mm headphone jack. The smartphone will also support NFC (Near Field Communication) for faster accessory pairing and contactless payment. The Galaxy M20 is most likely to support Samsung Pay (wireless payment system from Samsung). The leaked manual does re-affirms the fact that the device does feature dual SIM card slots with a microSD card slot. Albeit, as of now there is no confirmation on the type of microSD card slot (dedicated or hybrid). First Samsung smartphone with Infinity-V display The Samsung Galaxy M20 is also the first smartphone from the Korean smartphone giant with an Infinity-V or water-drop notch display with a higher screen to body ratio. A few benchmark listings suggest that the Samsung Galaxy M20 will run on the Exynos 7885 SoC with 3 GB RAM and 32/64 GB onboard storage. The smartphone is most likely to run on Android 8.1 Oreo with Samsung Experience UI skin on top. Samsung is expected to price the Galaxy M20 very aggressively, and the base variant is likely to cost under Rs 15,000 price point. 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 Gillette, WY (82718) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 89F. SW winds shifting to NNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear skies. Low 52F. Winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Visitors to Siuslaw National Forest headquarters in Corvallis these days are greeted by a locked door and a Closed sign, while callers to the main office phone line get a recording. We are not in the office at this time, the message says. We are on furlough due to a lapse in federal government funding. Please leave your voicemail, but please note that we do not have access to voicemail due to the current lapse in funding. As the partial government shutdown roll into its fourth week, many federal offices and facilities around the mid-valley are closed to the public or operating at reduced levels. Nonessential employees, such as most of the 150 people who work for the Siuslaw, have been placed on furlough without pay, although they are expected to receive back pay once the political standoff in Washington is resolved. Those deemed essential are excepted from furlough status, meaning they are still reporting to work, but their paychecks will be withheld until the shutdown ends. In the meantime, furloughed employees can apply for unemployment benefits, although most excepted employees working full-time cannot, according to guidance issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Any unemployment benefits received will have to be repaid after retroactive salaries are paid out. The domestic economy is poised to grow strong this year despite a poisoned political landscape which has taken centre stage ahead of the highly-anticipated elections expected this October. This is because unlike in previous years where mining was the only cog that drove the economy, that is becoming history as non-mining sectors such as retail, trade and energy and water are stepping up to pick the economy, which has recently been blowing hot and cold. The latest economic data from Statistics Botswana shows that the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) leapfrogged by 4,2 percent in the third quarter of 2018, reasonably higher than the 3,5 percent which was recorded in the same period in 2017. According to the statistics body, the increase was attributed to real value added of water & electricity, trade, hotels & restaurants and transport & communications which increased by 42.6, 6.9 and 5.8 percent respectively. All other industries recorded positive growths of more than 2.5 percent with the exception of mining which decreased by 2.7 percent, said the Dr. Burton Mguni-led agency. According to experts, the GDP rise provides a perfect foundation for all things good to come in the medium to long term, especially given the expected social and economic policy changes that will come with the new administration. In a response to Botswana Guardian questions this Wednesday, Portfolio Manager at Inkunzi Investments, Jonathan Paledi said there is no need to touch panic buttons since, diamonds, the main driver in the mining sector, which contributes nearly 30 percent to national GDP, appear to have come back strongly. Going forward we would expect growth to be driven by both the mining and non-mining sector. We are confident on the contribution of the mining sector to GDP growth given the increased production volumes in the diamond industry and rising prices for both rough and polished diamonds. The non-mining sector will continue to positively contribute to GDP growth with great resilience seen especially in the services sector, said Paledi, who has worked for Botswanas central bank in the past. His view on the mining sector recovery is backed up by the fact that De Beers, a company which Botswana part-owns, closed 2018 on a high after netting $540 million in revenue in December, its biggest sight in three years. The confidence in the diamond subsector is even shown by De Beers plans to invest over P120 billion in expanding mines such as Jwaneng, Orapa and Venetia in South Africa. The expansion is predicted to boost the economy in the medium to long term. When it comes to non-mining sectors, Bank of Botswanas Governor, Moses Pelaelo noted that the services sector will also pull the economy through. Furthermore, the projected accommodative monetary conditions in the domestic economy and increase in government expenditure are expected to support growth of economic activity in the non-mining sectors, said Pelaelo at the end of the banks Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in December. In his maiden state of the nation address President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi added that among the non-mining activities where positive growth is expected are services, in particular the tourism and retail sub-sectors. As much as the domestic economy will be boosted by most sectors, it is highly unlikely that when Statistical Botswana compiles all economic data for 2018 in a few months time, the economy will have grown by 5,3 percent predicted by Finance and Economic Development minister, Kenneth Matambo last February. We find it highly improbable that GDP for 2018 will grow at 5.3 percent. For that to happen, we would need to see a year-on-year GDP growth for Q4 of around 7 percent, which would be the highest for this year and significantly higher than the GDP growth of 5.2 percent realised in Q2. However GDP growth for 2018 will be better than that of 2017 which was 2.9 percent, said Paledi. Meanwhile, at the Botswana Stock Exchange, markets have opened on a high. According to a stock market report prepared by Stockbrokers Botswana, the Domestic Consumer Index (DCI), which tracks the performance of domestically listed firms, kicked off the New Year on the green after gaining 0.27 percent to close the week at 7874.41 points. Furnmart was the flavour of the week after the company exercised its share buyback at the offer price of 65thebe. 100,049,053 shares in Furnmart traded, representing 16.5 percent of total shares outstanding, said Stockbrokers which is headed by Bokete Mokgosi. Other gainers during the first week of 2019 were Letshego, closing the week at 165 thebe, while Standard Chartered and G4S lost 3thebe and 4thebe to close at 380thebe and 360thebe respectively. An Oregon State University employee is facing criminal charges for allegedly videotaping unsuspecting men in a Valley Library restroom. Andres Lazaro Lopez, 35, was arraigned Monday in Benton County Circuit Court on one felony count of first-degree invasion of privacy and two misdemeanor counts of second-degree invasion of privacy. Lopez has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on May 1 in the sixth-floor mens room of the library. Lopez was arrested following an Oregon State Police investigation that included the seizure of his cell phone and a search of its contents in August. According to a search warrant affidavit filed by an Oregon State Police investigator, Lopez is accused of using a pencil-sized hole in a bathroom stall to watch a man who was masturbating and videotaping the man without his consent by using his cellphone. Lt. Craig Flierl, commander of the Oregon State Police substation at OSU, said the holes in the bathroom stalls have been permanently covered. The university didnt waste any time in preventing that from happening again, Flierl said. Video games projects come and go at the speed of light, and sometimes we dont even learn about their existence. Anyway, at times, developers and publishers do share teasers that eventually dont lead to anything, as it has happened with Pioneer. Pioneer, a sci-fi title thats been in the making at Ubisoft for a while, was hinted at in Watch Dogs 2, where you could leak a trailer from the publisher San Franciscos office. Unfortunately, as shared by Assassins Creed III and Far Cry 4 game director Alex Hutchinson, it is no more. He let the news slip on Twitter, where he shared weeping emojis and nothing else while reminding the project. Of course, with Hutchinson not being a Ubisoft employee anymore, its not official but based on hearsay from his friends at the company. But, being so close to the goings-up at the development team, we dont have reason to doubt about the news itself. On top of that, it only looks legit that Ubisoft took such decision, as their sci-fi portfolio has in the meantime grown a lot bigger thanks to Starlink and the upcoming Beyond Good & Evil 2. You can't straddle the fence, or have it both ways Send your health calendar items to health@galvnews.com, or call Angela Wilson , community news editor, 409-683-5239. Section 41 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Botswana does not give President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi immunity in a case in which his legitimacy as President of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is being challeneged, Kamal Jacobs lawyer has argued. Jacobs argues that Dr. Masisi is not the substantive President of the BDP and as such did not and does not have powers to appoint Committees of Central Committee including the BDP Appeals Board Committee chaired by Kinsley Sebele in terms of Article 33 of the BDP Constitution. Jacobs lost the BDPs parliamentary primary elections for Lobatse Constituency to Economist Thapelo Matsheka. Matsheka was up against Ahmed Shabbeer Ishael, Kamal Jacobs, Patrick G. Kebailele, Sadique kebonang (incumbent) and Lone Lincoln Bome. In the 25th August 2018 Bulela Ditswe results Sadique Kebonang got 1073, Lone Bome 66 votes, Ahmed Shabeer Ishmail 317 votes, Patrick Matlhodi 218 votes, Kamal Jacobs 1219 votes and Thapelo Matsheka won with 1376 votes. Jacobs attorney Kagisano Tamocha argued this week before High Court Judge Michael Mothobi that Section 41 (1) of the Constitution of Botswana is not applicable in their case because they are talking about the presidency of the BDP. Section 41(1) states whilst any person holds or performs the functions of the office of President no criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against him or her in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by him or her either in his or her official capacity or in his or her private capacity and no civil proceedings shall be instituted or continued in respect of which relief is claimed against him or her in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in his or her private capacity. Bogopa of Bogopa, Manewe, Tobedza and Company representing Dr. Masisi, BDP, BDP Electoral Board, Appeals Board and BDP Southern Region told the court earlier that in accordance with the section Dr Masisi is immune from the suit and he should have not been cited in the case. He said it is not disputed that Dr. Masisi is the sitting president and as such no criminal or civil suit should be instituted against him. The interpretation of this section has been done by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal in the 2009 Gomolemo Motswaledi case. The two cases are not distinguishable. The current case is a civil application in which a relief is sought against Dr. Masisi about something he has done in his private capacity as a member of the BDP. Both High Court and Court of Appeal have proved that actions taken by the president in his or her private capacity- no civil proceedings could be instituted against him or her, said Bogopa. Otlaadisa Kwape of the Attorney General also concurred with Bogopa that in accordance with the section and its interpretation by the highest court in the land the sitting president is immune from any litigation. Attorney General has joined in the case as Amicus Curie (Friend of the Court). Kwape told the court that therefore the application against Dr. Masisi should be dismissed. However, Tamocha representing Jacobs argued that the section is not applicable in the present case. He told the court that there is a difference between the current case and the Motswaledi case as cited by the respondents. He pointed out that in the current case they are not asking the president to perform anything. Section 41 (1) is not applicable in this case because no one is claiming anything from or against Dr Masisi. This is a point of departure from the Motswaledi case. All what we are asking is for court to arrive at a finding as to whether Dr Masisi is holding the office of the presidency of the BDP in accordance with the BDP constitution. We are challenging his legitimacy as President of the BDP. Dr Masisi is a beneficiary of automatic succession in terms of the constitution of Botswana. However, the constitution of the BDP does not provide for automatic succession. Our interpretation of Section 41 (1) is of electoral importance, said Tamocha. At this point Justice Mothobi pointed to the attorney that his client is seeking relief against the president and others. Tamocha indicated that Section 41 should be read in its entirety and not in part. He argued that if Section 41 (1) was to be held to be applicable in the current case it would be a recipe for disaster, a human calamity. He stated that the Motswaledi case is not applicable because the facts of the two cases are not the same and in the Motswaledi case no question of legitimacy was raised and such interpretation in the current case would be overreaching. Section 41(2) states where provision is made by law limiting the time within which proceedings of any description may be brought against any person, the term of any person in the office of President shall not be taken into account in calculating any period of time prescribed by that law which determines whether any such proceedings as are mentioned in subsection (1) of this section may be brought against that person. Tamocha further argued that an interpretation followed as in the case of Motswaledi is not for public good as provided for by Section 26 of the Interpretation Act, in that such decision would be denying members of the BDP their democratic right of electing their leader if they cannot question their leaders legitimacy. Regarding the citing of former President Ian Khama both Bogopa and Kwape argued that he should be struck out of the proceedings. Bogopa stated that no decision should be made regarding Khama because he was not in court to speak for himself. He has not deposed an affidavit and what would be said would be tantamount to hearsay. There is nothing in the court papers that says that Dr Khama is incapacitated and cannot sue someone to protect his rights and empowerment. He could have at least been cited as a co-applicant and not a respondent, he said. Tamocha told the court that Dr Khama is important in the current case and that as much as no relief is sought against him, he remains important to the case. Dr Khama can deny or agree that he is the substantive president of the BDP. I can confirm that service of court papers was done on the 3rd respondent (Dr Khama) on the 19th December 2018. Proof of service is by way of an affidavit by one Tebagano Lebotse. It was filed with the court on Monday this week. This case is brought here in good faith and not meant to embarrass anyone. It is meant to get clarity on the legitimacy for Dr Masisi to hold office of BDP presindency, Tamocha said. Justice Mothobi would deliver judgement next week Wednesday. Graveside services for Ruby Mae Brackeen, 93, of Gainesville, are set for 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at the Fairview Cemetery in Gainesville with Bro. Gary Carter officiating under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home. A visitation will be held at 7:00 PM Monday, J Fort Wayne, IN (46808) Today Plentiful sunshine. High 88F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds early with showers likely after midnight, and a thunderstorm is possible. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Have any questions? Please give us a call at 907-352-2250 Stop the madness, reopen government It is past time to reopen the government. It is past time to stand up and do what is right. Americans are being held hostage to the temper tantrum and rantings of the unstable occupant of the Oval Office. There is no crisis at the border. My elected officials know it. We know it. The data and statistics being spread by this administration are lies. Even the DOJ will not stand by the report they issued. They are still claiming 4,000 terrorists were captured at the border when it was really zeroeven Fox News shamed the White House. Congress is a coequal branch of government, and it is time to act like one. Reopen the government. Not only is the personal toll on federal workers becoming unbearable, but there will be an economic toll on the nation as well. Stop the madness. Stop Trump. No wall, not now, not ever. And reopen the government. Elizabeth Brandon Warner Stafford SCPS has and will continue to navigate through challenges that have stemmed from the implementation of these specialty centers. Spotsylvania is blazing the trail for students to have opportunities in any career they can dream of, thanks to the forward thinking, dedicated executives as well as decades of the best practices gathered from around the country from the very best public schools with proven, cost-effective results. In October, the School Board in Spotsylvania participated in a retreat where we took the time to reflect and evaluate the effectiveness of the current strategic plan, discussed the results of the division-wide survey of stakeholders, and determine the path to keep SCPS moving forward in the complex and ever-changing field of public education. It was at this retreat that the superintendent first officially brought his vision of additional specialty centers to six of the board members in attendance. Since then, any board member that needed more information on the subject has had the opportunity to do any fact-finding they deemed necessary. An active weather pattern lies ahead for Fredericksburg and vicinity. This Wednesday morning fog developed across the Fredericksburg area. Temperatures in the mid-20s led to reports of freezing fog at both Shannon and Stafford Regional Airports so slippery conditions are possible. Roadways, sidewalks, and elevated surfaces may well be covered by a thin coating of ice so be careful! Otherwise, today will turn out mostly sunny with afternoon temperatures boosting into the low 40s. Area high temperatures would be a bit higher except that some of the suns heat is involved in melting the snow cover remaining from last weekend's storm. Calm winds this morning will stir to light westerly breezes during the afternoon as a dry cold front moves through Fredericksburg. Tonight that boundary will stall out south of the region and a ripple of low pressure (storm #1 on left and right graphic panels) will intensify and scoot northeast. After a cold start to Thursday, clouds will roll in during the afternoon as Fredericksburg area temperatures gradually rise into the upper 30s. The low pressure center will track across the Ohio valley into New England bringing a wintry mix of rain, sleet, and snow to the Burg late tomorrow afternoon into the overnight hours. Amounts will be minimal, but the Friday morning commute could be messy. Investing can be difficult, but the 401(k) is one of the easiest ways to start. Many of theses tips focus on small changes, and then you can let stocks do what they do best go up over time. By CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT An area plastic film manufacturer thats a major local employer will invest $25 million to expand its facility in Gordonsville, according to a news release Wednesday from Gov. Ralph Northam. Klockner Pentaplast, located in Louisa County, will grow its global production capacity for pharmaceutical and medical device packaging films through the investment expected to create 34 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with Ohio for the project, according to the governor. Klockner Pentaplast is a valued major employer with more than 700 employees and a long history of reinvesting in Louisa County, Northam said in a statement. For over four decades, Klockner Pentaplast has demonstrated a commitment to creating new jobs and opportunities for Virginians, and this significant investment further solidifies the companys longevity in the Commonwealth.The states Virginia Investment Performance program will provide a $300,000 grant for the expansion and the company will also be eligible for sales and use tax exemptions on its manufacturing equipment. I think things will improve under Biden I think things will get worse I expect theyll stay about the same as they were under Trump It doesnt matter whos in office theres always going to be tension with Russia Vote View Results Russos New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen Rings In 2019 Presenting Superfood Kale Krust Chef Russo introduces the La Dolce Vita Pizza featuring the new Kale Krust. HOUSTON (PRWEB) January 15, 2019 - Russos New York Pizzeria, the global franchise chain known for its authentic New York style pizza and classic Italian fare, invites guests to embark on a savory culinary experience with its newest limited time offer: Kale Krust. Head Chef and Founder Anthony Russos latest wholesome creation incorporates a delectable, gourmet pizza crust packed with hidden veggies using fresh, organic kale. We use premium flour and Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, said Chef Russo, the creative mastermind behind Russos New York Pizzeria. This unique crust packs the nutrients and benefits of Kale into a delectable, flavorful crust that kids - and parents - love! Its a great way to get kids to enjoy eating fresh vegetables and kale. Russos Kale Krust pizza is made to order with guests favorite toppings and baked to perfection in a 500 degree brick oven. Chef Anthony Russo is proud to offer this top-of-the-line pizza crust with fresh, premium, high-quality ingredients. Chef Anthony Russos Kale Krust contains no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, nitrates, rSBT or rennet. If it isnt fresh, dont serve it. Thats the Russo family promise since 1978. Healthy pizza shouldnt compromise flavor, which is why we prepare our products by hand and use quality ingredients and traditional methods of cooking. said Russo. Russos Kale Krust was perfected over a span of six months in Chef Anthonys private kitchen, which included crafting a great tasting authentic, New York-style crust that is unmatched in quality. In addition to the Kale Krust, the 49-location global restaurant chain has launched a new, delectable specialty menu item: La Dolce Vita Pizza. La Dolce Vita Pizza - Grilled chicken, Gorgonzola Cheese, Roma Tomatoes, Spinach, Red Onions, Wisconsin Mozzarella, Garlic, and Sicilian extra virgin olive oil. Theres no doubt Russos is passionate about menu innovation. In addition to La Dolce Vita Pizza, Russos also offers these popular menu items: Gluten Free Pasta Primavera - Gluten-free penne pasta with roasted cauliflower, Roma tomatoes, Portabella mushrooms, feta cheese, fresh kale, zucchini, pine nuts, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil garlic sauce and fresh basil. - Gluten-free penne pasta with roasted cauliflower, Roma tomatoes, Portabella mushrooms, feta cheese, fresh kale, zucchini, pine nuts, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil garlic sauce and fresh basil. Prosciutto & Fig Pizza - Prosciutto di Parma, arugula, basil, fig spread, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, Wisconsin mozzarella and balsamic glaze. - Prosciutto di Parma, arugula, basil, fig spread, Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, Wisconsin mozzarella and balsamic glaze. Truffle Mushroom Pizza - Fresh portabella mushrooms, Wisconsin mozzarella and truffle mushroom olive oil sauce, topped with fresh arugula. Russos hand rolls and proofs its pizza dough fresh each day and only uses flour that doesnt contain any additives or preservatives. The restaurant makes its signature sauces fresh, in-house, and only uses the finest, premium ingredients. Russos incorporates vine ripened tomatoes from California, olive oil imported from Sicily, and authentic Italian spices in its signature sauces. A selection of gluten-free pastas and pizzas are also available. About Russos New York Pizzeria Russos Restaurants is a national and international franchisor of the casual dining brand Russos New York Pizzeria. Based in Houston, Russos Restaurants is composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Florida. Russos has entered international markets as well, with locations in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Chef Anthony Russo created Russos Restaurants by applying his unique, family recipes featuring New York-style pizza, handcrafted pasta dishes, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts. At its heart, Russos Restaurants reflects Chef Anthonys commitment to his New York roots where food and family come first. Media Contact: Jacqueline Voss Russo's New York Pizzeria +1 346.802.4702 SOURCE Russos New York Pizzeria ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Duck Donuts Ranked #1 Franchise Opportunity in Its Category in Entrepreneur Magazine's 40th Annual Franchise 500 January 16, 2019 // Franchising.com // MECHANICSBURG, PA - Duck Donuts, known for serving Warm, Delicious and Made-to-Order! donuts, recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazines Franchise 500, the worlds first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Placement in the Franchise 500 is a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry, as evidenced by the fact that Entrepreneur received more than 1,000 applications this year, making it one of the companys most competitive rankings ever. Recognized as an invaluable resource for potential franchisees, the Franchise 500 ranks Duck Donuts as #247, for its outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power. In addition, the company ranked #1 in its category of Baked Goods: Doughnuts. We are honored to be included in Entrepreneur magazines 40th Annual Franchise 500 list as this recognition demonstrates the strength of our expanding brand since we began franchising in 2013, said Russ DiGilio, founder and CEO of Duck Donuts Franchising Company. Our team is dedicated to continue seeking innovative ways to engage our customers and support our franchisees as we strive towards our vision of serving an edible ring of happiness around the globe. Duck Donuts, which currently operates 78 locations across 16 states and two countries, plans to open 24 stores in 2019. The franchising company recently celebrated the opening of its first international location in Santiago, Chile. The key factors that go into the evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order. Over its 40 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Duck Donutss position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity. To view Duck Donuts in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February 2019 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands January 15. About Duck Donuts Duck Donuts was founded in 2006 by Russ DiGilio in Duck, North Carolina. His intention? To solve a family vacation problem: Our family wanted a place to buy warm, delicious, made-to-order donuts, and when we couldnt find one, we decided to start our own. By 2011, Duck Donuts had expanded to four Outer Banks locations and the donut business was so successful that DiGilio was continuously approached about franchise opportunities by fans who begged for a Duck Donuts in their community. The first franchise opened in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 2013, and there are now 78 open franchise locations and more than 145 additional contracts in 25 states and two countries. Media Contact: Kristin Kellum PR Manager kkellum@duckdonuts.com 717-463-1947 SOURCE Duck Donuts ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Firehouse Subs Brings the Heat with its debut in Rhode Island, 46th State for the Brand January 14, 2019 // Franchising.com // CRANSTON, RI - Entering into its 46th state, Firehouse Subs continues steady expansion throughout the country with the grand opening of the first Rhode Island location in Cranston on January 14, 2019. Firehouse Subs serves premium meats and cheeses steamed and piled high on a toasted sub roll, served Fully Involved with fresh produce and condiments. In 2017, Firehouse Subs was named the No. 1 brand overall on Technomics Consumer Brand Metrics rankings and was recognized as No. 1 among the Top 10 Most Craveable Sandwich Chain Sandwiches by Technomic for its signature Hook & Ladder Sub. In addition to its signature subs, the restaurant offers a variety of catering options from sandwich and dessert platters to salads and snacks to fuel any occasion. This is an exciting milestone for Firehouse Subs to arrive in Rhode Island with enthusiastic franchisees ready to introduce new guests to the brands signature steamed subs and our commitment to the communities we serve through Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, said Robert Baldacci, Area Representative for Firehouse Subs. Growing our presence into new states and markets, especially in the Northeast, is an important component of our continued development strategy. Personally, this is a wonderful accomplishment for me and my family to see the opening of this restaurant near where my grandparents first settled as immigrants from Italy to Federal Hill in Providence. The new location is under the ownership of first-time Firehouse Subs Franchisees Sejal and Harsh Patel, who have worked as engineers their entire lives but decided to chase their dream of owning their own business after falling in love with Firehouse Subs food and commitment to the community. The Cranston restaurant is located at 1000 Chapel View Blvd, Suite 108 and is open Sunday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. It will offer third-party delivery and in-house catering services. Founded by former firefighting brothers, the new Cranston restaurant decor reflects the founding familys decades of fire and police service with donated gear and photos from the Cranston Fire Department on display. It also boasts a custom, hand-painted mural by Chief Mural Artist Joe Puskas depicting the true story of the local heroes of the Cranston Fire Department working together to fight a fire at an apartment complex where they saved several lives in March of 1992. Since the opening of the first Firehouse Subs in 1994, Puskas and his team have painted more than 1,150 murals from his studio at Firehouse Subs Headquarters in Jacksonville, Fla. Firehouse Subs offers small, medium and large hot specialty subs, including the number one selling Hook & Ladder sub, served with smoked turkey breast and Virginia honey ham smothered with Monterey Jack cheese. Other top sellers include the Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket loaded with USDA choice beef brisket smoked for up to 16 hours in an authentic Texas smokehouse and topped with melted cheddar cheese and a special combination of sauces, including Sweet Baby Rays Barbecue Sauce. Additionally, each restaurant offers an assortment of 50+ complimentary hot sauces, including Captain Sorensens Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, named in honor of the founding brothers father, Rob Sorensen, a 43-year retired fire captain. The touch-screen operated Coca-Cola Freestyle fountain is available in every restaurant and offers 120+ sparkling and still beverage brands with 70+ regular and low-calorie options. Choices include the top-selling non-carbonated fountain drink Cherry Lime-Aid, Cherry Lime-Aid Light and Sparkling Cherry Lime-Aid, all exclusive original recipes by Firehouse Subs, served with fresh squeezed lime. The Firehouse Rewards digital loyalty program offers guests an opportunity to earn and redeem points for each restaurant visit through a smartphone app. Once registered, guests can order in-app and access recent orders, redeem points for free items, and receive exclusive offers, such as a free medium sub on their birthday, and more. The free app is available on Google Play and in the App Store. In 2005, Firehouse Subs created the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation with the mission of providing funding, life-saving equipment and educational opportunities to first responders and public safety organizations. Many first responders make do with older equipment and have limited or no access to needed resources. The 501(c)(3) Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has granted more than $40 million to hometown heroes in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. Each restaurant recycles leftover, five-gallon pickle buckets, available to guests for a $2 donation to the Foundation. Donation canisters on register counters explain the nonprofits mission and collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to round up their bill to the nearest dollar. All funds raised benefit the Foundation. This year, Firehouse of America will donate a portion of purchases at all U.S. Firehouse Subs locations to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, resulting in a minimum donation of one million dollars. About Firehouse Subs Firehouse Subs is a fast casual restaurant chain with a passion for Hearty and Flavorful Food, Heartfelt Service and Public Safety. Founded by brothers and former firefighters Chris Sorensen and Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs is a brand built on decades of fire and police service, hot subs, steamed and piled high with the highest quality meats and cheeses, and its commitment to saving lives through the establishment of the non-profit Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The founders are the real deal, the food is their creation and the restaurant is built upon a family of franchise operators who share their same passion for generously serving food and community. Today, the brand operates more than 1,150 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada and non-traditional locations. This year, Firehouse of America, LLC (franchisor for the brand) will donate a portion of all purchases at U.S. Firehouse Subs restaurants to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. This percentage will result in a minimum donation of one million dollars. Firehouse Subs is consistently recognized as one of the leading brands in the U.S. among consumers. In 2017, Firehouse Subs received Technomics Chain Restaurant Consumers Choice Award as No. 1 Overall Brand and was recognized as No. 1 among the Top 10 Most Craveable Sandwich Chain Sandwiches by Technomic for its signature Hook & Ladder sub. Enjoy more subs. Save more lives. To learn more, visit http://www.firehousesubs.com. Quick Facts: More than 1,150 restaurants in 46 states, Puerto Rico and Canada $40+ million donated to public safety organizations via Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla. Media Contact: Ivette Faulkner The Zimmerman Agency 850.668.2222 firehousesubs@zimmerman.com SOURCE Firehouse Subs ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (AP) The road to this years Westminster Kennel Club dog show passed through a pandemic and a major change of date and venue. The road also proved dangerous for one of the nations best known dog handlers. His wife and fellow star handler said Saturday that Bill McFadden wa UNION COUNTY, SC (FOX Carolina)- The Union County Sheriff's Office says that it arrested two suspects that are accused of attempted murder and murder for shooting incidents that occurred in 2015, according to a release. There's a new trending hashtag on Twitter, created by teachers in hopes of sparking change. Educators across the nation are sounding off on Verizon -- taking to Twitter and Facebook over a fee increase planned for the popular education app, Remind. Mallory Mitchell teaches 9th and 11th grade history and describes news of the fee increase as a total shock. "In my classroom we use it all the time. I use the app to send text messages to my students for tests, reminders on when assignments are due, and they are then able to respond back to me and ask me questions, " Mallory Mitchell, Opelika High School Teacher explains. Mitchell is one of many educators joining the digital protest, ReverseTheFee. In addition to texting, the app is a means of sharing files, assignments, instructions, and notes. Users opt into a group, like a class or extracurricular activity, which allows them to communicate directly without exchanging phone numbers. But all that may change for Verizon customers who use Remind on Jan. 28, when the fees are set to go into effect. If the fees are enacted, Remind intends to discontinue providing free text messaging services to Verizon customers. Email and in-app communications will continue to work, however some educators say that only works for parents and students with smartphones and data plans. "Those text messages have been wonderful for our kids. We are a lower poverty school...not all of our parents and children have smartphones," Stacy Royster, Technology Coordinator for Opelika Schools tells FOX10 News Anchor Lenise Ligon. "We are about to leave those students that we are trying our best to work with...to get them out of poverty...behind because of this decision by Verizon. In a statement, Verizon states the the fee is necessary to fund spam-blocking services. We agree that schools and education-related institutions should not receive any fees for sending or receiving public service text messages. A small fee to Twilio, a for-profit company, is intended to share costs incurred to help protect students, parents and teachers from spam and dangerous text messages over the Verizon network, while reducing fraud. That very small fee will be charged only to major text messaging aggregation companies such as Remind and Twilio and not schools, parents or students. If anybody claims you need to pay a text message fee to Verizon, they're not telling the truth. Remind alone sends 1.6 billion text messages a year on the Verizon wireless network through Twilio, and Twilio sends more than 4.5 billion each year. The small fee on Twilio will pay for the work required to contain spam and fraud associated with this service. Again, there is no Verizon fee to parents or schools. Were now working through plans with Twilio and Remind so that they will not charge students, parents, educators or schools for this fee. WEDNESDAY UPDATE: There has been an arrest in the Causey Middle School threat. It was a Causey student who was arrested and charged with making a terrorist threat, Mobile County Public Schools spokeswoman Rena Philips told FOX10 News. There's no word yet on whether the student will be suspended. --- EARLIER STORY: MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Public School System said it is aware of a threat made against Causey Middle School. Parents sent FOX10 News a screenshot of an Instagram post warning students that there will be a shooting. The school system said it is investigating the threat with Mobile Police. In an email, the system said investigators identified a person of interest and police are questioning the person. Police officers and resource officers will be on Causey's campus Wednesday morning. This latest incident comes on the heels of a series of threats against schools in Mobile and Baldwin County. On Friday, a 17-year-old was charged after police said the student made a social media post threatening Foley High School. Then on Sunday, threats were made against Theodore High School and Clark-Shaw Magnet School. Police said the students responsible for those threats were also charged. MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- At USA Mitchell Cancer Institute groundbreaking research and treatment is underway. However, they also aggressively promote awareness and prevention. "Cervical cancer is caused by HPV -- Human Papillomavirus. 99% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV. We know that 90% of that is preventable with the HPV vaccine," said Dr. Jennifer Pierce, Professor of Gynecologic Oncology, Leader of Cancer Control & Prevention Mitchell Cancer Institute. Dr. Pierce says when it comes to cervical cancer -- Alabama has the highest mortality rate in the nation. While it's based on a lot of factors, one of the biggest is Alabama ranks 45th for people not getting the life-saving HPV vaccination. "One in 5 men currently test positive for a cancer causing HPV - and 1 in 4 women. So we know that this is out there and that unvaccinated children will become adults who are exposed and could get cancer," explained Dr. Pierce. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Now in it's second year, MCI is teaming up with more than 300 businesses statewide for "Go Teal & White." Wednesday, January 16th -- businesses are encouraged to wear teal and white. One of those businesses is The Curvaceous Collection Boutique in Mobile. Owner Denise Harris-Wright's recalls a friend's daughter-in-law dying at a young age of cervical cancer. "It all was behind not following up after the birth of her last child and life just happened and when she decided to go because there was a problem -- she was already in the later stage and she passed at the age of 30," said Harris-Wright. She's now doing her part to educate her customers -- both women and men. "Because when you see a person in pink -- you automatically think about breast cancer but when you see someone in teal you need to remind them -- have you went and got screened yet -- have you had your annual yet? Because we get so busy with life we neglect to take care of our ourselves," said Harris-Wright. With any epidemic -- prevention is key -- and with one of the most effective vaccines, Dr. Pierce says it's a no-brainer. "There are more HPV-related cancers in this country than any other vaccine preventable illness combined. So, if you were only going to get your child one vaccine in their entire lifetime -- this is the one to get," said Dr. Pierce. The recommended age for HPV vaccination is 11 to 12, but it can be done as early as 9 years old and all the way up to 26 years old. Thursday the City of Mobile will light the skyline teal recognizing Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) -- Former Congressman Jo Bonner has been named as Gov. Kay Ivey's new chief of staff. Ivey announced the change Tuesday, a day after her inauguration for her first full term. Steve Pelham, Ivey's longtime chief of staff, is leaving to take a position at Auburn University. Ivey's office said Pelham will be the university's vice president for economic development and chief of staff to Auburn University President Steven Leath. Bonner served 10 years in Congress, representing southwest Alabama's 1st Congressional District. He joined the Ivey administration last month as the governor's senior adviser. Pelham's final day in the office is Tuesday. Ivey's office said Bonner will take over the responsibilities of chief of staff this week. MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - FOX10 News has learned new details about the investigation into the death of a Mobile child with special needs. The 8-year-old was found dead in his home at Sandpiper Apartments in April 2018. In November, Mobile Police announced that the case was closed and that the young boy died from natural causes. But on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, FOX10 News was sent a notice from the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences returning a public records request for an autopsy report. The letter said the request could not be completed because "District Attorney Ashley Rich has notified the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences that this case remains under criminal investigation." FOX10 News started looking for details about the child's death after sources said Augusta Evans School officials sent several reports of signs of possible neglect of the child to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Another twist in the case came in August 2018 when Mobile Police sent a press release stating that the death of the child had been ruled a homicide. About 45 minutes later, police retracted the press release and said that was an error, and they were still waiting on autopsy results. FOX10 News called Ashley Rich's office to ask about the criminal investigation, but the District Attorney said she had no comment. We will continue to follow this story and will keep you updated as we learn more. First, Mobile County, now the City of Mobile. The Mobile City Council Tuesday approved giving Airbus $4 million in incentive money over ten years for the company's new assembly line for A220 aircraft at the Brookley Aeroplex. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new line are set for Wednesday. Dignitaries from around the world are coming to Mobile for the ceremony, and smaller businesses already at Brookley are hoping this will mean more money for them as well. The heavy equipment is already moving ground and tents have been set up for Wednesday's groundbreaking right across from the present assembly line. Tuesday morning, the Mobile City Council voted 6 to 0, with one member absent, to approve giving Airbus $4 million dollars over ten years in incentive money to build the new assembly line. It's tied to measurable achievements by Airbus, including a $210 million capital facilities investment and the hiring of 432 new employees. But is the deal a good one for taxpayers? Mayor Sandy Stimpson thinks so and says Mobile will become one of the worlds largest aviation construction centers for large aircraft. Stimpson said, "We will follow Toulouse, France; Hamburg, Germany; Seattle, Washington; and Mobile. So just think of the job opportunities that are there." Mobile City Council Member Fred Richardson said, "At the end of this process, we're going to be producing something like 50 airlines at $175 million dollars each." As Airbus gets ready to grow, new businesses are joining established ones at Brookley and there's anticipation about what the new facility will mean for business and life style in the area. Leanna Raley works at Papa Buddha's and said, "It can mean that we have good business coming for everybody, not only just us, but everybody else, and its great. I like it. I think its good." Thomas Cayton from Mobile said, "This is going to bring the economy up and everything, you know, for everybody. That will be awesome." The Mobile County Commission Monday also approved $4 million over ten years in incentive money. The state of Alabama is also expected to approve incentives, but there have been no figures on that yet. E-commerce is short for electronic commerce, the act of buying and selling products and services over the internet. It includes all the individual actions we might take for granted at a store: Selecting the product Paying for the product (or receiving payment) Getting the product into the buyer's hands Customer service And more E-commerce has upended the way consumers spend their money. This new world of shopping has disrupted the entire retail sector, turning heroes to zeroes (really) and elevating some providers, founded entirely on the industry's promise, to the ranks of the largest companies in the world. Why is e-commerce important? E-commerce is making up a larger and larger portion of the U.S. retail picture. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that domestic e-commerce sales totaled $130.9 billion in the third quarter of 2018, a 14.5% increase from the same period the year before. Overall U.S. retail sales rose just 5.3% over the same period. E-commerce's steady growth over the past few years means it now makes up roughly 10% of total U.S. retail revenue. Yet even these statistics don't tell the whole story, because the overall retail figure includes businesses that don't naturally lend themselves to e-commerce, like gas stations, car dealerships, and suppliers of building materials. Adjust for this and e-commerce would represent a much higher percentage of overall retail. In developing markets, which often lack robust landline service, mobile commerce becomes even more significant. In Latin America, for instance, mobile transactions grew 37% from 2016 to 2017, according to online marketing company Criteo. In the Middle East and Africa, according to the same survey, two-thirds of all e-commerce transactions were generated through an app or a mobile web browser. Retailers that do not accommodate mobile shoppers may soon be surpassed by those that do. Why is e-commerce so popular? E-commerce makes it easier and more convenient than ever to purchase goods and services. When you buy something online instead of going to the store, you save time and sometimes money. Let's focus on two aspects of that: ever-improving delivery options, and the rise of mobile computing. In February 2005, Amazon.com launched Amazon Prime, a subscription service that unlocked "free" two-day delivery for most products, essentially changing the e-commerce landscape forever. By 2009, some items were eligible for same-day delivery to Prime members in select cities. While the move killed Amazon's profitability in the short term, CEO Jeff Bezos remained focused on the long-term benefits. In hindsight, it's easy to see that he was right. In the early days, when Amazon charged a $79 annual fee, the company lost money on every Prime member, but as Amazon increased the fee to $119 and built out its delivery capabilities, Amazon's competitors were the ones feeling the pain. Whether or not Amazon's competitors ever catch up, one thing cannot be denied: Fast delivery at a low cost is now a necessity in e-commerce. M-commerce, the act of buying products from a mobile device, is in many ways the natural progression of e-commerce, as smartphones have become nearly ubiquitous and are being used for more tasks than ever. In 2016, mobile accounted for 69% of total digital media time, according to analytics firm Comscore. This has come to naturally include shopping, just one more way consumer behavior has changed in recent years. In 2017, m-commerce made up 34.5%, or just a little over one-third, of e-commerce sales. By 2021, that number is projected to grow to 53.9%. What are some examples of e-commerce businesses? Not every e-commerce company is alike. Let's look at a few different kinds. Some e-commerce companies offer platforms for sellers to operate virtual storefronts. The most famous example is probably eBay , which is known for its online auction format, but there's also Etsy , which specializes in handmade goods and custom products, and Shopify , which provides tools that let any entrepreneur start selling online. Other businesses sell their own dedicated brands online separately from their physical stores. So, for instance, on the Michael Kors Holdings website, customers will find the company's own fashion brands for sale, including Kors and Jimmy Choo merchandise. This is another basic model. There are also hybrids that sell their own wares in addition to hosting merchandise from other vendors. The best example of this is undoubtedly Amazon. Finally, some businesses are omnichannel retailers, meaning you could buy something online and pick it up in person -- which is helpful if you're ordering something too large or bulky to leave on your doorstep. Home Depot is a great example of this: Management said that in the second quarter of 2018, not only did online sales grow 26% over the same period the year before, but 47% of all online orders were picked up in person. 11 great e-commerce stocks to buy With the e-commerce world growing so quickly, I believe investors are better served focusing on companies that stand to prosper no matter which trends prevail or which individual retailers prove more adept than others. It's a fool's errand to try to determine whether, for instance, Costco Wholesale or Target will outdo each other in e-commerce sales when you consider neither offers something unique to online shoppers. With that in mind, here are 10 potential investments covering nearly every aspect of e-commerce that should give you excellent opportunities to beat the market. Let's take a closer look at some of the companies operating in parts of the industry we haven't discussed yet. Why you should invest in Mastercard and Visa Yes, I'm cheating -- these are two companies worthy of investment. They both make great e-commerce stocks for the exact same reason: Electronic commerce requires electronic payment, and these are the two largest payment-processing companies in the world. Mastercard and Visa take a small fee each time a payment is processed on their networks -- that is, when a cardholder makes a purchase from a merchant and money needs to flow from the cardholder's bank (known as the issuer) to the merchant's bank (known as the acquirer). Those small fees add up to big revenue. It stands to reason that Mastercard and Visa should be big winners in the new world of e-commerce. You might use cash at the store, but online transactions require payment that can be submitted and processed immediately. Visa CFO Vasant Prabhu said it best at an analyst conference in 2017: Simple numbers. E-commerce is growing five times as fast as face-to-face transactions. And in an e-commerce transaction, the propensity to use a Visa card is twice as high as a face-to-face transaction. So something growing five times as fast where your propensity to be used is twice what it might have been. That's phenomenal. This makes perfect sense, even when considering just the stocks already discussed above. At fast-food restaurants, patrons might use cash for low-value transactions, but now they are ordering for delivery on GrubHub. Artisans are now selling more crafts on Etsy than at local festivals, where cash might be used for purchases. A handyman coming into Home Depot might pay cash for the materials and tools he needs for his next job. Now, though, there's a good chance he's having them delivered to the job site on the day he starts the project. In all these cases, transactions that may have previously been conducted in cash are now being done through apps or online, where they are much more likely to be done across Mastercard's or Visa's network. Why you should invest in PayPal With over 250 million active user accounts, PayPal has become a dominant force in e-commerce. It functions as a digital wallet, a service that lets users make transactions simply and securely just by logging in. Customers love PayPal for its convenience, exemplified by its One Touch feature. One Touch allows users to register a device and make purchases at eligible websites with just one click PayPal uses their saved preferences for payment and delivery to complete the transaction. Gone are the days of retrieving the credit card from your wallet and entering tedious information such as billing addresses and expiration dates. CEO Dan Schulman has called One Touch "the fastest-adopted product in our history," and as of the third quarter of 2018, it had 112 million consumers and 10.4 million merchants registered. According to Comscore, 99% of users gave it a rating of "good" or better and 55% said they made online purchases because One Touch was an option. Merchants love this convenience too, because customers who select PayPal as their payment method are far more likely to follow through with their purchase than those who pay with something else. According to a company study using data from Comscore, 88.7% of e-commerce customers who chose PayPal when they began checkout completed their purchase in that same visit. That's way more than the 48.7% rate overall. Online retailers don't want customers leaving items sitting in their shopping carts, so offering PayPal as an option is a must. Why you should invest in WestRock Because e-commerce is a comparatively young industry, many of the companies associated with it are earlier in their life cycles. That means big sales growth but also lower profitability. For instance, Shopify's sales in the third quarter of 2018 grew 57.5% over the same period the year before, and it's generated almost $1 billion in total sales over the past four quarters -- yet it's still unprofitable. If you're interested in e-commerce but you're more comfortable with profitable businesses that actually pay you to own them, WestRock may be perfect for you. WestRock is a paper and packaging company whose massive reach helps it differentiate itself from most of its competitors. In 2017, the company generated $1.2 billion in free cash flow (the cash that's left over after a company has paid for operating expenses and investments in property and equipment). Some $500 million of that was returned to shareholders via share buybacks and dividends, which can both be shareholder-friendly moves when done right -- buybacks decrease the number of shares on the market, making the remaining ones more valuable, and dividends are cash payouts that go straight into shareholders' accounts. WestRock also makes acquisitions, like its $4.9 billion purchase of Kapstone Paper and Packaging, which helped it expand its core competencies and geographic reach. WestRock firmly believes that long-term trends such as e-commerce will propel growth for paper and packaging industry for years to come. In 2017, the company's adjusted segment EBITDA was $2.3 billion, a figure the company is projecting will increase to $4 billion by 2022. Why you should invest in XPO Logistics XPO provides transportation and logistics solutions for more than 50,000 customers in 32 different countries. When we consider that e-commerce requires almost all goods to be delivered after an online purchase, XPO seems to be in a unique position to benefit from this boom in delivery services. XPO consists of two operating segments: transportation, which accounts for about 63% of revenue, and logistics, a data-oriented business that serves customers' warehousing, distribution, and inventory management needs and accounts for approximately 37% of revenue. Unlike more familiar delivery companies, such as FedEx or United Parcel Service, XPO operates a more asset-lite business model, operating brokerage and logistics services without actually owning nearly as many trucks, ships, and other physical assets. XPO spends more than $450 million per year on technology, including full-time staffing of 1,700 tech professionals and more than 100 data scientists. In a recent investor presentation, the company explained why this was so important in its industry: Our warehouses are becoming high-tech hubs with collaborative robots, drones for inventory management and sophisticated analytics for demand forecasting. Our algorithms can predict the flow of goods and future returns, helping our e-commerce customers plan for peak inventory, capacity and labor levels. We recently started using dynamic analytics in our warehouses to optimize workforce productivity day by day, and shift by shift. Our proprietary technology facilitates omnichannel distribution, lean manufacturing support, aftermarket support, supply chain optimization and transportation management. These investments are already beginning to pay off. In June 2018, XPO signed a deal with Nestle to collaborate on a 638,000-square-foot warehouse in the U.K. that will feature state-of-the-art robotic automation and advanced sorting technology. E-commerce is a winning trend E-commerce is a trend whose time has come, and it presents serious opportunities for savvy investors. Some of you might think of Amazon's massive size and dominance of the market and worry that you've missed the boat -- but just remember that there's still a huge opportunity not only in the U.S. but also around the world. While there is no guarantee how these companies and their stocks will perform in the short term, they've each demonstrated their strength -- and we think they've shown they have what it takes to deliver market-beating returns over the long term. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our Privacy & Cookie Policy. > Privacy & Cookie Policy I Agree French minister Loiseau's comments came the morning after Britain's Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May to leave the EU. Paris: The European Union could push back the looming 29 March Brexit deadline if London made such a request, France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said on Wednesday. "At the time of speaking, it's just a theory because May has never asked for it and neither has anyone in her entourage," Loiseau told France Inter radio channel. "Legally, technically, it's possible. The British need to ask for it and there needs to be a unanimous agreement among the 27 other members of the European Union to say: 'Alright, you chose 29 March as the leaving date... Okay, we'll push it back.' " She added: "But for how long, and to do what? Because if it's to tell us that they need more European concessions, that is going to be complicated." Her comments came the morning after Britain's Parliament overwhelmingly rejected the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May to leave the EU. Loiseau stressed that other EU nations considered the deal already on the table to be "the only one possible". "The agreement cannot be looked at again," Loiseau said. "We have really explored all the options. If you want an orderly separation which allows Britain to stay close to the European Union in the future, this is the agreement," she added. "The other options... are either no deal, or no Brexit." In a message to Britain, she said: "Hurry up... 29 March is right around the corner." Theresa May has warned that rejecting her deal opens up the possibility of Brexit being stopped, or that Britain leaves disruptively without a deal. She has promised to respond quickly to any defeat. So, what happens next if she loses? London: British Prime Minister Theresa May is facing likely defeat in parliament on Tuesday when she asks lawmakers to approve her Brexit deal a decision that would trigger huge uncertainty about the future of Britains exit from the European Union. May has warned that rejecting her deal opens up the possibility of Brexit being stopped, or that Britain leaves disruptively without a deal. She has promised to respond quickly to any defeat. So, what happens next if she loses? Back to Parliament May must submit a new plan for Britains next steps by the end of 21 January. It is not clear what Mays Plan B is, but some local media have reported she would ask parliament to vote again on the deal, perhaps after seeking another set of reassurances from the European Union (EU). Some lawmakers have floated the idea that parliament could, in a temporary break from convention in Britain, take control of the process away from the government and hand it to a committee of senior lawmakers from across the political spectrum. It is not clear that this plan is technically possible, or whether it has enough support to succeed. The government said any attempt to prevent it from meeting its legal obligation to deliver an orderly EU exit would be extremely concerning. Resign May could resign as leader of the Conservative Party, triggering an internal contest to replace her without a general election. Ousted May defeated an attempt to oust her as leader of the Conservative Party in December, winning a confidence vote by 200 votes to 117. The result means her position as leader of the party cannot be challenged for 12 months. Vote of no confidence The Opposition Labour Party has said it will call a vote of no confidence in the government if Mays deal is rejected, but has not specified exactly when. If a majority of lawmakers vote against Mays government, Labour would have 14 days to prove, by a vote, that it could command a majority and form its own government. That would allow Labour to take control of the country without an election. Back to the ballot If Mays government loses a confidence vote and Labour is unable to form a new government, an election is called. May could also call a general election herself if two-thirds of lawmakers in parliament agree to it. May has said that a general election is not in the national interest. Longer-term options Second Referendum The route to a second referendum on Brexit - or a Peoples Vote is unclear. But, unless the plan to give control of the process to parliament is successful, it would require the backing of the government of the day. A new referendum can be called only if it is approved by parliament. With May dead-set against a second referendum, and the opposition Labour Party not committed to one (but not ruling one out), a second referendum would need either a change in prime minister, a change in government, or an abrupt change in policy. An increasingly vocal contingent of lawmakers from across the political spectrum supports a fresh vote to break the impasse in parliament. But, so far they have not been able to prove there is a majority in parliament for this view. Even if parliament did agree in principle to a second referendum, Britain would then have to ask for an extension to its timetable for leaving the EU. Delay or cancel BREXIT The government could seek to extend the negotiating period with the EU to give it time to try to reach a better deal, hold a general election, or conduct a second referendum. The government could also withdraw its notice of intention to leave the EU, which the European Court of Justice has ruled it can do without consent of other EU countries. May has said she does not want to delay Britains exit from the EU, and will not revoke the notice of intention to leave. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) Senators and the Defense Chief are considering a government takeover of the Hanjin Heavy Industries Construction shipyard in Subic, Zambales as the company undergoes corporate rehabilitation. "This is a golden opportunity to take advantage of being able to take control of the Hanjoin facility for ship building, for our Navy's modernization program," Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said Wednesday during Defense budget deliberations. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told senators he has floated the idea to President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday evening. He said the President was "very receptive" to the idea. "This is very perfect to us. We are actually ordering our ships abroad. But if we can take over, then we can build our own ships here," Lorenzana said. He said the government can be a minority shareholder of Hanjin, while private companies can have the majority stake. However, Lorenzana said Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez is thinking about how local banks can recover loans extended to the Korean shipbuilder totalling around $412 or roughly more than P21 billion. Hanjin is having trouble paying debts from Philippine banks. The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority said Hanjin will continue to operate, even as it has substantially cut staff from 30,000 during its peak to just around 300 to 400. READ: Central bank says lenders' exposure to Hanjin 'negligible' Meanwhile, Zubiri and Senator Ping Lacson said the government should acquire a majority stake in Hanjin. Lacson added the government can use a portion of the 75 billion additional budget of the Public Works department. The Philippine Navy admitted it could not take full control of Hanjin, but only "a portion" of it. Former Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama has warned of a Chinese takeover of the shipyard, which could give the Asian giant unlimited access to one of the Philippines' most strategic geographic naval and maritime asset. Malacanang said there's no problems in Chinese firms taking control of Hanjin. By Alex Dobuzinskis and Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Some 30,000 striking teachers demanding higher pay, smaller classes and more support staff from the nation's second-largest school district walked picket lines for a second day on Tuesday, with no new talks on the horizon between stalemated union and district officials. Negotiators for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the United Teachers Los Angeles have not met since union leaders rejected the LAUSD's latest contract offer on Friday night, calling the proposal an 'insult.' Asked Tuesday afternoon whether the two sides had any intention of returning to the bargaining table, an LAUSD spokeswoman said, 'Nothing is scheduled at this time.' The strike, shattering 30 years of labor peace by Los Angeles teachers, has not completely idled instruction in the sprawling district encompassing some 1,200 schools By Alex Dobuzinskis and Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Some 30,000 striking teachers demanding higher pay, smaller classes and more support staff from the nation's second-largest school district walked picket lines for a second day on Tuesday, with no new talks on the horizon between stalemated union and district officials. Negotiators for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the United Teachers Los Angeles have not met since union leaders rejected the LAUSD's latest contract offer on Friday night, calling the proposal an "insult." Asked Tuesday afternoon whether the two sides had any intention of returning to the bargaining table, an LAUSD spokeswoman said, "Nothing is scheduled at this time." The strike, shattering 30 years of labor peace by Los Angeles teachers, has not completely idled instruction in the sprawling district encompassing some 1,200 schools. The district has enlisted administrators and substitute teachers to keep classes open on a limited basis through the strike, though LAUSD reported only about a third of its 492,000 students showed up on the first day of the walkout. The high absence level is expected to cost the district $25 million in state funding, which is based on daily student attendance, according to LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner. CHARTER SCHOOLS Roughly 148,000 additional students are enrolled in LAUSD's independently managed charter schools, which for the most part have been unaffected by this week's labor strife. On Tuesday, however, a group of no more than four dozen unionized teachers at three LAUSD charter schools operated by a company called The Accelerated Schools also walked off the job in a separate dispute they said was focused on job security. Randi Weingarten, president of the parent union American Federation of Teachers, said the Accelerated work stoppage, while small in comparison to the larger strike, was symbolically important because it marked only the second charter school strike in the nation and the first in California. Teachers unions, while critical of charter schools they see as competing for public school resources, have nevertheless sought to organize charters' mostly non-union labor force. "We have to find ways to live together, but let's make the priority neighborhood public schools," Weingarten told Reuters. Aside from the education disruption, the teachers' strike could have implications for the political aspirations of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is considered a likely contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Garcetti expressed support for the striking teachers on Tuesday, saying on Twitter, "I admire the courage with which they remain steadfast in demanding excellent schools and opportunities for our children." The mayor had previously avoided taking sides in the dispute, over which he has little practical sway because the LAUSD is governed by an independently elected school board that appoints its superintendent. 'JOIN ME ON THE BUS' Although the two sides remained at loggerheads on contract proposals, superintendent Beutner sought to highlight what he called their common goals. "We aspire to the same set of things, but we have limits," Beutner told a morning news conference. "We didn't set the limits." Beutner said the district has offered staff increases that would cost $130 million a year - more than county officials have said is available - while the union's demands would cost $800 million. Beutner offered to join teachers in lobbying state lawmakers to increase education funding. "Join me on the bus," he said. "Let's go." UTLA negotiators have demanded a 6.5 percent pay raise, as well as the hiring of more librarians, counselors and nurses, smaller class sizes and less standardized testing. Teacher pay currently averages $75,000 in the LAUSD, according to state figures. The district has offered a 6 percent hike with back pay. (Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb and Jane Ross in Los Angeles, additional reporting by Gina Cherelus and Peter Szekely in New York, Rich McKay in Atlanta; editing by Bill Tarrant and Cynthia Osterman) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. ROME (Reuters) - Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini urged French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to extradite leftist guerrillas who have been hiding out in France for decades to avoid serving prison sentences in Italy. 'I appeal to the French president to return to Italy the fugitives that should not be drinking champagne under the Eiffel tower, but should be rotting in jail in Italy,' Salvini said in an interview with Canale 5 TV. Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, spoke a day after the return of communist militant Cesare Battisti to Italy from Bolivia to serve a life sentence for his involvement in four murders in the late 1970s. ROME (Reuters) - Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini urged French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to extradite leftist guerrillas who have been hiding out in France for decades to avoid serving prison sentences in Italy. "I appeal to the French president to return to Italy the fugitives that should not be drinking champagne under the Eiffel tower, but should be rotting in jail in Italy," Salvini said in an interview with Canale 5 TV. Salvini, leader of the far-right League party, spoke a day after the return of communist militant Cesare Battisti to Italy from Bolivia to serve a life sentence for his involvement in four murders in the late 1970s. Battisti, who escaped prison in 1981, had spent more than 15 years in France before fleeing to South America. There are nine Italian leftist fugitives living in France, according to Rome's la Repubblica newspaper, including three convicted for playing a role in the 1978 kidnapping of former Italian prime minister Aldo Moro. Macron's office had no comment, but a French justice ministry spokesman said there was no detailed list of Italian fugitives now living in the country. "Extradition requests received by the Italian authorities in the coming days will be analysed in detail, on a case-by-case basis, as has been the case for the last 15 years or so," the spokesman said. Former French President Francois Mitterrand established what came to be known as the "Mitterrand doctrine" in the mid-1980s, a policy that shielded the militants from extradition because Mitterrand said the Italian justice system was stacked against them. The doctrine was abandoned in the early 2000s. Italy's new populist government has regularly criticised Macron over his immigration policy and other issues, casting him as a symbol of the pro-European Union establishment. Macron in turn said in June that the Italian government's brand of populism was like "leprosy" spreading across Europe and should be fought. (Reporting by Steve Scherer, additional reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey and Michel Rose in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Raj Shah, an Indian-origin top spokesperson in the White House press office, has left US President Donald Trump's administration to join an arm of a lobbying firm, becoming the latest of several senior officials to quit in recent months. Washington: Raj Shah, an Indian-origin top spokesperson in the White House press office, has left US President Donald Trump's administration to join an arm of a lobbying firm, becoming the latest of several senior officials to quit in recent months. Shah, 34, White House deputy spokesperson and a former researcher at the Republican National Committee, was in the administration since president Trump took office in January 2017. His portfolio recently included helping prepare Justice Brett M Kavanaugh for his Senate confirmation hearings to the Supreme Court. Shah will lead the Media Group, the press wing of Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with offices in Florida and Washington, The New York Times reported. He will work with Jamie Rubin, a Democrat who was a spokesperson for Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state, the report said, quoting the officials. His departure comes as the White House press and communications teams have been depleted. Several aides have moved on to roles at government agencies or have left the Trump administration entirely. Shah was born in 1984 to Indian parents of Gujarati origin. His parents moved to Chicago in the 1970s and then moved to Connecticut where he was born and raised. Shah joined the White House right from the day the Trump administration took charge. He was made the deputy communications director at the White House. Previously, he was director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee. Shah is the latest in a number of top officials to leave the Trump administration. Former defence secretary James Mattis left Trump's Cabinet last month, after former attorney general Jeff Sessions was pushed out in November. Former secretary of state Rex Tillerson was unceremoniously fired in March and national security adviser HR McMaster was replaced last year. The crushing defeat raises the probability that Britain will crash out of the EU on 29 March, which would have major repercussions for places like Dundalk. Dundalk, Ireland: In the town of Dundalk near the Irish border, locals reacted with exasperation and concern at news that the British parliament had rejected a Brexit deal with the EU. "God knows what will happen," said barman Gavin McCann, pulling pints at The Vinegar Man pub. The crushing defeat raises the probability that Britain will crash out of the EU on 29 March, which would have major repercussions for places like Dundalk. The local economy here depends on the border between EU member state Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland remaining free-flowing after Brexit. The deal rejected by MPs guaranteed an open border with a fall-back mechanism that would have temporarily aligned Northern Ireland more closely to the EU if necessary. But Brexit hardliners including Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party feared the so-called "backstop" would separate the region from mainland Britain. "The unionists won't let (May) have her way, it's as simple as that," said Willie McKeever, a local resident. Another local, 50-year-old Maria Cartwright, said the vote meant a return to a hard border once Britain leaves. "It's going to be a hard border there has to be," she said. No to checkpoints A coastal town of 35,000, Dundalk is 6 kilometres (4 miles) south of the border and midway between Dublin and Belfast, the administrative capital of Northern Ireland. If Britain leaves without a deal, nearby border crossings including the main north-south motorway link on the island could be bottlenecked. That prospect was at the forefront of residents' minds. "It's going to affect industry here trading across the border north and south," said McKeever. "We don't want to see a hard border. We don't want to see any checkpoints up." The checks would be more than just an inconvenience. For residents, they are also an ominous reminder of three decades of sectarian conflict known as "The Troubles" when republicans fought unionists and British troops over the status of Northern Ireland. "This town has suffered very badly with bombings", explained elderly resident Jan Van Dessel. The conflict ended when the border was rendered invisible by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. "I lived through that and I saw both sides of it," said Cartwright, speaking on Dundalk's main drag. "It was an absolute nightmare," she recounted lamenting that Irish border communities were being "sucked into" the morass of British factional politics. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group Nairobi: Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. Witnesses reported seeing several bodies. "It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible," said Charles Njenga, who ran from a scene of blood, broken glass, burning vehicles and pillars of black smoke. Al-Shabab the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that left 67 people dead claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is in a well-to-do neighbourhood with many American, European and Indian expatriates. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Late Tuesday night, about eight hours after the siege began, Interior Minister Fred Matian'i said that all of the buildings affected by the attack had been secured and that security forces were mopping up. "I would like to reiterate that the situation is under control and the country is safe," he said. However, more gunfire was heard about an hour later, Kenyan broadcaster NTV reported. And some family members said they had been in touch with loved ones still hiding inside the complex, waiting to be rescued. Matian'i did not disclose the number of dead and wounded. Authorities did not say how many attackers there were or what happened to them though Kenya's Citizen TV aired security-camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-coloured paramilitary-style gear. A police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to talk to the media said that bodies were seen in restaurants downstairs and in offices upstairs, but "there was no time to count the dead." Also, a witness who gave his name only as Ken said he saw five bodies at the hotel entrance. He said that other people were shouting for help and "when we rushed back to try to rescue them, gunshots started coming from upstairs, and we had to duck because they were targeting us and we could see two guys shooting." The coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests, said Kenya's national police chief, Joseph Boinnet. Survivors reported hearing a shattering blast and saw people mowed down by gunmen as they sat in a cafe. Victims were left lying on tables, bleeding. "We were changing our shifts, and that is when I heard a loud blast and people were screaming," said Enoch Kibet, who works as a cleaner at the cafe and managed to crawl out a basement gate. "I couldn't believe I was alive. The blast was so loud and shook the whole complex." Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear. Associated Press video from inside the hotel showed Kenyan security officers searching the building and scared workers emerging from hiding while gunfire could still be heard. Some climbed out a window by ladder. One man got up from the floor where he appeared to be trying to hide under a piece of wood paneling, then showed his ID. As officers searched luxury fashion displays, wounded people were carried away on stretchers. Like the attack at the luxury Westgate Mall, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners living in the country. It came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia since 2011. The al-Qaida-linked group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. In 2015, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an attack on Kenya's Garissa University that killed 147 people, mostly students. Tuesday's violence also came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people. The latest carnage demonstrated al-Shabab's continued ability to carry out spectacular acts of bloodshed despite a dramatic increase in U.S. airstrikes against it under President Donald Trump. Tourism an important source of revenue in Kenya, where safaris are a major attraction has suffered because of the violence. Gunfire could be heard for hours after Tuesday's attack began. Some people ducked behind cars, screaming, while others took cover behind fountains and other features at the lush complex. A bomb disposal unit was called in, and police blew up a car that had explosives inside. A grenade was also seen in a hallway. Dozens of people were rushed to safety as plainclothes officers went from shop to shop in the complex. Some people held up their hands to show they were unarmed. A Kenyan intelligence official said the country had been on high alert since November, with information about potential attacks on high-profile targets in Nairobi. The official was not authorized to talk to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. Despite the repeated attacks, the Kenya-Somalia border remains porous, with al-Shabab extremists able to easily bribe their way across, according to a U.N. panel. The hotel complex in Nairobi's Westlands neighborhood is about 2 kilometres from Westgate Mall on a relatively quiet, tree-lined road in what is considered one of the most secure parts of the city. The hotel's website says it is "cocooned away from the hustle and bustle in a secure and peaceful haven." On Monday, the hotel promoted its spa by tweeting: "Is your new year off to a rough start?" Improvements in the equipment and capabilities that have focused on generating combat power across the PLA services present Beijing with additional response options as China faces increasingly global security concerns Washington: China, seeking "great power status", is rapidly building a robust lethal force with advanced capabilities in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace to enable it to impose its will in the region and beyond, according to a top US intelligence official. "The strategic objectives of the Chinese Communist Party include securing China's status as a great power," Dan Taylor, Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, told reporters at a Pentagon news conference on Tuesday while releasing a Congressionally-mandated report. He said that Chinese leaders characterised their long-term military modernisation programme as essential to achieving the "great power status". "Indeed, China is rapidly building a robust lethal force with capabilities spanning the ground, air, maritime, space and information domains, designed to enable Beijing to impose its will in the region and beyond," Taylor said while releasing the report "China: Military power modernising a force to fight and win" by the Department of Defense. During the past decade, from counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, to an expanded military presence in the East and South China seas, China has demonstrated a willingness to use the People's Liberation Army (PLA) as an instrument of national power in the execution of what they call their "historic mission in the new century," Taylor said. Improvements in the equipment and capabilities that have focused on generating combat power across the PLA services present Beijing with additional response options as China faces increasingly global security concerns. "Expected future advances in areas such as nuclear deterrence, power projection, cyberspace, space and electromagnetic spectrum operations will continue to be critical components of the PLA's developing capabilities," he said. As a result of "acquiring technology by any means available," China now is at the leading edge on a range of technologies, including with its naval designs, with medium- and intermediate-range missiles, and with hypersonic weapons: where missiles can fly at many times the speed of sound and dodge missile-defense systems. "The result of this multifaceted approach to technology acquisition is a PLA on the verge of fielding some of the most modern weapon systems in the world," states the Pentagon. "In some areas, it already leads the world," it said. China also continues to develop capabilities for what they term "non-war missions," such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, peacekeeping, things of that nature, Taylor said, adding that in the coming years, the PLA is likely to become even more technologically advanced and proficient with equipment comparable to that of other modern militaries. The report said that China is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers capable of striking regional and global targets, adding that such planes will likely reach initial operational capability by about 2025. The PLA, the world's largest standing army, will acquire advanced fighter aircraft, modern naval vessels, missile systems, and space and cyberspace assets as it reorganises and trains to address the threats of 21st century further from China's shores, Taylor said. "As we look at China, we see a country whose leaders described it as 'moving closer to centre stage in the world', while they strive to achieve what they call 'the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation'," he said. This ambition permeates China's national security strategy and guides the development of the PLA, which actually is not a national institution, but rather the military arm of the ruling Communist Party of China, he added. Taylor said the Chinese Community Party leaders have identified the initial decades of the 21st Century as a period of strategic opportunity in the international environment that would allow China to focus on building what they call "comprehensive national power." A key component of this, of course, is military power, he asserted. China is expanding its access to strategic foreign ports like Pakistan's Gwadar and Sri Lanka's Hambantota to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the growing presence of its military in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the Pentagon said. Washington: China is expanding its access to strategic foreign ports like Pakistan's Gwadar and Sri Lanka's Hambantota to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the growing presence of its military in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the Pentagon said. The People's Liberation Army's efforts to obtain access to commercial ports in Africa, the Middle-East and South Asia would align with its future overseas logistic needs and meet its evolving naval requirements, said the Congressionally-mandated report on the increasing Chinese military power which was released by the US Department of Defence on Tuesday. China in 2015 announced its intention to build military facilities in Djibouti, citing reasons "to help the Navy and Army further participate in UN peacekeeping operations, carry out escort missions in the waters near Somalia and the Gulf of Aden and provide humanitarian assistance". "China is expanding its access to foreign ports, such as in Gwadar, Pakistan, to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the PLA's growing presence abroad, including normalising and sustaining deployments into and beyond the Indian Ocean," the Pentagon said. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is likely to use commercial ports and civilian ships to support its international and domestic logistics operations, resupply, replenishment and maintenance, it said. China's territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea are driving major logistic developments in the Spratly and Paracel Islands. The reclaimed territory in the South China Sea by China is equipped with harbours and berthing areas that are capable of accommodating large naval ships, increasing the PLAN's ability to exercise control of critical SLOCs, it said. According to the report, China's military strategy reflects its drive to establish a coherent, unified approach to managing national security in a world where Beijing perceives that China's expanding interests have made it more vulnerable at home and abroad. While it calls for a peer-to-peer cooperative relationship with the United States, Beijing also believes that the presence of the US military and the US-led security architecture in Asia seeks to constrain China's rise and interfere with its sovereignty, particularly in a Taiwan conflict scenario and in the East and South China Seas. "Since at least the 1990s, Beijing has repeatedly communicated its preference to move away from the US-led regional security system and has pursued its own regional security initiatives in support of what it views as a natural transition to regional predominance," the Pentagon said. Authoritative Chinese documents, the report said, highlight the Korean Peninsula as an area of instability and uncertainty, and express concern regarding unsettled territorial disputes along China's border with India, which periodically result in tense standoffs like the one that occurred in the summer of 2017 in the disputed Doklam region. Observing that China's maritime emphasis and concern with protecting its overseas interests have increasingly drawn the PLA beyond the country's borders and immediate periphery, the report said the evolving focus of the PLA Navy from "offshore waters defense" to a mix of offshore waters defense and "open-seas protection" reflects China's desire for a wider operational reach. "Since 2009, the PLA has incrementally expanded its global operations beyond the previously limited port calls and UN peacekeeping missions. The PLAN has expanded the scope and frequency of extended-range naval deployments, military exercises, and engagements," it said. The establishment in Djibouti of the PLA's first overseas military base with a deployed company of Marines and equipment, and probable follow-on bases at other locations, signals a turning point in the expansion of PLA operations in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, the Pentagon said. These bases and other improvements to the PLA's ability to project power during the next decade will increase China's ability to deter by military force and sustain operations abroad, the report said. Noting that China is currently building its first domestically-designed and -produced aircraft carrier, the Pentagon said the primary purpose of this vessel will be to serve a regional defense mission. "Beijing probably also will use the carrier to project power throughout the South China Sea and possibly into the Indian Ocean," it said. The carrier conducted initial sea trials in May 2018 and is expected to enter into service by 2019. China's efforts to enhance its presence abroad, such as establishing its first foreign military base in Djibouti and boosting economic connectivity by reinvigorating the New Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Road under the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), could enable the PLA to project power at even greater distances from the Chinese mainland, it said. "In 2017, Chinese leaders said that the BRI, which at first included economic initiatives in Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe, now encompasses all regions of the world, including the Arctic and Latin America, demonstrating the scope of Beijing's ambition," the Pentagon said. Sri Lanka has handed over the control of the southern seaport of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease, triggering concern over Beijing's efforts to expand influence in the region. Much of the stated opposition to Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union centered on the 'backstop.' Much of the stated opposition to Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union centered on the "backstop." The provision was designed to prevent the reintroduction of border controls between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland, a member of the EU. After Brexit, the border will be the UK's only land frontier with the EU. A look at the issue: What's wrong with a border? During the decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland known as "the Troubles," a border with roadblocks and checkpoints teemed with soldiers and paramilitaries. About 3,700 people were killed in a conflict between Irish nationalists and UK unionists from 1968 to 1998, when the Good Friday accord led to a power-sharing arrangement that quelled much of the bloodshed and made the border all but disappear. Since both Britain and Ireland are currently part of the European Union with its single market, people and goods flow freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland., with no need for customs checks. Brexit could disrupt that easy movement, upending lives and businesses, and undercutting a fragile peace process What was May's proposal? The proposed withdrawal agreement included a "backstop" provision to keep a hard border from returning by keeping the UK in a customs union with the EU after Brexit. The agreement gave Britain and the EU until 2022 to reach a new permanent trade deal and stated the "backstop" would come into effect only if they failed to do so. Why did critics oppose it? Politicians favoring Brexit complained that Britain wouldn't be able to get out of the backstop unilaterally; the deal required the mutual agreement of both sides. That meant it could remain in place indefinitely and keep the UK bound to EU customs regulations. Critics argued such a scenario would derail Britain's efforts to strike other international trade deals. Lawmakers who want to remain close to the EU disliked it, too, because Britain would be subject to customs and trade rules over which it had no say. May's political allies from Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionist Party, also objected because the backstop treated Northern Ireland differently from other parts of the UK. The party said that frayed the bond between Northern Ireland and the rest of the country. tech2 News Staff Typically, the disks of gas and dust that make up planet-forming disks are found in a single, equatorial plane of star systems. Astronomers have now discovered rings like these that exist in dramatically-different angles and rotate around the polar ends of stars, nothing like our own system. In a new study, researchers explain what an unusual arrangement like this implies for stellar systems and their planets. Potentially, seasons on planets in such systems would be extraordinarily different than Earth's. Day and night, too, would take a whole different meaning. As stars are formed, they are surrounded by a cloud of gas and dust, which is wielded by the gravitational pull of the growing star into an orbiting spiral around it. The gas cloud clumps over time, moving in random directions, with particles colliding and merging to form denser structures. Over time, a flattened disk called the protoplanetary disk is formed, which usually spins along the equator and in the same direction as the star at its centre. Naturally, the planets that are formed in these disks also end up orbiting their star in the same direction. In some cases, simulations have shown that any extra material that these disks collect over time can throw their system out of whack to varying degrees. Astronomers believe that this is why some exoplanets have been seen having 'misaligned' or crooked orbital paths around their parent star. For the first time, researchers at the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile have found evidence of one such misaligned protoplanetary disk in a four-star system called HD 98800, roughly 146 light-years from Earth. "If planets were born here, there would be four suns in the sky," Daniel Price, study co-author of the study from Monash University, Australia said in a statement. "It's one of those examples that nature manages to be more creative than we expect," Dr Grant Kennedy, lead author of the study from University of Warwick, told Space.com. The researchers used the ALMA telescope to capture high-resolution images of the unusual system, which has a protoplanetary disk around two of the system's four stars. This ring is roughly the same size (diameter) as our solar system's asteroid belt. The two other stars in the system appear to be outside the disk, with the two pairs of stars orbiting each other at right angles. If a planet ever did develop in a system like HD 98800, anyone seeing the sky from its surface would see a thick band of the disk running straight up from the planet's horizon. Interestingly, the pair of stars that would be visible in the sky would move in and out of the disk, giving any objects on the ground two shadows at most times. "Perhaps the most exciting thing about this discovery is that the disc shows some of the same signatures that we attribute to dust growth in discs around single stars," Kennedy said in the statement. "If the rest of the planet formation process can happen, there might be a whole population of misaligned circumbinary planets that we have yet to discover, and things like weird seasonal variations to consider." The new study was published in the journal Nature Astronomy on 14 January. tech2 News Staff Before the Chang'e-4 spacecraft blasted off to make history by landing on the moon's far side, Chinese scientists snuck a small canister on the lander to try and make the mission doubly-historic for the country. The specially-designed canister contained cotton seeds, which the team announced yesterday, have sprouted! First in human history: A cotton seed brought to the moon by China's Chang'e 4 probe has sprouted, the latest test photo has shown, marking the completion of humankind's first biological experiment on the moon pic.twitter.com/CSSbgEoZmC People's Daily, China (@PDChina) January 15, 2019 This is the first time a plant has ever grown on a planet other than the Earth unless we're counting the International Space Station, where microgravity experiments with plants are fairly routine. The closest plants have come to the moon in the past was during the Apollo 14 mission in 1971, where NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa carried hundreds of seeds with him to the moon's orbit. These seeds were brought back to Earth with the crew and planted as "Moon trees" in America, Brazil, Switzerland and Japan, according to NASA. The Chinese space agency has also packed a couple of other seed varieties in these 'moon capsules' potato seeds, rapeseed, a common plant species used in research known as Arabidopsis as well as yeast and fruit flies were chosen for the one-way trip to the moon. China's Chang'e 4 lunar probe has conducted the first biological experiment on the moon after a cotton seed sprouted in a mini-ecosphere which also contains samples of oilseed rape, potato, Arabidopsis, yeast and fruit fly, as well as soil, water and air. pic.twitter.com/Yf6lAIMrRg China Daily (@ChinaDaily) January 15, 2019 We have given consideration to future survival in space. Learning about these plants growth in a low-gravity environment would allow us to lay the foundation for our future establishment of space base, Professor Liu Hanlong, head of the experiment told the South China Morning Post. Liu described the chosen six as a mix of "producers, consumers and decomposers" in a the micro-ecosystem that was carried to the moon. The canister containing each of these components is completely sealed and protected from the extreme temperatures and radiation on the moon. The container also has specially-designed tubes for air, water and nutrients on top of a simulator for "natural light" and a camera for updates on their progress. The soil for each seed also contains silkworm eggs the first living eggs to reach the moon which will consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide for However, none of the other seeds has fared as well as the cotton seeds so far, but the researchers remain hopeful! Agence France-Presse China will seek to establish an international lunar base one day, possibly using 3D printing technology to build facilities, the Chinese space agency said this week, a nearly a fortnight after landing a rover on the moon's far side. The agency said four more lunar missions are planned, confirming the launch of a probe by the end of the year to bring back samples from the moon. The future launches will culminate with a mission to test equipment for an international moon research base, Wu Yanhua, deputy chief commander of China's Lunar Exploration Programme, said at a press briefing. "China, the United States, Russia and Europe are all discussing whether to build a research base or a research station on the moon," Wu said. Scientists are looking into "whether we can use 3D printing technology" to build lunar facilities, he added. China took a major step in its ambition to achieve space superpower status when it became the first nation to land a probe on the far side of the moon on January 3. The Chang'e-4 lander named after the moon goddess in Chinese mythology released a rover that will perform experiments in the Von Karman Crater, which is located in the South Pole-Aitken Basin. The rover, dubbed Yutu-2 (Jade Rabbit), was preparing to go back to work after waking from five days of hibernation on Thursday. "It will be the first time that we are able to study the origin and formation... (of) the darker side the moon, including the age of... the moon," said Wu Weiren, general designer of the Lunar Exploration Programme. Basking the mission's success, the China National Space Administration discussed plans for future missions. The Chang'e-5 probe, originally scheduled to collect moon samples in the second half of 2017, will launch by the end of the year, Wu said. The mission was delayed after its planned carrier, the powerful Long March 5 Y2 rocket, failed in a separate launch in July 2017. Following that mission, China will launch Chang'e-6 to gather samples on the moon's south pole and bring them back to Earth, Wu said. "We will decide whether it will do it on the dark side of the moon or the near side depending on the sampling situation of the Chang'e-5," Wu told reporters. It will be followed by Chang'e-7, which will conduct a "comprehensive exploration of the moon's south pole", including its topography, material composition and space environment, he said. Finally, the Chang'e-8 mission will test technologies and do "some preliminary exploration for countries to jointly build a lunar research base in the future", Wu said. Reuters Verizon Communications said on 15 January it will include free Apple Music subscriptions in some of its top-tier US data plans, deepening its ties with the iPhone maker. Apple is increasingly turning for growth to its services segment, which includes businesses such as iCloud storage, Apple Music and the App Store, and has been partnering with rivals in recent months. Two weeks ago, it cut its revenue forecast, blaming iPhone sales in China. Verizon customers opting for its "Beyond Unlimited" and "Above Unlimited" plans will also get access to free Apple Music from 17 January, the US wireless carrier said in a statement. Last year, Verizon and Apple announced a partnership, giving some customers six months of Apple Music streaming service along with their data plan. The Verizon Go Unlimited plan will continue to get a six-month free trial of Apple Music. Apple in the last few months has made its iTunes service available on some of Samsung Electronics newer smart televisions and has made Apple Music available on Amazon Echo smart speakers. The Cupertino-based firm is facing a saturated global smartphone market and many users are hanging on to their old iPhones longer than ever. tech2 News Staff At a time when the Indian authorities are mulling over opening up encryption to law enforcement agencies, a judge in the US has ruled that cops cannot use force to make you unlock your devices. In what is being hailed as a landmark judgement, a California court (US District Court for the Northern District of California) has ruled that American police cannot force suspects to unlock their phones using facial recognition or fingerprints. This judgement overrides previous rulings where US judges had given law enforcement authorities permission to force people to unlock Apple iPhone using biometric data such as face or fingerprints. According to a report in Forbes, which has access to this ruling, all logins will be considered equal, be it passcode, pattern lock, face unlock, iris unlock or fingerprint unlock. The case which prompted the judge to rule in favour of privacy involved an instance of Facebook-related extortion attempt. According to the warrant filed, the victim was asked to pay up to the extortionists or an 'embarrassing' video would be uploaded publicly. The police had identified suspects whose property they wanted to raid as well as check their phones which needed to be unlocked using biometrics. The judge found the property search raid request to be valid but did not grant permission to search their mobile phones by forcing it to be unlocked using biometrics. If a person cannot be compelled to provide a passcode because it is a testimonial communication, a person cannot be compelled to provide ones finger, thumb, iris, face, or other biometric feature to unlock that same device, said the judge, Kandis Westmore, in the ruling. According to the judge, even with a warrant, the government could not force suspects to incriminate themselves by unlocking their own devices with their biometrics. Instead of accessing their phone data, which could go beyond what the police were looking for, the judge asked the authorities to look for alternative ways of tackling the issue. For instance, since it was a Facebook-related crime, the authorities could reach out to Facebook to get access to Messenger communications. Here's the complete judgement. Judge rules police can'... by on Scribd The judge's ruling brings the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution, which forbids the government for forcing anyone to provide a 'testimonial' where a person can incriminate themselves, to the fore. The Fifth Amendment also empowers US citizens to refuse to talk to the police if they so wish remember that statement the US cops make after making an arrest which goes something to the effect of "You have the right to remain silent." Courts initially had ruled that providing a passcode to unlock your device is akin to giving a testimonial which can incriminate someone. Biometrics used to unlock devices were not part of this earlier ruling. But according to judge Westmore, the biometrics which help unlock a device are at par with passcodes. According to ExtremeTech, this ruling can be dismissed by higher courts in the future and the law is still not hundred per cent clear on whether the body's physical features (which is used for biometrics) can be protected under the Fifth Amendment. Reuters US authorities on Tuesday charged a suspected Ukrainian computer hacker and several traders with scheming to trade on market-moving corporate earnings news stolen from a US Securities and Exchange Commission database. The charges against 10 defendants, including two charged criminally, relate to a suspected 2016 intrusion into Edgar, the SECs corporate filing system used by public companies and money managers. Authorities said the scheme resulted in $4.14 million of illegal trading profit and cheated ordinary investors. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said the case illustrated the significant threats that cyber crime poses to US markets, including from outside US borders, and that his agency is not immune despite efforts to bolster its cyber defenses. The Department of Justice said conspirators sent fake emails to SEC employees that appeared to be from other employees, enabling Ieremenko and Radchenko to steal filings through phishing attacks and by installing malware on SEC computers. Ieremenko and Radchenko were charged with computer fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy in a 16-count indictment filed with the federal court in Newark, New Jersey. The SEC filed related civil charges accusing six individuals and two companies in the United States, Russia and Ukraine of reaping the $4.14 million of gains from May to October 2016, with some profits kicked back to Ieremenko. Two Los Angeles residents, Sungjin Cho and David Kwon, are among the defendants in the SEC case, which seeks to impose fines and recoup illegal gains. Ieremenko was also charged. None of the defendants could immediately be reached for comment, and their lawyers could not immediately be identified. Companies sometimes submit test filings to ensure their actual SEC filings will be processed correctly. Test filings are not typically supposed to contain sensitive nonpublic data, but the SEC said some do. Ieremenko has been at large since being criminally charged in 2015 over the theft of more than 150,000 corporate press releases from Berkshire Hathaway Incs Business Wire, West Corps Marketwired and Cision Ltds PR Newswire. More than 40 defendants were criminally or civilly charged in that scheme, which U.S. authorities said generated more than $100 million of trading profit over 5-1/2 years. The SEC said Ieremenko turned his attention to Edgar after the newswire scheme ended. The cases are U.S. v. Radchenko, US District Court, District of New Jersey; and SEC v Ieremenko et al in the same court, No. 19-00505. Reuters A patent lawsuit filed by Qualcomm Inc against Apple Inc was thrown out by a German court on 15 December, in a reversal for the US chipmaker after it won a recent court ban on the sale of some iPhones in the country. The regional court in the city of Mannheim dismissed the Qualcomm suit as groundless in an initial verbal decision, saying the patent in question was not violated by the installation of its chips in Apples smartphones. We are happy with the decision and thank the court for their time and diligence, Apple said in a statement. We regret Qualcomms use of the court to divert attention from their illegal behavior that is the subject of multiple lawsuits and proceedings around the world. Qualcomm, waging a worldwide patent battle with Apple, said it would appeal after winning a separate case before a court in Munich in December that enabled it to enforce a ban on the sale of older iPhones in Germany. Apple has a history of infringing our patents, said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomms executive vice president and general counsel. While we disagree with the Mannheim courts decision and will appeal, we will continue to enforce our (intellectual property) rights against Apple worldwide. Apple declined to comment on the Mannheim decision. It referred to a statement issued in response to the 20 December ruling in Munich, against which it is appealing. Apple said at the time that, while a decision on the Munich appeal is outstanding, it would no longer stock the iPhone 7 and 8 at its 15 retail outlets in Germany, although its newer models would remain on sale. All of its models remain available through carriers and resellers. Gravis, the leading Apple reseller in Germany, said on Tuesday it continued to stock the full range of iPhones. Apart from the German order, Qualcomm has also secured a ban on the sale of some iPhones in China. Apple, which is also contesting that ruling, has continued to offer its iPhones in China but made changes to its iOS operating system following the order. Qualcomm, meanwhile, faces a US antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission which accuses it of abusing a monopoly on mobile chip technology in a trial that could have a major impact on the smartphone industry. If the government prevails in the trial that began on 4 January, Qualcomm could be forced to change its practices for licensing a trove of patents to device makers like Apple. Apple is closely watching the FTC case, as it has its own pending lawsuit making similar claims against Qualcomm. Reuters A US appeals court on Tuesday upheld a judgment worth $440 million that was won by intellectual property licensing firm VirnetX Inc against Apple Inc in a patent infringement case. The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied Apples appeal of a 2016 jury verdict originally valued at $302 million that grew to $440 million with interest, enhanced damages, and other costs. The same patent claims have been ruled invalid by an administrative court, but VirnetX is in the process of appealing those determinations. Apple said in a statement that it was disappointed in the ruling and planned to appeal. VirnetX did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Zephyr Cove, Nevada-based VirnetX, which was founded by employees at government contractor Science Applications International Corporation, holds patents related to secure networks, known as virtual private networks, and secure communications links. VirnetX and Apple have been fighting over patents since 2010 in rollercoaster litigation that has triggered wild swings in the technology licensing companys stock price. The West Bengal Congress is 'happy' that Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi will not attend Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mega rally in Kolkata on Saturday and wants Mallikarjun Kharge, who is expected to represent the party at the event, to highlight the alleged torture faced by its workers in the state, party leaders said on Wednesday. Kolkata: The West Bengal Congress is "happy" that Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi will not attend Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mega rally in Kolkata on Saturday and wants Mallikarjun Kharge, who is expected to represent the party at the event, to highlight the alleged torture faced by its workers in the state, party leaders said on Wednesday. The West Bengal Congress wanted the party's national president and the UPA Chairperson to stay away from the 19 January rally, being dubbed as a mega opposition event by Trinamool Congress, and send another leader as Banerjee had also skipped the swearing-in ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister in December, 2018 and had instead sent party MP Dinesh Trivedi. Banerjee had said on Tuesday that Congress will be represented by Kharge, the party's leader in Lok Sabha, at the joint opposition rally being hosted by TMC. "We are happy that the party high-command has respected our sentiments. The sentiment of the state leadership was against Soniaji or Rahulji attending the 19 January rally. So we had requested the party high-command to consider the sentiments of the state unit," a senior state Congress leader said. According to state Congress sources, the Bengal Congress leadership is likely to send a brief to Kharge for his speech to be delivered at the rally. "We will brief him (Kharge) on the reign of terror in West Bengal and how our party workers are fighting against policies of the state government despite all odds," another state Congress leader said. Congress leaders told PTI on condition of anonymity that TMC is averse to Rahul Gandhi leading the opposition front and it was evident when DMK leader MK Stalin proposed his name as the PM candidate. "We have also seen that after Congress' victory in three Hindi heartland states - Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh due to Rahulji's leadership, all the opposition parties had congratulated him except TMC, which didn't want to give credit to him," a Congress leader said, while alleging that the TMC considers Rahul Gandhi as a threat for Banerjee's prime ministerial ambitions. After the Congress won three assembly elections last month, its state unit had said the TMC leaders were having "sleepless nights" fearing that their dream of Banerjee becoming the prime minister may not be fulfilled. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for attributing his exit from the Grand Alliance on the inability of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to take a stand on corruption. Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar for attributing his exit from the Grand Alliance on the inability of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to take a stand on corruption. "No one in Indian politics matches the standards of Nitish Kumar ji. He is not only politically, morally or socially scandalous, but 'Bhishma Pitamah' of moral corruption. You will never find him accepting his blunders. He blames partners as well as opponents for his mistakes," Yadav, whose party lost power on account of Kumar's exit, tweeted. At an event organised by a private news channel in Patna on Tuesday night, the chief minister had accused Gandhi of not taking a stand when his state government was rocked by corruption allegations against Yadav, who was then the deputy chief minister. Kumar had alleged that Gandhi balked at issuing even a statement, which could have compelled him to have second thoughts about leaving the Grand Alliance of his Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, and returning to the NDA. Congress leaders have, so far, remained tight-lipped on the claim by Kumar, who had also alleged that the RJD, despite being an old ally, was averse to give more seats to the Congress in the 2015 assembly polls and it was at the insistence of the JD(U) that it got 40 and ended up winning 28 its best-ever performance in the 243-member house. The younger son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, also took potshots at Kumar for his claim that BJP chief Amit Shah had asked him "twice" to induct former poll strategist Prashant Kishor into the JDU. The chief minister, who also heads the JDU, had made the claim while dismissing speculations that Kishor, who joined the party in September and was elevated to the post of national vice-president within few weeks, could be his political successor. "Finally Nitish Kumar admits that JDU is an advanced version of BJP (and) therefore he is giving all important organisational posts except him(self) to the people chosen by Amit Shah," Yadav remarked sarcastically in an earlier tweet. "Hope now you understand why mob lynchings and state-sponsored crimes have become a routine practice in Bihar," he added. Since his return to the NDA, Kumar has been drawing flak from the RJD-Congress combine for allegedly compromising on his stand against communalism, which had led him to snap his 17-year-old ties with the BJP in 2013, soon after the party announced the then Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi, as the chief of its committee for the Lok Sabha poll campaign. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will most likely skip the 19 January rally called by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Congress will take part in the rally, only to be represented by the Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. Is that some sort of political messaging? UPA president Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi will most likely skip the 19 January rally (to show off unity among the Opposition parties) called by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Congress will take part in the rally, only to be represented by the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. Is that some sort of political messaging? Let's see. Rahul and Sonia snub Mamata - you could soon see such headlines. But not today. Let us first ask a more important question: Why would Congress want to be part of a rally designed by a political leader who is known for her mounting prime ministerial ambitions and has been quite vocal about her political stance on a non-BJP and a non-Congress government at the Centre? Clearly because when you (Congress) call it a 'united' Opposition, you can't be the one breaking that unity. So, the Congress' attendance is important, and media might make a big deal out of the "biggies" missing from the Mamata rally but missing Sonia and Rahul will not matter much to the Trinamool Congress chief. "We had extended invites to all leaders and we have been told that Kharge will be attending," Mamata said. According to reports, sources in the Trinamool Congress said that personal invite was extended to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi was called in the capacity of the Congress president. Quoting a Congress source, The Hindu reported, "It is too close to the general elections. Unless we know the shape of the pre-poll alliance for the 2019 elections, we do not want to send any conflicting message. Our state unit is also not too keen that Rahul be seen standing with the TMC." Mamata told reporters that leaders of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari" would be present at the rally, which political observers are describing as an effort on the her part to emerge as the face of the opposition ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls. "On 19 January, you will see a huge representation from all regions of the country. Heavy-weight national leaders, including a former prime minister and several ex-chief ministers, will attend the rally," Mamata said. "Political leaders from Kashmir to Kanyakumari former prime minister HD Deve Gowda, Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy (both of Janata Dal-Secular), Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal (Aam Admi Party), former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party chief), Sharad Pawar (Nationalist Congress Party chief and also former Maharashtra chief minister), Farooq Abdullah (National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister) would be among the many leaders present at the rally," Mamata added. Mamata's disdain for national political parties has been made well-known by the leader herself through her many public speeches against the ruling NDA government at the Centre. However, the attacks have concentrated mainly against the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party president Amit Shah. If not equally critical, Mamata has not hidden her annoyance when reports quoted DMK leader MK Stalin endorsed Rahul for the prime minister in 2019. "Projecting Rahul Gandhi for prime minister is the right thing to unite secular forces," Stalin said. While Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said that it is not necessary that everyone from the alliance should have the same opinion, Mamata said, "I am not alone (in the proposed alliance). We are working together. So whatever all the political parties who have come together decide, we will accept that. Now is not the right time. Let us hope for the day when there will be a good change." Mamata has had a rocky relationship with the NDA, but her collaboration with the UPA has not been the most peaceful either. Mamata's foray into national politics began in 1999 when the Trinamool supremo joined the NDA government and was the railway minister from 1999 to 2001. In 2000, Mamata Banerjee and Ajit Panja quit the government protesting against hike in petrol prices but later withdrew their resignations. In March 2001, they quit the Vajpayee government for good in the wake of the Tehelka sting. In early 2004, Trinamool returned to NDA fold and Mamata became the coal minister till NDA was voted out. In 2009, Trinamool joined UPA and Mamata became Chief Minister of West Bengal on 20 May, 2011. Trinamool walked out of the UPA in September 2012, reducing it to a minority. This brief resume of the Bengal chief minister speaks volumes about her relation with both national alliances and which makes this proverbial mahagathbandhan situation tricky. Saying that the 'united' Opposition lacks unity, would be repeating what has been said quite often and the reasons are obvious different parties, several agendas, shrewd and complicated politicking , personal ambitions, etc. First of all, there are two sets of thinking emerging from this United Opposition one is behind the Congress. The likes of DMK and Chandrababu Naidu's TDP who want the Congress to lead. The second (so-called faction) believe that it's high time that a non-BJP and a non-Congress party form government at the Centre, which includes parties like TMC and KCR's Telangana Rashtra Samiti. Mamata made her stance clear when she said, "Everyone would be the face of the 'mahagathbandhan'." The senior Congress leadership's very public lack of interest for the Mamata cause does make a pertinent point Opposition is still not united. Mamata, along with NCP chief Pawar, BSP supremo Mayawati, Akhilesh, was quite critical of the meeting between Naidu and Rahul in November last year. "The issue is that if all Opposition leaders aren't present at the meeting, then it doesn't show a united front and doesn't show solidarity," Mamata had said. Akhilesh had accused the Congress of attempting to scuttle his party's chances in Chhattisgarh, while Mayawati described both the BJP and Congress as "snakes", adding that she would rather remain in opposition than ally with either. Around the same time, Pawar met with Mamata and reports quoted party sources, who said, "Pawar and Mamata spoke on Saturday and concerns were raised about the role that the Congress was playing ahead of the meeting. It appeared that the Congress was trying to hijack the situation and take control of the entire matter." There is also a question mark over KCR's absence from the rally, as sources said, he had decided to skip it because he did not want to share a stage with Rahul. However, the regional parties need to also remember that stitching an alliance with different regional parties with diverse political views isn't easy. The Congress is still on weaker ground. While a lot has been written about BJP losing allies, we should also take a look at how many will follow Congress leadership if it gets the chance to form a government at the Centre. So, for a group of seasoned politicians, who are tired of falling the footsteps of the two largest national parties, Congress leaders skipping a massive Unity rally would not be the worst thing. It will be their chance to get to the forefront of national politics. By lauding RSS' work ahead of the Lok Sabha election 2019, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar has made his alignment with the BJP complete and unquestionable The RSS has found a new admirer in Janata Dal (United) chief and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar. He is a big name. A leader with high credentials, Nitish was considered as a counter to Narendra Modi till last week of July 2017 when he dumped RJD and Congress and exited the Mahagathbandhan to rejoin NDA. His words, therefore, would be music to ears of entire Sangh Parivar. He, of course, added that he did not agree with the RSS ideology. And he didn't need to as he had his own philosophy (socialist) and his own style. But the Bihar chief minister always had high respect for the Sanghs commitment, consistency, its roots and its ever-expansionist mode. On Wednesday, Nitish, for the first time publicly lauded the RSS. And that too at a time when the intolerance debate in India has heightened, secular parties are bent on targeting the Sangh, and Rahul Gandhi, leader of the largest party in opposition, in particular, is bitter about the RSS. Nitish was also critical of Rahul, though on a different issue, blaming him for his exit from the Mahagathbandhan. Responding to queries from ABP News at its news conclave in Patna, Nitish said he had known RSS since his student days when he was sent to jail in Gaya under MISA during Emergency in 1974. He came in contact with KN Govindacharya who was also lodged in the jail under the same charges and read all kinds of RSS literature. Its a different matter though that he ultimately was impressed by Ram Manohar Lohia, Mahatma Gandhi and Jaiprakash Nayaran's philosophy. He kept on repeating that RSS is an old organisation, founded in 1925 and has since grown to immense proportions. "They have been working as per their own thought process since 1925. Its a big organisation. You can agree or disagree with their viewpoint, but what has to be noted is their commitment. Jansangh was formed by the RSS and the BJP has become even more widespread. I am not in agreement with RSS viewpoint. I have my own viewpoint and style, but one thing is worthwhile to be understood about the RSS is the consistency in their work. From 1925 till today how much it has spread! Can anyone imagine their work in the North East? In the North East, some states have negligible Hindu population but even then they worked consistently without hurrying for immediate result. You are looking at the RSS from a certain prism. The RSS has its own way to work. We are seeing RSS from the student days. It has another facet, (we are not seeing) everything that it does, he said. Nitish then said that he had heard JP (Jaiprakash Narayan) say during the 'Chatra Sangarsh Samiti' (formed to opposed Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi) days that only one-eighth of the work that RSS does comes in public domain and the rest is not seen by the people. He added that he fully believed what JP said. Nitishs remarks are also significant from the NDAs perspective. He had been aligned with the BJP since the 1990s barring from mid-2013 to mid-2017. By lauding RSS, Nitish makes his alignment with the BJP complete and unquestionable. He had separated from BJP when Narendra Modi was about to be named the party's prime ministerial nominee for the 2014 elections. But since then Nitish has become friend with Modi, an RSS swayamsevak to rose through the ranks to become the Prime Minister of India. The other indication of his total alignment with the BJP that Nitish gave was going into the details of the appointment of Prashant Kishor as his deputy in the JD(U), revealing that BJP chief Amit Shah had called him twice to suggest Prashant Kishor be given an important post in JD(U). Kishor had been Nitish poll strategist in the 2017 Bihar election and lived at Nitishs official residence. Interestingly, over two years ago when Nitish was leading the RJD-Congress coalition, the Bihar chief minister had called for a Sangh-mukt Bharat in response to Modi Congress-mukt Bharat electoral campaign catchphrase. Gupta, the deputy chief minister in Mufti's Cabinet, also blamed the National Conference (NC) and Congress for the turmoil in the valley, alleging that the three parties are supporting 'anti-national elements' to polarise voters. Jammu: A day after former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti dubbed local militants as "sons of the soil", senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kavinder Gupta accused her of pursuing "soft-separatism" to win "communal sympathy" ahead of the upcoming state assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Gupta, the deputy chief minister in Mufti's Cabinet, also blamed the National Conference (NC) and Congress for the turmoil in the valley, alleging that the three parties are supporting "anti-national elements" to polarise voters. "It is the former chief minister's frustration that she has started speaking the language of separatists, the BJP leader said, adding the BJP government at the Centre is ready for dialogue with anyone who is ready to hold talks as per the Constitution of India. Mufti described Tuesday the local militants as "sons of the soil", saying that the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership to end the "gun culture". Gupta also lashed out at his former Cabinet boss, saying Mufti has "humiliated the Indian security forces by issuing such a statement on the Army Day. "Every person who is an anti-national and works at the behest of his 'akas' (masters) from across the border, is a militant and playing politics over his killing, funeral and the ensuing agitations is really condemnable," Gupta said. He blamed "political exploitation" by the PDP, NC and the Congress for the renewed turmoil in the valley. "They are now supporting the anti-national elements and polarising the situation in the state," Gupta said and appealed to the people to teach a lesson to all such parties for their "misdeeds" and for "breaking" their promises. Gupta alleged all the three parties have sold the "dreams of autonomy, self-rule and dialogue for peace with dignity, but have done nothing to bring peace and prosperity" to the state. "The time has come now for the people to close the chapter for all those who have been exploiting them for the last 70 years," he said. KT Rama Rao also informed that KCR will go to Andhra Pradesh to meet Jagan Mohan Reddy and he will take these discussions forward. Hyderabad (Telangana): Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president KT Rama Rao on Wednesday emphasised on the need for like-minded forces to join the K Chandrashekar Rao (popularly known as KCR) led federal front for strengthening regional parties and interest of the states. He made this statement after meeting with YSR Congress Party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Both the leaders also addressed a joint press conference after the meeting. Addressing the media, Rao said: "TRS party president and chief minister KCR started the federal front one year back to bring a qualitative change in the country's politics. As a part of this, KCR is negotiating with different party leaders and gathering support for his struggle. We have faith that all likeminded people will come together in future to strengthen the states and the federal front will go forward to protect the rights of states". Speaking further about the meeting, he added, "Telangana chief minister KCR and party floor leader Kesha Rao in the Rajya Sabha and Kavitha in the Lok Sabha have already made it clear that special status should be given to Andhra Pradesh. Today is just the first meeting". YSR Congress Party chief also spoke at the occasion saying, "TRS party working president has come to discuss the Federal Front. All the States should come to one platform to prevent the untouchability of the states by the central government. Otherwise, the rights of states cannot be achieved." He also outlined that there is continued uncertainty over the special status to Andhra Pradesh and added, "To overcome this situation in the Parliament the number of MPs should be increased. To protect the rights of states, the number should be numerically increased. If the strength of the states is increased, then the Center can't act unfairly towards the states." Jagan also said that "I am happy that KCR has established a national platform under the name of a federal front. It will be united in the form of MPs from different states and by this, the states will also get development boost. I will discuss the key points of the federal front with after meeting him in the coming days." KT Rama Rao also informed that KCR will go to Andhra Pradesh to meet Jagan Mohan Reddy and he will take these discussions forward. Political experts view Mehbooba Mufti's remarks as an effort to 'reclaim lost ground' considering the protests against her government and the excesses by the forces in 2016 Srinagar: In May 1994, the militant outfit Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) declared a unilateral ceasefire and decided to give up arms and instead work for the peaceful settlement of Kashmir problem. The JKLF founder and the chairman of one of the factions of the outfit, Javed Mir, supported the ceasefire hoping to see the bloodshed in Kashmir end. Nearly a quarter of a century later, when the militancy in Kashmir has escalated, Mir said that the statement by former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who pushed to reach out to militants and describing the armed youths as "sons of the soil" was nothing but a poll gimmick. Many others in Kashmir, including mainstream political parties have denounced Mehbooba for "doing politics on the graves of people". "She (Mehbooba) is just doing the politics, as the elections are in the offing here," Mir said. In Kashmir, with the elections only a few months away, mainstream political parties have either "displayed soft separatist politics or they have started re-invoking their political agendas to seek votes". While former chief minister and National Conference president, Farooq Abdullah, has promised autonomy, political experts see Mehbooba's outreach to the militants by visiting the families as part of the "politics to gain lost ground". The PDP's bastion of south Kashmir saw "massive" protests after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Burhan Wani, with hundreds being blinded and many being injured through the "indiscriminate" use of pellet guns. Although the separatists say that the people will continue to "boycott both the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls", some political experts view Mehbooba's move as an effort to "reclaim lost ground" considering the protests against her government and the excesses by the forces were fierce in south Kashmir in 2016. The party has also seen many leaders including former ministers, Haseeb Drabu, Basharat Bukhari and Javed Mustafa Mir leave its ranks. Noted political expert, Professor Noor Mohammad Baba, said the "PDP was in a difficult situation and the visits by Mehbooba to the families of militants are an attempt by her to reclaim lost ground". He said that the while the "slogans of protection of Kashmir's special status was a common political plank even in the elections that were fought before the militancy started in Kashmir, the sympathy for the families of militants was a new approach ahead of the upcoming polls". In Kashmir, while political parties promise to "deliver" on the governance front, the political agendas of parties are closely tied to the "resolution of the Kashmir problem". Baba said, "It was a mix of promises to deliver on the governance front as well as the political front that has always formed the basis of electoral process in Kashmir." While both the National Conference and PDP have advocated the resolution of the Kashmir problem through dialogue, the former sees "restoration of autonomy" as a solution, while the latter sees "self-rule as well as porous borders between India and Pakistan" as "part of the Kashmir settlement". The political promise became more reinforced in the 1987 elections, when many separatist leaders fought the polls under the banner of the Muslim United Front (MUF). Advocate Zahid Ali, spokesperson of Jamat-e-Islami, who was the candidate of the MUF in Pampore in 1987 said that the elections were heavily rigged. "In 1987, when the armed struggle had not started, we contested elections on MUF tickets. But the polls were heavily rigged. It was the worst fraud committed against the people of Kashmir. We contested the polls on the promise that Islam would form the basis of governance in Kashmir and we will raise the issue of resolution of Kashmir problem in the Assembly," he said. Zahid said, "Even as people have rejected the electoral process with less than five percent coming to vote in the recent urban local bodies polls, this was being described as the victory of Indian democracy." Former minister and Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) chairman, Hakeem Yaseen, concurred, "The 1987 elections were heavily rigged. They were so badly rigged that even as in our constituency at Khan Saheb where there were only 50,000 voters, the authorities showed that there were 51,000 voters." He added, "While the parties have the right to advocate the resolution of Kashmir problem, they can't hoodwink the people." "The people of Kashmir are aware of the remarks of Mehbooba that the youths who were protesting were not going to security forces camps to buy toffees and milk. It is her hypocrisy that she is now feeling pained about the condition of the families of militants. It is ironic that now even Abdullah is seeking the appointment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission when Kashmiris have seen excesses during his rule as well," he said. Founder of the United Jehad Council (UJC), a conglomerate of militant outfits, Azam Inquilabi, said, "The resolution of the Kashmir problem through a political initiative has been missing in Kashmir. There is a need for India and Pakistan to start a dialogue on Kashmir to resolve the Kashmir problem. There is a need for government forces to end the excesses in Kashmir. The pro-India political parties in Kashmir lack sincerity. If they had been sincere, these political parties may have formed a united front to protect the Article 35-A and Article 370." Faced with an imminent collapse of support in Karnataka Assembly, the Congress party is busy staving off rebellion in its Karnataka unit as all its state MLAs were asked to join an informal meeting Wednesday Faced with a possible crisis in the Karnataka Assembly, the Congress party is busy staving off a rebellion in its state unit as all its MLAs were asked to join an informal meeting on Wednesday. The Congress has accused the BJP of launching a poaching drive, 'Operation Kamal', to topple the Congress-JD(S) alliance government in the state. Reports said that the party has reached out to the two Independents and four rebel party MLAs who have been staying at a resort in Mumbai. The party has promised them some positions, asking them to reconsider their decisions. KH Muniyappa, Congress MP appealed to the rebel party leaders through the media: "I invite all who left the fold to come back and not worry. Second generation Congressmen who won election must not feel insecure. Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal are aware of your grievances, you will be given chance in next cabinet expansion." The Congress has formally called a legislative party meeting on 18 January in Bengaluru, where the exact count of party MLAs still supporting the alliance government will become clear. The party expects to pacify the rebels within this time and bring them back to the party folds. Meanwhile, former Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader BS Yeddyurappa held a meeting with the BJP MLAs, all of whom are camped at a hotel in Gurugram since Monday. The two parties have been levelling poaching allegations on each other ever since. On Tuesday, Congress leader Zameer Ahmed told reporters: "Four-five of our party MLAs are in Mumbai. We will not sit silently if attempts of poaching are made. Even we are in touch with some BJP MLAs. We had spoken to two-three of our MLAs, while the other MLAs' phones are off. I can assure, you no one will leave." Kumaraswamy, meanwhile, said that the missing MLAs were in touch with the representatives of the government. He exuded confidence that his government remains in majority. The Congress leaders also claimed that they have managed to get back in touch with even those MPs who are lodged in the Powai-based hotel. Venugopal said, "I'm in touch with all our MLAs. This drama is going to end in a day or a two. We are all together, there is no internal fight in Congress. This is all baseless." DK Shivakumar had on Sunday claimed that three Congress MLAs were camping at the hotel in the "company of some BJP leaders". "We are aware of what has transpired there and how much has been offered to them," Shivakumar had said. In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80. It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113. The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but if reports are to be believed, at least 11 disgruntle Congress MLAs got in touch with the BJP of which four to five people are still beyond Congress leaders' reach. If these MLAs resign and bring down the strength of the Assembly, then it might spell trouble for the alliance government. With inputs from PTI Yeddyurappa needs at least 14 more MLAs of the alliance to resign from the Karnataka Assembly or abstain from voting in case of a vote of confidence to stake his own claim What do you need to topple a government? Just tonnes of cash, plush resorts and promises of plum posts? Wrong. You must also play mind games. Indira Gandhi knew this best, and she turned mind games into a fine art that would have made Machiavelli proud. Take for instance what she did in Karnataka after the Janata Party's Ramakrishna Hegde formed the state's first non-Congress government in 1983. She allowed state Congress MP Nanje Gowda to publicly announce a "deadline" for toppling Hegde. Nanje Gowda's bizarre announcement made many of Hegde's MLAs wonder if their government would survive and whether they should defect to the Congress. Then rumours were spread that legislators were deserting Hegde. What Indira apparently expected to happen is what psychologists call the "bandwagon effect": The human tendency to go where others are going or are thought to be going. It has been proved often enough that with negotiable loyalties, many elected representatives in India are no better than wind vanes, ready to let themselves be blown in the general direction of the political winds. Nanje Gowda's deadline also left people wondering whether he had Indira's sanction for what he was doing. She was silent about the whole thing because if things got hot, she could always claim with a shrug of her shoulders that she had nothing to do with it. Her game failed in Karnataka but she institutionalised the phenomenon of throwing out Opposition governments elsewhere. When Indira was doing all this in Karnataka, BS Yeddyurappa, now the state BJP president, was a 40-year-old first-time MLA of the party, that then supported the Hegde government. What Yeddyurappa is doing now is not very different from what Congress has been doing in Karnataka and across India to topple governments. Yeddyurappa's 'deadlines' He has been setting "deadlines" for bringing down the HD Kumaraswamy government. The latest one has led to an explosion of publicity for what would normally have been a quiet operation of manoeuvring defections. In the minds of many, the media blitz over Yeddyurappa's so-called Operation Lotus has raised doubts about how long the government will last. What added to these doubts was the withdrawal of support for the government by two Independents, bringing down the alliance's strength to 117 in a House of 224. There is talk of more MLAs dumping Kumaraswamy. But Yeddyurappa needs at least 14 more MLAs of the alliance to resign from the Assembly (in view of the anti-defection law) or abstain from voting in case of a vote of confidence to be able to stake his claim to form an alternative government. That seems a tall order at least for now, but Yeddyurappa is hoping for the "bandwagon effect" to take place to trigger more defections that will reduce the coalition to a minority. But a mind game can be a two-way affair and can even backfire on the first mover. On its part, the Congress is spreading rumours of BJP MLAs ditching the party, taking the wind out of the saffron party's sails a bit. The departure of two MLAs from the coalition, however, means that it's BJP that has won the first round. Disenchantment within the alliance is so high that it would be of little surprise if a few Congress MLAs quit the party, but the number may not be big enough to cause the governments fall. Thats what makes Kumaraswamy express supreme confidence over continuing in office, although some of his colleagues are not prepared to share his optimism. Congress greed versus BJP greed The troubles of the Congress-JD(S) alliance, no doubt, are of its own making. The naked greed for power has left many MLAs, especially those of the Congress, seething with frustration. And those who couldn't make it to the ministry in the 22 December cabinet expansion could no longer take it. Then, the BJP's own greed for power took over. It was hardly surprising that Congress dissidents turned into sitting ducks for the BJP to poach. With the prey winking, the predator couldnt resist the temptation. What Yeddyurappa wants Yeddyurappa is indulging in the poaching exercise despite opposition to it from a substantial section of his own party. The opponents of this project are of two kinds. One group hates it because it detests Yeddyurappa and whatever he does. The last thing it wants is to have him back as the chief minister. The second group of leaders don't want it because they think the party must focus all its energies on doing well in the next Lok Sabha election instead of shopping for Congress MLAs and forming government. But Yeddyurappa is desperate to try his luck to become chief minister once again. He was the chief minister thrice in the past. The first time around in 2007, he lasted only seven days in the top job, because JD(S), that had allied with the BJP at that time, pulled the rug out from under his feet. The second time, he was the chief minister for three years and two months between 2008 and 2011, but had to resign following corruption charges. The third time, he lasted six days after the Assembly election last year, but quit after he failed to cobble together enough MLAs. So he now wants a fourth and final chance in a hurry: He is 76, after all. Why Amit Shah wants it Its foolish to even imagine that Yeddyurappa lacks the approval of party national president Amit Shah for Operation Lotus. Like Indira in the past, Shah is staying aloof from the Karnataka operation, just in case things go awry. A tacit, unstated approval is less risky. Dislodging the Kumaraswamy government, besides suiting Yeddyurappa's personal ambitions, fits perfectly into Shah and the BJP's scheme of things. Getting rid of the government in Karnataka would mean cutting off an important source of election funds for the Congress in the next Lok Sabha election. Of the five states and one Union Territory in which the Congress is in power, Karnataka is the biggest source of slush money. And for BJP, Karnataka is the only state in the South where it can hope for a Lok Sabha seat tally in double digits. In 2014, it won 17 of the state's 28 seats with a 43 percent vote share. In the 2018 Assembly polls, the party emerged as the single largest party, although its popular vote fell to 36.3 percent. By choking the cash supply for the Congress, the BJP hopes to do better in the Lok Sabha election in the state. A fall of the coalition government would also add grist to BJPs propaganda mill, giving the party ample chance to go to town about the vulnerability of a national anti-BJP Mahagathbandhan that is in the making. Besides, depriving Yeddyurappa of a chance to realise his ambition to become the chief minister for the last time will infuriate the Lingayat leader. With all the factionalism and organisational disarray in the Karnataka BJP, the central leadership knows one thing: The party is in a mess in the state with Yeddyurappa at the helm but could be worse off without him. The author tweets @sprasadindia While the National Conference seemingly lacks credible faces to give the Peoples Democratic Party a tough fight in its bastion, this election could throw up a surprise. Chawalgam, Kulgam: On Tuesday afternoon, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah arrived in Kulgam. Abdullah was in this village of the restive south Kashmir's Kulgam district, to chair an election rally. Things have changed in south Kashmir: a few months ago, a visit here was impossible for mainstream politicians, mainly due to the threat of militants. The politics of engagement with the grassroots had vanished as the new age insurgency took hold of Kashmir. But with the situation now changed largely due to a sweeping crackdown on militants and their sympathisers Omar looked relaxed. In Kulgam one of the areas most affected by the militancy in the southern part of the Valley a small, jubilant crowd cheered as as the former chief minister, wearing a grey pheran (a traditional Kashmiri outfit) and tan shoes, began speaking. Omar struck all the right notes. Our endeavour would instead be to embrace the youth and not abandon them. To understand the problems of people, their grievances and why, since 2014, so many youth are taking up guns rather than joining the mainstream. We would like to understand that anger and try to address it, Omar said. It was the biggest rally since 2016, Imran Nabi Dar, the National Conference (NC) leader from south Kashmir, said. While the NC seemingly lacks credible faces to give the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a tough fight in its bastion, this election could throw up a surprise. Attacking Governor Satya Pal Malik for his remarks that there was nothing like Operation All-Out in Kashmir, Omar said he and his party, if given a mandate, would never allow such operations which become a reason for peoples' sufferings. The crackdowns, killings or excesses, whatever you call them, we wont allow such operations, Omar added. The task of returning normalcy to south Kashmir has been an uphill one for security forces and politicos. Although under the strict watch of security agencies, regional parties are now attempting to fill the void created by the past three years of turmoil. And the party that risks engagement in south Kashmir is likely to benefit electorally. South Kashmir is an open field, Gul Mohammad Wani, a professor of political science at Kashmir University, said. This is because of the lack of serious engagement for the past three years by reluctant political parties. Those that engage, not just with the youth, but also with the victims of violence, could benefit electorally. Earlier, PDP was blamed because they were in government and south was its bastion. However, as elections approach, every political party wants to engage in this region because it could throw up an electoral surprise. Which is what is giving the PDP, which won 11 out of 16 seats in south Kashmir in the 2014 Assembly elections, sleepless nights (NC won two seats, the Congress won two and the CPM won one). The anger against the PDP could play a part in driving voters to the polls on election day. But PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti isn't about to let that happen. While Omar was addressing the rally, Mehbooba was in Anantnag where she spent two days and a night meeting the public at the garrisoned Dak Bungalow. Political stalwarts said Mehboobas party might not make much impact in the other areas of the Valley, but south Kashmir remains her bastion. Dozens arrived to meet Mehbooba, many asking the former chief minister to get their sons, who are languishing in jails, released. In south Kashmir, one PDP activist told Mehbooba every police station has at least 50 people slapped with Public Safety Act for "no reason". Mehbooba promised to help. Not just with the Hurriyat, but the government should hold a dialogue with militant leadership too. Because they are the ones who have guns and they only can stop the violence, Mehbooba said later, speaking to reporters in Anantnag, in a statement clearly targeted at the youth. It is this usual political activity that has been missing in south Kashmir for the past three years. However, the venues remain under full glare of the security apparatus. A militant attack can never be ruled out and even though the back of new age insurgency has been broken, holding such meetings is still risky. If the party (NC) field right candidates, I think they will win this time around, said Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, who attended the Chawalgam rally. The party which takes the first step of engaging with public will benefit. It can be dangerous, but the field is open. It is strange that despite having so much security, hardly any political leader visited Kulgam in the past two years, Ghulam Nabi Ahangar, a resident of Chawalgam village said. The problem, however, is despite the previous government (PDP-BJP) being responsible for the mess, because the NC has no presence there are few options other than the PDP. However, Mufti and her party's absence could be an important factor and perhaps contribute to their defeat." The Jammu and Kashmir Police recently issued an advisory urging political parties to remain cautious during their rallies. In the past three decades of insurgency in the Valley, hundreds of political workers have been killed by militants for representing New Delhi at the grassroots. The NC, which ruled Kashmir for decades, faced the brunt of these killings, with hundreds of its workers being killed. When the Kashmir unrest broke out in 2016 and close to 100 people joined the new age insurgency, scores of NC workers fled after militants broke into their homes, beat them with sticks and ordered them to tender public apologies and dissociate from mainstream politics. Just a few months ago, the dark era of the early 90s seemed to have returned in Kashmir. However, slowly and surely, mainstream politics is seemingly reclaiming the space it was forced to cede to separatists. The wheels of the mainstream had been halted, PDP spokesperson Najmu Saqib said on Tuesday. But now we are back. Our leadership spent one night and two days in every district. It is going to be a massive outreach, but we are being careful. A single bullet can undo all of our work. Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to create a non-BJP, non-Congress 'third federal front,' received a huge push as his party TRS, led by his son KT Rama Rao, met YSR Congress president YS Jaganmohan Reddy. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to create a "third federal front," of political outfits other than the BJP and Congress received a boost as TRS chief KT Rama Rao met YSR Congress president YS Jaganmohan Reddy in Hyderabad Wednesday. Accompanying TRS president KT Rama Rao were MP Vinod Kumar a senior party leader and general secretary Palla Rajeshwar Reddy. The meeting, a significant step towards the federal front, occurred at Reddy's Lotus Pond residence in Hyderabads upscale Banjara Hills neighbourhood, reported India Today. After the meeting, Rao spoke in praise of his father's efforts to build a third front and Reddy's readiness to be a part of it. "I called up Jagan (Jaganmohan Reddy) on Tuesday and asked for a meeting to discuss the federal front. He immediately agreed. So here we are," Rao, also known as KTR, said in a press conference after the meeting. Jaganmohan Reddy too spoke in praise of "any front that asks for special category status for the two states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh." "The number of MPs representing these states needs to rise if the voices of these states are going to be heard. The attempt by KCR to create a situation that will go on to form a third front is laudable," Reddy said. The move on TRS's part to reach out to YSR Congress is not a surprise as both parties have hinted on their willingness to work with each other to defeat the government of Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh, reported News18. "We want to join hands with anyone who believes that there needs to be change in national politics. KCR himself has met many leaders across the country," said Rao. K Chandrasekhar Rao is often called 'KCR' by followers. He met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and also Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik, seeking to drum up support for the federal front. With inputs from ANI The situation in MP seems tailor-made for the sort of manipulation for which the BJP has become under its current dispensation The Congress has a precarious minority government in Madhya Pradesh, falling short of the majority mark by two seats at a tally of 114. Its government is shored up by two MLAs of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), one of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and four Independens. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 107 seats in the Assembly. The situation seems tailor-made for the sort of manipulation for which the BJP has become under its current dispensation. Thus, amidst swirling speculation that the BJP is trying to bring down the alliance government in Karnataka, evidenced by the fact that two Independent MLAs withdrew support to the government, faint rumours are trickling in to the effect that manipulations are also in the making in Madhya Pradesh. It has been reported that Congress leaders fear that machinations are underfoot to bring down the Madhya Pradesh government. The question is now about how the BJP will go about doing that. Let's start with the Independents. The four of them, we can presume, have no particular political loyalty either way, so their actions will be guided purely on the basis of self-interest. This, in effect, means that whichever party offers them a better deal will get their support. It is well known that the BJP's war chest is much larger than the one the Congress possesses. So, if it boils down to which party can offer them more money, the BJP is in pole position to buy their loyalty. But deal-making in politics does not always boil down simply to who can fork out more. The other factor that comes into play is what either party can offer by other means. One of the Independent MLAs has been inducted into the Cabinet, which gives him a decent incentive to stay on the side he has presently chosen. Chief Minister Kamal Nath is an old hand at manipulation. He can presumably offer the others gratification by other means. And many are available by way of lucrative positions outside the government. Thus, it would be premature to say that the BJP is a frontrunner for winning their affections. The fact that all four Independent MLAs have become associate members of the Congress may not count for much, but the numbers do. For the BJP to form government, it needs to win over the two BSP and lone SP member as well. Certainly, in the current climate, the BSP and the SP, who have just forged an anti-BJP alliance in Uttar Pradesh, will neither switch sides nor oblige the BJP by just withdrawing support. That would be politically disastrous. In other words, the Independent MLAs will not be able to dislodge this government by switching sides and thus, have nothing to gain by doing so. Nath's government seems safe, which is why he seems confident enough to say that the BJP should protect its own house first. And, given developments in various parts of the country, well it might. Let's begin with the BJP's situation in Maharashtra. In 2014, in alliance with the Shiv Sena, the BJP won 23 seats and its allies won 18 making it 41 out of 48 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) won four seats and the Congress two, contesting separately. A look at the vote shares of these main parties is instructive. The BJP won 27.3 percent of the vote and the Shiv Sena 20.6 that equals almost 49 percent. The Congress got 18.1 percent and the NCP got 17.3 that equals 35.4 percent. Given that all the political configurations remain equal, obviously the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance will walk away with most of the seats in this year's Lok Sabha elections. But all things are not equal. On the Opposition side, the Congress and NCP stitched up an alliance for the impending elections last year, well in time to run a coordinated campaign. It has now been reported that they have agreed on a formula to share 45 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Moreover, Raju Shetti's Swabhimaani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) looks set to join the alliance, alongside the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist). While the SSS and BVA may not command a huge share of the vote, they have considerable influence, which can affect outcomes. This alliance will not be a pushover. But that is not the main part of the story, which is the relationship between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. The latter has been constantly sniping at the BJP and especially its leadership on a variety of issues. Most recently, it has warned the ruling party at the Centre not to try and make political capital of the chargesheets filed against Kanhaiya Kumar and others. Its mouthpiece, Saamna, frequently issues trenchantly critical editorials against the BJP. Most important, however, is the fact that the Shiv Sena has been threatening for a while now that it is going to go solo in the impending Lok Sabha elections and the threat has been made frequently. However, it hasn't followed up on these threats with action and continues to be a fairly loyal ally. But the sniping and the threats seem to be taking a toll on the relations between the allies. It could well be that the Sena is just trying to soften up the BJP with an eye on the seat-sharing talks that are bound to come soon and that the alliance will endure. The question, however, is how well it will work if acrimonious negotiations top an already soured relationship. The saffron camp does not look a happy family in contrast to a rejuvenated Opposition. All things considered, the momentum in the new year does not seem to be with the BJP anymore, which is why, according to reports, it is trying to raise another Narendra Modi wave to win the election. But the situation has changed completely between 2014 and 2019: Whether or not a new wave will be possible and whether if one is raised, it will sweep the country are doubtful propositions. Flood embankments built along the Karnali in India have exacerbated disastrous floods and made people more vulnerable By Ramesh Bhushal Also read: Abandoned by Nepal and China, the Hilsa village lives in fear of floods Amid politicking, Nepal's largest dam project has left locals in limbo for decades Himalayas witness unabated construction as authorities ignore looming climate change issues Sixty-two-year-old Parashnath Kashyap had to move home three times in two decades due to floods and erosion along the Ghaghara river in the Bahraich district of northern Indias Uttar Pradesh state. Sir, how different our life was 20 years ago..., said Parashnath, dragging a charpai (woven bed) under the shade of a tree behind the left embankment of the Ghaghara river in Jogapurwa 30 kilometres west of Bahraich city. In 2000, severe floods washed away his familys land, so they moved about a kilometre east. The flood in 2002 forced them to move again. In 2008, they moved a kilometre away again and then stayed there behind the embankment, encroaching on some private and government land. Its like hide and seek; we move as the river moves, he said. As we walked about half a kilometre to see the large flood plains that were once farmland, he said, For years, we have danced as the river does, but with our eyes full of tears. The Ghaghara the name of the Karnali river once it reaches India is part of the Ganga basin. The Gangetic plains of northern India are one of the most flood-affected regions in the world. About 93 million people were affected by floods in the Ganga basin between 2000 and 2014. According to a 2018 report from the International Water Management Institute, there were 326 extreme flood events in the Ganga basin between 1980 to 2015, resulting in 67,000 casualties. Of these, 212 floods were in India, 74 in Bangladesh and 40 in Nepal. China accounts for 4 percent of the basin, but there is almost no information about floods there, the report states. Map by Stefano Wrobleski/Earth Journalism Network Burgeoning problems After the river engulfed more land in Jogapurwa of Uttar Pradesh, the number of people living in temporary settlements has grown. This has led to a web of social problems in recent years. People living far from the embankment (our relatives) dont want to get their daughters to marry our boys as we live in a very vulnerable situation, said Parashnath. He knew that problems would worsen when he was first displaced in 2000, so he married off his daughters as early as possible while he had some money left. As he lost his land, his economic condition deteriorated. We have land certificates but we are landless because the river is flowing over where we used to live, he said. Image by Nabin Baral Most of the younger generation have migrated to bigger cities in Punjab or Delhi to look for work. The result of the exodus is visible. The majority of people we saw in the villages as we travelled through were women, the elderly and children. Image by Nabin Baral We cultivate some vegetables on the sandy land in the dry season. You cant imagine how big this river is in the monsoon, said Kamlesh Kashyap, another victim of the floods. This land is far from where they live, so their vegetables are often stolen or eaten by animals. If boys were here, they could guard the land at night, but women cant because its very unsafe, Parashnath Kashyap said. Displaced people who move to the cities have access only to low-status and low-income jobs, like dish-washing or toilet cleaning, since very few had been to school, Kashyap explained. The farming community has been totally devastated. As we started talking to the residents, we saw children who should have been in school. Most of them have to herd animals, so their parents are reluctant to send them to school, Kashyap added. These children dont have enough to eat either. Parents are forced to sell most of the milk from their cows or buffaloes, said Dhrub Kumar, director of Panchasheel Development Trust, which works with displaced communities. Image by Nabin Baral The Uttar Pradesh governments attempts to relocate displaced communities have largely failed due to a lack of understanding of their long-term needs. A decade ago, the government provided land for people in Jogapurwa to construct houses, but the land was too far away from where they farmed. Its about 10-15 kilometres from here and the land is just enough to build houses, so where do we keep our animals? Where do we produce food, how do we survive? Parashnath said. So his family decided to stay in the hope that Ghaghara would change course someday and they would get back to their land. Some people moved to the government-provided land, but later they returned to the embankment. We are all low caste people, but the new land was dominated by higher caste people, so we were afraid we would be harassed, said 56-year-old Chandran Bhaal. Image by Nabin Baral Are embankments solving problems? The Karnali river traverses the mountains from Tibet through Nepal and becomes the Ghaghara in Uttar Pradesh in northern India. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most flood affected states in India after Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Orissa. About 16 kilometres below the Nepal border in Kailali district, Girijapuri barrage was built in the late 70s to divert water for irrigation to central Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow and Varanasi. Much of the water is diverted west to the Sharada river another tributary of the Ganga. We are killing this river by diverting most of the water for irrigation and leaving the downstream areas dry. More than 80 kilometres of embankments have been built along the river and more are under planning, said Dhrub Kumar. According to the studies, the Ghaghara started shifting course particularly after 1995. The Gangetic plains are relatively flat, and after the steep decline from the Himalayas, the rivers shift course in the plains fairly easily, especially when they swell during the monsoons. According to the National Disaster Management Authority of India, about 2.7 million hectares out of 24.1 million hectares of land in the state are affected by floods every year, with an estimated loss of more than Rs 4 billion (USD 57 million). After the massive flood in 2000, floods have caused increasingly more damage. Debates about whether embankments are the right way to deal with floods are not new, but the problem is getting bigger, as more money has been invested in this solution over the past decades. Karen Benette is a geo-morphologist who has spent more than 35 years studying rivers with the US Forest Service. She travelled as a member of our expedition team from Tibet to India down the Karnali/Ghaghara and argues that these structures are temporary fixes. The government is trying to train the river to stay in one channel by putting rocks or embankments on the side. Sometimes it works for a while, but ultimately, they will fail, Benette said. It looks like you are doing something but when water cuts through and it will eventually floods will be more violent in the long run, she added. Image by Nabin Baral Bloated corruption Many argue it is only the corrupt contractors, bureaucrats, technocrats and politicians who have benefited, making billions from constructing embankments despite the failure to curb the floods. Long-term solutions are not a priority, but immediate relief and embankments have always been a priority. It clearly shows that money is the motivation behind [embankment building], said Ajit Dixit, a journalist based in Cornelganj in Gonda district, south of Bahraich. Governments are supposed to protect people but many say they are not moving in the right direction. The best way is to maintain the river channels in their natural course and keep the communities away as much as possible, Benette added. While the population is growing rapidly and land encroachments near the rivers have become a serious problem, this seems impossible. It is easy for people to settle in these areas, and this leaves them vulnerable to the inevitable floods as the choked river overflows. Image by Nabin Baral If we invest the amount of money we have been investing in embankments, I think its possible to resettle villages in safe places. But as it is a politically motivated move, its not going to happen, Dhrub Kumar said. While the construction of embankments started during British rule, the majority were built after Indias independence in 1947. According to the World Bankss 2014 report, about 16,200 kilometres of embankments were constructed between 1954 and 1997 in India alone, and authorities claim this has protected about 17 out of 40 million hectares of flood prone lands along the Ganga. This shows the scale of the problem. There isnt one solution, but it is important to build a better understanding of rivers and planning should be done accordingly, otherwise the huge investment will be futile and [flood] threats wont be reduced, Benette added. This story is jointly published by thethirdpole.net and Nepali Times. The Third Pole is a multilingual platform dedicated to promoting information and discussion about the Himalayan watershed and the rivers that originate there. This report was originally published on thethirdpole.net and has been reproduced here with permission. CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising the party-led government in Kerala over the Sabarimala row and claimed his statements amounted to 'contempt of court' Bhopal: CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury Wednesday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for criticising the party-led government in Kerala over the Sabarimala row and claimed his statements amounted to "contempt of court". Addressing a gathering of BJP workers in Kollam Tuesday, Modi had said the conduct of Kerala's CPM-led LDF government on the Sabarimala issue would go down in the history as one of the "most shameful behaviours by any party and government". Modi had also said the Congress and Communists were talking about gender justice in the Sabarimala issue but their actions were "just opposite". Yechury condemned Modi for his remarks. "He charged the elected government in Kerala with not paying attention to public sentiments. The issue was that the Supreme Court has ordered that women (of all ages) be given equal rights as far as entry in Sabarimala temple is concerned," he told reporters in Bhopal. "No elected government has any other option but to implement a Supreme Court order. Now the prime minister of the country is saying why the Supreme Court's order was implemented," he said. Yechury said the prime minister had taken an oath of the Constitution, which said the apex court's orders have to be implemented, especially by the elected governments. "We believe the prime minister's speech amounted to contempt of court. Now the Supreme Court has to take cognisance about this, but this doesn't look possible," he said. The veteran Communist termed Modi as a "demolition man", saying he has "demolished institutions and economy of the country". Yechury alleged the RSS and the BJP were violating the law in Kerala and had turned Sabarimala into "Ayodhya of South India" by polarising people on religious grounds. The CPM leader ruled out any national-level pre-poll alliance with the Congress and favoured state-specific tie-ups to take on the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He said "an anti-BJP, secular and democratic alliance" is possible after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "Those against Modiji are facing legal action," Yechury said when asked about the chargesheet filed against former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the 2016 JNU sedition case. Speaking to the media, the nuns said the notice was issued to 'weaken the case' against bishop Mulakkal. The four nuns who protested against rape accused bishop Franco Mulakkal were on Wednesday asked to leave the Kuravilangad convent by the Missionaries of Jesus. The notice sent to the nuns, which included a reminder regarding their transfer orders issued in May 2018, comes just a week after the appointment of a special public prosecutor by the Kerala government. This move may slow down the trial of bishop Mulakkal in which the nuns might testify. The notice sent by Sister Rejeena Kadamthott, mother general of Missionaries of Jesus, stated that the nuns' actions violated the congregation's code of conduct and were against the traditions and values of the Church and Canon law. "Even as you and a few other MJ members continue to feel no qualms in issuing mala fide public statements and circulate baseless stories tarnishing the image of the MJ congregation and portraying the mother general and other members as 'enemies of those who are fighting for their justice', I have been ensuring that the congregation continues supporting you all with food, accommodation and cost of medical treatment as required", the letter to Sister Josephine read. All four nuns were sent separate letters, which stated that they ignored a previous transfer order dated May 2018 and continued to live in the convent. As per the 2018 transfer order, Sister Anupama Kelamangalathuveliyil, who led the agitation, was transferred to Punjab; Sister Josephine Villoonnickal to Jharkhand; Sister Alphy Pallasseril was transferred to Bihar and Sister Ansitta Urumbil to a convent in Kannur district. Sister Nina Rose, who took part in the protest at Vanchi Square near the Kerala High Court, was not included in the notice issued from the Missionaries of Jesus headquarters in Punjab's Jalandhar. But Sister Anupama struck a defiant note. "We will reply to the letter of the mother general," she said. "We will not leave the convent." Sister Anupama added that whatever the consequences, the nuns would continue to stay at the Kuravilangad convent. "We feel this is a disciplinary action against us," she said. The notice, served to the nuns on 10 January the day after the special public prosecutor was appointed was dated 3 January. Speaking to the media, the nuns said the notice was issued to "weaken the case" against bishop Mulakkal. They also accused the Church of wanting to split them up, weaken their unity and of mentally torturing the survivor. "We will continue to stand with the survivor," the nuns told the media. The Kerala High Court recently directed the police to offer the nuns protection in light of some threatening phone calls. The police protection was later withdrawn due to "practical considerations" involving the convent. The police even asked the authorities to have a separate, safe room for the nuns, but this was not implemented. The nuns are reportedly being sidelined at the convent. Sister Lucy Kalappura, the nun who recently received a letter stating she had "violated the rules of the congregation by spending money without permission and knowledge of her superiors" from the Franciscan Clarist Congregation, dubbed the notice "cruel" and said it was intended to "mentally weaken the survivor". "This is a disciplinary action," Sister Lucy said. "The world is seeing the acts of the Kerala Catholic Church, which is against humanity. The notice is clear evidence of the Church's anti-democratic and anti-woman attitude, and this shows the strong hold bishop Mulakkal still has in the Church hierarchy." In November 2018, bishop Jacob Manathodath, the Apostolic Administrator of Ernakulam (Ankamali Archdiocese), issued a letter of warning to Father Augustine Vattoly, who led the Vanchi Square agitation against bishop Mulakkal. The Kerala government arrested bishop Mulakkal after a huge public outcry. Bishop Mulakkal is now in Jalandhar after being granted conditional bail by the Kerala High Court. On Sunday, carcasses of 16 puppies were found in plastic bags in front of a hostel at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata's Sealdah. Preliminary reports had said the puppies were beaten to death. Kolkata: Two nursing students were arrested on Tuesday after they apparently confessed to their involvement in the killing of 16 puppies at a hospital premises in Kolkata, an incident that had outraged animal lovers in the city. Acting on an FIR lodged on Monday, the police had identified some students and security guards on the basis of CCTV footage and interrogated them for hours. Of them, two nursing students admitted to their involvement in the crime and they were arrested, Entally Police Station officer-in-charge Supriyo Pal said. On Sunday, carcasses of 16 puppies were found in plastic bags in front of a hostel at the state-run Nil Ratan Sircar (NRS) Medical College and Hospital in Sealdah. Preliminary reports had said the puppies were beaten to death. The NRS hospital authorities, which had ordered an internal inquiry, said appropriate steps would be taken against those who had been arrested. Meanwhile, animal lovers from different NGOs, who had demonstrated outside the Entally Police Station on Monday, continued their protests demanding punishment to the culprits. Some of them turned restive, injuring a policeman and damaging vehicles parked outside, the police said. On Sunday, an adult dog, who was found in a critical condition nearby, was taken away for treatment by an animal lover. Kolkata Municipal Corporation Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh had said the civic body would also inquire into the incident. Stepping up his efforts to form a non-BJP non-Congress federal front, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that the TRS would hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope the party into it. Hyderabad: Stepping up his efforts to form a non-BJP non-Congress federal front, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said that the TRS would hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope the party into it. Rao deputed the party's working president and his son KT Rama Rao and other senior leaders to hold talks on Wednesday with the leader of the opposition in Andhra Pradesh, YS Jaganmohan Reddy, a release from the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) said. "TRS president and the chief minister decided to hold talks with YSR Congress party on the issue of joining hands for the federal front. TRS party's working president KT Rama Rao, senior leader and MP Vinod Kumar and general secretary Palla Rajeshwar Reddy were asked to hold discussions with Jaganmohan Reddy," the release said. KCR, as he is popularly known, had met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on January 10 as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a "non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. Rao had also met Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik, seeking to drum up support for the federal front. The TRS returned to power in the December 7 2018 assembly elections, winning 88 seats in the 119-member Telangana Assembly, pushing the Congress to a distant second position with 19 seats. The BJP won in only one segment. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the appointment of M Nageshwar Rao as interim director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The matter will be heard next week. The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the appointment of M Nageshwar Rao as interim director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). A public interest litigation, seeking quashing of Rao's appointment order issued on 10 January, was filed in the apex court on Monday. Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi Wednesday admitted the plea and posted the matter for next week. Rao, who is currently the agency's additional director, was given the charge of CBI interim chief on 10 January till the appointment of a new director. A high-powered committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Alok Kumar Verma on the same day as the CBI director on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. The petition challenging Rao's appointment, filed by NGO Common Cause and RTI activist Anjali Bhardwaj, has sought laying down of specific mechanisms to ensure transparency in the process of appointment of CBI director. The petition alleged that Rao's appointment was not made on the basis of recommendations of the high-powered selection committee, comprising the prime minister, the leader of the single largest Opposition party and the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the apex court nominated by him. "In fact, it appears that the committee was completely bypassed and had no role in the appointment of Rao, thereby rendering the appointment illegal as it is in violation of the procedure for appointment of Director, CBI laid down in the DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act," the plea, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, said. It stated that the order of 23 October last year appointing Rao as the interim CBI director was quashed by the top court on 8 January but the government has "acted in a completely mala fide, arbitrary and illegal manner" to appoint him again in "complete contravention" of the DSPE Act. The plea also sought a direction to the Centre to appoint a regular CBI director forthwith by following the procedure laid down in accordance with the provision of DSPE Act, as amended by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Besides this, the petition has sought a direction to the government to ensure that "all records of deliberations and rational criteria related to short-listing and selection of the director, CBI, be properly recorded and made available to citizens in consonance with the provisions of the RTI Act". It said the government should ensure transparency in short-listing, election and appointment process of CBI director by publicly disclosing, including through the website, the procedure and rational criteria for short-listing candidates, if any short-listing is done. The plea sought a direction to the Centre that the process of selecting CBI director, including composition, mandate and minutes of the meetings of the search committee, should be disclosed publicly along with names of short-listed candidates so that people can inform the panel of any significant adverse information they may have about any such candidate. It said that the minutes of the meetings of the selection committee should be publicly disclosed and recording of facts to indicate how the selected candidates are best suited for the post, disclosure of this information according to the provisions of the RTI Act after the appointment has been made should be there. "In so far as the appointment of the Director, CBI is concerned, the Government of India has failed to adopt proper procedures to ensure transparency in the short-listing, selection and appointment," the plea said. It claimed that lack of transparency in appointment of CBI director prevents any public scrutiny of the process and allows the "government to exercise undue influence" in the appointment process especially at the stage of short-listing of candidates. Detailing the sequence of events relating to the appointment of Rao as the interim CBI director, the plea alleged that the entire process was "mala fide" as the government wanted to "appoint its own choice as CBI Director in the interim". It said that independence and insulation of the CBI from government influence was key to ensuring its proper functioning. "The Government of India has attempted to stifle the independence of the institution of the CBI by appointing the Director of the CBI in an arbitrary and illegal manner," the plea claimed. With inputs from PTI The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Maharashtra government on a plea challenging the Bombay High Court order which had refused to restrain authorities from taking steps regarding the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial project in Arabian Sea. New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Maharashtra government on a plea challenging the Bombay High Court order which had refused to restrain authorities from taking steps regarding the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial project in Arabian Sea. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice SK Kaul issued notices on the plea which has challenged the 2 November, 2018, order of the high court. Advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, who appeared for Maharashtra, said that while issuing a notice on the plea, the bench orally told him to ask the authorities not to proceed with the construction activity there. The petitioner NGO, Conservation Action Trust, had moved the high court challenging the 23 February, 2015 order of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) granting environmental and coastal regulation zone clearance to the Rs 3,600 crore project in Mumbai. It had sought interim relief that stay should be granted on the order and the authorities restrained from taking further steps with regard to the project. The petitioner had claimed in the high court that an amendment in a clause of the Coastal Zone Notification 2011 by a 1 7 February, 2015, notification of the MoEF&CC was "illegal" as it permitted the Centre to dispense with the requirement of public hearing in such projects. The state government had opposed the plea in the high court and had said that clearances were taken for the project from different authorities. It had argued that final environmental and CRZ clearance of 23 February, 2015, was granted by the MoEF&CC after a detailed study and after ascertaining the compliance of all requirements and after following proper procedure. The high court, while rejecting the petitioner's request for interim relief, had noted in its order that the state has said that the memorial project does not involve rehabilitation and resettlement of public, and the site is located away from human habitation. "It also cannot be overlooked that the project is considered by the state government to be of national importance," the high court had noted in its order. The BJP committed a 'sin' by aligning with PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti who called Afzal Guru a martyr like Kanhaiya Kumar, the Shiv Sena said in its party mouthpiece Saamana. Mumbai: The Shiv Sena on Wednesday said the BJP has no moral right to criticise student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who has been charged with sedition, after teaming up with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. The Sena also asked the ruling BJP to refrain from taking political mileage from the sedition case against Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union. The BJP committed a "sin" by aligning with People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, it said, claiming that she considered Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as a martyr. The BJP was part of the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir but pulled out of the coalition last year. The Delhi Police had on Monday filed a charge sheet in a court against Kanhaiya Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus in February 2016. "The BJP committed the biggest sin of aligning with Mehbooba Mufti, who considers Afzal Guru a freedom fighter and a martyr. Now the BJP, for its own benefit, should not try and take political mileage out of the sedition case filed against Kanhaiya," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana. "A terrorist like Ajmal Kasab, convicted in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, was given a chance by court to defend himself," it said, and expressed hope that Kumar would also be given a chance to present his case. "If the allegations against him (Kanhaiya) are not true, they will not stand in court," said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. "Kanhaiya Kumar speaks well. Since he represents the harried and unemployed youth, he cannot give slogans hailing Afzal Guru or independence for Kashmir. Anyway, what moral right does the BJP have to condemn Kanhaiya Kumar?" it asked. The Sena wondered if the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, was unable to win elections in JNU as voting there was not held through the electronic voting machines (EVMs). "Maharashtra BJP minister Girish Mahajan recently claimed he will show his magic wherever he is sent and make sure his party wins polls. We request the BJP to send him to JNU to defeat the anti-nationals there. But tell him that elections in JNU are not held through EVMs," it said sarcastically. The selection panel which is to decide on the new CBI director will meet on 24 January to take its decision. The panel comprises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. The selection committee which will decide on the new CBI director will meet on 24 January to take a final decision on the appointment. The committee comprises of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. According to a report published in The Print, Kharge, who had earlier asked the committee to meet on 25 and 26 January has given his assent to the PMO's suggestion to convene the meeting on 24 January. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear next week a plea by an NGO challenging the 10 January order of the government appointing IPS officer M Nageswara Rao as interim director of the CBI. The matter was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice Gogoi. CBI's Additional Director Rao was given the charge of interim chief on 10 January till the appointment of a new director after the selection committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi removed Alok Kumar Verma as the chief of the probe agency on charges of corruption and dereliction of duty. Kharge, however, had dissented against the move. The plea in the Supreme Court had sought a direction to the Centre to appoint a regular CBI director forthwith by following the procedure laid down in accordance with the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, as amended by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. Besides this, the petition also sought a direction to the government to ensure that "all records of deliberations and rational criteria related to shortlisting and selection of the director of CBI, be properly recorded and made available to citizens in consonance with the provisions of the RTI Act". The plea said that the government should ensure transparency in the process of shortlisting, selection and the appointment of CBI director by publicly disclosing, including through the website, the procedure and rational criteria for shortlisting candidates, if it is done. The plea also sought a direction to the Centre that the process of selecting CBI director, including composition, mandate and minutes of the meetings of the search committee, should be disclosed publicly along with names of shortlisted candidates so that people can inform the panel of any significant adverse information they may have about any such candidate. The plea has claimed that the lack of transparency in the appointment of CBI director prevents any public scrutiny of the process and allows the "government to exercise undue influence" in the appointment process especially at the stage of shortlisting of candidates. Detailing the sequence of events relating to the appointment of Rao as the interim CBI director, the plea alleged that the entire process was "mala fide" as the government wanted to "appoint its own choice as CBI Director in the interim". With inputs from PTI What has really ruffled feathers within the judiciary is that the Collegium actually revisited an earlier order, which had names of more senior judges, and revoked it. The Supreme Court collegium is in the midst of controversy again. This time, the forum comprising five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court including the Chief Justice of India, face flak for recommending the elevation of two judges to the apex court, in the process, superseding at least 32 others who rank higher in seniority. The collegium members have faced criticism from the members of the judiciary. But that's not quite the gist of the row. What has really ruffled feathers within the judiciary is that the collegium actually revisited an earlier order, which had names of more senior judges, and revoked it. What is the controversy? The collegium consisting Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices Madan B Lokur, AK Sikri, SA Bobde, and NV Ramana met on 12 December, 2018, and decided on appointments to the apex court. However, after Justice Lokur retired on 31 December, the new Collegium, now including Justice Arun Mishra met again on 10 January, and revoked the earlier decision and recommended fresh names. This change in resolution stopped the elevation of Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog and Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon to the Supreme Court. Instead, the names of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sanjeev Khanna of Delhi High Court were added to the list of recommendations being sent to the Cabinet for further approval and presidential assent. The pretext for revisiting the old order was that "the required consultation could not be undertaken and completed as the winter vacation of the Court intervened." The new resolution also stated that by the time the court re-opened, the composition of the collegium underwent a change and hence after extensive 'consultations' it was decided to revisit the matter "and also to consider the proposals in the light of the additional material". The term "required consultation" here is explained in a subclause of the memorandum showing the procedure for appointment of the CJI and judges of the Supreme Court of India. It states, "The CJI would ascertain the views of the senior-most judge in the Supreme Court, who hails from the High Court from where the person recommended comes, but if he does not have any knowledge of his merits and demerits, the next senior most Judge in the Supreme Court from that high court should be consulted." However, as senior advocate Prashant Bhushan points out in an article he wrote for The Wire, three judges in the Collegium at that time had worked with Chief Justice Nandrajog and one had worked with Chief Justice Menon, while three others were aware of Chief Justice Menon's functioning while having been judges in the Delhi high court. Hence, the senior-most judges who worked with the judges, whose elevation now stands thwarted, were already part of the Collegium. Therefore the need for fresh and outside consultations after the Collegium was reconstituted remains open for debate. This was a move which was frowned upon, and at least four retired senior judges have raised their objection to it. Criticism of order Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi High Court judge was the first to raise an objection on the issue. He wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind raising an objection to the manner in which the collegium took back an earlier order and promoted judges superseding 32 other senior members of the judiciary. The letter, written on Monday, mentions that Justice Khanna is the nephew of late Justice HR Khanna who was superseded after he gave a dissenting verdict during the Emergency by not supporting the view that even a fundamental right can be curtailed in certain circumstances. Just like Justice HR Khanna's supersession was termed as a "black day" in the history of the Indian judiciary, it would be another black day when there will be supersession of 32 judges who are senior to Justice Sanjiv Khanna and many of them may be no less meritorious and men of integrity than him, the letter states. In the letter, the former Delhi High Court judge also said that when he saw the news on TV channels on 11 January that the collegium has recommended elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the apex court, at first, he disbelieved it. Moreover, former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha on Wednesday said that he was surprised to know that a junior judge was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court, superseding senior judges. "What I always feel is that the collegium should act in a transparent manner, and reasons must be forthcoming why the decision was an upturn. There must be transparency. I have always believed that the collegium works as an institution. It is an institutional body; it is not an individual's decision. If the consultation or communication between the collegium was lacking, that could have been done. A junior judge was superseded to the Supreme Court, it surprises me," former CJI Lodha said in an interview to ANI. "Look, it is little disturbing," he said while replying to a question as to how unfortunate it is for the judiciary that junior judges are being recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court prior to their seniors. Reportedly, Supreme Court judge Justice SK Kaul also wrote a letter to CJI Gogoi against the elevation of Justice Khanna, ignoring the seniority of Justice Nandrajog. As per reports, Kaul said that while he had nothing against Justice Khanna, the latter could wait for his turn to be elevated. Discussion over Collegium not a first This is not the first time that the Collegium is making headlines. In January 2018, a long drawn controversy played out after the Centre sat on Collegium's suggestion to elevate Justice KM Joseph and later sent it back for reconsideration. Eventually, Joseph was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge after the collegium reiterated his name making his appointment binding on the Centre. The issue was also reportedly one of the triggers behind the unprecedented judges' press conference on 12 January 2018. The Centre was accused of delaying the file sufficiently to affect Justice Joseph's seniority, thereby impeding his elevation in the apex court in the due course of time. The senior most judge of the Supreme Court is traditionally nominated to be the Chief Justice of India, unless the Cabinet decides to supersede him. Such a move, however, is frowned upon. The seniority of a Supreme Court judge is calculated starting from the day he took the oath of office in the apex court. The unnecessary delay in Joseph's case lowered his seniority. Furthermore, when his name was finally cleared, the government mentioned him third in the list of five judges that were elevated with him. This was a small difference, but, nonetheless, contributed to further lowering Joseph's seniority. As an article in The Indian Express points out, there is no stated rule to decide the seniority of judges whose appointment orders were issued on the same date. As these orders are issued by the government in a sequence, the practice has been for the CJI to administer the oath in the same order. The article further cites an example stating ex-CJI Misra and Justice (retired) J Chelameswar were sworn in on the same day but, as Misras warrant was numbered above that of Justice Chelameswar, he was sworn in first. This ensured that he became CJI, deemed as senior to Justice Chelameswar. Before this, the merit of the entire collegium system was under scrutiny when the government unsuccessfully tried to bring in the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). The collegium system has not been set by any act in the Constitution; rather it came into being as a result of successive Supreme Court judgments when voices were raised against 'politically motivated' appointments in the upper judiciary. However, although the collegium brought greater independence in the functioning of the higher judiciary, critics argued that the process promoted nepotism and made appointments non-transparent. The Supreme Court struck down the NJAC, although it did admit to the need for greater transparency in its functioning. Justice J Chelameswar, the only judge to dissent against his colleagues, made the same point. "There is no accountability in this regard. The records are absolutely beyond the reach of any person including the judges of this court who are not lucky enough to become the Chief Justice of India. Such a state of affairs does not either enhance the credibility of the institution or good for the people of this country," Chelameswar wrote in his judgment. The Supreme Court said it would revise the current Memorandum for the appointment of judges to ensure greater transparency. But as that remains a pipe dream, the collegium system continues to function as before. With inputs from PTI and ANI The Narendra Modi governments flagship universal healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat was launched on 23 September last year to address that lacuna. Politics of malice has made universal healthcare its latest victim in India a country that ranks 145th among 195 nations in global healthcare access and quality index (2016 data by The Lancet) and is placed lower than neighbouring Bangladesh (132), sub-Saharan Sudan (136), equatorial Guinea (129), Botswana (122), Namibia (137) and even war-torn Yemen (140). One is not even considering Indias BRICS peers such as Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa. Let that sink in. The Narendra Modi governments flagship universal healthcare scheme was launched on 23 September last year to address that lacuna. Touted the worlds largest government-funded healthcare programme, Ayushman Bharat (or PMJAY) offers up to Rs 5 lakh annual insurance package in hospitalisation coverage and brings 10.74 poor families (or more than 50 crore people) under a cashless insurance cover. Data released by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel in Rajya Sabha in December 2018 reveals that PMJAY has done well. Since its launch, the scheme has benefited more than 5 lakh patients or 10,000 people daily and that number may soon go up to 30,000, reports Financial Express. In a Facebook post on 1 January to mark the 100 days of Ayushman Bharat, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley wrote that among 62.58 percent of the Indian population who are forced to fund the expenses for their healthcare, 40 percent are now under its cover. He stated that 5.1 lakh claims have so far been settled in the first 100 days amounting to 5,000 claims per day. The minister claimed that better awareness will eventually lead to 1 crore-plus families benefiting from it in the next few years. It is important to stress on these numbers because the scheme addresses two key areas for India at this stage of its development financial protection to the poor on healthcare and strengthening of the primary healthcare network. The importance of this cannot be overstated. According to a study by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which has made southeast Asia its regional priority, healthcare costs play a big part in a third of all new cases of poverty among southeast Asians each year. Borgen Magazine cites data from 2017 and 2018 to report that of the 100 million people worldwide who live in extreme poverty due to healthcare costs, at least 65 million are in southeast Asia. Not surprisingly, WHO has applauded the Modi governments universal healthcare scheme because it fits smugly with the organisations flagship Universal Health Coverage in the southeast Asia region, that has also been termed a global priority. Its director general has lavished praise on the prime minister and the Union health minister. In its first 100 days, #India's ambitious #AyushmanBharat scheme has provided free care for almost 700,000 people. I applaud Prime Minister @narendramodi and Health Minister @JPNadda for their visionary leadership for #HealthForAll. https://t.co/IAxUvIODNU Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 3, 2019 In a statement, the WHO called Indias efforts as well timed with its initiative to strengthen efforts to make universal health coverage a reality, and found merit in the Centres National Health Policy 2017 that had prioritized primary healthcare as a principal component of health system strengthening. In this context, let us now see how some states in India are treating this scheme that is crucial in laying the foundation for a better healthcare system. According to media reports, five non-BJP states have announced their disinterest in PMJAY: Naveen Patnaiks Odisha, K Chandrashekar Raos Telangana, Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government in Delhi, Congress-ruled Chhattisgarh and Mamata Banerjees West Bengal. Among these states, the cases of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal are most interesting. While providing details on allocation of PMJAY funds to states, minister Patel told Rajya Sabha in December that West Bengal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh are the largest beneficiaries of the healthcare scheme. According to the minister, the Centre has spent Rs 798.34 crore on the scheme till November end, among which TMC-ruled Bengal was allotted a total of Rs 193.34 crore (including Rs 16.78 crore administrative expenses), Bihar received Rs 188.27 crore, and Chhattisgarh Rs 114.43 crore. These details were reported in the Financial Express article mentioned above. So why did Chhattisgarh, a top beneficiary of the scheme, opt out? State health minister TS Singh Deo was quoted as saying by The Economic Times that many private hospitals are not covered under the scheme so the patients are left out. What Chhattisgarh needs is universal healthcare system. The minister claimed that we are not withdrawing because it is a BJP scheme. Ayushman Bharat is similar to the UPAs Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, and added that they are simply implementing what Congress had promised in its 2014 poll manifesto. Christopher Elias, president of the Global Development Division, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, told Hindustan Times in an interview that the promise of Ayushman Bharat lies in the fact that it addresses both financial protection as well as strengthening the primary healthcare system by building on the largest per capita of number of frontline health workers with the ASHAS (accredited social health activists), Anganwadi workers and ANMs (auxiliary nurse midwives). It remains to be seen if Chhattisgarh, which has spurned PMJAY that became quite popular in the state in a short amount of time is able to match the scope, scale, sweep and structure of the universal healthcare scheme in providing its residents with an effective alternative. Deo, the health minister, claims that the state has the manpower, but there are pitfalls. The launch of PMJAY has also spawned countless fake websites and mobile apps that cheat the customers, and the Centre has reportedly pressed into service five analytics firms to identify frauds and enable the safety and security of massive amounts of data. It would have been easier for a state like Chhattisgarh to collaborate with the Centre on ensuring that none among the poor is left out of the net. The steps taken by the Union government for smooth implementation would have benefited it in turn. By letting politics interfere with healthcare, the state has made the job more difficult for itself. West Bengals stance has been more overtly political. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has been clear in her statement that she doesnt want Modi government to take credit for the scheme which is to be shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and the states. My state will not contribute 40 percent of the funds for the Ayushman scheme. Centre has to pay the full amount if it wants to run the scheme, she told ANI last week. They are claiming to have introduced the health care scheme. Its not their money; we are paying 40 percent of it. It is the money from our states so I announce (West Bengals) withdrawal from the Ayushman Bharat scheme, she reportedly said while addressing an event in Bengals Nadia district. The West Bengal chief minister is also incensed with the fact that the Centre is sending a two-page note highlighting the features of the scheme to every beneficiary. She felt that it amounted to politicising the scheme and claimed that West Bengal doesnt need it since it already provides free healthcare to people at state hospitals. In West Bengal, people do not need to pay for treatments, the chief minister was quoted as saying. This partisan positioning not only denies masses the benefits of universal healthcare which WHO has designated as a priority area it also gives rise to bogus debates and takes the focus away from healthcare. State governments that are politically opposed to the Centre would have been better off highlighting the lacunae of the scheme and bringing it to public focus. That would have forced the Centre to plug the gaps and smoothen the implementation. Politics of spite, however, is devoid of reason. It sabotages the very people that it seeks to represent. Because it is elections season, this is an electoral issue, noted Mahoba native Hargovind Pairiya, who is of the opinion that the ruling party is doing what it can to shore up its voter base. It is only after Congress beat them in three of four places that the BJP is giving us this reservation, said Mahesh Chandra Gupta, another Mahoba resident. The immediate trigger for the Bill does seem to be the BJP facing backlash from the upper caste population in the recently concluded Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Many point to the timing of the Bill, If theyd given us this reservation before, it would have been a completely different matter. Introduced in the Lok Sabha on 8 January, the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill 2019 proposed the provision of a 10% reservation in jobs and educational institutions for the economically weaker sections (EWS) of Indian society. In a remarkably swift course of events, the Bill has seen relatively smooth passage from the Union Cabinet through the Lower and Upper Houses of the Parliament, before President Ram Nath Kovind gave it his assent on 12 January. This almost unprecedented productive week at the parliament, it seems, has got the country buzzing. Khyali Lal Shrivas, a councillor from Subhash Nagar in Mahoba, is in the chest-thumping support group, In every society, there are some who are poor. What Modi ji has given, this reservation, is great; I am in support of it. Modi ji has made a historic decision. The biggest issue is that because of caste-based reservations, poor people struggle getting access to education, said another local from Bundelkhand, Just over two or three marks, they lose out on the opportunity to enroll in good higher education centres, whether its engineering or MBBS. But with this new reservation, they may stand to benefit. This Bill seeks to amend Article 15 of the Constitution that prevents discrimination, and makes provision for the government to take special measures to promote socially and educationally backward classes. Introduced by the ruling party, this amended Bill will include economically weaker sections in Article 15, and will determine eligibility for an additional 10% reservation based on economic markers like income, agricultural land ownership and size of residential property. This is a great decision, remarked Akhilesh Tripathi, from Chitrakoot, At least the government has understood that poverty doesnt see caste. Poor people can also be savarnas, and finally some government is talking about their needs. Until now reservations in India have been on the basis of caste, which meant only people belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes were eligible. Over the years, and with greater intensity more recently, communities such as the Marathas, Jats, and Patels have taken to the streets demanding reservations, citing economic and social disadvantage. But the judiciary has reiterated the need for a 50% cap on reservations, even if it is not representational of the Indian populations demographics in which upper castes are in smaller proportions. That this Bill, however, will spill over the ceiling, and goes against the conceptual precedents of reservation, is a view that has many takers too. With 22.5% of all available seats reserved for SCs and STs, and 27% reserved for OBCs, the remaining 50.5% is where the General Castes or savarnas compete which includes everyone from the upper-castes to those in the middle of the pack. Touted as historic and supposedly in line with PM Modis 2014 campaign tagline, Development for All, the Bill faced nearly no resistance from the Opposition only three people voted against the Bill in the Lok Sabha, and seven in the Rajya Sabha. This could clearly be a political strategy no party would like to be viewed as anti-poor. The fact of this being poll year isnt lost on anybody, least of all Bundeli natives who often find themselves on election manifestos, mentioned in convenient mandate-pleasing points. Because it is elections season, this is an electoral issue, noted Mahoba native Hargovind Pairiya, who is of the opinion that the ruling party is doing what it can to shore up its voter base. It is only after Congress beat them in three of four places that the BJP is giving us this reservation, said Mahesh Chandra Gupta, another Mahoba resident. The immediate trigger for the Bill does seem to be the BJP facing backlash from the upper caste population in the recently concluded Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Many point to the timing of the Bill, If theyd given us this reservation before, it would have been a completely different matter savarnas would have supported it too. But were going to benefit from this anyway. Facing no ideological conflicts in being reduced to a pawn in electoral gambits, he said, If during campaigning season, we savarnas are getting benefits, it is a good thing. Mahobas Sanjay Kuman Valmiki raised suspicion about the timing too, It is only because of the upcoming elections that this Bill is being passed so quickly. For caste-based reservations, people had to fight for years. But for this bill, there was no struggle, it was just passed. Unlike Gupta and Pairiya, Valmiki was skeptical about the supposed benefits of this Bill in the first place. The services that the poor should ideally get, they dont even get those. Reservations only help those in positions of power or those with the right connections. Reservations dont help the poor, he added. Chitrakoots Ram Vilas Varma agreed. When everybody is in the upper echelons, nobody listens to the little guys, he said, alluding to the supposed casteless-ness of this reservation quota which is exclusively available to the forward castes, And now youre giving them the benefit of reservations. In 1979, the Mandal Commission contemplated on the need and aims of reservations. They determined the quota of 27% reservation for OBCs by focusing on ideals of social justice and inclusion that were dependent on the sharing of state power with historically and socially disadvantaged groups. The basis for their selection of Other Backward Classes was to look beyond economic criteria, towards the social and educational positioning of different groups and communities in India. In the watershed Indra Sawhney case, the Supreme Court held that using economic criteria exclusively to determine the application of reservation was unconstitutional, since the category of poor did not reflect social backwardness. A purely economic criterion would allow those on top of the social hierarchy to monopolise state power, when they already dominate the Parliament and the judiciary, counteracting the very purpose of the reservations. Romesh Dhaturaha in Chitrakoot doesnt believe the Bill is fair. There is no way this Bill is useful. If the goal is respect, then it will never be achieved in just 10%, he said, There are so many poor people, in so many communities. The relatively generous economic markers an annual income of less than 8 lakh, ownership of less than five hectares of agricultural land, residential property of less than 1,000 sq. ft, and a residential plot that is less than 109 square yards can accommodate up to 95% of the Indian population. With such a large group of competitors, one cant help but wonder how much of an improvement this would be from competing for seats in the General category, and whether this move is all but lip-service. Deepak Parihar in Chitrakoot is not optimistic about his chances, I dont think well ever get it. Ive given up all hope thats why I run a roadside shop. According to Chandrashekhar Swarankar, the ex-district head of the Samajwadi Party, Mahoba, the fundamental problem of the lack of jobs in the country remains unchanged. BJP promised to create 2 crore jobs every year, which means in their term there should have been 10 crore new jobs but they havent even come close to the target, he said. Quick to dismiss this as an electoral curveball, he added, They havent fulfilled a single promise they made during their last campaign. Outside of the creation of employment opportunities, the central government today is struggling to fill up reserved seats so even reservations cant guarantee employment. Swarankar denied the benefit of this bill to any savarnas and said firmly, The country needs jobs, not reservations. Khabar Lahariya is a women-only network of rural reporters from Bundelkhand. The lack of both re-evaluation provisions and an associated application procedure for obtaining the necessary answer scripts have a negative implication on the transparency of such a process. The Delhi High Court recently concluded the preliminary examination for Delhi Judicial Services, 2018 on 13 January. While no complaints surfaced this time around, the Delhi Judicial Service examinations (DJS) have in the past, been mired in controversy. The DJS, 2015, for instance, was challenged by 23 candidates alleging that the entire selection process and the evaluation method adopted in the Main (Written) Examination was arbitrary and unreasonable. The 2014 Delhi Judicial Service was similarly challenged for its arbitrary, non-transparent procedures which left a lot of scope for bias in selection. These challenges underscore why there is an urgent need to scrutinise the selection processes employed in various judicial service examinations. The examinations are conducted by state high courts and in some cases in consultation with State Public Service Commissions as per the requirements set out in the state judicial service rules. These rules are framed under Articles 233 and 234 of the Constitution read with Article 309 which vests all powers of recruitment and appointment with the State Public Service Commission and high courts. A recent study conducted by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, titled Discretion and Delay: Challenges in Becoming a District and Civil Judge analyses all state judicial service rules and qualitatively evaluates them on grounds of efficiency, accountability and transparency. Along with an analysis of these rules, interviews with candidates were also conducted to identify the underlying issues with the direct recruitment of Civil Judge (Junior Division) and District Judges (Direct Recruitment from the Bar). In this piece, some of these issues have been identified. Lack of clearly designated authorities The high court is responsible for conducting the examination for the direct entry of district judges whereas, for Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts, the responsibility of hiring suitable candidates is jointly held by the high court and the State Public Service Commission. A study of the various state judicial service rules revealed that apart from identifying a recruiting authority, most rules do not mention who within these bodies are responsible for conducting the examination along with their specific roles and responsibilities. This results in a lack of accountability in the entire examination process. While most high courts may have a full time designated committee conducting the recruitment, the composition, tenure and functions of such committee members are never clearly specified in the rules. Instead, these decisions are left to the discretion of the chief justice. Moreover, these duties are held only temporarily by individuals and are subject to frequent rotation. There is no binding requirement of having a full-time, dedicated staff responsible for conducting the examination. Ad-hoc procedures The uncertainty associated with these examinations is another challenge. Many states do not conduct recruitment drives on an annual basis. Further, only five states mentioned the frequency with which examinations should be held for the Civil Judge (Junior Division) cadre. Often, candidates are left waiting for the announcement of the judicial service examinations and cannot plan adequately in advance. The system thus is currently quite ad-hoc. Recruiting authorities also do not release an annual calendar at the beginning of the year detailing the timeline for the examination which would help candidates plan well ahead in time. The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts examinations for the civil services, publishes such a calendar every year. This calendar informs candidates of the dates of the various examinations at the very beginning of the year. This brings in a degree of certainty and streamlining of the examination procedure since candidates know how to devote their time to preparation. No provision for grievance redressal One major failing of the judicial service examinations is the fact that it does not have an inbuilt mechanism for grievance redressal. As a result, many avoidable issues such as problems with question papers and eligibility criteria get frequently challenged in high courts. None of the state judicial service rules has any provision of re-evaluation of answer-scripts. This was an issue that was raised in a petition challenging the DJS, 2016 Main Examination. It was argued that lack of such a provision was a violation of the principle of natural justice. Thus candidates, who want their papers re-evaluated have to file a Right to Information applications and if that is rejected for some reason, they have to litigate the matter in the high court. The lack of both re-evaluation provisions and an associated application procedure for obtaining the necessary answer scripts have a negative implication on the transparency of such a process. Establishing a grievance redressal body under these rules, along with an established procedure and timeline for responding to such requests, could easily take care of such concerns and reduce the discretion exercised by the recruiting authorities in this regard. The need of the hour, therefore, is to debate how the judiciary and State Public Service Commissions can reform their recruitment process to tackle the issues outlined above. The lack of clearly designated authorities and grievance redressal mechanisms along with ad-hoc procedures results in the creation of a system of appointment where unregulated discretion operates. In the past, centralising such examinations in the form of an All India Judicial Service has been suggested as a suitable reform. However, given that the AIJS proposal has been explicitly rejected by nine high courts, it would be a good idea for the high courts to step up and institute reforms internally. This would demonstrate their commitment to ensuring efficient recruitment. 'Whether we win or lose... we will not discriminate among people,' Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday at an event organised by a Christian body. New Delhi: "Whether we win or lose... we will not discriminate among people," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Tuesday at an event organised by a Christian body during which he also made it clear that mass conversions need to be checked across the country. Singh said he supports freedom to follow any religion but was of the opinion that a debate is needed as mass conversion is a matter of concern for any country. He said as far as the government is concerned there will not be discrimination with anybody. "I have never discriminated on the basis of caste, creed and religion in my life whether or not we get votes; whether or not we form the government; whether we win or lose. But we will never discriminate among people. This is what our prime minister feels," he said at the function organised by Rashtriya Isai Mahasangh. Singh said one cannot be in power and rule without love. "One can only rule with love. There is no other way," he added. "I would also say one thing on the Christian community. We do not want to level allegations against anybody. You may have also heard. If somebody wants to accept a religion, he should do that. There should not be any objection to it. But if mass conversion starts happening, large number of people start changing their religion, then it could be a matter of concern for any country," Singh said. He said in almost all countries, including Britain and America, minorities demand anti-conversion law. "Here (in India) I see majority demand that there should be an anti-conversion law. Then it is a matter of concern. It should not happen," Singh said. Citing a slogan in Sanskrit, the home minister said "we do not have allergy with anybody". "You want to enlighten people. This is your purpose right? 'Hum number badhane ke chakkar me kyon pade hain' (why are we for increasing the numbers?) Do we have to rule on somebody?" he asked. The programme was titled "Festival of Peace". Singh said there are attempts to create a sense of fear among people. "BJP aa gayi. Ab gadbad hoga, ye hoga wo hoga (BJP has come. Now this or that will happen). We do not want to run the country by instilling a sense of fear. We want to run this country with a sense of confidence (among people). Nobody should have a sense of alienation. This will be our efforts, he said, adding that "all are welcome in the country. Citing examples, Singh said there had been attempts to defame the NDA government. "Recently, stones were pelted at the churches. Some priests came and met me to demand security. I assured them all that those behind it will be punished. I also assured security to them. But it (stone pelting) started a month before the Assembly elections and stopped a month after that. What would you say on that? Whose conspiracy is that," he asked. Asserting that jurisdiction issues, at times, cause harassment to people, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday asked the railway ministry to start a facility by which passengers can file FIRs online. New Delhi: Asserting that jurisdiction issues, at times, cause harassment to people, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday asked the railway ministry to start a facility by which passengers can file FIRs online. "There is no facility for a passenger to file an FIR online. If somebody is travelling by train (and something happens), he needs to visit the Government Railway Police (GRP) police station to get an FIR registered. It will then go to the state, to the district and eventually to the police station concerned. There is no guarantee that he would get the desired justice," the minister said. He said there has to be a provision for the passengers to file the FIR electronically. "You (Railway Ministry official) need to discuss and decide on this (online FIR). We will provide all possible support from the Ministry of Home Affairs," he said, citing the 'crime and criminal tracking network and system or CCTNS' for the integration of state police work implemented by his ministry. Singh said he would look into whether the online filing of FIRs by railway passengers can be integrated into the CCTNS system, that allows citizens to lodge FIRs electronically. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was present at the event, said he would look into the home minister's suggestion of online filing of the FIR. According to official data, about 24,000 cases of theft are registered by railway passengers annually. In a veiled remark, Rajnath Singh asked the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to be sensitive and friendly with people. "It is expected from all police personnel. Be it central or state police force, all police force personnel should have friendly behaviour with common people. We have been telling these to them," the home minister said at the All India Conference on Railway Security in Delhi. Singh said there was a need to change the way people's luggage is frisked at railway stations or inside moving trains. "There is a provision for frisking of passenger luggage at railway stations. Their luggage is also frisked inside moving trains. Passengers feel humiliated by this. So, how can this be improved? That need to be discussed," he said. The home minister said there was a need to make the presence of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel felt in the railway network. "There has to be regular patrolling in trains. At times, it has been observed that it does not take place. So how to make RPF's presence felt? You need to discuss it," Singh said at the programme attended by senior railway ministry officers. Singh suggested "theatre-specific" Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to avoid any untoward incident. "The railway has a huge network. Trains pass through Naxal-(affected) areas. There may be a fear of terrorist attack. There should be a theatre-specific SOPs to guide police personnel on how to act in a specific situation," he said. There are arguments both for and against reservations in jobs and educational institutes in the private sector, but currently, it appears that there are a number of hindrances that may keep the government's pre-poll promise at bay. It's the day anti-reservationists feared the most the government has announced its decision to bring in quota in the private sector. Sure, administrations in the past, too, have made such declarations, but this time, the Narendra Modi government seems determined to get legislations passed to this end. On 9 January, the Rajya Sabha passed the Constitution (124th Amendment) Bill, 2019, granting 10 percent reservation to economically weaker sections of the general category. Days after the BJP-led Centre bulldozed its way through Parliament to pass this law, Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, on Tuesday, announced that the State will implement this quota along with reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes at private institutes as well in the coming academic year, starting July. Javadekar said the reservation will apply "across 40,000 colleges and 900 universities in the country", which includes private sector higher education institutes. He also said that the number of seats at these institutes will be raised to allow for this reservation, and that the University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education(AICTE) will be provided the "operational mandate" within a week to implement the quota. To extend reservations to private institutes, the government is drafting a bill, which sources said is almost ready. The Centre is also confident that it won't face opposition in getting the bill passed in the upcoming session of Parliament as the Constitution (93rd Amendment) Bill brought in under the UPA-I regime in 2006 had first paved the way for quota in the private sector. When clubbed together, quota for SCs, STs, OBCs and the general category "poor" would mean that 60 percent of the seats at higher education institutes would be reserved. The private sector has, for long, resisted being brought under the reservation ambit citing several reasons, lack of funds to take on higher number of student being one of them. Other arguments against private sector reservations include taking away opportunities from the more deserving the age-old merit versus quota debate and industries putting forward that introducing quota in the private sector could hurt both their productivity and efficiency due to lack of skilled labour. It may be noted here that the Supreme Court had ruled against allowing quota for the "economically backward" as the Constitution defines "backward" on the basis of social and educational standing. (This alone could prove to be a major legal hurdle for the government, as the basis for the 10 percent quota is people's economic backwardness, along with the fact that the move also violates the Supreme Court's 50 percent cap on quota.) Another major argument, which is also a threat in this case, is protests against introducing quotas in the private field. Since the Mandal Commission came out with its recommendations in 1980, the opposition to even the concept of quota has been widespread. Moreover, when the recommendations of the panel were finally adopted by the VP Singh government in 1990, caste-based protests erupted across the country, with several students also losing their lives in the aftermath. Now, with added reservations in the fray taking away even more from the (not-so) financially stable students from the general population, agitations are inevitable, and the government must brace itself for them. On the other hand, there are those who argue in favour of private sector reservations, pointing out that there should be a level playing field in both sectors both in education and jobs and that if the public sector is carrying out its social responsibility by providing reservation in jobs (we'll come to this later) and education, the private sector should be no exception. Another point often made is that the private sector receives a number of concessions from the government, including availing loans from public sector banks, tax relaxations and land at lower rates as their setups there would help create jobs. While these might seem valid arguments to parties approving of quota in the private sector, the Centre's announcement is likely to face backlash from private institutes, claiming they don't have the resources to take in the additional lakhs of students. Some might even argue that the reservation could compromise on the standard of students graduating from the institutes. Furthermore, this reservation in private institutes could segue into a demand for quota in private sector jobs, where stakeholders could come up with a similar counter, saying it would affect their quality of services and take away from international standards. Here, the argument by those who approve of quota in private firms is that the current job market in the public sector is abysmal, having stagnated over the years, and that liberalisation and privatisation policies had altered the face of the employment situation in India. As a result, demand for higher reservation in public jobs does not meet the ultimate goal, because of which parties and activists demand reservations in the private sector. As Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had said in 2017, "Today, the private sector provides more jobs in comparison to the government sector. Reservations should be implemented in the private sector." But so far, the government's announcement has not garnered much positive responses from the sector it affects. N Sukumar, a faculty member at Delhi University, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph that the move was only a tactic by the government to pacify the SCs, STs and OBCs who are miffed with the new reservation for the general category poor. "The government wants to satisfy the SCs, STs and OBCs. That is why it announced reservation in private sector institutes. Public sector institutes don't implement reservation properly for SCs, STs and OBCs. Private institutes won't implement it, saying they are not funded by the government," Sukumar was quoted as saying. Others echoed his views in part, expressing scepticism about the timing of the announcement as they did when the quota bill was announced and passed in Parliament. The popular opinion is that the BJP is paying lip service before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, trying to appease the upper-castes it believed are now disillusioned with the party and its constant focus on backward classes. If we look at how the government rushed to have the quota bill approved and passed by Parliament, it's clear that it will leave no stone unturned to ensure that its latest veiled pre-poll promise gets the sanctions it needs before the election dates are announced. But for this, the Central government needs the cooperation of state government, as well. As the president of the Education Promotion Society of India G Viswanathan said, the Centre "cannot enforce reservation in state private universities without the consent of state governments". So besides the Supreme Court's 50 percent cap on reservations, the economic impact of the move, students opposed to quota in private institutes and the private institutes themselves, this is another hindrance the Centre is likely to face in this regard. With the 93rd amendment bill, the Constitution provides for reservation in the private sector. However, these will remain words on a paper unless a law is passed to back them, and all these arguments would be moot if the reservation is deemed unconstitutional in court, which is highly probable. Looking at these arguments, we can rightfully conclude that as much as it wants, the government might not be able to bring in reservations in the private sector as easily as it got the quota bill passed in Parliament. Anti-reservationists can breath. For now. Every year around festivals like Makar Sankranti, when kites soar in the sky competing with each other, conservation organisations continue to rescue thousands of birds entangled or injured by these kite strings By Manon Verchot Chinese manjha a synthetic kite string coated in glass or metal was banned across India in 2017. But every year conservation organisations continue to rescue thousands of birds entangled or injured by these kite strings. In 2018, 4,000 birds were rescued in Gujarat by the state forest department after the mass kite flying during the Makar Sankranti festival, forest department officials told the media last year. Most of these cases were reported in the city of Ahmedabad. Sankranti, celebrated in January, is just one of the occasions throughout the year when people bring out their kites. During Independence Day in August, the skies once again are filled. And its the density of kites and strings that becomes dangerous for birds the skies become a death trap. The most common victims are pigeons and kites, which frequent heavily populated areas. Many other species, like parrots and endangered vultures, are also at risk. The National Green Tribunal ban on glass-coated kite string was supposed to curb these injuries, which have occurred for decades. The judgment came a year after two toddlers and one motorcyclist had their throats slit by kite string in Delhi around the time of Independence Day in 2016. And these werent the first such incidents of manjha-related deaths. In 2015, a five-year-old died on his way to school in Vadodara. The year before that, another five-year-old was killed in Jaipur by the Chinese manjha. Though the NGT judgment banned manjha that caused these fatal injuries, exceptions were made for manjha that can be considered biodegradable. That included manjhamade with isabgol husk, wood powder or gumchi (Indian liquorice). Since all these ingredients are natural/herbs/grains/leaves they are fully biodegradable. Furthermore, they do not lend any strength to the cotton string so as to cause injuries to anyone, including birds and animals, the judgment stated. Kite flying is a tradition during Makar Sankranti and other cultural festivals where kites, usually made from light weight paper and bamboo, are flown and people engage in competition to cut down other kites. The strings often contain abrasives like glass powder, for easily cutting the opponents kite. Cities like Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Jaipur in Rajasthan are among the most popular destinations for the kite flying festival. Partial manjha ban can still hurt the birds Cotton strings are considered safer than nylon not just because they are biodegradable, but because they break more easily. The reality, though, is that any form of kite flying hurts birds, according to Wasim Akram, manager of special projects at Wildlife SOS. Wildlife SOS, a conservation organisation, received two calls to rescue birds injured by kites in Delhi in the week before Sankranti this year. When the organisation receives these calls, they bring the birds to their hospitals.The bird does get injured if something obstructs its path, said Akram. Plain cotton strings, which are legal, can disorient birds and make them fall from great heights, he added. Birds are fragile. For the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, who brought the issue of manjha to the National Green Tribunal, the partial manjha ban is still a problem. Even after nearly two years of the ban, human and bird injuries and deaths have continued, said Nikunj Sharma, associate director of policy at PETA India. We continue to work to see all forms of manjha banned as they are all equally dangerous. Biodegradable manjha aside, enforcing the nylon and synthetic manjha ban is a challenge. The string is still found in markets across the country, conservation groups say. For birds, this can result in deep cuts or even loss of their wings. Injuries dont just happen when the kites are up in the air. When kites are abandoned or get stuck in trees, birds can get their feet caught up in the strings. In some cases, they lose their entire foot. The birds can still fly, so were not able to catch them [to help them], said Akram. We can only watch them suffer. In many cases, the birds dont survive, according to PETA India reports. Awareness, training rescuers and using safer manjhas are some solutions Beyond campaigning for the government to enforce synthetic manjha bans, all conservation organisations can do is prepare for Sankranti and Independence Day. Every year, they know theyre likely to get many cases. Part of that preparation involves education campaigns so people understand the dangers of kite flying. Its an education campaign that should happen in schools, because children are the main consumers, said Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Friendicoes SECA, an animal rescue society. According to Seshamani, its kids who convince their parents to buy synthetic manjha. If children are educated about the dangers, there wouldnt be as much demand. PETA India collaborated with students in Ahmedabad to hand over kites in exchange for games that wont hurt birds. Some conservation organisations also train potential rescuers. The Wildlife Trust of India and the International Fund for Animal Welfare brought together 80 members of their Emergency Relief Network, which includes wildlife veterinarians, forest officials, biologists and volunteers, for an avian rescue and rehabilitation workshop, just days before Sankranti. Weve been conducting a lot of bird treatment camps since the last seven years now in cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur, one of the workshop organisers said. These are two cities where there is a maximum number of kites. Meetings like this are important for rescue teams to compare notes and share best practices, said Shudhanta Sood, of WTI. Especially because there are certain factors rescuers have to be wary of. One example is when youre rescuing a bird stuck in manjha, you have to be very careful. [Manjha] can even cut through [bird] bones. she added. According to Sood, some of the worst injuries to birds can happen when rescuers try to untangle them from manjha. The same advice applies to the general public. Though people may mean well trying to help an injured bird, they may do more harm than good. If [people] know how to rescue the bird safely, or its on the ground, they can take it, said Sood. Otherwise, she recommends people call a helpline. Many organisations, including WTI, Wildlife SOS, and Friendicoes have helplines for emergencies like these. Last year, WTI assisted centres that rescued 1600 birds in Rajasthan and Gujarat, all casualties of kite flying. Not all of them survived. Some were permanently damaged and require lifetime care after having their wings amputated. This year, around the recent Makar Sankranti festival in Rajasthan, WTI and IFAW cared for pelicans, kites and pigeons tangled in manjha. One of the pigeons lost a wing entirely. Hope remains as fewer cases of bird casualties being reported Still, some conservationists are hopeful that things are getting better. There has been some change, people are more aware now, said Akram, of Wildlife SOS. The forest department is also increasingly putting pressure on officials to enforce the NGT ban, he added. The Gujarat forest department also reported an improvement. The 4,000 birds they rescued in January 2018, were half the number from the previous year where they had rescued 8,000 birds, they told the media. In some parts of the country, like Delhi, there were hardly any kite flying festivities at all during Sankranti this year. So does this signal a change? Not necessarily. Kite sellers say people will buy kites in time for Independence Day, and that sales will pick up from March, around the Holi festival. And even if people opt for cotton instead of synthetic during Independence Day, the only way birds and humans alike will be fully safe, experts say, is if people stop kite flying altogether. We recommend people to play safer games instead of fighting/cutting kites, said Sharma, of PETA India. Groups like PETA India and WTI understand that its not always possible to stop people from wanting to take part in kite flying festivals, so they have some tips to try and minimise the risk. They recommend people opt for saddi, or plain, cotton with no additional coating. They also recommend people avoid flying kites in the morning or evening, when birds are more actively flying around. The advice is particularly relevant during Sankranti, which falls around the time when migratory birds pass through north India. That includes species like the greylag goose, bar-headed goose, the common teal and the northern shoveler which fly all the way from north and central Asia. Conservationists hope that if mass kite flying wont stop, then at least the damage can be minimised. This article originally appeared on Mongabay-India and has been republished under the Creative Commons licence. Mongabay is a non-profit provider of conservation and environmental science news. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday during which he will inaugurate the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday during which he will inaugurate the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The summit is being held in Gandhinagar from 18 to 20 January. Modi will take part in a slew of other programmes during his 17-19 January visit which will also cover Silvassa, the capital of the neighbouring Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, according to his itinerary shared by the state government and the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Upon his arrival on 17 January, Modi would first inaugurate the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show', an integral part of the biennial investor summit. Later in the afternoon, he would inaugurate a newly built hospital in Ahmedabad, according to the schedule. The 1,500-bed hospital has been built in the premises of VS Hospital, run by the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). In the evening, the PM would inaugurate a shopping festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront. Modi would address gatherings at both these places. On the morning of 18 January, Modi will inaugurate the three-day summit. In the afternoon, he will have one-to-one meetings with some of the heads of state who would be attending the event. Heads of five countries and over 30,000 national and international delegates, including CEOs of major companies from India and abroad, are expected to attend the 9th edition of the summit, according to organisers. Indian business tycoons who are expected to attend include Mukesh Ambani, Uday Kotak, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Gautam Adani, Adi Godrej and Pankaj Patel. CEOs and top executives of global companies like BASF, DP World, Suzuki, Vanguard and Maersk would also be present. In the evening, the prime minister will take part in a 'round table interaction' with the heads of global sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and institutional investors. This will be followed by a dinner with VVIP guests. On 19 January, Modi is scheduled to visit Hazira industrial area near Surat as well as Silvassa. The prime minister "will visit Hazira in Surat on 19 January to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory", a PIB release said Wednesday. From Hazira, he will go to Silvassa "to inaugurate as well as to lay the foundation stone for various projects", the release said. Terming local militants as 'sons of soil', PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding that the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the 'gun culture'. Srinagar: Terming local militants as "sons of soil", PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday said efforts should be made to save them, adding that the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership in Jammu and Kashmir to end the "gun culture". "Right now, talks should be held with Pakistan and separatists. Similarly, the militant leadership should also be talked to as they are the ones who have the guns and only they can end the gun culture," she told reporters in Anantnag after a party function. "I believe at some stage, talks will have to be held with Hurriyat Conference and militants as well," she said. The former chief minister, however, said it was "too early (for talks with militants)". Mehbooba said local militants should be prevented from walking on the path of violence. "Right from the time I came into politics in 1996, I have been saying that local militants are sons of the soil and our maximum efforts should be to save them because they are assets. If an encounter breaks out, the two people (militants and security forces) come face to face and no one can do anything about it then," she said. The PDP president had on Monday questioned the timing of filing of the chargesheet in the 2016 JNU sedition case, in which seven Kashmiris have been named, saying the students were being used to score political points ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "No surprises here. We are months away from the 2019 general elections and like always, using Kashmiris to score extra political points with the Indian electorate has become somewhat of a pre-requisite," she had said in a series of tweets. "Timing of the chargesheet couldn't be any more suspicious. When UPA was in power, it decided to send Afzal Guru to the gallows and to this day, J&K is paying a price," she said. An Ardh Kumbh Mela that is spread on land and river area double the expanse of Maha Kumbh 2013 calls for heightened security measures. Prayagraj: An Ardh Kumbh Mela that is spread on land and river area double the expanse of Maha Kumbh 2013 calls for heightened security measures. With invitations going out to 192 countries from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers Office, the footfall at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati during the 49-day fair is projected to go beyond 12.5 crore. An Ardh Kumbh recurs every sixth year, while every 12th year is a Purna Kumbh. The Maha Kumbh recurs once in 144 years. To manage this massive floating crowd at the temporary Mela district spread across 3,200 hectares (32 sq km), compared to 1,900 hectare-wide Mela area of 2013, an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has been set up, which includes two command and control centres with four viewing centres and 20 video wall cubes, which are connected with 1,135 CCTV cameras installed at 268 locations. To man the ICCC, 120 viewing operators and 30 call centre operators have been engaged. This integrated ICCC will help manage the crowd, maintain heightened surveillance and secure the area in case of any emergency. There were only 85 CCTV cameras set up during the 2013 Maha Kumbh for surveillance. This edition of the Mela has been secured with the deployment of several special forces like the National Security Guard (NSG), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), apart from more than 30,000 personnel of UP Police, 20 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), 54 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), 10 companies of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and one of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 6,000 Home Guards, 15 teams of dog squads and more than 20 companies of Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and Anti-Sabotage squad, according to the Prayagraj Mela Authority. The security arrangement in the 2013 Maha Kumbh involved 12,461 UP Police personnel, 46 companies of PAC, 40 companies of central paramilitary forces, and 30 police stations. The Kumbh Mela district this year has been divided into four police lines, which incorporate 40 police stations, three female police stations and 62 police outposts, apart from 40 fire stations. Of the total budget of Rs 4,236 crore approved for the Ardh Kumbh 2019, Rs 84.8 crore had been allotted for construction, development and renovation work of police stations and hostels for the personnel. As many as 40 watchtowers have been set up for surveillance and quick response teams (QRT) have been deployed to cover the entire expanse of the Mela area. Jal (water) police have also pressed three units in service while mounted police have been deployed to control and guide the crowd. Anticipating a larger congregation of pilgrims and tourists this time, real-time video analytics will be used to manage the areas where crowd swells and 54 holding areas for crowd control have been set up. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system has also been introduced to track and trace vehicles entering the Mela district. More than 2,000 digital signboards spread across the Mela area will inform people about traffic congestion, guide through various routes and warn of emergency situations. Dial 100 service of UP Police will be available at all hours with a fleet of 50 four-wheeler vehicles and 200 two-wheeler vehicles. This is expected to bring the response time below five minutes in any case of emergency. Terror alert Intelligence sleuths, based on the interrogation of youths arrested in terror-related cases in the past, suspect that terrorists either from the city or those with good knowledge of the topography of the city and that of the Mela area will try to create disturbances during the Kumbh Mela. Acting on these inputs, the state government has involved the UP ATS, which has deployed two units of 54 commandos each to guard the Mela area. A mock drill at the tent city was conducted by the ATS commandos on 12 January. Inspector General, UP ATS, Asim Kumar Arun, said, In the interrogation conducted by the ATS, who earlier broke the modules of terrorists, it was revealed that terrorists are planning to attack large religious gatherings. Immediately after this, UP ATS started working in coordination with the NSG, UP Police and other security agencies. All preparations have been done, our highly-skilled ATS trained commandos are ready to face all challenges." The IG added that apart from state of the art weapons, motorcycles have also been provided to the ATS and the Special Police Operation Teams (SPOT) for faster movement within the temporary district. A chopper will also be available for security agencies at the Mela area for use in an emergency. Prepared for the worst The Prayag Mela Authority also mentions that a disaster management plan has been developed in consultation with experts, State Disaster Management Authority and all departments working on Kumbh Mela 2019. During the last Maha Kumbh Mela held in Allahabad in 2013, the lack of smart surveillance gadgets and other crowd management systems was certainly felt when on 10 February, 2013, the day of Mauni Amavasya, a stampede broke out at the Prayag railway station killing 42 people and injuring more than 45. The Mela Authority, in order to prevent such untoward incidents this time, have opted for digital signboards, and set up the ICCC to manage the crowd. An estimated three crore people had visited the Mela district on Mauni Amavasya alone in 2013 and an equal footfall is expected on Mauni Amavasya this time as well. Director General, UP Police, OP Singh, said every kind of technology is being used to make this Kumbh a success. ATS has been deployed to prevent terrorism and crime incidents in the fair. The NSG has also been called. Their commandos would monitor the Kumbh Mela area from helicopter and work in collaboration with other agencies in the event of emergency, he said. Singh said that the security forces are equipped to handle any sort of emergency situation. We should not forget that this time, Kumbh Mela area has been spread and policing has to be done across 3,200 hectares, the DGP added. The UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has introduced more than 500 buses to bring pilgrims to the Mela district from the Prayagraj town and railway stations. Air connectivity to Prayagraj from various cities, including New Delhi, Kolkata, Nagpur, Bhopal, Dehradun, Indore, Bengaluru, Ahmadabad, and Lucknow has also been started after a new civil airport was developed at the Bamrauli Air Force Base earlier last year. (Kamal Bhargava is a Meerut-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com.) Earlier in October, the Kerala High Court had granted conditional bail to Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting the nun. Four out of the five nuns who supported the rape survivor nun in the Bishop Franco Mulakkal case have been asked to leave the Kuravilangad convent in Kerala on Wednesday by the Missionaries of Jesus. The congregation, based in Jalandhar, had served transfer orders in April 2018 to the four nuns who had taken part in protests against rape-accused Mulakkal in September last year, demanding his arrest in the case. But the nuns had refused to move out. According to ANI, the congregation on Wednesday reminded the four nuns of the notice of their transfer from Kerala. According to The Times of India, two of them have been asked to join convents in Bihar, and the other two in Punjab and Kannur. This comes after another congregation Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) had sent a warning letter to Sister Lucy Kalapura, one of the five nuns from the Syro-Malabar Church who took the lead in the protests against bishop Mulakkal, for "attending channel discussions" and "making false accusations" against the church leadership, The Indian Express reported. On 9 January, Sister Lucy was issued a notice by her congregation, for leading a life "against principles of religious life" and the rules of the congregation. Earlier in October, the Kerala High Court had granted conditional bail to bishop Mulakkal, arrested over allegations of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting the nun. The accused was asked to surrender his passport and not to enter Kerala state except for appearing before the probe officer once in two weeks on Saturdays. With inputs from PTI Students of Kolkata's Jadavpur University staged a protest at the university campus, demanding the expulsion of professor Kanak Sarkar over his Facebook remarks that compared a woman's virginity to a sealed bottle. Kolkata: Students of Kolkata's Jadavpur University (JU) on Tuesday staged a protest at the university campus, demanding the expulsion of professor Kanak Sarkar over his remarks made in a Facebook post. "We want his expulsion as he is influencing young minds and we don't want a misogynistic environment here. He's a repeat offender," a protester said. The political science professor has been on the receiving end of the internet's outrage after he put up a Facebook post comparing a woman's virginity to the seal on a bottle or packet. The post, which has since been deleted, said that to most boys a "virgin wife is like an angel" and thus, they should make sure that the women they marry are "biologically sealed from birth". A former student has recounted on Facebook an incident where she was giving a presentation in class and Sarkar, then the head of the department, had interrupted her to ask her if she wanted to become a model, because she had "what men would enjoy", Earlier in the day, the National Commission for Women (NCW) had taken suo motu cognisance of the objectionable statements. The NCW team, led by Rekha Sharma, will meet the university Vice-Chancellor, to discuss the matter during their scheduled visit to West Bengal this week. The Commission has also written to the West Bengal Director General of Police, directing him to investigate the matter and take appropriate action as per the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. Investigation by Kerala Police into a set of bags found abandoned at various spots along the coast in Ernakulam has revealed a well co-ordinated operation. Investigation by Kerala Police into a set of bags found abandoned at various spots along the coast in Ernakulam has revealed a well co-ordinated operation to smuggle out people to foreign countries through Munambam fishing harbour in Kochi. The latest to set sail from Munambam is believed to be a group of 41 people, including a few Sri Lankan refugees, from different parts of the country. The group that converged at Kochi on 5 January left for an overseas destination a week later by procuring fuel, food, water, medicines and other essentials required for a long sea journey from various outlets around Munambam. Police had initially suspected it as a case of human trafficking. However, detailed probe showed it as a case of illegal migration of people looking for greener pastures in foreign countries. The investigators believe that the destination of the group is New Zealand. A senior police officer associated with the investigation said that a Delhi-based illegal immigration mafia was behind the operation as per the evidence they have gathered so far. The investigation has showed involvement of a travel agency from Madhya Pradesh in the human smuggling. The group that has ventured into the sea included people from Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Why the north India-based operators chose Kochi which has a huge presence of coastal and deep sea surveillance agencies like the navy, Coast Guard, coastal police and Marine Enforcement Wing equipped with modern surveillance gadgets is a moot question that perplexes the authorities. The coastal security was tightened in Kerala, which has a long coastline, along with other coastal states, in the wake of the Kargil war and the 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. As per this, eight coastal police stations were set up along the coast in the state to guard the coastal boundary and to monitor the sea up to five nautical miles from the coast. One of the stations is in Kochi, a major port city and fishing centre frequented by hundreds of fishing vessels from all over the country and ships from across the world every day. The Coast Guard, which is tasked with security beyond the boundary of the coastal police, was equipped with most modern security apparatus, including a remote operating system (ROS) post 26/11. The ROS, set up at a cost of Rs 601 crore in 2012, has high-end surveillance gadgets, electro-optic sensors, communication equipment on light houses at 46 locations across the Indian mainland and island territories. Apart from these, the naval harbour at Kochi was also equipped with an Integrated Underwater Harbour Defense and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) capable of detecting, tracking, identifying and generating warning for all types of underwater and surface threats post 26/11. None of these modern security apparatus helped in detecting the vessel that left the shores of Kochi with 41 illegal migrants. The Coast Guard, Marine Enforcement Wing and the navy, which were alerted about the vessel, have also not succeeded in tracking it even four days after it hit the sea. The district police and the state intelligence also failed to detect the surface movements of the migrants and their handlers, who spent a week in the city arranging the vessel and procuring the materials they require for the sea journey. The Munambam police, who cover the fishing harbour from where the migration mafia bought the vessel for the sea journey, came to know about the operation only after local people at Vadakkekkara alerted them about 20 bags they found abandoned near a boatyard and another location. The subsequent search by the police found another 60 bags abandoned near a temple at Kodungalloor. A special team set up to probe the operation found that the migrants had stayed at six homestays and lodges near Cherai beach for a week. One of the women in the group had even delivered a baby at a hospital at Chottanikkara during the period and the members celebrated the birth in a homestay at Cherai. Ernakulam rural superintendent of police Rahul S Nair said it was not possible for the police to detect the illegal migrants as a large number of fishermen from various parts of the country, especially Colachal in Tamil Nadu, frequent the fishing harbour at Munambam everyday. We have not been tracking the fishing vessels as the fisheries department has been doing this. The department has assigned automatic identification system (AIS) to fishing vessels to electronically track them. It needs to be probed why the system failed in tracking the vessel that set off with the illegal migrants, he said. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Ramesh Chennithala has alleged serious lapses on part of the home department and the state intelligence in thwarting the operation. He said that the authorities had not maintained vigil despite several instances of refugees and illegal migrants setting sail for countries in southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand from Munambam. Munambam was used as a major transit point by LTTE for trafficking refugees to Australia and other countries when it was active. The Kerala Police had foiled several such attempts in the past. In September 2015, the police had busted a major trafficking racket engaged in smuggling out people from Munambam. One of the agents arrested during the raid was found involved in several trafficking attempts. The refugees lodged in refugee camps in Tamil Nadu have been mostly using Munambam as a transit point to cross the sea. A report in The Hindu said 1,500 refugees may have tried to flee the refugee camps in Tamil Nadu by undertaking the perilous sea journey since 2009. Quoting the data available with the Organisation for Elam Refugees Rehabilitation (OfERR), the report said that 300 may have succeeded in reaching their destination while around 180 have been missing since then. The rest were detained or arrested at various points and have returned to camps or to Sri Lanka. The report quoted OfERR chief functionary SC Chandcrahasan as saying that the agents were hooking the refugees by promising better opportunities, a family and asylum in foreign lands. The agents charge Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh for such illegal journeys. The latest incident shows that the migration mafia has found Kochi ideal for their illegal operation since security is tight in Tamil Nadu and other coastal states. Rahul Nair said it was difficult for the police to track the illegal migrants as there are hundreds of boatyards along the coast in Ernakulam. Munambam is preferred by the mafia since more than 300 fishing boats are operated from the harbour everyday and there is no system to track them. A proposal submitted by the police to set up CCTV camera in the harbour has been left on paper for more than five years now. Opposition leaders have warned that if the authorities fail to set up foolproof security along the coasts, they could be used by terrorists and anti-national forces to carry out their illegal operations. A Patna court sent the two prime accused in the alleged rape and murder case of a 16-year-old girl in Gaya for three-day police custody even as demand for CBI inquiry grows in Bihar Patna: The Gaya police on Wednesday secured the custody of two prime accused in the alleged rape and murder case of a 16-year-old girl. The Patna court accepted the request made by the police and sent the father of the girl, Turaj Prasad Patwa, and his friend Leela Patwa, on three-day police remand. "We have taken them on remand for further questioning in the case. The two have been accused of hatching a conspiracy to eliminate the minor girl, a police officer involved in the investigation said. Earlier in the day, Gaya Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate-VIII, Rajiv Kumar, heard the petition filed by investigating officer Manoj Kumar and allowed the police to conduct a narco test on the victim's father Turaj, her mother Asha Devi, and sister Bharti, as well as on the other accused Leela. "I have already informed my seniors about the order of the court. They will now fix the date and place where the narco test will be conducted on the four suspects," said Kumar, who is also the station house officer at Buniyadganj police station in Gaya, before leaving the court premises. A team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has also been sent to Gaya to assist the local police with their investigation. "The police headquarter is monitoring the investigation. Scientific evidence is being collected to ascertain the cause of the tragic incident," ADGP (law and order) Alok Raj said. A team of forensic experts from Patna have collected samples from Leelas house. We have collected evidence that will help the police crack this case at the earliest, says Ashu Kumar Jha, Additional Director of the state forensic science laboratory. The forensics team had reportedly found bloodstains at Leelas house. The bloodstains sample will be matched with that of the victim to ascertain whether it was of the same girl, someone else, or a domestic animal. The sample will be sent for a DNA test, an investigating officer revealed. Kundan Krishnan, ADG (Headquarters), claimed that the autopsy report received on Monday did not confirm the allegations of rape. Krishnan, however, refused to elaborate on the report. 101Reporters has not yet received a copy of the autopsy report. Demands for a CBI probe increase The victims' mother reiterated the demand for a CBI probe on Wednesday while asserting that she is not ready to undergo a narco-analysis test. "I will not allow the police to conduct any such test. I have no faith in the district police. They change the evidence to corroborate their honour killing theory, she told 101Reporters, adding that she would prefer a thorough investigation by the central investigation agency. Haridhar Prasad, secretary of the Patwa Weavers Association, alleged that the police have not given them a copy of the autopsy report citing confidentiality. "How can we trust them? They are not providing even a copy of the post mortem report. Prasad also pointed out that the police had not mentioned the allegations of rape in the inquest report submitted to the hospital for post mortem. "This raises doubts over the polices intention, he insisted. The demand for a CBI probe into the case has gained momentum in Bihar with hundreds of CPI-ML workers organising a protest in Patna on Wednesday, a couple of hours after a Gaya magisterial court allowed the police to conduct a narco-analysis test on the key suspects. In Gaya, CPI-ML workers led by state unit member Reeta Barnawal marched in protest from the Manpur locality to the Gaya collectorate, where they resolved to fight for justice. The protesters carried placards that read Justice for Bihars Nirbhaya and order for a CBI probe. Addressing the gathering, a host of leaders accused the local police of framing the victims family. "We demand a CBI inquiry as the police is trying to cover up the whole incident. That is why the police is giving it a different colour altogether, alleged Barnawal. Among those demanding a CBI probe into the case are members of the All India Progressive Womens Association (APWA), and former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav, too, promised help to the victims family. Yadav announced that his party, Jan Adhikar Party Loktantrik, would soon file a PIL in the Patna High Court to press for a CBI probe. Torchlight processions were also organised in West Bengals Jadavpur University on Wednesday in solidarity with the victims family. Earlier, a similar protest was held in Bengaluru on 13 January. Patwa weavers back victims parents Vowing not to remain silent, Prem Narain Patwa, a senior leader of the Patwa Weavers Association said the community has decided to boycott public meetings and rallies of the ruling alliance in Bihar. "The leaders of the ruling alliance will not be allowed to enter the limits of Gaya. They will be taught a lesson at an opportune time," he told 101Reporters. The association also plans to organise rallies and demonstrations for a week, and also call for a Gaya bandh. If the district administration doesnt listen to our demand, we will launch a fast unto death in the state capital, Patna," he said. Prem, along with other members of the community, met the girls father Turaj Wednesday at the Gaya Central Jail and enquired about his health. He has been beaten up badly in police custody. Marks of injury on his body bore testimony to the extent of police excess, he said. Hari Manjhi, the BJP MP from Gaya, has tried to persuade the agitators to remain calm. I will take up the issue with senior police officials and ensure justice to the aggrieved family, Manjhi said, adding that innocent people cannot be harassed by the police on one pretext or the other. The author is a freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi High Court judge, has written to President Ram Nath Kovind against the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the apex court superseding 32 judges. Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi High Court judge, has written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind against the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the apex court superseding 32 judges. The letter written on Monday mentions that Justice Khanna is the nephew of late Justice HR Khanna, who was superseded after he gave a dissenting verdict during the Emergency by not supporting the view that even a fundamental right can be curtailed in certain circumstances. Just like Justice HR Khanna's supersession was termed as a "black day" in the history of the Indian judiciary, it would be another black day when there will be supersession of 32 judges who are senior to Justice Sanjiv Khanna and many of them may be no less meritorious and men of integrity than him. The letter comes in the wake of the 10 January collegium recommendation for elevation of Justice Maheshwari, who is presently the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a judge in the Delhi High Court, as judges of the apex court. Retired Justice Gambhir, a senior advocate, urged the president that the credibility and independence of the judiciary be preserved and "let another historical blunder not be committed". He said when he saw the news on TV channels on 11 January that the collegium has recommended elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the apex court, at first, he disbelieved it. However, he saw that on legal news websites, there was a detailed coverage of this event, including the decision of the collegium placed on the website of the Supreme Court. "To reiterate what you may be aware, it states that the collegium has discussed the names of chief justices as well as senior puisne judges of the high courts, eligible for elevation to the Supreme Court and is of the considered view that at present, the said two persons are more deserving and suitable in all respects than other chief justices and senior puisne judges of high courts for being appointed as judges of the Supreme Court of India. "The decision of the collegium also refers to certain decisions made by it on 12 December, but since the required consultation could not be undertaken as the winter vacation of the intervened and by the time the court reopened, the composition of the collegium underwent a change," the two-page letter stated. It added that the news breaking all traditions has sent shock waves to the entire legal and judicial fraternity and termed the "earth shattering" decision to supersede 32 judges as appalling and outrageous. "This is appalling and outrageous that such an earth-shattering decision has been taken to supersede as many as 32 judges, which include many chief justices, casting aspersions on their intellect, merit and integrity," it said. Justice Gambhir also wrote that Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the son of late Justice DR Khanna and nephew of a highly respected man in the legal world, former Supreme Court Justice HR Khanna, who had given a dissent judgement in the ADM Jabalpur matter. "The talk in the legal corridors is that the elevation of Justice (Sanjiv) Khanna is with a view to pay respect to the legacy left by his great uncle and is a tribute to his great ideals, principles, judicial philosophy and most of all, to the courageous stand taken by him in the habeas corpus case. "We all know that Justice (HR) Khanna stood as a rock in his known dissenting and minority voice and refused to bow down to the majority voice of four senior-most judges who went on to compromise the life and liberty of citizens, permitting unrestricted powers of the government for detention during the Emergency," the letter said. It stated that Justice HR Khanna knew when he signed his dissenting judgement that he was signing away his future chief justiceship. As a fait accompli, when the time came, Justice HR Khanna was superseded and in his place Justice MH Beg was appointed the Chief Justice of India, it said. Justice Gambhir said Justice HR Khanna resigned so as to give a slap on the face of all those votary of playing with the independence of the judiciary and to respect the seniority of judges. Many term the supersession of Justice HR Khanna as a "black day" in the history of the Indian judiciary, he said. He also referred to the 12 January presser last year by the then four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court, including Justice Ranjan Gogoi, the now Chief Justice of India to flag some of the pressing problems they faced with the then CJI Dipak Misra. While addressing the media, it was said that "unless this institution is preserved, democracy will not survive in this country". It was also said that "democracy will not survive without a free judiciary", the letter said. "I humbly urge your excellency to kindly ponder over as the head of largest democracy in the world with a robust judiciary and having remained a part of the legal fraternity, and see yourself that the way the present collegium of five eminent senior judges have superseded almost 32 judges, how will the democracy and independence of judiciary in the country survive. "It cannot be forgotten that it is just one and a half months ago, the then collegium members of the Supreme Court had superseded Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, and now, out of the blue, he becomes more deserving and suitable within such a short gap," Justice Gambhir said. Meanwhile, MK Mishra, Chairman, Bar Council of India, has said that the council's delegation will meet the collegium and ask them to recall their decision, and if that doesn't happen, then the council members will sit on a dharna. MK Mishra, Chairman, Bar Council of India on elevation of Justice Khanna & Justice Maheshwari to SC: Our delegation will go and meet the collegium to ask them to reconsider and recall this decision. If they don't do it, we'll go and sit on a dharna. pic.twitter.com/FMHGrTGfR9 ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 With inputs from PTI The SC collegium is often in the news, and its decisions are questioned not just by members of the judicial fraternity but also by the government, triggering the need for a longer look into its evolution and functioning. Former Delhi High Court judge Kailash Gambhir wrote a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, criticising the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the apex court, ignoring 32 more senior judges. The SC collegium is often in the news, and in the past, its decisions have been questioned not just by members of the judicial fraternity but also by the government. On 30 April, 2018, the Centre had controversially turned down the collegium's recommendation to consider Justice KM Joseph for the role of a Supreme Court judge. Prior to that, on 12 January, 2018, four senior judges (including current CJI Ranjan Gogoi) of the Supreme Court had made public their resentment, stressing on the need to improve the process of judges' appointment. So, what is the SC collegium? The collegium is a system within to decide on appointments and elevations of Chief Justices and judges of the Supreme Court and high courts of the country. It's a forum headed by the Chief Justice of India and comprises of the four other senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. The collegium takes decisions after voting, with the majority view prevailing in case of difference of opinion, says Advocate Khoj. Is the collegium mentioned in the Constitution? This system of appointment and transfer of judges has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court, and not by an act of the Parliament or by a provision of the Constitution, says The Indian Express. There is no mention of the collegium in the successive amendments of the Constitution either. If the word of the Constitution is to be followed, then the appointments of judges to the SC and the HCs are made by the President, who is required to meet with sitting judges, or the Chief Justice of India (in case of appointments in the Supreme Court except for the appoint of CJI), and chief justices of high courts (in case of appointments in high courts except for a chief justice of the high court) as per his discretion, before arriving at a decision. Article 124(2) of the Indian Constitution says: "Every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with such of the Judges of the Supreme Court and of the High Courts in the States as the President may deem necessary for the purpose and shall hold office until he attains the age of sixty-five years. Provided that in the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of India shall always be consulted." The other section of the constitution devoted to the appointment of judges is Article 217. It says: "Every Judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State, and, in the case of appointment of a Judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court." But what actually happens? However, judges of the higher judiciary are appointed only through the collegium system with only a ceremonial participation of the President, says the Times of India. Only after the names of the judges have been finalised by the collegium does the government come in. Here too, the governments role is limited to asking the Intelligence Bureau to conduct an inquiry into any lawyer who is nominated to be elevated as a judge in a high Court or the Supreme Court. The government can also raise objections regarding the collegiums choices. However, in such a situation, if the collegium sends back the same names, the government is bound, under Constitution bench judgments, to appoint them as judges. How did the collegium gain acceptance, then? Three judgments, now merged and called the "Three Judges Cases," led to the legitimacy of the collegium. The First Judges Case of 1980 declared that there was no need for the Chief Justice of India to be granted primacy in recommending a candidate to the President. In 1993, a nine-judge bench ruled on what is now called the Second Judges Case. This granted primacy to the Chief Justice of India in appointing the key members of the top judicial brass. For the next five years, confusion reigned on how integral a role the Chief Justice of India would play. This was resolved by the Third Judges Case in 1998, in which, the Supreme Court conclusively asserted the primacy of the Chief Justice of India in the appointments issue. In the same year, then President KR Narayanan issued a presidential reference to the Supreme Court as to what the term "consultation", which the President was required to do with judges before selecting a judge, referred to in the Constitution, reported The Quint. In reply, the Supreme Court laid down nine guidelines for the functioning of the forum which we now know as the collegium. What goes wrong in a collegium? The chief problem with the system that critics have pointed out, is that it does not function out of a rulebook. Because deliberations largely happen behind closed doors, little is known about the selection procedure or the criteria considered for the eligibility of the judges. How and when a collegium meets, and how it takes its decisions are secrets that elude even the lawyers or judges whose names are being considered. Is everyone okay with the idea of the collegium? The NDA government has tried unsuccessfully to replace the system. The Justice MN Venkatachaliah Commission, appointed to recommend on the need for change in the collegium system, said there indeed was. The Commission said a National Judicial Appointments Commission should be formed with the Chief Justice of India, two seniormost judges, the Union law minister, and an eminent person from the public, to be chosen by the President in consultation with the CJI. In 2015, a five-judge Constitution bench declared the move "unconstitutional". However, the 2015 ruling, in the end, also paved the way for a new Memorandum of Procedure to guide the collegium on future appointments. Today's top stories: Two MLAs withdraw support from Karnataka government; JU students demand expulsion of professor Kanak Sarkar; Theresa May suffers crushing defeat over Brexit deal; and more. Theresa May suffers crushing defeat over Brexit deal British prime minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal was defeated by a crushing margin in parliament on Tuesday, further complicating the country's historic exit from the EU and triggering a no-confidence motion against her government. May's bid to get the Withdrawal Agreement, struck between London and Brussels, through a House of Commons was defeated by a margin of 202 to 432 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. Within minutes after the defeat, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn announced that his party would move a motion of no-confidence against May's government, to be held on Wednesday. Two MLAs withdraw support from Karnataka govt In a jolt to the HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka, two Independent MLAs on Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month old ministry amid turmoil triggered by charges of horse trading flung at each other by the ruling coalition and BJP. In a significant turn to the political war that erupted on Monday with both sides venting their fears of poaching, H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (KPJP) wrote to Governor Vajubhai Vala, conveying their decision to withdraw their support with immediate effect. Both lawmakers, staying at a hotel in Mumbai, sent identical letters to the governor and requested him to take "necessary action", a move that reduced the ruling coalition's strength to 118, but still kept it in the safe zone in the 224-member Assembly. Putting up a brave face, Congress and JDS top leadership said that the government was safe, with a seemingly unfazed Kumaraswamy, saying his ministry was stable and "I am very totally relaxed." Jadavpur University students demand expulsion of professor Kanak Sarkar Students of Kolkata's Jadavpur University (JU) on Tuesday staged a protest in the university campus, demanding the expulsion of Professor Kanak Sarkar over his remarks made in a Facebook post. The professor had compared a woman's virginity to a sealed bottle or packet in a Facebook post. Earlier in the day, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the objectionable statements. The NCW team, led by Rekha Sharma, will meet the Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University to discuss the matter during their scheduled visit to West Bengal this week. The commission has also written to DGP, West Bengal, directing him to investigate the matter and take appropriate action as per the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code. 'Most shameful behaviour': Narendra Modi slams LDF and UDF over Sabarimala Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala and Congress-led UDF opposition over the Sabarimala women entry issue and said both fronts were two sides of the same coin. Tearing into the Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, Modi said its conduct in the Sabarimala issue will go down as one of the "most shameful behaviours" by any party and government. Kerala has today "become hostage to the corruption and communalism" of the LDF and UDF, he said while addressing a huge gathering of BJP workers. Modi said for the last few months, the entire nation has been talking about Sabarimala. The conduct of the Kerala LDF government on the Sabarimala issue would go down in the history as one of the "most shameful behaviours by any party and government," he said. "We know that the communists do not respect the Indian history, culture and spirituality but nobody imagined they would have such hatred," he said. Slamming the "multiple stand" taken by the Congress and the party-led opposition front UDF in the state, he urged them to clear their stand on the issue. Petrol price witnesses marginal drop After witnessing a hike for the past few days, the petrol prices witnessed a marginal drop of 8 paise on Wednesday in the national capital, while diesel rates continued its upward trend following a hike of 12 paise. Petrol and diesel are being retailed on Wednesday at Rs 70.33 and Rs 64.59 respectively in Delhi. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, a litre of petrol will cost Rs 75.97 after a decline of Rs 8 paise. on the other hand, diesel witnessed a drop of Rs 13 paise in Mumbai and is being sold at Rs 67.62 per litre. Two crore people take holy dip on Day 1 of Kumbh Mela About 2 crore people took a dip to mark the beginning of the Kumbh Mela on Tuesday. The sacred baths began at break of dawn as the sun rose faintly over the horizon and went on through the day till the last rays set over the Sangam, the chants of "Har Har Gange" reaching a crescendo. By end of day, about 1.4 crore people had taken the ritual bath in the holy waters of the Sangam here, administration officials estimated. Makar Sankranti, which marks the beginning of the festival, is one of the sacred bathing days of the 50-day Kumbh Mela. More than 12 crore people are expected to visit the Kumbh between 15 January and Maha Shivratri on 4 March. Supreme Court bans transport of extracted coal in Meghalaya The Supreme Court on Tuesday banned the transportation of extracted coal lying at various sites in Meghalaya which has had no success in rescuing 15 miners trapped inside an illegal rat-hole coal mine for almost a month. The order was passed by a bench comprising justices AK Sikri and SA Nazeer which refused the plea of miners to allow them to transport the extracted coal at various places. WhatsApp may be forced to let government authorities snoop into user messages Telecom regulator, TRAI has asked Facebook-owned popular messaging service WhatsApp for feedback on a new set of rules that could potentially force the entity to reveal users messages to the government. TRAI is expected to submit it's recommendations for new rules to the Department of Telecommunications for further scrutiny but may choose to go ahead and enforce the rules starting February. With more users in India than in any other country, WhatsApp may be forced to do away with or weaken its end-to-end encryption, allowing law enforcement authorities and other regulatory bodies to trace messages and remove questionable content within 24 hours. Tillotama Shome wins Best Actress at Brussels International Film Festival Tillotama Shome has won the Best Actress award for her performance in Rohena Gera's Sir at the Brussels International Film Festival. "Thank you The Brussels International Film Festival for honouring me with the best actress award for 'Sir'. Thank you jury members," Tillotama, who plays the character of Ratna in the film, posted on social media. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will lead a delegation, including members from the BJP, to New Delhi on Thursday to air its opposition against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a senior state minister said on Wednesday. Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will lead a delegation, including members from the BJP, to New Delhi on Thursday to air its opposition against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a senior state minister said on Wednesday. The delegation will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to express their "unhappiness" over the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here after a cabinet meeting. He said the team will comprise all the members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which include the BJP, NCP and some regional parties. "We are leaving tomorrow and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to lodge our unhappiness with the intention of the Central government for passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill," Tynsong said. The state cabinet had passed a resolution to oppose the Bill in 2018. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha last week, provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed 24 March, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. On the growing demand for the state government to come up with an official resolution in the Assembly with regards to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Tynsong said the question of passing a resolution does not arise. "It (official resolution) does not carry any weight as the opposition (to it) has already been lodged by the government as well as the Opposition parties," he said. The Meghalaya deputy chief minister said the state government had already submitted its letter of opposition to the Bill to the Centre through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which visited the state in 2018. To another query, Tynsong said unlike the opposition Congress which is divided over the issue, the ruling National People's Party has maintained a firm stand to oppose the Bill. "I request the Congress to please be united on this issue," he said. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, on Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose. New Delhi: The Ministry of Human Resource Development, on Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the seventh pay commission recommendations to academic staff of government and aided technical institutions with granting of Rs 1,241 crore for the purpose. "This will directly benefit a total of 29,264 teachers and other academic staff of state government funded institutes. Besides, about 3.5 lakh teachers and other academic staff of private colleges or institutions within the purview of All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) will also benefit from the approval," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar told reporters. "The central government will also reimburse 50 percent of total additional expenditure to be incurred by these institutes for the payment of arrears on account of 7th Central Pay Commission implementation," he added. The minister said that the move will help technical institutions on attracting and retaining faculty of high academic standards. The Bombay High Court suggested that a retired high court judge be appointed as a mediator to resolve other concerns of the BEST employees. In a major relief to lakhs of commuters in Mumbai, the workers' union of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) agreed to withdraw their strike on Wednesday. The development came when the union informed the Bombay High Court that it has agreed to '10-step increment' proposal offered by BEST management to end the stalemate. The high court also said that a retired high court judge will be appointed to act as a mediator to resolve other concerns of the employees. #NewsAlert -- BEST strike: Union workers agree to withdraw strike before Bombay HC. | @radhika1705 with more details pic.twitter.com/M5OmmdcZH6 News18 (@CNNnews18) January 16, 2019 A state appointed high-powered committee had earlier this week suggested that the BEST employees' salary be hiked in 10 steps as an interim measure. However, BEST workers' union leader Shashank Rao had rejected the proposal on Tuesday as the union demanded the merging of BEST and BMC budgets. On Wednesday, the counsel of BEST workers' union Neeta Karnik said the proposal was agreeable to employees but they want an independent mediator to resolve the issues. "We cannot sit with BEST. We want an independent mediator who has knowledge of labour laws...we want a retired high court judge to be appointed as mediator," Karnik said. A division bench of Chief Justice NH Patil and Justice NM Jamdar agreed to this and directed the parties to suggest names. "The mediator shall within a period of three months discuss demands put forth by the employees, like 20-step pay hike, merger of BEST and BMC budgets, and so on," the court said in its order. The BEST union and its management agreed to have retired high court justice FI Rebello as the mediator. After the court dictated its order, Karnik made a statement before the bench that the strike will be called off by Wednesday afternoon. The court noted that the first step was to ensure the strike was called-off. "The strike should not have happened at all. The situation should not have been brought to this extent. The BEST and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) should show more consideration towards the BEST workers. It is not easy for families to survive with low salaries," Chief Justice Patil said. To the workers, he said, "No employee will ever say he or she is satisfied with their job and salary. But we are all part of a system that needs to continue functioning." Mumbai Mirror reported that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will provide the infrastructure for mediation. As per the BEST workers' union and BMC's previous submissions in court, a 'one-step' increase in pay for BEST workers amounts to around Rs 330 per month. The strike the longest such protest in the history of the BEST entered its ninth day on Wednesday with over 32,000 BEST employees being supporting the stir since 8 January. The workers had pressed for various demands, including pay hike, revision of pay grade for junior level employees, and merger of loss-making BEST's budget with that of the BMC. Since last week, the high court had been hearing a PIL filed by lawyer Datta Mane urging the court to pass interim orders directing BEST workers to call off the strike immediately. The state government had last week invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against the striking employees. The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after local trains, which ferry over 80 lakh passengers every day. With inputs from agencies The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday protested the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Sanjeev Khanna of the Delhi High Court to the apex court by superseding several other judges and termed the decision as 'whimsical and arbitrary'. New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday protested the Supreme Court collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Sanjeev Khanna of the Delhi High Court to the apex court by superseding several other judges and termed the decision as "whimsical and arbitrary". The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, said the decision of the five-member collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was viewed by the Bar and the common man as "unjust and improper". Before the BCI made a statement protesting the decision of the collegium, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the Supreme Court also wrote a note to the CJI and other members of the collegium Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde, NV Ramana and Arun Mishra for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources said Justice Kaul was of the view that wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna stands at Sl.No. 33 in the combined seniority of high court judges on the all-India basis. Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi High Court judge, had also written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind on January 14 expressing concern over bypassing several judges seniority by the collegium. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a statement, said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon is viewed as "whimsical and arbitrary". "They are men of integrity and judicial competence; nobody can raise a finger against these judges on any ground. The decision of 10 January, 2019 will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of high courts," Mishra said. The bar body said it was watching the "strong resentment and reaction of the Indian Bar" as well as keeping a tab on the comments of intellectuals, social activists and general public "which shows that the faith of the people has abruptly eroded from our collegium system in recent past". While maintaining that the BCI was hard-pressed to raise these issues, it said even the Bar Council of Delhi has also taken resolution against the decision of the collegium. Further, the statement said that several state Bar Councils, high courts, Bar Associations and other Bar Associations of the country have written to the BCI, pressing it to raise this issue and agitate the matter before the government and the collegium judges. "Most of the councils and associations have even proposed to sit on a dharna and/or organise some nationwide protest on this serious issue," the BCI said, adding that the recent trend adopted by the collegium has completely "eroded" the faith of the Bar and the people. "We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country," it said. "The Bar will request the collegium and the government not to encourage such supersession. The appointments, in complete derogation of the seniority principle, has evoked strong reactions from all corners of the society," the BCI said. Along with Justice Khanna, the collegium had recommended the name of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari for elevation as judges of the apex court. The decision put on the apex court website noted the issue of elevation of judges was deliberated on 12 December, 2018 when Justice MB Lokur was also a member of the collegium. Justice Mishra became a member of the collegium after Justice Lokur retired on 30 December. According to the website, after extensive deliberations on 5-6 January, the newly-constituted collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look on the issue of elevation of judges in the light of the additional material that became available. "While recommending the names of justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna, the collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on the all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of high courts, apart from their merit and integrity," the collegium said. The collegium added that it has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the high courts. Nooyi joined Trump's business council, which was disbanded after many chief executives quit following the president's comments blaming 'many sides' for white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, in August 2017. New York: India-born Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of global beverage giant PepsiCo, is being considered by the White House for the new World Bank president, according to a leading American daily. Nooyi, 63, stepped down as PepsiCo's chief last August after leading the company for 12 years. She "has been courted as an administration ally by Ivanka Trump, the president's eldest daughter who is playing a role in the selection of a nominee," the The New York Times said. The report, which cited several people familiar with the process, said the decision-making process for the top post at the World Bank is "fluid and in its initial stages and early front-runners and candidates often fall off the radar, or withdraw from consideration, before the president (Donald Trump) makes his ultimate pick". It is unclear whether Nooyi would accept the nomination if chosen by the Trump administration. The first daughter, who has tweeted that she views Nooyi as a "mentor + inspiration", has floated her name as a potential successor. World Bank's current president Jim Yong Kim had earlier this month announced that he would step down from his post in February to join a private infrastructure investment firm. His unexpected departure came nearly three years before the end of his term. The NYT report said that the process of choosing Kim's successor is being overseen by treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Ivanka, whose role in the process was announced by the White House on Monday. Ivanka's "role in the process drew some criticism from ethics watchdogs on Monday, which said it could pose a conflict of interest for the president's daughter to be involved in international economic matters when she has not completely divested from her assets," the report said. The group was expected to begin the interview process on Tuesday, in order to present President Trump with recommendations for a nominee. Nooyi joined Trump's business council, which was disbanded after many chief executives quit following the president's comments blaming "many sides" for white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, in August 2017. The report, however, added that negative comments made by Nooyi after the 2016 election, during which she did not publicly endorse any candidate, are seen as a potential roadblock to her nomination. Following Trump's win, she said at the NYT's DealBook conference in 2016 that "Our employees are all crying. And the question that they're asking, especially those who are not white: 'Are we safe?' Women are asking: 'Are we safe?' LGBT people are asking: 'Are we safe?' I never thought I'd have had to answer those questions". A spokesman for PepsiCo had told Fortune magazine that "Mrs Nooyi misspoke. She was referring to the reaction of a group of employees she spoke to who were apprehensive about the outcome of the election. She never intended to imply that all employees feel the same way". Other candidates being considered for the position of World Bank head are under secretary of the treasury for international affairs David Malpass and president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Ray Washburne. The US president cannot install the World Bank leader, who must be approved by the bank's board, but has traditionally placed his nominee in the job. Trump has already faced harsh criticism for appointing his daughter as a senior White House advisor. Ivanka is a successful businesswoman, fashion designer, author and reality television personality. She has her own line of fashion items, including clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories which are available in all major US departmental stores. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. By Ben Klayman and Jan Schwartz DETROIT (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday they will join forces on commercial vans and pickups and are exploring joint development of electric and self-driving technology, actions meant to save the automakers billions of dollars. By Ben Klayman and Jan Schwartz DETROIT (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co said on Tuesday they will join forces on commercial vans and pickups and are exploring joint development of electric and self-driving technology, actions meant to save the automakers billions of dollars. Ford and VW announced their partnership against the backdrop of the Detroit auto show. The tie-up, which starts with sales of vans and medium-sized pickups in 2022, will not involve a merger or equity stakes, the companies said. "It is no secret that our industry is undergoing fundamental change, resulting from widespread electrification, ever stricter emission regulation, digitization, the shift towards autonomous driving, and not least the changing customer preferences," Volkswagen Chief Executive Herbert Diess told reporters and analysts on a conference call. "Carmakers around the globe therefore are investing heavily to align their portfolios to future needs and accelerate their innovation cycles," he added. "In such an environment, it just makes sense to share investment." A deal centered around vans and pickups had been expected. Investors are now focused on the potential for additional deals they believe could offer greater savings. Those include potential deals around development of electric or self-driving vehicles, as well as combining forces in markets including North America, South America, Europe or China. The two CEOs did not discuss in detail alliances in specific markets including Latin America, where Ford is losing money. The expanding alliance, which will be governed by a joint committee that includes the CEOs of both companies, highlights the growing pressure on global automakers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as technology to meet tougher emissions standards for millions of internal combustion vehicles they will sell in coming years. "You can't do this alone," Ford's chief executive, Jim Hackett, said on the call. Ford will provide more details on how the alliance affects Ford's regional operations in coming weeks, but does not expect any job cuts in its plants as a result of the alliance, he said. Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies, Volkswagen said. Ford officials said the VW pickups will initially be available only in the South American, European and African markets. Ford will also engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, while Volkswagen will develop and build a city van. Vans could be built in Ford's plant in Turkey, VW said. The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pretax operating results starting in 2023. Ford and VW have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop electric and self-driving vehicles, Diess said. Both executives said they were optimistic those deals would be finalized but provided no timeline. Sources previously said the framework of such a deal would include VW investing in Ford's autonomous vehicle operations, including its Argo AI business. VW shares were up 0.7 percent at 145.08 euros in Frankfurt on Tuesday. Ford shares were down 2.7 percent at $8.75 on the New York Stock Exchange in late morning. "Automakers arent just competing with each other anymore, theyre under intense pressure from well-funded tech companies," said Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis at Edmunds. "Cutting costs by sharing vehicle architectures and manufacturing facilities is just table stakes in this new world," she added. U.S. AND CHINA SLOWDOWNS Europe's biggest automaker and the No. 2 U.S. automaker have been exploring closer cooperation as trade frictions force carmakers to rethink where they build vehicles for Europe, the United States and China. Slowdowns in the world's largest auto markets - China and the United States - have ratcheted up the pressure to cut costs. The tie-up with Volkswagen is a big bet for Ford's Hackett since he took over in May 2017 from the ousted Mark Fields with the mandate to speed up decision-making and cut costs. Some analysts and investors have been frustrated by Ford's laggard stock price and a perceived lack of details from Hackett about the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker's $11 billion restructuring. The two companies previously shared vehicle development and assembly in South America in a joint venture called Autolatina, which was dissolved in 1995. Last week, Ford said it would cut thousands of jobs, discontinue building money-losing vehicles and look at closing plants as part of a turnaround effort for its unprofitable European business. Ford's president of global markets, Jim Farley, said on the conference call that the company will do "whatever it takes" to get Europe back to profitability. Hackett also reiterated that Ford, which is controlled by the Ford family, remains committed to the dividend, which some investors have speculated could be at risk. Last month, Volkswagen announced another 3 billion euros ($3.4 billion) of cost cuts as part of its effort to improve profit margins and fund its shift to electric cars and automated driving. On Monday, Volkswagen said it would invest $800 million to build an electric vehicle plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate the city and state in a post on Twitter the following day. But the White House has been pushing to end subsidies on electric vehicles that would help the plant and the alliance. (Reporting by Ben Klayman, Jan Schwartz, David Shepardson and Nick Carey in Detroit; Additional reporting by Makini Brice in Washington; Writing by Nick Zieminski; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Matthew Lewis) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Annual goods exports have remained flat around $300 billion, compared to $314.4 billion in 2013/14, since Narendra Modi took charge in May 2014 New Delhi: Trade deficit narrowed to $13.08 billion in December, the lowest in 10 months, on a fall in gold imports but exports remained flat, deepening concerns for Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wants to accelerate growth ahead of elections. Modi, who had promised to boost exports by easing administrative rules and building infrastructure for manufacturing in India, faces criticism from businesses for not doing enough in the last five years. Indias annual goods exports have remained flat around $300 billion, compared to $314.4 billion in 2013/14, since Modi took charge in May, 2014. There is virtually no growth in merchandise exports, said Ravi Sehgal, head of the Engineering Export Promotion Council, adding that US-China trade tensions and the global slowdown had started biting the shipments". He said exports of engineering goods, estimated to contribute more than one-fifth of total exports, had fallen by more than 3 percent in December from the same period in the previous year. This is a matter of grave concern, Sehgal said. In December, merchandise exports rose just 0.34 percent from a year earlier to $27.93 billion, while imports fell 2.44 percent to $41.01 billion, the trade ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Trade ministry officials had earlier said with the US-China trade dispute, there was an opportunity to boost exports such as chemicals, drugs and electrical machinery to China. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Karti wanted to an urgent hearing of an application seeking permission to travel abroad and the apex court declined to take up the case. Karti Chidambaram, son of senior Congress leader P Chidambaram may have to postpone his travel abroad again as the Supreme Court has rejected his plea again. Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has turned down a plea on an urgent hearing made by Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union finance minister P Chidambaram stating, "We have better things to do." #NewsAlert -- CJI turns down urgent hearing on Karti Chidambaram's plea. | @utkarsh_aanand with more details pic.twitter.com/1uQPjSsJPt News18 (@CNNnews18) January 16, 2019 Karti is wanted to an urgent hearing of an application seeking permission to travel abroad and the apex court declined to take up the case, said the report. In November, the Supreme Court rejected his plea to go abroad stating that: Karti Chidambaram going abroad is not so important that it will get precedent over other [cases], a bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices UU Lalit and KM Joseph said. Gogoi rejected most pleas seeking urgent hearings saying judges have more work than they can handle, PTI reported. In September 2018, the Supreme Court had allowed Karti to travel abroad between 20-30 September. The Enforcement Directorate had then informed the Supreme Court that Karti was had been "blatantly misusing" the liberty granted to him by the court for travel abroad, using it to protract investigations. Karti has been facing criminal cases being investigated by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). One of the cases relates to Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving foreign funds of Rs 305 crore when his father was the finance minister. In October 2018, the Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 54 crore of Karti in India, Britain and Spain in connection with the alleged INX Media money laundering case, said a report in Hindustan Times. The ED had issued a provisional order under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) for the attachment of Kartis Indian assets in Kodaikanal and Ooty in Tamil Nadu and a flat in New Delhis Jorbagh, said the report. In November 2018, the CBI had informed a Delhi court that that it has procured requisite sanction to prosecute Chidambaram in Aircel-Maxis case. The court, however, extended till 18 December the protection granted to Chidambaram and his son Karti from arrest after the CBI said it needed two weeks to get sanction against other accused in the case. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. This penalty has been imposed taking into account the failure of the bank to adhere to directions issued by the RBI, the central bank said in a statement. Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday imposed a Rs 1-crore penalty on state-owned Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) for non-compliance of Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines and fraud-classification norms. This penalty has been imposed taking into account the failure of the bank to adhere to directions issued by the RBI, the central bank said in a statement. "This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers," it said. Last year, the RBI had imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on BoM on account of delay on the part of the bank to detect and report fraud in an account. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. By playing down the unemployment problem, Javadekar hasnt done nothing but what is expected of him Union Human Resource Development (HRD) minister, Prakash Javadekar has been quoted as saying that the government provided enough job opportunities in the last five years and those who dont work out of choice cannot be counted as unemployed. Javadekar further said labour ministry gives only partial data on which unemployment figures should not be based. These comments come shortly after a series of reports highlighted disappointing trend on employment situation in the country, especially mounting job losses in the post-demonetisation period. HRD Minister @PrakashJavdekar: Govt Has Provided Enough Job Opportunities In Last 5 Years People Who Don't Work Out Of Choice, Cannot Be Considered Unemployed pic.twitter.com/FFHCNJeELW BTVI Live (@BTVI) January 15, 2019 Now, defending the governments performance is the least a senior minister could do. By playing down the unemployment problem, Javadekar hasnt done nothing but what is expected of him. There is hardly any surprise in his remarks. But his claims and justifications on employment/unemployment situation in the country deserve a fact-check, which will then tell us that ministers hypothesis is far from the reality on the ground and is wrong for the following reasons: 1) The claim that the government has provided enough jobs for the youth in the past five years is highly questionable. The number of government jobs has been falling over the years. Between 2013 and 2015, there has been an 89 percent fall in direct recruitment in central govt ministries and departments, according to data presented in Parliament. Total appointments made through direct recruitment have slid down from 1,51,841 in 2013, 1,26,261 in 2014 to 15,877 in 2015 which is a sharp decline of 89 percent as compared to the year 2013, according to the data presented in the House. There is also a 90 percent decline in the direct recruitment of reserved category candidates in the central government jobs in the year 2015 as compared to 2013. In fact, neither the government nor the private sector has generated enough jobs during this period. The private sector has not received enough investments to set up new shops that could generate employment. The shift to more automated factories added to less requirement of jobs. 2) There have been massive job losses instead. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, some 11 million (1.1 crore) jobs have been lost in 2018 alone. The CMIE report points out that the fall in employment began some 13 months backin November 2017. Employment declined in each of the nine months between November 2017 and September 2018. Employment is estimated to have fallen by 10.3 million during this period. And, in the volatile last four months, it fell by another 2.2 million, the report said. 3) It isnt correct to dismiss the employment-unemployment survey from the labour bureau calling it a partial data. As of now, this is the best available survey that captures the employment trends in the country by surveying households. For instance, for the 2015-16 survey, the ministry surveyed a total sample of 1,56,563 households has been covered with a break up of 88,783 households in the rural sector and 67,780 households in the urban sector. From the households covered, 7,81,793 members were inquired, out of which 4,48,254 respondents reside in rural households and rest 3,33,539 in urban households. In the absence of better payroll data, this remains the best indicator available. And that doesnt tell us a promising story yet. A Business Standard report on 2016-17 Labour Bureau's Sixth Annual Employment-Unemployment Survey shows that unemployment in India rose to a four-year high in 2016-17 at 3.9 percent as against 3.7 percent in 2015-16 and 3.4 percent in 2013-14. Assuming the findings of this report is true (the government hasnt released the data yet), we have a serious problem in hand. It confirms the fears that note ban indeed took the breath out of cash-intensive industries and forced several small shops to shut down. 4) It is even more incorrect to say on the part of the minister that unemployment data is an overstatement of the actual problem since those people who dont work out of choice cant be counted unemployed. To begin with, unemployment is a situation when those who are willing to work and skilled to work dont get enough opportunities, which is the case here. Millions of educated youngsters are entering the job market every month and there arent enough jobs. Unlike the minister seems to suggest, India doesnt have too many in its population who dont work out of choice. There is plenty of evidence around to prove this. In August last year, some 93,000 candidates, including 3,700 PhD holders, applying for peon jobs in Uttar Pradesh made headlines. What does this mean? India is stepping into a zone where there is an oversupply of qualified youngsters but not enough jobs to accommodate them. Post-demonetisation, which broke the back of many cash-intensive industries, there was at least a 60 percent spike in people rushing for NREGA jobs. All this shows, the problem of big unemployment figures is not due to people who dont work out of choice but eligible people who arent getting any jobs. To sum up, Indias unemployment problem is real and present. It is not a fictional story. An even bigger problem is when the ruling government pretends that the problem doesnt exist and start doubting the quality of even the labour ministry surveys. The government cant escape the onus of employment creation particularly when some of its experimental policies such as the harebrained demonetisation added to job woes. This fact is supported by the findings of the recent NBER working paper co-authored by Gabriel Chodorow-Reich, Gita Gopinath, Prachi Mishra, and Abhinav Narayanan that showed demonetisation indeed lowered the GDP (gross domestic product (GDP) growth by at least 2 percent in the near-term post-demonetisation.The least this government could do is to admit the problem and work on a resolution plan. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Betting big on the burgeoning Indian startup ecoystem, Microsoft's corporate venture fund, M12, on Wednesday said it will invest in various startups in the country with a funding size of $2 million to $10 million Bengaluru: Betting big on the burgeoning Indian startup ecoystem, Microsoft's corporate venture fund, M12, on Wednesday said it will invest in various startups in the country with a funding size of $2 million to $10 million. M12, formerly known as Microsoft Ventures, has chosen health-tech startup Innovaccer as its first investment in India. M12 Partner Rashmi Gopinath said the entity will invest in enterprise B2B startups, participating in series A to C rounds with cheque sizes ranging between $2-10 million. The company will lead these rounds or co-invest alongside strong local investors, she added. It focusses on areas like big data and analytics, business Software as a Service (SaaS), cloud infrastructure, machine learning and artificial intelligence, productivity and security. Talking about Innovaccer, Gopinath said the startup is working to solve data interoperability challenges in healthcare and helping health systems enhance their clinical and financial outcomes with a data-first approach. Tech investment activity in India is at an all-time high. Venture capitals are estimated to have pumped in over $3.09 billion in business-to-business (B2B) startups in 2018 across 415 rounds, which is 28 per cent more than $2.41 billion invested in 2017, she said. Moreover, an increasing number of enterprise B2B startups are being founded in India that cater to a global customer base, most notably in artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics, SaaS, data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT), she added. India also offers a unique competitive advantage as it is home to top technical talent, including deep-tech areas such as computer vision, robotics, blockchain and autonomous driving, she said. "These factors position India favourably to support highly innovative startups that can effectively compete on a global scale," said Gopinath. India is a market rich with entrepreneurs creating world-class startups that are poised for success on a global scale, said Nagraj Kashyap, Global head of M12 and Corporate Vice-President at Microsoft. "In working with these innovative startups, we believe together we will help disrupt enterprises and industries ripe for digital transformation," he said. M12 includes experienced venture capitalists and Microsoft veterans with team members on the ground in North America, Europe and Israel. Globally, M12 has invested in over 70 startups in areas ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to business SaaS and industrial drones. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Kotak Mahindra Bank's case against an RBI decision on promoter stake dilution is likely to come up for hearing before the Bombay High Court on Thursday amid a growing clamour for a review of the central bank's ownership guidelines for home-grown private sector lenders New Delhi: Kotak Mahindra Bank's case against an RBI decision on promoter stake dilution is likely to come up for hearing before the Bombay High Court on Thursday amid a growing clamour for a review of the central bank's ownership guidelines for home-grown private sector lenders. There is also a growing clamour, among those associated with the ruling dispensation, for ensuring that the certain amount of indigenous control is maintained in the banking sector even while welcoming the foreign capital and any stake dilution should be left to market evolution rather than forcing it. As the debate continues on the RBI rules, which require private lenders to reduce their promoter holding eventually to 15 percent over a period of time, one of the newest banks in the country, Bandhan Bank, recently announced a merger with HDFC Group's Gruh Finance Ltd in a share-swap deal. Some experts have said that one of the key reasons for Bandhan Bank opting for this deal was to meet the RBI rules, especially after it had to face some curbs by the central bank last year for failing to reduce the promoter stake to 40 percent within three years of operation. The rules require a bank to cut the promoter stake to 40 percent within 3 years, 20 percent within 10 years and then to 15 percent within 15 years. In case of Kotak Mahindra Bank, it was asked to cut the promoter stake to 20 percent by 31 December, 2018, from 30 percent earlier, and eventually to 15 percent by March 2020. In August, the bank announced an issue of PNCP (Perpetual Non Convertible Preference) shares to bring down the promoters' holding to 19.7 percent. However, the regulator did not approve of this method of stake dilution, after which the bank filed an appeal with the Bombay High Court challenging the RBI decision. Earlier in December, the court had refused to grant any interim relief to the bank. Experts supporting the RBI stand opine that the promoter stake dilution is aimed at ensuring that voting power is not concentrated in the hands of a single group and that all banks have complied with the rule. They also assert that the RBI communicated its stand to Kotak Mahindra Bank through a letter in August itself, but the lender went to court when the deadline was approaching. During an earlier hearing in the case, the counsel for the bank had argued that the RBI in the past asked it to only dilute promoter shareholding of its paid-up capital, but the impugned letter sought dilution of paid-up voting equity capital. As the case continues in the court, some experts have been seeking a review of the central bank's ownership guidelines for the country's private sector lenders. The Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR), a right-leaning think tank, said in a recent report that it is high time for a review of regulations and legislations and for re-working the model of governance and ownership norms for Indian private sector banks. The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM) also said recently there was an urgent need for a rethink on the regulatory framework for private bank ownership so that it remains in Indian hands. "None of us want Indian homegrown banks to go into hands of foreign players," the SJM said. The CEPR said the objective should be to form regulations that leads to creation of global giants like JP Morgan, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and Santander within India. It said these global giants were set up by families or individuals who diluted promoter stakes as a natural corollary to their success, growth and eventual scale over a period. Only such an enabling environment will help well-run banks such as HDFC Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank reach a global scale that serves India's interests as the world's fastest growing large economy, the think-tank added. Leading corporate legal firm Corporate Professionals' founder Pavan Kumar Vijay said there is a need to increase competition in the banking space and that calls for a review of the ownership guidelines, which have been a cause for non-participation to obtain license. He said the review is required more specifically around the maximum permissible stake promoters can have and it needs to be raised from 15 percent to at least 26 percent, which would be at par with the voting right cap. The CEPR said it is time for India to commit to building robust Indian banking and financial institutions by training the spotlight significantly and perhaps solely on applying the 'fit and proper' criteria of bank ownership, which is typically the case in mature banking markets. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Higher soymeal exports will support Indian soybean prices and limit the complaints from farmers that had demanded relief from low prices from the government, which faces elections by May. Mumbai: Indias soymeal sales to Iran are set to spike as the oil producer uses the rupees it receives for its crude exports to cover its animal feed demand amid US sanctions that have crimped the countrys ability to import necessities. Iran has agreed to sell crude oil to India, the worlds third-largest oil consumer, in exchange for rupees after sanctions imposed by the United States blocked its access to the global financial system. The oil-rich country must spend those rupees on Indian goods and Iran does not produce enough of the protein-rich soymeal domestically. Higher soymeal exports will support Indian soybean prices and limit the complaints from farmers that had demanded relief from low prices from the government, which faces elections by May. Indias soymeal exports to Iran could jump to 450,000 tonnes during the 2018-19 fiscal year ending in March, up from just 22,910 tonnes during the previous fiscal year, BV Mehta, executive director of the Solvent Extractors Association (SEA), a Mumbai-based industry body for oilseed processors, said this week. Exports could rise to 500,000 tonnes during the next fiscal year if the sanctions remain, he added. Iran has started buying aggressively due to the sanctions and it seems demand will remain there in coming months, said Mehta. India started paying Iran for oil imports in rupees after receiving a six-month waiver from the sanctions that started in November. India wants to continue buying oil from Iran since it offers free shipping and an extended credit period, while Iran will use the rupee funds to mostly pay for Indian exports. Iran is paying a premium of as much as 10 percent compared to other buyers since the country was struggling to secure soymeal from other sellers and keen to use oil payments, said an exporter based at Indore in Madhya Pradesh. We have to charge a premium as many times payments get delayed, he said. During the previous US sanctions, India settled 45 percent of its Iranian oil payments in rupees and the remainder in euros. But this time New Delhi wanted to make all payments in rupees to reduce its trade deficit with Iran. Local soybean prices have jumped 10 percent in just three weeks as oil mills started procuring the oilseed to fulfill the export orders for Iran. However, soymeal prices have also jumped and made Indian exports less lucrative for traditional buyers such as South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Bangladesh. Indian soymeal was available at about $400 per tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, compared to $330 for South American supplies, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. In coming months Thailand and Vietnam are likely to switch to Brazil and Argentina. Their supplies are cheaper even after factoring in higher freight cost, the dealer said. Still, Indias soymeal exports could jump 35 percent in the 2018/19 fiscal year to 1.6 million tonnes, estimates the SEAs Mehta. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Currently, a state-organised lottery attracts 12 percent GST while a state-authorised lottery attracts 28 percent tax. New Delhi: A GST ministerial panel will suggest whether a uniform tax rate should be imposed on lotteries or the current differential tax rate system be continued, the finance ministry said on Wednesday. Currently, a state-organised lottery attracts 12 percent GST while a state-authorised lottery attracts 28 percent tax. The GST Council has constituted an eight-member group of ministers (GoM) under Maharashtra finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, the finance ministry said in a statement. As per the terms of reference (ToR) for the GoM, the panel will see whether the disparity in tax structure on lottery be continued or a uniform rate be prescribed for both. It would also suggest whether private persons authorised by the states are misusing the lower rate and getting enriched themselves at the cost of the state and suggest measures to curb it. The GoM would also examine issues related to enforcement including the legal frame work, so as to prevent evasion of tax on lottery and suggest appropriate tax rate to address the problem. The other members of the committee are West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra, Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac, Assam finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Punjab finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Goa panchayat minister Mauvin Godinho, Karnataka finance minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Arunachal tax and excise Minister Jarkar Gamlin. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. The expansion project involves setting up crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore New Delhi: The government on Wednesday approved a capacity expansion plan for Numaligarh Refinery in Assam from the existing 3 million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) to 9 MMTPA at an estimated cost of Rs 22,594 crore. The project is to be completed within a period of 48 months after the approval and receipt of statutory clearances, Union minister Piyush Goyal told reporters while briefing reporters here. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the project for expansion of Numligarh Refinery in Assam with capacity to be expanded from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA. The expansion project involves setting up crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore, he said. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. remaining of Thank you for supporting local, independent journalism! 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. By Laurence Frost and Gilles Guillaume PARIS (Reuters) - The French government is moving to dismiss Renault's scandal-hit Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn and has requested a board meeting to consider candidates to replace him, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. France, Renault's biggest shareholder, had until now supported the company's decision to keep Ghosn in office while he awaits trial in Japan for alleged misconduct at Nissan , the French carmaker's alliance partner he also chaired until his dismissal in November By Laurence Frost and Gilles Guillaume PARIS (Reuters) - The French government is moving to dismiss Renault's scandal-hit Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn and has requested a board meeting to consider candidates to replace him, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. France, Renault's biggest shareholder, had until now supported the company's decision to keep Ghosn in office while he awaits trial in Japan for alleged misconduct at Nissan <7201.T>, the French carmaker's alliance partner he also chaired until his dismissal in November. But the government, which commands a 15 percent Renault stake and two board seats, has asked the company to convene its nominations committee followed by a full board meeting on Jan. 20 to begin the process of appointing one or more successors to Ghosn, according to three people briefed on the process. A spokesman for Renault and a French finance ministry official both said they had no knowledge of plans for a weekend board meeting. Ghosn's Nov. 19 arrest in Japan and swift firing by Nissan have deepened tensions with Renault, which owns a 43.4 percent stake in the Japanese carmaker. The French move to replace Ghosn follows a decision by the Tokyo District Court earlier on Tuesday to deny the ousted chairman's request for release on bail. Ghosn has been charged over allegations that he failed to disclose close to $80 million in additional compensation for 2010-18 that he had arranged to be paid later. Nissan director Greg Kelly and the company itself have also been indicted. Both men deny that the deferred pay agreements were illegal or required disclosure, while former alliance boss Ghosn has denied a separate breach of trust charge over personal investment losses he temporarily transferred to Nissan in 2008. Jean-Dominique Senard, who is soon to step down as CEO of tyre maker Michelin, is likely to replace Ghosn as Renault chairman, according to two sources. The French state and its advisers are also considering candidates for the Renault CEO role currently occupied on an interim basis by Ghosn's deputy Thierry Bollore. Bollore is among contenders for the permanent CEO appointment, along with senior Toyota <7203.T> executive Didier Leroy, Elior boss Philippe Guillemot and one other executive, a source involved in the discussions said. Alternatively Senard himself could also assume the CEO title, effectively taking over both of Ghosn's current roles, the source said. "All these options are on the table." Leroy declined to comment, and attempts by Reuters to reach Senard at Michelin were unsuccessful. Headhunting firms Korn Ferry and Emeric Lepoutre & Partners, which are involved in the executive search, could not be reached after hours. French officials had said Ghosn should be kept in office unless it became clear he was would remain "incapacitated" for much longer, also hinting that Tuesday's court decision would be an "important development". Two senior French finance ministry officials were travelling to Tokyo on Tuesday for talks with Nissan stakeholders aimed at stabilising the alliance with Renault, daily Le Figaro reported. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa said in a Monday interview he expected Renault to back the Japanese carmaker's ouster of Ghosn when its board of directors were finally given full access to the findings of its internal investigation. (Reporting by Laurence Frost; Editing by Georgina Prodhan and Jan Harvey) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Etihad, which owns 24 percent of Jet Airways, wants exemption from the market regulator on preference pricing and open offer guidelines to invest more for the bailout Etihad Airways has offered to invest in debt-laden Indian carrier Jet Airways Ltd at Rs 150 ($2.11) per share, along with an immediate release of $35 million after certain conditions are met, a TV report said on Wednesday, citing sources. The offer comes at a staggering 49 percent discount to Jets closing price of 293.70 rupees on Tuesday. Jet Airways shares tumbled after the report, falling as much as 7.5 percent to 271.75 rupees in their biggest intraday percentage loss since 10 December, 2018. Etihad Chief Executive Tony Douglas has written to State Bank of India on the restructuring plan for the airline, the report said. Etihad, which owns 24 percent of Jet Airways, wants exemption from the market regulator on preference pricing and open offer guidelines to invest more for the bailout, the report added. The letter stated the current situation of Jet Airways is precarious and the airline needs emergency funding, CNBC-TV18 said. Etihad has also insisted that Jets founder and Chairman Naresh Goyal must step down from the board and his stake should be slashed to 22 percent from 51 percent, according to CNBC-TV18. Etihad is also not willing to furnish any definite corporate guarantee. It has also laid down the condition that there should not be any charge or pledge on its equity, The Economic Times reported. The government would like banks to consider these relaxations probably due to diplomatic ties with Abu Dhabi or its reluctance to let another airline go down after Kingfisher..," a senior public sector banker was quoted as saying by the newspaper. Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, sales, for Asia Pacific and India at Boeing Commercial Airplanes exuded confidence that Jet Airway's efforts to solve debt problem could see results in a months time. A lot of activity is going on at Jet Airways; so Im sure they will find a way. I am hoping that they resolve the situation in a months time or earlier, Keskar was quoted as saying by Mint. On Tuesday, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker said his airline would not buy a stake in Jet Airways as a substantial portion of the debt-laden Indian carrier is held by Etihad Airways, whose owner Abu Dhabi is an enemy of Qatar. We would definitely look at it (Jet Airways) if a 24 percent stake was not held by Etihad, al-Baker told Reuters on the sidelines of an aviation conference in Mumbai. How can I take a stake in an airline which is owned by our adversary? Last week, Jet Airways Ltds lenders proposed a $900 million resolution plan. The resolution plan was shared with the airlines lessors and vendors at a meeting chaired by State Bank of India and attended by the airlines senior management, including chairman Naresh Goyal and a representative of Etihad Airways PJSC. Jets woes worsened with higher oil prices and intense competition in 2018. This would be the second time that the Middle Eastern airline has come to the debt-laden carriers rescue. --With inputs from agencies To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. In an order, CCI said that Godrej & Boyce and Panasonic Energy India along with their officials contravened Section 3 of the Companies Act by indulging in cartelisation, and are liable under the Act. New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday slapped a fine of over Rs 1 crore on Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing and its four officials for indulging in the cartelisation of dry cell batteries market. In an order, the fair trade regulator said, Godrej & Boyce and Panasonic Energy India Ltd along with their officials contravened Section 3 of the Companies Act by indulging in cartelisation, and are liable under the Act. Section 3 of the Act pertains to anti-competitive agreements. With regard to Godrej, the commission slapped a fine of Rs 85.01 lakh and a total fine of Rs 15.44 lakh on its four officials Sorab Parekh, Sunil Patil, Rakesh A and Rajiv Jhangiani. However, the commission waived the penalty on Panasonic as it provided genuine, continuous and expeditious cooperation during the course of investigation. The CCI suo motu initiated the investigation after it received an application filed by Panasonic Japan over the issue. In the application, it revealed that there was a bi-lateral ancillary cartel between Panasonic Energy and Godrej & Boyce in the institutional sales of dry cell batteries from at least 2012 till November 2014. Panasonic Japan further said its Indian enterprise and Boyce used to agree on the market price of the batteries being sold by them, so as to maintain price parity in the market. They also used to monitor other manufacturers in various regions of India, and inform each other in cases of any discrepancy noticed. Following which the CCI ordered a probe by director general(DG), its investigation arm. The DG in the report said that the product supply agreement, (PSA) between both the parties included an explicit anti-competitive clause, which imposed a mutual obligation of not taking any step detrimental to each other's market interests and thereby found them to be in contravention of Section 3. Based on the report, the commission said that it holds both the firms in contravention of Section 3 for indulging in cartelisation and directed to cease and desist from indulging into any act of cartelisation henceforth. Accordingly, Godrej & Boyce and its officials were fined over Rs 1 crore in total. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. At the current rate, the gap in the actual central GST earned and the central GST that the government hoped that it would earn, will be close to Rs 1,50,000 crore. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will be presenting the interim budget on 1 February, 2019. One of his bigger headaches will be to ensure that the government is able to meet the fiscal deficit target for the current financial year (2018-2019), set in February 2018. The fiscal deficit target for 2018-2019 was set at Rs 6,24,276 crore or 3.3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). Fiscal deficit is the difference between what a government earns and what it spends. A major problem this year has been the disappointment that the government has had to face as far as collections of central Goods and Services Tax (GST) is concerned. The government had hoped to earn Rs 6,03,900 crore as central GST during the course of the year. Between April and December 2018, the government had earned a central GST of Rs 3,41,146 crore. This leaves the government with Rs 2,62,754 crore to earn in the remaining three months of the financial year. This would mean earning a central GST of Rs 87,585 crore per month on an average for the remaining part of the financial year. The highest central GST that the government has ever earned during a month was Rs 57,893 crore in July 2018. Given this, there is no way that the government can meet its central GST target this year. At the current rate, the gap in the actual central GST earned and the central GST that the government hoped that it would earn, will be close to Rs 1,50,000 crore. The question is why have the GST calculations of the government gone totally haywire. The answer lies in the fact that the number and proportion of taxpayers not filing GST returns has gone up during the course of 2018-2019. In a recent answer to a question raised in the Lok Sabha, the government had pointed out that in April 2018, 15.44 percent of the 88.2 lakh regular taxpayers hadnt filed their GST returns. By November 2018, 28.8 percent the 98.5 lakh regular taxpayers hadnt filed their GST returns. As far as the composition taxpayers, who need to file their GST returns once every three months, are concerned, 19.3 percent of the 17.7 lakh taxpayers hadnt filed their returns for the period of three months ending June 2018. For the period of three months ending September 2018, 25.4 percent of 17.7 lakh taxpayers hadnt filed their returns. What this tells us is that during the course of 2018-2019, more and more taxpayers did not file their GST returns and did not pay their fair share of GST as well. This has led to a huge gap in the collection of GST. The GST Council has tried to solve this by problem by trying to simplify the GST through a spate of measures recently. But that has been too little and too late to make a significant difference to the GST collections this year. In this scenario, what options does the finance minister really have to ensure that he gets around to meeting or getting somewhere near the original fiscal deficit target that he had set a year ago. One way of doing this is to delay paying out the food and fertiliser subsidies. This has been standard operating procedure for the finance ministers in the past. The accounts of the government work on a cash basis and not on an accrual basis. This basically means that only when the government actually spends money is it accounted for as expenditure and not when the expenditure becomes due. Take the case of Food Corporation of India (FCI), which buys rice and wheat from farmers directly at the minimum support price announced by the government every year and then sells that rice and wheat through the public distribution system (PDS) at a much lower price. The government needs to compensate the FCI for offering this subsidy to the citizens of India. Instead of paying the FCI in a particular year, the government can delay the payment of this subsidy to the next financial year. And given that no money has gone out of the coffers of the government, it is not recognised as expenditure, even though the expenditure is due. The subsidies that should have been paid but are not, are referred to as a carryover liability. The FCI continues running its operations by taking loans from public sector banks (PSBs) and issuing short-term bonds, among other things. This financing is funded by the financial system because lending to the FCI is basically deemed to be lending to the government. Even though any extra borrowing ends up on the books of the FCI, it is basically a liability that the government has to repay at the end of the day, even though it doesnt show up on its books. In fact, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) pointed this out in a recent report. Take the case of 2016-2017, the FCI was paid Rs 78,335 crore for offering food subsidies. The carryover liability was Rs 81,303 crore. Interestingly, the carryover liability in 2011-2012 was Rs 23,427 crore. Between then and 2016-2017, it jumped to Rs 81,303 crore, as government pushed more and more payments into the future. This basically meant that the government should have paid the FCI total of Rs 1,59,638 crore (Rs 78,335 crore + Rs 81, 303 crore) to clear all its dues. But it paid less than half of that, and the remaining part was carried forward to be paid in the years to come. By doing this, the government managed to bring down its expenditure by Rs 81,303 crore. Along similar lines, in 2016-2017, the government paid fertiliser companies Rs 70,100 crore as fertiliser subsidy. The subsidies which werent paid and carried over, stood at Rs 39,057 crore. Hence, in 2016-2017, the carryover liabilities of food and fertiliser subsidies stood at Rs 1,20,360 crore. If this expenditure hadnt been postponed, the actual fiscal deficit of the government would have stood at 4.3% of the GDP and not 3.5% as it eventually did. The difference would have been huge. Jaitley will have to use this trick all over again in the interim budget he is scheduled to present on 1 February, to meet the fiscal deficit target that he had set while presenting the budget in February 2018. There is no other way that such a huge shortfall in GST collections can be balanced. (The writer is the author of the Easy Money trilogy) Follow full coverage of Union Budget 2019-20 here To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Barista would sell its food items through the food delivery platforms which would be cooked at its facility and distributed by the online aggregators. New Delhi: Coffee chain Barista is in advanced talks with two food delivery platforms, including Swiggy, to serve the online food market, a top company official said. Barista would sell its food items through the food delivery platforms which would be cooked at its facility and distributed by the online aggregators. "We are in advanced stage of talks with Swiggy and one more player for dark kitchens and hopefully, we would have announcements soon," Barista Chief Executive Officer Puneet Gulati told PTI. In October 2018, Barista's rival Cafe Coffee Day had made an announcement to join hands with Uber Eats to launch a virtual restaurant network. Under dark kitchen, companies share their resources and increase their capacity to serve the food delivery market. Barista would add around 40 more stores in the next three months taking its count to 250 by the end of this financial year, said Gulati. The company, which is eyeing a network of around 500 stores in the next two-three years, would expand in tier-II and III cities. The coffee chain is looking to enter South Asian markets and the UAE in the Middle East, where the Indian diaspora has a larger presence. It already has stores in countries such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal and Maldives. "Currently, we are having around 210 stores and by the end of March, we are hoping to have around 250 stores. These would be a mix of company-owned stores and franchise stores," said Gulati. "Currently, we have operations in 47 towns in India. It was just 35 towns one-and-a-half-year back," he said. The expansion is especially coming from tier-II and III cities, he added. "We are quite excited as our brand has a huge halo emitting from metro towns and it is very well accepted," he said commenting about Barista's growth prospects in smaller towns. The company is also having a different pricing strategy to tap the aspirational customers from tier-II and III cities, he added. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Under attack for giving away valuable telecom spectrum without auction, the government on Wednesday strongly defended administrative allocation of microwave spectrum, saying the bidding rules do not apply to backhaul airwaves, which are critical for maintaining connectivity New Delhi: Under attack for giving away valuable telecom spectrum without auction, the government on Wednesday strongly defended administrative allocation of microwave spectrum, saying the bidding rules do not apply to backhaul airwaves, which are critical for maintaining connectivity. With Congress calling allocation of microwave spectrum a scam, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha cited the 2012 Supreme Court ruling, which had cancelled allocations done on the first-come-first-serve basis, to say that backhaul spectrum was not covered under the judgment. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its report tabled in Parliament last week said microwave access (MWA) spectrum was allocated to a telecom operator in 2015 on first-come-first-served (FCFS) basis in contravention to the recommendations of a DoT-constituted committee, while 101 applications for microwave spectrum were pending with the government. "I want to say that the SC order of 2012 was about access spectrum and not backhaul spectrum. It is not one service provider but all those who were genuine, were given microwave spectrum on an administrative basis, before and after the order," Sinha told reporters here. The Congress had, earlier this week, demanded a probe into the matter following findings of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that a set of spectrum was allocated in 2015 on first-come-first-served basis in contravention to recommendations of a committee. The Congress had alleged that the CAG had found that various instances of spectrum mismanagement by the Department of Telecom (DoT) had caused a loss of around Rs 560 crore to the public exchequer. "The allegations are baseless and without any evidence," Sinha said. The minister asserted that so far the backhaul spectrum has not been auctioned, but allocated administratively, and added that telecom regulator too had recommended the same. To a specific question on whether there is a decision to auction such spectrum, the minister said, "So far there is no decision...we are neither considering it nor studying". He said adequate safeguards are in place to ensure that whenever the government takes a decision, those allotted such spectrum will have to pay up, retrospectively. Sinha also defended the decision on deferred spectrum liability, saying extending the period of making payments to 16 years would bring an additional Rs 74,446 crore to government coffers. "When the inter-ministerial group gave recommendation (on the matter), it gave consideration to net present value and the same was the case with the Telecom Department and Telecom Commission, so the entire matter was well thought out, to see how urgent relief can be given to the sector without causing loss to exchequer," he said. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. 'Will meet the apex chambers/associations of industry and commerce tomorrow (17 January),' Shaktikanta Das wrote on the microblogging website Twitter Mumbai: Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das Wednesday said he will be meeting industry lobby groupings on Thursday. Das has already met the heads of state-run banks in two installments, private sector bankers, non-bank lenders and associations of small businesses since taking over in December. "Will meet the apex chambers/associations of industry and commerce tomorrow (17 January)," Das wrote on the microblogging website Twitter. It can be noted that till a few years ago, the RBI had a structured practice of meeting industry lobby groupings like CII or FICCI. Das had hinted towards a more conciliatory approach, taking the views of all the key stakeholders on board, hours after assuming charge following the surprise resignation of his predecessor Urjit Patel. In the run-up to Patel's resignation last month, multiple stakeholders, including government ministers, had complained about the RBI not listening to industry concerns. Roads minister Nitin Gadkari had publicly said that RBI's notifications are hampering financial closure for projects and appealed for a relook at the practices. The 12 February circular last year, which redefines bad asset recognition by asking lenders to classify an asset as bad for a single day's default and stresses on quicker resolution, has also been one of the areas of concern especially for the large borrowers. Provisions in the circular proved to be one of the driving factors which had led the Government to invoke the never used Section 7 of the RBI Act to direct the central bank to take certain discussions for the public good. The Government also wants special dispensation to the power sector, which the RBI is uneasy with. Even as the central bank had decided to end the practice of forbearances, it has initiated a scheme on board direction for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) having borrowings under Rs 25 crore after Das took over. To keep watching Indias No. 1 English Business News Channel CNBC-TV18, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family Pack (inclusive of 24 channels), available for Rs. 35/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 4/- per day. To keep watching the Leader in Global Market & Business News CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, call your Cable or DTH Operator and ask for the Colors Family HD Pack (inclusive of 25 channels), available for Rs. 50/- per month, or subscribe to the channel for Rs. 1/- per day. Sky and Space Globalis set to expand its footprint in the US and South America after signing two new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements.The satellite company has signed a reseller MoU with Cobbosseecontee Comunications LLC, a subsidiary of Carnegie technologies, which is a global communications company based in Texas.The agreement further consolidates the company's position in the international resellers network and moves it closer to becoming a dominant player in the satellite communication market.A separate agreement with Arycom supports SAS's global growth strategy by further increasing its presence in South America.Shares in Sky and Space Globalare trading 5.65 per cent lower at 2 cents. 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. LAUSANNE, Switzerland, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A first for the beverage carton industry, this investment taps the power of digital on-package printingto offer new possibilities for beverage brands Tetra Pak is to become the first company in the food and beverage carton industry to offer full-colour digital printing on its carton packages, working in collaboration with Koenig & Bauer, a global leader in the field. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/632361/Tetra_Pak_Logo.jpg ) The digital printing technology will simplify the complexity of design handling, reducing time from design to print and opening up new opportunities for flexibility in order placement and product customisation. Beverage brands can take advantage of added benefits like dynamic on-package printing and the ability to include a variety of designs within the same order. Charles Brand, Executive Vice President, Product Management & Commercial Operations at Tetra Pak said, "We are committed to helping our customers explore new avenues with a truly 'smart' package, supporting their need for product customisation, smaller batch sizes, greater traceability and the ability to interact with the consumer. Our investment in this digital printer demonstrates our commitment to support customers with future-proof technologies as the digital revolution transforms the way we all do business." The full-width digital printer is currently being built by Koenig & Bauer and will be installed at Tetra Pak's converting plant at Denton, Texas. Field testing of the new, digitally-printed carton packages is expected to begin in early 2020 with North American customers. Carmen Becker, President and CEO of Tetra Pak U.S. and Canada, said, "Brands continue to look for opportunities to deliver greater customisation and personalisation of their products. We're thrilled to offer our customers new and innovative ways to engage with consumers, all while increasing flexibility in the design and order process." Christoph Muller, Member of the Board of Koenig & Bauer said, "We are absolutely delighted that Tetra Pak has decided in favour of our digital printer. Collaboration between our companies is on an extremely constructive and trusting basis. I am sure that, together, we will significantly change the market for the benefit of Tetra Pak customers." ABOUT TETRA PAK Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 160 countries. With over 24,000 employees around the world, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business. Our motto, "PROTECTS WHAT'S GOOD," reflects our vision to make food safe and available, everywhere. More information about Tetra Pak is available at http://www.tetrapak.com ABOUT KOENIG & BAUER Koenig & Bauer is the world's second-largest printing press manufacturer with the broadest product range in the industry. For 200 years, the company has been supporting printers with innovative technology, tailor-made processes and a wide array of services. The portfolio ranges from banknotes, via board, film, metal and glass packaging, through to book, display, coding, magazine, advertising, corrugated and newspaper printing. Sheetfed and webfed offset and flexo printing, waterless offset, intaglio, simultaneous perfecting and screen printing or digital inkjet - Koenig & Bauer is at home in virtually all printing processes and is the market leader in many of them. In the financial year 2017, the approximately 5,600 highly qualified employees worldwide generated annual sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion. More information about Keonig & Bauer is available at http://www.koenig-bauer.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2019) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (the "Company" or "Benz") announces that it has requested a second and final extension from the B.C. Registrar of Companies to postpone its annual general meeting. Benz's last annual general and special meeting was held on May 5, 2017, and the Company's second extension granted by the B.C. Registrar of Companies expires August 5, 2019. Further to the termination of the reverse takeover with Fox Automotive Switzerland AG, Benz is undergoing a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and as a result Benz feels it would be prudent to delay the meeting until the conclusion of such review. The Company will update shareholders of the meeting date as soon as it is able to do so. Benz does not currently meet the requirements of TSXV Policy 3.1 "Directors, Officers, Other Insiders and Personnel and Corporate Governance" section 21(b) which requires that Benz's audit committee be comprised of at least three (3) directors, the majority of which must be independent. Currently, the audit committee members are Gordon F. Bub and Ronald A. Hall, both are independent. Benz expects to rectify this matter at its next annual general meeting. About Benz Benz is a Vancouver based mineral company publicly listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. It is focused on acquiring and developing mineral base and precious metal assets in safe jurisdictions. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Benz Mining Corp. Miloje Vicentijevic, President and Chief Executive Officer For more information please contact Benz Mining Corp. Telephone: 604.617.1239 Email: info@benzmining.com Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business and trading in the common stock of Benz Mining Corp. The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company's management. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2019) - Reservoir Capital Corp. (CSE: REO) ("REO") is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Kainji Power Holding Limited ("KPHL") has received on January 16, 2019 a new interim dividend of US$219,639 in respect of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited's ("MESL") 2018 accounting year. This dividend constitutes the first revenue for REO since the completion of the KPHL transaction (see news release dated September 21, 2018). CEO Lewis Reford commented, "Receipt of this dividend validates the premise of our 2018 transaction, through which REO swapped 158.1 million new shares valued at approximately US$7.4 million to acquire a toehold stake in one of Africa's leading clean power generators, by providing our company with the first quality asset and cash flow needed to advance our vision." KPHL is a single-purpose entity that holds a minority interest in MESL, concessionaire of two leading Nigerian hydro power plants located at Kainji and Jebba on the Niger River with an operating capacity of 922MW. Through its interest in KPHL, REO currently nets approximately 12MW of operating capacity. About Reservoir Capital Corp. REO's Vision & Mission is to assemble a portfolio of producing or near-production clean energy assets in emerging markets. REO's strategy to achieve its Vision is to approach owners of privately-held quality assets and offer their investors diversification, liquidity and exposure to our growing portfolio of assets following a disciplined investment policy. REO's investment policy consists of taking carefully selected minority economic interests in key geographies, targeting regular dividend income over long periods, while offering the potential for capital gain in the medium term. Further Information Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of REO should be considered highly speculative. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the operations or financial results of REO are included in REO's CSE Listing Statement and most recently filed quarterly report, each of which is filed with applicable Canadian securities regulators and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com). The CSE have neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. For any clarification, contact: Lewis Reford - CEO of Reservoir Capital Corp. Telephone: 416-399-2274 Email: ceo@reservoircap.team NEITHER THE CSE NOR THE INVESTMENT INDUSTRY REGULATORY ORGANIZATION OF CANADA ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2019) - Great Bear Resources (TSXV: GBR) (the "Company" or "Great Bear") today reported drill results from the Hinge Zone ("DHZ") and South Limb Zone ("DSL") at its 100% owned Dixie Project in the Red Lake District of Ontario.Results include 1,602.73 g/t gold over 0.70 metres (approximate true width) at 150 metres vertical depth. An image of the gold mineralization in DHZ-014 is shown in Figure 1. Figure 1: Image of 1,602.73 g/t (51.29 ounces per tonne) gold in Hinge Zone drill hole DHZ-014. The image is selective and is not representative of the gold mineralization hosted on the property. To view an enhanced version of this Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5331/42231_6696894dc44bf92d_002full.jpg Chris Taylor, President and CEO of Great Bear said: "Our Hinge and South Limb Zone are part of a continuous gold vein system which is interpreted to extend along 300 metres in strike length and has been drill tested to a depth of 212 metres. The zone remains open in all directions and occurs immediately south of a regional east-west trending D2 fold hinge and associated structures which extends for approximately 10 kilometres into undrilled areas. For comparison, the Red Lake-Campbell complex (Red Lake Gold Mine) also occurs proximal to a regional D2 fold where shear zones developed and acted as primary hydrothermal fluid conduits, across a 3.2 kilometre by 2.2 kilometre area. Great Bear's 2019 drill program is fully funded, and results will continue to be released regularly in batches as the program progresses." Hinge zone hole DHZ-014 intersected a 10.1 metre wide vein zone (approximate true width). Visible gold was observed at both its upper and lower contacts (Table 1). The vein zone is part of the larger Hinge/South Limb vein system, which parallels an ultramafic unit and deep-seated fault at the centre of the Dixie gold system (Figure 2). The DSL/DHZ vein system has been intersected in 28 drill holes across 300 metres of strike length to-date and is open along strike and at depth.The D2 fold axis that appears to be a significant gold control has been traced through geophysical methods across more than 10 kilometres of strike length. DHZ-014 was drilled to test Great Bear's 3D vein model, which accurately predicted veining would be present within 15 metres of the actual intercept. Table 1: Detailed assay results including both metric and imperial units from across the complete mineralized zone in Hinge zone drill hole DHZ-014. Interval begins at 150 metres vertical depth. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Gold (oz/t) Width* (ft) DHZ-014 top contact 176.50 177.00 0.50 58.40 1.87 1.64 180.70 186.60 5.90 190.78 6.11 19.36 vein interval 181.80 185.10 3.30 340.90 10.91 10.83 lower contact 183.90 185.10 1.20 935.64 29.94 3.94 including 184.40 185.10 0.70 1602.73 51.29 2.30 * width is determined to be 95-100% of true width based on intersection points of the drill hole intercept with the geological model and oriented drill core data. Complete assays of zone below in Table 3. Other results include additional gold intervals from previously reported Hinge and South Limb drill holes (see news release of December 12, 2018), identified during assaying of the entire drill holes, and are provided in Table 2.8 of 19 drill holes completed in December 2018 across 220 metres strike length of the South Limb and Hinge zones intersected intervals of greater than 15 g/t gold. Table 2: Additional gold intervals from drill holes previously released by Great Bear from the Hinge and South Limb Zones. Original results were provided on December 12, 2018. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width (m) Gold (g/t) Vertical Depth (m) Zone DHZ-012 275.60 277.60 2.00 2.73 223 Hinge including 275.60 276.15 0.55 6.02 DSL-014 100.50 102.00 1.50 4.16 81 South Limb and 163.50 166.50 3.00 4.85 132 including 164.50 166.50 2.00 7.17 and including 164.50 165.50 1.00 13.33 and including 164.50 165.00 0.50 25.82 DSL-015 165.85 170.80 4.95 1.21 156 South Limb including 169.50 170.30 0.80 5.45 and 173.00 173.50 0.50 9.33 * width is determined to be 95-100% of true width based on intersection points of the drill hole intercept with the geological model and oriented drill core data. A cross section through the Hinge Zone is shown on Figure 2.A map showing the Dixie gold zones and current drill results is shown on Figure 3.A long section through the South Limb and Hinge zones is shown on Figure 4. All assays received from the mineralized zone in DHZ-014 and a description of the observed geology are provided in Table 3. Figure 2: Cross section of Hinge Zone showing central ultramafic and adjacent drill results to-date. Dixie Limb Zone is located to the right of this image and also parallels the central ultramafic. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5331/42231_6696894dc44bf92d_003full.jpg Figure 3: Plan map of the Dixie Gold System showing the drill collar locations and hole traces of currently reported gold results. To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5331/42231_6696894dc44bf92d_004full.jpg Great Bear is currently undertaking a fully-funded 30,000 metre, approximately 150 drill hole program that is expected to continue through 2019 and 2020. A second drill rig will be added to the project in early 2019 to accelerate this work. Additional photos of mineralization are provided at the Company's web site at www.greatbearresources.com. Webinar Great Bear will host a webinar to discuss the Company's recent drill results and its recently released 3D model. The webinar will take place on Thursday, January 17th at 11:00am PST/2:00pm EST. Management will be available to answer questions following the presentation. Online access and dial-in numbers are: Readytalk Platform (access at the time of event): * http://www.readytalk.com/join * Access code: 5147677 Dial-In Numbers: * Canada: +1-647-722-6839 * United States: +1-303-248-0285 * Access Code: 5147677 Figure 4: Long section through the DHZ/DSL as drilled to-date showing currently reported drill results. To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5331/42231_6696894dc44bf92d_005full.jpg Table 3: All assay intervals and geological description of each interval of DHZ-014 in the vein zone. Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Gold (g/t) Description DHZ-014 176.5 177 58.4 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt with quartz veining with visible gold DHZ-014 177 177.5 0.066 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 177.5 178.5 0.027 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 178.5 180 0.023 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 180 180.7 0.031 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 180.7 181.2 0.297 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 181.2 181.8 0.385 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 181.8 182.4 2.955 Quartz Vein DHZ-014 182.4 182.9 0.285 Quartz Vein DHZ-014 182.9 183.4 0.169 High-Fe Tholeiitic Pillow Basalt DHZ-014 183.4 183.9 0.367 Argillite DHZ-014 183.9 184.4 1.715 Argillite DHZ-014 184.4 185.1 1602.73 Quartz Vein with 3-5% visible gold DHZ-014 185.1 185.6 0.137 Quartz Vein DHZ-014 185.6 186.1 0.337 Calc-Alk Massive Basalt DHZ-014 186.1 186.6 0.119 Calc-Alk Massive Basalt About Great Bear The Dixie property is located approximately 15 minutes' drive along Highway 105 from downtown Red Lake, Ontario. The Red Lake mining district has produced over 30,000,000 ounces of gold and is one of the premier mining districts in Canada, benefitting from major active mining operations including the Red Lake Gold Mine of Goldcorp Inc., plus modern infrastructure and a skilled workforce. The Dixie property covers a drill and geophysically defined 10 kilometre gold mineralized structure similar to that hosting other producing gold mines in the district. In addition, Great Bear is also earning a 100% royalty-free interest in its West Madsen properties which total 3,860 hectares and are contiguous with Pure Gold Mining Inc.'s Madsen property. All of Great Bear's Red Lake projects are accessible year-round through existing roads. Drill core is logged and sampled in a secure core storage facility located in Red Lake Ontario. Core samples from the program are cut in half, using a diamond cutting saw, and are sent to Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Ancaster Ontario, and SGS Canada Inc. in Red Lake, Ontario, both of which are accredited mineral analysis laboratories, for analysis. All samples are analysed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning over 3.0 g/t gold are analysed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. Certified gold reference standards, blanks and field duplicates are routinely inserted into the sample stream, as part of Great Bear's quality control/quality assurance program (QAQC). No QAQC issues were noted with the results reported herein. Mr. R. Bob Singh, P.Geo, Director and VP Exploration, and Ms. Andrea Diakow P.Geo, Exploration Manager for Great Bear are the Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 responsible for the accuracy of technical information contained in this news release. For further information please contact Mr. Chris Taylor, P.Geo, President and CEO at 604-646-8354, or Mr. Knox Henderson, Investor Relations, at 604-551-2360. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Chris Taylor" Chris Taylor, President and CEO Inquiries: Tel: 604-646-8354 Fax: 604-646-4526 info@greatbearresources.ca www.greatbearresources.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This new release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. We seek safe harbor The Leader in Online Content Removal and Online Reputation Management Helps Local Children's Hospital BURLINGTON, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / The staff of Guaranteed Removals has displayed their unwavering generosity and commitment to their local community with an internal fundraiser for McMaster Children's Hospital, where employees raised a total of $336.00. McMaster Children's Hospital is one of Canada's largest pediatric care units and is a leader in collaborative research and cutting-edge education. A total of $336.00 was raised with staff donating $168.00 and Guaranteed Removals matching those contributions. Guaranteed Removals staff made their donations by participating in a Christmas coffee fundraiser in the office over the course of the holiday season. 'Our staff have big hearts, we currently have 58 people who work for us and they are always looking to help clients and the local community,' said said James John, Founder, Guaranteed Removals. 'The staff wanted to give back to a local cause during the holidays. They are always coming up with creative ways to help one another and the community,' continued John. 'Guaranteed Removals is continually giving back to the community through food drives, scholarship programs, and internships,' continued John. 'We help people online and where we live, work and play.' said John. Guaranteed Removals has plans to continue their philanthropic initiatives for the new year. About Guaranteed Removals Guaranteed Removals is North America's largest and most successful online image management company, helping people protect and defend their image online. Guaranteed Removals has been offering online reputation management services out of its Burlington, Ontario, Canada location. Guaranteed Removals has successfully removed negative content for clients across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, United Arab Emirates and New Zealand. The company has helped more than 5,000 clients improve their online image. With a team of 58 employees, Guaranteed Removals has assisted businesses and individuals who have been victimized online, to rebuild and restore their online reputation. For more information visit www.GuaranteedRemovals.com. For more information, please contact: Rachel Swiednicki Director, Public Relations, Guaranteed Removals 1-866-689-2261 x. 237 Rachels@guaranteedremovals.com Guaranteed Removals.com SOURCE: Guaranteed Removals View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532824/Guaranteed-Removals-Raises-Money-to-Support-McMaster-Childrens-Hospital OCC, the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization, announced today that Chris Isaacson, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Cboe Global Markets, Inc., has joined OCC's Board of Directors as an Exchange Director. He replaces Edward Tilly, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Cboe Global Markets, who resigned from OCC's board earlier this month. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005574/en/ Chris Isaacson, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of Cboe Global Markets, Inc., has joined OCC's Board of Directors as an Exchange Director. (Photo: Business Wire) "OCC works diligently in its role as a Systemically Important Financial Market Utility to clear the path for investors by ensuring confidence in financial markets and the broader economy," said Craig Donohue, OCC Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Adding Chris to our board of directors supports OCC's continued resiliency, innovation and growth as an industry leader as we work to provide high-quality, efficient clearing, settlement and risk management services to market participants. "Throughout his many years of service on the OCC Board of Directors, Ed Tilly provided sound guidance and thoughtful leadership to the Board as a whole, and more specifically, through his work on various board committees, including becoming the first exchange director on the Risk Committee. On behalf of the board and management team, I thank Ed for his efforts on behalf of OCC." At Cboe, Isaacson is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the company, including oversight of all technology and operations, risk and information security, the trade desk, infrastructure, data and analytics, and foreign exchange technology and operations. He holds a B.S. degree in information systems with a minor in math from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and an MBA from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he currently serves on the Advisory Board at the Raikes School of Computer Science and Management. About OCC OCC is the world's largest equity derivatives clearing organization and the foundation for secure markets. Founded in 1973, OCC operates under the jurisdiction of both the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a registered clearing agency and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a Derivatives Clearing Organization. Named 2018 Best Clearing House by Markets Media, and Clearing House of the Year The Americas by FOW, OCC now provides central counterparty (CCP) clearing and settlement services to 19 exchanges and trading platforms for options, financial futures, security futures, and securities lending transactions. More information about OCC is available at www.theocc.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005574/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: David Prosperi 312-322-4484 dprosperi@theocc.com LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Findit, Inc., a Nevada Corporation (OTC PINK: FDIT) and owner of Findit.com, signed on Brand Ambassador Calvin Corzine back in May of 2018. The addition of Calvin Corzine (calvmonster on Findit, @calvmonster on Instagram, @calvincorzineyoga on Facebook) was to assist Findit in gaining additional popularity by reaching some of Calvin's followers on Facebook and Instagram through his posts on Findit. At the time, Findit was exploring Calvin Corzine and one other possible brand ambassador - both of whom are in the Yoga community in the Los Angeles area. In May of 2018, both individuals had over 20,000 followers on Instagram and both had under 28,000. Since bringing on Calvin Corzine, Findit has been receiving @calvmonster's posts on Instagram and posting similar posts on Findit through findit.com/calvmonster. Once the post is live in Findit, the post is often shared to the Facebook page @calvincorzineyoga along with Pinterest, Twitter, Google + and Tumblr. Not every post is shared to all of these social networking or blog sites but most are shared to one or more. Since the addition of Calvin Corzine joining Findit, Findit has been monitoring the number of followers @calvmonster has on Instagram compared to the number of followers the other party Findit was considering bringing on to Findit as a brand ambassador but did not. @calvmonster has seen an increase in followers since joining Findit and having the same or similar posts done on his Findit account that were done on his Instagram account. His followers have increased to over 40,000 followers from approximately 28,000 followers. The other Instagrammer is still under 25,000. The number of total posts done in Instagram at the time of this release from @calvmonster is 484 compared to 609 of the other candidate that Findit considered but did not follow through on at that time. The increase of followers in @calvmonster Instagram account can be due to other circumstances in addition to Findit. Findit may have had nothing to do with this increase, but since joining and replicating the posts in Findit that are done in Instagram, the number of followers compared to the other Instagrammer has increased over 12,000 for a total of 40,300 followers at the time of this release. From 11/29/2018 to 1/16/2019, @calvmonster has seen an increase of 1400 followers and has done 24 posts since the 29th, resulting in an increase of 58 followers per post. Findit, coupled with other social networking accounts that members have, is an additional way to reach more people. The addition of Findit to anyone's social networking marketing strategy not only is easy, but provides more benefit to the member. Not everyone is everywhere; not every person has the same social networks, and not every person has multiple social networking accounts. Some people may have one, some may have none, some may have few, others may have many. Because of this fact, placing yourself where people can find you without even looking for you gives you the best chance at capturing their attention in such a way that they want to see more of you and then begin to follow you on Findit and your other social accounts that can include Instagram and Facebook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrT5SJaYqo0 Findit is a social networking content management platform that is utilized by individuals, businesses and musicians and is growing. The open platform provides exposure to Findit members from anyone who visits the site. What makes Findit unique is visitors do not need to sign in to see content that members' post and that Google and other search engines have full access to the content posted in Findit so all content on Findit can be indexed in Google search results. Findit is currently developing its newly revised Findit App that will be available on Android in Google Play Store and IOS in the Apple App store. The upcoming launch of the New App could result in an increase in new members joining to gain more exposure through Findit. Findit Does Not Sell Members' Data To Third Parties Peter Tosto of Findit stated, "Findit is looking forward to other Instagrammers joining Findit and posting similar content with fresh vibrant pictures and video in their Findit posts so that they can reach more people with their message and increase the number of followers they have in Instagram, Facebook and in Findit. Members of Findit can provide a link in each Findit post to their Instagram account if they want to point people over to Instagram to get more followers. At Findit, we simply provide our members with a turnkey platform where each member can have his or her very own site within Findit. They can select their own unique Findit Vanity URL address and then post the content they want in the separate verticals in Findit. No developers are needed and writing code is not required. On Findit, once a member posts content, anyone can share it to other social sites and Google and other search engines can crawl the content and index it. We have over 7 billion people in the world and the majority of people are still not on Facebook or Instagram and cannot see what you post on those sites without joining. With all the controversy surrounding Facebook recently about selling members' data, Findit provides a safe place for anyone in the world to see the content posted to Findit without having to join. Although it is sometimes very gratifying and also important to have a certain number of followers on Instagram and Twitter to monetize what you are posting on social sites - if reaching the greatest number of people is your true goal, Findit's open platform does not keep anyone out. The new app will, however, have privacy settings in place if you do not want a post to be public." The Benefits Of Setting Up Your Findit 'Site' Are The Following: 1. Findit content can be seen and shared by anyone. 2. Findit content can be crawled by all search engines, creating organic indexing in Google, Yahoo and Bing. 3. Findit provides every member the option of owning their own unique Findit Vanity URL address or addresses, that are currently $7.95 a year to market their brand and destination the same way they would a website at a fraction of the cost with tangible results. To set up your free Findit "site" go to Findit.com. To reserve your Findit Vanity URL address go to https://www.findit.com/Home/Keywords Findit, where we develop the tools and offer the services you need to reach more people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hftQ0pouXyM&t=74s About Brand Ambassador Calvin Corzine aka @calvmonster Calvin Corzine is a highly trained Yoga Instructor in Los Angeles, California. He currently teaches at YogaWorks (YOGA) in Santa Monica, California as well as an online course at alomoves.com. Calvin has developed a strong following among students in the Los Angeles area teaching at YogaWorks; his classes often have 50+ students taking his Vinyasa Flow Classes Level 2 and Level 2-3 along with Yin classes. Calvin has a vibrant personality that appeals to a wide demographic of people that he gets to share his knowledge of health and wellness with on a daily basis. By having Calvin posting several times each week through his www.Findit.com/calvmonster site, Findit is having more visitors come to Calvin's posts and share those from Findit which in turn creates brand awareness for Findit which we are hopeful will bring on new members to Findit that will want to post through Findit like calvmonster to reach a wider audience. About Findit, Inc. Findit, Inc. owns Findit.com which is a Social Media Content Management Platform that provides an interactive search engine for all content posted in Findit to appear in Findit search. The site is an open platform that provides access to Google, Yahoo, Bing and other search engines access to its content posted to Findit so it can be indexed in these search engines as well. Findit provides Members the ability to post, share and manage their content. Once they have posted in Findit we ensure the content gets indexed in Findit Search results. Findit provides an option for anyone to submit URLs that they want indexed in Findit search result along with posting status updates through Findit Right Now. Status Updates posted in Findit can be crawled by outside search engines which can result in additional organic indexing. All posts on Findit can be shared to other social and bookmarking sites by members and non-members. Findit provides Real Estate Agents the ability to create their own Findit Site where they can pull in their listing and others through their IDX account. Findit offers News and Press Release Distribution. Findit, Inc. is focused on the development of monetized internet-based web products that can provide an increased brand awareness of our members. Findit, Inc. trades under the stock symbol FDIT on the OTC Pinksheets. Safe Harbor: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including statements regarding potential sales, the success of the company's business, as well as statements that include the word believe or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Findit, Inc. to differ materially from those implied or expressed by such forward-looking statements. This press release speaks as of the date first set forth above, and Findit, Inc. assumes no responsibility to update the information included herein for events occurring after the date hereof. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to factors such as the lack of capital, timely development of products, inability to deliver products when ordered, inability of potential customers to pay for ordered products, and political and economic risks inherent in international trade. Contact: Telephone 404 443 3224 SOURCE: Findit.com View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532816/How-One-Instagrammer-Is-Getting-More-Followers-Calvin-Corzine-Brand-Ambassador-for-Findit Leading global financial printing and communications company launches new brand after 2018 acquisitions; pledges to 'Expand Possible' in the communication of mission-critical content NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Toppan Vintage, a subsidiary of Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd. and part of Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., the world's leading printing group, announced today the launch of the Toppan Merrill brand, following the recent acquisitions of Merrill Corporation's Capital Markets & Compliance and Marketing & Communications Solutions (MCS) businesses. The new brand represents the company's plans for future global growth and expansion as it solidifies its status as one of the top financial printing, communications and technology companies in the world. The company's new tagline is 'Expand Possible,' communicating Toppan Merrill's dedication to expand what's possible in the communication of mission-critical content as it continues to evolve to better meet clients' needs across all levels of their business. The new brand reflects Toppan Merrill's continuous commitment to better customer experience, increased productivity and better outcomes. The company's leading technology solutions, Toppan Merrill Bridge and Toppan Merrill Connect, serve clients' needs in capital markets transactions, regulatory disclosure for corporations, regulatory disclosure for investment management companies, financial services and health insurance marketing and communication. "With our acquisition of Merrill Corporation's businesses came an opportunity to ensure that we are well-positioned to meet our clients' diverse demands around the world," said Yeo Chee Tong, CEO of Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd. "We feel that the Toppan Merrill brand accurately represents our ability to provide our clients with a responsive partnership, rooted in deep market expertise, and modern agile solutions built around their business needs. We are committed to forward-thinking innovation that ensures speed, precision and accuracy." About Toppan Merrill Toppan Merrill, a leader in financial printing and communication solutions, is part of the Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., the world's leading printing group, headquartered in Tokyo with approximately US$14 billion in annual sales. Toppan Merrill has been a pioneer and trusted partner to the financial, legal and corporate communities for five decades, providing secure, innovative solutions to complex content and communications requirements. Through proactive partnerships, unparalleled expertise, continuous innovation and unmatched service, Toppan Merrill delivers a hassle-free experience for mission-critical content for capital markets transactions, financial reporting and regulatory disclosure filings, and marketing and communications solutions for regulated and non-regulated industries. With global expertise in major capital markets, Toppan Merrill delivers unmatched service around the world. Learn more at www.toppanmerrill.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/807794/Toppan_Merrill_Logo.jpg SpendEdge, a well-known procurement intelligence solution provider, has announced the completion of their latest spend management study for a mining equipment manufacturer This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005498/en/ Spend management study for a mining equipment manufacturer. (Graphic: Business Wire) Unprecedented advancements in technology have forced mining equipment manufacturers to look for new ways to leverage new technologies to remain innovative and agile in a changing market. They are facing a plethora of challenges such as health and safety issues, access to capital, volatility in commodity prices, environmental footprint, market volatility, and weak global demands. These challenges are causing disruptions in commodity prices and forcing mining equipment manufacturers to close down operations and reduce the size of their workforce. Moreover, factors such as volatile commodity prices are making it extremely difficult for mining equipment manufacturers to plan income and, therefore, expenditures and are forcing them to improve their procurement spend management According to the procurement experts at SpendEdge, "Companies in the mining equipment industry need to leverage spend management solutions andfocus on cost savings as they go beyond procurement, requiring business units and finance departments to align around spend categories The Business Problem:The client is among the largest diversified mining companies that specializes in the exploration, development, processing, smelting, and refining of metallurgical coal, copper and zinc. Despite owning 13 mines throughout Canada, the US, Chile, and Peru, the client was facing challenges in managing spend due to the fluctuating commodity prices. They were heavily dependent on commodity price forecasts to make major strategic decisions. This resulted in the shutdown of many operations in various sections, compelling the mining equipment manufacturer to make serious cuts in the size of their workforce. Moreover, the declining profit margins in the mining industry forced the client to leverage SpendEdge's procurement spend management solutions to manage the overall spend of the company. Mining equipment manufacturers are identifying new and more effective ways to shed costs and improve operational efficiency in an unstable market. Talk to our experts and know how our procurement spend management solutions can help you enhance the operational efficiency of your organization. The Solution Offered:SpendEdge'sprocurement spend management solutions empowered the mining equipment industry client to address challenges pertaining to shifts in commodity prices and enabled them to achieve savings of 35% in a year. The procurement spend management solutions assisted the client to optimize all source-to-pay (S2P) processes, such as spend analysis, strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management. This helped the mining equipment manufacturer to focus on driving strategic initiatives and achieving organizational goals apart from increasing spend visibility, accountability, and facilitate cross-functional collaboration. Moreover, the spend management solutions helped the business to raise their productivity, focus on process improvements and cost savings, and optimize the money they are spending. Declining profits are compelling mining equipment manufacturers to reduce costs and shut down certain sections of their operations. Request a free proposal and leverage our spend management solutions to gain better control over spending. SpendEdge's procurement spend management solutions helped the client to: Optimize all source-to-pay (S2P) processes. Prioritize their cash commitments and identify savings of 35% annually. Want to safeguard your company from adverse price movements and extra expenditures? Request a free demo to know how our spend management solutions can prioritize your cash commitments effectively and improve your cost structures. SpendEdge's procurement spend management solutions offered predictive insights on: Driving strategic initiatives and achieving organizational goals. Increasing spend visibility , accountability, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration. , accountability, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration. Read the complete article to know more: https://www.spendedge.com/casestudy/spend-management-mining-company About SpendEdge: SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions. To know more, https://www.spendedge.com/request-free-proposal View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005498/en/ Contacts: SpendEdge Anirban Choudhury Marketing Manager US: +1 630 984 7340 UK: +44 148 459 9299 https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us Innovative companies combine technologies to speed up lateral flow assay development time Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2019) - , January 16, 2019 - Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) today announced a collaboration with Australia-based nanotech company Anteo Technologies Pty Ltd to speed up the development of lateral flow immunoassays. Under the terms of the agreement Sona will supply its unique, proprietary gold nanorod technology to Anteo, which will combine it with its own proprietary AnteoBind technology and various biomarkers including, but not limited to, cardic (cTnI), sepsis (CRP) markers and HCG, the well-known fertility marker used in pregnancy tests. Anteo will supply Sona with these solutions for assessment in a lateral flow assay format as well as conducting its own in-house assessment. Because lateral flow assays are relatively cheap and easy to produce, more than 2 billion are manufactured every year, including more than 400 million each for malaria and HIV tests (1). The lateral flow market was worth an estimated US$6 billion (C$7.9 bn) in 2018 (2). Sona Nanotech CEO Darren Rowles said: "The project aims to co-develop sets of reagents that can benefit all lateral flow assay developers worldwide, by providing them with products that can reduce a key production process timeframe, while increasing performance of tests and the benefits of multiplexing. By integrating Sona's gold nanorod technology with Anteo's surface chemistry technology we have the potential to create innovative new products for the market. We are excited to be working with Anteo and look forward to a productive collaboration." Anteo Technologies Pty Ltd is a fully-owned subsidiary of Anteo Diagnostics Ltd, an ASX listed company (ASX:ADO). The company, which has its head office in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, develops and commercialises products in the life sciences research, in-vitro diagnostics, energy and medical devices markets. Charlie Huang, Anteo's head of research and development, said: "We have been impressed by Sona's unique gold nanorods and their impact in the lateral flow market. We believe that our combined technologies have great potential. We are excited about the new opportunities this could bring for both companies." (1) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324096920_Improving_Lateral_Flow_Assay_Performance_Using_Computational_Modeling (2)https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-lateral-flow-assay-market-is-projected-to-reach-usd-8-7-billion-by-2023-from-usd-6-0-billion-in-2018-growing-at-a-cagr-of-7-7-from-2018-to-2023--300754197.html About Sona Nanotech Inc. Sona Nanotech Inc. is a nanotechnology life sciences firm that has developed two proprietary methods for the manufacture of rod-shaped gold nanoparticles. The principal business carried out and intended to be continued by Sona is the development and application of its proprietary technology for use in multiplex diagnostic testing platforms that will improve performance over existing tests in the market. Sona's gold nanorod particles are CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium) free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications. It is expected that Sona's gold nanotechnologies may be adapted for use in applications, as a safe and effective delivery system for multiple medical treatments, pending the approval of various regulatory boards including Health Canada and the FDA. Sona is a publicly listed company on the Canadian Securities Exchange existing under the laws of Nova Scotia, with its operations in Nova Scotia. About Anteo Group - Anteo Diagnostics Limited (ADO: ASX) & Subsidiaries (Anteo Technologies Pty Ltd is a fully-owned subsidiary of Anteo Diagnostics Ltd.) Anteo Group is a surface chemistry company with Intellectual Property ("IP") in its core technology product groups: AnteoCoat, AnteoBind and AnteoRelease. The Company's purpose is to create shareholder value by identifying and solving important global industry problems and providing unique value-add solutions for its customers. Anteo's customers operate in the Life Sciences, Diagnostics, Energy and Medical Devices markets. For more information, please visit www.anteotech.com For More Information For more information about Sona, please contact: Darren Rowles President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (902) 442-7192 Email: Darren Rowles darren@sonanano.com FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the Amalgamation (including the structure of the Amalgamation), the Amalgamation (including shareholder approval, shareholder support, and other terms), the Private Placement (including its completion and the use of proceeds from the Private Placement), the directors and management of the resulting issuer upon completion of the Amalgamation, and the implementation of Sona's business plan. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company with respect to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the completion of the Amalgamation and matters relating thereto; and risks associated with the marketing and sale of securities, the need for additional financing, reliance on key personnel, the potential for conflicts of interest among certain officers or directors, and the volatility of the Company's common share price and volume. Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to Sona's proposed business, such as failure of the business strategy and government regulation; risks related to Sona's operations, such as additional financing requirements and access to capital, reliance on key and qualified personnel, insurance, competition, intellectual property and reliable supply chains; risks related to Sona and its business generally, such as infringement of intellectual property rights and conflicts of interest. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES AXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital" or the "Company") (NYSE: AXS) today announced the hiring of Keith Schlosser as Chief Information Officer. Mr. Schlosser will lead the Company's global information technology strategy with responsibility for partnering with its Insurance and Reinsurance business segments and other departments to drive change throughout the organization by delivering high-quality, future-oriented IT services in line with AXIS Capital's business strategy. He will report to Richard Strachan, AXIS Capital Chief Operations Officer. "Keith is a proven CIO with an accomplished career in which he has consistently driven technology enablement within top global insurance companies," said Mr. Strachan. "As digital capabilities and new ways of working reshape our industry, Keith will lead the advancement of our IT capabilities to ensure we are aligned with the changing expectations of our internal and external customers." Mr. Schlosser joins AXIS with 30 years of insurance industry experience, spanning roles in information technology, business solutions, marketing and sales. Prior to AXIS, he served for seven years as Chief Information Officer for Chubb's Overseas General Insurance division, where he spearheaded a number of growth, innovation, digital and change initiatives. Before that, he was a senior IT leader at The Travelers Companies, including serving as CIO of the firm's international division from 2009-11. Mr. Schlosser was also a Vice President for marketing technology and web communications at AIG. About AXIS Capital AXIS Capital, through its operating subsidiaries, is a global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with shareholders' equity at September 30, 2018, of $5.3 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Middle East, Canada and Latin America. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard Poor's and "A+" ("Superior") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com. Follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005255/en/ Contacts: Investors: Matt Rohrmann AXIS Capital Holdings Limited investorrelations@axiscapital.com (212) 940-3339 Media: Keith Trivitt AXIS Capital Holdings Limited keith.trivitt@axiscapital.com (212) 715-3557 SATO Corporation, Press release, 16th Jan 2019 at 4:00 pm Unce Property Services is SATO Partner of the Year 2018 SATO has selected Unce Property Services as SATO Partner of the Year 2018. One of SATO maintenance partners, Unce is responsible for facility services for 18 SATO buildings and around 900 rental homes. - Maintenance staff meet our residents on a daily basis and play a vital role as regards the smoothness of their everyday lives, says SATO President and CEO Saku Sipola. - Taking residents into account is a major strength of Unce and therefore we in turn wanted to draw attention to them. - Satisfaction among SATO residents as regards the building grounds and cleaning has increased in those buildings where Unce started work around a year ago. In addition, our own Customer Service has reported that Unce has adopted our systems very fast and cooperation with the Customer Service is smooth and characterised by great respect for the customer, Sipola continues. - This means we share a common aim in our work: a satisfied customer! SATO buildings and homes are looked after by 14 maintenance partners in properties where our ownership exceeds 50%. Our aim is to improve residents' service experience even further and therefore we are steering our partners' communications and services in accordance with our Customer First operation model. We monitor the results using the contract indicators developed together with our partners, as well as with the customer satisfaction surveys. This was already the 14th time for SATO to select the Partner of the Year in order to encourage good players to develop their operations even further. The aim is also to draw attention to partners' positive practices and attitudes. For more information please contact: SATO Corporation Saku Sipola, President & CEO phone +358 201 34 4001 and +358 40 551 5953, saku.sipola@sato.fi www.sato.fi/en (http://www.sato.fi/en) SATO is one of Finland's leading rental housing providers. SATO aims to offer a comprehensive choice of rental housing and an excellent customer experience. At year-end 2017 SATO owned around 25,800 apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St. Petersburg. We promote sustainable development and initiative through our operations and work in open interaction with our stakeholders to generate added value. We operate profitably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our housing stock through investments, divestments and repairs. The SATO Group's net sales in 2017 were EUR 280 million, operating profit EUR 231 million and profit before taxes EUR 185 million. The value of SATO's investment assets was roughly EUR 3.6 billion. This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: SATO Oyj via Globenewswire Parasiliti served as founding editor WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Andrew Parasiliti, director of the RAND Corporation's Center for Global Risk and Security and a highly regarded Middle East specialist, has been named president of Al-Monitor ( www.al-monitor.com ), the leading source of news and commentary about the Middle East. Dr. Parasiliti rejoins Washington, D.C.-based Al-Monitor, where he previously served as editor from 2012-2014, as part of Al-Monitor's continued commitment to delivering authoritative, high-impact original journalism and analysis to audiences in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. "We are delighted that Andrew is rejoining the outstanding team at Al-Monitor," said Daria Daniel of Crest Media LLC, the media-investment company that owns Al-Monitor. "His knowledge of the region, its politics and its culture will bring value to our readers globally. Al-Monitor continues to be the definitive voice on the region." "I'm honored to have the opportunity to help Al-Monitor continue to realize Jamal Daniel's vision for independent media and trend-setting analysis of the Middle East," Dr. Parasiliti said. "It's been an incredible story since Al-Monitor's start over 7 years ago, and I am pleased to be part of its next chapter." "Andrew's return underscores the depth of experience and knowledge Al-Monitor brings to its journalism," said Marcus Brauchli, co-founder of North Base Media, which has been working with Crest Media on exploring commercial and content avenues for Al-Monitor. Dr. Parasiliti comes to Al-Monitor after serving as director of RAND's Center for Global Risk and Security and international marketing manager of its National Security Research Division. His previous positions include executive director of the International Institute for Strategic Studies; a principal at the BGR Group; foreign policy advisor to Senator Chuck Hagel; director of the Middle East Initiative at Harvard'sJohn F. Kennedy School of Government; and director of programs at the Middle East Institute. He received his Ph.D. from the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University; an M.A. from the University of Virginia; and a B.A., cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. About Al-Monitor Al-Monitor, which won the International Press Institute's Free Media Pioneer Award in 2014, has a network of authors and analysts around the world, who write for readers who want to go beyond the headlines and explore the region through the experiences of people who live there. It is widely read among policymakers, business leaders and academics. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/808887/AndrewParasiliti.jpg Program will provide global MSSPs world-class, human-driven anti-phishing offerings that increase attack resiliency and speed response times to stop phishing in its tracks LEESBURG, Virginia, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Cofense, the leading provider of human-driven phishing defense solutions world-wide, launched its Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) program to provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) across the globe with essential human-driven phishing defense solutions designed to stop active phishing attacks. SMBs are highly susceptible to phishing attacks, and often lack the resources necessary to stop advanced threats. In response, Cofense has partnered with a targeted group of elite service providers to provide their customers the dedicated resources required to strengthen defenses, build attack resiliency and ultimately stop real attacks in progress. "Phishing remains the top cause of security breaches, and when it comes to leveraging humans to help stop those threats in their tracks, SMBs can face a significant disadvantage compared to enterprises with more resources," said Robert Iannicello, VP of Global Channel Sales at Cofense. "Our MSSP program will arm more small and mid-sized organizations with the necessary tools to build attack resiliency and most importantly, report, respond to and stop active phishing threats. Also, our programs will offer key incentives and pricing designed exclusively for our MSSP partners to ensure their go-to-market success. We look forward to enabling more partners and their customer organizations with the resources needed to thwart phishing attacks across the globe, regardless of company size and scope." Cofense was first to market in the phishing simulation space and is the most mature phishing defense solution on the market. Since 2008, the company has grown to support over 50 percent of the Fortune 500 and installed Cofense Reporter one-click buttons on over 14 million email inboxes to make it easy for employees to report suspicious emails. Cofense is the only phishing defense solution proven to stop active phishing attacks in their tracks using the power of human intelligence and intuition. By partnering with Cofense, MSSPs will offer the most mature, trusted solution for stopping active phishing attacks. Partners will receive hands-on training on the right cadence of phishing simulations, from basic to more nuanced scenarios, along with tips for measuring results and communicating success to employees at large and corporate leadership. To help respond to phishing attacks quickly AND efficiently, MSSPs will be able to leverage playbooks that create repeatable workflows. There's no need to reinvent the wheel when facing recycled attacks. MSSP customers will not only experience the necessary training and conditioning to recognize today's most pervasive threats but most importantly be empowered to proactively report suspicious emails in their inboxes, generating a stream of intelligence that gives their organization a clear edge in stopping phishing attacks in progress. ROI and program results can be communicated through board-level reports enabling customers to show value of the security investment to key company stakeholders. "Cofense's MSSP Program expertly complements our managed IT services to drive transformational results," said Steve Cobb, Senior Technology and Security Fellow at One Source Communications. "By integrating Cofense's SOC and security analysts into our MSSP, we are able to add unparalleled expertise to quickly and efficiently address phishing attacks, which are the number one security concern of our clients." Clinton Smith, CEO of eSecure, adds, "Cofense's credibility for phishing defense is unmatched, and we are pleased to be their MSSP partner. This cost-effective and customer friendly model will be of great value to our customers and we look forward to expanding their reach to clients who might not otherwise be able to afford a proper phishing defense program." Designed to be the easiest program to work with, Cofense's MSSP program is an affordable service for SMB's to protect themselves from today's most persistent threats without the upfront investment required of large enterprises. Cofense is seeking interested partners that currently offer a managed security services practice with automated monthly billing, a SOC resource, 24/7 helpdesk and e-ticketing, and monthly security reports. For more information about the program and details on how to enroll, please contact Senior Program Director John McCabe at MSSP@Cofense.com. About Cofense: Cofense, formerly PhishMe, is the leading provider of human-driven phishing defense solutions world-wide. Cofense delivers a collaborative approach to cybersecurity by enabling organization-wide engagement to active email threats. Our collective defense suite combines timely attack intelligence sourced from employees with best-in-class incident response technologies to stop attacks faster and stay ahead of breaches. Cofense customers include Global 1000 organizations in defense, energy, financial services, healthcare and manufacturing sectors that understand how changing user behavior will improve security, aid incident response and reduce the risk of compromise. To learn more, visit https://cofense.com/. Media Contacts Nick Lagalante Global Corporate Communications, Cofense E: Media@Cofense.com P: 571.393.2403 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/645799/Cofense_Logo.jpg NEW YORK, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- NetworkNewsWire Editorial Coverage In a country where the life-threatening risks of smoking are well-known and 22 million smokers want to quit, a milestone agreement between a drug delivery platform innovator and one of the world's largest producers and marketers of tobacco and cigarettes may offer tobacco users an alternative method of satisfying their needs along with greatly reduced risk. The quest for other alternatives to cigarettes has brought Big Tobacco to the door of biotech company Lexaria. The bioscience potential for nicotine delivery cannot be ignored and may deliver myriad benefits. Lexaria's proprietary DehydraTECH technology makes the company an ideal partner. Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE:LXX) (OTC:LXRP) (LXRP Profile) has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Lexaria Nicotine LLC and Altria Group Inc. (NYSE:MO) have executed a definitive agreement to pursue innovation in oral, reduced-risk nicotine consumer products using Lexaria's patented DehydraTECH technology. Other tobacco companies are also exploring alternative options for smokers. British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE:BTI) (OTC:BTAFF) is exploring vaping and using the move away from cigarettes to bolster its public image. Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM) has been campaigning to get international support for alternatives to cigarettes as well as developing its own alternatives, including heating tobacco. And Imperial Brands PLC ADR (OTC:IMBBF) (OTC:IMBBY) has established a stake in a cannabis biotech company as it explores the options for this alternative drug. To view an infographic of this editorial, click here. Tobacco's Big Challenge Big Tobacco currently faces an uncertain future. Decades of anti-smoking campaigns have had their desired effect in improving the health of consumers, with smoking levels dropping and the habit increasingly being excluded from public spaces. Vaping has accelerated this change, providing smokers with a less damaging, more socially acceptable alternative. That's bad news for the tobacco companies, whose traditional consumer base is fading fast. With these trends clearly unlikely to change, tobacco companies are exploring different avenues to stay viable. Altria recently invested $12.8 billion in the country's leading vape manufacturer, JUUL Labs Inc. Rather than fighting against the trend and, in the process, possibly endangering lives, savvy companies are investigating alternatives to keep their businesses alive. One of the best options may be an alliance with bioscience. Holding Out Promise The quest for other alternatives to cigarettes has brought Big Tobacco to the door of biotech company Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE:LXX) (OTCQX:LXRP), and specifically Lexaria's DehydraTECH technology, which enhances the performance of beneficial compounds in ingestible products across four categories: taste, smell, speed of action, and bio-absorption and bioavailability. This move holds out promise to both help nicotine-addicted smokers move away from unhealthy combusted tobacco and help Altria identify a new revenue source. The agreement outlines a milestone-based research and development program executed by Lexaria. The program will include a comprehensive series of clinical investigations of oral forms of nicotine delivery, utilizing the company's patented DehydraTECH technology. Altria is funding the program with an initial investment of $1 million and an option for additional funding of up to $12 million through several phases of private financing. In exchange for the funding, Altria will receive a minority equity interest in Lexaria Nicotine and specific DehydraTECH license rights. "Lexaria Bioscience is proud that, after careful selection, Altria has chosen to fund research into DehydraTECH technology and potentially commercialize this technology for oral nicotine," says Lexaria Bioscience CEO Chris Bunka. "This partnership will provide significant benefits to Lexaria Bioscience and its shareholders with a world-class R&D program and regulatory compliance process. We believe Altria is the best corporate partner we could work with to truly make a difference in the lives of millions of consumers." More than Big Money for Big Innovations The bioscience potential for nicotine delivery cannot be ignored, but this strategic partnership is about more than big money for big innovations. Rather, the creation of alternative delivery systems for nicotine is rooted in helping people kick the smoking habit and removing the risk of lung cancer and the impact of passive smoking on those around them. The aim of the agreement is to create a more socially acceptable and less disruptive way to consume nicotine. Through the agreement, Altria has been granted an exclusive license to use DehydraTECH technology for oral nicotine delivery forms in the United States and a nonexclusive basis to use the technology in international markets. Important for stakeholders of Lexaria, the company will receive a royalty from Altria based on revenue generated from the sale of nicotine products containing DehydraTECH. The agreement between Lexaria and Altria has the potential to be a longer-term relationship. Lexaria Bioscience will at first retain a majority interest in Lexaria Nicotine. But Altria has the option to acquire 100 percent ownership interest in Lexaria Nicotine commensurate with then-current fair market value. And Lexaria Bioscience has not sold any of its own equity to Altria, remaining fully independent. With favorable research results, such an outcome could set up Altria with a new way forward in tobacco products while providing Lexaria Bioscience with significant additional financial resources to fund growth in its hemp/CBD, pharmaceutical and other divisions. Why Lexaria Lexaria is hardly a big player in the world of bioscience, so why has Altria, a major player in its market, chosen the company as a partner? The answer lies in Lexaria's proprietary DehydraTECH technology. This technology has already demonstrated its ability to mask unpleasant flavors and speed up delivery of orally ingested nicotine in successful previous animal studies. Imagine the possibility of satisfying a nicotine craving in something as simple and unobtrusive as a cup of coffee. In addition to making bioactives more pleasant to consume, DehydraTECH makes them more effective once they are in the body. The human digestive system doesn't absorb all of these bioactives when they are consumed. Smoking tobacco gives the user a faster, stronger "hit" because of the higher absorption rate through the lungs. DehydraTECH increases and speeds up the body's absorption of bioactives such as nicotine in edible format, allowing a healthier way to increase absorption than smoking. This approach means nicotine products using DehydraTECH no longer need to be combusted or aerosoled and completely avoid lung absorption. "Lexaria Bioscience has repeatedly demonstrated the powerful effects of its patented DehydraTECH technology for enhancing the palatability and speed of onset of orally consumed bioactive substances such as nicotine," said John Docherty, president of Lexaria Bioscience. "Laboratory research to date on oral nicotine formulations has been quite encouraging. We are very excited to advance the clinical phases of our comprehensive R&D program together with Altria with a view to full commercial product development." New Directions for an Old Industry Altria isn't the only company in the industry adjusting to a world where tobacco is socially stigmatized. British American Tobacco Industries (NYSE:BTI) (OTC:BTAFF) has had more success in the vaping game. The company recently announced a new range of e-cigarette products, under the Vype brand. By refining the evaporating technology in its devices, the company has created what it believes will be a more satisfying consumer experience. This comes as part of a broader strategy in which the company is looking to offer consumers lower-risk tobacco products, improving the health of its customer base and the company's public reputation. BTI recently released a report on its work in this area, highlighting the lengths it has gone to in offering alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM), a company spun off Altria to avoid the historic problems of the U.S. tobacco market, has made much of its agenda to provide alternatives to smoking. It has been working to convince medical authorities and world leaders of the benefits of other tobacco options - alternatives the company is developing. One of its creations is the IQOS heated tobacco system, which aims to provide the absorption benefits of inhalation while reducing the harm of smoking. Imperial Brands (OTCQX:IMBBF) (OTCQX:IMBBY), another Big Tobacco company with a significant range of vaping products, is combining its vaping interests with investment in cannabis. It recently took an equity stake in Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies, a biopharmaceutical company focused on researching, developing and licensing cannabinoid-based compounds and therapies. This puts Imperial Brands in a position to approach alternatives to cigarettes from multiple directions. As smoking declines, these investments in pharmaceutical science could be vital for the survival of tobacco companies and could generate new revenue streams for innovative biotech players. For more information on Lexaria, please visit Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE:LXX) (OTCQX:LXRP). About NetworkNewsWire NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is a financial news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via NetworkWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to nearly 2 million followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with NNW Prime. 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The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and NNW and FNM undertake no obligation to update such statements. NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is affiliated with the Investor Brand Network (IBN). About IBN Over the past 10+ years we have consistently introduced new network brands, each specifically designed to fulfil the unique needs of our growing client base and services. Today, we continue to expand our branded network of highly influential properties, leveraging the knowledge and energy of specialized teams of experts to serve our increasingly diversified list of clients. Please feel free to visit the Investor Brand Network (IBN) www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com Corporate Communications Contact: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com Media Contact: FN Media Group, LLC NNW@FinancialNewsMedia.com +1-(954)345-0611 PARIS, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Investment in US provider of dealership software systems marks a new commitment for digital consumer experience in first year of corporate venture capital fund. Alliance Ventures, the strategic venture capital arm of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, has announced today a new investment in digital technologies and services by investing in Tekion, a US company. Tekion brings connected digital experiences to automotive retail through the most advanced Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence capabilities available. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/556610/Renault_Nissan_Mitsubishi_Logo.jpg ) The investment in Tekion, based in California's Silicon Valley, is the latest investment by Alliance Ventures in start-ups, early-stage development and entrepreneurs at the cutting edge of next-generation systems for the automotive industry. Francois Dossa, Alliance Global Vice President, Ventures and Open Innovation, said: "Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi believes that automotive groups with the most advanced and digitally-connected customer services will enjoy significant competitive advantages. This is one of the reasons we are investing in Tekion, a company that is leveraging the most advanced technologies to provide digital experiences and solutions for automotive retail. Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tekion added: "At Tekion, we offer the latest technology from ML/AI to Big Data and Internet of Things, all integrated in one cloud platform, bringing a seamless digital experience from online to in-store. This investment from Alliance Ventures will enable us to go farther and faster in creating best-in-class, integrated experiences that connect OEMs, dealers, and consumers better than ever before." The investment follows nine other direct investments in 2018, in startups based in North America, Europe, Middle-East and China, to allow Alliance Ventures to contribute to the future of mobility for all. Financial terms of the Tekion investment will not be disclosed. ABOUT TEKION Tekion is a cloud platform that offers automotive retail technology that disrupts the status quo. Tekion services car dealerships across the United States who seek a better way to do business while providing excellent customer experiences and increasing efficiency, revenue and retention. Tekion was born in California's Silicon Valley and employs over 150 innovators. For more information, visit Tekion.com . ABOUT RENAULT-NISSAN-MITSUBISHI Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors represent the world's largest automotive alliance. It is the longest-lasting and most productive cross-cultural partnership in the auto industry. Together, the partners sold more than 10.6 million vehicles in nearly 200 countries in 2017. https://www.alliance-2022.com/news/alliance-ventures-invests-in-tekion-the-next-gen-digital-cloud-platform-for-automotive-retail/ Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2019) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company") has created a new 3D geological and structural model for its Douay gold project, located on the prolific Casa Berardi Deformation Zone near Val d'Or, Quebec. The Douay deposit currently contains 2,759,000 ounces Au in the inferred category and a further 479,000 ounces Au indicated using a 0.45 g/t Au cut-off grade (Micon 2018)[1]. The Micon 2018 resource does not include the new drill data from the winter 2018 campaign, and is open along strike and down dip. The new 3D model will improve targeting of additional resources in subsequent drill campaigns and forms the foundation for an updated resource estimate. New 3D model based on historical and new exploration results and re-interpretation of the existing and new mineralised envelopes, highlights numerous zones of higher-grade mineralisation throughout the 6km strike length of the Douay deposit (see Figures 1, 2) of the Douay deposit (see Figures 1, 2) The higher-grade zones are variably plunging and structurally-controlled by northwest-southeast striking Douay faults and east-west trending faults of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone (CBDZ) by northwest-southeast striking Douay faults and east-west trending faults of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone (CBDZ) The down-plunge continuity of higher-grade zones has to-date been tested only to shallow depth - the average drill-hole depth at Douay is only ~230m vertical - providing excellent potential for resource expansion to depth (Fig. 2) - the average drill-hole depth at Douay is only ~230m vertical - Additional mineralisation controls and orientations are related to the morphology of more local structures, syenite intrusions and their contacts Matthew Hornor, Maple Gold's President and CEO, commented: "Having a more thorough set of structural interpretations and a new 3D geological model establishes a foundation more in line with the standards of a major gold company and marks an important internal milestone for our technical team." Fred Speidel, VP, Exploration, added: "These new products have strongly encouraged us to pursue down-plunge extensions of higher-grade zones that continue below the current average depth of drilling at Douay. They will also allow us to more accurately target these higher grade zones in our subsequent drill programs." Figure 1: 2D representation of 3D structural model showing distribution of higher-grade mineralized zones (red), within lower-grade envelope (yellow), controlled by the two main sets of structures: the E-W Casa Berardi set (grey) and the NW-SE Douay set (blue). Note trace of longitudinal sections 100mN and 0mN as also shown in Fig. 2 below). To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/42228_aade73dbf48e0911_001full.jpg Figure 2: NW-SE long sections with drill-hole traces, looking NNE, with 25m projection corridor either side. Target areas shown as black ellipses/arrows. Section 100mN shows significant near-surface mineralisation in Porphyry Zone, with mineralisation deepening to the SSW (section 0mN). Section 0mN highlights two separate trends of higher grade mineralisation at Douay West, one of which (black arrow) may provide a link to the Porphyry Zone. Apparent closure of mineralised zones at depth reflects absence of drill data, not termination of mineralisation. 100m grid. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/42228_aade73dbf48e0911_002full.jpg Additional updates pertaining to the new 3D model, pending resource estimate update and new priority drill targets will be provided shortly. Qualified Person The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc, P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration, of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this news release through his direct participation in the work. Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) Maple Gold implements strict Quality Assurance ("QA") and Quality Control ("QC") protocols at Douay covering the planning and placing of drill holes in the field; drilling and retrieving the NQ-sized drill core; drill-hole surveying; core transport to the Douay Camp; core logging by qualified personnel; sampling and bagging of core for analysis; transport of core from site to the analytical laboratory; sample preparation for assaying; and analysis, recording and final statistical vetting of results. For a complete description of protocols, please visit the Company's QA/QC page on the website at: http://maplegoldmines.com/index.php/en/projects/qa-qc-qp-statement About Maple Gold Maple Gold is an advanced gold exploration and development company focused on defining a district-scale gold project in one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. The Company's ~389 km Douay Gold Project is located along the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone (55 km of strike) within the prolific Abitibi Greenstone Belt in northern Quebec, Canada. The Project benefits from excellent infrastructure and has an established gold resource3 that remains open in multiple directions. For more information please visit www.maplegoldmines.com. ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD. "Matthew Hornor" B. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO For Further Information Please Contact: Mr. Joness Lang VP, Corporate Development Cell: 778.686.6836 Email: jlang@maplegoldmines.com NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS PRESS RELEASE. Forward Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about the prospective mineral potential of the Porphyry Zone, the potential for significant mineralization from other drilling in the referenced drill program and the completion of the drill program. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding timing and completion of the private placement. When used herein, words such as "anticipate", "will", "intend" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain estimates, expectations, analysis and opinions that management believed reasonable at the time they were made or in certain cases, on third party expert opinions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, and uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual events, results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future events, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.'s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. [1] Micon 2018: NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate for the Douay Gold Project https://maplegoldmines.com/images/pdf/2018/Douay_NI_43_101_Technical_Report_March_2018.pdf SUDBURY, ON / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Dr. T.F. Morris, President and CEO of Northern Superior Resources Inc. (SUP: TSX-V; NSUPF: OCTQB) ("Northern Superior" or the "Company") provides the following update and outlook for 2019. The Company completed several important, corporate-related events at the end of 2018 and early 2019, most notably: completion of an option/joint venture agreement with Yamana Gold Inc., on Northern Superior's 100% owned Ti-pa-haa-kaa-ning ("TPK") property (see press release, Northern Superior Resources , November 26, 2018); closing of a $1 million, non-brokered, flow-through private placement (see press release, Northern Superior Resources, December 31, 2018); and completion of a 10:1 share consolidation (see press release, Northern Superior Resources, January 3, 2019). With the completion of these events, Northern Superior is now positioned to launch into an exciting and important year. The completion of the Yamana Gold Inc. option/joint venture agreement assures that the Company now has a well-funded and reputable partner to move its TPK project forward. Planning for the drill core program is almost complete, and we look forward to the initiation of this program in mid-February, 2019. The recently completed financing will allow us to further deveop our Lac Surprise property and hopefully demonstrate the extension of the gold-bearing structures reported on the adjoining Nelligan property controlled by IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") and Vanstar Resources (see IAMGOLD press release, January 10, 2019). In addition, our Croteau Est property has proved to be a very important asset to Northern Superior with: a defined resource from a minimum number of core drill holes (64) and meterage completed (20,643m); results from additional drilling (24 holes; 14,404m) provided a geologically constrained model for the deposit and defined how to expand the deposit both along strike (east and west) and depth; and additional opportunities defined on the property (see press release, Northern Superior Resources, May 23, 2018). To advance Croteau Est, a sustained drill program is required, and Northern Superior is actively pursuing a strategic partner to assist in advancing this property to its full potential. Finally, the Company has a number of other mineral properties, and Northern Superior is actively exploring ways to advance these opportunities. One such property is the Wapistan mineral property, located within the James Bay Lowlands of Quebec (see press release, Northern Superior Resources, May 16, 2017). We look forward to reporting on the results from a small, but important exploration program, completed on this property in the fall of 2018. In conclusion, with the anticipation of a rising gold price through 2019, the ability to move key assets forward in early 2019, Northern Superior looks forward to sharing the results of these exploration efforts throughout 2019!" About Northern Superior Northern Superior is a reporting issuer in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec, and trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol SUP, and the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol NSUPF. For further information please visit the Company's website atwww.nsuperior.com or contact: Thomas F. Morris P.Geo., PhD., FGAC, ICD.D President and CEO Tel: (705) 525 -0992 Fax: (705) 525 -7701 e-mail: info@nsuperior.com www.nsuperior.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. When used in this document, the words" may"," would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to such risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including those factors discussed in filings made by us with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties, such actual results of current exploration programs, the general risks associated with them in ingindustry, the price of gold and other metals, currency and interestrate fluctuations, increased competition and general economic and market factors, occur or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, or expected. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such 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 adequacyor accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Northern Superior Resources Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532658/Northern-Superior-Resources-Inc-Provides-Outlook-for-2019 CommAgility's LTE PHY software licensed for pre-integration with Aricent LTE Layer 3, Layer 2 Software and BBU design CommAgility, a Wireless Telecom Group company (NYSE American: WTT), announces that it has been chosen by Aricent, a global design and engineering company, as a partner to develop LTE eNodeB solutions for Network Equipment Providers (NEPs). The LTE solutions developed under the partnership will consist of software intellectual property (IP) and services. These solutions will mean that NEPs can significantly reduce their development costs and mitigate risks to launch LTE eNodeB products to market faster. Aricent has leveraged software frameworks of Layer 3 and Layer 2 protocol stack and licensed CommAgility's PHY software, which delivers a complete LTE Physical Layer for macro cells. The software is designed on Texas Instruments' KeyStone II System on Chips (SoCs), which provide a powerful processing platform. Aricent will also be taking advantage of CommAgility's world-class support, and its ability to customize software for specific applications. N. Mohan Rangan, Chief Engineering Officer at Aricent, said: "CommAgility is one of the leading PHY software developers for Texas Instruments SoCs, backed up by expert support and worldwide presence. With CommAgility as eco-system partner for PHY software on the TI platform, we have been able to create pre-integrated LTE eNodeB solutions that exceed the requirements of network equipment manufacturers, and we look forward to creating pre-integrated SoC based 5G solution." Edward Young, Vice President and General Manager at CommAgility, said: "With more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Aricent provides a broad range of industry-leading services, capabilities and software frameworks for network equipment manufacturers, which makes them unique. We are delighted to work with them on new 4G and 5G solutions." SmallCellPHY is available in two variants as a Reference Chain, and a version for Texas Instruments' small cell SoCs. Compliant with 3GPP standards, it is entirely software-defined, to increase flexibility and scalability. SmallCellPHY is optimized for low memory, processing power, and power consumption, and provides innovative algorithms such as advanced scheduling. For more information please contact CommAgility at +44 1509 228866, sales@commagility.com or https://www.commagility.com/. About Aricent Aricent is a global design and engineering company innovating for customers in the digital era. We help our clients lead into the future by solving their most complex and mission critical issues through customized solutions. For decades, we have helped companies do new things and scale with intention. We bring differentiated value and capability in focused industries to help transform products, brands and companies. Based in San Francisco, frog, the global leader in innovation and design, is a part of Aricent. Aricent is a part of the Altran Group. Learn more about Aricent at www.aricent.com. About Altran Altran ranks as the undisputed global leader in Engineering and R&D services (ER&D), following its acquisition of Aricent. The company offers clients an unmatched value proposition to address their transformation and innovation needs. Altran works alongside its clients, from initial concept through industrialization, to invent the products and services of tomorrow. For over 30 years, the company has provided expertise in aerospace, automotive, defense, energy, finance, life sciences, railway and telecommunications. The Aricent acquisition extends this leadership to semiconductors, digital experience and design innovation. Combined, Altran and Aricent generated revenues of 2.9 billion in 2017, with some 45,000 employees in more than 30 countries. About Wireless Telecom Group Wireless Telecom Group, Inc., comprised of Boonton Electronics, CommAgility, Microlab and Noisecom, is a global designer and manufacturer of advanced RF and microwave components, modules, systems and instruments. Serving the wireless, telecommunication, satellite, military, aerospace, semiconductor and medical industries, Wireless Telecom Group products enable innovation across a wide range of traditional and emerging wireless technologies. With a unique set of high-performance products including peak power meters, signal analyzers, signal processing modules, LTE PHY and stack software, power splitters and combiners, GPS repeaters, public safety monitors, noise sources, and programmable noise generators, Wireless Telecom Group supports the development, testing, and deployment of wireless technologies around the globe. CommAgility, a Wireless Telecom Group company, is an award-winning developer of embedded signal processing and RF modules, and LTE PHY/stack software, for 4G and 5G mobile network and related applications. CommAgility designs the latest DSP, FPGA and RF technologies into compact, powerful, and reliable products based on industry standard architectures. CommAgility's LTE software for mobile devices and wireless infrastructure includes physical layer and protocol stack for small cells, physical layer and protocol stack for terminals, an advanced scheduler for small cells, and IP development in the areas of advanced PHY algorithms in multi-core SDR platforms. Wireless Telecom Group, Inc.'s website address is www.wtcom.com. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. Such risks and uncertainties are identified in the Company's reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005190/en/ Contacts: Marketing Nick Daines nick@lumenpr.com Tel: +44 (0) 115 8412109 Mobile: +44 (0) 7958 534731 Investor Relations John Nesbett or Jen Belodeau: +1 (203) 972-9200 Aricent media and analysts: Juhie.gorwara@aricent.com XI'AN, China, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A premier event in the world of fashion and the garment industry, the third Belt and Road International Fashion Week (BRI Fashion Week) has wrapped up in Xi'an after welcoming leading designers, artists and industry professionals from more than 20 countries. The five-day event has shone a spotlight on the cultural and artistic heritage of Xi'an, and highlighted its important position within China's Belt and Road initiative (BRI), China's globe-spanning infrastructure and cultural development project that retraces the mythical Silk Road trade routes, which originated from this ancient city. BRI Fashion Week's series of fashion shows featured traditional, contemporary and modern styles, while the "Global Development in Fashion" forum served as a platform for industry leaders to discuss ways to strengthen the industry. With a focus on integrated technology, cutting-edge fashion, culture and economic development, the forum solidified Xi'an as a center of the global fashion industry and facilitated discussions on how the industry can continue to grow not only locally but around the world. "Xi'an is the perfect location to hold BRI Fashion Week, and we are thrilled with the event's success," said Wang Haotian, Chairman of the BRI Fashion Week Organizing Committee. "The city's long history with profound cultural elements inspires designers and artists in the fields of fashion, arts, architecture and more. At the same time, it is moving forward, modernizing through the leveraging of cutting-edge technology and urban planning. It is both an ancient city that stands as a real connection to the ancient Silk Road and a key linchpin in today's globe-spanning BRI. There is no better place to gather together professionals in the areas of art, fashion and textiles to talk about how our industries, through international cooperation, can fulfill the needs of people who live across the developing world." The week's events gathered together well-known designers such as Wang Xiaoxia, President of L'OFFICIEL China; Mao Junjie, APAC Managing Director of MARC JACOBS; Lu Hao; Tony Brown; Arnault Garcia; Ma Qingyun and Laurence Xu. Distinguished guests at BRI Fashion Week included Phinij Jarusombat, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Culture and Economy Association; Du Yue, UNESCO's Deputy Director Division for Cooperation, Intersectoral follow-up, and Partnership at the Africa Department; and Long Yuxiang, Executive Chairman of the China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC), along with ambassadors and representatives from countries such as the U.S., United Kingdom, Nigeria, and Tunisia. For more information, please visit: http://en.xa.gov.cn/ptl/index.html About Belt and Road International Fashion Week Belt and Road International Fashion Week is co-hosted by the China International Cultural Communication Centre and Xi'an Municipal Government. With a focus on fashion culture and industry along the Belt and Road Initiative, the event aims to build an exchange platform to further promote fashion development in China and around the world. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/809154/Belt_Road_Fashion_Week.jpg LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Gabriel Resources Ltd. ("Gabriel" or the "Company") announces that it has granted an aggregate of 5,000,000 incentive stock options to certain officers and employees of the Gabriel group of companies in relation to 2018 compensation awards. All incentive stock options so granted are exercisable for a period of ten years at $0.36 per share and vest as to 50% immediately from the date of grant and 50% on the first anniversary of the date of grant. As of the date hereof, a total of 29,750,126 common shares of the Company are reserved for issuance under the Company's incentive stock plan, representing approximately 6% of the issued and outstanding share capital. For information on this press release, please contact: Dragos Tanase President & CEO Phone: +44 7799 469694 dt@gabrielresources.com Richard Brown Chief Commercial Officer Phone: +44 7748 760276 richard.brown@gabrielresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Further Information About Gabriel Gabriel is a Canadian resource company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's principal focus has been the exploration and development of the Ro?ia Montana gold and silver project in Romania ("Rosia Montana Project"). The Rosia Montana Project, one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits in Europe, is situated in the South Apuseni Mountains of Transylvania, Romania, an historic and prolific mining district that since pre-Roman times has been mined intermittently for over 2,000 years. The exploitation license ("License") for the Rosia Montana Project is held by Ro?ia Montana Gold Corporation S.A., a Romanian company in which Gabriel owns an 80.69% equity interest, with the 19.31% balance held by Minvest Ro?ia Montana S.A., a Romanian state-owned mining company. It is anticipated that the Rosia Montana Project would bring over US$24 billion (at US$1,200/oz gold) to Romania as potential direct and indirect contribution to GDP and generate thousands of employment opportunities. Upon obtaining the License in June 1999, the Group (as defined below) focused substantially all of their management and financial resources on the exploration, feasibility and subsequent development of the Rosia Montana Project. Despite the Company's fulfilment of its legal obligations and its development of the Rosia Montana Project as a high-quality, sustainable and environmentally-responsible mining project, using best available techniques, Romania has blocked and prevented implementation of the Rosia Montana Project without due process and without compensation. Accordingly, the Company's current core focus is the ICSID Arbitration. For more information please visit the Company's website at www.gabrielresources.com. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking information" (also referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. In this press release, forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the uncertainties associated with: the ICSID Arbitration, actions by the Romanian Government, conditions or events impacting the Company's ability to fund its operations (including but not limited to the completion of further funding noted above) or service its debt, exploration, development and operation of mining properties and the overall impact of misjudgments made in good faith in the course of preparing forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors including those set out below, that may never materialize, prove incorrect or materialize other than as currently contemplated which could cause the Company's results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "expects", "is expected", "is of the view", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "estimates", "assumes", "intends", "strategy", "goals", "objectives", "potential", "possible" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events, conditions or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of fact and may be forward- looking statements. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, including without limitation: delay or extension to the duration of the ICSID Arbitration; required disclosure, costs, process and outcome of the ICSID Arbitration against Romania; changes in the liquidity and capital resources of Gabriel, and the group of companies of which it is directly or indirectly parent ("Group"); access to funding to support the Group's continued ICSID Arbitration and/or operating activities in the future; equity dilution resulting from the conversion or exercise of new or existing securities in part or in whole to Common Shares; the ability of the Company to maintain a continued listing on the TSX Venture Exchange or any regulated public market for trading securities; the impact on business strategy and its implementation in Romania of: unforeseen historic acts of corruption, uncertain fiscal investigations; uncertain legal enforcement both for and against the Group and political and social instability; regulatory, political and economic risks associated with operating in a foreign jurisdiction including changes in laws, governments and legal regimes and interpretation of existing and future fiscal and other legislation; volatility of currency exchange rates, metal prices and metal production; the availability and continued participation in operational or other matters pertaining to the Group of certain key employees and consultants; and risks normally incident to the exploration, development and operation of mining properties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and investors should not infer that there has been no change in the Company's affairs since the date of this press release that would warrant any modification of any forward-looking statement made in this document, other documents periodically filed with or furnished to the relevant securities regulators or documents presented on the Company's website. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to the Company's disclosure obligations under applicable Canadian securities regulations. Investors are urged to read the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulatory agencies which can be viewed online at www.sedar.com. ENDS SOURCE: Gabriel Resources Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532811/Issuance-of-Incentive-Stock-Options Xem them ... Tin bai cuoi cung Khong con du lieu e load 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. DETROIT, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new market research report on Aircraft Blind Bolts Market by Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, Helicopter, Military Aircraft, and General Aviation), by Application Type (Airframe, Control Surfaces, Interior, Engine, and Others), by Material Type (Titanium Bolts, Aluminum Bolts, Steel Bolts, and Other Bolts), by Blind Bolt Type (Drive-Nut Bolt and Pull Type Bolt), by End-User Type (OE and Aftermarket), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2019-2024. (Logo: Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660595/Stratview_Research_Logo.jpg ) This market report, from Stratview Research, studies the aircraft blind bolts market over the trend period of 2013 to 2018 and forecast period of 2019 to 2024. The research report provides detailed insights on the market dynamics to enable informed business decision making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market. Aircraft Blind Bolts Market: Highlights Blind bolts are multi-piece assemblies, capable of being installed from one side of the workpiece. They are typically used in those aircraft structures that require high strength and can be accessed from one side only.Blind bolts are used in multiple areas of an aircraft such as wings, nacelles, and interiors. They provide exceptional strength, vibration resistance, and excellent sheet pull together characteristics. The most commonly used materials for making blind bolts in the aircraft industry are titanium, aluminum, and steel. As the penetration of composites is growing in the aircraft industry, usage of titanium in the manufacturing of fasteners including blind bolts is also growing. Titanium offers weight-savings advantage along with better corrosion resistance as compared to other metal and metal alloys. Blind bolts currently account for less than 5% of the total aircraft fasteners market. However, it is expected to be one of the fastest-growing fastener types in the coming five years and reach an estimated US$ 306.5 million in 2024. The market for blind bolts is gradually consolidating as major companies are performing mergers & acquisitions to quickly gain a leading position in the market. For instance, TriMas Corporation, a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered aircraft products, acquired Allfast Fastening Systems at a price of approximately US$ 360 million. After the acquisition, TriMas Corporation has become the leader in the blind bolts market. Organic growth of the aircraft industry coupled with increase in the production rates of the key aircraft programs including B737, B787, A320, and A350XWB, increase in preference of blind fasteners over traditional fasteners, development of lightweight and corrosion-resistant blind bolts, and rising global aircraft fleet size are some of the major drivers of the market. Click Here and Run Through the Detailed TOC of the Strategic Report from Stratview Research Based on the application type, the market is segmented as airframe, control surfaces, interior, engine, and others. Airframe is expected to remain the most dominant segment of the market during the forecast period. Airframe is the largest structure in an aircraft where blind bolts are used in a wide array of applications including wings and fuselage. Based on the material type, titanium blind bolts are expected to remain the largest segment of the market over the next five years and is also expected to witness the highest growth during the same period. There has been an incessant replacement of steel and other heavy metal-based blind bolts with titanium blind bolts, owing to their excellent performance at a relatively low weight. Register Here and Ask for a Free Sample of the Detailed 275-Page Report In terms of region, North America is expected to remain the largest market for aircraft blind bolts during the forecast period. All the major blind bolt manufacturers have their presence in the region to address the emergent needs of the OEMs in order to be the partner for their upcoming aircraft programs or upcoming fuel-efficient variants of existing aircraft programs. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to experience the highest growth in the market in the same period. Key players in the market are TriMas Corporation, Arconic Inc., PCC Fasteners, LISI Aerospace, Stanley Black and Decker, and Kwikbolt Limited. Development of lightweight and durable blind bolts and execution of mergers & acquisitions are the key strategies adopted by the major players to gain a competitive edge in the market. Report Features This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report: Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis. Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis. Market trend and forecast analysis. Market segment trend and forecast. Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc. Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities. Emerging trends. Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players. Key success factors This report studies the blind bolts market in the global aircraft industry and has segmented the market in six ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the six ways in which the market is segmented: Aircraft Blind Bolts Market, by Aircraft Type Commercial Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Regional Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Helicopter (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Military Aircraft (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) General Aviation (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aircraft Blind Bolts Market, by Application Type Airframe (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Control Surfaces (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Interior (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Engine (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aircraft Blind Bolts Market, by Material Type Titanium Blind Bolts (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aluminum Blind Bolts (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Steel Blind Bolts (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Other Blind Bolts (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aircraft Blind Bolts Market, by Blind Bolt Type Drive-Nut Blind Bolts (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Pull Type Blind Bolts (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aircraft Blind Bolts Market, by End-User Type OE (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aftermarket (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Aircraft Blind Bolts Market, by Region North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico ) Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , the UK, Spain , Russia , and Rest of Europe ) Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: Japan , China , India , and Rest of Asia-Pacific ) Rest of the World (Sub-Region Analysis: Latin America , the Middle East , and Others) Stratview Research has number of high value market reports in the global aerospace & defense industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports: Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Aerospace & Defense Industry Some of our other premium market reports in the aerospace & defense industry: Aircraft Brackets MarketbyAircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aviation, Military Aircraft, and Helicopter), by Application Type (Fuselage, Wings, Control Surfaces, and Others), by Bracket Type (Class A, Class B, and Class C), by Material Type (Aluminum, Steel, and Others), by End-User Type (OE and Aftermarket) and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2018-2023 Aircraft C-Class Parts Marketby Aircraft Type (Commercial Aircraft, Regional Aircraft, General Aviation, Helicopter, and Military Aircraft), by Part Type (Hardware Parts, Bearings, Electronic Components, and Machined Parts), by Sales Channel Type (Direct Sales, Distributors, and Part Brokers), by End-User Type (OE Sales and Aftermarket Sales), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2018-2023 About Stratview Research Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas. We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies. Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making. For enquiries,Contact: Stratview Research E-mail: sales@stratviewresearch.com Direct: +1-313-307-4176 ALBANY, New York, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The revenue generated by the global in-vitro fertilization market is likely to register valuation of US$529.8 mn. The market is anticipated to touch a worth of US$725.9 mn by 2022 end. The global in-vitro fertilization is likely to expand at a healthy CAGR of 6.50% during the course of forecast period from 2017 to 2022. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Based on product type, the reagents segment is expected to account for largest share in the global in-vitro fertilization market over the course of forecast period. The increasing development and innovation in this market is majorly considered as the key factors propelling growth of the reagent segment. Geographically, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global in-vitro fertilization market owing to rising medical tourism and rising government initiatives is also fueling growth of the Asia Pacific market. Moreover, North America is likely to register a substantial growth due to increasing development in the IVF technologies. Get PDF Brochure for Research Insights at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=12698 Rising consumption Rate of Alcohol and Cigarettes to Fuel Growth of Global In-Vitro Fertilization Market The substantial growth in the median age of the women with first time motherhood and the reduction in fertility rate are another trend augmenting for the growth of the global in-vitro fertilization market in the year to come. Additionally, the increase in male fertility rate and an increase in consumption of alcohol and cigarette is expected to boost growth of the global in-vitro fertilization market. The increasing advancement in IVF technology and upsurge in investments are some of the trends expected to proliferate growth of the global in-vitro fertilization market. Further, introduction of new products to stimulate growth of the in-vitro fertilization market in the near future. Request a Sample of Report athttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=12698 High Expense associated with In-Vitro Fertilization Treatment May Hamper Market Growth In contrast, the rising healthcare concern and increasing overall expense and less success result of the IVF treatment are some of the key factors negatively affecting growth of the global in-vitro fertilization market in the near future. The reduction efficacy of the infertility treatment with the growing age is likely to hamper growth of this market. However, growing awareness among the population about the infertility and the availability of various preference for the treatment of infertility may likely to offer a promising opportunities for the key market participants in the upcoming years. Request For Discount On This Report - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=12698 The competitive landscape of the global in-vitro fertilization market is demonstrates intense competition among the key players operating in this market. The presence of large and small players in the in-vitro fertilization market is likely to exhibits fragmented structure. The key vendors are majorly focused towards new product launch and innovation activities in order to gain foothold in the overall market. The prominent players functioning in this market are EMD Serono, Inc., Rocket Medical PLC, Cook Medical, Merck KGaA, Cooper Surgical, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc, and Fertility Focus Ltd. The market is likely to face intense competition among the major players during the course of forecast period owing to new entry of players in this market. Browse Press Release - https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/in-vitro-fertilization-market.htm The study presented here is based on a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR) titled "In-Vitro Fertilization Market - (Product Type-Equipment and Reagents; End User - Fertility Clinics, Hospital and Research Laboratories, and Cryobanks) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2022." 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TMR's data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact Mr. Rohit Bhisey Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog: https://theglobalhealthnews.com/ - Global, income-oriented fund with a flexible mandate - Strategy has an 11-year track record with nearly $1.2[1] billion in assets - Co-managed by Thornburg CEO and president Jason Brady and portfolio managers Lon Erickson, Christian Hoffmann, and Jeff Klingelhofer SANTA FE, New Mexico, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Thornburg Investment Management ("Thornburg"), a global investment firm with $41 billion in assets under management[2], today announced the launch of Thornburg Strategic Income Fund (the "Fund"), a UCITS fund domiciled in Dublin, Ireland. The Fund is based on a broadly flexible, income-oriented portfolio that launched in 2007 and is currently available to investors through a U.S. mutual fund structure. "For over 30 years and through numerous economic cycles, Thornburg has been a recognized leader in fixed income investing," said Jason Brady, president and CEO at Thornburg and co-portfolio manager of the Fund. "This Fund expands upon our legacy of providing investors with a stable source of competitive return, and a disciplined and balanced allocation in changing market environments." The Fund pursues a high level of current income in varied macroeconomic conditions and consistent, long-term returns. Its diversified portfolio is constructed with income-producing, relative-value investments that exhibit strong underlying credit fundamentals. Jason Brady, Lon Erickson, Christian Hoffmann, and Jeff Klingelhofer are co-portfolio managers of the Fund and are supported by Thornburg's 40-person investment team. "Demand for diversified, relative value, fixed income portfolios continues to grow among global investors. The launch of Thornburg Strategic Income Fund signals our commitment to providing our international partners access to Thornburg's decades of fixed income experience," said Carter Sims, managing director and head of global distribution at Thornburg. The Fund is part of a suite of eight fixed income and equity strategies on Thornburg's UCITS platform. Investors can access the Fund through a range of share classes. [1] Strategy assets as of December 31, 2018 [2] Assets under management as of December 31, 2018 About Thornburg Thornburg Investment Management is a privately-owned global investment firm that offers a range of multi-strategy solutions for institutions and financial advisors. A recognized leader in fixed income, equity and alternatives investing, the firm oversees $41 billion as of December 31, 2018 across mutual funds, institutional accounts, separate accounts for high-net-worth investors, and UCITS funds for non-U.S. investors. Thornburg was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At Thornburg, we believe unconstrained investing leads to better outcomes for our clients. Our culture is collaborative, and our investment solutions are highly active, high conviction, and benchmark agnostic. When it comes to finding value for our clients, it's more than what we do, it's how we do it: how we think, how we invest, and how we're structured. For more information, visit www.thornburg.com. Media Inquiries Michael Corrao Director of Global Communications Thornburg Investment Management Tel: +1 (505) 467-5345 Email: mcorrao@thornburg.com Catherine P. Jones Polisi Jones Tel: +1 (917) 330-8934 Email: team@polisijones.com This communication and any investment or service to which this material may relate does not constitute an offer or solicitation to invest in the Fund. Investments carry risks, including possible loss of principal. Important U.S. Mutual Fund Information Before investing, carefully consider the Fund's investment goals, risks, charges, and expenses. For a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this and other information, contact your financial advisor or visit thornburg.com. Read them carefully before investing. The U.S. Fund is distributed by Thornburg Securities Corporation. 2300 North Ridgetop Road, Santa Fe, NM 87506 Important UCITS Information The Fund is offered solely to non-U.S. investors under the terms and conditions of the Fund's current Prospectus. A copy of the full Prospectus and KIID for the Fund may be obtained by contacting the local Paying Agent through the Fund's Transfer Agent, Brown Brothers Harriman Fund Administrator Services (Ireland) Limited, or at http://www.thornburgglobal.com. The Prospectus and KIID contain important information about the Fund and should be read carefully before investing. Distributor - Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. (+1.855.732.9301). Administrator - Brown Brothers Harriman Fund Administration Services (Ireland) Limited is the Administrator (+353.1.603.6490). Important Information for UK Investors This communication and any investment or service to which this material may relate does not constitute an offer or solicitation to invest in the Fund and is exclusively intended for persons who are Professional Clients or Eligible Counterparties for the purposes of the FCA Rules and other persons should not act or rely on it. This communication is not intended for use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. In the United Kingdom, this communication is issued by Thornburg Investment Management Ltd. ("TIM Ltd.") and approved by Robert Quinn Advisory LLP which is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). TIM Ltd. is an appointed representative of Robert Quinn Advisory LLP. The Fund is a sub-fund of Thornburg Global Investment plc, an open-ended umbrella type investment company with segregated liability between sub-funds, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) on 25 November 2011 as an investment company pursuant to the UCITS Regulations. Authorisation of the Company by the CBI is not an endorsement or guarantee of the Company by the CBI nor is the CBI responsible for the contents of the Prospectus or KIID. This material constitutes a financial promotion for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "Act") and the handbook of rules and guidance issued from time to time by the FCA (the "FCA Rules"). TIM Ltd. neither provides investment advice to, nor receives and transmits orders from, persons to whom this material is communicated nor does it carry on any other activities with or for such persons that constitute "MiFID or equivalent third country business" for the purposes of the FCA Rules. MCLEAN, Virginia, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Aireon LLC today announced it has signed a credit facility agreement for US$200 million with a group of several independent investor funds, led by Deutsche Bank. This credit facility provides Aireon with the resources to fund various company initiatives and to continue to pay Iridium for the costs related to the integration, launch and hosting of the AireonSM payload on each of the 81 Iridium NEXT satellites. The agreement was signed on December 21st, 2018. This announcement comes just days after the final launch of Iridium NEXT satellites and their Aireon hosted-payloads. "This credit facility is a vote of confidence in Aireon's business model and a testament to the team, technology, investors and our role in the future of the aviation industry," said Rich Nyren, CFO, Aireon. "Iridium, as one of the founding partners with NAV CANADA, enabled the Aireon opportunity through its US$3 billion investment in the incredible Iridium NEXT satellite constellation. Aireon has benefited by this relationship, and this facility now provides a vehicle by which Aireon can more quickly pay Iridium for access to this prime real estate in orbit." Sunil Sharma of Deutsche Bank commented, "Deutsche Bank is delighted to have worked with Aireon and its key shareholders on this landmark financing in the Air Traffic Control and Satellite sectors. We look forward to working with the management team towards the commencement of the Company's full scale commercial operations in 2019." The eleven long-term contracts signed with its launch Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) customers have provided Aireon with a strong financial foundation. Aireon has already started paying the US$200 million hosting fee owed to Iridium, and this new credit facility has enabled the company to pay another US$35 million in 2018 for a total of US$43 million to date. The Aireon system is scheduled to go live in the first quarter of 2019, beginning with operational trials over the North Atlantic Ocean with the Canadian and British Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), NAV CANADA and NATS. Additional deployment will occur in NAV CANADA'sEdmonton airspace. Once operational, the Aireon system will enable a complete global picture of international air traffic, in real time, offering air traffic controllers, airline operators and industry stakeholders the first ever and never-before-possible visibility of global air traffic. This capability will usher in an era of enhanced safety, as well as enable on-the-fly route adjustments, more direct flightpaths, improved fuel efficiency and increased predictability. About Aireon LLC Aireon has deployed a space-based air traffic surveillance system for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft throughout the entire globe. Aireon is harnessing next-generation aviation surveillance technologies that are currently ground-based and, for the first time ever, extend their reach globally to significantly improve efficiency, enhance safety, reduce emissions and provide cost savings benefits to all stakeholders. Real-time ADS-B surveillance now covers oceanic, polar and remote regions, as well as augment existing ground-based systems that are limited to terrestrial airspace. In partnership with leading ANSPs from around the world, like NAV CANADA, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), Enav, NATS and Naviair, as well as Iridium Communications, Aireon provides a global, real-time, space-based air traffic surveillance system to all aviation stakeholders. For more information about Aireon, please visit www.aireon.com. PRESS CONTACTS: Jessie Hillenbrand Aireon +1 703-287-7452 Jessie.Hillenbrand@Aireon.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/390350/Aireon_LLC_Logo.jpg VICENZA, Italy, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- VICENZAORO January (VOJ) is the first marked date on the calendar of international exhibits entirely dedicated to jewellery. The event, acting as a hub for the industry, offers brands a moment of global exposure where they can present new collections and explore new upcoming trends while connecting with the world's top buyers. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/723307/Italian_Exhibition_Group_Logo.jpg ) (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/806824/IEG_Logo.jpg ) The event organizers are expecting the attendance of the most important operators in the sector, coming from Europe, Asia, the United States and the Middle East. VOJ 2019, with its international offer, will count on an exhibition space of over 59,000 squared meters (including T.Gold). The 2019 January edition will revolve around the increasingly important theme of "Sustainable Creativity" in the sector, with educational talks and summits. VISIO.NEXT, for instance, will be the opening event of this theme, hosting an international panel of experts discussing the critical issues in the sector. In addition, the agenda will see the Digital Talks, a series of 30 minutes brainstorming sessions on the hottest themes in digital innovation, and Gem Talks with a strong focus on the world of gems. TRENDVISION Jewellery + Forecasting, VICENZAORO's independent observatory, will be the highlight of this year's winter edition with its predictions of design and consumer trends across the jewellery and gem industries. This year, Vicenzaoro wants to particularly strengthen the relationship with international top-tier buyers, bringing together the world's leading representatives in the business through the initiative Prima VICENZAORO, in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency. VICENZAORO embodies the concept of Boutique Show, where exhibitors are grouped into six communities, organized by types of production, positioning, and market appeal: ICON, LOOK, CREATION, ESSENCE, EXPRESSION, EVOLUTION. Staged alongside VICENZAORO January, T.GOLD is the international show specifically for machinery and the most innovative technologies applied to gold, coloured and precious stones and jewellery. T.GOLD is, in fact, the essential high-level showcase for jewellery production and a moment for professional confrontation about the future with 168 exhibiting companies displaying the most outstanding and cutting edge technologies from 17 countries worldwide. Thanks to its historic experience, the prestige of its initiative and the passion with which they are carried out, VICENZAORO is the premier national and international forum for gold jewellery trends. The excellence of a boutique and the emotion of a show. ITALIAN EXHIBITION GROUP PRESS OFFICE Patrizia Rovaris | Press Office Manager Jewellery & Fashion Division patrizia.rovaris@iegexpo.it VICENZAORO INTERNATIONAL PRESS OFFICE: Barabino & Partners Marco Lastrico Alessio Costa E-mail: m.lastrico@barabinousa.com E-mail: a.costa@barabino.it Phone: +1-212-308-8710 Phone: +39-02/72-02-35-35 Mobile: +1-917-634-1685 Mobile: +39-340/344-23-29 - Truly active, fundamentally-driven long/short fund - Strategy has a 10-year track record and more than $188 million in assets[1] - Co-managed by Connor Browne and Bimal Shah SANTA FE, New Mexico, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Thornburg Investment Management ("Thornburg"), a global investment firm with $41 billion in assets under management[2], today announced the launch of Thornburg Long/Short Equity Fund (the "Fund"), a UCITS fund domiciled in Dublin, Ireland. The Fund is based on an investment strategy launched in 2008, currently available to investors through separately managed accounts and a U.S. mutual fund structure. "Our firm has invested in equity markets across a variety of market cycles over the last 24 years," said Connor Browne, co-portfolio manager of the Fund. "Recent market volatility highlights the need for investors to have a permanent allocation to alternatives in their investment portfolios. Our Fund provides traditional long/short equity, hedge-fund-like exposure in a vehicle with daily liquidity. Notably, we have added value on both the long and short sides of our investment book since inception, and this sets us apart from many of our competitors." Thornburg Long/Short Equity Fund combines tenets of both growth and value investing to pursue long-term capital appreciation and the preservation of capital during periods of high volatility and market declines. The Fund applies a bottom-up, fundamental security selection approach that is focused, diversified, and based on high conviction. Its portfolio is concentrated, with typically 30 to 40 stocks in both the long and short portions of the portfolio. As a result, the Fund delivers uncorrelated alpha and equity index-like returns with far less net exposure. Connor Browne and Bimal Shah are managing directors and co-portfolio managers of the Fund and are supported by Thornburg's 40-person investment team. "We're excited to offer Thornburg Long/Short Equity Fund and bring access to Connor and Bimal's experience to our international partners," said Carter Sims, managing director and head of global distribution at Thornburg. "The recent spike in volatility provides investors with new entry points to tap into a top-performing U.S. long/short equity strategy and the resources of highly respected and successful portfolio managers." The Fund is part of a suite of eight fixed income and equity strategies on Thornburg's UCITS platform. Investors can access the Fund through a range of share classes. [1] Strategy assets as of December 31, 2018 [2] Assets under management as of December 31, 2018 About Thornburg Thornburg Investment Management is a privately-owned global investment firm that offers a range of multi-strategy solutions for institutions and financial advisors. A recognized leader in fixed income, equity and alternatives investing, the firm oversees $41 billion as of December 31, 2018 across mutual funds, institutional accounts, separate accounts for high-net-worth investors, and UCITS funds for non-U.S. investors. Thornburg was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico. At Thornburg, we believe unconstrained investing leads to better outcomes for our clients. Our culture is collaborative, and our investment solutions are highly active, high conviction, and benchmark agnostic. When it comes to finding value for our clients, it's more than what we do, it's how we do it: how we think, how we invest, and how we're structured. For more information, visit www.thornburg.com. Media Inquiries Michael Corrao Director of Global Communications Thornburg Investment Management Tel: +1 (505) 467-5345 Email: mcorrao@thornburg.com Catherine P. Jones Polisi Jones Tel: +1 (917) 330-8934 Email: team@polisijones.com This communication and any investment or service to which this material may relate does not constitute an offer or solicitation to invest in the Fund. Investments carry risks, including possible loss of principal. Additional risks may be associated with investments in emerging markets, including currency fluctuations, illiquidity, volatility, and political and economic risks. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may increase the risk of greater price fluctuations. A short position will lose value as the security's price increases. Theoretically, the loss on a short sale can be unlimited. Non-diversified funds can be more volatile than diversified funds. Investments in derivatives are subject to the risks associated with the securities or other assets underlying the pool of securities, including illiquidity and difficulty in valuation. Investments in the Fund are not insured, nor are they bank deposits or guaranteed by a bank or any other entity. Important U.S. Mutual Fund Information Average Annual Total Return (as of December 31, 2018) 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception I shares (Predecessor Fund Incep: 2/1/08) -6.39% 3.52% 3.65% 9.90% 6.09% S&P 500 Index (Since: 2/1/08) -4.38% 9.26% 8.49% 13.12% 7.92% Morningstar Long-Short Equity Category Average -6.72% 1.78% 1.17% 3.32% 1.54% Annual Return Performance Summary 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 I Shares (Predecessor Fund Incep: 2/1/08) 36.38% 9.02% 1.27% 17.23% 21.75% 5.45% 2.26% 1.40% 16.87% -6.39% S&P 500 Index 26.46% 15.06% 2.11% 16.00% 32.39% 13.69% 1.38% 11.96% 21.83% -4.38% Performance data shown represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than quoted. For performance current to the most recent month end, visit thornburg.com or call 877-215-1330. There is no sales charge for class I shares. The total annual fund operating expenses are 3.81%. Thornburg Investment Management and/or Thornburg Securities Corporation have contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses through at least June 15, 2019, resulting in a net expense ratio of 3.46%. Excluding shorting costs, the net expense ratio would be 1.50%. For more detailed information on fund expenses and waivers/reimbursements, please see the fund's prospectus. Performance prior to 12/30/2016 is from the predecessor fund, which was managed in a materially equivalent manner to the Thornburg Long/Short Equity Fund. The predecessor fund was not a registered mutual fund and was not subject to the same investment restrictions as the Long/Short Equity Fund. If the predecessor fund had been registered under the 1940 Act, the performance may have been different. Before investing, carefully consider the Fund's investment goals, risks, charges, and expenses. For a prospectus or summary prospectus containing this and other information, contact your financial advisor or visit thornburg.com. Read them carefully before investing. The U.S. Fund is distributed by Thornburg Securities Corporation. 2300 North Ridgetop Road, Santa Fe, NM 87506 Important UCITS Information The Fund is offered solely to non-U.S. investors under the terms and conditions of the Fund's current Prospectus. A copy of the full Prospectus and KIID for the Fund may be obtained by contacting the local Paying Agent through the Fund's Transfer Agent, Brown Brothers Harriman Fund Administrator Services (Ireland) Limited, or at http://www.thornburgglobal.com. The Prospectus and KIID contain important information about the Fund and should be read carefully before investing. Since the Fund has a limited performance history, data for Long/Short Equity Fund, a U.S. mutual fund, is shown. Although the Fund is managed by the same investment team and utilizes a similar investment process as the U.S. mutual fund, the performance and portfolio composition of the Fund may differ due to UCITS regulations. Distributor - Thornburg Investment Management, Inc. (+1.855.732.9301). Administrator - Brown Brothers Harriman Fund Administration Services (Ireland) Limited is the Administrator (+353.1.603.6490). Important Information for UK Investors This communication and any investment or service to which this material may relate does not constitute an offer or solicitation to invest in the Fund and is exclusively intended for persons who are Professional Clients or Eligible Counterparties for the purposes of the FCA Rules and other persons should not act or rely on it. This communication is not intended for use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. In the United Kingdom, this communication is issued by Thornburg Investment Management Ltd. ("TIM Ltd.") and approved by Robert Quinn Advisory LLP which is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). TIM Ltd. is an appointed representative of Robert Quinn Advisory LLP. The Fund is a sub-fund of Thornburg Global Investment plc, an open-ended umbrella type investment company with segregated liability between sub-funds, authorised by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) on 25 November 2011 as an investment company pursuant to the UCITS Regulations. Authorisation of the Company by the CBI is not an endorsement or guarantee of the Company by the CBI nor is the CBI responsible for the contents of the Prospectus or KIID. This material constitutes a financial promotion for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the "Act") and the handbook of rules and guidance issued from time to time by the FCA (the "FCA Rules"). TIM Ltd. neither provides investment advice to, nor receives and transmits orders from, persons to whom this material is communicated nor does it carry on any other activities with or for such persons that constitute "MiFID or equivalent third country business" for the purposes of the FCA Rules. BEIJING, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 14, 2019, Uoolu successfully held the 2nd Global Real Estate Internet Summit (GREIS) at Millennium Hotel in Beijing. The summit brought together hundreds of developers from 20 countries, as well as lots of renowned media, including The Wall Street Journal, South China Morning Post, and Bloomberg. Mr. Huang Xiaodan, the founder and CEO of Uoolu, launched the summit by strategically releasing Uoolu Global Websites, which cover 13 languages and 135 countries. Uoolu is dedicated to building a network that connects global users and global real estate to facilitate cross-border sales and services for over 100,000 real estate developers. Presently, the unique visitors to Uoolu Global Websites have been increasing sharply. Meanwhile, three interesting numbers were showed in Mr. Huang's speech, 40% of global investment users have need for cross-border investments, 70% of developers have an international business, and 25% of revenue is from international sales. Later, based on big data of global users, Uoolu released two brand new products, U-data and G-sale, which could solve the major problems in cross-border real estate investments. With the help of U-data, developers can realize real-time mastering of the global home buyers' portrait. At the same time, G-sale, an efficient global marketing solution, enables developers to implement and expand their global sales. The summit included two panel discussions to explore the most cutting-edge issues in the global real estate industry, including technology empowering global real estate investment and opportunity for real estate in the age of global citizens. The sharing and views from the guests provided a new direction for cross-border investments. Another peak of the summit was Uoolu's strategic signing ceremony with 17 developers from 7 countries, including Eco World from Malaysia, Ananda from Thailand, Landsea from US, Regal London from UK, SMDC from Philippine, Select Property Group from UK, Oriental Pearl from UAE, Balance Capital from US, and Royal Bridge Capital from UK. This significant cooperation indicated that the "Uoolu Global" strategy has been recognized by its worldwide partners. At the end of the summit, Uoolu released 2 heavyweight awards: The 2018 Globalized Real Estate Brands and 2018 Globalized Popularity Projects. The link shows the list of awardees:https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/809134/UOOLU_awards.jpg Uoolu Website: www.uoolu.com Uoolu Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uoolu/ Uoolu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uoolu.com/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/809135/UOOLU_summit.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/809134/UOOLU_awards.jpg EARLS COLNE, UK / ACCESSWIRE / January 16, 2019 / Emergency water supplier Water Direct, has announced that Anglian Water has signed a new contract with them for alternative water supplies via the Nationwide Bottled Water Bank. Anglian Water covers the largest geographic area of all the water wholesalers in the UK, stretching from Grimsby all the way down to the top of the Thames estuary and from Buckinghamshire across to Lowestoft on the East coast. The partnership between Water Direct and Anglian Water dates back as far as 1996 and Anglian became the first member of the Nationwide Bottled Water Bank shortly after. Water Direct's Nationwide Bottled Water Bank provides an emergency supply of bottled water during unexpected supply interruptions or planned maintenance works. The bottled water is stored at strategic locations across the country allowing a swift response when a delivery is required. With this new contract, Anglian Water can continue to ensure alternative supplies for their customers when needed, upholding a high level of customer service whilst resolving the supply issue at hand. Rob Allan, Senior Contract Manager at Water Direct, commented, 'As a company, Anglian Water hold compliance and water quality in the highest regard which is what makes us a great partner for them. What sets us apart is our dedication to upholding our unique quality management system. All of the bottled water we provide is continually tested throughout its shelf life, assuring water quality at the point of consumption, which follows a key regulation monitored by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.' About Us Company information: With nationwide coverage and 24/7 service, Water Direct provides planned and emergency temporary water wherever and whenever it's needed. Water Direct's services range from supporting utility companies experiencing an interruption due to a burst main or contamination, to building sites in need of water for welfare or site processes, or private individuals in need of a swimming pool fill. The company has been running for 23 years and in the last year alone, Water Direct delivered around 100 million litres of water to its customers. Water Direct was one of the UK's earliest achiever of ISO 22301:2012 for resilience as a business. Water Direct's work was recognised in 2018 through a number of awards including winning the CIR 'Disaster Recovery as a Service' Award and the Future Water Association 'People' Award along with finalists in the Water Industry 'Contractor of the Year' Award, Countywide Business Awards 'Growing Business of the Year', Essex Business Excellence Awards 'Excellence in Innovation & Technology' and Utility Week, 'Utility Partner of the Year'. Contacts Liv Morris Marketing Manager Work: 03453451725 livmorris@water-direct.co.uk www.water-direct.co.uk Links www.water-direct.co.uk SOURCE: Water Direct View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/532746/Anglian-Water-Invests-in-Alternative-Supply-Solutions-for-Customers-in-Partnership-with-Water-Direct LONDON, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Bioreactors Market 2019-2029 5L-20L, 20L-200L, 200L-1500L, Above 1500L, Single-Use, Glass, Stainless Steel, Lab-Scale, Pilot-Scale, Full-Scale, R&D Departments, Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers, Contract Research Organizations, Other End-Users (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg ) The global bioreactors market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% in the second half of the forecast period. In 2017, the single-use bioreactors segment held the largest share in the global bioreactors market. How this report will benefit you Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in this sector. In this brand new 163-page report you will receive 163 charts- all unavailable elsewhere. The 163-page report provides clear detailed insight into the global bioreactors market. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market. By ordering and reading our brand-new report today you stay better informed and ready to act. Report Scope Global Bioreactor market forecasts from 2019-2029 This report also breaks down the revenue forecast for the global bioreactor market by type of material: Glass Stainless-Steel Single-Use Bioreactors Each submarket is further broken down by region:North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and ROW. This report also breaks down the revenue forecast for the global bioreactor market by scale: 5L-20L 20L-200L 200L-1500L Above 1500L Each submarket is further broken down by region:North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and ROW. This report also breaks down the revenue forecast for the global bioreactor market by usage: Lab-Scale Production Pilot-Scale Production Full-Scale Production Each submarket is further broken down by region:North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and ROW. This report also breaks down the revenue forecast for the global bioreactor market by end-user: R&D Departments Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers Contract Research Organizations Other End-Users Each submarket is further broken down by region:North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and ROW. This report provides individual revenue forecasts to 2027 for these regional and national markets: North America: the US and rest of North America Europe:France, Germany, Italy, U.K, Spain, Russia, Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific:China, India, Japan, and rest of Asia-Pacific countries Rest of the World:Latin America, Middle East and African countries Each region is further broken down by type of material, usage, scale and end-user. Our study gives qualitative analysis of the bioreactors market. It discusses the Drivers and Restraints that influence this market as well as the Porter's Five Forces Analysis of the bioreactors market. Our study discusses the selected leading companies that are the major players in the bioreactors industry: Applikon Biotechnology Inc. (U.S.) BBI-Biotech GmbH (Germany) Bioengineering AG (Switzerland) Danaher Corporation (U.S) Eppendorf AG (Germany) GE Healthcare (A subsidiary of General Electric Company) (U.S.) Merck KGaA (Germany) Sartorius AG (Germany) Solaris Biotech (Italy) Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.) Visiongain's study is intended for anyone requiring commercial analyses for the global bioreactors market. You find data, trends and predictions. Buy our report today Global Bioreactors Market 2019-2029: 5L-20L, 20L-200L, 200L-1500L, Above 1500L, Single-Use, Glass, Stainless Steel, Lab-Scale, Pilot-Scale, Full-Scale, R&D Departments, Biopharmaceutical Manufacturers, Contract Research Organizations, Other End-Users. To request a report overview of this report please contact Sara Peerun atsara.peerun@visiongain.com or refer to our website:https://www.visiongain.com/report/global-bioreactors-market-2019-2029/ Did you know that we also offer a report add-on service? Emailsara.peerun@visiongain.com to discuss any customized research needs you may have. Association of Clinical Research Organizations Applikon Biotechnology Inc. BBI-Biotech GmbH Bioengineering AG Danaher Corporation EMD Performance Materials EMD Serono Eppendorf AG Essen BioScience Inc. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) GE Healthcare GEA Pharma Systems G-CON Manufacturing Merck KGaA Merck Serono Merck Millipore MilliporeSigma National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Pall Corporation Pfizer RoosterBio Inc Sartorius AG Solaris Biotech Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Xcellerex, Inc. To see a report overview please e-mail Sara Peerun onsara.peerun@visiongain.com AMLO Expands Pension Program for Mexico's Elderly Mexico City - President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has expanded nationwide a program that provides small pensions to Mexicans over age 68, an extension of an effort that he began in Mexico City while mayor of the capital in 2000. Lopez Obrador said Sunday that the elderly will receive 2,550 pesos - about $133 USD - every two months to help cover basic needs. The starting age will be 65 for people in indigenous communities, which tend to have more poverty. The payments are nearly twice the amount elderly residents in Mexico City received in 2018. Lopez Obrador said his government has set aside just over $5 billion to cover the payments to 8.5 million seniors this year, part of a widening safety net that also includes payments to poor students. Press Release Nokia evolved Service Operation Center (eSOC) platform will enable Telefonica UK to proactively monitor and enhance individual customer experiences and services in real time SOC implementation is a key step in Telefonica's transformation from network to service assurance, helping it differentiate itself in highly demanding markets like the UK 15th January 2019 Espoo, Finland - Telefonica Group has selected Nokia as its Service Operation Center vendor to support the operator's journey in the UK from a traditional network-centric operation towards a customer-centric operation with full focus on the customer experience. Nokia's evolved Service Operation Center (eSOC) platform will be implemented for Telefonica UK's 32 million customers. The Nokia eSOC Platform provides the flexibility to interface with existing Telefonica UK systems and data sources, creating an environment that lets Telefonica UK proactively monitor its customers' experiences and take recommended actions based on measured trends. Thanks to the SOC offering, which enables a range of automation techniques leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), Telefonica UK can optimize their operations to best meet their objectives. Nokia's SOC Office consultancy will support Telefonica through the process reengineering required for SOC-enabled business transformation. The move from network-centric to customer-centric operations is a growing trend for communication service providers, and service assurance is a key differentiator for Telefonica in the mature UK telecoms landscape. With the Nokia eSOC Platform and Nokia SOC Office, Telefonica can proactively ensure the excellence of services that are considered more important by subscribers. Juan Manuel Caro, director of network and IT operations at global CTIO at Telefonica, said: "Telefonica has always aimed to offer the best possible experience to our customers which a reactive network monitoring approach to operations could never guarantee. With SOC we have already transformed this in three of our markets reaching the next level in automated customer experience management, granting us flexibility and adaptability that serves as a key differentiator. Nokia's solutions and services will allow us to achieve this goal in a competitive market like the UK". Bhaskar Gorti, president of Nokia Software, said: "Telefonica is pioneering the transformation toward customer-centric operations with the deployment of Nokia eSOC. Nokia is proud to support Telefonica's digital transformations and SOC deployments across the globe and with the flexibility to adapt to existing ecosystems in local markets." Resources Web page: Nokia evolved Service Operations Center (eSOC) (https://networks.nokia.com/solutions/evolved-service-operations-center) Web page: Nokia Service Assurance Portfolio (https://networks.nokia.com/portfolio/service-assurance) Web page: Nokia Autonomous Customer Care (https://networks.nokia.com/solutions/autonomous-customer-care) Web page: Nokia Analytics (https://networks.nokia.com/solutions/analytics) About Telefonica Telefonica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world by market capitalization and number of customers with a comprehensive offering and quality of connectivity that is delivered over world class fixed, mobile and broadband networks. As a growing company it prides itself on providing a differential experience based both on its corporate values and a public position that defends customer interests. The company has a significant presence in 17 countries and 356 million accesses around the world. Telefonica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy. Telefonica is a 100% listed company, with more than 1.5 million direct shareholders. Its shares are traded on the Spanish Stock Market and on those in London, New York, Lima, and Buenos Aires. If you would like to know more about the Telefonica, please visit www.telefonica.com (http://www.telefonica.com/) About Nokia We create the technology to connect the world. Powered by the research and innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we serve communications service providers, governments, large enterprises and consumers, with the industry's most complete, end-to-end portfolio of products, services and licensing. We adhere to the highest ethical business standards as we create technology with social purpose, quality and integrity. Nokia is enabling the infrastructure for 5G and the Internet of Things to transform the human experience. nokia.com. Media Inquiries: Kelly Stone The Hoffman Agency for Nokia Software Communications Phone: +1 206-618-2028 Email: kstone@hoffman.com Nokia Communications Phone: +358 10 448 4900 Email: press.services@nokia.com This announcement is distributed by West Corporation on behalf of West Corporation clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: NOKIA via Globenewswire LONDON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The European Commission (EC) has proposed the form and extent of its final safeguard measures, though they remain subject to possible change prior to implementation. Here we outline the structure of what is currently proposed and consider what it might mean from several perspectives. Europe proposes its final steel safeguard measures At the end of last week, the EC officially notified the WTO of its intention to impose final safeguard measures on steel imports, and of the proposed form of those measures. The official release can be found here. Quota structure to be more complex All steel products subject to provisional measures would be subject to the final measures. They take the form of a set of tariff-rate quotas, similarly to the provisional measures, based on the average volume of imports over 2015-17 plus 5%. Once the quota is exceeded, further material can be imported but a tariff of 25% will apply. In the event that antidumping measures already exist for certain products and countries, only the higher rate will be paid. The quotas will run for three specified time periods. The first period will run from 2 February until 30 June this year and be followed by two annual periods ending 30 June 2020 and 2021. The available quota volume will increase by 5% each period. The quota for HR coil is global, while the quotas for all other products are set on a country-by-country and product-by-product basis for selected large exporting countries. These country-specific quotas apply for the entire specified time periods. All other countries are assigned to a product specific, "residual quota" pool. In contrast to the country specific quotas, this residual quota is divided into four equal calendar quarters - so the first quarterly quota will end on 31 March this year and be pro-rated accordingly. Unused quota volume can be rolled forward to the following quarter. If volume remains in this residual quota then in the last quarter of each tariff period (i.e. during calendar Q2 of each year), the exporters with their country specific quotas can also access the remaining residual quota should they have exhausted their own. CRU understands that it is possible that any unused quota from the provisional safeguard period will be rolled forward into the final safeguards. The mechanism for this remains unclear since the provisional quotas did not contain per-country elements. Self-proclaimed World Trade Organisation "developing countries" with an import share less than 3% during the reference period of 2015-17 for a specific product are exempt from the quotas for that product. Read the full story: https://www.crugroup.com/knowledge-and-insights/spotlights/2019/what-to-expect-from-the-eu-steel-safeguard-measures/ Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU About CRU CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events. Since our foundation by Robert Perlman in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 260 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia - our office in Beijing opened in 2004. When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on our first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view of a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response. CRU - big enough to deliver a high-quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers. Combining the richest banking functionality with ground-breaking technology to deliver unprecedented speed, scalability, resilience and innovation Temenos (SIX: TEMN) the banking software company, today marked a major milestone with the launch of two new products. Temenos Infinity a breakthrough digital front office product and Temenos T24 Transact - the next generation in core banking. These new products combine the most complete banking functionality in the market, leveraging 25 years of functionality from 3,000 banks in over 150 countries with the most advanced cloud-native, cloud-agnostic, API first technology and design-led thinking. Through APIs, both products can be implemented independently or integrated. Clients will be able to roll-out new applications in hours utilising advanced continuous deployment tools and methodologies. The conversion from Temenos' existing Digital Front Office and T24 Core Banking products are automatic and upgrades for existing clients to the new cloud-native, cloud-agnostic Temenos products are available from April 2019. All Temenos SaaS products run on the new Temenos platform. Temenos Infinity is the major next step in the award winning Temenos Digital Front Office product, which has over 300 banking clients. Temenos Infinity is an independent, omni-channel digital banking product which helps banks transform multiple siloed banking channels and legacy applications into a fast, consistent, frictionless customer journey. Through design-led thinking, user journeys and multi-country onboarding capabilities, Temenos Infinity enables banks to orchestrate all their customers' touchpoints and interactions. With its open API-first design, Temenos Infinity enables banks to connect with a wider ecosystem of financial and non-financial providers as well as the developer community to innovate and bring products to market faster. Temenos Infinity also integrates the recently purchased Avoka platform, the leading product in digital customer acquisition and onboarding. Temenos Infinity can be easily implemented through APIs as an independent front office platform on a third-party core banking system or integrated with the market-leading Temenos T24 Transact product. Temenos T24 Transact is the most complete core banking product leveraging the most advanced cloud-native banking technology. Temenos T24 Transact takes the deep and extensive banking capabilities of Temenos T24 Core Banking, the world's #1 core banking product supporting over 700 banks across all banking segments and re-platforms them onto a new, cloud-native and cloud-agnostic platform. The isolation of the banking functionality from the technology platform has been a hallmark of Temenos products and has allowed Temenos for the past 25 years to remain the most technologically advanced and functionally rich product in the world. Temenos Infinity and Temenos T24 Transact can be deployed on-premise, in a customer cloud or managed by Temenos Cloud. All products run on Microsoft Azure, AWS and the Google Cloud platform. David Arnott, Chief Executive Officer, Temenos, said: "We have been at the forefront of innovation for the last 25 years, investing over 20% of our revenues in R&D and we were the first to launch a core banking system in the cloud in 2011. This marks another key milestone as we revolutionise our banking software to accelerate cloud adoption. We see the market opportunity for packaged software expand significantly as banks look for a faster time to value. The launch of Temenos Infinity and Temenos T24 Transact gives clients the most complete set of digital front office and core banking capabilities. Using the latest cloud-native, cloud-agnostic technology, banks are able to rapidly and elastically scale benefiting from the highest levels of security and multi-cloud resilience, generating up to 10x in infrastructure savings. Advanced API-first technology coupled with leading design-led thinking and continuous deployment empower banks to rapidly innovate, connecting to ecosystems and enabling developers to build in the morning and consume in the afternoon. These substantial benefits apply equally to banks whether they are running their software on-premise, on private or public clouds." Both Temenos Infinity and Temenos T24 Transact leverage the common Temenos Platform architecture. Key features and benefits include: Continuous deployment With advanced and automated tools and methodology, the testing and deployment of change means banks can reduce their release cycles from months to hours enabling them to roll-out new applications at speed. Open APIs Banking applications of the future will integrate and form part of a wider ecosystem. The enhanced Temenos Developers portal has an extensive library of published APIs for clients, partners and any third party development teams empowering them to innovate at speed and accelerating time to value. In addition, clients can connect to the Temenos' MarketPlace, an online digital store, which brings together over 150 financial software products from over 65 certified fintech partners that are fully pre-integrated into the Temenos software. Cloud-native, Cloud-agnostic Banks now have an infrastructure to support the flexible experiences demanded by today's digital customers. Elastic scalability eliminates the need to over-provision costly infrastructure and enables banks to pay for their actual usage, yielding significant costs savings. Hyperscaling means banks can respond to any surge in demand by scaling their applications up and down automatically. Temenos' cloud-agnostic approach enables the highest levels of long-term resilience and redundancy without creating a dependency to a single technology provider. This is a key Temenos strategy and an answer to regulatory concerns. Distributed databases Traditional relational databases are not always fit to gain the maximum benefits from the cloud. The Temenos products support distributed databases that are natively designed and optimised for the cloud. Through a strategic partnership and participation in NuoDB an enterprise-class distributed SQL database provider, banks will benefit from unlimited processing capacity, auto-elastic scalability and the highest levels of active/active resilience across data centers, geographies and cloud platforms. Temenos Infinity and Temenos T24 Transact will be showcased at the Temenos Community Forum (TCF), 2-4 April 2019, The Hague, The Netherlands. About Temenos Temenos AG (SIX: TEMN), headquartered in Geneva, is the world's leader in banking software, partnering with banks and other financial institutions to transform their businesses and stay ahead of a changing marketplace. Over 3,000 firms across the globe, including 41 of the top 50 banks, rely on Temenos to process both the daily transactions and client interactions of more than 500 million banking customers. Temenos offers cloud-native, cloud-agnostic front office and corebanking, payments, fund management and wealth management software products enabling banks to deliver both consistent, frictionless customer journeys and gain operational excellence. Temenos customers are proven to be more profitable than their peers: over a seven-year period, they enjoyed on average a 31% higher return on assets, a 36% higher return on equity and an 8.6 percentage point lower cost/income ratio than banks running legacy applications. For more information please visit www.temenos.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190116005289/en/ Contacts: Investors Adam Snyder Head of Investor Relations, Temenos Email: asnyder@temenos.com Tel: +41 22 708 1515 Media Alistair Kellie Andrew Adie Newgate Communications on behalf of Temenos Tel: +44 20 7680 6550 Email: UKNewgateTemenos@newgatecomms.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- MGX Minerals Inc. ("MGX" or the "Company") (CSE: XMG) (FKT: 1MG) (OTCQB: MGXMF) is pleased to report that shareholders voted in favor of all resolutions brought forth at the Company's annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held on Friday, January 11, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia. At the Meeting 17.7% of shares on record were voted. The ordinary resolutions proposed and approved at the Meeting included: The number of Directors was set to five; The five members re-elected to the Board of Directors included: Jared Lazerson , Lyndon Patrick , Michael Reimann , Andris Kikauka and Christopher Wolfenberg ; , , , and ; Adam Sung Kim Ltd. was re-appointed as auditor of the Company; and The existing 10% rolling stock option plan was approved. MGX shareholders also approved the special resolution to authorize a plan of arrangement involving MGX, its shareholders and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MGX Renewables Inc. (the "Reorganization Resolution"). Under the plan of arrangement, MGX shareholders of record on June 29, 2018 would receive one MGX Renewables Inc. share for each 12.4163 MGX shares then held, and MGX shareholders of record on October 22, 2018 would receive on MGX Renewables Inc. share for each 59.8186 MGX shares then held as a return of capital. The Reorganization Resolution was approved by approximately 98.06% of the votes cast by MGX shareholders represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting. As previously announced, with respect to MGX Renewables Inc., the Company will complete a spin-out of 40% of the common shares of MGX Renewables Inc. to shareholders pursuant to a plan of arrangement as part of a going public transaction planned for February 2019. About MGX Minerals MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in global advanced material, energy and water assets. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 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 Information: Jared Lazerson President and CEO Telephone: +1-604-681-7735 Web: http://www.mgxminerals.com LONDON, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Wiztek, a provider of online and mobile tech support services, is ready to offer consumers a new, simple and speedy way to access tech support, on-demand 24/7. Now, people facing everyday tech problems can speak with a tech expert within 30 seconds for free, and potentially have a solution within minutes. There are no subscription costs, just a reassuring 'no fix - no fee promise', for complete peace of mind. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/808542/Wiztek.jpg ) As the number of tech devices becoming part of our everyday lives increases, so too does our need for support and advice. We spend a lot of time tracking down answers in chat forums or trying to find and then follow self-help videos. Typically, we have a go-to person that we call upon - a family member, a friend, a colleague, even a neighbour - however, we can't always rely on these people to have the answer, nor are they always available when we need them. With the revolutionary tech support solution, Wiztek, you can reach an expert in under 30 seconds, anywhere, from any device, using an extremely simple 3- click process via the friendly app or website. Using clever AI technology, your problem is matched to a community of IT experts, who will then connect to you instantly via call, chat or video, any time day or night, and for free. It is the fastest, most convenient way to diagnose your tech problems. The Wiztek community of experts and helpers offer knowledge of a multitude of devices, covering a full range of hardware and software issues. So, whether your laptop is running slow, you are unsure on how to set up a device, you can't connect to a network, or fear your hardware is infected with a virus, a Wiztek expert can help. No problem is too big or too small. And you can be sure that you will never overpay with prices starting at just 4.90. Unlike, alternative tech support options, the Wiztek tech support service is available with no sign-up subscriptions and only charges once an expert is confident that they have a solution for you. The community is user-rated, so you can be assured that you are speaking with an expert you can trust. "Our aim is to revolutionise the tech support market to be more relevant now - it's time to say goodbye to outdated, product support call centres," says Hani AL-Qadi, founder of Wiztek. Paul Amsellem, CEO of Wiztek added: "Nowadays we juggle a number of tech devices in our busy lifestyles, we can't be expected to understand them in their entirety or be experts in identifying and solving problems when they arise. Wiztek is designed to provide everyone with someone to turn to, and to deliver a hassle free, speedy service, at a fair price. It's the most advanced, highly personal, on-demand digital tech support service available, yet it couldn't be simpler," Amsellem concluded. About Wiztek Wiztek is a developer and provider of an innovative multi-platform on-demand IT support service. The company, based in London, England with a development subsidiary in Paris, France, leverages an intelligent suite of AI tools to deliver relevant technical support experts, who register on the service, to consumers and small business professionals with everyday tech issues. The service is competitively priced and will expand to global markets. Founded by Hani AL-Qadi, international investor and entrepreneur, and headed by Paul Amsellem, founder of Phonevalley, Cellcast Interactif and Nemapp, Wiztek aims to become the first trusted IT support service of its kind. For more information, please visit https://wiztek.com/ DUBLIN, January 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- New corporate debt facility will accelerate international growth Mainstream Renewable Power, the leading global developer of wind and solar power plants, has today announced the closure of a new 90 million Trade Finance Facility with DNB and HSBC. The agreement represents one of the largest corporate debt raises in Mainstream's history and will be used in addition to Mainstream's significant existing resources to support bid bonds, performance bonds, and equity commitments for Mainstream's projects globally. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/686512/Mainstream_Renewable_Power_Logo.jpg ) The 90m Trade Finance Facility is funded equally by DNB and HSBC. Mainstream has the option to bring new lenders into the Trade Finance Facility to allow an increase in size to 200 million, subject to approval. Mainstream expects the first use under the new facility will be to support the Group's equity commitments to construct the 569MW Condor Portfolio in Chile, which is the first phase of its wholly-owned 1.3 GW Andes Renewables Platform of fully contracted wind and solar projects. Commenting on the announcement, Andy Kinsella, Mainstream's Group Chief Executive, said: "We're very pleased to have secured this significant agreement with DNB and HSBC. This global facility gives us the freedom to pursue large-scale development opportunities around the world. First up, it will help us to fund the first phase of our fully-contracted 1.3 gigawatt Andes Renewables wind and solar platform in Chile, where our assets are ensuring renewable energy continues to outcompete both new and existing fossil fired generation." Sven Bakken, Head of Power and Renewables - DNB Bank ASA, said: "As a leader within the renewable sector, DNB is proud to support the growth of Mainstream Renewable Power. DNB is deeply committed to support the green shift globally, and with Mainstream we are confident we are contributing in a positive and sustainable way." Michael Lalor, Head of Corporate Banking Ireland - HSBC, commented: "HSBC is delighted to support Mainstream Renewable Power, one of Ireland's great success stories on the global renewable energy stage. The facility will initially support the development of a significant portfolio of renewable energy assets in Chile and is a very positive step forward in advancing our global green credentials while also highlighting the strength of our network and trade finance expertise." About Mainstream Renewable Power Mainstream Renewable Power is the leading global developer of utility-scale wind and solar power plants in high-growth markets. The company is focused on delivering a high-quality portfolio of more than 9 gigawatts of wind and solar assets across Latin America, Africa and Asia. In Chile, Mainstream owns 1.3 GW of fully contracted wind and solar projects due to its unprecedented success in government auctions. Globally, the company has delivered more than 800MW of wind and solar assets into commercial operation and is currently constructing a further 707MW. Mainstream is developing the largest wind farm in South East Asia in Vietnam as well as projects in the Philippines. Mainstream has raised more than EUR1.8bn in project finance to date and employs 200 staff across four continents. The company has developed the world's largest offshore wind projects; the Hornsea 1 and Hornsea 2 projects in the UK. Contact: Emmet Curley, Head of Corporate Communications Phone: +353-86-2411-690 Email: emmet.curley@mainstreamrp.com ReFormation Developing First-in-Class Therapeutic to Repair Vital Organs by Combining Cannabinoids and Re-engineering a Molecule, HMGB1 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2019) - Resinco Capital Partners Inc. (CSE: RIN) (OTC Pink: RSCZF) (FSE: L6V1) (the "Company" or "Resinco") is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the remaining 51% of ReFormation Pharmaceuticals Corp, a medical cannabis company developing innovative, first-in-class therapies to repair vital organs and stem cells by combining cannabinoids and an endogenous trigger of repair. Resinco previously acquired 49% of ReFormation's outstanding shares on October 23, 2018. Specifically, ReFormation Pharmaceuticals has identified a molecule (HMGB1) that primes the body's own stem cells to accelerate repair and regeneration following acute or chronic injury. Through the combination of this molecule and synthetic non-psychoactive cannabinoids they are developing a first-in-class therapy. ReFormation Pharmaceuticals is led by world-class scientist, Founder, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Professor Jagdeep Nanchahal, of the University of Oxford. "Resinco is extremely pleased to finalize this further investment into ReFormation. ReFormation is a tremendously innovative company, with all the attributes to disrupt the medical marijuana pharmaceutical space," says Alex Somjen, President & CEO of Resinco Capital Partners Inc. "The Global Stem Cells Market is estimated to grow to $9.03 Billion by 2023[1] and having a company that focuses on an innovative approach to repair vital organs will be a beneficial investment as we position ourselves as a global investment company with an emphasis in "Second generation' medicinal marijuana companies." "This acquisition will provide ReFormation with additional resources to help solve major medical unmet needs," said Prof. Nanchahal, of ReFormation. "The repair of major tissues will be another benefit of properly researching and developing the medical activities of cannabis-based products." Finder's fees will be payable in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Pursuant to the terms of the ReFormation Agreement, ReFormation will amalgamate with the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, 1189879 B.C. Ltd., in consideration for 29,000,000 common shares of the Company. Upon completion of the transaction, Resinco's investment in ReFormation will be held through a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. About Resinco Capital Partners Resinco Capital Partners is a global investment company which specializes in providing early stage financing to private and public companies as well as medical cannabis pharmaceutical companies. The Company engages in new, early stage investment opportunities in previously underdeveloped assets and obtaining significant positions in early stage investment opportunities that adequately reflect the risk profile. Website www.resincocp.com About ReFormation Pharmaceuticals Corp ReFormation Pharmaceuticals Corp is a medical cannabis pharmaceutical Company headquartered in Toronto, ON, with its Research and Development team at the University of Oxford. The Company is focused on an innovative approach to repair vital organs by combining cannabinoids and an endogenous trigger of repair (HMGB1). ReFormation is based on disruptive technology which will deliver a first in-class therapeutic. The Company has identified a molecule that primes the body's own stem cells from a diverse range of tissues to accelerate repair and regeneration following acute or chronic injury. The Company's research pipeline will deliver further IP based on composition of matter and has a comprehensive work package of testing in animal models of diseases where no comparative treatment exists. ReFormation Pharmaceuticals is led by world class scientist, CEO and Chief Science Officer, Professor Jagdeep Nanchahal, of the University of Oxford. Website: https://www.reformationpharma.com/ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (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 Information: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "would", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this News Release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com RESINCO CAPITAL PARTNERS INC.: Company Contact Mr. Alexander Somjen, CEO 647-362-8998 Media Contact Tim Gray, Account Director KCSA Strategic Communications Phone: 212.682.6300 Email: Resinco@KCSA.com [1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-stem-cells-market-research-report-2018-300708743.html LONDON, January 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Research released today on behalf of the Digital Currency Foundation has shown that UK SMEs could save 800 million a year if they switched from existing financial institutions to instead use digital currencies for their international money transfers. The DCF will be driving a Digi-van advertising this fact to the major UK commercial banks' headquarters in the City of London today. The research also found that those living in the UK sending money to loved ones abroad are losing as much as 427 million per year because they continue to use conventional financial services for their international transfers. Digital Currencies offer a quick and low cost payment method for consumers and businesses by removing the need for traditional intermediaries, which can in the case of international transfers cost up to 10% of the total payment amount in fees, and take several days to arrive. The data released today coincides with the 2nd Annual UK National Digital Currency Day. The day's highlights will include a roundtable event involving industry leaders and officials from Her Majesty's Treasury to discuss the need for appropriate regulation in the UK. The day will conclude with a reception in Parliament to celebrate the transformative potential of digital currencies and the benefits they currently offer to UK consumers and businesses. Mihir Magudia, Managing Director of the Digital Currency Foundation, commented: "This research should act as a wakeup call to businesses across the country. Using Digital Currencies can save them significant sums. They offer a fast, cheap and secure alternative to traditional payment methods, an advantage that is magnified in the sphere of international payments. The raison d'etre of the Digital Currency Foundation is to highlight the benefits digital currencies offer, and this research shows that today, on the 2nd annual UK National Digital Currency Day, this role has never been so important." Notes to Editors: Total achievable saving = potential savings for SMEs making payments abroad + potential savings for those sending money to friends and family abroad. Remittances: Under existing financial services: Volume - 2017 UK remittance estimate[1]: 9.274 billion USD = 7.32 billion GBP[2] Cost - Average of the cost of remitting[3] = 8.58% Total cost = 7.32 billion * 0.0858 = 628 million Crypto comparison: Total Transaction fee percentage = GBP-BTC cost + BTC-BTC cost + BTC-FX(foreign currency) cost BTC-BTC Transaction fee - 0.255 USD per transaction[4] = 0.2 GBP Percentage for median BTC-BTC transaction = 0.2/120 = 0.1666% GBP-BTC cost = BTC-FX cost = 1% + 1% =2% Total cost for crypto = 7.32 billion * 0.0216 = 158 million Total Saving: 628 million - 18 million = 470 million Small Business: Under Existing financial services[5]: Volume - For UK SMEs international trade is worth over 700bn, of which 365.3bn takes place within the EU, 162.92bn of which are outgoing payments (SEPA payments). Cost: Average cost of SEPA Payments = 2.43% Total transfer costs in 2014 = 162.92 * 0.0243 = 3.96bn in transfer costs in 2014 2019 cost[6] = 2014 cost * 1.25 = 4.95bn Crypto comparison: Total Transaction fee percentage = GBP-BTC cost + BTC-BTC cost + BTC-FX(foreign currency) cost BTC-BTC Transaction fee - 0.255 USD per transaction = 0.2 GBP Percentage for median BTC-BTC transaction = 0.2/50,000 = 0.0004% GBP-BTC cost = BTC-FX cost = 1% + 1% =2% Total crypto cost 2019 = crypto transaction fee percentage + SEPA payments value 2014 *1.25 = 0.0204*(162.92*1.25) = 4.15 billion Total Saving: 4.95 billion - 4.15 billion = 800 million Total Annual Achievable saving for UK SMEs and ex-pats living within the UK = 470 million + 800 million = 1.27 billion References: [1] Latest World Bank Remittance estimates - (http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/migrationremittancesdiasporaissues/brief/migration-remittances-data) [2] USD/GBP exchange rate at 1250 on 04/01/2019 [3] Assumptions: average cost of the top two financial remittance institutions - MoneyGram and Western Union - to the top 5 remittance destinations from the UK - Bangladesh, Nigeria, India, Poland and Pakistan. The calculation is based on the median amount remitted - 120 GBP. Source: https://remittanceprices.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/rpw_report_december_2015.pdf [4] Based on the average Bitcoin Transaction Fee on 03/01/2019. Source: https://bitinfocharts.com/comparison/bitcoin-transactionfees.html#3m [5] This is based on a 2014 study carried out by Oxford Economics and commissioned by Money Mover using a typical SME transfer of 50,000 into Euros. Source: https://www.moneymover.com/media/uploads/files/UK-SME-International-Payments-Analysis-Full-Report.pdf [6]Based on research by Capital Economics which found the total amount extra taken by traditional financial institutions on Small Business SMEs had increased by 25% over a 5 year period: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/transferwise/international-business-payments-analysed/ All monetary amounts are expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise indicated. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2019) - IAMGOLD Corporation (TSX: IMG) ("IAMGOLD" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into a forward gold sale arrangement with financial institutions whereby the Company will receive a prepayment amount of $170 million in exchange for delivering 150,000 ounces in 2022, with a gold floor price of $1,300 per ounce and a cap price of $1,500 per ounce. This Prepaid Gold Arrangement ("Prepay") is supported by a syndicate of banks including Citibank N.A. and National Bank of Canada. Terms of the Prepay are provided below: Funding of $170 million is provided to IAMGOLD in December 2019 in exchange for physical delivery of 150,000 ounces of gold over the period of January 2022 to December 2022. Delivery can be made from the production of gold from any of IAMGOLD's operating mines. The cost of the Prepay arrangement is 5.38% per annum, which is based on the date the prepayment is advanced, quantity of ounces settled and timing of delivery. The collar on the prepay at the time of delivery of ounces occurs as follows: If the prevailing gold price equal to or less than $1,300 per ounce, there is no incremental payment to IAMGOLD or from IAMGOLD; If the prevailing gold price is greater than $1,300 per ounce but less than $1,500 per ounce, the syndicate pays IAMGOLD the difference between the prevailing gold price and $1,300; If the prevailing gold price is greater than $1,500 per ounce, the syndicate pays IAMGOLD the incremental difference between $1,300 and $1,500, or $200 per ounce. The funding is expected to be accounted for under IFRS as deferred revenue. "Entering into the gold prepay provides additional liquidity to IAMGOLD at attractive terms to support the execution of the Company's growth strategy, while also mitigating any downside price risk below $1,300 an ounce on 150,000 ounces of production," said Carol Banducci, EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Forward Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding expected, estimated or planned gold production, cash costs, margin expansion, capital expenditures and exploration expenditures and statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources, exploration results, potential mineralization, potential mineral resources and mineral reserves) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned gold production, cash costs, margin expansion, capital expenditures and exploration expenditures and failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, changes in world gold markets and other risks disclosed in IAMGOLD's most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement. About IAMGOLD IAMGOLD (www.iamgold.com) is a mid-tier mining company with four operating gold mines on three continents. A solid base of strategic assets in North and South America and West Africa is complemented by development and exploration projects and continued assessment of accretive acquisition opportunities. IAMGOLD is in a strong financial position with extensive management and operational expertise. For further information please contact: Indi Gopinathan, Investor Relations Lead, IAMGOLD Corporation Tel: (416) 360-4743 Mobile: (416) 388-6883 Martin Dumont, Senior Analyst Investor Relations, IAMGOLD Corporation Tel: (416) 933-5783 Mobile: (647) 967-9942 Toll-free: 1-888-464-9999 info@iamgold.com Please note: This entire news release may be accessed via fax, e-mail, IAMGOLD's website at www.iamgold.com and through Newsfile's website at www.newsfilecorp.com. All material information on IAMGOLD can be found at www.sedar.com or at www.sec.gov. Si vous desirez obtenir la version francaise de ce communique, veuillez consulter le http://www.iamgold.com/French/accueil/default.aspx. The lovely Richa Gangopadhyay was a popular name in the Telugu film industry a few years ago. She worked in popular films such as Leader and Mirchi and found a foothold in Tollywood. She also shared screen space with the likes of Dhanush and STR and carved a niche for herself in Kollywood. Now, the Bengali beauty is in the limelight for a sweet reason. As it so happens, Richa just took to Twitter and confirmed that she is engaged to her close friend Joe. She also shared a pic in which she can be seen with her fiance. The two look good together and seem to be very much in love. She also revealed that she had met her prince charming during her stint at a business school. "Just wanted to share that I am engaged! Joe and I met in business school and it has been two wonderful years! Looking forward to the next phase of my life. Wedding date not set yet," she added. We congratulate the two and hope that they have a great future. In case you did not know, Richa made her Tollywood debut with the 2010 release Leader and added a new dimension to her career. After being in the industry for three years, she called time on her career and decided to focus on her personal life. She was last seen in the 2013 release Bhai. Branden & James Return to The Palm Cabaret Jan. 19th Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Three years ago, Branden & James showed up in Puerto Vallarta as relatively unknown entertainers. A lot has happened over the last several years and, today, this musical duo has skyrocketed to fame. Theirs is an epic love story and a musical collaboration that has taken them across the globe on cruise ships, intimate venues, and large arenas as they share their incredible musicianship and charisma with audiences near and far. The soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden's emotional and powerful vocals creates a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. Branden & James return to The Palm Cabaret this year to play a 5-week residence of their new show, "The Phantom Of The Greatest Showman." This show is a musical mash-up of two of the greatest love stories ever told. The cello and vocal duo present a concert of some of the world's most beloved melodies from these two epic movie musicals. They will also present several songs from their new album recently recorded with DECCA records producer, Patrick Hamilton. The show runs from January 19th-February 14th. So just what is the appeal of these talented young men? First and most importantly, they are professionally trained musicians. Branden's breathtaking operatic voice is absolutely stunning and his smooth looks and smile make him an appealing entertainer. James is a classically trained master of the strings and piano and his cello accompaniment pierces the soul in the most delightful way. Together their harmonies are extraordinary and their musical accompaniment breathtaking. Add to that the love that they share for each other, and you can not escape the magic that these entertainers deliver to their audience. Much to the delight of their family, friends and fans, Brandon & James were married in Puerto Vallarta in 2018. The energy and fervor behind their music has a story to tell of their unique pairing. Branden had a successful career on stage and in recording prior to his meeting the Australian cellist, James Clark. Some of Branden's accolades include finishing as a finalist on America's Got Talent in season 8, appearances at The Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Los Angeles Opera, two world tours with the Twelve Tenors and two solo releases worldwide. James brought to the mix his own share of musical accomplishments as a guest cellist for Olivia Newton-John, Idina Menzel and Bernadette Peters in multiple concerts. James initially came on board to musically direct one of many charity concerts in which Branden was performing, and their connection was so intense they began to play together regularly. The two started creating arrangements of "familiar tunes that make you listen to them as you've never heard them before." Shortly after playing their first public concert together, they began touring around the world with their original songs and innovative, classically inspired covers. Since then, Branden and James have shared the stage with legends such as Sarah Mclachlan, Rita Moreno, Sally Struthers, Loretta Divine, Bruce Vilanch, Constantine Maroulis, Pia Toscano and The Pussy Cat Dolls. Over the past few years, they have made international appearances in Australia, Dubai, Havana Cuba, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, and Vancouver B.C. Stateside, they have continued their success with debuts at The Art House in Provincetown and 54 Below in New York City, introducing a brand new show called, "The Broadway Covers Project." This year, they will continue making new appearances at The Purple Room Palm Springs, The Palm Cabaret in Puerto Vallarta, Martini's Above Fourth in San Diego, and expand to performing arts centers in Florida, North Carolina and Northern California. Branden & James have just recorded a brand-new, full-length, studio album with Billboard chart-topping producer Patrick Hamilton (Jackie Evancho, Katherine Jenkins, David Garrett) that is full of originals and covers specially written for cello and tenor. 2019 will be a big year for them as they release their new album recently recorded in Belgium with Decca Records. Branden has also inked a booked deal and recently penned his memoir, called "Lyrics of My Life," and set for release in November 2019. Having gained worldwide recognition for their breathtaking talent, Branden & James will continue to amaze audiences Puerto Vallarta with their new show, "The Phantom of The Greatest Showman." You can catch their show at The Palm Cabaret on Jan 20, 24, 26, 31, Feb 2, 7, 9, 10, 14 at 7 pm; and at 9:30 pm on Jan 19, 27, 30, Feb 3. For more information and tickets, please go to ThePalmCabaret.com. "A powerhouse cello and vocal duo." - The Fight Magazine, Los Angeles "The always supportive, sometimes haunting power of the cello accompanying Branden's voice solidifies the classical sound, adds new depth to the popular, and allows the audience to just sit back and take it in... so movingly, that you may forget to breathe!" - Paul Lisnek, Host of Broadway in Chicago Backstage. "Fantastic Performers, Incredible Musicians! A unique duo that has everyone mesmerized." - Michael Orland, Music Director for American Idol. 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. There Should Be A Due Process Regarding The Issue! "There should be a due process. I can't have this high-handed authority on a set and say 'You're out of my film and three women have accused you of this'. I don't know the validity of the accusations," said Emraan Hashmi to PTI. The Women Have Not Gone To The Judicial System "I've not spoken to the women personally. They have not gone to the judicial system and had the due process. The producers spoke to him (Soumik Sen) and he excused himself from the promotions." Names Are Randomly Being Thrown Around On Social Media In The Guise Of #MeToo "The next question to be asked was the authenticity of the allegations. When you have names thrown on social media, it could be malicious. Not that I am defending Soumik, but there's no due process here, no proof," said Emraan Hashmi. There Could Be Malicious Intent To Defame Somebody! "Sometimes there could be malicious intent. We kept it to the point that he has excused himself from the film promotions. It's a step where we probably have done our bit." Just Because One Is Named On Social Media, We Can't Randomly Chuck Them Out! "What do we do? Just chuck the person out of a company or have an investigation, a due process in this? Unfortunately, the women didn't go to the judicial system or the police. Sometimes women don't have proof but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. The entire thing is so grey, what are the steps to be taken?" If Soumik Sen Has Done Wrong, He Should Be Taken To Task! We have not denied those allegations... If Soumik has done something, he should be taken to task. I can't play judge and decide on a verdict. The courts have to draw out a process, which has not been done so far. Twitter cannot be a courtroom." I Suppor The #MeToo Movement Wholeheartedly, Says Emraan Hashmi "It's great that women are coming out and putting their stories forward but we have to have some process in place. Now that the allegations are out and men are forewarned that 'don't do this', we need to, like how I did with my company, set the laws the government has placed about sexual harassment. It's not a gender thing. It's a power thing. A woman in a position of power can harass a male colleague. The power dynamics are very lopsided and can swing both ways," the Why Cheat India actor summed it up. Kabir Bedi celebrates his 73rd birthday today on January 16, 2019 and wishes are pouring in all over Twitter from fans and celebrities alike. The actor has been in the film industry for close to 5 decades and has entertained the audiences with his epic acting skills in versatile roles, such as playing the role of Shah Jahan in Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story to playing villainous roles in several other movies. He's been there and done that! Despite being 73 years old, Kabir Bedi is as fit as a fiddle and looks evergreen in all of his pictures. His trademark French-beard has been there for years and the smile he gives out is what people remember the most. We guess he's the only veteran actor who's actually ageing in reverse! Not just Bollywood, Kabir Bedi made his name in Hollywood as well as he played the role of a villain in the James Bond movie Octopussy in 1983. Since then he has starred in several other Hollywood flicks such as Satan's Mistress, The Beast of War, Counterforce and several TV series in the US as well. This Actor Had The Guts To Openly Ask Katrina Kaif For Marriage Right In Front Of Salman Khan Apart from Bollywood and Hollywood, Kabir Bedi has also starred in Italian movies, such as Roundtrip, Beyond Justice and The Black Corsair. The Casino Royale actress Caterina Murino, who hailed from Italy was once quoted as saying that Kabir Bedi is a big star in Italy. Caterina Murino said that Shahrukh Khan, Aamir Khan or Salman Khan are not known in Italy but Kabir Bedi is well known by one and all. She said, "But for us, Kabir Bedi is a big star in Italy, all your big stars here are completely unknown to us." Here's wishing Kabir Bedi a very happy birthday!! Kader Khan Was Forced To Call Amitabh Bachchan 'Sir Ji', Lost Movies Because He Didn't! The Birthday Boy Looks Handsome Like Always The gorgeous hunk Sidharth Malhotra turned 34 today, and the birthday boy was grinning from ear to ear as he came out to greet the media. He sported a casual all black look for his birthday bash, wearing a black sweatshirt and pants, giving it a twist with silver sneakers. Isn't he more handsome than ever? Sidharth Came Out To Cut A Birthday Cake With The Media Sidharth Malhotra did something very special at midnight to ring in his birthday. The Ittefaq actor came out at midnight to greet the media and cut a cake in their presence. Salman Khan had also cut a cake at midnight in front of the media on his last birthday. Happy Birthday Sidharth! We wish Sidharth a very happy birthday! Selfies With Fans Sidharth was later approached for selfies by his fans and he posed cheerfully with them. Isn't he so happy! Imtiaz Ali Hugs Sid And Wishes Him A Happy Birthday Director Imtiaz Ali came in and hugged Sidharth, wishing him a happy birthday. Many celebrity guests had already arrived to Sid's house for his birthday bash. The bash was also partly a housewarming party at Sidharth's new residence. A source had earlier revealed to Filmfare that the actor was very excited about the party. Nobody Knows What Went Wrong Between Nargis & Matt In.com quoted a source as saying, "Till August last year things were fine between Nargis and Alonzo as both seemed a much-in-love couple. One doesn't know much of what happened between them after that but after she returned to India during the end of last year, everything seemed to be over between them." Nargis Deletes All Her Pics With Him "One has heard that Nargis wanted a deeper commitment from Matt but he wasn't ready hence the couple decided to have a cooling period between them. The breakup apparently wasn't a happy one as both deleted all their mushy, cozy pics from social media except a brand-related shoot." Nargis Is Back To For Her Professional Work "Now, on social media, she refers to him as director' and not any loving smileys or mushy messages as she would post earlier. She's been in Mumbai promoting her new release Amavas and shooting for brands and magazine covers since then." How Uday & Nargis Reconnected? "Apparently, Nargis and her ex Uday Chopra re-connected after her return to India last month. He has been unhappy since they broke up in 2017 and when he heard Nargis was in town, he contacted her. She was also moping around after a bitter breakup with Matt and she met Uday and both are said to have even spent New Year's together in Mumbai." Will Nargis Give A Chance To Her Relationship With Uday Or Reunite With Matt? "It seems reconciliation is on the cards between the two as they have been bonding a lot. In November 2017 though, when she met former boyfriend Uday Chopra while on a work trip to India, there were reports of a reconciliation which Nargis denied. It remains to be seen whether Uday and Nargis eventually get back and have a more committed relationship from 2019 or whether Nargis goes back to Los Angeles and has another go at her relationship with Matt as the two were very much in love." Salman Khan starrer Bharat has been making noise ever since its announcement. Starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in the lead, the film is directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. While the films first shoot schedule took place in Malta, the location later shifted to Abu Dhabi, Punjab, Delhi, and a few other places. Earlier there were reports that the teaser/trailer of the film will be unveiled on stars birthday but since that didnt happen, fans had no other option than to wait. Ali Abbas Zafar even tweeted about the same saying, All the @BeingSalmanKhan fans, dont loose your hearts , it was our conscious decision not to release anything about @Bharat_TheFilm on Bhais birthday, we are still shooting the film , Naye saal mein nayi film ki baat karegein , Naam Bharat hai ..date bhi special Hogi What is a Jalsa Salana? Since 1891, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has held its annual convention, or Jalsa Salana, in countries around the world. The U.S. event was most recently held in July 2018 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which has hosted it for 15 years. During the 10 years prior, the event was held at the Dulles Expo Center, according to county documents. "The principal aims of the annual convention are to facilitate greater spiritual awareness among community members, strengthen ties and promote peace," according to the application the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community filed with Fauquier County. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. Everyone agrees more border security is needed. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her rebuttal speech even mentioned certain high-tech examples. Rep. Will Heard, a Republican from Texas (he was born in, raised in and represents San Antonio), had the best comment on this. He said the country needs 21st century solutions, not 4th century technology. Walls throughout history have been breached. The Great Wall of China did not keep out the invaders who became the Ming Dynasty. In Medieval times, castle walls were breached through catapults and ladders. Eventually, holes were blown into them by cannon. Even the Vatican walls, which were built in the 9th century to keep out pirates, have become symbolic. In other words, they are not meant to keep people out, instead, they have become an historical artifact. A British agri-tech company which advocates sustainable farming by using robots on-farm has secured more than 1.2m through an online crowdfunding campaign. The Small Robot Company has raised the hefty sum from more than 1,200 investors after breaking its funding target of 500,000 within minutes of its launch in mid-December. The companys successful start to its campaign was overwhelmingly due to backing from the farming community. It is also gathering pace with the technology community, including early investment from Matt Jones, Principle Designer at Google AI. The agri-tech business harnesses the power and precision of robots and artificial intelligence to improve the way that food is produced and minimise chemical usage. It sets out to make farms more profitable, and increase yield and efficiency, through using small robots instead of tractors. Its farm bots Tom, Dick and Harry will plant, feed and weed arable crops autonomously, with minimal waste. The project has also gathered the backing of retailers, who announced last month that food produced by the project will soon be on shelves. Sam Watson Jones, a farmer from Shropshire and a co-founder of the Small Robot Company, said the amount raised is 'game-changing'. We have already made phenomenal progress. Just one year on from our foundation, we already have three prototype robots and an AI that can tell Wheat from Weed, he said. With this backing through Crowdcube, we are now poised to completely transform food production. There is a huge amount of investment going into agritech at the moment, with more than $10bn invested in the sector in 2017, a figure that is projected to rise both this year and next. Tom, Wilma and Dick Small Robot Companys prototype Tom, which is a monitoring robot, is already developed and in field trials on 20 farms across the UK. This prototype embodies all the core technology needed for Small Robot Companys farm bot family, which includes autonomy, geolocation, obstacle avoidance, navigation and the ability to accurately position objects on a map within 2 centimetres. An early version of Wilma, which is the company's AI 'nervous system' and brains of the operation, was also unveiled in November. Wilma is the core of an intelligent, autonomous crop management system for arable farming. Following extensive field trials, and artificial intelligence training with partner Cosmonio over the last six months, Wilma can already distinguish wheat plants from not-wheat, meaning any images of items that are not wheat plants. Dick, a precision spraying and non-chemical weeding robot, will be ready to go in the first half of 2019. Dick will follow later in 2019, with micro-spraying and digital planting being developed for the end of 2019 and early 2020. Small Robot Company will now work in conjunction with its trial farmers to develop the technology from early proof of concept prototype to a more robust working model, the company said. It is now be working to establish its Hundred Club panel of an additional 100 farmers, both for regular consultation and to come on board to trial its robotics service when it is ready for large scale commercial trials in 2021. Farming groups have come together to highlight how a 'no deal' Brexit will bring 'severe impacts' as the likelihood of such a scenario becomes likelier following Theresa May's Brexit deal defeat. The Prime Minister's deal was rejected by 230 votes on Tuesday evening (15 January), the largest defeat for a sitting government in UK parliamentary history. 432 MPs voted against her deal and just 202 for. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a vote of no confidence in the government, which could trigger a general election. The chances of a 'no deal' scenario has now become likelier, along with a possible second referendum on Brexit. For the farming industry, such continued political uncertainty is having a serious affect on farmers' confidence. The UK Farming Roundtable, which consists of organisations representing farmers and growers from all agricultural sectors across the UK, has now warned of the 'severe impacts' that a no-deal departure from the EU in March 2019 would have for UK food and farming. 'Trade embargo' Consisting of groups such as the NFU, National Beef Association and the Soil Association, the Roundtable has made it clear that several 'major and immediate' consequences will happen if the UK leaves the EU with no deal. For example, the groups say that EU legislation could effectively result in a trade embargo on the export of UK animal based products such as meat, eggs and dairy to the EU. These products can only be imported by the EU from approved countries, and it could take months for such status to be granted to the UK. The lamb industry would be particularly impacted. In 2017, 31% of domestic sheep meat production, the equivalent of 4.5 million sheep, was exported and 94% was destined for the EU. Lower standards The UK government could also avoid charging tariffs on imports to prevent a rise in food prices, which could have a negative impact on domestic food production and consumer choice, as well as an increase in imports of products produced to lower standards. Export tariffs could be imposed on the 60% of UK food, feed and drink that go to the EU, increasing export tariffs to an average of 27% on chicken, 46% on lamb, 65% on beef, and range from 172 to 1,494 per tonne in pork. It is likely that trade barriers will go up between the UK and EU which could limit the availability of many farm inputs such as veterinary medicines, fertilisers, plant protection products, machinery parts and animal feed. Furthermore, as the EU will no longer recognise UK organic certification bodies, exports of organic products to the EU would be severely curtailed. Lastly, the Roundtable points to the sudden end of labour mobility from the EU, which would cause serious problems when it comes to securing the necessary labour to harvest and process UK produce, as well as in related roles such as carrying out veterinary inspections. 'Disastrous' On behalf of the Roundtable, NFU President Minette Batters said: The members of the Roundtable were clear in their view that a no-deal Brexit would be disastrous, not only for our farmers but for the public too, who rely on our ability to provide them with a sustainable, safe and affordable supply of high quality, British food. With less than three months until the scheduled day of departure, the Roundtable was concerned that no-deal remains a real possibility in the absence of any clear majority for an alternative outcome. The Roundtable was particularly concerned that some Parliamentarians continue to make the case that no-deal would be a manageable and acceptable outcome to Brexit. Members of the UK Farming Roundtable categorically do not share such a view, she added. The UK Farming Roundtable was established shortly after the EU Referendum to provide a unified voice for farming businesses during the EU Brexit negotiation. A dairy farmer has been ordered to pay over 7000 after being found guilty of allowing slurry to pollute a watercourse. Peter Joules, who farms at Bircholt Farm near Ashford, Kent, has been ordered to pay 1,500 plus 5,516 in victim charges and costs by Maidstone Magistrates Court. The Environment Agency brought the charges against Mr Joules after its officers discovered a spill of neat slurry from an overflowing slurry lagoon that reached the stream. The officers then found that there had been a longer spill of dilute slurry and dirty water from livestock gathering areas that was also polluting the watercourse, via an underground pipe. In March 2017, officers were inspecting a tributary of the Aylesford Brook when they discovered slurry running into the stream, and traced it back to the slurry lagoon at Bircholt Farm. They then discovered a black pipe discharging a brown liquid around 200 metres further upstream. The pipe was part of farmyard drainage system that discharged rainwater and yard washings. The pipe allowed diluted slurry, chopped straw, animal feed and soil sediment to enter the stream. Officers took samples from the stream and found the water quality was heavily impacted by the two discharges. The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) sets limits for what is considered good water quality. The WFD levels for biological oxygen demand are 4.0mg/l, yet those found in the sample were 463mg/l; 115 times the limit. For orthophosphate, the level is 0.12mg/l, but the sample returned 15.2 mg/l; 126 times above the limit. An Environment Agency spokesperson said: Good farm management is vital to avoid incidents like this that damage the local aquatic environment and harm wildlife. We take these incidents very seriously and do everything within our powers to safeguard the environment and people that may be affected. Mr Joules farm didnt have the infrastructure to deal with the slurry it produces, which caused a serious pollution incident. In these circumstances we do not hesitate to prosecute. The incident follows a similar case where a farmer was ordered to pay nearly 4,000 after polluting a steam with liquid fertiliser, killing about 2,000 fish. by Aaron Larson | Hawks Correspondent | Wed, Jan 16th 8:50am EST Tony Snell scored 10 points Tuesday night as the Bucks easily topped the Heat 124-86. He also dished out six assists in 21 minutes of play off the bench. Fantasy Impact: Snell is one of the first players off the bench for Milwaukee. Unfortunately, he doesn't have a significant role in the offense when he's on the court. He can put up decent numbers if he gets a spot start due to injury or when the Bucks get out to big leads like they did Wednesday, but he doesn't warrant a spot on fantasy rosters in standard leagues right now. by Sean Fitzpatrick | Knicks Correspondent | Tue, Jan 15th 6:50pm EST Derrick Rose will play on Tuesday versus the Philadelphia 76ers despite a sore ankle. Rose missed the previous game but this means less run for Tyus Jones. (Wolves PR on Twitter) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various personal and commercial banking products and services in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through auto dealer network. It also provides credit cards; real estate secured lending; auto finance; consumer lending; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, private banking, investment advisory, and trust services to retail and institutional clients; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to companies, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,085 branches, 3,440 automated teller machines, and 1,223 stores, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Lithia Motors: 797 Valley Street LLC, Albany CJD Fiat, Baierl Auto Group, Baierl Auto Parts LLC, Baierl Automotive Corporation, Baierl Chevrolet Inc., Baierl Holding LLC, Broadway Ford, Buhler Ford Inc, Cadillac of Portland Lloyd Center LLC, Camp Automotive Inc., Carbone Auto Body LLC, Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Morgantown, Cranberry Automotive Inc., Crater Lake Ford Lincoln, Crater Lake Mazda, DCH (Oxnard) Inc., DCH Auto Group, DCH Bloomfield LLC, DCH CA LLC, DCH Calabasas-A LLC, DCH California Investments LLC, DCH California Motors Inc., DCH DMS NJ LLC, DCH Del Norte Inc., DCH Essex Inc., DCH Financial NJ LLC, DCH Freehold - V LLC, DCH Freehold LLC, DCH Holdings LLC, DCH Investments Inc. (New Jersey), DCH Investments Inc. (New York), DCH Korean Imports LLC, DCH Mamaroneck LLC, DCH Mission Valley LLC, DCH Monmouth LLC, DCH Montclair LLC, DCH Motors LLC, DCH NY Motors LLC, DCH Nanuet LLC, DCH North America Inc., DCH Oxnard 1521 Imports Inc., DCH Riverside-S Inc., DCH Simi Valley Inc., DCH Support Services LLC, DCH TL Holdings LLC, DCH TL NY Holdings LLC, DCH Temecula Imports LLC, DCH Temecula Motors LLC, DCH Thousand Oaks-F Inc., DCH Torrance Imports Inc., Dah Chong Hong CA Trading LLC, Dah Chong Hong Trading Corporation, Daron Motors LLC, Day Auto Group, Downtown LA, Driveway Motors LLC, Elizabeth Collision LLC, Florida SS LLC, Ford Lincoln of Morgantown, Freehold Nissan LLC, Fuse Auto Sales LLC, Hamilton Honda, Hazleton Honda, Hutchins Eugene Nissan Inc., Hutchins Imported Motors Inc., Jaguar Landrover Mission Viejo, LA Motors Holding LLC, LAD Advertising Inc., LAD Carson-N LLC, LAD Mission Viejo-JLR Inc., LAD Mobu Inc., LAD-AU LLC, LAD-MB LLC, LAD-N LLC, LAD-P LLC, LAD-T LLC, LAD-V LLC, LBMP LLC, LFKF LLC, LGPAC Inc., LLL Sales Co LLC, LMBB LLC, LMBP LLC, LMOP LLC, LSTAR LLC, Lithia AcDM Inc., Lithia Aircraft Inc., Lithia Anchorage-C LLC, Lithia Anchorage-H LLC, Lithia Armory Garage LLC, Lithia Auction & Recon LLC, Lithia Auto Services Inc., Lithia Automotive Inc., Lithia BA Holding Inc., Lithia BNM Inc. (nonoperating), Lithia Baierl-S LLC, Lithia Bryan Texas Inc., Lithia Buffalo-A LLC, Lithia CCTF Inc., Lithia CDH Inc., Lithia CIMR Inc., Lithia CJDO Inc., Lithia CJDSA Inc., Lithia CJDSF Inc., Lithia CM Inc., Lithia CO Inc., Lithia CSA Inc., Lithia Community Development Company Inc., Lithia Crater Lake-F Inc., Lithia Crater Lake-M Inc., Lithia DE Inc., Lithia DM Inc., Lithia DMID Inc., Lithia Des Moines-VW LLC, Lithia Dodge of Tri-Cities Inc., Lithia Eatontown-F LLC, Lithia FLCC LLC, Lithia FMF Inc., Lithia Financial Corporation (previously Lithia Leasing Inc. and Lithia Credit Inc.), Lithia Florida Holding Inc., Lithia Ford of Boise Inc., Lithia Fresno Inc., Lithia HDM Inc., Lithia HGF Inc., Lithia HMID Inc., Lithia HPI Inc. (nonoperating), Lithia Hamilton-H LLC, Lithia Hazleton-H LLC, Lithia Idaho Falls-F Inc., Lithia Imports of Anchorage Inc., Lithia JEF Inc., Lithia Klamath Inc., Lithia Klamath-T Inc., Lithia LBGGF Inc., Lithia LHGF Inc., Lithia LSGF Inc., Lithia MBDM Inc., Lithia MMF Inc., Lithia MTLM Inc., Lithia McMurray-C LLC, Lithia Medford HON Inc., Lithia Middletown-L LLC, Lithia Monroeville-A LLC, Lithia Monroeville-C LLC, Lithia Monroeville-F LLC, Lithia Monroeville-V LLC, Lithia Moon-S LLC, Lithia Moon-V LLC, Lithia Morgantown-CJD LLC, Lithia Morgantown-F LLC, Lithia Morgantown-S LLC, Lithia Motors Support Services Inc., Lithia NA Inc., Lithia NC Inc., Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #1, Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #3, Lithia ND Acquisition Corp. #4, Lithia NDM Inc., Lithia NF Inc., Lithia NSA Inc., Lithia Northeast Real Estate LLC, Lithia Orchard Park-H LLC, Lithia Paramus-M LLC, Lithia Pittsburgh-S LLC, Lithia Ramsey-B LLC, Lithia Ramsey-L LLC, Lithia Ramsey-M LLC, Lithia Ramsey-T LLC, Lithia Real Estate Inc., Lithia Reno Sub-HYUN Inc., Lithia Reno-CJ LLC, Lithia Reno-VW LLC, Lithia Rose-FT Inc., Lithia SOC Inc., Lithia SSP LLC, Lithia Salmir Inc., Lithia Sea P Inc., Lithia Seaside Inc., Lithia Spokane-B LLC, Lithia Spokane-S LLC, Lithia TA Inc., Lithia TO Inc., Lithia TR Inc., Lithia Uniontown-C LLC, Lithia VAuDM Inc., Lithia VF Inc., Lithia Wexford-H LLC, Lithia of Abilene Inc., Lithia of Anchorage Inc., Lithia of Bend #1 LLC, Lithia of Bend #2 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 1 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 2 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 3 LLC, Lithia of Bennington - 4 LLC, Lithia of Billings II LLC, Lithia of Billings Inc., Lithia of Casper LLC, Lithia of Clear Lake LLC, Lithia of Concord I Inc., Lithia of Concord II Inc., Lithia of Corpus Christi Inc., Lithia of Des Moines Inc., Lithia of Eureka Inc., Lithia of Fairbanks Inc., Lithia of Great Falls Inc., Lithia of Helena Inc., Lithia of Honolulu-A Inc., Lithia of Honolulu-BGMCC LLC, Lithia of Honolulu-F LLC, Lithia of Honolulu-V LLC, Lithia of Killeen LLC, Lithia of Lodi Inc., Lithia of Maui-H LLC, Lithia of Missoula II LLC, Lithia of Missoula III Inc., Lithia of Missoula Inc., Lithia of Pocatello Inc., Lithia of Portland I LLC, Lithia of Portland LLC, Lithia of Robstown LLC, Lithia of Roseburg Inc., Lithia of Santa Rosa Inc., Lithia of Seattle Inc., Lithia of South Central AK Inc., Lithia of Spokane II Inc., Lithia of Spokane Inc., Lithia of Stockton Inc., Lithia of Stockton-V Inc., Lithia of TF Inc., Lithia of Troy LLC, Lithia of Utica - 1 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 2 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 3 LLC, Lithia of Utica - 4 LLC, Lithia of Walnut Creek Inc., Lithia of Wasilla LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 1 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 2 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 3 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 4 LLC, Lithia of Yorkville - 5 LLC, Medford Insurance LLC, Milford DCH Inc., Northland Ford Inc., PA Real Estate LLC, PA Support Services LLC, Paramus Collision LLC, Paramus World Motors LLC, Personalized Marketing LLC, Prestige Auto Group, RFA Holdings LLC, Ray Laks Acura, Ray Laks Honda, Sacramento-L Inc., Salem-B LLC, Salem-H LLC, Salem-V LLC, Sharlene Realty LLC, Shift Portland LLC, Southern Cascades Finance Corporation, Subaru of Morgantown, Tampa-H LLC, Tustin Motors Inc., Wesley Chapel-H LLC, Wesley Chapel-T LLC, Zelienople Real Estate I L.P., and Zelienople Real Estate L.L.C.. Maryland hospitals continue to rank near the bottom in hospital patient satisfaction, according to surveys by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Maryland hospitals continue to rank poorly in surveys of hospital patient safety, as analyzed by the Leapfrog Group, an independent and highly-respected healthcare consulting firm. Marylands hospitals are in the bottom quartile in the U.S., ranking 38 out of 50. Moreover, Maryland hospitals continue to rank as the worst in the country in hospital emergency room wait time, according to data by CMS reported in December 2018. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. provides various banking products and services to individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate customers in Brazil and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Commercial Banking and Global Wholesale Banking. It offers deposits and other bank funding instruments; debit and credit cards; digital pre-paid solutions; payment platform; loyalty programs; employee benefit vouchers; payroll loans; digital lending and online debt renegotiation services; mortgages; home equity financing products; consumer credit; and local loans, commercial and trade finance, guarantees, structured loans, and cash management and funding solutions, as well as on-lending transfer services. It also provides funding and financial advisory services related to projects, origination and distribution of fixed-income securities in the debt capital markets, financing of acquisitions and syndicated loans, other structured financing arrangements, and subordinated debt and energy efficiency transactions; advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, and equity capital markets transactions; and stock brokerage and advisory, equity, and equity research services. In addition, the company structures and offers foreign exchange, derivative, and investment products for institutional investors, and corporate and retail customers; and provides market making services. Further, it offers instant payment services; range of products and services focused on the agribusiness sector; microfinance services; and online automotive listing and digital car insurance solutions, as well as digital trading platform. The company provides its financial services and products to its customers through multichannel distribution network comprising branches, mini-branches, ATMs, call centers, Internet banking, and mobile banking. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in SAo Paulo, Brazil. Read More BRIDGEPORT With uncollected sewer use fees nearing $500,000, the City Attorneys Office is hoping to reach a truce with the City Council in a months-long fight over aggressive collection tactics. Council members and the Water Pollution Control Authority board agreed last year to place a moratorium on the latters ability to foreclose on single-family, owner-occupied homes that fall behind on sewer bills. No other properties were exempted from WPCA foreclosures. In the meantime the city attorney has been drafting reforms to the WPCAs debt-collection process, which critics have argued is too punitive and allows private collections lawyers employed by the city to levy excessive legal charges on poorer residents. Deputy City Attorney John Bohannon on Tuesday warned the WPCA board that the moratorium is beginning to have a budget impact. Were seeing a potential half-million dollar drop-off, Bohannon said, adding, The numbers are not threatening at this time but we never want for our collections to fall off. The City Attorneys Office has continually argued that if the WPCA softens bill-collection tactics, sewer use rates might have to rise to make up for lost revenues. When the moratorium was put in place, it immediately exempted over 40 single-family properties from foreclosure. That number, as of this week, stands at 77. Drawn-out dispute Bohannon on Tuesday also promised two of the council members who have been championing the WPCA reforms Eneida Martinez and Ernie Newton that the City Attorneys Office would have its proposals to the councils Ordinance Committee next week. We want to make sure were collecting that debt efficiently, but in a compassionate way, Bohannon said. Martinez and Newton, who attended Tuesdays WPCA meeting, expressed frustration that it has taken over a year to make changes to the WPCA process. Its dragged out too long, Martinez said. We cant go into another year battling this issue. And it has often been a bitter fight. Frustrated council members, feeling they were not receiving the necessary cooperation, threatened early last year to subpoena municipal attorneys and the private collections attorneys that the city and the WPCA use. At one point, two of those lawyers Russel Liskov, who works with Bohannon, and Juda Epstein, a private collections attorney accused Martinez of anti-Semitism after she falsely alleged in December 2017 that both men are Jews and buddies and they go to the same synagogue and they are buying up these (foreclosed) properties. Changing contracts But while permanent WPCA reforms have been slow in coming, the City Attorneys Office, under pressure from the council, last April began requiring private collections attorneys to sign contracts that impose fee limits. Epstein, who in particular has been accused by council members and some other private lawyers of earning too much money from sewer fee foreclosures, never signed a contract, according to the City Attorneys Office. That means Epstein has been allowed to wrap up his existing WPCA cases but is not supposed to be given any new ones. During a meeting with the Ordinance Committee last January, Epstein defended his years of work for the WPCA and for Bridgeport, stating, I have tremendous empathy for every single person whos in foreclosure. ... My job is to not take anyones home. Its to make them prioritize this debt and pay the bill. Newton took issue Tuesday with Bohannons comments about the moratorium on foreclosures potentially costing the WPCA $500,000. He noted that the WPCA board receives a list of top delinquents each month, and many repeat offenders are big businesses or institutions. We got 77 homeowners (exempted from foreclosure) but I dont hear nobody talk about the top 100 people, Newton said. Bohannon said those monthly reports can be a red herring because they might show entities that briefly fell behind on their sewer use bills but quickly paid up. The same companies are still on the list, Newton said. Bohannon said the City Attorneys office and WPCA have taken very aggressive action historically against repeat offenders. HARTFORD Labor leaders from across the state made their way to the governors residence in Hartford for their first discussion with Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont Tuesday. Lamont, who won the race by more than 43,000 votes and the backing of Connecticuts labor unions, was vague in his speech on Jan. 9 about whether he will ask the unions to re-open the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition contract, which doesnt expire until 2027. I am a strong believer in labor, and now is the time to show that collective bargaining works in tough times, as well as good times, Lamont said during his first speech as governor. As our liabilities continue to grow faster than our assets, together we have to make the changes necessary to ensure that retirement security is a reality for our younger, as well as our older, state employees, and do that without breaking the bank. Lamonts budget proposal isnt due until mid-February and his office is not offering to help parse his words. At an evening press conference Tuesday, Lamont said hes meeting with business leaders, legislators, and labor leaders. Im meeting with all the different players I need to help solve this fiscal crisis, Lamont said. Lamont said all he did Tuesday was lay out from an actuarial point of view where we are as a state when it comes to pension and health care liabilities. Labor leaders did not make themselves available for comment following the Tuesday meeting and have also been cautious about how they characterize what Lamont says. Jody Barr, executive director of AFSCME Council 4, which represents more than 15,000 state employees, insisted on Jan. 9 that Lamont has not asked them to open the contract. Barr said the governor has invited labor to be part of the process. Barr said his members have participated in the transition and are offering up ideas on how to improve state government. He said they will be at the table, but that it wont a table where they negotiate more concessions. Were all hopeful hes going to bridge this fiscal thing, Barr said. It gives us hope we can get through it. Former Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who also won his 2010 election with the support of labor, asked the unions for $2 billion in concessions immediately after taking office in order to help close a $3.2 billion budget deficit. A bitter battle ensued, but they eventually were able to ratify a concession package in 2011, and another in 2017, which included a four-year no-layoff clause, a three-year wage freeze, three furlough days, and a 3.5 percent pay increase in the final two years. In addition the 2017 deal increases employee contributions to their health and pension benefits and it extends that portion of the deal another five years until 2027. The unions feel like theyve given enough over the past decade. However, the states failure to fund the pensions over the years is eating up a bigger portion of Connecticuts fixed budget costs. But should the current generation of union workers and taxpayers be responsible for past failures to fund the pensions? A commission is studying ways to prop up the states unfunded pension liabilities with funds from the Connecticut Lottery or by pooling state-owned property into a trust fund, but those solutions have not been widely tested and will likely require more study. The more immediate problem is the Teachers Retirement System. The annual contribution to the Teachers Retirement System is about $1.3 billion, but it could top $6.2 billion by 2032 because of years of underfunding. Connecticut didnt start setting aside money to pay for teacher retirements until around 1982 decades after the program was first created. The pension fund, according to the last valuation, has enough assets to cover 56 percent of its long-term obligations. Another complication is that in 2008, Connecticut borrowed $2 billion to shore up the fund. That bond is expected to be paid off by 2033. When that borrowing was approved Connecticut pledged in a bond covenant to contribute the full annual payment to the fund for 25 years, and only in extreme circumstances would Connecticut be allowed to skip the payment. Theres no consensus yet on how to handle the issue. An open mindset is the engine that allows us to grow, improve and make the necessary changes to meet the evolving needs of our veterans. We consider it a privilege to serve veterans and foster the sense of camaraderie, community and care that helps them feel that VA health care facilities are their home, where they are treated with dignity and respect, where they receive comfort and relief during hard times, and where seeking help for mental health issues is akin to seeking help for any other physical issue. We encourage veterans to enroll in VA health care, to join our community of caring providers focused on offering quality and comprehensive care. We welcome veterans to partner with us and to have a say in how we can best meet their needs. GREENWICH The co-founder of Indivisible Greenwich joined state officials in calling for a constitutional amendment that would allow early voting in elections held in Connecticut. Joanna Swomley of Greenwich joined Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, legislators and others at a press conference in Hartford on Tuesday to announce the early voting initiative. To start, they want the legislature to pass legislation calling for a Constitutional Amendment to allow Connecticut voters to enjoy a minimum of three days of early voting. Voting is a fundamental right essential to our democracy, Swomley said. At a time when many states and localities are enacting legislation to make voting more difficult, closing polling locations, shortening polling hours and otherwise attempting to suppress this fundamental right, we are thrilled that Connecticut is beginning the process to join the majority of states in our country who are making voting more convenient. Currently, voters in 38 states and the District of Columbia are able to use some form of early voting to cast ballots. In 2018, nearly 40 million voters across the country were able cast their ballots before Election Day, a record number for a midterm election. Connecticut is one of 12 states with no provision for early voting, and one of only nine that require voters to provide an excuse in order to vote by absentee ballot without an early voting option. Connecticuts Constitution require voters to appear on Election Day unless they are able to meet one of the requirements of voting by absentee ballot. The proposed Constitutional Amendment would require a minimum of three days of in-person early voting, and would remove restrictions on absentee ballots. It is the first step of a multistep process to permit early voting. It is our hope that when it comes time to enact legislation, Connecticut legislators will provide ample time to accomplish the goals of early voting legislation, said Swomley. States that provide for early voting range from four to 45 days with an average length of 19 days. Voters sometimes cannot make it to the polls because of work hours, illness, and unforeseen events, she said. Stated simply, life happens, Swomley said. This Amendment is the start of a process that will make voting more convenient and thereby increase voter participation in Connecticut. That should be the goal of every citizen and every elected official. There was large turnout of voters in the midterms 65 percent overall and up to 80 percent in some towns, she said. That high turnout caused long lines at some polling places, Merrill said. A record number of Connecticut citizens registered to vote leading up to the 2018 election, and we had record turnout, despite long lines and heavy rains, Merrill said at the press conference in her office. This popular, common-sense election reform will help ensure that not only can every Connecticut citizen easily register, but that every registered voter can conveniently vote, she said. The measure could be on the ballot in Connecticut for the November 2020 election if both the House and Senate were to pass the legislation this year with a three-quarters vote in both chambers. NORWALK When it comes to bounding up elementary school stairs, Gov. Ned Lamont can hold his own against 10-year-old Adrien Danso. On Wednesday morning, it was a race to a classroom at Tracey Elementary School, where Lamont was escorted by his fifth-grade guide to a class where math problems were being scribbled on desk tops coated with an erasable surface. I went to detention for doing that, Lamont later quipped. He saw classrooms with chill out spots and a basement science lab where third-graders barely looked up when visitors filed in to peer over shoulders and ask questions. I love to see how much joy there is in the classrooms, said Lamont. This went from a school where not everyone wanted to go to somewhere everyone wants to go. The reason, officials say, can be traced to School Principal Theresa Rangels decision three years ago to focus on teaching to both the emotional and intellectual side of a child. As a result, academic achievement started to rise, making Tracey School the poster child for the findings of a new report, From a Nation at Risk to a Nation at Hope. The 80-page report was commissioned by The Aspen Institutes National Commission on Social, Emotional and Academic Development, which brings together decades of research to suggest that learning how to pay attention, collaborate and persevere are also essential if students are to learn how to read and compute. Rather than a fad, authors of the report call social and emotional learning the substance of education itself. James Comer, 83, founder of Yales Child Study Center, is considered by many to be the father of social/emotional learning. He called much of the findings of the report basic common-sense. The way we have been doing it up to now is not based on how the brain actually learns, said Comer, who has spent 50 years trying to get the educational community as a whole to listen. Comer now has the attention of Norwalk Schools Superintendent Steven Adamowski, who told visitors Tracey School has gone from one of the lowest achieving schools in the district to one of the highest performing. Also listening is Barbara Dalio of Greenwich, one of the states leading philanthropists, whose foundation sits on the SEAD Commission and helped fund the study with a $500,000 grant. It would be so exciting for Connecticut to lead the nation in social and emotional learning and academic development, said Dalio, who was also on the tour. Dalio is no stranger to Norwalk Public Schools, having volunteered in an alternative high school in the city for several years and provided financial support to many of its endeavors. Since 2012, the Dalio Foundation has donated more than $7.6 million to the Norwalk school system, the Norwalk Federation of Teachers and the Carver Foundation. The Carver Foundation has also started working in a Bridgeport after-school program. On Wednesday, Dalio said she hates to hear social and emotional learning called soft skills. Its really deeper. It is what makes everything else click, Dalio said. Lamont told the school he wants what happens at Tracey to happen everywhere. He said that the national focus on STEM subjects doesnt negate the need to develop the whole child and promised students on the tour he would do all he could to get them the best education possible. Were here because we love you, Lamont said when greeted by his group of fifth-grade student guides in the library of the school. He told reporters his intent is to give school districts at least as much funding as they were promised by the last legislature and to deliver an on time budget so that communities have time to plan. Marc Brackett, founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, led a roundtable discussion on the report and said what is left now is for the report recommendations to be executed. The report urges schools to broaden the definition of a successful high school graduate to include social and emotional skills. It recommends that every student be known by at least one adult in a school, be it through class meetings, advisory groups or classes that stay with the same teacher from one year to the next. And the report urges an end to zero-tolerance polices that push students out of classrooms and schools. Other recommendations call for social emotional skills to be explicitly taught, for teacher preps to focus more on child and adolescent development and fund positions in schools to engage families and community partners. lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck GREENWICH He is facing a fine from the state Medical Examining Board for failing to justify prescribing high doses of opioids in 2015 and 2016, but the beloved medical director at Nathaniel Witherell remains in good standing at the town-owned skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. Dr. Francis Walsh, who was fined $3,000 on Tuesday, for prescribing the opioids from his private practice and for failing to justify potentially dangerous dosing and combinations of medications, the state board said. The board also reprimanded Walsh by placing his license on probation for six months and requiring him to take courses in medical documentation and controlled substance prescribing. But he is still able to practice medicine and remans in good standing in his post at The Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich. The sanction imposed for 2015-2016 relates to Dr. Walshs private practice, not his work at the Witherell, Allen Brown, Witherells executive director, said Wednesday. The health and safety of residents is Witherells first priority, Brown said. Dr. Walsh remains a trusted and valued member of our medical team, and is beloved by patients and families alike for the high-quality care he provides, Brown said. Oversight is in place to prevent any problems at Witherell, he said. The Nathaniel Witherell has both a pharmacy consultant and a pharmacy and therapeutics committee that reviews all prescribed medications to ensure that our medical practices are consistent with industry standards, Brown said. Walsh operates a private practice in Cos Cob and is affiliated with Greenwich Hospital. Walsh informed Witherells Director of Nursing Lynn Bausch when he was first made aware of the findings, Brown said. She requested further input from the Medical Examining Board and was informed that (Walshs) practice at Witherell was not impacted, and no change in our medical oversight procedures were recommended, Brown said. Dr. Walsh was permitted to continue his practice at the facility without modification. Larry Simon, chair of Witherells Board of Directors, said Wednesday he was not aware of the situation until he saw the news accounts of Walshs fine and restrictions. I wasnt made aware of it, Simon said. We need to talk to him and see. I dont make decisions on things until I hear all the sides. What happened here was in his private practice and not in his role at Witherell. As part of a consent order agreement with the state board, Walsh, who did not contest the allegations, is still able to prescribe medications at Nathaniel Witherell. However, he did agree to hire a doctor to review the practice in his private office, and he has surrendered his license to prescribe controlled substances at the private practice. First Selectman Peter Tesei said he spoke about Walshs case to Brown, who assured him it had nothing to do with Witherell. Brown told Tesei that the facility had strict oversight of all medicine prescribed, with all items carefully tracked to prevent any improper actions. In 2016, Walsh was honored with a Doctors of Distinction Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fairfield County Business Journal for his four decades of service to Witherell. Witherell is the last municipally owned skilled nursing and rehabilitation center in Connecticut. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com Lou Dagel suggests that an electronic wall would be more of a deterrent than physical ones because crossers would know they would be detected (Try an e-wall, Your Turn, Jan. 8). Interestingly, Page A8 on the same day of his letter showed illegals climbing over a short fence. Mr. Dagel, if a photographer is there to shoot a photo, that tells me the illegals do not fear detection. Often you see pictures of them coming in with Border Patrol agents standing right in front of them. With current immigration laws providing the favoritism/care they get once here, they could care less if theyre detected. Fred Martin Mar a Lago wall? Re: Trump touts wall on border, front page, Friday: Noticeably absent from the presidents visit to the border were any televised conversations with landowners along the Rio Grande River. If a wall is built on their property, how will they get their livestock to water? If they have a permit to draw irrigation water from the Rio Grande, how will they get water to their crops? If President Donald Trump had a resort or a large piece of investment property along the Rio Grande it would be interesting to see if he still believes that building a wall everywhere is the solution to illegal immigration coming across the Rio Grande. Another point that is often overlooked: If we build a wall on the U.S. side of the Rio Grande, we are basically ceding vast tracts of land to Mexico. John Kiser Cruz wrong When Sen. Ted Cruz was interviewed on NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday, the senator claimed that only those people inside the Washington, D.C., Beltway are interested in special counsel Robert Muellers investigation regarding Russian interference with the Trump election. He stated he does not find anyone outside the Beltway concerned with this at all. Cruz must not be considering all his Texas constituents. Many of the people I know in San Antonio are very aware of the Mueller investigation; our news sources are carrying the story because we are reading about it. Cruzs erroneous knowledge in this area brings to question his statements about the need for border security based only on the wall and the position of Democrats on border security, and his characterization of Donald Trumps affection for Vladimir Putin as trifling. Mendacity seems to be a problem for the senator and his president. Judy Lackritz N.Y. Express-News? Just finished Sundays New York Times. No, it was actually the Express-News! Here is an article from the Washington Examiner on Sunday you wont find in the Express-News. This weekend during the partial government shutdown, 30-plus Democrats from the Hispanic Caucus, with families, flew by private jet to Puerto Rico for a winter retreat at a seaside resort to escape the cold Washington winter. The purpose was to discuss progress of recovery from Hurricane Maria. Participants paid their own way for a special showing of the hit show Hamilton, and a cast party that followed. More than 100 lobbyists were also participating in the weekend activities. The photo of New Jersey Sen. Jose Menendez on the beach chatting with a bikini-clad constituent was cute! If the Express-News can reprint New York Times articles critical of President Donald Trump, accusations with no evidence of crimes, it can certainly reprint one article on hypocritical Democrats who cant fund a wall in key sectors along the border. Talk about bias. Phil Ferro U.S. of Utopia Re: Devoid of reality, millennial socialists push plan, Other Views, Sunday: Rich Lowrys piece on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs Green New Deal was absolutely enlightening! How could all of us common people not see the simplicity of this plan like the genius representative from New York? In a very short period of time in Washington, she discovered the magical orchard of GreenWood trees where you harvest unlimited $100 bills 24 hours a day. With newfound renewables, she will orchestrate the most dramatic impact that mankind has ever seen, the United States of Utopia! Hank Hattoy, Fair Oaks Ranch Aesop president From Shakespeare to Aesops fables, our classic president has it all. One can hear echoes, over and over, of whether to build a wall as the ultimate question we must ponder. This question troubles intellectual politicians from month to month. Really, an American president who habitually cries, Wolf as in Aesops fables and calls it a crisis. The real crisis is the state of pretentious, political posturing that passes as sophistication. Unfortunately, all people affected by the shutdown are not pondering the political brilliance of James Madison (Amid the despair of the shutdown, a flash of the founders brilliance, Opinion, Sunday). They are stuck in a Shakespearean tragedy with a dash of Aesop humor that explains more about our condition now in 2019. Jesse L. Howell The real disaster Re: Texans want bail reform, Opinion, Sunday,and Prepare now for disasters of tomorrow, Editorial, Sunday: Bail reform the top priority for the Legislature on one page and Prepare now for disasters of tomorrow on another? Public education funding reform and finally getting the needle to move in a positive direction for all must have been deleted due to shortage of ink caused by the shutdown. This top priority for five decades of opening Legislatures and left for the last 15 minutes of sessions is the reason for needed bail and the disaster of an untrained workforce. Richard Santoyo The consequences for the lack of a strong work ethic among members of the judiciary are usually assessed by the voters at the ballot box. However, the next election cycle is sometimes not soon enough. When work ethic starts affecting the way justice is being dispensed, more immediate action is warranted. The Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct needs to investigate the serious issues raised in a letter 428th District Judge William Bill Henry recently wrote taking his three Hays County District Court colleagues to task for the low number of days they spent in their court the past couple of years. This lack of work is a systematic, intentional harm to our taxpayers that has been going on for years, he wrote. A sitting judge lashing out about the work ethic of fellow members of the judiciary on the record is rare. District judges operate their courts independently of each other for the most part, running their own fiefdoms and setting their own works schedules. This could all be written off as a mere difference of philosophy on how a court should operate if the jail population and the time its takes for criminal cases to be resolved were not issues. The growing backlog of criminal cases in Hays County is causing jail overcrowding and making it necessary for the sheriff to farm out inmates to other jurisdictions that have rental jail beds available. This is cause for concern. It raises serious questions about whether jailed defendants assumed innocent until proven guilty but unable to afford to post bond are being afforded access to equal justice. While some county jail inmates may be locked up to serve a sentence or are convicted felons awaiting transfer to state prison, the majority of a jails population is comprised of defendants awaiting trial. Henry, a former prosecutor, has been a lawyer for 30 years. He was appointed to the 428th District Court bench by the governor when the court was created in 2005 and was re-elected to a four-year term in November. He has been on both sides of the bench and knows how effective courts operates. Henry said he has personally observed inmates languishing in jails far from San Marcos without legal representation, Hearst Austin Bureau writer Eric Dexheimer reports. Some lawyers say having their clients housed in other counties makes their job difficult because they can ill afford to spend an entire day traveling to visit with a single client. Inmates in the custody of the Hays County sheriff are scattered across Central Texas in eight counties. Some defendants are being housed in adjacent counties, but some of them are not so lucky. They have ended up as far as McLennan, Burnet and Limestone counties, which are up to three hours away. The cost of these outsourced jail beds is not cheap. Hays Countys tab for inmates housed outside the county went from $2.6 million in 2017 to $4.3 million in 2018. In recent years, Hays County Jail has ranked as one of the most crowded in the state. State records also indicate Hays County District Courts have become some of the slowest in the state to resolves cases. There are some serious red flags being raised here that merit a thorough investigation. This cannot be casually cast aside as a political squabble among elected officials who dont get along. These are serious issues affecting defendants and their access to justice. The government isnt shut down because of President Donald Trumps unbelievable cluelessness as a deal-maker. Its shut down because of his many fears. I dont mean his pretend fears. Surely Trump doesnt really believe his own racist nonsense about the U.S.-Mexico border being a sieve for homicidal maniacs and walk-to-work terrorists, and he cant be too worried about a humanitarian crisis that is largely of his own creation. Im talking about his real fears the ones that must keep him up at night. Trump is afraid of Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Matt Drudge, Laura Ingraham and the rest of the far-right echo chamber (he sees Sean Hannity as more of a house pet). Hes afraid of his shrunken but loyal base, which could abandon him if he doesnt give them a wall. Hes afraid of special counsel Robert Mueller and the federal, state and local prosecutors in New York who are investigating various Trump enterprises. And hes afraid of losing his coercive hold over the Republican senators who one day could sit in judgment of his fate. Not one of these intertwined fears is irrational. Trump must realize he has painted himself into a corner but sees no alternative. According to news reports, the president knew his hostage-video Oval Office address and his photo-op at the border last week would make no difference. He must also be aware that the GOP leadership in Congress cant hold the line forever. To be sure, Trump has shown himself to be a clumsy and incompetent negotiator. When he reneged on the original agreement to keep the government funded through Feb. 8, he cut the legs from under anyone who claims to be negotiating for him, up to and including Vice President Mike Pence. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer would be crazy to agree to anything at all that does not have Trumps personal, public endorsement and his felt-tipped signature, preferably in blood. Youve got to be willing to walk away, Trump often says when touting his alleged dealmaking prowess. And indeed that is true in negotiations about real estate, branding rights or a reality television show. But when you are president, you can hardly walk away from your own government. When Trump tried the maneuver a week ago calling congressional leaders to a meeting and then ostentatiously stalking out everyone just shrugged. He had nowhere to go. Trump could have tried to tempt Democrats with a grand bargain on comprehensive immigration reform or even a limited swap of border security funds he could use for his needless wall in exchange for permanent protection for the undocumented Dreamers who were brought to this country as minors. That kind of offer could at least have caused some restiveness in Pelosis and Schumers ranks. But since Trump is offering nothing at all, except a take-it-or-leave-it demand, Democrats have easily maintained a solid front. Another pro tip for getting what you want: Dont loudly and publicly take personal responsibility for negative consequences that would result from a breakdown of negotiations. With television cameras running, Trump boasted that everyone should blame him for a shutdown. Polls show this is exactly what the public has done, and Trumps numbers will surely get worse as the effects of the shutdown on families and communities become more dire. The Democratic proposal fund the government while continuing to debate border security and the wall is eminently reasonable. But Trump is scared. He went back on the original deal after the far-right commentariat went ballistic. The president must realize that having failed to get funding for the wall when his party had control of both chambers of Congress, he is less likely to get it following a blue-wave midterm election that gave Democrats the House. But Trump doesnt want Limbaugh, Coulter, et al., wailing to his base that their hero has surrendered to the snowflakes and given up on the wall, which from the beginning was more of a rallying cry than a serious proposal. Trumps approval numbers have always been underwater, but as long as he retains overwhelming support among Republicans, he can expect GOP senators to worry that crossing him would amount to political suicide. Depending on what Mueller and the other prosecutors find, it is not inconceivable that the House could vote for impeachment. The more support Trump retains among the GOP base, the better his chances of surviving a Senate trial. That is why Trump looks so joyless, so grim. He sees this as an existential fight, and so far hes losing. eugenerobinson@washpost.com AUSTIN American politicians might cringe at a comparison to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, especially amid the special counsel investigation of Russian interference in U.S. elections. Not in Texas. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has welcomed such comparison, often boasting in speeches that Texas has a bigger economy than that of Russia, making him more powerful than Putin. At his inauguration Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick chimed in. "We're the tenth largest economy in the world $1.6 trillion larger than that of Russia," Patrick said. "They have Putin and I have Abbott." The crowd cheered. Texas GDP does exceed that of Russia, a country that counts millions more residents. As of 2017, the Texas GDP topped $1.65 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Meanwhile, Russias came in at $1.58 trillion that year, according to World Bank data. Texas Take: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Abbott often highlights the point, including at an October campaign stop in Williamson County, north of Austin. The economy of Texas is so large we don't compare our economy to other states, instead we compare our economy to other countries, Abbott said, before ticking off a number of countries with smaller GDPs, including Australia and Russia. And that makes me more powerful than Putin. The comparison is an effective tool to make a point about the robust Texas economy, but it hinges on country choice, said Rice University political scientist Mark Jones. Russia is a large, powerful country, Jones said. To say Texas has a bigger economy than Spain doesnt resonate nearly as well as Russia, the former evil empire that we hear is interfering in our election. Putin and Russia are most often in the news now as special counsel Robert Muellers probe into election meddling presses on. Texas hasnt been immune. Federal officials included the state on a list of more than 20 that they said were targeted in 2016 by Russian government cyber actors seeking vulnerabilities and access to U.S. election infrastructure. amorris@express-news.net San Antonios next city manager will come from within its ranks. The field of candidates vying to replace Sheryl Sculley as San Antonios city manager was trimmed Tuesday to two of her top lieutenants: Deputy City Manager Erik Walsh and Assistant City Manager Maria Villagomez. Mayor Ron Nirenberg said the candidates who have worked in San Antonio presented the best opportunity for the city to not miss a beat. The two candidates will return today for a final round of interviews with the City Council. Nirenberg said the council will name a lone finalist in the evening. The final candidate will meet with various city stakeholders and also appear at a public symposium before the council votes to approve him or her on Jan. 31. This has been an enormously difficult task to narrow down our candidates, Nirenberg said, adding later: I think we all felt very comfortable that the consensus was to bring back Maria and Erik for the next round of interviews. The finalist who is selected will assume the citys most important appointed position, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the seventh largest city in the U.S. The city manager oversees a staff of about 12,000 employees and a budget of about $2.8 billion. Sculley announced she was retiring soon after the Nov. 6 election, when voters overwhelmingly approved a proposition that sets a salary cap of 10 times that of the lowest-paid employee, currently that would be $312,000, and limits future city managers to an eight-year tenure While the proposition doesnt affect her, it widely was seen as a referendum on Sculleys compensation. With a $475,000 base salary and up to $100,00 in performance-based bonus, she is the highest-paid city manager in the nation. During her 13-year tenure, Sculley worked for four mayors and is credited with improving city finances and services. She stewarded three massive bond projects, implemented the Pre-K 4 SA program thats hailed as a model and brought a budgeting approach that has enabled the city to maintain a triple-A bond rating, among numerous other accomplishments. Nirenberg praised Sculleys legacy, including her best-in-class fiscal stewardship and effective delivery of services, and said he hopes her successor carries on that legacy. But he also was careful to emphasize that neither Walsh nor Villagomez will try to recreate Sculley. Im confident in saying this: Were not hiring the next Sheryl Sculley. Neither one of them will be that, Nirenberg said. They will be their own individual, unique city manager that will bring their own strengths to the table, their own styles, and thats something I think is important for them to have the latitude to be their own person. The one chosen will help lead the city in confronting the challenges of a new era, Nirenberg said. Those include housing and transportation for a region expected to see booming population growth in the near future, along with socioeconomic inequities and what he called a difficult conflict with our public safety union. The citys firefighter union led the charge on the charter amendment targeting the city manager position, and the two parties have been locked in a stalemate over contract negotiations. Walsh, 49, long has been seen as the favorite for the job. He began his career with the city nearly 25 years ago as a budget analyst and has overseen the highest-profile departments, including police and fire, and has handled collective bargaining negotiations and high-profile contracts for years. His portfolio includes nearly a third of the citys $2.8 billion annual budget. Candidates werent allowed to discuss the content of their interviews with the council because they occurred in executive session, but Walsh said he thinks he has the right attitude and temperament for the job. I think Im the best candidate to execute the councils policy directions and lead a great team of 12,000 dedicated employees, Walsh said. Villagomez, 45, is a certified public accountant whose career in San Antonio began in 1997. In her initial pitch to the council, she underscored her deep experience in handling the citys finances. She currently oversees the office of management and budget, along with parks and recreation and the office of equity. Ive been a public servant the past 21 years, Villagomez said after her interview. Im excited to work to make the city more prosperous. The two were picked from a field of eight semifinalists who took turns Monday and Tuesday appearing before the City Council in closed-door interviews. The field included six internal candidates who work under Sculley, resulting in an awkward situation in which co-workers were interviewing for the job one after another. The rest of the applicants were: Deputy City Manager Peter Zanoni and Assistant City Managers Carlos Contreras, Lori Houston and Rod Sanchez, along with external candidates Orlando Sanchez, a retired Las Vegas deputy city manager, and Majed Al-Ghafry, a Dallas assistant city manager. Nirenberg and the council praised the depth and quality of the applicants, particularly the internal candidates. One council member equated the selection process to choosing who to marry, and another compared it to picking his favorite superhero. My kids recently asked me which one of the Avengers was my favorite, and thats a difficult question because theyre all amazing, Councilman Manny Pelaez said. I think the same difficult question has been posed to us in having to select from eight amazing candidates. Dylan McGuinness covers local politics and the Bexar County government for the Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | dylan.mcguinness@express-news.net | Twitter: @DylMcGuinness Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio is asking for financial assistance to aid residents adversely affected by the federal government shutdown. J. Antonio Fernandez, its president and CEO, said the agency has seen an uptick in requests for rental, food and utility assistance. He said Catholic Charities has been responding to such requests and is also offering gift cards and wraparound services, including basic needs such as food at its West Side location, Guadalupe Community Center, 1801. W. Cesar Chavez Blvd. OnExpressNews.com: J Antonio Fernandez, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio We have received many calls from our community asking for our help, Fernandez said in an email and online alert. As always, we are here to help in any way that we can. Consider sharing this message with those you know and if you know of someone who is need of help please direct them to Catholic Charities. The agency is specifically asking for H-E-B or Walmart gift cards or cash donations, which can be made in person or online at Catholic Charities website, ccaosa.ejoinme.org/GS2019. We help those in crisis every day, his appeal said. And, every day crisis looks different. Catholic Charities aims to support those affected by the government shutdown to provide immediate basic needs, prevent homelessness and utility disconnection, comfort the displaced, and strengthen the vulnerable. Donations and non-perishable food items can be delivered to Catholic Charities headquarters, 202 W. French Place, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays until this crisis is over, he said. The number there is (210) 222-1294. Donations are also being accepted at the agencys Guadalupe Community Center, 1801 W. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd; (210) 226-6178. Those seeking assistance should bring a Texas ID or drivers license for those over age 18; a Social Security card for all household members; and a government employee ID and proof of income for the last 30 days. The latter can include a check stub or proof of receiving benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps; child support; pr Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. To be considered for rental assistance, Catholic Charities will request your notice to vacate, current lease agreement, utility disconnection notice or past due bills. The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office has released the causes of death for two of three people found fatally shot at an upscale home in far Northwest Bexar County last week. Nichol Leila Olsen, 37, a hairstylist, died of a gunshot wound to the head. The medical examiners office ruled her death a suicide. Olsens older daughter, Alexa Montez, 16, also died of a gunshot wound to the head. Her death has been ruled a homicide. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news sent directly to your inbox The cause of death for a 10-year-old child also found shot at the home has not been released because the medical examiners office is still trying to positively identify her. That child is presumed to be Olsens younger daughter, London Sophia Bribiescas. The younger childs death also was ruled a homicide, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said. Authorities could not locate any fingerprints to help identify the 10-year-old girl so they are consulting dental records to make a positive identification, Salazar said. Olsen and the two children were found fatally shot at the residence where they lived in the 11300 block of Anaqua Springs when the homeowner, who also lived there with them, returned and found them around 9 a.m. Thursday. That man told investigators he had stayed elsewhere the night before. Despite the medical examiners ruling that Olsens death was suicide, Salazar said his office will continue its investigation into the shootings at the home near Leon Springs. He said his agencys probe wont be swayed solely by the medical examiners findings. On ExpressNews.com: Autopsy rules mother's shooting death a suicide Olsens close friend Nicole Baptiste, 35, of San Antonio, said Olsen would not commit suicide and would not harm her children. Baptiste also told the San Antonio Express-News that Olsen was not sad or depressed and never voiced suicidal thoughts. Many of Olsens friends have echoed Baptistes comments on social media. Autopsy reports have not yet been released due to the ongoing investigation. Peggy OHare is a staff writer in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: @Peggy_OHare To think that our government can be shut down for any length of time is to betray those who established our Democratic form of government. I am sure that what is happening now is not what Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and all the rest had in mind when they set up how our government would work. Bexar County is planning to stop housing federal detainees for the U.S. Marshals Service, which would also render moot the contract it has with the private company that operates the facility where those inmates are held. County Judge Nelson Wolff said Tuesday the arrangement in which the Marshals Service paid the county to hold inmates, and the county payed GEO Group to operate the jail where they are kept doesnt make financial sense any more. At Nelsons request, commissioners approved a motion to authorize the county manager to begin negotiating the termination of the contract with U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau. The authorization came during the courts first meeting of 2019 and the first in more than three decades without longtime Commissioner Paul Elizondo, who died last month. His successor, Justin Rodriguez, took the dais for the first time Tuesday. Elizondos wife, Irene, was presented with a Hidalgo Award, the highest decoration for a Bexar County civilian. The facility currently holds about 600 federal inmates. Deputy U.S. Marshal Chris Bozeman said the detainees are facing federal charges, but they could be held for a variety of reasons some awaiting trial, some waiting to be transferred. He also confirmed some are there for immigration-related violations. GEO Group is a private, for-profit company that has drawn scrutiny amid national conversations about criminal justice reform, along with its operations of immigration detention facilities. Wolff said he was aware of that controversy, but this was strictly a financial decision. The federal government needs to step up and handle their problems, and we need to handle our local problems, he said. For decades, the county has held the inmates at the Central Texas Detention Facility on Laredo Street, but the building was included in a parcel of land the county recently gave to the University of Texas at San Antonio to build a new campus downtown. At times, the county made as much as $5 million a year in the arrangement, Wolff said, but that has decreased to about $1 million in recent years. The county was paid on a per-inmate basis, and that rate changed over time along with costs. A terrible thing to talk about profit when youre dealing with human beings, but yes, we were, Wolff said. The county initially planned to let GEO Group refurbish a portion of the Bexar County Jails annex to house the inmates, but Sheriff Javier Salazar said that would force him to relocate some county inmates because the jail is consistently at or near capacity. That would cost the county about $10 million annually, more than any revenue it was making from the arrangement. Bozeman said the Marshals Service is aware of the decision and will work diligently to find new holding locations for the inmates. He said its too early to provide a timeline of when that could happen. The GEO Group did not respond to a request for comment. Wolff said the county could legally give 30 days notice to Pamerleau that it will stop holding the inmates, but he wants to work on a more seamless transition. Sheriff Salazar said he is available to help during that transition and can temporarily hold some of those inmates. Its not yet clear when the inmates have to be out of the Laredo Street facility. In another twist, Pamerleau, the former Bexar County sheriff who lost her re-election bid to Salazar, wrote to commissioners Tuesday to say the federal government could not pay the county as regularly scheduled because of the weeks-long shutdown. Dylan McGuinness covers local politics and the Bexar County government for the Express-News. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | dylan.mcguinness@express-news.net | Twitter: @DylMcGuinness No, Pre-K 4 SA is not a universal preschool program for the citys 4-year-olds. Only about 8 percent of San Antonios 25,000 4-year-olds are enrolled in Pre-K 4 SA, the program championed by then-mayor Julian Castro. But you might not realize that when digesting news reports this week about Castros presidential campaign. National commentators and journalists long have attached the adjective universal to the program that Castro championed as mayor in 2012, when he convinced voters to fund it with part of the citys sales tax. OnExpressNews.com: The many remarkable moments of Julian Castro presidential announcement Like many progressive Democrats, Castro favors universal access to preschool as a national policy, and he referenced the city program in repeating that position at his presidential campaign announcement here Saturday, later tweeting, As President, well make Prek4USA happen universal prekindergarten for all children whose parents want it, so that all of our nations students can get a strong start. Castro also retweeted an admirers assertion that as mayor he had convinced business leaders and citizens that devoting a portion of their sales tax to fund universal PreK was a smart investment. The New York Times this week credited Castro with achieving a universal pre-K program with a local sales tax. The Washington Post also called it universal. But only 2,050 children attended one of the programs four preschool centers in the 2017-2018 school year. Castro, who did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday, considers Pre-K 4 SA his signature program as mayor and called it one of his proudest achievements in a recently published memoir. Run by a city-controlled nonprofit corporation, the program teaches kids from public school districts under partnership agreements that were approved by sometimes skeptical school boards, which augment the programs revenues with state preschool dollars. The citys 1/8-cent-per- dollar sales tax still provides the bulk of its budget, which totaled more than $48 million last fiscal year. The longterm goal is to have all of San Antonios 4-year-olds get high-quality preschool through their traditional public schools, charter networks, private schools and other venues, said Sarah Baray, the programs CEO. What Pre-K 4 SA is about is creating a very high-quality model and then being able to replicate that in other programs, Baray said. OnExpressNews.com: Castro launches his presidential bid To do that, PreK 4 SA also provides grants to help schools implement the high-quality curriculum it uses, and trains educators from partnering school districts. Students taught at its four centers exceed the national norm in kindergarten readiness and the centers teachers demonstrate above-average instructional quality, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research, considered a definer of quality standards for early learning. The program plans to distribute more than $8.5 million in competitive grants for the two school years ending in spring 2020. It gave about the same amount in the 2016-2018 school years, according to reports distributed to City Council members to show the impact in their districts. The same reports show 656 educators and 110 campuses benefited in the first quarter of the 2019 fiscal year. Pre-K 4 SA cant provide an education to every 4-year-old at its four centers, but it does provide infrastructure to make other schools programs better, Baray said. Were not universal. We lead with quality rather than access, she said. Its better to have fewer seats that are high quality than more seats that are mediocre. The first few developers seeking incentives under a recently revamped city incentive program will set aside more than half of their residential units for affordable housing, officials said Wednesday. The city has received four applications for incentives from the Center City Housing Incentive Policy (CCHIP) which now funds downtown housing with property tax rebates, utility fee waivers and grants for infrastructure improvements since City Council members voted to retool the program in December. The previous policy came under fire for subsidizing pricey condos and apartments in downtown San Antonio. About 50 percent of the four projects combined 528 multifamily housing units and townhomes would be set aside as affordable housing if the developers receive incentives. In exchange, the projects developers are eligible for more than $1.9 million in city and utility fee waivers and tax rebates for up to 15 years upon final approval. Each of these projects will bring much-needed affordable housing to our center city, District 1 Councilman Roberto C. Trevino said in a statement. They are great examples of how the layering of incentives can provide housing that is attractive and affordable to residents. On ExpressNews.com: Mixed-use development with apartments, microbrewery proposed south of Alamodome CCHIP and another city housing incentive program, the Inner City Reinvestment and Infill Policy, or ICRIP, sprang from then-Mayor Julian Castros push for a Decade of Downtown earlier this decade. The idea was to encourage developers to build market-rate housing in the hotel-dominated downtown in the hope that residents would move there and retailers and companies would follow. The programs supporters say the incentives worked. Since 2012, CCHIP and ICRIP encouraged at least $4.4 billion worth of investments and led to the construction of at least 6,500 housing units, 230,000 square feet of retail space and 28,000 square feet of office space. In that time, city officials handed almost $102 million in incentives to developers through CCHIP. But the programs came under fire in the last two years from council members and community activists who questioned whether the city needed to subsidize market-rate housing projects downtown, especially while the region is suffering a shortage of affordable housing. About 60 percent of all city housing incentives, or $80.7 million, helped fund market-rate projects downtown, at the Pearl, in the Broadway corridor and in the River North area, according to a 2017 San Antonio Express-News analysis. One of the projects was the Cellars at Pearl apartment complex, where the average rent was $3.14 a square foot when it opened in 2017 well above the average area rent of $1.16 a square foot. The city awarded the developer $3.7 million in CCHIP incentives. Officials also awarded more than $10 million in incentives to the Arts Residences and Thompson San Antonio hotel under construction at 123 Lexington Ave. near the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, the largest grant in the programs history. The high-rise will have more than 60 condos costing between $400,000 and $4.5 million. After hitting the pause button on the programs last year, City Council reworked the programs in December to encourage developers to produce more affordable housing units in and around downtown. Now, developers who receive incentives under CCHIP must set aside a certain amount of units for households making 80 percent of the area median income or less, depending on where they build. The program has a three-tiered system tailoring incentives for areas in the downtown area as well as 13 employment centers around the city. Also, a quarter of property tax revenue from projects that receive CCHIP incentives estimated at $1.1 million annually will fund affordable housing projects. On ExpressNews.com: Filling in San Antonios skyline: An update on 10 major downtown construction projects Overall, the four housing projects that have applied for CCHIP incentives since December two of which are spearheaded by San Antonio affordable-housing nonprofit Alamo Community Group would add 515 multifamily housing units and 13 townhomes in and around downtown. Of the multifamily units, 259 will be set aside for families making 80 percent or less than the San Antonios area median income. The median income for the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan area sits at around $61,000, according to U.S. Census Bureau. Alamo Community Group plans to reserve 77 units at its $17.5 million Museum Reach Lofts development for households making less than 60 percent of area median income, calculated at $40,080 for a family of four, and nine for households making less than 30 percent, about $20,040. The remaining nine units at the 95-unit project which will sit at the intersection of North St. Marys Street and West Jones Avenue near the San Antonio Museum of Art will be priced at market-rate. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Board awarded the Museum Reach Lofts project more than $1.2 million in low-income housing tax credits last year. The development won approval from the city Historic Design and Review Commission in December. Construction on the lofts is expected to finish by the end of 2020. Another Alamo Community Group project the 160-unit Cattleman Square Lofts at 811 W. Houston, near UTSAs downtown campus would set aside 136 units for households making less than 60 percent of the areas median income, the city said. We pride ourselves on providing quality affordable housing that can be a catalyst for change, the groups executive director, Jennifer Gonzalez, said in a statement. The CCHIP incentives, along with the other city and state tools, are vital to the financing of these projects. Dallas-based real-estate firm Stillwater Capital has applied for incentives for its 260-unit Augusta Apartments development at 819 Augusta St., pledging to reserve 13 units for households making less than 80 percent of area median income around $53,440 for a family of four, according to the city. A limited liability corporation called MGS Museum Reach would set aside four of the 13 for-sale townhomes it plans to build on Dallas Street for households making 120 percent of area median income a threshold the city deems affordable for for-sale housing units. Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio-based staff writer covering real estate, economic development and philanthropy. Read him on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports The Texas economy could have a bumpy 2019, with low oil prices, uncertainty over trade policy and a historically low jobless rate, a chief economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas said Tuesday. While a recession doesnt appear likely in the short term, the banks Keith Phillips said, those headwinds in addition to the fading effect of last years federal tax cuts will likely prompt employers to hire fewer workers this year than maybe theyd originally planned. I think its going to be another good year in the state, but overall I think job growth will tamp down somewhat, as it also will in the national economy, he said. Businesses are scrambling to find workers to meet growing demand. In the meantime, new tariffs, trade uncertainty and a recent fall in oil prices have the state facing uncertain waters, Phillips gave his annual economic forecast Tuesday to about 120 San Antonio business leaders at the Dallas Feds San Antonio branch. OnExpressNews.com: Uber rolling out electric scooters, bikes in San Antonio He predicted Texas employment to grow between 0.9 percent and 1.9 percent in 2019, down from 2.4 percent last year. That 2018 growth rate wasnt as robust as his 3-percent forecast a year ago, which Phillips attributed to the continued shortage of workers to meet hiring demands. Even if (oil prices) didnt fall, I would expect job growth to slow, simply because employers like yourself are constantly thinking of ways to add to output without adding to employment, simply because you cant find the workers, he said. Texas had been one of the top five states from job growth coming out of the Great Recession, which ended in 2009. But the 2014 collapse in oil prices slowed the pace of hiring. Texas 2015 job-growth rate fell below the national average for the first time in 13 years. Oil prices, Phillips said, are always the elephant in the room when it comes to the Texas economy. With Houstons energy-rich economy accounting for 25 percent of the states employment, the city was a drag on the Lone Star States economy in 2015 and 2016. The rebound in oil prices in 2017 and 2018 re-energized hiring, he said, but the recent drop in prices to around $50 a barrel is likely to spark another retreat. While activity had been booming in the Permian Basin and picking up in the Eagle Ford Shale, Phillips predicted continued prices around $50 would cause drilling-rig counts to fall over the next few months and slow job growth by 2019s second quarter. Houstons job growth was 2.6 percent in 2018. That put it third for jobs gains among Texas major metros after Corpus Christi, which had a 3.2 percent rate and Austin, with a 3.1 percent rate. San Antonios 2018 job growth rate slowed to 1.4 percent from 2 percent in 2017, with hiring strong in health care and leisure and hospitality, but weak in goods-producing industries and retail. Phillips said both San Antonio and Dallas, with its 1.8-percent 2018 growth rate, will be dogged by employers difficulty in finding workers. OnExpressNews.com: USAA donates $15M to help Coast Guard personnel during shutdown San Antonios jobless rate was a very low 3.2 percent at the end of 2018, leading Phillips to predict a modest 1-percent to 2-percent job growth rate this year. Phillips didnt expect the partial government shutdown to deal a major blow to San Antonios economy, at least in the near term. The Defense Department remained funded, he noted, and federal workers would eventually be repaid for lost time. The share of employment in the federal government in San Antonio is about twice the state average, so obviously we have a lot of federal government employees here, he said. The good news is weve kind of been through this before in San Antonio, so a lot of the agencies here are trying to help out, like (CPS Energy). As you go forward, the costs not only just add up, they start to magnify, he said. If it keeps going and going it could create a pretty significant problem. Lynn Brezosky is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | lbrezosky@express-news.net | @lbrezosky Wednesday, January 16, 2019 In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, senators passed the First Step Act, taking a step toward prison sentencing reform. On December 18, 2018, the United States Senate approved the criminal reform bill with a final vote of 87-12. This passage was an approval of the biggest United States criminal justice reform in decades. The House passed a similar version of the bill in May, 2018. The House is expected to take up the Senate version of the First Step Act at a later time. Supporters of the First Step Act claim the bill would bring more fairness to the United States criminal justice system, and would reduce overcrowding and save taxpayer money. Drug offenders and non-violent offenders stand to benefit most from the bill. The First Step Act could allow many federal prisoners to be released early, and could cause future federal litigants to receive shorter sentences. The First Step Act does not impact state level prisoners, only those in the federal justice system. President Trump announced his support of the bill in November, 2018. In regards to the bill, President Trump Tweeted, This will keep our communities safer, and provide hope and a second chance, to those who earn it. In addition to everything else, billions of dollars will be saved.I look forward to signing this into law! The President also reminded the public that it is his job to fight for all citizens, including those who make mistakes. At RDAP Dan, were hopeful that the Senates passage of the bill creates a more balanced justice system supporting the belief that people can become better versions of themselves. Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist, is being recognized as one of the 2019 Women of Influence by the Albuquerque Business First business news outlet. (View ABF's online story about Gail Rubin here.) While the 20 honorees include women from many spheres of business, including health care, higher education, and law, Gail Rubin is the only honoree who is a death educator. Known throughout the U.S. as The Doyenne of Death, a doyenne is a woman who's considered senior in a group who knows a lot about a particular subject. She's an expert on "the party no one wants to plan." Through her company, A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Don't Plan to Die, she helps people plan ahead for end-of-life issues using humor, funny film clips, and outside-the-box activities. "My motto is, talking about sex won't make you pregnant, and talking about funerals and end-of-life issues won't make you dead," said Rubin. Rubin is a public speaker, a published author of three books, host of a TV interview series and podcast, a blogger, a funeral industry trade journalist, a Certified Funeral Celebrant, and an innovator in the funeral business. She created a conversation-starting game called The Newly-Dead Game, introduced the Death Cafe movement in the United States, and held the first Before I Die Festival west of the Mississippi in 2017. Rubin gives back to the Albuquerque community in a number of ways. She is: A board member of Fathers Building Futures, a nonprofit social enterprise that gives jobs and skills to previously incarcerated parents, reducing recidivism. Their clients make caskets and urns in their woodworking shop. A volunteer with the Chevrah Kadisha, the Jewish burial society, those who wash and dress the bodies of Jews in the traditional tahara ritual. A member of the cemetery committee for Congregation Albert synagogue. A past president and board member of the New Mexico Interfaith Dialogue, which holds an annual Spring Colloquium that facilitates meaningful conversations among Christians, Jews and Muslims. President-elect of the National Speakers Association New Mexico Chapter and an officer of Albuquerque Challenge Toastmasters International Club. The awards selection process began with an open call for nominations from the community. Nominees submitted a detailed application, which was evaluated by a panel of judges who are leaders in the business community and alumna of the award. The judges evaluated applicants based on their professional achievement, community involvement and leadership. Rubin and the other 2019 Women of Influence will be honored at the 15th annual awards luncheon on Monday, February 25, at Sandia Resort and Casino. Awardees will also be featured in a special edition of Albuquerque Business First, along with the more than 300 women who have been honored over 15 years. Learn more and download a planning form and Executor's Checklist from Rubin's website, www.AGoodGoodbye.com. ### UPDATE: The Pound Sterling to US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate breached $1.29 on Thursday as markets digested the outcome of the no confidence vote. PM Theresa Mays government retained power and the PM is now pushing for cross-party talks to try and move things forward. Meanwhile, the US Dollar remains under pressure amid concerns that the federal government shutdown has had a greater-than-estimated impact on domestic growth. The pound to dollar exchange rates sought to consolidate on Wednesday in the wake of Tuesdays historic Brexit vote that prompted some notable swings in Sterling. This volatility in the Pound came as the extent of Theresa Mays defeat in the House of Commons became clear, with MPs rejecting the PMs Brexit deal with a majority of over 200, the largest defeat for any sitting government in history. However since then we have seen trade in Sterling narrow, likely in part due to Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn tabling a no-confidence vote in the government stating the vote would allow MPs to voice their opinions on the sheer incompetence of this government. Mays government will face the vote at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday, and is widely expected to survive the vote, with the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and rebel conservatives who voted against her deal on Tuesday stating that they will back the PM, an outcome that will likely support Sterling. However in the topsy-turvy world that is the UK political landscape post-Brexit, it appears that GBP investors are taking nothing for granted, resulting in thin-trade in the Pound through Wednesday morning. Kit Juckes, Global Head of FX Strategy at French bank Societe Generale suggests: The UK voted for Brexit, markets priced it in (to a large degree) and now are watching, slack-jawed, as the Government tries to find a path to the exit which it can rally politicians behind. Todays confidence vote isnt quite a done deal and so if the Government survives, Sterling should get a bit of a lift. Despite an expected loss, Labour is hopeful that the vote will force the government to engage in proper negotiation and discussions to see if there's a compromise that can be reached. US Dollar (USD) Exchange Rates Stall as Government Shutdown Begins to Take a Toll At the same time, the US Dollar (USD) struggled on Wednesday after the White House acknowledged earlier in the week that the ongoing US government shutdown is causing greater damage to the US economy than previous thought. Revised estimates from the Council of Economic Advisers, revealed that the shutdown is starting to have a notable impact on the US economy. This was in line with projections from analysts outside of the White House, some of which suggest that the US economy may even contract as a result of reduced economic activity. Ian Shepherdson, Chief Economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics explains: The economy could easily stall in the first quarter, and then the question is what happens in the second. The longer [the Government Shutdown] goes on, the longer it takes to recover. Now in its fourth week and the longest shutdown on record, the shutdown is a result of clashes between US President Donald Trump and the Democrats over funding for Trumps wall with Mexico, with neither side willing to back down, and the President vowing to keep it going for months if he doesnt get what he wants. GBP/USD Exchange Rate Forecast: What Next for Brexit? Looking past this evenings no-confidence vote, so long as the government survives as expected, the focus for GBP investors is likely to turn to what may happen next. This is likely to result in considerable volatility in the Pound US Dollar (GBP/USD) exchange rate in the coming weeks as growing uncertainty likely leads to Sterling becoming increasingly sensitive to political developments. Meanwhile US economic releases are looking increasingly thin on the ground this month as the US government shutdown also delays the publication of US data, potentially limiting any support that some positive figures may have given the US Dollar. The delusional Ms. Pelosi actually said in response to Laura Wilkerson whose son was tortured and killed by an illegal alien that "in our sanctuary cities, our people are not disobeying the law. These are law-abiding citizens. It enables them to be there without being reported to ICE. This despite arrest figures from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service of 266,000 illegal aliens with criminal records (127,992 in 2017 and 138,177 in 2018). Further, despite liberal claims of illegal aliens committing fewer crimes (often parroted by Speaker Pelosi), it found that non-citizens accounted for more than 20 percent of federal convictions even though they make up just 8.4 percent of the population. Of course, when presented with these facts, Ms. Pelosi simply rejected their validity, reiterating that a wall is not needed. Mr. Schumer, Ms. Pelosi et. al. even in the face of appeals from Border Security for wall funding, even with the threat of large caravans possibly overwhelming our agents, continue to see no need for a wall. The $5.7 billion cost represents a fraction of one percent of our budget, much less than the cost of supporting these millions of illegal aliens. After over two years of negotiating, divisive and tumultuous politicking, campaigning and cajoling, Tuesday saw MPs decisively and unequivocally reject PM Mays hard-earned withdrawal agreement by 432 votes to 202. While initial market reactions were exceptionally Pound-positive, boosting the GBP to recoup losses incurred earlier in the session, the UK and Pound Sterling now face, if anything, more uncertainty over the Brexit route ahead. Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates, while firm in the sessions before the final day of Brexit debates and the crucial vote, dipped sharply in the immediate run up to the vote, pulling back from multi-week highs against both the US Dollar (USD) and Euro (EUR) before surging to recoup losses as the results came out. For Prime Minister Theresa May it was a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire as MPs first shot down the withdrawal agreement by a staggering margin only to then be confronted by a motion of no confidence, tabled by the leader of the opposition, Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn. ING Commenting on the factors which drove the GBP to rebound sharply in the ake of the vote, ING analysts Petr Krpata and Chris Turner wrote Despite the staggering scale of the loss and the Labour party triggering a no-confidence vote, the FX market found a silver-lining and GBP strengthened. This is likely a function of (a) the rather low probability of todays no-confidence vote being successful (as gauged by the comments from the DUP and the pro-Brexit European Research Group) and (b) the increased likelihood that the Prime Minister may have to seek cross-party support for the new plan, with the perceived odds of an Article 50 extension rising. Eaton Vance On the Pound Sterlings reaction in the immediate aftermath of the vote, Eric-Stein co-director at Eaton Vance in Boston, commented After the big defeat, which was even larger than what the market had expected, we might getting closer to a no-Brexit scenario. The pound has retraced some of its losses after that vote which was not unexpected. It may also simply be short-covering, adding There is still a massive amount of uncertainty for U.K. assets. Uncertainty seems to be the predominant factor hanging over the Brexit proceedings, the UKs political landscape and the outlook for both the UKs economy and Pound Sterling (GBP). Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce strategist, Patrick Bennet, commented We think therere still a lot of risks out there. Certainly the defeat of Mays proposal yesterday takes away one leg of uncertainty but we still have many others, adding If you were to look at the circumstances that we have now: A confidence vote thats coming up, potentially another referendum, potentially a general election none of those things are going to endear you to the economy or to the currency at this level, so we think caution is still the best approach. UBS Likewise, a report for clients compiled by UBS Global Wealth Management economist, Dean Turner, said At this stage we do not advocate taking directional views on sterling and UK assets, and that exposure to pound-denominated assets should be maintained at benchmark levels until more clarity emerges. Similarly, FX strategist, Philip Wee, wrote While markets see a delay to Brexit as a tactical buy for the pound, politicians in the U.K. and the EU are not underestimating the risk for a disorderly Brexit. Given the multitudinous potential scenarios now on the table and the pivotal impact the resultant outcome will have on the Pound Sterling, institutional forecasters have been forced create various, scenario-contingent, low conviction forecasts. Maybank Mayank Mishra, global macro and currency strategist at Standard Chartered, expects that The pound will be broadly supported as market assigns a high chance the government will survive the confidence vote, a strong possibility Article 50 will be extended and a low prospect of a disorderly Brexit. However, she doesnt rule out a no-deal Brexit, stating that such a scenario will hurt GBP and risk sentiment. That being said, in the near term Mishra forecasts an extension to Article 50 or indications of a second referendum could prompt a GBP relief rally. Columbia Threadneedle Columbia Threadneedle analyst, Ed Al-Hussainy, commented that the worst could be still to come for the Pound Sterling, given that current pricing puts the GBPUSD exchange rate in line with the past months average of around $1.28. Al-Hussainy said On a volatility adjusted basis, being short USD vs GBP is still unattractive from my perspective, even though the payoff can appear asymmetric in favor of GBP. National Australia Bank Senior markets strategist at National Australia Bank (NAB), Gavin Friend, wrote I dont see GBP rallying much until markets are sure the Conservatives have seen off the confidence motion, adding Assuming it is, we continue to see GBP gradually climbing as Parliament moves on. Versus the US Dollar, Friend is sterling bullish, We have GBP moving into the low-to-mid $1.30s in the coming weeks. Nomura Nomura currency strategist, Jordan Rochester also sees that case for Pound appreciation versus the Euro (EUR), suggesting EURGBP shorts at 0.8880 in anticipation of a GBP relief rally in the event PM Mays government survives the vote of no confidence and given heightened market expectations for soft Brexit outcome. Rochester, however conceded that GBP trades at the moment are risky with the potential for 3% downside if the government loses the vote. Danske Bank Danske Bank senior analyst, Mikael Olai Milhj, wrote in Wednesdays FX briefing we are now in uncharted territory in terms of what will happen next and the next days of debate in parliament and not least the no confidence vote tomorrow will be directional for GBP, adding We expect EUR/GBP to stay in the 0.88-0.9060 range until further Brexit clarification. Overall, institutional forecasts highlight the expectations that Pound Sterling (GBP) x-rates hinge on the severity with which the UK cuts ties to the EU with A softer Brexit, i.e., a rejigged version of the current deal or a Norway style deal seem the most GBP favourable scenarios short of a second referendum in which the UK decides to remain in the EU, abandoning Brexit altogether. At the time of writing, Pound Sterling (GBP) exchange rates were holding firm at or in the vicinity of local highs against a basket of peers in anticipation of tonights vote of no confidence, which will the government is expected to win, first has to be put to bed before any meaningful Brexit progress can occur. - Wild and extreme swings in all GBP pairs - Extreme pressure lower throughout Parliament debate. - Powerful and swift rally higher post-vote. - Massive price swings in all Pound Sterling pairs - The pound-to-euro exchange rate @ -0.1% lower at 1.12650 - The pound-to-dollar exchange rate @ -0.17% lower at $1.28497 Above: 225+ pip swings for pound-to-dollar exchange rate during Tuesdays trading. From about two hours preceding the London open, the GBP/USD exchange rate began a very strong and steady drive lower, well into the 1900 GMT time for Parliaments vote. Traders pushed the GBPUSD from 1.2915 down to the daily swing low of 1.2669. This move last for 13 hours, representing a -1.90% move lower (or -245 pips). Then, after news came out that the vote was defeated, prices responded by rebounding heavily. The hourly candle at 1900 during the vote was extremely telling. Price opened at 1.2702 before tagging and creating the intraday low at 1.2669 but then spend the remainder of hour pushing very strongly all the way to 1.2836 before closing just below that high at 1.2834. In other words, traders recovered +167 pips (1.32%) of the move. This buying pressure continued and saw price top out at 1.28892. Ultimately, prices closed pretty much where they opened for the day: open at 1.2866 and closed at 1.2859. Other Pound pairs saw their own massive swings through the day. The GBP/AUD pair saw a recovery from a daily low of 1.7643 to rally after the vote all the way up to 1.7905, a +261.5 pip move to close down just -22 pips (-0.13%). The GBP/NZD pair, likewise, had a similar proportional move recovering +291 pips (1.56%) to close the day just a hair higher (+0.02% for the day). I continue to expect to see these prices rise in value. Parliament vote made shocked MPs as much as it shocked the market Throughout the US New York trading session, Parliament was debating the current Brexit deal well into the London evening. Prior to the vote, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn let be known that he would, indeed, call for (another) vote of no-confidence in Prime Minister May. The Prime Minister responded with reminding MPs of the benefits of the current deal and some of its faults. The vote itself was a disaster. The BBC reported that the House of Commons vote against may was an astonishing 432 202 against the Prime Ministers plan. According to a number pundits, this was the biggest defeat for any government in over a century in the House of Commons. Reasons for the rejection are many and varied. Both sides of the House had powerful arguments to be against the deal. For the pro-Brexit side, there were significant concerns about being bound to EU in a worse deal than what they currently have. Some members used language to suggest that the UK would be nothing more than a colony or a satellite or a vassal of Brussels. For the opponents of Brexit in general, those MPs voiced concerns about the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU. All in all, it seemed that a bet on a vote passing was not going to happen. The Prime Minister did state they are committed to getting the UK out of the EU. this news is not available More than 100 years after the introduction of the Haber-Bosch process, scientists continue to search for alternative ammonia production routes that are less energy demanding. Chinese scientists have now discovered that black phosphorus is an excellent catalyst for the electroreduction of nitrogen to ammonia. According to their study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie, layered black phosphorus nanosheets are a highly selective and efficient catalyst in this process. Ammonia is an essential raw material in all industrial areas, from agriculture to fine chemicals and the pharmaceutical industry. For more than a century, it has been synthesized industrially by the Haber-Bosch process, in which nitrogen from air is reduced with hydrogen or synthesis gas under high pressure and temperature over a transition-metal catalyst. However, the energy demand of this process is so high that one to two percent of the global energy supply is devoted to industrial production of ammonia. Researchers are in search of milder alternatives, which employ catalysts that operate under ambient conditions. Metal-free alternatives are especially desirable. A highly interesting candidate is phosphorus in its lowest reactivity, nontoxic form: black phosphorus. This material is a rising star in electronic applications because of its metallic-like appearance and unusual electronic properties. Moreover, its puckered two-dimensional sheet-like structure may provide the necessary edges and sites for adsorption and molecular activation. With this idea in mind, researcher Haihui Wang at the South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China, and colleagues, prepared thin layers of bulk black phosphorus, "by a facile liquid exfoliation method," as stated in their publication. The catalyst nanosheets were included in a carbon fiber electrode for electrolysis. To provide a nitrogen supply, a hydrochloride electrolyte solution was saturated with nitrogen. On application of a voltage, the electrode readily and selectively produced ammonia from nitrogen, and the layered black phosphorus even outperformed "most nonmetallic and metal-base catalysts reported at present," added the authors. The extraordinary activity and selectivity of this material are explained by the structure and energetics of the phosphorus sheets. What is so special about phosphorus? With theoretical calculations, the authors found that the zigzag arrangement in the phosphorus layers, in contrast to other layered or flat materials, provided ideal sites for nitrogen adsorption and the electronic structure at the edges was best suited for binding, activating, and reducing nitrogen by a low-energy pathway. Having explained the extraordinary activity and selectivity of the layered black phosphorus catalyst, the authors admitted that--despite the generally good stability of black phosphorus under ambient conditions--its performance declined in the long term because of oxidation. "Thus, further improvements in preventing black phosphorus degradation in the electrolyte will be beneficial," they concluded. This work opens up a novel and attractive application for black phosphorus. In electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction, the performance of black phosphorus is superior to other nonmetallic and even metallic catalysts, suggesting that this material may soon play a bigger role in electrocatalysis. In time, perhaps even the Haber-Bosch process will have a competitor. ### About the Author Prof. Haihui Wang is leader of the Membrane Science and Energy Materials group at the South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China. The group seeks solutions for current environmental and energy problems through scientific and technological innovation, with a focus on membrane technology and new energy materials. The onset of the most recent ice age about 2.6 million years ago changed where the western Gulf of Mexico gets its supply of sediments. The finding adds new insight into how extreme climate change can directly impact fundamental geological processes and how those impacts play out across different environments. The research found that the same climatic changes that grew glaciers across the northern hemisphere reduced sediment production in southern Mexico while ramping up sediment production along the catchment of the Mississippi River. The study was previously made available online on October 8, 2018 ahead of final publication in print on Nov.1, 2018, in the journal Geology. Angela Hessler, the director of the Deep Time Institute, led the research. It was co-authored by Jacob Covault, a research scientist at the University of Texas at Austin Bureau of Economic Geology; Daniel Stockli, a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences at the UT Jackson School of Geosciences; and Andrea Fildani, a scientist at the Equinor Research Center Austin. The Bureau of Economic Geology is a research unit of the Jackson School. The Gulf of Mexico has been catching sediments transported by rivers for about 200 million years. The layers of sediments that accumulate on the seafloor record information about the origin of the sediments and the erosive processes that lifted them from the rock. In this study, the scientists examined sediments deposited during the 20-million-year transition from the Miocene to the Pleistocene, when the Earth's climate transitioned from a relatively warm period to an ice age. "It's an important transition climate-wise," said Hessler. "Climate cycles changed, and it's possible that changed the erodibility and the transport mechanism across North America to be able to shed all this material out toward Mexico." Based on the composition of the sediments, the researchers were able to determine that the primary supply of sediments during the middle-to-late Miocene came from rivers in southern Mexico. This came as a surprise because of the rivers' relatively small catchment - an area in the tropical highlands of Mexico about 300-by-500-square kilometers, or about the size of Illinois. However, the sediments revealed that what the area lacked in size it made up for with highly erodible conditions, including a wet climate and tectonic activity such as uplifting mountains and volcanoes. But that environment changed with the global cooling of the Pleistocene. The highlands became dry and arid. And while tectonic activity still continued, the lack of precipitation meant that the fresh bedrock and volcanic debris largely stayed in place. In what is now the United States, large ice sheets started to form and erode rock as they flowed across the continent. The study found that this extreme climate shift is reflected by a change in sediments. By the mid-Pleistocene, almost all the sediments in the Gulf of Mexico came from the north via the Mississippi River, which collected sediments from waterways across the continent. The study was able to unpack so much about the age, origin and environment of the sediments because of thorough research methods that examined the mud created by the sediments along with the grains, said Stockli. "One of the really cool things about this paper is that there haven't been that many studies that actually combine the two records," he said. "People traditionally don't do that much with the muck, but that clay tells us so much about the weathering, and what those conditions are." The methods used by the scientists included, microscope observations of sand grains, geochemical analyses of trace elements in sediment muds using mass spectrometry, and zircon U-Pb isotope analyses. The sediments themselves came from five core samples that were retrieved from across the Gulf of Mexico by the Deep Sea Drilling Project, the precursor to the International Ocean Discovery Program, about 50 years ago. Studying how the Earth's climate impacts sediment transport helps researchers understand the connection between climate change and other geological processes. This connection could be an important point to consider when predicting the future impacts of climate change on the rest of the natural world. "All this information about provenance, and how things interacted at one time or another, or climate - it's all contained in this stratigraphic archive," said Covault. "It just takes a couple people to interrogate the heck out of it and put together a really interesting story that has implications beyond the Gulf of Mexico, for other places that might be subjected to climate change." ### The research was funded by the Jackson School of Geosciences and the Equinor Research Center Austin. The changes are most evident in northern climates and at high altitudes where the primary limitation on tree growth had been cold temperatures The growth of forest trees all over the world is becoming more water-limited as the climate warms, according to new research from an international team that includes University of Arizona scientists. The effect is most evident in northern climates and at high altitudes where the primary limitation on tree growth had been cold temperatures, reports the team this week in the online journal Science Advances. "Our study shows that across the vast majority of the land surface, trees are becoming more limited by water," said first author Flurin Babst, who conducted the research at the UA Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research and the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL in Zurich. "This is the first time that anybody has projected the tree growth responses to climate at a near-global scale," Babst said. The researchers compared the annual growth rings of trees during two time periods, 1930-1960 and 1960-1990. The growth rings are wider when conditions are better, narrower when conditions are worse. The ring-width measurements were taken from trees at about 2,700 sites spanning every continent except Antarctica. For those two time periods, the team also mapped average temperature, precipitation and measures of drought stress on plants onto a grid covering the world's temperate and boreal regions. Adding tree-ring data to the map allowed scientists to see whether the changes in climate during the 20th century corresponded to the changes in growth of the world's trees. UA co-author David Frank said, "We saw areas where, in the earlier part of the 20th century, temperature limited growth. But now we are seeing shifts towards moisture-drought limitation." Comparing 1930-1960 with 1960-1990, the average temperature increased 0.9 degrees F (0.5 degrees C) and the land area where tree growth was primarily limited by temperature shrank by 3.3 million square miles (8.7 million square kilometers), an area about the size of Brazil. Babst was surprised that such a small change in temperature would shift such a large area of trees from being temperature-limited to being water-limited. "That's much more than I expected," said Babst, who is now a research scientist at the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL. The finding has implications for future forest and tree growth and for forest management, said Frank, director of the Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research and professor of dendrochronology at the UA. "Reduced growth is indicative of increased stress on plants--which can be linked to mortality," he said. The team's paper "Twentieth century redistribution in climatic drivers of global tree growth" is scheduled for online publication in Science Advances on January 16. More information on co-authors and funding agencies is at the bottom of this news release. Since the advent of systematic satellite observations in the late 1970s, scientists can now study changes in vegetation growth over large areas by comparing satellite images of the same place over time and measuring "greenness" in the images. Greenness is a measure of how leafy the plants are and how fast they are growing. However, satellite observations weren't available for most of the 20th century. Moreover, measuring "greenness" in a satellite image can't tell how much individual plants grew from year to year. "Satellites only see the leaves--they don't see the wood where the carbon is stored," Babst said. "We wanted to provide a wood perspective." He and his colleagues wanted on-the-ground measurements of tree growth to compare to the data from satellites. By using several databases of tree-ring measures from all over the world for the time periods 1930-1960 and 1960-1990, the researchers could see whether the average growth of trees had changed. In addition, because the team's research combines the substantial database of growth data from tree rings all over the world with global climate data for the same time period, the new results will help test and improve computer models of how climate affects vegetation, Frank said. Babst and Frank's co-authors are Valerie Trouet of the UA; Olivier Bouriaud of Strada Universitat in Suceava, Romania; Benjamin Poulter of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland; and Martin P. Girardin of Natural Resources Canada in Quebec and the Universite du Quebec a Montreal, Canada. The European Union-Horizon 2020 program and the Swiss National Science Foundation funded the research. ### Researcher contact information: David Frank davidcfrank@email.arizona.edu 520-621-2112 Flurin Babst Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL flurin.babst@wsl.ch Media contact: Mari N. Jensen 520-626-9635 mnjensen@email.arizona.edu Endocrine disruptors (EDs) are a class of chemicals used to produce materials commonly found in everyday life, such as some plastics, tin cans, electrical and household appliances, cosmetics, pesticides, etc. EDs are, however, not without danger: these molecules interfere with the endocrine system, disrupting the physiological production and the target effects of hormones. In particular, EDs have proven effects on the reproductive system and an incidence on the occurrence of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases during aging. There is also growing evidence that EDs strongly interfere with the functioning of the thyroid. EDs cause changes in thyroid hormone concentrations, the peripheral metabolism of these hormones and the signalling of their receptors. The mechanism by which they act on the thyroid axis is, however, still far from being elucidated: the tests currently available are strongly limited by the availability of adequate quantities of human thyroid tissue and by the inability to predict the effects of EDs after low dose exposure. The new European collaborative project SCREENED aims to develop new 3D in vitro tests to overcome these limitations. Based on 3D constructions of rodent and human thyroid cells, these tests will for the first time mimic the structure and function of the native thyroid gland and, thus, its vascular and morphogenetic anatomical characteristics. Professor Lorenzo Moroni, the Coordinator of the SCREENED project, explains: "These new 3D in vitro thyromorphic models will make it possible to predict with more sensitivity and specificity the effects of EDs on thyroid function, compared to conventional molecular and 2D in vitro assays. These tests will also allow selective identification of female and male responses to the exposure to EDs and to test simultaneous action of different EDs on thyroid function." The SCREENED project is part of a bigger cluster of eight research projects, all funded by the European Commission, and each focusing on a different aspect of new testing and screening methods to identify EDs. SCREENED brings together nine European universities and companies, including Sabine Costagliola's Lab from Universite libre de Bruxelles. Sabine Costagliola has been conducting researches on the morphogenesis and functions of the thyroid gland for many years. The objective of Sabine Costagliola and her team will be to produce in vitro human thyroid organoids derivated from stem cells and evaluate their resemblance with the native organ. These samples will then be used by the consortium to conduct researches about EDs' effects on the thyroid. The ambition of the SCREENED project is that these new 3D in vitro tests, as well as the increased knowledge about adverse reactions after exposure to EDs, will be used for regulatory purposes, ultimately to improve human health. ### Partner organisations: Universiteit Maastricht (Netherlands) Universita degli study di Parma (Italy) Universite libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (Italy) Presens Precision Sensing GmbH (Germany) University College Dublin, National University Of Ireland (Ireland) Atturos Limited (Ireland) ARTTIC SAS (France) Cyprotex Discovery Limited (United Kingdom) Project duration: 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2023 EU financial contribution: 5 655 088,75 Carboranes, a class of polyhedral boron-carbon molecular clusters, are widely applied as functional building blocks in boron neutron capture therapy agents, pharmacophores, supramolecular design, nanomaterials, optoelectronics and organometallic/coordination chemistry. At present, considerable research interest is drawn to the functionalization of carboranes. Although noble transition metal catalyzed cage B-H activation has been achieved for the functionalization of carboranes, such transformation using base metal catalysis remains unexplored. Profs. Zuowei Xie and Yangjian Quan et al. recently discovered the first example of base metal catalyzed regioselective and direct cage B-H derivatization of carboranes with alkynes (Scheme 1). After considering the following three issues: 1) the distinctive electronic properties of 3d base metals in terms of electronegativity and spin orbit coupling render cage B-H metalation quite different from those of 4d or 5d homologues; 2) the intermediate featuring B-M (M = base metal) bond is considered to be less stable, thus affecting its further transformation; and 3) the documented fast deboronation originated by Cu2+ ion ought to be suppressed, they developed a bidentate directing group guided copper catalyzed [4+2] annulation of carboranyl amides with internal alkynes, affording unprecedented C,B-substituted carborane-fused-pyridone derivatives, while the employment of terminal alkynes led to B-H/C(sp)-H dehydrocoupling products. On the basis of the control experiments and literature work, they proposed a plausible reaction mechanism (Scheme 2), which involves a Cu(III) intermediate. This work was published on Dec. 6 in Science China Chemistry. ### This research was supported by grants from the Research Grants Council of The Hong Kong Special Administration Region (Project Nos. 14304115 and 14305017), CUHK Direct Grant and Incentive Grant from Faculty of Science, CUHK. See the article: Chen Y, Au YK, Quan Y, Xie Z. Copper catalyzed/mediated direct B-H alkenylation/alkynylation in carboranes. Sci China Chem, 2019, 62: 74-79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-018-9388-3 Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, and it is estimated that more than 21.0 million people may suffer from cancer by the year of 2030. Many efforts have been made to develop efficient approaches to diagnose and treat cancer. To date, a variety of therapeutic regimes including chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy, gene therapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, phototherapy, and embolotherapy have been extensively applied to treat cancers in clinics. To improve the clinical performances with reduced adverse side effects, the nanomedicine as an emerging strategy has recently been explored to provide an innovative diagnostic or therapeutic regime towards precise cancer therapy, as evidenced by successful developments of commercial products such as Abraxane and considerable formulations in clinical trials. In a review recently published in Science China Chemistry, 20 Chinese professors, including Prof. Yuliang Zhao from the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Prof. Weihong Tan from Hunan University, and Prof. Xi Zhang from Tsinghua University, introduce the latest advances in precise nanomedicine for intelligent therapy of cancer (Scheme 1). They especially highlight such emerging strategies as metallofullerenol nanoparticles, supramolecular chemo-therapy, and DNA nanorobot, and explore how to adequately understand the structure-function relationship of these nanoparticles in terms of cancer imaging, therapeutic applications, and nanotoxicity. They also discuss the challenge and outlook of some scientific and engineering issues. ### This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (11621505, 11435002, 31671016). See the review: Chen H, Gu Z, An H, Chen C, Chen J, Cui R, Chen S, Chen W, Chen X, Chen X, Chen Z, Ding B, Dong Q, Fan Q, Fu T, Hou D, Jiang Q, Ke H, Jiang X, Liu G, Li S, Li T, Liu Z, Nie G, Ovais M, Pang D, Qiu N, Shen Y, Tian H, Wang C, Wang H, Wang Z, Xu H, Xu JF, Yang X, Zhu S, Zheng X, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Tan W, Zhang X, Zhao Y. Precise nanomedicine for intelligent therapy of cancer. Sci China Chem, 2018, 61: 1503-1552, https:/ / doi. org/ 10. 1007/ s11426-018-9397-5 . In the late 1950s, the treatment for fractures involved three to four months in hospital in plaster-casts and traction. Recovery was slow, and up to 70 percent of patients experienced reduced mobility upon recovery. Leading a Surgical Revolution: The AO Foundation-Social Entrepreneurs in the Treatment of Bone Trauma, tells the story of a group of Swiss surgeons who, 60 years ago, set their minds to solving a problem that had far-reaching economic, social, and human impact--how trauma and musculoskeletal disorders were treated. As the AO Foundation marks its 60th anniversary, Jean-Pierre Jeannet, Professor Emeritus of Global Strategy and Marketing, IMD Institute and Babson College, has published a book that explores the AO's impact on how trauma and musculoskeletal disorders were treated. The group of surgeons developed an innovative approach, osteosynthesis, which transformed bone trauma treatment. The standardized approach they developed--internal fixation--had a far-reaching impact on surgery, and a significant economic impact wherever it was adopted. Their revolutionary approach meant that patients who would often have been unable to return to work could again play an active role in the economy. In his book, Jeannet details the organizational approach adopted by the surgeon founders and how they created a self-funded organization to train surgeons across the world in their new techniques. This organization was both volunteer driven and non-profit, and that is how they came to create an early example of social entrepreneurship. This helped fund their ambitious project, training more than 50,000 surgeons annually in courses all over the world, and also supported their continued efforts to refine their instruments and techniques. In writing this book, Jeannet went beyond the available archives by interviewing many AO surgeon members, scientists, and entrepreneurs, in person. He explores the growth of the AO as an organization, and paints what is often a highly personal and individualized portrait of the key players. The book ends with a description of the latest initiatives of the AO Foundation, including their drive to expand into low-income countries where AO methods are not (yet) widely practiced. Neither surgeon nor engineer by training, Jeannet used his perspective as a business school professor to highlight the organizational and business achievements that played crucial roles in creating and sustaining this successful social enterprise. ### Jean-Pierre Jeannet Leading a Surgical Revolution The AO Foundation - Social Entrepreneurs in the Treatment of Bone Trauma Hardcover 74,89 | 59.99 | $84.99 | ISBN 978-3-030-01979-2 Also available as an eBook I know that I benefited from the era of available fossil fuels as it made possible our cross-global trip from Rangoon (Yangon) to St. Paul, as well as my parents jobs, the goods we were able to buy and our ability to choose world-class education. Almost all of the goods and foods around me are made possible by fossil fuels as well as my ability to visit my family. It would seem impossible to transition out of the very things that have made us who we are. Here lies the seed of the guilt I have: What am I to do with the knowledge of this changing world and the need to change from the direction that seemed so good for my family? A new analysis published in the American Journal of Public Health finds competing visions for health reform among newly elected governors, including significant enthusiasm among Democrats for new public coverage Republican and Democratic governors have strikingly different visions for the future of health care, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Public Health. While Republican leaders favor maintaining or shrinking public health insurance programs, Democratic leaders are advancing several new proposals to expand public coverage, including "public option" and single-payer health reforms. Researchers analyzed the health care platforms of the 72 Republican and Democratic nominees running for governor in the 2018 election, examining position statements posted on campaign websites. They identified four major health care reform proposals advanced by gubernatorial candidates: introducing work requirements for Medicaid, expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet done so, creating a public insurance option, and transitioning to a state-based single-payer system. Five Republican nominees proposed adding work requirements for their state's Medicaid program, of whom one was elected (in Ohio). In the 22 states that had previously expanded Medicaid, no candidate from either party proposed rolling back coverage. Six Democratic nominees proposed creating a new public insurance option to compete alongside private plans, of whom five were elected. Importantly, a public option was proposed by newly elected governors in Illinois, Colorado, New Mexico, and Maine who will be working with Democratic state legislatures, bolstering the political viability of reform. Seven Democratic nominees proposed single-payer health care plans, of whom three were elected. These newly elected governors--in California, Colorado, and New Mexico--will all be working with Democratic-controlled state legislatures. All Democratic nominees included health care platforms on their campaign websites, but only half of Republican nominees did so. Their omission did not appear to have electoral consequences: 13 of the 18 Republicans offering no health care platform won their elections. According to Micah Johnson, an author of the AJPH article and M.D. candidate at Harvard Medical School, "With a divided government in Washington, states have an opening to provide leadership on health reform in the next two years. State efforts to expand public coverage could serve as a model for future national reform, much as the Massachusetts health reform plan in 2006 provided the blueprint for the Affordable Care Act." Sanjay Kishore, an author of the article and M.D. candidate at Harvard Medical School, said, "At a time when many voters consider health care their top priority, it's remarkable that ten candidates for governor led with a platform of single-payer or a public option, reforms never achieved anywhere in the U.S. This may signal a desire for more progressive health policy." ### "Laboratories of Democracy: Health Care Reform Platforms in the 2018 Governor Elections." Micah Johnson and Sanjay Kishore. American Journal of Public Health, Jan. 16, 2019. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304890 A copy of the full study is available to media professionals upon request from Mr. Johnson, Mr. Kishore, or Ms. Fauke. Physicians for a National Health Program is a nonprofit research and educational organization of more than 22,000 doctors who support a single-payer national health program. PNHP had no role in funding or otherwise supporting the study above. Using a novel patient-specific stem cell-based therapy, researchers at the National Eye Institute (NEI) prevented blindness in animal models of geographic atrophy, the advanced "dry" form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss among people age 65 and older. The protocols established by the animal study, published January 16 in Science Translational Medicine (STM), set the stage for a first-in-human clinical trial testing the therapy in people with geographic atrophy, for which there is currently no treatment. "If the clinical trial moves forward, it would be the first ever to test a stem cell-based therapy derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) for treating a disease," said Kapil Bharti, Ph.D., a Stadtman Investigator and head of the NEI Unit on Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research. Bharti was the lead investigator for the animal-model study published in STM. The NEI is part of the National Institutes of Health. The therapy involves taking a patient's blood cells and, in a lab, converting them into iPS cells, which can become any type of cell in the body. The iPS cells are programmed to become retinal pigment epithelial cells, the type of cell that dies early in the geographic atrophy stage of macular degeneration. RPE cells nurture photoreceptors, the light-sensing cells in the retina. In geographic atrophy, once RPE cells die, photoreceptors eventually also die, resulting in blindness. The therapy is an attempt to shore up the health of remaining photoreceptors by replacing dying RPE with iPSC-derived RPE. Before they are transplanted, the iPSC-derived RPE are grown in tiny sheets one cell thick, replicating their natural structure within the eye. This monolayer of iPSC-derived RPE is grown on a biodegradable scaffold designed to promote the integration of the cells within the retina. A specially designed surgical tool was built for the task of inserting the patch of cells between the RPE and the photoreceptors. In the STM paper, Bharti describes testing the approach in rat and pig models. Ten weeks after the human iPSC-derived RPE patches were implanted in the animals' retinas, imaging studies confirmed that the lab-made cells had integrated within the animal retina. The investigators report the transplanted cells functioned properly. Immunostaining confirmed that the iPSC-derived RPE expressed the gene RPE65, suggesting the lab-made cells had reached a crucial stage of maturity necessary to maintain photoreceptor health. RPE65 is necessary for the regeneration of visual pigment within the photoreceptors and is an essential component for vision. Further tests showed that the transplanted RPE cells were pruning photoreceptors via phagocytosis, another RPE function that helps keep photoreceptors healthy. In addition, electrical responses recorded from photoreceptors rescued by RPE patches were normal; whereas photoreceptors treated with a control empty scaffold had died. The animal studies inform the processes for conducting a first-in-human clinical trial testing the treatment. Key to that workflow are good manufacturing practice (GMP) protocols, which were established to ensure that the iPSC-derived RPE were a safe and efficacious, clinical-grade product. GMP protocols are also crucial for making the therapy reproducible, a requirement for scaling up production and Food and Drug Administration approval. "Adhering to the protocols helps ensure that the transplanted cells function reliably, and that unintended consequences are minimized," Bharti said. A key concern with any stem cell therapy is its oncogenic potential: the ability for cells to multiply uncontrollably and form tumors. The researchers genetically analyzed the iPSC-derived RPE cells and found no genetic mutations linked to tumor growth. "The protocol also minimizes the chance of rejection by developing the iPSC-RPE with an individual's autologous (own) blood cells," Bharti said. The planning of a Phase I clinical trial testing the safety of the iPSC-based therapy for geographic atrophy is underway and will be initiated after U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval. ### The preclinical study was funded by the NEI Intramural Research Program and by an NIH Common Fund Therapeutic Challenge Award. Reference: Sharma R, Khristov V, Rising A, Jha BS, Dejene R, Hotaling N, Li Y, Stoddard J, Stankewicz C, Wan Q, Zhang C, Campos MM, Miyagishima KJ, McGaughey D, Vilasmil R, Mattapallil M, Stanzel B, Qian H, Wong W, Chase L, Charles S, McGill T, Miller S, Maminishikis A, Amaral J, Bharti K, "Patient-specific clinical-grade iPS cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium patch rescues retinal degeneration in rodent and pig eyes." January 16, 2019 Science Translational Medicine. NEI leads the federal government's research on the visual system and eye diseases. NEI supports basic and clinical science programs to develop sight-saving treatments and address special needs of people with vision loss. For more information, visit https:/ / www. nei. nih. gov . ANN ARBOR, Michigan -- A new study finds acupressure could be a low-cost, at-home solution to a suite of persistent side effects that linger after breast cancer treatment ends. Researchers from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center reported in 2016 that acupressure helped reduce fatigue in breast cancer survivors. In the new study, they looked at the impact of acupressure on symptoms that frequently accompany fatigue in this population: chronic pain, anxiety, depression and poor sleep. They found acupressure improved all of these symptoms compared with standard care. In the study, breast cancer survivors who reported fatigue were randomized to one of two types of acupressure or to usual care, which included typical sleep-management techniques. The women were taught how to find and stimulate the acupressure points so that they could perform it at home once per day for six weeks. Of the 424 survivors experiencing fatigue from the original study, researchers found half had at least one other symptom and 17 percent experienced all of them. "It was actually unusual for a woman to have just fatigue. These long-term side effects are a big problem. For some women, they are significant barriers in their life," says study author Suzanna M. Zick, N.D., MPH, research associate professor of family medicine at Michigan Medicine. The new analysis focused on the 288 patients who reported symptoms in addition to fatigue. They were asked weekly about fatigue, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, anxiety and pain. Results are published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum. Acupressure is derived from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves applying pressure with fingers, thumbs or a device to specific points on the body. Researchers tested two types of acupressure: relaxing acupressure, which is traditionally used to treat insomnia, and stimulating acupressure, which is used to increase energy. The two techniques differ by which points on the body are stimulated. After six weeks, relaxing acupressure was significantly better than stimulating acupressure or standard care at improving depressive symptoms and sleep. Both types of acupressure were more effective than standard care for improving anxiety, severity of pain and pain interfering with daily life. "If you have a person who is fatigued and depressed, it would be the obvious conclusion to use relaxing acupressure. For anxiety or pain, either approach might work," Zick says. The researchers also assessed whether improving one symptom helped improve other symptoms. They found that improving symptoms of depression improved sleep quality, accounting for about 20 percent of the improvement in fatigue. "That means we don't know 80 percent of what's impacting fatigue. Depressive symptoms and sleep quality are a small part, and it makes sense. But clearly, there are other factors," Zick says. She suspects these symptoms impact several different mechanistic pathways, possibly impacting the brain in multiple ways. This means treatments will likely need to be tailored and varied based on a woman's symptoms and other factors. The researchers plan to gather more information using neuroimaging to understand the brain pathways involved. They're also currently conducting two clinical trials to look at using an acupressure app. Working with U-M College of Engineering experts, they developed a special wand to assist patients in performing acupressure. The wand helps ensure appropriate pressure and tracks how long patients use it. Acupressure is an appealing option because it can be done at home with minimal negative effects. The study showed that women could learn to apply correct pressure to the appropriate points. Some women reported minor bruising at the acupressure sites. ### Additional authors: Ananda Sen, Afton L. Hassett, Andrew Schrepf, Gwen Karilyn Wyatt, Susan Lynn Murphy, John Todd Arnedt, Richard Edmund Harris Funding: National Institutes of Health grants R01 CA151445 and 2UL1 TR000433-06 Disclosure: None Reference: JNCI Cancer Spectrum, doi: 10.1093/jncics/pky064, published online Jan. 16, 2019 Resources: New Rochelle, NY, January 16, 2019--A special issue of Viral Immunology, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, contains a rich collection of the latest research and reviews focusing on Viral Neuroimmunology and the intricacies of viral brain infection. The special issue was led by Guest Editor Karin Peterson, PhD, Senior Investigator, National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, MD). Click here to read the issue free on the Viral Immunology website through February 16, 2019. A review coauthored by Mihyun Hwang and Cornelia Bergmann, Cleveland Clinic Foundation (OH), and entitled "Intercellular Communication Is Key for Protective IFN/ Signaling During Viral CNS Infection," highlights an early stage in brain infection by RNA viruses. The researchers describe IFN/ as a first line of defense to limit the dissemination of virus and discuss the emerging role of astrocytes as early cell responders, inducing IFN/ to establish an "antiviral" state. Dominic Skinner and Thomas Lane, University of Utah School of Medicine (Salt Lake City) and Brett Marro, University of California, Irvine, contributed the article "The Chemokine CXCL10 and Coronavirus-Induced Neurologic Disease," in which they describe on the role of chemokines in attracting T cells to the brain in a model of viral-induced neurologic disease. The researchers describe studies demonstrating the important role the CXCL10 and its signaling pathway in host defense in a mouse model of viral-induced encephalomyelitis. In "Brain-Resident T-Cells Following Viral Infection," coauthors Sujata Prasad and James Lokensgard, University of Minnesota (MN), focus on the development of long-term memory T-cells in the brain that can provide immediate defense against recurrent or reactivated viral infection. The authors discuss the brain resident-memory T-cells, how they become established and the important role chemokines play in this process, and the role of these T-cells in defense of the brain. "Huge strides are being made in our understanding of immune responses to encephalitic viruses. This special issue outlines these advances with a focus on new ideas and concepts,"says David L. Woodland, PhD, Editor-in Chief of Viral Immunology and Adjunct Member of the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake, NY. ### Research reported in this publication was supported by grants from National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers P01NS064932, R01NS041249, R01NS091939, NS-038836, and MH-066703. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. About the Journal Viral Immunology is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published ten times a year in print and online. Topics cover both human and animal viral immunology, exploring viral-based immunological diseases, pathogenic mechanisms, and virus-associated tumor and cancer immunology. The Journal includes original research papers, review articles, and commentaries covering the spectrum of laboratory and clinical research and exploring developments in vaccines and diagnostics targeting viral infections. Tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Viral Immunology website. About the Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Journal of Interferon and Cytokine Research, AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, and Health Security. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website. To visualize processes in living organisms is the goal of Dr. Oliver Bruns and his team at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus. His work is now being funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with an Emmy Noether grant, which will provide 1.5 million euros over the next five years. Much of the money will flow into the development of SWIR technology. "SWIR stands for short-wave infrared, meaning infrared radiation at wavelengths of over 1000 nanometers," explains Oliver Bruns, principal investigator of the first Helmholtz Pioneer Campus team, just recruited to Munich in 2018. "That's precisely the range we use for our imaging approach with fluorescence dyes in contrast to conventional methods, which employ wavelengths of between 700 and 900 nanometers or the visible range." Thanks to this technique, the researchers achieve better contrast and sharper images than with current methods, because "light of shorter wavelengths tends to scatter more, making structures appear blurred," Bruns says. "We avoid this scattering effect and are able to visualize structures inside the body in much greater detail." Bruns and his former colleagues at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge have already demonstrated how powerful the technique is. In recent publications (e.g. in Nature Biomedical Engineering, Nature Medicine or PNAS) they visualized physiological processes in unprecedented detail. Concept proved - sights set on practical applications "In fact, we were able to work out many fundamental aspects of the technology and lay the foundations for further development at MIT. The application for Emmy Noether funding was also along those lines," Oliver Bruns explains. "Backed by this funding, we now aim to bring SWIR imaging to the next level and put it into the hands of biologists and clinicians at the Helmholtz Pioneer Campus." Many scientists are eager to look over his shoulder. Three professors from the United States - Prof. Ellen Sletten (UCLA), Prof. Ou Chen (Brown University) and Prof. Tulio Valdez (Stanford University) - have been named as Mercator fellows and are invited to join the Pioneer Campus to work with his group. This is a prestigious exchange program funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) supporting the Emmy Noether proposal of Oliver Bruns. "In this context, Tulio Valdez and Maly Cosco from the group of Ellen Sletten were working as guests in our laboratory," Oliver Bruns says. "The exchange with them and other colleagues is the creative driving force behind our research and shows that our work has attracted considerable international attention." ### Further Information Find out more about Oliver Bruns and his work in the article "Zooming in on the essentials of life!": https:/ / www. helmholtz-muenchen. de/ en/ research/ research-excellence/ portraits-of-researchers/ dr-oliver-bruns/ index. html Background: The Emmy Noether Programme gives exceptionally qualified early career researchers the chance to qualify for the post of professor at a university by leading an independent junior research group for a period of six years. http://www. dfg. de/ en/ research_funding/ programmes/ individual/ emmy_noether/ index. html The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, the German Research Center for Environmental Health, pursues the goal of developing personalized medical approaches for the prevention and therapy of major common diseases such as diabetes, allergies and lung diseases. To achieve this, it investigates the interaction of genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle. The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen is headquartered in Neuherberg in the north of Munich and has about 2,300 staff members. It is a member of the Helmholtz Association, a community of 19 scientific-technical and medical-biological research centers with a total of about 37,000 staff members. http://www. helmholtz-muenchen. de/ en Helmholtz Pioneer Campus (HPC) stands for the intelligent fusion of biomedicine, engineering and digitization. Top scientists from all over the world work together to develop novel tools and solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of urgent medical needs. The aim of HPC is to establish a highly dynamic research environment at the interface of various disciplines - one that is free from the continuous pressure of having to apply for third-party funding and with minimum administrative work. Founded by and embedded in the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen and as part of the Helmholtz Association, Germany's largest research organization, HPC offers a place for innovation and start-up culture. HPC derives its name and guiding principles from Hermann von Helmholtz: physician and physicist, mathematician and pioneer of applied science. http://www. pioneercampus. de Contact for the media: Department of Communication, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstadter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg - Tel. +49 89 3187 2238 - E-mail: presse@helmholtz-muenchen.de Scientific Contact: Dr. Oliver Bruns, Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Ingolstadter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg - Tel. +49 89 3187 49494 - E-mail: oliver.bruns@helmholtz-muenchen.de ATLANTA--A pioneering new instrument that can produce the sharpest images of young stars is now available for use by scientists worldwide. The instrument, called MIRC-X, will give astronomers a fascinating glimpse into how our solar system may have looked when it first formed. MIRC-X is installed at Georgia State University's Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy (CHARA) Array, which is located on Mount Wilson in California. The CHARA Array incorporates six, one-meter telescopes spread over an area of 330 meters in diameter. The MIRC-X instrument combines the light from all six telescopes at the same time, effectively creating the resolving power of a giant 330-meter telescope. "The MIRC-X camera will show details of young planet forming regions never seen before," said Douglas Gies, Regents' Professor of Astronomy at Georgia State and director of CHARA. "We have plans to explore all kinds of stars with this new instrument." An international team of experts, including astronomers from the University of Exeter (U.K.), the University of Michigan and Georgia State, created the MIRC-X imager to gain new insights into how planets form from the rotating, circumstellar disks of dense dust and gas that develop around young stars. While conventional telescopes can only see the outer disk region of these fledgling stars because of the sheer distance they are found from Earth, the new imager can produce images from the depths of the disk close to the star. "The big prize in planet formation studies is to understand what happens in the very inner regions of these disks, on the scales where Earth is located in our solar system," said professor Stefan Kraus, principal investigator from the University of Exeter's Physics and Astronomy Department. "In these inner regions, the disk undergoes a dramatic transition from a dust and gas composition to a purely gaseous disk. The strong pressure gradient there might lead to a pileup of dust grains that could trigger the formation of rocky planets." "We needed a camera with extremely low noise, but at the same time also a very high frame rate in order to freeze any image distortion introduced by the atmosphere," Kraus said. "Fortunately, there was a real breakthrough in detector technology that has resulted in a new generation of infrared cameras. We now have the world's fastest, low noise, infrared camera, and it is close to reaching the fundamental physical limit of single photon detection, making it nearly perfect for our purposes." The CHARA Array actually reconstructs images from data, rather than capturing direct images, and the MIRC-X instrument provides much better data quality, said Fabien Baron, assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State. Baron's research team switched to the MIRC-X instrument in order to study faint objects in the galaxy. In late 2018, the international team that created the MIRC-X imager achieved "first light," the moment when the new instrument captured starlight for the first time. "We were off to a successful start of our observing campaign and can't wait to analyze the data that we recorded," Kraus said. "The images will show us what the solar system might have looked like 4.6 billion years ago, at the time when Earth and the other planets formed." ### The MIRC-X project received funding from the European Research Council. The CHARA Array is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and Georgia State's College of Arts and Sciences. Over the past several decades, it's become increasingly recognized that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, are more than just "baby blues." They're the most common complication of childbirth in the U.S., affecting about 14 percent of women in their lifetimes and up to 50 percent in some specific populations. PMADs can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies, including poor breastfeeding rates, poor maternal-infant bonding, lower infant immunization rates and maternal suicides that account for up to 20 percent of postpartum deaths. But while it's obvious that PMADs are a significant problem, finding a way to solve this issue is far from clear. In a policy statement published December 2018 in the journal Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatric medical homes coordinate more effectively with prenatal providers to ensure PMAD screening occurs for new mothers at well-child checkups throughout the first several weeks and months of infancy and use community resources and referrals to ensure women suffering with these disorders receive follow-up treatment. To help solve the huge issue of PMADs requires a more comprehensive approach, suggests Lenore Jarvis, M.D., MEd, an emergency medicine specialist at Children's National Health System. A poster that Dr. Jarvis and colleagues from Children's Perinatal Mental Health Taskforce recently presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2018 National Convention and Exhibit in Orlando, Florida, details the integrated care to help women with PMADs that originated at Children's National and is being offered at several levels, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy. The poster was ranked best in its section for the Council on Early Childhood. At the base level of care for mothers with possible PMADs, Dr. Jarvis says, are the one-on-one screenings that take place in primary care clinics. Currently, all five of Children's primary care clinics screen for mental health concerns at annual visits. At the 2-week, 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-month visits, mothers are screened for PMADs using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a validated tool that's long been used to gauge the risk of postpartum depression. In addition, recent studies at Children's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and emergency department (ED) suggest that performing PMAD screenings in these settings as well could help catch even more women with these disorders: About 45 percent of parents had a positive screen for depression at NICU discharge, and about 27 percent of recent mothers had positive screens for PMADs in the ED. To further these efforts, Children's National recently started a Perinatal Mental Health Taskforce to promote multidisciplinary collaboration and open communication with providers among multiple hospital divisions. This taskforce is working together to apply lessons learned from screening in primary care, the NICU and the ED to discuss best practices and develop hospital-wide recommendations. They're also sharing their experiences with hospitals across the country to help them develop best practices for helping women with PMADs at their own institutions. Furthering its commitment to PMAD screening, Children's National leadership set a goal of increasing screening in primary care by 15 percent for fiscal year 2018--then exceeded it. Children's National is also helping women with PMADs far outside the hospital's walls by developing a PMAD screening toolkit for other providers in Washington and across the country and by connecting with community partners through the DC Collaborative for Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care. In April 2019, the hospital will host a regional perinatal mental health conference that not only will include its own staff but also staff from other local hospitals and other providers who care for new mothers, including midwives, social workers, psychologists, community health workers and doulas. Finally, on a federal level, Dr. Jarvis and colleagues are part of efforts to obtain additional resources for PMAD screening, referral and treatment. They successfully advocated for Congress to fully fund the Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression program, part of the 21st Century Cures Act. And locally, they provided testimony to help establish a task force to address PMADs in Washington. Together, Dr. Jarvis says, these efforts are making a difference for women with PMADs and their families. "All this work demonstrates that you can take a problem that is very personal, this individual experience with PMADS, and work together with a multidisciplinary team in collaboration to really have an impact and promote change across the board," she adds. ### In addition to Dr. Jarvis, the lead author, Children's co-authors include Penelope Theodorou, MPH; Sarah Barclay Hoffman, MPP, Program Manager, Child Health Advocacy Institute; Melissa Long, M.D.; Lamia Soghier M.D., MEd, NICU Medical Unit Director; Karen Fratantoni M.D., MPH; and Senior Author Lee Beers, M.D., Medical Director, Municipal and Regional Affairs, Child Health Advocacy Institute. The Pennsylvania Pediatric Medical Device Consortium (PPDC) announces a partnership with two programs at the University of Pittsburgh. Formerly the Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium, the PPDC's new name reflects its statewide reach. This expansion comes on the heels of a five-year, $5 million grant renewal from the Consortium's sponsor, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Based at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the PPDC's mission is to support the development of promising medical devices that address unmet clinical needs in children. It has assisted more than 60 innovative projects and over the past five years, the PPDC has awarded 16 seed grants of up to $50,000 each to companies in the Philadelphia region and beyond. The PPDC conducts a competitive process to select its award recipients. The Consortium's new cross-state partners are the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and sciVelo, both based at the University of Pittsburgh. Together, these programs focus on developing and commercializing biomedical technology. "Our new partnerships with these outstanding programs build on our existing success in collaborating with Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania," said Matthew Maltese, PhD, the Director of Biomechanics Research in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at CHOP, and the executive director and principal investigator of the PPDC. "This unification of Pennsylvania's biomedical ecosystem expands the PPDC's network of expertise in supporting the development of much-needed devices for children." William R. Wagner, PhD, director of the McGowan Institute, added, "We are extremely excited to offer our resources and expertise as we work together with UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and sciVelo to develop medical device technologies for children with particular unmet medical needs." In September, the FDA announced that the PPDC and four other pediatric device consortia throughout the nation received five-year grant awards. "We recognize the unique health needs of children," said FCC Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, who added, "We know that developing products specifically for pediatric patients can present unique challenges to device developers and there are still many unmet needs for children with serious, debilitating or rare diseases. This is why we continue to work to encourage device innovation for medical conditions that impact young populations." "The continued support of the FDA demonstrates the effectiveness of this program in bringing novel technologies one step closer to helping children," said Shahram Hejazi, PhD, Chair of the PPDC Oversight Committee. Recently, the American Academy of Pediatrics urged the development of medical and surgical devices custom-designed for children, rather than depending on the off-label use of tools invented for adults. Since its first round of awards in 2015, the PPDC has provided seed funding for a range of pediatric products, including an airway clearance system, a powered arm brace, a speech-generating communication system, a vision acuity test for preverbal children, and a portable phototherapy device for newborns with neonatal jaundice. The PPDC will announce its next round of seed grants early this year. In addition to its annual round of seed grants, the Consortium accepts applications year-round for in-kind services and expert advice. ### For more information on the PPDC, visit https:/ / ppdc. research. chop. edu . Patients only took less than 5 percent of prescribed amount, and one in five did not take any opioid medication to manage pain Opioid drugs prescribed to children for pain relief after a typical pediatric orthopaedic procedure may be significantly overprescribed, according to a new study by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The patients used less than 25 percent of the drugs, suggesting a potential risk of opioid diversion. The findings were published on Jan. 16, 2019 in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. Opioid diversion and non-medical use of opioids are tremendous challenges as the medical community strives to achieve improved opioid stewardship. This is especially true in orthopaedics. Across the country, more than half of all opioid prescriptions were given to patients discharged by orthopaedic surgeons. Additionally, about 40 percent of adolescents who took opioids for non-medical reasons had access to them from leftover prescriptions. Adolescents are also more likely to abuse substances as adults if they have used opioids for both medical and non-medical reasons. While younger children are less likely to abuse opioids, accidental ingestion is on the rise and can result in significant injury or death. "When we're prescribing analgesic opioids for young patients, we not only want to avoid overtreating this group of patients, but we also want to make sure we're not undertreating pain as they recover from surgery," said Apurva Shah, MD, MBA, an orthopaedic surgeon at CHOP, co-director of the Brachial Plexus Injury Program and lead author of this study. To determine the optimal dose of opioids that should be prescribed, Shah and his colleagues launched a prospective study of patients who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures -- the most common elbow fracture in children. The patients' families received text messages twice a day asking the patient to rate their level of pain using the Faces Pain Scale, a self-reporting pain measure developed specifically for children. A total of 81 patients with a mean age of 6.1 years old were enrolled in the study. As expected, pain ratings were highest on arrival to the emergency department and the first day after the operation, with mean pain ratings and opioid doses decreasing by the third day. Patients reported using only 24.1 percent of prescribed opioids on average. Additionally, 18 patients reported not taking any opioid medications after they were discharged, while 18 patients also reported that they had taken over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Only 11 patients were taking any analgesic medication 10 days after their operation. By day 14, six patients were taking OTC analgesics, and by day 21, only four patients were still taking OTC analgesics. "This study suggests that orthopaedic surgeons really need to think about our current prescribing practices and how we can help decrease the potential for overprescription and opioid diversion," Shah said. "Based on this study, which we believe can be applied to other common types of orthopaedic injuries, a prescription for a much shorter period of time seems to be appropriate." The authors also suggest a prospective study to investigate whether non-narcotic analgesic medications are as effective in managing pain for patients who experience these common childhood injuries. ### Shah et al, "Postoperative Pain and Opioid Use in Children with Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Balancing Analgesia and Opioid Stewardship," JBJS Reviews, online Jan. 16, 2019. New integrative stratigraphy and timescales for 13 geological periods in China from the Ediacaran to the Quaternary have recently been published in a special issue of SCIENCE CHINA Earth Sciences. The research summarizes the latest advances in stratigraphy and timescale as well as discusses the correlation among different blocks in China and with international timescales. The issue was edited by Prof. SHEN Shuzhong and Prof. RONG Jiayu of the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The stratigraphic record represents a massive archive for illuminating the structure and dynamics of various biological and environmental events in deep time. Consequently, establishing timescales provides a means for precisely calibrating various major geologic and biological events. Such timescales also serve as an important reference for geological mapping in China and for intercontinental and regional correlations, which benefit all geologic disciplines and the exploration of natural resources. Over the last decade, new technologies and more high-resolution biostratigraphic work have helped improving the formulation of stratigraphic frameworks and timescales in China. This special issue highlights these advances. The issue also suggests that further refinement of chronostratigraphy and timescales in China should focus on high-quality systematic taxonomic studies of different fossil groups, using technologies including: high-resolution biostratigraphy; multidisciplinary approaches including high-precision geochronology, isotope chemostratigraphy, magnetostratigraphy, and astronomical cyclostratigraphy etc.; and quantitative stratigraphy and temporal and spatial distrbutions of natural resources based on big data. ### The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) was founded in 1965. Its initial priority was to establish a precisely defined chronostratigraphic system globally applicable to all geoscientific fields. According to this system, 11 of 72 defined Global Stratotype Section and Points (GSSPs) are in China. This research is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Strategic Priority Research Program (B) and the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. But there was something else in the speech, too. Mr. Hogan made reference to several other leaders who had the bad luck to live in much more fraught times than the ones the governor described from his first term and promised for his second. He opened the speech with a reference to George Washington resigning his commission in the Annapolis State House. He praised George H.W. Bush, whose decision to raise taxes helped stabilize the nations finances but may have cost him a second term. He paid loving tribute to his father, the late Larry Hogan Sr., whose own career in Congress was irrevocably derailed by his early call for the impeachment of his fellow Republican, Richard Nixon. He talked about attending the funeral of Sen. John McCain, who suffered years of torture as a prisoner of war rather than accept favorable treatment, only to be mocked for it late in life by a president of his own party. He mentioned Harry Truman, whose decisions in setting up the post-war world made him as unpopular when he left office as Mr. Hogan is popular in taking it. WASHINGTON -- An image from the international Cassini spacecraft provides evidence of rainfall on the north pole of Titan, the largest of Saturn's moons. The rainfall would be the first indication of the start of a summer season in the moon's northern hemisphere. "The whole Titan community has been looking forward to seeing clouds and rains on Titan's north pole, indicating the start of the northern summer, but despite what the climate models had predicted, we weren't even seeing any clouds," said Rajani Dhingra, a doctoral student in physics at the University of Idaho in Moscow, and lead author of the new study accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union. "People called it the curious case of missing clouds." Dhingra and her colleagues identified a reflective feature near Titan's north pole on an image taken June 7, 2016, by Cassini's near-infrared instrument, the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer. The reflective feature covered approximately 46,332 square miles, roughly half the size of the Great Lakes, and did not appear on images from previous and subsequent Cassini passes. Analyses of the short-term reflective feature suggested it likely resulted from sunlight reflecting off a wet surface. The study attributes the reflection to a methane rainfall event, followed by a probable period of evaporation. "It's like looking at a sunlit wet sidewalk," Dhingra said. This reflective surface represents the first observations of summer rainfall on the moon's northern hemisphere. If compared to Earth's yearly cycle of four seasons, a season on Titan lasts seven Earth years. Cassini arrived at Titan during the southern summer and observed clouds and rainfall in the southern hemisphere. Climate models of Titan predicted similar weather would occur in the northern hemisphere in the years leading up to the northern summer solstice in 2017. But, by 2016, the expected cloud cover in the northern hemisphere had not appeared. This observation may help scientists gain a more complete understanding of Titan's seasons. "We want our model predictions to match our observations. This rainfall detection proves Cassini's climate follows the theoretical climate models we know of," Dhingra said. "Summer is happening. It was delayed, but it's happening. We will have to figure out what caused the delay, though." Additional analyses suggest the methane rain fell across a relatively pebble-like surface, Dhingra said. A rougher surface generates an amorphous pattern as the liquid settles in crevasses and gullies, while liquid falling on a smooth surface would puddle in a relatively circular pattern. Dhingra is using the wet sidewalk effect to search for additional rain events on Titan as part of her research. ### This press release and accompanying images can be found at: https:/ / news. agu. org/ press-release/ new-study-finds-evidence-of-changing-seasons-rain-on-titans-north-pole/ AGU Press Contact: Lauren Lipuma +1 (202) 777-7396 llipuma@agu.org University of Idaho Press Contact: Leigh Cooper +1 (208) 885-1048 leighc@uidaho.edu Contact information for the researchers: Rajani Dhingra University of Idaho +1 (401) 225-3329 dhin8109@vandals.uidaho.edu The American Geophysical Union is dedicated to advancing the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity through its scholarly publications, conferences, and outreach programs. AGU is a not-for-profit, professional, scientific organization representing 60,000 members in 137 countries. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and our other social media channels. The University of Idaho, home of the Vandals, is Idaho's land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to nearly 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky Conference. Learn more at http://www. uidaho. edu . Notes for Journalists This paper is freely available for 30 days. Journalists and public information officers (PIOs) can download a PDF copy of the article by clicking on this link: https:/ / agupubs. onlinelibrary. wiley. com/ doi/ pdf/ 10. 1029/ 2018GL080943 Journalists and PIOs may also request a copy of the final paper and multimedia by emailing Lauren Lipuma at llipuma@agu.org. Please provide your name, the name of your publication, and your phone number. Neither the paper nor this press release is under embargo. Paper Title: "Observational evidence for summer rainfall at Titan's north pole" Authors: Rajani D. Dhingra: Department of Physics, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA; Jason W. Barnes: Department of Physics, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA; Robert H. Brown: Dept. of Planetary Sciences, University of Arizona, AZ, USA; Bonnie J. Buratti and Christophe Sotin: Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, CA, USA; Philip D. Nicholson: Cornell University, Astronomy Dept., NY, USA; Kevin H. Baines: Space Science & Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI, USA; Roger N. Clark: U.S.G.S., Denver, CO, USA; Jason M. Soderblom: Dept. of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, MIT, MA, USA; Ralf Jaumann: Deutsches Zentrum fr Luft- und Raumfahrt, Germany; Sebastien Rodriguez: Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (IPGP); Stephane Le Mouelic: Laboratoire de Planetologie et Geodynamique, Universite de Nantes, France; Elizabeth P. Turtle: John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, MD, USA; Jason E. Perry: University of Arizona, AZ, USA; Valeria Cottini: John Hopkins University, MD, USA; Don E. Jennings: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, MD, USA. 2019-01-16 Maeci Minister Moavero Milanesi at the Chamber of Deputies for Question Time The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Enzo Moavero Milanesi, reports on the situation in Syria. NASA sought Chinese help for US mission US scientists wanted to use Chinese spacecraft, relay satellite to help plan American mission. Scientists in China claimed NASA sought their help to launch a mission on the moon. The South China Morning Daily said the revelation was made by a top scientist involved in Chinas lunar project. Wu Weiren, the chief scientist of Chinas lunar program, said NASA scientists made the request at an international conference a few years ago, the newspaper reported. The claim was made Tuesday when Chinese scientists released pictures of a grown-up seed of cotton carried to the moon by Chinese mission Chang'e 4. CRITICAL ROLE IN CHANGE 4S HISTORIC SOFT LANDING US space scientists asked permission to use Change 4 spacecraft and relay satellite to help them plan an American mission to the far side of the moon, the newspaper quoted Chinese scientist. Wu said American scientists asked China to extend the Queqiao relay satellites lifespan and allow an American beacon device to be placed on Change 4. We asked the Americans why they wanted our relay satellite to operate longer, Wu said. It would help the U.S. side plan its own lunar landing strategy. The report said that Queqiao relay satellite played a critical role in Change 4s historic soft landing on the moons far side Jan. 3. Macron launches a national debate to quell French anger Move aimed at addressing long list of grievances by 'Yellow Vest' protesters. French President Emmanuel Macron launched a national debate Tuesday in an effort to assuage growing anger by protesters over a long list of grievances. The first round was held in the northern town of Grand Bourgtheroulde with 600 mayors. FOUR MAIN THEMES WILL BE ADDRESSED The move to organize the two months of countrywide Town Hall-style gatherings is aimed at addressing the "Yellow Vest" protests, which began on Nov. 17 out of growing frustration over a controversial fuel tax hike but soon expanded into a broader movement against Macron. Four main themes will be addressed: taxation, Frances transition to a low-carbon economy, democracy and citizenship, and the functioning of state and public services. Macron asked the mayors to help organize the debates and offer solutions to the issues. "For people in a difficult situation, we will try to make them take more responsibility," he said in an earlier speech in the town of Gasny. "Because some are doing the right thing, and some are just messing around. Deadly blast hits Syria's Manbij A suicide bomber wearing an explosive-laden vest attacked international forces patrolling in Manbij. The wounded were evacuated in US military helicopters. A restaurant in northern Syria's Manbij town center was rocked by an explosion Wednesday, a Syrian war monitoring group said. According to the local military council, the blast occurred near a patrol of the international coalition in the city. Eyewitnesses in Manbij told Sputnik that the explosion took place near a cafe where the leaders of the council and guests from a delegation, "whose identity has not yet been established", had gathered. Deadly blast hits Syria's Manbij WATCH "14 civilians were killed and more than 20 others wounded as a result of an explosion in the center of the city of Manbij, while a US military patrol was passing", Al Jazeera said. The death toll was later revised up to 14 killed, according to the broadcaster. Daesh has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. According to conflicting media reports, the explosion claimed the lives of 4 US soldiers. A military helicopter allegedly landed near the scene in order to rescue survivors. Last month, US President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement that he would withdraw all 2,000 US troops from Syria after concluding Islamic State had been defeated there. The announcement rattled allies in the region and top US officials, including Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis who quit. The coalition, in its tweet, said its forces had conducted a routine patrol in Syria on Wednesday. I was born near Denver, later moved to Selah, Washington and then attended the University of Kansas, graduating in May 2017. Prior to Enid News, I interned with the Yakima-Herald Republic and wrote arts and features for the University Daily Kansan. Follow Ryan Miller | area reporter Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday reprimanded the Bacolod City police officials whom he ordered relieved for their alleged involvement in illegal drug trade, the Malacanang said Wednesday. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Sal Panelo said Duterte "castigated" and gave the dismissed policemen, led by Bacolod City Chief of Police Senior Superintendent Francis Ebreo, a "dressing down" for allegedly "allowing the proliferation of illegal drugs to persist in Bacolod" during a meeting in Malacanang. Duterte on Saturday ordered the dismissal of Ebreo and four other police officers--namely Police Superintendent Nasruddin Tayuan, P/Supt. Richie Yatar, Senior Inspector Victor Paulino and P/SSupt. Allan Macapagal--claiming they are working with drug syndicates. The President, Panelo added, rebuked the cops for their lack of knowledge about the presence of drug personalities in the city. Duterte also told the policemen that they are relieved from their posts while an investigation is ongoing. "This swift action of the President is a timely warning to other PNP officers that the President will not tolerate incompetence and inefficiency in the police force, especially with respect to the Administration's crusade versus illegal drugs," Panelo said. The spokesperson reiterated that Duterte will only support policemen resorting to force during anti-illegal drugs operations "only when the same is inevitable as when, in the performance of their duties, a suspect sought to be arrested performs aggressive and violent resistance amounting to an actual or imminent threat to their lives and limbs." 'Drug lord protector' In an interview on the sideline of an event in Malacanang Wednesday, Duterte said Ebreo is "at the very least" a protector of drug lords. The President said Obreo and his deputy visited a certain "Councilor Cano," an alleged narcopolitician, in the hospital when he was ambushed. "What's the f****** business of going to a hospital of an ambushed drug lord tapos nag-iwan pa sila ng dalawang security. I could understand if you would send a topnotch investigator of the police, I would understand that pero kung sila mismo, the first and the second highest of police officials nagtataka ako kung bakit ganon. It's a strange behavior," Duterte said. The President did not disclose the full identity of the politician, but a councilor in Bacolod named Richard Tan has a surname "Cano." In a news conference in December, Ebreo said he and his investigator visited Tan at the hospital to get the official's statement on the ambush. Ebreo also assigned a security for Tan in the hospital. The services celebrating and honoring the life of Jerry Richter, 93, of Enid, are pending under the direction of Brown-Cummings Funeral Home. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family online at www.Brown-Cummings.com/. United check-in kiosks are closed inside Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Houston. The security checkpoint inside the terminal has been closed for several days. The partial government shutdown is starting to strain the national aviation system, with unpaid security screeners staying home, air-traffic controllers suing the government and safety inspectors off the job. CALM delighted Abortion Bill passed The Campaign for Abortion Law Modernisation (CALM) has said its delighted that the Abortion Reform Bill has now been passed and is now part of Isle of Man law. Yesterday, it was announced Dr Alex Allinson's Abortion Reform Act had received Royal Assent, meaning that the UK's Ministry of Justice has given its approval. A spokesperson for CALM told Energy FM News: "It's taken 24 years to update this cruel, discriminative law and decriminalise abortion and make abortion care part of reproductive healthcare." "The Abortion Reform Act now needs to be enacted by the Department of Health and Social Care." The government is yet to announce when the new law will be introduced. And in the most glaring show of hypocrisy by the GOP, party members have stood by and said nothing as President Donald Trump has shown time and time again his penchant for racially inflammatory comments. Just this week he insulted Native Americans with a insensitive tweet aimed at Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who has started an exploratory committee for a presidential run in 2020. If Elizabeth Warren, often referred to by me as Pocahontas, did this commercial from Bighorn or Wounded Knee instead of her kitchen, with her husband dressed in full Indian garb, it would have been a smash, he said, trivializing a massacre of innocent Native American women and children and using a flippant and offensive nickname for Ms. Warren. Boeing will work with Japanese companies to develop electrically powered aircraft. For example, Boeing will work with GS to develop Yuasa batteries for aircraft, Sinfonia Trechnology and Tamagawa Seiki will be involved in the development of small motors, and Kyushu University and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology will support the development of superconducting motors that would be useful for electric flying. Carbon fiber specialist Toray Industries will be brought on board as well as Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Subaru, who will automate the production of the aircraft, Nikkei Asian Review reports. Through a partnership with METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), Boeing intends to make contact with other Japanese companies that could be helpful in the development of the new generation of aircraft. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is also part of the team that assembles the wings for the Dreamliner. In November last year, Boeing announced that it was setting up a joint venture with Safran to develop Auxiliary Power Units (APU). The APUs are engines on board aircraft that start the main engines. Safran in turn is working with Zunum Aero, a start-up company that develops hybrid electric aircraft and in which Boeing, among others, has invested. Safran wants to adapt its own helicopter engine to Zunum's ZA10 hybrid-electric aircraft. The ZA10 will use a gas turbine and batteries to fly and transport 12 people over distances of less than 1000 miles. The batteries are integrated into the wings and can easily be recharged or replaced at airports. From 2022 Zunum wants to deliver the first aircraft. First flight tests are to be started near Chicago this year. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Verwandte Artikel elektroniknet La Paz, Aug 16 (epa-efe).- Bolivia's National Lottery presented on Wednesday a mini-lottery with a grand prize of 100,000 bolivianos ($14,463) and featuring Ekeko, the Andean god of plenty, as mascot. Almost a dozen persons dressed up as Ekeko on Wednesday to promote the miniature fortune tickets, which sells for a little more than $1, as Bolivians' best chance for winning the mini-lottery. As part of their costumes, the Ekekos carried tickets, household items, alcohol and other miniature items that comprise some of this deity's characteristics. "Ekeko is the main character of this lottery because it he's small, tiny and that's why we've appealed to him to protect this campaign," the National Lottery director, Rossio Pimentel, told EFE. Besides the jackpot, prizes will also be awarded in the amounts of $700, $1,400 and $4,000, along with 4,000 smaller prizes, Pimentel said. The drawing will take place on Feb. 3 and so far people have bought 50,000 of the 70,000 tickets that are available for Bolivians who want to try their luck, the director said. Ekeko is the centerpiece of the Catholic-influenced, indigenous street fair known as Alasita, celebrated annually on Jan. 24. The streets hosting the Alasita Fair - the word means "Buy me!" in Aymara, the country's main indigenous language - were packed from the early morning hours with people of every age and social class. Relacionados El rebote de Bankia aun no ha concluido Ronald E. O'Dell, 60, of Altamont, died at 1:08 p.m., Sunday, June 13, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Sidener Cemetery, rural St. Elmo with Robert O'Dell officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., F That level of racism and bigotry has no place in Floridas politics, said Vetnah Monessar, state director for Emgage, a nonprofit focused on civic engagement among Muslim Americans. Muslims are part of the fabric of this country. We demand that Commissioner Taub apologize to her constituents and the general public. The Education Week Research Centers Chance-for-Success Index identifies strengths and weaknesses in each states education pipeline thattaken togethercapture the many factors within and outside of the pre-K-12 education system that contribute to a persons success throughout a lifetime. The Index is based on 13 distinct factors gauging education-related opportunities in three broad stages of a persons life: early foundations, the school years, and adult outcomes. In the early-foundations category, the index measures factors that provide support to children as they prepare to enter the formal education system, including prekindergarten. These factors include family income, parental education levels, and parents English-language fluency. The metrics in the school years incorporate key markers of pre-K-12 participation and performance, ranging from preschool to postsecondary. Adult outcomes are evaluated based on educational attainment, income, and steady employment. These latest scoresupdated with fresh data since the Quality Counts report issued in Septemberreflect the 2017 results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, adjusted cohort graduation rates from 2015-16 published by the U.S. Department of Education, and the research centers analysis of 2017 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The updates mean scores and rankings for some states have shifted slightly from last Septembers report. Point totals are determined by a best-in-class methodology, which compares a states results on each indicator with the leading state on that specific metric. The top state receives 100 points. All other jurisdictions earn points based on their distance from the national leader. The point totals are then translated into A-F letter grades reflecting the average of numerical scores on a 100-point scale. The results for the Chance-for-Success Index, reported in this January installment of Quality Counts 2019, make up one-third of the overall state and national grades that will be published in September. The nation receives a grade of C-plus for Chance for Success this year, with a score of 79.0 out of 100 possible points, up 0.5 points since last year. Nearly half the states (24) finish with grades between C-minus and C-plus. Massachusetts (91.5) leads the nation, with the only A-minus. Its followed by four states at B-plus: New Jersey (89.1), New Hampshire (88.8), Connecticut (87.4), and Minnesota (87.0). New Mexico (68.0) is at the bottom of the rankings, with a D-plus. Results on the index offer an opportunity for educators, policymakers, and residents to zero in on specific insights for their own states. Overall, five key takeaways emerge from the data. 1. Strong K-12 test scores and postsecondary participation make Massachusetts the pound-for-pound champion in the Chance-for-Success category. The contest isnt all that close. Massachusetts ranks in the top 10 for eight of the indexs 13 indicators. To be sure, it has some socioeconomic advantages based on long-standing educational and financial patterns. For instance, it ranks third in family income and fourth in parental education levels. More than 6 in 10 children in the state have a parent with a postsecondary degree, compared with slightly more than half of children nationwide. Those building blocks help the states children get off to a strong start. But it is strong results within the formal pre-K-12 education system that push the state past its nearest competitors. Which indicators give Massachusetts an edge on other high-ranking states? Drill down into a comparison with the other states in the overall Chance-for-Success top five (New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Minnesota) and its apparent that reading and math scores are the key to keeping Massachusetts king of the hill. It ranks first in the nation for both the percent of 4th graders proficient in reading and the percent of 8th graders proficient in math on the 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Its the only state in the nation in which a majority (50.8 percent) of 4th graders are proficient in reading. Only 39.1 percent of Minnesotas 4th graders, for instance, score at that level. Similarly, nearly half (49.7 percent) of 8th graders in Massachusetts are proficient in math, compared with just 36.2 percent in Connecticut. Postsecondary participation rates also separate Massachusetts from other states that score high on the index. It ranks second in the nation with 72.1 percent of its 18- to 24-year-olds either enrolled in a postsecondary program or already earning a degree. In New Hampshire, by contrast, just 60.1 percent of young adults are participating in postsecondary education, placing the state 12th in the nation in that category. 2. The region where you live makes a difference. States in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions provide the best opportunities for success. The biggest barriers are found in the South and Southwest. Regional disparities persist across a range of economic and educational factors that contribute to success. The top-scoring states on the index are commonly located in an East Coast section of the map stretching from Virginia to Maine. Five of the six states with the highest overall scores (Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Virginia) are in that corridor. States in that area also finish first in the nation on several indicators making up the index. The District of Columbiaconsidered a state for purposes of Chance for Successleads the nation in preschool enrollment, postsecondary participation, adult educational attainment, and annual income. Massachusetts is the pacesetter for reading and math test scores. New Hampshire ranks first in family income. Despite the geographic concentration of strong opportunities in this cluster of states, top scores are not entirely limited to the Atlantic Coast. Minnesota (5th), Iowa (7th), and North Dakota (10th) are Midwestern states in the top 10 overall. Minnesota ranks in the top 10 on seven indicators, posting a second-place finish in both parental-education and 8th grade math. Iowa has the nations best high school graduation and parental employment rates, while North Dakota is the national leader in parental education. At the other end of the spectrum, states in the South and Southwest make up most of the indexs bottom tier. Louisiana, Nevada, and New Mexico are the bottom three states overall. States in these regions also rank last on several specific indicators. Louisiana is last in 8th grade math, while Mississippi finishes at the bottom for annual income. New Mexico holds the last spot in family income and 4th grade reading. Nevada falls to the bottom for parental education levels and postsecondary participation. 3. Across the nation, opportunities havent improved much over time. To evaluate trends over time, 2019 results can be compared with data from 2008, the year the indexs current scoring system was first used. Since that time, the nations score hasnt changed muchit has risen by just 0.6 points from 78.4 in 2008 to 79.0 in 2019. More than half the states (29) improved their scores by less than a point or saw them decline. Scores in 10 states decreased by more than one point. The stagnant scores present a challenge to policymakers and signal that new strategies for boosting opportunity are needed. Despite a relatively static picture of opportunity growth overall, the nation has made strides on certain metrics. For instance, the percent of children with at least one parent holding a postsecondary credential increased by 7.5 points. 4. Opportunities improved the most in the District of Columbia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. They declined the most in Vermont and Maryland. Some states did boost opportunity from 2008 to 2019. The District of Columbia made the strongest gains, increasing its score by 6.3 points. That improvement was propelled by the nations largest strides in 4th grade reading (14.9 points) and 8th grade math (12.9 points). As a result, the Districts overall index ranking climbed from 33rd in 2008 to 15th in 2019. Mississippi (4.9 points) and Louisiana (3.1 points) also improved their scores by more than three points. Mississippi made strong gains in parental education levels, 4th grade reading, and 8th grade math. Louisianas biggest upticks were in employment for parents and other adults, along with parental education. By contrast, overall index scores in Vermont (-4.6) and Maryland (-3.3) fell by more than three points. Both of those states declined in family income, the language proficiency of parents, and 8th grade math. Vermonts kindergarten enrollment also slid. 5. The nation earns a lower score for pre-K-12 education than for indicators capturing early childhood and adult outcomes. As policymakers seek to spur opportunity, improvement in the pre-K-12 education system remains a key goal. The nation receives a score of 76.7 (C-plus) for the school years, compared with a point total of 82.8 (B) for educational foundations in early childhood, and 78.3 (C-plus) for markers of adult success. A handful of states post especially good results in the school years. Massachusetts earns an A and New Jersey an A-minus. Connecticut gets the only B-plus. But seven states receive marks of D-plus or D for school performance. Future gains on the index may depend on pinpointing policies and instructional strategies that boost each students chance for success. On day two of the massive Los Angeles teacher strike, a new crop of educators has joined the picket lines79 teachers from three of the citys public charter schools. Teachers at the Accelerated Schools charter network are members of the United Teachers Los Angeles, although they have a separate contract from the one that covers all regular district schools. After nearly two years of contract negotiations, the dozens of charter teachers went on strike Tuesday, joining tens of thousands of regular public school teachers who are striking for pay raises, smaller class sizes, and more support staff in schools. Accelerated Schools teachers are asking for more job protections and better health benefits. (The charter network has said teachers received a 17 percent pay raise last March.) Hordes of teachers clad in red T-shirts, jackets, and rain ponchos converged on the California Charter Schools Association, a statewide advocacy group in downtown Los Angeles, from all different directions on Tuesday. Many district teachers there said that although they appreciate the support and solidarity from the charter educators who are now on strike, too, they still have concerns about charter schools more broadly. The rapid growth of charter schools in the district has been an underlying factor in the district strike. Matt Snyder, a 4th grade teacher at Lanai Road Elementary School, said if regular district schools had all the resources they needed, teachers wouldnt feel threatened by the per-pupil funding that follows students to charters. But its a fantasy to think the district would ever fully fund its schools, so that less-tension scenario isnt even a possibility, he said. This is the second-ever charter school strike in the country. The first, in Chicago, ended last month with teachers receiving a pay raise and smaller class sizes. Nationally, just 11 percent of charter schools are unionized, but teachers unions have been making inroads there in recent years. Los Angeles is home to 277 charter schools, more than anywhere else in the country. Nearly 1 in 5 students in the Los Angeles Unified school district, which is the second-largest in the nation, attend a charter school. About 50 of those charter schools are district-affiliated, meaning theyre operated and governed by the district but have a little more autonomy than other schools in the system. The district-affiliated charters are part of the current contract negotiations with UTLA, so teachers there have been on strike. The remaining 224 are independent charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately run. They have separate contracts and are not part of the strike. Most of those charter schools are non-unionized. The Accelerated Schools network is one of the few that is organized by UTLA. These two strikesbetween the union and the school district, and the union and Accelerateds managementhave several things in common, said UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl in a news conference Tuesday. For one, he said, both the district and the charter management are exhibiting a lack of respect for teachers. And both parties have money to take care of the issues on the table, Caputo-Pearl said. In response to the strike against the district, which involves more than 30,000 teachers, Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner has repeatedly said that the school system cannot afford the unions demands. The districts latest offer was for a 6 percent pay raise, with back pay for the 2017-18 school year, and funding to add nearly 1,200 teachers, counselors, nurses, and librarians to schools. The union is asking for a 6.5 percent pay raise, going as far back as July 2016, and has rebuked the offer for additional staffing, since many of the positions would only be funded for one year. Charter Schools Fueling the Fire Charter schools have been a major source of tension between the teachers union and the school district. As charter school enrollment in the city has grown, overall student enrollment in the district has declined. (Experts point to the citys declining birthrate as another factor.) UTLA leaders have accused Beutner of trying to starve and privatize schools, and have called for a cap on charter school growth. Fueling the fire was a contentious school board election in May 2017, in which a charter school supporter defeated the union-backed candidate. And last year, the board elected Beutner, a former investment banker, to helm the school system. As teachers rallied on Tuesday, carrying picket signs and chanting, Dipti Baranwal, an English teacher at Los Angeles High School, said she fears that continued low levels of funding for regular public schools will fuel the expansion of the charter sector. Underfunding [schools] encourages parents to say that their kids cant get the education they need in regular district schools, Baranwal said. But charters are a false solution. While a moratorium on charter school growth is not part of formal contract negotiations, UTLA has proposed that it should be included in discussions involving co-located charter schools, which are on the same grounds or in the same building as a traditional public school. The district countered with offering to set up a task force on co-locations. But UTLA leaders dismissed that, saying theyve been there and done that and are ready for action. The union perspective is theyre protecting the public good, said Julie Marsh, a professor of education policy at the University of Southern Californias Rossier School of Education. But theres more going on here than just charter school growth. She pointed to Californias spending on public education, which is among the bottom tier of states. (According to an Education Week Research Center analysis thats adjusted for regional cost differences, California spends $9,417 per student, well below the national average of about $12,500.) Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Unified district has huge financial obligations, including rising pension costs. Indeed, county regulators who oversee the school system appointed a team of financial experts to develop a fiscal stabilization plan for the district. The growth of charter schools becomes more of a threat when you are under [fiscal] constraints, Marsh said. And while most charter policy is set by the state, Marsh said the union is seizing the opportunity of the strike to voice their concerns to a larger audience, including Californias new governor. Often, change is instigated by a crisis, she said. A strike is certainly one of those tools. Making a Difference for Students Schools are remaining open during the strike , with administrators and substitutes handling instruction. The district reported Monday that just about a third of students came to class, according to preliminary data. Teachers, who are not paid during the strike, have said they were compelled to walk off the job in order to make a difference for students. Paula Tew, who teaches 5th grade at Lanai Road Elementary, said her class size just keeps creeping up. The day teachers went on strike, Monday, she was assigned yet another new student: her 39th. Our school was built in 1950. It just cant hold all these kids, Tew said. She and her Lanai Road colleagues described how theyve had to replace classroom chairs with stools so children can manage getting up from their desks. Too many chairs were banging into one another before, they said. More than 2,000 research scholars protesting outside the Ministry of Human Resource Development's headquarters in New Delhi were arrested by the police around 4 pm on January 16. Research scholars across India who had been asking for a hike in their stipends for the past six months had come down to the streets to protest against the government's inaction on the issue. The All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) and research fellows from all over India started protesting in front of the MHRD's headquarters in New Delhi from 11 am on January 16, 2019. They plan to shift base to Jantar Mantar where around 2,000 researchers will be on an indefinite hunger strike till their demands are met. Nikhil Gupta, National Representative of Research Scholars of India, said, "We were peacefully protesting in front of the MHRD head office when the police arrested us around 4 pm. We were packed into five buses and taken to different police stations including Mandir Marg Police Station and the Parliament Street Police Station." Hunger Stike Next: The research scholars will shift base to Jantar Mantar for the indefinite hunger strike (Pic: Nikhil Gupta) Despite promises of a speedy solution by principal scientific advisor K Vijay Raghavan, Department of Science and Technology Secretary, Ashutosh Sharma, Dr Harsh Vardhan (Union Minister DST) and Prakash Javadekar (Union Minister MHRD) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan Jai Anusandhan in support of science and Indian researchers, there has been no response to the demands the researchers had made. Read More: Why it doesn't pay to be a research scholar in India The researchers had planned to protest in front of the MHRD office first and then move to Jantar Mantar the indefinite hunger strike was an integral part of it. "There have been too many fake promises made to us. No more tweets and no more trying to divide us on the basis of caste, funding agencies or examinations. We have written way too many letters to the departments. We will be releasing an official memorandum during the protest at the headquarters," said Nikhil. The research fellows from all over the country are joining hands in the protest. "We are yet to know scholars how many institutes will be physically present here. But we are all together and people from all over the country are in support of your cause," Nikhil added. Protest for Hike: The Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars Forum organised a rally in solidarity with the nationwide protests (Pic: Margum Ado) The Rajiv Gandhi University Research Scholars Forum (RGURSF) in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, also organised a rally to support the demands of increasing the scholarships. "The rally went all around the campus and then we all assembled at the main gate to protest in solidarity with the research scholars who are protesting for the same causes (hike in scholarship) in New Delhi," said Margum Ado, Chairman, RGURSF. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while inaugurating the 106th Indian Science Congress at Jalandhar on January 3, said, "Our strong research ecosystem must be developed in such universities and colleges. I call upon the Prime Ministerial Science, Technology and Education Council to discuss this issue in detail and formulate an agenda in collaboration with the MHRD." "We were told that our issues will be considered and hopefully solved by December 2018. We are working relentlessly in the fields of agriculture, defence, medical sciences, engineering, etc so that our country can develop faster. I don't get why the government is ignoring us," said Nikhil, who is also a scholar at CBMR SGPGI Lucknow. Read More: Why Dalit MPhil, PhD students will now have to clear NET to get fellowships He also added that India's greatness lies in connecting the scientific advancements to the society and its needs, "Lal Bahadur Shastri said Jai Jawan Jai Kisan and Vajpayee added Jai Vigyan to it at Pokhran. I believe it is now time to take one more step forward and add Jai Anusandhan to it." Researchers find these remarks endearing, but ineffective at this point. The scholars demand an 80 per cent hike in their fellowship applicable from April 1, 2018. "I trust the PM. But the question when will these issues be resolved? No one has mentioned a date yet," added Nikhil. (Photo: Open Doors) Disturbing revelations for India and China - the world's two most populous countries - which have seen a dramatic increase in the persecution against Christians, the 2019 Open Doors World Watch List reveals. "As they are each home to more than a billion people, even an incremental rise in persecution has an outsized, exponential impact in these countries," said Open Doors in its Global List of Worst Religious Persecution Offenders on Jan. 16. "China jumps a shocking 16 spots on the Open Doors World Watch List from No. 43 to No. 27, while India enters the top 10 list for the first time. "Russia, which last appeared on the list in 2011, enters at No. 41," said the report. In India, Hindu nationalists fueled a crackdown on Christians and churches, promoting the widespread oppression of religious minorities. Such is the rapid deterioration in the last several years, as non-Hindus are increasingly regarded as outsiders in their own country said Open Doors. "In some areas, this has translated to brutal violence against Hindus who have converted to Christianity," said the report. "The situation in India is volatile, and religious minorities in particular face extremely dangerous situations with mobs of violence breaking out and demanding death sentences." China's dramatic rise in 16 spots from last year's ranking is one of the highest jumps on the list. "The heightened power of the Chinese government is being wielded to remove any challenges to the absolute authority of President Xi Jinping, even if those challenges are related to personal faith in a god other than the State," said Open Doors. New Chinese regulations and government crackdowns have made open worship for unregistered churches increasingly risky, particularly in certain regions of the country. "Pastor Wang Yi's recent arrest along with some 150 Christians is a recent indicator of the expanding level of control and religious persecution." Open Doors list is in its 27th year, describing itself as the "world's definitive assessment of religious persecution based upon in-depth, rigorous analysis of on-the-ground, first-person research." It says it is a "a global indicator of where human and religious rights are being violated, and those countries most vulnerable to societal unrest and destabilization." Across the 50 countries on the Open Doors World Watch List it is estimated that more than 245 million Christians now experience high, very high or extreme persecution, an increase from 215 million in 2018, said the organization. Open Doors top 10 countries for persecution against Christians 1. North Korea 2. Afghanistan 3. Somalia 4. Libya 5. Pakistan 6. Sudan 7. Eritrea 8. Yemen 9. Iran 10. India York | Democrats want 'technological wall' that won't keep anybody out Paris Achen: pachen@portlandtribune.com or 503-506-0067. Achen is a reporter for the Portland Tribune working for the Oregon Capital Bureau, a collaboration of EO Media Group, Pamplin Media Group and Salem Reporter. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt, and said he frowned on "Lock Her Up" calls for Hillary Clinton. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. Where are the best places to shop? Who gives the best haircut? Who cooks the best burger? Join our readers in selecting the "Best of Windham." Make your picks! The House and Senate announced they would stay in session, canceling an upcoming recess week at home if the shutdown continued, which seemed likely. On the shutdown's 25th day, Trump did not move off his demand to have Congress provide $5.7 billion to build his promised border wall with Mexico. Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened, but Pelosi is refusing money for the wall they view as ineffective and immoral. Readers Survey As our valued readers, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to fill out the survey below. - Thank you, Eastern Arizona Courier Click Here Director Aislinn Clarke has just completed her first feature film and is gearing up for a screening in her native Dundalk at An Tain Arts Centre on January 29. Clarke who is originally from Fatima and a former pupil of Gaelscoil Dun Dealgan and Colaiste Ris, is the first Irish woman to write and direct an Internationally-distributed horror film. The Devil's Doorway premiered in a competition at the Seattle International Film Festival, before opening in cinemas across the US in July 2018. The unsettling film, which is set in a Magdalene Laundry in 1960, has been released in cinemas in South America, and is being distributed across Japan, the Middle East, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, and across Europe. The film has also been included in Rotten Tomatoes Best Horror Films of 2018 and has appeared on several critics Best of lists. Clarke, who is a lecturer in screenwriting and film at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's University, Belfast, is already an award-winning film-maker. Ms Clarke was nominated for Screen International Genre Rising Star 2018 and the Bingham Ray New Talent award at the Galway Film Fleadh, amongst other accolades. She has also been described as a real genre talent by Kim Newman of Empire magazine. Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat about how the project came into fruition the director said: The producer Martin Brennan had an idea - he wanted to do a found footage film in a Magdalene Laundry - a Blair Witch style piece. He was talking to different directors, but in the end he went for my idea, thankfully! I think that horror is a good way of unpacking social trauma. For this film we went back to a point in society where Magdelene laundries were still in operation. Horror can be used as a metaphor to really get into all of that trauma in our past. The director also told of how she had a vision of how the film should look and says they invested a lot of time in post-production to ensure that she achieved this. Clarke explains: I wanted a particular aesthetic and achieved that by working with 16mm film. It can have a reputation for shaky camera work however I think it worked well to capture the aesthetic of the time. One of the main characters in the film, the priest, acts as a documentarian, so he would be filming parts of it that the viewer would see. So there are parts of it that are very nicely shot. And despite the constraints of working with a low budget the Belfast-based director is thoroughly pleased with the end result. She says: I wouldnt do it any other way. Seeing as the film is set in a Magdalene Laundry, the subject needed to be treated with sincerity and integrity. I think we had to make a political statement when dealing with a subject as unsettling as this. Since the first release in the US last summer the Dundalk-born director has been in demand. She explains: We premiered the film at Seattle International Film Festival, which has premiered iconic films such as Ridley Scott's Alien. It was also shown at Cannes as a work in progress. And interest in The Devil's Doorway doesn't seem to be slowing down. Aislinn says: I have been travelling non-stop for the past year on the back of the film, doing Q&A's, guest lectures and attending screenings. I'm very surprised at how well the film has done in the US, considering it's such an Irish subject. It's made a very big splash over there and it's had way more press in the States than it got in Ireland or the UK. As for plans for the future, Aislinn has plenty to keep her busy - a TV pilot in the crime/thriller genre and a few feature films are all in the pipeline. After that, she is off to LA for a few weeks. For now, the award-winning director says she is looking forward to the upcoming screening and Q&A in An Tain Arts centre: "I hope we get a good turnout for the screening on January 29. A lot of people would know my father, Johny Clarke the breadman from Fatima, whom I have dedicated the film to. It will be the only chance people in Dundalk will get to see the film, so I hope a good crowd will join us." POTTSBORO [ndash] Thelma Irene Toney passed away on June 11, 2021, in Denison, Texas. She was born on Feb. 28, 1924, in Francis, Oklahoma to John Franklin and Essie Akins Scroggins. She attended grade school at Cedar Grove School and then attended and graduated from Francis High School. She The census will reveal that Huntsville and North Alabama have been our growth spots. Alabamas population continues to move toward the northern tier of the state. Two out of every three Alabamians live in Birmingham, Hoover, and Tuscaloosa north. The Black Belt continues to lose population. The census will also reveal quite a disparity of financial prosperity. It will show that the same Black Belt counties are some of the poorest areas of the country and, conversely, Huntsville will be one of the most prosperous. So who are the winners and losers under Congressional redistricting? You start with one premise. You have to have one majority African American district. The federal courts have mandated this edict. Therefore, Congresswoman Terri Sewells district is sacred. It now is very large, geographically. It will become even larger. The district will take in most of the African-American population in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and Montgomery, and the entire Black Belt stretching from south of Birmingham and Tuscaloosa all the way to Mobile. It will be a big geographic district and be numbered District Six rather than District Seven. This leaves us with five Republican districts and six incumbent Republicans. Therefore, who gets the short end of the stick? A cursory look says the odd person out is Martha Roby in the Second District. I wish I had never told Amanda the baby had a rash, Cleveland said. She never wanted anyone to take him to the doctor but her. So when I called to tell her the baby needed to go the doctor she got mad, and came to Georgia to pick him up. If I would have never called, my grandson would be alive today. Cleveland said it was days after the infants body was located before she and her husband found out her grandson was dead. I kept asking CJ how the baby was, and I could tell something was not right, Cleveland said. He eventually told me my grandson was dead, and he was at a funeral home. Later on we found out his body was placed in the freezer. We dont even know when he died. We have to go by the day that law enforcement said they found Carlton. This is killing me. My son would never hurt his son, and I know my son would never put his child in a freezer. Cleveland believes Oakes placed the infant in the freezer, and Oakes persuaded her son to not contact law enforcement. CJ told me Amanda told him not to call law enforcement, because she could not lose him, too, Cleveland said. He is so in love with her, he believes everything she said. To me, she made it sound as if they were going to kill themselves because of what happened, not run off to Florida. JACKSON COUNTY, Florida A Jackson County Sheriffs Office deputy was transported to Jackson Hospital for treatment after he was possibly exposed to Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, deputies responded to a shoplifting complaint at the Goodwill Store located at 2800 Hwy 71 in Marianna. Upon contact with the suspect, Wanda Lee Mercer of Greenwood, a deputy noticed several items fall from the suspects person that were consistent with the use and possession of illegal narcotics. The items were later identified to be methamphetamine and aluminum foil boats used to smoke methamphetamine, said Jackson County Sheriff Louis Roberts. Roberts stated before the deputy could transport Mercer to jail, the deputy field tested her for methamphetamine, which is the sheriffs office policy. Following the test, the deputy immediately began to have a physical reaction to the substance that would mirror an exposure to Fentanyl, he said. The deputy was able to radio for medical attention before he lost consciousness. The deputy was administered a dose of NARCAN to counteract the effects of the potential Fentanyl exposure. The deputy is still in the hospital for observation. It took a Houston County jury just more than 30 minutes Tuesday to return not guilty verdicts against a former boys home worker facing multiple sexual misconduct charges. Shon Christopher Holton previously served as the local director for special programming for Achievement Network of the Alabama Department of Youth Services, formerly known as the Community Intense Treatment for Youth (C.I.T.Y.) program. Holton was arrested in January of 2016 on 10 counts of custodial sexual misconduct. Police told the Dothan Eagle in 2016 that Holton worked for the Alabama Department of Youth Services at a boys home, where police believed some of the crimes occurred between February and June of 2015. Court records indicate the charges were no-billed by a Houston County grand jury in September of 2016, which means it chose not to indict Holton. He was indicted later on the same charges by a different grand jury that convened later. I am glad this is over, and we are grateful to the jury, Holtons attorney, Joey Sheffield said. The jury patiently listened to our witnesses, and came back with a not guilty verdict. Although Brazil is known for its laid back attitude, when it comes to flirting, you can increase your chances of success by following one simple small talk rule. Knowing this trick will not only help you seduce the sultry eyes behind the bar, but it will also help you make new friends, impress old ones and make your quest to understand (and eventually, learn) the Brazilian language (Portuguese) far less confusing. The rule; use as many diminutivos (diminutives) as possible. But wait; what the heck are those? Diminutives are suffixes you add onto the end of words, to make them smaller or cuter. Still confused? Allow the BBC to explain, Diminutives are like a form of baby talk Brazilians never grow out of. Meteorologist Carine Malagolini from Sao Paulo then told the BBC; We use diminutives [a lot], and a lot of times without even noticing. I think that their use came from childhood, because wed hear and talk like this with our parents. For example, Youd like a bananinha [a little piece of banana]?. So this small talk has little to do with your awkward elevator chats back home (so hows that weather out there today, huh); its about spicing up your sentences, helping you to come across as more playful, friendly, flirty andabove allnot too abrupt or threatening. As the BBC reporter Ian Walker yesterday revealed, this was one of the first tips his Brazilian friends gave him. Id barely been in Brazil 24 hours when I was let in on a segredinho (a little secret). In a barzinho (a local bar) as the sun went down, a new Brazilian amiguinho (a good friend) Id met in my Rio de Janeiro hostel had a frosted bottle of Antarctica beer sweating in his hand. Chatting about our night ahead, he poured our drinks and told me, If you want to speak with a girl tonight, dont ask her to have a cerveja [a beer]; ask her if shed like a cervejinha (a little beer) instead. Shell love it if you use this word. Literally, they (diminutives) make something smaller, effectively softening a word, turning it cute and gentle, he continues. While in English diminutives are often seen as a little childish (kitty, doggy, mummy), everyone in Brazil, from politicians to medical doctors, use them without any hint of irony. This has implications in terms of flirting too: using cervejinha (little beer) instead of cerveja (beer), according to Walker, Implies an innocent and friendly invitation, without any intentions to get drunk late into the night with all that often involves. It also, according to University of Brasilia linguist Dr Marcos Bagno, invokes the characteristic kindness of the Brazilian spirit. Aside from that, its also impressive simply by distinguishing you from the masses of other tourists who learnt Portuguese from a guide book. But before you start using them willy nilly, be warned; diminutives can also (depending on context) change the meaning of a word. For instance, if someone asks you to wait a minutinho (a little minute), you could be in for a 15 minute plus wait. Likewise, if someone invites you to a festinha (little party), depending on their tone of voice it could be anything from a low key pool party to an open invite warehouse rave. Diminutives can also help you work out if you have been placed in the friend zone. As Walker tells us, Brazilians also use diminutives as an indirect way of saying something not entirely flattering. The most famous example of this, he continues, Is bonitinho/a, which comes from bonito/a, meaning beautiful. At first I assumed this was a compliment, and, depending on the situation, it can be. But in the Brazilian lexicon its also transformed to refer to someone whos maybe not the best looking in the room but has their own charm. It could be the way a woman says Hes a good guy, but Im not interested, or Cute, but in the dreaded little-brother kind of way. Ouch. RELATED: How Not To Get Arrested Or Shot In Brazil Subscriber content preview KENNEWICK (AP) A plan to spend $750,000 of state taxpayer money to study the impacts of tearing down four dams on the lower Snake River is not sitting well with Tri-Cities area supporters of the dams. They've drafted a letter to Washington Gov. Jay Inslee saying the study would be a waste. . . . Black Hills Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as an electric and natural gas utility company in the United States. It operates through four segments: Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Power Generation, and Mining. The Electric Utilities segment generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 216,000 electric customers in Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming, as well as provides electrical system construction services to large industrial customers. This segment owns 992 megawatts of generation capacity and 8,892 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines. The Gas Utilities segment distributes natural gas to approximately 1,083,000 natural gas utility customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming. It also provides appliance repair services to residential customers; and constructs and maintains gas infrastructure facilities for gas transportation customers. This segment owns and operates approximately 4,774 miles of intrastate gas transmission pipelines; 41,838 miles of gas distribution mains and service lines; seven natural gas storage sites; and approximately 49,000 horsepower of compression and 560 miles of gathering lines. The Power Generation segment produces electric power through wind, natural gas, and coal-fired generating plants; and sells the electric capacity and energy primarily to utilities under long-term contracts. The Mining segment produces coal at its coal mine located near Gillette, Wyoming; and sells the coal to electric generation facilities. Black Hills Corporation was incorporated in 1941 and is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. Read More "It's going to happen, and when it does, I'm not going to be surprised, but a lot of other people will be," Salling said. "As a leader in a Dem state, he's the most popular governor in the nation. Can he do the same thing in the nation? Why not? I think he has great opportunities." Buying a TV today is a hard decision. Unlike phones, you wont change your TV every few years. A TV has a lifespan of about 7 years, so it is safe to say that a TV is a once in a decade sort of investment. At CES 2019 we saw a lot of new trends and innovations in TVs and we think a lot of them will make their way to India before the year ends. So here is a look at TV trends to watch out for if you are purchasing a TV in 2019. HDMI 2.1 HDMI 2.1 is not a new standard in TVs but is one that has now finally started seeing adoption. The funny thing is that only LG has announced the HDMI 2.1 standard in their flagship 4K TVs. Other manufacturers are pitting the technology in their 8K TVs. With HDMi 2.1, users get 4K and 8K content at higher refresh rates than HDMI 2.0 and also support for variable refresh rate (a great feature for gamers) and eARC which essentially means more audio data can be transmitted through HDMI ARC. Variable refresh rate Like we mentioned above, the HDMI 2.1 standard will bring with it variable refresh rate. This is a feature supported by the Xbox One X and is expected to be a part of the upcoming consoles i.e., the PS5 and the next Xbox. How does this help? Well, one of the issues when a game cant maintain a consistent frame rate is screen tearing. This is a problem which can be avoided if the TV supports variable refresh rate. It is also incentive for PC gamers to hook up their gaming PCs to their TVs. 8K TVs Even though Samsung is the first TV maker to launch an 8K TV, Sony, LG and more showcased their 8K offerings at CES 2019. All these TVs are set to launch in the US and the UK, but we think at least one model from these will make it to India. Even though there is no news on the availability of 8K content, these TVs do a fantastic job of upscaling 4K content to 8K. Even though broadcasters and streaming services are not yet on the 8K bandwagon, we think the 1 percent will invest in 8K TVs to future proof themselves. Did we mention, their upscaling capabilities are fantastic? iTunes, Airplay and HomeKit support Undoubtedly one of the biggest news from CES has to be the fact that you can enjoy your iTunes movies and music content without an Apple TV box sitting below your TV. iTunes, AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit support will come to the 2019 Sony, Samsung and LG TVs. So if you are one that has a library of movies on iTunes, you can enjoy them without an Apple TV. This is big as Apple has always been a closed ecosystem and the fact that they have opened up to TV makers is very interesting news. Needless to say, the quality of content provided on Apple's services is very high giving users the ability to exploit the feature on offer on high end TVs. NanoCell At CES 2019, LG showcased 8K TVs powered by NanoCell technology. We have seen 4K NanoCell TVs and this is the first time we will see 8K TVs with this tech. NanoCell TVs are essentially LED TVs but they use LGs Nano Crystal technology. This technology is designed to give consumers an expanded colour performance. How this affects the picture quality when compared to the traditional LED TV is something we will comment on when we get the NanoCell 8K TV for review. Micro LED By far one of the most interesting technologies in the TV world is micro LEDs. Samsung showcased micro LED TVs at CES this year. The advantage of micro LED TVs is that they bring with them the same advantages as OLED TVs but without problems of burn-in. But thats not all. You can customize the microLED TV to suit the size you want. You can have a 55-inch micro LED TV and in the future if you want a larger TV, all you need to do is purchase a few more micro LED panels and you can have a 65 or 75-inch TV without investing in a new TV entirely. If the problems of OLED can be overcome and the modular nature of the TV is cost effective, this could be the future of upgradable TVs. Rollable TV LG has been teasing its rollable displays for some time now and the company has finally announced its rollable TV. The TV will be available for purchase later this year. It will of course have a premium pricing, but this is the first TV of its kind to make its way to the consumer market. Also read LG rollable TV will be available for purchase in 2019 and will carry a premium price tag Xiaomi announces Mi LED TV 4X Pro 55-inch 4K HDR TV for Rs 39,999 and refreshes 43-inch 4A Pro for Rs 22,999, also launches Mi Soundbar in India for Rs 4,999 Sony announces new 8K TVs and OLED 4K TVs in MASTER Series line-up along with support for Apple Airplay 2 and HomeKit Highlights: Samsung Galaxy S10+ spotted on Geekbench website. The phone is expected to launch with Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9820 SoC. Its just over a month left for Samsung to finally reveal its Galaxy S10 lineup of smartphones at an Unpacked event in San Francisco. In what could be called the first proof of how powerful the device would be, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ has been found listed on the Geekbench website. The phone, with model number SM-G975U, on the listing is seen having a Qualcomm 855 mobile platform, coupled with 6GB of RAM. Running Android Pie 9.0, the phone is seen with a score of 3413 points in single-core tests and 10256 points on multi-core tests. Samsung generally launches its phones with different chipsets for specific markets. For example, the South Korean company puts indigenously developed Exynos processors for Indian market and Qualcomm mobile platforms under the hood for the US market. Earlier this month, famous tipster Ice Universe tweeted that The Galaxy S10 Lite also uses the Snapdragon 855/Exynos 9820 processor, implying that Samsung will not compromise on the processor front in any of the Galaxy S10 variants. Apart from that, it is also said that the storage in the devices would be upgraded to UFS 3.0. When it comes to RAM, it is possible that the new lineup will have LPDDR5 RAMs. Samsung has already developed the industrys first 10-nanometer (nm) class 8-gigabit (Gb) LPDDR5 DRAM, which is pegged to set the stage for transition to upcoming 5G and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered mobile applications. Samsung claims that the 8GB LPDDR5 boasts a data rate of up to 6,400Mb/s, which is 1.5 times as fast as the mobile DRAM chips used in current flagship mobile devices (LPDDR4X, 4266Mb/s). Related Read: Samsung Galaxy S10 5G variant may be called "Galaxy S10 X': Report Highlight: Nokia 9 PureView will reportedly not be announced this month. Launch of the phone is said to have been pushed back till MWC 2019. The smartphone could cost Eur 749. HMD Global seems to be working on a mythical flagship device whose rumours keep surfacing time and again. The companys Nokia 9 PureView smartphone has been reported about since 2017 but we have yet to hear any official announcement about the handset. Recently, a report surfaced claiming that the device might finally be announced this month but now, another report from Nokiamob.net, via @nokia_anew, suggests that its launch is again delayed. As per the report, the smartphone manufacturer has pushed the Nokia 9 announcement to MWC 2019, where it is said to launch running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC. As newer flagships by other smartphone makers are expected to be announced with the Snapdragon 855 SoC, Nokia could also price the Nokia 9 lower than the competition. If the report is to be believed, the Nokia 9 could be priced at Eur 749 (Rs 60,801 approx). The same pricing was iterated in a previous report, however, the device was earlier reported to launch in January. Additionally, it was stated that the phone might be made available for European markets first but theres no confirmation regarding the same. Leaks of the Nokia 9 PureView suggest that the smartphone might sport a Penta-camera setup on the back, along with an LED flash and optical sensor for quick focusing. All this is said to be arranged in a circular fashion within seven cutouts on the back panel. Many reports about the phones cases have also hinted at the same design and camera setup. However, an alleged promo video seemed to be most convincing of the Nokia 9 PureViews design and it also shared the information about the hardware and other known elements. The video showcased the device with an in-display fingerprint sensor and with the Android One branding on the rear, which suggested that it could launch under Googles Android One Program. The Nokia 9 PureView is claimed to feature a 5.99-inch PureDisplay screen with 2K resolution and HDR10 compliance. It could feature an 18:9 aspect ratio with thin side bezels, thick top bezel and a chin. The phone is expected to ship with a metal rear panel with glass protection, suggesting Qi wireless charging support. Under the hood, the Nokia 9 PureView is expected to have a Snapdragon 845 SoC, coupled with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Related Reads: Nokia 9 launch postponed Nokia 9 may sport a 4150 mAH battery Ooredoo Palestine has upgraded and expanded its multi-year software and support agreement with Optiva Inc. Dr. Durgham Maraee, CEO of Ooredoo Palestine, said: By partnering with Optiva, we have been able to utilise their real-time monetisation capabilities and offer superior, flexible and innovative products, services and tariffs to our customers. As a result, we are working to provide our customers with best journey and experience they can get from a telecom operator. At the end of September 2018, Ooredoo Palestine had increased its subscriber base by 57% year-on-year to 1.3 million, and its revenue increased 19% over the same period. It launched services in Gaza in October 2017, then brought 3G services to the West Bank in January 2018. Ooredoo Palestine has been an Optiva customer since 2014, prior to its rebrand from Wataniya Mobile Palestine. Given the competition and volatility in their market, Ooredoo Palestine must select partners that will assist them to design plans that are optimised for growth. With our Business Value consulting team and our product offering, Ooredoo Palestine is able to quickly react to the changing market and drive new growth for their business, said Danielle Royston, CEO of Optiva. Liberty Latin America is currently in discussions over a possible acquisition of Millicom, which has extensive operations in the region. Millicom confirmed that Liberty Latin America had made a preliminary highly conditional non-binding proposal to acquire all shares. LLA also confirmed the proposal, although no valuation has yet been disclosed. A merger between the companies would create a major converged player for the Americas market, as both have a strong presence across the region, with significant overlap in their footprints. Combined, the companies would be able to compete more effectively against the regions heavyweight converged groups, such as America Movil and Telefonica. Liberty Latin America is present in 21 markets across Latin America and the Caribbean. It was formed in January 2018 after being spun off from international cable firm Liberty Global. Its main focus is on cable, and it delivers fixed and internet services to the consumer and B2B sectors as well as connecting 40 markets via a subsea cable network. It also provides mobile services to around 3.5 million subscribers across the Caribbean and Panama. Millicom meanwhile offers mobile services in eight Latin American countries: Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay. According to its own subscriber numbers, it places either first or second by connections in each of these markets. In a bid to offset falling revenue from voice and SMS, in 2016 Millicom began looking to expand into new areas, including fixed-line and cable. In December 2018, it acquired Panama cable firm Cable Onda for $1 billion, strengthening its position in the Central American cable sector. Millicom also has operations in Africa, but increasingly appears to be pulling out of the region. Over the past two years it has sold off units in Senegal and Rwanda, and merged its Ghanaian unit with Airtels operation. Its earnings from the region have been declining in Q3 2018, Africa brought in 8.7% of group revenue, compared to 9.9% for the same period in the previous year and 15% in 2016. SANDY One person was killed in a head-on crash in Sandy on Wednesday. About 8 a.m., a Honda Civic traveling west on 9000 South crossed into oncoming traffic for an unknown reason near 900 East and hit a Mazda 6 head-on, said Sandy Police Sgt. Jason Nielsen. A 33-year-old man driving the Honda was taken to a local hospital where he later died, Nielsen said. A 36-year-old man driving the Mazda suffered only minor injuries, he said. Why the Honda crossed into oncoming traffic was still being investigated. Because the crash involved a fatality, Nielsen said the Unified Police Department's Major Accident Team will take over the investigation. The road at the time was wet but not icy or snow-covered, he said. The name of the man killed was not immediately released. SALT LAKE CITY Rep. Ben McAdams has rescheduled town hall meetings planned for next week in light of Congress canceling a planned recess, while Rep. John Curtis will show up virtually to hear from his constituents. Congress was scheduled to be off for Monday's Martin Luther King Day holiday and the rest of the week but is expected to stay in session if the federal government shutdown is not resolved. So McAdams will now hold a town hall meeting in West Valley City on Saturday, from 1-2 p.m., at the Redwood Recreational Center, 3060 Lester St.; and in Lehi, on Feb. 19, from 6-7 p.m., at Lehi City Council chambers, 153 N. 100 East. And Curtis will take questions at a town hall meeting already scheduled for Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Provo Recreation Center, 320 W. 500 North, in Provo, via Skype, Facebook and Instagram Live. Curtis, who represents the 3rd Congressional District, said he's held more than 100 town hall meetings in the past year and decided rather than canceling Tuesday's, he would attend virtually. McAdams also rescheduled his open house at his 4th Congressional District office in West Jordan. It is now set for Jan. 26, from 1-3 p.m. The district office is located at 9067 S. 1300 West, Suite 101. "I hope rescheduling is not too inconvenient for constituents eager to share their views," the state's newest congressman said in a statement. "Listening to them is a top priority for me and I look forward to seeing as many constituents as possible." Town hall meetings were an issue during McAdams' race against now former Rep. Mia Love. Love, a two-term Republican, was criticized for choosing instead to hold town hall meetings via telephone and in person with small groups of constituents. SALT LAKE CITY Imagine learning your city government blocked construction of a Christian church, expressing concern about the religion's extreme beliefs. You'd probably be outraged, right? You might complain, protest and tell anyone who would listen about America's nonnegotiable religious freedom rights. But what if the house of worship was a mosque? Would you care as much? Religious freedom laws haven't changed in the two scenarios, but if you like Christians more than Muslims, your reaction probably has. A growing body of research shows that Americans' beliefs about religious freedom shift depending on the faith group in need of protection. "What Americans believe about a religious group matters for whether they believe said group's religious freedom rights have been violated," write the co-authors of a new survey dealing with building permits for houses of worship. This finding is troubling, even if it's not surprising, said Logan Strother, one of the survey's co-authors. "Rights are always described as universal, fundamental and human. But what our research is showing is that many people's ideas about rights depend on their attitudes about the group that's benefitting from them," he said. Researchers like Strother don't expect to end in-group favoritism by exposing it. But they do hope to inspire some soul-searching. "I would love people to examine closely what they believe about the nature of rights in the United States. Do they sincerely believe (rights) apply to someone they find despicable? If they do, we'll be OK," said Daniel Bennett, Strother's co-author. What the research says Strother and Bennett's survey is the most recent look at Americans' fickle approach to religious freedom. Over the past six months, research has shown that people's religious backgrounds, relationship to faiths they don't practice and political affiliation affect their views. "The public is polarized on these questions of religious liberty," said Jeremiah Castle, who teaches American government, political behavior and research methods at Central Michigan University. He offered data to back up this claim in a December article for the journal American Politics Research. Castle found that around 40 percent of the public holds a "polarized view" that is, they sympathize with only one side of a debate on birth control coverage, bathroom laws affecting the transgender community or the right of religious business owners to refuse service to LGBT customers, in some of today's top religious freedom debates. "Religious tradition, religious commitment and partisanship are all important factors in predicting or explaining that polarization," he said. We've known for a long time that group attitudes powerfully inform public opinion. People by nature have a strong group orientation. Logan Strother, one of the survey's co-authors In other words, Americans' personal religious beliefs and habits, as well as their political interests, influence their position on religious freedom debates. Bennett and Strother's work adds another item, feelings about a faith group, to this list. In their survey, respondents were told that city officials had blocked either a generic house of worship, an evangelical Christian church or an Islamic mosque and then asked if they supported the decision. The researchers compared responses to each type of structure and then looked at how attitudes toward each faith group affected results. "If you felt more warmly toward one (faith group) than another, it was likely to influence your beliefs" about the scenario, said Bennett, who is an assistant professor of political science at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Nearly all respondents who felt more warmly toward Muslims than evangelical Christians felt the government violated religious freedom protections by blocking construction of a mosque. However, among respondents who felt more warmly toward Christians, only around 40 percent opposed city officials' decision to block the mosque. Andrew Lewis, an associate professor of political science at the University of Cincinnati, is also working on an ongoing project about what influences people's relationship to religious freedom. In one of his initial surveys, he explored how subtle differences in the way a rights violation is presented affect people's reaction. Respondents read about Muslim or Hindu truck drivers who had to choose between transporting beer, which would violate their religious beliefs, or losing their jobs. They then learned that either a prominent liberal or conservative law firm was defending the truck drivers in court. Lewis found that Democratic respondents were more supportive of the religious freedom claims when they were told a liberal law firm represented the drivers. Shifts were less pronounced among Republican respondents. "The real kicker was that Democrats were less opposed to (religious freedom-related) exemptions for conservative Christians after exposure to religious freedom claims by Hindus or Muslims," Lewis said. Why consistency matters All of this research shows that religious freedom rights aren't inalienable, at least in the court of public opinion, experts said. People care more about protecting the faith groups they like and supporting members of their political party than they do about consistency. That shouldn't be surprising, noted Strother, an assistant professor of political science at Purdue University. "We've known for a long time that group attitudes powerfully inform public opinion," he said. "People by nature have a strong group orientation." Even so, recent surveys are troubling. Human rights are strongest when they're universally applied, said Katherine Franke, a professor of law, gender and sexuality studies at Columbia University. As soon as you limit religious freedom rights of one group, your own rights are in jeopardy. Daniel Bennett, co-author for the study "We need to stand up for people we don't agree with because the principle at stake affects us all," she said. Failing to defend less popular faith groups can backfire on more powerful groups in the future, Bennett noted. When government officials see they can prevent the construction of a new mosque without pushback, they may be empowered to block a Christian church, too. "As soon as you limit religious freedom rights of one group, your own rights are in jeopardy," he said. Additionally, supporting only those religious claims that benefit members of your group narrows the pool of people willing to listen to your arguments, Lewis said. His research showed that Democrats become more receptive to the religious freedom claims of conservative Christians when they're primed to think about claims made by minority faith groups. Christians should keep that in mind, he noted. "If conservative Christians were supporting religious freedom inclusively, they'd have more ammunition to make their own public arguments," Lewis said. Improving today's debates It will likely take more than a few studies to change how Americans approach religious freedom, Franke said. There's still a lot of confusion about what this right guarantees, and cultural and political factors complicate efforts to address it. "I think average Americans don't really know what the free exercise of religion means," she said. "There are several well-funded advocacy organizations pushing a radical interpretation" that only benefits them. America is also becoming more religiously diverse, and the political environment is growing more polarized. In light of these trends, some faith groups feel they need to look out for themselves, even at the expense of other believers, Lewis said. "People think the other side will never respect their religious freedom claims," he said. But Lewis and other researchers still believe their recent studies benefit more than their careers. They think showing how in-group biases affect religious freedom debates will change some hearts. "Ideally, this will spark conversations. That is the hope," Strother said. All Americans should embrace a more inclusive approach to religious freedom, Lewis said, adding, "That's how pluralistic societies can function best." SOUTH SALT LAKE South Salt Lake police on Wednesday identified a 26-year-old woman allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend. The body of Ashley Vigil was found in an apartment, 820 W. 3900 South, early Tuesday. The woman's boyfriend, Angelo Terry Kirstine 24, was arrested and booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of murder. Grid View Police investigate a homicide at the Eight20 apartments where a 34-year-old female victim was stabbed in South Salt Lake on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Police investigate a homicide at the Eight20 apartments where a 34-year-old female victim was stabbed in South Salt Lake on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Police investigate a homicide at the Eight20 apartments where a 34-year-old female victim was stabbed in South Salt Lake on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News Angelo Terry Kirstine Tributes and messages of condolence filled social media as word of Vigil's death spread. "Omg! My heart just dropped. I was talking to Ashley the other day! She was such a caring girl and always remained a close friend to me! Im absolutely devastated," one woman posted on Facebook. "Im so lost for words right now. Ashley you were my best friend. We had so many memories and we were supposed to have so much more. I never thought this would ever happen to you. Youre such an amazing beautiful person that didnt deserve this and now Im so lost knowing youre not here anymore," wrote another. "You where such a great person Im so and always there to make people feel better, no matter what you're an angel now and you're at peace, this harsh world cant hurt you anymore," another woman posted. Some made reference to the senseless killing and encouraged others who are victims of domestic violence to seek help. "Why are people so cold. I never would have thought she would be gone this young. And because of someone's anger. It blows my mind," a woman posted on Facebook. "And for whoever reading this if you are in an abusive relationship please get help. It's not fair. Nobody should be taken out this way." A motive for the killing had not been released as of Wednesday morning. Investigators also have not said how long Vigil was dead before her body was discovered. At some point after the killing, Kirstine went to his grandparents' home to tell them something had happened, according to police. While half of the family took Kirstine to the psychiatric unit at University of Utah Hospital, the grandfather went to Kirstine's apartment where he found Vigil and called police. According to a Salt Lake County Jail report, "(Kirstine) was reported to have suffered from mental health-related disorders and had violent tendencies as a result of those mental health-related issues." South Salt Lake police were called to the hospital where they placed Kirstine under arrest. Kirstine was on parole at the time of his arrest. He was convicted in two separate cases of robbery in 2013 and sentenced to one to 15 years at the Utah State Prison, according to court records. He was released from prison on parole in October. In 2012 Kirstine was charged twice with aggravated assault in a pair of domestic violence-related incidents. Both cases were eventually thrown out when witnesses failed to come to court. Help for people in abusive relationships can be found by contacting the YWCA's Women in Jeopardy program at 801-537-8600, or the confidential statewide Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-897-LINK (5465). Resources are also available online at udvc.org. WELLINGTON, Carbon County A semitrailer crashed into a popular restaurant in Wellington just off U.S. 6 Wednesday morning, destroying the building. Amazingly, there were only minor injuries even though one of the owners was trapped in the collapsed structure. "Currently those involved in the accident are being treated at Castleview Hospital with only minor injuries. The business involved is obviously closed," Wellington police posted on their Facebook page early Wednesday. The crash at Los Jilbertos Mexican Food, 15 W. Main, about 6:30 a.m. caused the roof to collapse. The restaurant was open for business at the time, but UHP Sgt. Nick Street said he did not know if there were any customers inside. When troopers arrived at the scene, the owner was waiting outside and said his wife was trapped inside. "They called out to the (woman) who advised she was uninjured. Officers entered the collapsed building, extracting (her)," the UHP stated. The two owners and the truck driver were taken to a local hospital to be treated for various minor injuries, Street said. The truck was going too fast for the snowy and slushy conditions and collided with the restaurant, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. Investigators were also looking into a report that a witness also saw the semi driving erratically prior to crashing, Street said. Online, residents reacted in disbelief as pictures of the wreckage were posted. "They have the best breakfast burritos and the owners and staff are the nicest people! I hope they can rebuild," one woman posted on Facebook. "Best Mexican restaurant in Carbon County! Hope everyone is OK!" wrote another. By Wednesday afternoon, a GoFundMe link had been set up to help the beloved restaurant and its owners. "This restaurant was the sole income for this family and they will need our help during this tragic loss! Los Jilbertos was more than just a Mexican restaurant. This place created so many lasting friendships and a sense of community," according to the fundraiser. Wellington police said several roads were closed and power turned off as crews rummaged through the remains. Classes at nearby Wellington Elementary School were also canceled, police said. "It isn't always easy to put the public good ahead of personal and partisan interests," Hogan said, "If it were, then leaders like George H.W. Bush, John McCain, and my dad would not have stood out from their contemporaries as much as they did." Editor's note: This is the 10th of a weekly series featuring highlights from a KSL investigative podcast series titled "Cold" that reports new information about the case of missing Utah woman Susan Powell. PUYALLUP, Wash. West Valley police planned to facilitate a meeting between Josh Powell and a woman on a Washington commuter train in November 2010, in the hopes of learning new information about the disappearance of Powells wife nearly a year earlier. The woman was an undercover officer. She intended to gain Powells trust and use friendship or possibly even romance to gain new information about the presumed murder of Susan Powell. Details of the plan were never made public. They are coming to light for the first time in Episode 10 of the investigative podcast series "Cold." Unemployment Powell had struggled to maintain employment in the months following his wifes disappearance on Dec. 7, 2009. Hed lost his job at Aspen Logistics, where hed worked as a computer programmer, for repeatedly failing to show up for shifts or check in with his manager. At the start of 2010, Powell relocated from West Valley City to his father Steve Powells home in South Hill, Washington. He discussed his unemployment situation in a conversation with his estranged older sister, Jennifer Graves, when she visited the home on Jan. 22, 2010. Graves, unbeknownst to her brother, was wearing a hidden microphone as part of an operation with police designed to draw a confession from Josh Powell. My only thought right now is it would be pretty stupid to take a pay cut, to go to work for a pay cut, compared to unemployment, Josh Powell said on the recording. I figure Ill look for IT jobs. On Sept. 8, 2010, Steve Powell wrote in his journal that his son had at last secured work. This is Joshs second week at Microsoft, Steve Powell wrote. He is quite happy there, but incessantly worries that someone will confront him on his wifes disappearance and he will be let go. He lost the first job that hired him the day before he started, after signing contracts and passing their background check. The Microsoft job required Josh Powell to commute between South Hill and Bellevue. He took the Sounder train from Puyallup to Seattle, then used a shuttle to get between Seattle and Bellevue. Detectives soon learned of his new job but became more interested in the question of how Powell spent his free time. Their surveillance suggested that he had not become romantically involved with anyone since his wifes disappearance. Tammy Forman taught Powells oldest son Charlie in kindergarten at Carson Elementary. I didnt feel like Josh was interested in me romantically. I guess our administrative assistant felt that from him and was creeped out, Forman said. She started wearing a fake wedding ring because she didnt want him to be interested in her. Undercover operation Retired West Valley police detective Ellis Maxwell, who served as lead investigator on the case, believed Powell might respond to an advance from a sympathetic woman. We had to be creative and try to get Josh to disclose and give us some information, Maxwell said. Obviously youre going to get more intel, get more information, hes going to be more open and receptive to a female. Maxwell and two other detectives, as well as a West Valley police lieutenant, traveled from Utah to Washington in early November 2010 to carry out the undercover operation. Their plan immediately went awry. Powell had not said much to the media since December 2009. On Nov. 3, 2010, he broke his silence in an interview with the Salt Lake Tribune. He said that his wife was extremely unstable and would be chewed up like hamburger when she returned. The Tribune published a story including those quotes days later. Powell lost his job a short time later and stopped making the commute to Bellevue. Josh basically got himself fired from his job because they learned who he was and hes in front of the media, Maxwell said. That happened literally, like the day before our operation. Powell went into seclusion upon losing his job. In a formal report, Maxwell wrote that Powells behavior was lower key and that he didnt move around much. Powell ultimately killed himself and his sons, Charlie and Braden, on Feb. 5, 2012. He was never arrested or charged with a crime in connection with Susan Powells disappearance. Maxwell believes the undercover operation could have helped avoid that outcome, if not for a stroke of bad luck. It was a great plan, Maxwell said. I think it wouldve gave us some information. Who knows how much Josh wouldve disclosed over the period of time? Subscribe for free to the KSL podcast at thecoldpodcast.com. Engage with "Cold" on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @thecoldpodcast. SALT LAKE CITY In year one, this company innovated a new product that is aiming to replace skin grafts, using the patient's own skin cells to create a gel that regrows skin over a burned or wounded area. In year two, the company evolved its technology to do the same thing with bone tissue, which can be used to help regrow bone loss due to injury or disease. In that same two years, PolarityTE grew from two to 200 employees, expanded from a 4,000-square-foot space at the University of Utah's Research Park to 400,000 square feet of facilities and, on Tuesday, hosted a grand opening of an expansive new lab space on Salt Lake City's west side. But Polarity co-founder and CEO Dr. Denver Lough, a San Francisco native who was a burn specialist at Johns Hopkins Medical Center before launching his startup, keeps getting a question that seems to ignore the astounding medical progress his company is making. Why are you in Utah? Lough said Utah was not on the radar in the effort's early days when financing a new company was the most important first task, but a fortuitous meeting with a potential investor in the state led to some revelations. "To be completely honest, prior to communicating with a venture capital firm that had contacted us, Utah was not on the map," Lough said. "But then we heard about the robust networks that were in place in the biotech space and were introduced to numerous companies and individuals that convinced us to seriously consider the option." Lough said Utah's central location also played in its favor, since Polarity would ultimately be manufacturing products that would have very definite, and critical considerations in both receiving sensitive biological samples from patients and their caregivers, and a time-critical turnaround in returning the treatment products. And there was the more simple matter of the cost of doing business. "I am from the Bay Area and my co-founder is from Boston," Lough said. "Both are vibrant centers for medical research and technology but both places can be incredibly expensive locations for launching a business." So, in a sort of reverse migration, running opposite of a trend of Utah's homegrown talent seeking their fortunes in the coastal hotbeds of innovation, Lough and company brought their idea to the Beehive State. And, he said it's a decision that hasn't caused him a moment of regret. "Truly, there is a great foundation of biotech here with Myriad Genetics and BioFire just two examples," Lough said. "What we've found is just incredible human capital, being fed by BYU, the U. and Utah State. And, we've been able to bring talent back into the state, with people who left years ago due to a lack of opportunities in life sciences." Lough said the company has also been able to just do more than they could have elsewhere with the $140 million the company has raised through a modified merger and secondary offering. Currently, Polarity is able to process a harvested skin sample into SkinTE in as little as three hours and can, in many cases, both receive, produce and return the treatment in a single day. BioUtah President and CEO Kelvyn Cullimore, himself a veteran of the life sciences industry having co-founded and run the Cottonwood Heights-based medical device company Dynatronics, said a new and welcome trend is emerging in the Utah biotech space. "What we're starting to see is startups both making the decision to stay here to develop their innovations and move here to do the same," Cullimore said. "Recursion Pharmaceuticals and PolarityTE are two great examples of the kinds of companies we're attracting." While Polarity's new space, currently housing the processing of both SkinTE and OsteoTE treatment products, as well as the company's research and development lab it calls the Advanced Research Center, has plenty of room for growth, Lough said there's so much more on the horizon. Lough hinted that Polarity is aggressively pursuing expansion of the company's core technology and believes there are opportunities on the near horizon to do the same regenerative techniques to produce ligament and cartilage tissue, cardiac tissue, lung tissue, gastrointestinal tissue and even the potential to regenerate the tissues of hollow and solid organs. "What keeps me up at night is not short-sellers or competition it's trying to keep up with the work," Lough said. "Deciding how to prioritize and pursue next steps effectively and efficiently." For more on PolarityTE visit polarityte.com. SALT LAKE CITY A man accused of forcing four missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to give him money essentially kidnapping and robbing them at knife and gunpoint now faces eight first-degree felonies. Michael Jon Willie, 25, of West Jordan, was charged Tuesday in 3rd District Court with four counts of aggravated kidnapping and four counts of aggravated robbery, all first-degree felonies. On Friday, while at an apartment complex in West Jordan, Willie approached the four missionaries and pointed a gun at them, according to charging documents. "All four missionaries were on edge from that point on," the charges state. Willie demanded money, but the men told them they did not have any, according to the charges. The missionaries offered to go to a nearby gas station/convenience store and get money for him. While walking to store, Willie told the men that he had "killed people, dealt drugs and ran guns," the charges state. "The four victims believed that the suspect would have shot them because of his intoxication state if they did not comply," police wrote in a Salt Lake County Jail affidavit. One missionary was able to send a text to his former landlord stating, "Hey, some crazy dude with a gun is making us buy stuff at the Exxon," according to court documents. Willie is also accused of pulling a knife on the group and demanding beer, according to court documents. The men bought food for Willie and got $20 cash back, the charges state. After exiting the gas station, the missionaries ran to their car and drove off, the charges state. When police found Willie, he was carrying a $20 bill and a package of beef jerky from the Exxon, according to court documents. He was arrested. Prosecutors have asked that Willie be held on $100,000 bail. While patrons and employees at the Fashion Place Mall first reacted to sounds of gunfire as a possible assault by a mass shooter, the reality of what is suspected to have happened there on Sunday is disturbing in its own right. It is an example of the prevalence and persistence of gang-related violence along the Wasatch Front. The incident is among perhaps a dozen separate cases of gang-involved shootings in only the past several months. Because it occurred at a popular and crowded venue, the case will receive prominence in news coverage, even though the nature of the incident itself is by no means uncommon. And despite efforts on the state and local level to beef up tactics to reduce gang activity, incidents of violent confrontation and other crimes connected to gang membership continue to rise. The National Gang Center, a resource organization for law enforcement and community groups, regularly tracks incidents of gang violence, and its current list is full of reports of cases involving gang members in Utah accused of violence with guns. One involves another shooting at another shopping mall. In that case, a 19-year-old gang member is accused of firing at another gang member outside the Valley Fair Mall on Sept. 9. He is also accused of firing twice at a car following a confrontation with rival gang members outside the Jordan Landing shopping district in West Jordan on Sept. 17. The two men arrested in the Fashion Place shooting are also 19 years old, validating the concerns of police agencies regarding the rising rate of violent incidents among younger offenders. Statewide crime statistics show that of the 80 homicides that occurred in 2017, more than a quarter of the victims were under 21 years old. Among the cases in which charges were filed, 16 of them involved defendants also under the age of 21. Fifteen other suspects were between 22 and 26 years old and, according to police, the majority of assailants and victims in those cases had documented gang ties. That years wave of juvenile gang violence prompted the Utah Legislature in the 2018 session to pass a resolution calling for a stepped-up effort to address gang activity among police agencies, schools and community groups. The Concurrent Resolution on Reducing Gang Activity referenced increasing incidents of gang-related violence and homicides in Utah, and called for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to curb gang-related behavior by focusing on ways to effectively intervene in neighborhoods where gang recruitment is prevalent. While legislative resolutions are more about encouragement than requirement, its appropriate to inquire now as to how much, if any impact that policy message has had in the year since. A focus on gang activity is unquestionably a priority among most law enforcement agencies, and there are a variety of programs in schools to ameliorate the problem. What more can be done on a statewide level? Thats a good follow-up question for this years Legislature. The roots of gang formation are complex and deeply entrenched. They are a cultural manifestation of various influences, not the least of which are inter-generational poverty and a pattern of disconnection of some groups from the broader community. The upsetting incident at Fashion Place again sheds light on a problem that wont be reversed without focused and long-term efforts across levels of government, family and community interaction. The National Rifle Association was once a public-spirited organization whose goals were hunter safety and marksmanship. This policy lasted into the 1970s, when the NRA was led by Maxwell Rich, a Utahn. In 1977, Rich was unseated by dissident NRA board members. Now, the NRAs purpose is almost solely driven by the interests of gun manufacturers and dealers that profit from the demand for and proliferation of firearms. The NRA advances and protects these interests through its industry-financed lobbying for permissive gun laws and resistance to any restrictions on gun ownership or usage. In 2018, U.S. gun deaths reached 40,000 about the same as automobile fatalities a real public-safety epidemic. In 1992, my son was murdered by a Stanford graduate student who had no legal right to own a gun. The following year, my wife and I helped found an organization to reduce gun violence, now known as the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah. Sadly, since the change of NRA policy, we have witnessed an ever-increasing number of permissive firearms laws that have contributed to the current gun violence crisis. The Utah Legislature abandoned the previous law requiring a citizen to show the need for a concealed weapon permit in favor of one that allows nearly any citizen without a criminal record to obtain the permit. I witnessed the celebration of this bill's passage in the presence of then-Gov. Mike Leavitt and Rob Bishop. There were promises that guns would never be allowed in schools, churches, restaurants, taverns, playgrounds and college campuses. Thus began the slippery slope of abandoning all promises of limitations by the Legislature and an unconscionable increase in permissive gun laws. Utah became a cheap source for concealed-weapon permits, and now more permits are sold to out-of-state applicants than to Utah citizens. Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico are among the 19 states that do not honor Utahs concealed-weapon permits, finding the requirements to obtain the permit to be inadequate. After the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut, the Utah Legislature refused to pass any reasonable gun regulation, instead allowing teachers to be armed in the classroom. Now that the federal government allows the sale and possession of assault rifles, any restricted person in Utah can easily access these mass-killing weapons through the private sales loopholes in our Utah background-check system. It has been a disappointing 26 years since my son was killed, but now there is a ray of hope for reasonable gun regulations. The mass shooting in Las Vegas and the Parkland School shooting in Florida have galvanized citizens. Most significantly, high school students have taken up the cause of demanding a safer environment for everyone. This year will mark the first time the Utah Legislature will address a series of reasonable gun regulations designed to reduce deaths and injuries from gun violence. Universal background checks, child access prevention, safe gun storage, a red-flag law, bump-stock ban and liability for loaning a gun to a prohibited person are among the good gun bills being proposed. Canadas rate of death from firearms is roughly a fifth that of the U.S. rate. There is no reason Utahns can't be just as safe from gun violence as Canadians. We don't have to accept the status quo. Our young children should not have to endure frightening lockdown drills. Needed gun regulations can be achieved without violating the Second Amendment. No one should have to endure the unnecessary loss of a loved one, particularly the death of a child. It violates the promise of the world's oldest democracy of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Since my son's death, 750,000 Americans have lost their lives because of someone who should never have had a gun. This state and the nation have done little to protect their citizens from gun violence. The time for change is now. OREM The man accused of shooting and killing Provo police officer Joseph Shinners is a step closer to facing formal criminal charges. On Tuesday, Orem police detectives sent their case to the Utah County Attorney's Office to be screened for formal charges. Police are recommending that Matt Frank Hoover, 40, be charged with aggravated murder, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a restricted person, methamphetamine possession, evading, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia, Orem Police Chief Gary Giles told the Deseret News. It will be up to the county attorney to decide whether to charge Hoover with some or all of those counts. That decision could be made any day. On Jan. 5, officers from the Provo and Orem police departments were attempting to arrest Hoover, who was spotted in a pickup truck in the parking lot of Bed Bath and Beyond, 50 W. University Parkway in Orem. Hoover had two warrants out for his arrest and had allegedly made threatening comments toward police that he did not want to go back to jail. Giles said Tuesday that as officers approached his vehicle, Hoover actually tried to drive away. In cellphone video recorded by a witness, officers can be seen on both sides of Hoover's pickup truck. Shinners is standing on the passenger side, where the door is open. "The evidence still is that there was one shot each. The evidence is still showing the suspect fired one round which hit officer Shinners, and officer Shinners is the one who shot and hit Hoover," Giles said. The chief confirmed Tuesday that Shinners was wearing a bullet-proof vest. However, he was shot on a part of his body that was not covered by the vest. In the video, Shinners is seen hobbling around Hoover's truck after being shot, and then kneeling down on the pavement. Other officers on scene, who were trying to pull Hoover out of the truck and arrest him, were not initially aware that Shinners had been shot. "They didn't realize what had happened," the chief said. "I mean, a lot of the officers that were there, there was so much confusion, especially with the fact the vehicle had moved, so it had hit into the building and then he was trying to get away." The witness who recorded the video can be heard talking about shots being fired. But Giles said the only two shots fired were inside the cab of the truck. He believes what witnesses actually heard was the sound of officers pounding on the driver's side window, trying to break out the glass. Hoover has been in the hospital ever since the incident, under guard by agents from Adult Probation and Parole. "He is improving. We suspect he will probably be released from the hospital within the next few days and most likely then be transported to the county jail," Giles said. Although the case has been turned over to the Utah County Attorney's Office, Giles said there is still a lot of follow-up investigation to do. In addition, the officer-involved shooting investigation is ongoing. Giles said both police departments have been extremely busy since the shooting, and he expects both chiefs to get together soon to talk about the status of both investigations. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump convened a teleconference Tuesday with more than 800 state and local leaders, reiterating that he will not change his mind on the border wall and asking them to put pressure on their Democratic representatives in Congress to negotiate. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert's director of federal affairs Gordon Larsen was among those on the 10-minute call, in which Trump urged participants to pressure Democrats to allocate money for a border wall. "He does not have plans to back down and will continue on the current shutdown strategy for as long as it takes," Larsen said. Participants were briefed beforehand that a senior official in the White House administration would be on the call, he said, so it was a surprise when Trump personally came on the line. "These calls are fairly routine with the administration, but this is the first time I've been on one where the president weighed in," Larsen said. As the shutdown prepares to enter its 26th day Wednesday, Trump and the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives remain at an impasse over funding for a border wall, or some sort of physical barrier with Mexico to add to fencing that already exists along a portion of the border. That barrier was a clarion call during Trump's campaign and during the 2016 presidential election that ended with his victory that stunned pollsters and his opponent, Hillary Clinton. House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., have said they will not fund the $5 billion Trump wants for some sort of barrier. Trump, backed by GOP leadership in the U.S. Senate, said he will not endorse any spending package that doesn't include money for border security, including a wall of some sort. During Tuesday's brief call, in which Trump did not take questions, Larsen said the president recited statistics about crime on the Southwest border and the need to address the humanitarian crisis. "There was very little discussion about the shutdown itself. It was focused entirely on the border issue. He wants (people) to weigh in and stay strong and convey their support for the president's strategy and stay united." Larsen had a meeting in Washington, D.C., Tuesday with Rep. Ben McAdams, D-Utah, but they did not discuss the border wall or shutdown, McAdams spokeswoman Alyson Heyrend said. McAdams voted in favor of a funding bill Tuesday that would have reopened the government through Feb. 1, but it did not pass. Utah's newest congressman wants government to reopen and negotiations on the wall to happen after that. He is not opposed to a border wall in some locations, he said. "We need to protect the border. In some places that probably is a barrier of some kind. In other places its probably better technology, McAdams said Tuesday. Congress, he said, is having a very rudimentary conversation about a wall or no wall when it should be talking about how to safeguard the border. He said hes willing to make concessions to find common ground. Instead of playing checkers, lets play chess on border security. Thats what were not doing right now, he said. "Let's not have it in the context of a gun to the head of the American people in a shutdown. Let's open the government." Even as Utah officials are focused on keeping government functioning at a local level in light of the shutdown, they're watching the fight over the border wall closely because of gang crime and illicit drugs. "I think that is pretty clear that what happens at the border doesn't just stay there," Larsen said. "It is something that bleeds up into every state. I think the conversation is relevant, not just to border states." Herbert and the state have not taken an official position on the controversy over the border wall, he said, but the governor is frustrated that lawmakers can't come to a resolution. Contributing: Ladd Egan MURRAY The Murray Police Department will conduct a hunter education course beginning Wednesday, Jan. 23. The six-class course is mandatory for any Utah resident born after Dec. 31, 1965, who wishes to apply for or obtain a Utah hunting license or permit. However, it is recommended students be 12 or older. The classes will be held Jan 23, 24, 28, 29 and 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Feb. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Murray Police Training Center, 136 W. Vine St. Students must attend all six classes to complete certification. The classes, taught by Murray police officers, allow students to become familiar with general gun safety procedures, learn proper firearm handling and how to handle situations involving firearms. The only cost associated with this class is the purchase of a $10 hunter education voucher, which must be purchased prior to a the class. Vouchers can be purchased from any state license agent or Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office. After obtaining the voucher, participants should contact the police administrative offices at 801-264-2673 to advise it of how many students will be attending. Upon successful completion of the class. students will be issued a certificate of completion. The blue card is not issued at the completion of the class but is mailed from the wildlife resources division and usually takes two to four weeks to arrive at the address listed on the voucher. Party loyalty, he said, and personal affection and precedents of the past must fall before the arbiter of mens actions: the law itself. No man, not even the president of the United States, is above the law. For our system of justice and our system of government to survive, we must pledge our highest allegiance to the strength of the law and not to the common frailties of man. To create the center, CASA is overhauling the old Belnord Theater, which CASA said was one of the few in the city that was never racially segregated. It stands near the Patterson Park branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library and across the street from a wedge-shaped park known as Library Square. The building dates back nearly a century, but movies havent been shown there for decades. It was used most recently as a budget furniture store. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) The Department of Justice (DOJ) has denied the appeal of Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC) and its president Maria Ressa over the tax evasion charges filed against them last November. In a resolution dated November 29, 2018 and released January 15, 2019, the department said it has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Ressa and the company in relation to the five counts of tax fraud charges. "After judiciously going over the evidence anew together with the issues raised in the motions, we have found no sustainable ground to reverse, set aside, or modify the assailed resolution," the document read. "We are, however, standing by our conviction that in so far as the subject securities and the related transactional activities are concerned, movant RHC (Rappler Holdings Corporation) is deemed to have dealer status within the contemplation of the Tax Code," it further noted. The DOJ in November accused the president of RHC, parent firm of news website Rappler, for failure to file income and value-added tax returns in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the Tax Code. Four of these tax cases were filed before the Court of Tax Appeals on November 26 and 28, while a fifth one was separately filed at the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 265 also in November. Ressa had posted bail of 264,000. In March, the Bureau of Internal Revenue filed a 133.8-million tax evasion case against the company. In this Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, file photo President Donald Trump tours the U.S. border with Mexico at the Rio Grande on the southern border in McAllen, Texas. Bogus bills that are being used in Media Borough King of Prussia man jailed for trying to solicit sex from a minor online An anti-Brexit activist calling for a Peoples Vote holds a flag during a demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament in central London on Wednesday. (Photo: AP) London: Prime Minister Theresa May was expected to win a confidence vote on Wednesday despite a crushing defeat over her Brexit deal that triggered warnings of a chaotic no-deal divorce. MPs on Tuesday rejected Mays deal on leaving the European Union, leaving the Brexit process in limbo with just 73 days to go before the official departure date. May suffered the biggest government defeat in modern British history when the House of Commons rejected by 432 votes to 202 the deal she struck with Brussels last year after 18 months of negotiation. The EU immediately warned that the vote raises the risk of a hugely disruptive no deal Brexit where Britain could sever ties with its biggest trading partner overnight. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged London to clarify its intentions as soon as possible, while EU negotiator Michel Barnier said he regretted profoundly the vote. German Chancellor Merkel offered May some hope, saying we still have time to negotiate but were now waiting on what the prime minister proposes.Ireland, the only EU member state with a land border with Britain, said it would now intensify preparations for a disorderly Brexit, with foreign minister Simon Coveney calling on colleagues to hold their nerve. May struck a conciliatory tone after the vote, promising cross-party talks to try and salvage a workable Brexit deal before returning with a new plan next on Monday. The prime ministers own backbenchers rebelled in huge numbers over the divorce deal, but the ringleaders said they would still back her in the confidence vote scheduled for around 1900 GMT. We are going to vote with the government... of course the Conservatives are going to support the Conservative government, leading Brexiteer Steve Baker told the BBC. The motion was tabled by opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who wants to force a general election. Mays parliamentary allies in Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party have led charge against her Brexit deal, but do not want a Labour government. Ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum, most lawmakers including May opposed Brexit, which has caused bitter divisions across the nation. Nearly three years later, they are still to form a majority consensus around any plan. Former foreign minister and leading Brexit supporter Boris Johnson said Tuesdays vote gave May a massive mandate to renegotiate her deal with the EU. DUP leader Arlene Foster, whose small party props up Mays government in the Commons, also called for fundamental change to the Brexit deal. Seville: Spain's powerful feminist movement rallied across the country on Tuesday against far-right party Vox for seeking to scrap tough laws against gender violence which it argues "criminalises" men. Thousands of people, mainly women, gathered outside Andalusia's regional parliament in Seville, where Vox will Wednesday endorse a conservative coalition government made up of the Popular Party and Ciudadanos, putting an end to 36 years of Socialist rule in Spain's most populous region. The demonstrators -- many wearing purple, a colour long associated with gender equality -- chanted "Our rights are not negotiable". Crowds gathered across the country in the evening for protests against Vox, notably in the capital Madrid and Barcelona, the country's second-largest city. "We have to keep fighting with all means at our disposal against machismo violence," said Seville campaigner Isabel Britos, 48. The main slogan for the protests called by feminist groups is: "No step backwards in terms of equality". Feminists are angered because Vox has made scrapping tough laws against gender violence one of its main priorities. The party says these laws encourage unfounded complaints against men by women "without scruples". Vox, which also campaigns against illegal immigration, has also called for an end to "subsidised radical feminist associations". The party won a surprising 12 seats in Andalusia's parliament in a regional election last month. It initially made scrapping Spain's gender violence laws a condition for its support for a Popular Party-Ciudadanos coalition government in the region, prompting an outcry. It eventually dropped the demand. "Denying gender violence and the need for policies of equality is a radical position which is outside of democratic norms," Socialist Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said Tuesday. Vox's leader in Andalusia, Francisco Serrano, sparked new controversy earlier Tuesday by calling the feminist mobilisation "kale borroka" -- a reference to street violence by youths who supported the armed Basque separatist group ETA in Spain's northern Basque Country. Vox's performance last month in Andalusia was the first time a far-right party has won representation in a Spanish regional parliament since the country returned to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. It has reshuffled the political cards in Spain with polls showing that Vox along with the PP and Ciudadanos could win a majority at the national level as well. Before Vox's rise, the fight against gender violence enjoyed wide cross-party support in Spain. The Spanish parliament in 2004 unanimously passed Europe's first law specifically cracking down on gender-based violence that offered free legal aid and established special courts for victims. Around 50 women are killed each year in Spain by their romantic partner or former partner. Each death receives intense media coverage and is condemned by parties across the political spectrum. The protests against Vox come less than two months before feminist groups in Spain mark International Women's Day on March 8 with another strike. Last year over five million men and women took part in an unprecedented two-hour strike held on International Women's Day. If were supposed to have nine people and we only have five, he said, workers often rush to refuel planes in time to avoid the company being charged for delays. The Taliban have refused repeatedly to meet directly with representatives of the Kabul government (Photo: File) Kabul: The Taliban issued a statement Tuesday threatening to end contact with the US even as Washington's peace envoy makes another round of the region in pursuit of a negotiated end to Afghanistan's protracted conflict before a frustrated President Donald Trump makes good on his 2016 campaign promise to end America's involvement. Earlier in the day, the US Embassy in Kabul said Zalmay Khalilzad had arrived in Kabul following visits to India, the United Arab Emirates and China. Khalilzad was to meet President Ashraf Ghani, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other political leaders to discuss the next steps in US efforts to get an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process started. The Taliban have refused repeatedly to meet directly with representatives of the Kabul government. According to the insurgent statement, the US agreed in meetings in November on a two-point agenda: Withdrawal of foreign troops and guarantees that Afghanistan would not again be used as it was by al-Qaida to plot attacks on other countries. The statement accused Washington of seeking to expand the agenda, presumably a reference to a US demand that the Taliban hold direct talks with the Afghan government. Meanwhile, Khalilzad was expected in Pakistan following his meetings in the Afghan capital. There were reports Tuesday that Pakistan had arrested Taliban leader Hafiz Mohibullah in Peshawar, in northwest Pakistan near the border with Afghanistan. Taliban officials, who confirmed the arrest, said he was later released. Mohibullah is a member of the Taliban political commission based in Pakistan. Previously he was head of the Taliban military commission overseeing operations in 18 norther and eastern provinces. Samsung has been in the news recently as theyre preparing to launch the Galaxy M-series in India. While plans may be underway for the late June launch, it appears that they are working on another handset that aims to impact Xiaomis stronghold on the country. As per a report by GSMArena, the brands A-series phones promise some big changes and with it, we now have a look at a leaked benchmark showing the RAM and processor of the Galaxy A50. As per the report by GSMArena, the Galaxy A50 has been already certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance and the latest Geekbench score confirms the 6GB RAM that it will sport. The report adds that this isnt the first time the handset has made an appearance as it had been spotted before with a different model number that had been designated for a different market with a 4GB RAM variant alongside a Samsung Exynos 9610 chipset. As of now, details about the handset are pretty slim but rumours suggest that it will come equipped with a 4000mAh battery and a 24MP rear camera. There is also a distinct possibility that Galaxy A50 could have wireless charging and an in-display fingerprint scanner similar to the one used on the OnePlus 6T. In related news, Samsung India will be the first country to launch the new Galaxy M series smartphones later this month on January 28. The handset is said to be inspired by millennials and designed solely in India. The handset will have a 6.3-inch LCD display sporting a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels with a 19:5:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of 408 PPI. The Samsung Galaxy M20 will be kept alive by a whopping 5000mAh battery. The handset is expected to measure in at 156.4 x 74.5 x 8.8 mm and weigh 183g. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. The Department of Justice said conspirators sent fake emails to SEC employees that appeared to be from other employees, enabling Ieremenko and Radchenko to steal filings through phishing attacks and by installing malware on SEC computers. (Photo: Representational Image) US authorities on Tuesday charged a suspected Ukrainian computer hacker and several traders with scheming to trade on market-moving corporate earnings news stolen from a US Securities and Exchange Commission database. The charges against 10 defendants, including two charged criminally, relate to a suspected 2016 intrusion into Edgar, the SECs corporate filing system used by public companies and money managers. Authorities said the scheme resulted in USD 4.14 million of illegal trading profit and cheated ordinary investors. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton said the case illustrated the significant threats that cybercrime poses to US markets, including from outside US borders, and that his agency is not immune despite efforts to bolster its cyber defences. Authorities said Oleksandr Ieremenko, 26, and Artem Radchenko, 27, both of Kiev, used a Lithuanian server to hack into Edgar and obtain thousands of test filings, including 157 earnings announcements and shared their findings with traders. The Department of Justice said conspirators sent fake emails to SEC employees that appeared to be from other employees, enabling Ieremenko and Radchenko to steal filings through phishing attacks and by installing malware on SEC computers. Ieremenko and Radchenko were charged with computer fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy in a 16-count indictment filed with the federal court in Newark, New Jersey. The SEC filed related civil charges accusing six individuals and two companies in the United States, Russia and Ukraine of reaping the USD 4.14 million of gains from May to October 2016, with some profits kicked back to Ieremenko. Two Los Angeles residents, Sungjin Cho and David Kwon, are among the defendants in the SEC case, which seeks to impose fines and recoup illegal gains. Ieremenko was also charged. None of the defendants could immediately be reached for comment, and their lawyers could not immediately be identified. Companies sometimes submit test filings to ensure their actual SEC filings will be processed correctly. Test filings are not typically supposed to contain sensitive nonpublic data, but the SEC said some do. Ieremenko has been at large since being criminally charged in 2015 over the theft of more than 150,000 corporate press releases from Berkshire Hathaway Incs Business Wire, West Corps Marketwired and Cision Ltds CISN.N PR Newswire. More than 40 defendants were criminally or civilly charged in that scheme, which US authorities said generated more than USD 100 million of trading profit over 5-1/2 years. The SEC said Ieremenko turned his attention to Edgar after the newswire scheme ended. The cases are US v. Radchenko, US District Court, District of New Jersey; and SEC v Ieremenko et al in the same court, No. 19-00505. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. At present, Nokia has around 6,000 employees in Finland. Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia is cutting 350 jobs in Finland as part of its plans to find savings worth 700 million euros (USD 800 million) by next year. The planned changes are indispensable to secure Nokias long-term competitiveness, Tommi Uitto, head of the companys Finnish operations, said in a statement on Tuesday. At present, Nokia has around 6,000 employees in Finland. The network industry dominated by Nokia, Swedens Ericsson and Chinas Huawei has been battered by years of slowing demand for existing 4G networks and mounting investor doubts over when new 5G contracts can begin to boost profitability. Nokia and Ericsson could eventually benefit from curbs on Huawei equipment by the US and some of its allies but so far the effects have not materialised. The initial development of our 5G business has been strong and we will increase our investments into this critical technology, Uitto said. Nokia announced its latest cost-cutting plan in October, without spelling out the impact on jobs. It is also still to complete a 1.2 billion euro program of cost cuts, launched after its 2016 acquisition of Franco-American Alcatel-Lucent. Shares in the company were down 0.7 per cent after the announcement. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. It was apposite that the pound sterlings value rose as Britains Prime Minister Theresa May suffered what Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn gloated was a catastrophic defeat. Nothing else could have proclaimed more dramatically that if Britain doesnt flourish in any other capacity, it will remain the favourite refuge for billionaires on the run, or, to quote Somerset Maugham on Monaco, a sunny place for shady people. But under no circumstances should British pique at having lost an empire and not found a role be allowed to destroy an international dream. The size of Ms Mays defeat 432 votes against only 202 for doesnt really matter. The political and constitutional consequences would have been the same even if she had lost by just one vote. The Conservative government would have had to evolve a new agreed basis for leaving the European Union on March 29. Faced with a similar crisis, another Prime Ministers thoughts might have turned to some drastic remedy like a state of emergency or martial law. But as John Bright, the politician and reformer, had declared on January 18, 1865: England is the mother of parliaments. The nationalistic Scots and the revolting Irish are not averse to sharing in Englands glory. If Britain savours this democratic tradition, it also enjoys a sense of history. As the peoples representatives turned their back on Ms May, Mr Corbyn no doubt kept his fingers crossed, hoping that history would repeat itself. A general election had to be held on October 29, 1924 the third in less than two years as a result of the defeat of Ramsay MacDonalds minority Labour government on a similar motion of no-confidence. The Labour Party had lost 40 seats in that election even though its vote increased by around a million, possibly partly because it put up 87 more candidates than in the previous year. Labour might have emerged as the winner but for a forged letter that Londons Daily Mail newspaper had published four days before the voting. It purported to be a directive from Grigory Zinoviev, the Comintern head, to the Communist Party of Great Britain, the nursery where veteran Indians like Indrajit Gupta and Jyoti Basu had been nourished, ordering it to engage in seditious activities. It said that the resumption of diplomatic relations by a Labour government would hasten the radicalisation of the British working class. Outraged by this seeming Soviet interference in British politics, voters turned against the Labour Party. Its the sort of thing that Ms May and Donald Trump still harp on about, seeing todays Russian Federation as a reincarnation of the evil empire that they believed the Soviet Union to be. Labours loss was nothing compared to the 118 out of 158 seats lost by the Liberal Party, led by H. H. Asquith, whose great grandson, Sir Dominic Asquith, is the current British high commissioner to India. Stanley Baldwins Conservatives won a parliamentary majority of 209 so that British politics was polarised for ever afterwards between them and the Labour Party. The guessing now is that Mr Corbyn, possibly the least charismatic member of Britains singularly colourless political cast, will fail to dislodge Ms May. The 118 or so Conservative MPs from both the Leave and Remain wings of her party who voted with the Opposition parties against her Brexit deal certainly havent turned coat and pledged their loyalty to Labour. Nor have the three Labour MPs who supported the Prime Ministers deal become true-blue Tories. They can treat parliamentary politics as a game because remaining in the European Union is not seen as a party matter. Even the blond, burly and bouncy Boris Johnson, the former foreign secretary, leading Brexiteer and seen as waiting for the first chance to push Ms May out of 10 Downing Street so that he can move in, says he would back her in Wednesdays confidence vote. Mr Johnson has a twofold interpretation of Parliaments rejection of her Brexit proposal. First, it was a bigger defeat than people have been expecting and means the deal is now dead. Second, it gives the Prime Minister a massive mandate to go back to Brussels to negotiate a better deal, without the controversial Northern Ireland backstop. This 499-km land border between Northern Ireland, which is a part of the United Kingdom, and the Irish Republic seems to have been the most controversial sticking point. Many British politicians feel that Ms Mays fallback plan to avoid any return to physical border checks is not enough. The House of Commons debate showed Ms May needs more assurances from EU leaders. The real need, however, is not for fresh negotiations in Brussels but for a rethink in Britain. Chuka Umunna, Labours bright young ethnic Nigerian MP, the Lib-Dem leader, Sir Vince Cable, and Scotlands First Minister Nicola Sturgeon all suggest the holding of a second referendum. This time the British public will vote not in ignorance but in full knowledge of how dearly they will have to pay for Brexit. If, by chance, the confidence vote succeeds, Ms May will have no option but to either resign, or step down as Prime Minister and allow her party to choose another leader. Everybody knows who is anxiously waiting in the Tory wings. No matter what kind of Prime Minister Mr Johnson makes, the passing of Ms May one of the least memorable political operators in the job will hardly be lamented with sackcloth and ashes. What matters far more is Britains future relationship with the most imaginative and successful move so far towards transnational unity. The European Union inspired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Gulf Cooperation Council and our own South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation. None of these adventures in supra-nationalism can succeed if other nations follow Britain and the original dream is allowed to wither and die. Ten years after she was callously murdered in Berlin, on the night of Jan 15-16, 1919, the German poet and playwright Bertolt Brecht captured the essence of Rosa Luxemburgs unceremonious end in this epitaph. She and her comrade Karl Liebknecht were hunted down together and killed separately on the same night by members of the Freikorps, which would transmute into Adolf Hitlers Storm Troopers. It wasnt a Nazi regime, though, that presided over the elimination of the two revolutionaries. Rather, it was one led by the German Social Democrats (SPD), a party whose radical left wing Luxemburg and Liebknecht had long dominated. It was the great European conflagration that brought matters to a head. The vast bulk of the SPD capitulated to the nationalism of the day. Liebknecht was the only SPD member of the Reichstag who voted against war credits, and was branded a traitor for his principled stance. Luxemburg summed up the stance of her party, which still traced its lineage to Karl Marx, along these lines: Proletarians of the world, unite in peacetime but slit each others throats in wartime. In the period preceding the First World War, social democrats, in common parlance, were indistinguishable from socialists or communists. Even Russias Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were factions of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party. A clearer distinction emerged from the rubble of war, in the run-up to which far too many social democrats across Europe jettisoned their internationalism and switched to what was defined at the time as social patriotism. Socialist Rosa Luxemburg was murdered a century ago. Luxemburg, a Polish Jew who had escaped the tsarist authoritarianism of her native land to embed herself in Prussian politics, was utterly appalled by the attitude of her adopted party. Notwithstanding the considerable differences between them, the Russian exile Vladimir Lenin shared her rage. The revolutionary defeatism he espoused wasnt all that far removed from Luxemburgs idea of converting the imperialist clash into a civil war. Her relentless agitation against the war meant that she was imprisoned for much of its duration. It was in her prison cell that she reflected on the two Russian revolutions of 1917, critically empathising with the Bolshevik takeover, decrying its authoritarian, anti-democratic tendencies, but grudgingly acknowledging that Lenin and his comrades had little choice at the time, in the absence of revolutionary outbreaks elsewhere on the continent. Germany was transformed on the eve of the November 1918 armistice, largely through direct action by soldiers, sailors and workers. Luxemburg eventually walked out of prison, shortly after Liebknecht, and at the end of the year their Spartacus League faction of the SPD was transformed into the Communist Party of Germany. At the founding convention, Luxemburg reiterated her stance that a takeover of power was inconceivable without majority popular support. But when an insurrection broke out in Berlin in the first week of the new year, she could not bring herself to oppose it despite her theoretical objections. The troops poured in under the chancellorship of her former pupil Friedrich Ebert, and the premature uprising was crushed. Luxemburg saw the defeat as a salutary lesson, but was denied the opportunity to theoretically or practically dwell on its consequences. In her time, Luxemburg was both adored and detested as an independent-minded thinker and as a highly effective agitator who cut a frail figure but invariably moved audiences with the power of her words. Marxs biographer Franz Mehring described her as the leading Marxist theoretician of her times, above not only Lenin but also Eduard Bernstein and Karl Kautsky, who were at one time considered the inheritors of the Marx-Engels mantle. Luxemburg, in fact, was willing even to take on Friedrich Engels himself at one of his last appearances at a European socialist conference shortly before he died in 1895. Her early pamphlet Social Reform or Revolution powerfully laid out the case for the latter, and capitalisms incapacity for sufficient reform was a lifelong theme, alongside compelling denunciations of imperialism. Her disdain for nationalism, including its Jewish incarnation, led her to challenge Lenins eventual insistence on national self-determination. It is unfortunate that Margarethe von Trottas otherwise excellent 1986 biopic completely glosses over Luxemburgs enlightening and in many ways prescient response to the Bolshevik triumph of 1917 and her earlier interactions with Lenin. How she might have influenced the trajectory of European socialism is open to conjecture, but its hard to disagree with Leon Trotskys conclusion, in a eulogy delivered within days of the murders, that Marxism had entered into her very blood. By arrangement with Dawn THE key quality of a great storyteller is his or her ability to have the reader rooting for a character that the latter despises in real life. As an example, fellow Pakistanis cheering the hero of an Indian spy thriller movie has always been pretty irksome; dont they realise that the bad guy, explicitly or implicitly, is a Pakistani! Economic reasons aside, this is another good reason to ban Indian cinema. But that perhaps is a key strength of Atlas Shrugged, a novel by Ayn Rand; you may not agree with her philosophy of objectivism, but the story is, if nothing else, compelling. So much so that the opponents of capitalism who should per se be rooting for Wesley Mouch, director at the Bureau of Economic Planning and National Resources, cannot help but miss out that Mr Mouch is the real hero and not John Galt. The story is all about how the states repressive laws, including nationalisation and coercive appropriation of fundamental economic rights, forces the creative entrepreneurs to disappear into a valley organised by John Galt, the hero, until such time that the government completely collapses due to mismanagement, and at which time the capitalists decide to return and create utopia. The title of the book is a metaphor, with Atlas representative of all the industrialists, the inventors, the artists, the professionals and the entrepreneurs who are portrayed as the driving force behind the economy, but decide to shrug their responsibility due to the high-handedness of the state. And obviously in that fictional world everything collapses. Here, it might be appropriate to clarify my personal take. The right economic solution lies between two extremes, capitalism and state-planned economy, depending upon a particular nations current stage of development. Note that a pure free market is a mythical construct while a completely state-controlled economy has empirically proven to be a disaster. This argument of a golden mean between two extremes is amicably supported by the economic history of developed nations and that of the currently growing economies such as China. Unfortunately, there are no mathematical models that clearly identify the level of economic freedom and state intervention for a given stage of development. But rather than reinventing the wheel, a better strategy might be to learn from the history of developing nations which have a successful economic road map in modern times, say the last two decades. Invariably the state might need to invest directly in certain projects, all the while nudging the private sectors towards others. Frankly, a complete reliance on the invisible hand without the help of the visible hand of government is probably not the solution for Pakistan as quite evident from the last decade. Finally, deciding which industries need focus is directly associated with available resources, perhaps with export-oriented and import-substitution industries in the cross hairs. As a side note, the view that FDI has any motive other than profits, with payback directly linked with country risk, is misguided. Further, it must be appreciated that foreign investors interest in an economy would be largely inexplicable, from a purely economic standpoint, when domestic investors are shying away from investing in their own country. As a wise man rightly said, the best and only helping hand is attached to your wrist! With this background, the current rumours floating around that domestic business is contracting and that domestic entrepreneurs are shying away from investing in the current uncertain situation are rather worrying; if they at all be true. As argued earlier, the state cannot drive an economy on its own, and domestic business going into hibernation may have repercussions, primarily in the form of unemployment. While Wesley Mouch remains my hero, there is a clear realisation that John Galt is a necessary evil. A recent announcement by the countrys chief executive that the government will be focusing on the Ease of Doing Business Index ranking was a welcome development. The state, however, needs to realise that whilst any such change is a positive, substance over form should be a fundamental principle. Beyond building perceptions that doing business is easy in Pakistan, in reality it should be easy to do business in Pakistan. By arrangement with Dawn First the facts of the matter: Disaster struck on December 13 last at a rat-hole coal mine in Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, in which at least 13 miners got trapped due to a deluge of water rushing into the mine, following the break-down of the chamber due to unscientific illegal mining going on there. Obviously none will be alive today. Around 5000 such mines, referred to as a rat holes, at the rate of 55 per square kilometre, are being allowed to function in Meghalaya in violation of not just safety norms but a complete prohibition order issued by the National Green Tribunal in 2014. Clearly, the administration did not act to stop unscrupulous operators of the illegal mine from exploiting desperate workers. Obviously India has not learnt the lessons of the worst mining tragedy in Chasnala near Dhanbad in 1975 in which more than 370 people were killed. These 5000 mines are owned by dozens of politicos irrespective of parties and hundreds of small time business-men who fund politicians of all hues in Meghalaya. Further, the land for these are bought from local tribal families many of whom are happy with immediate income, forgetting that they are dispossessed of their lands for ever. Each truck-load of this illegally mined coal has a minimum profit of Rs.1 lac after all expenses, and hence, the Police and administration are well taken care of by the miners. So much so that this spate of mining here is defined as a 'cottage industry' which has limited precautions in law. Thus there is an enormous politico-miner-bureaucrat-police- transporter nexus which allows this to continue unabated for decades now in spite of several such tragedies till date. More may continue to die in this unregulated and exploitative industry that sustains livelihoods of the poor and sustains several of Meghalayas millionairesand the states economy and politics. Pertinent to note that the Additional chief secretary P.W. Ingty, the official in charge of the mission, went on leave a few days after the crisis broke out. The administration did not cooperate much with the Disaster Relief team of NDRF. Its hardly surprising because coal mining has for decades been Meghalayas dirtiest open secret. In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned coal mining in Meghalaya. Despite an attempt in 2012 to introduce regulations through a mineral policy, it remained full of holes and, in practice, winks. NGT permitted the transportation of coal already mined in this organized-unorganized sector for which the state and several miners realized benefits. However, fresh mining continued. Meanwhile, the labour behind it remained a grey area of poverty-stricken locals, migrants from poorer districts of Assam, and from adjacent districts of Bangladesh, such as Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrokona and Mymensingh. Mining Industry Flawed in India: Official inquiries into flooding disasters at approved mines, including Chasnala, have shown serious shortcomings in safety management. Two years ago, a landslip at an open cast mine in Goda, Jharkhand, killed 23 people, raising questions about the rigour of the technical assessment done prior to expansion of extraction activity. A study on three big flooding accidents published in 2016 by the IIT-Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, concluded that the official approach of fixing responsibility on human error was flawed, since it did not try to identify the root cause. There is little evidence to show that pre-mining surveys and safety protocols are incorporating such advice. The case of illegal mines falls in a different category. Meghalaya is a far worse violation of law, ecology, human rights et al than Chasnala or Goda. Political Stands in Meghalaya: While this illegal mining in Meghalaya flourished under the watch of Congress led earlier state governments, when finally NGT banned it, it is also to be noted that Congress in the last general election stood for legalized mining and nationalization of the mines and bringing them under Coal India Limited. It claims that it lost the election a year ago primarily on this issue. BJP, on its part, has officially declared in its manifesto to open up the mines which were closed during the elections following judicial activism, which gave them the money and support of the miners. The current Chief Minister, the young 'visionary' Conrad Sangma of National People's Party, had gone to the Supreme Court for cancelling the NGT ban and have some form of regulated mining instead, and is ruling today with the support of the BJP. That shows the dominant political narrative here. Current Imbroglio: After disaster struck, it was incumbent on the Meghalaya government to launch an immediate rescue effort. But it did not possess the equipment to dewater the stricken mine quickly, and did not show any urgency in requisitioning it from elsewhere, in spite of the involvement of the National Disaster Response Force. Now that the crisis is more than a month old with no hope of any survivor, the least it can do is give exemplary compensation to the hapless families of the mining labourers who are killed inside, and come heavy on rathole mining in Meghalaya. None in the horizon except a spate of blame-game between Congress and BJP today. The crisis today is beyond mining and it engulfs river water in Northeast, too. In August 2018, an NGT bench upheld the 2014 order, which began with a public interest litigation filed by an Assam-based non-government organization representing the Dimasa people, who complained of water bodies being poisoned because of mining in Meghalaya. The 2018 order also noted that illegal mining had continued in this extra-legal industry. Way Out: One, implement NGT ban on private illegal mining in Meghalaya in full force whatever be the political costs. This has also polluted three fresh water rivers of Meghalaya as already pointed in reports of CAG and in several ecological surveys. Two, mining in Meghalaya is entangled in questions about tribal rights to land and customary laws. The state falls under the Sixth Schedule, which protects these rights and autonomies, insulating it from national laws to a certain degree. But the state is not officially exempt from the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act of 1973, which gives the Indian state ownership and control of underground minerals, neither has the state government applied for exemption. This is national property and if at all has to be mined, it must be done by a Public Sector Undertaking, like the Coal India Limited, with precautions, modern technology, safety measures for labourers, and social security and insurance for their families in case of a disaster. Only skilled labour will then be engaged unlike the hapless jobless unskilled labour today. A proposal to this effect was finalised between CIL and Meghalaya govt, but the same powerful nexus then shelved it. Three, mining industry as a whole needs a complete overhaul given the spate of illegal sand mining in MP, gold mining in Karnataka, KG Basin oil mining, and ores mining in Goa. A new modern approach, technology, safety measures and social security regime is needed for mining, and not just satiating the greed for quick money, whether for the government or for private coffers. Four, while the entire world is moving away from fossil fuel, why are we so eager for coal which is anti-ecology, harmful for public health, dangerous to mine, and creates a mafia at all places where they exist? These are the times of non-conventional energy, which are actually the conventional ones, with wind and biomass being abundant in Himalayan range including Meghalaya, and tidal and solar energy sources being abundant in the coastal India. One time investments on these sources of energy can create long-term unabated sources of energy which is different from fossil fuels with limited and fixed supply. It needs a different policy approach to go beyond the exigencies of the moment and the greed of those in power. YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and TRS working committee president K.T. Rama Rao at a meeting at the formers residence at Lotus Pond, in Hyderabad, on Wednesday. (R. Pavan) Hyderabad: In a significant development in the attempt by Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) supremo K. Chandrasekhar Rao to form a Federal Front against the BJP and the Congress at the national level, the YSR Congress and the TRS held talks on Wednesday at Mr Reddys residence in the city. TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao had called up YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and discussed the Federal Front issue. Speaking to the media after their 90-minute meeting, the two leaders confirmed that they were in talks for a Federal Front for the forthcoming elections. They have decided to take the talks further when Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandraspekhar Rao will call on Mr Reddy in Andhra Pradesh shortly. Mr Reddy said that the YSRC believes in the TRS stand that regional voices can get stronger in Parliament and justice will be done to the states only when like-minded parties unite to pressurise the Centre. Mr Reddy said the fight for special status for Andhra Pradesh is one of the major reasons for the possible linking up of the two parties. AP has 25 MPs and Telangana has 17 MPs. Together, we form a strong force of 42 MPs and can press for our just demand to fulfil the promises made to the state. I appreciate the platform that Mr Chandrasekhar Rao is forming for the Federal Front. I will discuss how to take forward the Federal Front after discussing it with my party. Mr Rama Rao said that Mr Chandrasekhar Rao is making an effort to bring qualitative change in national politics to curb the domination of the Union government on the states. He said like-minded forces believe in strengthening regional forces. KCR will go to Andhra Pradesh and talk in detail about the Federal Front with Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy. Referring to special status for AP, Mr Rama Rao said that his party has already declared its support for Andhra Pradesh and TRS MPs have already raised their voices in Parliament supporting the cause of AP. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao has also announced that he will write a letter to the Prime Minister demanding special status for AP. Among those present at the meeting were TRS MPs Vinod Kumar, J. Santosh Kumar, MLC P. Rajeshwar Reddy and YSRC leaders Vijaya Sai Reddy, Y.V. Subba Reddy and Parthasarathi. The meeting was held at the residence of Mr Reddy at Lotus Pond in the city. Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao offers sweets to MIM senior legislator Mumtaz Ahmed Khan. Mr Kahn took oath as pro-tem Speaker of the Telangana State Legislative Assembly at Raj Bhavan on Wednesday. HYDERABAD: The first session of the new Telangana state Legislative Assembly will start on Thursday. The four-day session will see the newly-elected MLAs taking oath, election of the Speaker and the Governors address for the joint sitting of the Legislature. The Assembly proceedings will commence at 11.30 am on Thursday. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will pay tribute to martyrs at Gun Park at 11 am before taking oath as MLA in the Assembly. Pro tem Speaker Mumtaz Ahamed Khan, who took oath on Wednesday, will issue a notification for the election of the Speaker on Thursday and filing of nominations will start later in the day. The election for the Speaker will be held on Friday if necessary. According to sources close to the CM, former minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy will be Speaker. Two days ago, Mr Raos close associate congratulated Mr Srinivas Reddy on being selected. The senior-most MLA from Banswada Assembly constituency in the combined Nizamabad district, Mr Srinivas Reddy was selected as the Speaker to make way for party legislator Vemula Prashant Reddy from Balkonda in the same district to be inducted into the Cabinet. According to sources, Mr Srinivas Reddy was persuaded to accept the post with the promise of allotting the Banaswada Assembly ticket to his son in the next Assembly elections. His election as Speaker will be unanimous and there are few chances of any MLA filing nominations for the post. On January 19, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan will address the joint session of the Assembly and Legislative Council. With Mr Raos reply to the discussion on the resolution to thank the Governor for his address, the Assembly will adjourn sine die on January 21. Larry Hogan is officially the governor of Maryland. Just check the highway signs. Crews with the State Highway Administration were finishing work Thursday riveting thin pieces of aluminum with Hogan's name overtop 21 signs across the state that had previously spelled out the name of his predecessor, Martin O'Malley. Both the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition and the BJP have been accusing each other of horse trading ahead of the general elections. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is "stable and strong", Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday and accused the BJP of trying to destabilise it. At a press conference in New Delhi, he said there was no crisis for the government in Karnataka. The Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is stable and strong and will continue to be so, he said. The BJP is trying to destabilise the government, Kharge alleged. Two MLAs on Tuesday withdrew support from the seven-month-old government led by H D Kumaraswamy amid charges of horse trading levelled against each other by the ruling coalition and the BJP. Ministers D.C. Thammanna and C.S. Puttaraju and son of CM H.D. Kumaraswamy Nikhil, at the inauguration of a paddy purchase centre in Mandya on Tuesday. Bengaluru: The political turmoil in the wake of two MLAs withdrawing support to the coalition government of Congress and JD(S) led to a Twitter war between Congress strongman Siddaramaiah and the BJP. Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking him whether his slogan 'Saaf Niyat' (Clean intention) meant a coup and grabbing power. The former CM was active on Twitter from the morning, attacking the BJP as it became clear to the Congress leadership that independent MLA H Nagesh from Mulabagal and the lone MLA of rookie Karnataka Prajnyavanta Janata Paksha R Shankar from Ranebennur would withdraw support to the coalition government and align with BJP. "Mr. Saaf Niyat @narendramodi, Is allowing your disgraceful @BJP4Karnataka leaders to destabilise govt a 'Saaf Niyat' towards democracy? Your PR slogans don't hide your actual 'Niyat' & your 'Sahi Vikas' should go beyond developing Resorts. First show your Niyat to people!!" Siddaramaiah tweeted. Taunting BJP leaders for huddling their MLAs in a resort as they had done in the past, Siddaramaiah said the BJP always had Gandha Niyat (bad intention) and 'Resort Vikas' (promoting resort politics). He also took a dig at 'Operation Lotus', the alleged attempt to destabilise the government. "@BJP4India has a legacy of 'Gandha Niyat, Resort Vikas'. Their 'Operation Kamala' is not new & they will indulge whenever they feel politically threatened. Recent miserableloss in 5 states is the result of their ongoing attempt inKarnataka which will fail #GandhaNiyatResortVikas," he said. In a Kannada tweet, Siddaramaiah mocked the PM, asking him whether guarding the BJP MLAs in a resort was his role as Chowkidar (watchman). To Siddaramaiah's 'Saaf Niyat' jibe, the BJP tweeted, "Disgraceful is when you form the govt after been rejected by the people. Lack of Niyat & Vikas in your unholy alliance is a result of crippled govt. Stop blaming BJP& Modi to hide your failure to save your existence. Your greedhas crippled @hd_kumaraswamy's govt" BJP MP from Udupi Chikkamagaluru, Shobha Karandlaje tweeted, "Does the man who masterminded Operation Hasta have any credibility to comment on PM??!! The same man got 8 MLA's to defect with unethical ways, and now Speaking about Gandha Niyat??!!! It's known to all how 'Gandha' is the Niyat of @siddaramaiah, who practices opportunism." These fisherfolk, from over 11 villages along the Marina are protesting against the Greater Chennai Corporations demand to move them to a proposed complex near Santhome. Chennai: Following the Madras high court order to regulate the street vendors on the Marina Beach and to work out a plan for relocating fishermen, the Greater Chennai Corporation is facing stiff resistance from fisherfolk who claim that the land is their heritage. The HC on December 18 had given certain directions to the commissioner of Chennai Corporation as well as for the city police commissioner for putting in their all efforts for personally supervising the cleaning and other allied regulatory works along the Marina Loop Road. The biggest issue, in the removal of encroachments, according to fisherfolk in the area, is that they are being grouped with the hawkers who have illegally set up shop. These fisherfolk, from over 11 villages along the Marina are protesting against the Greater Chennai Corporations demand to move them to a proposed complex near Santhome. After the high court order was passed, the corporation commissioner and police commissioner said that they are going to build a market for us and asked us to shift there. However, this area is an Open Space reservation and nothing can be constructed there and no sign of construction has begun. They just want us all gone from here, said K Bharathi, President of South Indian Fishermen Association. They have been living here for generations, claims Bharathi and that their rights are being violated. When our fathers and grandfathers lived here, there were no roads even. The road laid in 2008 was the first time the corporation approached us. Later, in 2014, the Loop road was build and some of us were asked to move our houses, he said, adding that they request the civic body to allow them to earn their livelihood. We will keep the area clean as it is our home, he concludes. Hyderabad: With the meeting of leaders of the TRS and YSRC leaders, the Telugu Desam has intensified its efforts to portray YSRC leader Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as betraying Andhra pride by pandering to the self-interest of Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Mr Reddy and TRS working president K.T. Rama Rao met at Lotus Pond for talks on the formation of the Federal Front on Wednesday, prompting AP leaders to accuse Mr Reddy of sacrificing the pride of the people of Andhra Pradesh to the greed and ambition of Mr Chandrasekhar Rao who wants to become Chief Minister of AP and wants money. The statements of TD leaders such as minister Devineni Uma Maheshwara Rao, MP J.C. Diwakar Reddy and MLC B. Venkanna with regard to the meeting indicated the stand the TD would take to target Mr Reddy in the forthcoming elections. Mr Uma Maheshwara Rao quoted statements made by Mr Chandrasekhar Rao against the people of AP. He asked how Mr Reddy could join hands with a leader who had snubbed the interest of the Andhra people and had filed cases in the Supreme Court to stall the prestigious Polavaram irrigation project. The Telugu Desam has accused the TS government of shunting out 1,200 AP employees working in the power sector in Telangana and throwing them onto the roads and also of evasion of `5,200 crore of power arrears. Political analysts say that during the recent Assembly elections the TRS had worked on the sentiments of the people of TS after the Congress allied with the TD, and thus won the elections, and the TD would adopt a similar formula in the coming polls in AP to snub the YSRC. Afna of St Mary's School, Pattom, Bhavya of St Francis Secondary School, Vizhinjam, Ankith Praveen of Christ Nagar School,Kowdiar, Devika of Jyotis Central School, Kazhakuttom and Apoorva of Chinmaya Vidyalaya annoucing the United School Forum demanding that schools should be exempted from Hartal (Image DC) Thiruvananthapuram: A group of students from various schools across Thiruvananthapuram district has formed an organisation called United School Forum raising the demand to exempt the schools from the frequent hartals. The forum will approach Governor P. Sathasivam to press its demand. The students behind the move include Afna of St Mary's School, Pattom, Bhavya of St Francis Secondary School, Vizh-injam,Ankith Praveen of Christ Nagar School, Kowdiar, Devika of Jyotis Central School, Kazhak-uttom, and Apoorva of Chinamaya Vidyalaya. They told the media here on Wednesday that of the 220 academic working days needed in a year, the schools could complete only 145 days. Even if the remaining days are calculated, it would come to around 185 days. There will be no change in syllabus and schools will have to complete the remaining syllabus designed for 220 days in a short period. How could the portions be taught without having classes? How could we write exams without learning the portions, they asked. In 2018, the state witnessed 97 hartals. The new year is no different with a hartal and a two-day general strike being already conducted. The Kerala education rules have recommended that every academic year should have 220 educational days, excluding the days of examinations. The Central Board of Secondary Education rules also stipulated 220 working days. This could not be adhered to due to the situation in the state during the past many years. In 2016, the Kerala High Court had directed the state government to ensure 220 academic days, excluding examinations and co-curricular activities, as prescribed under the relevant acts. The Right to Education Act, 2009 stated that schools must provide 200 working days for class I to V and 220 for class VI to VIII. Earlier, Kerala CBSE School Management Association had also asked the government and political parties to exempt the entire education system, especially schools, from the consequences of hartals, bandhs and strikes. They asked the political parties to keep in mind the well-being of the future generation and society. Association president T.P.M. Ibrahim Khan told Deccan Chronicle that it had made this request before all political parties. They have been asked to come up for a meeting to discuss the various aspects of the demands, said Mr Khan. The association said in the petition submitted to various authorities that schools in the state have been unable to fulfil the mandatory 220 teaching days during the past many years. In the current academic year also, we expect to get only 172 teaching days, they said. Although floods and adverse weather also played a part, the culture of hartal is the villain. In the previous academic year, the number of teaching days was only 184, they pointed out. Hyderabad: Only 12 per cent of students in the primary level in government and private schools can read properly in the state, which is much lower than the national average of 20 per cent according to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2018. The learning abilities in state schools had seen a three-per cent increase in 2016 but fell in 2018, showing that the implementation of foundation skills courses was not consistent. Education secretary N. Mohammed said about the survey: Teaching in the primary level is affected in government schools as the teachers are clocking in and going away. The quality of education is not stressed upon. He said only students from the extremely poor sections were going to government schools. Those who can afford to pay are opting for private schools. Government schools have more than the sufficient number of teachers and they are trained regularly but the effect is not being seen at the ground level. The foundation skills which are being evaluated every year have shown a worrying trend. One out of every Class 8 student in rural India is not able to read Class 2 text, according to the survey ASER officials in TS said that poor reading and mathematics skills have been found among both government and private schools in semi-urban and rural areas. At the age of five, one child out of 10 was out of preschool. Five out of 10 children in this category opted for private schools and not government schools. In the private schools, it was found that 40 per cent of those who had studied in government anganwadis were in pre-primary class at the age of six as they could not read and write properly. ASER has found that there was a very high enrollment of children in private schools and a decrease in the levels of learning from 30.6 per cent in 2014 to 24.4 per cent in 2018. The reason for this decrease is that private schools do not have enough skilled teachers. Due to the pressure for admission, there are more than 40 children in one class. The report stated that while enrollment in schools had seen a 90 per cent rise, the quality in terms of learning had suffered. The focus has to be on implementation of foundation skills in Classes 1 and 2 and Classes 3 to 8. The teachers have to be trained and their knowledge regularly upgraded. In TS, the ratio is 52: 48 in terms of private and government and this has to be changed stressed the report. CHENNAI: Injuries did not seem to deter the tamers who rushed back to the arena to tame the ferocious bulls at the popular bull taming sport - jallikattu - at Palamedu in Madurai on Wednesday. Though the event left 48 men injured and of them 13 admitted to the GRH there, the spirit of the cultural sport was to the fore. As crowds lustily cheered, the tamers displayed their valour. There was also frequent announcement asking asking the dauntless tamers not to crowd around the bull. A. Prabhu, a bull raiser won the coveted prize, a car, after his bull was adjudged the best among a total of 567 that participated in the sport. Tamers too had their day. S. Prabhakaran of Mettupatti was adjudged the best for successfully taming 10 bulls and he was presented a motorcycle. A large number of bulls that successfully evaded the tamers received the loudest cheers. About 739 bull-tamers from various parts of Tamil Nadu took part in the Palamedu Jallikattu between 8 am and 4.30 pm. All through the event, the venue had remained packed. Later, briefing reporters Madurai district collector S. Natarajan said 13 men who were injured during the sport were referred to Government Rajaji Hospital. Of them 4 were spectators, 4 bull raisers and remaining 5 were tamers. There were however no major injuries and all those referred to the GRH were out of danger, he added. Totally 48 including those administered first aid sustained injuries. This is the first time the event was planned meticulously and conducted successfully, he said and thanked all who made the event a success, especially the tamers and bull owners. Earlier in the day, AIADMK MLA from Sholavandan, K. Manickam inaugurated jallikattu. Jallikattu organised in Palamedu and Alangan- -allur are world famous. We performed puja and left the temple bulls in the venue. Thereafter, we began the actual jallikattu where bulls from various parts are left in the venue for taming, he explained. JDS workers protest in front of BJP MLA Ashwath Narayana's residence over his alleged attempts to destablise the government, in Bengaluru, Wednesday. (PTI) Bengaluru: The Sankranti shivers triggered by the BJP for the eight month-old coalition fizzled out with two belligerent Congress legislators-Bheema Naik and Pratapgouda Patil meeting party general secretary in-charge of Karnataka, K.C. Venugopal, in the presence of the media on Wednesday. Sources in the know of developments which unfolded prior to this meeting between two legislators and Mr Venugopal told Deccan Chronicle that JD (S) supremo, H.D. Deve Gowda spoke with Congress president, Rahul Gandhi, in the morning, and the latter soon instructed Mr Venugopal to do whatever it takes to save the government. Post a quick discussion, Mr Venugopal and former chief minister Siddaramaiah reportedly spoke with disgruntled former minister, Ramesh Jarkiholi, and party MLA Nagendra who were in Mumbai, and the duo assured these dissidents that their demands would be met. The upshot: dissidents agreed to fall in line and met Mr Venugopal. On their part, Congress leaders convened a meeting of the legislature party on Friday where they would hear out complaints of all dissidents and perhaps organize a meeting with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy later in the day. Some leaders even spoke of the possibility of a reshuffle of the ministry to accommodate these dissidents and thus stymie further threats to the government. Meanwhile, sources in Mr Jarkiholis camp revealed that they had plans to destabilise the government after securing signatures of 15 MLAs but their calculations went awry after many of the MLAs, who originally agreed to quit, reneged on their promise, resulting in a collapse of the destabilization game. Failed attempt to affect BJP? A blame game has commenced within the BJP with some leaders and the party cadre speaking up against state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa and central leadership for an unsuccessful attempt to topple the coalition government. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior BJP leader and member of the core committee said: a failure of this strategy of banking on disgruntled Congress legislators to dislodge the government will affect the image of central leaders and morale of our workers. Our central leaders erred by asking MLAs to camp close to New Delhi and thus attract the attention of the national media. We decided to remain in Delhi merely on receiving information about willingness of few Congress MLAs to resign, the leader added. The leader admitted, no senior leader in the partys state unit has been informed about this strategy. Since the leadership has not taken us into confidence, we have not shown interest to offer any suggestions when the coalition faced this crisis. A majority of the party cadre has also shown disappointment because they were looking forward to the leadership gearing up for Lok Sabha elections. Such developments over the last four days will definitely bring down the morale of our workers. The leader said the decision to attempt destabilization of the government at this juncture could impact the party and its image with Lok Sabha polls round the corner. Another senior BJP leader, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Mr Yeddyurappa has reached a now or never situation, and therefore desperately wanted to take over as the Chief Minister before Lok Sabha polls. Therefore, he asked his diehard supporters to do something to install a BJP government in Karnataka. With Solar-DC solution, people can use power for 8 hours to full load and close to 12-14 hours in reserve mode with only basic appliances like the bulb and mobile chargers. Chennai: The remote places in Manipur, Meghalaya and Assam that are beyond the reach of electricity grids will soon to get electricity thanks to the Solar DC technology pioneered by IIT Madras. Cygni Energy Private Limited, an innovative Solar-DC solutions startup that was incubated at IIT Madras is now installing 3,026 units in villages located high up in remote corners of Manipur and another 25,000 units solar inverters and lights in the villages of Assam. Professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala from IIT Madras who lead the research on this technology said, We have played a major role in taking power to remote villages in Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir. Solar-DC system makes the equipment much smaller in size and cost. He further said, It has helped us in these difficult terrains where carrying anything would have been difficult. Powering homes with DC power-line reduces the power-consumption and would be increasingly deployed with solar in urban and rural India homes. The Manipur Project, taken up at a cost of Rs.11.5 crore, was funded by Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency. The installation has been completed in 2,800 Homes. Most Beneficiaries are situated in remote, inaccessible mountainous regions of Manipur. Cygni Energy Private Limited has set the target on 100 per cent electrification of rural households. We have set our target on 100 per cent electrification of rural households. Our Solar-DC inverterless product is a unique, disruptive product that is bringing about a paradigm shift in the way energy is generated and consumed, said Venkat Rajaraman, the CEO, Cygni Energy Private Limited. With Solar-DC solution, people can use power for 8 hours to full load and close to 12-14 hours in reserve mode with only basic appliances like the bulb and mobile chargers. According to sources, on Pongal, Arun Pandian and his son had gone to a village in Tiruttanni to sell beads, while Roja and Sujatha stayed back at home. CHENNAI: An astrologer was arrested on Wednesday for murdering a 22-year-old gypsy woman and her three-year-old daughter before attempting sexual assault. According to police, Arun Pandian (25), and Roja (22), natives of Narikuravar colony on Avadi Camp Road, lived with their five-year-old son Parthiban and three-year-old daughter Sujatha. Arun Pandian used to sell beads, honey and other handmade products. According to sources, on Pongal, Arun Pandian and his son had gone to a village in Tiruttanni to sell beads, while Roja and Sujatha stayed back at home. On Wednesday morning, neighbours peeped inside since nobody from the family had come out for some time and found Roja and her daughter lying in a pool of blood. On being informed, a police team headed by Ambattur Additional Commissioner Eshwaran rushed to the spot and began investigations. The two bodies were sent to the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for post-mortem. After inquiring with neighbours, the police started suspecting a soothsayer, who had been eyeing Roja. The Avadi police registered a case arrested Veerakumar (18), in connection with the crime. Further investigation revealed that Veerakumar, a soothsayer in the locality had entered the womans house in the wee hours of Wednesday in an inebriated condition and had attempted to rape the woman. When she cried for help, he allegedly crushed her head with a stone and then raped her. He also murdered her daughter as she had shouted. The police arrested him on Wednesday and produced him before the court, which remanded him in judicial custody. No police officer has been charged in connection with Blacks death, and no cause of death has been determined. But family and friends are hoping for a different outcome beyond the narrative of white police officer and dead black man. They are hoping that the town will come together so that Blacks death will not be in vain. Chennai: The year 2019 began on a good note for a nonagenarian, who was struggling to eke out his livelihood, with the Madras high court directing the state government to grant the State Freedom Fighters Pension to him within eight weeks. Disposing of the petition filed by Perumal, justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana said, The petitioner claims to be about 96-year-old and instead of driving him to again go before the respondents (authorities), directing the respondents to sanction him State Freedom Fighters Pension from the date of his application that would meet the ends of justice. Accordingly, the respondents are directed to grant the State Freedom Fighters Pension to the petitioner withineight weeks. The petitioner had participated in the freedom movement and he was arrested and suffered imprisonment at the Bellary jail from October 15, 1942 to January 14, 1943. He had been taking part in various social activities thereafter. Though he was struggling to eke out his livelihood, he did not want to apply for pension, as according to him, it was a sacred duty to the nation. But, poverty finally drove him to apply for pension. However, the Krishnagiri district collector sent the impugned proceedings to the state government to turn down his request. The subsequent applications submitted by him were also rejected by the state government in 2014. Hence, he filed the present petition. The judge said from the date of introduction of the scheme to the freedom fighters, the government issued various orders periodically prescribing the eligibility for availing the benefit. The government issued an order dated February 7, 1996, modifying the procedure for obtaining the co-prisoner certificates in the matter of grant of State Freedom Fighters Pension. There was no mention in the order as to whether the request of the petitioner was considered by the district screening committee, as mandated in the government orders. In the absence of the same, the district collector alone cannot reject the request of the petitioner, the judge added. Quoting various judgments, the judge said a perusal of the principles enunciated in the judgments make it amply clear that age cannot be the deciding factor to grant or refuse the pension to a freedom fighter. New Delhi: The Bar Council of India (BCI) on Wednesday protested the Supreme Court collegiums recommendation to elevate Justice Sanjeev Khanna of the Delhi High Court to the apex court by superseding several other judges and termed the decision as whimsical and arbitrary. The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, said the decision of the five-member collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was viewed by the Bar and the common man as unjust and improper. Before the BCI made a statement protesting the decision of the collegium, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the Supreme Court also wrote a note to the CJI and other members of the collegium Justices A.K. Sikri, S.A. Bobde, N.V. Ramana and Arun Mishra for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources said Justice Kaul was of the view that wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna stands at Sl.No. 33 in the combined seniority of high court judges on all-India basis. Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi High Court judge, had also written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind on January 14 expressing concern over bypassing several judges seniority by the collegium. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a statement, said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon is viewed as whimsical and arbitrary. They are men of integrity and judicial competence; nobody can raise a finger against these judges on any ground. The decision of January 10, 2019 will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of HCs, Mishra said. The recent trend adopted by the collegium has completely eroded the faith of the Bar. CHENNAI: "The Chennai police have made elaborate arrangements for Kaanum Pongal on Thursday, the last day of the four-day Pongal festivities when people are likely to throng tourist attractions in large numbers. Police officers indicated that nearly 15,000 police personnel, in uniform and plain clothes, will be deployed across the city and Marina Beach, which is expected to see a large crowd on Kaanum Pongal day and will see 5,000 police personnel keeping watch. Places like Besant Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur Beach will be given extra police force as a large crowd is expected. In order to ensure the safety of the people taking a bath in the sea, a 3-kilometre fence has been built from M.G.R Memorial to the Lighthouse. Speaking to the media about the Kaanum Pongal arrangements on Marina Beach, East Zone Joint Commissioner Balakrishnan said, Two temporary police control rooms, as well as 12 MAY I HELP YOU? police booths have been set up to help people on Thursday at Marina. Two security towers have been erected on the beach and two ambulances will be in place near the beach. Children visiting the beaches on Kaanum Pongal day will be given hand bands with details of their parents and phone numbers. The hand bands will be given at the police booths situated near Labour Statue, Gandhi Statue and Besant Nagar beach. This will ensure the safe return of children to their families if they go missing in the crowd, he added. Mounted police and all-terrain vehicles will be making regular rounds for crowd control and prevention of crimes. The police also advised people not to venture into the sea, but they are ready with at least 100 divers and swimmers, who can handle emergencies in the sea. Besant Nagar Beach too will have one security tower, an ambulance and 25 swimmers in place to handle an emergency situation. The police have also made special traffic arrangements on Kamaraj Salai near the Marina Beach in view of a large gathering. Though the police are planning to allow normal traffic flow on Kamaraj Salai for as long as possible, they may make it one way if there is a possibility of a large crowd. Police Pongal celebrated to reach out to Nilgiris tribals Police here in the hills celebrated what can be called Police Pongal both on Tuesday and Wednesday to reach out to tribals in the deep woods to utilise the festival to strengthen their rapport with them, solicit their whole-hearted co-operation and friendship and fortify jungle intelligence to effectively tackle Maoist and other related issues in and around the forests. On the instructions of the SP of the Nilgiris, T. Shanmughapriya, police officials visited tribal and jungle hamlets in Bellathikambai, Indira Colony, Kurumbarpadi, Karukkapaali, Vatchi kolli, Nayvalankolli, Somanvayal, Kottaka davu, Marambilavu, Kada sanakolli, Aachak arai, Kannanvayal, Semba gapaali, Pordu colony, to celebrate Pongal with the tribals and jungle dwellers. They distributed gifts, sweets and sugarcane to the residents here, prepared pongal and served this to them. They also held pongal-related village sports. This is an attempt to build confidence among tribals and other jungle dwellers, make an attempt to help them join the national mainstream and keep good relations with the police, a police officer explained. They have no money to survive in Iraq or return to India. To avoid imprisonment, they have been taking shelter in undisclosed places in the Erbil area in Iraq. Nizamabad: As many as 15 youths, native of the integrated Nizamabad district, are stuck in Erbil of Iraq for the last few days. They were reportedly cheated by travel agents who offered them employment in Iraq. Unable to pay penalties to the Iraqi authorities and without flight charges to return home, they have been taking shelter in undisclosed places. They went to Iraq last September for employment, paying Rs 1.80 lakh each to Gulf agents. They realised that they were cheated by agents who provided them visit visas instead of employment visas while landing in Iraq. They tried to get temporary employment in Iraq in vain. They have no money to survive in Iraq or return to India. To avoid imprisonment, they have been taking shelter in undisclosed places in the Erbil area in Iraq. They urged the central and Telangana state governments to help them reach home. This was revealed in a WhatsApp message sent to this newspaper on Wednesday. Mr Krishnakar, one of the victims, said that they were suffering due to lack of food and shelter in Iraq. We are in a pathetic condition. Uni-on minister for external affairs Sushma Swaraj should initiate steps to rescue Telangana youths in Iraq. Initially, agents confidently assu-red us of employment in Iraq. Now they are not responding to our phone calls, he said. Gulf workers rights activist P. Basanth Reddy said that a team of Telugu youths will reach the victims in Iraq to help them. The Centre and the state government should respond to the migrants issue. Mr Basanth Reddy demanded stringent action on the agents for cheating the youths. Kumar had quit the alliance, comprising the JD(U), the RJD and the Congress, in July 2017 after the CBI lodged an FIR against Yadav on corruption charges and the following strife between him and the RJD. (Photo: File) Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Tuesday attributed his sudden exit from the opposition alliance to Congress president Rahul Gandhis inability to take a stand on corruption charges against his former deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Kumar, who also heads the JD(U), claimed that his party was instrumental in the Congress getting 40 seats to contest in the 2015 assembly polls. The chief minister said he had felt let down by Gandhi, then the partys vice-president, when he did not come up with even a statement that could have made me have second thoughts (about leaving the alliance). Kumar had quit the alliance, comprising the JD(U), the RJD and the Congress, in July 2017 after the CBI lodged an FIR against Yadav on corruption charges and the following strife between him and the RJD. It has been always my line that there will be no compromise on crime, corruption and communalism. Their (RJDs) style of functioning was such that it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to work. There was interference at all levels. Their people would telephone police stations with their own decrees, Kumar claimed. He was speaking at an event here organised by a private news channel. Rahul Gandhi had famously tore that ordinance. It was the JD(U) which insisted that it (Congress) be given 40 seats and they ended up winning 28. The RJD, despite its old association with it, was never ready to give it that much weightage, Kumar said. In 2003, Gandhi had torn an ordinance brought by the Manmohan Singh government with a provision to protect convicted politicians against disqualification. Stating that he resigned as he had no other choice, Kumar said his resignation was immediately followed by an offer of support from the BJP. So I took the decision (to join hands with the BJP) in the interests of Bihar, he said. We have our differences on issues like Ayodhya, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code since the 1990s. My association with the BJP predates the NDAs formation in 1999. But we have always worked amicably. Even now, we are getting full cooperation from the Narendra Modi government, he said. Kumar had snapped ties with the BJP in 2013 following differences over projection of Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, as the prime ministerial candidate. On a query about the RSS, he said, I may not agree with their thoughts but I cannot help admiring their consistency and commitment towards organisation building, something those adhering to our socialist ideology never excelled at. Recalling the stupendous performances by the JD(U)-BJP combine in 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections a year later, Kumar said, Now we have an important leader like Ram Vilas Paswan with us. So there is no reason why we should not do even better in the upcoming LS polls. On the opposition mahagathbandhan (grand alliance), which comprises the RJD, the Congress, the RLSP, the HAM and some smaller parties, he said, Even the term mahagathbandhan that they keep flaunting was given by me. After the exit of JD(U), it is just a gathbandhan (alliance). The opposition in Bihar is in panic. So it keeps adding more allies to its flock, Kumar remarked dismissively when asked about many parties, including former NDA allies like RLSP and HAM, gravitating towards the alliance. On the RJDs opposition to the quota for upper castes, Kumar, whose party voted in favour of the bill in Parliament, said social changes have led to a sizeable growth in the number of poor among the unreserved category. When they are being helped without infringing on the rights of SCs, STs and OBCs, there should be no complaints, he said. He also asserted that the NDA will face no major problems in the Lok Sabha polls, saying in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the margin of defeat was small. Moreover, people have vented their ire against the governments that ruled the respective states for long. Now there is nothing that voters are going to hold against the NDA, Kumar said. Modi, who was accompanied by Governor Justice P Sathasivam entered sprawling shrine through the eastern entrance and spent about 20 minutes there. (Photo: PIB_India | Twitter) New Delhi: The Prime Ministers Office had allegedly cancelled names of Kerala local leaders from the list of people allowed inside Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple during PM Modis visit. This incident came to light after the Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter and accused the PMO of not letting him enter the temple on Tuesday. "Received Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram for the unveiling of a plaque of the Swadesh Darshan project. But when the local MP, MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) and mayor were to enter the temple with him for darshan, we learned that the PMO had cut us from the list," he tweeted. Received PrimeMinister @narendramodi at the SreePadmanabhaSwamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram for the unveiling of a plaque of the Swadesh Darshan project. But when the local MP,MLA&Mayor were to enter the temple w/him for darshan, we learned that @PMOIndia had cut us from d list. pic.twitter.com/mactAJZZgK Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 15, 2019 Before entering the temple, PM Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the launch of visitor facilities there. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannanthanam and Tharoor were present at the function. Modi, who was accompanied by Governor Justice P Sathasivam entered sprawling shrine through the eastern entrance and spent about 20 minutes there. Attacking Modi over ignoring of local leaders, Tharoor said, "It seems that under the BJP even God must serve a political purpose and members of other parties must not be allowed to worship in the prime ministerial presence." It seems that under the BJP even God must serve a political purpose & members of other parties must not be allowed to worship in the Prime ministerial presence! https://t.co/OuxbyxRdAb Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) January 15, 2019 The Thiruvananthapuram MP has been a critic of Modi with his statements often courting controversy. The centre made it clear that it did not say that the CAG report was examined by PAC or a redacted portion was placed before Parliament. (Representational Image) New Delhi: The Comptroller and Auditor General has refused to disclose details about its audit in the controversial Rafale aircraft deal, saying the process is not yet complete and any disclosure at this stage will amount to breach of the Parliaments privilege, an RTI reply said. In its response to Pune-based activist Vihar Durve who had sought the report from CAG, the country's auditor said, "The audit is under progress and the report is yet to be finalised. The information cannot be given under Section 8(1)(C) of the RTI Act as the disclosure would cause breach of Parliament". Section 8(1)(C) of the Right To Information (RTI) Act exempts information the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature. Last month, the Supreme Court had dismissed pleas challenging the deal between India and France for procurement of 36 Rafale jets, saying there was no occasion to "really doubt the decision making process" warranting setting aside of the contract. It rejected the pleas seeking lodging of an FIR and a court-monitored probe alleging irregularities in the Rs 58,000 crore deal, in which both the countries have entered into an inter-governmental agreement (IGA). "The pricing details have, however, been shared with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the report of the CAG has been examined by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Only a redacted portion of the report was placed before the Parliament and is in public domain," the bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi had said, relying on the sealed note submitted by the government. After the Congress raised the issue that no such CAG report had been placed before the PAC, the government approached the court seeking changes in the judgment. In the application, the Centre said the two sentences in paragraph 25 of the judgement appeared to have been based on the note submitted by it along with the pricing details in a sealed cover, but indicated the words used by the court lent a different meaning. The centre made it clear that it did not say that the CAG report was examined by PAC or a redacted portion was placed before Parliament. It clarified that the note had said the government "has already shared" the price details with the CAG, which was written in past tense and "is factually correct". However, where it was stated by the centre in the note that the report of the CAG "is" examined by the PAC, was a description of the procedure which is followed in the normal course, but in the judgement, ''is'' was replaced with the words ''has been'', according to the application. In its response to the RTI application filed by Durve, the CAG also refused to share its correspondence related to the audit of Rafale deal with any government department or political party, claiming that such records were "confidential and held in fiduciary capacity" hence, exempted from disclosure under the RTI Act. The CAG added that audit in the Indian Air Force is done by designated principal audit officer of the force and the reports are submitted to the national auditor for approval. 'The BJP and AAP both are a challenge; we will meet the challenges together,' Sheila Dikshit said. (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, who took over as the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) chief, said on Wednesday that no talks have been held yet on forging an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. "Politics is full of challenges, we will strategise accordingly. The BJP and AAP both are a challenge; we will meet the challenges together. There is nothing on an alliance with AAP yet," Dikshit told news agency ANI before assuming charge as DPCC president. Rajiv Bhawan, the office of the state Congress, wore a festive look as Dikshit took charge as the party's Delhi chief in presence of a large gathering of workers and senior leaders. The enthused workers greeted the former Delhi chief minister as she reached the office at DDU Marg with slogans and drum beats. Chants like "Sheila Dikshit Ayi Hai, Badlaw Ki Andhi Layi Hai" "(Sheila Dikshit has come with a storm of change) were heard. Three new working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilothia -- also took charge along with Dikshit. Sources in both AAP and Congress, however, claimed that chances of forging an alliance for the upcoming polls have emerged with the appointment of Dikshit. Dikshit, who served as Delhi chief minister for three consecutive terms till 2013 before the Congress lost power, succeeded Ajay Maken. Maken had vehemently opposed an alliance with the AAP criticising them over issues of governance and corruption. The change of guard in Delhi Congress assumes significance as the party is gearing up to brighten its fortunes in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, considering that the BJP had bagged all the seven seats at stake in the capital in the last general elections. With Dikshit at the helm of affairs, the party is looking to revive its fortunes in the national capital after a series of poll debacles starting with the loss of power in 2013. Dikshit said she will take the party to new heights in Delhi where it will replace all and sought help of ground-level workers. As Jagdish Tytler was seen in the front rows, Akali Dal accused Congress of having 'no respect for sentiments of Sikhs'. (Photo: Twitter | ANI) New Delhi: The presence of 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Jagdish Tytler at the event where Sheila Dikshit took over as Delhi Congress chief has kicked off a controversy. As Tytler was seen in the front rows, Akali Dal accused Congress of having no respect for sentiments of Sikhs. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, an ally of the ruling BJP, said: What his family did earlier, Rahul ji is just continuing with that tradition. It clearly shows that they have no respect for sentiments of Sikhs. Another Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa alleged that the Congress made Tytler sit in the front row to "intimidate" witnesses in related cases. He claimed the Congress is "afraid as it is aware that Tytler and Kamal Nath would also be jailed" in cases related to the anti-Sikh riots. "The Congress wants to send a message to the witnesses that the party high command supports Tytler and nobody should even try to testify against him," Sirsa alleged. "Since the conviction of Sajjan Kumar, the party is afraid... that the leaders whom it kept safe are now being jailed. By such acts, it is also sending a message to the judiciary and police that nobody should initiate action against them," he alleged. Tytler, a former Union minister, was named as one of the main accused of the anti-Sikh riots in the report by the Nanavati Commission into the immediate aftermath of the then prime minister Indira Gandhis assassination on October 31, 1984. He has been a continuous embarrassment for the Congress party as political opponents have alleged that the party is shielding its leaders accused in the anti-Sikh riots. Last month, another riot-accused leader Sajjan Kumar was sentenced to life in jail by the Delhi High Court, which cancelled an earlier court order setting him free. Tytler refused to comment on Sajjan Kumars conviction and maintained that he had nothing to with the riots. What can a man say when the Court has given a verdict. You also mention my name. Why? Is there an FIR? Is there a case? No? Then why do you take my name? Someone said that and you believed it, he told the reporters. (With inputs from agencies) Gowda also downplayed the importance of two independent leaders withdrawing support from the Congress-JDS government led by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who happens to be his son. (Photo: File) Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) president HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday said the perceived 'political crisis' in Karnataka was a just media hype. He also downplayed the importance of two independent leaders withdrawing support from the Congress-JDS government led by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who happens to be his son. Speaking to ANI, Deve Gowda said: "The two leaders are not affiliated with any party. They are independents. There is no need to hype it up so much. It is the media who wants to play a certain role. It is all a media hype." He said that the Congress had decided to fill up the vacancies of six ministers, board and corporation members and political secretaries in the state and were unable to accommodate a few people including the two independent legislators. The former Prime Minister further said the BJP's move to camp all their elected legislators in a Gurgaon hotel in Haryana highlights their sense of insecurity and their inability to "keep all 104 legislators together." "JDS members are all here. We are not going to shift them. They are in their own villages. Even the Congress leaders have not gone anywhere. Kumaraswamy has also contacted two independent leaders. They said they are not joining the BJP. They have made it amply clear," Deve Gowda said. Expressing confidence that the Congress-JDS alliance government will last its full five-year term, Deve Gowda dismissed rumours that lawmakers from the coalition government may join the BJP. "Who will go? Who can trust Yeddyurappa firstly," he asked. Earlier in the day, two Independent leaders -- H Nagesh and R Shankar -- withdrew their support to the JDS-Congress government. In the 224-member Assembly, JDS has 37 lawmakers while the Congress has 80. The coalition has the support of a few Independent legislators in the House, where the majority figure is 113. Chief Minister Kumaraswamy was unfazed by the development, saying he is "totally relaxed." "If two leaders withdraw their support, what will be the numbers? I am totally relaxed. I know my strength. Whatever has been going on in the media for a week, I am enjoying," he told the reporters. The Congress has alleged that three of its leaders were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in a bid to lure them to their fold. The BJP, while dismissing these claims, has alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP has housed all its 104 leaders in a hotel in Gurgaon, on the outskirts of Delhi, because of the fear of the alleged poaching. City Councilman Zeke Cohen, who represents Fells Point, condemned the judges decision in a Facebook post and said he would be writing a letter to the judge. I want to be clear: this is not about the presumption of innocence. This defendant will have his day in court. This is about public safety, Cohen wrote. Violence involving BJP-RSS and the ruling CPI(M) rocked parts of Kerala during the January 3 hartal with several houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the entry of two women into the Sabarimala shrine, breaking a centuries-old tradition. (Photo: File) Kochi: The Kerala government on Tuesday told the high court there was no "hidden agenda" of the state or police in the "pilgrimage of two women devotees" to Sabarimala on January 2 and alleged that a prominent political party and its supporters were implementing their "political agenda of denying right to women of all age groups to enter" the Lord Ayyappa temple. The state government stated this in an affidavit filed by it after a division bench of justices PR Ramachandra Menon and N Anil Kumar had on January 8 sought to know whether the two women of reproductive age, who had entered the shrine on January 2, had any "hidden agenda." The government said the state and its instrumentalities including police had only an "open agenda" in the matter of pilgrimage of two women devotees to Sabarimala on January 2 and it was the implementation of the Supreme Court order permitting entry of women of all age groups into the Lord Ayyappa temple. The government said the allegations regarding its "hidden agenda" were "perpetrated by right wing elements to perpetuate their political ends and the same is not supported by any cogent reason or bonafide apprehension." "If the said two women devotees were not permitted to proceed with their pilgrimage to Sabarimala when there was no threat perception to them, the same would have impinged upon the fundamental rights guaranteed to them under Articles 14, 17,2I and 25 of the Constitution of India, (as held by the Supreme Court in the case)," it contended. The government submitted that a prominent political party and its supporters and right wing elements have a "political agenda" of denying the right of women of all ages to enter Sabarimala temple "by taking recourse to all sorts of illegal methods and criminal acts to prevent the entry of such women into the temple." It is also practically not possible to ascertain the antecedents and genuineness of all the devotees visiting Sabarimala, the government said. Violence involving BJP-RSS and the ruling CPI(M) rocked parts of Kerala during the January 3 hartal with several houses and shops of rival leaders and workers being attacked over the entry of two women into the Sabarimala shrine, breaking a centuries-old tradition. K Chandrasekhar Raos son KT Rana Rao met Reddy in Hyderabad to invite his YSR Congress party to join federal front. (Photo: @trspartyonline | Twitter) Hyderabad: Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition. K Chandrasekhar Raos son KT Rana Rao met Jaganmohan Reddy in Hyderabad to invite his YSR Congress party to join federal front. Reddy is the Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh assembly. These talks are the first direct conversation between the leaders of two parties since KCR floated the idea of a front as an alternation to the BJP and the Congress. TRSs chief KCR has already held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader HD Deve Gowda, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader MK Stalin. KCR winning for a second straight term after his partys election victory in last months state polls, Rao amped up his efforts towards the federal front for 2019 polls due in May. The TRS is likely to discuss with Reddy the possibility of working together in Andhra to defeat a common enemy Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his party Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Tuesday was the first time that members of India's estimated two-million-strong transgender community have been allowed to wade in the water at Kumbh Mela festival. (Photo: AFP) Prayagraj (Allahabad): For decades Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has fought the conservative laws and beliefs to put her transgender community on a par with the rest of society, and now she has notched up a new milestone. On Tuesday, she and dozens of other resplendent "Kinnars" splashed in the sacred waters of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers alongside revered Hindu ascetics at the immense Kumbh Mela festival in northern India. It was the first time that members of the estimated two-million-strong transgender community have been allowed to do so at the festival, the biggest religious gathering in the world that got under way this week. Dressed in saffron and red saris, they reached the river banks to take the ritual bath that Hindus believe will rid them of their sins, as devotees chanted religious hymns and thousands of people looked on. "For us, this participation is about mainstream society accepting us. The creator is within us and once we die, we will go back to him. Our doors are open for all," Tripathi told reporters last week. Hijras, a term used in the country for transgenders and eunuchs, often live on the extreme fringes of society, with many forced into prostitution, begging or menial jobs. But Hinduism has many references to transgenders, including gods and goddesses who belong to the third gender. Over the centuries, transgenders have assumed different roles in society, from royal courtesans to participants in birth ceremonies and other auspicious occasions. They have waged a lengthy battle to protect their rights and end discrimination. The Supreme Court recognized them as a third gender in a historic ruling, followed by a judgement last year that overturned a colonial-era law criminalising gay sex. Tripathi, 40, heads Kinnar Akhara, a religious gymnasium or monastery for Sadhus or ascetics. It has however not yet won official recognition from the other groups. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has for decades fought to put her transgender community on a par with the rest of society. (Photo: AFP) "Establishing Kinnar Akhara aims to show the correct path to the next generation and to ensure that they do not face the stigma and discrimination we faced," Pavitra Nimbhorker, the group's secretary, told AFP. The Kumbh Mela, which began on Tuesday, is expected to attract more than 100 million Hindus over the coming seven weeks to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. Former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha on Wednesday said that he was surprised to know that a junior judge was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court, superseding senior judges. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha on Wednesday said that he was surprised to know that a junior judge was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court, superseding senior judges. "What I always feel is that the collegium should act in a transparent manner, and reasons must be forthcoming why the decision was an upturn. There must be transparency. I have always believed that the collegium works as an institution. It is an institutional body; it is not an individual's decision. If the consultation or communication between the collegium was lacking, that could have been done. A junior judge was superseded to the Supreme Court, it surprises me," former CJI Lodha said in an exclusive interview to news agency ANI. Talking about the collegium, he said, "The collegium is a matured body, comprising of the CJI and four senior-most judges. It is a very strong, powerful, matured and intellectual body and every decision taken by the collegium must reflect its maturity." "The question is after Justice Nandrajog, there are two more judges, Justice Gita Mittal, the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Justice S Ravinder Bhatt. The Karnataka High Court Judge, who is from Rajasthan, was superseded six weeks ago, was not found to be, as per reports, deserving for being elevated to the Supreme Court," he added. "Look, it is little disturbing," he said while replying to a question as to how unfortunate it is for the judiciary that junior judges are being recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court prior to their seniors. Reportedly, Supreme Court judge Justice S K Kaul wrote a letter to CJI Ranjan Gogoi against the elevation of Justice Sanjeev Khanna, ignoring the seniority of Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, the chief justice of Rajasthan High Court. As per reports, Kaul said that while he had nothing against Justice Khanna but he could wait for his turn to be elevated. Recently, the Supreme Court collegium recommended the elevation of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a judge of Delhi High Court, as judges of the apex court. The top court is presently functioning with 26 judges as against the sanctioned strength of 31, leaving five clear vacancies. While recommending the names of Justice Maheshwari and Justice Khanna, the collegium took into consideration the combined seniority on an all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of High Courts, apart from their merit and integrity. 'I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don't worry, be happy,' the Chief Minister said. (Photo: ANI) Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back. Speaking to media here, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka. "MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don't worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said. The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold. The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress. The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out of the JD(S)-Congress government. Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government. In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80. It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113. The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are levelling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru. There was national outrage last year following the alleged abuse of minor girls at a shelter home run by journalist Brajesh Pathak in Muzaffarpur in Bihar. (Photo: File | Youtube screengrab) New Delhi: The CBI has registered fresh FIRs pertaining to alleged abuse of children in two shelter homes in Bihar, officials said on Thursday. The agency has registered FIRs against Bhagalpur-based Boys' Children Home run by Rupam Pragati Samaj Samiti and House Mother Children Home in Gaya, they said. Officials involved in the running of these shelter homes are under the probe of the agency, they said. There was national outrage last year following the alleged abuse of minor girls at a shelter home run by journalist Brajesh Pathak in Muzaffarpur in Bihar. The Supreme Court had directed the CBI to probe alleged abuse of inmates at 17 shelter homes listed in a study conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences. The TISS report stated that House Mother of Children Home, Gaya, ill treated children by using abusive language, physical assault, forcing them to write lewd messages and taking manual labour. There were no proper arrangements for medical treatment, study, recreation, food, for the minor inmates at the shelter home. The agency also alleged that the director and other officials were running Boys' Children Home in violation of provisions of Juvenile Justice Act. "The boys were mentally and physically abused in the shelter home. There were no educational recreational or vocational facilities...," it said. The observations in the TISS report have been included in the FIR as primary allegations, the officials said. Wednesdays festivities will see almost double the number of bulls and competitors in the ring, a government official said. (Photo: File) Madurai: Forty-nine people were injured on the first day of the traditional Jallikattu festival in Tamil Nadu that has attracted the ire of animal activists, officials said Wednesday. Nearly 500 bulls and a similar number of tamers were involved on the opening day of the festival in Madurai, said S Natarajan, a government official from the city. Forty-nine people were injured yesterday. Nine were taken to hospital for minor injuries, he told AFP. Wednesdays festivities will see almost double the number of bulls and competitors in the ring, Natarajan added. In past years, competitors have been gored to death by bulls. The Supreme Court outlawed Jallikattu in 2016 after a plea by animal rights groups but Tamil Nadu insisted Jallikattu was a crucial part of its culture and identity. Growing tensions in the state capital Chennai, and other cities, led Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue an executive order that the centuries-old festival should go ahead. During the festival in Tamil Nadu bulls festooned with marigolds are released from pens and men try to grab their horns to win prizes such as scooters and whitegoods. Critics say the bulls are fed alcohol and chilli powder is thrown in their faces to agitate them before the clash. Organisers insist the animals are not mistreated. Police said, for the last few years, Ramu was addicted to alcohol and used to beat his wife suspecting her fidelity. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: A man reportedly murdered his wife at their house and is absconding, Saroornagar police said on Wednesday. Police said the suspect N. Ramu, an autorickshaw driver, had murdered Swetha on suspicion of infidelity. Police said Ramu and Swetha, residents of Bhagat Singhnagar, were married for nine years and had three children aged eight, six and four years. For the last few years, Ramu was addicted to alcohol and used to beat his wife suspecting her fidelity. Saroornagar detective inspector M.R. Gangaram said, The three children along with Swethas cousin Anjamma were sleeping in a room when the incident happened. On Tuesday morning, Swethas cousin Anjamma saw her motionless and called the police. Her body was shifted to Osmania General Hospital for post-mortem. Police charged Ramu of murder, who is currently absconding. A search is on to nab him and, said Mr Gangaram. Actor Allu Arjun recently celebrated Sankranti in his native village Palakollu and thoroughly enjoyed the village atmosphere. I wasnt born here, but I can proudly say that Palakollu is my native village. It has given so much to me. So from now onwards, I have decided to develop this village and will also try to come on Sankranti every year, said Allu Arjun to the village folks who came to meet him. The actor also donated Rs 10 lakh for the development of the temple and village. He then visited another village Kaza, where his aunt (fathers sister) lives. He enjoyed the village atmosphere and flew kites along with his son. He also went on a boat ride for two hours near Dindi, says a source. Meanwhile, hundreds of people from the local villages surrounding Palakollu thronged to see the actor, who promised them that he would come back soon. Internet sensation and the cameras delight Taimur Ali Khan is back from his Swiss holiday, ready to paint the town red. While the nation was still gasping at his maroon track suited swagger at the airport, a video of him shaking a leg at a party is out to cheer his fans. Dressed in a military green shirt and denims, the little munchkin was accompanied by mother Kareena Kapoor Khan and grandmother Babita. Also present at the party was cousin Inaaya Naumi Kemmu, who was dressed in a white frock, and her mother Soha Ali Khan. In one of the videos shared online, Taimur is seen standing at the back while Inaaya is in the front sitting in her mothers lap. As the other kids start dancing, Kareena is seen prompting Taimur to shake a leg. Soon, the adorable little fellow breaks into a dance. Inaaya, on the other hand, swayed a little bit holding her mothers hand. Apart from Taimur and Inaaya, Tims other cousins - Samiera Kapoor and Kiaan Raj Kapoor were also at the party in addition to other star kids Nisha Kaur Weber (with father Daniel Weber), Laksshya Kapoor (with Tusshar Kapoor) and Ranvijay Singhas daughter Kainaat. The same day, local television news station Fox 45 published a purported internal memo, which said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had a complaint against Cassella for alleged racial discrimination that had been sustained in 2006. It also said that what appeared to be an internal disciplinary complaint, for not properly filing a report, was sustained. The memo had been addressed to De Sousa and Hill. Mumbai: Actor Farida Jalal says older female actors get typecast in the role of a mother while their male co-stars still get to meaty characters. Jalal laments that the older actors often end up playing either mother or wife, which is sad as that is how they get typecast. "My male counterparts like Anupam Kher, Om Puri, Amrish Puri and others get to play different roles like a lawyer, doctor etc. We are given a sari with a border and are told to play a mother or wife. I am dying to play different kinds of role. "After a certain age, we are slotted. Nobody thinks a female actor can play different roles other than mother. What can one do? We just have to wait for good roles to come," Jalal told PTI. Bollywood saw a spate of female-centric films recently but that change is just limited to leading ladies, says Jalal. "There are women-oriented films and roles being written, they are making a noise and I am proud and happy for them. But after a certain age, it will stop and even they won't get exciting roles. "The biggest of actors like Waheeda Rehman, Rakhee ji, Shabana Azmi are all mostly playing roles of mother, there are no other roles being written. I get lot of offers even today but I look for something different even in what is offered to me. I wait for something that excites me." Jalal says her scenes from Shahid Kapoor starrer "Batti Gul Meter Chalu" were chopped in the final edit. "If they think the film is a little long they chop our scenes. So this way or that way, we are given the worst. But I don't blame anyone." The 69-year-old actor, however, feels there is respect for the older generation of actors and the remuneration has also improved. "There is respect. In terms of remuneration things have improved. Some girls are lucky to get heroine oriented roles." Jalal is excited about her web series titled 'Parchayee: Ghost Stories By Ruskin Bond'. The OTT platform ZEE5 will stream four of Ruskin Bond's ghost stories starting today. "For me it is about facing the camera, be it a web series, TV or films, an actor acts in front of a camera. It is a new medium. Creatively, it is different for the writers and makers," Jalal says. "The name Ruskin Bond in itself is big. I love to be associated with a project which is marvellous from writing to the team involved. This is coming from Ruskin Bond so the horror has a different class and tone. It is not the typical horror stuff," she adds. However, sales across nine Indian cities rose 30 percent year-on-year during October-December of 2018-19, with Mumbai and Pune leading the growth pack. New Delhi: The liquidity crisis in the NBFCs has resulted in an 8 per cent drop in residential sales in the third quarter, according to a report by property brokerage firm PropTiger. As per the report, a total of 73,691 units were sold in third quarter of FY19 in the top 9 cities as compared to 79,894 units sold in second quarter of FY19. However, sales across nine Indian cities rose 30 percent year-on-year during October-December of 2018-19, with Mumbai and Pune leading the growth pack. On a YoY basis, sales improved in all the cities other than Gurugram, which witnessed a slowdown due to non-approval of affordable housing projects. Cities in Maharashtra, namely, Mumbai and Pune led the growth pack showing more than 50 per cent improvement in sales year on year," said the report. The growth momentum typically seen during festival seasons was not seen during the last season due to the liquidity crunch caused by the snowballing of the IL&FS issue, which slowed down home loan disbursals and new sanctions by large home finance companies. However, if we compare the numbers with the same quarter of FY18, sales are 30 per cent higher which is good news for the industry," said Ankur Dhawan, chief investment officer, PropTiger. Gurugram witnessed a contraction of 26 per cent in sales in the third quarter on year on year basis. Hyderabad witnessed a growth of 36 per cent, Chennai by 25 per cent, Kolkata by 15 per cent, and Bengaluru by 3 per cent in sales in the third quarter. The report said launches at the national level improved by a mere 3 per cent year on year, primarily due to a 48 per cent drop in new launches in Mumbai. Cities where launches improved significantly include Bengaluru, Gurugram, Chennai and Pune. The reduced number of new launches and improved sales brought down unsold inventory by 10 per cent to 7,99,081 units. Inventory overhang has decreased to 31 months as compared to 34 months from last quarter. The report said Ahmedabad has the highest inventory overhang of 45 months followed by Kolkata at 41 months. Hyderabad witnessed the lowest inventory overhang of 20 months followed by Chennai and Bengaluru at 22 and 24 months respectively, added the report. New Delhi: Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani has featured in the top Global Thinkers 2019 ranking of the prestigious Foreign Policy publication alongside the likes of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and IMF head Christine Lagarde. The publication on its website released a few of the names in the 2019 list of 100 Thinkers, saying the full list would be released on January 22. "With a fortune of USD 44.3 billion, Mukesh Ambani displaced Jack Ma in 2018 as Asia's richest man. Ambani's fortune comes from his holdings in the oil, gas, and retail sectors, but he's likely to make his biggest impact on India through his new telecom venture Jio," it said. Ambani is Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Ltd. Reliance Jio is a subsidiary of RIL. "Offering cellular data and voice free for the first six months after Jio's launch, he got more than 100 million to sign up -- accelerating a smartphone internet revolution in the world's largest democracy," it said. "The next stage of Ambani's plan is to use the digital airwaves to sell content and lifestyle products, eventually competing with Google and Facebook." Foreign Policy said 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of its Global Thinkers listing and it has decided to split the list into 10 categories of 10. "The first group comprises thinkers who have had an enormous impact on the world in the past decade. The other groups are for people who have been influential in the past year: thinkers and doers 40 and under, as well as those in defense and security, energy and climate, technology, economics and business, science and health, and activism and the arts," it said adding the full list of 100 will be released on January 22 - the day its Global Thinkers special edition magazine goes live. Ambani is listed in the Top 10 Technology Thinkers list. In the Top 10 of the Last 10 Years listing, Jack Ma, who founded the e-commerce company Alibaba in 1999 to enable businesses to reach once inaccessible consumers, as also International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde is listed. Lagarde, it said, has "time and again proved the importance of the fund's role as a lender of last resort, even while trying to retool it as a champion of progressive policies on climate change and inequality." Also, featuring on the list are European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager, TV host Fareed Zakaria and Bill and Melinda Gates. Bezos is also on the list as Amazon, which started out as an online bookstore in 1994, "now touches just about every aspect of commerce, revolutionizing how people around the world browse and shop for all kinds of products." "Today, Amazon is one of the world's five biggest companies in terms of market capitalization, and its stock valuation has turned Jeff Bezos into the richest man in modern history," it said. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been featured in the 40 & Under list. Writer Amitav Ghosh is featured in the Energy & Climate Thinkers list for his 2016 book, The Great Derangement, being a "searing piece of nonfiction that questions why writers and artists consistently fail to use environmental disasters as centerpieces in their stories." "Ghosh blames these omissions for the lack of public will to confront climate changea point he tirelessly reiterates in speeches around the world," it added. New Delhi: The finance ministry is looking at lowering the corporate tax from 30 per cent to 25 per cent for companies having a turnover up to Rs 500 crore from the current limit of Rs 250 crore. At present companies with Rs 250-crore turnover pay 25 per cent corporate tax while those having revenues over Rs 250 crore pay 30 per cent tax. Though there is a demand for across-the-board rate cuts for businesses, that may not be possible in view of revenue considerations, but the threshold for paying tax can be raised to Rs 500 crore to cover more companies under the 25 per cent corporate tax rates and support the growth of these companies, said a finance ministry official, adding firms above Rs 500 crore could be still paying the existing 30 per cent basic corporate tax. However, while extending the benefit of lower taxes to a large proportion of companies, the government has left out large corporations from this benefit. Companies above Rs 250 crore turnover currently pay a basic corporate tax rate of 30 per cent. They also pay a dividend distribution tax at the rate of about 20 per cent. A minimum alternate tax (MAT) of 18.5 per cent is levied on the adjusted profits of companies where the tax payable is less than 18.5 per cent of their book profits. After including surcharges, the current effective corporate taxes are 33.9 per cent for domestic companies and 43.26 per cent for foreign companies. A domestic company has to pay the dividend distribution tax of 15 per cent plus a 12 per cent surcharge and 3 per cent education cess, which translates into an effective rate of 17.304 per cent. In his Union Budget 2018 speech, finance minister Arun Jaitley had said the government will cut the corporate tax rate to 25 per cent from the current 30 per cent for companies having an annual turnover of up to Rs 250 crore and this would benefit 99 per cent of the firms which file taxes. In the financial year 2015-16, the government had announced a similar tax cut for companies with an annual turnover of up to Rs 50 crore, which benefitted 96 per cent companies which filed their taxes. The government has a goalpost of a lower corporate tax rate. The government, in its previous budgets, had promised to simplify the corporate taxation regime by eliminating exemptions and deductions and cutting the corporate tax rate from the current statutory 30 per cent to 25 per cent and it has done so, the official said. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription and are still unable to access our content, please link your digital account to your print subscription If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Councilman Joe Vigliotti pointed to the fact that the fines are to be issued at the discretion of the ethics commission. Not every mistake will be fined, he said, as commissioners will likely work with candidates that make mistakes to get them right. DARIEN Darien may be next in a growing list of municipalities to ban plastic bags. Representative Town Meeting Public Works Vice Chair David Bayne said at Mondays meeting that a majority of stores in town are already behind the plastic bag ban proposal, introduced by local environmental group BYO (Bring Your Own) Darien back in October. The businesses are behind this and the town seems to be behind this, Bayne said. Now we just need to find a way to make this work for everybody. The RTMs Rules Committee recently set a public hearing for Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium, during which residents and local store owners are invited to share their thoughts. Westport, Greenwich and Norwalk have banned single-use plastic bags, and Stamford will soon follow with their own ban taking effect in April. Discussions on potential bans have also been held in recent weeks at meetings in New Haven, Hamden, Branford, and Guilford, among others. BYO Darien hopes to see the town join this growing trend. The proposal would prohibit plastic checkout bags and non-recycled paper bags. Exceptions are made for product bags including newspaper bags, door-hanger bags and pet waste bags. Recycled paper checkout bags are allowed, with merchants collecting and retaining a 10-cent charge for each bag. For enforcement, the Board of Selectmen plan to appoint a monitor to determine if violations are taking place. No town employees will participate in the monitoring or enforcement of this ordinance. BYO co-Chair Paolo Sordoni said the group was excited it was granted a public hearing. We would like to provide some more background to the community and allow them to get familiar with our proposal, she said. Co-Chair Lucia Zachowski agreed the public hearing was necessary. It is important for Darien residents to come to BYOs public hearing to make their opinions known in this representative government forum, Zachowski said, adding this was an important part of the democratic process in Darien. There could be environmental benefits as well. Darien is a town well known for its beauty in both the pastoral and beach landscape, Zachowski said. This is an asset to every Darien homeowner and an underpinning of our home values. On a global scale, the plastic pollution problem has also reached critical levels with the 3-mile-wide Pacific garbage path and microplastics being ingested by fish, she said. We must each take steps to be good stewards of the environment locally and globally. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com, 203-842-2568 Our fundraising started in March of 18. We had some restaurant nights, we did some Sykesville events, the farmers markets. Somehow the word got out and we had a benefactor who gave a $5,000 donation, which was very heart warming, Kathy Martin, president of the group, said in an interview. So now we are going to begin contacting the area businesses, we had letter head printed. So were just getting some momentum now. Upon being asked if he had anything else in the vehicle, Jacobs said, Im not going to lie Im riding dirty. Thats all Im going to say, deputies wrote. He then told deputies that he had 2 or 3 pounds of marijuana in the car, the statement shows. Hogans executive order, which Olson quoted from as the committees marching orders, specified criteria for the new map: compactness and geographical continuity and with regard to natural boundaries, boundaries of political subdivisions like counties and cities and geographical and other communities of interest, and without considering how citizens are registered to vote or have voted in the past, or to what political party they belong. Some murals, she said, could be painted with the help of community volunteers. Others would need an artists touch. But, she said, the murals that were designed with community help in mind are no less stunning, interesting and elaborate than murals Id paint myself. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena said he admires the way President Rodrigo Duterte is handling the issue of illegal drugs in the country, adding he feels the same should be done in his own. In his speech at the state banquet given in his honor in Malacanang during his state visit Wednesday, Sirisena said, "The war against crime and drugs carried out by you is an example to whole world and, personally, to me. The drug menace is rampant in my country and I feel that we should follow your footsteps to control this hazard." Duterte, in his press statement after the bilateral meeting earlier, said Sri Lanka could be a partner to address the trafficking of illegal drugs. Duterte is a hardliner when it comes to addressing the problem of illegal drugs, including it in his campaign for the presidency in 2016. He has discussed it in many of his speeches since becoming president, including stories of him warning those involved in the drug trade to stop or he would kill them. In a speech in October 2018, he said dead drug suspects were just carcasses to him. In another speech in November last year, he said he would reward cops who kill superiors involved in drugs. His administration, however, has defended the war on drugs, saying it protects Filipinos. Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs has left more than 4,000 killed in various police operations, while human rights groups peg the number beyond 12,000. The consultants and others on the Retriever Courage Implementation Team will work to review current university processes, policies, procedures, and practices regarding sexual misconduct to see what is and isnt working. The university said the team will have a broad scope and look at measures like training efforts and support for those hurt by sexual violence. In effect since Oct. 1, the Maryland Extreme Risk Protective Order also known by the acronym ERPO or red flag law is a court-issued civil order that temporarily requires an individual posing an immediate danger or threat to surrender their firearms and ammunition to law enforcement. It also prohibits the individual or respondent from purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition while in effect, according to the Maryland Courts website. Thus, the Gordie Center can simultaneously serve todays college students and tomorrows. And if it helps to establish a bully-resistant culture in middle schools, all students college-bound or not ultimately will benefit. The Henley workshop focused on bystander intervention. Thats but one aspect of the campaign against bullying: an important one. For middle-schoolers to understand the hurtfulness of bullying and then step up to disrupt such an interaction is a powerful model. Let me help. Its not always easy to help. There can be emotional risk. Its hard, said the centers Aditya Narayan. You have to be brave and a leader. But it doesnt have to be complicated. One of the concepts the students were taught was that of distraction. For the moment, all that might be necessary is simply to redirect the bulliers attention and break the tension. Obviously, it takes more than that to change a culture of bullying, but cultural change is built one step at a time. Every time you speak up, it becomes a ripple effect, Ms. Bruce said. When you receive your paycheck and look at the withholding for federal, state and sometimes city taxes, along with Social Security and Medicare, you probably don't think you're underpaying governments and want them to take more. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio believes that if you have played by what used to be called "the rules" and are making a decent living, taking care of yourself and your family and not relying on government, your taxes should be increased. In his State of the City address last week, de Blasio said, "...[B]rothers and sisters, there's plenty of money in the world. There's plenty of money in this city. It's just in the wrong hands." He continued: "You haven't been paid what you deserve for all the hard work. You haven't been given the time you deserve. You're not living the life you deserve. And here is the cold, hard truth: It's no accident. It's an agenda." He blamed presidential administrations from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. The mayor ignores the tax cuts and in some cases spending reductions that have fueled an economic boom, producing more wealth for individuals and more revenue for governments. Development of the 13-acre site will be in three phases with phase one scheduled to begin soon with phase two estimated to be completed in mid-2022. It's not just her bills that are sparking attention. State Sen. Amanda Chase, R-Chesterfield, generated buzz on Tuesday by presenting them while wearing her .38-caliber revolver in a custom-made holster. The first term senator - a fan of government transparency and opponent of the Equal Rights Amendment - said she wore the gun following an incident Monday in which Capitol Police were called after immigration-rights supporters confronted Sen. Dick Black, R-Loudoun. Chase said she always carries her gun in concealed fashion but decided Tuesday was a good day to carry openly when she presented her bills in the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee. "Sometimes its a deterrent for over-exuberant folks. Unfortunately in the General Assembly we see the good, we see the bad, we see all types of things," she said. "It's just for personal safety, quite honestly." While carrying a concealed handgun in Virginia requires a permit, carrying openly does not. Black said Monday on the Senate floor that after he presented a bill against sanctuary cities he was swarmed by a group of people taking pictures and being rather confrontational. As Amazon's plan for a new headquarters in Arlington County moves from vision to reality, a new House Appropriations subcommittee has formed to shepherd a proposed package of state commitments through the General Assembly to ensure Virginia lives up to its promises, especially in developing a higher education pipeline for high-tech talent. Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, will chair the five-member subcommittee that he is appointing to oversee the implementation of a $1.85 billion incentive package for the $2.5 billion Amazon headquarters, which must create at least 25,000 high-paying jobs for the money. "This is to make sure we get it right," said Jones. He also is carrying one piece of legislation to create a new state fund for $550 million in cash incentives that Virginia would begin to pay four years after the jobs are created and begin to generate new income tax revenue for the state. Most of the package, about $1.1 billion over the next 20 years, represents broad investments in Virginia colleges and universities to produce 25,000 to 35,000 degrees in computer science and related fields for Amazon and other high-tech companies that need highly skilled talent to grow. "It's bigger than Amazon," Jones said. We are talking monumental legislation, Ayers said. Its an opportunity for us, as a system, to do better in a way we havent been able to. The funding will be provided only to programs approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - which, so far, are 12 evidence-based programs, including Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, according to the Child Welfare League of America - and for residential programs that meet federal criteria. Mason said that 31 of Virginias 141 group or institutional homes are accredited, one of the requirements to meet federal standards. One of his legislative priorities is to identify the programs that are close to qualifying and provide them the resources necessary to meet the threshold. Gilbreath reported to the caucus on the state of kinship care, when a child is placed with a relative instead of foster parents. Evidence shows that placing a child with family increases the likelihood the child will find a permanent home and more stable life, she said. In Virginia, six percent of children in foster care are placed with a relative, compared with the 32 percent national average. Police say during the stop, the occupants allowed the officers to search the car and they found 24 caps of suspected heroin, about 15 grams of crack cocaine, three tablets of methadone and about three grams of marijuana. For the last three years, the Virginia Senate has passed bills to expand protections for LGBT people. The legislation has never made it out of the House of Delegates, but advocates believe this year could be different. On Tuesday, Del. Roxann Robinson, R-Chesterfield, joined LGBT rights group Equality Virginia at a news conference to highlight her bill to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Virginia's fair housing law. Robinson, who could face a tough re-election challenge this fall in her suburban district, called her bill a "common-sense, bipartisan piece of legislation." "As a conservative, standing up against discrimination is natural," Robinson said. "Because we value individual freedom, hard work and opportunity for all." Equality Virginia highlighted two polls showing that a majority of Republican voters support anti-discrimination measures. The more recent of the two, a Mason-Dixon poll of 625 registered voters conducted this month found that 53 percent of Republicans support laws to ban anti-LGBT housing discrimination. The poll showed that 63 percent of Republicans support measures to ban anti-LGBT discrimination in public employment. Central Virginia residents met the challenge as donations to the Santa Fund this season broke the previous record and exceeded the highest goal ever set for the homegrown childrens charity. According to the United Way-Thomas Jefferson Area, which administers the 124-year-old charity, area residents contributed $175,180.73 as of Tuesday, breaking the $175,000 goal set this year. The charitys previous record was $169,224, set in 2016. That was broken last week. We are humbled by the overwhelming generosity of this community. We offer our sincere thanks to the hundreds of donors, big and small, that came together to make this happen, said Peter Yates, publisher of The Daily Progress. Clearly, every donation matters and helps to make a difference in the lives of those in need. The Santa Fund was created in 1894 by The Daily Progress founding publisher, James H. Lindsey. Co-sponsored with radio station WINA in conjunction with the United Way, the Santa Fund serves nearly 1,500 children in the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson and Orange. Hudson, who announced her candidacy in early December, had $131,000 in funds to start the year. She raised $134,000 in the reporting period and spent about $3,000. Toscano has about $272,000 and raised about $177,000. Toscano is one of the most powerful Democrats in Richmond. First elected in 2005, he represents the 57th District, which covers Charlottesville and surrounding parts of Albemarle County, and was minority leader from 2011 to 2018. Other than Smiths donation, most of Hudsons contributors are college professors, many of whom do not live in Charlottesville. Some of the colleges represented include the University of California at Berkeley, Harvard University, Princeton University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she earned a doctorate in economics. Hudson also received $1,000 from Dede Smith, a former City Councilor and member of the Charlottesville School Board. Most of Toscanos money comes from political action committees Just one Charlottesville road project has been recommended for funding through the states Smart Scale process, while no projects in Albemarle County were recommended. On Tuesday, the scores from the third round of the funding prioritization process and the staff-recommended funding scenario were presented to the Commonwealth Transportation Board at its meeting. You all will over the coming months have the opportunity, if you wish to, to consider changes in this form, Nick Donohue, Virginias assistant secretary of transportation, said to the board. About $2 million for a phase of Charlottesvilles West Main Streetscape project was one of four projects in the Virginia Department of Transportations Culpeper District to receive an initial funding recommendation from staff from the Office of Intermodal Planning and Investment, VDOT and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Smart Scale is the current primary method for funding large-scale transportation projects in Virginia and provides state and federal funds for the design/engineering, right-of-way and construction of transportation projects. Puryear asked for a declaratory judgment and permanent injunction against the removal of the statues. Four of the defendants Councilors Wes Bellamy, Kathy Galvin and Mike Signer and former Councilor Kristin Szakos are being defended pro bono by Jones Day, the largest law firm in the United States. The city of Charlottesville and former Councilor Bob Fenwick are being represented by Lisa Robertson, chief deputy city attorney. Parker Rider-Longmaid, an attorney from Jones Day, argued that the intention behind the erection of the statues would determine whether they were monuments or memorials. The timing of their creation, as well as the placement in a formerly majority black neighborhood, calls their intention into question, he said. Without a clear intention to create war monuments or memorials, the statues were just that, Rider-Longmaid said. This was not the first time the argument has reached Judge Richard E. Moores bench and, as in the past, he was apprehensive to accept the defenses stance. This has become one of the battleground issues of the case, he said. Why something was put into place is different than what it is. I saw the importance of local government and the effect that it has on the quality of life of the people, he said. It was just something that Ive always gravitated toward, and this was my chance to give back. If elected, Smith said he wants to increase the effectiveness and transparency of local government, foster a more business-friendly environment and continue to improve and strengthen the public school system. He said he would like to examine the policies in place to make sure this is a place where businesses and entrepreneurs can grow. Essentially, I want to make sure, in terms of business-friendly, that this is a place that people feel that they can come and make a living whether theyre retiring here, theyre transferring here, theyre growing up here, Smith said. I just want to make sure that this economic environment is conducive to all walks of life, not dominated one way or the other. He also wants to make sure the government is working in the best interest of Albemarle residents and to ensure that the school system is up to date. Mallek has served on the board since 2008 and said she loves what shes been doing. "This is a time when we need art, and it can do many things. We really want people to have some sense of joy and affirmation in the midst of all this hardship." Craft beer is washing over America, but Connecticut still trails many other states in the number of breweries per capita, according a new ranking. Vermont, Montana and Maine lead all states in breweries per capita, according to a study called "The State of Craft Beer by the Brewers Association. In Vermont -- home to legendary brews such as Heady Topper -- there are an average of 11. 5 breweries per capita. That translates to an average of 151 pints per year for adults 21 and over. In Connecticut, where breweries seemingly open on a weekly basis, the report found there were 2.2 breweries per capita, just behind Massachusetts, South Dakota, Ohio and California. "When looking for nationwide trends and patterns, you can see that there is a heavy craft brewery presence in the Midwest as well as the Pacific Northwest. The South seems to have the lowest amount of craft breweries, which could be due to restrictive liquor laws that give brewers a lot of hoops to jump through to open,'' the brewers' report said. Colorado and Vermont top the nations list in terms of craft beers impact on state economies." How many breweries are there nationwide? There were 7,082 craft breweries in operation in 2018. What state has the fewest breweries per capita? Plan ahead if you are headed to Mississippi, which has just 0.6 breweries per capita. Where should I go on a beer vacation? Vermont, Colorado and Montana have nice mountains, and the coast of Maine and Oregon is great. All these states have lots of beer. Where do they drink the most craft beer? Where there are the most breweries, of course. Vermont leads the pack with an average of 151 pints per person, per year. So where is craft beer growing the fastest? New Jersey and Kentucky have seen the fastest growth of new breweries. Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, focuses on developing cell-based therapeutics to treat neurological conditions associated with demyelination, and cellular immunotherapies to treat cancer. Its clinical stage programs include AST-OPC1, an oligodendrocyte progenitor cell population derived from pluripotent stem cells that is in Phase I/IIa clinical trial for spinal cord injuries; AST-VAC2 is a non-patient-specific cancer immunotherapy derived from pluripotent stem cells for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer; and AST-VAC1, a patient-specific cancer immunotherapy that has completed Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. The company was formerly known as BioTime Acquisition Corporation and changed its name to Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. in March 2013. Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc. was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Fremont, California. Read More Cision Ltd. provides public relations (PR) software, media distribution, media intelligence, and related professional services to businesses worldwide. The company enables public relations and communications professionals to manage, execute, and measure their strategic PR and communications programs. It offers Cision Communications Cloud, a cloud-based platform that enables companies and brands to build relationships with influencers and buyers in order to amplify their marketplace influence; and provides media database that offers access to influencers when planning a campaign, as well as to schedule and record various interactions with contacts. The company also provides PR Newswire that offers wire distribution services, as well as a suite of products and services for investor relations professionals, including distribution of earnings and other material news, Webcasts and conference calls, IR Website hosting, and virtual investor conferences. In addition, it offers media monitoring software that tracks and monitors content on digital, print, social, and broadcast sources. Further, the company enables its customers to assess media coverage by collecting and analyzing data and metrics on audience engagement, campaign reach and effectiveness, sentiment, and competitive benchmarking to quantify campaign results of earned media strategies, as well as provides data-driven insights that inform the creation of future campaigns and marketing investment. Cision Ltd. was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Read More Vermilion Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas in North America, Europe, and Australia. It owns 81% working interest in 642,300 net acres of developed land and 87% working interest in 376,700 net acres of undeveloped land, and 613 net producing natural gas wells and 3,034 net producing oil wells in Canada; and 96% working interest in 248,900 net acres of developed land and 91% working interest in 222,100 net acres of undeveloped land in the Aquitaine and Paris Basins, and 325 net producing oil wells and 3.0 net producing gas wells in France. The company also owns 49% working interest in 930,000 net acres of land and 51 net producing natural gas wells in the Netherlands; and 36,900 net developed acres and 965,900 net undeveloped acres of land, and 61 net producing oil wells and 8 net producing natural gas wells in Germany. In addition, it owns offshore Corrib natural gas field located to the northwest coast of Ireland; and 100% working interest in the Wandoo offshore oil field and related production assets that covers 59,600 acres located on Western Australia's northwest shelf. Further, the company holds 138,000 net acres of land in the Powder River basin, and 136.6 net producing oil wells in the United States; and 951,200 net acres of land in Hungary, 244,900 net acres of land in Slovakia, and 2.4 million net acres of land in Croatia. Vermilion Energy Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More We know its not much, but we really wanted to do something nice for the people who are affected by the current furlough, and food makes people happy, co-owner Oscar Lee said in the release. Ejji Ramen is all about positive vibes, and if we can bring a smile to a few people during this shutdown, then weve done our part. UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company operates through U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning, and First Aid segments. It designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, and aprons; and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. The company also rents and sells industrial wiping products, floor mats, facility service products, and dry and wet mops; restroom and cleaning supplies comprising air fresheners, paper products, gloves, masks, sanitizers, and hand soaps; and other textile products. In addition, it provides first aid cabinet services and other safety supplies; decontaminates and cleans work clothes, and other items that is exposed to radioactive materials; and services special cleanroom protective wear and facilities. Further, it offers a range of garment service options, including full-service rental programs in which garments are cleaned and serviced; lease programs in which garments are cleaned and maintained by individual employees; and purchase programs to buy garments and related items directly. The company serves automobile service centers and dealers, delivery services, food and general merchandise retailers, food processors and service operations, light manufacturers, maintenance facilities, restaurants, service companies, soft and durable goods wholesalers, transportation companies, healthcare providers, government agencies, research and development laboratories, high technology companies, and utilities operating nuclear reactors, as well as others who require employee clothing for image, identification, protection, or utility purposes. UniFirst Corporation was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Tenet Healthcare: 1 Subsidiaries of this entity in which Tenet Healthcare Corporation directly and indirectly held a 95% ownership interest at December 31 2020 are set forth in the table below., 25 East Same Day Surgery L.L.C., 300 PBL Development LLC, 45th Street MOB LLC, 601 N 30th Street I L.L.C., 601 N 30th Street II L.L.C., 601 N 30th Street III Inc., AHM Acquisition Co. Inc., AIG Holdings LLC, AIGB Global LLC, AIGB Group Inc., AIGB Holdings Inc., AIGB Management Services LLC, AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #1 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #2 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #3 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #4 L.L.C., AMC/North Fulton Urgent Care #5 L.L.C., AMI Information Systems Group Inc., AMI/HTI Tarzana Encino Joint Venture, APN, ARC Worcester Center L.P., ASC Old Co. LP, ASC of New Jersey LLC, ASJH Joint Venture LLC, Abrazo Health Network EP Clinical Services LLC, Abrazo Surgical Outpatient Center LLC, Advanced Ambulatory Surgical Care L.P., Advanced Center for Surgery Vero Beach LLC, Advanced Regional Surgery Center LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Metairie LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Sarasota LLC, Advanced Surgery Center of Tampa LLC, Advanced Surgical Care of St Louis LLC, Advanced Surgical Concepts LLC, Advantage Health Care Management Company LLC, Advantage Health Network Inc., AdventHealth Surgery Center Celebration LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Mills Park LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Wellswood LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Center Winter Garden LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Centers Central Florida LLC, AdventHealth Surgery Centers West Florida LLC, Adventist Midwest Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Alabama Cardiovascular Associates L.L.C., Alabama Digestive Health Endoscopy Center L.L.C., Alabama Hand and Sports Medicine L.L.C., Alamo Heights Surgicare L.P., All Star MOB LLC, Allegian Insurance Company, Alliance Surgery Birmingham LLC, Alliance Surgery Inc., Alvarado Hospital Medical Center Inc., Ambulatory Surgical Associates LLC, Ambulatory Surgical Center of Somerville LLC, American Institute of Gastric Banding Ltd., American Institute of Gastric Banding Phoenix Limited Partnership, American Medical (Central) Inc., Amisub (Heights) Inc., Amisub (Hilton Head) Inc., Amisub (North Ridge Hospital) Inc., Amisub (SFH) Inc., Amisub (Twelve Oaks) Inc., Amisub of California Inc., Amisub of North Carolina Inc., Amisub of South Carolina Inc., Amisub of Texas Inc., Anaheim Hills Medical Imaging L.L.C., Anaheim MRI Holding Inc., Anesthesia Partners of Gallatin LLC, Arizona Care Network Next L.L.C., Arizona Health Partners LLC, Arlington Orthopedic and Spine Hospital LLC, Arrowhead Endoscopy and Pain Management Center LLC, Asia Outsourcing US Inc., Aspen Healthcare, Atlanta Medical Center Inc., Atlanta Medical Center Interventional Neurology Associates L.L.C., Atlanta Medical Center Neurosurgical & Spine Specialists L.L.C., Atlanta Medical Center Physician Group L.L.C., Atlantic Coast Surgical Suites LLC, Atlantic Health-USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Avita/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., BBH BMC LLC, BBH CBMC LLC, BBH DevelopmentCo LLC, BBH Imaging Jasper LLC, BBH NP Clinicians Inc., BBH PBMC LLC, BBH SBMC LLC, BBH WBMC LLC, BCDC EmployeeCO LLC, BHC-Talladega Pediatrics LLC, BHS Accountable Care LLC, BHS Affinity LLC, BHS Integrated Physician Partners LLC, BHS Physician Performance Network LLC, BHS Physicians Alliance for ACE LLC, BHS Physicians Network Inc., BHS Specialty Network Inc., BT East Dallas JV LLP, BW Cardiology LLC, BW Cyberknife LLC, BW Hand Practice LLC, BW Office Buildings LLC, BW Parking Decks LLC, BW Physician Practices LLC, BW Retail Pharmacy LLC, BW Sports Practice LLC, Bagley Holdings LLC, Baptist Accountable Care LLC, Baptist Diagnostics LLC, Baptist Health Centers LLC, Baptist Physician Alliance ACO LLC, Baptist Physician Alliance LLC, Baptist Plaza Surgicare L.P., Baptist Surgery Center L.P., Baptist Womens Health Center LLC, Baptist/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Bartlett ASC LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Baylor Plano LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Blue Star LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Granbury LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Mansfield LLC, Baylor Surgicare at North Dallas LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Plano LLC, Baylor Surgicare at Plano Parkway LLC, Bear Creek Surgery Center LLC, Beaumont Surgical Affiliates Ltd., Bellaire Outpatient Surgery Center L.L.P., Berkshire Eye LLC, Bloomington ASC LLC, Blue Ridge/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Bluffton Okatie Primary Care L.L.C., Bluffton Okatie Surgery Center L.L.C., Bon Secours Surgery Center at Harbour View LLC, Bon Secours Surgery Center at Virginia Beach LLC, Bozeman Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Bozeman MOB LLC, Briarcliff Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Bristol Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Broad River Primary Care L.L.C., Brookwood - Maternal Fetal Medicine L.L.C., Brookwood Ancillary Holdings Inc., Brookwood Baptist Health 1 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Health 2 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Health 3 LLC, Brookwood Baptist Imaging LLC, Brookwood Center Development Corporation, Brookwood Development Inc., Brookwood Diagnostic Imaging Center LLC, Brookwood Garages L.L.C., Brookwood Health Services Inc., Brookwood Home Health LLC, Brookwood Occupational Health Clinic L.L.C., Brookwood Parking Associates Ltd., Brookwood Primary Care - Homewood L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Inverness L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Mountain Brook L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Oak Mountain L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care - Vestavia L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care Cahaba Heights L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care Hoover L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Care The Narrows L.L.C., Brookwood Primary Network Care Inc., Brookwood Specialty Care - Endocrinology L.L.C., Brookwood Sports and Orthopedics L.L.C., Brookwood Womens Care L.L.C., Brookwood Womens Diagnostic Center LLC, C7 Technologies LLC, CGH Hospital Ltd., CHIC/USP Surgery Centers LLC, CHN Holdings LLC, CHRISTUS Cabrini Surgery Center L.L.C., CHVI Tucson Holdings LLC, CML-Chicago Market Labs Inc., CRNAs of Michigan, CS/USP General Partner LLC, CS/USP Surgery Centers LP, California Joint & Spine LLC, Camp Creek Urgent Care L.L.C., Camp Lowell Surgery Center L.L.C., Captive Insurance Services Inc., Cardiology Physicians Associates L.L.C., Cardiology Physicians Corporation L.L.C., Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Associates L.L.C., Cardiovascular Clinical Excellence at Sierra Providence LLC, CareSpot of Austin LLC, CareSpot of Memphis LLC, CareSpot of Orlando/HSI Urgent Care LLC, Carmel Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Carondelet St. Marys-Northwest L.L.C., Cascade Spine Center LLC, Castle Rock Surgery Center LLC, Catawba-Piedmont Cardiothoracic Surgery L.L.C., Cedar Hill Primary Care L.L.C., Cedar Park Surgery Center L.L.P., Centennial ASC LLC, Center for Advanced Research Excellence L.L.C., Center for the Urban Child Inc., Central California Healthcare Holdings LLC, Central Carolina Physicians - Sandhills L.L.C., Central Carolina-IMA L.L.C., Central Jersey Surgery Center LLC, Central Texas Corridor Hospital Company LLC, Central Valley Quality Alliance LLC, Central Virginia Surgi-Center L.P., Centura Ventures Surgery Centers LLC, Centura/USP Colorado Springs Surgery Centers L.L.C., Chalon Living Inc., Chandler Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Charlotte Endoscopic Surgery Center LLC, Chattanooga Pain Management Center LLC, Chesterfield Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Chesterfield Anesthesia Associates of Missouri LLC, Chico Surgery Center L.P., Childrens Hospital of Michigan Premier Network Inc., Citrus Heights ASC RE LLC, Clarkston ASC Partners LLC, Clarksville Surgery Center LLC, Coast Healthcare Management LLC, Coast Surgery Center L.P., Coastal Carolina Medical Center, Coastal Carolina Medical Center Inc., Coastal Carolina Physician Practices LLC, Coastal Carolina Pro Fee Billing L.L.C., Coastal Endo LLC, Colorado GI Centers LLC, Commonwealth Continental Health Care Inc., Community Connection Health Plan Inc., Community Hospital LLC, Community Hospital of Los Gatos Inc., Conifer Care Continuum Solutions LLC, Conifer Ethics and Compliance Inc., Conifer Global Business Center Inc., Conifer Global Holdings Inc., Conifer Health Solutions LLC, Conifer Holdings Inc., Conifer Patient Communications LLC, Conifer Physician Services Holdings Inc., Conifer Physician Services Inc., Conifer Revenue Cycle Solutions LLC, Conifer Value-Based Care LLC, Conroe Surgery Center 2 LLC, Coral Gables Hospital Inc., Coral Ridge Outpatient Center LLC, Corpus Christi Surgicare Ltd., Covenant/USP Surgery Centers LLC, CreAtiv Management Company Inc., Creekwood Investors LLC, Creekwood Surgery Center L.P., Crown Point Surgery Center LLC, DH/USP SJOSC Investment Company L.L.C., DH/USP Sacramento Pain GP LLC, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital Premier Clinical Co-Management Services LLC, DMC Education & Research, DMC Harper University Hospital Premier Clinical Co-Management Services LLC, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Premier Clinical Management Services LLC, DMC Imaging L.L.C., Dallas Surgical Partners LLC, DeTar/USP Surgery Center LLC, Delray Beach ASC LLC, Delray Medical Center Inc., Delray Medical Physician Services L.L.C., Denton Surgicare Partners Ltd., Denton Surgicare Real Estate Ltd., Denville Surgery Center LLC, Des Peres Physician Network LLC, Desert Cove MOB LLC, Desert Regional Medical Center Inc., Desert Ridge Outpatient Surgery LLC, Desoto Surgicare Partners Ltd., Destin ASC RE LLC, Destin Surgery Center LLC, Detroit Education & Research, DigitalMed Inc., Dignity/Abrazo Health Network LLC, Dignity/USP Folsom GP LLC, Dignity/USP Grass Valley GP LLC, Dignity/USP Las Vegas Surgery Centers LLC, Dignity/USP Metro Surgery Center LLC, Dignity/USP NorCal Surgery Centers LLC, Dignity/USP Phoenix Surgery Centers II LLC, Dignity/USP Phoenix Surgery Centers LLC, Dignity/USP Redding GP LLC, Dignity/USP Roseville GP LLC, Dignity/USP/John Muir East Bay Surgery Centers LLC, Doctors Hospital of Manteca Inc., Doctors Medical Center Neurosciences Clinical Co-Management LLC, Doctors Medical Center Orthopedics Clinical Co-Management LLC, Doctors Medical Center of Modesto Inc., Doctors Outpatient Center for Surgery LLC, Doctors Outpatient Surgery Center of Jupiter L.L.C., EPHC Inc., EPIC ASC LLC, East Atlanta Endoscopy Centers LLC, East Cobb Urgent Care LLC, East Cooper Coastal Family Physicians L.L.C., East Cooper Community Hospital Inc., East Cooper Hyperbarics L.L.C., East Cooper OB/GYN L.L.C., East Cooper Physician Network LLC, East Cooper Primary Care Physicians L.L.C., East Portland Surgery Center LLC, East West Surgery Center L.P., Eastgate Building Center L.L.C., Effingham Surgical Partners LLC, Einstein Montgomery Surgery Center LLC, Einstein/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., El Mirador Surgery Center L.L.C., El Paso Center for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy LLC, El Paso Day Surgery LLC, El Paso Urology Surgery Center Curie LLC, Emanate/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Emanuel Medical Center, Emerson Surgery Center LLC, Encinitas Endoscopy Center LLC, Endoscopy Center of Hackensack LLC, Endoscopy Center of South Sacramento LLC, Endoscopy Consultants LLC, European Surgical Partners Ltd., Eye Center of Nashville UAP LLC, Eye Surgery Center of Nashville LLC, FMC Medical Inc., FMCC Network Contracting L.L.C., FPN Frisco Physicians Network, FREH Real Estate L.L.C., FRS Imaging Services L.L.C., FSC Hospital LLC, FSH IT Services LP, First Choice Physician Partners, Flatirons Surgery Center LLC, Folsom Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Fort Bend Clinical Services Inc., Fort Worth Hospital Real Estate LP, Fort Worth Surgicare Partners Ltd., Foundation Bariatric Hospital of San Antonio LLC, Foundation San Antonio Borrower Sub LLC, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center, Fountain Valley Surgery Center LLC, Franklin Endo UAP LLC, Franklin Endoscopy Center LLC, Fresno Surgery Center L.P., Frisco Medical Center L.L.P., Frontenac Ambulatory Surgery & Spine Care Center L.P., Frye Regional Medical Center Inc., FryeCare Boone L.L.C., FryeCare Morganton L.L.C., FryeCare Physicians L.L.C., FryeCare Valdese L.L.C., FryeCare Watauga L.L.C., FryeCare Womens Services L.L.C., GCSA Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Gamma Surgery Center LLC, Gardendale Surgical Associates LLC, Garland Surgicare Partners Ltd., Gastric Health Institute L.L.C., Genesis ASC Partners LLC, Geneva Surgical Suites LLC, Georgia Endoscopy Center LLC, Georgia Gifts From Grace L.L.C., Georgia Musculoskeletal Network Inc., Georgia North Fulton Healthcare Associates L.L.C., Georgia Northside Ear Nose and Throat L.L.C., Georgia Physicians of Cardiology L.L.C., Georgia Spectrum Neurosurgical Specialists L.L.C., Georgia Spine Surgery Center LLC, Glen Echo Surgery Center LLC, Golden Ridge ASC LLC, Good Samaritan Medical Center Inc., Good Samaritan Surgery L.L.C., Grapevine Surgicare Partners Ltd., Grass Valley Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Graystone Family Healthcare - Tenet North Carolina L.L.C., Great Lakes Surgical Suites LLC, Greater Dallas Healthcare Enterprises, Greater Northwest Houston Enterprises, Greenville Physicians Surgery Center LLP, Greenwood ASC LLC, Greystone Internal Medicine - Brookwood L.L.C., Gulf Coast Community Hospital Inc., HCH Tucson Holdings LLC, HCN Emerus Management Sub LLC, HCN Emerus Texas LLC, HCN Laboratories Inc., HCN Physicians Inc., HCN Sunnyvale Holdings LLC, HCN Surgery Center Holdings Inc., HDMC Holdings L.L.C., HMA/Solantic Joint Venture LLC, HMH-USP Surgery Centers LLC, HMHP/USP Surgery Centers LLC, HNMC Inc., HNW GP Inc., HNW LP Inc., HPI Holdings LLC, HPI North LLC, HPI Physicians LLC, HSRM International Inc., HSS Palm Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, HSS/USP Surgery Center LLC, HUG Services Inc., HUMC/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Hacienda Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Hagerstown Surgery Center LLC, Hardeeville Medical Group L.L.C., Hardeeville Primary Care L.L.C., Harlingen Physician Network Inc., Harper-Hutzel AHP Services Inc., Harvard Park Surgery Center LLC, Haymarket Surgery Center LLC, Hazelwood Endoscopy Center LLC, Health & Wellness Surgery Center L.P., Health Horizons of Kansas City Inc., Health Horizons of Murfreesboro Inc., Health Horizons/Piedmont Joint Venture LLC, Health Services CFMC Inc., Health Services HNMC Inc., Health Services Network Care Inc., Health Services Network Hospitals Inc., Health Services Network Texas Inc., HealthCorp Network Inc., Healthcare Compliance LLC, Healthcare Network Alabama Inc., Healthcare Network CFMC Inc., Healthcare Network DPH Inc., Healthcare Network Georgia Inc., Healthcare Network Holdings Inc., Healthcare Network Hospitals (Dallas) Inc., Healthcare Network Hospitals Inc., Healthcare Network Louisiana Inc., Healthcare Network Missouri Inc., Healthcare Network North Carolina Inc., Healthcare Network South Carolina Inc., Healthcare Network Tennessee Inc., Healthcare Network Texas Inc., Healthcare Partners Investments LLC, Healthmark Partners Inc., Healthpoint of North Carolina L.L.C., Heart and Vascular Institute of Michigan, Heritage Park Surgical Hospital LLC, Hershey Outpatient Surgery Center L.P., Hialeah Hospital Inc., Hialeah Real Properties Inc., Hickory Family Practice Associates - Tenet North Carolina L.L.C., Hill Country ASC Partners LLC, Hill Country Surgery Center LLC, Hilton Head Health System L.P., Hilton Head Regional Healthcare L.L.C., Hilton Head Regional OB/GYN Partners L.L.C., Hilton Head Regional Physician Network LLC, Hilton Head Regional Physician Network Georgia L.L.C., Hinsdale Surgical Center LLC, Hitchcock State Street Real Estate Inc., Holston Valley Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Holy Cross Hospital Inc., Home Health Partners of San Antonio LLC, Hoover Doctors Group Inc., Hoover Land LLC, Horizon Ridge Surgery Center LLC, Hospital Development of West Phoenix Inc., Hospital RCM Services LLC, Hospital Underwriting Group Inc., Houston Northwest Partners Ltd., Houston PSC L.P., Houston Specialty Hospital Inc., Houston Sunrise Investors Inc., Hyde Park Surgery Center LLC, ICNU Rockford LLC, Imaging Center at Baxter Village L.L.C., InforMed Insurance Services LLC, Integris/USP Health Ventures LLC, International Health and Wellness Inc., Irving-Coppell Surgical Hospital L.L.P., JFK Memorial Hospital Inc., JFP UAP Sugarland LLC, Jackson Surgical Center LLC, Jacksonville Endoscopy Centers LLC, Journey Home Healthcare of San Antonio LLC, KHS Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, KHS/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Kingsport Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Laguna Medical Systems Inc., Lake Endoscopy Center LLC, Lake Health Care Facilities Inc., Lake Lansing ASC Partners LLC, Lake Surgical Hospital Slidell LLC, LakeFront Medical Associates LLC, Lakewood Regional Medical Center Inc., Lakewood Surgery Center LLC, Lancaster Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Lansing ASC Partners LLC, Lawrenceville Surgery Center L.L.C., Lebanon Endoscopy Center LLC, Legacy Warren Partners L.P., Legacy/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Leonardtown Surgery Center LLC, Liberty Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Lifemark Hospitals Inc., Lifemark Hospitals of Florida Inc., Lifemark Hospitals of Louisiana Inc., Lone Star Endoscopy Center LLC, Longleaf Surgery Center LLC, Los Alamitos Medical Center Inc., Lubbock ASC Holding Co LLC, MASC Partners LLC, MCSH Real Estate Investors Ltd., MH Memorial City Surgery LLC, MH/USP Bay Area LLC, MH/USP Brazoria LLC, MH/USP Kingsland LLC, MH/USP Kingwood LLC, MH/USP Kirby LLC, MH/USP Main Street LLC, MH/USP North Freeway LLC, MH/USP North Houston LLC, MH/USP Richmond LLC, MH/USP Sugar Land LLC, MH/USP TMC Endoscopy LLC, MH/USP West Houston L.L.C., MH/USP Woodlands Parkway LLC, MSH Partners LLC, MSV Health/USP Surgery Centers LLC, MVH/USP Surgery Centers LLC, MacNeal Management Services Inc., MacNeal Medical Records Inc., MacNeal Physicians Group LLC, Magnetic Resonance Imaging of San Luis Obispo Inc., Magnolia Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Manchester Ambulatory Surgery Center LP, Maple Lawn Surgery Center LLC, Marion Surgery Center LLC, Mary Immaculate Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Mason Ridge Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Mayfield Spine Surgery Center LLC, McLaren ASC of Flint LLC, Meadowcrest Hospital LLC, Medical House Staffing LLC, Medical Park Tower Surgery Center LLC, Medplex Outpatient Medical Centers Inc., Medplex Outpatient Surgery Center Ltd., Memorial Hermann Bay Area Endoscopy Center LLC, Memorial Hermann Endoscopy & Surgery Center North Houston L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Endoscopy Center North Freeway LLC, Memorial Hermann Specialty Hospital Kingwood L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Surgical Hospital L.L.P., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Brazoria LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Cypress LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Katy LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kingsland L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Kirby LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Main Street LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Memorial City L.L.C., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Northwest LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Pinecroft LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Preston Road Ltd., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Richmond LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Southwest L.L.P., Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Sugar Land LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Texas Medical Center LLP, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center Woodlands Parkway LLC, Memorial Hermann Surgery Center The Woodlands LLP, Memorial Hermann Texas International Endoscopy Center LLC, Memorial Hermann West Houston Surgery Center LLC, Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers II L.P., Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers III LLP, Memorial Hermann/USP Surgery Centers IV LLP, Memorial Surgery Center LLC, Memphis Urgent Care #1 L.L.C., Memphis Urgent Care #2 L.L.C., Merced Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Mercy/USP Health Ventures L.L.C., Metro Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Metro Surgery Center LLC, MetroWest HomeCare & Hospice LLC, Metrocrest Surgery Center L.P., Metropolitan New Jersey LLC, Michigan ASC Partners L.L.C., Michigan Pioneer ACO LLC, Michigan Regional Imaging LLC, Mid Rivers Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Mid State Endo UAP LLC, Mid-State Endoscopy Center LLC, Mid-TSC Development LP, Middle Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Midland Memorial/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Midland Texas Surgical Center LLC, Midwest Digestive Health Center LLC, Midwest Pharmacies Inc., Midwest Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Millennium Surgical Center LLC, Mobile Imaging Management LLC, Mobile Technology Management LLC, Modesto Radiology Imaging Inc., Monocacy Surgery Center LLC, Mountain Empire Surgery Center L.P., Munster Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Murdock Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, NHSC Holdings LLC, NICH GP Holdings LLC, NKCH/USP Briarcliff GP LLC, NKCH/USP Liberty GP LLC, NKCH/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., NKCH/USP Surgery Centers LLC, NMC Lessor L.P., NMC Surgery Center L.P., NME Headquarters Inc., NME Properties Corp., NME Properties Inc., NME Property Holding Co. Inc., NME Psychiatric Hospitals Inc., NME Rehabilitation Properties Inc., NSCH GP Holdings LLC, NSCH/USP Desert Surgery Centers L.L.C., NUCH of Georgia L.L.C., NUCH of Massachusetts LLC, NUCH of Michigan Inc., NUCH of Texas, Nacogdoches ASC-LP Inc., Name of Entity, National ASC Inc., National Ancillary Inc., National Diagnostic Imaging Centers Inc., National HHC Inc., National Home Health Holdings Inc., National ICN Inc., National Imaging Center Holdings Inc., National Medical Services II Inc., National Outpatient Services Holdings Inc., National Surgery Center Holdings Inc., National Urgent Care Holdings Inc., National Urgent Care Inc., Network Management Associates Inc., New Dimensions LLC, New England Physician Performance Network LLC, New H Acute Inc., New Horizons Surgery Center LLC, New Medical Horizons II Ltd., New Mexico Orthopaedic Surgery Center LLC, New Salem ASC RE LLC, Newhope Imaging Center Inc., North Anaheim Surgery Center LLC, North Atlantic Surgical Suites LLC, North Campus Surgery Center LLC, North Carolina Community Family Medicine L.L.C., North Central Surgical Center L.L.P., North Denver Musculoskeletal Surgical Partners LLC, North Fulton Cardiovascular Medicine L.L.C., North Fulton Hospitalist Group L.L.C., North Fulton Medical Center Inc., North Fulton Primary Care - Willeo Rd. L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care - Windward Parkway L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care - Wylie Bridge L.L.C., North Fulton Primary Care Associates L.L.C., North Fulton Pulmonary Specialists L.L.C., North Fulton Womens Consultants L.L.C., North Garland Surgery Center L.L.P., North Haven Surgery Center LLC, North Miami Medical Center Ltd., North Shore Medical Billing Center L.L.C., North Shore Medical Center Inc., North Shore Same Day Surgery L.L.C., North Shore Surgical Suites LLC, North State Surgery Centers L.P., NorthPointe Surgical Suites LLC, NorthShore/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., Northern Monmouth Regional Surgery Center L.L.C., Northridge ASC RE LLC, Northridge Surgery Center L.P., Northwest Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Georgia Orthopaedic Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Regional ASC LLC, Northwest Regional Surgery Center LLC, Northwest Surgery Center LLP, Northwest Surgery Center Ltd., Novant Health/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Novant/UVA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, OCOMS Imaging LLC, OCOMS Professional Services LLC, OLOL/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Okatie Surgical Partners L.L.C., Oklahoma Center for Orthopedic and Multi-Specialty Surgery LLC, Old Tesson Surgery Center L.P., Olive Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Olive Branch Urgent Care #1 LLC, Ophthalmology Anesthesia Services LLC, Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Orlando LLC, Optimum Spine Center LLC, OrNda Healthcorp, OrNda Hospital Corporation, Orlando Health/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., OrthoArizona Surgery Center Gilbert LLC, OrthoLink ASC Corporation, OrthoLink Physicians Corporation, OrthoLink Radiology Services Corporation, OrthoLink/ Georgia ASC Inc., OrthoLink/Baptist ASC LLC, OrthoLink/New Mexico ASC Inc., Orthopedic Associates of the Lowcountry L.L.C., Orthopedic South Surgical Partners LLC, Orthopedic and Surgical Specialty Company LLC, PAHS/USP Surgery Centers LLC, PDN L.L.C., PHPS Inc., PHPS-CHM Acquisition Inc., PHS/USP Health Ventures LLC, PM CyFair Land Partners LLC, PMC Physician Network L.L.C., PPRE LLC, PSS Patient Solution Services LLC, Pacific Endo-Surgical Center L.P., Pacific Endoscopy and Surgery Center LLC, Pain Diagnostic and Treatment Center L.P., Paley Institute Global LLC, Palm Beach Gardens Community Hospital Inc., Palm Beach International Surgery Center LLC, Palm Valley Medical Center Campus Association, Palos Health Surgery Center LLC, Paramus Endoscopy LLC, Park Cities Surgery Center LLC, Park Plaza Hospital Billing Center L.L.C., ParkCreek ASC LLC, Parkway Recovery Care Center LLC, Parkwest Surgery Center L.P., Patient Partners LLC, Peak Gastroenterology ASC LLC, Pediatric Surgery Center Odessa LLC, Pediatric Surgery Centers LLC, Physician Performance Network L.L.C., Physician Performance Network of Arizona LLC, Physician Performance Network of Detroit, Physician Performance Network of South Carolina LLC, Physician Performance Network of Tucson LLC, Physicians Performance Network of Houston, Physicians Performance Network of North Texas, Physicians Surgery Center at Good Samaritan LLC, Physicians Surgery Center of Tempe LLC, Physicians Surgical Center of Ft. Worth LLP, Physicians Surgery Center of Chattanooga L.L.C., Physicians Surgery Center of Knoxville LLC, Piccard Surgery Center LLC, Piedmont ASC LLC, Piedmont Behavioral Medicine Associates LLC, Piedmont Cardiovascular Physicians L.L.C., Piedmont Carolina OB/GYN of York County L.L.C., Piedmont Carolina Vascular Surgery L.L.C., Piedmont East Urgent Care Center L.L.C., Piedmont Express Care at Sutton Road L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Rock Hill L.L.C., Piedmont Family Practice at Tega Cay L.L.C., Piedmont General Surgery Associates L.L.C., Piedmont Internal Medicine at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Physician Network LLC, Piedmont Pulmonology L.L.C., Piedmont Surgical Specialists L.L.C., Piedmont Urgent Care Center at Baxter Village L.L.C., Piedmont Urgent Care and Industrial Health Centers Inc., Piedmont/Carolinas Radiation Therapy LLC, Placentia-Linda Hospital Inc., Pleasanton Diagnostic Imaging Inc., Point of Rocks Surgery Center LLC, Practice Partners Management L.P., Premier ACO Physicians Network LLC, Premier ASC LLC, Premier Adult and Childrens Surgery Center LLC, Premier Endoscopy ASC LLC, Premier Health Plan Services Inc., Premier Medical Specialists L.L.C., Prince William Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Professional Anesthesia Services LLC, Professional Liability Insurance Company, Pros Temporary Staffing Inc., Providence/UCLA/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Providence/USP Santa Clarita GP LLC, Providence/USP South Bay Surgery Centers L.L.C., Providence/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Pueblo Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, R.H.S.C. El Paso Inc., RE Plano Med Inc., RHC Parkway Inc., RLC LLC, Reading Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Reading Endoscopy Center LLC, Reagan Street Surgery Center LLC, Redmond Surgery Center LLC, Renaissance Surgery Center LLC, Republic Health Corporation of Rockwall County, Resolute Health Physicians Network Inc., Resolute Hospital Company LLC, Resurgens East Surgery Center LLC, Resurgens Fayette Surgery Center LLC, Resurgens Surgery Center LLC, Rheumatology Associates of Atlanta Medical Center L.L.C., Richmond ASC Leasing Company LLC, Rio Grande Valley Indigent Health Care Corporation, River North Same Day Surgery L.L.C., Riverside Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Rock Bridge Surgical Institute L.L.C., Rock Hill Surgery Center LLC, Rockwall Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.P., Rocky Mountain Endoscopy Centers LLC, Roseville Surgery Center L.P., Roswell Surgery Center L.L.C., SCNRE LLC, SFMP Inc., SFMPE - Crittenden L.L.C., SL-HLC Inc., SLH Physicians L.L.C., SLH Vista Inc., SLPA ACO LLC, SLUH Anesthesia Physicians L.L.C., SMSJ Imaging Company LLC, SMSJ Tucson Holdings LLC, SPC at the Star LLC, SRRMC Management Inc., SSI Holdings Inc., Sacramento Midtown Endoscopy Center LLC, Safety Harbor ASC Company LLC, Saint Agnes/Dignity/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Saint Agnes/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Saint Francis Cardiology Associates L.L.C., Saint Francis Cardiovascular Surgery L.L.C., Saint Francis Center for Surgical Weight Loss L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital Billing Center L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital Medicare ACO LLC, Saint Francis Hospital Pro Fee Billing L.L.C., Saint Francis Hospital-Bartlett Inc., Saint Francis Medical Partners East L.L.C., Saint Francis Medical Partners General Surgery L.L.C., Saint Francis Physician Network LLC, Saint Francis Quality Alliance LLC, Saint Francis Surgery Center L.L.C., Saint Francis Surgical Associates L.L.C., Saint Francis-Arkansas Physician Network LLC, Saint Francis-Bartlett Physician Network LLC, Saint Thomas Campus Surgicare L.P., Saint Thomas Surgery Center New Salem LLC, Saint Thomas/USP Surgery Centers II L.L.C., Saint Thomas/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Saint Thomas/USP Baptist Plaza L.L.C., Saint Vincent Physician Services Inc., Salmon Surgery Center LLC, Same Day Management L.L.C., Same Day SC of Central NJ LLC, Same Day Surgery L.L.C., San Antonio Endoscopy L.P., San Fernando Valley Surgery Center L.P., San Gabriel Valley Surgical Center L.P., San Martin Surgery Center LLC, San Ramon ASC L. P., San Ramon Ambulatory Care LLC, San Ramon Network Joint Venture LLC, San Ramon Regional Medical Center LLC, San Ramon Surgery Center L.L.C., Santa Barbara Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Santa Clarita Surgery Center L.P., Savannah Endoscopy Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Schertz Surgery Center LLC, Scripps Encinitas Surgery Center LLC, Scripps/USP Surgery Centers L.L.C., Seaside Surgery Center LLC, Shands/Solantic Joint Venture LLC, Shelby Baptist Affinity LLC, Shelby Baptist Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Shore Outpatient Surgicenter L.L.C., Shoreline Real Estate Partnership LLP, Shoreline Surgery Center LLP, Shrewsbury Surgery Center LLC, Sierra Pacific Surgery Center LLC, Sierra Providence Health Network Inc., Sierra Providence Healthcare Enterprises, Sierra Vista Hospital Inc., Silicon Valley Outpatient Surgery Centers LLC, Silver Cross Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Silver Cross/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Sinai-Grace Premier Clinical Management Services LLC, Siouxland Surgery Center Limited Liability Partnership, Solantic Corporation, Solantic Development LLC, Solantic Holdings Corporation, Solantic of Jacksonville LLC, Solantic of Orlando LLC, Solantic/South Florida LLC, South Carolina East Cooper Surgical Specialists L.L.C., South Carolina Health Services Inc., South Carolina SeWee Family Medicine L.L.C., South County Outpatient Endoscopy Services L.P., South Denver Musculoskeletal Surgical Partners LLC, South Florida Ambulatory Surgical Center LLC, South Fulton Health Care Centers Inc., SouthCare Physicians Group Neurology L.L.C., SouthCare Physicians Group Obstetrics & Gynecology L.L.C., Southeast Ohio Surgical Suites LLC, Southern Orthopedics and Sports Medicine L.L.C., Southern States Physician Operations Inc., Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., Southwest Childrens Hospital LLC, Southwest Endoscopy LLC, Southwest Orthopedic and Spine Hospital LLC, Southwest Orthopedic and Spine Hospital Real Estate LLC, Southwestern Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Spalding Regional Medical Center Inc., Spalding Regional OB/GYN L.L.C., Spalding Regional Physician Services L.L.C., Specialty Surgery Center of Fort Worth L.P., Specialty Surgicenters Inc., Spinal Diagnostics and Treatment Centers L.L.C., Spine & Joint Physician Associates, Springfield Service Holding Corporation, St. Augustine Endoscopy Center LLC, St. Christophers Pediatric Urgent Care Center - Allentown L.L.C, St. Josephs Hospital Surgical Co-Management LLC, St. Josephs Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, St. Josephs Surgery Center L.P., St. Louis Physician Alliance LLC, St. Louis Surgical Center LLC, St. Louis Urology Center LLC, St. Lukes/USP Surgery Centers LLC, St. Marys Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, St. Marys Hospital Cardiovascular Co-Management LLC, St. Marys Hospital Surgical Co-Management LLC, St. Marys Levee Company LLC, St. Marys Medical Center Inc., St. Vincent Health/USP LLC, St. Vincent/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Stockton Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Subsidiaries of USPI Holding Company Inc., Suburban Endoscopy Center LLC, Summit View Surgery Center LLC, Sun View Imaging L.L.C., Sunrise Medical Group I L.L.C., Sunrise Medical Group II L.L.C., Sunrise Medical Group IV L.L.C., SurgCenter Camelback LLC, SurgCenter Northeast LLC, SurgCenter Pinellas LLC, SurgCenter Tucson LLC, SurgCenter at Paradise Valley LLC, SurgCenter of Deer Valley LLC, SurgCenter of Glen Burnie LLC, SurgCenter of Palm Beach Gardens LLC, SurgCenter of Plano LLC, SurgCenter of Southern Maryland LLC, SurgCenter of St. Lucie LLC, SurgCenter of White Marsh LLC, Surgery Affiliate of El Paso LLC, Surgery Center at Mount Pleasant LLC, Surgery Center at University Park LLC, Surgery Center of Atlanta LLC, Surgery Center of Canfield LLC, Surgery Center of Columbia L.P., Surgery Center of Coral Gables LLC, Surgery Center of Okeechobee LLC, Surgery Center of Pembroke Pines L.L.C., Surgery Center of Peoria L.L.C., Surgery Center of Richardson Physician Partnership L.P., Surgery Center of Santa Barbara LLC, Surgery Center of Scottsdale LLC, Surgery Center of Tempe Real Estate II L.L.C., Surgery Center of Tempe Real Estate L.L.C., Surgery Centers of America II L.L.C., Surgery Centre of SW Florida LLC, Surgical & Bariatric Associates of Atlanta Medical Center L.L.C., Surgical Clinical Excellence at Desert Regional LLC, Surgical Elite of Avondale L.L.C., Surgical Health Partners LLC, Surgical Institute Management LLC, Surgical Institute of Reading LLC, Surgical Specialists at Princeton LLC, Surgicare of Miramar L.L.C., Surginet Inc., Surgis Inc., Surgis Management Services Inc., Surgis of Chico Inc., Surgis of Phoenix Inc., Surgis of Redding Inc., Surgis of Victoria Inc., Sutton Road Pediatrics L.L.C., Sylvan Grove Hospital Inc., TENN SM LLC, TFPS IV L.L.C., TH Healthcare Ltd., TH International Services Florida LLC, THV Park Cities LLC, THVG Arlington GP LLC, THVG Bariatric GP LLC, THVG Bariatric L.L.C., THVG Bedford GP LLC, THVG Bellaire GP LLC, THVG DSP GP LLC, THVG DeSoto GP LLC, THVG Denton GP LLC, THVG Fort Worth GP LLC, THVG Frisco GP LLC, THVG Garland GP LLC, THVG Grapevine GP LLC, THVG Irving-Coppell GP LLC, THVG Lewisville GP LLC, THVG North Garland GP LLC, THVG Park Cities/Trophy Club GP LLC, THVG Rockwall 2 GP LLC, THVG Valley View GP LLC, TLC ASC LLC, TMC Holding Company LLC, TOPS Specialty Hospital Ltd., TPG Hospital LLC, TPR Practice Management LLC, TPS VI of PA L.L.C., TRMC Holdings LLC, TSPE LLC, Tamarac Surgery Center LLC, Tempe New Day Surgery Center LP, Templeton Imaging Inc., Tenet Business Services Corporation, Tenet California Inc., Tenet Central Carolina Physicians Inc., Tenet EKG Inc., Tenet El Paso Ltd., Tenet Employment Inc., Tenet Finance Corp., Tenet Florida Inc., Tenet Florida Physician Services II L.L.C., Tenet Florida Physician Services III L.L.C., Tenet Florida Physician Services L.L.C., Tenet Fort Mill Inc., Tenet Global Business Center Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Bucks County L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Graduate L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Hahnemann L.L.C., Tenet HealthSystem Medical Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Nacogdoches ASC GP Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Philadelphia Inc., Tenet HealthSystem Roxborough LLC, Tenet HealthSystem St. Christophers Hospital for Children L.L.C., Tenet Hilton Head Heart L.L.C., Tenet Hospitals Limited, Tenet Network Management Inc., Tenet Patient Safety Organization LLC, Tenet Physician Resources LLC, Tenet Physician Services - Hilton Head Inc., Tenet Rehab Piedmont Inc., Tenet Relocation Services L.L.C., Tenet SC East Cooper Hospitalists L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Gastrointestinal Surgical Specialists L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Island Medical L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Lowcountry OB/GYN L.L.C., Tenet South Carolina Mt. Pleasant OB/GYN L.L.C., Tenet Unifour Urgent Care Center L.L.C., Tenet Ventures Inc., TenetCare Frisco Inc., Terre Haute Surgical Center LLC, Teton Outpatient Services LLC, Texan Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Texas Endoscopy Centers LLC, Texas Health Venture Arlington Hospital LLC, Texas Health Venture Baylor Plano LLC, Texas Health Venture Carrollton LLC, Texas Health Venture Centennial LLC, Texas Health Venture Ennis LLC, Texas Health Venture Fort Worth L.L.C., Texas Health Venture Granbury LLC, Texas Health Venture Heritage Park LLC, Texas Health Venture Keller LLC, Texas Health Venture Las Colinas LLC, Texas Health Venture Mansfield LLC, Texas Health Venture Plano Endo LLC, Texas Health Venture Plano LLC, Texas Health Venture Plano Parkway LLC, Texas Health Venture Texas Spine LLC, Texas Health Ventures Group L.L.C., Texas Orthopedics Surgery Center LLC, Texas Regional Medical Center LLC, Texas Regional Medical in Sunnyvale, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital LLC, The 6300 West Roosevelt Partnership, The Ambulatory Surgical Center of St. Louis L.P., The Healthcare Insurance Corporation, The Healthcare Underwriting Company a Risk Retention Group, The Huron Corporation, The Outpatient Center LLC, The Southeastern Spine Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center L.L.C., The Surgery Center at Jensen Beach LLC, The Surgery Center at Williamson LLC, The Tresanti Surgical Center LLC, Theda Oaks Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Center LLC, Titan Health Corporation, Titan Health of Chattanooga Inc., Titan Health of Hershey Inc., Titan Health of Mount Laurel LLC, Titan Health of North Haven Inc., Titan Health of Pittsburgh Inc., Titan Health of Pleasant Hills Inc., Titan Health of Princeton Inc., Titan Health of Sacramento Inc., Titan Health of Saginaw Inc., Titan Health of Titusville Inc., Titan Health of West Penn Inc., Titan Health of Westminster Inc., Titan Management Corporation, Titusville Center for Surgical Excellence LLC, Toms River Surgery Center L.L.C., Total Joint Center of the Northland LLC, Tower Road Real Estate LLC, Tower/USP Surgery Centers LLC, Treasure Coast ASC LLC, Trophy Club Medical Center L.P., True Medical Weight Loss L.P., True Medical Wellness LP, True Results Georgia Inc., True Results HoldCo LLC, True Results Missouri LLC, Tucson Digestive Institute LLC, Tucson Hospital Holdings Inc., Tucson Physician Group Holdings LLC, Turlock Imaging Services LLC, Turlock Land Company LLC, Tuscan Surgery Center at Las Colinas LLC, Twin Cities Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Twin Cities Community Hospital Inc., UAP Las Colinas Endo LLC, UAP Lebanon Endo LLC, UAP Nashville Endoscopy LLC, UAP Scopes LLC, UAP of Arizona Inc., UAP of California Inc., UAP of Missouri Inc., UAP of New Jersey Inc., UAP of Oklahoma Inc., UAP of Tennessee Inc., UAP of Texas Inc., UCC Tucson Holdings LLC, UMC Surgery Center Lubbock LLC, UMC-USP Surgery Centers LLC, USC/Norris Cancer Hospital, USP 12th Ave Real Estate Inc., USP Acquisition Corporation, USP Alexandria Inc., USP Assurance Company, USP Athens Inc., USP Atlanta Inc., USP Austin Inc., USP Bariatric LLC, USP Beaumont Inc., USP Bergen Inc., USP Bloomington Inc., USP Bridgeton Inc., USP Cedar Park Inc., USP Chesterfield Inc., USP Chicago Inc., USP Cincinnati Inc., USP Coast Inc., USP Columbia Inc., USP Connecticut Inc., USP Corpus Christi Inc., USP Creve Coeur Inc., USP Denver Inc., USP Des Peres Inc., USP Destin Inc., USP Domestic Holdings Inc., USP Effingham Inc., USP Encinitas Endoscopy Inc., USP Fenton Inc., USP Festus Inc., USP Florissant Inc., USP Fort Lauderdale Inc., USP Fort Worth Hospital Real Estate Inc., USP Fredericksburg Inc., USP Fresno Inc., USP Frontenac Inc., USP Gateway Inc., USP HMH Surgery Center at Shore LLC, USP Harbour View Inc., USP Houston Inc., USP Indiana Inc., USP International Holdings Inc., USP Jersey City Inc., USP Kansas City Inc., USP Knoxville Inc., USP Little Rock Inc., USP Long Island Inc., USP Louisiana Inc., USP Lubbock Inc., USP Maryland Inc., USP Mason Ridge Inc., USP Mattis Inc., USP Michigan Inc., USP Midland Inc., USP Midland Real Estate Inc., USP Midwest Inc., USP Mission Hills Inc., USP Montana Inc., USP Morris Inc., USP Mt. Vernon Inc., USP Nevada Holdings LLC, USP Nevada Inc., USP New Hampshire Inc., USP New Jersey Inc., USP Newport News Inc., USP North Carolina Inc., USP North Kansas City Inc., USP North Texas Inc., USP Northwest Arkansas Inc., USP OKC Inc., USP OKC Manager Inc., USP Office Parkway Inc., USP Ohio RE Inc., USP Oklahoma Inc., USP Olive Inc., USP Orlando Inc., USP Philadelphia Inc., USP Phoenix Inc., USP Portland Inc., USP Reading Inc., USP Richmond II Inc., USP Richmond Inc., USP Sacramento Inc., USP San Antonio Inc., USP Santa Barbara Surgery Centers Inc., USP Securities Corporation, USP Silver Cross Inc., USP Siouxland Inc., USP Somerset Inc., USP South Carolina Inc., USP Southlake RE Inc., USP St. Louis Inc., USP St. Louis Urology Inc., USP St. Peters Inc., USP Sunset Hills Inc., USP TJ STL Inc., USP Tennessee Inc., USP Texas Air L.L.C., USP Texas L.P., USP Torrance Inc., USP Tucson Inc., USP Turnersville Inc., USP Virginia Beach Inc., USP Washington Inc., USP Waxahachie Management L.L.C., USP Webster Groves Inc., USP West Covina Inc., USP Westwood Inc., USP Winter Park Inc., USP Wisconsin Inc., USP-HMH Surgery Center at Central Jersey LLC, USP/Carondelet Tucson Surgery Centers LLC, USP/SOS Joint Venture LLC, USPI Group Holdings Inc., USPI Holding Company Inc.1, USPI Holdings Inc., USPI Physician Strategy Group LLC, USPI San Diego Inc., USPI Stockton Inc., USPI Surgical Services Inc., Ulysses True Results NewCo LLC, Underwood Surgery Center LLC, United Anesthesia Partners Inc., United Real Estate Development Inc., United Real Estate Holdings Inc., United Surgical Partners Holdings Inc., United Surgical Partners International, United Surgical Partners International Inc., Universal Medical Care Center L.L.C., University Surgery Center Ltd., University Surgical Partners of Dallas L.L.P., Upper Bay Surgery Center LLC, Upper Cumberland Physicians Surgery Center LLC, Urgent Care Centers of Arizona LLC, Utica ASC Partners LLC, Utica/USP Tulsa L.L.C., VB Brownsville LTACH LLC, VBOA ASC GP LLC, VBOA ASC Partners L.L.C., VHM Services Inc., VHS Acquisition Corporation, VHS Acquisition Partnership Number 1 L.P, VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 1 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 11 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 12 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 3 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 4 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 5 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 6 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 7 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 8 Inc., VHS Acquisition Subsidiary Number 9 Inc., VHS Arizona Heart Institute Inc., VHS Brownsville Hospital Company LLC, VHS Chicago Market Procurement LLC, VHS Childrens Hospital of Michigan Inc., VHS Detroit Businesses Inc., VHS Detroit Receiving Hospital Inc., VHS Detroit Ventures Inc., VHS Harlingen Hospital Company LLC, VHS Harper-Hutzel Hospital Inc., VHS Holding Company Inc., VHS Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Inc., VHS Imaging Centers Inc., VHS New England Holding Company I Inc., VHS Outpatient Clinics Inc., VHS Phoenix Health Plan Inc., VHS Physicians of Michigan, VHS Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan Inc., VHS San Antonio Imaging Partners L.P., VHS San Antonio Partners LLC, VHS Sinai-Grace Hospital Inc., VHS University Laboratories Inc., VHS Valley Health System LLC, VHS Valley Holdings LLC, VHS Valley Management Company Inc., VHS West Suburban Medical Center Inc., VHS Westlake Hospital Inc., VHS of Anaheim Inc., VHS of Arrowhead Inc., VHS of Huntington Beach Inc., VHS of Illinois Inc., VHS of Michigan Inc., VHS of Michigan Staffing Inc., VHS of Orange County Inc., VHS of Phoenix Inc., VHS of South Phoenix Inc., Valley Baptist Lab Services LLC, Valley Baptist Physician Performance Network, Valley Baptist Realty Company LLC, Valley Baptist Wellness Center LLC, Valley Health Care Network, Vanguard ASC LLC, Vanguard Health Financial Company LLC, Vanguard Health Holding Company I LLC, Vanguard Health Holding Company II LLC, Vanguard Health Management Inc., Vanguard Health Systems, Vanguard Health Systems Inc., Vanguard Holding Company I Inc., Vanguard Holding Company II Inc., Vanguard Medical Specialists LLC, Vanguard Physician Services LLC, Ventana Surgical Center LLC, Veroscan Inc., Victoria Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Virtua-USP Princeton LLC, WHASA L.C., Walker Baptist Affinity LLC, Walker Street Imaging Care Inc., Warner Park Surgery Center LLC, Watermark Physician Services Inc., Webster Ambulatory Surgery Center L.P., Wellington Endo LLC, Wellstar/USP Joint Venture I LLC, Wellstar/USP Joint Venture II LLC, West Boca Health Services L.L.C., West Boca Medical Center Inc., West Boynton Urgent Care L.L.C., West Bozeman Surgery Center LLC, West Palm Healthcare Real Estate Inc., West Suburban Radiation Therapy Center LLC, Westgate Surgery Center LLC, Westlake Hospital LLC, Westlawn Surgery Center LLC, Westminster Surgery Center LLC, Westminster Surgery Centers LLC, White Fence Surgical Suites LLC, Willamette Spine Center Ambulatory Surgery LLC, Wilmington Endoscopy Center LLC, Wilshire Rental Corp., Winter Haven Ambulatory Surgical Center L.L.C., Wisconsin Specialty Surgery Center LLC, Wymark Surgery Center LLC, and YNHHSC/USP Surgery Centers LLC. Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services to institutional, retail, and high net worth investors. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, balance sheet management, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 1,400 bank branches and 4,800 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. The company was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Read More Quotient Technology Inc. operates as a digital media and promotions technology company that offers power integrated digital media and promotions programs for brands and retailers. The company offers Quotient Promotions Platform offers digital paperless and print promotions, including Coupons.com website and mobile applications; brand and retailer websites and mobile applications; and third-party publishing websites and mobile applications. It also provides Quotient Retailer Promotions Platform that uses consumer data and insights to distribute personalized and targeted media and promotions for retailers of grocery, drug, mass merchant, dollar, club and convenience merchandise; and Quotient Media Platform, which provides targeted advertising solutions that enables brands to reach shoppers before, during, and after their shopping cycles with digital media campaigns. It also provides Quotient Retailer Performance Media Platform that uses retailer's consumer data to drive sales and enhances the shopper experience; Quotient Analytics provides campaign analytics and measured sales results to brands and retailers; Quotient Consumer Properties; and Quotient Retailer Media Services. It serves approximately 800 consumer packed goods, representing approximately 2,000 brands, including various food, beverage, personal care, and household product manufacturers; retail partners representing various classes of trade, such as grocery retailers, drug, mass merchant, dollar, club, and convenience merchandise channels; and consumers visiting its websites, mobile properties, and social channels. The company was formerly known as Coupons.com Incorporated and changed its name to Quotient Technology Inc. in October 2015. Quotient Technology Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Read More Juniper Networks, Inc. designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; and NorthStar controllers. It also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation, and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine, and top-of-rack data center switches; and juniper access points, which provide wireless access and performance. In addition, the company offers security products comprising SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated firewall and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP. Further, it offers Junos OS, a network operating system; Contrail networking and cloud platform, which provides an open-source and standards-based platform for SDN and NFV; Contrail Insights, an optimization and management software platform for public, private, and hybrid clouds; Mist AI-driven Wired, Wireless, and WAN assurance solutions to set and measure key metrics; Mist AI-driven Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, which identifies the root cause of issues; and Netrounds, a software-based active test and service assurance platform. Additionally, the company provides software-as-a-service, technical support, maintenance, and professional services, as well as education and training programs. It sells its products through direct sales, distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturers to end-users in the cloud, service provider, and enterprise markets. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Read More Northrop Grumman Corporation operates as an aerospace and defense company worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The Aeronautics Systems segment designs, develops, manufactures, integrates, and sustains aircraft systems for strategic and tactical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions; and long-range strike aircraft systems, tactical fighter aircrafts, and airborne battle management systems. The Defense Systems segment offers weapon and mission systems for the U.S. military and civilian agency customers. Its principal products and services include integrated battle management systems, weapons systems, information technology services, and intelligence operations. This segment provides command and control and weapons systems, including munitions and missiles; precision strike weapons; propulsion, such as air-breathing systems; and gun systems and precision munitions. It also offers life cycle service and support for software, weapons systems, and aircraft; security services, including information and cyber operations; intelligence analysis and support; and IT infrastructure, such as cloud. The Mission Systems segment offers command, control, communications, and computers ISR systems; radar, electro-optical/infrared, and acoustic sensors; electronic warfare systems; communications and network systems; processing systems; navigation; and maritime power, propulsion, and payload launch systems. This segment also provides airborne sensors and networks; cyber and intelligence mission solutions; maritime/land systems and sensors; and navigation, targeting, and survivability solutions. The Space Systems segment offers satellites and payloads; ground systems; missile defense systems and interceptors; launch vehicles and related propulsion systems; and strategic missiles. Northrop Grumman Corporation was founded in 1939 and is based in Falls Church, Virginia. Read More Wall Street analysts have given Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Invesco Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI South Korea ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI South Korea ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. The following companies are subsidiares of Caterpillar: Advanced Tri-Gen Power Systems LLC, Anchor Coupling Inc., Asia Power Systems (Tianjin) Ltd., AsiaTrak (Tianjin) Ltd., Banco Caterpillar S.A., Berg Propulsion International Pte Ltd., Bucyrus, Bucyrus Australia Surface Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Holdings Ltd., Bucyrus Europe Limited, Bucyrus International (Chile) Limitada, Bucyrus International (Peru) S.A., Bucyrus Mining Australia Pty. Ltd., Bucyrus Mining China LLC, Bucyrus UK Limited, Cat Rental Kyushu LLC, Caterpillar (Africa) (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar (China) Financial Leasing Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (China) Machinery Components Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (HK) Limited, Caterpillar (Huainan) Machinery Service Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Langfang) Mining Equipment Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Luxembourg) Investment Co. S.a r.l., Caterpillar (NI) Limited, Caterpillar (Newberry) LLC, Caterpillar (Qingzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Suzhou) Logistics Co. Ltd., Caterpillar (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar (U.K.) Limited, Caterpillar (Wujiang) Ltd., Caterpillar (Xuzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar (Zhengzhou) Ltd., Caterpillar Acquisition Holding Corp., Caterpillar Americas C.V., Caterpillar Americas Co., Caterpillar Americas Funding Inc., Caterpillar Americas Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Asia Limited, Caterpillar Asia Pacific L.P., Caterpillar Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Asset Intelligence LLC, Caterpillar Belgium S.A., Caterpillar Brasil Comercio de Maquinas e Pecas Ltda., Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Brazil LLC, Caterpillar Castings Kiel GmbH, Caterpillar Centro de Formacion S.L., Caterpillar China Limited, Caterpillar Commercial Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Commercial LLC, Caterpillar Commercial Northern Europe Limited, Caterpillar Commercial S.A., Caterpillar Commercial S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Commercial Services S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Communications LLC, Caterpillar Corporativo Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Cote DIvoire, Caterpillar Credito S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., Caterpillar DC Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Digital Services & Solutions SARL, Caterpillar Distribution International LLC, Caterpillar Distribution Services Europe B.V.B.A., Caterpillar East Real Estate Holding Ltd., Caterpillar Emissions Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH, Caterpillar Energy Solutions Inc., Caterpillar Energy Solutions S.A., Caterpillar Energy System Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Engine Systems Inc., Caterpillar Equipos Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Eurasia LLC, Caterpillar FS (QFC) LLC, Caterpillar Finance France S.A., Caterpillar Finance Kabushiki Kaisha, Caterpillar Financial Acquisition Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Aftermarket Solutions Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Australia Leasing Pty Limited, Caterpillar Financial Australia Limited, Caterpillar Financial Commercial Account Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Corporacion Financiera S.A. E.F.C., Caterpillar Financial Dealer Funding LLC, Caterpillar Financial Funding Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Kazakhstan Limited Liability Partnership, Caterpillar Financial Leasing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial New Zealand Limited, Caterpillar Financial Nordic Services AB, Caterpillar Financial Nova Scotia Corporation, Caterpillar Financial OOO, Caterpillar Financial Receivables Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Renting S.A., Caterpillar Financial SARL, Caterpillar Financial Services (Dubai) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services (Ireland) plc, Caterpillar Financial Services (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Argentina S.A., Caterpillar Financial Services Asia Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Financial Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Financial Services CR s.r.o., Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation, Caterpillar Financial Services GmbH, Caterpillar Financial Services India Private Limited, Caterpillar Financial Services Leasing ULC, Caterpillar Financial Services Limited Les Services Financiers Caterpillar Limitee, Caterpillar Financial Services Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Caterpillar Financial Services Netherlands B.V., Caterpillar Financial Services Norway AS, Caterpillar Financial Services Philippines Inc., Caterpillar Financial Services Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Financial Services South Africa (Pty) Limited, Caterpillar Financial UK Acquisition Funding Partners, Caterpillar Financial Ukraine LLC, Caterpillar Fluid Systems S.r.l., Caterpillar Fomento Comercial Ltda., Caterpillar Forest Products Inc., Caterpillar France S.A.S., Caterpillar GB L.L.C., Caterpillar Global Investments S.a r.l., Caterpillar Global Mining America LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Equipamentos De Mineracao do Brasil Ltda., Caterpillar Global Mining Equipment LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Expanded Products Pty Ltd, Caterpillar Global Mining Germany Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining HMS GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Holdings GmbH, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong AFC Manufacturing Holding Co. Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining Hong Kong Limited, Caterpillar Global Mining LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Global Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Global Mining SARL, Caterpillar Global Mining U.S. Parts LLC, Caterpillar Global Services LLC, Caterpillar Group Services S.A., Caterpillar Holding (France) S.A.S., Caterpillar Holding Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Holdings Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Hungary Components Manufacturing Ltd., Caterpillar Hydraulics Italia S.r.l., Caterpillar IPX LLC, Caterpillar IRB LLC, Caterpillar Impact Products Limited, Caterpillar India Private Limited, Caterpillar Industrial Inc., Caterpillar Industrias Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Industries (Pty) Ltd, Caterpillar Insurance Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Insurance Company, Caterpillar Insurance Holdings Inc., Caterpillar Insurance Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Finance Designated Activity Company, Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Finance Luxembourg S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Holding S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg I S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Luxembourg II S. a r.l., Caterpillar International Product SARL, Caterpillar International Services Corporation, Caterpillar International Services del Peru S.A., Caterpillar Investment Limited, Caterpillar Investment One SARL, Caterpillar Investment Two SARL, Caterpillar Investments, Caterpillar Japan LLC, Caterpillar Latin America Services S.R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Latin America Services de Panama S. de R.L., Caterpillar Latin America Servicios de Chile Limitada, Caterpillar Latin America Support Services S. DE R.L., Caterpillar Leasing (Thailand) Limited, Caterpillar Leasing Chile S.A., Caterpillar Leasing GmbH (Leipzig), Caterpillar Leasing Operativo Limitada, Caterpillar Life Insurance Company, Caterpillar Logistics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Logistics (UK) Limited, Caterpillar Logistics Inc., Caterpillar Logistics ML Services France S.A.S., Caterpillar Logistics Services China Limited, Caterpillar Luxembourg Group S.ar.l., Caterpillar Luxembourg LLC, Caterpillar Luxembourg S.a r.l., Caterpillar Machinery Nantong Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Marine Asset Intelligence, Caterpillar Marine Power UK Limited, Caterpillar Marine Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Maroc SARL, Caterpillar Materiels Routiers SAS, Caterpillar Mexico LLC, Caterpillar Mexico S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Mining Canada ULC, Caterpillar Mining Chile Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Motoren (Guangdong) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG, Caterpillar Motoren Henstedt-Ulzburg GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Rostock GmbH, Caterpillar Motoren Verwaltungs-GmbH, Caterpillar Netherlands Holding B.V., Caterpillar North America C.V., Caterpillar Operator Training Ltd., Caterpillar Overseas Credit Corporation SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Investment Holding SARL, Caterpillar Overseas Limited, Caterpillar Overseas SARL, Caterpillar Panama Services S.A., Caterpillar Paving Products Inc., Caterpillar Paving Products Xuzhou Ltd., Caterpillar Pension Trust Limited, Caterpillar Poland Sp. z o.o., Caterpillar Power Generation Systems (Bangladesh) Limited, Caterpillar Power Generation Systems L.L.C., Caterpillar Power Systems Inc., Caterpillar Power Ventures International Ltd., Caterpillar Precision Seals Korea, Caterpillar Prodotti Stradali S.r.l., Caterpillar Product Services Corporation, Caterpillar Propulsion AB, Caterpillar Propulsion International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Italy S.R.L., Caterpillar Propulsion Namibia (Proprietary) Limited, Caterpillar Propulsion Production AB, Caterpillar Propulsion Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar Propulsion Singapore Pte. Ltd., Caterpillar R&D Center (China) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe LLC, Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Ramos Arizpe Servicios S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar Reman Powertrain Indiana LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Drivetrain LLC, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Renting France S.A.S., Caterpillar Reynosa S.A. de C.V., Caterpillar SARL, Caterpillar Services Germany GmbH, Caterpillar Servicios Limitada, Caterpillar Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Servizi Italia Srl, Caterpillar Shrewsbury Limited, Caterpillar Skinningrove Limited, Caterpillar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd., Caterpillar Special Services Belgium S.P.R.L., Caterpillar Switchgear Americas LLC, Caterpillar Switchgear Holding Inc., Caterpillar Tianjin Ltd., Caterpillar Torreon S. de R.L. de C.V., Caterpillar Tosno L.L.C., Caterpillar Transmissions France S.A.R.L., Caterpillar Tunneling Canada Holdings Ltd., Caterpillar Tunnelling Canada Corporation, Caterpillar Tunnelling Europe Limited, Caterpillar UK Employee Trust Limited, Caterpillar UK Engines Company Limited, Caterpillar UK Group Limited, Caterpillar UK Holdings Limited, Caterpillar Undercarriage (Xuzhou) Co. Ltd., Caterpillar Underground Mining Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar Used Equipment Services Inc., Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., Caterpillar Work Tools B.V., Caterpillar Work Tools Inc., Caterpillar World Trading Corporation, Caterpillar Xuzhou, Caterpillar of Australia Pty. Ltd., Caterpillar of Canada Corporation, Caterpillar of Delaware Inc., Centre de Distribution de Wallonie SPRL, CleanAir Systems, Downer Freight Rail, ECM Railway Evolution Romania s.r.l., ECM S.p.A., EDC European Excavator Design Center GmbH, EMC Holding Corp., EMD International Holdings Inc., ERA Information & Entertainment (BVI) Limited, ERA Mining Machinery Limited, Electro-Motive Diesel Limited, Electro-Motive Locomotive Technologies LLC, Electro-Motive Technical Consulting Co. (Beijing) Ltd., Energy Services International Limited, Equipos de Acuna S.A. de C.V., Eurenov S.A.S., F. G. Wilson (Proprietary) Limited, F. Perkins Limited, FG Wilson (Engineering) Limited, GB Holdco (China) Inc., GFCM Comercial Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.N.R., GFCM Servicios S.A. de C.V., Gremada Industries - Assets, Hong Kong Siwei Holdings Limited, Inmobiliaria Conek S.A. de C.V., JCS Co., Kemper Valve & Fittings Corp., Leo Inc., Locomotive Demand Power Pty Ltd., Locomotoras Progress Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Lovat, M2M Data Corporation, MGE Equipamentos & Servicos Ferroviarios, MWM, MWM Austria GmbH, MWM Benelux B.V., MWM Energy Australia Pty Ltd, MWM France S.A.S, MWM Real Estate GmbH, MaK Americas Inc., MaK Americas Inc. (Canada), Magnum Power Products LLC, Marble, Maschinenbau Kiel GmbH, Mec-Track S.r.l., Metalmark Financial Services Limited, Motoren Steffens GmbH, Nippon Caterpillar LLC, P. T. Solar Services Indonesia, PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, PT. Bucyrus Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia, PT. Caterpillar Indonesia Batam, PT. Caterpillar Remanufacturing Indonesia, Perkins Engines, Perkins Engines (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Perkins Engines Group Limited, Perkins Engines Inc., Perkins Group Limited, Perkins Holdings Limited LLC, Perkins India Private Limited, Perkins International Inc., Perkins Japan LLC, Perkins Limited, Perkins Machinery (Changshu) Co. Ltd., Perkins Motores do Brasil Ltda., Perkins Power Systems Technology (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Perkins Small Engines LLC, Perkins Small Engines Limited, Perkins Technology Inc., Progress Metal Reclamation Company, Progress Rail Arabia Limited Company, Progress Rail Australia Pty Ltd, Progress Rail Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Equipamentos e Servicos Ferroviarios do Brasil Ltda., Progress Rail Equipment Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Holdings Inc., Progress Rail Innovations Private Limited, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems GmbH, Progress Rail Inspection & Information Systems S.r.l., Progress Rail International Corp., Progress Rail Leasing Canada Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing Corporation, Progress Rail Leasing de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Progress Rail Locomotivas (do Brasil) Ltda., Progress Rail Locomotive Canada Co., Progress Rail Locomotive Chile SpA, Progress Rail Locomotive Inc., Progress Rail Maintenance de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Progress Rail Manufacturing Corporation, Progress Rail Raceland Corporation, Progress Rail Rocklin Corporation, Progress Rail SA Proprietary Limited, Progress Rail Services Corporation, Progress Rail Services Holdings Corp., Progress Rail Services LLC, Progress Rail Services UK Limited, Progress Rail Switching Services LLC, Progress Rail Transcanada Corporation, Progress Rail Welding Corporation, Progress Rail Wildwood LLC, Progress Rail de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pyroban Group, Pyroban Group, Pyrrha Investments B.V., Pyrrha Investments Limited, S&L Railroad LLC, SCM Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd., SPL Software Alliance LLC, Sabre Engines, Servicios de Turbinas Solar S. de R.L. de C.V., Shandong SEM Machinery Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines, Solar Turbines (Beijing) Trading Services Co. Ltd., Solar Turbines (Thailand) Ltd., Solar Turbines CIS Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Canada Ltd./Ltee., Solar Turbines Central Asia Limited Liability Partnership, Solar Turbines EAME s.r.o., Solar Turbines Egypt Limited Liability Company, Solar Turbines Europe S.A., Solar Turbines India Private Limited, Solar Turbines International Company, Solar Turbines Italy S.R.L., Solar Turbines Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Solar Turbines Middle East Limited, Solar Turbines New Zealand Limited, Solar Turbines Saudi Arabia Limited, Solar Turbines Services Company, Solar Turbines Services Nigeria Limited, Solar Turbines Services of Argentina S.R.L., Solar Turbines Switzerland Sagl, Solar Turbines Trinidad & Tobago Limited, Solar Turbines West-Africa SARL, Tangshan DBT Machinery Co. Ltd., Tecnologia Modificada S.A. de C.V., Towmotor Corporation, Traction & Mining Motor Repairs Pty Ltd, Turbinas Solar S.A. de C.V., Turbinas Solar de Colombia S.A., Turbinas Solar de Venezuela C.A., Turbo Tecnologia de Reparaciones S.A. de C.V., Turbomach, Turbomach Endustriyel Gaz Turbinleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited, Turbomach France SARL, Turbomach GmbH, Turbomach Netherlands B.V., Turbomach Pakistan (Private) Limited, Turbomach S.A. Unipersonal, Turbomach Sp. Z o.o., Turner Powertrain Systems Limited, UK Hose Assembly Limited, Underground Imaging Technologies Inc, United Industries LLC, VALA Inc., Vasky Energy Ltd., Wealdstone Engineering, Weir - Oil & Gas Division, West Virginia Auto Shredding Inc., Western Gear Machinery LLC, Wetland Sustainability Fund I LLC, Williams Technologies, Yard Club, Zhengzhou Siwei Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Sales Co. Ltd., and okyo Rental Ltd.. This move will help expand our capabilities and also allow us to be more centrally located for our business, he said. We are maintaining a smaller presence in the Hanover area, with a new operations center opening near the existing facility, which some of our associates will transfer to. Unfortunately, as part of this process, some of our other associates have been impacted. We are providing resources to help them through this transition. Veritiv Corporation operates as a business-to-business provider of value-added packaging products and services, as well as facility solutions, print, and publishing products and services in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally. The Packaging segment provides custom and standard packaging solutions. The Facility Solutions segment sources and sells cleaning, break-room, and other supplies, such as towels, tissues, commercial cleaning chemicals, personal protective equipment and safety supplies, wipers, can liners, soaps and sanitizers, dispensers, sanitary maintenance supplies and equipment, hazard supplies, and shampoos and amenities. The Print segment sells and distributes commercial printing, writing, copying, digital, and specialty products; and graphics consumables and equipment. It also provides customized paper conversion services of commercial printing paper for distribution to document centers and form printers. The Publishing segment sells and distributes coated and uncoated commercial printing papers to publishers, retailers, converters, printers, and specialty businesses for use in magazines, catalogs, books, directories, gaming, couponing, retail inserts, and direct mail. This segment also provides print management, procurement, and supply chain management solutions. The company also offers logistics solutions. Veritiv Corporation offers its products under the Endurance, nordic+, Comet, Starbrite Opaque Select, TUFflex, Reliable, and Spring Grove brands, as well as other brands to customers in manufacturing, food processing and service, fulfillment and internet retail, property management, higher education, healthcare, entertainment and hospitality, commercial printing and publishing sectors. As of December 31, 2020 the Company operated approximately 125 distribution centers. Veritiv Corporation was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides instrumentation, digital imaging, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company's Instrumentation segment offers monitoring and control instruments for marine, environmental, industrial, and other applications, as well as electronic test and measurement equipment; and power and communications connectivity devices for distributed instrumentation systems and sensor networks deployed in mission critical and harsh environments. Its Digital Imaging segment provides image sensors and digital cameras for use in industrial, scientific, academic research, and medical applications; and hardware and software for image processing and automatic data collection in industrial, academic research, and medical applications, as well as manufacturing services for micro electro-mechanical systems. This segment also offers light detection and ranging systems; focal plane arrays, sensors, and subsystems; and geospatial software products. The company's Aerospace and Defense Electronics segment provides electronic components and subsystems, as well as communications products, such as defense electronics; environment interconnects; data acquisition and communications equipment for aircraft; components and subsystems for wireless and satellite communications; and general aviation batteries. Its Engineered Systems segment offers systems engineering and integration, technology development, and manufacturing solutions for defense, space, environmental, and energy applications; and designs and manufactures electrochemical energy systems and electronics for military applications. The company markets and sells its products and services through sales forces, third-party distributors, and commissioned sales representatives. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Thousand Oaks, California. Read More When Len Lucchi attended his first gubernatorial inauguration as a bright-eyed 20-year-old in 1979, he had no idea the ceremonies would be a regular part of his career. Cut to 40 years later: Lucchi stands on the Maryland State House lawn. The bleachers are up, the sound system blasts in the heart of Annapolis. He looks on as workers prep for Wednesdays inauguration, where Gov. Larry Hogan will officially begin his second term. This years ceremony is much like Lucchis first. Inaugurations used to take place on the State House lawn before the switch to Lawyers Mall, which is now under construction. Annapolis was covered in snowfall for his first ceremony as well. Lucchi started his career as a state senate intern in 1978. He now lobbies for businesses and trade organizations as part of a Calverton firm based in Annapolis. No matter who he represents, the Bowie resident has found himself at each of the 10 ceremonies and balls since then. Its another night of work, he said. We bring clients and clients from our office. Its a networking night. But there was something special about that first ceremony the last 40 years havent quite matched. The state went through three governors in two days. Blair Lee became the governor in 1977 when Marvin Mandel went to prison for wire mail fraud but lost the 1979 election to Harry Hughes. When Mandels conviction was overturned five days before Hughes inauguration, Mandel was back in his office for two and a half days before Hughes took over. Governor Mandel was vindicated in the end but still a whole long protracted episode the state went through, Lucchi recalled. The state troopers were going nuts because it was the next (governor) to the next to the next. Since then, hes learned a few things. Firstly: Democratic balls tend to be more laid back. Lucchi reminisced on watching Martin OMalley jump on stage to play guitar with the Saw Doctors at his first inaugural ball in 2007. A lot has changed since his first gala as a college kid, but Lucchi said the spirit of the events has remained the same. I hadnt worn a tuxedo since my prom. It was so exciting. I was one of the youngest, now Im one of the oldest, he laughed. Theres a couple thousand people at each one. And each one of them wants to shake the hands of the other 1,999. It just shows that in a system like Maryland we dont have the same kind of gridlock like in Washington. Democrats and Republicans are still friendly with one another and can talk and toast each other with a drink. Its just different. When it comes to inaugural speeches, nothing has beaten Parris Glendenings 1995 speech in which he had a woman interrupt him to sing "Wind Beneath My Wings" as a tribute to his then wife. After all these years, sitting in the cold to see a governor start the new term hasnt gotten old. Its always fun hearing a governor especially a first-term governor talk at the ball about the hope and the change and the things they want to do, Lucchi said. Whether its a Republican or a Democrat theres still excitement about having a new governor. CAPTION United States Naval Academy plebes crawl through trenches and clamber over obstacles in the annual Sea Trials, a roughly 14 hour challenge that is part of the culmination of their first year. United States Naval Academy plebes crawl through trenches and clamber over obstacles in the annual Sea Trials, a roughly 14 hour challenge that is part of the culmination of their first year. CAPTION United States Naval Academy plebes crawl through trenches and clamber over obstacles in the annual Sea Trials, a roughly 14 hour challenge that is part of the culmination of their first year. United States Naval Academy plebes crawl through trenches and clamber over obstacles in the annual Sea Trials, a roughly 14 hour challenge that is part of the culmination of their first year. CAPTION USMC veteran Clark Cavalier, who lost both legs in Afghanistan in 2011, is being honored by Ted Levitt's Faces of Valor this year at the organizations big fundraiser-car-show-bike-ride on June 23. The money raised will be used to build a new workshop for Cavalier. USMC veteran Clark Cavalier, who lost both legs in Afghanistan in 2011, is being honored by Ted Levitt's Faces of Valor this year at the organizations big fundraiser-car-show-bike-ride on June 23. The money raised will be used to build a new workshop for Cavalier. CAPTION The Eleventh Annual Planet Walk was held along the B&A Trail between Glen Burnie and Severna Park with NASA scientists, astronomers and other experts presenting information and activities about each of the planets at stations along the trail. The Eleventh Annual Planet Walk was held along the B&A Trail between Glen Burnie and Severna Park with NASA scientists, astronomers and other experts presenting information and activities about each of the planets at stations along the trail. CAPTION People attend a candlelight vigil at the Colonial Square Apartments in Glen Burnie for Tyrique Hudson who was killed at the complex. (Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun video) People attend a candlelight vigil at the Colonial Square Apartments in Glen Burnie for Tyrique Hudson who was killed at the complex. (Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun video) CAPTION The funeral procession for Michael Busch, speaker for the Md. House of Delegates. (Karl Ferron / Baltimore Sun video) The funeral procession for Michael Busch, speaker for the Md. House of Delegates. (Karl Ferron / Baltimore Sun video) twitter.com/selenecapgaz The following companies are subsidiares of D.R. Horton: 10700 Pecan Park Austin Inc., 11241 Slater Avenue NE LLC, 2 C Development Company LLC, 8800 Roswell Road Bldg. B LLC, 91st Avenue & Happy Valley L.L.C., ANN & 215 LLC, Austin Data Inc., BP456 Inc., C. Richard Dobson Builders Inc., CH Funding LLC, CH Investments of Texas Inc., CHI Construction Company, CHM Partners L.P., CHTEX of Texas Inc., CV Mountain View 25 Inv LLC, Cane Island LLC, Continental Homes Inc., Continental Homes of Texas L.P., Continental Residential Inc., Continental Traditions LLC, Crown Operating Company Inc., Cypress Road L.P., D.R. Horton - CHAustin LLC, D.R. Horton - Colorado LLC, D.R. Horton - Crown LLC, D.R. Horton - Emerald Ltd., D.R. Horton - Georgia LLC, D.R. Horton - Hawaii LLC, D.R. Horton - Highland LLC, D.R. Horton - Indiana LLC, D.R. Horton - Iowa LLC, D.R. Horton - MV LLC, D.R. Horton - Nebraska LLC, D.R. Horton - Permian LLC, D.R. Horton - Regent LLC, D.R. Horton - Terramor LLC, D.R. Horton - Texas Ltd., D.R. Horton - WPH LLC, D.R. Horton - Wyoming LLC, D.R. Horton BAY Inc., D.R. Horton CA2 Inc., D.R. Horton CA3 Inc., D.R. Horton CA4 LLC, D.R. Horton Commercial Inc., D.R. Horton Cruces Construction Inc., D.R. Horton Inc. - Birmingham, D.R. Horton Inc. - Chicago, D.R. Horton Inc. - Denver, D.R. Horton Inc. - Dietz-Crane, D.R. Horton Inc. - Greensboro, D.R. Horton Inc. - Gulf Coast, D.R. Horton Inc. - Huntsville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Jacksonville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Louisville, D.R. Horton Inc. - Midwest, D.R. Horton Inc. - Minnesota, D.R. Horton Inc. - NNV, D.R. Horton Inc. - New Jersey, D.R. Horton Inc. - Portland, D.R. Horton Inc. - Torrey, D.R. Horton Inc. Foundation, D.R. Horton Insurance Agency Inc., D.R. Horton LA North Inc., D.R. Horton Life Insurance Agency Inc., D.R. Horton Los Angeles Holding Company Inc., D.R. Horton Management Company Ltd., D.R. Horton Materials Inc., D.R. Horton Realty LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Atlantic County LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Central Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Delaware LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Georgia Inc., D.R. Horton Realty of Melbourne LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Tampa LLC, D.R. Horton Realty of Virginia LLC, D.R. Horton Seabridge Marina Inc., D.R. Horton Serenity Construction LLC, D.R. Horton Urban Renewal LLC, D.R. Horton VEN Inc., D.R. Horton Corpus Christi LLC, DBC54 LLC, DHI Commercial - Lakeview LLC, DHI Commercial - Signal Butte LLC, DHI Commercial - Tamarron LLC, DHI Commercial Inc., DHI Communities Construction LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Arizona LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Colorado LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Florida LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Iowa LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Nevada LLC, DHI Communities Construction of North Carolina LLC, DHI Communities Construction of South Carolina LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Texas LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Utah LLC, DHI Communities Construction of Virginia LLC, DHI Communities II LLC, DHI Communities Inc., DHI Engineering LLC, DHI Insurance Inc., DHI Mortgage Company, DHI Mortgage Company GP Inc., DHI Mortgage Company LP Inc., DHI Mortgage Company Ltd., DHI Ranch Ltd., DHI Realty of Alabama LLC, DHI Realty of Mississippi LLC, DHI Title GP Inc., DHI Title LP Inc., DHI Title of Alabama Inc., DHI Title of Arizona Inc., DHI Title of Florida Inc., DHI Title of Minnesota Inc., DHI Title of Nevada Inc., DHI Title of Texas Ltd., DHI Title of Washington Inc., DHI Verandah South Shores Communities LLC, DHIC - Bridges LLC, DHIC - Brittmore LLC, DHIC - Carolina Forest LLC, DHIC - Desert Peak LLC, DHIC - Durbin Creek LLC, DHIC - Freestone LLC, DHIC - Hammock Landing LLC, DHIC - Heritage LLC, DHIC - Horizon Uptown LLC, DHIC - Jacobs Reserve LLC, DHIC - Lakeview LLC, DHIC - Lipoma LLC, DHIC - Minton Cove LLC, DHIC - Mountain Vista LLC, DHIC - Naco LLC, DHIC - Northshore LLC, DHIC - Prairie Village LLC, DHIC - South Creek LLC, DHIC - Tamarron LLC, DHIC - Valley Vista LLC, DHIC - Varina Gateway LLC, DHIC - Waterleigh II LLC, DHIC - Waterleigh III LLC, DHIC - Waterleigh LLC, DHIC - Westridge LLC, DHIC LLC, DHIC Glendale LLC, DHIC Grove West LLC, DHIC South Park LLC, DHIC Westinghouse LLC, DHIR - Aspen Vista LLC, DHIR - Avian Pointe LLC, DHIR - Emerald Lakes LLC, DHIR - Fosters Ridge LLC, DHIR - Gulf Stream LLC, DHIR - Parkview at Lynn Haven LLC, DHIR - Poplar Terrace LLC, DHIR - Properties I LLC, DHIR - Rock Ridge LLC, DHIR - Sunset Village LLC, DHIR - Village at Hickory Street LLC, DRH - ARK LLC, DRH - ASG LLC, DRH - HWY 114 LLC, DRH Cambridge Homes LLC, DRH Capital Trust I, DRH Capital Trust II, DRH Capital Trust III, DRH Colorado Realty Inc., DRH Construction Inc., DRH Energy Inc., DRH FS Mortgage Reinsurance Ltd., DRH Land Opportunities I Inc., DRH Land Opportunities II Inc., DRH Mountain View LLC, DRH Oil & Gas Inc., DRH Opportunities I Inc., DRH Properties Inc., DRH Realty Company Inc., DRH Realty of Iowa LLC, DRH Regrem L LLC, DRH Regrem LI LLC, DRH Regrem LII LLC, DRH Regrem LIII LLC, DRH Regrem LIV LLC, DRH Regrem LV LLC, DRH Regrem VII LP, DRH Regrem XII LP, DRH Regrem XIV Inc., DRH Regrem XIX Inc., DRH Regrem XLIX LLC, DRH Regrem XLV LLC, DRH Regrem XLVI LLC, DRH Regrem XLVII LLC, DRH Regrem XLVIII LLC, DRH Regrem XV Inc., DRH Regrem XVI Inc., DRH Regrem XVII Inc., DRH Regrem XVIII Inc., DRH Regrem XX Inc., DRH Regrem XXI Inc., DRH Regrem XXII Inc., DRH Regrem XXIII Inc., DRH Regrem XXIV Inc., DRH Regrem XXV Inc., DRH Southwest Construction Inc., DRH Tucson Construction Inc., DRHI Inc., Deer Valley Office Park LLC, Desert Ridge Phase I Partners, Emerald Creek No. 4 L.P., Emerald Realty of Alabama LLC, Emerald Realty of Central Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of North Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, Emerald Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, Encore II Inc., Encore Venture Partners II (California) L.P., Encore Venture Partners II (Texas) L.P., Encore Venture Partners L.P., Express Realty of Central Florida LLC, Express Realty of North Florida LLC, Express Realty of Northwest Florida LLC, Express Realty of Southeast Florida LLC, Express Realty of Southwest Florida LLC, Forestar Group, Forestar Group Inc., Founders Oil & Gas II LLC, Founders Oil & Gas III LLC, Founders Oil & Gas IV LLC, Founders Oil & Gas LLC, Founders Oil & Gas Operating LLC, GP-Encore Inc., Georgetown Data Inc., Germann & McQueen L.L.C., Grand Title Agency LLC, Grande Realty Incorporated, Grande Realty of Pennsylvania LLC, Greywes LLC, HPH Homebuilders 2000 L.P., Hadian LLC, KDB Homes Inc., Kaomalo LLC, Lexington Homes - DRH LLC, MRLF LLC, Martin Road Lake Forest LLC, McQueen & Willis LLC, Meadows I Ltd., Meadows II Ltd., Meadows IX Inc., Meadows VIII Ltd., Meadows X Inc., Melody Homes Inc., Pacific Ridge - DRH LLC, Rielly Carlsbad LLC, Rielly Homes Madison LLC, SFTEN LLC, SGS Communities at Grand Quay L.L.C, SHA Construction LLC, SHLR of California Inc., SHLR of Nevada Inc., SHLR of Washington Inc., SRHI LLC, SSHI LLC, Schuler Homes of Arizona LLC, Schuler Homes of California Inc., Schuler Homes of Oregon Inc., Schuler Homes of Washington Inc., Summerlin Pkwy & Cimarron LLC, Surprise Village North LLC, The Club at Cobblestone LLC, The Club at Hidden River LLC, Tierra Financial Advisors LLC, Travis County Title Company, Treasure Assets LLC, Venture Management of South Carolina LLC, Vertical Construction Corporation, WPH-Camino Ruiz LLC, WPH-Copper Canyon II LLC, WPH-Copper Canyon LLC, Walker Drive LLC, Western Pacific Brea Development LLC, Western Pacific Housing - Mountaingate L.P., Western Pacific Housing - SDG LLC, Western Pacific Housing - Westlake II L.P., Western Pacific Housing Inc., Western Pacific Housing Management Inc., Western Pacific Housing-Antigua LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Broadway LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Canyon Park LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Carrillo LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Communications Hill LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Copper Canyon LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Creekside LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Lomas Verdes LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Lyons Canyon Partners LLC, Western Pacific Housing-McGonigle Canyon LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Norco Estates LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Pacific Park II LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Park Avenue East LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Park Avenue West LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Playa Vista LLC, Western Pacific Housing-River Ridge LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Terra Bay Duets LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Torrey Meadows LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Torrey Village Center LLC, Western Pacific Housing-Windemere LLC, and Wilson Parker Homes. The following companies are subsidiares of Ball: 654647 N.B. Inc., AUK Holding Ltd., Aerocan, Aerosol Research Co (Great Britain) Limited, American Can (UK) Limited, American Can Holdings (UK) Limited, Archer Insurance Limited, Assetsteady Limited, B O Morris (Holdings) Limited, B-R Secretariat Limited, BD Print Limited, Ball, Ball (France) Holdings S.A.S., Ball (Luxembourg) Finance S.a.r.l., Ball (Swiss) Holding GmbH, Ball Advanced Aluminum Technologies Canada Inc. (f/k/a Neuman Aluminum Canada Inc.), Ball Advanced Aluminum Technologies Canada L.P. (f/k/a Neuman Aluminum Canada L.P.), Ball Advanced Aluminum Technologies Corp. (f/k/a Neuman USA Ltd.), Ball Advanced Aluminum Technologies Holding Canada Inc. (f/k/a Neuman Holding Canada Inc.), Ball Aerocan CZ s.r.o. (f/k/a Aerocan CZ s.r.o.), Ball Aerocan Europe S.A.S. (f/k/a Aerocan S.A.S.; Name Change on 6/28/13), Ball Aerocan France S.A.S (f/k/a Aerocan France S.A.S.), Ball Aerocan India Private Limited (f/k/a Metacan Manufacturing Private Limited; Name Change on 01/28/16), Ball Aerocan Mexico S.A. de C.V. (f/k/a Envases del Plata S.A. de C.V.), Ball Aerocan Operations S.a.r.l. (f/k/a Mendoza Investments S.a.r.l.; Name Change on 09/06/13), Ball Aerocan UK Limited (f/k/a Aerocan UK Ltd.; Name Change on 03/16/11), Ball Aerosol Packaging Argentina S.A. (f/k/a Formametal S.A.), Ball Aerosol and Specialty Container Holding Corporation (f/k/a U.S. Can Corporation; Name Change on 03/31/06 from Ball Aerosol and Specialty Container Corporation), Ball Aerosol and Specialty Container Inc. (f/k/a US Can Company; Name Change on 03/31/06), Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Ball America Holdings Inc. (f/k/a Rexam America Holdings Inc.), Ball America LLC (f/k/a Rexam America LLC), Ball Americas Holdings B.V., Ball Asia Pacific (Beijing) Metal Container Limited (f/k/a Beijing FTB Packaging Limited), Ball Asia Pacific (Foshan) Metal Container Limited (f/k/a Sanshui Jianlibao FTB Packing Limited), Ball Asia Pacific (Hubei) Metal Container Limited (f/k/a Hubei FTB Packaging Limited), Ball Asia Pacific (Nanning) Metal Container Limited, Ball Asia Pacific (Qingdao) Metal Container Limited, Ball Asia Pacific (Shenzhen) Metal Container Limited, Ball Asia Pacific (Yangon) Metal Container Limited, Ball Asia Pacific Investments Limited, Ball Asia Pacific Limited, Ball Asia Services Limited, Ball BP Holding Company (f/k/a Rexam BP Holding Company), Ball Beverage Can Americas Inc. (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Americas Inc.), Ball Beverage Can Delaware Company (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Delaware Company), Ball Beverage Can Overseas LLC (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Overseas LLC), Ball Beverage Can South America S.A. (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can South America SA), Ball Beverage Packaging (India) Private Limited (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can (India) Private Limited), Ball Beverage Packaging AMEA Limited (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can AMEA Limited), Ball Beverage Packaging Czech Republic sro (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Czech Republic sro), Ball Beverage Packaging Europe Limited (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Europe Limited), Ball Beverage Packaging Fosie AB (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Fosie AB), Ball Beverage Packaging France SAS (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can France SAS), Ball Beverage Packaging Fredericia A/S (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Fredericia A/S), Ball Beverage Packaging Iberica SL (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Iberica SL), Ball Beverage Packaging Italia SRL (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Italia SRL), Ball Beverage Packaging Ludesch GmbH (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Enzesfeld GmbH), Ball Beverage Packaging Mantsala Oy (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Mantsala Oy), Ball Beverage Packaging Naro-Fominsk LLC (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Naro-Fominsk LLC), Ball Beverage Packaging Oss BV (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Oss BV), Ball Beverage Packaging Recklinghausen GmbH (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Recklinghausen GmbH), Ball Beverage Packaging Rus LLC (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Rus LLC), Ball Beverage Packaging UK Limited (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can UK Limited), Ball Beverage Packaging Vsevolozhsk LLC (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Vsevolozhsk LLC), Ball Beverage Packaging Widnau GmbH (f/k/a Rexam Beverage Can Widnau GmbH), Ball Beverage Turkey Paketleme Sanayi ve Ticaret AS (f/k/a Rexam Paketleme Sanayi ve Ticaret AS), Ball Canada Plastics Container Corp., Ball Capital Corp. II, Ball Cayman International Limited, Ball Chile S.A. (f/k/a Rexam Chile S.A.), Ball Company, Ball Container LLC, Ball Delaware Corporation (f/k/a Rexam Delaware Corporation), Ball Delaware Holdings, Ball Delaware Holdings S.C.S. (f/k/a Ball Holdings S.a.r.l.), Ball Delaware International Holdings Corp., Ball Envases de Aluminio S.A. (f/k/a Rexam Argentina S.A.), Ball Europe Limited, Ball European Holdings S.a.r.l., Ball Finance LLC (f/k/a Rexam Finance LLC), Ball Foundation not for profit, Ball Funding Inc. (f/k/a Rexam Funding Inc.), Ball Glass Containers, Ball Global Business Services Corp., Ball Global Services Americas S. de R.L. de C.V., Ball Holdings Corp., Ball Holdings LLC, Ball Inc. (f/k/a Rexam Inc.), Ball Industria e Comercio de Latas e Tampas Ltda (f/k/a Rexam Industria e Comercio de Latas e Tampas Ltda, Ball International, Ball International Holdings B.V. (f/k/a recan B.V.), Ball International Holdings II, Ball International Holdings LLC, Ball International Holdings S.a.r.l., Ball International Partners SCS, Ball JV LLC, Ball Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Ball Luxembourg I S.a.r.l., Ball MI Holding Company (f/k/a Rexam MI Holding Company), Ball Marketing Limited (f/k/a Rexam Marketing Limited), Ball Metal Beverage Container Corp., Ball Metal Beverage Mexico Holdings B.V. (f/k/a Ball Saudi Arabia Holdings B.V.), Ball Metal Beverage Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V. (f/k/a Ball Mexico Holdings Corp S del RL de C.V.), Ball Metal Container Corporation, Ball Metal Food Container (Oakdale) LLC (f/k/a Ball Metal Food Container LLC f/k/a Ball Western Can Company LLC), Ball Metal Food Container LLC (f/k/a Ball Metal Food Container Corp. f/k/a Heekin Can Inc.), Ball Metallising Inc. (f/k/a Rexam Metallising Inc.), Ball Packaging Europe Belgrade d.o.o., Ball Packaging Europe France S.A.S., Ball Packaging Europe Holding B.V., Ball Packaging Europe Lublin Sp. z o.o., Ball Packaging Europe Metall GmbH, Ball Packaging Europe Rostov LLC, Ball Packaging LLC (f/k/a Ball Packaging Corp. f/k/a Ball Packaging Holdings Corp.), Ball Packaging Products Canada Corp., Ball Pan-European Holdings, Ball Peru S.A.C., Ball Southeast Asia Holdings (Singapore) PTE LTD, Ball Technologies Holdings Corp., Ball Technology Services Corporation, Ball Trading France S.A.S., Ball Trading Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Ball UK Acquisition Limited, Ball UK Holdco Limited, Ball UK Holdings Ltd, Ball UK Investments Limited, Ball do Brasil Ltda (f/k/a Rexam do Brasil Ltda), Berkeley Nominees Limited, Bookprint Limited, Bowater SCG Limited, Bowaters Canadian Holdings Limited, Brackenbush Limited, Brookhill Mouldings Limited, CPRX-Hughesville Inc., Causton Printing Limited, Citiforms (Sales) Limited, Controladora Envases Universales Rexam SA JV, Copal S.A.S., Cope Allman Holdings Limited, Cope Allman Int (Management Services) Limited, Cope Allman Packaging Group Limited, Cope Allman Packaging Limited, Corsec Mercantile Services Limited, Counting House Computer Systems Limited, DRG Australia Limited, DRG France Limited, DRG Medical Packaging Supplies (Flexpak) Ltd, DRG Medical Packaging Supplies (Malago) Ltd, DRG Medical Packaging Supplies Limited, Deister Handels & Beteiligungs GmbH, Dimgate Limited, EXAL Holdings France, Ejectoret Limited, Envases Antillanos C. por A., Envases Universales Rexam de Centroamerica SA, Envases del Istmo SA JV, Envases del Plata, FTB Corporate Services Limited, FTB Packaging Limited, Filmset Limited, Foshan Packaging Holdings Limited, Gainer Developments Ltd., Guangdong Jianlibao Group, Hanil Can Co Limited (Associate), Heekin Can, Impact Packaging Limited, Jambalaya S.A., Jauntbrook Limited, Jesse Broad Limited, John Dunhill & Co Limited, KB Jarnaldern 3, Kemsley Fields Limited JV, Knightsbridge Trustees Limited, Latapack-Ball Embalagens Ltda., Latas De Aluminio Ball, M.C. Packaging (Hong Kong) Limited, MCP Beverage Packaging Limited, MCP Device Limited, MCP Intellectual Property Holdings Limited, Magnaparva Packaging Limited JV, McCorquodale & Blades Trust Limited, McCorquodale Commercial Products Limited, McCorquodale Leasing Limited, McCorquodale Limited, Mertonlight Limited, Metal Packaging International, N O Limited, N O Packaging Limited, N O Pensions Administration Limited, N&W Properties Limited, Nacanco Deutschland GmbH, National Trading Corporation, Nellford Limited, Neuman Aluminium, OPD Packaging Limited, PLM Septanus AB, Poland Glassworks Holding BV, Prestadora de Servicios de Dentroamerica SA, Qingdao M.C. Packaging Limited, RAC Holding II Pte Limited, RAC Holding Pte Limited, RBT (London) Limited, Rayeil International Limited, Restlat Investments Limited, Rexam (AK) Limited, Rexam (Jersey) Limited, Rexam AB, Rexam Amazonia Ltda, Rexam Ashmore Beverage Can Myanmar Company Limited, Rexam BC Limited, Rexam Beauty (Taiwan Holdings) Limited, Rexam Beverage Can (India Holdings) Limited, Rexam CFP Limited, Rexam CW Limited, Rexam Closures Limited, Rexam Coated Products Limited, Rexam DFR China Limited, Rexam DFR Taiwan Limited, Rexam European Holdings AB, Rexam European Holdings Limited, Rexam FW Limited, Rexam Finance Company Limited, Rexam Finance Germany Limited, Rexam Finance Netherlands Limited, Rexam Finance Poland Limited, Rexam Finance Sweden Limited, Rexam Financial Services Limited, Rexam Flexibles Viking Limited, Rexam France SAS, Rexam Graphics Limited, Rexam Group Holdings Limited, Rexam Healthcare Innovation SAS, Rexam High Performance Flexibles Limited, Rexam Holding GmbH, Rexam Holdings AB, Rexam Holdings Germany AB, Rexam Holdings Limited, Rexam Industrial Bulk Packaging Limited, Rexam Investments Pty Limited, Rexam Jersey 2007 Limited, Rexam Latas Americas Mexico SA de CV, Rexam Leasing AB, Rexam Limited, Rexam Liquid Packaging Limited, Rexam Nacanco Netherlands BV, Rexam Nederland Holdings BV, Rexam Overseas Holdings Limited, Rexam PLC, Rexam Packaging Limited, Rexam Packaging Systems Limited, Rexam Pension Trustees Limited, Rexam Pharma Development SA, Rexam Pharmaceutical Packaging Limited, Rexam Plastic Containers Limited, Rexam Property Developments Limited, Rexam Property Holdings Limited, Rexam RDI Limited, Rexam Trustees (Jersey) Limited, Rexam UK Holdings Limited, Rexam US Investments Limited, Rexam United Arab Can Manufacturing Limited, Rexam Uruguay SA, Rexam WCL Limited, Rexam WCP Limited, Rexam WM Limited, Rexam Webster Limited, Ruth Jersey 2009 Limited, SCI le Marais, Sario Grundstucks-Vermietungsgesellschaft mbH & CO. Objekt Elfi, Schmalbach-Lubeca AG, Sir Joseph Causton & Sons Limited, Sofab Limited, Solray Plastics Limited, Specialty Coatings Group UK Trustees Limited, The Renaissance Insurance Company, USC May Verpackungen Holding Inc., Unit Moulders Limited, Victor International Plastics (London) Limited, Viking Packaging Limited, Wavefront Technologies, Wembley Press Limited, Wessex Typesetters Limited, and Wise Champion Investments Limited. 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 Canada, XTO Energy Inc., and XTO Holdings LLC. Buckeye Partners, L.P. owns and operates liquid petroleum products pipelines in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Domestic Pipelines & Terminals, Global Marine Terminals, and Merchant Services. The Domestic Pipelines & Terminals segment transports liquid petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel, and various distillates. This segment also provides crude oil services, including train loading/unloading, storage, and throughput; and turn-key operations and maintenance, asset development, and construction services for third-party pipeline, terminal, and energy assets, as well as operates and/or maintains third-party pipelines. It owns and operates approximately 6,000 miles of pipeline located primarily in the northeastern and upper midwestern portions of the United States, and services 100 delivery locations; 110 active terminals that provide bulk storage and throughput services with aggregate storage capacity of 55 million barrels; and 2 underground propane storage caverns. The Global Marine Terminals segment provides marine accessible bulk storage and blending, rail and truck rack loading/unloading, and petroleum processing services located primarily in the East Coast and Gulf Coast regions of the United States, as well as in the Caribbean. This segment owns and operates seven liquid petroleum products and crude oil terminals. The Merchant Services segment is involved in the wholesale distribution of refined petroleum products, including gasoline, natural gas liquids, propane, ethanol, and biodiesel, as well as petroleum distillates, such as heating oil, diesel fuel, kerosene, and fuel oil. This segment also provides fuel oil supply, butane, and distribution services. Buckeye GP LLC serves as the general partner of the company. Buckeye Partners, L.P. was founded in 1886 and is based in Houston, Texas. Read More Wall Street analysts have given Berkeley Energia a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Berkeley Energia wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management and institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offering equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products. This segment operates 65 branch locations and 357 ATMs throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, as well as through a customer service center, and online and mobile banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides corporate banking, commercial real estate loans, commercial lease financing, auto dealer financing, and deposit products. It offers commercial lending and deposit products to middle-market and large companies, and government entities; commercial real estate mortgages to investors, developers, and builders; and international banking and merchant services. The Treasury and Other segment offers corporate asset and liability management services, including interest rate risk management and foreign exchange services. Bank of Hawaii Corporation was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Read More Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets life science research and clinical diagnostic products in the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. The company offers products and systems to separate complex chemical and biological materials, as well as to identify, analyze, and purify components. It operates in two segments, Life Science and Clinical Diagnostics. The Life Science segment develops, manufactures, and markets a range of reagents, apparatus, and laboratory instruments that are used in research techniques, biopharmaceutical production processes, and food testing regimes. It focuses on selected segments of the life sciences market in proteomics, genomics, biopharmaceutical production, cell biology, and food safety. This segment serves universities and medical schools, industrial research organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology researchers, food producers, and food testing laboratories. The Clinical Diagnostics segment designs, manufactures, sells, and supports test systems, informatics systems, test kits, and specialized quality controls for clinical laboratories in the diagnostics market. This segment offers reagents, instruments, and software, which address specific niches within the in vitro diagnostics test market. It sells its products to reference laboratories, hospital laboratories, state newborn screening facilities, physicians' office laboratories, transfusion laboratories, and insurance and forensic testing laboratories. The company offers its products through its direct sales force, as well as through distributors, agents, brokers, and resellers. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Hercules, California. Read More BancorpSouth Bank provides commercial banking and financial services to individuals and small-to-medium size businesses. The company operates through Banking Services Group, Mortgage, Insurance Agencies, Wealth Management, and General Corporate and Other segments. It accepts various deposit products, including interest and noninterest bearing demand deposits, and saving and other time deposits. The company also provides commercial loans, including term loans, lines of credit, equipment and receivable financing, and agricultural loans; a range of short-to-medium term secured and unsecured commercial loans to businesses for working capital, business expansion, and the purchase of equipment and machinery; and construction loans to real estate developers for the acquisition, development, and construction of residential subdivisions. In addition, it offers fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied property; construction loans; second mortgage loans; and home equity lines of credit, as well as non-residential consumer loans that consist of automobile, recreation vehicle, boat, personal, and deposit account secured loans, as well as issues credit cards. Further, the company operates as an agent for the sale of commercial lines of insurance; and offers a line of property and casualty, life, health, and employee benefits products and services. Additionally, it provides credit related products, trust and investment management, asset management, retirement and savings solutions, and estate planning and annuity products. As of March 4, 2021, the company operated through 305 full-service branch locations, as well mortgage, insurance, and loan production offices in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas; and an insurance location in Illinois. The company was formerly known as BancorpSouth, Inc. and changed its name to BancorpSouth Bank in October 2017. BancorpSouth Bank was founded in 1876 and is headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi. Read More Deutsche BArse AG operates as an exchange organization in Europe, the United States, and the Asia-Pacific. The company operates through seven segments: Eurex (Financial Derivatives), EEX (Commodities), 360T (Foreign Exchange), Xetra (Cash Equities), Clearstream (Post-Trading), IFS (Investment Fund Services), and Qontigo (index and analytics business). The company engages in the electronic trading of derivatives, electricity and gas products, emission rights, and foreign exchange; operating of Eurex Repo over the counter (OTC) trading platform and electronic clearing architecture; and operating as a central counterparty for on-and-off exchange derivatives, repo transactions, and OTC and exchange-traded derivatives. It also operates in the cash market through Xetra, BArse Frankfurt, and Tradegate trading venues; operates as a central counterparty for equities and bonds; and provides listing services. In addition, the company offers custody and settlement services for securities; investment fund services; global securities financing services; and global securities finance and collateral management, as well as secured money, market transaction, and repos and securities lending transaction services. Further, it develops and markets indices, as well as portfolio management and risk analysis software; markets licenses for trading and market signals; provides technology and reporting solutions for external customers; and offers link-up of trading participants. Deutsche BArse AG was founded in 1585 and is headquartered in Eschborn, Germany. Read More Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. The following companies are subsidiares of Sysco: 2234829 Alberta ULC, 2234842 Alberta ULC, A. M. Briggs Inc., A.M. Briggs, Almacen Fiscal Frionet Caldera S.A., Almacen Fiscal Frionet Limon S.A., Appert's Foodservice, Arnotts (Fruit) Limited, Asian Foods, Bahamas Food Holdings Limited, Bahamas Food Services Limited, Brake Bros, Brake Bros Foodservice Ireland Limited, Brake Bros. Foodservice Limited, Brake Bros. Holding I Limited, Brake Bros. Ltd., Brakes Foodservice NI Limited, Buchy Food Service, Buckhead Beef Co., Buckhead Meat & Seafood of Houston Inc., Buckhead Meat Company, Buckhead Meat Midwest Inc., Buckhead Meat of Dallas Inc., Buckhead Meat of Denver Inc., Buckhead Meat of San Antonio LP, Buzztable Inc., CAKE Corporation, Central Seafood Co., Christys Wine & Spirits Limited, Clafra Aktiebolag, Colorado Boxed Beef Co - Specialty meat-cutting division, Corporacion Frionet Sociedad Anonima, Crossgar Foodservice, Crossgar Foodservice Limited, Crown I Enterprises Inc., Cucina Acquisitions (UK) Limited, Cucina Finance (UK) Limited, Cucina French Holdings Limited, Cucina Fresh Finance Limited, Cucina Fresh Investments Limited, Cucina Lux Investments Limited, Curleys Quality Foods Limited (Third Party), Davigel Belgilux S.A., Davigel Espana S.A., Desert Meats & Provisions, Distagro, Doerle Food Service, Doughtie's Foods Inc., Dust Bowl City LLC, Eko Fagel Fisk o mittemellan AB, Enclave Insurance Company, Enclave Parkway Association Inc., Enclave Properties LLC, European Imports, European Imports Inc., Figg Inc., Freedman Meats, Freedman Meats Inc., Freedman-KB Inc., Fresh Direct (UK) Limited, Fresh Direct Group Limited, Fresh Direct Limited, Fresh Holdings Limited, FreshPoint, FreshPoint Arizona Inc., FreshPoint Atlanta Inc., FreshPoint California Inc., FreshPoint Central California Inc., FreshPoint Central Florida Inc., FreshPoint Connecticut LLC, FreshPoint Dallas Inc., FreshPoint Denver Inc., FreshPoint Hawaii LLC, FreshPoint Inc., FreshPoint Las Vegas Inc., FreshPoint North Carolina Inc., FreshPoint North Florida Inc., FreshPoint Oklahoma City LLC, FreshPoint Pompano Real Estate LLC, FreshPoint Puerto Rico LLC, FreshPoint San Francisco Inc., FreshPoint South Florida Inc., FreshPoint South Texas Inc., FreshPoint Southern California Inc., FreshPoint Tomato LLC, FreshPoint Vancouver Ltd., Freshfayre Limited, Fruktservice i Helsingborg AB, GHS Classic Drinks Limited, Gilchrist & Soames Inc., Gilchrist & Soames UK Limited, Guest Packaging LLC, Guest Supply, Guest Supply Asia Limited, Guest Supply Singapore Pte. Ltd., International Food Group, Isakssons Frukt & Gront AB, J & M Wholesale Meats, J. Kings Food Service Professionals, J. Kings Food Service Professionals Inc., Kent Frozen Foods, Les Ateliers Du Gout, Liquid Assets Limited, M&J Seafood Holdings Limited, M&J Seafood Limited, Manchester Mills LLC, Mayca Autoservicio S.A., Mayca Distribuidores S.A., Menigo Foodservice AB, Mitshim Etatu Supply LP, Newport Meat Company, Newport Meat Northern California Inc., Newport Meat Pacific Northwest Inc., Newport Meat Southern California Inc., Newport Meat of Nevada Inc., North Star Holding Corporation, North Star Seafood, North Star Seafood Acquisition Corporation, North Star Seafood LLC, PFS de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Palisades Ranch Inc., Pallas Foods, Pallas Foods Farm Fresh Unlimited Company, Pallas Foods Unlimited Company, Pauleys Produce Limited, Promotora del Servicios S.A. de C.V., Restaurangakdemien AB, Restaurant of Tomorrow Inc., Rohan Viandes Elaboration SAS, SMS Bermuda Holdings, SMS GPC International Limited, SMS GPC International Resources Limited, SMS Global Holdings S.a.r.l., SMS International Resources Ireland Unlimited Company, SMS Lux Holdings LLC, SOTF LLC, SYY Netherlands C.V., SYY Panama S. de R.L., Serca Foodservice, Servicestyckarna I Johannes AB, Servicios Ameriserve S.A. de C.V., Shenzhen Guest Supply Trading Co. Limited, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Bianchi Montegut, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Boiseau, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) De Garcelles, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) J.D. Lanjouan, Societe Civile Immobiliere (SCI) Le Dauphin, Specialty Meat Holdings LLC, Stockflag Limited, Stockholms Fiskauktion AB, Supplies on the Fly, Sysco Albany LLC, Sysco Asian Foods Inc., Sysco Atlanta LLC, Sysco Autoservicio S.A., Sysco Baltimore LLC, Sysco Baraboo LLC, Sysco Bermuda Partners L.P., Sysco Boston LLC, Sysco Canada Holdings S.a.r.l., Sysco Canada Inc., Sysco Central Alabama LLC, Sysco Central California Inc., Sysco Central Florida Inc., Sysco Central Illinois Inc., Sysco Central Pennsylvania LLC, Sysco Charlotte LLC, Sysco Chicago Inc., Sysco Cincinnati LLC, Sysco Cleveland Inc., Sysco Columbia LLC, Sysco Connecticut LLC, Sysco Corporation, Sysco Corporation Director's Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Employee's 401(k) Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan Trust, Sysco Corporation Good Government Committee Inc., Sysco Corporation Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Trust, Sysco Corporation Supplemental Unemployment Benefits Plan Trust, Sysco Detroit LLC, Sysco Disaster Relief Foundation Inc., Sysco EI VI S. s.r.l., Sysco EU II S.a.r.l., Sysco EU III S.a.r.l., Sysco EU IV Capital Unlimited Company, Sysco EU IV S. s.r.l.., Sysco EU V S. s.r.l., Sysco Eastern Maryland LLC, Sysco Eastern Wisconsin LLC, Sysco Foundation Inc., Sysco France Holding SAS, Sysco France SAS, Sysco George Town II LLC, Sysco George Town Limited S. s.r.l.., Sysco Global Finance LLC, Sysco Global Finance LLP, Sysco Global Holdings B.V., Sysco Global Resources LLC, Sysco Global Services LLC, Sysco Grand Cayman Company, Sysco Grand Cayman II Company, Sysco Grand Cayman III Company, Sysco Grand Rapids LLC, Sysco Guernsey Limited, Sysco Guest Supply Canada Inc., Sysco Guest Supply Europe Goods Wholesalers LLC, Sysco Guest Supply Europe Limited, Sysco Guest Supply LLC, Sysco Gulf Coast LLC, Sysco Hampton Roads Inc., Sysco Hawaii Inc., Sysco Holdings II LLC, Sysco Holdings LLC, Sysco Indianapolis LLC, Sysco International Food Group Inc., Sysco International Inc., Sysco Iowa Inc., Sysco Jackson LLC, Sysco Jacksonville Inc., Sysco Kansas City Inc., Sysco Knoxville LLC, Sysco Labs Europe Limited, Sysco Labs Pvt. Ltd., Sysco Leasing LLC, Sysco Lincoln Inc., Sysco Lincoln Transportation Company Inc., Sysco Long Island LLC, Sysco Los Angeles Inc., Sysco Louisville Inc., Sysco Memphis LLC, Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Canada Inc., Sysco Merchandising and Supply Chain Services Inc., Sysco Metro New York LLC, Sysco Minnesota Inc., Sysco Montana Inc., Sysco Nashville LLC, Sysco Netherlands Partners LLC, Sysco North Central Florida Inc., Sysco North Dakota Inc., Sysco Northern New England Inc., Sysco Philadelphia LLC, Sysco Pittsburgh LLC, Sysco Portland Inc., Sysco Raleigh LLC, Sysco Resources Services LLC, Sysco Riverside Inc., Sysco Sacramento Inc., Sysco San Diego Inc., Sysco San Francisco Inc., Sysco Seattle Inc., Sysco South Florida Inc., Sysco Southeast Florida LLC, Sysco Spain Holdings SLU, Sysco Spokane Inc., Sysco St. Louis LLC, Sysco Syracuse LLC, Sysco Technologies Cayman Ltd., Sysco Technologies LLC, Sysco UK Holdings Limited, Sysco UK Limited, Sysco UK Partners LLP, Sysco USA I Inc., Sysco USA II LLC, Sysco USA III LLC, Sysco Ventura Inc., Sysco Ventures Inc., Sysco Virginia LLC, Sysco West Coast Florida Inc., Sysco Western Minnesota Inc., The SYGMA Network Inc., Upsys, Victua SAS, Walker Foods Inc., Waugh Foods, and Wild Harvest Limited. RPM International Inc. manufactures and sells specialty chemicals for the industrial, specialty, and consumer markets worldwide. It offers waterproofing, coatings, and institutional roofing systems; sealants, air barriers, tapes, and foams; residential home weatherization systems; roofing and building maintenance and related services; sealing and bonding, and flooring and in-plant glazing solutions; solutions for fire stopping and intumescent steel coating, and the manufacturing industry; rolled asphalt roofing materials and chemical admixtures; concrete and masonry admixtures, concrete fibers, curing and sealing compounds, structural grouts and mortars, epoxy adhesives, injection resins, polyurethane foams, floor hardeners and toppings, joint fillers and sealants, industrial and architectural coatings, decorative color/stains/stamps, and restoration materials; and insulated building cladding materials and concrete form wall systems. It also provides polymer flooring systems; fiberglass reinforced plastic gratings and shapes; corrosion-control coating, containment lining, fire and sound proofing, and insulation products; and specialty construction products; and amine curing agents, reactive diluents, specialty epoxy resins and other intermediates. In addition, it offers fluorescent colorants and pigments; shellac-based-specialty and marine coatings; fire and water damage restoration, and carpet cleaning and disinfecting products; fuel additives; wood treatments, furniture finishes, and touch-up products; and nail enamels, polishes, and coating components. Further, it offers specialty products for paint contractors and the DIYers, deck and fence restoration products, metallic and faux finish coatings, exterior wood deck and concrete restoration systems, flooring finishes, and hobby paints and cements; and caulk, sealant, adhesive, insulating foam, spackling, glazing, and patch and repair products. The company was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Medina, Ohio. Read More FLEETCOR Technologies, Inc. provides digital payment solutions for businesses to control purchases and make payments. It offers corporate payments solutions, such as accounts payable automation; Virtual Card, which provides a single-use card number for a specific amount usable within a defined timeframe; Cross-Border that is used by its customers to pay international suppliers, foreign office and personnel expenses, capital expenditures, and profit repatriation and dividends; and purchasing cards and travel and entertainment cards for its customers to analyse and manage their corporate spending. The company also provides employee expense management solutions, including fuel solutions to businesses and government entities that operate vehicle fleets, as well as to oil and leasing companies, and fuel marketers; lodging solutions to businesses that have employees who travel overnight for work purposes, as well as to airlines and cruise lines to accommodate traveling crews and stranded passengers; and electronic toll payments solutions to businesses and consumers in the form of radio frequency identification tags affixed to vehicles' windshields. In addition, it offers gift card program management and processing services in plastic and digital forms that include card design, production and packaging, delivery and fulfilment, card and account management, transaction processing, promotion development and management, website design and hosting, program analytics, and card distribution channel management. Further, it provides other products consisting of payroll cards, vehicle maintenance service solution, long-haul transportation solution, prepaid food vouchers or cards, and prepaid transportation cards and vouchers. The company serves business, merchant, consumer, and payment network customers in North America, Brazil, and Internationally. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Read More Nabors Industries Ltd. provides drilling and drilling-related services for land-based and offshore oil and natural gas wells. The company operates through five segments: U.S. Drilling, Canada Drilling, International Drilling, Drilling Solutions, and Rig Technologies. It provides tubular running, wellbore placement, directional drilling, measurement-while-drilling (MWD), equipment manufacturing, and rig instrumentation services; and logging-while-drilling systems and services, as well as drilling optimization software. The company also offers REVit, an automated real time stick-slip mitigation system; ROCKit, a directional steering control system; SmartNAV, a collaborative guidance and advisory platform; SmartSLIDE, an advanced directional steering control system; and RigCLOUD, which provides the tools and infrastructure to integrate applications to deliver real-time insight into operations across the rig fleet. In addition, it manufactures and sells top drives, catwalks, wrenches, drawworks, and other drilling related equipment, such as robotic systems and downhole tools; and provides aftermarket sales and services for the installed base of its equipment. As of December 31, 2020, the company marketed approximately 354 rigs for land-based drilling operations in the United States and Canada, as well as in 14 other countries worldwide; and 29 rigs for offshore platform drilling operations in the United States and internationally. Nabors Industries Ltd. was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Japan ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Japan ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. The following companies are subsidiares of Emerson Electric: A.P.M. Automation Solutions Ltd., AE Valves, AGI Mexicana S.A. de C.V., ALCO CONTROLS spol. s.r.o., APM Automation Solutions, ASC Investments Inc., ASCO (Japan) Company Limited, ASCO L.P., ASCO Numatics (India) Private Limited, ASCO Numatics Holding Inc., ASCO SAS, ASCO Valve (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ASCO/JOUCOMATIC s.r.o., ATX SAS, Advanced Protection Technologies, Aegir Norge Holding AS, Alliance Compressors LLC, American Governor, Aperture, Apple JV Holding Corp., Appleton Electric LLC, Appleton Electric S.A. de C.V., Appleton Group, Appleton Group Canada Ltd., Appleton Grp LLC, Appleton Holding Corp., Appleton Holding Sarl, Artesyn Embedded Technologies, Artesyn Hungary Elektronikai Kft., Artesyn Technologies, Asco AB, Asco Controls AG, Asco Controls B.V., Asco Joucomatic Ltd., Asco Joucomatic ZA B.V., Asco Magnesszelep Kft., Asco Numatics GmbH, Asco Numatics S.A., Asco Numatics Sirai S.R.L., Asco Numatics Sp. z o.o., Ascomatica S.A. de C.V., Ascomation (NZ) Ltd., Ascomation Pty. Ltd., Ascotech S.A. de C.V., Ascoval Industria e Commercio Ltda, Automatic Switch Company, Aventics, Aventics, Aventics AB, Aventics AG, Aventics AS, Aventics ApS, Aventics B.V., Aventics Corporation, Aventics Holding S.A.S., Aventics Holding S.a.r.l., Aventics Hungary Kft, Aventics Inc., Aventics India Private Limited, Aventics Limited, Aventics Ltd., Aventics Oy, Aventics Pneumatics Equipment (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Aventics Pneumatics Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aventics S.A.S., Aventics S.R.L., Aventics Services Germany GmbH, Aventics Singapore Pte. Ltd., Aventics Sp. z.o.o., Aventics Spain S.L., Aventics spol. s.r.o., Avtron LoadBank, Bannerscientific Limited, Beckman Industrial B.V., Beijing Rosemount Far East Instrument Co. Ltd., Bettis Canada Ltd., Bettis Holdings Limited, Bettis UK Limited, Biffi Italia S.r.l., Bioproduction Group, Branson Korea Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonic S.A., Branson Ultrasonics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Branson Ultrasonics B.V., Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Branson Ultrasonics a.s., Branson Ultrasonidos S.A.E., Branson Ultrasons SAS, Branson Ultrasuoni S.R.L., Branson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Bray Lectroheat Limited, Bristol Babcock Limited, Bristol Inc., Buehler Europe Limited, Buehler UK Limited, CR Compressors LLC, CSA Consulting Engineers Ltd., California Emerson LLC, Cascade Technologies, Cascade Technologies Holdings Limited, Cascade Technologies Limited, Chemat GmbH Armaturen fur Industrie - und Nuklearanlage, Chloride Koexa S.A., Componentes Avanzados de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Computational Systems, Computational Systems Incorporated, Conception et Representation de Technologies de Controle C.R.T. Controle SAS, Control Products Inc., Controles de Temperatura S.A. de C.V., Cooligy Inc., Cooper-Atkins, Cooper-Atkins Corporation, Cooper-Atkins Pte. Ltd., Copeland Access + Inc., Copeland Compresores Hermeticos S.A. de C.V., Copeland Corporation, Copeland Corporation LLC, Copeland Limited, Copeland Redevelopment Corporation, Copeland Scroll Compresores de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copeland de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Copesub Inc., Crosby Valve LLC, Damcos A/S, Damcos Holding A/S, Daniel Automation Company, Daniel Europe Limited, Daniel Industrial Inc., Daniel Industries, Daniel Industries Canada Inc., Daniel Industries Inc., Daniel Industries Limited, Daniel International Limited, Daniel Measurement Solutions Private Limited, Daniel Measurement and Control Inc., Daniel Measurement and Control S. de R.L. de C.V., Danmasa S.A. de C.V., Dar Ibtikar Al Iraq for General Services and General Trade LLC, Decision Management International, Dieterich Standard Inc., Digital Appliance Controls (UK) Limited, Dixell North America Inc., Dixell S.R.L., Do+Able Products, E. Business Development E.B.D.Com Ltd., E.G.P. Corporation, EECO Inc., EGS Comercializadora Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EGS Private Ltd., EMERSON CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES s.r.o., EMR (Asia) Limited, EMR (Mauritius) Ltd., EMR Emerson Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, EMR Europe Holdings Inc., EMR Foundation Inc., EMR Holdings (France) SAS, EMR Holdings Inc., EMR Worldwide B.V., EMR Worldwide Inc., EMRSN HLDG B.V., EMRSN Process Management Morocco Sarl, ENPDOR2012A Limited, ENPESNA Inc., EPM Tulsa Holdings Corp., EPMCO Holdings Inc., ETC International Holdings Ltd., Easy Heat Europe SAS, Easy Heat Inc., El-O-Matic B.V., El-O-Matic Valve Actuators (F.E.) Pte. Ltd., Electrische Apparatenfabriek Capax B.V., Emerald Advanced Technology Limited, Emerson (Philippines) Corporation, Emerson (Taiwan) Limited, Emerson (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Arabia Inc., Emerson Argentina S.A., Emerson Asia Pacific Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Holdings Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions Actuation Technologies Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Sichuan) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Taiwan) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control (Thailand) Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Czech Republic s.r.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Denmark A/S, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control France SARL, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Germany GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hong Kong Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Hungary Kft, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Italia S.r.l., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Middle East FZE, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Netherlands B.V., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Polska Sp. Z.o.o., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Sales Holding LLC, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK II Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control UK Ltd, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control US LP, Emerson Automation Solutions Final Control de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Automation Solutions GmbH, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms Private Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Intelligent Platforms do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Automation Solutions Ireland Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions Isolation Valves Inc., Emerson Automation Solutions SSC UK Limited, Emerson Automation Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Beijing Instrument Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Services LLC, Emerson Climate Technologies (India) Private Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies (Shenyang) Refrigeration Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd, Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies (Suzhou) Trading Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Solutions (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies - Transportation Solutions ApS, Emerson Climate Technologies Arabia Limited Co., Emerson Climate Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd., Emerson Climate Technologies FZE, Emerson Climate Technologies GmbH, Emerson Climate Technologies Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Climate Technologies Refrigeration S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Europe S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions Inc., Emerson Climate Technologies Retail Solutions UK Limited, Emerson Climate Technologies S.A., Emerson Climate Technologies S.R.L., Emerson Climate Technologies Sarl, Emerson Commercial & Residential Tools LLC, Emerson Commerical & Residential Asia Limited, Emerson Comres de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson DHC B.V., Emerson Dietzenbach GmbH, Emerson Dominicana Srl, Emerson Egypt LLC, Emerson Electric (Asia) Limited, Emerson Electric (China) Holdings Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Electric (Mauritius) Ltd., Emerson Electric (South Asia) Pte. Ltd., Emerson Electric (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Electric (Tongling) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation, Emerson Electric (U.S.) Holding Corporation (Chile) Limitada, Emerson Electric (Zhuhai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Electric CR Limitada, Emerson Electric Canada Limited, Emerson Electric Company (India) Private Limited, Emerson Electric Company Lanka (Private) Limited, Emerson Electric Holdings (Switzerland) GmbH, Emerson Electric II C.A., Emerson Electric International Inc., Emerson Electric Ireland Limited, Emerson Electric Korea Ltd., Emerson Electric Nederland B.V., Emerson Electric Overseas Finance Corp., Emerson Electric Poland Sp. z o.o., Emerson Electric U.K. Limited, Emerson Electric de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Emerson Electric do Brasil Ltda, Emerson Energy Systems (UK) Limited, Emerson FZE, Emerson Final Control US Holding LLC, Emerson Finance LLC, Emerson Fusite Electric (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Gabon SARL, Emerson Hazardous Electrical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Holding Company Limited, Emerson Holding Sweden AB, Emerson InSinkErator Appliance (Nanjing) Co. Ltd., Emerson Industrial Automation USA Inc., Emerson International Holding Company Limited, Emerson Japan Ltd., Emerson Junkang Enterprise (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Korea Limited, Emerson LLC, Emerson LLP, Emerson Machinery Equipment (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Emerson Mexico Finance S.A. de C.V. SOFOM ENR, Emerson Middle East Inc., Emerson Network Power DHC B.V., Emerson Paradigm Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management (India) Private Limited, Emerson Process Management (South Africa) (Proprietary) Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Tianjin) Valves Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management (Vietnam) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management A/S (Denmark), Emerson Process Management AB, Emerson Process Management AG, Emerson Process Management AS, Emerson Process Management Angola Lda, Emerson Process Management Arabia Limited, Emerson Process Management Australia Pty Limited, Emerson Process Management B.V., Emerson Process Management Chennai Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Distribution Limited, Emerson Process Management Europe GmbH, Emerson Process Management Flow B.V., Emerson Process Management Flow Technologies Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Process Management Holding AG, Emerson Process Management Holding LLC, Emerson Process Management Kft., Emerson Process Management LLLP, Emerson Process Management Lda, Emerson Process Management Limited, Emerson Process Management Ltda, Emerson Process Management Magyarorszag Kft., Emerson Process Management Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Korea Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Marine Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management NV, Emerson Process Management New Zealand Limited, Emerson Process Management Nigeria Limited, Emerson Process Management Oy, Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions Inc., Emerson Process Management Power & Water Solutions India Private Limited, Emerson Process Management Qatar W.L.L., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc., Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa LLC, Emerson Process Management Romania S.R.L., Emerson Process Management S.A., Emerson Process Management S.A. de C.V., Emerson Process Management S.L., Emerson Process Management S.R.L., Emerson Process Management SAS, Emerson Process Management Shared Services Limited, Emerson Process Management Sp. z o.o., Emerson Process Management Ticaret Limited Sirket, Emerson Process Management UAB, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (M) Sdn Bhd, Emerson Process Management Valve Automation (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Emerson Process Management Valve Automation Inc., Emerson Process Management Verwaltung GmbH, Emerson Process Management d.o.o., Emerson Process Management de Colombia SAS, Emerson Process Management del Peru S.A.C., Emerson Process Management s.r.o., Emerson Professional Tools (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson Puerto Rico Inc., Emerson Retail Services Europe GmbH, Emerson S.R.L., Emerson Sales UK Limited, Emerson Saudi Arabia LLC, Emerson Scroll Machining (Thailand) Limited, Emerson Sice S.R.L., Emerson Sweden AB, Emerson TOV, Emerson Technologies GmbH & Co. OHG, Emerson Technologies Verwaltungs GmbH, Emerson Tool Company de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Tool and Appliance Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Emerson Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Emerson UK Trustees Limited, Emerson USD Finance Company Limited, Emerson Valves & Controls Japan Co. Ltd., Emerson Ventures Inc., Emerson Vulcan Holding LLC, Emerson Xi'an Engineering Center, Emersub 1 LLC, Emersub 10 LLC, Emersub 11 LLC, Emersub 12 LLC, Emersub 14 LLC, Emersub 15 LLC, Emersub 16 LLC, Emersub 3 LLC, Emersub 4 LLC, Emersub 5 LLC, Emersub 7 LLC, Emersub 8 LLC, Emersub 9 LLC, Emersub CII Inc., Emersub CV Inc., Emersub Italia S.R.L., Emersub LXXXIV Inc., Emersub LXXXVI Inc., Emersub Mexico Inc., Emersub Treasury Ireland Unlimited Company, Emersub XLVI Inc., Emersub XXXVI Inc., Emirates Techno Casting FZE, Emirates Techno Casting Holding Limited, Emirates Techno Casting LLC, Enardo, Endura-Greenlee Tools, Energy Solutions International (India) Private Limited, Energy Solutions International GP LLC, Energy Solutions International Ltd., Energy Solutions International SAS, Energy Solutions International Sub LLC, F-R Tecnologias de Flujo S.A. de C.V., FC QSF LLC, FMC Technologies, Fiberconn Assemblies Morocco Sarl, Fincor Holding LLC, Fire & Safety Group.Com Ltd., Fisher Controles de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Fisher Controls International LLC, Fisher Jeon Gas Equipment (Chengdu) Co. Ltd., Fisher Regulators (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Fisher Sanmar Limited, Fisher-Rosemount Systems Inc., Flow Control Holding GmbH & Co. KG, Flow Control Holding Verwaltungs GmbH, Flow Control US Holding Corporation, Francel SAS, Fromex S.A. de C.V., Fusite B.V., Fusite Corporation, Fusite Land Company, GSEG LLC, General Equipment and Manufacturing Company Inc., Generale de Robinetterie Industrielle et de Sytemes de Surete, GeoFields, GeoFields Inc., Greenex Ltd., Greenfield (UK) Limited, Greenlee, Greenlee Communications, Greenlee Tools Inc., Gulf Valve FZE, Gustav Klauke GmbH, H.T.E. Engineering Limited, HD Electric Company, HTE Engineering Services Limited, Hindle Cockburns Limited, Hiross India Private Limited, Hiter Industria e Comercia de Controles Termo-Hidraulicos Ltda., Humboldt Hermetic Motor Corp., Hytork International Ltd., I Solutions Inc., ICC Intelligent Platforms GmbH, ISE-MagTech, Industrial Controls Canada ULC, Industrial Group Metran JSC, Instrument & Valve Services Company, Intelligent Platforms LLC, Intellution, International Gas Distribution SA, Intrinsic Safety Equipment of Texas Inc., JCF Fluid Flow India Private Limited, JSC Metran-Export, Joucomatic S.A., K Controls Limited, Keystone Germany Holdings Corp., Keystone Valve (Korea) LLC, Keystone Valve (U.K.) Limited, Klauke, Klauke (Jiangsu) Electrical Connection Technology Co Ltd., Klauke France SARL, Klauke Handelsgesellschaft mbH, Klauke Iberia S.L., Klauke Polska Sp. z.o.o., Klauke Slovakia s.r.o., Klauke UK Ltd., Knurr, Liebert, Liebert Swindon Limited, Locus Solutions LLC, Locus Traxx Worldwide, Locus Traxx Worldwide Europe BVBA, MDC Technology Limited, MDC Technology Trustees Limited, METCO Services Limited, MYNAH Technologies, Management Resources Group Inc., Mecafrance (Deutschland) GmbH, Metallurgical Services Laboratories Limited, Metaserv Limited, Metco Services Venezuela C.A., Micro Motion Inc., Mobrey Group Limited, Motores Hermeticos del Sur S.A. de C.V., NetworkPower Ecuador S.A., Nippon Fisher Co. Ltd., Novel Environmental Technologies Ltd., Novel Extinguishing Agent Technology Ltd., Numatics Incorporated, Nutsteel DHC B.V., Nutsteel Industria Metalurgica Ltda, O.M.T. Officina Meccanica Tartarini S.r.l., Open Systems International, P I Components Corp., PT Emerson Solutions Indonesia, PT. Emerson Indonesia, PT. Paradigm Geophysical Indonesia, Pactrol Controls Limited, PakSense, PakSense Inc., Paradigm, Paradigm (UK) Holding Limited, Paradigm B.V., Paradigm France S.A., Paradigm Geophysical (India) Private Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (KL) Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical (Nigeria) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical (U.K.) Limited, Paradigm Geophysical B.V., Paradigm Geophysical Corp., Paradigm Geophysical Italy SRL, Paradigm Geophysical LLC, Paradigm Geophysical Limited, Paradigm Geophysical Pty Ltd, Paradigm Geophysical S.A., Paradigm Geophysical Sdn. Bhd., Paradigm Geophysical Spain S.L., Paradigm Geophysical de Venezuela C.A., Paradigm Geophysical do Brasil Ltda., Paradigm Geoservices Canada Ltd., Paradigm Geotechnology (Egypt) S.A.E., Paradigm Kazakhstan LLP, Paradigm Middle East FZ-LLC, Paradigm Technology (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Parex Industries Limited, Pentair Valves & Controls, Pentair Valves and Controls India Private Limited, Permasense, Permasense Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Permasense Limited, ProSys, ProTeam Inc., Progea, RAC Technologies (Israel) Ltd., RIDGID Inc., RPP Europe GmbH, RPP LLC, Rey-Lam S. de R.L. de C.V., Ridge Tool (Australia) Pty. Ltd., Ridge Tool Company, Ridge Tool Europe NV, Ridge Tool GmbH, Ridge Tool GmbH & Co. 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MSCI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides investment decision support tools for the clients to manage their investment processes worldwide. The company operates through Index, Analytics, and All Other segments. The Index segment primarily provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed product creation, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. The Analytics segment offers risk management, performance attribution and portfolio management content, applications, and services that provide clients with an integrated view of risk and return, and an analysis of market, credit, liquidity, and counterparty risk across various asset classes; various managed services, including consolidation of client portfolio data from various sources, review and reconciliation of input data and results, and customized reporting; and HedgePlatform to measure, evaluate, and monitor the risk of hedge fund investments. The All Other A- ESG segment provides products and services that help institutional investors understand how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors impact the long-term risk and opportunities in financial markets; and data and rating products for use in the construction of equity and fixed income indexes and issue index-based investment products, as well as manage, measure, and report on ESG mandates. The All Other A- Real Estate segment includes research, reporting, market data, and benchmarking offerings that provide real estate performance analytics for funds, investors, and managers; and business intelligence to real estate owners, managers, developers, and brokers. It serves asset owners and managers, financial intermediaries, and wealth managers. MSCI Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Read More Director-producer Prakash Jhas new venture Fraud Saiyaan is a comedy set in the heartland, says Saimi Sattar A pair of spectacles dangles at the end of the V-neck of the grey sweater and a blue muffler is casually thrown across Prakash Jhas shoulders. The ensemble is paired with dark trousers. He looks relaxed and at the same time proud as his daughter Disha is producing her first film Fraud Saiyaan. She came with the script and said that she had set up this production company and wanted me to back it up. She told me to read the script. And when I did, I could not stop laughing, he says. And he elaborates why by describing what the film is about. The beauty of the film is that it is a heartland story. It is inspired by fraud characters that exist. It is about native intelligence and the jugaadu manner in which Bhola (played by Arshad Warsi) negotiates his affairs and wives hilariously, says Jha sitting adjacent to a glass window on the 20th floor of a hotel in the capital. It is not Jhas first foray in comedy, even though he is identified with socially-relevant cinema. I did direct the popular serial, Mungerilal ke Haseen Sapne and produced Dil Dosti, Etc (2007) and Crazy Cukkad Family (2015). It is not as if I have not supported comedies. The films that I make usually have dark humour because they have a heavy political influence. Jha chooses his words carefully. If one says that his films are politically relevant, he points out that its a huge word to define them. They can be called reflective of the polity, he says and elaborates further, Every cinema, if it is true to social behaviour, is politics. Even in a love story, where a boy and a girl cant meet because of caste or class is political. When one ventures into the domain of the increasing politicisation of films, Jha immediately takes the discussion ahead. I have not seen The Accidental PM but no matter what you do, a film has to stand on its own. And if it has some substance, people will like it irrespective of the politics. It has to have a logic and be engaging to work. I have no problem with what it says as long as it is coherent, says the director who made his debut with Hip Hip Hurray in 1984. Next came Damul (1984) for which he received huge recognition. The film went on to win the National Film Award for Best Feature Film and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie in 1985. He goes on to point out that, Political ideology is now available in public domain. If you are falling for the rhetoric, you will use your rationale to justify that. When you prod him further about the political divisions within the Bollywood, which are coming to the fore, he says that the industry was always split down from the middle. We have cinema and then there is the world outside cinema where secularism, democracy, fanaticism, everything is very active. And that holds true for the entire world. Majoritarianism holds sway whether it is America, Britain, France, Turkey, China or Russia. These ideas are being debated because democracy all over the world has shrunk into the concept of electoral politics and its redefinition is essential, says Jha who sees a manthan (churning) happening all over the world. Though he is not sure he will live to see the change which began in 2010, he says, As an observer I am alive to everything that happens every day and in my own way I try to capture it, and goes on to give the example of some of his landmark films like Damul, Mrityudand, Apharan and more, which were reflective of social realities whether it was mandalisation, open marketing or saturation of caste politics. He tried to tap in the advent of new ideas of the current youth with Satyagrah. Coming to the larger picture of the state of affairs in the film industry where content is now coming to the forefront, he says that it was already there. It is about acceptance as people are more receptive to it. The multiplexes ensure that even smaller films are screened. The audience is willing to take a chance and pay for it, he says. While he is heartened by the reception to better content, the state of affairs in education draws flak from him. We have taken a very terrible direction as far as education is concerned and faulted for almost two generations. We took humanities out of the system and focussed on science and management. This led to the creation of a new kind of world which is smart and efficient but not rooted in culture or philosophy. This generation does not know anything about it, he says adding that it is only now when people, especially parents, have seen that engineering and management colleges are going bust and there are no jobs in the field that they have opened up to the idea of taking up literature or history. Another change that has been witnessed is the shift from the so-called parallel cinema and the use of star power by Jha. He defends the move. I changed from pure parallel cinema like Damul as I had a choice to either become competitive or not survive. There was a wave of parallel cinema by Ketan (Mehta), Kundan (Shah), Saeed (Mirza) in the 1980s and suddenly with the open market, the cost of making films went up and new technology came in. I wrote Mrityudand and brought in Madhuri Dixit. The dialogues, script and the scenes were like that of a commercial film. And I would like to point out that Gupt an out-and-out commercial film also released around the same time and both of them had their space, he says. Looking ahead, he is also working on the OTT platforms as he finds it a very interesting space and way of dealing with subjects that we couldnt deal with in films. He is working on three subjects in this platform. It takes a lot of time as one season is like five or six films, he says. Jha also works in the social sector with his organisation Anubhooti. I would like to do a lot more but I do not have a team. I mostly help financially in health, education and disaster management, he says. There is one phase of his life which he is not keen on revisiting that of being part of active politics. He had contested and lost the election to the Lok Sabha from his native Champaran in 2004 and again in 2009 as Lok Janashakti Party candidate from West Champaran. He again contested in the 2014 elections as a JD(U) candidate from Paschim Champaran and lost. And there is a reason, he says. I am enjoying my life as a producer, actor, writer while helping young people find their feet. I also love to watch the world go by. Jha has finished shooting a film but I didnt want things to overlap. I didnt want to announce it as my daughter deserves her place in sun. But we will meet soon, and moves on to other interviews with that promise. (The film releases on January 18.) Step for better health services to labourers Bhopal: Minister for Labour Mahendra Singh Sisodiya said that hospitals of Employees State Insurance services will be equipped with modern resources in order to provide better health services to the labourers of the organised sector. He gave instructions to make necessary arrangements in the hospitals within the next one month. Sisodiya mentioned that hospitals being run at four places of the state namely Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Dewas will be upgraded to enable labourers to get all the essential facilities from medical examinations to operation in one campus. He further stated that proper arrangement to provide facilities of pathology lab, ultra sound, sonography, x-ray and operation will be made. He also instructed to make arrangements for modern equipments in Operation Theater besides arrangement for surgeons and trained subordinate staff. Arrangement for generator set for electricity arrangement and water cooler will also be made in all the hospitals. Sisodiya instructed officials to make all the arrangements within the time limit. 80 students take part in Kathotia jungle camp Bhopal: As many as 80 students of Delhi Public School, Bhopal thoroughly enjoyed Kathotia jungle camp developed 17 km away from Bhopal by Eco Tourism Board. The children actively took part in rope walking, bells of rope, rappelling and other adventurous activities. The Board took the children on a tour of the village and rock paintings during the jungle camp. The officials-employees of the Board also gave information to the students about the efforts being made for forest and wildlife protection, its usefulness and conservation for life. The Board gave jobs to the local persons for making food arrangements. They prepared Dal-Baafle and other local delicacies in their style and served it to the children who savoured it. It may be noted that the Eco Tourism Board is undertaking various adventurous activities in the jungle camp at Kathotia, Samardha and Kerwa around Bhopal. Apart from enjoying nature, people are also enjoying tourism. Jai Kisan Crop Loan Waiver Scheme launched by Min Bhopal: Woman and Child Development Minister Imarti Devi launched the Jai Kisan Crop Loan Waiver Scheme at Kariavati village of Dabra block in Gwalior district on Wednesday. She gave information to the farmers about the scheme and encouraged them to reap benefits. Imarti Devi made the farmers fill the application forms under the scheme and also gave them receipt. She instructed the officials so that the scheme could be implemented in a proper manner. No eligible farmer should remain deprived of the scheme. Information about the scheme should reach the farmers and they should be made to fill the application forms on time. Imarti Devi said that the farmers are being made to submit their applications in the gram panchayats under the scheme. Names of farmers with aadhar seeded loan accounts are in the green list. Names of farmers with non-aadhar seeded loan accounts are in the white list. Farmers whose names are not in both the lists and they wish to apply, they can fill pink forms. IAS Probationers pay visit to CM Bhopal: Probationer officers of State cadre Indian Administrative Service of year 2017 paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Kamal Nath at the Mantralaya on Wednesday. Director General Academy of Administration AP Shrivastava was also present on the occasion. IGRMS organised Losar Festival Bhopal: Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal is being organised the Losar Festival from January 17 to 23, 2019 at the Himalaya Village open air exhibition area of Museum. For this festival, nine traditional artists are coming in museum under the leadership of Sonam Supari from ladakh. Losar festival, which has its origin in the 15th century, celebrates the Ladakhi or Tibetan New Year. It is regarded as the most important socio-religious event of Ladakh. Watching this beautiful festival is a life-time experience and it is something to look forward to. However, this must attend festival is a seven-day of fun and laughter that is usually celebrated between the months of January to March. The history of Losar dates back to the pre-Buddhist era in Tibet when a hefty amount of incense was offered to the deity. Today, during the festive month, the houses are cleaned; streets washed down and surrounding grasses are mowed to eradicate the evil omens. There are beautiful and bright colourful flags decorate everywhere and Lama-Losar offerings are made. Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit took charge as the president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) in presence of a large gathering of workers and senior party leaders on Wednesday. However, the celebrations were marred as controversy erupted over the presence of Jagdish Tytler, an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, at the event. Dikshit backed Tytler saying he was a Congressman and hit back at the BJP and the AAP charging them of having a narrow view of looking at things. Dikshits comment came after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa objected at the presence of Tytler at an event where she took over as its Delhi unit president. Sirsa said the Congress made Jagdish Tytler sit in the front row. It was a deliberate act to intimidate the witnesses in the anti-Sikh riots cases, he alleged. The Congress wants to send a message to the witnesses that the party high command supports Tytler and nobody should even try to testify against him, Sirsa alleged. Since the conviction of Sajjan Kumar, the party is afraid... That the leaders whom it kept safe are now being jailed. By such acts, it is also sending a message to the judiciary and police that nobody should initiate action against them, he alleged. The AAP alleged that the incident exposed Congresss anti-Sikh face and demanded that the party leaders clear their stand on Tytler. Three new working presidents Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilothia also took charge along with Dikshit. The enthused workers greeted the former Delhi CM as she reached office at DDU Marg with slogans and drum beats. Chants like Sheila Dikshit Ayi Hai, Badlaw Ki Andhi Layi Hai (Sheila Dikshit has come with a storm of change) were heard. With Dikshit at the helm of affairs, the party is looking to revive its fortunes in the national capital after a series of poll debacles starting with losing of power in 2013. Addressing party workers, Dikshit appealed to work together to strengthen the hands Sonia Gandhi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Our target is to reach out to the people at every nook and corner of Delhi to ensure the victory of the Congress party at all the seven parliamentary seats in the city. Dikshit said the Congress workers will reach out to the people in Delhi to tell them about the achievements of the Congress party and the failures of the BJP at the Centre and the in all three municipal corporations and the AAP Government in Delhi. She also said that the Congress Government believed in delivering instead of making hollow promises like other parties to fool the people. The outgoing DPCC president Ajay Maken passed a resolution thanking Congress president Rahul Gandhi for making Sheila Dikshit president of the partys Delhi unit. He said that her contribution to the development of the city is un-paralleled and her experience in leading us as a former DPCC president will only enrich the Congress party in Delhi. Dikshit (80) was appointed to the post by the partys national president Rahul Gandhi after Ajay Maken stepped down citing health troubles. She first became the president of the DPCC in 1998. She led the party to power in Delhi later in the year and became Chief Minister of Delhi for 15 consecutive years, spread over three terms, when Delhi witnessed a massive change over with amazing development works. Senior Congress leaders Karan Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Meira Kumar, PC Chacko, Sandip Dikshit and Ajay Maken were among those present as Dikshit took charge. Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare Tulsiram Silawat inaugurated Measles-Rubella campaign at Vidhyasagar School of Indore on Wednesday. He told officers and employees of the department that Measles-Rubella campaign should be transformed into a public movement. Silawat mentioned that children are future of the country. Therefore every section of the society should contribute in the vaccination campaign to make strong and disease free future. Silawat further mentioned that we have to conduct the campaign in the form of challenge. Efforts should be made to get all the children vaccinated. He also administered pledge to all for disease eradication and distributed certificates to the children who were vaccinated. Silawat paid visit to schools and madarsas of Indore on Wednesday. He administered oath for vaccination campaign at Central School No. 1, Indore and said that it is necessary to provide permanent health cover to the children to help them in reaching top positions. He informed that Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign gives security cover to children from two fatal diseases. Silawat also visited madarsa situated in Khajrana and took part in the vaccination campaign. He also participated in signature campaign being conducted in Indore city to stimulate vaccination campaign. Members of the State Cabinet inaugurated Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign in various districts of the state. Minister for Public Relations, Law and Legislative Affairs, Science and Technology, Aviation, Religious Trusts and Endowment PC Sharma inaugurated the campaign at Carmel Convent School of BHEL area. He mentioned that participation of all sections of the society should be ensured in the campaign. Public Works Minister Sajjan Singh Verma while inaugurating the campaign in Dewas, emphasized on work with dedication during the campaign and said that it should not be considered as mere government duty. Inaugurating the campaign in Guna district, the Minister for Labour Mahendra Singh Sisodiya stated that vaccination is an aspect related to life. This should be taken with utmost seriousness. Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fishermen Welfare and Fisheries Development Lakhan Singh Yadav mentioned that a security cover is being provided to the children through MR vaccination. Start vaccinating all the children aged between 9 months and 15 year of age. The Measles-Rubella Vaccination was also inaugurated in other districts of the state on Wednesday. Cannabis (Ganja) worth over Rs 1.45 crore was seized in Indore Wednesday from a drug peddler, who has been arrested. Police are also searching for a couple of more persons who are suspected in the same racket. The mother of the accused, Pavan Dhiman, is also suspected to be involved in the drug smuggling racket run by her son, a senior police official said. Acting on a tip-off, the narcotics wing of the Madhya Pradesh police followed the 32-year-old drug peddler, who operated his racket under the guise of an auto-rickshaw driver in Chhoti Gwaltoli locality in Indore. Narcotics wing sleuths later reached his another house in Kishanganj area in Indore district and during a raid there, recovered 145.500 kg of ganja (cannabis), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mahendra Singh Sikarwar said. The seized drug is valued at Rs 1,45,50,000 in the international market, he said. Newly appointed Additional Director General of Police (ADG) of the Narcotics Wing, had directed the police to launch a drive to nab drug smugglers which resulted in this catch, Sikarwar said. Dhiman used to sell drugs near schools and colleges under the guise of an auto-rickshaw driver and it was suspected his mother is also involved in the racket, the DIG added. A case under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act was registered and further investigation was on, he added. To ensure incident-free 70th Republic Day celebrations, the Delhi Police held an inter-State co-ordination meeting to discuss policing and coordination among other State police forces. The talking point of the meeting, chaired by Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik and attended by other senior police officers was to share terror related intelligence and inputs about various extremist outfits and their designs in view of forthcoming Republic Day celebrations. Senior officers of Delhi Police and their counterparts from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh attended the meeting, said Madhur Verma, the spokesperson of the Delhi Police. The CP stressed upon increasing police presence, intensive and co-ordinate checking at vulnerable points, tenant verification, guest house checking, paying guest accommodation and sensitisation of cyber cafe owners, second-hand car dealers in order to strengthen the counter terrorism measures, especially during the period when the nation is celebrating its Republic Day, said Verma. The trends in smuggling of illicit fire-arms, drug trafficking human trafficking and missing children were discussed. It was stressed upon regular interaction and sharing of information for proper and effective surveillance on the activities of criminals as well as musclemen, said Verma. Patnaik urged to all stake holders to co-operate with the arrangements of Republic Day Celebration. He further stressed for action against criminals involved in manufacturing and supply of illegal fire-arms. Verma added, Traffic restrictions during Republic Day-2019 at borders were discussed and officers of other states were requested to cooperate for ensuring the same. All officers were also briefed to share advance intelligence having interstate ramifications on law and order. All officers were also briefed to share advance intelligence having interstate ramifications on law and order. The meeting ended with a resolution to have increased co-ordination in policing in the NCR region with emphasis on one to one interaction at all levels in order to provide a more secure environment to citizens of Delhi and neighbouring States. After HS Phoolka and rebel Sukhpal Khaira, another AAP MLA Master Baldev Singh decided to part way with the party on Wednesday, suggesting the decimation of the party in Punjab While Dakha MLA Phoolka has already submitted his resignation with the Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rana KP Singh and awaiting decision on the same, Khaira has made it clear that he would not step down as Bholath MLA. Jaiton MLA Master Baldev, who has resigned as AAP member on Wednesday, is yet to take a call. Irate, AAP state leadership has decided to approach the Speaker to seek disqualification of Khaira and Master Baldev Singh on the grounds that the two are no longer part of AAP. Led by the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Harpal Singh Cheema, AAP legislators have met the Speaker to take up the matter. If the two rebel AAP leaders were disqualified, and Phoolkas resignation be accepted, AAPs tally would come down to 17, just two above SADs 15 seats. What may worry the AAP is the fact that Khaira, who has recently floated the Punjabi Ekta Party, enjoys the support of six sitting AAP MLAs. Out of these, Master Baldev has already resigned from AAP, Kharar MLA Kanwar Sandhu has been placed under suspension for speaking against the party and the high command. Besides, Nazar Singh Manshahia, Pirmal Singh, Jagdev Kamalu and Jagga Hissowal are openly supporting Khaira, though AAPs state leadership has all along been claiming that they would soon return to the party fold. In such a situation, SAD is keeping an eye on very development to at least regain the position of principal opposition party in the state. SAD on Wednesday urged the Speaker to immediately disqualify Khaira and Master Baldev while citing the relevant articles of the Constitution. As per the tenth schedule of the Constitution, any legislative member who voluntarily gave up membership of the political party he represents shall be disqualified from being a member of the legislative body. As per Articles 102 (2) and 191 (2) of the tenth schedule, giving up the primary membership of a political party by a legislative member amounted to defection. Seeing AAP struggling to keep its flock together in Punjab, AAPs national convener Arvind Kejriwal has decided to take control of the situation by himself. THIRD MLA RESIGNED FROM AAP AAPs MLA from Jaiton Master Baldev Singh on Wednesday resigned from the primary membership of the party citing that AAP has completely given up its basic ideology and principles. Master Baldev, hailing from ebel faction led by Khaira who has recently floated new outfit, indicated that he might fight the ensuing Lok Sabha elections from Faridkot reserved constituency. In his resignation letter addressed to dictator Delhi Chief Minister and AAPs national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Master Baldev said that he was deeply motivated and moved by the anti-corruption movement launched by Anna Hazare and thus decided to become part of AAP, and even went to the extent of quitting his government job as head teacher. He added that instead of expressing faith in the abilities of Punjabis and rewarding them, Kejriwal preferred to send an army of outsiders to muzzle the voice of our people. The said army was headed by two arrogant Subedars who indulged in every mean maneuvers to promote their near and dear ones. Thereafter all sorts of allegations including exchange of money, favouritism, nepotism and exploitation of women started gaining ground. Lots of AAP volunteers from Punjab tried to complain about their arrogant activities but you always turned a blind eye to save your blue eyed boys. This arrogant and over confident attitude of the party hierarchy led to a crashing defeat of AAP in Punjab in 2017 assembly elections. Learning no lesson to fix accountability, you never bothered to look into the reasons of this humiliating defeat and have once again handed over the reins of Punjab to leaders like Durgesh Pathak, said Master Baldev in his letter to Kejriwal. Regarding Khairas unceremonious and undemocratic removal as the leader of opposition, he said that an honest leader was removed without taking Punjab MLAs into confidence...To further rub salt on the woes of Punjabis, you played the Dalit card as a reason to remove Khaira and appoint Harpal Cheema as LoP. He also listed Kejriwals meek apology to former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia, duplicity on the vital issue of Punjab river waters, back out on the promise of Swaraj by centralising all powers with yourself, throwing to winds the partys constitution merely to remain convenor and continue your grip on the party. Your hobnobbing and flirting with the Congress is yet another example of sheer political opportunism, that has left the people of India bewildered, he said. SAD seeks immediate disqualification of Khaira and Master Baldev Asserting that AAPs breakaway legislature group was befoolinwho g the people by enjoying all facilities as partys legislators, SAD on Wednesday maintained that both Sukhpal Khaira and Baldev Singh who had submitted their resignations from AAP, should be disqualified as members of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha immediately. As per the tenth schedule of the Constitution, any legislative member who voluntarily gave up membership of the political party he represents shall be disqualified from being a member of the legislative body. As per Articles 102 (2) and 191 (2) of the tenth schedule, giving up the primary membership of a political party by a legislative member amounted to defection, pointed SADs spokesperson and former minister Daljit Singh Cheema. Cheema said that keeping the Constitution in mind, both Khaira and Master Baldev should be disqualified forthwith. It is strange that both legislators are trying to befool the people and indulging in doublespeak, he said. Both legislators are drawing salaries and enjoy various facilities, including staff and personal security personnel, on account of their being AAP legislators. It is immoral to draw salary and enjoy facilities as legislators as members of a party after disowning it publically, he added. He added that in case Khaira and Baldev Singh really wanted to uphold the high ideals they talked about, they should immediately submit their resignation as legislators to the Vidhan Sabha Speaker in the proper format. At a time when developed nations like USA and Australia are struggling to tackle forest fires effectively, the technological enhancements in India are helping the authorities concerned tackle this problem. The State Forest and Wildlife minister Harak Singh Rawat said this at the launch of Fire Alert System- FAST version 3.0 at the Forest Survey of India (FSI) here on Wednesday. The launch took place in a two-day pre fire season workshop on forest fires at FSI to sensitise the State nodal officers to the recent developments in technology especially in monitoring the forest fires across the country. Addressing the gathering, he stressed that scientists and officers must research on the ground for maintaining biodiversity and preventing forest fires. Stating that mountainous areas contain about two-thirds of Indias biodiversity, he said that in a state like Uttarakhand, 6,000 forest department personnel alone cannot prevent forest fires so the cooperation of those in the social sector is also vital. Forest fires are mostly set off by people, so there is need for raising public awareness till the Van-Gram Panchayat level. Officials informed that the FAST version 3.0 is a large forest fire monitoring programme based on satellite sensor to automatically identify and track large forest fires. It also comprises geoportal to view forest fire related data along with other thematic layers while a web map service is also available for integration to State Forest Departments. There are customised alerts for 20 states at beat level and two states at range level along with improved feedback system. FSI director general Subhash Ashutosh spoke on the grave condition of forest fire disasters in the country and highlighted the role of geo-spatial technology in monitoring and managing forest fires. He also spoke about the proposal for setting-up of centre of excellence on forest fires as submitted by FSI to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for consideration. Inspector general (MoEFCC) DK Sinha requested all the state officers to share the innovative measures taken in their respective states to tackle the forest fire situation so as to identify best practices and share these with other states. Uttarakhand Biodiversity Board chairman Rakesh Shah, National Remote Sensing Centre senior scientist Rajashekar Reddy and other officials also expressed their views on the occasion. The workshop is being attended by the State Nodal Officers from 14 States along with FSI staff. Darul Uloom Deoband has issued a fatwa declaring that marriage by a divorced Muslim woman with a non-Muslim was null and void. The fatwa said the remarriage of the divorced Muslim woman with her former husband was also not valid as per the Islamic law. Maulana Mufti Arshad Farooqui, head of the on-line fatwa department of Darul Uloom Deoband, said the marriage by a divorced Muslim woman with a non-Muslim for the purpose of nikah halala was invalid. He said if a Muslim woman was divorced and wanted to remarry her former husband she would have to marry another Muslim man for halala and then get divorce to marry the first husband. The issue was brought before Maulana Farooqui by a resident of Mumbai, Munawwar Ansari who said a Muslim woman, after she was divorced by her husband, married a Hindu person and later separated from him and now wanted remarry her former Muslim husband. Meanwhile, All-India Muslim Women Personal Law Board chairperson Shaista Amber condemned the fatwa, saying the clerics were in the habit of the issuing meaningless fatwas. Saying that Darul Uloom Deoband had become a fatwa factory, she said that instead of issuing unwarranted fatwas, the Islamic seminary should concentrate its efforts and resources on the overall well-being of Muslims and their social and educational uplift. Amber said a dirty practice like halala could never be part of Islam and its jurisprudence. Ignoring the huge controversy over supersession of several judges, the Government on Wednesday appointed Delhi High Court judge Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court as recommended by the apex courts collegium. President Ram Nath Kovind also appointed Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari as a judge of the apex court. With the two appointments, the strength of the top court will rise to 28, with three vacancies. In December, the Collegium recommended Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Pradeep Nandrajog to be elevates as Supreme Court Judges. However, the recommendation was not sent to Government. While holdings its own recommendation, a few days back the Collegium recommended Sanjiv Khanna, a junior judge of the Delhi High Court and Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari for the elevation. This decision of ignoring its own recommendation by the Collegium has led to a huge controversy. On Wednesday, Delhi Bar Council urged SC Collegium to elevate the Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon as Supreme Court Judge, whose name was earlier selected but later shelved. The five-member SC Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on January 11 recommended to the Government the elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna to the top court. The appointment of Justice Khanna was announced on a day when the chorus of protests against the Collegiums recommendation to elevate him grew louder with Bar Council of India (BCI) saying it is whimsical and arbitrary and will lead to humiliation and demoralisation of the superseded judges. A sitting Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has already written a note to Justice Gogoi and fellow judges in the Collegium Justices AK Sikri, SA Bobde, NV Ramana and Arun Mishra for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources said Justice Kaul was of the view that a wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna stands at Sl. No. 33 in the combined seniority of High Court judges on all-India basis. Former CJI RM Lodha said the unprecedented January 12, 2018 Press conference by four senior-most judges, including Gogoi, before he became the CJI has not served the purpose for which it was held and instead the concerns raised, including the functioning of Collegium for appointment of judges for higher judiciary, have aggravated. Looking at the overall reaction and perception, it would be better if the matter (of Khanna) is recalled and considered threadbare but this seems to be unlikely to me, he said. The concerns remain the same. Rather, they seem to have aggravated by this exercise (recent recommendations). I dont think there is any change. At least it is not visible to the public at large. It has not served its purpose because we dont find the changes which the Press conference wanted to have really taken place, Justice Lodha told. Justice Kailash Gambhir, a former Delhi High Court judge, also wrote a letter to President Kovind on January 14 expressing concern over the Collegium bypassing the seniority of several judges. The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, said the decision of the Collegium was viewed by the Bar and the common man as unjust and improper. In a statement, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Nandrajog and Menon is viewed as whimsical and arbitrary. They are men of integrity and judicial competence; nobody can raise a finger against these judges on any ground. The decision will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of high courts, Mishra said. The bar body said it was watching the strong resentment and reaction of the Indian Bar as well as keeping a tab on the comments of intellectuals, social activists and general public which shows that the faith of the people has abruptly eroded from our collegiums system in recent past. While maintaining that the BCI was hard-pressed to raise these issues, it said even the Bar Council of Delhi also adopted a resolution against the decision of the collegium. Further, the statement said that several state Bar Councils, high courts, Bar Associations and other Bar Associations of the country have written to the BCI, pressing it to raise this issue and agitate the matter before the government and the Collegium judges. We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country, it said. The Bar will request the collegiums and the Government not to encourage such supersession. The appointments, in complete derogation of seniority principle, have evoked strong reactions from all corners of the society, the BCI said. The decision on elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna that was put on the apex court website noted that the issue of elevation of judges was deliberated on December 12 last year when Justice MB Lokur was also a member of the Collegium. Justice Mishra became a member of the Collegium after Justice Lokur retired on December 30. According to the website, after extensive deliberations on January 5-6 this year, the newly-constituted Collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look on the issue of elevation of judges in the light of the additional material that became available. While recommending the names of justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna, the collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior judges of high courts, apart from their merit and integrity, the Collegium said. The Collegium added that it has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the high courts. Beijing will celebrate the emancipation of the serfs in Tibet on March 28. Ironically, the communist party has forgotten what happened at Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989 Cary Huang, a senior columnist with the South China Morning Post, wrote recently: In 2019, China ushers in a year full of both festive jubilation and political trouble. Its communist leadership places enormous emphasis on the anniversaries of important historical events China has a lot to celebrate in 2019 but it also has old wounds to heal. He noted that with its packed 2019 calendar of commemorative events, Beijing may forget some of them, many of which are politically charged or divisive. For a nation moving forward, its time to acknowledge the difficult past. But today, in Xi Jinpings China, who is ready to analyse the past? Huang gave the example of March 28, the day when Beijing will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Serfs Emancipation Day. What is this emancipation? March 28, 1959, marks the end of the massacre of the Tibetan population in Lhasa and Beijings taking of rigorous control over the Tibetan capital; 18 days earlier, the Dalai Lama had fled the Roof of the World to take refuge in India. On March 28, the revered Dalai Lama was sacked as chairman of the Preparatory Committee for the Tibet Autonomous Region and was replaced by a (then) more pliant Panchen Lama. Incidentally, will Beijing observe the 30th anniversary of the death of reformist party chief Hu Yaobang and the subsequent student-led pro-democracy protests, which resulted in thousands of casualties during the military crackdown in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989? An Alzeimerish communist party is bound to have forgotten what happened on the Square after the demise of Hu Yaobang as well as the thousands who died in Lhasa but the Emancipation Day is still celebrated. Several non-Tibetan accounts of the events of March 1959, including the popular uprising, the flight of the Dalai Lama, the massacre of the Tibetan population and finally the so-called emancipation all this in less than three weeks are available. In his Report for the months of March, April and May 1959 sent to the Ministry of External Affairs, Maj SL Chibber, the Indian Consul General in Lhasa said: In the history of movement for free Tibet, the month of March, 1959, will be most historic during this month Tibetans high and low, in Lhasa, capital of Tibet, openly challenged the Chinese rule the might of [the] Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), who on March 20, 1959, started an all-out offensive against the ill-organised, ill-equipped and untrained Tibetans with artillery, mortars, machine guns and all types of automatic weapons, was short-lived. The Dalai Lama left Lhasa secretly three days earlier. Chibber continued: On March 28, 1959, the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China dissolved the local Tibet Government and transferred all its functions and powers to the Preparatory Committee for the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR). Another recent publication, The 1959 Tibetan Uprising Documents The Chinese Army Documents, released last year using documents from the PLAs Military Intelligence, corroborated Chibbers version of the 1959 bloody events. Yet another account was given by Jianglin Li in her book, Tibet in Agony. She also used Chinese sources to describe the crackdown in Lhasa. Jianglin wrote: In March 1959, a series of critical events played out in Lhasa. From March 25 to April 5, the CPCs Central Committee held an enlarged politburo meeting, and the seventh plenary session of the Eighth Central Committee in Shanghai. Pacification of rebellion in Tibet and relations with India were two of the issues discussed. Wu Lengxi, who was then head of Xinhua news agency and chief editor of The Peoples Daily, revealed a glimpse of Maos thinking on the China-India relationship in his memoir: Let the Indian Government commit all the wrongs for now. When the time comes, we will settle accounts with them. The accounts were settled three years later on the slopes of the Thagla ridge and in Ladakh. Jianglin added: Mao was brooding on settling accounts with India as early as March 1959. Yet on May 15, in a letter from the Chinese Foreign Ministry to the Indian Government, he wrote: Pacification of rebellion and implementing democratic reform in Tibet would pose no threat to India whatsoever. RS Kapur, another Indian official posted as Indian Trade Agent in Gyantse, wrote in his Annual Report for the Year 1959: The year 1959 will go down as the most important year in the history of Tibet. It marked an end to the way of life of the Tibetan people. The Dalai Lama, who felt that he could no longer function effectively, left his country in March. With Opposition out of the country, Chinese got a free hand and they went all out to subjugate the country. People have been deprived of their movable and immovable property. He further asserted: While the heart of Tibet was bleeding, the free world only made speeches. With the end of the debate on Tibet in the United Nations, Tibetans lost all hopes of their survival, stared at the sky with blank eyes and asked: Where is God? Where is Buddha? During the 1950s, the Chinese had time and again used the same propaganda argument; once the Tibetans would be ready, the PLA would leave the Land of Snows. Some members of the Communist Youth League were told: Tibetans should work hard to become capable of shouldering the responsibility of the administration of their country. They were given the example of Inner Mongolia where the Chinese personnel withdrew when the local people were able to run the administration in an efficient way. Che Dalha, the TAR Chairman, announced that everything was fine now. High-tech and digital industries, together with agriculture, tourism and culture, green industries and modern services, have become major industries, contribute to high-quality growth in the region, he declared. Tibets GDP in 2018 was estimated at more than $21 billion, up about 10 per cent from 2017. However, during a session of the 11th TAR Peoples Congress, Che spoke again and again about poverty alleviation. His Government, said Che, had lifted 50,000 people out of poverty in 2018 and would eradicate absolute poverty by 2019; he promised that he would create new jobs for 50,000 people in cities and towns. Once could ask: what was the point to liberate Tibet and then emancipate the Tibetans if there are still so many poor 60 years later? (The writer is an expert on India-China relations and an author) In spite of the Government pushing the case of biofuels, the sector is simply not reaching the scale that is required to offer a mainstream energy source. General public awareness and an image makeover of biofuels will help make it a reality Spiralling levels of pollution, emanating from the use of fossil fuels, have been a worrying problem across the world in general and India in particular. As our nation grapples with this problem and the aftermath in the form of deteriorating air quality index (AQI), alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and biofuel are yet to provide the clean substitute that one is looking forward to. In spite of the Government pushing the case of biofuels, the sector has simply not been able to reach the scale that is required to offer a mainstream energy source. The lack of traction for biofuel can be understood by the fact that even after a decade of Government pushing, general public awareness and use is much less than the desired levels. Last year, on the World Biofuel Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fuelled a hope that India can save Rs 12,000 crore in foreign exchange in the next four years due to ethanol blending with petrol. This was in the backdrop of the countrys crude import Bill that had touched eight lakh crore rupees. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, too, has been pushing the case for alternative fuels. During a recent visit to Charoda in Chhattisgarhs Durg district, he observed the immense potential of the State for biofuel. This was in reference to Indias first biofuel-powered flight from Dehradun to Delhi on August 27, 2018, that used oil from jatropha or Jatropha curcas seeds from Chhattisgarh. But ground realities tell a different story. Touted amid much hype as green gold, Chhattisgarh was supposed to be the hub of biofuel, attaining self-sufficiency in its production and creating at least a million jobs by 2014. None of these came true. Expectations of the local people and environmentalists at large, who hoped for the countrys alternate fuel dream to take off, were dashed to the ground to say the least. The Governments ineffective planning seems to be the root cause for the debacle. It had planted jatropha on 20 hectares of land that in turn affected paddy crops as the plantations cut off sunlight and did not let the rice grow. Both the Centre and States had identified jatropha as the most suitable tree-borne oil seed for biodiesel in view of its ability to thrive under a variety of agro-climatic conditions, low gestation period and higher seed yield. However, this optimism was based on misunderstandings. As jatropha is a resilient crop, it was planted on unproductive soils. Though the plant can survive droughts and infertile soil, it cant produce many seeds under those conditions. To get a good harvest, it needs nutrients and water, just like any other crop. The lack of the same meant that sufficient harvest and scalability became a casualty. Under the National Biodiesel Mission (NBM), launched in 2009, jatropha and pongamia (Millettia pinnata) were planned on 500,000 hectares of land over a period of five years with a cost of Rs 1,500 crore. Though petroleum companies signed memoranda of understandings with States to establish jatropha on Government-owned wastelands or through contract farming with small and medium farmers, the yield was low. Due to the lack of commercial viability, three oil-marketing companies Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation shut down the joint ventures they had started for jatropha cultivation to manufacture biodiesel. This partly explains why India has been missing biofuel blending deadlines ever since the erstwhile Planning Commission in 2003 recommended the launch of a national biodiesel mission to follow the mandate of 20 per cent blending of biodiesel with diesel by 2017. Now, even the revised target five per cent blending by 2030 looks ambitious given the lacklustre progress so far. Biodiesel blend in 2017 was less than 0.12 per cent, mostly due to limited feedstock availability and lack of an integrated and dedicated supply chain. To expand the market by 2022, India needs 6,750 million litres of biodiesel and 4,500 million litres of ethanol per annum. Government data shows ethanol production in 2017-18 was 1,410 million litres. Given these challenges and debacles already endured, the Government must quickly take charge of the situation and ensure that the jatropha biofuel programme does not attract negative publicity as a failed mission. First, it will have to be treated like any other crop and sufficient nutrients and water must be made available for its prosperous growth. This will ensure sustainable production of sufficient harvest and in turn form the basis for scalability. As biofuel scalability improves, so will its supply and eventually its use. But for this, the Government must remove all hurdles in the form of availability of suitable land. Currently, peoples mindset is that jatropha must be made to grow on wasteland because it is resilient enough to do so. However, this is only partially correct. In order to attain good harvest, jatropha needs, apart from enough water and nutrients, better land as well. The definition of energy has come to indicate fossil fuels only. This needs to change and biofuels provide the exciting opportunity for the same except that an image makeover and sufficient public awareness are the need of the hour in combination with suitable growing conditions for the jatropha plant. Once the combination is achieved, India will finally accomplish the biofuel scalability that has been so much elusive till now. (The writer is an environmental journalist) Tensions in international relations and nationalist politics have the potential to further weigh on the global economy this year, organisers of next week's gathering of business and political leaders in the Swiss ski resort of Davos warned Wednesday. In its annual Global Risks Report, the World Economic Forum said a "darkening" economic outlook, in part fostered by geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, "looks set to further reduce the potential for international cooperation in 2019." In 2018, the global economy slowed more than most forecasters had been predicting and stock markets around the world posted their worst year in a decade. Some of that has been blamed on the standoff between the US and China over trade that has led to both sides imposing tariffs on hundreds of billions worth of goods. The report, which is based on the views of around 1,000 experts and decision-makers from around the world, found that 88 per cent of respondents expect a "further erosion" of global trading rules and agreements that will further hold back growth. The world is evolving into "a period of divergence following a period of globalisation," the WEF said. One of the most exposed countries is Britain, which is due to leave the European Union on March 29. It is unclear whether the country will actually leave on that date and under what terms it might eventually exit the bloc after British lawmakers on Tuesday voted against the Brexit deal that Prime Minister Theresa May had negotiated with the EU. It is rather unusual to wish your countrymen (and your neighbours) with a war cry. It is what Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the Chairman of Chinas Central Military Commission (CMC), did on January 4, during a meeting. He ordered the Chinese armed forces to enhance their combat readiness and be prepared for a war. He urged the armed forces to resolutely safeguard Chinas national sovereignty and withstand complex situations and severe struggles: The world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century, he asserted. The Chinese armed forces are expected to speed up their preparation in view of a series of landmark anniversaries in 2019, particularly the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic; the 1989 massacre of Tiananmen Square will, of course, be omitted from the celebrations. Four days later, the state-owned Global Times reported that some units of the Peoples Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) stationed in Tibet have been equipped with a new vehicle-mounted howitzer to boost Chinas combat capability and improve border security. The world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century, Xi Jinping asserted. (Photo: Reuters) Chinas arms race The mouthpiece of the Communist Party referred to the new system as PLC-181, claiming that it had already been deployed in Tibet during the 73-day-long stand-off in Doklam in 2017. Xinhua reported that some two million personnel were involved in more than 18,000 mostly small-scale exercises in 2018, compared to roughly 100 larger scale exercises in 2016. Moreover, China has been active for months in boosting its border defence with India through the construction of Xiaogang (moderately well-off) model villages in Tibet on the Indian border; rapid development of infrastructure on the plateau (three new airports in Lhuntse, Purang and Tingri); new drones to boost border control; the new-generation Type 15 lightweight battle tanks, which have better mobility than other armoured vehicles that can easily be deployed in Tibet in the event of a conflict with India. At the Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, a new LW-30 laser weapon system was displayed. It can effectively contain tactical reconnaissance and prevent terror attacks and can be easily deployed on level ground like in Tibet and islands of the South China Sea, military analysts told The Global Times. The system could use a directional emission high-energy laser to quickly intercept many kinds of aerial targets, such as photoelectric guidance equipment, drones, guided bombs or mortars. PLA special forces are building Super Soldiers for a digital modern warfare. Already in August 2018, photos of China-developed Z-20 utility helicopters which replaced the imported UH-60 Blackhawk, trended on Chinese online military forums and will be deployed in Tibet. All this shows that China is working hard to be ready to face any contingency. The Middle Kingdom does not have the political and bureaucratic compulsions facing a democracy. (Photo: Reuters) The BRO code The pace of development on the Indian side of the border is painfully slow. The minister of state for home affairs, Kiren Rijiju, stated in the Lok Sabha that out of 73 roads identified as strategic Indo-China Border roads (ICBRs) with a total length 3,812 km, 61 measuring 3,417 km have been entrusted to Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Out of these, only 28 roads (981 km) have been completed. In Arunachal Pradesh alone, 11 roads (1,110 km) have been identified as priority. The quasi-monopoly of the BRO is a serious problem. Can the government be bold enough to bring in private players on a big scale in the national interest, before the elections? It is doubtful. The main reasons given by Rijiju for the slow pace are: Delay in obtaining forest/wildlife clearances, hard rock stretches, limited working season, difficulties in the availability of construction materials, delay in land acquisition, natural calamities and strategic security consideration. Soft weapons The Middle Kingdom does not have the political and bureaucratic compulsions facing a democracy. Developing the border infrastructure more vigorously should be Indias first priority for 2019; it is the only chance to dissuade China. Another weapon, a soft one, needs to be mentioned; for the first time in 2018, the number of Chinese tourists in Tibet exceeded 30 million, up 31.5 per cent from the previous year. The TAR (Tibet Autonomous Region) government hopes to receive 40 million visitors in 2019. What does it mean for India? It will translate into a change of the demography of the plateau and trigger an exponential growth of dual-use (civil and military) infrastructure; not only in the big urban centers such as Lhasa, but in the smallest hamlets on the India border too. Apart from the infrastructure development, the acquisition of the Rafale aircraft (and their arrival at Hasimara Air Force Station in Bengal) could be a game changer if the Opposition lets it happen. Meanwhile, Beijing greatly enjoys watching the debates in the Indian Parliament. (Courtesy of Mail Today) Also Read: In 2019, why India must remain cautious of Chinese intentions Some 71 Labour MPs and 13 MEPs have signed a letter backing a second referendum on withdrawal from the European Union. The MPs said they backed leader Jeremy Corbyns tabling of a no-confidence motion in the hope of forcing an early general election, but said if this did not succeed the party should unequivocally back a public vote. The move intensifies pressure on Mr Corbyn to move quickly, after senior Labour figures indicated that the party was ready to table repeated no-confidence challenges to Mrs May if Wednesdays vote does not succeed in ousting her. A motion passed at the partys conference last autumn made clear that a general election is Labours priority, but stated that if this was not possible, the party would support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote. Senior backbencher Louise Ellman told the Press Association that Mr Corbyn should act immediately to throw Labours weight behind a second referendum if Wednesdays vote failed. With Tories in turmoil, Im standing with colleagues this morning for defeating them in confidence motion to get general election and in event we cant get that a #PeoplesVote as only way out of the mess. Spoke to @jeremycorbyn this morning and we are all united on this pic.twitter.com/WyZ0BeUwUg Rupa Huq MP (@RupaHuq) January 16, 2019 Weve got the no-confidence motion today, said the Liverpool Riverside MP. If that doesnt carry, Jeremy should immediately call for a second referendum and start taking the moves to make that happen. We shouldnt have any further delay. The clock is ticking. Its just over 70 days to go before we actually leave the EU. We cant afford to do that, so Jeremy must act now. Tottenham MP David Lammy told BBC Radio 4s Today programme it was time for Mr Corbyn to move, warning: If he vacillates and sits on the fence, Im afraid he is going to get splinters in places he doesnt want. There is is definitely momentum with Members of Parliament who now see that this is stuck in our Parliament and think he should put it back to the British people. Among signatories to the letter were MPs from Leave- and Remain-backing constituencies from all parts of Britain, including the partys former acting leader Dame Margaret Beckett, ex-ministers like Ben Bradshaw and Chris Bryant, and former leadership contender Owen Smith. Organisers said a further 24 Labour MPs had made public statements supporting a second referendum, bringing the total to almost 100. On the morning after the historic defeat of Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons, around 45 of them gathered outside Parliament to display a banner reading: Labour MPs, MEPs, conference and members agree The people should have the final say. Bridget Phillipson said she recognised the anger about the state of the country which lay behind the 60% Leave vote in her Houghton & Sunderland South constituency. But she said it would be much harder for Labour to achieve its goals of ending austerity, reducing child poverty and helping working people if the UK left the EU. In a statement, the MPs and MEPs said: We must try and remove this Government from office as soon as possible. But the removal of the Government and pushing for a general election may prove impossible, so we must join trade unions, our members and a majority of our constituents by then unequivocally backing the only logical option to help our country move forward: putting the decision back to the people for a final say, in a public vote, with the option to stay and keep the deal that we have. Pro-Brexit demonstrator Colin Grostate talks to Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The statement said the UK was in an unprecedented and perilous moment in our history and accused Prime Minister Theresa May of running down the clock on Brexit in a way that amounted to gambling with the jobs and livelihoods of our constituents. We now face a moment of national crisis, where the facts and the views of many people have changed and are continuing to change, they said. It is now clear renegotiation is not a realistic prospect. No-deal would be a catastrophe which we must resolutely oppose. The Government should seek an extension to Article 50 to provide time for Parliament to find a way forward. Ticket barriers at Westminster Underground station were plastered with advertisments for the Peoples Vote campaign (Dominic Lipinski/PA) They were harangued by pro-Brexit protester Colin Grostate, from Ramsgate, who brandished a Conservative Party membership card as he loudly accused them of being liars. Dressed in a yellow high-visibility jacket bearing the slogan Clean Brexit No Deal, he confronted Mitcham & Morden MP Siobhan McDonagh, telling her: Im just a little man on the side with a vote which you dont care about. I dont want a second vote. Ticket barriers at Westminsters Underground station were plastered with adverts from second referendum campaigners, reading The only way forward is a Peoples Vote. The Scottish Government will be intensifying its calls for a second European referendum in the wake of the Commons Brexit vote, Nicola Sturgeon has said. The Scottish First Minister headed to London after MPs overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa Mays proposed Withdrawal Agreement in the historic Commons vote. Ms Sturgeon has challenged Mrs May to convene urgent talks with the devolved governments in Scotland and Wales in a bid to resolve the Brexit impasse. . @NicolaSturgeon arrives at Westminster - @theSNP MPs have been and continue to be the real opposition pic.twitter.com/rvvtCFDFMO Katy Bow (@KatyPBow) January 16, 2019 The SNP leader said Mrs May had clearly failed to bring the country together in support of her proposed deal, and she demanded the PM must now change course and genuinely involve all regions of the UK in Brexit plans. She called for a meeting of the Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) which brings together the heads of the devolved administrations with the UK Government to take place, insisting such talks must be more than window dressing. The First Minister said: Urgent and meaningful discussions are needed in the next days to agree a way forward which can command a majority in the House of Commons, and which has the confidence and support of the devolved administrations. Off to London to meet with @IanBlackfordMP and @theSNP MPs ahead of no confidence vote in Commons later. We want UK to stay in EU which is why we back a #PeoplesVote. But it is becoming increasingly clear that Scotlands wider interests will only be protected with independence. Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 16, 2019 However Conservatives accused Ms Sturgeon of using the Commons vote defeat to push for a second independence referendum after she tweeted: It is becoming increasingly clear that Scotlands wider interests will only be protected with independence. Ms Sturgeon spoke to Mrs May following Tuesday nights historic defeat in the Commons the biggest Government defeat on a meaningful vote for at least a century. She tweeted that while she had had talks with the PM, it was not obvious that she has any real idea what to do next. Ms Sturgeon added it was not at all clear she (Mrs May) is open to any fundamental change of thinking in her proposed cross party talks. The reality is that a second EU referendum, with the option of remain on the ballot paper, is now the only credible option to avoid untold damage to the economy and the prospects of future generations. First Minister @NicolaSturgeon. pic.twitter.com/VEWywQ8SPQ Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 15, 2019 In a letter to Mrs May, she repeated her call for the looming March 29 Brexit deadline to be extended as she pledged her administration will be stepping up efforts in support of a second European referendum. The First Minister was clear: The Scottish Government believes that the best way of resolving the current impasse is to negotiate an extension to the Article 50 period and hold a second EU referendum. Given the rejection of your deal we will now be intensifying work towards the achievement of that aim. She insisted the draft Brexit deal rejected by MPs would make people poorer, damage our society and undermine the democratic decision of the people of Scotland to remain in the European Union. Theresa May and Nicola Sturgeon met in July 2016, with the First Minister saying then she had been told the UK Government would be`open and flexible over Brexit. (Andrew Milligan/PA) Almost two-thirds of Scots voted to stay part of the EU in 2016, but Ms Sturgeon argued the Prime Minister had consistently failed to recognise this and had rejected Scottish Government pleas to remain in both the single market and customs union. The Tory Government at Westminster has clearly failed to bring the country together behind Mrs Mays deal, she added. Ms Sturgeon said: It is time to recognise that reality and change course, starting with a new approach which seeks to find a way forward by genuinely involving the four nations of the UK. Up until now, despite stated intentions, the UK Government has taken little or no account of the views of the people of Scotland or the position of the Scottish Government. But Stephen Kerr, the Conservative MP for Stirling, told BBC Radio Scotlands Good Morning Scotland: The SNP has been clear again this morning by Nicola Sturgeons tweet, they are only interested in this subject for one reason and that is to bring about the second independence referendum. Nicola Sturgeon was up at the crack of dawn on her way to London and she took time to tweet about a second independence referendum. What will happen after the #Brexit vote? On Tuesday, MPs will go into Parliament to vote on Theresa May's withdrawal agreement. In this week's summary I outline what I think will happen this week. #Stirling pic.twitter.com/lmcexFdrqE Stephen Kerr (@RealStephenKerr) January 14, 2019 Mr Kerr, who voted for the Withdrawal Agreement, added: Whenever it looks like the SNP might be in a position where they are prepared to talk in substance about how we bring about an orderly Brexit, they change their position, because they are not interested in an orderly Brexit, what they are interested in is a chaotic Brexit. Fellow Tory Douglas Ross, who voted against the Brexit deal, said: The SNP dont want a good deal or a deal at all. He claimed Scottish Nationalists want to disrupt Brexit as much as possible and use it as a tool to enhance their chances of holding and winning a second independence referendum. But Ms Sturgeon warned that in 72 days the UK could crash out of the EU without a deal. Speaking on Sky News she said: I do think now the only credible way for the UK as a whole is to put this back to the people in another referendum, to see whether knowing everything we now know that wasnt known in 2016, people still want to leave the EU. She called on Mrs May to not just plough on with a misguided approach to Brexit, but instead urged the Prime Minister to take a step back, get out of that and start to look at real alternatives for the way forward. Ms Sturgeon also said: Of course Scotland has another option and every day that passes now it seems ever clearer that the only way of protecting Scotlands place in Europe and our wider interests is actually to be an independent country. Police in Zimbabwe armed with AK-47 rifles have arrested activist and pastor Evan Mawarire at his home in Harare as a crackdown grows over protests against dramatic fuel price hikes. As some hungry Harare residents reported being tear-gassed by police when they ventured out for bread, President Emmerson Mnangagwa denounced what he called wanton violence and cynical destruction. He noted a right to protest and called for calm, saying he understands peoples pain and frustration, but he appeared to side with authorities who have blamed the opposition for any unrest. Mr Mawarire, who organised what became nationwide anti-government protests in 2016 against mismanagement and then-president Robert Mugabes long stay in power, was clutching a Bible when police bundled him into their car. They are alleging that he incited violence through Twitter and other forms of social media in the central business district, Mr Mawarires lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa said. Neighbours watch as armed police surround the residence of Evan Mawarire (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) There were widespread reports of violence as the country faced a third day of protests over what has become the worlds most expensive petrol. This is Zimbabwes worst unrest since deadly post-election violence in August that saw six people killed. Zimbabwes largest telecom company Econet sent text messages to customers saying it had been forced by the government to shut down internet service. The matter is beyond our control, it said. Armed police and soldiers broke up groups of more than five people in Harare, while desperation for food forced some people to venture into the streets, but virtually all shops were closed. Police fired tear gas after a crowd tried to overrun a shopping centre that opened to sell bread. Soldiers with AK-47s took charge of the long line. This kind of life is unbearable, we have soldiers at fuel queues and now soldiers again are controlling the bread queue, one man said. Are we at war? Other arrests were reported, with Nkululeko Sibanda, a spokesman for the main opposition MDC party, saying that party leadership had been detained. This is only deepening the political crisis in the country, he said. As Mr Mnangagwa makes an extended overseas trip that will include a stop at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to plead for more foreign investment, former military commander and vice president Constantino Chiwenga, a hardliner, is in charge at home. Eight people were killed on Monday when police and military fired on crowds, according to Amnesty International. Women inspect their stalls at a market after they were destroyed during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices in Harare (Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP) But Zimbabwes government said three people were killed, including a policeman who was stoned to death by an angry crowd. The anti-government demonstrations amounted to terrorism, information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said on state television. The protests were well-co-ordinated by Zimbabwes opposition, she said. The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said it had attended to 107 patients by late on Tuesday afternoon, with injuries including gunshot wounds to the head. It said most cases were in Harare and Zimbabwes second city, Bulawayo. International concern has been rising over Zimbabwe after a burst of optimism when Mr Mugabe stepped down in late 2017 under military pressure. The British minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin noted worrying levels of violence and urged restraint by Zimbabwes security forces. But South Africas foreign ministry said in a statement that were confident measures being taken by the Zimbabwean government will resolve the situation. Streets were deserted in Harare on Wednesday. Shops closed, schools closed, no public transport, petrol stations closed, said Human Rights Watch southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga. Food fast running out in homes, he added. Zimbabwes acting president was silent, he said. The latest caravan of Honduran migrants hoping to reach the US has crossed peacefully into Guatemala, under the watchful eyes of about 200 Guatemalan police and soldiers. About 500 people, including dozens of children, lined up to show their documents to a first line of unarmed security personnel at the Agua Caliente border crossing on Tuesday night. Riot police formed a second line to contain any possible disturbance. Edilberto Hernandez, a former police officer, stood with his wife and four children to cross into Guatemala. After losing his job, he could find only low-paid construction work, and he decided to travel with his whole family to the United States. A Honduran migrant sleeps on the street outside a shelter in Esquipulas, Guatemala (AP) We are going out of necessity, because of the poverty, Mr Hernandez said. The fate that awaits them at the Mexico-US border is uncertain. The previous caravans that were seized upon last year by US President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election have quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, many others nearly half, according to US Border Patrol arrest records have sought to enter the US illegally. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Honduran migrants wait to enter Guatemala (AP) The US Border Patrol has made about 2,600 caravan-related arrests in its San Diego sector, spokesman Theron Francisco said, indicating that nearly half have crossed into the US illegally. Families are typically released with a notice to appear in immigration court. Mexican officials say about 1,300 caravan members have returned to Central America. Mexico has issued humanitarian visas to about 2,900 others, many of whom are now working legally there with visas. Francis Lopez is among the migrants who have stayed in Mexico. The former clothing factory worker said he and his wife made a snap decision to leave their home in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula when the caravan left in October. He had hoped to join a relative in Florida but is having second thoughts about seeking asylum after an American attorney told him he had a weak case and may be detained until a judge orders him deported. Its a loss of time, a loss of time that you can never recover, Mr Lopez said. The migrants are hoping to reach the US (AP) Javier Diaz of El Salvador, who is working as a taxi driver in Tijuana on a visa, said he had hoped to reach the United States to make enough money to support his wife and five children in El Salvador but Mexico was better than going home. If Mexico deports me today, I will be in Mexico again tomorrow, Mr Diaz said. If I can go to the United States, better. The diminished presence of the migrants in Tijuana came as hundreds of Hondurans left the violent city of San Pedro Sula this week in a new caravan hoping to reach the United States or Mexico. News of this latest trek north came as Mr Trump has been working to convince the American public that there is a crisis at the southern border to justify construction of his long-promised border wall. Mr Trumps demand for billions of dollars to build the wall has resulted in a stand-off with Congress that has forced a partial government shutdown. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work, Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer. Kenyas security forces have killed the Islamic extremist gunmen whose assault on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi took 14 innocent lives, President Uhuru Kenyatta said. Announcing the end of the operation to secure the DusitD2 complex in the capital, Mr Kenyatta said: All the terrorists have been eliminated. In a televised address, Mr Kenyatta did not say how many attackers were involved. He said more than 700 people were evacuated during the security operation and he urged Kenyans to go back to work without fear, saying the East African country is safe for citizens and visitors. Hours before Mr Kenyatta spoke, sporadic gunfire could be heard from the scene after scores of people were rescued at daybreak during what police called a mopping-up exercise. The attack involved at least four armed men who invaded the hotel and shops. Civilians flee the scene at a hotel complex (AP) Al-Shabab the Somalia-based extremist group that is allied to al Qaida claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks. It is situated in Nairobis well-to-do Westlands neighbourhood, popular with many foreign expatriates. Al-Shabab carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that killed 67 people. International development charity Gatsby Africa said the organisation was shocked and saddened following the death of its Africa programmes director, Briton Luke Potter. London-based company Adam Smith International also said two employees were killed in the attack. Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed were killed on the terrace of a restaurant in the complex where the company has Nairobi offices, the company said in a statement. Some 50 staff and consultants were safely evacuated, it added. The statement said both had been working on the Somalia Stability Fund managed by the company to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia through more than 100 local community initiatives. San Francisco-based company I-DEV International said American Jason Spindler was killed in the incident. Mr Spindler was the co-founder and managing director of I-DEV. The company said nine others in its Nairobi office were safely evacuated. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Early on Wednesday, Kenyas interior ministry said in a tweet that all buildings had been secured and there was no further threat. Security forces help civilians flee (AP) However, at dawn, another explosion and gunfire was heard. Kenyas Citizen TV aired security camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-coloured, paramilitary-style gear. Kenyas national police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said the coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests. Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear. The attack took place in the upmarket Westlands area (AP) Video footage from inside the hotel showed Kenyan security officers searching the building and workers emerging from hiding while gunfire could still be heard. Some climbed out a window by ladder. One man got up from the floor where he appeared to be trying to hide under a piece of wooden panelling. Like the attack at the Westgate Mall, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners. It came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it since 2011. Tuesdays violence came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people. Hospitals have appealed for blood donations (AP) The group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. In the deadliest attack, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an assault on Kenyas Garissa University in 2015 that killed 147 people, mostly students. The latest carnage demonstrated al-Shababs continued ability to carry out spectacular acts of bloodshed despite a dramatic increase in US air strikes against it under President Donald Trump. The last time a government was defeated on a confidence motion was in 1979. The Labour government led by Jim Callaghan lost the opposition motion on March 28 1979 by just one vote, 311-310. Mr Callaghan immediately announced a dissolution of parliament and a general election, which was subsequently won by the Conservatives. Jim Callaghan (right), with Tony Blair, lost the opposition motion in March 1979 (Michael Stephens/PA) Since 1900 there have been only three occasions when a government has lost a vote of confidence: twice in 1924 and once in 1979. There have not been any confidence motions formally tabled in the House of Commons since 1993. The most recent example was on July 23 1993, when the Conservative government of John Major tabled a motion of confidence in itself, to shore up support following its defeat the previous day on the Maastricht Treaty Social Chapter. The government won the motion 339-299. In November 1994, Mr Major, who became Sir John in 2005, made the passage of the European Communities (Finance Bill) in all its essentials an issue of confidence, but no confidence motion was formally moved by the government or opposition. Margaret Thatcher survived a confidence vote in 1990 (PA) Votes of confidence were once regular occurrences in the House of Commons, with both governments and opposition parties using them to test support on the backbenches. There were eight such votes during the 1960s and nine during the 1970s. One of the most high-profile in recent decades took place on November 22 1990, when Labour moved a motion of no confidence in the Conservative government. It was prompted by Margaret Thatcher failing to secure re-election as Tory leader on the first ballot of a leadership contest. The government won the vote 367-247. A report into tenements in Scotland has warned they are at a condition cliff-edge. The interim report from the Scottish Parliaments Working Group Tenement Maintenance recommends inspections once every five years, a communal tenement pension fund for future repairs and compulsory establishment of owners associations. Group convener Graham Simpson MSP said in the report: Nearly a fifth of all our housing is pre-1919 thats 467,000 homes. Sixty eight per cent of those have disrepair to critical elements and 36% have critical and urgent repair needs. Many of these are tenements and they are at a condition cliff-edge. A report to Glasgow councillors last year highlighted that repair bills to some blocks reached well into six figures sums that are simply unaffordable to most people. The five-yearly inspections recommended by the group would be carried out by architect or chartered surveyor who would draw up a report made available to existing or prospective owners and tenants, neighbours and policy makers. Inspectors would report the condition of the building, the expenditure needed to hit standards if required and any ongoing maintenance needed. The working group report said this would be more cost-effective, would supplement home reports for buyers and provide a warning to prospective tenants who might otherwise find themselves in substandard buildings. A further recommendation is the compulsory introduction of sinking funds, described as a pension for the building, involving regular affordable payments into a pot for future major expenditure. The working group, comprising cross-party MSPs and housing and building experts, will publish a solutions report in summer. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart urged responses to the recommendations (Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament/PA) Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: The maintenance of common property is an important issue and owners in tenements, both homeowners and landlords, need to fully accept their responsibilities for maintaining their property. I commend the tenement maintenance working group for bringing together MSPs from all parties and a wide range of stakeholders to produce their interim recommendations report. He urged people to respond to the recommendations and said the government will give serious consideration to the proposals in the final report. Hew Edgar, of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said it is imperative to tackle the condition of Scotlands tenements. He said: Last year, the Scottish Parliament voted to review existing tenement maintenance legislation and consider the implementation of mandatory tenement health checks. Five-yearly inspections will go some way to full filling this, supplementing the information provided in home reports. Undertaken, by qualified building professionals, the inspections would also include information on communal areas such as roofs and concealed parts. RICS welcomes all recommendations within the interim report and we will continue to work with the group to ensure and implement robust solutions to help future-proof Scotlands built environment. The European Commission has said that the risk of a disorderly UK exit from the EU has increased as a result of Theresa Mays defeat, warning: Time is almost up. President Jean-Claude Juncker, who cancelled travel plans to be in Brussels to deal with the aftermath of the vote on Wednesday, voiced regret at the result. He urged the UK Government to make its intentions clear as soon as possible and said the Commission would continue its preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit. European Council president Donald Tusk appeared to be calling on MPs to come forward with proposals to halt Brexit in a tweet in which he asked: If a deal is impossible, and no-one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Charles Michel (@eucopresident) January 15, 2019 Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament, which was itself due to vote shortly on the ratification of the Withdrawal Agreement, said the result was bad news and promised to stand by EU citizens living in the UK. And the European Parliaments Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt said: The UK Parliament has said what it doesnt want. Now is the time to find out what UK parliamentarians want. In the meantime, the rights of citizens must be safeguarded. Mr Juncker said that the process of ratification would continue on the EU side. He insisted that the Withdrawal Agreement reached last November was a fair compromise and the best possible deal and that Brussels had shown goodwill by providing further assurances this week. Theresa May clashed with Jean-Claude Juncker last month over his claim that her Brexit plans were `nebulous (ec.europa.eu/PA Images) He warned: The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evenings vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared. I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up. There were expressions of dismay from capitals across the EU27 as news of the historic vote broke. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who spoke on Tuesday evening with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, said the ball was now in Londons court. In any case, there will be no renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement, said Mr Kurz. Our goal remains to avoid Hard Brexit and to work as closely as possible with UK in the future. Spains Pedro Sanchez warned: The Agreement is the best possible and a disorderly exit would be negative for the EU and catastrophic for the UK. Madrid will continue to work on contingency measures for a no-deal withdrawal and will prioritise the rights of its citizens, he said. Lars Lokke Rasmussen characterised the outcome as very unfortunate and said the UK had taken one step closer to a chaotic no-deal Brexit scenario and was running out of time. It is now for the British Government to suggest a way forward, said the Danish PM. Meanwhile we will intensify our no-deal preparations. Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki said a no-deal Brexit would be a bad solution both for Great Britain and the EU itself, and said Poland would act to provide citizens and businesses with maximum predictability and security. The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the UK has increased with this evening's vote. While we do not want this to happen, we will continue our contingency work to help ensure EU is fully prepared. Statement by @JunckerEU https://t.co/ExEVxwZRoG #BrexitVote #Brexit pic.twitter.com/KEvXL8GLtC European Commission (@EU_Commission) January 15, 2019 Luxembourgs Xavier Bettel said: I deeply regret the outcome of the vote, as I regret Brexit as such. Now we need a fast and clear plan on how to proceed. Because thats what we need to do, finding solutions, not problems. Our internal preparations to limit the damage in case of a no-deal shall go ahead in full steam. Finlands Jula Sipila said the result was unfortunate but not a surprise, while Juri Ratas of Estonia said it was regrettable and Slovakias Peter Pellegrini said his country also regretted it. Parliament has acted in the best interests of the entire United Kingdom by rejecting Theresa Mays withdrawal deal, the Democratic Unionist leader has claimed. In a bruising defeat for the Prime Minister, MPs voted down Mrs Mays Brexit plans by 432 to 202. Now Arlene Foster has urged Mrs May to return to European Union leaders and renegotiate to secure a better deal. Breaking - @DUPLeader - Arlene Foster focus now must be on securing a better deal | FULL STATEMENT: https://t.co/LhyoxBrXhe DUP (@duponline) January 15, 2019 The leader of the Democratic Unionists, which remain in a supply and confidence deal with the Conservative Party, has insisted Parliament has acted in the best interests of the entire United Kingdom. The House of Commons has sent an unmistakable message to the Prime Minister and the European Union that this deal is rejected, Mrs Foster said. Mrs May will now be able to demonstrate to the Brussels negotiators that changes are required if any deal is to command the support of Parliament. DUP leader Arlene Foster has urged Theresa May to go back to Europe and broker a new deal. (PA Archive) We will work with the Government constructively to achieve a better deal. That is our focus. Whilst some may wish to use this defeat to boost their political ambitions, we will give the Government the space to set out a plan to secure a better deal. Reassurances, whether in the form of letters or warm words, will not be enough. The Prime Minister must now go back to the European Union and seek fundamental change to the Withdrawal Agreement. We want an orderly exit from the European Union with a sensible deal which works for Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Earlier, Mrs Foster described Tuesday nights vote in the House of Commons as historic but for the wrong reasons. She confirmed her partys 10 MPs would vote against the withdrawal deal. MPs have rejected Theresa Mays Brexit plans by an emphatic 432 votes to 202 in a historic vote which has thrown the future of her administration and the nature of the UKs EU withdrawal into doubt. The humiliating rebuff was delivered in the House of Commons just moments after the Prime Minister made a last-ditch appeal for MPs to back the Withdrawal Agreement which she sealed with Brussels in November after almost two years of negotiation. The 118 Conservative rebels included fervent Brexiteers like Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg and former Brexit secretaries David Davis and Dominic Raab, as well as Remainers Anna Soubry and Dominic Grieve. The 230-vote margin of defeat was by far the worst suffered by any Government in a meaningful division since at least the First World War and in normal circumstances would be enough to force a Prime Minister from office. (PA Graphics) But Mrs May made clear she intends to stay on, setting out plans for talks with senior parliamentarians from parties across the Commons in the hope of finding genuinely negotiable solutions which she can take to Brussels. Jeremy Corbyn said the catastrophic defeat represented an absolutely decisive verdict by MPs on Mrs Mays handling of Brexit. He announced he has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government, which will go to a Commons vote on Wednesday which could force an early general election if it wins the support of more than 50% of MPs. Protesters outside the House of Commons (PA) But his hopes of ousting the PM were undermined when the DUPs Sammy Wilson said that the Unionist party will back Mrs May in her fight for survival, saying: We never wanted a change of government, we want a change of policy. And a spokesman for the European Research Group of eurosceptic Tories, chaired by Mr Rees-Mogg, confirmed that they too would back the Government. Mrs May who said she expected to survive Wednesdays vote has until January 21 to set out a Plan B, with the clock ticking on the scheduled date of Brexit in just 73 days time on March 29. (PA Graphics) European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, who had cancelled travel plans in order to be in Brussels for the aftermath of the vote on Wednesday, voiced regret at the defeat of what he termed the best possible deal. He said in a statement: The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evenings vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared. I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. And European Council president Donald Tusk asked in a tweet: If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Charles Michel (@eucopresident) January 15, 2019 In a statement to the Commons immediately after her drubbing, the Prime Minister told MPs: The House has spoken and this Government will listen. It is clear that this House does not support this deal, but tonights vote tells us nothing about what it does support. She said she would consult with Conservative colleagues, her Democratic Unionist Party allies and senior parliamentarians from across the Commons to identify what now is required to secure the backing of the House. The PM promised to approach the talks in a constructive spirit, but cautioned that proposals would have to be genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in this House if she was to take them back to Brussels to explore with the EU. Mrs May assured MPs that she was not seeking to run the clock down to a no-deal Brexit in March, insisting that she still hoped to take the UK out of the EU in an orderly way, with a good deal. Theresa May arrives at 10 Downing Street after the vote (Aaron Chown/PA) And in a message to MPs she said: Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour. The Government has heard what the House has said tonight, but I ask members on all sides of the House to listen to the British people who want this issue settled and to work with the Government to do just that. Mr Corbyn said: I hear the words of the Prime Minister but the actions of her Government in these past two years speak equally clearly. Jeremy Corbyn has called a vote of #NoConfidence in Theresa Mays Government. Heres why. With us? Add your name here: https://t.co/DwjYE2sqGn pic.twitter.com/Q08ZdgBLY9 The Labour Party (@UKLabour) January 15, 2019 She is only attempting to reach out now to try to keep her failed deal alive after it has been so roundly rejected by Parliament on behalf of the people of this country She cannot seriously believe that after two years of failure, she is capable of negotiating a good deal for the people of this country. On the most important issue facing us, this Government has lost the confidence of this House and this country. Arch-Brexiteer and former foreign secretary Mr Johnson told the Press Association: I was slightly surprised by the scale of the defeat, but I take no particular pleasure in it. I would never rejoice in the idea of a Conservative government being defeated on anything. Tonight has made it clear that the current Withdrawal Agreement is dead. The government must now go back to Brussels and negotiate a #BetterDeal without the backstop pic.twitter.com/l8Xd3ogCa1 Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) January 15, 2019 Mr Johnson added that the vote gave Mrs May a massive mandate to go back to the EU and call for a new approach that would allow the UK to properly take advantage of Brexit. In further signs of Tory tensions, Tom Pursglove told the Press Association that he had resigned as a Conservative Party vice-chair in order to vote against the Brexit deal. The MP for Corby was appointed to the role by Mrs May in July last year. The no lobby for the Government's motion... pic.twitter.com/dc6IMzGpHv Debbie Abrahams MP (@Debbie_abrahams) January 15, 2019 As the historic vote took place, noisy crowds of pro- and anti-Brexit protesters in Parliament Square could be heard inside the Palace of Westminster. MPs had been due to vote first on a series of four amendments chosen by Speaker John Bercow. But Mr Corbyn, Scottish National Party leader Ian Blackford and Tory backbencher Sir Edward Leigh opted not to move their amendments, leaving only one division. In that vote, a proposal from Conservative MP John Baron for the UK to take unilateral powers to end controversial backstop arrangements was rejected by 600 votes to 24. Labour MP Tulip Siddiq is wheeled through the chamber (House of Commons/PA) Heavily pregnant Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who postponed her planned Caesarean in order to vote, attended the Commons in a wheelchair. The Sinn Fein leader has urged Irish Premier Leo Varadkar to stand firm over the backstop after MPs voted down the proposed withdrawal deal. Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit plans were rejected by 432 votes to 202 by the House of Commons on Tuesday night. Amid the resulting uncertainty over how the United Kingdom will leave the European Union, Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald pressed the Taoiseach to stand firm on the backstop. Taoiseach needs to stand firm on backstop - Mary Lou McDonald TD https://t.co/swxTqoPwGu #brexit pic.twitter.com/Fxj6LyK7Ou Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) January 15, 2019 Irelands people, Irelands economy and Irelands peace process all need to be protected as we go forward now, she said. The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste and our partners at a European level need to stand firm and not move away from or attempt to dilute the backstop. We need to say clearly to the British that if they wish to Brexit then thats a matter for themselves but any Brexit agreement needs to recognise, understand and protect the people, the economy and the peace process on this island. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Tom Honan/PA) Speaking earlier on Tuesday, Mr Varadkar said he hoped MPs in the Hose of Commons would vote in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement, but emphasised it is a matter for them. He added: I dont think it would be in Irelands interest for me to be interfering in their internal politics. Sinn Feins deputy leader Michelle ONeill tweeted that the Brexit crisis has deepened further tonight. Brexit crisis has deepened further tonight. No Deal crash out is completely reckless & not in our peoples, households or businesses interests. Backstop is the bottom line and is not up for negotiation. Michelle ONeill (@moneillsf) January 15, 2019 No deal crash out is completely reckless and not in our peoples, households or businesses interests. Backstop is the bottom line and is not up for negotiation. Yann Karamohs superb late solo goal saw Bordeaux snatch a 2-1 win at Angers. The Inter Milan loanee climbed off the bench to run half the length of the pitch and score to lift Bordeaux up to 11th in Ligue 1 and leave Angers 15th, three points above the relegation zone. Samuel Kalus third goal in four games opened the scoring for the visitors before Mateo Pavlovic levelled in the second half. Bordeaux took the lead after 31 minutes when Kalu met Maxime Poundjes hanging cross to stab in from six yards. Angers levelled after 64 minutes when Bordeaux failed to deal with Flavien Taits corner and Pavlovic finished well. But Karamoh won it in the second minute of injury time when he collected the ball midway inside his own half. Bordeaux defeated Angers in Ligue 1 (Andrew Matthews/PA) The 20-year-old was allowed to run and he cut inside before firing in low off the post from the edge of the box. There were muted cheers outside Parliament as Theresa Mays proposed Brexit deal was rejected by MPs. Crowds of protesters on both sides of the Brexit divide had gathered on College Green throughout the day to await the outcome of the vote. But many of them had left by the time the vote took place. The majority of those present wanted to see Mrs Mays deal voted down. An anti-Brexit campaigner (Jonathan Brady/PA) A group of gilets jaunes protesters chanted Bye bye EU, bye bye to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, while pro-EU demonstrators sang You can stick your Brexit up your arse. The exchange was peaceful, although police and security staff were present. One group of Remain protesters kept up a steady racket with a bell and a bass drum they dubbed The Liberty Bell with the words Save Our Sovereignty above it. Brexiteer David Hurlibut, 62, from Ipswich, said: Its not being true to the referendum. We may as well stay in the EU. Remainer John Wilkins, 64, from Crediton in Devon, also wanted to see the deal blocked. A pro-Brexit suppporter clashes with police officers (Steve Parsons/PA) The Government hasnt managed to find a solution to the Irish border and no one is happy with the agreement, he said. Remainer Tony Singh, 53, said: No one will support a trade deal thats detrimental to the interest of the UK. In nearby Parliament Square a platform and two screens were set up by those campaigning for a peoples vote. A float with a sculpture of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and David Davis with the words Brexit is a monstrosity circled the area. The demonstrations ahead of the vote were calm, although a small number of gilets jaunes protesters verbally abused police, calling them EU Police and EU fascists. President Donald Trumps nominee for attorney general has asserted independence from the White House. William Barr said he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing President Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by Mr Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing departed from President Trumps own views and underscored Mr Barrs efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. You must have the integrity, the strength, and the fortitude to tell the president no, regardless of the consequences. In short, he must be willing to defend the independence of the Justice Department. @SenFeinstein to Trump Attorney General nominee William Barr pic.twitter.com/zxhgy1EkaC Senate Democrats (@SenateDems) January 15, 2019 Some Democrats are concerned about that possibility, citing a memo Mr Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticised special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation for the way it was looking into whether President Trump had obstructed justice. Sen Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Mr Barr the memo showed a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller. The nominee told senators he was merely trying to warn Justice Department officials against stretching a statute to conclude that the president had obstructed justice. Attorney General nominee William Barr (Carolyn Kaster/AP) President Trump has repeatedly slammed Mr Muellers investigation, calling it a witch hunt, and lambasted and ultimately pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for removing himself from the matter because of his work with the 2016 Trump campaign. I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong, whether it be by editorial boards, Congress or the president, Mr Barr told senators on the Judiciary Committee. He said that, at 68 years old and partially retired, I feel that Im in a position in life where I can do the right thing and not really care about the consequences. Mr Barr repeatedly praised Mr Mueller, who has been investigating whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the election, and said he would not undermine his work. He called him a friend of 30 years and said he could not imagine that Mr Mueller would do anything that would justify his firing. I dont believe Mr Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt, he said when asked by the Republican chairman of the committee, Sen Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. At issue for Democratic senators is whether Mr Barr can oversee without bias or interference the final stages of Mr Muellers probe into potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. Ms Feinstein said the nominees past rhetoric in support of expansive presidential powers raises a number of serious questions about your views on executive authority and whether the president is, in fact, above the law. Mr Barr would oversee the final stages of the investigation. He said he would consult with ethics officials on whether he would need to recuse because of a critical unsolicited memo to the Justice Department last year, but the decision would be ultimately his. A woman in her 80s has been seriously injured in a road collision in Co Down. The pedestrian was struck by a car in Plantation Street, Killyleagh, at around 1.15pm on Tuesday. She was taken to hospital for treatment. Plantation Street in Killyleagh has now reopened to traffic following road traffic collision earlier today. Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 15, 2019 The Police Service of Northern Ireland described her condition as serious. Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area who witnessed the collision to contact officers in Downpatrick on 101 quoting reference 522 15/01/19. Theresa May has made a last-ditch plea to MPs to back her EU withdrawal plan, telling them: I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people, and to do so in a way that brings our country together. The Prime Minister looks set for humiliating defeat in the meaningful vote taking place in the House of Commons at the end of eight days of debate and two years of negotiation following the EU referendum of June 2016. Rejection of Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement by MPs would give her until January 21 to set out her Plan B expected to involve going back to Brussels to seek further concessions. (PA Graphics) And it is also likely to trigger a bid to force a general election by Jeremy Corbyn, who has said he will table a motion of no-confidence in the Government soon after it is defeated on its central policy platform. Moments before the crunch vote, Mrs May told MPs: Parliament gave the people a choice, we set the clock ticking on our departure and tonight we will determine whether we move forward with a Withdrawal Agreement that honours the vote and sets us on course for a better future. The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations. But the Labour leader called on MPs to vote down the agreement, saying: This deal is bad for our economy, a bad deal for our democracy, and a bad deal for this country. Mr Corbyn could use a point of order in the immediate wake of Tuesdays vote to trigger a no-confidence debate as early as Wednesday. And Mrs May is expected to deliver her immediate response to the reverse in a statement to the Commons moments after her anticipated drubbing. Attorney General Geoffrey Cox appeared to indicate that the PM will resist pressure to tear up her plan or to seek cross-party consensus on a new approach. He told MPs that in the event of a Government defeat the Agreement would have to return to the Commons later in much the same form with much the same content. Anti-Brexit campaigners drove effigies of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and David Davis past the House of Commons (Yui Mok/PA) Noisy crowds of pro- and anti-Brexit protesters in Parliament Square could be heard inside the Palace of Westminster as MPs prepared to vote at 7pm, in a process expected to culminate in a final result around 7.30pm. MPs were due to vote first on a series of four amendments chosen by Speaker John Bercow. But Mr Corbyn, Scottish National Party leader Ian Blackford and Tory backbencher Sir Edward Leigh opted not to move their amendments, leaving only one division on a proposal from Conservative MP John Baron for the UK to take unilateral powers to end controversial backstop arrangements. Mr Barons amendment was defeated by 600 votes to 24, majority 576. Heavily pregnant Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, who postponed her planned Caesarean in order to vote, attended the Commons in a wheelchair. Labour MP Tulip Siddiq is wheeled through the chamber while MPs vote (House of Commons/PA) By the time Mrs May concluded the debate with a passionate plea to MPs to deliver the Brexit demanded by voters, her hopes of victory appeared vanishingly small. Assurances over the backstop received from the EU on Monday appear to have failed to win over significant numbers of the deals critics among the Tories and their DUP allies. While some MPs including former Labour minister Frank Field declared their intention to back the PMs deal, normally loyal Tories like Sir Hugo Swire said they would not do so. Tonight will be historic but for the wrong reasons. We will oppose the toxic backstop & vote against the WA. Its time for a sensible deal which governs our exit from the EU & supports all parts of the UK. Arlene Foster #WellMeetAgain (@DUPleader) January 15, 2019 Confirming that the 10 DUP MPs will not back the PMs deal, party leader Arlene Foster told a press conference in London: We said to the Prime Minister she had to get rid of the backstop and get a Withdrawal Agreement that can be lived with. I dont think she even asked to get rid of the backstop. In the final day of debate on Mrs Mays deal, Mr Cox acknowledged that the agreement reached with the EU in November was not perfect, but said he was supporting it for wholly pragmatic reasons. It is the necessary means to secure our orderly departure and unlock our future outside the European Union, he told MPs. Thousands of businesses with contracts based on EU law would find the rug pulled from under (them) if the UK left with a deal, he said. They would ask MPs: What are you playing at? What are you doing? You are not children in the playground, you are legislators, Mr Cox said, adding: We are playing with peoples lives. Mr Cox compared the Withdrawal Agreement to an airlock providing a route towards a future trade and security relationship with the remaining 27 EU states. Prime Minister Theresa May listens to the Attorney-General Geoffrey Cox, speak in the House of Commons debate on her Brexit plan (House of Commons/PA) But the Labour chair of the Brexit Select Committee Hilary Benn retorted: The reason why many of us will vote against the deal tonight is because on the other side of the second airlock is a complete vacuum about our future relationship with our biggest, nearest and most important trading partners. Mrs Mays deal came under assault from a series of MPs on both sides of the Brexit debate, with eurosceptics warning that it failed to resolve their concerns that the backstop arrangements designed to avoid a hard border in Ireland could become permanent. The Tory chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee Sir Bill Cash called on Mrs May to consider her position, comparing it to Neville Chamberlains resignation in 1940 which cleared the way for Sir Winston Churchill to take over. Now is the time to walk away from the intransigence of the EU and our failed policy of seeking to supplicate their guidelines, their terms and their paymasters, he said. Anti-Brexit and Pro-Brexit protesters fly flags outside the Houses of Parliament (Yui Mok/PA) In the final Cabinet meeting before the crucial vote, Mrs May told senior ministers that the Government was the servant of the people and she believed passionately that it must deliver on the result of the referendum, in which voters opted to Leave by a margin of 52%-48%. She spent much of the day meeting Tory MPs in her Commons office in an eleventh-hour bid to bolster support. But analysis of polling released by the Best for Britain campaign for a second referendum suggested that around 60% of voters including majorities in every region of the country want a public vote if Parliament proves unable to decide on a Brexit deal. German foreign minister Heiko Maas said Brexit talks would continue if Mrs Mays deal was rejected by MPs, but there was unlikely to be substantial change to the agreement. Mr Maas said: If there were still a solution that could be presented under even greater pressure, I would ask myself why it has not been put on the table before in order to ensure that this evenings vote takes place under better circumstances. That is why I believe that the agreement is as it stands and will not be substantially changed, but that, if things go wrong tonight, there will certainly be talks again. Two Dutch men attempted to smuggle two tonnes of cocaine worth more an 130 million into Europe on a sailing yacht, a court heard. Border Force officers intercepted the SY Marcia in the western approach to the English Channel, where it had allegedly been heading to Belgium with its cargo. The boat was taken to the Cornish port of Newlyn, where officers discovered a hidden compartment on board concealing 1,161 blocks of cocaine weighing 2.1 tonnes. Bristol Crown Court heard the two men on the yacht Maarten Pieterse, 59, and Emile Schoemaker, 45 were charged with being knowingly concerned in the carrying or concealing of a controlled drug on a ship contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act. A jury was told Pieterse, the owner of the ship, has admitted the offence, while Schoemaker has pleaded not guilty and denies knowing the cocaine was on board. Richard Posner, prosecuting, said the Crowns case in a nutshell was that Schoemaker, of Antwerp, was a drugs smuggler. The SY Marcia which was intercepted by Border Force officers (National Crime Agency/PA) Mr Posner told the jury that a team of Border Force officers from HMC Vigilant boarded the Marcia on July 18 last year. The boat arrived at Newlyn harbour the following morning, Mr Posner said. Mr Pieterse and Mr Schoemaker were taken into custody and taken to a nearby police station. Meanwhile, other officers searched the boat and found the hidden compartment underneath some matting at the back of the boat. It took officers the best part of a day and a half to unload the cocaine. In total, 1,161 blocks of compressed cocaine weighing a total of 2,117kg 2.1 tonnes had been discovered. Mr Posner said data found on the yacht showed it had arrived in the Azores from the Netherlands in May 2017, with Schoemaker listed as a member of the crew. It then headed to the Canary Islands and moved around there until August 2017, when it sailed to the Azores and stayed there for the winter. Marcia left for the Canaries in May 2018 and was in that vicinity in June 2018. There is no evidence of it reaching land until the following month, July, when it arrived back in the Azores. Messages were found on a Garmin inReach Explorer, a satellite communication device, left on a desk in Shoemakers cabin of the boat. These included messages between a man called Hans from the Marcia to a woman called Wendy using a Dutch mobile phone. Mr Posner said that between June 14 and 21, when the yacht was in the Atlantic, a number of messages were exchanged. There is fragmented talk of a brass band being ready to go, the 93rd birthday party of someone purporting to be Auntie Ann, a reunion at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam on Friday 22nd June 2018 and a lot of candles, he told the jury. He suggested this was in fact a plan for the yacht to receive 93 bags containing vast quantities of cocaine on June 22. To move that large and expensive a shipment on the high seas is hard work, Mr Posner said. It requires a line between both boats and at a safe distance so as not to damage either or both vessels beyond repair to transfer this multimillion-pound investment carefully. He said it would require all hands on deck to load the yacht with the cocaine and hide packages in the secret compartment. Both men needed to work together to load that much cocaine onto their yacht on the high seas. They were acting together, Mr Posner added. Shoemaker claims to know nothing about the cocaine and insists he is not a drugs smuggler. He says he was just an innocent man on a working holiday, in the wrong place at the wrong time, Mr Posner said. The trial continues. An imitation firearm has sparked a security alert in Londonderry. The Whitehouse Road area was closed off on Monday evening following reports of a suspicious object in a bag. It is understood the object was an imitation firearm. The security alert ended on Tuesday afternoon. The Whitehouse Road, Derry/L'derry has reopened following a security alert today. An object, believed to be an imitation firearm has been taken away for further forensic examinations. Police would like to thank the local community for their patience during this operation. Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) January 15, 2019 Detective Inspector Clara Heaton said an operation was put in place to ensure the safety of everyone in the area. The object was examined in daylight hours today (Tuesday) by ATO (ammunition technical officers) and has now been taken for further examination, she said. The PSNI attended a security alert in Londonderry which last from Monday until Tuesday afternoon. (PA Archive) I would like to thank the local community for their patience whilst the operation was ongoing and apologise for any inconvenience experienced, however the safety of the public and of the attending police officers is of the utmost importance and we will never take chances with peoples safety. Pro and anti EU campaigners put on a show of their own outside Parliament as TV crews from around the world gathered for the Brexit vote. College Green was a cacophony of noise and a sea of colour as banner-waving protesters went head-to-head. The crowds swelled as the day wore on and the chanting got louder as the two factions tried to drown each other out. Hundreds of people, bedecked in EU and Union flags and a variety of fancy dress, took the chanting to a crescendo above the passing traffic before Theresa Mays moment of truth in the House of Commons. Pro and anti Brexiteers outside the Houses of Parliament (Yui Mok/PA) But there was no repeat of last weeks ugly scenes when a Brexit-backing crowd surrounded Remain-supporting Tory MP Anna Soubry and accused her of being a Nazi. Tensions rose slightly when Brexiteers dressed in the yellow vests some have adopted indulged in a bit of flag burning. A police officer deals with a flag set alight by pro-Brexit protesters (Yui Mok/PA) But the jostling that followed involved TV crews and photographers eager for shots of the policeman dispatched to deal with the small fire. The animated crowds vied for position with an array of tents housing the worlds media, eager to chart some of the most important moments in the UKs modern history. Security stewards estimated around 90 national and international media outlets were represented. Jacob Rees-Mogg in Westminster (Yui Mok/PA) A stream of MPs including Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg and Remainer Hilary Benn passed the crowds as they arrived for TV interviews. Mr Rees-Mogg was jeered by Remain supporters crowded outside the media enclosure as he told reporters fear mongering about a no-deal Brexit was fundamentally flawed. One man dressed as Boris Johnson handed out fake 350 million banknotes decorated with the former foreign secretarys face. And a giant carnival-style float was towed around Parliament with an effigy of a Brexit monstrosity with the heads of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and David Davis. A giant effigy is driven past the Houses of Parliament by anti Brexiteers (Yui Mok/PA) Other banners carried the messages Leave Means Leave and No Deal No Problem. As the hour of the crucial vote loomed, the excitable crowd looked to be one of the biggest seen outside the Commons in the weeks leading up to Mrs Mays D-Day. Police mounted extra patrols but the atmosphere remained mostly peaceful and polite, according to campaigners on both sides. A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said she was not aware of any arrests. Roy Motteram, 62, a remain campaigner from Thame, Oxfordshire, said the atmosphere remained friendly despite the clash of views. He said: We chatted quite normally with people on both sides. It was polite. Paul Clarke, 56, from Suffolk, who carried a Leave Means Leave placard, added: It has been generally good. There are a couple of people who are a bit rowdy but aside from that its all very good-natured. The demonstrations also became a spectacle for tourists as many stopped to photograph the banners and costume-clad activists. Vladimir Kugel, 38, a tourist from Israel visiting London with his wife, said: I didnt expect this. Its our first time in London and its interesting from the point of seeing how people say what they want and express their opinions. Its an experience. I hope the majority will be satisfied by the result. Witnesses have reported seeing bodies after extremists launched an attack on a luxury hotel in Kenyas capital city. Al-Shabab the Somalia-based Islamic extremist group that carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi that left 67 people dead has claimed responsibility. It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible, said a man who ran from the scene. As night fell, gunfire continued more than two hours after the first shots were heard at the complex, which includes the DusitD2 hotel, along with bars, restaurants, banks and offices. (PA Graphics) We are aware that armed criminals are holing up in the hotel, and special forces are now currently flushing them out, said Kenyas national police chief, Joseph Boinnet, describing the assault as a suspected terror attack. A Kenyan police officer said bodies were seen in restaurants downstairs and in offices upstairs, but there was no time to count the dead. Another witness said he saw five bodies at the entrance. He said that other people were shouting for help and when we rushed back to try to rescue them, gunshots started coming from upstairs, and we had to duck because they were targeting us and we could see two guys shooting. Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear. The violence appeared to fit the pattern of attacks al-Shabbab often carries out in Somalias capital, with an explosion followed by a group of gunmen storming the place. Security forces at the scene (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Like the Westgate Mall attack, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners living in the country. The hotel complex is in an affluent section of Nairobi that has large numbers of expatriates from the US, Europe and India. The attack came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial on charges they were involved in the Westgate Mall siege. A fourth suspect was freed for lack of evidence. People rushed and some were carried, from the scene. Some ducked behind cars screaming while others took cover behind fountains and other features at the lush complex. Several cars have been burned out (AP Photo/Josphat Kasire) Ambulances, security forces and firefighters converged on the scene along with a bomb disposal unit, and vehicles were cordoned off for fear they contained explosives. Police said they blew up a car that had explosives inside. An unexploded grenade was also seen in a hallway at the complex. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia since 2011. The al-Qaida-linked group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya, which has been targeted more than any other of the six countries providing troops to an African Union force in Somalia. A Saudi teenager whose flight from her allegedly abusive family captured global attention says she wants to work in support of freedom for women around the world for years to come. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun was granted asylum in Canada at the request of UN officials. She made a public statement on Tuesday, saying through an interpreter that her first goal is to learn English. Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun says her first goal is to learn English (Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via AP) Ms Alqunun fled her family while visiting Kuwait before flying to Bangkok. Once there, she barricaded herself in an airport hotel to avoid deportation and tweeted about her situation. Her situation has highlighted the issue of womens rights in Saudi Arabia, where several women fleeing abuse by their families have been caught trying to seek asylum abroad in recent years and returned home. As MPs debate Theresa Mays Withdrawal Agreement ahead of a vote in Parliament, the British public has been looking for answers online. Here are the most-Googled questions ahead of the crucial vote on Tuesday evening. 1. What time is the Brexit vote? Theresa May will wrap up five days of debate on her Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons with a concluding statement at the Despatch Box at around 6.30pm. Voting is likely to begin at 7pm, starting with four amendments and culminating in the meaningful vote itself. The process of voting on each amendment takes around 15 minutes, so the final result is expected around 8.15-8.30pm. 2. What is the backstop? The Irish border with Northern Ireland (Brian Lawless/PA) The backstop arrangement outlined in the Prime Ministers deal would create a single EU-UK customs area to ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland. This means the UK would continue to follow the EUs tariffs and rules on customs, avoiding the need for checks between the EU and UK including Northern Ireland and the Republic until a new relationship is decided. Northern Ireland would need to follow some of the EUs single market rules, including laws on goods, agricultural production, veterinary controls and state aid rules. It is this point that has led many including Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party and a number of Conservative backbenchers to oppose the deal. 3. What are the Brexit amendments? MPs proposed 13 amendments to the Prime Ministers deal over the course of the debate and Speaker John Bercow revealed four will be put to the vote on Tuesday evening. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyns amendment, backed by his front bench, dismisses Mrs Mays deal outright, instead calling on the Government to pursue every option to stop the UK leaving the EU without a deal. The Lib Dems added their own amendment to Mr Corbyns proposal, naming a second referendum as one of the options, but this was not selected for debate by the Speaker. Jeremy Corbyn (PA) An amendment from the SNP leader in the Commons, Ian Blackford, calls on the UK Government to respect the will of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly by scrapping the Brexit deal as it is damaging for Scotland, Wales and the nations and regions of the UK as a whole. Instead it demands an extension to Article 50 to give the UK more time to agree a course of action. Senior Tory Brexiter Sir Edward Leighs amendment says the Government should tear up the Withdrawal Agreement if the EU does not agree to end the backstop by the end of 2021. The final amendment, tabled by Conservative Leaver John Baron, will only be debated if the Leigh proposals fail. It seeks to give the UK power to terminate the backstop without permission from the EU. 4. What is Theresa Mays Brexit deal? The 585-page Withdrawal Agreement text will provide the basis of a legally binding treaty. It covers the future rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK nationals in the EU, the 39 billion the UK owes in promised contributions, and protocols on Gibraltar and UK sovereign base areas in Cyprus. It also provides for a transition period after the UK leaves the EU in March, running to the end of 2020, with the option of a one-off extension if more time is needed to conclude an agreement on the future relationship. Crucially it also covers the backstop, intended to ensure there is no return to the hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic if negotiations on the future relationship have not been completed. 5. How will my MP vote on the Brexit deal? Every MP from the SNP, Lib Dems, DUP, Plaid Cymru and Green Party is expected to vote against the deal, as well as most Labour MPs. Labour members who have indicated they will vote with the Government include Kevin Barron, Jim Fitzpatrick and John Mann. Former Labour minister Frank Field and ex-Lib Dem MP Stephen Lloyd, both sitting as independents, have said they will back the deal. At least 81 Conservative MPs have recently said publicly that they plan to vote against the deal and some estimates put total rebel numbers as high as 113, pushing the total potential vote against the deal beyond the 400 mark. With 650 MPs in the Commons of whom the Speaker, his deputies and the seven Sinn Fein MPs do not cast a vote this puts Mrs Mays possible tally at around 240-250, low enough to break historic records for the worst Government defeat of modern times. The PM and her whips have been working through the day to bring that number down and it is always possible that critics of the deal will have a last-minute change of mind. 6. What is happening with Brexit? Protesters outside the Houses of Parliament (Victoria Jones/PA) After more than a year of negotiations, Mrs May presented her EU Withdrawal Bill to Parliament in November but it was immediately dismissed by hard Brexiteers within her own party, leading to a string of Cabinet resignations. Hours before Parliament was due to vote on the deal in December, sensing a heavy defeat, the PM delayed the vote and returned to Brussels to seek reassurances about its implications. After surviving a vote of no-confidence from her own party, Mrs May pushed the vote back to January 15 but she is still expected to lose heavily. 7. How many days until Brexit? (PA Graphics) As of Tuesday January 15, there are 73 days to go until Britain is due to leave the EU, on March 29. 8. Is the UK stockpiling food for Brexit? Some businesses and families have said they are stockpiling food as a precaution for a no-deal scenario in which it takes a lot longer for cargo to come through customs at the UK border. Tesco and Marks & Spencer, as well as companies like Premier Foods which owns Bisto, Mr Kipling and Majestic Wine have announced plans for stockpiling. Lorries arrive at the Port of Dover in Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) Quick-thinking entrepreneurs are selling so-called Brexit survival kits of freeze-dried food for hundreds of pounds, although a Government spokesman said there was no need to stockpile items in the box, according to the BBC. In December, official documents showed the Government was drawing up plans to avoid food shortages in hospitals, although the full extent of Government plans are not known. 9. How many people voted for Brexit? (PA Graphics) A little over 17.4 million people voted to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum, compared with just over 16.1 million who voted to remain. Turnout was 33.6 million, meaning 52% of those taking part voted to leave. 10. What happens if there is a no-deal Brexit? A no-deal situation arises if the UK quits the EU without an agreement covering issues like the Irish border, expats rights in Europe, a future trade deal or customs and border checks. Predictions about the seriousness of leaving the EU without a deal vary, but separate assessments from Whitehall and the Bank of England in November painted a grim picture of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the UK economy. The Bank warned Britain could be tipped into a recession worse than the financial crash, with an 8% cut in GDP, unemployment surging by as much as 7.5% and house prices falling by almost a third. A cross-Government analysis found the UK economy would be 9.3% smaller after 15 years if Britain leaves without a deal. A machete-wielding man who was Tasered by police at a south London train station has been detained under the Mental Health Act. The 59-year-old was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon over the incident at Tulse Hill on Monday evening. Police on Tuesday said the suspect, from Croydon, had been detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act after he was assessed by specialist medical staff. A video widely shared on social media appears to show a man wielding a machete above his head before he is Tasered and falls to the ground. Man arrested in connection to the Tulse Hill knife incident last night has now been detained under the Mental Health Act. Especially grateful for the support from our @MetPoliceUK colleagues for their great work during this incident https://t.co/ppaKW7g95b pic.twitter.com/koywTw1IxW British Transport Police (@BTP) January 15, 2019 He was then pictured surrounded by several police officers as he lay on the ground. Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith, from the British Transport Police, said: This would have been a particularly frightening incident for those passengers at the station or on board trains at Tulse Hill station. I am especially grateful to our Metropolitan Police colleagues who did a great job in detaining this man. Police, who were called to the station just after 6.30pm, said there were no reported injuries. Conor Fortune said he was on a Thameslink train travelling away from central London when he heard a male voice shouting quite loudly at the station. The man was detained at Tulse Hill, in south London (PA) The train conductor then told passengers not to get off because there was a dangerous man on the platform, he said. The 39-year-old, from south-west London, said: After several minutes of being sat on the platform, the driver announced that we were being held and she shut the doors as a precaution and advised nobody to get off as there was a dangerous man on the platform. She informed us the police had been alerted and were responding. Ash New, who commutes into central London from Tulse Hill every day, said he arrived at the station on his way home after the man had been detained. The 27-year-old, who lives a few minutes from the station, said he saw police officers with bags collecting evidence on the opposite platform. He also saw a number of people who looked a bit shaken as they were being spoken to by police. He said: I think there was a lot of confusion. People were not really sure what was going on. MPs have rejected Theresa Mays Brexit deal by 432 votes to 202, majority 230. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the House of Commons that Mrs Mays catastrophic defeat represented an absolutely decisive verdict on her Brexit negotiations. He announced he has tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government, which will go to a Commons vote on Wednesday. It could force an early general election if it wins the support of more than 50% of MPs. 10pm (PA Graphics) 9.45pm Picture The European Commission has said that the risk of a disorderly UK exit from the EU has increased as a result of Theresa Mays defeat, warning: Time is almost up. President Jean-Claude Juncker, who cancelled travel plans to be in Brussels to deal with the aftermath of the vote on Wednesday, voiced regret at the result. He urged the UK Government to make its intentions clear as soon as possible and said the Commission would continue its preparations for a possible no-deal Brexit. 9.40pm 9.35pm (PA Graphics) 9.30pm Tonight has made it clear that the current Withdrawal Agreement is dead. The government must now go back to Brussels and negotiate a #BetterDeal without the backstop pic.twitter.com/l8Xd3ogCa1 Boris Johnson #StayAlert (@BorisJohnson) January 15, 2019 9.25pm (PA Graphics) 9.20pm Prime Minister Theresa May has arrived back at 10 Downing Street following the Commons defeat. (Aaron Chown/PA) 9.15pm Picture The Irish Government said it regrets the result of the Brexit vote in Westminster and has urged the UK to set out how it plans to move forward. In a statement, it said: The Irish Government continues to believe that ratification of this agreement is the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK, which avoids a hard border and respects the single market and Customs Union, while also delivering on the UKs objectives for withdrawal. The Irish Government recalls the clear position of the European Council at its meeting of December 13 when it stated that the Withdrawal Agreement is not open for renegotiation. This was restated in the joint letter from Presidents Tusk and Juncker to Prime Minister May yesterday. 9.05pm 9pm Arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson told the Press Association: I was slightly surprised by the scale of the defeat, but I take no particular pleasure in it. I would never rejoice in the idea of a Conservative government being defeated on anything A second referendum would plunge us back again into an orgy of toxic tedium of the kind that nobody wants. 8.55pm Picture Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster commended Parliament over the defeat of Theresa Mays withdrawal deal. Parliament has acted in the best interests of the entire United Kingdom, she said. The House of Commons has sent an unmistakable message to the Prime Minister and the European Union that this deal is rejected. Mrs May will now be able to demonstrate to the Brussels negotiators that changes are required if any deal is to command the support of Parliament. 8.50pm Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: MPs have done the right thing tonight by rejecting the Governments bad Brexit deal. He added: What happens next will define our future for decades to come. It is absolutely vital that the Prime Minister acts immediately to take any prospect of a no-deal Brexit off the table for good. That means withdrawing Article 50. We then need a fundamental rethink about how we take this crucial decision. The politicians have failed and in the absence of a general election, the British public must be allowed to decide what happens next. 8.40pm A No 10 spokesman said they hoped to open talks with other MPs as swiftly as possible once the vote of confidence was out of the way. We want to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House consistent with what we believe to be the result of the referendum, the spokesman said. We want to leave with a deal and we want to work with others who share that. The spokesman declined to be drawn on whether they would include Jeremy Corbyn. Lets not pre-empt talks before they have happened. We will look to engage widely with people we believe share our objectives. 8.37pm Crowds watched the goings-on in the Commons on a large screen outside Parliament. (Steve Parsons/PA) 8.35pm 8.35pm Picture Former foreign secretary Boris Johnson said the result of the vote gave Theresa May a massive mandate to go back to Brussels and renegotiate. Asked by the BBC whether Mrs May was the right person to lead the party and country, he said: The Tory Party had a go at all that, we all had a go at all that in December. That is not the issue. The issue is not who does it, the issue is what to do. He added that no-deal was not at all off the table, saying: We should not only be keeping the good bits of the deal, getting rid of the backstop, but we should also be actively preparing for no-deal with ever more enthusiasm. 8.30pm (PA Graphics) 8.25pm Picture The DUPs Brexit spokesman Sammy Wilson confirmed the party would vote with Theresa May in Wednesdays confidence vote. He told the BBC: We will vote with the Government, we will vote against the Labour Partys confidence motion. We want to see the Conservative Government continuing to deliver on Brexit we never wanted a change of government, we wanted a change of policy back to what the Prime Minister promised in the manifesto she stood on, and the promises she made in subsequent speeches. 8.25pm Meanwhile, protests continued outside Parliament. (Jonathan Brady/PA) (Jonathan Brady/PA) 8.20pm Liberal Democrats leader Sir Vince Cable called for a new referendum in the wake of the Withdrawal Agreements defeat in the House of Commons. This defeat is beyond what anyone imagined. It is the beginning of the end of Brexit. Time for a #PeoplesVote Vince Cable (@vincecable) January 15, 2019 8.10pm John Bercow appeared to suggest he would allow a vote on extending Article 50 if enough MPs pushed for it. The Commons Speaker was answering a point of order from Labours Yvette Cooper, after the former Cabinet minister said with just 70 days until Brexit there needed to be more time to get another deal. Ms Cooper asked him: Can you advise the House on what we might be able to do to urge the Prime Minister, for the sake of businesses and jobs and people across the country, to seek an immediate extension of Article 50 now so that this can be sorted out? Mr Bercow said: This will be discussed Im sure in the days ahead on the floor of the house. He added: Of one thing I am sure; that which members wish to debate and which they determine shall be subject to a vote, will be debated and voted on. That seems to me so blindingly obvious that no sensible person would disagree with the proposition. If MPs want to debate a matter and to vote on it, that opportunity Im sure will unfold in the period ahead. 8pm A catastrophic failure of leadership by @Theresa_May. If she has any sense of honour then she will resign. Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) January 15, 2019 Now MPs have rejected this bad Brexit deal, its vital the PM withdraws Article 50 to avoid a no-deal Brexit and the disastrous consequences for London. The public must be allowed to decide what happens next. #BrexitVote pic.twitter.com/fuz5dwAVAF Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) January 15, 2019 7.52pm Picture Responding to the Government defeat, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable said: Brexit is becoming a national humiliation. Liberal Democrats have campaigned since the referendum to give people the final say on Brexit. Theresa May has failed to persuade her party, failed to persuade Parliament and failed in her attempts to scaremonger MPs to back her. The Prime Minister now needs to pull her head out of the sand and start acting responsibly by taking the ludicrous threat of a no-deal Brexit off the table. The only way forward for the country is through a Peoples Vote where people have the right to choose to stay in the EU. It is also time for Jeremy Corbyn to find his backbone, drop his plans for a Labour-led Brexit, and back our calls for a Peoples Vote. 7.50pm Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the House of Commons that Mrs Mays catastrophic defeat represented an absolutely decisive verdict on her Brexit negotiations and said he has tabled a vote of confidence. Mr Corbyn said the confidence vote would allow the Commons to give its verdict on the sheer incompetence of this Government. 7.45pm (PA Graphics) 7.45pm Seconds after the Governments defeat was announced, European Council President Donald Tusk took to Twitter. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Charles Michel (@eucopresident) January 15, 2019 7.42pm Theresa May has addressed the Commons following the defeat. Mrs May said: The House has spoken and the Government will listen. It is clear that the House does not support this deal but tonights vote tells us what it does support. Nothing about how or even if it intends to honour the decision in a referendum Parliament decided to hold. The PM said EU citizens in the UK and British expats living on the continent deserve clarity on these questions as soon as possible. 7.40pm Picture MPs have rejected Theresa Mays Brexit deal by 432 votes to 202, majority 230. 7.35pm SNP and Green MPs Carol Monaghan and Caroline Lucas tweeted images of a crowded no lobby, where MPs who voted against the Government had congregated. The No lobby is mobbed. Think we can safely say the Prime Ministers #Brexit deal is sunk. pic.twitter.com/lWuiNkA0RN Carol Monaghan MP (@CMonaghanSNP) January 15, 2019 Its unusually busy in the No Lobby - thats a good sign!#BrexitVote pic.twitter.com/OVehgKup2c Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) January 15, 2019 7.30pm Protests continued outside Parliament as MPs voted. (Steve Parsons/PA) 7.25pm Picture MPs defeated John Barons amendment, which sought to give the UK the right to terminate the Irish border backstop without the agreement of the EU, by 600 votes to 24 majority 576. 7.20pm Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has posted highlights from his final speech urging MPs to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement. Theresa May's deal is bad for our economy, for our democracy and for the country. Labour will vote against it tonight. #BrexitDebate #BrexitVote pic.twitter.com/X9awvOY2dT Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) January 15, 2019 7.15pm Heavily pregnant Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, of Hampstead and Kilburn, appeared in the Commons sat in a wheelchair during the vote on Tory backbencher John Barons amendment, which seeks to give the UK the right to terminate the Irish border backstop without the agreement of the EU. (House of Commons) Commons leader Andrea Leadsom walked over and had a chat with her. Ms Siddiq was due to have a Caesarean section on Tuesday but spoke to doctors about delaying her operation until Thursday. 7pm The PM blasted Jeremy Corbyns calls for another general election, saying: Todays vote is not about what is best for the Leader of the Opposition, it is about what is best for the country. She added that if the country did go back to the polls, whatever the result the choices will still be no Brexit, no deal, or leaving with a deal, and with no guarantee an election would change the Parliamentary arithmetic, it would just create two more months of uncertainty and division. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn listens to the PM (House of Commons) Mrs May said the UK has to negotiate a trade agreement, and we cannot begin this task unless we agree the terms of our withdrawal, and the European Union will not agree to any other deal for that withdrawal. She added: So having ruled out all of these options were left with one to vote for this deal tonight. 6.50pm Prime Minister Theresa May said the debate had seen Parliament at its most passionate and vigorous. Picture This is a debate about our economy and security, the livelihoods of our constituents and the future for our children and for generations to come, it goes to the heart of our constitution and no one should forget that it is a democratic process that has got us to where we are. Mrs May said the result of the 2016 referendum was clear and decisive. She said: Parliament gave the people a choice, we set the clock ticking on our departure and tonight we will determine whether we move forward with a Withdrawal Agreement that honours the vote and sets us on course for a better future. The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this an historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations. 6.45pm Theresa May addressed a packed House of Commons. (House of Commons) 6.40pm Prime Minister Theresa May is making her final appeal for MPs to support the Withdrawal Agreement. WATCH LIVE: PM @Theresa_May closes the Brexit debate ahead of the Meaningful Vote https://t.co/9iWI0EwttH UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 15, 2019 6.30pm (House of Commons) Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn urged MPs not to back the deal, calling it a reckless leap in the dark. He said: Under this deal in December 2020 we will be faced with a choice either pay more and extend the transition period or lock us into the backstop. At that point the UK would be over a barrel. We would have left the EU have lost the UK rebate and be forced to pay whatever was demanded. Mr Corbyn added: This deal is bad for our economy, a bad deal for our democracy and a bad deal for this country. Do the right thing, reject this deal. 6.25pm Tory Remainer Anna Soubry, Independent chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee Frank Field and Conservative Dr Julian Lewis make their comments in the House of Commons as the debate draws to a close. 6.10pm Protests continue outside Parliament ahead of the vote. (Jonathan Brady/PA) (Jonathan Brady/PA) (Steve Parsons/PA) (Steve Parsons/PA) 6pm Former Brexit secretary David Davis reiterated calls to reject Theresa Mays deal. The PM wrongly claims it is her deal, no deal or no Brexit. But the EU have been offering us a Canada+++ deal from the very beginning. We must reject the PMs deal tonight and push for a deal that delivers the referendum result. #BrexitInBrief pic.twitter.com/bHgKDuC7cD David Davis (@DavidDavisMP) January 15, 2019 5.45pm Tory MP John Baron has said that he will not support Mrs Mays deal unless his amendment, which seeks to give the UK the right to terminate the Irish border backstop without the agreement of the EU, is passed by MPs tonight. The Basildon and Billericay MP explained that his amendment would give the UK Government the unilateral right to exit the backstop at a time of its choosing. He added: Its very straightforward, the UK could not find itself indefinitely suspended in a backstop if this amendment is passed. It would allow the UK to choose the time, if it did enter the backstop, a time to exit and it would not have to seek EU approval to do so. 5.20pm Theresa May will make her final appeal to MPs in a statement closing five days of debate ahead of a series of votes, culminating with MPs final judgment on her plan at around 8.30pm. Downing Street has given little indication on how the PM intends to proceed if she is defeated. Under the terms of an amendment passed last week, she must table a motion on her Plan B by Monday. (PA Graphics) 5.05pm As the debate continued, independent chairman of the Work and Pensions Committee Frank Field said he would now vote for the deal. He said: Ive changed my mind because for all the weaknesses of this agreement the Government has put forward to us, for all of its failings, I believe we now risk losing Brexit. That doesnt excuse the Government for their incredible incompetence, it doesnt mean that some of us when this stage is over wont push for a Dardanelles type inquiry to find out why we landed at this late hour in this desperate position that we are. But I do not wish to live my time as an MP for Birkenhead aiding and abetting those whose real aim is to destroy Brexit. 5pm The final day of debate on the Withdrawal Agreement is coming to a close in the Commons ahead of tonights vote. Outside Parliament, there were demonstrations by protesters on both sides of the Brexit debate. (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok/PA) US President Donald Trumps nominee for attorney general has defended his decision to send a memo to the Justice Department criticising the special counsels Russia investigation. William Barr said he was simply trying to warn senior Justice Department officials against stretching a statute to conclude that the president had obstructed justice. The comments came at his Senate confirmation hearing, where he sought to provide assurance he would not undermine Robert Muellers investigation into Russias ties with Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. William Barr sent a 19-page memo arguing against potential obstruction of justice charges to Trumps personal defense lawyers and Jared Kushners defense team. If DOJ ethics lawyers recommend his recusal based on these facts, Barr should commit to following their guidance. Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) January 15, 2019 He said he does not believe Mr Mueller, a friend of 30 years who once worked for him at the Justice Department, would be involved in a witch hunt as Mr Trump has labelled it. And he said he believed former attorney general Jeff Sessions was right to recuse himself from matters involving the special counsel probe a decision Mr Trump railed against during Mr Sessions time in the office. Mr Barr told the Senate Judiciary Committee he raised his concerns about Mr Muellers investigation into whether the president had tried to stymie the Russia probe at a lunch last year with deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mr Mueller and oversees his work. Mr Rosenstein did not respond and was sphinx-like, Mr Barr recalled. He said he followed up with a memo to Mr Rosenstein in June that argued that Mr Mueller should not be able to interview the president about his decision to fire James Comey as FBI director. He said there were other instances in which he had given advice to the Justice Department, such as cautioning against a prosecution of Democratic senator Robert Menendez. William Barr being sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Mr Barr also told senators that it is vitally important that Mr Mueller be allowed to complete his investigation, and said he believes Congress and the public should learn the results. He also insisted that Mr Trump never sought any promises, assurances or commitments before selecting him to be the countrys chief law enforcement officer. In releasing written evidence before the hearing, the Justice Department moved to pre-empt the most significant questions Mr Barr is likely to face from Democrats on the panel among them, whether he can oversee without bias or interference the final stages of Mr Muellers probe, and whether he will permit the findings to be made public. I believe it is in the best interest of everyone the president, Congress, and, most importantly, the American people that this matter be resolved by allowing the special counsel to complete his work, Mr Barr said. The special counsel is required to report his findings confidentially to the Justice Department. Mr Barr stopped short of directly pledging to release Mr Muellers report, but he expressed general support for disclosing the findings, whatever they may be. For that reason, my goal will be to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law, Mr Barr said. I can assure you that, where judgments are to be made by me, I will make those judgments based solely on the law and will let no personal, political, or other improper interests influence my decisions. Theresa May has told senior ministers she believes passionately that they must take Britain out of the European Union, ahead of what is expected to be a devastating parliamentary rejection of her Brexit plans. The Withdrawal Agreement secured by the Prime Minister in Brussels in November looks set to go down to one of the heaviest Commons defeats in modern history, after a last-gasp appeal to Tory rebels fell on deaf ears. But Mrs May made clear she would not back away from Brexit in response, telling the Cabinet the Government is the servant of the people and must deliver on the result of the 2016 referendum in which voters opted to Leave by 52%-48%. She told colleagues at the weekly meeting in 10 Downing Street that she will respond quickly if her deal is rejected by MPs. Opening the final day of debate in the Commons, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox said that in the event of a Government defeat the agreement would have to return in much the same form with much the same content. Jeremy Corbyn has told Labour MPs he will table a motion of no confidence in the Government soon after a defeat, in the hope of triggering a general election. Mrs May will make her final appeal to MPs in a statement closing five days of debate ahead of a series of votes, culminating with MPs final judgment on her plan at around 8.30pm. Speaker John Bercow has allowed debate on an amendment tabled by Mr Corbyn to ditch Mrs Mays plan and pursue every option to prevent the UK leaving the EU with no deal. (PA Graphics) Also selected for debate were an SNP amendment to reject the Brexit deal and proposals by Tory backbenchers Sir Edward Leigh and John Baron for the UK to take unilateral powers to end controversial backstop arrangements. Labours Hilary Benn pulled an amendment which would have blocked both the PMs deal and a no-deal outcome, saying it was vital to get the clearest expression of view from MPs on the Governments proposals. Assurances over the backstop received from the EU on Monday appear to have failed to win over significant numbers of the deals critics among the Tories and their DUP allies. Confirming that the 10 DUP MPs will not back the PMs deal, party leader Arlene Foster told a press conference in London: We said to the Prime Minister she had to get rid of the backstop and get a Withdrawal Agreement that can be lived with. I dont think she even asked to get rid of the backstop. In a statement, the DUP said its support was conditional on legally binding changes to the Withdrawal Agreement to deliver an end date for the backstop arrangements, designed to avoid a hard border in Ireland. It is thought that Mrs Mays response to a defeat will take the form of an oral statement to the Commons immediately after the division. Reports suggested a call from Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd at Cabinet for an immediate indicative vote to rule out a no-deal Brexit in the event of defeat met strong resistance from other ministers. As campaigners from both Remain and Leave camps staged demonstrations outside Parliament, Mrs May was meeting MPs in her Commons office in a last-ditch bid to persuade them to back her deal. She is understood to be focusing her efforts on Tory backbenchers, rather than trying to reach out for support from other parties. Anti-Brexit campaigners drove effigies of Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and David Davis past the House of Commons (Yui Mok/PA) German foreign minister Heiko Maas said Brexit talks would continue if Mrs Mays deal was rejected by MPs, but there was unlikely to be substantial change to the agreement. Mr Maas said: If there were still a solution that could be presented under even greater pressure, I would ask myself why it has not been put on the table before in order to ensure that this evenings vote takes place under better circumstances. That is why I believe that the agreement is as it stands and will not be substantially changed, but that, if things go wrong tonight, there will certainly be talks again. A no-confidence vote could come as early as Wednesday if Mr Corbyn tables a motion as a point of order in the immediate aftermath of the meaningful vote. But it appears unlikely that Labour can muster enough votes to force a general election, with Tory rebels and the DUP indicating they would continue to back the Government in a confidence vote. The British people are ready for us to move beyond division and come together. pic.twitter.com/WfIqHPoARW Theresa May (@theresa_may) January 14, 2019 The Prime Minister has insisted she is focused on winning the vote, telling Conservative rebels on Monday evening that they risked handing the keys of No 10 to Mr Corbyn. However the Daily Telegraph quoted one Cabinet source as saying it would be hard for her to carry on if she lost by more than 100 votes. The deal suffered its first official parliamentary defeat in the House of Lords on Monday night as peers voted by 321 votes to 152 a majority of 169 to reject it. Downing Street has given little indication on how the Prime Minister intends to proceed if she is defeated. Under the terms of an amendment passed last week, she must table a motion on her Plan B by Monday. Some reports have suggested she could fly to Brussels possibly as early as Wednesday in an attempt to obtain further concessions on the backstop. Anti-Brexit and Pro-Brexit protesters fly flags outside the Houses of Parliament (Yui Mok/PA) But that could prove problematic if she has suffered a massive defeat, with EU leaders reluctant to give ground if they believe it is impossible for her to get the deal through the Commons. Alternatively, she could opt to bring the deal back to the House for a second or possibly even a third time in an attempt to wear down the opposition. Dominic Raab said Brexiteers like him could back a deal if aspects such as the backstop were dealt with. (PA Graphics) The former Brexit secretary told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I made clear when I resigned that there were three aspects that needed to be addressed. The backstop is clearly one of them and I want to see very clearly the Withdrawal Agreement linked to a best-in-class free trade agreement. If we could do those two things, someone like me would say that, actually, we could vote for it. VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis is insisting that bishops attending his high-stakes sex abuse prevention summit will learn the laws to use against predators, how to care for victims and will make sure that no cleric abuse cases are covered up again. The Vatican on Wednesday provided details about the Feb. 21-24 meeting, saying its main aim is to guarantee that bishops around the world "clearly understand what they need to do to prevent and combat the worldwide problem of the sexual abuse of minors." Francis will attend the full summit, which includes plenary meetings, working groups, witness testimony, a penitential service and a final Mass on Feb. 24. The pope appointed the Rev. Federico Lombardi to moderate the plenary meetings. The Italian Jesuit was Vatican spokesman during the last big explosion of sex cases in 2010 and recently penned a lengthy article in a Jesuit magazine about the Catholic Church's response to the scandal to date. Francis announced in September that he was inviting presidents of bishops' conferences around the world to attend the summit amid a crisis in his papacy over his own botched handling of sex abuse cases and a new explosion of the scandal in the U.S., Chile and beyond. Francis has a blemished record on handling sex abuse cases. Pope Francis arrives in the Paul VI hall on the occasion his weekly general audience at the Vatican, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) As a cardinal in Argentina, Francis commissioned an external legal study into the case of a popular priest accused of abuse whose conviction was upheld by the country's supreme court. Last year, he strongly defended a Chilean bishop accused of covering for a notorious predator. Francis has also been accused of turning a blind eye to the sexual misconduct with adults by the American ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. And the pope is now under the spotlight because an Argentine bishop whose career he promoted, first in Argentina and now at the Holy See, is under investigation for sexual misconduct with seminarians. The Vatican spokesman, Alessandro Gisotti, said Francis realized the problem is global and must be addressed globally by the church. He said Francis considered it fundamental that when the participants return home "they understand the laws to be applied and that they take the necessary steps to prevent abuse, to care for the victims, and to make sure that no case is covered up or buried." The meeting organizers, who met in Rome last week and briefed Francis on their preparations, have urged bishops to meet with victims at home before they come to Rome. With the crisis threatening the credibility of the papacy and the Catholic hierarchy as a whole, the Vatican has tried to tamp down expectations for the summit. Its new communications coordinator, Andrea Tornielli, recently warned that the buildup to the meeting had been "excessive." Still Francis himself heightened those expectations, referring to the summit in his Christmas address to the Vatican bureaucracy and again in his annual foreign policy address to the Vatican diplomatic corps. Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today: 1. MAY FACES NO-CONFIDENCE VOTE Analysts expect the British prime minister to keep her job a day after Parliament resoundingly defeated her Brexit deal with the European Union. 2. 'I WILL NOT BE BULLIED' William Barr, Trump's nominee for attorney general, asserts independence from the White House and states that Robert Mueller's investigation is not a "witch hunt." 3. KENYA GIVES ALL CLEAR AFTER ATTACK A British flag is pictured at the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg. European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) The African nation's security forces have killed the Islamic extremist gunmen whose assault on a luxury hotel and shopping complex killed 14. 4. WHERE SUDS ARE DRYING UP America's craft beer taps are being squeezed by the government shutdown. New releases are on hold, new breweries are unable to open and some shipments across state lines have been halted. 5. WHAT SENATORS WILL SCRUTINIZE Acting EPA chief Andrew Wheeler, who lobbied in the past for coal companies and other industries regulated by the agency, is seeking a permanent position. 6. LA TEACHERS' STRIKE ENTERS 3RD DAY Los Angeles school administrators are urging the union to resume bargaining as tens of thousands of teachers plan to walk picket lines. 7. WHAT IS NOW A MUSEUM IN IRAN Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's Niavaran Palace, his last refuge in Tehran before he fled the country during the 1979 Islamic Revolution, is now a museum. 8. MIGRANT CARAVAN ADVANCES, ANOTHER ONE STARTS The latest caravan of Honduran migrants hoping to reach the U.S. crosses peacefully into Guatemala, while another one assembles in El Salvador. 9. SHUTDOWN NOW AFFECTING US ECONOMY The economic toll of the shutdown is hitting the private sector as airlines can't get planes approved and IPOs are delayed. 10. GETTING 'SATISFACTION' The Rolling Stones are among the headliners for the 50th anniversary of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - A court hearing on a major restructuring of Puerto Rico's mammoth debt opened Wednesday, with protesters warning the deal would further indebt the U.S. territory and supporters arguing it would secure funds urgently needed by the government. The hearing involves more than $17 billion in debt backed by sales-tax bonds that the government issued, representing nearly a third of Puerto Rico's overall bonded debt. The restructuring plan was recently approved after more than 8,000 bondholders voted on it, according to a federal control board that oversees the island's finances and supports the plan, calling it key to Puerto Rico's recovery. As the session opened, Judge Laura Taylor-Swain said she has received hundreds of letters, emails and messages from people, including those "who invested entire retirement savings and plead they need to be paid in full to survive." She said everyone's concerns are significant and meaningful, but there are contracts and legal agreements that have to be addressed. "There is no decision that can perfectly reconcile all concerns," she said. If approved, the deal will mean 40 years of payments for Puerto Rico's government. Senior bondholders, who hold nearly $8 billion, will be first to collect, receiving 93 percent of the value of the original bonds. Junior bondholders, many of whom are individual Puerto Rican investors and overall hold nearly $10 billion, will collect last and recover only 54 percent. Economist Martin Guzman, a research associate at Columbia University, warned this week that if the plan is approved, Puerto Rico would pay $32 billion in the next 40 years. He said it is hard for people to understand the effect that such a deal will have on their lives before they start feeling it. "Puerto Rico risks becoming an island for the few, with an elite that will be living comfortably and for the middle class to develop their dreams elsewhere," he said. Government attorney Peter Friedman said the deal would lock in money for the government so it can continue to provide essential services. "Bondholders will not give more money if this deal is rejected," he said. "What we can't afford is losing and getting nothing." Only one person out of the 10 members of the public who testified Wednesday favored the deal. Adriana Irizarry, a mother of three, said she and her family wanted to put "this frustrating chapter" of their lives behind them. "If this plan is not approved now, Puerto Rico will be entangled in a costly litigation ... while we will receive no return on our savings," she said, adding that the family has already lost much of its investment. "We feel betrayed and defrauded by our government who is not willing to pay us back as promised." Eva Prado, a lawyer who represents a group demanding a complete audit of Puerto Rico's debt, said during her testimony that people do not have enough information about how it has been accumulated and whether it's all legal. "The people of Puerto Rico are paying off this debt with their life," she said, adding that they should not pay for the actions of government officials and others. "Make justice for the vulnerable, for the people not represented in this court." On Monday, the control board asked Swain to invalidate $6 billion worth of debt issued by Puerto Rico, including all general obligation bonds issued in 2012 and 2014, because it alleges it violated debt limits established by the island's Constitution. Swain is holding a hearing on the issue at month's end. Before the hearing began, more than 100 protesters gathered in front of the courthouse to protest the deal. As attorneys began filing into the courthouse, protesters yelled, "Vultures! Vultures!" Johnny Rodriguez, a government worker who traveled nearly an hour from the eastern mountain town of Juncos for the protest, said he wanted to defend the people of his island. "We're the victims," he said. "Given the situation that the island is going through, they are condemning future generations and forcing them to carry this debt." Former Puerto Rico Sen. Maria de Lourdes Santiago took a megaphone to decry the control board, which she said is damaging the future of Puerto Rico. The restructuring deal is "socialism for the rich," she said, adding that she worries the government will be forced to take away funds and essential services from the people to pay its debt. Taylor-Swain has set aside two days for the hearing. If approved, the deal would be the second debt-restructuring agreement since Puerto Rico announced it was unable to pay its debt in June 2015. In November, it completed the first with creditors holding more than $4 billion in debt issued by the now-defunct Government Development Bank. Puerto Rico has seen its population dwindle from 3.7 million to 3.2 million in roughly a decade as a result of the economic crisis, coupled with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, which hit in September 2017. WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poles on Wednesday heatedly condemned the power of hate speech to trigger real-life violence after the slaying of a popular liberal mayor, with many calling for stronger actions against those who threaten others. Not only did the killer, an ex-convict, take the life of the 53-year-old Gdansk mayor, Pawel Adamowicz, but he stabbed him during a popular fundraising concert by the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, which raises money for life-saving medical equipment. Both the mayor and the organization are prominent symbols of openness and tolerance, leaving many Poles to interpret the attack as a double blow to those values. Investigators are checking to see if the assailant, who was recently released from prison, has psychiatric problems. He stabbed Adamowicz three times in the heart and abdomen and told the crowd Sunday evening that it was revenge against Civic Platform, the now-opposition party that was in power when he was imprisoned for bank robberies. The brutal killing took place as Poland is more bitterly divided than at any time since it threw off communism 30 years ago, with massive amounts of hate speech and even death threats against prominent figures. "Stop hate speech," the major daily Rzeczpospolita wrote Wednesday in a front-page appeal, citing a "brutalization of public debate" and "a wave of hatred that spills both from traditional media and the internet." Lech Walesa, the former Polish democracy activisit and ex-president, signs a condolence book for Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz, who died earlier this week after being stabbed by an ex-convict with a grudge against his former party, in Gdansk, Poland, on Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In the condolence book at the European Solidarity Center, Walesa, 75, wrote: ""Farewell, my friend, in this vale. We will meet soon in a better place.".(AP Photo/Anna Rezulak/KFP) POLAND AUT "I have no doubt that this wave emboldened the murderer of Pawel Adamowicz to act," wrote editor Boguslaw Chrabota. "Even today, with the entire country in mourning ... internet trolls are congratulating the murderer, making him into a national hero, demanding a repeat of such acts." Other city mayors who, like Adamowicz, have also received death threats appealed Wednesday to justice officials to more effectively prosecute such activity. Adamowicz was a longtime member of the Civic Platform party but left it in 2015. He died on Monday, leaving behind a wife and two daughters, aged 8 and 15. "Hatred killed Pawel. A hatred that was insane, a hatred that was well-organized," Grzegorz Schetyna, the head of the Civic Platform, said Wednesday during a session of parliament that began with a moment of silence and prayers for Adamowicz. Poland's ruling party leader, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, was not present at the session, a gesture that critics denounced as a sign of disrespect. Kaczynski's spokeswoman said his absence was just a "coincidence." The charity that Adamowicz supported is Poland's largest nonprofit organization and has become a model of civic engagement and humanitarianism in its 27 years. Founder Jerzy Owsiak is also a prominent liberal voice who has sparred verbally with members of the country's right-wing ruling party, Law and Justice. Just last week, state television, TVP, which is government controlled, ran an animation that depicted Owsiak in a defamatory manner. The broadcaster apologized after an outcry, while the head of the news program has been indefinitely suspended. In the wake of Adamowicz's death, Owsiak resigned from his position, citing police inaction despite threats against him. Wednesday evening, a crowd gathered outside TVP's main editorial office in Warsaw in protest following a Monday evening report on Adamowicz's death that seemed to put all blame for all the aggression in the country solely on Civic Platform officials. Meanwhile, pressure mounted on the ruling party to fire the head of TVP. In its main evening news report, TVP said its staff was also being targeted by hate speech and threats. Adamowicz was also an object of hate for far-right extremists for his support for migrants and gay rights. In 2017, after he voiced support for bringing wounded Syrian children for medical treatment in Gdansk, the far-right group All-Polish Youth issued a symbolic "political death notice" for him and several other liberal leaders. Prosecutors had dropped that investigation. On Wednesday, Adam Bodnar, an independent state official for human rights, said he was sending a request to the prosecutor general to reopen a list of frozen hate crime cases. Since Adamowicz's killing, police in Poland have arrested several suspects threatening to kill public figures, including Donald Tusk, the former Polish prime minister who is now president of the European Council. On Wednesday evening in Gdansk, Adamowicz's wife, Magdalena Adamowicz, and elder daughter, Antonina, joined thousands of mourners who formed a large heart with candles. They thanked the people of the city for their support. The widow also urged people to be good to each other, saying her husband loved everyone. "I love you, daddy, very much and forever," his tearful daughter said in the family's first public appearance since the killing. "I love you, Pawel," his wife said while embracing her daughter. Gdansk officials said Adamowicz's funeral Mass would take place at noon Saturday and that he would be buried in St. Mary's Basilica, a Gothic brick church where other prominent city figures were laid to rest. Among those signing a condolence book was ex-president Lech Walesa, a democracy leader who founded the anti-communist Solidarity movement in Gdansk shipyard in 1980 and later won the Nobel Peace prize. "Farewell, my friend, in this vale," the 75-year-old Walesa wrote. "We will meet soon in a better place." FILE - The May 4, 2016 file photo shows Gdansk mayor Pawel Adamowicz speaking at a commemoration ceremony for late Bremen Mayor Hans Koschnick. Poland's health minister says that Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz has died from stab wounds a day after being attacked onstage by an ex-convict at a charity event. (Carmen Jaspersen/dpa via AP) The flag of the city of Gdansk flies at half-staff over Gdansk, Poland, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Flags flew at half-staff and people signed condolence books at municipal buildings across Poland and in diplomatic missions abroad on Tuesday as the nation mourned the stabbing death of the popular liberal mayor of Gdansk. (AP Photo/Wojciech Strozyk) FILE - July 16, 2013 file photo shows Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz as he visits the city hall of Luebeck, northern Germany. Poland's health minister says that Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz has died from stab wounds a day after being attacked onstage by an ex-convict at a charity event. (Markus Scholz/dpa via AP) FILE This June 27, 2012 file photo shows the entrance to St. Johns Military Academy in Salina, Kan. The Kansas military school failed to adequately supervise cadets entrusted to its care and intentionally inflicted emotional distress in 2014 on a bullied 11-year-old student who had been physically tied together with his harasser in public as punishment, according to an arbitration award made public Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner, File) COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Lofven of Sweden moved a step closer to forming a center-left governing coalition after a small left-wing party on Wednesday cleared the path for him to serve a second term. The move could end a four-month deadlock to form a coalition in Sweden. Two center-right parties already have agreed to abstain from voting against Lofven in Friday's ballot in parliament on whether he should be Sweden's next prime minister, leading a Social Democrat-led minority government likely with the left-leaning Greens. Jonas Sjostedt of the small Left Party said it also would abstain, saying the alternative would have been a center-right government backed by the right-wing, anti-migrant Sweden Democrats party In Sweden, a prime minister can govern as long as there is no majority against him or her. Wednesday's development means three parties will abstain from voting against Lofven and two - his own Social Democrats and the Greens - will vote for him. This gives Lofven 195 lawmakers in the 349-seat Riksdagen, where a majority is 175 seats. Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven attends a press conference after his meeting with the Speaker of the parliament Andreas Norlen, in Stockholm, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Riksdagen will Monday present a proposal to the Riksdag for a candidate for Prime Minister. (Anders Wiklund/TT News Agency via AP) Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen on Wednesday nominated Lofven for Friday's vote, after which Lofven likely will present his government. Swedish politicians are trying to form a government without the Sweden Democrats, which has neo-Nazi roots. Both the center-left and the center-right blocs have refused to cooperate with the Sweden's third-largest party, which made great strides in the Sept. 9 national election. The emergence of Sweden Democrats, which has worked to moderate its image in past years, reflects how deeply Sweden is being transformed by migration. The largest of the Scandinavian countries, with 10 million people, has been welcoming to migrants and refugees for decades. Many Swedes have long cherished humanitarian values as a centerpiece of their national identity. In 2015, Sweden took in a record 163,000 migrants - the highest per capita of any European country. Since then, the country has sharply restricted immigration, but many Swedes complain that society cannot cope with integrating so many newcomers, many of them Muslims from Africa and the Middle East. The center-right opposition was left fuming by Wednesday's move. "It seems Sweden will get a new left-leaning government," said Ulf Kristersson, leader of the country's second-largest party, the Moderates, which now would be in opposition. "It is an absurd coalition, because the Center Party and the Liberals have been tricked into a government." LONDON (AP) - The Latest on Brexit (all times local): 10:10 p.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May says she has started meeting leaders of opposition parties about Brexit and called for politicians to "put self-interest aside" and find a consensus on Britain's path out of the European Union. May spoke outside her 10 Downing St. residence after her government narrowly won a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday evening. She has been meeting with leaders from rival political parties in a bid to break Britain's political impasse over Brexit. On Tuesday, lawmakers resoundingly rejected the divorce deal May's government struck with the EU; the prime minister has until the start of next week to come back to Parliament with a Plan B. May said she was disappointed the leader of the main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, had so far refused to meet her. She said her "door remains open." A British flag is pictured at the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg. European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) ___ 7:20 p.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May's government has survived a no-confidence vote called after May's Brexit deal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers. The House of Commons expressed confidence in the government by 325 votes to 306, meaning May can remain in office. Had the government lost, Britain would have faced an election within weeks while preparing to leave the European Union on March 29. Despite the reprieve, May faces a monumental struggle to find a way out of her country's Brexit impasse. She has until Monday to come up with a new blueprint for Britain's EU exit after the deal she reached with the EU went down to a crushing defeat in Parliament on Tuesday. ___ 6:10 p.m. France's parliament has adopted a law allowing for emergency measures to deal with Britain's March 29 exit from the EU. The National Assembly voted Wednesday on the final reading of a special law drafted to handle a "no-deal" Brexit. The law includes things like extra customs officers after Brexit day, and a temporary rule allowing Britons employed in France to keep their jobs after March 29 even though they will no longer be EU citizens. European Affairs Minister Nathalie Loiseau called for calm, but stressed the importance of having a contingency plan. Supporters argued the French law was especially necessary after the British Parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a divorce deal negotiated between the U.K. government and the EU. That deal had laid out ways to smooth over the transition. Without a deal, it's unclear how both sides will handle cross-border trade, finance and travel when Britain leaves. ___ 4:45 p.m. A top French border police official says checks of the English Channel for illegal immigration won't change after Britain leaves the European Union on March 29. Franck Toulliou, the second-in-command of France's Air and Frontier Police, said French authorities will continue monitoring freight trucks that migrants try to hop in Calais before the vehicles enter the tunnel that leads to England. French maritime authorities are also cracking down on boats carrying migrants, which the area has seen a recent spike in. In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday Toulliou warned that Brexit will affect travelers with British passports seeking to enter France since they will no longer be EU residents. He spoke after British lawmakers rejected a divorce deal laying out rules for Britain's transition out of the EU. ___ 2: 30 p.m. French fishermen are expressing fear that seafood supplies would be hard-hit if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal on post-Brexit relations with the EU. Gerard Romiti, president of France's national committee for fisheries, said in a statement issued Wednesday: "We are navigating through troubled waters." Fishermen from northwestern France heavily rely on access to British waters in the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel and North Sea, which now is granted and regulated by EU rules. The French committee urged European and French authorities to take "all necessary actions" to anticipate the potential impacts of a no-deal Brexit on fishing fleets and the sustainability of fisheries resources. ___ 1:30 p.m. British lawmakers have begun debating a motion of no-confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May's government. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called for a confidence vote after the House of Commons overwhelmingly rejected May's Brexit deal with the European Union. Opening the debate, Corbyn said the defeat was the biggest in British history and called on the government to "do the right thing and resign." He said that "if a government cannot get its legislation through Parliament, it must go to the country for a new mandate." May has refused to resign, and is likely to win Wednesday's vote with backing from her Conservative Party and its Democratic Unionist Party allies. If she loses, the country likely faces a snap general election. ___ 12:40 p.m. Irish leader Leo Varadkar says that it is now up to the British government to come up with alternatives to avoid an exit from the European Union without an agreement. Varadkar says that if Prime Minister Theresa May's government is willing to shift some of its so-called red lines in negotiations, then the position of negotiators in the EU would also change. The Irish prime minister says that "the onus is on Westminster" to come up with solutions. Varadkar says "we've always said that if the United Kingdom were to evolve its red lines on the customs union and the single market, that the European position would evolve also." EU negotiator Michel Barnier also said Wednesday that if May shifts the red lines they will open the political declaration on future relations. ___ 11:35 a.m. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila is urging all British citizens living the Nordic country to immediately register at Finland's immigration service to make sure they receive a living permit in case of no-deal Brexit. Sipila told Finnish news agency STT Wednesday that the temporary permit will be issued so that the 5,000 Britons currently living in the country of 5.5 million can continue their stay if Britain exits the European Union without a deal. He said the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has increased as a result of the British parliament's decision to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal Tuesday. The Finnish government's social benefits office Kela said there may be major changes to what social benefits British citizens in Finland may be entitled to in case of a Brexit without an agreement, but did not provide details. ___ 11:10 a.m. French wine and spirits makers are warning that Britain crashing out of the European Union without a deal could hurt trade. A day after British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered an overwhelming defeat over her Brexit deal, the federation of French wine and spirits exporters said Tuesday that "the specter of a 'no deal' could have serious consequences for the economy and the citizens of both parties." According to the federation, called FEVS, Britain is France's second-biggest destination for exports of spirits and wine and France imports a large quantity of British spirits. FEVS President Antoine Leccia said: "This vote is prejudicial to the historical and fruitful commercial relationship between our countries." ___ 11 a.m. A top official at the French presidency said Europeans would make no concessions on Brexit that would damage the European Union's core principles, including the integrity of the single market. The French official said that any request by Britain to seek an extension to the Brexit timetable would need to come with a new plan and a strategy from the British government. The official was speaking anonymously in line with the French presidency's customary practice. He added that "nobody believes" the European Union would now be "weak and febrile." ''And I don't think Theresa May believes it", he added. The French parliament votes on Wednesday afternoon to adopt preparatory measures to get the country ready in case of no deal. - By Sylvie Corbet ___ 10:50 a.m. Russia's foreign minister says Moscow isn't taking any sides in the controversy over Britain's exit from the European Union. Sergey Lavrov was speaking Wednesday at a news conference a day after the British parliament overwhelmingly rejected British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. He rejected allegations that Russia was gloating in the turmoil, saying that Russia is interested in seeing a "united, strong and, most importantly, independent European Union." Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia would stand ready to develop ties with Britain and the EU irrespective of the outcome of talks on British departure from the EU. ___ 10:10 a.m. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says there's still time for negotiations between the European Union and Britain over its departure from the bloc. Merkel says that she regretted the decision by British lawmakers to oppose the agreement negotiated by British Prime Minister Theresa May and the EU. Merkel told reporters in Berlin that "we will of course do everything to find an orderly solution, but we are also prepared if there is no orderly solution." Merkel said "we still have time to negotiate, but we are now waiting to see what the British prime minister proposes." ___ 9:45 a.m. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney says financial markets appear to have taken a fairly benign view of the big defeat of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal and seem to believe Brexit may be delayed. Addressing lawmakers on the Treasury Select Committee, Carney said Wednesday that the market reaction since Tuesday evening's vote indicates that investors think the "prospect of no deal may have diminished." Carney made clear that wasn't necessarily his view and that he wouldn't put too much stock on short-term movements in financial markets. But he also said the move higher in the pound could be an indication that investors think the date when Britain leaves the European Union will be extended. He said the market interpretation of May's 230-vote defeat reflects "some expectation the process of resolution would be extended." At present the country is due to leave on March 29 but the government could ask the EU to extend that date. On Wednesday, the pound was up 0.2 percent at $1.2888. ___ 9:35 a.m. Germany's foreign minister says "the time for little games is now over" on Brexit because the clock is ticking to avert a hard rupture between the U.K. and the European Union. Heiko Maas suggested British lawmakers who voted against the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May should recognize the importance of the issue, adding that "we need a solution, and we need it quickly." Maas told Deutschlandfunk radio that British lawmakers in London so far had only shown "what they don't want, and that's not enough." He dismissed the notion that May might get a substantially better deal if she goes back to Brussels, saying "if there was anything else one could have offered Britain it would have had to have been done in the last weeks." Maas wouldn't rule out extending the March 29 deadline for Brexit, but noted that "this won't really be easy, because we have the European elections in May." ___ 9:15 a.m. U.K. financial markets have taken the overwhelming defeat of Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in stride. The pound was up 0.1 percent at $1.2869 in early morning trading, while the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was down 0.1 percent at 6,888. Though uncertainty surrounding Britain's exit from the European Union remains elevated, many in the markets think May's defeat by lawmakers Tuesday evening makes it less likely the country will crash out of the bloc on March 29 with no deal. James Smith, an economist at ING, says the "calm market response" suggests investors think at the very least that the government will end up having to seek an extension to the Brexit timetable. Traders will remain focused on developments in Parliament later, where lawmakers will vote on whether they have confidence in the government. ___ 9:10 a.m. The head of an influential German business lobby group says the U.K. Parliament's vote against the Brexit deal with the European Union shows "hysteria has won." Joachim Lang, chief executive of the Federation of German Industries, says that lawmakers' rejection of the deal is "dramatic" and "the chance to find a way out of this chaos has been passed up for now." The group, known by its German acronym BDI, warned that Britain is getting closer to a disorderly departure from the EU and "the responsibility for avoiding this lies solely with the government and opposition in London." The BDI said trade in goods and services between Germany and Britain amounts to about 175 billion euros ($200 billion) a year. It said "any uncertainty would endanger tens of thousands of companies and hundreds of thousands of jobs in Germany and especially in the United Kingdom." ___ 9 a.m. Britain's envoy to Germany says the European Union might help avert a "no-deal" Brexit if it's prepared to shift its position on the terms of future border controls with Ireland. Britain's ambassador in Berlin, Sebastian Wood, says that the current "backstop " solution is opposed both by U.K. lawmakers who want the country to leave the EU, and those who don't. In an interview with German public broadcaster ARD, Wood noted that Britain wouldn't have the right to get out of the backstop unilaterally "and many have noticed this." He said "this might be the most important question in the coming days and weeks, and the EU can perhaps be a little helpful in that area." ___ 8:50 a.m. British Prime Minister Theresa May faces a no-confidence vote a day after Parliament rejected her Brexit deal by an historic margin. May is battling to save her job after staking her political reputation on a last-ditch effort to win support for the divorce agreement she negotiated with the European Union. Though defeat was widely expected, the scale of the rout - 432-202 - was devastating for May's leadership. Immediately after the vote, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a no-confidence motion, saying it will give Parliament a chance to give its verdict "on the sheer incompetence of this government." Still, most analysts predict May will survive because her Conservative Party and the Democratic Unionist Party, which supports it, are expected to vote against the motion. ___ 8:15 a.m. European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. Barnier regretted Westminster's massive rejection of the deal he negotiated with the government of British Prime Minister Theresa May and said that any future deal would still have to include approving the withdrawal agreement. He said Wednesday that "whatever happens, ratification of the withdrawal agreement is necessary. It is a precondition." He said that a linked political declaration offered "possible options" for further talks. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a debate before a no-confidence vote on Theresa May raised by opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence Wednesday. (Mark Duffy, UK Parliament via AP) Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks during a debate before a no-confidence vote on Prime Minister Theresa May raised by Corbyn, in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence Wednesday. (Mark Duffy, UK Parliament via AP) Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, speaks during a debate before a no-confidence vote on Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May raised by Corbyn, in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence Wednesday. (Jessica Taylor, UK Parliament via AP) Banners lay on the ground at the demonstration area in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier speaks during a debate on Brexit at the European Parliament, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) European Parliament President Antonio Tajani speaks at the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) Former U.K. Independence Party (UKIP) leader Nigel Farage listens at the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) Pro-EU demonstrators gather in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow speaks during a debate before a no-confidence vote on Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May raised by opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence Wednesday. (Jessica Taylor, UK Parliament via AP) A member of the Air and Frontier police department watches screens in the Police control room of Eurotunnel in Coquelles, northern France, Wednesday, Jan 16, 2019. A top French border police official says that migrants may fear the consequences of Brexit but checks for illegal border crossings won't change - but likely will for British. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler) Other ministers look on as Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a debate before a no-confidence vote on Theresa May raised by opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence Wednesday. (Mark Duffy, UK Parliament via AP) A protester carries a picture depicting Prime Minister Theresa May, in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A protester holds a banner in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A protester holds a poster depicting Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) The EU flags wave next to the statue of King George V in Westminster, London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks during Prime Minister's Questions time in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence later Wednesday. (House of Commons/PA via AP) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - International Criminal Court judges said Wednesday that former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010. Prosecutors have said they will appeal the acquittals once judges issue their written majority decision acquitting Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude. Prosecutors wrote in a motion that there are "exceptional circumstances for maintaining both accused's detention pending appeal" and urged judges only to release the men under strict conditions designed to ensure they do not flee justice. But Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser said a majority of the three-judge panel rejected the prosecution request, clearing the way for the men to be released once logistical and diplomatic formalities are completed. "Both Mr. Gbagbo and Mr. Ble Goude have recognized the court's jurisdiction and have undertaken to return to the court if and when their presence is required," Tarfusser said. However, prosecutors late Wednesday appealed that decision and asked for the men's release to be suspended pending the outcome. Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo celebrate outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, after judges ruled that former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Gbagbo was the first former president to go on trial at the global court and his case was seen as a milestone in efforts to bring to justice the highest-ranking leaders accused of atrocities. More than 3,000 people were killed in late 2010 and early 2011 in violence that erupted in the West African nation after Gbagbo refused to accept defeat by his rival and current Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara. A small group of supporters of the two men drank Champagne and flashed victory signs outside the court after the ruling. One of Gbagbo's daughters, Marie Laurence Gbagbo, was among those celebrating. "We are really proud," she said. "Justice prevailed, the truth came out and he's coming out the right way." Judges first ordered the men's release Tuesday after acquitting them on charges of crimes against humanity including murder, rape and persecution. Ivory Coast government spokesman Sidi Tiemoko Toure said the acquittals triggered "demonstrations of both joy and disapproval" in Abidjan and called for calm. The administration was thinking of the victims "and assures them of its support," Toure said in a statement. At a hearing Wednesday morning, defense lawyers said the time had come to let the men go, with no strings attached. "Laurent Gbagbo is no longer an accused person, Laurent Gbagbo has been acquitted," said the former president's lawyer Emmanuel Altit. Ble Goude's lawyer Geert-Jan Knoops agreed. "These two individuals are acquitted," he told judges. "They should be given back their natural right to freedom." Gbagbo has been in the court's custody since November 2011 and Ble Goude since March 2014. Their trial, which had been underway for nearly three years, was brought to an abrupt halt Tuesday when two of the three judges hearing the case ruled that prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to support their charges. "We said all along that they've done nothing," Gbagbo supporter Abdel Bayeto said outside the court. "It was a hidden agenda, an international plot against a true son of Ivory Coast, a true son of Africa." ____ Associated Press writer Alexis Adele in Abidjan, Ivory Coast contributed. Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo queue to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) A person leaves the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) The flag of the International Criminal Court is reflected in a mirrored wall of the building in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo walk towards the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast government minister Charles Ble Goude hugs his legal team at the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted former president Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Charles Ble Goude hugs his legal team as he and former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enter the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and an ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) A person leaves the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) The flag of the International Criminal Court is reflected in a mirrored wall of the building in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo walk towards the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo queue to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, where lawyers were scheduled to discuss the next steps in the case of Gbagbo and ex-youth minister Charles Ble Goude, a day after both men were acquitted of crimes against humanity. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo celebrate outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, after judges ruled that former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo celebrate outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, after judges ruled that former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo celebrate outside the International Criminal Court, rear, in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, after judges ruled that former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo celebrate outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, after judges ruled that former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and a former government minister should be released immediately following their acquittal on charges of involvement in deadly post-election violence in 2010. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong) DUNSTABLE, England (AP) - Brexit has British business owners on edge - and that is great news for Lovespace, a storage and warehousing company outside London. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year and inquiries quadrupled as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. "People are working out how to store stuff - how to get things to their own customers as the year progresses," CEO Steve Folwell said as workers moved boxes around the company's 20,000 square-foot (1,860 square-meter) warehouse in Dunstable, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) northwest of London. "There's uncertainty because of Brexit and there's a lack of trust in the political process at the moment." The risk of a no-deal Brexit is increasing amid widespread opposition to the divorce agreement Prime Minister Theresa May negotiated with the EU. While May says her deal is the only way to ensure that trade continues to flow smoothly after Britain leaves the bloc on March 29, U.K. lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the agreement late Tuesday because opponents fear it will leave the country tied to the EU for years to come. Without an agreement on future relations, 40 years of free trade between Britain and the EU would be replaced by tariffs, border inspections and other non-tariff barriers, with potentially devastating impacts on the British economy. The government's own contingency plans raise the specter of lengthy border delays that could cause shortages of food and medicine, and the Bank of England predicts gross domestic product could shrink by as much as 8 percent this year. "Businesses would face new costs and tariffs," said Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industries, which represents 190,000 businesses. "Our ports would be disrupted, separating firms from the parts they need to supply their customers." Lovespace warehouse worker Pawel Mazur unloads boxes from a trolley to place them into their allocated zones at the warehouse in Dunstable, England Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Among those taking precautions is Richard Ellison, the founder of Wanderlust Wine, who imports wines from small producers off the beaten track. Worried that supplies to his customers could be interrupted, he's stocked up in advance to brace for disruption at the border and the potential for an increase in paperwork. "Everything will have to be checked at the border," he said, explaining his precautions. "We bought quite a lot in advance - an extra pallet or two to tide us over." Companies ranging from supermarket giant Tesco, which imports food from continental suppliers, to carmakers like Ford, who rely on European parts to feed British production lines, have been lobbying politicians for clarity about future trading relations ever since U.K. voters backed leaving the EU in a June 2016 referendum. Now they are taking action to ensure they can continue to operate in the event no deal is reached. A survey of U.K. manufacturers found that stockpiles of both finished goods and raw materials rose at near-record rates in December as businesses prepared for a possible disruption in supplies, according to the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. More than 60 percent of U.K. manufacturers are preparing to stockpile goods and 29 percent have already begun to do so, according to a November survey of 242 companies by EEF, the manufacturers' organization. Some are even erecting new buildings to increase storage capacity. "They are looking for places to store stuff," said Francesco Arcangeli, the EEF's economist. "They are looking for space. They are creating new space. That never happened before." Charlie Pool, CEO of Stowga, which loosely describes itself as the Airbnb of British warehousing, said customers looking for storage space searched the company's site 10,000 times in December, up from an average of 3,000 a month. Businesses are sometimes even paying deposits to secure their bookings, which isn't standard practice, Pool said, comparing it to paying for a hotel before arrival. "The data we have is proving that stockpiling for Brexit is definitely a thing," he said. "It's happening now." That is driving up the cost of storage space. The average price to store a pallet of goods jumped to 2.10 pounds ($2.71) a week last month from 1.85 pounds in September. Pool said he wouldn't be surprised if exceeded 3 pounds should a no-deal Brexit become a reality. That would still be relatively cheap compared with the cost of not getting products to the end consumers, he said. The dangers of Brexit to business are evident even for storage companies like Lovespace. Despite the boom in revenue, a potential investor pulled back last year because of the uncertainty caused by Britain's exit from the EU. The investor said "it seems awfully complex to me," Folwell said. "People are looking at the U.K. as a bit of a basket case at the moment." ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit Lovespace warehouse worker Pawel Mazur unloads boxes at the warehouse in Dunstable, England Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Lovespace warehouse worker Piotr Waligora, works on an electronic lift to place boxes and goods in their allocated zones at the warehouse in Dunstable, England Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Lovespace warehouse worker Piotr Waligora, works on an electronic lift to place boxes and goods in their allocated zones at the warehouse in Dunstable, England Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Charlie Pool, the CEO of Stowga, poses for a portrait in the Lovespace warehouse in Dunstable, England, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Steve Folwell, the CEO of Lovespace poses for a portrait at the Lovespace warehouse in Dunstable, England Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Lovespace warehouse worker Pawel Mazur places boxes into their allocated zones at the warehouse in Dunstable, England Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Lovespace, which collects boxes from customers, stores them and then returns the goods when needed, says revenue from businesses doubled over the past year as enterprises large and small began stockpiling inventory because of concerns they will be cut off from suppliers if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement on future trading relations. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) STRASBOURG, France (AP) - European Union leaders were pleading Wednesday with the U.K. to finally get its act together on Brexit, end internal strife and come up with a realistic plan to leave the bloc - well over two years after Britain decided to leave the EU and departure just 10 weeks away. European politicians watched the spectacle with a mix of shock and utter bafflement after Britain's Parliament discarded Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in a historic defeat for the government late Tuesday. EU officials immediately said that plans to cope with a disorderly, no-deal departure on March 29, rife with the prospect of chaos on roads, airports and administration would be sped up. Hours after the humiliating setback for May's government, EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said early Wednesday that the EU was "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. Guy Verhofstadt, the chief Brexit official in the EU parliament, said in an interview with The Associated Press that Britain had better start seeing the impending departure as a national crisis that goes well beyond party politics. "The only lesson for them is that they need to sit around one table, opposition and majority to sort out what is in the national interest," Verhofstadt said. A British flag is pictured at the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg. European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) What started as a fight within the Conservative Party which led to the June 2016 referendum, then spread to a hostile and bitter divide across British society and most parties in Parliament. And despite the urgency and the massive economic stakes in winning a smooth departure with a long transition period and a raft of accompanying measures, division has only increased. "Brexit is a disgrace for the British people and for the EU. Nobody wins. We all lose, in particular the British people," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told EU legislators. EU parliamentarians could hardly believe the chaos in one of the Western world's greatest democratic institutions. Watching Tuesday's debate in the House of Commons, EPP legislator Esther de Lange said she "could not help but thinking 'Boy, collectively they don't know what they want, but, boy, do they hold great speeches.'" Her EPP boss, Manfred Weber, showed more exasperation than admiration. "Please, please, tell us finally what you want to achieve," Weber said. There is a suspicion in EU circles that by running down the clock as close to March 29 as possible, Britain would seek to draw belated concessions from the 27 member states. But so far, unity among them has persevered and on Wednesday, each and all insisted that it would remain that way in the weeks to come. Barnier said that any future deal would still have to include approving the withdrawal agreement, the 585-page document which the British parliament rejected on Tuesday. "Whatever happens, ratification of the withdrawal agreement is necessary. It is a precondition," he said. Barnier said that a linked political declaration on future relations offered "possible options" for further talks. EU Vice President Frans Timmermans had one clear piece of advice for British legislators: listen to your own musical heroes and he started quoting from the Rolling Stones: "You cannot always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need." ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier listens during a debate on Brexit at the European Parliament, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier listens during a debate on Brexit at the European Parliament, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) European Parliament Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt smiles during a debate at the European Parliament, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier speaks during a debate on Brexit at the European Parliament, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) European Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier speaks during a debate on Brexit at the European Parliament, Wednesday, Jan.16, 2019 in Strasbourg, eastern France. Barnier says the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic no-deal departure of Britain from the bloc after the rejection of the draft withdrawal deal in London left the EU "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias) LOS ANGELES (AP) - Twenty-five years ago this week, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. A look back at the damage, deaths and developments in seismic safety since the disaster: ___ THE QUAKE At 4:31 a.m. on Jan. 17, 1994, a hidden fault lurking under the city's San Fernando Valley neighborhoods unleashed a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that shattered buildings, broke water mains and ignited fires. The so-called blind thrust fault - one with no surface features to reveal its presence - caused a block of earth to move upward. Most of the energy was released toward mountains that line the northern side of the valley, but there was more than enough energy sent in other directions to cause devastation . FILE - In this Jan. 17, 1994 file photo, Interstate 10, the Santa Monica Freeway, split and collapsed over La Cienega Boulevard following the Northridge quake in the predawn hours in Los Angeles. Twenty-five years ago this week, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. (AP Photo/Eric Draper, File) The ground shook horizontally and vertically for up to 10 seconds, most strongly in an area 30 miles (48 kilometers) in diameter around LA's Northridge neighborhood, according to the public-private partnership Earthquake Country Alliance. It was felt as far away as Las Vegas. ___ DEATHS AND INJURIES The state said at least 57 died in the earthquake, though a study issued the following year put the death toll at 72, including heart attacks. About 9,000 were injured. The greatest concentration of deaths occurred at the Northridge Meadows, a 163-unit apartment complex where 16 people were killed when it collapsed onto the parking area below, crushing first-floor apartments. The catastrophe at Northridge Meadows revealed a particular seismic hazard due to so-called soft-story construction in which a building's ground level has large open areas for purposes such as parking spots or shop windows. ___ DAMAGE The widespread damage to buildings, freeways and infrastructure made the Northridge quake the costliest U.S. disaster at the time. According to Earthquake Country Alliance , 82,000 residential and commercial units and 5,400 mobile homes were damaged or destroyed, nine parking structures toppled, nine hospitals were evacuated due to structural or other problems, seven key freeway bridges collapsed, and hundreds more were damaged. Some 200 steel-frame high-rises sustained cracked welds. Vivid images from the quake included scenes of vehicles stranded high on an elevated section of freeway with the road fallen away in front and behind, and the wrecked motorcycle of a police officer who plunged to his death off the end of a broken overpass while rushing to work in the early morning darkness. The California Department of Transportation, which had already retrofitted many of the bridges that ended up being damaged, would spend hundreds of millions of dollars to further strengthen numerous bridges identified as being at risk. The damage to hospitals led the state to require strengthening of those buildings. ___ LEGACY Since Northridge there has been a push toward progress - sometimes frustratingly slow - on everything from making buildings safer to increasing society's overall ability to deal with seismic threats. In 2008, an annual earthquake drill known as the Great ShakeOut began in Southern California to teach the basic safety technique of "drop, cover and hold on." Initially based on a scenario of a magnitude 7.8 quake on the southern end of the mighty San Andreas fault, the drill has since spread across the United States and around the world. In 2015, Los Angeles enacted a mandatory retrofit ordinance aimed at preventing loss of life in major earthquakes at the city's most vulnerable buildings. It covered about 13,500 "soft-story" buildings like Northridge Meadows and some 1,500 buildings with "non-ductile reinforced concrete" construction. The ordinance, however, allowed a process spanning seven years for retrofitting of soft-story buildings and 25 years for non-ductile reinforced concrete buildings. Last year, the U.S. Geological Survey announced its fledgling West Coast earthquake early warning system was ready for broad use by businesses, utilities, transportation systems and schools after years of development and testing of prototypes. The system detects the start of an earthquake and sends alerts that can give warnings ranging from several seconds to a minute before shaking arrives, depending on distance from the epicenter. That can be enough time to slow trains, stop industrial processes and allow students to scramble under desks. This month, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti unveiled a mobile app that uses the early warning system to alert Los Angeles County residents when there is an earthquake of magnitude 5.0 or greater. Other mobile apps are in development. Also this month, the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. released a guide aimed at helping businesses minimize disruptions from major earthquakes, taking advantage of information technologies such as the digital cloud to keep a company working even if its physical systems are destroyed or inaccessible. FILE - This Feb. 14, 1994 file photo shows California State University, Northridge students walking past a parking structure at the Los Angeles campus that collapsed in the Jan. 17 earthquake. Twenty-five years ago this week, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File) FILE - In this Jan. 17, 1994, file photo, the covered body of Los Angeles Police Officer Clarence Wayne Dean lies near his motorcycle which plunged off the State Highway 14 overpass that collapsed onto Interstate 5, after a magnitude-6.7 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles. Twenty-five years ago this week, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. (AP Photo/Doug Pizac, File) FILE - In this Oct. 17, 2013 file photo, Lillian Zurita shows the proper way to "drop, cover and hold on" in Ms. Irvin's second-grade class during an earthquake drill known as the Great Shakeout at Rosemont Elementary School near downtown Los Angeles. Twenty-five years ago this week, on Jan. 17, 1994, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) FILE - This Jan. 17, 1994 file photo shows a portion of the Bullock's department store in Los Angeles' Northridge Fashion Center that collapsed in the Northridge earthquake. Twenty-five years ago this week, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) FILE - This Jan. 17, 1994 file photo shows bricks and debris surrounding a building housing Ara's Pastry on Hollywood Boulevard in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles, following the Northridge earthquake. Twenty-five years ago this week, on Jan. 17, 1994, a violent, pre-dawn earthquake shook Los Angeles from its sleep, and sunrise revealed widespread devastation, with dozens killed and $25 billion in damage. (AP Photo/Rene Macura, File) Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and the ensuing hostage crisis, have reverberated through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. Here are the key moments leading up to Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis. ___ UNREST AHEAD OF THE SHAH'S DEPARTURE -Jan. 7, 1978 -Religious riots break out in the holy city of Qom. Seven demonstrators are killed, setting off a cycle of anti-shah violence on each successive 40th day of mourning. FILE - In this Oct. 9, 1978 file photo, Iranian protesters demonstrate against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) -Aug. 18 -Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi blames Soviet-backed Communists for mounting violence. -Aug. 19 -Hundreds die in an intentionally set fire at a cinema in the southern city of Abadan. Authorities and the opposition blame each other for the fire, which triggers unrest across Iran's oil-rich regions. -Sept. 8 -Martial law is imposed in Tehran and 11 other cities after 100,000 anti-shah demonstrators stage a protest march in the Iranian capital. Troops open fire on demonstrators in the capital's Jaleh Square, killing 121 and wounding 200. -Sept. 11 -President Jimmy Carter calls the shah to reaffirm the "close, friendly relationship" between the United States and Iran. -Oct. 2 -Civil service strikes spread throughout Iran. -Oct. 6 -Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini is forced to leave Iraq for France. He had lived in exile in Iraq since the failure of a religious revolt against the shah's 1963 land reform that deprived the clergy of its holdings. -Oct. 31 -Iran's petroleum exports are disrupted as oil workers begin wildcat strikes that ultimately reduce production from 5 million barrels daily to a trickle. -Nov. 5 -Anti-shah demonstrators rampage in Tehran. Ten demonstrators are reported killed. -Nov. 6 -Cabinet resigns and is replaced by a military government headed by Gen. Gholam-Reza Azhari, Iran's armed forces chief of staff. Several newspaper editors are arrested and censorship is imposed, prompting a two-month newspaper strike for two months. The shah pledges that "past mistakes of unlawfulness, cruelty and corruption will not be repeated." -Nov. 13 -Anti-Americanism intensifies. An exodus of Americans begins that reduces their number from 45,000 to 12,000 by January. -Nov. 25 -From Paris, Khomeini calls for resistance against the "illegal" military government. -Dec. 8 -Rioters burn down the headquarters of the U.S. Grumman Aircraft Corp. in Isfahan, some 350 kilometers (215 miles) miles south of Tehran. -Dec. 10 -Anti-shah demonstrations, estimated at between 300,000 and 2 million people, take part in a peaceful march. -Dec. 24 -U.S. Marines fire tear gas at a mob trying to storm the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. -Dec. 29 -The shah asks Shahpour Bakhtiar of the opposition National Front to form a new civilian government. -Jan. 1, 1979 -The shah appears before reporters for the first time in two months and concedes he "would love" to go on vacation "if the situation permits." -Jan. 4 -Bakhtiar is appointed prime minister. -Jan. 13 -The shah appoints a regency council to represent the crown during his absence, while Khomeini announces from Paris the formation of a revolutionary council to prepare for an "Islamic Republic." -Jan. 16 -The shah departs Iran at the controls of a jetliner, never to return. Demonstrators cheer his departure. ___ THE REVOLUTION TAKES HOLD -Feb.1 -Khomeini returns from exile. -Feb. 9 -Imperial guard troops are sent to quell a pro-Khomeini demonstration by air force cadets at a base in Farahabad, on Tehran's southern outskirts. -Feb. 10 -Islamist and leftist guerrillas battle imperial guard troops around the Farahabad base, forcing the shah's troops to retreat with heavy losses. Joe Alex Morris Jr., Middle East correspondent of the Los Angeles Times, is shot and killed during the battle. -Feb. 11 -Iran's general staff declares the neutrality of the armed forces and troops are ordered back to their barracks, guaranteeing the Islamic Revolution's success. The action dooms the Bakhtiar government and the prime minister flees Tehran, ultimately to take up exile in France. ___ THE HOSTAGE CRISIS LOOMS -Feb. 14 -The U.S. Embassy in Tehran is overrun, allegedly by leftist guerrillas who later are driven off by revolutionary guardsmen loyal to Khomeini. One Iranian is killed and 101 hostages are temporarily held by the attackers. The hostages include U.S. Ambassador William Sullivan and 19 Marines. A mass evacuation of Americans remaining in Iran is directed. -Feb. 16 -Revolutionary justice is inaugurated with the execution by firing squad of four top generals, including the former head of the secret police. More than 500 other people, many of them army officers, former ministers, secret police agents, Kurdish rebels and Arab dissidents are executed in the coming months. -Feb. 18 -Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat becomes the first foreign leader to visit Khomeini. -March 5 -Iran resumes oil exports for the first time since anti-shah labor strikes shut down oil production. -March 6 -Iran announces the shah will be tried in absentia. -March 19 -About 170 people are reported dead in two days of fighting in Sanandaj in fighting between Kurdish rebels and revolutionary guards. The Kurds step up demands for autonomy. -March 30 -Millions of Iranians heed Khomeini and vote "yes" in a referendum on replacement of the monarchy with an Islamic revolutionary regime. -May 13 -Ayatollah Sadeq Khalkhali, chief of Tehran's revolutionary court, calls for the assassination of the shah, some members of his family and former high-ranking officials who escaped abroad. -May 30 -Three days of heavy fighting in the southern port city of Khorramshahr between Arabs seeking autonomy and revolutionary guards kills 100 people, according to an Arab count. Iran later accuses Iraq of supporting the Arab rebels. -Aug. 3 -Iranians elect a clergy-dominated 73-member Assembly of Experts to formulate and ratify a new constitution. The election is boycotted by the National Front. -Sept. 4 -The Iranian government orders The Associated Press to close its Tehran bureau, complaining that reports of fighting between government troops and Kurdish rebels had been "basically untrue." Four AP correspondents are ordered to leave the country. -Oct. 23 -The shah is given permission to enter the United States and is admitted to a New York City hospital for removal of a gallbladder and to undergo treatment for cancer. -Nov. 4 -Militant Iranian students overrun the U.S. Embassy in Tehran after a three-hour struggle. They take hostages, including 62 Americans, demanding the extradition of the shah. FILE - In this October 1967 file photo, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi sits on the Peacock Throne in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Nov. 15, 1977 file photo, then-first lady Rosalyn Carter, left, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, center, and then U.S. President Jimmy Carter, right, react to wafting tear gas as pro- and counter-shah demonstrators clash with police outside of the White House during a ceremony. Dozens would be injured in the violence. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In an undated photo from 1979, protestors burn an effigy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi during a demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Oct. 9, 1978 file photo, demonstrators protest Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo/Michel Lipchitz, File) FILE - In this Dec. 27, 1978 file photo, an overturned truck with a Pepsi soft drink logo burns during riots in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Jan. 16, 1979 file photo, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Empress Farah walk on the tarmac at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran, to board a plane to leave the country. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Feb. 1, 1979 file photo, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran's exiled religious leader, emerges from a plane after his arrival at Mehrabad airport in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo/FY, File) FILE - In this Feb. 1, 1979 file photo, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini has a heavy escort as he enters car to leave the airport in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo/FY, File) FILE - In this Feb. 1, 1979 file photo, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, center, waves to followers as he appears on the balcony of his headquarters in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo/Campion, File) FILE - In this Feb. 12, 1979 file photo, armed rebels, one wearing a gas mask, ride in a truck near the headquarters of Ayatollah Khomeini in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo/Campion, File) FILE - In this Feb. 13, 1979 file photo, a large picture of Ayatollah Khomeini hangs from tank gun barrel in front of Niavaran Palace in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo/Aristotle Saris, File) FILE - In this Feb. 18, 1979 file photo, Palestinian Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat, right, kisses Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, left, during a meeting in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Nov. 9, 1979 file photo, one of the hostages seized when Islamic radicals stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, blindfolded and with his hands bound, is displayed to a crowd in Tehran, Iran. Forty years ago, Iran's ruling shah left his nation for the last time and an Islamic Revolution overthrew the vestiges of his caretaker government. The effects of the 1979 revolution, including the takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and ensuing hostage crisis, reverberate through decades of tense relations between Iran and America. (AP Photo, File) LOS ANGELES (AP) - Teachers and officials in the nation's second-largest school district agreed Wednesday to resume contract negotiations in the midst of a strike that sent tens of thousands of educators onto the streets. Both sides will resume bargaining at noon Thursday at City Hall, the office of Mayor Eric Garcetti announced. The office said it will "facilitate" the negotiations but didn't indicate whether any new offers were on the table. The union said picketing would continue for a fourth day. Earlier Wednesday, United Teachers Los Angeles President Alex Caputo-Pearl said the union had engaged Garcetti to help in the dispute over pay, class sizes and support-staff levels that led to the first strike in 30 years and prompted the school district to staff classrooms with substitute teachers. The mayor lacks authority over Los Angeles Unified School District, but he has been involved in seeking a resolution. Parents and children - one holding a sign saying, "This wouldn't happen at Hogwarts" - joined the picket lines. Rocker and actor Steven Van Zandt, an advocate for arts education, also marched and said teachers are on the front lines "fighting the war against ignorance." Elementary students, from right, Sawyer Mack is joined by his sisters, Capri and Kaya in support of a teachers strike in front of Hamilton High School in Los Angeles on Wed. Jan. 16, 2019. Los Angeles school administrators urged the union to resume bargaining as tens of thousands of teachers planned to walk picket lines for a third day Wednesday, after being joined on strike for the first time by some of their counterparts from independent charter schools. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) District officials have urged the union to resume negotiating, but they have said its demands could bankrupt the school system with 640,000 students. "I remain available 24/7, anywhere, any time. Whatever it takes we'll do it," Superintendent Austin Beutner said on Twitter. All 1,240 K-12 schools in the district are open - a departure from successful strikes in other states that emboldened the LA union to act. Administrators have hired hundreds of substitutes to replace tens of thousands of teachers, which the union calls irresponsible. The first day of the walkout Monday saw attendance plunge to about 144,000 students. That number grew to 159,000 on Tuesday, then fell to 132,000 on Wednesday. Because state funding is dependent on attendance, the student absences cost the district about $69 million over three days, the district said. At the same time, it doesn't have to spend millions on teacher pay. Students who miss classes during the strike will be marked absent, but each school's principal will decide whether they face consequences, the district said. Some parents who sent their kids to school wondered how much teaching was happening as students were gathered into large groups. David Biener said his son and daughter completed worksheets in math and history while sitting on the gym floor at their middle school. "It's not an ideal situation, obviously, but there was some learning going on," he said Tuesday. "It wasn't a free-for-all." The union rejected the district's latest offer to hire nearly 1,200 teachers, counselors, nurses and librarians and reduce class sizes by two students. It also included a previously proposed 6-percent raise over the first two years of a three-year contract. The union wants a 6.5 percent hike at the start of a two-year contract. Caputo-Pearl, the union president, said members are "prepared to go as long as it takes" to get a fair contract. The last strike in 1989 lasted nine days. Beutner, the superintendent, urged the teachers to join him in pushing for more funding from the state, which provides 90 percent of the district's money. Los Angeles Unified says teachers' demands run up against an expected half-billion-dollar deficit this budget year and billions obligated for pension payments and health coverage for retired teachers. "The painful truth is we just don't have enough money," Beutner said. The union argues that the district is hoarding reserves of $1.8 billion. It represents more than 30,000 teachers who earn between $44,000 and $86,000 a year, depending on education and experience. ___ Associated Press writer John Antczak in Los Angeles contributed to this report. ___ Follow Weber at https://twitter.com/WeberCM Actor, musician and activist, Steven Van Zandt supports striking teachers on the picket in front of Hamilton High School in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. School administrators urged the union to resume bargaining as tens of thousands of teachers planned to walk picket lines for a third day Wednesday. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Actor, musician and activist, Steven Van Zandt, center, supports striking teachers on the picket in front of Hamilton High School in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. School administrators urged the union to resume bargaining as tens of thousands of teachers planned to walk picket lines for a third day Wednesday. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Maria Arienza, right, an English and Spanish teacher, shouts slogans alongside her student Stephanie Medrano, second from right, outside of North Hollywood High School Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Teachers and students rally in the steps in front of Hamilton High School, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Los Angeles, during a citywide teacher strike. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Parents, teachers and students carry signs and picket in front of Hamilton High School, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Los Angeles during a citywide teacher strike. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Spanish teachers Natalie Ardagna, right, and Jenny Padilla cover themselves from the rain as they protest outside of North Hollywood High School Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) EDITOR'S NOTE: On Jan. 16, 1979, Iran's powerful Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi abandoned his Peacock Throne and left his nation, never to return home, setting the stage for the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution a month later. His departure and the ensuing chaos blindsided the United States, which for decades relied on Iran and its absolute ruler as Washington's closest Mideast ally. Washington sold billions of dollars in weaponry to the shah, whom America empowered in a CIA-backed 1953 coup, and stationed sensitive spying stations in northern Iran to monitor the Soviet Union. The shah's departure, initially described as a "vacation," came as he was fatally stricken with cancer. His arrival in America after months abroad would spark the U.S. Embassy takeover and hostage crisis, stoking the animosity that persists between Tehran and Washington to this day. Now, 40 years later, The Associated Press is making its stories about the shah's departure from Iran available, along with historic photos from that climactic day. The stories have been edited for typographical errors, but maintain the AP style of the day, such as using "Moslem" as opposed to Muslim. ___ IRAN CHEERS DEPARTURE FILE - In this Jan. 16, 1979 file photo, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Empress Farah walk on the tarmac at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran, to board a plane to leave the country. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the shah abandoning his Peacock Throne and leaving his nation for the last time in his life, setting the stage for the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution only a month later. (AP Photo, File) By ROBERT H. REID Associated Press Writer TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a weeping king driven from his kingdom, flew his royal jet out of Iran Tuesday on a journey from which he may never return. His departure set off an explosion of joy by millions of his people. If his triumphant foes have their way, the shah's flight means the end of monarchy in a land ruled by kings for 2,500 years. Jubilant Iranians poured into Tehran's streets, singing and dancing, cheering each other in celebration of victory in the bloody year-long popular struggle against the man who has ruled their nation since 1941. "The shah is gone forever!" they chanted. Motorists honked horns and flashed headlights. People waved portraits of Ayatollah Khomeini, the bearded Moslem leader who marshaled a broad political and religious movement that forced the shah from the country. But not all Iranians rejoiced. Diplomatic sources said pro-shah soldiers fired at demonstrators in northern Tehran and there had been some injuries. The reported violence pointed up the divisiveness that remains in Iran and may foreshadow continued bloodshed. The 59-year-old monarch took the controls himself and piloted his "Shah's Falcon" Boeing 727 jetliner into the bright skies over Tehran and on to Aswan, Egypt, where he was welcomed by President Anwar Sadat. He is expected to stay there for a few days before flying on to the United States for what is officially described as an "extended vacation." Reportedly he will meet in Aswan with former President Gerald R. Ford, who had long been scheduled to meet with Sadat there. President Carter said in an interview aired Tuesday night by NBC News that he thinks the Soviet Union, Iran's neighbor to the north, wants stability in Iran. The broadcast was taped Saturday, before the shah's departure. Carter said a change in government in Iran "doesn't mean Iran will no longer exist." There was no official Soviet comment from Moscow. A dispatch filed from New York by Tass, the Soviet news agency, mostly quoted Western press reports, but also said the monarch left "like a fugitive, without a pompous sendoff and without an honorary escort." At Tehran's airport, two royal guard officers fell tearfully to their knees to try and kiss the shah's feet as he neared the plane ramp, an eyewitness reported. He told them to stand, and the officers then lifted a copy of the Koran, the Moslem holy book, over their heads as a canopy under which the royal couple mounted the ramp, the shah in a dark suit and winter coat, the Empress Farah in fur hat and collar. The monarch - "Shah of Shahs," ''Center of the Universe, Shadow of the Almighty" - left behind shattered dreams of glory for his Pahlavi dynasty and a volatile political situation. ___ THE SHAH IS GONE By The Associated Press Jubilant Iranians danced in the streets of Tehran Tuesday, chanting "The shah is gone" as word spread swiftly through the capital that the monarch had left the country. Their joy spread to other parts of the Arab world and to Paris, where the shah's arch foe, Ayatollah Khomeini, greeted the news with the Moslem expression, "God is great." Statues of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi were pulled to the ground in Tehran, and some Iranians cut his portrait out of banknotes. Horns honked, bakers gave away free cakes and cookies, and Iranians dumped candy into passing cars. They sprinkled each other with rosewater as they heard that the shah had slipped out of the country and flown to Egypt. Throughout Iran, cheering demonstrators held aloft portraits of Khomeini, the self-exiled Shiite Moslem leader who directed the religious opposition to the shah. He has vowed to establish an Islamic republic in Iran, where more than 90 percent of the population is Moslem, as is the shah. The shah, under withering religious and political pressure, left unannounced early Tuesday for Egypt and is expected to go to the United States. He said his departure was for medical treatment, but there is wide speculation he will not return. When the shah arrived in Aswan in southern Egypt he was greeted by small crowds along the route he traveled with President Anwar Sadat. In Tehran, the joy was mixed with bitterness toward the man who had held virtually absolute rule. "We hope the next national government will be able to bring the shah back and put him on trial," said Hamid Shahbazi, a student. "We'll be happy when the shah is dead," said a girl who gave her name as Nistanish. Other Iranians expressed hope their country could return to normalcy after a year of anti-shah strikes and rioting that took at least 1,500 lives. "First of all I hope the oil workers go back to so I will be able to buy some fuel oil for my central heating," said Alsofah Niasi, a housewife. In Damascus, Syria, where 270 members of the Palestinian National Council were meeting to discuss their goal of an independent Palestinian state, the news of the shah's departure provided a distraction. "Everyone is happy," said Mahmoud Labady, a spokesman for the Palestinian Liberation Organization. "We see the victory in Iran as a victory for the PLO too. It shows a trend in the Middle East against American interests and influence." There was no official comment from Moscow, but the Soviet news agency Tass, quoting "eyewitnesses," said the monarch left "like a fugitive without a pompous send off and without an honorary escort." In Paris, scores of Iranian exiles turn the knobs on shortwave radios, looking for Iranian broadcasts. They had heard the news on French radio, but many said they wouldn't believe it until they heard it from home. The 78-year-old Khomeini, who has lived in a modest villa in a Paris suburb since Oct. 6, made an appearance Tuesday afternoon and was swallowed up in a swirl of admirers as he crossed the street to the operations house where he prepared messages to be beamed at Iran. FILE - In this Jan. 16, 1979 file photo, a soldier bends to kiss the feet of Iran's Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on the tarmac of Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, Iran. Behind the shah is his wife, Empress Farah. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the shah abandoning his Peacock Throne and leaving his nation for the last time in his life, setting the stage for the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution only a month later. (AP Photo, File) FILE - In this Jan. 13, 1979 file photo, a banner denouncing Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi is put up at the entrance of Tehran University in Tehran, Iran. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the shah abandoning his Peacock Throne and leaving his nation for the last time in his life, setting the stage for the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution only a month later. (AP Photo/Bernhard Frye, File) FILE - In this Jan. 15, 1979 file photo, a smiling Iranian soldier is hailed by demonstrators who decorated them with flowers and pictures of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in Tehran, Iran. Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the shah abandoning his Peacock Throne and leaving his nation for the last time in his life, setting the stage for the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution only a month later. (AP Photo, File) A group of Catholics, mostly young people, have addressed a letter to the diocesan Curia. Whilst appreciating the educational and charitable work the Church has offered so far, the petitioners demand the diocese not be Chinas "vassal" and end the "colonial" phase of its work as a substitute services provider. It also notes the commitment of Christian in politics, defending the right of the faithful to religious freedom in China as well as Hong Kongs freedom. Hong Kong (AsiaNews) A group of Hong Kong Catholics, most of them young, have signed and distributed an open letter entitled Re-think the future of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong. It is ideally addressed to the diocesan curia and to all the faithful in the diocese, calling on them for a change of style and focus on the mission of the local Church. The open letter was released almost immediately after the funeral of Mgr Michael Yeung. Perhaps worried by Beijings possible influence on the choice of the new bishop, the petitioners ask the diocese not to be Chinas "vassal", but support instead the religious freedom of Chinese Catholics and other religious communities. Whilst appreciating the cultural, educational, charitable contribution that the Church of Hong Kong has offered so far to the local population, the letter calls for an end the "colonial" experience, typical of the British period, during which the Church offered substitute services. The petitioners also ask that the Church engage in the political field. Its members must fight to safeguard the dignity of the people of Hong Kong and the territorys democratic freedom. Here is the full text. Re-think the Future of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong An Open Letter to the Diocesan Curia by a Group of Catholics It is saddening that the Most Rev. Bishop Michael Yeung returned to our heavenly home early this month. Since the Diocese does not have a Coadjutor Bishop, the society is concerned with the issue of succession. The Diocese of Hong Kong has long played an important role in society. Diocesan Bishop is the fully rightful administrator of the Diocese. His words and deeds are looked upon by many. Adding to that, the Chinese government has recently stepped up its persecution over religious freedom, and Hong Kongs freedom and rule of law are fading. However at this very moment, the Holy See decides to engage in a rapprochement with the Chinese government, sowing uncertainties among the faithfuls as well as some non-Catholics. It is therefore inevitable that who is going to lead the Catholic Church in Hong Kong attracts much attention. Facing External and Internal Challenges There are people saying that, with the number of conflicts reduced recently, our society is heading towards harmony. They say this is a good sign. Yet, below this superfluous harmony is in fact a strong sense of powerlessness among many. Young people are losing hope, and there are potential dangers. The legislation of the National Anthem law is on the way, and the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, which the Diocese strongly opposed 16 years ago, is making a comeback. The threat over freedoms of religion and assembly are approaching. The government continues to prosecute activists, the gap between the rich and the poor is ever-widening, students are suffering from daunting pressure, and there is a sign of a new wave of migration. The said harmony is reality suffocation under authoritarianism, not the peace based on justice which our Church preaches: [T]here can be no true or sustainable peace and stability in society without justice. (Electoral Reform and the Well-Being of Hong Kong Society, Pastoral Letter of Cardinal John Tong) Since the ascension of Xi Jinping, the Chinese government lashes out on the civil society with an iron grip. Crosses are burnt, churches are torn down, Muslims in Xinjiang are sent to detainment camps, rights activists are rounded up, and low-end population everywhere are evicted forcedly. Xis administration also adopts a hard-line policy towards Hong Kong. Through the Special Administrative Region Government, it oppresses dissidents in the name of nationalism. The principle of One Country, Two Systems becomes a laughing stock in the international community. There is no way that the Hong Kong Diocese can flourish on its own. When freedoms of speech and assembly are tightened, freedom of religion will be next. For example, if the new Anthem law is passed, Catholic schools have to submit to it. Our Catholic education which stresses on moral and civic education will be chained by the nationalism which the Chinese Communist Party advocates. The Church shares the joys and sorrows of all. The plagues faced by the oppressed are also the plagues the Church has to face. The provisional deal signed by the Holy See and the Communist Party fails to stop persecution. On the contrary, persecution is intensified because of it. At this critical moment, if the Hong Kong Diocese supports the deal with no reservation, and refuses to make righteous criticisms, it will be in danger of being marginalized, or worse, swallowed up. When the Holy See belittles the unique historical position of the Hong Kong Diocese, it is in danger of becoming just a vassal of the Church in China. And when the Church in China is under the iron-grip of the Communist Party, the Hong Kong Diocese will also be put under the claws of the Party. Besides external threats, the Diocese is also facing internal difficulties. The source of these difficulties is the fact that our religious lives cannot respond to Kairos, the sign of times. A growing number of followers baptised each year does not imply progress. The Diocese pastoral focus is on the provision of charitable services, lacking critiques against social injustices and structural evils. Faithfuls are nurtured to focus on private and family morality. Social participation, which is also a form of spiritual formation, is marginalised based on rhetoric such as the Church does not touch on politics and separation between politics and religions. The Diocese is currently promoting youth ministry. Yet, even on this level, the focus does not go beyond personal formation and organising mass festive events. The prophetic ministry of the laity as well as social teachings of the Church remain on the margin of diocesan formation. Spirituality is the root of religious practices. If the spirituality advocated merely emphasises personal good, private ethics and resists public engagement and responsibility, would it encourage the laity to continue a culture that detaches the faith from society, that only focuses on personal sainthood, and that solely concerns eschatology? Return to the Root of the Church What are the ways out? We dare not say that we can offer a perfect solution. Yet, through cautious discernment, we come up with the following analyses and suggestions, and we would like to offer them to our pastors and leaders in the Church. At the heart of the matter, the Diocese must renew its discourse over the role of the Church, her position, and her mission. Reject the thoughts of the world, and rebuild a local mission based on spirituality. (1) Reject a colonial Church First, the Diocese must start a process of decolonisation. Since the British rule, the Diocese self-positioned itself as the governments collaborator, and provided all kinds of social services. The colonial government, in order to reduce its own burden and social responsibility, of course welcomed the Churchs proposal. There is no doubt that this relationship allowed the Church to faithfully act out the role of the servant. The Church has made substantial contributions, establishing many excellent schools, as well as well-developed medical and welfare organizations. Yet, the relationship rendered the Church dependent on the governments favour. Enjoying abundant resources and high social status, she has forgotten its obligation to be a prophet. Since the handover, because of drastic political change, individual clergy and people began to make efforts to fulfil the prophetic role. However, there is no significant change to the Diocesan pastoral directions. And its relationship with the government has not undergone any structural changes. It is already nearly 20 years since the last Diocesan Synod. There is an urgent need for the Diocese to renew itself, evaluate its pastoral priorities, and scrutinise its relationship with the government. (2) Reject a Church as a regimes vassal The Teachings of the Church is crystal clear: She is not a body under the government. The Catechism states unambiguously: The Church, because of her commission and competence, is not to be confused in any way with the political community. She is both the sign and the safeguard of the transcendent character of the human person. "The Church respects and encourages the political freedom and responsibility of the citizen." (2245) Some members of the Church believe that in a time of difficulty, the Church can protect her living spaces by befriending the regime, and maintaining a cosy relationship with the government. This judgment is not only ahistorical, but also selfish. In the past, some local Churches did choose to stay friendly with autocracies, with the belief that such a strategy could earn them freedom. It is true that those Churches were allowed to operate, sometimes even granted political privileges, but they lost the trust of the faithfuls and the people, as well as their souls. The moral high ground wilfully ceded is hard to reclaim. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? (Matthew 16:26) What is more important is that such a strategy is against the spirit of our Christ. Jesus Christ wants to save all souls, not just the souls of Catholics; The Church should defend the human dignity of everyone, not just that of those baptised. When the Church stays close to the powerful and neglects the oppressed, she will lose her credibility (reference to Justitia Mundi, document of the Synod 1971). We advocate the separation between the Church and the State, not between the politics and religions. The state and the Church do not submit to the other. Such a separation does not lead to the argument that the Church cannot engage in public affairs. On the contrary, to live up the prophetic role, the Church has the responsibility to voice out to defend public good and human dignity, and to walk with the oppressed, with a possibility of even contending with the state. (3) Reject a Church of nationalism The Hong Kong Diocese should also abandon the yoke of nationalism. The Diocese has long played the role of the Bridge-church, bridging the Church in China and the Universal Church. And in its past teachings and pastoral documents, nationalism is prevalent: Hong Kong is a part of China, blood is thicker than water. We have no intention to start a debate of nationality and sovereignty. Neither do we want to change the national sentiments that many of our pastors hold. Yet, we would like to point out: The national discourse is political. It is not the Churchs Doctrine, not to mention unalterable Truths. By prioritising nationalism, the Diocese would not be able to respond to young people who question their national identity, and the faithfuls who are dissatisfied with and anxious towards politics in China. In the long run, such a priority will only make the Diocese out of touch from the younger generation, impeding pastoral development, and causing unnecessary internal disputes. The Bridge-church should assist the Church in China to achieve communion with the Universal Church, and give a helping hand to our brothers and sisters persecuted by the Communist Party. However, it is unreasonable that the role of the Bridge-church should trump the role of the Church in Hong Kong. From the previous statements made by high-level officials of the Holy See, as well as news regarding past ad limina visits, it is obvious that the Holy See relatively neglects the development of the local Church in Hong Kong. Yet, the Church in Hong Kong has her own unique historical development and situation, and faithfuls in Hong Kong of course have their unique needs. The Diocese should make pastoral priorities based on the needs of the faithfuls. The Hong Kong Diocese is not a vassal of the Chinese government. A genuine Bridge-church should bridge the persecuted faithfuls with the Universal Church, not the Communist Party and the Roman Curia. (4) Embrace an Incarnational Church The localisation of the Church shall not be confined to inculturation. The Church should be incarnational, she cannot ignore any social, economic, and political plights, nor can she shirk the responsibility of accompanying the oppressed and the marginalised. Gaudium et Spes, the Pastoral Constitution On the Church in the Modern Times of the Second Vatican Council makes this clear in its opening: The joys and the hopes, the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor or in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ. Therefore, our shepherds of the Diocese should also share the joys and sorrows of all Hong Kongers. The incarnation of Jesus tells us how poor and least our Lord was. He never compromised with any political forces. He came into contact with social elites, but always walked with the poor. The essence of the Church should model on the public life of Christ and the early Church: Promulgate our faith, stand on the frontline, bear the yoke of all brothers and sisters who are suffering from all kinds of injustice, and have no fear of losing a comfort zone. In his pastoral letter ''Pastoral Exhortation to the Local Church'' , Cardinal John Baptist Wu specified, 'the "servant role", the "prophetic role" and a "balanced development" of these roles are important concepts guiding us in our participation in social services and in bearing witness to the Kingdom of God. Assuming a servant role, we directly serve those who are in need and "bind up the wounds of the wounded members of our society". Assuming a prophetic role, we make every effort to "eliminate the social causes of these wounds". We must call attention to the ills of the age, especially the injustice underlying social structures and policies, and call for changes that society may follow the path of human dignity.' Our departed Bishop Michael Yeung also invited us, in his last homily at the Midnight Mass of Nativity, to care for the least, the last and the lost in society. When we practise works of mercy, we should also denounce the structural evils in the political, economic and social domains. In this time, we do not need a well-governed and flourishing charity that is good at compromising. Instead, we need a spiritual sheep pen that shares the joys and sufferings of the world. Imitate Christ, Begin Our Journey In his pastoral letter promulgated at Lent last year, Bishop Michael Yeung writes: Nothing could replace the re-thinking, the change of attitude and heart, the exemplar factors that must accompany people on our way or pilgrimage to true Conversion (Metanoia). When St Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council to strengthen the missionary spirit and in response to all the challenges of the modern world, he spoke of the need to open windows to let in fresh air. Let the fresh air come in so that we may have an open heart to embrace, to dialogue and the courage to change. Let us not be disheartened by harsh realities or be confused by conflict or controversy but continue to hope and trust in Jesus, the Lord of history and of change. Whilst staying united in the faith as Catholics, we constantly need new ways and a renewed spirit to evangelize, both in and out of season (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2), so that the seeds of the gospel may take root, grow and yield abundant fruit. We believe that, 21 years after the handover and 18 years after the last Diocesan Synod, it is high time the Diocese renew its mission to the Church and the society. We fully understand that with the sudden loss of our shepherd, it will be hard for the Diocesan Curia to respond to the above-mentioned challenges in a short period of time. Therefore, with our love of and hope in the Church, we offer the above suggestions. We call on our pastors and all the faithfuls to re-think and contemplate the future of the Catholic Church in Hong Kong. In the light of the Holy Spirit, let us be united, and deliberate together in response to the challenge of the time. May we be united, and be willing to walk with Hong Kong. We pray to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Patron of our Diocese. May she be with us always, and intercede for the grace of courage that we need to live out the spirit of Christ. With her intercession, may we be fearless to begin our journey. Surgite Eamus Hinc! (The list of petitioners follows) * In the photo: Demonstration on behalf of persecuted Christians in front of the China Representative Office in Hong Kong. WASHINGTON (AP) - Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed "a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller." The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advise Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute beyond what was intended" to conclude the president had obstructed justice. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt, and said he frowned on "Lock Her Up" calls for Hillary Clinton. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. Barr stated without hesitation that it was in the public interest for Mueller to finish his investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the presidential election. He said he would resist any order by Trump to fire Mueller without cause and called it "unimaginable" that Mueller would do anything to require his termination. Attorney General nominee William Barr speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) "I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere with the election, and I think we have to get to the bottom of it," Barr said during the nine-hour hearing. He said that, at 68 years old and partially retired, he felt emboldened to "do the right thing and not really care about the consequences." If a president directs an attorney general to do something illegal, he said, an attorney general must resign. "I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr said. Consumed by the partial government shutdown, Trump remained out of sight at the White House but also kept an eye on the news coverage of the hearing and told aides he was pleased with how Barr was handling himself, said two White House officials and a Republican close to the White House who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal conversations. On other topics, Barr echoed in part Trump's hardline immigration stance and said the Justice Department would not go after marijuana companies in states where the drug is legal. He also would not rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs, saying he could envision circumstances where a journalist could be held in contempt "as a last resort." Barr's hearing continues Wednesday with a lineup of character witnesses, including former Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Barr's confirmation is likely, given that Republicans control the Senate. Even some Democrats have been looking to move on from acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to remove himself the Russia probe and has faced scrutiny over his private dealings. But he nonetheless faced skeptical questions from Democrats over whether he could oversee without bias or interference the remainder of Mueller's probe. Feinstein said the nominee's past rhetoric in support of expansive presidential powers "raises a number of serious questions about your views on executive authority and whether the president is, in fact, above the law." Barr, responding with a more moderate view, said he believed a president who ordered an attorney general to halt an investigation would be committing an "abuse of power" if not necessarily a crime. Barr said under questioning from Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, that he wouldn't interfere with a Mueller request to subpoena Trump for his testimony "if there was a factual basis." But he also said he saw no reason to change Justice Department legal opinions that have held that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Barr called Mueller a friend of 30 years and said "it is vitally important" that Mueller be allowed to complete his investigation. "I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," he said when asked by the panel's Republican chairman, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The special counsel is required to report his findings confidentially to the Justice Department. Barr said he then expected to produce his own report to Congress and said it was his goal to release as much information as possible to the public, though he stopped short of a direct pledge. He also noted the Justice Department does not typically disclose information about people it decides not to prosecute. He disclosed having discussed Mueller with Trump during a meeting in 2017 when Barr declined to join his legal team. He said he and his wife had been "sort of looking forward to a bit of respite and I didn't want to stick my head into that meat grinder." Trump wanted to know what Mueller, who worked for Barr when he led the Justice Department between 1991 and 1993, was like. "He was interested in that, wanted to know what I thought about Mueller's integrity and so forth and so on," Barr said. "I said Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such." He also defended his decision to send an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department in which he criticized as "fatally misconceived" the theory of obstruction that Mueller appeared to be pursuing with regard to Trump, including investigation into his president's firing of former FBI director James Comey. He said he raised his concerns at a lunch with the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller. Rosenstein didn't respond and was "sphinxlike," Barr recalled. He followed up with the memo in June. Barr sent the document to White House lawyers and discussed it with Trump's personal attorneys and a lawyer representing Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, among others. Barr said the memo was narrowly focused on a single theory of obstruction that media reports suggested Mueller might be considering. He said he would consult with ethics officials on whether he would need to recuse because of the memo but the decision would be ultimately his. ___ Associated Press writers Chad Day, Jonathan Lemire and Colleen Long contributed to this report. ___ Read Barr's prepared testimony: http://apne.ws/x87UoUn Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., accompanied by Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., right, questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr, right, testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr is sworn in by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Alex Wong/Pool Photo via AP) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, speaks committee member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. As he did almost 30 years ago, Barr is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to make the case he's qualified to serve as attorney general. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The Latest on the extremist attack on a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya (all times local): 1:20 a.m. The U.N. Security Council condemns the attack in Nairobi "in the strongest possible terms" and calls for the perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors to be brought to justice. A statement Wednesday by the U.N.'s most powerful body reiterates that "any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation." The council also "paid tribute to Kenya's role in the fight against terrorism," particularly in the African Union peacekeeping force fighting the al-Shabab extremist group in neighboring Somalia. The al-Qaida-linked militants claimed responsibility for the attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. Kenyan authorities said 21 civilians were killed along with five attackers. Members of Kenyan special forces at the scene of an attach by an extremist gunman Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) ___ 12:35 a.m. The al-Shabab extremist group says the deadly attack in Kenya is in response to U.S. President Donald's Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. A statement aired by the group's radio arm, Andalus, says the economic interests of the U.S. and Israel will suffer as long as they continue challenging the rights of Palestinians. The statement says the attack was carried out following the "guidelines" of al-Qaida's top leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri. Al-Shabab is affiliated with al-Qaida. ___ 10:45 p.m. Kenyan police say the death toll from the extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi has climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed. National police chief Joseph Boinnet spoke late Wednesday after six more bodies were found at the scene. He says a police officer later died of injuries. He says 28 people were wounded in the overnight attack. ___ 7:30 p.m. The British aid group Gatsby says its Africa programs director is among those killed in the attack in Kenya's capital. A statement says the group is "shocked and saddened" to confirm the death of Luke Potter. The British high commissioner earlier Wednesday said a British national was among the 14 victims in the attack in Nairobi. The Gatsby statement says Potter "had devoted the past 10 years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world." ___ 5:45 p.m. The father of the American killed in the attack in Kenya's capital says his son worked in the complex and often ate at a cafe in the luxury hotel targeted by the gunmen. Jason Spindler's father, Joseph, says his son grew up in Houston, graduated from the University of Texas and was enjoying a successful career on Wall Street when he decided that he wanted to develop a model for helping low-income people. Jason Spindler entered the Peace Corps and lived in Peru, where he developed sustainable business models for rural residents. Spindler, who would have turned 41 next Tuesday, later became a founder of I-DEV International and had been living in Kenya for about five years. His father says he worked with international companies to form business partnerships in Kenya that would boost local economies. ___ 4:55 p.m. A group of Muslim leaders in Kenya's capital have condemned the deadly hotel attack by Islamic extremists, calling it "immoral and inconsistent with any human values." In a statement, the leaders urge Kenyans to stay calm and united and to "shun the desperate attempts by some misguided elements to divide the country along religious and ethnic lines." Kenya's president says security forces killed the gunmen who attacked a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi on Tuesday. President Uhuru Kenyatta says 14 "innocent people" were killed. Al-Shabab - the Somalia-based extremist group linked to al-Qaida - claimed responsibility for the carnage. ___ 3:45 p.m. One hospital in Kenya's capital says it has seen mostly gunshot wounds among the casualties from Tuesday's attack on a Nairobi hotel complex. Dr. Vishal Patel, medical director at M.P. Shah Hospital, says they received seven wounded people and two of them died. The rest needed emergency surgery. The doctor says that "our condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones due to this horrific attack." Kenyan authorities have not released a number of wounded but said 14 people were killed. ___ 3:35 p.m. A new blast has been heard at a hotel complex in Kenya's capital, 24 hours after several extremists attacked. Witnesses say security forces are conducting a painstaking sweep for any explosives in the Nairobi complex of half a dozen buildings. Emergency responders near the scene appear unperturbed. Kenya's president has said "all the terrorists have been eliminated" in the attack that authorities say killed 14 people. Some 700 people were evacuated in the overnight security operation. ___ 3:25 p.m. San Francisco-based company I-DEV International confirms that American Jason Spindler was killed in the extremist attack in Kenya's capital. Spindler was the co-founder and managing director of I-DEV. The company says in an email that nine others in its Nairobi office were safely evacuated. Kenyan authorities have said 14 people were killed in the attack. The al-Shabab extremist group has claimed responsibility. ___ 2:40 p.m. The London-based company Adam Smith International says two employees were shot to death in a cafe during the hotel attack in Kenya's capital. A statement says Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed were killed on the terrace of a restaurant in the complex where the company has Nairobi offices. The company says some 50 staff and consultants were safely evacuated. The statement says both had been working on the Somalia Stability Fund managed by the company to "bring peace and prosperity to Somalia through more than 100 local community initiatives." Kenyan authorities have said 14 people were killed in Tuesday's attack. ___ 1:35 p.m. Kenyan police say they have detained a man and two women following a raid on a house where one of the Nairobi attackers was said to live. A police official tells The Associated Press they are being questioned "to establish how they knew the man who lived here and the people who had been visiting." The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. He said police carried out the raid after neighbors called saying they had identified a vehicle that had been parked outside the hotel complex during the Tuesday attack. ___ 1:15 p.m. The British high commissioner in Kenya says at least one British national has been killed in the hotel attack in Nairobi. High Commissioner Nic Hailey made the announcement in a post on Twitter, saying that "we are providing support to his family and friends at this very difficult time. The high commissioner urges people to avoid the hotel area as the security operation is "still ongoing" on Wednesday. The United States has said an American also was among the 14 reported dead in Tuesday's attack. ___ 12:45 p.m. Friends and relatives of some of those killed in the Islamic extremist attack in Kenya's capital have gathered at Nairobi's mortuary to make arrangements for burial. Mohamed Yasin Jama lost two work colleagues. He said he saw a photo circulating on a WhatsApp group that identified one of his colleagues but didn't want to speculate until he saw the bodies of both workers at the mortuary late Tuesday. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta says security forces have killed the al-Shabab gunmen whose assault on a luxury hotel and shopping complex took 14 "innocent lives" and that the East African country is safe. ___ 12:30 p.m. Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga says "divisions are what terrorists thrive on" and is appealing for unity following the deadly attack on a hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi. Odinga, who lost to President Uhuru Kenyatta in a bitterly disputed election in 2017, said Wednesday that the Islamic extremist gunmen did not care about the ethnic, religious or political affiliation of their victims. "Their mission was to cause pain and fear and they proceeded to do so without seeking details," Odinga said. Al-Shabab, the Somalia-based extremist group, claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 hotel complex. ___ 11:19 a.m. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta says authorities will "pursue relentlessly" those allegedly involved in the funding, planning and execution of Tuesday's attack on a hotel complex in the capital. Kenyatta said in a televised address Wednesday that "multiple security efforts are underway to detect, deter, disrupt and defeat any terrorist operative or group." He said over 700 people have been evacuated to safety by rescue teams. Al-Shabab - the Somalia-based Islamic extremist group that is allied to al-Qaida - claimed responsibility for the carnage at the hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is in Nairobi's well-to-do Westlands neighborhood. ___ 9:52 a.m. An injured member of the Kenyan special forces has been taken from the scene of Tuesday's attack in an ambulance. An Associated Press journalist saw a member of the elite unit known as RECCE Squad being taken out of the hotel complex Wednesday before he was put into an ambulance. Kenyan police said early Wednesday there was still an active security operation ongoing after they announced overnight that all buildings in the hotel complex had been secured. Sporadic gunfire still rang out through the morning. CCTV footage owned by local media in Kenya purports to show at least four gunmen storming the hotel complex Tuesday afternoon. At least 15 people have been killed in the attack claimed by the Somali Islamic extremist group al-Shabab. ___ 9:40 a.m. The Bangkok-based management of the Nairobi hotel that is part of the complex attacked by extremists Tuesday says it is "devastated" by the assault. Dusit International, managers of the Nairobi DusitD2 hotel, says in a statement Wednesday it is "in constant contact with the authorities and would like to thank them for their swift response." The statement said the hotel is closed and guests and those with reservations have been found accommodation in other hotels in Nairobi. Al-Shabab - the Somalia-based extremist group that is allied to al-Qaida - claimed responsibility for the carnage at the hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is in Nairobi's well-to-do Westlands neighborhood. At least 15 people were killed in the attack which started Tuesday afternoon. ___ 9:00 a.m. Continued bursts of gunfire are heard from the hotel complex as Kenyan authorities continue to secure the scene of the attack. ___ 8:30 a.m. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to address the nation this morning about the extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi. At least 15 people were killed in the attack which started Tuesday afternoon. Somalia's Islamic extremist rebel group, al-Shabab, claimed responsibility for the attack, which started with multiple suicide car bombs which breeched the security gates of the complex and then was followed by an invasion of at least four armed men. ___ Kenyan police say there is still "an active security operation" in and around the hotel complex attacked by Islamic extremist gunmen amid sporadic gunfire from the scene. At least 15 people were killed in the attack which started Tuesday by suicide car bombs followed by at least four armed men who invaded the hotel and shops. Police Wednesday urged people to stay away from the crime scene until it is declared fully safe. Scores of people were rescued at daybreak as police continued what they called a mopping-up exercise. Gunfire has been ringing out at the scene even after authorities announced that all was secure following Tuesday's attack. A wounded member of Kenyan special forces is carried from a US embassy diplomatic vehicle into an ambulance by red cross paramedics at the scene Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i as he gives a statement at the scene of yesterday's extremist gunmen attack, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Women react after learning of a family member killed during a recent terrorist attack Wednesday, Jan. 16 2019, at the Chiromo Mortuary, Nairobi, Kenya. An upscale hotel complex in Kenya's capital came under attack on Tuesday, with a blast and heavy gunfire. The al-Shabab extremist group based in neighboring Somalia claimed responsibility and said its members were still fighting inside (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Kenya Red Cross personnel helps a woman reacting after learning of a family member killed during a recent terrorist attack Wednesday, Jan. 16 2019, at the Chiromo Mortuary, Nairobi, Kenya. An upscale hotel complex in Kenya's capital came under attack on Tuesday, with a blast and heavy gunfire. The al-Shabab extremist group based in neighboring Somalia claimed responsibility and said its members were still fighting inside (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) A member of Kenyan special forces shouts at the media to go back after his wounded colleague was carried into an ambulance by paramedics at the scene Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Kenyans read newspapers at the scene of the attack Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) In this grab taken from security camera footage released to the local media, heavily armed attackers walk in the compound of a hotel, in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Extremists launched an attack on a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital, sending people fleeing in panic as explosions and heavy gunfire reverberate through the neighborhood. A police officer says he saw bodies, "but there was no time to count the dead." Al-Shabab _ the Somalia-based extremist group _ is claiming responsibility. (Security Camera Footage via AP) In this grab taken from security camera footage released to the local media, an armed attacker walks in the compound of a hotel, in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Extremists launched an attack on a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital, sending people fleeing in panic as explosions and heavy gunfire reverberate through the neighborhood. A police officer says he saw bodies, "but there was no time to count the dead." Al-Shabab _ the Somalia-based extremist group _ is claiming responsibility. (Security Camera Footage via AP) Kenyan security forces walk from the scene as continued blasts and gunfire could be heard early Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Kenyan security forces walk from the scene as continued blasts and gunfire could be heard early Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Civilians flee as security forces aim their weapons at the buildings of a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Extremists launched a deadly attack on a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital Tuesday, sending people fleeing in panic as explosions and heavy gunfire reverberated through the complex. A police officer said he saw bodies, "but there was no time to count the dead." (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Civilians flee the scene at a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. An upscale hotel complex in Kenya's capital came under attack on Tuesday, with a blast and heavy gunfire. The al-Shabab extremist group based in neighboring Somalia claimed responsibility and said its members were still fighting inside. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) MANILA, Philippines (AP) - Philippine officials have turned over to China a former government official wanted for alleged economic crime and corruption. Xie Haojie (SHEE'-ye hao-JEE'-ye) was arrested on Sunday in Manila in an operation coordinated with Chinese authorities. The 49-year-old is wanted back home on charges of corruption that amounted to $210 million. Officials from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration handed him over Wednesday to China's authorities in Manila for deportation. Li Shulei, vice chairman of China's National Supervisory Commission, says the case involved a huge amount of money that made Xie "a very terrible social influence." Xie was presented to the media in the Philippines but did not make any statement. Xie Haojie, center, who was arrested on Sunday in Manila in an operation coordinated with Chinese authorities, is escorted by Chinese immigration police after he was presented to the media in Manila, Philippines Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. Philippine officials have turned over to China the former government official wanted for alleged economic crime and corruption. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Xie Haojie, center, who was arrested in Manila in an operation coordinated with Chinese authorities, talks to Chinese officials prior to his formal turnover at a news conference in Manila, Philippines Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. Philippine officials have turned over to China the former government official wanted for alleged economic crime and corruption. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Xie Haojie, second right, who was arrested in an operation coordinated with Chinese authorities, is turned over by Philippine Immigration Chief Jaime Morente, second left, and Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chief Dante Jimenez, left, to La Yifan, right, China's director for International Cooperation of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection during a formal turnover at a news conference in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. Philippine officials have turned over to China the former government official wanted for alleged economic crime and corruption. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The death toll from an extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed, police said Wednesday in the aftermath of the brazen overnight siege by al-Shabab gunmen. Two people accused of facilitating the attack were arrested. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to the hospital, he said. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the all-night operation by security forces to retake the complex was over and that all of the extremists had been killed. "We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act," he vowed. In an attack that demonstrated al-Shabab's continued ability to strike Kenya's capital despite setbacks on the battlefield, extremists stormed the place with guns and explosives. Security camera footage released to local media showed a suicide bomber blowing himself up in a grassy area in the complex, the flash visible along with smoke billowing from the spot where he had been standing. Of the civilian victims, 16 were Kenyan, one was British, one was American and three were of African descent but their nationalities were not yet identified, police said. Family members including the mother of Abdalla, center, prepare to pray over the bodies of Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed, who were both killed in Tuesday's attack, at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Al-Shabab, which is based in neighboring Somalia and allied with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility. The Islamic extremist group also carried out the 2013 attack at Nairobi's nearby Westgate Mall that killed 67 people, and an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that claimed 147 lives, mostly students. While U.S. airstrikes and African Union forces in Somalia have degraded the group's ability to operate, it is still capable of carrying out spectacular acts of violence in retaliation for the Kenyan military's campaign against it. The bloodshed in Kenya's capital appeared designed to inflict maximum damage to the country's image of stability and its tourism industry, an important source of revenue. The government said late Tuesday that buildings were secure. However, gunfire continued into Wednesday morning, and dozens of trapped people were rescued overnight. Several loud booms were heard Wednesday as teams sought to clear the complex of booby traps and other explosives. Kenyatta's announcement that the security operation was complete came about 20 hours after the first reports of the attack. The Kenyan Red Cross said about 50 people were unaccounted for. But many of those were believed not to have been in the complex during the attack. Ken Njoroge, CEO of a company in the DustiD2 complex that offers mobile banking services, said he was unable to locate several employees. "It's very difficult for the families because the passage of time only makes the problem bigger," he said. The American killed in the attack was identified as Jason Spindler, co-founder and managing director of San Francisco-based I-DEV International. Spindler's father, Joseph, said his son worked with international companies to form business partnerships in Kenya that would boost local economies. The Houston-raised Spindler had a brush with tragedy on 9/11: He was employed by a financial firm at the World Trade Center at the time of the 2001 terrorist attack but was running late that morning and was emerging from the subway when the first tower fell, according to his father. He became covered in dust and debris as he tried to help others, the elder Spindler said. In the Nairobi attack, a man who gave only his first name, Davis, described how he had escaped with colleagues by fleeing down a fire escape. "It's a traumatic experience. It shakes you," he said. Still, Davis said he was impressed by the "inner strength" and compassion of people who helped each other in the midst of danger. His own thoughts, he said, were: "Get people out and get out yourself. That's it." ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa Mourners grieve as they prepare to pray over the bodies of Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed, who were both killed in Tuesday's attack, at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Mourners prepare to pray over the bodies of Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed, who were both killed in Tuesday's attack, at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Mourners prepare to pray over the bodies of Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed, who were both killed in Tuesday's attack, at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Mourners carry the body of Feisal Ahmed, who was killed with his colleague Abdalla Dahir in Tuesday's attack, as they leave a mosque and head to the funerals in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) This undated photo provided by I-DEV international shows Jason Spindler in Nairobi, Kenya. DEV International confirmed that Spindler, the company's co-founder and managing director, was killed Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, when gunmen staged a deadly attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi. (Courtesy of I-DEV International via AP) Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i as he gives a statement at the scene of yesterday's extremist gunmen attack, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Mourners bury the bodies of Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed, who were both killed in Tuesday's attack, at their funerals in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Mourners grieve as they prepare to pray over the bodies of Feisal Ahmed and his colleague Abdalla Dahir, who were killed in Tuesday's attack, at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Mourners await the arrival of the bodies of Feisal Ahmed and his colleague Abdalla Dahir, who were killed in Tuesday's attack, as they prepare to pray over them at a mosque in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The two worked for the Somalia Stability Fund, managed by the London-based company Adam Smith International, and were killed in Tuesday's assault by Islamic extremist gunmen on a luxury hotel and shopping complex. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Kenya Red Cross personnel helps a woman reacting after learning of a family member killed during a recent terrorist attack Wednesday, Jan. 16 2019, at the Chiromo Mortuary, Nairobi, Kenya. An upscale hotel complex in Kenya's capital came under attack on Tuesday, with a blast and heavy gunfire. The al-Shabab extremist group based in neighboring Somalia claimed responsibility and said its members were still fighting inside (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Members of Kenyan special forces at the scene of an attach by an extremist gunman Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Members of Kenyan special forces at the scene of an attach by an extremist gunman Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group.(AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) A wounded member of Kenyan special forces is carried from a US embassy diplomatic vehicle into an ambulance by red cross paramedics at the scene Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi) Kenya Red Cross personnel helps a woman reacting after learning of a family member killed during a recent terrorist attack Wednesday, Jan. 16 2019, at the Chiromo Mortuary, Nairobi, Kenya. An upscale hotel complex in Kenya's capital came under attack on Tuesday, with a blast and heavy gunfire. The al-Shabab extremist group based in neighboring Somalia claimed responsibility and said its members were still fighting inside (AP Photo/Brian Inganga) Unidentified women console each other at the scene of a violent attack early Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) A wounded member of Kenyan special forces with two tourniquets around his legs is carried from a US embassy diplomatic vehicle into an ambulance by paramedics at the scene Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) A wounded member of Kenyan special forces is carried from a US embassy diplomatic vehicle into an ambulance by paramedics at the scene Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) A member of Kenyan special forces shouts at the media to go back after his wounded colleague was carried into an ambulance by paramedics at the scene Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Media surround Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i as he gives a statement at the scene of the attack Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) Shutdown may upend State of the Union speech WASHINGTON (AP) - A grand Washington ritual became a potential casualty of the partial government shutdown Wednesday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked President Donald Trump to postpone his Jan. 29 State of the Union speech. She cited concerns about whether the hobbled government can provide adequate security, but Republicans cast her move as a ploy to deny Trump the stage. In a letter to Trump, Pelosi said that with both the Secret Service and the Homeland Security Department entangled in the shutdown, the president should speak to Congress another time or he should deliver the address in writing. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen denied anyone's safety is compromised, saying both agencies "are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union." Trump did not immediately respond to the request and the White House, thrown off guard by the move, had yet to offer any official response hours later. But GOP allies accused Pelosi of playing politics, with Republican Rep. Steve Scalise tweeting that Democrats are "only interested in obstructing @realDonaldTrump, not governing." Pelosi, who issued the customary invitation to Trump weeks ago, hit the president in a vulnerable place, as he delights in taking his message to the public and has been preparing for the address for weeks. The uncertainty surrounding the speech also underscored the unraveling of ceremonial norms and niceties in Trump's Washington, with the shutdown in its fourth week, the White House and Democrats in a stalemate and the impasse draining the finances of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. ___ Does Trump have to give a State of the Union speech? No. WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. Constitution mandates in Article II, Section 3 that presidents "shall from time to time give to the Congress information of the state of the union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." But the Constitution offers no specifics on how that should be done. Indeed, the modern State of the Union address - the pageantry, the televised address and the agenda-setting message - is a far more recent phenomenon. And the practice of delivering an in-person address before a joint session of Congress has not always been the norm. Here's a look at the history of the State of the Union address as the White House weighs its response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's suggestion that President Donald Trump delay this year's address or give it in writing because of the partial government shutdown: ___ Q: Who delivered the first State of the Union address? ___ May wins no-confidence vote, but still is beset by Brexit LONDON (AP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday to remain in office - but saw more of her power ebb away as she battled to keep Brexit on track after lawmakers demolished her European Union divorce deal. May won a narrow victory, 325 votes to 306 votes, on an opposition motion seeking to topple her government and trigger a general election. Now it's back to Brexit, where May is caught between the rock of her own negotiating red lines and the hard place of a Parliament that wants to force a radical change of course. After defeating the no-confidence motion, May said she would hold talks "in a constructive spirit" with leaders of opposition parties and other lawmakers in a bid to find a way forward for Britain's EU exit. She appeared outside her 10 Downing St. residence after meeting the leaders of several smaller parties. The prime minister named the parties in a statement in which she called on opposition politicians in Parliament to "put self-interest aside" and find a consensus on Britain's path out of the EU. ___ Syria attack kills 4 Americans, complicates withdrawal plan WASHINGTON (AP) - A suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State killed two U.S. soldiers and two American citizens in northern Syria Wednesday, less than a month after President Donald Trump declared he was pulling U.S. forces and that IS had been defeated. The attack, which also wounded three U.S. service members along with other people in the strategic northeastern town of Manbij, complicates what had already become a messy withdrawal plan, with Trump's senior advisers disagreeing with the decision and then offering an evolving timetable for the removal of the approximately 2,000 U.S. troops. And it underscores Pentagon assertions that the Islamic State is still a threat capable of deadly attacks. As many as 16 were killed, including a number of fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces, who have fought alongside the Americans against the Islamic State, according to officials and the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. U.S. Central Command said one of the civilians was employed by the Defense Department and the other was a contractor. The names of the American victims were being withheld until their families could be notified. Vice President Mike Pence repeated Trump's claims about the Islamic State Wednesday, saying the "caliphate has crumbled" and the militant network "has been defeated." His comments in a speech at the State Department came shortly after the U.S. military announced that American soldiers were among those killed in Manbij. ___ Outpouring of generosity for TSA workers, others without pay The partial government shutdown is a double-whammy for Cara and Philip Mangone, a married couple from Philadelphia. Both are agents with the Transportation Safety Administration, both working full time at the Philadelphia airport. Neither knows when they might again start drawing their paychecks. Part-time jobs are out of the question - they work opposite shifts timed to make sure one of them is always home with their kids, ages 2 and 5. So donations of food and diapers have been a real help as savings are being stretched thin. "Every penny that we don't have to spend is helpful," Cara Mangone said Wednesday as she picked up donated goods being distributed at the airport by fellow members of the American Federation of Government Employees. The shutdown has brought an outpouring of generosity to TSA agents and other federal employees who are working without pay. Food, financial help, haircuts and toiletries are among the donated goods and services. TSA screeners start at about $24,000 a year, and most make between $26,000 and $35,000, less than many other government employees, although some earn more because of seniority, overtime or level of management responsibility. On Wednesday, donations of diapers, juice, garbage bags, canned soup and boxes of Ramen noodles were being unloaded onto luggage carts at the valet drop-off curb at Orlando International Airport, to be distributed to TSA workers there the next day. ___ Trustee: Engler set to resign as Michigan State's president DETROIT (AP) - Former Gov. John Engler will resign as interim president of Michigan State University amid public backlash over his comments about women and girls sexually assaulted by now-imprisoned campus sports doctor Larry Nassar, a member of the school's Board of Trustees said Wednesday. Joel Ferguson told The Associated Press that board members expected to receive a letter Wednesday from Engler spelling out the reasons he would step down and the effective date of his resignation. "Yes, John is going to resign," he said. Engler had resisted earlier pressure to resign. His sudden reversal tops off a stormy period for the university under Engler and is the second time a Michigan State president left during the Nassar scandal. The final straw for the university's Board of Trustees came last week when Engler told The Detroit News that Nassar's victims had been in the "spotlight" and are "still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition." ___ American anchor for Iranian TV is arrested on visit to US NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television has been arrested by the FBI during a visit to the U.S., the broadcaster reported Wednesday, and her son said she was being held in a prison, apparently as a material witness. Marzieh Hashemi, who worked for the network's English-language service, was detained in St. Louis, where she had filmed a Black Lives Matter documentary after visiting relatives in the New Orleans area. She was then taken to Washington, according to her elder son, Hossein Hashemi. The FBI said in an email that it had no comment on the arrest of the woman who was born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans and has worked for Iran's state television network for 25 years. She lives about half the time in Colorado, where her children live, and half the time in Iran, according to a brother. "We still have no idea what's going on," said Hashemi, a research fellow at the University of Colorado who was interviewed by phone from Washington. He also said he and his siblings had been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. The incident comes as Iran faces increasing criticism of its own arrests of dual nationals and other people with Western ties. Those cases have previously been used as bargaining chips in negotiations with world powers. ___ Death toll in Nairobi attack climbs to 21, plus 5 attackers NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The death toll from an extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed, police said Wednesday in the aftermath of the brazen overnight siege by al-Shabab gunmen. Two people accused of facilitating the attack were arrested. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to the hospital, he said. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the all-night operation by security forces to retake the complex was over and that all of the extremists had been killed. "We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act," he vowed. In an attack that demonstrated al-Shabab's continued ability to strike Kenya's capital despite setbacks on the battlefield, extremists stormed the place with guns and explosives. Security camera footage released to local media showed a suicide bomber blowing himself up in a grassy area in the complex, the flash visible along with smoke billowing from the spot where he had been standing. ___ The best Rx for teens addicted to vaping? No one knows WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's top health authorities agree: Teen vaping is an epidemic that now affects some 3.6 million underage users of Juul and other e-cigarettes. But no one seems to know the best way to help teenagers who may be addicted to nicotine. E-cigarettes are now the top high-risk substance used by teenagers, according to the latest U.S. figures , which show that Juul and similar products have quickly outpaced cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana and other substances that have been tracked over more than four decades. The handheld devices heat a liquid solution that usually contains nicotine into an inhalable vapor. Federal law prohibits sales to those under 18, though many high schoolers report getting them from older students or online. In recent months, government officials have rolled out a series of proposals aimed at keeping the products away from youngsters, including tightening sales in convenience stores and online. In November, vaping giant Juul voluntarily shut down its Facebook and Instagram accounts and pulled several flavors out of retail stores. But there's been little discussion of how to treat nicotine addiction in children as young as 11 years old. While some adolescents should be able to quit unaided, experts say many will be hampered by withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating and loss of appetite. ___ ORRR-DUHHH: Britain Parliament speaker seeks to calm debate LONDON (AP) - The speaker of the House of Commons is usually taken for granted, except for those rare moments when Britain is having a legislative meltdown and Parliament gets center stage. And for the Brexit crisis, you might say that the current speaker, John Bercow, is made to ORRR-DUHHH. As a rambunctious Parliament is grappling with the contentious issue, Bercow is trying to stay above the fray. With his stentorian voice, assertive ways and unapologetic manners, he's playing a major role shaping the debate over Britain's troubled withdrawal from the European Union. But along the way, he has ruffled some feathers in the government of Prime Minister Theresa May. He's even been compared to the devil by a tabloid newspaper. The 55-year-old Bercow, who has been speaker since 2009, determines which amendments will be voted on, who will be called upon to speak, and deciding when to use his commanding voice to demand "order." WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Sherrod Brown is launching a tour of three states that cast pivotal early votes in the 2020 presidential primary. The move from the Ohio Democrat is a key step before he decides whether to launch a campaign for the White House. Brown won a third term in November on the strength of a message he calls the "Dignity of Work." He plans to use that motto for his forthcoming tour, which he announced Tuesday night on MSNBC. It includes stops in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, as well as a kickoff in his home state. The 66-year-old has yet to decide whether to join a 2020 primary field that is expected to include as many as a half-dozen of his fellow Democratic senators. Brown said his goal is for the tour to elevate the dignity of work message as an issue in 2020, regardless of whether he's a presidential candidate in that race. "If that's the case, whether I end up running or not, that's a victory, because it means we will govern better, we will be a better party and we'll win more elections," he said. FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2018, file photo, Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, left, and Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, speak to reporters after a meeting with General Motors CEO Mary Barra on Capitol Hill in Washington. Brown is launching a tour of three states that cast pivotal early votes in the 2020 presidential primary. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, file) He said he'll tout his strong performance in last fall's Senate race in Ohio to urge fellow Democrats to embrace the approach in their campaigns. "Some national Democrats, they've created this sort of binary choice that you speak to the progressive base or you talk to working-class voters of all races," he said. "I don't think it's an either/or, I think you do both. That's how you win in the heartland. That's how we won in Ohio. That's what I hope the narrative is for all the presidential candidates on the Democratic side." Brown said he and wife, Connie Schultz, are likely to make a decision on a presidential run in March. ___ Carr Smyth reported from Columbus, Ohio. LOS ANGELES (AP) - A Pacific storm that brought fears of dangerous mudslides and a rare blizzard warning in the Sierra Nevada was less fierce than expected but hundreds of homes in fire-scarred California areas remained under evacuation orders as more rain was expected. "Please heed disaster messages and prepare to leave immediately," officials in Ventura County northwest of Los Angeles warned residents. "We don't want anyone in harm's way." By nightfall, there were few signs of damage, but evacuations remained in effect for more than a half dozen areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties affected by last year's Woolsey Fire. The blaze that broke out in November destroyed more than 1,500 homes and other buildings from Ventura County to Malibu and killed four people. All schools in Malibu were closed Tuesday. In the gated community of Bell Canyon in Ventura County, Paul Manion was busy filling sandbags in case denuded hillsides sent debris sweeping down. "It's something we have to do. I mean, if the water comes, it comes," Manion told KABC-TV. "Everything around our house burned. All the houses around our house burned. But it's the hillsides that we're worried about." A woman carries an umbrella while crossing a street in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The first in a series of Pacific storms brought rain to much of the state and snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Several thousand people heeded a mandatory evacuation order in Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast, where last year a sudden debris flow swept through Montecito, killing 23 people and destroying 100 homes. Daphne Moore was among the evacuees. "It's a complete drag but it's better than dying in a mud debris flow," she told KNBC-TV. However, the rain that fell Tuesday wasn't heavy enough to cause disaster and the county lifted the orders as of 6 p.m. More rain was expected Wednesday but not enough to be a serious threat, officials said. An evacuation warning was scheduled to take effect Tuesday night and continue into Thursday morning in Butte County, site of the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in US history. The Camp Fire destroyed nearly 15,000 structures and killed 86 people in November. The evacuation warning is for the community of Pulga, a canyon community near the town of Paradise, which was virtually incinerated by the blaze. Meanwhile, a blizzard warning for much of the Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe was set to go into effect Wednesday night, with meteorologists predicting as much of 5 feet (1.5 meters) of snow in upper elevations. Dangerous and potentially life-threatening blizzard conditions were expected at elevations above 7,000 feet (2,133 meters), with high avalanche danger throughout the region. Weather forecasters have predicted a series of storms that could keep bringing rain and snow through the middle of the week. The first in the series of storms dumped an inch of rain in Los Angeles and snow in the mountains Monday. Rain closed the Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement parks. In San Diego County, a 20-foot-long (6-meter-long), 20-foot-deep sinkhole developed on an Interstate 805 off-ramp near Serra Mesa. A mudslide closed a 4.4-mile (7-kilometer) section of Pacific Coast Highway just north of Malibu on Monday for several hours. In Encino, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, a 250-foot-long (76-meter) debris flow from a hillside pushed a guest house off its foundation. No one was hurt. Ice and blowing snow also shut down a major route connecting Los Angeles with San Francisco. Dozens of cars and trucks were stranded for hours before the Grapevine, a high pass on Interstate 5, reopened after nightfall. Some people found the need for umbrellas as rain fell Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif. The first in a series of Pacific storms brought rain to much of the state and snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Umbrellas were put to use as rain fell Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Sacramento, Calif. The first in a series of Pacific storms brought rain to much of the state and snow in the mountains. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) Pedestrians cross Pine street in San Francisco, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The first in a series of Pacific storms brought heavy rain to Southern California and snow in the mountains Monday, closing some highways and snarling traffic. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) This photo provided by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) shows a skiploader clearing a river of mud that has flowed onto Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The first in a series of Pacific storms is moving across Southern California, where downpours could unleash mud and debris flows from large wildfire burn scars. (CalTrans via AP) This photo provided by the California Department of Transportation shows traffic stopped on Interstate 5 where it has been closed due to snow at Tejon Pass, an area known as the Grapevine, at Gorman in the Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The first in a series of Pacific storms is moving across Southern California, where downpours could unleash mud and debris flows from large wildfire burn scars. (CalTrans via AP) DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Why now? Despite his seemingly endless string of racist comments and insults about immigrants, Iowa Rep. Steve King had the Republican Party's backing through nine elections and GOP presidential contenders often lined up for his endorsement in the state's lead-off caucuses. Now many of those same Republicans are turning their backs on King, stripping him of his committee assignments on Capitol Hill and even calling for him to leave office. A prospective 2020 GOP challenger already has emerged in his district. The shift comes at a moment when the party is grappling with its stance on racial issues, in part because of President Donald Trump's own inflammatory racial rhetoric and hardline views on immigration. GOP leaders also have conceded that the party must do better with minority voters and bring more diversity to their own ranks, currently dominated by white men. There are also signs that King's track record is wearing on voters in his overwhelmingly Republican district, which he carried by just 3 points in November. "He barely won in a very, very conservative district and that signaled people are growing fatigued, getting tired of having to put up with some of the unnecessary heartburn," said Bob Vander Plaats, a Republican who ran for Iowa governor in 2006 and leads the conservative group The Family Leader. "They don't want to put up with it anymore." FILE - In this June 8, 2018, file photo, U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, listens during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, the House voted 416-1 for a resolution repudiating King's words expressing puzzlement about why terms like "white nationalist" are offensive. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) King's insensitive remarks have included arguing "we can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies" and predicting chaos if whites are replaced as the nation's majority. Yet Republican leaders still expressed shock following a recent New York Times story in which King expressed puzzlement about why terms like "white nationalist" are offensive, Republican leaders have expressed shock at his words, stripped him of his committee assignments and even questioned whether he belonged in Congress. The House voted 424-1 on Tuesday for a resolution repudiating King's words. Don Kass, a former Republican chairman in largely rural Plymouth County, argued that while comments by conservatives often are subjected to the worst-possible interpretation, King never should have discussed such terms as white supremacy. He said party officials might be turning against King because of his narrow win last November, coupled with that fact that his national notoriety translates into fundraising success for his Democratic opponents. "He had a 3 percent victory that should have been 30 percent, and that's not going to go away," said Kass, a county supervisor. If he seeks re-election, King will face at least one opponent for the Republican nomination, as state Sen. Randy Feenstra announced last week he's seeking the seat. Congressional leaders acknowledge King has a history of offensive statements, often in reference to immigrants and racial minorities. Most Iowa Republicans backed King before the 2018 election, despite his praise of a nationalist party in Austria with Nazi ties and a tweet endorsing a white nationalist candidate for Toronto mayor. Among those who didn't, though, was Rep. Steve Stivers, the chairman of the House Republicans' campaign committee. "We must stand up against white supremacy and hate in all forms, and I strongly condemn this behavior," Stivers said then. The timing was remarkable, as the GOP's campaign chief seemed to be encouraging Iowa voters to oust one of their sitting incumbents. Effectively, Republicans were putting the seat at risk at a time when they were already facing the loss of the House. The uproar over King's comments comes against the backdrop of Trump's election and presidency, which has placed the debate over inflammatory racial discourse and white nationalism at the center of American politics in a manner not seen in decades. The president stoked it in his campaign's first moments, suggesting when he announced his candidacy that Mexicans crossing the border could be "rapists" or "murderers." Since taking office, he's defended white nationalists in Charlottesville, deemed some African nations as "s---hole countries," described immigration as "an infestation," all while expressing a preference for immigrants from places likes Norway. Trump did not condemn King's most recent comments, dodging the question on Monday by saying, "I don't -- I haven't been following it. I really haven't been following it." When asked why he was rebuking King but not Trump, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California stuck to his role leading fellow congressional Republicans. "All I know is Steve King is a member of the conference," he said. "I am the leader of the Republican conference. When I see someone use the terms that Steve King used there's no place in this country for it." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, when asked Tuesday why he hadn't spoken out about King until now, said, "I haven't been following every utterance of Congressman King, but I certainly followed this one. And I think the House Republican Conference did the right thing." Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, who has supported King for years, noted she had pushed back on some of his earlier comments. She called King's comments to the New York Times "just absolutely disgusting." Karen Kedrowski, a political science professor at Iowa State University, said she thinks Republican politicians grew tired of King long ago, but given the nation's growing diversity that is reflected among the House Democratic majority, they feel they can no longer tolerate his comments. "This should be a safe district and they're faced with someone who is always embarrassing them," she said. "Part of it is they're fed up and part of it is fear he could lose." ___ Associated Press writers Dustin Weaver, Laurie Kellman, Andrew Taylor and Jonathan Lemire in Washington contributed to this report. ___ Follow Scott McFetridge on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/smcfetridge by Mathias Hariyadi Places of worship, especially non-Islamic ones, are one of the most controversial issues in Indonesia. The dispute began last August. Complaints stem from the lack of permits for the use of residential housing for religious purposes. Jakarta (AsiaNews) The local Synod of Churches of Indonesia (MPH-PGIW) has condemned the latest "episode of intolerance" against a Protestant community in Medan Labuan, North Sumatra (Sumatera) province. Three days ago, local Muslims (picture 1) staged a protest that prevented the members of the Bethel Church of Indonesia of Philadelphia (GBI), in Martubung district, from entering a house of prayer. The authorities claim that the complaint stems from the lack of government permits for the place of worship. Protestant leaders call for changes to the legislation and complain about delays in getting the right papers. At present, building places of worship, especially by non-Muslims, is one of the most controversial issues in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, and touches the principle of freedom of religion. The Synod issued a statement yesterday (picture 2) signed by its president, Rev Darwis Manurung, and general secretary, Rev Hotma Hutasoit. The organisation says it is "very concerned" and has called on the police to "investigate the case, to find out the reasons" the incident. What happened "shows that the right to religious practice is easily hindered, the Synod noted. The fact that the house of prayer has not yet obtained all the papers should not be an obstacle to the maintenance of the social order". The local office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Medan has excluded the possibility that the motive could be sectarian. The house used for prayer is owned by Pastor Jans Frasman Saragih and is designed for residential use, said Al Ahyu, head of the local government agency, the day after the protests. Locals did not erect barricades to prevent Christians from praying, but they demonstrated because they did not have the required papers." The dispute between the two communities began last August with the first public protests. "Two months ago, local residents asked Rev Saragih to stop his services, but he refused, Al Ahyu explained. At the end of November, our Office received the first complaints and sent a letter to the pastor, asking him to stop his activities." "On 6 December, all the parties met and agreed to allow the use of the house of prayer until the end of the Christmas holidays. The protests last Sunday, 13 January, occurred because the pastor did not respect his commitment, the official added. Superintendent Tatan, a spokesman for the North Sumatra police, said that incident included "50 demonstrators who were annoyed by the pastor's reluctance" to stop. According to the police, the services disturb the public peace during the weekend. However, for Eko Kuntadhi, a social media analyst, there is "a link between the protests in Medan and the presidential elections next April". On his blog, the expert notes that protests have the goal of sparking discontent among conservative Christians against President Joko Widodo, who is running for his second term against Islamist parties. "Widodo's rivals expect Christians to hold back their support, Kuntadhi says, and accuse the administration of failing to protect minorities". BRISTOL, R.I. (AP) - Spouses of U.S. Coast Guard members said they appreciated a university in Rhode Island hosting a free dinner for their families Tuesday, as they tightened their budgets due to the partial federal government shutdown. Roger Williams University invited active-duty Coast Guard members in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts and their families to the Bristol campus Tuesday night. About 75 people attended. "It means a lot to us to be able to come here. Banding together is important," said Rachel Malcom, 32, whose husband serves in the Coast Guard in Rhode Island. They went to the dinner with three of their four young children. Malcom and other Coast Guard spouses said they're choosing less expensive items at the grocery store, going fewer places to save on gasoline and looking for other ways to cut costs. "I'm really scaling back on everything at this point," said Mariah Battermann, whose husband serves in the Coast Guard in Rhode Island. They went to the dinner with their two children. Several Coast Guard members said they couldn't speak publicly about the shutdown. The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, isn't funded during the shutdown. Other military services are receiving funding through the Defense Department. U.S. Coast Guard spouse Rachel Malcom, left, gathers food for herself and her daughter, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. The college offered a free dinner for active-duty Coast Guard members and their families in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts who are working without pay during the partial federal shutdown. The Coast Guard is affected because it's part of the Department of Homeland Security. Other military services receive funding through the Defense Department. (AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott) President Donald Trump has said he's willing to keep the government closed to get funding to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. John King, vice president of student life at Roger Williams University, said the Coast Guard patrols the local waters that students and nearby residents swim and sail in. "They're always there for us. We wanted to do a small act of kindness and gratitude for them," he said. The Coast Guard has about 330 people in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, including a team in Bristol that maintains aids to navigation. U.S. Coast Guard spouse Mariah Battermann, left, fills her plate, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at Roger Williams University in Bristol, R.I. The college offered a free dinner for active-duty Coast Guard members and their families in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts who are working without pay during the partial federal shutdown. The Coast Guard is affected because it's part of the Department of Homeland Security. Other military services receive funding through the Defense Department. (AP Photo/Jennifer McDermott) NEW YORK (AP) - Children they've gotten to see grow up. Grandchildren they've been able to meet. New jobs and adventures. For the people who were on US Airways flight 1549 on that cold January day in 2009, it's been 10 years full of milestones and important moments since the "Miracle on the Hudson" - when their plane collided with a flock of geese after takeoff from New York City's LaGuardia Airport and everyone on board survived the crash landing into the Hudson River. It's a common refrain among survivors, of how that day led to big life changes and small everyday choices, and to feeling joy more readily. But some also speak of the anxiety that can still rise every time they're on a flight. "Life is beautiful. You have to look at every day and say I'm going to make the most of this day because you never know what's going to happen, and miracles do happen," said Alyson Bell, of Charlotte, North Carolina. The experience had "every single emotion you could ever feel," said Michele Davis, of Olympia, Washington, who had been flying to Charlotte that day on her way to Seattle. "And then, ending it all with 'Wow, I'm alive' and like this amazement and still kind of in awe. It took quite a while for it to sink in still. It seems unbelievable now," Davis said. FILE - In this Jan. 15, 2009 file photo, a diver, left, aboard an NYPD vessel prepares to rescue passengers that escaped from the Airbus 320 US Airways aircraft made an emergency landing in the Hudson River in New York in what came to be known as the "Miracle on the Hudson" because everyone survived. It's been 10 years since US Airways flight 1549 landed on the Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese just after takeoff. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File) Survivors, including Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who helmed the controls in the plane's final descent, gathered Tuesday at the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, where the flight was headed and where the damaged plane is now held. At 3:31 p.m., the exact moment the plane splashed down into the river on Jan. 15, 2009, they shared a toast, with Sullenberger counting down the last five seconds. Flight 1549 took off from LaGuardia a decade ago with Sullenberger's co-pilot Jeffrey Skiles at the controls, three flight attendants and 150 passengers aboard. It was cold, only about 20 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 7 degrees Celsius), but the skies were clear. "What a view of the Hudson today," Sullenberger remarked to Skiles, according to National Transportation Safety Board's report on the crash. Less than a minute later, the plane and birds collided at 3,000 feet (915 meters). Both engines stopped. Sullenberger took the controls and told air traffic controllers he couldn't make it back to LaGuardia. His choices were a small airport for private aircraft in New Jersey - possibly too far - or the river. Sullenberger picked the water. At 3:31 p.m., the plane splashed down, somehow stayed in one piece, and began floating fast toward the harbor. Passengers got out on the wings and inflatable rafts as commuter ferries raced to the rescue. One flight attendant and four passengers were hurt, but everyone else was mostly fine. "While I don't know that I would do it again, it certainly gave me some clarity around my life priorities and the importance of my family," said Pam Seagle, 52, of Wilmington, North Carolina, who was on the flight. In the aftermath, she made some big life decisions. She and her family moved away from Charlotte to a new home at the beach in Wilmington. While she still works for Bank of America, her employer in 2009, she moved to a division that promotes women's economic empowerment. She took time to be with loved ones, including a long-overdue break with her sister. She held those moments with family even dearer after her sister's unexpected death months later in 2009. That January day 10 years ago "kind of put me on this path to where I am now, and where I'm very happy and content," she said. Getting over the trauma of the experience took some time for passenger Steve O'Brien, 54, of Charlotte. "That first year was tough. You're scattered. You can't focus. You're impatient," he said. "There's this thin place between life and death ... and we were at a really thin place and then you get yanked back." When he flies now, he looks for the emergency exits and can't sleep as easily in his seat anymore. "I'll be on a plane and I'll be nodding off or something, and a bump will happen and all of a sudden it comes back, and you just feel this electric scared, overwhelming feeling that hits you in the chest," he said. But he says he feels he's a more relaxed person now with life's lesser frustrations. "I realize that little things are to be appreciated, that mundane things are what make up your life," he said, "and that's the things you're going to miss if it's going to be yanked away from you." ___ Foreman reported from Charlotte, North Carolina. ___ Follow Deepti Hajela on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/dhajela . For more of her work, search for her name at https://apnews.com . In this Jan. 9, 2019 photo, Tripp Harris, who was a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549, the "Miracle on the Hudson" airliner in 2009, poses for a photo on the High Line along the Hudson River in New York. It's been 10 years since the flight landed on the Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese just after takeoff. All 155 people on board survived the Jan. 15, 2009, incident, which became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." (AP Photo/Richard Drew) In this Jan. 9, 2019 photo, Tripp Harris, who was a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549, the "Miracle on the Hudson" airliner in 2009, poses for a photo on the High Line along the Hudson River in New York. It's been 10 years since the flight landed on the Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese just after takeoff. All 155 people on board survived the Jan. 15, 2009, incident, which became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." (AP Photo/Richard Drew) In this Jan. 9, 2019 photo, Tripp Harris, who was a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549, the "Miracle on the Hudson" airliner in 2009, poses for a photo on the High Line along the Hudson River in New York. It's been 10 years since the flight landed on the Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese just after takeoff. All 155 people on board survived the Jan. 15, 2009, incident, which became known as the "Miracle on the Hudson." (AP Photo/Richard Drew) In this Jan. 10, 2019 photo, Steve O'Brien poses for a photo at his home in Charlotte, N.C., with an editorial cartoon framed with his boarding pass from US Airways Flight 1549, that eventually crash-landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 19, 2009. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2019 is the tenth anniversary of the flight known as the "Miracle on the Hudson" after all 155 passengers and crew members survived. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) In this Jan. 10, 2019 photo, Steve O'Brien holds an editorial cartoon framed with his boarding pass from US Airways Flight 1549 that eventually crash-landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 19, 2009 as he poses for a photo at his home in Charlotte, N.C. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2019 is the tenth anniversary of the flight known as the "Miracle on the Hudson" after all 155 passengers and crew members survived. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) In this Jan. 10, 2019 photo, Steve O'Brien poses for a photo at his home in Charlotte, N.C. O'Brien was a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549 that eventually crash-landed in the Hudson River on Jan. 9, 2009. Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2019 is the tenth anniversary of the flight known as the "Miracle on the Hudson" after all 155 passengers and crew members survived. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger poses with crew members and passengers who were on US Airways Flight 1549, which he piloted to a splashdown in the Hudson River in New York on Jan. 15, 2009, after a bird strike took out both engines in the Airbus A320. The group marked the 10th anniversary of the event at the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Skip Foreman) Elizabeth McHugh, left, hugs Alyson Bell at the Carolinas Aviation Museum on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, as they reunite on the 10th anniversary of the Miracle on the Hudson. McHugh said it was Bell who helped her out of US Airways Flight 1549 and on to a ferry after the plane splashed into the Hudson River. (AP Photo/Skip Foreman) DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) - An oxen gunpowder container made in 1757 and stolen more than 60 years ago from a Detroit-area museum has been returned. The FBI turned the Nowlin Powder Horn over Tuesday during a ceremony at the Dearborn Historical Museum. Authorities tracked the powder horn down in November to an estate auction in Pennsylvania. It's not known who originally took the artifact in 1952 and the most recent owner may not have been aware it was stolen. It was sold for about $13,000 at auction in 1991 to an unknown buyer. "We got it off the auction block before it went up for auction again," said Jake Archer, special agent with the FBI's Art Crime Team in Philadelphia. The powder horn was made in Charlestown, New Hampshire, for Lt. Abel Prindel during the French and Indian War, according to the Detroit Historical Society. Prindel's name, rank, the date of its making and a verse from a poem are engraved on the horn. It later came into the possession of John Nowlin, an early settler of what is now Dearborn, just southwest of Detroit. The Nowlin family traveled in 1833 to Detroit from their homestead in New York. The horn was handed down through generations of the Nowlin family and sold in 1947 for $75 to the Detroit Historical Museum. The Detroit Historical Society operates that museum and loaned it to the Dearborn museum for inclusion in an exhibit called "Saga of a Settler." The Nowlin Powder Horn, carved for soldier Lt. Abel Prindel in 1757, is displayed during a news conference, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the Dearborn Historical Museum in Dearborn, Mich. The oxen gunpowder container, made in 1757, was stolen more than 60 years ago from the Detroit-area museum. Authorities tracked the powder horn down in November to an estate auction in Pennsylvania. (Robin Buckson/Detroit News via AP) "We don't have many clues as to who may have taken it at that time," said Dearborn police Cpl. Stanley Kulikowski. Even years after its theft, police in Dearborn continued to look into the case and in 2017 enlisted the help of the FBI. The powder horn will be on short-term display through the spring at the Detroit Historical Museum. The Nowlin Powder Horn, carved for soldier Lt. Abel Prindel in 1757, is displayed during a news conference, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the Dearborn Historical Museum in Dearborn, Mich. The oxen gunpowder container, made in 1757, was stolen more than 60 years ago from the Detroit-area museum. Authorities tracked the powder horn down in November to an estate auction in Pennsylvania. (Robin Buckson/Detroit News via AP) SEEKONK, Mass. (AP) - A wheeled robot named Marty is rolling into nearly 500 grocery stores to alert employees if it encounters spilled granola, squashed tomatoes or a broken jar of mayonnaise. But there could be a human watching from behind its cartoonish googly eyes. Badger Technologies CEO Tim Rowland says its camera-equipped robots stop after detecting a potential spill. But to make sure, humans working in a control center in the Philippines review the imagery before triggering a cleanup message over the loudspeaker. Rowland says 25 of the robots are now operating at certain Giant, Martin's and Stop & Shop stores, with 30 more arriving each week. Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based Giant says it has two robots now working at stores in the state, and plans to expand to all 172 Giant stores by the middle of this year. The chains are all part of Dutch parent company Ahold Delhaize. The robots move around using laser-based "lidar" sensors and pause when shoppers and their carts veer into their path. William Rucker and his grandson Justice, 4, say hello to a robot named Marty as it cleans the floors at a Giant grocery store in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. On Monday, the Carlisle-based Giant Food Stores announced new robotic assistants will be arriving at all 172 Giant stores by the middle of this year. The chain's parent company says it plans to eventually deploy the robots to nearly 500 stores. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) The googly eyes are fake, but each robot has eight cameras - some directed down at the floor and others that can see shelves. Rowland said the robots can eventually be repurposed to help monitor a store's inventory. A robot observed Tuesday at a Stop & Shop store in Seekonk, Massachusetts, alerted store associates to a price tag that had fallen in one aisle, and a tiny sprig of herbs in another. After moving along for a few minutes, it returned to the scene of each spill and waited until an employee pushed a button to acknowledge that the debris was picked up. It's not the only robot that U.S. shoppers might spot this year. Walmart and Midwestern supermarket chain Schnucks have deployed robots that help monitor inventory. A union that represents Giant and Stop & Shop workers says it's keeping an eye on Marty. It remains to be seen what the groceries will ultimately use the technology for. UFCW President Marc Perrone said in an emailed statement that the "aggressive expansion of automation in grocery and retail stores is a direct threat to the millions of American workers who power these industries and the customers they serve." A robot named Marty cleans the floors at a Giant grocery store in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. On Monday, the Carlisle-based Giant Food Stores announced new robotic assistants will be arriving at all 172 Giant stores by the middle of this year. The chain's parent company says it plans to eventually deploy the robots to nearly 500 stores. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) A robot named Marty cleans the floors at a Giant grocery store in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. On Monday, the Carlisle-based Giant Food Stores announced new robotic assistants will be arriving at all 172 Giant stores by the middle of this year. The chain's parent company says it plans to eventually deploy the robots to nearly 500 stores. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) A robot named Marty cleans the floors at a Giant grocery store in Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. On Monday, the Carlisle-based Giant Food Stores announced new robotic assistants will be arriving at all 172 Giant stores by the middle of this year. The chain's parent company says it plans to eventually deploy the robots to nearly 500 stores. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) WASHINGTON (AP) - Attorney General nominee William Barr made one thing clear during his Senate confirmation hearing : He may want the job, but he doesn't need it. The 68-year-old Barr, who has already served once before as attorney general, said Tuesday he's in a position in life where he "can do the right thing and not really care about the consequences." That's how he reinforced the point that he is willing to stand up to President Donald Trump if he were to improperly interfere in special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. That also allowed him to dodge Democratic senators and avoid making hard commitments about releasing Mueller's final report or recusing from overseeing the probe because of his past comments. Some takeaways from his appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee. HE APPEARS BOUND FOR CONFIRMATION Republicans are united behind him and Democrats don't have the votes to block him. Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Barr said the right things for defenders of the president looking to rein in a Justice Department they see as politically tainted by the handling of Democrat Hillary Clinton's email investigation and the Russia probe involving Trump's campaign. But he also reassured moderate Republicans and Democrats that he would allow the Russia investigation to proceed and stand up to a mercurial and norm-breaking president. Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican, even floated the idea of voting to confirm Barr next week. HE ASSURED MUELLER DEFENDERS ... Barr gave Mueller fans things to like. He said he would not carry out any order to fire Mueller without cause. He said it would be an "abuse of power" and breach of a president's constitutional oath for Trump to intervene in an investigation he "has a stake in." He didn't doubt the finding of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia attempted to sway the 2016 election. And he rejected Trump's casting the probe as a "witch hunt," saying "it is vitally important" that Mueller be allowed to finish his work. ... AND HE FRUSTRATED THEM But Barr wouldn't make some of the ironclad promises Democrats wanted. He said he believes Congress and the American public should be told the result of Mueller's probe, but he stopped short of committing to release the special counsel's report in full. He similarly hedged on the question of recusal. Barr told senators that he would seek the advice of career ethics officials at the Justice Department, but he wouldn't commit to following whatever decision they recommended. He said he alone would make the decision in "good faith based on the laws and the facts." Barr said his position was different than that of former Trump Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from overseeing the Russia probe because he had served on Trump's campaign. Pressed about whether his previous criticisms of the Russia investigation, he sought to downplay the importance of a memo he authored- and distributed to the Justice Department and White House lawyers. Barr said the memo was intended to be narrowly focused on one of Mueller's reported interpretations of obstruction and shouldn't be read that he has prejudged the investigation. HE TURNED DOWN REPPING TRUMP Not only did Barr send that memo counseling Trump's lawyers on the Mueller probe, he disclosed Tuesday that the president spoke with him about joining his legal team. In June 2017, Barr said he was approached by David Friedman, U.S. ambassador to Israel, about joining Trump's legal team. Barr said he resisted the idea, saying he had other commitments and didn't want to stick his "head into that meat grinder." Nonetheless, he agreed to meet with Trump at the White House where he said he turned down Trump's offer. He said he personally told Trump he couldn't represent him. Barr said he didn't hear from Trump again until he was being considered for attorney general. HE'S CLOSE WITH MUELLER Barr and "Bob" have been friends for nearly 30 years, he told senators. Their wives are close. And under questioning from senators, Barr routinely praised his friend. He said Mueller wouldn't be involved in a "witch hunt," a reference to Trump's favored moniker for the Russia probe. And he said he made that clear to Trump personally in the White House, telling Trump that "Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such." The Barrs and Muellers are good friends, he told the president, "and would be good friends when this is all over." HE WON'T RULE OUT JAILING REPORTERS Barr didn't do much to assure defenders of the free press in light of daily presidential attacks on journalists who scrutinize his actions and those of his administration. Under questioning from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., whose father is a journalist, Barr said he couldn't rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs and even raised the prospect of doing so based on the content of their news reports. Barr said there are certain situations where a reporter could be held in contempt "as a last resort." He also said he could envision a case for incarceration that would involve news organizations "putting out stuff that is hurting the country." In 2017, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he couldn't make a "blanket commitment" not to jail reporters in response to a similar question from Klobuchar. ___ AP Congressional Correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed to this report. Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) URBANA, Ill. (AP) - A federal judge in central Illinois has denied defense motions to suppress evidence in the case of a 28-year-old man charged in the kidnapping and killing of a University of Illinois scholar from China. The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports Tuesday that the judge accepted FBI assertions that agents obtained the voluntary consent of Brendt Christensen's wife to search their apartment. Investigators went there in 2017, two weeks before Christensen was charged in Yingying Zhang's kidnapping in Urbana. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, saying Christensen also tortured the 26-year-old woman. Her body hasn't been found. Christensen's now-ex-wife, Michelle Zortman, has said agents searched before she consented. She's not accused of wrongdoing. Judge James Shadid also refused to toss jail recordings of Christensen, saying prosecutors can use them at the April trial. ___ Information from: The News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles school administrators urged the union to resume bargaining as thousands of teachers walked picket lines for a second day Tuesday, joined for the first time by some of their counterparts from independent charter schools. "We need our educators back in our classrooms helping inspire our students," said Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner. Teachers are pressing for higher pay, smaller class sizes and more support staff that school officials say could bankrupt the nation's second-largest system. Teachers with the independent Accelerated Schools charter network - who are also union members but negotiate their contract separately - walked off the job Tuesday to demand better working conditions and in support for public school educators. Los Angeles is experiencing the same tension over charter schools seen in other states, with critics arguing the privately run public schools hurt district finances by drawing away students and the money that goes with them. Union President Alex Caputo-Pearl has called the funds flowing to charters an "existential threat." But Caputo-Pearl said the union isn't against all charters, just their "unregulated growth." "We don't need to have the grow-as-fast-as-you-can business model that's promoted by charter school billionaires," he said. "We need to invest in our existing schools." Students and teachers react to a car driving past honking in support of a city wide teacher strike on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Beutner has said he envisions moving toward a system with public and charter schools under the same leadership. Critics contend Beutner, an investment banker with no education background, wants to run schools like a business. Charter teachers joining the strike is a big deal because it shows they "see themselves in solidarity with the broader body of district educators," said John Rogers, a professor of education at University of California, Los Angeles. It wasn't clear how many charter teachers walked off the job. Unlike strikes in other states, all 1,240 K-12 schools in LA Unified were open. The district has hired hundreds of substitutes to replace tens of thousands of staff, a move the union has called irresponsible. The walkout Monday was marked by a plunge in attendance, with about 144,000 students out of more than 600,000 in class. On Tuesday that number grew to 159,000. Parents who sent their kids to school wondered how much teaching was happening as students were herded into large groups. David Biener said his son and daughter completed worksheets in math and history while sitting on the gym floor at their middle school. "It's not an ideal situation, obviously, but there was some learning going on," he said. "It wasn't a free for all." Biener was undecided about whether the kids would go back to school on Wednesday. No new talks have been scheduled. The union rejected the district's latest offer to hire nearly 1,200 teachers, counselors, nurses and librarians and reduce class sizes by two students. It also included a previously proposed 6-percent raise over the first two years of a three-year contract. The union wants a 6.5 percent hike at the start of a two-year contract. Caputo-Pearl, the union president, said members are "prepared to go as long as it takes" to get a fair contract. The last strike in 1989 lasted nine days. Meanwhile, Beutner urged the teachers to join him in pushing for more funding from the state, which provides 90 percent of the district's money. The district says the demands run up against an expected half-billion-dollar deficit this budget year and billions that are obligated for pension payments and health coverage for retired teachers. "The painful truth is we just don't have enough money," Beutner said. The union argues that the district is hoarding reserves of $1.8 billion. Teachers earn between $44,000 and $86,000 annually depending on their education and experience. The district says the average salary is $75,000. ___ Follow Weber at https://twitter.com/WeberCM Joined by some parents and students, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner, center, walks through the hallway to attend a news conference at the LAUSD headquarters Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the LAUSD walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner listens to a parent during a news conference at the LAUSD headquarters Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the LAUSD walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner, left, and board president Monica Garcia wait in the hallway for a news conference at the LAUSD headquarters Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the LAUSD walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Sara Castro, whose two children are attending the Los Angeles United School District schools, holds a sign outside La Fayette Park Primary Center as students are picked up from the school Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the LAUSD walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Ten-year-old Edna Hernandez, who skipped school to support her mother who is a special education teacher in a Los Angeles United School District school, sits outside La Fayette Park Primary Center Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the LAUSD walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) Demonstrators shout slogans during a teachers rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Larissa Robedillo, a speech pathologist with Shenandoah Elementary School, holds a sign during a teachers rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Demonstrators shout slogans during a teachers rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Demonstrators gather during a teachers rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Demonstrators march during a teachers rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Demonstrators shout slogans as part of a teachers rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Artan Gasparians, center, a physical education teacher with Fulton College Preparatory in Van Nuys, Calif., holds a sign as he marches during a rally Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Los Angeles. Teachers in the huge Los Angeles Unified School District walked picket lines again Tuesday as administrators urged them to return to classrooms and for their union to return to the bargaining table. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) BOCA RATON, Fla. (AP) - Saying he would "make them feel the heat," Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday called for sanctions against Airbnb unless it reverses its decision barring lodging listings in the disputed West Bank in the Middle East. The Republican governor, who repeatedly touted his views on Israel while on the campaign trail last year, criticized the online lodging marketplace for a policy he said unfairly targets Jewish people. "We have a moral obligation to oppose the Airbnb policy; it does target Jews specifically," said DeSantis. Airbnb announced in November that it would delist 200 properties and cease its operations in Israeli settlements "that are at the core of the dispute between the Israelis and Palestinians." Israel captured the West Bank and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East war. Today, more than 400,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, in addition to 200,000 Israelis in east Jerusalem. Most of the international community considers the settlements illegal and an impediment to the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Israel sees the territory as disputed and says the fate of the settlements must be resolved in peace negotiations with the Palestinians. DeSantis announced two possible actions against Airbnb: He said the state would suspend the use of Airbnb for state-paid travel, and would consider barring the state's pension fund from investing in Airbnb, even though the company is not currently publicly traded. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Boca Raton, Fla. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. DeSantis says he is pushing for sanctions against Airbnb unless it reverses its decision barring lodging listings in the disputed West Bank in the Middle East. (Bruce R. Bennett/Palm Beach Post via AP) The actions announced by DeSantis against Airbnb were just part of the governor's show of support for the state's sizable Jewish population, which in the past has been more supportive of Democratic candidates. DeSantis also announced that his first overseas trip would be to Israel in May, and he pledged at least $2 million in state money to Jewish schools for security upgrades. It's not clear how much of an impact either policy would have on Airbnb, but DeSantis said being on Florida's "hit list" would hurt the company if it decided to go public. "If we can't make them see the light, make them feel the heat," he said, adding that Florida would change its stance if Airbnb reversed its policy. In response to the DeSantis' announcement, company spokesman Ben Breit underscored all the other business Airbnb does in Israel, including hosting thousands of Floridians who visit. "We remain deeply committed to our more than 20,000 hosts in Israel," Breit said in an email, adding that the company does not support an ongoing international campaign to boycott Israel. The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it supports Airbnb's current policy and criticized Florida's new governor, as well as the state's policy to divest from any companies that boycott Israel. "Governor DeSantis should abstain from pushing his free-speech crackdown and instead should focus on protecting all Americans and American corporations from being punished by state legislation seeking to implement unconstitutional state-sponsored boycotts," said Wilfredo Ruiz, a spokesman for the group. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County in Boca Raton, Fla. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. DeSantis says he is pushing for sanctions against Airbnb unless it reverses its decision barring lodging listings in the disputed West Bank in the Middle East. (Bruce R. Bennett/Palm Beach Post via AP) ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York would become the 11th state to legalize recreational marijuana for adults under a proposal unveiled Tuesday by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The measure would permit personal use as well as retail sales of the drug. Marijuana taxes would raise an estimated $300 million a year, Cuomo said. Cities and counties could prohibit retail pot shops within their boundaries if they choose. Legalization was the most notable of several big ideas floated by Cuomo during his annual State of the State address on Tuesday, including new congestion tolls in Manhattan and a statewide ban on plastic bags. "The time for talking is over," Cuomo said in the speech. "It is the time for doing." Removing penalties for recreational marijuana has broad support in the Democrat-controlled Senate and Assembly. Cuomo inserted the measure into his $175 billion state budget proposal, which lawmakers plan to act on by April 1. Two years ago Cuomo dismissed marijuana as a "gateway drug" but now says he supports legalization following a study by state health officials who determined the benefits of legalization outweigh the risks. The governor's change of opinion mirrors a similar evolution across the country. If New York follows through with legalizing marijuana it would be the 10th state and the second largest after California to take the step. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) The proposal comes with a plan to seal past marijuana convictions, a provision lawmakers like Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, have said must be a part of the discussion. Many Democrats in the Legislature say the state cannot legalize pot without trying to help New Yorkers whose lives were negatively impacted by decades of marijuana prohibition. Heastie said after Cuomo's speech that "there has to be some economic empowerment, particularly for communities for color, who as the governor did mention, have really been on the opposite end when it comes to criminalizing marijuana." While there's broad agreement in Albany about legalization, figuring out the details when it comes to taxing, licensing and regulating the product is likely to be challenging. Also, Cuomo's proposal would not allow individuals to grow their own marijuana; recreational users would be required to purchase the product at a store. That's a restriction not included in some of the other initial legalization proposals from lawmakers. "We're going to need to see details," said Sen. Joe Griffo, R-Rome. "If you're going to do this, you should do it right. Take a look at what other states have done, and learn from them." Ari Hoffnung, CEO of Vireo Health, one of the 10 companies now licensed to grow and sell medical marijuana, hailed Cuomo's proposal as "a historic step" but said it would need to be studied carefully to ensure it doesn't undermine the existing medical pot market. Opponents of legalization say they'll fight to derail Cuomo's proposal. "No matter how many states try, pot does not bring the promised 'windfall' of revenue," said Kevin Sabet, president of the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, which opposes legalization. "This fight is far from over. We will be making our voices heard." Cuomo was light on details on his proposal to impose congestion tolls on motorists traveling below 60th Street in Manhattan beginning in 2021. Cuomo didn't release a specific toll amount, or say whether small businesses or low-income commuters would receive a discount. Those details would be figured out during negotiations with the Legislature. The tolls would be intended to discourage traffic while raising money for badly needed repairs to the city's subway system. A broad coalition of local chambers of commerce, environmental groups and transit riders argues congestion tolls are the best way to address the city's beleaguered transit system. Several hailed Cuomo's support, but said they want to see the details. A previous study has estimated tolls as high as $12. Cuomo was also relatively vague about a proposal to overhaul the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to reduce bureaucracy and place it more firmly under his authority. Cuomo already appoints the MTA chairperson and largely controls the agency, but says it needs structural changes in order to more aggressively address mounting delays and breakdowns. "Millions of transit riders are counting on the governor and Legislature to fix our subways and buses with a new, dependable source of funding," according to a statement from a coalition of supporters that include the Riders Alliance, the League of Conservation Voters and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Many of the items on Cuomo's wish-list reflect long-time liberal priorities that had been blocked by Republicans in the state Senate. Last fall's elections swept the Democrats into power in the Senate, however, giving them a lock on both chambers and the governor's office. Cuomo's proposed ban on plastic bags is one such priority. Cuomo himself helped stop a proposed ban on plastic bags in New York City two years ago before announcing that he would support a statewide law prohibiting the ubiquitous bags. Other left-leaning suggestions in the governor's speech include a proposed state constitutional amendment codifying the abortion rights laid out in Roe v. Wade; the extension of financial aid to students whose parents brought them to the U.S. illegally as children; and the elimination of cash bail for criminal defendants. Cuomo also announced that he'll include safety reforms for limousines in his state budget proposal in response to the October crash of a stretch limo that killed 20 people in an upstate town. One change would ban reconfigured limos like the modified SUV that crashed into a store's parking lot in Schoharie on Oct. 6, killing the driver, 17 passengers and two pedestrians. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, watches from the Red Room in the state Capitol as the east anchor span of the old Tappan Zee Bridge is imploded by contractors Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo watches from the Red Room in the state Capitol as the east anchor span of the old Tappan Zee Bridge is imploded by contractors Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo comments from the Red Room in the state Capitol after the east anchor span of the old Tappan Zee Bridge is imploded by contractors Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, left, and Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, listen as New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) From left, Senator Deputy Majority Leader, Michael Gianaris, D-Astoria, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, listen to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo deliver his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks of his father Mario Cuomo as he delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo delivers his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) Senator Deputy Majority Leader, Michael Gianaris, D-Astoria, speaks with reporters after listening to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo deliver his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joseph Griffo, R-Utica, speaks with reporters after listening to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo deliver his State of the State address and executive budget proposal at the Hart Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Albany, N.Y. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) BOSTON (AP) - Bruce Springsteen made an unexpected visit to a Boston pub last week. Tommy McCarthy, owner of The Bebop, says Springsteen walked into the bar with his wife and another woman to spend some time listening to a local performer playing Friday evening. McCarthy tells The Boston Globe that Springsteen enjoyed the music and had a few drinks before he went on his way. McCarthy says the Boss told him he'd like to stop by again sometime. It was unclear why Springsteen was in Boston, although his son once attended Boston College. The Bebop is close to Berklee College of Music and McCarthy says Springsteen's visit was "pretty amazing." ___ FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2017 file photo, Bruce Springsteen performs during the closing ceremonies of the Invictus Games in Toronto. On Friday, Jan. 11, 2019, Springsteen made an unexpected visit to The Bebop, an Irish pub in Boston where he spent time listing to a local performer. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP, File) Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com Kim Yong-chol already visited the United States last year. Two weeks later, on June 12, historic summit between the two leaders took place in Singapore. For Seoul, the future of inter-Korean programs depends on the meetings. Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - North Korean negotiator Kim Yong-chol will arrive in Washington tomorrow to work with the US Secretary of State on the details of the second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the American president Donald J. Trump. South Korean diplomatic sources reported the news but there has been no official confirmations from Washington and Pyongyang. Nonetheless South Korean and US media corroborate the rumors circulated yesterday about two days of meetings. Vice President of the Central Committee of the North Korean Workers' Party, Kim Yong-chol already visited the United States last year. Two weeks later, on June 12, the historic summit between the two leaders took place in Singapore. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, should have met the North Korean envoy last November, but the meeting was canceled abruptly. Kang Kyung-wha, South Korean foreign minister, said that there were contacts between Pyongyang and Washington, but he judged it "inappropriate" to comment on this. The minister said that the future of two major inter-Korean projects will depend on the Kim-Trump summit: the Kaesong industrial park and the Kumgang mountain resort complex. Bound by am extensive network of sanctions against Pyongyang, the initiatives require "various aspects of revision". The future of cross-border programs, suspended due to previous tensions, has again attracted public attention following the New Year's speech by the North Korean leader. Kim said his regime is willing to restart projects without preconditions. Minister Kang clarified that South Korea is hoping for a "global" agreement on denuclearization and its "gradual" implementation. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 16) Several agreements were signed between the Philippines and Sri Lanka Wednesday as President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the leader of the Asian country on a state visit. Duterte received Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena in Malacanang, marking the first state visit of a Sri Lankan head of state to the Philippines since diplomatic relations were established 58 years ago. Sirisena first attended a wreath-laying ceremony in Rizal Park, where he paid his respects to Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal before heading to the Palace where he was received by Duterte. Sirisena also signed the official guest book before he and Duterte attended an expanded bilateral meeting attended by officials from both governments. Both leaders witnessed the exchange of five agreements between Philippine and Sri Lankan agencies: 1. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of National Defense and the Ministry of Defence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka concerning defense and military education and training and exchanges of defense and military delegations 2. MOU on Cooperation in agriculture, fisheries and related fields between the Republic of the Philippines and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 3. MOU on academic cooperation in higher education between the Commission on Higher Education and the Ministry of City Planning, Water Supply and Higher Education of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 4. MOU between the Department of Tourism of the Philippines and the Ministry of Tourism Development, Wildlife and Christian Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka 5. MOU between the University of the Philippines Los Banos and the Sri Lanka Council for Agriculture Research Policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MAREALIFARD) Prior to attending a state banquet in honor of Sirisena's visit, the leaders delivered joint statements at the Palace. Duterte said he and Sirisena were united in their desire to provide greater peace, progress and prosperity for their people. "These aspirations behoove upon us to work together even more closely to provide renewed impetus and clearer direction of a greatly expanded partnership. In our meetings we resolved to further strengthen our engagement in trade, defense, agriculture and tourism, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges" said the President. Duterte added they both recognized the problems posed by illegal drugs and poverty, and the need to strengthen cooperation in defense and security. "We know that the growth we desire can only be achieved with peace, order and stability," Duterte said. The President also said the country recognizes Sri Lanka "can be a partner in advancing migrant workers' rights and welfare; disaster risk reduction, response and management; as well as in strengthening our maritime security and addressing the trafficking of illegal drugs and human smuggling." For his part, Sirisena said he and Duterte had "very productive" discussions on the areas of defense and security, trade and investment, and agriculture, among others. "We both are pleased on the outcome of our discussion," he added. He also said he has extended an invitation for President Duterte to make a state visit to Sri Lanka "at an early date." BEIRUT (AP) - Ed Blanche, a longtime correspondent and Middle East editor for The Associated Press who covered transformative events from Northern Ireland to Lebanon, has died, his family said Tuesday. He was 76. Blanche died Sunday in Beirut after losing a battle with cancer, said his wife, Mona Ziade. Blanche joined the AP in London in 1967 and went on to cover various crises around the world, including the 1967 Arab-Israeli war soon after he was hired as well as the Northern Ireland conflict. He also covered countries including Angola, Indonesia, Vietnam and Iran and reported extensively from Lebanon during the country's 1975-90 civil war. Blanche moved to Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1986 where he was a Middle East editor for 10 years. "Ed was known for his bravery and commitment to truth during the toughest times in Beirut and for reporting from Lebanon accurately and fairly," said John Daniszewski, the AP's Vice President and Editor-at-Large for Standards. "He was a strong defender of AP's values, and a mentor to a generation of younger journalists who passed through the AP bureau or who worked at Beirut's Daily Star newspaper." Blanche left the AP in 1996 because he wanted to resettle with his family back in Beirut, which he always considered to be his second home, Ziade said. The couple helped relaunch Lebanon's Daily Star newspaper, which had ceased to publish in the mid '80s at the height of the country's civil war. Blanche was initially foreign editor, then editor of the paper. FILE - In this Oct. 1982 file photo, AP Correspondent Ed Blanche, right, interviews Reverend Ian Paisley, Member of Parliament, leader of Ulster's Democratic Unionist Party in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Family members say Ed Blanche, a longtime correspondent and Middle East editor for The Associated Press who covered transformative events from Northern Ireland to Lebanon, has died. He was 76, it was reported on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Corporate Archives, File) He left the Daily Star in 2003 to pursue a career of freelance journalism, specializing in military and strategic affairs. Julie Flint, longtime journalist and friend, said he had for years been working on a book on the history of warfare. She described him as a "consummate agency journalist." Vietnam War correspondent and military writer Joe Galloway said he remembers first meeting Blanche in Jakarta in 1968 where Blanche was posted as foreign correspondent. "He was a great friend and a great competitor and I miss him being in this world," he said. Born on May 16, 1942 in Newark, England, Blanche was described by colleagues as an energetic journalist who loved to share his knowledge and mentor younger colleagues. "Ed was an 'old school' wire service journalist, always willing to volunteer for challenging assignments, energetic and hard-working in the field," said Robert H. Reid, AP's former Middle East regional editor, now senior managing editor of Stars and Stripes. "Over his years of reporting, Ed had built up an impressive knowledge of the Middle East with all its political and social complexities and was always willing to share his insights with colleagues who were new to the region." He is survived by his wife and their daughter, Tamara, and two children, Jay and Lee, from a previous marriage. PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) - The lawyer for a rice farmer whose company was involved in the largest drug seizure ever in the South American nation of Surinam says his client has been fatally shot. Lawyer Irwin Kanhai told website Starnieuws that 40-year-old Nitender Oemrawsingh was found in neighboring Guyana with a bullet wound in the head. Kanhai told local media that Oemrawsingh was not a suspect but had planned to contact police investigating the cocaine seizure. Acting Police Chief Roberto Prade said Saturday that more than 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds) of the drug was discovered at the port in the Surinamese capital, nestled among bags of rice produced by Oemrawsingh's company. Surinam police spokesman Humprey Naarden told AP that on Tuesday that four arrests have been made in the cocaine case. WASHINGTON (AP) - Almost a dozen Senate Republicans broke with the White House Tuesday on Russia, voting to move forward on a resolution that would maintain sanctions on companies linked to oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The Democratic resolution would stop the Treasury Department from lifting penalties against the Russian aluminum manufacturing giant Rusal and two other companies connected to Deripaska. Senators took two procedural votes to proceed to the resolution, with 11 Republicans voting with Democrats. While Democrats are unlikely to get the 60 votes they will eventually need to pass the resolution, the strong GOP showing - which came hours after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin came to Capitol Hill and urged Republicans to vote against the resolution - is yet another signal that Senate Republicans are willing to oppose the White House and President Donald Trump on national security matters. "I'll vote to disapprove Treasury's easing of sanctions on Russian businesses involving oligarch & Putin ally Oleg Deripaska," Republican Sen. Susan Collins tweeted after the vote. "He still would maintain significant control given his ties to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. Easing the sanctions sends the wrong message to Russia & to Deripaska." At issue is a December announcement from the Treasury Department that the U.S. would lift sanctions on the three companies - Rusal, EN+ Group and the Russian power company JSC EuroSibEnergo. EN+ Group is a holding company that owns nearly 50 percent of Rusal. The Treasury Department says the Russian companies have committed to separating from Deripaska, who will remain blacklisted as part of an array of measures announced in early April that targeted tycoons close to the Kremlin. Treasury maintains that the companies have committed to diminish Deripaska's ownership and sever his control. In a statement last week, Mnuchin said Deripaska remains under sanctions, "his property and interests remain blocked, and any companies he controls are also sanctioned." Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, center, speaks with reporters as he departs the Republican policy luncheon on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Treasury has warned that the sanctions could upset global aluminum markets or even prompt the Russian government to nationalize the company, thus shutting it out from any outside control. Mnuchin said after his closed-door meeting with Republican senators that the sanctions "shouldn't be a political issue." Echoing Trump, Mnuchin said, "we have been tougher on Russia with more sanctions than any other administration." But 11 Republicans still voted to move forward on the resolution, which was sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The vote came less than a month after a similar scenario played out in votes to end U.S. assistance to Saudi Arabia for the war in Yemen and blame Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While the Trump administration sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis to Capitol Hill to encourage Republicans to continue the U.S. assistance, several Republicans defected, angered by what they said was Trump's lackluster response to Khashoggi's killing. The two measures were never considered by the House and expired at the end of the congressional session. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell encouraged Republicans on Tuesday to vote against the sanctions resolution, noting that Deripaska's influence over the companies would be limited and calling the vote a "Democratic stunt." McConnell said Republicans are "hardly strangers" to the need for strong policies on Russia. He added that they have "long seen Vladimir Putin for the KGB thug that he is," referencing the former Russian secret police and intelligence agency. Schumer said that if senators agree with McConnell that Putin is a thug, "they'll vote yes" on the resolution. "We're only a few Republican votes short of the U.S. Senate telling Putin he can't run the show no matter what President Trump and his administration try to do," he said. The Senate is expected to hold another procedural vote to move forward on the resolution Wednesday, and this time supporters will need 60 votes. If Tuesday's tallies are any indication, they will be just short - 57 senators voted in support of proceeding to the resolution. The House could also hold a vote soon, as Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., has introduced a similar resolution to Schumer's. Congress has 30 days from the Dec. 19 announcement to block the sanctions decision. Last week, House Democratic chairmen from seven committees called Mnuchin in for a classified briefing on the easing of the sanctions. But many Democrats left frustrated, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying she was "unimpressed." In a letter asking Mnuchin for a briefing, the committee chairmen said the sanctions deal appears to allow Deripaska to keep "significant ownership" of one of the companies. They did not elaborate. Democrats have asked for an extension of the 30-day timeline because the sanctions announcement came just before a holiday recess and the start of the government shutdown. Mnuchin said after his Senate meeting that Treasury will see how the Senate vote goes. "Our view is that we have great responsibility in managing the sanctions programs all over the world, and we take those responsibilities very seriously at Treasury," Mnuchin said. In addition to Collins, of Maine, the Republican senators voting with Democrats were John Boozman of Arkansas, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Steve Daines of Montana, Cory Gardner of Colorado, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Martha McSally of Arizona, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Marco Rubio of Florida, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Jerry Moran of Kansas. LAS VEGAS (AP) - The Las Vegas home of legendary Chicago mob enforcer Tony "The Ant" Spilotro is for sale. Spilotro, who was portrayed by Joe Pesci in the 1995 film "Casino," and his wife, Nancy, were the original owners of the single-story ranch-style home east of the Las Vegas Strip. Built in 1974, the property is considered modest today, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. It's offered for $419,900. Seller David Stevens tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal that Spilotro was proud to have the biggest swimming pool in the neighborhood. The Mob Museum in Las Vegas says Spilotro was assigned to protect the illegal diversion of casino profits to Chicago organized crime. Spilotro and his brother, Michael Spilotro, were killed in 1986, and their bodies found in an Indiana cornfield. This Jan. 14, 2019 photo shows the sunken living room of the former home of Las Vegas mobster Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, which is for sale in Las Vegas. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home near East Tropicana Avenue and McLeod Drive is on the market for about $419,900. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) ___ Information from: Las Vegas Review-Journal, http://www.lvrj.com This Jan. 14, 2019 photo shows the former home of Las Vegas mobster Tony "The Ant" Spilotro in Las Vegas which is for sale. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home near East Tropicana Avenue and McLeod Drive is on the market for about $419,900. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) This Jan. 14, 2019 photo shows the backyard swimming pool of the former home of Las Vegas mobster Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, which is for sale in Las Vegas. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home near East Tropicana Avenue and McLeod Drive is on the market for about $419,900. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) This Monday, Jan. 14, 2019 photo shows the backyard swimming pool of the former home of Las Vegas mobster Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, which is for sale in Las Vegas. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home near East Tropicana Avenue and McLeod Drive is on the market for about $419,900. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) This Jan. 14, 2019 photo shows pool table at the former home of Las Vegas mobster Tony "The Ant" Spilotro, which is for sale in Las Vegas. The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home near East Tropicana Avenue and McLeod Drive is on the market for about $419,900. (K.M. Cannon/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP) TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said the state's tax incentive programs amounted in some cases to "crony capitalism" and called for the expiring credits to be overhauled during his first state of the state speech Tuesday. Murphy, who is entering his second year in office after taking over from Republican Chris Christie, took aim at one of his predecessor's preferred economic incentives during the nearly hour-long address before lawmakers in the General Assembly chamber. His comments come after a recent state comptroller's audit showed the Economic Development Authority failed to check whether the jobs promised materialized in return for tax credits. Under Christie about $8 billion in credits were awarded. Attorney General Gurbir Grewal has also said he is digging into the incentive programs. "The comptroller verified one of our worst suspicions, that in the most egregious cases, past 'business incentives' got turned into 'crony capitalism'," Murphy said. Murphy cast the incentives as too costly to the state budget and suggested they're a contributor to economic hardship for many. Though $8 billion in awards were approved under Christie, only about $700 million has been paid out by the state, according to the development authority. Those programs, which were enacted in 2013, expire in June. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) "In these challenging times, the people of New Jersey are not wrong to be concerned," he said. "But they are far more right to be hopeful that we will level the playing field and give them their shot at success." Murphy called for a new incentive program that caps award amounts and tightens oversight of incentives, though he did not provide much detail. He also renewed calls to bump minimum wage from $8.85 to $15 an hour and legalize recreational marijuana, both campaign promises that remain stalled in the Democrat-led Legislature. An unabashed liberal, he took a victory lap of sorts by citing a number of campaign promises that he achieved by signing new bills into law, including increased funding for Planned Parenthood, paid sick leave requirements for employers and tighter gun control. Where Christie clashed with public sector labor unions, Murphy agreed to a four-year $150 million contract for roughly 35,000 state workers. He's rejoined a regional greenhouse gas initiative that Christie pulled out of. Some agenda items remain incomplete. Murphy has pledged to rehabilitate New Jersey Transit, which has suffered from poor management, bad internal morale and lack of resources, according to reports. Despite the focus on the agency and reaching a December goal of equipping rail lines with an emergency braking system, riders continue to complain about service and delays. In his first year, Murphy also paid more into the public pension - a trend that started under Christie despite his sour relationship with public sector unions. He also increased education spending and boosted the state subsidy to NJ Transit. To pay for it, he and the Democrat-led Legislature hiked income taxes on those making $5 million a year or more. Those earners will go from paying an 8.97 percent top rate to 10.75 percent. Taxes on businesses making more than $1 million will see an average hike of 2 percent over four years. The hike is set to expire after the fourth year when the rate would drop back to 9 percent. Republicans, who are in the minority in the Legislature, faulted Murphy for failing to address the state's high taxes and what they say is its poor affordability. They cited the 169 new laws that Murphy signed in his first year in particular as failing to lower costs in the state. "Governor Murphy has a really big heart. We just don't have the wallet to match his heart," Assembly Minority leader Jon Bramnick said after the speech. "New jersey residents have seen 169 new laws, not one law related to making the state more affordable." The higher taxes that went into effect last year were a far cry from what Murphy initially sought: a higher income tax on people making $1 million and above. The change comes after sometimes contentious negotiations with the Democrat-led Legislature, which after years of calling for higher taxes under Christie fought Murphy on the higher rates. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy delivers remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, top center, delivers remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) A New Jersey State Police officer, right, stands guard as Gov. Phil Murphy delivers remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, right, shakes hands with former Gov. Jim McGreevey, center, as former Gov. James Florio, left, looks on prior to Murphy's first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy arrives at the statehouse assembly chambers prior to Gov. Phil Murphy's first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, left, sits with state treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio as they listen to Gov. Phil Murphy deliver remarks during his first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr. , R-Westfield, addresses reporters during the Republican response to Gov. Phil Murphy's first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) New Jersey Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, R-Westfield, addresses reporters during the Republican response to Gov. Phil Murphy's first State of the State address, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Washington state's lieutenant governor declined to preside at Gov. Jay Inslee's State of the State speech Tuesday, saying he was concerned people might bring concealed weapons to the joint session of the Legislature. Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib, a Democrat, noted that the state House of Representatives, where the speech was given, does not have a policy banning concealed weapons, The Daily Herald newspaper of Everett reported . "There is no specific threat to me. There is no specific threat we know of, period," Habib said. "It's about the policy." The House and Senate ban openly carried weapons in their galleries, and in the Senate, where Habib is the presiding officer; he extended that ban to cover concealed weapons as well. Habib, who is blind, said he was concerned the House policy leaves elected officials vulnerable. Other statewide elected officials, from the nine Washington Supreme Court justices to the commissioner of public lands, attended. In an emailed response, the office of the chief House clerk, Bernard Dean, called Habib's decision regrettable. FILE - In this June 30, 2017, file photo, Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib presides over the Senate at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. Washington state's lieutenant governor declined to preside at Gov. Jay Inslee's State of the State speech because he was concerned people might bring concealed weapons to the joint session of the Legislature. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, file) "Washington state law is clear: Properly licensed concealed carry permit holders are allowed to carry concealed weapons on the state capitol campus, including the galleries," the statement said. "Absent any specific security issue, and in accordance with the law, the House kept the galleries open so that the public could see its government in action." Democratic Rep. John Lovick, of Mill Creek, the speaker pro tem in the House, presided over the joint legislative session for Inslee's speech in Habib's absence. Inslee, who is mulling a possible 2020 Democratic presidential bid, highlighted climate as his top issue in his annual address to lawmakers, who started their 105-day legislative session this week. ___ Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldnet.com CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Opposition lawmakers in Venezuela are trying to pry the military's loyalty away from President Nicolas Maduro, offering protection to members of the armed forces who support a transitional government. Congress passed a declaration Tuesday declaring Maduro's rulings invalid and giving amnesty to members of the military who help return Venezuela to democratic rule. Maduro has cultivated a stronghold within the military even as Venezuela collapses in a historic economic and political crisis. Venezuela analyst Diego Moya-Ocampos says the opposition is offering the armed forces incentives to break away rather than continue supporting Maduro. Maduro was sworn this month in to a second term following elections critics reject as a sham. The pro-Maduro Supreme Court earlier had ruled that acts of the opposition-dominated congress are invalid. Lawmakers attend a session at the opposition-controlled National Assembly to debate actions against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The president is under heightened pressure from opposition politicians and foreign leaders urging him to step down. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro waves as he arrives with first lady Cilia Flores and Constitutional Assembly President Diosdado Cabello to the National Assembly where he will give his annual address to the nation, before members of the Constitutional Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) - The Latest on the debate over what to do with a Confederate statue that stood at North Carolina's flagship university (all times local): 9:50 p.m. Activists held a "victory party" on the campus of North Carolina's flagship public university to celebrate the removal of the last remnants of a Confederate statue. News outlets report that organizers gathered Tuesday night at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where they ate pizza, gave celebratory speeches and chanted, "I believe that we will win!" Chancellor Carol Folt announced Monday that she had authorized that the pedestal that once held the statue known as "Silent Sam" be removed from a main campus quad and put into storage. Workers hauled the marble pedestal off the quad hours later. The "Silent Sam" statue itself has been in storage since it was pulled down last August by protesters who consider it a racist symbol. FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2018, file photo, police stand guard after the Confederate statue known as Silent Sam was toppled by protesters on campus at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. The chancellor of North Carolina's flagship public university said Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, the school will remove the pedestal where the Confederate statue stood until protesters tore it down. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File) ___ 2 p.m. The board governing North Carolina's public university system is forcing out the head of the state's flagship public university hours after she ordered a toppled Confederate statue's base removed. Carol Folt said Tuesday she was protecting public safety by having workers haul the marble pedestal off a main quad after midnight. She also announced it would be among her final acts ahead of resigning in May. Hours later, the statewide university system's Board of Governors made her resignation effective at the end of this month. The "Silent Sam" statue itself has been in storage since it was pulled down last August by protesters who consider it a racist symbol. Folt and trustees proposed putting it in a new $5 million campus history center, but that idea proved unpopular. ___ 12:30 p.m. The head of North Carolina's flagship public university says she swiftly and unilaterally ordered the removal of a toppled Confederate statue's base because it had become a focus for continuing threats she didn't identify. Carol Folt said Tuesday that she acted to protect public safety by having workers haul the marble pedestal off a main quad after midnight. The "Silent Sam" statue itself has been in storage since it was pulled down last August by protesters who consider it a racist symbol. Folt and trustees proposed putting it in a new $5 million campus history center, but that idea proved unpopular. She told a conference call of reporters that threats have increased recently, putting the campus at what she called "serious risk." ___ 5 a.m. Crews removed remnants of a Confederate statue from the University of North Carolina hours after the school's outgoing president ordered they be put into storage. The university sent a statement early Tuesday confirming the work to remove the massive pedestal was happening at its Chapel Hill campus, hours after the announcement by Chancellor Carol Folt. Folt also said she was stepping down from her role at the end of the school year. Folt said the items will be stored while their fate is decided. The statue was toppled by protesters last August. WRAL-TV reports that crews with a large truck, a forklift and floodlights performed the removal and finished the work by 2:40 a.m., leading to cheers by a crowd that had gathered to watch. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Dozens of people made frantic calls to 911 to report a shooting over the weekend at a suburban Salt Lake City mall that caused hundreds of panicked shoppers to flee the building or take shelter in closets, bathrooms and back rooms. "Everyone is running out of the mall," said one caller. "Oh my God, oh my God." Another who said he was calling using the phone of a woman who was shot in the leg exclaimed amid heavy breathing: "There's been a shooting... Two people got shot." He then stayed on the phone for several minutes providing information about the wounds and the condition of the victims while also passing along instructions from the dispatcher to others who were helping the victims to try to stop the bleeding, according to audio recordings provided to The Associated Press on Tuesday by authorities. "Do not remove the tourniquet, let the paramedics handle it," the dispatcher said. "If it keeps bleeding, they are probably not pressing hard enough. Tell them to remember to keep firm, steady pressure on the wounds." It was one of about 30 calls to 911 about the shooting Sunday just outside the Fashion Place mall in Murray, Utah, south of Salt Lake City, which authorities say started as an argument between rival gang members inside the mall and later erupted in gunfire outside. This undated photo released by the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office shows Jesus J. Payan-Mendoza. Utah police have arrested two people, Payan-Mendoza and Jorge Crecencio-Gonzalez, both 19, in connection with a suburban Salt Lake City mall shooting that sent hundreds of panicked shoppers into the streets. (Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office via AP) A woman who was shot was treated and released while a man who was wounded remains hospitalized in critical condition. Both were members of the rival gangs, police say. Police arrested two men in the incident and more arrests could be coming. No bystanders were hit or injured. The popular mall reopened on Monday. The calls illustrate confusion and panic among shoppers, most of whom weren't sure what was happening or what to do. The calls also offer a window into how dispatchers provided sometimes mixed instructions about whether to flee the mall or hunker down. A woman hiding in a closet in the Dillard's department store, one of the closest stores to the shooting, reported hearing five to six shots. At one point, the dispatcher told her to get out of the building and gave her detailed instructions. "Help others escape if possible. Take an evacuation path that is away from the suspects, OK," the dispatcher said. "Do not attempt to help wounded people, OK. Do not rush toward officers, keep your hands visible at all times and follow all of your commands, OK." As the woman kept talking about customers wandering the store, the dispatcher repeated his command, more firmly: "Like I said, get out of the building area, even if others won't follow." After the woman told the dispatcher she didn't know where the suspects were, he then told her to take cover with those around her and lock the door. Another woman in a different Dillard's closet with five others also received conflicting information from a different dispatcher, who first told her to escape and later said to lock the door and stay where she was after the woman told him that people in the mall were telling them to stay put. "I want you to sit or lie on the floor next to the wall with the door and be as quiet as possible," the male dispatcher said. "Make sure people there silence the ringer and vibration mode on your cellphones and do not open the door for anyone." Then the dispatcher offered one final command: "If you are found and unable to get away, be aggressive and prepared to fight for your life." A Dillard's employee asked the dispatcher if she should evacuate the store, to which the female dispatcher responded, "The best advice we can give you without knowing exactly what is going on is do whatever you need to do to make yourself feel safe." Several callers reported seeing several men sprinting across the parking lot and jumping over cinder block walls as they ran away. Dispatchers peppered the callers with questions about what they were wearing, what they looked like and if they had weapons. A woman crying hysterically said between sobs: "There are gunshots in the mall. People are running everywhere." ___ Associated Press writer Lindsay Whitehurst in Salt Lake City contributed to this report. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Some lawmakers in drug-ravaged West Virginia want to pitch in millions of dollars for President Donald Trump's wall-building effort along the U.S.-Mexico border. The GOP-led House of Delegates issued a statement Monday that a bill planned by three delegates would divert $10 million from West Virginia's current $186 million budget surplus for wall construction. Trump is seeking $5.7 billion overall to fund construction of a wall along about 235 miles (375 kilometers) of the border, and the federal government has been partially shut down as Trump and Democratic lawmakers are at an impasse over his request. The suggested offer from West Virginia would pay a tiny fraction of the cost. Last week a Republican lawmaker in Montana proposed giving more than $8 million for the wall, while South Dakota senators voted to urge construction of a steel barrier. The sponsors in West Virginia are Delegates Carl "Robbie" Martin, R-Upshur; Patrick Martin, R-Lewis; and Caleb Hanna, R-Webster. Robbie and Patrick Martin are brothers. West Virginia has by far the highest rate of U.S. drug overdose deaths. The three lawmakers said on a conference call Tuesday the $10 million would help stem the flow of drugs from Mexico into West Virginia. "Our constituents are crying out, saying that they need help with this drug problem," Patrick Martin said. "West Virginians want this wall. I believe that they want border security." Drug trafficking is concentrated at land ports of entry, not remote stretches of the border, according to a 2018 report by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The most common trafficking technique by transnational criminal organizations is to hide drugs in passenger vehicles or tractor-trailers as they drive into the U.S. though entry ports, where they are stopped and subject to inspection. They also employ buses, cargo trains and tunnels, the report says, citing other smuggling methods that also would not be choked off by a border wall. The DEA found that most of the heroin sold in the U.S. is being trafficked from Mexico, but the agency has said China is a main source of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that have been flooding the U.S. market. China has pushed back against the characterization. The DEA's report also noted a drop in the number of U.S. methamphetamine labs is being filled by Mexican and Latin American drug cartels. Republican House Speaker Roger Hanshaw didn't immediately return a telephone message seeking comment on the chances of the proposal's passage. West Virginia Democratic Party chairwoman Belinda Biafore called the proposal a "political stunt" and "sickening" because the money should be used for other pressing needs in the state. Trump carried West Virginia by 42 percentage points in the 2016 election, and 63 percent of state voters who cast midterm ballots approve of his job as president. by Nirmala Carvalho For Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), "Mass conversions are carried out by right-wing groups, performing ghar-vapasi where extremists claim they are bringing lost sheep back into the fold who had allegedly been coerced away from their original religion. Such claims are baseless. Many tribal people required to take part in the ghar vapasi programmes were animists and never Hindus. New Delhi (AsiaNews) Home Minister Rajnath Singh today expressed concern over mass conversions in the country and called for a national debate on the issue. Speaking at a meeting organised by Rashtriya Isai Mahasangh, a Christian group, he noted that mass conversions must be controlled. At the meeting held in New Delhi yesterday, the minister said he supported the right to adhere to any religion, but he also said that he believed a debate was necessary since mass conversions are a serious issue. "If someone accepts a religion on their own there shouldn't be objections but mass conversion is a matter of concern for any country. If you're Hindu be Hindu, if Muslim be Muslim, if Christian be Christian. Why do you want to convert the whole world?" As for the government, he said it will not discriminate against anyone. "I have never discriminated on the basis of caste, creed and religion in my life. Whether or not we get votes. Whether or not we form the government, whether we win or lose. But we will never discriminate among people. This is what our prime minister feels," he said. Singh noted that one cannot be in power and rule without love. "One can only rule with love. There is no other way," he explained. "I would also say one thing on the Christian community. We do not want to level allegations against anybody. You may have also heard. If somebody wants to accept a religion, he should do that. There should not be any objection to it. But if mass conversion starts happening, a large number of people start changing their religion, then it could be a matter of concern for any country," Singh said. In his view, in almost all countries, including Britain and America, minorities demand anti-conversion laws. "Here (in India) I see the majority demand [. . .] an anti-conversion law. And this is a matter of concern. It should not happen." Citing a slogan in Sanskrit, the Home Affairs minister said: "we do not have an allergy with anyone". Nevertheless, he acknowledges that there have been attempts to create a sense of fear among people. "BJP aa gayi Abbadbad hoga, you hoga wo hoga (the BJP has come. Now this or that will happen). We do not want to run the country by instilling a sense of fear. We want to run this country with a sense of confidence (among people). Nobody should have a sense of alienation. Everyone should feel welcome in the country." Singh noted that attempts have been made to defame the NDA government. "Recently, stones were pelted at churches. Some priests came to demand security. I assured them that all those behind it will be punished. But it (stone pelting) started a month before the assembly election and stopped a month after that. What would you say about that? Whose conspiracy is that? For Sajan K George, president of the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC), "Mass conversions are carried out by right-wing groups, performing 'ghar-vapasi' by which extremists claim they bring lost sheep back into the fold, he told AsiaNews. Such claims are baseless. Many tribal people required to take part in the ghar vapasi programmes were animists and never Hindus. Therefore, returning to the original religion is false propaganda. In the last week of December, at least 200 tribal Christian families were reconverted to Hinduism in Surat, Gujarat, during the Hindu Dharma Jagran Sammelan. The GCIC has documented cases of reconversion of Christians to Hinduism in the tribal areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh Anti-conversion laws have been adopted in Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, all of which have high numbers of tribal people and Dalits, giving the authorities the power to "decide and even control" peoples faith and religion. The various anti-conversion laws, incongruously called "religious freedom" laws, make it compulsory for would-be converts to inform the district administration chiefs of their desire to change religion. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Republican Greg Abbott began a second term as Texas governor Tuesday by promising lower taxes and a school funding overhaul but without mentioning a national policy dispute that weighs heavily on his state: President Donald Trump's demand for a border wall. Texas shares 1,200 miles of border with Mexico and stands to be affected most if Trump receives the $5.7 billion he is demanding to build a barrier and end the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history. Abbott has said walls are effective but hasn't been an outspoken cheerleader of Trump's demands during the shutdown. He didn't wade into the debate at all during his inauguration ceremony, where some onlookers on the Texas Capitol plaza chanted "Build a Wall!" Virtually all Texas Republicans have stood by the president throughout the shutdown. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz both accompanied Trump to the Texas border last week , as did Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who went so far to suggest that Texas could oversee construction of a wall if given the money. Abbott didn't join Trump, with aides to the governor saying there were scheduling conflicts. But Abbott has also not taken a clear position on Trump's demands for a wall in recent interviews, and he isn't casting the border as a priority for Texas at a time when the president is calling the situation 250 miles south of the state Capitol a crisis. Abbott, who four years ago vowed that "I will secure our border" during his first inauguration address, never mentioned it in his second one Tuesday. "Together, we will pay our teachers more. We will provide a better education for our students. We will make our schools safer," Abbott said. "We will tackle skyrocketing property taxes. We will help Texans recover from storms that have ravaged our communities. We will do all this and more." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, front center, arrives for his inauguration ceremony with his daughter, Audrey, in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Inauguration speeches traditionally lean more toward long-range visions than current events. But some use the occasion to mix both. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, chided the Trump administration following his swearing-in last week but did so without saying the president's name. Abbott sidestepping the debate is the most visible example of the Texas Legislature suddenly taking the spotlight off border security after GOP lawmakers spent years campaigning on the issue. Some Republicans say Texas has already done its part, having spent $1.6 billion on state trooper patrols, border cameras, spy planes and other security measures since Abbott took office in 2015. The governor has also deployed the National Guard signed one of the nation's toughest "sanctuary city" bans in 2017. Democrats, meanwhile, believe Republicans are course-correcting on the heels of the GOP's worst election in Texas in a generation, when Democrats picked up 12 seats in the Texas House behind Beto O'Rourke's near-upset of Cruz. Abbott fared better than most and won re-election by double-digits, but some polls showed him doing slightly worse among Hispanic voters than in 2014. Texas currently has about 100 miles of barriers along the border with Mexico, which includes walls and fencing. Asked about the wall in an interview with Corpus Christi television station KIII last week as Trump was in Texas, Abbott said "it's helpful whenever the president comes down" but did not weigh in on the current impasse. "It's a fact that we have a porous border, it's a fact that we have already a wall in place in certain areas, it's a fact that fencing can work," Abbott said Thursday. "But it's also a fact that we have lost hundreds of Border Patrol agents who had been in the state of Texas who are now elsewhere that make Texas more vulnerable. So there are a lot of resources that Texas needs, and we're gonna make sure that we keep our state secure." Judy Jackman, of Amarillo, tried leading a chant of "Build a Wall!" in the crowd before the inauguration began Tuesday. She said she was a little disappointed that Abbott didn't mention a wall in his address but said those around her still supported him. "I think it will be a big topic," she said. "I don't know why it wasn't today." ___ Associated Press Writer Jim Vertuno contributed to this report. ___ Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber Workers prepare the grounds of the Texas State Capitol for Tuesday's Inauguration Ceremonies, in Austin, Texas, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks after his inauguration ceremony, in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Abbott has made no mention of President Donald Trump's proposed border wall after taking the oath for a second term as Texas governor. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) Scouts from Longview, Texas, lead in the Pledge of Allegiance during the inauguration ceremony for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has got satisfaction: The Rolling Stones are among the headliners for the 50th anniversary festival. Organizers on Tuesday confirmed reports that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will play. Also headlining the 8-day event, which runs April 25-28 and May 2-5, are Katy Perry, the Dave Matthews Band, Al Green, Pitbull, Santana, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aaron Neville and gospel great Shirley Caesar. "Fifty years is very rare and to be here, still, just as strong, just as relevant is amazing," festival producer Quint Davis said. "For the Rolling Stones and Katy Perry - two of the most highly produced artists - to want to come play our festival, held in a tent, during the day with the scent of BBQ and oyster po-boys wafting over the field, that's just incredible." Perry is scheduled to perform April 27, the first Saturday, while the Stones will take over the festival's largest stage Thursday, May 2. Seeing the Stones' performance will require a special ticket good only for that day. Cost? $185. FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2016 file photo, The Rolling Stones, from left, Ronnie Wood, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts attend the opening night party for "Exhibitionism" at Industria in New York. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has got satisfaction: The Rolling Stones are among headliners for the 50th anniversary festival. Organizers Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, confirmed reports that Mick Jagger and his band will play. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) Tickets go on a pre-sale Thursday for Louisiana residents only, to buy tickets for the Rolling Stones' date. Up to two tickets can be purchased on the Plaza level of the Superdome from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday for the entire festival at 10 a.m. in New Orleans or at www.nojazzfest.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For the first time, the festival's 11 other stages will go dark when Jagger and company hit the stage. "Even though it's going to be a full fest day, with performances on all 12 stages, we don't want the stages where the Stones aren't performing to compete for an audience," Davis said. "We don't want the other stages to not have any people there, so we're gonna shut them down about an hour before the Stones perform, encourage them to get something to eat, to get a good spot and enjoy the show." Before the lineup was announced at the news conference, Davis showcased musicians who performed at the first jazz festival - Ellis Marsalis on piano, vocalist Germaine Bazzle, bass player George French, James Rivers on saxophone and Johnny Vidacovich on drums. Blues great Little Freddie King on guitar, Ronnie Kole on piano, clarinetist Orange Kellin and Lars Edegran on banjo also performed. Bazzle said she can't believe 50 years have passed since she first took to a festival stage. "It's just mind-boggling," she said. "It's also overwhelming and very humbling to have an opportunity to do what I love doing and work with such quality musicians. I just can't believe it. I'll believe when I'm on that stage this spring!" Davis said this year's festival, presented by title sponsor Shell, also will include at least 20 tributes honoring artists who helped shape New Orleans' musical landscape. These include performances dedicated to Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Mahalia Jackson, Allen Toussaint, Pete Fountain, Al Hirt and Marsalis - whose famous musical sons - Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason - will pay homage to him. WASHINGTON (AP) - The partial government shutdown is slowing plans by some companies to issue stock to the public and potentially cutting off a key source of capital for the financial markets. The shutdown, now in its fourth week, has all but darkened the Securities and Exchange Commission, the government agency that oversees the markets. Most of the SEC's 4,400-person staff is furloughed, including lawyers and other staffers who must approve corporate paperwork for initial public offerings. This process typically takes two to three months. Companies that have been moving toward issuing initial public offerings of stock in the coming months include such high-profile names as the ride hailing firms Uber and Lyft and the image-sharing platform Pinterest. Among the others are biotech and health sciences companies that depend on funding from the public markets that finance IPOs. Billions of dollars are at stake for the companies as well as millions in fees for the Wall Street firms that facilitate the deals. Brian Lane, a securities lawyer at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher who led the SEC's corporation finance division in the late 1990s, said some IPOs planned for spring could be delayed until fall if the shutdown persists. For larger companies with ample cash reserves, the problem is manageable, Lane said. But smaller companies that lack deep sources of funding from the private credit markets or from venture capitalists could be hurt. James Cox, a professor of securities law at Duke University, suggested that some IPOs eyed for the spring could end up being delayed as long as into 2020. United check-in kiosks are closed inside Terminal B at George Bush Intercontinental Airport Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, in Houston. The security checkpoint inside the terminal has been closed for several days. The partial government shutdown is starting to strain the national aviation system, with unpaid security screeners staying home, air-traffic controllers suing the government and safety inspectors off the job. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Representatives for Uber declined to comment, and those for Lyft and Pinterest didn't respond to requests for comment. More than 800,000 federal employees, over half of them still on the job, missed their first paycheck Friday as the closure became the longest government shutdown of any kind in U.S. history. President Donald Trump has rejected suggestions that he agree to temporarily reopen the government while negotiating with Democrats on the wall along the Mexican border that he has demanded. Here's a closer look at how the shutdown is hampering the SEC's work: __ AGENCY STAFFING Only a small SEC staff deemed essential is in place to monitor the markets and, in the agency's words, "respond to emergency situations" involving market integrity and investor protection, including law enforcement. The SEC's online financial reporting service for companies, known as Edgar and widely used by investors, continues to operate normally. About 285 agency employees are still working, including around 110 in law enforcement, according to the SEC's shutdown plan. "Our staff continues to monitor the asset management space, track market activity, and watch for systems issues or other events that could disrupt the fair and orderly operation of the securities markets," the SEC said in a statement. Before the shutdown took effect late last month, the SEC had urged companies to request that paperwork for public stock offerings already in the pipeline be expedited. The agency said it approved roughly a dozen such registration statements. __ SMALLER COMPANIES HURT? For the largest companies that were planning public stock offerings, "it's not the end of the world," said Alan Denenberg, a corporate lawyer who heads David Polk's office in tech-centric Northern California. Companies with deep pockets, like Uber, Lyft and Pinterest, can ride out the delay, he said. That's in contrast to perhaps dozens of smaller biotech and health sciences companies that hoped to launch IPOs within a few months. Their viability depends on access to the public capital markets. "You're suddenly thrown into a tailspin," Denenberg said. The consequences of these companies' delayed access to capital can affect ordinary households, he noted. There may be clinical trials for drugs or devices that the companies won't be able to help finance, a delay that would slow the public's access to potential breakthroughs. __ OPEN SEASON FOR FRAUD? With all but about 10 percent of the SEC's enforcement attorneys and staffers idled, some see warning lights involving white-collar crime flashing. The shutdown is "essentially providing fraudsters and schemers with a free pass to swindle investors and small businesses," said Rep. Maxine Waters, the California Democrat who now chairs the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, which oversees the securities industry. With its depleted staff, the SEC can't monitor the activities of the 26,000 investment firms, brokerages and stock exchanges that are registered with the agency, Waters said on the House floor recently. "Worse, the SEC is unable to hold bad actors accountable through most enforcement actions, preventing harmed investors from obtaining relief." Cox, the Duke University professor, doesn't regard the problem as urgent - at least not yet. "It's smoldering, but it's not flaming," he said. A notable exception could be enforcement cases for which the statute of limitations will soon run out, thereby preventing the SEC staff from pursuing those cases, Cox noted. In a case Tuesday, the SEC announced civil charges against a Ukrainian man and eight other individuals and companies in a scheme to profit by hacking into the Edgar computer system to steal companies' earnings reports before their public release. They are accused of reaping $4.1 million from the scheme. __ SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS The shutdown is preventing the SEC staff from processing or ruling on the hundreds of shareholder proposals that are challenged by companies each year. With the spring annual-meeting season a few months away, this means the agency can't determine whether such proposals can be placed on the proxy ballots that companies issue to shareholders. Investors typically try to place proposals on proxy ballots, for consideration in a vote at annual shareholder meetings, on issues ranging from executive pay to political spending to gender discrimination. This year, for example, an activist shareholder wants to pre-emptively block the nation's two largest private detention companies from housing immigrant children who have been separated from their parents. The companies, CoreCivic and GEO Group, want to bar the proposal from a vote. They say they have no intention of housing separated immigrant children or their parents, but they are fighting the activist's attempt to require them to adopt explicit policies to that effect. The companies have asked the SEC for permission to exclude the resolution by Alex Friedmann, associate director of the Human Rights Defense Center, from the ballots. From left, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of N.Y., and Democratic Freshman Leadership Representative Katie Hill, D-Calif., speak to reporters about the partial government shutdown following a Democratic strategy session on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Tuesday he plans to reactivate an application for the Palestinians to have full membership in the United Nations, and his foreign minister said that will likely happen in a few weeks. Abbas made the announcement just before he took over as head of the key group of developing countries at the United Nations with a promise to confront "assaults" on multilateralism and a pledge to seek a peaceful two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Abbas delivered the Palestinian Authority's application to become the 194th member of the United Nations to then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sept. 23, 2011, before addressing world leaders at the General Assembly. That bid failed because the Palestinians failed to get the required support of nine of the Security Council's 15 members. Even if they did, the United States, Israel's closest ally, had promised to veto any council resolution endorsing Palestinian membership. Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki told two reporters at a reception for Abbas later Tuesday that "we know that we are going to face a U.S. veto but this won't prevent us from presenting our application." He said the Palestinians' first step is to hold discussions with members of the Security Council. FILE - In this Dec. 22, 2018 file photo, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas gestures as he speaks during a meeting of the Palestinian leadership in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The Western-backed Palestinian Authority is threatening to step up pressure on Hamas amid renewed tensions in Gaza, even as Israel allows a lifeline of Qatari aid to flow directly to the Islamic militants. Abbas wants to reassert his authority over Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to preserve calm ahead of April's elections. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed, File) "So it's only a matter of maybe a few weeks before ... we will go to the Security Council for submitting our application," al-Malki said. After the Palestinians' initial bid for full U.N. membership was rejected, they went to the 193-member General Assembly, where there are no vetoes, and by more than a two-thirds majority succeeded in having their status raised from a U.N. observer to a non-member observer state in November 2012. That opened the door for the Palestinian territories to join U.N. and other international organizations, including the International Criminal Court. But real independence remains elusive until the Palestinians negotiate a peace deal with the Israelis. In a boost to Abbas' push for statehood and full U.N. membership, ministers of the Group of 77 - a powerful coalition of 134 mainly developing nations and China at the United Nations - formally decided to give the group's chairmanship to the Palestinians. But because it is a non-member state, the Palestinians needed General Assembly approval to preside over the G77. They got it in October over objections from Israel and the United States. In his acceptance speech, Abbas said the G77 will strive to ensure the rights and development of all people living under foreign and colonial occupation. "Palestine cannot be an exception," he said. "We also suffer under the yoke of foreign occupation." Abbas added, "Israel's continued colonization and occupation of the state of Palestine undermines our development ... and obstructs cohesive future development for all peoples of the region." He reaffirmed "the state of Palestine's commitments to international law and legitimacy and to a peaceful solution that brings an end to the occupation and the realization of the independence of the state of Palestine," with east Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side Israel in peace on the basis of 1967 borders. Turning to broader issues confronting the G77, Abbas recalled that when it was established in 1964 its founding principles were connected with the principles and goals of the United Nations. They "constitute the strongest pillar for upholding the multilateral system and its institutions as well as the rule of international law and mutual cooperation," he said. Abbas warned "of the assaults underway against this system" and said the Palestinians will strive during their chairmanship of the G77 "to confront such challenges through the preservation of the multilateral international order." He said the Palestinians will do this by strengthening ties within the G77 and with U.N. partners to promote cooperation among nations from the developing south and action to implement U.N. goals for 2030 to end extreme poverty, promote economic development, preserve the environment and promote equality for women. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the G77 that its leadership in 2018 "proved once again to be a central force in demonstrating that multilateralism is the only way to address our shared challenges." In 2019, he said, climate action must be in the forefront of efforts to end poverty, reduce inequality and transition "to more inclusive and sustainable economies." "If we do not put policies and commitments in place to launch a decade of climate action by 2020, it will be too late to avoid catastrophic climate change with unforeseeable consequences," Guterres warned. "Many of the Group of 77 countries would be among the first and worst to suffer." RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) - Palestinians in the West Bank are staging a partial strike and large demonstrations to protest a new social security law. Thousands of private sector employees gathered Tuesday in Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, where they chanted "the old story is the same, a bunch of thieves." Several companies, banks and shops were closed, while others had limited operations. The government endorsed a law last year that would set aside 7 percent of every paycheck to fund a public pension system. It has delayed implementing the law because of widespread opposition. Palestinians have long complained of corruption and many fear they will never see the money again. The Palestinian Authority has said it is open to reforming the law, but that has done little to quiet the protests. FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - A Salvadoran woman who was detained during a routine check-in after successfully suing a Maryland county for wrongful profiling and arrest has won a restraining order against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Baltimore Sun reports a federal judge on Monday issued the order, directing ICE not to remove Roxana Orellana Santos from the United States. Attorney Nicholas Katz says the order is a "positive first step" toward her release. Santos was detained by ICE on Jan. 8, less than a week before a hearing to determine the extent of damages Frederick County owes in the lawsuit. Deputies approached Santos as she ate lunch in 2008 and arrested her on an outstanding immigration warrant. The county was found liable for the policy permitting deputies to detain people suspected of violating immigration law. ___ Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas' new Democratic governor on Tuesday reinstated a ban on anti-LGBT bias in state agencies' employment decisions that a Republican predecessor had repealed, and she also expanded the policy to cover government contractors. Gov. Laura Kelly's executive order was her first official action since taking office Monday and fulfilled a promise she made repeatedly during her successful campaign last year. It bars state agencies from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity when hiring workers or deciding whether to promote, discipline or fire them. The move came after a historic wave of victories by LGBT candidates across the nation. In Kansas, Sharice Davids won a congressional seat and state Reps. Susan Ruiz and Brandon Woodard were elected as the Legislature's first openly lesbian and gay members. All three are Kansas City-area Democrats. Kelly's order will apply to departments under Kelly's direct control, which have about 19,000 employees. But she also extended the policy to companies that have contracts with the state, telling reporters later that if they do work for the state, they ought to follow its rules. "In a perfect world, we wouldn't need executive orders like this," Kelly told reporters during a Statehouse news conference. "It's important that, until we become a perfect world, that we make sure that we've got the kinds of things in place that move it towards perfection." Kelly's move instantly drew praise from national LGBT-rights groups. It came after new Democratic governors in Michigan and Wisconsin issued such orders, as well as Ohio's new GOP governor. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly discusses a new executive order that reinstates a past ban on anti-LGBT bias in state employment decisions and extends the policy to government contractors, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Standing to the Democratic governor's left is state Rep. Susan Ruiz, D-Shawnee, one of two openly LGBT lawmakers elected last year. (AP Photo/John Hanna) "They can be open an authentic about who they are, about who their families are and who their loved ones are without fear of retribution of losing their employment," said Tom Witt, executive director of the LGBT-rights group Equality Kansas, saying he personally knows of seven state workers who lost jobs after previous protections were rescinded. But extending the anti-discrimination policy to government contactors could prompt a backlash in the Republican-controlled Legislature. House Speaker Ron Ryckman Jr., a conservative Kansas City-area Republican, said lawmakers will probably review the order because it applies to private businesses. "I absolutely think that is a decision the Legislature should be making," said conservative Rep. Blake Carpenter, a Wichita-area Republican. Kelly reinstated a policy against anti-LGBT bias in state government that Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius imposed in 2007 through an executive order. Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, rescinded Sebelius' order in 2015, arguing that state lawmakers should set such a policy. It was clear at the time that the GOP-dominated Legislature and its conservative leaders would not. The Kansas law barring discrimination in housing and private employment doesn't cover bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Half a dozen local governments have enacted their own anti-LGBT bias policies, including two Kansas City-area suburbs in December, but the Williams Institute, a think tank at UCLA's law school focusing on sexual orientation and gender identity policy, said only 12 percent of Kansas residents fall under them. Woodard and Ruiz said after Kelly's news conference that they are drafting a bill that would expand the state's anti-discrimination law. But expanding the state's anti-discrimination laws is likely to be a hard sell in the Legislature. Some conservatives have argued that such an expansion would be used only as a legal club against conservative people of faith. They've also questioned whether such a law is necessary and whether anti-LGBT bias is pervasive in employment and housing. State Sen. Mary Pilcher-Cook, a conservative Kansas City-area Republican, called Kelly's order "anti-liberty" and said it is "degrading to reduce individuals" to their "sexual inclinations." "These laws cause divisions in communities and can have serious detrimental and unintended consequences because of their subjective nature," she added. Former Republican Gov. Jeff Colyer replaced Brownback last year when Brownback resigned to become U.S. ambassador at large for international religious freedom and signed a measure providing legal protections to adoption agencies that cite faith-based reasons for refusing to place children in homes that violate their religious beliefs. The legislative debate centered on agencies that won't place children in LGBT homes. Supporters saw it as religious liberties measure, but Kelly has called it an "adoption discrimination law" and has said she will see whether she legally can avoid enforcing it. Demonstrating social conservatives' influence, the Kansas Republican Party adopted a platform last year that declares, "We believe God created two genders, male and female." The platform also called for an amendment to the U.S constitution barring same-sex marriage, drafted so "judges and legislatures cannot make other arrangements equivalent to it." ___ Follow John Hanna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apjdhanna . Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signs an executive order barring anti-LGBT bias in state employment decisions as Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers watches to her right, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kansas. The Democratic governor's order also covers state contractors. (AP Photo/John Hanna) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Former Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sik) says he's joined CNN as a political commentator. The Ohio Republican is a frequent critic of President Donald Trump and a potential 2020 presidential contender. Kasich announced in a tweet on Tuesday that he will begin immediately as a regular contributor on the cable news network. Kasich concluded eight years as governor on Sunday. The next day, Beverly Hills-based United Talent Agency announced they'd signed him as a new client. Since abandoning a 2016 presidential bid, Kasich has steadily criticized Trump and the Republican Party on cable and network news shows. The 66-year-old has worked with Democrats including then-Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and former Vice President Joe Biden on efforts to identify bipartisan policy solutions and to promote civility in politics. LONDON (AP) - Much of the stated opposition to Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union centered on the "backstop." The provision was designed to prevent the reintroduction of border controls between Northern Ireland, which is part of the U.K., and the Republic of Ireland, a member of the EU. After Brexit, the border will be the U.K.'s only land frontier with the EU. A look at the issue: WHAT'S WRONG WITH A BORDER? During the decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland known as "the Troubles," a border with roadblocks and checkpoints teemed with soldiers and paramilitaries. About 3,700 people were killed in a conflict between Irish nationalists and U.K. unionists from 1968 to 1998, when the Good Friday accord led to a power-sharing arrangement that quelled much of the bloodshed and made the border all but disappear. Since both Britain and Ireland are currently part of the European Union with its single market, people and goods flow freely between Ireland and Northern Ireland., with no need for customs checks. Brexit could disrupt that easy movement, upending lives and businesses, and undercutting a fragile peace process. ___ Pro-European demonstrators hold posters at Parliament Square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) WHAT WAS MAY'S PROPOSAL? The proposed withdrawal agreement included a "backstop" provision to keep a hard border from returning by keeping the U.K. in a customs union with the EU after Brexit. The agreement gave Britain and the EU until 2022 to reach a new permanent trade deal and stated the "backstop" would come into effect only if they failed to do so. ___ WHY DID CRITICS OPPOSE IT? Politicians favoring Brexit complained that Britain wouldn't be able to get out of the backstop unilaterally; the deal required the mutual agreement of both sides. That meant it could remain in place indefinitely and keep the U.K. bound to EU customs regulations. Critics argued such a scenario would derail Britain's efforts to strike other international trade deals. Lawmakers who want to remain close to the EU disliked it, too, because Britain would be subject to customs and trade rules over which it had no say. May's political allies from Northern Ireland, the Democratic Unionist Party, also objected because the backstop treated Northern Ireland differently from other parts of the U.K. The party said that frayed the bond between Northern Ireland and the rest of the country. ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek authorities say they have seized 6.5 tons of cannabis and a large quantity of pills containing the banned stimulant Fenethylline hidden in a tug boat on the south coast of the island of Crete. The Coast Guard said Tuesday that the cannabis and an estimated 258,000 stimulant pills were found in a hidden compartment and that the vessel was at the small post of Agia Galini. It said the investigation was ongoing and gave no further details. The same vessel - the tugboat "Andreas" - had also been used in a 2017 smuggling operation, when Greek authorities supported by the European Union border patrol agency arrested six Syrian men and seized a large amount of cannabis and Fenethylline. The stimulant is popular in Middle Eastern countries. The story of the three Italian military personeel serving the Italian consulate of Jerusalem. The three had taken refuge in the Unrwa headquarters in the Strip after a gun battle with the militia. Maximum alert in the area after the Israeli undercover operation in November. Gaza (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The story of three Italian carabinieri [military police] forced to seek refuge at the United Nations headquarters in Gaza, was resolved overnight. According to local media reports, Hamas militias - which control the Strip - lifted the siege after ascertaining the identity of the three soldiers, suspected of being members of Israeli special forces operating with a false diplomatic identity. The incident erupted on January 14, when the car in which the three carabinieri were traveling did not stop at a checkpoint in the center of Gaza, resulting in a chase through the streets of the city, with the exchange of gunshots between the Italians and their pursuers. The military - serving the Italian consulate in Jerusalem - then took refuge inside the Unrwa headquarters (the UN mission in Palestine) in Gaza, in the western sector of the city. According to Palestinian sources re-launched by Arabi21, local UN officials would have ensured that "the three are foreign diplomats, with Italian nationality and entered Gaza on an official mission". A team of Palestinian investigators entered the UN structure, ascertaining the identity of the military and the weapons in their possession. At the same time, an official note was published in Rome certifying their nationality, while the consul in Jerusalem, Fabio Sokolowicz, met the Hamas Interior Minister to clarify their position. These elements led the militiamen to lift the siege and allow the Carabinieri free passage today, with the reopening of the Eretz pass. They will return to Jerusalem, and then leave for Italy. However, the details of the story remain still confused and there is no official information about it. Alert levels are at their highest in the Strip, after the Israeli and Palestinian gun battles last November, which led to fears of a possible military escalation. At the time a special commando of Israeli military forces with penetrated into Palestinian territory in an undercover operation. Seven Palestinians and an Israeli soldier died in the clashes. GENEVA (AP) - World Economic Forum executives say Germany's Angela Merkel, Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and Shinzo Abe of Japan will be among dozens of heads of state and government attending its annual Davos event. Forum executives offered a preview Tuesday of the Jan. 22-26 gathering of political, business, cultural, academic and other elites, with founder Klaus Schwab saying a "re-moralization" of globalization is needed. He said globalization produced many "winners" over the last generation or so. "But now we have to look after the losers, after those who have been left behind." The forum says 65 heads of state and government - including Jair Bolsonaro, who is expected as part of his debut overseas trip as Brazilian president - and about 40 heads of international organizations like U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will be on hand. WEF president Borge Brende said 37 heads of state or government will be from Europe and Eurasia alone. Overall, more than 3,000 people are expected. President Donald Trump had planned to attend but withdrew amid the U.S. government shutdown. Other top U.S. officials are expected including heads of the Commerce, State and Treasury departments. The sun shines as buildings are covered with snow in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The World Economic Forum will take place in Davos from Jan. 22, 2019 until Jan. 25, 2019. (Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP) BALTIMORE (AP) - The Catholic archdiocese in Baltimore has delivered over 50,000 pages of internal files to Maryland's top law enforcement official amid an investigation into child sex abuse and is in the process of handing over more, church leaders announced Tuesday. Archbishop William Lori described the clergy sex abuse scourge that's been rocking the church as a "genuine crisis" and said Baltimore's archdiocese is "working very hard to cooperate" with Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh's investigation. Lori asserted that any credible allegations have long been sent to the attorney general's office so their hope is the documents "will be helpful in the process of being transparent and forthright about all of this." "For quite some time, certainly going back to 2002 if not before, every time we've had a credible accusation we have sent that not only to local law enforcement but also to the attorney general's office. So there was already a lot on file from us," Lori said at a Tuesday gathering for reporters at the archdiocese's headquarters, situated across from the first Roman Catholic cathedral built in the United States. Bishop Adam Parker, the archdiocese's chief of operations, told reporters that they are preparing and delivering decades-old church files to the attorney general's office on a rolling basis. He said there haven't been any recent allegations within the archdiocese. "There are specific files that they have asked to see, and our internal team is in the process of gathering them," said Parker, who described the work as a "very significant undertaking" for the archdiocese and estimated the total number of pages already turned over at more than 50,000. The Tuesday press gathering at the archdiocese comes days after Frosh announced a phone hotline for victims to report child sex abuse associated with a place of worship or school. Unlike attorneys general in several states who have announced probes into clergy sex abuse, Frosh's office will only say it doesn't confirm or deny the existence of any investigation. Archbishop William Lori, of Baltimore, attends a press briefing at the archdiocese's headquarters in Baltimore, Tuesday, Jan 15, 2019. Catholic leaders in Baltimore say they've delivered thousands of files to Maryland's top law enforcement official amid an investigation into child sex abuse. At the Tuesday event for reporters, Lori said Baltimore's archdiocese is cooperating fully with Attorney General Brian Frosh's ongoing probe. (AP Photo/David McFadden) Also Tuesday, Lori announced that Baltimore's archdiocese has launched a "third-party system" for reporting allegations against bishops, the latest step to address the abuse crisis. At their national conference in Baltimore last year, American bishops agreed to wait until after a Vatican-convened global meeting on sex abuse in February to consider establishing a special commission to review complaints against the bishops. They delayed voting on the measure at the Vatican's request. But Lori said he and his leadership team didn't want to wait any longer to embrace this step with a system dubbed "Ethics Point," which will hold bishops accountable to the same standards priests and others have faced since 2002. "We said to ourselves: Why can't we do this locally?" said Lori, who last year was appointed by the Vatican to take over West Virginia's diocese following the resignation of Bishop Michael Bransfield amid allegations he sexually harassed adults. According to Lori, any complaint against a bishop will now be routed to the archdiocese's Independent Review Board, a panel he says is led by two retired judges. The board would then report any allegations deemed credible to Maryland authorities and Pope Francis' envoy in the United States. Terence McKiernan, president of BishopAccountability.org, which has tracked abuse for more than a decade, asserted that the archdiocese's review board is not in any sense a "third party," stating that Catholic citizens should be skeptical that true bishop accountability could ever be delivered by such a panel. He also said Lori's history as a church authority did not bode well for bishop accountability in Baltimore. While acting as Bridgeport's bishop, Lori fought to prevent abuse documents from becoming public, taking the legal battle all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he lost, McKeirnan said. "The Maryland attorney would be well advised to seize the archdiocese's abuse records, and not depend on Archbishop Lori to provide them," McKeirnan said Tuesday. Abuse scandals have roiled the Roman Catholic Church worldwide for decades, but there were major developments last year in the U.S. In July, Pope Francis removed U.S. church leader Theodore McCarrick as a cardinal after church investigators said an allegation that he groped a teenage altar boy in the 1970s was credible. Subsequently, several former seminarians and priests reported that they too had been abused or harassed by McCarrick as adults, triggering debate over who might have known and covered up McCarrick's misconduct. And in August, a grand jury report in Pennsylvania detailed decades of abuse and cover-up in six dioceses, alleging that more than 1,000 children had been abused over the years by about 300 priests. Since then, attorneys general in other states have launched investigations. ___ Follow McFadden on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dmcfadd SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Just days before he left office, former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner granted posthumous clemency to a man imprisoned for a stabbing that a serial killer later confessed to committing. The Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois in Springfield said Tuesday that Grover Thompson received the first posthumous exoneration in state history and the 21st nationwide, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. Rauner granted Thompson executive clemency Friday, Illinois Prisoner Review Board spokesman Jason Sweat said. Rauner had denied Thompson clemency in 2015. Thompson died in prison in 1996 while serving a 40-year sentence for the attempted 1981 murder of Ida White, 72, in Mount Vernon. More than a decade later, in 2007, serial killer Timothy Krajcir confessed to former Carbondale, Illinois, police detective Paul Echols that he stabbed White. "Uncle Grover suffered a tragedy that never should have happened," Thompson's nephew, S.T. Jamison of Minnesota, said in a statement. "He was an innocent black man just trying to get home to his family and he never came home." Krajcir is imprisoned for two southern Illinois killings, has received life sentences for five southeast Missouri killings and has pleaded guilty to killings in Kentucky and Pennsylvania. He admitted stabbing White in return for assurance that he would not be prosecuted for the death penalty in Missouri. Thompson could not have committed the crime, according to the Illinois Innocence Project, due to a disability and because he wasn't wearing clothing matching the attacker's description. At the time, Thompson had stopped to rest in the Mount Vernon post office lobby while traveling by bus to visit family in Mississippi, the innocence project said. FILE - This August 1993 file photo from the Illinois Department of Corrections via The Southern Illinoisan shows Grover Thompson in the Menard Correctional Center in Dwight, Ill. Just days before he left office former Gov. Bruce Rauner granted posthumous clemency to Thompson, the deceased Illinois prisoner convicted in a stabbing, to which serial killer Timothy Krajcir later confessed to committing. The Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois in Springfield says Thompson received the first posthumous exoneration in Illinois history. (Illinois Department of Corrections via The Southern Illinoisan via AP, File) Echols, who wrote a book about the Krajcir killings, said Krajcir described peeping through White's windows when he came across an unlocked bathroom window, climbed in and hid in a shower stall before ambushing the woman when she entered the room. White, now deceased, had said the intruder attacked her in her bathroom, slashing her with a pocketknife when she wouldn't stop screaming. She described him as black, as did a neighbor who interrupted the attack and tried to keep the suspect from escaping through the window. Krajcir is white. Thompson, who is black, was arrested near White's house within a half hour of the attack. Echols said that Krajcir's dark hair and dark complexion led to a flawed identification by White of her attacker's race. A White neighbor who later identified Thompson as the attacker said he was only shown one suspect in the police line-up. NEW YORK (AP) - The governing body for the Jesuit order in the northeastern United States released a list Tuesday of 50 priests under its jurisdiction who have been credibly accused of sexual misconduct with minors. All but 15 of the Roman Catholic priests on the list released by the USA Northeast Province of the Society of Jesus are dead, and all of the alleged abuse all took place before 1997. Two former priests are incarcerated, one for possession of child pornography and one for abuse charges. "At the heart of this crisis is the painful, sinful and illegal harm done to children by those whom they should have been able to trust," the Rev. John J. Cecero, the top official for the province, said in a statement, adding, "We did not know any best practices to handle these violations many decades ago and regrettably made mistakes along the way." The list includes priests who served in Jesuit high schools and colleges throughout New England, New York and northern New Jersey. Leaders of several universities where accused priests have served released statements in response to the list. "We are heartsick that the shadow of the crisis within the larger Catholic community has been cast upon our University, and deeply troubled by the very real possibility that there are still survivors whose accounts of abuse we have not yet heard," said the Rev. Joseph McShane, president of Fordham University. Linda LeMura, president of LeMoyne College in Syracuse, said, "We deeply regret any abuse that occurred on our campus. We encourage survivors and any member of our community to reach out to the resources available to you and to report sexual harassment, misconduct or abuse allegations to these resources and to law-enforcement agencies as appropriate." The list released Tuesday includes James Talbot, a former priest and high school teacher who pleaded guilty last year to charges that he sexually assaulted a boy in the 1990s in Freeport, Maine. Talbot's accuser said in court in September, "To this day, I remember the steps leading inside the church as if they were guiding me to hell." Another former priest, James Kuntz, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography in federal court in New Jersey in 2008. The Rev. Keith Pecklers, a professor of liturgy at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, is the only priest on the list still serving at a Jesuit-run institution. A New Jersey man testified in 2010 that he was abused by Pecklers when Pecklers was 17 and the victim was 14. A Jesuit spokesman said Pecklers remains active because the alleged abuse happened in his teens before he was ordained. The spokesman said Pecklers is monitored in Rome and in not allowed access to minors. The Jesuit provinces in the other four regions of the United States have previously released their lists of priests who have credibly been accused of abusing minors. The disclosures by the Jesuits follow the release of lists of hundreds of priests accused of abuse by Catholic dioceses across the U.S. "Releasing these names publicly is crucial not only for the healing of survivors, but also to encourage victims who may be suffering in silence to come forward and to deter future clergy sex crimes and cover-ups," said Zach Hiner, executive director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, in an email. "Still," he said, "the fact remains that this is a long-overdue move prompted only by pressure from prosecutors, parishioners and the public." WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa (all times local): 7:20 p.m. The House has approved a Democratic measure disapproving of Republican Rep. Steve King's comments about white supremacy. The nine-term Iowa congressman was among those supporting the measure, which was approved, 424-1. King says he agrees with South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, the resolution's sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. King's racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days. King says the ideology of white supremacy "never shows up in my head" and that he does "not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth." FILE - In this June 8, 2018, file photo, Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, at a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. State Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, announced this week he'd seek the Republican nomination, facing the nine-term King. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois opposed the measure, saying the House should take the more serious step of censuring King for his "repugnant and racist behavior." Last week, King said in an interview, "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization - how did that language become offensive?" ___ 6:45 p.m. Iowa's largest newspaper is calling for U.S. Rep. Steve King to resign, saying his comments about white nationalism and white supremacy are "abhorrent" and leave him unable to represent his district. The Des Moines Register, in an editorial posted on its website Tuesday, says House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's decision to strip King of his committee assignments leaves the state without representation on the vital House Agriculture Committee. The editorial argued that while King has made statements for years that "made Iowa a laughing stock on the national stage," his most recent comments in The New York Times should be "career-ending." The Register urged Iowa's Republican senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds and others to urge King to quit "for the good of the Republican Party and, more importantly, for the good of Iowa." King supported a Democratic measure Tuesday that disapproved of his comments about white supremacy. ___ 2:40 p.m. Republican Rep. Steve King says he will vote in favor of a Democratic measure disapproving of his comments about white supremacy to The New York Times. The nine-term Iowa congressman says he agrees with Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, the resolution's sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. His racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days. King says the ideology of white supremacy "never shows up in my head" and that he does "not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth." Last week, King said in an interview that "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization - how did that language become offensive?" He added, "Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?" On the House floor Tuesday, King said he was advocating for Western civilization, not racism, in the Times interview. King says he rejects the ideology of white supremacy, adding that he deeply believes that "all men and now all women are created equal. It's in my heart and soul and it's in my works." ___ 11:15 a.m. The No. 3 House Republican is suggesting that Rep. Steve King leave Congress over his remarks about white supremacy. Wyoming Republican Liz Cheney on Tuesday said of King, "I think he should find another line of work." Republican leaders have made serving in Congress uncomfortable for King over his remarks in the New York Times last week questioning how white supremacy and white nationalism became offensive terms. House and Senate leaders condemned the remarks, and GOP leaders moved this week to deny him any committee assignments. Republican leaders noted that King has for years made racially insensitive remarks. Cheney said the most recent ones are "absolutely abhorrent. It's racist. We do not support it or agree with it." The nine-term Iowa congressman says he's advocating for Western civilization, not racism. ___ 8:30 a.m. Veteran Republican Rep. Steve King will be blocked from committee assignments for the next two years after lamenting that white supremacy and white nationalism have become offensive terms. King, in his ninth term representing Iowa, will not be given committee assignments in the new Congress, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Monday night. King served on the Agriculture, Small Business and Judiciary committees in the last Congress, and he chaired Judiciary's subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. McCarthy called King's remarks "beneath the dignity of the Party of Lincoln and the United States of America." King called McCarthy's decision to remove him from committees "a political decision that ignores the truth." He vowed to "continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years." FILE - In this Jan. 23, 2014, file photo, Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, of Iowa speaks in Des Moines. A senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus is pushing formal punishment for King over his comments about white supremacy. Illinois Democrat Bobby Rush said Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, that he will introduce a censure resolution over the Iowa Republican's remarks to the New York Times. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd after speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Latest on the Los Angeles teachers strike (all times local): 1:10 p.m. Some charter school educators have joined their public school counterparts on picket lines on the second day of a teachers strike in Los Angeles. Thousands of teachers marched through downtown streets again Tuesday, demanding higher pay, lower class sizes and more support staff. It's the first strike in 30 years against the nation's second largest school district. Strikers were joined in by teachers with the Accelerated Schools charter network, who are also union members but negotiate their contracts separately. United Teachers Los Angeles says the action is the first strike by charter teachers in California. The district and the union have not met since Friday. Teachers and supporters hold signs in the rain during a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Schools are open during the strike but officials say attendance Monday was about a quarter of what it usually is. ___ 8:15 a.m. Los Angeles Unified School District officials are urging teachers to return to the bargaining table as the strike by educators enters its second day. Superintendent Austin Beutner told reporters Tuesday that the district does not have the money to do everything the teachers union wants, and he urged them to join him in pushing for more state funding. Beutner says about 144,000 of the district's 640,000 students attended schools on Monday, the first day of the strike. The district hired substitutes to replace the union teachers in schools. Because funding is dependent on attendance, the student absences cost the district about $25 million. At the same time, the district did not have to spend about $10 million on teacher pay. ___ 10:40 p.m. Parents are concerned that little learning is happening at Los Angeles schools staffed by substitutes during a massive teacher strike in the nation's second-largest school district. Tens of thousands of teachers will walk picket lines again Tuesday, a day after striking for the first time in three decades over issues including salary and class sizes. Talks broke down last week and no new negotiations are scheduled between the district and the union. Taehyum Kim sent his two sons to school Monday so they wouldn't ruin their perfect attendance records. But then he picked them up early after they complained they weren't doing anything except playing chess. Kim says he's considering keeping both home Tuesday. District officials estimated that less than a quarter of students attended 1,240 schools on Monday. Alessandro Niculescu, 10, holds up a sign in the rain during a teacher strike outside John Marshall High School, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers are striking after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district.(AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Thousands of teachers and supporters hold signs in the rain during a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Thousands of teachers and supporters hold signs in the rain during a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Teachers and supporters hold signs in the rain during a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Thousands of teachers and supporters hold signs in the rain during a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Teachers and supporters hold signs in the rain during a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Los Angeles Unified District teacher brave the pouring rain to join in a picket line during a citywide teacher strike in front of Los Angeles High School on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Los Angeles teachers walk on a picket line in pouring rain in front of Los Angeles High School during a city-wide teacher strike on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Alessandro Niculescu, 10, holds up a sign in the rain during a teacher strike outside John Marshall High School, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers are striking after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district.(AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Teachers and supporters hold a rally Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers went on strike Monday for the first time in three decades after contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district, but schools stayed open with the help of substitutes and district officials said students were learning. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) Teacher Orquidea Laqrador holds a sign strikes in the rain outside John Marshall High School, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Los Angeles. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers are striking after contentious contract negotiations failed in the nation's second-largest school district.(AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu) RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday signed a decree making it easier for many Brazilians to own firearms, the first of many expected changes by the nascent administration to overhaul gun laws in the nation that leads the world in total homicides. Bolsonaro signed the decree in a televised ceremony in the capital of Brasilia, arguing that it and other changes expected to be pushed in Congress would help people defend themselves. The former army captain and far-right leader, who won last year's election on promises to crack down on crime, said citizens in Latin America's biggest country have long made clear that they wanted to arm themselves. "The people decided in favor of buying guns and ammunition and we can't deny what the people wanted at that moment," Bolsonaro said, referring to a 2005 referendum in which Brazilians voted against banning the manufacturing and selling of guns. The decree established a wide range of categories for gun ownership qualification, and government officials said it was crafted to cover just about any citizen wanting a firearm. The categories include citizens living in rural areas, in urban areas with high levels of homicide, business owners, gun collectors and hunters. Prospective gun owners must still meet other requirements, such as not having a criminal record, taking a psychological exam, a course at a gun club and being at least 25 years old. Before the decree, the law stipulated that civilians who wanted to own a gun had to justify their interest. Bolsonaro and other proponents of relaxing legislation argued that such a requirement was arbitrary - such reviews happened with a federal police official - and meant that in practice many would-be owners were denied. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro smiles during a ceremony where he signed a decree loosening restrictions on owning a firearm at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Before, non-military or police who wanted to own a gun had to justify their interest as part of the process, and now wide categories of people will qualify, like those in rural areas, or urban areas with high levels of homicide, business owners, gun collectors and hunters. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) The decree also extended from five to 10 years the period to renew the registration of each firearm, and increased from two to four the number of guns each person can own. In one area that could be interpreted as tightening the law, it required gun owners have a safe with a key in any home with children, adolescents or a person with a mental disability. While the decree allows more people to buy weapons, it remains illegal for most civilians to carry them in public. Bolsonaro and the so-called "Bullet Caucus" in Congress plan a legislative push to overturn that. Security experts have long argued that more guns will lead to increased violence. "If the Brazilian government is sincere about improving public security and fighting organized crime, it will enforce existing gun laws rather than dismantling them," said Igarape, a Brazilian think tank, in a statement. "Specifically, it should strengthen national data gathering on seized firearms to disrupt trafficking. It must improve oversight over the arms holdings of police and private security companies." For decades, Brazil has been the world leader in annual homicides. Last year, nearly 64,000 were killed, the majority by firearms. Despite tight gun laws, arms are widely available. Drug traffickers in slums are commonly seen brandishing automatic weapons. Many guns possessed illegally begin as legal, and were then stolen from police or military personnel or sold by corrupt people in those institutions. Several studies, both in the United States and Brazil, have found a correlation between increased guns and homicide and suicide rates. However, some social scientists, and gun proponents, argue such data is inconclusive. Bolsonaro and others in his administration have argued that allowing more Brazilians to carry guns would help combat criminality, one of his key campaign promises. "Any criminal in any part of the world fears an armed citizen," said chief of staff Onyx Lorenzoni minutes after the decree was signed. "England saw its home assaults increased by 40 percent since guns were banned there," he added, without providing more details. Polls have consistently shown most Brazilians want tighter restrictions on guns. A Datafolha poll published at the end of last year found that 61 percent believed firearms should be prohibited and posed a threat to others. The poll interviewed 2,077 people Dec. 18-19 and a had a margin of error of 2 percent. There were many signs Tuesday that fights over gun laws were just beginning. In an editorial titled "Reckless Decree," the newspaper O Globo criticized the changes for not being paired with better mechanisms to track guns. Many Bolsonaro supporters took to Twitter to laud the changes or argue, in angry language, that the decree didn't go far enough. Shares of gun manufacturer Taurus, which has enjoyed steady gains the last several months in anticipation of sweeping changes, closed 22 percent down. Many interpreted that as sign investors had expected Bolsonaro to go further, particularly in the number of guns each person can have. Proponents of loosened laws have long pushed for no limit. Meanwhile, Sou da Paz Institute, a rights group dedicated to violence reduction, launched an online campaign with ads blasting the government for its central argument for the change: that guns put people in a better position to protect themselves. "When you are sick, the government doesn't ask you to buy a scalpel and operate on yourself," said one of the ads. "If you're suffering because of crime, why do you have to protect yourself?" ___ Peter Prengaman on Twitter: twitter.com/peterprengaman Mauricio Savarese on Twitter: twitter.com/MSavarese Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro speaks during a ceremony where he signed a decree loosening restrictions on owning a firearm at Planalto presidential palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Before, non-military or police who wanted to own a gun had to justify their interest as part of the process, and now wide categories of people will qualify, like those in rural areas, or urban areas with high levels of homicide, business owners, gun collectors and hunters. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, William Barr (all times local): 6:50 p.m. The chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee believes the president's pick for attorney general will "do well" in a confirmation vote before the Senate. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that he hopes his colleagues will vote to confirm William Barr based on his qualifications. Barr served as attorney general in the early 1990s under President George H.W. Bush. Graham says he believes Barr is "qualified by any reasonable standard." Attorney General nominee William Barr gestures as he testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Speaking to reporters after the hearing, Graham said he hopes Barr will pick up votes from Democrats. He praised Democrats on the committee for asking "good questions" during Tuesday's confirmation hearing, which lasted nearly nine hours. __ 6:20 p.m. Attorney General nominee William Barr is making clear he doesn't favor politically motivated prosecutions, rejecting one of President Donald Trump's favorite rallying cries. Barr says he doesn't "subscribe to this 'Lock her up' stuff," a reference to chants encouraging the jailing of Democrat Hillary Clinton that rose to prominence during Trump rallies in the 2016 campaign. Barr says he doesn't like the appearance of impropriety that comes from injecting politics into criminal investigations. The comments are a departure from the president, who has routinely cast those who challenge him in the political arena as criminals. Barr made the remarks Tuesday during his Senate confirmation hearing. __ 2:35 p.m. Attorney general nominee Bill Barr says he would "not go after" marijuana companies in states where cannabis is legal. Barr said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that companies had relied on Obama-era guidance that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded that guidance, known as the Cole Memo, last year. Sessions' action came days after California's broad marijuana legalization. Since the guidance was rescinded, there has been concern about the future of the growing cannabis industry. Federal law prohibits the possession and sale of marijuana. Barr says he believes that the "current system is untenable." ___ 1:25 p.m. President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee says he would "not carry out" any order to fire special counsel Robert Mueller without cause. William Barr is testifying at his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. His comments about an attempt to fire Mueller were in response to a question from Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware. Mueller's team is examining potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. Barr says he wants Mueller to finish the investigation. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions drew the president's ire after removing himself from the Russia investigation because of his previous work with the Trump campaign. Sessions resigned at the president's request in November. ___ 1:05 p.m. Attorney General nominee William Barr says immigration reform is "long overdue" and expressed support for President Donald Trump's hardline policies, including funding a border wall. He testified Tuesday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Asked about the partial government shutdown, in its fourth week due to an impasse over funding for a border wall, Barr says he would like to see a deal reached where Congress recognized that it was "imperative to have border security." Barr also said he believed so-called sanctuary cities were hurting law enforcement's ability to safeguard the public. His predecessor, Jeff Sessions, sued California over the policies. ___ 1 p.m. President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general says he can't rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs. William Barr told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday that there are certain situations where a reporter could be held in contempt "as a last resort." His comment came in response to a question from Sen. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat. Barr said the situations he was envisioning would involve news organizations "putting out stuff that is hurting the country." In 2017, former Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he could not make a "blanket commitment" in response to a similar question from Klobuchar. ___ 11:35 a.m. Attorney general nominee William Barr says he turned down joining President Donald Trump's defense team in the Russia investigation. Barr says he personally told Trump he couldn't represent him and spoke up for special counsel Robert Mueller's (MUHL'-urz) integrity. Barr says he told the president that Mueller is a "straight shooter and should be treated as such." Barr said at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday that he took the meeting with the president after he was approached in June 2017 by the U.S. ambassador to Israel about helping Trump's legal team. Barr detailed his conversations with Trump during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Mueller is investigating potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. Trump has called the Russia probe a "witch hunt." ___ 11:25 a.m. Attorney general nominee William Barr says former FBI Director James Comey made the wrong decision by holding a news conference announcing he wasn't recommending charges in the Hillary Clinton email investigation. Barr made the comment during his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Barr says if authorities aren't going to bring charges, then there should not be a news conference to detail derogatory information uncovered during the probe. Comey has defended his decision. Comey's firing is part of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation, which also is examining whether President Donald Trump or anyone in his inner circle obstructed justice. Trump cited Comey's handling of the Clinton email investigation as one of the reasons for Comey's firing, though he later suggested the Russia investigation was a factor. Trump nominated Barr, who served under President George H.W. Bush. ___ 11:05 a.m. Attorney general nominee William Barr says he would seek the advice of career Justice Department ethics officials about whether he should recuse himself from overseeing special counsel Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Barr said during his confirmation hearing Tuesday that under department guidelines he would have to make the decision about whether to recuse himself. He says he would "make a decision on good faith based on the laws and the facts." Barr was nominated by President Donald Trump. If confirmed, Barr would replace acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to recuse himself from the investigation. Whitaker chose not to recuse himself despite the advice of a Justice Department ethics official. Democrats called for Whitaker's recusal given his past critical comments on the probe. Trump complained his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, was insufficiently loyal because he recused himself. ___ 10:45 a.m. President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general says it would be an "abuse of power" for Trump to intervene in an investigation he "has a stake in." William Barr said Tuesday at his confirmation hearing he believes such an action would be a breach of the president's constitutional duties and could violate federal law depending upon the circumstances. Barr was responding to questions from California Sen. Dianne Feinstein (FYN'-styn), the top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, in light of a memo he wrote criticizing special counsel Robert Mueller's (MUHL'-urz) obstruction-of-justice investigation. Barr has said the memo was intended to be narrowly focused on one of Mueller's reported interpretations of obstruction. Barr also says his memo was based solely on public reporting and not any confidential information. ___ 10:20 a.m. President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general says he doesn't believe special counsel Robert Mueller "would be involved in a witch hunt." William Barr made the comment Tuesday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Trump has repeatedly decried the special counsel's investigation as a "witch hunt" and has suggested he is being targeted by the Justice Department. Mueller is investigating potential ties between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. ___ 10:15 a.m. President Donald Trump's pick to be attorney general says he will look into how an FBI counterintelligence investigation was opened into whether Trump was secretly working on behalf of Russia's interests. Attorney general nominee William Barr says he has never heard of the FBI opening such an investigation on an American president. Barr was responding to questions from Senate Judiciary Committee chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday. The South Carolina Republican asked Barr about a report by The New York Times revealing that the counterintelligence investigation was opened in the days after Trump's firing of former FBI Director James Comey. Barr is making the comments during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Trump has denied working for Russia. ___ 10 a.m. The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee says attorney general nominee William Barr's unsolicited memo criticizing the Russia investigation showed a "determined effort to undermine Bob Mueller." California Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Tuesday she's also troubled by Barr's expansive view of presidential powers since he will be overseeing the special counsel's investigation into whether President Donald Trump or his associates coordinated with Russian election interference. Feinstein made the comments during the opening of Barr's confirmation hearing. Barr has defended the memo. He says it was narrowly focused on a single theory of obstruction and didn't touch the broader questions surrounding Russian election interference. Barr revealed Monday that he had sent the memo to White House lawyers and lawyers for Trump. ___ 12:10 a.m. President Donald Trump's attorney general nominee will have to navigate his confirmation hearing skillfully. William Barr will need to emphasize on Tuesday that he supports Trump's policies while assuring Democrats he will act independently and won't interfere with the special counsel's Russia investigation. The 68-year-old will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee about his relationship with Trump and his views on executive power. According to prepared remarks already released, Barr plans to tell senators that "it is vitally important" for Mueller to complete the investigation. Democrats have raised concerns about comments Barr has made about Mueller's probe. Last year, Barr sent an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department criticizing Mueller's inquiry into whether Trump sought to obstruct justice. Attorney General nominee William Barr pauses while testifying during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr is sworn in by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. As he did almost 30 years ago, Barr is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to make the case he's qualified to serve as attorney general. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr smiles as he appears before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr, center, and his wife Christine, right, smile before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. As he did almost 30 years ago, Barr is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to make the case he's qualified to serve as attorney general. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr is sworn in before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. As he did almost 30 years ago, Barr is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to make the case he's qualified to serve as attorney general. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr defended his decision to send an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department criticizing an aspect of the special counsel's Russia investigation, saying he was simply trying to warn senior Justice Department officials against "stretching a statute" to conclude that the president had obstructed justice. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. As he did almost 30 years ago, Barr is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to make the case he's qualified to serve as attorney general. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr, right, testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, speaks with ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., as Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) NEW YORK (AP) - Wells Fargo, the consumer banking giant, said its fourth-quarter profits fell slightly on Tuesday as the bank remains restrained by federal regulators, who put a tight leash on it after years of scandals and missteps. The San Francisco-based bank said it earned a profit of $6.06 billion in the last three months of a year, or $1.21 per share. That is down from $6.15 billion, or $1.16 per share, in the same period a year earlier. The results did beat analysts' expectations, who were looking for Wells to earn $1.19 a share. Wells Fargo has been in a multi-year attempt to turn itself around after years of scandals in nearly every part of its business. Federal regulators have fined the bank billions of dollars for violating consumer protection laws, and the Federal Reserve a year ago restrained Wells Fargo from growing any larger than its current size until the bank can prove it's a better-run company. The restraints have put a hamper on the ability of Wells Fargo to increase its profits in the past year. The bank saw its total loans fall slightly from a year ago, and deposits were also down slightly. That's notable because, in a growing economy, a bank the size of Wells Fargo should be growing both deposits and loans. JPMorgan Chase & Co, which also reported its fourth-quarter results on Tuesday, reported an 8 percent increase in loans and 2 percent growth in deposits. Citigroup, which reported on Monday, also reported higher loans and deposits. "This is a troubling erosion of Wells Fargo's market share," said Octavio Marenzi, chief executive of the management consulting firm Opimas. This Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, photo shows a Wells Fargo bank location in Philadelphia. Wells Fargo & Co. reports financial results Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) It doesn't appear the restraints on the bank will be coming off any time soon. In a conference call with investors, Wells Fargo Chief Executive Tim Sloan said he now expects Wells Fargo will operate under the Federal Reserve's restraints through the end of 2019. The bank recently had been expecting those restraints to come off the middle of this year. Wells Fargo, which is the biggest U.S. mortgage lender, posted revenue of $25.26 billion in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $20.98 billion, which also missed forecasts. Analysts were looking for Wells to earn $21.74 billion in revenue. Wells Fargo's stock fell 2.1 percent to $47.31. by Vladimir Rozanskij Published on the website of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. The leading role of the ecumenical patriarch is the cause of the break with Moscow. An ancient church in Kiev donated to Bartholomew I. President Petro Poroshenko rewards the two bishops of Muscovite obedience who took part in the Council of Unification. Moscow (AsiaNews) - The Patriarchate of Constantinople has published on its website the official version, in Greek, English and French, of the founding document of Ukrainian autocephaly[i] . The authoritative tone of the submission to Constantinople of the Ukrainian Church in all the canonical issues is impressive, as well as the symbolic concession of the Holy Chrism for the sacraments. The ecumenical patriarchate thus confirms its own "primatial" vocation within universal Orthodoxy, the crux that led to the break with the patriarchate of Moscow and other Churches united to Moscow. The new Church should be called "Most Holy Church of Ukraine", and not "in Ukraine" as in earlier published versions (each Church receives a special denomination according to the institutive Tomos). Ukrainian autocephaly extols the leading role of Constantinople, which preserves the "stavropegial rights", that is of direct presence in the country through its own exarchs. On January 13th, President Poroshenko, together with Metropolitan Epifanyj, visited the Church of the Savior in Berestovo, which will be available to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. It is one of the oldest Ukrainian churches, where in 1157 the remains of prince founder of the city of Moscow, Jurij Dolgorukij, were laid. The church had not been open to the public, having been under restoration for almost 20 years, and will now become one of the centers of the "ecumenical" pastoral leadership of the new Ukrainian orthodoxy. In an interview with the BBC, one of the Constantinopolitan exarchs, Archbishop Daniil, warned the "patriarch emeritus" Filaret (Denisenko) not to interfere in the ecclesiastical administration, leaving the metropolitan Epifanyj (his former secretary) "the freedom to act as a true primate of his Church ... Be a spiritual grandfather, a father, advise, but let him do his job! ". Daniil recalled that Filaret was allowed to keep the title (self-assigned) of patriarch "because of his old age", even if officially he is only the former metropolitan of Kiev. Furthermore, on 11 January the Constantinopolitan Synod appointed archimandrite Mikhail (Anishenko) as "head of the restored Ecumenical Stavropegia of Kiev", who for years served as "spiritual pastor" of the Orthodox community of Antalya in Turkey, belonging to the metropolis of Pisidia. On the same day, President Poroshenko conferred the state order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise on the two metropolitans of the Moscow jurisdiction who participated in the Council of Unification, Simeon (Shostatsky) and Anatolij (Drabinko). Below the full text of the Tomos of Autocephaly for the Ukrainian Church. PATRIARCHAL AND SYNODAL TOMOS FOR THE BESTOWAL OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL STATUS OF AUTOCEPHALY TO THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN UKRAINE Bartholomew, by Gods mercy Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch: You have come to Mount Zion . . . and to the Church of the first-born (Heb. 12.2223), as the blessed Paul, apostle to the nations, declares to all the faithful, appropriately likening the Church to a mountain to affirm conviction and recognition as well as steadfastness and stability. For although the Church of God both is and is called one flock and one body of Christeverywhere sharing the confession of Orthodox faith, the communion through the sacraments in the Holy Spirit, and the constancy of apostolic succession and canonical orderalready from the earliest apostolic times it also consists of local and native Churches internally self-administered by their own shepherds, teachers and servants of the Gospel of Christ, namely, their regional Bishops, not only for the historical and secular significance of these cities and lands, but also for the particular pastoral needs of these places. Therefore, inasmuch as the most devout and divinely-protected country of Ukraine has been fortified and magnified by heavenly providence, while also acquiring comprehensive political independence, and inasmuch as its civil and church leaders have avidly sought its ecclesiastical self-administration over more than thirty yearsthereby further echoing previous similar requests periodically addressed by its people to the most holy Apostolic Throne of Constantinople, which is obliged by a lengthy canonical tradition to care for the holy Orthodox Churches facing difficulties, especially those with which it has always been associated through canonical bonds, such as the historical Metropolis of Kyivour Modesty, along with our most reverend Metropolitans and most honorable beloved brothers and concelebrants in the Holy Spirit, in the imperative concern of the Great Church of Christ within the Orthodox world for healing long standing schisms and divisions in the local Churches, unanimously determine and declare that the entire Orthodox Church contained within the boundaries of the politically constituted and wholly independent State of Ukraine, with its sacred Metropolitan, Archdiocesan and Episcopal sees, its monasteries and parishes, as well as all the ecclesiastical institutions therein, operating under the Founder of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, our Godman Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, shall hereafter exist as canonically a u t o c e p h a l o u s, independent and self-administered, having and recognizing as its First Hierarch in all church matters its presiding canonical Primate, who shall bear the title His Beatitude Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine, without any lawful addition or deletion to this title without permission from the Church of Constantinople. This Primate shall preside over the Holy Synod, annually comprised of Hierarchs invited by rotation and seniority from those serving within the geographical boundaries of Ukraine. This is how the affairs of the Church shall be governed in this land, as the sacred and holy Canons declare, freely and in the Holy Spirit and unimpeded, far from any other external interference. Moreover, we recognize and declare this Autocephalous Church, established within the boundaries of the sovereign territory of Ukraine by means of this signed Patriarchal and Synodal Tomos, as our spiritual daughter, and recommend that all Orthodox Churches throughout the world acknowledge and commemorate it by the name Most Holy Church of Ukraine with its see in the historic city of Kyiv, without being henceforth entitled to establish bishops or found extraterritorial altars in regions already lawfully dependent on the Ecumenical Throne, which bears canonical competence over the Diaspora, but instead restricting its proper jurisdiction within the territories of the State of Ukraine. Indeed, we bestow upon this autocephalous ecclesiastical Authority all the attending privileges and sovereign rights, so that from this day the Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine shall commemorate Every Orthodox Diocese during the liturgy, while the surrounding choir of most holy Hierarchs shall commemorate his name as First Hierarch and Primate of the most holy Church in Ukraine. As for matters related to internal ecclesiastical administration, these shall be arbitrated, adjudicated and determined absolutely by the Primate and the Holy Synod, adhering to the evangelical and other teachingsin accordance with sacred Tradition and the venerable canonical regulations of our Holy Orthodox Church, as well as the teaching and injunction of Canon 6 of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which dictates that whereas the common vote of all is reasonable and in accordance with the ecclesiastical canon, in cases where two or three disagree by reason of personal rivalry, let the vote of the majority prevailwhile further preserving the right of all Hierarchs and other clergy to address petitions of appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch, who bears the canonical responsibility of irrevocably passing judgment over matters related to bishops and other clergy in local Churches, in accordance with the sacred Canons 9 and 17 of the Fourth Ecumenical Council in Chalcedon. In addition to the above, we declare that the Autocephalous Church in Ukraine knows as its head the most holy Apostolic and Patriarchal Ecumenical Throne, just as the rest of the Patriarchs and Primates also do, while having along with its other canonical obligations and responsibilities, as its foremost mission, the preservation of our Orthodox Faith inviolable as well as the canonical unity and communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the other local Orthodox Churches unwavering. Furthermore, the Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine, as well as the Hierarchs of the most holy Church of Ukraine, are from now on elected in accordance with the provisions of the holy and sacred Canons as well as the relevant regulations of its Constitutional Charter, along with mandatory agreement in all matters on the regulations of the present Patriarchal and Synodal Tomos. All the Hierarchs have the duty to shepherd the people of God in a manner pleasing to God, advancing, in the fear of God, peace and concord in their country and Church. Nonetheless, in order that the bond of spiritual unity and association of the holy Churches of God may remain in every way undiminishedfor we have been instructed to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4.3)His Beatitude the presiding Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine is required to commemorate, in accordance with the ancient traditions of our holy Fathers, the Ecumenical Patriarch, Their Beatitudes the Patriarchs and other Primates of the local Autocephalous Churches, in the sequence of the Diptychs, according to canonical order, assuming his proper place after the Primate of the Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia both in the sacred Diptychs and church assemblies. At the same time, the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, through its Primate or else the canonical locum tenens on the Throne of Kyiv, is obliged to participate in periodical Inter-Orthodox consultations on significant canonical, doctrinal and other issues, in accordance with the sacred custom of the Fathers that has prevailed from the outset. The First Hierarch, after being installed, must also immediately dispatch the necessary Irenic Letters concerning his establishment both to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the other Primates, just as he is also entitled to receive the same from these, while commencing his irenic journey as customary from the First-Throne Church of Constantinople, wherefrom it will likewise receive the Holy Myron as affirmation of its spiritual unity with the latter. In the case of major issues of ecclesiastical, doctrinal and canonical nature, His Beatitude the Metropolitan of Kiev and all Ukraine must, on behalf of the Holy Synod of his Church, address our most holy Patriarchal and Ecumenical Throne, seeking its authoritative opinion and conclusive support, while the prerogatives of the Ecumenical Throne over the Exarchate and Sacred Stavropegial institutions in Ukraine shall be preserved unmitigated. Consequently, on the basis of all the above and on the basis of these conditions, our Holy Great Church of Christ blesses and declares the Orthodox Church in Ukraine as Autocephalous, invoking the abundant gifts of God and boundless treasures of the All-Holy Spirit upon the venerable Hierarchy, the righteous clergy and pious people throughout the land of Ukraine, and praying that the First and Great High Priest Jesus Christthrough the intercessions of our all-holy and most blessed lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary; the holy and glorious prince Vladimir, equal to the apostles; the holy and glorious queen Olga; our venerable and God-bearing Fathers, the ascetics and monastics of the Kyiv Lavra and all the Monasteriesmay forever support the Autocephalous Church of Ukraine, now reckoned in the body of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and grant it stability, unity, peace and increase for His glory and that of the Father and the Holy Spirit. These things, then, are deemed and determined, joyfully proclaimed to you from the venerable Center of Orthodoxy, having been ratified in synod, whereas this Patriarchal and Synodal Tome is issued for permanent protection, being recorded and signed in the Code of the Great Church of Christ in Constantinople, delivered in an identical and accurate copy to His Beatitude Epifanios, the Primate of the Most Holy Church of Ukraine, and to His Excellency the President of Ukraine, Mr. Petro Poroshenko, for abiding verification and permanent confirmation. On this sixth day of the month January of the year two thousand and nineteen, Of the XII indiction + Bartholomew of Constantinople, hereby determines in Christ God + Panteleimon of Vryoula + Gennadios of Italy and Malta + Avgoustinos of Germany + Germanos of Tranoupolis + Evangelos of New Jersey + Kyrillos of Rhodes + Evgenios of Rethymnon and Avlopotamos + Ambrose of Korea + Konstantinos of Singapore + Arsenios of Austria + Chrysostomos of Symi + Nathanael of Chicago [i] https://www.patriarchate.org/-/patriarchikos-kai-synodikos-tomos-choregeseos-autokephalou-ekklesiastikou-kathestotos-eis-ten-en-oukraniai-orthodoxon-ekklesian TORONTO (AP) - A Saudi teen whose flight from her allegedly abusive family captured global attention said Tuesday she wants to work in support of freedom for women around the world for years to come. Rahaf Mohammed also has quickly embraced life in Canada, saying that when she learned she would be granted asylum, "the stress that I felt over the last week melted away." The 18-year-old also quickly shed a part of her Saudi past, dropping use of the name of the Alqunun family that disowned her. In a public appearance organized by the U.N. refugee agency and an immigrant-aid group, she said through an interpreter that first priority is to learn English. The young woman arrived in Canada over the weekend after a harrowing flight from her homeland. She fled her family while visiting Kuwait and flew to Bangkok. Once there, she barricaded herself in an airport hotel to avoid deportation and tweeted about her situation, gaining international sympathy and prompting the U.N. refugee agency to seek a home for her. "Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world," she said. "The same freedom I experienced on the first day I arrived in Canada." Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun makes a public statement in Toronto, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The Saudi teen whose flight from her family captured global attention says she intends to fight for the freedom of women around the world. The 18-year-old ran from her family, whom she alleged was abusive and trying to force her into an arranged marriage. (Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via AP) Her situation has highlighted the issue of women's rights in Saudi Arabia, where several women fleeing abuse by their families have been denied asylum abroad and returned home in recent years. "I am one of the lucky ones," she said. "I know that there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality." She said she wants to be independent, travel and make her own decisions on education, on a career and who she will marry. "I had no say in any of this. Today I can proudly say that I am capable of making all those decisions," she said. She said that women in Saudi Arabia "can't be independent and they need the approval of their male guardian for everything. Any woman who thinks of escaping, or escapes, will be at risk of persecution." She also said she is declining any more media interviews and declined to take questions. "I would like to start living a normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada," she said. Mario Calla, executive director of COSTI Immigrant Services, a government-funded organization that is helping her settle in temporary housing and apply for a health card, said a security guard has been hired because of threats against her on social media. "We make sure she is never alone," he said. He said she has felt unsafe at times. "She sees these threats," he said. "She has left Islam and she basically has broken away from her family, and that scares her. Her emotions go back and forth." Calla said the group would eventually like to place her with a family so she's not living alone. He called her a strong-willed individual, noting that's how she got here. His organization gets about two urgent refugee protection cases a year. "What's new about this is the role of social media that it played in getting the attention she received," he said. In her first weekend in Canada the young woman immediately got winter clothes and phone service. Calla said she has completed high school and had expressed interest in taking civil engineering in university. "But maybe there's a future in politics for her," Calla said. "She certainly has been handling all this pressure very well." Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun makes a public statement in Toronto, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The Saudi teen whose flight from her family captured global attention says she intends to fight for the freedom of women around the world. The 18-year-old ran from her family, whom she alleged was abusive and trying to force her into an arranged marriage. (Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press via AP) Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, 18, arrives at Toronto Pearson International Airport, on Saturday, Jan.12, 2019. The Saudi teen fled her family while visiting Kuwait and flew to Bangkok, where she barricaded herself in an airport hotel and launched a Twitter campaign that drew global attention to her case. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government would accept her as a refugee. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP) Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun, 18, center, stands with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, right, as she arrives at Toronto Pearson International Airport, on Saturday, Jan.12, 2019. The Saudi teen fled her family while visiting Kuwait and flew to Bangkok, where she barricaded herself in an airport hotel and launched a Twitter campaign that drew global attention to her case. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government would accept her as a refugee. (Chris Young/The Canadian Press via AP) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic measure rebuking Republican Rep. Steve King for his comments about white supremacy won easy approval Tuesday in the House. In a twist, the nine-term Iowa congressman was among those supporting the measure of disapproval, which was adopted, 424-1. King said he agreed with Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, the resolution's sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. King's racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days. The ideology of white supremacy "never shows up in my head," King said in a speech from the House floor. "I do not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth." Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois was the sole lawmaker to oppose the measure, saying the House should take the more serious step of censuring King for his "repugnant and racist behavior." Any measure short of censure is "shallow," Rush said. "Steve King has made a career of making racist statements. That is the only thing he is known for and this pattern of rabid racism must be confronted head on by the House of Representatives." FILE - In this Jan. 23, 2014, file photo, Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, of Iowa speaks in Des Moines. A senior member of the Congressional Black Caucus is pushing formal punishment for King over his comments about white supremacy. Illinois Democrat Bobby Rush said Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, that he will introduce a censure resolution over the Iowa Republican's remarks to the New York Times. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) The vote came as Republicans dialed up the pressure on King, with one GOP leader suggesting Tuesday that the veteran lawmaker leave Congress. "I'd like to see him find another line of work," Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-highest Republican in the House, told reporters. It was the most explicit call from a senior Republican for King to leave and the latest GOP effort to inspire him to quit over an article in The New York Times last week, where he was quoted saying: "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization - how did that language become offensive?" Republicans looking to avoid worsening the party's relationship with blacks and minorities quickly condemned King's remarks as racist. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., wrote an op-ed saying that any GOP silence in the face of King's remarks would be a blemish on the party and the nation. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky condemned King. And tellingly, Republicans refused to say whether they support King's re-election effort. On Monday, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced that King would not be given any committee assignments, the prized seats at the policy table where lawmakers represent their constituents. King served on the Agriculture, Small Business and Judiciary committees in the last Congress, and he chaired Judiciary's subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. King vowed to "continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years." House Democrats moved to formally punish King. Clyburn, the third-ranking House Democrat and the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, introduced a formal resolution of disapproval late Monday. Addressing what he called "a tale of two Kings," Clyburn said the Iowa lawmaker's remarks were offensive because they embraced evil concepts. Invoking the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. - whose 90th birthday is Tuesday - Clyburn called on colleagues from both parties "to join me in breaking the deafening silence and letting our resounding condemnation be heard." But other Democrats were pushing for a stronger punishment, censure. "As with any animal that is rabid, Steve King should be set aside and isolated," Rush said Monday as he introduced a censure resolution. A third Democrat, Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, introduced a separate censure resolution against King. "It doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or Republican, we all have a responsibility to call out Rep. King's hateful and racist comments," Ryan said, noting that the white supremacy comments were not the first time King has made headlines for inappropriate language. They all returned to a long string of King's remarks that have drawn rebukes. The text of Rush's censure resolution lists more than a dozen examples of King's remarks, beginning with comments in 2006 in which he compared immigrants to livestock, McConnell, in his statement, said he has "no tolerance" for the positions offered by King, and said "those who espouse these views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. Rep. King's statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position. If he doesn't understand why 'white supremacy' is offensive, he should find another line of work." One Republican did not join the chorus of criticism. Asked about King's remarks Monday, President Donald Trump said, "I haven't been following it." King said Tuesday he's been misunderstood. He said of his colleagues, "I thought you knew me well." The Republican said he was advocating for Western civilization, not racism, in the Times interview. He said he rejects the ideology of white supremacy, adding that he comes from a family of abolitionists who "paid a price with their lives to make sure that all men and now all women are created equal." King's position in the GOP had been imperiled even before his remarks about white supremacy. Shortly before the 2018 midterm elections, in which King was running, Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, then the head of the GOP campaign committee, issued an extraordinary public denunciation of him. King has already drawn a primary challenger for the 2020 election: Randy Feenstra, a GOP state senator. Feenstra said Monday, "Sadly, today, the voters and conservative values of our district have lost their seat at the table because of Congressman King's caustic behavior." __ This story corrects the vote count supporting the measure of disapproval against King. It was 424-1. ___ Follow Kellman and Daly on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/APLaurieKellman and http://twitter.com/MatthewDalyWDC President Donald Trump acknowledges the crowd after speaking at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - A judge has overturned an Alabama law meant to prevent the removal of Confederate monuments from public property, ruling the act infringed on the rights of citizens in a mostly black city who are "repulsed" by a memorial in a city park. The 10-page ruling issued late Monday by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Graffeo said a 2017 state law barring the removal or alteration of historical monuments wrongly violated the free speech rights of local communities. The law can't be enforced, Graffeo ruled, but the state attorney general's office said it would appeal. The state sued the city of Birmingham after officials tried to remove a 52-foot-tall (16-meter)-tall obelisk that was erected to honor Confederate veterans in a downtown park in 1905. Rather than toppling the stone marker, the city built a 12-foot (3.6-meter)-tall wooden box around it. Birmingham's population of 210,000 is more than 70 percent black, and the judge said it was indisputable that most citizens are "repulsed" by the memorial. He rejected the state's claims that lawmakers had the power to protect historical monuments statewide. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin told The Associated Press he was happy with the ruling. FILE-In this Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 file photo, Men walk past a Confederate monument in Linn Park in downtown Birmingham, Ala. A judge has overturned an Alabama law, Monday, Jan 14, 2018, that prevents the removal of Confederate monuments from public property. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves, File) "We were not even a city during the Civil War," he said. But Woodfin, citing the state's plan to appeal, said the monument can't be taken down immediately. "We'll weigh our options," he said. The law includes a $25,000 penalty for removing or altering a historical monument, but the judge said the penalty was unconstitutional. The city hasn't had to pay while the lawsuit worked its way through court. The ruling came hours after the inauguration of Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, who signed the law and opened her campaign last year with a commercial that prominently showed Confederate monuments. "We can't change or erase our history, but here in Alabama we know something that Washington doesn't. To get where we are going means understanding where we have been," Ivey said in the ad. Supporters of the law contend it protects not just Confederate memorials but historical markers of any kind, but rebel memorials have been an issue nationwide since a white supremacist gunman killed nine worshippers in a black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015. State Sen. Gerald Allen, the Tuscaloosa Republican who sponsored the legislation, said in a statement that the law was meant to "thoughtfully preserve the entire story of Alabama's history for future generations." "The attorney general's office is confident that the Memorial Preservation Act is constitutional, and I look forward to the attorney general's appeal of Judge Graffeo's ruling," Allen said. WASHINGTON (AP) - Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House on Tuesday, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed "a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller." The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advise Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute beyond what was intended" to conclude the president had obstructed justice. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt, and said he frowned on "Lock Her Up" calls for Hillary Clinton. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. Barr stated without hesitation that it was in the public interest for Mueller to finish his investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the presidential election. He said he would resist any order by Trump to fire Mueller without cause and called it "unimaginable" that Mueller would do anything to require his termination. Attorney General nominee William Barr speaks before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) "I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere with the election, and I think we have to get to the bottom of it," Barr said during the nine-hour hearing. He said that, at 68 years old and partially retired, he felt emboldened to "do the right thing and not really care about the consequences." If a president directs an attorney general to do something illegal, he said, an attorney general must resign. "I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr said. Consumed by the partial government shutdown, Trump remained out of sight at the White House but also kept an eye on the news coverage of the hearing and told aides he was pleased with how Barr was handling himself, said two White House officials and a Republican close to the White House who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal conversations. On other topics, Barr echoed in part Trump's hardline immigration stance and said the Justice Department would not go after marijuana companies in states where the drug is legal. He also would not rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs, saying he could envision circumstances where a journalist could be held in contempt "as a last resort." Barr's hearing continues Wednesday with a lineup of character witnesses, including former Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Barr's confirmation is likely, given that Republicans control the Senate. Even some Democrats have been looking to move on from acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to remove himself the Russia probe and has faced scrutiny over his private dealings. But he nonetheless faced skeptical questions from Democrats over whether he could oversee without bias or interference the remainder of Mueller's probe. Feinstein said the nominee's past rhetoric in support of expansive presidential powers "raises a number of serious questions about your views on executive authority and whether the president is, in fact, above the law." Barr, responding with a more moderate view, said he believed a president who ordered an attorney general to halt an investigation would be committing an "abuse of power" if not necessarily a crime. Barr said under questioning from Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, that he wouldn't interfere with a Mueller request to subpoena Trump for his testimony "if there was a factual basis." But he also said he saw no reason to change Justice Department legal opinions that have held that a sitting president cannot be indicted. Barr called Mueller a friend of 30 years and said "it is vitally important" that Mueller be allowed to complete his investigation. "I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," he said when asked by the panel's Republican chairman, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The special counsel is required to report his findings confidentially to the Justice Department. Barr said he then expected to produce his own report to Congress and said it was his goal to release as much information as possible to the public, though he stopped short of a direct pledge. He also noted the Justice Department does not typically disclose information about people it decides not to prosecute. He disclosed having discussed Mueller with Trump during a meeting in 2017 when Barr declined to join his legal team. He said he and his wife had been "sort of looking forward to a bit of respite and I didn't want to stick my head into that meat grinder." Trump wanted to know what Mueller, who worked for Barr when he led the Justice Department between 1991 and 1993, was like. "He was interested in that, wanted to know what I thought about Mueller's integrity and so forth and so on," Barr said. "I said Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such." He also defended his decision to send an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department in which he criticized as "fatally misconceived" the theory of obstruction that Mueller appeared to be pursuing with regard to Trump, including investigation into his president's firing of former FBI director James Comey. He said he raised his concerns at a lunch with the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller. Rosenstein didn't respond and was "sphinx-like," Barr recalled. He followed up with the memo in June. Barr sent the document to White House lawyers and discussed it with Trump's personal attorneys and a lawyer representing Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, among others. Barr said the memo was narrowly focused on a single theory of obstruction that media reports suggested Mueller might be considering. He said he would consult with ethics officials on whether he would need to recuse because of the memo but the decision would be ultimately his. ___ Associated Press writers Chad Day, Jonathan Lemire and Colleen Long contributed to this report. ___ Read Barr's prepared testimony: http://apne.ws/x87UoUn Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., accompanied by Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., right, questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr, right, testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr is sworn in by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Alex Wong/Pool Photo via AP) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., left, speaks committee member Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Barr will face questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday about his relationship with Trump, his views on executive powers and whether he can fairly oversee the special counsel's Russia investigation. Barr served as attorney general under George H.W. Bush. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Attorney General nominee William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. As he did almost 30 years ago, Barr is appearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee to make the case he's qualified to serve as attorney general. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., questions Attorney General nominee William Barr during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) - Volkswagen and Ford are forming a global alliance to develop commercial vans and medium-sized pickups together while exploring broader cooperation on future battery-powered and autonomous vehicles and services. Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess and Ford CEO Jim Hackett said Tuesday that the first jointly developed vehicles could hit the market as early as 2022 and that the linkup would offer efficiencies that would mean stronger profits starting in 2023. Ford Motor Co., based in Dearborn, Michigan, would make the medium-sized pickups, one of its strengths, as well as larger vans. Volkswagen would develop and build a small van for crowded cities. Cooperation on development lets carmakers spread their costs over more vehicles, lowering their costs per vehicle. The two companies also said they would look into possibly cooperating on electric and autonomous cars and were willing to consider additional projects, but without taking shares in each other. The deal is the latest in a string of alliances across the industry as carmakers face the need to keep up with new technologies and invest billions in research and development. They are under pressure from governments in key markets such as the European Union and China to come up with electric vehicles so they can meet tougher pollution limits. And they are racing with tech companies such as Waymo and Uber to develop autonomous vehicles and to find ways to offer temporary use of an auto as a service through smartphone apps. At the same time, a slowing global economy is putting pressure on profits and underlining the need to control costs. Ford last week announced a shake-up of its European operations that will mean dropping less profitable vehicle lines. Ford Motor Co. President and CEO, Jim Hackett, left, meets with Dr. Herbert Diess, CEO of Volkswagen AG, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) Hackett said the alliance "will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility." He said in a conference call with reporters that the rush of new technologies is broad and "moving at the speed of light." "You can't do this alone," he said. Jessica Caldwell, executive director of industry analysis at car shopping website Edmunds, said that the success of the partnership "could ultimately determine the long-term fate of two of the world's most iconic brands." "Automakers aren't just competing with each other anymore, they're under intense pressure from well-funded tech companies who are eager to get in on the future of mobility," she said. "Cutting costs by sharing vehicle architectures and manufacturing facilities is just table stakes in this new world, and is a nice place to start. However, the key to success will be if Ford and VW can help each other fend off the upstarts and become leading forces in electric and autonomous vehicle technology." Because of the huge costs involved, automakers, ride-hailing companies and tech firms have announced numerous partnerships. Fiat Chrysler is providing minivans to Google's Waymo autonomous vehicle unit, while General Motors and Honda, Uber and Toyota and Lyft and parts supplier Magna International are teaming up on self-driving cars. Volkswagen CEO Diess said that while Volkswagen is generally highly competitive it lacks volume in light trucks and midsize pickups. "Sharing platforms and parts with Ford provides very competitive scale effects in this segment - with the effect that jointly we will become No. 1 in this area," he said in a statement. Diess said Volkswagen would use the Ford platform for the successor to its current Amarok medium-sized pickup, to be sold in Latin America, Europe, South Africa and potentially in the U.S. Cooperating with an American company also makes sense for Volkswagen - which is based in Wolfsburg, Germany, and owns the Volkswagen, Porsche, Audi, Skoda and other brands - because the regulatory conditions for preparing the start of widespread autonomous driving are more advanced in the U.S. than in Europe. He and Hackett said both brands would keep separate identities and be sold through their own dealer networks. Hackett said the companies would ensure that the vehicles have different driving dynamics and driver interfaces in line with their own brand images. ___ Krisher contributed from Detroit. Tragic death: John Albers, 17, was shot by a police officer performing a welfare check on him in suburban Kansas City The mother of a suburban Kansas City teenager who was fatally shot by police responding to reports the boy was suicidal has reached a $2.3 million settlement with the city. In the settlement, the city of Overland Park, Kansas, makes no admission of wrongdoing in the January 2018 death of 17-year-old John Albers, The Kansas City Star reported. He was killed as he backed his minivan out of the family drive after officers responded to a report that he was making suicidal comments on social media. The teen's mother, Sheila Albers, said: 'John is forever gone and there is nothing that can ever excuse such an unreasonable use of force.' Dashcam police video shows the van slowly backing out when two shots are fired from the side, and then whipping around backward toward the house again as the officer fired 11 more times. The lawsuit claimed John Albers was incapacitated by the first two shots, leaving the van out of control as the officer continued firing. The officer, Clayton Jenison, 'acted recklessly and deliberately' when he shot the teenager, who may not have known police were at his home, the lawsuit said. Jenison resigned after the shooting, but prosecutors declined to file charges. Sheila Albers (pictured with John) has reached a $2.3million settlement with the city for the wrongful killing of her son A Johnson County citizens group, JOCO United, formed after the teen was killed and pushed for transparency. 'We can only hope this tragedy serves to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families,' Albers said. 'JOCO United seeks to improve Crisis Intervention Team training when officers encounter citizens in mental distress and to expand transparency of public agencies by allowing access to information in police shootings.' The National Suicide Prevention line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-273-TALK. BEIJING (AP) - The Latest on China-Canada tensions (all times local): 4:00 a.m. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada has asked China to spare the life of a Canadian man facing a death sentence. Freeland also mentioned a long list of allies that the country has courted in its efforts to free two other Canadians imprisoned last month after Canada arrested a Chinese executive at the request of the United States. Freeland's remarks came after China earlier Tuesday expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's criticism of a death sentence handed down to a previously arrested third Canadian, an alleged drug smuggler. Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced in 2016 to a 15-year prison term. But on Monday, after a new trial, he was sentenced to die. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the media in Ottawa, Ontario on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. A Chinese court sentenced Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, a Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case. Trudeau said he is extremely concerned that China chose to "arbitrarily" apply the death penalty to a Canadian citizen. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Freeland says the death penalty is inhumane and inappropriate, and Canada has asked China's ambassador to Canada for clemency. Freeland said she had "a very emotional conversation" with Schellenberg's father on Monday. ___ 7:30 p.m. China is urging its citizens to be cautious about going to Canada. The foreign ministry's consular affairs office published a notice Tuesday saying that Canada has recently "arbitrarily detained" a Chinese national - a reference to Canada's arrest of Chinese executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the United States. It urged Chinese citizens to consider their personal circumstances and "fully assess the risks of going to Canada for tourism." It added that Chinese people should approach travel to Canada with caution. The notice mirrored Canada's revision of its own travel advisory to warn of the "risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws" in China. Meng, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, is out on bail in Vancouver and faces possible extradition to the U.S. ___ 5:30 p.m. China is expressing "strong dissatisfaction" with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over his criticism of a death sentence given to an alleged Canadian drug smuggler at a retrial. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying says Trudeau should "respect the rule of law, respect China's judicial sovereignty, correct mistakes and stop making irresponsible remarks." Hua told reporters at a daily briefing Tuesday that China expresses "our strong dissatisfaction with this." Hua's comments are the latest sign of a sharply chilly turn in China-Canada relations since Canada detained a top Chinese telecommunications executive on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. A court in northeastern China announced the death sentence for Robert Lloyd Schellenberg on Monday, overturning a 15-year prison term from November 2018. Schellenberg first went on trial in 2016. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - The Latest on developments in Syria's civil war (all times local): 6:50 p.m. A senior Kurdish official has categorically rejected a "safe zone" that the Turkish president says his troops plan to set up in northern Syria. Bedran Ciya Kurd says the so-called safe zone would be tantamount to Kurdish occupation but with a new cover. He spoke to The Associated Press from northern Syria on Tuesday, a few hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his troops will establish a 20-mile- (32-kilometer) wide "safe zone" in northern Syria, and that Turkey would seek logistical and financial assistance from the United States and other allies to create the zone. Ciya Kurd said the Kurdish administration in northern Syria would accept a "safe zone" only if it us under the auspices of the United Nations with international forces. Alternatively, he said Syrian governments troops were also a possibility. ___ Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan talks to MPs of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) 3:35 p.m. The Iranian Embassy in Beirut says recent comments by visiting U.S. officials are a blatant interference in other people's business and an attempt to dictate orders. The rare statement referred to comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a regional tour and those by David Hale, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs on a visit to Lebanon. Both vowed to step up efforts to counter Iran's activities around the region and expel from Syria "every last Iranian boot." The embassy statement called the remarks "provocative." It said Iran's military presence in Syria "does not need permission" from anyone because it was requested by the Syrian government and was done in full cooperation between the two countries. ___ 1:20 p.m. Turkey's president says his troops will establish a 20-mile-wide "safe zone" in northern Syria with the help of allies, remarks that came after Recep Tayyip Erdogan's discussions with President Donald Trump. Erdogan made the comment on Tuesday, during an address to his ruling party legislators in Parliament. He later told reporters that Turkey would seek logistic and financial assistance from the United States and other allies to create the zone. Erdogan said the zone would keep "terrorists out," protect civilians and stem the flow of refugees. Erdogan and Trump discussed the issue in a telephone call late Monday that apparently aimed to ease tensions after the U.S. president tweeted a threat to Turkey warning of economic harm should Ankara attack U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria. Ankara considers the Kurdish forces in Syria terrorists aligned with a Kurdish insurgency within Turkey's borders. Erdogan said the two leaders reached an "understanding of historical importance." ___ 11:35 a.m. The United Nations' new special envoy for Syria says he hopes to have "constructive" talks in Damascus. Geir Pedersen spoke briefly to reporters upon his arrival in the Syrian capital on Tuesday. It's his first trip to Syria since he took office earlier this year. The veteran Norwegian diplomat took over from Staffan de Mistura, who stepped down for family reasons after four years and four months of peace efforts that led nowhere. Pedersen's office, in a tweet, said the envoy is looking forward to productive meetings in Damascus. Syria has said it will cooperate with Pederson if he avoids the "methods" of his predecessor and commits to Syria's territorial integrity. Nearly half a million people have been killed in the seven-year civil war in Syria. A convoy of Turkish military trucks carrying tanks and armoured personnel carriers destined for Syria in preparation for a possible military offensive, moves in Hatay province, southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to devastate NATO ally Turkey's economy if it attacks U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria underscores America's commitment to its partners. (Mehmet Kocacik/Kirikhan/DHA via AP) Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledges the MPs of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) after delivering a speech at the parliament in Ankara, Turkey, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici) A convoy of Turkish military trucks carrying tanks and armoured personnel carriers destined for Syria in preparation for a possible military offensive, moves in Hatay province, southeastern Turkey, near the border with Syria, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to devastate NATO ally Turkey's economy if it attacks U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters in Syria underscores America's commitment to its partners. (Mehmet Kocacik/Kirikhan/DHA via AP) BERLIN (AP) - Germany's domestic intelligence agency said Tuesday it was putting the far-right Alternative for Germany under increased observation amid concerns that it is flirting with extremism. It is the first time in the country's post-war history that a party represented in the national parliament has faced such scrutiny. The domestic intelligence service BfV plans to examine public comments by Alternative for Germany members and its links to extremist groups, but stopped short of putting the party as a whole under covert surveillance, the agency's head, Thomas Haldenwang, told reporters in Berlin. The party's youth section and a party faction linked to a prominent leader in eastern Germany, Bjoern Hoecke, will be scrutinized even more closely, including through the possible use of covert methods, Haldenwang said, adding that there was sufficient evidence to indicate they could be classified as "extremist organizations." He cited the youth organization's stated goal of creating an ethnically pure country and efforts by Hoecke's faction - known as "The Wing" - to downplay Germany's Nazi past. The Wing has also suggested it might pursue "revolutionary" means to achieve its political aims, warranting scrutiny from the BfV, which is tasked with monitoring all extremist organizations in the country. Alternative for Germany, which is also known by the German acronym AfD, has walked a fine line in recent years by promoting views far outside the country's political mainstream while insisting that it remains committed to law and order. Its co-leader, Alexander Gauland, criticized the BfV's decision and claimed it was politically motivated, adding the party would take legal action steps against it. FILE - In this Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 file photo a participant of the European election meeting of the Alternative for Germany party, AfD, wears a cap with the party's logo in the Saxony-Arena in Riesa, Germany. German media report that the country's domestic intelligence agency plans to place the far-right Alternative for Germany party under heightened scrutiny. (Monika Skolimowska/dpa via AP, file) "We maintain this decision of the BfV is wrong," Gauland said. The BfV, whose name translates as Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, spent months collecting material on Alternative for Germany. After reviewing 1,069 pages of publicly available material, including the party's program, websites and speeches by leading figures, the agency concluded there was enough evidence that elements of the party were working against some constitutional guarantees, including the dignity of all persons, Haldenwang said. "It's too soon to conclude sufficiently whether these indications are characteristic for the aims and orientation of the entire party," he said. The decision means authorities can start systematically collecting further material on the party. But it can only keep files on people associated with the youth arm and Hoecke's faction, said Haldenwang. The bar for collecting information on party members who have been elected to state or national parliaments is particularly high, he added. German security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said other prominent party members who could face particular scrutiny include Andreas Kalbitz, a close ally of Gauland and AfD's leader in Brandenburg state, and Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, a regional lawmaker in the neighboring state of Saxony-Anhalt with ties to the extremist Identitarian Movement. AfD, which is the largest opposition party after placing third in Germany's 2017 national election and is represented in all 16 state assemblies, has moved steadily to the right since it was founded six years ago as a vehicle for critics of the euro currency. Several senior figures have quit in recent years, warning it was being taken over by far-right extremists. Following reports about possible observation by the BfV agency last year, the party called on members to refrain from making comments that might be considered extremist. It also expelled three members who attended a neo-Nazi festival where some participants openly displayed support for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. But Hoecke, the party's leader in Thuringia state, avoided expulsion despite suggesting that Germany should end its tradition of acknowledging and atoning for its Nazi past. A leading member of the center-left Social Democratic Party, Eva Hoegl, said the BfV's decision to more closely scrutinize Alternative for Germany was "right and long overdue." "Sections of the party have direct links to the right-wing extremist scene and are clearly hostile to the constitution," Hoegl said. Germany's Central Council of Jews also welcomed the decision. "This is a step in the right direction," said its head, Josef Schuster. Haldenwang didn't say how long his agency would monitor the party, but suggested it could influence future decisions by the way it behaves. "It's at a crossroads and we will see whether it develops in one way or another," he said. It's unclear whether the added scrutiny will help or hurt Alternative for Germany, he acknowledged. "Our decision might contribute to AfD gaining further voters. Our decision might contribute to individuals turning away from the party," Haldenwang said. In the past, the agency has monitored some members of the Left party - which has roots in East Germany's communist party - and the far-right National Democratic Party, or NPD. An attempt by authorities to ban the NPD, which had a handful of seats at the regional level, was rejected by Germany's Constitutional Court in 2017. The party has since been sidelined by AfD. ___ David Rising and Kirsten Grieshaber contributed to this report. Thomas Haldenwang, President of Germany's domestic intelligence service BfV, arrives for a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The German domestic intelligence agency is putting the far-right Alternative for Germany party under heightened scrutiny. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Alice Weidel, left, and Alexander Gauland, faction leaders of the Alternative for Germany, AfD, party brief the media in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The German domestic intelligence agency is putting the far-right Alternative for Germany party under heightened scrutiny. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Alice Weidel, left, and Alexander Gauland, faction leaders of the Alternative for Germany, AfD, party brief the media in Berlin, Germany, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The German domestic intelligence agency is putting the far-right Alternative for Germany party under heightened scrutiny. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this picture taken with a red camera control light in the foreground Alexander Gauland, co-faction leader of the Alternative for Germany party, briefs the media in Berlin, Germany, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The German domestic intelligence agency is putting the far-right Alternative for Germany party under heightened scrutiny. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Wednesday, May 18, 2016 photo head of AfD in Thuringia, Bjoern Hoecke, smiles during a rally of the Alternative for Germany, AfD, party in Erfurt, eastern Germany. The German domestic intelligence agency is putting the far-right Alternative for Germany party under heightened scrutiny. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, file) LONDON (AP) - The Latest on Britain's exit from the European Union (all times local): 10:15 p.m. French President Emmanuel Macron is casting doubt on chances the European Union will renegotiate Britain's exit deal after British lawmakers roundly rejected the one their government reached with the EU. Macron said Tuesday night: "I don't really believe in this, because we already went as far as we could." He spoke in Normandy soon after Parliament voted 432-202 against the proposed divorce deal. He told British leaders to "figure it out yourselves" and wished them "good luck" in figuring out a way to leave the EU on March 29 without a clear plan. Macron is a strong defender of the EU and has pushed for the bloc to maintain a tough and unified position on Brexit, in part to prevent other countries from following the U.K. out the door. An anti-Brexit demonstrator cries as he gathers in Parliament square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a huge margin, plunging U.K. politics into crisis 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 432 -202 on Tuesday against the deal struck between Britain's government and the EU in November. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) The French president predicted that Britain would ask for more time to negotiate. That would disrupt European Parliament elections in May, currently set to be the first without Britain's participation since the 1970s. Macron also said the 2016 Brexit referendum was "manipulated from the outside," but didn't elaborate. ___ 9:45 p.m. The Spanish government has warned that the Brexit deal British lawmakers rejected was "the best possible" and that reopening negotiations "would lead to a dangerous scenario." Spain's Socialist government said the deal the European Union and Britain's government struck "is the option that best defends the interests of both parties, as well as the rights of citizens and economic actors." It added after Parliament voted against the deal Tuesday that Britain departing on March 29 without a plan for its interactions with the EU post-Brexit "is an improbable and undesirable scenario, but one that can't be discarded." The government in Madrid said it has been preparing to deal with the consequences of Brexit if a new isn't negotiated and approved. Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell tells Spanish National Radio "the government here in Spain has done its homework and worked under the premise that this could happen, so it can be ready for any scenario." ___ 9:30 p.m. The company that operates the tunnel beneath the English Channel is urging British and European Union leaders to move quickly to work out rules that will allow traffic to continue smoothly after Brexit. Eurotunnel said it "duly notes" the British Parliament's rejection of a divorce deal between the EU and Britain's government, which was meant to prevent an abrupt severing of economic ties and soften the March 29 exit. The company said in a statement that 26 percent of EU-Britain trade passes through the tunnel. It asked for clarity to be provided soon on post-Brexit border and customs rules "to preserve the vital human, social and cultural exchanges that benefit both the U.K. and the EU." Eurotunnel carries freight trucks and millions of passengers annually between Britain and the continent. It opened 25 years ago as a powerful symbol of continental cooperation. The company pledged to work to minimize traffic disruptions after Brexit. ___ 9:15 p.m. The European Union's Brexit negotiator says that even though Britain's withdrawal date is a little more than two months away, the rest of the EU will not break ranks now that a divorce deal seems far off. Michel Barnier said after Parliament on Tuesday rejected the agreement the British government reached with the EU, "on our side we will remain united and determined to reach a deal." The 27 remaining member countries have remained united on the terms of Britain's departure, while division has marked the Brexit debate in Britain's capital. Frustrated with the situation in London, Barnier said, "Now, it is time for the U.K. to tell us the next steps." ___ 8:10 p.m. European Unions are calling on British Prime Minister Theresa May to make her intentions clear on Britain's withdrawal from the EU in the wake of Parliament's massive rejection of the divorce deal her government negotiated with the bloc. EU Council President Donald Tusk highlighted the political quagmire the 432 -202 vote represented, saying "If a deal is impossible and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" Tusk has always held the EU's door ajar for Britain to remain a member, if future events allowed it. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that since Brexit is set for March 29, "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote." Juncker said the deal's defeat forced the 27 other nations and his commission "to continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared" if Britain leaves without a post-Brexit agreement in place. ___ 7:45 p.m. Britain's Parliament will hold a no-confidence vote in the government after its Brexit divorce deal was crushingly rejected by lawmakers. Prime Minister Theresa May said the government needed to know if it still had the support of the House of Commons. May said lawmakers would consider the no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Her statement, after the Brexit deal was defeated in a resounding 432 -202 vote, pre-empted a call for a confidence vote by opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn urged lawmakers to defeat the government and trigger a national election. __ 7:40 p.m. British lawmakers have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a huge margin, plunging U.K. politics into crisis 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 432 -202 on Tuesday against the deal struck between Britain's government and the EU in November. Legislators from both pro-EU and pro-Brexit sides of Britain's political divide rejected May's entreaties to back the deal and deliver on citizens' the June 2016 vote to leave the 28-nation bloc. The defeat leaves May's leadership wobbling and the government with just a few days, until Monday, to come up with a "Plan B." Unless a deal is ratified, Britain is set for a disorderly exit from the bloc on March 29, with potentially tumultuous economic and social consequences. ___ 7:05 p.m. British lawmakers have begun voting on whether to approve or reject the divorce agreement between the government and the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May told the House of Commons it was a "historic decision which will set the future of our country for generations." She said the decision is one "that each of us will have to justify and live with for many years to come." Wrapping up a multi-day debate, May urged legislators to "choose certainty over uncertainty" by backing the agreement and securing an orderly U.K. departure from the EU on March 29. Her words may fall on deaf ears - all signs pointed to a defeat for the deal that would plunge the Brexit process into turmoil. Lawmakers have started voting on an amendment to the deal, followed by a vote on the deal itself. ___ 6:25 p.m. The president of the European Union's executive arm is returning to Brussels to deal with Brexit issues as they might develop after British lawmakers vote on the EU's departure agreement with the government. An EU official, who asked not to be identified because of the developing situation, said European Commission President Jean-Claude returned from a plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg "to manage the situation following the vote in the House of Commons." Juncker often has been a key EU partner of British Prime Minister Theresa May during the 2-year Brexit negotiations. The EU official said it was "important that he is available and working in Brussels during the coming hours." British lawmakers are set to consider four proposed amendments to May's Brexit deal with the EU before they vote on the agreement itself Tuesday night. There were rumors that May might be in Brussels on Wednesday. --By Raf Casert in Strasbourg. ___ 5:40 p.m. Rival groups of pro-Brexit and pro-EU demonstrators are rallying outside Britain's Parliament ahead of Tuesday's historic vote on a divorce deal with the European Union. Protesters seeking a new referendum on Britain's membership in the bloc are waving blue-and-yellow EU flags. Others, who want the U.K. to make a clean break with the EU, are brandishing placards declaring "leave means leave." A few are holding signs declaring their opponents "traitors." Britain voted by 52 percent to 48 percent in 2016 in favor of leaving the EU, and the country remains deeply divided over its relationship with its European neighbors. Some pro-EU legislators have complained of harassment by a group of militant Brexiteers, some of whom have adopted the yellow vests of France's populist street protest movement. ___ 4:50 p.m. The president of the eurozone finance ministers' group has hinted at the possibility of changing the terms of the U.K.'s Brexit deal - despite the European Union's insistence it can't be renegotiated. Mario Centeno said Tuesday that if the British parliament rejects the agreement struck with the European Union by Prime Minister Theresa May, "we will be able to change course." He tells Portuguese television channel S.I.C. that "we can always look again at the issues," but did not elaborate. Centeno, who is Portugal's finance minister, says, "Just about anything is better than a no-deal Brexit." Senior EU officials have so far ruled out a renegotiation of Britain's divorce agreement. ___ 1:25 p.m. British lawmakers will consider four proposed amendments to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal before they vote on the agreement itself. As Tuesday's debate kicked off, Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow announced which amendments he had chosen for debate from more than a dozen submissions. They indicate the huge range of opinion among lawmakers about how Britain should pursue Brexit. One amendment from the opposition Labour Party rejects May's deal and also rules out leaving the bloc without agreement, while one from the Scottish National Party seeks to postpone Britain's departure from the EU. The other two amendments seek to limit the most contentious section of the deal, a temporary customs union with the EU intended to keep the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland barrier-free after Brexit. Voting is due to begin around 1900 GMT. ___ 11:55 a.m. Germany's foreign minister is playing down the possibility that British Prime Minister Theresa May will get a better Brexit deal if the agreement she's negotiated with Brussels is rejected by Parliament later Tuesday. Heiko Maas was quoted telling reporters in Strasbourg that while there would probably be new talks with the European Union, he doesn't believe "completely new solutions" will be offered. German news agency dpa quoted Maas saying that "we don't give up our hope that there'll be a positive vote because it would be a vote of reason - not just for Europe but also for Great Britain." British lawmakers are expected to reject the current deal May has negotiated with the EU, raising the prospect of the U.K. crashing out of the bloc at the end of March without a formal agreement. ___ 10:55 a.m. The German government is denying a British tabloid report claiming Chancellor Angela Merkel has offered to help U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May get a better Brexit deal. Merkel's office said The Sun had wrongly reported on the contents of a recent phone call between Merkel and May. The newspaper cited an unnamed senior British official claiming Merkel believed the European Union would provide more concessions to London after Tuesday's vote in the U.K. Parliament. In a statement, Merkel's office said she "gave no assurances whatsoever that went beyond what was discussed in the European Council in December and what was laid down in the letter from Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk." British lawmakers are expected to reject the deal May negotiated with the EU, raising the prospect of the U.K. crashing out of the bloc at the end of March without a formal agreement. ___ 9:35 a.m. British lawmakers are preparing to deliver their verdict on Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union after two years of political upheaval. Just 10 weeks before Britain is due to leave the EU, lawmakers vote late Tuesday on whether to accept the plan or risk leaving without an agreement on future relations with the bloc. May's deal faces widespread opposition, primarily because of language designed to prevent the reintroduction of border controls between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which some fear will indefinitely tie Britain to the EU. Former education minister Nicky Morgan warned that the U.K. wasn't ready for a no-deal Brexit, telling the BBC that "there are millions of people in this country watching Westminster and Parliament very anxiously today." ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit FILE - In this June 19, 2017 file photo, a member of protocol changes the EU and British flags at EU headquarters in Brussels. British lawmakers on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union, plunging the Brexit process into chaos. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) In this grab taken from video, MPs announce the result of a vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal in the House of Commons, London, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. UK Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal with the European Union by 432 votes to 202 . (House of Commons/PA via AP) In this grab taken from video, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is congratulated by a Conservative MP at the conclusion of the debate ahead of a vote on her Brexit deal in the House of Commons, London, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have begun voting on whether to approve or reject the divorce agreement between the government and the European Union. (House of Commons/PA via AP) In this grab taken from video, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May listens to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking after losing a vote on her Brexit deal, in the House of Commons, London, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have plunged Brexit into chaos and the U.K. politics into crisis by rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union. The 432 to 202 vote in the House of Commons was widely expected but still devastating for May, whose fragile leadership is now under siege. (House of Commons/PA via AP) In this grab taken from video, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn listens to the conclusion of the debate ahead of a vote on the Britan's Prime Minister, Theresa May's Brexit deal, in the House of Commons, London, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have begun voting on whether to approve or reject the divorce agreement between the government and the European Union. (House of Commons/PA via AP) Pro-European demonstrators hold EU flags at Parliament Square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An pro-Brexit demonstrator confronts police officers in Parliament square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Rival groups of pro-Brexit and pro-EU demonstrators are rallying outside Britain's Parliament ahead of Tuesday's historic vote on a divorce deal with the European Union. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An activist from Avaaz wears a mask of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A pro-European demonstrator holds an umbrella in the EU colors at Parliament Square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Leavers protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A Rolls Royce flying an EU flag on its bonnet drives past protestors opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An activist from Avaaz wears a mask of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A Pro-European demonstrator protests in front of a Leaver campaign board opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An activist from Avaaz wears a mask of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Pro-European demonstrators hold EU flags at Parliament Square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A Rolls Royce flying an EU flag on its bonnet drives by Parliament Square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An anti-Brexit effigy is driven around Parliament square after the results of the vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal were announced in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a huge margin, plunging U.K. politics into crisis 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 432 -202 on Tuesday against the deal struck between Britain's government and the EU in November. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Anti-Brexit demonstrators react after the results of the vote on British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal were announced in Parliament square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a huge margin, plunging U.K. politics into crisis 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 432 -202 on Tuesday against the deal struck between Britain's government and the EU in November. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Fr Johns vocation for the missionary life began with an encounter with a PIME priest. From distant Loikaw, he arrived in Africa "ready and willing to accept any destination". His modus operandi is "listen, see, learn" to overcome the impact with such a different reality. Rome (AsiaNews) Moved by a desire to pass on the faith in Christ to others, which he had received through the sacrifice of many missionaries, Fr John Phe Thu, a Burmese priest of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), was driven to travel 12,000 kilometres to proclaim the Gospel in Guinea-Bissau, the West African nation that has been his land of mission since 2011. The priest was born in 1976 in Mye Ni Kone, Loikaw (Kayah State). Together with Taunggyi (archdiocese), Toungoo, Kengtung, Lashio and Pekhon, it is one of the six dioceses created by PIME missionaries in its 150 years of presence in Myanmar. In the Asian nation, the Milan-based Institute has gone through some of the most critical moments of its history. The memory of the missionaries is still alive among Catholics but Fr John never thought he would share his priestly experience. "My vocation was born when, as a teenager, I still did not know where to get information or what to do to become a priest, he said. In the beginning, I wanted to become a diocesan priest because I was not aware of the various priestly figures. "At 21 I began my religious training in Taunggy, where I met some PIME missionaries, in particular, Fr Adriano Pelosin. By involving us in charitable programmes and initiatives in neighbouring villages, he showed us the meaning of missionary life." Fr John thus discovered "another model of consecrated life. From the history of the Church in Loikaw, I understood that the faith that I had received was the result of the sacrifice of the many missionaries. This gave birth to my desire to pass it on to others, as they had done. "Back home, I met my bishop. There were three of us who wanted to join PIME. 'A difficult life awaits you, but if this is your will, go,' he told us. So, we entered the Institutes seminary: two years in Rome and four in Monza. I was ready and willing to accept any destination," Fr John explained. Ordained priest in 2010, the missionary arrived in Guinea-Bissau in 2011. "The joy of leaving was greater than the fear. Faced with such a different culture, I had to have patience and learn to understand the local population, without judging them. I repeated to myself what my brothers had taught me: listen, see, learn'." Fr John spent the first three years of his mission in Bambadinca, in the Diocese of Bafata, and another three in the parish of Nossa Senhora de Fatima, in Bissau. On 1 October 2017, he became parish priest in Catio, in the south of the country. "In Guinea-Bissau, Catholics are used to Western missionaries, Fr John said. "In the beginning it was difficult for them to accept a priest from Asia. Even an African priest is something strange. Often, Catholic families oppose the priesthood of a young man because in their mind only whites can be priests." "In Catio, where PIME arrived 40 years ago, the work of evangelisation is proceeding slowly. Catholics are a minority, about 15 per cent of the population. Locals are mainly animists, but there are also many Muslims. Christians are seen as a model for society. The work by the missionaries nurtures the trust they place in the Church. There are many conversions, but it is up to us priests to accompany people on the path of faith. Last year, we baptised ten young people. Becoming Catholics requires a journey of at least seven years. Catechumens often have to deal with family pressures and the weight of local traditions. There are aspects of this culture that they often cannot abandon. "For our part, we try to enhance what is positive in these customs. But there are things that, as Christians, we cannot accept. These are issues that we face with every catechumen because the Gospel enters every culture, purifies it and exalts it." (PF) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - Delivering a stinging defeat to prosecutors at the International Criminal Court, judges on Tuesday acquitted former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and former youth minister Charles Ble Goude of responsibility for crimes committed following disputed elections in 2010, saying the prosecution failed to prove their case. Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser ordered the immediate release of the 73-year-old Gbagbo and 47-year-old Ble Goude following the judgment that came before their lawyers even had to present a case. Tarfusser later suspended that order ahead of a follow-up hearing on Wednesday. Prosecutors can appeal. In a written statement, they called the ruling "disappointing and unexpected" and said they would analyze the written decision when it is published "and assess the appropriate next steps." Gbagbo was the first former president to go on trial at the global court and his case was seen as a milestone in efforts to bring to justice even the highest-ranking leaders accused of atrocities. More than 3,000 people were killed after Gbagbo refused to accept defeat by his rival and current Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara. Tarfusser said a majority of the three-judge trial panel ruled that "the prosecutor has failed to satisfy the burden of proof" against both men. Supporters of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo, celebrate in the Yopougon district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. Gbagbo was acquitted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court in The Hague , saying prosecutors failed to prove their case. ( AP Photo/Diomande Ble Blonde) He said it was a matter of public record that Ivory Coast was wracked by post-election violence in 2010 and early 2011, but he said prosecutors did not present evidence that Gbagbo and Ble Goude formulated a plan for their supporters to unleash violence to keep Gbagbo in power. Prosecutors also failed to prove that speeches by both men incited violence, Tarfusser said. Neither Gbagbo nor Ble Goude spoke in court. Gbagbo's lawyer Emmanuel Altit called it a victory for justice. "It's also a victory for a man who was wrongly accused, President Gbagbo," Altit told reporters. Both men are expected to return to Ivory Coast, although it remains unclear when that will be possible. Rights groups lamented the ruling's effect on victims. "The acquittal of Gbagbo and Ble Goude is a crushing disappointment to victims of post-election violence" in Ivory Coast, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus Barry, Amnesty International's West and Central Africa director. Karim Traore, 36, is one of those victims. "I lost my arm in 2011 because of pro-Gbagbo forces," he said. "We do not understand the decision of the International Criminal Court to release the former president. We, the victims, have not been heard and it is a real shame." Amal Nassar of the International Federation for Human Rights called on prosecutors to appeal. "The ICC as a whole should learn from its difficulties in convicting (former) political leaders bearing the highest responsibility in the perpetration of crimes and revise adequately its policy," Nassar said in a statement. As Tarfusser announced the acquittals, supporters of Gbagbo and Ble Goude stood and cheered in the courtroom's gallery. Even before the hearing started, dozens of supporters sang and danced outside the court's headquarters. In Ivory Coast, there was an outburst of joy and relief in the Abidjan neighborhood of Yopougon, a Gbagbo stronghold. "Above all, we wish to reach out to our executioners of yesterday to make a sincere reconciliation," said Ferdinand Zahibo, a central committee member of Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front party. The government did not immediately comment. Both defendants had pleaded not guilty to four charges of crimes against humanity including murder, rape and persecution. The ruling was the latest defeat for prosecutors at the world's first global war crimes court. The case against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who also was accused of involvement - before he became president - in post-election violence in his country, collapsed in December 2014. Last year a former Congolese vice president, Jean-Pierre Bemba, was acquitted on appeal of crimes allegedly committed by his militia in neighboring Central African Republic. James A. Goldstone, executive director of the Open Society Justice Initiative, said the acquittal ruling "underscores how important it is that the process to select the next prosecutor yields a person of integrity and sound judgment who is highly skilled at criminal investigation." The term of current chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda expires in 2021. Gbagbo has been in the court's custody since November 2011 and Ble Goude since March 2014. A former university professor who founded an opposition party well before Ivory Coast embraced democracy, Gbagbo spent much of the 1980s in exile in France. After returning to Ivory Coast, he lost the 1990 presidential vote and spent six months in jail in 1992 for his role in student protests. He came to power in 2000 in a flawed election. In the 2010 race, Gbagbo placed first in the first round with 38 percent of the vote before losing to Ouattara in a runoff. Ouattara last year granted amnesty to 800 prisoners prosecuted for crimes connected to the 2010 post-election crisis, including Gbagbo's wife, Simone, who also has been indicted by the ICC for crimes against humanity. Ivory Coast has refused to send her to The Hague. Fresh elections are scheduled in Ivory Coast next year. "We are very happy, we are heading towards a genuine national reconciliation and we are only waiting for their return to bring about peace," said Assoa Adou, the secretary general of Gbagbo's party. ___ Associated Press writer Alexis Adele in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, contributed. Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Supporters of former Ivorian president Laurent Gbagbo, celebrate in the Yopougon district of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. Gbagbo was acquitted of crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court in The Hague , saying prosecutors failed to prove their case. ( AP Photo/Diomande Ble Blonde) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo greets his legal team as he enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Charles Ble Goude hugs his legal team as he and former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enter the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges acquitted Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude of crimes committed during the 2010 election for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goud to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Eric Macdonald, lead prosecutor in the case against former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo looks at computer screens in the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and an ex-government minister Charles Bee Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and an ex-government minister Charles Bee Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and an ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) A supporter of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo wears a t-shirt reading "Gbagbo Is Coming Soon" during a rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and an ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Supporters of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo rally outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and an ex-government minister Charles Bee Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo enters the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, where judges were expected to issue rulings on requests by Gbagbo and ex-government minister Charles Ble Goude to have their prosecutions thrown out for lack of evidence. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool) LONDON (AP) - British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. The defeat was widely expected, but the scale of the House of Commons' vote - 432 votes against the government and 202 in support - was devastating for May's fragile leadership. It followed more than two years of political upheaval in which May has staked her political reputation on getting a Brexit deal and was the biggest defeat for a government in the House of Commons in modern history. Moments after the result was announced - with Speaker John Bercow bellowing "the noes have it" to a packed Commons chamber - May said it was only right to test whether the government still had lawmakers' support to carry on. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn quickly obliged, saying May's government had lost the confidence of Parliament. Lawmakers will vote Wednesday on his motion of no-confidence. If the government loses, it will have 14 days to overturn the result or face a national election. Although May lacks an overall majority in Parliament, she looks likely to survive the vote unless lawmakers from her Conservative party rebel. Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's government, said it would support her. In this grab taken from video, Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May listens to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking after losing a vote on her Brexit deal, in the House of Commons, London, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have plunged Brexit into chaos and the U.K. politics into crisis by rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union. The 432 to 202 vote in the House of Commons was widely expected but still devastating for May, whose fragile leadership is now under siege. (House of Commons/PA via AP) "The House has spoken and the government will listen," May said after the vote, which leaves her Brexit plan on life support just 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the EU on March 29. May promised to consult lawmakers on future moves, but gave little indication of what she plans to do next. Parliament has given the government until Monday to come up with a new proposal. She faces a stark choice: Steer the country toward an abrupt "no-deal" break with the EU or try to nudge it toward a softer departure. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both government and opposition parties are trying to wrest control of the Brexit process from a paralyzed government, so that lawmakers by majority vote can specify a new plan for Britain's EU exit. But with no clear majority in Parliament for any single alternate course, there is a growing chance that Britain may seek to postpone its departure date while politicians work on a new plan - or even hand the decision back to voters in a new referendum on EU membership. "If you can't resolve the impasse here in Westminster, than you have to refer it back to the people," said Labour Party lawmaker Chuka Umunna, who supports a second referendum. May, who had postponed a vote on the deal in December to avoid certain defeat, had implored lawmakers to back her deal and deliver on voters' decision in 2016 to leave the EU. But the deal was doomed by deep opposition from both sides of the divide over U.K.'s place in the bloc. Pro-Brexit lawmakers say the deal will leave Britain bound indefinitely to EU rules, while pro-EU politicians favor an even closer economic relationship with Europe. The most contentious section of the deal was an insurance policy known as the "backstop" designed to prevent the reintroduction of border controls between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Assurances from EU leaders that the backstop is intended as a temporary measure of last resort completely failed to win over many British skeptics. Two and a half years after the referendum, Britain remains divided over how, and whether, to leave the EU. As lawmakers debated in the chamber, there was a cacophony of chants, drums and music from rival bands of pro-EU and pro-Brexit protesters outside. One group waved blue-and-yellow EU flags, the other brandished "Leave Means Leave" placards. Inside, the government and opposition parties ordered lawmakers to cancel all other plans to be on hand for the crucial vote. Labour legislator Tulip Siddiq delayed the scheduled cesarean birth of her son so she could attend, arriving in a wheelchair Some Conservatives want May to seek further talks with EU leaders on changes before bringing a tweaked version of the bill back to Parliament, even though EU officials insist the 585-page withdrawal agreement cannot be renegotiated. Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London, said May was unlikely to get changes to her deal from that could "placate her Brexiteers." "Or, she reaches out to Labour and goes for a softer Brexit than most Brexiteers would contemplate" - but which the EU might accept, Bale said. Frustrated EU leaders called on May to make her intentions clear on the future of Brexit. "Now, it is time for the U.K. to tell us the next steps," said Michel Barnier, the bloc's chief negotiator. European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker - who returned to Brussels late Tuesday to deal with fallout from the vote - said the rejection of May's deal had increased "the risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom." "Time is almost up," he said. Economists warn that an abrupt break from the EU could batter the British economy and bring chaotic scenes at borders, ports and airports. Business groups expressed alarm at the prospect of a "no-deal" exit. "Every business will feel no-deal is hurtling closer," said Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry. "A new plan is needed immediately." European Council President Donald Tusk highlighted the quagmire the U.K. had sunk into, and hinted that the best solution might be for Britain not to leave. "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" he tweeted. ___ Casert reported from Strasbourg, France. Associated Press writers Danica Kirka in London and Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed. ___ Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit In this grab taken from video, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks after Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May lost a vote on her Brexit deal in the House of Commons, London, Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have plunged Brexit into chaos and the U.K. politics into crisis by rejecting Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union. The 432 to 202 vote in the House of Commons was widely expected but still devastating for May, whose fragile leadership is now under siege. (House of Commons/PA via AP) An pro-Brexit demonstrator confronts police officers in Parliament square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Rival groups of pro-Brexit and pro-EU demonstrators are rallying outside Britain's Parliament ahead of Tuesday's historic vote on a divorce deal with the European Union. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A Leaver, left, and a pro-European demonstrator argue during protests opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An anti-Brexit demonstrator cries as he gathers in Parliament square in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal by a huge margin, plunging U.K. politics into crisis 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 432 -202 on Tuesday against the deal struck between Britain's government and the EU in November. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An activist from Avaaz wears a mask of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Leavers display banners opposite the Houses of Parliament to protest against the Brexit-Deal in London, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) A woman smokes outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. In a letter to Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May published Monday, European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker offered an assurance that the backstop "would only be in place for as long as strictly necessary". (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay, left, and Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling arrive to attend a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Britain's Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matthew Hancock, wearing Union Jack flag socks, arrive to attend a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Larry, the 10 Downing Street cat, keeps an eye on the journalists covering a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) A pro-European demonstrator wears a Union Jack flag and a hat with the EU colors during a protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) An activist from Avaaz wears a mask of Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May as Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Pro-European demonstrators protest opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Two men wearing shirts and hats supporting US President Donald Trump join Leave demonstrators protesting opposite the Houses of Parliament in London, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to win support for her Brexit deal in Parliament. Lawmakers are due to vote on the agreement Tuesday, and all signs suggest they will reject it, adding uncertainty to Brexit less than three months before Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May arrives at 10 Downing Street, London, after losing a House of Commons vote on her Brexit deal, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. British lawmakers have plunged Brexit into chaos and the U.K. politics into crisis by rejecting May's divorce deal with the European Union. The 432 to 202 vote in the House of Commons was widely expected but still devastating for May, whose fragile leadership is now under siege. (Aaron Chown/PA via AP) BEIJING (AP) - China expressed its "strong dissatisfaction" with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday over his criticism of a death sentence given to a Canadian accused of drug smuggling at a retrial that followed a chilling of relations over the arrest of a senior Chinese technology executive. Trudeau should "respect the rule of law, respect China's judicial sovereignty, correct mistakes and stop making irresponsible remarks," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. "We express our strong dissatisfaction with this," Hua told reporters at a daily briefing. Her comments are the latest sign of a sharp cooling of China-Canada ties since Canada detained Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. The U.S. wants Meng extradited to face charges that she committed fraud by misleading banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. The Liaoning provincial court in northeastern China announced the death sentence for 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg on Monday. In this image taken from a video footage run by China's CCTV, Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg attends his retrial at the Dalian Intermediate People's Court in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. A Chinese court sentenced the Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case that is likely to escalate tensions between the countries over the arrest of a top Chinese technology executive. (CCTV via AP) Schellenberg was detained more than four years ago, went on trial in 2016 and was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison in November. The Chinese media began republicizing Schellenberg's case after Meng's detention. Within weeks, an appeals court suddenly reversed the earlier decision, saying the sentence was too lenient, and scheduled Monday's retrial with just four days' notice. The court gave no indication that the death penalty could be commuted, but observers said Schellenberg's fate is likely to be drawn into diplomatic negotiations over China's demand for Meng's release. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada has asked China to spare the life of Schellenberg. "We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," Freeland said. Freeland said she had "a very emotional conversation" with Schellenberg's father on Monday. Schellenberg's defense lawyer, Zhang Dongshuo, said his client plans to appeal the verdict. "I can't tell you the relationship between Mr. Schellenberg's last appeal procedure and sensitive events which happened in Canada," Zhang said, but he described the timing of Schellenberg's appeal and retrial as "very significant." He declined to elaborate on the significance or to comment specifically on whether recent developments were linked to Meng. Zhang, a Beijing-based lawyer who has taken on several high-profile cases involving foreigners arrested in China, previously represented Phan "Sandy" Phan-Gillis, an American woman convicted of espionage and deported back to the U.S. in 2017. Questions have swirled over the court's rapid retrial and sentencing of Schellenberg. Zhang said while the court's actions were all lawful, they were also "abnormal." Among the unusual features of the proceedings, according to Zhang: the public nature of Schellenberg's December appeal, the swift scheduling of the retrial and the fact that the court announced its sentence just one hour after the trial ended Monday. Trudeau suggested on Monday that China was using its judicial system to pressure Canada over the arrest of Meng, who is also the daughter of Huawei's founder. "All countries around the world" should be concerned that Beijing is acting arbitrarily with its justice system, Trudeau said. "It is of extreme concern to us as a government, as it should be to all our international friends and allies, that China has chosen to begin to arbitrarily apply a death penalty," Trudeau said. Canada later updated its travel advisory for China, urging Canadians to "exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws." Hua dismissed such concerns, saying the 222 kilograms (489 pounds) of methamphetamine that Schellenberg was accused of smuggling merited the harsh penalty. "When facing such a serious drug smuggling crime, I think any responsible government that takes resolute measures to deal with the case just reflects the responsible attitude and strong determination of the government in protecting the lives and safety of its people," Hua said. A Chinese man convicted of involvement in the same operation was earlier given a suspended death sentence. Describing the case as "highly politicized," the human rights group Amnesty International urged that Schellenberg's sentence be revoked. "The sudden retrial and apparent rush to judgment has highlighted the numerous flaws in China's judicial system," China researcher William Nee said in a statement. Since Meng's detention, China has arrested two Canadians in apparent retaliation. Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, were both arrested on vague national security allegations. A Canadian teacher was detained but released. Hua on Monday denied Kovrig was eligible for diplomatic immunity as Trudeau has maintained. A senior Canadian government official said Chinese officials have been questioning Kovrig about his diplomatic work in China, which is a major reason why Trudeau is asserting diplomatic immunity. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly about the case, spoke on condition of anonymity. Kovrig, a Northeast Asia analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank, was on a leave of absence from the Canadian government at the time of his arrest last month. Ren Zhengfei, Meng's father and Huawei's founder, told foreign reporters on Tuesday that he doesn't believe the death sentence and arrests of the Canadians are related to Meng's detention. "Personally, I don't see a connection between these cases and Meng Wanzhou," he said. Canada has embarked on a campaign with allies to win the release of Kovrig and Spavor. Freeland thanked countries and organizations - Germany, France, the Netherlands, the European Union, the United States, Britain, Australia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia - for "publicly coming out and speaking against these arbitrary detentions. And that is very important." Last week, Poland arrested a Huawei director and one of its own former cybersecurity experts and charged them with spying for China. The move came amid a U.S. campaign to exert pressure on its allies not to use Huawei, the world's biggest maker of telecommunications network equipment, over data security concerns. ___ Gillies contributed from Toronto. Associated Press writer Christopher Bodeen contributed from Beijing. In this image taken from a video footage run by China's CCTV, Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg attends his retrial at the Dalian Intermediate People's Court in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. A Chinese court sentenced the Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case that is likely to escalate tensions between the countries over the arrest of a top Chinese technology executive. (CCTV via AP) In this image taken from a video footage run by China's CCTV, Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg attends his retrial at the Dalian Intermediate People's Court in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. A Chinese court sentenced the Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case that is likely to escalate tensions between the countries over the arrest of a top Chinese technology executive. (CCTV via AP) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the media in Ottawa, Ontario on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. A Chinese court sentenced Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, a Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case. Trudeau said he is extremely concerned that China chose to "arbitrarily" apply the death penalty to a Canadian citizen. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) SHENZHEN, China (AP) - The founder of China's Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear to phone and internet companies, says his company would not share secrets about its customers and their communication networks. Ren Zhengfei spoke in a rare meeting with foreign reporters as Huawei Technologies Ltd. tries to protect its access to global telecom carriers that are investing heavily in next-generation technology. His comments were the 74-year-old former military engineer's most direct public response to accusations his company is controlled by the ruling Communist Party or is required to facilitate Chinese spying. Huawei is China's first global tech brand. The United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments have imposed curbs on use of its technology over such concerns. "We would definitely say no to such a request," said Ren when asked how the company would respond to a government demand for confidential information about a foreign buyer of its telecom technology. Ren said neither he nor the company have ever received a government request for "improper information" about anyone. Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, gestures during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Asked whether Huawei would challenge such an order in court, Ren chuckled and said it would be up to Chinese authorities to "file litigation." Huawei is facing heightened scrutiny as phone carriers prepare to roll out fifth-generation technology in which Huawei is a leading competitor. 5G is designed to support a vast expansion of networks to serve medical devices, self-driving cars and other technology. That increases the cost of potential security failures and has prompted governments increasingly to treat telecoms communications networks as strategic assets. The company's image suffered a new blow last week when Polish authorities announced one of its Chinese employees was arrested on spying charges. Huawei announced it fired the employee and said the allegations had nothing to do with the company. Ren is the father of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested Dec. 1 in Canada on U.S. charges related to possible violations of trade sanctions on Iran. Ren said he couldn't discuss Meng's case while it still was before a court. But he said Huawei obeys the law, including export restrictions, wherever it operates. Ren expressed gratitude to Canadian justice officials for their treatment of Meng, who was released on bail and is staying in a house in Vancouver. He also expressed thanks to her fellow jail inmates prior to her release "for treating her kindly." "After all the evidence is made public, we will rely on the justice system," he said. "We are sure there will be a just conclusion to this matter. Two Canadians were arrested by Chinese authorities on national security charges, prompting suggestions abroad they might be hostages to secure Meng's release. On Monday, a Chinese court announced another Canadian had been sentenced to death in a drug case after he was ordered retried. Asked how he felt that Huawei was linked to accusations Beijing took hostages, Ren said he saw no connection between the Canadians and Meng's case. Dressed in a blue sport coat and an open-necked light blue shirt, Ren was jovial and animated during the two hour and 20 minute meeting. Ren said he became a Communist Party member in the early 1980s after the state press published reports about his development of a measuring tool for an engineering project. Earlier, he couldn't join because his father was deemed a "capitalist roader," but the party was trying to promote young, technologically capable people after the violent, ultra-radical Cultural Revolution in 1976. Ren founded Huawei in 1987 to sell imported telecom switching gear to Chinese phone companies after the PLA disbanded his engineering unit, according to the company. Despite his party membership, Huawei makes decisions based on its customers' needs, Ren said. "I don't see a close connection between my personal political beliefs and our commercial decisions," he said. Huawei's U.S. market evaporated in 2012 after a congressional panel said the company and its smaller Chinese rival, ZTE Corp., were security risks and urged phone companies to avoid them. But Huawei passed Sweden's LM Ericsson to become the biggest supplier of network gear and its smartphone brand displaced Apple Inc. last year as the No. 2 global seller behind Samsung. The company forecasts last year's revenue will exceed $100 billion for the first time. Ren said this year's target is $125 billion. Huawei says it is employee-owned. Ren said no government entity or any other investor who isn't a current or former employee owns "one cent of Huawei shares." Ren said Huawei has no research cooperation with China's People's Liberation Army and no dedicated unit for military sales and he knew of no PLA purchases of civilian technology. Ren said the security concerns have yet to have a significant effect on Huawei's business. The company has signed 5G contracts with 30 carriers and has shipped 25,000 base stations, he said. Huawei has plenty of opportunities even if it faces higher barriers in some markets, he said. "If we are not allowed to sell in certain markets, we will have a smaller operation," he said. "So long as we can feed our employees, we are satisfied." Ren defended Huawei's decision to remain privately held - a status that has fueled questions about its intentions and who controls it. He said that helped to preserve its long-term focus on customer service and product development. Publicly owned companies care more about a "beautiful balance sheet" while Huawei is focused on a "strong industry structure," he said. "Capital tends to be greedy." Ren also warned against allowing security concerns to divide the globe into isolated markets with incompatible technology standards - a scenario some people have suggested might result from U.S.-Chinese tensions. "Arbitrarily dividing the world into two technology camps can only harm the interests of all society," he said. Asked about President Donald Trump's suggestion on Twitter that he might intervene in Meng's case if that facilitated a resolution of Washington's tariff battle with Beijing, Ren said he would wait to see whether Trump takes action. "As for President Trump as president, I still believe he is a great president," Ren said. He said Trump was elected to cut taxes, which he believed was beneficial for American industry. However, he said, "If companies are getting frightened by the detention of certain individuals, then investors might be scared away, and that is not in the interests of the United States." Ren said he didn't believe Huawei would face U.S. penalties similar to those that nearly drove smaller Chinese rival ZTE Corp. out of business. Washington barred ZTE from buying American technology over its exports to Iran and North Korea but restored access after the company paid a $1 billion fine, replaced its executive team and installed U.S.-selected compliance monitors. "What happened to ZTE, I don't believe will happen to Huawei," said Ren. However, he said, "if it did happen to Huawei, I don't believe the impact would be very significant. I believe telecom operators would continue to trust Huawei." Ren said Huawei doesn't want Beijing to retaliate for foreign restrictions by hampering market access for Apple Inc. and other rivals. "In spite of setbacks in some countries, we are still supportive of China becoming a more open country." Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, gestures during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, adjusts his glasses during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, wipes his fingers with a towel during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, smiles during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, scratches his forehead during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, laughs during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, takes off his glasses during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Zimbabwe's police and military patrolled the streets of the capital, Harare, Tuesday as a helicopter fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. Eight people were killed Monday when police and military fired on crowds, according to Amnesty International. But Zimbabwe's government said that three people were killed, including a policeman who was stoned to death by an angry crowd, according to Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa. The anti-government demonstrations amounted to "terrorism," said Mutsvangwa on state television Tuesday night. The protests were "well coordinated" by Zimbabwe's opposition, she said. She urged people to return to work and said the government forces would guarantee their security. She also said the government intends to pay an allowance to government workers to cushion them from the effects of the fuel price rise. As Zimbabwe was rocked by the protests, President Emmerson Mnangagwa was in Russia and met President Vladimir Putin, to request loans and investment. Police and soldiers went door to door and barged into homes in Mabvuku and other Harare suburbs and assaulted people, according to Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights and witnesses. Many males in Mabvuku went into hiding to avoid being beaten, said residents. The opposition MDC party said its headquarters was attacked. This has been Zimbabwe's biggest unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. Witnesses also reported violence in the eastern city of Mutare, where people attacked passenger buses and destroyed some shops. Mutare was quiet by late Tuesday and there were reports of security forces going from home to home in that city and assaulting men suspected of participating in the protests. Protestors gather near a burning tire during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Social media such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp were disabled. Businesses and schools were shut down and public transport vehicles grounded in most of the country despite government assurances that security would be provided. The government over the weekend announced a price of $3.11 per liter (0.26 gallons) for diesel, and $3.33 per liter for gasoline. That makes gasoline in Zimbabwe the most expensive in the world, based on data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com . The site says Hong Kong had the highest price for a liter of gasoline on Jan. 7: $2.04. Lives were lost, police officers were injured, property was damaged and more than 200 people were arrested, said Owen Ncube, the state security minister. He blamed the main opposition MDC party and some civil society groups for stoking violence in an attempt to topple the government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took power after longtime leader Robert Mugabe was forced to resign in November 2017. The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions had called for a three-day national shutdown to protest against the fuel price increase announced by Mnangagwa, who then left for Russia on a multi-nation trip to try to attract international investment and loans. He is set to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa Soldier patrol as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa shake hands after a signing ceremony during his meeting with in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Sergei Chirikov/Pool Photo via AP) A soldier patrols as a barricade is removed during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors gather near a burning tire during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors gather near a burning tire during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A soldier monitors the removal of a barricade as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Plain clothed soldiers remove the barricade as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Soldiers patrol the streets as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Soldiers patrol near a barricade A soldier patrols as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Soldiers remove rocks from the road as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A soldier patrols as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A soldier drives an army truck as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A protestor with his dogs as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Soldiers patrol as protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Protestors gather during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A helicopter fires teargas onto protestors during a demonstration over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A Zimbabwean military helicopter on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators blocking a road and burning tires in the capital on a second day of deadly protests after the government more than doubled the price of fuel in the economically shattered country. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Women inspect their stalls at a market after they were destroyed during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Soldiers moved in to disperse crowds at the busy intersection and transport hub in Harare amid Zimbabwe's biggest unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A man walks past a deserted street following demonstrations over hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan,15, 2019. Soldiers moved in to disperse crowds at the busy intersection and transport hub in Harare amid Zimbabwe's biggest unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) A street scene at the end of a day of demonstrations over hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan,15, 2019. Soldiers moved in to disperse crowds at the busy intersection and transport hub in Harare amid Zimbabwe's biggest unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa shake hands during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Sergei Chirikov/Pool Photo via AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa shake hands during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Sergei Chirikov/Pool Photo via AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa shake hands during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Sergei Chirikov/Pool Photo via AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa shake hands during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Sergei Chirikov/Pool Photo via AP) A portrait of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is seen at the party headquarters during demonstrations over the hike in fuel prices in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. A human rights group in Zimbabwe says five people were killed in clashes between demonstrators protesting fuel hikes and security forces who opened fire on some crowds. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi) Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, left, attends a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The president of Zimbabwe, whose country is facing its worst economic crisis in a decade, is visiting Russia in hopes of securing long-term loans. (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool Photo via AP) Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, right, attends a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The president of Zimbabwe, whose country is facing its worst economic crisis in a decade, is visiting Russia in hopes of securing long-term loans. (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool Photo via AP) BERLIN (AP) - Bad weather continued to afflict parts of Europe on Tuesday with avalanches in Austria striking buildings and roads but resulting in no injuries. An overnight avalanche in Ramsau, central Austria, slammed a hotel. All 60 visitors and staff, most of whom were from a Danish ski club, got out of the building unharmed. Niels Leth-Soerensen, chairman of the Hobro Skiklub, praised the hotel staff in Ramsau and local rescue teams for swiftly evacuating all guests to another hotel. Leth-Soerensen who himself was part of the party, said on the club website that the 200-year-old hotel had never been hit by an avalanche before. In a series of dramatic videos posted on Swiss news portal 20 Minuten, a group of soldiers posted to the Davos area ahead of next week's World Economic Forum narrowly escaped harm from an avalanche triggered by a controlled explosion. The soldiers can be heard yelling and seen running as masses of snow hurtle toward the base area where they are standing and filming. Warmer, wetter weather after days of heavy snowfall has increased the risk of avalanches in parts of southern Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A snow plough clears a street to Balderschwang which is closed to the public due to the risk of avalanches in Obermaiselstein, southern Germany, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Benjamin Liss/dpa via AP) In Bavaria, snow melt flooded several roads and some basements in the town of Harburg as the Woernitz river swelled overnight. Dozens of people have already died in avalanches and weather-related accidents in the region since the start of the year. A road in the Black Forest is closed due to snow in Seebach, southern Germany, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Authorities in parts of Austria, Germany and Switzerland have warned that further snow and rainfall is raising the risk of avalanches, and increase the weight on snow-laden roofs. (Benedikt Spether/dpa via AP) A police car blocks the street leading to Balderschwang as a snow plough passes by in Obermaiselstein, southern Germany, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Benjamin Riss/dpa via AP) A snowplow removes snow from a road in Obermailselstein, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. (Josef Hildenbrand/dpa via AP) JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's new military chief took office Tuesday, pledging to lead a "lethal, efficient and innovative army" into the future as it faces grave challenges along its borders. Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi's inauguration comes shortly after the military's announcement that it has successfully completed its operation to destroy a network of cross-border tunnels dug by the militant group Hezbollah, stretching from Lebanon into Israel, and as it appears to be dropping its ambiguity over hundreds of strikes it had carried out against Iranian forces in Syria in recent years. Kochavi was promoted from major-general at Tuesday's ceremony at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, becoming the country's 22nd military chief. He replaces Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, who is retiring after 40 years of service. Israel's army chiefs usually serve up to four years. "I pledge to dedicate all my energy to a demanding and critical approach to strengthening our defenses and adjusting it to the challenges of the present and future by focusing on increasing our striking abilities against our enemies and putting forth a lethal, efficient and innovative army that maintains its purpose and uniqueness," he said. In his final week on the job, Eisenkot oversaw the discovery of what the military says was the sixth and final Hezbollah tunnel to penetrate Israel. He also divulged that Israel had struck thousands of Iranian targets as part of a policy shift of engaging Iran directly, instead of just its lesser proxies of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Israel has long called for a crackdown on the Iran-backed Hezbollah - a heavily armed militia that functions as a mini-army and is believed to possess an arsenal of some 150,000 rockets that can reach nearly all of Israel. In recent years, Hezbollah has been bogged down in fighting in Syria on behalf of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government. But with that war winding down, Israeli security officials fear Hezbollah is refocusing its attention on Israel. New Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, center, reviews an honor guard in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Kochavi pledged Tuesday to lead a "lethal, efficient and innovative army" as it faces what he said were grave challenges along its borders. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) At the Tel Aviv ceremony, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to prevent Iran from establishing a military foothold in post-civil war Syria, on Israel's doorstep. "In front of us stands one major element - Iran and its terror proxies. We have acted responsibility and sensibly to thwart the strengthening of those who seek to harm us," he said. "I heard yesterday the spokesman of the Iranian foreign ministry saying: 'Iran has no military presence in Syria, we only advising.' Well, I advise them to get out of there fast since we will continue our aggressive policy there as we have promised and we are doing, relentlessly and without fear." Kochavi and Eisenkot will compete their handover with a visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall, a lunch with the president and a joint meeting of the general staff. The 54-year-old Kochavi previously served as commander of military intelligence, chief of northern command and most recently as Eisenkot's deputy chief of staff. He also commanded the Gaza division during Israel's 2005 withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. As a commander of the paratroopers' brigade in the early 2000s, he was credited with developing a tactic of using hammers to break down walls between homes in Palestinian refugee camps in the West Bank, to rob snipers of vantage points from where they could shoot at Israeli troops on the streets. New Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi, center left, reviews an honor guard in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Kochavi pledged Tuesday to lead a "lethal, efficient and innovative army" as it faces what he said were grave challenges along its borders. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Retired Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz attends the ceremony for New Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Retired Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz has been polling favorably in recent weeks, emerging as a fresh, exciting face in Israel's staid political landscape. By officially registering his new party, "Israel Resilience," Gantz shakes up a snap three-month election campaign that has been widely seen as Netanyahu's to lose. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Retired Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz attends the ceremony for New Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Retired Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz has been polling favorably in recent weeks, emerging as a fresh, exciting face in Israel's staid political landscape. By officially registering his new party, "Israel Resilience," Gantz shakes up a snap three-month election campaign that has been widely seen as Netanyahu's to lose. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Retired Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz attends the ceremony for New Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Retired Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz has been polling favorably in recent weeks, emerging as a fresh, exciting face in Israel's staid political landscape. By officially registering his new party, "Israel Resilience," Gantz shakes up a snap three-month election campaign that has been widely seen as Netanyahu's to lose. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) - The migrant caravan that was seized upon by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election has quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, however, many others - nearly half, according to U.S. Border Patrol arrest records - have sought to enter the U.S. illegally. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Where have they all gone? The U.S. Border Patrol has made about 2,600 caravan-related arrests in its San Diego sector, said spokesman Theron Francisco, indicating that nearly half have crossed into the U.S. illegally. Families are typically released with a notice to appear in immigration court. FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2019, file photo, a man holds on to the border wall along the beach, in Tijuana, Mexico. The migrant caravan that was seized upon by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 election has quietly dwindled to a few hundred people, with many of them having crossed into the U.S. or put down roots in Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) Mexican officials say about 1,300 caravan members have returned to Central America. Mexico has issued humanitarian visas to about 2,900 others, many of whom are now working legally there with visas. Francis Lopez is among the migrants who have stayed in Mexico. The 26-year-old former clothing factory worker said he and his wife made a snap decision to leave their home in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula when the caravan left in October. He had hoped to join a relative in Florida but is having second thoughts about seeking asylum after an American attorney told him he had a weak case and may be detained until a judge orders him deported. "It's a loss of time, a loss of time that you can never recover," Lopez said. Javier Diaz of El Salvador, who is working as a taxi driver in Tijuana on a visa, said the caravan offered strength in numbers - enough safety to avoid paying a smuggler at least $8,000 to reach the United States. Diaz, a 44-year-old former construction worker who fled for economic reasons and to escape violence, said he had hoped to reach the United States to make enough money to support his wife and five children in El Salvador but Mexico was better than going home. "If Mexico deports me today, I will be in Mexico again tomorrow," Diaz said Monday amid sporadic rain at the shelter. "If I can go to the United States, better." The diminished presence of the migrants in Tijuana came as hundreds of Hondurans left the violent city of San Pedro Sula this week in a new caravan hoping to reach the United States or Mexico. That group crossed peacefully into Guatemala on Tuesday, under the watchful eyes of about 200 Guatemalan police and soldiers. About 500 Honduran migrants, including dozens of children, lined up to show their documents to a first line of unarmed security personnel at the Agua Caliente border crossing. Riot police waited in a second line to contain any possible disturbance. News of this latest trek north came as Trump has been working to convince the American public that there is a "crisis" at the southern border to justify construction of his long-promised border wall. Trump's demand for billions of dollars to build the wall has resulted in a standoff with Congress that has forced a partial government shutdown. "A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work," Trump tweeted Tuesday, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer. Caravans have taken place over the years though on a smaller scale, organized to draw attention to migrants' rights and usually not reaching the border. The ones that formed last year gained attention for their larger numbers and after Trump began seizing on them for political purposes. In the lead-up to last fall's elections, Trump frequently referenced the caravans, warning that they posed a national security risk and deploying active-duty troops to the border in anticipation of their arrival. Opponents criticized the move as an abuse of presidential power. The latest caravan began Monday night with many women and children boarding buses bound for the Guatemalan border. Others started walking and hitchhiking under a steady rain. More followed Tuesday morning trying to catch up. Some pushed toddlers in strollers or walked holding older children's hands. Honduran media said the country's authorities had reinforced the border with Guatemala to make sure everyone had proper documents. Children must carry passports and written parental authorization to leave the country, and parents could face up to three years in prison if found to be taking a child without the right documents, Security Minister Julian Pacheco was quoted as saying. Migrants fleeing Central America's Northern Triangle region comprising Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala routinely cite poverty and rampant gang violence as their motivation for leaving. Bartolo Fuentes, a migrant advocate accompanying the new caravan, said Tuesday that migration from Honduras will not stop until those chronic problems are resolved. "People leave every day," he said. "Every day 300, 400 people go. The caravan has been like a constant river of people to Mexico, to the United States." Among them is Honduran Angel Eduardo Cubas, who now sits in limbo in Tijuana, hoping to find work in Mexico. The former school security guard left his family behind, hoping to reach Florida for a job that would allow him to send money home. To others embarking on the journey, his advice was to "keep the faith and don't lose heart." Cubas said he could tell others that the trip isn't worth it, because it hasn't turned out well for him, but they would come anyway. "We don't all have the same luck," he said. "It's gone badly for me, but I met others along the way who are already (in the U.S.) and had better luck." ___ Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat reported this story in Tijuana and AP writer Delmer Martinez reported from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. APress writers Christopher Sherman and Maria Verza in Mexico City and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report. Migrants hoping to reach the U.S. wait in line to board a bus toward Honduras' border with Guatemala, as hundreds of migrants set off by bus or on foot from a main bus station in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, late Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Yet another caravan of Central American migrants set out Monday from Honduras, seeking to reach the U.S. border following the same route followed by thousands on at least three caravans last year. (AP Photo/Delmer Martinez) Freddy Rivas, second right, of Tocoa, Honduras, sits with his sons Josue, left, and Elkin, center, and his brother Mario, as they wait with scores of other migrants hoping to join a caravan to travel to the U.S. border, in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Hundreds of Hondurans hoping to reach the U.S. began gathering at a main bus station in San Pedro Sula Monday night to join a caravan that had been advertised in social media as departing in the early hours of Tuesday morning. (AP Photo/Delmer Martinez) A man carries a child on his shoulders in the rain as a caravan of several hundred migrants set off walking toward the distant U.S. from a main bus station in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, late Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Yet another caravan of Central American migrants set out Monday from Honduras, seeking to reach the U.S. border, following the same route followed by thousands on at least three caravans last year. (AP Photo/Delmer Martinez) FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, file photo, floodlights from the U.S, illuminate multiple border walls, seen from Tijuana, Mexico. The migrant caravan that was seized upon by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 election has quietly dwindled to a few hundred people, with many of them having crossed into the U.S. or put down roots in Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File) U.S.-bound migrants walk past security forces who are stopping some vehicles carrying migrants to check their documents in Cofradia, Honduras, early Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Yet another caravan of Central American migrants set out overnight from Honduras, seeking to reach the U.S. border following the same route followed by thousands on at least three caravans last year. (AP Photo/Delmer Martinez) U.S.-bound migrants walk along the roadside as they leave San Pedro Sula, Honduras, at dawn Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Yet another caravan of Central American migrants set out overnight from Honduras, seeking to reach the U.S. border, following the same route as thousands on at least three caravans last year. (AP Photo/Delmer Martinez) U.S.-bound migrants walk along the roadside as they leave Cofradia, Honduras, early Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Yet another caravan of Central American migrants set out overnight from Honduras, seeking to reach the U.S. border following the same route followed by thousands on at least three caravans last year. (AP Photo/Delmer Martinez) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Environmental Protection Agency hit a 30-year low in 2018 in the number of pollution cases it referred for criminal prosecution, Justice Department data show. EPA said in a statement that it is directing "its resources to the most significant and impactful cases." But the 166 cases referred for prosecution in the last fiscal year is the lowest number since 1988, when Ronald Reagan was president and 151 cases were referred, according to Justice Department data obtained by the nonprofit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility advocacy group and released Tuesday. "You don't get closer to the core of EPA's mission than enforcing the law," Jeff Ruch, PEER's executive director, told The Associated Press. "We're reaching levels where the enforcement program is lacking a pulse." EPA efforts to prosecute polluters reached 592 criminal referrals under President Bill Clinton in 1998. Criminal referrals have been on a downward trajectory since then, and have fallen by more than one-fourth since fiscal year 2016, the last of the Obama administration. A supporter of deregulation, President Donald Trump as a candidate called for doing away with all but "little tidbits" of the federal environmental agency. FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2017, file photo, a sign on a door of the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington. Government figures show the EPA has hit a 30-year low in the number of pollution cases referred for criminal prosecution. Justice Department data released Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility show the EPA referred 166 cases for federal prosecution in fiscal year 2018.(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) Asked for comment, EPA spokesman John Konkus pointed to the civil settlement of about $800 million with Fiat Chrysler over claims the automaker rigged its diesel-powered Ram and Jeep vehicles to cheat on emissions tests. EPA referrals resulted in 62 federal convictions in fiscal year 2018, the fewest since 1995. Scott Pruitt was the agency's head for most of fiscal year 2018, resigning in July amid ethics scandals over his spending and allegations of favor-seeking in office. Pruitt rankled many by insisting on an unusual round-the-clock security detail that included taking agents from regional EPA offices away from their work investigating possible environmental crimes to work two-week stints "baby-sitting" Pruitt, said Michael Hubbard, a former special agent who led the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division regional office in Boston. Andrew Wheeler, whose nomination to succeed Pruitt as the agency's chief goes before a Senate committee Wednesday, stopped the 24-hour guard when he was named Pruitt's acting replacement. Congress in 1990 mandated that the agency's Criminal Investigation Division deploy at least 200 special agents. PEER said the number had fallen to 140 special agents by last April. "They're being gutted," Hubbard said. With so few EPA special agents to investigate polluters around the country, "as leads come in, they can't be followed up on," Hubbard said. "You end up saying 'no' to potential leads routinely because you just don't have the wherewithal to investigate them." Justice Department figures show the agency's referrals for criminal prosecution slowing even more in the first two months of fiscal year 2019, to 24, under Wheeler. Wheeler, like Pruitt, at times emphasizes giving states more say in regulation of polluters within their borders. Wheeler also has continued a centralization of enforcement action and decision-making within the agency. Critics say that could discourage enforcement. ___ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher in Detroit contributed to this report. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The criminal complaint charging a Wisconsin man with abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents laid out the case in detail and offered a possible road map for how prosecutors will seek a conviction in the girl's 88-day ordeal. The 12-page complaint against Jake Thomas Patterson focused almost entirely on Jayme's abduction and her escape , without lingering on her time in captivity. The decision to leave out a description of what happened in the remote cabin where Jayme was held for almost three months was probably intended to spare her more trauma, said Chris Madel, a prominent defense attorney in Minneapolis. The details are also unnecessary, he said. Prosecutors already have evidence of two killings that that could put Patterson away for life. The complaint says Patterson admitted to the slayings. JaneAnne Murray, another defense attorney and a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Law, wondered if the complaint was "designed to send a signal to the defense that the evidence against their client is overwhelming." The prosecutor in the case, Barron County District Attorney Brian Wright, said after Patterson was charged Monday that a conviction in this case is important. In this image made from a pool video by KSTP-TV, Jake Thomas Patterson, 21, who is accused of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and holding her captive for three months, makes his initial court appearance Monday, Jan 14, 2019, via video feed from the Barron County jail during his bond hearing in Barron, Wis. Judge James Babler set his bail at $5 million. (KSTP-TV via AP, Pool) "We are seeking justice. We have two parents of a 13-year-old who are deceased. We have a 13-year-old who was abducted for 88 days against her will, forcibly. It doesn't get any more serious than that," he said. Patterson's defense attorneys, Charles Glynn and Richard Jones, have said they might seek a change of venue. According to the complaint, the 21-year-old suspect was working at a cheese factory west of Barron, Wisconsin, when he stopped behind a school bus on his way to work and saw Jayme getting on. He decided then he would take her, the complaint said. On Oct. 15, he went to her home dressed almost entirely in black, wearing a face mask and gloves and armed with a shotgun. He allegedly told authorities he shot Jayme's father, James Closs, through the front door, then went inside and found Jayme and her mother. He shot Denise Closs, then dragged Jayme to a car, the complaint said. He took her to his cabin in Gordon, a township of 645 people in thickly forested Douglas County, according to the complaint. Not until Thursday did Jayme manage to escape, making it to a neighbor's to call 911. Keith Findley, co-founder of the Wisconsin Innocence Project, said it's important not to rush to judgment, noting that the complaint sets forth only one side. "This is all very preliminary, and we all need to take a breath and not rush to judgment ... the process needs to work its way out," Findley said. Murray said prosecutors will want a swift resolution, and that's one bargaining chip the defense has. The defense can drag the case out by raising a host of issues, or they could offer to plead guilty so prosecutors can resolve the case quickly. Madel said the defense may try to suppress Patterson's statement to police, but it's unlikely that will succeed. They also might pursue an insanity-based defense, arguing that Patterson did not understand what he's accused of doing was wrong. But Madel doubts that would work either. "He wore all black. He shaved his head. He took steps to conceal her in his home when people were over, and he was seemingly out looking for her when she was gone," Madel said. Those are indications that "he appreciated the criminality of what he was doing." Wright said he does not plan for Jayme to testify at any upcoming proceedings, but Madel said it should be up to her. He said it can be helpful for victims to testify, even if they undergo extensive cross-examination, because doing so helps them feel like they helped convict their attackers. "I get what the prosecutors are saying: They don't need to call her. But I sure hope they are going to leave that up to her," Madel said. ___ Richmond reported from Madison, Wisconsin. Associated Press investigative researcher Randy Herschaft in New York contributed to this report. ___ For more stories on Jayme's abduction and her parents' deaths: https://apnews.com/JaymeCloss ___ Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: https://twitter.com/amyforliti . Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter: https://twitter.com/trichmond1 . Jake Thomas Patterson makes his first appearance on video before Judge James Babler at the Barron County Justice Center in Barron, Wis., Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP) Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald stands next to Jayme Closs' aunt Kelly Engelhardt as Jake Thomas Patterson makes his first appearance on video before Judge James Babler at the Barron County Justice Center in Barron, Wis., Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Patterson, accused of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and holding her captive for three months, made up his mind to take her when he spotted the teenager getting on a school bus near her home, authorities said Monday. (Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Star Tribune via AP, Pool) On 18 January, the cardinal presides over the episcopal ordination of Fr. Najib Mikhael Moussa, Archbishop of Mosul and Fr. Robert Jarjis, auxiliary in Baghdad. The Muslims are happy for the return of "a Christian leader." Reconciliation, trust and reconstruction the challenges to be faced: the meeting with Javad Zarif, Iranian Foreign Minister and the common concern for the embargo. Baghdad (AsiaNews) A day of celebration" for the Iraqi Church and for the whole country and a confirmation of "the dynamism and vitality" of the Christian community, capable of "facing and overcoming the thousand challenges that arise every day". This is how Chaldean patriarch Card Louis Raphael Sako points out to AsiaNews, recounting the atmosphere at the heart of two important episcopal ordinations. On 18 January, the Cardinal will preside over the consecration of Dominican father Najib Mikhael Moussa, the new Archbishop of Mosul and Fr. Robert Jarjis, auxiliary bishop of Baghdad (Babylon of the Chaldeans). For the Chaldean primate, the nomination of Mosul has a particular meaning, because "it is a source of hope" for the whole local community. "Many Muslims called me the day after the news - says the cardinal - and they expressed their joy in having a Christian authority in the city. The bishop must bring happiness, must be a source of confidence in the future in a reality that is struggling to emerge from a huge devastation". Fr. Najib, originally from Mosul where he was born on 9 September 1955, will have to face "a huge challenge and a very serious mission with great responsibility" admits Card Sako, who also adds that "he will be able to do a lot" for the good of the city . "He knows the reality well - he explains - and can boast many friendships and a significant network of personal relationships" also with Muslims. During the years of occupation of the Islamic State (IS, ex Isis) the Dominican father (ordained priest on May 16, 1987) contributed to the work of support for the displaced persons of Mosul and the plain of Nineveh. Thanks to his training as an archivist, he safeguarded part of the cultural heritage (Christian and otherwise) of the northern metropolis from destruction. "The two factors which he must insist on - underlines the Chaldean primate - are reconciliation and trust among the people of the city, lost due to the violence of ISIS and fundamentalist ideology. The new bishop has the task of restarting the dialogue and of encouraging the Muslims themselves to reconciliation and reconstruction. Reconciliation and trust, in a perspective of lasting peace ". Finally, he will have to help Christians "to reconnect the threads of history in Mosul, to revive churches and places of worship, some of which are among the oldest and most important for the Chaldean Church. They are part of the life and history of the city ". Together with Fr. Najib, Fr. Robert Jarjis, 45, will also be consecrated. With a background in veterinary studies, he has been at the head of the parish of Our Lady of the Assumption in Mansour, Baghdad, for seven years, in and, parish priest of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. "The overall situation in Iraq is improving - explains Mar Sako - and these appointments confirm it". The problems related to the economy, the lack of work, but at the same time there are "positive notes, such as the return of 16 thousand families in Mosul and in the Nineveh plain. In Iraqi Kurdistan, in Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah, there are still 4 thousand families but it is only a small part. It is coming back to life". The Cardinals concluding remarks regard the January 14 meeting (in the photo) with the Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, author of the nuclear agreement cancelled in recent months by US President Donald Trump, who also introduced new sanctions against Tehran. "We spoke of peace, of coexistence - underlines the Chaldean primate - among all the components of the country, as well as the role of Christians in Iran, who inhabited Persia before the arrival of Islam. He is a man of dialogue, who knows how to listen, and has not hidden the shared concern for the embargo which, as we know very well in Iraq, which above all affects the civilian population. Fears also shared by the two Iranian bishops, Teheran and Urmia who confirmed their concerns during the meetings". Super Bowl planners: Shutdown brings 'uncharted territory' ATLANTA (AP) - A day after travelers waited nearly 90 minutes in snail-speed security lines at the world's busiest airport, Atlanta's mayor is concerned about the waits that could result when the city hosts the 2019 Super Bowl. The ongoing partial government shutdown is "uncharted territory" amid planning for one of the world's biggest sporting events, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said Tuesday. "Obviously, we are in uncharted territory with the shutdown that's gone on this long, and we are preparing as best we can from our vantage point," Bottoms said. The mayor and others at a Tuesday news conference said two years of planning have them well-prepared to protect the public. "Our goal is for our officers to be visible, for the public to feel safe, be safe, and be able to position ourselves so that we can react immediately to whatever scenario we are confronted with," Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields said. "I think that with anything you can go in with a spirit of confidence if you have prepared, and we have prepared well." ___ UK's May faces no-confidence vote after Brexit plan crushed LONDON (AP) - British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. The defeat was widely expected, but the scale of the House of Commons' vote - 432 votes against the government and 202 in support - was devastating for May's fragile leadership. It followed more than two years of political upheaval in which May has staked her political reputation on getting a Brexit deal and was the biggest defeat for a government in the House of Commons in modern history. Moments after the result was announced - with Speaker John Bercow bellowing "the noes have it" to a packed Commons chamber - May said it was only right to test whether the government still had lawmakers' support to carry on. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn quickly obliged, saying May's government had lost the confidence of Parliament. Lawmakers will vote Wednesday on his motion of no-confidence. If the government loses, it will have 14 days to overturn the result or face a national election. ___ Trump's attorney general nominee: 'I will not be bullied' WASHINGTON (AP) - Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House on Tuesday, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed "a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller." The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advise Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute beyond what was intended" to conclude the president had obstructed justice. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt, and said he frowned on "Lock Her Up" calls for Hillary Clinton. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. ___ Al-Shabab extremists claim deadly attack on Nairobi hotel NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. A police officer said at least 15 people had died. "It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible," said Charles Njenga, who ran from a scene of blood, broken glass, burning vehicles and pillars of black smoke. Al-Shabab - the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that left 67 people dead - claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks and is in a well-to-do neighborhood with many American, European and Indian expatriates. A Kenyan police officer said 15 bodies had been taken to the morgue. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. The U.S. State Department confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed, but did not release the victim's identity. Al-Shabab asserted that 47 people were killed but its Shahada news agency post gave no details. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Late Tuesday night, about eight hours after the siege began, Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said all of the buildings affected had been secured and that security forces were mopping up. ___ Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand jumps into 2020 presidential race NEW YORK (AP) - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand entered the growing field of 2020 Democratic presidential contenders Tuesday, telling television host Stephen Colbert that she's launching an exploratory committee. "It's an important first step, and it's one I am taking because I am going to run," the New York senator said on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." She listed a series of issues she'd tackle as president, including better health care for families, stronger public schools and more accessible job training. Gillibrand, 52, has already made plans to campaign in Iowa over the weekend, more than a year before the leadoff caucus state votes. She joins what is expected to be a crowded primary field for the Democratic nomination that could feature more than a dozen candidates. Already, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has announced her own exploratory efforts, and decisions by a number of other senators are expected in the coming weeks. Gillibrand, who was appointed to the Senate in 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, has been among the Senate's most vocal members on issues like sexual harassment, military sexual assault, equal pay for women and family leave, issues that could be central to her presidential campaign. ___ House rebukes GOP's Steve King over racist remarks WASHINGTON (AP) - A Democratic measure rebuking Republican Rep. Steve King for his comments about white supremacy won easy approval Tuesday in the House. In a twist, the nine-term Iowa congressman was among those supporting the measure of disapproval, which was adopted, 424-1. King said he agreed with Majority Whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, the resolution's sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. King's racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days. The ideology of white supremacy "never shows up in my head," King said in a speech from the House floor. "I do not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth." Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois was the sole lawmaker to oppose the measure, saying the House should take the more serious step of censuring King for his "repugnant and racist behavior." ___ After years of King's remarks, why now for the GOP response? DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Why now? Despite his seemingly endless string of racist comments and insults about immigrants, Iowa Rep. Steve King had the Republican Party's backing through nine elections and GOP presidential contenders often lined up for his endorsement in the state's lead-off caucuses. Now many of those same Republicans are turning their backs on King, stripping him of his committee assignments on Capitol Hill and even calling for him to leave office. A prospective 2020 GOP challenger already has emerged in his district. The shift comes at a moment when the party is grappling with its stance on racial issues, in part because of President Donald Trump's own inflammatory racial rhetoric and hardline views on immigration. GOP leaders also have conceded that the party must do better with minority voters and bring more diversity to their own ranks, currently dominated by white men. There are also signs that King's track record is wearing on voters in his overwhelmingly Republican district, which he carried by just 3 points in November. ___ Last year's Central American caravan dwindles, new one forms TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) - The migrant caravan that was seized upon by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election has quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, however, many others - nearly half, according to U.S. Border Patrol arrest records - have sought to enter the U.S. illegally. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Where have they all gone? ___ Drug trafficker tells of bribe to ex-president of Mexico NEW YORK (AP) - A Colombian drug trafficker testified Tuesday that Mexican cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman boasted about paying a $100 million bribe to the former president of Mexico to call off a manhunt for the notorious kingpin. Alex Cifuentes spoke about the alleged bribe to former President Enrique Pena Nieto while being cross-examined at Guzman's murder and drug conspiracy trial in New York. A spokesman for Pena Nieto, who left office last year, called the bribery claim "false and defamatory" when it first came up earlier in the trial. Pena Nieto was still president when Guzman was captured in 2016 and extradited to the U.S. in 2017. Attempts to contact Pena Nieto and his representatives were unsuccessful Tuesday. Cifuentes acknowledged that he first spoke with prosecutors about the bribery allegation when he began cooperating with U.S. authorities in 2016. After expressing confusion about the details, he acknowledged that he had told prosecutors that he was informed by Guzman that someone named "Comadre Maria" delivered money in Mexico City in October 2012, at a point when Pena Nieto had been elected president but before he took office. ___ Satisfaction: Rolling Stones to headline 50th Jazz Fest NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival has got satisfaction: The Rolling Stones are among the headliners for the 50th anniversary festival. Organizers on Tuesday confirmed reports that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers will play. Also headlining the 8-day event, which runs April 25-28 and May 2-5, are Katy Perry, the Dave Matthews Band, Al Green, Pitbull, Santana, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aaron Neville and gospel great Shirley Caesar. "Fifty years is very rare and to be here, still, just as strong, just as relevant is amazing," festival producer Quint Davis said. "For the Rolling Stones and Katy Perry - two of the most highly produced artists - to want to come play our festival, held in a tent, during the day with the scent of BBQ and oyster po-boys wafting over the field, that's just incredible." Perry is scheduled to perform April 27, the first Saturday, while the Stones will take over the festival's largest stage Thursday, May 2. The powerful truck blast ripped through surrounding neighbourhoods in Kabul, shattering the windows of surrounding houses and shops A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials said Wednesday, as the government continued investigating the blast site. The Taliban have claimed responsibility after the bomb detonated near the Green Village compound in east Kabul on Monday. Afghan authorities have said at least four people were killed and 113 wounded. On Wednesday an official at the US embassy in Kabul said an American citizen was among the fatalities, but gave no further information. Indian authorities had previously confirmed that one of their citizens was also killed in the attack. It was not clear if they were included in the four dead, with some Afghan officials giving conflicting tolls. "We have launched an investigation and it has not finished yet. Once we finish the investigation we will be able to release the final toll," Najib Danish, the interior ministry spokesman, said. The powerful blast ripped through surrounding neighbourhoods, shattering the windows of surrounding houses and shops. It came as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan, which by some estimates was the world's deadliest conflict zone in 2018. Weeks of high political drama were sparked in Sri Lanka with the dismissal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in October Sri Lanka has appealed to the International Monetary Fund to revive a $1.5-billion bailout suspended during the island nation's political crisis late last year, the finance ministry said Wednesday. In October, President Maithripala Sirisena sparked weeks of high political drama, even featuring brawls in parliament, by sacking Ranil Wickremesinghe as prime minister and dissolving the legislature. Courts and the parliament subsequently held that the president's actions were unconstitutional and restored the status quo after more than seven weeks of upheaval that alarmed the international community. The crisis prompted three international credit rating agencies to downgrade Sri Lanka and the IMF to suspend its bailout programme -- that began in 2016 -- just as it was about to disburse another instalment. Sri Lanka's finance ministry said in a statement the request to revive the bailout was made during talks between Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera and IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Washington on Tuesday. A Sri Lankan delegation made the request "with a view to stabilising the economy" after the country's political "disruptions", it said. Meanwhile, the IMF said it would send a team to Colombo next month to discuss resuming assistance. "We discussed the challenging economic environment and the policy priorities for the country," it said in a statement quoting Lagarde. "The IMF remains ready to support the Sri Lankan authorities in these endeavours and an IMF team is scheduled to visit Colombo in mid-February to resume program discussions." Wickremesinghe told parliament last week that his shock dismissal on October 26 was a "coup" and a "death blow" to the economy. Sri Lanka will have to repay a record $5.9 billion this calendar year, he added. The Washington-based fund has been urging Colombo -- which is emerging from a balance of payments crisis -- to conserve its foreign exchange reserves and ensure economic reforms. Last year, the IMF warned that Sri Lanka was vulnerable to shocks from at home and abroad and stressed that restructuring the island's loss-making national airline and reforming its energy sector were vital. One of the biggest drags on the country's balance sheet is national carrier Sri Lankan, which has accumulated losses and debts of over $2 billion and is a huge burden on taxpayers. The government has failed to privatise the airline, but the president last week appointed another committee to restructure the loss-making carrier. Sri Lanka hopes to raise $1 billion from the international debt market, another $500 million from China and Japan and a further $400 million from India. The four strategic Kuril islands were seized by the Soviet army in the final days of World War II Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow and Tokyo are still "far from being partners" despite renewed efforts to resolve a decades-old conflict over disputed islands. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are to meet in Moscow next Tuesday for talks on the strategic Kuril islands seized by the Soviet army in the final days of World War II. The two leaders agreed last year to increase efforts to finally sign a treaty ending World War II-era hostilities. Lavrov, speaking during an annual conference, set a confrontational tone however. "We are still far not only from being partners in international relations but also in finding constructive ways to make our relations better," Lavrov said. "Why is Japan the only country in the world that cannot accept the results of World War II in their entirety?" He said recognising the results of the war was not an ultimatum, but "an unavoidable part of the modern international system". Lavrov met this week with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono and demanded that Tokyo recognise Moscow's sovereignty over the Kuril islands for talks regarding the peace treaty to continue. On Wednesday he said that Japan's pro-Western position was also harming relations between Moscow and Tokyo. "Japan votes not with us but against us on all the resolutions that interest Russia in the UN," he said. In a separate meeting with reporters Wednesday, Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said talks with Abe will "not be easy." Ushakov said Russia owns the islands legally "according to the results of World War II" and has no plans to give them up. "This is our land, and nobody is going to give this land to anybody." The disputed south Kurils, one of which lies less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Japan's Hokkaido, consist of Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan and Habomai. Three are inhabited while Habomai is a group of islets with only the presence of a border patrol. In 1956, Japan and the Soviet Union signed a document which stipulated that the USSR was willing to cede Shikotan and Habomai following a signed peace agreement, but Japan demanded all four islands. People demonstrate in favor of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman outside the Mexican foreign ministry Former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto accepted a $100 million bribe from drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, a former collaborator told the kingpin's trial. Alex Cifuentes, a Colombian who is now collaborating with US prosecutors in the Chapo trial, made the statement under examination from defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman. "Mr. Guzman paid a bribe of $100 million to President Pena Nieto,?" the lawyer asked. "That is right," Cifuentes responded, although later he said he was not sure of the exact amount. "The message was that Mr. Guzman didn't have to stay in hiding,?" the lawyer asked. Cifuentes said yes, that is what Guzman told him. Cifuentes said he worked with the kingpin from 2007 until being arrested in 2013 and at first even lived with him for two years in the mountains of Mexico's Sinaloa region for two years. Guzman is accused of smuggling more than 155 tons of cocaine into the United States over a period of 25 years. If convicted, the 61-year-old could spend the rest of his life behind bars in a maximum security US prison. When the Chapo trial began in November, Lichtman argued that Guzman was the scapegoat of corrupt Mexican governments, turncoat colleagues and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. When the defense made those arguments, Pena Nieto was still president and his office denied the charges. He was replaced in November by the newly elected Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. In Mexico, Francisco Guzman, who was chief of staff to Pena Nieto, on Tuesday rejected the allegations from the Colombian, Cifuentes. "The statements by the Colombian drug trafficker in New York are false, defamatory and absurd," said Guzman. Russia is a long-time supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the future of the Kurds could be secured under the Damascus regime Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday the Syrian regime must take control of the country's north, after calls from the United States to set up a Turkish-controlled "security zone" in the area. "We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov told reporters. Turkey said on Tuesday it would set up the "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion from President Donald Trump, who announced last month he was pulling American troops from the country. The US-allied Kurds, who control much of northern Syria, have rejected the idea, fearing a Turkish offensive against territory under their control. Russia is a long-time supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lavrov said the future of the Kurds could be secured under regime control. "We welcome and support contacts that have now begun between Kurdish representatives and Syrian authorities so they can return to their lives under a single government without outside interference," Lavrov said during an annual press conference. He said there was progress in resolving Syria's seven-year conflict and that the focus should remain on Idlib, the northwestern province that earlier this month fell under the full control of a jihadist group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. "The Syrian settlement is progressing, though of course more slowly than we would like," he said. "The fight against terrorism must be completed. Now the main hotbed of terrorism is Idlib." Protests by thousands of garment workers in Bangladesh over low wages began earlier this month, prompting scores of manufacturers to halt production Bangladesh factories making clothes for Western brands have sacked hundreds of workers after more than a week of strikes and clashes over wages, police and trade unions said Wednesday. The country's $30-billion clothing industry is the world's second-largest after China. Its some four million workers at 4,500 factories make garments for global retail giants H&M, Walmart and many others. Protests by thousands of employees over low wages began earlier this month, prompting scores of manufacturers to halt production. One worker was killed and more than 50 injured last week after police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters in a key industrial town outside the capital Dhaka. The demonstrations died down this week after the government agreed to raise salaries, but many returned to work on Wednesday to discover they had been laid off. A top union leader said at least 750 workers at various companies in the manufacturing hub of Ashulia had found notices hanging on factory gates informing them of their dismissal along with photos of their faces. "This is unjust. The owners are doing it to create a climate of fear so that no one can dare to stage protests or demand fair wages," the leader said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Police told me not to create trouble. Otherwise I'll be disappeared." Police and a senior factory manager gave a lower total of around 400 workers fired for damaging equipment during the strike -- with more than half from one Ashulia plant called Metro Knitting and Dyeing. Metro Knitting's general manager Atiqul Islam told AFP that the company has reported nearly 300 workers to police for smashing the factory's CCTV cameras and computers. "Some 10,000 apparel items made for export also went missing," Islam added. So far 12 arrests have been made for vandalism during the unrest, local police said. The strikes came a few weeks after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -- accused by rights and opposition groups of becoming increasingly authoritarian -- was re-elected on December 30 after a violence-plagued campaign. President Donald Trump addresses US troops in Iraq during a lightning surprise visit to Al-Asad Air Base on December 26, 2018 Foreign troop numbers in Iraq fell by a quarter during 2018, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said, as the fallout fizzled from Washington's announcement it was withdrawing from neighbouring Syria. "In January 2018 there had been almost 11,000 foreign fighters, about 70 percent of them are American, the others are from other countries," Abdel Mahdi told a weekly press briefing on Tuesday evening. "In December, the numbers have been reduced to almost 8,000, and the American troops are around 6,000... maybe I am wrong by some hundreds." Abdel Mahdi said that more than 12 months after the government declared victory over the Islamic State group in Iraq, the drawdown was accelerating. "In recent months, the decrease has sped up and in the last two months there was a drop of 1,000 forces," he said. US President Donald Trump has said that US troops will remain in Iraq after the withdrawal of all troops from Syria and will be available to take action against IS on the other side of the border if necessary. US troop numbers in Iraq peaked at some 170,000 during the battle against Al-Qaeda and other insurgents that followed the US-led invasion of 2003. Trump's predecessor Barack Obama ordered a withdrawal that was completed in 2011, but in 2014 ordered a new deployment as part of a US-led coalition battling IS, which had proclaimed a "caliphate" in large swathes of Iraq and Syria under its control. IS is now confined to a shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles) in eastern Syria not far from the border where Kurdish-led forces have been engaged in a major offensive with coalition support since May last year. In Iraq, the jihadists maintain sleeper cells in the cities and hideouts in sparsely populated desert and mountain areas from which they carry out periodic hit-and-run attacks, some of them deadly. An image grab taken from a video published by Hawar News Agency shows the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on January 16, 2019 A suicide attack killed four US personnel in northern Syria Wednesday, costing Washington its worst combat losses in the war-torn country since 2014 as it prepares to withdraw. The bombing, claimed by the Islamic State group, comes after US President Donald Trump's shock announcement last month that he was ordering a full troop withdrawal from Syria because the jihadists had been "largely defeated". The Pentagon said "two US servicemembers, one Department of Defense (DoD) civilian and one contractor supporting DoD were killed and three servicemembers were injured while conducting a local engagement in Manbij". "Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation," it said, adding that the names of the dead were being withheld until 24 hours after their families were informed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights earlier said two Americans soldiers, nine Syrian civilians, and five US-backed fighters were killed in the attack on a restaurant in the northern city of Manbij near the Turkish border. Manbij Rubble littered the outside of the eatery in the city centre and its facade was blackened by the blast, footage from a Kurdish news agency showed. According to Pentagon statistics, Wednesday's blast was the deadliest attack for US anti-IS forces in Syria since they deployed in 2014. The US Department of Defense has previously only reported two American personnel killed in combat in Syria, in separate incidents. The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said it was the first suicide attack in the city in 10 months. - 'Security zone' - Addressing a gathering of US ambassadors in Washington, Vice President Mike Pence did not comment on the attack, saying only that the United States would ensure the defeat of IS, also known as ISIS. US armoured vehicles at the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on January 16, 2019 "We'll stay in the region and we'll stay in the fight to ensure that ISIS does not rear its ugly head again," he said. The bombing comes as Syrian Kurds present in areas around Manbij rejected any Turkish presence in a planned "safe zone" to include Kurdish-held areas along the frontier. Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack Washington's Syrian Kurdish allies, who Ankara views as "terrorists" on its southern flank. Washington, which has relied heavily on the Kurds in its campaign against IS in Syria, has sought guarantees for their safety since Trump's pullout announcement. On Tuesday, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would set up a "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion by Trump. An image grab taken from a video published by Hawar News Agency on January 16, 2019, shows people at the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij But senior Syrian Kurdish political leader Aldar Khalil said any Turkish deployment in Kurdish-held areas was "unacceptable". He said the Kurds would accept the deployment of UN forces along a separation line between Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops. But "other choices are unacceptable as they infringe on the sovereignty of Syria and the sovereignty of our autonomous region," Khalil told AFP. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have been a key US ally in the fight against IS. They have taken heavy losses in a campaign now nearing its conclusion, with the jihadists confined to an ever-shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles). But the jihadists have continued to claim attacks nationwide and abroad. Ankara has welcomed Washington's planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria, but the future of Kurdish fighters has poisoned relations between the NATO allies. On Monday, Erdogan and Trump had a telephone conversation to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to "devastate" Turkey's economy if Ankara attacked Kurdish forces in Syria, and called for a "safe zone". - No 'outside interference' - Erdogan said he and Trump had a "quite positive" conversation in which they spoke of "a 20-mile (30 kilometre) security zone along the Syrian border... set up by us". The YPG-led forces fighting IS in a statement said they would provide "necessary support to set up the safe zone" -- if it came with international guarantees to "prevent any outside interference", in an apparent reference to Turkey. Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of the military occupation of Syrian sovereign territory The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria in recent years. In the latest, Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies seized the northwestern enclave of Afrin from the Kurds last year. Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of military occupation and abuses in Syrian sovereign territory. But while Ankara has spoken of a YPG-free "security zone" under its control, analyst Mutlu Civiroglu said it was not immediately clear what the US president meant by a "safe zone", or who he thought would patrol it. Analysts were "waiting for a clarification from Washington to see what the president really meant", he told AFP. The US planned withdrawal has sent the Kurds scrambling to seek a new ally in Damascus, which has long rejected Kurdish self-rule. With military backing from Russia since 2015, Syria's regime has advanced against jihadists and rebels, and now controls almost two-thirds of the country. A northwestern enclave held by jihadists and pockets held by Turkish troops and their allies remain beyond its reach, along with the much larger Kurdish region. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian government must take control of the north. dls-burs/del/par Britain's Prince Harry sipped the narcotic drink at a traditional welcoming ceremony in Fiji last year Australia's conservative prime minister took the uncharacteristic step of advocating looser drug laws on Wednesday, backing greater imports of narcotic kava root in a symbolic gesture to court Pacific Island neighbours. Visiting Vanuatu on the first day of a landmark regional charm offensive, Morrison endorsed a pilot program allowing Pacific Islanders to bring more of the ceremonial and culturally significant root into Australia. Kava is a sedating narcotic that is usually made into a brownish brew and used in traditional "bula" toasts and seances. Morrison -- who has long campaigned on an uncompromising tough-on-crime message -- said he had agreed to the new pilot programme with Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai to help trade and cultural links. "That is for personal use, I should stress," said Morrison, vowing to "make sure that is properly managed". Kava is currently listed as a controlled substance in Australia, but is becoming more accepted -- thanks to use by Pacific Island communities and the likes of Prince Harry, who sipped the narcotic drink at a traditional welcoming ceremony in Fiji last year. Pacific Islanders visiting Australia can already carry two kilograms of the substance into the country, which Morrison in Sydney admitted was a "modest amount" and not enough for "one family gathering". The step was hailed as a victory for cultural diplomacy and as an effort to smooth sometimes bumpy relations between Canberra and what Morrison dubbed the "family region". He is the first Australian leader in decades to visit Vanuatu and later this week will become the first ever to make a bilateral visit to Fiji. "If you step up you've got to show up!" Morrison said. But there are still deep differences between Australia and its smaller Pacific neighbours over issues like security and climate change. Morrison vowed to continue funding climate mitigation efforts, but Australia continues to dig up coal and pump out emissions that could help bury Pacific Islands underwater. Salwai warmly welcomed the visit but stressed the need for "mutual respect and equal partnership". There were also few signs of progress toward a bilateral security treaty, amid Australian concern about growing Chinese influence and reported efforts to develop a military base in Vanuatu. Google wants to help developers get ready and knows that they need time to plan. Google is providing more detailed information and timelines to make it as easy as possible to transition in 2019. 64-bit CPUs deliver faster, richer experiences for your users. Adding a 64-bit version of your app provides performance improvements, makes way for future innovation, and sets you up for devices with 64-bit only hardware. Google wants to help developers get ready and knows that they need time to plan. They have supported 64-bit CPUs since Android 5.0 Lollipop and in 2017 Google first announced that apps using native code must provide a 64-bit version (in addition to the 32-bit version). Now, Google is providing more detailed information and timelines to make it as easy as possible to transition in 2019. The 64-bit requirement: what it means for developers Starting August 1, 2019, all new apps and app updates that include native code are required to provide 64-bit versions in addition to 32-bit versions when publishing to Google Play. Extension: Google Play will continue to accept 32-bit only updates to existing games that use Unity 5.6 or older until August 2021. Starting August 1, 2021, Google Play will stop serving apps without 64-bit versions on 64-bit capable devices, meaning they will no longer be available in the Play Store on those devices. This will include games built with Unity 5.6 or older. The requirement does not apply to: APKs or app bundles explicitly targeting Wear OS or Android TV, which are form factors that do not currently support 64-bit code. APKs or app bundles that are not distributed to devices running Android 9 Pie or later. Google is not making changes to our policy on 32-bit support. Play will continue to deliver apps to 32-bit devices. This requirement means that apps with 32-bit native code will need to have an additional 64-bit version as well. Preparing for the 64-bit requirement Google anticipates that for most developers, the move to 64-bit should be straightforward. Many apps are written entirely in non-native code (e.g. the Java programming language or Kotlin) and do not need code changes. All developers: Here is an overview of the steps you will need to take in order to become 64-bit compliant. For a more detailed outline of this process refer to Googles in-depth documentation. Inspect your APK or app bundle for native code. You can check for .so files using APK Analyzer. Identify whether they are built from your own code or are imported by an SDK or library that you are using. If you do not have any .so files in your APK, you are already 64-bit compliant. Enable 64-bit architectures and rebuild native code (.so files) imported by your own code. Upgrade any SDKs and libraries to 64-bit compliant versions, if needed. Reach out to the SDK or library owner if one is not available. Google is working with top library owners on their 64-bit compatibility. Test for issues locally once youve rebuilt your app. Rollout to your testers using testing tracks for thorough testing. Game developers: The three most used engines all currently support 64-bit (Unreal & Cocos2d since 2015, Unity since 2018). Google understands that migrating a 3rd party game engine is an intensive process with long lead times. Since Unity only recently began providing 64-bit support in versions 2017.4 and 2018.2, Google is granting an automatic extension to existing games using versions 5.6 or older until August 2021. Unity provides guides that can help you through the process of upgrading to a 64-bit compliant version. SDK and library owners: Update for 64-bit compliance as soon as possible to give app developers time to adapt, and let your developers know. Sign up and register your SDK to receive updates about the latest tools and information that can help you serve your customers. Going forward For those that already support 64-bit Google is happy. If you havent yet, Google will encourage you to begin any work for the 64-bit requirement as soon as possible. As Google moves closer to the deadline, they will be updating their developer documentation with more information on how to check if your app is compliant. Google is excited about the future that 64-bit CPUs bring in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and immersive mobile. Supporting 64-bit prepares the ecosystem for the innovation enabled by the advanced compute capabilities of 64-bit devices, and for future Android devices that only support 64-bit code. Tuesday was the first time that members of India's estimated two-million-strong transgender community have been allowed to wade in the water at India's Kumbh Mela festival For decades Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has fought India's conservative laws and beliefs to put her transgender community on a par with the rest of society, and now she has notched up a new milestone. Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has for decades fought to put her transgender community on a par with the rest of society On Tuesday she and dozens of other resplendent "Kinnars" splashed in the sacred waters of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers alongside revered Hindu ascetics at the immense Kumbh Mela festival in northern India. It was the first time that members of India's estimated two-million-strong transgender community have been allowed to do so at the festival, the biggest religious gathering in the world that got under way this week. India's transgender community has waged a lengthy battle to protect their rights and end discrimination Dressed in saffron and red saris, they reached the river banks to take the ritual bath that Hindus believe will rid them of their sins, as devotees chanted religious hymns and thousands of people looked on. "For us, this participation is about mainstream society accepting us. The creator is within us and once we die, we will go back to him. Our doors are open for all," Tripathi told reporters last week. Hinduism has many references to transgenders, including gods and goddesses who belong to the third gender Hijras, a term used in India for transgenders and eunuchs, often live on the extreme fringes of society, with many forced into prostitution, begging or menial jobs. But Hinduism has many references to transgenders, including gods and goddesses who belong to the third gender. Over the centuries transgenders have assumed different roles in Indian society, from royal courtesans to participants in birth ceremonies and other auspicious occasions Over the centuries transgenders have assumed different roles in society, from royal courtesans to participants in birth ceremonies and other auspicious occasions. They have waged a lengthy battle to protect their rights and end discrimination. India's Supreme Court recognised transgender people in a historic ruling in 2014 India's Supreme Court recognised them as a third gender in a historic 2014 ruling, followed by a judgement last year that overturned a colonial-era law criminalising gay sex. Tripathi, 40, heads Kinnar Akhara, a religious gymnasium or monastery for Sadhus or ascetics. It has however not yet won official recognition from the other groups. The Kumbh Mela is expected to attract more than 100 million Hindus over the coming seven weeks "Establishing Kinnar Akhara aims to show the correct path to the next generation and to ensure that they do not face the stigma and discrimination we faced," Pavitra Nimbhorker, the group's secretary, told AFP. The Kumbh Mela, which began on Tuesday, is expected to attract more than 100 million Hindus over the coming seven weeks to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, pictured in Oman on January 14, 2019, said the launch defied UN Security Council resolutions US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday accused Iran of posing a missile threat after Tehran defied his warnings and tried to put a satellite into orbit, albeit unsuccessfully. Pompeo renewed his charge that the launch defied UN Security Council resolution 2231 of 2015, which endorsed an international agreement, from which the United States has withdrawn, on ending Iran's nuclear weapons. "In defiance of the international community & UNSCR 2231, Iran's regime fired off a space launch vehicle today," Pompeo tweeted. "The launch yet again shows that Iran is pursuing enhanced missile capabilities that threaten Europe and the Middle East," he wrote. The reaction was relatively muted for a member of President Donald Trump's administration, which has ramped up pressure for months on Iran in hopes of crippling its economy and scaling back its influence in the region. Iran's telecommunications minister said the country successfully launched the Payam satellite but that it failed to be placed into orbit. The United States and Israel say Iran can use technical know-how from satellite launches to develop long-range missiles, an opinion not shared by all Western experts. Iran says it has the right to satellite launches as well as missile tests, saying it needs to defend itself against real threats and that the activities do not involve a nuclear component. US President Donald Trump gestures at the July 2018 NATO summit in Brussels Fresh doubts surfaced Tuesday over President Donald Trump's commitment to NATO, after he was reported to have discussed a desire to pull out of the trans-Atlantic military alliance. Last year, Trump repeatedly told senior officials that he did not see the point of NATO -- the historic alliance that forms the backbone of the West's post-World War II security order -- and that he wanted to withdraw, The New York Times reported. He has often blasted members of the 29-nation partnership for not paying more into their national defense budgets. Before taking office, Trump called NATO "obsolete" and soon after a tumultuous summit in July, he questioned whether the US would honor the alliance's founding principle of mutual defense for newest member Montenegro. Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman, said the US remains "100 percent" committed to NATO. At the summit the president said the US "commitment to NATO is very strong" and "tremendous progress has been made" by allies and partners. "That has not changed," Pahon said in a statement. "NATO remains the cornerstone of transatlantic security." In Brussels, a NATO official also highlighted Trump's comments from the July summit. "The United States is strongly committed to NATO and to transatlantic security," the official told AFP. "The US has significantly boosted its commitment to the defense of Europe, including with increased troop commitments." Turning 70 this year, NATO has underpinned Western security in Europe for decades, first countering the Soviet Union and then Russian expansionism. A US withdrawal from NATO would be a strategic gift of epic proportions to Russia, which is accused of meddling in the 2016 presidential elections to help Trump win. Former defense secretary Jim Mattis was a staunch proponent of NATO and repeatedly visited its Brussels headquarters, where he sought to reassure allies about America's commitment to the alliance. But Mattis quit last month, and observers see a shrinking coterie of advisors around Trump willing to push back against him. The US Congress, including Trump's own Republican Party, would likely push back against any effort to withdraw from NATO. The only country to have ever invoke Article 5, NATO's collective defense principle, was America following the September 11, 2001 attacks. There are an estimated 10.7 million undocumented people living in the United States; the country as a whole has more than 331 million people A federal judge in New York on Tuesday denied President Donald Trump's administration's bid to reinstate a citizenship question in the US Census. The ruling, seen as a win for Democrats and immigration rights groups, still could be taken up by the US Supreme Court. Rights groups and several US states and cities opposed the move by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to add the question to the 2020 census. Opponents of the question, removed from the Census for 60 years, said it was an effort by the administration to discourage illegal immigration. There are an estimated 10.7 million undocumented people living in the United States. The country as a whole has more than 331 million people. The results of the censuses carried out every 10 years determine how billions of dollars in federal money will be allocated to states, and also the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. If non-citizens avoid census takers for fear of running afoul of immigration authorities, the states where they live could lose federal funding. Since most non-citizens reside in Democratic-run states, they have the most to lose. In his ruling on Tuesday, Judge Jesse Furman found that Ross, who oversees the census and announced the reintroduction of the nationality issue in March, violated US law. Ross "failed to consider several important aspects of the problem; alternately ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence in the record before him; acted irrationally both in light of that evidence and his own stated decisional criteria; and failed to justify significant departures from past policies and practices," the ruling said. The Justice Department voiced dismay. "We are disappointed and are still reviewing the ruling. Secretary Ross, the only person with legal authority over the census, reasonably decided to reinstate a citizenship question on the 2020 census in response to the Department of Justices request for better citizenship data, to protect voters against racial discrimination," it said in a statement. Palestinians carry the body of Aisha Rabi, who was killed when stones were thrown at the car she was travelling in, on October 13, 2018 A Jewish minor is to be charged in connection with the killing of a Palestinian woman last year in the occupied West Bank, Israeli police said Tuesday. Aisha Rabi, 48, died after stones were thrown at the car she was travelling in with her family on October 12. Five pupils from the Pri Haaretz religious seminary in the Rechelim settlement in the West Bank were arrested last month, four of whom were released to house arrest. The fifth suspect held in custody would be charged over the attack "in the next few days", police said in a statement. Rabi, a mother of nine, was killed near Rechelim which lies close to her village of Bidiya in the northern West Bank. She died after suffering a head injury, while her husband escaped with minor injuries. Israeli investigations into "Jewish terrorism" -- as such cases are often referred to by Israeli media -- are highly sensitive. Rights activists have accused Israeli authorities of dragging their feet in such probes compared with those into Palestinian attacks, while far-right Israelis say suspects have undergone coercement and torture. Nearly 450,000 Jewish settlers live in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which is also home to more than 2.5 million Palestinians. Retired Dutch general Patrick Cammaert, center, leads the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeida Agreement The United Nations Security Council is expected to approve on Wednesday a six-month observer mission to monitor a ceasefire in Yemen and oversee a pullback of forces, diplomats said. The council will vote at 9:30 am (1430 GMT) on a British-drafted resolution authorizing the deployment of up to 75 monitors, and diplomats said they expected the measure to be approved. The unarmed monitors would be sent to the rebel-held city of Hodeida and its port along with the ports of Saleef and Ras Issa for an initial period of six months. The port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's supplies of imported goods and humanitarian aid. Talks between the Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels last month in Sweden on ending the devastating war led to an agreement on the observer force. A first group of about 20 monitors was authorized by the council last month to begin work in Yemen, but their mandate expires on January 20. The draft resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to "expeditiously" deploy the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeida Agreement (UNMHA), led by retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert. The UN says a ceasefire that went into force on December 18 in Hodeida has been generally holding, but there have been delays in the redeployment of rebel and government forces from the city. The Huthis control most of Hodeida while government forces are deployed on its southern and eastern outskirts. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday accused the rebels of failing to comply with the Hodeida truce agreement, after he held talks in Riyadh with Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Since the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in support of the government in March 2015, the conflict has unleashed what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Nearly 10 million people in Yemen are on the brink of famine, according to UN aid officials, while 80 percent of the population -- 24 million people -- are in dire need of humanitarian aid. Saudi teen refugee Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun says she is "one of the lucky ones" and hopes to help fight for women's freedoms from her new home in Canada A Saudi teen who caused an international sensation by defying her family and seeking asylum abroad on Tuesday vowed to fight for women's freedoms in her first public address since she was taken in by Canada. Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun captured the world's attention with a trail of tweets from her hotel room at Bangkok's airport, where she holed up after Thai authorities initially barred her from travelling on to Australia. Her emotional social media posts ignited a #SaveRahaf movement as she fled what she said was physical and psychological abuse from her family in ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia -- and prompted quick action. She was granted refugee status and was welcomed by Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland after landing in Toronto on Saturday. "Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world, the same freedom that I experienced on the first day I arrived in Canada," she told a press conference, reading from a prepared statement in Arabic. Standing in front of a large Canadian flag at the Toronto offices of refugee resettling agency Costi, Qunun denounced Saudi Arabia's strict male guardianship rules, saying: "I am one of the lucky ones." Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun has denounced the strict male guardianship rules of her homeland, saying she was not respected by her family "I know there are unlucky women that disappeared after escaping and could not do anything to change their reality," she said through a translator. Her family has denied the abuse allegations. Reflecting on her own experience, she said: "I was not treated respectfully by my family and not allowed to be myself and who I want to be." "In Saudi Arabia, this is the case for all Saudi women except for those that have understanding parents. They can't be independent and need approval of their male guardian for everything." Rights groups have said she has renounced Islam, risking prosecution in her home country. - Making 'own decisions' - Saudi teenager Rahaf Mohammed al-Qunun (R) is seen here arriving at Pearson International airport in Toronto on January 12, 2019 -- to her left is Saba Abbas from COSTI immigrant services Upon learning of Canada's asylum offer, Qunun said her stress "melted away." Now, she said, she can make her "own decisions," including about travel and marriage. "I would like to start living a normal life, like any young woman living in Canada," she said. Shortly after her arrival in Toronto, Qunun went shopping for some warm clothes and connected with local acquaintances. Costi executive director Mario Calla said the agency is helping her find long-term accommodations, open a bank account, obtain Canadian documents, and enroll in English classes, as well as showing her how to get around and teaching her "about life in Canada." He noted concerns about her safety, citing online threats and saying guards have been posted at her temporary home. "She feels safe because she knows she is in a safe country. The people (here) have her best interest at heart and are trying to help her. She has seen the outpouring of support," Calla said. Qunun has admitted that threats posted on social media "scare her," he added. When she reads those posts, "her emotions go back and forth." On Monday, Qunun told public broadcaster CBC of her family: "My greatest fear is if they find me, I would disappear and I wouldn't know what would happen to me after that." She said that at home, she was "exposed to physical violence, persecution, oppression, threats to be killed. I was locked in for six months." "I felt that I could not achieve my dreams that I wanted as long as I was still living in Saudi Arabia," she said. But in Canada, Qunun said, she has felt "reborn, especially when I felt the love and the welcome." "Tell Canadians that I love them," she said. Smoke billows after bombings in Deir Ezzor province, near Hajin in eastern Syria, on December 15, 2018 US-backed Syrian fighters Tuesday seized a key village from the Islamic State jihadist group, further chipping away at their last eastern holdout on the Iraqi border, a Britain-based monitor said. Backed by air strikes of the US-led coalition, the Syrian Democratic Forces have since September been battling to expel the jihadists from the so-called Hajin pocket in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. In recent weeks, they have whittled it down to just a handful of villages on the eastern banks of the Euphrates River. On Tuesday, the Kurdish-led alliance seized the largest of these from the jihadists after they fled, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. "The SDF took control of Sousa after the withdrawal of IS fighters to territory that remains under their control," Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman said. That leaves IS battling to defend just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles) of land, he added. IS overran large parts of Syria and neighbouring Iraq in 2014, proclaiming a "caliphate" in areas under their control. But they have since lost most of that to various offensives in both countries -- even if they retain a presence in Syria's vast Badia desert, where Russia-backed regime forces have fought them. According to the Observatory, more than 1,100 IS jihadists have been killed since the start of the operation on September 10, while more than 600 SDF fighters have also lost their lives. Around 360 civilians including 130 children have also been killed, the monitor says. Syria's war has killed more than 360,000 people and displaced millions since it started in 2011 with the brutal repression of anti-government demonstrations. Gabon's Ali Bongo has been abroad for for nearly three months recovering a stroke Gabon's President Ali Bongo was back in Libreville on Tuesday after months abroad recovering from a stroke, ending an absence that saw an attempted coup by renegade soldiers. After returning from Morocco in the early hours of the morning, Bongo presided over a ceremony at which ministers from the new government were sworn in, officials said. The oil-rich West African state has been without an effective government for months since Bongo, 59, suffered the stroke in late October during a visit to Saudi Arabia. After initial treatment at a hospital in Riyadh, Bongo was transferred to Morocco where he spent just over six weeks, officials said. His return came eight days after a small group of renegade soldiers briefly tried to stage a coup before it was quashed by security forces, who arrested the leader and killed two others. With Bongo's prolonged absence, the country had been in limbo for months and officials at the presidential palace did not say whether he was back for good or would return to the Moroccan capital Rabat for further convalescence. On Saturday, a new government was unveiled in a video announcement from Rabat although there were no significant changes to either the cabinet or the government. All 38 ministers arrived at the beachside presidential palace in Libreville on Tuesday and were sworn in at a ceremony which was closed to the press, officials said. - 'A very difficult ordeal' - Bongo has not been seen in public since he was taken to hospital on October 24 in Riyadh but a video of the ceremony was released later on Tuesday. The footage shows Bongo opening and closing the session, but there are only brief glimpses of him, shots of just a few seconds which show him seated in a wheelchair and squinting slightly. "It was very moving to see him," government spokesman Nanette Longa-Makinda told AFP. A group of Gabonese soldiers briefly tried to stage a coup before it was quashed by security forces "It will certainly take him several months to fully recover his physical abilities, that's for sure," one minister said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "He looks like someone who has been through a very difficult ordeal," agreed another cabinet colleague who was present at the ceremony. So far, officials have said very little about Bongo's health, with a presidential spokesman insisting things were back to normal. "There can be no more talk about a power vacuum," the spokesman said, using a phrase repeated by many ministers leaving the ceremony. - 'Circus goes on' - Before now, Bongo's only appearance was his traditional televised New Year's Eve address, recorded in Morocco, in which he said he had "been through a difficult period". Critics seized on signs of his apparent ill-health, noting the address was unusually short, his speech was slurred and his right hand seemed stiff and immobile. His long-awaited return did little to quieten lingering suspicions among the people of Gabon. "The circus goes on," tweeted Marc Ona Essangui, a civil society leader. When Bongo was first taken ill, the singular lack of official news -- along with memories of the secrecy around the death of his father Omar Bongo in 2009 -- had fuelled a flurry of rumours, including speculation he was incapacitated or even dead. The Bongo family has governed Gabon for five decades, and long maintained close ties with former colonial master France. Ali Bongo was elected head of state after his father's death and he was narrowly re-elected in 2016 following a presidential poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. The landmark nuclear treaty was signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev and led to nearly 2,700 short- and medium-range missiles being eliminated The survival of a key nuclear arms control treaty was cast further in doubt Tuesday after the US and Russia blamed each other for pushing the agreement to the brink of collapse. Senior diplomats from both countries met in Geneva amid widespread concern over the fate of the bilateral Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, which successfully put an end to a mini-arms race after it was signed in 1987. US President Donald Trump said in October that his country would pull out of the deal unless Russia stops violating it. Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the treaty if it is scrapped. "The meeting was disappointing as it is clear Russia continues to be in material breach of the Treaty and did not come prepared to explain how it plans to return to full and verifiable compliance," US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, said in a statement. "Our message was clear: Russia must destroy its noncompliant missile system," she said. Thompson will be in Brussels on Wednesday, where she plans to brief NATO allies on the INF talks. - US 'fully' to blame - Russia hosted the negotiations at its mission in Geneva and Moscow's delegation was led by deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov. Ryabkov said that if the deal is ditched, "responsibility for this fully and completely rests with the American side," according to quotes published by Russian news agencies after the talks. He added that said the parties had failed to agree on anything and Washington did not appear to be in the mood for more negotiations. "We are forced to acknowledge that there is no movement forward," Ryabkov was quoted as saying. "We are ready for dialogue on the basis of equality, mutual respect, (and) without putting forward ultimatums." - 60 day deadline - Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would withdraw within 60 days from the Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Russia does not dismantle missiles that the US claims breach the deal, which include Russia's 9M729 system, also known by the designation SSC-8. The INF was a bilateral treaty between the US and the then Soviet Union, so it puts no restrictions on other major military actors like China. Pompeo has also said the US was not prepared to cede this advantage to a rival and noted that American concerns about Russian compliance pre-date the Trump administration. Washington's top diplomat has accused Russia of shrugging off dozens of warnings from senior US officials over the past five years about the SSC-8. Ryabkov said Tuesday's talks in Geneva centred on SSC-8 system but that US demands regarding the missile were unacceptable. The landmark treaty was signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev and led to nearly 2,700 short- and medium-range missiles being eliminated. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has described the INF as "arms control at its best" but warned last month that the collapse of the agreement appeared likely. This comes after 2 MLAs on Tuesday withdrew support from the seven-month-old government. Both the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition and the BJP have been accusing each other of horse trading ahead of the general elections. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: The Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is "stable and strong", Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said on Wednesday and accused the BJP of trying to destabilise it. At a press conference in New Delhi, he said there was no crisis for the government in Karnataka. The Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is stable and strong and will continue to be so, he said. The BJP is trying to destabilise the government, Kharge alleged. Two MLAs on Tuesday withdrew support from the seven-month-old government led by H D Kumaraswamy amid charges of horse trading levelled against each other by the ruling coalition and the BJP. Salafist leader Abed Shehadeh, known as Abu Mohammad Tahawi, is seen with his grandsons in Jordan's Baqaa refugee camp for Palestinians on November 1, 2012 Jordan's state security court on Tuesday sentenced a top Salafist leader to nine years in prison for "sedition" during 2011 protests. Abed Shehadeh, known as Abu Mohammad Tahawi, was found guilty of "actions inciting opposition to the government" at the demonstrations in the northern Zarqa region. Clashes broke out on April 15, 2011 on the margins of a rally organised by Tahawi, in which protesters called for the release of detained Salafists, who follow an ultra-conservative branch of Sunni Islam. The violence left 91 people injured, the majority of them security personnel, according to official figures. They coincided with anti-government protests in cities across Jordan. Some 150 Salafists were put on trial in August 2011 on charges including leading riots, "terrorist acts" and "illegal acts of destruction". The majority are being tried in absentia. Tahawi has been detained since his arrest in December 2015. Acquitted: Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo in court Tuesday As prosecutors failed to land the scalp of yet another former national leader accused of crimes against humanity, the question echoed in the hallways of the International Criminal Court: is it fit for purpose? The acquittal on Tuesday of former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo over post-electoral violence that killed 3,000 people was the latest in a series of blows for beleaguered ICC prosecutors. The court in The Hague was set up in 2002 to try the world's worst crimes, after years when the only route to justice for atrocities in countries like Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia was separate tribunals. Hamstrung from the start by the refusal of the United States and Russia to join, the court has since faced criticism for the fact that it has mainly taken on cases from poorer African nations. But the biggest challenge to the court comes from apparent overreach -- trying and failing to add top level leaders like Gbagbo to its trophy cabinet. "It compromises the faith in the ability of the Prosecution to bring cases against the most responsible in atrocity contexts and to satisfy expectations of victims and survivors," Carsten Stahn, professor of international criminal law at Leiden University, told AFP. Last year, former DR Congo warlord and ex-vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba was acquitted on appeal for crimes allegedly committed by his militia in the Central African Republic in 2002-2003. Kenya's president Uhuru Kenyatta, the first sitting head of state to appear before the ICC, was acquitted in 2014 Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also saw charges of crimes against humanity over electoral bloodshed dropped by the ICC's prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, in 2014. The spotlight particularly falls on Gambia's Bensouda as the Gbagbo trial was the first real fruit of her own work at the ICC since taking over from previous prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo. "Kenyatta and Bemba were warning shots. Gbabgo confirms the picture," added Stahn. "A clear lesson from these experiences is that there is a need for more thorough investigations leading to a sequence of cases per situation. Going immediately after high-ranking officials creates a strong risk of losing cases." - 'Serious questions' - The court has had more success targeting lower level war crimes suspects such as Congolese rebel warlords Thomas Lubanga and Germain Katanga, and Malian jihadist Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi, found guilty of attacks on Timbuktu's fabled shrines. But Mark Kersten of the University of Toronto said the Gbagbo case would leave "serious questions about the ability of the ICC to successfully target and prosecute state actors." "No single case will make or break the ICC or the prosecutors office," he said, adding however that "the prosecutors office needs to convince the Courts constituencies - especially victims, survivors, and states - that their personal, financial, and political investments into the ICC are worth it." Marta Bo, an international law researcher at the Hague-based Asser Institute warns "one should refrain from basing an opinion about the Court based only on this one decision." - 'Africa not targeted' - Perhaps the only bright spot in the Gbagbo debacle was that it would undermine one abiding public conception about the ICC, analysts said. "One positive that the prosecutor may be able to take from this is that it undermines the notion that the ICC unfairly targets ousted African leaders," said Kersten. Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir is accused of genocide Stahn agreed that "the decision makes it harder to claim that the ICC is biased against Africa. It is demonstration of the application of high fairness standards towards the defendants." The ICC also faces broader problems in asserting its legitimacy. Sudanese leader Omar al-Bashir, accused of genocide and war crimes by the ICC over the conflict in Darfur, has for years evaded justice as member states have refused to arrest him even when he has travelled to their territory. Hindering the ICC is the fact that it does not have its own police force and is therefore dependent on member states to carry out arrests. US National Security Advisor John Bolton has warned hr eould arrest ICC judges if the court pursues US servicemen Yet a greater threat still may come from the United States as the administration of Donald Trump pursues an increasingly isolationist course that scorns international institutions. US National Security Advisor John Bolton warned last year that the United States would arrest ICC judges if the court pursued US servicemen over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. Acquitted: Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo, pictured at the International Criminal Court on Tuesday The International Criminal Court acquitted former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo on Tuesday over a wave of post-electoral violence, in a stunning blow to the war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Judges ordered the release of the 73-year-old deposed strongman, the first head of state to stand trial at the troubled ICC, and his former youth leader Charles Ble Goude, 47. Gbagbo faced charges of crimes against humanity after 3,000 people were killed in months of clashes in the West African nation when he refused to accept defeat after elections in late 2010. Prosecutors said Gbagbo clung to power "by all means" after he was narrowly beaten by his bitter rival -- now president -- Alassane Ouattara in elections in the world's largest cocoa producer. But head judge Cuno Tarfusser said that the ICC "by majority hereby decides that the prosecution has failed to satisfy the burden of proof to the requisite standard." Gbagbo and Ble Goude have been acquitted of "all charges", he said, adding that the court "orders the immediate release of both accused." Gbagbo, who has spent seven years in detention, and Ble Goude hugged as supporters cheered, clapped and wept in the court's public gallery. - 'Victory for justice' - "Finally there is some justice," Gragbayou Yves, 45, a Gbagbo supporter from Paris, told AFP in the public gallery moments after the judgment was passed. Jubilation: A man in Abidjan celebrates in front of a campaign poster of Charles Ble Goude after the ICC announced the acquittal Wild scenes also erupted in Gbagbo's home town in Ivory Coast, Gagnoa, with hundreds of supporters shouting "free, free" and dancing in the streets. "I'm happy. He did nothing wrong yet he's spent seven years in prison. It's important that he should be free, he's our leader," said supporter Bertin Sery. In Abidjan, Assoa Adou, secretary general of Gbagbo's party the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), predicted the acquittal would ease political tensions rather than exacerbate them. "We have just made a big step towards reconciliation," Adou told a jubilant crowd at party headquarters. "Ivory Coast will soon be at peace." Adou added that the "stage is set for the unity needed to regain power in 2020" -- when Ivory Coast will elect a successor to Ouattara, who has said he will not stand for re-election after serving two five-year terms. Government spokesman Sidi Tiemoko Toure reacted cautiously to the ruling, urging Ivorians to "remain compassionate towards the victims" of the 2010-11 conflict, in which atrocities were blamed on both sides. Gbagbo was captured by Ouattara's troops, who were being aided by UN and French forces, and sent to The Hague in November 2011. His trial started in January 2016. The judges on Tuesday said prosecutors had failed to provide evidence of a "common plan" to keep Gbagbo in power, a policy of attacking civilians, or that speeches by Gbagbo and Ble Goude incited violence. Their release was suspended until a fresh hearing on Wednesday to give the prosecution time to respond to the shock judgment. The office of ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said the decision was "disappointing and unexpected", adding that the prosecution had the right to appeal. Gbagbo's lawyers last year argued that his case had descended into "fake reality" and should be dismissed, adding that he was now "elderly and fragile". Gbagbo's lawyer Emmanuel Altit called the ruling a "victory for justice". - 'Bitterly bruised' - But the highly divisive case has tested the court's avowed aim of delivering justice to the victims of the world's worst crimes since its establishment in 2002. Flashback to 2011: Ivory Coast was thrown into a five-month crisis as Ouattara and Gbagbo both claimed the presidency The ICC has faced serious difficulties over attempts to try top politicians for crimes committed by subordinates or followers -- most of them in Africa. Last year, former DR Congo warlord and ex-vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba was acquitted on appeal for crimes allegedly committed by his militia in the Central African Republic in 2002-03. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also saw charges of crimes against humanity over electoral bloodshed dropped by the ICC prosecutor in 2014. The Gbagbo result leaves the court "bitterly bruised", said international law expert Mark Kersten of the University of Toronto. "It leaves serious questions about the ability of the ICC to successfully target and prosecute state actors," he told AFP. "It must learn from these trials and errors to be better -- and meet expectations -- in the very near future." Gbagbo's wife Simone Gbagbo has also walked free after seven years in detention. Ouattara granted the so-called Iron Lady amnesty last August, freeing her from a 20-year jail term in Ivory Coast. Gbagbo however still faces a 20-year jail sentence for "economic crimes" imposed by an Ivorian court in 2018. Whether he serves it is expected to be part of negotiations about any eventual homecoming. Congolese riot police have been deployed around the courthouse building DR Congo's Constitutional Court on Tuesday began examining an appeal against presidential election results that gave victory to opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi, in a packed, heavily guarded courtroom. The appeal was lodged by Tshisekedi's primary rival in the race, Martin Fayulu, a former oil executive, who came second in the official results. Armed officers and police in riot gear patrolled the streets around the court building in the capital Kinshasa and carried out identity checks on anyone entering the premises. Official results released on Thursday by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) gave Tshisekedi 38.57 of the December 30 vote, against Fayulu's 34.8 percent. Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, the candidate backed by outgoing President Joseph Kabila, came a distant third with 23.8 percent. Fayulu called the results an "electoral coup", forged in backroom dealings between Tshisekedi and Kabila, who has been in power since 2001. The court began its hearings at 11:30 am (1030 GMT), two hours later than scheduled, which were also carried live on radio and television. Fayulu claims that he garnered 61 percent of the ballots, with his camp claiming 8,648,635 votes. In the few opinion polls conducted before the vote, he had been tipped as the clear favourite. "What has been declared is anything but the true result," Fayulu's lawyer, Albert Fabrice Puela, told AFP. - Pushing for a recount - The country's top court has eight days to rule on the matter from the date that Fayulu's appeal was lodged, on January 11. But its nine judges are not due to sit on Wednesday and Thursday, which are public holidays. The influential Roman Catholic Church, which says it deployed 40,000 observers to monitor the elections, has also dismissed the official outcome as not reflecting the true result, while holding back from saying who it thinks won. Fayulu's supporters have been protesting the official result of the presidential election in the street Thousands of electoral documents, leaked to international media including the Financial Times and Radio France internationale, backed Fayulu's claim to be the true election winner. Figures attributed to CENI and the Catholic Church showed Fayulu winning between 59.4 percent and 62.8 percent. Those figures were based, respectively, on a count of 86 percent and 43 percent of the total votes cast. The figures show that "Martin Fayulu was the clear winner of the Democratic Republic of Congos presidential elections last month," the Financial Times reported. The UN Security Council on Tuesday called on all players to respect the outcome of the landmark elections. While noting that disputes persist, the council encouraged all sides to "preserve the generally peaceful climate of the elections." Fayulu's lawyers want CENI's official results declared invalid and a full recount but at the same time wish to avoid the whole vote being declared null and void, as that would allow Kabila to stay in power until a fresh election is organised. Lawyers for Tshisekedi, as well as the electoral commission, are calling on the court to confirm the published results. - Doubts about the court - Meanwhile, Kabila claims his supporters won nearly 350 seats in the 500-seat National Assembly, which under the constitution would give his party the power to designate the country's prime minister. So even if the court confirms Tshisekedi as president his CACH coalition, which won 50 seats, would be forced into some kind of power-sharing deal with Kabila's camp. 'You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can never fool all of the people all of the time' Both Fayulu and Tshisekedi have expressed scepticism at the result of the parliamentary elections. Many observers doubt the independence of the Constitutional Court's nine judges, some of whom are former Kabila allies. The DRC's political crisis erupted two years ago when Kabila refused to step down at the end of his constitutional term in office, sparking protests which were brutally repressed. The vast, unstable country has never had a peaceful transition of power since gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. It became a battlefield for two regional wars in 1996-97 and 1998-2003, and the last two presidential elections, in 2006 and 2011, were marked by bloody clashes. Turkey welcomed the planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria but the future of US-backed Kurdish militia forces there labelled terrorists by Ankara has poisoned US-Turkish ties Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that Ankara would set up a "security zone" in northern Syria suggested by US President Donald Trump. Erdogan's comments came a day after he had a telephone conversation with Trump to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to "devastate" the Turkish economy if Ankara attacks Kurdish forces in Syria. Turkey has welcomed Washington's planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria but the future of US-backed Kurdish militia forces labelled terrorists by Ankara has poisoned ties between the NATO allies. Erdogan said he had a "quite positive" telephone conversation with Trump late on Monday where he reaffirmed that "a 20-mile (30 kilometre) security zone along the Syrian border... will be set up by us." Damascus meanwhile denounced Erdogan's "language of occupation" in talking about a security zone. "The statements made today by the Turkish president reaffirm that this regime... does not deal (with anyone) except in the language of occupation and aggression," state news agency SANA quoted a source at the Syrian foreign ministry as saying. The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria dubbed "Euphrates Shield" in 2016 and "Olive Branch" in 2018 to combat Syrian Kurdish fighters as well as Islamic State jihadists. But the last offensive sought to roll back gains by Syrian Kurdish fighters who have governed parts of northern Syria since 2012. The deployment of Turkish troops and their proxy forces in areas of northwest Syria has drawn accusations by some critics of a Turkish military occupation. "Comparing Turkey's presence in Syria with that of any other state or power is an insult to both history and our civilisation," Erdogan said. - Turkey 'to control zone' - Turkey is home to over three million Syrian refugees. Since early in the conflict, Ankara has called for a safe area backed up by a no-fly zone on its 900 kilometre (560 mile) border with Syria to protect civilians from air and ground attacks. But support for the proposal has waned. Territory control in Syria The plan was mooted to Trump's predecessor Barack Obama, so that a safe structure could be provided for Syrian refugees on the condition that Washington provides logistics and air support, while Ankara supplies ground security, Erdogan said. "Unfortunately Obama failed to take the necessary steps," he said, speaking to journalists after his parliamentary address. But after the discussion with Trump, Erdogan said that plan could be resurrected and the 20-mile "security zone" could be extended, if needed. It could be created in cooperation with the US-backed international coalition fighting against IS, which Turkey is also a member of. "We could create such a safe zone if coalition forces especially America provide logistical and financial support," Erdogan said. "That would also entirely prevent an influx (of refugees)." The Turkish leader however dismissed any presence of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in that zone. Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the security zone would "be controlled by Turkey, with the deployment of Turkish military, intelligence activity and the involvement of the locals." He said its modalities were being discussed with Washington, adding the Turkish army chief General Yasar Guler was due to meet Wednesday with his US counterpart in Brussels. - 'Trump's tweets saddened me' - US support for the YPG during the Syria conflict has been a major source of friction between Ankara and Washington. The US regards the YPG as an effective ground force in the fight against IS jihadists. Ankara has however threatened to launch a cross-border operation to eradicate Syrian Kurdish fighters it sees as an offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). US support for the YPG during the Syria conflict has been a major source of friction between the NATO allies. The US regards the YPG as an effective ground force in the fight against IS jihadists The PKK, which has carried out a decades-long insurgency against Turkish forces, is blacklisted by Turkey as well as by the United States. But there have been concerns in Washington that Kurdish groups are being abandoned to attacks in the future by the far more powerful Turkish military. Erdogan on Tuesday said Trump's tweet "saddened me and my friends", but added that the two leaders reached an agreement "of historic importance" during Monday's phone call. The Turkish president said he would visit Russia on January 23 for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin over the US troop pullout plan. China sentenced Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death at a retrial after his previous 15-year prison term was deemed too lenient China on Tuesday vociferously defended a court's decision to impose the death penalty on a convicted Canadian drug smuggler, escalating a diplomatic row that experts say has descended into a high-stakes game of "hostage politics". China's foreign ministry blasted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's "irresponsible remarks" after he criticised the death sentence handed to 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg. Beijing and Ottawa have been squabbling since last month, when Canada arrested the chief financial officer of top Chinese telecom company Huawei on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. In a move observers see as retaliation, Chinese authorities detained two Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. Then authorities revisited the little-known case of Schellenberg, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November for drug offences. A month later, an upper court took up his appeal and ordered a hasty retrial in the northeastern city of Dalian after ruling that the punishment was too lenient. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence, and the inclusion of new evidence presenting him as a key player in a plan to ship 222 kilograms (490 pounds) of methamphetamine to Australia, raised suspicion among observers. "Playing hostage politics, China rushes the retrial of a Canadian suspect and sentences him to death in a fairly transparent attempt to pressure Canada," Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said in a tweet. Donald Clarke, a George Washington University professor specialising in Chinese law, coined an even grimmer term for the situation: "death threat diplomacy". "The Chinese government is not even trying to pretend that there was a fair trial here," he said. Trudeau expressed "extreme concern" that China had "chosen to arbitrarily" apply the death penalty. But Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying denied Beijing had politicised Schellenberg's case, calling on Canada to "respect China's judicial sovereignty... and stop making such irresponsible remarks". Schellenberg plans to appeal, his lawyer Zhang Dongshuo told AFP. "But it won't be so quick, it'll probably be some time around the middle of next week," he said. Ottawa had issued a new travel advisory urging citizens to "exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws". Beijing issued a similar response hours later, calling on Chinese citizens to "travel cautiously" after a Chinese citizen was "arbitrarily detained on the basis of a request of a third-party country", an apparent reference to Meng's arrest. - Suspect timing - China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. Schellenberg had been sentenced to 15 years in prison prior to Monday's death penalty verdict Experts said retrials are rare in China, especially ones calling for a harsher sentence, but rights groups note that courts are not independent and can be influenced by the ruling Communist Party. "What's unusual is how this case shifted from extremely slow handling to suddenly rapid fire movement," said Margaret Lewis, a law professor at Seton Hall University. The rare decision to allow three foreign journalists, including one from AFP, to attend the hearing makes it "clear that the Chinese government wants (the) international spotlight on this case". "The timing is suspect and certainly his nationality makes it all the more glaring," she said. - Meng at home - Schellenberg, who claimed he was innocent and framed by an acquaintance, has 10 days to appeal to the same high court that rejected his first appeal. Lewis said the court was likely to confirm the sentence and the case would move up to the Supreme People's Court. The top court could confirm the death penalty, give him a two-year suspended death sentence that would be converted into a long prison term or reduce his punishment, she said. Clarke said: "My prediction is that the Supreme People's Court will sit on the review decision for as long as Meng's fate remains undetermined." The fate of the other two Canadians, who have been held in undisclosed locations, remains a mystery. Last week, Trudeau accused China of "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining former diplomat Michael Kovrig and business consultant Michael Spavor, who were rounded up nine days after Canada arrested Meng. The Chinese foreign ministry rejected Trudeau's assertion that Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, still enjoyed diplomatic immunity. Meng, meanwhile, was granted bail by a Canadian court last month, allowing her to wait for the US extradition hearing in a Vancouver house. Beijing on Tuesday repeated its calls for her immediate release, calling on Canada to correct its "severe mistake". A man has been charged over a spree of armed robberies including a carjacking across Sydney's CBD and inner west. Just before 9.30 pm on January 7 a 48-year-old driver was threatened by a man with a knife and ordered out of his parked Citroen in Ultimo. About an hour later in North Strathfield, the same man attempted to carjack a Mercedes while a couple were parked outside a fast-food outlet, police say. He lunged at the male driver with a 4 or 5cm knife three times before the couple were able to drive away. A short time later, the man allegedly held up two young men in Rhodes and demanded their wallets, which they handed over. The spree continued down the road, when he confronted another man and woman in an Audi. He dragged the male occupant from the car and stole money before leaving in the stolen Citroen. Shortly before 5am on Wednesday, police arrested and charged a 56-year-old man at a unit in Ultimo over the incidents. He was taken to hospital for assessment before he was charged with multiple offences including armed robbery, stealing a vehicle, aggravated robbery and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was refused bail and is scheduled to appear before Burwood Local Court on Thursday. Hundreds of vials and tablets of restricted pharmaceuticals including human growth hormone have been seized by police from premises in southwest Sydney. The substances, along with cash alleged to be the proceeds of crime, were seized when police executed two search warrants for a shop and a home in Roselands about 7.30am on Tuesday. A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with numerous offences including importing prohibited goods, possessing a restricted substance and recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He appeared before Burwood Local Court on Wednesday and was granted conditional bail to appear before the same court in February. The seized substances will be forensically tested. A man is due in court after West Australian police seized almost four kilograms of the drug ice and two kilograms of cocaine hidden in a vehicle. The 42-year-old, from NSW, has been charged with possessing prohibited drugs with intent to sell and/or supply after allegedly picking up a Toyota Rav4 on Tuesday. The car was transported from Sydney to Perth on Monday, with the accused flying ahead and staying at a property in Scarborough. The vehicle was delivered to a Bayswater property on Tuesday where he drove it from, police say. Officers stopped the car, found the drugs in a concealed compartment before raiding the two properties. The accused man will face Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner has partly blamed wasteful public service spending for his government's budget crisis and will call in all department heads to justify cost blowouts. Treasury announced last month the NT Government was borrowing to cover day-to-day expenses including public servants' wages, with the deficit to hit $1.5 billion this fiscal year and net debt to hit $35.7 billion by 2030. The Plan for Budget Repair Treasury interim report released late last year recommended cutting public service spending growth from the six per cent-plus it has been for 18 years to below three per cent for a decade to avoid debt soaring to unmanageable levels. That would involve cutting annual budget expenditure growth from about $400 million a year to $200 million a year based on current figures, according to Mr Gunner's office. Government chief executives will appear before the budget review subcommittee chaired by Mr Gunner to justify their spending and show how they will cut budgets. Former West Australian under-treasurer John Langoulant who is conducting a fiscal review report in the NT, warned government agency boards would be made accountable for meeting their budgets, which could involve CEOs losing their jobs as happened recently in WA. Mr Gunner said the health, police and corrections departments were serial offenders in terms of blowouts. "There are legitimate reasons why there are pressures on those agencies, we know the reasons why police are busy at night, why the hospitals are full, why the prisons are full," Mr Gunner told reporters. "There is a lot we need to do in the structural budget repair space and social reform around generational changes." The NT economy is also performing poorly in the wake of the end of the natural gas boom driven by the construction of the Inpex project in Darwin and cuts in GST revenue have also been blamed for the fiscal crisis. Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said cutting spending growth by half was just a small step. "We've suggested a freeze on executive recruitment and a stop on wasteful practices such as promotional fence wrap and stickers and rockets - immediate action they can take." Kanak Sarkar, a professor of International Relations department, had likened virgin woman to 'sealed bottle' or 'packet' in Facebook post. University Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das told reporters that Prof Kanak Sarkar's comment is akin to 'blackening the face of the institution and the entire teaching community'. (Photo: Facebook | Kanak Sarkar) Kolkata: A Jadavpur University professor whose Facebook post likening a virgin woman to a "sealed bottle" has sparked outrage was on Wednesday divested of his teaching duties and barred entry into the campus with immediate effect, pending inquiries against him. University Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das told reporters that Prof Kanak Sarkar's comment is akin to "blackening the face of the institution and the entire teaching community". "In view of the recommendation of the department of International Relations Prof Kanak Sarkar is divested of his teaching duties with immediate effect. Substitute arrangements will be decided in the meeting of the Board of Studies on January 18," a university notification said. Sarkar, a professor of International Relations department, had posted the misogynist remark on Sunday. Though he had deleted the post, screenshots of it went viral. The VC said Sarkar will not be allowed to take classes or enter the varsity campus with immediate effect till the inquiries by the university-appointed committee, the West Bengal Women's Commission and National Women's Commission are over. "We took the step after talking to students and department of International Relations and the internal code of conduct committee of the institute on the issue," Das said. The JU head of department of international relations, Omprakash Mishra, said several written complaints of alleged inappropriate conduct during classes had been made against the professor by students of the department. The department had acted on the basis of complaints and recommendations of the student-teacher committee. "He (Sarkar) will not be allowed to teach or attend the offices of the faculty with immediate effect," he said. A top university official said the institute is taking stringent measures against Sarkar in consultation with legal experts "in sync with the statute of the institute." The JU VC said he had also heard from students that Sarkar had made objectionable comments in the classroom in the past. "They (students) can come and meet me. It will be seen what can be done". The students had boycotted the professor's classes on Tuesday and student unions had submitted a memorandum to Das demanding strict action against him. Sarkar had written in his Facebook post on Sunday, "Are you willing to buy a broken seal while purchasing a bottle of cold drink or a packet of biscuits? It is the same case with your wife. A girl is biologically sealed from birth until it is opened. A virgin girl means many things accompanied as values, culture, sexual hygiene. To most boys, virgin wife is like angel." Facing outrage and criticism, Sarkar, who has been teaching in the university for over two decades, had tried to justify his comments by saying it was "intended for fun in a social media group of friends and not for public consumption". "Someone took a screenshot of the post and forwarded it in the social media, which triggered the response. I did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiment or insult any woman," he had told PTI on Tuesday. He had also said according to a Supreme Court order every individual is entitled to express his opinion and alleged that he was being harassed by a section of the pro-Left teachers of the university who are "instigating the students". Sarkar could not be contacted on Wednesday despite multiple efforts. Das said he had come to know that the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the West Bengal Commission for Women (WBCW) have taken suo motu cognisance of the professor's statement. "He (Sarkar) has been asked to give an explanation by the WBCW. We (university) too received its letter," Das told reporters on the sidelines of a programme here. The NCW had on Tuesday tweeted that it has written to the state Director General of Police Virendra to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. An NCW team would also meet the vice-chancellor on this issue this week. Roger Federer has overcome some clunky moments and a weather issue to push past British party boy Daniel Evans and move into the third round of the Australian Open. The Swiss great, chasing his seventh title at Melbourne Park, downed the world No.189 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in a rare day-session appearance at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. Federer aimed a terse remark at chair umpire Marijana Veljovic when she asked whether the court was playable after a few drops of rain late in the first set, saying "it's always playable until a leg gets broken. I'd rather wait a little bit". A 18-year-old man has been charged with raping a nine-year-old boy in Sydney's west while on vacation from Mauritius in 2017. Australian Federal Police officers arrested the man, who was believed to have been living overseas, on Sunday after he arrived at Adelaide Airport on an international flight. Police will allege the Mauritian national was on vacation in Australia when he sexually and indecently assaulted the boy twice while staying in Western Sydney in January 2017. The man, who was 17 at the time of the alleged crime, was extradited to NSW and charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 10 and two counts of indecent assault on a person under 16. He was refused bail and was scheduled to appear before a children's court on Wednesday. No Australians are believed to have been injured in a deadly Islamic terror attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi. At least seven people are dead and eight wounded after gunmen blasted their way into the compound, which is situated across the road from the Australian embassy. Consular officials are making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any Australians were affected by the attack. "At this time, we are not aware of any Australians being affected," a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs told AAP. It is understood all Australian High Commission staff are safe. Australia will attempt to keep trade as steady as possible following the crushing defeat of the Brexit deal in the British parliament, Trade Minister Simon Birmingham says. Senator Birmingham said the government had a "belt and braces" approach to Brexit, with negotiations ongoing with the EU and a working group established to keep trade as steady as possible. "These are quite extraordinary and uncertain times. It could lead in any number of directions it seems from here, with just 73 days to go now until the scheduled date for Brexit to take effect," Senator Birmingham told ABC Radio National on Wednesday. As one of Australia's most celebrated actresses, Rachel Griffiths is known for lighting up the screen with her talents. And the 50-year-old Muriel's Wedding star has proved she still looks fabulous, even when the cameras aren't rolling. The mother-of-three looked sensational in a plunging black swimsuit as she spent the day at Sydney's Palm Beach on Sunday. Fabulous at 50! Rachel Griffiths looked sensational in a plunging swimsuit while soaking up the sun in Sydney's Palm Beach on Sunday Rachel looked remarkably youthful as she showcased her slender figure in the stylish one-piece. She was joined by fellow Australian actor Rhys Muldoon, as well as a group of younger beachgoers. Rachel, who was also seen wearing a white shirt over her swimsuit, happily took photos of the group while standing next to Rhys. Beauty in black! Rachel looked remarkably youthful as she showcased her slender figure in the stylish one-piece Rhys, who has starred alongside Rachel in a number of projects including House Husbands and Dead Lucky, was all smiles during the outing. He dressed in a patterned white shirt and navy shorts, and completed his look with a pair of sunglasses and a fedora hat. Rhys has an eight-year-old daughter named Lottie, while Rachel shares three children - Banjo, 15, Adelaide, 13, and Clementine, 10 - with husband Andrew Taylor. Longtime friends! Rachel was joined by fellow Australian actor Rhys Muldoon (right) Covering up: Rachel was also seen wearing a white shirt over her swimsuit Capturing memories: The friends were also joined by a group of young, female beachgoers Speaking to Daily Mail in 2016, Rachel revealed why she decided to move back to Australia with her family after living in the U.S. for more than a decade. 'We just really missed our families, my husband and I,' she said at the time. 'I guess it's the chance to give our children the life that we had, which was knowing our grandparents and having a really close relationship with our cousins. 'If you are overseas you are denying what I feel is the best aspect of my childhood that I remember and that's the same for my husband too.' Dressed for the weather! Rhys wore a patterned shirt, navy shorts, sunglasses and a fedora hat It's a childhood classic which was adapted into a devilishly fun film with Anjelica Huston in 1990. And now Roald Dahl's The Witches is set to get the cinematic treatment once again. Anne Hathaway has signed on to star as the Grand High Witch in an adaptation helmed by legendary filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, according to a report from Variety out on Wednesday. Magical: Anne Hathaway (above at the January 6 Golden Globes) will be the lead in the upcoming Robert Zemeckis remake of The Witches Previous reports explained that the Academy Award-winner was still in negotiations due to scheduling. But now that timetables have been finalized, the star will step into the same role Huston played in the original, which was directed by The Man Who Fell to Earth auteur Nicolas Roeg and was produced by Jim Henson. Zemeckis, who is widely known as the director behind Forest Gump and Back To The Future, has been pegged to write the screenplay and he will also produce. Mexican film greats Guillermo del Toro and Alfonso Curon will also help produce. Witchy woman: Anjelica Huston, above, played the role of the Grand High Witch in the original 1990 film adaptation Keeping to the script: While the 1990 version of the film took many liberties with Dahl's original story, Zemeckis' version plans to be anchored in the original text, which features a brood of witches pretending to be the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children While the 1990 version of the film took many liberties with Dahl's original story, Zemeckis' version plans to be anchored in the original text. The film will be based on the 1973 children's novel, which follows a young boy who lives with his grandmother after the death of his parents. While on vacation he happens upon a convention of witches who are masquerading as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and develops a plot to stop the child-eating villains. Serene: Anne is already busy promoting her film Serenity with Matthew McConaughey, pictured together January 11 above Anne is already busy promoting her film Serenity with Matthew McConaughey. In the thriller she plays McConaughey's character Baker's ex-wife Karen, who comes back to town begging her ex to save her from her abusive now-husband but instead invites him into a dark world of crime he thought he had already left in the past. After Serenity Hathaway will appear in a yet-to-be-titled Sesame Street film as well as an untitled Todd Haynes projects, the political/crime drama The Last Thing He Wanted, a series based off of the popular New York Time column Modern Love, the sci-fi thriller O2, as well as a murder mystery called The Lifeboat. Serenity is set for theaters January 25 2019. They announced their engagement in July 2017. And Heida Reed and her fiance Sam Ritzenberg looked very much smitten as they attended the Cirque Du Soleil Totem premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday night. The Poldark actress, 30, looked sensational in a blush coloured top which she teamed with matching striped trousers as she cosied up to her handsome other half. Hot couple: Heida Reed, 30, and her fiance Sam Ritzenberg looked smitten as they attended the Cirque Du Soleil Totem premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in London on Wednesday Heida showed off her style credentials in the light pink knitwear and chic black coat with a statement gold button. Boosting her height in a pair of metallic gold platform heels, Heida looked incredible as she posed up storm. Heida showed off her striking features by scraping her brunette locks into a chic chignon and she opted for a deep berry lip. Meanwhile, American producer Sam also looked handsome in a black blazer, which he teamed with tartan trousers. It has been nearly a hear and a half since the pair got engaged. Heida previously revealed there is a lot of "back and forth" as Sam lives in Los Angeles. She also revealed that he had no idea what Poldark was until they met last September and hadn't watched the show. Love: Heida and American producer Sam announced their engagement in July 2017 At the time, she said: 'He lives in LA so there's a lot of back and forth,' she told me at the time, adding he hadn't seen Poldark before they met. 'He's just started watching the first series, but he keeps watching it before bed so he always falls asleep.' Meanwhile, Heida's run on the hugely popular show Poldark came to an end last year, when her character Elizabeth Warleggan died. Miley Cyrus has denied rumors she is expecting a child. 'I am not "egg-xpecting" but it's "egg-celent" to hear everyone is "so happy for us"... We're happy for us too! "Egg-cited" for this next chapter in our lives... Now can everyone leave me alone and go back to staring at an egg?' Miley tweeted Wednesday. She included a photo of herself walking outside with the viral brown egg placed on her midsection. 'I am not "egg-xpecting"': Miley Cyrus has denied rumors she is expecting a baby Newlyweds: Cyrus and her husband, Liam Hemsworth, share a kiss on their wedding day The denial comes after OK! Australia reported on Thursday Miley and her husband Liam Hemsworth, 29, were expecting a girl. 'Miley's over the moon because she's carrying Liam's baby... It's a girl, which is what [they] hoped for,' claimed the unnamed source. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth for comment. Miley vowed to be married with children by 2019, in a previous interview with Glamour magazine. Stepping out in style: Miley looked overjoyed as she left the famous Versace Mansion in Miami on January 9 Performing: Miley is pictured on Saturday Night Live on December 15, 2018 Newlyweds: The couple are pictured with friends and family on their wedding day last month When asked where she sees herself in a decade, she said in 2009: 'Hopefully I'll be settled: making movies, living in a house, maybe even married. 'I think my mom [Tish Cyrus] did everything pretty close to perfect, and I want to be the cool mum that the kids run home to.' Miley and Liam's fairytale romance began in 2009, when they met on the set of coming of age drama The Last Song. They announced their engagement in 2012 but broke up the following year. They rekindled their relationship in 2016 and Miley was pictured wearing her ring again. On December 23, they got married in Tennessee, surrounded by family and friends. Family support: Billy Ray and Tish Cyrus (pictured) are said to be proud after witnessing their daughter say 'I do' They've been moving forward in their marriage after a 'make or break' holiday to Cambodia. And Strictly Come Dancing pros Katya and Neil Jones looked happier than ever on Wednesday night, as they attended a Cirque Du Soleil Totem charity performance in London's Royal Albert Hall. The husband and wife duo attended the event - in support of the Sentebale charity - after it was reported they had jetted off to save their marriage, which was put under strain after Katya was spotted kissing celebrity partner Seann Walsh in October. All dressed up: Strictly Come Dancing pros Katya and Neil Jones looked happier than ever on Wednesday, as they attended the Cirque Du Soleil Totem launch in London's Royal Albert Hall Putting on a busty display, Katya, 29, flashed a hint of her lace bra in a plunging black suit for the event, which sported cape-like sleeves with side splits. The Russian dancer added a quirky twist to her look with a rainbow beaded headband, with her glossy brunette tresses pulled out of the way in a low ponytail. Katya was also carrying her essentials in an eclectic beaded handbag for the occasion while highlighting her incredible beauty with dramatic bronze eyeshow. Amazing: Putting on a busty display, Katya flashed a hint of her lace bra in a plunging black suit for the event, which sported cape-like sleeves with side splits Standout: The Russian dancer added a quirky twist to her look with a rainbow beaded headband, pulling her glossy brunette tresses back in a low ponytail Standing out: Katya was showing a hint of her ample cleavage in the revealing black suit as she made her way down the red carpet for the launch Meanwhile Neil, 36, was also looking sharp in a simple black suit as he carried an umbrella in hand upon arriving at the event. The couple - who married in 2013 - were the picture of happiness after recently returning from a trip to Cambodia. It was reported by The Sun that the holiday was 'make or break' from the couple, after weeks of putting on a united front in the wake of Katya's kiss with comedian Seann - which led him to be dumped by his girlfriend at the time. Dressed to impress: Meanwhile Neil, 36, was also looking sharp in a simple black suit as he carried an umbrella in hand upon arriving at the event Back to happy: The couple - who married in 2013 - were the picture of marital love after recently returning from a trip to Cambodia A source said: 'Those close to Neil and Katya have been saying this was a make-or-break holiday. 'Neil really felt like the trust had gone and he wasnt quite sure he knew who Katya was any more. They decided to go away for some time out of the spotlight so they could have some very frank conversations. 'Katya begged for forgiveness and promised it would never happen again while Neil agreed to move towards getting the trust back and putting it both behind them.' The insider also added that while the pair's main priority is to save their marriage, they also want to 'rebuild their public image'. MailOnline contacted Neil and Katya's representatives for comment at the time Advertisement She often manages to steal the spotlight at red carpet affairs. And Kelly Brook ensured all eyes were on her when at the charity performance of Cirque du Soleil's Totem at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night. The model and actress, 39, turned heads in a stunning black mini-dress which showcased her voluptuous cleavage with a plunging V-shaped neckline, while at the central London venue. Spotlight: Kelly Brook ensured all eyes were on her when at the charity performance of Cirque du Soleil's Totem at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night Drawing attention to her curves, the fitted design ensured Kelly stood out while rubbing shoulders with guests including Katherine Jenkins, Rachel Riley, and Danny Dyer. The spectacular garment exposed the former Big Breakfast presenter's toned legs, while tasteful long sleeves provided an elegant flourish and a cinched waist detail highlighted her slender physique. Rounding off her look with a pair of strappy black heels, Kelly showed off her tanned frame as she posed up a storm for the cameras. Commanding attention: The model and actress, 39, turned heads in a stunning black mini-dress which showcased her voluptuous cleavage with a plunging V-shaped neckline, while at the central London venue All in the details: The British star allowed her dress to take centre stage by opting for limited accessories, with a dainty silver necklace and playful heart-shaped earrings adding a little glitz to the glamorous ensemble Loved up: Kelly attended the charity performance with her boyfriend of three-years, Jeremy Parisi, who looked equally charming for the occasion, clad in a silver blazer, teamed with a black turtle neck and trousers combo She's a beauty: Kelly looked sensational as she hoisted a dress in at the waist with a skinny belt featuring decorative studs The British star allowed her dress to take centre stage by opting for limited accessories, with a dainty silver necklace and playful heart-shaped earrings adding a little glitz to the glamorous ensemble. Kelly attended the charity performance with her boyfriend of three-years, Jeremy Parisi, who looked equally charming for the occasion, clad in a silver blazer, teamed with a black turtle neck and trousers combo. The besotted couple looked as loved up as ever as they posed arm-in-arm on the red carpet. Stylish: Rounding off her look with a pair of strappy black heels, Kelly showed off her tanned frame during the event Date-night: The besotted couple looked as loved up as ever as they walked arm-in-arm when arriving at the event The performance was organised in aid of Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale, which supports children and young people affected by HIV in southern Africa. The Canadian circus company's production Totem will be the second in a series of Sentebale Nights, following on from a fundraising performance of the hit musical Hamilton last year. Also at the performance was Kara Tointon, 35, and her fiance Marius Jenson. The pair looked in good spirits as they were seen at their first red carpet event since welcoming their little one eight weeks ago. New parents: Kara Tointon, 35, and her fiance Marius Jenson looked in good spirits as they were seen at their first red carpet event since welcoming their son eight weeks ago Hot couple: Heida Reed, 30, and her fiance Sam Ritzenberg looked smitten as they attended the Cirque Du Soleil Totem charity performance Blonde beauty: Katherine Jenkins looked incredible as she sported a sophisticated blazer and trousers during the outing Kara looked chic as she dressed for the chilly weather in a long checked coat, adding a pop of colour with a bright red scarf. The new mum opted for just a touch of makeup to show off her natural beauty and finished off her look with an elegant black bag. Kara looked delighted to be sharing a rare night out with registered chiropractor Marius, as they hugged on the red carpet. Wow! Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown stunned in a oriental-style dress, which elegant grazed her ankles Couple goals: Hardman Danny Dyer went for a more low-key look, opting for jeans and a blazer combo, when appearing alongside his wfe Joanne Mas Think pink! Countdown star Rachel Riley (left) opted for a statement pink coat for the star-studded occasion in Britain's capital, while Lizzie Cundy (right) dazzled in a bold bright blue dress by Forever Unique Enjoying the evening show was also Strictly Come Dancing pros Katya and Neil Jones. The husband and wife duo attended the event after it was reported they had jetted off to save their marriage, which was put under strain after Katya was spotted kissing celebrity partner Seann Walsh in October. Putting on a busty display, Katya, 29, flashed a hint of her lace bra in a plunging black suit for the event, which sported cape-like sleeves with side splits. Meanwhile Neil, 36, was also looking sharp in a simple black suit as he carried an umbrella in hand upon arriving at the event. All dressed up: Strictly Come Dancing pros Katya and Neil Jones looked happier than ever as they attended the occasion Amazing: Putting on a busty display, Katya flashed a hint of her lace bra in a plunging black suit for the event, which sported cape-like sleeves with side splits Fun times! Chris Moyles and his girlfriend Tiffany Austin looked to be having a great time at the Royal Albert Hall Home time! Danny Dyer led the way home as Joanne Mas followed closely behind her love following the star-studded event Cosy! Joanne looked lovingly at her husband when they cuddled up to one another in the taxi together She's so glam: Amber Le Bon looked leggy as she sauntered out into the rainy streets in a shimmering dress and glittering heels These talks are first direct talks between leaders since KCR floated idea of front as an alternation to BJP and Cong. K Chandrasekhar Raos son KT Rana Rao met Reddy in Hyderabad to invite his YSR Congress party to join federal front. (Photo: @trspartyonline | Twitter) Hyderabad: Continuing his efforts to forge a non-BJP, non-Congress front ahead of the coming Lok Sabha polls, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao decided to hold talks with YSR Congress to try and rope it into the proposed coalition. K Chandrasekhar Raos son KT Rana Rao met Jaganmohan Reddy in Hyderabad to invite his YSR Congress party to join federal front. Reddy is the Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh assembly. These talks are the first direct conversation between the leaders of two parties since KCR floated the idea of a front as an alternation to the BJP and the Congress. TRSs chief KCR has already held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader HD Deve Gowda, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader MK Stalin. KCR winning for a second straight term after his partys election victory in last months state polls, Rao amped up his efforts towards federal front for 2019 polls due in May. The TRS is likely to discuss with Reddy the possibility of working together in Andhra to defeat a common enemy Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his party Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart rested her head on real-life leading man Cole Sprouse's shoulder on the Vancouver set of their Archie Comics-inspired teen soap on Wednesday. The Ohio-born 22-year-old and the Italian-born, Cali-raised 26-year-old - who've been dating since March 2017 - were in costume as their characters Betty Cooper and Forsythe 'Jughead' Jones III. Joining the acting couple in Canada was recently promoted series regular Skeet Ulrich as Jughead's estranged father and Southside Serpents leader, F.P. Jones. PDA alert! Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart rested her head on real-life leading man Cole Sprouse's shoulder on the Vancouver set of their Archie Comics-inspired teen soap on Wednesday '#riverdale is back tonight, finally': The Ohio-born 22-year-old and the Italian-born, Cali-raised 26-year-old - who've been dating since March 2017 - were in costume as their characters Betty Cooper and Forsythe 'Jughead' Jones III The nineties heartthrob - turning 49 this Sunday - posted an Instagram Wednesday of his onscreen son in bed captioned: 'Jughead, Boy! Wake up, we are back on tonight!' Ulrich (born Bryan Trout) also found time to goof around with his castmates Madchen Amick who plays Betty's mother Alice, and Gina Gershon who plays his estranged wife Gladys. Meanwhile, Lili Insta-storied a snap of the cast's trailer marked with the name of their English Bulldog mascot, Bentley, who's 'treated like a king on the set of Riverdale.' Eyebrows raised when Cole escorted his Five Feet Apart leading lady Haley Lu Richardson to the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday, but Reinhart Insta-storied her approval from home. Look who's here: Joining the acting couple in Canada was recently promoted series regular Skeet Ulrich as Jughead's estranged father and Southside Serpents leader, F.P. Jones Rise and shine! The nineties heartthrob - turning 49 this Sunday - posted an Instagram Wednesday of his onscreen son in bed captioned: 'Jughead, Boy! Wake up, we are back on tonight!' 'Who will they choose?' Ulrich (born Bryan Trout) also found time to goof around with his castmates Madchen Amick (L) who plays Betty's mother Alice, and Gina Gershon (R) who plays his estranged wife Gladys (pictured Tuesday) 'Treated like a king': Lili Insta-storied a snap of the cast's trailer marked with the name of their English Bulldog mascot, Bentley, who's 'treated like a king on the set of Riverdale The 23-year-old Operation Finale actress is happily engaged to Jane the Virgin actor Brett Dier, whom she began dating over five years ago. Catch more of the couple collectively called 'Bughead' and their fictional high school pals in the third season of Riverdale, which resumes Wednesday night on The CW. On the professional photography front, Sprouse just shot the Wall Street Journal's Young Hollywood Portfolio, which hits newsstands this Saturday. 'Hi goobers!' Eyebrows raised when Cole escorted his Five Feet Apart leading lady Haley Lu Richardson to the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday, but Reinhart Insta-storied her approval from home Betrothed: The 23-year-old Operation Finale actress is happily engaged to Jane the Virgin actor Brett Dier (L), whom she began dating over five years ago She was nominated for Best Actress at the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night for her work in The Tale. And riding high off her success, Laura Dern was all smiles as she attended the Valentino Menswear Fall/Winter 2019-2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday. The Big Little Lies star, 51, looked sensational when arriving in the French capital, clad in a dramatic red cape gown, complete with billowing sleeves. Lady in red: Laura Dern was all smiles as she attended the Valentino Menswear Fall/Winter 2019-2020 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Wednesday Covering her slender frame with the statement garment, the American beauty oozed glamour as she waved to the growing crowd of fans. Adding the finishing touches to her stylish ensemble, Laura teamed her attire with an elegant pink handbag and classic, black, court shoes. She kept her blonde locks in a straight 'do and highlighted her pretty features with plenty of blush and a soft rouge lipstick. Bold: The Big Little Lies star, 51, looked sensational when arriving in the French capital, clad in a dramatic red cape gown, complete with billowing sleeves Beaming: Covering her slender frame with the statement garment, the American beauty oozed glamour as she waved to the growing crowd of fans It comes as the actress revealed during an interview with Vanity Fair earlier this month that she 'remembers every compromised situation' from her childhood acting days. Speaking to the magazine, she said: 'I started making movies as an 11-year-old, so I was on location at 13. I remember every compromised situation. 'I was a child, and adults took advantage of me or tried, and I justified the behaviour as me misunderstanding it. I will tell you I experienced everything barring assault.' 'What director or casting director needs a 13-year-old to go to the Chateau to audition in a room, sitting on a bed beside the director, to read a scene together alone?' she said referring to the Chateau Marmont hotel in West Hollywood. All in the details: Adding the finishing touches to her stylish ensemble, Laura teamed her attire with an elegant pink handbag and classic, black, court shoes Stylish: She kept her blonde locks in a straight 'do and highlighted her pretty features with plenty of blush and a soft rouge lipstick 'You just don't create that scenario. There was behaviour that was definitely the worst kind of behaviour that somehow I got myself out of or someone stopped it.' Meanwhile, the hardworking actress is getting ready for the return of her hit programme Big Little Lies. She recently teased the release of the upcoming HBO show on her social media, sharing a five-second clip of the cast with the simple warning: 'Here we come...' The show is set to return later this year, but an official release date has yet to be announced. Dancing On Ice pro Vanessa Bauer was back to work training with Love Island's Wes Nelson on Wednesday, as she shared some videos from practice amid her so-called feud with his girlfriend Megan Barton Hanson. The stunning skater shared a glimpse at their routine for Sunday's live Musicals Week show, after Megan launched an attack on her on social media for being 'disrespectful.' Since then Vanessa appeared to hit back with her own post which hinted she had 'won the argument,' with Megan since admitted she has 'been through hell' following the backlash, as fans have branded her a 'hypocrite' on social media. Getting in shape: Dancing On Ice's Vanessa Bauer was back to training with Wes Nelson on Wednesday, as she shared some videos from practice In the first video, Vanessa showed fans a glimpse at her upcoming routine with Wes as they skate around the rink, and aside from a slight stumble the reality star, 20, manages to make it through unscathed. The next video showed Wes larking about on the ice trying to do some moves while stationary, with an unimpressed Vanessa simply captioning the post with 'Stupid.' And the third video - close on her face - saw Vanessa tell fans: 'We trained the whole day and the whole routine for Week 3 is set so I'm really excited to show you guys the results, it's Musicals Week so I can't wait!' Sleek: The skating duo showed fans a glimpse of their routine ahead of Sunday's Musicals Week, amid Vanessa's so-called feud with Wes' girlfriend Megan Barton Hanson Awaited: It remains to be seen which song the pair will be skating to when they take to the ice on Sunday Funny: Another video showed Wes trying to show off his skating moves for the camera, but almost suffering a nasty fall as he struggled to maintain his balance Rearing to go: In another video Vanessa said that she and Wes had been hard at work training for the whole day, as they prepare to take to the ice for Musicals Week It seemed to be business as usual for Vanessa and Wes as they returned to training, after Megan appeared to slam her in a scathing social media post on Monday. Sharing a selfie with a dagger-like glance, Megan claimed that Vanessa did not greet her when they met ahead of Sunday's live show, and added that she tactically broke up with her own boyfriend in an attempt to gain publicity. Vanessa then appeared to hit back in a social media post of her own, which along with a snap of her and Wes skating was captioned that she had 'won the argument.' Since then Megan has branded Vanessa 'disrespectful' in an interview with The Sun, and added that she does worry about the pair's close bond after spending hours together in training. Brutal: This comes after Wes' girlfriend Megan sparked a feud with Vanessa by taking to Instagram with a scathing selfie, claiming the pro ignored her when she arrived at the rink She said: '[Vanessa's] shown me zero respect. She knows questions are going to be asked about her and Wes and me being worried. 'Every woman will tell you it's not ideal to have your boyfriend spending 12 hours a day with another woman... 'A little introduction from Vanessa would have gone a long way,' explained Megan, adding that she wants her rival to make the first move and apologise.' Here we go: Vanessa hit back at Megan on Tuesday in a thinly veiled post as she claimed she's 'WON the argument' Bitter? On Wednesday Megan told The Sun that she has felt attacked by the British public after the camera panned over to her looking stony-faced mid-performance And in a new interview on Wednesday Megan also responded to the social media backlash she received, after she was caught with a stony expression while sitting in the Dancing on Ice audience on Sunday following Wes and Vanessa's performance. She told The Sun: 'I woke up Monday morning and it felt like I was being attacked, I sat there during the show and I was so happy for him and it must have been 0.2 seconds that my face was relaxed and I wasnt smiling and now Im bitter and a sour ex? What the hell.' It now remains to be seen whether Megan will still feature in the Dancing On Ice audience to support her beau as her so-called feud with Vanessa rumbles on. Dancing On Ice continues on Sunday 20th January at 6pm on ITV. It's a whole new sultry side of Natalie Portman. The 37-year-old showcased her sexy side in a sizzling new campaign for Dior Foundation. Rocking an edgy gold lame ensemble, the Oscar winner flaunted her figure while going topless in the advertisement. Sizzling: Natalie Portman bared her stunning physique in a new advertisement for Dior Forever Foundation The commercial is set to the seductive 1975 tune by Donna Summer, Love to Love You Baby. The Vox Lux star opens the video writhing on the ground in an edgy pair of shimmering gold slacks and no top. Natalie covered her chest with her arms as she arched her back to the music. Later shots show the star seated upright in the same pants as she showed off her flawless skin. Edgy: Natalie went topless in a rock and roll inspired gold lame look to sling cosmetics Careful: Natalie made sure she was able to keep her chest covered with her arms as she arched her back in the advertisement At one point, the actress switched into a simple pair of high waisted black bloomers and an unbuttoned gold lame top. The Oscar winner seemed to be channeling her Vox Lux character Celeste for the rock and roll inspired look. Natalie recently played a former child pop star in the flick who was making her comeback as an adult. Great canvas: The 37-year-old glowed with flawless skin in the campaign Glam! The Oscar winner has been one of the faces of the luxury label for nearing a decade The campaign is to promote Dior's long-wear Forever Foundation that comes in a variety of skin tones. The Israeli born star has been one of the faces of Dior for nearing a decade. She first signed on with the brand in 2010 and has since appeared in dozens of ads for the luxury label. Busy mom! In addition to her campaign with Dior, the star has two movies set to be released this year Inspiration: The actress looked like she was channeling the style of her Vox Lux character Celeste in her Dior ad The Black Swan star has two movies in the can for release next year - the sci-fi drama Lucy In The Sky in which she stars with Jon Hamm and Zazie Beetz and the drama The Death and Life of John F. Donovan with Kit Harington. Meanwhile, she is also busy raising her son Aleph, seven, and daughter Amalia who turns two in March. She shares her children with French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied whom she wed in 2012. Jennifer Garner is trying to start the new year with a clean slate. So the Camping actress dived into her junk drawer on Wednesday and then shared scenes from her big closet clean-up with her Instagram followers. The hilariously down-to-Earth actress wasn't afraid to get goofy during her 'tidying up' session, which she explained was inspired by organizing expert Marie Kondo in her caption. Clean sweep: Jennifer Garner tried to tidy up her junk drawer via the Marie Kondo method in a hilarious Instagram video she shared on Wednesday '@MariekondoIm all about it,' Jennifer wrote to the Japanese lifestyle maven, whose now-famous method of cleaning suggests people only keep material that 'spark joy' in the owner. Laughing off some of the strange things in her junk drawer, the ex of Ben Affleck tagged her video writing: '#doubloonssparkjoy' and '#junkdrawer.' Her final tag came in the form of an invitation, as she asked Kondo: '#canyoucomeover'? And Jennifer's clutter-centric video made it clear she could use some help getting rid of things. Lots to look through: There were plenty of things to rummage through Rainy day ready: While starting her journey into the junk drawer the Peppermint actress seemed to get a kick out of a rain bonnet Treasure chest: 'Silken mist?' Jennifer giggled while pulling a box of pantyhose out of her junk repository. 'Why do I have this? I don't know,' she shrugged While starting her journey into the junk drawer the Peppermint actress seemed to get a kick out of a rain bonnet. 'Is this a rain bonnet?' she asked while tying her headgear in place with a smile on her face, 'Legit.' 'Silken mist?' Jennifer giggled while pulling a box of pantyhose out of her treasure chest of odd-and-ends. 'Why do I have this? I don't know,' she shrugged. The Alias actress wasn't afraid to make use of her spare junk, either. She applied a layer of lip balm before continuing to shuffle through her things. Pucker up: The Alias actress wasn't afraid to make use of her spare junk, either. She applied a layer of lip balm before continuing to shuffle through her things Starting a belt museum? Belt after belt get pulled out of the drawer of extras Pop art! The clip closed after the mother-of-three discovered a 'pop socket', a popular cell phone accessory Belt after belt get pulled out of the drawer before Jennifer cooed over a the bag of gold doubloons she mentioned in her tags. She also found Invisalign teeth straighteners, highlighter and a well-used lint roller. The clip closed after the mother-of-three discovered a 'pop socket', a popular cell phone accessory. 'Oh this is one of those things that makes people smoke their phone,' Jennifer said, referring to the strange prong gesture people use to grasp their pop socket-clad devices. The actress seemed to be in a silly mood this week. Yesterday she poked fun at herself in her version of the popular '10 year' social media challenge. Big girl business: Jennifer teased her own 'big girl panties' while posting a 2009 paparazzi shot of her ripped pink underwear peeking out of the top of her jeans Jennifer teased her own 'big girl panties' while posting a 2009 paparazzi shot of her ripped pink underwear peeking out of the top of her jeans. The 2019 'after' photo was taken a week ago, and showed the actress bending down during a walk to adjust her blue leg warmers. Though embarrassing, Jennifer managed to make light of the situation. The actress captioned the before-and-after photos with several exasperated emoticons, along with the hilarious hashtags, '#getittogethergurl' and '#biggirlpanties.' End of an era: Jennifer finalized her divorce with Ben Affleck in early October 2018 after having announced their separation in June 2015, one day short of ten years of marriage. The pair are seen in September 2018 together above after a family trip to church Things seem to be going well for the actress, who is currently dating businessman John Miller. The pair were seen out on a romantic dinner date Tuesday night. Jennifer finalized her divorce with Ben Affleck in early October 2018 after having announced their separation in June 2015, one day short of ten years of marriage. The pair share children Violet, 13, Seraphina, 10, and Sam, six. She just debuted her new show Fam, a laugh-out-loud sitcom about a wonky group of relatives. And while Nina Dobrev may not be ready to start a family of her own, it seems her mom certainly has opinions on the matter. The Bulgarian/Canadian talent told James Corden about her mother's unique way of nudging Nina to give her grandkids during a stop by his Late Late Show on Tuesday, where she revealed how 'Two years ago she gave me baby onesies for Christmas.' Special delivery! Nina Dobrev told fans about the way her mom hints she should have children during a stop by James Corden on Tuesday night The Vampire Diaries actress continued, telling the English host and fellow guest Terry Crews how her mom upped the ante this holiday season. 'Then this past year she gave me diapers! And she didnt give me a pack of diapers. She individually wrapped every diaper, so I had to keep opening every diaper!' Her mom kept the gag going for several days, much to Nina's dismay. 'The morning of it was funny, it was cute the first day. And then the next day I found it in my purse. And the next day I found it in my bag. The Vampire Diaries actress chatted with the English host and fellow guest Terry Crews about how her mom upped the ante this holiday season Oh baby! 'Two years ago she gave me baby onesies for Christmas' Nina revealed Diaper duty! 'Then this past year she gave me diapers! And she didnt give me a pack of diapers. She individually wrapped every diaper, so I had to keep opening every diaper!' Started off funny... 'The morning of it was funny, it was cute the first day. And then the next day I found it in my purse. And the next day I found it in my bag' 'And then in Africa when I arrived, I found three diapers in my suitcase,' Nina revealed with a smirk. Pointing out an earlier mistake, Corden told Nina 'So I said passive-aggressive, She's just straight up aggressive.' 'Super aggressive,' Nina agreed giggling. Goal-oriented: Corden told Nina 'So I said passive-aggressive, She's just straight up aggressive' Confirmation: 'Super aggressive,' Nina agreed giggling Though Dobrev's mom is keen on having grandkids, the actress is in no rush. The starlet has been single since her split with Glen Powell in 2017. And Nina said she makes an effort to keep her personal life out of the spotlight. Primetime: Nina premiered her sitcom Fam, which airs Thursday nights, back on January 10 Viewers: The show received decent ratings, earning 7.34million viewers during the 9:30pm time slot Opening up in the August issue of Cosmopolitan, Dobrev said: 'I dont typically post photos with significant others, which is funny, because when I do post a photo with a guy, the media will pick it up and assume Im dating him. It makes me laugh because, in reality, if he is on my Instagram, that means Im not dating him!' Nina's sitcom Fam, which airs Thursday nights, premiered back on January 10. The show received modest ratings, earning 7.34million viewers during the 9:30pm time slot. Beyond that Dobrev will be in the films Lucky Day and Run This Town, which are both currently in post production and have yet to set release dates. Ross Geller infamously resorted to using bread, a wine glass and his hand to cover up his scarily bleached smile in iconic sitcom Friends. But there was no shying away for a confident Simon Cowell as he proudly showed off a blinding white smile on London's Harley Street on Tuesday, and bore a frightening resemblance to the Friends character. The X Factor judge, 59, looked relaxed as he showed off his pearlescent gnashers with a traffic stopping smile worthy of a Colgate advert. Floss Geller! A confident Simon Cowell proudly showed off a blinding white smile on London's Harley Street, and bore a frightening resemblance to Friends character Ross Geller A toothy Simon offset his luminescent grin with a glowing tan, courtesy of his many weeks soaking up the sun in Barbados on his annual family jaunt. With the star's snowy smile taking centre-stage it was no surprise his dapper outfit faded into the background. Simon donned a navy blue sweater and his usual flared jeans, paired with tan Cuban heels for the outing. In the iconic Friends episode, hapless paleontologist Ross resorted to teeth bleaching in a bid to impress a date - but made the fatal error of leaving the solution on for too long. Party enamel: The X Factor judge, 59, looked relaxed as he showed off his pearlescent gnashers with a traffic stopping smile worthy of a Colgate advert Take tooth: A toothy Simon offset his luminescent grin with a glowing tan, courtesy of his many weeks soaking up the sun in Barbados on his annual family jaunt THE EVOLUTION OF SIMON'S HOLLYWOOD SMILE Dentist Sally Rayment from multi-award winning The Implant Centre gave her thoughts on the evolution of Simon's Hollywood smile... Simon Cowell has always been known for his ultra-bright Hollywood smile and at one stage he was a heavily requested look from male clients wanting a smile makeover. However when you look back at the earlier photos his teeth were a far more natural shade of white, and I would estimate that his teeth now are at least 8 shades whiter- probably off the whitening scale! Simon has certainly had veneers, one key tell-tale sign is that in earlier photos his upper right lateral incisor is missing. Its still not there in the first series of X-Factor in 2004 but by the time we get to photos from 2007 this missing tooth has been added in to the line-up as part of his smile makeover. On average veneers tend to only last 7- 10 years as they are susceptible to damage and discolouration, and I suspect he may have had several sets over the years, costing anything from 650 to 1000 per tooth. So he could have spent upwards of 50,000 on his teeth over the years, depending on how many sets hes had. The shape of his teeth has completely changed from a rounder shape to more square, some would say more masculine, and this latest set of veneers look typically American: squarer, more block shaped- the celebrity favored piano key look which makes them appear bigger, especially as you cannot see any of the pink triangles of gum that are normally in between the teeth, the papilla. His smile now looks wider and, according to some, a wider brighter smile can help us look younger. When carried out to a very high standard veneers can give a wonderful transformation to a smile. Sometimes, as often seen with celebrities, they are just too white, and with too little character making the teeth look a little false which at the end of the day they are of course. But it is the bland unified white colour that makes them look like veneers and not teeth. No natural tooth looks like this with no colour changes and character that is what makes teeth look natural after all. If it was a dazzling Hollywood Smile Simon wanted then he has certainly achieved it! Advertisement Left with extremely white teeth, he covered his mouth with various objects and mumbled his answers so his date wouldn't be scared off. However, his cunning plan unravelled when his date switched off the lights and turned on a blacklight, leading Ross' smile to light up like a Christmas tree. Simon has long been known for his enviable smile. His teeth took centre-stage during a 2007 X Factor audition where a 70-year-old auditionee named Emily revealed she wanted to win so she could get dental care. Plaque to the future: The star is known for showing off his blinding smile (pictured in 2010) May the floss be with you: The star showed off his pearly whites in 2004 (L) and 2003 (R) Saying she wanted Simon's smile, the whimsical judge said: 'I can't help that I've got good teeth.' Simon has just returned from his family vacation with partner Lauren Silverman, her eldest child Adam, 13, and their son Eric, four. The foursome have been soaking up the sun with the music mogul's beloved dogs during their annual festive trip. It was recently reported the television personality was added to his family by adopting a stray dog. Shanna Moakler has been a bombshell since the 1990s. And the Playboy cover girl made sure to prove that when she shared her own version of the viral '10-year challenge' on Instagram Tuesday. The 43-year-old blonde got hearts racing in side-by-side photos of her wearing a tiny crimson swimsuit, taken a whole 24-years apart. 'Ok ten year challenge, Ill see your ten and raise you 14!' Shanna joked in her caption. Still stunning! Shanna Moakler showed that she's still as sexy as ever in a then-and-now Instagram posted to her feed on Tuesday In the photo to the left Moakler flaunted hit fit figure while wearing a New York sash for the Miss USA pageant in 1995, back when she was 19. To the right was a photo of the star in 2019, looking fabulous as ever in the exact same little red suit. 'This is my actual swimsuit from #missusa Im actually 35lbs heavier now and I think its all in my boobs!' Shanna revealed in her caption. The star, who recently went under the knife for a series of cosmetic surgeries, updated fans about her body transformation too, writing: 'Dont worry Im not trying to be 19 again I like where Im at! '...Im also almost at the 3 month mark from my #mommymakeover with @leifrogersmd again Ill be doing a YouTube vid on it allllll but yes I am very happy with my results! My stomach muscles are actually where they are suppose to be! I got the ok to go back to the gym which I started doing and I know it will just get better with time!' New look: Moakler shared the results of her tummy tuck and liposuction surgeries back in December No clothes needed: The pin up also showed off her newly sculpted figure in a sexy add for weighted blankets Shanna's been very open about her cosmetic surgery journey. The pal of Hugh Hefner showed off the results of her tummy tuck and liposuction back in December. The ex of Oscar De La Hoya and Travis Barker took to Instagram to share a stunning photo where she looked slender in her undies. She said the recovery process was not easy, but she is feeling better than ever. More to her: In June the actress looker fuller when at the Ante Up For A Cancer Free Generation Poker Tournament And Casino Night at Sofitel Los Angeles She was with boxer De La Hoya for several years and together they have Atiana. In 2004 she wed Travis Barker and they have kids Alabama and Landon. They divorced in 2008. 'Alright guys I am 5 weeks post op! I am starting to see a difference still really swollen and some discoloration from bruising but all the lumps and weird pockets by my scar are gone and that makes me really happy, as that was what really bothered me, even though I hid it really well. 'I'm still wearing compression garment for another three weeks! Her first big love: She was with boxer Oscar De La Hoya for several years and together they have Atiana. Seen in the Nineties 'It's been a long recovery but I feel a ton better. I have more energy and I can't wait till I get the ok to get back to the gym. 'I can also stand up straighter. 'I will be doing a while YouTube video on this and posting before and after once I'm fully recovered! She also thanked Leif Rogers, MD of Beverly Hills. The ex-factor: The blonde beauty has also dated Billy Idol and Dennis Quaid; seen in 2001 Moakler got her star as the winner of the Miss New York USA pageant in 1995 and was originally the first runner-up at Miss USA 1995. She was eventually crowned Miss USA after Chelsi Smith won Miss Universe.[3] In 2001 she landed a Playboy magazine cover after Hefner approved of her. Her second big love: In 2004 she wed Travis Barker and they have kids Alabama and Landon. They divorced in 2008. Seen in 2010 After signing with talent manager Robert Semon, she landed the USA Network television series Pacific Blue in 1998. Then in 2005 she went on to star in the reality television series Meet the Barkers with Travis of Blink-182. Then came E!'s Bridalplasty in 2010 and the VH1 reality series, Hollywood Exes in 2014. The blonde beauty has also dated Billy Idol and Dennis Quaid. Kyle Richards just turned 50 and she celebrated with a luxury vacation to Mexico. While enjoying a late night pool party, the Bravo maven was joined by fellow Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Teddi Mellencamp for an epic lip sync performance. The swimsuit clad ladies jammed out to a familiar tune by Teddi's father, rocker John Mellencamp, in an Instagram video that Kyle posted Wednesday. Lip sync battle: Kyle Richards and Teddi Mellencamp jammed out to John Mellencamp's hit Jack & Diane while on vacation in Mexico in an Instagram video that the RHOBH star posted on Wednesday 'Lets hope your Dad hasnt seen this,' Kyle joked in the caption. The video was first posted by 37-year-old Teddi on Monday and then reposted by the RHOBH original. In the video, Kyle's fit physique was enviable for any age in a low cut black one piece. Teddi donned a high waisted two-piece bikini that had a beige top with black trim and a black bottom with beige trim. Rockstars: Kyle and Teddi gave it all they got in the video while donning swimsuits in a pool during a late night dip Let it rock: Kyle flaunted her fabulous figure in a skimpy low cut black one-piece The ladies were standing knee deep in a lit up pool during a late night swim at their luxury resort and rocking out to the classic John Mellencamp hit Jack & Diane. There were air microphones, air guitars and Teddi even added a little air flute. 'P.s your flute moves ... no words,' Kyle pointed out in her caption. 'I am sure Dad would be real proud of this,' Teddi wrote on social media when she originally posted the video. 'Lets hope your Dad hasnt seen this,' Kyle joked in the caption. With the band: Kyle and Teddi brought out an assortment of air instruments like air guitar and even air flute Mellencamp's 1982 toe-tapper is the musician's most successful single ever and spent four weeks at number one back in the 80s. The lyrics are based on the 1962 Tennessee Williams film Sweet Bird of Youth and it was chosen by the Recording Industry Association of America as one of the Songs of the Century. John's daughter Teddi is one of his five children from three marriages. After his third divorce in 2011 he started dating actress Meg Ryan but the pair eventually called it quits. Popular tune: Mellencamp's 1982 toe-tapper Jack & Diane is the musician's most successful single ever and spent four weeks at number one back in the 80s Holiday: Teddi joined Kyle along with her husband and her closest pals at a luxury resort in Punta Mita, Mexico However, after recently rekindling their lone, the rockstar popped the question to his on-again off-again girlfriend last year. The two stars announced their engagement on social media. Teddi joined Kyle along with several of her pals in Punta Mita, Mexico for a celebratory birthday weekend. Family times! Teddi's soon-to-be new step mother is actress Meg Ryan. John popped the question in November 2018 and Meg said yes To commemorate her birthday, Kyle took to Instagram to share a note: 'Im 50. There. I said it. Anyone who knows me knows that I always think Im dying so the fact that I even made it to here is a miracle.' 'I am so grateful for this beautiful gift called life. I never imagined I would feel so good, healthy and at peace (most of the time ). 'I love my children , my husband , my family , my friends , my dogs , my work... SO MUCH. What else could a woman ask for?' Both Teddi and Kyle are set to return for a drama-filled ninth season of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills which premieres Feb. 12 on Bravo. Milestone: 'Im 50. There. I said it. Anyone who knows me knows that I always think Im dying so the fact that I even made it to here is a miracle.' Jonathan Cheban sure is bringing in the big paychecks these days as his fame grows - in late 2018 he became a spokesperson for a burger company. He also continues to shoot Keeping Up With The Kardashians. So it's only appropriate that he splurge a little on himself. On Tuesday evening the publicist turned TV star flashed two diamond necklaces when leaving Craig's in West Hollywood. Happy to be rich! Jonathan Cheban sure is bringing in the big paychecks these days as his fame grows - in late 2018 he became a spokesperson for a burger company. So it's only appropriate that he splurge a little on himself The TV standout also had on a Paraval T-shirt and slacks with sneakers. It is not known who he dined with, though he was seen with Tori Spelling over the weekend. On Monday Jonathan was seen filming KUWTK with his longtime pal Kim. She had on a very tight and revealing Spandex suit that showed off her gym toned body. The New Jersey native - who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, Keeping Up With The Kardashians and The Spin Crowd - had on large sunglasses. Double the bling: On Tuesday evening the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star flashes two diamond necklaces when leaving Craig's in West Hollywood Man on the town: The TV standout also had on a Paraval T-shirt and slacks with sneakers. It is not known who he dined with, though he was seen with Tori Spelling over the weekend Mad for plaid: The TV regular had on plaid slacks in grey, white and red; there was also writing on the top Also on Monday, he was seen glued to his cell phone as he stopped by his favorite Italian restaurant Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills. He dined al fresco enjoying pasta and salad. The close friend of Kris Jenner was also seen getting out of a car as his handler waited nearby. Bestie: On Monday Jonathan was seen filming KUWTK with his longtime pal Kim. She had on a very tight and revealing Spandex suit that showed off her gym toned body. Seen in 2018 Earlier this month he was seen with a new woman. The star was spotted leaving C restaurant in London with a pretty brunette who looked like she could be related to Kim, Khloe and Kourtney. It's been over one year since the best friend of Kim Kardashian split from beauty Anat Popovsky. The Food God was dressed in a Tout Est Oublie zip-up hoodie and black slacks. He added sneakers with a tag on them. And the TV star held onto a brown jacket. Match made in Hollywood: Cheban - who has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, Keeping Up With The Kardashians and The Spin Crowd - has another celebrity pal who grew up in the 90210 - Tori Spelling His date was stunning in a black top and skirt with stockings and over-the-knee boots as well as black gloves. She held into a Chanel purse and also wore a fur jacket that may or may not have been faux. And the mystery woman held onto her cell phone as well. Her makeup was dramatic yet flattering as she let her raven locks loose. This comes after Jonathan landed a very lucrative deal. In December he was announced as the new spokesperson for the chain BurgerIM. DailyMail.com sat down with the reality TV star to discuss the role and how it all came about (hint: social media was in his favor). 'I posted about BurgerIM because I loved it so much and then I got a call,' the FoodGod told DailyMail.com. 'The company asked me to work with them. I was surprised. One post and they noticed.' That led to a fat check. 'I signed a multi-million dollar contract and now my photo is in all their stores. It's crazy, my friends are sending me photos, my face is everywhere,' he added. With Mr and Mrs West: (L to R) Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Cheban, Angie Martinez at Kim's 30th Birthday Party aboard Utopia III yacht, Chelsea Piers, New York There are stores in Miami and Los Angeles. 'And they are going to open hundreds more,' said the Celebrity Big Brother star. He also said it's just a great fit because he's FoodGod. 'The burgers taste great and they come in several different sizes,' he said. 'I created one called the Third Pounder, it's the right size, right flavors, I love it.' And there are the fries: 'They are round and fun. Who said fries have to be long? These are round and make me smile.' Several officers have raised issue of uneven distribution of work which is affecting ongoing probes and work force distribution. The government had given charge of the agency to Joint Director Rao, who was later promoted as additional director. (Photo: File) New Delhi: CBI interim chief M Nageswara Rao has started the process of making structural changes in the Central Bureau of Investigation in order to streamline the work load on various zones of the agency across the country, officials said. Several senior officers have raised the issue of uneven distribution of work in various zones which is affecting the ongoing probes and work force distribution. Normally the issues such as these are discussed in the quarterly review meeting of all the joint directors and deputy inspector general when they converge at New Delhi headquarters of the agency. The last quarterly meeting scheduled in December last year did not take place as the Supreme Court had barred Rao, in his first tenure as acting director, from taking any policy decisions. In a controversial order on October 23, 2018, the government had divested the powers of the then CBI director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana sending them on forced leave as both had accused each other of corruption. The move was taken after a bitter battle between the two top officials of the agency spilled in the public domain. A corruption case was filed against Rakesh Asthana. A plea to quash it has been rejected by the Delhi High Court. The government had given charge of the agency to Joint Director Rao, who was later promoted as additional director. On a plea of Verma, challenging the forced leave order of the government, the Supreme Court had directed Rao to not take any major policy decision. The Supreme Court had re-instated Verma on January 8 this year, setting aside government order to send him on forced leave. Within 48 hours, a high powered committee comprising of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice AK Sikri and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge in a split verdict, decided to transfer Verma as Director General Fire Services. Following the decision, Rao was again given the charge of the agency. Rao has now moved a proposal among all the joint directors seeking their comments on the restructuring of zones as the previous restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court do not apply in his fresh term, officials said. Each zone will have a Special Crime branch and an Economic Offences branch in addition to the Anti-Corruption Branches with co-terminus jurisdiction of respective zone, a proposal circulated among all the CBI offices said. According to the proposal, Anti-Corruption Branch of Bengaluru will be reporting to Chennai zone. It is reporting to Hyderabad which has just three branches under it. Hyderabad zone will also look after the works of the Anti-Corruption branches of Raipur, Jabalpur and Bhopal. Mumbai zone will get two new branches, under it a special crime and an Anti-Corruption based in Nagpur, taking the tally from current five to seven branches under it. She's been cashed outside, how bout that? Danielle Bregoli aka Bhad Bhabie has signed a six-month $900,000 make-up endorsement deal with CopyCat Beauty according to a Wednesday report from TMZ. As if that already wasn't enough the publication reports that the 15-year-old rapper will also rake in a percentage of sales for the beauty and make-up company. 'I'm rich b***': Danielle Bregoli aka Bhad Bhabie has signed a six-month $900,000 make-up endorsement deal with CopyCat Beauty according to a Wednesday report from TMZ No doubt Danielle is excited about the deal as she posted a photo of herself on Tuesday with the caption: 'I'm rich b*** [laughing emoji].' According to TMZ, she is going to integrate the products into the social media posts and music videos. If the near-million dollar deal isn't already enough, the publication's source said that if the six-month run is successful then it could lead to an extension of three years and even her own beauty line. Winning: As if that already wasn't enough the publication reports that the 15-year-old rapper will also rake in a percentage of sales for the beauty and make-up company; she is wearing the I.AM.GIA Anya Top and their Ophelia Pant Danielle has certainly been enjoying her fame as the internet sensation reportedly recently shelled out $40,000 for an expensive set of porcelain veneers, according to TMZ earlier this month. Danielle is currently putting together a 12-episode series for Snapchat called Bringing Up Bhabie, named for her rap moniker Bhad Bhabie. The teen didn't 'like the way her teeth looked' the outlet reported, 'mostly due to crowding on the bottom row.' New nashers: Cash Me Outside rapper Danielle Bregoli reportedly spent $40,000 on a set of 16 porcelain veneers, according to TMZ Bhabie sought the help of Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Aamir Wahab for '8 top teeth and 8 more on the bottom.' Her new chompers were worked on over two 4-hour sessions, according to TMZ. The Cash Me Outside star shared a video showing off her new smile on social media where she lip synced to one of her new rap songs on Friday. 'new year new music new teeth,' Bhabie captioned a video showing off her new smile Before: The rapper once posted selfie video on YouTube where she talked about her dislike of her natural teeth 'new year new music new teeth,' she captioned the video. 'thx to my favorite dds bich u the f***in best dentist in the world' Danielle also shared a few snaps with Dr. Wahab on social media. Previously, the rapper posted a selfie video to YouTube where she talked about not liking the way her natural teeth looked. 'I hate my teeth,' she said in the video. 'But, I look cute if I keep my mouth shut.' 'thx to my favorite dds bich u the f***in best dentist in the world,' Bhabie posted on social media Bregoli shot to fame in 2016 following her appearance on a episode of Dr. Phil that went viral. The influencer's mother Barbara Ann Bregoli, 50, recently made headlines after she reportedly 'snapped' at a group of fans waiting to meet her daughter at Brisbane Airport in Australia in December. Footage showed the teenage musician repeatedly walking past the group of about 10 fans, failing to say as much as 'hello'. 'I've never seen somebody be so rude to their fans!' one fan then shouted. Claim to fame: The teen shot to fame as the Cash Me Outside girl from a viral episode of Dr. Phil in 2016 As Danielle climbed into a car, Barbara responded angrily: 'Excuse me? You've never seen someone be so rude? Have you been on as many flights as we have?' The person replied: 'It's not hard for her to say hi or take a photo.' Continuing to defending her daughter, Barbara said: 'You were told by security no photos, but you still followed [to the car]. How did you know we were here? Snapped: In December, Danielle's mom Barbara flipped out on fans at an airport in Australia 'How did you know what time we were leaving? Oh, your friend told you? Really... I don't believe that. Really? Okay.' The fan then reference Barbara and Danielle's previously strained relationship, which was featured during her iconic episode of Dr. Phil. 'Remember when you hated your daughter?' they said. Barbara wrote on social media: 'Sad how little snot noise girls tell me how to parent when their mothers were too busy sucking d**k than teaching their daughters how to respect an adult. Barbara snapped back: 'No, I never hated my daughter! Remember when your mother taught you a little respect?' Barbara later referenced the incident on Instagram in a foul mouthed message. She wrote: 'Sad how little snot noise [sic] girls tell me how to parent when their mothers were too busy sucking d**k than teaching their daughters how to respect an adult.' His most famous role saw him strip off on sizzling Malibu Beach for Baywatch. Yet David Hasselhoff was a long way from Miami on Wednesday as he braved the snow-covered mountains of The Alps. Taking to Instagram, the 66-year-old actor shared a hilarious video as he stepped outdoors clad in just a flimsy robe and boots whilst in search of the outdoor hot tub. Freezing: Baywatch star David Hasselhoff was a long way from Miami on Wednesday as he braved the snow-covered mountains of The Alps In the clip, David is seen stepping outside his cabin into the snow while only wearing a dressing gown and saying: 'It's cold under there! I'm going over to the Jacuzzi to put the tub on.' However, he struggled to make his way to the tub, ploughing knee deep into the snow in his flimsy get-up. Realising that the snow is too deep, he announces: 'My little Hoff is freezing!' before giving up and retreating to the warmth of his lodge. Shivering: Taking to Instagram, the 66-year-old actor shared a hilarious video as he stepped outdoors clad in just a flimsy robe and boots whilst in search of the outdoor hot tub The Knight Rider actor is currently visiting Saalbach-Hinterglemm, an Alpine resort in the northern Austrian state of Salzburg ahead of a concert in the town on Thursday. He is one of approximately 40,000 people in the region who are currently trapped in one of the many snowed-in villages. Glemm Valley, which links Saalbach-Hinterglemm to the outside world, has been cut off since Monday due to heavy snowfall and a high risk of avalanches. Salzburg disaster expert Norbert Altenhofer explained that many areas both natural and manmade - are completely cut off after 10 days of continuous snowfall. David was not joined by new wife Hayley Roberts, who he tied the knot with in a lavish ceremony in Puglia, Italy in July of 2018. David was previously wed to actress Catherine Hickland in 1984 for five years and then to starlet Pamela Bach from 1989 to 2006. Her looks have evolved over the years. And Cheryl was feeling reflective of some of her former styles on Wednesday as she got involved in the 10 Year Challenge, which is sweeping social media, in which users are posting decade-old images alongside current shots. The 35-year-old Love Made Me Do It hitmaker posted an image from her turn as judge on The X Factor in 2009, before posting a wholly more sleek from October, before heading to the Princes' Trust We Are Most Amused and Amazed event. Who's that girl? Cheryl was feeling reflective of some of her former styles on Wednesday as she got involved in the 10 Year Challenge sweeping social media, in which users are posting decade-old images alongside current shots Cheryl's looks have frequently changed and evolved over the years, with her style varying on a number of occasions to stick with the trends. Following her stint on X Factor a decade ago, the brunette beauty shared a snap of her old look, with her fresh-faced appearance nailing the look of the time. In the ensemble she wore for the auditions round of the show, she wore the funky neon dress with the prom style while her lighter locks were slicked back. Having moved with the times, Cheryl then shared the sizzling social media shot she posted two months ago in which she wore a sexy red gown. Who's that girl? She announced her plan for the challenge on Instagram stories She complemented the glamorous frock with chunky red velvet heels, a matching mani-pedi and a glittering diamond necklace. Styling her brunette locks in a sleek side-parting, the songstress finished off her evening get-up with a bronzed make-up look, a sweep of mascara and soft pink lip. Using her X Factor snap is particularly pointed given her now-legendary fashion faux pas back in May 2011, while making her debut on The X Factor USA, when look went viral due to some ill-though-out purple bottoms. Uh oh... Using her X Factor snap is particularly pointed given her now-legendary fashion faux pas back in May 2011, while making her debut on The X Factor USA, when look went viral due to some ill-though-out purple bottoms Seemingly trying to channel the glamour of the disco era, L'Oreal ambassador Cheryl paired the natty trousers with a massive backcombed hairdo, ruffled orange top and mint-green belt. Critics slated her for looking like a Scooby Do character and a source at the show's production team, told The Mail On Sunday at the time: Obviously, Cheryl is a gorgeous woman, but she turned up to the first days filming of The X Factor looking a bit weird in purple flares. 'Everyone was talking about how she looked, but for all the wrong reasons. The level of glamour expected by American audiences is much higher. Here, women in TV are groomed to within an inch of their lives. She has been enjoying a tropical Maldives honeymoon with her husband Kane Vato this week. And Pia Muhelenbeck, 27, was a picture of newlywed bliss as she stripped down to a tiny bikini for a happy holiday snap on Wednesday. Taking to Instagram, the glamour model shared a candid snap of herself posing in the strapless two-piece along with a gushing caption about her honeymoon so far. 'Im a happy little chicken!' Pia Muehlenbeck, 27, posed in a racy strapless bikini during her honeymoon with husband Kane Vato's in the Maldives on Wednesday 'Im a happy little chicken! Its been so lovely to be able to bring my family along with us on our honeymoon,' she cooed in the caption. 'We travel so much for work, I often forget how stunning the places we get to visit really are! Seeing my mums reaction when we arrived here was priceless!' the former lawyer went on. 'We are staying here for the rest of the week, then the fam are heading back home and Kane and I then head to Sri Lanka which I am ever so excited for.' 'Current honeymood': Hours earlier, she shared another holiday snap of herself posing inside what appeared to be her hotel room 'But for now... I will brb, I gotta spend some time with my HUSBAND!' she concluded. Hours earlier, she shared another holiday snap of herself posing inside what appeared to be her hotel room. 'Current honeymood,' the glamazon cheekily captioned the snap as she posed in a plunging gold swimsuit and polka-dot sarong. Celebration: Pia tied the knot with Kane Vato (right) earlier at the Fig Tree restaurant in Byron Bay last month Pia and Kane tied the knot in a romantic Byron Bay ceremony last month. In a short clip shared to Instagram, the beauty is seen breaking down in tears as she shares a kiss with her new husband on their special day. Her face crumpled with emotion, Pia fights back a sob as she locks lips with her equally emotional new husband. It was previously discovered Danny Dyer is a direct descendant of two kings of England and has blood ties to Henry VIII's adviser Thomas Cromwell. And a preview clip from BBC documentary Danny Dyer's Right Royal Family has now emerged, revealing that the EastEnders hardman is in fact related to a Saint. The 41-year-old actor's 26th great-grandfather is discovered to be the French King Louis IX, who was canonised as Saint Louis, leaving Danny flabbergasted that he has sacred blood 'knocking about' his veins. Holy moly! A preview clip from BBC documentary Danny Dyer's Right Royal Family has emerged, revealing that the EastEnders hardman is in fact related to a Saint The awestruck actor says: 'Its just so much to take in. Im related to a saint.' He explains: 'I'm a direct descendant from a saint. Saint Louis IX, who was the King of France in, I think it was the 12th century, I can't remember now. 'I think there's only 2000 saints ever, and he was allowed to have children he had 11 children, and yeah, I've got his blood knocking about, so make of that what you will.' Louis IX, who became King when he was just 12, was a devout Christian who lived as a monk. He was the only French monarch to be named a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. The awestruck actor says: 'Its just so much to take in. Im related to a saint' He explains: 'I'm a direct descendant from a saint. Saint Louis IX, who was the King of France in, I think it was the 12th century, I can't remember now' Retracing his steps: In the show, Danny will visit the Sainte-Chapelle cathedral in France which was commissioned by Louis IX and completed in 1248 Louis also a passionate hatred for swearing, so much so that he would singe the lips of those who swore in front of him, so would undoubtedly have been unimpressed by Danny. In the show, Danny will visit the Sainte-Chapelle cathedral in France which was commissioned by Louis IX and completed in 1248. A TV insider told The Sun: 'One royal link was unbelievable but finding another was more than anyone could have imagined including him. Suffice to say it quickly went to his head and he thinks he's genuinely part of the aristocracy now.' Royal connections: Danny's latest connection, Louis IX, is his 26th great grandfather, a devout man who lived as a monk and had a passionate hatred for swearing During an episode of Who Do You Think You Are in 2016, Danny famously unearthed information surrounding his regal heritage, including the fact that he is related to both William the Conqueror and Edward III. Danny previously said it was the connection to Cromwell, who was played by his mentor Mark Rylance in the BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall, that was particularly meaningful. Danny, who comes from the Canning Town area of East London, told the Radio Times: 'He came from a slum, I come from a slum. 'Cromwell left the country at 14, I started acting at 14. He was a self-taught lawyer. I'm a self-taught actor. Cromwell had two daughters and a son. Danny is related to both William the Conqueror and Edward III (pictured) which he discovered during an episode of Who Do You Think You Are in 2016 'I've got two daughters and a son. Cromwell wrote his last letter to Henry VIII begging for his life, on July 24, which is my birthday ... And I drink in the Anne Boleyn pub.' Danny revealed he watched Wolf Hall again after learning of his connection to Cromwell and said he cried though most of it because of its 'sheer brilliance'. Rylance became his mentor when Dyer was just 17 and the pair both appeared in the BBC's romantic comedy Loving in 1996. Danny Dyer's Right Royal Family starts on BBC One on January 23. He made a name for himself as superhero Wolverine, playing the character nine times over 17 years. And Hugh Jackman revealed on Wednesday that his wish to be in the Guinness Book of Records thanks to his numerous appearances as the X-men character. Making an appearance on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, the actor, 50, explained: 'My dream as a kid, both my brother and I, was to be in the Guinness Book of Records one day. Hopes: On Wednesday, Hugh Jackman revealed his dream of entering the Guinness Book of Records for playing superhero Wolverine NINE times on screen over 17 years 'We tried to stay up and play badminton for 48 hours, we tried to flip coins off our elbow, and I just realised maybe Im there now, I dont know.' When the presenter, 48, told him that he was 'there now', Hugh jokingly asked: 'If you could reach out to the Guinness people that would be awesome.' The actor first appeared as the clawed mutant in X-Men in 2000, and also had three solo films, with his final outing as the character in 2017's Logan. Iconic: The actor first played the clawed mutant in X-Men in 2000, and had three solo films Final curtain: Hugh's final outing as the character was in 2017's Logan While the actor has insisted that he will not return to the character, he and Ryan Reynolds have been engaging in a hilarious back-and-forth Twitter 'feud' about Hugh appearing in a Deadpool and Wolverine crossover movie. Ryan, who is close friends with Hugh, has been persistent in trying to persuade him, even creating a hilarious smear campaign against him during promotions for Hugh's new film The Front Runner.' In his typical humorous tongue, Ryan previously cheekily quipped: 'I continue to do press for Hugh Jackman to comeback. God knows he's just been failing constantly since Wolverine.' Good pals: While Hugh has insisted that he will not return, he and Ryan Reynolds have been engaging in a funny back-and-forth Twitter 'feud' about a Deadpool/Wolverine crossover film Wolverine makes a cameo appearance in Deadpool 2 but The X Men star didn't film any new scenes for the movie. The clip comes from X-Men: Origins Wolverine which is the 2009 movie where Ryan made his debut as an ill-fated version of Deadpool. In November, during an appearance on Sunday Today, Hugh said of his actor pal: 'Ryan is relentless. He keeps coming back to me in all these ways, shapes and forms. 'I just said, "You know, I just dont think the world really wants to see Deadpool with Wolverine." Maybe a cameo from Deadpool? I just think it runs over it, for Deadpool.' Turning him down: In November, Hugh said of his response to Ryan: 'I just said, "You know, I just dont think the world really wants to see Deadpool with Wolverine" Hugh is currently set to embark on a world tour titled The Man, The Music, The Show. and he told Zoe that he's 'even more excited' than fans for the event. He explained: 'This show has been developing over eight years but obviously The Greatest Showman kind of put it over the edge, and yes therell be songs from Greatest Showman. 'Im just so blown away by the support weve had in the UK and Ireland Im just cannot wait to get there, Im missing [it] every day. 'Im taking a little break from dancing and singing to talk to you Zoe but thats it, apart from that Im prepping and I cant just wait to show the show to everyone.' Daniel Radcliffe sent a sweet message to a Harry Potter fan, aged four, with terminal cancer in a touching clip on Wednesday. From her hospital bed in Mexico, Giesel Garcia Fomperosa Gigi shared a snap of herself wearing a Gryffindor student cloak and holding a wand. The British actor, 29, showered the tot with lots of love and good wishes when he responded with a personal video message. 'Sending you lots of love': Daniel Radcliffe shared a heartfelt message to a Harry Potter fan, 4, with terminal cancer on Wednesday In the footage, the British star could be heard saying: 'Hi Gigi, nice to meet you. I hope you are having a lovely day, wherever you are. 'I'm sorry I look so scruffy and that it is so loud, but I just wanted to send lots of best wishes and love to you, and we are all thinking about you.' Gigi was diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia two years ago when she was a toddler aged two. Number one fan! From her hospital bed in Mexico, Giesel Garcia Fomperosa Gigi shared a snap of herself wearing a Gryffindor student cloak and holding a wand The little girl has been in hospital in the southern Mexican state of Morelos for four months since she was admitted in September last year. Gigi's mother went to great lengths to draw Daniel's attention to her daughter's story when she took a trip to New York City. It is claimed family members paid a visit to the Studio 54 theatre to speak to the Broadway actor about getting an autograph. Happiness: The British actor, 29, showered the tot with lots of love and good wishes when he responded with a personal video message History: The little girl has been in hospital in the southern Mexican state of Morelos for four months since she was admitted in September last year According to local media reports, a security guard was so moved by Gigi's story he promised to personally speak to Daniel. Daniel responded with the heart-warming video which he shot backstage from the Broadway show The Lifespan of a Fact in New York City. The Lifespan of a Fact, which closes on January 13, tells the story of a young determined fact checker (Radcliffe) who joins forces with the unorthodox author to take on the high-stakes of the publishing world. Show watchers are used to seeing her impressive dance skills on Strictly Come Dancing. Yet Katya Jones decided to show off her moves on a beach in Cuba as she shared a throwback video of herself gyrating her hips on the beach to her Instagram on Wednesday. In the clip, the Strictly dance professional, 29, showcased her sensational figure in a tiny strapless bikini with a gingham pattern on it. Scroll down for video Work it: Katya Jones decided to show off her moves on a beach in Cuba as she shared a throwback video of herself gyrating her hips on the beach to her Instagram on Wednesday She accessorised her swimwear look with a collection of gold necklaces and oversized red frayed hoop earrings. Katya went make-up free as she showcased her sun-kissed complexion and freckles, she styled her brunette locks into a halfback hairdo. The dancer went on to show off her dance moves as she decided to share two different videos of her gyrating her hips to Little Mix's Reggaeton Lento. Katya knew how to work her best angles as she posed up a storm for the clips and pouted, before smiling. Holiday: In the clip, the Strictly dance professional, 29, showcased her sensational figure in a tiny strapless bikini with a gingham pattern on it Dancing: She accessorised her swimwear look with a collection of gold necklaces and oversized red frayed hoop earrings She captioned the Instagram post with: 'Today is really grey and wet outside, so here is a bit of Cuban sunshine for you! 'Back to where I was dancing on the beach and had hell of a lot of freckles ( which I love) #cuba #havana #veradero #raegetton #littlemix bikini @freyalingerie #bikini #freya #beach #sun #summer.' Cuba appears to hold a special place in Katya and her husband Neil Jones' heart after the ginger-haired dancer, 36, posted a similar throwback tribute to the idyllic holiday location in October. Natural beauty: Katya went make-up free as she showcased her sun-kissed complexion and freckles, she styled her brunette locks into a halfback hairdo Having fun: The dancer went on to show off her dance moves as she decided to share two different videos of her gyrating her hips to Little Mix's Reggaeton Lento The post had come just days after the couple, who have been married since 2013, had been putting on a united front after Katya was pictured kissing her Strictly partner Seann Walsh despite being married and the comedian having a girlfriend at the time. Neil took to his Instagram at the time to share an incredibly loved-up video with his other half during their trip and a photo-shoot to Cuba. The pair were seen inseparable as they took in the local sights of Havana while looking incredibly glamorous and holding hands, prompting Neil to pine in the caption: 'Oh how I wish I was back in Cuba.' 'I hope you enjoy the behind the scenes filming of our @ok_mag shoot while on holiday in Cuba,' Neil continued the gushing caption. Cold: Since their Cuba getaway, the couple have had several more holidays with a well-documented trip to Katya's home in Russia Since their Cuba getaway, the couple have had several more holidays with a well-documented trip to Katya's home in Russia and were also said to have travelled to Asia days before. Neil and Katya's relationship came under fire after the brunette beauty was pictured kissing her dance partner Seann, 33, during a drunken night out in October last year. A source told The Sun: 'Those close to Neil and Katya have been saying this was a make-or-break holiday. Husband: Neil and Katya's relationship came under fire after the brunette beauty was pictured kissing her dance partner Seann, 33, during a drunken night out in October last year 'Neil really felt like the trust had gone and he wasnt quite sure he knew who Katya was any more. They decided to go away for some time out of the spotlight so they could have some very frank conversations. 'Katya begged for forgiveness and promised it would never happen again while Neil agreed to move towards getting the trust back and putting it both behind them.' The insider also added that while the pair's main priority is to save their marriage, they also want to 'rebuild their public image'. MailOnline contacted Neil and Katya's representatives for comment at the time. Former Biggest Loser host Ajay Rochester abruptly left Australia for Los Angeles after she plead guilty to welfare fraud in 2009. And on Wednesday, the 49-year-old spoke candidly about her life after Centrelink scandal made headlines. In a discussion with former politicians Jacqui Lambie and Sam Dastyari the former TV personality discussed the lowest point of her life. Emotional: 'It was four years of hell and torture': I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here's Ajay Rochester broke down in tears as she discussed the Centrelink scandal that left her unemployed and homeless on Wednesday night's episode 'It was four years of hell and torture. I destroyed my career. So I literally left Biggest Loser destitute, with no one wanting to hire me,' she said. Ajay explained: 'I had been on the single parent pension. So, just, as I got biggest loser I did my taxes I noticed. I hadnt noticed, I thought I might have been over paid.' She recalled that she had spoken to Centrelink about being overpaid and was told to pay what was owed - which she did. Low point: In a discussion with former politicians Jacqui Lambie (left) and Sam Dastyari (centre) the former TV personality discussed the lowest point of her life 'I got a letter shortly, a few months after. I think 6 months after I started biggest loser saying Centrelink were going to take me to court for fraud.' The actress and TV host plead guilty to 23 counts of welfare fraud and paid back $14,000 in 2009. While she avoided a criminal conviction, her reputation was tarnished. Homeless: For a few months Ajay and her son Kai (who was ten at the time) house sat friends and strangers homes, because she 'had nowhere to go' 'I had $7.11 to my name. I was literally homeless,' she cried. For a few months Ajay and her son Kai (who was ten at the time) house sat friends and strangers homes, because she 'had nowhere to go.' She admitted that at one point she 'emailed almost everyone I knew and begged for money, I just had no other choice.' Sam reflected on her admission and applauded it: a 'demonstration of strength.' I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! airs tonight at 7.30pm on Channel 10 Bryan Cranston being cast as a quadriplegic man in new film The Upside has sparked a conversation in Hollywood about not giving enough opportunities to deserving actors. And Jameela Jamil has weighed into the debate, revealing that she recently turned down the role of a deaf woman in a film because she would rather it go to a 'brilliant deaf woman' instead. The 32-year-old star - who was born partially deaf - insisted it 'wouldn't be appropriate' for her to play the part since she can now hear. Speaking out: Jameela Jamil has revealed she recently turned down the role of a deaf woman in a film because she would rather it go to a 'brilliant deaf woman' instead Jameela told the Press Association: 'I said it wouldnt be appropriate for me to take that role and they should find a brilliant deaf woman to play that role. 'I think you have to make those choices and not be too greedy and make space rather than take space. I dont want to be part of erasure.' The Good Place actress insisted a 'big change' was needed in the industry and there should be more roles available for LGBT actors and those with disabilities instead of them being given to 'big names'. She conceded that it was 'very tricky' conversation, however, since acting is all about suspending disbelief and having the freedom to play any role. Debate: The Good Place actress insisted a 'big change' was needed in the industry and there should be more roles available for LGBT actors and those with disabilities instead of them being given to 'big names' This comes after Bryan Cranston said he was happy to take the heat for playing a disabled character in his new film The Upside. 'We live in the world of criticism,' the 62-year-old actor said in a news conference, Sky News reported. 'If we're willing to get up and try something, we have to also be willing to take criticism. We're very aware of the need to expand the opportunities for people with disabilities.' The Oscar-nominated performer said that 'being cast in this role as a quadriplegic really came down to a business decision.' Facing critics: This comes after Bryan Cranston said he was happy to take the heat for playing a disabled character in his new film The Upside Cranston plays Phillip, a billionaire with quadriplegia, opposite his new caretaker Dell (Kevin Hart) in a remake of Intouchables, a French motion picture that generated more than $426 million worldwide in 2011. Cranston, best known for playing meth kingpin Walter White on the TV smash Breaking Bad, brought up questions stemming from the topic. 'As actors, we're asked to be other people, to play other people,' he said. 'If I, as a straight, older person, and I'm wealthy, I'm very fortunate, does that mean I can't play a person who is not wealthy, does that mean I can't play a homosexual? 'I don't know, where does the restriction apply, where is the line for that? I think it is worthy for debate to discuss those issues.' Risk-taker: Cranston, seen in a shot from the film with co-star Kevin Hart, said that 'if we're willing to get up and try something, we have to also be willing to take criticism' Interestingly, Cranston's onscreen son in Breaking Bad, Walter White Jr, suffers from cerebral palsy, as does the actor who played him, RJ Mitte. Mitte, who exaggerated his symptoms for the show, has campaigned for more roles for disabled actors in Hollywood, saying in an interview with Variety in 2016: 'We know lots of progress is being made but the industry must do more to help disabled people work both in front of and behind the camera.' Cranston's casting in the movie was criticized by Jay Ruderman, the president of The Ruderman Family Foundation, an advocacy organization focused on disability inclusion. 'While we don't know the auditioning history of The Upside, casting a non-disabled actor to play a character with a disability is highly problematic and deprives performers with disabilities the chance to work and gain exposure,' Ruderman said last September amid the movie's Toronto International Film Festival premiere, according to the Independent. Storyline: The film casts Cranston as Phillip, a billionaire who with quadriplegia, opposite his new caretaker Dell, played by Kevin Hart Ruderman said that 'non-disabled actors are routinely cast to play characters with disabilities, while actors with disabilities are rarely even auditioned for minor parts,' adding that the 'practice amounts to discrimination.' The Upside director Neil Burger broached the topic while speaking with the Press Association at the festival. 'It is a really interesting question, does an able-bodied actor have the right to play a person with a disability? And there's arguments on both sides of it,' he said. 'All I know is that we did an incredible amount of research and went at it with as much respect and honesty that we could - and certainly Bryan Cranston did - and our goal is to shed light and be compassionate and be respectful to those communities.' The Upside, also featuring Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies and Aja Naomi King, arrives in theaters Friday. Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump was helping lead the search for a new World Bank president to succeed Jim Yong Kim. New York: India-born Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of global beverage giant PepsiCo, is being considered by the White House for the new World Bank president, according to a leading American daily. Nooyi, 63, stepped down as PepsiCo's chief last August after leading the company for 12 years. She "has been courted as an administration ally by Ivanka Trump, the president's eldest daughter who is playing a role in the selection of a nominee," the The New York Times said. The report, which cited several people familiar with the process, said the decision-making process for the top post at the World Bank is "fluid and in its initial stages and early front-runners and candidates often fall off the radar, or withdraw from consideration, before the president (Donald Trump) makes his ultimate pick". It is unclear whether Nooyi would accept the nomination if chosen by the Trump administration. The first daughter, who has tweeted that she views Nooyi as a "mentor + inspiration", has floated her name as a potential successor. World Bank's current president Jim Yong Kim had earlier this month announced that he would step down from his post in February to join a private infrastructure investment firm. His unexpected departure came nearly three years before the end of his term. The NYT report said that the process of choosing Kim's successor is being overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Ivanka, whose role in the process was announced by the White House Monday. Ivanka's "role in the process drew some criticism from ethics watchdogs Monday, which said it could pose a conflict of interest for the president's daughter to be involved in international economic matters when she has not completely divested from her assets," the report said. The group was expected to begin the interview process Tuesday, in order to present President Trump with recommendations for a nominee. Nooyi joined Trump's business council, which was disbanded after many chief executives quit following the president's comments blaming "many sides" for white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, in August 2017. The report, however, added that negative comments made by Nooyi after the 2016 election, during which she did not publicly endorse any candidate, are seen as a potential roadblock to her nomination. Following Trump's win, she said at the NYT's DealBook conference in 2016 that "Our employees are all crying. And the question that they're asking, especially those who are not white: 'Are we safe?' Women are asking: 'Are we safe?' LGBT people are asking: 'Are we safe?' I never thought I'd have had to answer those questions". A spokesman for PepsiCo had told Fortune magazine that "Mrs. Nooyi misspoke. She was referring to the reaction of a group of employees she spoke to who were apprehensive about the outcome of the election. She never intended to imply that all employees feel the same way". Other candidates being considered for the position of World Bank head are under secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs David Malpass and president of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation Ray Washburne. The US president cannot install the World Bank leader, who must be approved by the bank's board, but has traditionally placed his nominee in the job. Trump has already faced harsh criticism for appointing his daughter as a senior White House advisor. Ivanka is a successful businesswoman, fashion designer, author and reality television personality. She has her own line of fashion items, including clothes, handbags, shoes, accessories which are available in all major US departmental stores. Dancing On Ice professional skater Matt Evers has rushed to defend his partner Gemma Collins after she was accused of being unprofessional by Holly Willoughby. Matt, 42, called in to speak to Lorraine on her show on Wednesday, after Gemma, 37, was so upset by claims she left Sunday's DOI early, that has threatened to quit the show. Matt said: 'I'm currently on my way to work and she's 15 minutes behind me. Coming into the rink today, we have a double session planned. We had Tuesday off. Explaining it all: Dancing On Ice skater Matt Evers has defended Gemma Collins amid reports she wants to quit the show after Holly Willoughby called her unprofessional Fall out: Gemma had threatened to quit the show after Holly slammed her antics 'Gemma did not take a nap, [as was claimed]. We're there first thing in the morning on Sunday. We do camera blocking, then a dress rehearsal. 'So by the time the show hits at 6pm, you are exhausted.' Gemma had been criticised for leaving the show early on Sunday night, but Matt said she didn't do anything wrong. He said: 'She got a text saying, "your car has arrived". So she went. She asked someone first. I'm not sure who.' Gemma had been criticised for leaving the show early on Sunday night, but Matt said said: 'She got a text saying, "your car has arrived". So she went. She asked someone first' The show's bosses also hit back at claims Gemma has been acting like a diva behind the scenes and refused to be filmed. The latest news to surround the TOWIE star comes amid claims she 'threatened to quit the show after being left 'devastated' by Holly's criticism of her behind the scenes behaviour. Speaking to MailOnline, ITV bosses have slammed the claims that she is attempting to 'rule the roost' and even kicked crew members off the ice. Shocker: Dancing On Ice bosses have hit back at claims Gemma has been acting like a diva behind the scenes and refused to be filmed Before the denial, insiders said: 'She's been refusing to be filmed and keeps throwing the crew off the ice when they are trying to film rehearsals... 'She's trying to rule the roost and it just doesn't work like that...everyone is just trying to do their job but they are getting increasingly fed up.' MailOnline has contacted representatives for Gemma for comment. Gemma later shared a snap as she revealed she was headed for dinner in London with her dance partner Matt - in what seemed to be a defiant stance on the ongoing reports surrounding her dramas on the ice. Drama: The TOWIE star was said to be in 'floods of tears' after hearing show host Holly slam her backstage antics live on This Morning on Monday Stunner: Gemma later shared a snap as she revealed she was headed for dinner in London with her dance partner Matt Evers - in what seemed to be a defiant stance on the ongoing reports surrounding her dramas on the ice The TOWIE star was said to be in 'floods of tears' after hearing show host Holly slam her backstage antics live on This Morning on Monday. The TV personality, who styles herself as The GC, is now said to be threatening to quit Dancing On Ice after her headline-grabbing first week on the ITV1 celebrity skating competition. A source told The Sun: 'She's devastated by everything that's been said and is threatening to quit. She's feeling there's a conspiracy to bring down their biggest star.' The insider added that Gemma left 15 minutes early during the live Dancing on Ice show on Sunday because she was 'exhausted' after a day of skating and a 9am start. 'On the first show she told an exec she was the star so shouldn't have to be in group performances or stand on the balcony to watch the others,' the source adds. Upset: According to a new report from The Sun, the TOWIE star was in 'floods of tears' after hearing DOI host Holly slam her backstage antics live on ITV's This Morning on Monday Not impressed: Holly slammed Gemma for her 'lack of professionalism and 'diva' behaviour after bored star left live show early on Sunday The insider goes onto claim that producers know Gemma is a 'nightmare' behind the scenes but they're willing to put up with her behaviour because she is this series' biggest star. Representatives for Gemma and Dancing On Ice have been contacted by MailOnline for comment. On Monday DOI hosts Holly and Phillip Schofield publicly slammed Gemma for her lack of professionalism, with Holly telling This Morning: 'I absolutely love Gemma, 37, but there needs to be needs to be professionalism on a show like that. Dancing On Ice hosts: Holly and Phillip Schofield, 56, - who also helm This Morning - were left flabbergasted by her 'diva' attitude and Holly insists she needs to have more 'pride' in her work Kem Cetinay, 22, - who is This Morning's backstage reporter on the ITV talent show, claimed she left the live broadcast before the end because she was a 'bit bored'. Dancing On Ice hosts Holly and Phillip, - who also helm This Morning - were left flabbergasted by her 'diva' attitude and Holly insists she needs to have more 'pride' in her work. Kem revealed why Gemma was missing in action, saying: 'We went into the live show, and then the last quarter of the show, she went home. 'Well I didn't know she went until after but then we saw this video and I was thinking, 'I don't know where Gemma is,' and I went to her dressing room and she wasn't there. Gemma's chequered reality past 2014: TOWIE rages Fuming: Gemma was well-known for her shocking TOWIE behaviour, including a memorable row with Ferne McCann in which she stated: 'I'm 34-years-old I've earned my diva-ship' Gemma was well-known for her shocking TOWIE behaviour, including a memorable row with Ferne McCann in which she stated: 'I'm 34-years-old I've earned my diva-ship'. 2015: THAT I'm A Celebrity... Get My Out Of Here stint Stunned: Gemma left I'm A Celeb viewers shocked four years ago, when she departed the jungle after just three days Gemma left I'm A Celeb viewers shocked four years ago, when she departed the jungle after just three days, amid claims of starvation and a self-diagnosis of Malaria. After much criticism, she insisted she donated her 4800 fee - the percentage she received of her full sum - to charity. 2016: The dramas of Celebrity Big Brother Shocker: Gemma was showing all the hallmarks of her 'divaship' in Celebrity Big Brother Gemma was showing all the hallmarks of her 'divaship' in Celebrity Big Brother as she lashed out at bosses for various challenges the housemates were faced with. She was the seventh star evicted from the house. 2017: The ill-fated stay on Sugar Free Farm Not so sweet: Gemma was one of the rebellious stars of the show, which sees a host of celebrities gather on a farm and totally cut out their sugar intake Gemma was one of the rebellious stars of the show, which sees a host of celebrities gather on a farm and totally cut out their sugar intake. She joined Alison Hammond in stealing food from the kitchen, as she said: 'Me and Alison are clearly the rebels of the sugar-free farm'. Advertisement 'So I did speak to her after and she said she was a bit bored, but she does love skating.' Holly then gave her opinion on The GC's no-show, saying: The thing is I really love Gemma, you know I'm a big fan of Gemma's and I think she's great on the show I do, but I think there has to be a bit of professionalism that comes into any work you do, just a bit of pride in your work.' Phil then scornfully added: 'In all the years I've been in television, I have never kept a studio waiting.' Shock: Explaining Gemma's excuse for her behaviour, Kem said: 'I think, she says it's not Gemma Collins, that's The GC' Explaining Gemma's excuse for her behaviour, Kem said: 'I think, she says it's not Gemma Collins, that's The GC.' But Holly was in no mood to indulge Gemma's diva alter ego. The presenter said: 'But then that's absolute rubbish, that's just a really good excuse to get away with stuff you don't want to do. I love that side of her, I do love it, but I do think professionalism will always outweigh that diva behaviour.' A spokesperson for Gemma declined to comment to MailOnline. Star power: An insider has claimed that producers know Gemma is a 'nightmare' behind the scenes but they're willing to put up with her behaviour because she is this series' biggest star Holly's words come a day after it was reported that Gemma had infuriated her co-stars by turning up late to rehearsals for the week two routine. In a VT ahead of the performance, the group were left questioning where the reality star was as they gathered on the rink for training. One asked: 'Is she sleeping?' before Gemma made her grand entrance onto the ice. Completely unapologetic about her late arrival, she quipped: 'I'm the GC, remember?!' She later told the cameras: 'I was late but I showed up. I'm bringing out my inner diva for this number.' Married Neighbours star Mark Little, 59, who reportedly sent a series of suggestive WhatsApp messages to a busty model after she contacted him online, became the first star to be voted off the show this weekend. He said on Monday: 'At least I got the ice dancer gear on. I get my London bus pass this year, so I'm pretty proud of myself. Dance partner Brianne Delacourt said: It's hard but I'll still be involved, I'll be back on the show on Sunday.' Mark concluded: 'I'll definitely continue my skating. Ice people are nice people.' She has been candid about her love of going under the knife and spending 100,000 on cosmetic surgery. And Chloe Khan was proudly flaunting the results during her endless trip to Dubai, lounging around by the poolside in an array of barely-there bikinis. The 26-year-old reality star commanded attention as she worked her best angles for the camera, showcasing her voluptuous cleavage. Skimpy: Chloe Khan was proudly flaunting the results during her endless trip to Dubai, lounging around by the poolside in an array of barely-there bikinis Chloe can be seen wading around in the shallows, putting her impossibly tiny waist and gravity-defying chest on display in a tangerine two-piece. The former CBB star captioned the 'Looking like one of your five a day honey Thanks @azurebeachdubai', she captioned the snap. Another image sees her nonchalantly posing in the pool, drink in hand, while wearing a low-cut top and matching bikini bottoms. Poser: Another image sees her nonchalantly posing in the pool, drink in hand, while wearing a low-cut top and matching bikini bottoms Working it: The 26-year-old reality star commanded attention as she worked her best angles for the camera, showcasing her voluptuous cleavage. She has certainly been making the most of her trip, squeezing in as many social media opportunities as possible . The Playboy model's, 1.5 million Instagram followers have certainly not been complaining about her relentless posts. Chloe first slipped into a tiny black two-piece that highlighted her ample assets - the result of two boob jobs - as well as her peachy posterior, following her Brazilian bum lift. Sizzling: She has certainly been making the most of her trip, squeezing in as many social media opportunities as possible She captioned the steamy clip: 'Personally think plain black bikini is always most tasteful'. The mother-of-one then let her enviably toned abs take the focus as she shared a raunchy video grinding in a cream bikini top with snake print briefs, cutting her head out of the clip so her incredible figure would steal the show. Chloe has been open about having nose jobs, lip enhancements, breast augmentations and even a bottom enlargement. Working it: The 26-year-old Playboy model sent her 1.5 million Instagram followers wild as she modelled the scanty swimwear Last year, the jet-setter took a break from her travels to appear on Good Morning Britain to debate with Aisleyne-Horgan Wallace about corrective plastic surgery. Chloe locked horns with the beauty when she argued the NHS shouldn't fund corrective procedures. Aisleyne said: 'People don't go abroad and think, I'm going to have real bad problems when I come back, I'm going to have to turn to the NHS.' Turning heads: Chloe first slipped into a tiny black two-piece that highlighted her ample assets - the result of two boob jobs - as well as her peachy posterior, following her Brazilian bum lift Chloe bit back: 'Do you not think that people should take responsibility for a choice, if you have surgery, it's your choice, you're taking a risk, you know that. 'I myself have had a very bad cosmetic surgery and I would never dream of looking to someone else to pay for it. It was abroad.' Aisleyne didn't hold back when she called out Chloe for getting expensive cosmetic procedures for free by advertising them. She called out: 'But you get your surgery for free because you advertise it!' leading Chloe to retort 'So, you've had things done for free as well! I've paid for surgery too.' Penny McNamee looked every inch the glowing mother-to-be at the Sydney premiere of musical In the Heights at the Sydney Opera Hosue Wednesday. The 35-year-old Home and Away star looked stunning in a tangerine dress with mesh panel detailing that hugged her blossoming baby bump. Sweeping her brunette locks into a high pony-tail, the actress compelted her look with a silver clutch bag, bangle and diamond stud earrings. Pregnancy glow: Penny McNamee looked every inch the glowing mum-to-be at the Sydney premiere of In the Heights on Wednesday Penny announced she was expecting her second child with her husband-of-10 years, Matt Tooker during an interview with Who magazine in September. The couple are already parents to a three-year-old son, Jack. 'Were just feeling very grateful, blessed and excited,' she told the publication. Glitzy: She completed her chic ensemble with a silver clutch bag, matching silver bracelet and diamond stud earrings Guests: Also stepping out for the premiere was Erika Heynatz, who was accompanied by her husband of 12 years, Andrew Kingston On the spot: The 43-year-old model and actress looked chic in a black dress with silver polka dots Also stepping out for the premiere was Erika Heynatz, who was accompanied by her husband-of-12 years, Andrew Kingston. The 43-year-old model and actress looked stylish in a black dress with silver polka dots and ruffle detailing. Wiggles star Simon Pryce was also in attendance, accompanied by his wife Lauren Hannaford. Well-suited: Wiggles star Simon Pryce was also in attendance, accompanied by his wife Lauren Hannaford The 46-year-old performer looked sharp in a black suit, while his wife opted for a forest green dress with ruffles and a split up one side. Actress Sophie Stewart also looked chic in her white, tassel-covered maxi dress. Her long dark hair was parted in the middle and worn slicked back, and she accessorised her look with black heels and silver hoop earrings. White and bright: Actress Sophie Stewart looked chic in a white, tassel-covered maxi dress Journalist Jo Casamento also stepped out looking glamorous, clad in a terracotta-hued frock with white polka dots. The figure-hugging dress featured a tie-front at the bust and a racy front split. Also attending the event was actor Harry Cook, 27, who donned a salmon pink button-up shirt, skinny black jeans and tan-brown Chelsea boots. In the Heights is set across three days and takes place in the predominantly Hispanic-American neighbourhood of Washington Heights in New York City. Lin-Manuel, 39, who most recently appears in Mary Poppins Returns, first wrote the musical while he was still studying at university. Spot on: Journalist Jo Casamento stepped out in an orange-brown dress with white polka dots. She rounded out the look with a pair of tan-coloured high heels He was the heartthrob of the 2015 series of Love Island and went on to win the show with unlucky-in-love Jess Hayes. But Max Morley has now confessed his receding hairline has been affecting his confidence over the last years, forcing him to turn to a hair transplant. The 25-year-old reality star - who recently split from Love Island 2018 star Laura Anderson - underwent the procedure at KSL Clinic in Manchester. Drastic measures: Love Island star Max Morley's receding hairline has been affecting his confidence over the last years, forcing him to turn to a hair transplant Max told The Sun Online: 'When I was on Love Island my hair was always a big part of my personality, it was kind of a big thing. 'It was just a confidence thing really. Ive always liked having hair and accepting that I was going bald was just tough.' Explaining that he first started noticing hair loss three years ago, Max worried it was starting to look like a 'comb over' and struggled to cover it up every day. Lustrous locks: Max confessed, 'When I was on Love Island my hair was always a big part of my personality, it was kind of a big thing' Short-lived fling: He was the heartthrob of the 2015 series of Love Island and went on to win the show with unlucky-in-love Jess Hayes 'Im only 25 and honestly if I didnt get this done I would have been bald, or would have had to have shaved it short this year,' he said. Max joins a host of stars including Wayne Rooney and Calum Best who have undergone the extreme makeover. It was recently reported that Laura, 29, had called it quits with Max, 25, after three months of dating after fearing he was unfaithful to her. Hair transplant: The 25-year-old reality star underwent the procedure at KSL Clinic in Manchester Max joins a host of stars including Wayne Rooney and Calum Best who have undergone the extreme makeover A source told The Sun: 'It just wasnt the right time for Laura and Max. They werent working so decided to end things sooner rather than later. 'They were yet to make their relationship official and werent boyfriend and girlfriend but were still meant to be exclusive. 'Laura doesnt believe Max was trustworthy and has been told he was disloyal during their time together so has made the decision to block him on Instagram in order to move on.' Split: Max is newly single after splitting from Love Island 2018 star Laura Anderson, 29, who is said to have called things off amid fears he had been unfaithful to her The source added that Laura now wants to stay away form former contestants of the reality show in the future. The former couple looked more loved up than ever on a recent trip to Barbados earlier this month. The pair were seen frolicking on the beach during their stay on the Caribbean island but were said to be on the rocks since then after a tense row. Max previously took to the social media site to deny claims the couple were set to split. Fresh start: The source added that Laura now wants to stay away form former contestants of the reality show in the future He clarified: 'Me and Laura had a fantastic Holiday in Barbados and are very much looking forward to Christmas...me and Laura are good!' Laura embarked on her romance with Max following her traumatic split from Love Island co-star Paul Knops in October. In the wake of their split, model Paul, 32, had claimed Laura had cheated on him with current beau and 2015 Love Island champion Max, something which Laura vehemently denied. She in turn blamed the split on conflicting schedules, and said she had hoped to spend more time with him, which didn't happen. Billie Faiers enjoyed a romantic date night with her fiance Greg Shepherd on Tuesday as she celebrated her 29th birthday. The parents-of-two headed to London's Aldwych theatre to see Tina Turner: The Musical, as they enjoyed a child-free evening. Greg had treated Billie to the tickets as part of her birthday present as the couple enjoyed a rare romantic date night in the capital. What's Love Got To Do With It: Billie Faiers celebrated her 29th birthday with fiance Greg Shepherd at Tina Turner: The Musical on Tuesday night Nothing to see here: Billie flashed her ring-free hand as she left the theatre after the show Billie looked casually chic, wearing velvet flares with a polo neck and a leather jacket over the top. Greg was wrapped up against the cold, wearing a grey jumper and jeans with a large cosy coat over the top. They were in good company on the night as Victoria Beckham also went to see the show. Billie shared parts of her day on Instagram earlier on and let her followers know about all the lovely gifts she had received. A step back in time: Billie looked casually chic, wearing velvet flares with a polo neck and a leather jacket over the top Her husband-to-be: Greg was wrapped up against the cold, wearing a grey jumper and jeans with a large cosy coat over the top Happy times: Billie shared parts of her day on Instagram earlier on and let her followers know about all the lovely gifts she had received Her adorable children, Nelly, four, and Arthur, two, tucked into her unicorn cake with their hands. Billie received a new Chanel bag and a ring which had the word 'mum' written on it. Nelly innocently ruined the surprise as she repeatedly called out: 'It's a mum ring!' Reality star Billie is set to marry Greg in an idyllic beach wedding in the Maldives later this year. Spice up your evening: Victoria Beckham performed a boozy Tina Turner dance routine backstage with her pals after going to see the same show The couple recently revealed they will be trying for their third child straight after they tie the knot in the Maldives in May 2019. Speaking to The Sun Online, Greg said: We want another baby after the wedding. Billie wants another baby so it will be after then hopefully. Billie added: I've got my hands full with these two already but I am really enjoying them so we will see! Although the pairs exact wedding date is being kept a secret, the reality star explained that she is ready for her big day, apart from a few last minute touches. Expanding their brood: Billie and Greg recently revealed they will be trying for their third child straight after they tie the knot in the Maldives in May 2019 Dr Kate Adams is one of five veterinarians who are set to replace Dr Chris Brown on the newly-revamped series Bondi Vet: Coast to Coast. And on Wednesday Dr Kate Adams, 36, spoke candidly about gender inequality in the veterinary industry, saying 2019 is the 'perfect time' for a new female Bondi Vet. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph this week, Dr Kate said: 'Dr Chris [Brown] was so loved and charismatic and I think there will be potentially a little bit of flak in terms of me not being a man.' Scroll down for video 'There's a perception that men are better vets than females!' Bondi Vet's Dr Kate Adams (pictured) has slammed gender inequality in the veterinary industry 'There is still a perception men are better vets than females are and I still get people saying they only want a male to perform surgery on their animals. So I think 2019 is a perfect time for a new female Bondi Vet,' she explained. Dr Adams, who will be joined by four other vets from around the country in the rebooted series said she's ready to 'smash' gender stereotypes on the new series. The blonde has owned the Bondi Vet Hospital in Sydney for several years. 'Dr Chris Brown was so loved!' Dr Adams, 36, (pictured) told The Daily Telegraph this week: 'Dr Chris [Brown] was so loved and charismatic and I think there will be potentially a little bit of flak in terms of me not being a man' She is also the director of Cannpal Animal Therapeutics and the founder of thankly.com, a website which allows you send thank you notes online. The blonde stunner relocated to Sydney from Perth in 2010 and resides in a leafy terrace home in the affluent suburb of Paddington. The 2019 lineup consists of: Dr Alex Hynes (QLD), Dr Danni Dusek (VIC), Dr Lewis Hunt (NSW), Dr Kate Adams (NSW) and the overall winner of the public vote, Dr Peter Ricci (WA). 'Hopefully I can smash the perception!' Dr Adam will be joined by four other vets from around the country New year, new look! Bondi Vet is returning to Channel Nine with FIVE new veterinarians - after Dr Chris Brown (pictured) stepped down to focus on The Living Room and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! In November 2017, WTFN's Director of Content Steve Oemcke said that several television networks were vying for the new-look Bondi Vet. He added that the program would continue to be distributed to more than 180 countries around the world following Dr Chris' departure. TV Tonight claimed the show would begin in the new year, and is likely to air on Friday nights. Meet the new vets! The 2019 Bondi Vet lineup consists of (left to right): Dr Danni Dusek, Dr Lewis Hunt, Dr Kate Adams, Dr Peter Ricci, and Dr Alex Hynes Dr Chris Brown, who appears on several Channel 10 programs, announced he was leaving Bondi Vet back in March 2017. Stepping down as host due to his busy schedule, he will continue to be involved in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and The Living Room. In addition, Chris will host Sunday Night Takeaway in 2019 alongside Julia Morris. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment. In August, Rita Ora announced she had signed to Kate Moss' modelling agency. Yet the Hot Right Now hitmaker proved their relationship is far more than just professional as she shared a snap while cosied up in bed with her good pal to help mark the iconic supermodel's 45th birthday on Tuesday. The 28-year-old songstress posted a sweet shot as the duo smouldered beneath the sheets while also sharing a close-up of the pair. Cheeky! Rita Ora proved their relationship is far more than just professional as she shared a snap while cosied up in bed with Kate Moss to help mark the iconic supermodel's 45th birthday on Tuesday Rita looked sensational in the snap as she posed for the camera while Kate however had appeared to have fallen asleep already. The bed had a saucy touch as they reclined in front of a headboard which was inspired by a bondage theme. Other birthday salutations came further on Tuesday evening, as Kate looked incredible at China Tang at The Dorchester after celebrating. Kate was joined by her pal Stella McCartney who uploaded a snap of the two of them alongside the caption: 'To one of my oldest finest funniest friends... happy happy birthday. I love you xxx Shlag!!' Stunner: The 28-year-old songstress posted a sweet shot as the duo smouldered beneath the sheets while also sharing a close-up of the pair Kate's 45th birthday comes hot on the heels of her step-sister Lottie Moss, who recently turned 21. Kate's parents, Peter and Linda Rosina, who also share son Nick, 41, divorced in 1987 when the model was 13. Former airline employee Peter went on to marry Lottie's mother Inger. Last year, Rita revealed that she is now being represented by Kate Moss Agency for all of her future modelling ventures. Kate Moss Agency is a British talent agency based in London, which was founded in September 2016. Speaking to The Sun she said: 'Kate has always been a mentor and life-long friend. It's a real honour to be working with her. Happy days: Other birthday salutations came further on Tuesday evening, as Kate looked incredible at China Tang at The Dorchester after celebrating her birthday 'I have watched her career and business grow, and establish itself as one of the most important and recognisable brands. She is a real inspiration, and when we discussed going in to business together, it seemed natural.' The agency also shared the same image on their Instagram account, welcoming Rita on board in a kindhearted message. The Anywhere hitmaker will join Kate Moss herself on the agency's talent roster, as well as Gwendoline Christie, who is best known for portraying the warrior Brienne of Tarth in the HBO fantasy-drama series Game of Thrones. While Katharine McPhee and David Foster still haven't revealed a wedding date yet, the bride-to-be had been busy trying on dresses. The 34-year-old actress took to Instagram on Tuesday night, sharing a photo of her wearing a white wedding dress, although it's not the one. 'Wedding dress fittings today with @jordiefos! It was such a happy day. (Its not the dress, but just wanted to share),' McPhee said, while adding a heart emoji. Wedding fittings: Katharine McPhee shared a photo from her wedding fitting on Tuesday, although that isn't her actual wedding dress McPhee was wearing a flowing white gown in the photo, while tagging one of her fiance David Foster's daughters, Jordan Foster, a stylist. Katharine wowed in the floor-length number, adding an impressive veil. It was her first Instagram post in nearly two weeks, since her Hawaiian vacation came to an end in early January, when she shared a bikini picture. Katharine in Hawaii: 'Last day in Hawaii,' she said, adding, 'Ill be putting my clothes back on now, dont worry' The dark haired beauty flaunted her incredible body while sporting a hot pink and white striped swimsuit. 'Last day in Hawaii,' she said, adding, 'Ill be putting my clothes back on now, dont worry.' McPhee was previously married to Nick Cokas from 2008 to 2014 when McPhee filed for divorce, which was finalized in 2016. Happy couple: McPhee and Foster made their red carpet debut in September 2017 at the Grammy Museum Gala She was also dating her Scorpion co-star Elyes Gabel from 2014 to 2016 before they split. McPhee and Foster made their red carpet debut in September 2017 at the Grammy Museum Gala. The couple confirmed they were engaged in July 2018, as fans wait for the wedding date to be set. Rose Byrne will provide her voice to the upcoming film Lexi, which details the relationships people have with their phones. The 39-year-old Australia native will voice the titular character Lexi, an A.I., in the tech comedy. Also appearing in the movie are Adam Devine, Ron Funches, Justin Hartley, Michael Pena, Alexandra Shipp, Wanda Sykes and Charlyne Yi, Deadline reported. Scroll below for video Coming soon: Rose Byrne, 39, will provide her voice to the upcoming film Lexi, which details the relationships people have with their phones Devine's casting was confirmed by Variety in November, with the rough storyline of the film being a man falling in love with an A.I. on his mobile devices. The motion picture will be directed and written by filmmakers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. Lucas joked to the outlet, 'We are extremely grateful to have such an incredible cast. Clearly, they havent watched any of our prior work.' CBS Films President Terry Press told the publication of the film, 'Speaking for everyone perpetually enamored with, and increasingly terrified by, how well their phone knows them, I look forward to this extraordinary group of actors and filmmakers exploring the side effects of too much tech. Stylish: The Australian actress was snapped in NYC this past October 'I think audiences will agree that some romances are better when you disconnect.' The Instant Family actress and partner Bobby Cannavale, 48, began their relationship in 2012; they have two sons: Rocco, two, and Rafa, one. Rose is also stepmother to Bobby's 23-year-old son from a previous relationship, Jake. They announced she said 'yes' over the weekend, after less than a year of dating. Now Chris Pratt and his new fiancee Katherine Schwarzenegger have been pictured for the first time as an engaged couple. The actor, 39, and Katherine, 29, were seen in Los Angeles on Tuesday, heading out into the rain with Chris' six-year-old son, Jack. Love is in the air: Chris Pratt and his new fiancee Katherine Schwarzenegger have been pictured for the first time as an engaged couple Even in the middle of the stormy weather, Katherine couldn't stop smiling as she enjoyed some quality family time with her fiancee and his son. Katherine seemed in high spirits as she walked through the puddles wearing black rain boots, skinny jeans, and a color block jacket. Following close behind was Jack, who was having some fun walking through the puddles. The youngster was wrapped up warm in a red windbreaker jacket, beige trousers, and rain boots. Can't rain on her parade! Katherine seemed in high spirits as she walked through the puddles wearing black rain boots, skinny jeans, and a color block jacket Future step-mother: Schwarzenegger doted on Pratt's six-year-old son Meanwhile, Chris decided to stay warm and dry on the sidewalk. The Lego Movie actor wore an American flag print sweatshirt and trainers for the day. Though it was cold, the actor didn't seem to mind wearing a pair of shorts. Bundle up! The star looked stylish in black skinny jeans and a color block rain coat Chris and Katherine announced their engagement on social media on Sunday. 'Sweet Katherine, so happy you said yes! I'm thrilled to be marrying you. Proud to live boldly in faith with you. Here we go!' Chris declared on his Instagram account, along with a photo of his fiancee's diamond ring. Though the couple have been dating for just seven months, they may not have to wait very long before saying 'I do.' Life is good: It's been only seven months since the couple started dating Location, location: The twosome are reportedly considering Martha's Vineyard as the location for their nuptials According to E! Tuesday, the couple are looking at dates to tie the knot this summer and are 'already planning the wedding'. The twosome are reportedly considering Martha's Vineyard as the location for their nuptials. 'They are thinking about Martha's Vineyard which is a special place for Katherine and where she spent a lot of time growing up,' a source told E!. Team USA: Pratt rocked an American flag print sweatshirt and shorts Everything is awesome! The Lego Movie actor is no doubt flying high after popping the question to Katherine 'Chris wants her to have her perfect day and whatever she wants. It will be a big wedding and very traditional.' Chris finalized his divorce with actress Anna Faris just three months ago. Anna, who shares son Jack with Chris, revealed on her podcast Unqualified that Chris texted her the morning after the proposal with the big news. All together: Schwarzenegger led the way for the family, strolling alongside the sidewalk Wedding bells: According to E! Tuesday, the couple are looking at dates to tie the knot this summer and are 'already planning the wedding' Previously: The Parks And Recreation actor finalized his divorce with actress Anna Faris just three months ago Supervising: Katherine kept her eye on Jack as the youngster followed close behind 'Chris texted me this morning and he was like, "I proposed to Katherine last night." 'And I was like, "Ahh, thats amazing."' The House Bunny actress obviously has a good sense of humor as she jokingly offered to officiate the ceremony. She said: 'And I texted him back like, "I just wanted to remind you Im an ordained minister." Im not very good at it... ' Funny: Anna, who shares son Jack with Chris, revealed on her podcast Unqualified that Chris texted her the morning after the proposal with the big news The move comes at a difficult time for the news industry, which is facing falling profits and print readership. Facebook, like Google, has also been partly blamed for the ongoing decline in newspapers' share of advertising dollars as people and advertisers have moved online. New York: Facebook says it is investing 300 million over the next three years in local news programs, partnerships and other initiatives. The money will go toward reporting grants for local newsrooms, expanding Facebook's program to help local newsrooms with subscription business models and investing in nonprofits aimed at supporting local news. The move comes at a difficult time for the news industry, which is facing falling profits and print readership. Facebook, like Google, has also been partly blamed for the ongoing decline in newspapers' share of advertising dollars as people and advertisers have moved online. Campbell Brown, Facebook's head of global news partnerships, acknowledges the company "can't uninvent the internet," but says it wants to work with publishers to help them succeed on and off the social network. "The industry is going through a massive transition that has been underway for a long time," she said. "None of us have quite figured out ultimately what the future of journalism is going to look like but we want to be part of helping find a solution." Facebook has increased its focus on local news in the past year after starting off 2018 with the announcement that it was generally de-emphasizing news stories and videos in people's feeds on the social network in favor of posts from their friends. At the same time, though, the company has been cautiously testing out ways to boost local news stories users are interested in and initiatives to support the broader industry. It launched a feature called "Today In" that shows people local news and information , including missing-person alerts, road closures, crime reports and school announcements, expanding it to hundreds of cities around the US and a few in Australia. The push to support local news comes as Facebook, which is based in Menlo Park, California, tries to shake off its reputation as a hotbed for misinformation and elections-meddling. The company says users have been asking to see more local content that is relevant to them, including news stories as well as community information such as road closings during a snowstorm. The 300 million investment includes a 5 million grant to the nonprofit Pulitzer Center to launch "Bringing Stories Home," a fund that will provide local US newsrooms with reporting grants to support coverage of local issues. There's also a 2 million investment in Report for America as part of a partnership aiming to place 1,000 journalists in local newsrooms across the country over the next five years. The idea behind the investments, Brown said, is to look "holistically at how a given publisher can define a business model. Facebook can't be the only answer, the only solution we don't want the publisher to be dependent on Facebook." Fran Wills, CEO of the Local Media Consortium, which is receiving 1 million together with the Local Media Association to help their member newsrooms develop new revenue streams, said she is optimistic the investment will help. He's a man of many hair styles and colors in recent years. And on Tuesday, Jonah Hill pulled out a new look when he slicked back his dyed blonde tresses for a shopping trip to Barney's New York store on Madison Avenue in Uptown Manhattan. The quick afternoon jaunt came on the heels of him revealing to his 1.2 million Instagram followers that he now studies and trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Cool cat: Jonah Hill rocked the wet slick back look in New York City on Tuesday The Superbad comedian wore black pants with a rainbow colored sweatsuit jacket underneath his dark winter coat. He also donned a pair of white and blue sneakers as he carried his new purchase from Barney's and what appeared to be a gym bag. It also looked like Jonah dyed his full beard several shades lighter to match his new blonde wet look. He had most recently been sporting green hair with a dark brown beard. On the go: Jonah Hill got in some shopping at Barney's New York store Busy body: The Superbad star took a call after making a purchase Stylin': The 35-year old appeared to have dyed his beard lighter to match his blonde locks Earlier in the day, The Mid90s writer/director shared an Instagram photo of himself dressed in a black Jiu-Jitsu gi. 'I started Brazilian Jiu Jitzu 2 months ago and try and train 4 or 5 times a week,' he said in the caption. He then went on to talk about how he was beat up by guys in high school who trained in the martial art discipline, and that the experience turned him off to ever trying it himself. Zen mode: Jonah revealed that he has taken up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on his Instagram Mind over matter: The actor/writer/director described how some bad experiences in high school turned him off to training in Jiu-Jitsu But that's all changed now: 'At 35 , I try and get over the stuff that made me feel weak and insecure as a teenager. Its just wasted time and lessons youll never learn. Trying to let go of that.' The comedian then used a little humor when explaining his introduction to training. 'Nothing more humbling than getting your a** kicked by a 12 year old your first week. He did take pride in getting his first stripe today (Tuesday). 'I know it sounds corny but its pretty dope to jump in and do stuff youd never think youd be able to do.' Elle Fanning looked upset when she was spotted filming her upcoming movie Molly in New York on Monday. The 20-year-old, who is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, seemed in distress whilst in character, walking alongside a traffic jam. She was spotted at one moment holding hands with her dashing co-star Javier Bardem as they shot a scene together during their workday. Thespian: Elle Fanning looked upset while filming upcoming movie Molly in New York on Monday Elle was wrapped up in a dark coat with a chic folded collar, buttoning herself into an olive green Frank & Eileen blouse and tucking the top in. She slipped into a high-waisted pair of wide-set pants and pulled on black leather shoes, and her makeup look for the role was minimal. Looking stricken, the The Beguiled actress was seen raising her hand as she walked past the cars, possibly in an attempt to hail a ride. It appeared that the car she managed to beckon was a classic yellow cab, as she and Javier were spotted acting out a scene as he leaned against just such a vehicle. On the move: The 20-year-old, who is the younger sister of actress Dakota Fanning, seemed in distress whilst in character, walking alongside a traffic jam Hard at work: She was spotted at one moment holding hands with her dashing co-star Javier Bardem as they shot a scene together during their workday What a look: Elle was wrapped up in a dark coat with a chic folded collar, buttoning herself into an olive green blouse and tucking the top in Keeping it simple: She slipped into a high-waisted pair of wide-set pants and pulled on black leather shoes, and her makeup look for the role was minimal A cameraman was seen standing quite close to the pair of actors with a handheld unit, as evidently a close-up was called for at that moment. The scene looked as if it might be rather a fraught situation, as Javier wore a look of consternation and Elle was holding onto his right shoulder with both hands. Bardem, who is married to Penelope Cruz, was dressed in a grey V-neck with a few buttons up top, pulling on charcoal pants and a dark coat and rounding off the look with boots. Trying: Looking stricken, the The Beguiled actress was seen raising her hand as she walked past the cars, possibly in an attempt to hail a ride Got their ride: It appeared that the car she managed to beckon was a classic yellow cab, as she and Javier were spotted acting out a scene as he leaned against just such a vehicle Not missing a thing: A cameraman was seen standing quite close to the pair of actors with a handheld unit, as evidently a close-up was called for at that moment Intensity: The scene looked as if it might be rather a fraught situation, as Javier wore a look of consternation and Elle was holding onto his right shoulder with both hands Hunky: Bardem was dressed in a grey V-neck with a few buttons up top, pulling on charcoal pants and a dark coat and rounding off the look with boots The upcoming film Molly does not yet have a publicly announced release date, but it does have a formidable cast including Salma Hayek, Chris Rock and Laura Linney. It is being written and directed by Sally Potter, who became a sensation in 1992 when she adapted Virginia Woolf's Orlando into a film starring Tilda Swinton. Sally's films include The Man Who Cried, a period drama starring Johnny Depp and Cate Blanchett, and Rage, starring Judi Dench and Jude Law. What company: The upcoming film Molly does not yet have a publicly announced release date, but it does have a formidable cast including Salma Hayek, Chris Rock and Laura Linney Pedigree: It is being written and directed by Sally Potter, who became a sensation in 1992 when she adapted Virginia Woolf's Orlando into a film starring Tilda Swinton Lindsay Lohan went gaga after spotting an adorable baby at her Greek island hotspot on Tuesday's episode of her new MTV reality show. The 32-year-old actress was speaking with business partner Panos Spentzos when she spotted a male guest at her Lohan Beach House Mykonos from afar holding a baby. 'You have to see this baby,' Lindsay interjected as her eyes lit up. Going gaga: Lindsay Lohan went gaga over a baby she spotted at her Greek beach hotspot on Tuesday's episode of Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club The guest approached with the infant and Lindsay instantly volunteered: 'I'll babysit'. 'Can I hold her?,' she asked and then clutched the baby close to her. Lindsay said that it was important to her to have a 'family friendly' beachclub. 'It's nice to have kids running around so their parents cannot worry,' she said. Tender moment: The 32-year-old actress volunteered to babysit and asked to hold the baby Family friendly: The nightclub partner said it was important to have a 'family friend' place Anchor tattoo: Lindsay showed an anchor tattoo on her right shoulder while holding the baby Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club premiered last week on MTV and the series focus on the actress as she tries to establish her nightclub brand. The newest episode titled What Are Your Intentions showed Lindsay overseeing the new crew of bartenders and hosts she hired to serve customers including: Michael Mulderrig, Juliana Wilson, Brent Marks, Sara Tariq, Aristotle Polites, Billy Estevez, Gabi Andrews, May Yassine and Jonitta Wallace. Lindsay was keeping an eye on Brent after he displayed a superiority complex among the group. Reality star: The Mean Girls actress was documenting her brand development on the MTV reality show Staff meeting: Lindsay held a staff meeting as she tried to get to know them better Written goals: The staff wrote down their goals for being there and read each other's aloud Brand development: Lindsay and her business partner Panos Spentzos were building their brand together The Mean Girls star lead a staff meeting where she asked the crew to write down their goals while working at the beach club. She and Panos learned that Aristotle was hoping to overcome his social anxiety. Panos assigned shy Aristotle with outgoing Brent as his helper to their VIP guest - the eccentric Greek fashion designer Lakis Gavalas. Shy guy: Aristotle Polites during the staff meeting said he was hoping to overcome his social anxiety Greek designer: Greek fashion designer Lakis Gavalas. was a VIP guest at the club Teaming up: Aristotle and Brent were assigned to serve Lakis Odd requests: Lakis asked Aristotle to carry him and dance with him Feet washing: Aristotle also washed the guest's feet with hot towels at his request Lakis asked Aristotle to carry him, performed acrobatic dance moves with him and requested that he wash his feet with hot towels. Aristotle obliged as Brent mocked him and walked off the assignment. Lindsay watched intently as Brent strolled off and was angered by his audacity. Openly mocked: Brent mocked Aristotle for 'degrading' himself and washing the guest's feet Eye out: Lindsay watched as Brent walked off his assignment Party time: The beach club drew a bevy of dancing beauties 'He doesn't get to do that,' Lindsay said. Sara also was souring on Brent after watching his interactions and told Billy that he was more her type. Brent confronted Billy about it and then started badmouthing Sara and the other women calling them all 'ugly'. Wrong guy: Sara Tariq was starting to question Brent's behavior toward the others Her type: Billy Estevez listened as Sara admitted that he was more her type than Brent Great timing: Brent showed up as Sara and Billy were having a heartfelt conversation Sara was out of view listening to his disparaging remarks and then came out and poured a bottle of tequila over Brent's head. She got high-fives later from the other women as they bonded together against Brent. Brent reacted by drinking straight from the battle and passed out on the floor. Cruel comments: Brent started badmouthing Sara and called all the girls 'ugly' Listening in: Juliana Wilson overheard the disparaging remarks and confronted Brent Out of view: Sara was out of view but could hear Brent as he badmouthed her Billy took the high road and helped him out as Brent puked on the street. Brent the next day confronted Panos in a group meeting and was reprimanded in front of the others. He later sought out Panos for an one-on-one meeting and said his back hurt from 'carrying the team'. Drink on: Brent got doused by Sara who poured a tequila bottle over his head Good job: The girls gave high-fives to Sara after she doused Brent with booze Bottle time: Brent afterward drank straight from the bottle Helping out: Billy took the high road and helped Brent after he passed out Puke face: Brent had vomit on his face after puking in the street Panos told him that he didn't have time for individual meetings and Brent slapped the table in frustration. 'Don't do that again,' Panos warned. Panos later spoke to Lindsay about Brent and she said that he could be easily replaced. Tense meeting: Panos did not have time for the individual meeting called by Brent Good times: Lindsay also was shown cooking and spending time with friends 'We can find 10 other people. They're disposable,' she said. 'Everyone is replaceable. We're not committed to any of the VIP hosts,' Panos agreed. 'They're never going to get to me ever,' Brent declared to his co-workers after his meeting with Panos. No time: The actress told Panos that they didn't have time for their employees to waste Lindsay warned that Brent was 'crossing the line' by being disrespectful to Panos. 'They can kiss my ass,' Brent said at the end of the episode. Lindsay Lohan's Beach Club will return next week on MTV. Line crossed: Lindsay warned that Brent was 'crossing the line' by being disrespectful to Panos She's celebrating her youngest daughter Chicago's first birthday today. But Kim Kardashian proved she was a working mom, stepping into the studio for a fitting and glam test on Tuesday. The 38-year-old beauty took to social media to flaunt her plump pout while displaying an array of different colored wigs. Scroll down for video Working mom: Kim Kardashian flashed her ample cleavage, abs and plump pout during a colorful fitting in Los Angeles on Tuesday Kim flaunted her incredibly toned and bronzed abs in the video. She wore a revealing crop top that flashed her ample cleavage with a pair of tights from the Yeezy range. The KKW Beauty star's glam featured a clear complexion with a light sweep of blush and a lash extensions. Fitness paying off! Kim flaunted her incredibly toned and bronzed abs in the video Gorgeous: Kim added a pop of color with a slight blue shadow in her inner tear ducts completed her look with her nude shade matte lip Kim added a pop of color with a slight blue shadow in her inner tear ducts completed her look with her nude shade matte lip. The reality star also shared videos of herself trying on pink, blue and blonde hued long wigs. 'Playing with fun hair today,' Kim told her 125 million followers on her Instagram Stories. 'I have a really cute shoot coming up. I can't wait for you guys to see it. What do you guys think it's for?' she questioned her fans. Kim's posts come after she shaded a tender shot of her youngest daughter Chicago on the social media earlier in the day in honor of her first birthday. 'Happy Birthday to my pretty girl Chi!!! The sweetest baby in the whole world! Mommy and Daddy love you so much!' So many choices! 'Playing with fun hair today,' Kim told her 125 million followers on her Instagram Stories Chi, as her family affectionately calls her, looked darling while laying down on a knitted blanket wearing a white linen dress and gazing up at her mom adoringly. Grandma Kris Jenner also announced her love on Instagram, posting a pretty photo of the little one lying on her belly in a pink wrap. It was captioned: 'Happy birthday to our beautiful angel Chicago!! You are my precious ray of sunshine and I love you so very much....' 'You put a smile on everyones face the moment you crawl into any room and you bring such joy and happiness into our lives!!! I love you Chi Chi #love #family #happybirthdaychi.' Kim and Kanye - who are also parents to North, five, and Saint, three, - welcomed their baby girl via a surrogate last year. Birthday girl! Kim's posts come after she shaded a tender shot of her youngest daughter Chicago on the social media earlier in the day in honor of her first birthday Bundle of joy: Grandma Kris Jenner also announced her love on Instagram, posting a pretty photo of the little one lying on her belly in a pink wrap While Chicago is currently the baby of the family, that won't be the case for long. The celebrity brood is currently expecting a fourth child, a boy, via surrogate. After the baby news was reported earlier this month, Kim personally confirmed things on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen Monday. Kim and Kanye are said to be 'thrilled it [surrogacy] has worked out' for a second time, with Kim particularly happy to have her 'perfect' combination of 'two boys and two girls'. A source told E! News: 'The surrogate is well into the pregnancy. She is due in May and everything looks good. baby joy! After the baby news was reported earlier this month, Kim personally confirmed that she was expecting her fourth child via surrogate on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen Monday Baby makes six! Kim and Kanye are said to be 'thrilled it [surrogacy] has worked out' for a second time, with Kim particularly happy to have her 'perfect' combination of 'two boys and two girls' 'Kim and Kanye have known for awhile and are very excited. They had one male embryo left and are thrilled it has worked out. Kim always wanted four kids and having two boys and two girls feels perfect.' According to TMZ, Kim and Kanye are using a new surrogate and not the woman who carried their daughter Chicago. Their first surrogate was unable to carry a second baby for the couple as she gave birth to her own child on Christmas Eve. Kim and Kanye are said to have just recently started to share the news of the pregnancy with family and friends, with the reality star currently planning a baby shower to celebrate. She was forced to surrender one of her favourite snacks - a packet of gravy - on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! earlier this week. But Ajay Rochester had plenty of time to indulge while sunbathing in Los Angeles on January 7, just a few days before she entered the jungle. The former Biggest Loser star, 49, looked very relaxed indeed as she sunbathed in a public park while snacking on Doritos chips. Whatever's comfortable! Ajay Rochester was spotted tucking into a packet of Doritos while sunbathing in Los Angeles just a week before entering the I'm A Celebrity jungle Ajay styled her blonde hair into a ponytail and appeared to go makeup-free. Letting her statement swimwear do all the talking, she accessorised simply with a pair of monochrome glasses. The TV personality has been making headlines ever since settling into 'jungle' life in South Africa's Kruger National Park. Loving life: The former Biggest Loser star looked very relaxed indeed. Pictured on January 7 Casual look: Letting her statement swimwear do all the talking, Ajay accessorised simply with a pair of monochrome glasses Several I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestants have already been busted for bringing in contraband to the campsite. And Ajay was among the first to 'fess up, admitting she brought in a packet of Gravox which she planned 'on saving it for a Tucker Trial'. In a behind-the-scenes video shared by 10 Daily, she ripped the packet open for a cheeky lick before being forced to surrender it to producers. 'It's a sad day, it's a sad day for Gravox lovers everywhere,' she said. How refreshing! At one stage, she was pictured guzzling Coca-Cola while soaking up the sun Meanwhile, Ajay has been openly critical of former Biggest Loser trainer Michelle Bridges during her stint in the jungle. During a conversation with campmates Sam Dastyari and Justin Lacko, she recalled an incident in 2016 when Michelle, 48, said she had never met someone who was overweight and happy. Ajay lashed out on social media at the time, sharing a photo of her bare buttocks an inviting her rival to 'kiss [her] fat happy a**'. 'I'd been silent for so long, and it was like the little mouse that roared,' Ajay told Sam and Justin. Reality star: Ajay has been making headlines ever since settling into 'jungle' life in South Africa's Kruger National Park 'If you're going to make millions of dollars in the weight loss industry, then understand and acknowledge and have some empathy for your client,' she said. Ajay went on to brand Michelle's comments as 'judgmental' and 'discriminatory', adding: 'It just continually perpetuates this notion that fat is unhealthy, fat is unhappy, fat is different, fat is not okay.' Ajay insisted that everyone deserves to feel happy, no matter their size. 'Look, I've got a fat a** and I'm happy, and I try to live the biggest life possible and the happiest life possible. And just FYI, fat people can be happy,' she concluded. Caught out: Ajay was among the first I'm A Celebrity contestants to 'fess up to contraband, admitting she brought in a packet of Gravox which she planned 'on saving it for a Tucker Trial' It comes after Ajay revealed in an interview with Woman's Day on Monday that she once tried to catch a tapeworm in a desperate bid to lose weight. 'I've never publicly admitted this to anyone, but when I walked the Great Wall of China with Olivia Newton-John in 2008, I drank the water in the hope of getting a tapeworm,' she told the magazine. 'I actually brought home a bottle of tap water, so I could keep losing weight. It didn't work. All I wanted was a tapeworm. Ripped off.' She is a big fan of weed. And on Tuesday Chelsea Handler continued on her quest to find a munchies-resistant strain. The 43-year-old comedian visited a marijuana farm, posting a selfie in front of thousands of the plants, before possibly mis-attributing a profound quote to Leo Tolstoy. On a mission: Chelsea Handler visited weed farm on Tuesday as she continued her quest to find a strain for girls that doesn't cause munchies 'Weed. It makes everything and everyone a little bit easier,' she wrote in the caption, attributing it to the Russian War And Peace novelist. In her stories, Chelsea explained a little bit more about her mission. 'Today I'm heading up north to another weed farm so I can see another grow, because I've only been to about 17 grows,' she said. 'I'm just trying to find the right strain for girls so that we don't get hungry when we get stoned!' Quest: 'I'm just trying to find the right strain for girls so that we don't get hungry when we get stoned!,' she explained Packing: Chelsea also revealed on her flight en route to the farm that she was set-up on all her other drugs too, showing off an impressive stash of prescription and over-the-counter medications that she keeps in a compartmentalized kit. Chelsea also revealed on her flight en route to the farm that she was set-up on all her other drugs too, showing off an impressive stash of prescription and over-the-counter medications that she keeps in a compartmentalized kit. The former Chelsea Lately host announced back in February that she intended producing her own line of cannabis. 'Im going to come out with my own line of weed, I decided,' she said. 'I want people to understand that you dont have to get blottoed, you can just get a little, nice buzz to take the edge off.' Chelsea did plenty of experimentation with narcotics during her Netflix series in 2016, hosting a marijuana-infused meal and smoking weed with Willie Nelson, and taking the sleeping pill Ambien while drinking alcohol. She also traveled to Peru to try the powerful Amazonian psychedelic Ayahuasca, and ended up puking in a bowl. Sofia Richie took to Instagram on Tuesday to post an alluring photo of herself. The 20-year-old model gazed longingly into the camera while pouting her lips. She made the post the day after Kourtney Kardashian, 39, blessed her relationship with her ex, Scott Disick, 35. Bedroom eyes: Sofia Richie, 20, took to Instagram on Tuesday to post an alluring photo of herself in which she gazed longingly into the camera while pouting her lips In the closeup picture, Sofia showed off her heavy-lidded bedroom eyes and unblemished skin. The 5ft6in beauty was dressed in a blue blazer with a dark graphic shirt underneath and a diamond-studded cross necklace. The Tommy Hilfiger model kept her dyed blonde hair pulled back in a tight ponytail. 'Rain on me,' she captioned, presumably a reference to the gloomy Los Angeles weather. The rain hadn't previously deterred Sofia, as she and her beau Scott Disick were spotted trudging through the rain on Saturday. She's for it: On Monday, Kourtney Kardashian responded positively when the subject of Sofia's relationship to her ex-partner Scott came up on Watch What Happens Live On Monday, Kourtney Kardashian responded positively when the subject of Sofia's relationship to her ex-partner Scott came up on Watch What Happens Live. An audience member asked what the reality sensation would say if Scott asked Sofia to marry him. 'Congratulations!' she replied, smilingly broadly Her sister Kim Kardashian chimed in: 'Yeah, we vacation together. It's all good!' Kourtney, Scott and Sofia all managed to vacation harmoniously when the three went on a joint vacation to Mexico in December. Three's company: Kourtney, Scott and Sofia all managed to vacation harmoniously when the three went on a joint vacation to Cancun, Mexico in December Sofia and Scott went Instagram official in September of 2017, with her being the first long-term girlfriend for Scott since his split from Kourtney in 2015. Scott shares his three children, Mason, nine, Penelope, six, and Reign, four, with his reality star former girlfriend. The three were reunited again when Scott and Sofia joined Kourtney and the rest of the Kardashian clan for a ski trip to Aspen during the holidays. Getting serious: Sofia and Scott went Instagram official in September of 2017, with her being the first long-term girlfriend for Scott since his split from Kourtney in 2015 The whole happy family: The three were reunited again when Scott and Sofia joined Kourtney and the rest of the Kardashian clan for a ski trip to Aspen during the holidays Sofia also posted two sweet Instagram stories on Monday night involving her parents, Lionel Richie, 69, and Diane Alexander, 51. The first showed a luggage tag from her mother's purse with a photo of Sofia and her older brother Miles Richie from when whey were kids. The second pictured Lionel giving his young daughter a piggyback ride as they stood on a hilltop across from San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge. When they were little: Sofia posted a sweet Instagram story showing a luggage tag from her mother's purse with a photo of Sofia and her older brother Miles Richie from when whey were kids She is one of the most iconic supermodels in the world. And Kate Moss looked incredible as she exited China Tang at The Dorchester after celebrating her 45th birthday in style alongside her handsome boyfriend Count Nikolai von Bismarck. Kate was also joined by her pal Stella McCartney.who uploaded a snap of the two of them alongside the caption: 'To one of my oldest finest funniest friends... happy happy birthday. I love you xxx Shlag!!' Birthday girl: Kate Moss looked incredible as she exited China Tang at The Dorchester after celebrating her 45th birthday in style Dapper: Nikolai covered up in a navy wool coat but got suited and booted for the occasion as he walked alongside his love Kate looked sensational in an all-black ensemble which consisted of a plunging dress which she teamed with a thick statement belt. The star clad her endlessly long, lean legs in a pair of tights and boosted her height further with high heels. Kate wrapped up against the bitter London chill in a stylish shaggy black coat as she strutted along. Her striking features were enhanced with a glamorous coat of make-up, which complemented her long blonde flowing locks. Festivities: Kate's pal Stella McCartney couldn't resist sending her a cheeky message as she wished her a happy 45th birthday Cheeky: The fashion designer uploaded a snap of the two of them, alongside the caption: 'To one of my oldest finest funniest friends... happy happy birthday. I love you xxx Shlag!!' Sensational: Kate looked sensational in an all-black ensemble which consisted of a plunging dress which she teamed with a thick statement belt Fashionista: The star clad her endlessly long, lean legs in a pair of tights and boosted her height further with high heels Style queen: Kate wrapped up against the bitter London chill in a stylish shaggy black coat as she strutted along Loved-up: Kate and her boyfriend Nikolai put on a low-key appearance as they stepped out Proving the pair's fun-loving and close relationship over the years, Stella and Kate looked in their element as they posed away. Kate's 45th birthday comes hot on the heels of her step-sister Lottie Moss, who recently turned 21. Kate's parents, Peter and Linda Rosina, who also share son Nick, 41, divorced in 1987 when the model was 13. Former airline employee Peter went on to marry Lottie's mother Inger. Matching: Meanwhile, Stella wore a matching ensemble as she followed Kate out of the eatery 'I love you': Proving the pair's fun-loving and close relationship over the years, Stella and Kate looked in their element as they posed away in the snap. Party pals: Liv Tyler and her husband Dave Gardner also joined the celebrations for Kate Fashionable friends: Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful and Kate's longtime pal Sadie Frost were also spotted leaving the party Despite boasting a string of reality TV star pals, the Storm Models star recently insisted she has no interest in fame and going on reality TV. Lottie told The Sun: 'I've been asked a lot from Made In Chelsea. Obviously I'm friends with everyone on it. It's not for me. I quite like having a private life. I don't like everything being on TV.' Meanwhile, Kate has been in the modelling game for 30 years after she was scouted by a talent spotter at JFK airport, in New York City just aged 14. Stylish: Beauty guru Charlotte Tilbury was putting in an appearance at the bash, rocking a quirky fringed belt Hand-in-hand: Dave and Liv put on a loved-up display as they left the venue Effortlessly stylish: Liv covered up in a long wool coat, adding a slick of bright red lipstick Date night: Sadie and her boyfriend Darren Strowger were making an exit together Lavished with gifts: The star was showered with expensive gift bags from her friends Helping hand: A staff member was charged with carrying all the presents Kate had received And while she always looks fantastic, the catwalk stunner confessed she still gets 'jitters' when she struts her stuff on the runway all these years later. 'I still get nervous when I walk on set,' she told LOVE magazine in January. Kate elaborated: 'I still kind of think, "OMG I don't know what I'm thinking", then I get on set, then one pic is done, then I know what I'm doing. 'It's more about figuring who the character is that I'm playing or who I'm going to play that day. Figuring out who that is, then I'm OK.' Growing up quick: Kate's 45th birthday comes hot on the heels of her step-sister Lottie Moss, who recently turned 21 'I like having a private life': Despite boasting a string of reality TV star pals, the Storm Models star recently insisted she has no interest in fame and going on reality TV For months, he has insisted that his portrayal as a 'villain' on Married At First Sight was unbalanced and unfair. And now Dean Wells has shed more light on what really goes on behind the scenes of Channel Nine's popular dating show. In a YouTube video released on Wednesday, the 41-year-old accused the program's 'relationship experts' of being fed lines by producers. 'They stop, pause and go to their little headset': Married At First Sight's Dean Wells has claimed the relationship experts are 'fed lines by producers'... so can the stars really trust their advice? 'There's a lot more about this show that no one knows about,' Dean explained. 'For example, there's a scene where you sit down on this couch and talk to these so-called experts,' he added, referring to the show's commitment ceremonies. 'These experts are supposed to give you information and guide you through stuff and whatnot. But when you actually sit down and talk to them, you ask them a question, they don't answer you straight away.' 'They just sit there and get told what to say': In a YouTube video released on Wednesday, Dean revealed behind-the-scenes secrets from last year's season of Married At First Sight He continued: 'They stop, pause and go to their little headset, wait for the producers to tell them what to say, and then they talk to you. 'It's not actually really talking to you. It's all coming from a headset. They just sit there and get told what to say by the producers.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Nine for comment. Criticism: Married At First Sight's relationship experts - John Aiken (right) Mel Schilling (left) and Trisha Stratford (centre) - were last year stripped of their on-screen titles as 'psychologists' Married At First Sight's dating gurus - John Aiken, Mel Schilling and Trisha Stratford - have come under fire in the past. Last year, eagle-eyed viewers noticed that they were billed as 'relationship experts' for the first time, after being described as 'psychologists' in past seasons. Emails leaked to Daily Mail Australia in February 2018 revealed that the decision to change their official titles was the result of a complaint made against John Aiken. Documents: Emails (above) leaked to Daily Mail Australia in February 2018 revealed that the decision to change their official titles was the result of a formal complaint against John Aiken Documents showed that an ex-contestant made a formal complaint against John to the Psychology Council of New South Wales in April 2017 after being unhappy with his involvement in the show. The contestant claimed that people were 'put in dangerous situations' and John was later subjected to a hearing with the board as a result of the complaints. In an email outlining the ruling, dated August 30, 2017, the contestant was told that the Council had determined John could continue to work on MAFS, but he and the other 'experts' were no longer allowed to be referred to as 'psychologists'. Married At First Sight season six premieres Monday January 28 on Channel Nine She's one of Australia's most recognisable TV stars. And on Wednesday, fans were left baffled after discovering that The Project's Carrie Bickmore has hardly aged in the past decade. Photos shared to Instagram by the Carrie & Tommy radio show compared Carrie's appearance today with how she looked in 2019. Turning back the clock! The Project's Carrie Bickmore jumped on the '10-Year Challenge' bandwagon on Wednesday. Pictured left: in 2009, and right: during a recent TV appearance The photos were shared as part of the #10YearChallenge which is currently sweeping through social media. In the photo from 2009, Carrie is pictured on set of The Project - which was then known as The 7:30 Project - during its first year on air. Aged 28, she looked youthful and happy with natural-look makeup and wavy hair. Wow! Last year, Carrie shared this collage of photos to Instagram which demonstrated how her style had evolved over the previous 13 years In the 2019 picture, Carrie appears to have hardly aged a day. It comes after the 38-year-old welcomed her third child, daughter Adelaide, with boyfriend Chris Walker in December. She celebrated her newborn's one-month 'birthday' with a heartfelt social media tribute last week. Motherhood: It comes after the 38-year-old welcomed her third child, daughter Adelaide, with boyfriend Chris Walker in December She shared a photo to Instagram of herself breastfeeding Adelaide alongside Chris, which she captioned: '1 MONTH OLD TODAY!' In addition to baby Adelaide, the couple share a three-year-old daughter named Evie. Carrie also has an 11-year-old son, Oliver, from her previous marriage to Greg Lange, who died of cancer in 2010. Cindy Crawford stuck with black boots on Tuesday in New York City. The 52-year-old supermodel sported the stylish footwear upon arrival at JFK Airport. She tucked blue skinny jeans into her boots and also wore a black sweater and black leather jacket with a dark furry lapel. Travel style: Cindy Crawford arrived in style on Tuesday at JFK Airport in New York City Cindy had her brown hair down and accessorized with stud earrings and sunglasses while wheeling her own luggage through the airport concourse. The Illinois native also posted a sultry picture of herself on Instagram in the same footwear for her roughly 3.8 million followers. The photo showed Cindy reclining on an elbow-shaped burgundy couch in a silky black dress with her skirt hiked up revealing her toned legs and black boots. 'Back in NYC... and living in these combat boots (day and night),' Cindy wrote in the caption. Social media: The 52-year-old supermodel also took to social media on Tuesday and showed off her black Sarah Flint 'combat boots' She was referencing her Sarah Flint boots and also gave credit to her makeup artist Yumi Mori and stylist Amarsana Gendunova. Cindy has two children with her 56-year-old husband Rande Gerber, son Presley, 19, and daughter Kaia , 17, both of whom have followed in their mother's modeling footsteps. Presley was arrested last month for investigation of driving under the influence. Effortlessly stylish: Cindy looked effortlessly stylish with blue skinny jeans tucked into black boots His attorney Scott Spindel told DailyMail.com: 'Presley Gerber was arrested and released on his own recognisance and no bail was posted. Presley Gerber has no criminal record and has never been arrested. Presley Gerber takes this very seriously and is taking the steps necessary to address the allegations.' Cindy and Kaia appeared toger on the April 2016 issue of Vogue Paris. She also walked with fellow supermodels Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen and Carla Bruni in September 2017 as they closed the Versace spring/summer 2018 show at Milan Fashion Week. She started off the evening in a breathtaking monochrome gown. And Rosamund Pike looked sensational as ever as she underwent an outfit change while attending the IWC Schaffhausen in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday. The 39-year-old actress was the picture of elegance in a striking gown with a cut-out at the waist that showed off her toned abdomen as the bash continued into the night. Glamour: Rosamund Pike, 39, looked sensational as ever as she underwent an outfit change while attending the IWC Schaffhausen in Geneva, Switzerland on Tuesday The dress came complete with two large bows at either side of the cut-out while it was given a stylish finish with an intricate pleated detail. Keeping it simple, the Gone Girl star accessorised with a silver watch and pearl earrings. She complemented her pretty features with rosy blush and natural lipgloss, wearing her blonde bob down in loose waves. Striking: The 39-year-old actress was the picture of elegance in a striking gown with a cut-out at the waist that showed off her toned abdomen Earlier in the evening the British star looked every inch the natural beauty in another simple yet effortlessly elegant gown. The cream dress featured black halterneck detailing and a matching waistband, and was perfectly paired with coordinating peep-toe heels. The former Bond girl previously chatted about why she wanted to play a part in her latest movie A Private War. Stylish as ever: Rosamund was turning heads as she arrived at the IWC Schaffhausen in a different but equally chic cut-out dress Gorgeous: The British star looked every inch the natural beauty in the simple yet effortlessly elegant gown Rosamund transforms into the fearless and rebellious war correspondent Marie Colvin who is driven to the frontline across the globe. The actress discussed struggling to detach herself from playing Colvin, 52, who was killed during a rocket strike in Syria in 2012. She told Town and Country Magazine: 'I wanted to capture her spirit of rebellion. But I also had to dive into Curies bitterness. I want people to care about journalism again.' Rosamund said she researched the role heavily, spending time with Colvin's close friends and watching videos of her. She celebrated turning 21 in style, jetting out to Mexico with all her pals last week. And Lottie Moss expressed her sadness at her holiday coming to an end as she uploaded her final bikini-clad snap on Instagram, before heading to Cancun Airport on Tuesday. The model showcased her slender physique as she slipped into a teeny-tiny grey triangle bikini for the sizzling mirror selfie. Sizzling: Lottie Moss was sad her holiday was coming to an end as she uploaded her final bikini-clad snap modelling a grey two-piece before going to Cancun Airport on Tuesday Lottie showcased her taut midriff and bird tattoo in the microscopic bikini top, while the string bottoms made the most of her lithe limbs. Letting her wet brunette locks cascade down her shoulder, the younger sister of Kate Moss posed up a storm as she pouted in front of the mirror. She wrote atop of the scantily-clad selfie: 'Don't wanna leave', alongside a crying emoji. Cigarette break: Lottie then headed to the airport with her pal Ella Ross and other friends. Ahead of her flight, the catwalk queen was spotted puffing on a cigarette Lottie then headed to the airport with her pal Ella Ross. Ahead of her flight, the catwalk queen was spotted puffing on a cigarette as she chatted to her friends. The model opted to go braless underneath a cropped white t-shirt which had the slogan: 'Sorry if my nipples offend you'. Opting for comfort for her long haul flight, Lottie paired the look with grey joggers and black flip-flops. Bold fashion statement: The model opted to go braless underneath a cropped white t-shirt which had the slogan: 'Sorry if my nipples offend you'. Rainy: Lottie kept her Instagram followers updated as her holiday drew to a close, sharing a wind-swept snap of her villa, with palm trees swaying after a thunderstorm That's the Lot: Lottie has shared a number of selfies from her trip on Instagram Laden with suitcases and toting a beige leather Celine bag, she wore her hair in a messy top bun and decided to forego make-up. Lottie kept her Instagram followers updated as her holiday drew to a close, sharing a wind-swept snap of her villa, with palm trees swaying after a thunderstorm before posting a photo of her fast-food dinner, consisting of a greasy burger and crimped chunky chips. During her time in Mexico, Lottie chartered her trip with many a mirror selfie on Instagram and hit the beach with her bevvy of pals. The Today show, which debuted its new hosting lineup on Monday, was quickly smashed in the ratings by rival Sunrise. And things didn't improve on Tuesday, with figures for the second episode demonstrating that the gap between Today and Sunrise is widening even further. While Channel Nine's breakfast program did grow its metro audience slightly (it was up 5,000 viewers to 202,000 in the five capital cities), Sunrise increased its lead even further by drawing 275,000 viewers, up from 266,000 on Monday. Scroll down for video It's not looking good! The Today show has delivered more disappointing ratings on Tuesday with its new, all-female lineup. Pictured: Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie Gardner (right) The disappointing numbers will no doubt leave Nine executives with a major headache just days after Today's much-anticipated relaunch with Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner as co-hosts. Nationally, the picture was looking even bleaker for Today. On Tuesday, the program drew 304,000 viewers across the country, down from 312,000 the day before. Popping open the champagne! Daily Mail Australia understands Sunrise staff received a congratulatory email on Wednesday which referenced how the ratings gap between the rival shows continues to widen. Pictured: David Koch and Samantha Armytage In contrast, Sunrise gained 14,000 viewers on Tuesday, achieving a national audience of 441,000. Champagne corks are no doubt popping behind the scenes at Channel Seven. Daily Mail Australia understands Sunrise staff received a congratulatory email on Wednesday which referenced how the ratings gap between the rival shows continues to widen. Nightmare: The disappointing numbers will no doubt leave Nine executives with a major headache just days after Today's much-anticipated relaunch. Pictured (left to right): Brooke Boney, Tony Jones, Deborah Knight, Georgie Gardner and Tom Steinfort Regional viewers are not offering any hope of salvation for Today, either. On Tuesday, just 102,000 regional viewers woke up with Today, down from 115,000 on Monday. A Channel Nine spokesperson declined to comment. Macaulay Culkin has opened up about his much speculated upon friendship with Michael Jackson, which he describes as 'normal.' Culkin, 38, was a guest on Michael Rosenbaum's Inside Of You podcast, which debuted on Tuesday, where he opened up about his friendship with Jackson at a very young age, after Home Alone made him a massive star at just 10 years old. 'He reached out to me because a lot of things were happening, big and fast with me and I think he identified with that,' Culkin said. Macaulay opens up: Macaulay Culkin opens up about his friendship with Michael Jackson in a new podcast interview Friends: 'He reached out to me because a lot of things were happening, big and fast with me and I think he identified with that,' Culkin said of Jackson (seen together in 2006) 'At the end of the day, it's almost easy to say it was weird or whatever but it wasn't because it made sense,' he continued. 'At the end of the day, we were friends.' He added that the only reason people thought it was unusual because, 'he was the most famous person in the world.' 'I was a peerless person,' Culkin added. 'Nobody else in my Catholic school had even this much idea of what I was going through and he was the kind of person who'd been through the exact same frickin thing and wanted to make sure I wasn't alone.' Culkin opens up: 'At the end of the day, it's almost easy to say it was weird or whatever but it wasn't because it made sense,' he continued. 'At the end of the day, we were friends. Good friends: Culkin described the late pop icon as being, 'hilarious,' 'sweet' and 'funny,' adding that they would often prank call people Culkin described the late pop icon as being, 'hilarious,' 'sweet' and 'funny,' adding that they would often prank call people. 'He was f***ing hilarious,' Culkin continued, 'He was charming, f***ing funny, silly. For me, it's so normal and mundane.' 'I know it's a big deal to everyone else, but to me it was a normal friendship,' he added, before opening up about his own father. Macaulay on Michael: Culkin described the late pop icon as being, 'hilarious,' 'sweet' and 'funny,' adding that they would often prank call people Culkin was raised by a large family and went to a Catholic school, adding he had a 'little bit of a temper' during those days, while trying to be 'kind' in describing his father as a 'complicated man. When asked by Rosenbaum to elaborate, he said, 'Honestly, he was a mean b*stard. He really shouldn't have been a father, to be honest.' 'The word "proud" never came across his lips,' he added. 'I do actually go out of my way, when it comes to my brothers and loved ones, when they do something really good or great, I go out of my way to say that I am proud of them, because that's something I never really heard.' Opening up on dad: Culkin was raised by a large family and went to a Catholic school, adding he had a 'little bit of a temper' during those days, while trying to be 'kind' in describing his father as a 'complicated man Dad talk: When asked by Rosenbaum to elaborate, he said, 'Honestly, he was a mean bastard. He really shouldn't have been a father, to be honest' Culkin added that he hasn't spoken to his father in 'about 23 years,' adding his father did try to reconnect around 18 to 20 years ago. The former child star recently reprised his role as Kevin McCallister from Home Alone as an adult, for Google Home. He will also return to the big screen with Changeland, starring alongside writer-director-actor Seth Green. Culkin also spoke on the 75-minute podcast about how landing his role in Uncle Buck lead to Home Alone and getting drunk in Thailand on the Changeland set with Seth Green. Idina Menzel has called herself out as a 'bad mom' after failing in her duties as the tooth fairy on Monday night. The 47-year-old Tony winning actress took to Twitter on Tuesday, revealing that her nine-year-old son Walker lost a tooth, but, sadly, 'the tooth fairy didn't show up last night.' 'Mom put tooth in tissue and son hid it under pillow,' Menzel continued. 'Then mom fell asleep and woke up this morning to son with tears.' Bad mom: Idina Menzel calls herself out for tooth fairy fail with her nine year old son Walker No tooth fairy: The 47-year-old Tony winning actress took to Twitter on Tuesday, revealing that her nine-year-old son Walker lost a tooth, but, sadly, 'the tooth fairy didn't show up last night '"Tooth fairy didnt come." That tooth fairy better get her s**t together,' she concluded, with the hashtag #badmoms. The actress-mother received plenty of support from several other moms on Twitter, who shared their story about how they coped with forgetting tooth fairy duties. Fellow actress Rachel Bay Jones responded, 'Been there. Look under the bed!,' while a Twitter user named Wendy McNamara shared her tooth fairy was 'famous for her amnesia.' Fairy fail: The actress-mother received plenty of support from several other moms on Twitter, who shared their story about how they coped with forgetting tooth fairy duties Another mom, Julie Terry, shared that she forgot to leave some money for her son's first tooth, and now as an adult, he doesn't even remember. 'The exact same thing happened when my son lost his first tooth,' she said. 'Tooth fairy brought $10 the next night. Hes 26 now and says he has no recollection of it. Itll be ok!!!' Menzel had her nine year old son Walker with her first husband, Taye Diggs, to whom she was married to from 2003 to 2013. On the red carpet: Menzel had her nine year old son Walker with her first husband, Taye Diggs, to whom she was married to from 2003 to 2013 Menzel started dating Aaron Lohr after meeting during the film adaptation of Rent, where she reprised her role from the original Broadway cast as Maureen Johnson. After buying a home together in August 2015, Menzel and Johnson announced they were engaged in September 2016 and married in September 2017. Professionally, Menzel is gearing up for what could be a huge year in 2019, with two big films arriving later this year. On the red carpet: Menzel started dating Aaron Lohr after meeting during the film adaptation of Rent, where she reprised her role from the original Broadway cast as Maureen Johnson Menzel will reprise her role as Elsa in the highly-anticipated Disney animate sequel Frozen 2, which is slated for release on November 22 She also stars in the A24 film Uncut Gems, which also stars Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, Eric Bogosian, Pom Klementieff and The Weeknd. She also voices Elsa in the popular video game Kingdom Hearts III, which will be released on January 25. Her latest movie, Bird Box, was viewed by 45million Netflix subscribers in just its first week. But despite flying high on the film's massive success, Sandra Bullock went relatively incognito on Monday in an all-black ensemble. The Speed star even shielded her eyes with dark sunglasses, despite Los Angeles' rainy weather. Who's that girl? Sandra Bullock went relatively incognito on Monday in an all-black ensemble The 54-year-old native Virginian bundled up in a black quilted jacket on the chilly Southern California day. On her lower half, the Miss Congeniality actress wore black Hunter rain boots over black leggings. Sandra covered her brunette tresses in a black beanie and shielded her eyes with circular frame sunglasses as she head into a meeting. Future's so bright: The Speed star even shielded her eyes with dark sunglasses, despite Los Angeles' rainy weather Not too bright: Her movie Bird Box recently attracted at least one fan who tried to copy the events of the streaming megahit Her movie Bird Box recently attracted at least one fan who tried to copy the events of the streaming megahit. In the horror movie, Bullock's character attempts to navigate a river in a row boat - whilst blindfolded. And last Friday, police in Layton, Utah tweeted that a female driver had attempted to drive with her eyes covered in what they described as the 'Bird Box Challenge'. The police shared an image of two crushed cars, but thankfully there were 'no injuries'. They turned to Bravo's Million Dollar Listing reality show to help them sell their Beverly Hills mansion after failing to find a buyer. But it turns out that Dorit Kemsley and her husband Paul, known as PK, didn't quite get the result they wanted. On Tuesday, People reported that after realtors David Parnes and James Harris held a broker open house, the luxury property was targeted by a serial burglar who preyed on celebrity homes. Following the burglary, the couple pulled the home from the market. Targeted: Paul and Dorit Kemsley pulled their Beverly Hills mansion off the market after it was burglarized following an open house hosted by Bravo's Million Dollar Listing They had originally asked $12.75 million for the sprawling mansion but dropped the price substantially to $8.995 million when it was featured on Million Dollar Listing. It seems The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills stars have decided to shave another million off their asking price as they struggle to find a buyer. The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom house was re-listed with Nourmand & Associates-Beverly Hills at $7.995 million on Realtor.com on Monday. The celebrity couple say they have essentially 'outgrown' the home and they need a bigger yard for their kids, Jagger, four, and Phoenix, two. Beverly Hills living: They had originally asked $12.75 million for the sprawling mansion but dropped the price substantially to $8.995 million when it was featured on Million Dollar Listing Room to roam: The Contemporary-Mediterranean style property boasts six-bedrooms and seven-bathrooms over 8,679 sq ft Bang for your buck: There's a screening room, a wine room, a family room, a sauna, an office, an elevator and a three-car garage During the episode that aired Thursday, the open house was held to attract brokers who could bring in potential buyers. After it was shown on screen, a message appeared which informed viewers: 'Two weeks later, PK & Dorits home was robbed. They pulled it off the market until further notice.' It seems they had fallen victim to Benjamin Eitan Ackerman who, People reported, was arrested by the LAPD January 3 for allegedly stealing millions of dollars worth of designer goods and art from multiple homes over the past two years. Police said Ackerman often posed as an interested buyer or real estate broker during open houses. As well as the Kemsleys, his victims allegedly include his victims allegedly include Usher, Adam Lambert and Jason DeRulo. He has yet to be formally charged. She recently hit back at a troll who labelled her a 'frumpy dumpling'. And Jacqueline Jossa looked nothing short of sensational as she shared snaps of herself and husband Dan Osborne during a recent holiday. The Eastenders star, 26, looked in high spirits as she relaxed by the pool in a yellow bikini as she reminisced about her recent break on Tuesday. Vacation: Jacqueline Jossa, 26, looked nothing short of sensational as she shared snaps of herself and husband Dan Osborne, 27, during a recent holiday Showing off her toned figure, the TV star sported a sun-kissed glow as she soaked up the warm temperatures with her family. In another snap, she cosied up to Dan, 27, who showed off his muscular frame in black swimming trunks. Alongside the post, she wrote: 'To be back on holiday. I know its only January. FFS. 'Swipe to see some holiday pics of me and my gang while Ella and I are poorly on our cosy bed made on the sofa. Classic illness move, making a bed on the sofa and films.' Couple: In another snap, she cosied up to Dan, 27, who showed off his muscular frame in black swimming trunks Jacqueline and Dan are parents to Ella, three, and Mia, seven months, while Dan also has a son named Teddy, four from a previous relationship. It comes after the actress recently hit out at an online troll who commented on one of her photos and accused her of photoshopping. The comment read: 'Omg how photoshopped is that!! Pls looks nothing like her what so ever!! '@danosborneofficial bet you wish she did look like this tho instead of a frumpy dumplin with slap head. Memories: Alongside the post, she wrote: 'To be back on holiday. I know its only January. FFS' Circling the comment, she wrote: 'Starting the new year off positively I see Jen. Ps I do look like this, even when I hoover the dog hairs off the floor and baby sick all over me...' Jacqueline recently spoke about her temporary split from Dan after 11 months of marriage, saying it 'needed to happen' as their rekindled romance goes from strength to strength. Talking to The Sun's Fabulous, Jacqueline, who admitted she is feeling the most confident she has ever felt in her life, said that you can't be 'properly in love when you dont love yourself'. She added: 'Breaking up 100% needed to happen for us, I just wish it hadnt been so public, and Im sad that it happened the way it did. But it was always going to happen, and Im glad it did because it could have easily got to a point where it was too late and we didnt even care enough to bring it back.' Back home: She added: 'Swipe to see some holiday pics of me and my gang while Ella and I are poorly on our cosy bed made on the sofa. Classic illness move, making a bed on the sofa' Hitting back at being 'poor Jacqueline', the soap star - who was pregnant with their second child when they split, exclaimed that she's always been able to handle her 'f**king s**t' and that she's a 'strong person'. During the end of her pregnancy and marital woes, Dan signed up to Celebrity Big Brother where he was away for four weeks and in a house with Gabby Allen, who he had been linked to after they were spotted looking 'cosy' on a yacht - something they both deny. Admitting she laughed at the photos, Jacqueline went on to slam the now axed Channel 5 series for trying to make her heartache and life into a show. She said: 'They asked me to go on Bit On The Side, but I just thought: "You know what, my life isnt a show. This is not fun for me." It was something that he needed to do, and Im glad he did it because he got to show a different side of him. And I knew everything would be better afterwards, but there was no way I was going to the final.' However, after Dan left Celebrity Big Brother the couple reunited, with their marriage now stronger than ever. The tragic death of model and actress Annalise Braakensiek aged 46 earlier this month shocked friends, family and fans alike. Since her body was discovered on January 6, tributes have continued to pour in from around the country as people struggle to come to terms with her passing. And at sunrise on Wednesday, fellow model Jodhi Meares was among hundreds of mourners at a moving tribute for Annalise at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Tribute: James Packer's ex-wife Jodhi Meares paid her respects to the late Annalise Braakensiek on Wednesday as friends gathered for a moving beachside tribute in Bondi Jodhi, 47, looked solemn in a floral-patterned black dress, as she walked barefoot on the sand while holding a small clutch of frangipanis. The crowds sat down on the sand at South Bondi to hear tributes to Annalise from those who knew her best. Prayers were recited and mourners fought back tears during the touching eulogies. Remembering a friend: Jodhi, 47, looked solemn in a floral-patterned black dress, as she walked barefoot on the sand while holding a small clutch of frangipanis Annalise was a Bondi icon, and known by Australians from all walks of life. Women in long, bohemian dresses, men in full suits and children in wetsuits were just some of those who arrived to pay their final respects to Annalise after she took her own life. Mourners arrived silently at the southern end of the beach just before 6am, leaving their shoes along a wall before gathering on the sand. Respectful gathering: Jodhi Meares was among hundreds of mourners at the sunrise eulogy Lest we forget: Prayers were recited as members of the crowd fought back tears Most carried a single frangipani, Annalise's favourite flower, and two large wreaths were laid out nearby. After a lengthy meditation, which concluded with music played on a wooden recorder, the crowd moved towards the water to lay down their single frangipanis. Friends held each other for support as they stared out at the sun rising over the waves and remembered their friend in silence. Act of love: After a lengthy meditation, which concluded with music played on a wooden recorder, the crowd moved towards the water to lay down their single frangipanis Jodhi, who is the ex-wife of James Packer, recently shared an old photo of herself and Annalise at an event hosted by the mental health charity R U OK? She wrote on Instagram: 'Om shanti Om shanti Om shanti beautiful angel. My prayers are with your family and loved ones.' For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 After their iconic partnership on Lost In Translation, Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola are back for another movie. The 68-year-old Ghostbusters star will reunite with the 47-year-old director for their newest film, On The Rocks. Their movie is set to be the first foray into filmmaking by tech giant Apple, which will partner with the critically successful distribution and production company A24. Back at it: Bill Murray, 68, will reunite with Sofia Coppola, 47, for their newest film, On The Rocks On The Rocks will also feature The Office actress Rashida Jones, 42, as a new mother who tracks down her aging Lothario father as they journey through New York. Production will begin on the upcoming film in New York in the spring. The dramedy seems like the perfect project for Sofia, who often finds comedy in dysfunctional personal relationships. The acclaimed filmmaker is the daughter of another legendary film force, Francis Ford Coppola, who helped defined cinema in the 1970s with The Godfather Parts I and II and Apocalypse Now. Sofia's own accomplishments stack up against her famous father. After directing a string of modern classics, she made history when she became only the second woman to win the Best Director prize at the Cannes Film Festival for The Beguiled. Re-teaming with Bill: On The Rocks will also feature The Office actress Rashida Jones, 42, as a new mother who tracks down her aging Lothario father as they journey through New York; pictured in September After their work together on Lost In Translation in 2003, which won the Bling Ring director an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, the two collaborated on the Netflix original special A Very Murray Christmas in 2015. The charming but slight holiday show found Bill showing off his endless charisma as he collaborated on musical performances with Rashida and Miley Cyrus. The classic funnyman appeared alongside Rashida the following year when he made a guest appearance on her zany cop comedy Angie Tribeca. Third time's the charm: After their work together on Lost In Translation in 2003, which won the Bling Ring director an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, the two collaborated on the Netflix original special A Very Murray Christmas in 2015; shown in 2015 The new Coppolla/Murray colab arrives as Apple has recently been making a shift to original programming with a morning show drama in the works starring Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell. On The Rocks will mark it's first foray into feature films. The iPhone manufacturer will join with A24, which was responsible for the Best Picture winner Moonlight and has produced the critical and popular successes Hereditary, Lady Bird and The Disaster Artist. The company is currently in major awards contention for First Reformed, a dark drama starring Ethan Hawke as a protestant minister questioning his faith. It's other 2018 releases include the middle school comedy Eighth Grade and Jonah Hill's directorial debut, Mid90s. The revamped Today show debuted on Monday and was promptly smashed in the ratings by rival Sunrise. However, despite the fact that Today delivered its lowest audience in 10 years, the network's former news and current affairs boss says it would be 'idiotic' to write off the struggling program just yet. As reported by The Australian on Wednesday, Peter Meakin said: 'It's very early days, and anyone trying to call the race on the first furlong is an idiot.' Scroll down for video 'It's very early days': Former Channel Nine executive Peter Meakin has leaped to the defence of the Today show after its revamped lineup debuted to disappointing ratings. Pictured: Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie Gardner (right) He added: 'I don't think Sunrise will break open the champagne yet. Not everything's a triumph right out of the box. It's one morning.' Meakin, who is now Channel 10's head of news and current affairs, blamed the temporary relocation of Today to 'remote' Melbourne Park - the site of the Australian Open - for the poor viewer response. He also said the unprecedented all-female line up consisting of Georgie Gardner, 48, and Deborah Knight, 46, could work 'just fine'. Don't celebrate just yet, Seven! Despite the fact that Today delivered its lowest audience in 10 years, the network's former news and current affairs boss says it would be 'idiotic' to write off the struggling program just yet. Pictured: Sunrise hosts David Koch and Sam Armytage It comes after sacked Today host Karl Stefanovic woke up to some good news on Tuesday. Ratings showed that Channel Nine's Today show was absolutely hammered by Channel Seven's Sunrise the previous day. Today drew a metro audience of 197,000 compared to Sunrise's 266,000. Opinion: As reported by The Australian on Wednesday, Peter Meakin (pictured) said: 'It's very early days, and anyone trying to call the race on the first furlong is an idiot. I don't think Sunrise will break open the champagne yet. Not everything's a triumph right out of the box' Whoops! It seems the endless stream of headlines about the staff changes at Nine's breakfast TV division failed to translate into audience growth. Pictured: Ex-Today host Karl Stefanovic The figures were described by News Corp as Today's 'lowest in 10 years'. This difference of 69,000 people in the all-important five capital cities market would certainly have been disappointing for Nine executives. It was expected that Today would have seen a ratings spike with viewers tuning in to check out the new lineup. Disappointing: Today, which debuted its new lineup on Monday, drew a metro audience of 197,000 compared to Sunrise's 266,000. Pictured (left to right): Brooke Boney, Tony Jones, Deborah Knight, Georgie Gardner and Tom Steinfort But the endless stream of headlines about the staff changes at Nine's breakfast TV division failed to translate into audience growth. In the regional ratings market, which is considered significantly less important by advertisers, Today saw a slight improvement compared to the last Monday of the 2018 ratings period. However, this failed to have much of an impact on the overall ratings, where Sunrise also came out on top nationally. This week, Channel Nine's Today show was smashed by Channel Seven's Sunrise and delivered its 'lowest audience in 10 years'. However as Deborah Knight prepared to make her debut as Today show co-anchor alongside Georgie Gardner on Monday, she revealed it's not her job to 'worry' about dismal ratings. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential on Sunday, the 46-year-old, who replaced Channel Nine identity, Karl Stefanovic, says she tries to 'limit the chatter'. 'That is for others to work at!' Today show host Deborah Knight (pictured) said it's not her job to 'worry' about ratings 'That is for others to work at and worry about, my job is just turning up and being me,' she told Confidential before the newly-revamped lineup made their debut. 'I try to limit the impact that the chatter and the white noise has on me. Youve just got to focus on the job at hand. 'I am trying to focus on getting this right and enjoy the ride as much as I can rather than be intimidated by it,' she concluded. Not her issue? 'That is for others to work at and worry about, my job is just turning up and being me,' she told Confidential. Pictured: New co-anchors Deborah Knight (left) and Georgie Gardner (right) Deborah was brought in to replace Karl, after he was axed last month amid poor ratings. However on Tuesday the first breakfast television ratings for 2019 were released and Today was absolutely hammered by Channel Seven's Sunrise. Today's new lineup drew a metro audience of 197,000 compared to Sunrise's 266,000. Out: Deborah was brought in to replace Karl Stefanovic (pictured), after he was axed last month amid poor ratings The figures were also described by News Corp as Today's 'lowest in 10 years'. This difference of 69,000 people in the all-important five capital cities market will certainly be disappointing for Nine executives. It was expected Today would have a ratings spike with viewers tuning in to see the new lineup. Passengers using Tokyo's Haneda Airport might find themselves transported around the hub on driverless buses from next year. Japanese airline All Nippon Airways (ANA) has started testing autonomous vehicles in a restricted area of the airport, away from aircraft and cargo. If the trial proves successful, the carrier hopes to implement the technology for passengers at Haneda by 2020. Passengers using Tokyo's Haneda airport might find themselves transported around the hub on driverless buses from next year. Pictured is one of the buses The autonomous bus will run with the help of magnetic trackers embedded into the ground that will help guide the bus along its route. Onboard sensors will allow the bus to follow these marks and will enable it to travel smoothly even if GPS signals are unavailable. However, there will always be a driver on board to take over if needed. During testing, the bus will also host an advanced control system called 'Dispatcher,' which will make it possible for the operator to monitor progress in real time and take control when needed. A diagram showing how the autonomous bus will run with the help of magnetic trackers embedded into the ground that will help guide the bus along its route The system provides constant real-time feedback that the operator can use to evaluate the interior and exterior of the vehicle at all times. Shigeru Hattori, senior vice president of ANA, said: 'At ANA, we are constantly striving to move the industry forward. 'This autonomous bus will help ease the flow of traffic in the airport and help enhance the traveling experience for passengers. In addition to ANA's trials at Haneda, other companies will conduct trials at Narita, Sendai, and Nagoya airports 'In addition to boosting convenience, the autonomous bus will also allow for safer travel within the airport and we will continue the tests until the technology reaches our high safety grade.' ANA is conducting these trials with Aichi Steel, SB Drive Corp, Advanced Smart Mobility Co, the Nippo Corporation and NEC Corporation. The first phase of testing was conducted in February 2018 in partnership with SB Drive Corp. In addition to ANA's trials at Haneda, other companies will conduct trials at Narita, Sendai, and Nagoya airports. Tottenham defender Serge Aurier was arrested on suspicion of assault just hours before the clubs clash against Manchester United. The 26-year-old was held the night before Sundays defeat by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer at Wembley after an alleged argument with his partner. Aurier missed the clash against United. Aurier denies the accusations of assault and Hertfordshire Police released the full-back without charge. Serge Aurier was arrested on suspicion of assault following a row with partner Hencha Voigt The 26-year-old defender lives with Voigt in Hertfordshire with their five-month old baby girl The 31-year-old Haitian-American fitness model is a reality TV star on US show Wags of Miami It remains to be seen whether Aurier will face internal disciplinary procedures from Tottenham following the incident. A Tottenham spokesman confirmed: We are aware of an incident concerning Serge Aurier this weekend. The player was released without charge. A statement issued by Hertfordshire Police read: A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of ABH. He has been released with no further action. The Ivory Coast full back lives with Voigt and their five-month old baby girl in Hertfordshire. Marcus Rashford scored the winning goal for Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday The right back scored twice in the 7-0 thrashing of Tranmere Rovers in the FA Cup this month Voigt, 31, is a Haitian-American fitness model and is currently a reality TV star on US show Wags of Miami. Aurier joined Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain for 23million in the summer of 2017. He was ruled out for the Parisian club's Champions League clash with Arsenal in 2016 after he was denied entry into the UK for assaulting a police officer in France. The defender also found himself in hot water after he was stopped for a breath test outside a night club in May 2016 which he was found guilty for and then given a two-month jail sentence. Aurier managed to successfully appeal the charge. Many people find math frustrating. But for some, it can actually turn into 'statistics anxiety,' a fear of doing math or statistics problems that can be debilitating or even stand in the way of graduation. A new study from the University of Kansas discovered which factors can contribute to statistics anxiety and how it can be dealt with. Scroll down for video Many people find math frustrating. But for some, it can turn into 'statistics anxiety,' a fear of doing math problems that can be debilitating or even stand in the way of graduation WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BEAT 'STATISTICS ANXIETY'? After studying what factors can lead to statistics anxiety, University of Kansas researchers recommend these tips for getting rid of your fear of math: Students should be taught to understand that they don't need to have a 'strong mathematical ability' in order to be good at statistics. Teachers should show students that statistics isn't 'worthless'; instead 'statistical literacy' can have some value in the real world. Not only that, but 'statistical literacy' can be particularly valued by employees in certain industries. Advertisement Previous studies have shown that some 80 percent of college students suffer from statistics anxiety, the University of Kansas explained. 'We teach a statistics class in the psychology department and see many students put it off until senior year because they're scared of this class,' Michael Vitevitch, professor and chair of psychology at the University of Kansas, said in a statement. 'We're interested in seeing if we could help students out of the statistics anxiety. 'There's not a one-size-fits-all solution to get them to overcome their fears. 'You need to find out what their fear is and focus on that,' he added. For the study, researchers surveyed approximately 228 psychology students. They used a technique called network science, which 'puts the most important contributors or symptoms of statistical anxiety at the center of a visual diagram of connecting nodes.' 'With statistics anxiety, it's not just that you have symptoms, it's how long you have them and which ones are more important?,' Vitevitch explained. Scientists used a system called network science, which 'puts the most important contributors or symptoms of statistical anxiety at the center of a visual diagram of connecting nodes 'That's not always captured by a laundry list of symptoms. But it does seem to be captured by a network approach. 'The most important symptoms are in the middle of that spider web,' he added. From that data, they created a 'Statistical Anxiety Rating Scale' (STARS) to rank which aspects of learning statistics generate the most anxiety. The scale also categorized the students into high-anxiety and low-anxiety groups. In the questionnaire, students were asked whether or not they value statistics, how they felt about their ability to do math, fear of statistics teachers, test and class anxiety and if they feared asking for help, the University of Kansas explained. Students were asked whether or not they value statistics, how they felt about their ability to do math, fear of statistics teachers, test and class anxiety and if they feared asking for help Some questions included things like: 'Do you think this is a useless topic?' or 'Do you think statistics professors aren't human because they're more like robots?' They found that students with high statistical anxiety tended to agree with statements such as: 'I can't even understand seventh- and eighth-grade math, how can I possibly do statistics?' Other statements included: 'Statistics teachers are so abstract they seem inhuman.' By contrast, students with low statistics anxiety were more afraid of asking another student for help with something they didn't understand or being able to understand a table in a homework assignment. Researchers have identified what may be a previously unknown human ancestor, thanks to the help of artificial intelligence. A new investigation into the genome of Asian populations has spotted the footprint of a long-ago hominid that appears to have been bred from two different species of human ancestor Neanderthal and Denisovan. This ancient hominid, who lived tens of thousands of years ago, then bred with modern humans who arrived to Asia after the Out of Africa migration. Scroll down for video A new investigation into the genome of Asian populations has spotted the footprint of a long-ago hominid (shown as the purple Xe, above) that appears to have been cross-bred from two different species of human ancestor Neanderthal and Denisovan It comes just months after a different team revealed the discovery of a hybrid love child born from a Neanderthal mother and a Denisovan father. And, the new research from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), Centro Nacional de Analisis Genomico (CNAG-CRG) of the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), and the Institute of Genomics at the University of Tartu suggests such hominid hybrids may not have been all that uncommon after all. This newly discovered hominid, identified using deep learning algorithms, suggests ancient species were interbreeding with modern humans tens of thousands of years ago. About 80,000 years ago, the so-called Out of Africa occurred, when part of the human population, which already consisted of modern humans, abandoned the African continent and migrated to other continents, giving rise to all the current populations, says Jaume Bertranpetit, principal investigator at the IBE and head of Department at the UPF. According to the researchers, the previously unknown extinct hominid likely descended from the Neanderthal and Denisovan populations as a result of interbreeding between the two (shown as the purple line, above) We know that from that time onwards, modern humans cross bred with Neanderthals in all the continents, except Africa, and with the Denisovans in Oceania and probably in South-East Asia, although the evidence of cross-breeding with a third extinct species had not been confirmed with any certainty. A Neanderthal man is illustrated above According to the researchers, modern DNA reflects the intermingling that took place so many millennia ago. But until recently, it was difficult to explain the origin of fragments within the human genome that suggest the existence of a third ancestor. The deep learning technique has now allowed researchers to pinpoint these transitions within the populations. The algorithm imitates the way in which the nervous system of mammals works, with different artificial neurons that specialize and learn to detect, in data, patterns that are important for performing a given task, explains Oscar Lao, principal investigator at the CNAG-CRG. Whenever we run a simulation we are travelling along a possible path in the history of humankind. WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HUMANKIND'S JOURNEY OUT OF AFRICA? The traditional view The traditional 'Out of Africa' model suggests that modern humans evolved in Africa and then left in a single wave around 60,000 years ago. The model often holds once modern humans left the continent, a brief period of interbreeding with Neanderthals occurred. This explains why individuals of European and Asian heritage today still have ancient human DNA. There are many theories as to what drove the downfall of the Neanderthals. Experts have suggested that early humans may have carried tropical diseases with them from Africa that wiped out their ape-like cousins. Others claim that plummeting temperatures due to climate change wiped out the Neanderthals. The predominant theory is that early humans killed off the Neanderthal through competition for food and habitat. How the story is changing in light of new research Recent findings suggest that the 'Out of Africa' theory does not tell the full story of our ancestors. Instead, multiple, smaller movements of humans out of Africa beginning 120,000 years ago were then followed by a major migration 60,000 years ago. Most of our DNA is made up of this latter group, but the earlier migrations, also known as 'dispersals', are still evident. This explains recent studies of early human remains which have been found in the far reaches of Asia dating back further than 60,000 years. For example, H. sapiens remains have been found at multiple sites in southern and central China that have been dated to between 70,000 and 120,000 years ago. Other recent finds show that modern humans reached Southeast Asia and Australia prior to 60,000 years ago. Based on these studies, humans could not have come in a single wave from Africa around this time, studies have found. Instead, the origin of man suggests that modern humans developed in multiple regions around the world. The theory claims that groups of a pre-human ancestors made their way out of Africa and spread across parts of Europe and the Middle East. From here the species developed into modern humans in several places at once. The argument is by a new analysis of a 260,000-year-old skull found in Dali County in China's Shaanxi Province. The skull suggests that early humans migrated to Asia, where they evolved modern human traits and then moved back to Africa. Advertisement Of all simulations, deep learning allows us to observe what makes the ancestral puzzle fit together. According to the researchers, the previously unknown extinct hominid likely descended from the Neanderthal and Denisovan populations as a result of interbreeding between the two. Our theory coincides with the hybrid specimen discovered recently in Denisova, said Mayukh Mondal, an investigator from the University of Tartu. But, the researcher says, as yet we cannot rule out another possibility. NASA has finally begun testing the gigantic 200ft main tank of its huge Space Launch System rocket. The huge liquid hydrogen tank will stores cryogenic liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen that will feed the vehicles four RS-25 engines when they fire up. SLS will produce 8.8 million lbs. of maximum thrust, 15 percent more thrust than the Saturn V rocket. The huge tank is being stress tested at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Scroll down for video The huge tank is being stress tested at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. More than 200 feet tall with a diameter of 27.6 feet, the liquid hydrogen tank test article is structurally identical to the flight version of the tank that will comprise two-thirds of the core stage of the final SLS. THE EM-1 MISSION Nasa's Orion, stacked on a Space Launch System rocket capable of lifting 70 metric tons will launch from a newly refurbished Kennedy Space Center in 2020. The uncrewed Orion will travel into Distant Retrograde Orbit, breaking the distance record reached by the most remote Apollo spacecraft, and then 30,000 miles farther out (275,000 total miles). The mission will last 22 days and was designed to test system readiness for future crewed operations. Advertisement More than 200 feet tall with a diameter of 27.6 feet, the liquid hydrogen tank test article is structurally identical to the flight version of the tank that will comprise two-thirds of the core stage of the final SLS. It will hold 537,000 gallons of supercooled liquid hydrogen at minus 423 degrees Fahrenheit. Dozens of hydraulic cylinders in the 215-foot-tall test stand will push and pull the tank, subjecting it to the same stresses and loads it will endure during liftoff and flight. NASA says there will be several versions of the SLS, although they all uses the core stage with four RS-25 engines. The first SLS vehicle, called Block 1, can send more than 26 metric tons (t) or 57,000 pounds (lbs.) to orbits beyond the Moon. The next planned evolution of the SLS, the Block 1B crew vehicle, will use a new, more powerful Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) to enable more ambitious missions and carry the Orion crew vehicle along with exploration systems like a deep space habitat module. The huge tank being moved into place at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The next SLS configuration, Block 2, will provide 11.9 million lbs. of thrust and will be the workhorse vehicle for sending cargo to the Moon, Mars and other deep space destinations. SLS Block 2 will be designed to lift more than 45 t (99,000 lbs.) to deep space. NASA recently released a jaw-dropping video of the moment its deluge system dumps thousands of gallons of water onto Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center. The first test launch of the Space Launch System rocket, which is supposed to send humans to the moon and ultimately allow deep space exploration, was most recently slated for mid-2020 The space agency is prepping for the maiden voyage of the $8.9 billion Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will require roughly 450,000 gallons of water during ignition and liftoff to counteract the extreme heat and acoustics. WHAT IS NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM? Nasa's Space Launch System, or SLS, is an advanced launch vehicle that will 'provide the foundation for human exploration beyond Earths orbit', according to the space agency. Launching with unprecedented thrust power, SLS will carry crews of up to four astronauts in the agencys Orion spacecraft on missions to explore deep-space destinations. Offering more payload mass, volume capability and energy to speed missions through space than any current launch vehicle, SLS is designed to evolve over several decades to keep up with modern technologies and payloads. Nasa's Space Launch System, or SLS, is an advanced launch vehicle that will 'provide the foundation for human exploration beyond Earths orbit', according to the space agency (artist's impression) These include robotic scientific missions to places like the Moon, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. The rocket's first launch, which will be unmanned, is set for 2020 at Nasa's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The initial configuration for what SLS can carry past low-Earth orbit and on to the moon is more than 26 metric tons, with a final configuration of at least 45 metric tons. Nasa intends to send humans to 'deep-space' destinations such as Mars and the moon aboard the SLS, with a date for a mission to the red planet set for the 2030s. Advertisement In the incredible footage from this months wet flow test, a torrential stream of water can be seen spewing straight up into the air and washing over the complex before dwindling to a trickle in just a matter of seconds. The latest wet flow test, shown in the footage above, was conducted on October 15 at the Kennedy Space Centers Launch Pad 39B. In less than two minutes from start to finish, the system spews hundreds of thousands of gallons of water into the sky, with the stream climbing to roughly 100 feet into the air like a massive geyser The SLS rocket will lift off with 8.4 million pounds of thrust, thanks to its four RS-25 engines and two solid rocket boosters. NASA will use the deluge system to help protect the rocket and everything accompanying it, including the Orion spacecraft, the Mobile Launcher, and the launch pad itself. The fast-moving water will be sent pouring out onto the launch pad to reduce extreme heat and energy generated by a rocket launch, NASA explains. The space agency is prepping for the maiden voyage of the $8.9 billion Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will require roughly 450,000 gallons of water during ignition and liftoff to counteract the extreme heat and acoustics. An artist's impression of the SLS rocket blasting off is shown The latest wet flow test was conducted on October 15 at the Kennedy Space Centers Launch Pad 39B. In less than two minutes from start to finish, the system spews hundreds of thousands of gallons of water into the sky, with the stream climbing to roughly 100 feet into the air like a massive geyser. NASA has released a jaw-dropping video of the moment its deluge system dumps thousands of gallons of water onto Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center In the incredible footage from this months wet flow test, a torrential stream of water can be seen spewing straight up into the air and washing over the complex before dwindling to a trickle in just a matter of seconds These tests are critical preparations for the SLS launch for the safety of Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) and future missions. NASA conducted a similar test earlier this year, allowing them to identify any necessary issues and make modifications to improve its performance. Once its finally time for liftoff and all components are put into place though, things will look somewhat different. A geyser occured because the mobile launcher was not present at the pad, explained Nick Moss, pad deputy project manager, following the previous test. When the mobile launcher is sitting on its pad surface mount mechanisms, the rest of the IOP/SS system is connected to the pad supply headers and the water will flow through supply piping and exit through the nozzles. NASA'S SPACE LAUNCH SYSTEM ROCKET IS THE LARGEST EVER MADE AND WILL LET HUMANS EXPLORE THE SOLAR SYSTEM Space Launch System, or SLS, is a launch vehicle that NASA hopes will take its astronauts back to the moon and beyond. The rocket will have an initial lift configuration, set to launch in the mid-2020's, followed by an upgraded 'evolved lift capability' that can carry heavier payloads. Nasa is yet to set a timeline for SLS's second iteration. Space Launch System Initial Lift Capability - Maiden flight: Mid-2020's - Height: 311 feet (98 metres) - Lift: 70 metric tons - Weight: 2.5 million kilograms (5.5 million lbs) Space Launch System Evolved Lift Capability - Maiden flight: Unknown - Height: 384 feet (117 metres) - Lift: 130 metric tons - Weight: 2.9 million kilograms (6.5 million lbs) NASA's Space Launch System will have an initial lift configuration (second from right), set to launch in the mid-2020's, followed by an upgraded 'evolved lift capability' (far right) that can carry heavier payloads Advertisement EM-1 is slated to take off in late 2019 or early 2020 in an uncrewed mission that will test critical systems ahead of future missions with astronauts on board. This is a mission that truly will do what hasnt been done and learn what isnt known, said Mike Sarafin, EM-1 mission manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington. It will blaze a trail that people will follow on the next Orion flight, pushing the edges of the envelope to prepare for that mission. Just one day after revealing its Change-4 lander had successfully started growing plants on the moon in a first-ever milestone, China now says its lunar cotton seedling is as good as dead. The state-run publication Xinhua News says the groundbreaking experiment has ended with the onset of a two-week-long lunar night following its short-lived stint inside a specially-designed biosphere habitat. The dying plants will eventually decompose inside the canister, where they will not pose any threats to the lunar environment, according to the China National Space Administration. Chinese scientists involved in the mission have also revealed that the US is planning its own mission to the far side of the moon and theyve asked to borrow a Chinese craft to help get there. Scroll down for video Cotton seeds can be seen sprouting in a photo released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The mission took a variety of seeds to the moon as part of its biosphere experiment. But, Chinese media says the experiment is now over According to South China Morning Post, NASA recently asked China to extend the lifespan of the Queqiao relay satellite so it could be used to plan a US lunar landing. We asked the Americans why they wanted our relay satellite to operate longer, chief scientist Wu Weiren told state broadcaster CCTV. They said, perhaps feeling a little embarrassed, that they wanted to make use of our relay satellite when they make their own mission to the far side of the moon. China's Chang'e-4 mission started growing plants on the moon shortly after its historic arrival to the previously unexplored area. Cotton seeds could be seen sprouting in a photo released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA). But, the plants will not be able to survive the lunar night, when temperatures dip down to -170 degrees Celsius. Chang'e-4 itself went into sleep mode on Sunday to brace itself for the long, cold night. The mission took a variety of seeds to the moon as part of its biosphere experiment and this marks the first time ever that biological material has been cultivated on the lunar surface. Other biological matter on the Chang'e-4 mission includes cotton, oilseed rape, potato, Arabidopsis, yeast and fruit flies. Though more plants were initially expected to sprout in the next 100 days, the program appears to have ended. Developing the ability to grow plants in space is an important step towards successful long duration space flight to Mars and beyond. The picture emerged after being released has come from Chongqing University and was published on the university's Weibo account. The mission took a variety of seeds to the moon as part of its biosphere experiment and this marks the first time ever that biological material has been cultivated on the lunar surface. This handout shows a cotton sprout growing in a lattice-structured container The 0.8L cylindrical tin was designed by experts from south-west China's Chongqing University. It is equipped with insulating layers and a mini air-conditioning system It read: 'After experimenting under the moon's high vacuum, large temperature difference, strong radiation and harsh conditions, mankind has grown the first plant sprout, realising man's first moon-based biological growth experiment'. Images sent back by the probe show the cotton sprout has grown well, but so far none of the other plants on-board have taken, the university said. Fruit flies - also known as Drosophila - are a model organism widely used throughout science to understand how animals react in different environments. Their short reproduction time is useful in allowing scientists to understand its genetic impact after several generations of reproduction. Arabidopsis, a simple plant related to the mustard family, is the plant equivalent of Drosophila and also widely used by scientists. The studies on these pioneering plants are being done in a specially designed biosphere on the Chang'e-4 lander and not on the mobile rover, Yutu-2. Scientists hope that the seeds will grow to blossom on the moon in 100 days and the silkworm eggs will hatch and grow into moths. The seeds and eggs are kept in a 'lunar mini biosphere' WHAT IS THE LUNAR MINI BIOSPHERE ABOARD THE CHANG'E-4 PROBE? As well as radiation monitoring and mineralogical experiments, China's Chang'e-4 probe contains a 'lunar mini biosphere' to perform biological studies. It holds potato seeds and silkworm eggs, as well as arabidopsis seeds - plants related to cabbage and mustard that are commonly used by biologists as a model for how plants behave in different environments. Researchers hope the seeds will grow to blossom on the Moon, with the process captured on camera and transmitted to Earth. The 6.6lb (three kg) cylindrical tin is made from a specially developed aluminium alloy. It is seven inches (18 cm) tall, with a diameter of six inches (16 cm) and a net volume of 1.4 pints (0.8 litres). As well as seeds, it contains water, a nutrient solution, air and equipment including a small camera and data transmission system. It will use a tube to direct sunlight on the surface of the Moon into the tin to allow the plants to grow. Researchers from 28 Chinese Universities are behind the project, led by southwest China's Chongqing University. Astronauts have previously cultivated plants on the International Space Station. Rice and arabidopsis were also grown on China's Tiangong-2 space lab. Both of these experiments were conducted in low Earth orbit and under very different conditions. Experts hope that the new experiment will help accumulate knowledge for building a lunar base and long-term residence on the Moon. Advertisement It has greater temperature regulation and insulation which protects its experiments from the extreme temperatures on the moon. A lack of atmosphere means the UV rays from the sun reach the surface of the moon unfiltered and unabated. Temperatures fluctuate between highs of 127C (261F) and frigid lows of -173C (-279F). The seeds and eggs are kept in a small cylindrical tin and are expected to grow inside the 0.8L container. The 'lunar mini biosphere' is part of Beijing's biological studies in space as it plans to build a lunar base and eventually put people on the moon by 2036. Researchers hope the potato and Arabidopsis seeds will grow to blossom on the moon in 100 days, with the process captured on camera and transmitted to Earth, according to a previous reports. The 6.6lb (three kg) tin is made from a specially developed aluminium alloy. It is seven inches (18 cm) tall, with a diameter of six inches (16 cm) and a net volume of 1.4 pints (0.8 litres). As well as seeds, it contains water, a nutrient solution, air and equipment including a small camera and data transmission system. Researchers from 28 Chinese Universities are behind the project, led by southwest China's Chongqing University. Yutu-2 has a host of instruments and will be powered by solar panels. Unlike the similar probe on-board the Chang'e-3 mission this rover has no robotic arm. It announced afterwards it will be taking a 'nap' to protect against the sun's immense heat on the moon A TIMELINE OF HOW CHINA REACHED THE FAR SIDE OF THE MOON Chang'e-4 launched from the Xichang satellite launch centre in Sichuan, south-west China at 6:30 GMT on December 7 October 24 2007 - China launches Chang'e-1, an unmanned satellite, into space where it remains operational for more than a year. October 1 2010 - China launches Chang'e-2. This was part of the first phase of the Chinese moon programme. It was in a 100-km-high lunar orbit to gather data for the upcoming Chang'e-3 mission. September 29, 2011 - China launched Tiangong 1. September 15 2013 - A second space lab, Tiangong 2, is launched. December 1 2013 - Chang'e-3 launched. December 14 2013 - Chang'e-3, a 2,600 lb (1,200 kg) lunar probe landed on the near side of the moon successfully. It became the first object to soft-land on the Moon since Luna 24 in 1976. April 1 2018 - Tiangong-1 crashed into Earth at 17,000 mph and lands in the ocean off the coast if Tahiti. May 20 2018 - China launched a relay satellite named Queqiao which is stationed in operational orbit about 40,000 miles beyond the moon. This is designed to enable Chang'e-4 to communicate wit engineers back on Earth. The Chang'e-4 lunar rover is lifted into space from the Xichang launch centre in Xichang in China's southwestern Sichuan province on December 7 December 7 2018 - Chinese space agency announces it has launched the Chang'e-4 probe into space. December 12 2018 - Retrorockets on the probe fired to stabilise the spacecraft and slow it down. December 31 2018 - The probe prepared for the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon. Estimated for 2020 - Tiangong 3,a follow-up mission to the Tiangong-2 Before 2033 - China plans for its first uncrewed Mars exploration program. 2040 - 2060 - The Asian superpower is planning a crewed mission to Mars. Advertisement Astronauts have previously cultivated plants on the International Space Station. Rice and Arabidopsis were also grown on China's Tiangong-2 space lab. Professor Christopher Conselice, a professor of astrophysics at the University of Nottingha, told MailOnline: 'China is doing experiments with seeds and worms to see how things form in space and there is relatively little information on this. 'That's a new ares of space exploration which we can learn about which was impossible before Chang'e-4.' A prehistoric butchers has been discovered on a remote Scottish island. Experts claim the site is 3,500 years old and includes preserved wood, bone, quartz and a quern stone used to grind up animal remains into food. Archaeologists excavating the site at Lionacleit, on the Isle of Benbecula, say the settlement was once part of a forest that was reduced to a sodden bog over millennia. Scroll down for video Archaeologists have found evidence of 'incredibly rare' early human activity at a submerged prehistoric forest in the Outer Hebrides. According to experts, the site is around 3,500 years old. Here, prehistoric wood preserved in peat Work on the site is still ongoing and experts are focusing on using carbon dating to accurately date the remains. They found the remains of the hacked up animals during studies of the site last year. The Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion (Scape) Trust, a charity that works out of the University of St Andrews, was alerted to the remains by local resident Ann Corrrance Monk. Joanna Hambly, a research fellow at Scape, said: 'An unexpected discovery during the fieldwork was the realisation that archaeological remains survived in the intertidal zone. We are very excited by the finds. 'These include a wall, the possible remains of sub-circular stone structures which could be houses, a quern stone and butchered animal bone associated with struck quartz tools. 'To find the remains of a butchery site is incredibly rare - the survival of a single action in prehistory preserved in intertidal peats. 'These remains are all much closer to the beach than the forest, and are almost certainly much later in date. 'We don't know how old they are yet, but have submitted samples for radiocarbon dating.' The red interior of a prehistoric willow root was found at the site. Work on the site is still ongoing and experts are focusing on using carbon dating to accurately date the remains Image of a quartz flake preserved against the bone it was used to butcher. Experts claim the site is 3,500 years old and includes preserved wood, bone, quartz and a quern stone used to grind food from the Stone Age Experts believe that this is a prehistoric saddle. Scape worked with local volunteers and Orkney-based submerged forests expert Dr Scott Timpany, of the University of the Highlands and Islands, on the excavation The sit was found on the remote island off the West Coast of Scotland. It was once a lush woodland and, over several millenia, became a sodden isle Scape worked with local volunteers and Orkney-based submerged forests expert Dr Scott Timpany, of the University of the Highlands and Islands, on the project. As well as the archaeological finds, more than 300 trees were mapped, sampled and identified. Experts revealed the sub-fossil trees at Lionacleit are the remnants of woodland that was once widespread across the Western Isles. Sub-fossils are biological matter that has been partially rather than fully fossilised. Image of Remains of a wall at Lionacleit. Woodland on the isolated region declined around 6,000 years ago and was all but eradicated by 800BC Evidence of a rare prehistoric forest has been discovered in Scotland's Western Isles. Archaeologists excavating the site at Lionacleit on the Isle of Benbecula say the settlement was once part of a forest that became a sodden bog over millennia The find has been described as 'incredibly rare'. The remains uncovered last year included an early butchery site, stone tools used for preparing food and the remnants of an area where animals had been butchered for food Scape said the forest was at its peak about 10,000 to 7,000 years ago and was a rich mix of birch, hazel, willow, aspen, rowan, oak, pine, alder, ash and elm. Woodland on the isolated region declined around 6,000 years ago and was all but eradicated by 800BC. Rising sea levels, a wetter and windier climate and human activity were all factors in the forest's decline, the researchers claim. 'None of these factors is unique to the Western Isles, but the trees growing here were at the limit of their environmental tolerance and so unlike other places, the forest didn't regenerate,' said Dr Hambly. Archaeological remains discovered in northeast Jordan suggest humans and dogs have been hunting side-by-side for nearly 12,000 years. Researchers say animal bones found at the site appear linked to the presence of dogs, with the number of hares killed at the Subayqa 6 settlement increasing around the time dogs show up in the record. A new study on the find argues that humans likely realized dogs tracking and hunting abilities earlier than previously thought, and used them to capture smaller, more agile prey. Researchers say animal bones found at the site appear linked to the presence of dogs, with the number of hares killed at the Subayqa 6 settlement increasing around the time dogs show up in the record Though its known that humans domesticated dogs in the Near East as early as 14,000 years ago, whats less certain is whether or not this was done on purpose. The new study from a team at the University of Copenhagen suggests humans of the time knew, to some degree, what they were doing. The study of the large assemblage of animal bones from Shubayqa 6 revealed a large proportion of bones with unmistakable signs of having passed through the digestive tract of another animal; these bones are so large that they cannot have been swallowed by humans, but must have been digested by dogs, said lead author, zooarchaeologist Lisa Yeomans. The dogs were not kept at the fringes of the settlement, but must have been closely integrated into all aspects of day-to-day life and allowed to freely roam around the settlement, feeding on discarded bones and defecating in and around the site. The analysis of the bones showed that hare deaths increased around the same time dogs came to the settlement, where people hunted the rodents for both meat and their bones, which were used to make beads Archaeological remains discovered in northeast Jordan suggest humans and dogs have been hunting side-by-side for nearly 12,000 years According to the researchers, people lived at Shubayqa 6 year-round. If dogs visited the site, they must have done so when it was inhabited. The analysis of the bones showed that hare deaths increased around the same time dogs came to the settlement, where people hunted the rodents for both meat and their bones, which were used to make beads. This, the researchers say, was likely no coincidence The use of dogs for hunting smaller, fast prey such as hares and foxes, perhaps driving them into enclosures, could provide and explanation that is in line with the evidence we have gathered, Yeomans said. DOGS FIRST BECAME DOMESTICATED ABOUT 20,000 to 40,000 YEARS AGO A genetic analysis of the world's oldest known dog remains revealed that dogs were domesticated in a single event by humans living in Eurasia, around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Dr Krishna Veeramah, an assistant professor in evolution at Stony Brook University, told MailOnline: 'The process of dog domestication would have been a very complex process, involving a number of generations where signature dog traits evolved gradually. 'The current hypothesis is that the domestication of dogs likely arose passively, with a population of wolves somewhere in the world living on the outskirts of hunter-gatherer camps feeding off refuse created by the humans. 'Those wolves that were tamer and less aggressive would have been more successful at this, and while the humans did not initially gain any kind of benefit from this process, over time they would have developed some kind of symbiotic [mutually beneficial] relationship with these animals, eventually evolving into the dogs we see today.' Advertisement The long history of dog use, to hunt both small as well as larger prey, in the region is well known, and it would be strange not to consider hunting aided by dogs as a likely explanation for the sudden abundance of smaller prey in the archaeological record. The shift may also be associated with a change in hunting technique from a method, such as netting, that saw an unselective portion of the hare population captured, to a selective method of hunting in which individual animals were targeted,' the researcher says. This could have been achieved by dogs. Russia's Spektr-R satellite telescope has stopped responding to commands from Earth after spending seven years in space, according to officials. The country's only orbiting telescope fell silent as the satellite's communication systems stopped working but the craft is continuing to transmit data. Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, says its specialists have made many failed attempts to fix the lost connection, which has been out since last Friday. The failure could be caused by 'cosmic radiation accumulated in the spacecraft's electronics', according to Russian news agency TASS. Scroll down for video Russia's Spektr-R satellite telescope has stopped responding to commands from Earth after spending seven years in space, according to officials. The country's only space telescope fell silent as the satellite's communication systems have stopped working 'Specialists of the Main Operational Group of Spacecraft Control are carrying out work to remove the existing problems,' Roscosmos wrote in a statement. 'Beginning with January 10, 2019, problems emerged in the operation of the service systems that currently make it impossible to tackle a targeted task.' The satellite is used to study radio sources within and outside our galaxy and orbits Earth at a distance of around 265,000 and 360,000 kilometers. It was launched in 2011 and has exceeded its initially expected useful life of about five years. Spektr-R, which orbits high above NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, worked alongside ground-based radio telescopes across the world to make high resolution radio astronomical observations. Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, says its specialists have made many failed attempts to fix the lost connection, which has been out since last Friday. The failure could be caused by 'cosmic radiation accumulated in the spacecraft's electronics', according to Russian news agency TASS Spektr was used to study a black hole 900 million light years away using its 10-metre antenna. They released the highest resolution image we have of a black hole which shows a jet of material pouring out of it, something that occurs as matter is consumed It studies inner regions of active galaxy nuclei and magnetic fields, monitoring of the brightest quasars as well as conducting research of water-vapor clouds in space, pulsars and interstellar matter. It has been responsible from some of the amazing views of the universe in the last seven years. An official from Russian space agency Roscosmos, Alexander Bloshenko, said on Saturday that another attempt to establish control of the satellite took place on Sunday. The attempt was unsuccessful however there was some hope for Roscosmos after US scientists managed to pick up the carrier signal of the telescope early yesterday morning. It was used to study a black hole 900 million light years away using its 10-metre antenna. Spektr-R, which orbits high above NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, worked alongside ground-based radio telescopes across the world to make high resolution radio astronomical observations. Here, during assembly They released the highest resolution image we have of a black hole which shows a jet of material pouring out of it, something that occurs as matter is consumed. If Russian scientists can't make contact with the craft, it will continue to orbit for some time before eventually burning up in Earth's atmosphere. A new Russian-German satellite, Spektr-RG, is scheduled to be launched this year. On land, heatwaves can be deadly for humans and wildlife and can devastate crops and forests. Unusually warm periods can also occur in the ocean. These can last for weeks or months, killing off kelp forests and corals, and producing other significant impacts on marine ecosystems, fishing and aquaculture industries. Yet until recently, the formation, distribution and frequency of marine heatwaves had received little research attention. Long-term change Climate change is warming ocean waters and causing shifts in the distribution and abundance of seaweeds, corals, fish and other marine species. For example, tropical fish species are now commonly found in Sydney Harbour. But these changes in ocean temperatures are not steady or even, and scientists have lacked the tools to define, synthesize and understand the global patterns of marine heatwaves and their biological impacts. At a meeting in early 2015, we convened a group of scientists with expertise in atmospheric climatology, oceanography and ecology to form a marine heatwaves working group to develop a definition for the phenomenon: A prolonged period of unusually warm water at a particular location for that time of the year. Importantly, marine heatwaves can occur at any time of the year, summer or winter. Unusually warm periods can last for weeks or months, killing off kelp forests and corals, and producing other significant impacts on marine ecosystems, fishing and aquaculture industries worldwide (pictured) With the definition in hand, we were finally able to analyse historical data to determine patterns in their occurrence. Analysis of marine heatwave trends Over the past century, marine heatwaves have become longer and more frequent around the world. The number of marine heatwave days increased by 54 per cent from 1925 to 2016, with an accelerating trend since 1982. We collated more than 100 years of sea surface temperature data around the world from ship-based measurements, shore station records and satellite observations, and looked for changes in how often marine heatwaves occurred and how long they lasted. This graph shows a yearly count of marine heatwave days from 1900 to 2016, as a global average. We found that from 1925 to 1954 and 1987 to 2016, the frequency of heatwaves increased 34 per cent and their duration grew by 17 per cent. These long-term trends can be explained by ongoing increases in ocean temperatures. Given the likelihood of continued ocean surface warming throughout the 21st century, we can expect to see more marine heatwaves globally in the future, with implications for marine biodiversity. 'The Blob' effect Numbers and statistics are informative, but here's what that means underwater. A marine ecosystem that had 30 days of extreme heat in the early 20th century might now experience 45 days of extreme heat. That extra exposure can have detrimental effects on the health of the ecosystem and the economic benefits, such as fisheries and aquaculture, derived from it. A number of recent marine heatwaves have done just that. In 2011, a marine heatwave off western Australia killed off a kelp forest and replaced it with turf seaweed. The ecosystem shift remained even after water temperatures returned to normal, signalling a long-lasting or maybe even permanent change. That same event led to widespread loss of seagrass meadows from the iconic Shark Bay area, with consequences for biodiversity including increased bacterial blooms, declines in blue crabs, scallops and the health of green turtles, and reductions in the long-term carbon storage of these important habitats. Examples of marine heatwave impacts on ecosystems and species. Coral bleaching and seagrass die-back (top left and right). Mass mortality and changes in patterns of commercially important species s (bottom left and right) Similarly, a marine heatwave in the Gulf of Maine disrupted the lucrative lobster fishery in 2012. The warm water in late spring allowed lobsters to move inshore earlier in the year than usual, which led to early landings, and an unexpected and significant price drop. More recently, a persistent area of warm water in the North Pacific, nicknamed 'The Blob', stayed put for years (2014-2016), and caused fishery closures, mass strandings of marine mammals and harmful algal bloom outbreaks along the coast. It even changed large-scale weather patterns in the Pacific Northwest. As global ocean temperatures continue to rise and marine heatwaves become more widespread, the marine ecosystems many rely upon for food, livelihoods and recreation will become increasingly less stable and predictable. The climate change link Anthropogenic, that is human-caused, climate change is linked to some of these recent marine heatwaves. For example, human emissions of greenhouse gases made the 2016 marine heatwave in tropical Australia, which led to massive bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef, 53 times more likely to occur. Even more dramatically, the 2015-16 marine heatwave in the Tasman Sea that persisted for more than eight months and disrupted Tasmanian fisheries and aquaculture industries was over 300 times more likely, thanks to anthropogenic climate change. For scientists, the next step is to quantify future changes under different warming scenarios. How much more often will they occur? How much warmer will they be? And how much longer will they last? Ultimately, scientists should develop forecasts for policy makers, managers and industry that could predict the future impacts of marine heatwaves for weeks or months ahead. Having that information would help fishery managers know when to open or close a fishery, aquaculture businesses to plan harvest dates and conservation managers to implement additional monitoring efforts. Forecasts can help manage the risks, but in the end, we still need urgent action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming. If not, marine ecosystems are set for an ever-increasing hammering from extreme ocean heat. Source: Eric Oliver, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University; Alistair Hobday, Senior Principal Research Scientist - Oceans and Atmosphere, CSIRO; Dan Smale, Research Fellow in Marine Ecology, Marine Biological Association; Neil Holbrook, Professor, University of Tasmania; Thomas Wernberg, ARC Future Fellow in Marine Ecology, University of Western Australia in a piece for The Conversation. Astronauts are more likely to get ill from antibiotic-resistant bugs in space than they normally would on Earth. They might also find it harder to shake off the infections too, experts say, after studying the behaviour of bacteria in simulated space conditions. Sleep deprivation, microgravity and radiation exposure can make astronauts more vulnerable and bugs more resistant to treatment. With astronauts venturing to the moon and Mars more in the future, scientists are worried about how to keep them safe and healthy on such long haul trips under foreign environments. It's a bigger challenge than usual to keep astronauts healthy onboard spacecraft if bugs develop antibiotic resistance, given no additional medical assistance can be offered. Scroll down for video With astronauts venturing to the moon and Mars more in the future, scientists are worried about how to keep them safe and healthy such long haul trips under unfamiliar conditions Scientists at the University of Houston, Texas, studied antibiotic resistance of E.coli in space by emulating similar environments in the lab. They grew a harmless strain of E.coli that had been sterilised with the antibiotic chloramphenicol in a simulated environment of microgravity. After the bacteria had grown for 1,000 generations, the researchers found that they had become resistant to chloramphenicol as well as several other antibiotics. Even after removing the initial antibiotics that caused the bugs to mutate and therefore become resistant, the bugs failed to lose the resistance after a further 100 generations. The results are potentially a huge problem for future space missions, given that space voyages can span from months to years. The long-term response of microbial communities to the microgravity environment of space is not yet fully understood. But under the conditions found in space, where microbial contamination risks among others are higher, the chances of pathogen infection increases significantly. One of the lead researchers on the study, Madhan Tirumalai, said: 'When you're going to be in space for more than six months, bacteria are subject to several thousand generations of growth.' They might also find it harder to shake off the infections too, experts say, after studying the behaviour of bacteria in simulated space conditions (stock image) WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization has previously warned if nothing is done the world was headed for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate answers to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics, or they are given out unnecessarily. Chief medical officer Dame Sally Davies claimed in 2016 that the threat of antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill ten million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In September, the World Health Organisation warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Without antibiotics, caesarean sections, cancer treatments and hip replacements would also become incredibly 'risky', it was said at the time. Advertisement Resistance develops in response to antibiotics and could emerge rapidly if the astronauts come into contact with even a small amount before the mission starts. That's because the bacteria would multiply inside the spacecraft over the course of the mission, giving them ample time to develop resistance to any treatments given. Resistance can also occur if tiny amounts of antibiotics are present in the spacecraft before the mission takes off. Dr Tirumalai thinks that the results are especially relevant for space agencies or companies launching future missions. Previous studies have shown that when exposed to conditions in space, bacterial mutation can become 'overcharged' as they adapt to their new environment. Scientists at NASA previously discovered that five different varieties of Enterobacter were found in the ISS's toilet and exercise area. The full findings of the latest study were published in the American Society for Microbiology. Amazon's Alexa is back up and running after crashing for users around the world. Customers found their Echo devices were malfunctioning, ignoring requests to turn off and spontaneously shutting down. Alexa is the name given to the artificial intelligence (AI) system that powers the Echo device range. The smart assistant first went down around 8am GMT (3am ET) but Amazon has now fixed the issue and says the digital assistant is 'operating normally'. Scroll down for video This user wrote: 'Anybody else's alexa ignoring them this morning? It played my local radio station after a while, but won't do anything else. Just ignoring me. Won't even turn off' Amazon's Alexa has gone down and is ignoring user's requests, according to reports from frustrated customers. The smart assistant has been down since early this morning and users say that the device won't switch off Outages were reportedly due to server connection errors and this created logging in issues for hundreds of users. Customers in the UK reported the issue and a trickle of complaints followed from mainland Europe. Amazon's large American consumer base was also affected but report numbers were likely stunted by the timing of the crash. MailOnline approached Amazon for comment and a spokesperson said: 'For a short period this morning we had an issue that impacted some Alexa customers' ability to interact with the service. The Alexa service is now operating normally.' It is believed the issue persisted for almost two hours. Many users vented their frustration on Twitter. Neil Lovell wrote: 'Alexa seems to be down. She won't even tell me the time' The reports were related to server connections not working and some users had problems logging into Alexa. The map shows the areas affected by the outage which are mostly in the UK and Europe Morning routines were scuppered and disgruntled customers flooded social media with complaints. One user on Twitter wrote: 'Anybody else's Alexa ignoring them this morning? 'It played my local radio station after a while, but won't do anything else. Just ignoring me. Won't even turn off.' Another user had similar problems and tweeted: 'Anyone else got a problem with Alexa this morning? Refusing to talk to me, just a spinny blue light and then goes off.' Tony Hill commented on outage site DownDetector that his smart-home relied on Alexa and, as a result of the glitch, he was unable to control his home's heating. He said: 'Won't turn up the heating and is thinking long and hard about whether to turn lights on or off.' Other users tweeted: 'Alexa seems to be down. She won't even tell me the time.' It may be the classic response from IT departments around the world, but turning it off and on again really does work - even for the Hubble Space Telescope. NASA has confirmed that resetting the aging telescope's main camera appears to have fixed an issue that left it offline. Hubble Space Telescopes Wide Field Camera 3 instrument, suspended operations on Tuesday, Jan. 8th as a result. Scroll down for video The Hubble telescope (pictured) was launched in 1990 and Nasa hope it will remain operational into the 2020s. It studies visible and near UV light and there is no clear successor lined up to replace it. It malfunctioned and went into 'sleep mode earlier this week HOW DO HUBBLE'S GRYOSCOPES WORK? A wheel inside the gyro spins at a constant rate of 19,200 revolutions per minute. This wheel is mounted in a sealed cylinder, called a float, which is suspended in a thick fluid. Electricity is carried to the motor by thin wires, approximately the size of a human hair, that are immersed in the fluid. Electronics within the gyro detect very small movements of the axis of the wheel and communicate this information to Hubbles central computer. These gyros have two modes high and low. High mode is a coarse mode used to measure large rotation rates when the spacecraft turns across the sky from one target to the next. Low mode is a precision mode used to measure finer rotations when the spacecraft locks onto a target and needs to stay very still. Advertisement Shortly after noon EST on Jan. 8, software installed on the Wide Field Camera 3 detected that some voltage levels within the instrument were out of the predefined range, NASA said. The instrument autonomously suspended its operations as a safety precaution. Upon further investigation, the voltage levels appeared to be within normal range, and all other telemetry within those circuits also contained erroneous values indicating that this was a telemetry issue and not a power supply issue. After resetting the telemetry circuits and associated boards, additional engineering data were collected and the instrument was brought back to operations. Assuming that all tests work as planned, it is expected that the Wide Field Camera 3 will start to collect science images again by the end of the week. Hubble's three other science instruments are still working fine, with celestial observations continuing. This third incarnation of the wide field camera was installed by spacewalking astronauts in 2009. The camera has backup electronics that could be called into action, if necessary, according to NASA. 'Hubble will continue to perform science observations with its other three active instruments, while the Wide Field Camera 3 anomaly is investigated,' it said. 'Wide Field Camera 3, installed during Servicing Mission 4 in 2009, is equipped with redundant electronics should they be needed to recover the instrument. ' The camera has captured stunning images of stars, galaxies stretching far back in time and assisted in deep sky surveys. Wide Field Camera 3 was installed during Servicing Mission 4 in 2009. Pictured, astronaut Andrew Feustel, STS-125 mission specialist, navigates near the Hubble Space Telescope on the end of the remote manipulator system arm, controlled from inside Atlantis' crew cabin as Astronaut John Grunsfeld signals to his crewmate from just a few feet away May 16, 2009 in Space. Feustel and Grunsfeld were continuing servicing work on the giant observatory, locked down in the cargo bay of the shuttle. The space shuttle Atlantis' mission is to overhaul the Hubble Space Telescope in order to extend its working life It's also studied objects in our own solar system, discovering some of the tiny moons around Pluto, as well as a 14th moon around Neptune. It takes pictures in both visible and ultraviolet light, as well as near infrared. Orbiting 350 miles (560 kilometers) above Earth, Hubble was launched in 1990 and visited by space shuttle astronauts, for repairs and upgrades, five times. This is the first time the camera has acted up like this, said Cheryl Gundy, a spokeswoman with the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, which handle science operations for the telescope. Last fall, Hubble stopped working altogether for three weeks because of a pointing problem. The return to conducting science comes after successfully recovering a backup gyroscope, or gyro, that had replaced a failed gyro three weeks earlier. The telescope switched on a backup gyro after it entered safe mode due to a failed gyro on Friday, Oct. 5. Orbiting 350 miles (560 kilometers) above Earth, Hubble was launched in 1990 and visited by space shuttle astronauts, for repairs and upgrades, five times. However, the gyro began to rotate at an alarming rate, so NASA was unable to switch the scope back on. To fix it, NASA went with a tried and tested IT support technique - switching it off and on again. The Hubble operations team turned the gyro off for one second, and then restarted it before the wheel spun down. They then commanded a series of spacecraft maneuvers, or turns, in opposite directions to attempt to clear any blockage that may have caused the float to be off-center and produce the exceedingly high rates. During each maneuver, the gyro was switched from high mode to low mode to dislodge any blockage that may have accumulated around the float. Following the Oct. 18 maneuvers, the team noticed a significant reduction in the high rates, allowing rates to be measured in low mode for brief periods of time NASAs Hubble Space Telescope is still working and has made more than 1.3 million observations since its mission began in 1990 The Hubble telescope was launched on April 24, 1990, via the space shuttle Discovery from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It is named after famed astronomer Edwin Hubble who was born in Missouri in 1889. He is arguably most famous for discovering that the universe is expanding and the rate at which is does so - now coined the Hubble constant. The Hubble telescope is named after famed astronomer Edwin Hubble who was born in Missouri in 1889 (pictured) Hubble has made more than 1.3 million observations since its mission began in 1990 and helped publish more than 15,000 scientific papers. It orbits Earth at a speed of about 17,000mph (27,300kph) in low Earth orbit at about 340 miles in altitude. Hubble has the pointing accuracy of .007 arc seconds, which is like being able to shine a laser beam focused on Franklin D. Roosevelt's head on a dime roughly 200 miles (320km) away. The Hubble telescope is named after Edwin Hubble who was responsible for coming up with the Hubble constant and is one of the greatest astronomers of all-time Hubble's primary mirror is 2.4 meters (7 feet, 10.5 inches) across and in total is 13.3 meters (43.5 feet) long - the length of a large school bus. Hubble's launch and deployment in April 1990 marked the most significant advance in astronomy since Galileo's telescope. Thanks to five servicing missions and more than 25 years of operation, our view of the universe and our place within it has never been the same. Advertisement 'The rotation rates produced by the backup gyro have since reduced and are now within an expected range,' NASA said. Additional tests will be performed to ensure Hubble can return to science operations with this gyro. It comes as Earth's most powerful telescopes are beginning to show the strain of decades of use and may soon stop working completely. Astronomical observatories such as Hubble and Chandra were launched into orbit several years ago and have provided us with stunning images and precious data ever since. These wondrous machines, that have been invaluable in the advancement of modern science, are deteriorating with age and Nasa has no plan in place to replace the ailing technology. They were developed to help map distant galaxies, peer into black holes and locate new planets but astronomers fear their eyes in the sky may soon go dark. 'The unwillingness to invest in substantial science has begun to worry us,' astrophysicist Matt Mountain, president of the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, which operates the Hubble telescope on behalf of NASA, told The Washington Post. 'We're facing a very daunting prospect as a community. Some fields just won't have a telescope. And the science will not be possible to do in any other way.' Funding for successors to these marquee telescopes has yet to be secured and Paul Hertz, the astrophysics division director at Nasa said it is a 'choice for the nation'. 'What missions we do will be influenced by priorities of the community as well as the funding choices made by the political system,' he added. The Triangulum Galaxy, also known as Messier 33. The image, the most detailed yet of the 40 billion star galaxy, is a composite of about 54 different pointings with Hubble's advanced camera for surveys. The mosaic of the Triangulum Galaxy showcases the central region of the galaxy and its inner spiral arms. The Space agency says it's coincidental both Chandra and Hubble went 'asleep' within a week of one another. It 'continues to work toward resuming science operations of the Hubble Space Telescope after the spacecraft entered safe mode due to a failed gyroscope (gyro).' Advertisement The tumbling space snowman is making its out-of-this-world film premiere. Scientists from NASA's New Horizons mission released the first stitched together animation of Ultima Thule (TOO-lee), the most distant object ever explored by humans. The small, icy object is shown spinning end-over-end like a propeller. It is about four billion miles from Earth and looks like a reddish snowman with two fused-together spheres, extending about 21 miles (33 km) in length. The tumbling space snowman is making its out-of-this-world film premiere. This combination of images provided by NASA shows a series of photographs made by the New Horizons spacecraft as it approached the Kuiper belt object Ultima Thule on January 1 The high-resolution photos which were Scientists say the two lobes of Ultima Thule came together in a 'gentle' accretion process, with two objects bound together by each other's gravity. The latest movie of Ultima was put together from photos taken New Year's Eve and New Year's Day as the spacecraft made its closest approach, but not sent back to Earth until the last few days. Ultima Thule rotates about every 16 hours so the time-lapsed movie shows seven of those hours. Scientists from NASA's New Horizons mission released the first stitched together animation of Ultima Thule (TOO-lee), the most distant object ever explored by humans. The small, icy object is shown spinning end-over-end like a propeller. Earlier this month, NASA s New Horizons team began steadily picking apart the first data sent back from its Ultima Thule flyby. This image shows the missions progress In a final press briefing held Thursday afternoon, NASA released the latest image of the rust-colored object in the Kuiper Belt, showing our first look at Ultima Thule in stereo. When video with 3D glasses, the image captured by the Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager shows the best view yet of its three-dimensional shape Earlier this month, NASAs New Horizons team began steadily picking apart the first data sent back from its Ultima Thule flyby. The same spacecraft also explored Pluto in 2015. In a final press briefing held on January 3, the space agency released the latest image of the rust-coloured object in the Kuiper Belt, showing our first look at Ultima Thule in stereo. When viewed with 3D glasses, the image captured by New Horizons' Long-Range Reconnaissance Imager shows the best view yet of the object's three-dimensional shape. The team also revealed new insight on the search for anything in Ultimas vicinity; so far, they havent found any signs of rings or moons, nor evidence of an atmosphere. The team also revealed new insight on the search for anything in Ultimas (artist's impression) vicinity; so far, they havent found any signs of rings or moons, nor evidence of an atmosphere A wheeled robot named Marty is rolling into nearly 500 grocery stores to alert employees if it encounters spilled granola, squashed tomatoes or a broken jar of mayonnaise. But there could be a human watching from behind its cartoonish googly eyes. Badger Technologies CEO Tim Rowland says its camera-equipped robots stop after detecting a potential spill. The 'Marty' robots will roam grocery store aisles looking for spills and hazards. When it spots an accident, it will alert staff to come and clean up spills. HOW THE ROBOT WORKS The robots move around using laser-based 'lidar' sensors and pause when shoppers and their carts veer into their path. The googly eyes are fake, but each robot has eight cameras - some directed down at the floor and others that can see shelves. Advertisement But to make sure, humans working in a control center in the Philippines review the imagery before triggering a cleanup message over the loudspeaker. Rowland says 25 of the robots are now operating at certain Giant, Martin's and Stop & Shop stores, with 30 more arriving each week. Carlisle, Pennsylvania-based Giant says it has two robots now working at stores in the state, and plans to expand to all 172 Giant stores by the middle of this year. The chains are all part of Dutch parent company Ahold Delhaize. The robots move around using laser-based 'lidar' sensors and pause when shoppers and their carts veer into their path. The googly eyes are fake, but each robot has eight cameras - some directed down at the floor and others that can see shelves. Rowland said the robots can eventually be repurposed to help monitor a store's inventory. The robots move around using laser-based 'lidar' sensors and pause when shoppers and their carts veer into their path A robot observed Tuesday at a Stop & Shop store in Seekonk, Massachusetts, alerted store associates to a price tag that had fallen in one aisle, and a tiny sprig of herbs in another. After moving along for a few minutes, it returned to the scene of each spill and waited until an employee pushed a button to acknowledge that the debris was picked up. It's not the only robot that U.S. shoppers might spot this year. Walmart and Midwestern supermarket chain Schnucks have deployed robots that help monitor inventory. A union that represents Giant and Stop & Shop workers says it's keeping an eye on Marty. A robot named Marty cleans the floors at a Giant grocery store in Harrisburg It remains to be seen what the groceries will ultimately use the technology for. UFCW President Marc Perrone said in an emailed statement that the 'aggressive expansion of automation in grocery and retail stores is a direct threat to the millions of American workers who power these industries and the customers they serve.' 'Bringing robotics and A.I. from a research lab to the sales floor has been a very exciting journey, and we were thrilled by the customer response in our pilot stores,' said Nicholas Bertram, president, GIANT Food Stores. 'Our associates have worked hard to bring this innovation to life with amazing partners.' Nordic countries may not be as happy as you think, new research has shown. Countries like Finland and Norway regularly top world happiness polls, but a new report shows this reputation masks the struggles of many citizens. The report found 13.5 per cent of young Nordic people say they are 'struggling or suffering' a number that rises to 16 per cent for residents aged over 80. Researchers say factors like loneliness, high stress and pressure to succeed are threatening the mental health of 18 to 23-year-olds, while high rates of illness are responsible for the poor wellbeing in elderly citizens. Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland led the 2018 ranking of the World Happiness Report, followed closely by Sweden, which placed ninth. But the report's authors argue the status of Nordic countries as 'happiness superpowers' disguises the sadness of significant portions of the population. Scroll down for video Nordic countries may not be as happy as you think, according to new research. Countries like Finland and Norway regularly top world happiness polls, but a report shows this reputation masks the struggles of many residents (scroll down for video) The report, authored by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, looked at happiness data collected between 2012-2016. It asked people to rate their satisfaction with life out of 10 with those above a seven ranked as thriving, fives and sixes as struggling, and anyone who placed themselves at a four or lower deemed to be suffering. In total, 12.3 people of people living in Nordic countries marked themselves as either struggling or suffering. At 13.5 and 16 per cent respectively, the young and elderly had higher-than-average rates of poor wellbeing. General health and mental health were both closely linked with happiness ratings with income, unemployment and sociability also playing a part, researchers said. Physical illness was the biggest barrier to wellbeing among the elderly, while mental health was a significant problem among the young. The World Happiness Report, released in March, ranked 156 countries by happiness levels, based on factors such as life expectancy, social support and corruption. Finland topped the list, and was among five Nordic countries in the top 10 'More and more young people are getting lonely and stressed and having mental disorders,' one of the report's authors, Michael Birkjaer, told the Guardian. 'We are seeing that this epidemic of mental illness and loneliness is reaching the shores of the Nordic countries.' More than 18 per cent of Danes aged 18 to 23 reported suffering from poor mental health a number that rose to 23.8 per cent in young women. In Finland, which ranked as the happiest country in the world in March, a third of all deaths in that age bracket were suicides. Over the last five years, Norway saw a 40 per cent rise in the number of young people seeking help for mental health issues. According to the report, young women consistently reported lower wellbeing than young men. Happiest nations 1. Finland 2. Norway 3. Denmark 4. Iceland 5. Switzerland 6. Netherlands 7. Canada 8. New Zealand 9. Sweden 10. Australia Advertisement Least happy nations 1. Burundi 2. Central African Republic 3. South Sudan 4. Tanzania 5. Yemen 6. Rwanda 7. Syria 8. Liberia 9. Haiti 10. Malawi Advertisement The report highlights that while Nordic countries are frequently ranked the happiest in the world, significant parts of the population are still struggling. The World Happiness Report, released in March, ranked 156 countries by happiness levels, based on factors such as life expectancy, social support and corruption. While the Nordic countries of Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland topped the table, there was no place in the top ten for Britain, which was named 19th. The UK was one place above the United Arab Emirates but behind the likes of Israel, Austria, Costa Rica, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. The African nation of Burundi was at the bottom of the happiness index. The United States fell to 18th place from 14th last year, despite the country becoming richer during that period. Unlike past years, the annual report, which is published by the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network, also evaluated 117 countries by the happiness and well-being of their immigrants. Europe's Nordic nations have dominated the index since it was first produced in 2012. In reaching number one, Finland nudged neighbouring Norway into second place, scoring 7.632 in the 0 to ten scale. Rounding out the top ten are Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia. Propping up the table was the African nation of Burundi, with a score of just 2.905. The bottom ten also included Central African Republic, South Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen, Rwanda, Syria, Liberia, Haiti and Malawi. Meanwhile Russia was 59th, France 23rd and China 86th. For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details. Sherrilyn Kenyon is best known for her Dark Hunter Series, which charts the tale of battles fought by immortal warriors the Goddess Artemis has created as a way of controlling the Atlantean god Acheron who she had a relationship with prior to his 'human death'. Her Lord of Avalon series, which was adapted by Marvel, is a fantasy focusing on the aftermath of the rise of and fall of King Arthur and the destruction of the Round Table. Some of her writing focuses on paranormal romance, a sub-genre of romance related to paranormal fiction. Common hallmarks are romantic relationships between humans, shapeshifters, witches, sorcerers, ghosts, and other entities of a supernatural or otherworldly nature. Her novels veer away from the more graphic descriptions of sex and romance, which tend to fall under the 'erotic paranormal romance' sub-genre involving vampires and werewolves. Sherrilyn Kenyon pictured in 2009 New York Comic Con at the Jacob Javits Center Kenyon claims she rose from extreme poverty as child to become one of the most popular authors in the world in both adult and young adult fiction. Her biography also states that she has a loyal following of super-fans known as 'Menyons' - who sport tattoos from her numerous genre-defying series. More than 80 million copies of her books are in print in more than one hundred countries, which would easily make her a multi-millionaire based on the earnings of other authors. She has now claimed that the actions of her husband and his assistant led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars and is suing him for $1 million on a life insurance policy. On her website, Kenyon claimed she gained her love of horror, zombies and paranormal films and novels from her mother, who brought her to see Night of the Living Dead aged four. She also claims to be proud of her 'mixed Cherokee heritage' and is a direct descendant of Williams Shakespeare, according to her website. 1967 - Convicted at 18 for attempted carnal knowledge of a girl under 10. Released on a good behaviour bond. 1978 - Raped a 12-year-old girl, wounded her sister. Fled to the Northern Territory but was caught and jailed. 1988 - Broke parole by travelling to Townsville. Violently raped and assaulted a woman. Sent back to jail. 2003 - Became the first person in Queensland to be jailed indefinitely under new laws targeting repeat sex offenders. 2006 - Released on a supervision order with 32 conditions. 2007 - Breached the order by going to a school, breaching curfew and travelling to Townsville. He's briefly returned to prison before released in October. 2008 - Re-arrested over rape of a 61-year-old intellectually disabled woman. 2010 - Sentenced to 10 years' jail for the rape. The conviction was quashed on appeal a few months later but Fardon remained in jail due to other earlier breaches of a supervision order. 2011 - Government launches lengthy court battle to keep him in jail. 2013 - Released on supervision order. 2014 - Brief return to prison before court orders Fardon's release into supervised accommodation. 2018, September - Queensland government rushes through new child sex offender laws which automatically apply tough monitoring and reporting conditions to repeat offenders. 2018, November - Queensland government makes a court bid for Fardon to remain monitored by a supervision order under the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003. 2019 - Court dismisses Queensland government's application for a further supervision order under that act. Fardon will still be monitored by police under the new legislation. Source: Australian Associated Press A federal judge has sentenced a married Tennessee teacher who went on the run for weeks with a 15-year-old student to 20 years in prison after his victim confronted him in court. Tad Cummins, 52, pleaded guilty in April of 2018 to obstructing justice and taking a minor across state lines for sex. Prosecutors said Cummins took advantage of a vulnerable girl with a history of abuse and neglect when he cultivated a sexual relationship with her, in a sentencing memorandum filed on Monday which asked for a sentence of 30 years. The teenage victim, Elizabeth Thomas, who is now 17, told authorities she and Cummins had sex 'every day as they traveled from state to state,' over 38 days between March 13 and April 20 of 2017, the Tennessean reported. 'When I started school, you picked me out of the crowd. I was just a kid who wanted to make friends, but you were someone who had a plan,' Thomas said in court during her victim impact statement, according to Radar Online. 'You saw a broken girl who was lonely, scared, and traumatized. You made her feel safe and loved because you saw what she needed and made her believe you would be her "protector."' Thomas previously revealed in an interview with ABC's 20/20 that she felt like she had to go with Cummins or he would do something drastic, and that he kept a gun in the car's console during their cross-country drive and she knew she couldn't escape. Cummins' two-decade punishment was handed down on Wednesday by US District Judge Aleta Trauger in Nashville. Scroll down for video A federal judge has sentenced Tennessee teacher Tad Cummins, 52, who went on the run for weeks with a 15-year-old student, to 20 years in prison. Cummins is pictured at right in a booking photo released by the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office on April 20, 2017. Victim Elizabeth Thomas, now 17, is pictured at left Thomas' victim impact statement demonstrated how much trauma she's dealt with, following months of grooming and assault at the hands of Cummins. 'You act like you care now and that youre full of all this regret, but where was any of that before?' Thomas asked in court, according to the statement obtained through Burton Staggs of the Tennessee River Valley News. 'Where was any of that when you first had me alone in your classroom closet and violated me over and over again for months? Where was any of that when you spent untold amounts of time and effort into manipulating, pressuring and deceiving me into thinking that you were the only person that cared about me?' Thomas went on: 'All you were was a man who wanted sex, and you manipulated me and used me just for that. 'But the truth is, no matter how much time you have to serve, you will never be able to undo what you did to me. I will have to live with the scars you left on me forever.' Cummins first pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in May of 2017, but changed his plea without entering into a deal with prosecutors 'after case review, consultation, and personal reflection,' federal public defender Dumaka Shabazz wrote in a court filing. In a letter to his wife, Jill, written from behind bars on July 31, 2017, Cummins wrote: 'I am the one to blame for everything,' while adding that 'the devil was deeply involved.' Cummins met the teen when she was a student at Culleoka Unit School in Maury County, Tennessee. Cummins (left) met Thomas (right) when she was a student at Culleoka Unit School in Maury County, Tennessee. Cummins' wife of 30 years, Jill Cummins, has previously said she came to think of Thomas as her third daughter, and she believed her relationship with her husband was akin to that of a parent and child In a letter to his wife, Jill (left), written from behind bars on July 31, 2017, Cummins (right) wrote: 'I am the one to blame for everything,' while adding that 'the devil was deeply involved' On March 13, Thomas was reported missing on the same day tat Cummins left a note for his wife telling her not to call the police, and saying that he need to leave town to clear his head Thomas told ABC that Cummins and his wife of 30 years took her under their wing after her mother, Kimberly, was charged with child abuse and neglect involving the teen and her sister, Sarah. Jill Cummins has previously said she came to think of Elizabeth as her third daughter, and she believed her relationship with her husband was akin to that of a parent and child. But things took a strange turn one day in the school cafeteria when Elizabeth says Cummins, who was a teacher at her high school, made an unsettling comment to her. 'I was standing there with a few friends and then they said, "Are you hungry?" And I went, "I don't have a soul or if I did, I'd be hungry," or something like that,' Thomas said. 'And then he came to me and he pointed at me and said, "My soul sees your soul."' Nevertheless, Thomas says Cummins made her feel like no one else cared for her the way he did. He also prevented her from seeking mental health assistance. 'I was feeling real low, and I was wanting to get on anti-depressants and try to go to a therapist. And he told me no and not to do it 'cause itd change who I was,' she recalled. Thomas revealed that she and her married mentor began exchanging sexually explicit messages on Instagram, and then one day in class he told her, 'you'd look pretty nice naked,' she said. There were no other students present at the time. She also described the first time Cummins kissed her which, she said, was when she 'realized it was getting too far.' 'He grabbed my face. I was right next to the double doors I had. I was 15. Being home schooled I haven't really had a boyfriend,' she said. 'When that happened, it was kind of like, "wow."' It's believed that Cummins had sex with Thomas in the closet of his classroom before being his suspended. Cummins is said to have convinced Thomas to leave with him and destroyed both of their phones so their whereabouts could not be traced as they made their way to a remote cabin near Cecilville, California. Cummins (left) and Thomas (right) are pictured while on the run, captured on surveillance camera footage at a Walmart in 2017 Despite knowing their relationship was taboo, the teenager said she never told anyone because she doesn't like attention. 'I was scared, I don't want to tell my parent that a grown man kissed me and I don't want to tell friends that a grown man kissed me. 'I don't like the spotlight being on me,' she said. Thomas also said she was afraid to make Cummins angry. 'He doesnt take "no" well,' she said in the interview. The two went on the run after Cummins was suspended from the school on February 6, 2017, after a 12-year-old student reported seeing Cummins kiss the teenager on January 23 of that year. During his suspension, Cummins would force the teen to call and text him at regular intervals, Thomas said. 'And any time that I wouldn't post for a few hours, he would go crazy and say that I was cheating on him and saying if he found out that I was with another boy, he'd kill them,' Thomas said. Thomas also said that she felt like she had to go with Cummins or he would do something drastic, that he kept a gun in the car's console, and she knew she couldn't escape Eventually, Thomas says Cummins told her she had to run away with him, or else he would kill himself or someone else, including her family. Thomas said the teacher had two guns and he would threaten her with them. Feeling trapped, Thomas said she reluctantly agreed to go with Cummins for fear that he would do something drastic if she didn't. On March 13, Thomas was reported missing on the same day that Cummins left a note for his wife telling her not to call the police, and saying that he need to leave town to clear his head. Cummins is said to have convinced Thomas to leave with him and destroyed both of their phones so their whereabouts could not be traced as they made their way to a remote cabin near Cecilville, California. As soon as we went to go leave, he set a gun in the middle console, and I knew that I wasnt getting out of the car, Thomas said. He made me throw my phone off a bridge and his phone as well, that way the police couldnt track us. Thomas likened the ordeal to a kidnapping and described in detail Cummins controlling behavior, which included keeping her by his side at all times, even when she went to use the bathroom or shower, and telling her what to eat. 'He told me he likes skinny girls,' she said, adding that she often went hungry. In the days after he fled with the teenager, they were seen on surveillance cameras going into a Walmart where they bought hair dye to change Elizabeth's appearance. They also bought cheese cubes, K-Y jelly, women's razors and chocolate. He later bought a two-seater kayak, allegedly for a failed plan to escape to Panama, and an iPad to try to monitor the media coverage of their case, prosecutors said. When they would stay in motels, Thomas says Cummins made her sleep naked next to him and would keep her clothes separately so she could not leave. 'He was really mean and said hurtful things a lot of the time,' she said of Cummins. 'He called me his wife sometimes and said that we were going to get married and I was going to live with him until I died.' Prosecutors noted in filings that Cummins had no plans to end his sexual relationship with the teen before he was caught with her at the cabin (pictured) and arrested on April 20, 2017 Prosecutors noted in filings that Cummins had no plans to end his sexual relationship with the teen before he was caught with her at the cabin and arrested on April 20, 2017. Authorities were alerted to their presence at the cabin by a neighbor who became suspicious when she saw the car being driven by Cummins without a license plate and noticed the very young-looking Thomas inside the vehicle, the Tennessean reported at the time of Cummins' arrest. The two were said to have been at the cabin for one week before Siskiyou County Sheriff's deputies arrested Cummins. 'We are all stoked she was found,' property owner Michael 'Monk' O'Hare, who wasn't on site while Cummins and Thomas stayed there, said at the time. 'Were a pretty tight small-knit community thats hours from the nearest police department. We police our own community with diligence. Neighbors, friends and community members.' In unsuccessfully arguing for the minimum sentence of 10 years, Cummins' legal team noted he had no previous criminal history. His lawyers also said that if Cummins had not left the state with his victim, he would likely have faced a sentence of only 2-4 years in prison. Thomas (right) is now engaged to Skylar Dirla (left), who graduated high school last year. The two began dating in March, and Dirla asked Thomas to marry him in September. This photo of the proposal was obtained by DailyMailTV A civil lawsuit is also pending against Cummins and Maury County Public Schools, brought by Thomas's father. The lawsuit alleges the school district ignored signs Cummins had an inappropriate relationship with Thomas. Thomas is now engaged to Skylar Dirla, who graduated high school last year. The two began dating in March, and Dirla asked Thomas to marry him in September, with photos of the proposal obtained by DailyMailTV. The two fell in love while working together at a seafood restaurant in their hometown of Columbia, Tennessee. Theresa May left the door open yesterday to delaying Britain's exit from the EU. Downing Street insisted there were no plans to extend the Article 50 departure date beyond the planned March 29. But the Prime Minister failed to rule out the chance of this falling by the wayside in the wake of Tuesday's crushing Commons defeat for her withdrawal agreement. Chancellor Philip Hammond is reported to have told business leaders the Government would not block a move by former Tory minister Nick Boles to empower Parliament to rule out No Deal and delay Article 50 by nine months. And Justice Secretary David Gauke warned there was little time left to secure the scheduled exit. Theresa May, pictured outside Downing Street last night, left the door open to delaying Britain's exit from the EU with an extension of Article 50 Brussels sources last night also indicated the EU was ready to approve an extension of Article 50 for up to a year, until 2020, to avoid No Deal. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, a Brexiteer, yesterday ruled out a Brexit delay, saying: 'We are clear we won't be delaying Article 50 and we won't be revoking it.' But Mrs May was more equivocal. Yesterday she faced repeated calls from MPs to delay Brexit to allow more time to develop an alternative plan. SNP parliamentary leader Ian Blackford said extending Article 50 to permit a second referendum was 'the only way forward'. Tory MP Sarah Wollaston, who is also calling for a second referendum, urged Mrs May to 'extend Article 50 to allow us to put a realistic negotiated Brexit direct to the British people'. Former Tory chancellor Kenneth Clarke said such a move was needed 'to give us time to sort out what we now propose to do'. In reply, the Prime Minister said she did not want to extend Article 50 but did not rule out the possibility if more time is needed to secure a deal and get it through Parliament. Andrea Leadsom (pictured), the leader of the House of Commons and a Brexit supporter, said Article 50 would not be revoked or extended but the PM was more equivocal She said: 'The Government's policy is that we are leaving the European Union on March 29. The EU would extend Article 50 only if it was clear there was a plan that was moving toward an agreed deal.' Many ministers believe privately a delay is inevitable because of the sheer weight of legislation the Government must pass before Brexit day. Any extension needs to be approved by all 27 other EU countries. Peter Altmaier, Germany's economy minister, said: 'The EU should allow for additional time in order to achieve a clear position by the British Parliament and people. I would see this as a reasonable request.' The PM has told MPs on more than 70 occasions that she will lead Britain out of the EU on March 29. Last week she warned the Cabinet delaying Brexit beyond the next European parliament elections in May could spark a Ukip resurgence. Labour's attempt to topple Theresa May backfired last night following a barnstorming intervention by Michael Gove. Jeremy Corbyn's no-confidence motion was decisively defeated, despite it coming just a day after the Prime Minister's Brexit deal was emphatically voted down by the Commons. The Government won the confidence vote by 325 to 306, a majority of 19, thanks to the support of Northern Ireland unionists. Without the support of the DUP, she would have lost the vote by one and would have faced the prospect of a general election. Mrs May's victory followed a powerful defence of her 'inspirational leadership' by Michael Gove. Winding up the seven-hour debate on the motion, the Brexiteer Environment Secretary launched into a brutal condemnation of the Labour leader, who he said would put national security under threat. Michael Gove (pictured) launched into a brutal condemnation of the Labour leader, who he said would put national security under threat When it came to security, Mr Gove mocked Mr Corbyn by saying he was 'present but not involved' a reference to his excuse for visiting the graves of terror leaders linked to the Munich massacre. 'While we are standing up for national security, what about Mr Corbyn?' Mr Gove said. 'He wants to leave Nato, he wants to get rid of our nuclear deterrent. 'No allies, no deterrent, no army, no way can this country ever allow that man to be our Prime Minister.' The Environment Secretary added: 'If he won't stand up against Putin or fascists in Syria, how can we expect him to stand up for us in European negotiations, for Gibraltar against Spain, or to ensure we get a good deal with the Commission? Of course he won't.' Ironically, his impassioned speech in defence of Mrs May is likely to be seen by some as an audition for the role of Tory leader, should it come up in the future. Yesterday's confidence vote was the first in the Commons since 1993 when John Major defeated the motion. Labour had promised a string of confidence votes in the coming weeks in a bid to wear the Government down. And despite the defeat last night, the party did not rule tabling another motion on Monday after Mrs May lays out the way ahead for EU negotiations. However, the Scottish and Welsh nationalists, whose support Mr Corbyn would need to defeat the Tories, warned him to come out in support of a second referendum rather than pushing for endless confidence votes with little or no chance of success. Opening the debate earlier in the day, Mr Corbyn said: 'If a government cannot get its legislation through Parliament it must go to the country for a new mandate, and that must apply when it is on the key issue of the day.' He said the fixed-term parliaments act was 'never intended to prop up a zombie government', adding: 'This Frankenstein deal is now officially dead and the Prime Minister is trying to blame everybody else.' Mr Gove mocked Mr Corbyn (pictured) by saying he was 'present but not involved' a reference to his excuse for visiting the graves of terror leaders linked to the Munich massacre Mrs May rose to cheers and the stamping of feet from her backbenchers and told Mr Corbyn a general election would be 'the worst thing we could do'. She said: 'It would deepen division when we need unity, it would bring chaos when we need certainty, and it would bring delay when we need to move forward. At this crucial moment in our nation's history, a general election is simply not in the national interest.' Attacking Mr Corbyn, she said: 'What he has done to his party is a national tragedy, what he would do to the country would be a national calamity.' Anna Soubry, the pro-Remain Tory MP who voted against the PM's deal on Monday, turned her fire on the Labour leader, labelling him the 'most hopeless Leader of the Opposition we've ever had'. Ian Blackford, the Scottish Nationalists' Westminster leader, said Labour had been shamed into tabling its confidence vote and called on him to back a second referendum. 'I make this appeal to our friends and colleagues in the Labour Party we have to work together to hold this Government to account, and if we are to do that, we have to recognise the harm that Brexit will do,' he said. 'If we want to protect the interests of our citizens, there has to be a people's vote. We do not have time to delay.' During the debate, Mr Corbyn faced the humiliation of being criticised by one of his former MPs for being 'unfit for high office'. John Woodcock, who now sits as an independent, said that 'with a heavy heart' he could not support the no-confidence motion. He abstained along with fellow former Labour independent Ivan Lewis and former Labour whip Fiona Onasanya. Winding up, Labour deputy leader Tom Watson told the PM that her EU negotiations had 'failed'. He said: 'It's not through lack of effort or determination. In fact the country feels genuinely sorry for the Prime Minister. I feel sorry for the Prime Minister.' Mr Gove replied: 'We have several things in common we both recognise that Mr Corbyn is about the worst possible person to lead the Labour Party.' The DUP's Westminster group leader Nigel Dodds said: 'Last night's verdict was emphatic and it does require lessons to be learned if the Prime Minister is to secure meaningful changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, and I trust the lessons are being learned and will be learned.' Last night a Labour spokesman said: 'The Government may be able to survive the no confidence vote today, but it is simply not able to govern.' Philip Hammond told business leaders the 'threat' of a No-Deal Brexit could be taken 'off the table', it emerged last night. In a marked break from official policy, the Chancellor told executives Article 50 could potentially be 'rescinded', a leaked recording revealed. His comments came in a conference call on Tuesday night following the overwhelming defeat of Theresa May's withdrawal deal in a Commons vote. Some business leaders have demanded a second Brexit referendum amid widespread dismay at MPs' rejection of Theresa May's deal. Mr Hammond said there was a majority in Parliament against leaving the EU without a deal. Philip Hammond (pictured) told business leaders the 'threat' of a No-Deal Brexit could be taken 'off the table', it emerged last night 'We have to reach out to MPs in the Commons first,' he said. 'There is a large majority in the Commons that is opposed to No Deal.' Last night a source close to Mr Hammond said: 'He is comprehensively opposed to No Deal. It's bad for the economy, it's bad for business, it's bad for jobs.' In the call, Mr Hammond also set out how a backbench Bill, proposed by former minister Nick Boles, could in effect be used to stop any prospect of No Deal. He even suggested ministers would not put any 'obstacles' in the way of the plan. Speaking to the heads of Siemens, Amazon, Scottish Power, Tesco and BP, who all warned against No Deal, he indicated the Government could be open to talks on the customs union. Business Secretary Greg Clark, who was also on the call, argued: 'We can't have No Deal.' The call was held at 9.30pm on Tuesday, less than two hours after the vote. It also featured Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay, who said No Deal could not be taken off the table. Mr Hammond said: 'Could we extend the Article 50 deadline to give us more time? The simple answer is that the EU would not consider the request for the extension... unless or until we have a clear plan to go forward. The sequence has to be first to reach out to opinion across the Commons, to establish the terms on which we can build a majority for a way forward. 'If necessary [we] go back to the EU to agree changes that are necessary to deliver that consensus. And at that time, if more time is going to be required, to negotiate that with the EU.' Business leaders are demanding a second Brexit referendum amid widespread dismay at MPs' rejection of Theresa May's deal. Senior City figures have signed a letter supporting a second referendum in the hope the result can be reversed (pictured: London's financial district Canary Wharf) During the conference call, Mr Hammond added: 'I can simply as a parliamentarian say it is clear to me there is a large majority in the Commons that is opposed to No Deal in any circumstances.' It came as senior City figures signed a letter supporting a second referendum in the hope the result can be reversed. One FTSE 100 boss told Channel 4 News: 'The new normal is shambles. Politicians seem to be completely indifferent to the impact of their inability to govern. Everyone else has to get up, get dressed, make decisions. But they appear to have lost sight of their basic purpose.' Signatories of the letter include former Sainsbury's boss Justin King, who is now a non-executive director of Marks & Spencer. Other backers are expected to include Sir Mike Rake, former chairman of BT Group, former City Minister Lord Myners, and Sir Mark Boleat, former policy chairman of the City of London Corporation. The letter which could be published today has been organised by pro-Remain spin doctor Roland Rudd, brother of Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd. According to a draft of the letter leaked to Sky News, it will say: 'Many businesses backed the Prime Minister's Brexit deal despite knowing it was far from perfect. But it is no longer an option. 'The priority now is to stop us crashing out of the EU with no deal at all. The only viable way to do this is by asking the people whether they still want to leave the EU. 'With the clock now ticking rapidly before we are due to quit, politicians must not waste any more time on fantasies. We urge the political leadership of both the main parties to support a People's Vote.' Mr King said: 'It was clear the Prime Minister's deal was the worst of all worlds, neither Brexit nor Remain. 'It would have left us poorer and less influential with almost all of the key aspects of our future relations unresolved.' A spokesman for M&S said: 'Justin King has not signed this letter on behalf of M&S. It was his personal decision to sign it based on his personal view.' Meanwhile, more than 100 bosses of firms of all sizes have signed a rival letter from pressure group Leave Means Leave calling for a so-called 'managed no deal', where only the most basic agreements are signed before leaving the EU. Backed by bosses including Tim Martin of pub chain JD Wetherspoon and John Mills of consumer goods firm JML, the letter said: 'The Government's deal is not in the best interests of business, nor is it the only option. 'As businesses, we do not fear a managed no deal but welcome it. A managed no deal would be good for business.' MPs lined up to grill Matt Hancock in the House as he opened the debate on regulations that will formally extend the lockdown into next month. The Health Secretary defended pushing the date back, arguing the Indian - or Delta - variant has 'given the virus extra legs' and stressing that July 19 should be the 'terminus' for the restrictions. But former chief whip Mark Harper (bottom right) voiced scepticism that the latest promise will be kept, asking whether 'we are going to get to this point in four weeks' time and what we are going to be back here again'. And another ex-minister, Steve Baker (top right) complained about the two-week review of the change saying it only 'deepens despair' if the government 'creates hope and shifts the goalposts'. The Prime Minister was spared a defeat as Labour backed plans for a four-week delay to the end of lockdown measures, aimed at buying more time for the vaccine programme. MPs voted 461 to 60, a majority of 401, on Wednesday to approve regulations delaying the easing of the measures. There were 49 Tory rebels voting against the bill tonight, including Conservative heavyweights David Davis, Iain Duncan Smith, Chris Grayling and Esther McVey. Five no votes came from the Democratic Unionist Party, and six from Labour. Jeremy Corbyn's cunning plan to become world king popped a gasket at 7.15pm when the no-confidence motion's result was announced: beaten by 306 to 325. Nineteen votes! By recent standards, Theresa May had creamed it. Enough free space to park a battleship. After Tuesday's agonies, Mrs May was suddenly all smiles, almost chortling. 'This House has put its confidence in this Government,' she said, exhaling happily. 'Now it was time 'to ensure that this House retains the confidence of the British people'. A hefty task. The anti-democrats are limbering up to dilute and degrade Brexit and they are all propagandising against No Deal (without ever saying what's so bad about such an outcome). The coming weeks could do more damage to this place than G Fawkes ever plotted. Environment Secretary Michael Gove, pictured, vented persuasive anger at Mr Corbyn's lack of support for British interests, British armed forces, British pride Much of yesterday was a prolonged, earache-inducing, temple-dinging, hyperbolic, hypocritical, baloney-spattered shriekfest. 'A fish rots from the head down!' warbled Stella Creasy (Lab, Walthamstow), attacking Mrs May. The same Creasy, an over-rated item, has often said the same about her own party leader, whom she was now proposing should be prime minister. As the debate started, Mrs May looked pretty knackered, eyes like a Spirograph drawing, her contours drooping. Caramel custard does that when left on the pudding trolley too long. 'Won't you just go?' bawled the SNP's Peter Wishart. That's no way to speak to a clam, Wishart. John Baron (Con, Basildon and Billericay) told her to 'KBO'. Rebecca Pow (Con, Taunton Deane), gushy as an actress in a dogfood advert, whooped: 'There's so little time to get in all the achievements of the Government.' Various MPs accused their opponents of being 'party political'. Er, is that not rather the point of a no-confidence debate? The DUP's Nigel Dodds disclosed that he and his party had received many entreaties to support the Tories 'and some of those entreaties have even come from the Government side'. In other words, some Labour MPs were appalled by the thought of a general election. A similar point was made by John Woodcock, former Labour and now Independent MP for Barrow and Furness. Mr Corbyn and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell were, he said with regret, 'simply not fit to hold high office'. This generated mutters of 'disgrace!' from nearby Labour MPs (although Warwick and Leamington's Matt Western had seemed to nod admiringly). Mr Woodcock hit back at the tutting comrades, saying 'many of them' privately encouraged him to attack Corbyn. Confidence motions come along so seldom, one expected the Chamber to be full and absorbed by a mood of crisis. It was not. Even at the start, there were gaps on the benches. Was lunch more important? It has to be said there was a formidably good jam roly-poly in the canteen on Tuesday. Or maybe MPs long ago concluded that Mr Corbyn, when it comes to oratory, is pants. His speech yesterday was joltingly bad: hesitant, trembly, timid, barely coherent. A confidence motion, for goodness sake, demands grandeur, intensity, and its mover's speech is best made without notes. Mr Corbyn clung to a script and delivered it sans aplomb. Michael Gove in the Commons with Theresa May, who defeated Jeremy Corbyn's no-confidence motion last night A would-be prime minister needs to project the optimism of the pilot aiming for open skies, should set forth his wares with a flourish, giving a sense of how change could slake the nation's thirst. But Mr Corbyn is hobbled, for the Blairites prevent him from embracing Brexit. Thus he just sounds like a member of the same-old gang. Gabble, gabble, gabble, went many speakers, rushing through speeches that should have been distilled or halved. Emma Hardy (Lab, Hull W and Hessle) jabbered about 'despair and disassociation' in politics and the need to earn the 'trust and faith of ordinary people'. Hard to do that if you try to block the Leave result. 'Give people the change that they need,' yelled this Hardy. Yes, yes, yes, many of us think. Change is what we crave. But it is change from the Blairite/Cameroon/CBI/Roland Rudd brigade, the Establishment creeps who for decades have fixed political power. A pro-Remain Labour party forfeits the 'change' card. Mike Wood (Con, Dudley S) called Labour 'paleo-Marxists'. Somehow this was misheard as 'pillock' by George Howarth (Lab, Knowsley), who harrumphed that it was unparliamentary language. Hearing check for George, matron. Geraint Davies (Lab, Swansea W) claimed that leaving the EU would be 'a betrayal of socialism' and said: 'Europe is a much more virtuous place than before.' Eh? Alex Burghart (Con, Brentwood and Ongar) called the debate 'a bonding experience' for the Tory party. Even Anna Soubry (Con, Broxtowe) and Antoinette Sandbach (Con, Eddisbury) found it in themselves to make moderately supportive speeches in the Government's cause. Remainiac Sandbags speaks up for Tories shocker! Won't last. But the best speech came at the end, from Michael Gove. The Environment Secretary tore into Mr Corbyn with a ferocity quite beyond the usual darting feints of clever debate. After some wit (comparing the Lib Dems to Vicky Pollard in their 'yeah but no but yeah but no' attitude to referenda), and even maybe some irony (he talked of Mrs May's 'inspirational leadership'), he vented persuasive anger at Mr Corbyn's lack of support for British interests, British armed forces, British pride. It was a brilliant turn from Gove, even maybe an audition for greater things. But the vacancy for the top job has been delayed, for a few months at least. A jubilant Jacob Rees-Mogg hosted a champagne party to toast Theresa Mays historic Brexit defeat on Tuesday night. Ex-Brexit Secretary David Davis and former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson were among more than 30 MPs invited to Rees-Moggs six-bedroom, grade-II listed home, which is a five-minute walk from Parliament. Guests were greeted with a flute of fizz at the door. Leading Brexiteers including Labour MP Kate Hoey and the former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith also attended. The gathering was held less than two hours after members of the European Research Group which Rees-Mogg chairs helped to reject the Prime Ministers deal by a majority of 230. More than 30 MPs invited to Jacob Rees-Moggs six-bedroom, grade-II listed home, which is a five-minute walk from Parliament The party occasionally spilled out on to the street, onlookers said. When asked to identify what they were drinking, one said: Champagne, of course. And while Mr Rees-Mogg and the former Welsh secretary Sir John Redwood denied the event was a celebration, the veteran Brexiter Sir Bill Cash did not. It was a party and a celebration, he said. Brexiters are famously difficult to please, and one source reportedly said: It was organised at the last minute so there were no canapes or nibbles, adding, but his wife was a wonderful host. Guests, including former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, were greeted with a flute of fizz at the door Ex-Brexit Secretary David Davis was also among the group of Brexiteers who celebrated the defeat of Theresa May's deal in the Commons Mr Johnson arrived at the party on a bicycle with the lights turned off and his head bowed, according to onlookers. He left after an hour, saying to a waiting journalist that he had not had a drink at the event. Former Tory minister Mark Francois told the BBC the mood at the gathering was positive after the vote. But a May Loyalist branded the gathering ill-judged and not what any true Tory wants to see a champagne celebration of a dark dark day for the Conservatives, toasting the PMs pain. No wonder Boris was so coy about what he was drinking. A hero surfer has told how he saved a drowning man who got sucked out to sea while trying to find a missing boy in a terrifying 40-minute rescue. Gethyn Singleton, 51, desperately paddled 600m off South Australia's Waitpinga Beach after spotting what looked like a man struggling in the distance on Tuesday. When he got to the screaming man, he noticed he was fully clothed and hauled him on to his board. Hero: Gethyn Singleton, 51, desperately paddled 600m off South Australia's Waitpinga Beach after spotting what looked like a man struggling in the distance on Tuesday Missing: Arash Yari had been fishing with friends when they decided to have a swim and got taken by a rip 'We were in deep water and I thought he was going to drown. He had the look of death on his face,' Mr Singleton told The Advertiser. But due to a language barrier, the foreign man was unable to explain to Mr Singleton that he was searching for a missing boy who had got sucked out to sea after taking a dip with a friend. 'He was exhausted and flipped me off the board. He couldn't understand anything I was saying. He still had shoes on,' Mr Singleton said. Mr Singleton saved a drowning man who got sucked out to sea With the man on board, the 51-year-old landscaper then ferociously paddled for 40 minutes, fighting through excruciating cramp to get to shore. When he got to the shallows, Mr Singleton told the man to put his feet down but he refused because 'he was too terrified.' Once on shore, Mr Singleton found out that the man had been searching for a 17-year-old Victorian boy named Arash Yari. Arash had been fishing with the man, the man's son and another friend when they decided to have a swim. They quickly got taken out to sea by a rip. They all made it back except Arash who disappeared in the surf around 12.30pm and is still missing. Arash's distraught family made their way from Melbourne on Tuesday to support rescue efforts. His mother and sister had to be taken to hospital because they were so 'overcome with emotion.' Search crews suspended their rescue mission on Wednesday due to poor conditions and were scheduled to resume on Thursday. Pressure is mounting on President Trump to continue his border security fight with Democrats after the government has reopened. A bipartisan group of senators is working behind the scenes to convince Trump to climb down from his position that on a physical barrier. He is refusing to give his blessing to any bill funding closed agencies that does not include a sizable allocation of money for his border wall. Three Republicans and one Democrat are part of a 'gang' that has formed in the Senate that aims to persuade Trump to reopen the government for three weeks while the conversation with Congress plods along. A group of moderate Democrats that met with Trump today for talks that the White House called 'constructive' in a readout of the meeting are also pushing the president to end the shutdown. The White House has so far resisted their requests and a senior administration official told DailyMail.com that it expects moderates to crack, particularly after having heard from their constituents over the holiday break. Pressure is mounting on President Trump to continue his border security fight with Democrats after the government has reopened At least one Democratic member, Katie Hill of California, has said this week that she'd be willing to give Trump some money for his border barrier. 'For many of us, there's not really doubt that some kind of physical barrier is necessary,' she told Fox News in a Saturday interview. Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee have joined forces with Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware in penning a draft letter to Trump urging him to end the shutdown for three weeks, allowing furloughed federal employees to come back to work. 'We respectfully request that you join us in supporting a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR) of three weeks to give Congress time to develop and vote on a broad bipartisan agreement that addresses your request. We commit to working to advance legislation that can pass the Senate with substantial bipartisan support,' they said in a draft letter to Trump that was provided to DailyMail.com The letter as currently written states: 'During those three weeks, we will make our best efforts following regular order in the appropriate committees and mark up bipartisan legislation relating to your request. This would include debating and voting on investments on the Southern border that are necessary, effective and appropriate to accomplish that goal. 'We are eager to continue our work on this initiative and look forward to your response,' it concludes. Trump has already rejected Graham's proposition on Monday, but the senator has been busy since then recruiting allies in the U.S. Senate. The White House has went its own way, however, hosting moderate Democrats it believes it can break in the Situation Room this afternoon with the president. A group that calls itself the 'Problem Solvers Caucus' met with Trump on Wednesday afternoon in private. They said in a statement as the meeting began: 'Over the last weeks, we have been listening to our constituents and speaking with our fellow Members of Congress in both parties and in both chambers. Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Rob Portman (picgured) of Ohio and Lamar Alexander of Tennessee have joined forces with Democrat Chris Coons of Delaware in penning a draft letter to Trump urging him to end the shutdown for three weeks, allowing furloughed federal employees to come back to work 'There is a strong agreement across the aisle and around the country: We must reopen the government. Our security, safety, and economy have been compromised, and millions of families are suffering,' they wrote. Led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer, congressional Democrats Thomas Suozzi, Vincente Gonzalez, Anthony Brindisi, Dean Phillips, Max Rose and Abigail Spanberger, they were the first rank and file Democrats to come to the White House to listen to Trump's pitch. They too urged Trump to reopen the government so that talks can continue without the shadow of a shutdown. 'There is also a strong agreement that if we reopen the government, the possibility exists to work together and find common ground to tackle some of our country's toughest problems and fix them,' they said. 'But that conversation can only begin in earnest once the government is reopened. We accepted the White House's invitation to meet today to convey that message.' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders crowed after the meeting of congressional moderates that the ad hoc 'problem solvers caucus' comprised of members who Trump hopes can be difference-makers. 'The President and his team had a constructive meeting with bipartisan members of the problem solvers caucus. They listened to one another and now both have a good understanding of what the other wants. We look forward to more conversations like this,' Sanders said in a statement. Another group of Democrats turned Trump down for lunch at the White House on Tuesday. Rep. Abigail Spanberger became one of the first rank and file Democrats to come to the White House to listen to Trump's pitch on Wednesday Trump invited legislators he believed he could woo to the White House for talks and targeted their party leaders in an attempt to divide the Democratic Party. The plot didn't work. A White House statement chastising Democrats for refusing to come to the lunch table to discuss border security revealed that only Republican lawmakers attended. 'Today, the President offered both Democrats and Republicans the chance to meet for lunch at the White House. Unfortunately, no Democrats will attend,' press secretary Sarah Sanders said. 'The President looks forward to having a working lunch with House Republicans to solve the border crisis and reopen the government.' Trump invited five Democrats to the meeting, according to The Hill. He would need close to 20, and every single Republican in the House, to end the impasse. A partial shutdown has been effect over Democrats' refusal to provide the funds since the early hours of Dec. 22. Some 780,000 federal workers are not receiving paychecks right now. Those who have been deemed 'essential' are working without pay, while others are on furlough. Advertisement A 40ft coastguard tower that was used as a gun emplacement in World War Two has been put up for sale for 125,000. The historic tower in Littlehampton, West Sussex which enjoys stunning sea views has been empty and left to ruin for over a decade, but it has attracted a huge amount of interest, according to the estate agents selling it. During the Second World War a gun was mounted on the top floor as part of measures taken to try and prevent a an invasion of Britain by German troops which was feared but never materialised. It is being sold with planning permission to transform it into a unique holiday home. A 40ft coastguard tower that was used as a gun emplacement in World War Two has been put up for sale for 125,000 The historic tower which enjoys stunning sea views has been empty and left to ruin for over a decade but the estate agents selling it say it has attracted a huge amount of interest The three storey tower on the beach in Littlehampton, West Sussex has a rusted spiral staircase and the paint throughout the building is peeling from the walls During the Second World War a gun was mounted on the top floor with the ammunition stored below The tower carried on being a coastguard station until 1986 when it was replaced by the existing building next door to it The three storey tower on the beach has a rusted spiral staircase and the paint throughout the building is peeling from the walls. It is being sold by Graham Butt Estate Agents of Littlehampton, who have described it as 'a shell with great potential'. A spokesman for Graham Butt Estate Agents of Littlehampton which is selling the tower said that despite the poor condition the tower was structurally sound. It is unlikely the building could be a full-time home but it could be used as a holiday let. Martin Dear, from the estate agents, said: 'At the moment it is a bit of a shell but it has huge potential. 'It's been empty for about ten years and to be honest probably needs gutting out. 'There is planning permission to upgrade it but as part of the conditions it can only be stayed in for 28 days per year, per person. 'With that in mind we're looking primarily at a holiday rental market, where people will always be interested in something so unique.' As Littlehampton was home to a special operations unit commanded by Ian Fleming, it is even possible the James Bond author visited the building himself Located on the beach in Littlehampton, West Sussex, the building is on a prime coastal development spot The quirky building has stunning sea views and is being sold with planning permission to transform it into a unique holiday home The tower was originally built to house coastguards in 1930 He added: 'From a buyers point of view we will have no trouble selling something like this. 'Potential buyers will always be drawn to it's uniqueness even though the market as a whole could be deemed as limited. 'We've already had a few deals fall through on this one and would expect it to sell soon.' The tower was originally built to house coastguards in 1930. As Littlehampton was home to a special operations unit commanded by Ian Fleming, it is even possible the James Bond author visited the building himself. It carried on being a coastguard station until 1986 when it was replaced by the existing building next door to it. Anyone interested in the tower can find it online at onthemarket.com. A boy has died after running between fast-moving cars on a busy Brisbane highway, in what police have called 'a stupid way to die'. The 17-year-old was struck by a four wheel drive on Ipswich road, Annerley, at around 9.50pm on Wednesday evening. Two boys were sitting on the concrete barrier between the inbound and outbound lanes of the highway, Police Inspector Sean Cryer told reporters. The 17-year-old was struck by a 4WD on Ipswich road, Annerley, while 'ducking in and out of traffic' at around 9.50pm on Wednesday evening A witness told police the boys were also 'throwing shoes at each other'. 'One's gone to run quickly across the road, the other one was seen ducking in and out of traffic back onto the centre traffic island,' he told The Today Show. 'And then for some unknown reason he's run across the road and he's been hit by a passing vehicle'. The boy sustained critical injuries as a result of the incident and he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two boys had been sitting on the concrete barrier between inbound and outbound traffic and one witness said they were also 'throwing shoes at each other' The driver of the vehicle was a 52-year-old man and police said he was not seriously injured. Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia they do not believe the second teenage boy was injured. Southbound lanes of Ipswich Road were closed following the incident yesterday, but they have since been reopened. The Forensic Crash Unit is investigating and police have urged anyone with information to contact Policelink on 131444. Animal control detectives found five dead dogs in crates in Heidi Lueders' home An animal shelter boss has been arrested and charged after five dead dogs were discovered in her Connecticut home. Heidi Lueders, 30, turned herself in to police Tuesday where she was charged with five counts of animal cruelty after animal control detectives found the dead dogs in crates her home in November. Lueders is the former president of Bully Breed Rescue Inc, an animal shelter in Connecticut. Authorities say the dogs had been dead for between two and 10 months before being discovered in November. 'The remains, for the most part, were just bones,' Lt Robert Kalamaras told the Fairfield Post at the time. Authorities discovered the dog carcasses (pictured) in crates inside her filthy home in November Animal control detectives said the dogs had been dead for between two and 10 months Lueders, 30, is the former president of Bully Breed Rescue Inc, in Connecticut Back on November 2018, the Fairfield Police responded to her rented home on a report of animal cruelty. 'The conditions inside the home were pretty deplorable with dog feces throughout the entire house,' Kalamaras said. 'The smell inside the place was pretty bad because of that and the state of decomposition of the animals' bodies,' he added. The website and social media pages for Bully Breed have since been taken down. Lueders turned herself in on Tuesday and has been charged with animal cruelty She is also charged with criminal damage to landlord's property by a tenant Pictured is the home Lueders rented and where the animals were found Bully Breed vice president Chris Antolini said Lueders' had told her employees that she sent four of the dogs to a sanctuary and the fifth dog to a foster. She claimed to have been monitoring the dog at the sanctuary. Lueders was released on $50,000 bond. She was renting the home where the dogs were found and is also charged with criminal damage to landlord's property by a tenant. She's due back in Bridgeport Superior Court on January 29. To an outsider, the life of a royal protection officer must seem impossibly glamorous jetting off to exotic locations, rubbing shoulders with famous names and having the safety of one of the most recognised people on the planet in your hands. But while aspects of that are true, guarding a member of the Royal Family is never easy. The demands on your time are immense and you cant relax for a moment. Which is why I have nothing but sympathy for the young police officer who made headlines when she whisked the Duchess of Sussex out of harms way on an overseas visit, now deciding to stand down from her role. The bodyguard (pictured, left, protecting Meghan in Fiji) quit her position amid claims Meghan finds the security measures constraining No one knows better than I do the pitfalls and pleasures of protecting a celebrated figure. For eight years I worked alongside Princess Diana and before that William and Harry when she was at the height of her fame. Since news emerged that the Duchess of Sussexs protection officer, who has not been named for security reasons, was quitting she is also leaving the police some commentators have suggested it must be difficult to guard a royal who likes to go off-piste. This, I take them to mean, is the notion that the Duchess of Sussex likes to interact with the public on her walkabouts, wanting to be seen as one of the people, and that she finds the presence of a close protection officer difficult. Some also say this officers departure is because the Duchess is difficult to work for. I have no idea whether that is true, though she is the latest in a string of aides to have stopped working for her in recent months. Detective Ken Wharfe (pictured with Diana) writes: 'Diana was hardly the easiest boss. Like Meghan, she wanted to get close to people and to lead as ordinary a life as she could' But I have looked at the video of what happened in that busy market during the Pacific tour last year. Certainly both she and the Duchess looked very uncomfortable. In my view, barriers should have been set up in advance. After all, they knew interest in the Duchess would be huge she was newly married and newly pregnant. Plus the extreme temperatures should have been factored in. Also, why was there so little security around the car? It added to the vulnerability of the situation. What this all showed me was a general lack of experience. I also feel this is inevitable and will probably be repeated because there is so little interaction now between the royals and those charged with protecting them. There is no doubt that protecting Meghan is a demanding role. I happen to know there are concerns about her dysfunctional family, for example. The worry is that one or more of them might turn up not at the Palace but on one of her working trips, perhaps with a TV crew in hand to film the confrontation. This, I would argue, is a classic example of where due diligence can provide dividends. Even so, you can still be caught out and in such a scenario my priority would be to get the duchess away and worry about any embarrassment over the encounter later. As for the couples plan to move to Windsor, that also represents a test. With such an open space as Windsor Great Park around them, it will be harder to secure. The bodyguard (left, and, right, at Bondi Beach) has resigned following the departure of Meghan's personal assistant It will be just one of many headaches for whoever becomes Meghans new police protector. So what about the suggestion that, unlike those in the Royal Family who have grown up with a police officer always at their side, Meghan finds it constraining? Well, first things first: only blood royals have protection from the word go. Princess Diana certainly didnt. And while near the end of her life she parted company with her police minders unwisely, in my view she broadly adjusted to the inconvenience of having me and others hanging around whenever she was out and about. There were times when we were very handy, parking the car for her so she could nip to the shops, for example, and providing money for those purchases because she never travelled with cash. That said, Diana was hardly the easiest boss. Like Meghan, she wanted to get close to people and to lead as ordinary a life as she could. And as for going off-piste, she wrote the rule book, especially in those years after her separation from the Prince of Wales. To return to the present, I dont know why Meghans protection officer is calling it a day. But to my mind, the resignation is symptomatic of the new way in which royals and other public figures such as ministers and prominent politicians are being guarded. From the 1940s until its dissolution in October 2006, ministerial protection was entrusted to Special Branch. During my 16 years in royalty protection, I came across many of those keeping politicians safe. They were the cream of the Met, highly valued for their discreet efficiency and respected by their protectees. The bodyguard (pictured right) is the latest in a string of aides to have stopped working for her in recent months Royalty protection followed similar lines. Officers across both organisations were generally in the role for life, until retirement. Such relationships had advantages. During my time as Personal Protection Officer or PPO to the Princess of Wales, I was able to engage with a wide circle of Royal Household employees. In my day, I had a bedroom at Kensington Palace, ate in the kitchen with the chefs and chatted to the housekeeper and the butlers. I used to call the chauffeur a special constable because he was so invaluable. Likewise, I was able to pass on information that I had picked up to the staff. But not long after Special Branch was disbanded, royalty protection was also overhauled. Four units were cut to two and senior management was slashed. Money was obviously a driver in these changes but it wasnt the only issue. Yard chiefs wanted to disrupt the cosy world of the PPOs, whom they believed were too close to their principals. Throughout my time there was envy especially from senior officers at the relationships we built up with the royals, who of course always called us by our first names. They didnt like that. On one occasion, Diana was due to launch a nuclear-class submarine from the shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness. Greenham Common was still in the news and I knew there would be CND protesters. My advice was that we should arrive at the shipyard by helicopter, avoiding the demonstration outside. But this brought me into conflict with the local chief constable, who said there would be 2,500 disappointed people outside who just wanted to welcome Diana. Even though I was a much more junior officer, we had a frank exchange of views until the Princess intervened to say she would be happy to come by road. I knew Id lost the argument. But security was breached and a protester got up close to our car. So while I was proved right although mercifully the incident wasnt serious it was an example of the kind of authority invested in a mere inspector that the top brass didnt like. Now a protection command unit covers royalty and ministerial protection, with officers drawn from a pool based in Lambeth, South London. From there, they are deployed as required. This means officers are appointed on a short-term basis and short-term relationships mean you cant build the chemistry between protector and principal that is so important. I know senior members of the Royal Family have been unhappy about this arrangement for some time. They feel the lines of communication and understanding have been lost. With Diana, I had to apply my judgment based on the risks and soundings I had taken. So for example, if she wanted to go somewhere unaccompanied, I would say OK provided she paged me or called me. It was about balancing her wish for privacy with her security. Happily, we got it about right. There is nothing wrong with royals going off-piste but it did get me into trouble from time to time. On a private visit to the Bahamas, I didnt tell Scotland Yard where we were going because the Princess didnt want anyone to know. But the bosses were not impressed when I presented them with a 3,000 bill for the rent of a house. Of course, times change. I appreciate that. Royal protection is not about choosing someone who can run a mile in under four minutes or shoot a thousand rounds a minute I never once drew my gun or chased after anyone. Its much more nuanced than that. But my fear is that those crucial working relationships between protector and principal have diminished to the point of disappearing altogether. And that could have serious implications. An MP facing jail for lying to police is likely to remain in Parliament for months because she is appealing against her conviction. Fiona Onasanya, 35, has been kicked out of the Labour Party and has faced repeated calls to quit office since a jury found her guilty of perverting the course of justice. But the Peterborough MP has decided to challenge her criminal conviction, meaning she is likely to keep her 77,000 taxpayer-funded salary for months. Onasanya has refused to apologise since she was convicted at the Old Bailey last year and in an extraordinary outburst likened herself to Jesus and Moses. Jeremy Corbyn with Fiona Onasanya in Peterborough during the campaign trail in 2017, An appeal will add to the public bill for the case, which has already involved court costs of 500,000. Onasanya, who trained as a solicitor, returned to Parliament for the first time since her conviction to vote against Theresa Mays Brexit plan on Tuesday evening. She was found guilty of repeatedly lying to police after her car was caught doing 41mph in a 30mph zone in July 2017 weeks after she won her seat. Her refusal to answer questions about the incident triggered a costly investigation lasting several months. She plotted to dodge penalty points with the help of her brother Festus, who admitted perverting the course of justice. The 34-year-old was found to have been out of the country at the time. The guilty verdict against the MP was delivered in a retrial after a previous case ended in a hung jury. Onasanya notified the Court of Appeal of her plans to appeal against her conviction on New Years Eve. It is not clear what grounds she will use. A single judge will consider her case and if it is rejected she can ask a panel of two or three judges to consider her arguments. A one-time ally of Jeremy Corbyn, Onasanya is due to be sentenced for the crime at the Old Bailey in the coming weeks, potentially triggering a by-election in a marginal seat. She could become the first MP to be sent to prison since former Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister Chris Huhne was jailed for a similar offence in 2013. Fiona Onasanya speaking at Parliament, she was found guilty of repeatedly lying to police after her car was caught doing 41mph in a 30mph zone in July 2017 weeks after she won her seat Labours chairman, Ian Lavery, announced earlier this month that Onasanya had been expelled after refusing to bow to the partys calls to quit. This will allow a Labour candidate to stand against her if a by-election is triggered, a scenario that the party supports. The vote, however, could prove problematic for Labour in the marginal constituency, in which Onasnaya defeated Conservative Stewart Jackson by only 607 votes. Onasanya has refused to apologise since her conviction and has not given a public statement directly referencing the case. She faced ridicule after the trial for sending an extraordinary message to Labour MPs via WhatsApp in which she claimed to be a voice for change. She wrote: I am in good Biblical company along with Joseph, Moses, Daniel and his three Hebrew friends who were each found guilty by the courts of their day. Of course this is equally true of Christ ... and yet this was not his end but rather the beginning of the next chapter in his story. Now sitting as an independent MP, she has continued to write her regular column in the Peterborough Telegraph, using an article last week to slate the Prime Ministers Brexit plan. If Onasanya is sentenced to a year or more in prison, she will automatically lose her seat, according to parliamentary rules. Liberal firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would give President Donald Trump a run for his money if she were old enough to run for president in 2020, a new poll revealed on Wednesday. A new Rasmussen Reports poll found that if next year's election was between Trump and Ocasio-Cortez, then 43 percent would pick the president while 40 percent would vote for Ocasio-Cortez. But a notable 17 percent are undecided on their choice. Liberal firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez would give President Donald Trump a run for his money if she were old enough to run for president in 2020 A new Rasmussen Reports poll found that if next year's election was between Trump and Ocasio-Cortez, then 43 percent would pick the president while 40 percent would vote for Ocasio-Cortez A new Rasmussen Reports poll found that if next year's election was between Trump and Ocasio-Cortez, then 43 percent would pick the president while 40 percent would vote for Ocasio-Cortez The freshman Democratic lawmaker is only 29 however, which means she won't be old enough to run for the White House until the 2028 election. The two may not be able to run mano-a-mano on the ballet but they've already traded shots at one another. Trump said Monday that he's not paying any attention her. Asked at the White House to respond to her claim that he's a 'racist,' Trump shook his head, waved dismissively and grimaced: 'Who cares?' The president shrugged off her remarks. 'Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez has called you a racist,' a journalist called out on the South Lawn. 'Who did?' Trump asked? 'Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez,' came the answer. 'Who cares?' the president responded. Ocasio-Cortez fired back on Twitter, telling her 2.4 million followers: 'I bartended for *years* in New York City. I understand guys like this like the back of my hand. We got under his skin.' Trump and Ocasio-Cortez may never be on the ballot together but they've held verbal fisticuffs Ocasio-Cortez is also a frequent user of Twitter The message ended with an emoji depicting tears of laughter. The a 29-year-old freshman Demorcatic lawmaker from New York self-identifies as an economic socialist. She started the fight with Trump in a '60 Minutes' interview that aired January 6. Prompted with a question from Anderson Cooper about whether she believes Trump is a racist, she didn't skip a beat: 'Yeah. Yeah. No question.' The White House fired back with a statement that the president has 'repeatedly condemned racism and bigotry in all forms.' A body has been found in the search for a mother-of-two who was last seen hiking four days ago as temperatures reached 46C. Felicity Shadbolt, 36, failed to return from a walk on Mount Nameless in the Pilbara outback, Western Australia. Last night, police announced they had found a body near a caravan park after launching a 35-man search on Sunday. Scroll down for video Felicity Shadbolt (pictured), 36, had been missing since Sunday on 11.30am after she went on a walk in the Pilbara outback About 35 people had been involved in a ground search including police, SES and members of the local community in the early hours of Tuesday Ms Shadbolt, 36, failed to return from a walk on Mount Nameless in the Pilbara outback, Western Australia Temperatures had soared to 46C within the Pilbara region, leading to fears Ms Shadbolt - affectionately known as Flik - had suffered heatstroke. A helicopter with a spotter and a fixed-wing aircraft with two spotters were also involved in the search for the mother-of-two. During the search on Wednesday, Pilbara District Police Inspector Ray Thompson said: 'We have horses on site today as of the first thing this morning - it's going to be a very challenging day, so we've started at first light.' The search was temporarily called off on Monday due to storms in the area, which brought wind, rain and lightning and posed safety concerns. Infrared technology was used during the search in the evening by an Australian Maritime Safety Authority aircraft. Ms Shadbolt, affectionately known as 'Flick' was described as being 150-155cm tall, of slim build and blonde hair with two ponytails Netflix has released the first trailer for its brand new docuseries, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, which incorporates over 100 hours of unheard audio interviews with the serial killer and drops on January 24. Bundy is pictured while representing himself in court Late serial killer Ted Bundy's foot fetish is just one of the surprising revelations the murderer made during interviews which will be heard for the first time in an upcoming docuseries. The Netflix series, Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, includes audio from some 100 hours of unheard audio from interviews with Bundy prior to his 1989 execution in Florida. The series is based off a book by the same name, written by Stephen G. Michaud and Hugh Aynesworth, who interviewed the notoriously charismatic murderer, believed to have killed dozens of women. The book details how Bundy refers to himself as 'the entity' and 'the organism,' but insists he did not suffer from schizophrenia and had 'normal chromosomes.' At one point, Bundy explains that his dream was to purchase unlimited pairs of socks and underwear, and that he would use stolen credit cards to purchase 'three or four dozen' pairs of socks at a time. 'I have always felt deprived of underwear. This is for real. I mean, I've got a sock fetish; I am really sick when it comes to socks,' Bundy said in the interviews. He continued: 'Those are some of the things for people who really want to know what makes Ted Bundy tick. I'm very close to my feet. They're probably the most attractive feet you've ever seen. Socks are such a serious part of my life.' WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES 'My name is Ted Bundy,' the serial kiler's voice is heard saying in the trailer. 'I've never spoken to anybody about this, but I am looking for an opportunity to tell this story as best I can.' Ted Bundy is believed to have killed dozens of women, including (top row, left to right) Kimberly Leach, Caryn Campbell , Margaret Bowman , Debbie Kent, (second row, left to right) Laura Aime, Roberta Parks, Georgann Hawkins , Donna Manson, (third row, left to right) Lynda Healy, Janice Ott, Denise Naslund, Susan Rancourt, (fourth row, left to right) Katherine Devine, Melissa Smith, Brenda Ball, and Lisa Levy Still, Bundy, who was known to revisit his victims' corpses for sick sexual rituals, insisted that those who believed him to be insane were off base. 'I know I'm not crazy, or insane, incompetent, anything else. I'm not an animal and I'm not crazy and I'm not a split personality. People refuse to believe that. That's their problem,' he said. In the interviews, Bundy delved into his childhood and his stilted relationship with his mother. 'My mother and I didn't talk a lot about real personal matters certainly never about sex or anything like that she doesn't open up and explain,' he said. The killer, who notoriously used his charisma and pretended to be injured to lure unsuspecting women into his trap, also described how he felt ostracized as a child for his lack of interest in team sports. 'I always felt I was too small. This feeling began to emerge in junior high school that I didn't have the weight or physique for sports,' he said. 'And it was very costly to buy the uniforms. My family didn't always have the money, not comfortably so, anyway.' Bundy is seen in 1977 after a failed escape attempt in Aspen City, Colorado. He claimed in interviews before his execution to have 'the most attractive feet you've ever seen' As the chilling words infiltrate the viewer's ears, evidence from Bundy's crime scenes flash across the screen, including ski masks, gloves, rope, hand cuffs, a sharp object and a flashlight 'In high school, I would be characterized as introverted,' he said. 'My way to compensate for that was to say, 'Well, I don't go in for those things. I don't like the drinking. I don't care for this carrying on. I'm a serious student and I'm above all this.' 'Emotionally and socially, something stunted my development in high school,' Bundy went on. 'While I wanted to be a part of the secret societies and clubs, or whatever, I lacked either the social skills or motivation to do it.' Bundy said that he buried himself in his studies as a way to compensate for his introverted nature. 'A lot of my pretensions about being a scholarly type was really a defense mechanism, because I couldn't achieve those kinds of social goals I wanted,' he said. Bundy admitted to killing 30 women and girls, but there have always been suspicions that the number could be as high as 100. Somewhat preposterously, Bundy suggested that his victims might number in the thousands. 'Who knows how many? For every one that's publicized there could be one that's not thousands of people are reported missing and are never heard from again,' he said. Then a badly decomposed skull lying in a wooded area is shown in the trailer for the series He escaped custody twice, eventually fleeing to Florida where he murdered Levy and Bowman, the two Chi Omega sorority sisters on January 15, 1978, and Leach, one month later, before being brought back in. The bloody scene of a Bundy murder is shown Bundy was arrested in 1975, but escaped two years later while on trial for murder in Colorado - a bid, his lawyer has said, to be rearrested in a state more likely to execute him. The sick killer, so bold with his victims, described his horror upon being incarcerated for the first time. 'I thought I was going to die every night the first few days I was in jail back in October of 1975. I was scared to death, daily. I thought they were going to kill me,' he said. 'A couple of guys kept chanting, 'We don't like rape-os,' gave me the bad eye, called me a baby raper and all that s**t,' Bundy continued. Bundy got his wish for execution in Florida, after he murdered a pair of sorority co-eds and abducted, raped and murdered 12-year-old Kimberly Diane Leach there. Bundy was executed by in 1989 for the murder of 12-year-old Kimberly Leach (above) But the killer didn't believe that capital punishment is a deterrent. 'It's an eye for an eye it's no deterrent. It does not and never will restore any measure of compensation to the victim's family or the state,' he said. Earlier this week, Netflix released the first trailer for the new docuseries featuring the audio interviews. Season one of the series drops on January 24, which is the 30th anniversary of Bundy's execution. 'I mean, I'm not an animal and I'm not crazy and I don't have a split personality,' Bundy can be heard saying in the trailer for the show. 'I'm just a normal individual.' 'He didn't look like anybody's notion of somebody who would tear apart young girls,' a man's voice says as the trailer begins. And a moment later, Bundy's voice is heard for the first time in the clip. 'My name is Ted Bundy,' he says. 'I've never spoken to anybody about this, but I am looking for an opportunity to tell this story as best I can.' Some say he made the admissions in an effort to stall his death. Leach's grave is shown As the chilling words infiltrate the viewer's ears, evidence from Bundy's crime scenes flash across the screen. Beautiful women, ski masks, gloves, rope, hand cuffs, a sharp object, a flashlight... and then a badly decomposed skull lying in a wooded area were shown. 'Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes' is based on a book by the same name 'Murder, leaving a person of this type hungry... unfulfilled... would also leave him with the obviously irrational belief that the next time he did it, he would be fulfilled,' a man's voice says. 'And the next time he did it, he would be fulfilled. Or the next time he did it, he would be fulfilled.' Traveling across state lines, he was known to prefer female victims with long, dark hair, parted down the middle. Bundy confessed to killing 30 women in seven states, including Washington state, Idaho, Utah and Colorado, before he was executed by electric chair on January 24, 1989 in Florida for the murder of 12-year-old Kimberly Leach, who he killed one month after slaying Lisa Levy and Margaret Bowman at Florida State University. Some say he made the admissions in an effort to stall his death. He was known as a charming man, who earned the trust of his victims before luring them to a secluded place to murder them. He would also enter the rooms of sleeping college students and bludgeon them to death. At the height of his murder spree, female college students disappeared at a rate of one per month. The book was co-written by Stephen G. Michaud (right) and Hugh Aynesworth (left) He was first arrested in Utah, and imprisoned there for kidnapping and assault, before being transferred to custody in Colorado to face murder charges. He escaped custody twice, eventually fleeing to Florida where he murdered Levy and Bowman, the two Chi Omega sorority sisters on January 15, 1978, and Leach, one month later, before being brought back in. The trailer features audio from news coverage of the Florida trials, which was the first ever to be televised in the United States. 'Bundy is acting as his own lawyer,' a reporter says, over video of Bundy carrying a box of papers and giving a thumbs up to cameras in the courtroom. 'What is unusual to see is that many of the onlookers are women,' the reporter says, panning across faces of ladies filling the benches of the gallery during Bundy's trial. One of his attorneys, John Henry Browne from Seattle, who wrote a memoir in 2012 based on his interactions with Bundy, said, '[Bundy] told me he killed more than 100 people, and not only women.' Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe could walk free at any time if she started cooperating with prison authorities, Irans ambassador to Britain has said after the mother ended her three-day hunger striker. Speaking to a handful of journalists at the Iranian embassy in London, Hamid Baeidinejad called the charity workers hunger strike which has now ended as symbolic, suggesting that it is part of a media strategy masterminded by her husband. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 37, had already served a third of her sentence, meaning that under Iranian law she could qualify for clemency at any time, he said. However, she has not yet satisfied the Iranian authorities that she would not pose a threat once released or offend again due to her conduct while behind bars, he added. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe recently ended a three-day hunger strike to pressure Iranian authorities On her 1,000th day in captivity, the charity worker began a three-day fast to pressure the authorities into providing her treatment for suspected breast cancer. It officially ended on Wednesday evening when the Iranian authorities agreed to provide the necessary medical care. Mr Baeidinejad claimed that it was not a categorical hunger strike, meaning that she did not deny herself all food and drink. It was only symbolic, he said. But the Free Nazanin campaign revealed that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe lost three kilograms (6.6lb) and suffered from acute dizziness during her fast. Today, the detainees husband revealed the happy news that her hunger strike had come to an end as she had been allowed medical treatment. Richard Ratcliffe said: The past few days have been really stressful. I never thought three days could pass so long. I am really glad this is over I am still sorry it came to this, that Nazanin felt there was no other way. Iran's ambassador to the UK Hamid Baeidinejad called the charity workers (pictured far right with her daughter Gabriella) hunger strike symbolic, suggesting that it is part of a media strategy masterminded by her husband Richard Ratcliffe (left) But I hope now those permissions mean that Nazanin will now get the medical attention she needs. The ambassador denied that Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe had been denied access to appropriate medical treatment. All Irans prisons have a clinic that are always open for use by the prisoners, he said. They can also get medical attention outside the prison if there is the necessity. Mr Baeidinejad offered to take British journalists on a tour of Iranian prisons to prove the standard of their care on condition that Iranian journalists would be given a tour of prisons in Britain. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who works for the Thomson Reuters Foundation charity, was arrested at Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport in April 2016 and sentenced to five years in jail. Speaking at a closed briefing at Irans embassy in London, Mr Baeidinejad criticised the charity worker, claiming that she could have been granted clemency by now if she conducted herself differently in prison. Charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is in jail for allegedly plotting to topple the government in Tehran - charges she, her family, and the British Government strenuously deny This is not a threat. It is the reality, he said. We have legal procedures that are the same for every Iranian national. Once the conditions for clemency are met, she can be released. She has already served one third of her five-year sentence, and that is the first condition. But she also needs to show that she would not be a danger to society or commit the crime again. This has not been proved. He dismissed claims that she had been asked to spy for Iran in return for freedom as lies. She was asked for some information about some organisations she worked for, such as UKAid, he said. This was not asking her to spy for us. It would not be logical to approach a woman in a prison and ask her to carry out espionage. It is lies. Under pressure from a hostile international media, the ambassador reserved his harshest criticism for Richard Ratcliffe, who has been running a tireless campaign for his wifes release since she was incarcerated. His actions are creating chaos. His wife is in full distress now, the ambassador said. Whenever they speak on the phone, he is sensitising and politicising the information she gives him to make the headlines. We say that this is not helpful. He is influencing her to behave in an unhelpful way in prison and this makes it difficult for the authorities to grant her clemency. We would like her husband to cooperate with us to help the lady to be in a calm situation in prison so that she can proceed in a manner that clemency can be granted. But with all this agitation and politicisation of the issue, I think that clemency is unlikely. Mr Ratcliffe has not yet responded to attempts to contact him by MailOnline. A Lib Dem MP waved his credit card at deputy DUP leader Nigel Dodds during a Commons debate today to jokingly imply his party is in the pay of Theresa May. Mr Dodds was speaking about the importance of his party's confidence and supply arrangement with the Prime Minister after its MPs voted down a motion of no confidence in her. Jamie Stone, who was sitting directly in front, turned round and waved the card in his face, drawing laughs from other MPs sitting around them. Jamie Stone (bottom right) waved his credit card at Mr Dodds this afternoon as he was discussing the importance of his party's confidence and supply deal with Theresa May Mr Dodds' speech began: 'I'm always delighted when our opponents illustrate the strength of that relationship that we have, and what is delivering for Northern Ireland. 'When the people of Northern Ireland see the investment in education, in health and infrastructure they will thank this Parliament and this party and this Government for that extra investment.' At this point, a number of Labour MPs also held their hands in the air and rubbed their fingers together, in reference to the extra 1billion of investment over two years that was promised to Northern Ireland for the backing of the DUP's 10 MPs. Mr Dodds said the agreement was 'built on delivering Brexit', adding that he is looking forward to 'working in the coming days to achieve that objective'. Mr Stone was elected as the MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross in 2017 and is his party's armed forces spokesman. He voted down Mrs May's Brexit deal and is also thought to have supported the motion of no confidence in her. He supports a re-run of the Brexit referendum. An Illinois father and stepmother described as 'evil people' will spend 20 and 25 years in jail respectively for starving their 6-year-old son to death. Authorities claim Liam Roberts weighed just 17 pounds when he died in November 2017 after being denied food for an almost two-year period. The Alton Telegraph reports a judge on Wednesday sentenced his father Michael Roberts to 25 years in prison and stepmother Georgena Roberts to 20 years at the Jersey County Courthouse. The couple, both, 43, from Jerseyville both pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in November. Two counts of endangering the life and health of a child were dropped. Prosecutors said the couple starved the boy and his brother, 7, as a form of punishment and withheld food and nourishment on a regular basis. Michael Roberts (left) and wife Georgena (right) are sentenced to 20 and 25 years in prison respectively for starving his six-year-old son to death When he died, the boy weighed about a third of the typical weight of a 6-year-old. A preliminary autopsy indicated he died of extreme malnourished. In announcing the sentence, Chief Circuit Judge Eric S. Pistorius described the case as 'incomprehensible' several times. Jersey County States Attorney Ben Goetten and Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby said the pair responsible for the death of 'this beautiful child' belong to spend the rest of their adult lives in prison. 'Were all glad to see the conclusion of this case,' a statement read. It has been a tireless, disheartening process for both the family as well as those involved in the investigation and prosecution. 'While well never forget Liam, we hope the family and the community can now begin to heal from the trauma of this horrific crime. 'We have to remember that by the actions of these two individuals, Liams siblings lost not only a brother, but two parents that wont be there to see them grow. 'We wish those kids the very best as they try to move forward with their lives', according to the Alton Telegraph. Pistorious noted that the sentences were at the low end of the spectrum because lack of prior criminal history for both of them. Georgena Roberts also suffered from several mental health issues, the court was told. He said both had pleaded guilty to the highest charge, which removed uncertainty from the process and eliminated the need for a trial. In addition to the cost and time, Pistorius said a trial would have almost certainly exposed Liams siblings to further traumatization. He noted that Georgena Roberts suffered from serious mental illness which 'substantially' affected her actions and left her with behavioral and personality disorders. Neighbors of the couple who lived at this house told police they didn't know Liam or his brother even existed because they never saw them In a witness impact statement, Kim Roberts who was Liam's biological mother, said Liam died 'terrified' and 'alone' and that it was necessary to punish the 'evil people' who murdered her 'beautiful son'. Kim's son Jacob Racel said he 'truly believe Mike is the devil'. She spoke about about the quality of a good father, saying: 'Mike failed at all of these'. Testimony was also heard from Maj. Scott Woelfel, Jerseyville Police Department deputy chief. Woelfel described how Michael Roberts received a call from Georgena Roberts while he was at work, with his father asking: 'Is he breathing?' He also noted that after making the call Georgena Roberts put Liam on a couch, put his brother in the car and went to pick up the other children at school. Liam was taken to the hospital several hours later. Woelfel claimed that the couples actions began shortly after they married and about 18 months prior to Liams death. According to Woelfel, school personnel noted Liam was so obsessed with food 'when he came to school he would literally eat food off the floor'. At the time of his death, Liam reportedly weighed 17 pounds. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average weight of a 6-year-old is 45 pounds. The parents had previously been the subject of a DCFS complaint in January 2016, which alleged there was insufficient food in the household. However, a pediatrician concluded that Liam Roberts low body weight was due to a medical issue and DCFS closed the case. Police had been to the house several times in the six months prior to Liams death, according to neighbors. Woelfel also said neighbors later told police they had never seen the boys. 'Neighbors did not even know Liam (and his brother) existed,' Woelfel said. A day after she jumped into the presidential race from a glimmering Manhattan television studio, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand returned Wednesday to her upstate New York hometown to preview a campaign that is expected to put gender front and center. Speaking outside a Troy diner she said is 'a stone's throw' from her family's house, Gillibrand framed the campaign as an extension of motherhood. 'I'm going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom, I will fight for your children as hard as I would fight for my own,' Gillibrand, 52, said as she was joined by her husband, Jonathan, their 10- and 15-year-old sons, and her mother, Polly. That argument could resonate in a Democratic primary in which women will be a crucial voting bloc and comes on the heels of a midterm election that sent a record number of women to Congress. Family affair: 'I'm going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom, I will fight for your children as hard as I would fight for my own,' Gillibrand, 52, said as she was joined by her husband, Jonathan, their 10- and 15-year-old sons, and her mother, Polly. Talking points: The outdoor launch of her campaign was the second launch after an appearance on Stephen Colbert's CBS Late Show But Gillibrand, who announced the creation of a presidential exploratory committee Tuesday on CBS' 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' faces a series of hurdles. She won't be the only woman seeking the White House - Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii have already jumped into the race, and several other prominent women are expected to soon follow them. And there are persistent questions about whether - more than two years after Hillary Clinton fell short of the White House - Americans have grappled with sexism and are willing to support another woman running for president. The first question Gillibrand received at her press conference Wednesday showed the scrutiny she and other women could face, as a reporter said a lot of people see her as 'pretty likable.' The remark touched on a raging debate about why women in politics are held to a different standard than men regarding their perceived likeability. First appointed to the Senate in 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Clinton, Gillibrand has been among the chamber's most vocal members on issues like sexual harassment, military sexual assault, equal pay for women and paid family leave. But she angered some fellow Democrats in November 2017 when she said former President Bill Clinton should have resigned after his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. She was also the first prominent Democrat to call on her Senate colleague Al Franken to resign after accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. She defended her actions on Wednesday. 'I just couldn't stay silent,' she said, referring to Franken. 'My job was not to stay silent. I couldn't defend it, and I had to do what was right. And if some wealthy individuals, that makes them angry, that's on them.' While Gillibrand's forceful advocacy for gender issues could help her stand out in what is expected to be a historically crowded field, she will also face questions about her ideological evolution. Gillibrand first ran for office in 2006, defeating a four-term Republican incumbent in a conservative congressional district, a victory she readily touts today. She was a centrist Democrat who joined the Blue Dogs and had an A rating from the National Rifle Association during her time in the House. She has abandoned many of those early, more conservative positions during her Senate tenure. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand made her first announcement on Stephen Colbert's show, holding his hand as she said she was running for president Asked to square her past stances with her record today as one of the most liberal members of the Senate, Gillibrand said she would tell voters to 'look at my heart' and that 'it's important to know when you're wrong, and to do what's right.' As she campaigned for her second full term in the Senate last year, Gillibrand pledged she would serve out her six-year term if re-elected. Pressed Wednesday on what had changed, she said she had been moved by the 'urgency of this moment,' and that it called for taking on Trump 'directly.' Gillibrand has been among Congress's most prolific fundraisers, raising more than $56 million during her career, including more than $20 million from 2013 to 2018, according to aides. That's helped her build a war chest but has also prompted criticism for being too close to Wall Street, especially following recent reports that she sought to gauge the interest of donors from the financial industry before launching a bid. She said Wednesday that those reports are not true. They're in: Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (left) said she will formally announce soon while Sen. Elizabeth Warren (right) announced her bid last month They're next? Cory Booker, the junior New Jersey senator, and Kamala Harris, the junior California senator, are both expected to announce White House runs soon 'I think it's important for people to know that my values are never for sale,' she said, adding that she has banned money from corporate political action committees and will not take contributions from federal lobbyists. Gillibrand's fellow New York Democrat, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said earlier this month that he believed former Vice President Joe Biden had the 'best case' for the Democratic nomination because he has 'the secret ingredient you need to win, which is credibility.' Asked Wednesday if she planned to try to change Cuomo's mind, Gillibrand appeared undeterred. 'I intend to try and change everybody's mind,' Gillibrand said with a smile, adding that everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that Biden is 'an amazing guy.' 'I know a lot of people who love and respect him, and I'm one of them,' she said. Gillibrand will base her presidential campaign in Troy, a move that could highlight her roots. 'I want to be here because this is where I'm from, because this is my story, because this is who I am,' she said, adding that like many other places in America, Troy has had its 'ups and downs.' A fake edition of The Washington Post has been circulated around D.C. by pranksters claiming Donald Trump has resigned. The real newspaper warned Wednesday that bogus editions have been printed and handed out around the city as well as a sham website going online. The fake front page reads 'Unpresidented' with the false news that Trump would leave the White House on May 1, 2019. It goes on 'Trump hastily departs White House, ending crisis' with a second headline reading 'Celebrations break out worldwide as Trump era ends'. The actual paper, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, was forced to tweet about the forgery, writing: 'There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post's. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this.' Scroll down for video. A fake version of The Washington Post is being circulated around the US capital by pranksters claiming Donald Trump has resigned The real newspaper was forced to issue a statement saying they were 'aware of a website attempting to mimic The Post's' too as people took to Twitter to say they had been handed one The activists also set up a fake news website to look like The Washington Post and say the prank has been nine months in the making WHAT DOES THE REAL FAKE NEWS SAY? The main story reads: 'On May 1, barely six months after the midterm elections, Donald Trump appears to have abandoned the White House and abdicated his role as president.' It goes on 'Trump hastily departs White House, ending crisis' with a second headline reading 'Celebrations break out worldwide as Trump era ends'. There is also an article with the headline 'Fictional Washington Post eerily predicted real events' It also imagines Mike Pence as president and calls him a 'clipped duck'. There are 64 bills the sham paper claims would change America and an interview with a fake scholar who gets a push alerts that Trump has resigned Advertisement Online people took to Twitter to say they had been handed the paper outside Union station and the White House, with some calling the move 'problematic'. One said: '@washingtonpost you might want to deal with the lady handing out fake copies of the Post outside Union Station. I tried to explain why this is problematic but she wasn't having it.' Another added: 'The fake @WashingtonPost newspaper being passed around Union Station has an accompanying parody website and the source code is pretty amazing.' Anti-Trump organizer L.A. Kauffman that she had been handing the paper out on Wednesday and said the sham news was nine months in the making. She told NPR: 'This paper is a dream, it's not a deception.' The fake paper is reported to be the work of author Onnesha Roychoudhuri and the activist pranksters known as the Yes Men. They wrote in a blog that 'thousands of commuters' were handed the 'spitting image' Washington Post. The post reads: 'It's anything but far-fetched. We're already seeing unprecedented levels of protest and resistance. Now we just need to ask ourselves: What's next? This paper offers a blueprint to help us reclaim our democracy.' Activists distribute the lookalike fake edition The Washington Post outside Union station. Anti-Trump organizer L.A. Kauffman, right, said she had been handing the paper out on Wednesday Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to the real Post as the 'Amazon Washington Post' In 2008 the same activists said they were behind the distribution of fake copies of the New York Times that falsely reported the end of war in Iraq. Trump has repeatedly referred to the real Post as the 'Amazon Washington Post'. He has been particularly critical of the paper in its coverage of his administration, and Jeff Bezos has often been the target on Twitter about what he considers to be unfair coverage. Seven adult children who were freed from the California house of horrors 12 months ago are not bitter about the years of abuse allegedly inflicted on them by their parents. An attorney representing seven of David and Louise Turpin's 13 children said in an interview on the Today show on Wednesday that his clients want people to know they are survivors. 'They're not bitter. They really take every day as it is, as a gift,' Jack Osborn said. 'They want people to know that they are survivors.' Seven adult children who were freed from the California house of horrors 12 months ago are not bitter about the years of abuse allegedly inflicted on them by their parents David and Louise Turpin The interview comes a year after authorities arrested the Turpins and freed the children - who ranged in age from 2 to 29 - from a squalid home in Perris, California. Authorities said some siblings were shackled, starved and abused and they were rarely allowed to leave. The children were released from the home after their 17-year-old sibling escaped and called 911. Osborn said the young adults are adapting to a 'new normal' since last year and making decisions about what they will eat, where they will go and what they will study. 'They came from a situation that seemed normal to them. And now they're in a new normal,' Osborn said. 'So I think they may spend a long time processing the two. The Turpins are accused of torturing all but the youngest of their 13 children. An attorney for the adult children say they are not looking forward to testifying against their parents Jack Osborn, an attorney representing seven of the Turpin's 13 children, said in an interview on the Today show on Wednesday that his clients want people to know they are survivors 'For really the first time they're able to make their own decisions, and decide what they're going to eat. They decide where they're going to go, what they're going to study.' He said the adult children are protective of their six minor siblings and there's a lot of 'nurturing' when they spend time together. 'One of the things that they're grateful for is they've got each other,' Osborn said. The Turpins are accused of torturing all but the youngest of their children. They have pleaded not guilty to torture and other charges and are each held on $12 million. The attorney said the adult children, who have not spoken to their parents since their arrest, are not looking forward to the prospect of having to testify at their parents' trial. The Turpins are due in court for a trial readiness conference on February 22. The Turpin couple have pleaded not guilty to torture and other charges and are each held on $12 million. They are due in court for a trial readiness conference on February 22 The Irish PM Leo Varadkar today admitted that a no deal Brexit would hammer his country's economy. But he laid the blame for the Brexit chaos at Theresa May's feet saying the problem lies with 'Westminster'. And he said the Prime Minister must abandon her 'red lines' of leaving the EU's customs union and single market if she wants to get a deal done. Mr Varadkar said: 'A no-deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs, on the economy, particularly the traded and agri-food sectors, our farmers and fishermen, our rural economy, our businessmen and women all over the country. 'A no-deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland, so we have to work hard to avoid it.' The Irish PM Leo Varadkar (pictured in Dublin today) admitted that a no deal Brexit would hammer his country's economy German Chancellor Angela Merkel heaped pressure on Mrs May by saying it was for the PM to propose Brexit solutions He said: 'We should never forget that Brexit is a British policy that originated in Westminster. That solution has now been rejected by Westminster, the problem now lies there.' He added: 'The onus is on Westminster to come up with solutions that they can support, but they must be solutions that the EU and Ireland can accept. 'We have always said that if the UK were to evolve from its red lines on the customs union and the single market, that the European position would evolve also.' What are the splits on Brexit within the EU? The other 27 EU member states have managed to put on a united front so far in the Brexit talks, but cracks are now beginning to emerge. Here are some of the main EU countries involved in the Brexit debate and what they think. France: Emmanuel Macron has made no secret of his hopes to use Brexit to steal lucrative business away from London and to Paris. In the wake of last night's historic defeat, he said France is ramping up no deal preparations. Germany Angela Merkel has struck a more conciliatory tone after Theresa May's devastating defeat, insisting there is still time to negotiate a deal. Holland One of Britain's biggest trading partners and oldest allies, Holland is seen as more sympathetic to Britain on Brexit than other EU states. But Dutch PM Mark Rutte has offered little practical support in talks. Poland: Nearly 1 million Poles live in the UK, and British troops and planes are stationed in Poland to help protect it from Russia. These close ties means Poland is more sympathetic to the UK that others in the EU, and there are hopes that this will help the UK to secure a Brexit trade deal with the bloc. Advertisement It comes as EU leaders urged Mrs May to come up with a new Brexit plan and warned they are ramping up no deal planning. German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Theresa May to come up with a new plan on Brexit today as she insisted there is still time to negotiate. Speaking in Berlin this morning, Mrs Merkel suggested there was still enough time left to rework the package. 'We still have time to negotiate but we're now waiting on what the Prime Minister proposes,' she told reporters. However, Berlin's foreign minister Heiko Maas insisted there should only be an extension if there was a 'path' to implementing a deal. And Dr Volker Treier of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce said: 'Better a horrible ending than unending horror.' Addressing MEPs in Strasbourg, the EU's chief negotiator Mr Barnier said he was 'sad' that MPs voted down the Brexit deal and made clear the bloc would now be stepping up 'contingency' planning. He said the Commons had failed to 'define an alternative, insisting the existing package still represented 'the best possible compromise'. He also ruled out abandoning the Irish border backstop - something Brexiteers have been demanding. 'It's up to the UK government now to decide how it will take things forward,' Mr Barnier told MEPs. European politicians have been digesting the unprecedented drubbing handed out to the UK government last night. EU Council President Donald Tusk suggested if MPs cannot agree a deal and don't want to crash out without one, they should consider reversing the historic vote. And EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned that 'time is almost up' as he announced no deal planning will be ramped up in the wake of the defeat. He made a dash back to Brussels for emergency Brexit meetings as the deal was voted down by 432 votes to 202 - meaning a staggering 230 MPs voted against her. Mr Tusk said: 'If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?' Mr Juncker said last night: 'The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote. 'While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared. 'I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up.' Theresa May (pictured in the Commons today) s under massive pressure from across Europe to quickly come up with a Plan B after her deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs last night However, signs of divisions have started to emerge, with some senior figures such as Mr Macron suggesting the Brexit process will have to be extended and others urging more compromise. But Mr Barnier said Brussels was also stepping up its preparations for a no-deal Brexit. In an interview on Deutschlandfunk public radio, Mr Maas played down the idea of extending Article 50. 'It would only make sense (to extend the deadline) if there is a path to the goal of a deal between the EU and Great Britain,' he said. He also voiced doubt that any significant improvements could be made to the draft Withdrawal Agreement. 'We have a compromise,' Mr Maas said. 'If more could have been offered, it would have been done weeks ago.' A Canadian tourist who claims she was gang-raped by French police at their HQ told a trial 'I closed my eyes and just wanted it to be over' as three officers attacked her. Emily Spanton, 39, returned to the island in central Paris where she alleges two officers raped her in a building situated next door to the courthouse. Close to tears, she told the court she was drunk when she met the men in a bar near their offices on April 22, 2014. The officers later invited her back to 36 Quai des Orfevres, the fabled headquarters of the Paris criminal police, which features in the Maigret detective novels of writer Georges Simenon. Emily Spanton, 39, waived her anonymity last year as she recounted the alleged ordeal to the French press The iconic police HQ in central Paris (pictured) where Emily Spanton claims she was gang-raped by the officers after joining them for a drink The iconic police station at 36 Quai des Orfevres, which features in the Maigret detective novels of writer Georges Simenon She claims she was raped there by up to three policemen in a case that caused shock in France, where the '36' was long revered as a centre of crime-fighting excellence. Spanton, who lived in Toronto at the time, admitted to flirting with the officers in the bar, in poor French, but after drinking a while found she had 'no idea what they were saying'. The accused - 49-year-old Nicolas R. and 40-year-old Antoine Q., whose full names cannot be given under French law - then invited her to visit their offices on the other side of the Seine river. 'They explained the police station had been the subject of films, and made it sound like something I would want to see,' she told the jury. 'And I thought that going to a police station would sober me up as there would be plenty of lights and people.' But in the middle of the night, their 5th-floor offices were empty. Spanton said she forced to drink whisky before being pushed to her knees. 'Someone was forcing himself inside my mouth,' she said, adding that her hot pants and tights were then ripped off. Spanton said she was raped by up to three men, though she admitted to being too drunk and stunned to identify a third suspect. She also said that her glasses were taken from her and she was too short-sighted to see clearly. 'I just gave up; just wanted it to be over,' she said, denying that she had encouraged the men to engage in sex. 'I kept my eyes closed,' she added, while trying not to look at the accused who sat within a couple of feet of her. The two accused deny rape, but one said he and Spanton had kissed, while the other admitted that she had performed oral sex on him, but said she had consented. DNA from three men was found on her underwear, though only that of the two accused could be identified. On leaving the station, Spanton told police on duty downstairs she had been raped, but said she was treated like a drunk and told to 'go home'. A few hours later she filed a complaint at another police station. Investigators said medical tests revealed she had taken a cocktail of anti-depressant medication, opiates and cannabis on the night of the alleged assault. Spanton, who said she has been unable to work in the four years since the attack, said she was on medically-prescribed drugs at the time. Spanton arrives at the court in Paris with her lawyer Mario Stasi on Monday where she is providing evidence against two men Spanton (pictured arriving at court on Monday), claims she has been unable to work for the last four years following the alleged attack The two defendants, who have retained their jobs, face up to 20 years' imprisonment if found guilty. They wiped all messages and videos from the night from their mobile phones, but one message found on a colleague's phone suggested they were preparing to engage in sex. In 2016, investigative magistrates decided to drop the case against them, suggesting Spanton's claims were confused, but prosecutors later demanded a trial. The Paris criminal police department was at the centre of several scandals in 2014 and 2015. A few months after the alleged rapes, the '36' was back in the headlines after 50 kilos (110 pounds) of seized cocaine, with an estimated street value of two million euros (1.77m), vanished from a secure room in the building. Two officers were later jailed over the theft. In 2015, the head of the Paris criminal police, Bernard Petit, was suspended after allegedly leaking sensitive information to another senior police officer being investigated over fake documents. Last year, the force moved to new headquarters in northwest Paris. Mark P. Barnwell has been sentenced to 35 years in prison on child pornography charges involving more than 40 girls in eight states A Texas man has been jailed for 35 years for a child pornography scheme where he used Facebook to lure in more than 40 girls with the promise of modeling careers. Mark P. Barnwell, 36, used false profiles of fake women online to contact his victims across eight states and advertise scam opportunities, authorities said. The girls would then send the images in the belief they would be paid for the pictures and it would build their portfolio, CBS 19 reports. Barnwell, who lived in a shed behind a relatives house in Whitehouse, would then tell the girls to send him sexually explicit photos and threatened to post the nude pictures online if they failed to send more, prosecutors said. He was sent nude photos from 43 victims, including 28 in central Illinois along with others in California, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, Washington and West Virginia. A 17-year-old girl in Peoria first reported Barnwell to police there and said she being extorted by a person online, according to court records. Barnwell was ordered to remain on supervised release for the rest of his life when he completes the prison term. Smith County judicial records show he has previously been charged with sexual assault of a child and failure to register as a sex offender. Authorities say Barnwell used false Facebook profiles to contact girls and advertise modeling opportunities. He then directed the girls to send him sexually explicit photos and threatened to post the nude photos online if they failed to send more, prosecutors say U.S. District Judge Joe Billy McDade sentenced Barnwell to 25 years for production of child pornography and 10 years for committing the crimes while a registered sex offender, according to reports. Officials are also said to have found footage and the hidden camera used by Barnwell to film up womens skirts and take videos of them using public bathrooms. A young man in south China has developed a parasitic infection in his brain from eating live frogs during his childhood. Doctors in Changsha, Hunan province removed a tapeworm from the brain of the 26-year-old patient, who was admitted to hospital after experiencing a severe headache and difficulty in walking. The man, surnamed Wu, later told doctors that he suffered a fractured bone when he was nine years old and had eaten the uncooked amphibians for several days, believing that the folk remedy would help him heal the injury. Doctors in Changsha, Hunan province removed a tapeworm (circled) from the brain of the patient, who was admitted to hospital after suffering from a headache and difficulty in walking Doctor He Guohua at the Changsha Central Hospital's neurology department told China News that they thought the man was having a stroke when he was first admitted on December 29. The man was suffering from symptoms including muscle weakness, swallowing and speech difficulty, as well as coordination problems, according to the report. However, an MRI scan detected a lesion on his brainstem, prompting doctors to suspect and subsequently confirm that it was a parasitic infection. The man was suffering from muscle weakness, swallowing and speech difficulty, as well as coordination problems when he was admitted to Changsha Central Hospital WHAT IS SPARGANOSIS? Sparganosis is an infection caused by ingesting the larval form of a parasitic worm found in frogs, snakes and even pigs. The parasites can also be passed on through a form of Chinese medicine that sees patients rub frog or snake meat onto open wounds. However, humans can also consume the parasites, which can spread throughout their body, by eating raw or undercooked seafood. Sparganosis is most common in the Asian nations of Thailand, China, Japan and Korea, according to medical literature. Symptoms depend on whereabouts in the body the worms have migrated to but they can cause memory loss and itching. Various species of Spirometra can cause the infection, including the Spirometre erinaceieuropaei. Just 300 cases of the infection caused by that specific parasite have been recorded worldwide since 1953. Advertisement The patient immediately underwent surgery, where surgeons removed the tapeworm from his brain. The parasite turned out to be a Sparganum mansoni, which are often found in the intestines of cats and dogs, but rarely in humans. The patient is expected to make a full recovery, according to the report. Dr He concluded that the tapeworm had grown from larvae inside the frogs he ate 15 years ago. The man is not the first person to eat live amphibians, an odd habit that has been emerging from central China. Doctors have warned of possible infection that could arise from doing so. According to online versions of The Compendium of Materia Medica, a book written by physician and herbalist Li Shizhen during the Ming Dynasty in the 1500s, the use of tadpoles to 'cure' sores or welts requires the creatures to be mashed into a pulp. In March, a woman from Jiaqing in east China's Zhejiang province who had eaten five live frogs to help her relieve the rheumatism in her legs ended up nurturing a massive tapeworm in one of her breasts. Surgeons eventually removed the 13cm (five-inch) tapeworm from the patient's body after the woman suffered five years of aches and pains in her stomach, breasts and eyes. Extreme weather events are considered the number one global risk in 2019, according to the World Economic Forum. In its annual Global Risks Report released on Wednesday, the WEF said environmental risks dominated the list given the number of storms, fires and floods that occurred globally last year. An inability to mitigate or adapt to climate change came in at second on the list of the most likely risks facing the world in 2019. While extreme weather was the risk of greatest concern, the WEF said world decision-makers were increasingly worried about environmental policy failure, including the failure of governments and businesses enforcing effective measures to mitigate climate change. In its annual Global Risks Report released on Wednesday, the World Economic Forum said Extreme weather events is considered the number one global risk in 2019 The report, which is based on the views of around 1,000 experts and decision-makers from around the world, found that 88 percent of respondents expect a 'further erosion' of global trading rules and agreements that will hold back growth. Natural disasters - including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and geomagnetic storms - was the third most likely risk. Large scale cyber attacks, man-made environmental damage, large scale involuntary migration, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, water crises and asset bubbles in a major economy rounded off the list of top 10 risks for 2019. The report is finalized ahead of the World Economic Forum, which is scheduled to take place with business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland from next Tuesday. The organizers of the forum said international tensions and nationalist politics could further weigh on the global economy this year and hinder efforts to deal with big issues such as climate change. The report is finalized ahead of the World Economic Forum, which is scheduled to take place with business and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland (above) from next Tuesday A 'darkening' economic outlook, in part fostered by geopolitical tensions between the United States and China, 'looks set to further reduce the potential for international cooperation in 2019,' the report stated. 'With global trade and economic growth at risk in 2019, there is a more urgent need than ever to renew the architecture of international cooperation,' said Borge Brende, President of the WEF. 'We simply do not have the gunpowder to deal with the kind of slowdown that current dynamics might lead us towards.' In 2018, the global economy slowed more than most experts had predicted and stock markets posted their worst year in a decade. Much of that has been blamed on the standoff between the U.S. and China over trade that has led to both sides imposing tariffs on hundreds of billions worth of goods. The U.S.-China relations will be one of the main talking points at next week's gathering with a number of high level representatives from each side due to attend, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and China's vice president, Wang Qishan. Britain's upcoming exit from the European Union will be another key issue after British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal Prime Minister Theresa May had negotiated with the EU. The 2016 vote to leave the EU had been driven in large part by a belief that Brexit would restore decision-making powers to Britain. U.S. President Donald Trump has used similar justifications to employ his 'America First' policies on a range of international issues, such as climate change. One area identified as being affected by the more fractured geopolitical environment is the need to modernize critical infrastructure projects around the world, such as roads, bridges and power networks, firstly and foremost to avoid accidents such as the collapse of a bridge in Genoa, Italy, last summer that killed 43 people. John Drzik, President of Global Risk and Digital at Marsh, which helped with the preparation of the report, said the 'more protectionist economic environment' is increasing costs and causing delays. The introduction of steel tariffs by the United States, he noted, raised the costs of an infrastructure project in Detroit by approximately 13 percent. 'Persistent underfunding of critical infrastructure worldwide is hampering economic progress, leaving businesses and communities more vulnerable both to cyberattacks and natural catastrophes, and failing to make the most of technological innovation,' he said. Medics have transfused five litres of beer into a man's stomach to prevent him from dying of alcohol poisoning. The treatment took place at General Hospital in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Tri when doctors administered 15 cans of beer to 48-year-old Nguyen Van Nhat in order to save his life. Dr. Le Van Lam, head of the hospital's Intensive Care Unit, told local media that the level of methanol in Nhat's blood was 1,119 times higher than the appropriate limit. Nguyen Van Nhat, 48, in hospital in the central Vietnamese province of Quang Tri. The level of methanol in Nhat's blood was 1,119 times higher than the appropriate limit To save his life, medics had to immediately transfuse three cans (one litre) of beer to slow down his liver's processing of methanol. According to Dr. Lam, one can of beer was given to Nhat every hour and after 15 cans were administered the patient was completely conscious. The doctor explained that a person's stomach and intestines continue to release alcohol into the bloodstream even if they are unconscious or have stopped drinking, and for a period alcohol levels in the body continue to rise. Dr. Lam explained that alcohol comes in two variants, methanol and ethanol, and the human liver breaks down ethanol first as a priority. Nhat had 15 cans worth of beer pumped into his stomach by Vietnamese doctors who saved his life after he contracted alcohol poisoning The man became unconscious when the methanol in his system oxidised to formaldehyde which in turn produced formic acid, according to reports. To prevent oxidising formaldehyde to formic acid, giving beer to the methanol-poisoned patient gave medics enough time to perform dialysis. Nhat was was discharged from the hospital after 3 weeks. The family of Jayme Closs has 'no desire for any contact' with killer and abductor Jake Patterson's father who claims to have written a note that he wishes to give them. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com Jayme's aunt Jennifer Smith responded to the wish allegedly expressed by Patrick Patterson after he attended his son's first court appearance at Barron County Circuit Court. She said: 'I have no desire to have any contact with that family at the moment. I don't really know how to respond to that or how to react. 'I'm not looking at social media or anything like that and I haven't heard anything about a note. 'Right now all I'm focusing on is looking after Jayme. That's all that matters, just having her home and looking after her.' Jayme Closs's aunt Jennifer Smith (pictured together) said the family has 'no desire for any contact' with killer and abductor Jake Patterson's father Patrick Patrick Patterson (pictured) said he wished to pass along a note that he wrote to Jayme and her family, saying they are in his thoughts. 'All I care about right now is Jayme's family. I want to get them a note,' Patterson said Jennifer's response comes as it has emerged that 21-year-old Patterson has been moved out of Barron County Jail to Polk County jail in Balsam Lake some 40 miles away. Barron County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that one of Jayme's relatives works at Barron County Jail but that there had been no threats made against Patterson and that the decision to move him was 'administrative.' Patterson appeared in court via video link on Monday when the heinous crimes to which he has confessed were set down in horrifying detail in the Criminal Complaint. He has been charged on four counts - two counts of homicide in the first degree, one of kidnap and one of armed burglary - but the District Attorney for Douglas County, the county in which Jayme was held captive for 87 days may yet file further charges. Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf said, 'My office is still in the process of reviewing the reports on the case to determine whether or not there are any additional charges that would be filed in Douglas County. ' Fruehauf said he expected to have more details ahead of Patterson's next court date on February 6. Patterson's father Patrick visited the Barron County Justice Center on Tuesday to reach out to the Closs family. 'All I care about right now is Jayme's family. I want to get them a note,' Patterson said to CNN on Tuesday. Jake Thomas Patterson, 21, confessed Thursday to shooting Denise and James Closs in their home on October 15 and kidnapping their 13-year-old daughter Jayme He shook with emotion and was on the verge of tears as he dodged reporters and said: 'I'm sorry, I can't talk'. He didn't reveal the details of the letter but assured he wanted the best for the Closs family. Patterson hung his head and wept as a judge read the charges against his son at his arraignment on Monday. Jake Patterson appeared via video conference. Patterson was so distressed he sunk his head into the shoulder of his son next to him. Jake was charged with intentional homicide, kidnapping and armed burglary and a judge ordered he be held on $5 million bail. He's due back in the courtroom next month. The Closs family has been receptive to Patterson's remorse and concern. 'I don't blame him. You can't blame the parents. A guy becomes 21 years old, and sometimes it's not how he was raised or anything,' Jayme's grandfather Robert Naiberg said to AP. The 13-year-old Wisconsin girl suddenly disappeared on October 15 but was found on Thursday when she managed to escape the home where she was being held captive for nearly three months and begged a stranger for help. Pictured above with her aunt Sue Allard after she was found Jayme is recovering from the traumatic abduction and will live permanently with her aunt in Barron, Wisconsin. Pictured above after her rescue with her relatives Jake Patterson had no prior criminal history and no connection to the Closs family. He confessed to cops that he decided that Jayme was 'the girl he was going to take' after a chance sighting of her getting on the school bus when it stopped in front of him as he drove to work. He claimed he had 'no idea' who Jayme was and didn't even know her name until after he grabbed her. He killed her parents Denise and James Closs in cold blood in their own home in Barron, Wisconsin then drove Jayme to his home in Gordon, Wisconsin about 70 miles away. He kept her in a space under his twin-sized bed and concealed her from view. She tried to escape at least twice, leading Jake to throw a tantrum, hitting the wall and screaming to make her fearful to try to leave again. On the day of her escape he told her he was leaving for a few hours. She stumbled out of the home on Thursday January 10 and approached a woman walking her dog in Eau Claire Acres in Gordon telling her she was kidnapped and her abductor killed her parents. Kidnapper's father Patrick Patterson was on the verge of tears on Tuesday when he tried to deliver a note to the Closs family and said he cares for their well being. Pictured above holding hands with his son Erik leaving the Barron County Justice Center on Monday Jake Patterson pictured above with his mother Deborah (center) and his sister Katie (left) The woman took her to a neighbor's house where they called police. Jayme is now recovering the traumatic abduction and is returning to her former life. She is staying with her aunt Jennifer Smith in Barron as her parents were killed and she had no siblings. Her grandfather Naiberg says Jayme will permanently live with her aunt, her mother's sister. 'She doesn't want to talk to anybody. Jennifer i s bringing her out of her shell slowly,' her grandfather said. He wants her to eventually return to school but it's not clear when that will happen. A document that appears to be a leaked internal Google discussion thread, reportedly indicates that the tech giant regularly manipulates certain controversial search results. An anonymous source inside the company disclosed the thread to Breitbart, which reported this week that Google has a 'blacklist' containing search terms that are deemed sensitive and thus should be manually filtered. Included on the list of 'controversial search queries' are several terms related to abortion, Parkland shooting survivor and gun control advocate David Hogg and Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The thread, if authentic, would appear to go against Google CEO Sundar Pichai's sworn testimony in front of Congress last month that the company does not 'manually intervene' in its Google search results. When asked about the alleged blacklist, one Google engineer indicated in the thread that interventions regularly occur in search results delivered by Google Assistant, Google Home and Google-owned video platform YouTube - and in rare cases, even on Google's organic search. 'The bar for changing classifiers or manual actions on span in organic search is extremely high. However, the bar for things we let our Google Assistant say out loud might be a lot lower,' he explained. A leaked internal Google discussion thread reportedly indicates that the tech giant regularly manipulates search results on some of its products. An anonymous source inside the company disclosed the thread which allegedly points to the existence of a 'blacklist' containing search terms that are deemed sensitive and thus should be manually filtered. The report goes against Google CEO Sundar Pichai's sworn testimony in front of Congress last month (above) that the company does not 'manually intervene' on search results While searches on the tech giant's video platform YouTube are managed slightly differently to the main search tool, Google.com, thanks to the way videos and related content are promoted to users. But a Google spokesman insisted that: 'Google has never manipulated or modified the search results or content in any of its products to promote a particular political ideology.' According to the Breitbart source, a Google software engineer started the discussion thread after learning that abortion-related search results had been manipulated. The source said the manual intervention was ordered after a Slate journalist inquired about the prominence of pro-life videos on YouTube. In response, pro-life videos were allegedly replaced with pro-abortion videos in the top ten results, the software engineer said, calling that change a 'smoking gun'. 'The Slate writer said she had complained last Friday and then saw different search results before YouTube responded to her on Monday,' the employee wrote. 'And lo and behold, the [changelog] was submitted on Friday, December 14 at 3:17 PM.' The videos that were allegedly downranked manually included several posts from Dr Antony Levatino, a former abortion doctor who is now a pro-life activist, as well as one featuring conservative pundit Ben Shapiro. The majority of the videos that now occupy the top 10 slots ranked by relevance are explanatory, with titles including: 'Pregnancy & Menopause: Getting Pregnant After an Abortion' and 'What The Average Abortion Looks Like'. A spokesperson for YouTube told DailyMail.com: 'Weve been very public in explaining that we work to surface authoritative news sources for topical information. 'These results are generated algorithmically and arent designed to favor a specific political perspective nor discriminate between pro-life and pro-choice videos. In fact, we surface both pro-life and pro-choice videos in our top search results for the term "abortion".' The spokesperson added that when the changes were made, no videos were removed from the site and the ones that were shifted 'contained misinformation alongside graphic images'. According to the Breitbart source, a Google software engineer started the discussion thread after learning that abortion-related search results had been manipulated. The source said the manual intervention was ordered after a Slate journalist inquired about the prominence of pro-life videos on YouTube. In response, pro-life videos were replaced with pro-abortion videos in the top ten results. The majority of the videos that currently occupy the top 10 slots when ranked by relevance (seen above) are largely explanatory pieces The Slate journalist, April Glaser, had written that the videos contained 'dangerous misinformation' in her story published December 21. She wrote: 'Before I raised the issue with YouTube late last week, the top search results for 'abortion' on the site were almost all anti-abortionand frequently misleading. 'One top result was a clip called 'LIVE Abortion Video on Display', which over the course of a gory two minutes shows images of a formed fetus' tiny feet resting in a pool of blood. 'Manually adjusted' search terms revealed in alleged blacklist The following terms were allegedly included in a screenshot of a YouTube search query blacklist leaked to Breitbart by a Google insider: plane crash Russian plane crash an-148 florida shooting conspiracy florida shooting crisis actors florida conspiracy florida false flag shooting florida false flag fake florida school shooting david hogg hoax david hogg fake david hogg crisis actor david hogg forgets lines david hogg forgets his lines david hogg cant remember his lines david hogg actor david hogg cant remember david hogg conspiracy david hogg exposed david hogg lines david hogg rehearsing florida shooting conspiracy In addition, Breitbart said 'abortion', 'Ireland abortion referendum' and 'Maxine Waters' were on the list Advertisement 'Several of the top results featured a doctor named Antony Levatino, including one in which he testified to the House Judiciary Committee that Planned Parenthood was aborting fetuses 'the length of your hand plus several inches' in addition to several misleading animations that showed a fetus that looks like a sentient child in the uterus. 'The eighth result was a video from conservative pundit Ben Shapiro, just above a video of a woman self-narrating a blog titled, 'Abortion: My Experience,' with text in the thumbnail that reads, 'My Biggest Mistake.' 'Only two of the top 15 results struck me as not particularly political, and none of the top results focused on providing dispassionate, up-to-date medical information. In the report, Glaser noted that the search results changed shortly after she contacted Google. In the discussion thread, a site reliability engineer allegedly says: 'We have tons of white- and blacklists that humans manually curate. Hopefully this isn't surprising or particularly controversial.' In one lengthy post, an employee named Daniel Aaronson, who claims to be a member of Google's 'Trust & Safety' team, offers a lengthy explanation for the conditions under which search results would be adjusted. He says adjustments are based on 'determined by pages and pages of policies worked on over many years and many teams to be fair and cover necessary scope'. Aaronson added a note about the interventions extending beyond YouTube to search results delivered by Google Assistant, Google Home, and in rare cases Google's organic search results. Replying to Breitbart's request for comment, a YouTube spokesperson said: 'YouTube is a platform for free speech where anyone can choose to post videos, as long as they follow our Community Guidelines, which prohibit things like inciting violence and pornography. We apply these policies impartially and we allow both pro-life and pro-choice opinions. 'Over the last year we've described how we are working to better surface news sources across our site for news-related searches and topical information. We've improved our search and discovery algorithms, built new features that clearly label and prominently surface news sources on our homepage and search pages, and introduced information panels to help give users more authoritative sources where they can fact check information for themselves.' Included on Google's alleged blacklist of 'controversial search queries' are several terms related to abortion, Parkland shooting survivor and gun control advocate David Hogg and Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters, according to the insider (file photo) Testifying before Congress last month, Google chief Pichai refuted claims that the company's search results are politically biased. Pichai told US lawmakers that employees are not able to influence the results it shows users, despite accusations from some conservative voices, including President Donald Trump, who has on multiple occasions accused Google of providing 'rigged' search results with negative news about himself and fellow Republicans. 'We don't manually intervene in any particular search result,' Pichai said. Answering a question from Congressman Lamar Smith, Pichai added: 'It is not possible for an individual employee to manipulate our search results.' Lawmakers grilled the CEO on why images of President Trump appear at the top of Google Images when you search the word 'idiot', in a bid to understand how its search algorithms work. Speaking to bias accusations later in the hearing, Congressman Ted Lieu said: 'If you want positive search results, do positive things. If you don't want negative search results, don't do negative things.' Former Tory minister Nick Boles set out a plan giving the Government three more weeks to come up with an alternative Brexit if Theresa May's deal is defeated (file pic) Tory rebel Nick Boles today claimed 400 MPs back a soft Brexit - as he lashed Theresa May for failing to get cross party support for a deal. And he repeated his call for Article 50 to be extended by nine months to provide more time for Brexit talks. But he abandoned his plot for controls of the Brexit talks to be taken away from No 10 and handed to MPs sitting on the Liaison committee - admitting MPs on the committee did not back his plan. But he urged the PM to reach across the political divide on Brexit, warning she will not be able to get any deal backed by Parliament if she carries on only trying to appeal to the DUP and Tories. Mr Boles is part of a group of Tory and Labour MPs who are pushing for a Norway-style soft Brexit which would keep the UK tied to the EU customs union and single market. Mr Boles told Sky News: 'We need to rule out a no deal Brexit. There is absolutely no parliamentary majority for it and it would be catastrophic harmful to the country.' He added: 'Here is a majority for a reasonable soft Brexit deal you could probably get about 400 MPs to vote for something. 'You are not going to get it if you rely only Conservative and DUP votes and what she has been doing is trying to construct something that she can squeak through parliament with a non-existent majority and we saw last night it has failed.' His intervention comes as the Cabinet is at open war over what Mrs May's Plan B should be. One group of ministers including David Gauke and Amber Rudd are pushing to stay in an EU customs union, while Brexiteers including Andrea Leadsom pushing to ramp up no deal planning. Mr Boles has tabled a Bill to delay Brexit by extending Article 50 by nine months if Mrs May cannot get a new deal is not backed by Parliament. But tonight he revealed he is tearing up another part of the Bill which would have handed MPs sitting on the Liaison Committee control of the negotiations. Explaining it, he said: 'The Bill would say this that if the PM has not secured a compromise bill and got it through Parliament by the end of the first week of March then she would be legally mandated to write to the EU and ask for a nine month extension to Article 50. 'That would stop no deal Brexit happening.' Mrs May is scrambling to come up with a Brexit Plan B after her deal was voted down by 432 to 202 - the biggest defeat ever inflicted on a British Prime Minister. Mrs May - who survived a no-confidence vote called by Jeremy Corbyn tonight - has said she will 'open discussions' with senior MPs from other parties as she tries to forge a Parliamentary majority on the way forward. Theresa May launched a furious attack on the Labour leader in brutal clashes at PMQs today Her effective deputy David Lidington has been put in charge of the charm offensive. The PM came out fighting this afternoon as she insisted the UK will still leave the EU at the end of March, and again ruled out staying in a customs union with the bloc. But Mr Gauke appeared to contradict Mrs May by warning it was no longer possible for the government to 'box ourselves in' with red lines such as on the customs union. And Chancellor Philip Hammond is said to have suggested to business leaders in a phone call last night that Article 50 would be extended and the government was entering a 'new era' in its approach. The Tory splits deepened after a Cabinet meeting yesterday where Remain-leaning ministers including Amber Rudd, Greg Clark and Mr Gauke again urged Mrs May to call 'indicative votes' in the Commons on how to go forward with Brexit. A Cabinet source told MailOnline a more hawkish group led by Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid, Gavin Williamson and Andrea Leadsom gave the idea a 'good kicking'. Another said the proposal was 'heavily sat on'. Tory chairman Brandon Lewis also waded in by warning that party activists would not tolerate Mrs May making overtures to Labour MPs for a soft Brexit. A light 4.7-magnitude earthquake has been recorded off the coast of Maryland. The U.S. Geological Survey says the 4.7-magnitude earthquake struck yesterday evening in the Atlantic Ocean, about 136 miles (219 kilometers) southeast of Ocean City, Maryland. The earthquake had a depth of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) but no tsunami warning has been issued, the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program said. The USGS website shows dozens of people reported feeling a small rumble from Ocean Pines all the way down the coast of Virginia Beach. An earthquake was reported off the coast of Ocean City, Maryland, at 6:30 pm last night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey But there is said no chance of a tsunami, according to USGS, and more than 50 people reported feeling a slight tremor. The Maryland Deptartment of Natural Resources said the quake happened, 'on the outer continental shaft'. In a Facebook post, Ocean City town officials said emergency officials were monitoring the situation but had not observed any effects from the quake. The post read: 'The Town of Ocean City is aware of an earthquake that took place in the Atlantic, approximately 130 miles off shore and nearly 6 miles deep. The earthquake hit 136 miles off the coast of Ocean City and had a depth of 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles, but there is no chance of a tsunami, according to USGS 'Although we have seen no effects here, our Emergency Services Department has been in contact with our State partners and will be monitoring if needed.' The last significant earthquake reported on the Delmarva Peninsula was in November 2017 when a magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck about 10 miles east-northeast of Dover, Delaware. In 2011 a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck Delmarva and the East Coast with residents throughout Delmarva and as far away as New York City and southern Canada reporting feeling the quake. Sgt. Kenneth Collier was arrested Saturday after reports he'd rear-ended another vehicle A veteran Maryland police officer has been suspended after he allegedly smashed into another vehicle while drink driving and then fought officers at the scene. Sgt. Kenneth Collier, who's been with the Anne Arundel County Police Department for 21 years, was arrested Saturday after reports he'd rear-ended another vehicle in Crofton. Police responding to the incident believed Collier was under the influence of alcohol and arrested him on suspicion of DUI. When police went to put him in cuffs he tried to fight them off, the force said in a statement. Collier was off-duty when he crashed his truck. He has been charged with assault on a law enforcement officer, second-degree assault, driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest. The veteran policeman has been suspended without pay while the investigation is going. Robots. Viruses. An asteroid. Nuclear war. There are many different scenarios how humanity could perish, but perhaps the least likely is that we ourselves volunteer to do so. For activist Les U. Knight, however, that is exactly the plan he is advocating for: voluntary human extinction to save the planet. I havent seen any cohesive argument why our species should continue into the future, Knight told DailyMail.com. I have not seen a good reason for us to add one more human to the existing billions when you consider the extinctions of so many other species and when you consider how many people are not being cared for. Eschewing labels like leader or founder, Knight began the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, known as VHEMT and pronounced like the word vehement, in 1991. It was a combination of factors that led Knight to VHEMT, which was first launched as a newsletter and then as a website in 1996 that still thrives today. With the United Nations estimating that the worlds population will hit nearly 9.6 billion by 2050 and the recent uptick in interest in what is known as antinatalism and being child-free, the question of human extinction has received more attention lately in Op-Eds and articles in publications like The New York Times Would Human Extinction Be a Tragedy? and The New Yorker The Case for Not being Born. But Knight, now 71, has been publicly advocating for human extinction for nearly 30 years, and privately has put his money where hes mouth is: he got a vasectomy when he was 25. While he has no kids of his own, Knight has worked for more than 40 years as a substitute teacher in his native Oregon. Les U. Knight, pictured, started the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, known as VHEMT and pronounced like the word vehement, in 1991. It was first a newsletter called These EXIT Times that later on became the VHEMT website in 1996, and still thrives today. Knight advocates for voluntary human extinction to save the Earths biosphere. Les U. Knight is a pseudonym, which he said he uses because it doesnt matter Im just one of the volunteers and a spokesperson and so I dont think my name is important' There were a combination of factors that led Knight to start the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement in 1991. The first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970, and that peaked his interest in the environmental movement. Also, zero population growth was a hot button issue during that time period with the publication of 1962s The Population Bomb, a book much discussed and maligned as a doomsayer that never happened, he explained. A native of Oregon, Knight also recognized the loss of the state's ancient forests. Above, a graphic from the VHEMT's website Knight had a vasectomy when he was 25, and said that the doctor was quite reluctant to do the procedure. All societies have evolved to be natalist, meaning we consider a new human being created as a good thing no matter what the circumstances are, its good. Whereas it isnt necessarily so good but we dont question it because of our natalist conditioning, cultural conditioning to consider procreation to be a very good thing,' Knight told DailyMail.com. Above, a graphic from the VHEMT's website about the societal pressure to have kids Les U. Knight is pseudonym, which he said he uses because it doesnt matter Im just one of the volunteers and a spokesperson and so I dont think my name is important. Knight drew a line from his activism to the environmental movement of the 1970s the first Earth Day was on April 22, 1970 and the fact that zero population growth was a hot button issue during that time period with the publication of 1962s The Population Bomb, a book much discussed and maligned as a doomsayer that never happened, he explained. Knight also remembered a flippant remark his uncle made when he was 12 that stuck with him. He said, well, I think mankind out to be phased out... He was always saying outrageous things But he didnt really believe that we should. When I told him that I thought we should many years later, he said, oh no, we got to have a few of us around, Knight recalled. That gave me the idea although the seed laid dormant for quite a while. In Oregon, where Knight was born, raised and still lives, he said there are remnants of the glory of what used to be of the states ancient forests, some of which were lost. And I traced everything back to one factor and that is humans. Wherever there are fewer of us, there is much more nature, he said. All of these strands led Knight to send out by mail a newsletter called These EXIT Times. No one was saying that we really should stop procreating completely, he recalled as to why he published the newsletter in 1991. The message was and still is pretty much stop at two but you dont have to be a math genius to figure out that stopping at two so-called replacement level fertility will not actually bring about zero population growth due to the momentum. While the worlds total fertility rate has fallen since 1950 from 4.7 to 2.4 in 2017 global population has risen from 2.6 billion to 7.6 billion, CNN reported in November. Knight had put out the newsletter three times but by 1996 started the website for VHEMT because the Internet came along and saved me a lot of paper and postage. I reach more people in one day then I did with each issue of the newsletter on the Internet. The website is an interesting mix with touches of humor and wit of laying out the arguments for voluntarily phasing ourselves out and the cases made against extinction. There are also several different language options, such as Chinese and Polish, as well. The VHEMT website is an interesting mix, with touches of human and wit, of Knight's arguments for advocating for human extinction. It also tackles the cases people make against the movement. I think its only natural for people to think of our extinction as a really bad thing, Knight told DailyMail.com. Although the extinction of millions of other species doesnt seem to be all that upsetting so maybe itll help people understand what an extinction means. Were gone forever. Above, a VHEMT graphic from the website Knight, now 71, has been advocating for human extinction to save the Earth's biosphere publicly for nearly 30 years. Interestingly, human extinction has been the subject of recent articles and Op-Eds. Antinatalism, which for some is that it is morally wrong for people to have children, and the child-free movement also have been gaining steam. Above, a graphic from the VHEMT website The environmental movement of the 1970s, being a native of Oregon and seeing some of the state's ancient forests lost were some of the reasons that Knight decided to send out by mail a newsletter called These EXIT Times. No one was saying that we really should stop procreating completely, he recalled as to why he published the newsletter in 1991. These EXIT Times would become the VHEMT website, which Knight launched in 1996 and it still thrives today. Above, a graphic from the website There are many different ways to help the environment, and above is a graphic from the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement, known as VHEMT, which activist Les U. Knight started in the 1990s I think its only natural for people to think of our extinction as a really bad thing, Knight said. Although the extinction of millions of other species doesnt seem to be all that upsetting so maybe itll help people understand what an extinction means. Were gone forever. All societies have evolved to be natalist, meaning we consider a new human being created as a good thing no matter what the circumstances are, its good. Whereas it isnt necessarily so good but we dont question it because of our natalist conditioning, cultural conditioning to consider procreation to be a very good thing. Antinatalism rejects this idea, with some pontificating it is morally bad to have children. So when somebody comes along and says, well, no, its not such a good thing, in fact, it would be much better if we didnt so we can take care of everything thats here. It creates a cognitive dissonance that is uncomfortable, Knight said, noting that when he is hosting tables at fairs, its rare that he gets pushback in person. A Facebook page for VHEMT has over 9,400 people who follow it, and Knight estimated that about 8,000 are volunteers and supporters of the movement, and 'the others are either just curious or opposed - occasionally trolling.' Last year, daily average unique page views to the site was a little over 630 with occasional spikes to the thousands when an article about the movement was published, he said via email. It is unclear, however, how large the movement is. Its really hard to say because its never been an organization with membership and I hope it never is. Organizations tend to dissolve into infighting and then its all over. But if we remain a movement, we will only increase in awareness and in number of people who are volunteering and supporting, he said. A volunteer agrees that we should stop procreating and the best thing for planet and people would be to go extinct. Supporters, on the other hand, say, yeah for now, but it would be nice if later when our population is down to a sustainable number, we rethink this idea and not go extinct. They dont want to advocate the extinction of any species including our own. Knight emphasized that the movement is voluntary and there are misconceptions around wanting people to die or commit suicide, which is not the case. But it doesnt take long to clear that up, its like no, we just (do it) through natural attrition, like when a company doesnt hire more people - just lets people retire and they downsize to a proper number. So we just downsize and clean up our messes as we go. Calling humans exotic invaders - everywhere except Africa Knight said that humans are incompatible with every ecosystem that we have either evolved in or invaded. For the sake of the Earths biosphere, humans should voluntarily phase themselves out, and the movement encourages people to think before they procreate. Even if humans could get themselves down to a sustainable number for the planet, which according to Knight is 10 to 15,000 people to maybe a million, he would still advocate for human extinction. But the problem is we are so fecund. We just breed and breed. Its just amazing, he said. Were not like other species, were very smart too smart for our own good and for the planets good. According to his website: It has been suggested that there are only two chances of everyone volunteering to stop breeding: slim and none. The odds may be against preserving life on Earth, but the decision to stop reproducing is still the morally correct one. Indeed, the likelihood of our failure to avoid the massive die off which humanity is engineering is a very good reason to not sentence another of us to life. The future isnt what it used to be. Knight added that he noticed reproductive freedom was lacking in the United States and around the world, and that it should be a human right to not procreate. Recently, the child-free movement has been gaining momentum. In the last year, Ive seen more and more articles about people choosing to remain child-free or to not add more to their existing family than ever. Ive been collecting these stories and last year was just a groundswell of articles, and, in addition, there have been articles about human extinction, almost all of them saying that we need to avoid that - as if its a bad thing. When Knight went to get his vasectomy at aged 25, he relayed in an email that the doctor was quite reluctant to do the procedure. I see you don't have any children, the doctor said. No, thank God, Knight replied. As an atheist, Knight meant to thank his lucky stars, but he said: I just don't want kids. You know it's permanent, the doctor said. That's the best part. An annual parade to commemorate a war hero for his bravery at the Battle of Rorke's Drift has been ditched over health and safety fears because police said they might not be able to stop traffic. John Williams was given Britain's highest honour of the Victoria Cross for his service in the conflict which took place on the bank of the Buffalo River in Natal Province in South Africa. Private Williams was just 21 when he knocked holes in hospital walls to save eight patients from the Zulus. Every year a parade is held to commemorate his bravery in his hometown of Llantarnam, Cwmbran, South Wales. Every year a parade is held to commemorate John William's bravery in his hometown of Llantarnam, Cwmbran, South Wales But on the 140th anniversary of the battle, the parade, which has been taking place for the past 26 years has been cancelled - because police will not help to stop traffic. Gwent police say there is 'the potential of putting members of public at risk' if officers were called away from the parade. Tony Burnett, chairman of the Cwmbran and District ex-Services Association, said it is an 'insult' to veterans. He said: 'Every year the road is closed for 30 minutes while the parade proceeds along it to the church, where the memorial service then takes place. 'And every year Gwent Police have managed the closed roads for us. They have now told us that they cannot do it. John Williams (pictured) was given Britain's highest honour of the Victoria Cross for his service in the conflict which took place on the bank of the Buffalo River in Natal Province in South Africa. 'They said if there is an emergency and had to get away it could go against health and safety. 'Gwent Police said we need trained officers to oversee road closures and divergence traffic signs. 'But hiring a company and getting signs will cost more than 1,000. We cannot spend that money.' Private Williams served in the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot, and was born with the name John Fielding. He managed to knock through partition walls in a hospital to bring patients into the inner line of defence. Thousands of spectators have flocked to the parade for the past 26 years at the veteran's resting place in St Michael's Church. Mr Burnett added: 'This is an insult to Fielding and other veterans.' Chief superintendent Marc Budden, of Gwent Police, said: 'The issue for us as a police service is that we cannot be written into any traffic management plan, due to the fact that, if officers got called away to an emergency, it has the potential of putting members of public at risk. 'This is in line with a national approach and I know that similar events utilise marshals for this purpose. 'I want to reiterate my support for this event and assure you that officers will be attendance as long as operational commitments allow. 'For safety of all concerned, we just cannot be written into the traffic management plan.' A memorial service will still take place at St Michael's Church on Saturday, January 19 - but the parade will not go ahead. A driver who killed a Michigan family-of-five when he was driving drunk the wrong way down a highway was almost four times over the blood-alcohol limit, it has been revealed. Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn said 41-year-old Joey Lee Bailey had a .306 blood-alcohol content and was at fault in the fiery crash that left five members of the Abbas family dead on January 6. The legal limit in Kentucky is .08. He killed 42-year-old Issam Abbas, his 38-year-old wife Rima, their 14-year-old son, Ali, and two daughters, 13-year-old Isabella and seven-year-old Giselle. A Kentucky coroner said Joey Lee Bailey, 41 (left), had a .306 blood-alcohol content and was at fault in the January 6 crash that killed the Abbas family from Michigan (right) Bailey was going the wrong way on I-75 when his pickup truck slammed head-on into Issam Abbas' SUV, causing it to catch fire Both vehicles were engulfed in flames and everyone inside were killed Lexington police have said Bailey was driving his Chevy pickup truck southbound in the northbound lanes on the I-75 at 2.30am when he hit the family's Cadillac Escalade. Bailey also died in the collision, which the Lexington Police Department said was his fault. Several 911 calls had been made about Bailey's pickup careening the wrong way on the highway. By the time police had gotten there, they came upon the scene of the family's car, and Bailey's pickup, both engulfed in flames after the apparent head on collision. Killed in the crash were (L to R): 13-year-old Isabella Abbas, her dad, 42-year-old Issam, 38-year-old mom Rima, 14-year-old Ali and 7-year-old Giselle )in front of her dad) Issam was a real estate broker, while Rima was a well-known doctor in Dearborn. Bailey worked a stamping operator for Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky According to his obituary, the 41-year-old man lived in Georgetown with his four cats and worked a stamping operator for Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky. At the time of the accident, the Abbas family were returning from their family vacation in Florida, according to Detroit Free Press. Issam was a real estate broker, while Rima was a well-known doctor in Dearborn with Beaumont Health. They were said to have been very involved in their community. A two-hour funeral was held at the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn on January 8. Five caskets were taken to the main prayer hall and then carried outside. Men holding the caskets cried out in Arabic: 'There is no god but God.' Aimee Spencer, a 27-year-old glamour model, had fallen from his flat's kitchen window having consumed cocaine and ketamine A drug dealer arrested after Geordie Shore star Aimee Spencer plunged to her death from his luxury flat was locked up at the second time of asking today. Daniel William Lewis, 30, received a two-year suspended sentence after he admitted drug offences, including possessing LSD and cocaine with intent to supply. But today three senior judges at London's Appeal Court ruled his punishment 'unduly lenient' - and locked him up for three years. Lewis was in his seafront flat in Chichester Terrace in Brighton when police arrived on July 11 2016, said Lord Justice Holroyde. Aimee Spencer, a 27-year-old glamour model, had fallen from the flat's kitchen window having consumed cocaine and ketamine. 'She fell to the ground below, sustaining injuries from which she sadly died seven days later without regaining consciousness,' he added. A post mortem toxicology report revealed the presence of ketamine and cocaine in her blood. 'Mr Lewis was in the flat when police arrived. They found him in a naked and agitated state - sweating profusely and clearly under the influence of drugs.' Daniel Lewis (left) received a two-year suspended sentence after he admitted drug offences, including possessing LSD and cocaine with intent to supply. Ms Spencer (right) who fell to her death from the window of his home appeared on Geordie Shore Lewis' partner said later that a drug-fuelled party took place at the flat over much of the weekend. 'When she left for work on Monday morning, she left Miss Spencer and Mr Lewis at the flat and both were still heavily intoxicated,' said the judge. Lewis received a two-year suspended sentence at Lewes Crown Court last November after the sentencing judge said he had been dealing drugs on a large scale. But Lord Justice Holroyde added: 'The judge made clear that she accepted Lewis was not responsible for the death of Aimee Spencer, but that it was the consumption of class A drugs which led to that death. Cocaine and the ketamine were found by pathologists following Miss Spencer's death a week after she fell on Chichester Terrace (pictured) in the seaside town 'She referred to Mr Lewis as peddling great misery by doing that drug dealing.' Lewis's case reached the Appeal Court today as the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC, urged judges to increase his too soft sentence. His lawyers disputed that he had dealt drugs on a substantial scale, insisting that he only supplied friends and acquaintances. The former body builder, who had inherited a trust fund from his grandfather, supplied his merchandise across the Brighton party scene. Ms Spencer (pictured left) briefly appeared in Geordie Shore and shared a bed with regular star Vicky Pattison (right) His legal team also highlighted his previous good character and efforts to 'transform his life'. He has completed 233 hours of unpaid work since the suspended sentence was passed and has left the Brighton area. And the court heard he has since cleaned up his act and now plans to qualify as a dog trainer. But Lord Justice Holroyde said the sentencing judge had over-stressed Lewis's need for rehabilitation. There were multiple aggravating factors in the case which called for a prison stretch, he ruled. 'For all these reasons we are satisfied that the sentence here was unduly lenient. 'We are of the clear view that these offences demanded a total sentence of a length exceeding that which could be suspended. 'The very least total sentence appropriate is three years,' he concluded, substituting that punishment. Lewis must now surrender to Brighton custody centre by 4pm today to begin his three-year prison term. Russia has claimed that it caught former U.S. marine Paul Whelan 'red-handed' as he was carrying out illegal activities in his Moscow hotel room. Whelan, a former U.S. marine who also holds British, Canadian and Irish passports, was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service on December 28 on spying charges. His family claim that he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding. 'He was caught red-handed,' Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday during a news conference. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (left) claimed former U.S. marine Paul Whelan (right), who is being detained in Russia on spying charges, was 'caught red handed' 'He was detained at the moment he was carrying out specific illegal actions in his hotel'. Lavrov said the investigation into Mr Whelan continued and his detention was not motivated by any desire to try to exchange him for Russian citizens held in the US. He also said Mr Whelans brother was in Moscow and had been briefed about prison conditions, but David Whelan told Reuters on Tuesday such reports were 'false'. 'Neither his parents nor his siblings are flying to Russia, and we have no plans to fly to Russia,' he said. The Interfax news agency on Tuesday had cited a lawyer for the Whelan family as saying that they would make such a visit. The FSB has opened a criminal case against Whelan but given no details of his alleged activities. In Russia, an espionage conviction carries a prison sentence of 10 to 20 years. Intelligence experts have said that Moscow may have arrested Whelan in retaliation for the U.S. arrest of a Russian national, Maria Butina, who admitted last month to U.S. prosecutors that she had tried to infiltrate American conservative groups as an agent for Moscow. Whelan, 48, (pictured) was arrested on December 28 with his brother saying he was in the country to attend a friend's wedding A review of Whelan's social media activity showed that he had online contact with more than 20 Russians with military backgrounds. Russian men with military education or a history of military service make up nearly half of Whelan's more than 50 friends on VK, a popular Russian social network that resembles Facebook, the analysis by Reuters shows. At least 12 of his friends received military education in Russia, according to open source information, and at least another 11 appear to have completed national service. The arrest has further strained relations between Moscow and Washington, which have soured over Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, and subsequent economic sanctions and accusations of meddling in the U.S. presidential election. Reports suggest Whelan was detained after receiving a thumb drive containing a list of all the employees of a secret Russian state agency David Whelan (pictured) refuted a Russian media report that said his brother's family planned to visit Russia to try to win his freedom Whelan lives in Novi, Michigan, according to public records. He is director of global security at BorgWarner, a U.S. auto parts maker based in Michigan. Russian online news portal Rosbalt.ru earlier this month cited an unnamed Russian intelligence source as saying that Whelan had been detained five minutes after receiving a thumb drive containing a list of all the employees of a secret Russian state agency. The same source was quoted as saying that Whelan had been spying for 10 years using the internet to identify targets from whom he could obtain information and that the employee list he was caught with had long been of interest to U.S. spies. Lavrov said the investigation into Whelan continued and his detention was not motivated by any desire to try to exchange him for Russian citizens held in the United States. He said Russia would allow U.S. diplomats to visit Whelan for a second time and that an Irish diplomat was also due to meet him soon. Chris Christie charges President Donald Trump is being misserved by the 'amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons' around him who haven't even been googled in his forthcoming memoir. The former New Jersey governor is settling scores in his book, 'Let Me Finish,' which comes out Jan. 29. He slams White House adviser and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner in the tome but he also writes the president 'trusts people he shouldn't, including some of the people who are closest to him,' according to Axios, which obtained a copy of the memoir. Christie claims the president is surrounded by a 'revolving door of deeply flawed individuals amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons who were hustled into jobs they were never suited for, sometimes seemingly without so much as a background check via Google or Wikipedia.' Forner New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is savaging Donald Trump and his inner circle in a new book Christie, who Trump rejected in his search for a running mate, now claims poseurs and charlatans infiltrated the president's inner circle without any vetting No names were given in the excerpt the news website published. But previous excerpts showed Christie has an ax to grind with Kushner, who he blamed for keeping him out of the administration. Axios published an excerpt from the book where Christie recounts how former Trump campaign adviser and White House Counselor Steve Bannon unburdened himself to the former governor, particularly on how Kushner was launching a political hit job on Christie. 'The kid's been taking an ax to your head with the boss ever since I got here,' Christie recounts Bannon saying. 'It's been constant. He never stops. Ancient bitterness, I guess.' Christie writes: 'In Bannon-speak, the KID is only one person. Not Donald Jr. Not younger son Eric. Not Ivanka or Tiffany. The kid is Jared Kushner, the husband of Ivanka Trump and the son of the real estate developer Charles Kushner, a man I once sent to prison.' Christie has knives out for Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law (right), whose father Charles (left) he put in prison when he was a federal prosecutor Christie has no regrets about prosecuting Charles Kushner and was happy with his eventual guilty pleas to lying about political donations to then-Gov. Jim McGreevey, cheating on his taxes and videotaping a government witness having sex with a call girl Christie, in an excerpt of his book obtained by the Guardian, claimed Jared Kushner executed a political 'hit job' against him to get him fired as the head of Trump's transition team and for keeping him out of the administration. Christie's book is titled 'Let Me Finish' He contends the president's son-in-law was acting out of revenge for Christie's prosecution of Jared Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, in 2004 when he was U.S. attorney for New Jersey. Christie's prosecution of billionaire real estate developer Charles Kushner helped put him on the map. The elder Kushner pleaded guilty to 16 counts of tax evasion, one count of retaliating against a federal witness, and another count of lying to the Federal Election Commission. An anonymous 'high-ranking Trump staffer,' Christie recounts, called him to warn that 'the family is very upset that he says it will be you'. But Christie does offer Jared Kushner a defense of sorts about Kushner's attendance at the now-infamous June 2016 Trump Tower meeting when Kushner, Donald Trump Jr., and then-campaign manager Paul Manafort met with a Russia lawyer with ties to the Kremlin who claimed to have dirt on Hillary Clinton. Christie wrote taking the meeting was merely 'dumb' or, in the case of Kushner and Trump Jr, a 'sign of profound inexperience.' Christie writes that it was Jared who misjudged the impact of firing then-National Security Advisor Mike Flynn (left), thinking it would end the speculation about Russian impacts on the White House; he also wrote about the infamous Trump Tower meeting attended by then-Trump campaign chairman and current federal inmate Paul Manafort But he does claim Kushner misjudged two Russia-related firings: that of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn in February 2017 and that of the FBI director James Comey in May 2017. Christie writes that Kushner thought firing Flynn would end talk of links between the Trump campaign and Russia - it did not - and that firing Comey would not provoke 'an enormous shit-storm' in Washington. It actually did. 'The president was ill served by poor advice,' Christie writes. When Christie dropped out of the 2016 Republican primary, he endorsed Trump and was one of his early and strongest supporters. He was said to be on Trump's short list forhis running mate. YouTube has removed adverts for far-right group Britain First after clips promoting the organisation appeared before videos on the site. The adverts were taken out after the video-sharing platform was contacted about the clips, which had appeared before content linked to Brexit and British politics. The video showed Britain First leader Paul Golding and supporters confronting volunteers at a Muslim outreach stall last November in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Jayda Fransen (front left) and Paul Golding (front right) from far-right group Britain First are pictured outside Folkestone Magistrates' Court in Kent during a trial last March YouTube, which was contacted about the adverts by the Guardian, said they were removed for breaching its rules which prohibit ads promoting hatred or intolerance. A spokesman for Google, which owns YouTube, said: 'YouTube does not allow ads or videosthat promote hatred, intolerance or discrimination on the platform. 'We work hard to remove content that violates our policies quickly, using a combination of human flagging and review and smart detection technology. 'We're making progress in our fight to prevent the abuse of our services, including hiring more people and investing in advanced machine learning technology. YouTube said the clips were removed for breaching its rules which prohibit ads promoting hatred or intolerance. Its YouTube Space centre at Google UK in London is pictured 'We know there's always more to do here and we're committed to getting better.' In March last year, Golding was jailed for 18 weeks after being convicted of religiously-aggravated harassment at Folkestone Magistrates' Court in Kent. In the same month, the Britain First Facebook page and those linked to Golding and deputy leader Jayda Fransen were also removed from the social network. This came after Facebook said the pages had repeatedly violated its rules on hate speech. Accounts linked to the group were also taken off Twitter in December 2017. This is the moment a Russian stripper undresses and shows her naked breasts to a bank manager in the hope that he will change his mind and approve her loan application. Yulia Kuzmina, who is in her mid-20s, showed off her assets after being refused a loan at a bank in Kazan, the capital city of The Republic of Tatarstan in western Russia. Reports say Kuzmina went to the bank, the name of which has not been disclosed, and filled out papers for a loan. She reportedly wanted to use the loan to buy a car. Yulia Kuzmina, left, was turned down from getting a loan from a bank in Kazan In an effort to overturn the decision, Kuzmina tarted to disrobe in front of the bank official The man offered Kuzmina a jacket in order to protect her modesty from prying eyes The bank employee, who has not been named, refused to approve her application after considering her an unreliable money borrower, according to local media. After her application was rejected, Kuzmina resorted to extreme measures. In the video, Kuzmina can be seen sat across from the loan manager who is shaking his head during their conversation. She then gets to her feet takes off her sweater, revealing a figure-hugging dress. As the worker continues shaking his head Kuzmina strips down to her bra to try and convince him to change his mind. With the worker seemingly unimpressed the stripper then takes off her bra to reveal her breasts. But even that cannot convince the employee, who calmly walks over to Kuzmina and gives her a coat as he shows her out. The clip has now been posted online. Kuzmina herself confirmed the incident and told reporters: 'I am in a difficult situation. Those who judge me do not know what they would do in my shoes.' She was not granted the loan. Beautiful people frolicked in the crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean, the womens hair and bodies shining perfectly amidst Instagram-worthy poses in a promotional video for a music festival touted as the experience of a lifetime. Through sun and surf, from beach to yacht, the stars of the video swam with and fed the famed Bahamian pigs, presumably to be featured months later when Fyre Festival was scheduled to take place over two decadent weekends in spring 2017. What the video did not, show, however, was that the shoot happened on an island completely separate from the intended location of Fyre a site that was nothing more than a gravel pit on a cliff miles away from any pristine beach. And the pig swimming was far from fun; one influencer was bitten and fell over, and another porker unimpressed with the frolicking sank its teeth into the testicles of Fyre organizer Billy McFarland. We needed to keep it professional and get the commercial out of the shoot, even if things around us were chaotic, says filmmaker Michael Swaigen, speaking in new Hulu documentary Fyre Fraud about the Fyre disaster and, frankly, still looking a little shell-shocked. It was one of the more ridiculously ambitious creative treatments that Id seen. But the adjectives chaotic and ridiculous dont even begin to describe the brouhaha surrounding Fyre, which left thousands of attendees and workers broke and abandoned, swindled investors out of millions and, ultimately, landed McFarland behind bars. It had been advertised by influencers and celebrities such as Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner, induced serious fear of missing out among social media enthusiasts, and initially came to be viewed as the ultimate spectacle of millennial entitlement and self-obsessed culture. Scroll down for video Businessman Billy McFarland teamed with rapper Ja Rule to create Fyre Festival, which was touted as a once-in-a-lifetime event filled with glamour, big-name bands and luxurious experiences; promotional materials such as the video above painted a picture of beauty and fun in the sun Fyre Festival was scheduled to take place on a private island in the Bahamas over two decadent weekends in Spring 2017 - but the promised luxury accommodation was replaced by disaster recovery tents and bare mattresses on an unfinished gravel site Festivalgoers - mostly from the millenial generation, the event's target audience - had shelled out thousands of dollars to attend, with one package costing a whopping $250,000 Organizers had promised a luxury once-in-a-lifetime experience - but fed those attending this soggy cheese sandwich, which went viral as ticketholders expressed outrage on social media Fyre Festival was the brainchild of businessman Billy McFarland, right, and rapper Ja Rule, who both heavily promoted the event - and now face multiple lawsuits People were clamouring to get tickets, shelling out thousands; one package cost $250,000, and the organizers claimed the general admission passes sold out almost immediately when they realized, according to the documentary, that they couldnt house more people on the island with no infrastructure. Oren Aks, the designer in charge of social media, talks in the film about receiving messages from people whod quit their jobs and sold all of their possessions to be able to attend. Rapper Ja Rule was the celebrity face of the festival, in addition to the hired models, stars and influencers; bands such as Major Lazer and Blink 182 were promised as performers, with access to some of social medias most famous faces dangled in front of potential attendees. In the end, however, Fyre stood as a shining example of how such a spectacle could devolve into disaster, earning itself a unique place in pop lore as one faction lamented its demise and another usually older, poorer or simply more grounded reveled in the debacle easily labelled by many as rich peoples problems. The organizers came up with the idea and started 'planning' just months before Fyre was supposed to happen - when planning for an event of such magnitude should have begun at least a year and a half beforehand, according to one interview in the Hulu documentary. Hundreds of festivalgoers arrived to the island, promised luxury and villas, only to find bare, soggy mattresses and disaster relief tents. There was, perhaps thankfully, a plentiful supply of alcohol, but pictures of the gourmet food in reality, slices of cheese, wheat bread and limp salad immediately went viral. McFarland had teamed up with Ja Rule to launch the event as a way to build the digital app Fyre music which allowed individuals organizing commercial events, such as concerts, to bid for artist and celebrity bookings at such parties. While the promotional video featured the famed Bahamian pigs - who tourists eagerly swim with - it hid the fact that the animals were biting the models and one pig even sank its teeth into the testicles of organizer McFarland. Pig Beach is not even on the same island eventually chosen as the location for the festival Now, however, Fyre remains a controversial and guilty-pleasure cultural touchstone. Not one but two documentaries are being released this week, interviewing those involved and chronicling the festivals demise, setting off a war altogether separate from the initial Fyre storm. Hulu surprise released its film just days before Netflix was set to stream its own in a move that essentially marked a defiant middle finger to its rival. The Netflix film was produced by entities which had been involved with Fyre in the first place, raising questions about accountability and objectivity. But the Hulu film, too, is problematic, given that the filmmakers paid McFarland a now-hated figure whod already profited from so much fraud and lies a sum of money for his interview which they refuse to disclose. Despite their warring nature, however, both documentaries paint a picture of such a mismanaged, delusional and frankly idiotic production that its genuinely hilarious. Even those involved, looking back, can barely stop themselves from laughing everyone from a local bartender in the Bahamas to the designer who ran Fyres social media campaign. It would be perplexing and funny if it wasnt criminal, but it is criminal, says lawyer Ben Meiselas in the Hulu film, who is bringing a lawsuit with his firm Geragos & Geragos against McFarland, Ja Rule and other organizers. But it still is perplexing and still a little funny. But still horrible. Filmmaker MIchael Swaigen, who made the teaser video for Fyre, says in new Hulu documentary Fyre Fraud: We needed to keep it professional and get the commercial out of the shoot, even if things around us were chaotic ... It was one of the more ridiculously ambitious creative treatments that Id seen Two new documentaries are being released this week on Hulu and Netflix examining the circumstances that led to the disastrous event, with insiders claiming organizers knew almost from the outset that the luxurious promises could not be brought to fruition When ticketholders arrived, they found almost no food, no music, few toilets and sparse accommodation, and the result was 'chaotic' The site eventually chosen for Fyre was a gravel pit on a cliff with next to no infrastructure New York venture capitalist Calvin Wells, who is featured in the Hulu documentary Fyre Fraud, suspected from the beginning that the event could not be realized as advertised. He says in the film: 'You don't buy an island in February to host a festival in April ... When they posted the photo of the island, I found that this is a parking lot on an undeveloped portion outside of Sandals Emerald Bay resort' One of the main stars of the Hulu documentary is a New York venture capitalist who had an inkling from the get-go that Fyre wasnt viable. He began doing his own digging and talking to various contacts such as those in the music business and quickly realized that no one was getting paid, nothing had been set up and it was completely untenable to stage a brand-new festival in a foreign country in a matter of months. You dont buy an island in February to host a festival in April, venture capitalist Calvin Wells says in the documentary, speaking with what can only be described as unmitigated glee. When they posted the photo of the island, I found that this is a parking lot on an undeveloped portion outside of Sandals Emerald Bay resort. Wells took it upon himself to set up the anonymous twitter handle FyreFestivalFraud, where he summarily pointed out all of the things that did not add up. Fyres organizers responded by deleting every negative comment they could find from social media while forging ahead with plans that were still pipe dreams. I called the Wall Street Journal, Wells says. And I say, Heres everything I know. You need to put a stop to this thing, because these guys were not running an honest operation. He adds that he thought: Okay, Ive done my civic duty; we have killed this thing. Thats good enough for me. And I was wrong. They were unfazed ... They hit back with a counter punch of what can only be described as a social media blitz. Aks, the social media designer, says in the film that, while many involved with the festival began to seriously doubt it could be pulled off successfully, Theres so much momentum, so much money, so much force behind everything, that its like, this trains not stopping. Any time thered be anything distasteful or that would be calling Fyre out it was always a matter of, go to that source and eliminate it. He says the Fyre team instantly flagged words about lineup, lineups, performer, details, info, flights, fraud, stupid, scam, festival even festival was blocked, it got that bad. All the while, though, with just days left until the first guests were slated to arrive, the Fyre organizers kept pushing forward with McFarland engineering more and more shady ways to raise money. Ticketholders were told it was a cashless festival, so theyd have to put money on their wristbands generating an estimated $2million right before the event. McFarland created fake transfer records and a spreadsheet claiming that world-famous musical acts had been paid (they had not, nor had they committed.) He continued wrangling money from investors, racking up a $900,000 alcohol tax in the meantime because no one paid attention to Bahamian duty laws. Speaking in the Hulu documentary his demeanor uncharacteristically somber McFarland insists he was a big boy who knew what he was doing and that he gained confidence from the teams whack-a-mole approach to solving all the issues that materialized. Dressed from head to toe in black, McFarland says: We had 250 houses rented for millions of dollars with paper receipts and pictures of every house. We had a box of physical keys, cars to take people there and maps for every single house and the box of keys, unfortunately, went missing. Hours before the scheduled arrival of the first guests, a brutal storm hit the island, prompting already overworked and no longer hopeful employees to start crying of laughter, one says in the film. The reactions of the people whod paid hundreds and thousands, as they were ferried in a yellow school bus to the unfinished site, were those of shock and horror. In addition to insufficient accommodation, everyones luggage was missing, there was very little food and bathrooms and showers were almost non-existent. One ticketholder jokes on camera that, given the name Fyre, perhaps the point for attendees was to burn the whole site down. The reactions of the people whod paid hundreds and thousands, as they were ferried in a yellow school bus to the unfinished site, were those of shock and horror. In addition to insufficient accommodation, everyones luggage was missing, there was very little food and bathrooms and showers were almost non-existent. One ticketholder jokes on camera that, given the name Fyre, perhaps the point for attendees was to burn the whole site down Terrible weather which hit the island hours before the event was set to begin left many mattresses - which were basic to begin with - soggy and wet as guests arrived One man who worked on the evident says in the Hulu documentary that, as the bad weather hit and became completely apparent that the festival would be a disaster, he and other employees began crying of laughter' Private and luxury transportation promised by the festival instead turned out to be commercial flights, school buses and shuttles McFarland pleaded guilty to fraud charges and is currently serving a six-year prison sentence; in addition to the court ordering him to pay $26million, just this week he was also ordered to repay $158,000 in connection with a scheme to sell fake tickets to events such as the Met Gala - a scheme he came up with while out on bail on charges related to Fyre People scrambled to get off the island, but there were issues with flight manifests and crew hours. The entire situation was mayhem, and McFarland and Ja Rule found themselves in more than a little hot water. The rapper immediately, and clearly, tried to distance himself from the debacle. Im heartbroken at this moment, he told Rolling Stone. My partners and I wanted this to be an amazing event, it was NOT A SCAM as everyone is reporting. I dont know how everything went so left but Im working to make it right by making sure everything is refunded I truly apologize as this is NOT MY FAULT but Im taking responsibility Im deeply sorry to everyone who was inconvenienced by this. Neither the attendees nor their lawyers, however, were willing to let McFarland, Ja Rule or any other involved party get away with the disaster that was Fyre. At the same time the festival was supposed to be in full swing, celebrity lawyer Mark Geragos filed a class-action suit against the organizers demanding $100million. More than a half-dozen other lawsuits followed. McFarland was arrested on fraud and other charges and let out on bail when he cooked up yet another scheme to defraud the same people, targeting them through the same email list as he tried to sell them tickets to events such as the Met Gala and Victorias Secret Fashion Show. He was sentenced to six years in prison in October after pleading guilty to fraud charges and ordered to pay $26million in restitution in connection with the Fyre debacle. Hes currently serving time behind bars, and just this week was ordered to pay an additional $158,000 in connection with his ticket scheme. Ja Rule has avoided any criminal charges, but he said last fall on an episode of Revolt TVs Drink Champs that he was not ashamed of the shambolic Fyre event. People didnt really know I had anything to do with the festival until it went wrong, he said. And then it was like, Ja Rules festival! It was my idea, my vision to do this, he added. And Im in no way, shape or form ashamed of my vision of what it was to do this I wanted to create something amazing. He said: I shouldve been more on top of things. I shouldve not trusted people with certain things. And maybe, Im positive things wouldnt have been like that. That part of it, I take all responsibility. But the responsibility doesnt lie just at the top, according to many interviewed in the new Hulu film, with Oren Aks who retained the Fyre Festival twitter account and has been actively addressing the documentaries through it this week saying the blame lies with everyone. Were living with an era in which you can convince millions of people to do anything just on marketing alone, one interviewee surmises in Fyre Fraud. But in its wake, it leaves real harm. The leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee Dianne Feinstein raised concerns Wednesday about attorney general pick William Barr's 'equivocation' about whether he will allow the release of the final Mueller report She referenced Tuesday testimony, where Barr said repeatedly he would follow Justice Department regulations, but stopped short of any guarantee he would release the work product of the Russia probe. 'It seemed to me that as the day progressed he referenced writing his own report and treating the Mueller report as confidential,' Feinstein said on a second consecutive hearing on Trump's nominee to lead the Justice Department. Sen. Dianne Feinstein raised concerns that attorney general nominee William Barr would treat 'the Mueller report as confidential' rather than allow its release The issue is paramount to Democrats because if current guidelines hold that a sitting president can't be prosecuted, a classified Mueller report that never gets released to the Congress or the public might allow whatever Mueller finds to remain sealed even if he uncovers serious transgressions. 'I think it's essential that Congress and the American people know what is in the Mueller report,' Feinstein said. 'I know his reputation. I know his integrity. And this is a big report and the public needs to see it,' she continued. Former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for William Barr to be attorney general of the United States on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 16, 2019. He said Barr once research a Scottish king's power in an effort to justify a line-item veto, but decided it wasn't such a good citation Attorney General nominee William Barr, center, departs as he concludes testifying at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 WE SWEAR: Former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey (L) and other witnesses are sworn in before a Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing for William Barr to be attorney general of the United States on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., January 16, 2019 'I found that Bill Barr has a brilliant legal mind. He knows Mandarin Chinese. And he plays the bagpipes,' said former George H.W. Bush speechwriter Mary Kate Cary Chairman and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina (L) and ranking member and Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California (R) speak as former US Attorney General William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, USA, 15 January 2019 George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley defended a June memo by Barr on the Mueller probe. 'It is detailed it is dispassionate. It is the work of a law nerd. And that's what he is. And I should know because I'm a law nerd,' Turley said. IN CHARGE: Republican Senator from South Carolina Lindsey Graham starts the second day of confirmation hearing for Attorney General nominee William Barr before the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, USA, 16 January 2019 'I am hopeful that that report will be made public. And my vote depends on that,' she added. After a Wednesday performance that won praise from Republicans and Democrats, Barr's confirmation is strongly favored. Republicans who control the Senate don't need any Democratic votes to confirm him. Barr said Wednesday in testimony: 'As the rules stand now, people should be aware, the rules I think say that the independent, special counsel will prepare a summary report on any prosecutive or declination decisions, and that shall be confidential and shall be treated as any other declination or prosecutive material within the department.' He added that 'the Attorney General is responsible for notifying and reporting certain information upon the conclusion of the investigation. Now how these will fit together and what can be gotten out there I would have to wait, Id want to talk to [Deputy Attorney General] Rod Rosenstein and see what he has discussed with Mueller.' He also promised to be as 'transparent' as possible but stopped short of saying he would allow the release of the report, which the House Judiciary Committee chairman is threatening to subpoena if necessary. On a panel of experts and colleagues, others praised Barr, a former attorney general in the George H.W. Bush administration who also served in the CIA. Mary Kate Cary, a former Bush speechwriter who has known Barr for decades, testified: 'I found that Bill Barr has a brilliant legal mind. He knows Mandarin Chinese. And he plays the bagpipes.' She added: 'Hes got a great sense of humor and an easy laugh. He is a kind and decent man. A dedicated public servant and one of the best bosses I have ever had.' 'He is always a gentleman,' she said, referencing how the two traveled the country on a four-seater plane during the Bush Administration. There were times when FBI agents were concerned about his personal security. 'The fact that attorney general of the United States was more concerned about the safety of a 28-year-old staffer than his own safety tells you volumes about him.' Former Attorney General Mike Mukasey told of some diligent legal research Barr conducted when asked to find a basis for the line-item veto, a holy grail for Republican presidents in the 80s and 90s. 'He said there was a Scottish king who had done something like a line-item veto. But of course that that Scottish king as it turned out was suffering from syphilis and was quite out of his mind. So you would have to call that syphilitic prerogative if you did it, Mr. President,' Mukasey explained. 'So the president decided not to assert the power. That's the kind of judgement he has.' George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley, a liberal who has also criticized the reach of the Mueller probe, defended an unsolicited Barr memo that went after the reach of the probe into potential obstruction of justice. 'It is detailed it is dispassionate. It is the work of a law nerd. And that's what he is. And I should know because I'm a law nerd,' Turley said. Georgia State University law professor Neil Kinkopf blasted Barr's belief in a 'unitary executive' with far-reaching powers. He countered 'his claim that the president is the executive branch' and that anyone serving under him 'is merely the president's hands' for legal purposes. Turley countered in at least one respect, Barr breaks with those who come down on the side of presidential authority. 'He says the president can be charged with federal crimes in office. He agrees the president could be charged with obstruction in office,' Turley said. Authorites in Alabama have arrested a veternariy student suspected of selling nearly 50 horses to meat-processing plants in Mexico. Deputies with the Blount County Sheriff's Office apprehended 24-year-old Fallon Blackwood at a local rodeo Saturday, four months after a grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging the woman with bringing into the state property obtained by false pretense with the intent to defraud. Blackwoofd, a senior majoring in veterinary medicine at Tuskegee University, is accused of offering owners to re-home older and ailing horses, and instead selling them to slaughterhouses in Mexico for meat. Fallon Blackwood, 24, a senior studying veterinary medicine at Tuskegee University, is suspected of selling dozens of horses, most of them old or sick, to Mexican slaughterhouses One of Blackwood's four-legged victims is believed to be a 15-year-old appendix gelding named Willie, who was handed over to the vet student in January 2018, never to be seen again Willie's long-time owner was told by Blackwood that the ailing horse would be a pasture mate for her own racing horse The indictment lists 13 animals, but Lindsay Rosentrater, who turned over her beloved horse, Willie, to Blackwood in January 20018, said that nearly 50 missing horses have been linked to the veterinary student. Blackwood was also arrested in early April on an outstanding warrant from North Carolina, where she was accused of tricking a man into giving her two horses, reported Fox 5 Atlanta. According to multiple accounts posted on a Facebook page created by Rosentrater called Finding Willie, Blackwood would answer ads placed by people throughout the South seeking to sell their horses, saying that while she could not afford to buy the animals, she would be willing to house them on her 18-acre farm and care for them. In many of the cases, including Rosentrater's, Blackwood claimed she was looking for a retired horse to be a pasture companion for her racing horse. The owners' reasons for deciding to part with their geldings and mares varied, but most boiled down to financial difficulties, or failing health that prevented them from caring for their animals. Owners of missing horses in six states across the South have been sharing their stories online Duped owners said they were reassured by Blackwood's background as a veterinary student. None of the horses have been recovered and Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey said she does not believe any of the missing animals are alive. Rosentrater explained to Al.com that in January of last year, she and her husband were expecting a baby and she did not have the time and resources to properly care for her 15-year-old appendix gelding, Willie, which had health problems and could no longer be ridden. Blackwood was arrested in April on an outstanding warrant in North Carolina where she was accused of tricking a man into giving her two horses Rosentrater, who has owned the horse from the time she was 17 years old, posted an ad seeking a loving home for Willie, and said that within 24 hours Blackwood contacted her offering to take him off her hands. She said she was very interested, was a vet student and had a barrel [racing] horse that needed a companion, Rosentrater said. It seemed too good to be true. Rosentrater said Blackwood travelled to her home in Georgia on January 28 for what was supposed to be an introductory meeting, but the vet student arrived with a horse trailer ready to take Willie with her. Rosentrater, who has a degree in equestrian studies, agreed to hand over Willie to Blackwood that day on the condition that if the arrangement did not work out for any reason, she would take him back. She never saw her horse again. Rosentrater said she grew suspicious when Blackwood would not respond to her messages and repeated requests seeking current photos of Willie. Blackwood told the same story again and again: she she had a large farm and was seeking a pasture mate for her racing horse She later learned that Blackwood had alleged ties to people buying horses for meat, which prompted her to launch her Facebook group. Almost overnight, the page was inundated with responses from other concerned horses owners who had similar dealings with the vet student. Rosentrater said that the non-profit organization Stolen Horses International, which operates the website NetPosse.com, so far has identified 47 missing horses belonging to more than 40 owners in six states linked to Blackwood. Many owners said when they would reach out to Blackwood asking for information about their animals, she either would not respond, or tell them the horse had suffered an accident and died. In one case, she claimed a horse was struck and killed by lightening. In another, she allegedly told an owner the horse had to be euthanized due to an illness. Blackwood was released from the Blount County Jail after posting $15,000 bail and returned to her veterinary school, where she is expected to graduate in May. A representative of the university on Wednesday declined to comment on Blackwood's status or the allegations against her, citing federal privacy laws. Dennis R. Creason, 49, was arrested in August in Shawnee, Kansas A Kansas man has sued the founder of a church school who was arrested on child molestation charges to recover a $150,000 donation. Oaklawn Christian School founder Dennis R. Creason, 49, was arrested in August in Shawnee, Kansas and is charged with nine counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child. Now church member Joseph Layne has filed a lawsuit in Johnson County District Court against Creason, his wife Robin Creason, and the school, the Kansas City Star reports. The suit claims that Dennis Creason asked Layne for a donation to build a new building for the school in June 2017. Layne, who owns a software company, generously donated $150,000, and Creason claimed that half of the money had been spent ordering lumber for the building, according to the complaint. Creason and his wife Robin (together above) were named in the lawsuit seeking a refund of a $150,000 donation made to build a new building for their school Students at Oaklawn Christian School are seen working on a project in April. The school closed permanently after the founder was arrested in August on child molestation charges The lawsuit says that no lumber ever arrived for the school, however. Creason was arrested in August before any substantial construction began on the new school, the suit claims. As a result of Creason's arrest, the school did not reopen in the fall and is not expected to continue operation. Creason was originally charged with molesting three children under the age of 14. After police asked other potential victims to come forward, the charges were increased to nine counts. The parents of two of the children claimed in a civil suit that Creason would repeatedly bring them to the school's basement and have them sit on his lap. Creason is seen during a court appearance in August. He is charged with nine counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child Renovations are seen to the school in August of 2017. The school is now permanently closed Despite the children's protests, he committed 'sexual misconduct' with them, the parents' lawsuit claims. Another parent told KCTV that she took her daughter out of the school after witnessing Creason rubbing the young girl's shoulders despite her protests. The mother said she spoke up at the time but her protests fell on deaf ears. 'He used the Lord as a crutch. Thats not what Christianity is. That breaks my heart,' the parent said. Creason is being held in the Johnson County Jail pending bail of $500,000. He is next due in court on February 5. An elderly woman had some unexpected guests as she celebrated her 90th birthday in Maryland. Firefighters arrived at her birthday after Gladys Birmingham set off an alarm at the Lions Club when she tried to blow out 90 of her candles on her cake last Saturday. After ensuring there was no fire or hazards, the crew posed happily for photos with Birmingham. Birthday girl Gladys Birmingham was happy to pose with firefighters at her party on Saturday In a Facebook post Ocean City Fire Department wrote: 'On Saturday 1/5/19, Engine 5, Tower 5, Chief 51, and Chief 53 responded to an AFAA at Lions Club on Airport Rd. Crews investigated and found that the alarm was activated by a patron celebrating her 90th birthday, by blowing out 90 candles. 'Once crews confirmed that no hazard existed, they made sure to assist in making the birthday a memorable one!' Birmingham's granddaughter Megan Akers added a video of the cake inferno to the departments post. 'This was my grandmoms party! Thanks for making it a memorable one!!!'. The story prompted plenty of reaction and comments on social media , with one praising the pensioner for getting firefighters to show up at her party. Gladys (l;left) didn't realize the drama that was about to unfold before blowing out her candles Smoke from the candles set off an an alarm at the Lions club and firefighters soon showed up Facebook user Monica Daley wrote: ' Alright Gladys slick way to get men to the party! happy birthday and blessings'. Others took the opportunity to wish Gladys a happy birthday. Ed Knight from Lancaster City Fire Department wrote: 'Happy B-day Glady's from Lancaster City Fire Foundation'. A Kentucky newspaper has come under fire for refusing to run the obituary for an 87-year-old woman who said President Donald Trump's administration 'hastened her death'. 'If I die soon, all this Trump stuff has had an effect,' Cathy Duff recalled her mother, Frances Irene Finley Williams, saying just six months before her death. Williams died just before Thanksgiving last year on November 21. In her obituary, she was remembered as an Elvis Presley-loving passionate Democrat, who was known for her bridge-playing talents. And according to Duff, she didn't mince words when it came to talking about the political climate of the United States. But when the family decided to add a political line at the end of Williams' obituary, the Louisville Courier-Journal refused to run it. The Louisville Courier-Journal has come under fire for refusing to run the obituary for 87-year-old, Frances Irene Finley Williams (pictured with her husband), who said President Donald Trump 'hastened her death' But the Courier-Journal refused to publish the $1,684 obituary (pictured) with that line. The grieving family were forced to remove it, but they expressed their frustration online, prompting an apology from the newspaper In Williams' (left and right) obituary, she was remembered as an Elvis Presley-loving passionate Democrat, who was known for her bridge-playing talents. But her family also decided to add a political line at the end of her obituary This sentence was added at the end of the obituary: 'Her passing was hastened by her continued frustration with the Trump administration.' Duff told The Washington Post that she added the line because she 'felt like, along with everything else that was in there, that was a vital part of her personality and something she expressed with me over the last few months'. 'So I felt it was important to put it in there. We never gave it any more thought than that,' Duff added. But the Courier-Journal refused to publish the $1,684 obituary with that line. Duff and her family found out on December 24 that the obit had been rejected two days before it was supposed to run in the newspaper. According to the Post, the Cremation Society of Kentucky, which had been handling her mother's obit, had received an email from a Gannett employee who said the obituary was rejected because of its 'negative content'. 'You are more than welcome to remove the negative content so we may move forward with publishing if you wish,' the email read. The grieving family obliged and removed the line from the obituary, but Duff's brother, Art Williams, shared the 'disappointing' news on Facebook. This sentence was added at the end of the obituary: 'Her passing was hastened by her continued frustration with the Trump administration' 'I was, and still am, dumbfounded, surprised, but most of all disappointed and aghast that a once historically courageous American newspaper that exists by reason of freedom of speech would so trivially move to abate the free speech that it seems, when convenient, to hypocritically champion,' he wrote on January 5. 'And over a relatively innocuous sentence. ... My mom would have been offended,' the Facebook post read. On January 13, Art wrote that he and his father are still waiting on an apology, one that didn't come until Tuesday. Laurie Bolle, the director of sales for Gannett's West Group, said in a Courier-Journal column that the decision to refuse the obituary was a 'mistake'. She said the company does not limit what is said in obituaries 'based on political views'. The Courier-Journal's editor, Richard Green, also said in the column that 'Mrs Williams obituary should have published as it was presented to our obits team and as requested by the family'. 'In this political climate we now find ourselves, partisanship should have no role in deciding what gets included in an obituary that captures a loved ones life especially one as amazing as what Mrs. Williams led. 'Im certain she is missed greatly by those who loved her. We send the family our deepest condolences and apologies.' Green also personally called the family and said the Courier-Journal will be running the obituary in full. Malaysia's government will revise a school textbook which suggested girls should dress modestly to prevent sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday. There was widespread outrage and condemnation after images circulated on social media of a section of the book, which is aimed at nine-year-olds, entitled 'Saving one's modesty'. It featured a series of pictures of a fictional girl called Amira, whose parents advise her to protect 'the modesty of her sexual organs' by wearing the correct attire. The book, aimed at nine-year-olds, features a series of pictures of a fictional girl called Amira who is told to dress modestly or risk bringing shame on her family They also tell her to keep the door of her room closed when changing clothes, and to avoid spending time in quiet locations alone. If she fails in her efforts to prevent an assault, Amira would bring shame on her family, be shunned by her friends and face emotional problems, the book said. Activists said the book perpetuated the idea that sexual violence could be blamed on how a woman dresses. Campaigners expressed fury at the idea of teaching children being taught from a young age that women are even partly responsible for sexual violence against them. 'We are appalled,' said Meera Samanther, vice president of rights group Women's Aid Organisation. 'The educational material sexualises nine-year-old girls, teaches them to be ashamed of their bodies, and shifts the blame from the perpetrator to the survivor of sexual assault.' Malaysia's Education Ministry has said it will cover this part of the book with stickers after people expressed anger online Following the outcry, the education ministry said the offending section of the book would be covered over using stickers. It is not the first time authorities in Malaysia have been accused of taking a poor approach to issues of gender or sexuality. The health ministry was criticised in 2017 for offering cash prizes for the best videos explaining how to 'prevent' homosexuality. The competition was amended following an outcry. A couple indulged in a daylight sex ceremony in a Yorkshire wood smeared in blood and surrounded by chanting women in robes in what appeared to be a fertility rite, a woman has claimed. The dog walker said her four-year-old pet sniffed out the outlandish sex act in Hawksworth Woods in Leeds. The anonymous mother, 42, said a group of three or four onlookers clothed in matching cream tunics, and hats which resembled swimming caps, were chanting in a foreign language as the couple had sex on plastic sheeting in the woods at noon on Friday. She said her dog Kye ran through a gap between fenceposts, from the playing field path on which she was walking him, and shot off into the woods, The Sun reported. She said: 'Kye disappeared and I heard what I thought was shouting and swearing from the woods. The woman said her dog ran through fenceposts from a nearby playing field and into the woods, where the incredible scene greeted her The woods near Leeds are popular with dog walkers and cyclists. The woman said she alerted a nearby primary school 'I went into the woods to grab him and I saw two people completely naked on a white plastic sheet. 'The woman was laid down flat on her back with her arms and legs out like a snow angel and with her eyes shut. 'The man was knelt between her legs, praying and chanting. They then began to have sexual intercourse.' A dead bird, which looked like it might have been a crow, was apparently by the side of the pair and the man even daubed some of its blood onto his lover's forehead, the woman claimed. The incredible story unfolded just 20 yards into the woods, where three or four hooded figures surrounded a naked couple on plastic sheets anointing each other with blood of a dead bird The woods, on the outskirts Hawksworth Woods, is usually a rather more serene place but on Friday, it is claimed, it was the setting for a pagan-looking sex ritual The sex ceremony is said to have taken place on Friday at noon After grabbing Kye the dog-walker used her mobile phone to telephone a friend. She did not use it to take any photographs or video of the incredible event. The pair visited nearby Hawksworth Primary School, concerned children might stumble across the ritual sex group on their way home from the West Yorkshire primary. The act was apparently taking place only 20 yards into the woods, on Cragside Walk. It was only 100 yards from a children's playground and on the same street as the school. A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said they had received one phone call in relation to the alleged act of indecent exposure, which is believed to have been written up on social media. She said: 'Police received a report of public indecency at Hawksworth Wood Trail on Cragside Walk in Leeds yesterday afternoon. 'Police have stepped up patrols in the area.' A woman has been caught attempting to smuggle 24 gerbils into Taiwan under her skirt. Returning from a visit to China on Friday, the 60-year-old woman was stopped and searched on Taiwan's outer island of Kinmen by customs officials who made the bizarre discovery. Coast Guard officers spotted her walking awkwardly through Shuitou Port in Kinmen and decided to stop and search the woman - named only as Wu. The gerbils were discovered in little sacks strapped to the woman's legs after she took off her outer skirt After lifting up her skirt they discovered the 24 rodents packed into plastic bags and strapped to both her legs. When asked why she had them, Wu said she had been bringing them back into Taiwan for friends - but did not reveal their names. Wu was reportedly returning to Taiwan at noon on Friday from Shijing, Fujian Province in China via the 'Three Links.' Officers noticed that Wu was acting nervous and wore an outfit that included puffy skirt that seemed to be a strange size. Coast Guard officials said Wu had confessed that each gerbil had been purchased at a pet store in China for a price of 50 Chinese yuan (NT$220) for each male and 150 Chinese yuan for each female. The woman was stopped by officers from the Taiwanese Coast Guard after they noticed her walking strangely The 24 gerbils pictured in a bucket after they had been freed from their containers strapped to her legs Wu said that the transportation fee for each gerbil was 60 Chinese yuan. The market price in Taiwan for a male gerbil is about NT$500 (US$16) and a female is as much as NT$1,000. It is believed she may have been sent by a smuggling ring to test the inspection procedures in the port. They plan on continuing to investigate to see if there was a larger ring involved. After being questioned by officials, Wu was transferred to the Prosecutor's Office on charges of violating the Infectious Animal Disease Prevention and Control Act. Vets inspected the animals and took samples on the same day, before euthanizing and disposing of them in accordance with regulations. Sarah Jane Lockner, 26, pleaded no contest to child endangerment charges after trying to drown her newborn baby in a bathroom at the McDonald's where she worked A McDonald's worker is facing jail after giving birth in the bathroom of the fast food restaurant and trying to flush the baby head first down the toilet. Sarah Jane Lockner, 26, pleaded no contest to child endangerment after she was caught by colleagues inside a stall, surrounded by a pool of blood. She had been charged with attempted murder but pleaded to the lesser charge and now faces up to four years in jail, KPIX 5 reports. Lockner had been working the evening shift at a Redwood City, California McDonald's in September 2017, when she started complaining of stomach pains, according to reports. When her boss told her she could leave early, at around 10pm, she instead went to the bathroom. Staff became concerned and two female employees then went to check on Lockner, KTVU reports. They found her inside a stall, surrounded by a pool of blood. She said it was from a heavy period. But when one of the workers looked over the top of the toilet door she said she saw Lockner give birth to a baby. Her shocked colleague then said she saw Lockner try to flush the baby boy down the toilet head first with her hands on his back. Lockner asked the co-worker not to tell anyone, but she immediately called 911. Paramedics rushed to the scene, and though the baby boy was not breathing and didn't have a pulse, they were able to resuscitate him. He was taken to the hospital where it was put into a coma and survived. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said the child is now living with his fathers aunt, telling The Mercury News: 'The hope is that the child will recover fully.' Lockner gave birth inside the McDonald's bathroom, where she worked, on September 4, 2017 Two female employees went to check on her and found Lockner had given birth to a baby boy in a restroom stall at the McDonald's. Lockner had been working the evening shift at a Redwood City, California McDonald's when she started complaining of stomach pains Lockner had been arrested on charges of attempted murder and child abuse. She allegedly told police that she had no idea she was pregnant, and neither did her boyfriend. It was revealed Lockner had already given birth to a baby boy in the bathroom of her own home in 2014. Wagstaffe said: 'Most women aren't delivering babies in toilets but she seems to have a penchant for it.' Despite having been born under similar circumstances, Lockner's other child is 'normal and fine,' according to Wagstaffe. Lockner will be sentenced May 3. . The University of Liverpool has been accused of discriminating against Chinese after an email about exam rules directing at all overseas students included a Chinese translation for the word 'cheating'. The university's Student Welfare Advice and Guidance office sent the email offering exam advice to international students on Monday, warning them of serious consequences if they were caught cheating. The email, which was written entirely in English, contained the Chinese characters for 'cheating'. An explanation in the email said: 'We find that our Chinese students are usually unfamiliar with the word "cheating" in English, and we therefore provide this translation.' The University of Liverpool has been accused of discriminating against Chinese students after an email about exam rules included a Chinese translation for the word 'cheating' The incident sparked outrage among Chinese students. More than 1,000 people signed an online petition demanding a public apology to 'all international students'. The university's Student Welfare Advice and Guidance apologised on Twitter, saying it was not their intention 'to single out any particular group of students, but to make the information as accessible as possible for our student community'. On Chinese microblogging site Weibo, the topic 'University of Liverpool reminds students not to cheat in Chinese' has been viewed more than nine million times. 'The term "cheating" is very simple. There is no need to provide a translation at all. All Chinese students at your English university would understand the concept,' one user commented. Students were outraged by the email sent by the university's student services centre 'If you'd like to warn all international students about cheating, why didn't you translate the term into other languages?' another said. 'I wouldn't deny that there are Chinese students who cheat, but it's unnecessary to make the issue about the entire country,' one user said. In an apology letter posted on the school's Twitter account on Tuesday, university vice-chancellor Janet Beer said the email was a mistake and 'wholly inappropriate'. 'I apologise wholeheartedly for the offence it has caused,' she said, adding 'it is not representative of the high regard in which the university holds its Chinese students'. 'We take full responsibility for the mistake made and will review our procedures and take appropriate action to ensure nothing of this nature happens again,' she said. The University of Liverpool has 33,000 students, 5,358 of whom are from China, according to the school. The university has a joint venture with Xian Jiaotong University in Suzhou in eastern China. A judge has dismissed a felony charge against a Detroit police officer after he was caught on video beating a naked, combative woman who authorities say was having a mental breakdown inside a hospital emergency room. The felony misconduct in office charge against 47-year-old police corporal Dewayne Jones was dismissed on Tuesday by 36th District Court Judge Cylenthia Miller. Jones still faces a misdemeanor assault and battery charge in relation to the incident with the woman in August inside the emergency room triage unit at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Detroit police corporal Dewayne Jones, 47, had a felony misconduct in office charge dismissed on Tuesday after he beat a woman in a hospital last year. He is pictured in court on Tuesday The judge said the 29-year-old woman was 'completely out of control' and Jones 'had the presence of mind' to get control of her. Defense attorney Pamella Szydlak said Jones 'tried to de-escalate the situation' while the woman spat and tried to bite him. She said Jones 'had no choice' but to use force. Footage of the ordeal, which was obtained by WJBK-TV, showed the unarmed woman being punched about a dozen times by Jones at the hospital. She could be heard shouting a threat at someone before being grabbed by several police officers and security staff. That's when Jones, who is an 18-year veteran of the police department, began punching her. Footage of the ordeal, which was obtained by WJBK-TV, showed the unarmed woman being punched about a dozen times by Jones at the hospital Detroit police Chief James Craig said Jones and his partner had taken the woman to the hospital after responding to a report of a 'lewd and lascivious' person. Jones still faces a misdemeanor assault and battery charge in relation to the incident He said the woman spat on hospital staff, bit a security guard and tried to bite the corporal. Craig said at the time that he was concerned that the officers didn't follow procedure by handcuffing a 'mentally ill person' and that he thought the officers' body camera footage told 'a little bit of a different story' to the cellphone footage. He said one of his major concerns was that the officer continued to hit the woman while her back was turned to him, and says he wants to know what the officer's partner was doing and why nobody thought to use a taser instead. He described the video as 'very disturbing'. Craig said Jones had been on the force for 18 years and had not had a complaint made against him since 2015. Mexican authorities are asking their United States counterparts for help capturing a man who fled across the border after he savagely killed a dog. Gerardo Humberto Herrera Escobedo is wanted for stabbing a dog to death while an acquaintance recorded him earlier this month in Suterm de Piedras Negras, a town in the northern state of Coahuila. An official with the Public Ministry in Suterm de Piedras Negras told Mexican media outlets this week that Herrera Escobedo crossed the border into San Antonio, Texas, with family members. The suspected animal killer appears in the alarming cell phone video petting a dog while looking at his defenseless target who is a few feet in front of him. WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES Gerardo Humberto Herrera Escobedo is wanted for stabbing a dog to death while an acquaintance recorded the horrifying moment earlier this month Mexico. Law enforcement authorities are asking their United States counterpart for help after the suspect was reported to have crossed the border into San Antonio, Texas Herrera Escobedo appeared on a cell phone video shot by an acquaintance petting a dog's head (center) while he sets his eye on pooch (right) he would later kill Herrera Escobedo places his left hand over the defenseless pooch's head before he drives a sharp object into it Herrera Escobedo then places his left hand over the pooch and drives a sharp object into it. Images shows the dog shaking and crying while Herrera Escobedo takes a seat in what appears to be a local business. 'It died,' Herrera Escobedo says in calm voice over the loud music as he looks directly into the cell phone camera. The frightening video made its rounds through social media January 6, and Herrera Escobedo was quick to shut down his Facebook page once local residents pointed him out at the dog's killer. Santiago de Jesus Espinoza Eguia,the Public Ministry's coordinator, said they have identified a couple of other individuals who were present at the time of the brutal killing. 'It died,' Herrera Escobedo says in a calm voice over the loud music as he looks directly into the cell phone camera An innocent dog cries in pain after a man patted its head before he stabbed it while another person filmed the evil incident The Attorney General's office in Coahuila said Herrera Escobedo had not shown up for his temporary employment assignment with the Federal Electricity Commission since the animal cruelty incident, La Rancherita del Aire reported. Residents tried applying their own measures of justice and vandalized Herrera Escobedo's home. Gerardo Agustin Herrera Cruz says his neighbors issued death threats after video of the dog killing surfaced. He told police that it was his half-brother who stabbed the dog Neighbors bombarded his half brother, Gerardo Agustin Herrera Cruz, 30, with death threats, after they thought he was the one who appeared in the video. Herrera Cruz came forward a day after the video was published and confirmed to the local police that his sibling was the person behind the crime. 'I am being blamed for something I didn't do,' Herrera Cruz recently told Milenio TV. 'You can compare the photos and the video of the moment. It's not me.' The alleged killer-kidnapper accused of imprisoning Jayme Closs lived in a weird 'time warp' world without a smart phone, social media or even an internet connection, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal. Loner Jake Patterson, 21, instead spent his free time holed up inside his family's isolated woodland cabin poring over outdoor survival guides and books about the military. Tristan Roberts, a longtime former neighbor, told DailyMail.com that Patterson seemed baffled when he first asked him at high school if he had a Facebook account. 'He stared at me blankly and said he wasn't interested in having one. He didn't even seem to have an email account to log onto, he was strictly a notes and paper guy,' Roberts said. 'His family were nice people but Jake's life was like something from a time warp. If he had a cell phone it was not a smart phone. All he was interested in was books. 'He didn't socialize, he didn't have what you would call real friends, just acquaintances. He just wanted to get home to read about survival and the military.' Jake Patterson, who is charged with kidnapping Jayme Closs and murdering her parents, didn't have a smart phone or social media, his former neighbor said. In a high school group photo obtained by DailyMail.com, Patterson (circled at right) can be seen sitting alone, his head buried in a book, as smiling students pose for the camera Tristan Roberts (pictured), a longtime former neighbor, told DailyMail.com that Patterson seemed baffled when he first asked him at high school if he had a Facebook account Roberts grew up about half a mile from the ramshackle family home in Gordon, Wisconsin where Patterson allegedly kept 13-year-old Jayme prisoner for 88 days before her miraculous escape one week ago. The cabin's dated, wood-paneled decor and junk-strewn rooms were first laid bare in a series of photographs obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. There are a couple of antiquated tube TVs in the kitchen and living room but no cable boxes, computer equipment or modem. One image reveals exactly the sort of literature described by Roberts, a book entitled 'US Armed Forces Survival Guide', sitting atop a table. Patterson has lived at the $110,000 dwelling since he was a child, with his mom Deborah, 49, dad Patrick, 55, sister Katie, 26, and older brother Erik, 24. However Deborah left after divorcing Patrick in 2007 and since then Katie, Patrick and Erik have all moved out, leaving Patterson by himself. Its alleged that he kept Jayme captive there after slaughtering her parents Denise and James and bundling her bound and gagged into his car on October 15 last year. Cops say that when Patterson family members arrived from time to time to visit, the balding weirdo forced his prisoner to hide under his bed. The last time I was in the house was about two and a half years ago, added Roberts, 21. I never really spent time in Jakes room but from what I remember he had a twin bed and a nightstand in the corner with at least a dozen books piled up on it. It was just a typical room minus the computer. Roberts and Patterson attended the same schools, eventually taking turns to ride share when they were old enough to drive. Another photo obtained by DailyMail.com, shows the twisted loner (left) play-fighting with another teen on the trunk of a Toyota sedan The image above shows the cabin in rural Wisconsin where Jake Patterson allegedly held 13-year-old Jayme Closs prisoner for nearly three months But Roberts stops short of calling the accused double killer a friend, explaining: 'You could never really say we were more than acquaintances, even after all those years. 'When he was nine or 10 his mom left his dad and that changed him a lot. He became shy, he no longer wanted friends. 'He went home and sat on his bed reading books. He didn't let anybody in and he didn't let anything out. 'There were times that we smoked weed on the way to school. I remember one time we got super high and we were laughing uncontrollably. 'There was another occasion he bought in a water bottle full of vodka. He seemed more sociable and human when he was high or drunk.' Hours before Patterson's first court appearance the horrifying details of the Closs murders and Jayme's abduction emerged in the 12-page criminal complaint against him Roberts said the pair once fell out when they got in a fight on the bus to Northwood High School, back when he was a sophomore student and Patterson was a junior. He says the confrontation came from nowhere when the strap of his duffel bag accidentally brushed Patterson's head. 'He turned around and punched me in the nose. I was looking down at my phone at the time, not expecting it,' recalled Roberts, an apprentice welder. 'Then we got into a scuffle and the bus driver actually stopped the bus. It was a good fist fight, we both got in a few shots. 'It wasn't a case of shake hands and move on, he kept looking at me like he was mad and wanted to kill me. If he had the chance I think he would have kept on hitting me. 'So, is Jake Patterson capable of doing something terrible? I would say yes, he could shoot someone. I saw the rage in his eyes.' Despite his interest in the military and outdoor survival, Roberts said Patterson had little enthusiasm for joining local guys in hunting trips or visits to the firing range. In fact he seemed to show far less interest in firearms than was typical of teenagers in the remote, rural community where they grew up. Roberts said his former neighbor was highly intelligent and passionate about animals to the point that he seethed with anger at seeing a video of a dog being tormented. Despite his interest in the military and outdoor survival, Roberts said Patterson (pictured with his mother and sister in 2015 had little enthusiasm for joining local guys in hunting trips or visits to the firing range DailyMail.com learned that on the day Jayme Closs escaped, Patterson had made the 56-mile trip from the cabin in which he was holding the 13-year-old to his mother's home in Haugen, Wisconsin (pictured) 'There was a time in the computer lab when Jake watched a viral video of a dog being harassed by someone and it triggered him,' Roberts said. 'He really freaked out. He said something like "I would kill anybody who did that". But there were other times when Jake seemed halfway normal. And he was really smart. He ignored his math assignments all year round but would still pass. 'People would try to talk to him but anytime a girl would talk to him he wouldn't reply. He was shy, he avoided interaction. 'He closed himself off to the world. And the entire time I knew him he didnt have the internet. I guess that emotion had to come out somewhere eventually.' Patterson stated in his high school yearbook that he wanted to join the Marines but he was discharged after only five weeks. A Marines spokesperson said that the brevity of his career indicated that 'the character of his service was incongruent with Marine Corps' expectations and standards.' Patterson held a job at Barron's Jennie O Turkey Factory - where Denise and James Closs worked for more than two decades - for just one day some three years ago. His latest job at Saputo Cheese Factory lasted just two days. But it was on first morning drive there that he first spotted Jayme on her way to school and hatched his insidious plot to snatch and imprison her. Inside the main living room is a half-finished game of Monopoly and a book entitled 'U.S. Armed Forces Survival Guide' A hammer, a flashlight, a scouring pad, scissors and a spray bottle of cleaning fluid are piled on a table Hours before his first court appearance Monday, the horrifying details of the Closs murders and Jayme's abduction emerged in the 12-page criminal complaint against him. It told of how Jayme cowered in the bathroom with her mother after Patterson stormed her home in Barron, Wisconsin and shot her father in the head with a shotgun. The petrified youngster then watched in horror as he did the same to her mother minutes after kicking in the flimsy door. Dressed in black from head to toe including a face mask, hat and gloves, Patterson grabbed the terrified teenager, taped her hands and ankles, covered her mouth and dragged her out of her home to his waiting car. According to Jayme, her abductor then bundled her into the trunk and drove her approximately two hours to the cabin where he would hold her for the next three months. Patterson is charged with kidnapping, armed burglary and two counts of first degree intentional homicide after allegedly greeting his arresting officers with the words: I did it. The father of Jayme Closs' kidnapper says he has a letter for her reeling family and they are his only concern while his own son sits in jail. The 13-year-old Wisconsin girl suddenly disappeared on October 15 but was found on Thursday when she managed to escape the home where she was being held captive for nearly three months and begged a stranger for help. Her kidnapper Jake Thomas Patterson, 21, confessed on Thursday to fatally shooting her parents and hiding Jayme in his Gordon, Wisconsin home for 88 days. Despite his son being charged with murder and kidnapping, father Patrick Patterson says all his attention is on the grieving Closs family. Patrick Patterson, the father of kidnapper Jake Thomas Patterson, has written a note to the Closs family and says 'All I care about right now is Jayme's family' Jake Thomas Patterson, 21, confessed Thursday to shooting Denise and James Closs in their home on October 15 and kidnapping their 13-year-old daughter Jayme Patterson appeared via video conference during his bond hearing on Monday where his bail was set at $5million 'All I care about right now is Jayme's family. I want to get them a note,' Patterson said to CNN on Tuesday as he passed the Barron County Justice Center to reach out to the Closs family. He shook with emotion and was on the verge of tears as he dodged reporters and said: 'I'm sorry, I can't talk'. He didn't reveal the details of the letter but assured he wanted the best for the Closs family. Patterson hung his head and wept as a judge read the charges against his son at his arraignment on Monday. Jake Patterson appeared via video conference. Patterson was so distressed he sunk his head into the shoulder of a relative next to him. Jake was charged with intentional homicide, kidnapping and armed burglary and a judge ordered he be held on $5million bail. He's due back in the courtroom next month. The Closs family has been receptive to Patterson's remorse and concern. 'I don't blame him. You can't blame the parents. A guy becomes 21 years old, and sometimes it's not how he was raised or anything,' Jayme's grandfather Robert Naiberg said to AP. The 13-year-old Wisconsin girl suddenly disappeared on October 15 but was found on Thursday when she managed to escape the home where she was being held captive for nearly three months and begged a stranger for help. Pictured above with her aunt Sue Allard after she was found Jayme is recovering from the traumatic abduction and will live permanently with her aunt in Barron, Wisconsin. Pictured above after her rescue with her relatives No one in Jake Patterson's family could have predicted the horrific crimes he committed. Jake Patterson had no prior criminal history and no connection to the Closs family. He confessed to cops that he decided that Jayme was 'the girl he was going to take' after a chance sighting of her getting on the school bus when it stopped in front of him as he drove to work. He claimed he had 'no idea' who Jayme was and didn't even know her name until after he grabbed her. He killed her parents Denise and James Closs in cold blood in their own home in Barron, Wisconsin then drove Jayme to his home in Gordon, Wisconsin about 70 miles away. Kidnapper's father Patrick Patterson was on the verge of tears on Tuesday when he tried to deliver a note to the Closs family and said he cares for their wellbeing. Pictured above holding hands with his son Erik leaving the Barron County Justice Center on Monday Patterson hung his head and wept as a judge read the charges against his son Jake Patterson at his arraignment on Monday. Pictured with son Erik prior to Jake's arraignment Jake Patterson pictured above with his mother Deborah (center) and his sister Katie (left) He kept her in a space under his twin-sized bed and concealed her from the view. She tried to escape at least twice, leading Jake to throw a tantrum hitting the wall and screaming to make her fearful to try to leave again. On the day of her escape he told her he was leaving for a few hours. She stumbled out of the home on Thursday January 10 and approached a woman walking her dog in Eau Claire Acres in Gordon telling her she was kidnapped and her abductor killed her parents. The woman took her to a neighbor's house where they called police. Jayme is now recovering the traumatic abduction and is returning to shell of her former life. She is staying with her aunt Jennifer Smith in Barron as her parents were killed and she had no siblings. Her grandfather Naiberg says Jayme will permanently live with her aunt, her mother's sister. 'She doesn't want to talk to anybody. Jennifer i s bringing her out of her shell slowly,' her grandfather said. He wants her to eventually return to school but it's not clear when that will happen. A man and woman who stole a meerkat from a zoo had the captive animal put in a cooler bag and played loud music to drown out its cries. Aimee Cummins and Jesse Ray Hooker stole the animal from Perth Zoo in South Perth during a visit on September 19 last year, 9 News reported. Hooker reached over the waist-high glass barrier before stuffing the one-month-old newborn into the cooler bag. Aimee Cummins (right) and Jesse Ray Hooker stole the animal from Perth Zoo in South Perth during a visit on September 19 last year The 23-year-old later said he was motivated to steal the meerkat because he thought it 'would be cool as a pet'. The pair visited McDonald's before finally taking the captive animal home where they already had four dogs and one cat. Cummins kept the meerkat in her bedroom for two days before police found it, following widespread media coverage of the abduction. Hooker's defence lawyer Chad Silver told Perth Magistrates Court his client intended to bring the animal back, but police beat him to it. He admitted the act was stupid and defended his client and said Hooker had no intention of selling the meerkat. Hooker pleaded guilty to stealing and was slapped with a $4,000 fine plus costs of $205 Cummin's lawyer said their client suffered with mental health issues and was on medication. What's more, Cummins could be jobless for some time. Chief Magistrate Steven Heath noted Cummins had no convictions against her name, but treated the theft of the wild animal as a serious offence. Cummins pleaded guilty to receiving the stolen animal and was given a seven month sentence, suspended for 12 months. Serial rapist Robert John Fardon was allowed to visit sex clubs while he was under strict government supervision in order to 'meet his sexual needs'. Supreme Court Justice Helen Bowskill mentioned the visits when she decided to lift Fardon's restrictions, including where he lived, last week, The Courier Mail reported. Ms Bowskill said the 70-year-old was granted permission to visit a male 'day spa' so that he could meet his sexual needs and had no adverse experiences in doing so. Scroll down for video Notorious child rapist Robert John Fardon has been released into the community While Queensland Corrective Services are yet to elaborate on what the 'day spa' actually was, it's thought the judge was referring to male sex-on-premises venues. There was also no information provided about whether or not there had been any safeguards put into place during each of Fardon's visits to the venues. A spokesperson for the department told the publication: 'For privacy, safety and security reasons, it would not be appropriate for QCS to disclose ... specifics.' Despite warnings Faldon wasn't 'cured' of his urges, he was released after the Queensland government lost its final bid to keep him under constant supervision. Two Queensland judges last week found the 70-year-old should be allowed to live unsupervised in the community and lifted the restrictions. The decision was delivered in a closed court and was suppressed from the media in order to make Fardon's transition into everyday life easier, Justice Bowskill said. The order was made public on Wednesday morning. 'I am not satisfied that the evidence establishes to the requisite high degree of probability that the respondent is a serious danger to the community in the absence of a further supervision order,' it reads. Lawyers for the attorney-General argued additional supervision would reduce Faldon's risk of re-offending, but Justice Bowskill said in the event of a stressful situation, it was unlikely he would react. Faldon is now free to live wherever he chooses, and is also not subject to electronic monitoring, curfews or mandatory counselling. He is now free to live wherever he chooses, and is also not subject to electronic monitoring, curfews or mandatory counselling But the 70-year-old will remain monitored for the rest of his life after the state government last year rushed through law changes as a backup plan. One of Faldon's child rape victims is now said to be living in fear after she heard the news of his release back into the community, The Courier-Mail reported. Sharon Tomlinson, who was just 12 years old at the time, said the court-enforced one-week suppression order made her feel as though she was protecting Faldon. Ms Tomlinson said when she found out the 70-year-old wouldn't be wearing a GPS tracker it made her feel uneasy about running into him again. 'It's so frightening that I could run into him on a train, in a shopping centre. I have to be super vigilant,' she said. 'The survivors have been given a life sentence and we will never feel safe until he is dead.' The 70-year-old's restrictions, including limitations on where he can live would be lifted Sharon Tomlinson (pictured) is one of the alleged victims of serial rapist Robert Fardon Faldon was first convicted in 1967, then aged 18, for sexual abuse offences against a 10-year-old girl. In 2003 he became the first person to be jailed in Queensland indefinitely under new laws targeting repeat sex offenders. The State Government made a case to the Brisbane Supreme Court in November to extend Fardon's classification as a dangerous prisoner. Its argument was in contrast to three psychiatrists who said he posed a low risk of carrying out more crimes and should not stay under the state's watch. Fardon's release means he is now automatically placed under new child sex offender laws that were passed in September. 'This means police will know where Fardon lives and travels, details of his phone and internet connections, social media accounts, interactions and passwords for the rest of his life,' Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said on Wednesday. His release comes as the State Government lost their final bid to keep the serial sex offender under constant supervision Authorities will also know if he changes his appearance, including if he gets a tattoo. 'If Fardon fails to meet these reporting conditions, he could face five years in jail,' Ms D'Ath added. There are no grounds for an appeal against the court's decision. Fardon will not be automatically required to wear an electronic monitoring device, but police can apply to the court for specific orders which come with a device. The state opposition wants him returned to jail. 'If (Labor) didn't play politics and adopted the LNP's proposed sex offender laws, this sadistic grub would still be under lock and key,' Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington tweeted. 'He is now free thanks to Labor.' A surfer who was mauled by two great white sharks has married the woman who helped save his life in an intimate beach ceremony. Sean Pollard, 27, was attacked on a surfing trip in Esperance, Western Australia in 2014, leaving him with half a left arm and no right arm. He spent the morning at Wylie Bay teaching Claire Oakford to surf, but as she lay on the sand in the afternoon, he was viciously attacked in the water. She rushed to his aid and her quick thinking and calmness amid the chaos that unfolded is credited with saving his life. Scroll down for video Sean Pollard (pictured left) lost both his arms while surfing, but has since married Claire Oakford (pictured right) who he credits for saving his life Four years later, the pair tied the knot in an intimate beach ceremony in Bunbury on December 29, a spot the pair frequent often, The West Australian reported. 'I was a bit nervous at the start of the day,' Pollard told the publication. 'We have been through a fair bit together, so it was good to make it official.' Although he fought the sharks off with his board, the sharks took both of the surfer's arms in their mouth and dragged him underwater. 'There was just blood everywhere. It had ripped my forearm off and sucked the meat off my bone, like a chicken bone pretty much,' Pollard said at the time. Trying to paddle calmly, Pollard said he remembered seeing the 'blackest black' eyes he'd ever seen right in front of him. Four years later, the pair tied the knot in an intimate beach ceremony in Bunbury on December 29 Ms Oakford said she didn't realise something was wrong with the surfer until she noticed him struggled to get back to shore. 'Then I did see him coming in on a wave like body surfing ... when he stood up that first time that was when I realised, cause he was sort of lopsided,' Ms Oakford said at the time. She rushed to her boyfriend's side and was one of four people to treat him and transfer him from the beach to the paramedics on his surfboard. She rushed to her boyfriend's side and was one of four people to treat him and transfer him from the beach to the paramedics on his surfboard Pollard, a former electrician from Bunbury, 170km south of Perth, was airlifted 700km from where the brutal attack took place. Witnesses recalled how Pollard stumbled through the shallow water towards Ms Oakford before collapsing on the beach. Pollard lost his left arm and right hand in the attack, which he previously described as 'completely life-changing'. He spent the morning teaching his then-girlfriend Claire Oakford to surf at Wylie Bay, but as she lay on the sand in the afternoon, Pollard was viciously attacked Ms Oakland stayed by the surfer's side every step of the way and helped nurse him back to full health. In the four years since the terrifying attack, Pollard has endured a number of operations, a year of rehab and competed in snowboard events in Australia. In 2018, the 27-year-old competed at his first ever Paralympic Games on a snowboard in Pyeongchang in South Korea. By Sarah White in Amsterdam Arthur Brand carries out a very specific type of work unearthing priceless pieces of art which have been hidden, lost or stolen for years, decades or even centuries. Among his greatest finds are two bronze horse sculptures hidden by Hitler and always presumed destroyed, a 1,600 year old Cypriot mosaic worth 10m and countless Renoirs, Picassos or Van Goghs. The private investigator's efforts have quite rightly earned him the soubriquet of Indiana Jones of the art world. In 2014, he found the world's most valuable Nazi haul of art which included 4 million bronze horses in a two year chase across Europe Last year, he uncovered a 1,600 year old stolen Cypriot St Mark mosaic - worth 10m which was by then inadvertently owned by a British couple. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline at his home in Amsterdam, he describes in detail his methods which have seen him succeed where the authorities have failed. Earlier this year Mr Brand, who says he's more like Inspector Clouseau, uncovered a 1,600 year old stolen Cypriot St Mark mosaic, worth 10m, which was by then owned by a British couple His techniques are unorthodox, low key and increasingly successful, making him constantly in demand around the world. He is a patient man and spends years at a time searching for a single piece of art, criss-crossing the world in relentless pursuit of his target. When a piece of art is stolen, it invariably changes hands on the black market and the police investigate. After a period of about two years - once the police investigation has inevitably failed to infiltrate this criminal underworld - Arthur gets involved. 'I ask around and eventually I'll call someone and say that I hear they have a stolen Picasso or Van Gogh or a de Lempicka or whatever it is in their possession,' he says. 'They say that they have no idea what I'm talking about and put the phone down. Then I'm on to something. Three days later they always call back. Among his greatest finds are two bronze horse sculptures hidden by Hitler and and countless Renoirs, Picassos or Van Goghs 'They say that they had nothing to do with the original theft, but now they're stuck with this often priceless artwork because they can't hand it in or give it back, for fear of the criminals they'd traded with or for fear of investigation themselves. 'So they trust me to return the artwork and protect everyone's privacy. I always stay within the law. And as long as no one gets hurt in the process, everyone's happy.' Reflecting on his success, he tells MailOnline: 'Everyone thinks I'm like Indiana Jones. But I'm more like Inspector Clouseau! 'On the surface I'm a private detective who cracks the world's biggest art cases like uncovering Hitler's Horses, but really I'm the biggest idiot in the world who always follows the wrong lead and suspects the wrong person, before I finally crack it. 'I generally solve 80 per cent of my cases or I'm still working on them now. 'The art world is just people lying and cheating to make money. But I'm only interested in returning art to its natural home so that it can be enjoyed for future generations. 'I work with all kinds of art dealers, criminals, coppers, Nazis and Jews. I'll hassle people until they talk to me, but I'm always honest and I keep people's confidences so they know that they're better off dealing with me than anyone else. 'All the wealthy art elite laugh at me because I'm just a simple guy who travels everywhere by bus, sometimes carrying priceless art, and I have a basic old mobile phone. 'But I can't be corrupted by anyone so that's why everyone trusts me.' Mr Brand hit the big time by discovering the two 3m Joseph Thorak horse sculptures which were on the steps of Berlin's Reich Chancellery and were thought to have been destroyed Mr Brand learnt his trade from Michel Van Rijn, the man said to be responsible for at least 90 per cent of global art crime before switching sides and working for London's Scotland Yard to expose the murky world of art fraud. He initially became London-based Van Rijn's gopher opening suspected parcel bombs sent to him and ringing his enemy, a fake coin trader, to insult him as instructed. But Mr Brand became hooked on his teacher's 'crazy' world. His first profile case came in 2006 when he helped reveal pieces of a suspected 1,700 year old Gospel of Judas secretly being sold on the black market. It enraged Christians because it offered the alternative theory that Jesus had asked his trusted friend Judas to be portrayed as betraying the Son of Christ, so that Jesus could be crucified as pre-ordained. But Mr Brand really hit the big time with the discovery of the two 3 million Joseph Thorak horse sculptures which were thought to have been destroyed. It was while watching a documentary about Hitler in 2014 that he realised Hitler's Horses had been moved from the steps of Berlin's Reich Chancellery in the last film ever recorded of Adolf Hitler before his suicide. This meant that the horses - which had held pride of place under Hitler's office balcony - couldn't have been destroyed in the bombing of Berlin at the end of World War Two as previously thought. That sent him on a worldwide, two-year hunt before he found the horses among a priceless art and military treasure trove in a Nazi's garage in Bad Duerkheim, south west Germany. After false starts, false tip-offs and exhaustive research, he identified a compound of Nazi homes in the Rhineland where police found the horses and two Gustav Klimt statues alongside a cache of Nazi tanks, rockets and weaponry. Mr Brand's techniques are unorthodox, low key and increasingly successful, making him constantly in demand around the world. He recovered this piece by Tamara de Lempicka (pictured) by criss-crossing the world in relentless pursuit of his target It has been called the most significant Nazi art haul altogether priceless since the end of the Second World War. 'I had turned established history for over 70 years on its head,' he said. 'Next year they'll be showing my discovery in Germany for the first time since the war and I'll finally get to see it all. 'This really is the most remarkable thing that I will ever do in my life.' Mr Brand hit another high this year alongside London antiquities trader William Veres when after a two-year search across Europe they uncovered the Cypriot, 1,600 year old St Mark mosaic - worth 10m and one of the last missing pieces of Byzantine art. It had been stolen from the country's Kanakaria Church in Nicosia after the 1974 Turkish invasion which divided Cyprus before ultimately ending up in the hands of an unsupecting British couple. They eventually handed it over to Mr Brand in the tax exile of Monaco so he could finally return it to the Cyrpiot embassy. 'This was another of the greatest moments of my life,' he says. 'This is truly one of the last outstanding pieces to be returned. It's incredible to think that this piece or art survived for so long. It's part of the Cypriot peoples' soul. 'All I got for that pretty much was some pieces of the mosaic, a medal and a certificate. People around me get rich, while I get certificates! 'But I don't care about making money, all I care about is having adventures, like Indiana Jones. That's what keeps me going.' Pregnant Labour MP Tulip Siddiq plans to return to Parliament tonight so she can vote against Theresa May in the crunch confidence motion. Ms Siddiq, 36, hopes she will be able to stay in a car on the parliamentary estate rather than have to be pushed in a wheelchair through the division lobbies. The Labour MP for Hampstead & Kilburn delayed the caesarean birth of her child so she could take part in last night's historic Brexit vote. She decided to defy doctors orders and vote because she did not trust promises she would be 'paired' with a Tory MP so neither of them voted - canceling each other out. Her dramatic decision sparked a row and renewed calls for MPs who are pregnant, sick or new mothers to be able to select a 'proxy' MP to vote on their behalf. Revealing her decision today, she said: 'In light of the PM's personal assurances to me yesterday, I will be 'nodded through' for tonight's vote of no confidence. 'I went through the division lobby in a wheelchair last night because pairing is broken, there is no proxy voting, and I wanted my vote recorded. 'Nodding through is not ideal, I will still have to travel to Parliament & wait for whips to check I am present even though I am giving birth tomorrow. 'The UK is in chaos and, clearly, much greater issues face the country, but Parliament needs dragging into the 21st century ASAP.' Tulip Siddiq, pictured in the wheelchair, delayed the cesarean birth of her son to attend last night's historic Brexit vote. She plans to return to Parliament tonight to vote against Theresa May in a confidence motion Tulip Siddiq (pictured with her daughter Azalea) has called for proxy voting to be introduced at Parliament Ms Siddiq, who has a two-year-old daughter Azalea, was advised by her doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in north London to have a caesarean after developing gestational diabetes. What is the pairing system and why have MPs lost faith in it? Parliament has operated a pairing system for many years which allow those who are ill, pregnant, or cannot vote for another good reason. These MPs are 'paired' with a politician from the opposing side, so that neither of them take part in the vote - therefore cancelling each other out. But faith in the system was dealt a major blow last summer when the Tories broke it. Lib Dem Jo Swinson had been paired with Tory chairman Brandon Lewis so she did not have to leave her newborn baby at home to take part in the vote. But Mr Lewis took part in the knife-edge vote on the customs union on Monday night. Number Ten insisted it had been a genuine mistake and that Theresa May apologised for it. But it sparked a major row and renewed calls for proxy voting to be introduced which would allow MPs to elect another person to vote on their behalf. Advertisement But she has delayed the operation and was wheeled through the division lobbies to take part in last night's dramatic Brexit vote - helping to inflict the biggest defeat ever on a British PM. And she plans to return to Westminster tonight and vote to try to topple Theresa May in tonight's no confidence vote, which is expected to take place at 7pm. Jeremy Corbyn today lashed the arcane parliamentary rules that mean pregnant women cannot ask another MP to vote on their behalf. The Labour leader attacked the Tories for making Ms Siddiq feel duty-bound to delay her caesarean birth. Speaking in the Commons today, he said: 'A shocking first for this Government - it forced a heavily-pregnant member of this House to delay a scheduled caesarean to come to vote, all because of their cynical breaking of trust in pairing arrangements. 'I think we need to examine that and examine our procedures to ensure such a thing can never happen again.' Commons Speaker John Bercow confirmed Ms Siddiq had been offered the chance to be paired with a Tory MP last night. But Ms Siddiq has said she has lost confidence in the pairing system after the Tories broke a pairing pact with Lib Dem Jo Swinson in a major Brexit vote last summer. Speaking earlier this week, she said: 'If the pairing system is not honoured, there's nothing I can do, and it's going to be a very close vote. Boris Johnson (pictured among MPs voting against the deal, far left) said he did not 'rejoice' in the massive defeat suffered by Theresa May, but demanded that she ditches the Irish border backstop and takes a 'fresh approach' 'I've had no pressure at all from the whips to come and vote but this is the biggest vote of my lifetime. 'I've sat down with my husband Chris and he said to me this is my choice but that he would support me.' Labour seized on the Brexit chaos last night to table a no confidence motion in the Government. But their bid to force Mrs May from power looks set to fall flat tonight after the DUP and hardline Tory Brexiteers vowed to back her - despite voting down her Brexit plan last night. Advertisement A family-run department store which has been operating for almost 200 years has shut down with the owners blaming exorbitant business rates and online competition. The County Stores - dubbed the 'Harrods of the Westcountry' - has been trading in the Somerset town of Taunton since 1832. But it will pull down the shutters for the final time on Saturday, January 19, blaming rival superstores, business rates and online shopping. The Duder family have run the business for generations but the incoming owner says he intends to turn the site into a motoring museum. Slide me The Duder family have owned the department store for 190 years but finally have to shut up shop due to very high rates and other local competition from supermarkets (pictured: The store in the present day and in the 1950s) James Duder alongside his father and shop owner Hugh Duder who have decided to close the business after almost 200 years in the town centre of Taunton, Somerset Since first opening its doors County Stores has survived seven British monarchs, fifty-one Prime Ministers and five generations of the same owners. Hugh Duder, managing director, told ITV News West Country: 'We're out of it, basically, because of the competition. 'You've got ten supermarkets in Taunton plus very, very high rates. 'My rates here are 81,000 a year with no sign of any reductions and the whole thing has become a chore, basically. 'We've enjoyed what we've done and it is a sad day that we're going.' The shop was previously known as Barter & Duder, before changing its name to The County Stores. It was previously run by Hugh's father Arthur Duder The store during the 1950s selling a wide variety of wares. The store has been in business since 1832, but will finally shut its doors this weekend Hugh Duder's grandfather and previous shop owner, Arthur Duder The shop was established when King William IV was on the throne and has been run by five generations of the same family For some staff members, such as baker Roy Mockridge, the closure will be particularly poignant as he has worked there for 43 years. He said: ' 'I joined as an apprentice and moved on as bakery manager. It is very sad for me. It's been my life and career, basically.' The store will officially shut up shop on Saturday January 19, but the post office will remain open until March. Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, added: 'One of the issues was that business rates, quite a lot of the money goes nationally and gets divvied up and you get some back. 'One of the really big changes that this government has made, and is making, is that Somerset now will go into a pilot area for business rate retention and that will mean that more of the money raised locally will be spent locally and I think that will make a really big difference.' The closure is the latest casualty in an ongoing crisis plaguing Britain's High Streets as independent and chain shops alike struggle due to stay afloat due to a combination of high business rates, spiralling rents and online competition. A Daily Mail campaign to save Britain's High Streets has called for a major overhaul of business rates, for online retailers and large companies based overseas to pay their fair share of tax, and cuts to car parking charges. A state school in one of London's most deprived areas is celebrating after 41 students received offers to study at Oxford and Cambridge. The sixth form at Brampton Manor Academy in East Ham, Newham has smashed its own record for the number offers this year to the prestigious institutions. Two thirds of the students would be the first in their family to attend university and half of them have received free school meals. In 2014, one student received an offer to Oxbridge, it rose to 25 in 2018, of whom 20 began their studies in the autumn, and now 41 this year. The students at Brampton Manor Academy in East Ham, Newham, to gain Oxbridge offers this year The academy's sixth form director Sam Dobin told the Evening Standard: 'We always thought it was possible because the students are stunningly able, but it's an amazing achievement for them.' Hopes are now high that most of the 41, who are mostly of ethnic minority backgrounds, will get the A-level grades to secure their place. There are about 600 pupils in the schools sixth form, with roughly 300 taking their A-Levels next year. In 2014, one student received an offer to Oxbridge, it rose to 25 in 2018, of whom 20 began their studies in the autumn, and now 41 this year. Pictured: Pembroke College at Oxford University Hopes are now high that most of the 41, who are mostly of ethnic minority backgrounds, will get the A-level grades to secure their place. Pictured: The University of Cambridge Why is Brampton Manor so successful? In the most recent Ofsted inspection, Brampton Manor Academy was given an 'outstanding' rating. Its 16 to 19 study programme, at the sixth form, was also rated outstanding in the report. Inspectors said it offered 'personalised and well supported pathways to access well known universities.' The report found 'the quality of teaching, learning and assessment in the sixth form mirrors the outstanding standards seen in the rest of the school.' It adds: 'Teachers are highly skilled, with expertise in, and enthusiasm for, their subjects.' Sixth form director Sam Dobin said the sixth form opened with the aim of transforming progression rates to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He told the Evening Standard: 'Sometimes students think, am I good enough? Will my face fit? But its our job to dispel that. 'When we show them photos of our 25 progressing last year, and half of them are black and all of them are ethnic minorities, that starts to dispel those concerns because they see that in reality.' Advertisement Among the pupils hoping to get the grades to take up an Oxbridge place is Dorcas Shodeinde, who received an offer to study law at St Catherine's College, Oxford. She told The Guardian: 'Brampton made me believe I was good enough to go to Oxford, and I can't believe I've now got an offer to study there.' Fellow pupil Rama Rustom has received an offer to study English at St Hilda's College, Oxford. The daughter of Palestinian and Syrian parents, she came to the UK as a refugee from Saudi Arabia in 2013 and spoke Arabic as her first language. She told the Recorder: 'For me, this offer sets my family on a new path. In my culture, women are traditionally told to not pursue education. I'm trying to prove that girls can do it too. 'Lots of people outside of school said I couldn't do it, but my teachers always believed in me.' The academy's executive principal Dr Dayo Olukoshi, said: 'We were delighted when last year we sent 20 students to Oxbridge, having seen the number increase gradually from just one offer in 2014. 'For this to have more than doubled again is phenomenal but does not surprise us our vision has always been to never put limits on what our students can achieve, and I think these offers reflect just that.' A former Labour MP tonight branded Jeremy Corbyn 'unfit to lead the country' as he refused to back the motion of no confidence in Theresa May. John Woodwock said he would with a 'heavy heart' not vote to remove the Prime Minister in tonight's vote despite being a life-long opponent of the Tories. Mr Woodcock quit Labour last year after accusing the party of mishandling a harassment complaint against him. He was a long-standing critic of Mr Corbyn who repeatedly vowed never to vote to make him Prime Minister. The move was a further blow to Mr Corbyn's slim hopes of pulling off a surprise win in tonight's vote and starting a 14-day countdown to a snap election. The Labour leader lost by Tory Brexiteer rebels have rallied around Mrs May just 24 hours after consigning her to a record-breaking drubbing over the Brexit deal last night. Mr Corbyn launched his attempt to oust Mrs May with a vicious attack on her 'zombie government', claiming any other PM who lost their flagship policy by the margin seen last night would have resigned immediately. Shrugging off last night's 230-vote humiliation, Mrs May warned an election now would cause 'chaos' when Parliament should be delivering Brexit. Ex-Labour MP John Woodwock (pictured in the Commons tonight) said he would with a 'heavy heart' not vote to remove the Prime Minister in tonight's vote despite being a life-long opponent of the Tories Mr Woodcock's move is a further blow to Jeremy Corbyn's (pictured this afternoon in the Commons) slim hopes of pulling off a surprise win in tonight's vote and starting a 14-day countdown to a snap election Tory Brexiteer rebels have rallied around Theresa May (pictured today defending her record) just 24 hours after consigning her to a record-breaking drubbing over the Brexit deal last night To win and keep power a Prime Minister must be able to win votes in the Commons. This is known as confidence. Winning Budget votes is known as supply. Historically, losing tonight's vote would have prompted the PM's immediate resignation. It last happened in 1979 when Labour's James Callaghan lost 311 to 310. But under laws passed by the Tory Lib Dem coalition government, defeat tonight would instead start a 14-day countdown to a general election. If Mrs May could return to the Commons and win a further vote the election would be stopped. If Mr Corbyn could demonstrate he had the confidence of the House by assembling a new coalition, he could in theory replace Mrs May without an election. Referring to the nuclear deterrent, Mr Woodcock said: 'Do we really think that we would maintain a policy that will spend many billions of pounds on a future submarine system which the leader of the opposition will have rendered useless on day one by saying he would never ever use the deterrent? It is just not a serious proposition. Why has Corbyn called a confidence vote and what does it mean? What is a vote of no confidence? To win and keep power, any Prime Minister has to be able to win votes in the House of Commons - this is known as 'confidence'. Where the Opposition believes this is no longer true, it can call a vote of no confidence to demonstrate it. Why has Corbyn called one tonight? Theresa May lost her Brexit deal by a landslide 230 votes - the biggest margin ever recorded. Corbyn says this is proof she does not have the confidence of the House. Why might he have delay? Corbyn has resisted demands for weeks to call a vote, insisting it will only happen when he is sure he will win. His backbenchers think it is also to avoid him having to back a new referendum on Brexit. When will the vote happen? The vote will be called at 7pm tonight. Will May lose? Probably not - this time. Labour and other opposition parties cannot win without help from Tory MPs. Some have suggested they might join a no confidence motion to prevent no deal Brexit but May is unlikely to back this after losing tonight's vote. Labour can call another vote in future. What would losing mean? Historically, losing a no confidence vote would be a trigger for the Prime Minister to resign and call a general election. This last happened in 1979, bringing down James Callaghan 311-310 - paving the way for the election of Margaret Thatcher. This is no longer true. Instead, it starts a 14-day countdown in which the Government must assemble a new coalition or the Opposition must demonstrate it can form a Government. Failure would then mean an election. Advertisement 'So with a heavy heart I have to tell the House that I cannot support the no confidence motion tonight and some of my friends mutter disgrace, I hear some of them tutting. 'I have to say that many of them have privately said 'thank God that you have got the freedom to actually not support this', because they are wrestling with their consciences of wanting desperately a Labour Government knowing that the leader of their party is as unfit to lead the country as he was when they voted against him in the no confidence motion of the party those years ago.' Rising to rare cheers from her side, Mrs May warned a general election would be 'the worst thing we could do'. She said: 'It would deepen division when we need unity, it would bring chaos when we need certainty and it would bring delay when we need to move forward, so I believe this House should reject this motion. 'At this crucial moment in our nation's history a general election is simply not in the national interest. 'Parliament decided to put the question of our membership of the European Union to the people, Parliament promised to abide by the result, Parliament invoked Article 50 to trigger the process and now Parliament must finish the job.' The SNP's Commons leader Pete Wishart intervened to say: 'She's lost a quarter of her Cabinet, 170 members of her backbench want her gone, she's experienced the biggest defeat in parliamentary history, what shred of credibility has her Government got left? For goodness sake, Prime Minister won't you just go?' In a signal Mr Corbyn's manouevere has temporarily reunited the Tory party, Mrs May was backed by arch-Brexiteer Mark Francois. He said: 'It's not exactly a secret that on European policy she and I have not entirely seen eye to eye, and it is possible we will continue to disagree, but I am a Conservative first and last, and I know opportunism when I see it. 'So, can I tell her that when the bells ring, the whole of the ERG (European Research group of Conservative MPs) will walk through the lobbies with her to vote this nonsense down.' The Prime Minister said Mr Corbyn had 'betrayed' his own party as she launched a blistering attack on the Labour leader's record In a signal Mr Corbyn's manouevere has temporarily reunited the Tory party, Mrs May was backed by arch-Brexiteer Mark Francois (pictured supporting the PM today) The PM thanked him and said she wanted to deliver on Brexit, not have 'the disruption, delay and expense of a fourth national poll in less than four years'. Opening the debate earlier, Mr Corbyn said: 'If this government cannot get its legislation through parliament it must go to the country for a new mandate. 'That must apply when it is the key issue of the day. 'By any convention of this House, by any precedence, loss of both confidence and supply should mean they do the right thing and resign.' He added: 'The Fixed Term Parliaments Act was never intended to prop up a zombie government.' Mr Corbyn slammed the 'Frankenstein' Brexit plan - but refused to spell out whether he would campaign for Brexit if he gets the snap election he wants. Mr Corbyn also said there has been no offer of all-party talks from Mrs May. Conservative former minister George Freeman asked Mr Corbyn: 'When those cross-party talks start would he tell the House which of the Scarlet Pimpernel will come - the Leader of the Opposition who campaigns for Remain in London and the south east, or the Leader of the Opposition who campaigns for Brexit up North?' Mr Corbyn replied: 'There has been no offer of all-party talks, there has been no communication on all-party talks - all the Prime Minister said was she might talk to some members of the House. 'That isn't reaching out, that isn't discussing it, that is not recognising the scale of the defeat they suffered last night.' Conservative former minister Anna Soubry questioned why the Conservatives were six points ahead of Labour in a weekend opinion poll, adding: 'Could it be because he's the most hopeless Leader of the Opposition that we've ever had?' A senator who sits on the Judiciary Committee says he believes the federal government is 'moving toward indictment and charges' against the president, though agents are not at the point where they can lodge a specific accusation. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said Tuesday evening on CNN's 'Cuomo Prime Time' that he does not agree with a previous Department of Justice opinion that a sitting president cannot be indicted and thinks the question should be put before a court. 'Its kind of a self-fulfilling prophecy,' he said of the opportunity to indict, 'and the proposition that you cant indict a sitting president never gets tested.' Sheldon Whitehouse, a senator who sits on the Judiciary Committee, says he believes the federal government is 'moving toward indictment and charges' against the president, though agents are not at the point where they can lodge a specific accusation The topic came up during a Tuesday confirmation hearing for Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, William Barr The topic came up during a Tuesday confirmation hearing for Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, William Barr. Barr said he had not looked at the 40-year-old Office of Legal Counsel, OLC, opinion in quite some time before revealing his belief that the status quo should be maintained while he was under questioning from a Democratic senator on the Judiciary Committee. 'But I see no reason to change them,' he added. Whitehouse told host Chris Cuomo that he holds a different view that Barr on the ability of DOJ, and by extension special counsel Robert Mueller, to indict a sitting executive. 'I think that if there with crimes that he has committed, that he should be indicted,' Whitehouse said. 'I do not at all subscribe to the OLC theory that a president cant be indicted.' He said a court is the best place for the debate to take place, and it hasn't, because no one has dared test the legal opinion. 'So we've gotta look at ways to try to get that question before a court, so that it can be determined where questions of law get determined in the United States of America, and thats in the court and not the upper offices of the Department of Justice,' the Rhode Island Democrat said. Whitehouse said that the DOJ and its legal counsel office 'bends over backwards to take the most executive branch-friendly position that it possibly can' in prosecutions. 'But I think a court taking a look at this would say, "No, no, no," ' he assessed. He said the precedent set by former President Richard Nixon's crimes, and other instances, 'they don't align with a president not being answerable to the public in this way.' The inability to properly question a president accused of crimes would 'create a terrible situation' with 'no resolution' and 'no pressure to answer' the allegations, he contended. William Barr's confirmation hearing to return to the helm of the Justice Department featured tough grilling from Democrats about his views on the Robert Mueller probe That's not to say that DOJ has developed a case against Trump, but Whitehouse suggested that Mueller and his team are working to that end. 'I would want to know a lot more,' Whitehouse told Cuomo of the evidence. 'I am at the stage, based on what I do know, that I would be sitting down with the agents and saying, "OK, we need to run down this, we need to run down that. We need to pin down some things before we go." 'We are certainly in a mode, I believe, of moving toward indictment and charges of the president, but I do not believe based on what I know, Mueller may know more, that were at the stage of actually being able to make the charge.' Barr's nomination hearing on Capitol Hill that ran the length of the Tuesday focused heavily on his positions regarding the special counsel probe of Russian election meddling. Trump pushed out his first attorney general for recusing himself from the DOJ investigation that culminated in the Mueller probe that has cast a shadow over the first two years of his administration. Barr told senators he would resist pressure to ax Mueller, including from the president, unless there was good cause to do so. He revealed that he and Mueller, a former FBI director, are family friends, a fact he said that Trump is aware of. Asked if he would fire the special counsel or if he would change Justice Department regulations and then fire him if asked to do so by the president without 'good cause,' Barr responded: 'I would not carry out that instruction.' 'I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt,' Barr said under questioning from Democrats about Trump's use of the term to describe the Russia probe. He revealed he met with President Trump in June 2017 when the president was seeking to expand his legal team and told him at the time how well he knew Mueller. 'I said Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such,' Barr said he told the president. Sworn in: William Barr takes the oath at the start of his confirmation hearing The comments were among multiple markers of independence Barr put down during the hearing, where he also praised fired Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions' decision to recuse from the Russia probe and praised Deputy Attorney Gen. Rod Rosenstein, another favorite target of the president's. He also offered explanations for the unsolicited memo he sent to Rosenstein arguing Mueller's probe was 'fatally misconceived' by going after possible obstruction of justice by the president. Barr also refused to give Democrats commitments they sought repeatedly that he would yield to ethics professionals if they advised him to recuse himself from the Mueller probe. 'I'm not surrendering that responsibility. I'm not giving it away,' he said. On other matters, Barr told lawmakers he didn't need the high-level job he has previously held, would not be 'bullied' by anyone, and stated explicitly several instances of interference in prosecution that would be improper or illegal. Former To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen has been accused of bouncing checks after a $13,000 payment for marketing materials failed to go through. The 59-year-old TV host was charged on Monday in Stamford, Connecticut for issuing bad checks. Hansen had ordered marketing material, including 355 mugs, 288 t-shirts and 650 vinyl decals, from a local vendor for upcoming events. Former To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen has been accused of bouncing checks after a $13,000 payment for marketing materials failed to go through The bill came to $12,998.05, according to his arrest report obtained by the Stamford Advocate. The vendor told police that Hansen had agreed to pay the bill before the items were delivered. A check was written on behalf of Hansen News LLC three months after receiving the invoice in September 2017. The check bounced and Hansen apologized before he offered to pay his bill in partial payments. The vendor contacted police in April after he had still not been paid for the goods. The 59-year-old TV host was charged on Monday in Stamford, Connecticut for issuing bad checks. He was the host of NBC's To Catch a Predator until 2007 Hansen, who became host of Crime Watch Daily in 2016, had ordered $13,000 in marketing material from a local vendor for upcoming events Police told Hansen that he'd had ample time to pay the invoice and warned that he would be arrested for larceny. Hansen issued a personal check to the vendor in April but it bounced three days later. The TV host contacted the vendor and promised to have the money by the end of the day, saying he had sold a boat to cover the costs. Hansen never delivered the money and police issued a warrant for his arrest. He handed himself in on Monday. Hansen was released without bond after he signed a written promise that he would attend an upcoming court appearance. He was the host of NBC's To Catch a Predator until 2007 and then became host of Crime Watch Daily in 2016. Braxton Stuntz, 18, was waking along California beach trails Saturday when he slipped into a blowhole An 18-year-old boy is feared dead after he slipped into a blowhole while hiking with friends. Braxton Stuntz was walking along trails at Garrapata State Beach Saturday, between California's scenic Carmel and Big Sur areas, when they came across a marine geyser. Monterey County sheriff's officials say Stuntz leaned in to inspect the blowhole when he slipped and fell 15 feet onto the rocky beach below. Friends who were with Stuntz said he initially gave them a 'thumbs-up', but after a few crashes of 14-foot waves, he disappeared. On Tuesday, four days after he went missing, the search efforts shifted to a recovery mission as Stuntz is now feared dead. At the time of his disappearance, the Sheriff's Office said the waves reached 14 feet high and came in nine-second intervals, flooding the area. The force and frequency of the waves pushed Stuntz under water, officials said. Officials say his friends immediately called for help after Stuntz disappeared. Pictured is the blowhole that Stuntz slipped into. Friends say he initially gave a 'thumbs up' but then 14-foot waves hit Friend Ali Bowen was at the scene when Stuntz fell. 'Even though responders came quickly, I mean we moved as fast as we could, the EMT moved as fast as they could, and it wasn't fast enough,' Bowen told KION. Video shows the moments his friends went looking for their Stuntz. 'Where was he last?' someone says, while another person gestures to the rocks. 'So see this hole? He slipped. They're saying he's under, over there now,' they say. Members with MCSO Search and Rescue, Mid-Coast Fire, Cal-Fire, California State Park Rangers/Lifeguards, and CHP Helicopter are assisting in the search effort, which went throughout the night Saturday. Stuntz last Instagram photo was posted two days before his disappearance, showing Bixby Creek Bridge, near where he went missing. Condolence messages have filled the comments The rescue search was shifted to a recovery mission Tuesday, four days after he initially disappeared Authorities are now observing if conditions are safe enough to send out a dive team. 'For people who don't know the risks it can be really alarming how easily you can slip and fall, and then be in big trouble,' local resident Jared Sandman told KION. Stuntz, who is from Monterey County, was active on social media and his website shows his love for photography and adventure. His last Instagram photo was posted just two days before his disappearance, showing Bixby Creek Bridge, near where he went missing. Friends, family and even well intentioned strangers have been paying tribute to the teen after his disapearance. 'Such young talent lost too soon. A terrible loss. Condolences to the family,' wrote on friend. Another added simply: 'Rest in peace, Braxton'. One Instagram user wrotye: 'I didnt know you until I came across the news in Facebook. All of your works are really awesome. I dont want to believe that you are gone.' The grieving widow of a California man who was fatally shot while camping with his two young daughters is now suing Los Angeles County for failing to warn the public about a serial shooter on the loose in the area. Pharmaceutical executive Tristan Beaudette, 35, was shot dead in June 2018 while camping in Malibu Creek State Park with his two young daughters. Anthony Rauda, 42, an ex-convict and survivalist, was charged with his murder on Monday. He is allegedly behind a string of shootings dating back to November 2016 targeting random campers. Anthony Rauda, 42, an ex-convict and survivalist, (Right) was charged on Monday with murdering pharmaceutical executive Tristan Beaudette, 35, (left) who was shot dead in June 2018 while camping in Malibu Creek State Park with his two young daughters Widow Erica Wu is now suing Los Angeles County and the state for $90million for failing to warn the public about random shootings taking place at the park Beaudette's widow Erica Wu is now suing Los Angeles County and the state in a $90million lawsuit for failing to warn the public about the random killer. She's seeking compensation for damages on behalf of herself and the couple's daughters, aged two and four, who were present for their father's murder. The complaint points to seven other unsolved shootings near the Malibu park where campers in the area were robbed or gunned down. She alleges multiple agencies including the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and California State Parks 'have confirmed they were aware of at least seven unsolved shootings in Malibu Creek State Park'. She added such agencies 'failed to care and provide a safe space for Beaudette and his children, instead causing his death'. Beaudette was killed suffering a shot to the torso that passed through the tent he and his daughters were sleeping in. He had taken his daughters camping to allow their mother to study for an exam in peace. In her complaint she alleges multiple agencies 'have confirmed they were aware of at least seven unsolved shootings in Malibu Creek State Park' but failed to issue a public warning Rauda was arrested in October in a Malibu park where he was found stealing food from nearby buildings. He was dressed all in black, was carrying a rifle and was described as a survivalist at the time. His face was obscured by law enforcement who issued this picture of his arrest Anthony Rauda is shown at a court appearance in November when he was charged with burglaries. He was wearing a spit guard and had to be wheeled in by guards For months his killing went unsolved along with 10 other attempted murders and burglaries that spanned the past two years. Rauda was finally arrested in October after he was caught trying to steal food in a beach park holding a rifle and dressed in all black. He was believed to be living out a bush at the time of his arrest. On Monday he was charged with Beaudette's murder. He was also charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and five counts of second-degree burglary. His past killings include opening fire on unsuspecting campers in November 2016 and shooting a man who was sleeping in a hammock in another Malibu park. In 2017 he shot into two cars but no one was injured. On June 18, four days before Bernadette's death, he fired into a Tesla. In addition to the shootings, he has been charged with five burglaries in the celebrity-populated town of Calabasas. In November at an initial court appearance he had to wear spit guards and was wheeled into the courtroom by guards. If convicted, Rauda faces a maximum of life in prison. Illinois police and two Good Samaritans pulled a 96-year-old woman from her car just seconds before it was struck by a train on a railroad crossing earlier this week. Antoinette Lazarra had been attempting to make a right hand turn when she lost control of her vehicle and drove onto the tracks around 8.30pm Monday night. Witnesses called 911 and reported the incident to the Lombard Police Department. They told authorities that the woman's wheels were spinning as she tried to break free. Around the same time, Stephen Spapperi and Justin Mueller approached the scene and immediately rushed to help her. Responding Lombard officer Dan Herrera had also just arrived to the scene. Video courtesy of WGN-TV Illinois police and two Good Samaritans pulled 96-year-old, Antoinette Lazarra, from her car (left) just seconds before it was struck by a train (right) on a railroad crossing Monday night Herrera made sure to contact his supervisors to slow down any incoming trains as they worked to remove Lazarra from the vehicle. According to a police statement, Herrera, Spapperi, and Mueller 'assisted the Antoinette Lazarra out of her vehicle and off of the tracks'. Video showed the moment Metra Union Pacific West train #134, which was traveling westbound on the tracks, collided with Lazarras vehicle. The train had already begun to slow down following Herrera's call, but the impact still moved Lazarra's vehicle 50-100 feet. Lazarra had been attempting to make a right hand turn when she lost control of her vehicle (pictured) and drove onto the tracks Around the same time, Stephen Spapperi and Justin Mueller approached the scene and immediately rushed to help her. Responding Lombard officer Dan Herrera had also just arrived to the scene The train had already begun to slow down following Herrera's call, but the impact still moved Lazarra's vehicle 50-100 feet. Photos of the aftermath showed Lazarra's crumpled 2006 Lincoln Zephyr after it was hit by the train. According to the police statement, Lazarra had been reported missing earlier that morning by her family. She was treated at the scene by Lombard paramedics and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for tests and observation. All three men were able to pull her from the car (pictured) before the train struck it Herrera (pictured) said he contacted his supervisors to slow down any incoming trains as they worked to remove Lazarra from the vehicle First responders said Lazarra 'appeared disoriented' as she was being treated at the scene. No other injuries were reported. 'Its nice to know that we still have people that act when others are in need. I truly believe that they helped save a life this day,' said Lombard Police Chief Roy Newton. 'These citizens are both Lombard residents and Im very proud of our town. Lombard is a community that cares about its neighbors and thats evident with this situation,' he added. A boy who received a devastating cancer diagnosis over Christmas was reunited with his dog to the kindness of a stranger. Perryn Miller, 8, is from North Carolina but he and his family were in Utah for Christmas. On December 22, he was taken to hospital with a bad headache and doctors discovered a brain tumor. He received the news he was suffering from Stage four glioblastoma multiforme - an aggressive, cancerous tumor often found in the brain or spine. Perryn Miller and his beloved dog Frank are pictured together after they were reunited on January 5. Perryn fell ill away from home over Christmas and has been unable to return Wisconsin man Rob Reynolds, 59, (right) pictured with the Miller family after transporting their dog 2,300 miles from North Carolina to Utah where Perryn is receiving treatment Perryn is now recovering from surgery and the family may stay in Utah for an indefinite period as he undergoes further treatment. His family subsequently launched an appeal for ideas about reuniting Perryn with his beloved dog Frank, who remained behind in North Carolina. His grandmother, Donna Javaras, took to Facebook inquiring if people knew how to transport Frank to the family without paying the estimated cost of $3,600 which they had been quoted. The post received traction on social media and caught the eye of Jennifer Reynolds, who showed it to her husband and former truck driver, Rob. Rob decided to drive Frank, an eight-month-old German Shepard, 2,300 miles across seven states in the back of his Subaru to bring him to Perryn. His family subsequently launched an appeal for ideas about reuniting Perryn with his beloved dog Frank, who remained behind in North Carolina 'I just think it's a great thing that Frank can be there with him and help him recover,' he said. 'He does have a long journey, hopefully Frank helps him out,' he told KUTV. Reynolds, 59, left his home in his black Subaru Outback at 4.30am from his home in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. On the morning of January 3, he picked up Frank in North Carolina and 52 hours later they arrived in Salt Lake City. Reynolds said Frank was a great traveling companion and documented their journey with updates and photos on Facebook. 'He would sleep or play with his toys. Wed stop and go for walks. If he wanted to use the bathroom, hed bump my right arm. He was perfect. 'Frank and I got along very well. It was a good feeling to be able to ease their minds a little bit', Rob said, adding that hes willing to drive Frank back to North Carolina if needed. Robert Reynolds documented Frank's 52 hour journey to Utah in the back of his Subaru Reynolds gave regular updates on Faacebook about Frank's progress and places they visited On January 5, Frank and Reynolds pulled up to the house in Salt Lake City where the Millers were staying. 'No one was waiting outside. I took Frank out of the car. He smelled a familiar smell and started pulling me straight to this door hed never been to before. [The Millers] opened the door and he just went crazy', Reynolds told Fredericksburg.com. On top of the devastating diagnosis, the Millers lost their North Carolina home in Hurricane Florence last year and are still in the process of rebuilding. In the meantime, theyve been staying with local family members who were looking after Frank. Perryn (pictured) said a tear rolled down his eye as he snuggled with Frank for the first time since being reunited Perryn's father Jacob said his son has a long road ahead in terms of treatment and recovery Jacob Miller, Perryns father and a former Marine Raider, and his mother, a special needs registrar, are going to be on extended leave from their jobs as they look after their son. Speaking after Perryn was reunited with Frank, Jacob told CBS: 'It's been a whirlwind. It's been hard. But it's been overwhelming awesome at the same time'. 'We've been happy that Perryn made it out of the surgery. We've been shocked, we've been sad,' said Jamie Miller, Perryn's mother. Perryn said a tear rolled down his eye as he snuggled with Frank for the first time since being reunited. He said: 'I felt really excited to see Frank. I just really like Frank and he's a good dog'. Relatives have set up a Gofundme account to help the family with the costs of being away from home and Perryn's treatment. A New Jersey councilwoman has been accused of beating her husband over the head with a broomstick and a cookbook. Police were called to the Highland Park home of Susan Welkovits, 57, on Friday. She had allegedly bitten her husband on the arm, leaving him with 'visible signs of abuse', according to a police report obtained by NJ.com. He refused treatment for his injuries when officers arrived, the report said. There were children present at the time of the incident. Welkovits, who was appointed to the Highland Park borough council in January 2012, is facing charges for simple assault and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. Susan Welkovits (above left and right), a 57-year-old councilwoman in Highland Park, New Jersey, has been accused of beating her husband with a broomstick and cookbook and biting him on the arm during an altercation last Friday, according to a police report. Investigators also found text messages he'd sent to coworkers alleging that she was abusing him The Facebook photo above shows Welkovits with her husband and their twin boy and girl Investigators reportedly found text messages that the husband had sent to colleagues saying that his wife had abused him. Welkovits appeared before a judge and has been released. Her next court date has not been posted. The councilwoman's biography on the Highland Park community website bio says both Welkovits and her husband graduated from the local high school. They have twins; a boy and girl, who are in elementary school. Both Welkovits and Highland Park Mayor Gayle Brill Mittler have declined to comment on the incident. The husband's name has been withheld as DailyMail.com does not typically identify victims of domestic abuse. The Highland Park home where Friday's altercation is believed to have occurred is seen above Advertisement Donald Trump shifted his argument for a border wall away from North America on Wednesday, saying on Twitter that the United States would be following the example of 45 other countries by sealing itself off from Mexico. 'There are now 77 major or significant Walls built around the world, with 45 countries planning or building Walls,' the president tweeted. 'Over 800 miles of Walls have been built in Europe since only 2015. They have all been recognized as close to 100% successful. Stop the crime at our Southern Border!' It's rare for Trump to embrace the idea of following other nations' lead. He has built his leadership brand, in part, on an uncompromising 'America first' slogan. President Donald Trump said Wednesday on Twitter that 45 countries either have border walls or plan to build them, as he continues to press his case for the completion of a barrier between the U.S. and Mexico This map shows 10 existing border walls, including those in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Hungary and India This photo, taken near the southern kibbutz of Lahav in Isreal two years ago, showed workers building a new section of the separation wall dividing Israel from the West Bank Donald Trump's vision of the porous U.S.-Mexico border is a steel-slatted wall stretching for hundreds of miles In a Cabinet meeting this month, he sneered at the idea of global consensus on matters where he has tried to forge a unilateral path. 'I shouldn't be popular in Europe,' Trump said on January 3, adding that if he were popular there he wouldn't be doing his job. But his accounting of border walls around the globe is correct, according to a 2018 analysis by USA Today. '[T]here are at least 77 walls or fences around the world many erected after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City and at the Pentagon,' the newspaper reported last May. DailyMail.com identified 65 of them in 2015 as the future president began making a wall construction project one of his loudest campaign promises. Morocco is separated from the rebel territory of Western Sahara by a 1,700-mile-long earthen 'Berm' that's fortified with countless land mines Side-effect: This wall separates many in Israel from the most holy sites in Islam, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem Separately, USA Today reported that since Europe's migrant crisis erupted in 2015, 'at least 800 miles of fences have been erected by Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia, Slovenia and others.' The newspaper cited the UN Refugee Agency for its statistics. That agency did not immediately respond to a request for more up-to-date information. Not all the barriers are sold walls. Many are fences, and at least one is entirely earthen with a military addition. Along Morocco's border with the ungovernable Western Sahara territory is a sand wall Moroccans call the 'Berm.' It's sorrounded by millions of land mines to keep out rebel fighters from the Polisario Front. At 1,700 miles in length it's second only to the Great Wall of China. Trump has been embroiled in a Pennsylvania Avenue standoff since December with congressional Democrats who refuse his demand for $5.7 billion dedicated to border wall construction. He has painted them as willfully disregarding a humanitarian and national security crisis at the border. On Wednesday he reinforced his belief that the border squabble will be a winning issue for Republicans when he stands for re-election. 'It is becoming more and more obvious that the Radical Democrats are a Party of open borders and crime,' Trump tweeted. 'They want nothing to do with the major Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border. #2020!' Not always effective: Palestinians were pictured in 2015 climbing over a section of Israel's separation wall to enter Jerusalem for Friday prayer in the al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest site, during Ramadan Firefighters have taken a break from putting out fires to instead create one of their own by raising an inflammatory sign defending masculinity. Staff at Newtown Fire Station in inner west Sydney were forced to apologise after they updated their sign to read: 'House fires are toxic, our masculinity isn't'. 'The sign was for those concerned there is way too much toxic out there,' the fire station said in an apologetic Facebook post. 'To show there are groups that fight it Every man needs to be in touch with their feminine side, every woman needs to be in touch with their masculine side.' Staff at Newtown Fire Station in inner west Sydney were forced to apologise after they updated their sign to read: 'House fires are toxic, our masculinity isn't' (pictured) Newtown Fire Station: 'Masculinity comes in different forms. Different for everyone. We are constantly redefining what it means to be a man. We strive to be proud men' (pictured, mural at Newtown Fire Station) The apology went on to say that masculinity came in 'different forms' and was always redefined. 'We are constantly redefining what it means to be a man. We strive to be proud men. 'To achieve this, we try and spread the message about helping others. 'This may be achieved in many ways. Being inclusive, standing up for minorities or those less fortunate, we stand against bullying and unfair labels.' The sign came on the back of a controversial, high-budget television advertisement from Gillette. The razor brand tackled subjects of toxic masculinity, violence against women and the #MeToo movement. 'Is this the best a man can get?' asks the narrator in the ad. 'Is it? We cant hide from it. Its been going on far too long. We cant laugh it off. Making the same old excuses.' While the ambitious ad drew praise for its boldness, it also sparked anger from its critics. Under the Twitter and Instagram movement #BoycottGillette, customers have openly abandoned their loyalty to the brand. 'Sorry Gillette, but men are not bullies,' one user said. 'Bullies are bullies. Men are men. Enough blaming all men for the actions of some.' Newtown Fire Station raised the sign as their own response to the advertisement. Newtown Fire Station's sign came on the back of a controversial, high-budget television advertisement from Gillette (pictured) Sears will live on - at least for now. The company's chairman and largest shareholder, Eddie Lampert, won a bankruptcy auction for Sears, averting liquidation of the iconic chain, according to a source familiar with the negotiations. The person agreed to speak on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the negotiation publicly. Lampert, who steered the company into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, is aiming to keep open roughly 400 stores and preserve tens of thousands of jobs. But how long Sears can survive under the 56-year-old billionaire, who has tried and failed to turn around the company many times before, remains an open question. Cutthroat competitors like Amazon, Target and Walmart also pose challenges that the struggling retailer has so far been unable to overcome. 'While there's no doubt that a shrunken Sears will be more viable than the larger entity, which struggled to turn a profit, we remain extremely pessimistic about the chain's future,' said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. 'In our view, Sears exits this process with almost as many problems as it had when it entered bankruptcy protection. In essence, its hand has not changed, and the cards it holds are not winning ones.' The operator of Sears and Kmart had 687 stores and 68,000 workers at the time of its bankruptcy filing. At its peak in 2012, its stores numbered 4,000. Sears is expected to avoid liquidation and keep open 400 stores after reports emerged early Wednesday that billionaire chairman Eddie Lampert (above) has won a bankruptcy auction through a $5.2billion bid for the struggling retail chain Lampert, the only one to put out a bid for the whole company, had sweetened his offer to more than $5billion over the last few days through an affiliate of his hedge fund ESL after his original bid had been rejected by the Sears board. That included assuming certain liabilities like covering bills to vendors of up to $166million. Details of the final terms couldn't be learned. The plan is not a done deal and must be approved at a hearing on February 1 by a bankruptcy judge in White Plains, New York. Lampert, who gave up the CEO title when the Sears filed for Chapter 11, has maintained there's still potential for the company. But he has yet to spell out details on how he plans to turn it around. Lampert combined Sears with Kmart in 2005, about two years after he helped bring Kmart out of bankruptcy. He pledged to return Sears to greatness, but that never happened. Lampert, who steered the company into Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October, is aiming to keep open roughly 400 stores and preserve tens of thousands of jobs The company, hammered during the recession and outmatched in its aftermath by shifting consumer trends and strong rivals, hasn't had a profitable year since 2010 and has suffered 11 straight years of annual sales declines. Lampert has been criticized for not investing in the stores, which remain shabby. Under Lampert, Sears has survived by spinning off stores and selling brands that had grown synonymous with the company, like Craftsman. Lampert has loaned out his own money and cobbled together deals to keep the company afloat, though critics said he has done so with the aim of benefiting his hedge fund. ESL has maintained that the moves put much needed cash into the business. Four years ago the company created a real estate investment trust to extract revenue from the enormous number of properties owned by Sears. It sold and leased back more than 200 properties to the REIT, in which Lampert is a significant stake holder. Lampert personally owns 31 percent of the Sears' outstanding shares and his hedge fund has an 18.5 percent stake, according to FactSet. Lampert stands to realize a big tax gain keeping Sears alive, using the company's years of net operating losses to offset future taxable income if one of his other companies takes over the chain, says David Tawil, president and co-founder of Maglan Capital, which follows distressed companies. Tawil and others believe Lampert wants to be in full control of liquidating Sears' assets, including real estate. If Lampert's bid to save Sears gets final approval, he will need to dramatically reinvent the business. That means revitalizing aging stores and focusing on major appliance and tools that once were the jewels of the company, say industry analysts. Walmart, Target and others have been heavily investing in their own stores and expanding online, in large part because they have the capital to keep spending. Sears will also need to convince shoppers like Sanjay Singh why they should keep coming back. Singh was recently shopping with his wife at the Newport Centre Mall in Jersey City, New Jersey, and stopped by a Sears to look for a swimsuit for his 11-year-old daughter. He says he usually shops at other department stores. 'Sears is usually my last option,' he said. Two US soldiers and two American civilians have been killed after an ISIS suicide bomber blew himself up outside a restaurant in Syria. A US official who declined to be named confirmed the casualties after an explosion in the city of Manbij earlier in the day. The attack marks the biggest single loss of life by US force during the Syrian war. Only two servicemen had been killed prior to Wednesday's blast, along with two non-combatants. Alongside the two American troops killed, a third was a civilian Defense Department employee, the Pentagon said. The fourth American killed was a contractor supporting the U.S. effort in Syria. It comes after Donald Trump ordered US troops to withdraw from the country, claiming ISIS had been defeated. Two US soldiers and two American civilians have been killed after an ISIS suicide bomber blew himself up outside a restaurant in Syria The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 people died in total including at least nine civilians while dozens more were wounded. Local reports suggested the soldiers were inside the restaurant when a bomber detonated their device outside. ISIS propaganda agency Amaq said the terror group was responsible for the attack. 'A suicide attack carried out with an explosives vest hit an international coalition patrol in the city of Manbij,' the organisation said via social media. Video from the scene showed a coalition helicopter landing to take the injured away. U.S. military Col. Sean Ryan said they were 'aware of open source reports regarding an explosion in Syria.' He added: 'Coalition forces conducted a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time.' One of the men was said to have been 'very seriously' hurt while the other escaped with non-life-threatening injuries'. The blast comes almost a month after President Trump called for US forces to withdraw from Syria, claiming the ISIS had been defeated A total of 16 people, including at least nine civilians, were killed in the blast according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights The blast comes as America begins withdrawing from Syria following Donald Trump's shock announcement that he was bringing all troops home. Ground equipment started being withdrawn from the country last Thursday, according to CNN, with the exact timetable for full withdrawal unclear. While Trump has made it clear that all 2,000 troops would be leaving with Turkey taking over the fight against ISIS, other administration officials have been less clear. John Bolton, Trump's National Security Adviser, said the US would not leave until it had received guarantees from Turkey that its Kurdish allies would not be attacked. Turkey considers some Kurdish groups, including those who helped in the fight against ISIS, to be terrorist organizations. Manbij, which has been occupied by Kurdish YPG forces since they seized it from ISIS in 2016, has become a flashpoint in the withdrawal plans. The YPG fear that, after America has gone, towns like Manbij will be attacked by Turkey in an attempt to drive them out. American troops began patrolling Manbij several weeks ago in an attempt to stave off attacks by Turkish-backed Syrian forces which occupy several nearby towns. Kurdish forces also reached out to Damascus, which is controlled by dictator Bashar al-Assad, for assistance as tensions grew. Syrian government troops began massing near the town shortly after Christmas, according to The Guardian. A heartbroken first time mother has told of her anguish of the death of her baby boy, who did not breathe for 26 minutes after he was born after an inquest hears that he would still be alive if staff had followed the correct procedures. Sebastian Clark died in the arms of his parents Alison and Justin Clark just four days after suffering a devastating brain injury at Kingston Hospital. At an inquest today at West London Coroner's Court it was heard the couple's requests for an emergency Caesarean in March 2017 went ignored and that staff had reassured them that the procedure was not necessary. Mrs Clark told the inquest how staff had patted her shoulder and were crying when the baby was delivered, but said that no one would tell her what was wrong. Sebastian contracted an infection and suffered severe brain damage that left him unable to breathe, hear or see when he was born. Mr and Mrs Clark (pictured above) with baby Sebastian at the hospital Mrs Clark said she was angry and confused after she gave birth as staff started to cry as her baby was taken away to the neonatal unit. She said when Sebastian was born someone placed him briefly on her chest, but she did not see him. 'Staff kept putting their hand on me and crying. This confused me as I did not know what was happening. I was in a state of shock the entire time. 'I was very tired and incredibly worried as staff were crying. I was angry staff were crying and putting their hand on me as I did not know what was going on.' The grieving mother told the inquest she repeatedly asked whether she could have a Caesarean after being admitted to hospital. She said: 'I asked whether I should have a Caesarean section. I mentioned this a few times thereafter but we were always told it wasn't medically necessary. 'I was reviewed by clinician and told my contractions needed to be sped up. I always asked if everything was OK with Sebastian and I was always assured he was fine. I also asked a number of times about Caesarean. 'Over 12 hours later I was 1cm dilated. It was decided I would have an epidural. I had a temperature and I was feeling woozy because of a high temperature which was necessary to treat with antibiotics. 'I trusted staff that everything was fine. We were always assured Sebastian was fine even when they said he might have a bit of an infection. Baby Sebastian (pictured above) died in his parents' arms just four days after he was born 'I was never concerned because I was always told he was fine.' During the inquest it was also heard that maternity doctors were dealing with two emergencies at the same time and were forced to prioritise another mother. Staff working that evening said the night was 'busy' and there were as many as seven emergencies at the time of Sebastian's birth. The doctor involved in Sebastian's birth was also involved in another emergency relating to chorioamnionitis, the infection Mrs Clark - and subsequently Sebastian - contracted during labour. Dr Chorouk Kohler-Boureq said 'one thing had to take over the other' when both mothers became classed as emergencies. She said: 'It was always in my head I need to deliver as soon as I can. 'The other thing happening was there was another case also with chorioamnionitis. So one thing had to take the other. 'And I remember saying I wanted to do the emergency C-section [on the other patient]. I wanted to do it quickly so then we could deliver Mrs Clark. 'When I was in theatre and once I didn't need assistance I asked Dr Pop to go and see Mrs Clarke, if we could deliver her in the room or come to theatre for instrumental delivery.' The paediatrician added: 'When I look back at what happened I was very surprised by the timing because I just didn't realise.' Dr Adriana Pop added the ward was 'extremely busy' that night with about seven emergencies to handle. She said that although they were concerned Sebastian might have an infection they had to go to theatre to carry out an emergency c-section on another patient. Dr Pop said: 'We were concerned this baby might have an infection because Mrs Clarke had chorioamnionitis. We couldn't deliver her. We had to go to theatre. Justin (left) and Alison Clark (right) hold baby Sebastian (centre), after his life support was switched off. 'I'm sorry to Mr and Mrs Clarke. I'm really sorry about that. We had a rush to theatre because we were really concerned because the baby's heart rate was low and there was a risk of infection. 'We were both concerned. I was not competent to be able to deliver myself. The other lady was in the same situation but she did not progress and her foetal heartbeat was pathological.' Ahead of the hearing Mr and Mrs Clark, 30 and 32 said that their baby 'Sebby' was a 'fiercely strong, 8lb 9oz, auburn, wavy-haired beauty'. The couple from Kingston-Upon-Thames added: 'He continues to provide us with great joy and pride and will forever do so. However, his death has shattered our lives and we will never be the same; part of us will always be with Sebastian wherever he may be. 'Sebastian was a completely healthy little boy up until the point of labour. Ultimately, we feel that a lack of care and treatment led to his death. 'We believe there was an utter failure in fetal monitoring, wellbeing and escalation of care and, if this had not been the case, our son would still be alive today. What happened to him was entirely avoidable.' Sebastian had been transferred to a specialist neonatal unit at St George's hospital in Tooting a day after he was born and his life support machine was subsequently switched off after his parents were told his brain was no longer functioning. He breathed for four hours unaided before he died peacefully. Mrs Clark told the inquest that in a meeting just a few weeks after she gave birth to their first child, Obstetric Consultant Andrew Poole, at Kingston Hospital said staff had 'all the information they needed' but did not act correctly. Sebastian was delivered by forceps, but immediately taken away to the neo-natal unit as he had suffered serious damage. Mrs Clark said: 'At the meeting with Mr Pooley and the midwife, Mr Pooley said to Justin and I that 'Sebastian would have been alive if they had done their job properly. 'I cried when told this because it confirmed that Sebastian's death was avoidable. 'He said the staff had the information they needed to act correctly, but did not. He said they did not follow the procedure for sepsis. The inquest is being heard at West London Coroner's Court (pictured above) 'Mr Pooley explained that the consultant should have been called as they had all the information at the time but they didn't act on it and follow procedure.' Mrs Clark said that prior to receiving a letter from the hospital two weeks after Sebastian's death, she had no idea that he had not died of natural causes, but rather because staff had made mistakes. She said: 'I contacted the hospital to ask for all my notes. There was a covering letter [when they arrived] from the maternity risk midwife. 'In this letter it apologised for letting me down and I tried to call to discuss this, but I was only able to leave a message. 'This was the only inclination I had that Sebastian didn't die of natural causes. It was anxiety provoking to receive that letter and not speak to anyone about it for many days. 'I thought it was my fault as I had an infection and needed help pushing.' Little Sebastian had an MRI after he was born which revealed he was brain-dead. Mr and Mrs Clark made the heartbreaking decision to turn off his life support machine on March 12 as a doctor said recovery was 'impossible'. Mr Clark told the inquest that his wife's waters had broken on March 6 and they had attended hospital where Alison had a 'sweep' - a procedure that widens the cervix to encourage natural birth. But it is known this can 'activate' naturally-occurring bacteria such as B Strep and E-Coli in the cervix and lead to infection, the inquest heard. The pair were sent home and didn't return to hospital until Alison's contractions were more regular the next day, the hearing was told. WHAT ARE THE MEDICAL REASONS FOR A CAESAREAN? There are various reasons why a doctor may recommend that you have a caesarean section instead of giving birth vaginally. If you had complications in a previous pregnancy or birth, or in your current pregnancy, you may be advised to have whats called a planned or elective caesarean, or a planned repeat caesarean. If you were planning to give birth vaginally, but complications during labour or birth mean that youre advised to give birth by caesarean, youll have whats called an unplanned or emergency caesarean. Here are some reasons why doctors may opt for a planned or emergency caesarean, rather than a vaginal birth: You've already had at least one caesarean section. Your baby is in a bottom-down, or breech, position. Your baby is in a sideways (transverse) position, or keeps changing its position (unstable lie). You have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia). You have a medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. You have lost a baby in the past, either before or during labour. Youre expecting twins or more. Your baby is not growing as well as it should be in your womb. You have severe pre-eclampsia or eclampsia, making it dangerous to delay the birth. Source: BabyCentre Advertisement Mr Clark said: 'We were advised the baby's heart rate was normal. Alison had chest pain. The registrar said she would assess again when there were regular contractions and she prescribed medication to regulate the contraction speed. 'After 24 hours the risk of infection increased. We were advised there were no signs of infection. 'We asked whether we needed a caesarean and we were told we didn't need one. 'Later that evening Alison had another sweep. The baby's heart rate was fluctuating and we questioned if we needed a caesarean. 'Alison was 6cm dilated and she needed to be 10cm dilated before she could start pushing. We asked about a caesarean again as the heart rate had increased but we were told again it was not medically needed.' On March 8 Mr Clark said the midwife had agreed with the other midwives to keep an eye on the heart rate. The registrar arrived and also looked at the heart rate. 'They noted Alison was still 6cm dilated. The plan was to check on her later and if she wa not 10cm dilated then a caesarean would be considered. 'When the registrar returned they found Alison was fully dilated and she was given a further epidural by the anaesthetist. 'The registrar was concerned about the infection but Alison pushed for about an hour or so. 'Apparently the head was coming down and back up again. We again asked for a caesarean but the midwife said to keep going.' It was later that morning that Alison again requested a caesarean, she was told to stop pushing until a registrar arrived. 'I was in the bathroom and when I returned I found her being wheeled away. Everyone was in a hurry. A midwife just told me to keep Alison calm,' Mr Clark added. The coroner heard that Mrs Clark was rushed to theatre because the baby's heart rate had dropped and so he had to be delivered with forceps. Mr Clark said: 'He was taken away to be resuscitated. 'By the clock on the wall it had been roughly 26 minutes from Sebastian being born and regaining a heartbeat. 'I felt terrified. I was anxiously trying to figure out what was going on because I still did not know why Alison was rushed away. I was in a state of panic trying to decide what different alarms meant. 'I deduced on my own that Sebastian did not have a heart bare and was not breathing. I did not at the time know the problem started before he was delivered. 'There was blood, so very much blood. That exact moment in time a ill haunt me for the rest of my life. I was fearful for Alison and my son's lives. 'We were advised by the anaesthetist that everything with Sebastian was fine. He said he had seen Sebastian as e was passing. This was upsetting as Alison and I knew or thought out boy was not fine. 'Alison and I were advised that Sebastian's prognosis was poor as he was unable to breathe or have a heart beat on his own. 'I was scared. I was desperately hoping with every fibre of my being that my little boy would be alright but had been aware from previous knowledge that the human brain suffers damage at roughly ten minutes without oxygen - at this time I thought he had been without air for 26 minutes.' Mrs Clark subsequently gave birth to healthy twin baby boys last May, the inquest heard. Almost two years after the tragedy, Kingston hospital apologised last week and admitted that 'substandard' care had led to the infant's death, The Evening Standard reported. Ann Radmore, the departing chief executive, wrote: 'I would like to offer you my sincere apologies that the treatment and care provided by the trust immediately prior to, and during Sebastian's delivery, fell below a standard that you were entitled to expect. 'We recognise that this substandard care led to Sebastian's poor condition at birth, and tragically, his death.' Representing the family Tim Deeming, from solicitors Tees Law, said: 'We believe the tragic series of events that unfolded within the maternity unit at Kingston hospital were completely avoidable and we sincerely hope lessons can be learned so no other family has to endure a similarly devastating experience. 'We also believe that there is a wider need for counselling and support at all hospitals to support families through any such birth-related incidents.' The hearing continues. Anglers are being hunted by furious animal lovers after two pregnant seals were shot dead. Images of the soon to be mother seals have emerged as Essex boat owners attempt to find out who is behind the cruel killings. Both animals, either common or grey seals, were found by boatman Tony Haggis, 67, washed up on the mudbanks of an backwater in Essex. Mr Haggis said he believed they had been shot by anglers - though is no firm evidence as to how they came to be killed. The RSPCA is investigating and a 3000 reward has been offered for information which could lead to a conviction by ocean conservation charity Sea Shepherd. Mr Haggis says he was left devastated after coming across the corpses of two female seals that were about five years old. When he looked closer, Mr Haggis noted both seals were around three months pregnant at the time of their deaths. The female seal was around three months pregnant when her body washed up on the beach Two seals were found having been shot with a rifle before their bodies were found and investigated He said that entry and exit wounds showed the two animals had been shot with a.22 calibre rifle. He said he found bodies near the Walton Channel, a stretch of backwater which connects with the North Sea on the Essex coast, last Monday (Jan 7). The area is populated by both grey and common seals. Mr Haggis, who runs a wildlife touring company in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, said: 'I don't think the anger has properly come out of me yet. 'There is every chance they have shot at a few more and we haven't found the bodies. 'People come here to see the seals, I could never dream of doing something like this. 'The first was five feet in length, I turned her over to examine her. She was fat and healthy. 'The other one was in exactly the same condition, five foot. From my experience and knowledge of these animals, they were around three months pregnant. Mr Haggis suspects anglers on the Walton Channel took shots at the seals from their boats to deter them from eating fish. He said that this isn't the first time he has encountered a shot seal. When he was a commercial fisherman in the 1970s he found a struggling seal which had been fired at with a shotgun. When Mr Haggis confronted the man who had shot the seal, the man pointed the shotgun at him while claiming that the sleeping seal had tried to attack his dog. He said: 'There is a law which allows commercial fishermen to shoot seals if they interfere with the nets. 'I do not agree with that law. The seals are believed to have been shot by anglers who are trying to hook fish in Essex There is now a reward out which will be paid to anyone who gives information which leads to a conviction of the killer 'After they were shot there was a flood tide, so they drifted up the river to where they were found.' Rob Read from Sea Shepherd UK said: 'Hopefully the publicity around the shooting of these seals will put a stop to it. 'However, if more seals are shot around the same area then Sea Shepherd UK will consider deploying crew to watch over the seals and catch those responsible. 'Sea Shepherd UK's Eastern Region Coordinator and one of our Senior Volunteers has already been to Walton to gather evidence.' A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: 'We are grateful to the caller for contacting us regarding this incident. 'While at this stage we do not know the circumstances surroundings the death of these seals, we would appeal to anyone who might have any information regarding this to call our RSPCA inspectorate line on 0300 123 8018.' Jeremy Corbyn faced rapidly mounting pressure to back a new vote on Brexit today as 71 of his MPs broke ranks to endorse the People's Vote campaign. In defiance of party policy more than 40 MPs posed on the steps of Parliament to call for Labour to immediately back a new referendum. A no confidence motion in the Prime Minister tabled by Mr Corbyn is expected to fail tonight and the MPs want it to the point Labour changes tack. Official policy is to pursue a general election and Mr Corbyn's vision of Brexit - with support for a referendum contingent on those proving to be impossible. To the frustration of Remain-supporting Labour MPs, senior Labour figures have said they are ready to table repeated no-confidence challenges to Mrs May if tonight's vote does not succeed in ousting her. In defiance of party policy more than 40 MPs posed on the steps of Parliament (pictured) to call for Labour to immediately back a new referendum One of the Labour MPs Siobhain McDonagh was confronted by a pro-Brexir protester as the People's Vote launched its major Labour endorsement today Senior backbencher Louise Ellman said today Mr Corbyn should act 'immediately' to throw Labour's weight behind a second referendum if Wednesday's vote failed. 'We've got the no-confidence motion today,' said the Liverpool Riverside MP. 'If that doesn't carry, Jeremy should immediately call for a second referendum and start taking the moves to make that happen. 'We shouldn't have any further delay. The clock is ticking. It's just over 70 days to go before we actually leave the EU. We can't afford to do that, so Jeremy must act now.' Tottenham MP David Lammy told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it was time for Mr Corbyn to move, warning: 'If he vacillates and sits on the fence, I'm afraid he is going to get splinters in places he doesn't want. 'There is is definitely momentum with Members of Parliament who now see that this is stuck in our Parliament and think he should put it back to the British people.' Among signatories to the letter were MPs from Leave- and Remain-backing constituencies from all parts of Britain, including the party's former acting leader Dame Margaret Beckett, ex-ministers like Ben Bradshaw and Chris Bryant, and former leadership contender Owen Smith. Today's rally outside Parliament was led by Labour MP Bridget Phillipson (pictured today) Organisers said a further 24 Labour MPs had made public statements supporting a second referendum, bringing the total to almost 100. On the morning after the historic defeat of Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons, around 45 of them gathered outside Parliament to display a banner reading: 'Labour MPs, MEPs, conference and members agree - The people should have the final say.' Bridget Phillipson said she recognised the anger about the state of the country which lay behind the 60% Leave vote in her Houghton & Sunderland South constituency. But she said it would be much harder for Labour to achieve its goals of ending austerity, reducing child poverty and helping working people if the UK left the EU. In a statement, the MPs and MEPs said: 'We must try and remove this Government from office as soon as possible. 'But the removal of the Government and pushing for a general election may prove impossible, so we must join trade unions, our members and a majority of our constituents by then unequivocally backing the only logical option to help our country move forward: putting the decision back to the people for a final say, in a public vote, with the option to stay and keep the deal that we have.' A no confidence motion in the Prime Minister tabled by Jeremy Corbyn (pictured today leaving home) is expected to fail tonight and the MPs want it to the point Labour changes tack The statement said the UK was in 'an unprecedented and perilous moment in our history' and accused Prime Minister Theresa May of running down the clock on Brexit in a way that amounted to 'gambling with the jobs and livelihoods of our constituents'. 'We now face a moment of national crisis, where the facts and the views of many people have changed - and are continuing to change,' they said. 'It is now clear renegotiation is not a realistic prospect. No-deal would be a catastrophe which we must resolutely oppose. The Government should seek an extension to Article 50 to provide time for Parliament to find a way forward.' They were harangued by pro-Brexit protester Colin Grostate, from Ramsgate, who brandished a Conservative Party membership card as he loudly accused them of being 'liars'. Dressed in a yellow high-visibility jacket bearing the slogan 'Clean Brexit - No Deal', he confronted Mitcham & Morden MP Siobhan McDonagh, telling her: 'I'm just a little man on the side with a vote which you don't care about. I don't want a second vote.' Ticket barriers at Westminster's Underground station were plastered with adverts from second referendum campaigners, reading 'The only way forward is a People's Vote.' David Cameron today admitted he regrets the 'difficulties and problems' caused by losing the Brexit referendum - but insisted he was right to call it. The ex-PM spoke out as Theresa May faces a fight for survival after the deal she thrashed out with the EU was brutally rejected by MPs. Mrs May has been left scrambling to find a way through the deepening deadlock in Parliament and with the EU. At the same she must fend off a no-confidence vote from Jeremy Corbyn today as he tries to force a general election. Mr Cameron was accosted by reporters while out running near his London home this morning. David Cameron spoke out as Theresa May faces a fight for survival after the deal she thrashed out with the EU was brutally rejected by MPs Asked if he was sorry for calling the referendum in 2016, he said: 'I don't regret calling the referendum... it was a promise I made.' He added: 'Obviously I regret that we lost the referendum. I deeply regret that... and obviously I regret the difficulties and the problems that we have been having trying to implement the result of that referendum.' An extraordinary 118 Tory rebels, more than a third of the parliamentary party, joined forces with Labour to sink Mrs May's withdrawal agreement by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230 - last night. Moments after the result was announced Mr Corbyn announced he would table a no-confidence motion, which MPs will vote on tonight, in a bid to force a general election. But the PM's Northern Irish allies, former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and backbench ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg have all pledged to support her, meaning she is likely to survive. The DUP's Sammy Wilson said the party wanted to 'get the government back on track' and would back Mrs May, while Mr Rees-Mogg said last night: 'I will be supporting the Prime Minister'. Mr Johnson said he 'certainly shall' vote for the PM in Wednesday night's vote, saying he did not want Mr Corbyn in office instead. Owners of brand new 300,000 homes cannot move into their properties after a bizarre legal ruling arising from a council dispute. A bitter row over an access road means family homes, some of which have already been bought, are still unoccupied until the issue is resolved. People already living on the Yew Tree Hill estate say the delay has meant some would-be residents have been consigned to living with their parents rather than in the new houses, range from 200,000 to more than 300,000. Developers Persimmon and Redrow are jointly building 500 properties on land on the outskirts of Droitwich, Worcs. A 500-home development is being built on the outskirts of Droitwich in Worcestershire Planners initially agreed for 188 finished properties to be occupied before an access road on the A38 leading to the estate was completed But after this number was reached, the council became concerned the roadworks were not on track to be completed, so it took the developers to court The dispute between the developers and Wychavon District Council erupted last February. Planners initially agreed for 188 finished properties to be occupied before an access road on the A38 leading to the estate was completed. But after this number was reached, the council became concerned the roadworks were not on track to be finished properly so it took the developers to court. The council secured an injunction banning any more people moving into the properties until the access road was widened. As a result, residents on the estate say no new homes have been built for months while the completed properties are standing empty. This unfinished access road is at the heart of the legal dispute between the council and the developers, with residents losing out One resident said: 'I do feel sorry for people who have put down deposits but can't move in' Retired police officer Mark Naylor, 52, who moved into one of the first homes with wife Dawn, 51, in December 2017, said: 'I believe the developers have sealed off the completed houses and they aren't building anymore but some are still for sale. 'I do feel sorry for people who have put down deposits but can't move in. 'Some of them, I know, have had to move in with their parents, having already sold their previous home. They have nowhere else to live. 'There are around 20 or so houses which have either been finished or reserved which are lying empty. 'Persimmon are happy for the residents to just soldier on.' Residents on the finished side of the new development said they knew of some people who had had to move in with their parents while waiting to move in to their home Another resident living in the finished side of the development added: 'These homes are brand new and families are waiting to move in. 'It's not right. The developers aren't interested and the people who already live here and those waiting to move in have been hung out to dry. 'The developers are digging their heels in over the access road and the council won't budge. It's a stalemate with the residents stuck in the middle.' Cllr Richard Morris, who represents Droitwich South East on Wychavon District Council, said: 'This development is still an issue of significant concern for residents. 'It remains vitally important that infrastructure is put in place at the right time to support the occupation of built homes.' A spokesperson for Persimmon said: 'We remain committed to building a development of new homes.' Two pranksters have transformed their beaten-up ride into a swimming pool as the ultimate way to keep cool and carry on in the sweltering heat. Footage of the pair, armed with snorkeling equipment, driving their modified car through a suburban drive-through bottle-o emerged on social media this week. The Adelaide lads have given new meaning to the term 'carpooling', 7News reported. In the video, the two larrikins are parked inside the drive-through bottle shop with several spectators laughing and taking photos with their mobile phones. After allowing onlookers to capture the bizarre moment, the pair then drove off and one of the men popped his head out of the sunroof to give bystanders a regal wave. The duo's invention couldn't have come at a better time, with Adelaide now in its third-straight day of temperatures over 40C. Temperatures across South Australia are running 10 to 12 degrees Celsius above average, fuelled by a pool of hot air that has been circulating over inland Australia since November. On Tuesday, Port Augusta posted a top temperature of 48.9C, the highest ever recorded in the mid-north town. In Tarcoola, further north, the mercury hit 49C, also beating the town's previous record of 48.9C. Both communities are forecast to experience similar conditions on Wednesday while a string of other towns will also have tops in the mid to high 40s. Adelaide is tipped to have a top of 40C, after similar maximums on Monday and Tuesday. All states and territories except Tasmania have centres where the temperature is due to stretch into the 40s. Several towns along the NSW-Victoria border felt the hot weather this week, with Mildura hitting a scorching 46C. The clever lads decided to transform their beaten-up ride (pictured) into a swimming pool as the ultimate way to keep cool and carry on in the sweltering heat In central NSW Ivanhoe also got to 46.8C on Tuesday, while a sea breeze limited inner Sydney to 29C but the western suburbs including Penrith recorded 39.7C. Australian Open players had cooler conditions than on Monday as Melbourne reached a bearable 30.4C, while outer suburbs like Scoresby reached 40.2C. A widespread low-intensity heatwave is expected to stretch through to Friday from central Western Australia to southern parts of the Northern Territory and southwestern Queensland, as well as parts of Tasmania and Victoria. The severe weather has prompted warnings from emergency and health authorities for people to take care, as the state's hospital networks start to track heat-related admissions. Authorities are particularly concerned about the impact on those most vulnerable, including the homeless, the elderly and those with medical conditions. The duo's invention couldn't have come at a better time, with Adelaide now in its third-straight day of temperatures over 40C 'Heat is the worst of our natural emergencies with excess hospital presentations, ambulance transfers and even people potentially dying,' Chief Medical Officer Paddy Phillips said. Bureau of Meteorology regional director for South Australia John Nairn said the heatwave had its origins in the severe weather that baked Queensland late last year. 'Since then we have not had a weather event that has pushed the hot air out of the continent and it's been recirculating back and forth,' he said. 'It's basically a very large pool of air that's been building and that's not being shed.' SA's State Emergency Service has issued an Extreme Heatwave Emergency Warning and the state government has declared a Code Red. The Code Red triggers extra funding so services for the homeless can be extended while a special phone line will also operate for the next two days, providing regular checks on the elderly and others at risk. Christians around the world suffered a huge increase in persecution last year - with around 30 million more people being targeted than in the previous year. A report by Open Doors, a Dutch charity that supports persecuted Christians showed that in total, 245 million faced violence or oppression in 2018, with 73 countries listed as danger zones for Christians. China has been named among the most dangerous places to be a Christian after new laws governing religious expression led to raids and the demolition of scores of churches. Millions more Christians suffered persecution this year thanks mainly to deteriorating relgious rights across Asia, including in China and India At least 50 million people expected to experience some form of repression this year as the government tightens its controls over religious worship While India has also seen a spate of against ultra-nationalists against non-Hindu minorites - the report claimed. 'Rising nationalism is leading to similar persecution in other countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal where national identity is tied to religion,' the charity said. Open Doors said in its 2019 World Watch List, which ranks 50 countries, that one in three Christians face high levels of persecution in Asia - as India entered the top 10 for the first time. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt (front row second left) attending a meeting on Christian persecution in December last year, as he urged urgent action over the crisis It comes just three weeks after Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt ordered an independent review into the persecution of Christians worldwide. 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'. Advertisement This is the moment a lone hero British SAS trooper stormed into a luxury Kenyan hotel and exchanged fire with Islamist terrorists who slaughtered 21 people. The off-duty Special Forces warrior, wearing combat gear over casual jeans and a purple shirt, was captured on camera entering the complex in Nairobi and then emerging with terrified survivors. His face largely concealed by a balaclava, the unnamed soldier used a modified colt Canada rifle and carried a Glock 9mm side weapon as well as a knife for hand-to-hand combat. He is understood to have been out shopping in the city when he heard about the attack and kitted up with equipment in the back of his car before heading to the scene to 'organise the entire operation'. Insiders say there is 'no doubt' his actions saved lives and he was hailed for his bravery last night. Tuesday's terror attack saw five gunmen kill 21 people, including British charity executive Luke Potter and 41-year-old U.S. businessman Jason Spindler, after detonating car bombs outside. More than 700 people were evacuated from the complex during the 20-hour siege, however some 50 people believed to have been in the building at the time of the attack are still unaccounted for, according to the Kenya Red Cross. Photos from the scenes yesterday show the off-duty Special Forces warrior with combat gear over a casual jeans and purple shirt storming the building and rescuing civilians The SAS hero was also seen rescuing civilians from inside the hotel complex while members of the Kenyan security forces fired at the terrorists The British special forces soldier carries a casualty out of the building with help from a member of the security forces The British special forces soldier enters the building in Nairobi, Kenya, carrying his modified colt Canada rifle An image purporting to show one of the terrorists with a bandolier around his body and bullet casings scattered across the floor Another image purporting to show one of the terrorists, with bullet damage to the wall behind him and wounds covering his corpse AK-47s used by the terrorists (left) lie on the ground after being recovered by police, the five terrorists also wore bandoliers (right) which appear to be stuffed with rifle magazines and grenades The British SAS soldier was reportedly in Nairobi to train Kenyan Special Forces when five Islamist terrorists attacked a luxury hotel complex in the city The British SAS soldier was reportedly in Nairobi to train Kenyan Special Forces when a request for help went out to local forces. 'He was there training and mentoring Kenyan forces when the shout went up, so they went in,' an insider told The Sun. 'British Special Forces always run towards the sound of gunfire. He fired off rounds during the operation. It's a safe bet he hit his target the SAS don't miss. There's no doubt his actions saved lives. 'He is a long serving member of the Regiment, there is no doubt his actions saved lives.' Major Dominic Troulan Major Dominic Troulan In 2017 Major Dominic Troulan, who served for two decades in the special forces, became the first civilian recipient of the George Cross in more than 40 years. Armed with just a pistol, Major Troulan returned a dozen times to the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi in 2013 to search for survivors and lead them to safety after al-Shabaab extremists stormed the centre armed with machine guns and grenades. He was asked by a friend to find his wife and daughter who were trapped inside the building - but selflessly went back inside to save dozens of other men, women and children. Some 67 people lost their lives during the four-day siege. Major Troulan, who moved to Kenya 12 years ago with his family and works as a security risk manager, said his familiarity with the mall where he regularly shopped and relaxed with his family, put a different slant on events. He said: 'The horrific carnage that the terrorists managed to conduct in pretty short order really will live with all of us that were involved there, both the hostages, the victims' families and extended friends who were actually in there and saw it first-hand.' Advertisement Revealing more about the soldier's daring actions, SAS veteran Chris Ryan who served in the elite regiment for 10 years told the Mirror the soldier 'was out shopping', when he heard about the hotel attack. He said: 'He had his equipment in the car so, when it all kicked off, he sprinted back and got kitted up before heading straight towards the fire-fight. 'When he arrived in the hotel, he started organising the entire operation, directing the police and army. 'Then he went in there on his own to neutralise the enemy and rescue the hostages. His actions certainly saved many lives and show the manner of these men, who are extremely brave and always ready.' When contacted by MailOnline, the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the report. Meanwhile, another army veteran, who was awarded the George Cross when he risked his life to save hundreds of people held hostage by Islamic terrorists five years ago, again found himself at the centre of the action. Retired Royal Marine Major Dominic Troulan was awarded the prestigious honour for his heroics in the 2013 terror attack on Nairobi's Westgate Mall after he helped to rescue the wife and daughter of a friend trapped inside the shopping centre. The former special forces soldier also risked his life repeatedly enterering the mall to rescue other civilians. On Tuesday he was forced into action again when the six militants entered the complex where he had been working providing private security. He told The Times: 'I was literally going to send the last email of the day when there was a f***-off explosion. I saw smoke, heard gunfire and dispatched my client downstairs and out the back of the compound. 'Then I came back because we still had people in the building. We went firm and hunkered down in a conference room until about 6pm [three hours after the attack started]. There were General Service Unit police paramilitaries patrolling outside the building. I went outside and made sure we were good to get out.' Once his colleagues were safe, Mr Troulan braved the carnage to rescue a driver who was hiding in a multi-storey car park. The unnamed soldier helped rescue civilians and reportedly helped storm the complex Kenyan security officers search for attackers during an ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi on Tuesday People take cover as they follow a police officer to evacuate the upscale hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi Security forces help civilians flee the scene as cars burn behind, at a hotel complex in Nairobi Rescued: A distressed woman is taken out of the luxury hotel complex during the terror attack on Tuesday Kenyan security forces walk from the scene shortly before President Kenyatta announced that the attack was over and all terrorists killed President Kenyatta said that 21 civilians have been confirmed dead and that more than 700 people had been evacuated to safety during the attack. Yesterday, charity executive Luke Potter was named as the British man killed in the attack. Mr Potter worked for the Gatsby Charitable Foundation as their Africa Programmes Director, and had only recently moved to Nairobi from the UK. Luke Potter (pictured) worked for the Gatsby Charitable Foundation and had only recently moved to Nairobi from Britain when he was killed in the terror attack yesterday The father-of-one had worked for the international development charity for more than three years, most recently on projects across East Africa. Mr Potter, a dual British-South African citizen, described himself on his company website as loving water-sports, camping, hiking and talking about adventures outside the city. 'I strongly believe in the need for societies to offer as equal an opportunity as possible to all, and that, while economic competitiveness is essential to build a country, long-term stability is not achievable unless the gains are widely spread,' he said on the website The Gatsby Charitable Foundation said in a statement they were 'deeply shocked and saddened' to confirm the death of Mr Potter. 'Luke had devoted the past ten years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. He had worked with us for three and a half years, carrying out assignments across East Africa. Describing Mr Potter as 'deeply committed to his work', the statement added that 'Luke was respected by all he worked with, bringing huge drive, determination, a relentless work ethic, and a thirst for new ideas to every project. He brought a calm head and his unique sense of humour to every situation. 'We share the grief of his family, partner, daughter and friends. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them. We are now focused on offering all the support we can to them and to our staff.' Mr Potter had an Master of Business Administration from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and had previously worked for charity TechnoServe in east Africa and for Unilever. U.S. businessman Jason Spindler from Houston, Texas was also among the dead. Spindler, who turned 41 on the very day of the terror attack, had survived the 9/11 terror attack on World Trade Center in 2001. Mr Spindler's father, Joseph, had been enjoying a successful career on Wall Street when he decided that he wanted to develop a model for helping low-income people. Horrifying moment suicide bomber blows himself up is captured on CCTV Dramatic footage has emerged showing the horrifying moment a suicide bomber blew himself up in the Kenyan terror attack. CCTV, released to local media, shows the attacker walking calmly in front of what is believed to be the terrace of a restaurant in the complex. At least two people are seen passing the assailant, one of them appearing to turn his head to take a close look at him. The assailant stands still in front of the covered terrace for almost a minute, before he blows himself up. Soon after, panicked guests and workers are seen running past the scene of the explosion. This is the shocking moment a suicide bomber blows himself up in the Kenyan terror attack that killed 21 people. Harrowing CCTV, released to local media, shows the attacker walking calmly in front of what is believed to be the terrace of a restaurant in the complex At least two people are seen passing the assailant, one of them appearing to turn his head to take a close look at him. The assailant stands still in front of the covered terrace for almost a minute, before he blows himself up Kenyan police said the attack began with an explosion outside the complex, followed by a suicide blast inside, before armed assailants arrived and opened fire Soon after, panicked guests and workers are seen running past the scene of the explosion. The Al-Shabaab extremist group, which is based in Somalia and allied with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility for the brazen attack, which claimed the lives of 21 people, plus the five militants killed Somali Islamist militant group al-Shabaab, which has links to al-Qaeda, claimed it was behind the attack at the DusitD2 complex, situated in Nairobi's well-to-do Westlands neighbourhood, popular with many foreign expatriates Al-Shabaab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it since 2011. Tuesday's violence came three years to the day after al-Shabaab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people Advertisement Spindler later became the founder and CEO of I-DEV International, a management strategy and investment firm based in Nairobi, and had lived in Kenya for the past five years. Another British citizen was injured in the attack and is receiving care, the Foreign Office confirmed yesterday. London-based company Adam Smith International also said two employees were killed in the attack. Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed were killed on the terrace of a restaurant in the complex where the company has Nairobi offices, the company said in a statement. Survivors of the attack have shared the horrific tales of what went on inside the hotel complex when the gunmen stormed the building. Reuben Kimani, a barista working at the hotel, said he recognised at least one of the attackers, having served him coffee in the run-up to the assault. 'I knew one of them because he had a big scar on one of his hands,' he said. 'I saw them. They shot six of my friends, four didn't die but two succumbed.' He said the attackers yelled out 'why are you killing our brothers and sisters in Somalia?' before opening fire. Spindler is pictured during a trip to Puerto Rico with friends in 2013 (left) and (right), rock climbing in Nairobi Jason Spindler (pictured), 40, was killed at the Dusit hotel in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi along with 13 others on Tuesday Friends mourned the businessman (shown far left with a group during a trip to Puerto Rico in 2017) as news of his death emerged Gunmen blasted their way into the venue - sending workers fleeing for their lives as others cowered under their desks. Pictured: Bullet holes in the windows of a restaurant inside the venue Thailand's deputy PM say terrorists may have targeted hotel 'because the food is delicious' Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister said he thought the Thai-owned hotel in Nairobi had been attacked by terrorists 'because the food is delicious'. Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the Defence Minister, made the comment yesterday during a press briefing. Wongsuwan told reporters it was 'good enough' that no Thai citizens had been killed in the horrific attack in Nairobi on Tuesday. When asked why he thought a Thai-owned hotel had been targeted, he replied: 'I don't know. Maybe because the food is delicious.' The DusitD2 hotel is owned by Dusit Thani, a multinational chain which has 29 hotels and resorts in 18 countries. Advertisement Cyprian Otieno, a 23-year-old student, met a friend for lunch elsewhere in Westlands, and then decided to go to the Dusit where his friend wanted to grab a cocktail. 'All of a sudden we heard a weird BOOM followed by gunfire! Security guards at the entrance screamed 'get back, get back' in English and Swahili,' he told AFP via Twitter. He said some fled while others tried to hide, waiting about half an hour until they heard a voice shouting 'kill them, kill them' in Swahili and more gunfire. Terrified a group of about 20 people fled towards the back of the hotel. 'Sorry to say at that point it was every man for himself. We were all together in the beginning but after a few minutes the attackers began shooting... I can't even really remember what happened afterwards.' Tracy Wanjiru, 28, a manager at a salon housed in the complex, found herself in the middle of another Shabaab strike, five years after surviving an attack on the Westgate mall while she was six months pregnant. Speaking to the Nation media group she said: 'I was working there (Westgate) when the attackers stormed in, it was not easy just like today. All I can say is that I thank God.' After the first blast was heard at the DusitD2 complex, Wanjiru says she saw 'human body parts in the midst of fire flames flying in the air'. The Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab claimed that it was behind the attack at the complex - which includes a large hotel known as DusitD2, banks and offices. Pictured: People run for cover An injured man is evacuated from the scene of an explosion. Thick black smoke can be seen billowing from the complex behind them A shell-shocked woman is evacuated form the Dusit Hotel by hotel staff and security guards who try to calm her down Members of Kenyan special forces at the scene of an attach by an extremist gunman which killed 21 people More than 700 people were evacuated from the complex overnight, however some 50 people believed to have been in the building at the time of the attack are still unaccounted for, according to the Kenya Red Cross Members of Kenyan special forces at the scene of an attack by an extremist gunman Wednesday A armoured Hummer truck ferries Kenyan special forces troops following the deadly terror attack A Kenyan officer from a special unit looks on outside the business complex in Nairobi Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiangi (pictured centre) addresses journalists near to where the Islamist militants struck yesterday A Kenyan officer from a special unit looks on outside the business complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Muslim men prepare to bury the bodies of felllow Muslim men Abdalla Mohammed Dahir, 28, and his age mate Feisal Ahmed Rashid, who were killed in the DusitD2 Hotel and Office Complex attack, out of the mosque to trasnport it to the cemetery Mourners carry the body of Feisal Ahmed, who was killed with his colleague Abdalla Dahir in Tuesday's attack, as they leave a mosque and head to the funerals in Nairobi, Kenya Relatives and mourners bury the body of Feisal Ahmed Rashid, who was killed the previous day in an attack on a Nairobi luxury hotel complex, during his funeral service at the Langata Muslim cemetery in Nairobi Collected packs of blood donation in a mobile station at the August 7th Memorial Park, where the 1998 terrorist bomb attack took place at the then United States Embassy, in Nairobi, a day after a blast followed by a gun battle that rocked the upmarket hotel complex the day before. Kenyan President said that gunmen who stormed the hotel complex on January 15, 2019, killing 21 people, had been 'eliminated' after an almost 20-hour operation in which hundreds of civilians were rescued Relatives carry the remains of Feisal Ahmed Rashid, who was killed the previous day in an attack on a Nairobi luxury hotel complex, during his funeral service at the Langata Muslim cemetery in Nairobi on January 16, 2019 Relatives and mourners bury the body of Feisal Ahmed Rashid, who was killed the previous day in an attack on a Nairobi luxury hotel complex, during his funeral service at the Langata Muslim cemetery in Nairobi Mourners stand with their shovels after burying the bodies of Abdalla Dahir and his colleague Feisal Ahmed, who were both killed in Tuesday's attack Somali Islamist militant group al-Shabaab, which has links to al-Qaeda, claimed it was behind the attack at the DusitD2 complex, situated in Nairobi's well-to-do Westlands neighbourhood, popular with many foreign expatriates. As well as the Thai-owned luxury hotel DusitD2, the comples is home to offices of several international companies including Colgate Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, Pernod Ricard, Dow Chemical and SAP, as well as the Thai-owned luxury hotel DusitD2. Kenya's Citizen TV aired security camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-coloured, paramilitary-style gear. Officials later confirmed that five terrorists had been involved in the attack and killed. Kenya's national police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said the coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests. Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear. A CCTV grab showing one of five suspected al Shabaab attackers who opened fire in the hotel as a suicide bomber detonated in the lobby CCTV showing two of the alleged attackers walking past a barrier towards the hotel wearing dark paramilitary-style gear. Al Shabaab has already claimed responsibility for the carnage Shell-shocked survivors are rushed to safety from the complex, barely-clothed, by security forces An armed officer tells survivors to stay back and duck down as he tries to lead them to safety A female member of staff cries after making it out of the complex. Her male colleagues and a guard console her Video footage from inside the hotel showed Kenyan security officers searching the building and workers emerging from hiding while gunfire could still be heard. Some climbed out a window by ladder. One man got up from the floor where he appeared to be trying to hide under a piece of wooden panelling. Al-Shabaab's 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that killed 67 people, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners. It came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege. Al-Shabaab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it since 2011. Tuesday's violence came three years to the day after al-Shabaab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people. The group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. In the deadliest attack, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that killed 147 people, mostly students. The latest carnage demonstrated al-Shabaab's continued ability to carry out spectacular acts of bloodshed despite a dramatic increase in US air strikes against it under President Donald Trump. How the horror at the DusitD2 Hotel unfolded: Tuesday, 3pm: Initial reports of an explosion and gunfire from the Riverside Drive complex, including the hotel, shops, restaurants and offices in Nairobi's leafy Westlands neighborhood. Several cars are ablaze in a parking lot as security forces stream in and people run or are carried from the scene. Police quickly call it a terror attack. 4:30pm: Plainclothes armed officers hurry from shop to shop to look for trapped civilians and an unknown number of attackers. A black plume of smoke rises from the scene. Sporadic gunfire continues. 5pm: The Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabaab claims responsibility and says its members are still fighting inside as surivivors rush from the scene, looking distraught and reporting dead bodies. 6pm: Kenya's national police chief says special forces are trying to flush out the attackers and look forward to 'bringing the situation to normalcy in the shortest time possible.' Kenyans watch the police response closely after officers took hours to respond to a deadly attack on the nearby Westgate Mall in 2013. 7pm: A Kenyan police officer among the first on the scene says 'there was no time to count the dead,' with bodies seen in restaurants downstairs and in offices upstairs. Gunfire continues. 8:30pm: Kenya's national police chief gives the first official details of the attack, saying it began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank while a suicide bomber blew up in the hotel lobby, severely wounding bystanders. He calls the operation 'still ongoing.' 11pm: Kenya's interior minister says all buildings have been secured and security forces are in the final stages of 'mopping up.' Still no official toll of dead wounded. 11:30pm: Kenya's Citizen TV airs what it calls surveillance footage that shows four attackers, young men in ammunition bandoliers, splitting up as they calmly walk across an outdoor area of the complex. Wednesday, 1am: Some family members say loved ones are still trapped inside even after Kenyan authorities called all buildings secure. One woman says her brother is hiding with over 10 other people. 2am: Kenyan police officer says 15 bodies have been taken to the morgue. Anguished family and friends gather there. 4am: Kenya's interior ministry says 'no further threat to the public exists' and that civilians who had been 'secured' in one building have been safely evacuated. 6:45am: Another explosion and gunfire are heard, shortly after scores of survivors who had still been holed up in part of the complex are freed. They reunite with relieved friends and family and recount a long night of cowering in hiding places while listening to nearby gunfire. 9:00am: Bursts of gunfire are still heard from the complex. The security forces work their way through the hotel complex, finding terrified groups of people who have barricaded themselves into rooms. More than 100 are retrieved and taken for medical treatment. 10:30am: Kenyan president says 14 'innocent people' are dead and declares the attack over, saying all the terrorists have been eliminated. Advertisement A father and son have been led on a wild goose chase after a car was stolen twice within 24 hours. Alex Cooper had his 64-plate Vauxhall Corsa stolen from outside his girlfriend's house in Birmingham. It was recovered by police and stored in a compound for forensics - only to be snatched again by thieves from under the noses of police. The 23-year-old originally used a tracker to locate his Corsa after noticing it was taken prior to starting his morning shift at Jaguar Land Rover. He tracked his car down to an the Holiday Inn Express, four miles away near the NEC. 'Luckily we managed to spot it on the car park,' explained his father Tracey, who left his home with son Alex at 4.50am on January 2 to get his car back. 'It had already had false plates on and [thieves] had already replaced the window they'd smashed to get in. Tracey Cooper, left, and his son Alex, right, are outraged that police allowed Alex's car to be stolen twice in 24 hours - the second time from a police compound in Birmingham 'They had even changed the locks on the car as well so we couldn't use Alex's car key. 'We had to pay about 150 to get it over to Egertons Recovery in Stechford, a compound police used and officers said they'd keep it there for forensics to be carried out.' Astonishingly, Alex later noticed from his tracker that his car was six miles from the compound, in Chelmsley Wood - much to the surprise of police officers and staff at Egertons Recovery. He said: 'I checked my tracker and it came up saying my car was parked up in Chelmsley. 'I told my dad and he said, "It can't be!" so I called up the compound and asked the woman there who said, "Oh yeah, it's gone!". 'This was about 4.30pm and police didn't have a clue it had been stolen again. It's meant to be a secure compound.' Tracey added: 'It's just amazing how the car can go into a compound and get stolen. It's absolutely shocking. 'My son's distraught. His mum's distraught and it's really knocked us about because through no fault of our own he is without a car.' The car was later found parked up at a set of residential garages near Greenwood Way, Chelmsley Wood. Tracey, 56, added: 'We haven't had a sorry from police or anything. It's disgracful. It's wrong. The 64-plate Vauxhall Corsa was Alex Cooper's pride and joy but now it has been stripped for parts and the steering wheel is missing 'Alex can't get a courtesy car. It's now in a compound in Witton so he's without a car to get to work. 'Not only that but it's been completely stripped apart. The steering wheel has gone and it's damaged. 'Alex is thinking that he doesn't even want the car back now just in case it gets targeted again. It's not on.' A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: 'Police were called at around 5am on 2 January after a parked Vauxhall Corsa was stolen from Kingshurst Way, Kingshurst. 'It was recovered around an hour later and taken to a compound in the Stechford area, but then stolen again by two men. At around 12.15pm. 'It was recovered for a second time in Chelmsley Wood on the same day at around 4.30pm. 'CCTV is being examined, and anyone with information has been asked to contact West Midlands Police, quoting crime reference number 20BE/1391C/19.' An extraordinary live TV bust up between two proud Welshmen was sparked when an EU supporter said Brexiteers in their country were just like 'turkeys voting for Christmas'. Viewers were enthralled by the row in Pontyclun and said it epitomises the bitter rift in Britain between those who want Brexit and those demanding a second referendum. The BBC went to Rhondda Cynon Taff in South Wales, where 52.5 per cent voted to leave the EU and 47.5 per cent voted to stay, to gauge how voters reacted to Theresa May's Commons defeat. But the two shoppers they found quickly fell out when the Remainer said local Leavers was just 'like Turkeys voting for Christmas' because 'people who live in the Valleys are getting more from the EU than anybody else.' The ardent Brexiteer then shot back: 'Don't call people from the Valleys turkeys. I'm a Valley boy'. He added there should be 'no fear' of quitting the EU without a deal on March 29 because 'this country fought a world war - we raised from the ashes - we don't need Europe'. The extraordinary live TV bust up was sparked when an EU supporter said Brexiteers were just like 'Turkeys voting for Christmas' A Brexiteer (left) was outraged by the comparison by his foe (right in red) and was offended because he is from the Valleys The remainer said he was saying that the voters were 'like turkeys' - not actual turkeys The Leaver took exception to the slight on Valley boys who decided it would be best if Britain left the EU BBC Wales published the video online and admitted it was a serious 'Brexit ding-dong' The warring pair have already been compared to Brenda from Bristol, a 75-year-old who became an unexpected celebrity in 2017 when she exclaimed on live TV: 'Oh no, not another one' when told Theresa May was calling a snap election - summing up most of the country's reaction to the news. The row on BBC Wales broadcast today began when the Leaver told the reporter: 'We've had a referendum. The vote was conclusive', when his Remainer rival said '52/48, conclusive?', he shot back: 'That's democracy. It could have been one vote it doesn't matter'. He added: 'The decision has been made. We've had 40 years to sort this out supposedly. Nothing has improved. We're bailing them [the EU] out all the time'. The Remainer then sparked another outburst from his foe by saying: 'I totally disagree. If you look at Wales, it amazes me that the people in the valleys, who are getting more from the EU than anybody else, actually voted to come out'. Then sparks flew as he said: 'It's like turkeys voting for Christmas.' His irate rival said: 'Don't call people from the Valleys turkeys. I'm from the Valleys and born and bred in the mining industry'. The journalist then steps in as the Brexiteer criticises the BBC and says: 'Hold on what's wrong with having a second vote'. The Brexit-backer replied: 'What if it went 52-48 the other way. Do we have another referendum?'. Confronting the Remainer directly he then asks him: 'Why are you afraid of a no-deal? This fear project that they've got, don't worry about it. Britain has got the technology, the ability and the people to rebuild. We don't need Europe.' Brenda from Bristol, 75, who became an unexpected celebrity in 2017 when she exclaimed: 'Oh no, not another one' when told Theresa May was calling a snap election The TV row came as the EU twisted the knife today after Theresa May fell to a humiliating defeat on the Brexit deal - with Michel Barnier urging her to drop 'red lines'. The Prime Minister has been left scrambling to find a way forward after suffered the biggest Commons loss ever for a government, with an extraordinary 118 Tories rebelling against the plan. A clearly shattered Mrs May also faces a no-confidence battle tonight, after Jeremy Corbyn insisted the government had come to the 'end of the line' and demanded an election. The escape routes for the premier appear to be closing, with the EU signalled a tough line. A senior German minister this morning dismissed the prospect of delaying Article 50 unless there is a clear 'path' for getting an agreement implemented. And the EU's chief negotiator Mr Barnier goaded Mrs May by demanding she respond by abandoning her long-standing negotiation positions, such as ending free movement, ruling out a permanent customs union, and ending the jurisdiction of EU law. While saying he was 'sad' the deal had been rejected, Mr Barnier suggested the defeat was an 'opportunity' to stay more closely aligned with the EU. The call for softer Brexit came amid mounting splits in the Cabinet over what to do in the wake of the catastrophic failure in Parliament last night. Theresa May was humbled in the Commons and looked dejected as the scale of her defeat by 230 votes was reveale Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, a leading Eurosceptic, insisted this morning that the Brexit date must not be delayed beyond the end of March. But Chancellor Philip Hammond is said to have suggested to business leaders in a phone call last night that Article 50 would be extended and the government was entering a 'new era' in its approach. More than a third of the parliamentary party, joined forces with Labour to sink Mrs May's withdrawal agreement by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230 - on a dramatic day at Westminster. Moments after the result was announced Mr Corbyn announced he would table a no-confidence motion, which MPs will vote on tonight, in a bid to force a general election. But the PM's Northern Irish allies, and Brexiteers such as Boris Johnson Jacob Rees-Mogg have all pledged to support her, meaning she is likely to survive. Russia is being forced into an arms race it has 'no interest' in by the United States, President Vladimir Putin has said. Putin said Russia was only taking 'countermeasures' against what he said were unilaterally actions by the U.S and other Western powers. 'Naturally, we are not going to turn a blind eye to the deployment of American missiles, which present a direct threat to our security,' he told Serbian media ahead of his visit to the country. U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in July 2018. Putin said today that he does not want to be involved in an arms race with the US 'We will have to take effective countermeasures.' 'However, Russia, as a responsible and sensible country, has no interest in a new arms race,' the Russian president added. Asked about Washington's intended withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which bans the US and Russia from stationing short- and intermediate-range land-based missiles in Europe, Putin said he was 'open to further dialogue'. Putin told Serbian media he has 'no interest' in an arms race with the United States U.S President Donald Trump is threatening to pull out of the 1987 treaty over what he says are Russian violations. 'I don't know why President [Barack] Obama didn't negotiate or pull out,' the president said in October. 'They've been violating it for many years.' Last month the Trump administration announced that it would give Russia 60 days to comply with terms of the accord or the US would withdraw which could potentially kick start an arms race. Putin criticised what he called the 'continued unilateral actions, including military ones', undertaken by the United States. 'It is obvious that such a course will have the gravest consequences,' he added, blaming the US and other Western countries for creating an 'atmosphere of confrontation and mistrust.' Russia's Foreign Ministry will hold a briefing on the treaty's fate this Friday, The Moscow Times reported. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that Moscow was ready to work to save the INF treaty and hopes Washington will take a responsible approach to arms control. A first-year medical student put his skills to the test when he delivered his first baby at a London underground station. Hamzah Selim ran to the rescue of the woman after hearing her cries at Warren Street station in central London on the afternoon of January 15. The 21-year-old who is studying at University College London had spotted the expectant mother leaning against a wall near the train's platform. Hamzah Selim (pictured above) helped the woman on the platform at Warren Street station After rushing over to her to see what was wrong, he realised she was in labour. Speaking to the Evening Standard he said: 'It was just instinct. The whole experience was unbelievable. It was such a mad coincidence.' Mr Selim was on his way home following an anatomy lecture at a nearby university campus when he heard the woman in distress. The woman told him that she had been on a shopping trip with her sister and had been forced to take the tube after she was unable to flag down a taxi. She realised she was going into labour on the platform just before 2pm and had told Mr Selim that she had previously given birth to three other children. Mr Selim said he heard passengers shout for help before he realised there was a woman screaming for assistance. An ambulance attended the scene and both mother and baby were taken to hospital as a priority 'I went over to help because it looked like she was about to faint. 'I thought 'Oh my goodness, they didn't teach us how to do this how to give birth on the Tube'.' 21-year-old Hamzah Selim helped deliver the baby at the underground station Mr Selim said his training from the time he spent working on a maternity ward kicked in. He added: 'The mum did absolutely great given it was the first birth I was involved in outside the textbook'. Paramedics attended the scene a few minutes after the boy was born and cut the umbilical cord and the child was later taken to hospital by medics. A Transport for London spokesman added: 'We'd like to thank the staff at Warren Street station, who did a fantastic job in assisting the customer who gave birth. 'London Ambulance Service attended and both mother and child were taken to hospital.' Speaking to the MailOnline, a spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said: 'We were called at 1:41pm yesterday (15 January) to reports of an incident at Warren Street Underground Station, NW1. 'We sent an ambulance crew and two medics in cars to the scene. 'We treated a woman and a baby at the scene and took them both to hospital as a priority.' A newlywed wife who feared her husband was cheating on her checked his phone only to discover horrific child abuse images of children as young as three months old. Michelle Power says she decided to check her husband's phone after he went off sex shortly after their marriage - and became suspicious he was messaging other women. But the 47-year-old discovered Wright's twisted stash of sex abuse images - with pictures of children as young as three months old. She decided to go to the police and paedophile Wright was jailed for two years for having the sickening images. Michelle Power, 47, and James Wright, 58, were married in 2013 on the island of Zante. The 47-year-old said Wright but sex between them quickly fizzled out The health worker (pictured), from Swansea, suspected Wright was cheating on her so checked his phone, only to find horrendous sexual abuse images of children The 47-year-old reported Wright (pictured left: police mug shot) to the police and has was jailed for two years. Wright (pictured right prior to arrest) was also ordered to sign the sex offenders register Michelle said: 'I began to suspect he was cheating on me. Then I became extra-suspicious when he spent every spare second on his phone. 'He was literally glued to his screen. If I asked him what he was doing he'd just huff and say he was on Facebook. He always looked guilty and would turn it off when I appeared in the room.' Michelle then checked her husband's phone after he received an upgrade. She said: 'My heart raced as I was waiting to find some saucy messages and there were hundreds of them - all describing sexual acts - dozens of calls from unknown numbers. 'Then I clicked on to his pictures and then I found something far, far worse than I could have ever imagined.' Paedophile Wright (pictured) claimed to his newlywed wife he spent a lot of time on Facebook and would then turn it off whenever she appeared in the room Michelle Power said Wright was 'charming' but that sex with him was 'a complete let down'. Pictured: the couple on their wedding day in Zante, 2013 'I could barely breathe when I saw those terrible photographs. There were lots of photographs of very young children being abused. It was horrific. 'There were also dozens and dozens of text messages from James to other men and photographs of James dressed in my underwear. 'I also saw he'd made lots of calls and had been having phone sex with the men too. I almost threw up and then I just broke down and sobbed.' Health worker Michelle, from Swansea, South Wales, contacted a lawyer who told her to take her evidence to the police. Michelle said: 'I told them everything. I was very scared but later that day they arrested James. His words to the police were: 'I know I should not be doing it'. 'I remember getting home and seeing our wedding photograph on the mantelpiece. I looked at James and wondered who on earth he was - this man I'd exchanged wedding vows with. 'It was utterly sickening to think I'd loved and trusted this man.' Wright, (pictured) from Swansea, admitted possessing and distributing images of children at Swansea Crown Court. Judge Geraint Walters QC told him: 'You peddled the misery of real children' Michelle told how the couple had married in 2013 but sex between them quickly fizzled out after their dream wedding on the Greek island of Zante. She said: 'James was so charming, but he had no interest in me in the bedroom. He always wore his underpants to bed and could never relax. 'Sex with him was a complete let-down and if I tried to talk about it he'd just close me down and wouldn't talk about it. 'But now I know why our sex life was completely non-existent - James got his thrills from much darker places. I am just very glad he is behind bars where he belongs - he has devastated so many lives.' Wright, from Swansea, admitted possessing and distributing images of children at Swansea Crown Court. Judge Geraint Walters QC told him: 'You peddled the misery of real children. 'The possession of images of children is a serious offence but you've been involved in the distribution of the most obscene images of young children, including infants as young as three to six months. 'It is a grave and appalling abuse of young children, real children being abused by real adults. 'Each time it is distributed and seen by an adult the same child is being abused all over again. Wright was jailed for two years and ordered to sign the sex offenders register. Nicola Sturgeon today accused Theresa May of running out of ideas on Brexit - as she demanded Britain's exit is delayed amid the chaos. The SNP leader, who spoke with the PM on the phone last night, said Mrs May shows no signs of budging on her Brexit red lines despite the historic defeat. She said there is no time to come up with a compromise before the March 29 exit date and demanded Article 50 is extended to give talks more time. The Scottish First Minister swept into Westminster to try to capitalise on the Brexit chaos in No10 and push for her own alternate Brexit plan. Mrs May's deal was voted down by a massive 230 votes, by 432 to 202 - the biggest defeat inflicted on a British Prime Minister in history. She is now launching desperate cross-party talks with senior parliamentarians to try to drum up support for a deal that will finally get through Parliament. But Ms Sturgeon said she 'did not glean very much' about what the PM plans to do next in her call with her last night. Nicola Sturgeon (pictured today) accused Theresa May of running out of ideas on Brexit - as she demanded Britain's exit is delayed amid the chaos Theresa May (pictured left last night) is battling to cling on to No10 in the wake of last nights catastrophic defeat after Jeremy Corbyn (pictured right last night) tabled a vote of no confidence in her Government which will be voted on tonight She told the BBC: 'To be perfectly frank I didn't glean very much - she was at pains to tell me she wanted to sit down with other parties and listen to other ideas. 'But I got the very strong sense she does not have a clear idea herself of what the next steps are and it doesn't seem to meas if she is prepared to abandon or move any of her red lines to open space for new approaches to be brought forward 'It sounded like what she wanted to do was find a minor variation of her current deal - the one that was so overwhelmingly rejected last night. EU urges May to drop her Brexit red lines after historic defeat The EU twisted the knife today after Theresa May fell to a humiliating defeat on the Brexit deal - with Michel Barnier urging her to drop 'red lines'. The Prime Minister has been left scrambling to find a way forward after suffered the biggest Commons loss ever for a government, with an extraordinary 118 Tories rebelling against the plan. A clearly shattered Mrs May also faces a no-confidence battle tonight, after Jeremy Corbyn insisted the government had come to the 'end of the line' and demanded an election. The escape routes for the premier appear to be closing, with the EU signalled a tough line. A senior German minister this morning dismissed the prospect of delaying Article 50 unless there is a clear 'path' for getting an agreement implemented. And the EU's chief negotiator Mr Barnier goaded Mrs May by demanding she respond by abandoning her long-standing negotiation positions, such as ending free movement, ruling out a permanent customs union, and ending the jurisdiction of EU law. While saying he was 'sad' the deal had been rejected, Mr Barnier suggested the defeat was an 'opportunity' to stay more closely aligned with the EU. The call for softer Brexit came amid mounting splits in the Cabinet over what to do in the wake of the catastrophic failure. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the Brexit date must not be delayed beyond the end of March. But Chancellor Philip Hammond is said to have suggested to business leaders in a phone call last night that Article 50 would be extended. Advertisement 'That seems to me as if she is just trying to run down the clock and that is unconscionable. 'We do not have any more time to waste. 'As a minimum right now we need to be looking at an extension of Article 50.' Number Ten sources have made it clear that the PM does not want to extend Article 50 and is still trying to hang on to her red lines - including ending free movement and giving Britain an independent trade policy. Ms Sturgeon poured cold water on an immediate plan for Britain to strike a Norway-style deal with the EU - which would keep Britain in the EU customs union and single market. The plan is being pushed by a cross party group of MPs which includes Tory Nick Boles and and Labour MP Stephen Kinnock. And instead she said that Britain must have a second Brexit referendum as Parliament is in deadlock. Speaking with a mob of SNP MPs behind her in Parliament's central lobby, she said: 'I think the only credible option for the UK now is to put this back to the electorate. 'The Government and Parliament has failed and we cannot go on hoping for the unicorn to appear out of nowhere.' And she also pushed her calls for Scotland to hold another independence referendum. She said: 'Longer term for Scotland, it is becoming clear that the only place to protect our interests is through being an independent country.' Mrs May is facing an onslaught from all sides after suffering the catastrophic defeat last night. She faces a no-confidence battle tonight, after Jeremy Corbyn insisted the government had come to the 'end of the line' and demanded an election. And as Ms Sturgeon travelled to Westminster to turn the screw, EU leaders in Brussels twisted the knife and demand the PM to drop her red lines. Michel Barnier goaded Mrs May by demanding she respond by abandoning her long-standing negotiation positions, such as ending free movement, ruling out a permanent customs union, and ending the jurisdiction of EU law. The SNP leader (pictured in Parliament today with her MPs) who spoke with the PM on the phone last night, said Mrs May shows no signs of budging on her Brexit red lines despite the historic defeat Boris Johnson (pictured among MPs voting against the deal, far left) said he did not 'rejoice' in the massive defeat suffered by Theresa May, but demanded that she ditches the Irish border backstop and takes a 'fresh approach' While saying he was 'sad' the deal had been rejected, Mr Barnier suggested the defeat was an 'opportunity' to stay more closely aligned with the EU. The call for softer Brexit came amid mounting splits in the Cabinet over what to do in the wake of the catastrophic failure in Parliament last night. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom insisted this morning that the Brexit date must not be delayed beyond the end of March. But Chancellor Philip Hammond is said to have suggested to business leaders in a phone call last night that Article 50 would be extended and the government was entering a 'new era' in its approach. Terrifying footage shows the moment a passenger plane's engine shoots fireballs from its engine, forcing the aircraft to land. The incident took place shortly after the Gol airline plane took off from Santos Dumont Airport in Rio de Janeiro heading for Sao Paulo. A passenger sat near the wing of the plane captured the shocking footage on his camera, as blasts of fire shoot out of the plane's wing as they fly above Rio de Janeiro. More fireballs shoot out the engine before the clip ends. Local media reports confirmed there were technical problems with the aircraft. Brazilian airline Gol said after take off 'a technical limitation was found in one of the engines' and so an 'alternate landing' was necessary. Fire was filmed shooting out the back of the engine as the plane began its ascent In statement, Gol wrote: 'Gol informs that after flight G3 1025 took off, the flight crew identified a technical limitation in one of the engines, making an alternate landing necessary at the international airport of Rio de Janeiro. 'After the disembarkation of the passengers the aircraft was taken for evaluation by the maintenance team. The passengers were re-accommodated on the next flights and have now reached their destination. 'The company reiterates that it implements the highest safety standards, which is Gol's number one value.' Nigel Farage today warned there will be a bigger majority for Brexit if Remainers force a second referendum. The former Ukip leader told the European Parliament that the 'lion will roar' if another national ballot is held. He also accused Theresa May of 'surrender' in negotiations with Brussels - and said she should quit after her deal was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs. The PM has been left scrambling to find a way forward after suffered the biggest Commons loss ever for a government, with an extraordinary 118 Tories rebelling against the plan. A clearly shattered Mrs May also faces a no-confidence battle tonight, after Jeremy Corbyn insisted the government had come to the 'end of the line' and demanded an election. Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage told the European Parliament that the 'lion will roar' if another national ballot is held The escape routes for the premier appear to be closing, with the EU signalled a tough line. A senior German minister this morning dismissed the prospect of delaying Article 50 unless there is a clear 'path' for getting an agreement implemented. And the EU's chief negotiator Mr Barnier goaded Mrs May by demanding she respond by abandoning her long-standing negotiation positions, such as ending free movement, ruling out a permanent customs union, and ending the jurisdiction of EU law. Remainers from across parties have been stepping up their calls for a second referendum, despite Mrs May ruling the prospect out. But speaking to MEPs in Strasbourg, Mr Farage said he believed the margin for Brexit would be bigger than the 52-48 in 2016. He has pledged to make a comeback to frontline politics if the Brexit vote is re-run. He said: 'The British may be a very placid people, very laid back but I promise you: if they get pushed too far it's a lion that will roar. 'We will be even more defiant if we have to fight a second referendum and we will win it by a bigger majority.' Interviewed on ITV's GMB earlier, Mr Farage called for the PM to quit. 'If the Prime Minister had any sense of honour she would resign this morning having led us to this debacle, but of course she won't,' he said. Describing Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement as like 'a surrender document of a nation that had been beaten in war', Mr Farage added: 'Brexit is not the problem, this Prime Minister is, she needs to go.' He said he now expected the two-year Article 50 process leading to Brexit to be extended beyond March 29. But speaking to MEPs in Strasbourg, Mr Farage said he believed the margin for Brexit would be bigger than the 52-48 in 2016 A man is in a critical condition after becoming caught in a rip at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Emergency services were called to the southern end of the iconic beach at around 7.30pm on Wednesday night after three men got into trouble in a notorious rip. A NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the men were pulled from the water by swimmers and a member of the public was performing CPR on one of the men when emergency services arrived at the scene. Emergency services were called to Bondi Beach on Wednesday night after three men got caught in a rip and had to be rescued by beachgoers Four ambulance crews and a rescue helicopter attended the scene. A man aged in 30s, believed to be an Asian international student was rushed to St Vincent's Hospital in a critical condition. The two other men rescued from the rip were also taken to hospital in a stable condition. Bondi was still packed with beachgoers at the time of the near drowning. Bondi was packed with beachgoers on Wednesday night when the near-drowning unfolded The incident prompted lifeguard Bruce 'Hoppo' Hopkins to warn the public against swimming in the evening when lifeguards aren't on duty. 'It's a hot day, a hot night people jump back in the water,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'It's light until about 8.30 and people take that risk.' Germany has seen a huge rise in the number of applications for firearms licenses in a phenomenon which is being blamed on insecurity over the country's migrant crisis. Following the release of figures showing there had been a nine per cent increase in gun license applications in 2018, leading politicians expressed concern at the increased potential for deadly shootings. As of December 31, 2018, some 610,937 citizens had been issued licenses, equating to a jump of 53,377 gun permits over the past year. At the end of 2018, over 600,000 Germans had been issued firearms licenses, with a jump of over 50,000 in the past year [file photo] Left Party domestic policy expert Ulla Jelpke blamed Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and other 'right-wing agitators' for whipping up citizens into a frenzy of fear over the numbers of migrants arriving into Germany. 'The increase is a result of the panic created by law and order politicians like Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and right-wing agitators like the AfD [Alternative for Germany],' Jelpke said. While figures within Germany's police force warned that those buying guns could soon be 'turned into criminals' because of the sheer number of gun-holders in the nation. 'Such weapons give a false sense of security as well as an increased willingness for self-defense. But both those facts could lead to an escalation of the current situation, eventually turning gun owners into criminals,' Police Union (GdP) Chairman Oliver Malchow, said. Left Party domestic policy expert Ulla Jelpke blamed far-right activists for inciting insecurity over the number of migrants arriving into Germany However, the majority of the permits applied for by Germans are in the 'basic' category, meaning small, nonlethal guns. Most commonly these are rubber bullet-firing gas pistols and flare guns. Germany's basic weapons license requires an applicant to be of adult age as well as being personally and psychologically fit. Lethal weapons are not readily available in Germany. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Network), said that 0.9 Germans per 100,000 died of gun violence in 2016. BBC star Jeremy Vine has apologised after joking that a teenage girl who recently became Britain's youngest qualified pilot could 'crash into a house'. The radio and TV presenter came under fire after making the comments about 16-year-old Ellie Carter during his self-titled debate show on Channel Five. Among those to criticise Vine was RAF ambassador Carol Vorderman, who revealed that Ellie had been left 'heartbroken' by the 'ignorant' comment. She then accused the star of putting out the 'wrong message' and deterring young women from going into science of tech-related careers. Carol Vorderman (pictured on Good Morning Britain today, left) came out in defence of young pilot Ellie Carter (right) after comments made by BBC star Jeremy Vine Among those to criticise Vine was RAF ambassador Carol Vorderman, who revealed that Ellie had been left 'heartbroken' by the 'ignorant' comment Ellie became Britain's youngest pilot to fly a powered plane solo last year, having already set the record for the youngest Brit to fly a glider. But during his show on Thursday, Vine joked with co-host Michelle Gayle that Ellie might 'crash into a house' during a chat about her feats. Former Countdown star Vorderman, 56, tweeted: 'Hello lovely @JeremyVineOn5 @theJeremyVine and @michellegayle1. 'Young Ellie Carter @dragongirl94 who you discussed on the show last week has been in touch. 'Ellie has broken two records, she is the youngest girl to go solo in a glider and now at age 16 to fly a powered plane solo. 'On the show you said that you were worried that @dragongirl94 would crash a plane!!! Pls take a more informed view.' Vine (pictured) joked with co-host Michelle Gayle that Ellie might 'crash into a house' during a chat about her feats Carol accused the star of putting out the 'wrong message' and deterring young women from going into science of tech-related careers She said that Vine should 'have more faith in the dedicated young', adding: 'It was such an ignorant comment and she was heartbroken. 'Girls and tech are downplayed by media as if they are weird in some way. They aren't. They are hard-working and inspirational.' Ellie of Great Torrington, Devon, said Vine had issued an apology to her through a direct message. Ellie Carter is pictured during a flying lesson as a 14-year-old She recalled him writing that she was 'an inspiration and to keep going, don't let people put you down'. He also commented on one of her tweets, writing: 'You're great. Am going to drop you a line by post. 'You're doing something a lot of us can't even dream of. Many congrats.' Ellie said: 'It was good of him. It's good when you have someone to support you and along by your side.' The plucky pilot offered Vine a flight with her but said it would have to wait until she was 17 due to her licence. Michelle Gayle, 47, also apologised on Twitter. She wrote: 'She deserves to be celebrated and I was very sorry to hear that she was upset. It certainly wasn't an intention and thanks for letting me know. X.' 'Ellie's achievements are remarkable. I believe a comment was passed that one is allowed to fly a plane earlier than they are allowed to drive. 'Even though flying appears to be both more dangerous & in need of more skill than driving. However, I have messaged Ellie to apologise.' Ellie's father Neil said the producer of Jeremy Vine had been in contact and asked Ellie to send an email listing all her achievements. A seven-year-old girl has been raped and murdered outside the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, northern India. The girl is believed to have been abducted from her home, and then sexually assaulted before being strangled to death, local police said. Her death comes just days after the body of a five-year-old girl was found in another part of the province, and police suspect she too had been raped before being strangled. The seven-year-old girl was found raped and murdered near her home in Amer, outside the city of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India The seven-year-old lived in Amer, a town just outside of Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan. Her parents hail from Uttar Pradesh and had moved to the area for work, local news report. She is believed to have been abducted and then raped before being strangled 'She was abducted from her makeshift house by the accused and taken somewhere near the crime spot where she was raped,' a source close to the police investigation told Times of India. 'In all likelihood, she was murdered not far from bushes and dumped here in hurry.' Jaipur newspaper Pinkcity post reported that a 19-year-old man who worked with the victim's father had been arrested over her death. The other victim was found in Tonk, and area some 60 miles south of Amer, on Sunday morning. The girl had gone to play near a temple in her village when she went missing, NDTV reports. Her body was discovered buried in a mustard field on a farm nearby. Four homeless men who attacked a man and stole his wallet on a city centre street have been jailed for a total of more than 10 years. The victim had been on a night out with friends in Manchester City Centre when he was attacked around 4.45am on Monday July 9, 2018. The man was sitting on a park bench when he was approached by Ryan Bardsley, 20, who asked him if he had any money. Bardsley then rifled through the man's pockets. This is the shocking moment four homeless men attack a man coming home from a night out in Manchester City Centre last July Police identified three of the suspects within minutes of the attack and arrested the fourth the following day after an officer recognised Ashley Hughes wearing the white jacket The four men worked together to force the victim to hand over his wallet and phone As the two men struggled, Bardsley put his victim in a choke hold, before the man managed to escape. Bardsley tracked the victim a second time and began to choke him. He was joined by 32-year-old Ashley Hughes, Salar Rajabi, 32, and Ryan Murphy, 22. According to Greater Manchester Police, now with reinforcements, Bardsley let go of his victim as the mob surrounded him. Murphy grabbed the man and dragged him down an alleyway, where he was forced onto the ground and ordered to hand over his mobile phone and wallet. Police arrested Bardley, Rajabi and Murphy after being able to track them down on CCTV within minutes of the attack. Hughes was identified by police and arrested the following day. PC Ross Smith of GMP's Operation Valiant said: 'This group of men shamelessly set about their victim in order to steal what valuables he was carrying. 'Knowing him to be alone, they ganged up on the man four against one to rob him of his phone and wallet. 'His assailants cowardice was matched by their foolishness as they were tracked on CCTV and arrested minutes after the incident. Ryan Bardsley, 20, left, and Ashley Hughes, 32, right, both pleaded guilty to robbery and received two years and two months and two years and one month in prison Salar Rajabi, 32, left, and Ryan Murphy, 22, right, were both found guilty of robbery at Manchester Crown Court. Rajabi was also found guilty of possession of a class B drug. He was sentenced to three years in prison. Murphy was handed a three-and-a-half year jail term and ordered to remain out of Manchester city centre for two years following his release 'We hope todays sentence reinforces the message that we wont tolerate criminality in our city, and will do everything in our power to apprehend and prosecute offenders.' All four men appeared at Manchester Crown Court where the court heard they were all of no fixed abode. Hughes pleaded guilty to robbery and was sentenced to two years and one month in jail. Bardsley received two years and two months in prison after admitting robbery. Rajabi, was found guilty of robbery and possession of a class B drug and was jailed for three years. Murphy was also found guilty of robbery and handed a three year and six month sentence. He was also handed a Criminal Behavioural Order and banned from Manchester City Centre for two years following his release from jail. A man has been charged after allegedly stabbing six teenagers during a brawl in Sydney's posh northern suburbs on Saturday night. The 34-year-old man allegedly went on a stabbing rampage after coming across the youths at Cameron Park, Turramurra, just before midnight. Six teenagers were stabbed during the fight with gashes to much of their upper body, while the man was found injured in a park nearby. A man has been charged after allegedly stabbing six teenagers during a brawl in Sydney's posh northern suburbs on Saturday night A 34-year-old man allegedly went on a stabbing rampage after coming across the youths at Cameron Park, Turramurra, just before midnight They were all treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospitals across Sydney with a number requiring immediate surgery. The 34-year-old Hornsby man was taken to Westmead Hospital under police guard with head and upper body injuries. Authorities charged the man on Tuesday with attempted murder, affray and six counts of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Police were told the man allegedly stabbed the teenagers, who were aged between 15 and 19, during the altercation. It's understood the bloody brawl broke out after the man left a nearby wine and tapas bar. Footpaths leading from the public park, just across the road from the local train station and a strip of businesses, were stained with blood. Six teenagers were stabbed during the fight, and the man was found injured in a park nearby They were all treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospitals across Sydney with a number requiring immediate surgery A 17-year-old Mt Kuring-Gai boy underwent surgery at Royal North Shore Hospital for stab wounds to his throat, chest and abdomen. A 16-year-old girl also had surgery in the same hospital for neck and arm wounds, but both are expected to recover. A 19-year-old man, a 15-year-old boy and two 17-year-old males were taken to Westmead Hospital for treatment but were released. The Hornsby man was refused bail to appear at Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday, where he was formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Friday. A controversial medical trial in which magic mushrooms will be given to dying patients to reduce their anxiety will soon get under way at a Melbourne hospital. In an Australian first, St Vincent's Hospital will offer a single dose of psilocybin in the form of a capsule to terminally ill patients to ease their fear of dying. Clinicians say it took more than a year for the trial to get the green light from state and federal authorities. St Vincents clinical psychologist Dr Margaret Ross (sitting) and director of palliative medicine Associate Professor Mark Boughey (right) believe the breakthrough trial will help palliative care patients like Liz (left) A similar New York trial found that an overwhelming 87 per cent of participants reported better life satisfaction after being treated with the psychedelic compound, while 70 per cent said it helped them overcome depression. 'The way people have described it as is being enriching, beneficial and quite powerful physically,' St Vincents clinical psychologist Dr Margaret Ross told reporters. Director of palliative medicine Associate Professor Mark Boughey added: 'It allows them to have a heightened awareness of the situations, to allow them to feel relaxed. It's about finding a new perspective on old problems.' Psilocybin, the psychedelic compound from in magic mushrooms (stock image) will be given to palliative care patients to ease their fear of dying Thirty patients will participate when St Vincent's Hospital begins the three year, privately funded trial in April. Applicants must have a state government permit to participate in the trial and will be closely monitored by clinicians on the 'dose day'. Clinicians hope the trial will be expanded across Australia if successful at St Vincent's Hospital. Palliative Care Australia welcomed the breakthrough trial. The three year, privately funded trial will take place at St Vincent's Hospital from April 'This can be triggered by concerns and fears about how they will die, how their families and loved ones will cope as well as existential or spiritual concerns,' a spokeswoman told Nine News. Clinicians understand not everyone will be so supportive. 'This could potentially help so many people, but it needs more research, and we need to understand the exact mechanisms of how psilocybin helps people and how we can optimise treatment,' Dr Ross told the Herald Sun. Professor Mark Boughey added: 'There will be some degree of backlash because everyone will assume this is just about magic mushrooms. But if you look at the studies it has minimal serious adverse effects it has great potential.' EU 'divided' on migrants, Italian PM warns on Chad visit Risk of being 'overwhelmed' but trafficking 'can be prevented' (ANSAmed) - NIAMEY, JANUARY 16 - Italian prime minister Giuseppe Conte said Wednesday that the EU must not endure the illegal trafficking of human lives. He was speaking in N'Djamena, the capital of Chad, after meeting with President Idriss Deby. The EU, Conte stressed, ''must not be overwhelmed by this cruel reality. It must prevent it, like it must prevent terrorist threats. These two phenomena have a negative impact on Africa as well as on Europe.'' It can be prevented, he continued ''with a wide-ranging strategy, a structural approach. Europe could crumble under the weight of irregular migration. We are dividing and Europe is at risk of paying the price.'' In ''dividing'', Europe is ''showing its inability to deal with'' irregular migration and thus ''there is the need to understand the phenomenon, go to its origin and this is why I am today in the Sahel, in Chad, to understand and gather information first-hand and share strategies and objectives. We cannot delude ourselves into thinking that we can fight the illegal trafficking of human lives by stopping a route or fighting a group of criminals'', he said. He then thanked Chadian president Idriss Deby for the warm welcome and noted that ''perhaps we should have come before, since your country is of strategic importance for Italian and EU interests''. (ANSAmed). The Bank of England governor today said markets believe Brexit could be softened or even cancelled after Theresa May's catastrophic defeat last night. Mark Carney said financial investors think the prospect of Britain crashing out with a no deal Brexit has been 'diminished' after last night's historic vote. And he said this is why after a brief crash after the Commons result was announced, the pound rebounded strongly. He told the Treasury select committee: 'There was a sharp rebound in sterling following the vote. 'And public market commentary, consistent with our market intelligence, [suggests] that rebound would appear to reflect some expectation that the process of resolution would be extended and that the prospect of no-deal may have been diminished.' In an historic day in Westminster, the Withdrawal Agreement was defeated by 432 votes to 202. The defeat, by the massive margin of 230 votes, was the biggest ever inflicted on a Prime Minister in modern history. Mark Carney (pictured in the Commons today) said financial investors think the prospect of Britain crashing out with a no deal Brexit has been 'diminished' after last night's crunch vote Boris Johnson (pictured among MPs voting against the deal, far left) said he did not 'rejoice' in the massive defeat suffered by Theresa May, but demanded that she ditches the Irish border backstop and takes a 'fresh approach' Mrs May said she will listen to the will of MPs and is planning to launch last-ditch cross party talks with senior Parliamentarians as she desperately tries to salvage part of her deal. EU urges May to drop her Brexit red lines after historic defeat The EU twisted the knife today after Theresa May fell to a humiliating defeat on the Brexit deal - with Michel Barnier urging her to drop 'red lines'. The Prime Minister has been left scrambling to find a way forward after suffered the biggest Commons loss ever for a government, with an extraordinary 118 Tories rebelling against the plan. A clearly shattered Mrs May also faces a no-confidence battle tonight, after Jeremy Corbyn insisted the government had come to the 'end of the line' and demanded an election. The escape routes for the premier appear to be closing, with the EU signalled a tough line. A senior German minister this morning dismissed the prospect of delaying Article 50 unless there is a clear 'path' for getting an agreement implemented. And the EU's chief negotiator Mr Barnier goaded Mrs May by demanding she respond by abandoning her long-standing negotiation positions, such as ending free movement, ruling out a permanent customs union, and ending the jurisdiction of EU law. While saying he was 'sad' the deal had been rejected, Mr Barnier suggested the defeat was an 'opportunity' to stay more closely aligned with the EU. The call for softer Brexit came amid mounting splits in the Cabinet over what to do in the wake of the catastrophic failure. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the Brexit date must not be delayed beyond the end of March. But Chancellor Philip Hammond is said to have suggested to business leaders in a phone call last night that Article 50 would be extended. Advertisement But No10 sources signalled that she will not abandon her red lines - which includes ending free movement and having an independent trade policy. Mr Carney stressed he was not giving his opinion, but the 'market's initial take'. He added: 'The markets, like the country, is looking to Parliament for direction and one could expect continued volatility.' Meanwhile, analysts told Bloomberg that last night's massive defeat was so devastating for Brexit that it will pave the way for a far softer exit. Stephen Jen, chief executive of Eurizon SLJ Capital said: 'This outcome is so dire for Brexit that the chances of a softer Brexit or even a second referendum may have risen.' Greg Gibbs, founder of Amplifying Global FX Capital, said: 'The chances of a no-deal Brexit are so slim now it's not even really worth considering anymore' He added: 'It looks increasingly that the resolution will be an even softer version than May's proposal and/or a new referendum.' The PM is under mounting pressure from many within her own party to now go for a softer Brexit. Cabinet ministers including Amber Rudd and Greg Clark are pushing for her to hold talks with Labour moderates and rule out a no deal Brexit in the wake of her humiliating defeat. Yet the Tories are bitterly divided and others in the Cabinet want her to ramp up no deal planning. But before the fresh flurry of talks can begin, Mrs May is facing a Labour bid to topple her from power today. Jeremy Corbyn has tabled a no cinfidence moton in the Govenrment whihc MPS will vote on tonight. If it is passed then it paves the way for a general election which Labour hopes will given them the keys to No10. But she is expected to win the vote and cling on as leader after hardline Tory Brexiteers and the DUP - the Northern Irish party propping her up in power - vowed to vote for her. The :$ over the past 24 hours. It regained ground after dropping around the time of the vote Historic defeat: Mrs May (left) just about managed to raise a smile as she was driven away from the Commons last night, while Mr Corbyn (right) looked smug after calling a vote of no confidence that aims to topple the Prime Minister Former Forreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and backbench ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg have all pledged to support her, meaning she is likely to survive. The DUP's Sammy Wilson said the party wanted to 'get the government back on track' and would back Mrs May, while Mr Rees-Mogg said last night: 'I will be supporting the Prime Minister'. Mr Johnson said he 'certainly shall' vote for the PM in Wednesday night's vote, saying he did not want Mr Corbyn in office instead. Today former Ukip leader Nigel Farage called on Tory MPs who 'believe in Brexit' to be brave and resist the Article 50 leaving date of March 29 being extended. And he urged them to dump Mrs May as PM and replace her with a Brexiteer calling it a Neville Chamberlain moment. A panda mum was seen playfighting with her cub as she picks the adorable animal up before pushing it down a ditch inside their enclosure. The 'tough love' moment was captured on tape inside the Chengdu Panda Base in south-western China's Sichuan Province. Ke Lin, the 11-year-old giant panda, was seen walking over to her one-year-old son Ke Dou. Ke Lin, the 11-year-old giant panda, picks up her one-year-old son Ke Dou by the scruff of his neck She picks up the animal by the scruff of the neck and carries him over to the edge of their enclosure, before placing him on top of the hill. Using her paw, Ken Li gently pushes her cub down the hill, taking a tumble all the way to the bottom. Ke Lin then casually walks away from her young cub while he sits at at bottom in a pile of dry leaves. Ke Lin places he son on the edge of the hill before giving him a gentle nudge The baby panda is not believed to have been harmed during the incident. Ke Lin was born in August 2007 and spent three years in a zoo in Central China's Hubei Province before returning to the Chengdu Panda Base, also known as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, in 2012. Netizen 'Rimu Tuyuan_lj' wrote: 'There's a reason why there are so few pandas' 'Su Xianfang_susan' added: 'Ke Dou: Let me sit here and contemplate life. Where am I? Is she even my real mum?' A teenager has bravely gone public about a 'Jungle Book' abuse ordeal he suffered at the hands of his paedophile uncle during a family holiday. Baillie Blomeley was just four when Simon Holmes, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, molested him while the victim's mother was out buying breakfast on the Greek island of Zante. Holmes, then 17, used the Disney movie to warn the youngster he would be hunted down by Shere Khan from the Rudyard Kipling story if he told his family. He told him after the 2003 attack: 'The tiger will come get you if you say anything - nobody will believe you.' Baillie Blomeley (left, aged four when the abuse took place, and right, now, aged 19) was molested when his mother was out buying breakfast on the Greek island of Zante The youngster was initially too terrified to tell anyone of his encounters with ginger haired Holmes but went to police in 2016 vowing to get justice. Later during a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Florida, the sight of ten Bengal tigers in their pens triggered horrific memories. In December, Holmes, now 32, was convicted of eight sex offences at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, and was jailed for four years after Mr Blomeley now 19, testified against him. Afterwards the victim, a roofer, waived his right to anonymity and said: 'I used to love Jungle Book when I was kid and watched it all the time but he used the Shere Khan character as he was ginger to threaten me. In December Simon Holmes (pictured left and in his police mugshot, right) was convicted of eight sex offences was jailed for four years after Baillie, now 19, testified against him 'Even to this day I can't look at orange tigers. When I was at Disney's Animal Kingdom I was looking at my phone and then looked up and the next thing I knew I was staring at about ten tigers that were all orange. I just broke down in tears. The sight of a tiger great affects me.' He added: 'During the trial, he'd smile at me. He looked smug like he'd got away with it. The day before he got kept on remand and read out his statement, he winked at me. He was reading his statement and I thought this is just pure, pure lies. 'His story didn't add up, when you tell lies the lies catch up to you. He's changed his story so many times over the three-year investigation, but my story is solid. Mr Blomeley (pictured) waived his right to anonymity to reveal how Holmes used the Jungle Book character Shere Khan to threaten him 'I had to share this for me because I want all of his neighbours, all of his work colleagues, to know what he did. I hoped that if I put it out there then other people might come forward. Coming forward is the best thing you can do.' The incidents occurred in 2003 after Holmes, who lived with Baillie's grandmother was invited to the holiday by the victim's unsuspecting mother. Whilst staying in a hotel the pair were left alone together on four occasions whilst Baillie's mother went to a local shop. Violated and confused, Baillie returned home and his family life carried on as it usually would and he didn't tell anyone about the attacks until he was a teenager. He said: 'Everything was normal with him before we went on the holiday and he was just part of the family. 'It was just me, my mum and him on this holiday and I remember what he did to me, I remember a few details of the holiday, but I don't remember it all. What he did however has stuck in my memory. 'My mum only left the hotel room to get food and stuff like that - that's when it would happen. When I was growing up, after that holiday nothing got said. I still saw him pretty much every day, he lived at my nana's house. 'I was there all the time, every day after school I'd go there. It just carried on as if he was a normal part of my family. I kept my mouth shut because I didn't want to upset my nana. But I reported it in 2016 because thought he's not getting away with this. My nana and grandad disowned me.' In court Holmes who denied indecent assault blew a kiss at two of his family members as he was sent down to the cells. Holmes was ordered to sign the sex offences register for life after being found guilty at Minshull Street Crown court Earlier he listened from the dock as Baillie read an emotional victim impact statement saying: 'I want to close this chapter in my life, no sentence he receives today will be long enough for me. 'For all of the disgusting things you did, you will now always be a convicted paedophile. You can not imagine how much I hate myself for what you did and how much I hated my mum for what you did. I wonder if I can be happy about myself ever again. 'You destroyed my childhood, I feel like I'm stuck in a hole I can't climb out of. You will never understand the damage you have caused me, and not just to me but for everyone else you have abused over the years. I have depression and you are the source of the problem. I tried to accept what you did to me and move on. I try to escape from the pain you have caused me. 'I've told my story of what you did to the wonderful world of social media, now all of your family, your employer, your neighbours, they all know what you are and forever you will be known as Simon John Holmes a child sex offender. 'Take a good look at me and wink at me again. I will be holding my head up high and walking out of this court room and having a beer with my mates tonight while you will be looking over your shoulder in prison. I hope you suffer as I have and still do.' Judge Bernadette Baxter told Holmes: 'You tore a family apart and while some will forever believe you others will forever believe your victim- and the reality is your victim is telling the truth. Although I am sure your family think there is a gross breach of trust, in legal terms you were a child yourself and were left very briefly with your victim. 'You threatened the boy that nobody would believe him if he told, you used your greater age to deter him from complaining to anybody about this. 'I must sentence you on the basis that you have led a decent and hard working life and I must give you significant credit for the fact that you were only just 17 and had just left school. You were extremely emotionally and sexually immature at the time that this happened.' Holmes was also ordered to sign the Sex Offenders register for life. An American English teacher who joined ISIS says that witnessing people being beheaded never bothered him because 'they like to execute people in the US too.' Warren Christopher Clark, 34, who joined the group in spring 2015 before being captured by Kurds earlier this month, spoke out about life in the so-called Islamic State from a prison in northern Syria. Clark told NBC that during his time in Iraq and Syria 'I saw some people being executed publicly, I saw some crucifixions... that's just normal life there.' Warren Christopher Clark, 34, left Texas to join ISIS in 2015. He says he witnessed beheadings and crucifixion but it never bothered him because 'they like to execute people in Texas too' Clark says he worked as an English teacher for ISIS and refused to pick up a weapon before being captured by the Kurds. He says his injuries were suffered in a 'personal fight' Asked how he felt about it, he replied: 'I'm from the United States, from Texas. They like to execute people, too. So I really don't see any difference. '[Texas] might do it off camera, but it's the same.' Clark also admits that he had seen the execution videos before leaving to join the group, and hadn't been put off. 'That's just normal life there,' he said. 'This is an Islamic society, an Islamic country, things like this happen. 'I guess [it didn't bother me] because I knew what I was coming to see.' Asked why he decided to join the group, which was being bombed by the US at the time, he said: 'I wanted to go see exactly what the group was about and what they were doing.' Clark made contact with the group by applying to be an English teacher at the University of Mosul, Iraq, having been a substitute teacher in Sugar Land, Texas. He even sent a resume with a cover letter to the course director, under the alias of Abu Mohammed al-Ameriki. In it, he wrote: 'I am looking to get a position teaching English to students in The Islamic State. Clark was born in Texas and worked as a substitute teacher in Sugar Land, near Huston, before converting to Islam and leaving America for Syria In order to join the group Clark sent a resume to the University of Mosul, in Iraq, along with a cover letter asking for a teaching job there 'I was born and raised in the United States and I have always loved teaching others and learning from others as well. 'My work background is largely in English and I consider working at the University of Mosul to be a great way of continuing my career.' He was accepted, and in June 2015 Clark said he traveled to Turkey before crossing into Syria and making his way to Iraq. Two weeks ago he was captured in eastern Syria, near the Euphrates river, as Kurdish forces attempt to flush out the last remaining pocket of ISIS resistance. He was captured alongside two men from Pakistan, another from Ireland, and a fifth from Trinidad and Tobago. Only five other American ISIS fighter are known to have been captured alive. Clark claims he only ever worked as a teacher and refused to fight for ISIS, spending several terms in jail for refusing to pick up a weapon. When interviewed by NBC he was walking on two crutches, but insisted he was injured in a 'personal fight'. US officials have yet to reveal what they will do with Clark and another US citizen purportedly arrested by Kurdish-led forces, Zaid Abed al-Hamid. The State Department told NBC that it was aware of 'open source' reports on Clark's capture, but refused to say anything more. Dozens of Americans are thought to have left the US to join ISIS since 2011, of whom 14 are believed to have returned home. Dozens of firefighters are battling a blaze which has engulfed a cafe in south-east London. Around 70 firefighters and ten appliances have been sent to the scene of the inferno in Walworth, and rescued one woman from a roof. According to the London Fire Brigade, the ground floor, basement and first floor of the building are alight. Crews have closed Walworth Road while they investigate the cause of the inferno Around 70 firefighters and ten appliances have been sent to the scene of the inferno in Walworth Pictures and video from the scene show thick black smoke engulfing the road around the cafe as emergency services get the blaze under control. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued one woman from a flat roof using a short extension ladder. She was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation by London Ambulance Service crews. Station Manager Pete Cox, who was at the scene, said: 'When crews arrived they were faced with a lot of thick, black smoke. 'Firefighters worked hard to bring the fire under control. 'Walworth Road remains closed and the surrounding roads are very busy with traffic, so we would advise drivers to avoid the area if possible.' Drivers have been urged to avoid the area, with the road shrouded in thick black smoke According to the London Fire Brigade, the ground floor, basement and first floor of the building are alight The Brigade was called at 7.42am and the fire was under control by 9.45am, but crews remained on the scene throughout the morning damping down The Brigade was called at 7.42am and the fire was under control by 9.45am, but crews will remain on scene throughout the morning damping down. Fire crews from Old Kent Road, Lambeth, Peckham, Dowgate, and surrounding fire stations are at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation. He arrived amid much fanfare to help lead the fight against drug dealers. But Orkneys first dedicated sniffer dog is being forced to retire after only three months because he has lost his sense of smell. Labrador Whisky arrived on the islands after anti-drugs campaigners raised 105,000 to fund him, and on his first visit he helped find a stash of herbal cannabis. But the nine-year-old has been off duty for the past 12 weeks because his handler, Kevin Moar, injured his knee during a fitness test, resulting in the dog losing his spark and enthusiasm for detection. Whisky no longer has the ability to smell drugs and will now be retired to become a family pet. .Whisky, a nine-year-old Labrador, failed an official assessment to allow him to search for illegal substances on the islands after having a long time off because his handler was injured The sniffer dog had been based in the Highlands with Police Scotland and was supposed to begin his new role in October. But he and his handler had to delay this only days before they were due to start after Mr Moar was injured during his police-supervised medical. Mr Moar, 50, is now fit and ready to start work but Whisky is not. Andrew Drever, chairman of the Orkney Drugs Dog (ODD) charity, said: Whisky has not been on active duty for 12 weeks and no longer has the ability to smell drugs. He constantly needs to be on patrol. It is very frustrating but we are now actively looking for another dog through police, RAF and other contacts. We have not found one yet but we hope to have a dog in place perhaps next month. Whisky first visited Orkney in September with his then handler, PC Matthew Watson, who has since retired. The labrador was involved in a search of two properties in Kirkwall, which resulted in the seizure of herbal cannabis worth around 300. Andrew Drever, chairman of the Orkney Drugs Dog (ODD) charity, has announced that although Mr Moar is now raring to start work, Whisky (pictured) is not Mr Drever said: Upon assessment it was found that Whiskys spark and enthusiasm had reduced. It is with regret we have to announce he will also be retiring and will stay with Mr Watson. Police Scotland is helping the charity to find another dog. Mr Moar, from Orkney, spent 27 years in the RAF Police and is a former patrol and search dog instructor and trainer for the Ministry of Defence. He said it was frustrating that his injury had set the project back, adding: [The drug problem] is increasing and anything we can do to prevent and disrupt the supply will be good. The ODDs start-up costs were 105,000, with annual running costs of 55,000 to 60,000, There were 50 drug possession cases in Orkney in 2017-18, up from 29 the previous year. Last May, class A and B drugs worth almost 30,000 were seized. Progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has joined the House Financial Services Committee to help regulate Wall Street. The 28-year-old New York lawmaker is expected to increase scrutiny of big banks, lending and the financial sector when she takes up her new role. Ms Ocasio-Cortez has previously called for a 70 per cent top tax rate and for the biggest banks to be broken up. Progressive Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has joined the House Financial Services Committee The Bronx-born lawmaker said she was excited to begin scrutinizing the financial sector Ms Ocasio-Cortez confirmed her placement in a tweet on Tuesday night: 'Financial Services is one of just four exclusive committees in the House. It oversees big banks, lending, & the financial sector,' she wrote. 'I am very grateful for the opportunity to sit on this committee as a freshman, and look forward to working under the leadership of Maxine Waters!' The Bronx-born socialist vowed to inspect the student loan crisis and examine private prisons. 'Personally, I'm looking forward to digging into the student loan crisis, examining for-profit prisons/ICE detention, and exploring the development of public & postal banking. To start,' she wrote. Ms Ocasio-Cortez was recommended by Maxine Waters (pictured) chair of the House Committee on Financial Service Ms Ocasio-Cortez has called for a 70 per cent top tax rate and for the biggest banks to be broken up She was originally vying to be on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, but moderate Democrat Tom Suozzi was selected instead. The news of her appointment comes after it was revealed the Latino Democrat has more power on Twitter than any of her party members- including former President Barack Obama. Ms Ocasio-Cortez has generated more interactions - retweets plus likes - on the social media site than party leaders Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has 2.4 million twitter followers She is second only to the president, Axios found, when it measured the Twitter star power of several politicians. On Monday, Donald Trump dismissed pot-shots fired by Ms Ocasio-Cortez, after she called the president 'racist'. Asked at the White House to respond to her, Trump shook his head, waved dismissively and grimaced: 'Who cares?' Donald Trump dismissed the youngest member of Congress with a wave of his hand Monday, responding to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's branding him a racist with his own jab: 'Who cares?' Ocasio-Cortez is convinced she's getting under Trump's skin, comparing the President of the United States to the drunken pub crawlers she once served as a bartender in New York City Ocasio-Cortez fired back on Twitter, telling her 2.4 million followers: 'I bartended for *years* in New York City. I understand guys like this like the back of my hand. We got under his skin.' Ms Ocasio-Cortez shocked the Democratic establishment last June by defeating Rep. Joe Crowley, a 10-term incumbent, in a primary election. Her victory in the November general election was a foregone conclusion in New York's 14th Congressional District, where 77 per cent of voters chose Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Another video of Wallabies star Kurtley Beale standing near a plate of 'white powder' has emerged just days after he apologised for a separate similar video. Footage of the 30-year-old playing a vacuum like a didgeridoo before it pans to a man holding a plate of powdered lines has emerged this week, 9News reported. Beale was allegedly at a Maroubra apartment, in Sydney's east, with a group of people he'd met on a night out when the video was taken. Another video of Wallabies star Kurtley Beale (pictured left) standing near a plate of 'white powder' has emerged just days after he apologised for a separate similar video Beale shows off his musical talents before he laughs for the camera and it pans across a table strewn with cans - revealing the white powder. In addition to the shirtless Wallabies star, three other people are seen in the video. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest Beale or anyone else in the video were engaging in any sort of illegal activity. The recent footage comes days after Beale apologised to Rugby Australia for a video that showed him in a room with an older man who appeared to inhale white powder. The Wallabies centre was spotted in the background of the 14-second video, which showed NRL star Corey Norman encouraging the man to snort a white substance. The video was filmed in 2016, but resurfaced on Monday night amid a spate of videos featuring NRL players. Rugby Australia boss Raelene Castle later said Beale had immediately contacted her to apologise over the incident and it was determined he would not be punished. 'Rugby Australia only became aware of the vision after it had surfaced on social media on Monday afternoon and understands that it was recorded in 2016,' Ms Castle said. The recent footage comes days after Beale apologised to Rugby Australia for a video that showed him in a room where an older man appeared to inhale white powder The Wallabies centre was spotted in the background of the 14-second video, which showed NRL star Corey Norman (pictured) encouraging a man to snort a white substance 'After becoming aware that the vision was being shared on social media, Kurtley contacted me last night to apologise for the negative attention the video had attracted and expressed regret at putting himself in a compromising position at that time. 'Kurtley has today met with Rugby Australia's Integrity Unit to provide his version of events and the high standards that are expected of him as a professional Rugby player have been firmly reiterated. 'Kurtley acknowledges that his presence in the video and the humour he expressed at the incident at the time does not reflect the image that is expected of a professional rugby player,' she said. The 77-year-old man in the video who refers to himself as 'The Chich' said he was just having a bit of fun and 'didn't hurt anybody' An RA spokesperson later confirmed the 30-year-old Waratahs star would not face any disciplinary action over the incident and it had considered the matter closed. It came just months after Beale and Adam Ashley-Cooper were suspended for a Test against England on the Wallabies' spring tour for breaching team rules and allowing two women into their hotel room. One of the women was Ashley-Cooper's sister-in-law, and Castle confirmed at the time there was no suggestion of anything inappropriate occurring. Advertisement These heart-breaking photos called 'Last Moments' will bring a tear to the eye of any pet owner. The series explores the intimacy of the human-animal bond, specifically at the end of a pet's life, before and after the passing at home with their owner. Taken over the course of a year in 2017 to 2018, the photographs were made with the co-operation of the dog owners in the Tampa bay area of Florida who were aided by veterinarians from 'Lap of Love', an at-home pet euthanasia service that allows for a peaceful passing at home. Photographer Ross Taylor's inspiration came after being 'profoundly moved' by seeing a friend struggle with the deterioration of her own pet's health and her decision to use euthanasia. Olesya Lykovi cries out in anguish, moments after the death of her dog, Sam. Moments before, she looked at Dr Dani McVety (right) and asked: 'Is he gone?', Dani nodded and said: 'He has his wings now' 'I tried to do more, I tried to do all I can. But they said there's nothing more I can do', Kiara Manrique said while weeping at the loss of her dog. Her sister, Kimberly (left), and veterinarian Nil Wilkins (out of picture) who later reached out to comfort her as her two other dogs look on Marquita Leibe paced back and forth shortly before bending down to be near her dog, Daisy, minutes before she is put to sleep. Shortly after her husband Donald (right) stepped outside to compose himself, overwhelmed with grief As the sun sets during a late summer evening, Kai, (right) senses something is wrong with fellow dog, Asia. He dutifully follows behind Rob Peterson and Dr Dani McVety. Soon, with the help of Carrie, Rob's sister, Asia will be buried on the farm Carrie Peterson dropped sunflowers over the grave of her dog, Asia, on the farm. 'The smell of freshly turned earth is what I remember and how peaceful Asia looked within it', photographer Ross Taylor said Leigh Zahn sits alone on her bed as she fights back tears and lays with her dog, Spencer, in her lap one final time. This moving image was taken just moments after Spencer passed away 'Coco was there for me when he was on deployment', said Rebecca Cassity, as she fights back tears. Her husband, Drew, was in the military. Dr McVety reassures her with a hug and consoling words: 'This is better treatment than any one of us would get' Dog Heidi looked up at Bob Lutz moments before she was euthanized due to recent substantial declines in health. Bob's wife, Cindy, is seen here (right) watched by their other dog, Winnie, through the glass of the white door behind them Darcy Jones (left) speaks with Dr Loren Gassler about her dog, Alli, 15, who had some balancing issues and was struggling with a diagnosis of cancer. Dr Gassler was performing a hospice visit for Jones, to offer some suggestions on how best to handle the remaining time they would have together. 'Dr Gassler, and so many others like her, are amazing at what they do and help the painful transition daily, without drawing attention to themselves. They have my respect', said photographer Ross Taylor Vanessa Gangadyal consoles her son, eight-year-old Ian, while her husband, Michael Gangadyal, pets their dog, Ally, shortly after its passing. Founded by Dani McVety, the organization, Lap of Love, has been working with Caring Pathways to provide a peaceful passing 'at home' euthanasia service Almost five years after the aircraft vanished on March 8, 2014, investigators have had little luck in finding the wreckage of the plane that vanished with 227 passengers on-board. No transmissions were received from the aircraft after the first 38 minutes of the flight. The Australian, Malaysian and Chinese governments called off the search in January 2017, almost three-years after MH370 disappeared. 'I FOUND IT ON GOOGLE EARTH' Australian engineer Peter McMahon claimed in mid-March he'd found what appeared to be a plane wreckage on Google Earth, in the MH370 search area. After spending years combing an online map of the Indian Ocean, the amateur crash investigator claimed to have found a plan wreckage 'riddled with bullet holes'. Authorities combing through the Indian Ocean for remains of missing Malaysia Airlines flight discovered two huge structures (pictured) on the sea floor, which they believed may have been the doomed plane Sitting just off the coast of Round Island, north of Mauritius, in an area of ocean that has not been previously searched, Mr McMahon claimed investigators were refusing to dive in the area because they want to 'hide' crucial information. 'They have made sure that all information received has been hidden from the public, even our government, but why?' he said. '... (They) do not want it found as it's full of bullet holes, finding it will only open another inquiry.' WAS MH370 STOLEN? Prior to the plane's disappearance, Captain Zaharie Shah had listed the small island of Diego Garcia - 4700km northwest of Australia - on his flight simulator. Theorists suggested that Capt Shah may have been practicing landing the plane on the island's airstrip, which is controlled by Britain but is home to a US naval base. Suggestions have also been made that the plane may have been stolen by terrorists and hidden in North Pakistan, or even by North Korean dictator Kim Jong un. In a 2014 poll on the MH370 disappearance, five per cent of American respondents said they believed it had been affected by 'alien activities'. Australian engineer Peter McMahon claimed h he'd found what appeared to be a plane wreckage on Google earth (pictured) CYBER HACKERS TAKEOVER: In the wake of September 11, new technology was designed allowing planes to be controlled remotely in the event of a hijacking. British author Norman Davies claims Boeing's 'Honeywell Un-interruptible Autopilot on board computer' - which was featured on MH370 - could have been hacked and the plane flown to a secret location. 'There are reports that the cargo detailed in the manifest didn't add up,' he told The Sunday Times. 'I don't know what it might have been carrying but it may have been carrying something somebody didn't want to get to China.' In his book Beneath Another Sky: A Global Journey into History, Mr Davis suggested one hacker could have 'kidnapped' the plane before another controlled it remotely. 'The first kidnap was by the Americans, who wanted to stop the plane getting to Beijing and planned to divert it to Diego Garcia [a US naval base in the Indian Ocean], and then somebody hacked it to stop it from getting there,' he claimed. DID THE PILOT COMMIT SUICIDE? Some have claimed that one of the pilots may have deliberately crashed the aircraft in a well-planned suicide. According to this theory, captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah deliberately chose to plunge the plane into an area of the ocean up to 25,000 feet deep, where it would be almost impossible to find. There have been suggestions Shah circled an area of the Indian Ocean just moments before the crash. Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott is among those to support this theory, saying in the lead up to the third anniversary of the plane's disappearance he found it 'plausible'. 'I have always said the most plausible scenario was murder-suicide and if this guy wanted to create the world's greatest mystery why wouldn't he have piloted the thing to the very end and gone further south?' Mr Abbott said. Just 12 months after the MH370 disaster a Germanwings flight from Barcelona, Spain to Dusseldorf, Germany, crashed into the French Alps. It was later revealed the crash was orchestrated by co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who had previously been deemed unfit to work by a doctor over 'suicidal tendancies'. HAVE THEY ALREADY FOUND IT? Last year a search vessel involved in searching for MH370 disappeared for just under three days after turning off its tracking system, sparking conspiracy theories. The Boeing 777 aircraft took off from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, headed for Beijing, China After more than 80 hours undetected, the vessel suddenly reappeared on the radar. Keen followers of the mystery have suggested that during this time the search boats may have been involved in a cover up, after coming across the wreckage. A MID-AIR EMERGENCY: According to pilot Chris Goodfellow, a serious possibility is that an emergency - such as a fire - left the pilots unable to land the plane. Writing on his Google Plus account, Mr Goodfellow claimed that in the event of a fire or other incident, pilots would have attempted to make it to their closest runway - a 13,000-foot strip on the Malaysian island of Pulau Langkawi - but never made it. An emergency - such as a fire - could have left the pilots unable to land the plane 'For me the loss of transponders and communications makes perfect sense if a fire,' Mr Goodfellow wrote. 'In the case of fire the first response is to pull all the main fusses and restore circuits one by one until you have isolated the bad one. 'What I think happened is that they were overcome by smoke and the plane just continued on the heading probably on (autopilot) until either fuel exhaustion or fire destroyed the control surfaces and it crashed.' DID A MYSTERY PASSENGER HIJACK IT? The official manifest of MH370 listed 239 people as missing. But Andre Milne, founder of military technology developer Unicorn Aerospace, says the flight actually had 226 passengers (of which four did not board) and 12 crew - totaling 238 people. He told The Express that the unidentified passenger may have gained control of the plane and flown it to a secret location. 'The extra passenger likely acted in conjunction with larger external operational support to take full command and control of the cockpit of MH370,' Mr Milne claims. A Malaysia Airlines spokesman said a discrepancy on the 'load sheet' hours prior to the plan taking off had occurred, with the actual number onboard 227 people - a dozen less than initially listed. 'The actual figures can differ from that transmitted on the load sheet due to last minute changes,' the spokesperson said. ANSAmed - Tomorrow's events in the Mediterranean (ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 16 - Weekly diary of the main events scheduled for tomorrow in the Euro-Mediterranean area: BELGRADE - Visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin. VALLETTA - EU, High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini participates in Dialogue on Western Mediterranean. (also 18/1). CAIRO - EU, visit by Commissioner Neven Mimica to prepare the presidency of the African Union and discuss regional issues (also 18/1). (ANSAmed). A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television has been arrested by the FBI during a visit to the US. Marzieh Hashemi, who worked for the network's English-language service, was detained in St Louis, where she had filmed a Black Lives Matter documentary after visiting relatives in the New Orleans area. She was then taken to Washington, according to her elder son, Hussein Hashemi, who said she was being held in a prison, apparently as a material witness. The FBI said in an email that it had no comment on the arrest of the woman who was born Melanie Franklin, of New Orleans, and has worked for Iran's state television network for 25 years. Hashemi lives about half the time in Colorado, where her children reside, and half the time in Iran. Scroll down for video Held: Marzieh Hashemi (above with her son) , a prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television, has been arrested by the FBI and is being held as a material witness Timeline: She was detained on Sunday while trying to fly out of St Louis where she was filming a documentary after visiting family in New Orleans 'We still have no idea what's going on. My siblings and I also have been subpoenaed to appear before a grand jury. We don't know what this is about or how it's unfolding,' said Hussein, a research fellow at the University of Colorado who was interviewed by phone from Washington. The incident comes as Iran faces increasing criticism of its own arrests of dual nationals and other people with Western ties. Those cases have previously been used as bargaining chips in negotiations with world powers. Hussein said his mother was detained as she was about to board a flight from St Louis to Denver. 'She is somebody who is harassed regularly. Every time she travels using air travel, she is pulled to the side. Each time it's an hour-long, even two hour-long interview, interrogation,' he said. 'This has been going on for almost a decade now.' Hussein said his mother told him she was driving to New Orleans despite a snowstorm in Colorado 'just because of the difficulty in air travel.' Hashemi apparently was detained on Sunday, but was able to call her daughter only on Tuesday night. 'That was the first time any of us spoke to her directly. We knew by the next day that she had been brought to Washington DC, and that she was being held here,' said Hussein. He said there are no charges against his mother and that she is apparently being held as a material witness. 'I don't know how the legality of that works. But without charges they are able to arrest her and keep her in prison,' he said. Trek: Hashemi had driven from Denver to New Orleans and then St Louis, saying that she did not want to fly because she is 'harassed' (Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster speaks on Wednesday) Emotional: The FBI said in an email that it had no comment on the arrest of the woman who was born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans Iran's state broadcaster held a news conference and launched a hashtag campaign for Hashemi, using the same techniques families with loved ones held in the Islamic Republic use to highlight their cases. 'We will not spare any legal action' to help her, said Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster. Iran's Press TV said Hashemi was arrested after arriving Sunday at St Louis Lambert International Airport. Jebeli alleged that her son, Reza Hashemi, was arrested as well. Airport spokesman Jeff Lea declined to comment, referring questions to the FBI. There were no references to any case against Hashemi in US federal courts, nor in Missouri. Press TV said Hashemi had traveled to the US 'to visit her family members, including her brother, who is suffering from cancer'. The broadcaster aired footage of her anchoring news programs and discussing the war in Syria, set to dramatic music. Hashemi describes herself online as having studied journalism at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She converted to Islam in 1982 at age 22 after meeting Iranian activist students in Denver. She married Hossein Hashemi, whom she had met while in journalism school at LSU, and they had two sons and a daughter. Her husband is dead. She remains an American citizen. Last week, Iran confirmed it is holding US Navy veteran Michael R. White at a prison, making him the first American known to be detained under President Donald Trump's administration. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state TV that Hashemi's arrest indicates the 'apartheid and racist policy' of the Trump administration. 'We hope that the innocent person will be released without any condition,' said Ghasemi. At least four other American citizens being held in Iran, including Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his 82-year-old father, Baquer, both serving 10-year sentences on espionage charges. Iranian-American art dealer Karan Vafadari and his Iranian wife, Afarin Neyssari, received 27-year and 16-year prison sentences, respectively. Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang was sentenced to 10 year in prison. Also in an Iranian prison is Nizar Zakka, a permanent U.S. resident from Lebanon who advocated for internet freedom and has done work for the U.S. government. He was sentenced to 10 years on espionage-related charges. Former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran in 2007 while on an unauthorized CIA mission, remains missing as well. Iran says that Levinson is not in the country and that it has no further information about him. His family holds Tehran responsible for his disappearance. Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone and his wife have spoken out for the first time about the kidnapping of his mother-in-law in Sao Paolo in 2016. Aparecida Schunk, 69, was snatched from her home in Sao Paolo in July 2016 after men posing as delivery drivers knocked on her front door before hitting her over the head and bundling her into a car. Ecclestone and wife Fabiana told the Telegraph they were in Budapest ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix when they received the shocking call from Fabiana's sister to tell them 'Mummy was taken from the house'. Scroll down for video Aparecida Schunk, 69, pictured left with her daughter Fabiana, who is the wife of former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (right) The Sao Paulo home (in the gated estate, pictured) of the helicopter pilot, Jorge Faria , that was involved in the kidnapping of Aparecida Schunck According to Fabiana, having sent a ransom note demanding 80million for her release, the gang then sent chilling messages containing threats of beheading and raping Mrs Schunk if the money wasn't paid. 'They told me, "Are you crazy? You want us to rape your mum?" Fabiana told the newspaper. In a separate email, the kidnappers reportedly sent over links to clips of several beheadings on YouTube. 'They said, "That's how we're going to deliver your mum's head to your sister's apartment."' Fabiana added. Nine days after her kidnapping, Fabiana's mother Aparecida was discovered with her captors in a rented flat in Cotia, on the outskirts of Sao Paolo. She was said to have been extremely shaken but otherwise unharmed. Aparecida Schunck, mother-in-law of Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, leaves a police station in Sao Paulo 'Mum was found in a very small room with only a mattress and one or two blankets,' Fabiana said. 'They had wanted to tie her hands. She keeps having flashbacks, and the last time we were in Brazil, she experienced a panic attack.' Jorge Eurico da Silva Faria, Ecclestone's former helicopter pilot, was arrested for her kidnapping, along with seven other men in the hours that followed. Faria was convicted in 2017 and sentenced to 14 years in prison, but has since made outlandish claims in the press that the entire incident was cooked up by the Ecclestones themselves. He told The Mirror: 'I believe Fabiana and her family were behind it. The whole kidnapping, nor the evidence, has ever made any sense.' Faria claimed the lack of injuries sustained by Aparecida showed there had been some collusion behind the events. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone walks through the paddock with his wife Fabiana Flosi But, speaking this week, Fabiana rubbished that theory saying: 'Mum was smashed in the face. She had to take showers and go to the toilet with the door open. Guys would sit at the corner of her bed, minding her constantly.' Ecclestone himself also brushed the claims off as nonsense, saying Faria is 'trying everything he can to get out'. The billionaire said: 'You can't blame the guy. He's done everything he can to be freed, or to be moved to another prison.' He added: 'There's no doubt in my mind she was kidnapped. 'He did this for money, 124 million euros (112million) and as I've said before many times, no one's going to give that much for a mother-in-law.' A drunk driver who killed his girlfriend when he ploughed into 22 cars in a garage has been jailed for five years. Robert Monks and his partner of ten years, Kelly Pearce, had been on a pub crawl in the run-up to the crash in Hewas Water, near Truro, Cornwall. Monks, 39, lost control of his Vauxhall Vectra while travelling at 77mph in a 50mph zone and crashed into a car dealership, destroying 22 cars parked outside. Neither Monks nor Pearce were wearing a seatbelt and Ms Pearce, who would have turned 41 the next day, was killed instantly. Monks crashed into the garage forecourt, completely destroying some of the cars on it and killing his passenger Robert Monks and his partner of ten years, Kelly Pearce, had been on a pub crawl in the run-up to the crash in Hewas Water Monks was due to stand trial last week following the crash on June 25, 2017, charged with causing death by dangerous driving whilst over the drink-drive limit. But the court accepted the lesser charge of causing death by careless driving whilst over the drink-drive limit. Opening the case at Truro Crown Court, Mr Piers Norsworthy said: 'Ms Pearce was the front seat passenger in the car when it left the road at Andrew Toms garage on the A390 road to Truro. 'The car left the road, crossed the verge, hit a traffic sign before colliding with cars on the forecourt. 'Members of the public and paramedics did what they could but Ms Pearce died at the scene. Ms Pearce died of a significant head injury. 'Earlier that day Mr Monks and Ms Pearce had visited a number of pubs and consumed alcohol.' Monks, 39, lost control of his Vauxhall Vectra while travelling at 77mph in a 50mph zone and crashed into the car dealership Mr Norsworthy said a calculation of the alcohol in Monks' blood showed 97 micrograms in 100 ml of blood, although it 'could have been higher.' Defending Monks, Emily Cook said: 'Mr Monks takes full and sole responsibility for the accident and death of Kelly Pearce. 'He received serious head injuries in the accident and has a previous drink-drive offence against him but is otherwise of good character. 'He has lost his partner of 10 years. They were a strong couple and it is difficult to lose her but all the more difficult when he was to blame.' Neither Monks nor Pearce were wearing a seatbelt and Ms Pearce, who would have turned 41 the next day, was killed instantly Sentencing Monks, Judge Simon Carr said: 'The effect on [Ms Pearce's] family and friends is incalculable and they have to come to terms with an entirely pointless death that could have been avoided. 'Nothing this court can do will minimise the pain. 'Ms Pearce's injuries were unsurvivable. I accept your suffered serious injuries yourself and lost your partner of 10 years but it was through your own decision.' Judge Carr jailed Monks for five years. A five-year-old girl who defied the odds after being given months to live because of an inoperable brain tumour has died leaving her parents 'shattered to pieces'. Annabelle Potts refused to give up hope after doctors said there was nothing they could do because of the tumour's size and location. She bravely held on for more than two years and raised $237,000 to travel to Mexico for experimental cancer treatment but her battle ended on Wednesday. Her parents Kathie and Adam Griffiths, from Canberra, confirmed on Facebook that their beautiful daughter had died. Five-year-old Annabelle Potts (pictured) had an inoperable brain tumour and travelled to Mexico for experimental cancer treatment Her parents Kathie (pictured holding Annabelle) and Adam Griffiths, from Canberra, confirmed on Facebook that Annabelle passed away on Wednesday morning 'Our hearts were broken two years ago with Annabelle's DIPG diagnosis,' they wrote on the Facebook page Love for Annabelle. 'This morning our hearts were shattered to pieces when we lost our darling Annabelle. She left us quickly and peacefully.' 'I won't say you gained your angel wings, as you already had them on earth. Everyone who's life you touched know how generous and selfless you are. 'There are no adequate words to describe your beautiful heart. I am so incredibly privileged to have been your mother. 'You're (sic) suffering has ended and ours has begun, a burden we will carry to know you are at peace, watching over us.' Annabelle was diagnosed in 2016 with the highly aggressive Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma cancer. Sydney-based doctors deemed the cancer inoperable. In 2016 Annabelle Potts (pictured) was diagnosed with the highly aggressive Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma cancer, which was expected to kill her in just six months Annabelle immediately underwent six weeks of radiotherapy, but it only managed to shrink the tumour a small amount 'I was absolutely gutted. I was in shock for about two weeks,' Ms Griffith's said at the time. 'I couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't do anything. All I had, and all I still have, is hope.' Annabelle immediately underwent six weeks of radiotherapy, but it only managed to shrink the tumour a small amount. She was then was accepted into a British clinical trial of Convection Enhanced Delivery. Annabelle (pictured with her parents and younger brother) travelled to and from Mexico multiple times for treatments, which combine intra-arterial chemotherapy with immunotherapy The brave young girl battled the illness for two years, as Sydney-based doctors deemed the cancer inoperable and gave her nine months to live The location and size of the tumour made the trial too dangerous, which made the family turn to experimental treatment in Mexico. Annabelle travelled to and from Mexico multiple times for treatments, which combine intra-arterial chemotherapy with immunotherapy, at about $25,000 per treatment. The radical trial involves feeding chemotherapy drugs through an artery in the groin to breach the blood-brain barrier and get them to the tumour. Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister has admitted a no-deal Brexit will lead to a hard border with the North - but they can't admit it to voters because it would cause a backlash, a secret recording revealed today. Simon Coveney forgot his microphone was still on as he spoke to Transport Minister Shane Ross while Theresa May suffered her humbling Commons defeat last night. He was heard confirming the need for border checks if Britain crashes out of the EU - most likely in the Irish Sea - and said: 'But we cant get into where theyll be'. He added: 'People will start delving into that and all of a sudden well be the government that reintroduced a physical border on the island of Ireland'. His admission is in stark contrast with Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's vow not to erect a hard border on the island under any circumstances. The UK government has always described a hard border as having any kind of physical infrastructure on land or sea between the UK and Ireland, including electronic checks. Irish Tanaiste Simon Coveney admitted to Transport Minister Shane Ross that a no deal Brexit will lead to a 'physical border' with the North but said they can't admit it Theresa May was humbled in the Commons and looked dejected as the scale of her defeat by 230 votes was reveale The Irish ministers' gaffe came as they appeared at a press conference in Dublin where Mr Ross admitted that he 'anticipated' there would be checks on goods moving between the UK and Ireland in the event of no deal. In a private conversation afterwards Mr Ross asked Mr Coveney: '[On] the border one, should I not have said that?' Tory backbench ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg (left), Arlene Foster (centre) and the DUP, and former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson (right) have all vowed to support the government in Wednesday night's confidence vote His more senior colleague replied: 'Yes, but we cant get into where theyll be at this stage. They could be in the sea. But once you start talking about checks anywhere near the border, people will start delving into that and all of a sudden well be the government that reintroduced a physical border on the island of Ireland'. Shane Ross then said: 'Yeah but I didnt know what to say', according to the Irish Independent, who said Mr Coveney told them: 'We are not planning to put checks on the Border'. The recorded conversation will cause a furore in Ireland and will give hope to Britain that Ireland may be willing to help convince EU leaders to avoid border checks. But publicly the Dublin government has said the negotiations are over. It came as Arlene Foster criticised Theresa May for not asking Brussels to remove the Northern Irish backstop as she condemned the Brexit deal. The Democratic Unionist Party leader said Simon Coveney had confirmed to her that the Prime Minister had not made the request. Mrs Foster was speaking at a Brexiteer event in London which was also attended by former Brexit secretaries Dominic Raab and David Davis. They all insisted that Mrs May should not step down if she loses the vote, and should go back to Brussels to renegotiate. Remainers celebrate on Parliament Square as Britain appeared to edge closer to a softer Brexit or no Brexit at all Mrs Foster told the audience she had deja vu having come to London to argue against the Withdrawal Agreement before the Meaningful Vote was pulled in December. She added that the backstop did violence to the union, and criticised comments that Northern Ireland was the price of Brexit. We said to the Prime Minister she had to get rid of the backstop and get a Withdrawal Agreement that can be lived with, she said. I dont think she even asked to get rid of the backstop. She later branded the Irish border backstop toxic and said her partys 10 MPs would vote against the Withdrawal Agreement. She said there was no need for the backstop as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar vowed not to erect a hard border on the island of Ireland. As someone who lived through the Troubles, the DUP leader said, we never had a hard border. There were 20,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland and they could not hermetically seal the border in Northern Ireland. So it is a bit of a nonsense to talk about a hard border. Mrs Foster said on Twitter: Tonight will be historic but for the wrong reasons. We will oppose the toxic backstop & vote against the WA [withdrawal agreement]. Its time for a sensible deal which governs our exit from the EU & supports all parts of the UK. She added: The Irish prime minister has indicated that he will not be putting up a hard border on the island of Ireland. The borders of the past were there for a completely different reason. They were there to stop terrorists, they were there to stop the flow of Semtex [explosives] as opposed to the flow of powdered milk. A spokesman for the Democratic Unionist Party said: The Prime Minister has known for many weeks what we require. Amendments tabled in Parliament will have no bearing on the legal status of what has been negotiated. What is required is for the Prime Minister to go and secure legally-binding changes as she promised. Theresa May's historic Commons defeat over her Brexit deal has made the front pages across the world, with international press branding the vote 'chaos', 'self-harm' and simply 'Brexs**t'. In France, Le Monde says Mrs May was subject to a 'humiliating defeat' that left the future of her Government and Brexit 'more uncertain than ever'. Le Figaro carried a comment on the vote by President Emmanuel Macron, who said that Brits should not expect much movement on the withdrawal agreement from Brussels, adding 'the first losers of this are the British.' Clear message: German tabloid newspaper Bild, simply declared that Britain is heading for 'Brexs**t' 'Collision course': Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad's front page was made up of a large cartoon of Theresa May as a captain trying to steer the UK ship through a storm, with Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson as ship rats French newspapers also covered the vote, with Le Figaro including comments by President Macron, who said that 'the first losers of this are the British' Dutch daily Algemeen Dagblad's front page was made up of a large cartoon of Theresa May as a captain trying to steer the UK ship through a storm, with Jeremy Corbyn, Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson as ship rats, headlined 'collision course'. The Prime Minister's loss is on the front page of El Pais in Spain, which says the 'crushing defeat' make the 'crisis' over Brexit worse. In Germany Der Spiegel says Mrs May's Brexit plan has been 'shattered' and asks: 'Must she go now?' - while a commentator for Bild describes the situation as 'Brexs**t'. Mrs May was on the front page of two major Italian newspapers today, with La Repubblica declaring 'May on the edge of the abyss'. Uncertainty: Diario de Noticias, a Portuguese daily tabloid newspaper, had May looking into the distance on its front page The New York Times' front page reported on yesterday's loss but also noted that the no-confidence vote is coming up later on Wednesday Greek and Italian newspapers also covered the vote result, with La Repubblica declaring 'May on the edge of the abyss' Spanish national daily ABC put the Union flag on their front page on Wednesday In Belgium L'Echo's headline reads 'The shadow of a hard Brexit', while La Libre Belgique mulls 'the jump into the void of the British parliament'. Diario de Noticias, a Portuguese daily tabloid newspaper, had Mrs May looking into the distance on its front page on Wednesday. The Brexit vote is also on the front of four papers in Sweden, the Svenska Dagbladet, which leads with Mrs May's 'historic loss', and the Dagens Nyheter, which says: 'After the historic setback - May's fate can be decided today.' Tabloid Aftonbladet's expert declares that 'what Britain is doing is self-harm'. 'Humiliating': El Mundo, Spain's second largest newspaper, called the vote 'humiliating' and said it had left Brexit in limbo 'Great defeat': Scandinavian newspapers, Svenska Dagbladet in Sweden and Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten in Denmark both chose large photos of Theresa May looking down In Denmark the national Jyllands-Posten leads with the 'big defeat for May', saying it leaves Brexit facing 'maximum insecurity'. The New York Times describes the loss as a 'humiliating defeat' that has 'thrust Britain further into political chaos', and picked up on Mrs May's warning before the vote that the decision will 'set the future of our country for generations'. The paper says: 'Like most others, though, the prime minister had no easy answers about the way forward.' The South China Morning Post wrote Theresa May's Brexit deal 'basically dead' and like many other newspapers declared the entire process of leaving the EU to be 'in chaos.' Okpara (pictured) stuffed his hand down a young nurse's trousers at the hospital A married A&E doctor who stuffed his hand down a nurse's trousers and repeatedly groped her after becoming 'obsessed' with her bottom has been struck off. Udodiri Okpara preyed on the woman during campaign of pestering at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff. The 48-year-old stood with his groin against the young nurse's rear while she took blood from a patient. The father of two followed her into a store room, held her from behind and put his hand down her trousers. And when she begged him stop, Okpara pleaded: 'Please, just a little longer- it's okay - you just have this effect on me.' But he tried to convince the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service that it was she who had pursued him. The panel struck him off for sexually motivated misconduct. During one incident, Okpara led the nurse - known as Ms A - into a room on the premise of discussing a patient's care before closing the door and telling her: 'If you give me a hug I'll let you out.' He also invited her out 'to drink champagne,' offered to buy her underwear, and repeatedly found occasions to brush against her bottom and made lewd remarks about it. When asked to step back on one occasion, he said: 'Why? I'm just standing here. When you like someone it's hard not to be this close.' Okpara (pictured) tried to convince the panel that the nurse had made advances on him Okpara, who worked three locum stints at the hospital, preyed on the nurse between May 2014 and August 2016. Ms A told the Manchester hearing on January 8: 'He started touching my bottom - if we were stood on hand over around a place where I could not move, he would sometimes rest his hand there for around 30 seconds to a minute. 'If we were walking down a corridor it might be for 20 to 30 seconds. 'It was for a long enough period of time where it would not have been an accident and it happened so often that I cannot recall the first time it occurred. 'I tended not to say anything, I would give him a look or I would move away because I was feeling uncomfortable - but it would always be in a situation where it would be awkward for me to make a scene or say something.' Okpara, who had a clean 22-year record in the profession, claimed the nurse had flirted with him, repeatedly initiated physical contact and tried to persuade him to buy her a 3,000 designer handbag. The married doctor (pictured) would position himself with his groin touching the nurse's bottom while they were working But colleagues described the nurse as 'prudish,' 'timid,' and 'quite religious.' Giving evidence, one senior nurse said: 'It was like Dr Okpara had picked Ms A out as he knew she wouldn't say anything. 'Ms A is a very good person and will always see the good in people. She is quiet and a genuinely lovely girl.' Panel chair Kim Neale said striking Okpara from the medical register was needed to 'send a message to the medical profession that this behaviour is unacceptable'. Okpara, of Thamesmead, south London, has 28 days to appeal the decision. Shocking footage captured the moment a driver was forced to slam on his brakes after a toddler in a pram rolled into a busy main road while the mother was in a pound shop. The young girl is strapped into the buggy as it rolled off the pavement and into the line of a car approaching a queue of cars at a red light. Bodrul Islam, who was driving along Longsight, Manchester, when his dashcam caught the moment, hit the brakes as a pedestrian runs into the road to wheel the pram out of harm's way. Footage shot from Bodrul Islam's dashcam shows the toddler's pram wheeling into a busy road Mr Islam said the toddler's parents were slow to react after the incident and the mother did not thank the Good Samaritan who saved her daughter. Reacting to the incident, Mr Islam said the girl was 'just like a deer in headlights'. The 32-year-old, from Burnage, was also slowing down for the red light when he spotted the child rolling into the road at around 4.40pm on Tuesday. Mr Islam said: 'I stopped and I was shouting and swearing as I got out my car and I realised it was a kid. 'I put my hazards on and a guy ran across the road and grabbed the kid. The child is eventually wheeled out the road by a Good Samaritan who crosses over from the other side after seeing the toddler roll into the path of oncoming traffic 'It was a little girl, she didn't know what was going on, she just like a deer in headlights. 'In the moment, I was just shocked and concerned.' He claimed: 'It wasn't the parent, the mother who came first, it felt like ages.' He added the person who saved the child from harm's way was not thanked by the person who had saved the child. He added: 'This woman came out the pound shop and just walked off, she didn't say anything, she just shoved off and ran.' Dr Siradzh Mokhammad pictured leaving his medical tribunal hearing in Manchester. The 46-year-old allegedly flew into a temper tantrum after not being able to find a parking space A foul mouthed doctor threw a four-letter temper tantrum at hospital car parking staff after he found himself unable to park his vehicle as he arrived for work, a medical tribunal heard. Dr Siradzh Mokhammad, 46, allegedly branded one official a 'donkey' and 'not human' and told another he was 'a mother******' after he turned up at 9am to find the hospital car park was full, it was said. The medic, from Walsall, who had a parking pass was 'ranting and raving' and repeatedly using the f-word when he learnt there was no parking spaces available for him at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, it was claimed. His tirade allegedly escalated when he was advised his vehicle was currently blocking the entrance to the car park. During his outburst Mokhammad threw his pass onto a ledge saying: 'I'm f******g angry', then demanded the names of the three parking officials before taking their pictures and threatening to take legal action, it was said. Staff tried to calm him down but the doctor allegedly went on: 'You're a donkey - you're not human, you are an animal. Come on, hit me - I will have you.' Mokhammad stormed off into the hospital after illegally parking his car in another space and was subsequently issued with a parking ticket. He was later reported to the General Medical Council over his bad language. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service heard Mokhammad was working as a locum Senior House Officer at the QEH when encountered the three parking officials known as Miss A, Mr B and Mr C in Car Park F on May 17 2017. Dr Siradzh Mokhammad, 46, was 'ranting and raving' and repeatedly using the F-word when he learnt there was no parking spaces available for him at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham (pictured), it was claimed Miss Laura Barbour, lawyer for the General Medical Council, told the Manchester hearing: 'He went into the car park and couldn't find a space and he became verbally abusive, aggressive and threatening to staff members. 'Miss A says he came over to her window 'ranting and raving' and saying he had paid for something he couldn't use. She asked him to calm down but he didn't so she went to back off and got the assistant manager who went to see him. 'Dr Mokhammad shouted to him too before moving his car so that nobody could get in or get out and removed his bag. 'Another supervisor went over and asked him to move but at that point he became physically aggressive towards the members of staff. 'He had his arms out and was saying: 'Come on, hit me, I will have you out, come on, hit me'. Miss Barbour added staff said Dr Mokhammad parked in the wrong area, before going back to the desk, taking photos of staff members, and using abusive language. Staff said this arose out of him not having anywhere to park. The doctor told staff he was going to be taking further legal action. They explained how the system worked but he told them: 'I paid you as normal'. Miss A an administrative assistant at the car park said: 'We've had to deal with many stressed patients trying to park to visit the hospital and we have dealt with many doctors unable to park and nurses unable to park. 'The doctor was annoyed because he was unable to park his car and he began parking in a way that was blocking the entrance. He came over to the office then and started shouting about that he couldn't find a space. Miss A added that he was shouting, becoming 'irate' and kept talking over her when she was trying to explain the parking situation. Mr B an assistant manager in his 40s said: 'If there's no spaces, there's no spaces - this sort of thing happens everyday, was in the back at the managers office when the doctor said to Miss A: 'Why have I paid for this when there's no parking spaces'. 'He sounded irate and abrupt and his voice was high pitched. I heard her say: 'if you're going to talk to me in that way I'm getting away from you' and that's when I came out and told him to calm down. He then threw his parking pass towards me onto the ledge and that's when he swore at me. He wasn't calm, he was shouting and his voice was raised. 'He swore on my mother, my wife, he called me an animal and said I was not a human being. I back off when he swore at me but he had parked his car in the middle of the road. Mr C spoke to him and I followed him out and I just told the doctor to move the car. 'I did tell him to mind his language but he had his arms out and he was moving his hands and he had his face in my face. 'He called me a donkey. I just walked away and went back to the office. 'He was saying 'come on, I'll have you.' I wasn't the aggressor in this situation.' Mr C who in his 30s said: 'I have heard many complaints over the years from doctors and staff being unable to find spaces and people often lose their tempers. 'I could tell the doctor was frustrated but I told him to move his car as it was causing an obstruction to other vehicles.' Mr C added that a ticket was put on the doctor's car because he was parked in the wrong place, and that the medic took a photo of him. Mokhammad denies verbally abusing the staff, and denies charges of using offensive, insulting, aggressive or threatening behaviour. His lawyer Stephen Brassington told Mr C: 'The reality is, this man came to collect an explanation, he was frustrated by your failure to answer his questions and you and Mr B lost your tempers together and you intimidated him to go away'. The hearing was told there was no CCTV of the incident. The misconduct hearing continues. This is the horrific moment Indian worshipers force cows to jump through a line of fire as part of a religious festival. The people of Karnataka in southern India were celebrating the festival of Makar Sankranti. Ahead of the ritual, the animals are dressed up with garlands and other decorations before being forced to jump over a line of fire with their owners. These are the shocking scenes when terrified cattle are forced to run through a line of fire as part of a Hindu harvest festival designed to bring good luck for the coming year The people of Karnataka in southern India were celebrating the festival of Makar Sankranti The animals are dressed up with garlands and bells before being driven through the fire Organisers of the event spread dry straw along the road before setting it alight. A video of the shocking event shows that the animals are clearly distressed by the ordeal. The event is mostly organised in southern India and is held in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It has been widely criticised by animal welfare organisations who have called on the government to stop the tradition. Organisers claim that the fire is not big enough to injure anybody. The annual event celebrates the Hindu harvest festival and the ritual is designed to bring good fortune and protection from harm. The Makar Sankaranti festival marks the advent of spring and is celebrated by kite-flying and other regional festivities in the month of January. As part of the festival the cows are decorated with garlands and bells and walked over burning hay. The age-old ritual is believed to bring good fortune and keep cows, which are sacred to Hindus, and other livestock and crops from harm's way. Organisers pile a load of dry straw in the middle of a road before setting it alight Animal welfare organisations have criticised the annual event although the Hindu organisers insist that none of the animals were hurt during the festival Crisis in Israeli judicial system, probes and an arrest Supreme Court President vows to find truth (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JANUARY 16 - An Israeli police spokesman on Wednesday said the elite 433 police force has opened an investigation into possible infractions that may have taken place in the nomination of judges. The announcement was the first confirmation of insistent online rumours in recent days regarding a serious scandal in the country's judicial system. The spokesman said an attorney was arrested yesterday on suspicion of having been involved in the situation. On Wednesday, the 433 summoned a female justice of the peace and a female attorney as witnesses. Agents also conducted searches and seized documents and computers. Supreme Court President Ester Hayut and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked said the investigation will bring the truth to light and expressed confidence that it will wrap up as soon as possible "to ensure public faith in the judicial system". According to state radio, the president of the Israeli Bar Association, Effi Naveh, is planning to submit his resignation, but thus far he has not directly confirmed this.(ANSAmed). The heartbroken father of a two-year-old boy who fell down a 350ft-deep well in a freak accident has said he is clinging to the hope an angel watching over them will save his son's life. Julen Rosello plunged down the 10-inch borehole around 2pm on Sunday as his father Jose prepared a family paella. Rescuers have yet to locate the missing boy underground - but confirmed on Wednesday morning hair had been found in the borehole. It was discovered in a blockage of earth and sand around 250ft down and is thought to belong to the youngster. Jose Rosello (left), father of Julen who fell down a well, cries as rescue efforts continue to find the boy in Totalan, southern Spain This is the first picture of two-year-old Julen (pictured with his family), who has been trapped down a well for four days This photo posted by local firefighters show the small 15in-wide hole Julen fell down on Sunday afternoon His parents Jose and Vicky, both 29, have spent day and night at the spot near Totalan a half-hour's drive from the Costa del Sol capital of Malaga which is now the scene of a massive search and rescue operation involving police, firefighters, Civil Protection workers and private sector experts. Speaking shortly before a claim by a Spanish news website that the boy's body had been located which government officials later confirmed was a false alarm, Jose said: 'We're dead inside but with the hope we have an angel watching over us who is going to help him to come out alive as soon as possible.' Asked what was giving him strength, he added as he fought back tears: 'Knowing that I'm going to see my son alive.' Jose gave his first impromptu press conference since Sunday's accident alongside the father of a Spanish five-year-old girl killed by a paedophile in January 2008. Juan Jose Cortes, who received a message of support from Gerry and Kate McCann after his daughter Mari Luz's body was found, travelled to the search scene to comfort Julen's family. Jose and fast food restaurant worker Vicky, who live in the Malaga neighbourhood of El Palo, lost a three-year-old son two years ago. Oliver died instantly after suffering a heart attack in May 2017 believed to be linked to a congenital heart defect, 21 days after collapsing in the street while he was out with an older relative. Julen Rosello's mother Vicki was seen at the search site earlier on Wednesday The boy's distraught mother, Vicky, waits anxiously for an update at the scene on Tuesday afternoon Overnight his father, who lives in the Malaga neighbourhood of El Palo, recalled the moment he realised Julen had disappeared down the borehole on a family-owned property as he prepared lunch with friends and relatives including a cousin. He told a Spanish TV programme: 'I was putting some more wood on for the fire and ran towards him. 'My cousin was a bit nearer and threw herself on the ground as I reached the orifice. 'He had already gone. I heard him cry at first but then I didn't hear him cry anymore.' Fighting back tears in an emotional message to his son, he said: 'The only thing I can say is 'Stay calm Julen. Daddy loves you and your brother is going to help us.' In an interview with Malaga-based paper Sur he added: 'My wife went to phone into work to let them know she wasn't going. A massive rescue team are at the well with specialist equipment to 'suck' earth out of the well to reveal whether the boy is trapped underneath 'She was with Julen and asked me to keep an eye on him as she made the call. He was only a few feet away. 'I went to get a couple of logs for the fire for the paella and he began to run. 'We saw how he fell down the hole, my cousin more than me because she was closer.' A Swedish firm which helped locate the 33 Chilean miners rescued in 2010 after 69 days underground has joined the massive operation to try to locate Julen ahead of his hoped-for rescue alive. Civil Guard officers leading the operation have not yet spotted the youngster on a rotating camera lowered into the borehole on a robot, retrieving only a bag of sweets and a plastic cup from the same blockage of sand and earth where the boy's hair was discovered. Police insist they are working on the basis Julen is still alive, although privately officials have admitted the chances he will have survived what is likely to be more than 100 hours underground are slim unless he is in an air pocket and has access to water. Officials have said they hope to reach Julen between 24 and 48 hours from the start of excavation work on a new tunnel on Wednesday night. Preparation work on one of two tunnels planned - a horizontal tunnel which will be dug across the hillside in the direction of the well Julen is trapped in - took place during most of Wednesday. Family members console each other yesterday as the rescue team worked round the clock to find the child Another vertical tunnel running parallel to the borehole the youngster is in is also planned. Work to 'suck' off earth and sand in the hole he fell down is still ongoing, but it was hampered by machinery breakage and has been interrupted so the inside of the borehole can be cased to make it safer. Julen's dad has revealed the borehole was made by a prospector at the request of his cousin's boyfriend but no water had been found. The prospector has told police he complied with the law by sealing the hole after it was made but Julen's family say it had simply been covered with stones that weren't properly laid. A report published by Spanish news website El Espanol at lunchtime today claiming the boy's body had been found in the well was dismissed as a false alarm by government officials and police. The website later withdrew its report from its website, prompting anger from social media users and a tweet from a regional emergency services coordinator which said: 'Don't report false news. 'Trust only official sources and don't spread rumour or information that hasn't been confirmed.' Angela Merkel urged Theresa May to come up with a new plan on Brexit today as she insisted there is still time to negotiate. The German Chancellor heaped pressure on the PM by insisting the UK must provide solutions to the impasse after the House of Commons delivered a huge rejection of her deal. The challenge came as EU splits emerged, with senior figures warning against delaying the Brexit date - while Michel Barnier said Brussels is ramping up no-deal preparations. The comments appeared to clash with French President Emmanuel Macron, who last night suggested he believes the UK will need more time. Ireland has also made clear it would not block any request to extend the Article 50 process. The Irish PM Leo Varadkar today admitted that a no deal Brexit would hammer his country's economy. But he laid the blame for the Brexit chaos at Mrs May's feet and said she must abandon her 'red lines' to get a deal done. German Chancellor Angela Merkel heaped pressure on Mrs May by saying it was for the PM to propose Brexit solutions Addressing the EU parliament in the aftermath of the drubbing, Michel Barnier claimed the terms still represented 'the best possible compromise' Mr Barnier ruled out abandoning the concept of an Irish border backstop - something Brexiteers have been demanding Speaking in Berlin this morning, Mrs Merkel suggested there was still enough time left to rework the package. 'We still have time to negotiate but we're now waiting on what the Prime Minister proposes,' she told reporters. Irish PM admits no deal Brexit would hammer his economy and urges May to axe her red lines Irish PM Leo Varadkar called for Theresa May to abandon her red lines on the single market and customs union to get a Brexit deal The Irish PM Leo Varadkar today admitted that a no deal Brexit would hammer his country's economy. But he laid the blame for the chaos at Mrs May's feet and said she must abandon her 'red lines' to get a deal. Mr Varadkar said the 'problem' lies with Westminster and said the PM must abandon her red lines of leaving the EU's customs union and single market. He said: 'We should never forget that Brexit is a British policy that originated in Westminster. That solution has now been rejected by Westminster, the problem now lies there.' He added: 'The onus is on Westminster to come up with solutions that they can support, but they must be solutions that the EU and Ireland can accept. 'We have always said that if the UK were to evolve from its red lines on the Customs Union and the Single Market, that the European position would evolve also.' Although he admitted that a no deal Brexit would harm Ireland's own economy. Mr Varadkar said: 'A no-deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs, on the economy, particularly the traded and agri-food sectors, our farmers and fishermen, our rural economy, our businessmen and women all over the country. 'A no-deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland, so we have to work hard to avoid it.' Advertisement However, Berlin's foreign minister Heiko Maas insisted there should only be an extension if there was a 'path' to implementing a deal. And Dr Volker Treier of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce said: 'Better a horrible ending than unending horror.' Addressing MEPs in Strasbourg, the EU's chief negotiator Mr Barnier said he was 'sad' that MPs voted down the Brexit deal and made clear the bloc would now be stepping up 'contingency' planning. He said the Commons had failed to 'define an alternative, insisting the existing package still represented 'the best possible compromise'. He also ruled out abandoning the Irish border backstop - something Brexiteers have been demanding. 'It's up to the UK government now to decide how it will take things forward,' Mr Barnier told MEPs. Mr Varadkar said the 'problem' of the Brexit chaos lies with Westminster and said the PM must abandon her red lines of leaving the EU's customs union and single market. He said: 'We should never forget that Brexit is a British policy that originated in Westminster. That solution has now been rejected by Westminster, the problem now lies there.' He added: 'The onus is on Westminster to come up with solutions that they can support, but they must be solutions that the EU and Ireland can accept. 'We have always said that if the UK were to evolve from its red lines on the Customs Union and the Single Market, that the European position would evolve also.' Although he admitted that a no deal Brexit would harm Ireland's own economy. Mr Varadkar said: 'A no-deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs, on the economy, particularly the traded and agri-food sectors, our farmers and fishermen, our rural economy, our businessmen and women all over the country. 'A no-deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland, so we have to work hard to avoid it.' Berlin's foreign minister Heiko Maas (pictured left) said there was no point extending the Article 50 unless there was a clear 'path' for how a settlement can be reached , while Jean-Claude Juncker made as dash back to Brussels amid the Brexit crisis European politicians have been digesting the unprecedented drubbing handed out to the UK government last night. What are the splits on Brexit within the EU? The other 27 EU member states have managed to put on a united front so far in the Brexit talks, but cracks are now beginning to emerge. Here are some of the main EU countries involved in the Brexit debate and what they think. France: Emmanuel Macron has made no secret of his hopes to use Brexit to steal lucrative business away from London and to Paris. In the wake of last night's historic defeat, he said France is ramping up no deal preparations. Germany Angela Merkel has struck a more conciliatory tone after Theresa May's devastating defeat, insisting there is still time to negotiate a deal. Holland One of Britain's biggest trading partners and oldest allies, Holland is seen as more sympathetic to Britain on Brexit than other EU states. But Dutch PM Mark Rutte has offered little practical support in talks. Poland: Nearly 1 million Poles live in the UK, and British troops and planes are stationed in Poland to help protect it from Russia. These close ties means Poland is more sympathetic to the UK that others in the EU, and there are hopes that this will help the UK to secure a Brexit trade deal with the bloc. Advertisement EU Council President Donald Tusk suggested if MPs cannot agree a deal and don't want to crash out without one, they should consider reversing the historic vote. And EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned that 'time is almost up' as he announced no deal planning will be ramped up in the wake of the defeat. He made a dash back to Brussels for emergency Brexit meetings as the deal was voted down by 432 votes to 202 - meaning a staggering 230 MPs voted against her. Mr Tusk said: 'If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?' Mr Juncker said last night: 'The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote. 'While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared. 'I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up.' However, signs of divisions have started to emerge, with some senior figures such as Mr Macron suggesting the Brexit process will have to be extended and others urging more compromise. But Mr Barnier said Brussels was also stepping up its preparations for a no-deal Brexit. In an interview on Deutschlandfunk public radio, Mr Maas played down the idea of extending Article 50. 'It would only make sense (to extend the deadline) if there is a path to the goal of a deal between the EU and Great Britain,' he said. He also voiced doubt that any significant improvements could be made to the draft Withdrawal Agreement. 'We have a compromise,' Mr Maas said. 'If more could have been offered, it would have been done weeks ago.' Delta Air Lines can't get eight new aircraft in the air. Roughly a million government employees and contractors aren't being paid. Some Americans who are trying to start small businesses face delays in obtaining the required tax identification number from the IRS. As the partial government shutdown moves through its fourth week with no end in sight, the economic blow is being felt not only by federal workers but also by business people, households and travelers across the country. And while the hit to the overall economy so far remains slight, economists foresee real damage if the shutdown drags into February or beyond. 'Even if the shutdown is over by the end of the month, the hit to growth will be material,' Ian Shepherdson, chief economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, said in a research note. Shepherdson projects that after growing for nearly 10 years, the economy might even contract in this year's first quarter if the shutdown lasts through March. Grounded: Delta, led by CEO Ed Bastian, is unable to get approval for eight new planes it wants into its fleet Delayed: Security lines such as these at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson, are hitting air travel and will impact the economy Other forecasts are less dire. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, thinks that if the shutdown extends that long, the economy would slow by 0.5 percentage point but would remain on solid footing. On Tuesday, Kevin Hassett, a top economist in the White House, acknowledged that the shutdown was weighing on the economy more than he had previously estimated. Hassett, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said the White House now calculates that annual growth is slowing by about 0.1 percentage point a week. With the shutdown in its fourth week, that calculation would suggest that the economy has lost nearly a half-percentage point of annual growth so far, though some of that loss occurred at the end of last year and some in the first quarter of this year. Hassett said the economy should enjoy a boost whenever the government reopens. Previous White House estimates of the impact didn't fully take into account the effects on people who work for private companies that contract with the government to provide services, Hassett said. Feeling the pinch: Trump faces an end to 10 years of growth if the shutdown goes into March The shutdown is rippling through the economy in ways that are not always visible, making it hard to fully assess its consequences. Complicating the task is that much of the economic data the government normally provides - from retail sales to home construction to the nation's gross domestic product - has been suspended because the agencies that compile it remain closed. With national parks shut down and some travelers suffering through long security lines and in some cases partial airport closures, for example, many Americans are having to decide whether to cancel travel and vacation plans. 'It is now plainly evident that the shutdown is affecting air travel, and when that happens, damage to the overall U.S. economy will shortly follow,' said Jonathan Grella, a spokesman for the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group. Some companies are pointing to specific problems: Delta said Tuesday that the shutdown is costing it $25 million a month in government travel. Its CEO, Edward Bastian, said that with the Federal Aviation Administration partially closed, Delta will also likely delay the start date of eight new aircraft. The Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees public stock offerings, is mostly closed because of the shutdown. As a result, some companies that had been planning initial public offerings in coming months, including Uber and Lyft, are likely facing delays. Marianne Lake, chief financial officer for JPMorgan Chase, said the bank could lose out on fees from IPOs and merger and acquisition deals that would be delayed if other shuttered agencies can't approve them. For small companies, too, the effects are increasingly being felt. Edward Farrer, an executive at Principal Manufacturing Corp., a manufacturer in Broadview, Illinois, said that when the shutdown took effect, his company had nearly won approval for a request to the Commerce Department to import specialty steel from Europe free of U.S. tariffs. Commerce is among the now-closed government departments. Hit by slowdown: Future mergers, acquisition and initial public offerings are all being delayed because the Commerce Department is furloughed Big name delays: Expected initial public offerings by rideshare giants are being delayed by the shutdown 'We think we'd got it to the goal line and were waiting for an approval, but everything is at an impasse because of the shutdown,' Farrer said. Principal Manufacturing uses mainly American-made steel in the parts it sells to automakers and other industrial companies. But it imports some steel from Europe that is used to make a component for auto underbodies. Last spring, it asked the Trump administration to exclude that steel from the 25 percent tariffs the White House imposed on steel imports. Commerce was considering the request as part of a process the administration had established for companies that say they can't obtain the steel they import from elsewhere. For now, Farrer says Principal is paying the tariffs, which typically cost the company tens of thousands of dollars a month. It wants to keep doing the work, so it is eating the cost, Farrer said. 'But we can't do it forever.' Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber has heard from members that have been unable to obtain an employer identification number from the IRS. That number is needed to open bank accounts and file tax returns. Eric Smith, an IRS spokesman, said most U.S.-based businesses can obtain the numbers online, but paper applications aren't being processed. The most hard-hit by the shutdown, of course, are government workers themselves, who missed their first paychecks Friday, and contractors that work closely with the government. Many have had to cut back on purchases, lowering overall consumer spending. Among them is Pearl Fraley of Greenville, North Carolina, a consumer safety inspector for the food safety inspection service. Fraley, 53, helps ensure the safety of the nation's food supply by monitoring slaughter processing plants. National park fears: Closures of facilities national parks such as Mount Hood Forest Sno-Park in Oregon, where state governor Kate Brown's husband Dan Little took a selfie, are set to hit the vacation industry - which is also set to be hit by 800,000 people without paychecks Fraley's job, which she's held for over 15 years, is deemed essential, so she's had to go to work even though she isn't being paid. She and her co-workers were told in an email that if they work 40 hours, they aren't eligible for unemployment benefits under North Carolina rules - even though they're receiving no pay. Fraley said she feels like 'an indentured servant' and said her stress level is 'over the top.' 'I can't pay my rent,' she said. 'I can't pay my car payment or insurance. I have money for gas to go to work and for food.' For now, her 25-year-old daughter is contributing some of the money she earns from working at McDonald's. Zandi said the shutdown could inflict longer-term damage on the government - and ultimately on the economy - in ways that might not be obvious. He noted, for example, that some demoralized federal employees, particularly those with vital skills in such areas as cybersecurity, might quit for jobs in the private sector. Federal agencies may also have a harder time recruiting young workers. 'Government workers have options,' Zandi said, particularly with unemployment low and many employers desperate to fill jobs. 'This could be quite debilitating to the government.' Hassett said Tuesday that the Council of Economic Advisers itself may lose a potential new hire because of the shutdown. A 'young staffer who we hired for the first job out of grad school ... just informed us that they might have to turn down the job and move back home because they can't start ... and they can't be paid,' Hassett said. The Saudi teenager granted asylum in Canada is defiantly enjoying her newfound freedom in the West - by trying bacon for the first time and going for Starbucks coffee with bare legs. Rahaf Mohammed, who has renounced her last name al-Qunun after her family disowned her, captured global attention last week after she barricaded herself in an airport hotel room in Bangkok. The 18-year-old did so in a bid to avoid being sent home to her family, saying she feared for her life. Her family has denied abuse. A new life: Rahaf Mohammed, 18, posted a picture of her breakfast accompanied with bacon and heart-emojis and a Canadian flag, and a cup of Starbucks coffee New life: The knee-length dress the teenager wore is far from the covering outfits women are required to wear in Saudi Arabia Since arriving in Toronto over the weekend, Ms Mohammed has been settling into her new life - including getting winter clothes and phone service. And she's also been enjoying the freedoms she wasn't able to when living in the conservative kingdom. On Tuesday, she shared a picture on Snapchat of her breakfast of Canadian-style bacon and eggs captioned 'Omg bacon' with heart emojis and the Canada flag. She also shared a picture of her morning coffee from Starbucks, with her knee-length grey wool dress that show off her bare legs also visible in the snap. The images of the teenager embracing her new life in Canada come as the refugee agency helping her settle in Toronto revealed it has hired a security guard amid threats to her safety. Ms Mohammed, who has renounced her last name al-Qunun, speaks at the COSTI Corvetti Education Centre in Toronto, Ontario, on Tuesday The brave 18-year-old said she wants to help other women flee Saudi Arabia as it's revealed she'll have round-the-clock security Ms Mohammed, accompanied by Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland, right, and Saba Abbas, general counsellor of COSTI refugee service agency, left, arrives in Toronto, Ontario, on Saturday Mario Calla, the executive director of Costi Immigrant Services, which has been contracted by the Canadian government to help Ms Mohammed, said she has received multiple threats online. Mr Calla said he has hired a security guard to ensure 'she is never alone,' adding that the agency is taking the threats seriously. 'She sees these threats. She has left Islam and she basically has broken away from her family, and that scares her,' he added. The agency is helping her settle in temporary housing and apply for a health card. In a press conference on Tuesday, Ms Mohammed thanked the Canadian and Thai governments as well as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 'I am one of the lucky ones,' she said in a statement read on her behalf by a settlement worker. 'I know there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality.' New style: Ms Mohammed has begun adapting to life in Canada after being granted asylum, with a photo showing her all bundled up in a winter jacket and woolly hat Before: The teenager, pictured with her 12-year-old sister, said it had upset her that her family had announced they had disowned her 'simply because I wanted to escape their abuse' Ms Mohammed arrived in Canada over the weekend after a week in limbo in Bangkok. She fled her family while visiting Kuwait and flew to Bangkok, with the intention of flying on to Australia to seek asylum last week. But after she was denied entry into Thailand, she barricaded herself in a hotel room to avoid deportation and began tweeting - quickly amassing a huge following. Thai authorities eventually allowed her to enter the country and the UN refugee agency began to seek a home for her. She said that when she learned she had been granted asylum in Canada, the 'stress I felt over the last week melted away.' Ms Mohammed also said in her press conference that she wants to work in support of freedom for women around the world. 'Today and for years to come, I will work in support of freedom for women around the world,' she said. From her personal Twitter account, Ms Mohammed thanked everyone for their support, saying she had never 'dreamed of this love' Canada is now the new home for Saudi refugee Ms Mohammed, after the country responded to a request by the UNHCR The 18-year-old was detained in Thailand following her arrival in the country. She is pictured having barricaded herself in an airport hotel room in a bid to avoid deportation 'The same freedom I experienced on the first day I arrived in Canada.' But she added that her first priority is to learn English. She said she wants to be independent, travel and make her own decisions on education, on a career and who she will marry. 'I had no say in any of this. Today I can proudly say that I am capable of making all those decisions,' she said. Her plight has drawn attention to Saudi Arabia's strict social rules, including a requirement that women have the permission of a male 'guardian' to travel. She said that women in Saudi Arabia 'can't be independent and they need the approval of their male guardian for everything. 'Any woman who thinks of escaping, or escapes, will be at risk of persecution.' The pound has climbed against the dollar and Euro this evening as markets react to Theresa May's no confidence vote victory. Mrs May's government survived a no confidence vote by 325 to 306, launched by Jeremy Corbyn after her EU deal suffered a resounding defeat last night. In the moments directly after the vote, the pound climbed against both the dollar and the Euro - latching onto the short-term stability afforded by Mrs May's victory. The pound started to rise against the dollar in the moments after the no-confidence vote, which Mrs May's government won with 325 votes against 306. It remained stable for the rest of the evening. Pictured is the pound against the dollar today Sterling had been in a resilient mood during the day, and began to rise slightly against the Euro in the moments after the vote. It remained stable for the rest of the evening. Pictured is the pound against the Euro today A jubilant PM pledged to deliver on the 'solemn promise we made to the people of the UK' to deliver Brexit, and said she was inviting other party leaders individually for talks Nigel Green, founder and chief executive of deVere Group, said the pound, the FTSE and UK financial assets can be expected to rally over the next few days. He said: 'Indeed, based on these latest developments, most scenarios favour sterling and UK stocks as they are currently undervalued. 'I believe there to be more opportunities than risk for sterling and UK assets from here.' Sterling had been in a resilient mood during the day, holding onto gains ahead of a the Parliamentary no-confidence vote on Mr May's Government. The pound was trading broadly flat versus the US dollar and euro at 1.285 and 1.127 respectively, as MPs once again prepared to cast their ballot. The sterling tanked to a near two-year low soon after the Government's proposal on leaving the European Union was soundly beaten last night, but soon bounced back. Traders bet there would not be a No Deal exit, and analysts said the positive news is that the options for the future are now narrowing in the long-running saga. The :$ rate over the past 24 hours. Sterling clawed back initial heavy losses overnight after yesterday's crushing Brexit deal defeat in Parliament (pictured prior to the no-confidence vote) It was slightly lower in Asia, but the pound avoided the sort of pummelling many had predicted. At 5pm today, 1 was at $1.2860, compared to $1.2761 at the last close. Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index, said: 'Trades are taking an optimistic view of Theresa May's historic defeat last night. 'The deadlock is so apparent in Parliament and the result so dire that traders view the chances of a no-deal Brexit as greatly reduced. 'Extending Article 50 and/or a softer version of Brexit, or no Brexit at all are the most viable options now, in the eyes of the market.' Bank of England governor Mark Carney also chimed in, saying the pound's rebound after the Commons vote signals market hope that Brexit can be delayed, but warned over further volatility. Traders work at their desks at CMC Markets in London today after the Parliamentary vote With Mrs May expected to the win a vote of no confidence called by the opposition Labour Party, talk among traders turned to what happens next. 'Sterling spent the day acting as if it didn't have a care in the world,' said Connor Campbell, financial analyst at SpreadEx. 'The currency is in for another rough night, however, as investors prepare for the no-confidence vote in Theresa May and whatever fresh Brexit hell its aftermath brings.' Analysts say she could ask to delay Britain's March 29 exit, while there is growing speculation of a general election and even another referendum. Jasper Lawler, head of research at London Capital Group, said traders were hoping the Commons defeat might kick Brexit into the long grass. He said: 'Rather than seeing this as a step closer towards a no-deal Brexit, as Theresa May had originally threatened, traders are seeing this as a move towards extending Article 50 and delaying Brexit. 'The perceived probability of a no-deal Brexit is diminishing, which is pound-positive.' A traders looks at market data on his screens at CMC Markets in London this morning While Mr Campbell said: 'The no-confidence motion tabled by Labour seems to have given the currency a glimmer of hope that a softer Brexit, a Brexit delay, or, whisper it, no Brexit at all, might be in the offing.' But experts warned of further volatility ahead for the pound, even if Mrs May and the Government win Labour's vote of no confidence. Traders watch TV screens as they work at their desks at CMC Markets in London today Mr Lawler added: 'Whilst this level of uncertainty looms over UK politics and Brexit, we don't expect the pound to push much higher.' Gavin Friend at National Australia Bank said: 'Momentum is shifting away from the harder Brexit route and towards a number of options ranging from postponement and second referendum. 'That is pound supportive, (but) I don't see the pound rallying much until markets are sure the (ruling) Conservatives have seen off the confidence motion.' The FTSE 100 Index was also holding firm today, down four points at 6891. Meanwhile, Britain may still leave the EU without a backup. Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com, said: 'We cannot ignore the fact that it takes very little effort for no-deal, whilst it takes a vast amount of effort to avoid it.' In Brussels EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned 'the risk of a No Deal has never seemed so high'. A share trader in Frankfurt, Germany, reacts as he reads the headline 'Brexit chaos' at the start of the trading session this morning, 12 hours after Theresa May lost her vote in Parliament Asian equity markets mostly rose after yesterday's rally that was fuelled by Chinese plans to cut taxes in a bid to support the stuttering economy. However, traders are growing increasingly worried about the lack of movement in the US over the government shutdown, which is now in its fourth week, with both sides digging their heels in. Last night, the pound recovered some of its losses after the crunch Parliamentary vote where MPs rejected Mrs May's Brexit deal. Sterling was trading down 0.25 per cent versus the US dollar at 1.283 and increased 0.29 per cent against the euro at 1.124 after MPs decisively rejected the Prime Minister's Withdrawal Agreement. Last night, the pound recovered some of its losses after the crunch Parliamentary vote where MPs rejected Theresa May's Brexit deal Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a vote of no confidence in Theresa May's government Ahead of the meaningful vote, the pound had been trading down over 1 per cent versus the US dollar at $1.273 and shed 0.3 per cent against the euro at 1.118. It had been feared that the pound would tank further if Parliament rejected the deal with a large majority. MPs rejected Mrs May's Brexit plans by an emphatic 432 votes to 202, throwing the future of her administration and the nature of the UK's EU withdrawal into doubt. But markets did not seem to be panicking, with the pound rising in value following the results, which were announced at around 7.40pm yesterday. JR Zhou, Market Analyst at the online trading platform, INFINOX, added: 'The markets' bet is that time is now on their side. With Britain lurching, empty-handed, towards the March 29th deadline, parliament may soon be forced to come together to prevent the one thing there is a majority for stopping a painful no deal Brexit. A teenager has been arrested for allegedly raping a nine-year-old boy while he was on holiday in Sydney. The 18-year-old, from Mauritius, was arrested when he landed back in Australia. He was 17 and on holiday in Sydney in January 2017 when the alleged sexual assault occurred. He was extradited from South Australia to face charges after he was arrested when he touched down at an airport in Adelaide on Sunday night. The Mauritian teenager (pictured), now 18, was arrested when he touched down an Adelaide airport on Sunday night The accused arrived in Sydney on Tuesday after approval from a magistrate for him to be extradited. The teenager was taken to Mascot Police Station and was charged with two counts of sexual intercourse with a child under the age of ten and two counts of indecent assault of a person under 16. An alleged sexual assault was investigated at a home in Sydney's west in April 2017, after an arrest warrant for the man was issued in March last year, 9News reported. He was also an overseas resident at the time. The alleged sex offender was refused bail in a children's court today. Rebecca Henderson, 24, has an artificial heart in her backpack A determined student has returned to her studies at Oxford University with an artificial heart in her backpack and her parents by her side as she insists on completing her masters. Rebecca Henderson, 24, is one of only two people in the UK who has a 7kg portable 'heart'. She has returned to St Anne's College where she is working for her masters in Medieval Studies after her own heart was removed in 2017 . Miss Henderson was diagnosed with cancer in the organ after she collapsed and began vomiting blood. While she remains on the transplant list, doctors and surgeons at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford decided the only way to save her was via the pioneering artificial heart. 'I'm slightly crazily or perhaps slightly ingeniously I'm not sure which yet going back to uni now and I'm doing that taking my mum and dad as 24-hour carers,' she told the BBC. The portable 'organ' pumps blood through the body while the patient waits for a transfer 'Because if anything goes wrong with the machine they're the ones who can do the changeover in four minutes and save my life.' The battery life on the heart is only 2.5hours and if it fails there is only a four minute window to boost it back up again. Despite the frightening task of carrying around the vital organ outside of her body Rebecca said she refuses not to have a normal life with the opportunity she has been given. Rebecca Henderson needs a heart transplant after her own organ was removed. The Oxford University student said she will continue to live a normal life Miss Henderson is reading Medieval Studies at St Anne's College and her parents are with her in case her heart runs out of batteries She said: 'If there was no machine I'd be dead. I've got all the usual dreams that people my age have. I want to get married and have children and have a house and my own rescue greyhound. 'But equally there's always going to be the knowledge that things like falling in love and making best friends take a really long time; and there are sometimes days when I wonder, 'Do I have that much time left?' 'At no point did it ever occur to me to give up. I had my sister's wedding and I had to get to that. I have other friends' weddings, I've got my mum, my dad, and I'm not going to be outlived by the dog.' Donald Trump Jr shared a video on his Instagram account showing a group of bereaved mothers whose children were killed by illegal immigrants stage a protest inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office on Capitol Hill. Video of Angel Moms storming Nancy Pelosis capitol office today, the Presidents eldest son wrote in the caption of his Instagram post on Tuesday. She didnt have the courage to come out to meet them... I guess letting criminals come across the border is a good thing for her base, so they started chanting Build the Wall! It is not known if Pelosi was in her office at the time the group staged its protest, though the Angel Moms say that she was in her office but refused to meet them. Pelosi, the top Democrat in the House, and Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, have refused to give in to President Donald Trumps demands for more than $5billion in funding toward a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Donald Trump Jr shared a video on his Instagram account showing a group of bereaved mothers whose children were killed by illegal immigrants stage a protest inside House Speaker Nancy Pelosis office on Capitol Hill Trump has said that he will keep the government shutdown in place until his demands are met. The Angel Moms were furious that Pelosi seemingly refused to meet them on Tuesday. Its a slap, its a stab, its a kick in the gut, in the groin, Sabine Durden told Breitbart. In July 2012, Durdens son, Dominic, 30, was driving his motorcycle when he was fatally hit by an undocumented migrant. The driver, Juan Zacarias Tzun, was charged with vehicular manslaughter, according to The New York Times. Tzun already had two prior convictions for driving under the influence before the accident. Its not a matter of if youre going to be affected by illegal alien crime, its when you are going to be affected, said another Angel Mom, Mary Ann Mendoza. In May 2014, her son, Mesa Police Sergeant Brandon Mendoza, was killed when his car was hit head-on by a man who was driving in the wrong direction on a one-way street. The President's eldest son took Pelosi (seen right on January 11) to task for not having the 'courage' to meet the Angel Moms on Tuesday The driver, Raul Silva-Corona, was in the country illegally despite having been convicted of crimes in Colorado more than 20 years ago. He was found to have a blood-alcohol content more than three times the legal limit, according to USA Today. Brandon Mendoza was 32 years old. While the Angel Moms and Trump supporters fault Democrats for not agreeing to fund a border wall, a majority of Americans appear to have a different view on who is to blame for the shutdown. A January 8-14 national opinion poll by Reuters/Ipsos found that 51 percent of U.S. adults blame Trump, about the same proportion as a similar poll that ran in the first week of January. Thirty-four percent blamed Democrats in Congress and 6 percent blamed Republicans in Congress. The shutdown dragged into its 25th day on Tuesday with neither Trump nor Democratic congressional leaders showing signs of bending on the topic that triggered it - funding for the wall Trump promised to build along the border with Mexico as part of his hardline policy on immigration. The shutdown began on December 22 after Congress did not follow through on Trumps request for $5.7billion to help build a new barrier. A Jan. 8-14 national opinion poll by Reuters/Ipsos found that 51 percent of U.S. adults blame President Donald Trump (seen above on Monday) for the shutdown Chances of funding the border wall became even more remote in January when Democrats, who are largely opposed to a wall, took control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans held onto the majority in the U.S. Senate following congressional elections last November in which they lost their majority in the House. On December 11, in Trumps first encounter with the congressional leaders of the newly empowered Democrats, he appeared eager to take responsibility for any government shutdown. 'I will be the one to shut it down,' Trump told Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer in a meeting that was nationally televised. 'Im not going to blame you for it.' He has since tried to shift that blame. Trump delivered a nationally televised address restating his case for the wall. He has visited the border and routinely taken to Twitter to vent about the Democrats refusal to cooperate. At this point, it has become their, and the Democrats, fault, Trump tweeted on Monday. President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday called climate change 'a huge issue' but not the 'greatest crisis,' drawing fire from Democrats at his confirmation hearing over the regulatory rollbacks he's made in six months as the agency's acting administrator. Republicans on the GOP-majority Senate Environment and Public Works Committee mostly had praise for Andrew Wheeler, who has served as the agency's acting head since Scott Pruitt's resignation amid ethics scandals in July. The committee chairman, Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., called Wheeler 'very well qualified' to take the job. But Democrats pressed Wheeler about his work as a lobbyist helping an influential coal magnate meet with Trump administration officials before his nomination to the EPA, his moves on deregulation and for what they said was his inattention to the growing dangers from climate change. 'You seem to be consistently doing things that undermine the health and safety of this nation,' Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., told Wheeler. Markey asked him why he was pulling back on regulations that proponents say protect human health and the environment. 'I believe we are moving forward' on protections, Wheeler responded. Questioned: Andrew Wheeler, Trump's pick to run the EPA in the wake of Scott Pruitt quitting over graft claims faced a barrage of questions from Democratic senators at the start of a confirmation hearing Angry: Bernie Sanders raised his voice as he questioned Andrew Wheeler, Trump's pick to run the EPA, at a Senate confirmation hearing and said Wheeler had failed to mention climate change in his initial remarks to lawmakers Key moment: Andrew Wheeler leaves at the end of his testimony at the start of his confirmation hearing as EPA secretary Protested: There were environmental activists in the committee room as Andrew Wheeler faced questions about his record Wheeler cited changes he had initiated to roll back future mileage standards for cars and autos and to ease Obama-era clampdowns on dirtier-burning coal-fired power plants. He said EPA staff, whom he did not identify, had concluded that those rollbacks would ultimately lead to health gains. Environmental groups and formal assessments from the EPA and other agencies have contested that, saying the changes would increase pollution and increase harm to people and the climate. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., said the rollbacks in car mileage standards and toxic mercury emissions under Wheeler were examples of unsafe deregulation and went beyond what industries themselves wanted. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., noted Wheeler had failed to mention climate change in his initial remarks to lawmakers. 'Do you agree that climate change is a global crisis?' Sanders asked, shouting at times. 'I would not call it the greatest crisis,' Wheeler said. 'I would call it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally.' Wheeler told lawmakers that he had yet to read a massive government climate-change report released late last year that emphasized manmade climate change was already underway. Wheeler said he had received one staff briefing so far on the climate-change report. The work of the EPA and other government agencies, the report stresses the massive economic toll expected from increasingly severe wildfires, hurricanes and other extreme weather under climate change. Wheeler said the news media had seized upon 'worst-case scenarios' of the climate report. 'You are a former coal industry lobbyist that is sitting here,' Markey responded. 'That's the worst-case scenario, what you are proposing here' for easing Obama-era rules meant to clamp down on climate-changing fossil fuel emissions. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and other Republican lawmakers, by contrast, praised Wheeler for a move to remove federal protections for millions of miles of wetlands and waterways and other proposals. Republican lawmakers said the protections had burdened farmers and others. The grandson of a coal miner, Wheeler worked for the EPA in the 1990s and later as a longtime Republican Senate staffer. Democrats pressed Wheeler about his lobbying before joining the EPA, saying his work for coal companies should disqualify him from leading an agency that regulates coal. Wheeler's lobbying clients included coal magnate Bob Murray, who pushed hard on the Trump administration after the 2016 elections to grant a series of breaks for the sagging domestic coal industry. Source of tension: Wheeler was accused by the Democrats of being a shill for the coal industry. Wheeler's lobbying clients included coal magnate Bob Murray, who pushed hard on the Trump administration after the 2016 elections to grant a series of breaks for the sagging domestic coal industry Stopped outside: Protesters were prevented from accessing the committee room Wheeler accompanied Murray to a March 2017 meeting to pitch Murray's list of desired rule rollbacks and other breaks for coal to Energy Secretary Rick Perry. Wheeler told senators that his main work for Murray had been on health benefits and pensions. 'I did not work on the plan, I do not have a copy of it. I saw it briefly,' Wheeler said, referring to Murray's wish list. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., displayed a blown up version of a photo taken of the meeting with Perry, showing Wheeler at Murray's side. A second photo showed Murray's rollback plan in Wheeler's hands. Murray had sought some of the coal breaks that the EPA under Wheeler had since acted on. That included Wheeler signing a rule easing federal regulation of toxic coal ash, removing an Obama rule that pushed electricity providers to move away from dirtier-burning coal plants and targeting an Obama rule limiting emissions of toxic mercury from coal plants. A watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed an ethics complaint Tuesday with the EPA's Office of the Inspector General alleging that Wheeler's oversight of those and other rollback proposals at EPA may have violated his government ethics pledge to abstain from regulatory decisions affecting his former lobbying client for at least two years. EPA spokesman John Konkus called the accusation 'baseless' and 'wrong' and said Wheeler works with EPA ethics officials and follows their guidance. Gymboree, the once popular children's clothing store, is preparing for bankruptcy and will soon start closing its 900 remaining stores. The Gymboree Group - which runs the store, along with both Janie & Jack and Crazy 8 - first closed a portion of its stores, two years ago. Gymboree had announced, in December, that it planned to bring about a strategic review of its three brand. They suggested then that there could be a sale or another transaction, the Washington Post reports. The clothing brand was expected to reappear in court in January and was hoping to procure a loan that would carry it through bankruptcy proceedings. The Gymboree Group - which runs the store, along with both Janie & Jack and Crazy 8 - first closed 380 stores in 2017 A source familiar with the situation said that while Janie and Jack could face liquidation if it isn't bought, while Gymboree will be liquidated. Janie and Jack has 139 stores across the country. Gymboree had been struggling from a $1billion debt they had took on during a leveraged buyout by Bain Capital Private Equity LP in 2010. They had first filed for bankruptcy protection in June 2017, as a result. Slashing $900million in debt, Gymboree turned over control to Carriage House Captial Advisors LLC, Bridgade Capital Management LP and other lenders. The company had 1,280 stores at the time of its first bankruptcy but their remaining stores continued to present an issue. While bankruptcy draws closer, Gymboree has advertised significant discounts in anticipation. Gymboree has struggled, like many retailers, entering into the online space and the dominating world of e-commerce. Many have had to go into bankruptcy and ultimately go out of business, as seen with Toys'R'Us 3 Italian Carabinieri leave Gaza after incident Through Erez crossing after being holed up in UN office (ANSAmed) - GAZA-TEL AVIV, JANUARY 16 - The three Italian Carabinieri who had taken refuge in a UN office in Gaza after being mistaken for Israelis left through the Erez crossing into Israel on Wednesday, local sources say. The Carabinieri, part of the forces at the Italian consulate in Jerusalem - according to reports - headed to the crossing after leaving the UN compound in central Gaza. They had sought refuge there after an incident with local security forces, who have brought in tight security measures for the entire Gaza Strip. The three had reportedly ''refuse to stop at a Hamas checkpoint and then sought refuge in the UN office''. On Tuesday evening there had been reports of the situation calming down and it seems that the Italians had initially been mistaken for part of an Israeli special forces unit. On Wednesday morning, the Hamas interior minister officially communicated that ''the investigation has made it possible to ascertain the identity of the three Italians and the security of the procedures for their entrance into Gaza''. The ministry underscored the ''effective cooperation'' with UN envoy Nikolai Mladenov, the UNESCO office in Gaza, the Italian consulate and Qatari ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi. (ANSAmed). A hero woman who saved a dog locked in a car for more than 40 minutes on a sweltering hot day was disgusted by how the 'ungrateful' owner reacted. The woman spotted the dog in the Campbelltown Mall car park in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday afternoon, where temperatures were 36C. With the help of a group of people, she managed to free the dog and cool it down, Yahoo reported. The young woman took to Facebook revealing details of the rescue. 'We did get the dog out of the car as soon as we could, took him into the air con and gave him some cold water he lapped it all up,' she wrote. The dog inside the car in Campbtelltown Mall car park in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday afternoon, where temperatures were 36C The owner left the dog sitting in the car for more than 40 minutes while completing her shopping. When she finally returned to her car and found strangers had broken in to release the dog, her reaction shocked the Good Samaritan. '[She started] having a go at me and the rest of us, and was so ungrateful that we saved her dog's life telling us that you're lucky that he didn't bite you,' the woman wrote. 'I'm sorry but I don't care if he did bite me! I'm getting that dog out from the heat.' Authorities and SES officials have urged parents and pet owners not to leave animals or young children in the car during hot weather. With Australia enduring a blisteringly hot heatwave, there have been a spate of similar incidents across the country. The woman spotted the dog in the Campbelltown Mall (pictured) car park in Sydney's south-west on Tuesday afternoon, where temperatures were 36C On Tuesday, team members from the Lidcombe Fire and Rescue squad had to free a dog trapped in a scorching hot car. The Lidcombe squad took to their official Facebook page to caution 'hot cars kill dogs', and in a stern statement explained the dog was only saved because officers were 'in the right place at the right time'. FRNSW attends numerous calls to rescue pets left in hot cars all over NSW. Do not leave your pets unattended in a vehicle, the temperature rises in minutes, the statement read. Working together with a group of people, the Good Samaritan managed to free the dog and cool it down (stock image) An RSPCA spokesperson said it can take just minutes for dogs to die if left in the car on boiling hot days. 'The temperature inside a parked car can quickly rise to double the outside temperature, meaning temperatures inside parked cars yesterday could have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius,' they said. 'A dog can suffer heat stress and die in as little as six minutes. 'Parking in the shade or underground, leaving windows down, or leaving water in the car offers little to no relief.' Advertisement The latest caravan of Honduran migrants hoping to reach the US has crossed peacefully into Guatemala, under the watchful eyes of about 200 Guatemalan police and soldiers. About 500 people, including dozens of children, lined up to show their documents to a first line of unarmed security personnel at the Agua Caliente border crossing Tuesday night. Riot police formed a second line to contain any possible disturbance. Hundreds of Hondurans left the violent city of San Pedro Sula this week in a new caravan hoping to reach the United States or Mexico. Guatemalan police officers assisted an exhausted Honduran migrant who who fainted while she waited to enter Guatemala at the crossing. Scroll down for video Honduran migrants wait to enter Guatemala at the border crossing in Agua Caliente on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 Guatemalan police officers assist a Honduran migrant who who fainted while she waited to enter Guatemala at the crossing A Honduran migrant listens to her mobile phone while waiting to enter. Hundreds left violent San Pedro Sula this week Edilberto Hernandez, a former police officer, stood with his wife and four children to cross into Guatemala. After losing his job, he could find only low-paid construction work, and he decided to travel with his whole family to the United States. 'We are going out of necessity, because of the poverty,' Hernandez said. The fate that awaits them at the Mexico-U.S. border is uncertain. The previous caravans that were seized upon last year by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election have quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, many others - nearly half, according to US Border Patrol arrest records - have sought to enter the U.S. illegally. Honduran migrant Gladys Menjiva, center, carries her 16-month-old son Kevin Meza, as she stands in line at a migration station Honduran citizens wait to register to cross the border in Agua Caliente, Guatemala News of this latest trek north came as Trump has been working to convince the American public that there is a 'crisis' at the southern border to justify construction of his long-promised border wall. Trump's demand for billions of dollars to build the wall has resulted in a standoff with Congress that has forced a partial government shutdown. 'A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work,' Trump tweeted Tuesday, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer. The latest caravan started out Monday night from Honduras with many women and children boarding buses bound for the Guatemalan border. Others started walking and hitchhiking under a steady rain. More followed Tuesday morning trying to catch up. Some pushed toddlers in strollers or walked holding older children's hands. Honduran media reported that the country's authorities had reinforced the border with Guatemala to make sure everyone had proper documents. Children must carry passports and written parental authorization to leave the country, and parents could face up to three years in prison if found to be taking a child without the right documents, Security Minister Julian Pacheco was quoted as saying. Guatemalan police cut off the passage for Honduran migrants in Agua Caliente The new migrant caravan that brings together Hondurans is still advancing, partially managing to cross into Guatemala through the Agua Caliente post Caravans have taken place over the years though on a smaller scale, organized to draw attention to migrants' rights and usually not reaching the border. The ones that formed last year gained attention for their larger numbers and after Trump began seizing on them for political purposes. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Where have they all gone?The U.S. Border Patrol has made about 2,600 caravan-related arrests in its San Diego sector, spokesman Theron Francisco said, indicating that nearly half have crossed into the U.S. illegally. Families are typically released with a notice to appear in immigration court. Mexican officials say about 1,300 caravan members have returned to Central America. Mexico has issued humanitarian visas to about 2,900 others, many of whom are now working legally there with visas. Honduran citizens wait to register to cross the border in Agua Caliente, Guatemala Francis Lopez is among the migrants who have stayed in Mexico. The former clothing factory worker said he and his wife made a snap decision to leave their home in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula when the caravan left in October. He had hoped to join a relative in Florida but is having second thoughts about seeking asylum after an American attorney told him he had a weak case and may be detained until a judge orders him deported. 'It's a loss of time, a loss of time that you can never recover,' Lopez said. Javier Diaz of El Salvador, who is working as a taxi driver in Tijuana on a visa, said the caravan offered strength in numbers - enough safety to avoid paying a smuggler at least $8,000 to reach the United States. Diaz, a 44-year-old former construction worker who fled for economic reasons and to escape violence, said he had hoped to reach the United States to make enough money to support his wife and five children in El Salvador but Mexico was better than going home. 'If Mexico deports me today, I will be in Mexico again tomorrow,' Diaz said Monday amid sporadic rain at the shelter. 'If I can go to the United States, better.' A Honduran migrant family walks between police officers as they enter Guatemala, at the border crossing in Agua Caliente A Honduran migrant family walks between police officers as they enter Guatemala, at the border crossing in Agua Caliente A Honduran migrant carries a baby as she enters Guatemala at the border crossing in Agua Caliente, Guatemala, Tuesday Soldiers stand guard as Honduran migrants enters Guatemala, at the border crossing in Agua Caliente, Guatemala In the lead-up to last fall's elections, Trump frequently referenced the caravans, warning that they posed a national security risk and deploying active-duty troops to the border in anticipation of their arrival. Opponents criticized the move as an abuse of presidential power. Migrants fleeing Central America's Northern Triangle region comprising Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala routinely cite poverty and rampant gang violence as their motivation for leaving. Bartolo Fuentes, a migrant advocate accompanying the new caravan, said Tuesday that migration from Honduras will not stop until those chronic problems are resolved. 'People leave every day,' he said. 'Every day 300, 400 people go. The caravan has been like a constant river of people to Mexico, to the United States.' Among them is Honduran Angel Eduardo Cubas, who now sits in limbo in Tijuana, hoping to find work in Mexico. 'A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work,' Trump tweeted Tuesday The former school security guard left his family behind, hoping to reach Florida for a job that would allow him to send money home. To others embarking on the journey, his advice was to 'keep the faith and don't lose heart.' Cubas said he could tell others that the trip isn't worth it, because it hasn't turned out well for him, but they would come anyway. 'We don't all have the same luck,' he said. 'It's gone badly for me, but I met others along the way who are already (in the U.S.) and had better luck.' An Australian man is facing four years in prison in America after he went on a graffiti rampage in California. Matthew Raoul White, 33, was detained by police at San Francisco International Airport, as he awaited a connecting flight to Sydney. He allegedly had spray paint on his clothes and shoes when he was arrested. Matthew Raoul White, 33, was detained by police at San Francisco International Airport, as he awaited a connecting flight to Sydney White is also known to Australian police as part of the Get Hectik graffiti gang. He is currently behind bars in America and facing four years in jail for an alleged train-tagging rampage in California's Bay Area. The offences are said to have taken place on a number of Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) cars during the first week of December last year. Get Hectik's distinctive artwork, including 'GH' (short for Get Hectik) tags made it easier for Australian police to tip him off to their American counterparts. 'They found it was connected to an Australian gang that likes to go worldwide,' San Mateo District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. White was previously arrested in New York in 2016 attempting to vandalise a train. Between July 2011 and January 2012, he also sprayed a number of public trains Perth, and was required to pay more than $10,000 in fines and compensation. Victorian and Queensland magistrates have also labelled self-proclaimed You Tube performer, 'a public nuisance'. White's biggest claim to infamy however, was his role as the Fremantle Train Jumper, where he was videoed diving into the Swan River off the roof of a speeding train. White was filmed last year making the idiotic leap into the Swan River, in Fremantle, from the roof of a speeding train The graffiti artist narrowly missed a concrete pylon and live overhead wires carrying 25,000 volts of electricity Speaking to Seven News, White admitted he had no money or lawyer and acknowledged that no one cared about him. He remains held in San Mateo county jail on $574,140 bail with his next scheduled court appearance on January 14. A New York chef has been killed and two others are critically injured after a man burst into a Chinese restaurant and began attacking people with a hammer. The 34-year-old suspect walked into Seaport Buffet in Brooklyn just before 5.15pm on Tuesday and began attacking the restaurant's 60-year-old owner, who was at the front of the buffet. Then he went to the back of the restaurant, where he struck 34-year-old chef Fufai Pun, and another 50-year-old employee before fleeing the scene. Police are describing it as an unprovoked attack. Scroll down for video A New York chef was killed and two others were critically injured after a man burst into Seaport Buffet in Brooklyn and attacked them with a hammer on Tuesday The 34-year-old suspect walked into Seaport Buffet in Brooklyn just before 5.15pm on Tuesday and began attacking the restaurant's 60-year-old owner All three victims were rushed to the hospital, where Pun was pronounced dead from his injuries. The 60-year-old owner and 50-year-old employee remain in critical condition. Witnesses told investigators they saw the suspect run toward the garage behind the restaurant before he was arrested. Police arrested the suspect about two blocks away from the restaurant. Charges are pending. Authorities still do not know the motive behind the attack. Then he went to the back of the restaurant, where he struck the 34-year-old chef and another 50-year-old employee before fleeing the scene Witnesses told investigators they saw the suspect run toward the garage behind the restaurant (pictured) before he was arrested 'It was unprovoked. It appears random. He is an emotionally disturbed person,' a police source told the New York Daily News. Customers at the buffet ran out of the restaurant during the stabbing and went to Randazzo's Clam Bar next door for cover. 'A guy who worked there ran in. He said, "The guy hammered the manager in the head and there's blood everywhere,"' waitress Kimberly Bisono recalled. Police arrested the suspect about two blocks away from the restaurant. Charges are pending Authorities still do not know the motive behind the attack and believe it was unprovoked 'People were rushing out. One of the customers ran in and said, "Lock your doors. He's attacked people with a hammer and he's on the loose.'" Samantha Randazzo, who owns the Clam Bar, said she let Seaport Buffet customers take cover in her restaurant. 'We tried helping people who were trying to come in, customers, but we were scared to even walk out,' she told NBC New York. 'We didn't know where he was.' 'They said a guy came in crazy with a hammer and started hammering certain people, random people, said he was just screaming crazy words like "I'm killing everybody, world is hell."' Police fear a woman whose body was found outside a shopping centre may have been stalked and raped before she died. Police were called to Melbourne shopping centre on Main Drive near Plenty Road in the suburb of Bundoora at 7am. The body has not yet been formally identified. Investigators are treating the death as suspicious. Police were called to Main Drive near Plenty Road in the suburb of Bundoora about 7am on Wednesday Investigators are baffled after a body was found near a Melbourne shopping centre on Wednesday morning During a press conference this afternoon, Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper said it was apparent the woman had been assaulted. Detective Inspector Stamper said the possibility that the woman had been sexually assaulted was an 'active line of investigation'. He said the woman may have been followed as she boarded the 86 tram from the city around 11pm on Tuesday. CCTV is expected to become the main focus of the investigation as police work to piece together the victims final movements. Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper (pictured) said it was apparent the woman had been assaulted We really need the communitys assistance with this. We would ask for anyone that may have dashcam footage, CCTV, may have seen anything here, anything that could be a small piece in the jigsaw puzzle to contact Crime Stoppers, he said. He has urged anyone with information to come forward. 'Anyone that may have been passing through this intersection, dash cam footage, or may have just seen something they think might help, call us.' The body was found near Polaris Town Centre, a popular shopping area. Main Drive was cordoned off by police as the searched the area for evidence. A police spokeswoman said homicide detectives are investigating the scene The body was found near Polaris Town Centre, a popular shopping area A Jack Russell with aspirations of becoming a top politician has died just shy of her 17th birthday. Princess Scrumpy of Scrumpyton, who once made a tilt for Northern Territory chief minister, passed away on Monday in the arms of her beloved owner Deb Taipale. The canine attracted worldwide fame in 2016 when she put her best paw forward to become the first canine chief minister, the NT News reported. Princess Scrumpy of Scrumpyton, who once ran to be lord mayor of Darwin, passed away on Monday, just shy of her 17th birthday Princess Scrumpy had more than just political setbacks in her life, battling cane toad poisonings, skin cancers and a snake bite She was back in the political arena a year later when she ran for the position of lord mayor of Darwin. She also mulled a bid for the prime ministership. Princess Scrumpy ran on a platform of more dog-friendly parks and cafes, after Ms Taipale thought her dog could do a much better job than some of the other candidates. But Ms Taipale said Princess Scrumpy, who was 112 in dog years, was 'cheated out of her votes due to bureaucracy'. 'We all know the truth, she'd win in a landslide if they let her run,' Ms Taipale said. Princess Scrumpy was deemed ineligible to run for public office and in the end was never nominated to be elected mayor. 'Unfortunately for Scrumpy, you have to be on the electoral role and you have to be an Australian citizen and you have to be over 18 years,' Northern Territory electoral commissioner Iain Loganathan told the NT News in 2017. Princess Scrumpy's owner said Princess Scrumpy, who was 112 in dog years, was 'cheated out of her votes due to bureaucracy' Princess Scrumpy had more than just political setbacks in her life, battling cane toad poisonings, skin cancers and a snake bite. 'The vets always called her the "terminator of dogs" - she kept bouncing back,' Ms Taipale said. The NT News has now put questions to Chief Minister Michael Gunner's office, for consideration of a state funeral for Princess Scrumpy. A pub worker who left a piece of steak in their car for five hours has returned to find it cooked well done, as the nation endures a week of scorching heat. The porterhouse steak was left inside a car parked under the shade at 11am but the worker from the Mildura Dockside Cafe in Victoria returned to find it cooked through at 4pm on Tuesday. Mildura and Swan Hill in the state's north reached a high of 45.8C on Tuesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. A pub worker left a raw steak (pictured) in a car and returned to it cooked well done five hours later The car was parked under a shaded area in Mildura, where scorching temperatures reaching 45.8C 'With this heat wave please remember never to leave children, elderly or animals in the car,' the worker posted on the cafe's Facebook page along with the images. 'Always check on elderly neighbours, ensure your pets have a way to keep cool and cool drinking water. 'Also always remember down at Dockside we have plenty of activities to cool you down, yummy cold drinks, great aircon and we are pet friendly out on the deck.' The before and after images of the steak sparked debate among online users. 'I'm sorry I'm calling bulls***. A car left IN THE SUN will get up to about 60 to 70 degrees C inside. In the shade? Nope. Not going to get ''well done''. 'It's a good message, but don't take people for fools,' one user wrote. Another user said slow cooked steak is cooked at 55C for medium rare and 62C for medium. The pictures posted on Facebook sparked online debate about whether the post was fake or not 'If your steak reaches 70C it will be well done. If it remains at 70C for an hour or so it will dry out. This is completely feasible,' the reply read. Many users commented on whether the pub worker's car was stunk out by the steak. 'Surprisingly not really, it smelt like steak when I opened the door but when I took it out to examine it I also turned my car on with full aircon to cool down so I wouldn't cook,' the reply of the worker read. A best-selling author has accused her husband of poisoning her for three years in order to control her, steal from her, and ultimately kill her. Sherrilyn Kenyon, who penned the Dark Hunter series and has sold more than 70million books, claims husband Lawrence 'Ken' Kenyon was lacing her food and drink with toxic metals from 2014 until they split in 2018. The 53-year-old writer says the poisoning left her with clumps of hair falling out, crumbling teeth, tremors, back pain, a numb tongue and a metallic taste in her mouth - none of which could be explained by doctors. She claims Kenyon had help from his assistant, Kerrie Ann Plump, and her former IT specialist Paco Cavanaugh to carry out the scheme. Sherrilyn Kenyon, 53, is suing husband Lawrence Kenyon and his assistant Kerrie Ann Plump for poisoning her over three years, along with IT specialist Paco Cavanaugh who she accuses of siphoning money from her accounts Sherrilyn (pictured with Lawrence in 1995 after the birth of their son) alleges her husband was controlling, abusive, jealous of her success, and willing to kill her to benefit from her estate Sherrilyn believes that Plump helped her husband lace the food, while Cavanaugh - who had access to her bank accounts - siphoned off hundreds of thousands of dollars to pay the conspirators. Her lawsuit, seen by The Tennessean, claims the poisoning began in late 2014, when she began experiencing mysterious symptoms that doctors were at a loss to explain. Over the course of the next year they became worse - including extreme nausea and vomiting, respiratory distress, disorientation and vertigo. Her bones also began breaking under the slightest pressure. In the end she became so sick that she was unable to walk without assistance. On more than one occasion Sherrilyn said she began choking after taking a few bites of food that her husband had given her. When her son witnessed her vomiting on the floor after eating, she claims Lawrence dismissed his concerns, saying: 'She does that all the time.' Sherrilyn Kenyon's rise from extreme childhood poverty to bestselling paranormal romance author Sherrilyn Kenyon is best known for her Dark Hunter Series, which charts the tale of battles fought by immortal warriors the Goddess Artemis has created as a way of controlling the Atlantean god Acheron who she had a relationship with prior to his 'human death'. Her Lord of Avalon series, which was adapted by Marvel, is a fantasy focusing on the aftermath of the rise of and fall of King Arthur and the destruction of the Round Table. Some of her writing focuses on paranormal romance, a sub-genre of romance related to paranormal fiction. Common hallmarks are romantic relationships between humans, shapeshifters, witches, sorcerers, ghosts, and other entities of a supernatural or otherworldly nature. Her novels veer away from the more graphic descriptions of sex and romance, which tend to fall under the 'erotic paranormal romance' sub-genre involving vampires and werewolves. Sherrilyn Kenyon pictured in 2009 New York Comic Con at the Jacob Javits Center Kenyon claims she rose from extreme poverty as child to become one of the most popular authors in the world in both adult and young adult fiction. Her biography also states that she has a loyal following of super-fans known as 'Menyons' - who sport tattoos from her numerous genre-defying series. More than 80 million copies of her books are in print in more than one hundred countries, which would easily make her a multi-millionaire based on the earnings of other authors. She has now claimed that the actions of her husband and his assistant led to the loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars and is suing him for $1 million on a life insurance policy. On her website, Kenyon claimed she gained her love of horror, zombies and paranormal films and novels from her mother, who brought her to see Night of the Living Dead aged four. She also claims to be proud of her 'mixed Cherokee heritage' and is a direct descendant of Williams Shakespeare, according to her website. Advertisement 'By February 2017, Ms. Kenyon's health was worsening to a critical level. No doctor or dentist could tell her why her teeth were routinely crumbling (and) her bones were breaking from very minor pressure,' her 80-page lawsuit states. On another occasion, Plump brought her something to eat at a conference in May 2017 and when another employee ate it they became violently ill. Despite her mysterious ailments, Sherrilyn - who grew up in an abusive household - said she never suspected her husband and believed they had a happy marriage. It was only after he filed for divorce in 2018 and moved out that she began to get suspicious after her health suddenly improved. Shortly afterwards she went to a doctor to be tested for poisoning, and the results showed very high levels of lithium, tin, barium, platinum and thorium in her system. The doctor told Sherrilyn 'there was no way this could have happened naturally' and warned her to hire a lawyer immediately. Looking back, Sherriyln said she realized that Plump and her husband 'would force her to eat and become enraged any time she failed to consume it'. It was then that she began going through her financial affairs and discovered that Cavanaugh had been siphoning off money. Kenyon (right in 2009) claims that for three years she was ill for reasons that doctor's couldn't explain, until her husband moved out and she suddenly got better The 80-page filing says she suffered from shattering teeth, hair loss, tremors, back pain, tongue numbness and a strange metallic taste in her mouth She also found that Lawrence had been paying Plump - his assistant - with money from her business account that he was not authorized to use. Further, she claims that around the time he filed for divorce, Lawrence closed three bank accounts in the names of her children and moved their contents - totaling $450,000 - into an account bearing his name. The lawsuit states that Lawrence also took out a million-dollar life insurance policy on her, and named himself as a sole beneficiary. She also claims that Lawrence and Plump conspired together to sabotage her career by disparaging fans and industry professionals. That led to several cancelled contracts with her published, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. As a motive, the lawsuit claims he was a controlling and abusive man who was envious of her success as a writer. The author (pictured in 2011) states her spouse moved hundreds of thousands of dollars from her earnings and paid the assistant to help him Sherrilyn, who has talked in the past about how her parents used to throw furniture at each other, said that history of abuse blinded her to Lawrence's behavior. But she doesn't believe his intention was to kill her at first. 'I think think he just wanted to maybe try and control me (and) make me sleepy,' she said in a separate interview with The Tennessean. 'I thought I had a happy marriage. Compared to what I was used to, he was awesome. No marriage is without problems, but it wasn't like my mother and father.' Lawrence Kenyon's attorney, Sean Aiello, has since filed a motion to consolidate the poisoning lawsuit into their ongoing divorce suit. 'Almost every single allegation contained in (the) wife's circuit court complaint will be the subject of discovery in the parties' divorce case,' the motion said. A repeat sex offender has been given the green light to move into a suburban street filled with children after a supervision curfew was lifted by a Queensland court. Robert John Fardon, 70, is free to reside wherever he likes and is no longer subjected to electronic monitoring, curfews or mandatory counselling. 'I am not satisfied that the evidence establishes to the requisite high degree of probability that the respondent is a serious danger to the community in the absence of a further supervision order,' Justice Helen Bowskill said. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Notorious child rapist Robert John Fardon has been released into the community Child rapist Robert John Fardon (pictured) has been released into the Queensland community - and he is free to live anywhere On Wednesday 9News revealed Fardon had moved to a street full of women and children after the order was lifted. Fardon began offending when he was just 18 when he sexually abused a 10-year-old girl. Just over a decade later, he was placed behind bars when he raped a 12-year-old girl at gun point in the Northern Territory. In 2003 he became the first person to be jailed in Queensland for an indefinite period following the introduction of new laws targeting repeat sex offenders. The violent offender, who in 2008 was re-arrested for the rape of a 61-year-old intellectually disabled woman, will be monitored by authorities. 'This means police will know where Fardon lives and travels, details of his phone and internet connections, social media accounts, interactions and passwords for the rest of his life,' Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said. 'And if Fardon fails to meet these reporting conditions, he could face five years in jail.' There are no legal grounds for an appeal against the court's controversial decision. Two sisters who were walking along the Jersey Shore discovered a strange sand crater with a black rock buried at the bottom - leading them to believe it was a meteorite. Jean Muchanic and her sister were walking along the Silver Beach section of Toms River on Friday when they stumbled upon the crater. This isnt something that you normally find on the beach, Muchanic told WNBC-TV. The sandy crater was more than five feet wide and two feet deep. A dark, black rock was partially buried at the bottom of the crater. Muchanic said: We stood there and were like What? Could this be a meteorite? This is crazy! Scroll down for video Jean Muchanic and her sister were walking along the Silver Beach section of Toms River on Friday when they stumbled upon a mysterious crater The sandy crater was more than five feet wide and two feet deep. A dark, black rock was partially buried at the bottom of the crater Muchanic thought that the rock (seen above) was a meteorite that crash landed from outer space A number of other smaller rocks were also found near the crater (pictured) She then posted photographs of the discovery on her Facebook page, where it went viral. Muchanic posted images of smaller rocks that were found near the crater. Just two days earlier, witnesses reported an object that looked like a fireball in the sky. Last Wednesday, observers along the East Coast said they noticed the unusual fireball above the tri-state New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania area. Muchanic said: We stood there and were like What? Could this be a meteorite? This is crazy! Muchanic said she was led to believe it was a meteorite after reports two days earlier of a 'fireball' that was seen streaking across the skies over the New York-New Jersey area. She is pictured above holding one of the rocks The American Meteor Society, a nonprofit dedicated to meteor sightings, said that it received reports from more than 450 people. The reports indicated that a fireball-like object was seen in the skies at around 6:30am last Wednesday. Those reports led Muchanic to wonder whether that sighting was in any way related to the rock she found on the beach. But closer scrutiny of the rock revealed that it is most likely not a meteorites. Stockton University physics professor Joe Trout told WNBC-TV that the rock is missing characteristics that a meteorite typically possesses. The fact that this person (Muchanic) is holding it leads me to think that its not dense enough to be a meteorite, Trout said. Trout showed the rock to a geologist, who said that he believes the rock is a chunk of coal which was smoothed out by erosion in the ocean. BEIRUT - At least 16 people were killed Wednesday in an attack in Manbej, in northern Syria, reported the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). SOHR noted that 4 of the victims were soldiers part of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition, but later Turkish Presidente Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the Us victims were 5. The other 12 were local fighters and civilians. Some sources say that the Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred in a restaurant. South Africa: President Ramaphosa joins leaders in assessing DRC President Cyril Ramaphosa will later today depart for Ethiopia where he will attend the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Double Troika Summit. The summit, which takes place on Thursday, will review and assess the political situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the recently held elections, the Presidency said on Wednesday. Last week the DRC electoral commission, CENI, released provisional results which declared opposition leader Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo as the newly elected President. Election candidate runner-up and opposition leader Martin Fayulu is contesting the election results and has appealed to the DRCs Constitutional Court to cancel the provisional result. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) also joined Fayulu and disputed the interim results. South Africa called on the UNSC to be at the forefront of the provision of support to the Congolese authorities to maintain a peaceful and stable environment following these landmark elections, and to discourage any violence following the conclusion of the electoral process. Meanwhile, the Presidency said the SADC Summit will later be followed by a consultative meeting of Head of States and Government of SADC Double Troika members, International Conference of Great Lakes Region (ICGLR); African Union Troika and the African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson. President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu and Minister of State Security Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The boyfriend of a slain Louisiana cop and two alleged accomplices have been arrested for her vicious murder after she was fatally shot leaving home for work. Officer Chateri Payne, 22, had just graduated from the police academy two months ago and was outside a Shreveport home in uniform on January 9 when she was fatally shot. She was heading to work on the night shift when a hail of bullets was fired her way and she was shot four times, including once in the head. Shreveport Police announced Monday evening they arrested three people in connection to her slaying - her boyfriend and the father of her child Treveon Anderson, 26; Glenn Fierson, 38; and Lawrence Pierre, 22. Shreveport Police Officer Chateri Payne, 22, was shot four times on January 9 in Shreveport. On Monday cops announced they made three arrests in her bloody murder Cops arrested her boyfriend and the father of her child Treveon Anderson, 26 (right) Accomplices Lawrence Pierre, 22, (left) and Glenn Fierson, 38, (right) were also arrested. They will all be charge with second degree homicide in Payne's death They will be charged with second degree homicide in her death. In Anderson's booking description it says: 'offender was involved in a shooting where he admitted to the role he played, arrested for second degree murder.' They were sentenced to second degree murder instead of first as the shooting death was intentional with malice aforethought but not seemingly not premeditated. Police have not released a motive in her death. Suspect Pierre said that he was present at the time of the shooting and told police all he, Anderson and Fierson are cousins. Shreveport Police Chief Ben Raymond revealed during a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that Treveon Anderson was the boyfriend of Officer Payne and they shared a two-year-old girl together. He called 911 to report her injuries and was questioned by police afterwards. He claimed to have been inside the home with the child when gunfire rang out and he exited the home and shot 'at a person wearing all white clothing who he believed to be the suspect'. But after investigators and detectives collected evidence from the scene, it pointed to Anderson as the killer. 'We believe Anderson shot and killed her and concocted the false narrative of her being murdered by an unknown suspect. Two other men have been charged in connection with the murder as well,' Chief Raymond said. 'We are still mourning the heinous murder of Office Payne but thanks to these men and women we can have some peace in taking three evil cowards off the streets so they cannot harm anyone else,' he added. Anderson (pictured above with Payne) initially told cops that he ran out of the house after hearing gunshots and fired at a random suspect and found Payne wounded. Cops later said he concocted the story and shot her himself Payne died suffering four bullet wounds including a shot to the head The two had been dating for some time and shared a two-year-old daughter Pierre told police after his arrest that he was present for the shooting and Anderson was the gunman, according to The Shreveport Times. It's also not immediately clear why Anderson pulled the trigger on his girlfriend. Posts on Payne and Anderson's social media accounts mention that they were engaged to be married. The weapon, a .40 caliber handgun, used in the killing was also found by police. Payne was shot around 8.20pm on Wednesday and was rushed to the hospital where she later succumbed to her wounds about two hours later. Police haven't confirmed whether the Caddo Heights home she was hurt in front of was hers. A total of 54 first responder units were said to have rushed to the scene to try and assist. Payne graduated from the police academy on November 16. She leaves behind a young daughter according to KSLA. Payne was shot around 8.20pm on Wednesday January 9 in Shreveport, Louisiana Around 54 officers responded to the shooting scene. She was rushed to the hospital where she succumbed to her wounds Payne's grieving mother shared this post on Facebook following his arrest Funeral services will be held for the slain officer this weekend. The investigation is ongoing. The Shreveport Police Officers Association page paid tribute Payne after her death, calling her 'one of their own'. 'The Shreveport Police Officers Association would like to thank the Citizens of Shreveport for their prayers and their genuine sympathy shown to us at this critical time,' a statement on Facebook read. 'We have lost one of our own. She was young, and she was beautiful. 'She was proving herself to be a capable professional, dedicated to serving the Citizens of Shreveport.' Rail commuters are being warned to expect delays amid fears steel train tracks will buckle due to the severe heatwave battering the country. The mercury has hit record highs this week, with parts of Australia sweltering under 48C heat. New South Wales Transport Minister Andrew Constance said Sydney residents should prepare for delays as the heat hits the city's rail network. 'WOLO' signs will be displayed at the end of platforms this week to indicate to drivers drivers that speed limits are in place due to the extreme heat Train commuters are being warned to expect delays as fears grow the networks will buckle due to the severe heatwave battering the country Australia has sweltered through yet another record breaking day, driving night-time temperatures up toward 30C Sydneysiders should be prepared for disruption, Transport Minister Andrew Constance says Mr Constance said a number of precautions were being put in place to combat issues caused by the heat, including maintenance workers and medical staff being deployed. 'I'm expecting, given the challenge with the heat, we might see some disruptions to the network and we'll respond accordingly should that occur,' he told the Daily Telegraph. 'I'm expecting Labor to be blaming me in the next 24 hours for problems with the heat and transport network but the hard, cold reality is there's very little we can do when you've got this degree of heat hitting steel tracks.' 'WOLO' signs will be displayed at the end of platforms this week to indicate to drivers drivers that speed limits are in place due to the extreme heat. All non-essential transport should be delayed, he said, as temperatures edge to the high 30s in parts of Sydney. Bottled water will be available at all stations, he said. Scorching temperatures smashed January records for New South Wales this week. All non-essential transport should be delayed, he said, as temperatures edge to the high 30s in parts of Sydney Many flocked to Sydney's Bondi Beach on Tuesday with thousands more set to hit the iconic beach in the coming days to escape the searing heat While Broken Hill sweltered through its warmest night in 60 years with a minimum temperature of 33, Hay in the state's Riverina was the hottest place in NSW on Tuesday with 47, followed by Ivanhoe in the state's west with 46.8, its hottest ever day in January. Victoria is also middle of a scorching heatwave where Mildura and Swan Hill in the state's north reached a high of of 45.8 on Tuesday. Wednesday will be the worst of Victoria's heatwave with Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca, Albury and Rutherglen all set to soar past 46. Parts of Queensland's west will also experiences severe heatwave conditions this week. Most of Queensland will escape the heatwave, with Brisbane expecting temperatures in the low 30s. Deborah Hutton's ex-boyfriend was today ordered to pay police $13,000 after he was found guilty of staging a burglary at her home. Robert Dulhunty planted a rape kit, which included condoms and an apparatus used to restrain someone, at Hutton's home he shared in Bronte, Sydney in August. He then called Triple Zero and reported a burglar had broken in and was making 'meow' sounds. It is thought the former company director, who has autism, staged the event hoping it would push Hutton into staying with him for protection after they broke up. He was today convicted and ordered to complete 300 hours of community service and be of good behaviour for a year. Robert Venour Dulhunty (left), 49, called Triple Zero claiming he confronted an attempted attacker outside the home he shared with the glamorous presenter and former model in Bronte, Sydney's east, shortly after 6am on August 8 Dalhunty's lawyer Bryan Wrench told the court his client, who suffers from autism, was depressed, agitated and was on heavy medication During the call with emergency services Dulhunty reported the burglar was making 'meow' sounds 'This was a planned, premeditated fabrication by the defendant which resulted in Ms Hutton being intimidated... and the valuable services of NSW Police and triple-zero emergency services being abused,' magistrate Michael Barko said in Waverley Local Court on Wednesday. Hutton had asked Dalhunty to move out of the multimillion-dollar home when their relationship broke down, the court heard. Police initially believed Hutton had been targeted by a celebrity stalker but nine days later they were led to Dulhunty. He was arrested at the home and taken to Waverley Police Station where he was charged with stalk or intimidate to cause fear of physical or mental health (domestic violence). Dulhunty also faced three counts of destroy or damage property, false representation resulting in police investigation and making a false call to an emergency services number. Hutton described Dulhunty as an 'eccentric fellow and good bloke' but he had recently become 'paranoid and agitated'. Prior to the couple's six-and-a-half year relationship they signed a pre-nuptial agreement, the court heard. Magistrate Lisa Stapleton is expected to decide on the application to have charges dealt with under mental health grounds on Friday afternoon. Court documents listed Hutton as the owner of the home (pictured), which was also listed as Dulhunty's address She purchased the spectacular four bedroom abode (pictured) in Bronte, which boasts an uninterrupted vista of the ocean in Sydney's eastern suburbs, late 2015 for $3.8million Hutton purchased the spectacular four-bedroom abode in Bronte, which boasts an uninterrupted vista of the ocean in Sydney's eastern suburbs, in late 2015 for $3.8million. Hutton has been a household name in Australia for more than 40 years, having worked as a model and in the media. She graced the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine at the age of 16, was the face of Qantas for 12 years and was the editor of Women's Weekly magazine. While in a long-term relationship with late celebrity agent Harry M Miller, she was a regular feature in newspaper social pages. Hutton has also hosted Looking Good and Location Location on the Nine Network and was a fashion expert at Kerry Packer's old TV station almost two decades ago. In a statement posted to her Balance by Deborah Hutton website following the fake break-in, staff said she was 'shocked and devastated by the situation as it evolved' In a statement posted to her Balance by Deborah Hutton website following the fake break-in, staff said she was 'shocked and devastated by the situation as it evolved'. 'We can confirm she is now safe and working with the police on resolving this matter and letting the legal process take its due course,' the statement said. 'Deborah is surrounded by friends and family, and we trust the Balance community will also support her through this difficult time. 'As a community, we believe (every) woman, man and child has a right to feel safe in their relationships and in their home - a celebrity should be no different. 'We also acknowledge that it takes courage and resilience beyond measure to recognise and remove yourself from toxic situations. So we are sending Deborah all our love.' Ms Hutton (right with Megan Gale) has been a household name in Australia for more than 40 years, having worked in modelling and TV Former Labor leader Mark Latham has slammed Triple J for moving the Hottest 100 away from Australia Day again. The ABC youth station last year moved the countdown away from January 26 for the first time in its three-decade history, following a poll of its listeners. With Australia Day this year falling on a Saturday, Triple J has moved its Hottest 100 to Sunday and Monday, in a bid to appease those who regard the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 as an invasion of Aboriginal land and an act of genocide. Scroll down for video Former Labor leader Mark Latham (pictured) has slammed Triple J for moving the Hottest 100 away from Australia Day again Mr Latham, who is running as a One Nation candidate at the New South Wales election in March, said the taxpayer-funded ABC needed to stay out of politics. 'Well, they're a pack of fools. They've really messed it up,' he told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Save Australia Day campaign launch in Sydney. 'Stick to the music, stick to the celebration that people are used to on Australia Day and leave the politics of this to people who know what they're doing.' Mr Latham described the Hottest 100 date change as 'ham-fisted' and accused the ABC of 'diminishing the taxpayer investment in the ABC'. Triple J moved the countdown away from January 26 in 2018, following a poll of its listeners (Muslim activist Hanan Dover pictured at anti-Australia Day rally last year) 'They're all over the shop. It's a disgrace that we're funding this kind of incompetence,' he said. Even some Triple J listeners were outraged with some of them expressing their frustration on its Facebook page. 'Sorry Triple J, you can't move to the 4th Saturday and say it isn't political and then move the date next year,' one man wrote. 'That makes it political.' Even some Triple J listeners were outraged with some of them expressing their frustration on its Facebook page Another critic also questioned the moving of the countdown and described it as 'political' A supporter of Triple J's decision, however, said he was glad 'the rednecks are mad again' Another critic also questioned the moving of the countdown. 'Last year it was on Saturday around Australia Day, now it's moved because Saturday is Australia Day. What a joke you are becoming Triple J.' A supporter of Triple J's decision, however, said he was glad 'the rednecks are mad again'. 'I love it. Thanks, Triple J,' he said. A Triple J spokeswoman declined to comment specifically on Mr Latham's comments but said a decision was made in late November 2017 to move the countdown to 'depoliticise the Hottest 100'. While Bill Shorten has vowed to keep Australia Day on January 26, Mark Latham predicted a Labor government would change the date to appease Labor's left faction and the Greens A poll commissioned by culturally conservative campaign group Advance Australia found 78 per cent of people supported Australia Day staying on January 26 to commemorate the arrival of the British First Fleet in Sydney Harbour 231 years ago. The survey of 1,659 people by Mediareach, released on Wednesday, found 81 per cent of Coalition voters and 73 per cent of Labor supporters wanted to leave the national day untouched. Only 19 per cent of Greens voters, however, backed keeping Australia Day on January 26. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has repeatedly vowed to keep Australia Day unchanged. Mr Latham likened Labor's promise to keep Australia Day on January 26 to former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd abolishing the offshore processing of asylum seekers in 2008 Mr Latham, who joined the Labor Party when he was 17 and was a federal member of Parliament for 11 years, predicted a Shorten government would change Australia Day to appease the party's left faction and the Greens. 'I don't think the Labor position is genuine,' he told reporters on Wednesday. 'If you get a Labor government, it will add to the Green-left push to change the date which is code for abolishing Australia Day altogether.' Mr Latham likened Australia Day to former Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2008 abolishing the offshore processing of asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea. 'It's a bit like boat people policy. They say these things through their leader,' he said. 'But if you took a poll of the Labor Party members of Parliament, they don't support tough border protection, they support open borders and they support moving Australia Day.' A Florida man killed his mother-in-law - who he thought was causing problems in his marriage - and then took his own life in a horrific murder-suicide. Steven Kasimow, 52, shot and killed popular real estate agent Linda Marx, 70, in front of his Miami home on Monday, police said. He was found dead, with a gunshot wound to the head, in his car a few hours later. Steven Kasimow, 52, killed his mother-in-law Linda Marx, who he thought was causing problems in his marriage, and then took his own life in a horrific murder-suicide, police say Investigators said that Kasimow had blamed Marx for the problems in his marriage after his wife Aimee Marx Kasimow asked for a divorce (pictured together) Video courtesy of Local10. Kasimow allegedly had blamed Marx for the problems in his marriage after his wife Aimee Marx Kasimow asked for a divorce. Authorities said that the shooting occurred after Kasimow, who was also a real estate agent, stormed out of his house just before 5pm on Monday. When Marx followed him outside to confront him, he shot her in the driveway, according to the Miami Herald. Marx celebrated her 70th birthday with her daughter and family just a day before her death Authorities said that the shooting occurred after Kasimow stormed out of his house just before 5pm on Monday. Mark followed him outside and he shot her in the driveway Police found Marx's body inside her car in front of Kasimow's home. She had suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Kasimow then fled the scene but Miami-Dade police were able to contact him through his cell phone, tracing his location to a street in Hollywood four miles away. It was there that they located Kasimow's black Mercedes-Benz, which was parked on the side of a road, and found his dead body. Police found Marx's body inside her car in front of Kasimow's home (pictured). She had suffered gunshot wounds to the head. A cover can be seen over Marx's car in front of Kasimow's home on Monday night Miami-Dade police Detective Chris Thomas said Kasimow and Marx were 'dealing with ongoing family issues'. 'Basically, he found out he was getting divorced,' a family friend told Local 10 News. 'He was unhappy with the divorce, and he shot his mother-in-law.' Marx was killed just a day after she celebrated her 70th birthday at a party filled with friends and family. Hours later, police located Kasimow's black Mercedes-Benz, which was parked on the side of a road, and found his dead body Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Tuesday that if he decides to run for president he can still win despite being older. The 76-year-old billionaire said there is a thought in America that if you are over 50, white and male you are never going to get elected, but he disagrees. He said during a question and answer session at the University of Toronto that people still want maturity, experience and accomplishment. 'There is nothing wrong with people being young. But there is also nothing wrong with people being older,' said Bloomberg, who turns 77 next month. 'Getting older is a process that I hope continues.' Bloomberg is weighing a 2020 Democratic presidential bid and said he has to decide whether winning is possible. Former Vice President Joe Biden is 76 and Sen. Bernie Sanders is 77 and both are also mulling it over. Donald Trump is 72. Bloomberg said priorities for him include climate change, education and public health. In this Nov. 30, 2018 file photo, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg speaks with members of the media at The Bridge Way School in Philadelphia. Bloomberg says that if he runs for president, he'll pay for it himself 'Climate change could destroy the whole world and kill everyone on it,' he said. 'It's frustrating that a lot of people don't understand that.' Bloomberg is dead set against marijuana legalization, an issue popular among young people. He said government shouldn't be making something with serious health effects easier to get. 'It's just nonsensical,' he said. Bloomberg has said he will decide whether to run this month or in February but said he is not in a rush. He plans to self-fund so he doesn't have to hurry up in order to win major donors. 'My donor is not walking away,' he said. Diana Taylor and Michael Bloomberg attend Toys Party 2018 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on December 9, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is 76 Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is 77 Bloomberg had pointed words for Brexit and for Trump, calling Brexit the 'single most stupid thing a country has done - then we Trumped them.' He said America has been treating allies like enemies and enemies like allies. He also said the issue of countries like Russia, China and North Korea trying to influence American elections isn't being taken seriously enough. 'That's like taking a gun and shooting one of our candidates,' he said. 'We should be more than annoyed. I can't believe for the life of me why we don't take stronger action.' Bloomberg also addressed a major concern for Canada - China's arrest of two Canadians in apparent retaliation for the detention of top Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Canada arrested the daughter of Huawei's founder on behalf of the United States, which wants her extradited to face charges that she misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. Trump said last month he might abandon that in pursuit of a trade deal with Beijing. 'Unfortunately, our misguided trade war with China is creating collateral damage for you,' Bloomberg said. 'Having asked Canada to intervene in the Huawei technology case it would be an outrage if Washington dropped its extradition case in exchange for China agreeing to resuming buying a few more U.S products. That's not the way our government has ever conducted business.' 'Treating prisoners like hostages that can be exchanged for cash is what terrorists and dictators do, not democracies and certainly not America and Canada,' he added. A heartbroken father has returned to the remote beach where he found his murdered daughter's body. Toyah Cordingley, 24, was found dead by her father Troy on Wangetti Beach, north of Cairns in Queensland, on October 22. 'I went to Wangetti Beach for the first time since that horrific day,' he wrote. Heartbroken father Troy(pictured left with daughter Toyah) has visited the beach where he found his daughter's body He was pictured on his knees close to the edge of Wangetti Beach and appeared to be laying down a flower in honour of his daughter Toyah Many flocked to pay their tributes to Toyah with flowers, pictures and large placard saying 'FOREVER TOYAH' stuck to a tree 'It was lovely to see people's tributes and so hard to lay golden penda flowers where I found my little girl, 'We will never give up.' Mr Cordingley was photographed next to a tree, which was stuck with flowers, pictures of his daughter and a large placard saying 'FOREVER TOYAH'. He was also pictured on his knees at the edge of the beach and appeared to be laying down a flower. The hunt for the 24-year-old's murder continues after she was was last seen walking her boyfriend's dog Jersey in October The hunt for Toyah's murderer continues after her body was found a day after she went missing as she was walking her boyfriend's dog Jersey. She was killed in what police said was a 'sexually motivated murder' on the beach between 2pm and 2.30pm on October 21. She was reported missing at about 10.50pm that day and her body was located at about 7.45am the next day by her father. About 500 people including police, SES, close family members and members of the community have been involved in search for evidence to find her killer. Several helped scour the beach from the early hours of the morning into the late afternoon since the 24-year-old was reported missing. The Cairns community gathered together on November 11 to renew their vow to find the person who killed the pharmacy worker. Many attended a healing ceremony on the beach, where two speakers expressed the hurt and fury they felt from the tragic death. At least 6,000 bumper stickers, which say 'Toyah, the community will never give up', have been distributed within the community. Since the horrific incident, Wangetti Beach and its surrounds have been virtually deserted. Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking, after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month. Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of 'arbitrary enforcement' of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term. The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. In this image taken from a video footage run by China's CCTV, Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, attends his retrial at the Dalian Intermediate People's Court in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province on Monday. He was sentenced to death in the retrial Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday it was of 'extreme concern' that China had chosen to 'arbitrarily apply' the death penalty on Canadian Robert Schellenberg 'We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency' for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made 'irresponsible remarks' for saying China chose to 'arbitrarily apply' death penalties. Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment. 'We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it,' she said. Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg (C) is pictured during the retrial at which he was sentenced to death for drug trafficking Asked if Beijing would consider the clemency request, the foreign ministry said China was a country with rule of law. Citing the Chinese constitution, ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Wednesday that the court and procuratorate 'exercise independent judicial authority and prosecutorial power according to the law and will not be interfered with by other administrative organs'. 'If sentencing Schellenberg, a drug trafficker, to death is inhumane and inappropriate, is it humane and appropriate to allow more people die from drugs?' she questioned at the daily news briefing. Referring to the the Opium Wars, which unfolded between 1839 and 1860, Hua stressed that China would not allow drug dealers from any country to harm the lives of the Chinese people. Human rights groups say Chinese courts are not independent and can be influenced by the Communist Party. Schellenberg was detained in late 2014 and initially sentenced to 15 years in jail in November 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. Beijing had earlier said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made 'irresponsible remarks' for saying China chose to 'arbitrarily apply' death penalties. In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens - a former diplomat and a business consultant - on suspicion of endangering national security. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence, and the inclusion of new evidence, raised suspicion among observers. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was 'playing hostage politics.' In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to 'travel cautiously.' China executes one or two foreigners every year - nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. A mourner was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the mouth at a wake shortly before midnight last night. The 50-year-old man suffered the gruesome injury as mourners turned out to grieve at Tottenham town hall in North London. It is not known why violence erupted but paramedics were called at 11.39pm while police arrested a man on suspicion of GBH at the scene. A mourner was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the mouth at a wake shortly before midnight last night. The 50-year-old man suffered the gruesome injury as mourners turned out to grieve at Tottenham town hall in North London (pictured) A spokesperson said: 'Police were called at 23:39hrs on Tuesday, 15 January after a man was reported to have been stabbed in the mouth at a gathering in Tottenham Town Hall, Town Hall Approach Road N15. 'Officers attended with LAS. The 50-year-old male victim was taken to hospital. His injuries aren't life-threatening. 'One man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH and taken into custody. Police remain at the scene. Enquiries continue.' The stabbing comes as fears grown over the use of weapons, especially by teenage gangs. In the West Midlands, police uncovered a machete, nunchucks and a flick knife on a man stopped in Shirley earlier this week. And in Cambridge, officers found a two-foot sword and a hunting knife on two people suspected of train fare-dodging. In the West Midlands, police uncovered a machete, nunchucks and a flick knife on a man stopped in Shirley yesterday evening In Cambridge today, officers found a two-foot sword and a hunting knife on two people suspected of train fare-dodging A savage looking kitchen knife was seized after police chased down a man in Molesey, Surrey, today and a flick-knife was found in a drugs search in Hendon, north London. Meanwhile, officers in Leytonstone, East London, arrested a man who was in possession of a large knife and what appeared to be marijuana. The seizures came as London saw a series of stabbings over the weekend and this morning. A savage looking kitchen knife was seized today after police chased down a man in Molesey, Surrey At 8.30am today, a teenager was rushed to hospital after being stabbed on Lewisham High Street. Witnesses said the boy was wearing his school uniform when he was chased off a bus and attacked with metal poles and a knife. Yesterday, two teenagers, 14 and 15, were arrested in Thames Ditton on suspicion of attempted murder after two boys were assaulted on a bridge over train tracks. One of the victims remains in a serious but stable condition. This flick-knife was found today by Metropolitan Police officers in a drugs search in Hendon, north London Officers in Leytonstone, East London, arrested a man today who was in possession of a large knife and what appeared to be marijuana On Friday, a woman in her 50s was stabbed in Sutton outside a supermarket. She was taken to hospital then discharged. And this evening, a man carrying a 'massive machete' was Tasered by police after terrified commuters saw him running around a busy south London railway station at rush hour while 'ranting'. Stunned onlookers said that the machete-wielding man was subdued by officers using an electronic stun gun on a platform at Tulse Hill station at around 6.25pm. Police have urged anyone with information about the incidents to contact 101. A woman has been arrested for the murder of Rebecca Hall whose body was found naked in an alleyway nearly 20 years ago. A woman has been arrested for the murder of a prostitute whose body was found naked in an alleyway nearly 20 years ago. Single mother Rebecca Hall, 19, was found with severe head injuries two weeks after disappearing in Bradford in 2001. Ms Hall, who had a four-month-old son, Jordan, was naked and her clothes were found nearby. Police have now revealed a 37-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of her murder earlier this month, the Mirror reported. Detective Superintendent Jim Griffiths said: 'A 37-year-old woman was arrested on January 4 on suspicion of murder and released under investigation. Active enquiries are ongoing. 'The passage of time does nothing to diminish our determination to bring the killers to justice'. Ms Hall vanished after leaving her home in Little Horton, Bradford, on Thursday, April 26. The sex worker was believed to be heading to Thornton Street, where she was later found dead, ITV reported. Dozens of suspects have been placed under surveillance following the young mother's death. It is believed her missing items, including knee-high bots and a South Park watch, could be critical to the investigation. US in talks with Turkey for sale of Patriot missiles Ankara 'interested but will not halt S-400 purchase from Russia' (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JANUARY 16 - A US technical delegation has concluded two days of talks with Turkish authorities in Ankara on a proposal for the sale of US Patriot missiles, which the State Department authorized last month for an estimated value of 3.5 billion dollars. The main issue to be resolved on the talks concerns Washington's request for Ankara to halt the purchase - already agreed for about 2.5 billion dollars - of the S-400 missile air defense system from Russia, which the US believes may pose a risk for possible interference with NATO systems and especially fifth generation F-35 aircraft. Turkey has expressed interest in the US missiles but stressed that it does not intend to halt the purchase from Russia. ''We have three fundamental criteria; one is price, the second is delivery date and the third is technology transfer and co-production. If these conditions are satisfied, Patriot missiles can be purchased. In case these conditions are not satisfied, the negotiations will continue,'' Turkish presidential aide Ibrahim Kalin said. (ANSAmed). A 22-year-old receptionist who was blinded by drinking spiked cocktails on holiday in Greece faces a three-year wait for a guide dog. Hannah Powell woke up blind in August 2016 after her vodka and orange cocktails were laced with methanol, during a party holiday to Zakynthos. The toxic drinks left her with multiple health issues, including kidney failure and blindness. A shortage in guide dogs across the country means she has been added to an 800 person waiting list. Hannah Powell, 22, appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain in May, she faces a three year wait for a guide dog after being added to an 800 person waiting list Miss Powell before she suffered the life-changing consequences of drinking spiked cocktails in August 2016 She told the Mirror: 'Its just one more setback Ive got to deal with, but Im not alone. 'Blind people across the country are having to cope without guide dogs... Ive been warned I might have to wait three years.' The GP's receptionist previously told of how she discovered she was blind after waking up one morning in Greece. She had been out for a bar crawl the night before. She asked her friends to open the curtains of the room, but to her horror they said the sun was pouring through the window. Miss Powell had to have a kidney transplant from her mother, who fortunately was a match, to prevent her from having dialysis for the rest of her life. She described her mother, Christine, 53, as her 'hero.' Miss Powell woke up in the Hotel Trinity in Zante and asked her friends to open the curtains, only to be told they were wide open Miss Powell, from Middlesborough, is back working two days a week. Drinks adulterated with cheap spirit, often home-made, to cut costs have been a consistent problem in the southern Mediterranean. Spiked drinks, or bombes, are served in some bars and clubs in Athens and resorts known for partying such as those on Zakynthos have had problems in the past. A young woman who was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease which paralysed her stomach has been sent home from hospital to die. Ruby Hill, 23, has spent the last four years enduring different treatments and trials in a bid to extend her life. The Whangarei woman, from New Zealand's North Island, was diagnosed with gastroparesis in 2015. It followed months of going back and forth between doctors - with many wrongly believing the condition was anorexia. Ms Hill's stomach became paralysed after she had her appendix removed and which has prevented her body from absorbing any nutrients. A young woman who was diagnosed with a rare and incurable disease which paralysed her stomach has been sent home from hospital to die Ruby Hill is only 23-years-old and has spent the last four years battling to stay alive, trying a number of different treatments and trials in a bid to extend her life Once a budding pilot, Ms Hill was stood down on grounds of illness, and had until 2020 to prove that she was healthy On Friday she was officially discharged from hospital and told to spend her last days with family members. Doctors in New Zealand believe they have exhausted every treatment option available. Ms Hill has found some pain relief in cannabis oil, which is the only product that appears to have had a positive effect on her. 'In New Zealand the only treatments are opioid medications but I had severe reactions to everything they tried to put me on,' she told Daily Mail Australia. She was given a prescription to use a small dosage of medicinal cannabis but the costs associated with the treatment are still astronomical. 'It's about $500 for 25ml, which generally lasts between six and 10 days,' she said. On Friday she was officially discharged from hospital and told to spend her last days with family members after medical professionals exhausted every treatment option available, with no success Prior to the appendix removal surgery, Ms Hill hadn't experienced any difficulty keeping food down and was happy and healthy Ms Hill and her family have started fundraising efforts to travel to Canada while she is still able to do so, where medicinal marijuana was legalised back in 2001 Ms Hill and her family have started fundraising efforts to travel to Canada while she is still able to do so, where medicinal marijuana was legalised back in 2001. She believes travelling to the country will give her more freedom to use the drug in a more beneficial way. 'I'll be able to do a lot more because there's more freedom there to play around with the effects of cannabis products that aren't available in New Zealand. 'I started researching clinics in Canada a couple of years ago and it became more and more appealing to me to get over there, it's ticking something off my bucket list.' Ms Hill's GiveALittle page has already raised over $20,000 and has an uncapped goal. The 23-year-old's weight has now plummeted to about 35 kilos (77 pounds) Prior to the appendix removal surgery, Ms Hill hadn't experienced any difficulty keeping food down and was happy and healthy She says any additional funds that aren't used for travel and treatment will be used to fund more research about the rare disease. Ms Hill spent nine months suffering extreme malnutrition, vomiting up every fluid or solid food she consumed while battling with doctors to get to the root of the issue. Many said Ms Hill's symptoms were in her head, some told her she was anorexic and depressed. 'I knew the whole time that I wasn't but after months of doctors saying 'work with us, you're doing this to yourself,' you begin to start doubting your sanity,' she said. Once a budding pilot, Ms Hill was stood down on grounds of illness, and had until 2020 to prove that she was healthy. The 23-year-old now weights 35 kilos (77 pounds). Her GiveALittle page has successfully raised $20,000 in the three days since it began, providing Ms Hill with a new lease on life as she prepares herself for the journey to Canada. Advertisement A British woman travelling with a family accused of causing chaos in New Zealand today admitted stealing a four-pack of Red Bull, wire rope and sunglasses from a service station. Tina Maria Cash, 26, stole from the store in Albany, north of Auckland on December 31 and January 4. Another woman distracted the attendant by buying cigarettes while she made away with the items, a court heard today. A British family are to be deported from New Zealand after locals say they wreaked havoc across the country. The behaviour of the tourists (pictured speaking to police after causing a scene) has sparked anger in the country and the group have been labelled 'a*******' and 'trash' by the mayor of Auckland CCTV images from the Caltex store she burgled appear to show that two children she was travelling with stole a Christmas tree from the same shop on December 7 Cash, who arrived in New Zealand on a six-month travelling visa on 29 November, claimed she did not remember the theft - but she was caught on CCTV, reported Stuff. She pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay back $55.20 for the items she stole. CCTV images from the Caltex store she burgled appear to show that two children she was travelling with stole a Christmas tree from the same shop on December 7. The regional manager Ankur Patel told Daily Mail Australia: 'It's completely shocking that two children would just walk away with a Christmas tree. We didn't realise it was gone until the next day and then we checked the CCTV.' On her way into court, Cash was accompanied by several travellers including a shirtless toddler who pulled the finger and yelled at reporters. Cash is travelling with an 'unruly' British group which is reportedly set to be deported after locals said they wreaked havoc across the country. Locals have branded them 'gypsies' but one of the young men in the group denied they were Irish and said: 'I'm just a fat kid from England on holiday.' The tourists, believed to be from Liverpool, face claims they trashed a beach, left a cafe without paying, damaged their apartment and allegedly stole a journalist's phone. One of the accused family members, who named himself as John Johnson, posing for a photo while on holiday. They have received dozens of complaints from locals and businesses across New Zealand since arriving on January 11 One of the members of the group was seen ushering a child away as he threatened local woman Krista Curnow, saying he was going to 'knock your brains out' A young boy in the group also threatened to 'knock the brains out' of a woman who had filmed them littering on a picturesque Auckland beach while the family have also been accused of putting ants and hair in restaurant meals to avoid paying the bill. The group of around 12 includes brothers John and David Johnson, their partners, children, and mother, Eileen Doran, from Liverpool, who arrived in New Zealand on Friday. They said they are a 'respectable' family who were 'here to see the Hobbits' - but their plans have been 'f***** up' by the accusations against them. Their stint of mayhem across New Zealand led to the group being labelled 'a*******' and 'trash' by the mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff. A petition calling for their deportation has now amassed more than 2,500 signatures. In a radio interview, Goff said: 'I've asked the council to follow up because I want to see them loaded with an infringement fine for trashing our country. They shouldn't even be here.' On Tuesday night there was a heated stand-off in which police were called after the family were seen walking through a Burger King drive-through. One of the females believed to be in the group from England smiles as her picture is taken on a mobile phone in Auckland Footage showed a young boy, wearing a wide-brimmed Bunnings Warehouse hat, approaching Ms Curnow, telling her: 'I'll knock your brains out' Staff at the fast food chain said they were causing a nuisance and complaining by asking for free food, while the children were banging coins on machines. Six police officers and two immigration officials were on the scene in Hamilton at about 3pm, when they served the family with deportation papers, Stuff reported. They remained at the premises before leaving and returning in the afternoon. Staff eventually decided to call police after they walked through the drive-through. Other accusations made against the group include: Littering at a beach before a boy threatened to 'knock the brains out' of a woman who challenged them Leaving a soiled nappy in a plane's overhead bin and constantly demanding booze on their flight Putting ants and hair in their meals in an attempt to get meals for free at numerous different restaurants Ordering more than $110 worth of food at a cafe before skipping out on their tab Grabbing a reporter's phone before deleting footage and handing the device back Causing extensive damage to an apartment they had stayed in The family, who denied being 'gypsies', earlier said they were going to cut their holiday short after denying they were responsible for the series of incidents. In an interview with the New Zealand Herald, family member David Johnson said he was stunned by the backlash against them. He said: 'We did leave a mess and they're saying we're gypsies, we're not gypsies.' Witness Krista Curnow said the group of about 12 tourists, who spoke with an Irish accent, turned violent when she asked them to clean their mess as they left the beach The establishments where the group of British tourists have reportedly had complaints about their behaviour during their stay in New Zealand After the publication tracked them down at a hotel in Hamilton, one of the brothers protested over being filmed and grabbed the phone from the reporter's hand and deleted the footage before handing it back. The two brothers, who gave their names as John Johnson and David Johnson, said they were being targeted at the beach by people telling them to go back to their country. David Johnson said his son was hit at the beach by another child and then taunted, which is the reason for his outburst towards being filmed. Auckland mayor Phill Goff labelled the tourists 'a*******' in a radio interview, adding that they shouldn't be in the country 'We were sitting there, and a little boy smacked one of the kids. They come over and start calling us loads of names 'go back to Ireland.' We're sitting there having a meal and we're relaxing,' the boy's father David Johnson said. 'One of the guys got very violent to one of my friends and everybody got around us and we had no choice but to get up and leave and there was a mess there, because we couldn't clean it up because we were badly intimidated by a group of people.' He said they would now cut their trip short by a week and leave the country on Friday and will not get to visit one of their trip highlights. 'We're here to see the Hobbits ... I've been looking at the Hobbits my whole life, since I'm born, that was originally what our plans was but it's all been f***** up now ... I feel very unwelcome here. I feel like an alien invader, I don't feel happy and I'm far from Irish.' John Johnson said he no longer felt comfortable in New Zealand. He said: 'I'm no one famous. I'm just a fat kid from England on holiday.' He reportedly told the newspaper that he came from a good family, and said his grandfather was the 'tenth richest man in England' Establishments around Auckland on New Zealand's North Island have complained the group put ants and hair in their meals in an attempt to get their meals for free and abused staff. Three members of the group had breakfast at the Montrose Cafe and ordered over $110 worth of food before skipping out on their tab. Benjamin Salt, the restaurant manager, said that the group was continuously ordering items to keep staff busy and were rude to the other customers. 'They asked me for the total bill. I told them it was $114 and I had to repeat myself a few times before all of a sudden one of them said 'have a look at this, there is a hair in my food',' he told the New Zealand Herald. 'We were pretty sceptical but the chef came out to the table to apologise and we were going to take the item off their bill and then one shoved their food into me and when I went back to get rid of the plate they ran out the door.' A woman with the group then pulled a hoodie over her head before getting into their white van, slamming the vehicle door into a nearby car as she did so A group of tourists who allegedly left their trash all over a beachside park, threatened locals, and caused chaos on a flight have now been accused of not paying for meals at two restaurants and a cafe. Pictured: The man who named himself as John Johnson The group had been accused of attempting to scam two other restaurants by refusing to pay for food at Mr India and The Backyard Bar & Restaurant in Northcote. Roger Van Kempen, the manager of The Backyard Bar & Restaurant, said some of the tourists bought food at the establishment and then put ants in the food to try and avoid paying their bill. A coffee shop in inner Auckland also accused the group of refusing to pay for chocolate cake and then yelling at staff. When the New Zealand Herald tracked down some of the travellers when they checked out of their budget hotel on Monday they were told there would be trouble if they were photographed. A woman with the group then pulled a hoodie over her head before getting into their white van, slamming the vehicle door into a nearby car as she did so. The tourists also allegedly caused havoc on their flight into the country. On their flight over, they reportedly demanded large seats, continuous requests for alcohol and a dirty nappy left in an overhead bin. Pictured: Rubbish left behind by a group of tourists at a popular beach in Auckland One passenger on the Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Auckland on Friday told the New Zealand Herald the family made the journey the 'worst flight' of his life. Before the flight departed, both children gallivanted around the plane's aisles and a daughter allegedly yelled at her mother who demanded food from staff, the passenger claimed. When others realised the family-of-six had apparently left a soiled piece of clothing in their hand luggage, the fellow passenger reached the end of his tether. 'The parents also asked for different seats because they are overweight and didn't have enough space, even insisting the attendant ask another couple with the only free seat on the plane to switch with them,' he said. 'They would lean against us often with an armpit on my head or an entire arm blocking the movie I attempted to watch. I was already boiling at this point, so asked the attendants if we could move. 'After leaving the plane they even left one of her [their baby's] suits in the overhead that we think had actual poop left in it, because it smelt like death.' The British tourists who trashed a beach also allegedly caused havoc on their flight into the country. Here they are pictured leaving the scene after allegedly littering Ms Curnow said she and her friends cleaned up the tourists' mess with the help of other beachgoers As the plane descended the passenger said the young girl ignored the seatbelt sign and attempted to stand. They were also accused of damaging an apartment which they had stayed in. Sufi Muhammad, Star Queens Service Apartment manager, said: 'She didn't pay for Saturday, and on Saturday the apartment was totally mess, broken television even the toilet was leaking.' He claimed the group requested a year-long lease but were offered a studio apartment for a week. After accepting the offer, they allegedly tried to break into a bigger apartment. 'Their response was basically if we have a problem then we can pick it up and that that's what the council is for,' Ms Curnow said Mr Muhammed said he felt threatened by the group, and when they started stealing cleaning equipment and linen he asked them to leave. On January 14, the group tried to trade in their two vehicles for one at the Hamilton car dealership. But when staff checked the van they found five children in the back with no seats. 'He was pretty arrogant, soon as he walked in, he approached my boss with a rude voice and rarked everyone up, a lot of arrogance on his side,' said a staff member at the dealership. Days later the supposed same group were filmed leaving beer bottles and rubbish on a busy beach, before a child threatened to 'knock the brains out' of locals who confronted them in now-viral footage. The incident, which unfolded at Auckland's Takapuna Beach on New Zealand's North Island on Sunday, was captured on camera by Krista Curnow. She said the group of about 12 tourists, who spoke with an Irish accent, turned violent when she asked them to clean their mess as they left the beach. 'Their response was basically if we have a problem then we can pick it up and that that's what the council is for,' Ms Curnow said. 'I approached the family to ask again if they could not disrespect our country while visiting and pick up their rubbish. 'They turned violent and even grandma and the child got involved saying they wanted to punch my head in.' Footage showed a young boy, wearing a wide-brimmed Bunnings Warehouse hat, approach Ms Curnow, telling her: 'I'll knock your brains out'. 'The mouth on that young boy - absolutely disgusting! What kind of role models are the parents allowing this sort of behaviour,' Ms Curnow said. 'We live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, how dare people come to NZ and disrespect our country, this is our home.' The family later ordered food at a nearby Nandos store, before demanding a refund, The New Zealand Herald reported. Another local claimed they confronted the family at a Bunnings Warehouse after seeing the video online. 'We just came across him in Bunnings Hillsborough... he was wearing the same clothes,' the woman wrote on Facebook. 'He's absolutely s******* himself after getting a bit of a talking to from my partner about respecting our country.' Footage of the incident has since gone viral and has garnered thousands of comments. 'My big fat gypsy holiday! Imagine having to sit next to them on a 12-hour flight. Horrendous! Glad you said something,' one wrote. 'What did I just watch? That little boy thought he was so tough,' another noted. The incident unfolded at Auckland's Takapuna Beach (pictured), a beauty spot on New Zealand's North Island on Sunday Ms Curnow said she and her friends cleaned up the tourists' mess, with the help of other beachgoers. 'I loved how everyone else on the beach came to support and we all picked up the rubbish together! Love NZ,' she said. Inspector Kevin McNaughton, Acting Area Commander of Waitemata East Police, told Daily Mail Australia the incident was being investigated. 'Police will be speaking with those involved and will be referring them to Auckland Council with regard to their behaviour around the littering of rubbish,' he said. 'Police would like to remind the public that offenders caught illegally dumping rubbish may be issued with a fine of up to $400. 'Serious offenders may also be prosecuted under the Litter Act 1979 with a maximum penalty of $30,000. 'We pride ourselves in our clean, green image as a country and thank the members of the public who reported this behaviour on this occasion.' A Swedish firm which helped locate 33 trapped Chilean miners seven years ago has agreed to help in the search for a two-year-old Spanish boy who fell down a well. Stockholm Precision Tools AB (SPT) has become the latest private sector firm to be called upon in the ongoing bid to reach little Julen who fell 350-ft through a 15-inch wide hole. A spokesman for the firm, which rescued the miners after they spent 69 days underground, confirmed it had agreed to help out but said she could not offer any more details at this stage. This photo posted by local firefighters show the small 15in-wide hole Julen fell down on Sunday afternoon A massive operation has been launched to locate and rescue Julen who fell on Spain's Costa del Sol on Sunday. Police said they had yet to find any sign of the youngster - bar a packet of sweets and a plastic cup in a blockage nearly 250ft down the tiny hole. But officers insisted they would continue to search for him round-the-clock in the hope of finding and saving him. SPT said after the 2010 rescue of the miners how an SPT North-Seeking Gyroscope Survey instrument had made it possible to find the men alive after 17 days trapped underground at the San Jose copper-gold mine near Copiapo in the Atacama Desert. Felipe Matthews Rojas, manager of SPT's customer company Geoatacama Consultores Ltd, which was involved in the survey operations in Chile, is quoted on its website as saying: 'Had it not been for the exceptional precision of SPT equipment, it would not have been impossible to end the 33 trapped miners. A team of technicians from the multinational is understood to have joined rescuers trying to reach Julen yesterday. It was not immediately clear whether the equipment used in the Chile rescue, which became the subject of a Hollywood film starring Antonio Banderas, would be employed. Civil Guard officers searching for Julen announced on Tuesday that a team of miners were flying to Malaga from Asturias in northern Spain. They will be given the job of excavating by hand the last part of a horizontal tunnel that is being dug out to help rescuers reach the spot where they think Julen is trapped. Specialist machinery has been brought in to 'suck' away the earth preventing emergency service responders from confirming Julen is beneath the blockage - thought to have been caused by a mini-landslide as he fell - and is still alive. Mission: More than 100 firefighters and emergency workers in southern Spain are searching for the two-year-old The boy's distraught mother, Vicky Garcia, waited anxiously for an update at the scene on Monday This photo posted by local firefighters show the small 15in-wide hole Julen fell down on Sunday afternoon Overnight private sector experts began to install tubing in the uncased shaft on land near Totalan, a 30-minute drive north-east of Malaga, to prevent it collapsing. Officials admitted Julen's condition was unknown, with his loved ones clinging to the hope there was water and a pocket of air at the bottom of the well which could be keeping him alive despite a fall which has been described as the equivalent of 30 floors. The youngster's parents, whose three-year-old son Oliver died in May 2017 after suffering a heart attack, continued to pray for a miracle from a tent at the scene where they have spent the past 40 hours since their son vanished. A massive rescue team are at the well with specialist equipment to 'suck' earth out of the well to reveal whether the boy is trapped underneath Tragedy: The two-year-old boy fell down the deep well on a countryside property in Malaga, Spain's Costa del Sol, while his parents were having lunch nearby Julen's fast food restaurant worker mother Vicky Garcia and his jobless father, named locally as Jose Rosello, spoke to police after they raised the alarm around 2pm on Sunday. They told officers that he had fallen down the well shaft as they prepared a paella with friends during a family day out in the countryside. The youngster's grandmother Reme Garcia said she was confiding in his dead elder brother to protect him from Heaven in an emotional outpouring of grief. She wrote on social media in a heart-wrenching message to Oliver: 'Today all I ask is that your brother comes out now. He needs you. 'Oliver, don't forget your brother Julen. You know we've been waiting for him for many hours. I know you protect him a lot, my little King.' Early this morning in another post alongside a picture of a baby asleep in the arms of an adult, she added: 'If it's true that there's a God up there, help him please. Hold on Julen.' She also joined the little boy's mum in criticising an expert well-digger who claimed yesterday it was 'almost impossible' the youngster was in the well. Family members console each other yesterday as the rescue team worked round the clock to find the child Francisco Barranquero, owner of a Malaga-based prospection firm, appeared to cast doubt on his parents' version of events by telling a Spanish news website: 'I think it's very unlikely that little boy is there. Almost impossible. Either that or the search is not being done properly.' Insisting the shaft would not consist of a completely vertical drop and would include small deviations, he added: 'I've managed to recover hammers that have fallen down such small holes. 'Is it possible that a baby wouldn't end up getting stuck and might have reached the bottom? I say that's very difficult.' Mission: More than 100 firefighters and emergency workers in southern Spain are searching for the two-year-old Julen's angry grandmother raged: 'What s##t are you saying about my grandson? You have no feelings. All I ask is that you don't go to the spot where my daughter and family are.' The youngster's mother took time out of her 24/7 vigil near the spot where the boy was last seen to repeat what they had told police about hearing the boy cry when he first fell by adding: 'Shut up Francisco. You are the least appropriate person to be speaking about this. 'I heard my son cry and his father was talking to him and he heard him and cried again and now we can't hear him anymore.' Police have insisted their efforts are '100 per cent' focused on trying to locate and rescue Julen in the well, despite claims by Spanish news website El Confidencial Civil Guard investigators were working on a reconstruction of his fall 'to contemplate all options.' This morning's work was geared towards continuing to try to remove the blockage 250ft down the well while shoring up the shaft. It is not clear if there is water at the bottom of the hole, which was reportedly created last December by prospectors Two other options have also been considered, although neither has yet been launched. One involves creating another wider hole running parallel to the existing well which would be made slighter deeper and link to the first hole in a U-bend. The other involves excavating a horizontal tunnel an adult could fit into through the hillside to the spot where rescuers hope to eventually locate Julen. Officials have admitted both options could take at least two days to complete - and they ideally need to discover exactly where the youngster is first. Local reports have pointed to the land where the drama is unfolding being owned by relatives of the missing boy - with one saying an uncle made the hole to look for water in another tragic twist to the ongoing incident. Experts have said it is normal for prospections of this kind to take place - but the holes have to be covered up afterwards if nothing is found with a large stone which is usually sealed hermetically to stop anyone from removing it and avoid accidents like Sunday's. More than 100 people including police, firefighters, Civil Protection workers and private sector experts are involved in the search operation. This was Theresa May's response to her Brexit defeat - Mr Speaker, the House has spoken and the Government will listen. It is clear that the House does not support this deal. Tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how or even if it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold. People, particularly European Union citizens who made their home here and people from the UK living in the EU, deserve clarity on these questions as soon as possible. Those whose jobs rely on trade with the EU need that clarity. Mr Speaker, the House has spoken and the Government will listen. It is clear that the House does not support this deal, Theresa May said tonight (pictured) First, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House. I believe it does but, given the scale and importance of tonight's vote, it's right others have the chance to test that question if they wish to do so. I can therefore confirm that, if the Official Opposition table a confidence motion this evening in the form required for the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, the Government will give time to debate that motion tomorrow. [Jeremy Corbyn later did so, with a vote to be held today.] Second, if the House confirms confidence in this Government I will then hold meetings with my colleagues, our confidence-and-supply partner the DUP and senior Parliamentarians from across the House to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House. The Government will approach these meetings in a constructive spirit, but given the urgent need to make progress, we must focus on ideas that are genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in this House. Jeremy Corbyn has put forward a vote of no confidence in the PM If these meetings yield such ideas, the Government will then explore them with the European Union. I want to end by offering two reassurances. First, to those who fear Government strategy is to run down the clock to 29 March: This is not our strategy. I have always believed the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal and have devoted most of the last two years negotiating such a deal. We respect the will of the House [on the Grieve amendment for a 'Plan B'] and we will table an amendable motion on Monday. My second reassurance is to British people who voted to leave the European Union in the referendum two-and-a-half years ago. I became PM immediately after the referendum and I believe it's my duty to deliver on their instruction and I intend to do so. Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour. The Government has heard what this House has said tonight but I ask members on all sides of the house to listen to the British people who want this issue settled. And to work with the Government to do just that. Mug shot from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office in 2016 when Brian Cavalier was first arrested A militia bodyguard involved in the armed takeover of a federal building in Oregon over a land dispute between the government and ranchers has been released from jail after spending more than 20 months in custody. Brian Cavalier, nicknamed 'Booda' because he has a Buddha tattoo on his stomach, yesterday became the last of 19 defendants from 11 different states to be sentenced over the standoff with armed federal agents nearly five years ago. The 47-year-old joined several armed militia to occupy the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon, which lead to a tense 41-day armed standoff at the refuge in 2014. Armed ranchers and more than two dozen self-declared militia members forced heavily armed U.S land management agents to retreat and release a herd of cattle in a dusty dry river bed. Working as a bodyguard for Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, Cavalier, along with the other militia members and supporters maintained the federal government has no authority to collect fees or stop ranchers from letting cattle graze in vast arid rangelands. They characterized their refusal to let the government confiscate cows grazing in what is now Gold Butte National Monument as an expression of free speech and weapon rights. Prosecutors cast the confrontation as an insurrection against the U.S. government. Cliven Bundy talking to reporters outside Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Headquarters in January last year. His former bodyguard was not given any more jail time after already serving 20 months between January 2016 and October 2017 Militiaman featured prominently during a tense armed stand-off at the Bundy ranch in March 2014 when authorities tried to seize Cliven Bundy's cattle over a grazing rights row The incident stoked passions among some who contrasted the peaceful outcome in Nevada with a 1993 federal siege and fire that destroyed a religious sect compound in Waco, Texas, killing more than 70 people. Cavalier, of Mesa, Arizona, was told yesterday he won't serve any more time than the 20 months he spent in federal custody between his arrest in early 2016 and his guilty plea in October 2017 to two charges of conspiracy to impede and injure a federal officer. 'I'd just like to put this behind me', he told Chief U.S. District Judge Gloria Navarro at the end of the brief court hearing. In 2016 the MailOnline revealed Cavalier had never served as a marine, despite his claime he was a veteran of tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Cliven Bundy, wife Carol Bundy, son Ryan Bundy, and close family friend Shawna Cox were among the few observers in the courtroom yesterday while the judge credited Cavalier with taking responsibility and pleading guilty months before Navarro found 'flagrant' prosecutorial misconduct and dismissed the case against other defendants a year ago. Ryan Bundy leaving federal court in Las Vegas in November 2017. He and close family members were among the few observers in court yesterday while the judge credited Cavalier with taking responsibility and pleading guilty Most of the 19 defendants spent nearly two years in federal custody awaiting trial on charges that could have gotten them decades in prison, including conspiracy, threatening and assaulting federal officers, firearm offenses, obstruction and extortion. Prosecutors failed to gain full convictions in 2017 in two jury trials against six defendants who carried assault-style weapons during the confrontation outside Bunkerville, 80 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Two men from Idaho were memorably photographed on a highway overpass pointing rifles at heavily armed federal agents facing hundreds of flag-waving women, children and men on horseback. In the end, five defendants pleaded guilty before trial, several were acquitted of all counts and some were convicted of lesser charges. Two are in prison, appealing their sentences. Most were let go for time already served. Navarro also sentenced Cavalier to one year of federal supervision, ordered him to undergo substance abuse treatment and prohibited him from communicating with other people connected with the standoff. Cavalier also pleaded guilty to a weapons charge in Oregon and was sentenced in 2016 to time already served in federal custody in Portland for his role in a 41-day armed occupation of a wildlife refuge with more than two dozen people including Bundy sons Ryan and Ammon Bundy in January 2016. Cavalier and his attorney, Mace Yampolsky, declined outside court to comment. The family of a grandmother of 13 who disappeared from an Outback property more than two weeks ago are still no closer to finding her whereabouts. Marilyn Grubb was last seen in the New South Wales far west and despite an extensive air and land search operation, there has been no trace of the 64-year-old. Police officially called off the active search on Monday, the Barrier Daily Truth reported. But Ms Grubb's family have vowed to keep looking until they find answers. Ms Grubb was last seen leaving a property on the Menindee Road, about 50km from Broken Hill, on December 30. Grandmother Marilyn Grubb (pictured) has not been seen since leaving an Outback New South Wales property on December 30 The family of Ms Grubb (pictured, her children Annie Marie Grubb, Beth Ashton and Luke Grubb) are desperately searching for the 64-year-old who was last seen leaving a property on the Menindee Road, about 50km from Broken Hill 'We believe Marilyn travelled into Broken Hill where she has a house in Morgan Lane but have had no contact from her since,' the description on a missing poster reads. 'Marilyn is travelling in a blue/grey Holden Adventura Station Wagan with South Australia rego plates S048-BON. 'We ask that anyone that may have dash cam or house cameras to please check their footage [on December 30] between 12pm and 4pm in the hopes that you may have caught her car on camera.' Ms Grubb may have travelled to Dubbo, where her daughter Anne-Marie lives, or Adelaide, where her sisters live. She also possibly travelled to the Northern Territory or Queensland. A trace of her mobile phone has turned up no activity since the day she was last seen. A missing person poster alerting the public to the disappearance of Ms Grubb Ms Grubb (pictured left and right) was travelling in a blue/grey Holden Adventura Station Wagan with South Australia rego plates S048-BON Despite no sign of Ms Grubb since her disappearance, her family are determined to keep looking. 'We will keep looking until we find something at least. Please share the page as much as you possibly can as far as it can go, her children and grandchildren are very confused and missing her incredibly,' a post on the 'Help find Marilyn Grubb' Facebook page said. 'All we want to know is if she is OK.' On Sunday, a post on the page said: 'Not even sure what to write, still nothing... We are just numb, we are still looking and praying she will turn up somewhere, anywhere.' A GoFundMe page has been established to help with the search effort, with the family also hiring a local helicopter service. Ms Grubb is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160 to 165cm tall, with a medium build, green/hazel eyes and brown hair. Anyone with information on Ms Grubb's whereabouts are urged to contact Broken Hill Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. A British businessman who was found dead in St Lucia three days ago had 'apparent wounds' and may have been stabbed, detectives believe. Robert Hathaway was found lying in a pool of blood by a neighbour at his residence in Piat, Grand Riviere, where he had lived for 18 years. Police in St Lucia, who have launched a murder probe, said the 66-year-old marina owner had visible injuries but said a post-mortem was yet to take place. A source told the local website St Lucia News Online that the expat may have been stabbed or beaten to death. Mr Hathaway (pictured with a woman believed to be his wife) was a longtime resident of St Lucia island British businessman Robert Hathaway was reportedly discovered covered in blood at his home in St Lucia on Sunday afternoon A spokesman for the detective who is leading the investigation said:' People want to know what transpired and we want to be able to tell his family and friends what transpired. 'Our investigation started the very moment the body was found. We don't know what happened to Bob Hathaway and that is what we are trying to find out.' 'It is still early days and the forensic report will be able to determine the cause of death. We have to keep an open mind as we dig deeper into this.' Police are trying to piece together the Cambridge University graduate's last movements before his death. 'We would like to know what time he went to his house and who was the last person or persons he was with. They could hold the clue to this mystery,' police said. The engineering graduate, who according to his website had lived on the island since 2001, was reportedly found dead by a neighbour at midday on Sunday. A senior law enforcement officer said Mr Hathaway's body was found covered in blood at his home. A Foreign Office spokesman told MailOnline on Monday: 'Our staff are supporting the family of a British man following his death in St Lucia, and are in contact with the St Lucian police.' According to his Facebook profile, the victim was originally from Codford Saint Peter, Wiltshire. Pictured: the woman believed to be his wife A homicide investigation was launched after Mr Hathaway's body was discovered at his home Mr Hathaway ran a marine engineering consultancy firm on the island of St Lucia in the Grande Riviere, Gros Islet He posted a photograph of himself with a woman, believed to be his wife, to social media on January 1 (left). Police have launched a murder probe after he was found dead His business website says he studied engineering at the University of Cambridge before going on to a career in local government. He worked for Haringey Council as a social worker in the 1970s before later working for a yacht building and repair company in Southampton. It says he sailed to St Lucia in 2001 and bought land in Marigot Bay, going on to found his business five years later. A CV posted on the site gave his marital status as divorced and says he was vice-president of the Caribbean Marine Association. His Facebook page says he was originally from the village of Codford St Peter in Wiltshire. Keats Compton, president of the Marine Industries Association of Saint Lucia and a close friend of Mr Hathaway, said: 'It's really horrific. 'Apart from anything else, Bob was a pal of mine. He was on the executive committee of the (Marine Industries) Association and he was an integral part of it. 'I'm also concerned because the yachting fraternity is very close-knit, and the fact that this kind of thing can happen - if it's not reported properly it can do the industry quite a lot of damage.' The 68-year-old's death has been recorded as the island's first homicide for the year, police confirmed Mr Hathaway studied engineering at the Cambridge University and was the managing director of Marigot Sunshine Ltd Mr Hathaway previously worked for Haringey Council as a social worker in the 1970s Two siblings have been identified after they were found dead trapped inside a freezer along with a third child. Dalton, 6, and one-year-old Kayleigh were brother and sister. The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office said the children were outside playing at a residence on 173rd Place in Suwannee County when they climbed into the freezer and became trapped. Dalton, 6, and one-year-old Kayleigh were identified as two of the three children who died after getting stuck in a freezer During interviews with the adults present at the home, police found out that the freezer had just been brought to the residence but had not been plugged in or brought inside the home. Authorities said 'for unknown reasons they climbed inside' the freezer while one adult had gone inside the home to use the bathroom. The children's grandmother is said to not harbor any ill feelings toward the other mother 'When the female returned to the yard, she could not locate the children so she woke up the other adult female who was at home, sleeping, preparing to work the night shift, and they began to search the property and an adjacent vacant home for the children,' a police statement reads. Finally, the adults, who have not been identified, found the children when they opened the chest freezer. None of them were breathing. The adults immediately administered CPR and called 911. Upon arrival, first responders transported the children to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead. Authorities said they inspected the freezer, which had an after-market hasp that had been installed on the lid in order to secure a padlock on it. 'It is believed at this time, that when the children entered the freezer, and the lid closed, the hasp fell shut, trapping the children inside. There was no padlock on the freezer,' police said. The deceased siblings' children's grandmother is said to not harbor any ill feelings toward the other mother who was at the Suwannee scene at the time, according to First Coast News. But she did share that the family is heartbroken over the children's death A family friend who babysat the kids has established a GoFundMe for the children's funeral expenses that has so far raised more than $1,200. A GoFundMe has been made for the siblings. It has raised just more than $1200 The Suwannee County Sheriff's Office said the children were outside playing at a residence on 173rd Place in Suwannee County when they climbed into the freezer and became trapped 'These two children had a tragic ending to their lives too soon or so we all think is too soon but we're told that God has a time for everyone,' the page stated. 'I babysat these two children I bonded with them.' The third child has not been identified. The investigation is still ongoing, but at this time, foul play is not suspected. However, the case will be forwarded to the Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office for review. The Florida Department of Children and Families has also been notified. Facebook has been slammed for blocking a sponsored post advertising a traditional Mardi Gras cake competition, claiming it featured 'excessive nudity'. But the 'nudity' in question was regarding tiny plastic babies, which are traditionally found inside the very King Cakes that the post was advertising. Now Innovative Advertising, the New Orleans-based marketing firm that is running the competition, is fighting back. Innovative Advertising runs the website King Cake Snob, which allows users to vote for their favorite King Cakes in the area. Facebook has been slammed for blocking a sponsored post advertising a traditional Mardi Gras cake competition, claiming it featured 'excessive nudity' But the 'nudity' in question was regarding tiny plastic babies, which are traditionally found inside the very King Cakes that the post was advertising Facebook quickly flagged the ad, saying it couldn't run because 'it includes an image or video depicting excessive skin or nudity' The firm attempted to promote one of its posts about the competition by paying for a sponsored Facebook ad to increase visibility. 'We're back baby! King Cake season is here, and it's time to go vote for your favorite King Cake at KingCakeSnob.com!' read the post, which featured eight tiny plastic babies next to the phrase 'We're back baby!' But Facebook quickly flagged the ad, saying it couldn't run because 'it includes an image or video depicting excessive skin or nudity, which includes medical diagrams depicting external organs of reproduction, breasts or butt'. 'Remove any images or video that contains nudity and, instead, use content that focuses more clearly on your product and service.' But the plastic babies are an essential part of King Cakes, a traditional treat that is eaten between January 6 - known as King's Day - and Fat Tuesday. The cake is made with a rich brioche dough that is often flavored with cinnamon or stuffed with everything from chocolate to cream chase. Now Innovative Advertising, the New Orleans-based marketing firm that is running the competition, is fighting back with some hilarious 'censored' ads Jay Connaughton, managing partner of Innovative Advertising, said the company was shocked that Facebook would censor 'one of the quintessential traditions of the Mardi Gras culture' It is shaped into a ring and decorated with purple, green, and gold sprinkles and glaze. And, hidden inside, is a plastic baby meant to symbolize Baby Jesus. The token is considered good luck, and whoever gets it has to buy the King Cake next year. Jay Connaughton, managing partner of Innovative Advertising, said the company was shocked that Facebook would censor 'one of the quintessential traditions of the Mardi Gras culture'. A plastic baby is always hidden inside a traditional King Cake and is meant to symbolize Baby Jesus 'Obviously the folks at Facebook have never tasted the sweet deliciousness of a traditional or filled king cake,' he said in a statement. 'If they had, they would understand the deep passion that runs in Louisiana for king cakes of all varieties, and the little babies that live inside them.' 'The king cake babies depicted in the King Cake Snob image are naked, but not graphic in nature. On the contrary, the babies are a representation of the tradition, decadence and obsession our culture has for king cakes and Mardi Gras.' But King Cake Snob wanted to have a little fun with the controversy and pixelated the babies for its next post advertising the competition. 'Carnival calamity! We posted an ad featuring plastic king cake babies, and Facebook denied it for "excessive nudity." Clearly, they need more Louisianans working for the social media giant!' the caption read. 'The word is spreading! We will not stand for censorship of our beloved King Cake babies!' another post read. Innovative Advertising even asked for a manual review of the original ad, including a message that clarified the use of the plastic babies. But still, they were denied. 'There must have been some bot scanning for nudity, but I mean come on Facebook, they need more of a human touch here,' spokesman Andrew Alexander told The New Orleans Advocate. 'It's mind-boggling. We thought it was a joke at first.' Facebook has yet to comment on the carnival controversy. Libya: clashes in Tripoli kill one, injure 19 UN warns against ceasefire violations (ANSAmed) - BENGHAZI, JANUARY 16 - Four months after a UN-mediated ceasefire, clashes have resumed in Tripoli between rival armed groups, official sources said Wednesday. Health ministry spokesman Malek Merset said that at least one person had been killed and 19 others injured. In a previous wave of clashes in August, at least 96 people were killed including many civilians. Meanwhile, the UN mission warned against violating a ceasefire it had mediated and which entered into force in September. Local media quoted the health ministry as saying that the clashes occurred on Wednesday morning in the Qasr Ben Qashir area south of Tripoli. The Tripoli Protection Forces, a coalition of four militias answering to the Government of National Accord under Fayez al-Serraj (the Revolutionary Brigades of Tripoli, the Abu Salim Brigade, the Nawasi Eighth Division and the Bab Tajura Brigade), was fighting against the Seventh Brigade of Tarhuna. The Protection Forces said in a statement quoted by local media that it had been forced to react ''because the groups attacking Tripoli have not withdrawn to behind the borders of the military zone'' of the city. They were referring to the Seventh Brigade, which allegedly did not comply with an agreement to withdraw from the Qasr Ben Qashir area. The coalition, the statement continued, ''responded to an attack by these groups to prevent loss of life and property damage''. (ANSAmed). A civil rights attorney was embarrassed live on air Tuesday when she was scolded by a radio host she said possessed white privilege. Areva Martin, who describes herself as an 'advocate, commentator, author, TV host and producer' was speaking on David Webb's Sirius XM radio program about experience being more important than race when it comes to landing a job role. However the co-host of Face the Truth on CBS and CNN Legal Analyst seemingly made the mistake of assuming the presenter's race when he claimed he had never regarded his race as a barrier when obtaining work. Areva Martin told David Webb on his Sirius XM radio program Tuesday that he has 'white privilege'. Martin said she was given the wrong information and apologized to Webb 'I've chosen to cross different parts of the media world, done the work so that I'm qualified to be in each one. I never considered my color the issue, I considered my qualifications the issue,' Webb said on his Patriot show. It led Martin to respond with a statement that suggested she believed Webb was Caucasian. 'That's a whole, another long conversation about white privilege, the things that you have the privilege of doing, that people of color don't have the privilege of,' she replied. It emerged she had the wrong idea when Webb probed further into her thinking. 'How do I have the privilege of white privilege?' he questioned her. To which she hit back. 'David, by virtue of being a white male you have white privilege.' However Martin was soon corrected when the host whose radio show also appears on TV via Fox Nation realized she had no idea he was African American. 'You see, you went to white privilege; this is the falsehood in this,' Webb hit back. 'You went immediately with an assumption. Your people, obviously, or you didn't look. 'Areva, I hate to break it to you, but you should've been better prepped. I'm black.' Webb went on to explain his accolades as an African American male as he appeared to quash the notion of white privilege in terms of climbing the career ladder. He used his own success at Fox to suggest race wasn't a factor, at least for him. Webb later mocked the incident on his Twitter page, he wrote: 'Just two guys showing their #WhitePrivelege' Posting images of himself alongside white men, he even compared himself to Matt Damon 'You're talking to a black man... who started out in rock radio in Boston, who crossed the paths into hip-hop, rebuilding one of the greatest black stations in America and went on to work at Fox News where I'm told apparently blacks aren't supposed to work, but yet, you come with this assumption, and you go to white privilege,' Webb continued. 'That's actually insulting.' Webb's success as a contributor to various publications including the Hill and Breitbart News, comes with his support for President Donald Trump who he has claimed has a hard time proving the good work he's done. Two years ago he spoke to Fox News about how the media has served as a distraction. After the embarrassing blunder on Tuesday Martin tried to shift the blame on researchers but ultimately said sorry for the assumption. 'It is and I apologize,' Martin agreed about her own misunderstanding. 'I was given wrong information.' While Martin's reps declined to comment to various publications after the mishap, Webb later mocked the incident on his Twitter page. Posting images of himself alongside white men, he wrote: 'Just two guys showing their #WhitePrivelege.' Brexit could be delayed until the end of the year under plans by rebel MPs to seize control of negotiations, it is claimed. Backbenchers are plotting what has been called a 'coup' to take charge of Commons business after Theresa May's withdrawal deal was emphatically voted down last night. Under the proposals Parliament would change its standing orders and pass control of negotiations to the liaison committee. If backbench MPs could not win support for a deal Mrs May would be required to ask for an extension to Article 50, The Times reported. Today former Ukip leader Nigel Farage called on Tory MPs who 'believe in Brexit' to be brave and resist the Article 50 leaving date of March 29 being extended - and urged them to dump Mrs May as PM and replace her with a Brexiteer calling it a Neville Chamberlain moment. Conservative MP Nick Boles, left, is spearheading a plan to wrestle control of Brexit negotiations away from Theresa May, left, and hand it to Parliament Backbenchers are reportedly plotting a 'coup' to take charge of Commons business after Theresa May's withdrawal deal was emphatically voted down last night The draft Bill would force the PM to seek an extension until December, delaying Brexit by at least nine months. Rebels including Tory MP Nick Boles will seek to suspend the standing orders when Mrs May lays her next Brexit motion before the House. Sir Oliver Letwin and Nicky Morgan are also reportedly backing the plan to prevent a no-deal exit. If the Speaker approved and Parliament agreed backbenchers would seize power over proposals for new legislation and then submit a single Brexit Bill. The Bill would give Mrs May 21 days to come up with an alternative plan which commanded the support of a majority of MPs. If she failed, the liaison committee would then be made responsible for coming up with a new proposed deal. The committee is made up of 36 select committee chairmen and is dominated by Remainers. It is led by Tory Sarah Wollaston, a campaigner for a second referendum. Mr Boles laid out the rebel plans in a statement on his website, entitled 'Stopping No Deal Brexit'. He said: 'Some of the MPs working on this are strong supporters of the PMs deal. Others will be voting against the deal [yesterday]. Conservative MPs Oliver Letwin, left, and Nicky Morgan, right, are reportedly backing the plan to give Parliament control over Brexit negotiations Pro-European demonstrators hold EU flags at Parliament Square in London as supporters and opponents of Brexit gathered in Westminster last night amid the ongoing political drama 'But all of the MPs involved are united in the belief that a no deal Brexit in our current state of preparedness would be against the national interest. 'We anticipate that if [we] succeed in obtaining majorities in the House of Commons, then the Bill will subsequently also secure wide support in the House of Lords and will therefore quickly become law.' Speaking after the vote, he said: 'I voted for the PMs deal tonight and will of course back her in tomorrows confidence vote. But be in no doubt that she is the architect of tonights defeat. 'The Prime Minister has tried to dictate terms to Parliament. She must now accept that Parliament will set the terms of Brexit and it is her job as head of government to deliver them.' Mrs May faces a vote of no confidence on Wednesday after suffering a massive parliamentary defeat over her controversial EU withdrawal agenda. Labour launched the bid to oust the Government after Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement was overwhelmingly rejected by 432 votes to 202. A disturbing photo went viral over the weekend showing a Michigan Subway employee dangling her bare feet over a counter near food storage. Customer Tara Renee shared the photo from a sandwich shop in Ann Arbor Saturday evening. Renee took to her Facebook page writing: 'This is at the Subway on State St. near the U of M! Quite disgusting! I'm sure the health dept would have an issue with this. Bon appetit.' The Health Department was informed about the incident Monday and performed a thorough inspection of the restaurant. A disturbing photo went viral over the weekend showing a Michigan Subway employee dangling her bare feet over a counter near food storage Washtenaw County Health Department environmental health director, Kristen Schweighoefer, told M Live the location was inspected last month and received a 'good report'. Business development agent Kip Klopfenstein also said: 'The behavior in this photo is inconsistent with the high standards Subway Franchise Owners follow. 'Their top priorities include food safety and cleanliness, and this is unacceptable.' The post was shared more than 8,600 times on Facebook as of Tuesday evening. Customer Tara Renee shared the photo from a sandwich shop in Ann Arbor Saturday evening Several Facebook users took to the comments of the post to share their thoughts on the matter this week. 'Total lack of respect on many levels,' one user wrote. 'And look behind her a bag of rotisserie chicken just sitting out not temp controlled, disgusting she obviously is not worried,' someone else added. 'American, provolone, swiss, pepper jack, or toe cheese?,' another quipped. Federal inmates awaiting trial in New York have refused meals after being denied visits with their families and lawyers due to staffing shortages worsened by the partial government shutdown, defense attorneys said Tuesday. David Patton, the head of the federal defender office in New York, said a hunger strike had occurred on at least one unit of the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan, a facility that houses some 800 detainees. But it was not clear when the hunger strike began or if it was ongoing. 'If the government is going to prosecute and detain people, they need to do it in a constitutional manner and that includes access to attorneys and sufficient medical care,' Patton said. 'Right now that's not happening.' Federal inmates awaiting trial in New York have refused meals after being denied visits with their families and lawyers due to staffing shortages. Head of the federal defender office said the strike had occurred on at least one unit at Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan The U.S. Bureau of Prisons said in an email Tuesday that it had 'suspended' visitation at a facility but that it has 'since resumed'. The agency did not comment on a hunger strike at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, which was reported Monday by The New York Times, but said a strike was not occurring at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. It said visitation had been curtailed at the Brooklyn lockup due to 'problems with the elevators.' However the publication had reported that this week at the facility which holds 1,600 detainees Bureau of Prisons lawyer, Adam Johnson, emailed defense lawyers stating it was 'due to staff shortages'. The Brooklyn jail had shutdown visits for several hours or entirely during seven days of January, according to an email from Federal Defenders of New York to federal chief judges in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Times said Monday that visits had been cancelled for a second week at the Manhattan facility where white collar inmates have been held including drug lord El Chapo. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons said there was not a strike at the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn but said visitation had been curtailed due to 'problems with elevators' 'They have already refused a meal I believe they refused breakfast and lunch,' federal public defender, Sarah Baumgartel, told the publication. 'My client is in the unit, hes participating.' It was alleged the the staff shortage had also affected recreational time as well as access to doctors and medication. A prosecutor reportedly said at a hearing last week that they had been 'informed' and 'don't have any reason to dispute this that because of the shutdown, there are issues with prescribing medication'. Patton said the jails already had been experiencing staffing shortages but added that a higher than usual number of correctional officers are calling in sick because they have not been receiving pay checks during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Head of the federal defender office, David Patton, said staffing issues were worsened by the partial government shutdown and correctional officers were calling in sick because they had not been receiving pay checks 'They rely heavily, even in normal financial times, on staff to put in overtime,' Patton said. 'For understandable reasons, if people are not getting paid they're not going to work overtime.' Correctional officers around the country face a similar plight. Two correctional officers filed suit against the government last week in Washington, D.C., alleging they were being forced into 'involuntary servitude.' 'It's getting worse every day,' said Michael Kator, the officers' attorney. 'It's going to get to the point where it's untenable.' The government has acknowledged the strain on the employees but asked for more time to respond to the lawsuit. Sabrina Shroff, a federal defender, asked a federal judge in New York late Tuesday to allow one of her clients an additional three weeks to surrender to begin serving a three-month prison sentence, citing the confusion caused by the shutdown in her request Defense attorneys said they were considering new bail applications based on the deteriorating conditions. Sabrina Shroff, a federal defender, asked a federal judge in New York late Tuesday to allow one of her clients an additional three weeks to surrender to begin serving a three-month prison sentence, citing the confusion caused by the shutdown in her request. Patton - whose office represents thousands of defendants - wrote to chief judge of the federal court in Manhattan, Colleen McMahon, about the possibility of making new bail requests based on the issues. An award winning teacher who stumbled and broke his back while directing lighting in a class production claims it is the school's fault. James Wu, 69, fell and struck his head in 2012 while working as a teacher at the prestigious Penleigh and Essendon Grammar in Melbourne's northwest. He was directing lighting at the time and had his back to the performance when he fell from a step in the first row of seats and into a disabled seating area. James Wu, 69, fell and struck his head in 2012 while working as a teacher at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar. He claims it is the school's fault he fell over. Penleigh and Essendon Grammar where James Wu worked as a teacher for 30 years Mr Wu struck his head causing serious injuries to his neck and spine. In a statement of claim lodged this week by lawyers Maurice Blackburn, it is alleged Mr Wu required multiple surgeries to his neck and spine following the fall, which resulted in a urethral blockage that required a urethrotomy. The resulting surgery left the highly experienced teacher with impaired urethral and penile function. Lawyers acting for Mr Wu claim the blame lies clearly at the feet of the school, which failed to take reasonable care to avoid the risk of injury to their client. Maurice Blackburn lawyer Ben McIlwain said the case highlighted the need for employers to provide safe workplaces. 'This was a very serious incident which curtailed the career of a much-loved and highly decorated teacher,' he said. 'Mr Wu has suffered significant medical issues due to a foreseeable and entirely avoidable work-place injury ... Employers have a duty to provide safe workplaces to their employees.' Mr Wu was the school's coordinator of languages, director of its Chinese orchestra and its 'Confucius Classroom' at the time of the incident. He had been employed at the school since 1982 having arrived in Australia in 1979 after two years lecturing Chinese literature at Taiwanese universities. Before the accident, Mr Wu had published seven books, produced three videos and prepared various papers in the areas of Chinese language teaching and culture. James Wu was directing the lighting at a Penleigh and Essendon Grammar performance when he slipped and hit his head. He is now suing the school for damages. He received a National Excellence in Teaching Award in 1994 and was the winner of the 2002 Chinese Teacher of the Year Award in Victoria. Mr Wu went on to be awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2009 for service to education, particularly through the development of Chinese language teaching. Court documents filed by Maurice Blackburn with the Supreme Court of Victoria claim the school failed to identify the 'obvious falling hazard' on the premises and should have erected a protective barrier around the disabled seating area of the auditorium. It further claimed staff should have carried out inspections of the auditorium before allowing Mr Wu to direct the lighting from within its seating area. GUILTY: MICHAEL FLYNN Pleaded guilty to making false statements in December 2017. Awaiting sentence Flynn was President Trump's former National Security Advisor and Robert Mueller's most senior scalp to date. He previously served when he was a three star general as President Obama's director of the Defense Intelligence Agency but was fired. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about his conversations with a Russian ambassador in December 2016. He has agreed to cooperate with the special counsel investigation. GUILTY AND JAILED: MICHAEL COHEN Pleaded guilty to eight counts including fraud and two campaign finance violations in August 2018. Pleaded guilty to further count of lying to Congress in November 2018. Sentenced to three years in prison and $2 million in fines and forfeitures in December 2018 Cohen was investigated by Mueller but the case was handed off to the Southern District of New York,leaving Manhattan's ferocious and fiercely independent federal prosecutors to run his case. Cohen was Trump's longtime personal attorney, starting working for him and the Trump Organization in 2007. He is the longest-serving member of Trump's inner circle to be implicated by Mueller. Cohen professed unswerving devotion to Trump - and organized payments to silence two women who alleged they had sex with the-then candidate: porn star Stormy Daniels and Playboy model Karen McDougal. He admitted that payments to both women were felony campaign finance violations - and admitted that he acted at the 'direction' of 'Candidate-1': Donald Trump. He also admitted tax fraud by lying about his income from loans he made, money from taxi medallions he owned, and other sources of income, at a cost to the Treasury of $1.3 million. And he admitted lying to Congress in a rare use of the offense. The judge in his case let him report for prison on March 6 and recommended he serve it in a medium-security facility close to New York City. GUILTY AND JAILED: PAUL MANAFORT Found guilty of eight charges of bank and tax fraud in August 2018. Sentenced to 47 months in March 2019. Pleaded guilty to two further charges - witness tampering and conspiracy against the United States. Jailed for total of seven and a half years in two separate sentences. Additionally indicted for mortgage fraud by Manhattan District Attorney, using evidence previously presented by Mueller Manafort worked for Trump's campaign from March 2016 and chaired it from June to August 2016, overseeing Trump being adopted as Republican candidate at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. He is the most senior campaign official to be implicated by Mueller. Manafort was one of Washington D.C.'s longest-term and most influential lobbyists but in 2015, his money dried up and the next year he turned to Trump for help, offering to be his campaign chairman for free - in the hope of making more money afterwards. But Mueller unwound his previous finances and discovered years of tax and bank fraud as he coined in cash from pro-Russia political parties and oligarchs in Ukraine. Manafort pleaded not guilty to 18 charges of tax and bank fraud but was convicted of eight counts in August 2018. The jury was deadlocked on the other 10 charges. A second trial on charges of failing to register as a foreign agent due in September did not happen when he pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and witness tampering in a plea bargain. He was supposed to co-operate with Mueller but failed to. Minutes after his second sentencing hearing in March 2019, he was indicted on 16 counts of fraud and conspiracy by the Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr., using evidence which included documents previously presented at his first federal trial. The president has no pardon power over charges by district and state attorneys. GUILTY AND GOING TO WEEKEND JAIL: RICK GATES Pleaded guilty to conspiracy against the United States and making false statements in February 2018. Sentenced to 45 days weekend jail and three years probation, December 17, 2018 Gates was Manafort's former deputy at political consulting firm DMP International. He admitted to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government on financial activity, and to lying to investigators about a meeting Manafort had with a member of congress in 2013. As a result of his guilty plea and promise of cooperation, prosecutors vacated charges against Gates on bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, failure to disclose foreign bank accounts, filing false tax returns, helping prepare false tax filings, and falsely amending tax returns. GUILTY AND JAILED: GEORGE PAPADOPOLOUS Pleaded guilty to making false statements in October 2017. Sentenced to 14 days in September 2018, and reported to prison in November. Served 12 days and released on December 7, 2018 Papadopoulos was a member of Donald Trump's campaign foreign policy advisory committee. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about his contacts with London professor Josef Mifsud and Ivan Timofeev, the director of a Russian government-funded think tank. GUILTY AND JAILED: RICHARD PINEDO Pleaded guilty to identity fraud in February 2018. Sentenced to a year in prison Pinedo is a 28-year-old computer specialist from Santa Paula, California. He admitted to selling bank account numbers to Russian nationals over the internet that he had obtained using stolen identities. GUILTY AND JAILED: ALEX VAN DER ZWAAN Pleaded guilty to making false statements in February 2018. He served a 30-day prison sentence and was deported to the Netherlands on his release Van der Zwaan was a Dutch attorney for Skadden Arps who worked on a Ukrainian political analysis report for Paul Manafort in 2012. He admitted to lying to special counsel investigators about when he last spoke with Rick Gates and Konstantin Kilimnik. His law firm say he was fired. GUILTY: W. SAMUEL PATTEN Pleaded guilty in August 2018 to failing to register as a lobbyist while doing work for a Ukrainian political party. Sentenced to three years probation April 2019 Patten, a long-time D.C. lobbyist was a business partner of Paul Manafort. He pleaded guilty to admitting to arranging an illegal $50,000 donation to Trump's inauguration. He arranged for an American 'straw donor' to pay $50,000 to the inaugural committee, knowing that it was actually for a Ukrainian businessman. Neither the American or the Ukrainian have been named. CHARGED: KONSTANTIN KILIMNIK Indicted for obstruction of justice and conspiracy to obstruct justice. At large, probably in Russia Kilimnik is a former employee of Manafort's political consulting firm and helped him with lobbying work in Ukraine. He is accused of witness tampering, after he allegedly contacted individuals who had worked with Manafort to remind them that Manafort only performed lobbying work for them outside of the U.S. He has been linked to Russian intelligence and is currently thought to be in Russia - effectively beyond the reach of extradition by Mueller's team. INDICTED: THE RUSSIANS Twenty-five Russian nationals and three Russian entities have been indicted for conspiracy to defraud the United States. They remain at large in Russia Two of these Russian nationals were also indicted for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 11 were indicted for conspiracy to launder money. Fifteen of them were also indicted for identity fraud. Vladimir Putin has ridiculed the charges. Russia effectively bars extradition of its nationals. The only prospect Mueller has of bringing any in front of a U.S. jury is if Interpol has their names on an international stop list - which is not made public - and they set foot in a territory which extradites to the U.S. INDICTED: MICHAEL FLYNN'S BUSINESS PARTNERS Bijan Kian (left), number two in now disgraced former national security adviser Mike Flynn's lobbying company, and the two's business partner Ekim Alptekin (right) were indicted for conspiracy to lobby illegally. Kian, an Iranian-American was arrested and appeared in court charged with a conspiracy to illegally lobby the U.S government without registering as a foreign agent. Their co-conspirator was Flynn, who is called 'Person A' in the indictment and is not charged, offering some insight into what charges he escaped with his plea deal. Kian, vice-president of Flynn's former lobbying firm, is alleged to have plotted with Alptekin to try to change U.S. policy on an exiled Turkish cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who lives in Pennsylvania and who is accused by Turkey's strongman president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, of trying to depose him. Erdogan's government wanted him extradited from the U.S. and paid Flynn's firm through Alptekin for lobbying, including an op-ed in The Hill calling for Gulen to be ejected. Flynn and Kian both lied that the op-ed was not paid for by the Turkish government. The indictment is a sign of how Mueller is taking an interest in more than just Russian involvement in the 2016 election. GUILTY AND AWAITING SENTENCE: ROGER STONE Roger Stone, a former Trump campaign official and longtime informal advisor to Trump, was indited on seven counts including obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and lying to Congress about his communications with WikiLeaks in January 2019. Convicted on all counts November 15, 2019, awaiting sentence Stone was a person of interest to Mueller's investigators long before his January indictment, thanks in part due to his public pronouncements as well as internal emails about his contacts with WikiLeks. In campaign texts and emails, many of which had already been publicly revealed before showing up in Mueller's indictment, Stone communicated with associates about WikiLeaks following reports the organization had obtained a cache of Clinton-related emails. Stone, a former Nixon campaign adviser who has the disgraced former president's face permanently tattooed on his back, has long been portrayed as a central figure in the election interference scandal. 'They got nothing,' he said of the special counsel's investigation. Stone gave 'false and misleading' testimony about his requests for information from WikiLeaks. He then pressured a witness, comedian Randy Credico, to take the Fifth Amendment rather than testify, and pressured him in a series of emails. Following a prolonged dispute over testimony, he called him a 'rat' and threatened to 'take that dog away from you', in reference to Credico's pet, Bianca. Stone warned him: 'Let's get it on. Prepare to die.' CLEARED: GREG CRAIG Greg Craig, President Barack Obama's White House counsel, was indicted for failing to register as a foreign agent. Mueller's investigators uncovered Craig's work on behalf the government of Ukraine while probing Manafort, who did business with Craig. Prosecutors released a grand jury indictment of Craig in April 2019, after Craig's law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP agreed to pay more than $4.6 million as part of a settlement. The prominent firm also acknowledged it had failed to register, and placed much of the blame on Craig, a senior partner there. Craig's lawyer blasted the decision as an abuse of prosecutorial discretion, and prepared to argue that omission of information during an interview is not tantamount to making false statements. The charges stem from a 2012 report Craig and the firm produced on behalf of the Ukrainian government on opposition figure and former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She was an opponent of Manafort's client , former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Craig was cleared on September 9 2019. Channel 4's move out of London has already cost more than 1million before it has even picked its new offices. The publicly-owned broadcaster has spent 465,000 on everything from consultants to glossy brochures. In addition, 605,000 of public money was spent by cities lobbying to become its new home, according to Broadcast magazine making a total of 1.07million. Channel 4 bosses visited 13 cities before whittling them down to the final shortlist of six. They announced in October that the station will move its headquarters to Leeds, and open offices in Glasgow and Bristol. However, they are yet to select the premises involved, or which jobs will be relocated. Channel 4's move out of London has already cost more than 1million before it has even picked its new offices. Pictured: the broadcaster's current headquarters in the capital Channel 4 was forced to leave the capital by the Government, to ensure the broadcaster spreads its spending around the country and reflects different parts of Britain. The channel, which is also funded by advertising, initially resisted the move but gave in to ward off the threat of privatisation. The West Midlands forked out the most, spending 282,000 trying to persuade Channel 4 to move there - more than ten times Bristol's successful spend of 26,000. The other losers, Cardiff and Greater Manchester, spent 24,000 and 112,000 respectively. Leeds and Glasgow, spent 110,000 and 51,000, according to Broadcast magazine. Bosses visiting a long-list of 13 cities before whittling them down to the final shortlist of six. It is not the first broadcaster to undertake such a radical move. In 2012, the BBC spent 6.5million relocating 549 staff to Salford. It gave dozens of workers tens of thousands of pounds each in order to fund their moves, awarding three staff members more than 80,000. Channel 4 declined to comment. The Iranian ambassador to Britain has rejected Jeremy Hunt's pleas to free Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe. The Foreign Secretary summoned Hamid Baeidinejad over the case for the first time on Monday to complain about a lack of medical treatment for Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 41. The ambassador said little to Mr Hunt at the time, but later denounced Britain for 'meddling in Iran's internal affairs'. Jeremy Hunt, left, has been accused of meddling in Iran's internal affairs by pleading for the release of British mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, right Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian mother of one, has spent 1,000 days in prison in Iran after being arrested and accused of spying. On Monday, she began a three-day hunger strike to protest against being denied medical treatment after finding lumps in her breasts. Mr Baeidinejad told the state-controlled Islamic Republic News Agency that he had been summoned by Mr Hunt, who asked him about Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe's condition and the hunger strike. He said he told the Foreign Secretary that she was an Iranian, as opposed to a dual national, and had access to healthcare. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who works for the Thomson Reuters Foundation charity, was arrested at Tehran's Imam Khomeini airport in April 2016 and sentenced to five years in jail. She and another detainee began protesting on Monday morning over a lack of access to proper medical care, her husband Richard Ratcliffe said yesterday. Mr Ratcliffe said the tactic, deployed at around her 1,000th day in jail, meant they were in a 'scary place'. Mr Ratcliffe told the conference that his wife was "pushed over the edge" to start the strike when, on December 29, investigators asked her to spy on Britain. The debate around Scott Morrison's plan to force councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day has outraged activists who say Aboriginal issues are being overlooked. The Prime Minister wants to further entrench January 26 as the national day despite opposition from many who say it's offensive to Indigenous people to celebrate the date in 1788 when the east coast was colonised by Britain. Morrison's move stirred a fierce political debate over whether or not councils should be forced to hand out citizenship on the day. This has dismayed activists who say it has distracted from the issue of Aboriginal rights, at a time when five Indigenous children have taken their own lives in the past ten days. Scott Morrison's plan to force councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day has outraged activists who say Aboriginal issues are being overlooked. Pictured is a citizenship ceremony in Sydney's Hyde Park This morning, the Australian Young Greens Facebook account posted a link to a Daily Mail story on the suicide tragedy. The group captioned the post: 'While the government is banging on about forcing councils to celebrate Australia Day, this is happening. Heartbreaking.' The story was about a 12-year-old indigenous girl who committed suicide on Tuesday near Adelaide. The wave of reported suicides include three cases in Western Australia, one in Queensland, and the most recent one in South Australia. Meanwhile, a 12-year-old boy was flown on Monday from Roma to Brisbane where he is on life support in hospital after what is thought to be a suicide attempt. The Prime Minister wants to further entrench January 26 as the national day. Pictured: A protest demanding the date be changed An overwhelming majority of Australians reject calls for the country's national day to be moved from January 26, according to new polls The boss of the Federal Government's indigenous critical response team, Gerry Georgatos, said that poverty and lack of education led to these deaths, but added that sexual assaults were behind one-third of cases. It came as Scott Morrison on Sunday announced he will force all 537 councils across Australia to run citizenship ceremonies on January 26. Should they fail to comply, disobedient councils would be stripped of their ability to issue citizenships indefinitely. The new enforcement from the government comes after concerns city councils 'politicise our national day'. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has unveiled a drastic new ploy to keep Australia Day January 26 Mr Morrison announced his promise to 'protect our national day and ensure it is respected' as he gears up for the federal election. 'We believe all councils who are granted the privilege of conducting citizenship ceremonies should be required to conduct a ceremony on Australia Day,' he said. The prime minister says he is concerned that councils are dodging rules so as to protest Australia Day and hopes to 'put an end to local councils trying to skirt the rules or playing politics with Australia Day.' Two Melbourne councils have already had their right to hold citizenship ceremonies revoked after voting to ignore Australia Day ceremonies in favour of indigenous-themed 'Invasion Day' events. Last year, more than 70 per cent of all Australian councils held citizenship ceremonies despite there being no actual enforcement to do so. The national public holiday recognises the date in 1788 when the First Fleet arrived and British sovereignty was declared on the land that would become Australia. New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced Tuesday that she's forming an exploratory committee for president of the United States. The announcement, rumored for weeks, came during her an interview that will air on CBS' 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' Tuesday night. The show released a clip of her decision. Gillibrand clasped host Stephen Colbert's hands in excitement and took a deep breath before she declared her intentions. 'I'm filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States. Tonight,' she told him as the crowd roared. She has a campaign website ready that contains her bio and a place to donate. Gillibrand is a longtime advocate for women and has been a leader in the #metoo movement against sexual assault. She was one of the first Democratic Senators to call for colleague Al Franken to resign and also said President Bill Clinton should have resigned after his affair with Monica Lewinsky. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand made her announcement on Stephen Colbert's show Gillibrand has advocated for women's rights and been a leader in the #metoo movement 'I'm going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom I'm going to fight for other people's kids as hard as I fight for my own, which is why I believe healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. It's why I believe we should we have better public schools for our kids because it shouldn't matter what block you grow up on. And I believe anybody that works hard enough should be able to get whatever job training they need to earn their way into the middle class,' she told Colbert. She added: 'But you are never going to accomplish any of these things if you don't take on the systems of power which make all of that impossible, which is taking on institutional racism, it's taking on the corruption and greed in Washington, it's taking on the special interests which write legislation in the dead night and I know that I have compassion, the courage and the fearless determination to get that done.' She will head to Iowa, an early caucus state in the 2020 nomination process, this weekend. On Friday, the senator will be in Sioux City and then she'll head to Ames, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids throughout the weekend. Colbert used the interview to as a series of serious and joking questions, according to CBS News, including asking her what swear word she would miss the most if she tried not to swear on the campaign trail. "Rhymes with 'duck,'" Gillibrand replied. The late night host also gave her campaign gifts: a plane ticket to Michigan and granite from New Hampshire. He also gave her a pin saying, "I announced on the 'Late Show with Stephen Colbert.'" Gillibrand joins a crowded Democratic primary field that includes several women - some of whom have announced and some who are weighing their intentions. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Gillibrand's Senate colleague, launched an exploratory committee in December, while former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro also tossed his hat in. Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard said she will formally announce soon. Fellow Sens. Kamala Harris and Amy Klobuchar are also considering bids. As are Sens. Cory Booker and Bernie Sanders. Former Vice President Joe Biden could still announce a bid, as may former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Gillibrand was appointed to the Senate in 2009 to succeed Hillary Clinton, who became secretary of state. She easily won re-election in November and has $10.6 million in her campaign fund, which can be used to jump-start a presidential bid. Her move comes as, after months of speculation and secrecy, the 2020 presidential primary season is about to explode. With several Democrats already in the race, a half dozen more are locking down final travel, staffing and strategy to launch White House bids in the coming weeks. Looks like a runner: Kirsten Gillibrand, the junior senator from New York, could announce as early as this week that she is mounting a White House run Joining up: Cory Booker, the junior New Jersey senator, and Kamala Harris, the junior California senator, are both expected to announce White House runs soon Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (left) said she will formally announce soon while Sen. Elizabeth Warren (right) announced her bid last month While plans may change, the announcements are expected to come in waves, the first featuring a group of ambitious Senate Democrats including Gillibrand, Harris and Booker, who face pressure to join the race after Warren's entrance two weeks ago. The second wave will likely feature political heavyweights like Biden, Sanders, Bloomberg, and former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke, whose advisers believe they have sufficient financial backing and name recognition to join the crowded field on their terms later in the first quarter should they decide to run. 'It is really starting to heat up,' said Deidre DeJear, who lost her bid for Iowa secretary of state last fall, but remains an influential figure in the state's first-in-the-nation Democratic caucuses. She was among a group of Iowa Democratic women who sat down with Warren last week in suburban Des Moines. 'I feel like Warren put people in a place as if to say 'come on, step up,'' DeJear said in a subsequent interview. 'If you're in it, you're in it. No reason to wait now.' Interviews with senior aides for several top Democratic prospects, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal planning, indicate the waiting game is almost over. Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, who left office last week, added foreign policy adviser Jeremy Rosner, finance director Dan Sorenson and a senior communications adviser Marie Logsden to his political action committee in recent days, according to an aide. Hickenlooper is traveling to Los Angeles this week to meet with donors and has scheduled visits to early voting states later in the month. The 66-year-old term-limited governor and former businessman, who remains largely unknown to many primary voters, does not plan to launch his campaign before March. Sanders, the lone 2020 prospect who ran in 2016, has interviewed close to 20 people to fill senior positions such as campaign manager and directors of policy, communications and his field program. A senior aide said the hiring process has been particularly focused on adding diversity - in both gender and race - that didn't exist in his last presidential campaign. The aide said allegations of sexual harassment between Sanders' former campaign staff had no impact on the timeline of an announcement, which is not expected before the end of the month. Despite his challenges, Sanders is sitting on a war chest of roughly $15 million and an active nationwide network. In a show of early force, liberal activists hosted hundreds of house parties across the nation on Saturday to cheer on a second Sanders run. Meanwhile, O'Rourke, 46, is taking steps toward a run, but an aide said he's not expected to announce until next month at the earliest. However, he's traveling outside Texas to introduce himself to voters in the coming weeks. Oprah is scheduled to interview him in New York City next month. The first states on the primary calendar are not on O'Rourke's immediate itinerary, but that's not stopping supporters in Iowa and South Carolina from launching draft efforts. A leader of South Carolina's 'Draft Beto' movement, former Democratic National Committee member Boyd Brown, said he's having conversations with Democratic donors, local officials and potential staffers, to help stave off commitments to other candidates as the field starts to take shape. Is he in? Beto O'Rourke, who ran Ted Cruz into the margin of error in Texas but was still defeated, is at the center of widespread speculation What about Bernie: The socialist who took on Hillary Clinton has been hit by revelations of sexual harassment claims inside his 2016 campaign but could still run Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar is another women considering a 2020 run 'We might be taking a shot in the dark, but we're building an apparatus that we can hand off to an actual campaign should he run,' Brown said in an interview. 'We're treating this like a presidential campaign until told otherwise.' A more seasoned political star, Biden remains silent about his plans. The 76-year-old Democrat has done little to build teams on the ground in key states, instead sticking to the schedule of huddling with aides while he moves closer to a decision. While it may seem early, the sheer size of the likely field makes it difficult for some candidates to wait much longer. Upward of two dozen high-profile Democrats could run for a chance to deny President Donald Trump a second term. The first Democratic primary debate will take place in June, while the first primary contest is likely a year away. With a field this big, there's only so many donors and top staffers to go around. 'At this point the cycle, it's a race for money and talent, and unless your name is Joe Biden or Beto O'Rourke, you've gotta get in soon if you want attract either one of those things,' said former Obama strategist Stephanie Cutter, who has been offering advice to some contenders. Gillibrand, 52, joins some of her Senate colleagues on a more aggressive timeline. She's already identified a likely location for a campaign headquarters, added staff and planned trips to key states. The Democratic senator is eying a headquarters in Troy, New York, a small upstate city on the Hudson River. Booker is expected to run his campaign from Newark, where he lives and served as mayor. The 49-year-old Democrat has identified a likely campaign manager, Addisu Demissee. The Democratic operative previously managed Booker's special election campaign in 2013 and subsequently worked for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign and most recently led California Gov. Gavin Newsome's successful gubernatorial bid. Like Gillibrand and Booker, Harris is expected to join the race in the coming weeks. The first-term senator and former California attorney general has broadened her national profile in recent days by launching a tour to promote her book, 'The Truths We Hold.' Like her would-be competitors, the 54-year-old Democrat has not publicly committed to running, but she has said repeatedly that the country needs a leader who 'provides a vision of the future of the country in which everyone can see themselves.' A handful of lesser-known candidates have already entered the race. Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, 37, announced her intention to run in a CNN interview that aired on Saturday. That same day, Castro formally kicked off his campaign Saturday in his San Antonio hometown. Not to be forgotten, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar are openly considering joining the 2020 contest, although neither is as far along in preparations as their potential rivals. Meanwhile, Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee is scheduled to make his first New Hampshire appearance next week. He talked up his liberal record and willingness to take on Trump during a weekend appearance in Nevada. 'He cannot stop us,' Inslee said of the president. 'He has not stopped me, either.' GAZA-TEL AVIV - The three Italian Carabinieri who had taken refuge in a UN office in Gaza after being mistaken for Israelis left through the Erez crossing into Israel on Wednesday, local sources say. The Carabinieri, part of the forces at the Italian consulate in Jerusalem - according to reports - headed to the crossing after leaving the UN compound in central Gaza. They had sought refuge there after an incident with local security forces, who have brought in tight security measures for the entire Gaza Strip. The three had reportedly ''refuse to stop at a Hamas checkpoint and then sought refuge in the UN office''. On Tuesday evening there had been reports of the situation calming down and it seems that the Italians had initially been mistaken for part of an Israeli special forces unit. On Wednesday morning, the Hamas interior minister officially communicated that ''the investigation has made it possible to ascertain the identity of the three Italians and the security of the procedures for their entrance into Gaza''. The ministry underscored the ''effective cooperation'' with UN envoy Nikolai Mladenov, the UNESCO office in Gaza, the Italian consulate and Qatari ambassador Mohammed Al Emadi. A man who allegedly filmed himself bashing a homeless man, urinated in a fountain and vandalised a rotunda has given a series of bizarre excuses for his actions. Adrian Galloway faced Geelong Magistrates' Court in Victoria on Tuesday on unlawful assault, offensive behaviour and property damage charges, Geelong Advertiser reported. The 22-year-old was questioned by police about why he urinated in a fountain and damaged a rotunda on August 23 last year. Scroll down for video Adrian Galloway faced Geelong Magistrates' Court on Tuesday on unlawful assault, offensive behaviour and property damage charges '[I was] being silly. Being a goose in front of a mate,' Galloway responded. Galloway, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2014, is seeking help for his drug, alcohol and anger management problems. Defence lawyer Simon O'Halloran said there was no further explanation for his client's behaviour. Magistrate Peter Mellas ordered Galloway to pay $500 for the damage he caused. Galloway is also accused of bashing a 49-year-old homeless man on October 11 last year. Along with his co-accused Shayne Lamb, the pair allegedly recorded themselves bashing the homeless man, who appeared curled up on the stone footpath in Geelong attempting to keep warm, and shared it online. Galloway is well known for his horrific bashing of a 49-year-old homeless man on October 11 last year, about 4am, along with his co-accused Shayne Lamb Galloway slurs his words as he describes himself as 'drug-f**ked' to the camera, before repeatedly kicking and punching the defenceless man In the video, Galloway could be heard slurring his words as he describes himself as 'drug-f***ed' to the camera, before allegedly repeatedly kicking and punching the defenceless man. The victim attempted to protect his head as the attacker repeatedly screamed abuse at him. 'Get the f*** up. I'm going to punch the f*** out of you,' he was heard shouting. The homeless man, identified only as Scott, chose not to press charges against the two attackers, but police have proceeded with charges on his behalf due to the severity of the attacks. In another video uploaded by Galloway he said he was provoked before the alleged attack. 'We're not in the wrong here. We were defending ourselves. We tried letting it go,' Galloway said. 'We wouldn't normally do that. But he pushed us.' The court did not hear the reason for the altercation, the publication reported. Galloway will reappear in court on April 18. Wales has the highest rate of imprisonment in Western Europe followed by England, according to research. There were 148 inmates for every 100,000 people in Wales, official sentencing data reveals just higher than England, with an incarceration rate of 141 per 100,000. Scotland has the third highest proportion of prisoners with a rate of 135, followed by Spain (134), Portugal (128) and Italy (97). Frances is 92 and Germanys is 89. There were 148 inmates for every 100,000 people in Wales, official sentencing data reveals (stock image) It is the first time that Ministry of Justice figures have been analysed separately for the 85,000 or so convicts in jail across England and Wales. Violent attacks in jails now take place at an average rate of once every 16 minutes, according to MoJ figures. Penal reformers have highlighted overcrowding as a factor in declining standards behind bars. All the figures are dwarfed by the US, who had a whopping 860 people per 100,000 in jail in 2016, according to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics. The director behind Gillette's controversial new ad is a woman whose past work includes an ode to female genitals and a short film that explores 'toxic masculinity' featuring a protagonist whose life crumbles when he becomes addicted to steroids. The Gillette ad, called 'We Believe: The Best Men Can Be', takes aim at bullying and sexual harassment and has been viewed more than four million times on YouTube around the world, although it is only being shown fully in the U.S. But while it has amassed 85,000 likes, it has also racked up 347,000 dislikes with some of the 98,657 comments below accusing it of being 'anti-male and anti-white' and of 'spreading pure propaganda and indoctrination.' Kim Gehrig, the director of the new ad, is an Australian mother-of-two who lives in London, England, and has a lengthy history of taking aim at social ills through her work. Gehrig, who has also produced ads for Uber and Gap, is on the roster of creative agency Somesuch an LA-based firm, whose founder Sally Campbell has been outspoken about championing women and has called out President Trump on Twitter. Creators: Director Kim Gehrig (left) is the person behind Gillette's controversial ad, which was produced by Sally Campbell's Somesuch production company. Both have a portfolio showing their social acitivism Brand toxic? Gillette's high-profile and controversial ad has been accused by critics of being demeaning to men. One scene features a mom comforting her son after he was bullied Uncovered: Kim Gehrig also produced a 2017 commercial for Australian lingerie brand Berlei, featured a diverse selection of women ripping off their uncomfortable and ill-fitting bras Message: Director Kim Gehrig's add for Australian lingerie brand Berlei, which was made to promote a new bra range called Womankind, described breasts as being 'lumped together, forced apart, poked, pressured, pushed, oppressed, restricted, exposed' before ending with the line: 'No more. It's time to be kind.' Somesuch produced the ad for Grey, a part of the advertising giant WPP. It was first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month in a presentation fronted by Marc Pritchard, the chief brand officer of Procter & Gamble, Gillette's parent company - a display of how keen the multinational is on the new campaign. The commission for Gehrig was itself consciously social activism on the part of P&G, who found her through Free the Bid, a non-profit which tries to raise the profile of female and non-white advertising directors. Somesuch's portfolio shows that it shares Gehrig's socially active approach, with notable campaigns that include Audi's feminist 2017 Super Bowl commercial and an ad for feminine hygiene brand Libresse - which is sold as Bodyform in the UK - that offered a no-holds barred look at menstruation - including shots of blood and period sex. Gillette has said it stands by the new campaign, which was informed by a survey in which it asked people across the U.S. what a man 'at his best' looks like. According to the study, the most positive traits were honesty, moral integrity, being hard-working and being respectful to others. The survey appears to have proved informative for Gehrig, whose film shows men stepping in to stop others harassing women on the street and breaking up fights. 'We're in a moment where these conversations about male behavior are becoming incredibly polarizing and they're met with all kinds of outrage,' Rachel Giese, the Toronto-based author of Boys: What It Means To Become A Man, told DailyMail.com. 'Even the most reasonable conversations are met with a great deal of fear and backlash and outrage. So I'm not surprised [about the backlash] because of that. 'What I think is surprising is that the content of the ad shows all kinds of men behaving in lovely ways so if I'm surprised by anything, it's the very different readings of the ad that I have and the people that object to the ad have.' While the film appears to have come as a shock to many men in the U.S. and elsewhere, Gehrig's portfolio shows that for the director herself, the Gillette campaign is creative business as usual. Born in Sydney, Australia, Gehrig has lived in London, England, for more than 16 years beginning with a stint at art school, Central Saint Martins. On graduation, she secured a role at ad agency Mother where she began as an art director and worked her way through a variety of commercial and creative projects before becoming a director. Speaking to marketing business magazine Campaign in 2017, Gehrig described working at the firm as 'so wonderful and inclusive and open'. She added: 'We got on without any shackles and didn't think about what we couldn't do.' Gehrig's first stab at directing came with a commercial for Amnesty International a charity that campaigns against human rights abuses. Outspoken: Kim Gehrig, the director of the Gillette ad, has previously been praised for 'Viva La Vulva', a commercial for feminine hygiene brand Libresse to the tune of hit Take Yo' Praise Comparison: Kim Gehrig's campaign for feminine hygiene brand Libresse - known in the UK as Bodyform - was an ode to the genitals and featured objects resembling vulvas, including conch shells and oysters, singing along to Camille Yarbrough's Take Yo' Praise. Since then, she has gone on to make films for companies and organizations as diverse as Uber, Honda, Gap, Libresse and IKEA internationally. In the UK she has worked for Sport England and Eurostar. Her Uber ad features a confident woman on an apparent date - with a man who cannot dance. Many have socially conscious themes: her second campaign for Sport England was set to a poem penned by feminist writer Maya Angelou and took aim at negative body image, featuring the strap line: 'I jiggle, therefore I am'. Another film, produced in 2017 for Australian lingerie brand Berlei, featured a diverse selection of women ripping off their uncomfortable and ill-fitting bras. The commercial, which was made to promote a new bra range called Womankind, described breasts as being 'lumped together, forced apart, poked, pressured, pushed, oppressed, restricted, exposed' before ending with the line: 'No more. It's time to be kind.' Speaking to Muse after the ad won a Clio an Australian award handed out for creativity Gehrig said the film was 'about women finally doing what is right for them and their bodies' and not accepting 'the male gaze'. She added: 'Not just accepting what has gone before, often for the male gaze, but thinking about what is right for them now. It is about being kind to their bodies, particularly their boobs. 'Treating them with respect rather than shoving them into positions that are unnatural. It is about comfort as well as beauty. It is about women doing it their way.' A 2015 ad for British department store John Lewis tackled the topic of loneliness among older people with its Man On The Moon theme, and became a huge popular success. Anti-Trump: Somesuch founder Sally Campbell has made clear her views of Donald Trump on her social media feed and highlighted taking part in an anti-Trump rally at the ultra-elitist Sundance Film Festival last year Political views: Sally Campbell tweeted her pride in voting for the left-of-center Labour Party in the last UK general election and highlighted her vote for Diane Abbott as MP And a recent campaign for international feminine hygiene brand Libresse - known in the UK as Bodyform - was an ode to the vagina and featured objects resembling vulvas, including conch shells and oysters, singing along to Camille Yarbrough's Take Yo' Praise. Along with commercials, Gehrig has worked on a number of music videos, including Calvin Harris' 'The Girls' and a short film called 'You Think You're A Man' that explores manhood. The film was named after a 1980s song by Divine that was written by a drag queen and intended as an explicit attack on toxic masculinity but later became popular as a drinking song. According to Gehrig, the 2018 film was intended to challenge the increasingly tough self-image of Australian men and features a protagonist whose life crumbles when he becomes addicted to steroids. Speaking to Clash, she said: 'Having grown up in Sydney, but residing in London, I couldn't help but notice the changing size of men on each of my visits back. 'Hanging at the beach I became aware of how pumped up Aussie men had become. I continued to observe a culture of young men who seemed to feel a kind of pressure to conform somehow. To be something quite specific. 'Was it that they felt they needed to be 'real men'. 'Real Aussie men'. And what did that even mean?' Message: In 'You Think You're A Man', a young Australian boy is bullied, and turns to steroid-fueled bodybuilding with disastrous effect Social critique: Kim Gehrig said of her short movie, You Think You're A Man: 'Hanging at the beach I became aware of how pumped up Aussie men had become. Was it that they felt they needed to be 'real men'. 'Real Aussie men'. And what did that even mean?' Pumped up: The man in You Think You're A Man by Kim Gehrig becomes an increasingly muscular and increasingly toxic example of Australian manhood with a violent finale Despite her early success, Gehrig has long complained about the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry even saying in a 2015 interview that having a unisex name had proved beneficial because clients agreed to meet her thinking she was a man. She has also been outspoken on the challenges of being a mother in the advertising world and is an ambassador for Free The Bid - a campaign that aims to 'give a voice to women filmmakers in advertising and TV' and boost diversity. Commenting on the campaign website, she said: 'I feel a personal responsibility to help other women achieve their ambitions. 'If that's just by being visible, amazing, if it's getting involved and mentoring or championing others work then I'm more than up for it.' One woman who would certainly agree is her boss Campbell: a Briton who founded the Somesuch creative agency in 2007 and now lives in Los Angeles with her husband Tim Nash. Like Gehrig, Campbell has made a point of championing female directors and told Ad Age in a February 2018 interview that her company operates by the mantra 'We give a f***'. She added: 'Somesuch gives a f*** about ideas. It gives a f*** about craft. And in an industry notoriously known for giving male talent the choice opportunities, it continues to give a huge f*** that all its directors get a fair shot at doing a standout piece of work.' Clients include Uniqlo, Gucci, AT&T, Amazon Prime and Audi the latter commissioning its 2017 Super Bowl commercial from the company. Motivational: In This Girl Can, Kim Gehrig encouraged women to exercise regardless of body shape or social background in a campaign for Sport England Critics: The Gillette campaign has sparked a backlash with calls for a boycott because it is critical of men Goingwokenotgoingbroke: Gillette parent company Procter & Gamble saw its share price increase Tuesday In keeping with Campbell's feminist ethos, the film was shot by a woman Belfast-based director Aoife McArdle and featured a father debating whether to tell his daughter about the challenges she will face as a woman in business, before trumpeting the car firm's commitment to equal pay for equal work. More controversial was another campaign for Libresse - this time directed by a man, Daniel Wolfe called #BloodNormal that took a closer look at menstruation and included scenes showing menstrual blood and period sex. According to Campbell, creative integrity is key as is championing female talent, although not to the exclusion of men. Speaking in the same interview, she added: 'We had Kim and Aoife from pretty much the beginning and it's very important to have a diverse roster, but also, we would never sign anyone purely based on gender, race or class.' The Briton has also made a habit of airing her views on social media, taking aim at a British cable channel for including a close-up of Jennifer Lawrence's cleavage during an interview in February 2018 and taking part in a women's rally at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. She later posted a video of the rally on her Twitter account and fired off a tweet at President Trump that read: '61% of your country thinks you couldn't organize a p*** up in a brewery, on this anniversary you're on shut down, go back to reality TV.' Despite her avowedly feminist ethos, Campbell's company has not shied away from taking work from potentially controversial clients, among them Nike China which is based in a country known for human rights abuses and inequality. Nevertheless, Campbell says Somesuch will continue to champion inclusion and social causes through its work recently producing a music video for feminist Chicago rapper Noname for a song called Blaxploitation. Gehrig, meanwhile, continues to exhort other female directors not 'to be spooked by the boys' and power ahead in the ad industry. She told Campaign: 'There's a large percentage of men in filmmaking, and it can be intimidating, particularly when you go on set for the first time to shoot. 'Like my first experience, there were a bunch of men around seeing my demise, and you think, 'God, how embarrassing, it's raining and I don't know how to save this.' She added: 'Stick to your vision. Don't be intimidated and don't let anyone spook you.' The education watchdog is cracking down on discipline following a rise in classroom disruption driven by mobile phones. Ofsted will focus on behaviour after discussing the issue with parents who worry about children being distracted from their work. Pupils have been texting, watching videos or checking social media on their phones while teachers are talking. Ofsted will focus on behaviour after discussing the issue of mobile phones with parents who worry about children being distracted from their work (stock image) Schools inspectors said they had also seen a marked increase in low-level disruption such as swinging on chairs during lessons, toe-tapping, passing notes and whispering. As a result, Ofsted reports will now contain a behaviour category that schools must pass with flying colours to get an overall rating of outstanding. At the moment, they are judged on the wide-ranging category personal development, behaviour and welfare. The proposal is contained in a consultation document published today, with the changes due from September. It states: Creating a sufficiently disciplined environment is a prerequisite to any learning taking place. If behaviour is not managed effectively and learners are not instilled with positive attitudes to learning, nothing much will be learned. Sean Harford, Ofsteds national director for education, said: We want to really update the profile of behaviour. If every child behaved in school the standard would rocket up. Ofsted research shows that while serious and violent incidents have decreased, smaller distractions are on the rise. Sean Harford (pictured), Ofsteds national director for education, said that low-level disruption in the classroom needs to be addressed Mr Harford added: There arent the terrible examples as often as there were, if you go back 15 to 20 years, of behaviour. The problem now is more one about low-level disruption. That kind of thing is what has been on the rise and is the bane of teachers lives. He said teachers should instil attitudes that can be taken into the workplace, such as punctuality, being courteous and listening to each other. Inspectors will gather evidence for their reports by interviewing staff and pupils to discover whether the school is being strict enough. Luke Tryl, director of corporate strategy, said: We had a series of polling and focus groups with parents. They wanted to know would their child be learning in an environment without that low-level disruption and which is free from bullying. Education Secretary Damian Hinds has backed the idea of banning mobile phones in schools Many schools ban mobiles, an idea backed by Education Secretary Damian Hinds. Teachers have complained that their jobs are made tougher by pupils constantly texting each other during class. Some female staff have even been sexually harassed by students who take upskirt photos and then post them on social media. But Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: Ofsted already judges schools on behaviour, so we know the overwhelming majority of schools are orderly places where children learn effectively. What parents really want to know is whether their children are happy and safe in school and making good progress. In nine out of ten schools, this is the case. In places where its not, support rather than sanction is what is needed. State schools should teach clever pupils the gift of the gab to help them get into Oxbridge, a leading educationalist claims. Barnaby Lenon, ex-head of Harrow and chairman of governors at the London Academy of Excellence, a state-funded college in Newham, east London, known as the Eton of the East End, said: Natural ability will only get you so far. You are up against thousands with natural ability. You have to be better. A woman lost almost $150,000 from the sale of her Australian home in what is believed to be a Nigerian hacking scam. Mireille Appert, who is Swiss but lives in America, was due to pocket $150,000 from the sale of a Queensland house belonging to her late uncle John Appert. However, it is believed that the fraud occurred when a conveyancer with KF Solicitors Kingaroy, sent $148,554 to a company account unconnected to Ms Appert. Ms Appert is (with her uncle, right) still waiting for the issue to be resolved by her solicitors Ms Appert was set to inherit $150,000 from the sale of this house, before the 'Nigerian scam' Speaking to the Daily Mail Australia, Ms Appert said that US authorities believed she had fallen victim to a Nigerian hacking scam. 'The initial transfer was on a Wednesday mid last year, and I was expecting to receive the money the same day or the next day,' Ms Appert said. 'I didn't see anything coming in, and on Friday I got an email from KF Solicitors asking for my full name as it appear on my bank statement, to "locate my funds."' Ms Appert (pictured) became concerned after receiving emails requesting her bank details 'I sent them an email but the fraudsters were able to delete my email and send another to the solicitors with their "corporate name" instead.' 'I was starting to worry, and sent a couple of emails again the next week (we also called twice to make sure they made the wire). 'But the following Thursday morning, we got a fake email with a fake bank confirmation that the money was transferred. 'I thought at first that was strange to send a "fake confirmation" and we waited until Thursday night to call the solicitors and ask about the funds.' The scam relates to this Blackbutt home, belonging to Ms Appert's late uncle John Ms Appert said she then made the horrifying discovery that some of the emails had been sent by fraudsters. 'I was told for the first time that the money was sent to the "corporate account" and we knew at that time that the money was stolen,' said Ms Appert. 'We then spent a few hours on the phone with the solicitors to find out what happened, but I haven't received much support or information from them since.' Ms Appert's son Alexandre Matti also weighed in on his mother's misfortune. 'It's been more than five months now and my mother is without her money and without her house,' he told the Courier Mail. 'The worst and most difficult (thing) right now for her is knowing that she should have approximately $150,000 in her bank account, but instead, she tries to deal every day with debt collectors and financial struggle.' Lawmakers in New York state have voted to ban gay conversion therapy and add gender identity and expression to the state's anti-discrimination laws. The measures passed the Senate and Assembly on Tuesday. One was called the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA). Both had been priorities for Democrats, but had died in the Senate until this year, when Democrats took over the chamber following election gains last November. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign both bills. The ban on conversion therapy would prohibit licensed therapists from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation. Manhattan Democrat Brad Hoylman, the only openly gay state senator The ban on conversion therapy would prohibit licensed therapists from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation. Fourteen states have already passed similar laws. 'You can not change who a person is,' Assemblywoman Deborah Glick (D-Manhattan) said to the New York Daily News. The anti-bias bill would make it illegal to deny someone a job, housing, public accommodations or education based on gender expression or identity. The anti-bias bill would make it illegal to deny someone a job, housing, public accommodations or education based on gender expression or identity. Sarah McBride, Human Rights Campaign National Press Secretary, speaks at a news conference Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign both bills that passed on Tuesday 'It's a new day in Albany,' said David Kilmnick, president and CEO of New York LGBT Network. He added that the GENDA and conversion therapy bills were 'long overdue and groundbreaking moments for the LGBT community.' GENDA is the first major LGBTQ bill to clear in both houses of the Legislature since the passing of gay marriage in 2011. Transgender protections established under President Barack Obama had taken a hit when President Trump rolled them back. They had been originally left out of the 2002 sexual orientation discrimination act. 'Let us move forward, let us all rise up in support of civil liberties for everyone,' said Manhattan Democrat Brad Hoylman, the only openly gay state senator. Attorney General nominee William Barr testified Tuesday about how huge high-tech firms have been created and told Congress he plans to review the area of anti-trust enforcement. 'The purpose of the antitrust laws, obviously, is to protect competition,' said Barr, who previously served on the board of media giant Time Warner, and spoke of the benefits of the market of ideas. 'I don't think big is necessarily bad, but I think a lot of people wonder how such huge behemoths that now exist in Silicon Valley have taken shape under the nose of the antitrust enforcers,' he told Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah under questioning. 'You can win that place in the marketplace without violating the antitrust laws, but I want to find out more about that dynamic,' he said, without vowing to go after any particular firm. 'A lot of people wonder how such huge behemoths that now exist in Silicon Valley,' said attorney general nominee William Barr But he also expressed an interest in the topic, and said he would seek out deputy attorney general Makan Delrahim on the topic. 'At the same time, I'm sort of interested in stepping back and reassessing, or learning more about how the antitrust division has been functioning and what their priorities are,' Barr told the Senate during testimony Tuesday in between getting quizzed about Robert Mueller's Russia probe and what constitutes obstruction of justice by a president, in comments reported by CNBC. Barr served on the board of media giant Time Warner and owns stock in AT&T. But based on a letter from the Office of Government Ethics, he will recuse himself from any matters regarding the proposed merger of the two giants, which is under appeal. 'I don't think big is necessarily bad, but I think a lot of people wonder how such huge behemoths that now exist in Silicon Valley have taken shape under the nose of the antitrust enforcers,' he told Sen. Mike Lee of Utah under questioning. Barr spoke as high tech executives have been hauled before Congress to answer questions about their impact Barr served on the board of Time Warner and owns stock in AT&T Lawmakers have grilled Facebook over its role in the 2016 elections, when Russians used the platform to stoke divisions, according to the firm and the Intelligence Community During testimony he said he would honor that agreement, but spoke about other areas where he might play a role. Barr, who owns up to $37 million in stock, 'will divest his vested stock options and stock in AT&T Inc.' Those stocks have been valued at more than $1 million. For a year after his board resignation, Barr 'will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter involving specific parties in which he knows AT&T Inc. or Time Warner Inc. is a party or represents a party, unless he is first authorized to participate,' according to the letter. He also weighed in under questioning by new GOP Missouri Senator.Josh Hawley of Missouri,Axios noted. 'I would like to weigh into some of these issues, I'd like to have the antitrust support that effort, to get more involved in reviewing the situation from a competition standpoint,' he said. 'I also am interested in the issue of privacy and the question of who owns this data. It's not an area that I've studied closely or become an expert in, but I think it's important for the department to get more involved in these questions.' That comment reflected the major push among lawmakers to examine Facebook and other tech companies and their role in the election as well as their obligation to protect user data, how they use it to sell ads, and how it might be subject to manipulation or disclosure. 'I would have to think long and hard before I said that it was really the stuff of an antitrust matter,' he hedged. 'On the other hand, it could involve issues of disclosure and other implicate other laws like that,' said Barr, who has handled a variety of corporate clients but last served in the Justice Department as AG during the George H.W. Bush administration. President Donald Trump's pick to become the next attorney general said Tuesday that he would 'not go after' marijuana companies in states where cannabis is legal, even though he personally believes the drug should be outlawed. In his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, William Barr said he would not use limited government resources to target cannabis businesses that are complying with state laws. Businesses in the marijuana industry relied on Obama-era guidance that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal, but those guidelines were rescinded by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions last year. Pointing to the growing marijuana industry and investments in cannabis companies, Barr said he didn't want to 'upset settled expectations.' Personal view: Bill Barr, Trump's pick to be attorney-general, said his own view was that marijuana should be criminalized everywhere Big business: Legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational use has become a booming commercial enterprise in states which have legalized one or both 'To the extent that people are complying with the state laws, distribution and production and so forth, we're not going to go after that,' Barr said. Despite his affirmation that he would not target cannabis businesses, Barr said he would personally support a federal law that 'prohibits marijuana everywhere.' The largely hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement set forth during former President Barack Obama's administration allowed the marijuana industry to flourish into a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar market that helps fund some state government programs. Days after California's broad marijuana legalization went into effect, Sessions rescinded the Justice Department's guidance - known as the Cole Memo - and decried it as allowing a 'safe harbor' for marijuana by allowing states to flout federal law. Confirmation time: Bill Barr appeared Tuesday for his first day of Senate confirmation hearings and they continued Wednesday 'Backdoor nullification': Federal law still prohibits the possession and sale of marijuana but the DoJ adopts a hands off approach in states such as Washington where it is legal under state law Since the guidance was rescinded, there has been concern about the future of the growing cannabis industry. Despite medical and so-called recreational cannabis legalization in dozens of states, federal law prohibits the possession and sale of marijuana. But Barr said the current system is 'untenable' and 'almost like a backdoor nullification of federal law.' He called for members of Congress to come up with a way to handle marijuana enforcement across the U.S. President Trump's attorney general nominee William Barr William Barr, 68, served as attorney general for George H.W. Bush. He practices law at the firm of Kirkland & Ellis and served as a counsel to corporate boards and amassed an estimated $37 million fortune. Barr penned an unsolicited memo about the Mueller probe and gave it do Deputy Attorney Gen. Rob Rosenstein. He wrote that the probe of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe was 'fatally misconceived' by going after obstruction of justice. Barr is longtime friends with Mueller and the two men's wives attended bible study together. He attended Columbia University and did a stint in the CIA. Advertisement 'I think it's incumbent on the Congress to make a decision as to whether we are going to have a federal system,' he said. 'Because this is breeding disrespect for the federal law.' The intervention on marijuana came on the first day of a confirmation hearing overshadowed by Robert Mueller's special counsel prone. Barr told senators he would resist pressure to ax Mueller, including from the president, unless there was good cause to do so. Asked if he would fire the special counsel or if he would change Justice Department regulations and then fire him if asked to do so by the president without 'good cause,' Barr responded: 'I would not carry out that instruction.' He was pressed by Delaware Democratic Sen. Chris Coons and multiple other lawmakers on how he would handle Mueller, his longtime friend who President Trump has accused of overseeing a 'witch hunt' against him. 'I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt,' Barr said under questioning. He revealed he met with President Trump in June 2017 when the president was seeking to expand his legal team, and who asked him at the time how well he knew Mueller. 'I said Bob is a straight shooter and should be dealt with as such,' Barr said he told the president. The comments were among multiple markers of independence Barr put down during the hearing, where he also praised fired Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions' decision to recuse from the Russia probe and praised deputy attorney gen. Rod Rosenstein, another favore target of the president's. He also offered explanations for the unsolicited memo he sent to Rosenstein arguing Mueller's probe was 'fatally misconceived' by going after possible obstruction of justice by the president. And he refused to give Democrats commitments they sought repeatedly that he would yield to ethics professionals if they advised him to recuse himself from the Mueller probe. 'I'm not surrendering that responsibility. I'm not giving it away,' he said. Asked by Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris of California under what scenario he would not follow the advice of career ethics officials, he said curtly: If I disagreed with them. But on other matters, Barr told lawmakers he didn't need the high-level job he has previously held, would not be 'bullied' by anyone, and stated explicitly several instances of interference in prosecution that would be improper or illegal. Barr said the president would violate his oath of office if he ordered the Justice Department to take an action in which he had a 'stake.' Barr made that statement as part of a hypothetical example during his first day of high-stakes testimony before the Senate Judiciary, when asked about his views on executive power and whether the president could intervene in political cases. He made the comments as on a day when he backed up his friend Mueller, and said longtime Trump foil former Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions was probably right to recuse himself from the Russia probe. But he also repeatedly refused under questioning by Democrats to state that he would relinquish powers he said were established in the office. 'I am not going to surrender the responsibilities that I have,' he said. On the president's powers, he said: 'The other category of cases and let's pick an easy bad example would be if a member of the president's family or a business associate or something was under investigation and he tries to intervene.' 'He's the chief law enforcement officer, and you could say well he has the power, but that would be a breach of his obligation under the Constitution to faithfully execute the laws,' Barr said. 'So in my opinion, if a president attempts to intervene in a matter that he has a stake in to protect himself that should first be looked at as a breach of his constitutional duties. Whether it also violates a statute depending on what statute comes into play and what all the facts are,' he said. Such pronouncement would ordinarily be boilerplate, but takes on extra significance while a probe President Trump has labeled a 'witch hunt' continues to examine Trump associates and family members who had contacts with Russians during the campaign. Barr spoke as Senate Democrats pressed him on his views of the Mueller probe including its investigation of any obstruction of justice by Trump, something Barr has criticized in writing. Trump fired FBI Director James Comey early in his term, and according to Comey asked if he could relieve pressure on his former national security advisor Mike Flynn. Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger has tweeted the events of the day he landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after double engine failure, as if he were reliving those events in real time on the 10 year anniversary of the great feat. Capt. Sully helmed the controls on January 15, 2009, as the plane he piloted collided with a flock of geese after takeoff from New York City's LaGuardia Airport, shortly after 3pm Eastern. '#Flight1549 was completely routine and unremarkable - for the first 100 seconds,' Sully wrote, as he relayed the event in extreme detail over on Tuesday over his Twitter account @Captsully, just as he lived it a decade ago in real time. All 155 people on board survived the plane's crash landing into the Hudson River, which has since been dubbed the 'Miracle on the Hudson.' Some of those survivors, including Sully, raised a glass on Tuesday in North Carolina, at the museum where the plane's remains are on display, in celebration of living to tell the tale. Scroll down for video In posts prepared ahead of time, Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger tweeted the events of the day he landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River after double engine failure, as if he were reliving those events in real time on the 10 year anniversary of the great feat. Sully (third from left) is pictured sharing a toast with members of the crew of US Airways Flight 1549 at the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina on Tuesday, to mark the 10th anniversary of the 'Miracle on the Hudson' '10 years ago today the lives of everyone on #Flight1549 changed forever,' Sully began the long string of tweets. 'I offer my recollections here in a series of tweets that Ive written for my team to send out today' '10 years ago today the lives of everyone on #Flight1549 changed forever,' Sully began the long string of tweets. 'I offer my recollections here in a series of tweets that Ive written for my team to send out today.' Sully wrote: 'I began a four-day trip on Monday, 1/12/09 in Charlotte, where I met First Officer Jeff Skiles for the first time. 'Wednesday night we had a long layover in Pittsburgh. I later learned Jeff went to see Clint Eastwoods "Gran Torino." (Eastwood would direct "Sully.")' Sully wrote: 'I began a four-day trip on Monday, 1/12/09 in Charlotte, where I met First Officer Jeff Skiles for the first time. 'Wednesday night we had a long layover in Pittsburgh. I later learned Jeff went to see Clint Eastwoods "Gran Torino." (Eastwood would direct "Sully.") 'Thursday, January 15, 2009, started like 10,000 other days,' Sully continued. 'It was snowing in Pittsburgh and our plane had to be deiced. I hoped the weather would cooperate so I could get home to California that evening. We made it to LaGuardia only a few minutes behind schedule' The Captain was referring to the movie about the incredible crash landing which came out in 2016, and saw Tom Hanks play the real-life hero. 'Thursday, January 15, 2009, started like 10,000 other days,' Sully continued. 'It was snowing in Pittsburgh and our plane had to be deiced. I hoped the weather would cooperate so I could get home to California that evening. We made it to LaGuardia only a few minutes behind schedule. 'In my luggage onboard #Flight1549, I had a library book "Just Culture: Balancing Safety and Accountability" by Sidney Dekker; an interesting coincidence that would be talked about later.' In this January 10, 2019 photo, US Airways Flight 1549 passenger Steve O'Brien poses for a photo at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with an editorial cartoon framed with his boarding pass from the flight that crash-landed in the Hudson River on January 19, 2009. 'In my luggage onboard #Flight1549, I had a library book "Just Culture: Balancing Safety and Accountability" by Sidney Dekker; an interesting coincidence that would be talked about later.' One of those later conversations occurred during questioning by the National Transportation and Safety Board, where Sully discussed pilot authority, corporate culture, airplane design and more, as detailed by NPR in November of 2009 One of those later conversations occurred during questioning by the National Transportation and Safety Board, where Sully discussed pilot authority, corporate culture, airplane design and more, as detailed by NPR in November of 2009. But those topics weren't at the forefront of everyone's mind on the anniversary of the crash, as Sully's team posted his tweets. 'I still have the fuel slip from #Flight1549. After a brief stop we were ready to go,' Sully went on, adding military time stamps to subsequent tweets, which highlighted how quickly thinks began to unravel. '15:24:54: First Officer Jeff Skiles and I were ready and LaGuardia tower cleared our flight identified as "Cactus 1549" for takeoff. And like nearly every other flight Id had for 42 years, #Flight1549 was completely routine and unremarkable - for the first 100 seconds,' he said. 'I still have the fuel slip from #Flight1549. After a brief stop we were ready to go,' Sully went on, adding military time stamps to subsequent tweets, which highlighted how quickly thinks began to unravel '15:26:00 Air Traffic Controller Patrick Harten: "Cactus 1549, New York departure, radar contact, climb and maintain one five thousand." '15:26:03 Me: "maintain one five thousand Cactus 1549." '15:27:07 Me: "after takeoff checklist complete."' And then, the moment everything changed happened. 'I saw the birds three seconds before we struck them; we were traveling 316 feet per second and could not avoid them,' Sully wrote 'I saw the birds three seconds before we struck them; we were traveling 316 feet per second and could not avoid them,' Sully wrote. '15:27:10 Me: "Birds." '15:27:11 Jeff: "Whoa." '15:27:12 Jeff: "Oh sh&*." '15:27:13 Me: "Oh yeah."' He continued: 'We could feel and hear the thumps and thuds as we struck the birds, followed by a shuddering, and then a rumbling sound coming from the engines. We felt them rolling back' He continued: 'We could feel and hear the thumps and thuds as we struck the birds, followed by a shuddering, and then a rumbling sound coming from the engines. We felt them rolling back. '15:27:15 Me: "We got one rol- both of em rolling back."' In aviation parlance, 'engine rollback' refers generally to engine failure to thrust, or an engine that is not responding to a pilot's commands. In aviation parlance, 'engine rollback' refers generally to engine failure to thrust, or an engine that is not responding to a pilot's commands 'As the engines rolled back, they made the most sickening, pit-of-your-stomach sound, "whoooooooo" as they ran down. It was a sudden, complete, symmetrical loss of thrust. I had never experienced anything like it before,' Sully wrote. 'Within two and a half seconds, I had begun to take the first two remedial actions by memory. I turned on the engine ignition and started the aircrafts auxiliary power unit. '15:27:18 Me: "Ignition, start." '15:27:21 Me: "Im starting the APU."' 'Within two and a half seconds, I had begun to take the first two remedial actions by memory. I turned on the engine ignition and started the aircrafts auxiliary power unit,' he wrote Sully went on to explain why he took that measure, almost involuntarily Sully went on to explain why he took that measure, almost involuntarily. 'The engine ignition would allow the engines to recover if they could. The APU would provide a backup source of electrical power, especially important in a fly-by-wire airplane like the Airbus A320, where there is not a direct mechanical connection to the controls,' he wrote. 'I took control of the aircraft as Jeff and I completed verbatim the important transfer of aircraft control protocol: '15:27:23 Me: "My aircraft." '15:27:24 Jeff: "Your aircraft."' 'I took control of the aircraft as Jeff and I completed verbatim the important transfer of aircraft control protocol: 15:27:23 Me: "My aircraft." 15:27:24 Jeff: "Your aircraft."' he wrote 'Even though Jeff and I had just met for the first time three days before, if you had watched us work together, you would have thought we had been for years, because we were able to collaborate wordlessly in an emergency when there was not time to talk about it,' Sully wrote The two worked together seamlessly, according to Sully's account. 'Even though Jeff and I had just met for the first time three days before, if you had watched us work together, you would have thought we had been for years, because we were able to collaborate wordlessly in an emergency when there was not time to talk about it,' Sully wrote. '15:27:25: The cockpit area mic captured the sound of the igniters. The investigation revealed the engines were irreparably damaged and never would have regained thrust. '15:27:28 Me (to Jeff): "Get the QRH [Quick Reference Handbook], loss of thrust on both engines."' '15:27:25: The cockpit area mic captured the sound of the igniters. The investigation revealed the engines were irreparably damaged and never would have regained thrust,' he wrote Sully relayed what was going through his mind as he realized his and his co-pilot would not be regaining control of their plane's engines 'I knew I had seconds to come up with a plan, minutes to execute,' Sully wrote Sully relayed what was going through his mind as he realized his and his co-pilot would not be regaining control of their plane's engines. 'I still remember my first three thoughts,' he wrote. 'First, "This cant be happening," a very typical thought, rooted in disbelief. Second, "This doesnt happen to me." All my previous flights had been mostly routine. I had never been so challenged in an airplane that I doubted the outcome. 'My third thought was more of a realization - unlike all those other flights, this one would probably not end on a runway with the aircraft undamaged. I knew I had seconds to come up with a plan, minutes to execute. 'I knew every decision we made would be examined by the investigators and debated for years by other aviation professionals. The NTSB would spend up to a year and a half interviewing everyone involved in our flight, analyzing all the data. 'They would be scrutinizing every thought I had, every choice I made, every syllable I uttered, every action I took or did not take. But I did not let this knowledge dissuade me from making hard choices and sticking with them. 'In the cabin, the flight attendants heard the noise, and assumed it was a bird strike and we were going to return to LaGuardia. The cabin was quiet, with no engine noise; but the passengers were calm they had no idea the seriousness of the situation.' 'I knew every decision we made would be examined by the investigators and debated for years by other aviation professionals. The NTSB would spend up to a year and a half interviewing everyone involved in our flight, analyzing all the data,' he wrote At approximately 3.27pm, Sully officially sounded the alarm, calling out 'Mayday' At approximately 3.27pm, Sully officially sounded the alarm. '15:27:32 Me: "Mayday mayday mayday. Uh this uh Cactus fifteen thirty nine hit birds, weve lost thrust in both engines were turning back towards LaGuardia." 'Patrick immediately began to try to get us back to a runway at LaGuardia,' Sully wrote. '15:28:05 Patrick: "Cactus fifteen twenty nine, if we can get it for you do you want to try to land runway one three?"' In this January 9, 2019 photo, Tripp Harris, who was a passenger on US Airways Flight 1549, the 'Miracle on the Hudson' airliner, poses for a photo on the High Line along the Hudson River in New York. It's been 10 years since the flight landed on the Hudson River after colliding with a flock of geese just after takeoff. All 155 people on board survived the incident Sully wrote: '15:28:10 Me: "Were unable. We may end up in the Hudson"' 'Patrick was still determined to try to find a way to get us to a runway. I asked him about Teterboro off our right. He immediately began to arrange a landing there, but I quickly realized we couldnt make it there either,' Sully wrote Sully explained, '(In the stress of the moment both Patrick and I got the flight number wrong.)' He then said: '15:28:10 Me: "Were unable. We may end up in the Hudson."' 'Patrick was still determined to try to find a way to get us to a runway. I asked him about Teterboro off our right. He immediately began to arrange a landing there, but I quickly realized we couldnt make it there either,' Sully wrote. 'I knew if I set the airplane down on the river and could keep it intact, the boats and ferries would come to our rescue. '15:29:28 (two minutes and 18 seconds after the bird strike) Me: "Were gonna be in the Hudson." 'Patrick: "Im sorry say again Cactus?"' 'I knew if I set the airplane down on the river and could keep it intact, the boats and ferries would come to our rescue,' Sully wrote The uniqueness of the situation was not lost on Sully, or Patrick, in that moment The uniqueness of the situation was not lost on Sully, or Patrick, in that moment. 'This was a novel event that we had never trained for,' Sully wrote. 'In our flight simulators it was not possible to practice a water landing. Yet, I was able to set clear priorities. I took what I did know, adapted it, and applied it in a new way to solve a problem Id never seen before. 'We did not have enough altitude and speed (total energy) to make it to any runway, so I engaged in goal sacrificing. I was willing to sacrifice the airplane to save lives. 'I realized the only other place in the entire New York Metropolitan area, one of the most densely populated and developed areas on the planet, that was long enough, wide enough, and smooth enough to even attempt landing a large, fast, heavy jet airliner was the Hudson River.' 'We did not have enough altitude and speed (total energy) to make it to any runway, so I engaged in goal sacrificing. I was willing to sacrifice the airplane to save lives,' Sully wrote While Sully was sorting through all of this in his mind, the passengers and crew remained relatively in the dark about what was happening at the front of the aircraft While Sully was sorting through all of this in his mind, the passengers and crew remained relatively in the dark about what was happening at the front of the aircraft. 'I had time to make only one announcement to the passengers and crew, and before I made what I knew would be the most important announcement of my life, I took what was probably an extravagant amount of time, three or four seconds, to choose my words very carefully,' Sully wrote. 'I wanted to sound confident because I knew courage can be contagious. In our aviation vocabulary there are certain single words that are rich with meaning. "Brace" is such a word. And I chose the word "impact" to give passengers and crew alike a vivid image of what to expect. 'I said, "This is the Captain. Brace for impact." Immediately, I heard the flight attendants start shouting their commands to the passengers - "Brace, brace, brace! Heads down! Stay down!" 'I wanted to sound confident because I knew courage can be contagious. In our aviation vocabulary there are certain single words that are rich with meaning. "Brace" is such a word. And I chose the word "impact" to give passengers and crew alike a vivid image of what to expect,' Sully wrote As this was happening, the automated alarms from within the plane began to go off As this was happening, the automated alarms from within the plane began to go off. 'The cockpit warnings were sounding,' Sully wrote. 'A computerized voice repeated, "too low, terrain, too low, terrain caution terrain pull up, pull up, pull up." '23 seconds before the landing, I asked Jeff a question. '15:30:21 Me: "Got any ideas?" '15:30:23 Jeff: "Actually not."' Sully asked Jeff,' Got any ideas?' but both of them knew they had done all that they could 'Jeff intuitively knew he should help me judge the height above the river to begin the landing by calling out airspeed and altitude,' Sully wrote 'I was asking him what else we could do to save lives,' Sully explained. 'That we could have this exchange in middle of such a crisis is just an indication of how well we had learned our team skills at the airline. Jeff answered the way he did because he knew we had done all we could. 'Jeff intuitively knew he should help me judge the height above the river to begin the landing by calling out airspeed and altitude. 'While the impact was hard, I could tell the plane was intact and floating. Jeff and I said almost in unison "That wasnt as bad as I thought." With the plane now out of the air, Sully and Jeff turned to the next issue at hand In this January 15, 2009 file photo, a diver (left) aboard an NYPD vessel prepares to rescue passengers that escaped from the Airbus 320 US Airways aircraft which made an emergency landing in the Hudson River in New York With the plane now out of the air, Sully and Jeff turned to the next issue at hand. 'Though wed solved the first big problem getting the plane down intact, there was a perilous evacuation and rescue ahead of us. While Jeff went through the evacuation checklist, I opened the cockpit door and shouted "Evacuate!"' Sully said. 'Even in this sudden crisis, the flight attendants immediately drew upon years of training and began the evacuation. Passengers began filing out onto the wings and into the rafts at the front doors. The back doors were below the waterline; the aft rafts were useless.' 'Even in this sudden crisis, the flight attendants immediately drew upon years of training and began the evacuation. Passengers began filing out onto the wings and into the rafts at the front doors. The back doors were below the waterline; the aft rafts were useless,' Sully wrote The weather was also playing against them as passengers get out of the plane, but swift emergency responders helped the situation from turning deadly 'When it seemed everyone was out of the cabin, I walked down the center aisle, shouting: "Is anyone there? Come forward!" I walked up and down twice, to be sure no one would be left behind. The second time the water was so high I got wet almost to my waist,' Sully wrote In this January 15, 2009 file photo, passengers stand on the wing of a US Airways jetliner waiting to be rescued by ferry boats that rushed to the plane in the Hudson River in New York The weather was also playing against them as passengers get out of the plane, but swift emergency responders helped the situation from turning deadly. 'It was January in NY, on the frigid Hudson River. The air temperature was 21 [degrees Fahrenheit], 11 with the windchill; the water temperature was 36. The first ferry arrived within four minutes,' Sully wrote. 'When it seemed everyone was out of the cabin, I walked down the center aisle, shouting: "Is anyone there? Come forward!" I walked up and down twice, to be sure no one would be left behind. The second time the water was so high I got wet almost to my waist. 'By the time I left the aircraft as the last one off, the ferries were all around us and the rescue was well underway. I tried desperately to get a count of people in the rafts and on the wings, but it was impossible. 'On the deck of the ferry I realized my cell phone was dry; my first call was to US Airways. The airline operations manager who answered abruptly told me he couldnt talk because they "had a plane down in the Hudson" I said "I know. Im the guy."' 'By the time I left the aircraft as the last one off, the ferries were all around us and the rescue was well underway. I tried desperately to get a count of people in the rafts and on the wings, but it was impossible,' Sully wrote He was the man: 'On the deck of the ferry I realized my cell phone was dry; my first call was to US Airways. The airline operations manager who answered abruptly told me he couldnt talk because they "had a plane down in the Hudson" I said "I know. Im the guy"' Then, Sully's had time to take stock of what this meant to him, personally, aside from his role as the pilot in the emergency landing Then, Sully had time to take stock of what this meant to him, personally, aside from his role as the pilot in the emergency landing. 'For the first time I thought about my own family. I called Lorrie to tell her the shocking news. She wasnt aware of it. I told her I was ok, couldnt talk, but would call her again later, as I had duties to perform. She picked up our girls at school before they heard the news,' Sully wrote. 'Passengers were taken to [New York] and [New Jersey]. Some, including myself, were taken to hospitals to be evaluated. I was still trying to get a count of passengers. Finally, four hours after our landing, I received the number I was looking for: 155. All aboard survived.' 'Passengers were taken to [New York] and [New Jersey]. Some, including myself, were taken to hospitals to be evaluated. I was still trying to get a count of passengers. Finally, four hours after our landing, I received the number I was looking for: 155. All aboard survived,' Sully wrote Afterward, Sully shared a few reflective posts on the larger meaning of the events of that day. 'What followed in the days and weeks after the landing was nothing short of extraordinary. We heard from people all over the world who found hope and inspiration in the story of #Flight1549. Many saw it as a bookend to a decade that started in NY with the 9/11 attacks,' Sully wrote. 'Ive felt an enormous responsibility to use the voice this event has given me for good; and Im not done yet. Ill continue to advocate for the safety of the traveling public, for aviation safety and patient safety, and other issues and causes Im passionate about.' Afterward, Sully shared a few reflective posts on the larger meaning of the events of that day 'Ive felt an enormous responsibility to use the voice this event has given me for good; and Im not done yet. Ill continue to advocate for the safety of the traveling public, for aviation safety and patient safety, and other issues and causes Im passionate about,' he wrote He continued: 'Ten years later, these are the things that stay with me: the professionalism of the crew and air traffic controllers, the cooperation of passengers, the bravery of the rescuers and first responders, and the enduring love of my family, and I celebrate them every day' 'We proved what is possible when a dedicated group of people rises to the occasion, remembers their common humanity, and works together. When we do that, there is little we cannot accomplish,' Sully wrote He continued: 'Ten years later, these are the things that stay with me: the professionalism of the crew and air traffic controllers, the cooperation of passengers, the bravery of the rescuers and first responders, and the enduring love of my family, and I celebrate them every day. 'We proved what is possible when a dedicated group of people rises to the occasion, remembers their common humanity, and works together. When we do that, there is little we cannot accomplish.' The posts had to be prepared in advance, because survivors, including Capt. Sully, gathered on Tuesday at the Carolinas Aviation Museum in Charlotte, where the flight was headed and where the damaged plane is now held. At 3.31pm, the exact moment the plane splashed down in the river 10 years ago, they shared a toast, with Sully counting down the last five seconds. A mother has been left horrified after her teenage son found a needle in a loaf of bread moments before he was about to eat it. Cherie McLaughlin had gone back to her Lake Macquarie home, north of Sydney, on Monday to have lunch on her break from work when her 13-year-old son Seth, at home for school holidays, shouted for her. 'He saw something shiny because it was in an air pocket and as he's gone to turn the bread around he's seen the needle and thought 'What the hell is that'?' she told the Newcastle Herald. A mother has been left horrified after her teenage son finds a needle in a loaf of bread moments before he was about to toast and eat a piece 'You can see a brown crust around where it has been cooked in the bread. As the metal has heated up it has cooked the edges of the needle.' Ms McLaughlin said she is glad her teenage son found the needle and not a young toddler but is still concerned that more loaves could have been tampered with. Cherie has since handed in the loaf of bread she bought from Coles Bonnells Bay along with the receipt to police. Lake Macquarie Police District acting inspector Matt Lee said they are now investigating the matter. A spokesperson for the bread's baker Tip Top said it was aware of the alleged tampering incident and was waiting to conduct a forensic investigation when they could access the product. 'All Tip Top production facilities have in place robust metal detection technology used at the conclusion of the manufacturing process to ensure no metal contaminants are present at the time of dispatch. Tip Top believes the alleged product tampering did not occur at its manufacturing site,' the statement said. Coles also issued a statement saying they have contacted the customer. 'Coles takes the quality of all our products seriously. We have contacted the customer and will follow up with our supplier to investigate the matter. As always we encourage customers to return any item they're not 100% happy with to their nearest store for a full refund or replacement,' Coles said in a statement. A spokesperson for Tip Top said it was aware of the alleged tampering incident and was waiting to conduct a forensic investigation when they could access the product (ANSA) - Rome, January 16 - The ombudsman for Italian prison inmates, Mauro Palma, on Wednesday said he wanted Justice Minister Alfonso Bonafede to remove from the ministry's online magazine a video in which, dressed in a warder's uniform, he exults over the capture of former leftist terrorist Cesare Battisti. "Unfortunately, (the video) joins the reference to "rotting" (in jail) that Interior Minister (Matteo Salvini) has expressed on several occasions in his own videos," Palma said. Palma said "phrases and images that aim to gain consensus via a language extraneous to the Constitution end up consolidating a culture of social unravelling". Bonafede and Salvini have been criticised for allegedly hogging the limelight over Battisti's capture in Bolivia after 37 years on the run from a life sentence for four murders. Bonafede donned a warder's uniform and Salvini his customary police uniform in a hyped-up photo op to greet Battisti's return to Italy. Critics said salvini's wish that Battisti should rot in jail clashes with the Constitutionally mandated principle of rehabilitation for prisoners. Eight people have been arrested in Melbourne for allegedly smuggling $20million worth of heroin and ice into Australia. The drugs are believed to have been imported from Malaysia and the arrests were conducted over the past two weeks by a joint police operation. During the raids in seven properties, police seized 6kg of heroin worth a total street value of $14.5million and 8kg of methamphetamine worth a total street value of $6.4million. Eight people have been arrested in Melbourne for allegedly smuggling $20million worth of heroin and ice into Australia During the raids, police seized 6kg of heroin worth a total street value of $14.5million Over the past eight days, seven properties across Richmond, Southbank, Abbotsford, Sunshine North and Melbourne were raided by police They allege the drugs were flown in by cabin crew for Malindo Air over five months. Half a kilo of cocaine, a Porsche Macan and Mini Cooper, and a significant amount of cash were also seized. Operation Sunrise began in August 2018, focusing on the importation and subsequent trafficking of high grade heroin in Melbourne. Four women and four men were charged and have appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court Six of the arrested were remanded to reappear in May, while two were bailed Over the past eight days, seven properties across Richmond, Southbank, Abbotsford, Sunshine North and Melbourne were raided by police. Four women and four men were charged and have appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court. Six were remanded to reappear in May, while two were bailed. Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the syndicate was well organised and had operated across Australia undetected for many years. She said its dismantling is a significant win for police. 'The amount of heroin alone involved in this investigation amounts to almost 50,000 hits in real terms,' Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said 'The amount of heroin alone involved in this investigation amounts to almost 50,000 hits in real terms,' she said. 'We know the harm that drugs bring - not just the physical and health impacts on users, but the negative flow on effects to the broader community such as property crime, assaults and drug driving.' Australian Border Force Regional Commander Victoria, Craig Palmer, said any attempt to bring drugs into the country would be met with the full force of Australian border and law enforcement agencies, before, at and after the border. 'Airline staff are not above the law. They are subject to intervention at the border like everyone else and face significant penalties if they are found to be using their positions to attempt to circumvent our border controls,' he said. The operation, which began last August, was conducted by a joint taskforce involving Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, Australian Border Force and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, with help from the Victoria Police Drug Taskforce. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Malindo Air for comment. The Internal Revenue Service is recalling about 46,000 of its employees furloughed by the government shutdown to handle tax returns and pay out refunds, but won't be paying them. IRS workers are just one subgroup of the many federal workers whose paychecks have been delayed by the shutdown due to a dispute between Congress and President Donald Trump over funding for a border wall. With the official start of the tax filing season coming on January 28, Trump's administration has promised that taxpayers owed refunds will be paid on time, despite the disruption in government services caused by the record-breaking partial shutdown. There had been growing concern that the shutdown would delay refunds worth hundreds of billions of dollars because the money wouldn't be available for them from Congress. But last week, the administration said customary shutdown policies will be reversed to make the money available to pay refunds on time. And at least for now, it's going to take unpaid labor from 60 percent of the IRS's work force to get that ball rolling. The shutdown is now in its 25th day, surpassing the previous record for the longest shutdown by four days, which lasted for three weeks at the end of 1995 and beginning of 1996 under President Bill Clinton. The Internal Revenue Service is recalling about 46,000 of its employees furloughed by the government shutdown to handle tax returns and pay out refunds, but won't be paying them. Trump is pictured addressing the annual American Farm Bureau Federation convention in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana on Monday About three-quarters of US taxpayers receive annual refunds, giving them an incentive to file their returns early. Many lower-income people count on refunds as their biggest cash infusion of the year. Overall, refunds average $2,800. An IRS document detailing its new shutdown plan shows that 46,052 agency employees will be called back to work, of the total workforce of 80,265, to help ensure people don't have to wait longer than expected for those checks. It says the plan will take effect as soon as the Treasury Department issues an official notice. On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected a legal challenge brought by the union representing the IRS's workers, which objected to the agency recalling workers without pay. IRS workers are just one subgroup of the many federal workers whose paychecks have been delayed by the shutdown due to a dispute between Congress and President Donald Trump over funding for a border wall. In this file photo from April 8, 2005, Kathleen Malone works on tax returns at the Cincinnati Internal Revenue Service Center in Covington, Kentucky On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected a legal challenge brought by the union representing IRS objecting to the agency recalling workers without pay. In this file photo from April 8, 2005, Mary Kersey transcribes data from tax returns at the Cincinnati Internal Revenue Service Center in Covington, Kentucky Only about 10,000 IRS employees had previously been deemed essential and have been working. Angered over employees having to work without pay, the union representing IRS staff sued in federal court last week to challenge any such agency action on constitutional grounds. The Constitution doesn't allow the government to obligate funds that haven't been provided by Congress, and the executive branch 'can't continue to force more and more employees to show up in exchange only for an IOU,' the National Treasury Employees Union said. On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected the union's challenge, declining to force the government to pay the recalled employees. Some 800,000 federal employees have been furloughed or have been working without pay since the government shutdown began. Trump didn't budge on Tuesday from his demand to have Congress provide $5.7 billion to build his promised border wall with Mexico, which is the impetus for the freeze. Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is refusing money for the wall that Democrats view as ineffective and immoral. The financial issues at hand are politically sensitive in more ways than one. The massive tax law enacted by Republicans in Congress in late 2017, which is Trump's signature legislative achievement, gave generous tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest Americans and more modest reductions to middle- and low-income households. The law is expected to bring lower taxes for 2018 for the great majority of Americans, and the refunds are a big tangible part of that. Trump told supporters on a conference call on Tuesday that his administration has been working to minimize the painful impacts of the shutdown. 'People are actually amazed that, with this many people, that government is really working so well. So we're very proud of that,' he said. Some experts question whether the administration has the legal authority to reverse earlier policies to allow the government to issue tax refunds during a shutdown. In 2011, the chief counsel at the IRS concluded that such payments were legally allowed during a shutdown. At the time, the White House Office of Management and Budget, under President Barack Obama, rejected that position and directed the IRS not to pay refunds during a shutdown. But the IRS said last week that OMB had reviewed the issue at the Treasury's Department's request and now agrees with the IRS counsel's position that refunds can legally be paid. A former high school teacher has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing three teenage girls. The woman, 28, has been charged with 71 offences, including rape, persistent sexual conduct and indecent assault, involving three girls aged between 13 and 17. The sexual assaults allegedly took place while the woman was working as an arts teacher at a school in the Mandurah area, southwest of Perth, in 2015 and 2016. A female teacher has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing teenage girls (stock image) The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in a Rockingham court this week but did not enter a plea. She plans to fight the charges, her lawyer told the court. The woman had been teaching in Western Australia since 2013, The West Australian reported. She was stood down and ordered to stay away from all schools after her arrest in July last year, Education Department Professional Standards and Conduct acting executive director Mike Cullen said. The former teacher has been stripped of her teacher's registration and was dismissed by the education department after the allegations came to light. She will appear in court next month. Second Lady Karen Pence started a new job this week - teaching art to elementary students at a religious school that bans homosexuals and transgender children. Pence, Vice President Mike Pence's wife, began teaching art on Tuesday to children enrolled at Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia. Mrs. Pence accepted the job in December and was to have rebooted her teaching career on Monday. But classes were canceled after a heavy weekend snowfall across the Washington region. Her office says she'll teach twice a week until May. Second Lady Karen Pence started a new job this week - teaching art to elementary students at a religious school that bans homosexuals and transgender children Mrs. Pence was a teacher for 25 years, including 12 teaching art at Immanuel Christian School, before then-U.S. Rep. Mike Pence was elected Indiana's governor. Charlotte Pence, the couple's daughter, attended the school, according to its web site. Mrs. Pence's immediate predecessor, Jill Biden, wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, taught English twice a week at a Northern Virginia community college during his two terms. This latest move is likely to generate controversy given that the school refuses admission to students who either participate or condone homosexual activity, according to Huffington Post. The school even posted a parent agreement online which states that it reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission to an applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a student if the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home, the activities of a parent or guardian, or the activities of students are counter to...the biblical lifestyle the school teaches. Pence, Vice President Mike Pence's wife, began teaching art on Tuesday to children enrolled at Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia The agreement continues: This includes, but is not limited to contumacious behavior, divisive conduct, and participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity, promoting such practices, or being unable to support the moral principles of the school. The school also binds prospective employees. Anyone filling out a job application at the school are required to sign a pledge not to participate in homosexual activity or acts that are contrary to the unique roles of male and female. Moral misconduct which violates the bona fide occupational qualifications for employees includes, but is not limited to, such behaviors as the following: heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female, sexual harassment, use or viewing of pornographic material or websites, says the application. In the application, the school states its belief that marriage unites one man and one woman and that a wife is commanded to submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ. A spokesperson for Karen Pence defended the Second Ladys decision to return to her former employer. Its absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the schools religious beliefs, are under attack, the spokesperson, Kara Brooks, said. Virginia is a state with laws that are relatively conservative when it comes to protections for LGBTQ employees against discrimination. In fact, it is legal for a private employer in Virginia to discriminate against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 'I am excited to be back in the classroom and doing what I love to do,' Karen Pence said in a statement to USA Today. 'I have missed teaching art.' The school said on its web site that daughter Charlotte Pence (seen second from right) graduated from there. From left: Daughter Audrey Pence; Vice President Mike Pence; Charlotte Pence; and Karen Pence depart Japan in April 2017 Human Rights Campaign, one of the most prominent civil rights groups advocating on behalf of LGBTQ Americans, condemned the Second Lady's decision to return to the school. 'Why not teach at a school that welcomes everyone, instead of choosing one that wont serve LGBTQ kids, kids of LGBTQ parents?' said JoDee Winterhof, HRC's Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs. 'The Pences never seem to miss an opportunity to show their public service only extends to some.' Before he became Vice President, Mike Pence was known as one of the country's most conservative politicians. During his time in Congress, Pence warned that allowing gays to marry would bring about 'societal collapse,' according to Mic. When Pence ran for Congress for the first time, he suggested that federal funds used to advance research on HIV and AIDS instead be diverted to 'provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.' Joseph Pham, 23, died of suspected drug overdose at Penrith in September 2018 The father of a young man who died from a suspected drug overdose last year has called for dance festivals to be banned in Australia. Cong Pham's son Joseph Pham, 23, collapsed and died at Penrith's Defqon. 1 event on September 15. 'Crowd control doesn't work, pill testing doesn't work none of these measures tackle the root of the problem,' Cong Pham told the Daily Telegraph. Joseph Pham (pictured) who collapsed and died at Penrith's Defqon. 1 event in September last year - his father has called for all dance festivals to be banned in Australia 'I don't want to read about another death at a festival in a newspaper. 'The only way to prevent deaths at festivals is to ban the hard-core dance ones. 'The noise and type of music means young people feel they need to take drugs to enjoy it.' Mr Pham's comments came after Alexandra King-Ross, 19, died last Saturday after attending the FOMO festival in Parramatta. It is believed she consumed at least two MDMA pills moments before entering the festival in Sydney's west. The family, based on New South Wales' Central Coast, rejected pill testing as there was no 'safe level' with illicit drugs. Alex Ross-King (pictured left) died from a suspected drug overdose last Saturday at the FOMO dance festival in Parramatta Revellers at the Defqon.1 dance festival in Penrith where Joseph Pham died last year - his father has called for future dance festivals to be banned 'We encourage the government to courageously take all the active measures possible to reduce the risk,' a family statement read. 'Pill testing is only one measure. There is no safe level of drug consumption but, it is an opportunity for intervention. 'We will in due course request an audience with Premier Berejiklian to confer and exchange views.' Calls for pill testing at music festivals had grown following the deaths of Pham, Ross-King, Callum Brosnan, Joshua Tam and Diana Nguyen at separate dance events since September 2018. A failure to address issues facing the Aboriginal community is partly to blame for an increase in Australia's Indigenous youth suicide crisis, experts claim. An alarming number of young Indigenous girls have taken their own lives during the past few months, with five committing suicide in just nine days. The deaths began a with 15-year-old in Queensland followed by girls aged 12, 14, 15 and 12 in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia. Managing director of Gamarada Universal Indigenous Resources Ken Zulumovski said intergenerational trauma and lack of community engagement had played a major part. An alarming number of young Indigenous girls have taken their own lives during the past few months, with five taking their own lives in just nine days (file image) A 12-year-old indigenous girl living in a community near Adelaide has taken her own life on Friday (file picture) Indigenous children, aged between five and 17, die from suicide at five times the rate of non-indigenous children, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics. Figures show one in four people who took their own life before turning 18 were Aboriginal. 'What we know is that when a child makes a decision to end their life they are in an overwhelming physiological distress. So they feel entirely abandoned and completely helpless,' Mr Zulumovski told Daily Mail Australia. 'In some of these areas where it's happening, Indigenous Australians have been pushed on to the fringe or have become fringe dwellers as a result of confiscation of their land.' He said as a result they had become refugees in their own country. 'Indigenous Australians have endured profound physiological injury and this is one of the symptoms.' 'We're about to celebrate Australia Day and what exactly are we celebrating?' Mr Zulumovski said part of the issue was a 'chronic lack of appropriate engagement skills.' The deaths began a with 15-year-old in Queensland followed by girls aged 12, 14, 15 and 12 in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia A 12-year-old indigenous girl living in Adelaide (pictured) has taken her own life making her the fifth Aboriginal girl to take her own life in nine days A 15-year-old girl took her own life in Perth this month. The large number of young girls taking their own lives has rocked the community Youth Action policy and advocacy manager Jacqui McKenzie said youth suicide has long been a problem and more needs to be done to address the issue. She said there were a number of questions over how Australia had been tracking in responding to issues involving Indigenous people. 'Have we responded to alarming rates of child protection and removal of children? Have we responded to intergenerational trauma?' She said the systems in place to prevent self-harm and suicide were not intervening enough, early enough. A 14-year-old girl in the Kimberley region (pictured) of the Northern Territory also died from suicide A 12-year-old boy was flown on Monday from Roma (pictured) to Brisbane where he is on life support in hospital after what is thought to be a suicide attempt Wait times to access services and the lack of culturally sensitive services were major issues in Australia as well, she said. As culture and community are strong protective factors in young people's lives, without those, people were at risk of becoming isolated, she said. The five most recent cases began on January 3 when a 15-year-old from Western Australia who was visiting relatives in Queensland was admitted to hospital after self harming. She died two days later as a result of her injuries. The wave of reported suicides include three cases in Western Australia, one in Queensland, and the most recent one in South Australia On January 4, in South Hedland in Western Australia, a 12-year-old girl took her own life, while two days later on January 6, a 14-year-old girl in the Kimberley region of the Northern Territory also died from suicide. A 15-year-old girl from Perth's south also took her own life on January 10 and the most recent case out of the five occured in South Australia on January 11. TIMELINE OF TRAGEDY JANUARY 3: Girl, 15, from Western Australia self-harms in Queensland and dies two days later. JANUARY 4: Girl, 12, kills herself in Western Australia. JANUARY 6: Girl, 14, takes her own life in the Northern Territory. JANUARY 10: Girl, 15, dies from suicide in Perth. January 11: Girl, 12, kills herself in a community near Adelaide. Advertisement Head of the Federal Government's indigenous critical response team Gerry Georgatos said that poverty and lack of education were identified as factors leading to the deaths, but added that sexual assaults were behind one-third of cases. Indigenous lawyer Hannah McGlade has advised the UN High Commission for Human Rights in Geneva and said there is a clear link between child sexual assault, family violence, and the high levels of indigenous girls and women who were taking their own lives. 'Last year the UN highlighted the level of violence against indigenous women and girls in Australia and called for a specific national action plan,' Dr McGlade told The Australian. 'The people funded to provide suicide prevention plans are not properly addressing the level of sexual violence suffered by our women and girls.' For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14. Anyone across Australia experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide can contact Lifeline. Regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation their trained volunteers are ready to listen, provide support and referrals. A man who plotted with his girlfriend to kill her baby niece by filling a bottle of breast milk with crushed-up painkillers has been sentenced to 15 years in jail. Sir Marshall S. Snyder III, 23, from Indiana, conspired with 20-year-old girlfriend Sarai Rodriguez-Miranda to poison the 11-month-old girl in January last year. A court heard how Snyder and Miranda hatched the plot after her brother, his partner, and their baby moved into Miranda's mother's house where she was staying. Sir Marshall S. Snyder III (left) has been jailed for 15 years for helping girlfriend Sarai Rodriguez-Miranda (right) concoct a plot to poison her 11-month-old niece The pair had initially planned to stay for a short time, but Miranda became angry when they stayed longer than she wanted them to, the Indy Star reports. In January 2017 the pair began swapping text messages about poisoning breast milk that was kept in the fridge to get back at the couple. In one message, Miranda said: 'I'm gonna crush up some of these pills since she decided they can stay longer and kill their baby.' 'Look up how many mg can kill a baby,' Snyder responded. The pair laced a bottle of breast milk with enough painkillers to kill the girl, but fortunately Miranda's mother intervened In another message discussing the pain medication, Miranda said: 'Idk they were laying on the counter in front of everyone so I couldn't check what they were. 'And I'm honestly not worried about getting caught. Theyre not gunna suspect me.' Miranda also sent an excited message when the laced bottles were removed from the fridge. But, unknown to Miranda, her mother had seen the messages on her phone and - instead of feeding the baby with the bottles - she took them to the police. Lab tests revealed they contained acetaminophen, caffeine and aspirin from around nine Excedrin tablets, which would have been enough to kill the girl. Shortly before being arrested, Miranda sent another message to Synder saying: 'Why didn't that baby die dude thats dumb. They definitely threw it out.' After the pair realized their plan had failed, Snyder helped Miranda flee the state and go to her father's house in Michigan, where they were arrested. Snyder was initially charged with aiding attempted murder but that was reduced to aiding attempted aggravated battery as part of a plea deal. Miranda was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder in March last year. A member of a pioneering group of women who flew military planes in the United States during World War II has died aged 96. Millicent Young of Colorado Springs, a member of the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, died on Saturday of complications related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. WASPs tested and ferried aircraft, trained other pilots, flew bombers as well as other warplanes to free up male pilots for combat service overseas. They served as civilian employees and were members of the United States federal civil service but granted veteran status in 1977. Pilot Millicent Young during her days in the WASPs where she trained other pilots and flew bombers as part of the pioneering group Of the about 1,000 women chosen for the job, fewer than 30 are still believed to be alive today, said Bill Young, who wrote a book about the program. 'They opened so many doors for women,' he said. Young, born near Lodgepole, Nebraska, dreamed of flying since she was six when a pilot landed at her family's farm and told her, 'don't touch that plane, little girl', according to her family. 'That was the wrong thing to say to her. She went right up and started touching everything,' her son Bill Young told The Gazette. 'That day, she decided she was going to learn to fly.' She learned to fly at an airstrip in Ogallala, Nebraska, using money she earned growing wheat on land leased from neighbors. Young often retold her children an exchange with a man refueling her aircraft in Carlsbad, New Mexico, who said he should be flying the plane. Young at a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the US Capitol in March 2010 in Washington, DC. She campaigned for the WASPs to be given full military status after she left the service, which was granted in 1977 'I'm the man,' he was said to have told her, to which Millicent Young replied, 'if you were, I would have noticed.' After she left the service, Young continued to fight to get WASPs full military status in 1977. She pledged to gather 1,000 signatures for the legislation, visiting bars across Colorado and Nebraska to collect them from men who often offered to buy her a drink after they had given their autograph, her daughter Martha Young told The Gazette. Millicent Peterson Young of Colorado Springs, a member of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASPs, during World War II, at an event at the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center in Sagle, Idaho. Young died Saturday at the age of 96 Young told The Spokesman-Review in 2010 that she could drive a truck and a car by the time she was 10 and did not doubt she could qualify for the WASPs. She spent about a year at a female-only air base in Sweetwater, Texas, mainly flying an AT-6 Texan single-engine plane towing a target so male pilots could train for in-air combat. Young and other surviving WASPs were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, among the nation's highest civilian honors, in 2010. Zombie films are breaking records, apocalyptic plot lines seem to dominate TV and both sides of the political divide can't seem to stop lamenting the demise of the civilized world as we know it. But a closer look at the state of the world paints a rosier picture - with humankind better off, in myriad ways, than it has ever been before. Worldwide, life expectancies are up, child mortality rates are down and global income inequality has fallen, according to late Swedish academic Hans Rosling. In his book, 'Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About The World - And Why Things Are Better Than You Think,' Rosling outlines the countless ways that the world has become a better place over the past century important global context, he says, for the problems that preoccupy our minds and color our perspectives. 'I'm talking about fundamental improvements that are world-changing but are too slow, too fragmented, or too small one-by-one to ever qualify as news,' Rosling wrote. 'I'm talking about the secret silent miracle of human progress.' For example, each day an estimated 200,000 people worldwide are lifted above the $2-a-day poverty line. And more than 300,000 people gain access to electricity and clean water for the first time, every single day. Overall, Rosling maintained that there are several key metrics that prove that the world should be more optimistic about the future. German economist Max Roser illustrated many of those same metrics on his data visualization website, Our World in Data. 1. Fewer people live in poverty now than any other time in history The worldwide distribution of wealth has become more equitable since 1800, when much of the world lived on less than $2 a day While income inequality in the U.S. continues to grow, the worldwide distribution of wealth has become more equitable since 1800, when much of the world lived on less than $2 a day. Over the past 20 years, the proportion of people in the world who are living in extreme poverty has been cut in half. 'This is absolutely revolutionary,' Rosling writes in 'Factfulness.' 'I consider it to be the most important change that has happened in the world in my lifetime.' However, when Rosling and his team polled Americans, only 5 percent were able to correctly identify how the proportion of people living in poverty has changed in recent decades. Rosling maintained that it was just one of many widespread, negative misconceptions that we hold about the world which Rosling called an 'overdramatic worldview.' 'In fact, the vast majority of the world's population lives somewhere in the middle of the income scale,' he wrote. 'Perhaps they are not what we think of as middle class, but they are not living in extreme poverty. Their girls go to school, their children get vaccinated, they live in two-child families and they want to go abroad on holiday, not as refugees.' 2. Life expectancy is higher across the globe than ever before Life expectancy across Europe during the Industrial Revolution hovered around 35 years a number likely held down by high infant and child mortality rates, widespread disease in the pre-antibiotics era and high rates of women dying in childbirth. Now life expectancy worldwide is nearly 72 years an astounding achievement of modern medicine. In the Americas alone it reached 76.9 by 2015. Rosling attributed the longer life expectancies to the fact that 'basic modernizations have reached most people and improved their lives drastically. They have plastic bags to store and transport food. They have plastic buckets to carry water and soap to kill germs.' 3. Worldwide child mortality rates have dropped significantly Child mortality rates have also fallen steadily over the past century, reaching a low in 2015 of 4.5 percent of children around the globe dying before age 5. Compare that to 1950 when more than 22 percent of the world's children died before age 5. Even in the U.S. that number was 19.7 percent in 1950. Again, the contributions of modern medicine and improved public safety has helped eliminate many common causes of infant and child mortality. 'A lot of what went right was public health interventions,' Roser told DailyMail.com. 'The water supply today is much safer, has less pathogens that vulnerable children can succumb to and another big public health intervention is vaccinations. A lot of the diseases which previously killed millions of children were ones for which we developed vaccines.' 'It's also just an improvement in overall living conditions,' added Roser, whose work parallels Rosling's. 'The fact that people are much better nourished, that education has improved and people have a better understanding of how to ensure their children stay healthy, (and they have) better housing conditions.' 4. Overpopulation is not going to be a problem anytime soon Those worried about overpopulation may be happy to learn that fertility rates are falling worldwide, down to an average of 2.49 children per woman in 2015 compared to of 5.5 children per woman in 1950. The U.S. alone is down from 3.58 children in 1958 to 1.91 children in 2011. 'We definitely know this population growth is coming to an end because the number of children born in the world is close to its peak already and the number of children born per women has halved,' Roser said. Much of the decrease in fertility rates is linked to improving conditions for women around the world, he added. As women gain educations, footing in the workforce and access to birth control, they are able to determine for themselves if 'they prefer that life to having seven children at home,' Roser said. The fertility numbers are also connected to the decrease in child morbidity - when fewer children are expected to die young, women don't need to have as many children to ensure that at least one child survives. 5. Global economies have been growing, driving up income levels At the same time, the Gross Domestic Product (the value of all goods and services produced in a country) in developed nations has been growing by roughly 2 percent a year for the past 150 years causing income levels to approximately double every 36 years. The GDP ebbs and flows with the economy, taking dips during recessions and the Great Depression, but overall its growth rate has been a constant in the west. Ultimately the rise in incomes and in GDP per capita are like the metaphorical chicken and egg. While a rising GDP pushes up incomes, so too, do rising incomes drive GDP by providing more disposable income for citizens of a country to spend on its goods. Meanwhile, countries with lower incomes, such as China and India, have been growing at even faster rates during the past several decades and are beginning to catch up to Europe and America. In addition, Roser says the poorer, less-advanced countries have benefited from the technologies and innovations of the developed world - affecting everything from nutrition to vaccinations, or even large-scale manufacturing efficiencies. 6. Worldwide, fewer people live under authoritarian governments In other good news, more people around the world some 55.8 percent are living in Democracies than any other time in human history, Rosling noted. That's compared to 31.4 percent in 1950. As of 2015, just 23.23 percent of the world's population lived in an autocracy a system of government in which one person holds absolute power and 90 percent of them are in China. Compare that to 1980 when 43.6 percent of the world lived under an autocracy. Roser attributes this in part to the rapid information sharing now possible through the news and social media. As a society becomes more educated and has greater access to information about how its leaders are managing (or mismanaging) their country, citizens become empowered to push back against authoritarian leaders. In addition, the rapid pace of technological developments creates a more dynamic economy, making it harder for wealth to be limited to those who have inherited it. 'Once you have a much more agile transformed society where people do have the chance to rise from poor backgrounds to much more powerful backgrounds, they are much less likely to accept the status quo,' Roser said. 7. This is a time of relative peace, with fewer international conflicts This chart illustrates the worldwide decrease in international conflicts since 1500 Finally, Rosling observes that international conflicts and wars are actually on the decline after centuries of unrest. Since roughly 1500, two or more of the world's most powerful countries have been at war more than half of the time. While conflicts in Syria and Yemen are currently creating massive humanitarian crises, it's notable that there has been no war in Western Europe for about three generations. 'Many people overestimate how many people are killed in conflict because there is a lot of news coverage of these items,' Roser said. 'If you look at the number of people who are killed by terrorism for 2016, 0.06 percent of the people that died in 2016 died because of terrorist attacks,' Roser added. 'And if we include conflict, that's a fifth of a percent. So much, much less than a percent of the world is dying from this (type of) violence.' Ultimately, Rosling - and Roser - held that there is much to be hopeful about as we look to the future and learn from the past. 'We shouldn't diminish the tragedies of the droughts and famines happening right now,' Rosling wrote. 'But knowledge of the tragedies of the past should help everyone realize how the world has become both much more transparent and much better at getting help to where it's needed.' Army Sgt Tyrone Hassel III, 23, was home in Michigan for the holidays when he was shot and killed on New Years Eve The wife of an Army soldier, who was shot dead while home for the holidays, is accused of concocting a plot with her lover to murder her husband. Sgt Tyrone Hassel III, 23, was home in St Josephs, Michigan, for the holidays when he was ambushed and killed just before midnight on New Years Eve while bringing food to his wife from a family gathering. Police say another soldier, Spc Jeremy Cuellar, 24, pulled the trigger in a plan that involved Tyrone's wife Spc Kemia Hassel, 22, who is also the mother of Tyrone's one-year-old child. All three soldiers were assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, according to the Army Times. In December, Tyrone moved to fort Carson in Colorado. 'The motive for the two to plot Sgt Hassel's death may have been to continue their relationship and reap the Army's death benefit from his murder,' prosecutor Mike Sepic said. Police arrested both Cuellar and Kemia Friday and charged them with premeditated murder. Both Tyrone's wife Kemia Hassel, 22, and her alleged lover Jeremy Cueller, 24, are charged with his murder Police say Kemia (right) and Cuellar were having an affair and concocted a plan to kill Tyrone (left) Military officials provide a $100,000 death gratuity to next-of-kin when a service member dies while on active duty. Life insurance for service members can also pay up to $400,000 after a soldiers death, according to the Army Times. 'It was planned out. Basically my son was assassinated,' his father Tyrone Hassel Jr said. A few days before the killing, Sepic said Cuellar traveled from Fort Worth to Chicago and waited for Kemia's directions for when to murder her husband. Cuellar is in custody in Liberty County, Georgia, and will be extradited to Michigan. Hassel's father said he's stunned by the allegations and was deceived by his daughter-in-law. 'I spent two weeks with this person, after she killed my son. ... I grieved for her more than I grieved for myself. Because I saw a woman that lost her husband,' Tyrone Hassel told WSBT-TV . Tyrone III and Kemia were married in May 2017 and share a one-year-old son. Hassel Jr said his son was gunned down while bringing his wife a plate of food. 'He came back out the house and somebody shot him,' Hassel Jr told WWMT atfer his death. He said at the time that he didn't know if someone had followed him. Upon arrival, officers found Sgt Hassel 'gravely injured' with multiple gunshot wounds, according to the police department. Kemia and Cuellar are both active duty members along with Tyrone at Fort Stewart in Georgia Tyrone had just been promoted to sergeant. He and Kemia shared a one-year-old son To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video ABC57 Privacy Policy He was treated at the scene and rushed to Spectrum Lakeland Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Hassel's obituary says he enlisted in the Army in 2015, and has since received multiple honors. He was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, The German Army Proficiency Badge and completed a nine-month rotation in South Korea. His most recent accomplishment was on October 31, 2017, when he was promoted to sergeant. The soldier's funeral service was held Saturday at New Bethel Baptist Church in Benton Harbor. Sgt Hassel leaves behind numerous family members who will forever cherish his memory, including seven brothers and two sisters. (ANSA) - Rome, January 16 - Brexit represents a major opportunity but Italy is not ready to take advantage of it, industrial employers group Confindustria's study centre said Wednesday. Brexit may weigh on Italian exports "with some 23 billion euros at stake", it said, "but it may also generate opportunities", with more direct inward investment to the tune of 26 billion euros. This would boost GDP by 5.9 billion euros a year, or 0.4% of GDP, the study centre said. But Italy is "unprepared to grasp these opportunities" due to structural and institutional reasons such as a "government majority that has not hesitated at times to take an antagonistic stance against the European Commission". Keeping active in old age may protect against Alzheimer's disease, a new study finds. Researchers say that senior citizens who moved more than average - be it from exercise or housework - had better memory and thinking skills than those who weren't as active. This was the case even if an elderly person was beginning to show early signs of dementia. The team, from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, says the findings shed light on the age-related brain disease and could offer hope of treatments that slow down the progression of symptoms without the need for drugs. A new study has found that senior citizens who moved more than average had better memory and thinking skills than those who weren't as active (file image) For the study, published in the journal Neurology, the team looked at more than 450 adults. Nearly 200 had been diagnosed with dementia while the rest had not. The researchers had the participants undergo a physical exam, cognitive tests and memory tests once year over the course of 20 years. About two years before the average age of death - around 91 years old - each adult was given an accelerometer. The watch-like device monitors all types of physical activity and the intensity of the activity. The team measured the data from the accelerometer over seven days and calculated participants' final score in 'counts per day', a way of measuring energy expenditure Adults without dementia averaged 180,000 counts per day and those with dementia averaged 130,000 counts per day. Those who had more counts per day performed better on the memory and cognitive thinking tests. Researchers also found that the adults with better motor skills had higher scores on the tests. 'People who moved more had better thinking and memory skills compared to those who were more sedentary and did not move much at all,' Dr Aron Buchman, a professor in the department of neurological sciences at Rush, told DailyMail.com 'If you took someone in the 75th percentile of physical activity and compared them with someone in the 25th percentile, they had a 31 percent reduced risk of developing dementia. 'We found movement may essentially provide a reserve to help maintain thinking and memory skills when there are signs of dementia present in the brain.' He added that physical activity accounted for eight percent of the difference is n scores on the cognitive tests. Researchers examined donated brain tissue upon the participants' deaths for hallmarks of either dementia or Alzheimer's. Such biomarkers include amyloid beta and tau proteins, which form clumps on the brain and smother neurons, leading to cognitive decline. 'We wanted to see if decreased cognition might be able to show decreased levels of activity,' Dr Buchman told DailyMail.com. 'We found that the severity [of the biomarkers] did not affect the association between higher levels of activity and better cognition.' Dr Buchman says more studies are needed to determine how much moving contributes to brain health but that the results of the new study are promising. 'The findings are very exciting and empowering because it provides the ability for older people to take control over their lives,' he said. 'Any increase in physical activity or motor abilities, it looks like it can protect against dementia.' Neither Sophie nor Tom, featured in tomorrow's episode, can leave the centre The BBC programme this week looks at life in Liverpool's Walton Centre One of them lost their ability to breathe without being hooked up to machines, while the other keeps trying to walk out of hospital because he has memory problems from a car crash. Both heartbreaking tales will be told in the next instalment of BBC Two's Hospital tomorrow night, set in Liverpool's specialist brain hospital, The Walton Centre. Sophie, 22, suffered swelling on the brain after what she thought was a common cold, while Tom, 18, is living with severe head injuries from his road accident. Neither of them can go home and Sophie has been in hospital for a year already because there is no funding for them to be cared for elsewhere. Sophie, 22, lost the ability to breathe on her own after she suffered inflammation in her brain stem which also left her unable to move her eyes or swallow properly she has now been in hospital for nearly an entire year because there is no funding for the 24-hour care she needs Tomorrow's episode of Hospital will follow the team of neurosurgeons and staff and patients at The Walton Centre, a specialist brain and spine unit in Liverpool This week's episode, the second in the fourth series of the programme, follows three patients with life-changing brain injuries. The Walton Centre is the only dedicated NHS-run spine, brain and pain management centre in the UK. As well as Sophie and Tom, tomorrow's programme also takes a look at the story of Michaela, who faces daunting and risky spine surgery. Sophie, whose last name is unknown, lost the ability to breathe, move her eyes and swallow after what she thought was a common cold turned out to be deadly swelling in her brain stem. These are usually automatic functions and it is life-threatening if they stop working. Between January and August last year, Sophie had to be resuscitated 20 times and she has to remain hooked up to a ventilator in case she stops breathing. Despite having made an impressive recovery and looking well, Sophie has been living in the Walton Centre's intensive therapy unit for more than a year. She cannot be discharged until there is funding for 24-hour care for her, which the hospital is applying for. Tom, like Sophie, also looks physically well but is living with the repercussions of a horror car crash in which he was thrown from the window of a vehicle. The 18-year-old was the driver of the car involved in the collision and suffered severe head injuries, leaving him with permanent memory problems. Doctors have done all they can to help Tom but he struggles to remember simple things and doesn't know there is anything wrong with him. In the documentary it is revealed Tom keeps trying to leave the hospital by himself. Dr Christine Burness is one of the consultant neurosurgeons at The Walton Centre in Liverpool, where the BBC's Hospital will explore the lives of patients He needs help from rehabilitation specialists but The Walton is being forced to try and fund private support for him because there is no room in local NHS hospitals. Michaela, a trainee nurse, is suffering from pain in her arms and sickness caused by scarring around her brain stem where the brain and spine are joined. The scarring formed after multiple operations to remove a fluid-filled cavity on her spinal cord, which was causing similar symptoms. Her surgeon wants to operate to remove the scarring but the procedure could leave Michaela permanently disabled. She fears becoming a burden to her family and fiance, Andrew, whom she will marry in May a day for which she wants to make sure she is healthy enough. Consultant neurosurgeon Andrew Brodbelt is one of the staff featured in tomorrow's episode, which will focus on the stories of Sophie and Tom, who both suffered severe brain damage Last week's episode of Hospital sparked fury among viewers when it revealed the shocking conditions for staff and patients at the Royal Liverpool Hospital. Viewers were outraged when the programme revealed the hospital flooded 10 times last year, while a brand-new one stands empty and unfinished just three miles away. People took to Twitter to rage at the Government for letting staff and patients suffer in the outdated facilities. They praised NHS staff working in the poor conditions, calling the situation 'heartbreaking' and 'disgusting', asking 'What is this government playing at?' Part-built with the lights permanently on and people employed to run the taps, the new facility was abandoned after the Governement's Carillion contract failed in 2018. The 335million building can't be used because construction hasn't finished, but staff have to be employed to turn on its 4,000 taps to stop bacteria build-up. And the lights cannot be turned off because the electrics are incomplete, and warranties on the new equipment are fast expiring. Meanwhile, patients continue to be treated at the Royal Liverpool, where plumbing problems mean staff are forced to work in wellies when it regularly floods. Leading the charge on Twitter was Labour Party's Shadow Health Secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, who vented his fury at the situation. Labour's Shadow Health Secretary, Jonathan Ashworth, said the collapse of Government contractor has had a 'shameful impact' on the health service Twitter user Hurst said 'the government should be ashamed' of what has happened to the hospitals in Liverpool after the collapse of Carillion Janine Davies said: 'What is this government playing at why can't they step in and help out the NHS??' She was among viewers concerned patients' health was risked by using old facilities 'Hospital powerfully again shines a light on the reality of pressures on NHS frontline,' he wrote. 'Shocking to see hospital flooded and learn of the shameful impact of the Carillion mess #BuildOurRLH'. One user known only as Hurst said: 'The government should be ashamed of the state the Royal Liverpool is in. They should be ashamed about the whole situation with Carillion.' And Janine Davies added: 'What is this government playing at why cant they step in and help out the NHS??' Hospital will be on BBC Two at 9pm tomorrow, Thursday January 17. Two mothers are suing the Environmental Protection Agency after their sons died from inhaling a toxic paint stripper while doing housework. Lauren Atkins and Wendy Hartley filed the lawsuit on Monday, saying the agency has failed to ban methalyne chloride since proposing to do so in 2017. Yet the chemical, found in paint strippers and cleaning products, has been declared a probable carcinogen by at least three federal government organizations. The mothers are hoping the lawsuit will compel the EPA to ban the dangerous substance and prevent anymore avoidable deaths from occurring. Lauren Atkins (right) is one of two mothers suing the Environmental Protection Agency after her son Joshua, 31 (left), died in February 2018 while he was refinishing his BMX bike Wendy Hartley's son Kevin, 21 (left, with Wendy) died in April 2017 while he was refinishing at bathtub at an apartment he was working on Lauren told CBS News that her son Joshua was 31 years old when he died in February 2018 after being exposed to methylene chloride. Joshua was refinishing the fork on his BMX bicycle in the bathroom at his mother's house in Pennsylvania. 'I went up and knocked on the door and he didn't respond. So I opened the door and I found [his body],' she told the network. That same year, in April, 21-year-old Kevin Hartley was refinishing a bathtub in an apartment he was working on in Nashville, Tennessee, when he went into cardiac arrest, according to a GoFundMe page. He was rushed to the hospital but, one day later, doctors found he had no detectable brain function and pronounced him dead. Joshua was using Rust-Oleum's Aircraft Remover and Kevin was using Napco White Lightning Low Odor Stripper during their respective jobs. Both products contain the chemical methylene chloride. It is found in easy-to-obtain products including paint strippers, metal removers, and metal degreasers. However, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the World Health Organization and the EPA considers methylene chloride to be a probable carcinogen. An estimated 1.3 million Americans are exposed to the chemical each year either in their homes or places of work, primarily by inhalation or skin contact, according to the EPA. Joshua had been using Rust-Oleum's Aircraft Remover (left) and Kevin had been using Napco White Lightning Low Odor Stripper (right), both of which contain methylene chloride. High exposure has been found to cause dizziness, nausea, chemical burns, and even damage to the central nervous system In May 2017, the EPA promised to finalize a plan that had been proposed under former president Barack Obama to ban the chemical. But the resignation of former administrator Scott Pruitt and the government shutdown has left plans up in the air. Pictured: Joshua, left, and Lauren High exposure has been found to cause dizziness, nausea, chemical burns, and even damage to the central nervous system, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wendy wrote in an op-ed for the Tennessean last year that Kevin had taken protective measures, but that they failed. 'He was careful: he wore a respirator mask to filter out toxic chemicals, but that wasn't enough,' she wrote. 'This chemical is so dangerous that it overcame the mask and Kevin succumbed to the fumes.' Several major stores and retailers including Amazon, Auto Zone, Home Depot, Lowe's, Shermin-Williams, True Value and Walmart have already removed products containing methylene chloride from their inventories and shelves. The Associated Press says there have been at least five deaths from methylene chloride across the country - including Joshua and Kevin - since 2014, and 56 since 1980. So far there, have been five nationwide deaths from methylene chloride since 2014, and 56 since 1980. Pictured: Kevin, left, and Wendy The EPA first announced plans to ban the use of the chemical in consumer produce under former President Barack Obama. Then, in May, under President Donald Trump, former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt announced the ban was close to being finalized. However, since Pruitt resigned in July due to ethics and management scandals, the proposal has failed to advance. A lawsuit was filed on Monday in the US District Court for the District of Vermont by Atkins and Hartley along with environmental groups Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Safer Chemicals Healthy Families. '[Ten] months after Mr Pruitt's explicit vows to finalize the proposed ban, no rule has been issued and MC paint removers continue to place Americans at risk of lethal health effects,' the suit reads. Ban language was sent to the office of Management and Budget last month, EPA spokesperson John Konkus told BuzzFeed News. However, the government shutdown - now its 26th day and the longest on record - has left plans to review the language up in the air. Additionally, BuzzFeed News reported that the ban may only apply to consumer products, not commercial ones, and that a training program will be implemented for workers who use products with the chemical in it. 'Had this been banned when it should have been banned, my son would still be here,' Lauren told BuzzFeed News. 'The EPA is the one that deemed it unreasonably risky and hazardous to human health and they're the ones that haven't banned it. I don't understand that.' A Missouri mother-of-four is asking for breast milk donations for her daughter as she undergoes chemotherapy. Rhiannon Lindley, of Springfield, was diagnosed with leukemia when her youngest, Adelaide, was four months old. Immediately after her diagnosis, she went on a 'very intense chemotherapy regimen' and was unable to breastfeed her infant daughter, according to the blog Love What Matters. Family and friends both collected and donated breast milk from all over Missouri - and even Ohio - to help feed Adelaide. However, almost one year later, donations are running low and Lindley, 27, has taken to social media asking anyone who can to help. Rhiannon Lindley, 27, of Springfield, Missouri, was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in January 2018. Pictured: Lindley with her daughter Adelaide At the time, her youngest daughter Adelaide was just four months old. Lindley was forced to stop breastfeeding so she could begin a 'very intense chemotherapy regimen'. Pictured: Lindley, left, and with Adelaide, right In late 2017, Lindley had been experiencing bruising, bone pain, migraines and fatigue, she wrote on Love What Matters. However, the mother-of-four assumed it was just the result of having given birth in September of that year and working 80 hours a week as a nurse. When she visited the ER in January 2018, Lindley expected she would learn she was anemic, which is when there is not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's tissue. Instead, she was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 'To say it was [devastating] doesn't fully do justice to how all of our worlds were turned upside down,' she wrote. ALL is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many immature white blood cells called lymphocytes. They crowd out normal white blood cells, causing the body to have a harder time fighting infections. Symptoms include shortness of breath, easy bruising, frequent bleeding and chronic infections. Cancerous cells cannot be passed through breast milk to a baby, but chemotherapy drugs can be. They interfere with the normal division of cells, which could harm a growing infant. Pictured: Lindley breastfeeding Adelaide before her diagnosis Friends and family quickly began collecting and donating breast milk for Lindley. But, almost a year later, donations were running low. Pictured: Lindley feeding Adelaide with donated milk 'Acute' means the disease as a chance of quickly spreading throughout the body meaning that early treatment is vital, including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 6,000 adults were diagnosed with ALL in 2018 and about 1,500 died from it. Lindley wrote on the blog post about how she was hospitalized for a month to undergo an intense round of chemotherapy. This is when she first began asking for breast milk donations. Although cancerous cells cannot be passed through breast milk to a baby, chemotherapy drugs can be. According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the drugs interfere with the normal division of cells, which could harm a growing infant. Breast milk contains antibodies, other proteins and immune cells that help prevent microorganisms from penetrating body tissue. Additionally, studies have shown that breastfed babies are less likely to catch viruses. Donations poured in from family, friends and strangers. They sustained Adelaide for nearly a year - but now, they're running low. 'I am looking for breast milk donations for my daughter, Adelaide. We are almost completely out of milk for her. She has been drinking donor milk since my leukemia diagnosis and subsequent start of chemotherapy,' Lindley wrote in a Facebook post on January 8. 'I understand that she is over a year [old] now but she very much still loves her milk, it brings her great comfort, and it is beneficial to her immune system and in turn helps keep me from getting infections and hospitalized so often.' She took to social media to ask for more donations. The post went viral and was shared 8,500 times. Pictured: Lindley holding Adelaide and with her three other children Lindley has since received several dozen breast milk donations (pictured). She is in remission, but needs to undergo chemotherapy for three more years to kill any hidden cancer cells The post quickly went viral and was shared more than 8,500 times. Just one day later, Lindley wrote in a follow-up post that she received several dozen donations. 'My milk search post has been spread an insane amount. Thank you to everyone who shared and donated to Adelaide,' she wrote. In November 2018, Lindley entered remission. She still needs to be on chemotherapy for three years to make sure all remaining cancer cells are killed. 'I am continuing my fight daily in hopes I'm able to watch all of my children grow up and grow old myself with my husband,' she wrote in a post. Family friends have also created a GoFundMe account to help cover the cost of Lindley's medical bills. So far, more than $4,500 has been raised out of a $15,000 goal. Luca Johnson may have already had five close shaves with death but his parents say he is the 'happiest boy you'll ever meet'. The toddler, who was born 12 weeks premature, has been left with extensive brain damage after surviving sepsis and four bouts of meningitis. Doctors have warned the now 18-month-old may never walk, talk or even sit up on his own because of the lasting damage. But Luca's mother, Jodie, 30, says she has every faith her 'amazing' son - who has a twin sister called Lola - will defy the odds once again because 'anything is possible'. The toddler, who was born 12 weeks premature, has been left with extensive brain damage after surviving sepsis and four bouts of meningitis (pictured with twin sister Lola) Speaking about her son's uncertain future, the full-time carer said: 'We just dont know what or how his future will play out. 'I still get emotional now, but its Luca who keeps us all going with his big smile. Hes the happiest boy you will ever meet. 'He has physio every week to build his strength, so he may never sit up, walk or talk. 'But with plenty of physio and dedication I believe anything is possible. I have every faith in him. Mrs Johnson, from Leigh, Greater Manchester, added: 'He has a very long road ahead of him, but I think 2019 is Lucas year. 'I want to show the world what an amazing little boy he is and what an inspiration he will be to others. 'Even though he has brain damage, it doesnt stop him and its not the end of the world.' Mrs Johnson and her husband Matthew, 28, found out they were expecting twins in May 2017 - a year after she gave birth to their son Nova. Luca's mother, Jodie, 30, says she has every faith her 'amazing' son - who has a twin sister called Lola - will defy the odds once again because 'anything is possible' They hoped the pregnancy would go as smoothly as their first - but things took a turn for the worse when her labour started at just 26 weeks. Mrs Johnson was then whisked away to Bolton Hospital in an ambulance but the twins' heart rate were beginning to slow down. Doctors knew an emergency caesarean was required, and they were delivered by 'amazing' medical staff on September 24, weighing just 2lbs each. Lola exceeded all expectations during her stint in intensive care. Though, Luca was not as fortunate, spending three months needing round-the-clock care. Luca contracted sepsis - a violent, and often fatal, immune response to an infection - when he was just six weeks old. He was given morphine to control the pain. After overcoming the odds to beat sepsis, he then contracted bacterial meningitis a month later, aged just 11 weeks. Luca's parents were finally allowed to take their son home from intensive care on Christmas Day, weighing just 4lb 10oz. Mrs Johnson added: 'He has a very long road ahead of him, but I think 2019 is Lucas year' (pictured with her husband Matthew, Luca, Lola and their other son Nova) He went on to endure meningitis three more times - in March, May and June 2018 - before he was nine months old, leaving him with permanent brain damage. Luca has since been diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) - a type of brain injury common in premature babies. And he is also known to have a form of cerebral palsy, another form of brain injury that severely affects his development. Mrs Johnson spent months questioning why someone was so badly trying to take her son away from her, after nearly losing him on countless occasions. She said: 'Luca has had to fight since the day he was born because he had life threatening infections and he was ventilated for two weeks. 'At just six weeks old he got sepsis. He should have still been in my belly at that time, but we were very close to losing him. Mrs Johnson said they first noticed something was wrong with Luca during his third bout of meningitis (pictured with her husband Matthew, Luca, Lola and their other son Nova) 'Then at 11 weeks old he caught bacterial meningitis before being on antibiotics for three weeks. 'We thought we were over the worst but little did we know that in March 2018 he would be back in hospital for his second bout of bacterial meningitis. 'Only a few weeks later, in May things took another turn for the worst and we found ourselves back in hospital to hear the news that he had meningitis again.' Mrs Johnson said they first noticed something was wrong with Luca during his third bout of meningitis. She added: 'By June of that year my boy got ill again. I thought that it couldnt surely have been the same cause again. 'We took him to the hospital to be seen to once again only to be told the bad news yet again that he had meningitis for a fourth time, and he was only nine months old.' Mrs Johnson added: 'It was the scariest thing I have ever gone through and it wasnt just once we went through it. 'It felt like a nightmare that never ended, but all I could do was hope that some sort of miracle would happen.' An MRI and CT scan then showed he had extensive brain damage. Mrs Johnson said: 'We needed a bit of time to process things because nothing will ever prepare you for being told your boy has brain damage.' A man has baffled doctors by injecting himself with his own semen in a bizarre attempt to try and cure his back pain. The 33-year-old, who was admitted to a hospital in Dublin, had been injecting himself with his own ejaculate for a year-and-a-half before medics found out. When he visited the doctor complaining of severe pain in his lower back, they noticed a red rash and swelling in his forearm. His right arm had become infected with cellulitis as a result of the bizarre habit, which the medical report described as 'dangerous'. The man, who was treated at a hospital in Dublin, had swelling in his right forearm, which was infected with cellulitis because he had been injecting semen into it for 18 months Doctors did an X-ray to rule out there being an object in the man's arm and it revealed a 'local collection' where he had been injecting himself 'He had devised this "cure" independent of any medical advice,' Dr Lisa Dunne wrote in a case report in the Irish Medical Journal. 'He revealed he had injected one monthly "dose" of semen for 18 consecutive months using a hypodermic needle which had been purchased online.' Needless to say, the semen injections did not cure his back pain which worsened after he lifted a heavy steel object but his condition improved after a short hospital stay. The man discharged himself from the Adelaide and Meath Hospital in the Republic of Ireland's capital, before doctors had a chance to remove the semen. WHAT RESEARCH HAS BEEN DONE INTO SEMEN INJECTIONS? The report of the man who injected his semen into his own arm to try and cure chronic pain references one study into the effects of injecting human semen. The research, called The Effects of the Injection of Human Semen into Female Animals, was done by University of Glasgow scientists in 1945. They injected female rats, rabbits and guinea pigs with human semen to study the effects on their sexual organs. They found: 'Injection of semen into immature rats and rabbits yields completely negative results and does not afford any evidence of hormonal activity in semen.' The study was published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The doctor who wrote this month's report made no reference to any medical studies ever done into whether the strange injections could help pain. Advertisement Dr Dunne said the man's case, in which the semen leaked into his soft tissue because of the botched injections, is believed to be the first of its kind. He had 'failed multiple attempts at injecting the bodily fluid,' she wrote, in what he called an 'innovative method to treat back pain'. Dr Dunne explained there have never been any tests on the effects of injecting semen into human veins or muscles. She admitted people have been recorded to have injected substances like petrol and lighter fluid in suicide attempts, but it was rare to try and self-medicate this way. Learning about his case could provide lessons 'on a broader scale', her report said. 'The dangers of [injections] when carried out by the untrained layperson are highlighted as well as the vascular and soft tissue hazards surrounding the attempted injection of substances not intended for intravenous use. 'The case also demonstrates the risks involved with medical experimentation prior to extensive clinical research'. The only past examples of semen injections noted in the journal which could feasibly have inspired the misguided man were experiments done by injecting human ejaculate into rats and rabbits. In this research, done in 1945, found injecting human semen into female rats and rabbits 'yields completely negative results'. Drinking bone broth is a health craze that advocates claim helps fight inflammation, ease indigestion and make skin glow. The 'brew' is backed by Hollywood's resident 'health guru' Gwyneth Paltrow and the famous chefs the Hemsley sisters, who allege simmering animal bones releases health-boosting collagen. And a new study supports these celebrity claims, with research showing cooking pig bones for as little as 20 minutes releases proteins that can lower blood pressure, and could even protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Shakespeare in Love actress and Hollywood's resident 'health guru' Gwyneth Paltrow has long been a fan of bone broth and recently shared her recipe for a chicken version on her website Goop. She is pictured at the Guggenheim International Gala in New York last November 15 Celebrity chefs the Hemsley sisters are long-time fans of bone broth, which they add to their recipes for soups, stews and risottos. They are pictured on This Morning on May 23 2016 The research was carried out by the Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology in Valencia, Spain, and led by food scientist Dr Leticia Mora. Drinking bone broth dates back to the Stone Age, with the 'liquid gold' often being added to soups and stews in cuisines all over the world to add a rich flavour. It is high in amino acids - the building blocks of proteins - that lower blood pressure, protect against clots and prevent diabetes, the authors wrote in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. These amino acids survive the stomach's acid and are not broken down by enzymes in the digestive tract. High blood pressure affects 16million people in the UK, Blood Pressure UK statistics reveal. And 103million in the US have the condition, according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension raises the risk of heart disease or stroke by three times, with 62,000 people in the UK alone dying every year from poorly-controlled blood pressure. To better understand the effects of broth on hypertension, bones were taken from white-breed pigs culled to make Spanish dry-cured ham. These bones were prepared by 'simulating Mediterranean household cooking', which involved samples being cooked at 100C (212F) for 20 minutes or an hour, while others remained 'raw' and acted as controls. Sequences of amino acids - known as peptides - were then extracted from the collagen released by the bones and put through a simulated human gut in the lab. 'The purpose of this work was to determine the presence of bioactive peptides with potential cardiovascular health benefits derived from dry-cured ham byproducts,' Dr Mora said. 'As well as their stability under different acid conditions and heating simulating traditional cooking in Mediterranean households. 'Furthermore, lab-simulated digestion was used to mimic what happens to these peptides in the human gut and to assess if gastrointestinal digestion can assist in the generation of bioactive peptides.' A study found simmering bones into a broth releases collagen that is rich in peptides that lower blood pressure. Peptides do this by blocking hypertension-driving enzymes (stock) Results suggest some of the peptides could lower blood pressure by blocking enzymes that drive hypertension, with certain enzymes being reduced by up to 50 per cent. And other peptides may degrade hormones that drive high blood pressure and have even been linked to type 2 diabetes. More peptides were active when boiled for just 20 minutes but simmering for an hour was more potent than the peptides in the uncooked control bones. Heating peptides is thought to break them into fragments that are better able to survive the harsh conditions of the gut. 'Simmering animal bones in water releases collagen and other proteins into the broth that may have health benefits,' Dr Mora said. The researchers believe consuming bone broth 'habitually' could have a 'positive impact on cardiovascular health and a possible reduction of high blood pressure'. But they added further studies are required to identify the exact peptide sequences that help to lower blood pressure. This comes after Gwyneth Paltrow's health-promoting website Goop recently published her own recipe for broth made from a chicken carcass. People who contracted HIV or hepatitis during the NHS contaminated blood scandal in the 1970s and 80s will be allowed to testify anonymously. This is believed to be the first time a public inquiry will allow all the victims to keep their identity hidden, according to reports. Around 7,500 people may have been affected by the NHS blunder which saw them receive blood and plasma from people infected with HIV and hepatitis C. At least 2,500 of these people are believed to have died already. The crisis began at a time when HIV was not known about and could not be easily treated. Barbara Palmer holds her daughter Lauren Palmer on the day she was born December 25, 1983. Barbara, from Bristol, died 10 years later within eight days of her husband, Stephen, who unknowingly gave her HIV and hepatitis after he was infected in the tainted blood scandal A public inquiry will be launched in April into why and how people became infected, how it affected their and their families' lives, and whether there was a cover-up. Thousands more people may have become infected with HIV or hepatitis by the blood transfusions some of which came from prisoners in the US without knowing. Patients involved in the scandal will be able to provide evidence in the inquiry without revealing who they are. This will help them to avoid making it public they have potentially deadly, contagious viruses in what is expected to be a high-profile investigation. There is still stigma surrounding HIV and other diseases which can be spread through sex, meaning people could be reluctant to publicly speak out. Victims will instead give their evidence and tell their stories through three trained 'intermediaries'. 'I LOST BOTH MY PARENTS WITHIN EIGHT DAYS' At a preliminary hearing in September last year, Lauren Palmer, 33, who lost both her parents in 1993, called for those responsible to 'admit they made a mistake.' Her father Stephen and mother Barbara died just eight days apart, victims of the health scandal which saw around 7,500 people infected with HIV and hepatitis C. Lauren Palmer, 33, lost both her parents to the blood scandal when she was nine Lauren's father was given the infected product Factor VIII to treat his haemophilia and he passed the deadly diseases to his wife. 'They both died when I was nine years old eight days apart from each other,' Ms Palmer said. 'It literally tore the family apart. I had two older brothers, my mother's sons from a previous marriage, they went to live with their dad. 'I moved in with my aunt and uncle and we moved to a new town. I was told not to breathe a word about HIV it was so stigmatised.' Advertisement Chair of the inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff, a former high court judge, said: 'The work of these intermediaries will be especially appropriate for anyone who does not wish to take the time to give a full detailed written account or who may find that process too upsetting for all sorts of reasons. 'It would be a pity if what they had to say remained unheard and I wanted the Inquirys processes to enable them to be heard, despite those difficulties.' It is rare for people to be able to remain anonymous in public inquiries, The Times reported, with most people in the Grenfell inquiry denied to right to do so. Prime Minister Theresa May ordered the inquiry into the contaminated blood scandal in 2017 when she said what had happened was 'appalling'. Mrs May said at the time: 'Thousands of patients expected the world-class care our NHS is famous for, but they were failed. 'While this Government has invested record amounts to support the victims, they have been denied those answers for too long and I want to put that right.' The tainted blood scandal happened when the NHS gave seriously ill patients blood or plasma transfusions which were infected with HIV. Blood clotting agent Factor VIII began to be used as a treatment for patients including those with haemophilia, a condition which stops the blood clotting. Because Britain was struggling to keep up with demand, it imported supplies of Factor VIII from the US, where people were paid to donate it. It later turned out that among the donors were prisoners, prostitutes and drug users who were infected with HIV which was unknown at the time. In the 1980s, the health service began heating samples to kill bacteria and viruses but thousands of people had already been infected. Many have since died or lived for decades with debilitating illness. Sir Brian Langstaff has warned predictions that up to 25,000 people were affected by the scandal could be proved right during his two-year-inquiry. A brother and sister are both battling the incredibly rare 'Benjamin Button disease'. Michiel, 20, and Amber Vandeweert, 12, of Diepenbeek, Belgium, suffer from the genetic condition progeria, which causes them to age eight-to-ten times too fast. With the disorder thought to affect just one in eight million people worldwide, the siblings make up two of the 155 known cases. Most patients die at only 12 years old, and the siblings are already experiencing problems with their bones, teeth and hair. But the pair show no signs of slowing down, with Michiel loving to race on his GoKart and Amber being a keen dancer. They have even set the goal of being the longest living progeria sufferers ever, with the current record being 26 years old. Scroll down for video Siblings Michiel and Amber Vandeweert both battle the incredibly rare 'Benjamin Button disease'. The condition - known as progeria - causes sufferers to age too fast and affects just one in every four-to-eight million people worldwide. They are pictured last December 1 While they endure cruel stares and comments from bullies at school, the siblings support each other through the ordeal of having such a rare disorder. Michiel enjoys being the 'big brother', with Amber being able to turn to him if she ever has a question about their shared condition Their parents Wim and Godelieve Vandeweert (pictured with their children on December 1) were keen to expand their family after Michiel was born and were told it was almost impossible they would have another child with progeria. Amber was diagnosed at just seven weeks old Michiel - who stands at just 4ft 1inch - said: 'Progeria has affected our hair, bones and height just like old people. They say the rate you can get progeria is one-in-eight million, so it's extremely rare. 'They also say the life expectancy of someone with progeria is 12 years old, but we are taking medicines from America and hopefully these should extend people's lives by two years. 'Saying that, I'm now 20. So you know, that time has thankfully passed for me.' WHAT IS PROGERIA? Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, is an extremely rare, progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, beginning in their first two years of life. The name derives from the Greek word meaning 'prematurely old'. Children with progeria generally appear normal at birth. During the first year, signs and symptoms, such as slow growth and hair loss, begin to appear. Heart problems or strokes are the eventual cause of death in most children with progeria. The average life expectancy for a child with progeria is about 12 years, but some with the disease die younger and some live 20 years or longer. There's no cure for progeria, but ongoing research shows some promise for a treatment. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement Michiel was diagnosed at eight months old after his parents Wim and Godelieve Vandeweert took him to a children's care centre where doctors noticed he seemed different. Speaking after Michiel's diagnosis, Mr Vandeweert said: 'When he turned five years old, he was changing. 'Losing his hair, not getting teeth and not gaining any weight. It was a big shock for us.' Keen to expand their family, the parents were then told it was almost impossible they would have another child with the condition. 'We always thought about having two children. But when Michiel was born, we questioned ourselves,' Mr Vandeweert said. 'You can't inherit it from your parents and so it's very unlikely to have two children with progeria. 'We knew it had happened before but with a twin from the same cell.' When Amber was born, the parents asked doctors to run some tests just to be on the safe side. Seven weeks later, they found out she too had progeria. 'The first few days were very hard, but we had a great support system around us to help us through that time,' Mr Vandeweert said. Michiel was diagnosed at eight months old after doctors noticed he seemed different. To be on the safe side, his parents asked doctors to test Amber for progeria shortly after she was born. Amber is pictured right with her brother as a newborn and left as a toddler The siblings enjoy bowling with friends and are pictured on a day out on December 1 last year While enduring cruel stares and comments from bullies at school, the siblings are always there for each other. 'I would definitely say we're each other's best support. We both know what it's like, better than anyone,' Michiel said. 'If Amber ever has a question, she can always come to me. It's nice that I still get to be the big brother. Because if Amber didn't have progeria she would be a lot bigger than me already.' Although they refuse to let their condition hold them back, the pair have not always found life easy. 'Kids see that we're different,' Michiel said. 'They start to make fun of you. But I always stood my ground and never backed away.' Amber - who is 3ft 7inches tall - added: 'Last year I had some difficulties in school I said I wanted to be like a normal person and people bullied me because of that. 'Thankfully, that has been resolved now and school is going really well for me at the moment. They take good care of me.' Michiel can drive and is pictured out and about in his native Belgium last December 2 Michiel is pictured left as a baby, shortly before he was diagnosed with progeria. Keen to live as a full a life as possible, the now 20-year-old used to be a DJ (seen right) He also loves to drive his GoKart and is pictured on the tracks on December 2 last year The siblings are also often stared at when out in public, but try to take it in their stride. 'When they stare, that's okay when they just look and go forward,' Michiel said. 'But sometimes they just keep looking, that's when it's annoying. There's a big difference between the two.' As well as having each other, the siblings also have a large circle of supportive friends. 'They look through the disease,' Michiel said. 'They don't see the progeria part of us. They see us and our personalities.' One of their close friends - Ruben Gysemberg - has been with the siblings every step of the way. 'In the beginning, it was quite weird,' he said. 'But then I got to know both Michiel and Amber we have always treated them like everyone else. 'They both handle everything so well. They have learnt to live with it. 'We now have a really good understanding of their condition too. Because as friends, we talk about it a lot. 'When they are not feeling well, we notice this. So yeah it's really nice how close we have become.' Although Michiel and Amber have both experienced the ups and downs that come with having such a rare condition, they both live life to the full. The pair regularly go bowling with friends. Michiel can also drive and used to be a DJ in his spare time. 'I think we can both say we are very proud,' Amber said. 'You just have to be the person you want to be and embrace yourself no matter what.' Michiel, who hopes to reach 30, added: 'We just try to live for the moment but we definitely both have more things we want to strive for. 'I am very proud to have made it to 20 years old. I think the oldest child ever with progeria was 26 so now, I'm going to try and beat that!' Catholics have been told to keep their hands to themselves during Mass to stop the rampant spread of flu that has struck seven million Americans already this winter. Parishioners in New Mexico were told to avoid shaking hands, hugging or holding hands during the sign of peace - and nod at each other instead. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe has advised Catholics displaying symptoms of the flu to watch Sunday Mass on their TV. Only the consecrated bread will be given during the Holy Communion - without the chalice of wine that is shared among churchgoers. Catholics have been told to keep their hands to themselves to stop the rampant spread of flu that has struck seven million Americans so far This year, 90 percent of flu cases tested by the CDC are H1N1, the same strain that caused the swine flu epidemic in 2009. Rates are high in 19 states and New York City 'It is not a sin to miss Mass on Sundays if you are ill,' the archdiocese said in a statement. They also said that during the Sign of Peace, instead of shaking hands or hugging, as is practiced in some parishes, it would be best to simply nod your head and avoid bodily contact. Soap or anti-bacterial gel should be used before and after administering Holy Communion. 'When praying the Our Father, please do not hold hands,' it said. 'Simply extend your hands toward Heaven or fold your hands. 'Please note the reason for these directives is to limit the spread of influenza and to save lives. 'These directives will be revoked when the situation improves.' HOW CAN YOU PREVENT FLU? The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine. While there are many different flu viruses, flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common. Three-component vaccines contain an H3N2, an H1N1 and a B virus. Four component vaccines have an additional B virus component. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalisations - around 70,000-80,000 have been hospitalised so far. Flu vaccination also has been shown to significantly reduce a childs risk of dying from influenza. People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. But it is recommended anyone over the age of six months old should be vaccinated. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. If you get sick with flu, antiviral drugs can be used to treat your illness. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Source: CDC Advertisement The statement comes just a few days after The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) warned that flu activity had 'sharply increased' and is now widespread in New Mexico. The flu has already taken the lives of four over 50s as of December. During last year's flu season, New Mexico had more than 280 influenza and pneumonia-related deaths. Diocese of Allentown in Pennsylvania also advised similar measures, in light of being listed as a state with widespread flu activity by the CDC. Exchange of the sign of peace and the drinking wine from the chalice during Holy Communion would be stopped in its 84 parishes. 'This suspension will begin with the Vigil and Sunday Masses the weekend of January 12-13, and will be in effect until the incidence of influenza subsides in our region,' that statement said. Up to 7.3million Americans have been sickened with the flu so far this season, according to the latest CDC estimates. 'As flu infections increase across the state, it is important to get vaccinated if you haven't already received the flu vaccine this season', said the NMDOH Secretary Lynn Gallagher. 'The flu vaccine is the best way for you to protect yourself and your families, especially young children and elderly family members.' The NMDOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine. The measures to avoid touching were also forced upon Catholics last year in Maine during the killer flu outbreak. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, which covers the entire state of Maine, warned priests to be 'cautious not to touch the tongue or the hand of the communicant'. Figures confirm the strain circulating widely this year (H1N1), while serious, is nowhere near as threatening as H3N2 last year. The number of states reporting widespread activity increased to 30 from 24 states, the CDC said on January 11, with 15 states and New York City continue to experience 'high flu activity'. The latest estimates show at least 13 children have died. The CDC does not update data on adult deaths. (ANSA) - Rome, January 16 - The number of terror funding operations has increased and for the first time in 2018 passed 1000 to 1066 compared to 981 in 2017, the Bank of Italy said Wednesday. In 2015 they were just 273 of such operations, the BoI's financial information unit (UIF) said. There was, howver, a slowdown in the second half of last year, the UIF said. A project coordinator who went into cardiac arrest at just six years old was only diagnosed with the rare condition behind it after she was bitten by a tick more than two decades later. Alexandra Wall, 33, of south-west London, lost control of her body while swimming at the beach as a young child and went into cardiac arrest in front of her panicked family. Despite numerous tests, doctors were baffled by Ms Wall's mysterious condition, with her being forced to live with heart palpitations for the next 24 years. But in 2015, after a tick bite infected her with Lyme disease, Ms Wall met with a cardiologist who diagnosed her with Brugada syndrome. Knowing she could go into cardiac arrest at any time, Ms Wall - who is now healthy - underwent multiple surgeries and was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator to regulate her heart beat. Alexandra Wall (left) - who went into cardiac arrest at six years old - was only diagnosed with Brugada syndrome decades later after she got Lyme disease. She is pictured right in hospital last year having surgery to destroy the tissue that was causing her heart to beat abnormally Brugada syndrome disrupts the electrical impulses that keep the heart beating, which can lead to a very fast, life-threatening heart rate, according to the British Heart Foundation. Its UK prevalence is unclear, however, it affects one in every 2,000 people in the US, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Brugada syndrome was first reported in medical literature in 1992, with Ms Wall going into cardiac arrest the year before. Ms Wall said: 'That's why it took so long to diagnose me. 'Doctors did all they could at the time but there was no way anybody would have known about Brugada. 'I started showing symptoms when I had palpitations in the late 80s, way before it was first reported.' Without a diagnosis, and suffering regular palpitations, Ms Wall wondered what the problem could be. 'There were points where I did start to think, "Is this actually nothing? Is it just me, and the way my heart is?",' she said. 'I could never quite shake the feeling that something was wrong, so though the diagnosis was difficult, in a way, I was relieved to finally be believed.' Pictured left and right in hospital last April, Ms Wall had the surgery due to the abnormal electrical impulses in her heart meaning she could go into cardiac arrest at any moment Although Ms Wall had a cardiac arrest aged six, she regularly experienced heart palpitations and dizziness, which she dismissed as 'her normal'. At the time, it would feel as if her heart was 'beating out of her chest'. She is pictured as a baby in hospital after a fainting episode Ms Wall, who grew up in Sweden, would often experience bouts of dizziness as a child, along with an erratic heart rate. 'The palpitations had no particular trigger,' she said. 'They even happened when I was sitting still. It was like my heart was bouncing out of my chest.' WHAT IS BRUGADA SYNDROME? Brugada syndrome is a rare, inherited heart condition that disrupts the electrical impulses that keep the heart beating. It affects five in every 10,000 people in the US, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Its UK prevalence is unknown. Brugada syndrome occurs due to an error in the flow of sodium and potassium ions in and out of heart cells. This can lead to very fast, life-threatening heart rhythms. Symptoms can include: Dizziness Blackouts Palpitations These may be made worse by fever, dehydration or drinking lots of alcohol. Some sufferers experience no symptoms at all, while others are unaware they have Brugada syndrome until they go into cardiac arrest. If at risk of a cardiac arrest, patients may need to have a implantable cardioverter defibrillator fitted to regulate their heart beat. Medication like beta blockers may help prevent or reduce abnormal heart rhythms. Source: British Heart Foundation Advertisement Ms Wall's parents took her for tests but all came back normal. But disaster struck on a family day out at the beach. 'I was swimming when I began feeling like I wasn't in control of my body,' she said. 'A lady saw and pulled me out of the water, asking if I was okay. I just about made it to the towel where my family were sitting, and remember saying to my dad, "I'm so tired", which was a real red flag as I was always an energetic child. 'After that, I don't remember much.' Just moments later, Ms Wall went into cardiac arrest. Luckily, a passerby was a nurse, who performed first aid while an ambulance was called. 'From what I have been told, my heart actually stopped, but thankfully everybody kept going and trying to revive me,' Ms Wall said. 'I can't imagine what it was like for my family to have seen that. 'I ended up having to be taken to hospital via a helicopter, which landed on the beach. Thankfully, medics brought me round on the way and kept asking me questions to keep me conscious.' Ms Wall stayed in hospital for three weeks undergoing investigations, however, medics were unable to give her family a diagnosis and eventually discharged her. Although she continued to suffer palpitations, which she accepted as 'my normal', Ms Wall was relatively healthy until she became increasingly breathless in her early thirties. 'When I was 22, I went back to a cardiologist in Sweden, where I was living at the time, for a Holter test, which meant having a monitor recording my heart for 24hours,' she said. 'But, yet again, it came back fine. 'The trouble with the test was it was just a snapshot and it's really hard to diagnose something from that, especially when my heart visibly looked fine too.' Since having surgery, Ms Wall feels stronger and like she has been given second chance at life Ms Wall is pictured left with a friend in Stockholm in 2017. It was in Sweden, while visiting family, that she was bitten by a Lyme disease-carrying tick in June 2015. Ms Wall has always refused to let her condition hold her back. She is pictured right in 2017 while living in New York Determined to stay positive, Ms Wall finished studying, traveled the world and even lived in New York before settling in London. 'I tried to be mind over matter,' she said. 'I didn't want to sit around and let this take over. Plus, I'd had so many tests, I was beginning to think maybe this was just how my heart worked.' But then, in June 2015, a breakthrough finally came for Ms Wall when she was bitten by a tick whilst visiting family in Sweden. She initially thought nothing of it, especially when the bite mark soon disappeared. But back in London that October, Ms Wall began to suffer a stiff neck and night sweats. 'I had been prescribed beta blockers earlier that year to help slow my heart rate but was struggling with side effects, so thought it may be related to that at first,' she said. 'I stopped taking the beta blockers and some side effects stopped but the stiff neck and night sweats continued. 'I've always been someone who tries to work it out for myself rather than rushing straight to the doctors but I couldn't work out what was going on.' The following month, Ms Wall visited a 'phenomenal' GP who diagnosed her with Lyme disease via a blood test. The infection can spread to the heart, so, given her history, she was referred to a cardiologist at west London's Royal Brompton Hospital. After Ms Wall was examined and explained her symptoms, medics mentioned Brugada syndrome for the first time. That December, she was given a test where ajmaline - a sodium channel blocker - was injected into her body while she was hooked up to an ECG to monitor her heart's rhythm. Results indicated she had Brugada syndrome, which was confirmed in early 2016 via a genetic mutation test. 'At first, I was scared as I knew hardly anything about Brugada,' Ms Wall said. 'I called my family and broke the news, trying to be strong for them. That then gave way to relief as it had been very hard to feel believed over the years. 'It wasn't until a couple of months after my diagnosis it all started to sink in and it dawned on me I was living with the possibility of going in to cardiac arrest at any time.' Ms Wall is pictured with another friend in Iceland in 2017. She was diagnosed with Brugada syndrome the year before with her health quickly declining until she could barely walk In February 2016, Ms Wall had a cardiac loop recorder implanted, which monitored her heart rate and fed the information back to doctors. Although she was reassured by the device, Ms Wall's health continued to decline, with her struggling to even walk up a few steps by the following year. And in April 2018, Royal Brompton Hospital called Ms Wall in for an urgent appointment after they noticed her heart rate had skyrocketed to 230 beats per minute - normal is 60-to-100 beats/minute. Ms Wall was told she had ventricular tachycardia where the heart beats faster than normal due to faulty electrical signals and needed an operation. She underwent ablation surgery that April, which involved using heat created by radio waves to destroy the tissue that had been allowing incorrect electrical signals in her heart to be processed. 'I was in Royal Brompton Hospital for ten days before the surgery to prepare and could hardly move in that time as I needed to rest,' Ms Wall said. 'Even a walk to the bathroom would make my heart rate shoot up to 200 beats per minute, so I stayed as still as I could. 'The operation took seven hours in total and I came round feeling relatively okay. Within a couple of days, I already felt so much better that I actually cried. I'd forgotten how it was to feel well. 'It sounds cliched but it's like I have two lives - before and after the surgery. I felt pure happiness at knowing this is how strong I could feel and how much I could rely on my body.' A week later, Ms Wall was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator - sends electrical impulses to regulate the heart's abnormal rhythms - and was sent home. Now healthy, Ms Wall feels she has been given a second chance at life and is keen to raise money for - and awareness of - Brugada syndrome. 'I'm so incredibly grateful to be here today and alive at a time where all these incredible medical breakthroughs are being made,' she said. 'I live life differently now. Before, I was always on the go but now I am more aware and prefer to take my time. I want to dedicate my time to fundraising, to help others just as I was helped.' Ms Wall is taking part in various fundraising events this year, donate here. Health officials have approved the NHS using a revolutionary machine that keeps livers alive before they are transplanted. Watchdog Nice today publishes guidance recommending perfusion devices that act as 'life-support machines' for the organs after they are removed from a donor, pumping them with blood so the tissue does not deteriorate. This can triple the length of time a liver remains viable outside the body from as little as eight hours if stored on ice to roughly 24 hours. Experts hope this could significantly increase the number of organs viable for transplant, because it extends the window in which each liver can be used. 'I'd written goodbye letters to my children, now life is wonderful' Sue Bennett, 45, (right) met Sharron Jones (left) in 2016, Sharron's 24-year-old daughter Amy died and her liver was donated to Sue using the new machine Sue Bennett has every reason to be thankful for the new liver transplant machine as four years ago she was convinced she was dying. 'I'd written goodbye letters to my children and even bought my daughter Millie, who was then 13, a present to open on her wedding day because I didn't think I would be here,' she said. Mrs Bennett, 45, a mother-of-three from Staffordshire, is now living life to the full after she became one of the first people in Britain to undergo a transplant using perfusion in 2015. 'I signed up for the trial not knowing I would be one of the first to have this procedure in the country,' she said. 'Before my transplant I was very ill. I was losing weight, I couldn't sleep and my quality of life was quite low.' She was back home nine days after the operation, which she said changed her life. 'My life is unbelievably wonderful,' said Mrs Bennett. 'I'm very healthy, I'm very happy and very active. I've been very lucky.' In 2016 she even won a gold medal at the Transplant Games for Team GB. The same year she was introduced to Sharron Jones, whose daughter Amy died at the age of 24 after an epileptic seizure, allowing her liver to be donated to Sue. 'We were both instantly in floods of tears, it was so overwhelming' said Mrs Bennett. 'Sharron said Amy was doing her proud by helping me.' Advertisement At the moment just over 1,000 liver transplants are conducted every year in Britain but between 300 and 600 people are still left waiting for a procedure. With 11,000 dying every year with liver disease in England, and deaths up 25 per cent in a decade, transplants are in huge demand. Surgeons described access to perfusion machines which add about 8,000 to the cost of a 75,000 liver transplant as a 'game-changer'. As well as extending the time available to use each organ, the machines also allow doctors to carry out tests to check their viability. This should allow surgeons to use organs that they would not have risked transplanting in the past. Roughly 40 patients have already undergone transplants as part of trials of the machines, but the new guidance should mean they become used far more routinely. Transplant surgeon Professor Darius Mirza of the University of Birmingham said: 'In the 30 years I've been involved with transplantation there have been three or four events which have been game-changers and I'm absolutely certain we are looking at a game-changer that will change the way we practise organ storage and transplantation. 'It is already changing practice at the centres that have been able to use this technology.' Professor Kevin Harris, a clinical adviser at Nice, said: 'This procedure offers hope for patients needing a liver transplant. 'It offers another way of preserving the liver, and assessing whether livers which might have previously been considered unsuitable, can be used safely. 'The latest evidence reviewed by a Nice committee concluded that the procedure worked well and was safe to be offered to patients who had been fully informed of the risks and benefits. THE 10-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO INSPIRED THE GOVERNMENT'S NEW ORGAN DONATION LAW Mrs May named the opt-out law Max's Law, in honour of the ten-year-old heart transplant survivor Max Johnson Theresa May announced last year plans to make it easier for doctors to take organs without explicit consent. The new system, if it is approved in parliament, means adults in England will have to opt-out from the register if they do not want to be donors. Ministers claimed the system of 'presumed consent' will save up to 700 lives a year when it is introduced in spring 2020. Wales became the first country in the UK to adopt the system in 2015, which was deemed a 'significant' and 'progressive' change. Under the proposed opt-out system in England, family members are still given a final opportunity to not go ahead with the organ donation. Mrs May named the opt-out law Max's Law, in honour of the ten-year-old heart transplant survivor Max Johnson. He waited nine months for a new heart until he finally got one last August. He was suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy, meaning he had to be kept alive by medical machinery. His mother, Emma, campaigned for an opt-out system to help other children. Following surgery that left a six-inch scar on his chest, Max is on the way to recovery. In a video message for MPs, he said: 'Please change the law... it will save lives like mine.' His new heart was donated by car crash victim Keira Bell, nine, who also donated her kidneys and pancreas. Mrs Johnson, 47, said: 'Keira saved four people. We will forever be indebted.' Advertisement 'By using this procedure, more patients on the organ transplant waiting list could be offered a chance of a transplant and thereby potentially extending their lives.' Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust, said: 'Every year hundreds of people with advanced liver disease die whilst waiting for a transplant. 'This new device offers real hope as it may improve transplant outcomes and allow livers that were previously thought to be unsuitable to be used and also increases the time that livers are able to be kept. 'It is an exciting development that has the potential to shorten waiting list times and reduce mortality rates from advanced liver disease. Sue (pictured), from Ranton in Staffordshire, competed at the Transplant Games for Team GB in 2016 after her successful liver transplant 'After transplant, the vast majority of people go on to lead full and healthy lives and it is truly amazing to see the transformation.' The final decision as to whether the machines are funded rests with individual NHS clinical commissioning groups around the country, but the Nice guidance will be hugely influential. John Forsythe, associate medical director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'There has been a huge amount of research in the area of preservation and perfusion methods that allow us to both assess precious donor organs and to enhance their function. 'This could potentially mean the organ works better and improve transplant outcomes. 'Many of the lead researchers in the area of transplant preservation and perfusion techniques are in the UK and it is good to see UK researchers continue to be at the forefront in this field.' He added: 'Transplantation wouldn't be possible without the generosity of donors and families.' Richard Sackler, a former president of Purdue Pharma, which is owned by the Sackler family, told a launch party in 1996 the impact of OxyContin on America would be similar to a blizzard, a hurricane, a volcano, and earthquake. Years later, the soaring rate of prescriptions led to a deadly epidemic A member of the family that owns OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma told people at the prescription opioid painkiller's launch party in the 1990s that it would be 'followed by a blizzard of prescriptions that will bury the competition,' according to court documents filed Tuesday. OxyContin and Connecticut-based Purdue Pharma are at the center of lawsuits across the country accusing the drug industry of being responsible for an opioid crisis that killed 72,000 Americans in 2017. The details of the speech by Richard Sackler were made public on Tuesday in a case brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey that accuses Purdue Pharma, its executives and the Sackler family of deceiving patients and doctors about the risks of opioids and pushing prescribers to keep patients on the drug longer. The documents provide information about former Purdue Pharma President Richard Sackler's role in overseeing sales of OxyContin that hasn't been public before. According to the filing, Richard Sackler, then senior vice president responsible for sales, told the audience at the launch party to imagine a series of natural disasters: an earthquake, volcanic eruption, hurricane and blizzard. 'The launch of OxyContin Tablets will be followed by a blizzard of prescriptions that will bury the competition. The prescription blizzard will be so deep, dense, and white,' he said, according to the documents. 'Over the next twenty years, the Sacklers made Richard's boast come true,' lawyers in the attorney general's office wrote. 'They created a manmade disaster. Their blizzard of dangerous prescriptions buried children and parents and grandparents across Massachusetts, and the burials continue,' they wrote. The Massachusetts litigation is separate from some 1,500 federal lawsuits filed by governments being overseen by a judge in Cleveland. But the company documents at the heart of the Massachusetts allegations are also part of the evidence exchanged in those cases. While the Massachusetts filing describes their contents, the documents themselves have not been made public, at the company's request. The complaint says the Sackler family, which includes major donors to museums including the Smithsonian Institution, New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Tate Modern in London, was long aware its drug was dangerous and addictive but pushed more sales anyway. A memo among family members in 2008 warned of a 'dangerous concentration of risk' for the family, the complaint says. Years earlier, Richard Sackler wrote in an email that the company would have to 'hammer on the abusers in every way possible,' describing them as 'the culprits and the problem.' Joanne Peterson, who runs a Massachusetts-based support network for the family members of people addicted to drugs, said Sackler's comments show a 'blatant disregard for human life.' 'He certainly hammered them six feet under,' Peterson said. 'I've been to more funerals than I can count in the last 15 years.' Purdue Pharma accused the attorney general's office of cherry-picking from millions of emails and documents to create 'biased and inaccurate characterizations' of the company and its executives. The company said in a statement said it will 'aggressively defend against these misleading allegations.' The company also stresses that its drug is approved by federal regulators and prescribed by doctors; that it accounts for a small portion of opioids sold in the U.S.; and that illicit drugs including heroin and street fentanyl are causing most overdose deaths. 'In a rush to vilify a single manufacturer whose medicines represent less than two percent of opioid pain prescriptions rather than doing the hard work of trying to solve a complex public health crisis, the complaint distorts critical facts and cynically conflates prescription opioid medications with illegal heroin and fentanyl,' Purdue Pharma said. Messages seeking comment were left with a spokeswoman for the Sackler family. Massachusetts is the first state to personally name the company's executives in a complaint. It names 16 current and former executives and board members, including CEO Craig Landau, Richard Sackler and other members of the Sackler family. A suit filed by the New York County of Suffolk also names members of the family. A lawyer who filed that suit, Paul Hanly, said he expects the family to be named in further suits. Last year, Purdue halted efforts to market OxyContin to doctors. More than 400 people have now died from an outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the latest death toll. Health authorities in the African nation also revealed there have been 658 cases of the killer virus since the epidemic began last August. The figures come amid fears the outbreak in the DRC could get even worse because of political instability following a presidential election. Aid workers on the ground have warned the outbreak of the virus - one of the most lethal known to science - is expected to rage on until the middle of the year. Health authorities in the African nation yesterday revealed there have been 658 cases of the killer virus since the epidemic began last August A bulletin posted yesterday by the Health Ministry in the DRC stated there have been 609 confirmed Ebola cases so far. Another 49 are under investigation. The outbreak has so far struck hardest in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and Ituri - which border South Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda. It has yet to spread further. Officials revealed the number of cases of the lethal virus in Beni, a city home to around 230,000 people, is falling. The ministry has not reported any new cases this week in the city, situated in a region caught up in violence blamed on Islamist rebels from Uganda. Armed rebels have attacked, kidnapped and killed medical staff trying to combat the outbreak and equipment has been destroyed, making it difficult to help victims. Tracking suspected contacts of Ebola victims is also challenging in areas controlled by dangerous rebels, officials have said repeatedly. A team of medical workers are seen putting on their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ahead of entering an Ebola Treatment Centre run by The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) on August 11, 2018 in Beni, northeastern DRC At least 361 people are believed to have died in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo an unusual number of children were dying of the virus last autumn, when experts realised they were contracting it when visiting medical centres A presidential election in December caused protests across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (pictured, protestors in Kinshasa, the country's capital). In the north-east province of North Kivu, where the Ebola outbreak is raging, people have fled to Uganda to escape violence Unrest and violence has made the current Ebola outbreak difficult to control because people have attacked and kidnapped health workers and others have fled their homes, making it hard to track the spread of the virus (pictured, police officers guard a polling station in the capital of Kinshasa, which has so far remained untouched by Ebola) The breakout is the second largest in history, after the 2014 West Africa Ebola epidemic that lasted for two years, infecting 28,000 and killing more than 11,300. As well as fears Ebola will spread into other regions of DRC, the neighbouring countries of Uganda and South Sudan are on high alert. Health workers in those countries have been given vaccines against the virus to try and prevent it spreading via people who travel across the borders. Ebola can be transmitted between humans through blood and other bodily fluids of people who have been infected, and by touching infected surfaces. Tensions have been high in the DRC because of a presidential election which was supposed to mark end of a chaotic 18 years of ruling by Joseph Kabila. The government cancelled the election in some regions because of insecurity. In response, protestors attacked an Ebola treatment centre which contained patients thought to have been infected. Politician Felix Tshisekedi was unexpectedly declared the election winner, leading to claims of fraud and calls for a recount from his main rival. Monitoring groups noted widespread irregularities including faulty voting machines and poorly run polling stations, according to reports. The new outbreak is the DRCs ninth since the discovery of Ebola in the country in 1976. Health experts credit an awareness of the disease among the population and local medical staff's experience treating for past successes containing its spread. DRCs vast, remote geography also gives it an advantage, as outbreaks are often localised and relatively easy to isolate. Health officials have backed the NHS use of a revolutionary machine which keeps livers alive before they are transplanted. Watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published guidance recommending use of 'perfusion' machines before liver transplants. The technology acts as a 'life-support machine' for the organs after they are removed from a donor, pumping them with blood so the tissue does not deteriorate. This can triple the length of time a liver remains viable outside the body - from as little as eight hours if stored on ice to roughly 24 hours using the perfusion machine. Experts hope this could significantly increase the number of organs viable for transplant, because it extends the window in which each liver can be used, meaning it is not wasted. Health officials at NICE have backed the NHS use of a revolutionary machine which keeps livers alive before they are transplanted. Sue Bennett, 45, a mother of three from Ranton in Staffordshire, had a liver transplant using the new technique as part of a trial At the moment just over 1,000 liver transplants are conducted every year in Britain - but between 300 and 600 people are still left waiting for a procedure. With 11,000 dying every year with liver disease in England, and deaths up 25 per cent in a decade, transplants are in huge demand. Surgeons last night described access to perfusion machines - which add about 8,000 to the cost of a 75,000 liver transplant - as a major 'game changer'. As well as extending the time available to use each organ, the machines also allow doctors to carry out tests to check their viability. This will allow surgeons to use organs which they would not have risked transplanting in the past. Roughly 40 patients have already undergone transplants as part of trials of the machines, but the new guidance should mean they become used far more routinely. Transplant surgeon Professor Darius Mirza of the University of Birmingham said: 'In the 30 years I've been involved with transplantation there have been three or four events which have been game changers and I'm absolutely certain we are looking at a game changer that will change the way we practice organ storage and transplantation. 'It is already changing practice at the centres that have been able to use this technology either within clinical trials or within an expansion of service evaluation.' Professor Kevin Harris, clinical advisor for the interventional procedures programme at NICE, said: 'This procedure offers hope for patients needing a liver transplant. 'It offers another way of preserving the liver, and assessing whether livers which might have previously been considered unsuitable, can be used safely. 'The latest evidence reviewed by a NICE committee concluded that the procedure worked well and was safe to be offered to patients who had been fully informed of the risks and benefits. 'By using this procedure, more patients on the organ transplant waiting list could be offered a chance of a transplant and thereby potentially extending their lives.' Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust said: 'Every year hundreds of people with advanced liver disease die whilst waiting for a transplant. 'This new device offers real hope as it may improve transplant outcomes and allow livers that were previously thought to be unsuitable to be used and also increase the time that livers are able to be kept. 'It is an exciting development that has the potential to shorten waiting list times and reduce mortality rates from advanced liver disease. After transplant, the vast majority of people go on to lead full and healthy lives and it is truly amazing to see the transformation.' The final decision as to whether the machines are funded rests with individual NHS clinical commissioning groups around the country, but the NICE guidance will be hugely influential. John Forsythe, associate medical director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: 'There has been a huge amount of research in the area of preservation and perfusion methods that allow us to both assess precious donor organs and to enhance their function. This could potentially mean the organ works better and improve transplant outcomes. 'Many of the lead researchers in the area of transplant preservation and perfusion techniques are in UK and it is good to see UK researchers continue to be at the forefront in this field. 'Transplantation wouldn't be possible without the generosity of organ donors and their families.' Sue Bennett, 45, a mother of three from Ranton in Staffordshire, had a liver transplant using the new technique as part of a trial. She said: 'Before my transplant I was very ill. I was losing weight, I couldn't sleep and my quality of life was quite low.' Now, she said, her life was 'unbelievably wonderful'. She added: 'I'm very healthy, I'm very happy and very active. I think I've been very lucky.' A lawyer has become the first patient in the UK to undergo a miracle eye operation that means he can see clearly after years of wearing glasses. Patrick Higgins, from Surrey, had a type of permanent contact lens inserted into his eye. And unlike in previous procedures, the close-vision lens can be easily removed if it causes side effects like light glare, leaving the patient with their long vision still corrected. The 10-minute procedure combines this revolutionary new lens with traditional cataract surgery to correct both long and short-sightedness in one go. The company pioneering the operation says the scientific advance 'could help millions of people' as an alternative to laser eye surgery. Scroll down for video Patrick Higgins (left), 49, has become the first person to have a UK-first operation to correct his vision by replacing the natural lens in his eyeball and adding a second artificial one to fix his close vision, too. The operation was performed by Rakesh Jayaswal (right) Mr Higgins underwent the operation at The Spire Hospital in Portsmouth on October 30 and says he hasn't needed glasses since. His surgeon, Rakesh Jayaswal of LaserVision, replaced the lens at the back of Mr Higgins's eye as in a normal lens replacement operation because he was developing the early signs of a cataract. This corrected Mr Higgins's long-distance vision, but many people who have cataracts still need to use reading glasses after their treatment. But the new procedure, called Trifocal DUET surgery, adds a second new lens inside the front of the eye similar to a contact lens to correct close vision as well. And the same lenses can be added into the eyes of people who have already had standard cataract surgery and want to do away with reading glasses. 'I was operated on in the evening and as soon as I woke up the following morning, the world was a different place,' Mr Higgins told MailOnline. WHAT ARE CATARACTS? Cataracts occur when the lens - a small transparent disc inside the eye that helps to focus light - becomes cloudy. The patches gradually become bigger over time, according to the NHS, and can lead to blurry vision and, in some cases, blindness. Cataracts affect around half of over-65s in the UK. Some 24 million adults aged over 40 in the US suffer, according to figures. The Royal College of Ophthalmologists last year warned that due to a rapidly ageing population, the number of cataract operations is expected to jump by 50 per cent over the next 20 years. Yet in his new book 'The Complete Patient's Guide to Cataract Surgery', leading eye surgeon David Allamby claimed there simply will not be enough specialists to cope with the soaring demand. He said around 1,300 NHS surgeons perform 389,000 operations a year. However, by 2035 more than 2,000 medics will be needed to do around 583,500 procedures annually. People are more at risk if they have: diabetes, suffered an eye injury, take certain medications or have other eye conditions. Symptoms normally develop very slowly and include being more sensitive to light and thinking everything looks washed out. Cataracts can be removed by surgery and replaced with an artificial lens. No other treatment is available. Advertisement The father-of-two, who lives in Claygate with his wife and children, added: 'I havent needed to use glasses for anything since. In my eyes, this is a miracle.' Mr Higgins had worn glasses for three years but his eyes began to deteriorate rapidly. Contact lenses didn't work for him so he decided to try the pioneering new surgery. His left eye was corrected in October and the procedure was done on his right eye in early December. 'I wasn't blind by any stretch of the imagination,' he told MailOnline. 'But I was extremely frustrated by constantly needing glasses, which I didnt like, and not being able to wear contacts. 'I can now type with no optical help before I wouldn't have been able to see a thing. 'My distance vision had also got to a point where people were blurred and so this surgery has put fully functioning eyes back in my head.' It has been possible to fix both long and short-range vision with a single multifocal lens for years, but there is a risk of side effects and the procedure is hard to reverse. Patients can experience glare and see halos around bright lights and the procedure usually cannot be undone because an operation to remove the lenses risks damaging the eyes. Many people have had to choose between a multifocal lens replacement with a risk of permanent side effects or having a standard lens replacement and wearing reading glasses after their surgery. But by using two lenses, the new procedure involves routine lens replacement in the back of the eye then the addition of a second, removable lens, to the front. Having the two combined should completely eliminate the need for glasses and, if a patient has issues with the front lens, it can easily be taken out. Paul Snowsill, director of business management at LaserVision, said: 'We believe this signifies a huge leap forward in the history of eye surgery.' Mr Higgins said he hasn't need to wear glasses for anything since having the operation in Portsmouth on October 30 and described it as 'a miracle' The pioneering new procedure works by replacing the original lens and adding a second lens in front of it, which can be left in permanently or removed if they are no longer wanted Mr Higgins admits he was sold by the possibility of reversing the procedure. He said: 'There was still the old fashioned "both in one bag" approach to corrective lens surgery but some people suffer with glare and haloing around lights at night. 'Apparently, I am one of those whose eyes want perfection and so committing to that sounded risky because you cannot reverse the surgery.' Mr Jayaswal, the consultant ophthalmologist who performed the operation, said his reversible procedure is a 'game-changer'. 'The advantage of this new approach is that, should the patient become intolerant of a trifocal lens at any point in the future, the lens may be removed in a matter of minutes. Mr Jayaswal filmed the procedure up close as he operated on Mr Higgins's eye (pictured, the artificial lens after it had been inserted into the eye) 'Whilst traditional lens surgery is well-established, the Trifocal DUET procedure is a true game-changer.' Michael Tappin, another surgeon at LaserVision, added Mr Higgins had 'exceptionally good results'. He said: 'This operation could improve the lives of millions of people.' The procedure can be performed on people who need cataract surgery or those who want a lens replacement to do away with wearing glasses. Mr Jayaswal says the operation he has pioneered on his patient, Mr Higgins, is a 'game-changer' and his company, LaserVision, said it could benefit millions of people Mr Jayaswal, pictured while operating, says the main advantage of the new procedure is that the second lens can be removed at any time if it causes side effects such as glare and halos Cataract surgery is the most common operation in the UK and is performed nearly 400,000 times a year. People are given the procedure when the natural lens in the back of their eye turns cloudy and makes it difficult to see, usually owing to old age. In the surgery, the clouded natural lenses are replaced with new artificial, clear ones, to restore people's vision to normal. People who have had standard cataract surgery will still be able to benefit from the new close-vision lenses. The team use lenses made by Rayner in the procedure: the RayOne 800C for the initial cataract procedure, and the Sulcoflex Trifocal for the close vision correction. Sweden and Iceland are the happiest countries in Europe, according to a new index developed by scientists. The system for judging a nation's satisfaction is based on official statistics rather than questionnaires answered by some of the population. Data on a country's development, freedom, solidarity, justice and peace are measured to build rankings and work out how people can be made happier. Of 13 countries on which the index was tested, Iceland and Sweden come out on top, with a 76 out of 100 score. Austria places third on 74, and the UK fourth with 69. Experts hope analysing countries this way could help develop strategies for their countries to improve people's happiness. Nordic countries such as Sweden and Iceland, which have high incomes and good government services, regularly rank as the happiest and best places to live in the world Researchers at the University of Valencia and Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain invented the Happiness Index named HAIN in a study using official data from sources such as the UN, World Data Bank and Eurostat. They tested the index on 13 European countries for which all the data they wanted was available: Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Top rankings line up with UN Happiness Report The top four countries Iceland, Sweden, Austria and the UK are in the same order but in different ranks in the World Happiness Report 2018, commissioned by the UN. In the UN's much larger list, which ranks 156 countries, Finland is the happiest country, followed by Norway in second, Denmark in third, and Iceland in fourth. The Nordic countries regularly top happiest and quality of life surveys; this is thought to be partly due to higher incomes and good government and community support. Dr Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, an author of the UN's Happiness Report, told Time: 'The Scandinavian countries are very big on social support. 'The top countries, you can see, have societies which are not at each others throats. But also they have high GDP per capita.' Their happiness could be down to high taxes in Denmark people pay a lot of tax but in return they get free university education, free healthcare, generous maternity leave and unemployment benefits, the BBC reports. Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen said in 2016: 'We are not paying taxes. We are investing in our society. We are purchasing quality of life.' HOW DO THE COUNTRIES RANK? (OUT OF 100) Iceland (76) Sweden (76) Austria (74) UK (69) France (66) Spain (63) Czech Republic (63) Cyprus (62) Slovenia (61) Croatia (60) Lithuania (58) Latvia (51) Portugal (50) Advertisement New index is different because it uses data, not questionnaires As well as Iceland making the top four, the UN ranks HAIN top performers Sweden ninth, Austria 12th and the UK 19th. There are differences among other countries, however, and the Czech Republic ranks higher than France and Spain in the UN's list but not in the HAIN. It also rates Croatia as a happier country than Lithuania, Latvia and Portugal, which is not reflected in the World Happiness Report. The HAIN is also different because it looks at data on the quality of education, migration and importing and exporting of goods and services. Professor Joan Mico, who was involved in creating the index, said: 'At the moment, happiness indexes are based on questionnaires that a certain sample of the population answer. 'They are therefore very subjective values. Unlike these, our index is created based on objective data, official statistics that represent a country's entire population.' How the index works The HAIN rates a country between zero and one on its levels of development, freedom, solidarity, justice and peace. The figure changes over time as data changes on factors such as population, births, literacy rate, income per person and life expectancy. Data for this study was taken from UN Human Development Reports and World Bank and Eurostat data between 1996 and 2015. An average is then taken of all five scores to produce an Overall Satisfaction Index score on which the countries are ranked. Iceland and Sweden's figures the highest were 0.76. Data could teach countries how to be happier By rating countries in such detail experts hope the HAIN will show governments what they need to do for their populations to be happier. 'This index is part of a mathematic equation that provides objective guidelines on how to improve the happiness of a society,' said Professor Mico. Researchers say the scores produced in this study reflect the countries' happiness in 2013, but they hope to use the index to study more countries in future. They hope to discover links between happiness and geographic regions, climates and religions. 'We also want to polish the model for more countries, so that we can include more social and financial variables,' added study author Antonio Caselles. 'The end goal is that HAIN can be used to find strategies adapted to the specific governing issues of each country.' The HAIN was published in a study called 'A stochastic dynamical social model involving a human happiness index' in the Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics. Most of us clean our dishwashers as and when is needed, however, one mother has pointed out that they could be harbouring a filthy secret. One mother took to Facebook to share the 'black gunk' she discovered when she removed the rubber seal on her appliance. Posting in the Australian group Mums who Clean she described how she discovered 'gunk' inside the seal after moving back home after a short spell and noticing an 'awful smell'. She wrote: 'We had an awful smell after getting our house back off tenants a few months back and this seal was full of gunk. An Australian mother shared the secret 'gunk' (right) that she discovered lurking in the seal of her dishwasher in a viral Facebook video 'I pull it off and squeeze it to loosen any gunk and then rinse with hot water at least every one to two weeks. You can see even underneath is full of black gunk.' The homeowner added that to do a really thorough job of cleaning, she then squirts hot water from an old bottle to wash the tricky bits around the door that she can't get to. 'I also get an old kids bottle fill with hot water and squirt where i can't reach, like under the door. Happy cleaning,' she explained. The mother also shared a gruesome video detailing how to carry out her hack, which showed her wearing white gloves and squeezing the seal in the sink to dislodge the gunk. The seal, which sits on the door (L) and keeps water inside the dishwasher, can build up a seriously unappealing amount of black 'gunk' consisting of mouldy food particles if owners forget to clean it She then explained that she rinses it with hot water and scrubs with a toothbrush The seal, which sits on the door and keeps water inside the dishwasher, can build up with mouldy food particles if owners forget to clean it. How do you clean your dishwasher? Experts at Choice claim that your dishwasher can last around 11 years and following these simple cleaning tips could prolong its life. Every day Be sure to scrape your plates before stacking them and leave the door ajar to prolong the life of the seal. Every week Clean your dishwasher seal using a toothbrush to remove any debris and give the filter a rinse. Every month Do a wash using rinse aid and be sure to give the exterior a wipe. Every year Run the dishwasher on its hottest cycle while empty. Advertisement Dishwasher experts at Finish suggest using a toothbrush to dislodge any build up found in the seal. They say: 'Loose food, dirt and grime can collect on the rubber seals around the dishwasher - try dislodging with an old toothbrush. 'You can also give the front of the dishwasher a rub down with warm soapy water. 'Be careful around the electronics usually located on the top of the door as excess liquid can cause machine faults.' Other parts of the dishwasher that can be tricky to clean include the filter, which is where food particles get caught. A blocked-up filter can cause overflowing, so experts recommend giving it a clean every week. It's found on the floor of the dishwasher and can be taken out by simply unscrewing the knob and lifting the filter out. It can be rinsed with warm water and dishwashing soap, then given a hefty scrub with an old toothbrush and allowed to air-dry before popping it back into place. The Duchess of Sussex put on a dazzling display as she attended a Cirque De Soleil charity performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday. And eagle-eyed fans soon noted that Meghan's ensemble appeared to have been inspired by the late Princess Diana, who would have been her mother-in-law. The pregnant duchess, 37, opted for a navy sparkling 3,400 floor-length dress by Roland Mouret, similar to the sea green gown by Catherine Walker first worn by Diana at the Burgtheater in Vienna in 1986, and then again to a charity ball at Osterley House in 1989, and the Diamond Ball in 1990. In a nod to Prince Harry's late mother, Meghan also wore one of Diana's bracelets - an elegant gold, open bangle with two dark stones, as she attended the event in aid of those affected by HIV in South Africa, a cause that was also close to Diana's heart. Meghan, 37, opted for a navy sparkling 3,400 floor-length dress by Roland Mouret as she arrived at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, pictured left, similar to the sea green gown by Catherine Walker first worn by Diana at the Burgtheater in Vienna in 1986, to a charity ball at Osterley House in 1989, seen right, and then again to the Diamond Ball in 1990 The pregnant duchess was first pictured paying tribute to Harry's late mother when she wore the bracelet during an engagement in Sydney with Prince Harry last October. The bracelet sported by Meghan was previously seen on Diana on an outing to an elderly people's home in Newham, east London, in 1990. And in a further mark of respect to Harry's mother, the former Suits star emulated Diana's favourite look in the midnight blue floor-length designer gown, which she styled with her beloved Givenchy satin clutch and Stuart Weitzman 'Nudistsong' sandals. The gown closely resembled the sequin green dress worn by the late princess on multiple occasions, created by Diana's favourite designer Catherine Walker. The dazzling dress was first sold in auction at Christie's for 33,500 in 1997, two months before Diana died, and two years later a private buyer bought it for 75,000. It was then bought for a staggering 80,000 in auction in 2016 by an anonymous British museum. In a nod to Prince Harry's late mother, Meghan wore one of Diana's bracelets - an elegant gold, open bangle with two dark stones, as she attended Cirque De Soleil's charity performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, seen left. The bracelet was previously seen on Diana on an outing to an elderly people's home in Newham, east London, in 1990, right. Diana, Princess Of Wales, was pictured attending The Diamond Ball At The Royal Lancaster Hotel in 1990, wearing her favourite Catherine Walker dress, similar to that of Meghan Speaking about Diana's Catherine Walker dress, which was crafted from pre-sequinned fabric by Jakob Schlaepfer, London Auction House auctioneer Kerry Taylor previously told the Telegraph it was one of the late princess' favourites. 'It is unlike anything else in her 1980's wardrobe - the only one that was completely covered in sequins and is very glamorous and figure-hugging sexy dress', she said. 'It was a favourite dress because she wore it to film premieres and charity openings. 'She wore it at least three times that I know of, so it was something that she must have caused a sensation in when she wore it.' Eagle-eyed fans soon noted that Meghan's ensemble appeared to have been inspired by the late Princess Diana, who would have been her mother-in-law, as she attended the performance with husband Prince Harry in London on Wednesday A precious heirloom: Meghan pays tribute to Diana with gold bracelet Meghan wore a gold bracelet that belonged to the late princess Diana as she attended a charity performance by Cirque De Soleil at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday. The elegant gold bangle features two black or dark coloured stones. The bracelet sported by Meghan was seen on Diana on an outing to an elderly people's home in Newham, east London, in 1990. The pregnant duchess was first pictured paying tribute to Harry's late mother when she wore the bracelet during an engagement in Sydney with Prince Harry last October. Meghan wore a gold bracelet that belonged to the late princess Diana as she attended a charity performance by Cirque De Soleil at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday The pregnant duchess first paid tribute to Diana with the same gold bracelet owned by the Princess, pictured, as she stepped out for a busy day of engagements in Sydney with Prince Harry last October Diana wore the same bracelet as she greeted Nellie Corbett during her visit to the Lord Gage Centre in Newham, East London, on September 18, 1990, pictured The gold bangle, pictured, features two black or dark coloured stones. The piece was among the jewellery collection Princess Diana left to her sons Prince William and Prince Harry Advertisement The duchess, who normally favours pieces by trendy jewellery brands, has chosen to wear Princess Diana's jewels on a number of high profile occasions, including on the night of her wedding. Her bespoke engagement ring also features two diamonds that belonged to her husband's late mother. Princess Diana left much of her jewellery collection to her sons' future wives, writing in a letter: 'I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.' Among her vast collection are the glittering butterfly earrings worn by Meghan in Sydney last October, which Diana wore to an event in the Canadian city of Prince George in May 1986. The Duchess of Sussex sported a pair of earrings, pictured, that belonged to Princess Diana as she joined husband Prince Harry on the first day of their Australian royal tour on Tuesday. Pictured, opening the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning at Taronga Zoo in Sydney Princess Diana first wore the earrings on her royal tour of Canada in May 1986, pictured. She styled them with a matching necklace and a cobalt blue suit and hat by Catherine Walker Advertisement The Duchess of Sussex looked glamorous in a glittering gown as she joined Prince Harry for a charity performance at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night. Meghan, who is six months pregnant, wore a sparkling 3,400 floor-length dress by Roland Mouret as she joined her husband to watch the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's Totem at the central London venue. The picture of elegance, the royal accessorised the showstopping number with a bracelet that belonged to Princess Diana and a black satin clutch bag by go-to designer Givenchy. The performance was organised in aid of Prince Harry's charity, Sentebale, which supports children and young people affected by HIV in southern Africa. Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, met representatives from the charity and Cirque du Soleil, including performers, before taking their seats as guests of honour. It comes just hours after Meghan made her first appearance of the day, visiting an animal welfare charity in north London. Meghan, who is six months pregnant, wore a sparkling floor-length number by Roland Mouret as she joined her husband to watch the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's Totem at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night The Duchess of Sussex cradled her blooming baby bump beneath the sequins of her showstopping midnight blue gown. Meghan accessories with a black satin clutch by Givenchy and a bracelet that once belonged to Princess Diana Home time: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave the Royal Albert Hall after watching the Wednesday night performance Meghan holds her husband's hand as she climbs into the car, as the couple leave the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night The picture of elegance, the royal accessorised the showstopping number with a bracelet that belonged to Princess Diana, seen on her right wrist, and a black satin clutch bag by go-to designer Givenchy The royal couple met with exquisitely costumed performers from the Cirque du Soleil company ahead of the show The Duchess of Sussex plumped for a dramatic make-up look for the evening appearance, teaming a smoky eye with a vibrant dark red lipstick. Pictured, the royal mingling with performers and charity representatives ahead of the show The heavily embellished gown hugged Meghan's baby bump and sparkled beneath the lights of the theatre foyer Prince Harry, who was dressed in a suit, beamed as he led his radiant wife towards their seats inside the Royal Albert Hall Despite the long day, the Duchess of Sussex seemed full of energy and was engaged as she spoke to the Cirque du Soleil cast The royal couple smiled as they took their seats in a box ahead of the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's Totem The Roland Mouret sequinned tulle number featured cropped sleeves, a demure front slit and a figure-flattering cut that hugged the Duchess' blooming baby bump. Pictured, the Duchess in the box at the Royal Albert Hall After a quick turnaround from the head-to-toe cream ensemble she was sporting earlier today, Meghan was ready for a night at the theatre in a stunning gown. The Roland Mouret sequinned tulle number featured cropped sleeves, a demure front slit and a figure-flattering cut that hugged the Duchess' blooming baby bump. Allowing all eyes to remain on the dress, Meghan kept her accessories simple and pared back. In a nod to Prince Harry's late mother, Meghan wore one of Diana's bracelets - a gold, open bangle with two dark stones. Meghan previously wore the heirloom on the first day of the royal tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji in October last year. The Givenchy clutch is a firm favourite of the royal and has been seen on a number of previous occasions, including the royal visit to Dublin in July last year and at her first solo royal engagement in London last September. Her shoes are believed to be a pair of 378 black strap heeled sandals by Stuart Weitzman. She finished the look with a pair of Pippa Small Kyanite stud earrings. Meanwhile Prince Harry, 34, opted for a smart navy blue suit, which he wore with a crisp white shirt and a dark red tie. Earlier today the Duchess paid a visit to an animal welfare charity she is now supporting as patron in north-west London. Harry and Meghan exit the London venue on Wednesday night and prepare to get into their car for the journey home Meghan chats to her husband as the Duke and Duchess leave the Royal Albert Hall after watching Cirque du Soleil The Duke of Duchess arrived hand in hand at the Royal Albert Hall, where they met with performers and representatives from Sentebale before taking their seats as guests of honour The Duchess of Sussex has had a busy day of royal engagements, joining Prince Harry at the theatre, pictured, hours after stepping out on her own to support a charity of which she is patron The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared in excellent spirits as they shared a joke with the cast ahead of the show The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared intrigued by the elaborate make-up and costume of the Cirque du Soleil cast Typically tactile, Harry and Meghan held each other as they made their way into the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday night The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by representatives from Cirque du Soleil and the prince's charity, Sentebale The Duchess' gown featured flattering cropped sleeves and a modest front slit that offered a glimpse of her black shoes The ruffle detailing of Meghan's gown gently skimmed over her baby bump, pictured, adding to the shape A precious heirloom: Meghan pays tribute to Diana with gold bracelet Meghan wore a gold bracelet that belonged to the late princess Diana as she attended a charity performance by Cirque De Soleil at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday. The elegant gold bangle features two black or dark coloured stones. The bracelet sported by Meghan was seen on Diana on an outing to an elderly people's home in Newham, east London, in 1990. The pregnant duchess was first pictured paying tribute to Harry's late mother when she wore the bracelet during an engagement in Sydney with Prince Harry last October. Meghan wore a gold bracelet that belonged to the late princess Diana as she attended a charity performance by Cirque De Soleil at London's Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday The pregnant duchess first paid tribute to Diana with the same gold bracelet owned by the Princess, pictured, as she stepped out for a busy day of engagements in Sydney with Prince Harry last October Diana wore the same bracelet as she greeted Nellie Corbett during her visit to the Lord Gage Centre in Newham, East London, on September 18, 1990, pictured The gold bangle, pictured, features two black or dark coloured stones. The piece was among the jewellery collection Princess Diana left to her sons Prince William and Prince Harry Advertisement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared to be acknowledging performers as they took their seats in the auditorium Harry and Meghan, who are expecting their first child together in the coming months, applauded ahead of the show The couple appeared in excellent spirits and shared a lighthearted moment as they prepared to watch the spectacle unfold The lighting inside the venue only served to highlight the Duchess of Sussex's radiant skin and the sparkle of her gown The Duke and Duchess of Sussex held hands as they watched the action of Cirque du Soleil unfold below them She wore an old Armani coat worth 2,000 ($1,556) for her second public engagement of the week at The Mayhew Animal Home. According to onlookers, animal lover Meghan was particularly taken by a one-year-old Jack Russell cross named Minnie who was set to go up for adoption. She wanted to take her home but said: 'We cant take another dog before the baby as our hands are too full!' The Duchess paired her coat, worn previously on a visit to Sussex, with a Stella McCartney bag and 24.99 ($32) polo neck dress from high street store H&M's maternity range. Meghan wears head-to-toe cream at Mayhew animal charity today. Tonight, she and Prince Harry will join a Royal Albert Hall audience to watch Cirque du Soleil performers displaying their acrobatic skills in aid of charity Sentebale The Duchess of Sussex visits Mayhew to meet staff and volunteers, and hear more about the animal welfare charity's various initiatives in Kensal Green, northwest London on Wednesday. She is expecting her first child in late April or early May and showed off her blossoming bump in a figure-hugging dress from H&M Walking tall: The Duchess of Sussex finished off her nude ensemble with a pair of towering suede slingbacks - just two days after she joked that she was navigating walking in heels with her bump 'one day at a time' Meghan turned to an old favourite today when she recycled a Armani coat. The animal lover paired the custom coat with a Stella McCartney bag and 24.99 ($32) polo neck dress from high street store H&M's maternity range Meghan arrives at Mayhew Animal Centre on Wednesday. She is there to meet staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, and hear more about the charity's various initiatives, from community engagement to international projects Meghan, 37, finished off her nude ensemble with a pair of towering slingbacks - just two days after joking that she was navigating walking in heels with her bump 'one day at a time'. During her visit today Meghan petted a pooch named Roobarb and met Wully Struthers, a formerly homeless Pet Refuge service user, who was there with his two Staffies, Azzy and Gallis. The Duchess also cooed over ex-resident Maggie (previously known as Truffle), with her new owner Emma. The Jack Russell puppy was rescued from a suspected puppy farm in October last year. The pup who stole Meghan's heart, Minnie, is described by Mayhew as a 'shy and sensitive girl' who 'can be timid around strangers and gets spooked by loud noises'. Meghan, who paired the coat with an off-white polo neck dress and Stella McCartney bag, is there to meet staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, and hear more about the charity's various initiatives, including community engagement Marching on: Meghan finished off her nude ensemble with a pair of towering suede slingbacks - just days after she said she was navigating walking in heels with her bump 'one day at a time' Meghan looked businesslike as she arrived at Mayhew today. The Duchess of Sussex will spend time touring the facilities, meeting members of the community and animals who have benefited directly from the work of the charity Meghan met staff, volunteers and beneficiaries during her visit today, and heard more about the charity's various initiatives, from community engagement to international projects. She also learned about a number of projects run by the charity, designed to improve the lives of animals and people and to better communities both in London and internationally. These initiatives include animal therapy visits, work with homeless people and their pets, animal welfare schemes such as the Trap, Neuter and Return programme, and international projects including dog rabies vaccinations in Kabul. Meghan spent time touring the facilities, meeting members of the community and animals who have benefited directly from the work of the charity. The charity will hold a special place in the heart of dog owner Meghan. Her rescue dog Guy came to the UK with Meghan when she moved from Toronto to live with Harry - and has since been spotted riding with the Queen to Windsor For her second royal engagement of the week, the Duchess of Sussex swapped her bun for a more relaxed wave. She paired her bargain H&M dress with high-end designer pieces from Armani and Stella McCartney The former actress had two rescue dogs, a beagle named Guy and a Labrador-shepherd mix called Bogart. While Guy came to the UK with Meghan when she moved from Toronto to live with Harry - and has since been spotted riding with the Queen - Bogart was too old to travel and had to stay behind with friends. Harry and Meghan, who are expecting their first child in the spring, also have another dog a black labrador. Tonight, the couple will join a Royal Albert Hall audience to watch Cirque du Soleil performers displaying their acrobatic skills in aid of charity Sentebale. The couple, who recently revealed their first child is due in 'late April or May', will tonight be guests of honour for the evening premiere of the Canadian circus company's production Totem. The Duchess of Sussex once again flouted royal style etiquette when she stepped out without tights for her engagement in London today. Pregnant Meghan, 37, who is expecting her first child with Prince Harry this spring, chose not to pair her 24.99 H&M dress and 2,000 Armani coat with a pair of sheer stockings, despite the chilly winter weather. It marks the second time in a week the royal has gone bare legged at an official appearance, even though royal convention suggests women should wear hosiery in public. While there is no formal style rule book, but the Queen has made it clear that there is an unwritten protocol which dictates what Royal women should wear and when. Pregnant Meghan, 37, chose not to pair her 24.99 H&M dress and 2,000 Armani coat with a pair of sheer stockings in London today, despite the chilly temperature. Unspoken royal protocol dictates women should wear hosiery on public engagements It marks the second time in a week the royal has gone bare legged at an official appearance, following her outing to the London headquarters of the Smart Works charity, pictured Such is the universal respect in which Her Majesty is held that even the most unconventional members of 'The Firm' have generally adhered to her fashion guidelines, which favour discretion over vulgarity and practicality over glamour. The Queen, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex are never seen without sheer stockings and closed-toe shoes, and even fashion-conscious Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie often comply. Meanwhile Meghan's sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge's legs often have the tell-tale sheen of a pair of nude tights. Meghan's decision not to conform has previously been described as a small but significant act of style rebellion. Celebrity stylist Rochelle White noted it could also be seen as a way to maintain a sense of her own personal style, even as so much has had to change to fit in with royal expectations. 'I think its her trying to stay true to who she is and her personal style,' Rochelle said. 'Some people - whether they are in the public eye or not - just might not like tights and that's okay.' Meghan signaled her non-traditional approach early, shunning tights when she joined Prince Harry, 34, in a Kensington Palace photo call to announce their engagement in November 2017 The stylist also pointed out Meghan's radiant skin means she can still look polished without wearing tights. 'She has amazing skin, which I think helps when wearing the no tight look,' Rochelle said. 'I think this helps with her overall look and with legs and skin as good at that, who needs tights.' Mother-to-be Meghan signaled her non-traditional approach early, shunning tights when she joined Prince Harry, 34, in a Kensington Palace photo call to announce their engagement in November 2017. While she has donned sheer tights on many occasions since, they have by no means become a typical part of her wardrobe. Instead Meghan chooses to flashed her toned and polished legs beneath her skirts and dresses - even those that are daringly short by royal standards. Among the most notable bare leg ensembles have been the canary yellow Brandon Maxwell shift dress she wore to the Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception in London in July last year, and the floaty green Self Portrait number she donned for an Invictus Games event in London in April 2018. Among the most notable bare leg ensembles have been the canary yellow Brandon Maxwell shift dress she wore to the Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception in London in July last year, left, and the green Givenchy number she wore landing in Dublin that same month, right Meghan also skipped tights when she stepped out in this printed Self Portrait frock for an Invictus Games reception at Australia House, London, in April last year Today Meghan once again chose not to wear tights when she met volunteers and beneficiaries at The Mayhew Animal Home in London to learn more about the charity's work. During her visit, Meghan saw first-hand a number of projects run by the charity, designed to improve the lives of animals and people and to better communities in London and internationally. The Duchess, who is six months pregnant, also opted for no tights when she visited the headquarters of Smart Works in London last week. There is nothing fancier than Orangina, Viennetta ice cream, or Andes mint chocolates or so thousands of people used to believe when they were kids. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert writer Ariel Dumas posed a question on Twitter last week, asking social media users: 'What was the thing you thought was VERY fancy as a kid that turned out not to be?' The tweet has racked up thousands of replies, with adults sharing the things they're embarrassed to have thought of as extravagant, classy, and sophisticated in their youth. While some of these 'fancy' feelings stem from misunderstandings, overall they seem to have on thing in common: Adults limited access to them. So it's not exactly surprising that children would find Whitman's samplers, decorative tissue boxes, and scented bathroom soaps to be the height of luxury. The Late Show writer Ariel Dumas posed a question on Twitter last week, asking social media users: 'What was the thing you thought was VERY fancy as a kid that turned out not to be?' Classy drinks: She personally thought Orangina and Jagermeister were very fancy Something special: Andy Richter called out Nabisco's Famous Chocolate Wafers, saying his grandma policed them Mwah! Thousands of people chimed in and liked other posts in agreement Fine dining: Red Lobster was for 'rich people' in this woman's mind One at a time! For the most part, the things people found fancy were ones their parents wouldn't let them have a lot of Hilarious! This woman's poor mother was mortified when she referred to her as her dad's 'concubine' Ooh-la-la! Lots of people thought these fragrant bath cubes were super luxurious Mimicking: This woman quoted a line from Grease, thinking it sophisticated when it was anything but Yum! Writer Ashley C. Ford planned to stock up on Viennetta ice cream when she made it big Candy: This woman assumed her parents didn't get her pinatas because they were pricey Fresh! Several people in the Twitter thread shared pictures of Andes chocolate mint candies Wowza! They found some pretty ridiculous things to be 'luxurious' when they were kids Luxe life: Only the classiest people have decorative tissue box holders Mismatched: To be fair, there are plenty of adults who think it's pretty fancy to be able to afford a full matching furniture set especially one not from IKEA Play things: Crystal animal figurines were viewed as fancy, too For the rich: This man thought chocolate shaped like seashells were seriously elegant Hiding: There's nothing like your parents withholding something to make you want it more Oui! No matter what it is, French-named things sound very fancy to a child (unless, of course, they're French) On the list of words never to utter in the presence of a pregnant lady, 'fat' probably comes pretty close to the top. However, when a very sweet well-wisher known only as 'Peggy' called the Duchess of Sussex, who's six months' pregnant, 'a fat lady' during her visit to an animal charity today, Meghan took the remark in entirely the right spirit. Indeed, the Duchess appeared to dissolve into fits of giggles - as did those around her - after she heard the remark that was clearly well-intended. Scroll down for video During footage from her visit today to The Mayhew Animal Centre, the Duchess, dressed in a cream 2,000 Armani coat, is introduced to well-wisher Peggy, who tells her, after looking at the royal bump, 'You're a fat lady!' The dog handlers collapse into laughter at Peggy's remarks as Meghan, who is six months' pregnant, opens her coat to reveal her blossoming bump before laughing: 'I'll take it' She took it well! Peggy, pictured centre, later took her seat next to Meghan by surprise today as she called her a 'fat lady' as the pair chatted during the Duchess' visit to The Mayhew Animal Home in London Meghan pats one of the dogs as she learns more about the Mayhew's animal therapy programme. During her visit today Meghan petted a pooch named Roobarb and met Wully, a formerly homeless Pet Refuge service user, who was there with his two dogs Azzy and Gallis In footage of the friendly meeting, the two women are seen chatting as Meghan tours The Mayhew Animal Home. During their light-hearted conversation, Peggy is full of praise for the 37-year-old, telling her 'What a lovely lady you are. The good lord always blesses you.' A smiling Meghan is heard politely replying: 'Thank you' Raising the intonation in her voice, Peggy then delivers a curveball, saying: 'And you're a fat lady!' Far from being offended by the comment, Meghan is heard letting out a shriek of laughter, before she opens her coat slightly to reveal more of her bump and adds: 'I'll take it'. The new-found friends sat together later as they admired a rescue dog. WHEN PEGGY MET THE DUCHESS: WHAT SWEET WELL-WISHER ACTUALLY SAID TO MEGHAN Meghan and Peggy shake hands before Peggy tells the Duchess: 'What a lovely lady you are. The good lord always blesses you.' A smiling Meghan is heard politely replying: 'Thank you!' Employees at the animal centre can't contain their mirth as the Duchess ripostes to Peggy's remarks that she's now a 'fat lady' saying 'I'll take it' Raising the intonation in her voice, Peggy then delivers a curveball, saying: 'And you're a fat lady!' Meghan is heard letting out a shriek of laughter, before she opens her coat slightly to reveal more of her bump and adds: 'I'll take it'. Advertisement Sweet encounter: Peggy also told Meghan that 'the good lord always blesses you' to which the Duchess replies 'Thank you' The Duchess of Sussex attended her second public engagement of the week at The Mayhew Animal Home on Wednesday. Tonight, she'll join Prince Harry at the Royal Albert Hall to watch Cirque du Soleil What is The Mayhew Animal Home and what does it do? Mayhew is a London-based animal welfare charity working to improve the lives of dogs, cats and people in communities in London and internationally. Set up in 1886, it looks for innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through proactive community and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care. It works with homelessness charities across London to ensure people and their dogs can be kept together, and runs a Pet Refuge programme to provide shelter and care for the pets of people in crisis for short periods of time. It also educates young people about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership, and rehomes cats and dogs. Mayhew International works with governments, local communities and charitable groups to help improve animal welfare overseas. Advertisement During the visit, Meghan wore a recycled Armani coat worth an estimated 2,000 for her second public engagement of the week. The animal lover paired the custom coat with a Stella McCartney bag and 24.99 polo neck dress from high street store H&M's maternity range. Meghan finished off her nude ensemble with a pair of towering suede slingbacks - just two days after she joked that she was navigating walking in heels with her bump 'one day at a time'. She was at The Mayhew Animal Home there to meet staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, and hear more about the charity's various initiatives, from community engagement to international projects. During her visit today, Meghan also heard first-hand about a number of projects run by the charity, designed to improve the lives of animals and people and to better communities both in London and internationally. The former actress had two rescue dogs, a beagle named Guy and a Labrador-shepherd mix called Bogart. While Guy came to the UK with Meghan when she moved from Toronto to live with Harry - and has since been spotted riding with the Queen - Bogart was too old to travel and had to stay behind with friends. Harry and Meghan, who are expecting their first child in the spring, also have another dog a black labrador. Tonight, the couple will join a Royal Albert Hall audience to watch Cirque du Soleil performers displaying their acrobatic skills in aid of charity Sentebale. The couple, who recently revealed their first child is due in 'late April or May', will tonight be guests of honour for the evening premiere of the Canadian circus company's production Totem. Gwyneth Paltrow's pop-up London Goop store is set to become a permanent shop. The sprawling lifestyle and wellness emporium, located in leafy Notting Hill, is stocked with carefully curated skincare, homeware, health supplements, clothing and accessories - all with a distinctly 'Goop' twist. Opened in September as a pop-up venture, it was due to close later this month but will now remain open indefinitely, the Daily Telegraph reported. Gwyneth Paltrow's pop-up London Goop store, pictured, is set to become a permanent shop The sprawling lifestyle and wellness emporium, located in leafy Notting Hill, is stocked with carefully curated skincare, homeware, health supplements, clothing and accessories - all with a distinctly 'Goop' twist. Pictured, founder Gwyneth Paltrow at the store opening in October It means London fans - of which there have been many - will have more time to explore the carefully curated shelves. The store is decked out in plush velvet - with rustic details like woodchip walls and shelves adding a touch of hipster pop-up. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a strategically-placed chaise longue lend the space a decidedly decadent feel, while shoppers can snap up items including a crystal-imbued water bottle to give your drinking water some 'positive energy'. The top floor boasts sex toys, nontoxic lubricants and the 55 yoni egg. The store, pictured, is decked out in plush velvet - with rustic details like woodchip walls and shelves adding a touch of hipster pop-up Gwyneth, 46, first launched Goop in 2008 as a weekly newsletter offering fans her lifestyle recommendations including her favourite recipes, products, and health and fitness tips. Now, a year after it celebrated its tenth birthday, the company is a huge empire worth a staggering $250 million (192 million), the New York Times reported in July 2018. Goop opened its first permanent store in LA in September last year, with recent pop-up shops opening in Dallas, Aspen and Long Island. Goop own label designs sit alongside designer offerings on carefully curated clothes racks However, Goop has received its fair share of criticism, with the company agreeing to pay out over misleading health claims earlier last month. The company reached a $145,000 (112,000) settlement over products including Goops Jade Egg and Rose Quartz Egg - intended to be placed into the vagina to improve health. A Goop statement said the settlement acknowledged no liability on the companys part and addressed only advertising, not the products themselves. Meanwhile, Gwyneth raised eyebrows after sharing her list of 'essentials' for a sleep-inducing bedroom earlier this month - which totalled $1,828 (1,370) altogether. Her pricey list of nine products included a $125 water carafe, $295 sheets, and a $725 wall light. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked in good spirits as she posed outside the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, despite having to battle very windy conditions. The Dutch royal, 47, managed to maintain her flawless appearance amid the dreary weather, coordinating perfectly with husband King Willem, 51, for the occasion. Arriving at the New Year reception for the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday, the pair put on a chic display in grey attire as they waved at onlookers. Maxima, who shares three daughters Catharina-Amalia, 15, Alexia, 13, and Ariane, 11, with the King, has had a relatively quiet Christmas and New Year following a busy year of engagements. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked in good spirits as she posed outside the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, despite having to battle very windy conditions Arriving at the palace, the royal duo put on a cheery display, with Willem waving happily as Maxima struggled to control her hair in the blustery conditions. The queen looked stylish in knee-length dress which was cinched in at the waist, covered by a coordinating grey cape and suede pumps. Accessorising with a pair of drop earrings, a dark pearl necklace and a clutch bag, she beamed as she posed alongside Willem. Willem looked smart in a three-piece suit and striped tie, which he matched with his tailored trousers. The royal, 47, managed to maintain her flawless appearance despite the dreary weather, coordinating perfectly with husband King Willem, 51, for the occasion This is one of the first official engagements the pair have been seen attending this year, and will see them meeting with diplomats for a New Year reception. The year should come as a welcome fresh start after a tough 2018, which saw her younger sister Ines Zorreguieta, 33, found hanged at her apartment in Buenos Aires last June after reportedly battling with depression and mental health issues. Following news of her sister's death, Maxima cancelled all engagements and flew to Argentina to be with her family. The following month she broke her silence to say: 'My sweet and talented younger sister Ines was also ill. She was unable to find happiness and sadly couldn't get better. She added: 'Our only consolation is to think that she has finally found peace.' Ines was the youngest daughter of government minister Jorge Zorreguieta and his second wife Maria del Carmen Cerruti Carricart's children. Arriving at the palace, the royal duo put on a cheery display, with Willem waving happily as Maxima struggled to control her hair in the blustery conditions Queen looked stylish in knee-length dress which was cinched in at the waist, covered by a coordinating grey cape and suede pumps Wife to King Willem Alexander, Queen Maxima is an international financier by training. Maxima was born in Argentina and married into the Dutch royal family in 2002, three years after meeting her husband-to-be in Seville, Spain. Despite reportedly having no inkling that Willem-Alexander was heir to the throne when the pair first met, she eventually became Queen consort when her husband ascended to the throne. Willem-Alexander became king after his mother, Beatrix, abdicated in April 2013 after 33 years as reigning monarch. Accessorising with a pair of drop earrings, a dark pearl necklace and a clutch bag, Maxima beamed as she posed alongside Willem Willem looked smart in a three piece suit and striped tie, which he matched with his tailored trousers for the occasion A mother has posted of her shock after discovering that her young son is being taught to read using 'body-shaming' imagery. Eve Geddie, who's from Ireland but based in Brussels, told her Twitter followers: 'So, the "lady with the big behind" is how my son is being taught the letter D at school.' She then posted an image of an illustration for the letter 'd', which showed a cartoon woman with a large bottom. The sheet was thought to have been given to her by the French-speaking primary school in Belgium that her son attends. Scroll down for video Eve Geddie, who's from Ireland but lives in Brussels, posted the above image of French-speaking reading materials sent home with her primary school-aged son, saying: 'So, the "lady with the big behind" is how my son is being taught the letter D at school.' The learning materials described the cartoon picture as 'the woman with the large bottom is dangerous', written in French as 'Le dame au gros derriere est dangereuse.' Using her Twitter handle @evegeddie, the mother posted: 'So, the "lady with the big behind" is how my son is being taught the letter D at school. Other women of the piece are either clueless or dancing. She added: 'Time for that mother-to-son chat about the male struggle to create authentic female characters. #malegaze #lesalphas #letterssomale'. Other female images seen on the sheet include the letter i, which features the line 'Madame i loves to dance and laugh' and Madame e, who 'thinks but doesn't know how to answer.' 'Other women of the piece are either clueless or dancing' Geddie pointed out other letters that appeared sexist. Pictured left: 'Madame adores dancing while laughing' and right, 'Madame thinks but doesn't know how to answer' After criticising the imagery used, Geddie suggested 'Ms D. could be a doctor (with her doctor's bag), Ms I. has brilliant ideas and Ms E. is an excellent engineer.' The full sheet used by Geddie's son to learn the alphabet at the French-speaking school, she said: 'Time for that mother-to-son chat about the male struggle to create authentic female characters. #malegaze #lesalphas #letterssomale' Others shared their frustration that such worksheets were being used in mainstream primary education in Belgium. @Bawette wrote: 'This is the french speaking primary education system in Belgium which uses #bodyshaming of women to teach reading. 'This is shocking and disgraceful. Please can put this situation right. Thank you' @SofiaAlBidir added: 'I wouldn't have thought this is genuine if it weren't coming from you... wow.' Ms Geddie had her own suggestion on how the sheets could be improved, saying: 'Ms D. could be a doctor (with her doctors bag), Ms I. has brilliant ideas and Ms E. is an excellent engineer.' She added that the thought of her toddler daughter learning from the same materials next year 'saddened her.' Queen Mathilde cut a sombre figure today as she attended the funeral for Count Philippe de Lannoy in Hainaut, Belgium, earlier today. The Belgian noble and Provincial Councillor of Hainaut, who was the father of Princess Stephanie, the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, died at the age of 96 on 10th January. Stephanie is married to Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, heir to the throne of Luxembourg. Mathilde was in attendance to represent her husband King Philippe of Belgium who is the first cousin of Grand Duc Henri Luxembourg. There was great sadness as Luxembourg royals gathered for the service which was held at Frasnes-Lez-Anvaing - including Grand Duc Henri, Prince de Ligne of Belgium and Prince Luis of Luxembourg. Queen Mathilde attended the funeral of Count Philippe de Lannoy which was held at Frasnes-Lez-Anvaing earlier today. She was greeted by Prince de Ligne of Belgium with a kiss on her hand as she arrived for the proceedings Prince Louis also attended the funeral of Count Philippe de Lannoy, who died on 10th January 2019 at the age of 96, with his sister Princess Alexandra During the sombre service, loved ones of Philippe de Lannoy carried his coffin through the streets of Belgium Wrapped up in a smart black coat, teamed with a black dress and patent heels, Mathilde, 45, carried a patent clutch in her left hand, and finished her outfit off with a bold silver statement necklace and matching earrings. With her hair swept back due to the wind and wearing tights for the chilly weather conditions, the mother-of-four arrived solo but was soon greeted by Prince De Ligne with a kiss on the hand. At the time of Philippe De Lannoy's death, the Grand Ducal House of Luxembourg released the following statement: 'It is with great sadness that Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess announce the death of the Count of Lannoy, father of the Hereditary Grand Duchess, which occurred on January 10, 2019. The mother-of-four was greeted by Prince De Ligne (left) as she arrived at the service - which was attended by the Luxembourg royals Queen Mathilde of Belgium donned a smart black coat and dress for the royal farewell - and opted to finish the look with a bold silver statement necklace. Above, pictured with Prince de Ligne 'Their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and the Grand Duchess and all the Grand Ducal family join in the grief of Princess Stephanie, Prince Guillaume, and the family of Count de Lannoy. 'Their thoughts, their prayers and their great affection are with them.' Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie's mother Alix de Lannoy passed away from a stroke aged 70 on 26 August 2012, just two months before Stephanie's wedding to Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume of Luxembourg. Grand Duc Henri Luxembourg, a first cousin to King Philippe of Belgium, was dressed for the occasion in a smart tailored jacket and pin-striped trousers as he arrived four the funeral Hereditary Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg pictured during the funeral service for her father at Frasnes-Lez-Anvaing Guillaume and Stephanie of Luxembourg interlinked arms as they headed into the funeral ceremony earlier today The coffin was marched through the cobbled streets of Belgium as the Luxembourg royals made their way to Frasnes-Lez-Anvaing, whic his located in the Belgian province of Hainaut Princess Sibilla of Luxembourg, the wife of Prince Guillaume, donned a black hat, coat and pearl necklace as she attended the sombre service Pictured above - Grand Duke Henri, Princess Sibilla and Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg in Belgium earlier today There was great sadness as Luxembourg royals gathered for the service. Above, Prince Louis and his sister Princess Alexandra both pictured in attendance The top ten UK companies for maternity leave have been revealed in a new study. Research from price comparison experts at Money Guru names management consulting firm Accenture and e-tailer Etsy among the top employers with some offering up to nine weeks' full pay for new mothers. The study, which also looked at the best paternity leave packages, found that some 70 per cent of UK employers believe women should declare their pregnancy during the recruitment process. So did your company make the cut? Read on to find out the top ten companies for maternity and paternity leave packages... Did your employer make the cut? The top ten UK companies for maternity leave have been revealed in a new study from a team of experts at Money Guru (file photo) According to Money Guru, one in seven (14 per cent) of employers admitted they would be 'reluctant' to hire a woman who may go on to have children. Studies show that 39 per cent of young mothers have been illegally asked in job interviews about how being a mother would affect their ability to work. Whats more, around 24 per cent of employers believe that women should work for them for at least a year before having children (in some cases, this is company policy). Registered Psychologist Rachel Hard commented: 'The title "maternity leave" gives a gendered role or expectation of who can/should take leave to care for a new baby. 'The traditional male and female roles are often still in play despite social sanctions to establish equality.' The study found that some 70 per cent of UK employers believe women should declare their pregnancy during the recruitment process (file photo) Maternity support was introduced to the UK just over 100 years ago, in 1911. Women could still be sacked for falling pregnant up until 1975, when the Employment Protection Act was brought in. Only 50 per cent of women had access to maternity leave right up until 1993, when it was given to all women, as Britain was forced to comply with a European commission directive. With such a short history of women being supported during pregnancy and motherhood in the workplace, its impressive to see these companies offering more inclusive and beneficial options. What are the best UK companies for maternity leave? 1. Accenture The management consultancy firm offers 36 weeks' maternity leave on full pay. 2. Transport for London TFL offers 26 weeks fully paid maternity leave, 13 weeks statutory maternity pay and a possible additional 13 weeks unpaid leave. This is open to all employees regardless of length of service. 3. M&G Childcare vouchers and an enhanced maternity package from the investment management company. 4. Etsy Gender blind meaning they offer all employees 26 weeks of fully paid leave to be taken in the first year of their childs life. There are also assistance programmes for parents of children with special needs and unlimited sick leave which employees are encouraged to use for caring for their children. 5. Aviva The insurance company offers 26 weeks' leave with full basic pay regardless of gender, sexual orientation or whether they had given birth, adopted or conceived through surrogacy. 6. UKFast The firm offers new mums 16 weeks' paid maternity leave, in addition to an on-site creche and baby hampers for new mums and dads. 7. Vodafone The mobile network offers 16 weeks of full paid maternity leave and a further six months of four-day weeks on full pay. 8. Netflix Parents are allowed to take off as much time as they want in the first year, while being paid their full salary by the streaming giant. They can choose to return full or part-time and this is inclusive of birth and adoption. 9. Microsoft The software giant offers 20 weeks' paid leave, eight weeks' fully paid after the birth and 12 weeks' parental leave for both mothers and fathers which can be taken at once or in blocks. They also offer mothers two weeks of disability leave before their due date and phased return. 10. Civil Service Offers 26 weeks fully paid leave and shared parental leave which can be taken in one go or in blocks throughout the first year. Advertisement Thousands of UK singles can now pay to browse photos of potential sperm donors online the first time - in order to get the best-looking babies. The world's largest sperm bank, Danish company Cryos, said since they included a photo gallery element to their website, demand among those seeking sperm donors in the UK has soared. Cryos has supplied thousands of sperm samples to the UK over many years, as they say genetic material from tall, well-educated, healthy men has always been in high demand among childless British women and couples. But bosses at the sperm bank claim interest recently rose to new heights when Cryos became the first sperm bank in Europe to publish current photos of some of its donors on its website late last year. Previously, the site only included pictures of the donors as children to give prospective parents an indication of what their offspring might look like. Danish company Cryos has become the first sperm bank in Europe to publish photos of some of its donors on its website late last year Thousands of UK singles are paying to browse photos of potential sperm donors as adults in order to get the best-looking babies Due to GDPR data regulations, the pictures are behind a paywall which will cost users 250 euros [222] to cross. 'There has been a lot of interest in the donor adult photos from the UK, ' said Cryos CEO Peter Reeslev. 'It is by far the European country with the greatest number of people who have paid to access the images on our website. 'We had expected a gradual take-up of our new initiative because of the paywall, but we are very pleased with the interest it's had.' Peter Reeslev, CEO of Cryos International, says there is growing interest in the sperm banks extended donor profiles, which contain a number of extra personal details and photos. This is especially true of customers who are single or in same-sex relationships As well as up-to-date photos of many new donors as adults, Cryos provides a range of personal information on them, too. This can include baby photos, audio recordings, handwritten greetings, emotional intelligence tests, family trees and staff impressions of the donor. Cryos said due to worldwide interest in assisted reproductive technology (ART), the company, which supplies frozen donor sperm throughout the EU and to more than 100 countries worldwide, helping conceive more than 65,000 donor children to date, is also seeing increased demand for its donors generally. The sperm bank, which has the world's widest selection of donors, said in the last five years a much bigger proportion of single women and same sex couples have signed up as customers. Today, singles make up 50 per cent of Cryos' UK customers, while 35 per cent are same sex couples, and 15 per cent are heterosexual couples. 'Interest in our extended profiles with additional personal donor information is growing, especially among singles and same-sex couples,' said Peter. Cyros claims genetic material from tall, well-educated, healthy men has always been in high demand among childless British women and couples 'The adult photo helps them replicate the natural selection mechanism.' He added: 'That means it is easier for them to tell whether there is a match between them and the donor, and whether he really is a man they would like in the real world. 'With heterosexual couples, it's the opposite. They generally want to know less about the donor out of respect for the social father.' The number of British sperm donors has fallen drastically since 2007, when anonymous British sperm donors were banned by law in the UK. And Cryos said in the 40th anniversary year of the birth of the world's first IVF baby, Louise Brown, UK demand for its sperm donors has never been higher. 'Denmark has a rock-solid reputation when it comes to health, environment and educational level, which makes donors' sperm and genes very sought-after,' explained Peter. 'And, as Cryos also has more than 30 years' experience in the field, and a great many donors to choose from, we are a natural choice for many people in the UK.' A mother who hasn't used any cosmetics including shampoo on herself or her children for over a year claims that the change has saved her thousands. Last year, Virginia Tapscott made the controversial decision to stop using toileteries on both herself and her kids after becoming concerned about the amount of 'toxic' chemicals in mainstream beauty products. The 28-year-old from Narrabri, New South Wales, also quit using makeup, perfume, conditioners, face cleansers, body washes, moisturisers, fake tan and hair dye - which she said saves her almost $3,500AUD (2,000) per year. And the freelance writer even cut down using soap and completely stopped washing her three-year-old son Oscar's hair - while her daughter Elke, one, has never been exposed to any products other than water and oil. Virginia Tapscott has not used shampoo on herself or her two children Oscar and Elke (pictured) for over a year Mother-of-two, Virginia, said: 'When I was pregnant with my daughter, I started to really think about what toxic chemicals are in all the beauty and household products that I was using every day. 'The chemicals are not just terrible for our health, but they have a huge impact on our overall environment footprint. 'I also wanted to stop the amount of waste and plastic that was going straight to landfill. So it all made sense to me. 'I decided to cut out washing my hair with shampoo and conditioner, while also stop using soap on my body in the shower. She says that she has saved 3,500AUD by giving up her beauty products as well as shampoo, and says that her hair has never felt better. Pictured: Before (left) and after ditching shampoo Virginia (pictured with her husband Paul before giving up shampoo) says that her hair does feel 'different' but it doesn't smell 'I didn't know what would happen but wanted to give it a go. Now I just use warm water and a washcloth, and it makes for a really quick shower. 'Our skin produces all these natural oils that keep it clean and healthy anyway. 'Water is a powerful solvent in itself so that is going to get off any dirt or grime, especially when you use a washcloth. 'As for my hair, it's never felt better. It does feel different and its obviously not like it was when I was washing it, but it doesn't smell. 'It's far less knotty than it was. The natural oils make it easier to brush. I will scrub it with bicarb soda if it feels oily, but that is very rare. She first decided to ditch shampoo while pregnant (pictured) with her daughter and thinking about all the chemicals in the products Virginia hopes that her daughter Elke (pictured together) will grow up without feeling the usual pressures placed on females to conform to a certain standard of beauty Virginia says her children have only benefited from the minimisation of mainstream beauty products 'I also sometimes just rub tapioca flour in my hair and brush it out, which is like a natural dry shampoo. 'My skin has also never looked better. It used to be on the dry side but now it feels amazing.' Now the only products Virginia uses on her skin is pure jojoba oil and a mineral sunscreen, which only costs her $160 (90) per year. The mother still uses a bar of hand soap for hygiene, but has ditched commercial deodorant and toothpaste altogether - saving her a further $200 (113) in the last 12 months. She now makes her own toothpaste from bentonite clay and calcium carbonate - while her homemade deodorant is simply coconut oil, bicarb soda and essential oils. Virginia said she used to be addicted to bleaching her hair and applying fake tan to achieve that year-round glow - and added those were the hardest things to give up. Virginia's hair seen from the back a year after shampooing But after ditching home hair dye, monthly salon appointments and giving up the fake tan, it has saved her a whopping $2,000 (1,120) a year. Virginia said: 'Hair dye and fake tan were the most difficult things to give up. I loved getting my hair coloured. 'But in the end I couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't justify all the bleach going down the drain and polluting the waterways, and it was also is was irritating my skin. 'I know it's nice to do nice things for yourself as a woman, but there is freedom in not dying your hair for a year and realising that this is actually what my hair looks like. 'I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. I feel better than I ever have. 'A minimal approach can save you thousands of dollars. 'It's not ridiculous and it doesn't mean that you have less personal hygiene, it's just cutting out less. 'It's a huge misconception that we smell bad, because we honestly don't at all.' Virginia - who is married to electrician husband Paul, 32 - said her children have only benefited from the minimisation of mainstream beauty products. Virginia hopes that her daughter Elke will grow up without feeling the usual pressures placed on females to conform to a certain standard of beauty. Virginia (pictured after the no-poo movement) says that it is the best decision that she has ever made She added that by being a role model for her daughter, it may help curb issues like low self-esteem and poor body image. Virginia said: 'My daughter has never been exposed to soap or shampoo. 'She has had nothing on her skin except oil since she was born it has made a world of difference. 'I give her a good wash in the tub and sometimes I'll put some oil in there. 'My son doesn't get rashes anymore, and people tell me all the time how beautiful his curls are 'I think by doing this it will also help my daughter develop good self-esteem and a positive body image. 'What is even better than saving money is that we've stopped so many chemicals from going into both our bodies and the environment. 'It was the best decision I've ever made.' ANNUAL SPENDING BEFORE Shampoo and conditioner: $300 (168) Face wash: $200 (112) Face cream: $250 (140) Body wash: $50 (28) Body moisturiser: $50 (28) Home colour: $500 (280) Perfume - $200 (112) Makeup: $300 (168) BB Cream - $100 (56) Deodorant - $100 (56) Sunscreen: $150 (84) Toothpaste: $100 (56) Fake tan: $200 (112) Salon visits: $1500 (840) TOTAL: $4,000 (2,240) Advertisement A couple with a 35-year age gap have revealed how they kept their relationship a secret for three years - and even broke up several times - over fears their families wouldn't accept them. Cheyenne Baker, 22, from Nashville, Tennessee, first met her partner James Hines, 58, on a dating site five years ago when she was just 17. Cheyenne, who works in public relations, says she was first drawn to James because of his 'dorkiness', while James was intrigued by Cheyenne's wit and great conversation. The pair spoke online for more than seven months before finally meeting up - but quickly decided to keep their relationship secret because they were worried about how their huge age difference would be viewed by others. Cheyenne Baker, 22, and James Hines, 58, from Nashville, Tennessee first met five years ago on a dating app, but kept their relationship a secret for three years because of their age gap The couple, pictured in Star Wars costumes, met online when Cheyenne was just 17; she said she was attracted to James' 'dorkiness', while James loved Cheyenne's wit The couple waited three years to tell their families about the relationship - and Cheyenne's mother was very opposed to the match at first Despite their fears over how people would react, both families took the news well, and even Cheyenne's mother who initially wasn't happy, has now accepted their relationship. Cheyenne said: 'We discussed the pros and cons of the age gap but it's never been a problem, per se. 'We've actually broken up a few times because we thought that it just wasn't possible to have the dream outcome with our families and society accepting and all of that. 'That's part of why we kept the relationship a secret for nearly three years. My mother was very opposed, but now she loves James dearly. 'I wouldn't say that all of my family knows about James, not that it's a secret but I'm not entirely close with everyone because there's just too many people and I'm not going to make a special announcement to people that I don't talk to frequently. I'm not going to hide him either.' James, who is a United States Marine Corps purple heart veteran and retired government employee, added that they eventually had to tell their families or the relationship would have been over. He said: 'When we told our closest family members there was a huge sense of relief because we expected the worst and it went better than expected. The couple, pictured on a day out at the beach, haven't ruled out having children in the future, after overcoming their fears about how their families would react to the relationship Cheyenne said: 'We've actually broken up a few times because we thought that it just wasn't possible to have the dream outcome with our families and society accepting and all of that' The pair haven't had any negative comments yet - and James, who is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, was even high-fived by a stranger in the street over the relationship 'We reached a point where we had to be honest with our families or our relationship would have ended. If we didn't tell our families it would have been a fake relationship and it was taking an emotional toll on the both of us, so we decided to be free.' Although the age gap is clear to see, the pair says they haven't had many negative comments - and James has even been high-fived in the street over the relationship. 'People are mostly polite, no one's really accosted us about being together,' James revealed. 'If anything, they're curious but don't know how to ask us. 'We assume they think Cheyenne's a gold digger and I'm a sex fiend. Most people don't say anything in public out of politeness, maybe. 'When people, who aren't just random strangers first meet us, they either comment on the interracial aspect or the generational aspect, it's never really both. James added: 'We assume they think Cheyenne's a gold digger and I'm a sex fiend. Most people don't say anything in public out of politeness, maybe' They explained that they finally decided to tell their families about their relationship because otherwise it would have ended James added: 'We don't really care anymore. If anyone were to approach us on the street with negative remarks, we'd probably just laugh and walk away' 'One time we were having brunch at an outdoor restaurant and a guy walked past us and yelled out to me, "you're my brother from another mother, you got you some fine chocolate". 'Sometimes I gets a nod of approval or a smirk, one time I got a high five while we were walking down the street. 'I have been more comfortable with doing things in public because I get to show her off but Cheyenne's been more reluctant because she's been more concerned with what people are saying and thinking about us. 'We don't really care anymore. If anyone were to approach us on the street with negative remarks, we'd probably just laugh and walk away.' Now the couple are happier than ever, and aren't ruling out having children in the years to come. A mum's ingenious and incredibly thorough approach to potty training has gone viral, after she covered her entire floor and sofa in incontinence pads. First-time mum Shona McLoughlin, 31, from Preston, Lancashire took on the 'daunting' task of potty training her 26-month-old daughter Erin Rose last week. Determined to limit the consequences of any inevitable 'accidents', Shona and her partner Edward, 31, set about creating a wee-proof area in their home. The mum and dad sealed off the living room using baby gates, covered the floor and sofa in 20 large ultra-absorbent pads and then placed Erin's potty in the middle of the training zone. Shona McLoughlin's incredibly thorough approach to potty training has gone viral as she created a 'wee-proof area in her home in Preston Family photographer Shona said: 'Taking on potty training for the first time was very daunting. 'I had no idea what I was doing or what to expect. I just had visions of little accidents absolutely everywhere. 'Honestly, we just thought it was a normal thing to do, covering the floor for the first few days to protect it. 'We thought it would be easier laying down pads to save me scrubbing the floor all the time. 'I suffer from fibromyalgia so bending down all the time to clean up any accidents would be painful. This was just easier for me. 'Our wood flooring is also still relatively new and we worked hard to make the house nice. You just want to protect it and reduce any risk of damage. 'Once I put them all down I was in fits of laughter, it just looked ridiculous.' The first time mum has taken on the task of potty training her 26-month-old daughter Erin Rose Shona, 31, and her daughter Erin Rose, 26 months. The mum-of-one has covered her entire floor and furniture in incontinence pads as she attempts to potty train her daughter After putting photos of the hilarious set-up on social media, Shona has had an overwhelming response with 28,000 people sharing the post. She said: 'I posted the photos onto a parenting group I'm in and they all encouraged me to switch it to public so they could share it. 'I thought the 300 likes on the group was crazy. All the comments just had me in fits. I didn't expect what happened next with my post on my page.' As well as people sharing her post, Shona has also been inundated with comments and messages of support from other parents. The mum said the 'heartwarming' response has shown her that all parents are still learning. The mum and dad sealed off the living room using baby gates, covered the floor and sofa in 20 large ultra-absorbent pads and then placed Erin's potty in the middle of the training zone Shona shared photographs of her 'wee-proof' zone on social media and has had an overwhelming response with 28,000 people sharing the post The photos were originally shared by Shona in a parenting group but she was encouraged to make it go public so other people could share it Shona said: 'So many people have thanked me for the 'ingenious' idea and for the laughs, showing the honest side of parenting. 'And so many parents have come forwards wishing they had thought of that idea as it would have saved throwing out the carpet. 'The pads are great laid on the top of the car seat too. My friends all think it's hilarious and just normal "crazy stuff Shona does". 'People are calling me a genius, saying they wish they had done the same or would do this when the time comes. Shona has been inundated with comments and messages on social media The mum said the 'heartwarming' response has shown her that all parents are still learning 'Others have said I should be selling signed pads on eBay or writing a blog or a book. 'I don't think I've seen a single nasty comment so far. 'So many people can relate to the daunting task of potty training for the first time. 'It's so heartwarming seeing so many parents from all over the world coming together to offer each other help and support. 'I've been messaged by loads of people offering so many great tips. It just shows we are all only human and still learning ourselves.' Shona and her daughter Erin. Erin's potty training is going well, with just two or three easy to clean accidents and no permanent damage to the floor or furnishings after Shona covered her entire floor in incontinence pads to limit the damage The mum picked up the packet of 25 large bed incontinence pads for just 7 so the unusual method is certainly thrifty - and appears to work. With just two or three easy to clean accidents and no permanent damage to the floor or furnishings in a week, Erin's potty training is going exceptionally well. And Shona is almost feeling ready to take on the challenge of getting Erin to use the loo when out and about. Shona said: 'Turns out potty training isn't as bad as I envisioned. We've only had two or three accidents so far. 'We didn't know how long it would take for her to take to the potty but she has been fantastic. She's almost got it after just a week. 'We tried to make it as fun as possible for her and never tell her off if she does have a whoopsie. 'She picked out her own potty and she likes choosing which colour knickers she wants to wear.' Mum Shona is almost ready to take on the challenge of getting Erin to use the loo when out and about Shona knew Erin was ready to start potty training when she started to tell her she had made a mess in her nappy and demanded she changed her. Shona added: 'She would always show interest when I went to the toilet and asked what I was doing. So I'd explain it to her. 'I guess we are pretty lucky since Erin is very good with her speaking and constantly wanting to learn. 'We did the first couple of days naked from the waist down, putting her on the potty every 20 minutes. 'Once we noticed a pattern we only put her on the potty at those times. Each time putting a little table in front of her so she could sit and do puzzles. 'When she did go we would be over the top cheering her on which she loves the attention and clapped to herself. 'She really enjoys being involved so will clean herself after and then take the inside of the potty to the 'big potty' to pour away. 'Her reward is flushing the big potty and washing her hands, which she loves. 'It quickly clicked for her and she is now able to tell us when she needs to go so we will take her to the potty.' Shona's next challenge is getting Erin to use the toilet when they are out and about. Her 'ingenious' potty training hack of covering her entire floor and furniture in incontinence pads has gone viral after she posted photos on social media Erin is still in pull-ups overnight and Shona is not planning on taking on nighttime training until Erin is much older. She added: 'I don't think I want to disturb her too much during the night taking her to the toilet. 'However she is asking to go to potty first thing in the morning and seems dry so we will see. 'My next challenge is going out and about. I can just imagine me walking around looking like a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle with a training seat strapped to my back pushing the pram. 'Not many places have a child friendly toilet and I can just see her falling into a public toilet.' An expectant couple were forced to deliver their baby son in the hallway of their family home after the labour lasted just 15 minutes. Mother Christine Wadley, from Sydney, was getting ready to head to the hospital when she started experiencing tummy pains on the night of January 5. But within minutes, the mother gave birth to little Benjamin after her quick-thinking husband Shayden sprung into action with the help of a Triple-0 ambulance operator. Appearing on Channel Seven's breakfast show Sunrise, the pair said they were happy with the speedy birth after having to endure 12 hours of labour with their first child. Scroll down for video Expectant couple Christine and Shayden Wadley were forced to deliver their baby son in the hallway of their family home after the labour lasted just 15 minutes When her waters broke, Christine said she was just 'shocked' with how fast the event unfolded in her home. 'It was very quick, it was about 15 to 20 minutes so we're happy about that. I didn't have time to be scared, I kind of went with the flow,' she explained. '[Husband] was just there to support me, which was good and to make sure the baby come out safe - that's all I wanted, to make sure the baby was safe.' Rating her husband's delivery performance, Christine said: 'I'd have to say a 10. He did pretty good, considering it was the first time, and hopefully the last time.' Within minutes, the mother gave birth to little Benjamin (pictured) after her quick-thinking husband Shayden sprung into action with the help of a Triple-0 ambulance operator Showing the camera where the dramatic birth took place in the home, Shayden described the hallway as a ' very tight squeeze but we did it' Showing the camera where the dramatic birth took place in the home, Shayden described the hallway as a 'very tight squeeze but we did it'. 'What an amazing experience I'll never forget. A bit nerve-raking but we managed to get it all done in the end,' he said. 'She was an absolute trooper.' After a successful delivery, Shayden joked about a career change: 'I'm actually thinking about becoming a midwife.' Beverly Hills Brat Nicolette Gray rose into the spotlight last year after her outrageous demands on Dr. Phil about the money she needed from her mom to sustain her designer lifestyle. And now another spoiled teenager has attempted to garner similar fame by also appearing on Dr. Phil to discuss her audacious spending habits on her parents' dime. Tamara, 17, has labeled herself as the Beverly Hills Princess after first visiting with Dr. Phil about her spending habits. But people have criticized the spoiled teen for blatantly copying Nicolette, 16, and 'her brand'. Upset: Beverly Hills Brat Nicolette Gray, 16, has accused another spoiled teen of copying her online presence Face off: Tamara, 17, (left) appeared on Dr. Phil months after Nicolette (right) did sharing similar spoiled traits and spending habits Annoyed: After the episode aired, Nicolette filmed a reaction video on her now-popular YouTube channel to explain why she thought the teen was copying her Identical: Tamara's intro to her YouTube videos was also pulled up and it looked very similar to the one Nicolette created Priorities: Both women like to wear fur jackets, despite living in a warmer state, and wear designer labels Both teenagers have YouTube channels to document their lives in Beverly Hills, California, where they spend an obscene amount of money on designer clothes and other luxury items. The difference between the two teens is that Nicolette was first to appear on Dr. Phil in May 2018. At the time, she complained because her mom was attempting to lower her monthly allowance from $5,000 to $1,000. This attention from the show helped Nicolette grow a YouTube following where she now has more than 800,000 follower subscribed to the weekly videos about her life. Then Tamara appeared on Dr. Phil acting similar to Nicolette by talking about how her designer bags are her 'babies' and how she requires team to do her hair and makeup. Like Nicolette, Tamara has used her new-found fame from Dr. Phil to create a YouTube channel where she dubs herself the Beverly Hills Princess. Unimpressed: Not only has Tamara appeared on Dr. Phil with a similar lifestyle but she also later created a YouTube page similar to Nicolette's Spoiled: Nicolette has used the Dr. Phil show to boost her YouTube career while she spends her days spending money on luxury and designer items Following suit: It appears Tamara is looking to have a similar career as Nicolette by sharing ehr lifestyle on YouTube Expensive: In her first episode, Tamara shared her expensive wardrobe and lifestyle for fans Now fans of Nicolette have accused Tamara of copying the Beverly Hills Brat in order to garner a similar amount of viewers for her own channel. On Monday, Nicolette made a video to address the 'copycat' account after hundreds of followers implored her to comment. 'I really didnt want to talk about this,' she said at the beginning of the video. 'Theres this girl who has been copying me and I really didnt want to have to address it.' She then watched the episode of Dr. Phil with Tamara and shared her reactions to the footage. The main complaint Nicolette had was that Tamara seemed to mimic things she said when first appearing on the show. Luxury: There are multiple posts on both Instagram accounts flaunting their designer purchases from a shopping day Weird: Nicolette has shown her dog, named Bentley, on her YouTube channel. In one of Tamara's videos she also shows off a dog named Bentley One example was how Tamara referred to her bags as her babies and also admitted she decided to go through home schooling because of her lifestyle. 'I said that,' Nicolette explained referencing her own experience on Dr. Phil. 'I know she is trying to copy me.' The spoiled teen later compared the beginning of Tamara's YouTube videos with her own and discovered how they had a very similar introduction. Fans have taken to both Tamara's Instagram and YouTube to accuse the teen of copying Nicolette. 'Shes basically a poorer version of Nicolette Gray,' one fan wrote while another person called her the 'Dollar Store version' of the Beverly Hills Brat. Tamara has taken this criticism in stride and joked about copying Nicolette on her Instagram after the reaction video came out. Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix has made the KonMari method a global phenomenon. KonMari was created by Japanese woman Marie Kondo and is about throwing away the things that no longer bring you joy and re-organising your home in order to create a better life. And Gemma Quinn, an Australian Certified Platinum KonMari Consultant, has revealed to FEMAIL what people should know to help them master the art. She told Daily Mail Australia her role as a consultant is to support and guide people through their own KonMari journey. So where should you start on your KonMari journey? Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix has made the KonMari method a global phenomenon. Pictured: Marie Kondo She told Daily Mail Australia her role as a consultant is to support and guide people through their own KonMari journey. Pictured: Gemma Quinn What is the KonMari method? Commit yourself to tidying up. Imagine your ideal lifestyle. Finish discarding first. Tidy by category, not by location. Follow the right order. Ask yourself if it sparks joy. KonMari was created by Japanese woman Marie Kondo and is about throwing away the things that no longer bring you joy and reorganising your home in order to create a better life. Source: KonMari Advertisement Visualise Ms Quinn said that it is important to visualise your ideal life. She said she it's important not to limit yourself when visualising your ideal life as you'd be surprised what's possible. The Australian KonMari expert said that she's had people say they'd love a clean bench top but didn't think it was possible. 'Just watch me,' she joked, adding she asks if they want flowers on the bench too. She said: 'At the end of the day, the KonMari method is all about living your ideal life -and it's not about tidying, it's about tidying your life to meet that lifestyle.' Gemma Quinn, a Certified Platinum KonMari Consultant, has revealed to FEMAIL what people should know to help them master the art How to organise a small space Ms Quinn revealed that KonMari can be applied to small and large spaces the same way, whether that is a single drawer or a large house. She said: 'With a one-bedroom apartment its about what you need to live, especially if you feel the space is cluttered. 'If they want an ideal space that is functional in a one-bedroom apartment then they might find joy in simplicity and having only the things they need to live.' She said it is important to optimise your storage space such as using boxes to pack things away. How to organise a small space? Ms Quinn revealed that KonMari can be applied to small and large spaces the same way, whether that is a single drawer or a large house Ms Quinn revealed how you should think about the KonMari method. Gemma pictured with Marie Kondo Fears of regret? Ms Quinn said there is no one who hasn't had an element of regret in throwing something out that she is aware of. She told Daily Mail Australia: 'If someone is truly going through the method and applying it properly they understand why they did it at the time and their perspective of life changes.' She said the KonMari method helps people see the world through new eyes. 'There's no clients I am aware of that have truly and deeply regretted letting something go,' she said. Ms Quinn said if they do they have already dealt with the emotions of parting with the object and it ends up not feeling like a big deal. Post KonMari regret? Ms Quinn said there is no one has had an element of regret in throwing something out that she is aware of Items to help organise A lot of people love Marie Kondo's folding method, but Ms Quinn said she loves using open lidded boxes to help store items. She joked it was a little bit like tetris and she fits boxes within boxes as it helps use 90 per cent of the storage space. Ms Quinn added she uses bags to help organise herself when she's travelling. 'I find really beautiful bottles and containers that I decant a lot of my things in,' she said. 'So for instance my shampoo never changes container and it is a container I love with a shampoo inside that I love and they both bring me joy. 'What I find is that it cuts out the visual noise and I only see things that I really love - even if it's a nice jar.' How do you organise? A lot of people love Marie Kondo's folding method, but Ms Quinn said she loves using open lidded boxes to help store items How do you know if something brings you joy? Ms Quinn said a lot of her job is helping people figure out whether something brings them true joy. She said there is a difference between liking something and it bringing you joy, and when asked if you like something generally people say yes. 'Lots of people try to give me a logical explanation like "this is a perfect top to wear to work" but at the end of the day a technical and rational explanation doesn't really matter,' she said. Ms Quinn said this is why it's important to visualise your ideal life as its normally a good guide. She said it is also important to ask yourself questions such as when was the last time you wore the item and did you feel beautiful while wearing it. Fans of KonMari: Mothers from Down Under have taken on Marie's mission with care, deciding to overhaul their bedroom cupboards, kitchen drawers and bookshelves after binge watching the documentary All elements of life Ms Quinn said you can get creative about the KonMari method and not just apply it to your home. 'I apply it to my news feed, to my Facebook and my emails,' she said. 'I apply it to friends that I see and my time - absolutely everything.' Ms Quinn said it's not just stay-at-home mothers organising but can be applied to every aspect of life. Marie Kondo has earned legions of fans for her organizing tips and philosophies, which she details in her books and new Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. But one group she hasn't entirely won over? Bibliophiles. Some of the most passionate book lovers have expressed outrage, disgust, and horror at the 34-year-old's alleged advice that a person should only keep 30 books at a time. Tidy philosophy: Marie Kondo's popularity has grown with the debut of her Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo The gist: She teaches people how to keep their places neat but also suggests they get rid of anything that doesn't spark joy Where the readers at? However, she got varying reactions for supposedly saying that people should only have 30 books at a time Kondo advises people to get rid of everything that doesn't bring them joy. The practice is a way to weed out clutter and keep only possessions that add something positive to our lives (or serve practical measures). So when some people heard that she'd recommended a 30 book maximum, they were aghast, arguing that all of their books give them joy. Some shared pictures of their collections and home libraries, saying that the mere volume of books they'd collected over the years made them happy. 'I threw the Marie Kondo book out because it did not bring me joy (thanked it first),' quipped one Twitter user. 'Im told that tidying up expert Marie Kondo says you should only keep 30 books so you can prevent clutter and Im over here like 30 books on my nightstand, you mean?' tweeted National Review staff writer Alexandra DeSanctis. How DARE she! Many social media users expressed horror and outrage Pry them from their cold, dead fingers! Quite a few refused to part with any of their books So much joy: Others showed off their collections and said they made them happy Seriously? Several were shocked at the idea of just having 30 books Warmth: People spoke of the enduring sentimental value of books The great divide: Books have certainly been a sticking point for some people Nope! The concept of tossing books turned some people off to Kondo altogether 'Marie Kondo means 30 books per room, right?' asked another woman. Someone from Finland chimed in with a bookshelf photo and wrote: 'These are my dear friends, some have been with me since I was a baby. When it comes to books, more is more.' 'I know it's not possible or practical to hold on to every single physical copy you've ever owned,' Arianna Davis wrote for O: The Oprah Magazine. 'But Kondo's method simply won't work for me because every single one of the books in my library have "sparked joy" in me. My books are not clutter. They are my escape, my teachers, and my friends.' And author Anakana Schofield from for The Guardian: 'The metric of objects only 'sparking joy' is deeply problematic when applied to books. ... Literature does not exist only to provoke feelings of happiness or to placate us with its pleasure; art should also challenge and perturb us.' Hyperbole: Some people, though, have poked fun at the outrage of book lovers Take a chill pill! Some pointed out that if books do bring a person so much joy, Kondo would be fine with them keeping them Misunderstood: Many are coming to her defense and saying those who are angry aren't paying attention What's 'too many' anyway? Others are simply making fun of people who like to keep a lot of books Jokes: Others are simply having fun cracking jokes about the whole thing The thing is, Kondo never actually said that people should only have 30 books. What she said is that she personally likes to whittle her collection down to that number. In 2017's The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up, she wrote: 'I now keep my collection of books to about thirty volumes at one time, but in the past, I found it very hard to discard books because I love them. 'The first time I sorted through my library using the yardstick of whether or not they gave me joy, I had about a hundred volumes left in my bookcase. 'Although this is not excessive compared to the average, I felt that I could still reduce. 'One day I decided to take a closer look at what I had. I started with books that I considered taboo to discard. In my case, first on the list was Alice in Wonderland, which I had read repeatedly since grade one. Books like this, which fall into one's personal Book Hall of Fame, are simple to identify. The truth: What Kondo actually said is that she personally only keeps 30 books at a time, not that she thinks everyone else should 'Next, I looked at books that inspire pleasure but didn't quite make it into the Hall of Fame. As time passes the content of this category naturally changes, but these book are the one I definitely want to keep right now.' People who are familiar with Kondo's work have pointed this out on Twitter, with one teasing that Kondo hadn't actually 'said to destroy all books and then broke into peoples houses individually and made them eat all their books and then when they tried to protest she said dont talk with your mouth full of books, bookmouth and all the cool kids laughed at them.' 'Marie Kondo actually loves that people feel angry about the books thing and said if you feel this strongly, keep them because books are invaluable to you,' someone else wrote on Twitter. And rightfully so! Last January, book lovers were furious over an interior design trend of stacking books backwards But where's my Pride & Prejudice? People place colorful books or all books facing spine-in for a more monochrome look Authors vs. aesthetics: Those who like the idea say it creates a seamless look without clashing hues So many questions... Few, though, have explained whether they actually read the books or how they find a specific title Meanwhile, a year ago this week, book lovers were up in arms over another suggestion sweeping social media. Promoted by a handful of interior designers and home decor websites, the home decor trend involved stacking books backwards on bookshelves, so the spines featuring the title and author are hidden. The result was a collection of identical beige pages facing toward the room, creating a neutral, monochrome look. It's unclear exactly where the idea originated, but it really began to gain momentum on social media late in 2017. On Pinterest, there are dozens of home decor inspiration pins featuring the look, showing full bookshelves filled with books facing the wrong direction. Some who've tried it turn every single book around to create an all-white or all-beige aesthetic, while others alternate between forward-facing and backward-facing books. The tip has turned up on blogs too, and Apartment Therapy set off fierce debate after suggesting it to its own Instagram followers in November. Aghast: Vocal bibliophiles expressed outrage and horror on Twitter For shame! Some said that no one who actually likes reading would do such a thing But why!? Many critics simply didn't understand it and can't trust those who do 'Books don't match your decor? Don't fret. The incredibly easy solution? Flip them for a perfectly coordinated look,' the site wrote. The controversy didn't end there. While some argued that people should do whatever they please with their own possessions, many took to social media to criticize the trend. 'I didn't think there was anything worse than books arranged by color, but I guess there is,' wrote one. 'The #backwardsbooks trend is for goddamn maniacs,' tweeted another. Some were quite angry that books were being treated as accessories rather than reading material. Many of them who clearly feel a deep emotional connection to books said the trend is shallow and disrespectful. They also pointed out that stacking books this way would make it much, much harder to find something to read. Wrong! Some have called those who like the trend shallow and disrespectful and questioned their priorities The horror! Some, like this man, would be utterly turned off by a romantic prospect who did this with books Downside: A lot of people love looking at the titles on other people's shelves when they visit Total chaos: This person likened the trend to putting all spices in a single container 'The #backwardsbooks trend is for hipsters who don't actually read & never need to be able to actually FIND a book. Yall are SHALLOW, just sayin,' wrote one. 'For book lovers who hate books,' quipped another. Then, there were those that shared how disturbed they'd be to enter a home with books set up this way, explaining that it's a favorite pastime of readers to check out the title son someone else's shelf. 'Storing books backwards also removes the pleasure of snooping other people's bookshelves so thumbs down to that trend,' wrote one woman. A writer added: 'Imagine dating someone, being really super into them, then going to their place and finding out they shelve their books backwards. Chilling.' Finally, there were those simply turned off by the chaos of it all. 'I think the backwards books are a good idea and also I keep my salt, sugar, pepper, garlic powder, and baking soda mixed up together in the same jar,' joked a New York man. A woman has inspired others on affordable fashion after she recreated celebrity looks with clothes she bought for pennies at thrift shops. Toronto-based fashionista Sheri Pavlovic calls herself a 'DIY diva' online and runs a blog entitled Confessions of a Refashionista where she advises people on how to curate an eco-friendly wardrobe. Popular posts from her blog and Instagram account include Sheri recreating popular celebrity pictures with outfits she finds for less than $10. These outfits are curated through browsing thrift shops and consignment stores. In a post with Bored Panda, Sheri shared ways she was able to copy celebrity looks with the help of her own closet and finding secondhand items from other stores. 'With a bit of imagination you'll be able to put together something similar for next to nothing,' she wrote. Get the look! Sheri Pavlovic (right) recreates celebrity looks for next to nothing. She replicated Jennifer Aniston's look (left) with a suit from the '80s that she inherited Claim to fame: The 'DIY diva' runs a blog entitled Confessions of a Refashionista. She spent just $1 on a thrifted blouse to copy Toni Collette's red carpet look (left) Inspired: The fashionista was able to copy Cate Blanchett's look (left) by finding trousers at a local thrift shop for $2. It appears the rest of the outfit she already had in her closet Keeping it casual: To mimic Evangeline Lilly's outfit (left), Sheri found a matching top for just $2 at a thrift store. She then paired it with similar items she already owned Flashback: Sheri couldn't resist taking on Molly Ringwald's iconic 1980s style Nailed it: The blogger headed to a thrift store to pick up a $1 blouse, which she paired with a quirky hat and oversize blazer Lookalike: Sheri spent $6 for a thrifted studded biker jacket, $1 for a cowl neck flannel shirt, $1 for Betsey Johnson leggings, and $4 for biker boots on eBay to emulate Jessica Alba (left) '90s style: Sheri recreates outfits from past decades, including this look Lisa Kudrow wore while playing Phoebe Buffay on Friends. She paid $2 for her black dress at a charity shop Impressive: 'I had everything in my closet,' the thrifty blogger said of recreating this Doctor Who look (left) Almost identical: Sheri paid $3 for a thrifted plaid shirt and puffy vest to take on the look Michael J. Fox's character Marty McFly wore in the 1985 film Back to the Future (left) All about the styling: Sheri used clothes from her closet and pieces from a clothing swap to take on Madonna's funky outfit from 2010 (left) Feeling crafty: Sheri dropped a mere $2 on tulle to make a DIY version of a skirt worn by Melissa McCarthy (left) Feeling it: Sheri couldn't resist recreating this Fossil ad featuring Kristen Bell All her own: She just went shopping in her own close to recreate the preppy look All eyes on her: To recreate Mindy Kaling's eye-catching outfit from 2014 (left), Sheri refashioned her trench coat with fabric paint and shoulder studs (right) Last week the internet was left baffled by swimsuit bottoms created by Australian label Beginning Boutique. And now a one-piece by Black Swallow Boutique has been brought into question regarding the extremely high-cut and revealing nature of the design. The fashion label shared a picture of the revealing midnight blue swimming costume on Monday - and thousands of comments soon followed. Would you wear this? A one-piece by Black Swallow Boutique has been brought into question regarding the extremely high-cut nature of the pictured swimsuit The $49 swimming costume attracted some mocking comments about how it looked. 'Omg this is stunning! I'm buying one right after my surgery to remove my vagina,' one amused woman wrote. While another said: 'It's giving me anxiety thinking about the front wedgie this will give me.' 'Yaassss (sic). We would rock this! Would need a second one to cover left boob tho (sic),' another wrote. While one facetiously added: 'This looks so comfortable and modest.' 'Everyone needs that one item of goal clothing you know, so I'm definitely going to buy it,' one person wrote. 'It's giving me anxiety thinking about the front wedgie this will give me': The $49 swimming costume attracted some mocking comments about how it looked 'I just figure once I've finally reached my goal of being able to lose my vagina, I'll finally be able to fit into this. Can't wait.' Alex Baro, CEO of Black Swallow, told FEMAIL that the brand is willing to post anything that will get them engagement as long as it isn't offensive. 'The majority of the comments are funny and harmless - although some do border on body shaming,' he said. All in good fun? Alex Baro, CEO of Black Swallow, told FEMAIL that the brand is willing to post anything that will get them engagement as long as it isn't offensive He said Black Swallow sends out swimsuits to women to road test their swimsuits and promote the label that way. Mr Baro said this is sent to women of all different ethnicities and body types to highlight that their label is designed for everyone. He said Black Swallow has been controversial in the past and it has worked in their favour to achieve maximum engagement - even hinting there is more to come. The CEO also said that from December 1, 2018, thousands of the swimsuit had sold, showing off its popularity. Last week, popular Australian clothing brand Beginning Boutique promoted their latest range on Facebook, where they have been inundated with thousands of comments from amused customers. Similar story: Last week, popular Australian clothing brand Beginning Boutique promoted their latest range (pictured) on Facebook, where they have been inundated with thousands of comments from amused customers The bikini that has so far received the strongest reaction is their Haymen Bikini Tee Red & White $59.95 and Heron Bikini Bottoms Red & White $39.95. In just a matter of days, the shot has gained over 149 thousand comments and 35,000 shares. The Beginning Boutique website said the 90s inspired bikini bottoms feature 'a white body with red trim, a super high cut waist, adjustable sides, and a Brazil-style bottom.' For a Prime Minister who had just gone down to the largest and most momentous parliamentary defeat in British history, Theresa May last night looked strangely calm and relaxed. She was on her feet at the despatch box the moment the shattering news was delivered. Very brave and composed. Good for her. Here was a very proud woman who had just suffered the total and utter destruction of everything she has fought for over the past two years. For a Prime Minister who had just gone down to the largest and most momentous parliamentary defeat in British history, Theresa May last night looked strangely calm and relaxed Many people would have bent over in pain and despair and been forgiven for it. Lesser politicians would have given up months ago. Say what you will about the Prime Minister, there is no questioning her tenacity, courage or guts. But where now? According to most laws of politics, Mrs May should go. She cannot command a majority in the House of Commons on the flagship policy of her government. Only three times in the past 100 years has a government endured a defeat of more than 100 votes. Mrs May lost by more than twice that 230 votes. And yet she spoke last night as if she intends to go on. Heroic, yes. Magnificent, certainly. Brave, beyond doubt. Some will say she is doomed and her position is hopeless. One possibility is that Cabinet colleagues will mobilise against her overnight. Thats how Margaret Thatcher was forced out in 1990. Her chief Cabinet ally, Chancellor Philip Hammond, made a pre-emptive bid to stop that at yesterdays Cabinet meeting. He said: Whatever happens tonight, Prime Minister, you must not resign under any circumstances. The rest of the Cabinet loyally banged the table in support. That was, however, before they knew the shocking scale of the Commons defeat that awaited her. Many people would have bent over in pain and despair and been forgiven for it. Lesser politicians would have given up months ago. Say what you will about the Prime Minister, there is no questioning her tenacity, courage or guts For the time being she will stay and fight this afternoons confidence vote called by Labour and she may well win it. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn got the tone completely wrong in his victory speech last night. Tory MPs, however disillusioned they are by Mrs May, will have been horrified by its crowing nature. He should have spoken in sorrow rather than anger. Instead, he spoke like a man who smells the chance of Downing Street. If Tory MPs do rally round Mrs May as they did in the confidence motion last December. Which means that the Prime Minister can cling on. But cling on to what? Not as walking wounded. If she survives at all, she risks resembling a political corpse. She will need to be propped up by others. And it will take more than the unimpressive Mr Hammond to save her. But lets turn our attention from Mrs May. Because last night was a momentous event, not just in the history of politics but in the history of our country. In many ways the fate of the Prime Minister is the least important question. For the time being she will stay and fight this afternoons confidence vote called by Labour and she may well win it. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn got the tone completely wrong in his victory speech last night First to the Conservative Party, which in theory she still leads. Last night marked the moment the Tory Party split. The Brexit rebels scent blood, and from now on they will fight without mercy or remorse for their vision of a no-deal Brexit. That means open war between them and the rest of the party. A hard core of the Brexit rebels, who voted in such numbers against Mrs May, are now set on securing their objective no matter what. Equally, a hard core of Remainer wing of the party will stop at nothing to stop them. For the past 30 years, theres been a long and bitter Tory war over Europe. That war will now reach its ugly conclusion. And with so much at stake I dont believe that Jacob Rees-Mogg or John Redwood can any longer stay in the same party as Michael Heseltine or Anna Soubry. Make no mistake, if Mrs May attempts to stay on and arbitrate between the partys two factions, her Conservative foes will try to hunt her down like a wild animal. In my view, her best chance of survival is to take sides with the Brexiteers. There were some indications last night that in a desperate attempt to rescue her premiership she was trying to do just that. But does Mrs May really want to become their hostage? How undignified an end to a distinguished career. A general election is now a real possibility. But the war-torn Tories are in a poor state to fight one. They would be fighting with one another. We now need to take on board the real possibility that the 200-year history of the Tory Party finished last night. The only way to navigate out of this chaos is for the Tories to talk to Labour. Mrs May, a tribal Tory, isnt the most obvious candidate to do that. Over the next few weeks David Lidington, her deputy, will be the real prime minister. No one will announce it. Few British voters know who he is. But hell be the one who sits down face to face with Jeremy Corbyn, acting behind the scenes, and trying to make sense of the havoc which now engulfs British politics. And Labour will talk to him and whether we like it or not, Mr Corbyn, as much as Mrs May, now holds the key to whether Brexit takes place. But lets not forget, the Labour leader has huge problems too. Mr Corbyn supports Brexit while the majority of his MPs and Labour voters are against. Like Mrs May, he may be washed away by events as civil war breaks out in his party. Brexit has become the gravest political crisis of our lifetimes. I hoped that Mrs Mays deal would go through last night. Instead, all outcomes are now possible. No-deal Brexit and economic catastrophe. A general election. A much softer Brexit. At the very least it now looks probably that Article 50 will be delayed. Mrs May will want to carry on. Its in her character. But her husband Philip such a tower of strength and what a decent man may gently take her aside and tell her that while shes done her best, her time is up. She has taken one monster pummelling after another. The rebuffs from Europe. The treachery of her Cabinet. The defeats in Parliament. No professional boxer has taken such a beating and come back for more. If she did choose to retire she could do so with pride, even with honour. She has done her best. Her deal, I believed, was the best for Britain. If the outcome of last nights devastating defeat is that it is not to be, then others must deal with the terrifying consequences. Pictured from left to right: State Sen. Tom Killion, state Sen. Andy Dinniman, and state Sen. Lisa Boscola stand behind Victoria, a German Shepherd puppy mill survivor, during a press conference in the main rotunda of the state Capitol in Harrisburg. Victoria's Law, introduced by Killion and Dinniman, aims to end puppy mills by prohibitting the sale of commercially raised dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores across Pennsylvania. Susan Mateka, center, receives the Department of Defense Patriot Award from retired Pennsylvania National Guard Col. Patrick Heron,right. Mateka was nominated by CCDC behavior mentor Nate Ashbaugh, left. The following items are based on information provided by officials in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The Ulster County Department of Social Services at Development Court, off Ulster Avenue in the town of Ulster, N.Y., is seen in a photo from April 2018. BETHEL, N.Y. After losing one of its producers, a planned festival at Bethel Woods in Sullivan County to mark the 50th anniversary of the 19 U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks about her presidential campaign on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Brunswick, N.Y. With her, from left, are her son Theo, her husband Jonathan, her son Henry and her mother Polly. KINGSTON, N.Y. Former town of Woodstock Supervisor Jeff Moran has joined the crowded field of Democrats seeking to run in the upcoming speci Author Stephen Blauweiss, left, talks about photographs of the old Kingston Post Office with Ulster County Historian Geoffrey Miller. The Daily American JOHNSTOWN The Greater Johnstown School Board outsourced more than $8 million in educational support services since 2014 to nonprofits that employed school officials immediate family members. According to financial records accessed via Right-to-Know request, the Greater Johnstown School District directed more than $5.6 million to the Cambria County Child Development Corp. and $2.4 million to the Greater Johnstown YMCA during this time period. Superintendent Amy Arcurio acknowledged in an email that these nonprofits employ at least one current school board member and employed the direct family of at least two other former school officials, including her husband, Vince. The records were shared with the Greater Johnstown Education Association, the schools teachers union, which issued a statement condemning officials for outsourcing student services to relatives while furloughing teachers. If true, we must acknowledge that at a time when it is speculated that the district may have funneled millions of dollars for private interests, our teachers and support staff were facing cuts that directly impacted the students. Our personnel experienced cuts to our wages, to our benefits and even to the capacity at which we can serve our students through staff furloughs in 2016, the union statement reads. The district forced a consolidation, eliminated a school building, and outsourced Pre-K services during the time frame the district was supposedly bankrolling their friends at outside entities. They added: (Our union) acknowledges that administrative leadership and the School Board of Directors members is changing, sparking optimism that these allegations will be fully investigated and corrected ethically, with the efforts and resolutions shared publicly. We are trusting that the resolution will include the pool of educational resources available, including our teachers and support staff and their many talents, providing the best for the students and their educational programming at the Greater Johnstown School District. Amy Arcurio a longtime administrator who was named superintendent this fall did not give a telephone or in-person interview, but answered questions submitted via email. She said that subcontracting non-union workers is a financial necessity. A third party vendor provides these services at a lower cost which helps our (schools) budgetary demands. The situation is the difficulty in keeping all current GJSD positions filled, Arcurio said. The programs in question are the Trojan Learning Center, the Trojan Afterschool Program, Pride & Tradition at the High School, Afterschool Live all offered by the Cambria County Child Development Corp. and the alternative education program, which is provided through the Greater Johnstown Community YMCA. Arcurio said the Trojan Learning Center was offered at East Side and West Side elementary schools between 2014 and 2017. Tutoring, meals, activities and transportation were offered through this program. According to Arcurio, the elementary school program was originally funded with a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the commonwealth. It has since been eliminated because of a lack of funding. The Trojan Afterschool Program, Arcurio said, provided tutoring, meals, activities and transportation to middle school students courtesy of a 21st Century Cohort 5 grant from October 2012 to October 2015. She added that Pride & Tradition at the High School gave tutoring, credit recovery and meals to high school students with the same grant during this same timeframe. And Afterschool Live, a high school and middle school program, has been offered since April 2016. The first grant for this program expired at the end of last year, but Amy Arcurio said a three-year extension should keep this offering around until at least December 2021. This program also provides tutoring, credit recovery, course recovery, meals and transportation. According to Amy Arcurio, the Trojan Learning Center served as many as 200 students; the Trojan Afterschool Program and Pride & Tradition at the High School were both designed for 150 seats; Afterschool Live serves 185 students; and the alternative education program includes 28 students. As you are aware we have had many administrative changes as well as firm changes in the last year, but please know that as I continue to develop in this role I will deepen my individual understanding of our partnerships with both the YMCA and CCCDC, Arcurio wrote. Arcurios father-in-law, Robert, was among them, having been listed as site coordinator for Afterschool Live. She said he is no longer employed at the organization. Our Towns attempt to contact Robert Arcurio through Gary Jubas, his attorney during a 2017 civil trial involving both the nonprofit and Cambria County, were unsuccessful. Former school board president and current board member Cyndi Ahlborn is also employed at the Cambria County Child Development Corp. Ahlborn did not return an email requesting an interview. Arcurio noted that Ahlborn was hired by the Cambria County Child Development Corp. in 2003, which is four years after the organization was given its first contract by the district. She said Ahlborn does administrative in offices clearly marked as 21st Century Learning Center in accordance to grant requirements. Ron Kikta, the longtime director of the Cambria County Child Development Corp., recently retired. His successor, Chris Baughman, was asked to discuss the nonprofits programming with Greater Johnstown School District during an office visit. She responded with the following email message: "We partner with several school districts and other community agencies to operate many successful programs throughout the county. Most of our programs are funded by grants and monitored extensively by specialists that are appointed by the Commonwealth of PA. "In addition, the child care programs we operate all have earned STAR designation by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and are monitored by the Department of Human Services . . . our mission is to provide continuous and successful programs that enhance the lives of children and families." Also formerly employed via school district subcontracting, Arcurio confirmed, were the son and daughter of Dick Unger, the late school board president. Unger resigned from the board in 2017 after a failed re-election bid. He was under public scrutiny at the time in light of a Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale report that flagged the school district for hiring Ungers daughter in 2012 without advertising the position or seeking other candidates. The woman was also bought out of a five-year contract two years into the deal, costing taxpayers $136,000. Dennis Unger Dick Ungers son said for eight years he was among the family and friends who secured employment at the district through subcontracting. He acknowledged working for both the YMCA as a security guard and for the Cambria County Child Development Corp. as help for the districts Summer in the City program up until a few years ago. Theres gonna be a lot of people that are going to be embarrassed. My dad was involved with that for a number of years before he decided enough was enough, Dennis Unger said. It (was) about sustaining a lifestyle to support friends and relatives. He added that he and his father cooperated with a State Ethics Commission investigation. The commission has not confirmed or denied whether that investigation is complete. I can tell you this: Theres been dates and times and things that were written down and given to the (State Ethics Commission), Dennis Unger said. I guess you can say there is a diary. It just wasnt something that was tended to (by my father) every day . . . but when things did happen, they were written down. Dennis Unger said hes happy members of the teachers union are speaking up. Theres so much (nonsense) thats gone on down there, it really is sad, he said. They were intimidated. They were bullied. This isnt 1975, 1980 where you can run around like a mob boss and tell people to do things. Its unfathomable that its 2019 and this (stuff) is still going on. Our Town left several voicemails at the YMCA before visiting the facility Jan. 2. A woman at the front desk called one of the administrators, who again asked that questions be referred to Amy Arcurio at the school district. Multiple board members of the YMCA were then emailed for details about alternative education programming and a list of employees. Board President Julie Sheehan responded with the following message: The Greater Johnstown Community YMCA employs the Behavior Monitors for the Alternative Education Program and the Counselors and Coordinators for the College Access Program. The money paid to the YMCA, from the school district grant, covers the expenses associated with the salaries and taxes, for the nine staff people. She did not address the inquiry regarding who is employed in these positions. Johnstown activist John DeBartola who first raised questions regarding school officials family ties to subcontractors in 2015 said hes also encouraged by the Greater Johnstown Education Association letter. Were asking people to openly start showing support for us. Im so glad the teachers union is taking a stand because maybe people now will start paying attention, DeBartola said. (But) will anything change? The Daily American The Somerset school board limited the size of any possible tax increase for the 2019-20 school year on Monday night. During a meeting, the board unanimously voted not to raise the millage rate above the Act 1 index. Act 1 is a state law designed to protect taxpayers from exorbitant increases. The board could still raise taxes to the index by the district adjusted rate of 2.9 percent. No action was taken Monday to increase the rate. Superintendent Krista Mathias said that budget details for next years spending plan are not yet available. We really havent gotten to the point where we have enough information about expenses this year to estimate, Mathias said. District operations and finance director Leanne Heiple said that it is not yet known what next years state funding allocation will be. I have no details at this time, Heiple said. The last time the district raised the tax rate was for the 2015-16 year when the millage increased by 5.58 percent. Also during Mondays meeting, Mathias said that a school bus stop along North Center Avenue is being investigated after a complaint was made. The Daily American also received a complaint about the stop in front of the Highland Hill Homes. Mathias said state police have been asked to have a presence at the stop in order to catch anyone passing a stopped bus. She said that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has also been asked to evaluate whether a blinking yellow traffic light at the intersection there should be turned into a red light. Students have been moved further back from the road, she said, and she plans to make a social media posting about school bus safety. Police raid 'Buddha boy' ashram in Nepal CNN/January 10, 2019 By Sugam Pokharel and Joshua Berlinger New Delhi -- Authorities in Nepal raided one of the ashrams of a spiritual leader -- whose supporters believe he is the reincarnation of Buddha -- while investigating the disappearance of four of his followers. Uma Prasad Chaturvedi, a spokesman for Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), said police began searching the ashram, a type of spiritual monastery, north of the capital, Kathmandu, after getting a tip that a body was buried there. The police search of the premises failed to uncover any human remains. The four people missing, two men and two women, worshipped at other ashrams associated with Ram Bahadur Bomjan, according to Chaturvedi. Their families have not heard from them in more than two years, he said. "We don't have complaints specifically against Bomjan," Charurvedi said. "Since these missing people are missing from his ashram, we may have to question him eventually. But we haven't done that just yet." He said followers who live at the ashram are being questioned. Bomjan could not be reached for comment. Officials with Bodhi Shrawan Dharma Sangha, the organization that manages Bomjan's ashrams, issued a statement that didn't address the disappearances, but said, "we are sad and disappointed about the recent media reports." The statement made no specific mention of the four missing individuals. The case has thrown Bomjan, 28, into the spotlight more than a decade after he first gained international attention. In 2005, at the age of 15, he retreated into the jungle to pray for 10 months, local media reported at the time. According to his followers, he did so without food, sleep or water. Those claims were never independently verified, but it led some to laud him as the reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in Nepal some 2,500 years ago, and later became known simply as Buddha, meaning "enlightened one." Bomjan was quickly dubbed in local media as the "Buddha boy," which helped to further his fame, as thousands from across the country and neighboring India traveled to see him while he was in the jungle. Bomjan began preaching about two years later, according to his website, attracting an audience of about 3,000 people during his first sermon. He and his supporters then used his fame to set up a network of ashrams around Nepal dedicated to his teachings. But recently, Bomjan has been dogged by allegations of wrongdoing. An 18-year-old nun publicly accused him of raping her at one of his ashrams in September 2018. Kunda Dev, a police inspector in Sarlahi district -- where the alleged incident took place -- said the nun never filed an official police complaint and so police never filed charges. Dhiraj Pratap Singh, a senior superintendent at Kathmandu Metropolitan Police's crime division also told CNN that no formal complaint was ever made to authorities. Bodhi Shrawan Dharma Sangha officials denied the rape allegations in a news conference that month, calling them "completely made-up." Neither the president nor the general secretary of Bodhi Shrawan Dharma Sangha returned CNN's phone calls seeking comment on the rape allegation and the missing worshippers. In its statement Saturday, Bodhi Shrawan Dharma Sangha said: "We appeal to our followers and supporters to not get distracted, and remain patient and calm. ... We would like to request our followers and supporters to continue to walk the path of truth, and continue to help the Nepal government to find the correct facts." The statement made no specific mention of the four missing individuals or the assault allegations. To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here. Virginia "Sue" Robinson of Cullman Alabama passed away June 10, 2021 at the age of 82. She was born January 14, 1939 in Cullman to E.R. and Gracie Nix Neal. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Elwin Ray Robinson, daughter Sharron Fuller, sisters Evelyn Hardin and Norma Bradford This gorgeous, brightly lit, updated colonial is set on a cul-de-sac in Douglas Estates. The open floor plan is fabulous for entertaining and has wonderful flow. The spacious kitchen features newer stainless steel appliances, white cabinets, granite countertops, a pantry, a large island with breakfast bar plus an eating area with sliders to the rear deck. The kitchen opens to the spacious family room with a wood-burning fireplace. A large walk-out finished lower level offers additional recreational space, an exercise area and/or office and a wet bar, refrigerator and wine cooler. The current owners completed $90,000 worth of updates in 2012. The property is perfectly set on 1.25 acres with lovely landscaping, a Trex deck and a stone patio. Listing agent: Betty Hensal, Broker, William Pitt Sothebys International Realty Northern Fairfield County Regional Brokerage, 203-241-1560, bhensal@williampitt.com The following excerpt is from Mark Sieberts book The Franchisee Handbook: Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Franchise. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | IndieBound While the internet is an extremely valuable resource in your hunt for potential franchises, lets discuss some of your other options for information gathering. The franchisor Your first source of information on a franchise company will be the franchise company itself. It will typically be able to provide you with a wealth of information, including the franchise disclosure document (FDD), franchise brochures or other promotional materials, links to franchisee testimonials, and perhaps information on the industry in general. You can expect the franchise salespeople will attempt to qualify you on the first call. Most will ask you to fill out a confidential information request form (CIRF) and discuss their process for mutual evaluation. Typical qualifying questions will involve your capitalization, desired geographical region, and timetable for deciding. Assuming youre serious about investing in a franchise, you should be frank with your answers. The salesperson will then often propose a series of steps youll both go through to learn more about each other. Some of the steps may include a review call to go over the FDD, market visits, calls to franchisees, and investigating the market for your services. Take advantage of this resource as soon as youre down to your short list. Related: 3 Reasons Buying a Franchise Might Be Better Than Starting Your Own Business Franchise brokers Another resource that can help guide you through the process of buying a franchise is a franchise broker. Brokers, who often call themselves franchise consultants, can be a valuable tool in helping you assess your options. Unlike a franchise salesperson, a broker isnt limited to a single franchise concept and may represent a hundred or more franchisors. In the best networks, the broker is trained to help a prospective franchisee narrow their choices to a handful of opportunities for which they are well-suited. Typically, you wont pay a fee to the franchise broker. They provide this service in exchange for a success fee (essentially a commission) paid by the franchisortypically in the range of $20,000 or moreif an introduction they make results in a sale. Ultimately, brokers are a great resource that can provide genuine value, but they arent the completely unbiased buyers advocates some would have you believe. So while brokers are a resource you should certainly consider, ultimately you should make certain theyve steered you in the right direction. Trade and Industry Shows Another great place to get information on franchises you might want to consider is at franchise trade shows and, if youre looking in a specific field, industry shows. Franchise shows in particular will give you an opportunity to speak with several hundred franchisors from a variety of industries in just a couple of days. These shows have other advantages as well. Generally speaking, they offer seminars on all aspects of franchisinggiving you a chance to learn before you buy. These seminars feature topics like industry trends, understanding contract provisions, veterans franchise programs, financing, and overall success as a franchisee and are often worth attending. Keep in mind that these shows may not provide a representative sample of the franchise marketplace. The exhibitors tend to skew slightly toward younger franchises and ones with lower investment levels. Related: 6 Risk Factors You Need to Consider Before Purchasing a Franchise Industry association The website of the International Franchise Association contains a wealth of information on franchising. In addition to allowing you to search select franchisors, it provides information on industry suppliers in areas such as finance, insurance, veterans programs, minority programs, and the franchise buying process. Competitors Another thing you should be doing is visiting competing businessesboth franchises and independentsin your community. Drive around for a day or two, tool around on the internet, and start taking notes. Who are the competitors in the businesses you are considering? How long have they been around? What are their competitive strengths and weaknesses? What is their pricing structure? What kind of locations do they have? Write it all downit will provide the grist for some good questions for prospective franchisors later on. Also visit any local establishments that are in the same general segment youre considering during off-peak hours. Talk to the staff, who are often surprisingly willing to share information about how the business is doing if approached correctly. Get a feel for how these businesses compete in the marketplace. If youre interested in a business that doesnt have a physical presence, spend your drive time on the internet looking at their website. Note their prices and how they position the offer. Try to get a feel for how big their market is. If its a service-based business, call them up and ask for a quote. Find out what advantages they have and how theyll compete with you. Ask them the same questions you asked your targeted franchisor. What support services can they count on? What does their fee structure look like? What do they think of the market and the franchisor? Perhaps they can tell you something about the company you didnt already know. While you are at it, you may also want to visit locations for your target franchisor in some distant markets. See whether theyre all run in the same manner. Do they offer the same products and services, and at similar prices? Are their locations laid out the same? Are they all clean and well-run? If your first reaction is, I can do a better job than they do, that means the franchisor may not be doing a good job of quality controland those substandard franchisees will ultimately be representing you, as theyll be flying the same flag and telling their customers what they can expect when they visit your location. Also try to get a feel for what the owner or manager of the business does on a day-to-day basis. What may appear glamorous when reading about it on the internet may turn out to be more mundane when you are doing the job day in and day out. Related: Never Buy a Franchise Without Researching These 5 Sources 6 Risk Factors You Need to Consider Before Purchasing a Franchise 3 Reasons Buying a Franchise Might Be Better Than Starting Your Own Business Copyright 2019 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved STRATFORD The carcass of a pygmy sperm whale that washed up on Russian Beach before disappearing last month has been found, the town announced. One week after the Town of Stratford issued a request for information regarding the disappearance of a deceased pygmy sperm whale from Russian Beach, the specimen was recovered, the towns statement said. The statement was sent on behalf of the town, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. In an email, Stratford resident Joe Koripsky said he saw the whale carcass being recovered about midday Tuesday. By chance, I was driving by Russian Beach in Stratford, Koripsky said. Serendipitously, I saw the heavy equipment, recovering the whale carcass that had gone missing since Sunday, Dec. 30. The Peabody Museum was making plans to add the specimen to its collection before it disappeared last month. Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell, the collection manager for the museums herpetology and ichthyology division of vertebrate zoology, said the specimen will go into the research collection and be used by researchers from around the world. It will also probably be used in courses taught at Yale and potentially also in some Peabody Museum public programing, Watkins-Colwell said. The specimen is the first ever collected from Connecticut, Watkins-Colwell said, and the first from Long Island Sound in decades another specimen was collected in the 1940s from the north fork of Long Island. Brian A. Pounds / Brian A. Pounds MONROE January is National Radon Action Month, and the Monroe Health Department encourages residents to test their homes for radon gas, the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Health officials estimate that radon is responsible for more than 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Nancy Brault, the Monroe Director of Health, recommends that all Monroe homes be tested for radon. Testing is recommended in the winter months, and it is simple and inexpensive, said Brault in a news release. For a limited time, free test kits are available from the health department while supplies last. Kits can also be purchased at a variety of retailers, including local hardware stores. BRIDGEPORT- A West Haven man, accused of fatally stabbing a local man in a fight over a mutual girlfriend, was ordered held Wednesday on $1 million bond. Kenyon Gay, 41, of Honor Road, is accused of stabbing 39-year-old Razzie Hancock in the side of the chest with a kitchen knife Monday night following a dispute over the affections of a woman they were both seeing. The woman suffered a cut on her hand and a laceration by her left eye as she tried to break up the fight, police said. Gay is charged with murder, carrying a dangerous weapon and second-degree assault. It was the first homicide in the city this year. During the arraignment hearing Wednesday afternoon, Special Assistant States Attorney Aza Gray urged Superior Court Judge Tracy Lee Dayton to set a high bond for Gay. The prosecutor said Gay had two prior domestic violence incidents with the female of interest and is currently in a pretrial drug program. Gays lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Paul Scafariello, urged the judge for leniency. He said his client, a machinist in Milford, grew up in Bridgeport and graduated from Central High School and only recently moved to a basement apartment in West Haven. After setting the bond the judge continued the case to Jan. 22. Police said both Gay and the victim had been in a relationship with the woman, Gay for nine years and Hancock for eight months. On Monday night, officers responding to a disturbance at Bishop and Connecticut avenues, found Hancock lying unresponsive on the sidewalk at the intersection. His clothes were covered in blood. He was pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital. Police said officers followed a trail of blood to the doorstep of an apartment on Bishop Avenue. The female victim answered the door. Police said she was very upset and had a cut under her eye. They said she told them she had been home with Hancock when Gay entered the apartment using his key. The two men got into an altercation and Gay grabbed a kitchen knife, police said. The woman tried to grab the knife from him and was cut on the hand. Following Hancock getting stabbed, police said both men left the apartment. Former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy first raised the idea of sharing the fastest-growing cost in the state budget with cities and towns. But while Malloy failed to win legislative support before he left office one week ago, the debate over whether to bill communities for a share of municipal teacher pension costs is not over. Legislative leaders revisited the issue Wednesday at the Connecticut Council of Small Towns annual meeting. And while Republican leaders remain steadfastly opposed to cost-sharing, two Democratic leaders were open to shifting some expenses onto local budgets albeit at more modest levels than Malloy originally suggested. It seems weve gotten to the point in state government where were always taking more money out of peoples pockets, House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, told the nearly 250 municipal leaders gathered at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. This is one of those danger signs thats flashing with a red light. After more than seven decades of inadequate contributions by legislatures and governors serving between 1939 and 2010, the pension fund for municipal teachers holds enough assets to cover just 58 percent of its long-term liabilities. The ratio would be considerably worse had the 2007 legislature and then-Gov. M. Jodi Rell not decided to borrow $2 billion to bolster the pension funds assets. Still, because Connecticut must catch up on billions of dollars in missed contributions as well as the potential investment earnings it forfeited by not saving the annual contribution to the fund is projected to skyrocket. The latest actuarial valuation calls for the annual contribution about $1.1 billion now in a $19 billion General Fund to approach $3 billion by the early 2030s. But many argue that number, though imposing, is extremely conservative. For one thing, its contingent on pension investments achieving an average return of 8 percent over the next decade-and-a-half. A 2015 study by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College projected that if Connecticut achieves a more realistic 5.5 percent return on pension investments, the annual contribution could exceed $6.2 billion by 2032. Malloy first proposed in 2017 that communities bear one-third of the cost, starting at about $400 million per year. Municipal leaders fought back vociferously, arguing the state dramatically boosted teacher pension costs through its fiscal irresponsibility, and therefore should bear the cost of fixing it. We didnt break it, why should we buy it? Coventry Town Manager John Elsesser, former COST president of the Connecticut Council of Small Towns tweeted when Malloy first proposed cost-sharing. But Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chairwoman of the legislatures Appropriations Committee, said the former governors concerns are reasonable. Pension costs are consuming an ever-increasing portion of state finances, and a more modest cost-sharing plan could be explored. We have a huge problem with teachers pensions and we have to deal with this issue going forward, she said. Osten, who also is first selectwoman of Sprague, noted that while municipal teachers receive a pension, they do not receive Social Security. Were they eligible, cities and towns would have to contribute toward this benefit. Though she didnt offer a specific cost estimate, Osten said the legislature could consider requiring communities to contribute an amount to the teachers pension equal to the Social Security contribution but only for new teachers. Osten also echoed another concern raised by Malloy, that the current teacher pension system favors wealthy communities over poorer ones. For an example, Osten cited Greenwich one of Connecticuts wealthiest municipalities and New Britain, which is one of its poorest. Both have similar populations and school enrollment totals, but Connecticut spent $24 million more last year to cover pension costs for retired Greenwich teachers than for those from New Britain. In simple terms, Greenwich can afford to pay much higher salaries than New Britain can, yet it gets more help from the state on a per capita basis to provide pensions for its retired teachers. House Majority Leader Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, also is open to exploring a modest cost-share. Ritter suggested the legislature build a new limit around the median teacher salary level. Communities that choose to pay teachers above that median level would make a contribution toward the states pension costs. The majority leader also said this only should apply to new teachers hired after the law is passed, and the legislature should not time this requirement to take effect before 2024, so communities could plan for the expense. I think that would be fair, he said. Thats a five-year lookout. But Southbury First Selectman Jeff Manville, a Republican, said Ritters suggestion would be unfair unless legislators do more to reform the binding arbitration process that often determines teachers pay. The binding arbitration [system] puts us in a position where you do have to raise teachers salaries, he said. Binding arbitration does consider a communitys ability to pay raises, and Manville said towns that have controlled expenses and kept their tax rates low are punished by this process. Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, who also opposed a local cost-share for teacher pension contributions, agreed. If youre a successful town, you get penalized, Fasano said, warning local leaders not to expect new changes that favor towns in binding arbitration now that Democrats have expanded their majorities in the General Assembly. Theres a tremendous amount of pushback from certain folks in that building that I dont think has gone away and, one can argue, has increased. Fasano also said he fears that state government, which created the pension crisis, would gradually increase the municipalities portion of the pension bill if a cost-sharing arrangement were adopted. Pretty soon youre going to wake up and find you have 50 percent of the responsibility, Fasano said. We never promise something and say thats it. We always go back. Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi, a Democrat and president of the Council of Small Towns, said rather than shift pension costs onto towns, the legislature should work more closely with communities to find ways to reduce government costs. Make us a partner and give us an opportunity to be heard, he said. The council represents 110 Connecticut towns with populations of 30,000 or less. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar Cruises is upping its culinary travel game with a comprehensive culinary pairing headlined by an annual series of culinary-themed cruises and enriching culinary programming on itineraries worldwide, according to a press release. Our partnership with the James Beard Foundation is unique in travel as we host and collaborate with a host of accomplished chefs and beverage experts who have meaningful connections to the ports we visit, commented Windstar President John Delaney. Our collective goal is to deliver authentic experiences to meet, eat and drink with locals whose livelihood we celebrate, such as touring a local chocolate farm in Costa Rica, a Caribbean rum distillery, or small French winery or cheese factory. The company said it takes locally-inspired cuisine and cultural immersion seriously, with special programming and culinary-themed voyages designed to provide cruise guests plenty of opportunities for learning and personal interaction with food and beverage experts. Culinary traditions from around the world have an incredibly rich story to tell about the land and the people who live in a place. The James Beard Foundation is excited to continue our partnership with Windstar Cruises so the dynamic culinary community in America can help enrich this aspect of world exploration on these special cruises, said Kris Moon, Chief Operating Officer of the James Beard Foundation. For example, Guest Chef Judy Ni, whose Taiwanese roots will help her guide cruisers through Asia this spring on the Pop Culture Kings of Asia. Similarly, regional wine experts will lead tastings and tours on a first-ever West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza sailing from Vancouver, BC to San Diego next fall. Every sWindstar sailing includes cooking demonstrations and nightly dinner menu selections featuring recipes from a James Beard recognized chef who has sailed with Windstar; as well as optional chef market tours and more. The following activities are included in each James Beard Foundation culinary-themed cruise: Hosted dinner with James Beard Foundation chef and beverage expert, including wine pairings Culinary Demonstrations by the chef of a selection of their recipes Wine & Beverage Tasting & Notes Booklet tailored to the itinerary and JBF guest expert Multiple wine, spirits, or beer tastings A chance to mix and mingle with the guest chefs and beverage experts throughout the cruise Depending on itinerary and chef/beverage expert availability: Shopping at the local market with the chef Tours with the sommelier/beverage expert (based on availability). In 2019, the following featured chefs will join Windstar sailings: February 16, 2019 Costa Rica & Panama Canal, 7 days aboard Star Breeze Chef Jamilka Borges JBF: Chef Boot Camp Alumna & 2015 Rising Star Chef Semifinalist Restaurant: Independent Brewing Company & Hidden Harbor in Pittsburgh, PA. March 16, 2019 Pop Culture Kings of Asia, 11 days aboard Star Legend Chef Judy Ni JBF Chef Boot Camp Alumna Restaurant: Baology in Philadelphia June 22, 2019 Yachtsmans Harbors of the Rivieras, 7 days aboard Wind Surf Chef & Restaurateur Jamie Leeds JBF Chef Boot Camp Alumna JL Restaurant Group; Hanks Oyster Bar, Pasta Bar, & Cocktail Bar, Washington, DC September 24, 2019 West Coast Epicurean Extravaganza, 10 days aboard Star Legend Chef Duskie Estes JBF: Chef Boot Camp Alumna; Co-Awardee, 2009 Rising Star Chefs for Sustainability Restaurants: Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Bovolo, and Black Pig Meat Co., Sonoma County October 14, 2019 Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast, 8 days aboard Star Breeze Chef Chris Pandel JBF: Chef Boot Camp Alumnus Restaurant: Swift & Sons, Cold Storage, and Dutch & Docs in Chicago The MSC Meraviglia will inaugurate MSC Cruises private Bahamian island destination when she makes the first call slated for Nov. 9, 2019. Our goal is to deliver a Caribbean paradise experience to our guests, said Gianni Onorato, president of MSC Cruises. When people go to the Caribbean, they expect sunny weather, beautiful pristine and uncrowded sandy beaches and being able to have fun and relax. We will deliver that, and after time ashore, they can go back on the ship, take a nap, and go back ashore again to enjoy the sunset, while sipping a cocktail, or having a gelato, and watch a movie under the stars. Being only 65 miles from Miami, Onorato said that the ships can stay at Ocean Cay as late as midnight and still make it back to Miami by early morning. He said that Ocean Cay will be offered on all four MSC ships sailing out of Miami. Coming alongside at a pier, Onorato said the ship will stay open with all services offered and guests can go back and forth between the ship and the island. Activities to be offered include a range of water sports, snorkeling and scuba diving, but there is also a cultural aspect, Onorato said, whereby guests can learn about the environment and the importance of protecting coral reefs, for example, through lectures. The island is surrounded by 64 square miles of protected waters, and a coral nursery is being established to encourage and sustain the growth of new coral. Plans are also underway for a marine laboratory. Onorato noted that the island has been an industrial sand extraction site that MSC Cruises has cleaned up and brought back to life, including coral reefs. We want to share the work we have done and our commitment to the environment. When going on holiday, more people are looking for enrichment, like the lectures we are going to offer. Ocean Cay also includes an adjacent smaller island which can be rented for a private experience. We are not offering a theme park, Onorato added. There will be no water slides, zip lines or artificial pools. But you will find eight beaches. There will a family beach, a beach for Yacht Club guests, and a beach dedicated to the crew. It is an experience in full contact with nature. A self-service food venue is offered at a nominal cost, according to Onorato, in addition to food carts with hamburgers and hot dogs at each of the beaches. He explained that the food offering ashore is designed to minimize the environmental impact with a minimum of food preparation and garbage. Beverage services will also have a small add-on cost to the beverage packages offered aboard. Other charge items include WiFi, cabana and water-sports equipment rentals, as well as the smaller, separate island that can be reserved by individuals or groups. According to MSC, a key part of the island experience will be a specially designed retail concept offering guests the opportunity to take home souvenirs or find the vacation essentials they may need. Walking from the ship to the farthest point of the island will take about 17 minutes, according to Onorato, or guests can use one of the electrical carts available. Electricity will be generated by solar power panels. Ocean Cay will have a permanent staff of 140 Bahamians, who will have housing on the island, in addition to crew from the ship coming ashore during calls. At an estimated cost of $200 million, Onorato said that Ocean Cay offers a strategic advantage and that the payback will come from guest satisfaction, as well as revenue numbers, including not having to pay costs calling at a different port. Aranui has announced its 2020 sailing schedule aboard its 254-guest cruise/cargo vessel. The Aranui 5 will offer 20 all-inclusive voyages including a specialty Pitcairn Island cruise, according to a statement. Departing from Papeete, Tahiti, the 13-day cruise is a complete vacation experience with visits to Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Bora Bora in the Society Islands, as well as Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Hiva Oa, Fatu Hiva, Tahuata and Ua Huka in the Marquesas Islands. Voyage 5, a one-off specialty Pitcairn Island cruise, has limited availability on cabins. The exclusive sailing will depart from Papeete, Tahiti, following a 13-day itinerary in the Pitcairn Islands, Anaa and Amanu in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Mangareva and Aukena in the Gambiers, and Raivave and Rapa in the Austral Islands. The cruise includes three meals daily with complimentary wine for onboard lunches and dinners, guided excursions as outlined in the itinerary, picnics and meals on shore. Optional excursions such as scuba diving, horseback riding and fishing are available for an additional charge, according to a press release. Prices for a 2020 Aranui 5 vacation start at $3,321. Aranui offers a seasonal 10% discount for the Feb. 6 and Feb. 22 voyages. Seniors (ages 60+) will also receive a 10% discount for the Sept. 10 cruise. The Center of the American Experiment, a conservative think tank, recently made a stop in Hutchinson to discuss critical race theory and education. Critical race theory is an academic movement that examines social, cultural and legal issues as they relate to race and racism. How do you feel about critical race theory being taught in schools? Tell us in this week's online reader poll. You voted: To enjoy our website, you'll need to enable JavaScript in your web browser. Please click here to learn how. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit Community News We are analyzing the site. Please wait a few seconds.. Construction is now underway on Facebook's first custom-built data center in Asia. The new data center in Singapore shares some characteristics with other Facebook facilities, such as the use of 100% renewable energy, but features many unique aspects. The latest Facebook data centers in certain dry climates currently use a direct evaporative cooling system based on outdoor air rather than water. Facebook estimates that the new SPLC technique can reduce water usage by more than 20 percent for data centers in hot and humid climates and by almost 90 percent in cooler climates. The SPLC system is described as an advanced evaporative cooling technology, patented by Nortek, that uses a liquid-to-air energy exchanger, in which water is cooled as it evaporates through a membrane separation layer. Further details are provided on Facebook's engineering blog. https://code.facebook.com/posts/1221779261291831/statepoint-liquid-cooling-system-a-new-more-efficient-way-to-cool-a-data-center/ Facebook is pioneering a StatePoint Liquid Cooling (SPLC) system, developed in partnership with Nortek Air Solutions, that promises to increase the power efficiency of its data centers.The latest Facebook data centers in certain dry climates currently use a direct evaporative cooling system based on outdoor air rather than water.Facebook estimates that the new SPLC technique can reduce water usage by more than 20 percent for data centers in hot and humid climates and by almost 90 percent in cooler climates.The SPLC system is described as an advanced evaporative cooling technology, patented by Nortek, that uses a liquid-to-air energy exchanger, in which water is cooled as it evaporates through a membrane separation layer.Further details are provided on Facebook's engineering blog. First, it will be an 11-story building that will sit on 12 acres of land in Singapores Tanjong Kling Data Center Park. Second, it will be the first to incorporate the new StatePoint Liquid Cooling (SPLC) system that Facebook developed with Nortek Air Solutions. The company estimates that SPLC technology can reduce peak water usage by more than 20 percent in Singapores hot and humid climate.Facebook is aiming for an expected annual power usage effectiveness (PUE) of 1.19 with the Singapore data center. Mr Speaker, the House has spoken and the Government will listen. And I am not resigning though another Prime Minister in my position would. The deal on which I gambled has just been rejected by the Commons by the biggest margin in modern times. Conservative MPs voted against it in the biggest rebellion in modern times. Some 63 per cent of Tory backbenchers went into the lobbies to oppose it. However, the Fixed Terms Parliament Act offers me some protection. Furthermore, a leadership challenge now cant be launched against me until December. In any event, here is no agreement within my Party on a successor. It would be irresponsible to foist a leadership election on it, with March 29 looming, and there is no obvious alternative Prime Minister. It is clear that the House does not support this deal. But tonights vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how or even if it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold. In other words, it will soon become clear that the Commons cant settle on an alternative to my deal, after all. The same MPs who rejected it this evening will be forced to swallow it with, God willing, some real change on the backstop when this becomes clear. The deal is also a known quantity with the EU, which the alternatives arent. Better mention the referendum, too. Honouring its result is still the default position of most of the Parliamentary Party. I must keep Sajid and Jeremy and Steve and Penny and Andrea and Chris onside. Best to say nothing about an extension to Article 50, though. With any luck, that can still be avoided. People, particularly EU citizens who have made their home here and UK citizens living in the EU, deserve clarity on these questions as soon as possible. Those whose jobs rely on our trade with the EU need that clarity. So with your permission Mr Speaker I would like to set out briefly how the Government intends to proceed. Thats a nod of the head to all those tiresome people who drone on about EU citizens dont they see that the priority is to get net immigration down to the tens of thousands? plus the CBI and the car manufacturers. Anyway, I must keep David and Phil and Greg and Amber and David onside. First, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House. I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonights vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question if they wish to do so. I can therefore confirm that if the Official Opposition table a confidence motion this evening in the form required by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, the Government will make time to debate that motion tomorrow. And if, as happened before Christmas, the Official Opposition decline to do so, we will on this occasion consider making time tomorrow to debate any motion in the form required from the other opposition parties, should they put one forward. Thats you pre-empted, Corbyn. Mind you, once hes lost his no confidence vote hell come under even more pressure to support a second referendum. And whether he folds or not, he hasnt got much alternative but to call soon for an extension to Article 50, in order to carry out his imaginary Labour Governments imaginary Labour renegotiation. That will be tricky for him, because calling for an extension will look like backsliding on Brexit. We must nail him on that. Hmm, hang on a minute. I might need an extension too to get my deal through, or elseand I must keep very quiet about thisto try to stave off No Deal chaos. Best not to push him too hard. Anyway, while there isnt a majority in the Commons for revocation, there might be for extension. Second, if the House confirms its confidence in this Government I will then hold meetings with my colleagues, our Confidence & Supply partner the DUP and senior Parliamentarians from across the House to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House. The Government will approach these meetings in a constructive spirit, but given the urgent need to make progress, we must focus on ideas that are genuinely negotiable and have sufficient support in this House. This is the diciest bit of all. I need Yvette and her gang to come round to my deal. That suggests flirting with a Norway-type solution and Customs Union membership. Which would please David and Phil and Greg and Amber and David. But I also need Jacob and his lot. That implies no Customs Union and a Canada-flavoured deal. Which would please Sajid and Jeremy and Steve and Penny and Andrea and Chris. Better to keep talking and listening and listening and talking until they all concede the obvious: that theres no alternative to my deal the only offer thats genuinely negotiable. I wont win Yvette and Hillary and the rest round by next week, but the seeds will have been sown. So I must be very nice to thembut not so nice as to upset Brandon and Graham and the 22. Third, if these meetings yield such ideas, the Government will then explore them with the European Union. Fat chance! Mr Speaker I want to end by offering two reassurances. The first is to those who fear that the Governments strategy is to run down the clock to 29th March. That is not our strategy. Yes, it is. But I have always believed that the best way forward is to leave in an orderly way with a good deal and have devoted much of the last two years negotiating such a deal. Thats the point: the deal, the deal, the deal. Nothing has changed. As you confirmed Mr Speaker, the amendment to the business motion tabled last week by my Right Honourable and Learned Friend the Member for Beaconsfield is not legally binding, but the Government respects the will of the House. We will therefore make a statement about the way forward and table an amendable motion by Monday. Let Dominic table his Second Referendum Bill. Let Nick try to get the Commons to settle on Norway Plus. And let the Speaker bend over backwards to help them, which he will do. Let them have their indicative votes and new Bills which I probably cant stop now, anyway. Its one thing to table a Bill but quite another to get it through the House. So lets table a motion next week that dresses up my deal with a bit of new language, sit back and enjoy the show. Sure, I can see how the House might, just might, settle on some Norway option before the end of March. But accepting it would risk splitting the Party in two. And it wouldnt sort immigration. Which will force MPs back to my deal The second reassurance is to the British people, who voted to leave the European Union in the referendum two and a half years ago. I became Prime Minister immediately after that referendum. I believe it is my duty to deliver on their instruction and I intend to do so. Better mention the referendum again. Kill off any speculation that Im backing off the result. Mr Speaker every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour. The Government has heard what the House has said tonight, but I ask Members on all sides of the House to listen to the British people, who want this issue settled, and to work with the Government to do just that. Except, of course, it wont be resolved. When my deal passes, well have the trade negotiation to sort. The Political Declaration to flesh out. Getting the deal and a Bill to enact the Withdrawal Agreement is only the start. Years more of Brexit lie ahead! And to get the best out of them, the country will need leadership. Knowledge of the process. Experience. A settled hand on the tiller. When I promised the 22 Id quit before the next election I meant it, of course. But perhaps some things can change, after all Jeremy Corbyn is a better Leader of the Opposition than he was, but still does not sound like a Prime Minister in waiting. As he opened the No Confidence debate, he took the precaution of taking few interventions from other MPs. But those interventions were still sufficient to demonstrate the utter nullity of his European policy. When Alistair Carmichael asked if Labour supports a second referendum, Corbyn could only say that all options are on the table. He said the Prime Minister should keep all options on the table too, but proceeded to contradict himself by urging her to rule out No Deal. Corbyn went on to allow an intervention from Anna Soubry (Con, Broxtowe). She pointed out that the Conservatives are six points ahead in the opinion polls, and wondered whether this could be because hes the most hopeless Leader of the Opposition weve ever had. Corbyn could have replied that her remark did not exactly constitute a declaration of confidence in the Prime Minister. He instead insisted, less ambitiously, that he looked forward to testing public opinion in a general election. But he admitted that many people think we have had quite enough elections and referendums in recent years to be going on with. And he did not even sound very enthusiastic himself about the idea of an election. The longer he spoke, the less sense one had that he was convincing himself, let alone anyone else. Send for Corbyn is not yet a message that leaps to peoples lips. In that sense, the whole occasion sounded rather bogus, an obligatory ritual rather than a genuine attempt to throw out the Government. Stick with May is still a message the Tory benches are prepared to heed. But the Father of the House, Ken Clarke, had already told her at Prime Ministers Questions, from his bench a few yards behind her: She must now modify her red linesand find a cross-party majority. Clarke nodded quietly when Angela Eagle and Yvette Cooper made the same point from the Labour benches. This was difficult territory for the Prime Minister. She had to show she is prepared to listen to reasonable suggestions from across the House about Brexit, without making her own Eurosceptics fear she is about to outflank them by forming an alliance with Labour moderates. Liam Byrne (Lab, Birmingham Hodge Hill) said she was imprisoned in a cage of red lions, which sounded a dangerous place to be, but it turned out that he had said a cage of red lines, which sounded a bit less bad. May naturally flung at him the famous note he left in 2010 for his successor as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Im afraid there is no money left. Byrne said in his own defence, I was naive to honour a Treasury tradition that went back to Churchill. By now, the heat was clearly off May. But it was also clear that no one, including herself, yet knows how to devise a Brexit policy which can command a Commons majority. Common Market 2.0 deliver can Brexit before 29 March Whilst I can understand that there are different views about the future of Europe, and that some prefer No Deal, I am mystified why some regard Common Market 2.0 as a retreat from Brexit. This is far from the case. For years, many Eurosceptics would have been very happy to see Britain in an EFTA-style relationship with Europe rather than be a member of the EU. Such an arrangement, advocated by Brexiteers in the past, would gets Britain out of the CAP and CFP. Common Market 2.0 also means an end to Britain being subject to the jurisdiction of the European Court, and brings us out of political union. All these things were what many Leavers felt was most objectionable about membership of the EU. The plan also safeguards jobs and ensures stability for business and our economy through membership of the Single Market. But members have far more powers to derogate from it (Norway obtained derogations from 55 proposed Single Market laws and Iceland from 349 legal acts). It would also mean that we continue to be a part of an alliance of democracies it would strengthen EFTA which is important for geo-politics and would help to build up a useful counterweight to the EU. On freedom of movement, under Common Market 2.0, there are significant safeguarding measures that place us in a far stronger position of power to stop freedom of movement in the event of serious economic, societal or environmental difficulties of a sectoral or regional nature liable to persist. Financial contributions to Common Market 2.0 would also be significantly lower than under our payments to EU budgets well south of 5 billion per annum. We would simply pay for what we participate in membership, joint programmes, schemes and agencies and, on a goodwill basis, the EEA Voluntary Grants scheme. All this means that we could take back control of our finances and can afford to invest in what matters most domestically the NHS, policing, schools and community. Significantly, unlike the other proposals, Common Market 2.0 would enable us to deliver on Brexit by the end of March. We would scrap the Political Declaration, instead outlining Common Market 2.0 as the basis for the UKs future relationship with the EU. The transition period would give us the time we need to finalise and implement the agreement with the EU and EFTA states. This would means that the UK would leave the EU on the 29th March with no extension of Article 50 necessary. Common Market 2.0 is an agreement that delivers on the vote of the people, takes back control of our key institutions, ensures a good, free trading agreement with the rest of Europe. All this can be achieved without the need for the Northern Ireland backstop to be activated or weakening the Union. Bleak House We have a housing crisis in this country. Whilst I am passionately in favour of the Right to Buy and Help to Buy schemes, there is so much more we must do to help families on low incomes. Its worth remembering that one in four families have less than 95 in savings, and that the idea of affording a deposit is just for the birds. 682,000 households live in overcrowded accommodation and 1.2 million households are currently on the waiting list for social housing. Millions more are struggling with extortionately priced private-rented accommodation, with one in five private renters cutting back on food to pay the rent. Many of these families simply cannot afford rent on their wages, costing the taxpayer 23 billion to cover the 27 per cent of private renters receiving housing benefits. If we want to both ensure a good quality of life for millions of our fellow countrymen and women ,and save the taxpayer billions on the housing benefit bill, we need as much radical action on social and affordable housing as we do for those who want to buy their first home. This is why the reforms set out by Jim ONeill in Shelters new social housing commission is something that Secretaries of State, such as James Brokenshire, should be listening to. They propose 3.1 million more social homes, costing 10.7 billion a year, but which in reality, would be reduced to 3.8 billion with savings in benefits, and returns to the Government arising from the knock-on economic benefits across the economy. The housing situation in our country is bleak. We must be the Party of home ownership but we must also be the Party for affordable and social housing. Whether these proposals are adopted or not, the Government has got to come up with a solution that solves our social housing crisis in our country. The Party of social good There is an umbilical cord between the British people and the NHS. It was extraordinary and wonderful to see two days of wall-to-wall coverage showing Government financial support for our NHS and its Long-Term Plan. It is an important tribute to Matt Hancock and Jeremy Hunt. Even better, Hancock reminded the House in his statement that it was a Conservative, the Sir Henry Willink, who first put forward proposals for a NHS and, whilst built by a Labour Government, it is clearly the Conservatives who pioneered the idea of health care free at the point of access. Matts mention of a Conservative creating major social justice reform is something that all Conservatives should be doing all the time. Why on earth do Conservatives not do more in Parliament, speeches, articles and conversations, to remind the public that, so often, in the history of our country, it has been Conservatives at the forefront of groundbreaking social reform in our country? Whether that was Wilberforce and slavery, Disraeli and the condition of working people, Macmillan and affordable housing, Thatcher and the Right to Buy, Osborne and the National Living Wage. Labour mention their historic record on social justice time and time again. Its time we did so. So far a lack of clarity, and a lack of activity, on Brexit has proved useful for Jeremy Corbyn and his colleagues. Ambiguity offers a helpful excuse on which to build the widest possible coalition of voters who are sympathetic to them for other reasons, and the refusal to endorse any specific outcome maximises the intensity and extent of the Governments torture on the rack. How long might the Opposition leader be able to hold out against actually making a decision, though? Theres a lot of talk of the mounting campaign for him to support a second referendum. Pro-EU campaigners have spent a lot of time (and reportedly quite a lot of money) trying to drive that option onto the agenda via grassroots pressure in local Constituency Labour Parties. A new push is underway today for exactly that policy, but it has so far proved a bit underwhelming. Just over 70 Labour MPs have backed it and many of them are precisely the people Corbyn and his advisers really dislike. Enthusiastic factionalists like Seumas Milne are not very well-disposed towards the idea of forming any kind of consensus with people they believe to be Blairite counter-revolutionaries. There are definitely voices at the Labour top table who are more sympathetic Emily Thornberry, for example but so far the Opposition leader himself has proved resistant, and frontbenchers like Barry Gardiner continue to mount vocal attacks on the concept from the dispatch box. I still think its possible he will support a second referendum in theory, but only do so too late to actually have to hold one (see David Camerons cast iron guarantee of a referendum on Lisbon, which promptly melted once the Treaty had been ratified). Might he negotiate around Mays proposed deal, to identify a change which could persuade him to lend his support? Again, its unlikely; what incentive is there for him to help resolve the Prime Ministers woes, when he could allow them to continue indefinitely? If anything, he and his colleagues are keen to head off the risk of any form of negotiation being treated seriously. John McDonnell cast doubt on Mays intentions this morning, then Corbyn and others leapt at PMQs on the slightest hint that her offer of talks was not genuine and could not be trusted. Theres a third possibility: yet more ambiguity, just expressed in new ways. Intriguingly, Helen Lewis of the New Statesman raises the possibility (also mooted by our columnist Henry Newman) that Labour might end up abstaining on some later slightly-altered version of Mays plan. That way they might hope to avoid any blame attached to the deal and Brexit itself, but also slip out of any charge of obstructing progress. It would also help to neutralise a separate risk, articulated by the Guardians Pippa Crerar, that the threat of No Deal might in fact persuade enough Labour MPs to vote for Mays proposal at the very last moment. Better to have an uneasy compromise controlled by the leadership than an outright rebellion outside the leaders control. As before, there is no sense of urgency emanating from the Opposition front bench. McDonnell is of the view that they will make a decision in the next few weeks. There are only 10 weeks until Brexit Day. Mays Brexit plan suffers historic defeat It is the biggest ever Commons defeat on a meaningful vote Daily Telegraph She offers MPs talks, but also says she will not bend The Times The Speaker obstructed amendments that might have been helpful The Sun Tusk calls for Brexit to be cancelled Daily Mail The Whips made a huge miscalculation The Times The pound rallies The Times Round-up of EU press reaction Daily Telegraph The prime minister offered cross-party talks after MPs rejected her deal by a majority of 230, with more than a third of Conservatives rebelling. With only 72 days to go before Britain leaves, however, Labour MPs demanded that she extend Article 50 to give time for a consensus to be found. Jeremy Corbyn warned Mrs May that she had reached the end of the line as he tabled a motion of no confidence in her government that will be voted on today. Allies suggested that Labour could repeatedly test MPs confidence in Mrs Mays government in the weeks ahead as it pressed for a general election to end the Brexit chaos. In all, 202 MPs voted in favour of Mrs Mays deal and 432 against. The previous biggest meaningful defeat of a prime minister was in 1924, when Ramsay MacDonalds short-lived minority Labour government lost by 166 votes. The Times Editorials She will need opposition support The Times Leader The Prime Minister must think hard about whether she can lead the nation forward Daily Telegraph Leader So what now? The Guardian Leader Batten down the hatches its time for No Deal The Sun Says Opinion >Today: >Yesterday: Johnson and other Brexiteers urge renegotiation Boris Johnson last night insisted the Brexit deal can be renegotiated without delaying Britains departure from the bloc. The former foreign secretary said he did not rejoice in the massive defeat suffered by Theresa May, but demanded that she ditches the Irish border backstop and takes a fresh approach. He dismissed the idea that would mean extending the Article 50 process, which has just 10 weeks left to run, saying most of the other terms were fineMr Johnson told Sky News that the margin of defeat was bigger than I expected. Its no particular cause for rejoicing for me, after all Ive been trying for so long to get the government back in the place the PM was in her Lancaster House speech last year, he said. We were really talking about taking advantage of free trade deals and taking control of our laws. All that got lost as we moved into this quicksand of the backstop, locked into the customs union and single market. What she has now is a massive mandate. With 432 votes against her deal, she takes it back to Brussels and says we cant do this deal as it is, we need a fresh approach. Daily Mail Ministers are split The Guardian Raab and Davis tell May to stay in office The Times The ERG want drastic changes, not least to the backstop The Times The Irish Government says the border will stay open in every scenario The Sun Barnier insists this is the best deal possible FT The vote was a challenge for the EUs Brexit approach, too FT Bercow hints he will aid Remainers in obstructing the process Daily Mail Germany avoids recession by one day Daily Mail The Euro turns 20 FT Opinion >Today: Robert Halfons column: Now is the time for Common Market 2.0, and an EFTA-type plan for Brexit >Yesterday: WATCH: Tracey Mordaunts PPS says the deal doesnt pass his or his constituents tests Hammond promises business No Deal will be blocked, and flirts with delaying Article 50 He and Clark said there would be no change to the Withdrawal Agreement Daily Telegraph New Boles coup could set Brexit back until December The Sun Remainers shouldnt celebrate too much were on course for No Deal Tim Stanley, Daily Telegraph Their plot to steal Brexit from the people is doomed Stewart Jackson, Daily Telegraph EU states escalate No Deal preparations The Guardian DUP and Brexiteers pledge to support the Government in Corbyns no confidence vote Philip Hammond sought to reassure business leaders on Tuesday night that a no-deal Brexit could be blocked, while also raising for the first time the possibility of a delay to Article 50. Speaking on a conference call alongside business secretary Greg Clark and Brexit secretary Stephen Barclay, the chancellor said the government would now seek to build a consensus in parliament. We have to reach out to MPs in the Commons first, he said. There is a large majority in the Commons that is opposed to no-deal. Mr Hammond said the government would not put up any obstacles in the way of Nick Boles, a former minister, who has proposed that the Commons liaison committee made up of the chairs of the other select committees could oversee attempts to find a way through the political morass. FT Moments after the result was announced Jeremy Corbyn announced he would table a no-confidence motion, which MPs will vote on tonight, in a bid to force a general election. But the PMs Northern Irish allies, former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, and backbench ringleader Jacob Rees-Mogg have all pledged to support her, meaning she is likely to survive. The DUPs Sammy Wilson said the party wanted to get the government back on track and would back Mrs May, while Mr Rees-Mogg said last night: I will be supporting the Prime Minister. Mr Johnson said he certainly shall vote for the PM in Wednesday nights vote, saying he did not want Mr Corbyn in office instead. Today former Ukip leader Nigel Farage called on Tory MPs who believe in Brexit to be brave and resist the Article 50 leaving date of March 29 being extended and urged them to dump Mrs May as PM and replace her with a Brexiteer calling it a Neville Chamberlain moment. Daily Mail >Today: Corbyn continues to infuriate those who want a second referendum Welfare change could see pensioners with younger partners lose thousands Jeremy Corbyn has offered no encouragement to supporters of a second EU referendum after he called for a vote of no confidence in Theresa Mays government and an immediate general election. The Labour leader did not refer to a second referendum in his two Brexit speeches on Tuesday evening, and risked antagonising the partys pro-remain wing, some of whom want him to back another poll by the end of the week. In his first, longer speech at the end of the full Brexit debate, Corbyn said: Labour believes that a general election would be the best outcome for the country if this deal is rejected tonight. He argued that despite differences of opinion over Brexit, membership of the European Union was not the most important issue facing the country. We need to keep in mind that the vast majority of people in our country dont think of themselves as remainers or leavers, he said. The Guardian Thousands of poorer UK pensioners who have partners of working age could lose up to 7,000 a year in top-ups as a result of imminent rule changes that will require them to claim universal credit as a couple. Changes slipped out on Monday night by the Department for Work and Pensions mean that from 15 May, new pensioners whose partners are younger than the state retirement age of 65 can no longer claim a means-tested top-up called pension credit. Instead they will be forced to claim the much less generous universal credit alongside their younger partners. The couple rate of universal credit is 114.81 a week compared with 255.25 for a couple receiving pension credit. This amounts to a potential loss of 7,320 a year. The Guardian Charity says Universal Credit traps people in debt The Sun Disability benefit changes cost the taxpayer money FT Machine aids transplants by keeping livers alive The Times Ofsted to start scoring schools on pupils behaviour Tuition fee cut threatens a dozen universities The Times US invention allows schools to monitor pupils brains Daily Mail SNP splits threaten their chance of a second independence referendum Schools with badly behaved pupils will be marked down by inspectors in an overhaul of Ofsted ratings. Low-level disruption including pupils swinging on chairs, whispering, passing notes or checking phones while teachers are talking will be assessed from September. Ofsted said that this was the issue parents cared most about. Inspectors will assess behaviour as a new category by observing different classes and at break and lunch, noting pupils punctuality, manners and pride in themselves and the school. The move is part of sweeping changes to the inspection framework in which exam results will be downgraded and the process by which results are achieved will be under closer scrutiny. Ofsted said that there was currently an over-reliance on performance data which incentivised schools to game the system. The Times The Scottish parliament is to launch an inquiry into the handling of sexual misconduct allegations against Alex Salmond, opening a new front in a controversy that has shattered the once-close alliance between the former first minister and his successor Nicola Sturgeon. Tensions within the governing Scottish National party have already bubbled over, with Ms Sturgeons spokesman this week accusing people close to Mr Salmond of trying to smear her following a botched government investigation into the claims. The SNP appears more divided than at any time since the early 1980s, threatening its effectiveness at a time when Brexit offered the chance of a renewed push for Scottish independence, said polling expert John Curtice. The SNP are at risk of falling out among themselves just when . . . there might be an opportunity to hold an early independence referendum, he said. FT Competing inquiries dog Holyrood The Guardian One in five baby boomers is now a millionaire Housebuilder scoops 1 billion profit (helped by Help to Buy) Daily Mail US Government shutdown is beginning to harm the economy Decades of soaring house prices, economic growth and final salary pensions mean that 20 per cent of over 65s have a wealth of 1million or more in real terms, up from just 7 per cent in 2006. But while baby boomers are the group to have experienced the greatest rise in their household wealth, younger generations have seen a much more modest increase. Analysis by wealth manager Netwealth shows that the total wealth owned by over 65s nearly doubled from 2.4trillion to 4.7trillion in the decade between 2006 and 2016. In comparison, those between 25 and 54 years old saw their wealth increase by just 9 per cent in real terms during the same time. Daily Mail The record-breaking US government shutdown is triggering ripple effects across the US economy and risks denting confidence among companies that have already been fretting about trade disputes and stock market turbulence. Shutdowns have historically had only fleeting economic effects, but Jay Powell, the Federal Reserve chairman, warned last week that a dispute that outlasts past impasses could begin to change the picture for the worse. The deadlock in Washington, which has entered its fourth week, raises particular concerns over looming tussles around the need to lift or suspend the ceiling on US public debt this summer, as well as the fate of public spending caps that will bite late this year. FT Trump doubles down on the shutdown Daily Mail He is dangerously inconsistent The Times Leader The President repeatedly considered pulling the US out of NATO last year Daily Mail News in Brief The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form Wall. No wall. Concrete wall. No wall. Steel wall. No wall. This has been the sum total of Washingtons output as the government for the past 18 days has been partially shut down over President Donald Trumps demand of $5 billion-plus for a border wall and the refusal of Democrats in Congress to give it to him. Now, before I get all philosophical, let me say my opinion on who is in the wrong for this particular shutdown in this specific case its Trump. The White House said it would sign a bill that would temporarily fund the government until Feb. 8 and send Congress home for Christmas riding a major bipartisan win on criminal justice reform. Instead, Trump announced at the last second he would not sign a bill that did not include his $5 billion to construct a wall on our border with Mexico. There were some fruitless negotiations, but about a quarter of the government shut down and has remained without funding since. But thats not what this column is really about. This column is about why we have an illegal immigration problem, which needs to be addressed by a wall or amnesty or whatever your choice policy is, in the first place. And its not as complicated as you may think. 1) The United States is a wealthy and free county and people are better off here than they are in other places. Its amazing what 242 years of capitalism and limited government can do for human progress. People come here to make money to provide for their families back home. They come here seeking a better life than they had where they came from. Building a wall or creating a path to citizenship then saying, no more, are not going to make people stop coming to America. The Berlin Wall didnt prevent people from trying to escape from the communist grips of the Soviet Union and Canada does in fact exist, with thousands of miles of unfenced border. 2) It is very hard to come here legally, and for some people the benefits outweigh the risks of coming here without legal permission. The American immigration system, to say the least, is not easy. Those wishing to become naturalized citizens much have be permanent residents for five years, pay hundreds of dollars in fees and go through a 10-step naturalization process that includes interviews, forms and biometrics appointments. The complexity of it all can lead to procedural pitfalls, as a fraternity brother of mine experienced firsthand. An Egyptian native, he came to the U.S. for the first time when he was 18 to study at Penn State. In his four years here he paid his tuition and taxes, got a degree in civil engineering and fell head over heels in love with this country and all the freedoms that come with it (he has the disturbing American flag Speedo to prove it). During the spring semester of his senior year he started his job hunt, determined to find work in the country he now called home. He found a job at a company that builds parking garages and received an offer in the spring to start in at the beginning of June. But soon after he got the offer, he realized the paperwork he submitted to get his employment authorization card to work legally wouldnt be cleared in time for him to start. He agonized over how to tell his employer about the delay, worried that it may end with the offer being rescinded, sending him back to Egypt. Luckily, owner of the company is an immigrant himself, understood the situation my friend was in and pushed back the start date. My friend is one of the lucky ones. His family has a lot of money, he has extremely valuable skills and his employer was forgiving. Now, imagine how hard it is for a financially struggling family in Mexico, Central America or any other country to navigate our byzantine maze of paperwork. A real solution to Americas illegal immigration problem includes border security including a wall in at least some places and ways for employers to confirm a persons status, along with forgiveness for some otherwise law-abiding people who are currently in the country without legal permission. But none of that will be complete or permanent without a serious restructuring of our immigration system to make it significantly easier for immigrants from anywhere to come here legally. Lower the cost in time, money and work that it takes to enter the United States in compliance with the law and you will take away any incentive to use illegal means. Its a simple economic decision that each immigrant makes and right now, were incentivizing people to come here the wrong way. The United States is a country built on immigrants, and very few people have any problem with foreigners wanting to come here and contribute their talents and sweat to make America a better place. Save for the actual racists and xenophobes, people who support a wall and stronger immigration enforcement just want those coming here to do so in accordance with our laws, respecting American sovereignty and paying taxes. And for those worried about foreign terrorism and gang violence, would it not be better to register and check a much higher percentage of immigrants on our soil, making terrorists more easy to flag and those still coming illegally more likely to be actual hardened lawbreakers? Maybe someday lawmakers in Washington will look at the big picture and try to fix the root of this issue. But right now, this shutdown is about Trumps need for constant drama and the Democrats outright refusal to allow Trump a political win at any cost. Theres no real solution coming. Tyler Olson is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism and political science and is a columnist for The Daily Collegian. Email him at tso5043@psu.edu and follow him on Twitter at @TylerOlson1791 President Eric Barron's latest blog post provides the Penn State community with an update on greek life reform and the progress made in the past year. In 2017, the university implemented new restrictions on greek life following the hazing-fueled death of sophomore pledge Timothy Piazza. According to the blog post written by Barron, the university considered withdrawing its recognition of greek letter organizations. However, Penn State believed that, with effort, it could work to recapture many of the positive ideals of greek life and minimize risky behaviors. To recapture these ideals, the university introduced chapter scorecards, university monitoring and other reform tactics involving eligibility and academics. Barron said with these reforms being put into place, crime totals in the Highlands neighborhood are down 20 percent and cases at fraternities are down around 30 percent. In addition, Panhellenic grade point averages are up by 0.3 and many greek councils have increased the required GPA for new members. Barron also mentioned greek scorecards, which he said have become a tool for community members to learn about specific chapters strengths and weaknesses. RELATED He also addressed the challenges that remain in the process of greek life reform, including a November 2018 court decision that allowed members of two university-suspended fraternities to operate as fraternity houses in the borough. This would impede any ability to promote student and community safety, Barron said. Barron said the university has issued a warning to parents advising their children not to join these chapters. Barron said he is hopeful that the progress will continue into the next academic year. I am proud of the students who have stepped up in the face of adversity, Barron said. Because of them, I see a future where Greek-letter organizations at Penn State can continue with a renewed purpose, focused on leadership, service, and camaraderie. Barron's blog post, which was published on Jan. 16, comes just a day after Penn State released its first hazing report in accordance with the Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law. The report details all reported instances of hazing at Penn State's 20 campuses from 2013 to 2018. Of the 31 reports, 24 happened at University Park with 22 of those occurring within greek life organizations. SHOWS February 22, 2021 10.00 am 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. A demonstrator holds a 'Stop The Shutdown' sign during a rally with union members and federal employees to end the partial government shutdown outside the White House in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images As a legion of heads of state and business leaders head to Davos for the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) next week, world affairs are as unpredictable and unstable as ever. In the 12 months since the last forum, global trade relations and diplomacy as well as domestic politics have been fractious, to say the least. Since President Donald Trump first announced tariffs on a selection of Chinese imports last January, the U.S. and China have gone on to impose tariffs of $250 billion and $110 billion on each other's goods, respectively. Washington is currently witnessing its longest ever shutdown because of an impasse over funding for a border wall and Brexit remains as chaotic and unclear as ever just weeks before the U.K.'s departure from the EU. The forum released a "Global Risks" report Wednesday in which it noted that "global risks are intensifying but the collective will to tackle them appears to be lacking." In continental Europe over the last year, we've seen a populist government take charge in one of Europe's major economies, Italy, and a demise of mainstream politicians that could lead to a power vacuum and moral crisis in the region. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced in October that she is to retire from politics and her party continues to cede voters to the left and right, meanwhile an increasingly unpopular French President Emmanuel Macron is dealing with ongoing and often violent protests on the streets of Paris. John Drzik, president of Global Risk and Digital at risk management firm Marsh, told CNBC that cybercrime, critical infrastructure and environmental threats, as well as changes in geopolitics, are among the biggest risks facing the world right now. "The rise of nationalist agendas around the world is creating friction among states as well as weakening multilateral institutions," he told CNBC's Joumanna Bercetche. "It's not just in the U.S., here in the U.K. you have Brexit, but in Brazil, Italy, Austria and Hungary there are lots of populist political figures who are getting elected and changing the agenda to be more protectionist and more nationalist and, as a result, weakening the multilateral bonds that were there and that's expected to continue into 2019." The global economy is not looking too great either as trade concerns continue to concern business and rattle financial markets. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) cited trade tensions when it downgraded its global growth forecast for 2019 last October. The IMF expects global growth of 3.7 percent in 2019, down 0.2 percentage points from an earlier forecast in its World Economic Outlook report. The World Bank, meanwhile, sees global growth at 2.9 percent in 2019 amid tightening financial conditions. The European Commission is also downbeat about the region's growth, forecasting a lackluster 2 percent growth in the EU in 2019. Globalization 4.0 Against this backdrop, there's plenty to talk about at this year's Davos then when the heads and officials of over 100 governments meet, as well as top executives from over 1,000 global companies. Designed to foster private and public cooperation, the forum's main objective is "to improve the state of the world." This year's theme is focused on "Globalization 4.0." WEF's founder Klaus Schwab said in November that the world is experiencing "an economic and political upheaval that will not cease any time soon" adding in a WEF editorial that "the forces of the Fourth Industrial Revolution have ushered in a new economy and a new form of globalization." Schwab said that a slow and uneven recovery since the global financial crisis meant "a substantial part of society has become disaffected and embittered, not only with politics and politicians, but also with globalization and the entire economic system it underpins." Bogle helped bring investing to the masses through his creation of the index fund and founding of the no-nonsense, low-fee investing firm Vanguard Group. He preached a philosophy of steady investing and avoidance of market timing. "Jack did more for American investors as a whole than any individual I've known," Buffett told CNBC's Becky Quick . "A lot of Wall Street is devoted to charging a lot for nothing. He charged nothing to accomplish a huge amount." "He converted, in a 30-year period, a lot of people to the right religion of investing," added the Oracle of Omaha. "And it's a good religion. It pays off." Buffett, 88, has long been an admirer of Bogle because of their shared interest in sensible long-term investing. The chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway shared these words on Bogle in his widely read annual letter to shareholders two years ago: "If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands down choice should be Jack Bogle. For decades, Jack has urged investors to invest in ultra-low-cost index funds. In his crusade, he amassed only a tiny percentage of the wealth that has typically flowed to managers who have promised their investors large rewards while delivering them nothing or, as in our bet, less than nothing of added value. In his early years, Jack was frequently mocked by the investment-management industry. Today, however, he has the satisfaction of knowing that he helped millions of investors realize far better returns on their savings than they otherwise would have earned. He is a hero to them and to me." WATCH: Vanguard Founder Jack Bogle dies at 89 A picture taken on December 30, 2018, shows a line of US military vehicles in Syria's northern city of Manbij. An attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij has resulted in multiple casualties including U.S. troops, a senior Kurdish security official confirmed to NBC News. The blast took place at 1:00 p.m. local time after a suicide bomber in civilian clothing approached coalition forces in the center of Manbij, according to the report. Four Americans, including two servicemembers, a Defense Department civilian and a DoD contractor, were killed. ISIS claimed responsibility in a post via its Amaq news agency but did not produce evidence in support of the claim. U.S. troops have been stationed in Manbij in support of local partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, as part of the anti-IS coalition and as a buffer between Kurdish militias within the SDF and Turkish forces, who view the Kurdish fighters as terrorists. The attack comes less than a month after President Donald Trump's surprise announcement to withdraw all U.S. troops from Syria, on the premise that ISIS had been defeated. Despite a flood of criticism from lawmakers and security experts, the withdrawal process is now underway, according to the Pentagon, which has not disclosed details on a timeline or withdrawal numbers for "operational security" reasons. The attack is likely to complicate the U.S. withdrawal, or potentially accelerate it, depending on the response of the American president. The U.K. faces yet more political turmoil Wednesday as another vote in Parliament could topple the government and leave a leadership vacuum at a crucial point in the country's history. Lawmakers are debating a motion of no confidence in Theresa May's administration. A vote will follow in the evening which, should the government lose, could trigger a countdown toward a General Election. The motion was tabled by the main opposition Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who claimed the government's Brexit deal with Europe was now dead after its overwhelming rejection by politicians on Tuesday. The vote of no confidence is an attempt by Corbyn to trigger a new General Election which would allow him a chance at seizing power as the next leader of the U.K. Under the Fixed Term Parliament Act of 2011, Parliament's fixed five-year term can only be shortened in two ways. First, if more than two thirds of the House of Commons vote to call an election and that means 434 of the 650 lawmakers. The second is Corbyn's plan. If his motion of no confidence tonight is passed by a majority, there is then a 14-day period in which to pass an act of confidence in a new government. If no such vote can be passed by Parliament, a new election of the British people must be held. That election cannot happen for at least another 25 working days. A sold sign is posted in front of a new home in a housing development April 23, 2010 in Pacifica, California. Sales of new homes surged nearly 27 percent in March, the largest single-month increase in 47 years. Student loan debt is putting a dent in young people's pockets that is contributing to a much lower level of home ownership over the past decade. Federal Reserve economists studied the impact that the $1.5 trillion in educated-related loans is having on those aged 24 to 32. They found that while it is not the principal contributor to the decline in housing purchases, it is playing a significant role. "In surveys, young adults commonly report that their student loan debts are preventing them from buying a home," Fed researchers Alvaro Mezza, Daniel Ringo, and Kamila Sommer said in a paper released Wednesday. "Our estimates suggest that increases in student loan debt are an important factor in explaining their lowered homeownership rates, but not the central cause of the decline." Home ownership among all Americans for the study period declined 4 percentage points, from a peak of 69 percent in 2005 to a trough of 65 percent in 2014. However, the decline was much more pronounced among those in the 24-to-32 group, which saw a plunge from 45 percent to 36 percent. The paper did not identify the other causes for the decline but indicated that about 20 percent could be attributed to the student loan burden. The economists said per capita college debt doubled in the period from $5,000 to $10,000. Each increase of $1,000 in debt, then, led to a 1- to 2-percentage-point decline in home ownership. In real terms of the populace, that meant 400,000 who otherwise would have expected to own homes did not because of their student loan burden, the paper said. "This finding has implications well beyond homeownership, as credit scores impact consumers' access to and cost of nearly all kinds of credit, including auto loans and credit cards," the researchers said. "While investing in postsecondary education continues to yield, on average, positive and substantial returns, burdensome student loan debt levels may be lessening these benefits." Much of the debt surge came during and after the financial crisis. As unemployment rose, the demand for higher education also increased and the government federalized the loan program. Tuition for private nonprofit schools has increased by 56 percent since the turn of the century, according to the College Board, but salaries have not kept up and worries have persisted over a possible wave of defaults or a need for forgiveness of outstanding loans. The Fed team suggested a number of ways to address the issue, such as more state government involvement in financing and loan repayment terms based on income. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: First Data The financial technology company will be acquired by Fiserv in an all-stock deal with an equity value of $22 billion, or $22.74 per share. First Data had closed yesterday at $17.54. Bank of America Bank of America reported quarterly profit of 70 cents per share, 7 cent a share above estimates. Revenue also topped forecasts. Profit more than tripled from a year earlier. Goldman Sachs Goldman reported quarterly profit of $6.04 per share, well above the consensus estimate of $4.45 a share. Revenue also beat forecasts, with a 12 percent increase year over year to the highest level since 2010. BlackRock The asset management giant reported adjusted quarterly profit of $6.08 per share, below the consensus estimate of $6.27 a share. BlackRock also announced it was raising its dividend to $3.30 per share from $3.13. Bank of New York Mellon The bank earned an adjusted 99 cents per share, 7 cents a share above forecasts. Revenue was very slightly below estimates. Bank of New York Mellon also said it would be focusing "keenly" on managing it expenses this year. United Continental United reported adjusted quarterly profit of $2.41 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $2.04 a share. The airline's revenue also came in above estimates, amid an increased customer count prompted by an expansion of its domestic network. PG&E PG&E is being removed from the S&P 500 index, amid the utility's stock plunge as investors assess its potential liability related to last year's California wildfires. PG&E will be replaced in the index by medical device maker Teleflex. Snap Snap said its 2018 fourth-quarter results are expecting to be near the top end of its previously reported guidance. Separately, the social media company announced that chief financial officer Tim Stone will be stepping down to pursue other opportunities. Salesforce.com Salesforce is in talks to acquire privately held software developer ClickSoftware Technologies for about $1.5 billion, according to the Israeli financial news website Calcalist. ClickSoftware is currently owned by private-equity firm Francisco Partners. McDonald's McDonald's lost its right to the trademark for "Big Mac" in a European Union ruling. The case had been brought by Irish fast food chain Supermac's. Verizon Verizon will include subscriptions to Apple's Apple Music service with some of its top-tier data plans. Nordstrom The retailer reported a 0.3 percent increase in comparable-store sales at its full-priced locations in November and December, less than expected. Nordstrom cites lower traffic at those stores, although it also said comparable sales at it off-price stores rose 3.9 percent during that same period. The stock has now been downgraded to "neutral" from "buy" at Goldman Sachs, which also removed it from its "Conviction Buy" list. Gannett The USA Today publisher is pursuing a purchase of digital publisher Gizmodo Media, according to The Wall Street Journal. The paper said, however, that the effort may hit a snag because of a takeover bid for Gannett by newspaper publisher MNG Enterprises. European stocks closed higher on Wednesday, as market participants awaited a no-confidence vote in the U.K. government led by Theresa May. The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up almost half a percent at the closing bell, with most sectors and major bourses in positive territory. Europe's banking index led the gains, rising 2.4 percent as some of Italy's notoriously fragile lenders pared some of their recent losses. It comes after a prominent Italian lawmaker reportedly said mergers among some of the country's struggling lenders could help make Rome's banking system more solid. Italy's and FinecoBank both gained almost 6 percent on the news. Meanwhile, shares in Germany's Deutsche Bank rose by 8.4 percent after Bloomberg reported that watchdogs would prefer the bank to merge with a European competitor instead of German rival Commerzbank. The U.K.'s Metro Bank was Europe's best performer, with shares surging by more than 10 percent by the end of the session. In corporate news, shares in Norsk Hydro jumped over 5 percent after Brazil's state authority lifted a production embargo on one of its aluminum refineries. At the other end of the scale, British education publisher Pearson announced on Wednesday that revenue at its core U.S. business was slowing. It slumped towards the bottom of the index on the news, with shares of the London-listed stock slipping 6 percent. U.K. cinema chain Cineworld was the session's worst performer, with shares falling almost 7 percent after it announced a slowdown in revenue growth for 2018. On the data front, Britain's inflation rate fell to its lowest level in nearly two years in December, according to official data published Wednesday. Consumer prices rose at an annual pace of 2.1 percent in December, slipping from 2.3 percent in November. The fall was exacerbated by falling fuel prices, providing some support for consumers who have reined in their spending ahead of Brexit. Banco Santander said on Tuesday that Italian banker Andrea Orcel would not take over as chief executive after it could not meet his pay expectations, in a rare and unusual move for a top bank. Jose Antonio Alvarez will now stay on as CEO instead of Orcel, who previously worked for Swiss bank UBS and was appointed to the role at Spain's largest bank in September. "The cost to Santander of compensating Mr Orcel for the deferred awards he has earned over the past seven years, and other benefits previously awarded to him, would be a sum significantly above the board's original expectations at the time of the appointment," Santander said in a statement. Santander, also the euro zones largest bank by market value, said at the time of Orcel's appointment in September that it would be effective in early 2019 following regulatory approvals. "The Board of Santander had agreed the terms of his annual remuneration in his future role at Santander, which were in line with that of Jose Antonio Alvarez," Santander said on Tuesday. "It was not, however, possible, to determine in advance the final cost of the Group's share of compensating Mr Orcel for the remuneration awards, made to him by his previous employer, that would have been foregone." Santander did not mention any figures and did not say how big the pay gap was. Orcel did not immediately return requests for comment. Orcel worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch between 1992 and 2012. Both Bank of America/Merrill Lynch and UBS have advised Santander on many corporate moves. Santander also said that Rodrigo Echenique, due to retire from his current role as chairman of Santander Spain in March, would remain until a successor is named. UBS declined to comment. When Jason Sherman decided to start his own company to make beer from micro-craft brewers more accessible, he never imagined that a federal government shutdown could affect his business. Until late December, everything was going as planned for the Brooklyn, New York-based company named TapRm. The company distributes beer to bars and restaurants. It also ships beer to residences; home deliveries are made from the TapRm's original Rochester, New York, location. And it's just getting started on the third leg of the business: a Brooklyn storefront that will feature beer brands from around the country and the world. Jason Sherman, founder of beer start-up TapRm The store is leased and all set up. But there's a problem: The existing license TapRm has needs to be transferred from Rochester to Brooklyn in order to open. The company, with two full-time employees, including Sherman, submitted an application to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau in November. And then the shutdown happened. "We were probably supposed to be approved four weeks ago now, yet I haven't heard anything," Sherman said. "There's nobody to answer the phone right now." For every day the shutdown continues and the licensing is delayed, TapRm loses $1,500 to $2,000, Sherman estimates. That's after the young businessman, 31, put in $250,000 including the inheritance he received after his parents passed away into the company. "It's only a matter of time before there's nothing left, because there's no revenue coming in from the retail store," Sherman said. Like many small-business owners, Sherman has been caught off guard by how much the shutdown has impacted his bottom line. "Especially if you don't work for the federal government in fact, you don't work for anyone you don't necessarily think it's going to have such a dramatic impact," Sherman said. That same sentiment is being felt by many other small-business owners across the country those who do not rely directly on the federal government for business, but have found themselves in the crosshairs of a political stalemate that could continue indefinitely. "It's devastating," said Keith Hall, president and CEO of the National Association for the Self-Employed, whose members mostly include small businesses with few, if any, employees. "Even if it's not chipping away at the income of a small business owner in Kansas, it is chipping away at their confidence that we can continue to move forward with the growing economy," Hall said. Demonstrators rally against a partial government shutdown at a protest hosted by the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019. Alex Wroblewski | Bloomberg | Getty Images Aircraft delivery company Jet Test and Transport has also seen the effects of the shutdown, due to paperwork that can't be processed. The biggest part of the company's business, according to managing director Steve Giordano, is transporting aircraft without people or cargo on board. Jet Test operates the planes as an intermediate party, which requires a one-time authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration. Those authorizations are provided either directly from the FAA or through a designated airworthiness representative, or DAR. In a Catch-22, the DARs report directly to the FAA, and the FAA inspectors who commission the DARs are unavailable. As a result, Jet Test flights that require special airworthiness certificates are completely unable to operate right now. For example, the company has two planes in France that are waiting to fly to Brazil, but can't go anywhere because they are registered with the U.S. "Right now, it's cost me $340,000 in revenue, which is probably about $90,000 in profit," Giordano said of the shutdown's impact on his bottom line so far. More from Personal Finance: What to know before you take out a loan against your tax refund For furloughed workers, here's how to get by without a paycheck With no end in sight for the shutdown, thousands of federal workers file for unemployment The Henderson, Nevada-based company, with eight employees, can still fly foreign-registered planes. But about 80 percent of their business is FAA-related, Giordano said. "We had a really good year last year," Giordano said. "We can kind of ride that wave. "If it drags on more than a month, it's definitely going to have an impact." Even if the shutdown ends today, companies like Tap Rm and Jet Test will likely still have to wait as the respective agencies they're waiting on work through a backlog of paperwork. In the meantime, there are steps that owners of small businesses facing a cash crunch may want to consider to help lighten their financial burdens. Increase lines of credit Shon P. Anderson, chief wealth strategist at Anderson Financial Strategies, said his Dayton, Ohio, firm is in an area with a lot of government contractors. To start, businesses should look at increasing any existing lines of credit, Anderson said. That is because when you request that increase, the banks will look at your recent cash flows and payments. "The sooner that you can get those increases approved, the better your financials look without having to key in on the concern that there may not be cash flow for an entire quarter for pieces of the business," Anderson said. Put a hold on purchases In order to preserve the cash you still do have, try to hold off on making new purchases, Anderson suggested. That includes delaying vendor payments as long as possible, he said, which is usually about 60 days. Borrow from retirement accounts with caution If you take a distribution from your individual retirement account or other retirement plan, you have 60 days to pay it back. If you think that's a reasonable amount of time to recoup the money you plan to use, you may want to try it. But proceed with caution, said Ivory Johnson, founder of Delancey Wealth Management in Washington, D.C. "Watch out for not having the money within 60 days," Johnson said. "That's the gamble: What if you don't get paid within 60 days?" Resolve to increase your emergency funds Everyone needs to have at least three months' expenses in an emergency fund, Johnson said. And if you're a business owner, that needs to be at least six months. "People are caught off guard because they didn't think they would need an emergency fund for this," Johnson said. "But this just goes to show who didn't plan for these events." Hall of the National Association for the Self-Employed said this should be a wake-up call for small-business owners. "Throughout 2019, find this as a reason to build a cash reserve," Hall said. Contact your legislators Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speaks to reporters in the Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018. The only one to miss the vote was Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. He was meeting with women who had accused his 2016 presidential campaign of sexual misconduct, his spokesman, Josh Miller-Lewis, told CNBC. A motion to push that resolution forward in the Republican-majority Senate, which required a 60-vote majority to pass, came up three votes shy in a proceeding that saw 11 GOP senators side with Democrats. Senate Democrats on Wednesday came up short in a vote to stop the Trump administration from easing sanctions on companies linked to Oleg Deripaska, a Russian billionaire with ties to Russia's president, Vladimir Putin. The failure to pass the motion effectively killed the resolution. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., pushed the sanctions resolution forward as a rebuke to the Treasury Department's announcement in December that it would lift economic restrictions on Rusal, En+ and other companies in which Deripaska owned stakes. The companies had "committed to significantly diminish Deripaska's ownership and sever his control," Treasury said in a statement at the time, adding that Deripaska himself will remain under sanctions. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, who had warned as a presidential candidate in the 2012 election that Russia is the United States' top geopolitical foe, voted against Schumer's resolution. A spokeswoman for Romney said his vote "was in line with longstanding U.S. policy and will help preserve our leverage to gain concessions from other bad actors. The senator expects the administration to reimpose sanctions if these companies don't comply." Romney's vote follows a New Year's Day op-ed in which the former Massachusetts governor, who has been rumored to be mulling a 2020 primary challenge against Trump, signaled he was carving out an independent position from the president. "Trump's words and actions have caused dismay around the world," Romney wrote in the Washington Post op-ed. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin had gone to Capitol Hill a day before the vote to address senators' concerns about the sanctions plan. WATCH: VTB says not lending new money to Oleg Deripaska Sen. Sherrod Brown will host events in Iowa and other early primary states in the upcoming months, a sign that the Ohio Democrat is serious about a potential presidential bid. Brown announced the "Dignity of Work Tour" on Tuesday night on MSNBC's "All In." The tour will kick off in Brown's home state, before making stops in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada. "I want to continue to learn about the dignity of work from everybody, whether you swipe a card or punch a clock," Brown said. Brown won re-election to a third Senate term in November, a strong showing by a Democrat in a state that President Donald Trump won in 2016. He campaigned heavily on a platform of workers' rights designed to appeal to the many manufacturing workers in Ohio that have seen their jobs disappear over the years. The tour is a chance to spread his message nationwide. "We've seen corporate profits go up. We've seen productivity of workers go up. We've seen executive compensation explode," Brown told MSNBC. "Wages are flat." Hosting a listening tour is "a smart strategy" for Brown to test the waters before officially announcing a presidential run, Democratic political strategist Hank Sheinkopf told CNBC. "He's trying to stake out a no-lose setting." "People who might not vote Democrat who are Democrats may find him a reasonable alternative," Sheinkopf said. Brown is "obviously from the heartland, obviously speaks the right language." Brown said that he will decide whether or not to run "in the weeks ahead." But the tour is only the latest in a series of preparations, including reaching out to Wall Street executives, an indication that he will likely launch a campaign. He is poised to enter a crowded Democratic primary field. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and former HUD Secretary Julian Castro have already announced their intentions to run. Many more are expected to join them in the coming months. The senator "is going to have to walk a thin line between the populism of Bernie Sanders and the pro-worker credibility of Joe Biden in order to find a path to the nomination," Democratic political consultant Evan Thies told CNBC. The tour "gives him an opportunity to spark interest in his candidacy and get the kind of national coverage he's going to need to get beyond his base and reach a level of name recognition nationally." Michelle Obama's memoir, "Becoming," has received worldwide praise and it was the best-selling hardcover book of 2018. Now, it has a new accolade: It's almost better than sex. "Becoming" has been the No. 1 most sold book on Amazon across all formats for 47 days, according to data provided to CNBC Make It from Amazon Charts, which is the longest top best-seller streak since a very different kind of book topped the charts in 2012 erotic romance "Fifty Shades of Grey." "Becoming" became the No. 1 best seller shortly before its Nov. 13 release and though it was displaced briefly, according to CNN, which first reported the story, on Wednesday, it was still atop the list. The list is updated hourly and is based on sales. Only seven other titles have had longer No. 1 Amazon best seller streaks across all formats: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" by J.K. Rowling, "Fifty Shades of Grey" by E.L. James, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by Rowling, "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by Eckhart Tolle, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by Rowling and "Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown. Obama's memoir is an inspiration read filled with stories of childhood on the South Side of Chicago and her time in the White House as First Lady. It sold over 2 million copies in all formats in North America in its first 15 days on sale. The former First Lady has also sold out shows during her book tour, with tickets prices climbing to thousands of dollars. "My main hope was to create something that could be useful to other people, to give them something they could use in their own lives. So I focused on telling my story as honestly as I could. I'm not settling scores or giving a political play-by-play," Obama said of her memoir in a reading guide released by Crown. "I hoped to bring people inside the experience of growing up a working-class black girl on the South Side of Chicago who became First Lady of the United States," she said. "It's all of me, all right there on those pages, which means I feel a little vulnerable knowing what I'm putting out there. But I hope if I can share my story, with all its ups and downs, then other people might have the courage to share theirs, too." Currently, behind Obama's book on Amazon's best sellers ranking is "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo, whose show "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" premiered on Netflix in January. Don't miss: This is the first known book about the stock market and it's worth $300,000 Like this story? Subscribe to CNBC Make It on YouTube! U.S. President Donald Trump (2-R) walks with Kim Yong Chol, former North Korean military intelligence chief and one of leader Kim Jong Un's closest aides, on the South Lawn of the White House on June 1, 2018 in Washington, DC. Three North Korean officials, including the top envoy involved in talks with the United States, are booked on a flight to Washington, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday, suggesting a possible breakthrough in denuclearization talks. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol are expected to meet on Thursday or Friday in the U.S. capital to discuss a second summit between their leaders, CNN and South Korean media reported citing sources familiar with the issue. A meeting could mean the two sides are nearing a compromise after months of standoff over how to move forward in ending North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, which it conducted for years in defiance of U.N. sanctions. Kim, along with North Korea's vice foreign minister Choe Son Hui, and a third official, will leave Beijing on Thursday for Washington, Yonhap said, citing an unidentified Chinese airport official. A spokesman for the U.S. State Department, asked earlier about the possibility of the top officials from the two sides getting together, said: "We have no meetings to announce." North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to work towards denuclearization at a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore in June, but there has been little significant progress since. Pompeo planned to meet his counterpart last November, but the talks were called off at the last minute. Contact was resumed after Kim Jong Un delivered a New Year speech in which he said he was willing to meet Trump "at any time", South Korea's ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week. The markets would see a bullish surge in investor sentiment if the U.S. were to reach a trade deal with the China, BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink told CNBC on Wednesday. The deal would need to be substantial enough to reduce tension and include both sides calling off tariffs on each others goods, Fink said. In the latest tariff moves, the U.S. levied 10 percent duties on $200 billion worth of goods from China, prompting Beijing to put tariffs on $60 billion worth of U.S. goods. "Until we see better certainty on trade and China, we're not going to see super elevated flows," said Fink, co-founder of the world's largest money manager. "If there was a resolution between the U.S. and China, related to trade, we would see a surge in investment sentiment." Beijing and Washington are trying to resolve their trade disputes under a tariff cease-fire that ends March 2. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month agreed to halt any new levies to give diplomacy a chance. Fink warned late last year the trade conflict between the U.S. and China could turn into a "full-fledged" trade war if things didn't change quickly. Fink appeared on "Squawk Box" shortly after BlackRock reported quarterly earnings that missed expectations and assets under management under $6 trillion. Fourth-quarter revenue slightly beat expectations, according to a revised estimate buy Refinitiv after the earnings report. In the interview, Fink also said the stock market has made a near-term closing bottom on Christmas Eve. But whether that holds depends on geopolitical risks, he added. Editor's note: This story was updated after Refinitiv revised its projection for BlackRock revenues after the company reported its financial results. According to the revised estimate, BlackRock sales slightly exceeded fourth-quarter expectations. WATCH: Here are BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's market predictions for 2019 Gunmen blasted their way into a hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday, killing at least 15 people and sending workers diving under desks to escape an attack claimed by Somalia-based Islamist group al Shabaab. More than 12 hours after the assault began at Nairobi's upscale 14 Riverside Drive complex, bursts of gunfire and blasts were heard in the area, undermining government assurances everything was under control. The shots rang out at around 3:30 a.m. local time (0030 GMT) as a group of around 150 workers was escorted from a building where they had sought refuge. Many more remained inside and some needed first aid for gunshot wounds, a first responder told Reuters. By 1 a.m. local time, 15 bodies had arrived at Chiromo Mortuary and more were expected, an attendant told Reuters. Identification papers indicated that 11 were Kenyan, one was American and one was British, he said. The other two were not carrying documents. A U.S. State Department official confirmed one of the victims was American. "We can confirm that a U.S. citizen was killed in the attack," the official said without giving further details. Kenya's Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i had said at 11 p.m. that all buildings at the scene had been secured and scores of people evacuated. But he did not comment on the attackers' whereabouts and said security forces were still "mopping up". Nairobi is a major hub for expatriates and the compound targeted contained offices of various international companies, in an echo of a deadly 2013 assault on a Nairobi shopping center in the same neighborhood. "The main door of the hotel was blown open and there was a human arm in the street severed from the shoulder," said Serge Medic, the Swiss owner of a security company who ran to the scene to help when he heard of the attack from his taxi driver. Medic, who was armed, entered the building with a policeman and two soldiers, he said, but they came under fire and retreated. An unexploded grenade lay in the lobby, he said. "One man said he saw two armed men with scarves on their head and bandoliers of bullets," Medic told Reuters, as gunfire echoed in the background. Kenya has often been targeted by al Shabaab, who killed 67 people at the Westgate shopping center in 2013 and nearly 150 students at Garissa University in 2015. Al Shabaab says its attacks are revenge for Kenyan troops stationed inside Somalia, which has been riven by civil war since 1991. Earlier in the day, office workers had streamed from the complex, some jumping from windows. Security forces continued to escort small groups to safety into the evening, with some hustled into armored vehicles amid sporadic gunfire. Foreign security advisers at the site scrambled to make sure their clients were safe. Jefferies on Wednesday downgraded its outlook on Anheuser Busch Inbev's stock to underperform, saying the brewing company is facing heavy global competition, hurting any near-term growth. "Market share pressures could lead to some disappointment on recovery potential resulting in a recalibration of earnings prospects," Jefferies' Edward Mundy said in a note to investors. Jefferies estimates that the maker of Budweiser dominates in 72 percent of its market positions, ahead of fellow global brands Heineken at 51 percent and Carlsberg at 45 percent. "While long term we would view ABI's market positions as a source of durable competitive advantage, in the near term, there is the risk of market share disruption, especially in the USA, Brazil, [South] Africa and possibly Colombia from 2019 onwards," Mundy said. Jefferies also cut its price target on Anheuser Busch to $62 a share. Anheuser Busch shares fell 2.8 percent Wednesday from Tuesday's close of $72.52 a share. While Mundy praised Anheuser Busch saying it has had "an exceptional decade of growth," the stock topped out at $133 a share in September 2016 and has declined more than 41 percent since then. Copies of the Evening Standard, London's daily free newspaper showing Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May are handed out in Westminster in central London on December 12, 2018. TOLGA AKMEN | AFP | Getty Images Following the resounding defeat of U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal in the U.K. Parliament last night, the global media are giving their reactions to the vote - and they're not holding back. May's deal was roundly rejected by British members of Parliament (MP) with 432 MPs voting against it and 202 approving it, marking the worst political defeats in parliamentary history. The leader of the opposition Labour party, Jeremy Corbyn, tabled a motion of no-confidence in May's government following the vote on the contentious "Withdrawal Agreement", essentially it's blueprint for leaving the European Union. The U.K. government now has three working days to map out a new plan of action. The vote, and the 230-vote loss, was covered in extensive detail by both U.K. and international media. For the British media, Tuesday's vote that gave Parliament a say on May's Brexit agreement with the EU was the climax of months of reporting on the intricacies of withdrawal negotiations with the EU and the warring 'Remainer' and 'Brexiteer' factions in Britiish politics. WATCH: Brexit explained: The U.K.'s big gamble Needless to say, British newspapers and media outlets didn't hold back on their verdicts on the vote, the chaotic state and uncertain future of Brexit and Theresa May and her Conservative government. What will happen to Brexit as the departure date of March 29 draws near also dominated coverage. Here's a selection of UK and global media reaction: The Telegraph, a long-time ally of the Conservative party and pro-Brexit newspaper, branded the defeat 'A complete humiliation' on its front page Wednesday and showed a glum-looking Theresa May on the front bench of Parliament. The Guardian, a stalwart of the left-wing media (and hence no friend of the ruling Tories) headlined its morning edition with "May suffers historic defeat as Tories turn against her," with the paper noting that Tory ministers and MPs appeared split on whether to continue backing their leader and prime minister. The Brexit-opposing paper said May's defeat was a "devastating verdict on the prime minister's deal." Telegraph tweet Not known for their abashed style, U.K. "red-tops", or tabloids, didn't hold back either, with a number of them remarking that May's Brexit deal is now "dead." The Sun headlined its post-vote edition with the play on words, "Brextinct" and that "May's deal is as dead as a Dodo." The Sun tweet The Daily Mail, which ardently campaigned for Brexit under the leadership of infamous news editor Paul Dacre before changing tack under new editor Geordie Greig, said May is "Fighting for her life." The paper noted that despite Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabling a vote of no-confidence in Theresa May, she still has the support of the majority of her party. Corbyn would need two-thirds of MPs to support his motion for a general election to take place. 'Collision with reality' European Council President Donald Tusk suggested that U.K. lawmakers revoke the country's decision to leave the EU, saying it's the only positive solution left on the table. His comments came after a historic defeat for U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May, who saw her deal to leave the EU rejected by a margin of 230 parliamentarians. The approval of the so-called Withdrawal Agreement is seen as essential to ensure that the U.K. doesn't leave the EU in a disorderly fashion, resulting in WTO trading rules. However, the resounding rejection at Westminster increases the possibility that this scenario will actually happen. "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" Donald Tusk, the head of the European Council, said on Twitter on Tuesday night, suggesting that the only available outcome to overcome the impasse in the House of Commons is to stop Brexit. Tweet 1 A ruling by the European Court of Justice last month stated that the U.K. can unilaterally stop its decision to leave the European Union. Prime Minister Theresa May has said on different occasions that it is her deal, no deal or no Brexit. She has until Monday to propose a plan B to the U.K. parliament, after Tuesday's defeat. BY THE NUMBERS Futures were hovering near breakeven this morning as the market evaluated the impact of the failed Brexit vote. The Dow is sitting less than 200 points away from escaping correction. The three U.S. major averages are coming off their highest closes in more than a month. (CNBC) * European markets higher after May's Brexit vote defeat (CNBC) U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May had placed a motion before lawmakers in the lower house of Parliament, asking them to rubber stamp her withdrawal agreement with the European Union. The bill was rejected by 432 votes to 202, thought to be the largest in U.K. political history. (CNBC) It's a big morning for bank earnings, with Bank of America (BAC), Bank of New York Mellon (BK), Comerica (CMA), Goldman Sachs (GS), PNC Financial (PNC), and US Bancorp (USB) all set to report. Asset manager BlackRock (BLK) and brokerage firm Charles Schwab (SCHW) will also issue quarterly numbers this morning. After the bell reports today include CSX Corp. (CSX), H.B. Fuller (FUL), and Kinder Morgan (KMI). (CNBC) * BlackRock results fall short of expectations, assets fall back below $6 trillion (CNBC) Two economic reports out today are housing-related: the Mortgage Bankers Association will be out with its weekly look at mortgage applications at 7 a.m. ET, while the National Association of Home Builders issues its monthly sentiment index at 10 a.m. ET. The Labor Department will issue its December report on import and export prices at 8:30 a.m. ET. (CNBC) The Federal Reserve issues its Beige Book today, with its region-by-region assessment of the U.S. economy due out at 2 p.m. ET. IN THE NEWS TODAY STOCKS TO WATCH United Continental (UAL) reported adjusted quarterly profit of $2.41 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $2.04. The airline's revenue also came in above estimates, amid an increased customer count prompted by an expansion of its domestic network. PG&E (PCG) is being removed from the S&P 500 index, amid the utility's stock plunge as investors assess its potential liability related to last year's California wildfires. PG&E will be replaced in the index by medical device maker Teleflex (TFX). Salesforce.com (CRM) is in talks to acquire privately held software developer ClickSoftware Technologies for about $1.5 billion, according to the Israeli financial news website Calcalist. ClickSoftware is currently owned by private equity firm Francisco Partners. McDonald's (MCD) lost its right to the trademark for "Big Mac" in a European Union ruling. The case had been brought by Irish fast food chain Supermac's. Verizon (VZ) will include subscriptions to Apple's (APPL) Apple Music service with some of its top-tier data plans. Nordstrom (JWN) reported a 0.3 percent increase in comparable store sales at its full-priced locations in November and December, less than expected. Nordstrom cites lower traffic at those stores, although it also said comparable sales at it off-price stores rose 3.9 percent during that same period. The stock has now been downgraded to "neutral" from "buy" at Goldman Sachs, which also removed it from its "Conviction Buy" list. Gannett (GCI) is pursuing a purchase of digital publisher Gizmodo Media Group, according to the Wall Street Journal. The paper said, however, that the effort may hit a snag because of a takeover bid for Gannett by newspaper publisher MNG Enterprises. WATERCOOLER A Call for Nominations ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., January 16, 2019 CNBC, First in Business Worldwide, today announced it is accepting nominations for its seventh annual Disruptor 50, a definitive list of the most ambitious, innovative private companies transforming the economy and forcing public giants to reimagine the way they do business. The deadline to submit the official nomination form, found here: https://goo.gl/forms/dswvBGeUoBAAwTcz2 is Monday, February 4, 2019 at 12:00pm ET. To be eligible to submit, companies must be privately held, independently owned, and founded after January 1, 2004. Nominations may be submitted by any company founder or executive, investor in the company, or any of their communications representatives. Nominees will be put through a comprehensive and rigorous process of researching and scoring, across a wide range of quantitative and qualitative criteria. Winners will be notified in April and the list will be published in May across CNBC's TV and Digital platforms. In 2018, 981 companies submitted nominations from around the world and across every sector of the economy. The fifty companies that made the final cut stood out for the ways they have developed revolutionary new technology into lucrative business models to create the next generation of great public companies. Three of the 2018 Disruptors have already gone public and many more of last year's winners are expected to IPO in the coming months. To stay a part of the conversation, follow @CNBCDisruptors and #CNBCDisruptors on Twitter, and look for updates at disruptor50.cnbc.com. About CNBC: With CNBC in the U.S., CNBC in Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and CNBC World, CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-time financial market coverage and business information 410 million homes worldwide, including more than 90 million households in the United States and Canada. CNBC also provides daily business updates to 400 million households across China. The network's 15 live hours a day of business programming in North America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC's global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of new reality programming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC and a number of distinctive in-house documentaries. CNBC Digital delivers more than 52 million multi-platform unique visitors each month. CNBC.com provides real-time financial market news and information to CNBC's investor audience. CNBC Make It is a digital destination focused on making you smarter about how you earn, save and spend your money by zeroing in on careers, leadership, entrepreneurship and personal finance. CNBC has a vast portfolio of digital products, offering CNBC content to a variety of platforms such as: CNBC.com; CNBC PRO, a premium service that provides in-depth access to Wall Street; a suite of CNBC mobile apps for iOS and Android devices; Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Siri voice interfaces; and streaming services including Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV and Samsung Smart TVs. To learn more, visit https://www.cnbc.com/digital-products/. Members of the media can receive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBCUniversal Media Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/programming/cnbc. For more information about NBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com. Citi, one of the world's largest banks, said Wednesday that its female employees earn 29 percent less than its male employees globally. A study by the bank shows that the median pay for women globally is 71 percent of the median for men, and the median pay for U.S. minorities is 93 percent of the median for non-minorities. "This reiterates the importance of our goals to increase representation of women and U.S. minorities in senior and higher-paying roles at Citi," Sara Wechter, Citi's head of human resources, wrote in Wednesday's blog post. "We know we need a comprehensive approach to our diversity initiatives to make the progress we want to see." As a starting point, the bank said its goal is to increase representation at the assistant vice president through managing director levels to at least 40 percent for women globally. The disclosed pay gap between men and women at Citigroup measures the differences in median total compensation without accounting for factors such as job function, level and geography. As such, the results tend to suggest the the bank doesn't have as many women in positions of responsibility or the corporate suite that tend to offer higher levels of compensation. The company said last year that, when accounting for job function, level and geography, women are paid on average 99 percent of what men are paid and minorities are paid on average 99 percent of what non-minorities are paid. As the world awaits U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May's next move after her Brexit deal failed to obtain parliamentary approval, some politicians from the country's biggest opposition party believe a second referendum is now increasingly likely. "The critical issue is now that she's been defeated in the House of Commons, what does Theresa May do and I think, there's only one way she can really go now and that's towards a referendum to give the people a chance to sort out this crisis," Andrew Adonis, a Labour member of the upper house who previously served as U.K. transport minister and education minister, told CNBC on Wednesday. Labour officially wants to push Brexit through even though swathes of the party consider themselves to be pro-EU. It tabled a no confidence vote against May, who is the head of the ruling Conservative Party, on Tuesday after her proposed Withdrawal Agreement lost by 230 votes. The deal details how Britain should exit the European bloc by end-March. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is hoping May will lose the leadership vote, which will pave the way for a general election that Labour is likely to win. But many political analysts and some Labour politicians believe May will survive the no-confidence motion, unless Conservative lawmakers vote against their own party leader. Theresa May, U.K. prime minister, departs from number 10 Downing Street to attend a weekly questions and answers session at Parliament in London, U.K., on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. The worst parliamentary defeat for a British prime minister in modern times has increased the likelihood of Brexit being scrapped altogether, Goldman Sachs said Wednesday. British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed template to leave the EU on Tuesday evening, thrusting the world's fifth-largest economy even further into political chaos. Defeat for the U.K. government comes with time running out before the country leaves the bloc on March 29. "We still expect a slim majority of MPs to ultimately consent to a close variant of the current Withdrawal Agreement," Goldman Sachs' European economist Adrian Paul said in a research note published Wednesday. But, the nature of May's Brexit vote defeat does "skew the risks to that base case further in the direction of a softer, later Brexit or no Brexit at all," Paul said. BlackRock, the world's largest money manager, said Wednesday that an unidentified party sent a bogus email disguised as annual letter from Chairman and CEO Larry Fink. The fake letter appeared to be the work of environmental activists. The Financial Times and one other media group reported on the contents of the hoax document, which was sent around the same time as BlackRock's quarterly earnings report on Wednesday morning. CNBC, in an earlier version of this story, quoted from a purported BlackRock press release that turned out also to be fake. BlackRock offered no other comment than to say that it is not Fink's letter and that the real one would be coming out soon. Tweet Correction: An earlier version of this story quoted from a press release that turned out to be bogus as well. Banking is known for its long hours and commensurately high paychecks. But it doesn't always work out. Prominent European investment banker Andrea Orcel found that out the hard way this week, after losing a plum job as CEO of Spain's Santander. He was named to the post in September after spending several years as UBS' top dealmaker. He even left the Swiss banking giant to take a required six-month leave before starting his next chapter. On Tuesday, Santander's board announced he wouldn't be taking the job after all, mostly because he was just too expensive. It seems he left behind tens of millions of dollars in deferred pay at UBS that neither UBS nor Santander were prepared to fork over and he wasn't willing to give up. "It has now become clear that the cost to Santander of compensating Mr. Orcel for the deferred awards he has earned over the past seven years, and other benefits previously awarded to him, would be a sum significantly above the Board's original expectations at the time of the appointment," Santander's board said in a statement. Jose Antonio Alvarez will continue in the CEO role without change, the bank said. It isn't unprecedented for a bank to pay an incoming executive for money left on the table at a previous employer. UBS itself paid Orcel the $26 million to cover deferred cash and stock compensation he left behind after 20 years at Merrill Lynch when he joined the Swiss bank as its investment bank chief in 2012. But shareholders and regulators in the U.S. and Europe have been particularly sensitive to outsize compensation for top bankers since the 2008 financial crisis. In early 2009, Citigroup was forced to sever ties with star energy trader Andrew Hall after his $98 million bonus raised alarms with the Treasury Department, which was reviewing banker pay after bailing out Citi and other institutions. Citi sold Hall's energy trading division to Occidental Petroleum that year rather than take up the fight with him. Three years later, Citi shareholders voted down then-CEO Vikram Pandit's $15 million pay package as part of a broad shareholder push against executive pay. It was a symbolic, nonbinding vote but sent a message, led by large investors like the California Public Employees' Retirement System. More recently, Dutch banking giant ING Groep had to abandon plans last year to raise is CEO's pay after a political and public outcry. Deferred pay, a lot of it in the form of restricted shares that vest over time, became the way Wall Street paid bonuses after large cash payouts became unpalatable after the financial crisis. "Regulators love the idea of having a large bucket of money that can be forfeited for bad behavior," said Alan Johnson, a Wall Street compensation consultant. But usually such matters are discussed and settled behind closed doors and more often than not, executives departing for a competitor risk giving up pay. "You quit, you lose," Johnson said. As President Trump continues to spar with Congress over funding for a $5 billion border wall, roughly 800,000 workers are feeling the financial impact of the longest partial government shutdown in history. In addition to federal government employees and contractors, restaurants and other service providers are taking a shutdown-related hit. Dan Simons, co-founder of the popular D.C. restaurant Founding Farmers, told CNBC that his business has seen a 15 to 30 percent decrease in sales since the holiday season ended due to local workers being more conservative with their spending. Greg Chin, spokesman for Miami International Airport, told the Associated Press that they've had to close a terminal early over the weekend as a result of more security screeners calling out due to no pay. This means that the restaurants and shops in that terminal also had to close. In an effort to ease the financial burden of workers and to keep business afloat, many restaurants and organizations are providing limited discounts to furloughed employees. Some companies are even offering their products or services for free. Below are 20 businesses whose discounts, freebies and assistance you should take advantage of if you're impacted by the current shutdown. William Barr testifies at the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be attorney general of the United States on Capitol Hill in Washington, January 15, 2019. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters William Barr, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, faced off with the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday in his confirmation hearing. Barr was grilled for more than seven hours, fielding questions from the 22-member committee on a range of issues including the record-breaking partial government shutdown, the federal government's stance toward marijuana and to what extent Barr would be influenced by the president. But preoccupying the minds of most of the panel's Democrats was special counsel Robert Mueller's ongoing investigation into Russia's 2016 election interference and possible collusion with the Trump campaign. Barr answered dozens of questions probing his thoughts on that investigation, many of which centered around whether he should recuse himself from any involvement with it. He was also asked about how he would reconcile a potential final report from Mueller's office with his commitment to bring transparency to the probe. It was Barr's second time auditioning for the role of top law enforcement official in the Department of Justice. Barr had previously served as attorney general during President George H.W. Bush's administration in the early 1990s, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. But Barr, now 68, stepped into a much different political environment this time around. And while he is still broadly expected to prevail in the Republican-controlled Senate, at least one Democratic senator likely 2020 presidential challenger Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts has already vowed to vote against him. @SenWarren: William Barr has already expressed his bias against the Mueller investigation that alone should disqualify him from serving as Attorney General. He also wants to gut the ACA, thinks Roe v Wade should be overturned, & has a troubling record on criminal justice. I'll vote no. Here are the big takeaways from Barr's testimony: It's not a 'witch hunt' Kicking off Barr's cross-examination was committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who asked Barr point-blank whether Mueller would be involved in a "witch hunt against anybody." Barr responded in kind: "I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt." Trump has long called the Russia probe a "witch hunt" since Mueller's appointment in May 2017. The phrase has become shorthand for Trump's claim that the investigation is politically motivated and based on no credible evidence of wrongdoing. Trump's view of the probe as malicious was contrasted by Barr's prepared remarks before the committee, where he described Mueller as a longtime friend and said he had confidence that Mueller was handling the investigation "properly." He also established from the start that "I believe it is vitally important that the Special Counsel be allowed to complete his investigation," adding, "Bob will be allowed to complete his work." Recusal reluctance Barr's predecessor, Jeff Sessions, recused himself in early 2017 from any federal investigations into Russian election meddling, following reports of his previously undisclosed contacts with Russia's then-ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak. On Tuesday, some senators asked if Barr would do the same, in light of a 19-page memo he sent the DOJ questioning whether Mueller's reported inquiry into possible obstruction of justice by Trump was legally sound. Barr said in his testimony that he would seek the advice of ethics officials on whether he should recuse himself but that he doesn't have to follow their recommendations. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., who is widely believed to be considering a 2020 presidential bid, asked Barr: "Under what scenario would you not follow their recommendation?" Barr replied: "If I disagreed with it." Pressed by Harris, Barr added that "it's a judgment call. The attorney general is the person who makes the judgment." His memo, sent in June, raised fears that Barr may have been selected by Trump because of a bias against the investigation. Barr said in his opening statement that the memo was narrow in scope, applying to a single statute that he inferred was being applied based on news reports he had read. He further told ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein that the memo was speculative. "I was writing in the dark. We are all in the dark. Every lawyer, every talking head, everyone who thinks about or talks about it doesn't have the facts," Barr said. America's biggest rival? China, not Russia Trump's sometimes warm approach to Russia has garnered criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike. And the extent of the Kremlin's interference attempts, revealed in part by Mueller's probe, have cemented Russian President Vladimir Putin as a foe of the U.S. to many Americans. Asked whether Putin was a friend or foe by GOP Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, Barr said "I think the Russians are a potent rival of our country," but stressed that "at the same time, I think the primary rival of the United States is China." "Russia is half the size it was when we were facing them at the peak of the Cold War. Their economy's long-term prognosis is nowhere near China's," he said. "I'm concerned that the fixation on Russia not obscure the danger from China." 'I can conceive of situations' where reporters are jailed Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort departs from U.S. District Court in Washington, U.S., February 28, 2018. An FBI agent working for special counsel Robert Mueller filed a heavily redacted court document Tuesday aiming to bolster Mueller's claim that former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort repeatedly lied to investigators. The 31-page document filed in Washington, D.C. federal court by Special Agent Jeffrey Weiland appears to detail a "variety of subject matters" Mueller had accused Manafort of lying about. Mueller and his team have been investigating Russia's meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, as well as possible coordination between the Kremlin and figures related to President Donald Trump's campaign. The filing gives some insight into Manafort's interactions with Mueller's grand jury, a major aspect of the Russia probe that is seldom mentioned in public court filings. Those alleged lies were related to Manafort's Russian business associate Konstantin Kilimnik, whom Mueller has accused of having "ties to a Russian intelligence service and had such ties in 2016." The allegations were also linked to "information pertinent to another Department of Justice investigation" and "Manafort's contact with Administration officials." The court filing comes a week after it was revealed through a redacting error that Mueller had also accused Manafort of sharing polling data during the 2016 presidential campaign with Kilimnik. In November, Mueller had accused Manafort of lying in breach of the plea deal he struck with the special counsel two months earlier. But Manafort's lawyers disputed Mueller's claim at the time, saying Manafort "believes he has provided truthful information." Kilimnik himself has been charged by Mueller with conspiring with Manafort to try and tamper with witnesses in Manafort's criminal case. Read the full court filing here. Goldman Sachs shares advanced Wednesday after the firm posted fourth-quarter profit that exceeded expectations on strength in its investment banking and investing and lending divisions. The bank generated $6.04 per share in profit for the fourth quarter of 2018, versus the $4.45 per share estimate of analysts surveyed by Refinitiv. Excluding the impact of the U.S. corporate tax overhaul, the New York-based bank posted profit of $4.83 per share. Revenue of $8.08 billion also beat the $7.55 billion estimate. The bank's shares rose 9.54 percent on Wednesday, their biggest one-day gain since 2009. The stock also posted its best earnings reaction since December 2008, according to Bespoke Investment Group. Tweet While analysts had feared that plunging markets late last year would punish Goldman's trading and investing divisions, the bank demonstrated that its relationship-based businesses and areas with relatively more recurring revenues were gaining in prominence. "If you had this environment a decade ago, their results would've been far worse," said Devin Ryan, a JMP Securities analyst. "Even in a market where you had the S&P 500 down 14 percent last quarter and credit spreads widening, they were still able to generate an over 12 percent return on equity. The investment banking is doing incredibly well." The bank posted $2.04 billion in revenue in its investment banking division, better than then $1.88 billion estimate, fueled by a 56 percent surge in advisory revenue to $1.20 billion. Goldman Sachs is Wall Street's pre-eminent mergers adviser, and the firm cited an increase in completed deals in the quarter. But the lion's share of Goldman's revenue beat appeared to come from the bank's investing and lending division, which contains a grab-bag of businesses from consumer banking to private equity investments and low-income housing projects. The division produced $1.91 billion in revenue, about $550 million in excess of the $1.35 billion estimate. The bank cited "significantly higher net interest income" from a year earlier in that business tied to its debt securities business, where Goldman lends to big corporate clients. The unit also benefited from $1.26 billion of gains in private equity stakes. Goldman's trading division produced $2.43 billion in revenue, under the $2.58 billion estimate as fixed income desks generated 18 percent less revenue from a year earlier. The firm's investment management business produced $1.7 billion in revenue, essentially matching analysts' estimate. "We are pleased with our performance for the year, achieving stronger top and bottom line results despite a challenging backdrop for our market-making businesses in the second half," CEO David Solomon said in a statement. "We are confident that we are well positioned to support an even larger universe of clients, continue to diversify our revenue mix and deliver strong returns for our shareholders in the years ahead." Later Wednesday, Solomon addressed analysts on an earnings call for the first time since he took over from Lloyd Blankfein on Oct. 1 He had a lot to discuss: Goldman shares dropped 34 percent last year, the worst performance among the six biggest banks. Much of that decline happened after the Justice Department unsealed the Nov. 1 guilty plea of an ex-Goldman banker who helped a Malaysian financier loot an investment fund of billions of dollars. That announcement sparked a series of bad news related to the fund, 1MDB, including criminal charges filed by Malaysia and questions about the ultimate liability faced by the bank. During the earnings call, he apologized to the Malaysian people. Analysts want to know the extent of costs to resolve 1MDB probes and whether or not the negative attention impacted business operations, according to Jason Goldberg of Barclays. In the fourth quarter, Goldman's provisions for litigation and regulatory proceedings surged to $516 million from $9 million a year earlier, and most of that is tied to the 1MDB case, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter. Furthermore, the market turbulence that pummeled bank stocks late last year also crimped trading and bond and stock underwriting desks. Citigroup, J.P. Morgan and Bank of America were all impacted by declines in bond trading revenue of at least 16 percent. In October, CFO Stephen Scherr said the firm was undertaking a "front-to-back" review of Goldman's four main divisions to boost shareholder returns. So investors will want to hear if there are any early results from that effort, as well as guidance on 2019 targets and progress on a previously disclosed $5 billion revenue project. It's no secret that Apple has lofty ambitions in the health-care space. Now, it's time for the company to make "a big, splashy acquisition" to prove it's serious, says CNBC's Jim Cramer. "Apple has a problem here," he said Tuesday. "As much as we might love the service revenue stream created by all these apps, including the health-care ones, most investors treat Apple like it's some kind of hardware company ... on the verge of becoming obsolete." The problem stems from the iPhone, Cramer, host of "Mad Money," explained. In 2018, iPhone sales accounted for 63 percent of Apple's revenue, so the moment they started to decline, investors wrote the company off. But with an installed base of 1.4 billion users, a growing ecosystem of apps and services and goals of becoming a leading force in digital health care, Apple has a lot more going for it it just needs to show Wall Street, Cramer argued. "It's time for them to make a big, splashy acquisition ... in the software space," he said. "The idea here is that this would make the service revenue stream a larger piece of the pie. [...] Perhaps more important, it would force investors and analysts to reevaluate Apple as more than just a hardware company." And, to the "Mad Money" host, the answer seemed obvious. "Apple should acquire Epic Systems. That's a privately held provider of electronic health records," Cramer said. "Not only would this deal be good for the company, I think it's exactly what Apple's stock needs to get its mojo back." Epic Systems specializes in making health records digital. Unlike Cerner, one of its few large-scale competitors that caters to broader health-care networks, Epic focuses on hospital systems and independent practices. But the electronic health record-keeping business isn't as seamless as it appears. Because it's still a competitive space, companies often engage in "information blocking," or refusing to share data between their networks. In other words, if your doctor uses Epic, but you go to a hospital that uses Cerner, they might not be able to pull your records. That's where Apple comes in, Cramer said. A year ago, the company rolled out a service that allowed iPhone users to access their own medical records by linking up to participating hospitals. "If electronic health records are ever going to achieve their full potential, you need something to act as a universal repository for all this data, and the iPhone and Apple could easily do it," he argued. "If Apple wants to become the universal electronic health records provider, to be the handshake between, say, the Watch's data and the system, they're going to need to break into this market big, and the best way to do that is by acquiring the best: Epic," he continued. While Epic's market capitalization isn't public, the publicly traded Cerner has a market value of nearly $18 billion. Though, with $123 billion in cash, Apple can afford most anything, Cramer argued. Cramer preferred Epic over Cerner for its top-tier status it's been named the No. 1 software suite by Klas Research for eight years running and its no-frills structure. The private company has never made an acquisition, meaning it would be easier for Apple to integrate than a giant like Cerner, he explained. Another interesting point: Epic Systems founder and CEO Judy Faulkner, who owns 43 percent of the company, is now 75 years old and has said on the record that she does not plan to bring Epic Systems to the public market. She has also reportedly created a charitable foundation to take over nearly all of her shares in Epic when her time as CEO is finished. "If she wants to retire with a bang, selling her company to Apple would be a good way to do it, especially because a deal like this one could potentially be revolutionary for the health-care sector," Cramer said. He added that, sooner or later, the business will inevitably scale, and he'd rather have the privacy-conscious Apple control millions of health records than other tech giants. "Bottom line? With iPhone sales slowing, Apple needs to do something to jump-start its stock price and the service revenue stream," Cramer said. "I think a big acquisition that bolsters its service business would do the job, and buying Epic Systems to double down on health care and give the handshake between [the Watch] and all of the health-care system ... could do it. So, come on, [Apple CEO] Tim Cook and Judy Faulkner. Make this one happen." It's a region of the world that's a source of jitters, but Invesco sees opportunity. The firm's chief global market strategist, Kristina Hooper, lists China as a top investment play despite earnings warnings from U.S. multinational companies. They've been citing the trade war with the U.S. as a major headwind to profits. Goodyear warned on Tuesday. Apple cautioned investors on Jan. 2 with its unprecedented iPhone sales warning. Four weeks ago, FedEx shares plunged 10 percent, citing the U.S.-China trade war as a factor in its disappointing forecast. "There's a lot of fear around China," Hooper said Tuesday on CNBC's "Futures Now." "We've certainly seen that rush that could be characterized as a panic, and I do think that presents some opportunity." With earnings season starting this week, she believes more companies will emphasize the trade war impact in earnings warnings. "Companies have also, I think, overly blamed China," Hooper said. According to Hooper, China is also in a position to effectively weather the U.S. imposed tariffs. "I actually think China is going to put a lot of stimulus into its economy this year," she said. "We won't have to worry so much about what's going on in terms of economic growth in China." China, the world's largest manufacturer and goods exporter, is expected to overtake the U.S. as the biggest economy on the planet by next year. As for its trade war with the U.S., Hooper sees a good chance it will end this quarter. "What we're hearing is that the president [Donald Trump] is actually eager to make a deal," she said. "It could be a deal on specifically China making some small concessions around buying some more U.S. products, and we could call it a day. That looks more and more like a possibility." For now, Hooper believes it makes sense for investors to target smaller cap companies because they have less exposure abroad. However, she also wouldn't avoid multinationals. "I wouldn't walk away from U.S. companies that do have exposure to China," Hooper said. "Some of them have already been hit. Prices have come down recently for a number of those names so that could represent an opportunity." Bank of America reported better-than-expected profit and revenue for the fourth quarter on Wednesday, driven by a strong performance from its consumer-banking business and lower taxes. The results sent the bank's shares up 7.16 percent. Here is how the bank did in the previous quarter compared to analyst expectations: Earnings: 73 cents per share vs 63 cents expected, according to Refinitiv Revenue: $22.7 billion versus a forecast of $22.397 billion Bank of America's quarterly profit tripled to $7.3 billion, a record. The bank also said it bought back $26 billion in common stock. "Operating leverage based on disciplined expense management while investing in our future, solid asset quality, and loan and deposit growth drove this quarter's results," CEO Brian Moynihan said in a statement. "Through the trillions of dollars of consumer transactions we process and from the steady confidence and activity of our small business and commercial clients, we see a healthy consumer and business climate driving a solid economy." Profits in Bank of America's consumer banking business grew by 52 percent on a year-over-year basis to $3.3 billion. Loans grew by about 1.9 percent, while credit and debit card spending expanded by 6 percent. The company's net interest income, a widely followed measure of profitability for banks, hit 2.48 percent in the fourth quarter. Analysts polled by StreetAccount expected 2.45 percent. However, Bank of America's fixed-income trading business disappointed Wall Street. Fixed-income trading revenue fell 15 percent to $1.45 billion, below expected sales of $1.62 billion. That steep decline was offset by an 11 percent rise in equities trading revenue to $1.1 billion. Overall, sales and trading revenue grew by 1 percent on a year-over-year basis to $2.6 billion. Bank of America's report follows the release of J.P. Morgan Chase's results on Tuesday. J.P. Morgan posted weaker-than-expected earnings, but the stock managed to post a slight gain. Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Citigroup also released their quarterly earnings this week, topping expectations. Morgan Stanley is slated to release its quarterly earnings on Thursday. Shares of Bank of America have risen more than 7 percent this year, recovering most of the steep losses from last month. In December, the stock plummeted 13.24 percent amid a massive market sell-off. WATCH: Robinhood: The controversial app worth $5 billion that's trying to upend Wall Street DEWITT [mdash] Jean Gravert, 95, formerly of Delmar, Iowa, passed away peacefully in her daughter's home in Iowa City. Per her wishes, there will be no visitation. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, July 25, 2021, from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Grossman Hall in Delmar. Arrangements are In loving memory of Sammy Kay, a private dedication service was held on June 13 at Bet Olam Cemetery. Sammy was the loving brother of Harvey and Marlene Schiffer; father to Dominik; and loving son of the late Ben and Regina Kay. Youre welcome. If you choose to turn off the news, put down your cell phone, forget Facebook and head downtown to Playhouse Square to see the touring production of Rodgers + Hammersteins Cinderella, you will thank me for recommending these two and a half hours of wonderfully romantic, unadulterated and uninterrupted escapism. Rodgers + Hammersteins Cinderella opened on Broadway in 2013, ran for nearly two years, and has been on national tour since 2014. The high-end equity production that came through Playhouse Square in 2015 retained the immense charm of the televised primetime specials that, in the 1950s and 1960s, introduced a generation to the wonders of musical theater and the works of two legendary songsmiths. It also reproduced the big-budgeted spectacle that was the Broadway production and maintained the fairytales essential sense of wonder and discovery first introduced to the masses in the Disney animated film in 1950. The smaller budgeted non-equity rendition currently on tour and on stage at the Connor Palace Theatre, which is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Lee Wilkins, does the same. The shows playwright Douglas Carter Beane and Broadway director Mark Brokaw revisited French author Charles Perraults 17th century interpretation of the Cinderella story in order to de-Disney the fairytale. They also worked some modern-day sensibilities into the script. The result offers a courageously kind heroine (Kaitlyn Mayse) who rescues the floundering Prince (Lukas James Miller) now an orphan whose leadership is being undermined by the scheming Lord Protector, Sebastian (Christopher Swan) as much as he rescues her. Her response to the question raised in the gorgeous song Do I Love You Because Youre Beautiful? is a resounding no, youre beautiful because I love you, which is a nice takeaway for all the impressionable young girls in the audience who came dressed in Cinderella gowns. Also in this version, the evil step-mother (Sarah Smith) and step-sisters (Natalie Girard and Joanna Johnson) are less caricature and more human and humorous, with step-sister Gabrielle depicted as a sympathetic character in love with a political radical (Nic Casaula) seeking better treatment for the poor. Additional songs are introduced that have been lifted from other Rodgers and Hammerstein scores. Everything about this telling of the Cinderella story is crafted by scenic designer Anna Louizos and lighting designer Kenneth Posner to resemble a larger-than-life pop-up picture book. Scene transitions occur as if a page is turning, with scenery and set pieces silently and seamlessly flying in and out while the action continues without missing a beat. The stage is populated by storybook characters adorned in William Ivey Longs perfectly tailored, primary-color saturated, Tony Award-winning costuming. In between transitions is a musical bolstered by wonderfully synchronized, ballet-based choreography as executed by an exceptionally disciplined ensemble, an unabashedly romantic score under Ryan Sigurdsons musical direction, and some very talented featured performers. Mayse as Ella and Miller as the Prince have the requisite storybook looks and the gorgeous high-range singing voices that make their respective signature songs In My Own Little Corner (hers) and Me, Who Am I (his, originally written for Rodgers and Hammersteins 1953 musical Me and Juliet) soar. And they effectively communicate a kinship of two dreamers confined by the limitations of their respective station. This kinship and the actors immense chemistry give added meaning and depth to Ten Minutes Ago, which is presented as a beautifully staged waltz that becomes one of the musicals visual highpoints. Another highpoint, Impossible, showcases the stately Zina Ellis as the forest beggar woman who turns out to be Ellas fairy godmother. It is these and other songs retained from the early TV specials that will immediately transport older audience members back to their youth and far removed from the political divide and other terribly grown up complications taking place outside Playhouse Square. So relax. Get lost in a romantic fairytale. Hum along. Youre welcome. Bob Abelman covers professional theater and cultural arts for the Cleveland Jewish News. Follow Bob at Facebook.com/BobAbelman3 or visit cjn.org/Abelman. 2018 Ohio AP Media Editors best columnist. In Minnesota, an independent state police licensing board has the authority to review police licenses and discipline police officers throughout the state for violating standards of professional conduct. That includes, as of last year, certain misdemeanor convictions for assault, domestic assault or drunken driving. In Arizona, the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Board has the power, after an administrative law judge ruling, to revoke a police officer's certification to work for such infractions as sexting, drug use while on duty or driving under the influence. But in Ohio it's a different matter. The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission, housed in the attorney general's office, primarily oversees police training and other law enforcement training requirements. Virtually all power to discipline police officers rests in the individual police departments -- where it's subject to collective-bargaining limitations, including, often, a requirement to go to binding arbitration over impasses regarding discipline. And arbitrators, who work, and get paid, at the pleasure of both sides, can and have reinstated officers fired for excessive force, assaults, domestic violence, sexting and other infractions. A recent example is Euclid police officer Michael Amiott, who was fired after being caught on video in August 2017 punching a black motorist and slamming his head into the ground. Last October, an arbitrator reinstated him -- with back pay. Amiott, who is white, is now being investigated by federal authorities for a possible hate crime. The gap in Ohio law also means that police officers fired by one department can still work elsewhere -- as happened with Cleveland police officer Timothy Loehmann, who fired the shots that killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice in 2014. Loehmann was not indicted in that shooting but was fired by the city of Cleveland in 2017 for lying on his job application. Last year, he briefly found part-time employment in the Bellaire, Ohio police department in southeast Ohio's Belmont County but withdrew from the job after protests mounted. The only ironclad police-disciplinary exception under Ohio law is for felony convictions, which require a police officer to step down and which render him or her ineligible to serve anywhere in the state. A cleveland.com investigation of Cleveland police arbitration records found these troubling examples, among others: *A 12-year Cleveland police detective fired for sexting and other misconduct after he sent thousands of sexually explicit messages to crime victims and sought sexual relationships with them was reinstated by an arbitrator in 2013. *An 11-year Cleveland police officer fired after stabbing her boyfriend (a registered sex offender) while she was drunk and who then attempted suicide was reinstated by an arbitrator in 2014. She had been charged with a felony in the assault but pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault. Creating a state oversight process for police certification and discipline wouldn't usurp local authority on most police discipline but rather would ensure independent oversight of certain types of misconduct, in concert with local law enforcement. Nor would it automatically ensure appropriate discipline. A Minneapolis Star Tribune investigation of Minnesota's Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board found that "hundreds of officers have been convicted of serious offenses in the past 20 years without facing any sort of licensing review or discipline by the state board." The board -- whose 15 members were all current or former law enforcement officials appointed by the governor, according to the Star Tribune -- upgraded its practices after the paper's investigation. Creation of a similar POST board in Ohio would mark an important start in trying to create a more credible oversight and disciplinary process for police misconduct in Ohio. Ohio Lawmakers should look into practices elsewhere and consider creating such a board -- and new Gov. Mike DeWine, the state's former attorney general, and new state Attorney General Dave Yost should press for such a reform. About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. * Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the "Follow" option at the top of the comments, & look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- As the partial government shutdown enters its 26th day, I share the frustrations of all Americans who look to Congress to solve the big challenges that we face as a nation. As usual, it is those not receiving a pay check -- 800,000 people this time around -- who suffer the most while political leadership fails to forge a path forward. What the American people, and especially those 800,000 workers, deserve is a good-faith effort from both sides to put partisan bickering aside and negotiate our way out of this shutdown. Republican freshman congressman U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Rocky River represents Ohio's 16th Congressional District in Washington, D.C. We are blessed to live in a country that is a beacon of hope to the entire world. The American idea has inspired generations of people from all corners of the globe to leave friends and family behind in search of individual liberty and the blessings and responsibilities there implied. My father and his parents did just that in 1960, leaving communist Cuba behind with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They built businesses, raised strong families, and taught us how lucky we are to call ourselves Americans. I am proud of our nations immigrant heritage and believe we should all work to preserve it. Central to our success as a nation of immigrants is the insistence that everyone who wishes to join the fabric of our nation do so legally and consistent with the rule of law. As we always have, we should welcome with open arms those who wish to play by the rules and will work to further the American interest. But if we are to do that, we simply must know who it is that wants to enter our nation. The most recent proposal from President Donald Trump represents a thoughtful and comprehensive plan to both secure our border and provide humanitarian relief to those making the difficult journey up to our southern border. The goal should be to treat those who wish to immigrate to this country expediently and compassionately, while allowing us to properly adjudicate their cases. This plan does that. While the majority of ink has been spilled talking about the wall, the presidents latest plan is far more comprehensive and deserves serious consideration, not ridicule, from Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As has been pointed out many times, Democratic leadership has supported border fencing in the past. They believed it was effective and a prudent use of taxpayer dollars. If that is no longer true, I urge them to make that case to the American people, not laugh at those of us who support this proposal. At the very least, they should present a counterproposal to what they received last week. The border wall was never a complete solution, though it was always an important part of any solution. In addition to providing modest funding to extend border fencing an additional 234 miles not the 2,000 miles initially proposed this plan represents a more comprehensive and balanced approach that places fencing where it is logical, upgrades staffing and technology to better detect narcotics, while streamlining the process for those entering through ports of entry by adding 75 immigration judges to the bench. Finally, it provides an additional $800 million for humanitarian needs for those, including children, who make the difficult journey towards our border and have been taken into custody. If you believe that a common-sense legal immigration policy is in the best interest of our nation, I would urge you to review this plan, and do so without partisan goggles, but with an eye towards a belief in our responsibility to enforce our borders while respecting the incredible immigrant heritage that we share as Americans. Then, pick up the phone and tell your members of Congress to get back to the bargaining table. It is truly the only way forward. U.S. Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Rocky River is a freshman Republican congressman representing Ohios 16th Congressional District. ***************** Have something to say about this topic? Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the Follow option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio Thirty-six new roadway signs welcoming people to the state, or thanking them for visiting as they leave, are not being welcomed by some online critics who are heaping a good dose of ridicule on them. The tourism slogan on the signs, Ohio. find it here, looks as if it were casually hand-written. Or, as one Reddit poster asked, Why did they let a second grader do the design?? Another wondered whether new Gov. Mike DeWine "found a box of crayons in his new desk. Id be ok with my tax money paying for maybe even just one graphic designer at the statehouse, said another. What do you think of the new signs? Do you like them? The tourism slogan find it here is about three years old, developed by TourismOhio. But many Ohioans are only noticing it now, because the majority of the new highway signs are being replaced this week and in coming weeks -- with the exception of four signs that had been installed earlier to replace older signs that were in poor shape or were needed for a new bridge, ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning said. The signs cost about $100,000 with $52,000 coming from TourismOhio and the rest coming from ODOT. The two entities came to an agreement about costs and sign replacement around the November election, and decided to wait for the new administration to install most of them so they wouldnt have to spend money changing the nameplate of the governor and lieutenant governor. It may look like the new signs came on the orders of the DeWine administration, but it was actually a product of the former Gov. John Kasich administration, Bruning said. The DeWine folks had nothing to do with the branding of the signs, he said. Older roadway signs are a hodgepodge of previous tourism sayings -- Ohio, The Heart of It All and Ohio, So Much to Discover. But the internet is decidedly not happy with the slogan find it here, with many people questioning what it represents. One poster said, "It is: crippling depression opioids rednecks that wave the Confederate flag even though Ohio was a Union State Climate change deniers people who vote against their own interests." And with the internet being, well, the internet, that comment elicited arguments about the states flaws and greatness. As one commenter summed it up: Ohio: This font is perfectly fine, youre just reading it while driving through potholes. When TourismOhio unveiled the slogan in November 2015, it said the campaign cost $2 million. The find it here campaign was the result of months of research and is intended to boost visits to Ohio by emphasizing the states broad range of activities from microbreweries to museums to family theme parks. The online public may be having fun poking at the slogan, but the message behind it appears to be resonating. State tourism officials have independent research they say shows the number of visits and visitor spending is up. Matt MacLaren, chief of TourismOhio, said visitor spending on items such as hotels, museum admission tickets and other tourism-related purchases was $44 billion in 2017, up from $40 billion in 2014, the year before Ohio. find it here launched. The number of actual visits in 2017 was 219 million. Thats up from 200 million in 2014. A visit is defined as traveling at least 50 miles from home for a trip that is out of the ordinary. During the market research, TourismOhio wanted people to associate the feelings of joy, happiness and excitement with a brand and found successful association with find it here, MacLaren said. TourismOhio has purchased advertising in Ohios neighbors of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania with the find it here brand. They wanted the find it here signs to welcome people at the border to conjure up the emotional response. It creates an emotional connection for the visitors, MacLaren said. Rotunda Rumblings Weed Wednesday: The first legal medical marijuana will be sold in Ohio Wednesday as four dispensaries are set to open in the morning, cleveland.coms Laura Hancock reports. All four are in northern or eastern Ohio. Reefer madness: Patient demand for cannabis is expected to be high.Hancock writes that at least three of the dispensaries will limit how much can be purchased in the first days of sales. From the green room: In Canton, The Botanist offered cleveland.coms Robin Goist and David Petkiewicz a look inside its dispensary and an explanation of what patients will experience during their first visit. Kasich News Network: To no ones surprise, former Gov. John Kasich has joined CNN as a contributor. Cleveland.coms Seth Richardson has details. Home grown: Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday said he wants to at least triple the $19.6 million Ohio spends every year on home-visitation programs for new and expecting at-risk mothers.As cleveland.coms Jeremy Pelzer reports, DeWine created an advisory board to recommend exactly how much he should seek in his state budget plan for such programs. Pure Michigan: MGM Resorts International announced Tuesday it has picked an executive from MGM Grand Detroit to run the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park under a yet-to-be announced new name beginning later this year. MGM Properties paid $1 billion for the Hard Rock Rocksino last year, cleveland.coms Rich Exner reports. Education theory: Eight new members of the state school board were among those who elected Republican Laura Kohler president Tuesday in a vote that appeared to be partisan and influenced by outsiders, since the eight had never worked with her before. Kohler won over a bipartisan deal struck between Republican Nick Owens and Democrat Stephanie Dodd, who tried to become president and vice president, The Plain Dealers Patrick ODonnell writes. New gig for Joyce: U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce of Bainbridge Township has landed a spot as the top Republican on a House subcommittee that allots funding for a variety of agencies dealing with the environment.As cleveland.coms Sabrina Eaton reports, Joyces new post will boost Ohios clout on the key committee. Ohio Democrats Marcy Kaptur and Tim Ryan chair other related subcommittees. Hear ye, hear ye: U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, a Warrensville Heights Democrat, will bring to Ohio a hearing of an elections subcommittee shes chairing, looking into voter suppression, roll purges and other practices, with an eye to change the law, according to the USA Today. She may not get a bill passed, however, since Republicans have said the election issue is actually voter fraud. Save the date: Ohio House Democrats plan to vote on Wednesday, Jan. 23 to see who will succeed Fred Strahorn as minority leader (and fill three other leadership posts), according to the Columbus Dispatchs Jim Siegel. So far, the only Democrat to express interest in becoming minority leader is Assistant Minority Leader Emilia Sykes of Akron. Feel like a million bucks: DeWines inaugural committee raised $1.7 million and had spent $1 million of it as of Thursday, the Dispatchs Randy Ludlow reports. Color code: Michael D. Dawson of ohioelectionresults.com looked at races in recent history and concluded in the Washington Post that Ohio has become a red state. He argues the states reputation as a bellwether is over. Full Disclosure Five things we learned from Rep. Theresa Gavarones April 9 financial disclosure. Gavarone, a Republican from Bowling Green, is seeking an appointment to Senate District 2, which has just been vacated by Randy Gardner, who was named Ohio chancellor of higher education. 1. She reported earning $10,000 to $24,999 from bookkeeping she did as treasurer for Latta for Congress and up to $999 as an attorney for the Law Offices of Davies, Ruck and Speweik. As a lawmaker, she earned $67,126.19 in 2017. 2. She traveled to Israel in 2017 as part of a legislative trip hosted by Ohio Jewish Communities. Her flight, hotels and ground transportation cost $1,642.27. She toured Masada, which cost $30, had lunch and swam at the Dead Sea, which cost $64.76. She listed another in-country tour that cost $160.87 and other costs of $562.46. 3. Gavarone received $796.05 to travel to an American Legislative Exchange Council event, $5,754.71 for travel for the National Conference of State Legislatures, and $3,227.02 for travel associated with the Council of State Governments. The Ohio House paid $5,116.80 for mileage reimbursement between her home and Columbus. Her campaign committee paid for $3,300.28 for travel. 4. In addition to having an Ohio law license, she has a liquor license. She and her husband own Mr. Spots restaurant. 5. She listed four businesses that she or an immediate family member do business under: Lex Loci Corp., of which she is vice president, 223 Rentals LLC, Philly Flyers LLC and Howards Club H. Birthdays U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson Straight From The Source Shocker@CNN, the aquarium for Republican never-Trump swamp creatures, who have no real supporters outside of the their own green room, adds this original swamp creature to their collection of nobodies. -Brad Parscale, President Donald Trumps 2020 campaign manager, commenting on CNNs hiring of Kasich. John Weaver, a Kasich adviser, provided a snarky response to Parscale on Twitter. Capitol Letter is a daily briefing providing succinct, timely information for those who care deeply about the decisions made by state government. If you do not already subscribe, you can sign up here to get Capitol Letter in your email box each weekday for free. CLEVELAND, Ohio A woman with her 1-year-old child was robbed at gunpoint while trying to buy a television she found through the online marketplace OfferUp, police reports say. The robber threatened to kill the woman as he forced her out of his car and sped away with her money, according to police reports. The robbery happened about 5 p.m. Tuesday on West 95th Street, just south of Madison Avenue in the citys Cudell neighborhood. The woman told police she met the man on OfferUp and agreed to meet up with him to buy a Samsung TV he listed for sale, according to police reports. She drove with her 1-year-old child to buy the TV, police reports say. The woman left the child in her car and got into the mans car to buy the TV, according to police reports. The robber pulled out a gun and demanded her money and car keys, according to police reports. The woman gave the robber $360 and her keys, police reports say. The robber told her to get out of his car. The woman told the man she had no money and a child with her, according to police reports. The man pointed the gun at her again and told her to get out or shed no longer see her child, police reports say. The woman told police she feared for her life and her childs and got out of the car, according to police reports. The robber later texted the woman that he threw her keys out of his car somewhere near E Prep and Village Prep Willard school on Williard Avenue, police reports say. The woman went there and found her keys, police reports say. No arrests have been made in the case. To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page. AKRON, Ohio A 26-year-old man was hospitalized early Tuesday morning after shots were fired into a home in the West Akron area, police say. The victim was taken to Cleveland Clinic Akron General Hospital for a wound to the leg. His condition was not released but the injury was non-life-threatening, police say. The shooting on the 800 block of Cordova Avenue, just east of Interstate 77 by Erie Island Park, occurred at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. No suspects have been identified by the victim says the shots were fired from a dark-colored car. Anyone with information on the shooting can call police at 330-375-2490. To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page. NORTH COLLEGE HILL, Ohio Police say a dispute over a fender-bender in the drive-thru of McDonalds ended with a driver being dragged by one of the vehicles and having his arm run over. Reno Lattimore is being held in the Hamilton County Jail on charges of felonious assault, drug abuse and fleeing from a police officer, WLWT Channel 5 reports. The dispute reportedly occurred just before 3 a.m. Sunday. Lattimore is accused of rear-ending a vehicle with a man, his wife and two young children inside. The driver called police to report the accident and told dispatchers he was concerned Lattimore would attempt to drive off, WLWT reports. An argument erupted and the man grabbed the steering wheel of Lattimores vehicle, Local 12 reports. Police say Lattimore tried to drive off, dragging the man into the road. When the man let go, a rear wheel of Lattimores vehicle ran over the mans left arm, reports say. Lattimore crashed into a utility pole and was arrested at the scene, Local 12 reports. WLWT reports Lattimore had an outstanding warrant. North College Hill is located in southwest Ohio about 10 miles north of Cincinnati. To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Infowars' run on Roku was short-lived. The program, hosted by extreme right wing talk show host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, surfaced on the free streaming service recently. The discovery, spread widely by Sleeping Giants, an account that seeks to out companies that promote bigotry, sparked a public outcry on social media from people asking Roku to do what Apple, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google and Spotify had already done: ban Infowars. Roku, which boasts 24 million active accounts, initially defended Jones' channel, saying in a statement it does not curate or censor based on viewpoint. But the platform was then called out by a lawyer representing victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. "The decision to carry Infowars and provide a platform for Alex Jones is an insult to the memory of the 26 children and educators killed at Sandy Hook, attorney Josh Koskoff said in a statement to the The Danbury News-Times. Worse, it interferes with families efforts to prevent people like Jones from profiting off innocent victims whose lives have been turned upside down by unspeakable loss. Less than 24 hours later, Roku reversed its decision. After the InfoWars channel became available, we heard from concerned parties and have determined that the channel should be removed from our platform. Deletion from the channel store and platform has begun and will be completed shortly. Roku (@Roku) January 16, 2019 After the InfoWars channel became available, we heard from concerned parties and have determined that the channel should be removed from our platform. Deletion from the channel store and platform has begun and will be completed shortly, the company said in a statement. In a note posted on his website, Jones called the ban simply censorship. This was a fan-made channel with no direct involvement by us, and due to our general popularity it began trending on Roku. Furthermore, it appears that a campaign to ban the channel was orchestrated by Democratic PR firms who were pushing the myth that my broadcast had encouraged listeners to visit and harass the families of Sandy Hook victims, which is an outright lie and a total fabrication. The channels removal comes six months after Jones was banned from the major social media and streaming platforms for promoting hatred, violence and incendiary, proven false conspiracy theories such as Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax, 9/11 was an inside job or Hillary Clinton ran a child sex ring out of a D.C. pizza shop. In the weeks following the removal of Infowars from those sites, traffic to its website and videos was cut in half, the New York Times reported in August. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley is considering whether to pursue the death penalty in the case of a man accused of beating a 94-year-old woman to death during a home invasion. A grand jury on Tuesday handed up an indictment charging Cornelius Pames, 25, with aggravated murder, murder, aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, felonious assault, and attempted murder in the Sept. 17 death of Eucebia Garcia Gutierrez. Pames is being held on $50,000 bond on an unrelated case in which he is accused of propositioning a 13-year-old girl for sex, according to court records. He is set to for a Thursday arraignment hearing on the murder charges. OMalley said in a news release statement that the offices capital review committee, which looks at cases that meet the legal threshold necessary to seek the death penalty, is reviewing the case. Eucebia was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, OMalley said in the release. We will hold Pames accountable for his horrific actions. 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 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. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office connected Pames DNA to the scene of the crime, OMalleys office said in a news release. To comment on this story, please visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments page. Aliph Announces Project to Restore Assyrian Monastery in Iraq Photo of St. Behnam Assyrian Monastery, in north Iraq, being destroyed by ISIS. Aliph, a Geneva-based global fund to protect cultural heritage in war zones, spearheaded by France and the United Arab Emirates and chaired by the American billionaire Thomas Kaplan, has revealed its first projects. They include the Mosul museum and the Behnam monastery in Iraq, as well as the Tomb of Askia in Gao, Mali. The organisation has also launched a worldwide call for new projects. Originally proposed at an international conference in Abu Dhabi in 2016, Aliph--named after the first letter of the Arabic alphabet--has raised $60m so far, according to Aliph's director Valery Freland, a French diplomat. For the Mosul museum, Aliph is funding the $480,000 preparatory study for its restoration, with technical support provided by the Louvre and the Smithsonian Institution. It also plans to cover at least part of the restoration works which, according to rough estimates, could amount to $6m-$10m. South of Mosul, Aliph is financing the $250,000 reconstruction of the Mar Behnam monastery. Partially destroyed by Islamic State in 2015, it formerly housed one of the most important Syriac libraries in the world. Work on the fourth-century Assyrian church, library and tomb, led by the French architect Guillaume de Beaurepaire and the archaeologist Abdelsalam Simaan, with the help of the French NGO Fraternity in Iraq, has now been completed. Freland underscores the symbolic importance of this first accomplishment by the fund in a sacred place of pilgrimage for Syriac Catholics and Yazidis, as well as Muslims. In Gao, Aliph is financing the $500,000 damage-and-repairs assessment of the 15th-century Askia tomb. After the occupation of Northern Mali by militants in 2012-13, the mosque and necropolis of the Songhai Empire's leading dynasty have been on the brink of collapse. New projects can now also be submitted via Aliph's interactive site (aliph-foundation.org). "They can come from any part of the world and include a wide range of actions, from protection of sites at risk to intangible heritage traditions," Freland says. "We want to act swiftly," he says, likening the fund to a "cultural start up". Management costs must be kept under 10% of the proposed budgets. Aliph also wants to open an emergency response programme for projects under $75,000, which could be immediately initiated by its director. The fund aims to work with a permanent team of no more than six people based in Geneva. Prior to joining Aliph, Freland was a councillor of the French Culture Minister before being charged with cultural cooperation in Tunis from 2010 to 2016, at the time of the Arab Spring. He works together with France Desmarais, a Canadian lawyer previously employed by the International Council of Museums. In the first instance, Aliph is focusing on countries such as Iraq, Mali, Afghanistan and Libya, and is hoping to work in Syria as soon as possible. Apart from fears around safety, Freland says that a major challenge will be the availability of logistics and operational personnel to assist on the ground. His next mission is a global fundraising tour to further boost Aliph's coffers. France has already provided $30m, Saudi Arabia $10m, the Emirates $7.5m, Kuwait $5m, Luxembourg $2.2m, Morocco $1.5m and China $1m. Three sponsors, the Mellon Foundation, Thomas Kaplan and Jean-Claude Gandur, an oil trader and Swiss collector, contributed a total of $2m. CLEVELAND, Ohio Federal authorities arrested a California man after they seized more than two pounds of fentanyl in a UPS package destined for a house in Clevelands Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, court records show. Alan Gabriel Barba-Sanchez, 30, of San Diego was charged Monday with attempted possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. The package, seized Friday by a Cuyahoga County Sheriffs Department deputy at a UPS hub in Middleburg Heights, was addressed to a house at West 54th Street and Tillman Avenue in Cleveland, according to court filings. Barba-Sanchez made his initial appearance in federal court on Monday. Preliminary and detention hearings are set for Jan. 22 in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge William Baughman. He is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Fentanyl is 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. The drug, which has legitimate medical uses, has helped to escalate the opioid epidemic in Ohio and the rest of the country. When you look at the streets and neighborhoods of this district, fentanyl has had the same effect as a weapon of mass destruction, U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said in a statement. He added that this seizure has already saved lives in Northeast Ohio." Federal public defender Jeff Lazarus, who represented Barba-Sanchez at his initial appearance Monday, declined comment. The package was addressed to Alexa Hester, with a return address in San Diego along with the name David Hester," according to an affidavit written by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations agent Matthew Kampman. However, law enforcement records did not show anyone with the last name Hester as living at the house, the affidavit said. The fentanyl was in a box that also had packing peanuts, loose clothing and a small black roller bag, according to the affidavit. The brick was in a white shirt. The sheriffs department reached out to federal agents to conduct a controlled delivery of the package, according to the affidavit. Agents later saw Barba-Sanchez walk to the house, open the front door and carry the package inside. They approached Barba-Sanchez soon after taking the package, and Barba-Sanchez said he rented the house for the day through Airbnb, according to the affidavit. Agents searched the house and took Barba-Sanchez to the Cuyahoga County Jail to interview him. He had three iPhones, $2,000 in cash, a key to a rental car and a key for an apartment at The 9 in downtown Cleveland. He refused to provide agents for the passwords for his phones, according to court records. Barba-Sanchez denied that the package was his and said he only opened it because he was nosey, the affidavit states. He then told agents he could help catch the people who sent the drugs from California. He was supposed to get paid for the trip to Cleveland but had not received the money from people on the west coast, according to the affidavit. However, agents determined he wasnt truly interested in cooperating. When agents searched his car, they found a UPS receipt for a package that agents in Louisville intercepted that contained cash. Barba-Sanchez told agents he shipped the box and it contained $4,000, according to court records. If you would like to comment on this story, please visit Tuesdays crime and courts comments section. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Rascal Flatts-themed restaurant and bar wont join the lineup at the Flats East Bank project after all, in a scuttled deal thats not unique to downtown Cleveland. The country trio has cut ties with developer RF Restaurants, the Nevada-based company that once planned to open Rascal Flatts venues in cities including Pittsburgh; St. Louis; suburban Chicago; Des Moines, Iowa; and Gainesville, Florida, according to a statement posted online. Because we know you have been looking forward to enjoying our themed restaurants, we wanted to let you know that this project is no longer happening. We ended the agreement and do not have a business relationship with the developer. They are not authorized to use our name in any way, the band wrote in a message addressed to fans on Friday evening. A publicist confirmed Tuesday that the statement applies to all proposed Rascal Flatts locations. The band said it never had an ownership stake or development role in the projects. When plans for the 10,000-square-foot restaurant at the Flats East Bank were unveiled in March 2016, the project was the first such concept eatery announced nationwide. The space originally was set to open later that year. Then in 2017. Then by mid-2018. But construction stalled, in a collapse eerily similar to the failure of a once-planned Toby Keiths I Love This Bar & Grill at the 23-acre, mixed-use riverfront project. The restaurant groups behind both country-western deals missed deadline after deadline and ended up, across the country, mired in disputes with contractors and lawsuits with landlords. Flats East Bank developer Scott Wolstein declined to comment Tuesday. The RF Restaurants website isnt active. An Ohio corporation filing for RF Restaurants II, LLC, a company formed in Las Vegas in 2015 and registered here in late 2016, lists the address of an attorney in Scottsdale, Arizona, and identifies a woman named Tawny Costa as a company representative. The attorney, Shawn Richter, couldnt be reached for comment. Neither could Costa, who appears to live in the Scottsdale area. Ray Roshto of Ussher Construction, an Arizona company listed on the building permit for the Cleveland restaurant, said RF Restaurants wasnt paying the bills. Roshto said he was acting as a consultant on the construction project but walked away last year. Whatever they were doing, I didnt want no part of, he said of the restaurant group. A Rascal Flatts eatery did open in Stamford, Connecticut, in 2017 but closed last year. Roshto raised the prospect of a connection between the developers of the failed Toby Keith restaurants and the Rascal Flatts deal. In 2017, the Arizona Republic identified Costa as the girlfriend of Frank Capri, the figure behind the Toby Keith projects. Costas name also appears on public records along with that of Chris Burka, the RF Restaurants representative who was the public face of negotiations in Cleveland and other cities. Landlords in California, Florida and Pennsylvania are in disputes with RF Restaurants affiliates over claims of unpaid rent and breached lease agreements. Court records dont turn up any litigation related to the Flats East Bank project. The Rascal Flatts space, on the ground floor of an apartment building near the Cuyahoga River, is partially finished. A short walk north, a Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville now occupies the building once earmarked for Toby Keiths. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After years of talks about a potential makeover of the Market Plaza site in Clevelands Ohio City neighborhood, the high-profile corner at West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue changed hands this week in a $5.85 million deal. An affiliate of Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors, a Chicago-area developer, purchased the shopping center on Tuesday, according to public records. The company plans to raze the retail plaza, which sits across from the West Side Market, and to replace it with a pair of much larger buildings. Site plans show offices, apartments, new retail space and garage parking, with nearly an acre of green space facing the market. Dan Whalen, a Harbor Bay director and Willoughby native, said the project carries an estimated price tag of $150 million to $180 million. A new rendering shows Harbor Bay's proposed office building, at right, and apartment building on the current site of the Market Plaza shopping center. The property changed hands this week. This weeks real estate deal didnt include a nearby parking lot owned by a group of West Side Market tenants. Harbor Bay expects to acquire that lot later this year in a separate transaction and, in exchange, to provide vendors at the city-owned market with parking in the new garage. Demolition and construction at Market Plaza could start in late summer or early fall, with a grand opening for the project likely in spring of 2021. Harbor Bay still needs zoning and design approvals from various city commissions. Since August, when the company first presented the concept to a neighborhood block club, the components of the proposal havent changed much. The current plan calls for 150,000 square feet of offices, roughly 260 apartments, more than 75,000 square feet of retail and upwards of 560 underground parking spaces. The new buildings would get shorter as they approach the West Side Market. The seller in the Market Plaza transaction was Darrell Young, who developed the single-story retail center with his brothers in the late 1980s. Located just steps from the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authoritys Ohio City Rapid station and surrounded by a growing network of bicycle trails and urban parks, the property is home to tenants including H&R Block, KeyBank, Fantasy Nails, Pizza Hut and Sherwin-Williams. Some of those tenants are scouting for other storefronts in the neighborhood. CLEVELAND, Ohio A former Cleveland Clinic resident has been fired by a Columbus health system after ordering excessive and potentially fatal doses of pain medication to 27 near-death patients, according to a statement from the Columbus hospital. Dr. William Husel, worked as an osteopathic doctor at Columbus-based Mount Carmel Health System, Mount Carmel West, for the past five years, treating patients requiring intensive care. Prior to that, he was employed as a resident at the Clinic from 2008 to 2013. Multiple attempts to reach Husel were not successful. Husel has been accused in a lawsuit filed Jan. 14 in Franklin County Common Pleas Court of ordering a lethal dose of Fentanyl for Janet Kavanaugh on Dec. 11. Kavanaugh died minutes later, the lawsuit says. The Clinic, in a prepared statement, said Tuesday it just learned about the accusations against Husel. "We are taking this matter very seriously and immediately launched an internal investigation. A preliminary review found that his prescribing history during his employment as a resident at Cleveland Clinic was consistent with appropriate care provided to patients in the intensive care unit, the Clinic said. Ed Lamb, Mount Carmels president and CEO, said in a prepared statement: During the five years he worked here, this doctor ordered significantly excessive and potentially fatal doses of pain medication for at least 27 patients who were near death. These patients' families had requested that all life-saving measures be stopped, yet the amount of medicine the doctor ordered was more than what was needed to provide comfort. Lamb said Mount Carmel recently reported the results of its internal investigation of Husel to authorities and has removed 20 hospital staff from patient care, including a number of nurses who administered the medication and a number of staff pharmacists who were also involved in the related patient care. Lamb said the actions taken by Husel were unacceptable and inconsistent with the values and practices of Mount Carmel, regardless of the reasons the actions were taken. On behalf of Mount Carmel and Trinity Health, our parent organization, we apologize for this tragedy, and we're truly sorry for the additional grief this may cause these families, Lamb said. We take responsibility for the fact that the processes in place were not sufficient to prevent these actions from happening. Were doing everything to understand how this happened and what we need to do to ensure it never happens again. Reporter Brie Zeltner contributed to this story. CLEVELAND, Ohio Cleveland Hopkins International Airport welcomed 9.64 million passengers in 2018, a 5.5 percent increase over 2017 and the most since 2008, before the Great Recession hit. And the airport is poised for more growth, according to Airport Director Robert Kennedy, who said predictions show the airport will exceed 10 million passengers in 2019. Were looking for as many domestic direct destinations as we can get, said Kennedy, at a press event Tuesday, announcing two new destinations from Allegiant Air. Already this year, Frontier and Allegiant have announced four new routes (although Frontier dropped one destination, as well). Its more than new routes that are fueling the increase in passengers through Cleveland, said Kennedy. The airport is attracting a higher percentage of travelers from the Northeast Ohio region than it did several years ago. In 2018, according to Kennedy, 91 percent of regional travelers chose to fly to or from Cleveland Hopkins. Five years ago, that percentage was 79 percent. A key reason for the increase in penetration: Fares have come down dramatically in Cleveland since the closure of the United Airlines hub in 2014, attracting travelers who previously might have driven to other, nearby airports for a cheaper flight. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the average fare in Cleveland was $318 for the second quarter in 2018, well below the national average of $349. In the second quarter of 2013, the average fare at Hopkins was $446, well above the national average of $378. Among the side effects of Clevelands growth: Passenger traffic at the Akron-Canton Airport is down 15 percent through November 2018. Kennedy said he and the airports air-service development team continue to push for new routes, including additional international service. He said he has had serious conversations recently with a carrier about a new international route, though he declined to name the airline or the destination. Closer to home, he said, Kansas City remains Clevelands largest market unserved by any carrier. Last years growth was fueled by both the addition of new carriers and increases in service by existing airlines. Among the newcomers: Icelandair and Wow Air, two Iceland-based carriers that started flying from Cleveland in May. Wow has since eliminated service in Cleveland; Icelandair is scheduled to resume flying from Hopkins in May. Cleveland Hopkins passenger traffic 2018: 9.64 million 2017: 9.14 million 2016: 8.42 million 2015: 8.10 million 2014: 7.61 million 2013: 9.07 million 2012: 9.01 million 2011: 9.18 million 2010: 9.49 million 2009: 9.72 million 2008: 11.11 million 2007: 11.46 million 2006: 11.32 million 2005: 11.46 million 2004: 11.26 million 2003: 10.56 million 2002: 10.80 million 2001: 11.86 million 2000: 13.29 million Sources: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport CLEVELAND, Ohio - People with visions of creating positive change in Cleveland will pitch their ideas at the fifth annual Accelerate: Citizens Make Change next month. Individuals and teams will present 28 ideas that touch nearly everyone in Northeast Ohio. The event is open to the public to hear projects that leverage the arts to improve neighborhood connections, and that address issues involving refugees, youth, and people who are homeless. Some ideas use website, podcast and blockchain technology. Presenters range from teenagers to retirees and represent a diversity of backgrounds and experiences. The winning pitch receives $5,000 and the five runners-up each get $2,000. The event begins at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27 at the Global Center for Health Innovation. Its presented by the Cleveland Leadership Center in partnership with Citizens Bank. Tory Coats snagged last years top prize for his idea of giving young entrepreneurs opportunities to sell products out of under-utilized storefronts and vacant lots in the inner city. Since then, hes helped teen entrepreneurs develop their ideas and sell products at various pop-up events throughout the city. And hes bringing teen entrepreneurs to sell items at the 2019 Accelerate event. Accelerate opened me up to different resources in the community and allowed me to cultivate a network of caring people who want to support teen entrepreneurs, said Coats, 41, who is the director of Career Readiness at Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland. Later this month, he plans to travel to Honduras in efforts to launch a teen entrepreneurship cultural exchange program. Tory Coats says Accelerate 2018 helped him continue to help teen entrepreneurs. Coats, far right, won the Accelerate: Citizens Make Change civic pitch event last year. Since that time hes continued to help teen entrepreneurs shape and act on their ideas with pop-up events throughout the city. Visit www.cleveleads.org/Accelerate for details about 2019 participants and their ideas. Check out this years presenters. At the event, panels of prominent community leaders will judge preliminary competitions and select one finalist in each of six categories: Authentic Cleveland Experiences (a new category this year), Community Change, Economic and Workforce Development, Educating for Tomorrow, Health & Wellness, and Quality of Life. The six finalists will make their pitches, and the audience will vote on their phones to select the winner. Last year, nearly 500 people were in the audience. Some participants say Accelerate gives people courage and support whether they win or not. At the first Accelerate competition in 2015, Matthew Fieldman pitched, and won for Cleveland Codes, his software bootcamp idea. The idea transformed into a full-fledged academy within Tri-C, helping low-income individuals gain the skills and connections for sustainable software careers each year. Lee Chilcote, who also pitched a literary conference at the first Accelerate competition, wasnt a winner. But he says the event gave him momentum to hold the conference later that year, in partnership with the Cleveland Public Library. He went on to form a new nonprofit, Literary Cleveland, www.litcleveland.org, a program that has touched thousands of lives through workshops, readings, and other events focused on creating a stronger community of writers and readers in Cleveland. Accelerate gave us the kick in the pants to get going, Chilcote said. It was the combination of having a deadline, the opportunity to get feedback on our pitch, and the chance to present in front of a panel of judges," he said. "All of those things helped turn our idea into a reality. South Carolina lawmakers are once again introducing legislation to legalize marijuana for treatment of critically ill patients in the state, making another go at a debate that has gradually made progress in this deeply red state in recent years. Sen. Tom Davis, a Republican from Beaufort, told The Associated Press that he plans on Tuesday to file the Compassionate Care Act in the state Senate. In the House, Republican Rep. Peter McCoy of Charleston is sponsoring similar legislation. If it succeeds, South Carolinas measure would be among the most restrictive in the country. Making it explicitly illegal to smoke medical marijuana, the proposal also lays out several requirements for prescribing physicians and operators of medical cannabis dispensaries and also specifies a list of illnesses to which it could be applicable, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder and multiple sclerosis. Marijuana-related measures have made strides in South Carolina in recent years, and advocates continue to push for more. In 2014, Davis led a successful effort to pass a narrow law allowing patients with severe epilepsy, or their caregivers, to legally possess cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-psychoactive oil derived from marijuana. A bill similar to Davis current effort died in committee in previous sessions, but Davis and others have said theyre encouraged by polling showing that nearly 80 percent of South Carolinians support legalizing marijuana for medical use. Last summer, Democratic primary voters also opted overwhelmingly to support the legalization of medical marijuana in a non-binding ballot resolution. Rep. Todd Rutherford, the leading Democrat in the House chamber, has said his caucus wants to move forward this year on legalizing marijuana for medical uses. Davis previous proposal drew opposition from the law enforcement community, with State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel testifying about his concerns that legalizing marijuana in any form could create a black market for resale and potential abuse. At committee meetings, law enforcement groups distributed handouts showing visual similarities between candies marketed to children and the packaging of some edible marijuana products available in areas where recreational usage of the drug is legal. But there has been more recent movement on the issue. Last week, a Senate panel advanced a resolution urging Congress to open more research on medical uses for marijuana. Bill sponsor Sen. Greg Hembree, a Republican and former prosecutor, said he supports expanding the possible medical uses of cannabis with the right testing, procedures and caution, something he said he feels isnt happening in other states that have embraced medical marijuana perhaps too readily. A total of 33 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico allow some type of medical cannabis program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Discussing his proposal with AP, Davis called it a socially conservative bill that helps patients in need but also includes stiff penalties for recreational use. This is South Carolina, not California or Colorado, and what the vast majority of people in our state want is a socially conservative medical marijuana law, one that provides medical patients truly in need with relief but draws a bright line against recreational use by imposing strict penalties, he said. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. When Donald Trump tapped William Barr to be his next attorney general in early December, his pick was widely received as a lawyers lawyer and a safe pair of hands. Media coverage buttressed Barrs profile: it highlighted his experience as attorney general under George H.W. Bush, and, perhaps most importantly, the fact he wasnt Matt Whitaker, Trumps acting attorney general after Jeff Sessionss departure. Whitaker faced aggressive reporting on his private business dealings, lack of experience, and open public hostility to Robert Muellers Russia probe. Below the more favorable topline impression of Barr, however, questions lingered over his own views on the investigations. Just before the holidays, The Wall Street Journal published an important story on Barrs own Mueller skepticism, reporting that prior to his nomination, Barr sent an unsolicited memo to the Justice Department excoriating the obstruction component of Muellers inquiry as fatally misconceived. On the first day of his confirmation hearing yesterday, lawmakers on the Senate Judiciary Committee grilled Barr on the memo, and what approach he would take to the Mueller probe more generally. Barr repeatedly stressed that he would let the investigation wrap up and resist any pressure to try and stop him: his age and experience, he insisted, gave him no incentive to shill for Trump, while his repeated references to Mueller as Bob underscored the pairs personal friendship. By the end of the day, the William Barr making headlines was again an independent-minded Justice Department stalwart. Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank said Barrs confirmation hearing doubled as Muellers affirmation hearing. CNNs Chris Cillizza said Barr was crystal clear in his support of the special counsel. And on the same network, Chris Cuomo said Barrs rigid independence, and promise to resign should he be compromised, tipped the balance of his hearing in the bad for Trump direction. It looked like the press was back to square one with Barr. ICYMI: Condoned by Trump, press attacks hit local reporters hard Once again, however, a more complicated picture lurked below many outlets and commentators top takeaways: as CNNs Marshall Cohen put it questions and loopholes remain. Most importantly, Barr said Muellers final report might not be published. While he did say he would aim to provide as much transparency as I can consistent with the law, he also supported the precedent that a sitting president cannot be indicted, adding that If youre not going to indict someone, then you dont stand up there and unload negative information about the person. Thats not the way the Department of Justice does business. Beyond his headline Mueller pronouncements, meanwhile, Barr presented intriguingand sometimes concerningpositions on his other pending responsibilities. Press-freedom advocates focused on Barrs refusal to rule out jailing journalists should they run through a red flag and publish material that will hurt the country. And other key talking points got buried, too, such as Barrs effective support for Trump on a border wall, pledge to reverse a hostile Jeff Sessions-era stance on marijuana, and partial walkback of some of his past, tough crime rhetoric. As of this morning, Barrs hearing as a whole has slipped down the news cycleat least compared to saturated previous coverage of the officials overseeing Mueller. Perhaps thats because other important issues, like the shutdown and Brexit, deserve greater prominence; perhaps its because the near-certainty that Barr will be confirmed relieved some of the tension in the story. Either way, Barrs new Trump-era incarnation remains something of a mystery. Qualified or not, hell demand just as much scrutiny as Sessions and Whitaker going forward. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Below, more on William Barr: Other notable stories: ICYMI: Thank you to everyone who cant redact documents properly Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Jon Allsop is a freelance journalist. He writes CJRs newsletter The Media Today. Find him on Twitter @Jon_Allsop. When Jacob Weisberg departed from his perch as chairman of the Slate Group in October, he was nudged during an exit interview into giving something of a eulogy for the proverbial #SlatePitch. The impish liberal contrarianism that had long defined the sitemaybe to an unfair extentfelt a bit too glib in the face of President Donald Trump and all he represents. I think Slate is now functioning in a world that is much more about articulating and defending first principles than it is about the subtleties of which policy ideas liberals should get behind, Weisberg, one of the magazines first staffers upon its founding in 1996, said. It hasnt completely changed things, but I do think the skeptical and contrarian mindset is. . . it doesnt have quite the currency. Weisbergs departure marked the symbolic end of a drawn-out epoch for Slate, which helped shape some of online journalisms early conventions around aggregation, explainers, and fast-twitch, counterintuitive takes on politics (the case against the case against regime change in Iraq) and culture (Creed is a good band). But life under Trump has altered the appetite for the hot take, adding a sense of urgency and seriousness to Slates traditional fare. Meanwhile, a flurry of internal moves has raised questions about Slate will look like post-Weisberg. The same day as the chairman announced his departure, Slate Groups Panoply podcast division slashed its editorial staff, paring down a parallel audio arm that developed alongside that of the mothership. Slates top editor, chief political correspondent, and fastest rising podcast star have since decamped for jobs elsewhere. And a bitterly fought labor dispute added tension to the ideological shift that Weisberg described, six current and former staffers tell CJR, particularly as Slate marketed itself as an antidote to Trumpism. RELATED: A law firm in the trenches against media unions That struggle dragged on for nearly two years until Slate ratified its first union contract Wednesday morning, a belated resolution that now leaves the the homo erectus of digital magazines to continue evolving in the cold of what appears to be a new digital winter. The once-high flying Vice Media has tempered its outsized ambitions for growth after a significant revenue miss in 2017. BuzzFeed News is holding out an audience tip jar to help fill its venture capitallined pockets. Mic sold for a pittance of its former valuation, laying off its entire editorial staff. And Univision is looking to offload Gizmodo Media Group onto another foster parent. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Incubated in the relative safety of a holding company, Slate offers some clues to the road ahead. The publication has built a burgeoning membership program in part by explicitly embracing its progressivism in a way many digital peers have avoided. And its staked the future of its advertising business on a sprawling lineup of podcasts that are raking in new revenue. Yet its still not enough to turn a profit; owner Graham Holdings reported in October that the Slate was losing money, as it had for at least the previous two years. The outlets two-pronged strategy for survival has required cultivating unique writers and podcastersa developmental role in which its proven remarkably successful. The problem in recent months is that more talent seems to be leaving than coming in. Mainstream publications chasing digital subscriptions have raided Slates writing and editing staff as they reinvest in their journalism. A resurgent Los Angeles Times nabbed Editor in Chief Julia Turner, whod been ingrained deeply within Slates DNA over the course of a nearly 16-year stint. The New York Times poached Chief Political Correspondent Jamelle Bouie, one of the defining commentators on politics and race in the Trump era. And The New Yorker picked up staff writers Osita Nwanevu, a rising star in the commentariat, and Isaac Chotiner, a gifted interviewer. The problem in recent months is that more talent seems to be leaving than coming in. The podcasting side has also proven to be a prime target for plunder. Executive Producer Steve Lickteig, who oversaw a huge growth in both audience and revenues for Slates lineup, went to NBC News. Leon Neyfakh, host of the uber-popular historical program Slow Burn, bolted to start a new narrative-driven show for an innovative platform that he declined to disclose to me via email. After shaping Slate in various ways over two decadesas a writer, editor, and executiveWeisberg likewise launched his own podcast shop. The way Slate collectively responds to these departures could influence the speed at which the iconic digital magazine is morphing into an audio production company with a supportive digital presence. With the narrative-driven Slow Burn and daily news program What Next filling out a lineup of mostly Political Gabfest-style roundtables, Slate shows drew 160 million podcast downloads in 2018, up 60 percent over the previous year, according to Gabriel Roth, editorial director for audio. Acting Slate CEO Dan Check adds that the larger collective audience last year translated to 50-percent growth in podcasting ad revenue compared to 2017. The trajectory contrasts starkly with that of Slate.com: between January and November 2018, the site tallied an average of 14.9 million monthly unique visitors, according to comScore, down from an average of 19.9 million in the same period in 2017, and 20.5 million the year before. The Slate.com audience is being pinched by dual pressures: the endless Trump-Twitter-TV feedback loop has commodified the take market like never before; and Facebook has scaled back referrals to publishers. But Check also frames the shrinkage in the context of a wider strategy to maximize time on page rather than total readers. As we try to become more membership-oriented, having an audience a mile wide and an inch deep isnt a particularly good bet, Check says. What remains unclear for many text-centric publications pivoting into audio is how they intend for the two mediaone in growth mode, the other potentially maxed outto interact. If Mike Pesca talks about Yemen on [our podcast] The Gist, does that count as Slate having covered it? acting Editor in Chief Lowen Liu asks. Thats something that were still grappling with. There are people who read the magazine that dont listen to podcasts. The fact that Slate podcasts comprise both the growth area of its advertising business while also driving new memberships would seem to add potentially thornier questions to the text-audio division. The premium Slate Plus program now counts 48,000 paying customers, according to Roth, up from roughly 35,000 in July 2017 and just half that of the previous November. For now, Liu sees the two media as complementary. We also feel that the stronger we are in podcasts, he says, the more loyal our audience [to Slate.com] will be. All digital media grapple with how to maintain their identity across platforms. And as Slate has targeted devotees who might be willing to cough up $35 for the first year of membership, it has explicitly marketed itself as a vessel for holding Trump accountable. In some ways thats codified a more fundamental, longer-term shift in its identityaway from what could be seen as intellectual trapeze acts by a coterie of overeducated white liberals. Is there a place for a contrarian take in a hyperpartisan world where theres an appalling president who must be opposed with every fiber of your being? David Plotz, former Slate editor and current host of the Political Gabfest, wonders. Thats a harder thing to do because the moral stakes are very high and people are less playful about politics than they were 10 or 15 years ago. Plotz adds that the cartoonish depiction of the #SlatePitch never really captured the magazines entire menu of reporting on legal affairs and analysis of foreign policy and advice on how to treat whiny mutts. Fair enough. But he, Weisberg, and current Slate writers are right that the old sensibility has lost some of its purchase, pointing to a broader question: Has Trump made politics a more serious conversation? Or made it clear why some people werent all that playful in the first place? The potential answers would seem to overlap with divergent schools of thought on whether Trump is an historical aberration for American culture, or a logical conclusion. They also underline debates over power and privilege that the mainstream mediaantagonism toward Trump and allstill doesnt really want to have. Slate has gradually taken a more expansive stance toward these and related questions in all strains of its coverage, reflecting the renewed energy in progressive circles. We are seeing it in our arts coverage and film criticism and our lifestyle essays and tech reporting, Liu says. He cautioned, however, that the leftward tilt doesnt mean the publication has any institutional viewpoint. We dont think of Slate as an official member of the #Resistance, Liu adds. Slate has aimed for that nuance without a stable politics editor for much of the Trump administration. It also became a point of contention during the newsrooms union drive and contract negotiations, when management clashed with the 51-member bargaining unit over a right-to-work proposal. The union eventually prevailed in the standoff, securing a $51,000 base salary, annual pay increases, and a diversity task force, among other provisions. Throughout the negotiations there was a focus on equity and inclusion that I think is a really worthwhile use of that kind of conversation, Susan Matthews, Slates science editor and member of the bargaining committee, says. (Weisberg declined to comment; Turner and Graham Holdings didnt respond to my requests.) One of our primary reasons for undertaking this process was our profound love of Slate. We felt so lucky to work with management last week to put our shared goals into action. Our contract reflects our fundamental values as a company and a workplace. /4 Slate Union (@SlateUnion) January 16, 2019 None of this is to say the new posture has engendered some sort of suffocating orthodoxy among Slates offerings. The outlets podcasts give its brand of playful arguments a more human settingone that may even be superior to what the text-based social web has become. In that latter world, the competition to lob thinkpieces atop users social feeds runs hot, the incentives to be contrarian for its own sake are perverse, and opinions are often read and shared with the least generous interpretation possible. The good news is that the political and cultural establishments remain ripe for prodding, particularly when they stage Kumbaya moments harkening back to supposedly happier days before Trump. Take Ruth Grahams December column arguing that George H.W. Bushs service dog, who went viral after he was photographed dutifully lying in front of the former presidents casket, was in fact an employee. It aggravated all the right people in political media officialdom, reminding us that actually, depending on who you are, the #SlatePitch isnt dead yet. OPINION: No, tech companies shouldnt fund journalism Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today David Uberti is a writer in New York. He was previously a media reporter for Gizmodo Media Group and a staff writer for CJR. Follow him on Twitter @DavidUberti. Gov. Andrew Cuomo snuck some flourishes into his combined State of the State and budget address like a surprise quote highlighting Pope Francis implied support for the Child Victims Act but at its heart, the event was a budget wonk speaking in front of a PowerPoint. Here are some of the most consequential numbers from Tuesdays presentation. $175.2 billion The state budgets top line is edging ever upward (excelsior!) thanks to a thriving economy. It would be about a 2 percent increase from last years budget, and is roughly on par with the national budget of the Kingdom of Denmark. $3.1 billion Thats the states budget gap, the difference between expected revenues and expenditures, which Cuomo attributed to federal policies. Last years was even bigger at $4.4 billion, but the state managed to balance the budget by the time the budget passed. Still, fiscal watchdogs like the Citizens Budget Commission have routinely asked for a little more fiscal restraint from the executive. 50/50 Cuomo threw unequivocal support behind a congestion pricing plan that would use the estimated $15 billion in revenue raised by motorists entering Manhattan below 60th Street to fund upgrades to the citys busses and subways. But congestion pricing alone wouldnt be enough to fund the subways, he said, and proposed a 50/50 split for the remainder between the state and New York City. Subway funding has been an ongoing fight between Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, but the mayor has signalled hell be more receptive this year. $27.7 billion The total education spending in the budget, an increase of $1 billion from last years budget. Cuomo continued to place the blame on longstanding inequities on local school districts, saying that even though the state gave 70 percent of education funding to poorer districts, the districts didnt distribute the aid equitably to the poorer schools. He proposed a law to ensure the poorest schools get adequate funding. Three years Cuomo is doing a favor to de Blasio, his political enemy, by supporting an extension of mayoral control of New York City schools for three years. Extension had been an annual headache for de Blasio, despite widespread agreement that the current system is preferable to any alternatives. 3.6 percent Thats the governors proposed increase in health care spending, which is typically one of the most expensive budget lines. He called for the state Legislature to codify provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act into state law, but didnt propose a single-payer health care system in the state at all, despite the hopes of its supporters. $300 million The governor released details for his long-awaited plan to legalize recreational cannabis use, estimating that it would bring in $300 million in taxes but only after a years-long ramp up. Cuomo framed it both as a criminal justice issue, saying he wanted to stop the disproportionate impact on communities of color, and an economic issue, saying legalization would need to create economic opportunities for poor people and those who paid the price, and not for rich corporations who will come in to make a buck. 2 percent Cuomo also called for making permanent the states 2 percent cap on increases in property taxes, an issue that won him support from upstate New Yorkers and Republicans earlier in his tenure. With Democrats controlling both houses of the Legislature, its red meat for suburbanites, who face some of the highest property bills in the nation. Notably, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat who represents a district in Westchester County, has also supported the proposal, which could bolster members of her conference outside of New York City. 10 days Cuomo called New York a leader on gun safety but proposed even stricter laws. One would extend the waiting period on firearm purchases from three days to 10. And the red flag law would allow doctors to issue temporary extreme risk protection orders barring those with a high risk of violence from possessing guns. Cuomos brief bus tour last summer wasnt enough to pass it into law. 3.9 percent The statewide unemployment rate, down from a modern high of 8.9 percent in 2009. Cuomo cited it as part of a long-list of accomplishments from his first two terms, adding that we matched that agenda for social progress with economic progress. She began her job on Jan. 1 at the peak of COVID-19s winter spike and has guided Kyrene Sch Singtel is one of the worlds largest telecommunications companies. Based in Singapore, it provides a complementary array of workforce mobility solutions, data hosting, cloud, network infrastructure, analytics, and cyber-security capabilities. It also offers mobile, broadband, and TV services that more than 700 million people use to stay connected. Trustwave, a Singtel company, is also a global managed security services provider, with customers in 96 countries, 10 advanced security operations centers, and an arsenal of 2,000 security-minded professionals. Singtel is a trusted brand known to consumers throughout Asia, Africa, and Australia. Today, numerous businesses in 21 countries and many government agencies rely on the company and its broad portfolio of information and communications technologies and services it offers to do business in a rapidly changing and increasingly global world. We spoke with Sudesh Shah, Singtels Vice President of Cloud, to understand the future of cloud-enabled innovations and creativity. If you take a step back and look at the big picture, cloud is really an enabler in the digital transformation now occurring as businesses work to be more agile in how they serve their customers, achieve savings, and operate more efficiently, Shah says. Singtels cloud services and solutions are extensive. The company operates 11 datacenters throughout the Asia Pacific region and has a global network to ensure immediate access to mission-critical data from anywhere. Its services include Infrastructure-as-a-Service in the form of Singtel Managed Virtual Private Cloud which is Cloud Verified as well as the Singtel Managed Hybrid Network, Singtel Cloud Access and SD-Connect, an adaptable and intelligent software-defined network. In all cases, Singtel works to simplify its customers cloud journeys by providing them with the new capabilities they need, the guidance required to utilize them with evolving legacy systems, and the flexibility to grow in the future. Singtel works closely with VMware to deliver customer-centric solutions. For example, its software-defined networking, data centers, and infrastructure offerings use many VMwares technologies, including NSX, vCloud Director, and the vMotion technologies that make it possible to rapidly move workloads between public and private cloud instances. Shah believes that a software-defined approach helps customers to be more agile, and enables them to deliver IT services faster, more securely, and more efficiently than ever before. Being VMware Cloud Verified is integral to that effort. We see our partnership with VMware as fundamental to ensure that we always provide cloud transformation to our clients with the absolute highest quality and the least risk, Shah says. Our brand is synonymous with quality, security, and the knowledge that we will always deliver the right outcomes. Being VMware Cloud Verified contributes to that credibility and shows we have the right capabilities and the right trained resources in place to deliver software-defined services and an optimal journey to the cloud. Shah is confident that the potential of cloud services to improve business outcomes will only increase in the years to come. One of our strengths is that were at the forefront of the increases in speed and bandwidth, he adds. Cloud powered, transformative trends such as the Internet of things and the use of analytics to provide individualized services will become increasingly real to consumers in light of 5G and other developments. Technology is a key enabler to helppeople live better lives. The cloud, along with the innovation and creativity it inspires, as well as the possibilities it brings, provides limitless opportunities for tomorrow. Learn more about Singtel and their partnership with VMware here. Digital transformation requires vision, leadership, process change, and technology. But as important as any of that, says Arthur Hu, CIO of Lenovo, is changing the hearts and minds of every employee in the company. I caught up with Hu to learn how he uses everyday innovation, identity, and teamwork to challenge long-held ideas about technology operations at the $43 billion global high-tech company. ---------------------------------------- Martha Heller: What does digital mean to Lenovo? Arthur Hu: For Lenovo, digital covers a wide spectrum. It ranges from basic process optimization, to using technology to unlock new business models, to creating new products, and delivering more empowering customer experiences. As a company, we believe in the increasing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) for businesses going forward. Therefore, we have been using the term Intelligent Transformation applying technology, especially AI, in all of the areas of the business to tap into the exploding amounts of data that are becoming more available throughout the enterprise and ecosystem. Lenovo Arthur Hu, CIO of Lenovo With process optimization, for example, we are using a SaaS tool to improve our quoting capabilities and to give customers better self-service. With customer experience, we are using machine learning and artificial intelligence to reduce friction. We are ramping up AI in our call centers so that we know the intent of a customer when they contact us. We can tell what theyve purchased, which drivers theyve downloaded, and what questions theyve been asking of the user base. Those are the everyday innovations that are just as much a part of being digital as creating new products and services. On the business model side, we are offering device as a service where we provide usability tips to help users manage their devices. And we are creating a smart Internet of Things (IoT) consumer device ecosystem in China with smart screens and sensors. For that strategy, we are using new development models to allow our partners to participate in innovation. This kind of change requires a completely new way of understanding PCs. Who is driving your Intelligent Transformation? Intelligent Transformation is about reimaging the company and bringing it to a new level, so it has to be a CEO-led effort. Our CEO, Yuanqing Yang, known as YY in the company, has made it clear to the entire company that every employee has a role to play in our Intelligent Transformation. There is a real expectation that every Lenovo employee will focus their individual roles on improving the experience of our customers. There is a real expectation that every Lenovo employee will focus their individual roles on improving the experience of our customers. In realizing the vision within BT/IT at Lenovo, we have taken inspiration from YYs strong support and challenged ourselves to get every team involved in a practical way. Everybody is a first-class citizen is something that I share with my teams, and the teams have responded by finding ways to apply technology and artificial intelligence in the service of improved experience, stronger employee engagement, and more efficient processes in every level of the organization. That means not only the business teams, but from our command center leveraging chatbot technology to raise satisfaction and handling more user tickets, to our infrastructure and networking teams migrating towards the software-defined data center of the future, to our test teams improving automation. We are truly driving the transformation to all levels of the team. This is critical in showing other teams what is possible and that there is abundant opportunity to unlock new opportunities and new value aligning ourselves with the direction of transformation. How are you working differently now? The composition of our teams looks very different from the past. Weve moved away from the traditional back-office IT mindset that we are a service offered to the business. Instead, were shifting more to a business partner model of working together to define how business ideas and technology can meet in new and exciting ways. For example, we decided to automate core reporting, so we had to standardize the way we managed financial data globally. In the past, we might have said its the CFOs job to figure out that change. But today, we recognize that behaviors need to change in multiple departments, including sales operations, which inputs pipeline data. We put together a cross-functional team, which included sales, finance and user design experts, to create not only more standard and automated reports, but to shift the working model from IT as the reports factory into an everybody is an analyst model based on self-service on visualization and analysis for the most common use cases. In Intelligent Transformation, the problems tend to be more cross-functional, since we are trying to connect previously unconnected silos. With nimble cross-functional teams, you get more perspectives that result in better answers. How have you changed the culture in IT to drive digital transformation? Weve changed our identity from information technology to business transformation and even created a logo that ties with our corporate culture to emphasize the shift (see below). Team members wear the logo on T-shirts, and we embed it in our documents and presentations. Its a tangible reminder that we have to think and operate differently if we are going to truly enable a digital transformation. Lenovo Weve also changed the way we think about our work; we now task teams with developing capabilities rather than delivering projects. I can talk about Intelligent Transformation until Im blue in the face, but what really wins hearts and minds is when people see small, integrated teams delivering great results fast. We also understand that what got us here wont get us there. To challenge legacy thinking in IT, we talk about The Four M's: money, managers, manpower, and monopoly. When we see that we are engaging in old habits, we use the 4 M's to speak up. Can you explain the 4 M's? Money : In the past, we would fund big ERP programs for three to five years. We have to shift out of this massive program paradigm and deliver value much faster. We all need to recognize that there is not a bottomless fund for new investments. Managers : Today, managers are no longer there simply to allocate tasks. Todays managers have deep knowledge of their domains, develop their people, and position their teams to win. We need to de-emphasize management as individual power and redirect it toward empowering teams. Manpower : Think of start-ups with small teams that are changing the world. We dont need a lot of people to have a major impact. We need to change the habit of thinking that more people means better results when in fact, more people can create complexity and dependencies that can jeopardize delivery. Monopoly : In the past, our business partners sometimes felt like they had to beg IT to do work for them. Since we were the only IT provider available to them, we did not focus on quality. We have to get out of that monopoly mindset and start to act like a service provider in a competitive market. What advice do you have for CEOs whose companies are embarking on digital transformation? If you dont set a clear vision for intelligent transformation, your executive leadership will never have a chance to get on board. If you do set that vision and they are not willing to change, you need to find people who are. Inject energy into digital transformation by making it fun. Dont make it a slog. Last April, we challenged more than 1,000 BT/IT employees to set up 520 laptops and break a Guinness World Record for most laptops toppled in a domino fashion. We did it to show how teamwork allows us to challenge ourselves to do something that has never been done. Dont underestimate the amount of time it will take to build consensus about digital change. People often support a vision theoretically, but they dont know how to get moving. Make sure you are not stuck at the level of a slogan; provide paths for the current team members who have the skills and will to make the transition to succeed together. About Arthur Hu Arthur Hu is senior vice president and global CIO for Lenovo and has overall responsibility for the global IT team, tasked with delivering information services, business transformation and digitalization for the firm. He joined the firm nearly 10 years ago and was previously with McKinsey & Company. Hu holds both a BS in computer science and a MS in computer science from Stanford University. A. There needs to be a traffic light there instead. B. A roundabout will work just fine in that location. C. Roundabouts are confusing and terrible. It shouldn't happen. D. That intersection is not a priority for change, so just leave it the way it is. Vote View Results Ours is a government of checks and balances, as any middle-school student can tell you. But in case there is any doubt, this lesson has rarely been so frequently and so publicly hammered home as it has been in the two years since President Trump was sworn in. This Sunday marks two years since his term began, and throughout these past 24 months, federal courts have ruled time after time that Trumps administration has violated the law or the Constitution - and sometimes both - in its haste to rewrite Americas approach to everything from civil rights to environmental protection. PREVIOUSLY: Census plans will mess with Texas ALSO: Why Trumps census citizenship question will hurt all Texans, citizens and immigrants alike On issues like immigration, transgender men and women in the military, the petty efforts by the White House to revoke CNN reporter Jim Acostas access to press briefings and many other important questions, the federal courts have provided the check against Trumps whims that no other institution has been willing or able to provide. The latest slap down came Tuesday, when U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman of the Southern District of New York ruled the Commerce Departments move to add a question about citizenship status to the 2020 Census was illegal and, as a result, voided. In a remarkably detailed, nearly 300-page ruling, Furman wrote that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Rosss abrupt announcement in March that the question, not in use since 1950, would be restored over the objection of Census Department experts, represented a veritable smorgasbord of classic, clear-cut violations of the Administration Procedure Act. Thats the law through which Congress has laid out how presidents and their executive agencies may promulgate new regulations to mirror a presidents priorities while still complying with the laws passed by Congress. One of the core prohibitions contained in the APA is against arbitrary actions by the agency that fails to take account of the impacts the new rule might have on the agencys ability to conduct the mission set forth by statute or other law. In this case, the Census Bureau is charged by the Constitution itself to count all persons living in the country every 10 years. Experts all over the country, including here in Texas, had argued, as we have, that asking about citizenship in the current political climate would almost certainly drive some people to avoid completing the Census if they had reason to fear they or people they are close to could be deported. Its a matter of risk-assessment, Rice professor Steve Murdock, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau and a former Texas state demographer, told us last year. My concern is that if I am that undocumented person, then Im saying, OK, if I dont respond to this I have virtually no risk. If I do, I have some risk. If your two options are no risk or some risk, why would you take the some risk? Murdock said. This isnt just a mere concern for fairness or getting the number right. The Census determines how the federal government allocates funds and appropriates seats in Congress, and also how much money Houston City Hall collects under the revenue cap. Texas could end up missing out on billions in federal programs or have our representation undermined in Washington if the 5 million immigrants who live here are scared away from being counted. Incorrect numbers could mean the city enduring unnecessary layoffs.The whole Lone Star State should breathe a sigh of relief that Rosss illegal plan was smacked down. In his ruling, Furman stopped short of agreeing with the plaintiffs that Ross had violated the Constitution in seeking to add the citizenship question. The record did not include proof that Ross added the question out of prejudice against noncitizens, as such a finding would have required. But that did not make what he did any less illegal, Furman wrote. Secretary Rosss decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 census even if it did not violate the Constitution itself was unlawful for a multitude of independent reasons and must be set aside, he wrote near the end of his lengthy decision. To conclude otherwise and let Secretary Rosss decision stand would undermine the proposition central to the rule of law that ours is a government of laws, and not of men. That line has stuck with us, and we hope it sticks with others, too. If we are to really be a nation of law and not individual whim, those with podiums and positions of power, especially those within the presidents own party, should not remain silent and trust only in the courts to provide the guardrails of democracy. The courts have done their job - now it is time for Congress to step in and restrain this increasingly lawless White House. A six-month, multi-agency fraud investigation led to the arrest of 12 suspects in the San Antonio area during operation "Dirty Dozen," according to a news release. The Tri-County Fraud Task Force consisting of investigators from Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties discovered the ID theft ring when they began investigating reports of stolen mail and checks in the spring of 2018, officials said. The murder trial for a man accused of killing his girlfriend and dumping her burning body on the side of a road in 2015 opened Tuesday with the defense alleging the victim was a snitch whose slaying could be tied to the Aryan Brotherhood. Prosecutor Leo Gonzalez told the San Antonio jury in his opening statement that evidence would show Antonio Nunez Jr., 63, killed Lisa R. Carter, 47. Defense attorney John Economidy said jurors would find that witnesses were coerced into making their statements. The victim, Economidy said, was a snitch, a Bexar County Sheriffs Office informant, which could have caused her death. He also suggested the involvement of a person whom he described as a known member of the Aryan Brotherhood who lived near the site of the body dump. On Aug. 17, 2015, authorities were called around 4:45 a.m. to the 8200 block of South W.W. White Road in Southeast Bexar County, where a man on his way to work saw a burning body on the side of the road. The case went cold until Dec. 19, 2016, when authorities positively identified the woman as Carter. BCSO officials said Carter was identified via DNA testing, a partial fingerprint and jewelry recovered from the body and at the scene. Nunez was arrested in January 2017, about a year and a half after authorities found Carters body. The arrest occurred after a witness and a relative both told BCSO investigators that Nunez admitted killing his ex-girlfriend, dumping her body, dousing it with gasoline and setting it on fire. An affidavit said the relative told investigators Nunez asked for help in disposing the body. Evidence presented to jurors showed the charred remains were found covered with a tarp; the hands and feet had wire wrapped around them, although they were not bound together; and a metal clamp was around her neck. The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office determined that Carters death likely was caused by a head injury and possible asphyxia. Carter and Nunez allegedly had an abusive relationship. Records indicate Nunez was arrested April 6, 2015, for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly assaulting Carter, but the case was dismissed in July 2015, the affidavit said. Judge Laura Parker is presiding over the case in Felony Impact Court. If convicted, Nunez faces five to 99 years or life in prison. Elizabeth Zavala is a courts and crime reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. Read her on our free site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com. | ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863 It all happened in about seven minutes on Martin Luther King Day in 2016. Curtis Lee Holliman, then 32, was angry that his housemates were making fun of him, so he allegedly ran upstairs to get a gasoline can and a barbecue lighter, threw the accelerant on both men and set them on fire. Thats how prosecutors on Tuesday explained how Holliman, on trial for murder, burned well-known criminal defense attorney Kirby Taylor and killed his 45-year-old son Dexter Taylor. What this case comes down to is this defendant set two men on fire, killing Dexter Taylor, because he was mad at Kirby Taylor, prosecutor Kristina Roberts said. Holliman, who has been in jail in lieu of a $100,000 bail since being arrested a day after the Jan.18, 2016, slaying, pleaded not guilty and listened to the allegations as the trial began without reacting. His attorney, Skip Cornelius, did not give an opening statement. Court documents in the case show that prosecutors are anticipating several lines of defense, including whether Holliman has bipolar disorder, whether he is not guilty by reason of insanity and whether Holliman and Kirby Taylor were having a romantic or sexual relationship. In a motion filed last week, prosecutor Jennifer Meriwether asked the judge to limit any evidence of those explanations and noted that even the defense teams mental expert did not find that Holliman was insane. During opening statements, prosecutors explained that Holliman and Kirby Taylor met at church, became friends, and Holliman moved in to the lawyers home in 2008. In 2015, their friendship was souring with Holliman increasingly arguing and fighting with the lawyer. The relationship became so untenable, prosecutors said, that Kirby Taylor moved out of his own home and into a motel. About the same time, Taylors adult son, Dexter, moved into the home. On MLK Day in 2016, Kirby Taylor dropped by his home to check on things, during which he and Dexter Taylor had a laugh. Holliman took offense and allegedly started the fire. The blaze left the older man covered in burns on more than 30 percent of his body and killed his son. Dexter Taylor was pronounced dead at Memorial Hermann Hospital. If convicted of murder, Holliman faces the possibility of life in prison. The trial in state District Judge Kelli Johnsons court is expected to last through the week. brian.rogers@chron.com twitter.com/brianjrogers A former Sugar Land man captured in Syria as an ISIS combatant gave an exclusive interview Tuesday to NBC News in northern Syria, admitting he supported the terrorist group that executed an American journalist but denied engaging in combat. He also said hoped someday to write a memoir about his experiences traveling and living with the group. Warren Christopher Clark, 34, said in the interview expected to air Tuesday night on Nightly News with Lester Holt that he did not find the beheadings and crucifixions he witnessed during more than three years in the region particularly shocking since hes from Texas. Im from the United States, from Texas. They like to execute people, too. So I really dont see any difference. They might do it off camera, but its the same, Clark, a former Fort Bend substitute teacher, told reporter Richard Engel. Clark said he understood that ISIS considered capital punishment as a component of Islamic law. The full conversation between the two men was filmed over about an hour or so in a town and location NBC agreed not to disclose, without Kurdish forces present in the room. It includes additional reporting by NBC staffers Saphora Smith in London and Corky Siemaszko in New York. Likely faces U.S. charges Clark, who attended a mosque while in high school, said he had been in touch with the FBI since his capture this month. He will likely face criminal charges in the U.S. for supporting a terrorist group, but remains for now in the custody of Kurdish rebels fighting in Syria. If charges were brought in Houston, he would be the fourth person accused of supporting ISIS in the region. Two other men were convicted and a third has a trial pending. The Texas educator told Engel he refused to join the combat. He said he intended to find teaching work with ISIS but mostly worked odd jobs, selling food at a concession stand, and was homeless for a time. Clark stated that between the time he crossed into Syria from Turkey in June 2015 and the time he was captured by Kurdish forces that ISIS police detained him 11 times for refusing to join the fight. At one stage, he explained, that he promised the jail guards he would fight, but it was a lie so they would release him. Clark said he was not injured or harmed by ISIS during those time periods. Reached by phone in Syria, Engel told the Houston Chronicle, Clark described his journey into ISIS territory as kind of intellectual journey of exploration, that he wanted to learn more about the ideology, he wanted to learn more about life under ISIS control and wanted to experience first hand what living in Islamic state would be like. Confused about future Engel said Clark was using crutches when he entered the room and had injured his leg, but he said the injury was not related to combat. He seemed sharp and glad to be talking to the news crew but he appeared confused about what his future holds. He said Clark did not regret joining ISIS and was not interested in returning to the U.S. I wanted to learn more about the ideology, Clark said in the interview, mentioning his political science major and global business minor at University of Houston. I like politics. I like travel, world events. Thats what I wanted to do. Clark said he was often on edge, hearing bombs and airstrikes. I spent most of my time living in a mosque. I just remember every day hoping not to get bombed, he said. Clarks letter seeking an English teaching job with ISIS was found at a house in Iraq later obtained by scholars at the Program on Extremism at George Washington University. Seamus Hughes, deputy director at the GWU program, included Clark as one of 72 Americans who traveled overseas to join ISIS in Iraq and Syria. gabrielle.banks@chron.com twitter.com/gabmobanks A frantic phone call from a human trafficking victim in Houston to her mother in Fort Worth might have been the call that saved her life, police said. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. The 20-year-old woman, who's also from Fort Worth, moved to Houston with a friend on Dec. 21 to look for a job, according to Houston Police Department Vice Division Commander James Dale. The pair stayed together in Houston for a few days but couldn't find any work. The holiday season might have played a role in their inability to find jobs, Dale said. The woman's friend gave up and drove back home to Fort Worth, leaving the 20-year-old alone in the country's fourth largest city. Police say she was living alone in a hotel in the city's westside when she met Kevin Winston. Winston, 25, walked up to the woman at the hotel pool and started talking to her. She told him that she was looking for work, and Winston seemed like a godsend when he told her he knew someone who was hiring, Dale said. On top of the job prospect, Winston bought the woman new clothes and other items, even offering to pay her hotel bill in full. The whole time, he was grooming her to work for him as a prostitute, Dale said. "He told her all the things she wanted to hear," Dale said. About three days after their first meeting, Winston made his first move by asking her to become his prostitute, according to Dale. The woman resisted immediately. That's when he allegedly beat her into submission and forced her to become a prostitute, Dale said. During one encounter with a john on Dec. 27, the woman was able to get hold of his cell phone and call her mother in Fort Worth. She told her mother that she was being forced into prostitution and being held against her will but was unable to give her an exact location. That frantic and short phone call worried her mother, who filed a missing person report with the Fort Worth Police Department immediately. Police say the woman was almost returned home safely after a Texas police officer pulled over a vehicle she was in, but that officer actually wound up taking her off the missing person registry and sending her off. Dale declined to name the location of the traffic stop or the agency that pulled the car over. The officer identified the woman as a passenger in the car and noticed she was listed as a missing person when he ran her identification through several databases, as most officers do during a traffic stop, Dale said. "At the time, the officer though that everything was OK and that it wasn't a trafficking situation," Dale said. The woman told the officer she was OK, Dale said, so the missing person report was taken down. Dale said while the traffic stop was not the brightest moment for law enforcement, he said any officer would have acted the same way. That wasn't enough for the woman's mother, who instead went to Houston to search for her daughter on her own. For weeks, the mother went around town trying to find her, to no avail. It wasn't until 3 p.m. Tuesday that the mother called the Houston Police Department to ask for help, Dale said. With just the phone number provided by the mother, vice detectives were able to track down the woman's photo on a website promoting her as a prostitute. That's when an undercover officer organized a meetup pretending to be a john, Dale said. Winston and two other suspects Martina Chambers, 20, and Mikia Collins, 19 drove off from the hotel as the undercover officer showed up. Marked police officers were able to find the three and pulled them over, ultimately taking them into custody on a plethora of human trafficking, and prostitution-related felony charges. By the time those three were in custody, the woman had been rescued by police. "She immediately broke down sobbing," Dale said of the moments police barged into the room. "She was extremely emotional and thankful that police officers were there. We were able to reunite her with her mom." The timing of the sting was perfect, since the three suspects were planning on taking the woman to New York early Wednesday morning likely to be sold to another pimp, Dale said. Winston and Chambers were both charged with felony aggravated promotion of prostitution, compelling prostitution and trafficking of a person, while Collins was charged with compelling prostitution and trafficking of a person. Collins and Chambers appeared to be former prostitutes belonging to Winston who worked their way up in their ring, Dale said. By the time they were arrested Tuesday, Dale said the two women were engaging in active recruitment of other women to become Winston's prostitutes. "Eventually, (these women) get beat down, manipulated, and really, kind of brainwashed by the trafficker (into doing more nefarious things)," Dale said. The investigation is far from over. The victim told police that there might have been at least one other pimp who trafficked her and more victims just like her inside Winston's ring. Anyone with information about human trafficking in Houston is urged to call HPD's Vice Division's Human Trafficking Unit at 713-308-8600. 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 The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association sought a court order Tuesday aiming to force the city to pay firefighters the same as police officers of corresponding rank and seniority, one day before Mayor Sylvester Turner and the union are set to discuss ideas for implementing pay raises. The move comes more than two months after voters approved Proposition B, a November ballot measure granting pay parity to Houston firefighters, which would amount to a massive raise that Turner says the city cannot afford. Since the election, firefighters have yet to see their paychecks grow fatter, a delay that has frustrated the union and sown confusion among city workers who face the threat of layoffs. By failing to give firefighters a date certain for implementation of voter-approved Proposition B, the City of Houston forced Houston firefighters to seek Tuesdays court order, fire union President Marty Lancton said in a statement. With the election two months behind us, Prop B is now the law. Its past time for Mayor Turner to respect the will of the voters. Mayor responds In response, Turner questioned why the firefighters would ask him to meet, then take court action on the eve of the meeting. Now that Im willing to sit down, what do they do? They go to the courthouse, Turner said. Common sense has to prevail here. Lancton expressed skepticism that Turner is being sincere in offering to meet with the firefighters, citing the vagueness of the mayor's letter proposing the meeting. The union filed the claim Tuesday because the city's inaction forced their hand, he said. "This is just more smoke and mirrors from a vindictive, dishonest mayor who has fought us and the voters for two years," Lancton said. "He leaves the impression that he is willing to work with us, but he refuses to actually resolve anything. He's always a victim of everybody else." Since the election, Lancton has asked the mayor to negotiate a contract that would phase in pay parity instead of implementing it in one fell swoop. Until recently, Turner resisted the unions calls, citing ongoing litigation while at times contending he could not negotiate what voters had already decided. On Jan. 9, however, Turner invited firefighters to discuss ideas to implement Proposition B, though the mayors letter to Lancton did not say whether he is open to negotiating pay raises through contract talks. I do not want to lay off employees; and, I interpret some of the things you have said in public to acknowledge the true state of the Citys financial affairs, Turner wrote to Lancton. If the sacrifice of city services and city employees and their families in order to finance your pay increase can be avoided, I am open to consideration of your ideas. Lancton, responded by saying the union would not participate in stage-managed, taxpayer-funded public stakeholder forums. Meeting still planned After filing the court order Tuesday, however, Lancton said in a statement that he and his attorney would meet with Turner to discuss implementing Prop B and settling a pending lawsuit by the city against the union. Turner also confirmed Tuesday that he intends to meet with Lancton. For now, the city is working to define what parity means, the mayor said, which includes ironing out differences between the fire and police departments such as total employees and differing definitions of rank. I am moving forward to implement Proposition B, and as things currently stand, its going to require massive layoffs, Turner said. In the claim filed Tuesday in the 157th Civil District Court, the firefighters union wrote that the pay parity amendment is indisputably the law in effect today, yet the city has refused to commit to a date by which it will be implemented. The process of putting the measure into effect ground to a halt in late November, when a judge blocked the charter amendment at the request of the Houston Police Officers Union. On Dec. 18, a state district judge tossed the temporary restraining order, appearing to clear the city to implement pay parity. The day after, Turner said his administration would do so, though he warned it would take awhile. The mayor has repeatedly said the city cannot afford the pay hike, which he says would cost the city $100 million each year and require up to 1,000 layoffs. Lancton has brushed off the warnings as scare tactics but said he is open to phasing in firefighters pay raises. jasper.scherer@chron.com Jason Spindler was making his mark on the world. The 40-year-old Houston native was working in Africa, using the San Francisco-based company he co-founded to bolster businesses in emerging markets. He valued diversity and strove for inclusivity. "If you looked at him and talked to him, you'd say, 'This guy is destined to change the world,'" his father, Joseph Spindler, a Houston physician, said Wednesday. "And he did." His death this week one of at least 21 people killed in the terrorist siege on the DusitD2 luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi, Kenya left those who knew him mourning around the world. Jason would have turned 41 on Monday, and his friends in Africa are still planning to throw a birthday party, his father said. He was a ringleader with a graceful presence and infectious smile, say those closest to him. "He was just a wonderful individual," Joseph Spindler said. The Nairobi attack was Spindler's second terrorist attack. He worked at Building 7 at the World Trade Center in 2001, but was running late on Sept. 11. He was walking out of the subway when he saw the first building coming down, his father said. Kevin Yu, Spindler's roommate at the University of Texas at Austin, said his friend was on the front lines in the week after the Sept. 11 attacks, rushing to lend a hand. Knowing how he responded then leaves little doubt that Spindler was trying to help others during the siege in Nairobi, said Yu, who lives in Dallas. "There's no question in my mind that when he heard the first explosion, he wanted to be helping people," Yu said. BREAKING NEWS: Delivered to your email. Sign up now. Al-Shabab, an Islamic extremist group allied with Al-Quaida, claimed responsibility for the carnage at the hotel. Joseph Spindler said his son worked across from the complex and ate frequently at a cafe there. The group, based in neighboring Somalia, also carried out the 2013 attack at Nairobi's nearby Westgate Mall that killed 67 people, and an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that claimed 147 lives, mostly students. On Tuesday in Nairobi, extremists stormed the luxury compound with guns and explosives, beginning a coordinated assault with an explosion targeting three vehicles outside a bank and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby, Kenyan officials said. In addition to Jason Spindler, the civilian victims included 16 Kenyans, one British and three of African descent whose nationalities were not immediately known, police said. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the end of the all-night operation early Wednesday, saying all five extremists had been killed. "We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act," he said. From investment banker to Peace Corps volunteer Spindler was the co-founder and chief executive of I-DEV International, a California company that matches investors to emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, Asia and South Asia. Spindler had lived in Kenya for the last several years, his father said. He grew up in Houston but graduated from high school at Hebron Academy, a boarding school in Maine, the school confirmed Wednesday. Spindler got his undergraduate degree in finance in 2000 from the McCombs School of Business at the UT-Austin. He later attended New York University School on Law and graduated in 2009. He worked as an investment banker for three years, from 2000-2003, at Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup, helping global tech/telecom companies raise $50 billion in capital, according to his biography on the I-DEV website and his LinkedIn page. He also led buyouts and acquisitions of manufacturing and operating companies at AlixPartners' private equity fund for two years, from 2003-2005, according to the website and LinkedIn. He joined the Peace Corps in 2005, working for one year as a business and economic development volunteer in Peru, where he led the growth of a $7 billion locally owned agriculture business, the company website says. In 2007, Spindler co-founded I-DEV International. The company works with investors providing seed money to help create viable businesses, industries and supply chains. Its client list includes international food and beverage companies such as Green Mountain Coffee and Nature's Pride, as well as American women's clothing brand, Eileen Fisher, and the World Bank, according to the website. The goal of I-DEV is to empower local communities to join and compete in the global economy. It has worked in 45 countries with more than 300 investors, companies and non-governmental organizations, according to the website. 'I'm sure he gave them hell' Spindler's mother, Sarah Spindler, said in a phone interview with NBC News Tuesday night that her son "was trying to make positive change in the third world in emerging markets." "We all miss him so much. And it's so sad that such a bright young person is taken away by terrorism," his mother said. His brother, Jonathan Spindler, memorialized his spirit in a post obtained by several news organizations, including the New York Post and BBC News. "It's with a heavy heart that I have to report that my brother, Jason Spindler passed away this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya. Jason was a survivor of 9-11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell," he wrote. Remembrances of Spindler flooded Twitter on Tuesday and Wednesday, as business colleagues described a big-hearted man who was influential to local businesses and lived to help others. "Jason Spindler was one of those rare men who was loved by pretty much anyone be touched in Kenya and around the world," said Chris Schroeder, who wrote a book on an entrepreneurial "revolution" in the Middle East. "Today he was killed in the terrible al shabab attack in Nairobi. He chose a life of hope and inclusion. I am grateful to have known and learned from him." Still, when he wasn't helping people ranging from the "smallest farmer to the largest corporation in the emerging market," his father said he often returned to Houston to visit his family. Spindler had two brothers and three nephews. And despite a busy schedule, Spindler was a good friend who always remembered to pick up the phone and call, no matter whether he was in Kenya, Thailand, Switzerland or America, Yu said. "I don't know another person who was so connected," his friend said. Getting a call from him was "always like getting a gift from Santa." Even back in college, Spindler "knew how the world works," Yu said. He was smart, athletic and had a prominent personality, and his friends were caught in his orbit. "I think of him as a giant centrifuge, he just brought you along for the ride," Yu said. "He was moving so strongly in his path." On Wednesday, the Spindler family was on the way to Kenya to retrieve his body, his father said. He'll be flown back to Houston next week, after the birthday celebration, with burial set for Thursday. Jason Roper and St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report, which contains material from The Associated Press. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. Prairie View A&M University will host African-American studies scholar and author Cornel West as a part of a scheduled conversation with university President Ruth Simmons Friday, the university announced. The talk, part of the schools Symposium Scholars Voices Series, is free and open to the public and will explore African-American culture and heritage. The series, A Study of African American Culture and History, is considered the historically black universitys first step in the launch of its African American Studies initiative. The project, which Simmons hinted at during her April 2018 inauguration, is an effort to incorporate black history and studies throughout the universitys offerings and is slated to offer additional insight into the experiences of people of African descent, while also providing context of social, economic, cultural and historical issues in regards to African-American communities in America. PROFILE: High expectations surround Ruth Simmons presidency at Prairie View A&M University West, a Harvard University professor, has written 20 books, including the lauded Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and has appeared in more than two dozen documentaries and films, including the Matrix. At times, Wests views have been seen as provocative. The philosopher has been criticized for his disparaging comments about former President Barack Obama. And in 2017, Wests years of criticism of Ta-nehisi Coates, the bestselling author of Between the World and Me, came to a head after West published an op-ed in The Guardian that prompted Coates to shut down his Twitter profile. Prairie View A&M raised $1 million last year $500,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, $250,000 from an anonymous donor and a $250,000 university match to help fund the African-American studies intiative, according to a university press release. The initiative will be housed in the schools Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences. The project was in large part the brainchild of Simmons, who directed the Afro-American Studies program at Princeton University and chaired the African-American studies department at Harvard. Simmons reportedly expressed her surprise that Prairie View did not have an African-American studies program, especially considering its legacy as a HBCU and called for the creation of the program in her first campus-wide address after her arrival. brittany.britto@chron.com Sometimes you need a local to answer some of the most burning questions about Houston. Chron.com recently noticed that Google's search feature was full of strange questions about the city of Houston, its climate, cuisine, people, and hatred for Dallas. RELATED: Things all Houstonians have said at one time or another Right about now there a lot of questions about why Houston floods so bad, where it floods the worst, and how much flood insurance costs around here. There are also a few different permutations of the old "Houston versus Dallas" trope which has grown rather hackneyed. Let sleeping dogs lie. We should just join forces and take on the rest of the country. RELATED: This is how Houston partied 100 years ago There are no questions immediately popping up about the best Tex-Mex in Dallas, by the way. For this story Chron.com has employed its resident Houston pop-culture archaeologist and loyalist to answer these questions. Click through the slideshow above to see how a Houstonian, born and raised here, would answer basic questions that everyone is asking about Houston on Google... Eric Gay/Associated Press AUSTIN House Speaker Dennis Bonnen wants teachers to earn more this year but shied away from committing to a $5,000 across-the-board raise pitched by the Senate, saying school districts should decide how new education money would be spent. I think the opportunity to show teachers how much we appreciate them here in Texas is realistic and the opportunity exists. Personally, I think were a little better off giving our local school districts those dollars and the discretion with which to manage their own salaries and the pay of their teachers there but Im appreciative of what the Senate has done, Bonnen said Wednesday. Sandra Jones' first job out of college was her dream gig -- a public affairs position at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston that she couldn't have been more thrilled about starting Jan. 7. But about two weeks before her start date, the federal government shutdown. And just like that, the excitement of her new job turned to dread. She was starting a life in Houston, a thousand miles away from her home in Nebraska, without a job to go to or, more importantly, a paycheck. "I feel like, as a young person, I'm helpless," said Jones, 24, who graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha in December. "Johnson has a good network of people to help out but it's not ideal." FRUSTRATING: Workers at NASA's Johnson Space Center brace for missing paycheck Friday Jones was among more than 50 people protesting the shutdown Tuesday outside Johnson. They held signs denouncing the government's closure and those responsible for it which incited enthusiastic honking from passersby that became so loud people had to shout to be heard. The number of protesters Tuesday doesn't come close to the number of people impacted by the shutdown. About 94 percent of the 3,055 federal employees at the Houston center have been out of work since Dec. 22, when the government was shuttered as President Donald Trump held firm on his demand that Congress fund a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico. Johnson is home to the nation's astronaut corps, where human space flight research and training take place. It also is home to the International Space Station's mission operations and the Orion program. About 200 federal employees still working at Johnson are there primarily to ensure the astronauts aboard the International Space Station stay alive. And they're not getting paid. IMPENDING EXODUS? Experts worry government shutdowns will drive NASA employees to the private sector People, organizations and even restaurants have been stepping in to help furloughed workers where they can. A NASA engineer started a GoFundMe page that had raised $3,560 as of Tuesday afternoon to help cover peoples' bills. The Johnson Space Center Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans to those impacted. And several restaurants in Houston D'Amico's Italian Market Cafe in Rice Village, Bistro Provence in the Energy Corridor, Ouisie's Table near River Oaks and the Rainbow Lodge on White Oak Bayou are offering free meals. On the federal level, U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land, filed a bill Tuesday that would allow federal workers and contractors to take funds from their retirement without penalization. The measure still must be approved by Congress. "Hardworking federal employees and contractors at federal facilities like Johnson Space Center shouldn't suffer because the federal government can't do its job," Olson said in a statement. "Families of federal employees should not become casualties of partisan politics in Washington. This simple adjustment will allow them to access funds to provide financial stability during a stressful period they have no control over." While most people driving by Tuesday showed support for the protesters, not everyone was thrilled about their presence or message. As the demonstrators chanted about democracy and reopening the government pumping fists full of PayDay candy bars for emphasis drivers more than once slowed down, shouting "get a job" and "secure our border." But protesters, like Paromita Mitra, held strong. A month ago, the 27-year-old uprooted her entire life in Mississippi to take a job at Johnson as an engineer working on space suits. She's only received two paychecks. Her third would have come last Friday if the government hadn't shutdown. "It's stressful," Mitra said of the financial burden that's been placed on her over the past month. Mitra had hoped she could apply for the zero percent interest loans being offered during the shutdown by the JSC Federal Credit Union. But she didn't sign up for an account in time, she said. "I'm living off credit cards and trying to be as frugal as possible," she said Still, Mitra wouldn't consider leaving Johnson, where she's dreamed of working since childhood. But it certainly stings, she said, especially when she thinks about the jobs she turned down just two months ago that were offering double the salary. Steve Candler feels differently, however. Candler, who is in his 60s, has worked at Johnson for nearly 26 years. The day the shutdown began he started sprucing up his LinkedIn profile. "I still want to work here," said Candler, who works in facilities operations. "But I expected to have a job when I signed on and it makes me question working for the government." Candler said he was able to secure a loan from the credit union but not before his bank account dropped to $14 on Saturday. "My reserves are running out," he said. "All we want is our pay day." Alex Stuckey writes about NASA and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. A would-be burglar had no shortage of confidence when he used a buzz saw and hammer during a break-in attempt in Galveston County recently. The man cut and pounded at the door with his tools, creating sparks and banging noises, when a voice came to him. A spirit from above? His own conscience, perhaps? Neither. It was the homeowner who saw him on his Ring doorbell camera, shouting at the man through a two-way talk feature on the device. "Yo, dude, yo, what the hell are you doing?" the homeowner said in the video released by Ring. "[Expletive] was just trying to break into our beach house." The burglar took off when he heard the voice, but not after damaging the home, according to Ring spokeswoman Savannah Bigley. RELATED: Houston police team up with Ring app to tackle crime She said Ring's motion-sensing technology alerted the homeowner as soon as the intruder stepped on the property. The homeowner then shared the video to the free Neighbors app by Ring, which helps nearby residents keep track of crime information. The release of the video comes one day after the Houston Police Department announced a partnership with Ring, which has been growing rapidly since its inception in 2012. Houston police officials said during a Monday press conference that they believe the devices will help stave off crime and build trust in the community. "We need all the help we can get to understand what's going on with crime, where it is, and how we can address it," Diana Poor, HPD's deputy director of planning, told the Houston Chronicle. 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 NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. Dr Pepper has come a long way since the drink's creator, Dr. Charles Alderton, served it himself at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco 1885. At that time, the well-informed customers wouldn't say Dr Pepper. They would simply ask him to "Shoot me a Waco!" according to historical accounts in Texas Monthly. Since then, the syrupy soft drink moved its headquarter to Plano and established a long-running (though now defunct) relationship with the Central Texas town of Dublin, which served as the state's primary bottler of the brand until 2012. Billed as the oldest major soft drink the U.S., Dr Pepper has grown to become one of the most recognizable brands in the state. That's why the company is asking Texas lawmakers to declare it the official soft drink of Texas in a Change.org petition that's gaining traction by the hour. "Dr Pepper is Texas born and bred, and like any Texan, has only the deepest pride and appreciation for its home state," according to a prepared statement from Derek Dabrowski, VP of Brand Marketing at Keurig Dr Pepper, which owns the soda brand. "...Dr Pepper has a rich history in the Lone Star State and being named its official soft drink would mark a new milestone to celebrate for generations to come." DUBLIN DR PEPPER: Is there life after Dr Pepper? Dublin wonders The petition, which was posted on Monday, garnered only a small portion of its 15,000 signature goal on Tuesday. But by early Wednesday afternoon, close to 11,000 people had signed it. To celebrate the effort, Dr Pepper announced a new bottle collection that includes 15 labels with artwork from the state''s most iconic landmarks and landscapes. The 20-ounce bottles will be available at stores in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and Waco. "This one-of-a-kind bottle collection was created exclusively for the passionate fans that also call it home," Dabrowski said in the statement. Texas Monthly also noted that this isn't the first Change.org petition for Dr Pepper. Less successful campaigns have been focused on renaming the drink to "Daddy Pepper" or asking the Supreme Court to ban the drink. Click through the slideshow above to see other iconic Texas brands and symbols, as well as a brief history of the Dublin bottling plant. 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 NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. A Harris County inmate locked up on a pair of misdemeanor charges died Wednesday after hanging herself inside a jail cell, marking the local lock-up's fifth apparent suicide in less than two years. Tracy Whited was booked into the 1200 Baker Street jail on Saturday for criminal mischief and a misdemeanor escape charge. She was found hanging by a sheet in her cell on Monday, and died in the hospital two days later, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. "We were doing better with jail suicides, but it appears as if we have more work to do," said state Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston, who tackled in-custody suicides with a sweeping bill last legislative session. "One person is too many committing suicide in any of the county jails in Texas." When she first came into the jail, Whited denied having thoughts of self-harm, authorities said. She went through the usual intake process, and was seen by medical staff. Afterward, she was assigned to a general population cell with close to 50 other inmates. READ MORE: Inmate suicide note from Harris County jail points to systemic gaps in mental health care On Monday around 7:20 a.m., one of those other inmates flagged down a detention officer after spotting Whited unconscious and hanging from a bed sheet tied to her bunk. Jail guards cut her down and started CPR, and paramedics rushed her to Ben Taub Hospital. She died on Wednesday morning after she was taken off life support, her family confirmed. The 42-year-old's arrest stemmed from a dispute with her boyfriend, authorities said. She'd previously been told to stay away and issued a criminal trespass warning. But on Saturday, she went to see him and ended up allegedly knifing his SUV, officials said. She was arrested by sheriff's deputies and charged with criminal mischief, according to court records. Then, she racked up a misdemeanor escape charge when she allegedly tried to leave the jail's booking facility later that day. A hearing officer denied her a no-cash personal bond and instead set bail at $3,000. Court papers noted that she had three pending cases out of county, though she'd never been locked up in the local jail before, and doesn't appear to have a criminal record in Harris County. After she hanged herself Monday morning, Judge David Fleischer granted her a personal bond. Her death is being investigated by the Texas Rangers. Born and raised in North Carolina, Whited moved to Texas with her boyfriend roughly a decade ago. She didn't stay in close contact with her family, and had struggled with drug use and legal problems elsewhere, according to her mother Peggy Lutz. "I'm just having a hard time dealing with being so far away, trying to get her back," Lutz said late Wednesday. To some, her death highlighted the need for bail reform. "This loss breaks my heart," said Judge Franklin Bynum, a newly elected jurist who decided to run for office because of the county's misdemeanor bail practices. "We judges are working as fast as possible to reform this ancient punishment bureaucracy to make sure that no one who needs help will get a cage instead." LISTEN: Former Texas judge raises possibility of death penalty moratorium The newly elected misdemeanor judges recently ended their appeal in a landmark lawsuit over the use of cash bail in low-level cases, which a federal judge found unconstitutional. The county and the former misdemeanor judges - those swept out of office in November - fought the against the lawsuit, but the freshly elected officials are now working on a settlement. "By settling the bail lawsuit and recognizing the constitutional right to pre-trial release, we will prevent tragedies like this," Bynum said. "We are working every day to stop the senseless violence in this broken system." Jail officials stressed that the county lock-up here see suicides at a rate below the national average but, still, Whited's death comes on the heels of a handful of others in recent months. Back in early 2017, 32-year-old Vincent Young was found dead in an infirmary cell after guards making their rounds spotted his body hanging by a bed sheet, the sheriff's office said at the time. Afterward, the Texas Commission on Jail Standards hit the lock-up with a non-compliance finding, as Young hadn't been checked on for more than an hour by the time officers found him. There's no indication of any skipped checks leading up to Whited's death, according to jail spokesman Jason Spencer. At the time, Young's death sparked protests as some questioned whether it was truly a suicide, and the jail afterward announced a number of changes to boost suicide prevention. Then in late 2017, accused murderer Maytham Alsaedy hanged himself with a bedsheet. He'd been housed in the mental health ward and was classified as having "serious and persistent mental illness." The state again found the facility out of compliance because a jailer doing rounds didn't bother to make the 26-year-old remove newspaper covering a cell window - so staff didn't actually lay eyes on the man or see what he was doing. In July 2018, Navy veteran Eldon Lee Jackson killed himself in solitary confinement, months after he'd been arrested for arson when he tried lighting the house on fire as he slashed his own throat. He'd been placed in isolation when he wouldn't stop calling his wife and harassing her. The next day, he killed himself with a noose fashioned from the gauze used to treat his burns. Less than a month later, Debora Ann Lyons - who was being held on $1,500 bail - was found hanging from a bedsheet attached to a door in the same 1200 Baker building where Whited died this week. According to a source familiar with the case, she had threatened suicide at least once in the days before her death. READ MORE: Lawsuit: Texas prison guard hit with false disciplinary for not writing up inmate Like Alsaedy's death, Lyons' suicide sparked a closer look from the state, and another out-of-compliance finding. On hearing news of another inmate death, Coleman promised more legislation to address potential gaps in jail mental health care and screening. "We will file something that creates new protocols - screening protocols - and strengthens the ones we've already put in place," he said. "We're going to look at this suicide, that occurred on a misdemeanor offense - and I think that we have more work to do." The city of Montgomery is working with the Texas Department of Transportation to fix erosion of FM 1097 caused by Atkins Creek. Chris Roznovksy, the project engineer with Jones Carter, said the creek has eroded about 1,700 feet over the past three years. Located between Terra Vista Circle and Buffalo Springs Drive, the erosion has started to threaten FM 1097, where about 4,500 cars travel per day, according to TxDOT data. Because it is not a bridge, Roznovsky said the erosion could have undermined the road and caused it to fail. However, city officials had been tracking the erosion and were able to work with TxDOT to protect and prevent the road from being undermined or damaged before it progressed to that point. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is also addressing the damage to water, sewer, and storm sewer lines because of the erosion We will continue to work with them on the longer term plan to prevent it from happening because this is really just a patch to slow it down, Roznovsky said during the council meeting on Jan. 8. As of last week, Roznovsky said crews had stabilized around the end of the creek and noted the channel is much bigger and the crews were working to raise and stabilize the water pipe to get the line fully back in service. It addresses the issues at FM 1097, it just doesnt address the issues all the way down the creek and how it is eroding and widening over time, Roznovksy said during a phone interview Tuesday. Its not that it is going to fail in any given amount of time, its just that long term something else has to be done to stabilize the entire area versus these certain locations that are being fixed to reduce impacts on utilities and the highway, According to the city, FEMA and Roznovsky, construction is anticipated from April 2019 to July 2019. The cost for the construction, sanitary sewer, waterline, and storm sewer repairs as of December 2018 is estimated to be $405,800 with FEMA funding 90 percent of the cost at $365,220 and the city covering 10 percent of the cost at $40,850. Roznovksy said the city expects FEMA obligation to fund the project in the next three to four weeks. For me the simple question is, why isnt whoever developed around this responsible for this? Councilman Jon Bickford said during the meeting noting he did not think the city should have to pay for more than the 10 percent moving forward. Aside from working with TxDOT and FEMA, the city officials also intend to work with the private property owners as well as the Army Corp of Engineers, as some portions are wetlands, which means the long term solution will require further approval. Since it is on private property, it is the city and the surrounding properties owners, and TxDOT all working together to come up with a solution, Roznovksy said. As part of the discussion that has to be had is what is the long term fix look like to Atkins Creek and then how is it completed. mellsworth@hcnonline.com It was a bit of a surreal feeling for 2018 Fair Queen KelleyAnne Roland at Monday nights 2019 Montgomery County Fair Queen Press Party. She knew exactly what each one of the 17 young ladies vying for the title of 2019 Fair Queen was going through having gone through the process herself a year before. Its unbelievable for me to think that exactly a year ago, I was sitting in this room just like you girls, filled with anticipation, excitement and nervousness, Roland said as she addressed those hoping to follow in her footsteps. She assured them that they were braver than they thought, more talented than they knew and capable of anything they could imagine. BEAUTY QUEENS: Here are your Miss Katy and Bay Area pageant contestants She said shes been blessed with many friendships on her journey as 2018 Fair Queen and shed be walking away with many great memories that would be with her throughout her life. I hope that each of you - win or lose - will walk away with the same experience that I did, Roland said. On Monday night, the 17 young ladies vying for 2019 Fair Queen were formally introduced as queen candidates as the fair approaches. The 2019 Queen Candidates include: Emma Baskin Oak Ridge High School, sponsored by BMB Fencing Kayla Coffman New Caney High School, sponsored by Texas Land Clearing Inc. Lacey Dechow St. Pius X, sponsored by Keystone Concrete Shelby Denton Splendora High School, sponsored by the Hoppes Family Claire Folwell The Woodlands College Park High School-Harmony Complete Care LLC Kayla Hadash Conroe High School, Conroe Pediatrics Dentistry Abigail Harmon Oak Ridge High School, Woodlands 242 Self Storage Kelsey Hegemeyer Montgomery High School, Jayco Construction Caroline Henson Oak Ridge High School, Cavenders Boot City Grace Hoegemeyer Willis High School, Fullerton Orthodontics Bayleigh Norman Montgomery High School-Graceys Commercial Cleaning Services Melanie Norris Caney Creek High School-M&B Cattle Company Ashlyn Real Conroe High School-Flip Flop Bling Bailey Rodriguez Lake Creek High School-Animal Hospital of Montgomery Allison Schroeder Oak Ridge High School-Haus of Smoke BBQ Christina Vincent Montgomery High School-P-6 Farms Marie Yanchak Magnolia High School-The Walling Family The teens began the process in October by submitting applications. In November, an informational meeting with their parents and fair organizers took place, in December there was planning for the upcoming Go Texan Parade and the annual Press Party is held each January. They will participate in the Go Texan Parade in downtown Conroe on Feb. 16. Then, on Saturday, March 30, the teens will have breakfast with the judges, give their speeches and the 2019 Fair Queen will be crowned during the rodeo that night. For Roland, the crowning has been one of the most memorable and exciting parts of being the fair queen. She relayed the excitement of being with the rest of the girls as they rode out on the trucks in the arena and the shock and surprise of hearing her named called as all of her family cheered her on. Shes also come to realize how many girls look up to the fair queen and the importance of being a good role model for them. This is one of the special things we do in our fair, said Montgomery County Fair President Todd Green as he addressed the candidates on Monday evening. Having a daughter who has been through this process, the benefit is really what you put into it. It will, in my opinion, be something that is beneficial for you for years to come. The 2019 Montgomery County Fair is set for March 29 through April 7 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds at 9201 Airport Road in Conroe. For more information about the fair, visit the website or call 936-760-3631. A Conroe Independent School District bond referendum election in the amount of $807 million is set for May 4. The proposed bond could result in a maximum three cent property tax increase, the first increase in years, to reach a new rate of $1.31 per $100 valuation. The increase would begin with a one cent uptick on the 2019-20 property tax rate, adding an extra cent as necessary for three years. Accounting for a $25,000 homestead exemption on the average $300,000 home, the full 3-cent increase would add $82.50 to the annual household tax bill. That would put the tax requirement for the average home at $3,602.50. CISD has the second-lowest tax rate in the Houston metro area that ranking would stay the same if this bond referendum is approved by voters. Last month, the districts facilities planning committee presented a bond package of $827.5 million. Superintendent Curtis Null said that in addition to removing the outdoor pool project billed at $11.2 million, the board reduced the bond amount allocations on a few line items that can be paid for by using the districts fund balance and future savings, such as the north county agricultural and technical education complex and land purchases. We bring forward a package that will address all of the needs recommended by the committee, Null said to the districts trustees at their meeting Tuesday night. Want to learn more? Visit the district's website at www.conroeisd.net/superintendent-board-of-trustees/board-meeting-information/ to view the full presentations. See More Collapse Some key projects include: a Conroe High School renovation that would convert the six-building campus into one building for $146 million, an Oak Ridge High School overhaul and addition for $58 million and three new elementary schools and one new junior high school for a total of $192 million. Other growth and sustainability projects, such as classroom additions and capacity upgrades, are budgeted at about $76 million. Campus improvements and renovations, like adding gyms at a few elementary schools, are listed at about $62.5 million. Safety and security projects are included for $24.5 million, life cycle improvements are budgeted for $88 million and technology plans are allotted $36 million. District-wide facility and transportation needs are given $60 million, while $20 million is set aside for land purchases. The amount reserved for contingency is $40 million. Six board members approved the package, applauding the committees work to accommodate for district growth, while newly elected trustee Dale Inman abstained from voting. According to board policy, any member may abstain from a vote. Just before the vote, Inman made a motion to consider accepting only parts of the total bond package; his motion died without a second from the board. New attendance zones approved In order to accommodate for the opening of Suchma Elementary School in August, a 1,000-student capacity K-6 flex campus east of Interstate 45 and south of Texas 242, the district approved a scenario for attendance zone changes. Under this scenario, the school is to open with about 850 students. According to the districts presentation, the zone includes most of the 242 area developments that currently attend Oak Ridge and Houser elementary schools, with the exception of two sections north of Texas 242 Tall Timers and Gleneagles that remained zoned to Oak Ridge. The scenario also shuffles some students around to reduce enrollment at Oak Ridge, Houser, Vogel, Ford and Hailey elementary schools while providing some of Glen Loch Elementarys bilingual students, who are zoned to Lamar Elementary, the ability to return to their home campus. Deputy Superintendent Chris Hines said the Attendance Boundary Committee reviewed 40 to 50 different scenarios, but narrowed it down to two versions. They hosted three rounds of public presentations to receive feedback prior to giving this recommendation to the board. While the scenario does not reduce crowding at Ride or Glen Loch elementaries, it impacts fewer families than the other consideration. We certainly recommend further consideration be given to looking at ways to reduce the crowding at Ride (Elementary) that we didnt solve through this processbut it really was never our first objective. We were working on Suchma, Hines said. 2019-20 school calendar approved The board approved draft two of the districts 2019-20 school calendar. Highlights of the calendar include a starting date of Aug. 14, an ending date of May 28, with 177 total days of instruction for students and 187 total days for teachers. The Thanksgiving holiday is scheduled for Nov. 25-29, while the winter break is scheduled for Dec. 20 to Jan. 7, 2020. Spring break is to occur the week of March 9 to 13, 2020. Community members were able to give input on the calendar drafts from November to just last week. Hines said the districts planning and decision-making committee reviewed about 2,200 comments and suggestions during the process. jane.stueckemann@chron.com Rated R for language and some sexual content Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95% In Theaters From the Oscar-winning Moonlight filmmaker Barry Jenkins comes this exceptionally beautiful story of love and pain which follows a young woman in Harlem who must deal with her pregnancy while at the same time dedicate her life to freeing her husband from prison after he is convicted of a crime he didnt commit. Rather than tell the story merely from the point of injustice, Jenkins here chooses to portray the story from fact of life realism, choosing to show that is just how it works for many African Americans, regardless of economic status, education or ambition. But aside from the story, the movie has a movement that you dont expect. It flows along almost like a dream, reaching into your subconscious while forcing out an extreme amount of empathy for its characters. Helping the film along are the exceptional performances of Stephen James and KiKi Layne in the leads followed by Regina King (sure to get an Oscar nom) supporting. Together, they take you on a journey that will have an enormous effect on your heart and your outlook. A Halloween Rated R for horror violence and bloody images, language, brief drug use and nudity Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79% Available on Disc and Streaming Filmmaker David Gordon Green (Pineapple Express) decided here to take a franchise from the 70s, with tons of sequels, and just wash them away pretending that this story would pick up where the best one left off, ignoring all films in between. Here Michael finds a way out of prison and heads off to find Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis). But Laurie has been training for decades for this event and she is ready to take him down if he shows. The film has its scary moments, but it also has a decent sense of humor with a strong action/thriller vibe. It didnt give me the shivers, but it did make me want to tear up some popcorn. Some of the killings were a bit silly, as was the big plot twist, but Jamie Lee Curtis and Judy Greer (playing her daughter) give the film more respectability than you could ever expect from such a slasher project. B- Suspiria Rated R for disturbing content involving ritualistic violence, bloody images and graphic nudity, and for some language including sexual references Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64% Available on Disc and Streaming When a young American dancer (Dakota Johnson) joins a renowned German dance company led by Tilda Swinton, she finds herself in a nightmare scenario when she discovers the company isnt what it seems and that a dark force is interested in her. Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name), Suspiria is a far cry from what you would expect from someone of his pedigree. Very quickly into the film, the movie takes a perverse turn, meant to cause more in the way of revulsion than frights. But while the imagery sickened me, I also couldnt take my eyes off of it. It certainly isnt for everyone, and I wouldnt suggest watching it on a plane where others will catch a glimpse (like I did), but it does turn out to be an interesting exercise in artistic horror. B- Bad Times at the El Royale Rated R for strong violence, language, some drug content and brief nudity Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74% Available on Disc and Streaming This A-list cast of characters, including Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm and Chris Hemsworth collide together at a hotel that resides on the border of California and Nevada, when each on their own journeys intersects with the others. If the film has one good quality, it has to be creativity. The story is pretty far out there and keeps you guessing as to what it is about for pretty much the entire two-plus hours. My biggest issue is that I felt like you cant take any of it at face value - like the film is about something completely different from what you are watching. There were some enjoyable moments, but it just never struck a chord with me, even though I went into it with high expectations. My hopes though were ultimately dashed when the film ultimately couldnt deliver the goods. C+ Danny Minton may be reached at danny@dannyminton.com. Houston Community College is reaching out to the community for input on how HCC should continue to meet the education needs of Houstonians. To that end, HCC invites the public to join in a discussion about its 2020-2030 Strategic Plan at a meeting from 8 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the HCC Brays Oaks Campus in Room 204, 8855 W. Bellfort. This is an opportunity for HCC leaders to hear from the community. Join instructor Attila Joey Csiki for an intermediate/advanced level master dance class on Monday, Jan. 28, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, 5601 S. Braeswood. Dancers can also audition for Peridance Capezio Centers leading summer intensives and year-round programs. Appropriate dance attire is required. Jan 16, 2019 | By Thomas "Prototyping in Tokyo: Illustrating design-led innovation" is the latest exhibition coming to Japan House London in January 2019. The exhibition will showcase the innovative 3D printed designs created by professor Shunji Yamanaka, who leads the Yamanaka Laboratory at the University of Tokyo. Yamanakas research focuses on re-examining the relationships between humans and man-made objects through projects such as beautiful prosthetics and life-like robots. One of the interesting prototypes that "Prototyping in Tokyo" will bring to London is the Ready to Crawl, a series of 3D printed animal-inspired robots that can walk like real creatures. Each 3D printed animal was created in a single print and was powered by a single motor. The bio-like robots were developed by Yamanaka, together with designer Hiroshi Sugihara at the University of Tokyo Prototyping & Design Laboratory and additive manufacturing researcher Keisuke Tanigawa. As Sugihara explained of their Ready to Crawl project: In this project we tried to make robots which were born in completed state like creatures by making all parts, excluding a DC motor, assembled by AM as one machine. Once the fully assembled CAD model was complete, they sent it to a selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer, where it was printed, layer by layer, out of a bed of nylon powder material. Once printed, they simply had to remove all the extra nylon powder, and install a single DC motor in the designated spot. To make the small robots move in a natural way, the designers used a novel transmission mechanism called 3Dimensional Cam. Amazingly, using this original mechanism, they were able to create a number of different animal robots, each inspired by a different type of movement. From the sliding shell creature called Ohmu, to the wriggling lizard called Tokage, to the scorpion like Yadokari, to the prickly and rotatable Radiolaria, to the scuttling Disk, each 3D printed creature can move in a unique way using the same central 3Dimensional Cam mechanism. The results are very impressive. The current exhibition at Japan House focuses on three core themes: Prosthetics is a range of interpretations of the expanded human body; Bio-likeness robots are robots with life-like motion and behavior, giving the impression of intelligence; and Additive Manufacturing is the taking of prototyping to the next level with 3-D printing which has allowed engineers and designers to create infinitely more complex prototypes. Visitors can touch and interact 3D printed prototypes of lifelike robotic creatures and learn the stories behind the prototypes. "Prototyping in Tokyo" runs for the first time in the UK from 16 January to 17 March 2019. Professor Yamanaka is one of the most respected design engineers in Japan. His 2010 work, Tagtype Garage Kit, is part of the New York Museum of Modern Arts permanent collection. "When I design products for the market or prototypes for research, I don't intentionally draw on Japanese aesthetics for inspiration," said Yamanaka. "However, outside Japan, my works are often described as resembling 'Japanese style'. An art director from France once told me that the attitude of cherishing a basic element and adding nothing conveys the sense of Japan. An architect from Italy said that my design is minimal and rich, and that that is 'Japanese style'. A professor from the USA described his understanding of 'Japanese style' to me as the fusion of organic and machine-made. Although what I am doing is simply searching for the common ground between science and beauty, people tend to find various interpretations of Japanese aesthetics in my designs. I look forward to seeing how people in the UK feel about my works. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: A proxy adviser has recommended that Luby's shareholders reject all but one of the four candidates backed by an activist investor to the board of the struggling Houston restaurant chain. Glass Lewis, a San Francisco-based firm that advises shareholders on how to vote in proxy fights, recommended a vote for activist investor Jeff Gramm to Luby's board, but rejected Gramm's father, former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm of Texas; and candidates Stacy Hock, chairwoman of Texas for Education Opportunity; and Savneet Singh, managing partner of New York-based Tera Holdings. Jeff Gramm, founder of New York hedge fund Bandera Partners and a longtime Luby's shareholder, launched a proxy fight in December to remove the Pappas brothers from Luby's board and elect four new candidates to the nine-member board at its annual shareholder meeting on Jan. 25. RELATED: Luby's, activist investor spar over cafeteria chain's future Luby's, led by Chris Pappas and his brother Harris Pappas since 2001, said it fears if Bandera wins minority control that the hedge fund would push for liquidating the restaurant chain to sell off its real estate assets, which is worth more than the restaurant's operations. Glass Lewis praised Luby's incumbent board, saying the members seem to be well-qualified with significant restaurant experience and qualification. The proxy advisory firm raised concerns about a "disparity in qualifications and experience" in Bandera's slate of board candidates. "We are concerned that the dissident has not nominated a slate of candidates with the qualifications and experience needed to oversee the turnaround of a publicly traded company in the casual dining industry," Glass Lewis said in its report. RELATED: Luby's faces proxy fight with activist investor Luby's board chairman Gasper Mir III said the board was pleased that Glass Lewis recommended its slate of candidates as more qualified than the challengers. Mir said the board disagrees with Glass Lewis that Jeff Gramm would be suitable on Luby's board. "We continue to believe that real hands-on restaurant experience matters and that shareholders deserve highly qualified candidates with the appropriate industry expertise," Mir said in a statement. RELATED: Proxy advisor recommends activist investor, former Sen. Phil Gramm to Luby's board Glass Lewis' recommendation comes on the heels of a report by another proxy advisory firm, which also recommended a vote for Jeff Gramm as well as his father, Phil Gramm. Maryland-based Institutional Shareholder Services criticized Luby's incumbent board, saying it has overseen "alarming underperformance" over the past decade and called Gramm a "logical addition" to the board. ISS, similar to Glass Lewis, did not recommend Hock and Singh to Luby's board. RELATED: Activist investor calls for 'fresh faces' to turn around Luby's Jeff Gramm said earlier this week that Bandera was encouraged by ISS' recommendations and will continue to reach out to Luby's shareholders as part of its proxy campaign. "At this point, I believe Luby's outside stockholders believe our message," Gramm said. "From here until the annual meeting, it's all about turnout." Check back later for more on this developing story. State regulators have issued a permit that will allow Kansas City Southern Railway Co. to build a rail and marine terminal in Port Arthur for crude oil, gasoline, ethanol and diesel. During a hearing Tuesday morning in Austin, commissioners with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality issued Kansas City Southern a permit for a facility along the 7200 block of Texas 87 in Port Arthur. Located on 200 acres between Texas 87 and Sabine Lake, the facility is expected to include eight storage tanks for heavy crude oil, light, sweet crude, gasoline, ethanol and diesel as well as related infrastructure for loading rail cars and seafaring tankers with those products. Exports: Enbridge-led joint venture proposes offshore oil terminal south of Freeport Kansas City Southern officials declined to comment, but a July 2014 announcement shows that the project has been nearly five years in coming. Massachusetts energy company Global Partners and Kansas City Southern had originally planned to develop the site into a rail and marine terminal that would receive heavy crude oil from western Canada, but the current plans have added light, sweet crude, gasoline, ethanol and diesel. State filings show that Global Partners unit Global Companies filed the original permit application with TCEQ in February 2015, but Kansas City Southern took over the project in May 2017. It is unclear if Kansas City Southern intends to use the facility to supply foreign or domestic markets but the permit is being issued at a time when development by oil and natural gas companies in shale basins across the United States has boosted U.S. exports of crude oil and refined products across the globe. VLCC: Enterprise plans crude export terminal offshore of Texas Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City Southern Railway was founded in 1887 by Arthur Stilwell, who envisioned a railroad connecting the U.S. and Mexico. Stilwell later founded Port Arthur in 1895 as a center for shipping and commerce. The Houston Community College Foundation has announced a new scholarship program for students who were unable to continue their studies at HCC due to financial constraints resulting from Hurricane Harvey. It is anticipated that more than 100 students who withdrew from HCC after the hurricane will receive scholarships, beginning in the Spring 2019 semester. Funding for the scholarships was provided by the State of Qatar through a $300,000 grant from its Qatar Harvey Fund, a $30 million fund established last year for the long-term recovery of southeast Texas. The funding will be made available to the HCC Foundation via a partnership between the Qatar Harvey Fund and the Rebuild Texas Fund. The Rebuild Texas Fund is a collaborative project of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the OneStar Foundation, created to support the rebuilding of Texas communities hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. The Qatar Harvey Fund grant for HCC student scholarships is part of $5 million in overall funding that the Qatar Harvey Fund has committed to the Rebuild Texas Fund for long-term recovery assistance in southeast Texas. We are grateful to the Qatar Harvey Fund and the Rebuild Texas Fund for their dedication and passion to help rebuild and revitalize our community, including our HCC family impacted by Hurricane Harvey, said HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado. We now can provide financial assistance to students who had to put their HCC education on hold, or step away from classes altogether, as a result of Harvey. A storm as devastating as Harvey disrupts lives in so many ways, said His Excellency Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, Qatars Ambassador to the U.S. The Qatar Harvey Fund Scholarship Program will support HCC students impacted by the storm as they continue their studies. Qatar has long invested in education, which provides both a direct benefit to students who pursue it, as well as a multiplier effect for their families and communities. We are very pleased to partner with the Houston Community College Foundation on this program. We are excited to partner with the Houston Community College Foundation on this scholarship program to continue our collective mission of helping communities rebuild after Hurricane Harvey, said Neeraj Aggarwal, program director of Rebuild Texas Fund. We know that rebuilding requires strong, creative partners from business, government, non-profit and philanthropy working together, and are excited to see how HCCs project positively impacts the community. Celebrate Valentines Day with dance - and enjoy duets from the METdance repertoire. For the fifth year in a row, the company presents DUO, all dances for two. The show is scheduled each night at 8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7, Friday, Feb. 8 and Saturday, Feb. 9 at the Raven Tower, 310 North St. in Houston, 77009. Tickets are $27 per person, $46 per couple and $100 for a VIP table. Discounts are available for tickets purchased online. DUO too, an additional performance by the METdance youth company MET too is slated for 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9. Tickets are $25 or $18 online. All of the performances will explore relationships through dance in an intimate setting, just in time for the romantic holiday. This one hour show of duets is the perfect way to celebrate Valentines Day, METdance artistic director Marlana Doyle said. Weve been doing a DUO show for the past five years and we are looking forward to showcasing our performance in a new venue - the Raven Tower. DUO assembles work from top-notch artists from across the U.S. - Eric Handman, Eoghan Dillon, Mariana Oliveira, Taylor Mitchell, Andrew Dawn Shelley and Joshua Manculich. Eric Handman is a choreographer and serves as associate professor at the University of Utahs department of modern dance. Prior to receiving his MFA from the University of Utah in 2003, he earned a bachelors degree in English from Skidmore College. He was a member of New York Theatre Ballet, before becoming professional dancer in various New York-based contemporary dance companies such as Doug Varone and Dancers, Nicholas Leichter Dance and Joy Kellman and Company. He teaches domestically and internationally, and his choreography has been recognized, awarded and commissioned by various companies and departments across the U.S. His work has been shown at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and he has served on the board of directors of the Congress on Research in Dance. Handman is currently on the board of the American College Dance Association, a Fulbright Specialist and a member of the Entrepreneurial Faculty Scholars at the University of Utah. Originally from Ireland, Eoghan Dillon moved to Canada at age 4 and began dancing at the age of 12. In 2012, he received a full scholarship to study at the Ailey School in New York City, where he studied under many prestigious professionals. He is currently a company member with Parsons Dance, an internationally renowned touring contemporary dance company. Under the direction of David Parsons, he has worked one-on-one with choreographers Robert Battle, Katarzyna Skarpetowska and Natalie Lomonte and has toured, taught, and choreographed all over the U.S. and Europe. Mariana Oliveira, originally from Brazil, studied at the Royal Academy of Dance in London and was a trainee dancer at the National Dance Company of Wales. At 19, she was invited to perform with the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. In 2009, she founded The Union Project Dance Company. She has been commissioned to create new works for companies across the U.S. and is a recipient of the NYU Center for Ballet and the Arts Fellowship, as well the Kansas City University Choreographic Fellowship. Her works have also been presented at the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival, and for two consecutive years, she has been a finalist of the McCallum Theatre Choreography Festival. She also taught at the Bolshoi Ballet School in Brazil for the dancers of the Youth Company. Taylor Mitchell left his hometown of Baton Rouge, to study at the University of Arizona, where he received his BFA in Dance along with the Creative Achievement Award for choreographic works. The recent graduate is developing his unique artistry fusing a variety of movement vocabularies, focusing on the blend of jazz, modern, and contemporary styles and drawing inspiration from his life as well as world reknown choreographers including Debbie Allen, Larry Keigwin, Pattie Obey and Ann Reinkng. He has been fortunate to dance and have his work performed internationally. He is currently a company member of Thodos Dance Chicago Andrea Dawn Shelley, born in Miami, received her classical ballet training predominately from Magdalena Maury and Magda G. Aunon. She studied dance at the University of South Florida and holds a bachelors degree in dance education from Florida International University. She began her professional career with Southern Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet and has since danced as a principal artist with Maximum Dance Company, Miami Contemporary Dance Company and Dominic Walsh Dance Theater, as well as a company member with State Street Ballet. She currently dances as a principal artist and serves as co-founding director of iMEE Dance Company. She has received numerous awards for her dancing and was a co-founding member of the Houston Dance Festival: HERE & NOW. As a choreographer, she has created original works for professional dance companies and festivals across the country. Shelley first began her relationship with Vitacca Dance Project in 2013. Joshua Manculich. from Windber, Pennsylvania, graduated as valedictorian in 2005 and went on to pursue dance and psychology at Point Park University. While there, he received the Conservatorys Outstanding Graduate Award for his artistic involvement in the Pittsburgh community. He had the opportunity to perform works by Douglas Bentz, Jennifer Keller, Kiesha Lalama-White, Peter LeBreton Merz, Whitney Moncrief, Caroline Skjorshammer and Paul Sutherland. While in Chicago, he has danced three seasons with Thodos Dance Chicago, participated in Autumn Eckmans Dance Chance and was a founding performance member of Pursuit Productions, an up-and-coming dance theater force, under the direction of Ahmad Simmons and Kacie Smith. Founded in 1995, METdance pursues a mission to educate and revitalize a passion for dance through world-class instruction and performance. The company has traveled across the U.S., impressing critics and audiences alike while performing works by some of the most influential and talented choreographers in dance. METdance also has a strong community outreach program, including its educational "Swing, Jive, Pop" performances. The shows incorporate history, fashion, music and the arts, while the company dances through the eras of the 1930s Lindy Hop, bops into the 1950s, grooves into the 1970s and ends with the Hip Hop music of today. The companys home base, the METdance Center, now serves as Houston's second-largest dance training space, offering comprehensive training in multiple disciplines to students of all experience levels, ages 3 and up. Seating for DUO is limited. For tickets, and more information about the show, visit www.metdance.org/duo. For more information about METdance and its 23rd season, visit www.metdance.org. New data shows how voucher-assisted families both nationwide and across the Greater Houston area are subject to live in lower opportunity, high poverty neighborhoods. This is common across the largest 50 metros in the United States, despite the fact that there are hundreds of affordable units located in lower poverty, high opportunity neighborhoods, data shows. A Jan. 2019 study from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found where voucher-assisted families live across the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S. Researchers of the study used Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administrative data and Census Bureau survey data to create an interactive map that shows were affordable units are located and where families that receive vouchers actually live relative to those units. Neighborhood poverty rates, the Center's "opportunity index" and the share of residents who are people of color were all measures used to map the data, according to the report. "Voucher-assisted families" are defined as families that receive aid through a federal rental assistance program, the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Center's opportunity index is a measure "that considers school quality, poverty, labor market engagement, access to jobs, and access to transit," according to the report. REAL ESTATE REPORT: Where you can own a home in Houston based on your annual salary Nationwide, the study found that voucher-assisted families are more likely to live in low-opportunity, high poverty neighborhoods. "[Nationwide] low-opportunity areas contain 40 percent of metropolitan voucher-assisted families but only 21 percent of metropolitan voucher-affordable units," the report stated. "In every one of the 50 largest metro areas, the share of families with children using vouchers in high-opportunity neighborhoods is smaller than the share of voucher-affordable units in such neighborhoods." Houston's metro area somewhat mirrored the national results, with more cases of families living on voucher assistance living in high poverty, low opportunity neighborhoods. In the Houston metro area, only 87,590 voucher-affordable units are located in low poverty areas while another 106,000 voucher-affordable units are located in high poverty areas, data shows. Also in Houston, 25 percent of voucher-assisted families with children live in high poverty neighborhoods, while only 12 percent live in low poverty neighborhoods, data shows. Race also played a part in the results. Data shows more families with children using vouchers live in "minority-concentrated" neighborhoods, or neighborhoods with a higher share of black, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Pacific Islander, or Native American residents than the metro area overall, according to HUD. FROM HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: 11 Houston area communities make national top-seller list According to the report, nationwide, 61 percent of voucher-assisted families of color with children live in minority concentrated neighborhoods, and 32 percent of voucher-affordable units are located in minority-concentrated neighborhoods. In Houston, of 411,470 voucher-affordable units, 45 percent are located in minority-concentrated areas, according to the data. Of the 14,420 units where voucher-assisted families of color with children live, 65 percent of those units are located in minority-concentrated areas, data shows. Click through the photos above to see where voucher-receiving households across the Houston area are located... DISCLAIMER: The orange dots denote 100 households receiving vouchers, but do not represent precise locations of individual voucher-assisted households or voucher-affordable rental units, according to the report. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message Two Laredo beauty queens will be representing Laredo at the national Miss Celebrations USA Beauty Pageant in Orlando, Florida. Selena Hernandez and Yareli Quiroga were crowned at the Laredo Miss Celebrations USA pageant in April 2018. Hernandez, South Texas Miss Celebrations USA Supreme Beauty Queen and Miss Celebrations USA National Miss Christmas, is the daughter of Angel and Ariana Hernandez. She is a student at Laredo School of Contemporary Dance. She loves to donate to her community in any way she can, especially to those in need. Quiroga, Petite Miss Celebrations USA, South Texas, is the daughter of Manuela Navarro. She is a student at Avanti modeling agency and was recently awarded Model of the Year. Yareli enjoys attending events were she can assist people with disabilities and donating to people in need. The Miss Celebrations USA pageantry strives to embody the words "beauty by action." By giving back to the community and donating their time, talents and energy, the pageant queens will grow in poise, confidence and self-esteem, a news release states. "These activities help to build strong leadership skills while instilling strong values and helps develop an understanding that beauty is really defined by wherein we put our minds, hands," the release adds. Miss Celebrations USA will be held in Laredo on May 4. Miss Celebrations USA is currently accepting applications for their Cinco De Mayo Pageant, which will be held in the ballroom of the Embassy Suites hotel. The Cinco De Mayo Pageant contestants are required to bring 10 non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the South Texas Food Bank. GALVESTON A lawsuit alleging that Galveston County's cash bail system favors wealthier defendants will continue after a recent ruling by a U.S. district court judge. On Jan. 10, Judge George Hanks Jr. upheld Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison's denial of the county's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The ACLU of Texas and the Arnold & Porter law firm filed the suit in April 2018 on behalf of Aaron Booth, 37, of Galveston, who was arrested on felony drug possession charges but couldn't afford to post his $20,000 bail the minimum permitted under the county's bail schedule for that charge. The suit accuses county officials, including local judges and magistrates as well as District Attorney Jack Roady, of operating an arbitrary, two-tiered system of justice based on wealth, in violation of the constitutional right to counsel, the right to due process and equal protection under the law. In addition to keeping the suit alive, Hanks agreed that the ACLU sufficiently argued that under the Constitution's 6th Amendment, Booth and all defendants are guaranteed a right to counsel at any bail hearing. TRENDING TEXAS HEADLINES: Get deeper analysis and political updates delivered to you Hanks also agreed that Roady, who controls the county's bail schedule, was liable for his role in perpetuating a wealth-based detention system. Magistrate Edison had ruled that magistrate judges "always strictly adhere" to the bail amounts recommended by Roady. Roady declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. A similar cash bail lawsuit brought against Harris County held judges and judicial officers, rather than the district attorney, primarily responsible for bail policies. Trisha Trigilio, senior staff attorney for the ACLU of Texas, was pleased that Hanks upheld Edison's findings, but cautioned that they are far from being officially adopted in Galveston County. "I think it's a significant legal ruling for anyone in Texas who gets arrested and faces a judge who requires them to pay bail, but it doesn't order anything against the county yet," Trigilio said. A preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Tuesday will give the ACLU the opportunity to present evidence that Galveston County has not done enough to reform its bail system. "It's still our burden to show that the facts are what we've alleged," Trigilio said. "So we are presenting evidence that actually shows that an injunction is necessary." Galveston County Judge Mark Henry said he hoped Tuesday's hearing would be the "end or beginning of the end" to the lawsuit. Henry said the litigation has hindered the county's bail reform efforts, and said he was pleased to see individual magistrate judges and district judges dismissed as defendants. "We've been trying to get these things done for years," Henry said. "Government moves notoriously slow, I think we've been about as fast as we can be." The developments in the Galveston case come as the end seems to be in sight for Harris County's bail challenge. It began in 2016, when attorneys and civil rights groups sued the county on behalf of defendants jailed for days because they couldn't afford bond on low-level offenses. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ruled that Harris County's bail system was unconstitutional and unfair to indigent defendants. She ordered the county to provide no-cash bail for qualified misdemeanor defendants who had been held, sometimes for months, while awaiting trial because they didn't have the funds to get out. Harris County's new misdemeanor judges on Jan. 7 withdrew their appeal of Rosenthal's order. The next hearing on that lawsuit, in Rosenthal's court, is slated for Feb. 1. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. Staff writers Keri Blakinger and Gabrielle Banks contributed reporting. Nick Powell covers Galveston County for the Chronicle. Follow him on Twitter and send him tips at nick.powell@chron.com The school where Vice President Karen Pence's wife, Karen Pence, has accepted a part-time job teaching art requires potential employees to affirm certain religious beliefs that seek to exclude homosexual and transgender applicants, including that marriage can only be between a man and a woman. The Immanuel Christian School, a private K-8 school in Springfield, Virginia, outside of Washington sets forth the position in its employment application for teachers and support staff in a section that requires applicants to initial a set of standards that begins with a promise that they are born-again Christians. One of the items is a pledge to "live a personal life of moral purity." "I understand that the term 'marriage' has only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive covenant union as delineated in Scripture," the section says, saying that God intended sexual acts to occur only between "a man and a woman who are married to each other." "Moral misconduct which violates the bona fide occupational qualifications for employees includes, but is not limited to, such behaviors as the following: heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female, sexual harassment, use or viewing of pornographic material or websites, and sexual abuse or improprieties toward minors as defined by Scripture and federal or state law." Robert Tuttle, a professor of law and religion at George Washington Law School, said that the school's language on sexuality was typical of other conservative Christian institutions, and was not surprised by Pence's school choice, which he said was well within her rights. "They have staked out a certain set of positions on issues that are confrontational," he said of the Trump White House. "The administration seems to live on wedges, so paying attention to this just feeds their interest in driving one more wedge. And this confirms their bona fides with religious conservatives and they sort of seem to do that, because Donald Trump, whatever he might say, is not that." The passage was noted by HuffPost reporter Rebecca Klein on Twitter in the hours after Pence's new position was announced. The application says that employees are subject to termination for the "sexual immorality," it described above. Another section asks prospective teachers to explain their view of the debate about creation and evolution. It's not clear if Pence signed the morality pledge as part of her employment. The school did not return a request for comment. The Pences have long been known for their religiously influenced brand of conservatism. Kara Brooks, a spokeswoman for Pence, pointed out that the second lady has taught at the school for 12 years previously when Mike Pence was a member of Congress. "It's absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the school's religious beliefs, are under attack," Brooks said. In a parent agreement the school hosts its website, it notes that it has the right to refuse admission or kick out students if the activities of either the student or their parents or guardians go against the biblical lifestyle espoused by the school. This includes "condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity, promoting such practices, or being unable to support the moral principles of the school." JoDee Winterhof, senior vice president for policy and political affairs at the Human Rights Campaign, questioned Karen Pence's choice of the institution in a statement given to HuffPost. "The Pences never seem to miss an opportunity to show their public service only extends to some," she wrote. Angela Ponce, better known as the reigning Miss Spain, didn't win the Miss Universe pageant Sunday. But she didn't seem to mind. Simply by representing her country this year, Ponce became the first transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe. After the preliminary rounds, the 27-year-old model said it was "an honor and pride" to be part of the history of the pageant. "This is for you, for those who have no visibility, no voice, because we all deserve a world of respect, inclusion and freedom," Ponce wrote on Instagram on Friday. "And today I am here, proudly representing my nation, all women and human rights." Though Miss Universe - and other beauty pageants - have undergone scrutiny (and changes) in recent years to avoid objectifying women, Ponce said she embraced the competition as a chance to fulfill not only her personal ambitions but to be an ambassador for Spanish culture. For her national costume, she donned a traditional Spanish "bata de cola." "This is an iconic piece in Spain, also known all over the world," Ponce explained on Instagram. "It is a precious reference of my country." For the talent portion, Ponce danced the flamenco, something she said she had been doing since she was 6 years old. For the longest time, her dream was merely to perform the dance while wearing a flamenco dress. That didn't happen until she was 17 years old. "For a long time those were things I always wanted to do," Ponce told Miss Universe organizers. "I put so much focus into it, that in the end, it became a reality." She smiled and motioned to herself, as if to emphasize: She wasn't just dancing the flamenco in a dress now. She was doing it in a dress at Miss Universe. "None of us are obligated to be here. And for me, it's a platform to share my voice," she told Today Style. "To me, feminism is freedom to do what you want, when you want to. We cannot put brakes on the freedom of women, on one platform or another." The pageant seemed to embrace her, too, tweeting video of Ponce entering the stage with the caption: "A walk to remember. A historic night for #MissUniverse." It was a sharp change for the Miss Universe organization, which was criticized in 2012 after disqualifying transgender woman Jenna Talackova from the Miss Canada competition that year because she was not "naturally born" a woman. After Talackova threatened legal action, the organization - then owned by Donald Trump - changed the rules to allow transgender contestants in its pageants. More for you News Chelsi Smith, 1995 Miss Universe from Texas, dies at age 45 "As long as she meets the standards of legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, which we understand that she does, Jenna Talackova is free to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant," Trump attorney Michael Cohen said at the time. "Nobody is capitulating . . . Like all the other contestants, [Talackova] is wished the best of luck by Mr. Trump." Talackova ultimately finished in the top 12 of the Miss Canada pageant and was one of four contestants awarded "Miss Congeniality." She did not advance to the Miss Universe pageant that year. Fast-forward six years. Ponce, who is from Pilas in southern Spain, acknowledged that it had been difficult at times to live as a woman "in a society where everyone said I couldn't do that" - but credited her family for supporting her. "They're my foundation so that my life could unfold," Ponce told Today.com. "They saw to it that I did not have a traumatic childhood. They are my strength." The final portions of the Miss Universe pageant were broadcast live Sunday. Miss Philippines, 24-year-old Catriona Gray, was crowned the 2018 winner. --- Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BrP0IEpHjOK/?utm_source=ig_embed Jan 15, 2019 | By Thomas Fortify, a Boston-based additive manufacturing company specialized in composite material systems, has announced today a seed round of $2.5M with strategic funding from Neotribe Ventures, Prelude Ventures, MainspringCapital, Ocean Azul Partners, and McCune Capital. Fortify was founded in 2016 on research on composite 3D printing by Randall Erb and Joshua Martin at Northeastern University. Their goal was to enable quick and seamless fabrication of composites with optimized microstructures. Fortifys patented Fluxprint magnetic 3D printing technology combines magnetics and digitallight processing (DLP) 3D printing to produce composite parts with ideal mechanical properties. As a part is additively manufactured, fibers are magnetically aligned voxel by voxel to optimize the microstructure. High-performance components are created significantly faster and at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional manufacturing. Fortify has recently developed its first high-resolution, fiber-reinforced DLP additive manufacturing platform, which includes the patented Fluxprint hardware, innovativematerials and INFORM generative design software. With this latestfunding round, the team has also more than doubled in size. Were thrilled to count Fortify amongst our partners, said KittuKolluri of Neotribe Ventures. At Neotribe we place a high value ontransformative technology, and Fortify continues to prove themselves asa pioneer in manufacturing for the digital age by democratizing theperformance of advanced composites through additive manufacturing. In addition Fortifys team has launched two resins, filed IP and introduce the Fortify Fiber Platform. The platform invites materials companies and resin suppliers to develop high-performance resins with Fortify material scientists and engineers. DSM has become one of the first Fortify Fiver Platform partners. Looking to 2019, Fortify is seeking an additional round of $8M in Series A funding while moving into the beta launch of their system. Beginning this upcoming winter, the beta program will focus on delivering the digital composite platform to 10 select partners. All images credit: Fortify The support from our investors and partners is affirmation that thetechnology were developing is meeting significant needs in themanufacturing industry, said Josh Martin, CEO of Fortify. We arelooking forward to continue to be an innovation leader in the space andgrow our DCM capabilities and products. Posted in 3D Printer Company Maybe you also like: Posted Wednesday, January 16, 2019 6:18 am Services: Cremation rites were accorded by Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Mo. Online condolences may be made at cantlonotterness.com. Walter Harvey Gray, 77, was born in Princeton, Ala., on April 15, 1941, the son of Russell Scott and Mary Belle (Walden) Gray. He died Jan. 14, 2019, at Citizens Memorial Healthcare Facility, Bolivar, Mo. He was reared and went to school in the Lakeland, Fla., area. After his schooling he entered the U.S. Army and was discharged right before the Cuban Missile Crisis. He moved to the Gadsden, Ala., area, where he met Sondra Chambers, and a year and a half later, they were married Oct. 10, 1964. They made their home in many communities in Alabama and Mississippi, and finally moved to Missouri in the mid-2000s. Walter and Sondra were a team. They owned Hickory House BBQ in Alabama, and in later years they became owner-operators of their own truck, which they leased to Prime. They drove together, and they each logged more than 3 million miles. He enjoyed watching racing, and Joey Logano was his favorite driver. He was an avid reader and had collected all the Louis LAmour paperbacks, as well as many of the leather-bound editions. He was of the Baptist faith and maintained his membership at Crossroads Baptist Church in Boaz, Ala. Walter was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of almost 55 years, Sondra; three sons: Stan Gray, Louisburg, Mo., David and wife, Amy Gray, Cullman, Ala., and Bentley and wife, Michelle Gray, Boaz, Ala.; five grandchildren: Dustin, Bailey, Jackson, Sylvie and Payne; his brother, Charles Gray, Albertville, Ala.; several step-grandchildren; some step-great-grandchildren; and his other family members and friends, both in Missouri and Alabama, who will all truly miss him. WASHINGTON -- EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler questioned the urgency of the climate change crisis Wednesday, as he made his case to be confirmed as permanent head of the EPA. In a hearing before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Democrats pressured Wheeler on Wednesday to take a stronger lead on climate change, an issue that President Donald Trump has long questioned the validity of. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., asked Wheeler whether climate change was the greatest crisis facing the world and required "unprecedented action," as many leading climate scientists have argued. After some back and forth, Wheeler said, "I would not call it the greatest crisis, no sir." "I believe that climate change is a global issue that must be addressed globally." PRO HIRE: Can Trump overcome stumbles in environmental rollback? Wheeler, a former industry lobbyist and studied Washington hand, was nominated to usher in a more professional, less gaffe-ridden era than that of former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt. Six months after Pruitt's resignation, Wheeler, a former top staffer in the Senate, has won accolades from the energy sector by continuing the deregulatory agenda as promised by President Donald Trump, taking on regulations on methane from oil and gas drilling and carbon emissions from power plants. "He is committed to protecting the environment and has the respect of the career staff, but he is also committed to undoing the regulatory overreach that occurred under the Obama administration," Jeff Holmstead, a Washington energy attorney and former top top staffer in the EPA during the George W. Bush administration, said last week. But Wheeler's ties to industry -- he formerly lobbied for the coal sector -- have also turned environmentalists against him. Rhea Suh, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, urged the Senate on Wednesday to reject Wheeler's nomination. "The EPA is our last line of defense against toxic pollution and environmental ruin," she said. "The American people expect its chief to honor that mission and protect the environment and public health -- not go to bat for polluter profits at the people's expense." To open the hearing, Wheeler lauded the agency's efforts to cut regulations under Trump, touting the administration's efforts to complete Superfund cleanups and reduce lead in drinking water while also painting a picture of a more industry-friendly Environmental Protection Agency. "We are advancing the president's regulatory reform agenda. In 2018, EPA finalized 13 major deregulatory actions, saving Americans roughly $1.8 billion in regulatory costs," Wheeler said. "The Trump administration has proven that burdensome federal regulations are not necessary to drive environmental progress. Certainty, and the innovation that thrives in a climate of certainty, are key to progress." But a recent rise in U.S. carbon emissions has raised questions about whether the Trump administration's plans to loosen air pollution regulations are setting back climate change efforts. Last week the Rhodium Group published an estimate that U.S. carbon emissions increased 3.2 percent in 2018, reversing years of decline despite an ongoing shift away from coal to natural gas and renewable energy on the power grid. At Wednesday's hearing, Wheeler characterized the spike as a temporary blip, the result of a strong U.S. economy and a hot summer and cold winter. "We believe the downward trend is going to continue," he said. Trump, Brexit and human sexuality: Are we to be doomed by intransigence? This article appears in ViaMedia News and is used with permission. Whether or not Albert Einstein actually said 'insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result' I think we can all agree that in the most part this sentiment holds true. That said, perhaps a better, more accurate saying actually might be 'if you want a different result then you have to try a different approach'. Certainly President Trump and the Democrats could learn this, and arguably Theresa May over her Brexit deal too. One thing is clear though: simply repeating the same rhetoric over and over again is not likely to unlock any deadlock or move people nearer to finding a solution that is acceptable to the majority. While many would love for the content of what is being said in various key debates to change, the first thing that normally needs to be addressed is that of the debate's tone. Hence the constant talk of 'good disagreement' not as an endpoint, but as a way of working together towards trying to find one. Anyone who heard President Trump lambasting the Democrats for not agreeing on his demands for a border wall, and laying the blame for any deaths of children in custody firmly at their feet, will understand I am sure what I mean. He has stormed out of meetings, he has shouted at reporters, he has made what many would see as outrageous claims but the one thing he has not done is modelled any form of 'good disagreement'. Or compromise. For to do so would be seen as weakness, or so it seems he believes. This is 'stubborn hard man' diplomacy which most of us learnt earlier in our childhood rarely works. Intransigence it seems can be rather infectious, affecting both sides of the pond. Indeed, our very own prime minister has been accused of the same tactic. However, at least in her case she has brokered a deal with all 27 EU nations, and appears to be trying to address some of the concerns expressed over the backstop. Perhaps most importantly, her tone while firm has been far more respectful and as such a much better model of 'good disagreement'. Who can forget her willingness to sit, listen and answer hours of questions in the chamber back in mid-December a model that perhaps her counterpart in the US would do well to heed? Intransigence, of course, is not the sole purview of politicians. We see it constantly in various polarised debates across society not least in matters concerning the sexuality debate within the Church. I would suggest we had a perfect example of it last week. A letter was signed by some 100+ clergy within a large diocese of over 1500 clergy, which criticised their bishop for a letter he himself had sent a few months before. Their complaint? That he had failed to mention things that they felt he should have said, and that he had said things that they felt he should not have said (despite it being completely in line with the current House of Bishops guidelines). Their 'overriding concern', or so they said, was that it implied a certain 'direction of travel' in the diocese even though it was a direction that the archbishops themselves had committed the whole Church to undertake. Ironically it beautifully proved why the bishop's letter was needed in the first place. Of course the hard truth is that their letter said nothing new. It was the same intransigence that we have seen throughout this whole debate. Yet again they chose to ignore the fact that as the House of Bishops have themselves stated there is a wide body of opinion on this matter. Yet again they failed to engage with the critical issue of pastoral care for the LGBTI community and the significant harm that has been caused by their teaching. Yet again they threatened to go elsewhere if their demands weren't met. What struck me most however was the letter's tone. It's a tone that many are now becoming all too familiar with. It's a tone that has the veneer of seeming gracious and kind, yet has veiled threats at its heart. An iron fist in a velvet glove. 'Stubborn hardman diplomacy' that gets us nowhere. It's a standoff. Or should I say a very Mexican standoff? Where (according to Wikipedia) 'no strategy exists that allows any party to achieve victory. As a result, all participants need to maintain the strategic tension, which remains unresolved until some outside event makes it possible to resolve it.' So what could this outside event look like, I wonder? Well, it's very difficult to speak for either the US or UK situations, but I wonder whether in the Church it will be when the congregations of these clergy start to stand up to them and say 'Not in my name!' Ideally of course they would follow this up with action such as choosing to stop their financial assistance, and perhaps instead divert it to an inclusive church organisation. The good news is that we know that there is an inevitably about this particular 'standoff'. For research has shown there is a younger generation of Christians that are growing older by the year who hold a completely different view on this issue to their older leaders. It is purely a matter of time. Sadly there is the burning question about how many lives will be traumatised before this time comes to pass...but the answer to that is of course in our hands. My answer to the very Mexican standoff that we are currently experiencing is therefore that we pray that the voices of those in the pews will become louder over the year ahead, and that they will vote with either their feet or their wallet against letters sent in their name. Jayne Ozanne is editor of ViaMedia.News and director of the Ozanne Foundation. Open Doors 2019 report: Persecution is on the rise globally Figures for the persecution of Christians have shown a 'shocking increase', according to persecution watchdog Open Doors. The charity has released its World Watch List 2019 today and says Asia is showing a particularly sharp rise. In China, which has risen 16 places to number 27, new laws are seeking to control all expressions of religion. Open Doors UK and Ireland chief executive Henrietta Blyth said: 'Our research uncovers a shocking increase in the persecution of Christians globally. In China our figures indicate persecution is the worst it's been in more than a decade alarmingly, some church leaders are saying it's the worst since the Cultural Revolution ended in 1976. Worldwide, our data reveals that 13.9 per cent more Christians are experiencing high levels of persecution than last year. That's 30 million more people.' India, the world's largest democracy, has entered the World Watch List top 10 for the first time as Hindu extremists act with impunity and violent attacks on Christians and churches rise. This is driven by growing ultra-nationalism, which has brought waves of violence against India's significant non-Hindu religious minorities. Rising nationalism is leading to similar persecution in other countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar and Nepal where national identity is tied to religion and those from minority faiths are considered outcasts. This impacts Christians most significantly in remote rural areas. Blyth said: 'It's shocking that India the country which taught the world the way of "non-violence" now sits alongside the likes of Iran on our World Watch List. For many Christians in India, daily life is now full of fear totally different from just four or five years ago.' Persecution in North Korea is worse than any other country in the world and has been for the last 18 years. Five years ago only North Korea was in the extreme category for the level of persecution suffered by Christians there. This year Christians in the World Watch List's top 11 countries live where persecution is extreme These are: North Korea (1), Afghanistan (2), Somalia (3), Libya (4), Pakistan (5), Sudan (6), Eritrea (7), Yemen (8), Iran (9), India (10) and Syria (11). Over 4,305 Christians were killed simply because of their beliefs during 2018. Many deaths go unreported because friends and relatives of the dead are afraid to report the killings. This is especially true for Christian converts in rural areas. In the North and Middle Belt of Nigeria, at least 3,700 Christians were killed for their faith almost double the number of a year ago (an estimated 2,000) with villages completely abandoned by Christians forced to flee, as their armed attackers then moved in to settle with impunity. Deaths were highest in Plateau State (1,885) where Christian deaths at the hands of Muslim Fulani herdsmen were declared 'genocide' by the Nigerian House of Representatives. Open Doors' research shows that these targeted murders in Nigeria account for about 90 per cent of all faith driven killings of Christians worldwide. In every country on Open Doors' World Watch List, persecution also comes from family and friends, from fellow-villagers and work colleagues, from community councils and local government officials and from the police and legal systems. Gender-specific persecution is found to be a key means of undermining the Christian community, so the differing areas of vulnerability for men and women are systematically exploited. In the top five most difficult countries to live as a Christian, the female experience of persecution is characterised by sexual violence, rape and forced marriage. This means that Christian women and girls face more persecution pressure in family and social spheres, whereas Christian men are more likely to be detained without trial or summarily killed by the authorities or militias. The 2019 trends reinforce the findings of 2018: that the persecution of men is, by and large, 'focused, severe and visible' and that of women is 'complex, violent and hidden', Open Doors says. As well as exploiting gender vulnerabilities, persecution is also found to exploit other existing vulnerabilities such as age, disability, class and ethnicity. Religious persecution remains the 'canary in the coal mine' often pointing to wider human rights abuses. Blyth said: 'People need to wake up to the fact that the persecution of religious minorities is increasing. These figures show we're going backwards not forwards. This is the issue of our time governments must act to reverse this change. That's why we will be engaging actively with the independent review into the persecution of Christians, recently announced by [UK foreign secretary] Jeremy Hunt. This is a positive first step from the UK government and we look forward to seeing concrete policy change.' Nation's leaders must serve all people, says Methodist Church Christians were in Parliament praying on Tuesday as MPs prepared to cast their votes on the Government's Brexit deal. The Methodist Covenant Service took place in the historic Chapel of St Mary Undercroft under the Houses of Parliament as MPs above debated the deal negotiated by Theresa May - later resoundingly rejected by 230 votes. The service of Communion and prayer has been an annual tradition for centuries, having been first instigated by one of the founders of Methodism, John Wesley. The purpose of the service is to give the faithful an opportunity to be reminded of God's unconditional love and renew their Covenant with Him at the start of the year. A special parliamentary Covenant Service has been held each year in the Palace of Westminster since 1995. In addition to representatives of the Methodist Church, members of the Houses of Commons and Lords were also in attendance for Tuesday's service. The President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference, the Rev Michaela Youngson and Bala Gnanapragasam, were among the roughly 200 present. The Connexional Secretary of the Methodist Church in Britain, Doug Swanney, gave the address. 'Our leaders must seek to serve the whole people, not just the ones they agree with or find to be like them,' he said. 'As leaders we must all serve the whole community before us. The covenant we engage in tonight offers us a better understanding of who we are. 'It points us towards making choices and being active in the world to make changes. 'It is a covenant that calls us to be together in that endeavour - to be God's people in the world.' Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, Superintendent Minister of Methodist Central Hall Westminster who facilitated the service said: 'None of us know what the year will bring for ourselves, our families, our communities, nations and our world. 'We hope the service provided a time for those meeting to reflect and prepare for the year ahead, among others, and before God.' 'Extremism thrives on hopelessness,' says CAFOD's Kenya leader after Nairobi terrorist attack After Tuesday's tragic terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya, CAFOD's country representative says the need now is to work for peace and give people a vision of hope. At least 14 people were killed when gunmen stormed the DusitD2 hotel in the Westland's District of the Kenyan capital. The Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack. It is the same group that attacked Nairobi's Westgate Mall in 2013, killing 67 people. CAFOD's Country Representative, Catherine Ogolla said that although Tuesday's attack was horrifying and worrying, it must not be allowed to divide the country. She said that Kenya must instead work for peace and social cohesion. 'What terrorists of any type want is to divide communities and sow violence, so all peoples must stand together for peace and unity in this time of trouble, sending the message out that any form of violent terror will not succeed; will not divide the Kenyan nation,' she said. 'The Kenyan people need a sustained commitment to peace, we cannot allow these events to derail that. Most of all we know that extremism thrives on hopelessness so above all we must continue to work together to offer hope for a brighter future to all the peoples of Kenya. 'Our thoughts and prayers are with the people affected by this horrific attack.' The UK Foreign Office has confirmed that one Briton was among the fatalities in the attack. An American citizen also killed has been named as businessman Jason Spindler, a survivor of 9/11. According to AP, a group of local Muslims has issued a statement condemning the attack, which they said was 'immoral and inconsistent with any human values'. They appealed to Kenyans to stay calm and united and to 'shun the desperate attempts by some misguided elements to divide the country along religious and ethnic lines'. Donald Trump says religious freedom is 'under attack' Donald Trump has pledged to do more to protect freedom of conscience and belief at home and overseas on Religious Freedom Day. In his proclamation for Religious Freedom Day on Wednesday, the US President called upon all Americans to take part in events and activities 'that remind us of our shared heritage of religious liberty and that teach us how to secure this blessing both at home and around the world'. He said that the 'right to religious freedom is innate to the dignity of every human person and is foundational to the pursuit of truth'. Religious Freedom Day is celebrated in the US each year to commemorate the Statute for Religious Freedom enacted by Virginia on 16 January 1786. The statute was written by Thomas Jefferson to protect religious liberty as an inherent right and was the inspiration for the First Amendment in the US Constitution penned a few years later. 'Unfortunately, the fundamental human right to religious freedom is under attack,' said Trump in the proclamation. 'Efforts to circumscribe religious freedom or to separate it from adjoining civil liberties, like property rights or free speech are on the rise. 'Over time, legislative and political attacks on religious freedom have given way to actual violence.' He recalled the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, last year in which 11 people were killed. It marked the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in US history. 'Tragically, attacks on people of faith and their houses of worship have increased in frequency in recent years,' Trump continued. 'My Administration is taking action to protect religious liberty and to seek justice against those who seek to abridge it. 'The Department of Justice is aggressively prosecuting those who use violence or threats to interfere with the religious freedom of their fellow Americans.' Further afield, Trump said he was committed to furthering religious freedom around the world as he spoke of the 'tragic reality' of persecution. 'Around the globe today, people are being persecuted for their faith by authoritarian dictatorships, terrorist groups, and other intolerant individuals,' he said. 'We are listening to the voices of those risking their lives for their religious beliefs, and we are listening to the families of people who have died fighting for their fundamental right of conscience.' Last year, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo convened the first ever Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom at Trump's request. It brought together faith leaders from around the world to discuss challenges to religious freedom and how to address persecution. In his address to the ministerial, Vice President Mike Pence said the US would continue to fight for religious freedom. 'The right to believe or not believe is the most fundamental of freedoms. When religious freedom is denied or destroyed, we know that other freedoms are imperiled. That's why the United States stands for religious freedom yesterday, today and always,' he said. Christians defend Karen Pence over teaching job at Christian school The wife of US Vice President Mike Pence has come under fire for teaching at a Christian school that requires employees to adhere to traditional views on marriage and sexuality. The Office of the Second Lady Karen Pence announced on Tuesday that she would be teaching art part-time at a private elementary school in Springfield, Virginia. Mrs Pence, an award-winning watercolour artist, accepted the position at Immanuel Christian School in December and will teach art two times a week until May. According to the Huffington Post, the school's 2018 job application form asks applicants to sign a statement of faith that includes a clause describing marriage as a union between 'one man and one woman in a lifetime commitment to each other'. In the form's Articles of Employment, applicants must affirm their understanding 'that the term "marriage" has only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive covenant union as delineated in Scripture and that God intends sexual intimacy to occur only between a man and a woman who are married to each other and that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity is engaged in outside of marriage between a man and a woman'. It also asks them to swear that they will follow biblical standards of moral conduct. A list of behaviours regarded by the school as moral misconduct includes adultery, engaging in homosexual or lesbian sexual activity or having a transgender identify. A separate form for parents wishing to send their children to the school asks for similar affirmation of marriage between one man and one woman. It also warns that children may be turned down or lose an existing place 'if the atmosphere or conduct within a particular home, the activities of a parent or guardian, or the activities of the student are counter to, or are in opposition to, the biblical lifestyle the school teaches'. It continues: 'This includes, but is not limited to contumacious behavior, divisive conduct, and participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity, promoting such practices, or being unable to support the moral principles of the school. (Lev. 20:13 and Romans 1:27.)' Mrs Pence has been strongly criticised in the media and on Twitter over the teaching position. Democratic political strategist Adam Parkhomenko branded her a 'bigot', while the president of Human Rights Campaign Chad Griffin accused her of treating members of the LGBT community like 'second class citizens'. 'Why not serve at a school that welcomes everyone? Not a week passes without some reminder that the Pences view LGBTQ people as second class citizens,' said Griffin. In a statement to the media, Mrs Pence's spokeswoman, Kara Brooks, defended the job. 'It's absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the school's religious beliefs, are under attack,' she said. Christians also defended Pence, with Breakpoint commentator John Stonestreet taking a dig at the Washington Post's headline, 'The school that hired Karen Pence requires applicants to disavow gay marriage, trans identity.' He tweeted: 'The school that hired Karen Pence is an evangelical Christian school that adheres to Christian teaching. There, I fixed it for you.' Denny Burke, president of the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood was equally cynical: 'Stop the Presses! Christian teacher goes to teach at Christian school!' David French, senior fellow at the National Review Institute, said: 'Another way to state this is to say that a Christian school requires applicants to adhere to orthodox Christian theology. Just like my Christian college. Just like the Christian school my kids attended.' Archbishop of Canterbury prays for Kenya after Nairobi hotel attack The Archbishop of Canterbury was tonight offering his prayers and condolences after a deadly attack on a luxury hotel in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi by suspected militants. Militant jihadist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack on the upmarket DusitD2 hotel in the city's Westlands neighbourhood which has left at least seven people dead, according to eyewitnesses. Spokesman for al-Shabab's military operations, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said: 'We are behind the attack in Nairobi. The operation is going on. We shall give details later.' Al-Shabab, which hails from Somalia, is the same group that carried out an attack on the city's Westgate Mall in 2013 in which 67 people died. The attackers stormed the hotel and office complex at around 3pm on Tuesday afternoon local time, shooting indiscriminately and bombing vehicles in the car park. At least one attacker blew himself up in the lobby. Footage from the scene showed armed police escorting dozens of terrified people from the premises, some of whom were injured. A woman working in a neighbouring building told Reuters news agency: 'I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives.' The government said late on Tuesday that the complex had been secured. 'I can now report that we have secured all the buildings that have been affected by these events,' said Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i in a statement broadcast on national television. 'I can also now report that the country is now secure, that the nation remains calm and that Kenyans and all our visitors are safe and should feel free to continue going about their normal business.' The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, said he was praying for the victims and their loved ones. 'Our hearts go out this evening to those caught up in the Nairobi attack,' he tweeted. 'We pray for victims and for families grieving or waiting for news. We thank God for the security forces. We pray for peace and calm to reign. May all in Kenya know the love and comfort of Jesus Christ.' Hope and reconciliation - two things British church leaders want to see more of amidst Brexit chaos Church says Britain needs a comprehensive withdrawal agreement after Theresa May's colossal Commons defeat Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment British church leaders want to see more hope and less 'mudslinging' as Britain continues its messy withdrawal from the European Union. After the colossal defeat of Theresa May's deal in the House of Commons on Tuesday night, the Church of Scotland said it was necessary for the UK Government to ensure that a "comprehensive agreement" is in place before Britain exits the E.U., which is due to take place on March 29. Speaking after the vote, the head of the Church and Society Council, the Rev Dr Richard Frazer, said that anything less than a comprehensive agreement would be "reckless" and lead to a "loss of good faith with our closest neighbors on which we depend for our common good." Despite two years of intense negotiations with the EU, May's deal was resoundingly rejected by 230 votes - the biggest defeat suffered by any British sitting government. The outcome has thrown not only the entire Brexit process into question but also her own political future after opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a no-confidence vote that could trigger her resignation and a fresh general election. Across the waters, Europe appeared to be buckling down for a no-deal Brexit. The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evenings vote, Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement following the vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared, he said. Regardless of what happens now, Dr Frazer said a "different approach" to reconciliation was needed as he called for more listening instead of "shouting". "Reconciliation across our divided society needs a different approach, one in which we can take a deliberately slower and more thoughtful approach to discerning our future relationship with the EU," he said. "We need a much more respectful dialogue, one which is based on listening attentively rather than shouting louder. "The Westminster Parliament and UK Government must work actively towards consensus in all parts of the UK about our future relationship with the EU and to use whatever mechanisms are necessary to create the time for this to happen. "What we do, and how we do it, over these coming weeks will have an impact not just for the next few years but for generations to come." Days before the vote, the Bishop of Leeds made a similar call for the "mudslinging" over Brexit to end. Writing in his blog, the Rt Rev Nick Baines said Christians in particular had to offer a message of hope at a time when divisions, insecurity and fear over Brexit are creating "dangerous circumstances." In particular, he voiced concerns about the rise of populism and warned that patriotism should not be confused with nationalism. His message wasn't only for the common people but the nation's leaders, who he said were exchanging political vision and substance for "visceral and emotional" slogans. "I have repeatedly pleaded for our legislature to watch its language and do something to redeem our articulated common life," he said. "Everyone agrees, but many then promptly revert to the categorising and mudslinging." He continued: "But, Christians are not driven by fear; we are drawn by hope. A hope that comes to us from the future resurrection. It is a hope that should not be confused with fantasy." European court rules against Christian homeschool family forced to send kids to school Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The European Court of Human Rights ruled against a Christian homeschool family whose children were removed from the home and forced into a government-approved education program. Europes top human rights court ruled Thursday in the case of Wunderlich v. Germany that German authorities did not violate the rights of the Wunderlich family when over two dozen government agents forcibly removed their four children from the home in Darmstadt in August 2013. At least 33 police officers and seven youth welfare officers stormed the Wunderlich home because the family was choosing to homeschool their children despite knowing that it has been outlawed in Germany since 1918. The family wanted their children to be educated in an environment compatible with the parents religious convictions. Wunderlich previously said that authorities were contacted by a neighbor who alleged that he said he would rather kill his children than send them to school. Wunderlich has denied those accusations. Although four children were removed from the home for a period of about three weeks, they were later returned to the home. Dirk and Petra Wunderlich were able to retain control of custody of their children. But according to Alliance Defending Freedom International, the parents are being required to send their children to a government-approved education program. ADF International, which has supported the familys case along with the Home School Legal Defense Association, has argued that Germanys homeschool policy violates a number of international human rights agreements that Germany is a party to that protect the right of parents to choose the best form of education for their children. However, the court ruled that the enforcement of compulsory school attendance, to prevent social isolation of the applicants children and ensure their integration into society, was a relevant reason for justifying the partial withdrawal of parental authority. [The court] further finds that the domestic authorities reasonably assumed based on the information available to them that children were endangered by the [parents] by not sending them to school and keeping them in a symbiotic family system, the court ruling states. In contrast, having regard to the statements of, in particular, Mr. Wunderlich for example that he considered children to be the property of their parents and on the information available at the time, the authorities reasonably assumed that the children were isolated, had no contact with anyone outside of the family and that a risk to their physical integrity existed. ADF International Executive Director Paul Coleman said in a statement that the ruling ignores the fact that Germanys policy on homeschooling violates the rights of parents to educate their children and direct their upbringing. It is alarming to see that this was not recognized by the most influential human rights court in Europe, Coleman stressed. This ruling is a step in the wrong direction and should concern anyone who cares about freedom. Wunderlich said after the ruling that it was a disheartening day for his family. After years of legal struggles, this is extremely frustrating for us and our children, the father said in a statement. It is upsetting that the European Court of Human Rights has not recognized the injustices we have suffered at the hands of the German authorities. The ECHR ruled that there was no violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights in Wunderlichs case. Article 8 states that everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence and that there shall be no interference by a public authority with the exercise of this right except such as is in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security This judgment is a huge setback but we will not give up the fight to protect the fundamental right of parents to homeschool their children in Germany and across Europe, Mike Donnelly, international homeschooling expert and director of global outreach for the Home School Legal Defense Association, said. According to ADF International, the Wunderlichs will consider taking their case to the ECHR Grand Chamber, the highest level within Europes top human rights court. Sen. Rand Paul to Have Hernia Surgery in Canada By The Associated Press LOUISVILLE - U.S. Sen. Rand Paul plans to undergo hernia surgery at a private hospital in Canada because of injuries he suffered when a neighbor tackled him while he was doing yard work at his Kentucky home. The Republican lawmaker is scheduled to cross the border for outpatient surgery scheduled sometime during the week of Jan. 21 at a hospital in Thornhill, Ontario, his attorneys said in a recent filing in Paul's lawsuit against Rene Boucher, who attacked Paul while the senator was doing yard work. The surgery is related to the 2017 attack, the court document says. Boucher pleaded guilty to assaulting a member of Congress and was sentenced to 30 days in prison. Federal prosecutors are appealing the sentence, saying 21-months would have been appropriate. Paul is scheduled for surgery at Shouldice Hospital, which touts itself as a world leader in "non-mesh hernia repair." "This is a private, world-renowned hospital separate from any system and people come from around the world to pay cash for their services," Paul spokeswoman Kelsey Cooper said in an email Monday. In choosing Shouldice, Paul will receive care in a country that offers its citizens a publicly funded, universal health care system that runs counter to Paul's approach to American health care policy. Paul, who ran for president in 2016, touts private-market approaches for U.S. health care problems. Paul's chief strategist, Doug Stafford, pointed to Shouldice Hospital's private status in pushing back against media reports about the senator going to Canada for treatment. "It's literally the opposite of socialized medicine," he tweeted. The hernia procedure is estimated to cost $5,000 to $8,000, the court document said. Paul suffered multiple broken ribs in the incident. Boucher has said the attack was triggered by Paul stacking debris near their property line in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and that he "lost his temper." Paul sued Boucher last year seeking damages for physical pain and mental suffering from the attack. A jury trial is scheduled to begin late this month in Bowling Green. "After presenting our evidence to the court and jury, we will ask the jury to carefully consider all evidence and to make a fair allowance based upon the entirety of the facts and circumstances related to this attack and plaintiff's injuries," Paul's attorneys said in the filing. Paul's lawyers also said that a biomechanics expert is prepared to testify that Paul's injuries were similar to those from a 25 mph car crash. Boucher's attorney, Matt Baker, said Monday that "we're in the process of getting ready for trial." Baker said that Boucher has made a $30,000 offer of judgment to Paul. Christian man told can't use 'Christ,' 'Jesus' on Sweden license plate, could 'cause offense' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Swedish officials blocked a Christian mans request to include the words Christ or Jesus on his license plate, claiming the move could cause offense to those opposed to Christianity. The Swedish Transport Agency rejected Cesar Kisangani Makombes application to add the word Kristus the Swedish word for Christ on his car registration plate, according to Swedish newspaper The Local. When he asked to use the name Jesus instead, he was informed that word was blocked, too. We deny any words that we believe can cause offense. Among other things, we say no to everything that has any religious connotations no matter which connotations," Mikael Andersson, press officer for the Transport Agency, said. Currently, theres no way for people to appeal the decisions made by the agency officials, who reportedly so far rejected 94 license plates. Makombe told regional newspaper Goteborg Direkt he would drop the request but said he did not understand the authority's decision. "As a Christian, you should not make war on those who make decisions in this country, instead we must pray for them," he said. He pointed out that Sweden is a Christian country that bears a cross on its flag yet claims displays of religiosity are offensive to the general population. There are more than 3,500 churches in Sweden and the Swedish Church (Svenska Kyrkan) says it has 6.3 million members. However, a recent study found that 75 percent of young adults in Sweden categorize themselves as non-religious, and only about 5 percent of the population actually belong to a congregation and are regular churchgoers. Religious liberty has come under threat in Sweden in recent years amid increasing secularization. Last year, Germund Hesslow, a professor of neurophysiology at Lund University, was investigated by his university after he spoke about the biological differences between men and women. The professor came under fire after he cited empirical research which supports the idea that there are differences between men and women which are biologically founded and therefore genders cannot be regarded as social constructs alone." Hesslow was later investigated after one female student complained that the professor had expressed his personal anti-feminist agenda, Academic Rights Watch reported. The church is not exempt from the push for political correctness: In 2017, the Church of Sweden sparked controversy after urging its clergy to use more gender-neutral language when referring to God and to avoid referring to the deity as Lord or he to avoid offense. "Theologically, for instance, we know that God is beyond our gender determinations, God is not human," Archbishop Antje Jackelen, who heads the former state church in Uppsala, said at the time. Back in 2009, the Church of Sweden consecrated its first lesbian bishop in the face of Eva Brunne, and in the same year, it voted in favor of blessing same-sex marriages. In 2005, Ake Green, pastor of a Pentecostal congregation in Kalmar, Sweden, was sentenced to one month in prison under the countrys law against hate speech for preaching a sermon condemning homosexuality as "a cancer on society. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Pro-choice advocates consistently forward the narrative that the majority of the American public does not want to overturn Roe v. Wade. And to some degree, surveys and polls agree. For example, a 2018 poll reported in Vox found that 67-percent of Americans would not like to see Roe overturned, and only 29-percent would. However, a survey released Monday shows that support for Roe v. Wade is based largely on ignorance. When educated about the realities of abortion, opposition to the 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion rises sharply. The survey conducted by Students for Life of Americas Institute for Pro-Life Advancement found that 40-percent of millennials (those in their 20s and 30s) totally support Roe, and only 12-percent totally oppose. Many (48-percent) are either unsure or neutral about the issue. However, after being informed that Roe allows for abortion through all nine months of pregnancy, opposition to Roe jumped to 51-percent and support fell to 35-percent. Additionally, when millennials were told that abortion could be used as a form of contraception, or when a mother doesnt like the sex of the baby, opposition rose to 54-percent. This is a crucial finding, showing how key education is to overturning the abhorrent court decision that has led to the slaughter of more than 60-million babies. As I have engaged in discussions about abortion with friends and colleagues, I am always amazed at how few know the truth. For example, most believe its illegal to abort babies in the third trimester, but its not As former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson can attest, Late-term abortions are legal in the U.S. and do take place through the entire third trimester, including through the ninth month of pregnancy. . . (A) late-term abortion can be provided for any reason, as long as the abortionist checks a box on her chart stating it was affecting her life or health. No documentation of proof is required. Similarly, Ive found very few Americans know whats involved in an actual abortion. Few know, for example, that a second trimester abortion involves dismembering a baby in the womb and removing it piece by piece. Few realize that this grisly procedure is done at all, let alone thats its done without any anesthesia. We treat our dogs better in this country. A few years ago, I posted live animation of the most popular abortion procedures to my website. Even though theyre just animated videos, theyre powerful. Every citizen of this country should watch these. If they did, Im sure opposition to overturning Roe would evaporate. This week, hundreds of thousands of pro-life advocates will gather in D.C. for the March for Life. And as we do, or simply support the cause by posting to social media and watching the live coverage, we need to remember that education and advocacy matter. As more and more Americans hear the truth, they adopt pro-life convictions and understand Roe as a license to murder. We also need to be smart about how we discuss the issue. I agree wholeheartedly with Kristan Hawkins, president of Student for Life of America, who said: On the issue of abortion, labels like pro-life, pro-choice, access, health, or womens rights often camouflage the true realities of the policies that today crisscross the country. Especially as we talk with millennials, who are often outside the political structure of Washington D.C., the anti-abortion movement must be clear on what we are advancing and its impact on mothers, the preborn and taxpayers. Some other findings from Mondays poll include: 7 of 10 millennials support limits on abortion like parental notification and limiting abortions later in pregnancy, like at five months. Nearly three times more millennials prefer that their tax dollars go to federally qualified health centers than abortion giant, Planned Parenthood. Only 7-percent shared the position of the Democratic Partythat abortion should be allowed without any exceptions and funded by tax dollars. 56-percent oppose selling chemical abortion drugs online or dropping the requirement for a physical exam because of the risks to women. These are encouraging findings, reflecting a millennial generation that is sympathetic to the pro-life cause. Similarly, a 2018 survey of 2,000 millennial women by Refinery 20 and CBS News found that 38-percent of respondents believed abortion should be illegal, while only 28-percent said it should be legal in all cases. Millennials have lived with the harsh realities of abortion all their lives and understand more than their parents generation that we must address the human rights issue of our day and make changes in defense of mothers and their preborn infants, said Kristan Hawkins. Millennials may reject labels in general, but when it comes to the specifics of abortion policy, they are anti-abortion. So this week, lets talk about abortion with those we know, especially millennials. But lets do so from an informed and winsome perspective. Try not to get in fights, but draw people out on the issue. And listen. People are usually willing to hear your perspective when they believe youve heard theirs. Then, when you get the opportunity, share what you know. It probably will be enlightening to your pro-choice neighbor or friend. And it may just open his or her mind to a new position. Jayme Closs: Two churches that prayed for 88 days celebrate return of kidnapped teen Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Two churches that prayed for 88 days for the safe return of 13-year-old Jayme Closs who was kidnapped from her Barron, Wisconsin, home where her parents were murdered, celebrated the power of prayer and faith on Sunday after the teen was reunited with her family. "I tingle because I have been praying for her since it happened, I don't know the family personally but it's just wonderful, said Larry Leff, a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Cameron where Jaymes religious education classes and her parents funeral were held. Parishioners at St. Joseph Church in Barron, along with others at St. Peter Catholic Church, reportedly prayed unceasingly for Closs' return home after she went missing on Oct. 15 and her parents were found shot dead in the family home, NBC News reported. As these churches prayed and authorities searched for the teenager, she suddenly appeared from the woods near Gordon, Wisconsin, and asked a woman walking her dog for help. The teenager said she had been held captive in a nearby cabin but finally escaped. Jake T. Patterson, 21, the man accused of holding Closs against her will, was expected to be charged with kidnapping and two counts of first-degree intentional homicide on Monday. "I think all of our prayers is what brought her home, St. Peter member Geri Schoenecker told NBC 15. It was a full house at St. Peter Catholic Church in Cameron as members were celebrating Jaymes safe return. Our prayers have been answered and God is good, said church member JoAnn Trowbridge. "Thank you is all I can say because I think God got sick of us nagging Him so He answered our prayers. Closs was released from a Duluth hospital and returned to the home of her aunt, Jennifer Smith, who has shared photos of the teenager on a Facebook page called Healing for Jayme Closs. Smith reportedly attends St. Joseph Church but she and her family were not present on Sunday. Many parishioners at both churches readily pointed out how they saw the hand of God in Closs' return. I think the thing thats outstanding to me is the lady that she went to was a child protection worker, Margaret Sailor, a St. Peters member since 1974, told the Star Tribune. I just think that the Holy Spirit was instrumental to guiding these people to be there at the right time. Juan Valadez, who worked with Closs' father, James Closs, at Jennie-O Turkey Store for at least a decade, told the Tribune that the attack on the Closs family had been devastating for those who knew them and expressed that it was a great feeling to have the teen back. Ive asked people, Do you believe in miracles? They say yes, and I say, Well, we just had one today, said Valadez, who sat at the back of St. Joseph with his wife and daughter on Sunday. Closs' cousin, Lindsey Smith, whose mother is currently caring for her, as well as two of her aunts, Sue Allard and Lynn Closs, told CBS This Morning that even though they never gave up hope that she would be found, they are still in shock like much of the country. "I still feel a little in shock. I just want to go over there, every day to my mom's house and see Jayme. It's amazing to see her home," Smith said. Smith explained that the attack on Closs' parents as well as her kidnapping had broken her mothers heart. Now that the girl has been found, however, it has been a source of hope for her mother. My mom, her heart has been just broken since Jayme was gone," Smith said. "And now I told her, I said, 'I get my mom back. You are happy again. You are. It's just the best thing I've ever seen.'" The family is now surrounding the teenager with as much love as they can to ensure she is safe. They recorded her parents funeral for her and she still hasnt grieved their deaths yet. "Making sure she's safe. She feels safe. She's doing pretty well. I spent the afternoon there yesterday. We had her smiling, laughing, going through things in her room," Allard told CBS. The family told NBC that they have not yet talked about the time she was missing but will do so whenever she is ready. When she's ready to talk she will. But we haven't asked her anything yet, Allard said. For the last two nights, they said, Closs has slept in bed with her aunt, Jennifer, her dog and Jennifers dog, Allard said. My sister meant the world to me and I wasn't giving up. We were going to find her daughter because her daughter meant the world to her mom and dad, Allard added. GOP leader removes Rep. Steve King from committee assignments after racist remarks Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Congressional Republicans are speaking out against one of their colleagues, Steve King, saying he exemplifies why some continue thinking conservatives do not take racism seriously, amid a growing Congressional push to censure him. House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy informed reporters Monday evening that King will not receive any committee assignments this term. The Democrats, who now control the House, will schedule a vote to censure him, according to Politico. King, who has represented northwestern Iowa in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003, maintains that he does not hold the views being attributed to him, though did not deny the accuracy of the report. The latest episode that has precipitated criticism of the Iowa Congressman came about following The New York Times interviewed King in a Friday article about the immigration debate. "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? he said. Following the publication of the article, King took to the floor of the House Friday, saying that he is an "American nationalist," is a believer in the values of Western civilization, and that he rejects the labels and ideologies of white supremacy and white nationalism and what they represent. His comments to The New York Times drew swift backlash from fellow Republicans, including some from his home state. In a tweet Saturday, Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, condemned Kings remarks, calling them "offensive and racist and not representative of our state of Iowa." King has a reputation for similar rhetoric and it has nearly cost him his political career. In the 2018 cycle, he was barely reelected, edging out his Democrat opponent by a few points in a district Trump won overwhelmingly in 2016. Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, who is African-American, explained in a Washington Post editorial that the reason Republicans are often accused of racism is that the party is too often silent when comments such as King's emerge. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also weighed in on the matter, saying in an interview on NBCs "Meet the Press," that King's remarks were "stupid," "hurtful," and "wrong." "And he needs to stop it. I think all of us ought to be united regardless of party in saying white supremacism, white nationalism is hatred, it is bigotry, it is evil, it is wrong. And I think we need that clarity. And I'm certainly going to urge everyone to provide that clarity." Such was also the sentiment of other conservative thought leaders, including prominent publications like National Review. In a Saturday editorial titled "Dump Steve King," the National Review editors urged the Republican party to stop supporting him for the next election cycle. "King has done nothing to earn the benefit of the doubt or to credibly suggest that his comments to the Times were somehow a slip of the tongue," they wrote of his most recent remarks. "Over the last several months, the congressman has compiled a distressing record: endorsing the political campaign of a protest candidate for mayor of Toronto who appeared on a white-supremacist podcast and has repeated white-supremacist mantras; approvingly citing white nationalists on social media and, when pressed, refusing to admit error; and nodding to fringe tropes such as 'cultural suicide by demographic transformation' that reduce the legitimate issue of national cohesion to an ugly exercise in racial bean-counting." Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyoming, did not mince words. These comments are abhorrent and racist and should have no place in our national discourse, Cheney, who is the daughter of former Vice President Cheney, said of King's words in a tweet Friday afternoon. McCarthy warned, in a CBS "Face the Nation" interview Sunday, that he would do something about King's remarks. "Action will be taken. I'm having a serious conversation with Congressman Steve King about his future and role in this Republican Party," he said. "I will not stand back as a leader of this party, believing in this nation that all are created equal, that that stands or continues to stand and have any role with us." Federal judge blocks Trump's religious exemption to birth control mandate Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Trump administration's expansion of the religious exemption in Obama-era birth control mandate in health insurance plans will not be implemented Monday in 13 states and the District of Columbia as was planned, a federal judge ruled Sunday. In his decision, Judge Haywood Gilliam of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, blocked via an injunction the implementation of the new Trump rules on contraception coverage, which allowed employers to opt out of providing birth control as part of their health insurance plans if doing so violated their religious or moral convictions, according to the Washington Examiner. The injunction against the new rules came about as a result of a lawsuit from 13 Democrat attorneys general and only extends to the states that filed the suit, although the plaintiffs did ask that it apply nationwide. The Trump administration criticized the ruling. No American should be forced to violate his or her own conscience in order to abide by the laws and regulations governing our health care system, Caitlin Oakley, a spokeswoman for the Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement Sunday. The final rules affirm the Trump Administrations commitment to upholding the freedoms afforded all Americans under our Constitution. Opponents of the Trump rules celebrated the ruling, calling it a victory for women's rights. The law couldnt be more clear employers have no business interfering in womens healthcare decisions, said Xavier Becerra, attorney general of California, in a statement Sunday evening. Todays court ruling stops another attempt by the Trump Administration to trample on womens access to basic reproductive care. Except for the religious exemptions, under the Affordable Care Act employers must offer health insurance plans with several birth control options, including abortifacient varieties, at no further cost to patients. Previously, under the Obama rules, only houses of worship were exempt from having to provide contraceptives, but not businesses or nonprofit organizations, even religious nonprofits. Those who refused to comply faced fines. Yet the Trump administration wrote its own rules that expanded the religious exemptions in Oct., 2017. The contentious issue has been highlighted in recent years as a result of the Obama administration's actions against the Catholic group the Little Sisters of the Poor, a religious order that cares for the impoverished elderly, and craft retail giant Hobby Lobby's victory at the Supreme Court in 2014. Both groups, one a nonprofit organization and the other a business, argued that the government was forcing them to violate their conscience and religious freedom as guaranteed by the First Amendment. In Hobby Lobby's case, Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, the high court ultimately ruled in a 5-4 decision that the government could not force a private company to violate their conscience and that the protections of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) extend to closely held for-profit corporations, exempting them from the contraceptive mandate in the ACA. The case of the Little Sisters of the Poor was consolidated along with six other related cases under Zubik v. Burwell. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court vacated the Court of Appeals ruling and returned those cases back to their respective courts of appeals for reconsideration. Bring Your Bible to School Day lawsuit filed against Calif. school district in religious speech row Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A conservative Christian group has filed a lawsuit against the Huntington Beach City School District in California, alleging that it is preventing the distribution of Bible-themed fliers. District Superintendent Gregg Haulk said that he was surprised and disappointed by the lawsuit last week, however. We did not restrict the students from passing out fliers, Haulk said, according to Fox News. In the center of the religious freedom row are the actions of two children at John R. Peterson Elementary School who attempted to hand out fliers promoting Bring Your Bible to School Day, which is sponsored by Christian group Focus on the Family. The promotional materials, which encourage children to share their Bibles with their friends and families, were prohibited by the school to be distributed during instructional time, which for the school includes recess and lunch times. Holly Bausch, the mother of the two students behind the Freedom X lawsuit, argued that recess and lunch time shouldnt count as instructional time, however. To me, it doesnt seem like kids get instruction during lunch and recess, Bausch said. Why is that considered instructional time? My kids go to daycare before and after school. So, lunch and recess are the only times when they wouldve had time to distribute the fliers. Candi Cushman, director of education issues and initiatives at Focus on the Family, who oversees the Bring Your Bible to School program, said the issue is vital for religious freedom in America's public schools. Respectfully sharing information during a free period on campus is one of the primary, and often only, outlets that kids have for expressing their values and putting their free-speech rights into practice," Cushman argued. "Shut down that right and youve pretty much squelched kids ability to direct any kind of student-led event. Bill Becker, president of Freedom X, who is representing the Bausch family, added that "to discriminate based on religious content is a violation of the First Amendment. He further argued that California schools choose to teach Islam and Sharia Law, but attempt to exclude Christianity. They are trying to push the idea of multiculturalism that is inclusive of Islam, but they are always willing to be exclusive of Christianity, Becker said, according to the Orange County Register. Its an upside-down world we have today, a backlash against the time when all schools were required to teach the Bible. Haulk insisted again that the mother was told that the content is appropriate. Despite the initial confusion, we communicated effectively with the parents. Weve never had any issues with Bring Your Bible to School Day, the superintendent maintained. Cushman wrote in an op-ed in The Christian Post in 2017 that "thousands of courageous students, from kindergarten to college, are bringing the Bible back to campus" through its program. "The big idea behind Bring Your Bible to School Day is to help kids feel empowered to share what's most important to them, and what makes them who they are their faith," said Focus on the Family President Jim Daly. Americas youngest black legislator is a pro-life Christian Republican inspired by Barack Obama Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Caleb Hanna, the West Virginia State University student who at 19 became the youngest African American to be elected to a state legislature, is a pro-life Christian Republican who says he was inspired by former President Barack Obama. Hanna, 19, was elected last November to the West Virginia House of Delegates as a Republican, on a platform of investing more state funds in career and technical education. Im proudly a Christian conservative and was raised on the belief that success is built with hard work, commitment and dedication West Virginia values that continue to guide me today, he explained in the Register-Herald ahead of his election last year. He beat three-term incumbent, Webster County Democrat Dana Lynch, 1,306 to 874 in the fragmented 44th District. In a recent interview with the Charleston Gazette- Mail he explained that his political philosophy is driven by God, guns and babies, and his worldview is informed by his faith. He was an active member of the Christian organization Young Life at Richwood High School and worships at the Little Laurel Baptist. He is also dating the daughter of a pastor at another church. The teenager who is majoring in economics at West Virginia State University, told WJLS that he wants to serve in government for as long as he believes his efforts are having a positive impact on peoples lives. I first got interested in politics in the third grade, he told the Gazette-Mail. Here was this charismatic black man who rose to be president of the United States. I thought, I can do that. Hanna said he grew disenchanted with Obama however after his father was laid off in the mines. He said Obamas policies were bad for West Virginia so when he was old enough to register to vote he registered as a Republican. He is now focused on championing his platform. Our state has been pushing students toward a four-year college degree when what we need is more technical training. We dont need to spend four years in college just to acquire a bunch of debt, he told the Gazette-Mail. Hanna, who was raised by a white family in a predominantly white area, says even though he is fully aware that racism remains a problem in America, he believes, Theres room for everyone in the GOP. He remained undaunted when he became the target of flyers containing racist claims, which were enclosed in a ziplock bag filled with birdseed. The bags were tossed into the yards of several homes that had his campaign signs the Gazette-Mail said. I reported it to the sheriff only because I was concerned about the safety of my supporters, Hanna explained. He plans to explore his black heritage at the historically black West Virginia State University. His favorite professor, Dr. Ali Zayati, who is from Morocco, praised the young politicians work ethic so far. He never missed a class, Zayati, who doesnt agree with all of Hannas political views, said. We need smart people like him. Despite his Christian faith, Hanna says he is also in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. Maybe even recreational if I learn more about it. I see this as a tremendous revenue opportunity for our state, he said, pointing to Colorado. 2020 Democrat presidential hopeful Tulsi Gabbard slammed for once supporting traditional marriage Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Democrat Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced her intent to run for president in 2020 and has immediately faced heat for her involvement with her fathers advocacy group Alliance for Traditional Marriage when she was younger. The 37-year-old Gabbard, who is the first Hindu and Samoan-American member of Congress, told CNNs Van Jones over the weekend that she plans to seek the partys nomination in the next presidential election. However, commentators are speculating that her chances of success could be hindered by the fact that as a teen, she worked in the 1990s and 2000s for her father's pro-traditional marriage organization, which some in the secular press are labeling "anti-gay." The Alliance for Traditional Marriage was aimed at opposing pro-LGBT legislation. The organization spent over $114,000 to help pass an amendment that gave the Hawaii legislature more power to limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman. CNN reported that her father, Mike Gabbard, also served as the director of Stop Promoting Homosexuality and also ran what CNN called an anti-gay radio show. A slew of headlines has accused Gabbard of having a homophobic past, due to her previous support for marriage. In a statement provided to CNN, Gabbard said she regrets the positions she took in the past and the things she has said in defense of marriage. I'm grateful for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have shared their aloha with me throughout my personal journey, Gabbards statement reads. As Roll Call pointed out, Gabbard had previously criticized Democrats in 2004, when she was only 23 but already had two years of experience in the state legislature, for a mostly pro-LGBT platform that she said at the time gave too much credence to a small number of homosexual extremists. In her statement to CNN, Gabbard continued by listing the number of pieces of legislation that she has worked on that had the support of LGBT activists. Much work remains to ensure equality and civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ Americans and if elected President, I will continue to fight for equal rights for all, her statement said. Although Gabbards views on marriage and sexuality have shifted since the 2000s, Gabbard seems to have a broader interpretation of religious freedom rights than others in the Democrat Party. Earlier this month, Gabbard wrote an op-ed in which she criticized (not by name) two Democratic senators (Californias Kamala Harris and Hawaiis Mazie Hirono) for questioning a Trump nominees connection to the pro-family and pro-life Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus. While I oppose the nomination of Brian Buescher to the U.S. District Court in Nebraska, I stand strongly against those who are fomenting religious bigotry, citing as disqualifiers Bueschers Catholicism and his affiliation with the Knights of Columbus, Gabbard wrote. If Buescher is unqualified because of his Catholicism and affiliation with the Knights of Columbus, then President John F. Kennedy, and the 'liberal lion of the Senate' Ted Kennedy would have been unqualified for the same reasons. Gabbards criticism did not sit well with many Democrats, including Hirono. It is unfortunate that Congresswoman Gabbard based her misguided opinion on the far-right wing manipulation of these straightforward questions, Will Dempster, Hironos spokesman, said in a statement provided to media. Gabbard was also criticized online. Jill Filipovic, a fellow with the Washington-based think tank New America who is also an attorney and writer, called Gabbard a progressive fraud. Tulsi Gabbard is accusing female senators of anti-Catholic bigotry for (rightly) questioning a judicial nominee's membership in an extreme right-wing anti-choice anti-LGBT all-male organization, Filipovic wrote on Twitter. Gabbard is not a progressive, she's a fraud. Gabbard has also been criticized for her support of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria. In 2017, the Washington Post labeled her Assads mouthpiece in Washington. Worst 50 places for Christians ranked in 2019 World Watch List: India in top 10 for first time Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Open Doors USA has published its 2019 World Watch List of the top 50 countries in the world where Christians face the most extreme persecution for their faith. While many of the top 10 countries listed this year were also on 2018's list, a significant addition was India, due to the rise in Hindu radical attacks on Christians. The worlds two most highly populated countries rise on the World Watch List. For the first time since the start of the World Watch List, India has entered the top 10. Additionally, China jumped 16 spots, from 43 to 27, the persecution watchdog group observed. Each of these countries is home to more than a billion people, so these trends are distressing. Hindu nationalists in India continue to attack Christians with what seems like no consequences, and in China, the increased power of the government and the rule of Xi Jinping continue to make open worship difficult in some parts of the country," it added. Looking at the numbers, 245 million Christians in the top 50 countries in the World Watch List are expected to face high levels of persecution in the coming year, which is an increase from the 215 million projected last year. As many as 4,136 Christians were murdered last year because of their faith, while 1,266 churches or Christian buildings were attacked. North Korea was listed at the very top of the World Watch List for the 17th-consecutive year, with Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, Iran, and India rounding up the top 10. Among some of the main trends, Open Doors observed what it called the "shocking reality of persecution against women." "In many places, they experience a 'double persecution' one for being a Christian and one for being a woman. Even in the most restricted circumstances, gender-specific persecution is a key means of destroying the minority Christian community. This kind of persecution is difficult to assess because it is complex, violent and hidden in many cultures where women are specifically targeted, it is difficult if not impossible to report accurate numbers," the watchdog group writes. It also noted that seven out of the top 10 World Watch List countries suffer from Islamic oppression, which is the main cause of persecution. It explained that this poses great challenges for millions of Christians who were born into Muslim families but converted and face heavy discrimination for deciding to follow Jesus Christ. Another main point of concern was the spread of radical Islam across sub-Saharan Africa. Open Doors said that although the Islamic State terror group's attacks have largely disappeared from headline news, its radical ideology "has inspired, or infiltrated, numerous splinter groups, such as Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a deadly group that broke away from Nigerias Boko Haram that also enslaves Christian women and girls as an integral part of their strategy." One more trend Open Doors focused on was the increasing state authoritarianism around the world. It warned that Vietnam, Myanmar, China and North Korea all saw an increase in state control over religion, made possible in part by the "ever-spreading availability of personal digital technology, which governments can increasingly track through facial recognition, electronic chips and so on." Open Doors President David Curry said he's thankful for the coverage and for the support around his organization's annual list, but added that it's a secondary blessing. "The point of the World Watch List is to shine a light on the strength and the suffering of the family of God around the world to drive all of us to our knees in prayer and then to our feet to stand with our brothers and sisters," Curry said. UK hospitals allowing men to stay in women-only wards if they identify as transgender Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Hospitals in the United Kingdom are allowing male patients to stay in women-only wards so long as they identify as female a policy that has angered many womens rights activists and patients. An investigation by The Daily Telegraph has revealed that none of the National Health Service trusts in England require patients to have already begun the process of their physical sex transition in order to stay in women-only hospital wards. Such a policy exists despite the Department of Healths rules stating that men and women should not have to share sleeping accommodation or toilet/bathroom facilities. However, the rule has exceptions in cases where it is in the overall best interests of the patient or reflects the patients choice. The Daily Telegraph reports that the NHS is not able to track how many trans-identified patients are accommodated in wards meant for the opposite biological sex because the patients are recorded in the system under their preferred gender identity, not their actual biological sex. According to the report, the staff at one hospital were told that they need to consult with a trans-identified patient before making any decisions about patient placement should a female victim of sexual assault object to sharing facilities with a biological man. One nurse who works for a hospital in a major U.K. city told the newspaper that there was a report at her hospital of a biologically male trans-identified woman becoming sexually aroused while being held in a female-only ward. Particularly around medics, the patient would become lewd and rub their penis through their nightclothes, the nurse explained. This person was virtually masturbating in front of us all. The nurse said there were complaints from other patients who felt unsafe by the presence of the masturbating trans-identified patient. But they were told ... that the patient was a woman and had a right to be there, the nurse said. The nurse explained that the only thing the hospital staff could do was to offer the services of a psychiatric nurse. The report also explains that there is a lack of NHS equality impact assessments being done to examine how the transgender policy is impacting other patients (such as women), while assessments obtained by The Daily Telegraph appear only to have investigated the impact the policy is having on trans-identified patients. Officials at the West Suffolk NHS Trust told The Daily Telegraph that a trans-identified patients right to be in a single-sex environment consistent with their preferred gender identity supersedes objections raised by other patients. If you arent even considering other groups in your equality impact assessments, your policy cannot be lawful, immigration and public law attorney Amanda Jones of Great James Street Chambers told the newspaper. Nicola Williams, a research scientist and a campaigner for the womens rights group Fair Play for Women, told the Telegraph that the state is sacrificing the needs of the majority at their most vulnerable. We have sex-segregated facilities for a reason and Im horrified those rights for both sexes have been removed without any consultation, she said. Philippa Molloy, a 42-year-old with bipolar disorder that she says leaves her thinking that men are conspiring to kill her, opened up in an interview with the Lancaster Guardian about how she was locked in a womens psychiatric ward with an extremely male-bodied trans-identified patient. Molloy said she was terrified because she suffered a relapse in her condition. She claims that when she raised concerns with hospital staff, her concerns were not taken seriously. Part of my psychosis was that I was convinced I was being followed by mens rights activists, Molloy said. It sounds ridiculous, but that was it. She said she felt that the rights of that trans person to feel safe were put above her rights to feel safe as a natural woman. Conservative member of Parliament David Davies also spoke out about the policy. Its quite right that a Conservative government made a commitment to end mixed sex wards, he was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraphy. But people with male bodies should be on male wards. A spokesperson for NHS Improvement explained that decisions should be made in the best interests of all patients and based on the circumstances presented to NHS staff. Transgender Trend, a U.K. coalition of parents critical of the trend to diagnose gender non-conforming children as transgender, said in a tweet that the NHS is no longer safeguarding children's privacy in hospital wards. London Assembly member David Kurten also took to Twitter to respond to the report. Hospital wards are no place to push fringe transgender ideology which risks the safety and well-being of sick patients, Kurten wrote. If a person has male anatomy and chromosomes they are a man, and they should not be placed in women's wards. Judge: Papa John's Founder Entitled to Records By The Associated Press DOVER, DE - A Delaware judge has ruled that the embattled founder of the Papa John's pizza chain is entitled to corporate records that the company has refused to turn over to him.John Schnatter sued Papa John's International Inc. last year, claiming he needs the records to inform himself in order to fulfill his corporate duties, and to ensure that other directors are doing the same.The company argued that Schnatter, who was pressured to resign as chairman in July, wanted the records to further his own self-interests.The two sides eventually resolved disputes over 13 of 17 categories of documents.The judge ruled Tuesday that the company failed to prove that Schnatter's purpose for seeking to inspect the remaining four categories of documents was improper. Teen churchgoers often stop attending as young adults, LifeWay study finds Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Two-thirds of American Christian teenagers who regularly attend worship at a Protestant congregation for at least a year quit going for at least a year when they become young adults. According to a report by LifeWay Research released on Tuesday titled Most Teenagers Drop Out of Church as Young Adults, 66 percent of young adults who attended a Protestant church regularly for at least a year as a teenager dropped out for at least a year between the ages of 18 and 22. The major reasons respondents gave included moving to college (34 percent), church members seeming judgmental or hypocritical (32 percent), no longer feeling connected to people in their church (29 percent), disagreement with their churchs stance on political or social issues (25 percent), and employment obligations (24 percent). The report drew from data collected from a survey done Sept. 15 Oct. 13 of last year of 2,002 respondents who attended Protestant churches, with a sampling error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points. The 2017 numbers were a slight improvement compared to 2007, when 70 percent of respondents reported leaving for at least a year between ages 18 and 22. Alex McFarland, national talk show host and author who has hosted dozens of Truth for a New Generation apologetics conferences, told The Christian Post on Tuesday that he believed the LifeWay study was accurate and attributed the numbers ultimately to issues of worldview. If they are taught the biblical worldview and the responsibility of every Christian to be a steward of their life and their influence and be a part of a church, really all of those things could ultimately be dealt with, said McFarland, who encouraged teaching a more cohesive, consistently proclaimed biblical worldview. Regarding the 25 percent of respondents who reported leaving over their churchs views on social and political issues, McFarland told CP that this should not lead a church to abdicate its roll to be a voice for righteousness within the culture. Churches should speak to political and social issues, stated McFarland, who noted that at his conferences, young people normally make up 40 to 50 percent of the attendees. The number one voice they look to is their parents and secondly, to youth pastor, pastor, or some type of clergy, for biblical truth, about the big questions of life. So what the church shouldnt do is stop talking about the great issues of our day from a biblical perspective. Sexuality, morality, gender, salvation. McFarland warned that for many youth, the couple of hours they spend in church and Sunday School often competes against something like 32-40 hours a week in a secular classroom, hundreds and hundreds of hours in a year in terms of secular media. 'Star Wars' actor to produce South African thriller 'God is Good' about gangster-turned-pastor Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment John Boyega, who's best known for playing Finn in the "Star Wars" films "The Last Jedi" and "The Force Awakens," is now executive producing a South African crime-thriller called God Is Good. The film was shot in Cape Towns Cape Flats and follows a reformed gangster-turned-pastor and a volatile detective who cross paths after an act of brutal violence sets them on a collision course with a heinous gang lieutenant, the synopsis reads, according to Deadline. Producers are said to have compared the movie to Prisoners and City of God, and are in the process of selecting cast members. God Is Good will be produced by former Sony International producer Josephine Rose under the U.K. production banner, Bandit Country and is being written and directed by first-time filmmaker Willem Grobler. Im thrilled to be teaming [up] once again with Josephine Rose on such a powerful and important story that explores themes of fathers and fatherhood, toxic masculinity, race and faith in a community that has become trapped in an unending cycle of violence and racial oppression, and where sometimes it seems for men that violence is the only way of achieving power," Boyega told Deadline. "Willem has written a superb screenplay and we are looking forward to working with him to realize the vision behind it." In conjunction with the film's release, Boyega is also reportedly launching UpperRoom Records, a record label that will produce the films soundtrack. While attending a screening of "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" at the IMAX Cinemas in Lekki, Nigeria, on Dec. 26, 2017, Boyega revealed to those in attendance that he was raised as a Christian. According to the Nigerian publication Konbini, the actor grew up watching mostly "Mount Zion movies," a streaming service for Christian films. God Is Good is set for a spring release, and Boyega is now shooting "Star Wars IX." Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren shares 3 ways Christians can improve their mental health Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment God wants His children to be healthy in every area of their lives emotionally, spiritually, and physically says Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren who lists three ways people can safeguard their mental health. In a devotional posted earlier this month, Warren, who's also the author of the book Purpose Driven Church, said that in order to be mentally healthy, one must focus their mind on the right things, adding: Your mind is your greatest asset and the greatest battleground. The pastor then shared three things Christians should focus on to increase their mental health, the first being Jesus. Youve heard the saying, You become what you think about most, he said. If you want to become more like Jesus, you have to fill your thoughts with him. Second, he advised Christians to think about others, pointing to Philippians 2:4, Dont just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and in what they are doing (TLB). Do you realize how countercultural that is? he asked. Our world teaches you to think about yourself and nobody else. But Jesus was countercultural, and when you think about Him, youll more naturally think of others. Finally, the pastor recommended thinking about eternity, citing 1 Corinthians 2:9: No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. When you start focusing on truths like that, all of your problems seem inferior compared to the glory, the joy, and the pleasure of the things awaiting us in eternity, he said. Ask God to help you make the choice every day to feed on Gods Word, free your mind of destructive thoughts, and fill your mind with Jesus, others, and eternity. Then youll have won the battle. Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, who in 2013 lost their 27-year-old son Matthew to suicide, frequently address the importance of mental health and regularly organize conferences on the issue, urging more Christian engagement. Recently, Rick Warren encouraged Christians to view mental illness like any medical illness: "If a bird has a broken wing, you could say just believe you could fly, but it isn't going to fly," he said. "If your neurons aren't working right, then you go get help, and actually mental, physical spiritual and relational illness often all go together. You got to [work on] all four." "If my heart isn't working, and I take a pill, nobody thinks anything of it. [Same with the liver]. But if my brain doesn't work right and I take a pill, I'm supposed to be ashamed of that? What's wrong with that?" the pastor continued. In 2017, Kay Warren revealed that she had a prophetic vision of churchgoers not long after her son's death. "In my mind's eye, I pictured the Worship Center at Saddleback full of people who are living with a mental illness depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or any other mental illness that was making life challenging," Warren described at the time. "Everyone in the room was reaching out to God without having to pretend that life felt OK some people were crying, others wrapped themselves around a large wooden cross, some were praying, some were offering hugs to others but all felt safe to bring their pain and their sorrow to God," she added. "Then I saw laughter the kind of laughter that comes when others walking a similar life-path talk about the shared, common ups as well as downs, the moments of absurdity and humor in living with a mental illness. In my vision, hope began to rise." NY Senate passes bills banning gender identity discrimination, sexual orientation change therapy for minors Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The New York Senate has passed bills that ban discrimination on the basis of gender identity and prohibit sexual orientation change efforts therapy for minors. State Senators approved on Tuesday the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), or S.1047, and S.1046, which prohibits mental health professionals from performing SOCE therapy on youth. New York State Senator Brad Hoylman, who introduced both bills, said in a statement released Tuesday that he was proud to be part of a Democratic majority that works to safeguard the rights of all New Yorkers. The passage of GENDA and legislation to end so-called conversion therapy will codify our progressive reputation and ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation are treated with dignity and respect under the law, stated Sen. Hoylman. As the Trump administration continues to rollback protections for LGBTQ Americans, todays victory sends a strong message to LGBTQ New Yorkers across the state: you are loved, understood, and protected by your state government. We will not let you down. For years, State Senate Republicans had effectively blocked both legislative proposals, including in May 2018 when the New York Senate Investigations & Government Operations Committee defeated GENDA in a 5-4 vote that fell on party lines. In 2016, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order banning conversion therapy for minors; however, there remained no actual legislation on the books. For his part, Governor Cuomo has expressed support for both bills and is expected to sign them into law when they are officially delivered to him. New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms has denounced the passage of both bills by the Senate, with Executive Director Jason J. McGuire denouncing the conversion therapy ban as a measure that will harm four groups of people. First, it will harm young people that might benefit from change therapy, but will no longer be able to obtain it legally in the State of New York. Second, it will harm the parents of those young people by removing potential sources of help for their kids, stated McGuire. Third, it will harm mental health professionals who could now lose their livelihoods if they assist minor clients in overcoming unwanted same-sex attraction. Fourth, it will harm every resident of the State of New York by eroding free speech, religious liberty, and parental rights. McGuire also took issue with GENDA, warning that the bill is based in several falsehoods, chief among them the notion that the State of New York should consider gender dysphoria an identity to be affirmed, not a psychiatric condition to be compassionately treated. It means that employers must allow transgender employees to cross-dress and use opposite-sex facilities in the workplace. It means that the preferences of transgender persons now take precedence over the privacy and safety of actual women and girls, McGuire said. While the sponsors of GENDA doubtless believe that their bill is motivated by compassion for transgender persons, the bill shows a curious lack of compassion toward New Yorkers who will be adversely affected by its contents. Nebraska principal who banned all things Christmas resigns Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Nebraska elementary school principal who sent an internal memo to teachers warning them not to use any Christmas-related messaging and activities in the classroom in December has resigned. Jennifer Sinclair, the principal at Manchester Elementary School in Elkhorn, has agreed to step down as school principal following her placement on administrative leave last month after she issued the guidance to teachers. The internal memo outlined several holiday-related displays, objects, and activities that teachers were banned from using, handing out or assigning during the Christmas season. Sinclairs memo, which she signed as the the (Unintentional) Grinch who stole Christmas, listed many things that teachers should stay away from including the use of Christmas-related clip art on worksheets, placing Christmas trees in the classrooms, using Christmas-related books and singing Christmas carols with students. The memo also warned teachers not to give candy canes to students. Sinclair claimed in the document that candy canes are shaped in a J for Jesus and that the red is for the blood of Christ and white is a symbol of his resurrection. On Monday, the Elkhorn Public School Board unanimously accepted Sinclairs resignation letter, according to an international social conservative legal group that opposed Sinclairs memo. Due to the level of attention that Sinclairs memo received, Sinclair and the district stand united that it is in the best interest of Manchester Elementary that she not resume the principal position, Elkhorn Public Schools Superintendent Bary Habrock wrote in the email that was sent to parents and staff. According to The Omaha World-Herald, Habrock said that Sinclair stepped down with a heavy heart and sadness. The district ... would like to thank her for the high level of professionalism during this publicly difficult time, Habrock wrote in the letter. We support Sinclair as a leader and educator. Sinclair has agreed to stay on with the school district and assume a curriculum position there, news station KMTV reports. Sinclairs internal memo drew the ire of the Florida-based conservative Christian legal group, Liberty Counsel, which sent a demand letter to Habrock calling for him to overrule Sinclairs guidance. The organization argued that Sinclairs memo violated the academic rights of teachers as well as the First Amendment rights of students. The First Amendment simply does not require the elimination of all Christmas symbols religious and secular in a misguided attempt to be inclusive by eliminating all traditional elements of a federally and state-recognized holiday, the Liberty Counsel letter sent by attorney Richard Mast reads. The effort to comprehensively eliminate Christmas symbols is Orwellian. Masts demand letter states that Liberty Counsel did not desire to see Sinclairs removal as school principal but only wanted her compliance with the law. Following the demand letter, a lawyer for Elkhorn Public Schools wrote a response letter explaining that Sinclairs memo to teachers did not comply with school board policy and that the school district would work with staff to correct any erroneous communications and clarify any misunderstandings. 'McJesus' sculpture leads to violent protests in Israel Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A piece of art depicting Ronald McDonald nailed to a cross imitating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ has sparked violent protests in Israel, with hundreds calling for the sculpture's removal. Last week, hundreds of Arab Christians gathered to protest the sculpture, titled "McJesus," displayed at the Haifa Museum of Art in the northern city of Haifa, The Independent reports. Israeli police say rioters hurled a firebomb at the museum and threw stones, wounding three police officers. Footage from the protest showed clashes between protesters and police as authorities used tear gas and stun grenades to clear the demonstrators. According to police, a few hundred demonstrators tried to forcibly enter the Haifa Museum of Art during the protest. The depiction of a crucified Ronald McDonald was sculpted by Finnish artist Janei Leinonen and is part of the museum's "Sacred Goods" exhibit. The museum's website explains that the exhibit, which also features Barbie doll renditions of a bloodied Jesus and the Virgin Mary, focuses on the responses of contemporary artists to issues of religion and faith in the contemporary global reality and has been on display since August. The protests, sparked by visitors sharing photos of the exhibit on social media, came after a firebomb was thrown at the museum overnight Thursday. Earlier in the week, Church representatives brought their grievances to the district court on Monday demanding the display's removal. Israel's Culture Minister, Miri Regev, wrote to the director general of Haifa Museum saying she had received many complaints of serious offense caused to the Christian communitys feelings because of the artwork. Regev said, contempt for symbols sacred to religions and many believers around the world as an act of artistic protest is illegitimate and cannot be displayed in a cultural institution supported by state funds. Haifa Museum refused to remove the exhibit, however, saying that doing so would infringe on freedom of expression. Instead, Director Nissim Tal agreed to put a sign warning of potentially offensive content at the entrance to the exhibit. "This is the maximum that we can do," Tal said. If we take the art down, the next day well have politicians demanding we take other things down and well end up only with colorful pictures of flowers in the museum. "We will be defending freedom of speech, freedom of art, and freedom of culture, and will not take it down," he added. Tal told reporters the artist behind "McJesus" is a Christian who created the piece to highlight the fact that "we are slaves and have a new God instead of the old God." "We pray for McDonald's and the other companies," he said. But Christians have vowed to continue protesting until the artwork is removed: This is very offensive and I cannot consider this art, Haifa artist and devout Christian Amir Ballan said. We will continue through peaceful rallies and candle vigils. We wont be quiet until we reach a solution. An Arab Christian protestor told Walla! news that the government was not addressing the Arab Christian community's complaints because of their minority status in Israel. If they put up [a sculpture of] Hitler with a Torah scroll they would immediately respond, he said. "We need to understand that freedom of expression is interpreted in different ways in different societies," said Wadie Abu Nassar, an adviser to church leaders. "If this work was directed against non-Christians, the world would be turned upside down." Horrific details of Jayme Closs' kidnapping revealed as suspect Jake T. Patterson is charged Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In court documents released on Monday, Wisconsin investigators detailed the four minutes of murder and mayhem endured by 13-year-old kidnapping survivor Jayme Closs as she was captured by 21-year-old suspect Jake Thomas Patterson. Patterson was charged with two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of kidnapping, and one count of armed burglary on Monday. He did not enter a plea during his short court appearance but investigators say he confessed to the crimes and explained how he planned and abducted a teenager he did not know. He also decided to eliminate anyone who would dare stand in his way of taking her, a report in The New York Times said. Jayme was kidnapped from her Barron, Wisconsin, home on Oct. 15, 2018, where her parents were murdered but Patterson reportedly told authorities that he had planned to take her earlier. Patterson told investigators that a week before he kidnapped Jayme, he drove to her home to take her but changed his plan because there were all kinds of cars in the driveway. He went back again a day or two later but changed his mind again when he saw lights on inside Jaymes home and people walking around. Jayme told investigators that on Oct. 15 she went to see why her dog was barking when she saw a vehicle coming up her driveway. Patterson emerged and shot and killed her father at the door while she and her mother ran to hide in the bathroom. Her mother was holding her in a bear hug when Patterson fired at the doorknob and pushed his way inside. He ordered her mother to put tape over her mouth but she could not do it so Patterson did it himself and bound her before fatally shooting her mother. Patterson then dragged Jayme to the trunk of his car and left for his home. All of this reportedly happened in a span of about four minutes. In the next 88 days until her escape last Thursday, Jayme told investigators she was held against her will inside Pattersons cabin. He would force her to hide under his twin-size bed whenever he had guests over or when he left. There were instances when she had no food, water, or access to a toilet for up to 12 hours she recalled. On the day she escaped, Patterson told her he would be gone for a few hours. She forced her way from under the bed and took a pair of mens shoes and ran to a nearby road asking for help. A woman who was walking her dog who helped the teenager recalled her saying, Im Jayme Closs. I dont know where I am. And then: Please help I want to go home. Brian Wright, Barron County's district attorney, called Jaymes escape incredible. You can see the amount of control that he was exerting over her, and at some point she found it within herself at 13 years old to say, Im going to get myself out, he said on Monday. Patterson is being held on $5 million bail. Jaymes supporters, who have been sharing updates from her family on the Facebook page Healing for Jayme Closs about her recovery, shared smiling photos of the teenager with her family as details of her ordeal were made public. So as much of a gut wrenching day as today was with reading the criminal complaint, we thought we would share this beautiful smile. This shows how strong Jayme is and that no matter what she went through, with all her family and friends' love and support, she will make it through. She is #Jaymazing and we love her! the group said. Some parents in Barron are now worried about allowing their children to walk alone to school or wait alone for the school bus as Patterson reportedly became fixated with the teenager last fall. Investigators say he just knew that was the girl he was going to take, when he saw her boarding a school bus and he set his plan to take her after that. Ill be taking my child to school, Amy Christensen, the manager of Skippys Pub in downtown Barron, told the NY Times of her young daughter. Ive been holding her close every night. DOJ Backs Christian Funeral Home Sued for Firing Trans Employee Who Refused to Wear Male Clothing Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Department of Justice has filed a brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in defense of a Christian-owned funeral business punished for firing a transgender employee who refused to wear male clothing. Led by Solicitor General Noel Francisco, the amicus brief argues that Title XII civil rights discrimination law that bans discrimination on the basis of sex doesn't extend protections on the basis of gender identity. The Trump administration asked the high court to hear the case of the Michigan-based R.G. and G.R. Harris Funeral Homes, which lost in the U.S. Court of Appeals earlier this year after the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accused owner Tom Rost of violating Title XII by firing transgender director Aimee Stephens. Stephens, a biological male, was beginning the process of transitioning and declined to wear male clothing. Rost maintains that his company has a sex-specific dress code for employees who interact with the public and had to let Stephens go because of the refusal. Rost, his attorneys with the Alliance Defending Freedom, and now the Justice Department, argue that Rost has a right under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution to run his business in accordance with his Christian beliefs. Although a federal district court sided with Rost in 2016, a three judge panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in March that Rost must allow the employee to dress in women's clothing because discrimination on the basis of gender identity "is necessarily discrimination on the basis of sex." The Justice Department's brief asserts that while the appeals court relied on a certain interpretation of Title VII law, the Justice Department itself must "must interpret Title VII as written by Congress." The brief states that "the court of appeals misread the statute and this Court's decisions in concluding that Title VII encompasses discrimination on the basis of gender identity." "Title VII thus does not apply to discrimination against an individual based on his or her gender identity," the brief added. "Notably, Congress has specifically prohibited discrimination based on 'gender identity' in other statutes, as a separate protected category in addition to 'sex' or 'gender.'" The brief also argues that the only way that Rost's dress code could violate Title XII is if it creates "disadvantages treatment" for male or female employees. "[T]he court did not identify any way in which applying the dress code to Stephens or to any other employee based on an employee's biological sex results in disparate treatment of similarly situated male or female employees," the brief explains. Last year, Attorney General Jeff Sessions produced a wide-encompassing religious freedom guidance that stated that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment not only protects individuals and religious organizations but also for-profit businesses. "RFRA applies to all sincerely held religious beliefs, whether or not central to, or mandated by, a particular religious organization or tradition," the guidance states. "Religious adherents will often be required to draw lines in the application of their religious beliefs, and government is not competent to assess the reasonableness of such lines drawn, nor would it be appropriate for government to do so." The Supreme Court will decide in the coming months whether or not to take up Rost's case. The interpretation to extend Title VII law to protect on the basis of gender identity was one that was used by the Obama administration, particularly in its efforts to encourage public schools to allow transgender children in locker rooms and restrooms that don't match their biological sex. The Obama Justice Department even sued the state of North Carolina on grounds that it was violating Title VII with a law that allowed businesses to choose their own bathroom policies and required people to use bathrooms that match their biological sex in state facilities. But under the Trump administration, the Justice Department has reverted back to a traditional interpretation of the law. In another religious freedom case involving a Christian business owner, last year, the Trump Justice Department filed a brief to the Supreme Court in support of Colorado baker Jack Phillips, who was punished by the state of Colorado for refusing to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding because of his religious beliefs. This summer, the Supreme Court sided with Phillips. The Supreme Court will now have to decide whether to take up a similar case after a Christian bakery couple in Oregon filed an appeal over a $135,000 fine charged by the state for refusing to serve a same-sex wedding. Church pays off lunch debt for entire school district, more than 200 students get better meals Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment More than 200 students will now have access to more substantial lunches in the Royse City Independent School District in Texas, after the congregation of the Royse City First United Methodist Church paid off thousands of dollars in lunch debt that had prevented them from getting access to hot meals. "If the church does not impact the community the church is in, then the church isn't doing its job," Royse City UMC Pastor Chris Everson told NBC 5 in a recent interview. "With us having the opportunity to make an impact, then we are doing what Christ has called us to do to serve the least of these." Everson explained that his 200-member church has a tradition of donating their Christmas Eve offerings to charity. In 2017, the church split the offerings between a nonprofit and a nearby elementary school to help students get out of lunch debt. According to Everson, when a student in the district is $25 or more past due in lunch payments, that student no longer gets a hot meal from the school. They will still however receive a turkey or ham sandwich, a piece of fruit and milk. Adi Bryant, Royse City ISD's chief communications officer also told the network that 40 percent of the district's approximately 6,000 students receive free or reduced price lunches as part of the National School Lunch Program. "It really broke my heart to see there were students who were trying to learn, students who were trying to get through the day," Everson said. "Knowing the school did what they could to provide for them, but you need more than just a sandwich and a carton of milk to make it through the rest of the school day." Recognizing the difficulties some families have in securing lunch for their children, Everson said he approached his church in 2018 and asked if they could help the entire school district in 2018 and they agreed. The church raised more than $10,000 for the cause and gave the money to the school district last near Christmas. The donation paid off debts for students who were $20 or more behind in payments that represented 226 families totaling around $6,000. The remainder of the donation will go toward assisting other students in the future. "We didn't have to cry out and ask for this help, they saw that families needed support and they stepped in and did it," Bryant said of the churchs quiet donation which the district chose to announce on Monday. She further explained that she believes the churchs donation has taken a bit of burden off the families who were in debt. "I think it takes a little bit of the burden off of them when you feel behind on something and someone takes that away," Bryant explained. "You have a fresh start and it's a wonderful feeling. "This is for any students' family who may have fallen behind on their meal accounts and it could happen to anybody," Bryant said. Chick-fil-A opens Sunday to fulfill birthday wish of boy with autism, cerebral palsy Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Chick-fil-A in Alabama fulfilled the birthday wish of a 14-year-old boy with autism and cerebral palsy by opening on Sunday a day the restaurant is normally closed so the teen could work the drive-thru. For his birthday, Elijah Sprague had one wish: He wanted to work the drive-thru at the local Chick-fil-A. Though Chick-fil-A is typically closed on Sundays, manager Walt Gilstrap, uncle to Elijah, and owner Mr. Glen opened the doors and drive-thru window so Elijahs birthday wish could come true, WKRG reports. Elijah passed out cookies to about 40 cars through the drive-thru window before participants went inside the store to finish celebrating the teens birthday with a cookie cake. Rene Sprague, Elijahs mother, reflected on the special day in a Facebook post: The way people love this kid amazes me, she wrote. It has truly changed the way I live my life. Loving people with your whole heart, [judgments] aside and with no anticipation of rewards. Thank you to every single person that loves our Elijah. When the story was first reported by local news outlets, she wrote: When the Lords restaurant opens for your birthday party, it makes the news. Elijah was born 18 weeks premature and has limited speech, Rene Sprague told CBS News. Sprague, a nurse who worked at the NICU where Elijah was treated as a newborn, adopted Elijah with her husband when he was 6 months old. While they were told he would only live about a year, he has far exceeded his life expectancy. "This is super special to us," Sprague said. "Elijah's not going to graduate like our other kids. He's not going to get married or have kids. So this is just a really cool experience to us for him to have this level of attention ... it's neat for people to recognize he's a really cool kid." She hopes Elijah's story can help inspire others with special needs. "The community needs to realize this is a really special population of kids," she said. "They do have special needs, but they have so much to offer." Chick-fil-A has been closed on Sundays since 1946, a practice established by the fast food chains Christian founder Truett Cathy to allow employees a day of rest and worship. His son, Dan Cathy, continues the practice today. While Chick-fil-A believes employees should have Sundays off to "strengthen communities, both close to home and throughout the cities its restaurants serve, locations sometimes make exceptions when their communities are in need, notes the restaurant website. In the wake of the Pulse nightclub shootings in Orlando in 2016, team members at Chick-fil-A Lee Vista volunteered on Sunday to feed first responders and blood donors. Additionally, on Christmas Day in 2015, after tornadoes ripped through Rowlett and Garland, Texas, team members at several restaurants spent their Sunday preparing and distributing free food to first responders and families whose homes were destroyed by tornadoes. Trudy Cathy White, the only daughter of Truett Cathy and his wife, Jeanette, recently explained that her family doesnt operate as if theyre in the chicken business. Rather, they view themselves as being in the people business. We want to involve ourselves in the lives of others, she told The Gospel Herald. Our purpose is to glorify God and be a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A. Our priority in the business world is to glorify God in how we steward what He gives us and our influence on others. White explained that throughout her father's life, he exemplified Jesus' words in Acts 20:35 "It is more blessed to give than to receive" and Proverbs 22:1: "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." My dad really instilled in his kids the idea of learning how to be generous, she said. "That's why we're all about serving our customers and taking care of their needs. We try to create an environment that focuses on generous giving. We try to honor God with all that we have, and serving others well is a great way to do that. Local Officials Head to China for Economic Talks By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless and Ballard County Judge-Executive Todd Cooper are preparing for a trip to China where they will discuss economic opportunities with representatives from the company purchasing the Wickliffe paper mill.Harless and Cooper are set to leave Thursday for three days of meetings with Shanying International Holdings, the parent company for Global Win and Phoenix Paper. Shanying invited Cooper and Harless to attend a conference for global employees, business partners, government officials, and guest speakers.Global Win signed a letter of intent in August to purchase the former Verso Corporation paper mill in Wickliffe, with a $150 million investment expected to create 500 full-time jobs. Since that time, Global Win and local leaders have been working together, leading up to the coming trip.This is an incredible opportunity to have face-to-face conversations with a company that sees the valuable resources and skilled workforce available in western Kentucky," Harless said. "I look forward to discussing potential new partnerships for additional economic development opportunities that will benefit this entire region.Ballard County Judge-Executive Todd Cooper said the reopening of the mill will be a big economic boon to the area. With the signing and closure of the sale for the former Verso mill, it brought hope for the entire region surrounding Wickliffe. The decision for the purchase of the paper mill was the beginning of a tremendous economic development boost and will bring employment opportunities for area residents, contractors, vendors, and other companies. He said.Making this trip to China will further strengthen relationships with the executives investing in the Wickliffe mill, and additionally fortify the economic well being of a significant portion of western Kentucky, said Vivek Sarin, executive officer and co-leader of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. 6 in 10 Americans want Roe v. Wade changed to allow abortion restrictions: poll Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment More than six in 10 Americans say they want the U.S. Supreme Courts landmark abortion ruling Roe v. Wade to be reinterpreted to allow additional restrictions on abortion, a new survey has found. A new survey of over 1,066 adults aged 18 and older conducted last week and released on Tuesday asked participants what they would want to happen if the Supreme Court one day reconsiders the 1973 ruling, a possibility that some abortion advocates fear with the slight conservative majority of the bench. The question posed is one of the newest questions asked of respondents to an 11th-annual Marist Institute for Public Opinion poll conducted for the Catholic fraternal organization Knights of Columbus on abortion rights. The survey found that 30 percent of respondents say they would like to see abortion kept legal without restriction, while 49 percent said they would like states to be allowed to make certain restrictions and 16 percent said they think abortion should be made entirely illegal. We ended up finding that almost two-thirds, 65 percent, would like the court to reinterpret Roe, revisit that decision in a way that would functionally overturn it, Knights of Columbus Vice President Andrew Walther told reporters in a press call on Tuesday. Walther notes the data indicates that nearly half of respondents favor a legal landscape similar to the days before the Roe v. Wade decision when states could decide abortion restrictions for themselves or favor tighter abortion restrictions. So you have 65 percent that is looking for something very much different for Roe v. Wade, he stressed. Walther added that most polling on Roe v. Wade only asks binary questions about whether a respondent supports the 1973 Supreme Court decision without doing much to go into detail about the individual views on how the ruling should be changed or upheld. It is a different set of answers when you ask [just] the brand name, Walther explained. What we have found both with the [question on abortion restrictions] and now with this question with the Supreme Court, when you ask people what they think, the answers you get taking away the labels [of pro-choice and pro-life] are really interesting in terms of policy prescriptions or desire for jurisprudence that would be very different from what a snapshot-label-type question would give you. In previous Marist/Knights of Columbus surveys, respondents have been asked where they stand on a six-point spectrum when it comes to the issue of abortion. Just 15 percent of adults say they believe abortion should be available to a woman at any point during the pregnancy, a position more in line with that of 2016 Democrat presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and the abortion industry. Only 9 percent of respondents said they think abortion should be legal during the first six months of pregnancy. As the U.S. is one of seven countries in the world that allows abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, 27 percent said they think abortion should only be allowed during the first three months of pregnancy while 28 percent said that abortion should only be legal in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. Ten percent said abortion should be legal only to save the life of the mother and another 10 percent said abortion should never be permitted under any circumstance. Knights of Columbus and Marist maintain that the data indicates that 75 percent of respondents feel that abortion should at the very least be limited to the first three months of pregnancy. When it comes to respondents who identified as pro-choice, 25 percent said they support abortion at any point in the pregnancy and 14 percent said they support abortion during the first six months. Forty-two percent of self-identified pro-choice respondents said they think abortion should be legal only in the first three months of pregnancy while 17 percent said they think abortion should be legal only in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the mother. What this study has shown and we have shown over the past decade, is that it would be helpful for us to step back from the campaigning in the public square and have a serious discussion about what Americans policy preferences are on the issue of abortion, Marist poll Director Barbara Carvalho told reporters. Yes, this weekend you have the March for Life and the Womens March and it is being characterized as one side versus the other side. What I am hoping we provide through this research it is not just about being on one side or the other side. Walther and Carvalho were asked about data compiled by Gallup, which has found that about six out of 10 Americans broadly support abortion rights in the first trimester. I think it is important to understand that the legal situation as it is now is not a strict three-month limit, Walther said. What you have is 75 percent support substantial restrictions. The Washington Post Fact Checker has confirmed that the U.S. is one of only seven countries that allows abortion after 20 weeks. We allow late-term abortions in a way that only six other countries allow it, including North Korea, Vietnam, and China. The survey also found that 75 percent of respondents oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions in other countries, while 54 percent oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to fund a womans abortion. Sixty-two percent of respondents oppose aborting babies diagnosed in utero as having Down syndrome. The survey also found that 59 percent of respondents say they support banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy except to save the life of a mother, while 32 percent said they oppose such a rule. The survey, which was conducted on Jan. 8 through Jan. 10, contained a 3.7-percentage-point margin of error. Last year, the abortion rights group Center for Reproductive Rights argued in a report that if Roe was overturned, then 22 states would likely ban abortion in response. But Pro-Life Action League Executive Director Eric J. Scheidler, told CP last July that claims like 22 states immediately banning abortion are exaggerated "fear mongering." "At most, only a couple of states with extremely conservative legislatures might even attempt something like a total ban on abortion," Scheidler told CP. "[It's] far more likely that states would seek to further restrict abortion, in line with the view of most Americans, with measures like banning late-term abortion and holding abortion facilities to the highest health and safety standards," he said. He added that the Supreme Court could uphold greater restrictions on abortion than we've seen so far, such as the bans on abortion after 20 weeks that have been passed in some states. 3 Christian series based off 'Comedians in Cars' feature clergy talking in cars about life, theology and comic books Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Have you seen Clergy in Cars Getting Coffee"? Loosely based on comedian Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, several online series are now featuring pastors, professors and denominational leaders in cars, drinking coffee, engaging in topics that range from theology to comic books. Two Episcopal leaders in Texas have taken to Facebook to broadcast their series "Clergy in Cars Getting Coffee." From the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, the Rev. Daryl Hay and Rev. Matt Stone comically ride in a car and talk about traditions and popular culture on their show. The Rev. Paul Klitzke of the Diocese of Dallas, Texas, has also premiered a show titled, Clergy in Cars which features various priests and bishops, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry of The Episcopal Church who in an episode in October talked about fasting, the scriptures he was studying at the time, and racial reconciliation. He described reconciliation as being in relationship with people that are different than you." An advocate for reconciliation, last May, Curry led a group of multiracial progressive faith leaders in a procession to the White House to condemn racism, misogyny and the immorality of political leaders. In an interview with Fox News' Martha MacCallum at the time, he refused to say whether he'd agree to meet with President Trump to work on issues of racial reconciliation. Curry, who garnered worldwide attention for giving a 14-minute sermon at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in England last May, is a controversial figure for supporting same-sex marriage and for his decision last week to punish a bishop in New York who, following biblical doctrine, has refused to allow clergy in his diocese to officiate same-sex marriages. Another show that premiered just before the new year is Cars, Coffee, Theology with Jonathan T. Pennington, assistant professor of New Testament interpretation at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He describes the 30-minute series as a caffeinated, academic, vlog on wheels. The latest episode, which can be seen on YouTube, features Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of Southern Baptist Convention. The conversation between the professor and Moore ranges from their childhood crushes to comic book universes, to issues concerning marriage, parenting and hermeneutics. Pennington and Moore kept their conversation lighthearted but also talked about Moore's most recent book, The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home. "As I go down each of my children, I'm a better parent. The difference is [now] I know what to freak out about and what not to freak out about," Moore said. Witchcraft, demons are 'dark power,' but are they real? African pastor answers Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An African pastor has warned that the dark powers of witchcraft and demons are indeed real forces in the world that Christians need to be prepared for. Conrad Mbewe, an author and pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church in Lusaka, Zambia, said in a video for The Gospel Coalition Africa last week that one of the greatest challenges African Christians have is related to the spiritual world. Mbewe explained that, in many villages, there's a mixture of African religious traditions and confusion over how to speak about witch doctors and witchcraft. Some of the questions people have about witchcraft, he said, include whether the powers that are in witchcraft [are] real, or just imaginations that human beings seem to have?" And "Is it major deception like people who are playing magic or tricks? As for how Christians should respond to that world, Mbewe said believers should keep in mind that this is nothing new. When you go through the Old Testament, you find that one of the areas that God was very adamant with respect with the children of Israel was that they were not to engage in witchcraft, he said. In fact, if anybody was found genuinely guilty of it, that person was to be stoned to death. That's how hard the writings of the Old Testament go as far as witchcraft is concerned. The pastor pointed out that in the New Testament, believers are not threatened with being stoned to death, but are urged to be delivered from the acts of darkness, witchcraft included. He said that one of the examples is in Acts 16, where a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and practiced fortune-telling was rebuked by Paul, who commanded the dark spirit to come out of her. Mbewe said that what Christians can learn from the passage is, No. 1, "it was a spirit and it was an evil spirit that finally had to be cast out. No. 2, they were real extraordinary powers that this woman [had,] it is real power, dark power ... but real power nonetheless. He warned that Christians should have nothing to do with it, as such power is part of the works of darkness. He added that believers also need to realize that all are Gods children, and God has the ultimate power over the dark powers. We need not be afraid of them. Absolutely no fear. We ought to know our God is absolutely sovereign. Finally, he said that Christians should share the Gospel, the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ, with individuals who are still in bondage to witchcraft. We should say to them, there is forgiveness and there is deliverance through the Lord Jesus Christ.' Addressing the significant growth in the practice of witchcraft in the U.S. in recent decades, radio host and author Carmen LaBerge noted that statistics show that the 1.5 million Americans who today identify as practicing witches is now larger than the number of Americans who are members of the Presbyterian Church USA, which is estimated to be 1.4 million. Some have contended that it's not an accurate comparison. "Pews Wiccan estimate includes all persons who identify with Wiccan type beliefs. The Presbyterian number is based on the enrolled membership of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which is the largest Presbyterian denomination in America." "This comparison does not involve equals. A more accurate assessment would compare enrolled members of covens with the enrolled members of all Presbyterian denominations," said Mark Tooley, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, who noted that the statistic is based on a 2014 study conducted by the Pew Research Center, and is "based on old numbers," But Julie Roys, formerly of Moody Radio, told The Christian Post last October, "It makes sense that witchcraft and the occult would rise as society becomes increasingly postmodern. The rejection of Christianity has left a void that people, as inherently spiritual beings, will seek to fill. "Plus, Wicca has effectively repackaged witchcraft for millennial consumption. No longer is witchcraft and paganism satanic and demonic," she added. "It's a 'pre-Christian tradition' that promotes 'free thought' and 'understanding of earth and nature.'" Theologian: 6 reasons porn is 'cruel,' adult film industry is 'destructive, enslaving system' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An author and theology professor has identified six reasons porn is cruel, pointing specifically to the exploitation of women and children, and condemned the adult film industry as a destructive, enslaving system. Justin Holcomb, an Episcopal priest and a theology professor at Reformed Theological Seminary and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, recently wrote a column published by The Gospel Coalition titled Porn Is Not Harmless. Its Cruel. In it, he laments that theres a pervasive myth that pornography is harmless but in reality, its deeply destructive. Porn is much more than an individual decisionits part of a system that preys on women and children, and its viewers are participating in, contributing to, and being shaped by that destructive, enslaving system, he charges. Holcomb then identifies six reasons pornography is cruel, the first being how it directly fuels the sex trade. The primary way porn fuels the sex trade is by building the demand, he says. After all, the sex trade consists of supply and demand. The supply is women and children either forced into exploitation at home or lured away from their homes with promises of jobs, travel, and a better life. The average age of girls who enter street prostitution is between 12 and 14even younger in some developing countries. Traffickers coerce women and children through a variety of recruitment techniques to enter the commercial sex industry in strip clubs, street-based prostitution, and escort services, he adds. Thousands of children and women are victimized in this way each year...The trafficking industry wouldnt exist without demand. Pornography also shapes the appetites of men, women, and children to accept and even enjoy the exploitation of women, Holcomb says. Porn teaches its consumers that women exist for the pleasure of men and that their purpose is to be degraded and dehumanized for mens excitementand that they like it, even if they pretend not to, he says. But this is part of the lie: Countless women in porn are there against their will and are being exploited. He cites statistics revealing that most women involved in the sex industry are adult survivors of sexual abuse to argue that pornography exploits child sexual abuse victims and supports rape culture. The physical, emotional, and psychological damage to the women and children in porn is heartbreaking, but equally insidious is porns effect on men and society by normalizing the degradation and dehumanization of women, he says. The prevalence of porn means people are becoming desensitized to it, and are seeking out ever harsher, more violent, and degrading images. The Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault author argues that pornography also hijacks childrens sexuality and limits men." He clarifies that while porn addiction isnt just a mens issue 28 percent of people admitting to internet sexual addiction are women it remains a pervasively male problem. Everyone in the supply chain, from production to consumption, is participating in the economic juggernaut that is the porn industry, whether they realize it or not, he concludes. This industry fuels the global sex trade, builds the demand for exploitation, severely distorts sexuality, exploits abuse victims, and normalizes the degradation of women and children. Thats why porn is much more than a private, individual decision. According to the most recent numbers, three porn websites have made the top 10 most popular websites in the United States and get more traffic than eBay, Twitter, Wikipedia, Instagram, Reddit, and Netflix. Recently, Pastor Craig Gross of XXXchurch advised those struggling with pornography addiction to take "drastic steps" such as getting rid of one's phone to make permanent change happen. "Have you actually removed a computer?" he asked. The Bible, he noted, contains even more extreme examples, such as Jesus suggesting that one gouge out his or her own eye to prevent sinning in the Gospel of Matthew. "How hard are you actually working on it? Does anyone in your life actually know about this, that is holding you accountable on a weekly basis?" he asked. Last year, Christian apologist Josh McDowell also stressed the need for accountability, warning that those who struggle with porn addiction won't succeed in overcoming it if they try to battle it alone. If you try to go it alone, you won't make it," he said. "Just take your Bible and then start with the New Testament how many scores of time it writes 'one another, one another, love one another, pray for another, counsel one another, encourage one another.'" "And when we confess our sins to God, the Bible promises forgiveness, but what does He promise when we confess our sins one to another? Healing." McDowell also warned against the idea that "all you need is Jesus" when battling a pornography problem. That phrase, he said, harms efforts to overcome the addiction. "Pastors and teachers that preach 'all you need is Jesus,' [are] probably doing more harm than almost anything else taught on pornography," cautioned McDowell. "Every time a parent, a teacher, a Bible teacher, a pastor preaches 'all you need is Jesus,' they're cutting people off from one of the greatest sources of healing. And it's not speaking in tongues or anything else; it's confessing your sins one to another." Episcopal bishop disciplined for opposing gay marriage says he plans to appeal Church-enforced punishment Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment An Episcopal Church bishop who was punished for refusing to allow gay marriages in his diocese has stated that he plans to appeal the punishment. Bishop William Love of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany had his ministry officially restricted by the national church over his refusal to enforce a recently enacted resolution allowing congregations in his regional body to bless same-sex marriages. During the period of this restriction, Bishop Love, acting individually, or as Bishop Diocesan, or in any other capacity, is forbidden from participating in any manner in the Churchs disciplinary process in the Diocese of Albany in any matter regarding any member of the clergy that involves the issue of same-sex marriage, stated Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, head of The Episcopal Church. Nor shall he participate in any other matter that has or may have the effect of penalizing in any way any member of the clergy or laity or worshiping congregation of his diocese for their participation in the arrangements for or participation in a same-sex marriage in his diocese or elsewhere. In response to Presiding Bishop Currys decision, Bishop Love said in an official letter released last Friday that he was planning to challenge the disciplinary action. Love also noted that his appeal served the additional purpose of attempting to overturn the resolution passed last year that compelled his and other dioceses to allow gay weddings. I have already verbally informed the Presiding Bishops Office of my plans. This will soon be followed by an official written appeal as required by the Canons, wrote Love. Love also explained that during the appeal process he will respect the decision that partially restricts his ministry, but added that he has not changed my understanding or teaching regarding the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Last July, the Episcopal Churchs General Convention approved Resolution B012, which expanded the right for same-sex couples to marry in all dioceses, even ones where local bishops theologically object. While the new resolution still gave clergy the right to refuse to officiate same-sex weddings, bishops opposed to same-sex marriage rites must call on another bishop to provide pastoral support for the couple and a clergy member to perform the ceremony. Last November, Bishop Love released a pastoral letter explaining that same-sex wedding ceremonies will not take place in his diocese, despite Resolution B012. "Jesus is calling the Church to follow His example. He is calling the Church to have the courage to speak His Truth in love about homosexual behavior even though it isn't politically correct," wrote Love. "Sexual relations between two men or two women was never part of God's plan and is a distortion of His design in creation and as such is to be avoided. To engage in sexual intimacy outside of marriage between a man and women, is against God's will and therefore sinful and needs to be repented of, NOT encouraged or told it is OK." Love also said he believes both his denomination and overall Western society "have been hijacked by the 'gay rights agenda,'" and that pro-LGBT Episcopalians have been "received into believing a lie that has been planted in the Church by the 'great deceiver' Satan." In addition to the Diocese of Albany, the other impacted dioceses include Dallas; North Dakota; Springfield, Illinois; Tennessee; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and two of the denomination's Florida-based dioceses, the Diocese of Florida and the Diocese of Central Florida. The Rt. Rev. Daniel H. Martins, bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, told The Christian Post in an earlier interview that he considered Resolution B012 a lesser evil. It is preferable to General Convention simply making no provision at all for dioceses that retain the traditional Christian teaching on marriage, said Martins. But it deeply undermines the relationship between a bishop and the parishes of that bishop's diocese. It hampers the bishop's ability to be the chief teacher and chief liturgical officer in a diocese. The Rt. Rev. George Sumner, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, told CP in an earlier interview that while he believed Resolution B012 was flawed, he also considered it a good-faith effort to maintain unity amid strong theological difference. We are doing our best to implement it as we are required to do, and three of our rectors have requested to receive alternative episcopal oversight, said Sumner. While we do not agree with the Presiding Bishop [Michael Curry] on the marriage issue, he has been a friend to traditional Episcopalians. Meanwhile, the Book of Common Prayer, our standard of doctrine, remains unchanged. California pastor ousted after homosexuality is sin' church sign stirs protests Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A northern California pastor has begrudgingly stepped down as members threatened to leave after he posted a church sign that called transgender celebrity Caitlyn Bruce Jenner a man and stated that homosexuality is still a sin. Justin Hoke, who formerly served as pastor at Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church in the town of Weed in Siskiyou County, took to Facebook to announce that he is leaving the church. His departure comes following protest and vandalism in response to his church sign. On New Years Eve, Hoke used his personal Facebook page to post a picture of the sign outside of the church that read: Bruce Jenner is still a man. Homosexuality is still sin. The culture may change but the Bible does not. The sign incited a pro-LGBT Love Rally demonstration Sunday morning before Hokes weekly service on Jan. 6. Additionally, the church sign and the message was vandalized last week. The organizers of the rally say they dont know of anyone involved in the vandalism and condemned the act. As of today, I am no longer the pastor of Trinity Bible Presbyterian Church, Hoke wrote in a Saturday Facebook post. In the post, Hoke felt the need to communicate what has taken place. He stated that he was informed by an elder that the elder could no longer follow his lead as pastor of the church. Hoke added that he was also told by essentially all but one couple in membership that they would leave the church if Hoke did not step down. Our other elder and the couple felt that those who left would likely return if I would leave, Hoke wrote. Our other elder was agreeable to stay and assume the pastoral responsibilities. Therefore it was determined that it would be in the best interest of the local body for [TBPC and the Hoke family] to part ways. On Monday, Hoke updated the Facebook post to explain that he did not want to leave the church. I did not quit, and I was willing to stay, Hoke asserted. The Christian Post reached out to TBPC (also known as Lake Shastina Community Bible Church) for comment on Hokes departure. A response is pending. In an interview with The Siskiyou Daily News, Hoke said his intention with the sign was to express his thought that the Bible doesnt change even though the culture may. If you see a burning building, there are only two reasons not to warn those inside: if you think the danger isnt too great, or if you dont love those inside, Hoke stated. He told the Daily Wire that he was inspired to create the sign after reading about a customer at a store who "threw a fit because a clerk had accidentally referred to him with the masculine gender [pronoun]." Another Love Rally demonstration was held during Sundays service with yet another planned for next Sunday. Organizers of the protest told NBC 5 that their goal was not to get Hoke fired. I dont want to be responsible for someone losing their job. The point in this protest is to show love for the LGBTQ community and other members of the community as well, organizer Charolette Kalayjian said. Hoke told the television news outlet that the protests were not the reason for his departure. There was a fear we would lose what little congregation that we had if I remained, Hoke explained. Anglican ambassador to Vatican says he never denied Jesus' bodily resurrection Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The newly appointed Anglican ambassador to the Vatican has strongly denied ever questioning that Jesus rose from the dead, despite criticism coming from the Church of England. John Shepherd, the former dean of St. Georges Cathedral in Perth, Western Australia, who earlier in January was chosen to lead the Anglican Centre in Rome on an interim basis, declared Christ is Risen! when asked about his response to recent criticism. The criticism stems from a 2008 Easter sermon he preached, in which he said that "it is important for Christians to be set free from the idea that the resurrection was an extraordinary physical event, which restored to life Jesus original earthly body." "The resurrection of Jesus ought not to be seen in physical terms, but as a new spiritual reality," Shepherd said back then. The resurfaced comments led to some, such as Rev. Lee Gatiss, the head of the Church of Englands largest evangelical group, to call them utterly bizarre and absolutely inappropriate. If it is true that he does not believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus, then I dont think he should have been ordained as a minister in the Anglican Communion in the first place, Gatiss told The Telegraph. The Rev. Ian Paul, a member of the General Synod, also asked whether it is wise to appoint "as the Archbishop's envoy to Rome someone who doesn't believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Shepherd sought to clarify the comments, saying it's a misunderstanding of his views. It is my faith that Jesus rose from the dead and I have never denied the reality of the empty tomb. The risen Christ was not a ghost he ate and could be touched but at the same time he appeared in a locked room (John 20. 26) and vanished from sight (Luke 24.31) and he was often not immediately recognized, Shepherd said, according to Anglican Communion New Service. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states (para 646) In his risen body he passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. In my Easter sermon in 2010 I said We believe in the resurrection of Jesus after three days, and in this faith we come to know God who raises us from despair to life, day after day, he continued. This remains my faith that Christ is risen indeed. ACNC noted that the governors of the Anglican Centre in Rome will review the events before making a decision about the permanent replacement to Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi. Lambeth Palace further told The Tablet: "Dr. Shepherd is a priest in good standing in his diocese and due diligence was paid in appointing him to what is a temporary role." Kay Goldsworthy, the Anglican archbishop of Perth, was one of those who came to Shepherd's defense even before his clarification. If that happened to every preacher in the Church we would all be in trouble, frankly, Goldsworthy said about digging up old sermons. There is a statement that people have picked out, whoever the people are, and have sort of wanted to make some example of. I am not sure what they wanted to achieve. Ryan Bomberger brings up another controversial speaker, but it just distracts from the real issue. Image: via Pixabay/Wheaton College Yesterday, I shared an article entitled Abortion, Black Lives Matter, and Wheaton. I was responding to several articles from Ryan Bomberger, who spoke at Wheaton College in November of last year. (Be sure to read the original article before this one.) As I explained in that article, several students were concerned about some things Bomberger said. Those students went to their elected student reps, and the Wheaton students worked with their staff contacts to send an email to their peers. Then, Bomberger started writing multiple articles saying he was silenced, slandered, and more. Contrary to Bombergers comments, this is not about Wheaton silencing or slandering. Its about a disagreement between Bomberger and several students concerning a conversation they had after his speech. He strongly objected to the email the student government leaders sent to other students. As Ive acknowledged previously, I dont know exactly what was saidonly Bomberger and the students do, since it happened after the video stopped. Perhaps wed like to hear more, but Bomberger sent an email to several people (including some of the students) saying his organization would talk to their attorneys about whether to pursue this defamation, so they may be (not surprisingly) reticent to jump into such conversations now. Of course, I would be happy to chat with Bomberger anytime. I am not happy, however, to watch him go after the school where I serve without some clarity about what happened. Why Now? This was a talk in Novembertwo months agoso why in the world am I writing now? Well, because Bomberger continued his writing after the first round, publishing another article last week, this time bringing up one of the 100 guest speakers that Wheaton College hosts each year. In the first instance (last year), he wrote (in many places) about his disagreements with our students actions. But then, when he did not get the response he wanted, he decided to bring up a new issueagain with misleading information. In this article, Bomberger posted a new article concerning the talk of this guest speaker from 2017, trying to draw a connection between the two talks. He seemed to feel as if he was the object of (what he considered) Wheatons denouncement (when some students disagreed with him) and the other speaker was, using his word, praised. I will give him the benefit of the doubt (something he did not do for Wheaton in this case) and assume he did not know the facts. But, thats not at all what happened. Yes, they are different situations, with different people involved, and they were handled differently. But, when he decided last week to bring up a guest speaker from 2017, signaling this was going to be an ongoing project for Bomberger, I decided to write these articles to bring some clarity to what actually happened. A New Red Herring You see, unlike the post-lecture disagreement he had with students, I actually do know about these conversations. I know plenty about them. Here, Bomberger makes a false comparison between two different situations, and actually does what he says others have done to himmisrepresent. It just distracts from the real issues in the original controversy, and continues Bombergers attempt to paint this incident as something it was not. You see, my daughter, a Wheaton student, was at the George Yancy lecture in 2017, Ive seen parts of it, and I found his talk offensive and inappropriate for a Christian college. Now, I get that Yancy is a scholarand a quite prominent one at that. He is a professor at Emory, an author of many books, and has written in the New York Times and many other settings. But Yancys lecture here at Wheaton was a messand a deep mismatch with our community. One of our staff actually told him so in the very meeting. And, I can assure you, I shared my thoughts as well after the lecture. Of course, I dont agree with everything that every guest (or professor) says here, though I have never felt the need to complainuntil then. However, in this instance, I voiced my strong disagreement to both the administration and my faculty peers about Yancys invitation and lecture. Other faculty and staff did as well. Ive been told that action was taken so such a mismatched invitation does not occur again. Bomberger announced that Yancys talk, got zero pushback from Wheaton leadership. Zilch. Well, maybe he did not know and assumed the worst to make his point, but I was part of the pushback, and I was not alone. Yancys invitation led to several follow-up conversations between students, faculty, and administration. So, the comparison between the Yancy visit and Bombergers talk only exists to distract from the fact that some college kids disagreed with Bomberger, and he keeps writing about it. Put simply, trying to distract from one controversy by calling out Wheaton for a guest speaker invited by a former part-time professor is neither helpful or honest. Its hard not to see his latest article, after all the others, as another try at getting more people to pay attention. It got my attention, so here I am. More Facts Now, Ive said my piece. Ive tried to clarify and yes, Ive defended my institution. My guess is we wont agree on all the facts, but I do hope that this new information will clarify for Bomberger and others. However, I imagine that he wont be satisfied with that since he used the words to publicly and denounce. Instead, our faculty responded to a faculty issue in their faculty system, just as the students responded to their issue with him. So, he can try to say it was not done the way he wanted or, he can see my articles as #factivismsomething he often says is important and puts in his Twitter bio. Honestly, there are lots of other lectures at Christian colleges where the administration probably said, Well, that was not what we expected. It happens. For me, this was definitely one of them. So, yes, our faculty had strong conversations about a professor from Emory University. And our students had disagreements with Bomberger. But, they were different situations with different responses. The facts are that Bomberger tried to bring up another speech to embarrass Wheaton. And since I was involved in that situation, he (unintentionally) brought me in to the conversation. To Bomberger: Where do we go from here? I dont know, but here are some thoughts where we might move forward, maybe even together. Ryan Bomberger, lets stop talking about each other and past each other so that we can focus on what is infinitely more important than our recent he said, he said posts. No matter what we disagree on, I think we both can agree that: -You, I, and Wheaton are pro-life and against the scourge of abortion. -You and I were the (token!) Protestants at the Chicago March for Life. I bet weve both done plenty of other similar work with CareNet and others. -You, I, Wheaton, and virtually every other individual, institution, and group in the U.S. must continue to improve our understanding of race and how to treat all people with the love our heavenly Father intends. -We agree that black lives matter, including (often forgotten) unborn black lives. You and some students disagree about the after-lecture dialogue, and you probably did not know about the post-Yancy lecture discussion. But heres the deal: sharing ideas and disagreements is part of the college experience. We learn little when we only listen to people with whom we agree. Part of that process is learning how to disagree. You and I might have expressed our concerns differently than the students did, and Ive already mentioned parts of the letter I did not like, but theyre students. Theyre learning. Thats what theyre here for. I dont think we are going to agree on everything, but I hope that now you have more information. The Real Issue No matter what we disagree about concerning past processes, procedures, and personal affronts, there is a tragedy in our nation that is far more important. Our laws of abortion on demand are radical by even global standards, standing with a handful of other countries like China and North Korea. And, at the just-published Breakpoint Symposium on The Pro-Life Movement in 2019, both Wheaton College president Phil Ryken and I are featured. One theme emerged from the participants: the pro-life movement has more work to do. And, we need each other in that work. Ryans talk reminded me that my many articles about abortion and life might influence my readers. Ive written about why Im unapologetically pro-life, expressed concern about progressive evangelicals unwilling to speak up on abortion, even criticized an article published here in Christianity Today by Tim Kaine, and many more. All that said, my articles only go to my readers here, and Ive not engaged the Wheaton College pro-life community. His comments have provoked me to do so and Im thankful for Ryans life story and mission. Its time to stop writing articles and instead redouble our efforts to work together against abortion and racial inequality. I hope that can happen. I plan to call Ryan tomorrow to see if it can. Ed Stetzer holds the Billy Graham Distinguished Chair of Church, Mission, and Evangelism at Wheaton College, serves as Dean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership at Wheaton College, is executive director of the Billy Graham Center, and publishes church leadership resources through Mission Group. California May Teach Kindergarteners There Are 15 Genders Share Tweet Kindergarteners and other elementary-aged students in Californias public schools will be taught to reject gender stereotypes such as about clothing, colors and toys and to accept transgenderism as normative if proposed health guidelines are approved. There would be no opt-out option for parents. One recommended book in the guidelines tells the story of a boy who wants to be a princess. Another recommended book teaches students there are at least 15 genders. That same book also tells children its impossible to know if a baby is a boy or a girl. The guidelines are part of the California Department of Educations proposed Health Education Framework . Discuss gender with kindergarteners by exploring gender stereotypes and asking open-ended questions, such as what are preferred colors, toys, and activities for boys/girls, and then challenging stereotypes if presented, chapter three of the proposed guidelines reads. Throughout this discussion, show images of children around the same age who do not conform to typical gender stereotypes. Examples do not have to be exaggerated or overt. Simple differences, such as colors or toy preferences, can demonstrate acceptance of gender non-conformity. Details about the guidelines were first reported by Brenda Lebsack at EdSource.org . She is a member of the Orange Unified School District board of education in Orange County. While students may not fully understand the concepts of gender expression and identity, the guidelines state, some children in kindergarten and even younger have identified as transgender or understand they have a gender identity that is different from their sex assigned at birth. This may present itself in different ways including dress, activity preferences, experimenting with dramatic play, and feeling uncomfortable self-identifying with their sex assigned at birth. One recommended childrens book in the guidelines is My Princess Boy by author Cheryl Kilodavis. The guidelines call it an an age-appropriate book that can be used to demonstrate gender differences and inclusion. Another recommended childrens book is Who Are You?: The Kids Guide to Gender Identity by author Brook PessinWhedbee. The colorful book defines gender as boy, girl, both, neither, trans, genderqueer, non-binary, gender fluid, transgender, gender neutral, agender, neutrois, bigender, third gender, two spirit.... All total, 15 possible genders are listed. The book says parents dont know if a baby is a boy or a girl at birth. Babies cant talk, so grown-ups make a guess by looking at their bodies, it reads . California last revamped its health education framework was 2002. The State Board of Education will consider adopting the new framework in May, Lebsack said. This framework will potentially have more impact on parents, schools and our culture in general than any other adopted in the past, she wrote. Parents will not have the opportunity to opt their children out of the classes, Lebsack added. Thats because unlike sexual health education which has an opt-out materials that discuss gender, sexual orientation or family life are considered normative education. R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., said parents likely will be considered more the problem than the solution in debate over the proposal. There are many who argue that the role of the public schools is to correct the religious prejudices that children are likely to encounter in their homes, Mohler said during the Jan. 15 edition of The Briefing. ... Parents in California and elsewhere cannot say you were not warned. Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com. Photo courtesy: Pixabay Muslim Throng Converges on Worship Site of Coptic Church in Egypt Share Tweet JERUSALEM, January 15, 2019 (Morning Star News) Police in Upper Egypt evicted Coptic priests and shuttered their church building after an Islamist mob converged on the site over the weekend, according to reports. Muslim villagers in Manshiyet Zaafarna, Minya Governorate, attacked the church of Mar-Giris (St. George) at 1:30 p.m. on Friday (Jan. 11), after mosque noon prayers, according to a statement by the office of the Bishop of Minya and Abu-Qurqas, headed by Coptic Orthodox Bishop General of Minya Anba Makarios. The next day, according to the bishops statement as cited by Watani News, a mob of about 1,000 Muslim villagers descended upon the church building, demanding that it be closed. A video posted on Facebook shows a narrow street packed with male protestors chanting Leave, leave, as well as Islamic chants such as, No other God other than Allah. Police pacified the mob by giving into their demands, according to Watani. They evicted two priests and the few remaining congregants inside and closed the building, which brought an elated response from the crowd. It appears to indicate that extremists now hold the upper hand, Makarios said in the statement, and appeasing them is the way out of problems. The statement pointed out that this latest closure is especially disappointing in the wake of claims by high-ranking government officials that they support freedom of religion in the country. This comes in the wake of declarations by the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmad al-Tayyeb, in favor of churches, also positive talk and actions by President Abdel-Fattah a-Sisi that every Egyptian has the right to practice his or her religion of choice, and to Coptic Pope Tawadross efforts on that front, read the statement, according to Watani. The village, which is about 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Cairo, is home to about 1,000 Copts, according to church officials. Harassment against the church started on Coptic Orthodox Christmas Eve about a week earlier, when Muslim protestors barged into the church building hours after a special service. As long as there is no deterrent action, others will be encouraged to behave in the same manner [and get away with it], the bishops statement said. Makarios has consistently voiced objections to many closed churches in Minya Governorate. This month, three churches have been closed in Minya Governorate, according to the news site Copts Today. Days before the one in Manshiyet Zaafarna, a place of worship was closed in Al-Mansour village, and not long before that, one in the city of Minya, according to the report. Watani has also reported on closures in the village of Sultan Basha in Minya last summer. The media center for the Egyptian Cabinet made a statement denying news reports that three churches closed in Minya in response to angry Muslims. The statement stressed that authorities encourage freedom of worship as it is guaranteed in the law and the constitution of the country. It added that news reports were only rumors that aim to divide the country. Ishak Ibrahim, of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, confirmed the closure in Manshiyet Zaafarna, according to advocacy group Coptic Solidarity. Ibrahim told Coptic Solidarity that the sectarian violence in Minya may be due to the high number of Christians there, as well as area poverty. This may be the only space available for people to vent their anger against the state, he said. They are taking it out on the weakest link, the Christians. Egypts Christians face discriminatory laws in building and maintaining houses of worship, which give Muslims a pretext to attack the churches, according to human rights advocates. Assailants are not properly prosecuted under the law, but rather matters go to formal "reconciliation meetings" in which community elders gather to discuss a compromise, which usually ends in Christians losing their worship rights, rights advocates say. A church building law passed in 2016 with the hope that it would bring equality to Christians, but it was badly written, implemented poorly and perpetuated many of the discriminatory policies, they say. Egypt ranked 17th 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/? Article originally published by Morning Star News. Used with permission. Photo courtesy: Pexels MSU Student Receives Gilman Scholarship By WestKyStar & MSU Staff Greene is one of 844 undergraduate students from 355 colleges and universities across the U.S. to receive the scholarship opportunity. The Congressionally funded Gilman scholarship broadens the U.S. student populations world view by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduate Pell Grant recipients to fund study abroad opportunities. This particular scholarship allows students who might not otherwise be able to afford to study abroad the opportunity to do so without financial worries, said Robyn Pizzo, education abroad advisor at Murray State who works with students to strengthen their applications for the Gilman scholarship. They can focus on the academics of the program and the experiences they are having abroad rather than worrying about money. Greene medically retired from the U.S. Army in 2016 and is now pursuing higher education at Murray State. He is planning to study abroad on an exchange program at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso in Chile. Greene is a volunteer with Team Rubicon, an international disaster response nonprofit organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to provide rapid relief for communities in need. On a recent mission in Puerto Rico, Greene decided to pursue Spanish language study in order to communicate better with populations in need. Given the ever-evolving damage of disasters throughout the world, I am sure that it will not be a matter of if I will use the Spanish language training I have learned in this study abroad program, but a matter of where in the world I will be and who I will be helping, Greene said. Since the Gilman programs establishment in 2001, more than 1,300 U.S. institutions have sent more than 28,000 Gilman scholars who represent the rich diversity of the United States to 145 countries around the globe. The Gilman program aims to make study abroad and its career advantages more accessible and inclusive for American students, said Heidi Manley, chief of USA Study Abroad at the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. These diverse American students gain critical skills overseas that expand their career options and ability to make an impact in their home communities. Manley also noted that the program particularly focuses on supporting first-generation college students, students in STEM fields, ethnic and racial minority students, students with disabilities, students who are veterans, students attending community colleges and minority serving institutions and other populations underrepresented in study abroad. Visit murraystate.edu/educationabroad for more information about study abroad and scholarship opportunities at Murray State. Murray State University provides an Opportunity Afforded for students through a high-quality education with experiential learning, academic and personal growth and the ability to secure a lifetime of success. Since 1922, the true value of higher education has been found at Murray State University, where our commitment is to afford endless opportunities for developing leaders in the community, the country and the world. The Universitys main campus is located in Murray, KY and includes five regional campuses. For more information about Murray State University, visit www.murraystate.edu. MURRAY - Murray State University has announced that Michael Greene of Cadiz has been selected to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad in spring 2019. A Middle Tennessee teacher who took a 15-year-old female student across the country has been sentenced to serve 20 years in federal prison. Tad Cummins apologized to the victim during his sentencing in Nashville on Wednesday. After his release, he will be under lifetime supervision. He earlier pleaded guilty to charges of transportation of a minor across state lines for the purposes of having criminal sexual intercourse and destruction, and alteration or falsification of records in federal investigations. Authorities said he engaged in sexual activity with the girl during the trip last year that prompted a nationwide manhunt. The teacher and student were finally located in a rural section of northern California. A statement from the victim was read in court. Among those writing letters of support for Cummins was his daughter. She referred to "this stupid thing" and said one small lie led to many big ones. CGLA Students searching for macroinvertebrates, aquatic creatures that can help indicate the health of watersheds - photo by Casey Phillips/Tennessee Aquarium Whether it is flowing in the Tennessee River, soaking into the soil or pouring from the tap, clean water is a vital natural resource. On Tuesday, 10 students from Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy received a hands-on lesson in the critical importance of clean water to humans and wildlife during a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute. The students visited as part of their involvement in a yearlong mentorship program through Tennessee American Water. The group of ninth graders took part in a variety of activities designed to show them waters impact on aquatic life as well as their own health. It is important to have students see what is in the streams and rivers right in their own back yard, said Tennessee Aquarium Watershed Coordinator Hayley Wise. It gives them more appreciation for the nature surrounding them. We also want to get the message across that anything you do on the land will impact the waterways that serve as their drinking water source. It is important to limit the non-point source pollution in our city. During their visit, the students toured the Conservation Institutes freshwater science facility, located on the banks of the Tennessee River downstream from downtown Chattanooga. Afterward, they had a close-up encounter with macro-invertebrates such as aquatic insects and crayfish collected from a nearby stream and learned how non-point source pollution can affect watersheds. Water quality and environmental compliance specialists from Tennessee American then walked the students through testing of water from multiple sources, including the river, the laboratorys tap water and the institutes propagation facilities used to raise imperiled species such as Lake Sturgeon and Southern Appalachian Brook Trout. This workshop reflects the natural symbiosis of the Aquarium and Tennessee American Waters respective missions, said Daphne Kirksey, Tennessee American Waters external affairs manager. We both share an appreciation and recognition of the importance of valuing our water, from natural resources to treated drinking water to wastewater, Ms. Kirksey said. Both organizations educate the public on the value of water and what our organizations do to protect our water but also what individuals themselves can do to assure that the water remains there for use for generations to come. This event lets the students see how our two groups have different day-to-day activities but that we each play a part in monitoring water quality. By learning how critical clean water is to the well-being of humans and animals alike, the students were shown why protecting this natural resource is so important, Ms. Wise said. We want the girls to be inspired to be stewards for freshwater, she said. I hope they left knowing they can make a difference with water conservation and feel empowered to make changes in their daily lives to reduce pollution. Signal Energy Australia, Pty Ltd, the Australian subsidiary of Chattanooga-based Signal Energy, LLC, has been selected by Edify Energy and Octopus Investments to build the Darlington Point Solar Plant in western New South Wales, Australia. Signal Energy, LLC is a leading design/build general contractor providing engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to the renewable energy industry. This is Signals second project in Australia, and, when completed, it will be the largest solar project in the country, producing enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 115,000 NSW homes and displacing more than 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. This will also be Signal Energy Australias second partnership with Canadian Solar, Inc. who will supply the solar modules for the project. We are extremely pleased that Edify Energy and Octopus Investments selected us to construct the Darlington Point project, said Greg Pawson, president of Signal Energy, Edifys track record of success in Australia, collaboration, and focus on quality makes them an ideal customer to work with. Octopus brings a wealth of solar investment experience from Europe and we look forward to building our relationship with them. Construction starts in March and will be complete in 2020. The solar plant will be built on approximately 2,000 acres near Darlington Point, New South Wales, Australia. Over 820,000 of Canadian Solars 1500V high efficiency HiKu (CS3W-P) will be installed on single-axis tracking systems. Dr. Shawn Qu, chairman and chief executive officer of Canadian Solar, said, We are delighted to be selected by Edify Energy and Octopus Investments to provide EPC services together with Signal Energy and to supply our high efficiency and industry-leading 1500V and 400W multi-crystalline solar modules to this large-scale solar power plant. Our work with Darlington Point Solar Farm further demonstrates our strengths as a systems solutions provider with global experience. We are committed to work closely with local Australian communities in creating new jobs and to provide customers in Australia with affordable and reliable solar energy. Google plans to work with TVA to deploy 1.6 million solar panels to power two new huge Google data centers in Tennessee and Alabama. Google officials said, "Hundreds of engineers, electricians and construction workers are building two new, energy-efficient Google data center campuses in the Southeastern U.S. - one in Tennessee and another in northern Alabama. And were not stopping there - were also putting more carbon-free energy on the electric grid that will power our servers in the region. "In the coming years, Google will purchase the output of several new solar farms as part of a deal with the Tennessee Valley Authority, totaling 413 megawatts of power from 1.6 million solar panels - thats equivalent to the combined size of 65,000 home rooftop solar systems. "Located in Hollywood, Alabama and Yum Yum, Tennessee, the two biggest solar farms will be able to produce around 150 megawatts each. These solar sites will be among the largest renewable energy projects in the Tennessee Valley region, and the largest solar farms ever to be built for Google. Thanks to the abundant solar power generated by these new farms, electricity consumed by our data centers in Tennessee and Alabama will be matched with 100 percent renewable energy from day one, helping us match our annual electricity consumption as we grow. "Deploying solar farms does more than provide a cost-effective way to procure clean power. It will also create economic benefits for Tennessee and northern Alabama. TVAs developer partners -NextEra Energy Resources and Invenergy - will hire hundreds of workers in the region, make long-term lease payments to property owners, and generate millions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenue for the broader community. To date, Google's more than 30 long-term contract commitments to purchase renewable energy have resulted in nearly $5 billion in investment worldwide. "Last year, we shared our long-term objective to source carbon-free electricity around the clock for each of our data centers. These new solar projects will bring us substantially closer to that goal in the Southeastern U.S. In the carbon heat map below, you can see how well our operations in the region will be matched with carbon-free energy on an hour-by-hour basis, compared to a scenario without the solar projects. The green ribbon that appears in the heat map illustrates how the solar farms will make the majority of our daytime electricity use carbon-free.Thanks to the deployment of 1.6 million solar panels, approximately 72 percent of our data center electricity use in Alabama and Tennessee will be matched on an hourly basis with carbon-free sourcescompared to a status-quo regional grid mix that is 48 percent carbon free. (This projection is based on 2017 TVA generation, power demand of a typical Google data center, and local solar resources.). "Theres still more to do to make our data centers fully carbon free around the world, and we have a number of ideas on how to get there. Were one step closer thanks to the solar stardom of Hollywood, Alabama and the carbon-free flavors of Yum Yum, Tennessee." John Bradley, TVA's senior vice president of economic development, said, Top-tier businesses like Google choose to invest in the Valley because of TVAs diverse energy portfolio. Delivering large amounts of reliable, renewable energy at competitive rates creates quality jobs for the region and makes the Valley an attractive place to do business. Doug Perry, TVA vice president of commercial energy solutions, said, TVA recognizes that renewable energy is a tremendous asset in terms of economic and environmental benefits. Were excited to partner with Google and make this happen for our region. The Unity Group of Chattanooga, in conjunction with the National Park Partners, Mary Walker Historical and Education Foundation, and the 44th United States Colored Troops Reenactment Group will host a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Project, Honoring the United States Colored Troops at National Cemetery. There will be a Wreath Laying ceremony for Troops who served in Union Army during U. S. Civil War and who helped to erect Chattanooga National Cemetery. The event will be on Monday at 1 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, directly across from main cemetery office. The event is free and open to the public. The wreath laying ceremony will pay respectful tribute to the service and memory of the United States Colored Troops who so honorably served our nation in the hopes of advancing freedom and liberty for all, and in the call for erecting a permanent and lasting memorial which adequately and appropriately recognizes their noble hardships and sacrifice to a most grateful nation. This event will be held in conjunction with the National Park Partners, Mary Walker Historical Educational Foundation, and the 44th USCT reenactment group. Throughout the duration of the Civil War, African- Americans performed in a wide variety of details and functions including: rearguards, carpenters, chaplains, personal attendants, cooks, scouts, spies, steamboat pilots, and conscripted laborers which often included the burying of the dead. On December 25, 1863, the Commander of the Cumberland, Gen. George H. Thomas -- The Rock of Chickamauga -- issued General Order 296 creating the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Cemetery and assigning oversight of the erection and completion to the Army's chaplain Thomas B. Van Horne. USCT units stationed in Chattanooga such as the 14th, 16th, 18th, and in particular the 44th, would serve with bravery and gallantry during many pivotal conflicts which helped to preserve the Union, including the First and Second Battles of Dalton and the decisive Battle of Nashville that thoroughly defeated the last remnants of Hoods Confederate Army of Tennessee. The men of the 42nd USCT were entrusted with securing and relocating the graves of fallen soldiers within a 50-mile radius, and would also clear and prepare the grounds for burials and assist with the overall layout and design of this very Chattanooga National Cemetery. For the last two decades, in addition to numerous battlefield markers, several National Cemeteries have sought to be more inclusive by depicting an accurate portrayal and historical analysis of the significant hardships and contributions of USCT in helping to preserve the Union and advance the cause of freedom, and amongst these are a storyboard that retells the contributions of USCT in the Philadelphia National Cemetery (2017) and the United States Colored Troops National Monument in Nashville (2003). Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager (R-Kingston) said Tuesday that incoming State Senator Rosalind Kurita will caucus with Republicans in the Tennessee Senate. Senator Yager said members of the Senate Republican Caucus extended an invitation to Senator Kurita, an independent, which was accepted by the newly-appointed Clarksville senator. Senator Kurita was appointed by members of the Montgomery County Commission on Monday night to temporarily fill the term of Congressman Mark Green in Senate District 22 until voters choose a successor on April 23. The members of the Senate Republican Caucus welcome Senator Kurita with open arms and are very pleased she has accepted our invitation, said Chairman Yager. She will be a great asset to the people of Houston, Stewart and Montgomery Counties and the State of Tennessee, bringing vast experience to the position. We look forward to working with her. Senator Kurita served in the Tennessee Senate from 1996 -2008, including a two-year term as Senate Speaker Pro Tempore. During her legislative tenure, she focused on issues affecting health, transportation, education and the military. "I appreciate Chairman Yager's gracious invitation on the behalf of the Senate Republican Caucus. I wholeheartedly accept, said Senator Kurita. My time in office may be short but I am eager to hit the ground running. I have committed to being an independent voice on behalf of the people of Montgomery, Houston and Stewart counties. I am already working to honor that commitment. There is much to do and limited time in which to do it. I am looking forward to serving my constituents and the state of Tennessee in every way I can until a replacement is elected. Senator Kurita will take the oath of office on Friday as the senate meets for the fourth organizational day. The Senate will then meet in a joint session with the House of Representatives on Saturday for the inauguration of Governor-elect Bill Lee. Lee University saw its placement rise once again in the popular U.S. News & World Report Best Online Bachelor's Programs ranking. This year Lees ranking rose 18 spots to a tie for #42 on the list, which, unlike its popular Best Colleges rankings, assesses only online programs and rates colleges and universities of all sizes and categories on the same list. Rankings are determined by a measurement of the universitys student engagement, services and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and peer reputation. It is exciting to be ranked in the top 50 this year alongside so many larger, public universities like Arizona State, Ohio State, and Georgia, said Dennis Purvis, director of enrollment services for Lee University Online. U.S. News is the gold standard of college rankings. To join that list as a private, Christian school and be the top-ranked school in Tennessee is something we can all be proud of. It is just further proof that we are building our online program with an intentional, student-focused approach. Other universities in Tennessee were also ranked in Best Online Bachelors Programs, such as University of Memphis (#58), Carson-Newman University (#259), East Tennessee State University (#264 tie), and University of Tennessee at Martin (#200). Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Florida was ranked #1. "Lee has an outstanding curriculum and faculty, both on campus and online, and we are excited that others are recognizing this for our online programs, too, said Dr. Joshua Black, executive director of Lee Online. Lee University Online offers a flexible approach toward an affordable, accessible, and achievable degree program. Online degree programs include the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Bible and Theology, Business Administration, Christian Studies, Criminal Justice (2 emphases), Ministry Leadership (8 emphases), and Liberal Studies (degree completion). Additionally, the school offers online graduate programs in Business Administration (MBA), Marriage and Family Studies, Ministry Studies (4 emphases), and Music Education. Our online programs enable students around the world to have the Lee experience in their own setting, regardless of location, said Dr. Black. Working men and women can complete their undergraduate degree or earn their graduate degree from Lee while still living their lives in their home communities. U.S. News has been ranking colleges for 35 years and continues to be a closely watched college ranking. U.S. News evaluated more than 1,000 online programs to develop rankings for online bachelors degrees as well as various categories of online graduate degree programs. For a full list of rankings, visit https://www.usnews.com/. For more information about Lee University Online, visit http://www.leeuniversity.edu/adult-learning/. Forward is an ecumenical group which offers mutual support for those who have lost a spouse. First-Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Chattanooga will host a new small group, seven sessions in all, beginning Saturday, Feb. 9, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in the church parlor. These groups offer space for the newly and sometimes not so newly bereaved to share experiences and begin to find ways to step Forward into the future. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this group, contact Cindy Ruff at the church office at 423 756-2021. There is no charge for this group. Ruby Falls announces the addition of three key staff positions to support the companys growth. Ruby Falls has hired Neyrissa Best, Missy Montgomery and Matt Owens to the Marketing and Operations teams. Ms. Best joins as the inside sales coordinator; Ms. Montgomery as Digital Media & Public Relations coordinator and Mr. Owens as senior graphic designer. We are thrilled to add an outstanding group of professionals to our team, says Ruby Falls President Hugh Morrow. Their commitment to the highest standard of excellence and fresh perspectives of the brand make them an ideal fit for Ruby Falls and will complement our existing team for years to come. Ms. Best joins the Ruby Falls operations team full time as inside sales coordinator after working with R&R Marketing since 2016. "Bests unfailing attention to detail and welcoming demeanor is a perfect fit for her externally facing role coordinating international, civic, special interest, convention and school group visits for the Lookout Mountain Attractions brand," officials said. As the digital media & public relations coordinator, Ms. Montgomery drives digital media strategies for Ruby Falls social media platforms. "Working with the marketing team, Montgomery strengthens brand awareness through collaboration with local and regional influencers and news and media outlets to promote special events and projects related to the Ruby Falls mission," officials said. Prior to joining the Ruby Falls team, Ms. Montgomery held the role of social marketing coordinator for a Christian media company in Orlando, Fl. Mr. Owens joins the Ruby Falls Marketing team relocating from Oneonta, Al., where he founded and led a full-service graphic design company. "Owens brings over a decade of experience in print and digital graphics and is exceptionally skilled in formulating original concepts," officials said. We are very excited to welcome Matt to the Ruby Falls marketing team, says Director of Marketing Beth Robinson. His extensive background, outstanding creative talent and eye for design will be a strong asset as we continue to advance the iconic Ruby Falls brand. Andrew Miller, Ruby Falls business solutions manager accepted the expansion of his position to oversee the brands e-Commerce platforms and will take the lead in providing digital and predictive analytics and insights. "The new role leverages Millers high-level understanding of industry and digital trends, creating a strategically agile, cross-functional marketing team," officials said. Miller has been with Ruby Falls since 2009. In the months leading up to the recent 90th anniversary of the discovery of Ruby Falls, the attraction acquired sole ownership of R&R Hospitality LLC, debuted a multi-sensory light show and completed a multimillion-dollar expansion. The next phase of Ruby Falls expansion is in development and will be announced later this year. The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. has received a donation of more than 2,300 acres on Lookout Mountain from an anonymous donor, as well as additional acreage from the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Inc. Together, the donated property constitutes most of the failed development called the Preserve at Rising Fawn, located at Johnsons Crook in Dade County, Ga. The property includes more than 30 known caves, stands of hardwood trees in a stunning landscape, and a diverse ecological environment supporting wildlife of all kinds, officials said. The donated land will be named the Charles B. Henson Preserve at Johnsons Crook, honoring the memory of Chuck Henson, a long-time caver and benefactor to the Conservancy. His recognition of the risks of development to the fragile systems of Johnsons Crook and the opportunity for conservation began the efforts to protect the land and make the preserve a reality. For over six years, Georgia-Alabama Land Trust worked to protect many parcels in the failed development as they became available, through the acquisition of land and through conservation easements. It now holds a permanent conservation easement on all of the land in the Henson Preserve. The Land Trust's Johnson's Crook Project was accomplished through private and corporate donations, and support from foundations such as the Open Space Institute's Northwest Georgia Land Protection Fund. Open Space Institute's Northwest Georgia Land Protection Fund is made possible with funding from the Lyndhurst Foundation and the Benwood Foundation. The Northwest Georgia Land Protection Fund seeks to build capacity of land trusts working to protect ecologically significant landscapes in northwest Georgia. "I can't tell you how thrilled I am that this project all came together," said Katherine Eddins, executive director of the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust. "The importance of preserving Johnson's Crook first came to my attention 15 years ago, and it has been gratifying to see land once slated for development preserved in its natural state." "The partnership with the Land Trust has made it possible for this natural resource to be protected and enjoyed forever by cavers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts," said Ray Knott, executive director of SCCi. "The Conservancy wants the Henson Preserve to be an asset to Dade County and the North Georgia community." The Conservancy will work with community partners to develop a master plan for the Henson Preserve. "Conserving this amount of land comes with a lot of responsibility and cost. Stewardship, trails, and basic recreation structures can be costly. We will need the input and support of many partners to make the Henson Preserve a North Georgia destination," stated Mr. Knott. The Southeastern Cave Conservancy, Inc. (SCCi) protects more than 170 caves on 4,500 acres in six southeastern states. The Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Inc. is a nonprofit conservation organization that actively works to protect and steward land. They are the largest land trust that services the Southeastern region of the United States. Vicat Egypt to invest in Sinai Cement 16 January 2019 Vicat Egypt is expected to invest up to EUR30m in Sinai Cement Co to meet the demand of the local and regional market. Tamer Magdy, CEO, Vicat Egypt, made the announcement during an event celebrating the 15th anniversary of the companys presence in the Egyptian market. Vicat acquired Sinai Cement, based near El Arish, in 2003. The Egyptian economy has the potential to recover as it is moving forward on the back of the countrys policies, according to the CEO of Vicat Group, Guy Sidos. "With each passing day, we were confident of the return of stability to the Sinai," stated Mr Sidos. Published under Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription, or activate your access, to continue reading. Not standing in a room.Sanchez was the home of the Salamia family The agricultural area of Puebla was threatened by... Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter shares his perspective with human rights defenders from around the world at a July conference hosted by The Carter Center. Last July The Carter Center brought together nearly 70 activists, peacemakers, and religious and community leaders from 36 countries for the annual Human Rights Defenders Forum. The conference theme Restoring Faith in Freedom was chosen because of the sense that many people across the globe are losing faith in the institutions and principles that have long guided them. The group spent four days discussing pressing issues income inequality, the rise of authoritarianism, the backlash against human rights defenders while also looking for ways to restore the social contract, rebuild faith, and recommit to the indivisibility of human rights. Defenders shared their successes, challenges, and frustrations. Heres what three had to say: The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has released a notification calling for recruitment of eligible candidates to the post of 349 Civil Judges to be deputed across the various Courts in the State of Bihar. The online application process towards the Recruitment For 349 Civil Judges starts from 14 January 2019 and will close on 23 January 2019 with 28 January 2019 as the last date for payment of application fee. CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Posts Civil Judges Recruitment Organisation Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) Educational Qualification Graduate in Law/LLB/LLM Job Location Bihar Salary Scale As per the rules prescribed by the Bihar Judicial Services. Industry Judiciary Application Start Date January 14, 2019 Application End Date January 23, 2019 Age Criteria And Fee The recruitment drive is a part of the 30th Bihar Judicial Services and desirous candidates applying for the post of Civil Judges must have attained 22 years of age as on 08 January 2017 and not exceeded 35 years, with a relaxation in the upper age limit to various categories, including women as detailed in the notification. Candidates are also required to pay a prescribed fee of Rs 750/- (Gen/OBC/Other State) and Rs 200/- (SC/ST/PWD/Women) through online (net-banking, credit/debit payment gateways) mode only before 28 January 2019. Also Read: Ballari District Court Recruitment 2019: Vacancies For Stenos, Typists, Peons and Process Servers Category Wise Vacancy Details For 349 Civil Judges Posts Category No. Of Vacancies General 175 SC 56 ST 03 OBC 73 BC 42 Total 349 Education Criteria And Selection Candidates applying for the Civil Judges post must possess a Degree in Law from a recognised University/Institute/Board. The selection of candidates will be done through a written examination of 600 marks comprising the following papers - General Knowledge and Current Affairs, Elementary Science, General Hindi, General English, and Law of Evidence and Procedure followed by an interview. For more details about exam, refer to the notification or click here Selected candidates will be as per the rules prescribed by the Bihar Judicial Services. Also Read: APPSC Recruitment For Deputy Executive Information Engineers 2019 How To Apply Application must be submitted through online mode only on the official BPSC website at http://bpsc.bih.nic.in/Default.htm For details on filling the application and fee payment click here 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. 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Sign in news, latest-news The tech giant at the centre of the "censusfail" furore is not bidding to build the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for the 2021 national survey. IBM has confirmed it is sitting out the project to develop, host and support the online platform for the next census. The bureau, which is looking to avoid a repeat of the two-day shutdown that shredded its reputation for IT in 2016, expects three quarters of the nation's households to complete the 2021 survey online. Its open search for a contractor is a break with its decision before 2016 to engage IBM without market testing, a move blamed for the bungled online census delivery on August 9-10 that year. The bureau is yet to announce a preferred bidder. IBM built online platforms for the census in 2006 and 2011. The bureau chose the company to deliver the online census before 2016 without market testing in a decision later criticised by a federal government review of the shutdown controversy. IBM took on the $9.6 million contract for the project. Despite funding and staffing pressures, the bureau has told senators it won't outsource the 2021 survey. It expects more households will complete the next census online, continuing a move way from paper forms beginning more than a decade ago. Households completing the census online will grow from 59 per cent in 2016 and 34 per cent in 2011, if the bureau has predicted correctly. The shift will increase pressure on the agency to escape the failures leading to its decision to temporarily shut down the survey after IBM alerted it to activity believed to be a possible data breach but later found to pose no threat. After the "censusfail" Twitter hashtag emerged in response and became a byword for federal government IT blunders, Australian Statistician David Kalisch is pushing back against the widespread view the bureau botched the 2016 survey. "It really irks me when people still talk about 'censusfail', because it didn't [fail]," Mr Kalisch said. "It had a glitch, it had a complication around the time of the availability of the online form. But when you look at what the census is supposed to do, in terms of providing high quality data around population, around features of the community, around features of local regions, Australia got all the data that they needed." A major review into the 2016 shutdown by Malcolm Turnbull's cyber security advisor Alastair MacGibbon warned public mistrust in the census would linger. "The publics confidence in the ability of government to deliver took a serious blow, more so than any previous IT failure," Mr MacGibbon's report said. The MacGibbon report found the bureau's trust in and closeness to IBM were factors leading to the August 9-10 shutdown, and criticised the agency for failing to own up to its mistakes. It found the bureau and the tech company had not adequately planned for a crisis. Protections were inadequate against the distributed denial of service attacks that brought on the shutdown, despite being part of IBM's brief, Mr MacGibbon said. He called on government agencies to embrace cyber security in upgrading their IT and urged the bureau to improve how it managed tech contracts. Mr Kalisch said the bureau accepted Mr MacGibbon's findings and had reached similar conclusions in its own investigations. The agency has previously said it had completed the government cyber security chief's recommended reforms. "With the census, there'd been a history of doing it progressively, iterating the way it was done. But nonetheless the core model was pretty much the same. And within that can come some sense of 'it worked well last time, let's do it again the next time'," Mr Kalisch said. "One of the things we're particularly mindful of with 2021 is just thinking about some of those past practices can actually not be risk mitigations but actually lead you into the zone of potentially facing greater risks as the environment changes." Among the old ways that didn't serve the bureau in 2016 was a publicity campaign designed for an earlier era and failing to prepare people for a census moving more decisively away from paper forms. The agency had also mishandled the debate before the survey over its use and retention of data, Mr MacGibbon said. Mr Kalisch said the bureau had since realised its smaller size compared to other government agencies required it to partner more with others. Its relationships with cyber security agencies inside the federal government were well-established after 2016, he said. The bureau is speaking to the federal cyber security centre, and electronic spy agency the Australian Signals Directorate, about its protections against attacks. "I'm not about to disclose some of those treatments or actions, but certainly one of the things that is quite different from last time is that we're being quite proactive in engaging with the cyber security centre and ASD to make sure that as much as possible we specify the treatments that should be in place and also draw upon their expertise that isn't otherwise available in the marketplace." Mr Kalisch admitted its publicity campaign before the 2016 census didn't reflect one of its innovations, mailing households with an access code for the online form. It would need to communicate differently with the public before 2021. "It was quite clear when people thought about the change of the census process, there wasn't enough attention to how do we communicate this to the public, and over an extended period of time," he said. "We're also finding in terms of broader communications, that you do need to think through and actually have the conversation with the community. It's not something you can rush." The Coalition government is directing in the order of $500 million towards Census 2021, a similar figure to the last survey, when it was expected to save $100 million in the belief that growth in online take-up would reduce costs. Mr Kalisch said the agency was still working out the next census' costs. Budget pressures for the bureau include a $36 million shortfall last financial year and it is reviewing its statistical collections. Its overall budget had been declining, Mr Kalisch said. "We've been trying to manage all of the risks while still delivering the types of statistics that Australia needs," he said. "It's really an ongoing challenge but it's one that many agencies are dealing with." The bureau is getting more critical voices from outside to review its work preparing for the census. Telstra and Tax Office staff sit on its census board, and KPMG is contracted to give advice, Mr Kalisch said. "It's just a way of making sure the organisation is not blindsided by things taking place in the broader environment that we're not aware of. And really just in the whole approach to decision-making and judgements, the more diverse the group of people you've got involved in the process, the more likely you are to make a better decision," he said. The bureau has escaped some of the distractions blamed for the troubled lead-up to the 2016 census. Mr Kalisch said there had been no discussion this time of scrapping the five-yearly event. The 2016 federal election closed communication between officials and ministers, and the bureau went a year without an agency chief in 2014. Australian National University demographer Liz Allen agreed census 2016 was not a failure and called the "censusfail" outcry a "beat-up". "Australians have embraced the census 2016 data in ways Ive not seen before," she said. An unexpected benefit of the controversy was greater public interest and conversation about data, and the bureau had received support from the public to continue its role, Dr Allen said. The bureau is consulting on its topics for the next survey. Dr Allen said she was heartened by the preparation for census 2021. "The public consultation about data collection topics and questions is what wed expect to see from a world class national statistical agency," she said. "The fact is Australia hasnt seen a change in the census form, in a substantive way, for around 20 years. This is extraordinary. "But this is not the fault of the ABS, rather the bureau has been caught up in major funding cuts and been political collateral damage meaning no substantive change to census questions." Demographer at .id Glenn Capuano said quality data depended on public trust in the bureau. "The census is really about people having confidence in the privacy and security of data," he said. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/eae5204b-7fd1-40dd-a25f-2521567ae1b9/r0_300_5568_3446_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime Police are hunting four men who held up a Spar supermarket in Canberra's south on Tuesday. The men punched one of the store staff and threatened others with a large knife before escaping with a stash of cash, tobacco and liquor. The attack happened at the store in Rivett at 8.30pm on Tuesday night. At the time, there were three employees in the store when the four men wearing balaclava helmets walked in and attacked one of them. According to one person who knows the victim, the shop worker was punched immediately before any demand was made. Police appealed for witnesses to the aggravated robbery to come forward. "One of the males was armed with a large knife," a police statement said. "The males threatened staff before fleeing." "They were last seen running in the direction of Rivett Ovals and may have left the area from Gungurra Crescent in a silver sedan or a green utility. "Police are urging anyone who may have any information, dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website." Police said anyone with information about the violent attack should quote reference 6353111. "Information can be provided anonymously," they said. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/8225beec-4da6-47e3-8691-6aee1c3c5740/r0_16_320_197_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Superb parrots have enjoyed their best breeding season in the ACT since a government-funded monitoring program began in 2015, bouncing back after two years of diminished breeding output. The vulnerable birds appear to have adapted to the development of Throsby, in Canberra's north, by selecting nest trees further from the urban edge, prompting researchers to stress the importance of conservation buffers to protect native wildlife and their breeding habitat. ACT government ecologist Dr Laura Rayner said breeding superb parrots produced an estimated 39 offspring in woodland adjacent to Throsby in 2018. The result was consistent with that of 2015, when 38 fledged young were born. But the number dropped significantly in the two years that followed, with breeding superb parrots producing just 13 offspring in the Throsby area in 2016, and 20 in 2017. "Essentially what we are seeing in these values is that superb parrot breeding output declined in the year that [Throsby] was created, but has since recovered, with 2018 being their most productive year since the start of our monitoring," Dr Rayner said. She said a combination of things might have contributed to the two-year breeding decline, including disturbance from earthworks and seasonal factors. Data from the monitoring program shows that the birds returned to trees previously used for breeding just 55.6 per cent of the time last year, down from 85.7 per cent in 2017 and 80 per cent in 2016. Superb parrots' nesting hollows were also an average of 78 metres further away from suburban boundaries last year than in 2015. "Interestingly, the trees that they've used in [2018], when they've recovered their productivity, appear to be trees that we haven't seen them breed in in previous years," Dr Rayner said. "That's critical and it's a good news story because it shows that the species is capable of adapting, but it's a cautionary message because it shows that if we are to develop next to a breeding colony, there's a chance that they need a bit of a minimum distance from that disturbance to breed effectively. "Unless they have that space to move into and find new nest trees, they might be pressured in a way that would compromise their productivity." The monitoring program has also looked at superb parrots' breeding output in the Molonglo Valley in the last two years, with the birds producing 35 offspring in 2018, up from 22 the year before. Dr Rayner, who spends most of her time between September and February scaling centuries-old trees to look for superb parrots' nesting hollows, said it was reassuring to see the species' breeding output on the way back up as the birds face two major threats. She said the woodland habitats superb parrots relied on were listed as critically endangered, while Australian National University research currently under way suggested that climate change may also significant reduce the migratory birds' natural range. "The predictions are absolutely chilling. Theyre concerning," Dr Rayner said. "Its suggested that in the next 50 years, their range is going to contract about 90 per cent, mostly in the northwestern part of their range around northern NSW." Dr Rayner said this was likely to result in superb parrots concentrating more around the ACT region, meaning that while Canberrans might start to see more superb parrots, that didn't necessarily mean the population was increasing. "Were looking down the barrel of having more birds becoming reliant on less habitat and less space," Dr Rayner said. "If those climate change predictions come true for the species, what we are facing is that one of the areas they are likely to be able to persist is here. "Weve got maybe 50 years to make sure that we can provide and protect enough woodland habitat that contains enough big, old trees with hollows of the right dimensions. "Canberras always been important for superb parrots because they breed here and anywhere a threatened species breeds is an important landscape, but its doubly important in thinking that we may see more birds in the ACT." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/9aa8ecea-7f29-4155-8190-b04ff064eae8/r0_406_4032_2684_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news The Powerball jackpot has reached $100 million, making it the equal highest lottery prize in Australia. This Thursday night at 8.25pm the balls will roll and the numbers will be drawn. The chance of winning a Division 1 Powerball prize currently stands at one in 134,490,400. So the same odds as getting a park in Braddon. If you feel lucky, punk, why not harness the power of visualisation and start thinking about how to spend those gains should you win. Aside from the obvious ones, like squaring off your debts and showering yourself in the cash, here's what you could spend your millions on in the ACT. Many years ago, the big owl chose to eternally roost in Belconnen, making the entire district his dominion. It ruffled a lot of feathers around Canberra. It wasn't the $400,000 price tag - which is actually a bargain for a consecrated relic - nor was its phallic form. It was blistering envy. Canberrans roared with: "Why Belco, and not Tuggers? Give us a hooter!" and "Belconnen? I only ever go out there for Goodberry's! I'll only see my feathered boy three nights a week!" With $100 million, 250 Canberra streets could have an owl of their own. To point out to the kids on the way to school. To pray to during your acrimonious divorce. Or perhaps 250 owl statues could be built in a neutral location to roost side-by-side. Canberra's take on the Terracotta Army. Another bird-related spending suggestion would be to spruce up the local peafowl. Sure, some regard them as local menaces, but the peacocks could add quite a premium to the already rather nice Narrabundah if they were dripping in fine jewels. Imagine that! A flock of fancy fowl running the place. You'll never have to skip your $20 avo on sourdough with a dusting of Dukkah and a sneeze of lemon juice again. As a new millionaire, you might suddenly find yourself to be too good for the bush capital. Which is fine, I was in that position myself when I got into a university in Sydney and said "See ya suckers!" as I galloped away from my hometown in my chariot/Magna. So I get it. With your big ol' gains, you could ditch the Murrays bus for an actual Qantas flight to Sydney and make a comfortable home in a converted studio garage in Woollahra. If you're not ready to flee the cushioned bosom of Canberra, but still want a treechange, you could cross the border to purchase 153 white-brick palaces in Queanbeyan. Your call. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/433707bd-c636-44a5-b764-3a7ca009f4fe/r0_139_4080_2444_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg WarbirdsNews has just received the December, 2018 report from Chuck Cravens concerning the restoration of the Dakota Territory Air Museums P-47D Thunderbolt 42-27609 at AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota. We thought our readers would be very interested to see how the project has progressed since our last article on this important project. So without further ado, here it goes! Update A milestone was reached this month as the tail cone was fitted to the forward fuselage. Other areas of focus were the tailwheel assembly and cockpit enclosure. As skin sections undergo final fitting, clecoes are replaced with permanent rivets. Other new skin sections go through the fitting process, with hundreds of clecoes holding them in place. Sub-assembly Work Work always continues away from the main fuselage fixture. This makes sure that parts and assemblies flow smoothly to the P-47, when they are called for in the assembly sequence. The mechanism linking the centering spring and the main tailwheel shaft shows here. The pulley is for the centering lock cable. (photo by John LaTourelle) Cockpit Enclosure The distinctive greenhouse cockpit enclosure of the razorback Thunderbolts is a challenging structure to restore. Like many assemblies in this restoration, new parts were made using originals for patterns. In this case the originals value as patterns was incalculable. New old stock parts were also used when they were available. On the cockpit enclosure, the window emergency release hardware is new old stock. Forward Fuselage P-47 History, Part 2 Last month, I detailed the early history of the Thunderbolt through the prototypes first flights. This time we will look at the production of the P-47 from the earliest versions through the end of the D model series. The first production versions were the P-47B models. 171 were built and most ended up being modified. You may recall that that the XP-47A was a completely different, lightweight airframe, so that is why the first production Thunderbolts carried the B designation. The P-47C introduced shackles that allowed a bomb or belly tank to be attached on the fuselage centerline. C models were also the first equipped with cockpit heating. Beginning with the P-47C-1-RE, the fuselage was extended by 8 inches, forward of the firewall. The change was done to improve handling through relocation of the center of gravity. The C models sent to the European Theater of Operations were the first to see combat in any numbers. There were 55 P-47C-1-REs produced, 128 P-47C-2-REs, and 362 C-5-REs. The D series P-47 was the most produced. Unlike the North American P-51, the change from C to D did not happen concurrently with the switch to a bubble canopy. The P-47D through P-47D-23-RA were all razorbacks. The bubble canopy was first used in production models on the P-47D-25-RE and continued through all subsequent models with the last of those being the P-47N-25-RE. Republic had two factories producing the P-47. Additionally, Curtis built 354 P-47Gs on license. The first Curtiss versions, the P-47G-CU and P-47G-1-CU were comparable to the P-47Cs built by Republic, while the P-47G-5-CU through P-47G-15-CUs were comparable to D models. The Curtiss built P-47Gs were used stateside, primarily in a training role. [ref: Roger Freeman, Thunderbolt, a Documentary History of the Republic P-47, (New York,Charles Scribners Sons, 1978), 126] Evansville, Indiana Republic Aviation factory floor. Photo courtesy of Harold Morgan collection In almost all cases the RE suffix meant that the P-47 was built at the Farmingdale factory and the RA suffix indicated an Evansville, Indiana built airframe. The exception to that is the first two Evansville P-47 production blocks. The plan had been to use the Dmodel designation only for Evansville Thunderbolts. But with the introduction of manufacturers identification letters, the first P-47s built at Evansville were P-47Ds with no letter suffix, the next 110 Evansville Thunderbolts were designated P-47D-RE. [Ref. Roger Freeman, Thunderbolt, a Documentary History of the Republic P-47, (New York,Charles Scribners Sons, 1978), 113] Subsequent to those first 114 Evansville produced P-47s, the naming system was standardized to designate P-47s from both Republic factories as D models with a manufacturers letters of RE for Farmingdale and RA for Evansville produced Thunderbolts. Over 12,608 D models were produced, by far the most for any model. 5,429 were razorbacks and 7,179 were the bubble top versions. And thats all for this month. We wish to thank AirCorps Aviation, Chuck Cravens (words) as well as John LaTourelle (images) for making this report possible! We look forwards to bringing more restoration reports on progress with this rare machine in the coming months. Is the P-47 Thunderbolt your favorite airplane? Make sure to purchase issue #73 of Warbird Digest featuring the beautiful Dottie Mae comment, editorial Bill Shorten's decision to commit Labor to a bi-partisan stance on celebrating Australia Day on January 26 has put paid to any risk the annual chestnut could be conflated into an election issue. It will also help draw the fangs of those left-wing councils that chase publicity at this time of year by vowing not to hold citizenship ceremonies on the anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet. Shorten's stance is also pragmatic. It recognises that while Australia Day's critics are remarkably vocal, they are not representative. Two recent opinion polls found overwhelming support for the celebration of Australia Day, including citizenship ceremonies, on January 26 across all age groups. According to a poll conducted for the Institute of Public Affairs by Research Now 75 per cent of respondents believed January 26 should continue to be the date. Only 10 per cent wanted it changed. The same poll found 76 per cent of respondents believed Australia had a history to be proud of. 87 per cent were proud to call themselves Australians. Another poll, commissioned by Advance Australia, a conservative lobby group, delivered similar results with 71 per cent of respondents saying the date should not be changed. More than 90 per cent of Liberal voters and almost two thirds of Labor voters favoured the status quo. Both surveys found a majority of respondents believed Australia Day should bring people together, not drive them apart. Prerequisites for any future shift in the date include the need to come up with a credible alternative date that can be assured of widespread community support and a sweeping rejection of the legacy of European colonisation and settlement. Nobody has managed to answer the first question yet. There is no reason to believe a universally self-evident alternative date will be made manifest at some future time. It is highly unlikely the second prerequisite will ever be met given it would require Australians to disavow the efforts of the convicts, the squatters and the pioneers; the sacrifices made by Australians in two world wars; and the nation-shaping revolution that was the post-war immigration boom. Australia is too big, too complex and too diverse for its' national day to be defined by a single narrative. Those who object to the way in which Australia Day is now celebrated may find it more profitable to focus on the format rather than the date. Much of what Australians choose to celebrate every January 26 was achieved at great cost to the original inhabitants of this country. The anniversary of European settlement does cause real pain and distress to their descendants. More could be done, and should be done, to use Australia Day to reflect on the poor state of health, life expectancy, incarceration, employment and education in the indigenous community with a view to finding ways to bridging the gulf. By acknowledging all aspects of our long and conflicted heritage we may yet be able to make January 26 a day for all Australians. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/16f804fe-3e6a-4ce3-8e1e-8ec5b748c8b0/r0_46_900_554_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Become A Subscriber A subscription opens up access to all our online content, including: our interactive E-Edition, a full archive of modern stories, exclusive and expanded online offerings, photo galleries from Caledonian-Record journalists, video reports from our media partners, extensive international, national and regional reporting by the Associated Press, and a wide variety of feature content. We accept many different kinds of announcements. Just click on the button below and submit a form. 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Prime Minister Theresa May's government faced a no confidence vote on Wednesday after the crushing defeat of her Brexit divorce deal by parliament left Britain's exit from the European Union in disarray just 10 weeks before it is due to leave. Lawmakers voted 432-202 against her deal, the worst defeat in modern British history, triggering political chaos that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave. With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project it joined in 1973. After the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called a vote of no confidence in May's government, to be held at 1900 GMT on Wednesday. The small Northern Irish DUP party which props up May's minority government and refused to back the deal said it would stand behind May in the no-confidence vote. Pro-Brexit Conservatives also said they would support her. "I have no doubt that the prime minister will win that and then she can focus on trying to thrash out something with the EU and parliamentarians," James Cleverly, a lawmaker and deputy chairman of the Conservative party, told Reuters. "My fear is that parliament could lose its head and put the whole Brexit process at risk, which I think would be a catastrophic error," said Cleverly who supports Brexit. Germany, the most powerful member of the EU, called for new talks between Britain and the bloc, whose leaders warned of the dire consequences of a no-deal Brexit that business leaders fear will sow chaos through supply chains across Europe and beyond. Labour's finance minister-in-waiting, John McDonnell, said May could eventually get a deal through parliament if she negotiated a compromise with his party. That still leaves Brexit up in the air. May's humiliating loss appeared to catastrophically undermine her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Sterling jumped by more than a cent against the U.S. dollar on news of May's defeat on Tuesday and was holding close to that level on Wednesday. Ever since Britain voted by 52-48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016, the political class has been debating how to leave the European project forged by France and Germany after the devastation of World War Two. While the country is divided over EU membership, most agree the world's fifth largest economy is at a crossroads and its choices over Brexit will shape the prosperity of future generations for years to come. Other members of the EU, which combined has about six times the economic might of the United Kingdom, called for discussion but indicated there was little chance of fundamental change to the deal May had negotiated. Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said there was not much time left to find a Brexit solution and that "the time for playing games is now over." He told broadcaster Deutschlandfunk there needed to be new talks between Britain and the EU, adding that in the end the issue of a backstop solution for the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland needed to be discussed. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said a disorderly Brexit was more likely while Donald Tusk, the chairman of EU leaders, suggested Britain should now consider reversing Brexit altogether. Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage said Britain was probably heading for a delay and a another vote on EU membership. "I think and I fear that we are headed on a path towards delay and probably, yes, a second vote," Farage said. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney speaks to lawmakers in parliament's Treasury Committee on Wednesday. If parliament did vote that it had no confidence in May's government, there is a 14-day grace period in which to pass an act of confidence in a new government. If there is no vote of confidence in that new government, then a new election must be held within about 17 working days, according to the Institute of Government. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Ryanair pilot unions in several countries have suspended talks with management in protest at what they see as the airline using the threat of base closures as a bargaining tool in labour talks, the European Cockpit Association (ECA) said on Wednesday. The unions include those representing pilots in two of Ryanair's biggest markets, a union source told Reuters, declining to name which markets they were. The temporary suspension is a reaction to Ryanair's closure of bases in the Dutch city of Eindhoven and Bremen in Germany and the reduction of capacity in the German region of Niederrhein. The European Cockpit Association in October described the move as a "declaration of war". Ryanair has also threatened to close two bases in the Canary Islands if cabin crew in Spain do not sign up to a collective labour agreement by next week, the ECA said on Wednesday. Spanish cabin crew called off planned strikes last week after reaching a preliminary agreement on contracts. A spokesman for Ryanair was not available for immediate comment. Europe's largest low-cost carrier suffered a number of strikes last year by pilots and cabin crew, grounding hundreds of flights across Europe, after it agreed to recognise unions for the first time in 2017 following rostering difficulties. But it got through Christmas without any industrial action, having made progress with a number of unions that it expects to translate into agreements with its major unions by the end of March. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie A trilateral partnership for supporting research and development has awarded over 73 million in funding to collaborative projects involving researchers from the Republic of Ireland, according to the latest figures from InterTradeIreland. The US-Ireland R&D Partnership is an alliance between Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States of America that aims to increase the level of innovation and scientific progress amongst researchers and industry. Forty nine projects have been granted funding across key sectors including health, science and engineering, telecommunication energy and sustainability. The Partnership was launched in 2006 and is led by a steering group of senior representatives from each jurisdiction, with InterTradeIreland providing the secretariat for the group on the island of Ireland. The latest phase of the US-Ireland R&D Partnership aims to tackle global challenges facing the agri-food sector. The first project successful under the agricultural call was awarded in 2016 to the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in partnership with Teagasc and the University of Missouri Application of next generation sequencing for the identification of DNA based biomarkers in regulatory regions of the genome for susceptibility to bovine respiratory disease complex. Last year, almost 1million was issued to 3 successful agri projects with Republic of Ireland researchers. One such project, NAGpro - a collaboration between University College Cork (UCC), Queens University Belfast and the University of Tennessee - aims to improve animal husbandry through developing safe alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Speaking about the milestone, International Funding and Collaborations Broker at InterTradeIreland, Grainne Lennon said, "Cross border initiatives such as this are essential if we are to facilitate real knowledge sharing and progress, particularly to tackle megatrend issues that can impact businesses and society globally. A highly competitive competition, partnerships need to be embedded in creativity and collaboration, and must demonstrate real value to secure support. " She added, "Thankfully, the stats speak for themselves, and we are thrilled that so many local researchers are excelling in their respected fields to secure funding. Leveraging ground-breaking thinking both at home and internationally, the research being undertaken is truly world-leading and we look forward to seeing the advancements made by the latest projects." Source: www.businessworld.ie The Northern Irish party that props up British Prime Minister Theresa May's minority government does not believe an extension of the period which Britain has to leave the European Union is necessary, Democratic Unionist Party Nigel Dodds said on Wednesday. "I don't think (an extension of Article 50) is inevitable, and it's not in my view necessary because the EU can act when it wants to (...) I think it can be done and remember, on the (Irish) backstop, people want to see that we are not trapped into it," Dodds told the BBC. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,236 crore for the Kumbh Mela 2019, an iconic Hindu festival that is celebrated every six years, being held in Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad), which is more than thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, according to a PTI report. "The UP government has allocated Rs 4,236 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013," state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal told the agency. Of the Rs 4,236 crore, the Uttar Pradesh government is investing Rs 2,000 crore, and the central government has allocated Rs 2,200 crore, of which Rs 1,200 crores has already been released. If you compare this budget with any other religious event organised in India, the Ardh-Kumbh mela's budget is the costliest ever. Apart from this budgetary allocation, some other departments have also allocated funds for the mega event, the agency quoted the minister as saying. Also Read: Kumbh Mela 2019: Hindu ascetics lead 150 million pilgrims in holy bath, but politics weigh Agarwal said this time the Kumbh Mela area has been doubled to 3,200 hectare as compared to 1,600 hectare area in the previous melas. Kumbh Mela 2019, which started on January 15 and will continue till March 4, is spread across 32 square km and is expected to host around 150 million people from across the world. It is the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims who come together every three years in Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nasik. The Kumbh Mela returns to each of these cities after every 12 years to mark the celebration of Hindu heritage. The effort of the UP government has always been to enhance the facilities for the public and establishing facilities at the ground level has been a big task, the minister said. From 247 km of streets inside the venue and parking capacity of 5.63 lakh to 1,22,500 toilets and 58 police outposts, the Mela ground is currently a world in itself. Moreover, 2,132 medical personnel and around 20,000 police officials, including home guards, PAC companies and central para-military forces have been deployed at the Kumbh Mela venue. The BJP-led Yogi Adityanath government has renamed Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh and the Kumbh as Maha Kumbh. The Kumbh Mela is expected to witness an attendance over 20 lakh devotees which includes ascetics, saints, sadhus, sadhvis, kalpvasis and pilgrims from all walks of life. (Edited by Chitranjan Kumar) Congress president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to send his best wishes to Arun Jaitley for a speedy recovery. The Finance Minister is reportedly in the United States for a medical check up. While the two political leaders shared some heated moments in the Parliament during the recently concluded Winter Session, Gandhi said that he and his party were with Jaitley and his family in these trying times. "I'm upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley," Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Wednesday. I'm upset to hear Arun Jaitley Ji is not well. We fight him on a daily basis for his ideas. However, I and the Congress party send him our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. We are with you and your family 100% during this difficult period Mr Jaitley. - Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 16, 2019 Earlier this month, Gandhi and Jaitley represented the ruling and opposition parties respectively in a very animated debate over the Rafale deal in the Parliament. Last year, Jaitley had a rough time health-wise as he had to undergo a kidney transplant. He took his leave from his ministerial and political duties to recuperate from the operation, while Piyush Goyal stood in his place as the acting Finance Minister. ALSO READ:Finance Minister Arun Jaitley goes to US for 'medical check-up', say sources Reports this time suggest that Jaitley has been taken to the US for a regular medical check up and he will be back by the weekend. No one has been given the charge of the Finance Ministry in Jaitley's absence. Jaitley, a very prominent figure in the Bharatiya Janata Party, is likely to have his hands full in the coming days. The first order of business on his agenda is the Interim Budget which he will present before the Parliament on February 1, right before the country goes to elections. The 2019 Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place in the first half April, where Jaitley is likely to play a crucial role for the BJP as party's publicity head and spokesperson for the government. ALSO READ:How Budget 2019 is likely to benefit individual taxpayers ALSO READ:Budget 2019: Pharma seeks research push; healthcare for GST rationalisation Edited by Vivek Punj The founder of China's Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear to phone and internet companies, says his company would not share secrets about its customers and their communication networks. Ren Zhengfei spoke in a rare meeting with foreign reporters as Huawei Technologies Ltd. tries to protect its access to global telecom carriers that are investing heavily in next-generation technology. His comments were the 74-year-old former military engineer's most direct public response to accusations his company is controlled by the ruling Communist Party or is required to facilitate Chinese spying. Also Read: Huawei announces Nova 4 with 48 MP rear camera, 'punch hole' display Huawei is China's first global tech brand. The United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments have imposed curbs on use of its technology over such concerns. "We would definitely say no to such a request," said Ren when asked how the company would respond to a government demand for confidential information about a foreign buyer of its telecom technology. Ren said neither he nor the company have ever received a government request for "improper information" about anyone. Asked whether Huawei would challenge such an order in court, Ren chuckled and said it would be up to Chinese authorities to "file litigation." Huawei is facing heightened scrutiny as phone carriers prepare to roll out fifth-generation technology in which Huawei is a leading competitor. 5G is designed to support a vast expansion of networks to serve medical devices, self-driving cars and other technology. That increases the cost of potential security failures and has prompted governments increasingly to treat telecoms communications networks as strategic assets. The company's image suffered a new blow last week when Polish authorities announced one of its Chinese employees was arrested on spying charges. Huawei announced it fired the employee and said the allegations had nothing to do with the company. Ren is the father of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested Dec 1 in Canada on US charges related to possible violations of trade sanctions on Iran. Ren said he couldn't discuss Meng's case while it still was before a court. But he said Huawei obeys the law, including export restrictions, wherever it operates. Ren expressed gratitude to Canadian justice officials for their treatment of Meng, who was released on bail and is staying in a house in Vancouver. He also expressed thanks to her fellow jail inmates prior to her release "for treating her kindly." "After all the evidence is made public, we will rely on the justice system," he said. "We are sure there will be a just conclusion to this matter. Two Canadians were arrested by Chinese authorities on national security charges, prompting suggestions abroad they might be hostages to secure Meng's release. On Monday, a Chinese court announced another Canadian had been sentenced to death in a drug case after he was ordered retried. Read More: Czech cyber watchdog warns against using Huawei, ZTE products Huawei to open 100 experience zones in India Minister of State for Commerce & Industry CR Chaudhary had informed Parliament last month that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has gone up from $45.15 billion in 2014-15 to $60.97 billion in the last fiscal. However, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' campaign and improvement in Ease of Doing Business rankings, the country's FDI inflow growth rate has actually seen a decline in the past few years - from 27% in FY15 to a mere 1.24% in FY18. Also Read: FDI into India up from $45 billion to $61 billion in 4 years, but rate of growth is slowing down Interestingly, the Department of Industrial Policy and Production (DIPP), which had been posting FDI figures on its website quarterly since July 2015 - and cumulatively every month since November 2005 - has not published any statistics for the past six months. According to The Business Standard, the last time the department published this data was in August 2018 and that was for the April-June period. This is despite the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regularly releasing its own quarterly and monthly estimates which DIPP uses as inputs along with its own databases to compile total investment inflows. Department officials are reportedly tight-lipped about the development. The numbers are rather telling. In FY15, the Modi government's first year in power, FDI had shot up by 27%. In FY16, the FDI inflow stood at $55.56 billion, posting a robust growth of over 23%. The next year the FDI growth slowed to 8.38%, clocking in $60.22 billion. In FY18, the total FDI inflow was $60.97 billion with the growth dropping further. Citing RBI data the daily added that in the April-November period of the current fiscal, India received gross investment of $40.98 billion, which is 2% lower than the corresponding period in the previous year. Government agencies such as Invest India and the India Brand Equity Foundation, which are often the first point of contact between the government and foreign investors, have reportedly also not received the latest figures. DIPP's sudden silence is therefore raising eyebrows among credit ratings agencies, private equity firms and banks alike. Moreover, as per the AT Kearney FDI Confidence Index 2018, while India remains the largest investment destination in the subregion, largely due to its large and growing market, the country slipped three notches to 11th ranking in 2018 compared to the previous year. In fact, this is the first time it has fallen out of the top 10 since 2015. It's not just the FDI growth rate that is worrying - the source of funds has also been a concern in the past fiscal. Data submitted in Parliament last year showed a shocking spurt in FDI from tax haven countries like Cayman Islands, Liechtenstein and Bahamas. With PTI inputs Read More: FDI inflows to South, South West Asia down 6 pc to USD 63 bn in 2017: UN report India eyes $100-bn FDI in next two years; plans industrial clusters for some countries, says Suresh Prabhu (Reuters) - Indian shares closed little changed on Wednesday as investors were cautious ahead of Reliance Industries Ltd's quarterly results.The benchmark BSE Sensex closed 0.01 percent higher at 36,321.29, while the broader NSE Nifty ended up 0.03 percent at 10,890.30.Shares of Reliance Industries climbed 0.55 percent. The conglomerate is due to report its quarterly results on Thursday.Beleaguered carrier Jet Airways Ltd closed 8.17 percent lower. The company said its resolution plan with State Bank of India was being discussed with its stakeholders. (Reporting by Chandini Monnappa in ... By Noor Zainab Hussain and Martinne Geller(Reuters) - Reckitt Benckiser Chief Executive Rakesh Kapoor will retire this year, paving the way for a potential change in strategy or break-up of the British consumer goods maker.The company behind Durex condoms and Enfamil infant formula said Kapoor, 60, would leave by the end of 2019 after more than eight years at the helm and more than three decades with the company overall. Reckitt has begun looking for a successor and will consider internal and external candidates.Indian-born Kapoor is the latest consumer industry chief to hand over the reins ... SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Brazilian state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA said on Wednesday that oil industry veteran John Forman had declined the government's nomination to join the board of the company, as the firm is known. Forman was fined by Brazilian securities regulator CVM in 2016 for insider trading, according to documents seen by Reuters. (Reporting by Marcelo Rochabrun, editing by Louise Heavens)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - British education publisher Pearson said on Wednesday it expects higher savings from its cost cutting plan, while forecasting a decline in adjusted operating profit for 2018.The company said it now expects annual cost savings to be higher than 330 million pounds ($424.31 million) by the end of 2019. It had previously forecast cutting about 300 million pounds in costs every year between 2017 and 2020. Pearson, which has cut jobs and sold off assets to simplify its structure and focus on virtual schools and online courses, said it expects adjusted operating profit of 540 million ... By Henning Gloystein and Koustav SamantaSINGAPORE (Reuters) - Oil prices were steady on Wednesday after climbing about 3 percent in the previous session as expectations that OPEC-led supply cuts can tighten market fundamentals offset signs of a global economic slowdown. International Brent crude oil futures were at $60.68 per barrel at 0703 GMT, 4 cents above their last close.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were up 2 cents from their last settlement, at $52.13 a barrel."It seems the oil market is looking at Saudi Arabia's aggressive supply cuts and Chinese aggressive ... TOKYO (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co Ltd plans to file a civil suit against ousted chairman Carlos Ghosn to claim damages resulting from the alleged misuse of company funds, a person with knowledge of the issue said, adding to the high-profile executive's legal headaches.Ghosn, who remains chairman and chief executive of Nissan's French partner Renault SA, has already been charged with three counts of financial misconduct and has been held at a detention centre in Tokyo for nearly two months.On Tuesday, a Tokyo court denied his request for release on bail, raising the possibility that he may ... (Reuters) - Beleaguered Indian carrier Jet Airways Ltd said on Wednesday it was discussing with shareholders about a resolution plan with State Bank of India.The plan contemplates options on the debt-equity mix, proportion of equity infusion by stakeholders and change in the airline's board, the company said in a statement. (Reporting By Arnab Paul in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich)(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) COLOMBO (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund will resume discussions with Sri Lanka in February for further disbursal of part of a $1.5 billion loan, the lender said, after a political crisis led to talks being delayed by three months.Sri Lanka government leaders had agreed to stick to a reform programme following a meeting with IMF managing director Christine Lagarde in Washington on Tuesday, the bank said in a statement.Sri Lanka is struggling to restore investor confidence and pay down its debt after it was plunged into political turmoil in October when President Maithripala ... By Philip BlenkinsopBRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will limit imports of steel into the bloc following U.S. President Donald Trump's imposition of metals tariffs after EU governments backed the plan in a vote on Wednesday.It means that all steel imports will be subject to an effective cap until July 2021 to counter concerns of EU producers that European markets could be flooded by steel products that are no longer being imported into the U.S.The European Commission said on Wednesday that EU member countries had backed its plan to impose "safeguards" and that definitive measures would ... By John Miller and Jacob Gronholt-PedersenZURICH/COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - Danish freight company DSV has launched a bid to buy Swiss rival Panalpina for around 4 billion Swiss francs ($4.1 billion) after pressure from an activist investor for Panalpina to do a deal. The offer is DSV's second attempt in just a few months to make a major acquisition in a fragmented freight transportation market, after a failed bid for Swiss group Ceva Logistics.Panalpina said on Wednesday it had received an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from DSV to acquire the company for 170 Swiss francs per share, a 24 ... Zimbabwe police armed with AK-47 rifles arrested a prominent activist and pastor on Wednesday, along with scores of others, in a harsh crackdown over protests against dramatic fuel price hikes in the economically shattered country. Zimbabwe's state security minister says more than 600 people have been arrested countrywide amid protests over dramatic fuel price increases. As some hungry Harare residents reported being tear-gassed by police when they ventured out for bread, President Emmerson Mnangagwa denounced what he called "wanton violence and cynical destruction." He noted a right to protest and said he understands the "pain and frustration," but he appeared to side with authorities who blame the opposition for unrest. Pastor Evan Mawarire was clutching a Bible when police bundled him into their car in the capital, Harare. He had organized what became nationwide anti-government protests in 2016 against mismanagement and then-President Robert Mugabe's long stay in power. "They are alleging that he incited violence through Twitter and other forms of social media in the central business district," said Beatrice Mtetwa, the pastor's lawyer. There were widespread reports of violence as Zimbabwe faced a third day of protests over what has become the world's most expensive gasoline. This is the country's worst unrest since deadly post-election violence in August that saw six people killed. Zimbabwe's largest telecom company, Econet, sent text messages to customers saying it had been forced by the government to shut down internet service. "The matter is beyond our control," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A working group of the Commerce and Industry Ministry Wednesday came out with a blueprint suggesting a host of long and short-term measures to increase the size of India's economy to $5 trillion by 2025. According to its report, agriculture and manufacturing sectors can contribute $1 trillion each, while the contribution from the services sector has been pegged at $3 trillion. The group was constituted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the ministry with participation from the government and industry. It was tasked to develop a roadmap towards achieving a $5 trillion economy by 2025. "India's potential to achieve a $5 trillion GDP by 2024-25 is within the realm of possibility," the report said. The report identified specific policy recommendations for the three sectors. For the agri sector, it has suggested encouraging public and private investments to develop infrastructure like cold chains; special attention for north-eastern, eastern and rain-fed states for augmenting scope of access to institutional credit; and rationalisation and targeting of input subsidies towards small and marginal farmers. It has also recommended reform in land leasing laws to promote land consolidation and contract farming; and accelerating the pace of public investment in agriculture and ensure greater efficiency in capital use. For manufacturing, the group has suggested a three-pillar strategy to achieve required expansion of output -- focus on existing high impact and emerging sectors as well as MSMEs. It said in the defence sector, there is a need to identify key components and systems and encourage global leaders to set up manufacturing base in India by offering limited period incentives; and ensure incentives result in technology/process transfer. "Where applicable, leverage Government purchases (Offset Policy), particularly for technology transfer; and ensure high-quality anchor investors capable of spurring growth of associated suppliers (including MSMEs) and offer limited period incentives to anchors, if required," the report said. To boost electronics manufacturing, it said the government should consider offering additional fiscal incentives such as a limited-period tax holiday to players investing more than an identified threshold of investment. Similarly for the auto and auto-components sector, it recommended encouragement of global leaders for the identified components to set up manufacturing bases, and incentivising players willing to invest more than a threshold in identified areas. The report suggested measures to boost manufacturing in other areas including aeronautical, space, garments, organic/ayurvedic products besides emerging areas such as biotechnology, electric mobility,unmanned aerial vehicles, medical devices, robotics and chemicals. For micro, small and medium enterprises, the working group said there is a need to improve access to funding by way of development of SME credit risk databases, SME credit rating, and creation of community-based funds. Further, the group suggested that a focus on champion services sectors like IT, tourism, medical value travel and legal would be required to achieve the expansion of the services sector output and concerted efforts need to be made to increase exports. The recommendations for services sector include improving rail connectivity and seamless connectivity to major attractions; facilitating visa regime for medical travel; allowing expatriate professional to perform surgeries in identified hospitals; and e-commerce policy and regulatory framework for logistics segment. To promote growth of accounting and financial services, it pitched for promoting FDI in domestic accounting and auditing sector, transparent regulatory framework, and easing restriction on client base in the accounting and auditing sector. Similarly, to push audio visual services, the report recommended measures like exploring introduction of insurance in the film industry, promoting private investments in film schools, exploring franchise business models to exploit film franchise, and promoting gaming industry value chains. It added that the scope for expansion into advisory, arbitration and mediation services is large and unexplored. "It is suggested that a clear roadmap for domestic reforms in the sector, liberalisation and promotion of arbitration and mediation services, is developed," it said. For the education sector, the report suggested allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India, easy visa regime for students and education service providers, removing regulatory bottlenecks, providing recognition of online degrees and setting up appropriate evaluation techniques for online courses. A 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped by her friend and two of his accomplices in a car near a mall in east Delhi's Shahdara following which the main accused has been arrested, police said Wednesday. The incident took place on Monday night. A passerby saw the woman crying and called police. During investigation, it was revealed that the woman and one of the accused came in contact through a common friend couple of months ago. They both were married, police said. The main accused, Amit (30), is a businessman who hails from Baghpat in Uttar Pradesh. He promised the woman to get her home loan at a cheaper rate, they said. The woman alleged that on Monday, Amit called and asked her to meet him near a mall in Karkardooma area. When she reached the mall, he asked her to sit in the car, where two more persons were already sitting, a senior police officer said. Later, the woman alleged that the accused forced her to drink a sedative-laced juice and raped her in the car after she fell unconscious, the officer said. Police have arrested Amit, the main accused, while the two others are still absconding. A case of rape was registered against the accused persons and the role of his friends is being probed, the officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jadavpur University Vice Chancellor Prof Suranjan Das Wednesday said he will be happy to teach students of both St Xavier's College and University free in future, after his term as the VC comes to an end. "As my present term (in JU) comes to end in coming days and I will not be saddled by official responsibilities any more, I shall be happy to teach in the post-graduate course (in St Xavier's) in my subject for free," Das said at the convocation of St Xaviers College here. Das said he cherished the unique opportunity to be part of the process, led by Father Felix Raj, who was presently the Vice-Chancellor of new St Xavier's University, "which sowed seeds of autonomous status of college." Das was conferred the Nihil Ultra award at the convocation. "I had closely observed how the college had used effectively the status of autonomy to attain new mark of excellence, I compliment them for introducing new courses initiating academic steps," he said. Das, who had been the VC of Calcutta University from 2008 to 2015 before taking over reins of JU in July 2015, said St Xavier's had always produced "democratic and creative citizens" who can address issues faced by the nation. He later told reporters the media should not try to read anything beyond his convocation address and he was proud the varsity achieved several feats for its academic excellence in his tenure. St Xavier's College Principal Dominic Savio said in his address as per the UGC norms the college introduced Choice Based Credit System in Arts and Science subjects after approval on March 22, 2018 while BCom and BMS departments are already following the CBCS. He said the college proposed to introduce PG courses in MA in English, MA in Political Science, M A in Bengali in the Raghabpur campus and M Ed. (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 Wednesday said the state will develop the Tajpur deep sea port on its own, as the Centre did "nothing" to start work on the project in the past three years. The state government has a 26:74 share with the Centre in the project in West Midnapore district. "We have decided to build the deep sea port in Tajpur on our own. We waited for three years but the Centre is yet to start work for the port. They are doing nothing. So, we will build it ourselves," Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat 'Nabanna' here. State Finance Minister Amit Mitra said West Bengal government has decided to go back to its old plan to build the deep sea port in Tajpur, as the central government was "dilly-dallying" into the project. "A transaction advisor has already been appointed. Depending on the advisor's report, we will hold a discussion and then the budget to build the new port will be decided," he said, adding, a notification in this regard had been issued last month. The Centre would be intimated about the decision, Mitra said. On the Kulpi Port project in the South 24 Parganas District, he said the state government has received statutory clearances. "We have received all the statutory clearances. It's a big project and will attract good investments and generate huge employment," Mitra said. To a question, Banerjee said that the state government has decided to shift IT companies located in the Bantala Leather Complex to the Silicon Valley IT Hub at New Town. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Emraan Hashmi fails to see any "logic" in the now revised title of his film, "Why Cheat India" and the actor believes the move reflects a mindset in the country where people are more invested in changing names and not the system. The makers of the film had said the Central Board of Film Certification had objected to the original title -- "Cheat India" -- saying it was misleading. After thorough discussions with the board, producers changed the title to "Why Cheat India", almost a week before its release this Friday. "In our country, we don't want to change the system. We just want to change names as it's the easiest thing to do. Sit in the comfort of your room, change names but don't go out and change the system because that takes a lot of work," Emraan told PTI. Calling the move "ridiculous", the actor said the board seems to have raised a question on the sensibilities of the audience. "Do you see any logic in that? I fail to see it. 'Cheat India' for them is a negative title. They have passed the title for the promos and I thought after watching the film they'd realise it's even more relevant. I don't think they attribute too much of sense to the audience. "That the audience won't get it. You won't end up cheating the country of you watch 'Cheat India.' It's ridiculous," he said. Hashmi said the current development speaks volumes about the freedom of expression enjoyed by artistes. "Artistes don't have creative freedom. A lot of the stuff we do, we self censor or cut it off. You're not really spreading the wings and wanting to make the kind of film you want to make. "You are always scared and on tenterhooks, 'Oh, will they have a problem with this? You never know what they won't like'. It's very surprising." Hashmi said the censor board needs a "major rethink" in the way it functions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The unit of the has decided to seek permission for 10 to 12-day long four-phased 'Rath Yatras' from the state government, a senior party leader said Wednesday. A fresh itinerary of the 'Rath Yatras', in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court, will be submitted to the government. The proposed "Rath Yatras" of the in were put on hold on Tuesday by the Supreme Court, which asked the party to seek a fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal, saying the law-and-order apprehensions were not "totally unfounded". "We have decided to submit the new 10 to 12-day schedule of four-phased 'Rath Yatras' to the state government. Let us see whether the state gives us permission or not," state vice president Jai Prakash Majumdar said. According to the proposal, four chariots will begin their journey from four venues -- Coochbehar, Kakdwip (South 24 Parganas), Krishnanagar (Nadia) and Birbhum district. The state BJP leadership, however, declined to give the exact dates of the 'yatras' they are planning to submit to the state government. "Initially, our proposal was for a 40-day long yatra. The state declined to give us permission. Then we submitted a 20-day-long schedule which too was declined permission. So now, we will submit a 10 to 12-day long yatra (schedule)," another senior BJP leader said. The apex court had put the BJP's proposed 'Rath Yatras' on hold, but allowed the unit of the party to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra". The SC bench, in its verdict, asked the Trinamool Congress government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. It also said that the government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, use of loudspeakers might be banned. The Trump administration is considering ways to expand U.S. homeland and overseas defenses against a potential missile attack, possibly adding a layer of satellites in space to detect and track hostile targets. Details on how far the administration intends to press this in a largely supportive Congress are expected to be revealed when the Pentagon releases results of a missile defense review as early as Thursday. The release was postponed last year for unexplained reasons, though it came as President Donald Trump was trying to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. A review might have complicated the talks. The Trump approach is expected to include emphasis on stopping missiles either before they are launched or in the first few minutes of flight when their booster engines are still burning. Congress already has directed the Pentagon to push harder on this "boost-phase" approach, which might include the use of drones armed with lasers. Any expansion of the scope and cost of missile defenses would compete with other defense priorities, including the billions of extra dollars the Trump administration has committed to spending on a new generation of nuclear weapons. An expansion also would have important implications for American diplomacy, given longstanding Russian hostility to even the most rudimentary U.S. missile defenses and China's worry that longer-range U.S. missile defenses in Asia could undermine Chinese national security. Senior administration officials have signalled their interest in developing and deploying more effective means of detecting and tracking missiles with a constellation of satellites in space that can, for example, use advanced sensors to follow the full path of a hostile missile so that an anti-missile weapon can be directed into its flight path. Space-based sensor networks would allow the U.S. to deal with more sophisticated threats such as hypersonic missiles. "I think that makes a lot of sense," said Frank Rose, a former Pentagon and State Department official and now a senior fellow for security and strategy at the Brookings Institution. "This could make a real improvement in our missile defense capabilities." Current U.S. missile defense weapons are based on land and aboard ships. Republican presidents starting with Ronald Reagan, who proposed a "Star Wars" system of anti-missile weapons in space, have been more enthusiastic about missile defense than Democrats. In recent years, however, both parties have argued that better defenses are needed, if only against emerging nuclear powers such as North Korea. Trump's detailed views on this are not well-known. The national security strategy he unveiled in December 2017 called "enhanced" missile defense a priority, but it also said it was not intended to disrupt strategic relationships with Russia or China, whose missile arsenals the U.S. sees as the greatest potential threat. John Rood, the undersecretary of defense for policy, said last year that a space-based layer of missile-tracking sensors would not mark a big shift in American policy or as a security threat to others like Russia or China. "It watches, it detects what others are doing. I don't regard it as a provocative act to observe the missile flights of missiles that are potentially threatening to the United States," Rood said in September. "I don't think having a sensor capability is a sea change for the United States," he added, without stating directly that the Trump administration will pursue this. Such a system is different than the more provocative idea of putting missile interceptors aboard satellites in space, which is not expected to be part of the Trump strategy. Congress has ordered the Pentagon to study it and some senior Pentagon officials have said recently that space-based interceptors are feasible and affordable. However, Rood in September strongly suggested that that Pentagon is not ready to move ahead with that. "Those are bridges yet to be crossed, some time away," he said. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, said he expects the missile defense review to endorse an expanded role for missile defenses to counter certain Russian and Chinese missiles, especially those that could threaten U.S. allies in Asia and Europe. "This is likely to stimulate them to accelerate offensive missile programs, like hypersonic vehicles, that can evade our missile defense," Kimball said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US service members were among those killed Wednesday in a fiery explosion at a market in the northern Syria town of Manjib, the US military officials said. US-led coalition Operation Inherent Resolve did not mention how many service members were killed. Prior to Wednesday's attack, only two US service members had been killed in action in Syria since the start of the campaign in 2014. "US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time," according to a tweet from the spokesperson for the Operation Inherent Resolve. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, at least 15 people, including a US serviceman, were killed in the rare attack in Manbij. It said the cause of the explosion was a suicide bomb outside a restaurant. "The President has been fully briefed and we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Syria," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said. The explosion took place in a market wedged along a crowded street thick with cars. Video that Hawar identifies as from the scene shows people gathered on a crowded sidewalk when the fiery blast occurs. The attack comes less than a month after Trump announced that US troops would withdraw from Syria. Trump at that time declared in a video released on Twitter: "We have won against ISIS. We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home." The US has about 2,000 troops in Syria, with no specific date for their withdrawal. Last week, the US began withdrawing some military ground equipment from Syria, according to an administration official with direct knowledge of the operation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US State Department said Wednesday China's death sentence on a Canadian man is "politically motivated." The statement from US deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland spoke Tuesday and "expressed their concerns about the arbitrary detentions and politically motivated sentencing of Canadian nationals." A Chinese court resentenced Robert Schellenberg to death in a sudden retrial of a drug-smuggling case on Monday. Freeland and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have been talking to world leaders about Schellenberg's case and the cases of two Canadians arrested in China in apparent retaliation for the arrest of Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Canada arrested the daughter of Huawei's founder at the request of the US, which wants her extradited to face charges that she misled banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. Palladino said the Meng case also came up. "They noted their continued commitment to Canada's conduct of a fair, unbiased, and transparent legal proceeding and U.S. extradition request with respect to Ms. Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei," the statement said. Bruce Heyman, a former US ambassador to Canada, tweeted Tuesday the US and other allies need to take a stronger public stance supporting Canada over the treatment of Canadian citizens detained in China. Canada has embarked on a campaign with allies to win the release of ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and entrepreneur Michael Spavor, whoy were detained 10 days after the Meng arrest on Dec. 1. The White House previously called the detentions "unlawful," but President Donald Trump has not commented himself. Trudeau called Trump last week about it. A senior Canadian government official said this week Chinese officials have been questioning Kovrig about his time as a diplomat in China, which is a major reason why Trudeau is asserting diplomatic immunity. The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly about the case, spoke on condition of anonymity. China has said Kovrig is not eligible for diplomatic immunity. Kovrig, a Northeast Asia analyst for the International Crisis Group think tank, was on a leave of absence from the Canadian government at the time of his arrest last month A former Canadian ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, said interrogating Kovrig about his time as a diplomat in China would violate Vienna Convention protections of residual diplomatic immunity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Vice President Mike Pence has said China is using "debt diplomacy" and "unfair" trade practices to expand its influence, and has been "put on notice". The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday. China, as we've observed, is using debt diplomacy and unfair trade practices to expand its influence, Pence said in his address to global chiefs of mission conference at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. He said "as I made clear on that visit to the region just a few short weeks ago, the United States will always stand for a free and open Indo-Pacific where all countries can enjoy freedom of navigation and open trade." The conference was attended by US Ambassador to India Ken Juster among others. The truth is, too often in recent years China has chosen a path of disregard of the laws and norms that have kept the world safe and prosperous for more than half a century and the days of the United States looking the other way are over. Perhaps most importantly, we've put China on notice, the vice president said. He said with President Donald Trump's direction "we've placed tariffs on USD250 billion of Chinese goods", with the highest tariff specifically targeting the advanced industries that Beijing is attempting to "capture and control, the high parts of the modern economy". Pence said as the president's has made clear, the US is prepared to levy even more tariffs until China makes much needed structural changes and signs a trade deal that works, not only for their nation but for the US too. We remain hopeful that China will come to the table. Even as negotiations take place as we speak, that China will come to the table and finally enter into a fair and reciprocal trade relationship, he said. Pence told his envoys that the US also needs a better relationship with China to understand their relationship across the Indo-Pacific. We've all seen the aggressive efforts in the South China Sea by China but the United States of America, as I said before and I say again, will continue to stand with nations across the region for a free and open Indo-Pacific and for freedom of navigation on the seven seas of the world, he said. That strong stand is resulting in dialogue and in progress, not only with China but with nations around the world. And what's more, some of our greatest challenges, some of our most heinous enemies are in retreat, Pence said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A US citizen was among those killed in a powerful truck bomb attack against a heavily fortified foreign compound in Kabul this week, officials said Wednesday, as the government continued investigating the blast site. The Taliban have claimed responsibility after the bomb detonated near the Green Village compound in east Kabul on Monday. Afghan authorities have said at least four people were killed and 113 wounded. On Wednesday an official at the US embassy in Kabul said an American citizen was among the fatalities, but gave no further information. Indian authorities had previously confirmed that one of their citizens was also killed in the attack. It was not clear if they were included in the four dead, with some Afghan officials giving conflicting tolls. "We have launched an investigation and it has not finished yet. Once we finish the investigation we will be able to release the final toll," Najib Danish, the interior ministry spokesman, said. The powerful blast ripped through surrounding neighbourhoods, shattering the windows of surrounding houses and shops. It came as US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad visits the region for meetings aimed at bringing an end to the 17-year war in Afghanistan, which by some estimates was the world's deadliest conflict zone in 2018. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN's Libya mission warned against clashes in the country's capital on Wednesday as tensions rose between rival militias, four months after clashes that left over 100 people dead. "The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly condemns the recent military mobilisation of forces in southern Tripoli and is monitoring the situation closely," it said in a statement. "UNSMIL warns parties against any breach of the ceasefire agreement concluded on 04 and 09 September 2018." Fierce battles between militias from the capital and from other areas in the west of the country rocked Tripoli between the end of August and early September, leaving at least 117 dead and hundreds wounded. The UN brokered the September truce deal that helped end the violence. But witnesses reported sporadic shooting and road closures on Wednesday after the Tripoli Protection Force alliance warned on Facebook it would "repel an attack" by a rival group that had failed to withdraw from the capital. The Seventh Brigade militia, from the town of Tarhuna, has maintained its positions in Tripoli since the ceasefire agreement. The UN said that "any party initiating a confrontation will be held fully responsible" and insisted it "will take action as necessary" to halt any violence. Libya has been torn between rival administrations and a myriad of militias since the overthrow and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. The main armed groups in Tripoli say they are loyal to the internationally backed Government of National Accord (GNA), but officials have struggled to exert real control over the fighters. The GNA announced security reforms in the wake of the bloodshed last year, aimed at curbing the power of militias in the capital. A second administration in the east of Libya is backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar and his self-proclaimed Libyan National Army. The UN is pushing for elections to help stabilise Libya, but chronic violence has delayed plans for a vote. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An unlimited number of highly-skilled Indian workers will be able to migrate to the UK under new proposals that could come into effect in 2021, with a senior British minister on Wednesday saying that in the new system the country will be open to the "best and brightest" from India. The UK also wants to ink a pact with India similar to the one New Delhi has with France, treating each other's academic degrees as equivalent for higher studies and jobs, sources said. The post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy, set out in an immigration White Paper, was tabled in the House of Commons last month by UK Home Secretary Sajid Javid. It proposes removal of cap on highly-skilled migrants from anywhere in the world and improves the post-study work offering for international students. The UK officials on Wednesday visited New Delhi for the Migration Dialogue with the Indian government about a month after the British government unveiled its post-Brexit visas and immigration strategy that seeks to remove cap on highly-skilled migrants. The discussions signalled a new phase of cooperation and acted as a forum to discuss opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship, a statement said. "The UK is committed to building relationships across the globe which is why officials visited New Delhi and met the government of India today," UK Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes was quoted as saying in a British High Commission statement. The UK already issues more skilled worker visas to Indian nationals than to the rest of the world combined, she said. "Under the new system, operating from 2021, we will always be open to the brightest and best from India, who wish to come to live and work in the UK," Nokes said. The proposals for the skills-based immigration system, operating from 2021, will allow people from across the world to come to the UK for work or to study and to visit. These proposals will mean that there would be no limit on the number of skilled people, such as engineers, doctors and IT professionals, who can come to live and work in the UK, the statement said. The Migration Dialogue allowed for the UK government officials to engage directly with their Indian counterparts on the UK's plans for a new single, skill-based immigration system after Brexit, it said. The UK government delegation also held round-table events with key figures from the corporate, business and education sectors in India, to gather insight and highlight how the new system will benefit them. At the talks, the UK government emphasised that the new skills-based immigration system offers a significant opportunity to Indian nationals, particularly skilled workers and students. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a humiliating defeat for embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May, her divisive divorce deal with the European Union was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs, triggering a no-confidence motion against her government. May's bid to get the Withdrawal Agreement, struck between London and Brussels, was rejected by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. Within minutes after the defeat of the Brexit deal in the House of Commons, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he has tabled a formal motion of confidence in the government, backed by other opposition leaders, which MPs would vote later on Wednesday. Corbyn described Prime Minister May's defeat "catastrophic" and said backing the "botched and damaging" deal would be a "reckless leap in the dark" for the UK. Britain is set to exit the 28-member European Union, which it joined in 1973, on March 29. With just over two months to go until the scheduled departure on March 29, Britain is still undecide on what to do. May, 62, has spent two years negotiating the divorce plan aimed at bringing about an orderly Brexit and setting up a 21- month transition period to negotiate a free-trade deal with Brussels. Her deal included both the withdrawal agreement on the terms on which the UK leaves the EU and a political declaration for the future relationship. But it faced opposition across Parliament, from MPs who want either a further referendum, a closer relationship with Europe, to stop Brexit altogether or the UK to leave without a deal. May, who survived a no-confidence vote by her own Conservative Party in December, has told MPs she will return to the Commons with an alternative plan next week, provided she survives the confidence vote. "The House has spoken and this government will listen," she said on Tuesday night, offering cross-party talks to determine a way forward. Pro-Brexit Conservative MPs does not like the prime minister's deal to withdraw from the EU, but they really hate the prospect of a Labour government under the hard-left Corbyn. Thus, British media has predicted that Prime Minister May may survive Wednesday's confidence vote. Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers opposed the agreement for different reasons. Many feared that Britain could lock itself into an unfavourable trading relationship with the EU. Over 100 lawmakers of May's Conservative party - both Brexiteers and Remainers - overwhelmingly voted against the deal, leading to the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history. The crushing defeat also marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Following her defeat in the House of Commons, May said that the MPs have established what they are against but not what they are for. "The house has spoken and the government will listen. It is clear that the house does not support this deal but tonight's vote tells us nothing what it does support. "Nothing about how, or even if, it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold," she said. "I ask members on all sides of the house to listen to the British people who want this matter settled and work with the government to do just that," May said. According to the Britain's parliamentary procedure, when a bill is rejected by the MPs, the prime minister has three sitting days to return to Parliament with a Plan B. It is expected that May would head to Brussels on Wednesday to try and secure further concessions from the EU before coming back to UK Parliament with a new proposal. This could be put to vote by the MPs. Should this also fail, the Government would have another three weeks to come back with another alternative. If the withdrawal agreement never gets through with Parliament, then in all likeliness the UK will crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29. This would mean overnight EU laws and customs and the free movement of goods, services and people will cease. European leaders reacted to Tuesday's vote with dismay but gave no indication they were willing to make concessions. Several have warned of increased chances of a no-deal Brexit, which many MPs fear will cause chaos at ports and damage industry. Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, said Brussels "profoundly regrets" how the UK's MPs voted, after two years of negotiation "based on the red lines of the British government". "It is up to the British authorities today or tomorrow to assess the outcome of this vote and up to the British Government to indicate how we are going to take things forward on March 29 to an orderly withdrawal," he said. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: "I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up." European Council President Donald Tusk has appeared to suggest that the UK should stay in the EU. "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?", he tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two US service members were among those killed in a fiery explosion at a market in the northern Syria town of Manjib, the US military officials said. Prior to Wednesday's attack, only two US service members had been killed in action in Syria since the start of the campaign in 2014. Two US service members -- one Department of Defense (DoD) civilian and one contractor supporting the DoD were killed -- and three service members injured while conducting a local engagement in Manjib, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation, it said. In accordance with DoD's policy, the names of the service members are being withheld until 24 hours after notification of next of kin is complete, CENTCOM said. "US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time," according to a tweet from the spokesperson for the Operation Inherent Resolve. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, at least 15 people, including a US serviceman, were killed in the rare attack in Manbij. It said the cause of the explosion was a suicide bomb outside a restaurant. "The President (Donald Trump) has been fully briefed and we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Syria," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said. The explosion took place in a market wedged along a crowded street thick with cars. Video that Hawar identifies as from the scene shows people gathered on a crowded sidewalk when the fiery blast occurs. The attack comes less than a month after Trump announced that US troops would withdraw from Syria. Trump at that time declared in a video released on Twitter: "We have won against ISIS. We've beaten them and we've beaten them badly. We've taken back the land and now it's time for our troops to come back home." The US has about 2,000 troops in Syria, with no specific date for their withdrawal. Last week, the US began withdrawing some military ground equipment from Syria, according to an administration official with direct knowledge of the operation. Condemning the attack, Vice President Mike Pence said, "President Trump and I condemn the terrorist attack in Syria that claimed American lives and our hearts are with the loved ones of the fallen. We honor their memory and we will never forget their service and sacrifice." Thanks to the courage of our armed forces, "we have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities. As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate not now, not ever", Pence said. "Our deepest sympathies and love go out to the families of the brave American heroes who were killed today in Syria. We also pray for the soldiers who were wounded in the attack. Our service members and their families have all sacrificed so much for our country," the press secretary said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two former Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's members, who had quit the student outfit in 2016, questioned the timing of the chargesheet in the JNU sedition row and said it is "politically motivated". The ABVP said the two were siding with the Congress, which had supported the accused students, and termed it a "political ploy" divert attention. Then ABVP JNU unit joint secretary Pradeep Narwal and two others had resigned from their posts following clashes in the campus over an incident on February 9, 2016 in which "anti-national slogans" were allegedly raised. ABVP's JNU unit vice-president Jatin Goraya had resigned from the post in August 2016, saying he was "tired" of the ABVP's stand on the attacks against Dalits and their handling of issues, including the sedition row. On Wednesday, Narwal said the chargesheet is politically motivated. "Three years ago, JNU issue had triggered a media trial and with the filing of the chargesheet, it has started again. A chargesheet is usually filed within 90 days after the FIR, but what took the police three years to file the chargesheet? It is clear that the whole thing is politically motivated," he claimed. Goraya alleged the entire sedition row was orchestrated to ensure that the movement which started after Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula's death on January 17, 2016, dies down. "The Rohith Vemula movement had put the ruling party on the backfoot and the entire JNU row was orchestrated by the ABVP to gain attention. Hashtags like #ShutdownJNU were started on social media to divert attention. It was planned by the BJP, RSS and ABVP," he alleged. Goraya also raised questions about the veracity of the videos aired by certain channels. "After the chargesheet was filed, certain media channels showed four videos which had formed the basis for the filing of the chargesheet. In one of the videos, some people could be seen raising slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad'. "From that video, we could see those raising slogans are ABVP members. If the videos are authentic as said by the CFSL, why is no action being initiated against the ABVP? If the videos are doctored, the police should try and find the original videos," he said. Saurabh Sharma, member of the RSS-affiliated ABVP, the then joint JNUSU joint secretary said,"They are siding with the Congress that has supported the accused. These are political moves to divert the issue. The matter is sub-judice and we are hopeful the truth will come out in the next few days." Nearly three years after former JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others were accused of raising anti-India slogans, the Delhi Police Monday charged them with sedition. In the 1,200-page charge-sheet, former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were also arrayed as accused. The accused were named in the chargesheet for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during an event on the university's campus on February 9, 2016, to commemorate the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru The other seven accused chargesheeted in the case are Kashmiri students Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rassol, Bashir Bhat and Basharat. Some of them were then studying in JNU, Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia IslamiaAs many as 36 others, including Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja's daughter Aprajitha, Shehla Rashid (then vice-JNUSU president), Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Banojyotsna Lahiri, all former students of JNU, have been named in column 12 of the chargesheet due to insufficient evidence against them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Ajay Upadhayay on Wednesday claimed that around two crore people have lost their jobs in the country due to and implementation of GST. Addressing a press conference here, All India Congress Committee Spokesperson Ajay Upadhayay charged the BJP-led government that and the GST had hit the unorganised sector most. "Due to these two steps by the (Narendra) Modi government, two crore people have lost jobs. BJP's promise to give two crore jobs every year has become a 'jumla' only," he added. During the 2018 year itself, around 1.1 crore people have lost their employment opportunities, Upadhayay claimed. "According to a recent RTI reply, 24 lakh government posts are lying vacant at present. If the BJP government rally wanted to give jobs to unemployed youths, then they would have recruited people," he said. He also attacked the government for not implementing the Street Vendors Act, 2014, affecting the small traders and daily income earners. "There are 45-46 crore people working in the unorganised sector. This comprise the 93 per cent of the total workforce in India. The Modi government is totally anti-small traders," Upadhayay said. The Congress party's wing -- All India Unorganised Workers Congress -- has called for a nation-wide dharna on January 21 to press for their demands related to the sector, he informed. Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House on Tuesday, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed "a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller." The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advised Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute" to conclude that the president had obstructed justice. Though Barr said an attorney general should work in concert with an administration's policy goals, he broke from some Trump talking points, including the mantra that the Russia probe is a witch hunt. Trump has equivocated on Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and assailed and pushed out his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, for recusing because of his work with the Trump campaign. Barr stated without hesitation that it was in the public interest for Mueller to finish his investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the election. He said he would resist any order by Trump to fire Mueller without cause and called it "unimaginable" that Mueller would do anything to require his termination. "I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere with the election, and I think we have to get to the bottom of it," Barr said. He said that, at 68 and partially retired, he felt emboldened to "do the right thing and not really care about the consequences." If a president directs an attorney general to do something illegal, he said, an attorney general must resign. "I will not be bullied into doing anything that I think is wrong by anybody, whether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president," Barr told the hearing. Consumed by the partial government shutdown, Trump remained out of sight at the White House but also kept an eye on the coverage of the hearing and told aides he was pleased with how Barr was handling himself, two White House officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss internal conversations. On other topics, Barr echoed in part the president's hardline immigration stance and said the Justice Department would not go after marijuana companies in states where the drug is legal. He also would not rule out jailing reporters for doing their jobs, saying he could envision circumstances where a journalist could be held in contempt "as a last resort." Barr's confirmation is likely, given that Republicans control the Senate. Even some Democrats have been looking to move on from acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, who declined to remove himself the Russia probe and has faced scrutiny over his private dealings. But he nonetheless faced skeptical questions from Democrats over whether he could oversee without bias or interference the remainder of Mueller's probe. Feinstein said the nominee's past rhetoric in support of expansive presidential powers "raises a number of serious questions about your views on executive authority and whether the president is, in fact, above the law." Under questioning, Barr voiced a more moderate view, saying a president who ordered an attorney to halt an investigation would be committing an "abuse of power" though not necessarily a crime. Barr said under questioning from Sen. Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat, that he wouldn't interfere with a Mueller request to subpoena the president for his testimony "if there was a factual basis." But he also said he saw no reason to change Justice Department legal opinions that have held that a sitting president cannot be indicted. "I don't believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," he said when asked by the panel's Republican chairman, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Barr called Mueller a friend of 30 years and said "it is vitally important" that Mueller be allowed to complete his investigation. The special counsel is required to report his findings confidentially to the Justice Department. Barr said he wanted to release as much as possible of Mueller's findings to Congress and the public "That certainly is my goal and intent though he stopped short of making a pledge. He also noted the Justice Department does not typically disclose information about people it investigates but does not prosecute. He also disclosed having discussed Mueller with Trump during a meeting in 2017 when Barr declined to join his legal team. Trump wanted to know what Mueller, who worked for Barr when he led the Justice Department between 1991 and 1993, was like. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A picture of snow-capped house of former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar has bowled over ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) working president K T Rama Rao, who Wednesday expressed his wish to have a residence there. Abdullah responded by inviting Rao, son of Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, to stay in his house any time he wanted. "If only there was a wish-granting factory, Id have one right there; somewhere closer," Rama Rao replied, responding to a picture of Abdullah's house and its surroundings covered in snow in the twitter. Abdullah tweeted back: "Treat mine as yours and stay any time you like." In response, the former Telangana Minister said:"Hey, I am gonna take that offer rather seriously Omar Saab." The bonhomie between the two leaders of regional parties incidentally comes at a time when Chandrasekhar Rao is involved in efforts to launch a federal front of non-Congress non-BJP parties. Kashmir valley, including Srinagar, has been experiencing snowfall. Kashmir is currently under the grip of 'Chillai-Kalan', the 40-day coldest period of winter, when chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the minimum temperatures drop considerably. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tripura has 25,98,290 voters after 55,969 names were added and 18,719 were deleted during the special summary revision of the voters list, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sriram Taranikanti said Wednesday. The Election Commission of India Wednesday published the final Tripura electoral roll. "As per the final electoral roll, there are 25,98,290 electors in Tripura. This includes 13, 17,150 male voters, 12, 81,127 female and 13 from the third gender," the CEO told a press conference. "During special summary revision, 55, 969 names were added and 18,719 names were deleted," he said. Taranikanti said the special summary revision results were delayed by 16 days as the Tripuras Electoral Rolls were integrated for the first time in ERONET, a nationwide web portal managed by Election Commission of India (ECI). Most of these additions and deletions were made as per requests from voters who have shifted homes or moved elsewhere. During special summary revision held in the run up to Tripura Assembly polls last year, the Election Commission deleted 34,845 names of voters including 28,000 dead and fake voters. CEO said that 29 thousand Demographic Similar Entries (DSE) were marked in the electoral rolls of Tripura this year as well. DSE refers to multiple voters who have similar names, address details and other mutually matching particulars. "We identified these 29 thousand DSE cases during electoral roll revision ahead of 2018 Tripura Assembly polls. Among them, 668 names were deleted. But the rest were found to be genuine. We have marked them DSE this time to save the extra labour of checking them all over again," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Harassment by the police was one of the reasons fewer tourists visit Goa for ringing in the New Year, state Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said Wednesday. The police should go after drug racketeers and not target "innocent tourists", he said. "There are several reasons why tourism has gone down. One of them is the harassment meted out to innocent tourists by the police department in Goa," Ajgaonkar told reporters. He was speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting of MLAs to discuss the Draft Tourism Policy 2018. Police often stop tourists during the late hours and harass them, he said. "Tourists are our guests. They should not be harassed this way. This kind of behaviour sends a wrong signal about Goa to the world," Ajgaonkar said. He dared the police to crack down on the drug trade instead. The minister was quick to add that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has always asked the police to crack down on the drug trade. Several other factors, including some new provisions in the Goa Tourist Act which are aimed at preventing unruly behaviour on the state's beaches, were putting off tourists, he said. Visa problems add to the hassles of foreign tourists, he noted. The tourism department will undertake a drive to remove pesky hawkers and tourist beds which encroach on the state's beaches, he said. Drinking on the beach and smashing liquor bottles in the sand will be made punishable offences, Ajgaonkar added. Goa receives around 60 lakh tourists every year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To provide relief to hassled home buyers residing in flats built by embattled Amrapali Group, the Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated that it may allow them to register their residences with the authorities concerned. The top court said that flat buyers of Amrapali Group were not able to register their flats with the authorities concerned as they did not have completion certificate and if need arises it may invoke powers of extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 142 of the Constitution to direct for registration of the flats. "Amrapali home buyers should not suffer due to want of completion certificate and ongoing litigation. We may direct the authorities to register their flats on payment of proportional amount to Noida and Greater Noida authorities. If the need arises we may invoke Article 142 of the Constitution to issue directions," a bench of justices Arun Mishra and U U Lalit told counsels appearing for home buyers and Amrapali. It asked the parties to give their legal suggestions on the next date of hearing so that directions could be passed to the authorities. Advocate M L Lahoty, appearing for home buyers said that it will be a big relief to the flat owners and they would submit the legal suggestion on next date of hearing. He said that when Unitech promoters are in jail for a similar offence, the CMD and directors of Amrapali Group cannot be allowed to stay in a hotel. Lahoty suggested that the court should direct money be recovered from unsold inventory of Amrapali Group and by selling the tech-park five star hotel of the company. The bench said that it was not happy with the valuation of Amrapali's five-star hotel Tech Park in Greater Noida at just Rs 90 crore and would like to get valued by an independent valuer. "There may be some cartelization working. We would not like that to happen. We are not happy with the value. This is a five-star hotel. We want a valuer who is directly responsible to the court," the bench said. It also voiced concern that Amrapali's 100-bed multi-speciality hospital in Greater Noida has not been sold till now despite directions of the court. "We would also not like that the hospital is over-valued because it would not allow any other party to take it over. There should be no cartelisation," the bench said. The court-appointed forensic auditors told the bench that they have found cases of duplicate booking of flats by Amrapali Group in which flats were sold twice and money was taken from both the parties. Forensic auditor Ravi Bhatia, in his report, said that as per financial statements and the books of accounts scrutinised up to March 31, 2015 for the 23 companies of Amrapali, it was found that Rs 2761.49 crores of the home buyers money has been diverted to other projects, other group companies, directors and their relatives and senior employees. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on January 24. The apex court had on December 12 last year directed the Debt Recovery Tribunal, Delhi to conduct the valuation of Amrapali's five-star hotel Tech Park in Greater Noida and sell it by January end. The court had asked the company to file the details of the assets it created with Rs 2,990 crore and the board resolutions which allowed Rs 1,100 crore to be spent for purchasing share capital. It directed the forensic auditors to also examine whether any siphoning of funds was done by granting sub-leases or any favours were doled out in such transactions. The apex court had on December 5 ordered attachment and sale of the realty firm's five-star hotel, cinema hall, malls and factories across India, calling it "a worst kind of cheater" and "a perfect liar" for not complying with the court's direction. The top court had also ordered attachment of four swanky corporate offices of Amrapali Group situated in Noida and Greater Noida, and asked the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT), Delhi to auction them. The top court gave a window to the firm's directors and their family members to return home-buyers' money, if they have it, by December 10. It had sought response from Amrapali Group CMD Anil Sharma and its directors, Chief Financial officer and statutory auditor Anil Mittal, asking them why a criminal case for breach of trust should not be lodged against them. The apex court had earlier initiated contempt proceedings against Sharma and its directors for prima facie violating court's order and thwarting the course of justice. The court is seized of a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in projects of the Amrapali Group. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Investigative agencies are looking to identify foreign and domestic assets of Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the scam, to unravel the purported kickbacks generated by him and his associates to swing the defence deal in the favour of the Anglo-Italian firm. Officials involved in the probe said investigative agencies have detected that Michel possesses properties and bank accounts in at least four countries and they suspect that a number of them have been created during the time the deal was being inked. They suspect some of the assets could also be in India and are held in a 'benami' manner where the actual owner could be linked to the British national, extradited last month to India from the UAE. The (ED) in 2015 had attached properties worth about Rs 1.12 crore in Delhi that were linked to Michel under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials said the agencies are now looking to identify his assets so that they can be similarly attached. This will also help the agencies to establish the money trail in the deal, they added. The agencies are taking help of their counterparts in the UAE and the UK, among other countries, to not only obtain details of immovable properties but also information on bank accounts, they said. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. Currently, he is in judicial custody. The ED, which is probing this case along with the CBI, had filed a charge sheet against Michel in 2016 and had alleged that he received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from which was nothing but "kickbacks" to execute the 12-helicopter deal in favour of the firm in "guise of" of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country. investigations have detected remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services, FZE to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians. According to the agency, the firm was nothing but a "shell company" to "launder the proceeds of crime". The PMLA probe found that Chief Executive Officer Bruno Spagnolini was paying "kickbacks" to Michel and the two other middlemen in the guise of numerous "consultancy contracts" and Michel alone received 30 million euros in his Dubai company accounts and others under this arrangement. The probe also found that Michel had hired a firm to provide to him from India an analysis of market publications related to manufacturing industry active in the Indian defence arena, the economic and financial trends in the country and overall views on private sector participation in Indian defence and manufacturing industry. On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying the 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore by it for securing the deal. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of about Rs 2,666 crore to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros. : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Wednesday 'strongly' condemned an incident involving the Sri Lankan Navy, which led to the death of an Indian fisherman recently. In a statement here, he said K Muniasamy was part of a group of fishermen in two boats fishing in their 'traditional fishing zone,' - the Palk Straits - on January 13 when they were 'chased' by the Lankan navy. Both boats capsized as a result and the fishermen fell into the sea, he said, adding that eight of them were rescued while Muniasamy drowned. "I have often pointed out to the Centre incidents of the Sri Lankan navy chasing away Indian fishermen, damaging their nets and confiscating their boats while they were fishing in their traditional fishing zone of Palk Straits and pressed for quick action," he said. "I strongly condemn the latest incident," the chief minister said. The AIADMK government would take all steps to protect the livelihood of the Tamil Nadu fishermen, he assured. Condoling Muniasamy's death, Palaniswami announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to his family from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund. Meanwhile, fishermen from Rameswaram, Pamban and Mandapam in Ramanathapuram district kept off the seas Wednesday to condemn the incident, local fishermen leader N J Bose said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid the political turmoil triggered by charges of horse trading flung at each other by the ruling coalition and the BJP, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Wednesday said things were "under control" and there was no reason for worry. Ruling out any "operation" by the ruling alliance to poach the BJP MLAs, the Chief Minister said there was no necessity for it and that he was "relaxed." "It is not necessary for me to carry out any operation (poaching), actually there is sufficient numbers with me.. Every thing is under control... don't worry," Kumaraswamy said. He was responding to a query from reporters on whether BJP MLAs were camping at Gurgaon, fearing alleged poaching by the Congress-JDS coalition. He also wanted BJP State President B S Yeddyurappa to explain whether his party MLAs have been shifted there to celebrate Sankranthi or for any other reason. In a significant turn to the political war that erupted on Monday with both sides venting their fears of poaching, two MLAs, H Nagesh (Independent) and R Shankar (KPJP) Tuesday wrote to Governor Vajubhai Vala, conveying their decision to withdraw their support to the JD(S)-Congress government with immediate effect. Clarifying that his party MLAs were not being shifted to any resort, as being speculated in the media, the Chief Minister said, "We are not going to shift anyone to any resort, there is no need for it." "So I request media not to fool itself and the people of the state," he said. However, it was not clear whether Congress would shift all its MLAs to a resort on Wednesday or not. Reiterating that the five Congress MLAs, who are in Mumbai, allegedly under BJP's control, were in touch, Kumaraswamy said, "I have been saying for the past three days that they are in touch with me, I'm in know of all the developments." "They may not be reachable to others, but they are reachable to me...," he said in response to a question whether the five MLAs were reachable. Kumaraswamy also said he has explained the facts to the Congress leadership. Hitting out at media over reports about instability of his dispensation, Kumaraswamy warned them of losing credibility. "You people are going to ruin the credibility of Kannada channels," he said. "Do you know the situation better than me? Working as the Chief Minister won't I know what is happening. "You are running episodes that are far from truth, in the days to come people of the state will decide on Kannada channels," he added. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and CLP leader Siddaramaiah met Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, who is in the city and held discussions. After the meeting, Siddaramaiah told reporters that preparations for the coming Lok Sabha elections were underway. Asked about MLAs staying in Mumbai, he said, ".. will talk to you in the evening." In a tweet, Pradesh Congress Chief Dinesh Gundu Rao asserted that the Karnataka government was "safe and sound." Not even one Congress MLA was going to resign or join the BJP, he said. "#KarnatakaGovernment is safe and sound. Plans to destabilise our govt using corrupt, unethical,unconstitutional means by @AmitShah @BSYBJP @BJP4India has come a cropper. Time to end the Mafia raj of #ModiShah in this country," Rao said in the tweet. "Let me assure the people of Karnataka.. not even one @INCIndia MLA is going to resign or join @BJP4India. Media, instead of questioning the stability of our govt, should be exposing the unholy methods of BJP. Why is the media so silent on this issue, so soft on BJP??" he asked in another tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal was defeated by a crushing margin in parliament on Tuesday, further complicating the country's historic exit from the EU and triggering a no-confidence motion against her government. May's bid to get the Withdrawal Agreement, struck between London and Brussels, through a House of Commons was defeated by a margin of 202 to 432 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. Within minutes after the defeat, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn announced that his party would move a motion of no-confidence against May's government, to be held on Wednesday. Britain is set to exit the 28-member European Union, which it joined in 1973, on March 29. With just over two months to go until the scheduled departure, Britain is still undecide on what to do. Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers opposed the agreement for different reasons. Many feared that Britain could lock itself into an unfavourable trading relationship with the European Union. Over 100 lawmakers of May's Conservative party - both Brexiteers and Remainers - overwhelmingly voted against the deal, leading to the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history. The crushing defeat also marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Following her defeat in the House of Commons, May said that the MPs have established what they are against but not what they are for. "The house has spoken and the government will listen. It is clear that the house does not support this deal but tonight's vote tells us nothing what it does support. "Nothing about how, or even if, it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum parliament decided to hold," she said. "I ask members on all sides of the house to listen to the British people who want this matter settled and work with the government to do just that," she added. Moments after the outcome in parliament, Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in May's government, calling her defeat "catastrophic". "Labour will table a motion of no-confidence in May's government tomorrow," he said. According to the Britain's parliamentary procedure, when a bill is rejected by the MPs, the prime minister has three sitting days to return to Parliament with a Plan B. It is expected that May would head to Brussels on Wednesday to try and secure further concessions from the EU before coming back to UK Parliament with a new proposal. This could be put to vote by the MPs. Should this also fail, the Government would have another three weeks to come back with another alternative. If the withdrawal agreement never gets through with Parliament, then in all likeliness the UK will crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29. This would mean overnight EU laws and customs and the free movement of goods, services and people will cease. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Internal Revenue Service is recalling about 46,000 of its employees furloughed by the government shutdown nearly 60 per cent of its workforce to handle tax returns and pay out refunds. The employees won't be paid. With the official start of the tax filing season coming January 28, the Trump administration has promised that taxpayers owed refunds will be paid on time, despite the disruption in government services caused by the partial shutdown now in its fourth week. There had been growing concern that the shutdown would delay refunds going out because the money wouldn't be available for them from Congress. Last week, the administration said customary shutdown policies will be reversed to make the money available and refund payments on time possible. An IRS document detailing its new shutdown plan shows that 46,052 agency employees will be called back to work, of the total workforce of 80,265. It says the plan will take effect as soon as the Treasury Department issues an official notice. About three-quarters of U.S. taxpayers receive annual refunds, giving them an incentive to file their returns early. Many lower-income people count on refunds as their biggest cash infusion of the year. The issue is politically sensitive. The massive tax law enacted by Republicans in Congress in late 2017, which is President Donald Trump's signature legislative achievement, gave generous tax cuts to corporations and the wealthiest Americans and more modest reductions to middle- and low-income households. The law is expected to bring lower taxes for 2018 for the great majority of Americans, and the refunds are a big tangible part of that. Trump told supporters on a conference call Tuesday that his administration has been working to minimize the painful impacts of the shutdown. "People are actually amazed that, with this many people, that government is really working so well. So we're very proud of that," he said. Angered over employees having to work without pay, the union representing IRS staff sued in federal court last week to challenge any such agency action on constitutional grounds. The Constitution doesn't allow the government to obligate funds that haven't been provided by Congress, and the executive branch "can't continue to force more and more employees to show up in exchange only for an IOU," the National Treasury Employees Union said in its lawsuit. On Tuesday, a federal judge rejected the union's challenge, declining to force the government to pay the recalled employees. Some experts question whether the administration has the legal authority to reverse earlier policies to allow the government to issue refunds during a shutdown. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The bone-shaking "Viking thunderclap" made famous by Iceland fans at Euro 2016 has become a smash hit in the most unlikely of places -- at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates. An expression of solidarity between supporters and players, the iconic slow chant -- accompanied by a single clap in unison -- has been adopted by fans of teams including China, India, Thailand, Lebanon and Iran. India captain Sunil Chhetri led his team of unlikely Vikings in a lusty thunderclap after the Blue Tigers thrashed Thailand 4-1 in Abu Dhabi. Chinese fans followed suit after their team's 2-1 win over Kyrgyzstan, and it has gathered pace since. "Nobody does it like we do of course -- but it's really cool that more countries are using it to support their team," Hilmar Jokull, vice chairman of Iceland's noisy Tolfan supporters group, told AFP. "We're just a tiny country in the middle of nowhere and we're not expecting anyone to copy us -- especially countries of more than a billion people. "The Viking clap gets the players pumped up," he added. "It gives them an adrenalin shock." Iceland, with a modest population of just 340,000, famously reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, knocking out England along the way. Their passionate fans also won admirers around the world, although -- whisper it -- the thunderclap actually originated in Scotland, and supporters of Icelandic side Stjarnan pinched it after a Europa League game in 2014. "They took it from Motherwell, but I think it's similar to the technique Vikings used when they were sailing," insisted Jokull. "Banging a drum to keep the rhythm going while they were rowing." - 'Samheldni' - ===============Wales and France also celebrated victories at Euro 2016 with impromptu versions of the Icelandic chant, which gradually gathers speed and ends with a throaty cry of"Huh!" For Iceland supporters, particularly Tolfan's "ultra"-style fans, the thunderclap is a serious business, expressing the Icelandic concept of "samheldni" -- which combines elements of unity and cohesion. "All your muscles go tense," explained Jokull. "The sense of communion and togetherness between the team and the fans is amazing." Chinese fan Lin Dewei said his fellow supporters had adopted the thunderclap to "show the players love". "To tell them 'jiayo!' (fight) and also to say thank you for wearing the red shirt of China," he added. Thai fan David Prasong thought the thunderclap came from the Queen song "We Will Rock You" -- until corrected. "Embarrassing," he grinned. "But it feels great to be part of it." While some fans at the Asian Cup may not be familiar with the chant's origins, they make up for it with enthusiasm. "I watched Euro 2016 and Iceland's fans looked like they were having great fun," said Lin. "That's what it's about really. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The newly-elected Telangana Legislative Assembly would meet from Thursday for the members to take oath, to elect the Speaker and also take up the Governor's address to the joint session of legislature. The Governor ESL Narasimhan had issued a notification on January 7 summoning the assembly to meet for its session at 11.30 AM on January 17. Senior AIMIM MLA from Charminar assembly constituency Mumtaz Ahmed Khan has been appointed as the pro tem Speaker, before whom the newly-elected members would take oath. The assembly proceedings would be held for four days from January 17 to 20, a press release from the Chief Minister's office said. The newly-elected MLAs would take oath after the House meets at 11.30 AM Thursday. In the afternoon of January 17, an official lunch would be hosted for the MLAs on the lawns of Legislative Council Hall, the release said. The schedule for the Speaker's election would be announced on January 17 and the nomination process would commence, it said. The names of several TRS leaders, including Padma Devender Reddy (deputy speaker of the previous assembly), Pocharam Srinivasa Reddy, E Rajender and A Indrakaran Reddy (all ministers during the previous term of TRS) are doing the rounds for the Speaker's post. S Madhusudanachary, who was the Speaker during the previous assembly, lost the December 7 assembly polls. The Speaker's election and an announcement about it would take place on January 18, the release said. Later, the Assembly proceedings would continue with the newly-elected Speaker in the Chair. "The Speaker will conduct the Business Advisory Committee meeting after the House is adjourned and will take a decision on the Governor's address the following day," it said. On January 19, the Governor would address the joint session of legislature. The next day (January 20), the House would introduce the motion of thanks to the Governor's address and adopt the same, the release said. BJP MLA-elect T Raja Singh had said he did not want to take the oath in Khan's presence as the AIMIM "speaks against Hindus and its leaders do not sing Vande Mataram' or say Bharat Mata Ki Jai". He, however, said he would take oath after the regular Speaker takes over proceedings of the new Assembly. The party position in the 120-member Assembly is TRS-88, INC-19, AIMIM-7, TDP-2, Independent-1, AIFB-1, BJP-1 and Nominated-1. The AIMIM is a friendly party of the ruling TRS. The independent member and the MLA of All India Forward Bloc has extended support to TRS. The 19-member Congress is expected to elect its leader in the assembly who would be the opposition leader. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for attributing his exit from the Grand Alliance on the inability of Congress president Rahul Gandhi to take a stand on corruption. "No one in Indian matches the standards of Nitish Kumar ji. He is not only politically, morally or socially scandalous, but 'Bhishma Pitamah' of moral corruption. You will never find him accepting his blunders. He blames partners as well as opponents for his mistakes," Yadav, whose party lost power on account of Kumar's exit, tweeted. At an event organised by a private channel here on Tuesday night, the chief minister had accused Gandhi of not taking a stand when his state government was rocked by corruption allegations against Yadav, who was then the deputy chief minister. Kumar had alleged that Gandhi balked at issuing even a statement, which could have compelled him to have second thoughts about leaving the Grand Alliance of his Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, and returning to the NDA. Congress leaders have, so far, remained tight-lipped on the claim by Kumar, who had also alleged that the RJD , despite being an old ally, was averse to give more seats to the Congress in the 2015 assembly polls and it was at the insistence of the JD(U) that it got 40 and ended up winning 28 its best ever performance in the 243-member house. The younger son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, also took potshots at Kumar for his claim that BJP chief Amit Shah had asked him "twice" to induct former poll strategist Prashant Kishor into the JDU. The chief minister, who also heads the JDU, had made the claim while dismissing speculations that Kishor, who joined the party in September and was elevated to the post of national vice-president within few weeks, could be his political successor. "Finally Nitish Kumar admits that JDU is advanced version of BJP (and) therefore he is giving all important organisational posts except him(self) to the people chosen by Sh Amit Shah," Yadav remarked sarcastically in an earlier tweet. "Hope now you understand why mob lynchings and state sponsored crimes have become a routine practice in Bihar," he added. Since his return to the NDA, Kumar has been drawing flak from the RJD-Congress combine for allegedly compromising on his stand against communalism, which had led him to snap his 17-year-old ties with the BJP in 2013, soon after the party announced the then Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi, as the chief of its committee for the Lok Sabha poll campaign. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Swine flu on Wednesday claimed one more life in Rajasthan, taking the toll to 39 since January 1, officials said. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Health Minister Dr Raghu Sharma have given directions to staff of the medical and health department to remain vigilant. According to data from the medical and health department, 4,091 people have been tested for swine flu from January 1. Of the total, 971 were diagnosed positive and 39 people have died in the state. Sixteen deaths were reported from Jodhpur district this year, the officials said. Jodhpur Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Sunil Kumar Singh said 741 patients were examined and 225 were found afflicted with the disease and 16 of them died during this time period. In Jaipur, 1,642 people were examined for swine flu, 378 were found positive and four patients died, the officials said. Nagaur and Sikar recorded three deaths each followed by two deaths each in Kota and Pratapgarh, and one death each in Ajmer, Tonk, Ganganagar, Pali, Jalore, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Udaipur and Rajsamand, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korean officials said Wednesday they have stopped businessmen from bringing North Korean paintings into the country that a report said were purchased at an art studio under UN sanctions. Observers say similar incidents could occur frequently as South Korea's liberal government pushes for deeper exchanges with North Korea. The Korea Customs Service said it has nine North Korean paintings that an unidentified number of businessmen tried to bring into the country after a trip to Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, last November. It said the businessmen did not have the required South Korean government permission to bring in North Korean products. South Korea's largest newspaper, Chosun Ilbo, reported Wednesday that the paintings were purchased from Pyongyang's Mansudae art studio, which is on a U.N. sanctions blacklist. The studio is subject to an asset freeze and travel ban because of its dispatch of artists and other workers abroad to do projects to generate revenue for the North Korean government. In its Pyongyang studio, thousands of artists produce propaganda-themed paintings, huge bronze statues, mosaics and watercolors. South Korea's Unification Ministry, which deals with North Korean policy, said it couldn't immediately confirm the Chosun report. Spokesman Baik Tae-hyun said government agencies will determine whether there were violations of UN sanctions imposed over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. An earlier investigation of the paintings showed that none contains pro-North Korea propaganda, a customs service official said on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorised to speak publicly on the matter. According to the Chosun report, the paintings were of animals and each cost 300,000-500,000 won ($270-450). The businessmen were among about 80 foreign-based businesspeople, mostly South Korean citizens, who made a four-day trip to Pyongyang in mid-November. The customs service official refused to identify them. Personnel exchanges between the two Koreas have increased sharply since North Korea abruptly began talks early last year with a vague promise of denuclearisation. South Korean President Moon Jae-in wants to expand ties with North Korea, but any resumption of stalled large-scale joint Korean economic projects needs to receive an exemption from the UN sanctions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The "Lost in Translation" team of actor Bill Murray and director Sofia Coppola are reuniting for a new project. Coppola, 47, is set to direct A24 and Apple's first collaboration "On the Rocks", according to The Hollywood Reporter. Murray, 68, will star alongside actor Rashida Jones in the film, which is being described as a father and daughter tale. The story follows a young mother who reconnects with her larger-than-life playboy father on an adventure through New York. Production will start in coming months in New York City. Their maiden collaboration ,"Lost in Translation", had fetched Coppola an original screenwriting Oscar while Murray was nominated for best actor. The duo also worked together on 2015 Netflix holiday special "A Very Murray Christmas". Coppola will also produce the project along with Youree Henley, while her brother Roman Coppola and Mitch Glazer will serve as executive producers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rajiv Bhawan, the office of the state Congress, wore a festive look Wednesday as took charge as the party's Delhi chief in presence of a large gathering of workers and senior leaders. However, the celebrations were marred as controversy erupted over the presence of Jagdish Tytler, an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, at the event. Three new working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilothia -- also took charge along with Dikshit. The enthused workers greeted the former Delhi chief minister as she reached the office at DDU Marg with slogans and drum beats. Chants like " Ayi Hai, Badlaw Ki Andhi Layi Hai" "( has come with a storm of change) were heard. With Dikshit at the helm of affairs, the party is looking to revive its fortunes in the capital after a series of poll debacles starting with losing of power in 2013. Dikshit said she will take the party to new heights in Delhi where it will replace all and sought help of ground-level workers. She also said the Congress will make full efforts to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. Dikshit, 80, was appointed to the post by the party's president after stepped down citing health troubles. Senior Congress leaders Karan Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Meira Kumar, PC Chacko, Sandip Dikshit and were among those present as Dikshit took charge. Just before taking charge as DPCC president, she said no talks have been held yet on forging an alliance with the (AAP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. " is full of challenges, we will strategise accordingly. The BJP and AAP both are a challenge; we will meet the challenges together. There is nothing on an alliance with AAP yet," she told ANI. Sources in both AAP and Congress, however, claimed that chances of forging an alliance for the upcoming polls have emerged with the appointment of Dikshit. The change of guard in Delhi Congress assumes significance as the party is gearing up to brighten its fortunes in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, considering that the BJP had bagged all the seven seats at stake in the capital in the last general elections. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 14-year-old girl, who allegedly tried to kill herself after being admonished for watching videos on mobile phone, died at a hospital here after battling for life for three days, the police said Wednesday. The family resides in Bhoiwada, central Mumbai. The police did not disclose the girl's name as she was minor. Last Thursday the girl's mother chided her for watching videos on mobile phone all the time, a police official said. According to her family members, the girl would be glued to her mobile phone, watching as well as uploading videos using a popular video-editing app. Immediately after her mother scolded her, the girl, extremely upset, went into the bathroom. When she did not come out for a long time, the family members broke the bathroom's door to find her hanging from the ceiling, though alive. She was rushed to the government-run KEM hospital where she died during treatment Sunday, the official said. Further probe is underway, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil Wednesday said the Supreme Court is unlikely to overturn the Bombay High Court's verdict on the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial project in the Arabian Sea here. Speaking to reporters at Mantralaya (secretariat), he refuted BJP MLC Vinayak Mete's claims that officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) were to be blamed for the apex court's stay on construction work of the project. "The Bombay High Court gave a verdict in our favour and petitioners' case did not hold merit because of the ground work of PWD officials," said the revenue minister. The BJP minister said the HC had observed that the state government had secured all the necessary permissions and clearances before going ahead with the project and therefore turned down the plea of the Conservation Action Trust (CAT). The trust had requested the HC to to scrap the project on the ground the state government had not taken proper environmental clearances for it. "There was no failure on our part on arguing our case before the SC. Once a petition is rejected by the HC, petitioner has the right to approach the SC. "The apex court, while listing the matter for next hearing, had ordered a stay on the construction work while stating that it will have to examine the matter," Patil said. "Instances of SC overturning HC's orders are very rare. In this case also, the apex court will not take a contrarian view," he said. The SC Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the Maharashtra government on a plea challenging the Bombay HC order which had refused to restrain authorities from taking steps regarding the proposed project. Advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, who appeared for Maharashtra, said that while issuing notice on the plea, the bench orally told him to ask the authorities not to proceed with construction activity. Meanwhile, Patil pleaded ignorance when asked about the role of state party leaders in the alleged attempts being made by the BJP to topple the JDS-Congress in Karnataka. Patil claimed for the past two days, he has been in his office in Mantralaya and hardly moved out. Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar, who was closeted in a close-door meeting with Patil, also declined to comment on the political developments in the neighbouring state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Town and Country Planning minister Vijai Sardesai Wednesday said if those opposing the installation of a statue of Dr Jack Sequeira in the Assembly complex were not taught a lesson, then "we would be called political eunuchs". He was speaking after unveiling a bust of Dr Sequeira on the occasion of the Opinion Poll Day. The day commemorates a 1967 referendum in which the people of Goa opted against a proposal that it should merge with neighbouring Maharashtra. Sequeira spearheaded a movement to stop Goa from merging with Maharashtra. The BJP in the past had opposed the demand to put up his statue in the Assembly complex. Sardesai said the installation was only a matter of time. "Let us stay united and we will achieve it," said the minister who heads BJP's ally Goa Forward Party. "Anyone who says that Jack Sequeira should not be given recognition should be defeated in the next election....What would we be termed as? We would be 'political hijra' (eunuch) if we can not do this," he said. Later, speaking to reporters, the minister said by eunuch, he meant "politically impotent". The history of the Opinion Poll would be part of the school curriculum from the coming academic year, he said. In a jibe at the opposition Congress, Sardesai pointed out that Congress's Goa unit president Girish Chodankar in his tweet about the Opinion Poll Day got the year wrong. Chodankar said it was 1966, when it was actually held in 1967, Sardesai said. The Congress has "Maharashtrawadi hangover" as leaders from the pro-Maharashtra MGP took control of that party, he allleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia on Wednesday denied it was rubbing its hands or gloating after Britain's parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's deal on leaving the European Union. On Tuesday, British MPs voted massively against the withdrawal agreement signed by May and EU leaders, raising fears of a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit. Speaking in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov insisted his country did not want to interfere in Britain's affairs and said Russia was prepared to deal with any scenario. "We will not say and are not saying anything about Brexit, even though some people are constantly saying and writing that Russia is rubbing its hands and gloating. Nothing of the kind," he told reporters. "We have always said -- long before the idea of Brexit took shape -- that a united, strong and most importantly independent European Union is in our interests," he added. "Let's see what happens. Naturally, we will be ready to cooperate both with the European Union and Britain if it all ends with (Britain's) exiting the EU." Ties between the two countries collapsed following the poisoning of former Russian double-agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the British city of Salisbury last year. London has accused the Russian government of being behind an attack that later led to the death of a British citizen. Moscow has denied the charges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) :Russia Grand Master Alexandr Predke will be the top-seed and title favourite in the 11th Chennai Open International Chess Tournament 2019 for the Sakthi Group Dr N Mahalingam Trophy, to be held here from January 18. The 25-year-old Russian GM with a FIDE rating of 2620 will be challenged, among others, by fellow Russian GMs Ivan Rozum and Ivan Popov. The tournament has attracted players from 14 foreign countries, the organisers said here Wednesday. They include 21 Grand Masters and 28 International Masters, 2 Women Grandmasters and 5 Women International Masters. The Indian challenge will be led by GMs Erigaisi Arjun, Deepan Chakkravarthy, M R Venkatesh, Sundararajan Kidambi, R R Laxman, Neelotpal Das, Saptarshi Roy Chowdhury and Karthik Venkataraman among others. This annual event, organised by Tamil Nadu State Chess Association carries a total prize money of Rs 15 lakh with the winner set to take home Rs three lakh, apart from a trophy. The runner-up would receive Rs two lakh cash prize. The 10-round tournament to be played on a Swiss system offers Grandmaster norm and International Master norm chances for title aspirants. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 1,300 Rohingya Muslims have crossed into Bangladesh from India since the start of the year, an official said Wednesday, as fears of deportation to Myanmar spark an exodus. New Delhi has faced sharp criticism for turning members of the persecuted minority over to Myanmar in recent weeks, despite the army there being accused of atrocities against the Rohingya. The United Nations and rights groups accused India of disregarding international law and returning the Rohingya to possible danger in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. India, which is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, arrested 230 Rohingya in 2018 -- the most in years as Hindu hardliners called for the displaced Muslims to be deported en masse. The round-ups in India, and fear of deportation to Myanmar, have driven even more of the stateless Muslims into Bangladesh, where a million Rohingya live in giant refugee camps in the country's southeast. Nayana Bose, a spokeswoman for the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), which includes UN agencies and other foreign humanitarian organisations, said the pace of new arrivals had escalated since January 3. "Some 1,300 individuals from 300 families have arrived from India to Bangladesh until today," she told AFP. The new arrivals were being housed in a UN transit centre, she added. UNHCR spokesman Firas Al-Khateeb said the UN refugee agency was "aware of the situation". Those crossing the border in recent weeks have been detained by police and sent to Cox's Bazar, a southern district home to the world's largest refugee camps. Some 40,000 Rohingya have been living in India. Police said those who arrived were living in India for years. Rohingya for decades have faced persecution and pogroms in Myanmar, which refuses to recognise them as citizens and falsely labels them "Bengali" illegal immigrants. They were concentrated in Rakhine state, the epicentre of a brutal Myanmar army offensive in August 2017 that UN investigators described as genocidal in intent. At least 720,000 Rohingya fled the bloody crackdown and entered Bangladesh to join some 300,000 already living in the camps. Amnesty International, among other rights groups, has blasted India for forcibly repatriating the Rohingya to Myanmar when persecution in Rakhine is ongoing. Dozens of Rohingya were also deported from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh last week. They were arrested for illegally using Bangladeshi passports to travel to the kingdom. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 72-year-old retired Army officer sustained burn injuries Wednesday when a leakage in a gas cylinder caused fire at his house in northwest Delhi's Keshav Puram area, police said. The injured has been identified as Y P Pokhriyal, they added. Police were informed about the incident at around 12.49 pm following which they rushed to the spot. On reaching the site, the victim, a retired Army colonel, was taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital where he is undergoing treatment, a senior police officer said. Pokhriyal has sustained 11 per cent burn injuries, he added. Investigations revealed that Pokhriyal was making food when a leakage in the gas cylinder caused fire at his house. He used to live alone in his flat, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Research scholars from across the country staged a protest outside Shastri Bhawan in central Delhi on Wednesday in support of their long-standing demand of increasing the scholarship amount. The All India Research Scholars Association (AIRSA) and research fellows from across the country later moved to Jantar Mantar to continue their protest. "Some of us plan to go on an indefinite hunger strike till our demands are met. We have been demanding an 80 per cent hike in our fellowships applicable from April last year," said Nikhil Gupta, the national representative of Research Scholars of India. "We staged a protest in front of the Ministry of HRD office first and then moved to Jantar Mantar. Indefinite hunger strike will now be an integral part of our protest. There have been too many fake promises made to us. No more tweets and no more trying to divide us on the basis of caste, funding agencies or examinations. We have written way too many letters to the departments but have not got any relief so far," he said. According to police officials, the protest was peaceful and adequate security arrangements were in place to avoid any unfortunate incident. A group of scholars had met Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar earlier this month following which the minister had said that the "government is positive about the demand". However, no announcement in this regard has been made yet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of Republic Day, Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik Wednesday held a meeting with senior police officials from several states and discussed issues related to policing in the National Capital Region, officials said. The main focus of the meeting was to share terror-related intelligence and inputs about various extremist outfits and their designs in view of the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations, they said. It was also emphasised to increase police presence, intensive and coordinated checking at vulnerable points, tenant verification, guesthouse checking, paying guest accommodation and sensitisation of cyber caf owners and second-hand car dealers to strengthen the counterterrorism measures, an official release issued here said. Senior police officials from Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh attended the meeting held at the Delhi Police headquarters here, it said. The officials also discussed about traffic restrictions on Republic Day at Delhi borders, it added. "It was stressed to study the trends in smuggling of illicit fire-arms, drug trafficking, human trafficking and missing children and sharing of information for proper and effective surveillance on the activities of criminals," a senior police officer said. Patnaik urged all stakeholders to cooperate with regard to the arrangements of Republic Day, the officer added. All officers were briefed to share advance intelligence having inter-state ramifications on law and order, he said. The meeting ended with a resolution to have increased co-ordination in policing in the NCR region with emphasis on one-to-one interaction at all levels to provide a more secure environment to citizens of Delhi and neighbouring states, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Committee to Protect Journalists has appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik to release journalist Aasif Sultan, arrested last year for alleged links with militant groups, and drop the charges against him. No chargesheet has been filed against Malik, who works for a weekly newspaper and was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on August 27 last year, the CPJ, a global organisation advocating press freedom, said in a letter to the governor. "Freedom of the press is a vital tenet of democracy and a proud part of India's history. We urge you to use the authority vested in you as governor of Jammu and Kashmir to help immediately ensure that Aasif Sultan is released and that the charges against him are dropped," the letter dated January 15 said. It said his name was incorporated in an FIR after a gunfight on August 12. His editor and family credibly disputed police claims and said his work was strictly that of a journalist gathering news, the CPJ said. The organisation also said Sultan wrote a cover story for the Kashmir Narrator in July last year on Hizbul Mujahideen's poster boy Burhan Wani. The article included interviews with non-combatant members of the terror group. "Police have reportedly subjected Sultan to repeated interrogation during his detention regarding the article, asking him to reveal his sources and why he reported on the conflict in Kashmir...Police have also objected in court to his Facebook postings," it said in its letter to Malik. The CPJ is based in New York and is engaged in promoting press freedom worldwide. "We understand that Jammu and Kashmir is facing a difficult situation, but CPJ would like to stress that interviewing or having sources who are critical of the government is within the scope of a journalist's job and does not implicate them in a crime. Reporting on an important and newsworthy story such as the conflict in Kashmir is a public service, not a criminal act," it said. Police has denied the allegations levelled against it and clarified that Sultan was arrested after a through investigation into the grouping of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in Batmaloo locality in August 2018. The journalist approached sessions court for a bail which was rejected. Under the UAPA, police is supposed to file a chargesheet within six months of arrest. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rebel AAP MLA Baldev Singh Wednesday resigned from the party's primary membership, accusing its leadership of "giving up its basic ideology and principles" and the party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal of being "dictatorial and arrogant". The AAP legislator from Jaitu tendered his resignation to Kejriwal. He is the third MLA to quit the party after after Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and H S Phoolka, also a legislator. Khaira resigned from the party on January 6, while senior advocate H S Phoolka tendered his resignation on January 3. Phoolka has already tendered his resignation from the party as well as MLA, though Punjab Assembly Speaker is yet to take a call on it. Khaira has also resigned from the party but not as MLA. He has dared the AAP leadership to get him disqualified under anti-defection law. "I am pained to forward my resignation from the primary membership of the AAP because the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles," Baldev Singh said in an email to Kejriwal. "As a result of your dictatorial, arrogant and autocratic style of functioning, pioneers of AAP like Parashant Bhushan, Yogender Yadav, Medha Patikar, Kiran Bedi, Dr Gandhi, H S Khalsa, Sucha Singh Chottepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ashish Khetan, Ashutosh, H S Phoolka etc. have all left the party or have been thrown out in a humiliating manner," he alleged. "Therefore, keeping these saddening developments and circumstances in mind... I have decided to quit as a primary member of the AAP," Baldev Singh said. The resignation of Baldev Singh, for the time being, is unlikely to impact the post of the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly which is held by AAP. AAP has 20 MLAs in the Punjab Assembly. It includes six rebel legislators, Kanwar Singh Sandhu, Jagdev Singh Kamalu, Jagtar Singh Hissowal, Pirmal Singh Khalsa, Baldev Singh and Nazar Singh Manshahia who are siding with Khaira. The remaining 14 are with the central leadership of the party. Out of 117 seats in the House, the Congress has 78 members, the SAD has 14, the BJP has three MLAs and two legislators belong to the Lok Insaaf Party. Baldev Singh, along with other MLAs, had sided with Khaira after he was removed as Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly last year by the AAP. He had even attended the launch ceremony of Khaira's political outfit Punjabi Ekta Party. He said he was shocked that the AAP removed Khaira as the the Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly and gave the charge to Harpal Singh Cheema. "We in Punjab were deeply shocked when you unceremoniously and undemocratically removed an honest Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the post of LoP, without taking Punjab MLA's into confidence," he wrote to Kejriwal. He also hit out at Kejriwal for tendering an apology to Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia on drug issue. "Your (Kejriwal) meek apology to tainted former minister Bikram Singh Majithia revealed your double standards in Your duplicity on the vital issue of Punjab river waters also puts you on the same pedestal of cunning leaders of India," Baldev Singh alleged and denounced the AAP leadership for not "expressing faith" in leaders from Punjab. "Instead of expressing faith in the abilities of Punjabis and rewarding them, you preferred to send an army of outsiders to muzzle the voice of our people. The said army was headed by two arrogant Subedar's who indulged in every mean maneuvers to promote their near and dear ones," he alleged. "This arrogant and overconfident attitude of the party hierarchy led to a crushing defeat of AAP in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections," Baldev Singh said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rebel AAP MLA Baldev Singh Wednesday resigned from the party's primary membership, accusing its leadership of "giving up its basic ideology and principles and party chief Arvind Kejriwal of being "dictatorial and arrogant". The AAP legislator from Jaitu tendered his resignation to Kejriwal. He is the second MLA to quit the party after Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira -- another AAP rebel who resigned on January 6. I am pained to forward my resignation from the primary membership of the AAP because the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles, he said in a letter to Kejriwal. "As a result of your dictatorial, arrogant and autocratic style of functioning, pioneers of AAP like Parashant Bhushan, Yogender Yadav, Medha Patikar, Kiran Bedi, Dr. Gandhi, H S Khalsa, Sucha Singh Chottepur, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Ashish Khetan, Ashutosh, H S Phoolka etc. have all left the party or have been thrown out in a humiliating manner, he alleged. Therefore, keeping these saddening developments and circumstances in mind... I have decided to quit as a primary member of the AAP, Baldev Singh said. Baldev Singh, along with other MLAs, had sided with Khaira after he was removed as Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly last year by the AAP. He had even attended the launch ceremony of Khaira's political outfit Punjabi Ekta Party. He said he was shocked that the AAP removed Khaira as LoP and gave the charge to Harpal Singh Cheema. We in Punjab were deeply shocked when you unceremoniously and undemocratically removed an honest Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the post of LoP, without taking Punjab MLA's into confidence," he said. He hit out Kejriwal for tendering an apology to Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia on the drug issue. Your (Kejriwal) meek apology to tainted former minister Bikram Singh Majithia revealed your double standards in Your duplicity on the vital issue of Punjab river waters also puts you on the same pedestal of cunning leaders of India, he alleged. Baldev Singh denounced the AAP leadership for not expressing faith in leaders from Punjab. Instead of expressing faith in the abilities of Punjabis and rewarding them you preferred to send an army of outsiders to muzzle the voice of our people. The said army was headed by two arrogant Subedar's who indulged in every mean maneuvers to promote their near and dear ones, he alleged. This arrogant and over confident attitude of the party hierarchy led to a crashing defeat of AAP in Punjab in the 2017 assembly elections, Baldev Singh alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Wednesday imposed a Rs 1-crore penalty on state-owned Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) for non-compliance of Know Your Customer guidelines and fraud-classification norms. This penalty has been imposed taking into account the failure of the bank to adhere to directions issued by the RBI, the central bank said in a statement. "This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers," it said. Last year, the RBI had imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on BoM on account of delay on the part of the bank to detect and report fraud in an account. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After its success in the recent Rajasthan Assembly elections, the Congress here has begun seeking feedback from workers in each constituency to pick candidates for the Lok Sabha polls. This is being done through a series of meetings being held in the state capital. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the party's state leadership is inviting workers to discuss the upcoming elections. "We are trying to understand their feelings and will collectively select nominees for the Lok Sabha elections. The final decision will be taken by the party high command," Gehlot told reporters. Gehlot claimed there is no doubt that the party will win all 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Party office bearers on Wednesday held a meeting with workers of Chittorgarh Lok Sabha constituency. The meeting was held at the chief minister's residence and also attended by deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and Rajasthan in-charge of the All India Congress Committee, Avinash Pandey. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won all 25 Lok Seats. But the Congress wrested two of them in the bypolls later. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian-American Raja Krishnamoorthi on Monday was appointed as the member of a key US House committee handling intelligence related issues. Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, appointed Krishnamoorthi, 45, to the panel. Krishnamoorthi from Illinois, Congresswoman Val Demings of Florida, Sean Patrick Maloney of New York and Peter Welch of Vermont are the four new Democratic members of House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for the 116th Congress. "Members of Congress take a solemn oath to protect the American people and support and defend the Constitution," said Pelosi in a statement. "Our new Members of the Intelligence Committee bring exceptional judgment, expertise and determination to our mission to honour that oath and, guided by the strong, principled leadership of Chairman Adam Schiff, will restore the long tradition of bipartisanship and integrity of this critical committee," she said. Krishnamoorthi was born into a Tamil-speaking family in New Delhi. His family moved to Buffalo, New York when he was three months old. Krishnamoorthi attended Princeton University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He then received a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Early this week, Pelosi had appointed Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal to the House Education and Labor Committee. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh Wednesday said a sum of Rs 1,500 crore would be spent on improving rural and urban infrastructure in the state. Making the announcement during pre-budget consultations with his party MLAs from the Majha region, along with the top brass of his government, the chief minister assured the elected representatives that the paucity of funds would not be allowed to come in the way of development in both the rural and urban sectors. The chief minister said that out of the Rs 1,500 crore, Rs 1,000 crore would be spent on improving rural infrastructure while Rs 500 crore would be used for urban infrastructure, to ensure the best civic amenities to the residents. The pre-budget meeting to elicit the views of MLAs from Majha region on budget proposals to ensure holistic development of their respective assembly segments was held here, according to an official spokesperson. The state government has chalked outa four-phased programme of consultations with Congress MLAs from Majha, Doaba, Malwa-I and Malwa-II. Responding to the concerns expressed by the Majha MLAs, Amarinder directed the concerned departments to evolve programmes and schemes for promoting the smart village campaign and to also undertake a comprehensive urban environment improvement programme. He sought a detailed proposal for the same to be presented at the next meeting of the state committee. The MLAs highly lauded the work done by the government with regard to debt waiver, which would cover nearly seven lakh farmers with a total waiver amounting to Rs 6,000 crore by March 2019. Taking part in the deliberations, the MLAs made key suggestions, including strengthening of roads and bridges, expediting the debt waiver amount disbursement and new debt waiver scheme for landless labourers. The MLAs also suggested that concerted efforts should be made to further improve the urban infrastructure for better delivery of civic services. They demanded measures for overall development of Dera Baba Nanak area and Kartarpur corridor, besides sprucing up of the infrastructure of the holy town of Sultanpur Lodhi in view of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Member Parliament from Gurdaspur Sunil Jakhar suggested that a special budgetary provision be made to facelift the holy city of Amritsar so as to showcase it as an iconic city across the globe. Rajya Sabha Member Partap Singh Bajwa said that focused attention should be paid to the education and health sectors. He pleaded that all the vacancies in government schools and hospitals, especially in the rural areas, should be filled on priority. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab police chief Suresh Arora has been given nine-month extension in service by the Centre in public interest, according to a Personnel Ministry order issued Wednesday. The announcement comes on a day when the Supreme Court rejected pleas made by five states, including Punjab, seeking modification of its earlier order on the appointment of heads of the state police. Arora, a 1982 batch IPS officer, was given three-month extension last year. Now, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved extension in service of Arora as the DGP for an overall period of 12 months beyond the date of his superannuation, which is September 30, 2018, in public interest, according to the Personnel Ministry order. Arora was in 2015 appointed the DGP by the then SAD-BJP government. The apex court had in July last year outlined the procedures for the appointment of regular DGPs in states. According to the Supreme Court verdict, states were required to send a list of senior officers to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at least three months prior to the retirement of an incumbent. The commission would then prepare a panel and send it to the states for the appointment. The apex court Wednesday rejected pleas by Punjab, Haryana, Kerala, West Bengal and Bihar seeking modifications of the July 2018 order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Punjab government will release funds to the tune of Rs 4 to 6 crore for development of each assembly constituency, state Cabinet Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said on Wednesday. The decision comes ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "We will release development funds in the range of Rs 4 to 6 crore for each assembly constituency in Punjab," Bajwa said here. Punjab has 117 assembly constituencies. Bajwa said the decision for releasing funds for the development of the state was taken by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in a pre-budget meeting with the Congress MLAs here. "The funds will be given to the respective deputy commissioners who will then disburse funds according to the project proposals of the legislators," he further said. The rural development minister said the funds will be disbursed by January 30. He said the development work could not be carried out for the past few months because of the Panchayat elections which were held last month. Meanwhile, the chief minister Wednesday held a pre-budget meeting with MLAs from Majha region. He sought proposals from legislators with regard to funds required for carrying out development work in their constituencies. Amarinder Singh will hold a meeting with Congress legislators from Doaba on January 17. He will meet party MLAs from Malwa on January 18 and 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A nation-wide probe has been launched to nab the main perpetrators behind the multi-crore rupee fraud, allegedly committed by marketing firm QNet, police said Wednesday. Police were also examining a complaint which cited involvement of several Hindi film actors for promoting the company, a senior police official said. The case pertains to alleged "cheating" by the Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd Company, a sub-franchisee of QI Group in India, marketing under brand name of QNet, police said. Reacting to the police action, the Company said it was "disappointed" by the action taken by authoritieswhich are against the spirit of the Direct Selling Guidelines issued by the Telangana State Government. In a release, Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt Ltd said a detailed investigation has been launched to punish the culprits. Police said 60 people were arrested last week for "involvement" in the 'QNet scam' in which lakhs of people across the country were "cheated" of crores of rupees. They said a sum of Rs 2.7 crore was frozen in the Bank account of Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd and bank accounts of the accused involved in the cases were also seized. A total of 30 cases were registered against QNet in Cyberabad Police Commissionerate limits here while eight cases are under investigation by the Telangana CID. Cyberabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar said they were collecting information from police of different states and also from people who have been cheated across the country. "Our teams have been visiting different places including Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru. This scam is rampant in the IT corridors of Bengaluru and other cities. The prime accused need to be arrested," the Commissioner told PTI. "We are verifying their bank accounts and examining others," he said. Sajjanar said they have also written to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Registrar of Companies seeking information on what kind of permission these firms had taken to run their businesses. Police said following the arrest of 60 people, some members of the Financial Fraud Victims Welfare Association, which has become the voice of victims of QNet, had met the Cyberabad Police Commissioner last week and requested him to book cases against few Hindi film stars and other celebrities for promoting QNetin India, Dubai and Malaysia. QNet has been using these celebrities to promote their illegal money circulation scheme in India, the victims had alleged in their complaint. "We are examining the complaint over alleged involvement of Bollywood stars," Sajjanar said. According to the Commissioner, Vihaan Direct Selling Pvt Ltd formerly known as Gold Quest, Quest Net, is a Hong Kong-based multi-level marketing company owned by QI Group. The company invokes many 'Ponzi' schemes and Binary Schemes, Product based, Vacation Packages etc, business tactics which are "illegal", he said. Police said their pyramidal structure of so called direct sales involves enrolment of a common person based on a payment which the promoters dupe as buying of a product and annual registration fees. According to police, such person will be called an Independent Representative (IR). They receive commissions based on the further enrolments they bring into the scheme. Such enrolment linked payment of commission schemes are banned in India as per 'The Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act, 1978,' police said. QNet has also been accused of using the banned binary pyramid business model for their multi-level marketing (MlM) schemes to entice investors. According to police, several cases have been registered against QNet and its earlier firms in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Telangana states. Vihaan Direct Selling (India) Pvt Ltd said "The companys grievance redressal cell is headed by a retired high court judge. Hence, police intervention in a matter which is clearly a consumer complaint is puzzling." "We are further taken aback by the action taken by the authorities and the manner in which over 50 of Qnets Independent Representatives have been taken into custody." The firm said it has taken cognisance of the Police Commissioners statement about the misrepresentation by Qnet independent representatives (IRs) in Hyderabad promising quick money, and making other false claims about the financial returns from the business. "We have launched a detailed internal investigation to ascertain and punish the culprits, and have already suspended several IRs," the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sweden-headquartered phone directory app Truecaller Wednesday said it is locally storing the Indian users' data to ensure transparency and provide faster and more reliable services. "Truecaller is one of the first international tech companies to proactively take the step of storing its Indian users' data locally in India. This is a user-centric move that is aimed at safeguarding personal data and encouraging more transparency in the ecosystem," Truecaller said in a statement. With locally stored data, and significant investments in its Indian infrastructure, Truecaller has also doubled the search result speed for its core services like caller ID and spam detection, it added. Truecaller pointed out that it was already storing payments data of its Indian users, who use its unified payment interface (UPI)-based payment service in India. The RBI, in April last year, had issued a circular instructing all payments system providers in the country to ensure that data relating to systems operated by them is stored only in India and had set a deadline of October 15, 2018. The central bank's data localisation policy had elicited mixed response from the payment services industry. While some of the prominent domestic payment companies like Paytm and PhonePe have been supportive of the dictum, global players like Google (that offers Google Pay) had argued for free movement of data. "Payments as a vertical was built from scratch entirely out of India last year after the acquisition of the Indian payments start-up Chillr. This made Truecaller fully compliant to RBI's data localisation norms from the start, compared to other international entities," the statement said. The Stockholm-headquartered company has over 250 million users globally, of which more than 150 million users are in India. "This (move) safeguards our user's privacy and is our way of showing commitment towards our users and their data while being compliant with laws of the geographies we operate in," Truecaller co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Nami Zarringhalam said. He added that post the acquisition of Chillr in June last year, Truecaller has half of its headcount in India. The Indian government is also crafting a personal data protection bill that moots seeking "explicit consent" for processing 'sensitive personal information' like religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation and biometric details, defines obligations of data processors as also rights of individuals, and proposed penalties for violation. The draft of Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018 -- drafted by a high-level panel headed by Justice B N Srikrishna -- also restricts and imposes conditions on the cross-border transfer of personal data. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The high-powered Selection Committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet on January 24 to appoint the new CBI director succeeding Alok Verma whose ouster has triggered a major political row. Besides Modi, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge are other members of the panel. Kharge had demanded that the panel meeting be convened at the earliest to appoint a new director of CBI as the agency cannot be run by an interim director, whose appointment he termed as illegal. IPS officer M Nageswara Rao was named as the interim director of the CBI following Verma's removal. The sources said the government had proposed the meeting on January 21 earlier while Kharge wanted the meeting on January 24 or 25. After mutual consultations, the sources said, the government has finalised January 24 as the date for the meeting to select the new CBI Director, after Kharge is reported to have given his go-ahead for the date. The post of CBI chief is lying vacant ever since Alok Verma was removed as CBI Director and appointed as Director General Fire Service in the meeting on January 10, in which Kharge gave his dissenting note. Verma was removed within 48 hours of the Supreme Court reinstating him on the post. Kharge had opposed the removal of Verma and instead demanded that he be compensated as the government removed him from the post for 77 days and thus be given an extension. The Congress has been attacking the prime minister for not appointing a regular CBI Director. Kharge had also written to the prime minister demanding early holding of the meeting of the high powered committee to appoint a regular CBI Director. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The high-powered Selection Committee is likely to meet on January 24 to appoint the new CBI Director, sources said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads the committee, in which the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge are the other members. The sources said the government had proposed the meeting on January 21 earlier while Kharge wanted the meeting on January 24 or 25. After mutual consultations, the government has finalised January 24 as the date for the meeting to select the new CBI Director, a post which is lying vacant ever since the government removed and appointed him as Director General Fire Service. IPS officer M Nageswara Rao was named the interim director of the CBI. The Congress has been attacking the prime minister for not appointing a regular CBI Director. Kharge had also written to the prime minister demanding early holding of the meeting of the high powered committee to appoint a regular CBI Director. A report released by the Praja Foundation, an NGO, said Wednesday that the exodus of students from government-run schools in Mumbai has not stopped. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's ploy to distribute freebies such as tablet computers in civic schools is only a "cosmetic" measure, and it does not help provide "quality education", it said. As per the report, in 2013-14, 4.01 lakh students (45 per cent of all students) were enrolled in municipal schools, which dropped to 2.97 lakh (37 per cent) in 2017-18. "Enrolment in all types of schools in Mumbai has fallen by 11 per cent in last five years while percentage share of the private unaided and unrecognised schools has risen significantly," said Nitai Mehta, Founder and Trustee, Praja Foundation. Milind Mhaske, director of the Praja Foundation, said while the number of schools with upto 100 students increased in the last five years from 311 in 2013-14 to 426 in 2017-18, 229 schools have closed in the last ten years due to no enrolment or students getting transferred to another school. The municipal corporation's budget has risen 36 per cent from Rs 1,540 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 2,094 crore in 2017-18, he said. But despite the rise in budget, as per one survey, 94 per cent of the respondents said they would want to shift their children to private schools. "Sample data collected on School Management Committees (SMC) attendance shows that in 85 per cent of schools in 2016-17 and 83 per cent schools in 2017-18, municipal councillors did not attend even one SMC meeting," said Mhaske, highlighting the apathy of local elected representatives. Mehta opined that SMC's powers should be increased. Mehta also clarified that the issue of BMC 'blocking' Praja Foundation's RTI queries has been sorted out, and the present report was prepared on the basis of RTI replies. In 2017, the BMC administration had allegedly black-listed the foundation claiming that it misinterpreted healthcare data in one of its reports. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday urged US diplomats to emphasize that the United States still welcomes legal immigrants, amid unrelenting pressure from President Donald Trump to seal off Mexico with a wall. "I urge you to assure our allies this administration will continue to stand for legal immigration, even while we address the humanitarian and security crisis on our southern border," Pence told 180 US ambassadors and chiefs of mission abroad who were back at the State Department for an annual meeting. "The United States supports legal immigration. In fact, we celebrate it. And America has a proud record of support for refugees," he said. Pence's remarks amount to a tacit recognition of the effect on the US image of Trump's tough talk on unauthorized immigrants, whom the US leader accuses of spreading crime, despite statistics that immigrants are less likely to commit offenses than native-born Americans. The US government has been shut down for nearly a month as Trump demands that Congress provide USD 5.7 billion to construct a border wall, a key promise from his presidential campaign. Despite Pence's remarks, the Trump administration has cut down on admission of refugees. The United States accepted 22,491 refugees in the year through September, according to State Department figures, below the available cap of 45,000 and the lowest level in 40 years, with particular reductions on people from the Middle East. The Trump administration is lowering the cap further for the current fiscal year to 30,000. The United States nonetheless welcomes more refugees than any other country, although others including Canada and Australia accept more on a per capita basis. Legal immigration is subject to laws by Congress, although lawyers say that authorities have ramped up scrutiny of applications since Trump took office. The United States welcomed 1.1 million new permanent residents in the 2017 fiscal year, the last for which statistics are available, a figure that stayed steady despite Trump's inauguration during the period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia's economy should be ready for any scenarios, Russian Central bank's first deputy chairperson Ksenia Yudayeva said at the Gaidar Forum in Moscow. "We believe that we should be ready for any scenarios, therefore, we are considering quite rigid scenarios and preparing for them," she said. The deputy head of the regulator recalled that in 2018 the stability of 2017 was replaced by high instability recorded in many markets. Professor of the RANEPA faculty of Finance, Money Circulation and Credit Yuri Yudenkov, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that Yedayeva's statement means a specific set of measures, which will be used by the Central Bank in the case of the most rigid scenario. "It means that the Central Bank will continue to increase the key rate and tighten money supply. The Central Bank will also strictly monitor the Basel III regulations and the process of their implementation. In fact, Ksenia Yudaeva told about these strict measures," he said. The head of the department of stock markets and financial engineering of the Faculty of Finance and the Banking Business of RANEPA, former deputy chairman of the Central Bank of Russia Konstantin Korischenko, in turn, noted that the harsh scenario is not yet expected in 2019. "First, the price of oil is likely to be in the comfort range of $50-$70 per barrel, that is, above $40 per barrel, included in the Russian budget. Despite all the statements, a serious tightening of sanctions is unlikely, although one should not expect any easing of economic restrictions as well. Thus, any problematic scenarios are associated with challenges within the Russian economy, primarily with fiscal and monetary policies," he emphasized. In an unprecedented move, House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday urged President Donald Trump to reschedule his annual State of the Union address slated for January 29, citing security concerns triggered by the ongoing government shutdown which has "hamstrung" the critical departments. Pelosi in a letter to Trump suggested that the State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress be delayed until government re-opens. The current partial government shutdown, now into its 25th day, has rendered more than 800,000 federal employees without work, crippling the functioning of several key wings of the government including Security and State department. The longest-ever government shutdown is a result of the bitter political divided over birder security issue as the Democrats who now enjoy majority in the House have refused to approve a legislation approving USD 5.7 billion in federal funding to construct a wall across the US-Mexico border. Trump insists that building a wall is the only solution to protect the nation from a large flow of illegal immigrants and drug smuggling. The Democrats are opposed to any such funding. After Trump walked out of a meeting at the White House last week, Democrats have refused to come to the negotiation table. In a letter, released to the media, Pelosi wrote to Trump that the US Secret Service was designated as the lead federal agency responsible for coordinating, planning, exercising and implementing security for National Special Security Events by Public Law 106-544, December 19, 2000. "However, both the US Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security have not been funded for 26 days now with critical departments hamstrung by furloughs," she said. "Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government re-opens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th," Pelosi said. In her letter, Pelosi noted that the American Constitution calls for the President to "from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union". During the 19th Century and up until the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, these annual State of the Union messages were delivered to Congress in writing. And since the start of modern budgeting in Fiscal Year 1977, a State of the Union address has never been delivered during a government shutdown, she wrote. "In September 2018, Secretary Nielsen designated State of the Union addresses as National Special Security Events (NSSEs), recognising the need for 'the full resources of the Federal Government to be brought to bear' to ensure the security of these events. The extraordinary demands presented by NSSEs require weeks of detailed planning with dozens of agencies working together to prepare for the safety of all participant," Pelosi said. There was no immediate reaction from the White House. However, Trump continued to insist that the wall was the best solution to the border crisis, to which the opposition Democrats disagree. "There are now 77 major or significant Walls built around the world, with 45 countries planning or building Walls. Over 800 miles of Walls have been built in Europe since only 2015. They have all been recognised as close to 100% successful. Stop the crime at our Southern Border!" Trump said in a tweet. "It is becoming more and more obvious that the Radical Democrats are a Party of open borders and crime. They want nothing to do with the major Humanitarian Crisis on our Southern Border. #2020!" he said. Trump has said he only wants to stop the flow of illegal immigrants, human trafficking and smuggling of drugs, by having a solid steel structure or concrete structure. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hospital chain Paras Healthcare is investing Rs 500 crore to add 830 beds in 2019, a top company official said Wednesday. The company has hospitals in Gurugram, Patna, Darbhanga and Panchkula. "We are investing Rs 500 crore to add 830 beds in 2019 across our three hospitals. This includes 232 beds in our Panchkula hospital which we have just opened," Paras Healthcare Managing Director Dharminder Nagar told PTI. The multi-speciality hospital in Panchkula is a part of the company's expansion plan for the year, he added. The company will also be opening a hospital in Ranchi with 350 beds during the year and will be adding 250 beds in another hospital, Nagar said without disclosing the location of the hospital. The hospital in Ranchi is being set up in partnership with Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC), he added. When asked how the company is funding the expansion, Nagar said: "This is mainly through equity which we have raised. The company had raised USD 42 million (around Rs 275 crore) in July 2017 from private equity firm Creador. The rest would be through debt." The company follows an asset light model and its focus has always been to serve the middle class and to manage the quality and be cost effective, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Over 50 landlords were fined during a verification drive here Wednesday for not submitting the details of their tenants to police, an official said. A total of 51 landlords were fined and approximately, Rs 5,10, 000 was collected, SHO Rishikesh Kotwali Ritesh Shah said. Police need to have the records of people living in the town on a temporary basis to control crime, he said. The verification drive was launched after it was found that temporary residents are frequently involved in crimes in different parts of the state. Nearly Rs 11 lakh had been collected from 111 landlords during a similar drive conducted in the town in September last year, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One in three Christians in Asia faces high levels of persecution after a "shocking increase" of religious-based threats and violence across the world, particularly in China and sub-Saharan Africa, a global advocacy group said Wednesday. Around half of China's 100 million Christians encounters persecution, "the worst it's been in more than a decade", following "new laws seeking to control religious expression", the Open Doors watchdog said. Following North Korea on the list are Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran, India and Syria. India entered the top 10 for the first time, Open Doors said, as "Hindu extremists act with impunity and violent attacks on Christians and churches rise". Persecution worldwide increased for the sixth straight year, with a total of 245 million Christians - one out of nine worldwide - facing high levels in 2018, up from 215 million, or one in 12, the previous year. "Worldwide, our data reveals that 13.9 per cent more Christians are experiencing high levels of persecution than last year. That's 30 million more people," Open Doors UK and Ireland CEO Henrietta Blyth said in a statement. More than 4,300 Christians were killed due to their beliefs worldwide last year, over 3,700 of them in Nigeria, according to the 2019 World Watch List. The number of deaths in Nigeria almost doubled, with attacks from the jihadist Boko Haram group and ethnic Fulani herders posing a "double threat" for Christians, the NGO said. "Africa has become the home of violence against Christians," said Michel Varton, president of Open Doors France. North Korea topped the NGO's "extreme persecution" ranking of 50 countries, as it has since 2002. Open Doors said there were signs religious repression there was getting worse, but it was difficult to obtain data in the country, where "Christianity is forbidden and is a political crime". "For many Christians in India, daily life is now full of fear - totally different from just four or five years ago," said Blyth. Open Doors, a non-denominational mission supporting persecuted Christians, warned that the rate of discrimination and violence was likely worse than it has reported, as it only records deaths proven to be to be motivated by religion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a major setback for the opposition Congress in poll-bound Odisha, its working president and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Kishore Das has resigned from the primary membership of the party. He has, however, not resigned from the membership of the Odisha assembly, election to which is slated to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls this year. Das, a two-time legislator, has sent his resignation letter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to visit the state on January 25. In the letter, Das apologised for resigning from the party. A copy of the resignation letter was also sent to Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Odisha, Jitender Singh. In the letter, Das said he will join the ruling BJD to take forward the developmental activities in his Jharsuguda assembly constituency. Das stated that he has resigned from the Congress following requests by voters of Jharsuguda who want the area to be developed. "I do not have any complain against Niranjan Patnaik, president, PCC, Odisha. I have a very cordial relationship with him... I apologize for this resignation as done so (sic) for the moto i.e development first. So I should join hands with Naveen Patnaik," he said in the letter and indicated that he would join the BJD on January 24. Two days ago, when Das indicated that he would quit the Congress, Niranjan Patnaik had said it will not affect the poll prospects of the party. Das is a popular leader in Jharsuguda district. He had defeated BJD candidates in 2009 and 2014 assembly elections. He is also credited with ensuring Congress victory during the 2017 zilla parishad elections in Jharsuguda. Of the nine zilla parishad seats in Jharsuguda district, Das had ensured victory of Congress candidates in eight. Niranjan Patnaik wrote on Twitter, "As I had clarified to media, like this does pain me. But, in hindsight, I think this is good for us. People who are not committed to the ideology & treat as commercial activity are doing great service to us by quitting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 26-year-old man was found dead inside his car here Wednesday with the police suspecting his death due to suffocation after a brazier was found inside the vehicle, officials said. Satender was found unconscious inside the car in Sector 50 around 6 am by locals, who then alerted the police on the emergency 100 phone number, they said. "He was rushed to a hospital but was declared brought dead by the doctors," Station House Officer, Sector 49, Girija Shankar Tripathi said. Satender, a native of Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, was staying in Khoda colony in Ghaziabad with his in-laws for about a month. He provided his vehicle for hire and had also started a fast-food kiosk near the upcoming metro station in Noida, the official said. "He had started the kiosk near the metro station only about a week ago when he shifted it from Khoda, eyeing the emerging crowd here. However, he was apprehensive of his kiosk getting robbed in the night so he used to stay there in his WagonR all night to keep an eye on it," Tripathi said. "Last night, he apparently kept an angeethi (brazier) inside the car in front of the front seat adjacent to the driver's seat to keep himself warm. He then appears to have fallen asleep with the angeethi still burning and windows rolled up. He was found unconscious in the morning and then taken to hospital where he was declared dead," he told PTI. The relatives of Satender were informed in the morning and the body was sent for post-mortem, the SHO said. It appears to be a case of death from suffocation, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) No delegation from Pakistan would be attending the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said here Wednesday. Heads of state of some countries are expected to reach Gandhinagar for the 9th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit beginning January 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event and hold one-on-one meetings with the leaders on the sidelines of the summit. There was a controversy when the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), while inviting global trade bodies for the investors' meet, had also invited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce for the mega event. Indo-Pak diplomatic ties have been strained in recent times over the issue of terrorism. "No delegation from Pakistan is coming for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit," Rupani said. The issue (of Pak participation) was discussed, he added. He did not elaborate. Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had last week said there was nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan's trade body for the summit. The GCCI had decided to invite global trade bodies during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and the state government had agreed to it. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce was among the global trade bodies invited by GCCI. The Gujarat government had not sent any invitation, Singh said. The Pakistani trade body was invited to participate in the 'Global Conclave of International Chambers' event to be held during the Summit. In 2013, a trade delegation from Pakistan had come to Gujarat to participate in the summit but due to tension on the border, the delegation left without attending the main event. No Pakistani delegation was invited for the investor meets held in 2015 and 2017. The summit was initiated in 2003 by Modi when he was the chief minister, to promote investment in Gujarat and to establish it as the preferred investment destination in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) No business delegation from Pakistan would attend the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit as its industry members have not got visas to travel to India, the state's apex industry body said Wednesday. The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said it had extended an invitation to Pakistan industry representatives for the investor summit, but they will not be attending the three-day event in absence of visas. The Gujarat government is organising the ninth edition of the summit from January 18 to 20 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had also said no delegation from from the neighbouring country would be attending the summit, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A controversy had erupted when the GCCI, while inviting several global trade bodies for the meet, also extended invitation to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce (KCC). The India-Pakistan diplomatic ties have nose-dived in recent years over the issue of cross-border terrorism. "Upon our invitation to chamber of commerce in Pakistan, we had received travel plan of a 13-member delegation. "But today we received a communication from them, saying they have cancelled their India visit as they have not got visas," GCCI president Jaymin Vasa told reporters here. "Our bilateral business with Pakistan at present is going on without any (government) interference. We have a good business with Pakistan in sectors such as chemical, dyestuff, pharmaceutical and cotton yarn," he said. Rupani said no delegation from Pakistan was coming for the summit. "There were discussions about it, but it is not true," he told reporters here without elaborating. Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had last week said there was nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan's trade representatives for the high-profile event. The GCCI had decided to invite global trade bodies for the summit and the state government agreed to it, he had said. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce was one of the trade bodies invited by the GCCI, but the Gujarat government had not sent any invitation, the top bureaucrat had said. The Pakistani trade body was invited to participate in the 'Global Conclave of International Chambers' at the summit. GCCI office-bearers had earlier claimed it was only a "general circular" meant for around 285 global trade bodies, and that the final invitation was to be sent only after scrutiny. In 2013, a trade delegation from Pakistan had come to Gujarat to take part in the biennial summit. However, following tension on the border, the delegation left without attending the main event. Thereafter, no Pakistani delegation was invited for the investor meet held in 2015 and 2017. The summit was conceptualised in 2003, when Modi was chief minister, to promote investment in Gujarat. It focuses on establishing Gujarat as a preferred investment destination in India. Over the years, the summit has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development in addition to becoming a forum for forging public -private partnerships. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Wednesday said no delegation from Pakistan would be attending the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Gujarat will host the ninth edition of the annual industry summit 'Vibrant Gujarat' from January 18 to 20 in Gandhinagar. Earlier, a controversy had erupted when the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), while inviting several global trade bodies for the investors' meet, also extended invitation to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce. India and Pakistan's diplomatic relations have been strained in recent times over the issue of terrorism. On Wednesday, Rupani said, "No delegation from Pakistan was coming for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit." "There were discussions about it, but it is not true," he told reporters here, but did not elaborate further. Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had last week said there was nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan's trade body for the summit. The GCCI had decided to invite global trade bodies during the Gujarat Vibrant Summit and the state government agreed to it. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce is also one of the global trade bodies invited by GCCI. The Gujarat government has not sent any invitation, Singh said. The Pakistani trade body had been invited to participate in the 'Global Conclave of International Chambers', one of the events to be held at the summit. GCCI office-bearers had claimed it was only a "general circular" meant for around 285 global trade bodies, and that the final invitation was to be sent only after scrutiny. In 2013, a trade delegation from Pakistan had come to Gujarat to take part in the biennial summit. However, following tension on the border, the delegation left without attending the main event. Thereafter, no Pakistani delegation was invited for the investor meets held in 2015 and 2017. The summit was conceptualised in 2003 by Prime Minister Modi when he was the state's chief minister to promote investment in Gujarat. It focuses on establishing Gujarat as a preferred investment destination in India. Over the years, the summit has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to becoming a platform for forging strategic public-private partnerships. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commuters in Mumbai continued to suffer as the BEST bus strike entered the ninth day on Wednesday with the workers' union rejecting the management's '10-step increment' proposal to end the stalemate. All eyes will now be on the Bombay High Court which is hearing the case related to the strike, the longest such protest in the history of the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). Over 32,000 BEST employees have been on strike since January 8 over their various demands, including pay hike, revision of pay grade for junior level employees, and merger of loss-making BEST's budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The HC had on Tuesday directed the BEST workers' union to take a final decision on the withdrawal of its ongoing strike and inform the court on Wednesday. The direction came after the BEST told the court that it was willing to implement the redressal measure suggested by the state government's high-powered committee on granting an interim pay hike to its employees. The high-powered committee, headed by chief secretary, has recommended, among other things, that subject to the strike being called off, as an interim measure, workers be granted a '10-step increase' in salary for about 15,000 employees in a time-bound manner. However, BEST workers' union leader Shashank Rao rejected the proposal on Tuesday. The union was adamant on its demand of merging BEST's budget with that of its parent body BMC. A senior BEST official said the government was seriously considering the demand. "The high-powered committee is giving a serious thought to merge both the budgets. A decision on this is likely to come soon," an official said. Meanwhile, commuters continued to face hardships due to the strike, even as the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) deployed its buses to minimise their woes. A BEST driver apologised to commuters for the inconvenience, but also appealed them to understand the problems faced by the bus employees. "We have been financially distressed since the last few years. We had no option but to resort to this (strike). But we are hopeful that this will end," he said. Some commuters also took to social media to express their anger. "Palpable anger among daily bus commuters against BEST union & their ongoing strike. Common sentiment - quit the job if you are not happy with the wages/terms (coming from daily wage earners & lower middle class commuters). Overheard inside NMMT bus which have stepped up service," a harried commuter wrote on Twitter. The state government had last week invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA) against the striking employees. But, it has so far not taken any stringent action except for sending them notices to evict the houses provided to them by the undertaking. The BEST has a fleet of over 3,200 buses which criss-cross the metropolis and also operate services in the neighbouring Thane district and Navi Mumbai. It is the second-biggest mode of transport in Mumbai after local trains, which ferry over 80 lakh passengers every day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell said the U.S. views the Nord Stream 2 project as a danger to European energy security, and "the reputational costs and sanctions risk." However, the diplomat refused to comment on any specific punitive measures that the U.S. government might impose. In an interview with the German outlet Rheinische Post, he pointed out that he sees protecting his fellow citizens and defending his homelands interests as a diplomats central responsibility, and as the US government and Congress have clear reservations about energy security and the geopolitical impact of Nord Stream 2, he will continue to push U.S. policy. According to Grenell, Nord Stream 2 is not an economic venture, but a project that was developed "for only one reason": to create an alternative route for transporting Russian gas on its way to Europe that does not pass through Ukraine. "Germany should take into account the concerns of the other EU member states and its neighbours, regarding the negative impact of the pipeline project on them," U.S. the ambassador said, welcoming critical opinions of some politicians and business leaders, heard in Germany, according to him. A Nigerian national, allegedly staying in India illegally for over 8 years, has been apprehended by the CISF at the Delhi airport, an official said Wednesday. Emmanuel C Ajonuma was intercepted during random profiling of passengers on Tuesday when he entered the Terminal-3 of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport to take a flight to Mumbai, he said. Ajonuma's passport and visa details were checked and it was found that he had arrived in India on November 7, 2010 on a medical visa for three months, the CISF official said. The Nigerian man, however, did not go back or renew his visa after it expired, he said, adding his passport too expired in 2013. The man was handed over to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) authorities at the airport who subsequently transferred his custody to the police for action for violating the visa law and living in the country illegally for over eight years, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A new organisation aimed at increasing the participation of Indian-Americans in the election process has been launched by some eminent community members in Chicago. The Voice of Indian-American Voters, with its first chapter in Chicago intends to organize seminars & debates of public office candidates to create a more informed voter base, create a national list of Indian-Americans and start local chapters in other cities that have a sizable Indian population like New Jersey, New York, Dallas and Los Angeles, a media release said Wednesday. Observing that the participation of Indian-Americans in the election process is sadly much below the national average, one of its founding members and eminent Indian-American Bharat Barai said the community needs to be more involved in the voting process. "The time has come to engage more seriously in our civic responsibility in keeping with our economic & social success," Barai said. "Indian-Americans are the most successful minority in the country, yet currently we do not get the attention we deserve from elected officials because there is no significant powerful group said Sanjjeev Singh, president of ASAR America, Inc. a technology company based in Naperville. (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 Council Dhananjay Munde claimed Wednesday that the WhatsApp messenger service of his public relations officer was discontinued suddenly. Prashant Joshi, his PRO, used WhatsApp to circulate and updates about Munde's political meetings and his statements, the NCP leader said. "This is unheard of. This is the first step of emergency in India where an opposition leader's PRO's phone is banned," Munde said. Joshi said his WhatsApp service stopped functioning suddenly Wednesday afternoon and when he tried to reinstall the app, he got a message that his phone number has been banned from using WhatsApp as the account's activity was in violation of the terms of service. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has estimated a credit potential of Rs 1936.37 crore for Meghalaya under priority sector during 2019-20, officials said on Tuesday. The projected amount was disclosed by NABARD during the launch of the State Focus Paper (SPF), a credit planning exercise undertaken by the bank in close coordination with multiple stakeholders like the state government, banks, NGOs and farmer groups. The amount holds significance for Meghalaya, which has been a largely credit-deficient state with consistently low credit-deposit ratios in the range of 30-32 per cent, NABARD state-in-charge Y K Rao said. The SPF has estimated Rs 595.10 crore for crop loans, Rs 387.93 crore for term loans in agriculture, Rs 714.93 crore for the MSME sector and Rs 238.41 crore for other priority sectors like rural housing and education loans, he said. Chief Secretary Y Tsering exhorted the banking sector to rise up to the challenges and ensure that individual comprehensive plans are drawn to achieve targets in a time-bound manner. The chief secretary also stressed upon the fact that the credit-fuelled growth narrative has "bypassed" large chunks of farming communities in the state and that remedial action is the call of the hour. Meghalaya Agriculture Secretary Sampath Kumar urged the banking sector to reach out to self-help groups (SHGs) and the farmers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Richest Indian Mukesh Ambani has featured in the top Global Thinkers 2019 ranking of the prestigious Foreign Policy publication alongside the likes of Alibaba founder Jack Ma, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and IMF head Christine Lagarde. The publication on its website released a few of the names in the 2019 list of 100 Thinkers, saying the full list would be released on January 22. "With a fortune of USD 44.3 billion, Mukesh Ambani displaced Jack Ma in 2018 as Asia's richest man. Ambani's fortune comes from his holdings in the oil, gas, and retail sectors, but he's likely to make his biggest impact on India through his new telecom venture Jio," it said. Ambani is Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Ltd. Reliance Jio is a subsidiary of RIL. "Offering cellular data and voice free for the first six months after Jio's launch, he got more than 100 million to sign up -- accelerating a smartphone internet revolution in the world's largest democracy," it said. "The next stage of Ambani's plan is to use the digital airwaves to sell content and lifestyle products, eventually competing with Google and Facebook." Foreign Policy said 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of its Global Thinkers listing and it has decided to split the list into 10 categories of 10. "The first group comprises thinkers who have had an enormous impact on the world in the past decade. The other groups are for people who have been influential in the past year: thinkers and doers 40 and under, as well as those in defense and security, energy and climate, technology, economics and business, science and health, and activism and the arts," it said adding the full list of 100 will be released on January 22 - the day its Global Thinkers special edition magazine goes live. Ambani is listed in the Top 10 Technology Thinkers list. In the Top 10 of the Last 10 Years listing, Jack Ma, who founded the e-commerce company Alibaba in 1999 to enable businesses to reach once inaccessible consumers, as also International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde is listed. Lagarde, it said, has "time and again proved the importance of the fund's role as a lender of last resort, even while trying to retool it as a champion of progressive policies on climate change and inequality." Also, featuring on the list are European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager, TV host Fareed Zakaria and Bill and Melinda Gates. Bezos is also on the list as Amazon, which started out as an online bookstore in 1994, "now touches just about every aspect of commerce, revolutionizing how people around the world browse and shop for all kinds of products." "Today, Amazon is one of the world's five biggest companies in terms of market capitalization, and its stock valuation has turned Jeff Bezos into the richest man in modern history," it said. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been featured in the 40 & Under list. Writer Amitav Ghosh is featured in the Energy & Climate Thinkers list for his 2016 book, The Great Derangement, being a "searing piece of nonfiction that questions why writers and artists consistently fail to use environmental disasters as centerpieces in their stories." "Ghosh blames these omissions for the lack of public will to confront climate changea point he tirelessly reiterates in speeches around the world," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Milk delivery startup Milkbasket Wednesday said it plans to hire 2,500 people over the next two years and announced the launch of its services in Bengaluru. The company said it will hire people to support the operations and growth in Bengaluru. "Within next two years, we hope to have the largest operations in Bengaluru and will be creating employment for over 2,500 people in the process," Milkbasket co-founder and CEO Anant Goel said. Hiring will be made for ground operations as well as the corporate office, the company said. The startup has 1,500 employees in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. It has raised close to USD 16 million from Mayfield Advisors, Beenext, Kalaari Capital, Unilever Ventures, Lenovo and Blume Ventures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar is the latest from Bollywood to come out in defence of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani, calling him the "most decent" person in the industry. Hirani is the latest name to be called out for sexual harassment. She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's frequent collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Akhtar took to Twitter to offer his support to the embattled director, who has categorically denied the allegations. "I had come to the film industry in 1965. After the many years, if I am asked who the most decent people are in this industry over almost, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is RAJU HIRANI. GB Shaw has said. 'It is too dangerous to be too good,'" the screenwriter wrote. Hirani, known for his message-driven dramas such as "Munnabhai" series, "3 Idiots" and "PK", has been accused of sexual assault by a woman who worked with him on his 2018 film "Sanju". In an article on HuffPost India, the woman, who calls herself "an assistant", alleged that Hirani sexually abused her more than once between March and September 2018. She detailed her allegations in an email dated November 3, 2018, to Hirani's frequent collaborator and "Sanju" co-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra. The filmmaker, in a statement, called the allegation false, malicious and mischievous, which has the sole intention of destroying his reputation. While the industry has largely been silent on the latest #MeToo case, Hirani's previous collaborators Arshad Warsi, Dia Mirza and Sharman Joshi have batted for the filmmaker. Arshad, who found critical acclaim and love for his portrayal of Circuit in Hirani's "Munna Bhai" series, described the filmmaker as a "polite, nice and correct" person. "I find it wrong to condemn somebody without proper proof or investigation. I would like to know the credibility of the accusation. Till all that is clear, I feel it is not right to accuse someone. I believe in innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. Unfortunately, we just jump to conclusions," Warsi told PTI. Dia, who worked with Hirani on films "Lage Raho Munna Bhai" and "Sanju", said she was "deeply distressed" by the allegations as the director was someone she respects a lot. The actor said she hopes a due official enquiry is conducted in the matter. "I am deeply distressed by this As someone who has known and respects Raju Sir for 15 years I can only hope that a due official enquiry is conducted. He is one of the most decent human beings I have ever worked with and I think it would be grossly unjust on my part to speak on this as I do not know the details. "As for the #MeToo movement, it rightfully encourages women to speak up and seek due process," Dia told PTI. Sharman, whose portrayal of Raju Rastogi in Hirani's blockbuster "3 idiots" became immensely popular, hoped the phase the director is going through currently will pass. "Raju Sir, is a man of immense integrity, character, honour, compassion and truthfulness, all the virtues one would imagine are non existent in people today, someone I am absolutely inspired by and have learnt from and because of whom I believe I have gone onto being a better person. "All I want to say is that this too shall pass and I can imagine how demeaning it might be to even stand up for yourself in a situation such as this," the actor told PTI. Sharman had also offered support to the filmmaker on Twitter, using the #IStandForRajuHirani. India's #MeToo storm has engulfed many a stalwart such as Nana Patekar, Alok Nath, Vikas Bahl, Sajid Khan and former Union minister M J Akbar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will lead a delegation, including members from the BJP, to New Delhi on Thursday to air its opposition against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a senior state minister said Wednesday. The delegation will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to express their "unhappiness" over the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here after a cabinet meeting. He said the team will comprise all the members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which include the BJP, NCP and some regional parties. "We are leaving tomorrow and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to lodge our unhappiness with the intention of the Central government for passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill," Tynsong said. The state cabinet had passed a resolution to oppose the Bill last year. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha last week, provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. On the growing demand for the state government to come up with an official resolution in the Assembly with regards to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Tynsong said the question of passing a resolution does not arise. "It (official resolution) does not carry any weight as opposition (to it) has already been lodged by government as well as the Opposition parties," he said. The Meghalaya deputy chief minister said the state government had already submitted its letter of opposition to the Bill to the Centre through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which visited the state last year. To another query, Tynsong said unlike the opposition Congress which is divided over the issue, the ruling National People's Party has maintained a firm stand to oppose the Bill. "I request the Congress to please be united on this issue," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Irish fast food chain Supermac's announced Tuesday it had won a European Union battle against global giant McDonald's over the use of the Big Mac and Mc trademarks. Supermac's asked the European Union Intellectual Property Office to cancel McDonald's use of the trademarks in certain fields. The EUIPO said McDonald's had not proven genuine use of the contested trademark as a burger or as a restaurant name. "As a result, the application for revocation is wholly successful and the contested EUTM (EU trademark) must be revoked in its entirety. "The EUTM proprietor's rights in respect of European Union trademark No 62 638 are revoked in their entirety as from 11/04/2017," backdated to the date of Supermac's' application, it said. The US-based worldwide chain has the right to appeal against the decision. McDonald's did not immediately respond to comment when contacted by AFP. In a statement received by AFP on Tuesday, Supermac's accused McDonald's of "trademark bullying, registering brand names which are simply stored away in a war chest to use against future competitors". "McDonald's had previously succeeded in putting a stop to Supermac's plans to expand into the UK and Europe on the basis of the similarity between the name Supermac's and the Big Mac," it said. "This EUIPO judgement means that the main argument put forward by the US company is now gone." Supermac's managing director Pat McDonagh said: "We wholeheartedly welcome this judgement as a vindication of small businesses everywhere that stand up to powerful global entities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The confidence vote in Prime Minister Theresa May's government taking place on Wednesday, which she is expected to win, is the first in nearly 26 years. The vote was called by main opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn following the government's historic defeat over May's deal with the It will be held at around 1900 GMT. Under the 2011 Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, losing a confidence motion begins a two-week process that could end in fresh elections. If the vote is lost, the government has 14 days to regain the confidence of parliament's lower House of Commons -- majority support -- confirmed by the passing of a motion to that effect. If it cannot, then theoretically, Corbyn himself could seek to build a coalition with other opposition parties to take office. In the event that no alternative government can be formed from the current composition of the house, parliament is automatically dissolved and elections called. May runs a minority government which relies on the support of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for a slim majority. Since 1900 there have been only three occasions when a government has lost a vote of confidence: twice in 1924 and once in 1979. In the last such vote, the Labour government of prime minister Jim Callaghan lost the opposition motion by just one vote: 311-310. Callaghan immediately called a general election, which brought the Conservatives to power under prime minister Margaret Thatcher. They remained in office for 18 years. The last time a confidence motion was formally tabled in the Commons was in 1993 -- then, as now, in stormy times over Britain's relationship with Europe. Conservative prime minister John Major's government tabled the motion of confidence following its defeat in a vote on the Maastricht Treaty which turned the European Economic Community into simply the European Community, extending its competences. Major's government won the motion by 339 to 299, shoring up his position. May, who took over from in the aftermath of the vote, called a snap general election in June 2017, seeking to strengthen her hand in negotiations with But the gamble backfired and she lost her majority. The Conservatives now have 316 votes in the chamber, with 320 needed for a majority. The DUP, with whom they have a confidence-and-supply agreement, have 10 votes. The pro- DUP have indicated that they are against the EU divorce deal but want to give the Conservative government the chance to secure a better agreement. Hardcore Brexiteer Conservative MPs triggered an internal no-confidence motion in December, which May won by 200 to 117. However, following Tuesday's 432 to 202 Commons vote against the deal, May opened the door for Corbyn to try a no-confidence motion. "We need to confirm whether this government still enjoys the confidence of the house. I believe that it does," she said. Armenian Prime Minister NIkol Pashinyan paid an official visit to Georgia, during which he met with his Georgian counterpart Mamuka Bakhtadze, according to the press service of the Georgian government. The informal meeting was held in Bolnisi, Georgia on January 15. Bakhtadze congratulated Pashinyan on his appointment as Armenian Prime Minister and expressed confidence that the future active bilateral cooperation will foster the development and expansion of cooperation in various spheres between the two countries, Sputnik Georgia reported. During the meeting the sides exchanged views on a number of issues of bilateral agenda. Maharashtra government is keen on buying the iconic building in south Mumbai, a senior official said Wednesday. The 23-storey tower on Marine Drive in Nariman Point area was the national carrier's headquarters till 2013 when it was vacated as part of asset-monetisation plans. Bhushan Gagrani, principal secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, said the government has submitted a bid for the premium property which has 5 lakh square feet of space. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is another bidder, the senior IAS officer said. Gagrani told PTI that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has formed a committee headed by the chief secretary. It has been tasked with negotiating the sale price if the government wins the bid, he said. "There are a lot of state government and PSU offices scattered across the city, operating from rented premises. Shifting all of them to the building will save the government a lot of money," he said. The building served as the corporate headquarters for until 2013 when the head office was shifted to New Delhi. The Air India building, which is spread over 220,000 sq. ft, has several vacant floors overlooking the Arabian Sea which have been rented out to the directorate general of shipping, State Bank of India, and Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. To a query, Gagrani said the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) was not part of the bidding process. Earlier, Union shipping minister Nitin Gadkari had said the Air India building will be sold to JNPT. The proceeds from the sale of the building will be used to pay off a part of the airlines debt, another official said. Crisis-hit Jet Airways Wednesday said discussions are "progressing well" with stakeholders on a comprehensive resolution plan that also contemplates equity infusion and consequent changes in its board of directors. Amid concerns over Jet Airways' financial position and battering of shares on the stock exchanges, the airline said it continues to ensure that the safety and operations are not impacted. On Wednesday, the civil aviation ministry expressed hope that the airline, its strategic partner Etihad and lenders reach a "common plan" to deal with the situation. Sources said Jet Airways officials held a meeting with lenders. Specific details about the meeting could not be immediately ascertained. In an unusual move, the airline issued two statements on Wednesday, saying that it has been working on various cost cutting measures, debt reduction and funding options. The full service carrier, which has been grappling with financial woes, defaulted on loan repayment to a consortium of Indian banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) on December 31, 2018. In a statement issued in the afternoon, the airline said a resolution plan that contemplates various options, including proportion of equity infusion by various stakeholders and the consequent change in the company's board, is being worked out. "SBI, in consultation with the other members of the consortium and the other stakeholders, has been working on a comprehensive resolution plan towards a turnaround of the company for its sustained growth and restoration of financial health," Jet Airways said. The airline also said the resolution plan is presently under active discussion amongst the stakeholders and that the various options are yet to be crystallised and agreed to by the stakeholders in the best interests of the company. Citing the board's decision taken in August 2018, the airline said it has been working on various cost-cutting measures, debt reduction and funding options. Infusion of capital and monetisation of assets, including the company's stake in its loyalty programme, in consultation with various key stakeholders, are being looked at. According to the airline, the resolution plan contemplates various options on the debt-equity mix, proportion of equity infusion by the various stakeholders and the consequent change in the composition of the board of directors. The implementation of the resolution plan, once approved by all the stakeholders, would be subject to receipt of applicable statutory, regulatory, contractual and corporate approvals and consents. Late in the evening, Jet Airways issued another statement asserting that it is actively "engaged with the stakeholders on a resolution plan, which is progressing well". The company remains committed to all its guests and employees and continues to ensure that the safety and its operations are not impacted, it added. In the second statement, the beleaguered airline also "vehemently" denied and described as misleading in nature the conjecture being made about the longevity of the operations of the company by a section of the media. Shares of Jet Airways plunged nearly 8 per cent to end at Rs 271 on the BSE. Meanwhile, an airline official Wednesday said it has deferred deliveries of Boeing 737 MAX planes. The airline was to induct 11 Boeing 737 MAX planes by March this year and so far it has taken delivery of only five such aircraft. According to reports, Jet Airways' strategic partner Etihad Airways is looking to hike its stake in the airline. Responding to queries about the reports, an Etihad spokesperson told PTI, "Etihad does not comment on rumour or speculation". As per reports, Etihad might have to make an open offer in case it is hiking the stake in Jet Airways. On a question on Etihad Airways reportedly seeking exemption over the open offer, Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the issue is being discussed amongst the promoters and the lenders. "We hope that the three -- Jet Airways, Etihad and the lenders -- come together and decide on a common plan," he said in Mumbai. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) If day one was for ascetics from akharas and those who braved the surging crowds, day two of the Kumbh Mela on Wednesday was for the many lakhs, including tourists, who lined up along the Sangam for a purifying dip. The pull of the waters was as strong on Wednesday, the second day of the largest religious festival on earth, with officials estimating that more than one crore people took a plunge in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati. Tuesday was Makar Sankranti, one of the sacred bathing days of the 50-day fair. But 'shahi snan' or no 'shahi snan', there was no discernible dip in the number of people. It is called "the greatest show on earth" for a reason, said one visitor. "To be very honest, we were not expecting the crowds to be smaller. Also, most of the roads were open for visitors today. And then it is just the second day. We expect the same throughout the 50-day mela, not just for the 'shahi snan'," said a police officer who didn't want to be identified. On Tuesday, the administration restricted the entry of all types of vehicles -- other than those required for essential services -- in the vicinity of Kumbh Nagari, the sprawling 32,000-hectare township that has come up on the banks of the river. "We came yesterday also. But didn't get to take the holy dip. Yesterday, it was a show of akharas. They took a lot of time, first with the procession and then the bath. Today is the day for tourists," said 28-year-old Ranjan Mitra. "Yes, I would have liked less crowd as there was just too much of pushing and pulling at the ghats," Mitra said as loudspeakers blared out names of people lost in the mela -- a familiar trope in many a Hindi film. Like always, many people were seen making a beeline for the Juna akhara, an organisation of sadhus, and posing with Nagas, naked men with ash smeared on their body and long dreadlocks. "You come tomorrow. Today, I have to attend to my international disciples," said a Naga sadhu, readying his chillum. Guilia, who came here from Italy with her friends, was one of the "international disciples". "Our train got delayed and we couldn't reach on time yesterday for the sacred bath. We will be staying with Naga sadhus and exploring the mystic India," she said. Breaking through the melee with their soulful rendition of bhajans was a group of blind students of the Shri Vrindavan Andh Mahavidyalaya who entertained the crowds. "I, of course, can't see the expression on the face of the audience, but my guru ji said that people present enjoyed my music," said Ashok, 19, who has been blind since birth. The mela will come to a close on Maha Shivratri, March 4. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) on Wednesday termed as "shocking" the West Bengal government's announcement to develop the Tajpur deep sea port on its own, saying the techno-economic feasibility report for the project was already underway. The state government had a 26:74 share with KoPT in the project in West Midnapore district. "It is shocking. Ms Howe Engineering has already submitted the inception report, the hydrological and geological testing has also been conducted. The techno-economic feasibility report is expected soon," KoPT sources told PTI. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said the state will develop the Tajpur deep sea port on its own, as the Centre did "nothing" to start work on the project in the past three years. The KoPT sources, however, declined to acknowledge the delay as alleged by the state government. Change of the site of the port from Sagar Island to Tajpur has caused some delay, as all the processes had to be carried out from scratch, the sources said. Criticising the state government's decision to develop the port on its own, West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said it is a "political stunt" before the general elections and the Bengal Global Business Summit next month. The Mamata Banerjee government has already pulled out of the Centre's 'Ayushman Bharat' scheme. Meanwhile, the Keventor Group said it is optimistic that work would soon commence on the Kulpi Port project in the South 24 Parganas District, for which the state government has received statutory clearances. Global port operators--DP World will hold majority stake in the Kulpi Port project in which Keventor will be a key stakeholder. Another proposed container port project in Kulpi by the Bengal Shipyard Ltd -- a subsidiary of Apeejay Shipping Ltd -- is also yet to start. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtrabooked their place in the finals of the both Boys and Girls Under-17 and Under-21 sections Wednesday, putting themselves in line for a four-gold sweep at the kho-kho competition of the Khelo India Youth Games here. Kerala also assured themselves of at least two silver medals as they reached two finals in the two Under-21 sections. Delhi in Under-17 Girls and Andhra Pradesh in Under-17 Boys managed to get into one final each, a media release said. Interestingly, both semi-finals were decided by the same scoreline 7-6, with Maharashtra and Delhi emerging winners. Results: Under-17 Girls: Semi-finals: Delhi beat Gujarat 7-6; Maharashtra beat Punjab 7-6. Under-17 Boys:Maharashtra beat Tamil Nadu 12-6; Andhra Pradesh beat Karnataka 17-10. Under-21 Girls: Maharashtra beat Odisha 10-7; Kerala beat Delhi 8-7. Under-21 Boys:Maharashtra beat Gujarat 13-9;Kerala beat Andhra Pradesh 21-11. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kenya said its forces Wednesday ended a terror attack on a luxury hotel complex that claimed 14 lives, after a 20-hour operation that rescued hundreds of people and left all five assailants dead. The attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Somali group Al-Shabaab, which has targeted Kenya since it sent its army into Somalia in October 2011 to fight the jihadist group. At least one suicide bomber blew himself up and others traded gunfire with security forces as the assault on DusitD2, a complex which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant and offices, unfolded on Tuesday. "There were five terrorists and all of them are no more," Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet told AFP. "It is a clearing exercise now going on there." For many Kenyans, of the attack revived traumatic memories of a 2013 Shabaab raid on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall that left 67 dead -- a siege played out over four days that led to sharp criticism of the authorities' response. But this time, local media heaped praise on the security forces for their intervention, which Kenyatta said entailed the evacuation of some 700 civilians. "I can confirm that... the security operation at Dusit complex is over and all the terrorists eliminated," Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said in a televised address to the nation early Wednesday. "As of this moment, we have confirmation that 14 innocent lives were lost to the... terrorists, with others injured." The Kenyan Red Cross said "at least 30" wounded had been admitted to hospital. George Kinoti, the director of criminal investigations, told AFP that "two principal suspects" had been arrested. One was arrested in the suburb of Eastleigh and the other in Ruaka, northwest of Nairobi, where officers raided a house where one of the attackers lived, he said. "One of the men was identified by locals, who called police, and they have confirmed that he lived there with his wife," a police source said on condition of anonymity. CCTV footage broadcast on local media showed four black-clad, heavily armed men entering the complex on Tuesday afternoon. A suicide bomb blast signalled the start of the attack. A police source said two attackers were shot dead Wednesday morning after a prolonged shootout. "The two have red bandanas tied around their forehead and bullets strapped around their chest with several magazines each," the senior police officer said. The attack began at about 3 pm (1200 GMT) on Tuesday, with a loud blast followed by gunfire and rapid calls for help spreading on Twitter. Boinnet earlier said the attack began with an explosion targeting three cars in the parking lot and a suicide bombing in the hotel foyer. Police sources and a mortuary official had previously reported 15 dead. Among the dead was an American citizen, identified by his family as Jason Spindler, whose brother said on Facebook that he had been a survivor of the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. The British Foreign Office confirmed the death of a British-South African dual national and said another British person was injured. A mortuary official said there were also 11 Kenyan victims, one with no papers. The morgue was also holding an unidentified torso of a male adult, he said. It was a tormented night for families of those trapped as they waited outside the hotel while sporadic gunfire rang out. After dawn, explosions and shooting intensified until the complex was secured mid-morning. In downtown Nairobi, dozens of people lined up to give blood at a memorial for the US Embassy destroyed in an Al-Qaeda attack in 1998 in which 213 people died. As the first explosion and gunfire rang out in the leafy Westlands suburb, hundreds of terrified office workers barricaded themselves in the complex while others fled. Distraught family members arrived at a nearby mortuary on Wednesday, where they said they had not been permitted to view the bodies. "My sister is not in any of the hospitals and the last time we spoke she was a bit calm but suddenly she started crying and shouting and I could hear gunshots and her phone remained on but she wasn't speaking," said a woman who gave her name as Njoki. "We have no doubt her body is here. Let them allow us in", she said, weeping. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) - Kenyan police scoured the rubble of a Nairobi hotel complex for more victims Wednesday as the death toll from a jihadist attack jumped to 21 and mourners began to bury the dead. President Uhuru Kenyatta had earlier announced the end of a 20-hour operation at the DusitD2 complex which saw hundreds of people rescued and all five jihadists "eliminated". The bloody assault was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Somali militant group Al-Shabaab, which said it was acting to avenge the decision by US President Donald Trump to declare Jerusalem as Israel's capital, according to the SITE monitoring group. Chilling CCTV footage broadcast on local media showed four black-clad, heavily armed men calmly entering the luxury complex on Tuesday afternoon. A suicide bomb blast signalled the start of the attack. Police chief Joseph Boinnet revised the death toll to 21 from 14, saying the victims included 16 Kenyans, one American, one Briton and three of African descent. "Six other bodies were found at the scene and one police officer succumbed very suddenly to his injuries," he told reporters. Another 28 wounded people had been admitted to hospital, he said. As police searched for further victims, bomb disposal experts were looking for any grenades left by the assailants. "The public must not panic if it hears explosions from the area," Boinnet said. As the first explosion and gunfire rang out in the leafy Westlands suburb on Tuesday, hundreds of terrified office workers barricaded themselves in the complex while others fled. At least one suicide bomber blew himself up and others traded gunfire with security forces as the assault on DusitD2, a complex which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant and offices, unfolded. "There were five terrorists and all of them are no more," Boinnet told AFP earlier. "It is a clearing exercise now going on there." Al-Shabaab has targeted Kenya since it sent its army into Somalia in October 2011 to fight the jihadist group. Among the dead was an American citizen, identified by his family as Jason Spindler, whose brother said on Facebook that he had been a survivor of the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. In London, the Foreign Office confirmed the death of a British-South African dual national and said another British person was injured. In downtown Nairobi, dozens of people lined up to give blood at a memorial for the US embassy destroyed in an Al-Qaeda attack in 1998 in which 213 people died. For many Kenyans, of the attack revived traumatic memories of a 2013 Shabaab raid on Nairobi's Westgate shopping mall that left 67 people dead -- a siege played out over four days that led to sharp criticism of the authorities' response. But this time, local media heaped praise on the security forces for their intervention, which Kenyatta said entailed the evacuation of some 700 civilians. George Kinoti, the director of criminal investigations, told AFP that "two principal suspects" had been arrested. One was arrested in the suburb of Eastleigh and the other in Ruaka, northwest of Nairobi, where officers raided a house where one of the attackers lived, he said. "One of the men was identified by locals, who called police, and they have confirmed that he lived there with his wife," a police source said on condition of anonymity. A police source said two attackers were shot dead Wednesday after a prolonged shootout. "The two have red bandanas tied around their forehead and bullets strapped around their chest with several magazines each," the senior police officer said. "Each had an AK47 which has been secured." Distraught family members gathered outside a mortuary, where they said they had not been permitted to view the bodies. "My sister is not in any of the hospitals and the last time we spoke she was a bit calm but suddenly she started crying and shouting and I could hear gunshots and her phone remained on but she wasn't speaking," said a woman who gave her name as Njoki. "We have no doubt her body is here. Let them allow us in", she said, weeping. Francis Magutu, 35, said he had been at the morgue since 6 am. "I am almost certain that my in-law is dead, but I want us to see his body, because we want to be certain." The attack sparked a wave of outrage abroad, from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and African Union chief Moussa Faki to the European Union. At home, an editorial in the Daily Nation newspaper said the attack was a stark reminder that Kenya's security challenges were far from over. The last major attack in the country took place in 2015, when Shabaab killed 148 people at the university in Garissa, eastern Kenya. Since then sporadic attacks have targeted security forces mostly in the remote northeastern parts of the country. "Just when we thought that things were calm, the gangs unleashed mayhem. For Kenyans the chilling reality is that the attacks are not ceasing," the editorial said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A group of Youth Congress workers Wednesday protested outside a resort in Haryana where the BJP's Karnataka MLAs have been camping in an "effort to thwart any poaching attempt" by the JD(S)-Congress ruling coalition. Around 20 Youth Congress workers led by party's Haryana Pradesh Congress General Secretary Pradeep Singh raised slogans against the NDA government outside the five-star ITC Grand Bharat resort located on the outskirts of Gurgaon. The protesters alleged that the BJP was "disrespecting the Constitution and murdering democracy" in the country. Meanwhile, sources said BJP's Karnataka unit chief B S Yeddyurappa is likely to hold a meeting with the party MLAs who are camping at the resort and discuss the prevailing situation in the state. They said the 104 BJP legislators will stay put till the top leaders in the party give their nod to return to Karnataka. Mobile phones of the first-time MLAs have been "kept aside" to safeguard them against any poaching attempt, the sources said. A political crisis in brewing in Karnataka, where two Independent MLAs Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP. Union minister D V Sadananda Gowda had said on Tuesday that the BJP would stake claim to power in Karnataka if the Congress-JDS coalition government falls. Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy however reiterated he enjoyed the support of 120 MLAs and alleged that Yeddyurappa was making "futile attempts" to destabilise his government. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Wednesday claimed that the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka has lost majority and that the ruling coalition is on the verge of "collapse" due to its "internal contradictions". Its spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao also accused the ruling coalition of trying to poach the state's MLAs, who have been staying in a resort near the national capital, and said its "desperate attempt" to shore up its decreasing numbers will come to a nought. A senior leader, who declined to be named, said the party will "wait and watch" as to how the differences within the alliance play out before taking a call on its next move. "Let the state unit decide and then we will deliberate over it," he said when asked if the BJP is looking to make a push for stalling its government in the southern state. The saffron party also hit out at the Congress-JD(S) over its allegation that it was trying to poach the coalition MLAs. "The statement coming from the Congress and the JD(S) in Karnataka is an attempt to hide their own failures and gain time to function as a minority government. The state government lacks legitimacy as it has lost the required numbers and has become a lame duck government," Rao said. He claimed that there is an "implosion" in Karnataka as a result of an intense factional feud that has broken out among its different factions. The coalition government in the state suffered the first major setback when two MLAs, an independent and a member of the Karnataka Pragnyavantara Janata Paksha, Tuesday withdrew support to the government. There was no immediate threat to the government with the withdrawal of support but speculation was rife that many other disgruntled Congress MLAs could follow suit by resigning from the Assembly, though the party has maintained that its flock is intact. The Congress has called a meeting of its Karnataka legislature party on January 18 amid efforts to keep its flock together as it accused the BJP of indulging in horse-trading to destabilise the state government. Asserting that the Congress MLAs were "intact," the party leaders dismissed reports claiming that some legislator were ready to quit and said that there was no threat to H D Kumaraswamy-led government. "Congress Legislature Party meeting presided by CLP leader Siddaramaiah is scheduled for 3:30 pm on January 18 at the Conference Hall of Vidhana Soudha (state secretariat)," Siddaramaiah's office said in a statement on Wednesday. The meeting assumes significance following attempts by the Congress to reach out to its disgruntled MLAs, who are allegedly ready to jump ship to the BJP side. According to Congress sources, few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added There are reports that a few of the MLAs have gone incommunicado, with at least three to five of them camped in Mumbai along with a couple of BJP leaders. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Chikkamagaluru, Siddaramaiah lashed out at the BJP, calling it "shameless". "They (BJP) don't have any belief in democracy. People have given them a mandate in the election to sit in the opposition. "People have not given them the verdict to govern. In the last six months, they have been trying to destabilise this government," he said. "Yeddyurappa (BJP President) has grown old, but has no brain. He is around 76 years of age, but still he wants to become the chief minister through wrong means by offering crores of rupees to our MLAs. This is a threat to our democracy and BJP doesn't believe in democracy and Constitution," he alleged. Accusing the BJP of keeping its MLAs confined to a hotel in Haryana, Siddaramaiah charged the party leaders with furnishing false information to media about forming the government. Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal, who has been camping in the city since Monday night and holding a series of meetings with party leaders, said that all the Congress MLA's are "fine and intact." He termed the media reports about a few party MLAs planning to resign as "baseless". "Nothing is going to happen. All the Congress MLAs are intact, we are in touch with all of them," he told reporters here. Asked about MLAs camping in Mumbai, Venugopal asked, "Are you sure that they are in Mumbai only? "That was day-before yesterday, just verify now," he said. Venugopal asserted that the coalition government "will continue for next four-and-half years". "We have nothing to worry, we have contact with every MLA, all will be okay. "We are also calling CLP meeting on January 18," he said and accused the BJP of making repeated attempts to destabilise the government by trying to poach MLAs. Pradesh Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said there is not going to be any "Sankranthi-kranti, or Deepawali-damakha or New Year-blast" as claimed by the BJP. "It will be flop show by BJP... our government is stable, there is not even an inch of threat to the government and we are relaxed," he said. Speaking to reporters here, Rao also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah, accusing them of 'attempting to lure' MLAs, and called it "unfortunate". "There is no need to worry or discuss our government's stability. What needs to be discussed is unconstitutional attempts by the BJP government at the centre and its use of government machinery to threaten MLAs," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Azerbaijan's First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva met with former President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy in Baku today. Mehriban Aliyevas role in the successful development of France-Azerbaijan bilateral relations during Nicolas Sarkozy`s presidency was hailed at the meeting. It was also noted that Mehriban Aliyevas activities as head of the Azerbaijan-France interparliamentary friendship group, as well as the implementation of the important humanitarian projects by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in France made significant contribution to further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. In addition, the sides noted that thanks to the Azerbaijani and French presidents activities towards the development of relations, the bilateral ties between the two countries in a number of areas have been expanded during Nicolas Sarkozy`s presidency. The power play between the ruling Congress-JDS coalition and BJP in Karnataka continued Wednesday, as the two sides escalated their war of words and went into an overdrive to keep their flock together. The Congress and JDS continued to present a picture of confidence about the brewing crisis blowing over, with Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy saying things were "under control" and there was no reason for worry. As the ruling partners unleashed a scathing attack on the BJP for allegedly trying to topple the government, the saffron party MLAs continued to be ensconced at a resort in Gurugram, fearing poaching attempts. According to Congress sources, a few ministers from the party have even offered to step down in the larger interest and to keep the coalition intact. The party leadership is also looking into the option, they added. It was not known how long the 104 BJP MLAs, who went to New Delhi to attend the party's national council meeting but extended their stay, would remain cooped up in the resort. Meanwhile, sources said BJP's Karnataka unit chief B S Yeddyurappa is likely to hold a meeting with the party MLAs who are camping at the resort and discuss the prevailing situation in the state. They said the BJP legislators will stay put in Gurugram till the party top leaders give the green signal to return to Karnataka. Around 20 Youth Congress workers led by party's Haryana Pradesh Congress General Secretary Pradeep Singh raised slogans against the NDA government outside the resort. The protesters alleged that the BJP was "disrespecting the Constitution and murdering democracy" in the country. Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy said in Bengaluru that it was not necessary for him to carry out "any operation" (poaching) and that he had sufficient numbers with him. "Everything is under control..don't worry," Kumaraswamy said, trying to present a picture of being relaxed. Kumaraswamy, whose government received a jolt on Tuesday when two Independent MLAs withdrew support to it, was asked if the ruling alliance would also launch a counter-strike on the BJP to lure its lawmakers. The chief minister wanted BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa to explain if his party MLAs have been shifted to Gurugram to celebrate Sankranthi or for any other reason. Kumaraswamy said his party MLAs were not being shifted to any resort, as being speculated in the media. "So I request media not to fool itself and the people of the state." On five Congress MLAs, who are in Mumbai allegedly under BJP's control, Kumaraswamy said, "I have been saying for the past three days that they are in touch with me, I'm in the know of all the developments." "They may not be reachable to others, but they are reachable to me," he said in response to a question whether the five MLAs were accessible. In New Delhi, Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said the Congress-JD(S) government in Karnataka is "stable and strong" and accused the BJP of trying to destabilise it. At a press meet, he said there was no crisis for the government in Karnataka. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal asserted that none of his party legislators were going to quit. "Not even one MLA is going to quit Congress. I have contacted my MLAs, and therefore, I am telling you this very confidently. In fact, by Thursday evening, you will have a clear picture about Karnataka," he told PTI here. "It would be a big slap on the face of BJP as it is going to fail in its endeavour to bring the government down. Their shameless motive to destabilise the government is going to be a big failure. It will be a national shame for them," he said. Speaking to reporters, Minister B Z Zameer Ahmad Khan, considered a "trouble shooter" for the Congress, said Kumaraswamy-led government faced no threat and Yeddyurappa was "daydreaming" about becoming Chief Minister once again. Claiming that seven to eight BJP MLAs were in touch with them, he said "Let them (BJP) leave MLAs, seven to eight of them are ready to come to us..that's the reason they are holding up MLAs." Meanwhile, state Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao told PTI: "The entire confusion has been created by the BJP. Was that really required? They did it brazenly throwing morality and ethics to the wind.It's shameful and disgusting." Seeking to allay fears over the stability of the Congress-JDS dispensation, Rao said, "All our MLAs are intact and nobody is going anywhere.They are all with us together. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and CLP leader Siddaramaiah met Venugopal and held discussions. The Congress has convened a meeting of its MLAs here on January 18 to take stock of the ongoing political developments. A political turmoil has enveloped Karnataka since Monday triggered by horse trading charges over an alleged bid by the BJP to destabilise the coalition government. Countering the allegations, the state BJP blamed the "unnatural" alliance between the Congress and JD(S) for the turmoil and said the ruling coalition was hiding its inability to keep its house in order by "unnecessarily" finding fault with the saffron party. State BJP general secretary C T Ravi said the Congress and JD(S) that entered into an unholy alliance, promising good administration, have betrayed the people of the state. "Legislators of both the parties have now realised that this government cannot achieve anything," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after two independent MLAs withdrew support to the ruling coalition in Karnataka, Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal Wednesday asserted that none of his party legislators were going to quit and said a clear picture would emerge tomorrow. "Not even one MLA is going to quit Congress. I have contacted my MLAs, and therefore, I am telling you this very confidently. In fact, by Thursday evening, you will have a clear picture about Karnataka," he told PTI here. Venugopal was responding to a query on media reports about some Congress MLAs led by Ramesh Jarkiholi planning to quit the party and join hands with the BJP to topple the Kumaraswamy led-government. Last month, Jarkiholi was dropped from the cabinet. He was also reportedly seen rubbing shoulders with top BJP brass and often gave cabinet and party meetings a slip. As a result, his office was handed over to brother Satish Jarkiholi. According to media reports, Jarkiholi and a few other MLAs were lodged at a hotel at Mumbai. The former minister is in touch with the BJP leadership to reportedly reduce the strength of the government by eliciting support from at least 14 Congress MLAs. This unholy bid by the BJP, Venugopal said, would not materialise. "It would be a big slap on the face of BJP as it is going to fail in its endeavour to bring the government down. Their shameless motive to destabilise the government is going to be a big failure. It will be a shame for them," he said. Asked about plans of the BJP to weaken the coalition partners in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, Venugopal said, "How can you (media) say that? Then, why is it that they are taking their MLAs from one hotel to another?" ALSO READ: My govt is stable, I am totally relaxed: Kumaraswamy on two MLAs' exit Meanwhile, BJP General Secretary Muralidhar Rao said it was wrong on part of the Congress to charge the BJP with attempting to "topple" the government. In a setback to the coalition government on Tuesday, two independent MLAs R Shankar and H Nagesh withdrew support amid charges that the BJP was engineering defections to topple the H D Kumaraswamy government. Rao said the withdrawal of support to the coalition government by two independent MLAs was an offshoot of internal bickerings among Congress leaders, mainly D K Shivakumar. Attacking Shivakumar, Rao said he was the main culprit behind the fresh political turbulence as he wanted to project himself as the "true loyal Congress leader". Slamming Prof Kanak Sarkar's misogynist statement, Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das said on Wednesday it has sullied the image of the institution and "stringent" action would be taken against him. Sarkar, a professor of International Relations department, had likened a virgin woman to a "sealed bottle" or "packet" in a Facebook post on Sunday, triggering an outrage. Though he had deleted the post, screenshots of it went viral. "He is a teacher. His comment has sullied the image of the university. It will also take stringent action against him as per rules," Das said, adding he had also "heard" that he had had made certain objectionable comments in the class in the past. It has to be seen what kind of step could be taken against him as the statement was made on Facebook, the vice-chancellor said. Das said he has come to know that both the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the West Bengal Commission for Women have taken suo motu cognisance of the statement of Sarkar. The NCW on Tuesday tweeted that it has written to the state Director General of Police Virendra to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. An NCW team would also meet the vice-chancellor on this issue this week. Das said the West Bengal Commission for Women (WBCW) has sought an explanation from Sarkar. "He (Sarkar) has been asked an explanation (by the WBCW). We also received its letter," Das told reporters on the sidelines of the convocation of St Xavier's College here. The students had boycotted Sarkar's classes on Tuesday. Asked if he would ask the students to get back to his class, the vice-chancellor said he would not. Student unions of the university on Tuesday submitted memoranda to Das, demanding strict action against the professor. "They (students) can come and meet me. It will be seen what can be done. I also heard that he had had made certain (objectionable) comments in the class in the past," he said. Sarkar, in his post, wrote: "Are you willing to buy a broken seal while purchasing a bottle of cold drink or a packet of biscuits? It is the same case with your wife. "A girl is biologically sealed from birth until it is opened. A virgin girl means many things accompanied as values, culture, sexual hygiene. To most boys, virgin wife is like angel." Facing criticism, a defiant Sarkar appeared to justify his comments, asserting that it was intended for "fun" among a social media group of friends and "not for public consumption". "Someone took a screenshot of the post and forwarded it, which triggered the response. I did not intend to hurt anyone's sentiment or insult any woman," he said. He also said according to a Supreme Court order every individual is entitled to express his opinion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former IAS officer Shah Faesal Wednesday said invoking sedition law against Kanhaiya Kumar and others in the JNU case was travesty of free speech. Nearly three years after former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kumar and 9 others were accused of raising anti-India slogans, the Delhi police Monday charged them with sedition. "Invoking Sedition law against Kanhaiya Kumar and eight others is a travesty of free speech. Sec 124A IPC is totally at odds with the spirit of the time. World has moved on. India has grown up. It is time for our Governments to grow up," Faesal tweeted. The accused, including seven Kashmiris, were named in the 1,200-page charge sheet for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during an event on the university's campus on February 9, 2016, to commemorate the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Last year's press conference by four senior-most judges including Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has not served its purpose and instead the concerns raised at it like functioning of the Collegium for appointment of judges for higher judiciary have aggravated, a former CJI said Wednesday. Justice (retd) R M Lodha, who was the CJI from April 27 to September 27, 2014, was critical of the decision of the five-member Collegium headed by CJI Gogoi to bypass senior judges and recommend the elevation of Justice Sanjeev Khanna of the Delhi High Court as a judge of the He said in the controversial media briefing of January 12, 2018, the present CJI as the second senior-most judge, had raised a litany of issues against his predecessor Justice Dipak Misra and the appointment of judges for higher judiciary was one of them. "The concerns remain the same. Rather, they seem to have aggravated by this exercise (recent recommendations). I don't think there is any change. At least it is not visible to the public at large. It has not served its purpose because we don't find the changes which the press conference wanted to have really taken place," Justice Lodha told PTI. The other judges at the press conference -- justices J Chelameswar, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- have since retired. When asked what could be the future course of action, Justice (retd) Lodha said if the Collegium has sent the recommendation then the ball is in the government's court and now unless the Collegium calls its back, it seems unlikely that anything will change. "Now the government will take its call and then it will be sent to the President of India. Looking at the overall reaction and perception, it would be better if the matter is recalled and the matter is considered threadbare but this seems to be unlikely to me," he said. Justice Lodha said that the only remedy is that for the future the Collegium considers other names like it happened with Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court who was from Rajasthan. "He was superseded six weeks back and his junior Justice Ajay Rastogi was brought to the and now within six weeks Justice Maheshwari is the most deserving by the Collegium. So those who have been overlooked can always be considered so there is no bar," Justice Lodha said. The Collegium, also comprising justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde, N V Ramana and Arun Mishra, on January 10 recommended names of justices Maheshwari and Khanna for elevation as apex court judges. Names of chief justices of Rajasthan High Court and Delhi High Court -- justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon -- were considered by the Collegium on December 12, 2018 for elevation but the deliberation remained inconclusive and one member of the Collegium, Justice M B Lokur, retired on December 30, 2018. His place in the Collegium was taken by Justice Arun Mishra. The new Collegium on January 10 ignored their prospect of elevation as apex court judges. : YSR Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy Wednesday welcomed TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao's efforts to form a non-BJP, non Congress Federal Front, saying it was necessary for regional parties to unite to highlight the 'injustice' done to them. He said this at a joint press conference with Rao's son and Telangana Rashtriya Samithi working President K T Rama Rao after initial talks were held between the two parties. "We welcome the initiative. In order to protect the rights of the states, there is a necessity to increase the number (of MPs from regional parties in Parliament) and for regional parties to unite. The proposed national platform mooted by KCR, where all states (regional parties) can come forward with substantial number of MPs, can highlight the injustice being done to the states. For further discussions, KCR will come and meet me at a later stage. We will discuss at length within our party on how to take forward this in future," Reddy, the leader of the opposition in the Andhra Pradesh assembly, said. Rama Rao confirmed this, saying his father would soon leave for Andhra Pradesh to hold talks with Jagan Mohan Reddy. "KCR garu (KCR) earlier visited various states and held discussions with regional parties and leaders and Chief Ministers. Very soon he will visit Andhra Pradesh to meet Jaganmohan Reddy. He will discuss all the issues with him and move further," he said. Rao expressed confidence that like minded forces, who believe in strengthening regional parties and states, would come together. On Special category Status for Andhra Pradesh, he said the promise made by the earlier governments would have been fulfilled had there been support from more number of MPs. Reiterating his support for SCS to Andhra Pradesh, Rama Rao said that his party had time and again demanded that the Centre confer the status to the neighbouring state. KCR, as he is popularly known, had met Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 10 as part of his renewed efforts towards forging a 'non-Congress, non-BJP' federal front of regional parties. Rao had also met Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJP) chief Naveen Patnaik and Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, seeking to drum up support for the front. Reacting to the meeting, AICC spokesperson Sravan Dasoju said the two 'political opportunists' came together to protect the larger interests of BJP. "The Federal front is a facade of Narendra Modi. YSRCP is a party which has opposed tooth and nail the formation of Telangana. And it is dubious on the part of TRS to say that YSRCP will be helpful in the development of Telangana or mutual development," Sravan told PTI. He alleged that TRS and YSRCP are protecting their mutual business interests and that of BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel has recorded a 21 per cent growth in Indian tourist arrivals with around 70,800 travellers visiting the country from January to December, 2018, making it the the 12th source market for Israel. Around 58,700 tourists from India visited Israel in 2017, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) said in a release. "Last year has been outstanding for Israel Tourism in India and worldwide as we welcomed 4.12 million tourists into the country. With a rapid increase in leisure outbound trips, India is an important market for us possessing tremendous potential to become one of the key source markets for Israel in the coming years," Israel IMOT director, India and Philippines, Hassan Madah said. Israel has emerged as a preferred tourist destination for Indians owing to its dynamic offerings, opening of more direct air routes and relaxation of visa procedures, he added. He said, "our marketing efforts, collaborations with travel agents, introduction of Air India's direct flight operations from New Delhi and a further increase of frequency on that route along with an increase in seat capacity have contributed appreciably to the growth numbers." IMOT's initiatives to reduce the visa fee for Indians coupled with the opening of a visa application centre in Kolkata have resulted in increasing interest among Indian travellers, he said. In March 2018, Air India introduced direct flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv to become the fastest non-stop flight between India and Israel. In addition, Israeli carrier El Al introduced a new Boeing 777-200ER aircraft in November last year with increased seat capacity on its Mumbai-Tel Aviv route, he said. On the visa front, the country reduced its visa fee to Rs 1,100 from its previous Rs 1,700 for Indian citizens along with the initiation of Fast Track visa processing, Madah added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Islamic State jihadist group claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide attack that targeted the US-led coalition in the northern Syrian city of Manbij on Wednesday. "Suicide attacker Abu Yassin al-Shami wearing an explosive vest set off towards a patrol including members of the Crusader coalition and the PKK apostates near the Palace of Princes restaurant in the city of Manbij," a statement posted on the group's usual social media channels said. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, at least 15 people, including a US serviceman, were killed in the rare attack in Manbij. The name provided by IS suggests the bomber was Syrian and the term "PKK apostates" is used by the jihadists to refer to Kurdish forces from the People's Protection Units (YPG). The YPG, a Syrian offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) which has waged a decades-old insurgency against the Turkish state, is a key component of a local force that often carries out joint patrols with the coalition. IS no longer holds fixed positions in the Manbij area and is currently defending its very last pocket of land against US-backed Kurdish-led forces in eastern Syria. The jihadist group retains the ability however to carry out deadly suicide attacks in many parts of the country. The Britain-based Observatory said the suicide blast was the first such attack against the coalition in Manbij in 10 months. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television's English-language service has been arrested by the FBI after flying into the US, the broadcaster reported Wednesday. The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The reported detention of Press TV's Marzieh Hashemi, born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans, comes as Iran faces increasing criticism of its own arrests of dual nationals and others with Western ties, previously used as bargaining chips in negotiations with world powers. Iran's state broadcaster held a conference and launched a hashtag campaign for Hashemi, using the same techniques families with loved ones held in the Islamic Republic use to highlight their cases. "We will not spare any legal action" to help her, said Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster. Press TV said Hashemi, who has worked at the state broadcaster service for 25 years, had been arrested after arriving at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday. Jebeli alleged that her son, Reza Hashemi, had been arrested as well. Lambert Airport spokesman Jeff Lea declined comment, referring questions to the FBI. He said he could not confirm what flight Hashemi arrived on or when. St. Louis police said they were not involved. Rebecca Wu, St. Louis' FBI spokeswoman, directed questions to the press office at FBI headquarters. A call to FBI headquarters rang unanswered early Wednesday morning. The bureau also did not immediately respond to a written request for comment. Several local jails around Washington that house federal inmates also said they did not have her in custody. There also were no references to any case against Hashemi in US federal courts, nor in Missouri. Press TV said Hashemi had traveled to the US "to visit her family members, including her brother, who is suffering from cancer." The broadcaster said she was a grandmother and aired footage of her anchoring programs and talking about her experience as a reporter discussing the yearslong war in Syria, set to dramatic music. "Unfortunately, because of the job that we do, here at Press TV and our position, there have been many stories that have been very, very difficult, very heavy," she said. Hashemi describes herself online as having studied journalism at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. She converted to Islam in 1982 at age 22 after meeting Iranian activist students in Denver. Members of her family did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. Last week, Iran confirmed it is holding US Navy veteran Michael R. White at a prison in the country, making him the first American known to be detained under President Donald Trump's administration. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghasemi told state TV that Hashemi's arrest indicates the "apartheid and racist policy" of the Trump administration. "We hope that the innocent person will be released without any condition," Ghasemi said. There are four other known American citizens being held in Iran, including Iranian-American Siamak Namazi and his 82-year-old father Baquer, both serving 10-year sentences on espionage charges. Iranian-American art dealer Karan Vafadari and his Iranian wife, Afarin Neyssari, received 27-year and 16-year prison sentences respectively. Chinese-American graduate student Xiyue Wang was sentenced to 10 year in prison. Also in an Iranian prison is Nizar Zakka, a US permanent resident from Lebanon who advocated for internet freedom and has done work for the US government. He was sentenced to 10 years on espionage-related charges. Former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who vanished in Iran in 2007 while on an unauthorised CIA mission, remains missing as well. Iran says that Levinson is not in the country and that it has no further information about him, though his family holds Tehran responsible for his disappearance. Tehran now says it has no information about him. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A journalist for Iran's English-language Press TV has been arrested in the United States, the channel said on Wednesday. US-born Marzieh Hashemi was arrested on arrival at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday, according to family and friends cited by Press TV. "The US officials have so far refused to provide any reasons for her apprehension either to her or her family," the broadcaster said on its website. It added that Hashemi, a Muslim convert who changed her name from Melanie Franklin, had been visiting "her ill brother and other family members." Press TV claimed that all she had been offered to eat was pork, religiously forbidden for Muslims. The broadcaster was due to hold a press conference on her case later on Wednesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia will continue to adequately react to NATOs enhanced activity and the approaching by the alliances military infrastructure of the Russian borders, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a large news conference on 2018, the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reported. "We will definitely continue to duly react to NATOs enhanced military activity and the approaching by the military infrastructure of the Russian border," the Russian top diplomat stressed. The minister also noted that Russia is still interested in the restoration of normal relations with the U.S. and the European Union based on the principles of equality of rights and mutual consideration of interests. Fintech startup Instamojo Wednesday said it has raised USD 7 million (about Rs 50 crore) in funding led by existing investors AnyPay, Kalaari, Beenext and angel investor Rashmi Kwatra. The series B round also saw Japan's Gunosy Capital come on board as a new investor. The company, in total, has raised over USD 10 million in funding till date. Instamojo CEO and co-founder Sampad Swain said the fresh funds will be used to expand the offerings of the company, strengthen its mobile platform and talent acquisition. "The series B funding comes as a boost to our business...We are extremely positive and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and how our efforts can help revolutionise Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector," he told PTI. Swain added that with the recent introduction of lending and logistics services, the company expects to see three-five folds growth in revenues in the next fiscal. The company is also looking at doubling its headcount to about 250 from the current 125. Founded in 2012 by Swain, Akash Gehani and Aditya Sengupta, Instamojo had raised its first round of investment in 2014, followed by a pre-series B funding led by Japanese firm AnyPay in August last year. "Instamojo is all set to evolve from just being a payments company to full stack service provider which supports logistics and short-term loans to empower Indian MSMEs," Swain explained. Instamojo works with over six lakh MSMEs to help them build, manage and grow their business. As part of its plan for 2019, the company also aims to introduce promotional services to help MSMEs stay competitive in an expanding digital business landscape. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indus Food, a food and beverage trade fair, saw business enquiries worth $1 billion (about Rs 7,000 crore) which would materialise in the upcoming months, said the Trade Promotion Council of (TPCI) Wednesday. The two-day food fair, which provides business opportunities to domestic producers and manufacturers, concluded Tuesday at Greater Noida. "We had 800 global buyers from 78 countries who participated in the fair. This year, we managed to secure business transactions worth over $1 billion," TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla said. Supported by the Department of Commerce, Indus Food is a global trade show to maximise business opportunities for the food and beverage industry. This time, he said, the fair focused on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) for export business by bringing buyers to their doorsteps and creating opportunities for producers of value-added and "Doubling of farmers' income will happen if the business grows. With the government itself working towards the identification of most prominent global buyers, the benefit will percolate to farmers," he added. The fair is one of the most comprehensive and expansive show on the global food and beverage industry. It invites food industry stakeholders to connect themselves with their global counterparts. An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history involving a USD 464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record-setting USD 7 million bond. Rajendra Bothra, 77, who was awarded Padmashri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, was indicted along with five other physicians in the alleged USD 464 million healthcare fraud conspiracy, which the federal government said fuelled the opioid epidemic. US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for him despite the government's concern that the doctor has hidden money that could bankroll an escape to his native India. Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be released on home confinement and tracked by a GPS tether, must identify all assets under penalty of perjury, Detroit reported. Being the lead defendant in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history, he must liquidate a USD 8.5 million retirement account to cover the bond, a process that could take three days, it reported. His wife and daughter, who attended the hearing Tuesday, will surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July. Bothra has deep ties to India, including investments and several siblings. He is one of the most high-profile Indian-American Republican Party activists and fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted major fundraisers for former president George H W Bush and other senior Republican lawmakers. Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Bothra has been active in working for the poor and sick in India. For about eight weeks each year, Bothra leaves his general surgery practice in Warren and travels to India at his own expenses to work with Indian organisations to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction. He holds regular lecture tours in India to educate professional and lay audiences on health issues. Bothra has worked with the Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two documentaries, one on AIDS and another on tobacco abuse. The Indian government also lauded him for being instrumental in gifting of sophisticated American medical equipment to Indian hospitals and assisting in the rebuilding of hospitals in Latur, Maharashtra after a severe earthquake. Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable to pinpoint Bothra's net worth, which could be as high as USD 35 million. Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion noted that Bothra owns a real-estate company that owns 22 properties across Metro Detroit, including USD 2.8 million worth of condominiums and commercial buildings in downtown Royal Oak. Prosecutors are trying to identify whether the properties were purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activity. US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended the brief court hearing Tuesday and said his team of prosecutors will meet and decide whether to appeal the bond. Bothra, jailed since last month when he was indicted alongside five others, is accused of fuelling the nation's opioid epidemic, cheating Medicare and subjecting patients to needless, painful back injections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta on Wednesday became the youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents after conquering Antartica's highest point Mount Sidley. Satyarup summited Mt. Sidley at 6:28 IST, at a temperature of minus 40 degree celsius according to the inReach Satellite Communicator he was carrying. Satyarup achieved the feat at the age of 35 years 262 days while Australia's Daniel Bull did it aged 36 years 157 days. With this feat Satyarup also became the first Indian to conquer the seven mountain peaks and seven volcanic summits. "6:28 AM (IST) AT 10.10 successfully sumitted Mt Sidley highest volcanic peak of Antarctica. Fluttered the India flag at Sidley, what a proud moment," Satyarup tweeted. Last year, the 35-year-old had scaled the highest volcanic peak in North America, Pico de Orizaba. Satyarup hails from Haridevpur in South Kolkata and is a software engineer by profession. He is presently based out of Bangalore. He holds the record of conquering several summits such as the Mt Elbrus in Europe, Mt Denali in Alaska and Mt Monc Blanc in France, Kilimanjaro in Africa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Wednesday summoned an official of the Pakistan High Commission and lodged a strong protest over the death of an "innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation" by Pakistani forces on January 11 in Sunderbani area of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of External Affairs said India also protested Pakistan's continued support to infiltration of terrorists into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces. "Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces on 11 January 2019 in Sunderbani Sector," the MEA said. It further said, "Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control and the International Boundary." A civilian was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistani forces on January 11. The year 2018 had witnessed the highest number of 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan troops in the last 15 years along the Indo-Pak border, according to official figures. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BJP will kick-start its election campaign in West Bengal with a series of rallies beginning with a public meeting by party chief Amit Shah on January 20, a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mega show featuring prominent Opposition leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to attend a rally at the Brigade Parade Ground here on February 8, state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Dilip Ghosh said. The announcement comes a day after the Supreme Court had put the BJP's proposed "rath yatras" on hold, but allowed the saffron party to hold public meetings. "We will start organising our month-long public rallies from January 20. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 20 in Malda," Ghosh said. On January 21, Shah will address two rallies in Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram. The next day, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district. The rallies in various parts of the state will continue till first week of February, the BJP leader said. Ghosh said nothing had been finalised as of now regarding Modi's rallies. "We have sent the schedule to the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) and waiting for the clearance. We are hopeful that the PM will attend the rally on February 8. We also have plans to bring Prime Minister Modi for few public rallies during our month-long programme," Ghosh said. In a show of strength ahead of the general election, Banerjee will organise a massive rally here on Saturday, which will likely see the participation of lakhs of her supporters. Leaders of all major Opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade Ground at the heart of the city. Meanwhile, the BJP state leadership has decided to seek permission for a new 'rath yatra' schedule from the state government, a senior party leader said Wednesday. "We have decided to submit the new 10-12 days long four-phased 'rath yatra' schedule to the state government. Let's see whether the state (government) gives us permission or not," state BJP vice-president Jai Prakash Majumdar said. The four chariots will start from four venues -- Cooch Behar, Kakdwip (South 24 Parganas), Krishnanagar (Nadia) and Birbhum district. The BJP leadership, however, declined to give out the exact dates which they are planning to submit to the state government. "Initially our proposal was for a 40-day-long yatra. The state declined to give us permission. Then, (when) we submitted a 20-day-long schedule, we were declined permission. So, now, we will submit a 10-12-day-long yatra," another senior BJP leader said. The BJP will submit fresh itinerary of the 'rath yatras' in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court. The Trinamool Congress said the BJP's effort to communalise the atmosphere of Bengal ahead of the Lok Sabha polls would flat as the people would reject them outright. "Their efforts to communalise the atmosphere of the state and divide masses across religious lines will not succeed," TMC secretary general Partha Chatterjee said. The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming parliamentary elections ,with Shah setting a target of 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main Opposition in the state, with a significant show in the rural polls and by-elections. The BJP had planned 'rath yatras' touching all Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to boost its chances in the national elections. However, it was denied permission by the state government and has since been caught in legal tangles. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court put the programme on hold saying the state government's law-and-order apprehensions over the event was not "totally unfounded" and asked the BJP to submit a fresh request and seek necessary approvals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The former directors of the crippled IL&FS Group Wednesday approached the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) seeking clarification on bench's earlier order restraining them from disposing of or creating any third-party rights on their properties till January 16. Former directors of IL&FS, except S Rengarajan, the past managing director and chief executive of IL&FS Securities Services, Wednesday sought clarification from the two-member bench of judges VP Singh and Ravikumar Duraisamy on NCLT's earlier order of December 3, 2018. The order had restrained the former directors from mortgaging, or third-party interests or in any way alienating movable or immovable or jointly held properties. They were also restrained from dealing in securities in any companies till January 16. Rengarajan had moved the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against the December 3, 2018 order. NCLAT allowed him to withdraw Rs 2 lakh per month from any one of the bank accounts after intimating the tribunal. The NCLAT order also said Rengarajan was prohibited from withdrawing any further amount from the said or any other account until further orders. The lawyer of Rupa Kapoor, wife of former non-executive director of IL&FS, Vaibhav Kapoor, Wednesday asked the NCLT Mumbai bench on the validity of freezing her joint account, as she was an independent person with no relation with IL&FS and regularly filed her income tax returns. Lawyers of other former directors said as per their understanding movable properties did not include bank accounts. The bench said since matter is sub-judice, it cannot pass any judgement on this. The lawyers, however, said they are looking for clarification on the order and are not seeking any modification on it. Hearing the arguments from lawyers representing the government and the former directors, the bench said it has reserved the order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ignoring the huge row over his elevation that has led to supersession of several judges, the Government Wednesday appointed Delhi High Court judge Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court as recommended by the apex court's collegium. A government notification said President Ram Nath Kovind also appointed Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari as a judge of the apex court. With the two appointments, the strength of the top court will rise to 28 with three vacancies. The five-member SC Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on January 11 recommended to the government the elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna to the top court. The appointment of Justice Khanna was announced on a day when the chorus of protests against the collegium's recommendation to elevate him grew louder with Bar Council of India (BCI) saying it is "whimsical and arbitrary" and will lead to "humiliation and demoralisation" of the superseded judges. A sitting supreme court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has already written a note to Justice Gogoi and fellow judges in the collegium -- Justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde, N V Ramana and Arun Mishra -- for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources said Justice Kaul was of the view that a wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna stands at Sl.No. 33 in the combined seniority of high court judges on all-India basis. Former CJI R M Lodha said the unprecedented January 12, 2018 press conference by four senior-most judges including Gogoi before he became the CJI has not served the purpose for which it was held and instead the concerns raised including the functioning of Collegium for appointment of judges for higher judiciary have aggravated. "Looking at the overall reaction and perception, it would be better if the matter(of Khanna) is recalled and considered threadbare but this seems to be unlikely to me," he said. "The concerns remain the same. Rather, they seem to have aggravated by this exercise (recent recommendations). I don't think there is any change. At least it is not visible to the public at large. It has not served its purpose because we don't find the changes which the press conference wanted to have really taken place," Justice Lodha told PTI. Justice Kailash Gambhir, a former Delhi High Court judge, also wrote a letter to President Kovind on January 14 expressing concern over the collegium bypassing the seniority of several judges. The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, said the decision of the collegium was viewed by the Bar and the common man as "unjust and improper". In a statement, BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Nandrajog and Menon is viewed as "whimsical and arbitrary". "They are men of integrity and judicial competence; nobody can raise a finger against these judges on any ground. The decision will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of high courts," Mishra said. The bar body said it was watching the "strong resentment and reaction of the Indian Bar" as well as keeping a tab on the comments of intellectuals, social activists and general public "which shows that the faith of the people has abruptly eroded from our collegiums system in recent past". While maintaining that the BCI was hard-pressed to raise these issues, it said even the Bar Council of Delhi also adopted a resolution against the decision of the collegium. Further, the statement said that several state Bar Councils, high courts, Bar Associations and other Bar Associations of the country have written to the BCI, pressing it to raise this issue and agitate the matter before the government and the collegium judges. "Most of the councils and associations have even proposed to sit on a dharna and/or organise some nationwide protest on this serious issue," the BCI said, adding that the recent trend adopted by the collegium has completely "eroded" the faith of the Bar and the people. "We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country," it said. "The Bar will request the collegiums and the government not to encourage such supersession. The appointments, in complete derogation of seniority principle, has evoked strong reactions from all corners of the society," the BCI said. The decision on elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna that was put on the apex court website noted that the issue of elevation of judges was deliberated on December 12 last year when Justice M B Lokur was also a member of the collegium. Justice Mishra became a member of the collegium after Justice Lokur retired on December 30. According to the website, after extensive deliberations on January 5-6 this year, the newly-constituted collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look on the issue of elevation of judges in the light of the additional material that became available. "While recommending the names of justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna, the collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of high courts, apart from their merit and integrity," the collegium said. The collegium added that it has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the high courts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HT Media Wednesday reported a 68.66 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 42.91 crore for the quarter ended December 31, 2018. The company had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 136.96 crore for the December quarter of the previous financial year. Its total income stood at Rs 664.89 crore, lower as compared with Rs 681.7 crore in the same period a year ago, HT Media said in a BSE filing. HT Media's total expenses grew to Rs 637.8 crore in the third quarter of this financial year, against Rs 533.21 crore reported in the corresponding period a year ago. The company's shares were trading 1.15 per cent down at Rs 47.15 apiece on the BSE. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged to complete the fight against terrorism in Syria, the correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reported. "The Syrian settlement is progressing, though of course more slowly than we would like. The fight against terrorism must be completed," the minster said at a large news conference on 2018, noting that the main hotbed of terrorism is Idlib now. Lavrov noted that militants are continuing to attack the Syrian Armys positions and the Khmeimim Airbase. Earlier it was reported that Russian president Vladimir Putin will hold talks with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on January 23. The EU and European governments have warned that the British parliament's rejection of a Brexit deal heightens the risk of a disorderly withdrawal from the bloc. Following are some of the key reactions to Tuesday night's huge defeat for British Prime Minister Theresa May. "I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up," European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker. "The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared." "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" EU Council president Donald Tusk, who added the remaining EU27 "will remain united". "It's now up to the British government to say what the next stage is. The EU will remain united and determined to find a deal," EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. "This is a bitter day for Europe. We are well prepared - but a hard Brexit would be the least attractive choice, for the EU and GB (Great Britain)," Germany said. "A hard Brexit will be the worst of all options," said German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU party and her likely successor. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said delaying Brexit beyond March 29 would make no sense. "It would only make sense if there is a path to the goal of a deal between the EU and Great Britain." "Either way, we will have to negotiate a transition period with them because the British cannot afford to no longer have planes taking off or landing at home, and their supermarkets, as much as 70 percent, are supplied by continental Europe," said President Emmanuel Macron. "Second option, they tell us... 'We'll try to improve what we can get from the Europeans and then hold the vote again. "In that case, we'll look into it. Maybe we'll make improvements on one or two things, but I don't really think so because we've reached the maximum of what we could do with the deal." France's Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said the EU could push back the March 29 deadline if London made such a request. "Legally, technically, it's possible." "Regrettably, the outcome of tonight's vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently, the government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome," Ireland government said in a statement. "In any case, there will be no renegotiations on the withdrawal agreement,"Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said in a tweet. "Preparations for all scenarios will continue and be intensified, including the inauspicious scenario of a withdrawal without a deal on March 29," said Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. "An unordered exit would be negative for the EU and catastrophic for the UK," Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A host of opposition leaders will participate in West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mega opposition rally in Kolkata on January 19, which will not be attended by the Left parties. According to sources, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is yet to decide on whether its chief Mayawati will attend the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rally that will also be attended by former JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. The Congress will be represented by its leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, who has been deputed by the party leadership at the joint opposition rally, as neither its chief Rahul Gandhi or UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will be in attendance. Kharge will be headed to Kolkata from Mumbai, where he has some meetings with Congress leaders on the same day. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav is likely to reach Kolkata a day earlier on January 18. He will be present at the opposition rally, which is expected to be a show of opposition unity ahead of Lok Sabha elections. The Left parties, which are boycotting Banerjee's rally, will be present on February 3 in Kolkata where they have organised a mega event, CPI national secretary D Raja said. Banerjee, the TMC chief, is organising the rally to gather support for a pan-India anti-BJP front and has invited a host of opposition leaders from across the country. She asserted that TMC's proposed opposition rally will witness participation of non-BJP parties from "Kashmir to Kanyakumari". The West Bengal Congress has, meanwhile, expressed happiness that Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi will not attend the mega rally, being dubbed as a mega opposition event by the Trinamool Congress. It wanted the party's national president and the UPA chairperson to stay away from the rally and send in another leader as Banerjee had also skipped the swearing-in ceremony of Kamal Nath as Madhya Pradesh chief minister last month and instead sent party MP Dinesh Trivedi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Union Minister for State and BJP leader Pon. Radhakrishnan Wednesday alleged that there is a hidden political agenda behind raising the Kodanad estate issue now, months before the Lok Sabha elections. "I think there is mystery regarding the Kodanadu issue. But it was not talked about all these days. What is the necessity to talk about it now? Who is behind raising the Kodanadumystery issue now?. A big plot is being woven behind the kodanadu mystery. There is a hidden political agendaand ulterior motive behind it," he alleged. The issue pertains to a former magazine editor Samuel Mathew releasing a 16-minute video clip in Delhi on January 11, alleging that Chief Minister K Palaniswami had links to a break-in at Kodanad estate in 2017. Palaniswami had refuted the allegations and said that those who were unable to take on AIADMK politically were resorting to such cheap acts He had also asserted that a probe would expose their identity. DMK had urged Governor Banwarilal Purohit to direct the Chief Minister to resign from his post to ensure a free and fair probe into the matter. Radhakrishnan, addressing a meeting organised to distribute free LPG cylinders under the "Ujwala Yojana" scheme here, expressed confidence that BJP would win 75 per cent of seats in the coming Lok Sabha elections and emerge stronger. Taking a dig at the DMK president M K Stalin for holding the village outreach programme, Radhakrishan wondered if he was eyeing the panchayat polls and not the coming Lok Sabha polls. Stalin launched the party's programme on January 9 across Tamil Nadu with the slogan "let us meet the people, tell them and win over their hearts." "I wish him success in local body elections and good luck in the parliament elections," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala High Court on Wednesday stayed the indefinite strike called by the unions of the state-run transport company from midnight. A bench of Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar granted the interim stay till Tuesday. In its order, the bench directed the management of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to participate in the talks convened by the state government on Thursday. The court orally criticised the KSRTC management for not taking steps to hold discussions with the unions to alleviate the grievances of the employees even after receiving the strike notice. The order came after a public interest litigation (PIL) by the Centre for Consumer Education submitted that the entire operations of the KSRTC would come to a standstill, causing inconvenience to the public if the unions went ahead with their strike. The joint action council of the employees union has called for the indefinite strike, accusing the KSRTC of failing to honour the agreement reached during a meeting with the state government on September 30. According to the unions, the government had assured to revise the duty pattern and provide one instalment of dearness allowance arrears, along with the December month's salary. The unions have also accused the management of not appointing the dismissed empanelled employees even after the high court had given the sanction for it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court has said it was satisfied that sufficient steps, including installation of 4,388 CCTV cameras in vulnerable areas, have been taken by the police to ensure safety and security of women in the national capital. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao was told by the Delhi Police that a 24-hour helpline number 1091 is operational and separate specialised women police team is functional to attend to women in distress round-the-clock. "In view of the stand taken by the Delhi Police in the status report..., we are satisfied that sufficient and appropriate steps have been taken by the respondents," the bench said. The court disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed last year by some lawyers for safety of women after a few women complained about "urine and semen-filled" balloons allegedly being hurled at them in and around North Campus of the Delhi University. The petitioner lawyers had sought formulation of guidelines to ensure safety of women during occasions such as Holi and to initiate an exercise of mapping of all vulnerable areas with regard to women safety. The court had earlier directed the police to indicate the status regarding installation of CCTV cameras in the city. The police in its affidavit has also said that in the alleged incident regarding throwing of a "urine-filled balloon" at a woman in the campus area, the "complainant did not cooperate" and therefore, the case was marked as "untraced". With regard to the alleged throwing of a "semen-filled balloon", the police has said that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) did not find any trace of semen on the complainant women's clothes. It said that it had arrested one person in March last year in connection with the second incident, but he was released on bail, adding that a charge sheet was filed in the matter. The Delhi Police has said it was imparting self-defence training to women and also conducting programme to empower them. The officials also pay regular visits to schools and interact with girl students to educate them about basic precautions against sexual abuse and to report about crimes, gender sensitisation sessions are also organised for boys and girls in schools and colleges, it has said. It has also said that under the 'Sishtachar' scheme, women police officers dressed in plain clothes are posted at busy places like markets, metro stations, cinema halls, bus stops to keep a watch on miscreants. The petitioners, in their plea, had also sought setting up of women police control rooms (PCRs), increase in the number of women police booths and an anonymous drop box for written complaints, claiming that complainants are often bullied and harassed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The spokesman for a Tuareg group in Mali says gunmen have attacked two villages in the country's central Menaka region near the border with Niger, killing at least 20 people. Mohamed Ag Albachar of the Azawad self-defense group, said Wednesday that armed men attacked two villages on Tuesday, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Menaka. The attackers killed 20 civilians, including elderly people, and some security personnel also died in the attack. The attack has not been claimed but it bears the marks of jihadists who stage attacks in the region in retaliation against Tuaregs who are fighting against the Islamic State. Attacks against civilians have increased in Mali's Menaka area since 2018, when the UN's mission in Mali documented 100 cases of human rights violations there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Budget carrier is looking for an increase in flying rights to Thailand amid growing air passenger traffic, according to a senior airline official. Vice-President (International) Arjun Dasgupta said the airline wants to launch flights from seven more Indian cities, including Chandigarh and Lucknow, to Phuket. Currently, it has direct flights to Phuket from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Dasgupta said the government should consider increasing flying rights to Thailand in view of growing passenger traffic between India and Thailand. "The airlines of both the countries have almost exhausted their seat quotas and we are pushing for an increase in flight rights," he said here. Bilateral flying rights refer to an agreement between two countries that allows each other's airlines to operate services with a specific number of seats. Interacting with journalists on the sidelines of Thailand Yacht Show at Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) last week, he said the airline would also start services to Bangkok as Thailand is a big part of its international expansion plans. Explaining the rationale behind starting more flights to Phuket, Managing Director Jeh Wadia said the city offers huge opportunities for wedding planners, boating enthusiasts and vacation home buyers due to its attractive locations and good weather. By end of this year, Phuket would become the number one international destination for Indians, Wadia said. Royal Phuket Marina Chairman Gulu Lalvani said the partnership was a win-win for GoAir and RPM. Last month, Thailand's Ambassador to India Chutintorn Gongsakdi said that the rise of India would help in opening up new flights and connections. As many as 1.7 million tourists from India are expected to visit Thailand this year and rise to 2 million by 2020. A total of 10 million tourists are expected by 2030, he had said. Goa Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai on Wednesday warned his own government of backlash if a circular about obtaining the Navy's NOC for new construction near the airport was not withdrawn. The South Goa district administration issued a circular last year making it mandatory to seek the Navy's No Objection Certificate for any new construction within a 20-km radius of the Goa Airport. The lone airport in the coastal state is part of INS Hansa, a naval base. Speaking in Margao town, the minister pointed out that the collector who issued the circular has been transferred. "I am cautioning the government. A new district collector has been appointed. Within seven days he should give clarification on the order of his predecessor," said Sardesai, leader of the Goa Forward Party, a BJP ally. "If the circular is not withdrawn, the government should be ready to face backlash from the people," he said. The issue was recently discussed at a meeting of the Town and Country Planning Board. Sardesai said he had no objection to creation of a funnel zone, an aerial path used by aircraft while landing, around the airport. The minister said he took up the issue despite being part of the government because the opposition party, which should have raised it, was dormant. The minister, who was speaking on the occasion of the Opinion Poll Day, also said the day was not celebrated with enough grandeur considering its significance. The day marks an opinion poll in 1967 when people of Goa rejected a proposal to merge with Maharashtra. "If we had merged with Maharashtra, we would have become one of the districts of that state," he said. Goa has developed and prospered so much since then that if a new poll was conducted, people of Maharashtra would opt for merger with Goa, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Markets regulator Sebi has barred Syncom Healthcare, its six former board members for five years from capital markets in a matter related to manipulation of a global depository receipts (GDR). The regulator after conducting a probe found that the firm issued 4.5 million GDRs worth USD 20.74 million on September 3, 2010, on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Vintage FZE, a Dubai-based firm, now known as Alta Vista International FZE, was the only subscriber to the GDR and the subscription amount was paid by obtaining loan from European American Investment Bank (EURAM). However, the loan paid by Vintage was secured by pledge agreement between Syncom and EURAM Bank, the regulator said. The fraudulent arrangement of loan and pledge agreement, which resulted in facilitating the subscription of GDR issue of the company by only one subscriber, was not disclosed to the exchange by the company, the regulator said in an order dated January 15. Moreover, the firm mislead the investors into believing that the GDR issue was successful, whereas there was only one subscriber, it added. The six persons -- Ajay S Bankda, Jyoti Bankda, Jagadish Prasad Bagaria, Bharat Kumar Doshi, Govind Das Pasari and Avichal Kasliwal -- were members of the board of directors, who approved the resolution regarding GDR issue and thereby acted as parties to fraudulent arrangement of subscription of GDR, Sebi noted. By indulging in such activities, the entities violated PFUTP (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trading Practices) regulations, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Gary Oldman is set to play the villain in UK action-thriller "The Courier". The 60-year-old actor, who won the Oscar for best actor last year, joins Olga Kurylenko in the project. Kurylenko, 39, is best known for films such as "Quantum of Solace", "Oblivion" and "Hitman", among others. According to Deadline, the story follows a courier (Kurylenko) whose daily deliveries are interrupted when she discovers that her latest package is a bomb aimed at killing a witness who is about to testify against a ruthless crime lord (Oldman). The film will be directed by Zackary Adler from a script by Andy Conway and Nicky Tate. Filming is set to start in London next month. Marc Goldberg, James Edward Barker, David Haring and Andrew Prendergast will produce the film while Douglas Urbanski, Oldman's long-term producing partner, will serve as executive producer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Macroeconomic stability will be preserved in Russia this year, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expects. When asked about what he expected from the Russian economy in 2019, the spokesman replied: "Preserving macroeconomic stability." At the same time, Peskov said that Russia's economic growth is still insufficient. Too many people still live below the poverty line, and this is absolutely inadmissible," he said in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper. He added that solving this problem is the presidents main priority for the time being. In addition, he noted that a certain degree of financial and macroeconomic stability in Russia cannot be questioned. "We would like to hope that it will become the surface for us to gain foothold and make a huge leap forward," TASS cited Peskov as saying. According to him, there should be a breakthrough in the peoples minds, in technologies, in working efficiency. "In fact, the national projects provide all the necessary basis, we just need to methodically put them into practice," the spokesman concluded. The Crime Branch of the Mumbai police arrested an alleged aide of fugitive gangster Ravi Pujari from suburban Goregaon Wednesday. William Albert Rodricks (21) was nabbed from Oshiwara area by the Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) of the Crime Branch, a police official said. Rodricks allegedly kept Pujari informed about builders in the area who could be targeted for extortion, he said. He came under the scanner when a Goregaon-based builder got calls from Pujari, demanding Rs 2 crore, said inspector Sachin Kadam of the AEC. Probe revealed that it was Rodricks who had provided the builder's contact details to Pujari, he said. The builder initially ignored the threats. He decided to approach the police only when his brother and sister-in-law and even his nephew, who was studying abroad and was on India visit for a few days, got similar threatening calls for money, another official said. AEC sleuths suspected that a local person could be providing information about builders in the area to Pujari who is believed to be abroad, and zeroed in on Rodricks, he said. Rodricks was arrested under IPC section 387 (extortion). A court remanded him in police custody till January 19, he said. The police were looking for his aides, the official added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa Wednesday alleged that the Congress made 1984 anti-Sikh riots accused Jagdish Tytler sit in the front row at an event where Sheila Dikshit took over as its Delhi unit president to "intimidate" witnesses in related cases. He claimed the Congress is "afraid as it is aware that Tytler and Kamal Nath would also be jailed" in cases related to the anti-Sikh riots. "The Congress made Jagdish Tytler sit in the front row. It was a deliberate act to intimidate the witnesses in the anti-sikh riots cases," he alleged. "The Congress wants to send a message to the witnesses that the party high command supports Tytler and nobody should even try to testify against him," the MLA alleged. "Since the conviction of Sajjan Kumar, the party is afraid... that the leaders whom it kept safe are now being jailed. By such acts, it is also sending a message to the judiciary and police that nobody should initiate action against them," Singh alleged. Dikshit took over as Delhi Congress chief from Ajay Maken in the presence of a large number of party leaders and workers Wednesday. Senior Congress leaders Karan Singh, Janardan Dwivedi, Meira Kumar, PC Chacko, Sandip Dikshit, Ajay Maken among others attended Dikshit's charge taking ceremony. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler will lead a 78-member French delegation to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit on January 18. The French embassy said the delegation will include 34 French companies with expertise in the agri-food industry, aviation, banking and finance, energy, infrastructure, IT, telecommunications and waste and water management. The ninth edition of the three-day investment summit begins on January 18. The French embassy said Ziegler will lead the 78-member French delegation to the summit. "As a partner country of the summit and being amongst India's leading foreign investors, France is committed to working with Government of India and the government of Gujarat. French companies are expected to sign three MoUs during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit," the French embassy said. It said the group of French delegates this year is a mix of companies with established footprint in Gujarat and those with advanced technical expertise keen to partner with Indian entities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aasia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of blasphemy, still lives the life of a prisoner, nearly three months after her release from death row, awaiting a final ruling on her fate. She spends her days in seclusion for fear of being targeted by angry mobs clamoring for her death. In her hideout, she longs for her children who were taken to Canada for their safety. Pakistani security forces guarding the 54-year-old Bibi prevent her from opening a window in her hiding place, let alone go outside, a friend said. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is weighing a petition by Islamist extremists and right-wing religious parties that rallied against her acquittal and demand her execution. Her case goes to the core of one of Pakistan's most controversial issues the blasphemy law, often used to settle scores or intimidate followers of Pakistan's minority religions, including minority Shiite Muslims. A charge of insulting Islam can bring the death penalty. Just making an accusation is sometimes enough to whip up vengeful mobs, even if the courts acquit defendants. A provincial governor who defended Bibi was shot and killed, as was a government minority minister who dared question the blasphemy law. Bibi's ordeal began on a hot day in 2009, with a row with fellow farmworkers after two Muslim women refused to drink water from the same container as a Christian. They demanded she convert, and she refused. Five days later, a mob accused her of blasphemy. She was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010 for insulting the Prophet Muhammad. After eight years on death row, the Supreme Court acquitted her on Oct. 31. At the time, her lawyer Saif-ul Malook, who has since been driven into exile fearing for his life, argued that the many inconsistencies in the testimony of her accusers vindicated her. Bibi had always maintained she was innocent. But the acquittal sparked nationwide protests, spearheaded by the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik party, which sees the protection of the prophet as its single-point agenda. The party's leaders Khadim Hussein Rizvi and Mohammad Afzal Qadri are in jail, charged with inciting violence, including with calls for Bibi's public hanging and for the death of the three judges who acquitted her. They also called for mutiny in the powerful army and the overthrow of Prime Minister Imran Khan's new government. As street protests by extremists calling for Bibi's death swelled, Khan's government pledged she would remain in the country until the Supreme Court reviews the petition against her acquittal. From her secret location, which authorities maintain is for her own protection, Bibi is not allowed by Pakistan's security forces to give interviews. Even her friends and those few who have access to her are afraid to be identified and agreed to talk to a reporter only on condition of anonymity. One of her friends says Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, who was wounded by a gunshot fired by a protester calling for Bibi's death, is with her in hiding. Her two daughters, Eisham, 20 and Esha, 19, were spirited out of Pakistan. Bibi's hiding place is comfortable enough, but it's still a jail of sorts, the friend said, adding that Bibi's only hope is that someday the family will be reunited abroad. However, it's unclear when the review of Bibi's acquittal will be completed. Bibi's friends say she has hoped it would be done before Supreme Court Chief Justice Saqib Nisar retires at the end of the week. Nisar and his successor, Asif Saeed Khan Khosa, were part of the three-member panel that acquitted Bibi. In their decision, a 52-page judgment, they cited both Pakistan's statute law and Islam's holy book, the Quran, to justify the acquittal. Malook, the defense lawyer, told The Associated Press by phone from the United States that he is confident the petition would be thrown out. But he fears it could take months, even years, if the court is reluctant to decide. "I have read the arguments for the review, there is nothing there," he said. "It will be thrown out." Arguing for the petitioners, attorney Ghulam Mustafa Chaudhry is just as confident. He told the AP that he too is pressing for an early decision. Without offering any details, Chaudhry said he has a strong case for overturning Bibi's acquittal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four persons were injured in an IED blast in Lohardaga district, the police said Wednesday. The four were injured when one of them stepped on the IED on Tuesday night, Superintendent of Police, Priyadarshi Alok said. The Maoists had planted the IED to target the police, he said. Bilendra Kherwar and Rajesh Oraon of Sanai Pirtol village in Lohardaga district received serious injuries, while Sahabir Oraon and Ashok Kherwar of Hapta village in Gumla district got minor injuries in the blast, the SP said. The seriously injured were sent to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four of the five nuns who led an agitation against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal in Kerala have been directed to leave their convent in Kottayam district in compliance with a transfer order issued last year, sources said here Wednesday. Their congregation --Missionaries of Jesus under Jalandhar diocese of the Roman Catholic Church-- has directed the nuns to join the convents they were assigned previously as per the transfer orders issued between March and May in 2018. However, the nuns, who have been staying with their colleague, allegedly subjected to rape and unnatural sex by Mulakkal, stated they would not leave the convent in Kuravialangad. The protest led by the nuns and Catholic reformist forums here in September had led to a public outrage and demands for action against the bishop. Bishop Mulakkal, a senior member of the Roman Catholic clergy in India, was arrested in September last following allegations by the nun that he repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted her in the convent at Kuravialangad between 2014 and 2016, a charge denied by him. The 54-year-old clergyman was "temporarily" relieved of all pastoral responsibilities as the bishop of the Jalandhar diocese by the Vatican. Three weeks after his arrest, the bishop released on bail in October by the Kerala High Court. Reacting to the latest church directive, one of the nuns alleged that the decision was aimed at splitting the group and sabotaging their colleague's case against Mulakkal. The nuns -- Alphy, Anupama, Josephine and Ancitta -- were served notice by Superior General of the congregation Regina Kadamthottu urging them to take up their assigned responsibilities as befitting members of the Missionaries of Jesus congregation. Sister Nina Rose, who also fought for justice for the survivor nun, has not been asked to leave the convent. The congregation had issued their transfer orders last year much before the outbreak of protests but the nuns had then refused to accept them. In her recent communique, Superior General Regina said it was a "matter of serious concern" for her to note that they have not yet joined their convents assigned previously. "You have, however, chosen not to pay heed to my repeated instructions and orders, throwing to the wind your avowed religious vows and commitments," she said in the letter. While Sister Alphy has been transferred to a convent in Pakartala in Bihar, sister Ancitta and sister Josephine have been directed to join their convent in Lalmatia, Jharkhand. Sister Anupama, who led the nuns in their protest against Bishop, has been asked to report at the MJ congregation in Punjab. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four people were killed and as many injured in two separate road accidents in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh, police said Wednesday. According to Circle Officer Ashok Kumar, a truck driver, Israr (38), and conductor, Rashid 27, were killed when their vehicle collided with another truck on the Meerut-Karnal highway near Lank village in Shamli district Wednesday. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem. In another incident, Nitu (30) and his cousin brother Ashish (23) were crushed to death when a speedy car hit their bike on the Delhi-Saharanpur highway at Thanabhawan town in Shamli district Tuesday, police said. All the four injured were occupants of the car. They were shifted to the hospital, they said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang, who has resigned from the BJP, is likely to participate in the January 19 rally of the Trinamool Congress. "Gegong Apang will participate in Jan 19 rally. He has confirmed it," a TMC source said Wednesday. However, TMC leaders declined to comment on speculations that Apang is likely to join TMC on that day. Apang, who was chief minister of the Northeastern state for over 22 years, sent a two-page resignation letter to BJP president Amit Shah on Tuesday. "I am disappointed to see that the present BJP is no longer following the principles of Raj Dharam but has turned into a platform to seek power, serves a leadership which hates decentralization of democratic decision," he wrote in the letter. In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has called for a mega opposition rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs of her supporters. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four years after switching from the Congress to the BJP, former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang has quit the saffron party, saying it has become a platform to seek power. Apang, who was chief minister of the Northeastern state for over 22 years, sent a two-page resignation letter to BJP chief Amit Shah on Tuesday. "I am disappointed to see that the present BJP is no longer following the principles of Raj Dharam but has turned into a platform to seek power, serves a leadership which hates decentralization of democratic decision," he wrote in the letter. In 2014, the BJP used every dirty tricks to make Kalikho Pul the chief minister of Arunchal Pradesh and a BJP government was reinstalled despite an adverse Supreme Court ruling, he said. "Neither a proper investigation was done on Pul's suicide nor the present BJP leadership thought of morality and ethics by installing many more BJP governments in NE India," the hard-hitting letter read. He said announcing Pema Khandu's name as chief minister before the election is neither the norm nor the tradition of the cadre-based party. "Thus, I wish Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should try to learn Raj Dharam as the history will judge your deeds." The 69-year-old resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP ahead of the 2014 general election. Welcoming Apang's decision, state Congress chief Takam Sanjoy said it reflected true colours of the BJP. Congress legislator Takam Pario said the BJP applies "use and throw" policy to everyone. He alleged Apang's resignation is a slap on the BJP's face. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least five students sustained minor injuries after two buses collided Wednesday morning in the central part of the city's Kankurgachi area, police said. Around 6.50am, the school bus of DPS Ruby Park slammed into another bus of West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) on Maniktala Main Road near Kankurgachi underpass in Phoolbagan Police Station area, a senior officer of Kolkata Police said. The injured students were rushed to nearby ESI hospital, where they received preliminary treatment, he said. "The school bus was intercepted and the students were taken to school in another vehicle. We are talking to the drivers to find out more about the incident," the officer added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of SOCAR carbamide plant constructed in the territory of the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park. SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev informed the head of state about the work done in the plant. President Aliyev launched the plant, after which he met with the staff of the plant and posed for photographs with them. West Bengal minister Suvendu Adhikary Wednesday said construction firms and agencies have been asked to cover construction areas to prevent dust particles from spreading in the air in the city and surrounding areas. The dust generated during construction of buildings was the principal reason for particualate matter hanging on air during November to March, he said. Adhikary told a press meet that only three parameters of - PM 10 (particulate matter), PM 2.5 (particulate matter) and Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) - remained non-compliant while nine other parameters were compliant in the city and surrounding areas. The nine compliant parameters included SO2, Ozone, CO, Ammonia, Benzene, Lead, Arsenic and Nickel, he said. The minister said a three-pronged action plan has been launched to address the issue. As the first step the department, in collaboration with West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB), would monitor the construction activity of buildings and roads and ask for wrapping the construction areas/buildings with geo-textile fabric, install dust barriers which will be appropriate for the location, he said. At a meeting earlier in the day between the body of private real estate firms CREDAI, HRBC and the minister and officials, the firms were asked to apply water prior to levelling of earth or any other earth moving activity to keep the soil moist throughout the process. "We are committed in ensuring a 100 per cent clean environment and you will see the three non-compliant environment parameters also coming to favourable situations by 2019 November," Adhikary said stressing environment pollution was not so alarming as being projected in certain quarters. As part of the second step, to curb vehicular pollution 15-year old commercial vehicles were being totally stopped from entering the city from January 8, 2019 following a transport department circular issued on December 31, 2018, the minister said. As part of the third step, the Kolkata Police in a circular prevented burning of firewood, tyre, straw and ten teams were constituted forming members of KP, PCB to undertake continuous raids in different parts of the city, he said. "As part of our aim to stop waste burning and solid burning, we have formed the teams which will undertake raids in different zones. But we will provide the people, associated with small roadside business, incentives so that they can start business with alternative resources," he said. Adhikary said the government has also stopped waste burning at one point of Dhapa dumping ground and burning of waste at the other point will also be stopped soon, to stop accumulation of particulate matter in air. He said all the three action plan will fall in place by March 31 this year and the "results will be seen by next winter as we will act on war footing." The minister said the department will install 10 devices which will suck dust particles at ten points of the city and five more automated air monitoring stations across the city by March 31. There are presently two automated monitoring stations at Victoria Memorial and Rabindra Bharati University, B T Road. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The family members of three men killed in alleged fake encounters by the Gujarat Police between 2002 to 2006 Wednesday demanded investigation into the role of senior police officers and politicians of that time. They said the Justice H S Bedi committee appointed by the Supreme Court did not investigate the role of senior police officers and top political leaders of the time. They said the apex court should direct the committee to probe the role of the top political leaders. The committee, which investigated 17 alleged fake encounters in Gujarat from 2002 to 2006, has recommended prosecution of police officials in three cases. In its final report filed in the Supreme Court, Justice Bedi said Sameer Khan, Kasam Jafar and Haji Ismail were prima facie killed in fake encounters. It indicted nine police officials, including three inspector-rank officers, in the three cases. However, it has not recommended prosecution of any IPS officer or politician. Appearing before the media, family members of the three victims said the report did not probe the role of senior police officers and politicians. Sarfaraz Khan, Sameer Khan's father, said, "We respect the probe report but demand that the Supreme Court direct Justice Bedi to further investigate the roles of senior police officers and politicians." Relatives of others two victims echoed the demand. The relatives of two of the victims, who were offered Rs 10 lakh and Rs 14 lakh by the committee, said the money was too little and sought Rs 1 crore in compensation. "I have five children and we have been fighting for justice for last thirteen years. Who would take care of my children? Had they (top politicians) wanted, the police officers could have been punished," said Jafar's wife Mariam Bibi. Her husband was killed by the police when he was on pilgrimage to Mehsana from Ahmedabad and the family, which lived in Mumbai, was handed the body after seven days, she said. "I need more compensation for the murder. Rs 1 crore is what we demand," she said. Grandson of Haji Ismael, Mehrab, said his father and grandfather were abducted by police in the presence of a senior IPS officer from Lonavala. His grandfather was killed in Umargam. "We want justice for my grandfather. I am here to request Supreme Court to direct Justice Bedi to investigate the case in depth," said Mehrab, who lives in Mumbai. Lawyer Anand Yagnik said the report is not acceptable to the family members of the victims who will be approaching the Supreme Court which is hearing the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World Anti-Doping Agency experts are taking longer than expected to extract testing data from the old Moscow anti-doping laboratory, a spokesperson for the agency told AFP. The WADA team returned to Moscow last Wednesday, after Russian authorities missed a December deadline to provide access to the lab. When the WADA experts began extracting data on Thursday, it was estimated that the task would take three days. "No limit was put on the duration of the mission. It is taking longer than had been originally estimated, but the team is facing no specific issues or difficulties in carrying out their task," said the spokesperson on Tuesday, the second and final day of a meeting of its Compliance Review Committee (CRC). "The large quantity and high complexity of the data, as well as the fact the servers and hard drives being accessed are not all brand new, means it is taking longer than originally anticipated." In September, WADA conditionally lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), paving the way for its reinstatement. One of the conditions was access being granted to the data by the end of 2018. The data concerns thousands of tests carried out from 2011 to 2015 when Russia has been accused of state-sponsored doping. But when a WADA team arrived in December, Russian authorities raised issues with the certification of their equipment under Russian law. WADA's CRC began a scheduled two-day meeting in Montreal on Monday. "The CRC meeting will conclude today as planned," said the spokesperson. "At every stage, the CRC has been kept up to date on latest developments in Moscow and it will complete and send its report only once the technical team has concluded its work." The WADA executive committee, which will decide on the fate of RUSADA, meets on January 22. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Egyptian police killed five suspected Islamic militants in North Sinai, where security forces are fighting an insurgency led by an affiliate of the Islamic State group, the government said Wednesday. The interior ministry said in a statement that a shootout broke out between the police and militants during a raid on their hideout in the provincial capital El-Arish. It alleged the militants, who had been under surveillance, had been planning attacks on "important and vital facilities" as well as prominent figures in the city. The ministry did not say when the shootout occurred. Egypt has for years been battling an insurgency in North Sinai, which escalated following the 2013 military ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. Since then, hundreds of police and soldiers have been killed in militant attacks. Egypt launched a nationwide operation against militants in February 2018, mainly focused on the turbulent northern Sinai region. Some 500 militants and 30 soldiers have been killed in the north and the centre of Sinai since the beginning of the offensive, according to the armed forces. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested four people for allegedly trying to smuggle gold valuing about Rs 6.88 crore into the country from Dubai and Sri Lanka, according to an official statement issued Wednesday. All the four accused -- the kingpin, his aide and close relative, and two carriers -- have been remanded in judicial custody, it said. Acting on inputs, the DRI officials on Tuesday seized 20.6 kg gold, valued at Rs.6,88 crore, kept hidden by the syndicate at a residential premises here, the statement issued by the agency said. A BMW car used to deliver the smuggled gold and Rs 21 lakh were also seized, it said. "Interrogation of the apprehended persons revealed that the Chennai-based kingpin, a resident of Choolaimedu, used to organise operatives who would work in the domestic sector to various airports, collect gold bars from transit passengers at the respective airports and carry them back to Chennai in the domestic sector and hand them over to the kingpin and his aides," the DRI said. Investigation revealed that the seized gold was smuggled from Dubai to Chennai through Mumbai in this manner, it said. "A part of the gold was also smuggled directly from Sri Lanka to India through the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu," the probe agency said. Due to strong demand for gold during the festival season, and possibly on account of the steep rise in gold prices in the last quarter, there has been a spurt in the activities of organised gangs indulging in smuggling of gold into India, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiv Sena Wednesday said the BJP has no moral right to criticise student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who has been charged with sedition, after teaming up with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. The Sena also asked the ruling BJP to refrain from taking political mileage from the sedition case against Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union. The BJP committed a "sin" by aligning with People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, it said, claiming that she considered Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as a martyr. The BJP was part of the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir but pulled out of the coalition last year. The Delhi Police had on Monday filed a charge sheet in a court against Kanhaiya Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus in February 2016. "The BJP committed the biggest sin of aligning with Mehbooba Mufti, who considers Afzal Guru a freedom fighter and a martyr. Now the BJP, for its own benefit, should not try and take political mileage out of the sedition case filed against Kanhaiya," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. A terrorist like Ajmal Kasab, convicted in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, was given a chance by court to defend himself, it said, and expressed hope that Kumar would also be given a chance to present his case. If the allegations against him are not true, they will not stand in court, said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. "Kanhaiya Kumar speaks well. Since he represents the harried and unemployed youth, he cannot give slogans hailing Afzal Guru or independence for Kashmir. Anyway, what moral right does the BJP have to condemn Kanhaiya Kumar?" it asked. The Sena wondered if the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, was unable to win elections in JNU as voting there was not held through the electronic voting machines (EVMs). "Maharashtra BJP minister Girish Mahajan recently claimed he will show his 'magic' wherever he is sent and make sure his party wins polls. We request the BJP to send him to JNU to defeat the anti-nationals there. But tell him that elections in JNU are not held through EVMs," it said in sarcastic remarks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Five-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova's scintillating return to form continued Wednesday as she powered into the Australian Open third round to set up a mouth-watering clash with defending champion Caroline Wozniacki. Sharapova, who is seeded 30th at the tournament and seeking to recapture former glories after coming back from a drugs ban in 2017, brushed aside Swede Rebecca Peterson 6-2, 6-1. The 31-year-old has only conceded three games en route to round three at Melbourne Park, where she won the title in 2008 and has reached the final a further three times. "I'm really happy the way I performed today and obviously it's always great to be back on this court," she said. "Overall, I thought I played a really solid match." The pair emerged on Rod Laver Arena late in the night due to a long-running men's match, meaning only a smattering of fans were there to cheer on the former world number one. While Sharapova served a 6-0, 6-0 "double bagel" to her first-round opponent Harriet Dart, Peterson initially promised more of a fight as she rallied against the Russian from the baseline. Her aggressive approach was not enough to prevent the veteran going up a break in the third game, while offering the Swede nothing on her own serve. The gulf in experience began to tell as the match stretched into early Thursday, with Sharapova breaking Peterson again to take an iron grip on the first set, which she wrapped up after 34 minutes. Sharapova's blistering returns proved too much for world number 64 Peterson and the Russian soon ran away with the second set. Sharapova and third seed Wozniacki have met 10 times, with the record 6-4 in the Russian's favour. But their most recent clash was in 2015, when Sharapova was still at her peak and the Dane was yet to win her coveted maiden Slam, which she has credited with boosting her confidence. There is no love lost between the pair. Wozniacki questioned the way the WTA handled Sharapova's return from her drugs ban in 2017 and was furious when she was bumped from the show court in favour of the Russian at that year's US Open. It prompted a withering response from Sharapova after Wozniacki's elimination: "I'm in the fourth round. I don't know where she is." Their meeting promises to be the standout match in the first week of the women's draw. "It's a tough third round but I've set up the challenge and I'm willing to take it," Sharapova said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) People began to live alongside dogs and may also have used them for hunting as early as 11,500 years ago in what is now northeast Jordan, according to a study. Researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and University College London in the UK suggest that the introduction of dogs as hunting aids may explain the dramatic increase of hares and other small prey in the archaeological remains at the site. Dogs were domesticated by humans as early as 14,000 years ago in the Near East, but whether this was accidental or on purpose is so far not clear. The study, published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, suggests that humans valued the tracking and hunting abilities of early dogs more than previously known. The research on animal bones from the 11,500 year old settlement Shubayqa 6 in northeast Jordan not only suggests that dogs were present in this region at the start of the Neolithic period, but that humans and dogs likely hunted animals together. "The study of the large assemblage of animal bones from Shubayqa 6 revealed a large proportion of bones with unmistakable signs of having passed through the digestive tract of another animal; these bones are so large that they cannot have been swallowed by humans, but must have been digested by dogs," said Lisa Yeomans from the University of Copenhagen. The study shows that Shubayqa 6 was occupied year round, which suggests that the dogs were living together with the humans rather than visiting the site when there were no inhabitants. "The dogs were not kept at the fringes of the settlement, but must have been closely integrated into all aspects of day-to-day life and allowed to freely roam around the settlement, feeding on discarded bones and defecating in and around the site," Yeomans said. When researchers sifted through the analysed data, they also noted a curious increase in the number of hares at the time that dogs appeared at Shubayqa 6. Hares were hunted for their meat, but Shubayqa 6's inhabitants also used the hare bones to make beads. The team thinks that it is likely that the appearance of dogs and the increase in hares are related. "The use of dogs for hunting smaller, fast prey such as hares and foxes, perhaps driving them into enclosures, could provide an explanation that is in line with the evidence we have gathered. "The long history of dog use, to hunt both small as well as larger prey, in the region is well known, and it would be strange not to consider hunting aided by dogs as a likely explanation for the sudden abundance of smaller prey in the archaeological record," said Yeomans. "The shift may also be associated with a change in hunting technique from a method, such as netting, that saw an unselective portion of the hare population captured, to a selective method of hunting in which individual animals were targeted. This could have been achieved by dogs," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa government has converted the old sub-jail in Mapusa town near here into a detention centre for foreign nationals who violate visa norms, a senior police official said Wednesday. The Public Works Department had earlier been asked to renovate the old jail, located in Mapusa town, so that the foreigners, who are overstaying in Goa after expiry of their documents, can be lodged there, Superintendent of Police Bosco George said. "We have set up all the facilities there and the recruitment of staff is pending. The inauguration is tentatively scheduled on January 26," he said. The Social Welfare Department has been asked to recruit staff for the detention centre, he said. Around four lakh foreigners annually arrive in the coastal state, famous for its picturesque beaches, on business or tourist visas. The Goa Police earlier had several cases of foreigners overstaying on expired visas, but in the absence of a detention centre, they would usually secure bail and continue to roam around in the state, the official said. The foreigners found staying illegally in the state will be kept in the detention centre till the procedure to deport them is not completed, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A suicide attack targeting US-led coalition forces in the flashpoint northern Syrian city of Manbij killed a US serviceman and seven other people on Wednesday, a monitor said. There was no immediate confirmation of the US death from the coalition. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said seven Syrian civilians were killed in the blast along with the US serviceman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with former French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Baku. The sides underlined that Azerbaijan-France relations strengthened during Nicolas Sarkozy`s presidency in 2007-2012. Aliyev and Sarkozy pointed out that the bilateral ties developed considerably in a number of areas back then. Ilham Aliyev noted that as a result of the strengthening of high-level political relations those years, many French companies started to operate or expanded their activities in Azerbaijan, AzerTAc reported. Sarkozy, in turn, thanked for the hospitality shown to him. An Indonesian woman has been mauled to death by a huge pet crocodile on the island of Sulawesi, officials said Wednesday. Deasy Tuwo, the head of a laboratory at a pearl farm in Minahasa in North Sulawesi, was killed by the 4.4-metre (14-foot) reptile last Thursday, authorities said. The 44-year old's badly mauled body was found by colleagues the following morning, Hendrik Rundengan, from the local conservation agency, told AFP. "The indication is that she fell into the crocodile's enclosure," he said, adding the incident was still being investigated by police. The crocodile, named Merry, had eaten one of the woman's hands and most of her abdomen was missing, Rundengan said. "These parts may still be inside the crocodile now," he added. The giant reptile was sedated and removed from its enclosure Monday in a three-hour operation that involved dozens of people, including conservation officials, the army and police. The reptile, which was owned illegally, will be transferred to a conservation area, Rundengan said. The Indonesian archipelago is home to a vast array of exotic wildlife, including several species of crocodile that regularly attack and kill humans. In April 2016, a Russian tourist was killed by a crocodile in the Raja Ampat islands, a popular diving site in the east of the archipelago. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress-JD(S) government in is "stable and strong" and will continue to be so, said Wednesday, and asserted that any attempt by the BJP to destabilise it by poaching legislators would not succeed. He claimed that there was no crisis in the government. All the 118 MLAs of JD(S) and "are intact and no one is running away," Kharge said. He alleged that the BJP was trying to repeat what it did in Goa, Manipur, and earlier by "spreading lies and rumours" about MLAs leaving the party. "The Congress-JD(S) government in is stable and strong and will continue to be so. There is no threat to our government in the state," he told reporters. The Congress legislators would be meeting on Friday, January 18 at the meeting of the Congress legislature party and so will the JDS MLAs and will show their strength that they stand united, Kharge said. He alleged the BJP was trying "to spread falsehood and canards that the Congress MLAs were moving away and were joining the BJP, but they will never be successful in doing so". "There is nothing like Congress and JDS MLAs quitting and joining the BJP. They are only trying to spread rumours and befool the public. I have talked to the chief minister, the deputy chief minister and other leaders of both parties and the The BJP is only creating illusion by spreading falsehood," he said, adding that the rival party was exerting pressure by misusing government agencies. Kharge alleged that MLAs were being "scared and hounded by using government agencies like the CBI, ED, Income Tax". "The BJP is in the habit of doing such activities of destabilising government and poaching of MLAs. They have done so in Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand, earlier and are now seeking to attempt so in Karnataka too. The BJP believes in horse trading and luring MLAs of other parties and then forming governments," he said. The coalition government in Karnataka suffered the first major setback when two MLAs, an independent and a member of the Karnataka Pragnyavantara Janata Paksha, Tuesday withdrew support to it amid charges of horse trading levelled against each other by the ruling parties and the BJP. Kharge said that the two MLAs had gone away as they were unhappy after one of them was removed as a minister in the reshuffle in Karnataka ministry. Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka KC Venugopal, who has been camping in the city since Monday night and holding a series of meetings with party leaders, said that all the Congress MLA's are "fine and intact." He termed the media reports about a few party MLAs planning to resign as "baseless". Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara alleged that the BJP has a bigger plan behind its moves "to topple" the coalition government in the state as it wants to show that any grand alliance against it at the centre will meet the same fate. Kharge said there is no truth that the government is falling in Karnataka. "If they were so strong, why were they keeping and protecting their MLAs in a seven-star resort . Why are you protecting your own MLAs if you have confidence," he said. On reports of some Congress legislators going ""missing", Kharge said it was not so as one had gone to attend a wedding and another to Shirdi and they have since returned. About the BJP's charge of its legislators being poached by the Congress, Kharge said, "We are not calling anyone. But, if someone comes, we cannot shut our door to them. What is the fear the BJP is having." Venugopal said, "Nothing is going to happen. All the Congress MLAs are intact, we are in touch with all of them."Asked about MLAs camping in Mumbai, he asked, "Are you sure that they are in only? That was day-before yesterday, just verify now."Venugopal asserted that the coalition government "will continue for next four-and-half years". "We have nothing to worry, we have contact with every MLA, all will be okay. We are also calling CLP meeting on January 18," he said. Pradesh Congress chief Dinesh Gundu Rao said there is not going to be any "Sankranthi-kranti, or Deepawali-damakha or New Year-blast" as claimed by the BJP. "It will be flop show by the BJP... our government is stable, there is not even an inch of threat to the government and we are relaxed," he said. The is in a state of flux for the last few days with reports that legislators were being poached. The BJP legislators are in a Gurgaon resort for the past few days, with BJP B S Yeddyurappa alleging that the Congress is making attempts to poach its MLAs. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79 and JDS 37. There is one MLA each of BSP and KPJP and one Independent, besides the Speaker. The Congress Wednesday slammed the BJP for its "brazen attempt" to destabilise the party's coalition government with JDS in Karnataka. A political crisis is brewing in the state, where two Independent MLAs Tuesday withdrew support to the seven-month-old ministry amid trading of poaching charges by the ruling coalition and BJP. The BJP's Karnataka MLAs have been camping at a resort in Haryana in an "effort to thwart any poaching attempt" by the ruling JDS-Congress coalition. "The entire confusion has been created by the BJP. Was that really required? They did it brazenly throwing morality and ethics to the wind. It is shameful and disgusting," Karnataka Congress President Dinesh Gundu Rao told PTI. Blaming prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah for the current political crisis is Karnataka, Rao said the party under their aegis has become "anti-constitutional." "The topic for discussion should not be the stability of our government but what BJP has reduced to under Modi and Amit Shah. The BJP today has become an anti-constitutional party. "It is misusing the government machinery to threaten the MLAs and their rivals," he alleged. Allaying fears over the stability of the Congress-JDS dispensation, Rao said, "All our MLAs are intact and nobody is going anywhere. They are all with us together." The party has taken measures to address whatever grievances some people have but all the MLAs are very much in the party and nobody is going away, he added. After two MLAs-- R Shankar and H Nagesh-- withdrew their support to the government Tuesday, rumour mill has been agog that the government's fall was imminent as many other Congress MLAs may follow suit and resign from their respective constituencies. Despite claims that all the MLAs were with the party, Ramesh Jarkiholi and Umesh Jadhav remained incommunicado. Congress spokesperson Subhash Agarwal said these two MLAs may not be in touch at this moment but they were very much in the party. "Our party is stable. Those two MLAs withdrawing support is of no consequence. Numbers are in our favour and there is no threat to the government," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) has been using its massive investment in media, foreign educational institutions and think tanks in addition to the little known field of tourism to influence global public opinion in its favour, the has said. In a report titled "Assessment on Defence Implications of China's Expanding Global Access", the said has made both direct and indirect investments in news media organisations abroad. For example, Xinhua News Agency, which is China's official state-run news agency, launched 40 new foreign bureaus and doubled the number of overseas correspondents between 2009 and 2011. Xinhua counted 162 total foreign bureaus in 2017 and aims to have 200 by 2020, the report said. The report stated that China's has urged country's media to tell the world about country's story. "China's expanding official media presence reflects a concerted effort on the part of its leadership to shape opinions about the country and promote China's view on key topics, it said. urged Global Television Network, Xinhua's media service, to "tell the China story well" and "spread China's voice," the report stated. China's official investments in the US media market remains primarily focused on expanding Chinese state-run media organisations. Xinhua and the state-run newspaper China Daily launched operations in the US in 2011 and 2009, respectively. Similarly, in 2012, China Central Television expanded into the with CCTV America, the report said. However, the report also mentions that China has obscured its investment in media in the US. A 2015 Reuters report revealed that China Radio (CRI), a Chinese state-owned entity, was using subsidiaries to mask its control over 33 radio stations in 14 countries, including the US, the report said. These radio stations broadcast pro-China content but have not registered as agents of a foreign government under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). "The also methodically cultivates relationships with private media owners and journalists to encourage them to depict China in a positive light. These efforts demonstrate China's growing desire to shape public opinion on the stage," the said. ALSO READ: Bumpy ride ahead: Carmakers in China brace for zero growth after tough 2018 In the report, the Pentagon said China also seeks to influence global public opinion through other means such as investment in institutions. "China has established and funded Confucius Institutes, affiliated with its Ministry of Education, at over 500 foreign university campuses. The stated goals of these Institutes are to promote the Chinese language and a positive image of China," the report said. "Such institutions inspire students to learn more about China, provide support and resources for educators and school systems to incorporate Chinese language and knowledge in their curriculum, and educate the public about Chinese culture and society, the report stated. ALSO READ: China passes law to have own version of Islam, make it conform to socialism Noting that outbound tourism from China has increased significantly over the past decade, becoming a reliable component of revenue for many countries in Asia, the Pentagon said that China's leadership has demonstrated its willingness and ability to restrain tourism as an economic tool to influence countries in order to promote China's interests. "During the 2012 standoff between China and the over the Scarborough Reef in the South China Sea, China actively restricted tourism to the Similarly, from 2016 to 2017, China backed tourism restrictions and public boycotts on following its deployment of a US missile defence system," it said. The Pentagon warned that China may seek to use tourism-related construction by Chinese construction firms in strategic areas (eg: or Tinian) to monitor Department of Defence activities. In addition, Chinese construction workers often remain in host nations illegally, creating a security vulnerability for nations who have limited enforcement means, it said. China is rapidly building a robust lethal force with advanced capabilities in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace that will enable it to impose its will in the region and beyond, a top US intelligence official said on Tuesday. "The strategic objectives of the Chinese Communist Party include securing China's status as a great power," Dan Taylor, Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, told reporters at a Pentagon conference here on the occasion of release of a Congressional-mandated report "China: Military power modernizing a force to fight and win" by the Department of Defense. He said that Chinese leaders characterised their long-term military modernisation programme as essential to achieving the "great power status". "Indeed, China is rapidly building a robust lethal force with capabilities spanning the ground, air, maritime, space and information domains, designed to enable Beijing to impose its will in the region and beyond," Taylor said. During the past decade, from counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, to an expanded military presence in the East and South China Seas, China has demonstrated a willingness to use the People's Liberation Army (PLA) as an instrument of national power in the execution of what they call their "historic mission in the new century," Taylor said. Improvements in the PLA equipment and capabilities that have focused on generating combat power across the PLA services present Beijing with additional response options as China faces increasingly global security concerns. "Expected future advances in areas such as nuclear deterrence, power projection, cyberspace, space and electromagnetic spectrum operations will continue to be critical components of the PLA's developing capabilities," he said. China also continues to develop capabilities for what they term "non-war missions," such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, counter-piracy, peacekeeping, things of that nature, Taylor said, adding that in the coming years, the PLA is likely to become even more technologically advanced and proficient with equipment comparable to that of other modern militaries. The report said that China is developing new medium- and long-range stealth bombers capable of striking regional and global targets, adding that such planes will likely reach initial operational capability by about 2025. The PLA will acquire advanced fighter aircraft, modern naval vessels, missile systems, and space and cyberspace assets as it reorganises and trains to address the threats of 21st century further from China's shores, Taylor said. "As we look at China, we see a country whose leaders described it as 'moving closer to centre stage in the world', while they strive to achieve what they call 'the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation'," he said. This ambition permeates China's national security strategy and guides the development of the PLA, which actually is not a national institution, but rather the military arm of the Chinese Communist Party, he added. Taylor said the Chinese Community Party leaders have identified the initial decades of the 21st century as a period of strategic opportunity in the international environment that would allow China to focus on building what they call "comprehensive national power." A key component of this, of course, is military power, he asserted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China is expanding its access to foreign ports, like Gwadar in Pakistan, to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the growing presence of its military in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the Pentagon said in a report. The Chinese Army's efforts to obtain access to commercial ports in Africa, the Middle-East, and South Asia would align with its future overseas logistic needs and meet its evolving naval requirements, said the Congressional mandated report on increasing Chinese military power which was released by the US Department of Defence. China in 2015 had announced its intention to build military facilities in Djibouti citing reason "to help the Navy and Army further participate in UN peacekeeping operations, carry out escort missions in the waters near Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, and provide humanitarian assistance". "China is expanding its access to foreign ports, such as in Gwadar, Pakistan, to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the PLA's growing presence abroad, including normalising and sustaining deployments into and beyond the Indian Ocean," the Pentagon said. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is likely to use commercial ports and civilian ships to support its international and domestic logistic operations, resupply, replenishment, and maintenance, the report said. Further, China's territorial claims in the South China Sea are driving major logistic developments in the Spratly and Paracel Islands. The reclaimed territory in the South China Sea by China is equipped with harbours and berthing areas that are capable of accommodating large naval ships, increasing the PLAN's ability to exercise control of critical SLOCs, it said. According to the report, China's military strategy reflects Beijing's drive to establish a coherent, unified approach to managing national security in a world where Beijing perceives that China's expanding interests have made it more vulnerable at home and abroad. While it calls for a peer-to-peer cooperative relationship with the United States, Beijing also believes that the presence of the US military and the US-led security architecture in Asia seeks to constrain China's rise and interfere with its sovereignty, particularly in a Taiwan conflict scenario and in the East and South China Seas. "Since at least the 1990's, Beijing has repeatedly communicated its preference to move away from the US-led regional security system and has pursued its own regional security initiatives in support of what it views as a natural transition to regional predominance," the Pentagon report said. Authoritative Chinese documents, the report said, highlight the Korean Peninsula as an area of instability and uncertainty, and express concern regarding unsettled territorial disputes along China's border with India, which periodically result in tense standoffs like the one that occurred in the summer of 2017 in the disputed Doklam region. Observing that China's maritime emphasis and concern with protecting its overseas interests have increasingly drawn the PLA beyond the country's borders and immediate periphery, the report said the evolving focus of the PLA Navy from "offshore waters defense" to a mix of offshore waters defense and "open-seas protection" reflects China's desire for a wider operational reach. "Since 2009, the PLA has incrementally expanded its global operations beyond the previously limited port calls and UN peacekeeping missions. The PLAN has expanded the scope and frequency of extended-range naval deployments, military exercises, and engagements," it said. The establishment in Djibouti of the PLA's first overseas military base with a deployed company of Marines and equipment, and probable follow-on bases at other locations, signals a turning point in the expansion of PLA operations in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, the Pentagon said. These bases, and other improvements to the PLA's ability to project power during the next decade, will increase China's ability to deter by military force and sustain operations abroad, the report said. Noting that China is currently building its first domestically-designed and -produced aircraft carrier, the Pentagon said the primary purpose of this vessel will be to serve a regional defense mission. "Beijing probably also will use the carrier to project power throughout the South China Sea and possibly into the Indian Ocean," it said. The carrier conducted initial sea trials in May 2018 and is expected to enter into service by 2019. China's efforts to enhance its presence abroad, such as establishing its first foreign military base in Djibouti and boosting economic connectivity by reinvigorating the New Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Road under the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), could enable the PLA to project power at even greater distances from the Chinese mainland, it said. "In 2017, Chinese leaders said that the BRI, which at first included economic initiatives in Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe, now encompasses all regions of the world, including the Arctic and Latin America, demonstrating the scope of Beijing's ambition," the Pentagon said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China is expanding its access to strategic foreign ports like Pakistan's Gwadar and Sri Lanka's Hambantota to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the growing presence of its military in the Indian Ocean and beyond, the Pentagon said. The People's Liberation Army's efforts to obtain access to commercial ports in Africa, the Middle-East and South Asia would align with its future overseas logistic needs and meet its evolving naval requirements, said the Congressionally-mandated report on the increasing Chinese military power which was released by the US Department of Defence Tuesday. China in 2015 announced its intention to build military facilities in Djibouti, citing reasons "to help the Navy and Army further participate in UN peacekeeping operations, carry out escort missions in the waters near Somalia and the Gulf of Aden and provide humanitarian assistance". "China is expanding its access to foreign ports, such as in Gwadar, Pakistan, to pre-position the logistic framework necessary to support the PLA's growing presence abroad, including normalising and sustaining deployments into and beyond the Indian Ocean," the Pentagon said. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is likely to use commercial ports and civilian ships to support its international and domestic logistic operations, resupply, replenishment and maintenance, it said. China's territorial claims in the resource-rich South China Sea are driving major logistic developments in the Spratly and Paracel Islands. The reclaimed territory in the South China Sea by China is equipped with harbours and berthing areas that are capable of accommodating large naval ships, increasing the PLAN's ability to exercise control of critical SLOCs, it said. According to the report, China's military strategy reflects its drive to establish a coherent, unified approach to managing national security in a world where Beijing perceives that China's expanding interests have made it more vulnerable at home and abroad. While it calls for a peer-to-peer cooperative relationship with the United States, Beijing also believes that the presence of the US military and the US-led security architecture in Asia seeks to constrain China's rise and interfere with its sovereignty, particularly in a Taiwan conflict scenario and in the East and South China Seas. "Since at least the 1990's, Beijing has repeatedly communicated its preference to move away from the US-led regional security system and has pursued its own regional security initiatives in support of what it views as a natural transition to regional predominance," the Pentagon said. Authoritative Chinese documents, the report said, highlight the Korean Peninsula as an area of instability and uncertainty, and express concern regarding unsettled territorial disputes along China's border with India, which periodically result in tense standoffs like the one that occurred in the summer of 2017 in the disputed Doklam region. Observing that China's maritime emphasis and concern with protecting its overseas interests have increasingly drawn the PLA beyond the country's borders and immediate periphery, the report said the evolving focus of the PLA Navy from "offshore waters defense" to a mix of offshore waters defense and "open-seas protection" reflects China's desire for a wider operational reach. "Since 2009, the PLA has incrementally expanded its global operations beyond the previously limited port calls and UN peacekeeping missions. The PLAN has expanded the scope and frequency of extended-range naval deployments, military exercises, and engagements," it said. The establishment in Djibouti of the PLA's first overseas military base with a deployed company of Marines and equipment, and probable follow-on bases at other locations, signals a turning point in the expansion of PLA operations in the Indian Ocean region and beyond, the Pentagon said. These bases, and other improvements to the PLA's ability to project power during the next decade, will increase China's ability to deter by military force and sustain operations abroad, the report said. Noting that China is currently building its first domestically-designed and -produced aircraft carrier, the Pentagon said the primary purpose of this vessel will be to serve a regional defense mission. "Beijing probably also will use the carrier to project power throughout the South China Sea and possibly into the Indian Ocean," it said. The carrier conducted initial sea trials in May 2018 and is expected to enter into service by 2019. China's efforts to enhance its presence abroad, such as establishing its first foreign military base in Djibouti and boosting economic connectivity by reinvigorating the New Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Road under the "Belt and Road Initiative" (BRI), could enable the PLA to project power at even greater distances from the Chinese mainland, it said. "In 2017, Chinese leaders said that the BRI, which at first included economic initiatives in Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe, now encompasses all regions of the world, including the Arctic and Latin America, demonstrating the scope of Beijing's ambition," the Pentagon said. Sri Lanka has handed over the control of the southern sea port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease, triggering concern over Beijing's efforts to expand influence in the region. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) is one of the key countries in China's ambitious multi-billion dollar One Belt One Road initiative and attaches great importance to its $1.5 billion project, China's ambassador said on Wednesday. Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan was addressing a gathering on the occasion of completing the reclamation of the sea within the proximity to the Port of Colombo to create 269 acres of land for the project. " has attached great importance to the project's role in Sri Lanka's society and economy and attaches great importance to the project's impact on the welfare of Sri Lanka's own people," he said. has so far invested $700 million and have provided jobs to 4,000 Sri Lankan citizens related to the project, he added. "No matter how the situation changes, always facilitate great importance to Sino-Lanka relations and actively implements the consensus of the leaders of the two countries," Cheng said. The project was completed 3 months ahead of its targeted 28 months. The port city was a pet Chinese project under the regime of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, the pro-China Sri Lankan leader between 2005 and 2015. Chinese President was the chief guest at the project's inauguration in 2014, just a few months ahead of Rajapaksa's ouster in the 2015 presidential election. Rajapaksa's successor halted the project citing various irregularities, including the lack of environmental impact assessments. The island nation's fisher community and environmental groups have called for the suspension of the project. The Sirisena government's decision to suspend the project for several months drew fire from the Chinese government. Once completed, it will be known as the Colombo Financial City. Invested and developed by the China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), is the largest project between China and under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, especially the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. China had claimed that the construction of the port city will also create job opportunities for the locals, with a total of 83,000 jobs expected in the 20 years from implementation to completion of the project. The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, known as Belt and Road Initiative is President Xi's ambitious project. Proposed in 2013, the multi-billion dollar project is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes. Cash-rich China has invested millions of dollars in Sri Lanka's infrastructure since the end of a brutal civil war with the LTTE in 2009. India has expressed concern on the Chinese port city in Colombo as it will be seen as an important hub on China's 'Belt and Road' concept. The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Maharashtra government on a plea challenging the Bombay High Court order which had refused to restrain authorities from taking steps regarding the proposed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial project in Arabian Sea. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice S K Kaul issued notices on the plea which has challenged the November 2 last year order of the high court. Advocate Nishant R Katneshwarkar, who appeared for Maharashtra, said that while issuing notice on the plea, the bench orally told him to ask the authorities not to proceed with the construction activity there. The petitioner NGO, Conservation Action Trust, had moved the high court challenging the February 23, 2015 order of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) granting environmental and coastal regulation zone clearance to the Rs 3,600 crore project in Mumbai. It had sought interim relief that stay should be granted on the order and the authorities restrained from taking further steps with regard to the project. The petitioner had claimed in the high court that amendment in a clause of the Coastal Zone Notification 2011 by a February 17, 2015 notification of the MoEF&CC was "illegal" as it permitted the Centre to dispense with the requirement of public hearing in such projects. The state government had opposed the plea in the high court and had said that clearances were taken for the project from different authorities. It had argued that final environmental and CRZ clearance of February 23, 2015 was granted by the MoEF&CC after a detailed study and after ascertaining the compliance of all requirements and after following proper procedure. The high court, while rejecting the petitioner's request for interim relief, had noted in its order that state has said that the memorial project does not involve rehabilitation and resettlement of public, and the site is located away from human habitation. "It also cannot be overlooked that the project is considered by the state government to be of national importance," the high court had noted in its order. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Georgian Military road connecting Russia with the countries of the South Caucasus is closed to all vehicles due to the threat of avalanche. The Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation for North Ossetia reported that the road was closed at 23:00 Moscow time on January 15. The Gudauri-Kobi road section of the Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Larsi route, Agenda.ge reported. The Road Department of Georgia said that there is a snowstorm and low visibility. Vehicles from the village of Mleta, Dusheti municipality of eastern Georgia, will be allowed to move only in a non-stop regime. The restriction will be removed from the 86th section of the Mleta-Gudauri road. Patrol police are on scene to regulate traffic. 00000175-b4a3-d517-a1fd-b6a72f0b0000 UPDATED The 2016 National Teacher of the Year has joined the House committee that oversees K-12 education. U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., has become a member of the House education committeewhich Democrats have rechristened from the House Education and Workforce Committee to the House Education and Labor Committeeonce the House Democratic Caucus approves recommendations for new committee assignments Tuesday. Hayes won her House seat after an upset win in the Democratic primary last year and her November victory in the general election for an open House seat. Hayes put education at the forefront of her campaign, as our colleague Sarah Schwartz wrote after her November win. Among other things, she campaigned on providing teachers with more resources, more career training, and making college more affordable. In a subsequent interview with our coworker Madeline Will, Hayes said, I understand the importance of public education. I know for so many of our children, thats their only option. And she questioned the value of school choice for those children who dont have a parent to help make education decisions. Click here to watch Maddys conversation with Hayes , or you can watch in the embedded video at the top of this blog post. A House Democratic aide said all Democratic committee members from the previous Congress are returning to the House education committee, except for Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, of Delaware. Democrats picked up 40 House seats in the November midterm elections and regained control of the House for the first time since 2011. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., will serve as House education committee chair this Congress. Other freshmen Democrats joining the House education committee include Rep. Lauren Underwood of Illinois, the youngest black woman ever to serve in Congress, and Rep. Donna Shalala of Florida, the secretary of health and human services under President Bill Clinton. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking, after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month. Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term. The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment. "We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said. Asked if Beijing would consider the clemency request, the foreign ministry said China is a rule of law country. Citing the Chinese constitution, ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Wednesday that the court and procuratorate "exercise independent judicial authority and prosecutorial power according to the law and will not be interfered with by other administrative organs". Human rights groups say Chinese courts are not independent and can be influenced by the Communist Party. Beijing had earlier said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence, and the inclusion of new evidence, raised suspicion among observers. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics." In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously." China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ISIS has been "defeated" and the caliphate has "crumbled", US Vice President Mike Pence has said, following a fiery explosion in Syria in which two American service members were killed among others. The vice president was speaking at a global summit of American envoys on Wednesday. The ISIS has claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion. Two US service members -- one Department of Defense (DoD) civilian and one contractor supporting the DoD were killed -- and three service members injured while conducting a local engagement in Manbij, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The blast occurred at a market in the northern Syria town of Manjib. Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation, it said. We promised under this president's leadership to take the fight to radical Islamic terrorists on our terms on their soil. The president and I couldn't be more proud, Pence said in his address to the global chiefs of mission conference at the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the State Department. Prior to Wednesday's attack, only two US service members had been killed in action in Syria since the start of the campaign in 2014. Thanks to the leadership of this commander-in-chief and the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces, we're now actually able to begin to hand off the fight against ISIS in Syria to our coalition partners and we are bringing our troops home. The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated, he asserted. Later in a statement, Pence condemned the terrorist attack in Syria that claimed American lives. Thanks to the courage of our armed forces, "we have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities, he said. The vice president said, As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate - not now, not ever." In his address to the global chiefs of mission conference, Pence said the US will stay in the region and in the fight to ensure that the ISIS does not rear its ugly head again. We will protect the gains that our soldiers and our coalition partners have secured. But this president has often spoken about his desire to bring an end to endless wars in America and the ability to bring our troops home, to bring them home in an orderly and effective way out of their current deployment in Syria remains a priority for this president, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Wednesday approved signing of a pact between and on mines safety. The approval was given by the Union Cabinet, chaired by "The ..has given its approval for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of and Department of Natural Resource Mines and Energy, Queensland Government, through the Safety in Mines, Testing and Research Station (SIMTARS)," according to an official statement. SIMTARS is known to have exclusive expertise in mines safety management systems. The pact will help in establishing a partnership between DGMS and SIMTARS for the implementation of a risk-based safety management system, providing training, modernising R&D laboratory of DGMS, organising, conference, seminar and other technical meetings, setting up occupations safety and health academy and a national mines disaster centre. The MoU will become operative from the date of signing and remain in effect for three years. Mining accident rates in is the lowest in the world. Australia has pioneered in conceptualising and implementing risk-based safety management plans for the mining sector using the technique of hazard identification and risk assessment. The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a Rs 22,594-crore expansion of Numaligarh refinery in Assam for increasing the capacity by 6 million tonnes per annum to meet the fuel demand of north-eastern India. The central government will provide a Rs 1,020 crore viability gap funding for the project, said Coal and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in a briefing on Cabinet decisions. Numaligarh Refinery Ltd, in which 61.65 per cent is owned by Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL), currently refines 3 million tonnes of crude oil a year. The refinery was set up in 1999 following the Assam Accord. Goyal said the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the expansion of the refinery to 9 million tonnes per annum. "It (the project) involves setting up of a crude oil pipeline from Paradip (in Odisha) to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri (in West Bengal) at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore. The project is to be completed within a period of 48 months, after approval and receipt of statutory clearances," he said. The total project cost of Rs 22,594 crore will be financed by a mix of debt, equity and Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The debt of Rs 15,102 crore will be raised by Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and apart from its internal accrual of Rs 2,307 crore, the promoters -- BPCL, Oil India Ltd and Government of Assam (GoA) will contribute to equity. "The project will be supported by VGF of Rs 1,020 crore from the Government of India," he said. The expansion of the refinery will meet the deficit of petroleum products in the North-East. It will also sustain the operations of all North East refineries by augmenting their crude availability. Oil India Ltd (OIL) holds a 26 per cent stake in the refinery with the Assam government holding the balance 12.35 per cent equity. Demand for fuel in the North-East has outstripped other regions. The refinery was set up in accordance with the provisions made in the historic Assam Accord signed on August 15, 1985, and was conceived as a vehicle for speedy industrial and economic development of the region. The 3 million tonnes per annum Numaligarh refinery was dedicated to the nation by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on July 9, 1999. It began commercial production of fuel in October 2000. India currently has an oil refining capacity of 249.4 million tonnes per annum, which outstrips the demand of 206.2 million tonnes of petroleum products like petrol and diesel. However, the demand is projected to rise exponentially in future and so it is expanding refinery capacity to meet the consumption growth. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month told Parliament that India's diesel demand is likely to double to 163 million tonnes in 12 years. As per the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2018, the country's oil demand is projected to jump by 61 per cent to 350 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2030. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The prime ministers of Bulgaria and Libya have said they are working for a "positive outcome" to a dispute over the alleged illegal seizure and sale in Bulgaria of a Libyan oil tanker. In a phone call late Tuesday Bulgarian PM Boyko Borisov and his Libyan counterpart Fayez al-Sarraj discussed the case of the 61,000-ton tanker "Badr", which was detained in Bulgaria's Black Sea port of Burgas in November 2017. "The Libyan premier thanked Boyko Borisov and the Bulgarian government for their timely intervention and the demonstrable desire for the case to end with a positive outcome for both sides," Borisov's press service said in a statement. Sarraj added that "a favourable development in the case will give a very strong signal for future cooperation between Bulgaria and Libya", the statement said. The vessel, owned by the state-run Libyan General National Maritime Transport Company, was held by the Bulgarian company Bulgargeomin, which claimed it as collateral for a USD 9.2-million (7.9 million-euro) Libyan state company debt dating back to 1989. The regional court in Burgas refused to honour Bulgargeomin's claims or to allow the sale of the "Badr" vessel. Despite this, and higher court judgments to release the vessel, it remained moored in the port of Burgas for over a year. The case drew an angry response from Tripoli when in late December 2018 the ship's Libyan captain and Indian crew were forced off the vessel after a private debt collection agent disregarded all court orders, seized the tanker and sold it to the same company that sought it as compensation. The tanker then left Bulgarian territorial waters with a new crew, the name "Bdin", and under a Panamanian flag. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Border Security Force (BSF)Wednesday bid adieu to Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad who was killed in sniper firing by Pakistan Rangers along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said. A solemn wreath laying ceremony for the slain officer was held at the BSF frontier headquarters here, a BSF spokesman said. The BSF and senior officers of the J&K Police joined other ranks to pay tributes to the officer, he said. The BSF troops were carrying out border domination along the IB, when snipers of Pakistan Rangers opened fire on them at around 1050 hours Tuesday in Hiranagar-Samba sector of Kathua, a senior BSF officer had told PTI. Prasad was critically injured in the sniper fire and was evacuated to the Military Hospital at Satwari (Jammu), where he succumbed to injuries and attained martyrdom, he had said. Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, Inspector General BSF, Jammu, N S Jamwal, Inspector General Police, Jammu, M K Sinha, among others attended the ceremony Wednesday, the spokesman said. Prasad made the supreme sacrifice while fighting valiantly against the enemy, he said. "Despite being hit by a bullet in heavy firing from the Pakistani side, the officer reflected immense courage and camraderie by providing cover to his colleagues and ensuring their safety. He did not care for his own life for the safety of his junior comrades," the spokesman said. Floral tributes were paid to the slain officer, whose mortal remains would be sent by air to his home town Howrah in West Bengal, he said. Paying rich tributes to Prasad, IG BSF Jamwal said his force has a history of bravery and commitment to ensure sanctity of the IB and the Line of Control (LoC). "This brave act has once again proved that bordermen are always ready to sacrifice their lives when it comes to the security of the nation," he said. "We have never initiated firing from our side but will never hesitate to give a befitting reply if we are compelled to resort to fire," the IG BSF said, adding "martyr Prasad was a brave and sincere officer and the nation will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Around 35,000 Bru refugees living in relief camps in Tripura would continue to receive free ration and cash allowance till March 31, officials said Wednesday. A senior Mizoram government official said inmates of the six relief camps at Kanchanpur sub-division in North Tripura district were in uncertainty as the the Centre was scheduled to discontinue the assistance from Tuesday. The home ministry has conveyed to the state government that the assistance would be available to the Bru refugees till March 31, Mizoram additional secretary for home Lalbiakzama told PTI. The Bru community in the relief camps were happy about the decision, said R Laldawngliana, vice-president of the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), an umbrella organisation of the refugees. Laldawngliana, who is now in Delhi along with other leaders of the MBDPF, said they were informed of the decision by officials of the home ministry. The Centre had earlier decided to close the relief camps and stop the assistance in October last year in accordance to an agreement signed in July on repatriation of the Bru refugees to Mizoram, where they originally belong. The agreement was inked on July 3, 2018 in Delhi among the Centre, the state governments of Mizoram and Tripura and the MBDPF. All the stake holders had agreed to complete the repatriation of Brus to Mizoram by the end of September. However, out of 5,000 refugee families, only 150 members of 42 families returned to Mizoram during the repatriation exercise between August 25 and September 25. MBDPF leaders said the repatriation process could not take off as many heads of families could not obtain necessary documents like Aadhaar and ration cards and were yet to open bank accounts to fulfil the provisions of the agreement. The Centre had stopped the assistance from October 1, but resumed it on October 22 with the condition that it would continue only till January 15. The MBDPF recently said that it hoped that the newly-elected Mizo National Front (MNF) government in Mizoram initiate talks on the repatriation issue. Official sources, however, said resumption of repatriation process is unlikely in the near future in view of the upcoming Parliamentary polls. Thousands of Bru refugees from Mizoram fled to Tripura during an ethnic violence in 1997. The clashes broke out after a forest official was killed by Bru National Liberation Front (BNLF) militants. The Centre, in association with the governments of Mizoram and Tripura, was repatriating the displaced Brus in phases. Though several Bru families have returned to Mizoram over the years, many refused to leave Tripura citing security reasons and inadequate package. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In the biggest defeat for a sitting British government in history, Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal to leave the EU was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs, triggering a no-confidence motion against her government and leaving the country with no plans for Brexit on March 29. The crushing defeat Tuesday threw the government and and its plan for Brexit into crisis. May's bid to get the Withdrawal Agreement, struck between London and Brussels, was rejected by 432 votes to 202 - a majority of 230, the biggest defeat ever suffered by a British premier in modern history. Within minutes after the defeat, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party moved a motion of no-confidence against the May government to be held on Wednesday. Britain is set to exit the 28-member European Union, which it joined in 1973, on March 29. With just over two months to go until the scheduled departure, Britain is still undecide on what to do. Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers opposed the agreement for different reasons. Many feared that Britain could lock itself into an unfavourable trading relationship with the European Union. Over 100 lawmakers of May's Conservative party - both Brexiteers and Remainers - overwhelmingly voted against the deal, leading to the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history. The crushing defeat also marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Following her defeat in the House of Commons, May said that the MPs have established what they are against but not what they are for. "The house has spoken and the government will listen. It is clear that the house does not support this deal but tonight's vote tells us nothing what it does support. "Nothing about how, or even if, it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold," she said. "I ask members on all sides of the house to listen to the British people who want this matter settled and work with the government to do just that," May said. Moments after the outcome in Parliament, Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in May's government, calling her defeat "catastrophic". "Labour will table a motion of no-confidence in May's government tomorrow," he said. According to the Britain's parliamentary procedure, when a bill is rejected by the MPs, the prime minister has three sitting days to return to Parliament with a Plan B. It is expected that May would head to Brussels on Wednesday to try and secure further concessions from the EU before coming back to UK Parliament with a new proposal. This could be put to vote by the MPs. Should this also fail, the Government would have another three weeks to come back with another alternative. If the withdrawal agreement never gets through with Parliament, then in all likeliness the UK will crash out of the EU without a deal on March 29. This would mean overnight EU laws and customs and the free movement of goods, services and people will cease. Reacting to the development, the EU immediately warned that the outcome raises the risk of a hugely disruptive "no deal" Brexit where Britain could sever ties with its biggest trading partner overnight. European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker urged the May government to "clarify its intentions as soon as possible", warning: "Time is almost up. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts the U.S. oil sanctions imposed on Ian will remain in place until 2020. "EIA assumes that US sanctions on Iranian oil exports will remain in place through the end of the forecast period," the agency said Tuesday. "Furthermore, the current forecast reflects an expectation that reduction-exemption waivers issued to eight countries to continue buying Iranian oil will not be extended past May 2019," S&P Global cited the report as saying. According to the EIA, Iranian crude oil output has fallen by more than 1 million b/d since May 2018. Oil production in Iran averaged 2.8 million b/d in December, down 100,000 b/d from November when U.S. sanctions on Iranian crude exports were reimposed, with top buyers of Iranian crude getting temporary waivers. The man accused of murdering a British backpacker Grace Millane in New Zealand last month pleaded not guilty during a brief court appearance on Wednesday. Millane disappeared on the eve of her 22nd birthday last month while on a worldwide holiday after graduating from university. The killing shocked New Zealand, which is usually regarded as a safe place to travel, prompting nationwide vigils and a heartfelt apology to Millane's family by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The 27-year-old accused, whose name has been suppressed by the court, was arrested a week later and police found the tourist's body the following day on the outskirts of Auckland. He is slated to stand trial in November. "There is this overwhelming sense of hurt and shame that this has happened in our country, a place that prides itself on our hospitality," she said. The defendant has been identified on social media and by outlets outside New Zealand, prompting a government rebuke of tech giant Google for breaching the court's suppression order. Presiding judge Simon Moore warned media and others in the courtroom for Wednesday's hearing not to take any photographs. During a previous court appearance a member of the public gallery took a picture which was published online. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government on Wednesday to submit a progress report on its probe into the death of three students of a residential school at Virar in Palghar district of the state in 2014. A bench of Justices Ranjit More and Bharati Dangre was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by parents of the three boys, all aged 14, who had allegedly escaped from their private residential school in August 2014 after being admonished by a teacher on their poor performance in an exam. Their bodies were found a day after their escape in a river close to the school. The medical report said the children died of drowning, and the charge sheet filed by the Virar police claimed that the students committed suicide. However, their parents filed the plea in HC seeking that the probe be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The parents told the bench on Wednesday that they suspected some foul play, and that the CBI must be directed to inquire into the role of the teacher who had admonished the children, forcing them to escape from the school premises. They also sought that the authorities probe how the children managed to escape from the school premises despite security guards and other safety arrangements being in place there at that time. The petitioners, through their lawyer Kishor Redekar, also alleged during the court hearing that the children might have been "killed by some teacher at the school". The court said it was not inclined to transfer the probe into the case to the CBI since the medical report and the charge sheet had ruled out any foul play on part of the teachers or other school authorities. "Why will a teacher kill some students? The medical report and charge sheet also rule out any foul play. We are not inclined to order for the probe to be transferred based just on your allegations," the bench said. The court, however, directed the state to place on record the progress report of the police's probe on the next date of hearing. It also asked the state to put forth its side of arguments on the next date. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday alleged that the BJP has a bigger plan behind the its moves "to topple" the coalition government in the state as it wants to show that any grand alliance against it at the centre will meet the same fate. The coalition government in Karnataka suffered the first major setback when two MLAs, an independent and a member of the Karnataka Pragnyavantara Janata Paksha, Tuesday withdrew support to the government. There was no immediate threat to the government with the withdrawal of support but speculation was rife that many other disgruntled Congress MLAs could follow suit by resigning from the Assembly, though the party has maintained that its flock is intact. "There is a bigger scheme in destabilising the coalition government in Karnataka because when we took oath, the oath ceremony was attended by most of the non-BJP friends and leaders. That was a kind of Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance)," Parameshwara told reporters on the sidelines of a function. He said the BJP "took the stand to pull down the government" despite knowing well that its attempt would fail. The deputy chief minister said, "Now if these two parties are not successful, the alliance is not successful in Karnataka, the message would be that yes this (grand) alliance is going to fail. Maybe they (BJP) are trying to do that. This is another thing which we have been discussing." On the alleged discontent in Congress, Parameshwara said whenever there is an expansion, some people aspiring for ministerial posts express their feelings in different ways when they don't get the opportunity. "But after some time they will also understand that everybody cannot become minister. We also try to accommodate them in different ways," Parameshwara said. "The BJP saw an opportunity in the disgruntled MLAs to topple the government," the deputy chief minister said. In the 224-member Assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Left Front in Tripura today said it would launch a week-long agitation, as the BJP-led government allegedly did not release the sanctioned budhetary amount to the TTAADC run by the opposition group, though only a little time are left for the financial year to end. The TTAADC comprises two-third of the state's territory and is home to the tribals, who constitute a third of the state's population. Tripura Left Front Chairman Bijan Dhar claimed that the Biplab Kumar Deb government has launched an "economic blockade" against the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) as it is run by the Left Front. Addressing a press conference here, Dhar said the BJP-Indigenous Front of Tripura coalition which took over power in March last year, has reduced the budgetary sanction of the TTAADC from Rs 582.47 crore to Rs 117.43 crore in the 20182019 financial year. "But the government is not releasing that amount also with a clear intension of crippling the development works in the TTAADC. We cannot keep mum in such situation. So we have decided to launch a week-long agitation from January 27 to till February 3," he said. Dhar, also a central committee member of the CPI(M), said the financial year would expire in March and the state government is yet to release Rs 95.38 crore to the tribal council. Dhar said the Left Front would organize processions, street corner meetings and sit-in demonstrations in various parts of the state demanding immediate release the allocated funds for the tribal council. The other demands include introduction of three-tier panchayat system in the tribal council area, to increase budgetary allocation for the council and inclusion of Kokbarak, the tribal language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The TTAADC came into being in 1987 under Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect and safeguard the interests of the tribals. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling has declared high value donations totalling more than Rs 437 crore for the last fiscal, which is 12 times of the sum total of donations declared by all other parties including the Congress, in the last financial year, an electoral think-tank said Wednesday. The maximum amount of donations to both the and the Congress came from Prudent Electoral Trust, which is backed by some big corporate houses, including major players in the realty and telecom sectors, according to ADR or Association for Democratic Reforms. Prudent Electoral Trust donated a total of Rs 164.30 crore to the and the Congress combined. Of this the BJP got Rs 154.30 crore, which is 35 per cent of the total funds received by the party, and the Congress got Rs 10 crore, which is 38 per cent of its total funds. High value donations or any donation above Rs 20,000 declared by the parties were Rs 469.89 crore for the year 2017-18. Out of this, BJP received chunk of the funds at Rs 437.04 crore, while Congress got Rs 26.65 crore. "The donations declared by BJP is 12 times more than the aggregate declared by Congress, NCP, CPI, CPM and Trinamool Congress for the same period," ADR said in a statement. Nearly 90 per cent of the total donations to the parties were made by corporate houses, while 10 per cent were by individuals. Corporate houses and businesses donated Rs 400.23 crore to the BJP and only Rs 19.29 crore to the Congress in 2017-18. Meanwhile, the BSP declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during 2017-18, as it has been declaring for the past 12 years, the Delhi-based think-tank said. Almost half of the declared donations, Rs 208.56 crore, came from Delhi, followed by Rs 71.93 crore from Maharashtra and Rs 44.02 crore from Gujarat. Rs 42.60 crore or 9.07 per cent of the total donations could not be attributed to any state or union territory due to incomplete information, ADR said. Amid a political turmoil in Karnataka, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy Wednesday accused the Opposition BJP of creating "nuisance" to destablise the government, but expressed confidence that the current crisis would fizzle out soon. Kumaraswamy, who is preoccupied with pre-budget consultation meetings in Bengaluru, also dismissed reports of meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the likely resignation of four Congress ministers from the state cabinet. He stressed that the Congress-JD(S) ties were "strong" and the parties would together fight the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. On Tuesday, two independent MLAs withdrew their support to the coalition government in a significant turn to the political war that erupted in the state, with both sides venting their fears of poaching. "There is no plan to meet Modi. No Congress ministers are resigning. No MLAs from Congress or JD(S) will resign and shift to BJP. It is not going to happen. This nuisance has been created by the BJP," Kumaraswamy told PTI. Asserting that the ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition was "stable and strong", he said his MLAs will not fall for the offer made by the saffron party, adding that the current crisis will "fizzle out" in a day or two. "My government is stable. Congress and JD(S) are together. We will be together even in the LoK Sabha elections," Kumaraswamy said. Attacking the BJP for trying to destablise the Karnataka government, the JD(S) leader sought to know why the saffron party has holed up its 104 MLAs in a resort in Gurgaon, Haryana at a time when the southern state was reeling under severe drought in 165 taluks. "BJP has exposed itself before the nation how desperately it wants to come back to power. They have made a fool of themselves before people. They have made a mockery of our democracy by offering huge amount to some of our JD(S) MLAs," he said. Kumaraswamy also alleged that the BJP was "misleading" people with "false information" through media, especially local electronic channels. In the 224-member state assembly, BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JDS 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides Speaker. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accused by the Congress and JD(S) of trying to destablise their government, Karnataka BJP on Wednesday claimed the ruling coalition was hiding its inability to keep its house in order by "unnecessarily" targeting it and their "unnatural"alliance was responsible for the ongoing political turmoil. State BJP General Secretary C T Ravi said the Congress leaders while claiming that none of their legislators were going to resign, are also accusing the BJP of horse-trading, and added that their statements were oxymoron in nature. "When we look at the ongoing political developments in the state, several suspicions arise about the Congress party's behaviour. It is unnecessarily blaming the BJP for it. "Other than misleading the people of the state, there was no other good purpose behind it," Ravi said in a statement. The "unnatural" alliance between the Congress and the JD(S) was the reason for all these developments, not the BJP, he said. Political turmoil has engulfed Karnataka following charges of horsetrading flung at each other by the ruling coalition and the BJP amid speculation that about five to eight Congress MLAs are ready to jump ship to the BJP side. The Congress has dismissed reports that some of its MLAs may quit, saying they are "intact". Legislators have rebelled against the ruling alliance as promises made to them were not fulfilled and they felt "cheated", Ravi, an MLA and former Minister, said. The Congress and JD(S)' action plan is to blame the BJP for all their 'failures' in the last seven months, which they have continued, he said. "Congress and JD(S), which entered into an unholy alliance, promising good administration, have betrayed the people of the state. "Legislators of both the parties have now realised that this government cannot achieve anything," he claimed, and accused the two parties of political opportunism. Ravi also demanded that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy apologise to the people of the state "for neglecting the administration and developmental works, and misleading them". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A day after former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti dubbed local militants as "sons of the soil", senior BJP leader Kavinder Gupta accused her of pursuing "soft-separatism" to win "communal sympathy" ahead of the upcoming state assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Gupta, the deputy chief minister in Mufti's Cabinet, also blamed the National Conference and Congress for the turmoil in the valley, alleging that the three parties are supporting anti-national elements to polarise voters. It is the former chief minister's frustration that she has started speaking the language of separatists, the BJP leader said, adding the BJP government at the Centre is ready for dialogue with anyone who is ready to hold talks as per the Constitution of India. Mufti described Tuesday the local militants as "sons of the soil", saying that the Centre should initiate dialogue with the militant leadership to end the "gun culture". Gupta also lashed out at his former Cabinet boss, saying Mufti has "humiliated the Indian security forces by issuing such a statement on the Army Day. Every person who is an anti-national and works at the behest of his 'akas' (masters) from across the border, is a militant and playing over his killing, funeral and the ensuing agitations is really condemnable, Gupta said. He blamed political exploitation by the PDP, National Conference and the Congress for the renewed turmoil in the valley. They are now supporting the anti-national elements and polarising the situation in the state, Gupta said and appealed to the people to teach a lesson to all such parties for their misdeeds" and for "breaking" their promises. Gupta alleged all the three parties have sold the dreams of autonomy, self-rule and dialogue for peace with dignity but have done nothing to bring peace and prosperity to the state. The time has come now for the people to close the chapter for all those who have been exploiting them for the last 70 years, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The BEST workers' union Wednesday agreed to withdraw its ongoing strike after accepting the '10-step' pay hike to be granted to them by way of an interim measure by the civic transport undertaking's management. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) workers, its management and other parties concerned will now go for mediation to resolve their dispute. Around 32,000 BEST workers have been on strike since January 8 over their various demands, including pay hike, revision of pay scale of junior level employees and merger of BEST's budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). A state appointed high-powered committee had earlier this week suggested that the BEST employees' salary be hiked in 10 steps as an interim measure. The BEST workers' union's counsel Neeta Karnik Wednesday said this was agreeable to employees but they want an independent mediator to resolve the issues. "We cannot sit with BEST. We want an independent mediator who has knowledge of labour laws...we want a retired high court judge to be appointed as mediator," Karnik said. A division bench of Chief Justice N H Patil and Justice N M Jamdar agreed to this and directed the parties to suggest names. "The mediator shall within a period of three months discuss demands put forth by the employees, like 20-step pay hike, merger of BEST and BMC budgets, and so on," the court said in its order. The BEST union and its management agreed to have retired high court justice F I Rebello as the mediator. After the court dictated its order, Karnik made a statement before the bench that the strike will be called off by Wednesday afternoon. The court noted that the first step was to ensure the strike was called-off. "The strike should not have happened at all. The situation should not have been brought to this extent. The BEST and BMC should show more consideration towards the BEST workers. It is not easy for families to survive with low salaries," Chief Justice Patil said. To the workers, he said, "No employee will ever say he or she is satisfied with their job and salary. But we are all part of a system that needs to continue functioning." The court was hearing a petition filed last week by advocate Datta Mane, seeking that the strike be declared illegal and called-off. BEST's counsel M P Rao told the bench that the management was ready to implement the "10-step increment" for its employees with effect from January this year. The increase, however, will be implemented subject to the fact that the strike is called off, Rao told the bench. As per the BEST workers' union and BMC's previous submissions in court, a 'one-step' increase in pay for BEST workers amounts to around Rs 330 per month. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The (BCI) Wednesday protested the collegium's recommendation to elevate Justice Sanjeev Khanna of the Delhi High Court to the apex court by superseding several other judges and termed the decision as "whimsical and arbitrary". The BCI, which is an apex body of lawyers, said the decision of the five-member collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was viewed by the Bar and the common man as "unjust and improper". Before the BCI made a statement protesting the decision of the collegium, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the also wrote a note to the CJI and other members of the collegium -- Justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde, N V Ramana and Arun Mishra -- for ignoring the seniority of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Rajasthan and Delhi, Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon, respectively. Sources said Justice Kaul was of the view that wrong signal would go out if the two Chief Justices, who are up in the seniority list than Justice Khanna, would be left out for elevation as apex court judges. Justice Khanna stands at Sl.No. 33 in the combined seniority of high court judges on all-India basis. Justice Kailash Gambhir, former Delhi High Court judge, had also written a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind on January 14 expressing concern over bypassing several judges seniority by the collegium. BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, in a statement, said the supersession of several senior Judges and Chief Justices of the country cannot be tolerated by the people and the revocation of the earlier decision recommending the names of Justices Pradeep Nandrajog and Rajendra Menon is viewed as "whimsical and arbitrary". "They are men of integrity and judicial competence; nobody can raise a finger against these judges on any ground. The decision of January 10, 2019 will certainly lead to humiliation and demoralisation of such judges and also of several other deserving senior judges and Chief Justices of high courts," Mishra said. The bar body said it was watching the "strong resentment and reaction of the Indian Bar" as well as keeping a tab on the comments of intellectuals, social activists and general public "which shows that the faith of the people has abruptly eroded from our collegiums system in recent past". While maintaining that the BCI was hard-pressed to raise these issues, it said even the Bar Council of Delhi has also taken resolution against the decision of the collegium. Further the statement said that several state Bar Councils, high courts, Bar Associations and other Bar Associations of the country have written to the BCI, pressing it to raise this issue and agitate the matter before the government and the collegium judges. "Most of the councils and associations have even proposed to sit on a dharna and/or organise some nationwide protest on this serious issue," the BCI said, adding that the recent trend adopted by the collegium has completely "eroded" the faith of the Bar and the people. "We have no grievance against Justice Khanna. But he can wait for his turn. There is no hurry to elevate him ignoring the merit and seniority of several Chief Justices and puisne Judges of the country," it said. "The Bar will request the collegiums and the government not to encourage such supersession. The appointments, in complete derogation of seniority principle, has evoked strong reactions from all corners of the society," the BCI said. Along with Justice Khanna, the collegium had recommended the name of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari for elevation as judges of the apex court. The decision put on the apex court website noted the issue of elevation of judges was deliberated on December 12 last year when Justice M B Lokur was also a member of the collegium. Justice Mishra became a member of the collegium after Justice Lokur retired on December 30. According to the website, after extensive deliberations on January 5-6 this year, the newly-constituted collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look on the issue of elevation of judges in the light of the additional material that became available. "While recommending the names of justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna, the collegium has taken into consideration combined seniority on all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of high courts, apart from their merit and integrity," the collegium said. The collegium added that it has also kept in mind the desirability of giving due representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court, as far as possible, to all the high courts. The Almaty Prosecutor office demanded a 20-year sentence for the person accused in the murder of Kazakh figure skater Denis Ten. The trial began on December 25, 2018. Two men and a woman were charged in a connection to the murder. Arman Kudaibergenov is charged with theft, robbery and murder, Nuraly Kiyasov with robbery and murder, Zhanar Tolybaeva, who is seven months pregnant, is suspected of failing to report a crime and theft by prior agreement. Denis Ten, the bronze medalist of the 2018 Sochi Olympics, died in a hospital in Almaty after he had been assaulted by two unidentified suspects ,who were trying to dismount and steal side-mirrors of his car, and sustained a knife stab on July 19, 2018. As a result of the brawl with the suspects, the 25-year-old figure skater was stabbed and taken to a hospital, where he died three hours later despite enormous efforts of the medical staff to save his life. Batting for early assembly elections, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya PalMalik has said all political parties, except Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party, want early polls. The governor, however, hastened to add that it is the Election Commission of India, which has the mandate to hold the polls and decide the schedule. "The government has sought opinion from everybody - all political parties and security agencies. We have talked to all. The government cannot decide it, it is for the Election Commission to decide (the poll schedule)," Malik told PTI here in an interview. The governor made the remarks in reply to a query if the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls be held together in view of the security scenario in the state. "There is a difference of opinion among political parties (on timing of the state assembly polls). Some want it to be delayed by two months, others by four, while yet others want it to be held as soon as possible," he said. Malik said while the state BJP wanted the state assembly polls to be held along with the Lok Sabha elections, the National Conference wanted it to be held as soon as possible. "The PDP, however, wants it (assembly polls) to be delayed," he added. The governor, however, maintained that the ECI would ultimately be deciding the poll schedule, factoring in the requirement and availability of the forces and other conditions. The governor, however, personally batted for an early election. "I want the polls to be held as soon possible, so that I come out of this," he added. Like the BJP, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee President Gulam Ahmed Mir too favoured the state assembly polls and the Lok Sabha elections together in the state. "We want both the polls together and soon. The Congress is ready for the polls. We do not want any delay in the assembly polls at all," Mir said. NC vice president and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah last Tuesday said that the assembly polls should be held "as soon as possible" so that an elected government could be put in place at the earliest to run the affairs of the state. While favouring an early poll in the state, Governor Malik wished the elections to be violence-free, just like the recent municipal and panchayat polls. "I pray the assembly and Parliament polls are held without any casualty and with the largest possible participation of voters," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said he watched the film "Uri: The Surgical Strike" and big rounds of applause for the movie in theatres show how much the country respects its security forces. Addressing a conference on railway security, Goyal said that while watching an 11 pm show of the movie in a packed theatre in central Delhi on Tuesday, he was amazed by the way the audience reacted to every scene. "The excitement of the audience... when they were standing up and applauding every scene, I feel is a reflection of their sense of respect towards those who secure our country. There cannot be a bigger compliment for you that the youth of this country appreciate you," he told an audience at Vigyan Bhavan that included security personnel from RPF, GRP, Delhi Police and other security agencies. "People were giving an standing ovation. I compliment all of you for taking up this job. It's not easy. The detractors will keep criticising, we should not get scared or distracted by criticism. We should learn from it," he said. The film, which was released on January 11, is based on the 2016 surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes had come in response to the September 2016 militant attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 18 soldiers. The minister also urged the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police to work together. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, an outspoken Donald Trump critic and champion of women's issues including the #MeToo movement, announced Tuesday she was jumping into the 2020 presidential race. She enters what is an increasingly crowded Democratic field, and would be the third woman candidate so far to seek the party's nomination. "I'm going to run for president of the United States," the senator told Stephen Colbert on his CBS television talk show, saying her goals will include improving health care for American families, taking on the special interests and entrenched systems of power in Washington, and fighting against political "corruption and greed." "I know that I have the compassion, the courage, and the fearless determination to get that done," she added in the interview set to be aired in full later Tuesday. The 52-year-old from upstate New York said she was forming an exploratory committee, a crucial legal step for a candidate to run for president, just days before she reportedly travels to the early voting state of Iowa. She was appointed to fill Hillary Clinton's US Senate seat in 2009, when the latter became secretary of state. Gillibrand was elected in November to her second full term. The next presidential election is still more than 650 days away, but Gillibrand is entering what will be a chockablock field vying for the right to challenge Trump. Elizabeth Warren, a fellow female US senator and frequent target of the provocative billionaire president, has also launched an exploratory committee, as has congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who served military tours in Iraq and Kuwait. Former San Antonio mayor and Obama-era cabinet member Julian Castro and recently retired congressman John Delaney have formally launched their presidential bids. Some politicians with stronger name recognition are expected to enter the race soon, including former vice president Joe Biden, ex-congressman Beto O'Rourke and current senators Cory Booker, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Bernie Sanders. But Gillibrand has distinguished herself in key ways. She is one of the top Trump naysayers in the Senate, voting against the president's nominees for major posts more than almost any other senator. She also raised her national profile by sponsoring -- and mounting a three-year campaign for -- a bill that would revamp the prosecution system for military sexual assaults and remove such cases from the military chain of command. The bill fell short in the Senate, but Gillibrand has been relentless about highlighting the issue in the military, on college campuses and in the workplace. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Skeletons kept tumbling out of the closet in the forensic audit of embattled Amrapali Group, as court-appointed auditors on Wednesday told the that posh flats were booked on sums as low as Re 1, Rs 5 and Rs 11 per sq ft in the name of over 500 people. The audit found that 23 were floated in the name of office boys, peons and drivers and these firms were part of Amrapali consortium and were made fronts to divert home buyers' money. The two forensic auditors told the apex court that they have issued notices to 655 people on whose names 'benami' flats were booked but no one was found in 122 such locations. The interim report of forensic auditors which was submitted before a bench of justices Arun Mishra and U U Lalit said that Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Chander Wadhwa had transferred Rs 4.75 crore to "unidentified persons" just three days before he deposed before the top court on October 26, last year. "He (Wadhwa) had in his account Rs 12 crore till March 2018. Then he had transferred Rs 1 crore in the name of his wife. Just three days before he appeared in the court for the first time on October 26, 2018, he had transferred Rs 4.75 crore to some unidentified persons," forensic auditor Pawan Kumar Agarwal told the bench. The submission of Agarwal irked the bench which pulled up Wadhwa who was present in the court and warned him of contempt action. "You (Wadhwa) are putting spoke in the wheels of justice. You very well knew that questions will be asked by the court and hence you transferred the money. We want the entire tranche of money back in seven days time. You had no business to transfer the money on October 23, 2018. You have obstructed the course of justice and we may haul you up for contempt of court," the bench said. The court also asked the forensic auditors to produce the orders of Income Tax department which during its search and seizure conducted in 2013-14 had recovered Rs 200 crore bogus bills and vouchers besides Rs one crore from CMD Anil Kumar Sharma and Rs one crore from director Shiv Priya. Another forensic auditor Ravi Bhatia told the court that had appealed against the IT order which had deleted the paragraph which mentioned of Rs 200 bogus bills and vouchers raised on account of purchase of raw materials. "You submit us both the orders of IT department and the appellate authority. We would like to see them," the bench said. The top court also brought under its scanner multi-national firm JP Morgan Real Estate fund, which had invested Rs 85 crore in Amrapali Zodiac in 2010 by purchasing its share and later selling those shares to the sister of reality firm. The forensic auditors pointed out that shares purchased and agreement of JP Morgan Real Estate fund and were in violation of the provisions of law. "After investing Rs 85 crore in purchasing the shares of Amrapali Zodiac with an agreement which was impermissible in law they again sold those shares for Rs 140 crore to little known Neelkanth and Rudraksh which were owned by Chandan Mittal and Vivek Mittal who worked in the office of Amrapali statutory auditors. These two companies were sister companies of Amrapali Group," the forensic auditors said. To this, the bench told the counsel for JP Morgan and its India in-charge that the company needs to explain lot of things and they need the reply within one week. "You have to explain within a week when did this transaction took place, what documents had you seen, when did you appointed your Chief Financial Officer, who took the decision to sell those shares to companies like Neelkanth and Rudraksh, whether any study was conducted to see the standing of these companies in market, who signed the documents and lastly who signed the cheques. We want each and every details in one week," the bench said. It also warned that if their were no satisfactory reply to the questions then the court may direct Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) to look into the matter. The counsel for JP Morgan, however, said that they would explain everything to the court and urged the bench not to get prejudiced with the findings of forensic audit. To provide relief to over lakhs of home buyers residing in various projects of Amrapali Group without registration, the bench also sought legal suggestions from parties and the Noida and Greater Noida authorities on registration of their flats and posted the matter for further hearing on January 24. The apex court had on December 12, asked the two forensic auditors to examine the trail of around Rs 3,000 crore, the home-buyers' money allegedly spent by the Amrapali Group on buying shares of its sister companies and asset creation. It had directed the forensic auditors to ascertain the numbers of flats which were 'benami' property, doubly booked or booked on a nominal value by Amrapali Group. On November 13 last year, in a massive crackdown on Amrapali Group for "wilful disobedience" of its orders, the apex court had attached the company's 100-bed multi-speciality hospital, bank accounts, the building which houses its office, certain firms and a "benami" villa in Goa. The court is seized of a batch of petitions filed by home buyers who are seeking possession of around 42,000 flats booked in projects of the Amrapali Group. A team of the Government Railway Police (GRP) from Haryana raided the house of an alleged arms smuggler in Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district but he managed to evade arrest for the second time in less than a week, police said Wednesday. The accused Arif is a native of Titarwada village in Kairana and is on a run, the police said. He is wanted by the Faridabad railway police in an arms supply case. One member of Arif's group was arrested on January 10 with nine pistols and 18 magazines from Mathura-Delhi express train, Circle Officer Rajesh Tiwari said. The arrested accused was identified as Shoaib who revealed during interrogation that Arif was also on the train but managed to escape from police. Shoaib also revealed that the arms and ammunition where being smuggled from Indore to Kairana to be supplied to other regions, Tiwari said. Shoaib has been taken into police custody and remanded for five days and efforts are on to nab Arif, Tiwari said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Under attack for giving away valuable telecom spectrum without auction, the government Wednesday strongly defended administrative allocation of microwave spectrum, saying the bidding rules do not apply to backhaul airwaves, which are critical for maintaining connectivity. With calling allocation of microwave spectrum a scam, cited the 2012 ruling, which had cancelled allocations done on the first-come-first-serve basis, to say that was not covered under the judgment. The (CAG) in its report tabled in Parliament last week said microwave access (MWA) spectrum was allocated to a telecom operator in 2015 on first-come-first-served (FCFS) basis in contravention to the recommendations of a DoT-constituted committee, while 101 applications for microwave spectrum were pending with the government. "I want to say that the SC order of 2012 was about access spectrum and not It is not one service provider but all those who were genuine, were given microwave spectrum on an administrative basis, before and after the order," Sinha told reporters here. The had, earlier this week, demanded a probe into the matter following findings of the (CAG) that a set of spectrum was allocated in 2015 on first-come-first-served basis in contravention to recommendations of a committee. The had alleged that the CAG had found that various instances of spectrum mismanagement by the Department of Telecom (DoT) had caused a loss of around Rs 560 crore to the public exchequer. "The allegations are baseless and without any evidence," Sinha said. The minister asserted that so far the has not been auctioned, but allocated administratively, and added that telecom regulator too had recommended the same. To a specific question on whether there is a decision to auction such spectrum, the minister said, "So far there is no decision...we are neither considering it nor studying". He said adequate safeguards are in place to ensure that whenever the government takes a decision, those allotted such spectrum will have to pay up, retrospectively. Sinha also defended the decision on deferred spectrum liability, saying extending the period of making payments to 16 years would bring an additional Rs 74,446 crore to government coffers. "When the inter-ministerial group gave recommendation (on the matter), it gave consideration to net present value and the same was the case with the and Telecom Commission, so the entire matter was well thought out, to see how urgent relief can be given to the sector without causing loss to exchequer," he said. About 54 per cent of points of sale of tobacco have no visible health warning and nearly half of the vendors around schools sell tobacco products, a new study has revealed. Claiming that multinational tobacco companies sell their products around schools, the study titled 'Tiny Targets' by NGOs Voluntary Health Association of India and Consumer Voice termed it a "very systematic and widespread" ruse to get young people addicted to tobacco. As many as 243 schools and 487 points of sale were closely surveyed during this study in 20 cities. The study claimed that despite prohibition of sale of tobacco products near educational institutes, numerous shops, vendors and points of sale resort to selling and advertising tobacco products around schools. It also claimed that vendors sale tobacco products on discount and distribute free samples to attract customers. "Investigators documented that of the 225 tobacco points of sale observed, 91 per cent of displays were at one metre - a child's eye level; 54 per cent of the points of sale had no visible health warning and 90 per cent of displays were beside candy, sweets and toys," the study said. M V Gowda, a Rajya Sabha MP, said behavioural aspects need to be changed to deal with easy access to tobacco products. "Easy access remains a problem," he said, adding, "Young people are vulnerable to the temptations of tobacco and alcohol even before they were able to make informed and mature decisions. "For some, these become a gateway to drugs. Therefore it is important to protect youth from these harmful effects." Pawan Gupta, an onco-surgery specialist, said these days cancer is getting detected among people as young as 28 years mainly due to smoking tobacco. "Every eight second, a person dies of smoking and tobacco use is responsible for 30 per cent of all deaths. These figures are appalling and children need to be more careful as if they have greater chance of contracting cancer as their organs are not mature enough," Gupta said. The study also gave a set of recommendations, including improvement in enforcement of Cigarette and Other Tobacco Product Act (COPTA) and its compliance should be a condition of a vendor license where violations of COPTA should constitute a violation of license itself. COPTA prohibits sale of tobacco sale around school. "Municipalities can enforce state bans on the sale of single sticks of tobacco through vendor licensing with violations of such bans constituting a violation of the license itself," the study said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AAP leaders met the Punjab Assembly Speaker Wednesday, seeking disqualification of Sukhpal Singh Khaira as an MLA days after the rebel legislator formed his own party. A delegation of AAP leaders, led by Leader of Opposition Harpal Cheema, met Speaker Rana K P Singh and submitted a letter, saying that Khaira had voluntarily given up the Aam Aadmi Party membership and started his own party. He had thus made himself liable for disqualification from the assembly under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, Cheema wrote. "It is therefore requested to you that given above the mentioned facts and circumstances and following the spirit of the Constitution of India, the membership of Sukhpal Singh Khaira from the Punjab Assembly be terminated forthwith and he be stripped off all the rights and privileges with immediate effect," he said. The Speaker told reporters action will be taken as per the rules. The Bholath MLA had quit the AAP on January 6, six months after he was ousted from the post of Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly. Following his removal from the post, Khaira and six other AAP MLAs in the state had rebelled. However, he had not resigned as MLA and had dared the AAP to get him disqualified. Earlier in the day, Baldev Singh, one of the AAP rebels, resigned from the party's primary membership. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Centre has told the Delhi High Court that it was concerned over the safety of children studying in a 99-year-old school here, whose building is in a dilapidated state and urged the AAP government to relocate it. The Ministry of Defence said the Delhi government's Directorate of (DoE) has maintained that the Army should either make available an alternate land for the school or give a no-objection certificate for its construction at the same site. The Delhi government has sought for construction of the school at the same site to avoid any possible inconvenience to the students, it said. Rajputana Rifles Heroes Memorial Senior Secondary School at Delhi Cantonment, which was built on the land belonging to the Ministry of Defence was taken over by the Delhi administration in August 1975 and is getting full assistance from the state government. The Centre's submission were made in an affidavit in regard to a PIL by NGO Social Jurist, which has alleged that the school was in a horrible condition. The matter is listed for hearing on January 17 before a bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V K Rao. The Centre's affidavit stated as per the directions of the court, a meeting was convened on November 28 between the the Army and the DoE and various issues including alternate site for school building, availability of land with the Army for relocation and interim measures were discussed. "During the deliberations in the meeting, the Army delegation raised the issue of unavailability of land for relocation of the school... The Army delegation also stressed on the non-habitable condition of the school building, as also indicated in the report of the Garrison Engineer submitted earlier," it said. It added that the Army raised concerns about the safety of students and teachers of the school and requested DoE for their relocation at the earliest. The affidavit said the Army also gave a list of schools running under the administration of the Delhi government and the Cantonment Board and various public schools located in close proximity where the students and teachers could be shifted. The high court had earlier asked the AAP government by when it could shift students from the school and had asked it to file a status report and the time frame for repairing or reconstructing the building, saying that it was concerned over the safety of the children. The DoE earlier told the court that a joint inspection of the building had revealed that it was constructed in 1919 and has outlived its useful life and was unsuitable for habitation. Advocate Ashok Agarwal, appearing for the NGO, had earlier said around 450 students are studying in the school and they have been unjustly deprived of adequate physical infrastructure and academic faculty to educate them. The plea has said though the school is open for all, it mainly caters to the children of servants of military officials who are not in a position to educate their kids in private schools. It has alleged that the school lacks basic amenities, including potable drinking water, functional toilets, science and computer labs, clean classrooms and proper boundary wall and several posts of teaching staff are lying vacant. The petition has sought direction that the existing building be demolished and rebuilt as a state-of-the-art school. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 50-year-old woman has died of swine flu at a hospital here, an official said Wednesday. Gurmeet Kaur, a resident of Tarn Taran district, who was admitted to the government hospital a few days ago, passed away on Tuesday night, Civil Surgeon Hardip Singh Ghai said. It is the first death due to the H1N1 virus in Amritsar this year, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nine people were killed as a result of the blast in Syria's Manbij, Al Jazeera reported on Twitter. According to the local military council, the blast occurred near a patrol of the international coalition in the city. "Nine civilians were killed and 20 others wounded as a result of an explosion in the centre of the city of Manbij, while a US military patrol was passing," the broadcaster reported. ISIS terrorist group has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack. As many as 429tigershave been poached and killed since 2008 across the country, with the maximum of 71 in Madhya Pradesh during the period, revealed data obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Year-wise, the maximum killings took place in 2011 when 80 tigers were poached, while the minimum of 17 occurred in 2015, according to the data from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), under the Ministry of and Forests. The WCCB is a statutory body formed to combat organised wildlife crime in the country. In 2018, 22 tigers were killed, down from 25 in 2017 and 48 in 2016, it stated in a written response. Noida-based lawyer Ranjan Tomar had sought state-wise data from the bureau on the number of tigers killed by poachers since 2008. The maximum killings of 71tigershave been reported from MP, followed by 46 each in Maharashtra and Karnataka, 42 each in Assam and Chhattisgarh and 35 in Uttarakhand during the period, according to the data. Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh reported 25 such killings each, 19 in Kerala, followed by 12 in West Bengal, 11 each in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, it stated. Six tiger killings by poachers were reported in Delhi -- two each in 2011 and 2012, one each in 2013 and 2014, and one in 2008, it added. Notably, there are 14 states and Union Territories -- Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Puducherry, Punjab, Sikkim and Tripura -- from where no such killings have been reported since 2008, according to the data. "The number of tiger killings has come down in recent years, as shown in the data, which is good for wildlife conservationists and enthusiasts. However, the concern still looms large over such killings and poaching continuing," Tomar said. "It is essential to save wildlife if we want to protect the Animals like elephants and tigers are critical to human survival because of their position in the natural food chain and losing them could endanger our existence," the 30-year-old social activist told PTI. Tomar had also sought details of the tiger census of 2008 and 2018 but the bureau said no such data was maintained by it. There was also no information with the department on the amount of tiger skin or body parts recovered from poachers during the period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : Three cyber criminals have been arrested and Rs 4.60 lakhs recovered from them, police said Wednesday. The trio of Daljith Singh and Tousif Alam, both from West Bengal, and Tink from Jharkhand was apprehended at a railway station in the state last Friday and brought to Ramagundam Wednesday, the police said. The three had allegedly cheated two people here of Rs 5.16 lakh by diverting money from their bank accounts on November 5 and 10, 2018 after getting account details from the victims, they said. The three would soon be produced before a local court, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court Wednesday said the information sought by a convict in the 2006 Mumbai train bombings case regarding an Intelligence Bureau report purportedly calling for review of evidence in the matter, did pertain to human rights violation and asked the Central Information Commission to consider his request afresh. Justice Vibhu Bakhru said the Central Information Commission (CIC) "erroneously" concluded that the information sought by the convict, Ehtesham Qutubuddin Siddique, did not pertain to allegations of corruption or human rights violation. "The gravamen of his allegation is that he has been falsely implicated by the respondent despite the respondent having information that the petitioner was not involved in the July 11, 2006 blast case. This court is of the view that the said conclusion is erroneous, as the information does relate to violation of human rights," the judge said. With the observation, the court set aside the CIC's March 26, 2018 order denying the information sought by the convict, and remanded the matter back to the commission for fresh consideration. The order came on a plea by Siddique, represented by advocate Arpit Bhargava, seeking directions to the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to provide him with the report which was tabled before the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2009. Siddique, presently lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail, was given capital punishment for the July 11, 2006 serial blasts when seven RDX bombs ripped through as many Western line local trains in Mumbai leading to the death of 189 persons and injuring 829. In his plea, filed through Bhargava, he had claimed that he was falsely implicated in the case which amounts to violation of his human rights and therefore, he needed the IB report which purportedly called for review of the evidence in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts case. The IB, represented by advocates Rahul Sharma and C K Bhatt, had opposed the plea saying since Siddique was convicted after trial by a court set up under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), he could not in another forum claim that he was falsely implicated. The IB's lawyers had also contended that the convict was "trying to create a parallel trial" since the death sentence to him was pending confirmation in the Bombay High Court. The court while sending the matter back to CIC for a fresh consideration, made it clear that merely because information regarding allegations of corruption and human rights violations falls within the purview of RTI Act does not mean it has to be disclosed. It said the commission will examine whether the information sought was relevant and if it found that it was not, then approval for disclosure would not be granted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two suspected drug peddlers were arrested in separate cases after a huge consignment of poppy straw, and charas were seized from their possession along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, police said on Wednesday. Nitin Sharma (30), a resident of R S Pura, was arrested after police seized 175 kg poppy straw from his truck at Nagrota here, a police spokesman said. He said Sharma was trying to smuggle the contraband, concealed in specially designed chambers inside the body of the vehicle, from Kashmir to outside the state. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered in this connection and further investigation taken up, the spokesman said. In another operation, he said, police recovered 200 gram of charas from one Hari Ram near Kowbagh along the highway in Ramban district. The accused was moving suspiciously when police stopped him and after frisking, recovered the contraband, the spokesman said, adding that Ram was also booked under the NDPS act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Through initiatives such as the Jalyukt Shivar water conservation scheme, the BJP-led Maharashtra government has made 16,000 villages free of water scarcity, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Wednesday. He was speaking at an international conference on micro-irrigation here. "Micro-irrigation facilities have increased three times in the state," Fadnavis said at the event which was also attended by Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Fiji Agriculture Minister Mahendra Reddy and others. "Water is very precious and we still have not realised it....we don't get regular rainfall and micro-irrigation is the only solution. Earlier, two countries would fight over water. Now such crises erupt between districts and even tehsils," said Fadnavis. "The government is working hard on the Jalyukt Shivar initiative and has made 16,000 villages water-neutral (free of water scarcity). Thirty-four lakh hectares of land is (has been brought) under irrigation. Micro-irrigation facilities have increased three times," the chief minister claimed. "Through the Nanaji Deshmukh Krushi Sanjivani project, we are working on providing sustainable irrigation in 4,000 villages," Fadnavis added. While the BJP-led state government has put a lot of stress on village-level water conservation projects, the state faced a poor monsoon in 2018, forcing it to declare drought in 151 tehsils in 26 out of the total 36 districts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The will kick-start a three-day series of rallies to be addressed by party chief across on January 20, a day after Mamata Banerjee's mega show featuring opposition leaders from across the country. The announcement by state president Dilip Ghosh comes amid an apex court directive asking the state government to allow the saffron party to hold public meetings. In a show of strength ahead of the polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs of her supporters. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city. "We will start organizing our public rallies from January 20. will address the first rally on January 20 in Malda," Ghosh said. On January 21, Shah will address two rallies in Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram. On January 22, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said. The has identified as a priority state for the upcoming elections and Shah has set a target of 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. Ghosh had earlier said that they were talking to the central leader for the PM's rallies but nothing was confirmed. Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a significant show in rural polls and by-elections. The BJP had planned 'Rath Yatras' touching all Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to boost its chances in the elections. However, it was denied permission by the state government and has since been caught in legal tangles. Yesterday, the Supreme Court put the programme on hold saying the state government's law-and-order apprehensions over the event was not "totally unfounded" and asked the BJP to submit a fresh request and seek necessary approvals. Ghosh said they are yet to decide on the 'Rath Yatra' and the Bengal unit will discuss the matter with the central leaders. However, a lawyer associated with the matter has said that the 40-day programme has been cut to 20 and the fresh 'Yatras' would start from Baharampur in Murshidabad district, Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Medinipur and the Lok Sabha constituency of Kolkata North. The newly-elected government of Madhya Pradesh has found a unique way to address the problem of teacher shortage in government-run schools in the state. It has decided to merge as many as 22,000 public schools, which means almost the same number of headmasters of these schools will now have to teach students as subject experts. For years, these headmasters were busy attending files and doing other official work. 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 Amid the growing chaos over Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Wednesday reiterated that he is not going to betray the Assamese people. "The people of Assam have made me Chief Minister with lots of trust and confidence. I have not come here to betray the Assamese race. I shall work for the development of Assam till the last moment by taking into confidence my MLAs and the party MPs," said Sonowal at a meeting in Dhubri district's Chapar on Wednesday. "I have not taken the responsibility of Chief Minister just for the sake of being a Chief Minister. I am here to establish peace in the state keeping the ideologies of Dr Bhupen Hazarika and Hemanga Biswas in mind and uniting the people of Barak and Brahmaputra ... and of hills and plains," he said, adding that development is not possible without peace and harmony. The pressure seems to be mounting on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the state over growing opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2016. The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has already snapped ties with the saffron party over the issue, while hundreds of organisations in the state are opposing the Bill. The AGP has already announced its agitation against the Bill to be started from Friday. Even BJP legislators Rituparna Baruah, Padma Hazarika and Atul Bora have expressed their disagreement to the Bill. --IANS ah/rs/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Azerbaijans trading house has opened in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy reported. The trading house supports the promotion of Azerbaijani goods under the 'Made in Azerbaijan' brand in Dubai, as well as engage in marketing research, participation in exhibitions and other activities related to the promotion of Azerbaijani goods. The opening ceremony of the trading house was attended by the Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev, the UAE officials and businessmen. Participants in the event viewed the trading house and exhibition of the Azerbaijani goods, AzerTAc reported. National Award-winning filmmaker Onir hopes the exchange of cinema talent between India and Pakistan resumes soon. Onir on Wednesday tweeted a link of an interview of Pakistani actor Ali Zafar. The actor says, "Just like India has a lot to give to Pakistan, Pakistan also has a lot to give to India". This led Onir to tweet: "Hope that the exchange of artistes restarts soon... It is so unfair that the dialogue and exchange happens in other spaces. If a Kartarpur can happen why not a corridor through cinema too." The filmmaker's tweet is in reference to how in 2016, Indian film associations placed an unofficial 'ban' on Pakistani talent from working in the country. In the same year, Pakistani film exhibitors and cinema owners had imposed a ban on the screening of Indian films in the country in the wake of heightened tensions with India over the September 18, 2016 Uri attack that left 19 Indian soldiers dead. The attack had led India's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena to give an ultimatum to Pakistani artistes to leave India. Zindagi channel withdrew telecast of Pakistani shows, and even the Indian Motion Pictures Producers' Association (IMPPA) passed a resolution to ban Pakistani artistes from working in India. In the latest development, Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar last week said the country's Supreme Court will not allow Indian content to be shown on Pakistani TV channels as it "damages our culture". --IANS dc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Microsoft has signed a seven-year deal with Walgreens where it will provide its Azure Cloud services to help the second-biggest pharmacy chain in the US develop new health care delivery models, technology and retail innovations. Microsoft will also deploy Microsoft 365 to Walgreens' 380,000 employees and stores globally. Through this partnership, the companies will deliver innovative platforms that enable next-generation health networks, integrated digital-physical experiences and care management solutions, Microsoft said in a statement late on Tuesday. "Improving health outcomes while lowering the cost of care is a complex challenge that requires broad collaboration and strong partnership between the health care and tech industries," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. The companies have committed to a multi-year research and development (R&D) investment to build health care solutions, improve health outcomes and lower the cost of care. They will also explore the potential to establish joint innovation centres in key markets. "We will work with Microsoft to harness the information that exists between payers and health care providers to leverage, in the interest of patients and with their consent," said Stefano Pessina, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Walgreens. Walgreens has become the fourth major retailer to partner with Microsoft in recent months, after Walmart, Kroger and Gap. --IANS na/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Spain's Fernando Verdasco, the World No.28, said on Wednesday he was focusing on playing well in his upcoming third round clash with Croatia's Marin Cilic, the World No.7. He added that he has nothing to lose as Cilic was the favorite to win the match. "It is in that game that I have to prove whether I am at the level of winning against a tough opponent. Cilic is among the best players in the world. He has an incredible service and moves very well," said Verdasco after his second round victory against Moldovan Radu Albot. Verdasco added he was happy to have finished 2018 among the 30 best players of the circuit, reports Efe news. "During last year I played well in general. I am very happy to have improved along the lines of stability, but now it is my turn to continue and start this season in the best possible way," he added. --IANS kk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US and the UK on Wednesday finished a joint six-day drill in the South China Sea, a move that is likely to stoke anger in China as it claims a large area of the contested sea as its territory, the media reported. The US military announced in a statement cited by CNN that the guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell and the Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll conducted operations in the South China Sea between January 11 and 16. The drills came less than a week after Beijing reacted furiously to the USS McCampbell sailing within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-claimed territory in the Paracel Islands. The Chinese Foreign Ministry that time accused Washington of trespassing in its territorial waters. The two vessels conducted communications drills, division tactics and a personnel exchange during the week to help "develop relationships" between the two navies, according to the US military statement. "Professional engagement with our British counterparts allows us the opportunity to build upon our existing strong relationships and learn from each other," US Commander Allison Christy said, adding it was a "rare opportunity" to work with the UK Navy. The release said the Argyll was deployed to the region to "support ... regional security and stability." Both the US and the UK conducted anti-submarine warfare drills with the Japanese military in the region in December. At least five countries -- the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei -- have overlapping claims in the highly-strategic waters. But Beijing has reinforced its wide-ranging claims with militarized artificial islands which are capable of hosting missiles and bombers. --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump's administration has called in tens of thousands of tax and aviation safety employees back to work without immediate payment as the longest partial government shutdown entered its 25th day with him and the Democratic Party leaders obstinately refusing to negotiate on his demand for funding for a wall along the Mexico border in the budget. Without a budget all but the essential services have shut down and about 800,000 federal employees are on furlough or temporary layoff and have not been paid, while Trump and his adversaries trade charges without meaningful negotiations for the $5.6 billion demand for the border barrier. Trump, who had made the border wall a key element of his election campaign, is uncompromising and both he and the Democrats are waiting to see who blinks first. The essential government services manned by workers who haven't received their pay since January 11 are beginning to show signs of fraying. Employees of Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) that inspects airline passengers have started calling in sick in large numbers leading to shutdown of some checkpoints at some airports and long delays at the others. The New York Times has published an op-ed calling for the TSA employees to strike. Without their paychecks, employees working and those who are not have said they are unable to meet their essential living expenses. About 36,000 employees of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) were asked on Tuesday to return to their jobs to prepare to process the the avalanche of tax returns over the next three months. The Federal Aviation Agency also called back over 3,000 aviation safety workers to ensure airline safety. On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration had begun bringing in hundreds of staff, mainly inspectors, to ensure safety in the food system. The employees who work through the shutdown will eventually receive their paychecks when a budget is in place. Last week, the House of Representatives voted a bill to fund the Treasury Department and the IRS, but the Senate has not taken it up. Shutting down the government by withholding a budget is a political tactic that has been used in the past. The longest shutdown previously was for 21 days in 1995-96 when party roles were reversed during a standoff between Republicans led by Speaker Newt Gingrich and Democrat President Bill Clinton. Democrats boycotted a meeting Trump convened at the White House on Tuesday while Nancy Pelosi, who took over as speaker after the Democrats took control of the House in the November mid-term elections, and Chuck Schumer, the leader of the Democrats in the Senate, have refused to compromise. Schumer blamed Trump for the standoff saying that he banged on the table and walked out during their last meeting. Three Republican senators have suggested a compromise of funding the government for three weeks during which the two sides can try to work out a deal on the border wall. Media reports have said that some Republicans - as well as some Democrats - have grown uneasy over the prolonged shutdown and are beginning to ask their leaderships to compromise. The only compromise that Trump has offered is setting up a steel fence instead of a wall along the border to assuage those opposing a wall. He has also threatened to impose a national emergency and bypass the Congress to start constructing the wall. Trump has asserted that there is an emergency due to illegal immigration and drug smuggling, which the Democrats deny. A caravan of about 7,000 Central Americans, who marched to the border with Mexico, is camped out at the frontier hoping to make its way into the US. Some who tried to crash the border were repelled by border guards teargas. Perhaps, encouraged by the standoff, another caravan is reported to have started from Guatemala this month. Last week, Trump cited the case of an Indian-American police corporal, Ronil Singh, who was killed by an illegal immigration when he made a televised appeal to the nation last week to pressure the Democrats to compromise on the border wall. Trump had said during his campaign that he would make Mexico pay for it, an obvious hyperbole that will not work, requiring him now to seek tax funding to fund it so he can keep his word with his base. Schumer and some Democrats, who had supported a border barrier in the past now oppose it. Some Democrats are heading towards a virtual open-border policy. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who plans to run for president, and newly-elected Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have gone to the extent of calling for abolishing the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which implements immigration and anti-smuggline laws within the US. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis) --IANS al/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao met YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy here on Wednesday to discuss the proposed Federal Front. Rama Rao, who is the son of Telangana Chief Minister and TRS President K. Chandrashekhar Rao, also known as KCR, along with three other leaders of the party met Jaganmohan Reddy, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly. The TRS leaders drove to Jaganmohan Reddy's Lotus Pond residence around 1 p.m. The leaders of the two parties are expected to brief the media after the meeting. Earlier, KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, tweeted that on the direction of KCR he would be meeting Jaganmohan Reddy to discuss modalities on working together to strengthen a federal alternative to the National Democratic Alliance and the United Progressive Alliance. This is the first direct talks between the leaders of the two parties since KCR floated the idea of the Federal Front in 2018. The TRS chief has already held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader M.K. Stalin. After taking over as the Chief Minister for a second term following the TRS' victory in December's elections, KCR intensified his efforts to cobble together the Federal Front. The TRS leaders are also likely to discuss with Jaganmohan Reddy the possibility of their working together in Andhra Pradesh to defeat the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the ensuing elections in the neighbouring state. KCR in December dropped hints to this effect with a remark that he will "return the gift" to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu. He was referring to Naidu campaigning extensively in the Telangana elections. The Congress-led Grand Alliance comprising the TDP and two other parties suffered a crushing defeat in the Telangana polls. --IANS ms/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday discussed the ongoing rescue operations to trace the 15 miners, who are trapped inside an illegal flooded coal mine for more than a month now. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who also handles the mining and geology department, and Home Minister James Sangma apprised the Cabinet about the latest rescue situation at Ksan village in State's East Jaintia Hills district. "Till today, the rescue operation is still on. In the next few days, the district administration and the department concerned will meet the experts who are in ground zero. They tried their best and they are doing it till today... let us see for how many more days," said Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynosng. Asked about the possibility of calling off the rescue operation, he said, "Till this moment the experts are still on the job. Until and unless we get their views, we cannot say anything. Once that is done, then we will accordingly file affidavit in the Supreme Court." The Supreme Court-monitored rescue operation is aimed at taking out the trapped miners "dead or alive". On the expenditure incurred in the rescue operation, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "We are yet to know the details. This has been handled by the district administration." Meanwhile, the Coal India Limited has informed the district administration that the water level at the main shaft, where the 15 miners are trapped, and the abandoned shafts remained the same despite several million gallons of water being pumped out. The Indian Navy lowered the underwater remotely operated vehicle at the main shaft, but failed to capture any of the trapped miners. Scientists from the Hyderabad-based National Geophysical Research Institute conducted the micro gravimetric measurement and differential position profile system to identify the seepage of water in the main shaft. Experts from the Chennai-based Plenys Technology continue to conduct the sonar mapping of the shaft to identify the rat-hole tunnel. --IANS rrk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Wednesday condemned the Sri Lankan Navy chasing away two Indian fishing boats, resulting in the death of one person. In a statement issued here, Palaniswami said nine Indian fishermen from Rameswaram had gone fishing in their traditional fishing area in two boats on January 12. While fishing in their traditional area in the Palk Strait early morning on January 13, Sri Lankan Navy chased them away and in the process the two boats capsized. While eight fishermen were alive, one fisherman K. Munusamy drowned. Conveying his heartfelt condolence to the family of Munusamy, Palaniswami announced a solatium of Rs five lakh to his family. --IANS vj/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Popular Tamil actor-producer Vishal Krishna on Wednesday revealed that he is all set to enter wedlock and he described it as the next big transition in life. The 38-year-old star is all set to marry Anisha Alla Reddy, a small-time actress who has appeared in Telugu films like "Pellichoopulu" and "Arjun Reddy". "Yes. Happy. Too happy. Her name is Anisha Alla. And yes, she said 'yes'. And it's confirmed. My next biggest transition in life. Will be announcing the date soon," Vishal tweeted on Wednesday. Vishal also shared two pictures with Anisha. On her Instagram page, Anisha wrote: "I finally found somebody to go down the path of life with, loving him and life with true passion. I look up to this man for all that he stands for and for all of his heart." "I vow to give back to him, the families and the people around with this step forward. I vow to be the best that I can be intention towards collective learning, love and moral value," she added. If the industry grapevine is anything to go by, the wedding is set to take place in March. Currently busy shooting for Tamil actioner "Ayogya", a remake of Telugu film "Temper"; Vishal is expected to take a break upon completing this project. --IANS hp/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Flight operations at the Srinagar international airport were halted on Wednesday following poor visibility and continued snowfall in the valley, an airport official said. "We will take a call on resumption of flights after the weather improves," he said, adding that the runway was covered in snow. Moderate snowfall started in the morning. The weather office has forecast heavy snowfall in the valley from January 19 to 23 due to the development of an intense western disturbance over Jammu and Kashmir. An advisory issued by the Met has asked people to prepare well in advance as the spell was expected to be heavy leading to disruption of surface and air traffic during the period. --IANS sq/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Today Baku hosted a conference titled Security Problems in Eastern Europe and the Post-Soviet Area. It was organized by the Topchibashi Center. Vestnik Kavkaza talked to one of speakers, the head of the Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan, Tural Ganjaliyev. - What are goals of the Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan in 2019? - Our main goal is to convey our massage to the international community and international organizations that the Azerbaijani Community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan is ready to go back as soon as occupied territories are liberated. We are ready to regain our property rights, to repossess our homes, apartments that are still under occupation. So we hope that this year will bring some positive breakthrough in the long-lasting negotiations. And we hope that this year we will be able to go back to our native lands. It is very important for us to find the way to speak to the Armenian community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan because we are pursuing a constructive dialogue. We are ready to establish people-to-people contacts. But for all this to happen, first of all, the military occupation must be ended and the Azerbaijani population must return to occupied territories as soon as possible. Of course the Armenian troops will be withdrawn and we will live peacefully together with the Armenian community of the Nagorno-Karabakh Region of Azerbaijan. These are our main expectations from this year. - Azerbaijan has many times stated that it is ready to restire destroyed occupied regions after their de-occupation. How do you assess the plans for economic and infrastructural restoration of Karabakh? - Azerbaijan will restore all historic and cultural heritage that currently are under the occupation, as soon as the occupation is ended. Cocuq Mrcanl and newly liberated territories of Azerbaijan from the occupant forces are very good examples. In this case, we are hoping that the cultural and historic heritage will be restored. For example, the city of Shusha was and is the main cradle of Azerbaijani culture. Not only people coming from Nagorno-Karabakh but all Azerbaijani ordinary citizens associate themselves with Nagorno-Karabakh, with the city of Shusha. Its an inseparable part of our identity. Thats why I hope that when these occupied territories are liberated, the Azerbaijani government will invest huge money in restoring the heritage. - There is an unsound opinion that the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities cannot live together. What do you think about that? - As the Azerbaijani community we are ready to live together with the Armenian community when the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is completely restored. To go back to Nagorno-Karabakh, we need all occupant troops be withdrawn from Karabakh. When it happens we hope the Armenian community will live together with us under Azerbaijans sovereignty. It will be a positive result of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. I think there are some grounds for reaching the goal this year The Centre splurged more than Rs 2.64 crore on advertising in the media for the inaugural of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue, known as the Statue of Unity, a RTI reply revealed here on Wednesday. Prime Minister had inaugurated what is now the world's tallest statue on October 31, 2018, to mark the 143rd birth anniversary of Patel, a freedom fighter and the first Home Minister of Independent India. Mumbai Right to Information (RTI) activist Jatin Desai had written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeking details under RTI of the expenditure incurred on advertising the statue inauguration in different media. The Bureau of Outreach and Communications of the Ministry said in a reply on January 9 that the government had spent a total of Rs 2,62,48,463 on the electronic media and another Rs 168,415 on print media advertisements. "This amount does not include the total spent by the government on the inauguration, plus on outdoor advertising which is not available with the Bureau. Spending such a huge amount on advertising and lavish ceremonies cannot be justified when the people in the vicinity of the statue are tribals and poor," Desai said. ALSO READ: Govt provided Rs 300 cr towards Statue of Unity in Gujarat, Parliament told The colossal 182 metre-tall statue of is situated on an island on the Narmada river near Kevadia, around 100 km south-east of Vadodara city of Gujarat. Built at a cost of nearly Rs 3,000 crore, the landmark statue was designed by sculptor Ram V. Sutar, 94, of Maharashtra and built by Mumbai-based Larsen & Toubro company. Real Madrid announced on Wednesday that their defender Jesus Vallejo has suffered a second grade muscle injury to his left leg. The 22-year-old Vallejo sustained the injury during the club's Monday training session, reports Efe news. "After the tests carried out on our player Jesus Vallejo by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a grade II injury to the biceps femoris in the left leg," the La Liga side announced on its official website. Due to the injury, it is unlikely that Vallejo will take part in the Copa del Rey clash against Leganes scheduled for Wednesday evening. --IANS kk/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pointing out that the combat aircraft strength of Indian Air Force has gone down in recent years due to obsolescence, former IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Arup Raha on Wednesday said the political parties in the country should sort out the ongoing disputes over the Rafale fighter jet deal so that the procurement process is not delayed any further. "We know that the combat aircraft strength of the Indian Air Force is coming down because of obsolescence. We are retiring some of the old aircrafts like the MIG-21 and MI-22. So we need sufficient number of replacements. Rafale is one component of our capability," Raha said on the sidelines of a seminar on cyber security organized by BCCI and CENERS-K here. "The processes need to get simplified. If there is so much of orchestration regarding any deal, we need to sort that out. We need to cut down the time and sort out the problems separately. The procurement process should not be delayed or stopped," he said. Noting that air warfare will become significantly important in the coming days, Raha said sufficient replacement of old combat aircraft is necessary as they are an important component of the country's combative capacity. "In future days, air warfare is going to be very important. A nation can have a large standing army, but if it does not have aerospace power, it may not win the conflicts. So increasing the aerospace power is very important and one of the major components of that is the combat air craft," Raha said. "All politicians serve the people of the nation. I hope all the political parties understand that. Otherwise the orchestration will carry on every time there is deal. It is not good for the country," he said. When asked whether India is lagging behind neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan in terms of revamping its defence infrastructure, he said the country should focus on capacity building in every aspect to secure all fronts. "Every nation has to carry out its threat assessment. India has fought several conflicts and wars in the last 40-50 years since independence. So you have to prepare yourself and build capacity to tackle these eventualities. It is not related to any particular country or adversary. It is about capacity building so that if the situation becomes adverse, it can be applied to anybody," the former air chief said. He also noted that even though the threats of cyber warfare is on the rise, India cannot afford to divest in other sectors and invest only to combat cyber terrorism as threats on the other fronts are equally relevant. --IANS mgr/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain's post-Brexit proposed new skills-based immigration system that will remove the cap on skilled worker visas will benefit Indians, a team of British government officials emphasised during discussions with officials of the Indian government on Wednesday. The discussions signalled a new phase of cooperation and acted as a forum to discuss opportunities to strengthen the bilateral relationship, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission here. "The migration dialogue allowed UK government officials to engage directly with their Indian counterparts on UK's plans for a new single, skills-based immigration system system after Brexit," the statement said. "In addition, the UK government held round table events with key figures from the corporate, business and education sectors in India to gather insight and highlight how the new system will benefit them," it added. In the talks with the Indian officials, the British team emphasised that the new skills-based immigration system offers a significant opportunity to Indian nationals, particularly skilled workers and students. It was also pointed out that the current British visa system already provides a good service for India, with almost one in five of all British visas granted to Indian nationals. The British officials said that their government continues to work towards a more modern and efficient returns arrangements with India, which will support an enhanced migration partnership more broadly. "The UK government wants to encourage skilled workers to come to live and work in the UK and has proposed to abolish the cap on its new skilled visa route when the new system comes into effect in 2021," the High Commission statement said. "These proposals mean that there would be no limit on the number of skilled people, such as engineers, doctors and IT professionals , who can come to live and work in the UK," it stated, adding that this will allow people from across the world to come to the UK for work or to study and to visit. In comments following Wednesday's talks, British Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes said her country already issues more skilled worker visas to Indian nationals than to the rest of the world combined. "Under the new system, operating from 2021, we will always be open to the brightest and best from India, who wish to come to live and work in the UK," Nokes said, Stating that the migration partnership between Britain and India is a priority for his country, British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said that India is the first country, outside of the European Union, that London is consulting on its new migration policy. "These talks are central to developing closer bilateral cooperation, with policies promoting skilled work and international students playing a major role in new UK proposals," Asquith said. "We'll also be continuing our discussions on handling Indian nationals who are in the UK illegally." The British government had released a white paper on the proposed new immigration policy just ahead of Christmas last year. Key announcements include removing the cap on numbers for skilled workers; removing the Rsident Labour Market Test for highly skilled workers; allowing students - whether undergraduate or postgraduate - to stay in Britain for an extended period of six months after graduation; and making it easier to switch on to a skilled visa work visa at the end of their course. --IANS ab/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives here on Thursday on a three-day visit to his home state to thrown open his pet biennial Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit besides other events in the capital and Ahmedabad. He will first inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show at the Mahatma Mandir Exhibition and Convention Centre, where over 25 industrial and business sectors will be showcased. According to an official release, the Prime Minister, later in the evening on Thursday, will inaugurate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Ahmedabad. Culled from the decades-old Vadilal Sarabhai Hospital, this is a 78-metre high state of the art super-speciality public hospital built by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and is equipped with all modern amenities, including an air ambulance. The press release stated that this will be a completely paperless hospital and is a part of the Ayushman Bharat initiative. Modi will inspect the facilities at the hospital and address a gathering. He would also throw open Ahmedabad Shopping Festival, 2019, which official sources say, has been planned on the lines of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The Prime Minister will unveil the festival mascot. He will also address a public gathering here. On Friday, he will inaugurate the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit at the Mahatma Mandir. Modi had conceptualised the summit as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2003 to position Gujarat as an ideal investment destination. "The summit provides a platform for brainstorming on agenda of global socio-economic development, knowledge-sharing and forging effective partnerships," the official release said. Modi will be in Hazira in Surat on Saturday to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory. From here, he will leave for Silvassa in the Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various development projects. The Prime Minister will fly out out Gujarat the same day for Mumbai where he will inaugurate the new building of National Museum of Indian Cinema. --IANS desai/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Philip Kotler, an American marketing author, consultant, and professor on Tuesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Congress President Rahul Gandhi mocked him for being awarded the Philip Kotler Presidential award. The Professor of International Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University tweeted after a controversy erupted amid Rahul's criticism. "I congratulate PM @narendramodi for being conferred the first ever Philip Kotler Presidential Award. He has been selected for his outstanding leadership and selfless service towards India, combined with his tireless energy," he said. He said Modi's efforts have resulted in extraordinary economic, social and technological advances in India. "His winning the first award raises the bar for future recipients," he said. Gandhi had earlier mocked the Prime Minister for being awarded, saying the award was so famous that it has no jury. "I want to congratulate our Prime Minister on winning the world famous 'Kotler Presidential Award'," tweeted Gandhi. "In fact it's so famous it has no jury, has never been given out before and is backed by an unheard of Aligarh company. Event Partners: Patanjali and Republic TV," said Gandhi, tagging a media report. The award was conferred on Modi on Monday by the World Marketing Summit (WMS) whose event in December was co-sponsored by GAIL India and partnered by Ramdev's Patanjali group, Republic TV and a number of other companies. Gandhi's jibe at Modi attracted reaction from Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani, who referred to former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi being honoured with Bharat Ratna during Congress regimes. "Rich!!! Coming from a person whose illustrious family decided to confer the 'Bharat Ratna' on themselves," tweeted Irani, referring to Nehru and Indira Gandhi getting India's highest civilian award while they were Prime Ministers. Kotler, who is author of over 60 marketing books, including Marketing Management and Principles of Marketing. --IANS bns/vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group's Phillips Carbon Black Ltd (PCBL) will freeze the location of its proposed Rs 600-crore Greenfield project in south India by March, an official said on Wednesday. The company has been discussing with Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for setting up the plant which will have a capacity of 1,50,000 tonne per annum. "We still have to freeze the location of the Greenfield plant in south India. We have not taken a final call yet. Discussions are on with various state governments in southern India. We will freeze the location by March," said Group's Chairman Sanjiv Goenka. The company on Wednesday reported a 92 per cent increase in its net profit to Rs 108.58 crore in the quarter ended December 31, 2018 from Rs 56.59 crore in the corresponding period previous year. It also posted a revenue of Rs 949.99 crore in the December quarter, up 54 per cent from Rs 618.56 crore in the year-ago period. Speaking on the performance in the quarter, he said the improvement in net profit was on account of a shift in product mix to more value-added premium grades and improved efficiency in all function. Goenka said the additional 56,000-tonne capacity at Mundra in Gujarat has been commissioned and capacity expansion of 30,000 tonne at Palej in the western state is expected to be completed by third quarter of FY20 (2019-20). He said the company is focussing on value-added and speciality products. "As we go ahead, 15 per cent of our total capacity will move towards value-added and speciality black in about two years from the present (proportion of) about 7-8 per cent," he said. The company has set up a R&D centre at Palej, Goenka said. "We will have an R&D centre internationally and by July-September, we will finalise the country where it will be set up," he added. --IANS bdc/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group's Phillips Carbon Black Ltd (PCBL) will freeze the location of its proposed Rs 600-crore Greenfield project in south India by March, an official said on Wednesday. The company has been discussing with the state governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for setting up the plant which will have a capacity of 1,50,000 tonne per annum. "We still have to freeze the location of the Greenfield plant in south India. We have not taken a final call yet. Discussions are on with various state governments in southern India. We will freeze the location by March," Group's Chairman Sanjiv Goenka told reporters. The company on Wednesday reported a 92 per cent increase in its net profit to Rs 108.58 crore in the quarter ended December 31, 2018 from Rs 56.59 crore in the corresponding period previous year. It also posted a revenue of Rs 949.99 crore in the December quarter, up 54 per cent from Rs 618.56 crore in the year-ago period. Speaking on the performance in the quarter, he said the improvement in net profit was on account of a shift in product mix to more value-added premium grades and improved efficiency in all function. Goenka said the additional 56,000-tonne capacity at Mundra in Gujarat has been commissioned and capacity expansion of 30,000 tonne at Palej in the western state is expected to be completed by third quarter of FY20 (2019-20). --IANS bdc/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mumbai Congress on Wednesday made a sensational claim that around 9 lakh bogus voters may have sneaked into the city's electoral rolls as preparations peak for the 2019 general elections. Addressing the media, city Congress President Sanjay Nirupam showed evidences of how hundreds of names of the allegedly fake voters figure in electoral rolls in different assembly segments, making up the six Lok Sabha seats in the country's commercial capital. When contacted, an official from the Maharashtra State Election Commission (M-SEC) said that the electoral rolls is not within its jurisdiction and that is dealt with solely by the Election Commission of India (ECI), New Delhi. "We are not concerned with the electoral rolls. These are prepared by the ECI and we use it for our election-related purposes," the official, declining to be identified, told IANS. However, Joint Chief Election Officer Anil Walvi told IANS that the responsibility of this rests with the district collectors and that they would know the correct position. According to Nirupam, the party's investigations revealed how a single person had multiple voter IDs for different election booths in the same constituency. "In some cases, the same person is shown under two different names, with differing ages, residing at two separate addresses and linked to different voting booths within the same constituency," Nirupam said, showing the relevant proofs. In two sample constituencies alone, the party found multiple identities of several alleged voters, ranging from two to 11 identities, proving these are bogus voters, he pointed out. "From 638 voter IDs in Magathane constituency, only 182 were genuine and out of 552 voter IDs in Dindoshi segment only 290 were real. Our rough estimate is there are between 15,000-20,000 such fake voters registered in each of the 35 assembly seats, or between 125,000-150,000 in each parliamentary constituency," Nirupam said. "With around 900,000 fake voters in Mumbai, it is clear there is a big 'voter mafia' operating in the city who are working to the advantage of some political parties," he alleged. Nirupam said that over 15,000 bogus voters were already deleted from Anushakti Nagar, Mankhurd and Chandivali constituencies recently. With the draft electoral rolls expected to be finalized by Jan 31, he demanded to know whether the ECI and the concerned district collectorates would take action against these fake voters, so that the genuine voters are not deprived of their voting rights. --IANS qn/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Filmmaker Omung Kumar B, who is making a movie on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visited places in Gujarat where the political leader spent his childhood days. As "PM Narendra Modi" gets ready to go on the floors, Omung and his team are travelling through the length and breadth of Gujarat to finalise the locations where they will be shooting. "Omung was seen visiting lanes in Ahmedabad, the houses in Vadnagar where Modiji lived since childhood and the House of MG, a heritage hotel in Ahmedabad," a source from the production team said. "He was also seen heading to the famous Modhera Sun Temple, Rani ki vav - a stepwell in the town of Patan in Gujarat, the stone structures in Bhuj and the White Desert. The makers intend to keep the film factually correct in terms of its picturisation which is why the places which are very significant to Modiji are being looked at. That is where the shoot will happen," added the source. Starring Vivekanand Oberoi as Modi, the film will be shot in locations across the country as well. "PM Narendra Modi", produced by Sandip Ssingh, is a biopic that will narrate the journey of Modi from his humble beginnings to his years as Chief Minister and finally the landmark election of the BJP in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and Modi's elevation as India's Prime Minister. --IANS nn/rb/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Names of prominent Azerbaijanis are honored in Russia: they hold the Muslim Magomaev International Vocalists Contest; there is a park of Russian-Azerbaijani friendship in Volgograd, which is called the Heydar Aliyev park; Surgut Airport was named after Farman Salmanov - Soviet geologist, doctor of geological and mineralogical sciences, who discovered West Siberian oil; and there is Assadulaevo village in the Volga region of the Astrakhan region, which was named after Azerbaijani oil philanthropist Shamsi Asadullayev. Having started his career in the oil industry as arba driver, Shamsi Asadullayev made an end to this exhausting profession, he was the first among Azerbaijani and Russian oil workers, who purchased his own tanker fleet, after which they began to export oil by barges. He also introduced oil pipelines, Asadullayev was called a "menace to Nobels" because he kept up the pace with the Nobel brothers' oil giant always and everywhere. Wherever they opened their offices and branches - in Russia, Turkestan, Iran, even in Finland - Shamsi Asadullayev's office immediately appeared next to them, selling oil much cheaper and thereby lured away the Swedish company's clients. Eventually, Asadullayev became one of the richest people in Azerbaijan and started the charity. He allocated a large amount of money for the construction of the Baku Real School building (Azerbaijan State University of Economics). Asadullayev, who received practically no education, established two scholarships of his own name at the Alexander Tiflis Teacher Training Institute, which was the largest in the Caucasus. Asadullaev sought to increase the quota allocated to Muslim students. Asadullayev builds a church in Kaluga at his own expense. He presented one of his mansions in Zamoskvorechye to the Moscow Muslim community. A private school for Muslim children was opened in this house, and in 1917, after the death of the benefactor, it hosted the All-Russian Muslim Congress. Astrakhan also knows well the name of Azerbaijani oil philanthropist. According to researcher Eldar Idrisov, the Caucasus and Mercury Society company's base, later named after him, was located on the village's territory in the 19th century, through which oil products from Baku entered Astrakhan. Assadulaevo village itself is located on the island of Mansur, which was a section of the "official frontier article No. 7 until 1918, lettable by the Astrakhan Department of Agriculture and State Property." Before the revolution, Assadullaevo was not listed as a settlement, but the Shamsi Asadullayev oil pier was located on Mansur Island. Also there was the 'Mazut' company on the territory of the settlement, which included a fuel oil plant, oil wells, reserve parks, moorings, oil tanker fleet. Oil was was transported via wooden barges, but later they were replaced with metal ones. It was economically unprofitable to transport workers from Astrakhan, and the oil production partnership decided to build residential buildings here. Barrack-type houses were built, where workers could live with their families. After the October Revolution, all the moorings, vessels, tanks were nationalized, and in 1918 Assadulaevo village appeared on the maps, which developed rapidly until 1985, but then the tank farm was closed. Now only in the name of the village reminds of Asadullaev there. However, according to the researcher, now this Volga oasis personifies the friendship of people living in the Caspian region, and it is not by chance that Assadullaevo can be translated as "the place of glorious heroes - lions of God." In a major setback for the Congress ahead of elections in Odisha, state Working President Naba Kisore Das on Wednesday resigned from the party to join the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). Das, a sitting MLA from Jharsuguda Assembly constituency, resigned from the primary membership of the party and also as the state Working President. In a letter to All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Rahul Gandhi, Das said he is resigning from the Congress to join the ruling BJD. He is likely to join the BJD on January 24, a day before the scheduled visit of Gandhi. "The people and voters of my area want that I contest the next election from BJD as they want our area to develop and that I should join hands with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik," he wrote in his letter. He said he will place all valuable suggestions of the people before the Chief Minister during his visit to Jharsuguda where Patnaik will inaugurate a cancer hospital on January 24. Das had defeated BJD candidate and former Assembly Speaker Kishore Kumar Mohanty twice in the Jharsuguda constituency in the 2009 and 2014 elections. --IANS cd/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amidst allegations of poaching by BJP, Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said there was no threat to his government. "Our coalition government is running smoothly. I am relaxed. We are in touch with all our (Janata Dal-Secular and Congress) legislators and have their support," he told the media here. Some of the Congress legislators reportedly in Mumbai were also in touch with him, the Chief Minister asserted, though he did not name them. The ruling coalition partners JD-S-Congress and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been trading charges of poaching each others' legislators for the past few days. "Three of our MLAs are in Mumbai. We (Congress) are aware of the horse trading that is being attempted by the BJP. Our legislators have also admitted to being approached by them," Minister for Irrigation D.K. Shivakumar earlier said. The BJP, on the other hand, while denying the poaching allegations, has lodged its legislators in a private resort at Gurugram, Haryana. On Tuesday, R. Shankar, a legislator from Ranebennur Assembly segment in Haveri district, belonging to the regional Karnataka Pragnavantha Janata Party (KPJP), and H. Nagesh an Independent from Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district, withdrew their support to the coalition. "Even if two MLAs withdraw their support, we (coalition) have the majority," Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday. Responding to the political developments, JD-S supremo H.D. Deve Gowda stressed that the coalition government continued to remain "stable". In the 225-member Legislative Assembly, including one nominated Speaker, Congress has 80 legislators, JD-S 37, and the BJP 104, while one Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA continues to support the coalition after one Independent Nagesh and the KPJP legislator Shankar withdrew their support. --IANS bha/in/vsc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid reports of poaching of its MLAs by the BJP, the Congress on Wednesday said there was no threat to the coalition government in Karnataka and that the BJP's attempts to destabilize a "stable coalition" will not succeed. Addressing a press conference here, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said he has spoken to senior leaders of the party as well as Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and they have assured him that there was no threat to the ruling coalition. "The BJP's attempts won't succeed. Our government is strong and it will prevail. There is no threat to the coalition," he said. Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy had also said there was no threat to his government. Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misleading the MLAs and the public, Kharge said it was approaching MLAs saying "we (BJP) have already got your 11 MLAs, you join us and we will have 12". "There is nothing like that. The BJP is trying to mislead the MLAs through spreading rumours," he said adding that while the BJP may believe in forming a government through 'jod-tod' (defection), it won't succeed in doing so in Karnataka. He asked if the BJP was so sure of its own MLAs from Karnataka, why was it keeping them holed up in a resort in Gurugram. Congress workers on Wednesday protested outside the hotel where about 90 BJP MLAs from Karnataka have been put up amidst political developments back home where the Congress-JD(S) government was jolted by two Independent MLAs withdrawing support to it. The ruling coalition partners JD-S-Congress and the opposition BJP have been trading charges of poaching each others' legislators for the past few days. On Tuesday, R. Shankar, a legislator from Ranebennur Assembly segment in Haveri district, belonging to the regional Karnataka Pragnavantha Janata Party (KPJP), and H. Nagesh, an Independent from Mulbagal constituency in Kolar district, withdrew their support to the coalition. Responding to the political developments, JD-S supremo H.D. Deve Gowda stressed that the coalition government continued to remain "stable". In the 225-member Legislative Assembly, including one nominated Speaker, the Congress has 80 legislators, JD-S 37, and the BJP 104, while one Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA continues to support the coalition after one Independent Nagesh and the KPJP legislator Shankar withdrew their support. --IANS vv/vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Helping Hand Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has come forward to support the Government Nizamia General Hospital, which was built by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, to promote Unani medicine. The city-based NGO has volunteered to improve patient care services and facilities at the hospital built in 1938 near Charminar, the symbol of Hyderabad. The HHF has provided an ambulance, enhanced lighting, arranged new bedsheets and installed window glasses and bathroom doors. It has also deployed trained health care workers to assist patients. The 180-bed Nizamia General Hospital, popularly known as 'Charminar Dawakana', has been providing services to the economically weaker sections. With about 70% of patients admitted in Nizamia Hospital suffering from stroke-related complications in which more than half are adult bread earners and almost 90% hailing from economically weaker sections, the bedside care assistance being provided by Helping Hand Foundation is proving boon for patients. "We will continue to engage with Nizamia to enhance patient experience as we have been doing in other major public hospitals," said Mujtaba Hasan Askari, founder trustee of Helping Hand Foundation. The last Nizam's grandson Nawab Najaf Ali Khan lauded the NGO for the development works it has taken up at the hospital. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The recently discovered cold super-Earth exoplanet orbiting around the red dwarf Barnard -- the second closest star system to Earth -- has the potential to harbour primitive life, says a study. Barnard b (or GJ 699 b) is a super-Earth with a minimum of 3.2 Earth masses. It orbits its red star every 233 days near the snow-line, a distance where water freezes. Although likely cold (-170 degrees centigrade), it could still have the potential to harbour primitive life if it has a large, hot iron or nickel core and enhanced geothermal activity, said researchers from the Villanova University in the US. "Geothermal heating could support 'life zones' under its surface, akin to subsurface lakes found in Antarctica," said Edward Guinan, Astrophysicist at the varsity. "We note that the surface temperature on Jupiter's icy moon Europa is similar to Barnard b but because of tidal heating, Europa probably has liquid oceans under its icy surface," Guinan added. The results were announced at the 233rd meeting of the American Astronomy Society (AAS) in Seattle. Although very faint, it may be possible for Barnard b to be imaged by future very large telescopes, according to Guinan. "Such observations will shed light on the nature of the planet's atmosphere, surface, and potential habitability," he said. The most significant aspect of the discovery of Barnard's star b is that the two nearest star systems to the Sun are now known to host planets. "This supports previous studies based on Kepler Mission data, inferring that planets can be very common throughout the galaxy, even numbering in the tens of billions," said co-author Scott Engle from the varsity. "Also, Barnard's Star is about twice as old as the Sun -- about nine billion years old compared to 4.6 billion years for the Sun. The universe has been producing Earth-size planets far longer than we, or even the Sun itself, have existed." --IANS rt/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US space agency NASA is planning to advance its technology by adding Blockchain to secure air traffic services and support, the media reported. The agency will work with an open source Blockchain platform called "Hyperledger Fabric" that is specifically designed for enterprise transactions that resemble typical air traffic management interactions, Ronald J. Reisman, an aero-computer engineer at the NASA Ames Research Centre, said in a statement. Blockchain would address the potential issues of privacy, prevent spoofing, denial of service and other attacks, Reisman said. He asserted that Blockchain presents an engineering prototype that embodies a design and method that may be applied to mitigate security issues. "The design innovation is the use of an open source permissioned Blockchain framework to enable aircraft privacy and anonymity while providing a secure and efficient method for communication with air traffic services, operations support, or other authorised entities," he noted. The new framework also features certificate authority, smart contract support, and higher-bandwidth communication channels for private information that may be used for secure communication between any specific aircraft and any particular authorised member. The prototype demonstrates how this method can be economically and rapidly deployed in a scalable modular environment, Reisman said. --IANS rt/mag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With over 50 delegates cutting across different sectors, Morocco will participate in "Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019" as a partner country, the Moroccan Embassy said on Wednesday. The three-day summit, which kicks off on Friday, would be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Moroccan delegation would be led by Rakiya Eddarhem, Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy. He would be accompanied by Khalid Samadi, Secretary of State for Higher Education and Scientific Research, an Embassy statement said. "The diversification of the Moroccan participation to the summit is reflected in the cultural programme which will be held on the sidelines of the summit as two musical troupes from the Kingdom of Morocco will showcase and perform during the summit. "As per the exhibition and to promote Morocco in Gujarat, the Moroccan Agency for Development of Investments and Exports has put up an extensive stall of more than 100 square metres to facilitate interaction and networking during this three-day important annual gathering," it said. --IANS vv/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The high-level selection Committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will meet on January 24 to choose a new CBI Director to replace the ousted Alok Verma. Sources said the Selection Committee comprising Modi, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and leader of single largest party in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge will meet on January 24. The meeting comes after the Verma was removed from the post after a 2-1 decision by the high-level Selection Committee last Thursday on the basis of a CVC report citing corruption and other charges. On Tuesday, Kharge had written a strong letter to Modi attacking the appointment of M. Nageshwara Rao as interim Chief as illegal and sought an immediate meeting of the Selection Committee. While ousting Verma from the post on January 10, the government shifted him as as Director General Fire Service, Homeguard and Civil Services but he refused to take up the new post and quit. There has been a controversy ever since with Justice A.K.Sikri, the representative of CJI, who had sided with the government in the Jan 10 meeting, refusing to accept his nomination for a London-based Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT) after it triggered a row. --IANS ps-aks/vsc/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Microsoft on Wednesday announced that its corporate venture fund M12 will now invest in Indian startups, helping entrepreneurs innovate and grow. Rashmi Gopinath, a partner at M12, will lead M12's investment portfolio in the country. M12 also announced its first India investment in the healthcare SaaS (software-as-a-service) startup called "Innovaccer". "M12 offers unique access to strategic go-to-market resources and relationships globally. I hope we will get a great traction in the Indian market," Gopinath told reporters here. As the corporate venture arm for Microsoft, M12 (formerly Microsoft Ventures) invests in enterprise software companies in the Series A through C funding stage. According to reports, venture capital investments in Indian tech business-to-business (B2B) startups have been trending upwards with over $3.09 billion raised in equity funding across 415 deals in 2018 -- 28 per cent more than $2.41 billion in 2017. India offers unique competitive advantages by being home to top technical talent in the world in areas like computer vision, robotics, blockchain and autonomous driving, said Microsoft. "We are thrilled to broaden M12's reach to include India," said Nagraj Kashyap, Global head of M12 and Corporate Vice President, Microsoft. --IANS na/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The global organisation's own #MeToo survey has found that one in three employees responding to it have said that they have suffered sexual harassment in the last two years. Sharing the survey results in a letter to UN employees on Monday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said: "The results confirm that these have a debilitating effect on staff morale and on work performance and there are continued barriers to reporting, including fear of retaliation and perception that perpetrators for the most part enjoy impunity." Guterres, who has made empowering women and ending sexual harassment and abuse one of his priorities, commissioned the consulting firm Deloite Touche Tomhatsu to survey the employees of the UN system world wide. Deloite said that 10,032 UN employees had reported that they had suffered harassment. They were among the 30,364 of the UN system's total global workforce of 105,000 who responded to the survey. The survey made the disturbing finding that 12 per cent of the harassers were senior leaders in the UN. The most common form of sexual harassment reported -- 21.7 per cent -- was subjecting the employees to sexual stories or jokes that were offensive, according the survey. The other forms of harassment reported by the respondents included offensive remarks about their appearance, body or sexual activities (14.2 per cent), unwelcome attempts to draw them into a discussion on sexual matters (13 per cent), gestures or use of body language of a sexual nature (10.9 per cent) and touching which made them feel uncomfortable (10.1 per cent). Attempted or actual sexual assault was reported by 1.4 per cent of the respondents. Two out of the five respondents in the age group 25-34 reported being harassed. The harassers were overwhelmingly men -- 68.4 per cent -- but 15.9 per cent were women. (Under one per cent was transgender or "gender nonconforming", while the gender of the others was not identified.) More than half the harassers were colleagues and a little over 12 per cent were supervisors or managers, while about eight per cent were outsiders, including diplomats and donors. "Perhaps one of the more important findings of the survey is that exclusion and incivility are highly correlated with incidents of harassment, providing a permissive atmosphere for such behaviour," Guterres said in his letter. He appealed to the staff to conform to higher standards of behaviour. The UN has set up a hotline for employees to report harassment. In 2018, Guterres achieved a major goal of having full gender parity in his 44-member UN Senior Management Group, which makes up the top leadership of the global organisation. Separately, with a zero-tolerance policy Guterres has been fighting sexual abuse and exploitation scandals in the peace-keeping operations where the victims are people, including children, in areas of UN operations, rather than employees. In 2018, allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation -- a narrower, more serious category than harassment -- were made against 48 people in UN field missions. The peacekeepers are troops and police employed by member countries and loaned to the UN for its missions. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter @arulouis) --IANS al/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 10th Gaidar Forum hosted the expert discussion devoted to synergy between business schools, corporate universities, and training centers at the education market for creation of a perfect model of a business school in 2039 perspective. Leading experts of the educational sphere, Russian social businessmen and Western businessmen discussed influence of growing technological innovations on the model. I think we shouldnt overestimate sanctions influence on the Russian economy. Russian economic prospects are greatly dependant on Russias investment into human resources, establishment of a competitive cooperate sector, and reaching the international competitive level, Adam Tooze, Professor of History in Columbia University, noted. The day before the forum was opened, Professor said that decided to take part in the event because its necessary to improve relations between Russia and the West, considering that Russia national development goals are matching global trends. I have a global view on everything. I think its important to discuss national development goals at the moment. For obvious reasons, Russia is a country that puts the issue on the top of the agenda. Im a historian who study the 20th century. So I couldnt help but come to the anniversary Gaidar Forum. As today Russia is a very important country in the global context. According to Tooze, historians can play a double role in discussing modern politics: On the one hand, they should remind everybody that history repeating itself. Its valuable but somehow risky. On the other hand, historians should say that the current situation is unique. It is a result of global processes a demographic growth, cultural ties, development of great powers, for example, China. Russia has a weaker position in comparison with the West and America than is used to have before. However, Russia, the U.S., and Europe should discuss the way national trends and national development goals are connected with global trends. The problem should be solved everywhere in the world. Im sure the anniversary Gaidar Forum will be one of platforms for solving the problem. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to discuss the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, and the coal issue. Sangma would leave for Delhi on Thursday and his first interaction is scheduled with Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday. "The Home Minister has given us an appointment to meet him on Friday. We are expecting to meet the Prime Minister on Saturday," Sangma, who will be leading a delegation of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, told IANS on Wednesday. "We will express the concerns of the citizens of the state and the Northeastern people as a whole," he said. The Chief Minister said the delegation would discuss several issues including exempting Meghalaya from the purview of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, Coal Mines Nationalization Act, 1973, and the National Games 2022. The Meghalaya cabinet has already passed an official resolution opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. Sangma said the Coal Ministry has already exempted Meghalaya from Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and Coal Mines Nationalisation Act, but the constitutional power to exempt it lies with the Home Ministry. "Therefore, we are meeting the Prime Minister and the Home Minister seeking their intervention on the matter. We will assure them that the state will adhere to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Mines and Safety to ensure protection of the environment," he said. Coal mine accidents that have been rampant in the mountainous state for their unscientific "rat hole mining" habits caused 15 miners getting trapped in a flooded coal mine for over a month now in East Jaintia Hills district. This was despite a National Green Tribunal imposed interim ban on the state since April 2104. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said: "The state government has roped in experts and agencies from various parts of the country to help." The Supreme Court-monitored rescue operation is aimed at taking out the trapped miners "dead or alive". --IANS rrk/mag/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal has been rejected by 230 votes -- the largest margin for a sitting government in history, triggering the tabling of a no confidence motion against it. The confidence vote was expected to be held at about 7 p.m. on Wednesday, reported the BBC. On a day of extraordinary drama at Westminster, the House of Commons voted by 432 votes to 202 as Tories turned against May to reject her deal that sets out the terms of Britain's exit from the European Union (EU) on March 29. Such a crushing defeat on a key piece of government legislation would have been expected to be followed by a prime ministerial resignation. But May signalled her intention to carry on in a statement immediately after the vote. As noisy protesters from both sides of the Brexit divide massed outside in Parliament Square, May immediately rose to accept the verdict saying she would welcome a vote of no confidence in the government. "The house has spoken and the government will listen," she said. "It is clear that the house does not support this deal, but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support." Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn then tabled a vote of no confidence in the government, which could trigger a general election. Corbyn, speaking just before the vote , said May had "treated Brexit as a matter for the Conservative Party, rather than the good of the whole country". The defeat was a huge blow for May, who has spent more than two years hammering out a deal with the EU, reported the BBC. The Brexit plan was aimed at bringing about an orderly departure from the EU and setting up a 21-month transition period to negotiate a free trade deal. The UK is still on course to leave on March 29 but the defeat throws the manner of that departure -- and the timing of it -- into further doubt. The vote was originally due to take place in December, but May delayed it to try and win the support of more MPs. MPs who want either a further referendum, a softer version of the Brexit proposed by May, to stop Brexit altogether or to leave without a deal, would ramp up their efforts to get what they want, as a weakened Prime Minister has offered to listen to their arguments. She has also offered cross-party talks to determine a way forward on Brexit, if she succeeded in winning the confidence vote later in the day, the BBC report added. Former Foreign Secretary and leading Brexiteer Boris Johnson said it was a "bigger defeat than people have been expecting" -- and it meant May's deal was now "dead". But he said it gave the Prime Minister a "massive mandate to go back to Brussels" to negotiate a better deal, without the controversial Northern Ireland backstop and also indicated that he would back May in the no-confidence motion. May has no plans to head to Brussels immediately, No 10 said, implying that the Prime Minister first needed to test what would be acceptable to the MPs, the Guardian said. In Brussels, Donald Tusk, the European Council president, appeared to back a second referendum soon after the crushing result was announced, and urged her to offer a way forward. May was expected to return to Brussels within days to consult with Tusk and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Officials said the EU was now in listening mode. In a statement, Juncker urged the British government to "clarify its intentions as soon as possible", and warned that "time is almost up". Should May win on Wednesday, Corbyn would come under intense pressure to throw his weight behind a second Brexit referendum but his spokesman said Labour did not rule out tabling another no-confidence motion at a later stage. --IANS in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maoists have shot dead two men in their stronghold Jamui district in Bihar suspecting them to be police informers, police said on Wednesday. The incident created panic in Gurubad village late on Tuesday in which a woman was also injured. A group of armed insurgents attacked the village and killed Mohammad Ushman Ansari, 40, and Mohammad Ghulam Ansari, 38, Officer in-charge of Chakai police station Chandeshwar Paswan said. "First both were forcibly dragged from their house, beaten and then shot dead," Paswan added. Villagers informed the police that Maoists targeted them as they suspected them to be police informers. Security forces have been deployed in the village as the police continue a combing operation in the area. --IANS ik/in (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Human beings began living alongside dogs as early as 11,500 years ago and they may also have started getting help in hunting, a study of animal bones from northeast Jordan has showed. Dogs were domesticated by humans as early as 14,000 years ago in the Near East, but whether this was accidental or on purpose is so far not clear. The study of animal bones from the 11,500-year-old settlement "Shubayqa 6" in northeast Jordan by Denmark's University of Copenhagen not only suggests that dogs were present in this region at the start of the Neolithic period, but that humans and dogs likely hunted animals together. "The study revealed a large proportion of bones with unmistakable signs of having passed through the digestive tract of another animal; these bones are so large that they cannot have been swallowed by humans, but must have been digested by dogs," explained study's lead author Lisa Yeomans, a zooarchaeologist from the varsity. The findings, published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology, showed that the dogs were living together. "The dogs were not kept at the fringes of the settlement, but must have been closely integrated into all aspects of day-to-day life and allowed to freely roam around the settlement, feeding on discarded bones and defecating in and around the site," Yeomans explained. The team also noted a curious increase in the number of hares at the time that dogs appeared at "Shubayqa 6". Hares were hunted for their meat, but the inhabitants of "Shubayqa 6" also used the hare bones to make beads. It is likely that the appearance of dogs and the increase in hares are related, the researchers said. "The use of dogs for hunting smaller, fast prey such as hares and foxes, perhaps driving them into enclosures, could provide an explanation that is in line with the evidence we have gathered," Yeomans noted. "The shift may also be associated with a change in hunting technique from a method, such as netting, that saw an unselective portion of the hare population captured, to a selective method of hunting in which individual animals were targeted. This could have been achieved by dogs." --IANS rt/rs/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday complained that its MLAs have not been invited for the at-home hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind since he took over in 2017. "Long tradition of Delhi MLAs invited to 'at-home' reception hosted by President of India has been discontinued by President Kovindji. The last invite to Delhi MLAs was in 2017 on January 26, and then Kovind became President on July 14, 2017," Bharadwaj tweeted along with a photo of the last invitation. Bharadwaj also questioned if of the country had stooped so low that the President who came from the BJP has considered the Delhi MLAs as "step-children of mother India". "Does this suit the President on Republic Day? Since Kovindji became the President, he ended the age-old tradition," the AAP spokesperson tweeted in Hindi. Bhardwaj had made similar remarks last year for Independence Day function. On August 14 Bharadwaj had said: "I don't think Rashtrapati Bhavan can be influenced by the of Modiji. There must be some other genuine reason to break the long-standing tradition and stop inviting MLAs of Delhi." He had also said the Delhi MLAs "were always invited by all Presidents before Kovind. "After Kovindji became President, the three-decade old tradition has been stopped. Inviting CM or leader of Opposition is altogether different. Why are Delhi MLAs being humiliated," he questioned, adding he got a total of seven invites from the President between 2014 and till Kovind became President in July 2017. The BJP is in opposition in Delhi, while AAP is in power. --IANS nks/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao on Wednesday held preliminary talks with YSR Congress Party President Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy on the proposed Federal Front and they agreed to hold further talks, sources in the two parties said. Jagan, as leader of Opposition in Andhra Pradesh Assembly, welcomed the initiative and agreed to hold further talks with Telangana Chief Minister and TRS President K. Chandrashekhar Rao, when the latter visits Andhra Pradesh. He told reporters after meeting Rama Rao and other TRS leaders that they had preliminary discussions over the proposed front. Rama Rao, who is the son of Chandrashekhar Rao, along with three other leaders of the party, met Jagan at his Lotus Pond residence. After nearly two-hour meeting, KTR, as Rama Rao is popularly known, and Jagan spoke to the media persons. The TRS leader said KCR, who also spoke to Jagan over phone, would soon visit Andhra Pradesh to hold further talks with him. KTR said their meeting was part of KCR's efforts to form a front as an alternative to both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Jagan said he welcome KCR's initiative to create a national platform by bringing together like-minded regional parties to fight for the protection of the rights of the states. He believes that if the regional parties have more strength in Parliament, they could exert pressure on the Centre to undo the injustices to the states. Citing the example of Andhra Pradesh, YSRCP chief said the Centre did not keep the promise of 'special category' status, though it was announced in Parliament. Stating that 25 MPs of Andhra Pradesh may not achieve the special category status but with 17 MPs of Telangana, they could have a strong voice at the Centre. "If states have to progress, regional parties should unite. The number of their MPs should also increase," said Jagan. KTR said TRS had already made its stand clear on the issue of special category status. "The promise made by then Prime Minister in Parliament should be honoured," he said. This is the first direct talks between the leaders of the two parties since KCR floated the idea of the Federal Front in 2018. With Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President N. Chandrababu Naidu working for an anti-BJP front, KCR has decided to rope in YSRCP in his proposed front. The TRS chief has already held talks with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Janata Dal (United) leader and former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and DMK leader M.K. Stalin. After taking over as the Chief Minister for a second term following the TRS' victory in December's elections, KCR intensified his efforts to cobble together the Federal Front. --IANS ms/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The tech-savvy Karnataka government would soon draw a new plan to consolidate the state's leadership in the IT, biotech and science sectors, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday. "A future path for the state's IT, biotech and related sectors would be drawn soon for which an interaction with the industry and government stakeholders was held to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fields," a statement from Parameshwara's office said. The Deputy Chief Minister also holds the IT, BT and science and technology portfolios. "There is a need to create a talent pool and updating the syllabus at institutional level in order to keep our home talents up-to-date on the ever-changing technology and innovations globally," Parameshwara said on the occasion. The state aims to strengthen and create more opportunities of growth in IT, biotech and science and technology sectors, he added. As the country's tech hub, Bengaluru is home to 2,000-odd IT firms and 750 multinationals in the technology sector, with over 20 lakh techies working in them. With a dominant IT industry, the city alone contributes to about 40 per cent of the country's total IT exports. There is a need to invest in skill development, human potential and research and development to ensure a future-ready workforce, Parameshwara stressed in his meeting with the industry. The progress of science and technology sectors would help in making Bengaluru a leading city in innovation, he added. Debjani Ghosh, president of IT industry apex body Nasscom; biotech major Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw; software major Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan and representatives from leading tech firms including IBM, Intel, Wipro and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) were present at the interaction. --IANS bha/mag/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Underscoring that India was on the threshold of a digital age, former National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan on Wednesday said the country needed to further strengthen its defensive and offensive capabilities to deal with the new wave of cyber warfare. Pointing out that India was among the top five nations affected by the complex cyber attacks, he warned that such attacks would multiply with the technological advancement. "India is on the threshold of a digital age and the use of Aadhaar cards is becoming ubiquitous. The danger is that not only it is becoming easier to mask an identity online, but also once the malware codes come into the open market, it can be bought and repurposed by hackers anywhere in the world," Narayanan said. He was speaking at a seminar on 'Cyber-terrorism and the economy' organised by CENERS-K (Centre for Eastern and North Eastern Regional Studies, a think tank focused on turbulence, peace and security in Eastern Hemisphere) and the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "Businesses in India are among the largest victims of targeted attacks. As we enter the Internet of Things period, our problems will further multiply. We need to marshal both defensive and offensive capabilities to counter this," he said. Narayanan termed the rise of quantum computing as a demonic threat and said both the government and the industry need to upgrade the old crypto protocols to prevent anyA major security breach. He warned that with the increased usage of internet on all fronts the threats of cyber espionage will increase exponentially, surpassing the domains of business and commerce. "Growing interconnectivity has effectively demolished traditional security perimeters," he added. --IANS mgr/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi and Tata Trusts signed a pact on Wednesday, under which the trust will give a grant of Rs 50 crore to the institution over a period of five years for the School of Public Policy. The School, which was established last year on the IIT campus with two faculty members, is planning to start its first batch of Ph.D students from this academic session. "We are grateful for their (Tata Trusts') support, which will significantly bolster and accelerate our efforts to establish the School of Public Policy as the country's leading centre of research, and engagement on the role of public policy," IIT-Delhi Director Ramgopal Rao said at an event. The school is in the process of hiring its first crop of faculty members to work broadly on topics such as energy, environment, agriculture, food, water, digital information system, health innovations and sustainable habits. "We intend to work on different topics. For now, we are working on a few projects, related to higher education, biotechnology and how the farmers are using the information provided by Met department," Rao explained. "We hope to start our first batch of Masters from 2020," Ambuj Sagar, Head of the School of Public Policy, told IANS. --IANS vn/rs/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States and North Korea plan to hold high-level talks in Washington this week to discuss a second meeting between their leaders, South Korean media said on Tuesday, as the old enemies seek an interim deal to revitalise nuclear talks. Reuters reports in its article U.S., North Korea to hold talks this week seeking 'interim' deal that the meeting, led by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, is due on Thursday or Friday, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported, citing an unidentified diplomatic source familiar with the issue. They are expected to finalise the date and venue of a second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the newspaper said. The U.S. embassy in Seoul referred questions to the White House. The White House offered no immediate comment on the Chosun Ilbo report, while a State Department official said: We dont have any meetings to announce. South Koreas Yonhap news agency quoted an unidentified diplomatic source as saying Pompeo and Kim Yong Chol could meet this week. The North Korean delegation could visit the United States as soon as this week but plans have not been finalised, a CNN reporter, citing an unidentified source, said on Twitter. Trump wrote Kim Jong Un a letter, which was flown to Pyongyang and hand delivered over the weekend, the CNN reporter added, citing the source. South Koreas foreign ministry spokesman told reporters the North and the United States were in contact but it was inappropriate to comment on plans for talks. A meeting this week could mean the two sides are nearing a compromise after months of standoff over how to move forward in ending North Koreas nuclear and missile programmes. Trump and Kim pledged at their first summit, in Singapore in June, to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. But there has been little significant progress. Pompeo, who made several trips to Pyongyang last year, sought to meet his counterpart last November, but the talks were called off at the last minute. Contact was resumed after Kims New Years speech, in which he said he was willing to meet Trump at any time, South Koreas ambassador to the United States, Cho Yoon-je, told reporters last week. In Seoul, South Korea deleted a description of North Korea as an enemy in its defence white paper released on Tuesday, though it said its weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to peace and stability. The United States and South Korea have been discussing how to respond to any North Korean steps towards denuclearisation, South Korean officials told Reuters. The United States is considering easing sanctions in exchange for the Norths discarding and sending abroad its intercontinental ballistic missiles, in addition to freezing its nuclear programme, the Chosun Ilbo said, citing its source. U.S. responses could include exemptions from sanctions for inter-Korean business and opening a liaison office, Seoul officials said. Those ideas are being discussed as interim measures, not as an end state, in order to expedite the denuclearisation process, because the North wouldnt respond to any demand for a declaration of facilities and weapons, said a senior South Korean official, who declined to be identified. The end goal remains unchanged, whether it be complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, or final, fully verified denuclearisation. The official said a Trump and Kim meeting could happen by early March, though added: No one knows what Trump is thinking. Kim reiterated his resolve to meet Trump during a meeting last week with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump said this month he had received a great letter from Kim and would probably meet him again soon. At the second summit, theyll probably focus on reaching a possible interim deal, rather than a comprehensive roadmap for denuclearisation, said Cheong Seong-chang, a senior fellow at South Koreas Sejong Institute. Rajkumar Hirani is among the most decent people in the Hindi film industry, veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has said in support of the filmmaker, who has been accused of sexual misconduct by a woman. "I had come to the film industry in 1965. After so many years, if I am asked who are the most decent people you met in this industry over almost 5 decades, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is Raju Hirani. G.B Shaw has said: 'It is too dangerous to be too good'," Akhtar tweeted on Wednesday. According to a HuffPost India article on Sunday, a woman "assistant" to Hirani claimed the filmmaker sexually abused her on more than one occasion over a six-month period between March and September 2018 during the making of "Sanju". The 56-year-old filmmaker has denied the allegation. Akhtar is not the first person who has come out in support of Hirani, who has helmed films like the "Munna Bhai" franchise, "3 Idiots" and "Sanju". Sharman Joshi, Dia Mirza and Arshad Warsi have stood by him, and said it is wrong to jump to conclusions and to suddenly start looking at a person differently. --IANS dc/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the state government and Delhi Transport Corporation to respond to a plea seeking guidelines for issuing tickets in public transport, complaining women, physical disabled and senior citizens are facing problem while buying tickets due to conductors' behaviour. A bench of Chief Justice Rajendra Menon and Justice V. Kameswar Rao was hearing a plea filed by Santosh Kumar through advocate Jose Abraham. The petitioner has alleged conductors issue tickets sitting in their seat instead of moving from front to rear side of the bus and issuing tickets to passengers boarding bus from every bus stop from the starting to the terminal stop. "Such a practice causes inconvenience to the passengers. Conductors are not even bothered to address the problems of women with babies, physical disabled persons and senior citizens," the plea said. The petitioner pointed out many instances where checking inspectors impose fines on passengers for not buying the tickets without verifying the circumstances. "Such instances mostly occur when passengers coming from other states board buses, unaware of the practice," he said. --IANS akk/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesady announced 'Shaurya Award' to students in the name of 71 personnel of the state police force who laid down their lives while protecting society and maintaining law and order in the state. Under this award, a prize money of Rs 11,000 in memory of a police martyr will be given to a student for courageous deeds every year in a village block where the school is located and where a martyr studied during his childhood. The Chief Minister was addressing the family members of Haryana Police martyrs at National Police Memorial in New Delhi. He also laid a wreath and paid homage to the martyrs at the memorial. The Haryana government on Wednesday organised the first state-level function at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi to honour the families of all 71 policemen who died in various attacks and encounters since the formation of the state in 1966. The Chief Minister also announced construction of a state-level police memorial in the state. A book titled 'Martys of Haryana police' highlighting heroic deeds of the police personnel was also released by the Chief Minister. --IANS pradeep/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government on Wednesday set up an eight-member ministerial panel headed by Maharashtra Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to look into GST-related issues of lottery business. The Group of Ministers (GoM) would submit its report to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in its next meeting. The terms of reference of the ministerial panel would include examination of issues related to enforcement including the legal framework, so as to prevent evasion of tax on lottery and suggest appropriate tax rate to address the problem. It would also examine if the disparity in tax structure on the same product be continued or a uniform rate be prescribed, a Finance Ministry statement said. The GoM would also examine if private persons authorised by states are misusing the lower rate, and if so, suggest measures to curb it. Other members of the panel include T.M. Thomas Isaac, Amit Mitra, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Manpreet Singh Badal and Krishna Byre Gowda, the Finance Ministers of Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Punjab and Karnataka, respectively. The other two members are Goa Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho and Arunachal Pradesh Taxes and Excise Minister Jarkar Gamlin. "The GoM on issues relating to lottery shall be assisted by a committee of officers from the Centre and states as convened by the GoM," the statement said. In its January 10 meeting, the GST Council had decided to set up a ministerial panel on issues relating to lottery. It had also decided to form another GoM on real estate, which was constituted on Tuesday. --IANS vv/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) World number three Roger Federer on Wednesday said that Germany's Alexander Zverev, the winner of the ATP Finals in London, could win one of the four Grand Slam titles of this season. "I think also with Sascha holding the World Tour Finals, I think it's fair to say that even though he has not ripped through those slams yet, he will go deep this year definitely at one of them," the Swiss, who is set to play the United States' Taylor Fritz in the next round, said. The former number one also added that along with him, Spain's Rafael Nadal and Serbia's Novak Djokovic are favourites to win the tournament because of their experience, reports Efe news. "I think we know how to win slams, Novak, Rafa, myself. I mean, Rafa has to be the No. 1 favourite; I don't care how he feels, before the French. Novak is always a favourite on the hard courts, basically any court of his feeling, 100 percent, if he plays like last year," he said. "Maybe just because of the amount of titles I have at Wimbledon and other places, maybe also have to put me in the mix every time, as well," he added. Federer had defeated Daniel Evans 7-6(5), 7-6(3), 6-3 in the second round earlier in the day. --IANS kk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The European Union (EU) asked Britain to clarify its intentions on Brexit shortly after the deal negotiated between British Prime Minister Theresa May and the EU was rejected by a large margin at the Parliament. Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, said in a statement that he has taken note of the outcome, and that the rejected Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. "It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union," Juncker said, reports Xinhua. "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the UK has increased with this evening's vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared," he said, urging the UK "to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up." Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, tweeted: "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" The UK parliament on Tuesday rejected the Brexit deal in a 432-202 vote, further complicating the country's historic exit from the European Union. Politicians and scholars from the EU and member states voiced concerns for a no-deal Brexit and urged for preparations for such a scenario. "If no one really wants a no deal Brexit, then Brexit simply has to be delayed. Pressure for a new referendum will in all probability increase. And that takes time. But then EU should give the time," Carl Bildt, co-chair of the think-tank European Council on Foreign Relations, tweeted. "I deeply regret the outcome of the vote as I regret Brexit as such. Now we need a fast and clear plan on how to proceed. Because that's what we need to do: finding solutions, not problems. Our internal preparations to limit the damage in case of a No-Deal shall go ahead in full steam," said Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, in a tweet. "No deal. No delay. Belgian federal government is preparing for all options. Belgian Customs will accelerate its efforts to assist our Belgian companies," Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander De Croo tweeted. "Brexit vote is bad news. Our first thoughts are with 3.6m EU citizens living in UK and Britons living elsewhere in EU. They need assurances with regards to their future. We will always stand by their side," Antonio Tajani, president of the European Parliament, tweeted. "The UK Parliament has said what it doesn't want. Now is the time to find out what UK parliamentarians want. In the meantime, the rights of citizens must be safeguarded," Guy Verhofstadt, a Belgian politician and key member of the European Parliament, tweeted. --IANS vc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto accepted a $100 million bribe from drug cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, a witness has testified. Alex Cifuentes, who says he was a close associate of Guzman for years, told a New York City court that he had told authorities of the bribe in 2016, the BBC reported. Guzman, 61, has been on trial in Brooklyn since November after he was extradited from Mexico to face charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin and other drugs as leader of the Sinaloa drug cartel, which the US calls the world's largest. According to reporters in the Brooklyn courthouse, Nieto, who served as the president of Mexico from 2012 to 2018, had requested $250 million before settling for $100 million. Cifuentes, a Colombian drug lord who has described himself as El Chapo's "right-hand man", claimed the delivery was made to Mexico City in October 2012 by a friend of El Chapo. Cifuentes, worked as his secretary and spent two years hiding from authorities with him in the Mexican mountains, according to prosecutors. He was arrested in Mexico in 2013 and was later extradited to the US where he pleaded guilty to drug trafficking in a deal with prosecutors. Pena Nieto has not responded to the latest claim, but has previously rejected allegations of corruption that had surfaced during the trial since it began in November. --IANS in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Despite a Supreme Court ban on animal fights and race across the country, people of Morigaon district organized the traditional buffalo fight at Bidyabori and Ahatguri area of the district on Wednesday. The Supreme Court had in 2014 banned organizing any kind of animal fight or races and instructed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and state governments to stop inflicting pain and suffering on animals. Thousands of people have, however, organized the buffalo fights at Ahatguri and Boidyabori areas of Morigaon district as part of Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu celebrations. While the Bihu celebrations committees refrained from organizing the fights due to the court ban, some of the buffalo owners or keepers organized the fights unofficially and informally. The buffalo fight has been a tradition of the Ahatguri and Boidyabori area of Morigaon district and the locals say that buffalo fights have been a tradition organized as part of the Bhogali Bihu celebration for a long time. "A total of 40 pairs of buffalos were made to fight here today. We know that there is a ban, but what to do? It's a tradition and buffalo fights are natural during this period. If we do not make them fight, they will attack its keeper or other people," said one of the buffalo keepers. The locals believe that the buffalos gain lots of energy during this period. They believe the buffalo fights are actually the traditional mechanisms adopted by the people to exhaust the buffalos so that the animal does not attack the keepers or people in general. "The committee does not allow us to hold the fight. However, we organize the fight ourselves. The number of buffalos participating in the fight have decreased since 2016. However, some buffalo keepers bring their buffalos and organize the duals on their own," said a local resident refusing to be named. The buffalo fight, popularly known as Moh juj in Assam, are part of tradition in different areas of Assam. The fights are organized on the first day of Assamese calendar month of Magh. --IANS ah/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress workers on Wednesday protested outside the hotel where about 90 BJP MLAs from Karnataka have been put up amidst political developments back home where the Congress-JD(S) government was jolted by two Independent MLAs withdrawing support to it. Workers of the local Congress unit led by Pradeep shouted slogans asking the MLAs to go back home and said they would not leave the place until they go back. More than 90 MLAs are said to be housed in the hotel. The luxury hotel lodged a complaint with the police against the protest saying it was causing inconvenience to its guests. The protesters finally called off their agitation after the police persuaded them to do so. The BJP MLAs are holed up in the resort hotel amidst allegations by the Congress that the BJP was involved in attempts to destabilise the Kumaraswamy government, which the saffron party has strongly denied. Two Independent MLAs R Shankar and H Nagesh have withdrawn support to the Kumaraswamy government but the Chief Minister claimed that his government was safe as it still has a majority. Congress leaders have also made similar claims. Former chief minister and Karnataka BJP strongman B.S. Yeddyurappa had been having meetings with the MLAs. He has also rejected allegations that his party was attempting to destabilise the government. --IANS vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Germany has reacted with disdain after America's "unusual" ambassador to Berlin threatened sanctions against its new Russia gas pipeline. Germany would "discuss the issues openly, professionally, and directly," with the US, German foreign minister Heiko Maas' spokeswoman also said. EU Observer reports in its article Germany scorns 'unusual' US threat on Russia pipeline that Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the head of Merkel's CDU party was more critical of the US threat. "The American ambassador operates in a, shall I say, somewhat unusual diplomatic manner. He's shown that not only through this letter [on Nord Stream 2 sanctions] but also from when he took office," she told German reporters. Her reference to the "unusual" diplomacy of Richard Grenell, the US envoy, came after he summarily instructed German firms to stop doing business in Iran via a tweet shortly after taking up his post in 2017. He has also attacked Merkel's immigration policy on right-wing US media, such as Fox News and Breitbart, and pledged support for far-right parties in Europe. "I absolutely want to empower other conservatives throughout Europe," Grenell told Breitbart last June. The ambassador's latest move was to send a letter to the two German firms, Uniper and Wintershall, involved in the financing of Russia's Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Germany. The letter, made public on Sunday by German tabloid Bild, said they should "consider the danger this project represents to European energy security, as well as the reputational costs and sanctions risks associated with it". The main danger, he noted, was that Nord Stream 2 would help Russia cut EU gas transit via Ukraine. That would mean "the removal of a key strategic deterrent against Russian aggressive behaviour in Ukraine ... actively undermining Ukraine and Europe's security". It would also help Russia to cut supplies to the Baltic countries, Poland, and other former Soviet vassals for the sake of political blackmail, he added. The Russian-German project "hinders" EU energy diversification and countries such as Poland rightly feared "Moscow's use of energy resources for political and economic leverage," Grenell said. His warnings were nothing new after US president Donald Trump signed into life a Nord Stream 2 sanctions bill back in 2017. Trump also railed against the project at a Nato summit in Brussels last year, when he called Germany "a captive of Russia". Germany, back in 2017, reacted with outrage. For its part, the European Commission shares US and Polish concerns on Russian energy dependency. But it has also backed Germany in saying the US should have no say on member states' energy policy and warned that the EU could impose sanctions on US firms in return. Meanwhile, the only senior German politician who went on the attack on Monday was Juergen Hardt, the CDU's foreign policy spokesman. "That the US ambassador is now turning to German companies with direct threats is a new and unacceptable one-sided tightening of the tone in the transatlantic relationship," he said. "If the US president thinks he has to publicly show he is getting tough on Russia in view of the many question marks regarding his relationship with Moscow, he should not thereby impair the relationship with his most important ally," Hardt added. But a spokesman for the US embassy in Berlin, Joseph Giordono-Schultz, doubled down on Grenell's threat. "Companies are free to work on [Nord Stream 2], and we are free to make clear that working on it could disqualify them from also working on US projects," the US spokesman said. The US has also threatened sanctions against an Italian firm and a Swiss one doing work on the pipeline - Saipem and Allseas. But construction of the project, which will see 70 percent of Russian gas exports to the EU concentrated in Germany from next year onward, is well under way despite US hostility. Russian construction of a new gas pipeline to Turkey, Turk Stream 2, is also well under way, in what will end up being a second route to bypass Ukraine, if Bulgaria opts to transit the Russian gas to Austria or Italy, as expected. Punjab Congress legislator Kulbir Singh Zira was on Wednesday suspended from the party's membership on charges of indiscipline, Punjab Congress President and Member of Parliament Sunil Kumar Jakhar said. Zira, who is the sitting Congress legislator from the Zira Assembly seat in Ferozepur district, had recently left the stage at an official event where panchayat members were being sworn-in in the presence of the state Congress chief. He was served a notice by the party for his action. The suspended MLA had recently raised the issue of drugs in Punjab and levelled serious allegations against senior police officers, accusing them of corruption and patronising the drug trade. "The party has suspended him for indiscipline. We got his reply for the notice served on him which was not found satisfactory. He should have raised the matter at the party level first," Jakhar said. Reacting to the decision, Zira said he welcomes the decision and added that he will continue to raise his voice against drugs. The Congress government in Punjab under Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had claimed that it has largely wiped out the drugs menace in the state after coming to power in Punjab in March 2017. --IANS js/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved capital infusion of Rs 6,000 crore in Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) through recapitalisation bonds to boost the bank's capacity in export financing. "The EXIM Bank will be infused with Rs 4,500 crore before March and Rs 1,500 crore in the next fiscal," Union Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Goyal said the Cabinet has further approved raising the authorised share capital of the bank from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore. "The capital infusion will improve the bank's capacity to support the exporters and importers. This will boost export financing," he said.The minister said India's textile industry has huge export potential and that the government with this step will enable EXIM Bank to better support the textile exporters with adequate lines of credit. Goyal also said the strengthening of EXIM Bank will help in achieving the strategic interests of the country. --IANS mgu/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor James McAvoy has praised his "Glass" co-star Bruce Willis, saying he is the "most chilled dude". For "Glass", M. Night Shyamalan has converged the world of "Split" (a story about a man, essayed by McAvoy, with over 20 different personalities who kidnaps three teenage girls) and "Unbreakable" (about David Dunn, essayed by Willis, who gets superhero abilities after surviving a train crash). "Bruce is the most chilled dude. He is so relaxed, but he is bringing such a heaviness to the part," McAvoy said in a statement to IANS. "That's beautiful, and something I haven't seen a lot in superhero movies: the weight, the toll that the work takes on them. And it's expressed so brilliantly by Bruce. His natural laidback-ness translates into something really sad in the character. David Dunn is this lonely man. "All he really has in his life is his vigilante purpose and his son, and that's kind of it. There's such a purity and sadness in what Bruce is doing with that," he added. The awaited sequel to "Unbreakable" and "Split" also stars Samuel L. Jackson and Sarah Paulson. Brought to India by Disney India, the film will open on Friday. --IANS sug/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday asked the BJP to apologise to the people of Delhi for filing fake cases against the elected members of the city which hindered the work done for development. "The BJP has hindered the work done for the people of Delhi by filing fake cases against the elected MLAs and ministers. One by one, all cases fell. The BJP should apologise to the people of Delhi," the Aam Aadmi Party chief said in a tweet. His remark came after AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan on Wednesday was discharged by the Delhi High Court in a case. A case was registered against Khan, who represents Okhla assembly, on July 19, 2016 for attempted culpable homicide, threatening, criminal intimidation, insulting the modesty of a woman at the Jamia Nagar police station in south Delhi. --IANS nks/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bharatiya Janata Party's bid to topple Karnataka's coalition government by poaching Congress legislators has failed, Congress leader G. Parameshwara said on Wednesday. "All the Congress legislators are with us and everything is all right in the party. Some legislators may be away, but they will be back in Bengaluru soon," the Deputy Chief Minister told the media here. The BJP's alleged 'Operation Lotus' to poach the Congress legislators has come to an end, he asserted. "The drama of 'Operation Kamala' (lotus) has ended. No attempt to destabilise the coalition government will be effective as we have the support of all our legislators," the Congress leader stressed. A Congress Legislature Party meet chaired by Siddaramaiah will be held on January 18 in the city, he added. The meeting will discuss the state Budget that will be presented in February, Parameshwara said. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also maintained that the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S)-Congress coalition government was functioning well. "Our coalition government is running smoothly. I am relaxed. We are in touch with all our legislators and have their support," Kumaraswamy told the media earlier. The southern state's ruling coalition partners JD-S-Congress and the opposition BJP have been trading charges of poaching each others' legislators for the past few days. --IANS bha/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has got over 93 per cent of donations of above Rs 20,000 received by national political parties, during 2017-18, pocketing Rs 437.04 crore of the total Rs 469.89 crore donated by corporates and individuals. According to a report by election watchdog, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a total of 4,201 donations of above Rs 20,000, amounting to Rs 469.89 crore were declared by the seven national parties for the year. Of the total donations, BJP got the lion's share with 2,977 donations followed by the Congress which has declared receiving Rs 26.658 crore. The total donations received by the BJP is more than 12 times the aggregate declared by the rest of the national parties-- Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). The total donations of the national parties, during the year dipped by Rs 119.49 crore from the previous year. The BJP's donations have decreased by 18 per cent from Rs 532.27 crore it received in 2016-17 while the Congress' donations decreased from Rs 41.90 crore in 2016-17 to Rs 26.658 crore during 2017-18. The Mayawati-led BSP declared that it did not receive any donations above Rs 20,000 during the year. It is mandatory for political parties to provide details of all donations of more than Rs 20,000 to the Election Commission annually. Of the total donations, 1,361 amounting to Rs 422.04 crore were made by corporate/business sectors while 2772 individual donors donated Rs 47.12 crore in the year. The CPI-M garnered Rs 2.75 crore from 196 donations, while the NCP collected Rs 2.08 crore through 42 donations. The CPI got Rs 1.14 crore from 176 donations while Trinamool Congress got Rs 20 lakh from 33 donations. --IANS and/prs (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 Wednesday said the state would develop the proposed deep sea port on its own at Tajpur of East Midnapore district. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) with a Centre's share of 74 per cent and 26 per cent of the state was formed to develop the Tajpur port along with a port at South 24 Parganas' Sagar. "We (state) will develop Tajpur port on our own. We have been waiting for it for the last three years," she said at the state secretariat Nabanna. Recently, Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) chairman Vinit Kumar had said the Tajpur port would be developed in the first phase, while the proposed Bhor Sagar port would be taken up in the second phase. State Industries and Commerce Minister Amit Mitra on Wednesday said work on the proposed riverine port at Kulpi in South 24 Parganas district and deep sea port at Tajpur have been progressing. Meanwhile, the standing committee on industry, infrastructure and employment of the state cabinet during the day approved eight investment proposals of Rs 750 crore, including Britannia Industries' Rs 300 crore proposal, said state Education and Parliamentary Minister Partha Chatterjee. "Allotment of 75.35 acres of land and 5068.18 sq ft of modules have been approved. Overall Rs 750 crore of investment proposals from eight applicants have been approved, of which, Britannia Industries will be investing Rs 300 crore in the state," he told reporters. --IANS bdc/ssp/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited (GCMMF), which owns Amul brand, has sent a legal notice to Google India on fraudulent practices it claims to have found being carried out by individuals and organisations using the latter's platform. The notice was issued to Google India Pvt Ltd on January 10 regarding individuals/organizations using Google platform for fraudulent practices, according to official statement on Wednesday. Google India operates as a non-exclusive re-seller of Google LLC's AdWords program in India. GCMMF Managing Director R.S. Sodhi said, "They (Google) have benefited from Google Search advertising campaigns, which are being misused to scam innocent individuals in the name of Amul in India." The statement said a series of fake business-to-business (B2B) campaigns regarding Amul Parlors, Distributors was being circulated through fake websites using Google Search ads since September 2018. These made fake promises of business opportunity with Amul. "Many Indians across the geography of India and age group have been robbed of their hard earned money," Sodhi asserted. Amul stated that it had raised this issue with Google India and had sought their help to stop miscreants from using their platform through paid advertisements. "It has been observed, Google Ads platform is allowing such miscreants to use its paid promotion services repeatedly without any background checks and in the process earning revenues from the click based advertising on their page," the Amul statement said. It added that, "This has led Amul to issue a legal notice to Google India and goDaddy.com for holding them accountable for misuse of their platform and earning revenues through advertisements (subscription in the case ofAgodaddy.com) on their platform on account of innocent individuals across India". Amul ran a promoted ad on Google Search to educate customers against such fake campaigns and had created a dedicated page about it. --IANS desai/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP President Amit Shah will hold five public rallies in three days in West Bengal starting on January 20, a day after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's mega-opposition rally in Kolkata, party's state President Dilip Ghosh said here on Wednesday. Ghosh said the party also has plans to organise a mega public rally by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, sometime in February. "Party President Amit Shah will hold five rallies in Bengal this month. Shah's first public rally will be held in Malda district on January 20. He will hold two rallies in Jhargram and Birbhum district's Suri on January 21 and two more rallies in South 24 Pargana district's Jaynagar and Nadia district's Krishnanagar the next day," Ghosh told reporters at the state BJP headquarters here. "We have plans to bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kolkata in February to address a mega rally. We have submitted the suggestive dates for the rally in city's Brigade Parade Ground. The final date will be announced after it is confirmed by the PMO," he said. Ghosh's announcement came a day after the Supreme Court barred the saffron outfit from holding its proposed Rath-Yatra in Bengal until it can fully address the state government's apprehensions on law and order during the event. The BJP leader also revealed that Prime Minister Modi may hold a couple of rallies in the state prior to his proposed mega-rally in Kolkata if possible. "There will be bike rallies by the party's Yuba Morcha (youth wing), door-to-door campaigns by the Mahila Morcha (women wing) and bicycle rallies by the SC, ST and OBC Morcha in all the districts to make people aware of these programmes," Ghosh said. When asked about Trinamool Supremo Mamata Banerjee's rally on January 19, expected to bring a number of senior opposition leaders on one stage, Ghosh ridiculed the event stating many of the leaders who were previously expected to attend the event have already opted out. "As far as I know, many people who were supposed to attend the meeting have waved goodbye (to Banerjee). We are not giving it much importance. It is possible that the aunt and nephew (Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee) would be left on the dais," he said. --IANS mgr/prs (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US State Department has confirmed that one American was killed in a deadly attack in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Tuesday. "We can confirm that a US citizen was killed in the attack," Xinhua quoted a State Department official as saying. However, he did not provide any further comment. Al-Shabab terrorists struck an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon killing at least six people and injuring several others. The attackers were armed with rifles and grenades. Huge explosions followed by gun shots rent the air as they stormed the complex. --IANS in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Views & Analysis Vajpayees BJP, Modis BJP In contrast PM Modi has little use for principled politics and does not hesitate from horse-trading to govern If we look at what BJP was under the long leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was Indias Prime Minister three times and we look at what BJP has become under the leadership of Narendra Modi who will be completing his first term as Prime Minister, we find a contrast. Vajpayee was a life-long, humble Hindu nationalist, a learned Hindi poet and a political leader. He first became PM after the May 1996 election for a period of 13 days, but not being able to muster majority in parliament he chose to resign rather than use horse-trading to reach that goal. Then after the May 1998 election he became PM of a coalition headed by BJP for a period of 13 months. In early 1999 the coalition lost its majority due to the defection of a constituent. Again, instead of horse-trading to retain majority, Vajpayee resigned. Another election was called and Vajpayees BJP coalition returned with a stable majority that lasted a full term of five years. PM Vajpayee governed India and made chief ministers in states where BJP was in power, govern in a principled manner, what he called Raj Dharma the governing philosophy from ancient days when Hindu kings ruled in India. For his cabinet of the central government Vajpayee choose capable people of integrity e.g. Murli Manohar Joshi, Jaswant Singh, Yashwant Sinha, Arun Shori etal. When in 2002 large scale killings of Muslims occurred in Gujarat, then ruled by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Vajpayee publicly admonished Mr Modi and asked him to follow Raj Dharma. Vajpayee also wanted to remove Modi as CM but the BJP high command did not agree. In contrast PM Modi has little use for principled politics and does not hesitate from horse-trading to govern. His machinations to form BJP governments in states in recent years where BJP did not get majority in election speak for themselves. Also, Mr Modi has little use for humility and asks for adulation from others. Mr Modi is a spell binding orator who has changed the color of Hindu nationalism and BJP from humility to aggressiveness. Both in Gujarat as CM and at the Center as PM, Mr Modi has often made grandiose promises of good times (ache din) without putting a system in place or putting competent leaders in place to implement those promises. Unlike Vajpayees competent ministers very few of Modis ministers are in that category and then he micro-manages them like a know-all. After five years very few of his promises to the people have been implemented. However, to cover his tracks he has blindfolded the media, especially TV media to such an extent that major national problems like the extreme grief of starving farmers, huge unemployment of the youth and rampant corruption are routinely described by the media as conspiracies of the opposition in collusion with Indias enemies. Vajpayee proudly glorified Hinduism and Hindu culture but did not allow BJP activists to make the religious minorities feel like they were second class citizens. Mr Modi has made hardly any real effort to control the militant folks from BJP and its allied groups from brutalizing the minorities, or has asked chief ministers of BJP ruled states to use law & order forces to control violence against minorities. [The writer is a community activist in Washington DC.] For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Second lady Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence, is heading back to the classroom. Pence will be teaching art twice a week at Immanuel Christian Schoo l, in Springfield, Va., a private, faith-based school where shes previously worked. Shell be on the job through May. I am excited to be back in the classroom and doing what I love to do, which is to teach art to elementary students, Pence said in a statement. I have missed teaching art, and its great to return to the school where I taught art for twelve years. The school asks prospective employees to sign an application affirming that they will not teach contrary to certain religious tenants embraced by the school, including that marriage is between a man and a woman. And the school requires job applicants to certify that they will live a moral life, including by avoiding homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and females. The school also notifies parents that students may be kicked out for failing to live up to these standards. Pences move to teach at the school has generated some controversy. More from the Huffington Post . Pence isnt the first spouse of a vice president to work in the classroom. Jill Biden, the wife of former vice president Joe Biden, taught English full-time at a community college in Virginia while her husband was in office. Karen Pence smiles as she gives a tour of the holiday decorations at the Vice Presidents residence, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Inducted as Delhi Congress President ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections, Sheila Dikshit says her target is to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital. The 80-year-old leader, who assumed office as the Delhi Congress chief on Wednesday, said she will mobilise all workers and leaders for the party's victory. She said her target is "to get Congress active and get all Congressmen together." Asked about her target for the Lok Sabha elections, she said: "I hope to win all the seven. We will target all the seven and then see". Asked when the party will declare its candidates as the AAP has sounded its potential candidates and the BJP already has sitting MPs in all the seven seats, she hoped that the candidates will be decided soon. "Let's see when the high command announces." Dikshit said she is not in favour of an alliance with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the capital and prefers that the party go it alone. However, at the same time she also does not rule out a tie up with the AAP. "No, I am not in favour of it (alliance with AAP)," she told IANS. "The Aam Aadmi Party is not a very polished party. For instance why did they do all that ...Rajiv Gandhi having got the award (Bharat Ratna). What have they got to do with it. They never gave the award 22 years ago. Why did they pick it up? They just pick up things. I don't think they think before what they are doing," the three-time chief minister of Delhi said when she was asked about the reasons for not going for an alliance with the AAP. "Anyway, for me, I mean they are the ruling party of Delhi so that relevance is there but otherwise they are an irrelevant party." Asked if the AAP was in touch with the party's central leadership, she said: "No, not with us in anyway. I don't think so." Pressed further on the issue, Dikshit said she had no idea. "Nobody has spoken about it." Asked if she had conveyed her viewpoint to the central leadership, Dikshit said she had given her views in the media. "I have conveyed to all of you so everybody knows my viewpoint. It has been there for a long time." Asked if she was ruling out an alliance with the AAP, she said: At the moment there is no alliance with AAP, and let's see what happens in future." To a follow up question on when the uncertainty will end, she smiled and refused to comment. She rejected apprehensions that the Congress and the AAP fighting separately will give an advantage to the BJP in Delhi. "Why, why, why...No. We are strong enough ourselves, please remember. We are older than the BJP and much older than the AAP. No thank you...No, there is no need (to align)." To a query whether she had given her feedback to the party, Dikshit said, "Not yet," and added that she will be doing so as soon as she was asked by the leadership. Asked if potential candidates have been sounded out, she said "everybody is working, everybody has got their mind on it and we have to meet and bring (it) to each other's attention." Asked about her being made PCC chief only three months before the polls and if it should have been done earlier, Dikshit said: "What has happened has happened. You make the best of what has happened." She said the party not having declared its candidates so far does not matter. "The God made the whole world in seven days and surely we can do this (declare candidates)." However, she refused to spell out her party's strategy. "I won't tell you just now. I will bring the strategy which is implementable. So let me just study it." She said the workers were motivated and the ground work was visible for the last-three four days. Asked who was the main challenger between the AAP and the BJP in Delhi, she said they both were a challenge. "I think at the national level, if you are looking at their presence, then the BJP is." Asked if Rahul Gandhi was relying on the old guard having appointed Kamal Nath chief minister in Madhya Pradesh, Ashok Gehlot in Rajasthan and Bhupesh Baghel in Chhattisgarh, Dikshit did not give a direct answer. "I wouldn't say. This is a question you need to ask Rahulji. I don't make assessments on appointments, they have been made, they have been made." Dikshit admitted that there was some factionalism in the Delhi unit and said it will be addressed. "There is... wherever there are 20...there are hundreds of people in the Congress, there is bound to be a faction. It is not something that cannot be overcome for a particular cause," she said. "The challenge is to face the forthcoming elections to the Lok Sabha and the challenge that is consistent with that is to keep the party together. All of us not to show our differences of opinion if we have any. Carry on what the leaders (say) so that we are seen as a joint organisation working for the good of the Congress," she said. Dikshit said she will campaign for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh if asked to, "but I will focus more on Delhi as there is a lot of work here." Asked about the dim possibility of a grand alliance shaping up in Delhi, she said: "You all bring a time limit saying do it now or tomorrow. In there is no time limit. It depends on the opportunities and atmosphere that is there and then we take decisions." She said that both national and local issues will be highlighted in Delhi during the campaign. Dikshit said the party will highlight the development work done during her 15 years as chief minister. "Obviously, those works were done by Congress and we will surely highlight those works." On the recurrent confrontation between the AAP government in Delhi with the BJP-led central government, Dikshit said she had worked smoothly as Chief Minister with the Vajpayee government. "It is for them to understand whether confrontation brings out work," she said. (Anand Singh can be contacted at anand.s@ians.in and Prashant Sood at prashant.s@ians.in) --IANS ps-aks/vsc/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 30 civilians were either killed or wounded by a blast that rocked Kurdish-controlled Syrian city of Manbij during a US patrol on Wednesday, the media reported. The blast took place while the US patrol was passing the centre of the city located in the northeast of Aleppo province, Xinhua news agency reported. No further details were given on the fate of the US patrol. Manbij is controlled by the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council and US forces usually patrol the city after growing tension between the Turkey-backed rebels around Manbij and the Kurdish-led militia inside the city. The Syrian Army recently deployed units in the countryside of Manbij amid ongoing talks for entering the city and assuming control to strip Turkey of the pretext to attack the city. Additionally, a political leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) rejected the idea of imposing a security zone in northern Syria by Turkey, the Saudi-funded Al Arabiya TV reported. The SDC is the political wing of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces militia, which is backed by the US and controls areas in northeastern Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said earlier that he agreed with US President Donald Trump to impose the 32-km security zone along the Syrian border. The Kurdish groups have found themselves trapped in the middle since late December when Trump said he decided to withdraw American troops from Syria. Following that development, the Kurdish militia started leaning towards the Syrian government to reach a settlement of the situation in the Kurdish-controlled areas and to avert the planned Turkish campaign targeting them. However, no concrete results surfaced except for the fact that the Syrian Army recently deployed its troops in the countryside of Manbij city and was now on the frontline between the Turkey-backed rebels and the Kurdish-led militia. The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday lashed out at Erdogan over his remarks about the security zone in northern Syria. It said that the Turkish leader's remarks and actions indicated that his country "only deals with the language of occupation and aggression", adding that his actions "run against the simplest principles and charter of the UN". --IANS soni/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Power Company was honoured with two awards at the recently held Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) Awards 2019 in Delhi. While the Company won the 'Company Category Award' for Best Performing Utility having integrated operation in Generation, Transmission & Distribution, Ashok Sethi, COO & Executive Director was felicitated with the 'Individual Category Award' for Excellent Contribution in Power Sector Development by R. K. Singh, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Power, New and Renewable Energy. The awards recognized Tata Power's outstanding contribution to the nation's economy, demonstrated through excellent leadership in all facets of the power sector including Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Trading and Skill Development. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PM visits Kerala, dedicates Kollam Bypass on NH-66 to the nation The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi visited Kollam in Kerala on 15 January 2019. He dedicated the 13 km, 2-lane Kollam bypass on NH-66 to the nation. Addressing a gathering at the Asramam ground in Kollam, Prime Minister Modi said that infrastructure development has been the priority of his Government and the Kollam bypass is an example. He underlined the fact that the project got final sanction in January 2015 and now it has seen the light of the day. The Prime Minister told that his Government believes in sabkasaath, sabkavikas for ease of living to the common man and appreciated the contribution and co-operation of Kerala government in completion of the project. Kollam Bypass will reduce ravel time between Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram and decongest the traffic in Kollam town. Talking about the projects in Kerala, the PM said that about 500 km of national highway has been added in Keralasince May 2014. He added that under Bharatmala, a detailed project report for the Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor is under preparation. . The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to ensure timely completion of all the projects. He said that through PRAGATI,more than 250 projects worth Rs.12 lakh crores have been reviewed at his end. Highlighting the progress in road connectivity, the PM Modi said that compared to the previous Government, the pace of construction in national highways, rural roads has almost doubled. More than 90% of rural habitations have been connected today compared to only 56% in the previous government. He expressed hope that the government will reach the target of 100% rural road connectivity soon. Regional air connectivity and expansion of railway lines have shown marked improvement resulting in creation of job opportunities.The Prime Minister said, When we construct roads and bridges, we do not only connect towns and villages. We also connect aspirations with achievements, optimism with opportunities and hope with happiness. About Ayushman Bharat, he said that 8 lakh patients have been benefitted under this scheme while the government has sanctioned more than 1100 crore rupees till date for the scheme. He urged the Government of Kerala to expedite the implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme, so that the people of Kerala can be benefitted. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that tourism is the hallmark of Kerala's economic development and a principal contributor to the State's economy. He added that recognizing the tourism potential of Kerala, the government has sanctioned 7 projects in the State under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD schemes with funds worth Rs 550 crore. Speaking on the importance of Tourism Sector, PM highlighted the remarkable growth in this sector. India posted a growth of 14% over 2016 in the tourism sector while the world grew at an average of 7%. He added that India now stands at 3rd place in Power Ranking in the 2018 report of the World Travel & Tourism Council. Foreign tourist arrivals in India increased by 42% from around 70 lakh in 2013 to about 1 crore in 2017. While the Foreign exchange earned by India due to tourism witnessed a jump of 50%, up from US$ 18 billionin 2013 to $ 27 billion in 2017. He described the introduction of the e-Visa as a game changer for Indian Tourism which is now available to nationals of 166 countries. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Headline shares of the Hong Kong financial market closed higher on Wednesday, 16 January 2019, as investors continued hunting for risk assets after China's government moved to inject more life into its economy by cutting taxes and increasing spending. Market gains were, however, capped in the wake of news of a crushing Brexit defeat in parliament for UK Prime Minister Theresa May. At closing bell, the Hang Seng Index added 71.81 points or 0.27% to 26,902.10. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index rose 52.90 points or 0.5% to 10,555.52. Turnover decreased slightly to HK$87.5 billion from HK$89 billion on Tuesday. Investors risk sentiments were encouraged amid fresh round of stimulus promise including tax cuts from China's top economic planning body and the finance ministry on Tuesday. China's leaders plan to reduce taxes, increase government spending, and provide financing to private and small enterprises in a bid to strengthen the world's second-largest economy. China is enduring its worst slowdown since the global financial crisis, partly because of a punishing tariff dispute with the U. S. The Chinese government will implement larger tax and fee cuts, especially for small businesses and the manufacturing sector, according to a press conference on Tuesday, 15 January 2019. The press conference was held in Beijing with Zhu Hexin, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, Xu Hongcai, assistant minister at the Ministry of Finance, and Lian Weiliang, vice chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The officials were outlining plans for 2019 that were set at an annual policy meeting in December. China will avoid a flood of liquidity, and will maintain a stable macro-leverage ratio, the central bank's Zhu said. The central bank will also work more to improve policy transmission and guide funding costs lower, he said. Being prudent doesn't mean the central bank can't tweak monetary policies, Zhu said, adding that China's policy will offer enough support to the economy. Zhu also said the People's Bank of China was confident it can keep the value of the yuan steady. China's new yuan loans in 2018 was increased 2.64 trillion yuan (US$382 billion) from the previous year to 16.17 trillion yuan, according to a statement by the central bank before the press conference, signaling that December lending exceeded most economist estimates. China's loans to small and medium-sized enterprises rose 17.1% in the January-November period over a year ago, according to the central bank statement. China will take measures to stabilize auto consumption, according to a statement by the NDRC at the press conference. Stabilizing employment is the government's top priority, Lian Weiliang, vice chairman of NDRC said at a press conference. China will speed up investment projects and local government bond issuances, but will not resort to flood-like stimulus, Lian said. In the July-September period, China's economic growth sank to a post-crisis low of 6.5% compared with a year earlier. China has lowered the level of reserves that commercial banks need to set aside for the fifth time in a year and has also cut taxes and fees, and stepped up infrastructure investment to shore up the economy. Shares of pharmaceutical players inclined after Citi published a research report stated pharmaceutical counters were severely undervalued. Sino Biopharmaceutical (01177) soared 7.9% to HK$5.85. Livzon Pharmaceutical (01513) shot up 5.6% to HK$23.75. CSPC Pharmaceutical (01093) climbed 5.4% to HK$12.56. Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical (00874) jumped 4.8% to hK$30.45. Shares of smartphone component suppliers declined, amid worrying signs including Apple's recent blaming of China for slower sales growth. AAC Technologies fell 2.5 per cent and Sunny Optical declined 2.7 per cent. Chinese smartphone and home appliances maker Xiaomi fell 2.4 per cent on reports that an investor sold 231 million class B shares at HK$9.45 per share. Q Technology, a smartphone camera module maker that supplies Xiaomi, plummeted 6.7 per cent, after issuing a warning that its net profit may have plunged by 95 per cent in the last year because of a combination of factors, including slow upgrading of products and yuan depreciation. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Total expenditure to the tune of Rs 323 crore will be incurred for the regularisation of pay scales The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval for regularization of Pay scales of below Board Level Executives in National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), North East Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), THDC India (formerly Tehri Hydro Development Corporation) and Satluj Jal Vidhyut Nigam (SJVN), w.e.f. 01 January 1997 adopted by them consequent upon the orders of Ministry of Power dated 04 April 2006 and 01 September 2006. After the approval, the pay scales adopted by Hydro CPSEs consequent upon the order of the Ministry of Power dated 04 April 2006 and 01 September 2006 shall be regularized. About 5,254 Executives of Hydro CPSEs enrolled before 01 January 2007 will be benefitted by this approval. It will motivate and boost the morale the Executives of Hydro CPSEs, The total expenditure to the tune of Rs 323 crore will be incurred for the regularisation of pay scales. Anomalies existed in the pay scales of Executives of NHPC, NEEPCO, THDCIL and SJVNL w.e.f. 01 January 1997 due to revision of pay scales of unionized category of workmen/non-executives in line with the NTPC/Oil sector within the organizations. The pay scales of workmen and Supervisors were higher than the pay scale of Executives in the E-1 grade. The proposal was earlier considered by the Committee of Secretaries (CoS) and the Cabinet on several occasion. The Cabinet in December, 2013 decided as below: The deviant pay scales fixed w.e.f. 01 January 1997 shall not be regularized. However, no recovery shall be made for the excess pay drawn from 01 January 1997onwards considering the difficulties in effecting recovery and also considering that such a recovery may de-motivate the staff. The pay scales shall be fitted w.e.f. 01 January 2007 after correcting the aberration in pay scales fixed w.e.f. 01 January 1997. Aggrieved with the order, various Employee Associations of Hydro PSEs filed Writ Petitions in different High Courts. The High Court of Uttarakhand & Meghalaya quashed the above decision. SLP was filed in Supreme Court on - 12 April 2017 against the judgment of High Court of Uttarakhand which was dismissed on 08 May 2017. A Contempt petition has been filed in the High Courts of Meghalaya and Uttarakhand. Ministry of Power is left with no option other than seeking approval of Cabinet for regularizing the pay scales of NHPC, SJVNL, NEEPCO and THDCIL w.e.f. 01 January 1997 adopted by them consequent upon the orders of Ministry of Power dated 04 April 2006 and 01 April 2006. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cabinet also approves an increase in authorized capital of Exim Bank to Rs 20000 crore from Rs 10000 crore The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the recapitalization of EXIM Bank with issuance of Recapitalization Bonds by Government of India to the tune of Rs 6000 crore for capital infusion. The equity will be infused in two tranches of Rs 4500 crore in FY 2018-19 and Rs 1500 crore in FY 2019-20 respectively. The Cabinet also approved an increase in the authorized capital of Exim Bank from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs. 20,000 crore. The recapitalisation bonds will be on the lines issued to Public Sector Banks. Exim Bank is the principal export credit agency for India. The infusion of capital into Exim Bank will enable it to augment capital adequacy and support Indian exports with enhanced ability.The infusion will give an impetus to anticipate new initiatives like supporting Indian textile industries, likely changes in Concessional Finance Scheme (CFS), likelihood of new LoCs in future in view of India's active foreign policy and strategic intent. Exim Bank of India (Exim Bank) was established in 1982 under an Act of Parliament as the apex financial institution for financing, facilitating and promoting India's international trade. The Bank primarily lends for exports from India including supporting overseas buyers and Indian suppliers for export of developmental and infrastructure projects, equipment, goods and services from India. It is regulated by RBI. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cabinet approves setting up of crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and Product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the project for capacity expansion of Numaligarh Refinery from 3 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonne Per Annum) to 9 MMTPA. It involves setting up of crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri at a cost of Rs 22594 crore. The project is to be completed within a period of 48 months, after approval and receipt of statutory clearances. The total project cost of Rs 22594 crore will be financed by a mix of debt, equity and Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The debt of Rs 15102 crore will be raised by Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and apart from its internal accrual of Rs 2307 crore, the promoters, namely, Bharat Petroleum Corporation, Oil India & Government of Assam (GoA) will contribute to equity. The project will be supported by Viability Gap Funding of Rs 1020 crore from the Government of India. The expansion of the refinery will meet the deficit of petroleum products in the North East. It will also sustain the operations of all North East refineries by augmenting their crude availability. It will generate direct and indirect employment in Assam and is a part of the Government's Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the North East. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Vijay Yadav said after the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the SP and BSP workers will teach the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a lesson. Yadav, a BSP MLA from Thakurdwara city, said: "We will thrash the BJP, there is no need to worry about it. Now the SP and BSP are together. The BJP's elimination in the elections is certain. After the elections, the workers of SP and BSP will surely teach the BJP a lesson (Inn BJP waalon ko toh dauda dauda kar maarenge. Ghabrane ki zaroorat nahi hai. Aaj inhe nani yaad aagai hogi, mari hui nani, ki SP-BSP ek hogaye)" The BSP MLA was in Moradabad to attend an event organised to celebrate the birthday of BSP supremo Mayawati on Tuesday. The SP and the BSP on January 12 had announced that they would jointly contest the Lok Sabha elections. In Uttar Pradesh, the two parties will contest from 38 seats each, leaving two seats for smaller parties. Furthermore, Mayawati announced that the two parties will not field candidates against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli. Ousted from the alliance, the Congress party announced that they will contest on all 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh with 'full might,' but did not rule out the possibility of joining hands with secular forces in the state to defeat the BJP. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 'We still have time to negotiate, but we would first like to see what the British prime minister proposes', German Chancellor Angela Merkel told the media on Wednesday, after Theresa May's controversial Brexit deal plan was rejected by the MPs at the House of Commons yesterday. The Independent quoted the German Chancellor, who regretted the British Parliament's decision of turning down the Brexit deal, as saying: "We will, of course, do everything to find an orderly solution, but we are also prepared if there is no orderly solution." According to CNN, the Brexit deal, that allows the United Kingdom to leave the European Union (EU), was voted down by 432 votes to 202, the worst defeat for any sitting government in the UK. Around 118 Conservative Party MPs voted against May's Brexit plan. Meanwhile, the debate over the no-confidence motion tabled against Prime Minister May by opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has begun. If the British Prime Minister wins the no-confidence vote then she would return to the Parliament on Monday to explain her alternative plan on the Brexit deal. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, however, expressed doubts over the re-negotiations of the deal, stating that the EU may postpone the date of UK's withdrawal, which is scheduled on March 29, 2019, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitional period with the block. "If there would be such a request, we will deal with it in a very constructive way," the Foreign Minister added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Haj 2019 Karnataka Haj 2019 Qurrah today, Check results The Karnataka State Haj Committee has received a total of 13,995 applications Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Haj Committee is holding today i.e. Wednesday January 16 the Haj Qurrah 2019 or draw of lots to finalise the list of pilgrims who will embark on Haj journey this year. According to the Karnataka Haj Committee, the Haj 2019 Qurrah or draw of lots will be held today at 11:00 am at Sadath Haj House, Richmond Road. Minority Department Minister will preside over the special ceremony organised to select the final list of pilgrims who will embark on Hajj this year from Karnataka. The Karnataka State Haj Committee has received a total of 13,995 applications. Based on the population of Muslims in the state which stands at 78,93,06, it has been allotted a quota of 6,701 pilgrims. Hence the Qurrah will be held today for 6,701 seats and the result will be displayed on Haj Committee of India website. Steps to Check your name in Haj 2019 Final List Follow the steps given below to check if your name is in the Final or Waiting List released by the Karnataka State Haj Committee. Go to Haj Committee of India website by clicking here hajcommittee.gov.in. Brwose to the bottom of home page and look for the area similar to the one shown below. Enter your Cover No in the box. Your Cover No should start with your state code. Click on the Down Arraow from 'Select State' menu and select your state. Enter Passport No in the box. Click on "Load" button. Your application status shoul appear on the computer or mobile phone screen. The Haj Qurrah process starts district wise. Before the Qurah/Draw of Lots, it has been decided by the Haj Committee to directly select the pilgrims of above 70 years of age and women who had applied to go for Haj without Mahram. After the Draw by the Karnataka Haj Committee roday the list of pilgrims going to Haj from Bengaluru, Belgaum, Mysore, Bidar, Gulbarga and other state districts and cities are now final. Those who had applied for this year's haj can check their status using cover number as explianed above. The Haj Committee of India distributed its total quota of 175,025 seats to pilgrims going to Haj through it. Accordingly, a total of 125,025 pilgrims will go through the Haj Committee of India and the remaining 50,000 seats have been allotted to Private Tour Operators (PTOs). The Haj Committee of India has received a total of 267,261 Haj Application Forms (HAF) from 31 Indian states. The number of application received this year has drastically reduced due to various reasons. But, it is still more than the double of India's Haj Quota allotted by Saudi Government. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Union Minister of Minorities, has requested the Saudi government to increase India's quota by 20,000. However a final decision on this is yet to be taken. All the states including Maharashtra will be allotted more seats if this additional quota is granted to the country. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh State Haj Committee held the Haj 2019 Qurrah of the state on Friday January 11, 2019. The Rajasthan State Haj Committee held the Haj 2019 Qurrah on January 13, 2019. Maharashtra State Haj Committee conducted the Haj 2019 Qurrah on Monday January 07, 2019 and Kerala Haj Committee conducted the Qurrah on Saturday January 12, 2019 and Madhya Pradesh completed the Qurrah on Tuesday January 15, 2019. Also, the Haj Committee of India after completing Qurrah will release the Haj 2019 waiting list on February 05, 2019. The pilgrims whose names are in the Haj 2019 waiting list will be given a chance against cancellation of pilgrims who are unable to make the payment or cancel their Haj travel due to some other reason. Haj pilgrims should note that the Hajj 2019 Flight Schedule from all embarkation points will be released by the Haj Committee of India only after the process of the Haj Qurrah is completed by all states. However, according to Haj Action Plan 2019, the first outbound flight for Haj 2019 will depart from India on July 01, 2019. The last outbound Haj 2019 flight will be on August 03, 2019. The first inbound Haj flight from Saudi Arabia to India will be on August 14, 2019. Coinciding with Eid al Adha, Haj is the annual ritual to commemorate the sacrifices made by Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hager and their son Prophet Ismael. The likely date of Wuqoof e Arafat - the key ritual of the Hajj, is August 09 or 10. As the Islamic calendar is based on sighting of moon, the final date will be decided once the new moon of the month of Dhul Hijjah is sighted. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb blast that killed a US military personnel and seven civilians. The bomb blast took place near a hotel in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on Wednesday. According to Sputnik, the Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomb blast. The attack comes amid Donald Trump-led US government's call for withdrawing military troops from Syria. Al Jazeera cited the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council, as confirming the number of casualties in the blast which targeted a US military patrol in Manjib. Meanwhile, three US soldiers who were injured in the blast were reportedly shifted to a nearby hospital in the area, Anadolu news agency reported. The authorities are yet to confirm the total number of civilians injured in the suicide bomb blast. The investigation into the matter is underway. Further details are awaited. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The issue of supersession of three judges while deciding on elevation of Delhi High Court judges to the Supreme Court had come up at the meeting of the Collegium before it took the decision on January 10, according to sources privy to the discussions. The Collegium, at the meeting, had decided to elevate Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court. This decision has triggered a controversy, with former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha and a former Delhi High Court judge questioning the reasons for supersession. "The issue of supersession of the High Court judges came up for discussion during the Collegium meeting where members raised points over it," sources told ANI. However, after a discussion, the members approved the resolution recommending the elevation of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna, they added. The decision has been mired in a controversy. Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) RM Lodha on Wednesday said that he was surprised to know that a junior judge was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court, superseding senior judges. "What I always feel is that the Collegium should act in a transparent manner, and reasons must be forthcoming why the decision was an upturn. There must be transparency," he said. Justice Kailash Gambhir, a former judge of Delhi High Court, has written to President Ram Nath Kovind to protest against the Collegium decision. Gambhir told ANI on Wednesday that the decision to supersede three seniors was an "earth-shaking" move which will send a "wrong signal". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu has approved a notification pertaining to Clause (VII-B) of Subsection (2) of Section 56 of the Income Tax Act to give relief to Angel investors in the Start-Ups, according to highly placed sources. 'Angel Tax,' a UPA era law, is a tax imposed on the difference between the premium value of shares and fair market value of shares. The ambiguity lies in the valuation of these premium shares, wherein, the tax man sees angel investor valuations higher than fair market values and hence issues show cause notices to these Start-Ups. The Central government decision came after a number of representations were made to Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu by Start-Ups, seeking relief from the often ambiguous 'Angel Tax' demands, sources said, adding the step is expected to give a boost to the growing sector of Start-Ups. According to the new notification, a Start-Up, which is recognised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), shall be eligible to apply for approval of exemption if the following conditions are fulfilled: A) The aggregate amount of paid-up share capital and share premium of the Start-Up after the proposed issue of a share, if any, does not exceed Rs 10 crore. B) The Investor/proposed investor shall have--1) Returned income of Rs 50 lakh or more for the financial year preceding the year of investment/proposed investment, and 2) Net worth exceeding Rs 2 crore or the amount of investment made/ proposed to be made in the Start-Up, whichever is higher, as on the last date of the financial year preceding the year of investment/proposed investment. The application of the recognised Start-Up shall be transmitted by the DIPP to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) which has been given the final mandate to grant approval or rejection to the Start-Up within a period of 45 days for the purposes of 'Angel Tax' exemption. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Start-Ups in India are set to get relief from the 'Angel Tax,' with the exemption limit being raised to Rs 50 lakh from Rs 25 lakh for returns on the income a year before an investment. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu has approved a notification pertaining to Clause (VII-B) of Subsection (2) of Section 56 of the Income Tax Act to give relief to 'Angel investors' in the Start-Ups, according to highly placed sources. 'Angel Tax,' a UPA era law, is a tax imposed on the difference between the premium value of shares and fair market value of shares. The ambiguity lies in the valuation of these premium shares, wherein, the tax man sees angel investor valuations higher than fair market values and hence issues show cause notices to these start-ups. The Central government's decision came after a number of representations were made to Commerce and Industry Minister Prabhu by the Start-Ups for relief from the often ambiguous 'Angel Tax' demands, sources said, adding that the step is expected to give a boost to the growing sector of Start-Ups. According to the new decision, the earlier procedure of applying to the Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification for approval under Clause (VII-B) of Section 56(2) of Act has been done away with. Now application procedure has been simplified by making application to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) through the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) portal in Form 2 online. The earlier requirement of Start-Ups to submit a report from the merchant banker, which deals in commercial loans and investment, specifying the fair market value of shares has been removed, sources said, adding that this was found to be very cumbersome by the Start-Ups. "Angel investors need not share their income certificates with Start-Ups now and they can directly upload to the system," sources said. According to the new notification, a Start-Up, which is recognised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), shall be eligible to apply for approval of exemption if the following conditions are fulfilled: A) The aggregate amount of paid-up share capital and share premium of the Start-Up after the proposed issue of a share, if any, does not exceed Rs 10 crore. B) The investor/proposed investor shall have--1) Returned income of Rs 50 lakh or more for the financial year preceding the year of investment/proposed investment, and 2) Net worth exceeding Rs 2 crore or the amount of investment made/ proposed to be made in the Start-Up, whichever is higher, as on the last date of the financial year preceding the year of investment/proposed investment. The application of the recognised Start-Up shall be transmitted by the DIPP to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which has been given the final mandate to grant approval or rejection to the Start-Up within a period of 45 days for the purposes of angel tax exemption. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday praised the Border Road Organisation (BRO) for constructing an important portion of the Kailash Manasarovar route near Nepal border in Uttarakhand. BRO is engaged in the construction of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route wherein portion between Tawaghat to Lipulekh pass via Ghatiabagarh forms an important constituent. "A very crucial milestone has been achieved on Jan 15, 2019, by connecting Lakhanpur to Najang by BRO. This connectivity is very important being chicken neck corridor with Nepal in Dharchula Sub- Division of Uttarakhand, where the only alternative route was a mule track passing below the new road alignment," the Defence Minister tweeted. The road connectivity to Najang will ensure unhindered access to civil population residing in Malpa, Lamari, Buddhi, Chiyalekh, Garbhadhar, Gunji, Kutti and Nabhidang villages in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, Sitharaman said. This will also provide round the clock connectivity to the Indian troops deployed in Vyas valley on the China border, she added. The task is entrusted to the Project Hirak of the Border Roads Organisation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav's uncle, Shivpal Singh Yadav on Wednesday warned the former to not trust his new ally, BSP supremo Maywati. Referring to the infamous '1995 Lucknow guest house case', Shivpal urged his nephew to be wary of Mayawati who had then levelled several allegations against Samajwadi party leaders, including him. While addressing a rally at the SP stronghold Chandoli in Uttar Pradesh, Shivpal said that Mayawati had then accused him of sexual harassment. "Behenji (Mayawati) had levelled allegations of sexual harassment allegations against me. I had said that time that I am ready for an inquiry, I am ready for Narco test. But I wanted that besides me, 'Behenji' should also get Narco test done. She didn't agree to that. (Behenji ne mujh par yaun shoshan ka aarop lagaya tha. Maine kaha tha mai jaanch ke liye taiyaar hu, mai narco test ke liye taiyaar hu, meri shart yeh hai ki narco test behenji ka bhi hona chahiye, mera bhi hona chahiye. Wo nahi mani)," Shivpal Yadav said while addressing a rally here. "You can't trust people who sell tickets. Who used to abuse Netaji (Mulayam Singh Yadav)? She used to call them 'gunde'. Today they are calling themselves as one. Can she be trusted? She won't win many seats." The 1995 infamous guest house scandal is one of the grimmest chapters of UP In 1993, then Samajwadi party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP founder Kanshi Ram had come together in Uttar Pradesh at the time of state polls to fight the BJP, which was garnering enormous support over its Ram temple pitch. The SP-BSP alliance bagged a total of 176 seats and managed to form the government under Mulayam's leadership with the Congress' support. However in less than two years, the government collapsed as Mayawati severed its ties with the SP and joined hands with the BJP. Miffed by the move, irked SP workers allegedly attacked Mayawati when she was holding a meeting with her party workers at a Lucknow guest house on June 2, 1995. Her room was vandalised and she was allegedly abused and beaten up. It is widely believed that then BJP MLA Brahm Dutt Dwivedi stepped into the room and saved Mayawati from the ire of SP workers. Since then SP-BSP ties went sore until 2018, when the two parties came together to fight UP by-polls. On Saturday, SP and BSP announced their pre-poll alliance in Uttar Pradesh for the forthcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The SP and the BSP will contest on 38 seats each, while they will not field their candidate against Congress president Rahul Gandhi in Amethi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli. They have also kept two seats for the smaller parties. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Kavinder Gupta on Wednesday expressed disappointment over former IAS officer Shah Faesal's decision to quit government service, and said such a decision is not in the interest of the country. Speaking to ANI, Gupta opined, "Faesal must work for the country instead of resigning from the post. Such a decision is not in the country's interest. We want such people to work for the country's welfare instead of speaking in support of militants, supporting militants is like supporting Pakistan. His father was too killed by the militants. He should work for the country." Faesal, who joined the service in 2010, announced his resignation on January 9 over "unabated killings" in the Valley and "lack of any sincere reach-out from the Union government." The 35-year-old alleged "insidious attacks on the special identity of the J&K State and growing culture of intolerance and hate in the mainland India in the name of hypernationalism." He went on to add that "voices of reason in this country cannot be muzzled for long and the environment of siege will need to end if we wish to usher in a true democracy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday appointed senior advocate Sanjay Jain as the Additional Solicitor General in the Supreme Court of India, an official statement stated. A notification issued in this regard conveyed that Jain will be appointed as the Additional Solicitor General in the Supreme Court of India with an effect from the date of the assumption of charge of the office till June 30, 2020, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Notably, Additional Solicitor General, appointed under Law Officers Act 1987, is the third largest law officer of the Central Government. It is a duty of the Additional Solicitor General to assist the Solicitor General. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Selection Committee comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi will meet on January 24 to decide on new CBI Director. The CBI is currently headed by an Interim Director M Nageswara Rao after the incumbent Alok Verma was shunted out on January 10. Kharge, only yesterday, wrote to the Prime Minister, saying the post of Interim Director does not "legally exist" as per the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act which governs the CBI and demanded immediate convening of the Selection Committee to chose a new CBI Director. The decision to remove Verma as CBI Director was taken at the January 10 meeting of the Selection Committee which was attended by the Prime Minister, Kharge and Supreme Court Judge Justice A K Sikri, who was representing the Chief Justice of India. Kharge, in his letter to the Prime Minister, had said the government should "establish its bonafide in fighting corruption" and ensure the "integrity of the premier investigative agency" by convening a meeting of the Selection Committee immediately to appoint a Director without any further delay. "Any delay would further erode the faith the public has placed in this institution and the credibility of the institution," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court will hear next week a plea filed against M Nageswara Rao's appointment as interim director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The plea, filed by an NGO, Common Cause, and social activist Anjali Bhardwaj, sought quashing of the January 10 order stating that duties of former CBI Director Alok Verma were to be handed over to Rao as an interim measure. The plea also sought transparency in the process of short-listing, selection and appointment of the CBI Director. The petition, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, said the order of appointing Rao as interim director of CBI was "illegal, arbitrary, malafide" and in violation of the provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act (DSPE Act). The DSPE Act as amended by the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 provides for the appointment of the CBI director by a high powered selection committee which does not have a preponderance of the government and its representatives. The committee consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India or any Judge of Supreme Court nominated by him. The petitioners further said the January 10 order states that the Appointment Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Nageshwar Rao "as per the earlier arrangement". This earlier arrangement - October 23, 2018 order making Rao interim CBI Director, had been quashed by the Supreme Court on January 8 as it was made in violation of the procedure for appointment of CBI Director as defined in the DSPE Act, said the petition. "However, the government still invoked its earlier order which had been quashed, to once again make Nageshwar Rao interim Director of the CBI even though it is not the competent authority and does not have any powers to make the appointment, without following the due process laid down in the DSPE Act i.e. appointment based on recommendations made by the high powered selection committee," added the petition. After the Selection Committee, comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Justice AK Sikri and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, removed Verma as CBI director, Rao was named the interim director of the premier investigative agency. Verma, however, refused to take up his new posting - DG, Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prayagraj, (IANS) Kailash Satyarthi Childrens Foundation, a leading child rights group, has mobilised hundreds of its volunteers for providing support to the authorities in Kumbh Mela 2019 to track the cases of missing children. In Kumbh Mela 2013, nearly three lakh people had gone missing, which included thousands of children. The stories of missing siblings has been part of the folklore for ages, so much so that many Bollywood films have had mentions of the parting of brothers at the Kumbh. Support TwoCircles The Foundation has extended support to the government through multi-pronged intervention to facilitate a safe and secure pilgrimage for the visitors, an official said. The team of volunteers that will be deployed in and around the stall in the Mela premises will not only trace the cases of lost and found individuals but also disseminate information on child related issues, Bidhan Chandra Singh, Executive Director, Kailash Satyarthi Childrens Foundation (KSCF) told IANS. Rahaf Mohammed, the Saudi teen who was granted asylum by Canada, said she counts herself amongst the "lucky ones" as she could change reality to make her own decisions. "I am one of the lucky ones. I know that there are unlucky women who disappeared after trying to escape or who could not do anything to change their reality," she said during a press conference here on Tuesday. Outlining the ordeal she faced back home, Rahaf revealed, "I was not treated respectfully by my family and I was not allowed to be myself and who I want to be. As you know, in Saudi Arabia this is the case for all Saudi women, except for those that are fortunate enough to have understanding parents." "They (women) can't be independent and they need the approval of their male guardian for everything. Any woman who thinks of escaping, or escapes, will be at risk of persecution," she remarked while thanking Canada, Thailand UNHCR and "everyone else" who played a role in finding her a safe refuge. She pledged to work in support of freedom for women around the in her statement, while highlighting that she would like to start living a "normal private life, just like any other young woman living in Canada". "I want to be independent, travel, make my own decisions on education, a career, or who, and when I should marry. I had no say in any of this. Today I can proudly say that I am capable of making all of those decisions. I am so grateful for all of the offers of support for housing and friendship. Thank you to everyone for reaching out and making me feel welcome in my new home," Rahaf further said. The teen fled from her family in Kuwait, where they were on vacation, to Thailand. Her passport was allegedly taken away by a man at the airport in Thailand, as soon as she landed, on the pretext of getting her a Thai visa. The man later showed up with a group of men who claimed that she would have to return to Kuwait as her family had filed a missing person report. Following this, Rahaf barricaded herself in a hotel in Bangkok, claiming on Twitter that her life was in danger. She demanded to meet the UNHCR while hoping to be granted asylum by Australia. She arrived in Canada, her new home, on January 12, after being granted asylum. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday accused the Centre of misusing the sedition charges and termed it a "colonial law". Speaking to ANI, Sibal said, "There is no need for a sedition law in today's times, it is a colonial law. Many who merely speak or tweet against the government have sedition charges imposed against them; it is being misused by the Centre just to keep citizens in check." The reaction from the Congress leader came two days after Delhi Police slapped charges of sedition, rioting, and criminal conspiracy on former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others in a three-year-old incident which rocked the campus of India's premier seat of learning on the evening of February 9, 2016. The JNUSU termed the charge sheeting of Kumar and nine others in the sedition case as "a clear case of vendetta" allegedly carried out at the "well-planned instruction from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO)." Delhi Police charge sheet, running into 1,200-page and filed at the Patiala House Court on Monday, contains serious charges against Kumar and the others under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) including Section 124A (sedition), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 465 (forgery), 471 (using as genuine, forged document), 143 (punishment for unlawful assembly), 149 (unlawful assembly with common object), 147(rioting), and 120B (criminal conspiracy). Delhi Police are said to have recorded the statement of more than 90 witnesses in the case. Sources said column number 12 of the charge sheet names 36 people as accused including CPI leader D Raja's daughter Aparajita Raja and former JNUSU vice president Shehla Rashid. On February 9, 2016, "anti-national" slogans were allegedly raised on the JNU campus during a programme organised to protest against the death sentence handed out to Afzal Guru, a convict in the Parliament attack case, which led to a massive row when the members of ABVP, the student wing of RSS, objected to the programme. The charge sheet names 10 students, who were enrolled into different courses of the JNU at that point of time, as main accused including Kanahiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya, and seven Kashmiri students-Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rasool, and Bashir Bhat. According to information, the Delhi Police have used the video-footage and other documents to support their points in the charge sheet, which has been filed almost after three years the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat beginning from Thursday, January 17. During this period, the Prime Minister will visit Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and Hazira. In his first engagement tomorrow at the Mahatma Mandir Exhibition cum Convention Center in Gandhinagar, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show. More than 25 industrial and business sectors will be showcased here under one umbrella. Thereafter in the evening, the PM is scheduled to inaugurate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Ahmedabad. This is a state of art; super-speciality public hospital built by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and is equipped with all modern amenities, including an air ambulance. The hospital is also empanelled with Ayushman Bharat and would be a completely paperless hospital in the keeping up with the spirit of Digital India. Apart from inspecting the hospital facilities, PM Modi will address a gathering here. Later in the evening, Ahmedabad Shopping Festival - 2019 will also be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The festival is being organised simultaneously with Vibrant Gujarat. The PM will also unveil the Vibrant Gujarat Ahmedabad Shopping Festival Mascot. The Prime Minister will also address a public gathering on this occasion. On the next day, January 18, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the 9th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Summit in Gandhinagar. Vibrant Gujarat Summit was conceptualised in 2003 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat, to re-establish Gujarat as a preferred investment destination. The Summit provides a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, knowledge sharing and forging effective partnerships. Prime Minister will visit Hazira on 19th January 2019 to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory. From Hazira, he will go to Silvassa in Dadra Nagar Haveli. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of various development projects. In the last leg of his visit, the Prime Minister will go to Mumbai on January 19. He will inaugurate the new building of Museum of Indian Cinema. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Paris Jackson has recently entered a treatment facility seeking help for issues related to her emotional health. The daughter of the late Michael Jackson is currently living in a health facility in the hopes of improving her emotional health, reported E! Online. A source told E! News, "After a busy year of work engagements that took her all over the globe, Paris decided that she needed to take some time off to reboot, realign and prioritise her physical and emotional health." "She checked herself into a treatment facility to aid in her wellness plan and is looking forward to coming out of this revitalised and ready to tackle the exciting new projects that await her," the insider shared. Followers of the young star started worrying and speculating that the 20-year-old model was facing issues when she suddenly stopped sharing photos on social media in mid-December. Furthermore, she did not appear to have joined her family for a vacation to Tokyo, Japan over the holidays either. Paris has had a whirlwind year filled with photo shoots, public appearances and the start of her music career. The year also saw her losing her grandfather Joe Jackson. Paris had made headlines in September 2018 for calling out the paparazzi who were clamouring to get a shot of her face as she left New York Fashion Week show. She told fans on Twitter, "I just got yelled at in a really mean way outside the tom ford show because paparazzi didn't get a chance to shoot my face. (For those of you that don't know, paps don't get paid unless my face is in the shot.)" Through the years, Paris has been quite open about her battle with depression and anxiety. She has previously touched upon her struggles with self-confidence, which drove her to attempt committing suicide when she was just 13-years-old. E! Online cited a Rolling Stone interview from 2017 where she said, "I was going through a lot of, like, teen angst. And I was also dealing with my depression and my anxiety without any help." Paris is close to Macaulay Culkin, who is her godfather and also relies on him for emotional support. In a January 2018 interview, the 'Home Alone' star told Marc Maron, "I am a very open book when it comes to things but like with her, she is beloved by me. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Upset with their family, a lesbian couple from Odisha's Kendrapara district threatened to commit suicide if they are separated. Monalisa Nayak (28) and Sabitri Parida (27) had filed an affidavit before Notary Magistrate Court in Kendrapara seeking its permission to marry. They have been living together for the last five months. On January 12, both left Kendrapara and fled to Bhubaneswar. However, Monalisha's parents have filed a complaint with the police, alleging that Sabitri had kidnapped and forced their daughter to marry her. On the basis of the complaint a case under Sections 365 and 295 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered. "We have received a complaint from Antaryami Nayak, father of Monalisa Nayak, and on the basis of the complaint police have rescued both from Bhubaneswar and recorded their statements. During the interrogation, both expressed their willingness to live together and threatened to commit suicide in case of any attempts were made to separate them" said Ranjan Kumar Dey, Pattamundai SDPO. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Sheila Dikshit, who will take charge as the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president on Wednesday, said no talks have been held yet on forging an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. " is full of challenges, we will strategise accordingly. The BJP and AAP both are a challenge; we will meet the challenges together. There is nothing on an alliance with AAP yet," she told ANI before assuming charge as DPCC president. Sources in both AAP and Congress, however, claimed that chances of forging an alliance for the upcoming polls have emerged with the appointment of Dikshit. Dikshit, who served as Delhi Chief Minister for three consecutive terms till 2013 before the Congress lost power, will take charge as DPCC president. Dikshit will succeed Ajay Maken, who had vehemently opposed an alliance with the AAP, criticising them over issues of governance and corruption. The change of guard in Delhi Congress assumes significance as the party is gearing up to brighten its fortunes in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, considering that the BJP had bagged all the seven seats at stake in the capital in the last general elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Kidambi Srikanth made a winning start to their campaign at the ongoing Malaysia Masters on Wednesday. While Nehwal defeated Deng Joy Xuan of Hong Kong 14-21, 21-18, 21-18 to move into the second round of the women's singles event, Srikanth eases past Honk Kong's Angus Ng Ka Long 21-17, 21-11 to advance further in the men's singles event of the tournament. Nehwal looked tentative in the initial stage of the match but soon made a comeback with a resilient attitude. Having lost the opening margin of seven points, the shuttler gave an impressive performance in the consecutive games to move further in the competition. For Srikanth, the battle was comparatively easy as he registered a dominating straight sets victory over his Hong Kong counterpart. Without showing any signs of weakness, the world number eight player maintained a firm grip on the match from start to end. Another Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap also made it to the second round of the Malaysia Masters after defeating Rasmus Gemke of Denmark 19-21, 21-19, 21-10 in an exciting contest. In mixed-doubles event, Indian pair of Pranaav Chopra and N. Sikki Reddy defeated Dutch duo of Robin Tabeling and Selena Piek 21-19, 21-17 to move into the second round of the competition. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kim Yong Chol, North Korea's lead negotiator in nuclear talks with the USA, is expected to visit the United States on Thursday. He will be spending Thursday night in Washington, following which he is slated to meet the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US special representative to North Korea Steve Biegun on Friday, CNN reported while quoting sources. The exact details and dates pertaining to the North Korean negotiator's visit have not been officially confirmed yet. The dates and venue of the second US-North Korea summit may be discussed during Yong Chol's expected visit to the United States. "A lot of positive things are happening. He (US President Donald Trump) and Chairman Kim (Jong-un) have established a good relationship, and conversations between the United States and North Korea continue," a White House official told CNN. "We are working to make progress on our goal of achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, and the President looks forward to meeting Chairman Kim again at their second summit at a place and time yet to be determined," the official further said. The expected visit may bring respite to strained US-North Korea relations, which has seen stalled talks regarding North Korea's denuclearisation in the recent past. On the one hand, North Korea has pushed for a respite in sanctions against the state in the wake of denuclearisation efforts. The United States, on the other hand, has maintained that sanctions would only be eased after complete denuclearisation is achieved, leading to a stalemate. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Missionaries of Jesus on Wednesday sent a reminder notice to four nuns, who have been protesting for the arrest of Bishop Franco Mulakkal for allegedly raping their fellow nun, to leave their convent in Kerala. Last year in April, the Missionaries of Jesus gave transfer order, but, the four nuns refused to move out from Kerala's Kuravilangad Convent. Notably, these nuns had issued public statements in connection with the rape case against the Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mulakkal last year. However, on the basis of the findings unearthed by its inquiry commission, the Missionaries of Jesus in September 2018 stated that the four nuns were influenced by the "thoughts of rationalists." In a statement released by the Missionaries of Jesus, it was reiterated that the victim, along with other nuns and four other people, were conspiring against Bishop Franco Mulakkal, and accused the nuns of tampering with the visitor's register and the CCTV system on the day of the incident. "Victim's friend was handling the visitor's register in the convent, they must have tampered with this. The victim has forcefully taken control of the CCTV system from mother superior," a statement read. The organisation also claimed that on the day of the incident as cited by the nun, the Bishop was not present in the premises of Kuravilangad Convent. "The bishop did not stay in the Kuruvilangad convent on May 5, 2014 as claimed in the rape complaint by the nun. On May 23, 2015, she (the victim) can be seen enthusiastically attending a private function with the bishop. All these points conclude that there was no rape," the statement added. The nun has accused Bishop Mulakkal of raping and forcing unnatural sex on her multiple times between 2014 and 2016. Earlier, the nuns have also alleged that the probe is being delayed as the accused is an influential authority in the Roman Catholic Church. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bengaluru based Fintech company Instamojo has announced closing of its Series-B round of funding worth Rs. 50 crore, led by both existing and new investors. With existing investors including AnyPay, Kalaari, Beenext & Rashmi Kwatra, the company also received funding from time investor - Gunosy Capital. Focused on empowering the Indian MSME sector, Instamojo began its journey in the Fintech space with its flagship product - The online payment link, thereby solving the digital payments challenge for several entrepreneurs. However, with this new round of funding, Instamojo aims to transform itself into a full-stack Fintech service provider, enabling the MSMEs of the country to build, grow and sustain in a competitive environment. "We are extremely positive and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for us as an organization and how our efforts can help revolutionize the Indian MSME sector. With the introduction of our recent lending and logistics services, Instamojo is today on its way to becoming the 360 digital-enabling partner for MSMEs for all shapes & sizes," said CEO & co-founder, Instamojo, Sampad Swain. "We believe that digital and cashless economy has grown rapidly in India, and its e-commerce market is also expanding. From that background, Instamojo has been doing great in the market and is expected to continue expanding," said Yuki Maniwa, Director of Gunosy Capital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bahrain is looking to boost visitor numbers to the kingdom by launching direct flights to new destinations and also attracting international airlines to the kingdom. The means to increase cooperation for tourism were discussed during a meeting between Shaikh Khalid bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and the chief executive officer of Bahrain Airport company, Mohammed Al Binfalah. They also discussed existing plans to expand the Bahrain International Airport, where further efforts are being made to improve Bahrain's tourism infrastructure, services and facilities in order to provide a seamless travel experience for visitors. The BTEA, in collaboration with Bahrain Airport Company, will continue to promote Bahrain through its representative offices located in Saudi Arabia, UK, Germany, France, India, China and Russia in order to bring in large tourist groups from all around the world, making it one of the world's leading tourist destinations. - TradeArabia News Service "I am recovering from my injuries that I had sustained during the race and I hope to recover fully in near future. I want to get back to the sea immediately after that," he told ANI in an interaction. Tommy, who received a Kirti Chakra award for circumnavigating the globe all alone a couple of years ago, was taking part in the Golden Globe Race in which he was required to circumnavigate around the world but he and his boat were caught in a storm around the Australian waters and had to be rescued after a massive operation. "I was badly injured and I pulled myself into the boat somehow. I was left injured for three days as the French vessel was taking some time to reach me but I was happy to see the frothing sea with winds of up to 75 knots blowing there and I feel I was lucky to have seen that," the officer said on his experience during the incident. Asked how he felt when he came to know that the entire country was worried for him after his accident, Tommy said he was overwhelmed to receive the support from the Navy and the country after his mishap. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi called me up to know about my wellness two days after I was rescued and he said whether I remembered having met him earlier. I was very happy to hear that. But I told him very clearly that I would return to the sea with my boat and go sailing as soon as I recover fully," he said. Tommy said he wants to inspire more and more youth to take up the sport of sailing in the country and expressed hope that after the Navy women's crew completed the circumnavigation, it would inspire many more to explore the oceans. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Wednesday lodged strong protests with Pakistan for violating ceasefire in Naushera and Sunderbani sectors in Jammu and Kashmir by summoning an official from the Pakistan High Commission here. Two Army personnel were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion that took place near the LoC in Naushera and Sunderbani sectors of Jammu and Kashmir on January 11. An Army officer and a soldier, who got grievously injured, succumbed to their injuries in a hospital while undergoing treatment. A press statement released by India's Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday said: "Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the death of an innocent civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces on January 11, 2019, in Sunderbani sector." "Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the Line of Control and the International Boundary. We also protested Pakistan's continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire provided by Pakistan forces," the ministry further said in the statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Central to its deep commitment to honor the most innovative and meaningful advances worldwide, The Japan Prize Foundation today announced the laureates of the 2019 Japan Prize, who have pushed the envelope in their respective fields of "Materials and Production" and "Biological Production, Ecology". Two scientists are being recognized with the 2019 Japan Prize for original and outstanding achievements that not only contribute to the advancement of science and technology, but also promote peace and prosperity for all mankind. India born, Dr. Rattan Lal, Distinguished University Professor of Soil Science at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. is being honored for his work in identifying technological options adapted to various ecosystems through his intensive basic and applied research on processes and factors of soil degradation caused by inappropriate biological production, as well as in evaluating recommended agricultural practices which reduce risks of soil degradation and of anthropogenic climate change while improving the environmental quality and addressing the critical issues of feeding the earth's population, which is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050. Lal was born in Gujranwala in West Punjab, Pakistan, and his family came to India as refugees in 1948. He studied in India and later came to the US to work on his doctorate in soils, which he completed in 1968. He has been listed among the World's Most Influential Scientific Minds (2012) and among the top one per cent of all researchers in agriculture. Dr. Yoshio Okamoto, Professor Emeritus at Nagoya University in Nagoya, Japan has contributed enormously to the development of basic science and industry by establishing the groundbreaking concept of asymmetric polymerization for the creation of a helical polymer and developed the results into a practical separation method for optically active drugs. To honor Drs. Lal and Okamoto, the Japan Prize Foundation will host an award ceremony on April 8, 2019 in Tokyo. Each laureate will receive a certificate of recognition and a commemorative gold medal. A cash award of 50 million Japanese yen (approximately $450,000 USD) will also be given to each prize field. The Japan Prize is highly competitive: the nomination process ends in February, and, every year from March to November, the Foundation considers the nominations of 15,000 prominent scientists and researchers from around the world. Currently, the Foundation is in the initial stage of the nomination process for the 2020 Japan Prize, and is asking its selected nominators across the globe to nominate candidates whose achievements they believe to be deserving of the prestigious international prize in the fields of "Electronics, Information and Communication" and "Life Science". The submission deadline is February 28, 2019. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Hurriyat should not consider me an alien," said Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik on Wednesday. Speaking to ANI, Malik said Hurriyat must approach him directly with matters pertaining to atrocities and injustice to the common man if they come across any such situation. "As I am available to a common man, I am also available for Hurriyat. If some incident takes place regarding atrocities on residents here, I will with my full forces make efforts to deliver justice. I respect the senior leaders of the Hurriyats and will treat them the way I am treating the common man," he said. However, he made it clear that his discussions with the Hurriyat will not be a political one. He said, "Discussions with the Hurriyat cannot be termed as political. Being the Governor, I do not have the powers to hold political discussions with them. Only the Centre has the authority to do so." Governor's rule was imposed in the state in June last year after Mehbooba Mufti resigned as Chief Minister following BJP's exit from the alliance with the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. The BJP and PDP formed a coalition government in 2015 after the state elections threw up a hung assembly. However, both of them were ideologically divided on a variety of issues. The BJP had 25 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, while the PDP had 28. This is the fourth time in the last 10 years that a Governor's rule is imposed in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Germany is set to host an international conference on Wednesday in an effort to support United Nations' peace efforts in Yemen. "After the Stockholm consultations and agreements, Germany has invited international partners and key actors to support UN efforts for peace in Yemen," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas was quoted by Anadolu News Agency as saying. He said that the deal reached between the Houthis and the Yemen government during the talks at Stockholm in December last year offered a "real window of opportunity" to make further progress in attaining peace in Yemen. "We must work to make the international community's support for the upcoming process as constructive and strong as possible. This includes ensuring that further progress is not impeded by a lack of funds or lengthy administrative processes," Maas said. Among other officials, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths and Resident Coordinator of the UN in Yemen Lise Grande are expected to attend the meeting. On December 13, peace talks between the Houthi rebels and the Yemen government were held in the Swedish capital, where both warring parties reached a ceasefire agreement in vacating the strategic Yemeni port city of Al-Hudaydah. However, despite this, the two parties have not withdrawn its forces from the city amidst a slew of accusations on violating the truce. The armed conflict in Yemen that has been continuing for four-and-half years, has brought more than 22 million people that accounts to over three-quarters of the entire country's population, in dire need of humanitarian assistance or protection, of whom over eight million are severely food insecure and at risk of starvation, the UN has estimated. The Saudi-led military intervention against a Houthi rebel insurgency in early 2015 has also wrecked the country's medical, water and sanitation systems, resulting in the outbreak of cholera and other deadly diseases. Thousands of civilians, especially children, have lost their lives either in airstrikes or fighting hunger. Yemen's capital Sanaa is currently held by the Houthis, who killed then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh in December 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The International Criminal Court (ICC) here on Tuesday acquitted former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo of all charges of crimes against humanity. Gbagbo, who served as the president of the West African country from 2001 until his arrest in 2011, was on trial for the post-election violence that happened in 2010. The ICC said that Gbagbo was acquitted as the prosecutors were not able to prove the charges against him and Charles Ble Goude, another accused and a former minister, CNN reported. An ICC press officer told CNN that the prosecutors could push for an extension of Gbagbo's detention and the judges are likely to hear the matter on Wednesday. Violence broke out in Ivory Coast after Gbagbo refused to step down from his post even after his opponent Alassane Ouattara won the presidential elections in 2010. Subsequently, massive protests took place and thousands of people were killed in the unrest, while hundreds were displaced. Following this, Gbagbo was arrested and was put on trial at the ICC court where he faced charges of crimes against humanity in Ivory Coast, also known as Cote d'Ivoire. Amnesty International's West and Central Africa Director, Marie-Evelyne Petrus Barry, termed the ruling as a "crushing disappointment" to the victims affected in the civil war. "The acquittal of Gbagbo and Ble Goude will be seen as a crushing disappointment to victims of post-election violence in Cote d'Ivoire," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) RM Lodha on Wednesday said that he was surprised to know that a junior judge was recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court, superseding senior judges. "What I always feel is that the Collegium should act in a transparent manner, and reasons must be forthcoming why the decision was an upturn. There must be transparency. I have always believed that the Collegium works as an institution. It is an institutional body; it is not an individual's decision. If the consultation or communication between the Collegium was lacking, that could have been done. A junior judge was superseded to the Supreme Court, it surprises me," former CJI Lodha said in an exclusive interview to ANI. Talking about the Collegium, he said: "The Collegium is a matured body, comprising of the CJI and four senior-most judges. It is a very strong, powerful, matured and intellectual body and every decision taken by the Collegium must reflect its maturity." "The question is after Justice Nandrajog, there are two more judges, Justice Gita Mittal, the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Justice S Ravinder Bhatt. The Karnataka High Court Judge, who is from Rajasthan, was superseded six weeks ago, was not found to be, as per reports, deserving for being elevated to the Supreme Court," he added. "Look, it is little disturbing," he said while replying to a question as to how unfortunate it is for the judiciary that junior judges are being recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court prior to their seniors. Reportedly, Supreme Court judge Justice SK Kaul wrote a letter to CJI Ranjan Gogoi against the elevation of Justice Sanjeev Khanna, ignoring the seniority of Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, the CJ of Rajasthan High Court. As per reports, Kaul said that while he had nothing against Justice Khanna but he could wait for his turn to be elevated. Recently, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, a judge of Delhi High Court, as judges of the apex court. The top court is presently functioning with 26 judges as against the sanctioned strength of 31, leaving five clear vacancies. While recommending the names of Justice Maheshwari and Justice Khanna, the Collegium took into consideration the combined seniority on an all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of High Courts, apart from their merit and integrity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A former close aide to drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has testified that Mexico's ex-President Enrique Pena Nieto had once accepted a bribe to the tune of USD 100 million from the suspected drug lord in October 2012. Alex Cifuentes, Chapo's ex-secretary and close aide, made the shocking revelations while testifying before a Brooklyn Federal court on Tuesday (local time), reports CNN. Furthermore, Cifuentes stated that the bribe was given to ensure that Chapo could "continue working". However, during the course of Tuesday's testimony, he also clarified that he was "confused" about the exact amount of bribe paid to Nieto. Nieto is the former President of Mexico, who held office from 2012 to 2018. In fact, Nieto was the President-elect during October 2012, the period during which the alleged transaction was undertaken. The ex-aide's lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, has previously made statements implicating the former President, with the last one made during November's hearing, which were outrightly refuted by Nieto's office. Lichtman claimed that former Presidents of Mexico, including Nieto, have "received hundreds of millions of dollars in bribes from his (Chapo's) organization." Labelling the accusations as "false", a spokesperson for the former President said, "The government of Enrique Pena Nieto persecuted, captured, and extradited the criminal Joaquin Guzman Loera (El Chapo). The accusations made by his lawyer are completely false and defamatory." Cifuentes was extradited to the United States after being arrested in Mexico in 2013. He has pleaded guilty to charges of drug trafficking and is currently in a cooperation agreement with the US. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defence Minister on Wednesday approved the provision of providing legal advice and support to war widows and ex-servicemen. "Defence Minister has approved a proposal to provide legal advice and support to veterans and war-widows," spokesperson Colonel Aman Anand said. The decision was taken by the Minister in a meeting attended by the top hierarchy of and Chairman of the Tribunal Justice Virender Singh. "This is expected to greatly help these two sections of the fraternity," Anand said. The spokesperson said the existing framework of the Kendriya Sainik Board and Zila Sainik Boards will assist this endeavour of the ministry. At least 15 people have lost their lives in the deadly terror attack as of Wednesday, as law enforcement claimed that the country is now "secure". Chaos and destruction ensued when four gunmen, armed with rifles and grenades, stormed the Dusit D2 compound here on Tuesday. Scores of Kenyans and people of other nationalities have been evacuated from the scene after a nine-hour operation in the wake of the assault. Quoting the US State Department, Xinhua reported that an American citizen is amongst those who lost their lives in the attack which took place on Tuesday at the upmarket compound. Meanwhile, the American SITE Intelligence Group has claimed that the Somali Islamist militant group, Al-Shabaab, has taken responsibility for the attack, according to CNN. The exact number of injured and dead individuals in Tuesday's attack is yet to be confirmed by the authorities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UAE budget carrier flydubai has denied media reports of flights to the Syrian capital, Damascus, the Dubai Media office has tweeted. Earlier today, reports of flydubai evaluating the possibility of resuming flights to Damascus were doing the rounds. The Dubai Media office has called on the media "to be accurate and rely on official sources". Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back. Speaking to media here, Kumaraswamy reaffirmed that the Janata Dal (Secular)-Congress coalition is going on smoothly in Karnataka. "MLAs (Congress MLAs in Mumbai hotel) are unreachable to the media, not to me. I am in touch with everybody and I am speaking to everybody, they will come back. Our coalition is going on smoothly. I was relaxed and I am relaxed. Don't worry, be happy," the Chief Minister said. The Congress had alleged that its three MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them into their fold. The BJP, while dismissing these claims, alleged poaching attempts by the Congress. The BJP, in fact, has housed all its 104 MLAs in a hotel in Gurugram, fearing poaching by the Congress. The situation in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after two independent MLAs, H Nagesh and R Shankar, pulled out of the JD(S)-Congress government. Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to the Governor conveying their decision to withdraw support to the government. In the 224-member Assembly, JD(S) has 37 MLAs and its coalition partner has 80. It has the support of some Independents in the House where the majority figure is 113. The withdrawal of support by the two Independent MLAs will not affect the stability of the government but it comes against the backdrop of a political drama wherein the Congress and Opposition BJP are leveling charges of horse-trading. Meanwhile, Congress leaders KC Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Dinesh Gundu Rao are having a closed-door meeting at Kumara Krupa Guest House in Bengaluru. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Collegium decision to supersede three High Court judges in elevation to the Supreme Court has got mired in a major controversy, with former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha and some others from the judicial fraternity raising questions. Bar Council of India, while commenting on the elevation of High Court judges Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court, said its delegation will meet the Collegium to ask for recall of the decision and "If they don't do it, we'll sit on a dharna." The Supreme Court Collegium on January 10 recommended the elevation of Justice Maheshwari, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, and Justice Khanna, a judge of Delhi High Court, as judges of the apex court. Justice Lodha termed as "little disturbing" that junior judges were being recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court before their seniors. "What I always feel is that the Collegium should act in a transparent manner, and reasons must be forthcoming why the decision was an upturn. There must be transparency," he told ANI. "I have always believed that the Collegium works as an institution. It is an institutional body; it is not an individual's decision. If the consultation or communication between the Collegium was lacking, that could have been done. A junior judge was superseded to the Supreme Court, it surprises me," Justice Lodha added. He said the Collegium is a matured body, comprising the CJI and four senior-most judges and that "every decision taken by the Collegium must reflect its maturity." "The question is after Justice Nandrajog, there are two more judges, Justice Gita Mittal, the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court and Justice S Ravinder Bhatt. The Karnataka High Court Judge, who is from Rajasthan, was superseded six weeks ago, was not found to be, as per reports, deserving for being elevated to the Supreme Court," he said. The top court is presently functioning with 26 judges as against the sanctioned strength of 31, leaving five clear vacancies. Retired Delhi High Court Judge Justice Kailash Gambhir also questioned the Collegium's decision. He said that in all 32 judges have been superseded across the country and that Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi should "explain" this. "(I) don't know what happened to the Collegium. They took a decision on December 12 and now post- vacation the decision was changed. It was an earth-shaking decision," Justice Gambhir said. The retired Delhi High Court judge, who has also written to President Ram Nath Kovind to express his reservation to the Collegium's decision, said the January 10 recommendation was made by undermining seniority. "Both judges are very meritorious. But it is a question of ignoring the seniority of judges. Why this fourth judge is picked up? These reasons are not understandable. Only Collegium will explain," he said. The retired High Court judge was of the view that the decision taken by the Collegium will definitely send a wrong signal. "There should be more transparency," he noted. "The Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice Gogoi, had come out in the media last year (when they addressed an unprecedented press conference against the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra). At that time, it was about the selection of cases. Now it's a question of selecting judges, it's a fundamental question," Justice Gambhir said. "Why pick a person who is at number 4 in the Delhi High Court? If you think number four is meritorious, then number 10 may be more meritorious," he said. "There has to be institutional credibility in the issue. Justice Gogoi had said after becoming the CJI, I have some good plans. Is this his plan, to elevate number four to the Supreme Court? This CJI has to explain. Seniority and merits should be respected in the case," he added. Gambhir's remarks came a day after he wrote to the President, terming the Collegium's decision as a "historical blunder" and pleading with him to ensure "independence and trust" in the judiciary by preventing the decision to materialise. Bar Council Chairman M K Mishra said there was a "strong resentment" among several judges. He said names of Justice Menon and Justice Nandrajog were recommended in December. "Now suddenly, the Collegium has taken a U-turn after 20-25 days," he added. "Our delegation will go and meet the collegium to ask them to reconsider and recall this decision. If they don't do it, we'll go and sit on a dharna," Mishra said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retired Delhi High Court Judge Justice Kailash Gambhir on Wednesday questioned the decision of the Collegium to elevate two Delhi High Court judges by superseding three seniors, terming it as an "earth-shaking" move which will send "wrong signal". Gambhir said in all 32 judges have been superseded across the country and that Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi should "explain" this. "Three senior judges of Delhi High Court have been superseded. All India, 32 judges have been superseded," the retired judge told ANI here. On January 10, the Collegium had decided to elevate Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court. While recommending the names of Justices Maheshwari and Khanna, the Collegium had said the decision was taken keeping in mind the combined seniority on an all-India basis of Chief Justices and senior puisne judges of High Courts, apart from their merit and integrity. "(I) don't know what happened to the Collegium. They took a decision on December 12 and now post- vacation the decision was changed. It was an earth-shaking decision," Justice Gambhir said. The retired Delhi High Court judge, who has already written to President Ram Nath Kovind to express his reservation to the Collegium's decision, said the January 10 recommendation was made by undermining seniority. "Both judges are very meritorious. But it is a question of ignoring the seniority of judges. Why this fourth judge is picked up? These reasons are not understandable. Only Collegium will explain," he said. The retired high court judge was of the view that the decision taken by the Collegium will definitely send a "wrong signal". "There should be more transparency," he noted. "The Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice Gogoi, had come out in the media last year (when they addressed an unprecedented press conference against the then Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra). At that time, it was about the selection of cases. Now it's a question of selecting judges, it's a fundamental question," Justice Gambhir said. "Why pick a person who is at number 4 in the Delhi High Court? If you think number four is meritorious, then number 10 may be more meritorious," he said. "There has to be institutional credibility in the issue. Justice Gogoi had said after becoming the CJI, I have some good plans. Is this his plan, to elevate number four to the Supreme Court? This CJI has to explain. Seniority and merits should be respected in the case," he added. Gambhir's remarks came a day after he wrote to the President, terming the Collegium's decision as a "historical blunder" and pleading with him to ensure "independence and trust" in the judiciary by preventing the decision to materialise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China on Wednesday stated that it was 'absolutely not worried' about foreign countries' reactions on the announcement of the death penalty for the Canadian man convicted under drug trafficking charges on January 14. Sputnik quoted Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying while addressing the media, "I can clearly say that we are absolutely not worried [about the international criticism]". "I think that Canada has a few allies on the issue and they absolutely cannot represent the opinion of the entire international community. It seems to me that the international community has reached a consensus that such dangerous crimes as illegal drug trafficking must be strictly punished," Hua added. The statements from the Chinese ministry came after the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's criticism stated that the accused, identified as Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, wanted to deliver drugs to Australia. The Foreign ministry official added that China would never allow drug traffickers from any country to endanger the lives and health of its citizens by smuggling narcotic substances within its borders. "If the fact that Schellenberg was sentenced to death for [attempting to smuggle] 222 kilograms [489 pounds] of drugs is inhuman and inappropriate. Is it humane and appropriate to allow even more people to die from these drugs?. Chinese people still remember the danger of drugs in the wake of 1840 [the beginning of the First Opium War between China and the British Empire], and China will not allow drug dealers from any country to harm the health and life of Chinese people again," Hua said at the briefing. "If Schellenberg smuggled drugs to Canada, then China would not care how Canada deals with such cases, but the incident occurred in China, and therefore the case should be resolved in accordance with Chinese laws," she noted. The Dalian Intermediate People's Court in China announced death sentence for Schellenberg who was earlier convicted under charges of drug trafficking and had already served 15 years of imprisonment. The Chinese government, this year, invited the 70 observers including a small group of foreign journalists to attend his hearing in the appeals court. After showing "extreme concern" over the issue, the Canadian Prime Minister accused China of "arbitrarily" applying the death sentence against Schellenberg and asked "all countries around the world" to be aware of China's manner of conduct. The sentence comes amid the escalation of China's diplomatic row with the United States and Canada after Huawei's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Sabrina Meng Wanzhouwas arrested last month in Vancouver at the request of the United States. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's Chennai zonal unit raided multiple locations here in early hours of Tuesday and seized 20.6 kilogram gold of foreign origin valued at an estimate of Rs 6.88 crore. Four people including the kingpin, his aide cum relative and two carriers have been arrested and sent to judicial custody. DRI officials also seized a BMW car and Rs 21 lakh under the Customs Act, 1962 from the arrested persons. Interrogation of the apprehended persons revealed that the Chennai-based kingpin who is a resident of Choolaimedu, used to allegedly operate in the domestic sector of various airports. The gang used to collect gold bars from transit passengers at the respective airports, carry them back to Chennai domestic sector and hand over the smuggled items to the kingpin and his aides. The investigation revealed that Tuesday's seized gold was smuggled from Dubai to Chennai through Mumbai. A part of the gold was also smuggled directly from Sri Lanka to India through the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. Due to strong demand of gold during the festival season, and possibly on account of the steep rise in gold prices in the last quarter, there has been a spurt in the activities of organised gangs indulging in smuggling gold into India. Further investigation is in progress. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Charlotte Rampling will be joining American actor Timothee Chalamet in the upcoming remake of 'Dune'. The Oscar-nominated actress will play the role of "Reverend Mother Mohiam, the emperor's truthsayer, a person who can divine intentions, suss out lies, and manipulate people's emotional states," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Moreover, along with Charlotte and Timothee, Dave Bautista, Rebecca Ferguson and Stellan Skarsgard are also the part of the project. The shooting for 'Dune' remake will be staring this spring. Directed by American filmmaker David Lynch, the original 'Dune' film had first released in 1984. It was considered to be a sci-fi literary classic. The movie tells the story of a noble family's attempt to control 'Arrakis' a desert planet and a rare spice of drug. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Retired justice BK Khan on Wednesday defended the decision of Collegium to change its decision on supersession of three judges while deciding on elevation of Delhi High Court judges to the Supreme Court and asserted that while Collegium reserves right to take such decision, its 'style of functioning is concerning'. Speaking to ANI, he termed the controversy around the functioning of the Collegium as unfortunate and said: "In this case, I do not see much of a red into the changing of decision because Collegium's decision itself indicates that some new material was brought before it, which was not with them in December's first meeting. The nature of the material needs to be seen. In case that material is such which reflects on the candidature of the two Chief justices who were recommended, the change is the decision is definitely unwarranted." "The second question is that the nature of the material should have been disclosed and made public. My view is again not it can't be, transparency is a right," Retired justice BK Khan said. He also asserted that it is wrong for anyone to demand for nature of material put before collegium to be made public and said, "The material is known to the collegium and if five judges and the collegium has taken a different view on that material than I think there is nothing wrong in second decision because if you committed an error in first decision you can rectify in second decision." He, however, raised concerns over the style of functioning of the collegium and added, "What concern me is the manners of the functioning of the collegium. This style of functioning creates a problem. If this material existed somewhere, then this material should have been gathered in the first meeting itself. Now suddenly the collegium is giving you is that consultation was not complete, why wasn't consultation complete in the first meeting? This gives an unnecessary pretext to people in general that something is wrong somewhere." The Collegium decision to supersede three High Court judges in elevation to the Supreme Court has got mired in a major controversy, with former Chief Justice of India R M Lodha and some others from the judicial fraternity raising questions. Bar Council of India, while commenting on the elevation of High Court judges Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court, said its delegation will meet the Collegium to ask for recall of the decision and "If they don't do it, we'll sit on a dharna." The Supreme Court Collegium on January 10 recommended the elevation of Justice Maheshwari, Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, and Justice Khanna, a judge of Delhi High Court, as judges of the apex court. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal praised the India team for their recent performance against Australia in the recently-concluded Test series and hoped that his side would repeat the same while taking on the Tim Paine-led side in their upcoming two-Test series. Chandimal stressed on the need to strike a proper balance between bowling and batting. He said that India won the Test series against Australia because they had really good bowlers adding that he is expecting same sort of performance from his players, as well. "We have done well in New Zealand in both Tests, especially in the second innings. We just want to start well whether bowling or batting. We learnt from that last series and guys have some game plans. If they can take it out to the middle it will give us a good start," ESPNcricinfo quoted Chandimal, as saying. "Our fast bowlers are in good shape and if we can get more than 300 that will be great from the batting unit. The India bowling unit was really good, especially between overs 40-80. That's why they won the series. As a team we just want to do that as well," he added. Sri Lanka will go ahead in the Test series without their batting all-rounder Angelo Mathews who sustained a hamstring injury during the second Test of their recently-concluded three match series against New Zealand. While maintaining that the team would miss the services of Mathews, Chandimal asserted that it is a wonderful opportunity for the youngsters to showcase their abilities. "We all know how good Angelo is and we will certainly miss him. In the last series he did really well and he has a lot of experience," Chandimal said. "This is a really good opportunity for the youngsters to show a performance. If you perform against Australia in Australia that will give you more confidence going forward. We have something up our sleeve and if we can execute that we are on the right track," he added. Sri Lanka are slated to play their first Test against Australia from January 24 followed by another match which will begin from February 1. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Coal and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has sanctioned Rs 22,594 crore to increase the capacity of Assam's Numaligarh refinery by three times to fulfill the petroleum needs in the entire northeast region. Briefing media persons after the Cabinet and CCEA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Goyal said the Central government has given its approval to the project for capacity expansion of Numaligarh refinery from three million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) to 9 MMTPA. The project involves setting up a crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore. The project is to be completed within a period of 48 months, after approval and receipt of statutory clearances. "The total project cost of Rs 22,594 crore will be financed by a mix of debt, equity and viability gap funding (VGF). The debt of Rs 15,102 crore will be raised by Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and apart from its internal accrual of Rs 2,307 crore, the promoters, namely, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Oil India Ltd and Government of Assam (GoA) will contribute to equity. The project will be supported by viability gap funding of Rs 1,020 crore from the Government of India," said Goyal. The expansion of the refinery will meet the deficit of petroleum products in the northeast. It will also sustain the operations of all north-east refineries by augmenting their crude availability. "It will generate direct and indirect employment in Assam and is a part of the Central government's Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the northeast," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Special Director of (CBI) on Wednesday moved an application in the Delhi High Court, seeking some corrections in the recent judgement pertaining him. The High Court will take up his application for consideration on Thursday. The Delhi High Court on Friday had dismissed a plea filed by Asthana, seeking quashing of an FIR against him in a bribery case. The single judge bench of the High Court had refused to grant interim protection to Asthana but Justice Najmi Waziri asked the to maintain the status quo for two weeks. Asthana, the number two in the CBI, had sought liberty to appeal against the High Court judgement before the Supreme Court, which was granted. The High Court directed the to conclude investigation against Asthana within 10 weeks. The court also turned down a plea by Deputy SP Devender Kumar seeking quashing of FIR filed against them. Armani Hotel Dubai, the iconic hotel in Burj Khalifa, has had a record-breaking year during 2018, winning 27 prestigious awards and accolades covering all aspects from design and management excellence to its food, beverage and spa offerings. The awards recognise the multi-cultural inclusion, outstanding care for the community, and environmental awareness that the hotel continues to embrace whilst catering to connoisseurs and discerning travellers from around the world. Armani Hotel Dubai was crowned as a winner for three leading World Travel Awards: Dubais Leading Hotel and Middle Easts Leading Hotel collected at the gala ceremony in Ras Al Khaimah in mid-2018, as well as Worlds Leading Hotel at the final ceremony held in Portugal in December. Armani Hotel Dubai also won Best Hotel of The Year - 5-Star Boutique Hotel category at the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards 2018. Highlighting his progressive management and unique leadership style, Mark Kirby was honoured as Silver Winner for General Manager of the Year at the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards 2018. Continuing the distinguished track-record of winning top industry recognitions, the hotel also took home three Excellence Awards for Best Lifestyle Hotel, Best Design Hotel in the Middle East, and Best City Spa in the Middle East at the Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards 2018. Epitomising authentic luxury, Armani/Spa sets benchmarks in innovation, quality and service for spas around the world after winning three esteemed titles including Dubais Best Hotel Spa, Middle Easts Best Hotel Spa, and Worlds Best Hotel Spa at the World Spa Awards 2018. Armani/Amal, renowned for its fine dining experience that brings an innovative spin to regional Indian cuisine and for its spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa, won the Favourite Restaurant in an Overseas Hotel at the Conde Nast Traveller India Readers Travel Awards 2018. Armani Mediterraneo won Dubais Best Mediterranean Restaurant at the FACT awards and Armani/Ristorante was recognised as the Italian Restaurant of the Year with a Silver Award at the Hospitality Excellence Awards. The awards reaffirm Armani Hotel Dubais commitment to delighting guests with warm hospitality and world-class service. - TradeArabia News Service Canada has officially asked China to spare its citizen, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg's life after he was handed a death penalty in a drug trafficking case. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency," Sputnik quoted Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland as saying on Tuesday. She further sounded all Canadians bound for China to keep risks in mind while travelling to the Asian nation in the wake of the judgement against its citizen. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had earlier said that he was extremely concerned about the turn of events in Schellenberg's case, which coincided with a process in Canada against a senior executive of China's telecom giant Huawei, Meng Wanzhou. The death sentence was handed over to the Canadian citizen on January 14, when he appealed the 15-year jail term given to him on charges of drug-smuggling in 2016. The Canadian was reportedly arrested in 2014 in China. Schellenberg has repeatedly denied the charges levelled against him by China. He now has 10 days to appeal the verdict. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amidst the ongoing row in Karnataka and allegations of trying to poach JDS-Congress MLAs to join their fold, MLA KM Shivalinge Gowda said that allegedly offered Rs 60 crore and a minister post to a " person" who reportedly turned down the offer. While addressing a press-conference in Hassan on Tuesday, Gowda said: "One person from has been offered Rs 60 crore and a minister post by former Chief Minister and leader Jagadish Shettar. He refused the offer and informed Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy". On the other hand as the allegations and counter-allegations of poaching have cast their shadow on the state government led by Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, the Congress has called a meeting of its legislators here on January 18 to take stock of the prevailing political situation. The decision to hold the meeting of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) was taken after the party leaders alleged that three of their MLAs were taken to Mumbai by the BJP in an attempt to lure them to their fold. While Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamyon said the Congress MLAs who are in Mumbai are constantly in touch with him and assured that the three legislators will come back. Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has alleged that the BJP is scaring his party MLAs in Karnataka by taking the name of institutions like CBI, CVC, Income Tax, and ED in a bid to gain their support. "The BJP is threatening Congress MLAs in Karnataka by taking the name of Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate (ED), CBI, Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and other agencies in order to gain their support," he told reporters here on Wednesday. Kharge said that JDS and Congress MLAs in Karnataka would soon have a joint meeting to discuss the prevailing political situation in the state. The Congress has already called a meeting of the party legislators on January 18. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central government is trying to install a BJP government in Karnataka by trying to break our MLAs," Kharge alleged. Asserting the JDS-Congress government in Karnataka is stable as the MLAs are intact, the Congress veteran said: "BJP president Amit Shah and BJP government are making every bid to form their government but all the 118 MLAs are intact and are sticking to the principles they have been elected for." He said the BJP is spreading rumours through media that they have 15-20 MLAs in their favour. "This is not the first time that the BJP is doing this. They have done it in Goa, Manipur, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. Now they are trying to replicate this in Karnataka, but they will fail," Kharge said. The political situation in Karnataka got tumultuous on Tuesday after two independent MLAs--H Nagesh and R Shankar-pulled out of the JDS-Congress government in the state. Nagesh and Shankar wrote separate letters to Governor Vajubhai Vala, conveying their decision to withdraw their support to the coalition government. In the 224-member Assembly, JDS has 37 MLAs, while Congress has 80. The government has the support of some Independent MLAs in the House where the majority figure is 113 to stay in power. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two villagers were shot dead by Naxals on suspicion of being police informers in Bihar's Jamui district. Both deceased, identified as Usman Ansari and Ghulam, were attacked by Naxals on Tuesday night at around 11 pm at their respective houses. As per locals, Naxal commander Sindhu Koda, along with his 25-30 associates, entered the house of the victims and shot them after tying their hands. A Naxal pamphlet was also found near the bodies, which read: "Punishment for being a police informer". Police have reached the spot and are probing the incident. Meanwhile, anguished villagers took to the streets to protest against the killings and demanded strict action to be taken against the perpetrators. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) the national promotion body designed to support the growth of Azerbaijan's tourism industry, launched its marketing campaign 'Take another look' at the 26th edition of SATTE 2019 - South Asia's leading travel show. As part of its strategy to present a new portrait of the country, enhance its destination value and double the current in-bound tourism by 2023, ATB launched its marketing campaign in India at the annual three-day B2B trade show designed to bring together the key travel industry leaders in the region. The brand positioning and identity is an invitation to attract travellers to consider Azerbaijan from a unique point of view and discover its untold stories and secrets. Situated at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, Azerbaijan has nine of the world's eleven climate zones, offering travellers a European experience at affordable prices all year round. The Caucasus country is currently on the cusp of a tourism boom as it welcomed a record number of in-bound visitors spending more than US$ 2 billion in 2018, making it one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. Azerbaijan's recent investments in tourism and country promotion are testimony to the fact that the country is poised to become a premium MICE destination with a well-developed corporate infrastructure equipped to host large scale meetings and conferences. Moreover, Indian passport holders are eligible for E-Visa to Azerbaijan, which is processed online within 3 hours through the new simplified electronic visa procedure. The new initiatives are expected to improve Azerbaijan's ranking among countries with a high tourism contribution towards national GDP, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council 2018 Impact Report. It is forecasted to be at 6% per annum over the course of the next 10 years ranking it amongst the world's top 20 high potential countries. An Eastern country with a Western outlook, Azerbaijan is an exceptional combination of antiquity and novelty with several sites of interest. From Baku's modern Flame Towers, to the depths of the medieval UNESCO World Heritage site, there's something for everyone in Azerbaijan. A constantly evolving tapestry of life and energy from bazaars to jazz clubs makes it an ideal destination for family holidays and honeymoon travel as well as a host for destination weddings. For millennia, Azerbaijan has been at the crossroads of history. As a tourism proposition, Azerbaijan is a safe family-oriented destination that is supported by a rich history that dates back 5000 years and a composite culture that has evolved with the passing through of travellers along the Great Silk Road. The fire-worshipping Zoroastrians left their mark at Ateshgah, where the Fire Temple continues to amaze visitors with its spouts of flames and inscriptions in Sanskrit or Punjabi adorned by 19th century Hindu merchants. With high-profile sporting events such as the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix and UEFA Europa League Final in 2019; varied hospitality offerings that range from luxury collections to B&Bs; a vibrant gastronomical experience; spectacular landscapes including summer countryside and winter ski slopes; adventure trails; and cultural events; Azerbaijan is in an excellent position to cater to high volumes of tourists seeking authentic local experiences. Azerbaijan's unique geography and location have resulted in a cuisine influenced by the land's natural ingredients. It has also assimilated the flavours of travellers that passed through its heartlands. In addition to eateries serving local and international delicacies, Azerbaijan has many Indian restaurants that serve vegan food and a large community of local Indian chefs working in the hospitality sector. "'Take another look' unlocks Azerbaijan's unique stories and secrets. The Azerbaijani people are excited to share their culture, cuisine and country with visitors from India. We encourage you to indulge your palate with unique flavours and you can expect a plethora of gourmet vegetarian options that will delight food connoisseurs. We look forward to enhancing our tourism proposition in the industry and becoming a leading destination brand in the world, as we continue to provide tourists with unique, authentic experiences that will leave them with lasting memories for a lifetime," said Florian Sengstschmid, CEO of Azerbaijan Tourism Board. Currently, three-fourths of the in-bound tourists to Azerbaijan hail from Russia, Georgia, Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, neighbouring countries in the region. With a new brand and the 'Take another look' promotional campaign, Azerbaijan will focus on increasing the number of tourists from a broader pool of countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, China, as well as Central and Southeast Asia. Azerbaijan Airlines, the flag carrier of Azerbaijan, has announced direct charter flights from India to Azerbaijan in 2019. "As we encourage visitors to 'Take another look', we are inviting them to take a more in-depth look at Azerbaijan and immerse themselves in truly genuine cultural experiences. Guests will want to dig deeper into the country's history and rich cultural heritage as they discover pleasant surprises and hidden gems throughout the year," added Florian. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Arunachal Pradesh's former chief minister Gegong Apang resigned from BJP on Tuesday citing disappointment with the present day BJP leadership. In his resignation letter addressed to BJP president Amit Shah, Apang wrote: "I'm disappointed to see that the present day BJP is no longer following the principles of late Vajpayee Ji. The party is now a platform to seek power, it serves a leadership which hates decentralisation of democratic decision making and no longer believes that the party founded by, for and of the cadre is only seeking to capture power". Citing an instance from 2014 state assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh, he accused the BJP leadership of using every dirty trick of the trade to get to the power. "From issues like grass-root delivery of government schemes to matters like Naga peace talks, Chakma-Hajong issue, amendments of citizenship bill, telecommunications and real-time digital connectivity to peaceful and cordial relations with neighbours like Bangladesh, Myanmar and China, both the party and the Modi sarkar are not addressing the real issues," read his letter. Apang has served as chief minister for 23 years and was elected as Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) seven times. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah has been diagnosed with swine flu and is being treated under the supervision of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria. Shah also took to Twitter to inform the countrymen about his ailment on Wednesday and wrote: "I have been affected by swine flu disease and the treatment for the same is going on. With the blessings of God and love and good wishes of all of you, I shall be healthy soon." Meanwhile, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda is soon expected to visit Amit Shah to take stock of his health. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday narrowly sailed through a no-confidence vote put forth by the opposition Labour Party, a day after her government suffered a historic defeat in the Brexit deal vote. May's ruling Conservative Party won the confidence motion by 325 votes to 306. A total of 631 MPs had participated in the voting process at the House of Commons, CNN reported. The no-confidence motion was tabled by Labour Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the UK Parliament Jeremy Corbyn. May's victory in the no-trust vote means that she would remain the British Prime Minister. But uncertainty still looms about the next steps to be taken, after her Brexit deal was voted down. Following the vote, May remained defiant about her Brexit deal, stating that her government would continue to work to ensure that the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, as part of the agreement. "My government will continue to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. And yes, we will also continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise that we made to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union," she was quoted by CNN as saying. According to the withdrawal agreement, the UK is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitional period with the EU. Furthermore, the British Prime Minister said that she would be holding a series of meetings between MPs and her cabinet ministers. "I've proposed a series of meetings between senior parliamentarians and representatives of the government in the coming days and I would like to invite the leaders of parliamentary parties to meet with me individually and I would like to start these meetings tonight," May said. On Tuesday, May's Brexit deal was voted down by the MPs at the House of Commons by a resounding majority of 230. The deal was voted down by 432 votes to 202, the worst defeat for any sitting government in the UK. Around 118 Conservative Party MPs voted against the withdrawal agreement. For long, May has been pushing for the Brexit deal to be accepted by the UK Parliament. She has repeatedly stated that "this is a Brexit that delivers." May, who dismissed the prospects of a second Brexit referendum also survived a previously held no-confidence motion initiated by her disgruntled lawmakers of the Conservative Party over her handling of the Brexit negotiations last December. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) Tuesday clocked over twofold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 41.99 crore during the third quarter ended December 31, 2018, on account of strong revenue. The exchange's net profit stood at Rs 18.77 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year, the company said in a regulatory filing. Net income increased to Rs 109.10 crore on a consolidated basis during the December quarter of 2018-19 from Rs 76.52 crore in the year-ago period. Expenses, however, remained higher at Rs 59.81 crore, against Rs 50.91 crore in the year-ago period. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mrugank Paranjape said: "It is particularly pleasing to demonstrate consistent strong growth in this year as we traverse a challenging and competitive arena." The average daily turnover in the futures segment on the grew 31.56 per cent to Rs 26,614 crore during the third quarter of 2018-19 from the year-ago period. "This is the highest turnover in 22 quarters since the levy of commodities transaction tax (CTT) in July 2013," he said, attributing the performance to a robust volume growth across bullion and energy segments. Paranjape further said would remain committed to further strengthening of its processes and creating products and systems. "We are also encouraged by the positive regulatory developments that would facilitate institutional participation in commodity derivatives which should provide much more liquidity to the existing market and make the market more accessible," he added. Shares of the MCX Tuesday rose 0.48 per cent to settle at Rs 763.50 apiece on the BSE. Danish retail chain JYSK, pronounced yusk, has launched a new competition to give aspiring designers the opportunity to have one of their creations made and sold in its stores and win Dh10,000 ($2,720) in the process. As part of the contest, students enrolled on design courses at universities in Dubai as well as amateur designers are invited to submit their ideas for a new, unique and inspiring item of household furniture. The piece must be in the classic JYSK-style and in keeping with the international brands quality and overall ethos think the perfect blend of Scandinavia cool that seamlessly merges function, form and sleek design. In homage to the regions unique style, creative history and traditions, the designs must also incorporate Arabic elements into its overall look. A panel of expert judges from JYSK will cast their eyes over the entries to decide which meet the strict criteria before choosing a winner. The winning designer will not only receive Dh10,000, they will also see their piece made and sold in JYSKs UAE stores in time for Ramadan 2019.All of the proceeds from each item sold will be donated to a local charity. CEO Jens Ravnbl from JYSK said: Dubai is known the world over for its amazing designs, incredible architecture and stunning homes so we felt it would be the perfect place to look for the next breakout designer to create fantastic furniture and must-have household items. This competition will hopefully shine the spotlight on the fantastic design talent that is enrolled in Dubais universities and the aspiring designers working at home in their spare time. Being able to see your creation on sale in a store is every designers dream, and JYSK is delighted to be able to make that dream come true for one talented individual, Ravnbl added. The competition will officially launch on January 20, with designers having until the end of February to submit their ideas to judges. The winner will be announced in March, and their design will be produced and ready to be sold in JYSKs stores in May. TradeArabia News Service After delays, stumbles and negotiations, Prime Minister Theresa May this week finally presented her plan for Britains withdrawal from the European Union to Parliament. Then, on Tuesday, British lawmakers resoundingly rejected it, 432 to 202. It was one of the biggest defeats in the House of Commons for a prime minister in recent British history. The humiliating margin has put her government on the verge of collapse. Supporters of Brexit, as the withdrawal is known, had once promised that leaving the European bloc would be quick and simple. It has turned out to be ... Prime Minister Theresa May could eventually get a Brexit deal through parliament if she negotiated a compromise with the opposition Labour Party, the second most powerful man in the party told Reuters on Wednesday. May's Brexit deal suffered a crushing defeat in parliament on Tuesday, triggering political chaos that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU, a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave or a compromise deal of some sort. The Labour Party's finance policy chief, John McDonnell, said Labour would support May if she agreed to stay in a permanent customs union ... Reckitt Benckiser Chief Executive Rakesh Kapoor will retire this year, paving the way for a potential change in strategy or break-up of the British consumer goods maker. The company behind Durex condoms and Enfamil infant formula said Kapoor, 60, would leave by the end of 2019 after more than eight years at the helm and more than three decades with the company overall. Reckitt has begun looking for a successor and will consider internal and external candidates. Indian-born Kapoor is the latest consumer industry chief to hand over the reins in difficult times, marked by slower ... Prime Minister Theresa May's government braced for a vote of no confidence on Wednesday, a day after she suffered a historic defeat in Parliament where lawmakers roundly rejected her Brexit plan. Her agreement setting out the terms of Britain's exit from the EU, the result of two years of negotiations with Brussels, was rejected in the House of Commons by a majority of 230 lawmakers -- the worst defeat for a sitting government in the country's democratic era. It was turned down by a crushing 432 votes to 202. The confidence vote was expected to be held at about 7 p.m. GMT, the BBC reported. In response to the significant defeat, which had been widely predicted by political observers, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would table a motion of no confidence against May's government. "This is a catastrophic defeat. The house has delivered its verdict on her deal. Delay and denial has reached the end of the line," Corbyn told the Commons, the lower chamber of Parliament, as he announced the motion, something which had also been expected in case of May's defeat. The Prime Minister told MPs she would return to the Commons with an alternative plan next week, provided she survives the confidence vote. "The House has spoken and this government will listen," she said on Tuesday night, offering cross-party talks to determine a way forward. May delayed the initial parliamentary vote on her deal in December when it became clear that it would not make it through the chamber. The European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the withdrawal process was "at a standstill". "So, in this context, it is up to the British authorities today or tomorrow to assess the outcome of this vote and up to the British government to find how we are to take things forward on March 29 towards an orderly withdrawal," he told the European Parliament. Some 118 members of May's Conservative Party, including pro-European Tory MPs and hardline Brexit supporters, rebelled against the government in Tuesday's vote. As did the 10 parliamentary members of the DUP, a right-wing unionist party from Northern Ireland and ally of the Conservative government. The formation of right-wing Tory backbenchers, collectively known as the European Research Group, and the DUP signalled they would back May in the motion of no confidence, making it less likely for Corbyn to be able to force a general election. If May gets ousted, then the government would have 14 days to present a new leader. However, if that candidate also fails to secure the confidence of Parliament and no viable alternatives are presented, then the could head towards an early election. May survived a no-confidence motion lodged by hardline members of her own party in December. According to rules, such a vote cannot be tabled for another year, meaning that if she withstands Labour's attempt to oust her, her job would be safe. The is slated to leave the EU on March 29, exactly two years after May officially notified the EU of the UK's intention of exiting the bloc by triggering Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Also, there had been increasing calls for a second referendum. The UK electorate decided to leave the EU in a referendum in 2016. The French government is moving to dismiss Renault's scandal-hit Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn and has requested a board meeting to consider candidates to replace him, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. France, Renault's biggest shareholder, had until now supported the company's decision to keep Ghosn in office while he awaits trial in Japan for alleged misconduct at Nissan, the French carmaker's alliance partner he also chaired until his dismissal in November. But the government, which commands a 15 per cent Renault stake and two board ... Imagine an internet where you couldnt access any content unless it complied with every law of all the countries in the world. In this scenario, you would be prevented from expressing views that were critical of many of the worlds dictatorships. You would not be able to question aspects of some religions due to blasphemy laws. And some of the photos you post of your children would be illegal. A development like this is not as far fetched as it currently may seem. Every country wants its laws respected online. The scenario above may be an unavoidable outcome if ... Expressing concern over recent Chinese actions taken out of step with norms, the has said One Belt and One Road (OBOR) investments could create potential military advantages for China, should it require access to selected foreign ports to pre-position the necessary logistics support to sustain naval deployments. In a report titled "Assessment on Defence Implications of China's Expanding Global Access", the report states that Department of Defence is concerned by the actions China's government has taken that are out of step with norms, diminishes countries' sovereignty or undermines the security of the United States, its allies or partners. "Some OBOR investments could create potential military advantages for China, should it require access to selected foreign ports to pre-position the necessary logistics support to sustain naval deployments to protect its growing interests in waters as distant as the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Atlantic Ocean," the report, which is the second one on China in 24 hours, said. The report identified 17 cases in which Chinese investment and project financing bypassed regular market mechanisms and has resulted in negative economic effects for the host country. "China's attempts to gain veto authority over other countries' decisions, and its coercion directed at US allies and partners in particular, will likely threaten US posture and access if not addressed," the said. Observing that China's investment has been global in scope, the China Global Investment Tracker (compiled by the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation) from 2006-2017 China invested roughly $299 bn in Europe, $223 bn in North America, $120 bn in East and Southeast Asia, $98 bn in South America, $91 bn in Australia, $85 bn in West Asia (South Asia, Central Asia, and Russia), $77 bn in Sub-Saharan Africa and $31 bn in the Middle East and North Africa, the report said. Construction contracts from 2006-2017 measured by the Tracker totalled an additional $205 bn in Sub-Saharan Africa, $163 bn in West Asia, $130 bn in the Middle East and North Africa, $122 bn in East and Southeast Asia, $52 bn in South America, $38 bn in Europe, $15 bn in Australia and $10 bn in North America. Most of China's construction contracts, and some of its investments, have occurred under the OBOR label since the initiative was announced in 2013, the report said. "China's expanding global access has provided new opportunities to develop and acquire military and dual-use technologies, through both legitimate and unlawful means," the report said. Although many of China's generous investment financing offers benefit their host nations, they often come with strings attached. "In some cases, Chinese investment and project financing that bypasses regular market mechanisms results in negative economic effects for the host country, including lower standards, reduced opportunities for local companies and workers, and significant debt accumulation challenges," the Pentagon said. For instance, it said, Malaysia has suspended or cancelled several OBOR projects since August 2018, noting one could have been built by a local company for half the cost. Pakistan announced a review of Chinese-financed projects associated with the $62 bn China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in September 2018. An advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan told reporters the previous government "gave away a lot" to China and argued for renegotiation. "The government later backpedaled, claiming the statement was taken out of context," it said. The Maldives' finance minister stated in November 2018 that China is building infrastructure projects in the country at significantly higher prices than previously agreed, the Pentagon said. China's announcement of $60 bn in additional aid and loans for Africa occurred despite the Monetary Fund's early 2018 warning that sub-Saharan African nations are at a growing risk of debt distress. The report alleged that China has also employed economic incentives or economic coercion to achieve specific political objectives. This has affected a wide range of countries. For instance in 2004, after China pledged $122 million in assistance to Dominica, Dominica cut official ties with Taiwan. "In 2010, China reduced salmon imports from Norway and suspended diplomatic relations and trade discussions, after Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo won the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize," the Pentagon said. Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday suffered a humiliating defeat over her plan to withdraw Britain from the European Union, thrusting the country further into political chaos with only 10 weeks to go until it is scheduled to leave the bloc. The 432-to-202 vote to reject her proposal was the biggest defeat in the House of Commons for a prime minister in recent British history. And it underscores how comprehensively Mrs. May has failed to build consensus behind any single vision of how to exit the European Union. Now factions in Parliament will offer their own proposals ... The EU and European governments warned Tuesday that the British parliament's rejection of a deal heightened the risk of a disorderly withdrawal from the bloc. Following are some of the key reactions to the vote, which saw MPs vote by a massive 432 to 202 votes against the agreement "I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up," -- president Jean-Claude Juncker. "The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. It reduces the damage caused by for citizens and businesses across It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote. While we do not want this to happen, the will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared." "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" EU Council president Donald Tusk, who added the remaining EU27 "will remain united". "It's now up to the British government to say what the next stage is. The EU will remain united and determined to find a deal," the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said. Ireland said it would intensify preparations for a no-deal Brexit. "Regrettably, the outcome of tonight's vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently, the government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome," Dublin said in a statement. Germany said it is a bitter day for "This is a bitter day for We are well prepared -- but a hard Brexit would be the least attractive choice, for the EU and GB (Great Britain)." -- German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "A hard Brexit will be the worst of all options," said Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, leader of Chancellor Angela Merkel's centre-right CDU party and her likely successor Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, in a tweet, said "In any case, there will be no renegotiations on the withdrawal agreement." Spanish premier Pedro Sanchez said "An unordered exit would be negative for the EU and catastrophic for the UK. AC Milan stars Calhanoglu, Conti, Cutrone, Paqueta, Borini and the legendary Daniele Massaro recently met with die-hard fans in Saudi Arabia during a special meet-and-greet session hosted by Italian denim brand Diesel. Hundreds of fans waited at the store in Jeddah to catch a glimpse of the stars, who signed autographs and took pictures with the public. The event included meeting with various Saudi media publications, an autograph signing, meet-and-greet, and various opportunities for fans to interact and take photos with the players. The on Wednesday decided to recapitalise state-owned to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore and double its authorised capital to Rs 20,000 crore. The equity will be infused in two tranches -- Rs 4,500 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 1,500 crore in 2019-20, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal told reporters after the Cabinet meeting in New Delhi. "Cabinet approves recapitalisation of of (Exim Bank) to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore and increase its authorised capital from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore," he said. Established by the of India, commenced operations as a purveyor of export credit, mirroring global export credit agencies. It serves as a growth engine for industries and small and medium enterprises through a wide range of products and services. This includes import of technology and export product development, export production, export marketing, pre-shipment and post-shipment and overseas investment. Reserve Bank Governor Wednesday said he will be meeting industry lobby groupings on Thursday. Das has already met the heads of state-run banks in two installments, private sector bankers, non-bank lenders and associations of small businesses since taking over in December. "Will meet the apex chambers/associations of industry and commerce tomorrow (January 17)," Das wrote on the microblogging website Twitter. It can be noted that till a few years ago, the had a structured practice of meeting industry lobby groupings like CII or FICCI. Das had hinted towards a more conciliatory approach, taking the views of all the key stakeholders on board, hours after assuming charge following the surprise resignation of his predecessor Urjit Patel. In the run-up to Patel's resignation last month, multiple stakeholders, including government ministers, had complained about the not listening to industry concerns. Roads minister Nitin Gadkari had publicly said that RBI's notifications are hampering financial closure for projects and appealed for a relook at the practices. The February 12 circular last year, which redefines bad asset recognition by asking lenders to classify an asset as bad for a single day's default and stresses on quicker resolution, has also been one of the areas of concern especially for the large borrowers. Provisions in the circular proved to be one of the driving factors which had led the Government to invoke the never used Section 7 of the Act to direct the central bank to take certain discussions for public good. The Government also wants special dispensation to the power sector, which the RBI is uneasy with. Even as the central bank had decided to end the practice of forbearances, it has initiated a scheme on board direction for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) having borrowings under Rs 25 crore after Das took over. The (JMM) has called a meeting of the opposition parties on Thursday to discuss the formation of a Grand Alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Our party has called a meeting of the opposition parties to discuss forming of a Grand Alliance against the ruling BJP in Jharkhand for Lok Sabha and Assembly polls," Supriyo Bhattacharya, General Secretary of told IANS. This meeting is seen as a move to avoid Uttar Pradesh-like situation, where the Congress has said it will contest all the 80 Lok Sabha seats alone. The leaders said the party does not want the anti-BJP vote to get divided due to division among the Opposition. Enthused with the Kolibera Assembly poll result, the Congress wants a large chunk of the Lok Sabha seats. It wants to fight on at least seven of the 14 Lok Sabha seats from Jharkhand. "We have received the invitation for the meeting. We also want a Grand Alliance. Lets see what happens in the meeting," Kishore Sahdeo, Jharkhand Congress General Secretary told IANS. Sources in the Congress said the wants it to accept Hemant Soren as the Chief Minister for the 2019 Assembly polls. They say the party leaders are not in favour of accepting the leadership of the JMM candidate in the present scenario. In 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP had won 12 of the 14 seats. A consortium of banks led by has agreed to provide finance for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' pet Nagpur-Mumbai 'Samruddhi Corridor' expressway project, a top official said Wednesday. SBI has agreed to lend the highest amount, Rs 8,500 crore, said Bhushan Gagrani, principal secretary in the Chief Minister's Office. "Other lenders include Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra as well as the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India," he said. The estimated cost of the project, being constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, is around Rs 50,000 crore, of which around Rs 26,000 crore are required for the construction of the expressway. "We were falling short of Rs 3,000-4,000 crore to reach the target of Rs 26,000 crore. The consortium of banks has agreed to share that shortfall too. It has solved the major issue of financial support," Gagrani said. He added that banks believe in the financial viability of the project. Almost 95 per cent of the land acquisition is complete, Gagrani added. Acquisition in some stretches in Amravati and Aurangabad regions is yet to be done. The corridor will have 25 toll plazas, and the toll will be collected for 40 years. Traders' body CAIT on Wednesday urged the government not to accede to any demand by large players or US associations for changes or delayed implementation of revised norms for Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) warned that any move to amend the policy will be opposed by the trading community "tooth and nail" and demanded a probe into the business activities of large players. "We want the government to institute a probe into the business activities of major e-commerce players over the last two-three years. Those found violating the policy should be strongly punished," CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal told reporters in New Delhi. Government's new regulations bar online marketplaces with to sell products of companies in which they hold stake as well as ban exclusive marketing arrangements. Another provision states that the inventory of a vendor will be seen as controlled by a marketplace if over 25 per cent of the vendor's purchases are from the marketplace entity, including the latter's wholesale unit. Some large online marketplaces have favoured an extension of the February 1 deadline for the new and tighter rules. Meanwhile, CAIT demanded that a comprehensive be brought about at the earliest, and underlined the need for an effective regulator, that is "armed with enforcement and adjudicatory powers to enforce e-commerce policy". According to CAIT, restrictions imposed in policy in e-commerce should also be made applicable on domestic e-commerce players to ensure a level playing field and fair competition. The government should also make it mandatory for e-commerce companies to obtain a compliance certificate from the current year and companies should not be allowed to raise funds until such a compliance certificate is obtained, CAIT said. On Tuesday, the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) urged the government to defer the implementation of revised norms for e-commerce companies having foreign investments, as few provisions are unclear and onerous. argued that it would not be possible for online retailers to comply with the norm related to 25 per cent cap. The Cabinet, among other decisions, on Tuesday hiked the fees for getting two and three-wheelers checked for pollution fitness. The Pollution Under Control (PUC) fee has been increased from Rs 50 to Rs 80 for motorcycles, while for three-wheelers, the charge will be Rs 100 from Rs 80, Cabinet Secretariat Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar told reporters here. The fee for availing PUC certificate for cars, however, remain unchanged at Rs 120. The Cabinet also approved the proposal for the Aggregator Policy 2019, which makes it mandatory for private operators like Ola and to obtain license and permit, he said. The license fee for private operators running four-wheeler commercial vehicles is Rs 15,000 for three years, while the permit fee will be Rs 1,000, the principal secretary said. The Cabinet also approved the draft State University Service Commission (Recruitment and Service Conditions for Chairman and Members) Rules, 2019, he said. The decision (framing of rules) would expedite the appointment of teachers in colleges and universities of Bihar. Besides these, it sanctioned Rs 591.77 crore for construction of Sri Ram Janki Medical College and Hospital, Samastipur, Kumar said, adding, the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation (BMSICL) will now float tender for the work. The Cabinet gave its nod to amendment in Bihar Pension Rules, 1950, as per which 'post-retiral' benefits will be withheld till the disposal of the matter if any departmental/judicial proceeding is pending against any employee at the time of his/her retirement. A total of 19 decisions were taken at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Company said they will form a global alliance to develop commercial vans and medium-sized pickups for global markets beginning as early as 2022. Volkswagen CEO Dr Herbert Diess and Ford CEO Jim Hackett said the alliance will drive significant scale and efficiencies and enable both companies to share investments in vehicle architectures that deliver distinct capabilities and technologies. The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pre-tax operating results, starting in 2023. In addition, Volkswagen and Ford have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate collaboration on autonomous vehicles, mobility services and electric vehicles and have started to explore opportunities. Both companies also said they were open to considering additional vehicle programs in the future. The teams will continue working through details in the coming months. Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society, Hackett said. It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility. Diess added: Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions to even better serve millions of customers around the world. At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness. The alliance, which does not entail cross-ownership between the two companies, will be governed by a joint committee. This committee will be led by Hackett and Diess and will include senior executives from both companies. Commercial van and pickup collaboration Ford and Volkswagen both have strong commercial van and pickup businesses around the globe, with popular nameplates such as the Ford Transit family and Ranger as well as the Volkswagen Transporter, Caddy and Amarok. The companies collective light commercial vehicle volumes from 2018 totalled approximately 1.2 million units globally, which could represent the industrys highest-volume collaboration as production scales. Demand for both medium pickups and commercial vans is expected to grow globally in the next five years. The alliance will enable the companies to share development costs, leverage their respective manufacturing capacity, boost the capability and competitiveness of their vehicles and deliver cost efficiencies, while maintaining distinct brand characteristics. Through the alliance, Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies which are expected to go to market as early as 2022. For both parties, Ford intends to engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, and Volkswagen intends to develop and build a city van. The Volkswagen Group with its headquarters in Wolfsburg is one of the worlds leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. The product spectrum ranges from motorcycles to small cars and luxury vehicles. In the commercial vehicle sector, the products include ranges from pick-ups, buses and heavy trucks. Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. TradeArabia News Service BJP Lok Sabha member from Goa Narendra Sawaikar on Wednesday said the Centre was in the process of formulating a law to resolve the state's mining crisis. Sawaikar, another Lok Sabha MP from Goa Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha member Vinay Tendulkar and Goa Mining People's Front chief Puti Gaonkar had met BJP president in New Delhi on Sunday to find a solution for the resumption of the iron ore extraction operations in the state. Referring to the meeting, Sawaikar said the BJP was confident that the crisis would be resolved. "There is past history where various judgements were delivered by the Supreme Court, high court and others. Taking that into consideration, (union) government is in the process of framing a law," he told reporters at Margao in South Goa district on Wednesday. The party president assured the mining dependents that their issues would be resolved. The mining dependents also expressed satisfaction after the meeting, Sawaikar noted. "The issue will definitely be resolved," he added. The mining operations, a key source of revenue to the government, came to a standstill in March last year following a Supreme Court order which quashed 88 mining leases. ALSO READ: Thosands launch protest in Delhi demanding resumption of mining in Goa The BJP-led state government has requested the Centre to amend the existing mining laws during the ongoing session of Parliament so that leases get extended. The GMPF, an umbrella group of mining dependents - whose livelihood has been affected - had recently staged three-day protests in New Delhi demanding resumption of mining activities in the state. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Technologies says the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. Meeting with foreign reporters at Huawei's headquarters, Ren Zhengfei sought Tuesday to allay Western concerns the company is a security risk. Those fears have hampered Huawei's access to global markets for next-generation telecom technology. Asked how would respond if Chinese authorities ask for confidential information about foreign customers or their networks, Ren said, "we would definitely say no to such a request." The United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments have imposed curbs on use of technology over concerns the company is a security risk. To entrepreneurs in China, he is a legend akin to Steve Jobs. To United States officials, he is the secretive mastermind behind a company that is extending the Chinese governments ability to infiltrate computer systems and data networks around the world. But for all his fame and power, Ren Zhengfei, the 74-year-old founder and chief executive of the Chinese technology giant Huawei, may no longer have the luxury of letting his companys success speak for itself. In his first public comments since United States authorities arranged for the arrest of his daughter ... Aiming to further its speciality blacks business and bag a greater pie from exports, Phillips Carbon Black (PCBL) is planning to put up a research and development facility in Europe which will engage in coming up with innovative products and uses of carbon black other than quality improvement to meet several compliances across the globe. We are looking at Europe to set up a research and development facility there. It will not only help us to improve our value added and specialty black portfolio by means of cutting edge research and technology, but it will also help us to ... Finnish telecommunication giant on Tuesday announced its plans to cut jobs, media reported. gave 350 as a layoff target in Finland, and said the figures in France and Germany would be higher, but did not specify. However, the company denied that the cuts would be related to the slower than expected launch of 5G technology, Xinhua agency reported. Instead, the aim is to make operations more efficient as the consolidation after the purchase of the French Alcatel-Lucent has been completed. Tommi Uitto, director in charge of Nokia's operations in Finland, said the changes are "necessary". The cutbacks are part of 700-million-euro (about $798.7 million) savings announced in October 2018. Thereafter Marc Rouanne, one of the key directors, left the company. In France, the General Confederation of Labour (CGT) accused on Tuesday of attempting to improve profitability through shifting work to countries where labour costs are lower than in France. Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat quoted the union as saying that Nokia has broken its 2016 promise to the then finance minister that staff size at Alcatel-Lucent and Bell Labs would remain at 4,200 for two years. CGT claimed that Nokia had also broken its pledge to employ 2,500 new staffers in research and development. Helsingin Sanomat economics writer Petri Sajari said the French unions could turn the Nokia cutbacks against President Macron. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Nokia currently employs 100,000 people worldwide, 6,000 of them in Premium luxury jewellery house Dhamani 1969 has unveiled a feminine and colourful line of light and ready-to-wear jewels, Chrysalis. The beautifully crafted unique collection, set in gold, diamonds and colourful enamel, includes earring, rings and bold necklaces in rose, yellow and white gold, and with the option of with and without diamonds. Launched at the brands flagship boutique at The Dubai Mall, the event was attended by dignitaries across all walks; along with fashionistas to get the first glimpse of the collection. The launch was held in association with Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which runs until February 2. DSF is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubais Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). Specially crafted for todays woman, Chrysalis characterises natures beauty, accessorising any outfit to highlight the oomph and glitz factor. With fashionable and pictorial designs, Chrysalis is a novelty in the traditionally elegant and opulent diamond jewels of Dhamani 1969. It is a collection conceived to satisfy the aspiration for beauty, femininity and self-expression of women on the rise. Chrysalis, derived from the ancient Greek word for gold, is the name for the ephemeral state of a moth becoming a butterfly. Butterflies are born on the earth but can reach the skies, they are as delicate as thoughts but strong enough to transform themselves. We have caught this golden thread and sewed it into the form of our inspiration, unveiling the secrets of these wonderful teachers of life, commented Amit Dhamani, CEO and managing director of Dhamani Jewels. Chrysalis represents a very unique and innovative collection among our array. These jewels belong to a vibrant, bright and friendly woman, who has never lost the vitality of a child and the gentleness of a butterfly. As each butterfly differs from the other, with this collection we want to celebrate the individuality and unique ways each of us finds to reach our best. This individuality is what creates diversity, richness, and tolerance, echoing the words so dear to our leaders," he said. The first line of Chrysalis is available for purchase at Dhamani 1969 boutiques located in Dubai at the Grand Atrium - Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab Hotel and Habtoor Palace Hotel. - TradeArabia News Service 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 There are just some buzzwords out there which grip will never shake off the youngin'. If you're thinking avocados, fuss-free skincare (ain't nobody got time for a ten-step skincare routine) and a socially conscious ethos, then you're pretty much on the right track. A beauty label that embraces them all sounds downright mythical if you ask us, but that is precisely what makes homegrown label Sigi Skin literal catnip for the millennial set. Combined with pretty pastel packaging and anti-pollution properties, Singaporean founder Xenia Wong has the makings of a winner in her hands. Stressed out? Fatigue AF? Sigi Skin knows the Singapore way of life, offering solutions to those of us who are ready to give up on a Wednesday (stay strong, hun). With skincare nasties such as parabens and sulfates out of the way, Sigi Skin lets its superfood ingredients, potent with antioxidants, shine. Advocates of avocado toasts, kale salads and acai bowls, take a moment from Instagramming your brunch to fly your basic flag proud, because Sigi Skin is packing them on your skin. To tackle oh-so-common issues such as sensitive skin and pre-mature ageing, this Sigi Skin's three-step skincare comprises of all the essentials required in any beauty routine worth their salt: cleanser, sunscreen, and serum. More details below: 01 / 03 Sigi Skin is available online. From $38 - $62. Bryan, OH (43506) Today Plentiful sunshine. High 86F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds early with showers likely after midnight, and a thunderstorm is possible. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Britains parliament last night defeated Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit deal by a massive margin, triggering a no-confidence vote that could bring down her government, said media reports. The House of Commons lower house voted 432 to 202 against Mays plan for taking Britain out of the European Union after nearly five decades, one of the biggest defeats ever suffered by a British premier. The EU warned that the vote, which plunges Britain into uncharted waters, boosts the risk of a no deal Brexit. Moments after the big defeat, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn submitted a motion of no-confidence in Mays government to trigger a general election. However, one senior party figure has suggested it is unlikely to succeed, with Northern Ireland's DUP and Tory rebels saying they will back the PM, reported BBC. The confidence vote is expected to be held at about 19:00 GMT, it stated. May has told MPs she will return to the Commons with an alternative plan next week, provided she survives the confidence vote. "The House has spoken and this government will listen," she said on Tuesday night, offering cross-party talks to determine a way forward. Speaking moments before the MPs cast their ballots, May said MPs had a duty to deliver on the results of a 2016 referendum that started the divorce. I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people, May said, warning MPs that the EU would not offer any alternative deal. A vote against this deal is a vote for uncertainty, division, and the very real threat of a no deal, she argued to jeers from the packed chamber. UPDATED This post was updated on Jan. 15, 2019. President Donald Trump has signed legislation designed to promote the better use of federal data, research, and evaluations when policy is being made. The president signed the Foundations for Evidenced-Based Policymaking Act of 2017 on Monday, according to a White House press release. Federal lawmakers sent the bill to the president in late December. The legislation would require each federal agency to set up a chief data officer, who would be responsible for managing the agencys data assets and promoting how best to use them. It would also require federal agencies to look at how to enhance data privacy, including when personally identifiable information is involved. Our colleague Sarah D. Sparks wrote about the bill when it was first introduced in September 2017. In addition, the newly signed legislation generally encourages federal data to be made more readily available. The House version of the legislation was written by former House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and its sister bill in the Senate was written by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate education committee. It piggybacked on work completed by the Commission for Evidenced-Based Policymaking, a bipartisan group that issued recommendations for collecting and using federal data that were also released in September 2017. By ensuring that each federal agency has an evaluation officer, an evaluation policy and evidence-building plans, we can maximize the impact of public investments, Results for America, a nonprofit group that has helped state and local leaders implement the Every Student Succeeds Act, said in a statement after Congress passed the bill . And the Bipartisan Policy Center says that, among other notable impacts, the law reduces [the] burden on researchers for applying to access to government data by establishing a common application system for qualified individuals to access restricted, confidential data for approved projects. The new law might not cause big changes at the U.S. Department of Education, which is relatively advanced on these issues, said Michele McLaughlin, the president of the Knowledge Alliance, a lobbying coalition for the education research community. But she said it might help bring transparency when it comes to the departments evaluation efforts. However, writing at Townhall.com, a conservative news website, Karen Effrem, the president of Education Liberty Watch (which promotes limited government and the primacy of parental rights), said before Trump signed it that the legislation amounted to stealing the privacy of ordinary citizens. As Sarah pointed out when Ryan and Murray introduced the bill, the law addresses issues adjacent to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which is designed to safeguard student data. FERPA hasnt been reauthorized since it was signed into law in 1974. The education community is watching to see if that changes in the next Congress, particularly since Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Senate education committee, will retire after the end of his term in two years and might be looking to shepherd at least one more big education bill through Congress. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Andrew Ujifusa half of Politics K-12 @AndrewUjifusa. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC 72nd Precinct Sunset ParkWindsor Terrace Long-distance call A thief ran off with a mans cellphone he borrowed at a Fifth Avenue burger joint on Jan. 11. The victim told police he lent the crook his phone to make a call inside the fast food restaurant between 52nd and 53rd streets at 9 pm, but claims the fiend later refused to hand it back, and ran off with it after concluding his chat. When police arrived, they found the victim drunk and unable to provide a description of the thief, cops said. No arrests have been made in the case, which has been closed, according to police. Expressway to jail Cops busted a 20-year-old man for allegedly driving drunk after he was involved in a collision on the Gowanus Expressway on Jan. 11. The arresting officer claimed the suspect reeked of booze and was slurring his speech near the 38th Street exit, where he and another driver had collided at 2:15 am. Police cuffed him at the scene, charging him with a misdemeanor drunk driving charge, cops said. Low blow! Police cuffed a 49-year-old woman for allegedly kicking a 30-year-old man in the crotch after he refused to take out the garbage at their 39th Street home on Jan. 7. The victim told police the woman, a relative, threatened with him a knife, before punching him in the face and kicking right where the sun dont shine at their apartment between Fifth and Sixth avenues at 12:10 pm. Cops arrested the woman that day, charging her with misdemeanor menacing, according to police. Colin Mixson Haji Hassan Group, a diversified construction-focused group based in Bahrain, has won the best stand award at Gulf Construction Expo 2018 held in Manama, said the organisers Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE). Gulf Construction Expo, the Northern Gulfs leading expo for construction and building materials, is held annually in conjunction with two other big events Gulf Property Show and Interiors Expo providing the biggest integrated business-to-business showcase for the construction, interiors and property sectors ever to be staged in the Northern Gulf. "The Best Stand Award recognises the imagination and implementation of a marketing vision to promote an exhibitors products and services," remarked Jubran Abdulrahman, the managing director of HCE. "Haji Hassan Group is a founding company in the construction and building sectors in Bahrain. Their stand at Gulf Construction Expo was voted number one via the Facebook poll. The company set high standards for our Exhibitors to aspire to for the upcoming 2019 event," he stated. This year's Gulf Construction Expo will run from April 23 to 25 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.-TradeArabia News Service Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC 60th Precinct Coney IslandBrighton BeachSeagate Home invasion Two reprobates shot a man and robbed him in his W. 25th Street home on Jan. 6. The victim told cops that the villains approached him in his apartment near Mermaid Avenue at 11:40 pm and one of them pulled out a gun and shot him in the left upper arm. They then stole marijuana and cash from the victim and fled the scene, police reported. Paramedics rushed the man to Lutheran Hospital, according to the authorities. Bag snatcher Cops cuffed a man for allegedly robbing a woman at knifepoint on Brighton Fourth Street on Jan. 8. The victim told authorities she was walking near Brighton Fourth Road just before 1:30 pm when the suspect jumped out of a black car and pointed a knife at her. He then snatched her purse off her shoulder, according to police. The man then allegedly drove off towards Neptune Avenue, cops said. Police cuffed the man two days later at W. Eighth Street near Lake Place at 4 pm, a spokesman for the authorities said. Box-cutter bandit A punk robbed a man at knifepoint on W. Fifth Street on Jan. 8. The victim told cops he was near Surf Avenue at 10:10 pm when the attacker pulled a box-cutter on him and yanked a gold bracelet and cash from him before making a run for it towards the Riegelmann Boardwalk. Rowdy juvenile Police arrested a teen for allegedly attacking faculty at an Ocean Parkway school on Jan. 11. The girl allegedly refused to give the dean her identification at the school near Shore Parkway at 10 am, and when another person came to assist the dean, the girl allegedly grabbed that persons hair and punched her several times in the face, causing swelling to her right eye, cheek, and scalp, according to police. The student also allegedly kicked another person in the right knee, causing bruising, swelling, and discomfort to her knee, the authorities said. Paramedics rushed both victims to Coney Island Hospital, according to police. Kevin Duggan Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC The family of an 11-year-old Brooklyn boy known internationally as one of the citys most talked about drag queens continues to receive death threats, as well as investigatory visits from city social workers, weeks after writers for conservative and pro-life websites ignited a firestorm over his recent performance at a Williamsburg bar. Mom Wendy Napoles said haters of her son Desmond Napoles who performs in drag as Desmond is Amazing filed more than 150 complaints with the citys Administration for Childrens Services after his December show at Meserole Street gay bar 3 Dollar Bill, which went viral when critics attacked the performance as exploitative pedophilia because Desmond wore a crop top while accepting cash from the crowd. Each of those complaints necessitates its own 60-day investigation, resulting in almost daily home visits from agency inspectors some of whom arrive as late as 3 am, according to Napoles. Were prisoners in our own home, she said. Theyll come anytime. The mom, who said she vets all of the venues where Desmond performs to ensure theyre safe and appropriate, blasted her sons critics as homophobes, claiming its perfectly legal for a child to preform at a bar if accompanied by an adult. No clothes came off my child, she said. I dont understand how people can believe he was stripping, there was a lot of homophobia there. A Child Services spokeswoman would not comment on any individual case, but said the agencys policy is to consolidate duplicate complaints, all of which are screened by a state register that determines whether they merit an investigation by local authorities. But Desmond whose mom said is depositing all the money he makes performing into a trust fund he cant access until he is 18 isnt letting the uproar over his passion get him down. The fifth grader, who rose to fame after being caught on camera dancing in a rainbow tutu at the citys 2015 LGBTQ Pride Parade, said the joy he finds dressing up in wigs, skirts, and lip stick is only bested by the thrills his performances bring to his fans. I like performing so much, he said. I like to entertain people, it makes them happy. Ever since he could walk, the Brooklyn-born-and-bred youngster showed a performative streak, and his interest in drag dates back to when he habitually stole clothes from Napoles who is now her sons assistant to create gender-bending characters hed act out at home, she said. Family affair: Desmonds dad Andy Napoles, left, and mom Wendy Napoles receive almost daily visits from city social workers investigating complaints filed against them after their sons December show at Williamsburgs 3 Dollar Bill, but refuse to let their critics get them or their son down. Photo by Caroline Ourso But after a 6-year-old Desmond went trick-or-treating dressed as Elsa from the movie Frozen, moms old duds just didnt cut it anymore, and he started asking for his own feminine wardrobe, according to Napoles. He went as Elsa for Halloween, and something really clicked for him, she said. After that, every time we went to the store, he wanted a skirt or a dress. Unsure of their sons burgeoning sense of style, Napoles and her husband took Desmond to a therapist, who advised neither discouraging, nor encouraging his behavior, and suggested it could just be a passing phase. It wasnt, said mom. It was never a phase for him, and soon dressing up at home wasnt enough, she said. He wanted to dress up and go outside then he wanted to perform. Desmond made an early drag appearance in a music video for fellow queen Jinkx Monsoon who won the fifth season of televisions RuPauls Drag Race competition series but his career really took off after his Pride appearance went viral, Napoles said. Since then, the boy has rubbed shoulders with RuPaul himself at the iconic queens DragCon convention, walked the New York Fashion Week runway as a model for designer Gypsy Sport, and signed with a talent company, which started booking shows for Desmond earlier this year, according to his mom. On stage, the tween wows spectators by doing impersonations of celebrities including Gwen Stefani, whom he channeled during his so-called controversial performance at 3 Dollar Bill, and Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz from the film Beetlejuice, Napoles said. And although Desmond may have inherited his early wardrobe from his mother, she said his penchant for performing in front of an audience is uniquely his own. He has no nervousness, said Napoles. He just gets up there. I dont know where he gets the confidence. I could never do it. I would die. Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixs on@cn gloca l.com or by calling (718) 260-4505. Latest News NextGen announce new CEO Huge news for brokers and aggregators The average New South Wales property price is now above $1 million Are young people finally being priced out of the property market? A mortgage group has indicated it is rejoining the broker space, saying it will be ready to offer solutions as other banks pull back. Mortgage House, which offers a range of home, personal and business loans, started out as a broker group more than 30 years ago, before becoming a lender in its own right in 2007. While it pulled back during the global financial crisis, watching the effects of the Royal Commission in 2018 the group said now was the right time to re-engage with the broker community. Offering an alternative to the big four, Mortgage House mainly focuses on prime home loans. General manager Sean Bombell said the lender has already seen brokers looking for alternative solutions for their prime customers. He said, The major banks are tightening up and have got other things on their mind at the moment, not on the broker space. We have seen comments on commissions and we think that thats rubbish. We want to support the broker market to ensure that customers get the solution theyre looking for at the end of the day. [Brokers] are looking for solutions for themselves. Not only for their customers but themselves, they have got a business to run. The founder and chief executive officer of Mortgage House, Ken Sayer, added, Brokers tell me the turnaround times have blown out and the work has increased. So, what we want to do is take the workload away from them. A lot of work, less success, everythings tighter and to add insult to injury theyre looking to take a shave off the industry, so were of the opinion the time is pretty much spot on now. Brokers have to put food on the table. Theyre commission based, so when the level of difficulty goes up it affects them directly. Our rates are very competitive, were a prime lender and thats what customers are looking for. They want a broker to look after them, they want a good deal. Brokers working with Mortgage House would be able to leverage off the lenders branding and tools. In particular, the group has built tailored technology solutions for fintechs and tech savvy brokers. Bombell and Sayer also said they were able to white label products, so brokers could build their own brands. Discussing the non-bank market, Bombell said, I think brokers have found it difficult selling a non-bank to a customer but now theyll have the opportunity to have someone sitting alongside them that has that presence in the non-bank space. I dont think well see credit improving from the banks point of view. Itll be the same as brokers have experienced of recent months if not tightened a bit further. Confident in the role of the non-bank, Sayer concluded, The full truth is we think the non-bank space market share will be similar to what it was 15 years ago, because they had a much bigger percentage and we think were going back to the future. Loading A similar paradox is likely to be acted out in the confidence vote on Wednesday. Unless the Northern Irish DUP has a radical change of mind overnight, the Parliament will confirm that it wants Mays minority government to continue governing just differently. How differently is the big question. Before the vote it had been widely predicted that May would soldier on with her Brexit withdrawal deal after a loss. Sooner or later, this theory went, an essentially identical deal would return to the Commons, garnished with further "assurances" of good faith from the EU and laced with increasing urgency as the March 29 Brexit date approaches. But May would have to be desperate indeed to try this tactic now, given the scale of the loss, the biggest in UK history on a significant vote. Still, she may get that desperate. The big question is what on earth the alternative might be. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May listens to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking after losing a vote on her Brexit deal. Credit:PA Mays anger was plain when, after the vote, she told off the Commons for giving her no idea of what kind of Brexit it wouldnt vote down. Its unlikely there are the numbers to bring on a new referendum. Its unlikely there will ever be the numbers for Mays deal. Its very unlikely there are the numbers simply to cancel Brexit, though it is within the Parliaments power. The only alternative, apart from reopening negotiations with the EU (which the EU say isnt on the table) is an economically ruinous "no-deal" Brexit, which has even less support in Parliament than a referendum, but has the "virtue" of being the default option that doesnt require a vote. Loading Its a depressing end to a miserable day for British democracy. Previous Brexit debates in the Commons and there have been many often had a sense of fun, or at least combative spirit. Not on Wednesday. This was grim. There was a pervading sense of sadness, even anger, and often regret. This was a parliament realising it has failed. The deal is not nearly good enough to vote for, was the majority mood. But they could only bicker helplessly about what to do about it. Loading Some thought the withdrawal deal that May had negotiated was not good enough because it didnt deliver enough Brexit, that it left the country in a halfway house still following EU rules and vulnerable in the coming trade and customs negotiation a deal crafted out of fear of leaving the EU rather than hope for an unshackled future. It led to some odd speeches, along the lines of "the people have voted and it is our solemn duty to deliver Brexit, and thats why Im voting against it". This lot seem increasingly resigned to (and determined to deny the dangers of) a no-deal Brexit. Others argued passionately that any Brexit is too much, that their job as representatives of the people was to make their lives better, not sign up to a policy that will make them worse. UK Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a devastating defeat on Tuesday on her Brexit withdrawal deal losing by a massive 202 to 432. Westminster is in potential turmoil, following the biggest defeat by any British government in over a century, but the ballot should also be a wake-up call for Brussels and the EU 27. UK governments have only been defeated in the House of Commons by a margin of more than 100 votes three times in the last century, and Tuesdays vote easily exceeded those defeats. All of those previous votes were in 1924, underlining what a historic reversal Tuesday's vote represented, and why Mays remaining authority has been shredded. Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit: With May's Brexit withdrawal deal potentially now dead, and a change of government ever more likely, pressure will also intensify on Brussels to show more political imagination to reach a resolution to the current impasse. This includes potentially extending the two year Article 50 process, which would require the unanimous support of the EU 27, with current end of March deadlines fast approaching. More imagination and flexibility is especially important given that all sides want to avoid a no-deal scenario. This is because forecasts indicate such an outcome could be very damaging not just to the United Kingdom, but also to Ireland and continental Europe alike. Mr Turnbull lasted only a few days after he was forced to abandon the NEG and it is hard to see Mrs May lasting much longer. Mrs May is now in a similar position to former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull who failed to win the support of his party for the National Energy Guarantee which was one of his signature policies. Her plan was shot down by 432 to 202 which means about 100 MPs in Mrs May's own Conservative Party rejected it. They are demanding a complete break with the European Union rather than the Brexit deal Mrs May made with Brussels that maintains close trade and legal ties. The historic defeat of British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposal for Brexit is a classic case of what happens when a parliament is too divided to resolve a big problem. The answer is to go back to the people. It is too late now to list all the failures of Mrs May. She must now regret taking over the prime ministership to implement the Leave verdict of the 2016 EU referendum, even though she actively campaigned for Remain. She could have let the hard-line Brexiters carry the can for pulling Britain out of its biggest market. She added to that mistake by triggering the two-year process for leaving the EU that will take effect on March 29 before her party had even decided internally what sort of Brexit it wanted. She erred again by calling a general election where her majority was slashed, putting herself at the mercy of the extremists in her party. She then pretended she could bully the much bigger EU into granting Britain serendipitous exemptions from basic EU rules, such as the right to block free movement of EU citizens on to British territory. Yet sacking Mrs May is unlikely to make much difference. No leader can resolve the deadlock within Britain over Brexit, which is split between hard Brexiters, Remainers and soft Brexiters. The approach of the fatal hour may concentrate minds but, if it does not, the best answer would be to call a general election. Mrs May will be able to argue that her plan is the best way to avoid the traffic jams at the new border and the threat to the Northern Ireland peace deal if Britain leaves the EU. Marine rescue volunteers in Queensland have complained of bureaucratic inertia and a lack of transparency, with a scathing report warning the future of some units was in doubt. Queensland's marine search and rescue services are run by two volunteer organisations, with 21 Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and 26 Volunteer Marine Rescue Queensland locations across the state. A review into volunteer marine rescue organisations in Queensland has recommended the sector be reformed. Credit:Nic Walker The Blue Water Review, led by retired navy commodore Campbell Darby, has revealed complaints from volunteers that both organisations suffered from poor internal communication, dated constitutions and a lack of transparency. The report said there was significant disillusionment in the sector about "internal governance, limited government funding and the lack of profile for volunteers in the sector". The Home Affairs Department has spent $2.76 million on external legal services in the prolonged dispute at the industrial umpire between bosses and staff over pay and conditions. External legal costs for the department and the main public sector union have together reached more than $3 million since the Fair Work Commission ordered strikes to end and later began arbitrating the workplace dispute in November 2016. The spending does not include the department and union's use of internal legal advice, which would push overall costs higher. CPSU national secretary Nadine Flood said the union controlled its costs by maximising the use of internal expertise. Credit:Rohan Thomson Community and Public Sector Union spending on external legal services reached $344,000 during the Fair Work case. The Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers, advocating for marine unit workers, only used internal legal advice. Independent MP Cathy McGowan has asked constituents to help decide whether she should vote for new laws to fast-track medical treatment for refugees on Manus Island and Nauru, in a fresh sign the Morrison government has a chance of avoiding an historic defeat on the floor of Parliament. The push to give doctors more say in whether sick refugees should be flown to Australian hospitals was widely thought to have the numbers in December after Labor and nearly all crossbenchers indicated they would back it. Cathy McGowan with Prime Minister Scott Morrison Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The bill will come before Parliament when it returns in February and presents a risk to the Morrison government's control of the House of Representatives. But Ms McGowan, who will not recontest this year's federal election, told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age earlier this week that she had not decided whether to support the bill. An official audit of a controversial $443 million government grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation has found numerous deficiencies by bureaucrats, including failure to scrutinise the sky-high administrative costs and properly mitigate against conflicts of interest. The Environment Department took just three days to select the small foundation as the "obvious partner" for the grant, and helped draft the organisation's subsequent funding proposal, the Australian National Audit Office reported. The $443 million grant to the Great Barrier Reef Foundation was criticised as "almost mind-blowing". Credit:Tourism and Events Queensland But the audit did not accuse Treasurer Josh Frydenberg - the then environment minister - of any wrongdoing, saying he awarded the grant without a competitive tender based on "a clear funding recommendation" by bureaucrats who assured him the foundation met the criteria. At the time, the foundation was in discussions for a government grant of just $5 million over five years, and the decision to award nearly $450 million was described by critics as "opaque" and "almost mind-blowing". A woman who kept a one-month-old meerkitten stolen from Perth Zoo in her bedroom for two days until she was caught by police has avoided a prison sentence. Aimee Cummins, 23, was with Jesse Ray Hooker, 23, when they visited the zoo on September 19 last year. Salama was rescued by Kensington Police. Credit: Supplied Hooker reached over the waist-high glass barrier to grab the newborn, later saying he "fell in love with it" and "thought it would be cool as a pet". He used a cooler bag to hide the animal and played loud music to muffle its cries. A drive-by shooting in Perths south has been connected to a break-in at a car yard only days earlier, with two men stealing licence plates in a bid to cover their tracks ahead of the shooting. Police said about 1.45am on Thursday, September 13 last year, two men drove a silver hatchback to a car yard on Dixon Road in Rockingham. The men entered the yard and took the number plates off a car before returning to their vehicle and driving away. Police say the number plates stolen from the car yard were then put on a Toyota Kluger SUV, which was later used in a drive-by shooting on Summerton Road in Calista. How can it be that even when things are looking down for Racing NSW boss Peter Vlandys, they always seem to end up the right way round? Vlandys is best known for getting The Everest advertised on the Opera House. But he again found himself in controversy last month by announcing the major money Golden Eagle race at Rosehill on the same day as the first race of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Illustration: John Shakespeare Credit: (At $7.5 million, the prize money makes the Golden Eagle the second-richest race in the country after The Everest, which hit $13 million last year, and the Melbourne Cup's $7.3 million.) The father of slain 24-year-old Toyah Cordingley has returned to the north Queensland beach for the first time since he found his daughter's lifeless body in the dunes. Troy Cordingley returned to Wangetti Beach for the first time since his daughter Toyah Cordingley was found dead. Credit:Facebook Troy Cordingley revisted Wangetti Beach, about 40 kilometres north of Cairns, on Tuesday with flowers in hand to honour his daughter three months after her death. Police received more than 530 reports in the days following an initial appeal for information into the death, which stunned the close-knit coastal community. Multiple appeals for information were launched in an attempt to piece the investigation together. Rail maintenance jobs in Sydney are under threat from new trains replacing NSWs ageing regional fleet over the next few years, leaked government documents show. And they reveal that the state's transport agency has identified "industrial relations" as a key issue in the project to replace NSW's decades-old fleet of XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour trains. "Once the existing regional fleet is retired, a number of Sydney Trains employees involved in the maintenance of the existing regional fleet are expected to be displaced," the internal Transport for NSW documents state. The state's XPT trains are among those due to be retired by 2023. "A comprehensive transition and industrial relations plan will be established to manage potential redundancies and other IR issues." Steven Prestage, an IT project manager - paid more than $100,000 for five months work at the NSW Department of Finance - allegedly "hijacked" his friend's company and had the agency pay it more than $500,000, which ended up in his bank accounts. Mr Prestage was found to have engaged in serious corrupt conduct by the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) on Wednesday. During his time at the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation (DFSI) in 2016, Mr Prestage was a contractor managing the rollout of Clarity Project Portfolio Management software. An IT contractor is alleged to have acted dishonestly by ICAC Credit:Illustration by Karl Hilzinger ICAC said Mr Prestage strongly recommended DFSI use Petite Software Systems, a company owned by his friend Michael Turner, for the project. Homeowners who blame WestConnex tunnelling for gaping cracks to their walls have been dealt a second blow, after their claims for compensation were denied before the damage was inspected. Residents on Carrington Street in North Strathfield say construction vibrations from work on the M4 East tunnel section of the $16.8 billion motorway project caused their walls to crack and crumble. Dozens of residents, whose homes in Strathfield, Concord and Homebush are near stage one of the 33-kilometre mega toll road project, are fighting for compensation over damage to their homes. Their frustrations could be felt in other parts of Sydney, including Beverly Hills and Haberfield. Two international airline staff members are among eight people arrested over the past fortnight in connection with a major drug importation operation into Melbourne and Sydney. A cabin crew employee and another staffer, both of Malaysia's Malindo Air, allegedly smuggled the drugs on their bodies as part of their involvement in a Melbourne-based Vietnamese organised crime syndicate. The arrests were made as part of a five-month joint police operation targeting the syndicate that allegedly imported more than $20 million of illicit drugs into Australia from Malaysia. Victoria Police Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said the method used to smuggle the drugs into the community "is of significant concern" to law-enforcement authorities. Danny McCormack didn't know what hit him. The 61-year-old truck driver was waiting on the side of William Hovell Drive, in north Canberra, about 9am on Tuesday when a potato was fired at "point-blank range" from a moving car. Danny McCormack said the close-range potato-cannon attack was the most painful experience of his life. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong He was hit in the groin and taken to hospital in excruciating pain, where he was given morphine. "It was horrendous," he said. Aston Martin and Bentley Motors saw this crash coming - but it's still going to sting. Speaking onstage at a conference in Detroit before and after the British Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, the chief executive officers of two companies synonymous with UK carmaking had been bracing for disaster. Both have been making arrangements to do what they can to avoid problems with their supply chains. Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has "assumed the worst." "I've done what any sane person would do: I've assumed the worst," Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer at the Automotive News World Congress, which coincides with the Detroit auto show. "I've assumed we'll crash out of Europe, and in consequence our supply chain will be disrupted." Former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser says there is "logic" to a contentious proposal to create an official shortlist of the nation's top super funds, which would help weed out laggard funds and improve returns for some members. But Mr Fraser, also a former director of two of the country's biggest industry funds, says the shortlist should include more than 10 funds, as the Productivity Commission is proposing, to avoid "unfairly" harming other funds that were serving members well. Bernie Fraser said the proposed "best in show" list of super funds would help some members. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The comments came as former Labor Minister Nick Sherry and industry veteran Jeremy Cooper were unconvinced by the shortlist proposal, which the government has been warming to. Instead, they backed tougher action to force poor performing funds to merge or be wound up. The three super heavyweights also expressed doubts about the Future Fund moving into superannuation, another option being considered by the government, after recent inquiries uncovered a string of flaws in the system. Want to praise someone or get something off your chest? Darts and Pats is the place to do it. Update - 10.14pm: Theresa May has made a statement in Downing Street following her survival of no confidence vote earlier this evening. Speaking in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: This evening the Government has won the confidence of Parliament. Overwhelmingly, the British people want us to get on with delivering Brexit. I believe it is my duty to deliver on the British peoples instruction to leave the European Union and I intend to do so. "I am inviting MPs from all parties to come together" - @theresa_may says she will hold talks with MPs across Parliament to find a consensus on #Brexit. Get more political reaction here: https://t.co/9bjy3YziLq pic.twitter.com/VBdtnJjC3K Sky News (@SkyNews) January 16, 2019 In a historic vote in 2016 the country decided to leave the EU. In 2017, 80% of people voted for parties that stood on manifestos promising to respect that result. Now, over two and a half years later, its time for us to come together, put the national interest first and deliver on the referendum. Mrs May attempted to put pressure on Jeremy Corbyn in her statement. She said she had held constructive meetings with Mr Cable, Mr Blackford and Ms Saville-Roberts and would meet MPs including the DUP on Thursday. She added: I am disappointed that the leader of the Labour Party has not so far chosen to take part, but our door remains open. Update - 9.22pm: Theresa May is to make a statement in Downing Street at 10pm, following her survival of no confidence vote earlier this evening, a Number 10 spokeswoman has confirmed. The Prime Ministers official spokesman also said she would meet with eurosceptic MPs in her own party, who accepted an invitation, on Thursday. Theresa May during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons this evening. Picture: UK Parliament/Mark Duffy Earlier - 'British public must have final say': Mayor of London as Theresa May survives no confidence vote Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said he is "deeply disappointed" about the outcome of this evening's no confidence vote in Theresa May. The Britsh House of Commons narrowly voted against a motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May by 325 votes to 306. Following the result of the vote, Sadiq Khan tweeted: Deeply disappointed that Conservative MPs have put political interest above the national interest tonight. The Govt needs to withdraw Article 50 immediately. If we cannot have a general election the British public must have the final say with the option to stay in the EU. Deeply disappointed that Conservative MPs have put political interest above the national interest tonight. The Govt needs to withdraw Article 50 immediately. If we cannot have a general election - the British public must have the final say - with the option to stay in the EU. https://t.co/RYK0KT0I8o Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 16, 2019 Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, raising a point of order after the vote, said: Last night the House rejected the Governments deal emphatically. A week ago the House voted to condemn the idea of a no-deal Brexit. Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward, the Government must remove clearly once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit from the EU and all the chaos that would come as a result of that. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the result of the vote shows the importance of his partys confidence and supply agreement with the Conservatives. DUP votes once again make the difference, he wrote on Twitter. The result of tonight's vote shows the importance of our C&S Agreement. DUP votes once again make the difference. Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) January 16, 2019 Mr Dodds said the result of the motion of no confidence illustrates the importance of the confidence and supply arrangement that is currently in place between his party and Theresa Mays Conservatives. He said: Im always delighted when our opponents illustrate the strength of that relationship that we have, and what is delivering for Northern Ireland. When the people of Northern Ireland see the investment in education, in health and infrastructure they will thank this Parliament and this party and this Government for that extra investment. A number of Labour MPs then held their hands in the air and rubbed their fingers together, in reference to the extra investment promised to Northern Ireland in exchange for the support of Mr Dodds partys 10 MPs. He said the agreement was built on delivering Brexit, adding that he is looking forward to working in the coming days to achieve that objective. Former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas called on Jeremy Corbyn to hold a second referendum after his confidence motion failed. In a clip posted to Twitter, the Brighton Pavilion MP said: The leader of the opposition was right to try to bring down this toxic, failing Government. But now MPs have had their say on the Brexit deal, he needs to give the people a say over our future relationship with our nearest neighbours. Ms Lucas added that to do otherwise would be a betrayal of the majority of his partys members and young supporters who were unable to vote in the referendum two years ago. PM hangs on by 19 votes. So disappointing that MPs failed to remove this cruel & incompetent Govt with tonight's #NoConfidenceMotion Parliament has now had its say both on the #Brexit deal & on the Government. It's time to extend that right to the people with a #PeoplesVote pic.twitter.com/dSNZuginmh Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) January 16, 2019 Theresa Mays official spokesman has since said that the Westminster leaders of Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and Plaid Cymru had been invited to meet Mrs May later tonight. However, a no-deal Brexit will not be taken off the table, despite Mr Corbyns insistence it was a prerequisite for talks, he added. The spokesman said: The Prime Minister has been very clear that the British public voted to leave the European Union. We want to leave with a deal but she is determined to deliver on the verdict of the British public and that is to leave the EU on March 29 this year. Asked by a reporter if he was taking no-deal off the table in response to the opposition leader, he replied: I am not. Earlier: Arlene Foster has said she had a "useful discussion" with Theresa May and confirmed the party will support the Prime Minister in Wednesday's confidence vote. The DUP leader said she had indicated during a meeting in London, which was also attended by the party's Westminster leader Nigel Dodds, that her party "will act in the national interest". She added that the issue of the backstop, the main sticking point for the DUP in Mrs May's rejected Withdrawal Agreement, "needs to be dealt with and we will continue to work to that end". In a statement issued after the meeting, Mrs Foster said: "These are critical times for the United Kingdom and we have indicated that first and foremost we will act in the national interest. "Lessons will need to be learned from the vote in Parliament. "The issue of the backstop needs to be dealt with and we will continue to work to that end." Useful discussion with the Prime Minister. Lessons will need to be learned from the vote in Parliament. The issue of the backstop needs to be dealt and we will continue to work to that end. pic.twitter.com/cbVGNQobta Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) January 16, 2019 She confirmed the party will vote in support of the Government "so that we can concentrate on the real challenges ahead of us". There will be "further engagements in the coming days", she added. Earlier Mrs Foster said she would urge the Prime Minister to go back to Europe and seek a better deal, and called on the Irish Government to help find solutions to Brexit. She also claimed there had never been a hard border on the island of Ireland. She told Northern Ireland-based U105 radio: "For those of us who lived on the border and who were attacked by the IRA, we know that the IRA escaped across that border so it was not a hard border, nobody wants to go back to that. It takes the will to look for solutions and the regrettable thing is the Republic of Ireland has not been in the solution-finding mode. "I hope that they are now, I hope that our Prime Minister uses that vote last night to go to Europe and to look for a better deal." The DUP's 10 MPs voted against Theresa May's draft EU Withdrawal Agreement on Tuesday. The opposition had focused on the backstop, an insurance policy to avoid a hard Irish border after Brexit. - PA Theresa May faces a vote of no confidence after suffering a massive parliamentary defeat over her controversial EU Withdrawal Agreement. British MPs rejected the British PMs Brexit deal by 432 votes to 202 on Tuesday evening and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told the Commons the catastrophic defeat was an absolutely decisive verdict on her Brexit negotiations. He tabled a motion of no confidence in the Government which could force an early general election if it wins the support of more than 50% of MPs. At Prime Minister's Questions today, Mr Corbyn accused Mrs May of being "in denial" about the heavy Commons defeat inflicted by British MPs on her Brexit deal. The British Labour leader asked the Prime Minister if she was ruling out "any form of customs union" with the EU as part of her attempts to secure a consensus. Mrs May said she would be listening to the views of MPs to identify what could command the support of the Commons and deliver on the EU referendum result. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Corbyn added: "My question was about the customs union. The Prime Minister seems to be in denial about that, just as much as she's in denial about the decision made by the House last night. "I understand the Business Secretary (Greg Clark) told business leaders on a conference call last night 'We can't have no deal for all the reasons you've set out'. "Can the Prime Minister now reassure the House, businesses and the country, and confirm that is indeed the Government's position that we can't have no deal?" Mrs May said Mr Clark was making the point that a deal is required to avoid a no-deal Brexit. She went on: "There are actually two ways of avoiding no-deal - the first is to agree a deal and the second would be to revoke Article 50. "Now, that would mean staying in the European Union, failing to respect the result of the referendum, and that is something that this Government will not do." Mr Corbyn then accused the Prime Minister of failing the country and said any other prime minister would have resigned. He said: "This Government has failed our country - it cannot govern. "It cannot command the support of most people and, facing the most important issue at the moment, which is Brexit, they failed again and lost the vote last night. "Isn't is the case, Mr Speaker, that any other prime minister faced with the scale of defeat last night would have resigned and this country would be able to choose the Government that they want?" Responding to the British Labour leader's accusations of failure over Brexit, Mrs May hit back, saying he had no plan himself. She said: "He talked about the importance of the issue of Brexit that is facing this country. "Later today, we're going to have the no-confidence debate - he has been calling for weeks for a general election in this country - and yet on Sunday when he was asked in a general election would he campaign to leave the EU, he refused to answer. "Not once, not twice, not three times, but five times he refused to answer. "So, on what he himself describes as the key issue facing this country, he has no answer." Theresa May later warned MPs that if Brexit was not delivered the reputation of politicians in the UK would "be at an all-time low". Mrs May, in response to a question from Tory former minister Helen Grant, said: "I do believe that if we fail to deliver on what the British people instructed us to do in the vote of the referendum that the views of the British people of this House of Parliament and of politicians will be at an all-time low. "They will have lost faith in politicians across the whole of this Parliament, we need to deliver Brexit for the British people." The SNP's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said the PM had suffered a "historic and humiliating defeat" and should now call for a second referendum. The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber claimed the EU had ruled out renegotiating Mrs May's deal and asked: "If the Prime Minister survives today to bring forward her 'plan B', will she concede that 'plan B' will basically be a redressing of 'plan A'?" She responded that her plan was to "listen to Parliamentarians and find out what is it that would secure the backing of this House". Mr Blackford said the PM "simply didn't address the question", saying she has "failed" and that "Westminster is in chaos". He said Mrs May "must now seek the confidence of the people, not just this House, extend Article 50 and ask the people if they want the Prime Minister's deal or remain in the EU." After adding that she "must legislate for a people's vote", Mrs May hit back, saying: "This House legislated for a people's vote, it legislated for a people's vote that was held in 2016, and that vote determined the UK should leave the European Union." Conservative former cabinet minister Ken Clarke said: "It seems to me that the only clear majorities in this House on a cross-party basis are firstly against leaving with no-deal, in favour of extending Article 50 to give us time to sort out what it is we now propose to do, and in favour of a customs union and some sufficient regulatory alignment to keep all our borders between the United Kingdom and the European Union open after we leave." Mr Clarke's last suggestion prompted groans from Tory colleagues before he said Mrs May must accept she needs to "modify her red lines ... and find a cross-party majority, which will be along the lines that I have indicated". Mrs May, in her reply, reiterated the Government wants the UK to leave the EU on March 29, adding: "The EU would only extend Article 50 if actually it was clear there was a plan that was moving towards an agreed deal." Update: David Cameron has said he does not regret calling the Brexit referendum which led to the vote to leave the EU. The former British prime minister told the BBC: "I do not regret calling the referendum. "It was a promise I made two years before the 2015 general election, it was included in a manifesto, it was legislated for in Parliament. "Obviously I regret that we lost that referendum. I deeply regret that. "I was leading the campaign to stay in the European Union and obviously I regret the difficulties and problems we have been having in trying to implement the result of that referendum." He added: "I support the Prime Minister, I support her aim to have a partnership deal with Europe. That what needs to be put in place. That is what Parliament needs to try to deliver now." Update: European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said that president Jean-Claude Juncker was available for further discussions with Theresa May in the coming days. But he noted that the EU27 had made clear the Withdrawal Agreement is "not open for renegotiation". Mr Schinas told a Brussels press conference: "We are always ready to meet and to talk. But the European Council ... said in December that the Withdrawal Agreement agreed by the 27 and the UK is not open for renegotiation. Asked if Mr Juncker would be in Brussels for possible meetings with Mrs May on Thursday or Friday, Mr Schinas said: "You can see that he is here, he is available." Mr Schinas said no request had been received from London for an extension of the two-year Article 50 negotiation process, under which the UK is due to leave on March 29. He said: "There has been no UK request for an extension. Should there be a UK request to extend, setting out the reasons for such an extension, it will be a matter for the EU27 to decide by unanimity." Mr Schinas made clear the Commission believes that the ball is now in the UK's court. "The next move has to come from London," he told the Brussels press conference. "There is nothing else we can do from here at this stage. "What matters at this stage ... is that we know what to expect from the UK, and that we don't know." Earlier: Farage calls on May to quit as Labour MPs urge second referendum After Theresa May's defeat the British Parliament remains fundamentally split over what form of Brexit would be best for Britain. The British Prime Minister is fighting to retain her grip on power while attempting to find a Brexit compromise that could command majority support in the British House of Commons. Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage has called on the Prime Minister to quit, while there are increasing calls for a second referendum, especially from MPs within the UK's Labour Party. Mrs May faces a vote of no confidence today after suffering a massive parliamentary defeat over her controversial EU withdrawal agenda. Labour launched a bid to oust the British Government after Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement was overwhelmingly rejected by 432 votes to 202 last night. Nigel Farage listens at the European Parliament during a debate on Brexit today. Nigel Farage told ITV1's Good Morning Britain: "If the Prime Minister had any sense of honour she would resign this morning having led us to this debacle, but of course she won't." Describing Mrs May's Withdrawal Agreement as being like "a surrender document of a nation that had been beaten in war", Mr Farage added: "Brexit is not the problem, this Prime Minister is, she needs to go." He said he now expected the two-year Article 50 process leading to Brexit to be extended beyond March 29. Responding to a tweet from EU Commission president Donald Tusk about "the only positive solution", Labour MP David Lammy tweeted: "A People's Vote with the option to remain in the EU." A People's Vote with the option to remain in the EU. https://t.co/XoCxjc6hgC David Lammy (@DavidLammy) January 16, 2019 Labour's Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said there had been no approach from Downing Street to Jeremy Corbyn to enter discussions on the way forward on Brexit. After Number 10 made clear that Theresa May remained committed to securing an "independent trade policy" after Britain leaves the EU, he warned she was in danger of "negating" any talks before they started. "She is now laying conditions down about those discussions which look as though they will prevent any discussion of a permanent customs union," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "That is what most of the other opposition parties support so she seems to be negating the discussions before they have even started." Around 45 Labour MPs gathered outside Parliament to voice their support for a second referendum on Brexit. A group Labour MPs calling for a new referendum on membership of the European Union outside Portcullis House in Westminster today. They held a banner reading: "Labour MPs, MEPs, conference and members agree - The people should have the final say." Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a leading voice among calls for a second referendum, has shared a statement from 71 Labour MPs who want to put the decision on Brexit back to the British people. He tweeted: "I'm one of 71 MPs who have just issued this statement: 'we must join trade unions, our members and a majority of our constituents by then unequivocally backing the only logical option to help our country move forward: putting the decision back to the people for a final say'". Im one of 71 MPs who have just issued this statement: we must join Trade Unions, our members and a majority of our constituents by then unequivocally backing the only logical option to help our country move forward: putting the decision back to the people for a final say https://t.co/3OAE15w7ku ChukaUmunna (@ChukaUmunna) January 16, 2019 Conservative MP James Cleverley dismissed the statement, however, tweeting: "And now we see the first attempt to ignore the 2016 referendum result and prevent Brexit. "All these Labour MPs stood on a manifesto commitment to respect the result." Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom said that if Mrs May won the vote of confidence, she would seek to hold discussions with senior parliamentarians on the way forward. "The Prime Minister will then not necessarily be looking for new ideas that no-one has thought of before, but actually seeking a consensus, a fresh initiative to find a solution that is negotiable with the European Union and that would command a majority in the House of Commons," she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "The Prime Minister has been clear that she wants to talk to senior parliamentarians about what would command a majority and that is what we will be doing over the coming days." Mrs Leadsom acknowledged that there had been no contact with Jeremy Corbyn but said the Labour leader needed to come forward with constructive proposals. "I don't think she has written him off at all but he needs to come to the table and tell us what he wants to do," she said. "He has not put forward any specific constructive proposal and that is a problem, which is why the Prime Minister will be engaging right across the House with those who do have very sincerely held views but want to constructively deliver on what the vast majority of parliamentarians voted for." Practice made perfect for Shane Lowry as he equalled the course record with a stunning 62 in the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Lowry carded 10 birdies and no bogeys to set a daunting clubhouse target of 10 under par, with France's Mike Lorenzo-Vera and the South African pair of Louis Oosthuizen and Richard Sterne his nearest challengers on seven under. World number two Brooks Koepka, who can return to the top of the rankings with a victory this week, is five shots off the pace following a 67, with defending champion Tommy Fleetwood two shots further back in pursuit of a third straight win in the 5.4million event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Lowry has not played competitively since finishing 10th alongside Paul Dunne in the World Cup in Melbourne in November, but reaped the rewards of a lengthy spell of practice at the start of the new year. "I had a lovely break at Christmas," said Lowry, whose 62 equalled the record set by Henrik Stenson in the inaugural edition of the event in 2006. "I was home for the whole lot of it and I came out here with my family and rented a house in Dubai. "We've had it since the third of January. Myself and Paul Dunne are sharing the house and we're practising together and we've been playing a lot together over at the Els Club in Dubai, and we got some great work done. "I feel good about my game. It's probably the best pre-season I've ever done, and it showed today. I'm just hoping I can keep going." "I didn't hit as many fairways as I would have liked, but I was hitting everything close and managed to hole a couple of putts as well. It was one of those days where it just felt comfortable. "But look, I just want to enjoy it because it's a great day and I think it equals my best round I've ever had, so enjoy it and then get out tomorrow and see what I can do." Rafael Nadal has progressed at the Australian Open. The 2009 champion stepped up a gear in a 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory in his second round match against Australia's Matthew Ebden. The world number two played his first match for four months on Monday after a variety of physical issues and looked a little rusty in a straight-sets victory against James Duckworth. But he was much sharper against Duckworth's countryman Ebden and did not lose his serve once, finishing on a trademark forehand winner. Frances Tiafoe pulled off the biggest upset of the Australian Open so far by knocking out fifth seed Kevin Anderson in the second round. Twenty-year-old Tiafoe is probably the most exciting of the crop of young American men coming through and he reached the third round of a grand slam for the second time with a 4-6 6-4 6-4 7-5 victory over Anderson. The fifth seed, who was beaten in the opening round by Kyle Edmund 12 months ago, did not appear to be feeling 100% and called the trainer on court during the third set. Rodger Federer is already through. The 37-year-old continued his quest for a third successive Melbourne Grand Slam with a straight sets win over Britain's Dan Evans. After forcing a first-set tie break, Evans went 5-3 up before Federer won four points in a row to win the opening set 7-6 (7/5). Women's singles defending champion Caroline Wozniacki has beaten Johanna Larsson of Sweden. A woman who suffered a fracture to her leg when she claims she was knocked to the ground as a Marks and Spencer employee allegedly came off a step ladder as she walked by has settled her High Court action. IT systems analyst Loretta McSherry gave evidence that she had popped into the Marks and Spencer at Dundrum Shopping Centre to get some ready-made meals and the accident happened as she walked along the bakery aisle. I looked at some scones but thought they looked stale and decided not to buy. I gave the step ladder a wide berth, I was not aware of anybody on the ladder, she said. I was struck in the shoulder as I walked past. It was like my Superman moment, I flew forward.- Loretta McSherry She said she experienced the worst pain of her life going up her leg and said she was in excruciating pain. She rolled along the ground, she said, and was facing shelves of chocolates. Ms McSherry who fractured her thigh bone in the accident said she was later told her injury was consistent with a high-speed car accident. When the case came back before Mr Justice Kevin Cross today he was told the case had been settled and could be struck out. Loretta McSherry (aged 64) of Cremore, Tempelogue, Dublin, had sued Marks and Spencer (Ireland) Ltd, with offices at Mary Street, Dublin as a result of the accident on January 4, 2014, at the Dundrum Shopping Centre branch. She claimed there was an alleged failure to ensure the shopping aisle was safe for the use of customers and an alleged failure to have any regard for her safety. She further claimed a Marks and Spencer employee was allegedly allowed to use a step ladder for restocking without any assistance. There was also, she claimed, an alleged failure to cordon off or prevent customers from coming in to close proximity with the step ladder during the restocking. Marks and Spencer denied the claims and contended there was contributory negligence on Ms McSherrys part for allegedly failing to keep any proper lookout and allegedly failing to heed the presence of a Marks and Spencer employee in her vicinity. An Ennis woman has been returned to trial charged with stealing 170,830 from 11 people over a five-year period when she was acting as a solicitor for the parties. In the case, Michelle O'Keeffe (aged 55) of Fionn Oir, Lahinch Rd, Ennis, appeared at Ennis District Court today in relation to the 19 separate acts of alleged theft between January 2006 and December 22, 2011. Ms OKeeffe is also charged with on dates between January 24, 2006, and December 22, 2011, that she failed without reasonable cause to maintain accounting records as prescribed by the Solicitors Account Regulations 2001 contrary to Section 86 of the Solicitors Act 1954. The 19 separate theft charges outlined the amounts alleged stolen from each of the alleged injured parties. Sgt Aiden Lonergan told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case proceeds by indictment to the circuit court. A Book of Evidence was served on Ms OKeeffe in court today and Judge Patrick Durcan sent Ms OKeeffe forward to the next sessions of Ennis Circuit Court for trial. In the case, Ms OKeeffe is alleged to have stolen 46,500 from Martin Hanley; 35,413 from Michael Cahir; 20,580 from Terence Kelly; 15,000 from Mark Scully; 22,500 from Donal Kelleher; 12,252 from James and Claire Feighery; 3,000 from Grainne Travers; 6,590 from Billy Hamill and 8,995 from a second couple. In the circuit court, a person found guilty of theft is liable to a prison term of up to 10 years. In court, Judge Durcan told Ms OKeeffe that if an alibi forms any part of her case, she is to provide details to the State. Judge Durcan sent Ms OKeeffe forward for trial on the existing bail terms. Two men have been detained overnight by gardai in Co Cavan in connection with the killing of 59-year-old Oliver Murray. He died in a fire at his home near Ballyjamesduff last August. Two men arrested in relation to the investigation into the death of a 59-year-old man in a fire in Co Cavan in August last year, have been released without charge. Oliver Murray died in the fire at his home in Derrylurgan, Ballyjamesduff on August 2. Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney says the onus is now on the British government to propose a viable alternative to the withdrawal treaty. The Irish government would not block any request from the UK for more time to come up with a Brexit deal, but there needs to be a plan for a managed, controlled Brexit, he told RTEs Morning Ireland. Theres still a lot to happen in Westminster before it becomes clear what the UK is looking for. We need to hold our nerve. The withdrawal agreement signed by 28 countries, including the UK, was still in place, he said. I dont think the EU is any mood to agree changes to the withdrawal treaty. We will have to see what the UK is looking for. We dont know what the British parliament will support. We need to focus on EU unity. Mr Coveney went on to explain why he had contradicted Minister for Transport Shane Ross at a briefing in Government Buildings on Tuesday when Mr Ross said there would be Border checks in the event of a no-deal Brexit. If Britain leaves without a deal, well, then we obviously have to have difficult discussions with the European Commission and with the UK in terms of how we protect the EU single market, Mr Coveney said on Tuesday after intervening in Mr Rosss answer to a question on the issue. On Morning Ireland, he said: The backstop will mean minimal checks, limited checks at sea. I just reminded Shane that is the position which we support. He also said there was no need for people to stockpile drugs as a lot of planning was already in place to ensure there will be no shortages after the UK leaves the EU. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has ordered a new economic assessment for the country given the scale of the defeat for the British Government in the House of Commons on Brexit. Mr Donohoe said that while a review was to be done by April when his department is due to tell Europe as to how the economy is performing, he has sought an earlier assessment from his officials, given the increased risk of a no-deal Brexit. He confirmed Brexit will lead to Ireland's economic outlook deteriorating. He accepted criticisms from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) about increases in spending in his budget. During a sometimes heated session with the Oireachtas Budgetary Oversight Committee, Mr Donohoe revealed that spending commitments for this year could be under threat should a no-deal Brexit occur. He was responding to questions from Fianna Fail's Lisa Chambers. Taoiseach unable to explain the Tanaistes and Minister Shane Ross comments regarding the border and possible checks. We have taken government at their word there are no contingency plans for a border. The Oireachtas and citizens need full details of all #Brexit plans. Lisa Chambers (@lichamber) January 16, 2019 Mr Donohoe said that while he expects the 66 billion of budget allocations are likely to hold, he did stress that spending ceilings could be changed downward should tax revenues be impacted. What happens... and has been the case for the last number of years is that in any given year, we can change the spending profiles within government departments in response to events, he said. That is certainly something there could well be the need to engage in in the event of a disorderly Brexit. There are a couple of different ways in which that could happen. "The first one is, we could make the decision whether priority decisions need to be made in the context of a more urgent and imminent need which we may have. "Secondly, is whether decisions need to be made in terms of where current expenditure is allocated. I am very alive to the risk a disorderly Brexit can cause. This is a unique event, he added. Mr Donohoe was grilled by the Oireachtas Budgetary Oversight Committee over stinging criticisms of the budget from IFAC. Pearse Doherty Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty pressed him as to whether checks along the land border have been investigated by the Revenue Commissioners. Are we making a decision about checks on the border? The answer is no we are not. The focus is on the key ports which take in the majority of our goods. We are not doing anything beyond what is publicly known, Mr Donohoe said. I met all the commissioners in the second half of last year. We explored some of the scenarios in the context of a no deal. "I have had at least one further meeting and my officials have had a significant amount of engagement." Before Christmas, IFAC said Budget 2019 did not adequately prepare for a future downturn. While accepting the criticisms from IFAC in relation to the overruns in spending in health, the Minister offered a strong defence on his overall handling of the economy. The Government is not going to apologise for using this period of strength in our corporation tax receipts to accelerate infrastructural investment in the areas where we need it most, he said. Given that the external economic outlook is deteriorating, the probability of a disorderly Brexit is rising and quantitative easing is ending - driving up our borrowing costs, our policy approach should be to target larger surpluses to build up our fiscal buffers for when times become less favourable." Last November's Withdrawal Agreement had provided a detour away from the cliff face of an acrimonious no-deal divorce and a hard border. Now, with the fallout from the vote in Westminster, the road has entered dense fog and veered back towards that cliff. Policing and security concerns have been well flagged, albeit in fairly general terms - given that most of the political talk has been about the imperative to avoid any hard border. Last June, the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association heard that in the region of 1,000 additional gardai would be needed to police a hard border. There was criticism of a lack of information about plans for policing the border with GRA Northern Region representative James Morrisroe saying there was already an intolerable strain on existing resources. Last August, the divisional officer in Louth, Chief Superintendent Christy Mangan said it would be impossible to man each of the 291 border crossings in the event of a hard border. He said that trying to stop traffic on the M1 would cause chaos and that Brexit would drain resources from other parts of the country to police the border. He said there would be implications for garda infrastructure with Dromad, a key border position, currently operating out of a portable building. He added there were also concerns about the European Arrest Warrant (which allows for speedy extradition of people between member states) and data sharing. As soon as he took the top Garda job last September, Commissioner Drew Harris said that continuing police to police cooperation after Brexit, even a soft one, was one of his primary concerns. How will we work with the Police Service of Northern Ireland? he asked, because regrettably with Brexit many of the criminal justice cooperation treaties in Europe will fall away and the UK will no longer be a member of those." He said both countries had done well with these treaties, in terms of sharing information and intelligence in joint operations. He pointed out that dissident republicans remained the greatest threat on the island. He subsequently told the Oireachtas Justice Committee that he feared a hard border would be a rallying call and an emotional driver for dissidents. He said there would be issues in gathering and sharing of evidence, an increase in criminality linked to the exploiting of tariff differences, with some of that money going to terrorists. At the annual cross-border crime conference in November with the PSNI, the commissioner said dissidents would undoubtedly attempt to exploit a hard border. PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said that a hard border would be a backwards step. Both police chiefs expressed concern for other security areas, including illegal immigration and human trafficking. They also said that new legislative arrangements would be needed to allow for the sharing of intelligence and suspects' criminal records as well as arresting suspects under the European Arrest Warrant. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said it was absolutely essential that there was a deal. Concerns regarding the operation of the European Arrest Warrant have also been raised by the DPP Claire Loftus and Chief Justice Frank Clarke. Ms Loftus said having an alternative system in place before the end of March was crucial, pointing out that the vast majority of EAW requests from Ireland went to Britain. Official figures show that Ireland sent 60 (out of 76) requests to Britain in 2017, while Britain sent 207 EAW requests to Ireland (out of 357 received). The British Home Affairs Committee said Britain's access to the EAW was one of its major concerns around policing and security cooperation, UK border operations and immigration. It said the legal basis for extradition between the UK and Ireland 1957 European Convention on Extradition was unclear. (At a security conference last month, EAW expert Barrister Anthony Hanrahan said there was no reason why Ireland could not negotiate a bilateral extradition agreement with Britain.) In a report last December on the Withdrawal Agreement, the British committee said the transitional arrangements under the agreement (covering the period up to December 2020) were vital. It said that leaving the EU without a transitional period would put security and border operations at significant risk. As well as the EAW, it said other major issues surrounded access to key EU criminal databases and continued cooperation with Europol, the EU police agency. The GRA annual conference was told that deputy commissioner John Twomey was heading the Garda Brexit group. Little has emerged publicly about the work of this committee or what can be expected from a hard border. Garda Morrisroe, GRA representative for Cavan/Monaghan, said that since the conference he has not heard of any information from Garda HQ about contingency plans for a border, hard or soft. He told the Irish Examiner that both the Government and Garda HQ need to talk to frontline members in the Northern Division (which stretches from Donegal to Louth) regarding their contingency plans and what would be expected of members. No one wants it [Brexit], but we have to get real we have to be ready. A Dublin mother-of-one who stole up to 395,000 over a decade from a credit union will be sentenced in April. The court heard Susan Redmond (aged 49) had worked at Larkhill and District Credit Union in Dublin for 20 years and began taking out false loans on members' accounts in 2003. Redmond completed and signed loan applications and then issued cheques, which she cashed. Detective Garda Dominic McGrath revealed that Redmond's colleagues noticed irregularities on accounts while she was on holidays and this launched an extensive investigation. Redmond, of Thornville Drive, Kilbarrack, Dublin, affirmed signed guilty pleas at Dublin Circuit Court to 10 sample charges of stealing from the credit union on dates from July 3, 2003, to April 26, 2013. Det. Gda McGrath said this sample represented 102 theft charges. He told Barry Ward BL, prosecuting, that the 40 account holders affected by Redmond's thefts were her friends and family and that they were all reimbursed by the credit union. He said none of the account holders made statements to gardai as they were not forthcoming with information. The detective said investigators were able to see money moving in and out of Redmond's bank account over the period, but it was not clear what she was spending the money on. He said in some instances she was taking out more false loans to pay back previous false loans. The detective agreed with Justin McQuade BL, defending, that this was an unsophisticated fraud and that Redmond had nothing to show for it. He further agreed Redmond had lost a job she took up after leaving the credit union because of publicity while the case was in the District Court. Det. Gda McGrath said luck had a part to play as previous audits at the credit union had not been carried out on the accounts Redmond was using. He told Judge Melanie Greally that he didn't believe any of the account holders affected had been complicit. He said investigators couldn't find any purchases like a car, holidays or expensive jewellery in Redmond's records. He said Redmond told gardai she couldn't put her finger on one sizeable purchase she ever made and that the money went on day-to-day things. Redmond's sister, Collette Clarke, told Mr McQuade that their family was close-knit and that she saw no huge warning signs. Ms Clarke said she noticed Redmond buying clothes and spending on hair and makeup, but thought the expenses were going on credit cards or coming out of a loan. This witness told Judge Greally that her credit union account was among those affected. She said Redmond had issued a false loan of 20,000 without her knowledge on this account just before the fraud came to light. Michael Dempsey, a clinical psychologist, told Mr McQuade that Redmond was a vulnerable woman who fit the criteria for compulsive buying disorder and was severely depressed. He added that her son was very dependent on her and that she had been in difficult romantic relationships. Mr McQuade told Judge Greally that Redmond had 20,000 in court as a token of remorse. He asked the judge to take into account his client's lack of previous convictions, her high level of co-operation and her personal circumstances. Judge Greally adjourned the case so that Redmond can be assessed by The Probation Service. She remanded Redmond on continuing bail until April next. A young Dublin man who burst his girlfriend's eardrum in a baseless beating which left her vomiting for a whole night will be sentenced in April. Garda Ronan Goggin revealed that Aaron Nolan (21) had punched, kicked and pulled clumps out of his then girlfriend's hair as he dragged her over a green area and down laneways. The garda agreed with Brian Gageby BL, defending, that Nolan committed the assault on a baseless idea that his girlfriend had been texting another man. The woman told gardai that every time she denied this, Nolan got angrier and would assault her further.# Nolan, of The Glen Woodpark, Ballinteer, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of assaulting the then 19-year-old woman at Ballinteer Crescent, Ballinteer, on November 5, 2017. He has no previous convictions. Gda Goggin told Katherine McGillicuddy BL, prosecuting, that the woman described how Nolan had appeared very drunk when she initially met him at his friend's house to sort out the issue. Nolan destroyed the woman's handbag items by ripping them up and scattering them about the green area and prevented her from seeking help at neighbouring houses with threats and violence. At one stage during the assault another woman approached, but Nolan told this witness to mind her own business. Gda Goggin said another man recorded some of the incident on his phone and later handed this to investigators. The attack ended when Nolan dragged the woman to his own family home and his relatives intervened. The court heard the woman didn't recognise herself in the bathroom mirror of this house, because her face was so swollen, her hair was matted with blood and her nose and lip were burst. She eventually went home and spent the remaining early hours and into the next day in her bedroom vomiting and in severe pain. In a victim impact statement, read out by Ms McGillicuddy, the woman stated that she doesn't talk about what happened and is a lot quieter now. She revealed she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, neck pain and that her hearing is not the same. She said she was happy and trusting" before that night but now she feels trapped in her own head with the memory and can't understand why the attack happened. Gda Goggin said Nolan admitted in interview that he had been intoxicated and that he was shocked and ashamed and felt sick when he saw photos of the injuries he had inflicted. He told gardai he was heartbroken as he loved the woman. Gda Goggin agreed with Mr Gageby that his client revealed he had been taking alcohol and cocaine on the night. He agreed that Nolan had not attended for assessment by The Probation Service, saying this was a surprise given that he has abided by his bail conditions and made admissions. The garda said he thought Nolan seemed to be fatalistic about what was going to happen. Judge Melanie Greally told Mr Gageby that his client was justified in his sense of fatalism but that she needed assistance from The Probation Service. She remanded Nolan in custody and adjourned the matter till April, when she will hear a defence plea in mitigation. 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. A man in his 40s is due before court this morning charged in connection with the robbery of a shop on the northside of Cork city. While in Kerry, a teenager is in custody after a burglary at a hospital in Tralee in the early hours of this morning. In Cork, gardai arrested the man for questioning yesterday about an incident at a shop on Shandon Street on January 6 when a man wearing dark clothing entered the shop at around 8pm armed with what was believed to be a knife. The suspect threatened staff and left the scene with a sum of cash. The man arrested yesterday was detained at Mayfield Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and was later charged in connection with the incident. He is due to appear before Cork City District Court this morning. Meanwhile, gardai in Kerry have arrested a man in his late teens following a burglary at a hospital in Tralee in the early hours of this morning. Gardai in Tralee received a report just after 2am that a burglary that had just occurred. A description of the suspect was circulated to all members on patrol and a short time later a man was arrested. He was taken to Tralee Garda Station where he is being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Fianna Fail has demanded the Government publishes a detailed list of all 24 drugs which could be affected by a no deal crisis, saying the refusal to release the information is "pretty worrying". Party health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly called for the release of the information after Health Minister Simon Harris confirmed some of the drugs involve radiotherapy and intravenous feeds for vulnerable patients. Speaking to reporters at a detailed Brexit briefing on Tuesday night, Mr Harris initially said a "watch list" of medicines which could be affected by a no deal Brexit due to their short shelf life, special storage and transportation issues. The Minister said this is because of the fact between 60-70% of the 4,000 drugs marketed for use in Ireland currently travel to this country either from or through Britain. When he was asked for a list of the exact drugs - which he confirmed four times include intravenous feeds and radiotherapy, among others - as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar had earlier told the Dail 24 drugs are involved, Mr Harris declined to do so. He added people and medics must not stockpile the medications and have no reason to panic as there will be enough supplies available to last eight to 10 weeks after a no deal Brexit. However, asked about the lack of exact information on the issue on Wednesday morning, Fianna Fail health spokesperson Stephen Donnelly said the failure to release the full details to date is unacceptable. Insisting the full list of all drugs potentially at risk from a no deal Brexit must be made public now, Mr Donnelly said the public has a right to know what to expect in a worst case scenario. "We certainly would [want the list of drugs published]. The lack of detail from the Government on this is pretty worrying. We got a very loose document before Christmas saying they were very busy, they were going to be discussing it in January, but the reality is we get about 60-70% of our drugs from the UK. "I know a team has been working on this in the HSE looking at stockpiling. We will be inviting the team to meet with us in the health committee in the coming weeks, but we have to make sure a no deal Brexit doesn't disrupt critical supply chains," he said. Speaking at the same briefing, Fianna Fail Brexit spokesperson Lisa Chambers said she has "asked that question directly" and that confirmed "there could potentially be some shortages". HSE sources separately told the Irish Examiner while a Department of Health, HSE and Health Products Regulatory Authority group is meeting regularly to discuss the issue, it is unlikely to release the list at this stage. A Dublin city centre hostel has been spared a criminal conviction for employing a non-national as a director when he did not have a valid permit to work in Ireland. Parkgate Lounge Ltd, with a registered address at Talbot Street, trading as The Abbot Lodge, pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to breaching the Employment Permit Act and the Organisation of Working Time Act. Judge Anthony Halpin applied the Probation of Offenders Act after noting the firm had complied with an order made two months earlier to donate 1,000 to the Little Flowers Penny Dinners charity and to contribute 300 toward prosecution costs. The court heard a Workplace Relations Commission inspector interviewed employees there in November 2017. They learned the man had been working there from August to October last year. It was not known if he was getting breaks or holidays. The court heard he previously had permission and was told by the Department of Justice he could stay in the country until he got an employment permit. The defence submitted the company, which had 13 employees, made him a director to help him out with his permit application. He was on 38,000 a year and records were kept so it was not a case that he was exploited, the defence submitted in pleas for leniency. His status has been regularised now. The court heard it was the firms first offence. The charge can result in a fine of up to 4,000 plus costs. The High Court has granted an injunction preventing fund-appointed receivers taking possession of a landmark property along the Waterford Greenway. Ennis Property Finance DAC appointed receivers over the property formerly known as the Kilmacthomas Workhouse, now also housing the Kilmacthomas Business Centre, near Kilmacthomas village. It is a well-known stop for cyclists and walkers using the greenway. Ms Justice Carmel Stewart, in a judgment published this week, found Catherine Barry, who says she lives in a cottage adjoining the property, was entitled to an injunction preventing the receivers taking possession, trespassing on, or selling the property pending further proceedings. Ennis appointed receivers arising out of three loans between 2006 and 2008 to Barry family companies by Bank of Scotland Ireland. The loans, including one of nearly 465,000, were secured on the property itself. Ms Barry provided guarantees on the loans. The loans were later sold to Ennis which sought immediate repayment last May but which was not forthcoming. When Ennis appointed receivers, Ms Barry brought injunction proceedings seeking to stop them taking over the property. Among her claims were that she had inherited her husband's struggling business following his (husband's) sudden death in 2000 and, given her lack of business acumen, she began to place increasing reliance on her son Niall in the running of the business. Ms Justice Stewart said Niall had worked in the business for two years prior to his father's death and, it was claimed, Niall was angry that his father's will had not properly provided for him. He allegedly threatened to leave the family business if his mother did not act as guarantor, the judge said. While Ms Barry had significant reservations about her son borrowing such large sums of money, she said she executed the guarantees under duress and undue influence placed on her by her son given her reliance on him to run the business. She also says she received no legal advice before doing so. She also claimed repayments on the largest loan were up to date and that her involvement in them was not commercial but as a consumer, giving her protections under the Consumer Credit Act. Donal OSullivan, a director of Ennis, disputed her "self-characterisation as a housewife with no business acumen". He claimed she was actually the driving force behind the family business, both before and after her husband's death. Mr O'Sullivan also said there was a settlement agreement between two Barry companies and Ennis in which Ms Barry acknowledged her indebtedness and set out a new system of repayments which was not adhered to. Ms Barry denied she was involved in that agreement which was, she said, negotiated by Niall. Granting the injunction, Ms Justice Stewart said while not making any findings of fact at this stage in the case, she was satisfied Ms Barry had established an arguable case that she was acting under the influence of her son Niall at the time of the loan transactions. The judge said that finding was primarily based on the fact no evidence was provided to show she was a capable businesswoman at the time. If however evidence was to come to hand to show she was "sufficiently proficient at that time", the judge might reconsider that finding, particularly if it shows she did not disclose relevant material during the injunction proceedings. She had "just barely discharged" the burden necessary to establish there was a serious issue to be tried, the judge said. The judge was satisfied that the application of standard principles for granting injunctions (known as the Campus Oil test) to the facts of this case favoured Ms Barry. Firefighters entered a burning structure on a snatch rescue mission to save baby Mary Connors, an inquest into a fatal fire at a halting site in south Dublin has heard. The six-month-old infant was found in a room in conditions described by firefighters as "unsupportive of life". The first firefighters, paramedics and Gardai to arrive at the scene of the devastating fire were giving evidence on the third day of an inquest into 10 deaths at a halting site on the Glenamuck Road in Carrickmines, Dublin 18. The aftermath of the fire at the halting site. Pic: Rollingnews.ie Dublin Fire Brigade firefighter Ray Martin and his colleagues responded to a call at 4.20am. He was moving the hose to the fire when a man in his 30s began helping him. He was saying, You have to help them, please help them, Mr Martin said. One mobile home was ablaze and flames were emerging from a second mobile when he was instructed there was a baby inside. "It was a snatch rescue rather than fire extinguisher operation," Mr Martin said. The inquest heard evidence that a fire hydrant located between 50m and 70m from the site was being used as a water supply. There was one closer but Mr Martin did not know why this was not used. The crew had 8,000 litres of water stored on two fire appliances upon arrival. This amounted to between eight and 10 minutes of available water, Mr Martin said. The radiant heat was extremely intense, he said. There were flames top to bottom at the door. We attacked the fire at the door, knocked the flames back. A woman came and she said shes in there (the baby), shes on the bed. There was a lot of thick smoke and heat but I couldnt see flames. I went straight to the bed, I saw the baby lying on the bed with the duvet turned over beside her, Mr Martin said. I took the baby off the bed and cradled her and brought her to the door. - Dublin Fire Brigade firefighter Ray Martin Baby Mary was rushed to an ambulance where paramedics were treating her brother Tom (aged 4) who had been pulled from the blaze by his 14-year-old uncle, John Keith Connors. Baby Mary displayed no signs of life, she was not breathing, there was soot around her mouth and nose. There were burn marks on her face and arms, the inquest heard. She was rushed to Tallaght Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 5.31am. The child was formally identified that morning by her uncle and godfather, Dan Connors. Thomas Connors (aged 27) his wife Sylvia (aged 30) and their children Jim, five, Christy, three, and six-month-old Mary died in the blaze. Willie Lynch (aged 25) his partner Tara Gilbert (aged 27) who was pregnant, their daughters Jodie, aged nine, and Kelsey, age four were visiting the Connors family and they also died. The tenth victim was Jimmy Lynch (aged 39), a brother of Willie Lynch. Thomas Connors and his wife Sylvia. Previously, the inquest at Dublin Coroners Court heard that all the adults in the Connors family home were drinking on the night of October 9 2015. The children went to bed at 8pm. Jim Connors Junior said he left the mobile around 2am. "It was 2am when I was leaving and we were all drunk," he said. The cause of the fire was identified as a chip pan left on the hot plate of an electric cooker. The inquest continues. A deadly fire that claimed ten lives at a Dublin halting site reached temperatures in excess of 650 degrees Celsius. Ballistic detectives gave evidence of the recovery of nine bodies from an extensively burnt mobile, the home of Thomas Connors, his wife Sylvia and their five children at the Glenamuck halting site in Carrickmines. The deadly fire ignited and spread rapidly from the kitchen through the mobile, killing all nine occupants within 15 minutes. It then spread through an upper window in the main bedroom to a second mobile located less than one metre away shortly after 4am on October 10, 2015. Four of the deceased identified as Thomas Connors (aged 27), his wife Sylvia (30) and their sons Jimmy (five) and Christy (three) were recovered from the main bedroom. Willie Lynch (aged 25), his pregnant partner Tara Gilbert (aged 27) and their two daughters Jodie (nine) and Kelsey (four) were recovered from the second, smaller bedroom. Jimmy Lynch (aged 39) was removed from the kitchen area, near the seat of the fire which ignited from hot oil in a chip pan on an electric cooker. Thomas Connors and his wife Sylvia The chip pan was so badly burnt it was almost unrecognisable, Detective Garda Shane Curran told Dublin Coroners Court. The whole unit was subject to extreme fire damage, with the entire roof destroyed. The kitchen was the most intense area of burning, particularly around the cooker area. "There was a molten lump of aluminium on the rear right hot plate. There was a metal basket that had warped, suggesting a chip pan had been in place, Det Gda Curran said. The court heard the chip pan was aluminium, which melts at 650 degrees Celsius. The fire (temperature) was above that in this location. The remains of a chip pan was all but burnt away so as to be almost unrecognisable, Det Gda Curran said. Detectives found the rear right hot plate in the powered on position. The aftermath of the fire at the halting site. Pic: Rollingnews.ie The fact the chip pan had completely melted strongly suggests there was a sustained fire in that area. No other likely ignition source was found, Det. Gda Curran said. Family members left the courtroom as the jury heard evidence of how DNA was used to identify the remains of the deceased. Detectives used the Interpol system to identify remains for the first time in a process coordinated by Deputy State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster. All nine bodies were found on the floor of the destroyed unit. The court heard that deadly carbon monoxide works its way down from ceiling height. Someone who stands up in these conditions could be quickly overcome by poisonous gases, Det. Garda David OLeary told the court. The aftermath of the fire at the halting site. The inquest heard details of how the fire spread through the mobile, burning through closed bedroom doors, before spreading to the next mobile, where baby Mary Connors had been placed after she was recovered from the fire. The distance between the two units was 81cm. The inquest heard from the first Gardai, paramedics and firemen to arrive at the scene. Dublin Fire Brigade units responded to a call at 4.20am. Garda Christina ONeill arrived at the scene at 4.38am. From the opposite side of the M50 there was substantial smoke visible and you could see flames, Garda ONeill said. Firefighter Ray Martin entered the burning mobile, where the fire had spread, with his colleague Vaughan Mason in a bid to save baby Mary Connors. The six-month-old infant had been rescued from the fire next door along with her brother Tom by their uncle, John Keith Connors (aged 14). There was a lot of thick smoke and heat ... I saw the baby lying on the bed with the duvet turned over beside her. I took the baby off the bed and cradled her and brought her to the door, Mr Martin said. Baby Mary displayed no signs of life, she was not breathing. There were burn marks on her face and arms, the inquest heard. She was rushed to Tallaght Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The inquest continues tomorrow with expert technical evidence from the scene of the fatal fire. Update 10.56am:The huge cost overruns of building the National Childrens Hospital will not lead to any extra hospital beds for sick children. It is expected the project will cost 1.4 billion, which is double the initial construction estimate of 640 million. Members of the board overseeing the hospitals construction are appearing before the Oireachtas Joint Health Committee this morning to answer questions on how the project cost continues to spiral. John Pollock, Project Director, was asked by Fianna Fails Stephen Donnelly about the number of extra beds that would now be part of the project as a result of the spending increase. "The hospital is about far more than just beds," he replied. The project has 470 beds. It has the same number of beds as we had. There are no extra beds in the hospital. Earlier: Chair of new National Childrens Hospital to address Joint Oireachtas Health Committee Update 9.50am: The Chair of the board overseeing the new National Childrens Hospital will tell TDs and Senators that if they were to start the project again, they'd adopt the same approach. Tom Costello is addressing a Joint Oireachtas Health Committee this morning to discuss the spiralling cost of the project. The final project cost is now expected to be between 1.4 billion and 1.7 billion, far exceeding the 983 million approved by the government in 2017. Mr Costello will tell the committee the right procurement strategy had been taken, but lessons can be learned. The Taoiseach says other health projects will be affected in order to fund the hospital. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern says that British Prime Minister Theresa May needs to swallow humble pie and consider indicative votes and to meet with Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn. Its extraordinary that they cant talk to each other, he told RTEs Today with Sean ORourke show. The only way that the UK can prepare for Brexit is if there are indicative votes, he added. Under the indicative votes proposal MPs would be asked to line up and vote on a second referendum, a managed no-deal, a Norway-style deal or Labours idea of Mrs Mays deal plus a customs union. The votes would be free votes in which MPs could cast their ballots as they saw fit. MPs could also vote for as many of the options as they wished. The Vice President of the European Parliament, Irish MEP Mairead McGuinness agreed that indicative votes could be the answer. But she said it would be difficult for Mrs May to reach across the divide to Mr Corbyn at this stage. She said there seemed to be a feeling among some politicians that the EU was trying to trap the UK into staying in the EU. Thats not the case. We accept that theyre leaving, but we want to keep them close. Ms McGuinness added that if there was a no deal exit by the UK it would reflect badly on all of us, that as politicians we couldnt do our job. Former adviser to former British Prime Minister David Cameron, Philip Blond said that hopes for a Norway-style deal were unrealistic as there was no middle ground. We cant half leave. There was a conundrum with the majority in parliament against a withdrawal deal, but failing to offer any alternatives. The situation would resolve itself if there was a second referendum, which both sides think they could win. He suggested that the EU would agree to suspend Article 50 and the holding of a second referendum. I think thats where were going to end up. However, Ms McGuinness said this would place the EU in a dilemma. How much time can you give without disrupting the European elections? Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said that she did not want to see a chaotic or disorderly Brexit and that the next logical thing to do to avoid that was to remove the border in the national interest. The EU understands the importance of the Good Friday Agreement and its importance in the event of a disorderly exit, she said. Mr Ahern added that the biggest danger now was a no deal Brexit which could mean that World Trade Organisation rules would come in which would mean the introduction of a border. If Jeremy Corbyn sticks to his position on the Customs Union that would mean the backstop wouldnt matter. If he (Corbyn) loses then there is like to be a move to a second referendum, he added. Former Conservative MP Michael Portillo said that Theresa May was being very obstinate, but that her power was waning and that power would instead now rest with the House of Commons who would have to express their views on what options were available to the UK. He thought there might be a majority who would favour a Norway-deal scenario, but he warned that it would be a bruising and destructive process. Mr Portillo predicted that Mrs May will be borne along the tide of events. The British parliament is very fearful of a no deal Brexit so it will ensure that it wont happen, he said. Anti-eviction activist Ben Gilroy has been jailed for three months over failure to comply with a High Court order to complete 80 hours community service after he had admitted criminal contempt. Today Mr Justice Brian McGovern found there was a deliberate and conscious breach by Mr Gilroy of the October 2017 community service order, arising from Mr Gilroys admission earlier in 2017, of criminal contempt. The contempt related to Mr Gilroy having, in a sworn statement in proceedings by Allied Irish Banks plc seeking to enforce a 3.2m judgment against another man, accused the court of criminal intimidation and threats and compared the action of a court to that of a thief putting a gun to his head and robbing him of his wallet. Mr Gilroy of Riverview, Athlumney Abbey, Navan, Co Meath, had also alleged he was threatened by members of a semi-secretive society wearing wigs and black cloaks who believe they are superior to other members of society and who "act in a clandestine fashion to hide their criminality". In July 2017, the judge had said Mr Gilroy had accused the judge of being "in breach of his oath of office" and of taking part in and allowing criminal activity to take place in front of him. The affidavit also contained further threats against the judge and the solicitor and counsel for AIB, he said. Mr Gilroy's affidavit was "nothing short of a direct attack on the court and the administration of justice" and was "calculated to bring the administration of justice into disrepute and diminish the authority of the court". After Mr Gilroy admitted contempt, apologised and said he was willing to undertake community service, the matter was adjourned and the October 2017 order later directed he complete 80 hours community service. In evidence to the judge today, two probation service officers said Mr Gilroy had not performed any community service hours since the order was imposed. Both agreed Mr Gilroy had told them he was willing to do the service but had raised issues alleging AIB's title on the court order was incorrect and had also referred to a Supreme Court appeal. Mr Gilroy, in sworn evidence, said he was willing to perform the community service and had so informed the probation service. He said there was no animosity between him and the service, he had turned up for every meeting with it that he was required to and had also contacted charity shops about hours for service. High Court His difficulty arose from the October 2017 order incorrectly identifying the title of AIB, he said. He said he had previously successfully raised the issue of AIB using an incorrect title with another High Court judge and alleged the bank had behaved fraudulently concerning the title. He referred to an issue about a comma, said it was a "very serious" thing to ensure "true title" and he wanted the October 2017 order to reflect the true title. In his ruling, the judge said what was before him was the October 2017 order against which there was no appeal and he was not concerned with any other order. He had been lenient with Mr Gilroy in not sending him to jail and the issue now was whether he had complied with the October 2017 order. That order provided, if there was default on the community service, Mr Gilroy would be jailed for three months over failure or refusal to comply. The probation service has since informed the High Court chief registrar Mr Gilroy had not served the community service and provided a report to that effect. He was quite satisfied there had been a conscious and deliberate refusal to comply with the order and it followed Mr Gilroy must now serve a sentence of three months imprisonment. The writing has been on the wall for some time now, but even for the slow adopters, the writing is now writ large. A hard Brexit now seems unavoidable, following Tuesday's heavy defeat of the UK Government's proposal to exit the EU in an orderly way. The very unfortunate outcome of the Brexit vote takes us one step closer to a chaotic no-deal exit of Britain from the EU. The issue for most Irish businesses who trade with the UK, and there are about 3,700 of them, is what to do now. The signals have been consistent from the Irish government agencies - prepare now on the basis that the UK will crash out of the EU by the end of March. But, only an estimated 535 companies have seriously prepared for this eventuality. These companies, typically, are small -- they are the small guys -- and have in excess of one-fifth of their exports going to Britain and have received, on average, 138,000 in funding to help them weather the worst of the Brexit crash. That leaves the vast majority of Irish businesses still uncertain as to exactly how to plan and execute a business plan that will not damage their export sales. The challenge should not be underestimated. There have been many turns and twists in the Brexit saga and much of the forecasts have not played out in reality. The much hyped forecast of a collapse in the value of sterling, if the Brexit deal was rejected by the House of Commons, did not happen. Many foreign exchange specialists are still expecting Theresa May's Brexit deal to succeed in parliament on a second or third attempt, and this should spark a strong rally in sterling across the board. Some Irish businesses will take this as a sign that this and other Brexit issues are political scares. Then, there is the other - and more worrying - issue exercising small businesses selling into the UK; the difficulty in finding customers for their product elsewhere. The difficulty of finding new markets can be glimpsed from the statistics issued by both Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia. Across all export sectors it has taken 10 years to reduce the dependence on the UK market by Irish indigenous businesses from 44% to 34%. Assuming we continue with that scale of activity in finding new markets, the current trade promotional activity will only shift 1% of exports away from the UK into other international markets over the next 12 months. The scale of the challenge must be radically looked at and the solutions re-engineered. And, right now, the biggest call is for added funding to accelerate the process. Even if the budget for the current funding approved to assist the 535 companies exposed to the UK market, is extended to the other 3,000 companies that trade with the UK, we are looking at in excess of 4bn. Shifting from the long-established British market is not going to come cheap and small businesses will struggle to handle a hard Brexit without massive state aid. It is now time to put the numbers on the table in Brussels. This is another bailout that will need EU help. John Whelan is managing partner of international trade consultancy The Linkage-Partnership. Irish businesses and leading experts say the Government needs to tap special funds from the EU to help offset the effects of Brexit. For hauliers, Aidan Flynn, who heads up Freight Transport Association Ireland, whose members operate 10,000 commercial vehicles, said the risk of a no-deal amid the UK political chaos, should mean the Irish Government ramps up its contingency plans. We do not think it is near enough funding despite the aid from Enterprise Ireland and InterTrade Ireland, said Mr Flynn. He wants Tanaiste Simon Coveney to focus on the nitty-gritty of where Irish trucks will park at ports and not measure its progress on how many inspectors it recruits. Back from a meeting of customs officials in Lille, Mr Flynn said that inspectors would quickly become the instigators of delays and hauliers face the need to provide financial guarantees, in the even of a no-deal Brexit. Seamus Coffey, the UCC economist and chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, said there was no doubt that many UK retailers which operate large store chains in Ireland would run out of stock in a few days, under a no-deal outcome. I am sure they are making contingencies but they simply do not have the warehouse space even for a couple of weeks. I think the issue will be resolved over time but there is little doubt if there was a crash-out that the shelves could be empty of certain products for a while. UCC economist Declan Jordan said a second Brexit referendum was looking more likely, with the choice of saving the UK economy or to save the Conservative Party. He said the likelihood of no Brexit has increased following the vote which seems to be the reaction of financial markets too, based on the recovery in sterling. Thomas McHugh at Cork Chamber said the sense of uncertainty for business was now palatable. Business is good at planning for the future, the major difference, in this case, being that plans are based around exceptional levels of potential external risk, he said. The political impasse in the UK was a mess, said Edgar Morgenroth, professor of economics at the DCU Business School. The solution was always to be found in London but it is a shambles because the Brexiteers do not have a plan. In the UK parliament, there doesnt seem to be a majority for anything. The EU would be rather foolish to renegotiate the deal and may turn its back on the whole thing, he said. Mr Morgenroth said the Irish Government will need to start talking about the undesirable hard border. Take the backstop away it will not get any easier. The Government has to come clean now and say there are consequences. "We need to start talking to Brussels about pain relief, Mr Morgenroth said, which would involve Ireland receiving funds to ease the economic damage. Transport costs are going to increase, which is a good reason for Ireland to keep its corporate tax regime we must have some advantage to survive at all. We do not even have an electricity wire to France. Its this that Brussels can help us with, he said. Patricia King, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, also said the Government must make available a Brexit fund, in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Patricia Callan, director of the business group, the Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland said a no-deal would be seriously damaging for all inputs in the industry, including cream, barley, malt, glass bottles, apples, finished cider. She said customs checks would lead to further delays and costs. The UK is a key export market for us, so its vital that free trade opportunities remain, she said. Economist Jim Power said the huge rejection of the Theresa Mays withdrawal agreement would hopefully encourage British politicians to back a Brexit deal of the Norwegian variety. British-Irish Chamber of Commerce head, John McGrane said firms of all sizes were at the point of no return. With 70bn worth of trade sustaining 400,000 jobs hanging in the balance, we would urge MPs on all sides to come together to find a way forward. PwC managing partner Feargal ORourke said businesses now need to intensify contingency plans for a disorderly Brexit. On a visit to Ethiopia last week, the Taoiseach chose to visit one of the most impoverished areas of the world and witness, first hand, profound poverty. While there, he was introduced to a woman who had bought four potentially life-saving sheep with a micro-loan provided by Irish Aid. Irish Aid is operated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. It is, effectively, managed on behalf of us citizens. Moreover, its micro-loan activity seems a simple exchange of money with presumably helpful repayment terms regarding duration and interest targeting those among the poorest in the world. Given those parameters, should it not be possible to create an online platform for this purpose that replicates the peer-to-peer lending activities that have mushroomed across the world lately? Imagine an online service that allows you commit money, no matter how small or large, on a one-off or regular basis, to a platform overseen by the Irish Government and under the stewardship of Irish Aid. That body, Im assuming, can be trusted to identify and support those most in need for loans of this type. Imagine, too, you provide your money at zero interest with long dated duration and the possibility of no repayment. Irish Aid clearly believes that well-managed lending is a preferable way to encourage and support self-help economics in the toughest parts of Ethiopia. That, presumably, is based on the view that hand-outs, the classic form of charity towards developing economies, is ineffective in the long-term. There is plenty of evidence that so-called third-world charity became a cesspit of corruption as free money ended up in the wrong hands. A micro-loan programme, that is overseen professionally, seems a better alternative to that. If Irish Aid can host a simple peer-to-peer micro-loan platform that connects citizens in a country like Ireland, providing zero interest loans, with borrowers that are chosen and served by this charity I suspect the reaction from the public would be very strong. If such a service was available, and included real stories of micro-loans in action supporting small farmers and tiny businesses to begin the process of self sufficiency and economic independence, it would help broaden the value and importance of such a system to more potential lenders. The Irish Aid website says, in reference to poor primary producers: Often too, these farmers have no access to affordable credit. Surely there is a tap of affordable credit accessible from citizens of Ireland, via a low cost technology platform, that can safely address this? Of course, any initiative of this type requires systems and processes that ensure integrity, the avoidance of money laundering attempts and political opportunism. The Taoiseach is wrapping up a visit to Ethiopia today that marks 25 years of partnership! Our #Ethiopia programme is Irelands largest development programme anywhere in the world. In 2019, well give 32m to areas including reducing poverty&hunger & supporting civil society. pic.twitter.com/9Jsli6CUfv Irish Aid (@Irish_Aid) January 11, 2019 These challenges, though, have been worked through by a myriad of peer-to-peer online platforms that have developed in recent years. Using advanced technology, they allow lenders and borrowers to connect. A micro-loan system for very poor borrowers would need Irish Aid to manage the demand side of the equation but the lenders could be served by an off-the-shelf online solution. Technology has allowed many corporations to base themselves in Ireland and reach far flung markets in Asia and Africa to sell goods and services using advanced online tools to communicate and manage trade. How far-fetched is it to envisage the same innovation as a means to providing real, low cost and efficient money transmission platforms that give oxygen to the micro-lending form of aid? Micro finance has long been touted as a way of enabling poorer regions of the globe to combat extreme poverty. If Irish Aid could be given the technology backing to source funding from well-meaning Irish citizens it could multiply the type of exchanges witnessed in Ethiopia last week. Joe Gill is director of corporate broking with Goodbody Stockbrokers. His views are personal. A patent lawsuit filed by Qualcomm against Apple was thrown out by a German court, in a reversal for the US chipmaker after it won a recent court ban on the sale of some iPhones in the country. The regional court in the city of Mannheim dismissed the Qualcomm suit as groundless in an initial verbal decision, saying the patent in question was not violated by the installation of its chips in Apples smartphones. We are happy with the decision and thank the court for their time and diligence, Apple said in a statement. We regret Qualcomms use of the court to divert attention from their illegal behaviour that is the subject of multiple lawsuits and proceedings around the world, the iPhone maker said. Qualcomm, waging a worldwide patent battle with Apple, said it would appeal after winning a separate case before a court in Munich in December that enabled it to enforce a ban on the sale of older iPhones in Germany. Apple has a history of infringing our patents, said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomms executive vice president and general counsel. While we disagree with the Mannheim courts decision and will appeal, we will continue to enforce our [intellectual property] rights against Apple worldwide, he said. After the court decision, Apple referred to a statement issued in response to the December ruling in Munich, against which it is appealing. Apple said at the time that, while a decision on the Munich appeal is outstanding, it would no longer stock the iPhone 7 and 8 at its 15 retail outlets in Germany, although its newer models would remain on sale. All of its models remain available through carriers and resellers. Gravis, the leading Apple reseller in Germany, said it continued to stock the full range of iPhones. Apart from the German order, Qualcomm has also secured a ban on the sale of some iPhones in China. Apple, which is also contesting that ruling, has continued to offer its iPhones in China, but made changes to its iOS operating system following the order. Qualcomm, meanwhile, faces a US antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which accuses it of abusing a monopoly on mobile chip technology in a trial that could have a major impact on the smartphone industry as a whole. If the US government prevails in the trial that began earlier this month, Qualcomm could be forced to change its practices for licensing a trove of patents to device makers like Apple. Apple is closely watching the FTC case, as it has its own pending lawsuit making similar claims against Qualcomm. ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday slammed what he called the dictatorship of Venezuela as he tackled audience questions ranging from Canada's approach to Indigenous issues to immigration and foreign policy. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a town hall at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., Tuesday, January 15, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tara Walton ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday slammed what he called the dictatorship of Venezuela as he tackled audience questions ranging from Canada's approach to Indigenous issues to immigration and foreign policy. Speaking at one of a series of election-year townhall meetings across the country, Trudeau reserved some of his harshest words of the evening at Brock University for Nicolas Maduro, the 56-year-old Venezuelan president since 2013 who is presiding over a country in increasing crisis. Anyone who claims to be a friend of Venezuela or its people, Trudeau said, should stand up and condemn the Maduro government, which he said has been responsible for "terrible oppression" and a humanitarian crisis unseen in South America for decades. "All because of an illegitimate dictator named Maduro, who is continuing to not respect their constitution (and) the rule of law," Trudeau said. Organizers said about 1,500 people students and other area residents filled the campus gymnasium in St. Catharines, Ont., to capacity. Many waited in long lines in the cold night air to get in, while some were turned away for lack of space. Outside, a small group of oil-pipeline protesters blocked a main entrance to the campus, forcing motorists to find other routes to the event. Inside, the odd heckler tried to make a point but the prime minister, who faces the electorate in October, handled them easily and moved on. Asked about rising xenophobia in Canada, Trudeau talked about the lack of job security many people feel and their concern the Canadian dream of the post-Second World War will elude them permanently. "A lot of people are wondering if the promise of progress no longer really holds," he said. "These are real anxieties." At the same time, he said, there are those who would "amplify those fears" for short-term political gain and play to people's insecurities. He cited the 2015 election in which he said he aimed to stay away from attack ads and strike a positive tone. It's the same game plan he plans to pursue in October, he said. "Sometimes, packaging really simple easy-sounding solutions can be very compelling," Trudeau told the appreciative crowd. "What I'm trying to make sure we do in this coming year of an election year in Canada is come together to have real conversations, make sure there's room for us to disagree on a certain issue." One audience member asked if Trudeau would retract his condemnation of the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, sanctions movement BDS. The Liberal leader would have none of it. The problem, he said, is that resurgent anti-Semitism has become widespread much of it directed at Israel and the BDS movement on Canadian campuses has made some students feel threatened. "We have to be very careful as a society and as a government and as a country not to sanction this new frame around anti-Semitism and undue criticism of Israel," Trudeau said. Trudeau was also asked about the situation in northern British Columbia, where the RCMP have acted to break a pipeline blockade by the Wet'suwet'en people. "You have allowed forcible removal of Wet'suwet'en First Nation people from their land," the audience member said to loud applause. "Would you please explain in relatable, truthful language why you are allowing this to occur?" Trudeau responded by saying Indigenous people in Canada have long had the wrong end of the stick. Canada's government, he said, has for generations failed to live up to the spirit and intent of the original treaties, with residential schools and a skewed legal system the result. The Wet'suwet'en situation, he said, is an "unfortunate example" of where Canada hasn't done well enough, although he said some of their elected officials were in favour of the pipeline. At the same time, he said Crown-Indigenous relations have improved even if they have some distance to go. KELOWNA, B.C. - A British Columbia provincial court judge who teared up over a victim impact statement in a sex crimes trial has sentenced the accused to 14 months in jail. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. KELOWNA, B.C. - A British Columbia provincial court judge who teared up over a victim impact statement in a sex crimes trial has sentenced the accused to 14 months in jail. Jeremy Carlson, also known as Rhiley Carlson, pleaded guilty to sexual interference involving a minor. The victim in the case was an eight-year-old girl. During a sentencing hearing last May, Carlson's lawyer complained of apparent judicial bias and requested that Monica McParland recuse herself after the judge was seen wiping a tear from her eye during a statement from the child's mother. McParland refused and noted that the Supreme Court of Canada and the Canadian Judicial Council both agree that judges are human and not expected to be robots." Carlson's sentence also includes two years of probation. The Crown had recommended between 15 and 20 months in jail and 24 months of probation. The defence sought a 90-day intermittent jail sentence to be served on weekends, followed by three years of probation. Carlson, who now identifies as a woman, has also been placed on the national sex offender registry for 20 years. (Daily Courier) MONTREAL - Quebec's education minister has ordered an investigation of the province's largest English-language school board after learning of serious allegations about the board's governance. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Quebec Education Minister Jean-Francois Roberge tables a document before question period at the legislature in Quebec City on December 4, 2018. Quebec's education minister has ordered an investigation of the province's largest English-language school board after learning of serious allegations about the board's governance. At a news conference in Quebec City, Jean-Francois Roberge said that soon after being named minister last fall, he was briefed on problems at the board dating back years. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot MONTREAL - Quebec's education minister has ordered an investigation of the province's largest English-language school board after learning of serious allegations about the board's governance. At a news conference in Quebec City, Jean-Francois Roberge said that soon after being named minister last fall, he was briefed on problems at the board dating back years. "These allegations are troubling and serious. We must take action," Roberge said. "They relate primarily to the management of material and human resources and the working climate at the English Montreal School Board." He said the board's council of elected commissioners, which oversees a $280-million budget, is frequently "paralyzed" by internal conflicts. "Also, there have been irregularities in vocational training, particularly with regard to partnerships with organizations that are not recognized by the (Education Department) and that provide substandard instruction," he said. "Of course this is unacceptable." Roberge has asked the department's investigation team to submit a preliminary report by June 3 and a final report by Sept. 10. The EMSB said in a statement that news of the investigation "has caught us completely by surprise. It said it had not been informed of any irregularities uncovered in reviews commissioned by the previous Liberal government. The most recent of the reviews was submitted in June 2017. "We have absolutely nothing to hide," the board said, promising that department investigators "will have the full cooperation of the EMSBs governance and management in the completion of their work." The investigation comes as the future of Quebec's school boards is in doubt. The Coalition Avenir Quebec government was elected in October on a promise to abolish the boards. Opposition to the move has been strongest among anglophones, who consider the elected boards vital to their community. Roberge said the good work accomplished at the EMSB cannot be tarnished "by actions and practices that are ethically unacceptable." KIRKLAND LAKE, Ont. - Four men and a woman are facing a number of drug-related charges after a provincial police operation in Kirkland Lake, Ont. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. KIRKLAND LAKE, Ont. - Four men and a woman are facing a number of drug-related charges after a provincial police operation in Kirkland Lake, Ont. Police say they conducted a series of search warrants around the northeastern Ontario town yesterday. They allege they seized ammunition as well as drugs believed to include cocaine, opioids and illegal cannabis. Police say the five people they arrested range in age from 19 to 45, with most hailing from Ontario and one man from Quebec. They now face a total of 18 charges between them. Police say all five have been released pending court dates in March. OTTAWA - The federal government is creating an external board of civilian advisers to help the RCMP modernize after years of grappling with internal bullying and harassment. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The RCMP logo is seen outside Royal Canadian Mounted Police "E" Division Headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Friday April 13, 2018. The federal government is creating a management advisory board to help the RCMP modernize after years of grappling with internal bullying and harassment. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck OTTAWA - The federal government is creating an external board of civilian advisers to help the RCMP modernize after years of grappling with internal bullying and harassment. The long-anticipated move follows numerous calls stretching back over a decade for more outside input and expertise to transform the force's insular and outdated culture. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki, left, listens as Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale speaks during a press conference on the RCMP's new Interim Management Advisory Board in Ottawa on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Members of an interim board will be in place by April 1, with legislative changes coming this spring to make the board permanent, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale told a news conference Wednesday. Initially, the board will focus on priorities such as supporting development of a strategy that puts people first, RCMP business modernization and employee health and well-being. "It will start on these critical issues of the healthy workplace, but there's much more that they can bring to the table over the long term," Goodale said. Over time, the board will expand its reach into other areas of management: effective use of RCMP resources, corporate risk and responses to address them, human resources and labour relations, corporate and strategic direction, and performance measurement and results. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki called the board "a critical step" to help the RCMP advance. "We want to be a more modern, a more effective, a more healthy and more inclusive national police organization," she said during the news conference. "I'm looking forward to the board's advice and insight, and counting on them to both guide us and help us tell our story throughout this unprecedented journey." The board will include up to 13 part-time appointees, including a chair and vice-chair. The public safety minister will be able to direct the RCMP commissioner to seek the board's advice and require that the commissioner report back, including on actions taken based on that advice. The board will not be involved in matters relating to active law-enforcement investigations, in keeping with the principle of police independence. The announcement is the Liberal government's response to two critical 2017 reports. In the first, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP said the force lacked both the will and the capacity to address the challenges that afflict its workplaces. The commission urged the government to usher in civilian governance or oversight for the paramilitary-style police force. The second report, a review by former auditor general Sheila Fraser of four harassment lawsuits from female members, also called for substantial reforms. Goodale said today the government is accepting all of the recommendations in the two reports. Additional steps to improve the way the force addresses harassment complaints are expected to follow in the spring. "Whatever it takes for those victims to feel that their complaint is being taken in a transparent and fair manner, that's the road we'll take for them," Lucki said. She became the RCMP's first permanent female boss last year upon assuming the commissioner's post from Bob Paulson. Before he left, Paulson delivered an apology to hundreds of current and former female officers and employees who were subjected to discrimination and harassment dating back as far as four decades. The words of regret came as the Mounties settled class-action lawsuits stemming from allegations that cast a dark pall over the force. The Trudeau government directed Lucki to modernize and reform the RCMP's culture, protect employees from harassment and workplace violence, and foster reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Goodale's mandate letter to Lucki, issued last year, also asked her to make the force representative of Canadas diverse population. Another priority is improving health and wellness after an auditor's report found the force was failing to meet the mental-health needs of its members due to a lack of resources, poor monitoring and meagre support from supervisors. Follow @JimBronskill on Twitter 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. OTTAWA - The appointment of David Lametti as Canada's new justice minister has given new hope to those who believe the Trudeau government's law on medically assisted dying is too restrictive. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - The appointment of David Lametti as Canada's new justice minister has given new hope to those who believe the Trudeau government's law on medically assisted dying is too restrictive. Lametti was one of just four Liberal MPs who voted against the government's 2016 legislation that made it legal for incurably ill Canadians to get medical help to end their suffering provided they are already near death and meet other strict criteria. Justice Minister and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti attends a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. The appointment of David Lametti as Canada's new justice minister has given new hope to those who believe the Trudeau government's law on medically assisted dying is too restrictive. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick In a Facebook post to his Montreal constituents at the time, Lametti expressed concern that the law was too restrictive and would not meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Supreme Court in a landmark 2015 ruling that struck down the prohibition on assisted death. "As a professor of law in Canada for 20 years and a member of two Canadian Bars, I also worry about passing legislation that is at serious risk of being found to be unconstitutional. On these grounds, I was not able to give it my vote in good conscience," he wrote. In a cabinet shuffle Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plucked Lametti from the backbenches to take over Justice from Jody Wilson-Raybould, who introduced the assisted dying law and who has resolutely rejected calls for changes even in the face of anguished pleas from grievously ill Canadians. "We're not considering changing something in the legislation," Wilson-Raybould said in November, rejecting a deathbed plea for changes from Audrey Parker, a Halifax woman with terminal breast cancer. "We're confident in the legislation that we brought forward, that it finds the right balance in terms of being able to access medical assistance in dying, protecting the autonomy of individuals to make the appropriate decisions for themselves as well as protecting vulnerable individuals." Parker, whose cancer had spread to her brain, opted to end her life earlier than she wanted because she feared she'd eventually lose the mental competence required to receive an assisted death. Given his previously stated views, Shanaaz Gokool, president of Dying with Dignity Canada, is hopeful Lametti might be more receptive to Parker's plea. "Our hope is for the country that the new justice minister will follow through on what he's already said and what he already knows that (the law) doesn't do enough for the most vulnerable people," she said in an interview. With only five months left before campaigning begins in earnest for the Oct. 21 federal election, it's doubtful the Trudeau government has the time or inclination in the next few months to address the three big issues that were left unresolved when the law was passed: whether to extend the right to an assisted death to mature minors and those suffering strictly from mental disorders; and whether to allow people who fear losing mental capacity to make advance requests. But Gokool said the Parker case has shone a spotlight on one aspect of the law that could be changed relatively easily right away the stipulation that a person must be able to give consent immediately prior to receiving an assisted death. Parker had been assessed and approved for an assisted death, having given her informed consent and met all the other eligibility requirements. But she felt compelled by the law to take that route sooner than she wanted while she still had the mental capacity to give her consent again in the moments before receiving help to die. Gokool said she's encountered many other Canadians who have been similarly forced cut short their final days or who have reduced needed pain medication for fear it will rob them of their capacity to consent. Others, who've been approved for an assisted death, have ultimately been denied the service because they couldn't give last-minute consent. Dying with Dignity Canada intends to launch a campaign next month to pressure the government to enact "Audrey's amendment," changing the law so that someone approved for an assisted death can sign a declaration ensuring they won't be denied if they lose mental capacity before it is carried out. "The real question is do we want more Audrey Parkers?" said Gokool. "There's something so I think perverse is the word where we're putting people who are already eligible, they meet the criteria as it stands ... in this sort of situation." The Trudeau government's law allows assisted dying only for consenting adults in an advanced stage of irreversible decline from a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability and for whom natural death is reasonably foreseeable. In its 2015 ruling, the Supreme Court suggested a more permissive approach, allowing the procedure for competent adults with "grievous and irremediable" medical conditions that are causing enduring suffering that they find intolerable. The top court did not limit the right to those near death or with terminal illnesses. Even as Lametti settles in to his new job, courts in Quebec and British Columbia are in the process of hearing constitutional challenges to the law launched by Canadians with degenerative diseases who contend the foreseeable death provision robs them of their right to an assisted death. Groups representing Christian doctors across the country are also appealing a court ruling that upheld Ontario's regulation requiring doctors who refuse to provide assistance in dying to refer patients to someone who will perform the service. Last month, the government received expert reports it had requested from the Council of Canadian Academies on the unresolved matters of mature minors, advance requests and people suffering strictly from mental illnesses. At the government's instruction, the reports made no recommendations. The government has yet to issue any detailed response to those reports. OTTAWA - Canada's top military officer is expected to take the stand later this month in a pre-trial hearing for Vice-Admiral Mark Norman. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA - Canada's top military officer is expected to take the stand later this month in a pre-trial hearing for Vice-Admiral Mark Norman. Norman's lawyer, Marie Henein, said Gen. Jonathan Vance was subpoenaed by Norman's legal team and is scheduled to testify when the hearing resumes at the end of January. Suspended in January 2017 as the military's second-in-command, Norman was charged last March with one count of breach of trust in connection with the alleged leak of cabinet secrets around a $700-million shipbuilding contract. He has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to fight the charge. His politically charged trial is scheduled to start in August and run through this year's federal election. The court heard five days of arguments last month, during which Norman's lawyers accused the government of hiding key documents, preventing access to witnesses and cherry-picking what information is made public. Government lawyers denied the allegations. Another three days have been set aside at the end of the month for the pre-trial. Vance is expected to be grilled over what instructions he gave to senior military officers including Norman with regards to talking with journalists. The allegations against Norman include that he leaked secrets about the shipbuilding deal to the media. Vance could also face questions over whether military officials intentionally avoided using Norman's name in internal correspondence, which would have made it more difficult for his lawyers to access certain documents. Vance refused to comment on the case during a recent interview with The Canadian Press. The contract, in which a Quebec shipyard was asked to convert a civilian container ship into a support vessel for the navy, was negotiated by Stephen Harper's Conservative government and finalized by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. Norman's team wants access to potentially thousands of government documents about the contract, including records held by Trudeau's office, to prove their client was supporting the Tories in obtaining the ship before falling victim to Liberal political games. They used witnesses and emails during the first five days of the pre-trial to hammer home their allegations that the government is trying to prevent a fair trial for their client. Norman's lawyers also pointed to public comments by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and correspondence between the Crown and government as suggesting political interference in the case. One Canadian Forces member told the court that his commanding officer, who is also expected to be called to testify later this month, appeared proud that officials avoided using Norman's name. Following the allegation, Vance expressed alarm in an interview with the CBC last month and promised to launch an investigation into whether such a practice was used. The court also heard that government lawyers had continued to fight the defence over whether some other documents were relevant to the case even after a public servant had flagged them as such. Crown prosecutors contended there was no evidence of such interference and government lawyers said they are working hard to produce all documents required for the trial. Follow @leeberthiaume on Twitter TORONTO - Ontario's environmental commissioner says fewer than one per cent of people who weighed in on the government's decision to scrap the province's cap and trade system expressed clear support for the move. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO - Ontario's environmental commissioner says fewer than one per cent of people who weighed in on the government's decision to scrap the province's cap and trade system expressed clear support for the move. Dianne Saxe says her office reviewed most of the 11,000 comments submitted as part of a public consultation on a bill introduced last year to dismantle the carbon pricing system brought in by the previous Liberal government. Saxe says almost all respondents wrote to voice support for decisive action on climate change, and many were dismayed that cap and trade was being cancelled particularly before a replacement plan was announced. The legislation to eliminate the cap-and-trade system passed in late October, after the 30-day consultation concluded but before the results were made public. It was introduced in July, but the final vote was delayed when an environmental group launched legal action against the Progressive Conservative government, alleging the province had flouted Ontario's Environmental Bill of Rights by failing to hold public consultations on the issue. The legal action will still move forward on allegations that the government also skipped mandatory consultations on a regulation related to the cancellation of cap and trade. A spokeswoman for the environment minister said Wednesday the government was elected on a promise to eliminate cap and trade, but did not address Saxe's analysis of the consultation results. "We heard loud and clear directly from Ontarians that they cannot afford cap and trade," Emily Hogeveen said in an email. "While some advocate policies that will cost families, we will pursue balanced policies that address our environmental challenges, while not betraying the commitments we made to the people." She added the province sought input from the public, businesses and other stakeholders before releasing its own climate change plan in November. That plan proposes to use taxpayer dollars to spur private investment in clean technologies and create performance standards for large emitters. Saxe said those who weighed in on the cap and trade decision expressed concerns about a number of issues. "The loss of clean economy opportunities was the most common concern expressed in the submissions. Many were concerned that weakening Ontario's climate policies would hurt investment in clean technology and risk long-term job creation in a low-carbon economy," she wrote. "A number of commenters shared stories about how they benefited, or had hoped to benefit, from programs that re-invested revenues from cap and trade. Some common examples included electric vehicle purchases and energy efficiency retrofits." Keith Stewart, senior energy strategist with Greenpeace Canada, said the province is choosing to ignore dissenting voices. "Rather than consider the input from thousands of Ontarians calling for greater action to fight climate change, the Ford government shot the messenger by getting rid of the environmental commissioner. This is government for the polluters, not the people," he said in a statement. The government recently announced it was merging the commissioner's office with that of the auditor general, which critics have said will reduce accountability on environmental issues. The province made close to $3 billion from cap and trade since the system was introduced in 2017, money that was earmarked for green energy programs. Premier Doug Ford vowed to eliminate the system and fight Ottawa's carbon pricing plan during the spring election campaign, arguing both were too expensive for residents and businesses. Ontario's cap-and-trade system aimed to lower greenhouse gas emissions by putting caps on the amount of pollution companies in certain industries could emit. If companies exceeded those limits they had to buy allowances at quarterly auctions or from other companies that came in under their limits. A Canadian national has been kidnapped in Burkina Faso's northern Sahel region, government officials said Wednesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Canadian national has been kidnapped in Burkina Faso's northern Sahel region, government officials said Wednesday. A spokesman for Burkina Faso's security ministry identified the man as Kirk Woodman, who works for the Vancouver-based Progress Mineral Mining Company. Spokesman Jean Paul Badoum said Wednesday that the employee was abducted overnight during a raid on a mining site in Tiabongou, about 20 kilometres from Mansila in Yagha province. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canadian officials are reaching out to the kidnapping victim's family. "The Canadian agencies involved in this situation are really aware of this situation, and we'll be in contact with the family," she told reporters in Repentigny, northeast of Montreal. In a statement, his family asked for privacy and said they will not be speaking publicly. "We have faith and trust in Canadian authorities to bring our husband and father home safe. We are hopeful for a fast resolution to the situation," they said. The news comes soon after a 34-year-old Quebec tourist and her travelling companion were reported missing in the west African nation. Sherbrooke native Edith Blais and her Italian friend Luca Tacchetto were travelling by car in southwestern Burkina Faso when all communication with their families abruptly ended Dec. 15. A statement by Security Minister Clement Sawadogo referred to the disappearance of Blais and Tacchetto as a kidnapping. West Africa's Sahel region has seen a number of abductions of foreigners in recent years by extremists linked to al-Qaida or the Islamic State organization. Burkina Faso recently declared a state of emergency in the region as attacks by Islamic extremists increased, especially along the border with Niger and Mali. Sawadogo said foreigners should use extreme caution when travelling in dangerous areas of the country. -- With files from The Associated Press Police are investigating after a man was found stabbed to death last week on Birdtail Sioux First Nation. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us Police are investigating after a man was found stabbed to death last week on Birdtail Sioux First Nation. On Jan. 7, Manitoba First Nations Police were called to a residence on Birdtail Sioux after a man was reportedly in cardiac arrest. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered a 28-year-old man dead from an apparent fatal stab wound. At this time, charges in relation to the incident have not been laid and members of the MFNP and RCMP Major Crimes Unit continue to investigate. Police are asking that anyone with information that may assist investigators call Manitoba First Nations Police Service at 204-568-4539, RCMP Major Crimes at 204-983-5420 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477. The Brandon Sun Submit your letter to the editor for publication in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Letters should be no more than 300 words and must include the writer's first and last name (no initials), home address and daytime phone number. Submit Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. The Ibex has added 0.71% at the end of the session and reached 8,900 points (8,912). The selective decided to remain calm after the rejection from the British Parliamentof May's Brexit plan. Same as the rest of Europe, which has also been optimistic, with the exception of London's FTSE, although the fall of 0.5% is much lower than what could be expected after the bulging defeated yesterday of the British premier. Investors are optimistic that the Brexit negotiation period is likely to be extended and that the referendum is repeated and, in this sense, it seems that they have preferred to see 'the glass half full' rather than 'half empty'. In fact, one of the most likely options now is to extend the term to make the Brexit effective in four months and it seems that this reassures the market, although it may be a poor excuse to explain the calm of the investors in the face of such chaos. The possibility of repeating the referendum also sounds increasingly plausible, which also encourages the markets. For the moment, Theresa May is facing this Wednesday a motion of censure that she will most likely win. Then, she has until Monday to present a plan B to Parliament. "The two most likely scenarios are that eventually the plan of May be approved at a later stage, as the pressure increases on politicians, or a second referendum, but British politicians need to reach an agreement before we know where to go. It runs the United Kingdom, "say the Danske Bank experts in their daily report. The behavior of the pound is also being highly commented as it has risen after the defeat of May's plan. "Forex traders have opted for an optimistic stance. (...) Instead of seeing what has happened as a further step towards a Brexit without agreement, they see it as a movement towards the extension of Article 50 and the delay of the Brexit, "explains Jasper Lawler, head of analysis at London Capital Group. The governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, has also acknowledged that the market is bypassing that Brexit could be delayed. BUSINESS Santander is taking over the business news in Spain. The entity was aware today its involvement in the Popular case, since the judge considers that it has inherited the criminal responsibility of the actions of Ron and Saracho. In addition, yesterday at the close of the market it announced its refusal to sign Andrea Orcel as chief executive, given that this finally entails costs that the entity is not willing to assume. Santander fell 2.45% on Wall Street on Tuesday. Today, in Spain has come to quote with a decline of 1%, but ended with a rise of 0.99%. News from banks in Spain leaves much to be desired in terms of their credibility. The resignation of Orcel is a disappointment and also surprising for the fact that his signing was announced without 'tying' all the details that have led to its rejections. Regarding Brexit, Sabadell (4.80%) and IAG (3.75%), two of the companies in the Spanish market most exposed to the United Kingdom, celebrate on the stock exchange the defeat of May and have been two of the three most bullish values, together with Cie Automotive (3.85%). In the case of IAG, the fact that there is finally an extension to Brexit would give it more time to design a plan that Brussels accepts to be able to continue operating in the European space. On the opposite side of the table, Red Electrica (-2.13%) and Enagas (-1.71%) are the two most punished securities after the Morgan Stanley sales. The US bank has cut the price target of the first to 24.70 euros from 26 euros, with a neutral rating. On Red Electrica, the advice has been lowered to underweight from the same as the market and the target price to 18.30 from 18.60 euros. In both cases, the new target prices are below the current price of quotation. OTHER MARKETS It should be noted that in the debt market, risk premiums are falling, with special force in the countries of the European periphery. Premiums have dropped by 4% in Spain, Portugal and Italy at the close of the Spanish market. In the commodities market, the Brent barrel, a benchmark in Europe, has lost 0.08% to 60.59 dollars. Meanwhile, in the currency market, the euro has depreciated, but maintains the 1,14 dollars, up to 1,1401 dollars. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS "The Ibex closes the ecuador of the week in the middle of resistance zone, the approximately 8.900 points, we will see if we are finally able to close with ease to start towards the resistance which presents in the 9.150 putos: the bearish guideline that unites the impeccable highs decreasing since last May, "says Jose Maria Rodriguez, analyst at Bolsamania. "Even if the index is aimed at this resistance, we should know that we are still talking about a rebound within an impeccable downtrend, and another thing will be whether the price is finally able to close comfortably above the resistance of 9,265 points maximum of November and December ", adds the analyst. PR Newswire WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a leading women's service organization, concluded its international executive board meeting at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau, Bahamas on Jan. 12, 2019 with the induction of Wynona Kidd as an honorary member. Kidd is the daughter of Viola Tyler Goings and niece of Myrtle Tyler Faithful, two of the sorority's founding members. At 95 years young, Kidd is the oldest living descendant of the organization's five founding members. "As we celebrate 99 years of service today, and prepare for our Centennial in 2020, we are delighted to welcome Mrs. Kidd into our sisterhood," said Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker, Zeta International President. Zeta members voted to induct her as an honorary member during its 2018 Grand Boule in New Orleans, La., along with Louisiana State Senator Regina Ashford Barrow. Kidd, a native of Clairsville, Ohio, aspired to become a Zeta while a student at Wilberforce University, but was forced to drop out of college to help support her family when WWII began. She became a founding member of the local Jack and Jill of America chapter, but was not able to become a Zeta. When asked about how she felt about becoming a member of Zeta, Kidd stated, "I can't believe it! I feel like CinderellaI am so happy to be a member of Zeta!" During the sorority's visit to Nassau, Zeta leadership made a courtesy call to Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert A. Minnis, and Bahamian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest. While on the island, International President Hollingsworth-Baker also presented a $25,000 donation to the Ranfurly Homes for Children on behalf of the organization. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. was founded in 1920 on the campus of Howard University. The international organization's 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change. For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., please visit www.zphib1920.org. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeta-phi-beta-sorority-incorporated-celebrates-99-years-of-service-with-the-induction-of-founder-viola-tyler-goings-daughter-wynona-kidd-300779723.html SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. PR Newswire DALLAS, Jan. 15, 2019 DALLAS, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The holiday season can be a difficult time for families with chronically ill or hospitalized children. These families are not only trying to cope with the concern of having a sick child, but also with the financial and emotional burden as well. Children's Medical Center in Dallas hosts the annual Adopt a family Program to gather toys, games, clothes, and food for these families so they can focus their attention on the most important people in their lives; their children. Sekisui Specialty Chemicals Dallas has been participating in this program for the past four years running. Last year, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals Dallas adopted the family of a twenty month old baby girl who has been at the Children's Hospital for seven months battling heart and kidney failure. Through the month of November, Sekisui Specialty Chemical employees donated gift cards and items from the family member's holiday wish list. Gifts included a fishing pole for the baby's father, new sneakers for her mother, and lots of new toys for her to play with while she is not in the hospital. The gifts were well received by the family, and they wrote a heartfelt thank you note to all the participants for making their holiday season a little bit brighter. Looking forward to 2019, Sekisui Specialty Chemicals is searching for additional ways to give back to local communities and help those in need. Sekisui Specialty Chemicals' primary product is Selvol, a line of high performance polyvinyl alcohol polymers and copolymers used in paper, adhesive, packaging, construction, personal care, and many other specialty formulations. Sekisui Specialty Chemicals is a subsidiary of the Sekisui Chemical Group, a multibillion dollar, global company that delivers a wide range of products and services to enrich people's lives. The company is comprised of core businesses and technologies in housing, social infrastructure, and chemical solutions. For more information, visit www.sekisui-sc.com/ View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sekisui-specialty-chemicals-adopts-a-family-for-the-holidays-300779019.html SOURCE Sekisui Specialty Chemicals PR Newswire DUBLIN, Jan. 15, 2019 DUBLIN, Jan. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Hospital Bed Market by Type - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global hospital bed market is forecasted to attain a size of $4.6 billion by 2023 The market is mainly driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, growing healthcare expenditure, surging aging population, and development of advanced hospital bed solutions. Insights into market segmentsBased on the type of bed, the hospital bed market has been categorized into general, pediatric, birthing, bariatric, pressure relief, and others. Of all types, the fastest growth during the forecast period in the global market is expected from general beds, with 5.8% CAGR, due to their low cost as compared to other beds.On the basis of power, the hospital bed market has been categorized into manual, semi-electric, and electric beds. The manual bed category dominated this market during the historical period, with 49.1% contribution in 2017. Due to their economic viability, manual beds are highly preferred by the end users.Based on treatment, the market has been categorized into acute care, critical care, and long-term care beds. During the forecast period, the hospital bed market for critical care is expected to grow the fastest among all types, with a CAGR of 6.0%. This growth is attributed to the fact that critical-care beds allow lateral tilting of patients, which helps in blood circulation and prevents ulcer formation, and also enables x-ray scanning on bed by pressure redistribution. In addition, these beds provide support to staff due to the presence of multifunctional touch screen pads.In terms of end user, the hospital bed market has been categorized into hospitals, home care settings, and elderly care facilities. Of these, hospitals held the largest share in the market, with 82.7% contribution in 2017. This is attributed to the rising number of patient population being treated for various diseases in hospitals.Hospital bed market to witness fastest growth in APACDuring the forecast period, the hospital bed market is projected to witness the fastest growth in Asia-Pacific (APAC), at a CAGR of 6.4%. This growth is supplemented by the growing medical tourism, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising aging population, and continuously improving healthcare infrastructure in the region. Increasing chronic diseases along with aging population lead to a high chance of hospitalization, which further drives the market growth. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), around 84 million people in South East Asia were diagnosed with diabetes in 2017, and the number is projected to increase to 156 million by 2045.The tremendous improvement in healthcare infrastructure is boosting medical tourism in emerging economies, thereby increasing the demand for hospital beds in the region. Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Thailand have emerged as lucrative destinations for medical tourism, which further propels the growth of the hospital bed industry in APAC.Market players are focusing on product portfolio expansion through acquisitionsThe companies operating in the hospital bed industry are acquiring related businesses of other companies for market expansion. For instance, in May 2017, Savaria Corporation acquired Span-America Medical Systems Inc., a manufacturer of therapeutic support surfaces and other related products, for approximately $80.2 million. This acquisition was aimed at providing Savaria Corporation with additional product line, new distribution channel, and increased presence in the U.S. market.Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Research Background1.1 Research Objectives1.2 Market Definition1.3 Research Scope1.4 Key StakeholdersChapter 2. Research Methodology2.1 Secondary Research2.2 Primary Research2.3 Market Size Estimation2.4 Data Triangulation2.5 Assumptions for the StudyChapter 3. Executive SummaryChapter 4. Introduction4.1 Definition of Market Segments4.1.1 By Type4.1.1.1 General4.1.1.2 Pediatric4.1.1.3 Birthing4.1.1.4 Bariatric4.1.1.5 Pressure relief4.1.1.6 Others4.1.2 By Treatment4.1.2.1 Acute care4.1.2.2 Long-term care4.1.2.3 Critical care4.1.3 By Power4.1.3.1 Manual4.1.3.2 Semi-electric4.1.3.3 Electric4.1.4 By End User4.1.4.1 Hospitals4.1.4.2 Home care settings4.1.4.3 Elderly care facilities4.2 Market Dynamics4.2.1 Trends4.2.1.1 Rising preference for home healthcare services4.2.2 Drivers4.2.2.1 Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases4.2.2.2 Rising healthcare expenditure4.2.2.3 Surging aging population4.2.2.4 Technological advancements in hospital beds4.2.2.5 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast4.2.3 Restraints4.2.3.1 High cost of hospital beds4.2.3.2 Fatal incidents associated with hospital beds4.2.3.3 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast4.3 Porter's Five Forces AnalysisChapter 5. Global Hospital Bed Market Size and Forecast5.1 By Type5.2 By Treatment5.3 By Power5.4 By End User5.5 By RegionChapter 6. Europe Market Size and ForecastChapter 7. North America Market Size and ForecastChapter 8. APAC Market Size and ForecastChapter 9. LATAM Market Size and ForecastChapter 10. MEA Market Size and ForecastChapter 11. Competitive Landscape11.1 Product Benchmarking of Key Players11.2 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players11.2.1 Mergers and Acquisitions11.2.2 Product LaunchesChapter 12. Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bp2x9z/global_hospital?w=5 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-hospital-bed-market-to-2023-4-6-bn-market-influenced-by-increasing-prevalence-of-chronic-diseases-rising-healthcare-expenditure--technological-advancements-300778674.html SOURCE Research and Markets 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? 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SIGN UP TO GET BLACKLISTED NEWS DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Enter your email address: Francois Coetzee, Motshewa Khaiyane join Grey Advertising Francois Coetzee and Motshewa Khaiyane have joined Grey Advertising as a human resources manager and copywriter, respectively. Coetzee has just under 10 years' experience in the human resources field and half of that has been in the marketing advertising industry. Khaiyane has worked with brands like Telkom, Soweto Gold, and KWV Wines to name a few. She has also been a contributor to Cherrie Bomb, a group exhibition exploring the lived experiences of women in South Africa. The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram will no longer publish local, freelance-written reviews of books about Maine, set in Maine, or written by Maine authors. Retweet this if you're from Maine (or even if you're not). Tell the paper DON'T DO THIS. - Stephen King (@StephenKing) January 11, 2019 Best-selling author Stephen King recently came to the rescue of the review section of his local newspaper in Maine,. In true social media warrior style, King took to Twitter to rally the troops and stop the newspaper from cutting its review section.He argued that the section, which features locally written reviews of stories about Maine, was a lifeline for many struggling writers. Just like that, after 24 hours, he had convinced 71 people to subscribe to the paper, and by Monday the total had risen to 250.To read more on King and his newspaper section saving ways, go to the Daily Mail. 2018 was the year that we realised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was no longer to be shelved in the corner of the video store like 2001's Space Odyssey. Brett St Clair, CEO at Siatik But is AI suitable for every business? Face the challenges Leave your onsite servers and traditional data centres behind Instead, think along the lines of hyperscale cloud, and do it like a Google. Traditionally, businesses had to run batch jobs and reports in quiet periods, because servers did not have enough power or storage space to run during peak times as well as do reporting. With hyperscale, you have unlimited access to storage and compute at any time. Plus, you only pay for what you use, which reduces your costs. Ever heard of Data Pipelines? These are important because - like oil pipelines - you need to link and transport from your existing systems and data sources to the cloud database. Cloud streams data as and when it is ready, which creates real-time data known as Reactive Data Streams. Its essential to pipeline your data and keep it in transit. Next, get familiar with ETL: Extract Transform and Load This is part of the Data Pipeline process and helps translate multiple datasets into one central source in a common data model or structure. Imagine how hard it would be to work with a dozen people all of whom spoke different languages: its the same with data, so its critical to make sure everything can understand your data. Think about your database as a service This what cloud computing is all about: you don't need to install the database on a server because hyperscale service providers like Google manage the databases. All you need to do is insert data using your Data Pipelines and query it. These modern databases are called Data Lakes because they store data in an unstructured way, allowing you to store vast quantities of data and query it quickly. SQL is great, but when it comes to your Big Data it just wont cut it. Finally, visualise your data There are multiple tools that can link to your database, such as Tableau, QlikView, Googles Data Studio, to name just a few. Businesses can learn so much by just understanding their data. Only then will you be ready to start figuring out what problems you can solve with AI. Many businesses spent the year taking sample data from marketing campaigns, customer insights and production lines, assigning a team of very clever data scientists to explore how things could be done better. We had varying degrees of success, but one thing is for sure: South African business is ready to take the next step towards AI and Machine Learning (ML) in 2019.Yes, it is. Examples are proliferating around the world. We can use tools like ML to do propensity models for more accurate predictions; use Vision AI on production lines to faster classify fruit; diagnose brain scans for medical abnormalities with a far higher degree of accuracy; and use bots to deal with FAQs in call centres before routing to a human agent for more complex scenarios. Every single business can offer a better service using AI - so why arent you?First up, you need to be clear on the business problem you want to tackle. This is not a traditional IT project where you hand over a poorly-detailed spec to the techies and hope they do it quickly and cheaply. To make proper use of ML algorithms, its essential for business and IT functions to work very closely together. Understanding the constraints of your legacy systems and related business challenges is the secret here.Next, the biggest hurdle is data. We all have databases holding significant information about our accounting and internal systems. The problem is that this represents only around 10% of existing data: the rest is siloed data in older warehouses and littering our hard drives in unstructured formats like Excel and Word documents.2019 is the year to make use of modern toolsets and services to revamp our data and fully incorporate AI into our day-to-day business operations. As you get your data ready for AI, beware not to put the cart before the horse. We can easily start training machines on inadequately prepared data sets but, to politely rephrase a much-loved saying about horse excrement, what you put in is what you get out. If theres just one thing to aim for, know your data before taking the next step.If youre ready to ramp up for AI, here are some simple tips to boost your chance of solving business problems quicker than ever before:Once again, developing AI and ML projects is not like a traditional IT project. You cannot just plan a project and deliver it 6-18 months later. The chances of getting it right the first time are slim. Working with cloud tech is about constant iteration - making mistakes and trying again. But if you go cloud, you can rerun your models again and again, at high speed - so youre not waiting weeks between each adjustment. Plus, you make a great saving on capital outlay.You need to get going now because the world is moving fast - but starting with the recipe above means you will be well ahead of the pack in terms of taking your business to the next level Leo van de Polder on expanding the Shop network in South Africa Shop Association is a global NPO focused on enhancing retail environments and experience. With a presence in more than 20 countries across 6 continents, its purpose is to empower its broad spectrum of member companies with ongoing education, networking opportunities and real-world insights to equip them to innovate on demand and ultimately shape the evolution of retail. 123kikovic via 123RF The trade association is the result of a merger in 2015 between the Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) and Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI). Shop regards continuous education as crucial to the long-term development of the retail business. Members have access to training solutions in the form of online, face-to-face and workshop-style learning to support the personal development of industry professionals. Likewise, recognition of standout achievements in the industry is also valued, and the annual Shop Awards competition celebrates the best new innovations in retail environments and experiences. Each of the four award programmes comprising the global Shop Awards highlights a different area of expertise, from point of purchase, to retail design, in-store displays and customer service. Enhanced SA presence Shop is in the midst of enhancing its presence in South Africa, a gateway of course to the rest of the continent. But more importantly, in an increasingly globalised marketplace, South African retailers and brands are not simply competing with each other; they're up against global online retailers and the growing list of international brands setting up stores in SA. Benchmarking is now done according to global standards, and Shop Association helps to expose local stakeholders to international trends. Leo Van De Polder, Shop Association. "From my visit to SA and my conversations with companies, educators and members, and from many store visits, we saw a need to inform the SA industry about whats happening around the globe. The sharing of knowledge and skills is so important ... global knowledge could help local business," explains Leo van de Polder, global development director of Shop. He adds that because retail is going borderless, suppliers,producers and agencies are going global, and retail design and technology are global areas. The Netherlands-based Van de Polder has worked in a mix of retail companies and creative agencies for more than 40 years. As global development director, he travels across the world serving Shop members, developing existing and new regions, monitoring the global Shop brand, collaborating with current and new partners, helping to develop new services based on member needs, and promoting the retail industry in general. In this interview, Van de Polder shares more on the Shop Association's focus areas. As an introduction, what is the mission of the Shop Association? As an introduction, what is the mission of the Shop Association? The trade association is the result of a merger in 2015 between the Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) and Point of Purchase Advertising International (POPAI).Shop regards continuous education as crucial to the long-term development of the retail business. Members have access to training solutions in the form of online, face-to-face and workshop-style learning to support the personal development of industry professionals.Likewise, recognition of standout achievements in the industry is also valued, and the annual Shop Awards competition celebrates the best new innovations in retail environments and experiences. Each of the four award programmes comprising the global Shop Awards highlights a different area of expertise, from point of purchase, to retail design, in-store displays and customer service.Shop is in the midst of enhancing its presence in South Africa, a gateway of course to the rest of the continent. But more importantly, in an increasingly globalised marketplace, South African retailers and brands are not simply competing with each other; they're up against global online retailers and the growing list of international brands setting up stores in SA. Benchmarking is now done according to global standards, and Shop Association helps to expose local stakeholders to international trends."From my visit to SA and my conversations with companies, educators and members, and from many store visits, we saw a need to inform the SA industry about whats happening around the globe. The sharing of knowledge and skills is so important ... global knowledge could help local business," explains Leo van de Polder, global development director of Shop.He adds that because retail is going borderless, suppliers,producers and agencies are going global, and retail design and technology are global areas.The Netherlands-based Van de Polder has worked in a mix of retail companies and creative agencies for more than 40 years. As global development director, he travels across the world serving Shop members, developing existing and new regions, monitoring the global Shop brand, collaborating with current and new partners, helping to develop new services based on member needs, and promoting the retail industry in general.In this interview, Van de Polder shares more on the Shop Association's focus areas. Which types of businesses should consider becoming a member of the association? Which types of businesses should consider becoming a member of the association? How is Shop equipped to provide its members with support and guidance in the retail business? How is Shop equipped to provide its members with support and guidance in the retail business? Can you speak to the importance of education as a focus area for Shop? Can you speak to the importance of education as a focus area for Shop? Briefly explain what you believe to be the key challenges and opportunities facing retailers today. Briefly explain what you believe to be the key challenges and opportunities facing retailers today. Lauren Hartzenberg's articles About Lauren Hartzenberg Managing editor and retail editor at Bizcommunity.com. Cape Town apologist. Dog mom. Get in touch: lauren@bizcommunity.com Managing editor and retail editor at Bizcommunity.com. Cape Town apologist. Dog mom. Get in touch: lauren@bizcommunity.com Our mission if for successful member companies to lead retail and brand innovation and growth.When I take a look at our members worldwide, I see the following businesses: Associates/suppliers, brand manufacturers, consulting agencies, design agencies, visual merchandisers, producers, service providers, research agencies, retailers, universities and educators.Any company that is active in retail can become a member of Shop.Through research, events, networking, publications, education, and awards and recognition.Two things that I want to highlight are:1. Education: We have our MaRC (Marketing at Retail Certified) programme, as well as webinars and podcasts delivering content based on the reality of today. We'll also be introducing shopper marketing courses with local partners.2. We are planning to bring the Shop Awards to SA, which is all about recognition and raising the bar in the industry. And a new item in the Shop Awards will be the Student Design Awards, which provides the next generation with a platform for their ideas and creative designs.Because retail is changing so fast, education is of the essence. We need the new generation because they have their own way of looking at retail. Schools and universities are not always able to react fast enough in their education programmes, so we as an industry can play a role in this.I also see that globally, schools and universities offer programmes for a specific area, such as 2D Design or 3D Design, but in reality what's needed is a combination of those. Students need to know the connection between the specialisations from a brand and retailer perspective.Everybody around the world is talking about lifelong learning, and I agree, so let the educators and schools collaborate with the industry. Let's not think and act from our own silos.I still see that retailers are struggling with technology, which I can understand... its difficult for them to decide when and what to invest in. So insights from the industry are of the essence.Next to that, I see what I call 'digital hysteria'. Sometimes it looks as if digital itself is an objective, but it isnt. Its a new tool for communicating with your customers.Do not forget your daily store operations, keep your physical store relevant and inspiring!The message will be king in the nearest future - its about being 1 on 1 with your customer. What are you going to say to me? Is it relevant for me? What problem are you solving for me? Help me to make my life a lot easier and inspire me with solutions. The Committee to Protect Journalists joined more than 20 rights organisations and the #KeepItOn Coalition to call for authorities in Zimbabwe to restore internet and social media services, commit to maintaining internet access, and encourage accountability from telecommunication and internet service providers to respect human rights. Protesters block the main route to Zimbabwe's capital Harare from Epworth township on January 14, 2019, after the government more than doubled the price of fuel. On January 15, CPJ joined more than 20 rights organizations and the #KeepItOn Coalition to call for authorities in Zimbabwe to restore internet and social media services. Credit: CPJ/AFP/Jekesai Njikizana. DRC authorities cut internet and broadcast signals after election Democratic Republic of Congo cut access to internet and SMS services, blocked the signals of at least two broadcasters... Ensure that the internet, including social media, is restored. Publicly declare your commitment to keep the internet on, and to notify the public of any disruptions. Encourage telecommunications and internet services providers to respect human rights through public disclosures on policies and practices impacting users. The letter, addressed to Kazembe Kazembe, Zimbabwe's minister of information communication technology and cyber security, emphasised how internet disruptions inhibit journalists' ability to contact sources, gather information, and file stories.The letter also detailed the additional social and economic costs of internet outages, as well as how such disruptions run contrary to international law."The government in Zimbabwe should take action to ensure a free and open media environment, which means swiftly reestablishing internet and social media access," said CPJ Africa program coordinator Angela Quintal."African governments too often use internet disruptions as a tool to stifle the free flow of news and commentary."In the letter, the #KeepItOn Coalition points out that research shows that internet shutdowns and violence go hand in hand; and that internet shutdowns violate international law.The letter goes on to say: Shutdowns disrupt the free flow of information and create a cover of darkness that shields human rights abuses from public scrutiny. Journalists and media workers cannot contact sources, gather information, or file stories without digital communications tools.Justified for various reasons, shutdowns cut off access to vital information, ecommerce, and emergency services, plunging whole communities into fear.Disruptions also destabilise the internets power to support small business livelihoods and to drive economic development. A 2016 study by the Brookings Institution, a prominent think tank, revealed that shutdowns drained $2.4 billion from the global economy between 2015 and 2016.The open internet has fostered unprecedented creativity, innovation, and access to information and to other kinds of social, economic, cultural, and political opportunities across the globe. The technical means used to block access to information online often dangerously undermine the stability and resiliency of the internet.Internet shutdowns must never be allowed to become the new normal. The current economic crisis in Zimbabwe will be further exacerbated by internet shutdowns.We estimate the shutdown will cost your country $5,742, 421 per day in direct economic costs, and will slow the realisation of economic, social, and cultural rights broadly.The letter concludes with a call to the Zimbabwean government to:Read the full letter here Companies aim to improve health outcomes and lower overall costs with enhanced digital and retail experiences and an R&D commitment to build health care solutions through seven-year agreement Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) and Microsoft Corp. have joined forces to develop new health care delivery models, technology and retail innovations to advance and improve the future of health care. The companies will combine the power of Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud and AI platform, health care investments, and new retail solutions with WBA's customer reach, convenient locations, outpatient health care services and industry expertise to make health care delivery more personal, affordable and accessible for people around the world. Current health care systems are a complex combination of public- and private-sector organizations, providers, payors, pharmaceutical companies and other adjacent players. While there has been innovation in pockets of health care, there is both a need and an opportunity to fully integrate the system, ultimately making health care more convenient to people through data-driven insights. This is what brought WBA and Microsoft together. Through this strategic partnership, the companies will deliver innovative platforms that enable next-generation health networks, integrated digital-physical experiences and care management solutions. As part of the strategic partnership, the companies have committed to multiyear research and development (R&D) investment to build health care solutions, improve health outcomes and lower the cost of care. This investment will include funding, subject-matter experts, technology and tools. The companies will also explore the potential to establish joint innovation centers in key markets. Additionally, in 2019 WBA will pilot up to 12 store-in-store "digital health corners" aimed at the merchandising and sale of select health care-related hardware and devices. The companies will focus on connecting WBA stores and health information systems to people wherever they are through their digital devices. This will allow people to access health care services, such as virtual care -- when, where and how they need it. WBA and Microsoft will also focus on enabling more personalized health care experiences from preventative self-care to chronic disease management. WBA will pursue lifestyle management solutions in areas such as nutrition and wellness via customers' delivery method of choice, including digital devices and digital applications or in-store expert advice. Additionally, the companies will work to build a seamless ecosystem of participating organizations to better connect consumers, providers -- including Walgreens and Boots pharmacists --pharmaceutical manufacturers and payors. Microsoft and WBA will leverage each other's market research and identify the right partners to develop solutions. Through this agreement, Microsoft becomes WBA's strategic cloud provider, and WBA plans to migrate the majority of the company's IT infrastructure onto Microsoft Azure. This will include new transformational platforms in retail, pharmacy and business services, new capability in data and analytics, as well as certain legacy applications and systems. The company also plans to roll out Microsoft 365 to more than 380,000 employees and stores globally, empowering them with the tools for increased productivity, advanced security, internal collaboration and customer engagement. For Immediate Release, January 16, 2019 Contacts: Andrew Christie, Sierra Club, (805) 543-8717, sierraclub8@gmail.com Miyoko Sakashita, Center for Biological Diversity, (510) 844-7108, Miyoko@biologicaldiversity.org San Luis Obispo Opposes Plans to Send Offshore Oil Along California Coast Resolution Rejects New Plains Pipeline, ExxonMobil Tanker Trucking Plan SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. The San Luis Obispo City Council last night voted to oppose two proposals that would restart ExxonMobils dormant offshore drilling platforms and transport that oil up Californias coastline. Plains All American Pipeline has applied to build a new coastal oil pipeline to replace its corroded pipeline that caused the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill, for which a jury found the company criminally negligent. That oil spill blackened Santa Barbara area beaches, killed hundreds of birds and marine animals and idled the offshore drilling platforms it served. ExxonMobil is also trying to restart its three offshore platforms by sending oil tanker trucks through Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties. The proposal would place up to 70 oil tanker trucks a day on narrow, winding highways and roads, all day and all night, risking explosive crashes and oil spills along Californias Central Coast and the Cuyama River. Kudos to the council for opposing these toxic plans to move vast volumes of dirty, dangerous oil along our beautiful coast, said Miyoko Sakashita, ocean program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Californians shouldnt have to choose between coastal oil pipelines and oil tanker trucks on coastal highways. Both are bad news for wildlife and our climate. We need to phase out offshore drilling, not give it a new lease on life. Both the ExxonMobil trucking plan and Plains Pipeline proposal are currently being considered by Santa Barbara County. ExxonMobils draft environmental impact report and the launching of Plains environment review could be released at any time. The most recent federal highway data show there were 55,633 large trucks involved in injury crashes in 2016, killing 4,213 people. Oil tanker trucks carry the additional risk of explosions and oil spills on a proposed trucking route along the Pacific Ocean and through habitat for several endangered species. As it happens, this is a wonderful kickoff for Our Climate Resolutions week, said Andrew Christie, director of the Sierra Clubs Santa Lucia Chapter. Starting Monday, people will be coming together in communities across the country to generate New Years climate resolutions, collectively envisioning the future we want and beginning to generate plans for how we can all work to enact that future. The SLO City Council just took a big step in that direction. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced on the Colbert program that she may run for President but Im not sure the venue was right. Perhaps Good Morning, Venezuela might have been more appropriate since the Senator will be seeking far left support. It was only two months ago that, running for re-election to the Senate, Ms. Gillibrand told everybody she would not seek the presidency but, hey, Elizabeth Warren did the same thing so maybe this is some kind of secret deceit club or something. Last night on the No Spin News, I analyzed how the Democrats are now so committed to identity politics that they are appealing to specific groups and rejecting other Americans. Perhaps the dems should change their name to The Grievance Party. Its all about PC madness and progressive economics and Senator Gillibrand fits right in. However, heres a secret: she has no chance for the top job, shes really going for the VP nomination. Tonight well continue telling you the truth about American politics as grisly as that may be. It all starts at 7 eastern time. Thank you for visiting. Current Utah US Attorney John Huber, was appointed by Jeff Sessions to investigate how the FBI handled the investigation into Russian Collusion as well as Carter Page's involvement. We have not heard any outcome of this investigation. No Spin News regular, Brett Tolman is on to give his analysis of the overall investigation as well as advance the story of the Mueller and Horowitz reports. Watch the free clip above, get your FREE 30 day trial here to watch the full show. Two employees of a Malaysian airline were among eight people arrested for alleged links to a crime ring smuggling heroin and methamphetamines into Australia, police and media reports said Wednesday. Among those arrested were a female Malindo Air cabin crew employee and another airline staffer who allegedly carried the drugs on their bodies as part of their involvement in a Vietnamese-organized crime syndicate based in Melbourne, according to the Australian Associated Press and confirmed by a Malaysian police source who requested anonymity. Officials with the airline claimed that only one employee was arrested. Based on a body search conducted on the woman, authorities found one kg (2.2 pounds) of heroin on her, the Malaysian police source told BenarNews, referring to one of the Malindo employees and adding that a Malaysian man had also been arrested. He also was detained with one kg of heroin. Also in Melbourne, the source said. An Australian police official described the investigation. Police identified that the drugs were being brought in to Australia by an international commercial airline with the cabin crew used as the drug couriers, Australian Crime Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh told reporters without naming the airline. This was a complex five-month operation targeting an alleged Vietnamese organized crime syndicate based in Melbourne. Malindo Air officials, meanwhile, said one its employees had been arrested in what it described as an isolated incident. Malindo Air wishes to affirm that one of our cabin crew was arrested on arrival at Melbourne International Airport by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 7th January 2019. To date however, we have not had any official communication either with our staff or from the AFP on the said detention, the airline said in a statement issued after Australian police announced the arrests of four women and four men. Given all that we know to date & based on the findings of our internal investigations, we are confident that this arrest appears to be an isolated incident arising out of a crews misconduct. None of the remaining Malindo Air crew on the said flight were detained, it said. Malindo Air is owned by the Indonesian Lion Air Group. Last October, a new Lion Air Boeing 787 MAX 8 crashed into the Java Sea soon after takeoff from Jakartas main airport, killing all 189 passengers and crew. Details of arrest On Wednesday, Australian police did not name or list the nationalities of the suspects who were taken into custody between Jan. 7 the date Malindo Air said that its employee was arrested and Jan. 14. All eight are to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on May 15. A police news release identified the only person arrested on Jan. 7 as a 38-year-old woman who was arrested in Tullamarine and charged with one count of importing a marketable quantity of border-controlled drugs. The international airport is in Tullamarine, a suburb of Melbourne. Australian officials said they had seized six kg (13.2 pounds) of high-grade heroin and eight kg (17.6 pounds) of methamphetamine valued at AUS $20.9 million (61.6 million ringgit), over the course of five months. Also seized were one-half kg (one pound) of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, a Porsche and a Mini Cooper along with a significant quantity of cash. Australian Border Force Regional Commander Craig Palmer issued a warning to traffickers. Would-be criminals should be aware that any attempts to bring these drugs into the country will be met with the full force of Australian border and law enforcement agencies before, at and after the border, he said. Airline staff are not above the law. They are subject to intervention at the border like everyone else and face significant penalties if they are found to be using their positions to attempt to circumvent our border controls. A senior official with Bangladeshs ruling party on Wednesday joined rights activists and educators in condemning comments made by the chief of an influential but conservative Islamic group, who recently suggested that girls should not be schooled beyond nine or 10 years old. Shah Ahmed Shafi, a cleric who heads the Hefazat-e-Islam group, called on his followers last week to declare that they would not send their daughters to school past the fourth or fifth grades. The 99-year-old heads an organization that honored Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in early November as she prepared to lead her Awami League party to a landslide victory in the Dec. 30 general election. Faruk Khan, an Awami League presidium member, denounced Ahmed Shafis comments about girls. Bangladesh Awami League promotes womens empowerment. Our leader, Sheikh Hasina, would never compromise with womens empowerment. He should refrain from making such offensive comments in future, Khan told BenarNews. Rashed Khan Menon, president of Awami Leagues political ally, the Workers Party of Bangladesh, echoed that sentiment. Ahmed Shafi cannot be supported under any circumstances. What he said was against the constitution. Bangladesh has become a middle-income country due to active participation of women at all levels. As an organization, Hefazat is hardline, he added. They want to push the country and the society back. They want to see women trapped within four walls. Hasina, whose government has held power for the past decade, has been criticized as an autocrat by human rights and free speech advocates but praised in other quarters for leading Bangladesh on a path of economic growth. During that time, the country has also made greater strides in educational opportunities for girls and women. Hasina is the daughter of Bangladeshs assassinated founding father, who led an independence movement that brought about the creation of the secular-based nation after a war with Pakistan in 1971. [H]is comments are against Bangladeshs constitution and all rules and norms. Our constitution guarantees education for all, Rasheda K. Chowdhury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education, a local NGO, told BenarNews, referring to the Hefazat leaders remarks. He cannot force people not to send girls to schools and colleges. No sensible people can accept his idea. Chowdhury said women were engines of the nations growth and change. Bangladesh is one of leading countries in terms of womens empowerment in South Asia and the world. Our women are not at the backstage. They cannot be pushed into four walls, she said. Bangladesh has had a woman as prime minister for more than half of its 48-year-history. It has made progress in educating girls in recent years. With nearly 6.4 million girls in secondary school in 2015, Bangladesh is among the few countries to achieve gender parity in school enrollment, and have more girls than boys in the secondary schools, Shilpa Banerji wrote in a blog for The World Bank in 2017. Women comprise more than 80 percent of garment workers, the industry that forms the backbone of Bangladeshi exports and its current transition out of least-developed-country status. Ahmed Shafi is wicked. He wanted to obstruct the advancement of women by giving the wrong interpretation of Islam. Women took our country forward. They have been successful everywhere education, sports, ready-made garments (RMG) industry, politics and so forth, Nazma Aktar, chief of the Sommilito Garments Sramik Federation, told BenarNews. Islam never obstructs womens education, she added. We should not give his statement so much importance. Rather we should focus on girls getting more education. Do not let girls study While addressing an annual religious gathering in Chittagong last week, Ahmed Shafi administered an oath to his devotees where they promised to not send their daughters to schools and colleges. Do not let girls study at schools and colleges. At best, you can allow them to study up to fourth or fifth grade. If you let them study any more... You have seen in the newspapers that... If you educate your girl up to ninth, tenth, MA, BA levels then that girl will not remain yours. If you educate your girls, other men will snatch them away, he said. Afterward, as criticism over his remarks began to pour in, Ahmed Shafi sent a clarification to reporters. He claimed he had told parents that they should not compromise in efforts to seclude girls for educational purposes, pointing out that most schools were coeducational. In Bangladesh, 51 percent of students at primary schools are girls, according to official figures. At the secondary education level, the rate increases to 54 percent and drops to 48 percent at the high secondary level. Warming up to Hasina On Nov. 4, 2018, less than two months before the election, Hefazat honored Hasina for recognizing the educational degrees issued by madrassas, or Islamic boarding schools. The event where Ahmed Shafis group presented a plaque to the prime minister, was another instance in which Hasina, despite leading the secular Awami League, was seen as seeking to strengthen ties with Islamic hardliners. In April 2017, Hasina caused consternation among many Bangladeshis when she made concessions to Hefazat-e-Islami despite fears that growing Islamization was eclipsing secular traditions of Bengali culture. Meeting then with Hefazat leaders at her residence, Hasina announced that her government would recognize degrees from thousands of unregulated Qwami madrassas, including those run by Hefazat. She also agreed to changes in public school textbooks to make them more Muslim-friendly, as demanded by Hefazat. I follow religious guidelines, but I do not mix politics with religion, Hasina said at the time in response to criticisms of her actions. Recognition of the Qwami madrassa certificate will bring jobs to lakhs [hundreds of thousands] of students. There is no politics in it. 2019 AOS Classification Committee Proposals, Part 2 The second batch of 2019 bird taxonomy proposals submitted to the American Ornithological Societys North and Middle America Classification Committee is out. For those who might not know, this committee is the volunteer group of ornithologists who make the split, lump, and name-change decisions that influence the ABA Checklist and our field guides. We suggest the usual caveat that you are undoubtedly familiar with by now, that its important to note that these are just proposals and the committee has yet to vote on them formally. There are some that are unlikely to make the cut for whatever reason, but in my opinion the proposals are often more interesting than the actual results anyway as we get a peek into the wild world of bird taxonomy as it exists from year to year. This post will only mention those changes that affect the ABA Area, but if youre interested in the whole ball of wax the committees jurisdiction includes all of the North America south to Panama please refer to the official list of proposals at the AOSs website (.pdf). ===== Change the English name of McCowns Longspur Rhynchophanes mccownii Before we get going on the next batch of proposals, I want to return to packet A to cover one I missed the first time around, tucked as it was at the end of a massive Harlans Hawk proposal. Honorific common names are a mixed bag. For every J.J. Audubon or Alexander Wilson there seems to be a Jules Verreaux, whose contributions are probably not worth memorializing. When George Lawrence first described a new species of high plains lark he named it after his friend and the man who had inadvertently collected it, Captain John Porter McCown. McCown did not intentionally discover the bird, the byproduct of shots fired into a flock of prairie songbirds, nor was he even an ornithologist, but the fairly innocuous name has since been attached to this fairly innocuous bird for about 175 years. But as it turns out, McCowns Longspur has the distinction of being the only North American bird named after an officer who served in the Confederate Army during the US Civil War. Not only did he fight for a side whose cause has thankfully been relegated to the dustbin of history, but he was a major character in many campaigns in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and elsewhere. This proposal asserts that such a history doesnt square with an AOS, and indeed a birding community, that puts a greater emphasis on inclusion and welcoming participants from all backgrounds, and that the name McCowns Longspur should be replaced with one less problematic and more descriptive, like Prairie Longspur, Banded Longspur, or Black-crowned Longspur. ===== Recognize the parulid genus Leiothlypis In the last few years weve seen some changes in the way New World Warblers are organized at the genus level, most notably the elimination of the venerable Dendroica genus and the shrinking of Vermivora. This proposal states that some of those former Vermivora, a group of plain colored warblers including Tennessee and Orange-crowned moved not so long ago into the genus Oreothylpis, should instead be moved into a new genus, Leiothlypis, apart from a pair of warblers formerly in the Parula genus, Flame-throated and Crescent-chested. Of those two, Crescent-chested has been recorded in the ABA Area and would be the only member of the Oreothylpis genus to remain on the ABA Checklist. ===== Change the linear sequence of the Hirundinidae This is another taxonomic order rearrangement, this time featuring the swallows and martins. Theres nothing terribly shocking in this proposal, though the fact that Bank Swallows and martins are not that closely related is different from how theyve been treated in the past. ===== Make changes to the English names of hummingbirds in the genus Lampornis The hummingbird genus Lampornis consists of seven large and boldly patterned species found throughout Mexico and Central America. It is represented in the ABA Area by one localized breeder, Blue-throated Hummingbird, and one vagrant, Amethyst-throated Hummingbird. These two are anomalous for another reason too, they are called hummingbirds whereas Lampornis hummers elsewhere are given the evocative name mountain-gem. This proposal argues that making the names of all Lampornis hummers consistent makes more clear the connection between these two ABA Area species and the rest of the genus and maybe even emphasize the distinction between the female Blue-throated Hummingbird and superficially similar female Rivolis Hummingbird in the parts of the ABA Area where they overlap. Further, the proposal suggests eliminating the hyphen in all of the mountain-gems for clarity and brevity. And who doesnt need fewer hyphens and more mountaingems in their lives? ===== Split Hwamei Garrulax canorus into two species, recognizing G. taewanus Hwamei is an East Asian babbler now established on the main Hawaiian Islands and added to the ABA Area checklist when Hawaii was included in 2017. Some authorities consider the Hwamei subspecies on the island of Taiwan to be a separate species from those on the mainland. Hawaiian birds are of this mainland nominate subspecies, G. c. canorus which, if the split were to be accepted, would see their common name changed to Chinese Hwamei. ===== Merge the storm-petrel genus Oceanodroma into Hydrobates The northern hemisphere storm-petrels are made up of two genera, the widely used Oceanodroma and Hydrobates, consisting only of the European Storm-Petrel. Recently phylogenetic work finds that Hydrobates should be placed within the Oceanodroma cluster, and is most closely related to the Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel of the north Pacific. Given that finding, its appropriate to put them all together in one genus and Hydrobates has priority. Essentially, all the ocean runners need to check their speed and become water walkers. ===== Recognize family Leiothrichidae for Leiothrix and Garrulax The Babblers have been a taxonomic grab-bag in the Old World for decades, and recent genetic work has begin to unravel their relationships. Fortunately, North American birds dont have to worry too much about them, but three members of the recently recognized family Timaliidae, the tree-babblers, are established exotic species in Hawaii. This includes the aforementioned Hwamei as well as Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush and Red-billed Leiothrix. If this proposal is accepted, then these three will move from the relatively new Timaliidae to the even newer Leiothrichidae. Fortunately for those of us who are novices in the ways of babbler taxonomy, its a three for one. ===== Modify the linear sequence of genera and species in the Passerellidae Maybe the New World equivalent to the madness that is babbler taxonomy are the sparrows formerly in Emberizidae, now Passerellidae. This is an expansive piece of work that places the North American sparrows and towhees into the most accurate sequence yet. ===== Merge (a) Pselliophorus into Atlapetes, and (b) Melozone into Aimophila Only (b) is relevant to ABA Area birders, a proposal that puts the brown towhees, Canyon, California, and Aberts, in a genus with the towhee-esque Rufous-crowned Sparrow into an Aimophila genus that once again resembles its former glory last achieved before Cassins, Bachmans and Botteris Sparrow were pared away. I know some Aimophila fans who will undoubtedly applaud this move. ===== The full list, including background information and recommendations is available here (.pdf). Well cover the last batch of proposals when it comes in. South Africa: Minister urges cooperation to stem death of initiates Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has urged parents, traditional leaders and the medical fraternity to work closely to ensure that all avenues are explored in a quest to stem the death of young men at illegal initiation schools. Mkhize made the remarks in a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday, a day after a multi-stakeholder consultative meeting in Durban on Monday to discuss and find solutions to the issue. The meeting was attended by key stakeholders including King Zwelonke Sigcau and King Ndamase Ndamase; Eastern Cape Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa; chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) Ikosi Sipho Mahlangu and provincial House chair Inkosi Mwelo Nonkonyana, representatives from the Departments of Health; police; Arts and Culture; Justice; senior traditional leaders under the auspices of the NHTL and the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders. It is not acceptable that an important tradition such as this leads to death. A legislation, which is expected to be passed soon, will strengthen the hands of government, the community and traditional leaders to end the killings. We need to put a stop to these illegal initiation schools and in the new legislation, traditional leaders will be accountable for the deaths in their areas. It is important that traditional leaders work closely with medical doctors so that deaths can be prevented, the Minister said. Mkhize said initiation should not happen without the supervision of traditional leaders and medical doctors, as it is an important practice to build responsible young men. The practice also plays a role in training young men in other important areas of life such as learning to respect women. Ikosi Mahlangu echoed Mkhizes sentiments, saying traditional leaders should play a bigger role going forward. He pledged to work together with medical staff to stem the tide of death. Meanwhile, the meeting hailed the parents who took a traditional surgeon to court, where he was subsequently found guilty of running an illegal school. Mkhize decried how the authority of traditional leaders was being undermined by mushrooming schools with illegal practices. He said where illegality and criminality are detected, arrests should follow. Traditional leaders must be hands on. If there is a death, there must be consequences either for negligence or misconduct. That is why we have the Department of Justice and the Police as stakeholders so that consequence management is swift, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Not bad night's work for the DUP then, in an odd sort of way. An unwanted deal defeated, a Prime Minister humiliated and a Conservative Party clinging to office today on its 10 votes. At least that's one deal that is still on. Maybe a good time to ask for another billion? This was a disaster foretold for the Prime Minister, even if the scale still shocked. As DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds declared on Monday: "Nothing the EU has said is inconsistent with the withdrawal agreement nothing has fundamentally changed." Dodds and his party have insisted for weeks that there needed to be legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement. The Attorney General's 'EU Exit' document acknowledges that agreement, as a legally binding document, is all that matters. Theresa May's lame admission to MPs that a letter from nice Mr Juncker was "not the same level of assurance as some members wish" merely emphasised how a month had been wasted since the pulling of the vote in December. The PM may have got a good deal: frictionless access for Northern Ireland to the EU. She deserves admiration for her willingness to address the House of Commons with frequency and courtesy. Her concern to avoid a hard border - denied as having ever existed in an interesting piece of revisionism from the DUP leader yesterday - has long been evident. Yet in dealing with the DUP the PM has acted like a jilted partner, unable to take "no" as an answer, increasingly embarrassing herself. May's risible claim that the EU's assurances had legal effect - when the providers said the opposite - exacerbated frustration. Any country can seek to pull out of an international treaty, such as the withdrawal agreement, via the Vienna Law of Treaties. But it is difficult, takes years and there is no guarantee of victory. A bit like Brexit itself, then. May the saleswoman offered an extraordinary pitch: "I've got you a backstop which is fantastic because you will never need to use it." Its supposed non-use was premised on a new trade deal with the EU being concluded by December 2020, even though it has taken every other country at least four times as long to reach such an arrangement. If this is the PM's best sales pitch, no wonder the nation runs a trade deficit. In attempting to get the DUP onside, the Government published its 'Commitments to Northern Ireland and its integral place in the United Kingdom' document last week. Leaving aside that Northern Ireland's position is conditional (unlike any other part of the UK) the tone sounds desperate. Northern Ireland's unique alignment with the EU will be for a 'small fraction' - the phrase appears five times in 13 pages - of those rules underpinning the single market. The 'small fraction' phrase does not appear anywhere in the EU's 585-page withdrawal agreement, and the basis of the UK's quantification is not provided. The document then talks about "strong protections in law that guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland's businesses" to the UK market. That was never the issue. It was the possibility of checks on goods entering Northern Ireland from GreatBritain that concerned some unionists. That issue is studiously avoided. Incredibly, the Government document offered the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive - those well-known bastions of consensus and political progress - a "strong role" if the backstop came into effect. That's the backstop that isn't going to be needed. Assembly agreement would be required for new areas of law applying specifically to Northern Ireland because of the withdrawal agreement. So, a role was offered to a non-existent Assembly and Executive - the same institutions whose veto over EU regulatory alignment had been inserted in the draft withdrawal deal in December 2017 when not sitting, then deleted from the final withdrawal agreement because, Theresa May told Nigel Dodds, the Assembly was not sitting. Got it? The DUP will now support the Government in a vote of confidence. The party views this as May's deal, not a Conservative Party effort, and will never trust Corbyn. Now, the DUP might have to tell us exactly what it wants, beyond the obvious desire for an all-UK arrangement. One gets the impression the same treatment as the rest of the UK is all the DUP cares about - its very own "equality agenda". The task of outlining a policy also now confronts the Labour Party, whose Brexiteer leader has so far presented platitudes about wanting an election as a substitute for coherence. For Remainers, there is hope of preventing Brexit, but their arguments often need tuning. Anna Soubry's pitch in the Commons this week was that a "new generation of young people" had emerged since the referendum in 2016, replacing older ones - as if the deaths of 160,000 referendum voters each year justifies a new contest. There is an intellectual and political case for another referendum - but on the basis of asking "are you sure?", not voter mortality. So Glastonbury-on-College Green seen nightly on our TV screens might not be dismantled any time soon. The dreadful vox pops will continue, as those who got us into this mess (no doubt the first to complain when they are paying tariffs on goods) implore the Government to "get on with it" - with what? And how? Jon Tonge is Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has co-authored books on Northern Ireland's four largest parties In a period of political confusion like the present, it is difficult sometimes to find appropriate expressions to describe what is going on. Discussing this difficulty with a colleague yesterday, I was told that there is a word already in journalistic usage: it is 'omnishambles' - a state of collective disorder, commonly known as a complete mess, which featured originally in the BBC comedy series The Thick Of It. Nevertheless, in the spirit of linguistic inventiveness, one of my pleasures recently has been to consult the online Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. For those who haven't seen it, the dictionary tries to capture complex realities for which we do not have terms in English. It does so by inventing words and providing references to the states they describe. One of those words, I think, explains the Prime Minister's rhetoric before last night's meaningful vote. That word is 'zielschmerz'. It describes an anxiety not only of Brexiteers in Mrs May's own party, but also of Leave voters throughout the country. 'Zielschmerz' is defined as a goal which you reach only to find it is being snatched away from you by your opponents. In the Prime Minister's own words in Stoke on Monday, not to vote for her deal then would mean "to abandon Brexit, betraying the vote of the British people". The response to that speech by those whom she needed to convince reminded me of another word in the Dictionary. That word is 'paro', defined as the despairing sense that no matter what you do or say, it is always wrong. If any word captures the experience of Mrs May's premiership, then 'paro' is just about perfect. Of course, there is an Irish connection in all this. It is that other agreement with which the Prime Minister's withdrawal agreement is fatefully linked: the Belfast Agreement of 1998. In this case (mercifully) it is not the specific details of the current backstop which are significant. Rather, it is the shift in expectations that happened in the 1990s and which made that agreement possible. When Bertie Ahern advised recently that MPs would do well to learn the "realities of Irish history and Irish political affairs", it should have been Mrs May and her advisers who took note. If they had, it would have been clear why her deal was destined for defeat last night. It is a matter of direction and conclusion. When the peace process was in its early days, the future of Northern Ireland was still being discussed in terms of constitutional options, such as a united Ireland, British-Irish joint sovereignty, even full integration with the United Kingdom. In the course of the 1990s the emphasis changed. Debate shifted from options to procedures. What are the procedures that best secure stability? What are the appropriate strategies to promote trust between political parties? What are the proper arrangements for north-south co-operation? Of course, that direction simplifies a very tortuous history. Students of Northern Ireland politics would be right to raise all sorts of caveats. Yet, as former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Mandelson once remarked, the Belfast Agreement became "the only show in town". That was a truism - not because the agreement was the only desirable option, but because it now appeared to be the only conceivable conclusion. For all its limitations, the only show in town was taken for granted, positively or negatively. It had become the Sherlock Holmes solution. As the great detective told Watson in The Sign Of Four: when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth. Or politically: that when you have exhausted all other options, whatever remains must be the deal (to which one must now add the rider: the prospect of Brexit that has brought many of the old options back onto the agenda). Such a direction of political travel would have been the measure of success for Mrs May's negotiations. Her deal would have ended the debate about options left hanging after the 2016 referendum. It would have shifted focus to how the agreed relationship with the EU would function. There has been no Sherlock Holmes moment, despite the number of times the Government has stated that its deal really is the only show in town. On Monday Attorney General Geoffrey Cox repeated that the withdrawal agreement "now represents the only politically practicable and available means of securing our exit from the European Union". Government whips may have been able to point to some switchers, rather like those sinners who featured in the old travelling gospel missions. Sir Edward Leigh was one, who called on MPs to repent from "playing with fire", advising them that "the only way to deliver Brexit is to vote for the deal this week" (though he wobbled again in the Parliamentary debate). The number of converts, however, was never sufficient to deliver even a respectable defeat in the meaningful vote. If the Belfast Agreement was achieved by a shift from options to procedures, the withdrawal agreement really got nowhere. Polls show consistently that under a quarter of the electorate have been persuaded by it. Among MPs this week (to dip once more into the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows) any observer would have had the feeling of 'altschmer', defined as weariness with the same old proposals made by the same old people recurring with all the same old flaws and predictable shortcomings. Speaking this week to the Centre for Policy Studies, Dominic Raab returned to the Global Britain option (some dismiss is it as the Singapore option) arguing that, in "the 21st century, we need to have broader, global, horizons and the freedom to take advantage of the opportunities of the future, from Latin America to Asia". David Davis raised again the proposition (for which there is no evidence) that the self-interest of member states would overcome a common EU position. Boris Johnson now made "no deal" the best deal, proclaiming (like F D Roosevelt in 1932) that if "we are brave, we have nothing to fear" from leaving the EU on World Trade Organisation terms. The DUP, more to the point, was not convinced by the Prime Minister's reassurance about letters from the EU. If Number 10 had hoped for a Dodds domino effect (if the DUP deputy leader could buy into the deal, what Tory wouldn't?) then they were swiftly disabused. On the other hand, the case for a second referendum has been given legs once more and with cross-party support. Former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve has become the public face of this option. In the Evening Standard (a paper edited by Mrs May's old foe George Osborne), Grieve wrote that leaving the EU is the biggest mistake of recent history and "condemns our country to a third-rate future" which MPs had a duty to prevent. "The proper course of action was further public consultation through a referendum," he argued. And if the Labour leadership has learned anything from the Belfast Agreement, it is to maintain the option of "constructive ambiguity", allow the Conservatives to take responsibility alone for the omnishambles of Brexit, wait for the Tories to self-destruct and then win a general election. It is not heroic, may ultimately backfire, but it is understandable politics. The common factor in all these options is that none of them acknowledges the Prime Minister's production as the only show in town. Defeat was inevitable. It was only a matter of the size of the defeat. As the political scientist Philip Cowley noted, the minority Labour Government's defeat in 1924 by 166 votes was the index of the Prime Minister's humiliation. Last night's Government defeat by 432 votes to 202 has comprehensively rewritten that chapter in political history. Number 10 will be tempted to respond that "nothing has changed". That is both true and untrue. It is true that we are no further forward. Parliamentary "indicative votes" do not move things on when there is no evident Sherlock Holmes solution (and there isn't). But it is also untrue in that the constitution has now entered uncharted territory, where precedent and convention seem adequate no longer. The Dictionary of Obscure Emotions has a phrase, of course - 'nodus tollens' - defined as the realisation that the plot of your life doesn't make sense any more. To end on a profoundly sorrowful note, the big danger is that, having failed to plot a course to Brexit and to make that course persuasive, some may conclude that democratic politics doesn't make sense any more. Arthur Aughey is Emeritus Professor of Politics at Ulster University Senator Kirsten Gillibrand hopes to be the next US president (Hans Pennink/AP)) Senator Kirsten Gillibrand plans to put gender issues at the heart of her campaign for the US presidency. Speaking outside a diner in Troy, New York State she said is a stones throw from her familys house, Ms Gillibrand framed the campaign as an extension of motherhood. Im going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom, I will fight for your children as hard as I would fight for my own, Ms Gillibrand, 52, said as she was joined by her husband, Jonathan, their 10- and 15-year-old sons, and her mother, Polly. Tonight I announced that Iam preparing to run for president, because I believe weare all called to make a difference. I believe in right vs. wrong a that wrong wins when we do nothing. Now is our time to raise our voices and get off the sidelines. Join me: https://t.co/I1vp93u0wh Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 That argument could resonate in a Democratic primary in which women will be a crucial voting bloc and comes on the heels of a midterm election that sent a record number of women to Congress. But Ms Gillibrand, who announced the creation of a presidential exploratory committee Tuesday on CBS The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, faces a series of hurdles. She will not be the only woman seeking the White House, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Representative Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii have already jumped into the race, and several other prominent women are expected to soon follow them. Expand Close Presidential candidate, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, second from right, arrives at the Country View Diner with her sons, Theodore, left, Henry, second from left, and her mother Polly Rutnik (Paul Buckowski/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Presidential candidate, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, second from right, arrives at the Country View Diner with her sons, Theodore, left, Henry, second from left, and her mother Polly Rutnik (Paul Buckowski/AP) And there are persistent questions about whether, more than two years after Hillary Clinton fell short of the White House, Americans have grappled with sexism and are willing to support another woman running for president. The first question Ms Gillibrand received at her press conference Wednesday showed the scrutiny she and other women could face, as a reporter said a lot of people see her as pretty likeable. The remark touched on a raging debate about why women in politics are held to a different standard than men regarding their perceived likeability. Expand Close Kirsten Gillibrand hopes to be the first female president of the United States (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kirsten Gillibrand hopes to be the first female president of the United States (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) First appointed to the Senate in 2009 to fill the seat vacated by Mrs Clinton, Ms Gillibrand has been among the chambers most vocal members on issues like sexual harassment, military sexual assault, equal pay for women and paid family leave. But she angered some fellow Democrats in November 2017 when she said former president Bill Clinton should have resigned after his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. As a mom, Iall fight for your family as hard as I fight for my own. For health care as a right, not a privilege. For every child to get a good education, no matter what block they grow up on. For good jobs for everyone whoas ready to work. Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 16, 2019 She was also the first prominent Democrat to call on her Senate colleague Al Franken to quit after accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. She defended her actions on Wednesday. I just couldnt stay silent, she said, referring to Mr Franken. My job was not to stay silent. I couldnt defend it, and I had to do what was right. And if some wealthy individuals, that makes them angry, thats on them. A Republican congressman whose startling views on white supremacy hit the headlines voted in favour of a resolution to condemn his own comments. Steve King, a nine-term Iowa congressman, said in an interview last week: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilisation how did that language become offensive? Expand Close Steve King himself voted for the measure condemning his own comments (Charlie Neibergall/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Steve King himself voted for the measure condemning his own comments (Charlie Neibergall/AP) A resolution condemning Kings comments, which was sponsored by Democratic Representative James Clyburn, was approved 424-1 in the House, with King among those who voted in favour. Citing Kings comments, the resolution said: The House of Representatives once again rejects white nationalism and white supremacy as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States. King said he agreed with the resolution, adding that the ideology of white supremacy never shows up in my head and that he does not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth. The resolution meant so little that even Steve King could vote for it. That is why we need to censure him. We need to punish him for his bigotry and racism. #CensureSteveKing #OutFront pic.twitter.com/VgOEMdFzPK Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) January 16, 2019 The only member of the House to vote against the measure was Bobby Rush, a Democrat from Illinois. He told CNN the resolution did not go far enough, and was not worth the paper its written on. Kenyas security forces have killed the Islamic extremist gunmen whose assault on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi took 14 innocent lives, President Uhuru Kenyatta said. Announcing the end of the operation to secure the DusitD2 complex in the capital, Mr Kenyatta said: All the terrorists have been eliminated. In a televised address, Mr Kenyatta did not say how many attackers were involved. He said more than 700 people were evacuated during the security operation and he urged Kenyans to go back to work without fear, saying the East African country is safe for citizens and visitors. Hours before Mr Kenyatta spoke, sporadic gunfire could be heard from the scene after scores of people were rescued at daybreak during what police called a mopping-up exercise. The attack involved at least four armed men who invaded the hotel and shops. Expand Close Civilians flee the scene at a hotel complex (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Civilians flee the scene at a hotel complex (AP) Al-Shabab the Somalia-based extremist group that is allied to al Qaida claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks. It is situated in Nairobis well-to-do Westlands neighbourhood, popular with many foreign expatriates. Al-Shabab carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that killed 67 people. International development charity Gatsby Africa said the organisation was shocked and saddened following the death of its Africa programmes director, Briton Luke Potter. London-based company Adam Smith International also said two employees were killed in the attack. Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed were killed on the terrace of a restaurant in the complex where the company has Nairobi offices, the company said in a statement. Some 50 staff and consultants were safely evacuated, it added. The statement said both had been working on the Somalia Stability Fund managed by the company to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia through more than 100 local community initiatives. San Francisco-based company I-DEV International said American Jason Spindler was killed in the incident. Mr Spindler was the co-founder and managing director of I-DEV. The company said nine others in its Nairobi office were safely evacuated. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Early on Wednesday, Kenyas interior ministry said in a tweet that all buildings had been secured and there was no further threat. Expand Close Security forces help civilians flee (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Security forces help civilians flee (AP) However, at dawn, another explosion and gunfire was heard. Kenyas Citizen TV aired security camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-coloured, paramilitary-style gear. Kenyas national police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said the coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests. Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear. Expand Close The attack took place in the upmarket Westlands area (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The attack took place in the upmarket Westlands area (AP) Video footage from inside the hotel showed Kenyan security officers searching the building and workers emerging from hiding while gunfire could still be heard. Some climbed out a window by ladder. One man got up from the floor where he appeared to be trying to hide under a piece of wooden panelling. Like the attack at the Westgate Mall, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners. It came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it since 2011. Tuesdays violence came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people. Expand Close Hospitals have appealed for blood donations (AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Hospitals have appealed for blood donations (AP) The group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. In the deadliest attack, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an assault on Kenyas Garissa University in 2015 that killed 147 people, mostly students. The latest carnage demonstrated al-Shababs continued ability to carry out spectacular acts of bloodshed despite a dramatic increase in US air strikes against it under President Donald Trump. Security forces point their weapons through a shattered door at the hotel complex in Nairobi, (Ben Curtis/AP) A Briton is feared to have been among 15 people killed in a militant attack on a luxury hotel in Nairobi. Gunmen stormed the DusitD2 complex in the Westlands district of the Kenyan capital on Tuesday afternoon, setting off explosions and shooting people. A mortuary worker told Reuters news agency that a British man was among the casualties, while the US State Department said an American woman had also died. Expand Close Security forces help civilians flee the scene in Nairobi, Kenya (Ben Curtis/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Security forces help civilians flee the scene in Nairobi, Kenya (Ben Curtis/AP) Special forces were sent into the hotel to flush out the gunmen believed to be holed up inside the hotel and the Interior Ministry said the area had been secured on Tuesday night. However gunfire and another explosion were later reportedly heard at the scene. On Wednesday morning the National Police Service said the area remained under an active security operation and ordered people to stay away until it is declared safe. Expand Close Heavy gunfire was heard through the neighbourhood (Ben Curtis/AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Heavy gunfire was heard through the neighbourhood (Ben Curtis/AP) Al-Shabab the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi that left 67 people dead has claimed responsibility for the atrocity. Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta was expected to address the nation on the attack on Wednesday morning. A UK Foreign Office spokeswoman said: We are in contact with the Kenyan authorities who are coordinating a response and stand ready to assist as required. The Kenya Red Cross said it was helping families searching for loved ones missing since the attack began. A lorry heading for the Port of Dover in Kent passes the Brexit-inspired mural by artist Banksy (Gareth Fuller/PA) Brexit Day looms ever closer on the horizon: it is now just 72 days until the UK is due to leave the European Union. After Theresa Mays Withdrawal Agreement was humiliatingly obliterated by MPs in Tuesdays meaningful vote, she and the myriad factions in the Commons now have to find something they can agree on. A no-deal Brexit remains the default if politicians cannot come together in squeaky bum time to formulate an alternative. Theresa May and the vast majority of MPs from all sides of politics have attempted to downplay the risk of this occurring after March 29, saying there is no consensus to drop out without an agreed Withdrawal Agreement. But Westminster is suffering from political paralysis and time is running out. What is a no-deal Brexit? On March 29 the UK would quit the EU without a withdrawal agreement with the European Union covering issues including the Irish border, expats rights in Europe or a future trade deal, among other things. What will happen if Britain leaves the EU without a deal? Either a cataclysm of Biblical proportions or a minor hiccup on the path to self-determination, depending on your point of view. Who is concerned? Businesses that rely on unhindered imports and exports like pharmaceuticals, farming, haulage, and car and aircraft production. They have warned that it could be catastrophic for business and jobs if customs checks are reintroduced in Dover and other ports. There have also been warnings about food supply and safety, and availability of medicines like insulin. Can the effects be mitigated? Some MPs, reportedly including Cabinet ministers, have suggested a managed no-deal Brexit, in which there is a two-year transition period after March 29 as with the Withdrawal Agreement which would give us more time to be ready to counter the negative impacts. But not everyone thinks it would be disastrous anyway? Expand Close (Left to right) Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, DUP leader Arlene Foster, Lord Lilley, former Brexit secretary David Davis and Shanker Singham at A Better Deal event at the British Academy, London, outlining opportunities if Parliament rejects the Governments proposed deal (Steve Parsons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (Left to right) Former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, DUP leader Arlene Foster, Lord Lilley, former Brexit secretary David Davis and Shanker Singham at A Better Deal event at the British Academy, London, outlining opportunities if Parliament rejects the Governments proposed deal (Steve Parsons/PA) No. Some Brexiteers, including former Brexit secretaries David Davis and Dominic Raab, argue that many of the warnings are overblown, including on the customs/border problems. They say that there may be some minor hiccups but they can quickly be overcome and the UK could do global business on World Trade Organisation terms quite happily. What are these terms? The WTO is an organisation with 164 nations as members, who between them make up 98% of global trade. It has its own rules, which require tariffs on many imports and exports, and which can be used in the absence of an overriding free trade agreement between two member states. The UK has yet to negotiate any new trade deals with any other countries in preparation for leaving the EU. What do economists say? Separate assessments from Whitehall and the Bank of England in November painted a grim picture of the impact of a no-deal Brexit on the UK economy. The Bank warned Britain could be tipped into a recession worse than the financial crash, with an 8% cut in GDP, unemployment surging by as much as 7.5% and house prices falling by almost one-third. Meanwhile, a cross-Government analysis found the UK economy would be 9.3% smaller after 15 years if Britain leaves without a deal. Would Britain still have to pay the 39 billion Brexit divorce bill to Brussels under no-deal? Again there is disagreement. Some more hardline Brexiteers say we should walk away without paying. Others have suggested payments could be linked to a free trade agreement. The Government has said that the bill includes legal obligations, with defaulting affecting the UKs international credit rating and sparking a challenge by the EU in court. What does the Government say about no-deal? Theresa May used the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, and the damage it could cause, as a carrot/stick to convince sceptical MPs to back the Withdrawal Agreement in a vote. But other ministers have been less negative, with International Trade Secretary Liam Fox telling the BBCs Today programme on Monday: I dont regard no-deal as national suicide. This is not Dunkirk, this is leaving the European Union. Did Mrs Mays approach work? Expand Close Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during the debate on the Government no confidence motion in the House of Commons (House of Commons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during the debate on the Government no confidence motion in the House of Commons (House of Commons/PA) Not in the slightest. She has entered the record books as the Prime Minister with the heaviest Commons defeat in modern history after her 230-vote reverse on Tuesday. Pilot Andrew Hill, who was charged over the Shoreham Airshow crash, leaves the Old Bailey in London. A vintage fighter jet crashed killing 11 men when it hit a road and burst into a fireball during a failed airshow stunt purely because of pilot error, a court heard. Andrew Hill was flying the Hawker Hunter too low when he lost control over the A27 during the Shoreham Airshow in 2015, jurors were told on Wednesday. The 1950s fighter jet plummeted onto the West Sussex dual carriageway while it was performing a loop stunt at 1.22pm on August 22. The trained Royal Air Force instructor, who was a British Airways captain at the time, was thrown clear of the aircraft but taken to hospital with serious injuries and placed into an induced coma. Although an experienced pilot, he had been known to take risks and one of his airshow displays the year before was brought to a halt because of his dangerous flying, the court heard. The 54-year-old, of Sandon, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, is standing trial after denying 11 charges of manslaughter by gross negligence. Members of the victims families gathered at the Old Bailey as prosecutor Tom Kark QC opened the case. Describing it as a beautiful sunny Saturday, Mr Kark told jurors Hill was part way through his display when the crash took place. He said: The aircraft disintegrated and that crash caused a massive fireball. The effects of that crash were devastating and eleven people lost their lives as a result. Mr Hill miraculously escaped, because his cockpit separated from the rest of the aircraft ending in a ditch, his seat was thrown out of the cockpit and he was left lying on the ground. He was saved by the bravery of firefighters, paramedics and a doctor who managed to get to him despite the fires still burning all around. Mr Kark said the plane was in excellent working condition, adding: Until the moment that it crashed, there was nothing wrong with the flying capabilities of that aircraft. The crash happened purely because of pilot error. The pilot was attempting a manoeuvre called a bent loop which requires the aircraft to reach a specific height before it begins its downward trajectory. Mr Hill did not reach the height required, but nevertheless continued the manoeuvre. In short, he did not have the height to pull the aircraft out of its dive, back to the level flight at a safe height and, as a result he crashed into the ground. The prosecution case is that it was Mr Hills serious negligence that led directly to the loss of those eleven lives. Hill, who sat in the dock wearing a black suit, blue and white striped shirt, blue tie and glasses, will be described as a highly competent and experienced pilot, jurors were told. He served in the Royal Air Force between 1985 and 1994 where he trained to fly, becoming an instructor and fast jet pilot. During his military career he completed more than 1,600 hours in aircraft including a Jet Provost and a Harrier. He was also a British Airways airbus captain. He had flown the Hawker Hunter a large fighter jet built for warfare which first took to the skies in 1955 a total of 47 hours including at the same airshow the year before. But when the crash took place Hill fell far below his usual standards, Mr Kark said. His Display Authorisation a licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) authorised him to fly the plane at a minimum height of 100ft during flypasts and 500ft during standard manoeuvres like the loop during a performance. Mr Kark said there was a heavy responsibility on a pilots shoulders to plan their display carefully so no-one is put at risk and it was Hills duty to ensure the plane remained at the height permitted and did not breach no-fly zones around Shoreham airport. Although described as a careful and competent pilot, Mr Kark said there were times when he had taken risks or flown in a way he would not be expected to. Just a year before the crash at Southport airshow, in Merseyside, Mr Kark said Hill performed a dangerous manoeuvre causing organisers to halt the display by issuing what is known as a stop, stop, stop call. Such a call is a rare event and was issued on that occasion because the manoeuvre he performed took him far too close to the crowd and was dangerous. Unfortunately, on this occasion in 2015 at Shoreham no-one had time to call out a stop and his display ended in tragedy. The victims are Maurice Abrahams, 76; Dylan Archer, 42; Tony Brightwell, 53; Matthew Grimstone, 23; Matt Jones, 24; Graham Mallinson, 72; Daniele Polito, 23; Mark Reeves, 53; Jacob Schilt, 23; Richard Smith, 26; and Mark Trussler, 54, who all lived in Sussex. The trial is being heard before senior judge Mr Justice Andrew Edis QC and could last eight weeks. Jurors were told the Air Accident Investigation Branchs findings on the crash, which were previously published, will not form part of the prosecutions evidence and should be disregarded. The work environment at Oxfam is rife with bullying and harassment, an new report has revealed. (Yui Mok/PA Images). The work environment at Oxfam is marked by racism, colonial behaviour and bullying behaviours, according to a new report. The interim report produced by the independent commission, set up by Oxfam International in the wake of the Haiti scandal in 2018 to assess the companys culture, found it has a toxic work environment. A lack of robust policies and procedures across the charity also led to a culture in which sexual misconduct could be misunderstood at best or, at worst, unaddressed, it said. Expand Close Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, Mark Goldring, CEO of Oxfam GB, and Caroline Thomson, chair of trustees for Oxfam GB, giving evidence before the Commons Development Committee at Portcullis House (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, Mark Goldring, CEO of Oxfam GB, and Caroline Thomson, chair of trustees for Oxfam GB, giving evidence before the Commons Development Committee at Portcullis House (PA) The 30-page report details the initial findings of the commissions investigation after speaking directly with staff, communities and survivors to identify problems and solutions. The Independent Commission on Sexual Misconduct, Accountability and Culture Change (ICSMACC) heard from staff who complained of a wide range of issues, which the charity apologised for and said it was acting to stamp out. The report said: The Commission has heard multiple staff raise concerns of elitism racism and colonial behaviour sexism, rigid hierarchies and patriarchy that affect relationships among Oxfam staff and between Oxfam staff and its partners and program participants. Staff were highly critical of both management behaviour and company procedures for dealing with bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. These were said to be deficient and compromised staff morale at times. Bullying is so prevalent that staff said they did not believe the companys values were understood by all employees. The report said: Oxfams values are printed on wall posters but not always understood or upheld in actionand sometimes are even contradicted. Expand Close Oxfams work culture has been described as toxic by staff (Yui Mok/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Oxfams work culture has been described as toxic by staff (Yui Mok/PA) Additionally, those who have raised issues in the past, referenced as whistleblowers and survivors, felt deeply frustrated and saddened at the lack of accountability they experienced. In some cases, those individuals reported being pushed out of the organisation, or were left with no choice but to leave. The investigation into the charitys culture began in May 2018 following reports of alleged sexual assault by staff in Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. The Commission is still gathering research before the full report is published in May 2019, including an investigation from the UK Charity Commission. Oxfam said the report was an important step to help tackle the root causes of abuse. Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International executive director, said: We set up the commission to ask the hard questions of our culture and practice. This is an important piece of work at a crucial time for us. We will use its emerging recommendations to bolster our ongoing improvements so that we truly have zero tolerance to anyone who would abuse their power over others. Expand Close Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, giving evidence before the Commons Development Committee on the aid worker sex scandal in February 2018 (PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, giving evidence before the Commons Development Committee on the aid worker sex scandal in February 2018 (PA) Ms Byanyima also apologised to those who had experienced abuse from the organisation. It is painfully clear that Oxfam is not immune from sexual and other forms of abuse that stem from the abuse of power, she said. To those who have experienced such unacceptable behaviour: we are sorry, I am sorry, and we will follow up on any cases passed to us by the Commission as a matter of urgency. Theresa May's Brexit deal has been rejected by Parliament by a majority of 230. Immediately after the result Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government. Theresa may said if the government got support they would work with MPs across the Commons on finding a deal. Read More The DUP's Sammy Wilson has said the party will support the government saying they want a change in policy, not administrations. He said the EU had "hard questions to answer," predicting the EU will quickly see the reality and will reconsider options. In a statement DUP leader Arlene Foster added: "Parliament has acted in the best interests of the entire United Kingdom... the House of Commons has sent an unmistakable message to the Prime Minister and the European Union. "We will work with the Government constructively to achieve a better deal. That is our focus. Whilst some may wish to use this defeat to boost their political ambitions, we will give the Government the space to set out a plan to secure a better deal. "Reassurances whether in the form of letters or warm words, will not be enough. The Prime Minister must now go back to the European Union and seek fundamental change to the Withdrawal Agreement. "We want an orderly exit from the European Union with a sensible deal which works for Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Two hundred and two MPs voted in favour of the deal with 432 against. Of those voting against the government 118 were Conservative. All 10 DUP MPs also voted against. Lady Sylvia Hermon voted in favour. The PM said: The House has spoken and the Government will listen. Here's how events unfolded: Scottish Brexit Secretary Mike Russell said there are a number of actions the UK Government could take to stave off disaster. (Jane Barlow/PA) Scottish Brexit Secretary Mike Russell has revealed some of the regrettable preparations being made for a possible no-deal exit from the EU, as he urged UK ministers to rule out such a scenario now and forever. He told MSPs the Scottish Government is now starting to make decisions on matters such as medicines, on clinical and consumable stockpiling, emergency transportation. A public information campaign is also in the final phase of development, he added, with the Governments resilience committee meeting weekly. Mr Russell said: All of this activity has become a significant focus of our resources and efforts as it has to be for a responsible Government however it remains something the UK could and should choose to remove as a risk today. While he said such actions are part of responsible preparations being made by Holyrood ministers, he added the Scottish Government still believes the best outcome would be to remain in the European Union. The @scotgov Resilience Committee is meeting weekly to manage and escalate matters as needed & we have a public information campaign in the final stages of development in the event of a aNo Deala situation. We are making every effort to get the information we need from @GOVUK. pic.twitter.com/4XyvlH5xxj Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 16, 2019 He said there needs to be a second referendum on EU membership to break the logjam that has now paralysed politics at Westminster. Making a statement to MSPs the day after the House of Commons voted against Theresa Mays proposed Withdrawal Agreement by a massive majority, Mr Russell said the PM had endured not just a defeat but a rout. He said: In a normal political world with normal, accountable, self-aware politicians, the scale of this defeat would have led to the immediate resignation of, if not the government, then at least the leader of that government. But instead the Prime Minister behaves as if this is all somebody elses fault. In the wake of the vote, he added: There are actions we believe the UK Government should take immediately to stave off complete disaster. As well as calling on UK ministers to explicitly rule out a no-deal Brexit, he said they must extend the Article 50 timetable for negotiations, and also legislate for a second EU referendum. If Mrs May does not do this when she returns to the Commons with her plan B, he suggested a Bill could be brought by a Parliament controlled by its members. Mr Russell pledged: I am ready to make the case for Europe passionately and proudly in a second EU referendum, and to contrast it with the Prime Ministers deal which will only leave this country and its people impoverished. Cab Sec @Feorlean tells @scotparl: A second referendum with aremaina on the ballot paper would be a productive use of an extension, and allow for the wishes of the people of Scotland to be respected. @Scotgov is clear that the best outcome is to remain in the EU. pic.twitter.com/3hN7MD7mlE Scottish Government (@scotgov) January 16, 2019 In all the chaos and uncertainty there is in Westminster now, there is also an opportunity to shine a light through it, and persuade the country of a better, brighter alternative. He reminded Holyrood the SNP had won the 2016 Holyrood election on a manifesto which included the possibility of a second Scottish independence referendum if there was a significant material change in circumstances from the 2014 vote when Scots opted by 55% to 45% to stay in the UK. Were ready for and indeed would relish a general election fought on the issue of Brexit and Scotlands future, Mr Russell said. But if that does not happen he said the Scottish Government would immediately step up our support for a second EU referendum. He added: The Scottish Government is clear that the best outcome is to remain in the EU, a second referendum with Remain on the ballot paper is an opportunity for that to happen, and for the wishes of the people of Scotland to be respected. But Scottish Conservative constitutional spokesman Adam Tomkins said Mr Russells statement was yet another reminder that for the SNP, Brexit is not about our future relations with Europe for them Brexit like everything else is all about independence. He also stressed he does not support a no-deal Brexit, but said the cold hard truth is that those who voted against the PM including SNP MPs had made a no-deal Brexit all the more likely. He questioned if the SNP would play a constructive role in cross-party talks or instead retreat to the familiar playground politics of playing to the Nationalist gallery and bang on only about independence. Scottish Labour Brexit spokesman Neil Findlay said Mrs May should have resigned after Tuesday nights defeat, as he called for a general election to take place across the UK. He said the vote in the Commons was an abject humiliation for the Prime Minister which leaves her without a shred of credibility. The Labour MSP added: If the Prime Minister had an ounce of self-awareness she would have resigned immediately this deal is dead. Scottish Green co-convener Patrick Harvie said the Brexit chaos at Westminster could act as an advertisement for independence. He told MSPs: For those of us who believe in Scotlands future as an independent member of the European family on our terms and in our right, we could hardly wish for a better advertisement for our cause than the shambolic, absurd theatricality we have seen at Westminster. Senior ministers have insisted Theresa May is committed to reaching out across party lines to build a Brexit consensus following the crushing defeat of her plan for leaving the EU. The Prime Minister faces a Commons vote of no confidence after seeing her deal with Brussels overwhelmingly rejected by MPs in the House on Tuesday. While she is expected to survive the latest attack on her premiership, Labour warned she was in danger of scuppering efforts to find a new way forward before they had even started. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Rebel Tory MPs, who helped deliver a massive 230 majority against the Withdrawal Agreement, made clear that they would back the Government in the vote on the no-confidence motion tabled by Jeremy Corbyn, as did Mrs Mays allies in the DUP. However MPs from both the Leave and Remain wings of the party warned that she would have to accept major changes to her Brexit plan if she was to stand any chance of winning the backing of Parliament. Meanwhile, campaigners for a second EU referendum stepped up their efforts, with 71 Labour MPs signing a letter demanding their party commit itself unequivocally to a public vote if the no-confidence motion fails. And Conservative former attorney general Dominic Grieve tabled two bills to enable the House of Commons to consider and deliver a fresh referendum. Holding a public vote is now essential as the only credible way out of the current crisis, said Mr Grieve. The public should be allowed to decide on any deal to take us out of the European Union and be given the alternative to remain if they wish. In the Commons at Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Corbyn said the Government had failed the country and lost the ability to govern. Expand Close John McDonnell accused the Prime Minister of negating Brexit talks (Andrew Milligan/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John McDonnell accused the Prime Minister of negating Brexit talks (Andrew Milligan/PA) With every other previous prime minister, faced with the scale of defeat, they would have resigned and the country would have been able to choose the government that they want, he said. Mrs May retorted: The Leader of the Opposition has let anti-Semitism run riot in his party, he would abandon our allies, weaken our security and wreck our economy, and we will never let that happen. The Prime Minister insisted that she would not halt Brexit by revoking the two-year Article 50 process leading to withdrawal on March 29. But she appeared to leave the door open to an extension to buy more time for negotiations. Asked by Tory grandee Ken Clarke whether she would modify her red lines and extend Article 50, Mrs May said: The Governments policy is that we are leaving the EU on March 29, but the European Union would only extend Article 50 if actually it was clear that there was a plan that was moving towards an agreed deal. That is the crucial element of ensuring we deliver on Brexit. Following the vote on Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister said she wanted to hold talks with senior parliamentarians to try to find an agreed way forward ahead of a fresh statement to the House on Monday. However shadow chancellor John McDonnell complained that she had not invited Mr Corbyn or any of the other party leaders for talks. After Downing Street said she remained committed to securing an independent trade policy effectively ruling out a customs union which Labour supports he warned the discussions may not even get off the ground. She is now laying conditions down about those discussions which look as though they will prevent any discussion of a permanent customs union, Mr McDonnell told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. That is what most of the other opposition parties support so she seems to be negating the discussions before they have even started. The Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom said Mrs May was committed to meeting with MPs who were committed to constructively delivering on the EU referendum vote. However she said Mr Corbyn had failed to produce any positive proposals and was simply seeking to disrupt the Government by trying to force a general election at a crucial time for the country . I dont think she has written him off at all but he needs to come to the table and tell us what he wants to do, she told the Today programme. He has not put forward any specific constructive proposal and that is a problem, which is why the Prime Minister will be engaging right across the House with those who do have very sincerely held views but want to constructively deliver on what the vast majority of parliamentarians voted for. Expand Close Andrea Leadsom has said Jeremy Corbyns approach is a problem (Kirsty OConnor/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Andrea Leadsom has said Jeremy Corbyns approach is a problem (Kirsty OConnor/PA) Mrs Leadsom indicated the Prime Minister was still hoping to build support for a Brexit plan which preserved key elements of the existing deal. What we need to do is to find a way that that deal or some part of it or an alternative that is negotiable (with the EU) can be put to the European Union so that we can get this Brexit through by March 29, she said. However, former minister Sir Oliver Letwin one of the architects of plan by senior Tories to give MPs a greater say in the process warned she would have to be more flexible. She put down right at the beginning of this process what she called red lines, he told the BBC. This is not a terrain in which you can have things you will definitely never do. You have to sit down and talk and come up with a consensus. That means being much more flexible than we have been so far. Steve Baker, one of the leaders of the pro-Brexit Tory European Research Group, said Mrs May must now abandon the controversial Northern Ireland backstop intended to prevent the return of a hard border with the republic. We are not going to be able to agree to the backstop. It is obvious when you look at the vote last night. There is no getting away from it. That was an absolutely devastating blow, he said. Expand Close Michel Barnier said it is up the UK to explain how it wants to proceed (Niall Carson/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michel Barnier said it is up the UK to explain how it wants to proceed (Niall Carson/PA) The EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier said he profoundly regretted the Commons vote and that it was now up to the British Government to say how it intended to proceed. An orderly withdrawal will remain our absolute priority in the coming weeks, he told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. He said there would be a favourable response from the EU side if Mrs May was prepared to re-think her red lines and seek a more ambitious deal with Brussels, but he was adamant the backstop had to remain part of any agreement. The backstop which we agreed to with the UK must remain a backstop. It must remain a credible backstop, he said. That view was echoed by Irish foreign minister Simon Coveney who said Dublin was not prepared to consider alternatives to a backstop which it had taken two years to negotiate. Were not going to allow physical border infrastructure to reappear, he told RTE. I dont think the EU is in any mood to change the Withdrawal Agreement significantly at all. Bridget Phillipson (right) speaks to reporters, backed by a group Labour MPs calling for a new referendum on membership of the European Union, outside Portcullis House in London, ahead of a motion of no confidence in the Government being debated in Parliament (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Some 71 Labour MPs and 13 MEPs have signed a letter backing a second referendum on withdrawal from the European Union. The MPs said they backed leader Jeremy Corbyns tabling of a no-confidence motion in the hope of forcing an early general election, but said if this did not succeed the party should unequivocally back a public vote. The move intensifies pressure on Mr Corbyn to move quickly, after senior Labour figures indicated that the party was ready to table repeated no-confidence challenges to Mrs May if Wednesdays vote does not succeed in ousting her. A motion passed at the partys conference last autumn made clear that a general election is Labours priority, but stated that if this was not possible, the party would support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote. Senior backbencher Louise Ellman told the Press Association that Mr Corbyn should act immediately to throw Labours weight behind a second referendum if Wednesdays vote failed. With Tories in turmoil, Iam standing with colleagues this morning for defeating them in confidence motion to get general election and in event we canat get that a #PeoplesVote as only way out of the mess. Spoke to a@jeremycorbyna this morning and we are all united on this pic.twitter.com/WyZ0BeUwUg Rupa Huq MP (@RupaHuq) January 16, 2019 Weve got the no-confidence motion today, said the Liverpool Riverside MP. If that doesnt carry, Jeremy should immediately call for a second referendum and start taking the moves to make that happen. We shouldnt have any further delay. The clock is ticking. Its just over 70 days to go before we actually leave the EU. We cant afford to do that, so Jeremy must act now. If he vacillates and sits on the fence, I'm afraid he is going to get splinters in places he doesn't wantLabour MP David Lammy Tottenham MP David Lammy told BBC Radio 4s Today programme it was time for Mr Corbyn to move, warning: If he vacillates and sits on the fence, Im afraid he is going to get splinters in places he doesnt want. There is is definitely momentum with Members of Parliament who now see that this is stuck in our Parliament and think he should put it back to the British people. Among signatories to the letter were MPs from Leave- and Remain-backing constituencies from all parts of Britain, including the partys former acting leader Dame Margaret Beckett, ex-ministers like Ben Bradshaw and Chris Bryant, and former leadership contender Owen Smith. Organisers said a further 24 Labour MPs had made public statements supporting a second referendum, bringing the total to almost 100. On the morning after the historic defeat of Mrs Mays Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons, around 45 of them gathered outside Parliament to display a banner reading: Labour MPs, MEPs, conference and members agree The people should have the final say. Bridget Phillipson said she recognised the anger about the state of the country which lay behind the 60% Leave vote in her Houghton & Sunderland South constituency. But she said it would be much harder for Labour to achieve its goals of ending austerity, reducing child poverty and helping working people if the UK left the EU. In a statement, the MPs and MEPs said: We must try and remove this Government from office as soon as possible. But the removal of the Government and pushing for a general election may prove impossible, so we must join trade unions, our members and a majority of our constituents by then unequivocally backing the only logical option to help our country move forward: putting the decision back to the people for a final say, in a public vote, with the option to stay and keep the deal that we have. Expand Close Pro-Brexit demonstrator Colin Grostate talks to Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Pro-Brexit demonstrator Colin Grostate talks to Labour MP Siobhain McDonagh (Dominic Lipinski/PA) The statement said the UK was in an unprecedented and perilous moment in our history and accused Prime Minister Theresa May of running down the clock on Brexit in a way that amounted to gambling with the jobs and livelihoods of our constituents. We now face a moment of national crisis, where the facts and the views of many people have changed and are continuing to change, they said. It is now clear renegotiation is not a realistic prospect. No-deal would be a catastrophe which we must resolutely oppose. The Government should seek an extension to Article 50 to provide time for Parliament to find a way forward. Expand Close Ticket barriers at Westminster Underground station were plastered with advertisments for the Peoples Vote campaign (Dominic Lipinski/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ticket barriers at Westminster Underground station were plastered with advertisments for the Peoples Vote campaign (Dominic Lipinski/PA) They were harangued by pro-Brexit protester Colin Grostate, from Ramsgate, who brandished a Conservative Party membership card as he loudly accused them of being liars. Dressed in a yellow high-visibility jacket bearing the slogan Clean Brexit No Deal, he confronted Mitcham & Morden MP Siobhan McDonagh, telling her: Im just a little man on the side with a vote which you dont care about. I dont want a second vote. Ticket barriers at Westminsters Underground station were plastered with adverts from second referendum campaigners, reading The only way forward is a Peoples Vote. Police Scotland said the 26-year-old had been arrested (David Cheskin/PA) A man who went missing from an open prison has been found. Grant McNamara was reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly in Dundee at 2pm on Monday. On Wednesday afternoon, police said the 26-year-old inmate had been arrested. He is due to appear at Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday. We confirm that Grant McNamara who was reported missing from Castle Huntly has been traced. He has been arrested and is expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court tomorrow. Tayside Police (@TaysidePolice) January 16, 2019 A statement said: We confirm that Grant McNamara who was reported missing from Castle Huntly has been traced. He has been arrested and is expected to appear at Perth Sheriff Court tomorrow. Police Scotland was called over concerns for the casualty. Properties have been evacuated after a man was found dead near potentially dangerous substances. Police Scotland was called to the house on Balfour Street in Kirkcaldy, Fife at around 6.05pm on Tuesday. The body of a 37-year-old man was discovered next to potentially volatile and flammable items. His death is being treated as unexplained. Neighbouring properties have been evacuated while emergency services assess the substances. Education Secretary John Swinney has defended the pay offer to college lecturers as they went on strike to demand a cost-of-living increase. Lecturers joined picket lines on Wednesday after rejecting a 12.2% pay increase from Colleges Scotland, saying the offer does not constitute a cost-of-living rise after a three-year wage freeze. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) Further Education Lecturers Association (FELA) has accused intransigent management of using conflated figures in publicity to obfuscate the pay claim, and is calling for a pay rise above the increasing cost of living. But Mr Swinney told the Education Committee at Holyrood that Decembers budget contained funding for colleges to bring lecturers pay in line with other public sector increases. Mr Swinney also claimed a cost-of-living increase is being offered by Colleges Scotland. Labours education spokesman Iain Gray asked Mr Swinney about the pay dispute that triggered the strike, and said: In the college sector there is no prospect of them finding additional resources for any cost-of-living increases for their staff. Expand Close Striking Scottish college lecturers protesting outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (Tom Eden/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Striking Scottish college lecturers protesting outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (Tom Eden/PA) However, Mr Swinney defended the funding for further education in the proposed budget. He said: Resources clearly are there because the employers have offered that. The colleges sector finds itself in a position able to harmonise the contracts of further education lecturers across the country, which Im very pleased the Government has been able to secure as a policy objective and which is now being implemented over a three-year period from funding by the Scottish Government. In addition to that, college employers are able to make cost-of-living increases available to members of staff into the bargaining. I dont think its defensible to separate harmonisation and cost-of-living as two separate things. Members of two teaching unions voted by 90% to 10% in favour of the strike action in December, on a turnout of 52%, after rejecting the pay offer Colleges Scotland claims would have raised average salaries from 36,125 to 40,522 over the past three years. Picket lines have been formed outside colleges throughout Scotland and dozens of lecturers gathered outside the Scottish Parliament to protest. Urging Colleges Scotland to return to meaningful negotiations, in the hope of agreeing a resolution to this dispute, EIS general secretary Larry Flanagan said: Lecturers have been forced into this strike action by an intransigent management group that has refused to even attempt to reach a negotiated solution ahead of todays strike. Scotlands college lecturers have not received a cost-of-living pay increase since 2016 and are asking for only the same type of cost-of-living increase that has been awarded to many other groups of public sector workers. Our revised claim, submitted in December, is wholly consistent with Scottish Government public sector pay policy. Yet Colleges Scotland has not yet responded to this revised claim and is continuing to use the delivery of equal pay as a barrier to negotiation, using conflated figures in publicity to obfuscate the pay claim. Expand Close A demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh after college lecturers went on strike over a pay dispute (Tom Eden/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A demonstration outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh after college lecturers went on strike over a pay dispute (Tom Eden/PA) Shona Struthers, Colleges Scotland chief executive, said: It is extremely disappointing that the EIS-FELA is taking disruptive strike action for the third time in four years, especially when the colleges pay offer, combined with salary rises from the same pay settlement, would see lecturers national average pay increase over three years by 12.2%, which is a cash increase of over 5,083. This offer on the table is the best overall pay rise for public-sector workers anywhere in the UK but the EIS-FELA want even more. Visiting picket line to give solidarity at Edinburgh College Milton Rd Campus @EISUnion @EISFela #NegotiateNow pic.twitter.com/6LSqZd8m29 David Belsey (@David__Belsey) January 16, 2019 They also want more pay for cost of living but a pay rise is a pay rise, irrespective of whether it comes from the same pay agreement or the additional cost-of-living offer. Finances are extremely tight for colleges and all of the modest 18.3 million revenue increase in the Scottish Governments 2019-20 draft budget is ring-fenced to pay for the same pay rises already agreed so colleges must make cuts elsewhere to pay for an additional cost-of-living offer. This is unaffordable and unsustainable for the sector and the EIS-FELA should suspend its strike action and recognise the instability their unwarranted strike action is causing to college students, who lose out the most from strikes. After Theresa Mays defeat Parliament remains fundamentally split over what form of Brexit would be best for Britain. But how do the options differ? Theresa Mays Withdrawal Agreement Despite the huge defeat the agreement may still be on the table in an amended form as Mrs May seeks cross-party talks for genuinely negotiable solutions she can take to Brussels. From the start of the Brexit process, Mrs May had insisted that she wanted a bespoke deal tailored specifically for the UK and not an off-the-shelf model shaped around arrangements offered to other trading partners. The Withdrawal Agreement reached in November guarantees the rights of UK citizens currently living in the EU27 states and European nationals in Britain, settles the UKs outstanding liabilities to Brussels budgets for a payment of around 39 billion and takes Britain out of the EU single market and customs union, the common agriculture and fisheries policies and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. It offers a 21-month transition period after the official Brexit date of March 29 2019 to prepare for the new arrangements. Alongside this is a Political Declaration agreed by the UK and EU27, setting out a common determination to forge a close future relationship in areas such as trade and security. If this cannot be secured by the end of the transition in December 2020, the period can be extended by a further two years. If the transition concludes without a deal, the so-called backstop must be triggered, keeping the whole UK in a customs union with the remaining EU to prevent a hard border in Ireland. No deal If no alternative to Mrs Mays deal is agreed, the default option is for the UK to leave the EU without a deal on March 29. This would mean there would be no transition period, and individuals and businesses would have to adapt immediately to new arrangements. The UK would leave EU structures such as the single market and customs union and would fall back on World Trade Organisation rules, which require tariffs on many imports and exports. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Experts and businesses have warned that an abrupt withdrawal could cause chaos, with speculation over gridlock at the Channel ports, empty supermarket shelves, a collapse in the value of the pound and even aeroplanes being stopped from flying. But advocates of no deal say the warnings are exaggerated and the UK would benefit by being able immediately to strike new trade deals around the world. Brexiteers argue that the UK could save its 39 billion divorce bill by leaving without a deal, but this could be challenged by the EU in the courts. The Canada option The holy grail for some Eurosceptics is an ambitious Canada-style free trade agreement with the EU, removing tariffs from almost all imports and exports of goods, offering co-operation on standards and allowing mutual recognition of professional qualifications. Expand Close The Government conducted a trial earlier this month of traffic arrangements if a no-deal Brexit disrupts movements at the port of Dover (Gareth Fuller/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Government conducted a trial earlier this month of traffic arrangements if a no-deal Brexit disrupts movements at the port of Dover (Gareth Fuller/PA) A Canada-style agreement would allow the UK to leave the EU institutions, end freedom of movement and strike new trade deals elsewhere in the world. Critics say that the model would severely restrict access to European markets for the UKs vital service industries particularly the financial sector. But the options fans say services could be included in what they term a Canada-plus-plus-plus deal. Ministers warn that it would not resolve the backstop problem, as Brussels would still demand the North remains in the EU customs area to avoid a hard border. The Norway option Some supporters of a soft Brexit argue that the UK should take its lead from the members of the European Free Trade Association (Efta) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland and seek a close relationship with the EU short of full membership. Expand Close Theresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker agreed a withdrawal deal last November (Etienne Ansotte/EU/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May and European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker agreed a withdrawal deal last November (Etienne Ansotte/EU/PA) As a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Norway enjoys full access to the internal market for most trade in goods, but must implement the bulk of Brussels regulations without having a say in its decisions. It also pays substantial sums into the EU budget. Switzerland, which is outside the EEA, has a more remote relationship with the EU, based on dozens of bilateral agreements which must be constantly updated. The Swiss are required to follow EU laws in areas which give them access to the single market but make much lower contributions to Brussels budgets. Crucially, the arrangements do not cover services. Proposals for a Norway-style option often envisage a single market and customs union relationship with the EU after Brexit, but the Efta states are actually not part of the customs union. It is far from clear that existing Efta members would accept a UK application to join. Remain If the UK chose to abandon Brexit either through a second referendum or by simply revoking its Article 50 notice of withdrawal before March 29, it would retain its membership of the EU under existing terms. Expand Close A Remain supporter wears a combination of a hat representing the EU flag and the British flag (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Remain supporter wears a combination of a hat representing the EU flag and the British flag (PA) Trade with EU neighbours would continue to be free of tariffs and non-tariff barriers under single market rules, and UK and EU nationals would retain the right to work and settle in one anothers countries. The UK would keep its seat in the EUs decision-making bodies and hasty arrangements would have to be made for the election of MEPs in May. The UK would be subject to ECJ rulings and would continue to make contributions to Brussels budgets, currently running at around 9 billion a year net, but the divorce bill would no longer be payable. Future trade deals would be made as part of the EU bloc and not bilaterally. If the UK applied to rejoin after the Article 50 deadline has passed, it would have to go through a lengthy accession process which would almost certainly involve giving up the rebate negotiated by Margaret Thatcher, as well as opt-outs in areas such as justice and home affairs. It could be required to join the Schengen free movement area and the euro as part of the price of readmission. Undated handout photo from the Twitter feed of @bydonkeys showing a quote on Brexit from prime minister David Cameron. Giant posters featuring quotes from prominent Brexit politicians have been pasted onto billboards around Dover. A pro-Remain group calling itself Led By Donkeys has claimed responsibility for the posters, the latest in a public information campaign to remind the public of the statements and promises made to us by our MPs, according to a statement. Expand Close A pre-referendum quote on Brexit from now-Prime Minister Theresa May. (@bydonkeys) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A pre-referendum quote on Brexit from now-Prime Minister Theresa May. (@bydonkeys) A spokesperson for the group told the Press Association: The news cycle is so fast nowadays, we forget what our leaders once said. If they want us to trust their judgment as we enter the choppy waters of Brexit its right that we remind ourselves of their record. The new posters include quotes from arch Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, Prime Minister Theresa May, former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and International Trade Secretary Liam Fox. Expand Close A quote on Brexit from Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. (@bydonkeys) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A quote on Brexit from Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg. (@bydonkeys) The group asked its Twitter followers to choose the quotes by posting them to the social network then turning the most-liked tweets. The top-voted quote was a Jacob Rees-Mogg statement in 2011 which reads: We could have two referendums. As it happens, it might make more sense to have the second referendum after the renegotiation is completed. Also included is a line from a speech given by Theresa May shortly before the referendum in 2016, in which she asserted that remaining in the European Union means we will be more secure from crime and terrorism. Expand Close A poster featuring a quote from former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab. (@bydonkeys) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A poster featuring a quote from former Brexit secretary Dominic Raab. (@bydonkeys) The group has also installed posters in London and Essex, featuring Michael Goves assertion that the day after we vote to leave, we hold all the cards and we can choose the path we want and David Camerons tweet before the 2015 election asking voters to choose between stability and strong Government with me or chaos with Ed Miliband. The spokesperson said: The idea like most half-decent ideas came in a chat down the pub. We were talking about whether Cameron would one day delete his chaos with Ed Miliband tweet, and someone said: Lets turn it into a Tweet You Cant Delete. It went from there. Expand Close A quote on Brexit from Environment Secretary Michael Gove. Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A quote on Brexit from Environment Secretary Michael Gove. Costs for the billboards are estimated to be in the region of 400, an amount paid for by the individuals involved themselves. Loads of people have been asking to contribute on Twitter but we havent got our act together to set up a crowdfunder, the group said. The next poster campaign will feature Boris Johnson, they added, referring to the former foreign secretary as a treasure trove of hypocritical piffle. The funerals of two men who lost their lives while walking in the Mourne mountains on Sunday will take place today. The Requiem Mass for father-of-three and grandfather-of-six Sean Byrne (63), a keen amateur photographer who died while out taking pictures with a friend on Wee Binnian, will be held in the Church of St Malachy, Carrickcruppen at 11am. Read More Mr Byrne, from Camlough, will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. His grieving wife Bernie had previously told the Belfast Telegraph that the family understood wind conditions had played a part in the fatality. Retired PSNI Chief Superintendent Robbie Robinson (64), from Banbridge, also died on Sunday, after slipping on muddy ground while walking at the top of Slieve Commedagh with his son Neil (38). The father-of-two and grandfather-of-three's funeral will be held at Seapatrick Holy Trinity Church of Ireland in Banbridge at 1.30pm today. He will be buried in Banbridge New Cemetery. Nigel Heslip (55), a friend of Mr Robinson, who owns the Downshire Arms Hotel, Banbridge, said he was a "gentleman". He added: "I was shocked to hear the news. It was sad, a lot of people in the community can't believe it. My heart goes out to his family." Mr Robinson's family have asked that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team, which attended the scene of the tragedy. His family previously said that the experienced walker's death had been a "freak accident" and was not related to the weather. Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said that Mr Byrne's death had "utterly devastated the local community" and extended his condolences to the family. "Sean was a popular and highly respected family man," he said. SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said the Camlough and wider South Armagh community had been "plunged into sadness". He said: "Mr Byrne was a widely known and well respected member of our local community." "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time." Mr McNulty said his thoughts and prayers were also with Mr Robinson's family and friends. Mr Byrne was treasurer, photographer and a trustee of local hurling club Craobh Rua. Its spokesperson Pat McGinn, a family friend, said: "Sean was associated with the club for 30 years onwards. Sean was quiet, wise - very wise. He loved his family, his wife Bernie, sons Padraig and Shane and daughter Blinne." Images of four people who shop owner Pete Boyle believes may have stolen jewellery from his shop Images of the 4 people in the Pandora in Belfast A shop owner in Belfast city centre has warned other retailers to be vigilant after his store was targeted by thieves who made off with 7,000 worth of jewellery. Two men and two women, described as being from the Roma community, stole gold Pandora charms from under the noses of staff on Monday. They entered the Cornmarket store at around 6pm before asking to see a range of items including the popular charm bracelets. Shop owner Pete Boyle said staff were "extremely upset" when they realised they had been conned. "The group asked for the items to be held over and said they would return the following day to pick them up and pay for them," he said. "But they never came back that's when we realised that a large number of items were missing." Mr Boyle described the culprits, who were wearing distinctive clothing and captured on CCTV, as professionals. "It's shocking, but this is obviously what they do," he said. "I don't know if they live in Northern Ireland or they travel around." The retailer said he has been informed by police that they have been unable to trace the robbers route once they left his shop. "That's disappointing," he said. "The city centre is covered with CCTV cameras and yet they have been able to just walk away undetected." Mr Boyle warned shop workers everywhere to be on the look out for the perpetrators. "These people are clearly career criminals," he said. "I believe they will strike again." Police thanked the public for their help. A 17-year-old is to appear in court on Thursday charged with attempted murder after two women were stabbed while out walking. The women, both aged 22, were attacked while walking close to Beresford Avenue, in Coleraine, at around 11.25pm on Sunday. They were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that while serious were not believed to be life threatening. The male has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence. As is normal procedure all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service. Police thanked the public for their assistance in their investigation. Investigators involved in the seizure of material from loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson knew nothing about his journalistic credentials, the High Court heard today. Counsel for the police and a body which regulates the security industry insisted the probe was only focused on any alleged unlicensed supply of door staff. Mr Bryson is challenging the legality of warrants obtained from a lay magistrate to search residential and business premises in Co Down last August. The commentator was arrested at the time but later released without charge. PSNI officers obtained and executed the warrants on behalf of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as part of that organisation's ongoing inquiries into any suspected illegal supply of bouncers. Documents, laptops and an iPad were reportedly seized in the raids. Mr Bryson, who denies any wrongdoing, has issued judicial review proceedings in a bid to have the search warrants declared unlawful. His lawyers argued that officers had no power to take journalistic and other legally privileged material during the operation. A County Court judge, rather than a lay magistrate, must give the go-ahead to seize such documents, they contended. But Tony McGleenan QC, for the PSNI and SIA, responded: "They were unaware of his credentials as a journalist, unaware of his affiliation to any trade union or association. "They didn't seek journalistic material; the investigation into doormen... is obviously not one which would turn up journalistic material." Attempts have since been made to return any such documents. according to counsel. The court heard how the SIA wrote to Mr Bryson last summer requesting information about JJ Security Services Ltd, a company in which he is a named director. It formed part of an investigation into door staff operating in the north Down area. In his reply Mr Bryson stressed JJ Security Services has never traded and does not hold any relevant information. Mr McGleenan contended, however, that he had failed to actively address the issues put to him. "He answered the key question by saying his company never traded, didn't exist in that regard and there's no material to be obtained," the barrister said. "That's what stimulated the application for a warrant and what was relayed to the lay magistrate." Much of the equipment and documents seized remains unexamined after Mr Bryson secured an injunction pending the outcome of his legal challenge. His barrister emphasised that he had emailed the SIA making clear a willingness to "provide as much assistance as I possible can". Claiming the search warrant applications should not have been dealt with by a lay magistrate, Ronan Lavery QC also disputed assertions made about his client's status. "Anybody who would be investigating Mr Bryson for nearly a year would know that he's a journalist and well-known blogger," he said. "If it's right they had no knowledge of that it's a very worrying fact, and it points to the type of thing that may arise when safeguards are not strictly adhered to." Adjourning the hearing, Mr Justice McCloskey and Mr Justice McAlinden requested more information from both sides before ruling on whether they should grant leave to seek a judicial review. The head of Northern Ireland's health service has warned that medicine availability will be an issue in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Permanent secretary of the Department of Health (DoH) Richard Pengelly was speaking at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster on Wednesday. Read More A no-deal Brexit is looking more likely after Prime Minister Theresa May's withdrawal agreement was resoundingly defeated in Parliament on Tuesday. As it stands the UK will leave the European Union on March 29 with no Brexit agreement in place. Responding to a question from Independent unionist MP Lady Sylvia Hermon, Mr Pengelly joked that he "hadn't bought any fridges". "The single biggest issue we face is medicines availability. Plans are being laid on a UK basis, the Secretary indicated that he had bought some fridges," he said. Lady Hermon asked if there were any fridges in Northern Ireland for the stockpiling of medicine. Expand Close Richard Pengelly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Richard Pengelly Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said that the UK was the world's largest buyer of fridges due to stockpiling medicines ahead of Brexit. "What we're doing at the moment, alot of the early activity has been on insuring that sufficient supplies are available to meet UK demands for medicines," Mr Pengelly replied. "The issue now that we're focused on is ensuring the robustness of the supply chain so that those medicines, to provide us with assurance that they will be able to make their way through to Northern Ireland in a timely fashion. "That work is progressing and is ongoing. Our colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care are in the lead on it, but I do want to put on record the extent of their engagement with us." Mr Pengelly said that a UK wide conference call was taking place on Friday to discuss medicine supply chains. Lady Hermon asked how long the medicine being stockpiled would last. "This will be from a few weeks before (March 29) until several months afterwards," Mr Pengelly replied. Asked if he was confident that Northern Ireland would have a sufficient supply of medicines, he said that he was "confident at this stage we are doing all we can". "Further details need to emerge, I need to be satisfied that the supply chain is there and is valid," Mr Pengelly said. "There will be disruption to supply chains, particularly at ports." Mr Pengelly said that there were ongoing discussions with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure the free movement of the medicine through ports. Mr Pengelly said there was a debate to be had around prescription charges. Health chief Richard Pengelly has called for a debate around the reintroduction of charges for prescription medicine in Northern Ireland. The permanent secretary said that he was aware of one patient who passed away with an estimated 6-10k of unused medicines in their possession. Read More He made the comments at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster on Wednesday. Mr Pengelly was responding to a question from Labour MP Kate Hoey about wastage in the health service. He said it was difficult for doctors to think about saving money "in the heat of battle" when a patient's health was on the line. The Department of Health (DoH) boss said that it was a "big issue" but there "wasn't an easy answer". Questioned by Ms Hoey about horror stories of wasted medicine, Mr Pengelly revealed that such stories were often true. "My recently retired chief pharmaceutical officer told me a couple of months ago about a colleague of his who is a community pharmacist, a client of his had sadly passed away, but he had to go to the house to remove somewhere in the region of 6-10k in unused medicines," he replied. Mr Pengelly said that this medicine could not be put back into the health system for other patients to use, even if unopened. He said that a new e-pharamacy system could help cut wastage as customers would feel more comfortable ordering only the medicines required. "Currently for repeat prescriptions you make contact with your GP, in many cases by telephone or letter. For a lot of people with comorbidities (multiple health issues) they are on a number of different medications," Mr Pengelly said. "It's much easier to ring up and say 'can I have my repeat medication' rather than to say 'I only need that one', some of these drugs are unpronounceable." Mr Pengelly said that the issue of prescription charges should be revisited. NHS prescriptions are currently free in Northern Ireland, previous charges were abolished in 2010. England is the only part of the UK where prescription charges apply. "My own view is that sometimes charging isn't about money, it's about influencing behaviour. I think one of the issues is when we receive goods free we don't always appreciate that there is a cost associated with that good," the health boss said. "I'm not offering a position on prescription charges, but I think there is debate that needs to be had there." Leo Varadkar said he profoundly regretted the vote by MPs to reject the Withdrawal Agreement (Brian Lawless/PA) The onus is on Westminster to find solutions to the Brexit impasse which the EU and Ireland can accept, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. The Irish premier said if the UK evolved its red lines on the Customs Union and access to the Single Market then the EU could do likewise. He said he profoundly regretted the vote by MPs to reject the proposed Withdrawal Agreement. We should never forget that Brexit is a British policy that originated in Westminster, he said. Expand Close Leo Varadkar speaks to the media outside Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar speaks to the media outside Government Buildings in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) He recalled the months of negotiations involved in crafting the draft agreement. That solution has now been rejected by Westminster, the problem now lies there, he added. The onus is on Westminster to come up with solutions that they can support, but they must be solutions that the EU and Ireland can accept. We have always said that if the UK were to evolve from its red lines on the Customs Union and the Single Market, that the European position would evolve also. A no-deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland, so we have to work hard to avoid itLeo Varadkar Mr Varadkar was addressing a news conference on Brexit in Dublin. He said Irelands plans for a no-deal are no longer theoretical and are actively moving towards implementation. The statement comes just one day after announcing a Brexit Omnibus Bill, a preemptive legislative Bill to tackle potential fallout from no-deal. Expand Close UK prime minister Theresa May suffered a historic defeat over her EU withdrawal deal on Tuesday (House of Commons/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp UK prime minister Theresa May suffered a historic defeat over her EU withdrawal deal on Tuesday (House of Commons/PA) Our plans for a no-deal exit will continue they are no longer contingency plans, they are being implemented by government. Now businesses and other organisations, if theyre not doing so, must do the same, he said. For government, this involves legislation including the Omnibus Bill and preparations at ports and airports for customs and SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) checks. He warned: A no-deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs, on the economy, particularly the traded and agri-food sectors, our farmers and fishermen, our rural economy, our businessmen and women all over the country. A no-deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland, so we have to work hard to avoid it. When asked whether he believed a change of prime minister would aid the process of finding an agreeable solution to withdrawal, Mr Varadkar said it was a matter for the British people. I dont believe so, but again thats a matter for the British people and the House of Commons and well be willing to work with whoever it is, he said. A woman from Northern Ireland swallowed an entire plastic and foil packet of painkillers in the middle of the night and forgot about it and doctors couldnt find it for more than two weeks An image of the pill packet that was lodged down a Northern Ireland womans throat for almost three weeks (BMJ Journals/PA) A woman from Northern Ireland swallowed an entire plastic and foil packet of painkillers in the middle of the night and forgot about it and doctors couldnt find it for more than two weeks. The bizarre case, dated in November last year, is documented in the medical journal BMJ Case Reports, which revealed that the packet of Tramadol was eventually removed by surgeons after being stuck in her throat for 17 days. It took four visits to Craigavon Area Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for doctors to discover the fit and well woman had swallowed the entire packet. After being told the cause of her complaint the lady is reported to have said: I had no idea Id swallowed this. I couldnt believe it when I saw the picture! The unnamed woman, in her 40s, had gone to A&E complaining of discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Doctors were initially baffled when X-rays and other examinations showed nothing lodged in her oesophagus, but the woman kept returning during a frightening three weeks. After repeated tests and overnight stays in hospital, the packet was finally discovered and removed in an operation. The patient claimed she had taken the prescription painkillers in the middle of the night, but she had no recollection of swallowing the entire plastic packet along with them. Although the chunk of plastic was stuck in her throat for more than two weeks, the woman was still able to eat, drink and breathe normally. When doctors examined her originally she also had no problems moving her neck, and nothing unusual showed up in X-rays. Following the first visit to A&E, doctors believed she had injured her throat while swallowing tablets normally, so told her to come back if there was no improvement in two days. Expand Close A barium swallow image taken of the patient. (BMJ Journals/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A barium swallow image taken of the patient. (BMJ Journals/PA) Only after another five days on her fourth visit did doctors send a camera down the patients throat and discover the true and peculiar cause of the problem. She had swallowed her Tramadol tablets whole in the original foil packet which was lodged in the upper oesophagus, Dr David McCrory wrote in the case report. She underwent rigid oesophagoscopy and removal of foreign body uneventfully (17 days after ingestion of her tablets!) and she was discharged after a period of observation. A yellow weather warning has been issued for Northern Ireland. Credit: Met Office. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland across Wednesday and Thursday. The warning will be in place from 10pm on Wednesday until 11am on Thursday. Icy patches are expected to develop on Wednesday evening and overnight into the early hours of Thursday. There will also be some wintry showers about, mainly over hills and mountains, but also to some lower levels at times. With the exception of high ground, most places will not see any snow settling. The Met Office have warned the public of a risk of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces. There is also likely to be ice on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths. A jeweller and his sister are to stand trial accused of fraud offences in relation to their mother's will A jeweller and his sister are to stand trial accused of fraud offences in relation to their mother's will. David Malcolm Lauro (50), of Hollybrook Grove, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, and his 43-year-old sister Elaine Alison Diane Lauro, of Lough Moss Park, Carryduff, Co Down, appeared at Craigavon Crown Court yesterday. Standing side by side in the dock for their arraignment hearing, the pair pleaded not guilty to a charge of fraud by false representation. The charge states that on February 28, 2016 the pair "made a representation to their siblings which they knew was untrue or misleading, namely that their mother Anna Lauro had signed an original will dated December 27, 2015'' in contravention of the Fraud Act 2006. Elaine Lauro further denied a separate offence of using a false instrument with intent under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act. The charge states that on February 25, 2016, she allegedly presented a cheque "which she knew to be false... with the intention of inducing Santander to accept it as genuine... to make a payment of 167,000 to her''. Judge Donna McColgan QC listed the trial to start on March 11. It is expected to last a week. A defence barrister told the court that a handwriting expert was being engaged in the case for the defendants. He made a legal aid application for David Lauro, telling Judge McColgan that he was a jeweller by profession and said there were assets the court might feel could be "realised'' in paying for his defence. The lawyer said that the legal aid application had previously been refused in the Magistrates Court on the grounds of David Lauro's income and assets. Judge McColgan told the lawyer: "I am refusing the legal aid application.'' Judge McColgan added that the legal aid application could be moved on the morning of the trial, but warned that if she was the trial judge, she could refuse it again. A legal aid application on behalf of Elaine Lauro was adjourned until next month when the case is reviewed ahead of the trial. Hollywood star Liam Neeson is mourning the death of his nephew, five years after he suffered a serious injury in a fall from a telephone kiosk. It is understood Ronan Sexton died in Cushendall over the weekend. The 35-year-old never fully recovered after falling while on a night out with friends in Brighton in June 2014. He had climbed on to a phone box next to the town's famous pier but lost his balance and plunged to the ground. Ronan was the youngest son of Neeson's sister Bernadette. Parish priest Fr Luke McWilliams said the family had asked for privacy as they mourn their loss. The Taoiseach has said Irelands plans for a no-deal Brexit are being implemented but reaffirmed there are no plans for border checks. Leo Varadkar said he "profoundly regrets" Westminster's rejection of Theresa May's deal with the EU but said there would be no checks on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland. He said a no deal would negatively impact the economy warning those business not preparing for a no-deal to do so. It comes after claims there is an understanding within the Irish Government there would have to be a hard border implemented which Dublin officials were refusing to admit. Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Theresa May said the EU could force Dublin to implement border checks should the UK crash out of Europe without a deal. And, Irish Foreign Affairs minister Simon Coveney was caught in unguarded comments admitting that there could be a need for border checks. Read More Were not planning for checks along the land border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Nor are we planning for checks in the sea, said the Taoiseach. He was addressing a news conference on Brexit in Dublin after Theresa May suffered a crushing defeat in the Commons. She did however see off a no confidence vote in her government on Wednesday and called for MPs to join with her in getting a deal with the EU. Mr Varadkar warned of the implications of a no-deal Brexit. A no-deal scenario would have a deeply negative impact on jobs, on the economy, particularly the traded and agri-food sectors, our farmers and fishermen, our rural economy, our businessmen and women all over the country," he said. A no-deal scenario would not protect the peace in Northern Ireland, so we have to work hard to avoid it. The Taoiseach was speaking just a day after announcing a Brexit Omnibus Bill, a preemptive legislative Bill to tackle potential fallout from no-deal. Our plans for a no-deal exit will continue they are no longer contingency plans, they are being implemented by government. Now businesses and other organisations, if theyre not doing so, must do the same, he said. For government, this involves legislation including the Omnibus Brexit Bill and preparations at ports and airports for customs and SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) checks. Contingency plans to ensure medicines supplies are not interrupted and further plans to support exporters, businesses, employers who may be effected severely. "We should never forget Brexit is a British policy. After months of negotiations we found a solution. That solution has been rejected by Westminster, the problem now lies there. "The onus is on Westminster to come up with solutions... but they must be solutions both the UK and Ireland can accept. "If the UK were to evolve from its red lines on the customs union and single market that the European position could evolve also. We have always said the risk of disorderly Brexit at the end of March can be avoided including if necessary an extension of Article 50 deadline." He said extending Article 50 would be up to the UK to apply for and subject to EU member states approving the move. The head of Northern Ireland's health service has said that he was "shocked and appalled" after viewing CCTV image of Muckamore Abbey Hospital. Department of Health (DoH) permanent secretary Richard Pengelly made the comments at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster on Wednesday. More than 20 staff have been suspended due to concerns surrounding safeguarding procedures at the hospital. Read More A report commissioned by the Belfast Trust to examine safeguarding procedures over the five years up to 2017 discovered a "culture of tolerating harm" at Muckamore. A Freedom of Information request revealed that police had been called to the hospital 130 times in nearly five years. There were 31 incidents of patient assaults on staff reported to the PSNI. Mr Pengelly told Labour MP Kate Hoey that he believed issues at the hospital had been addressed. "I'm confident that what is happening today has fundamentally changed from the behaviour that has happened," he said. Expand Close Kate Hoey / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kate Hoey "I cannot say with complete confidence that we know everything that happened, because I still have colleagues reviewing all the available CCTV evidence. "I've looked at some of the CCTV evidence and I was shocked and appalled in some cases by what I saw." Ms Hoey asked Mr Pengelly if he believed a public inquiry should be held into goings on at the hospital. "I wouldn't be able to initiate a public inquiry, that could only be done by the Assembly or the Secretary of State," he replied. "The point I made to the families was that if a public inquiry was initiated today, it would have to adjourn until the police investigation concludes. "The police investigation is ongoing, I met with senior officers last Friday, primarily to offer them any and all support we could." Mr Pengelly said that Muckamore Abbey was an individual case due to the patients at the home. "I don't say this is any way to excuse what happened but there are a very, very challenging set of behaviours happening at Muckamore due to the patient cohort, that said they absolutely must be treated with respect, courtesy and have dignity at all times. Anything less than that is unacceptable," the health boss said. "I think the public inquiry wouldn't be able to move at this stage. I am not saying there shouldn't be a public inquiry, I am saying I think the time to answer that question will be when the police investigation has concluded, and hopefully there will be a minister in place to do that. Ms Hoey asked if systems were in place to stop similar abuse happening in other parts of Northern Ireland. "It would be difficult to give an absolute, categorically sure that is the case, I sincerely hope that is the case," Mr Pengelly replied. "I have made the points to Chief Executives of all (health) trusts, I have wrote to trust Chief Executives to bring them in specifically for a summit on this, cultural issues. "I would say I think Muckamore is different to any other institution we have given the patient cohort. I am assured the culture and attitude has changed, what's happening today is different from the period under review. "The main reason for meeting with trust Chief Executives is to develop an action plan to make good on my commitment that a year from now nobody will call Muckamore their home, we have people that have been there for far, far too long." Meanwhile, Mr Pengelly told Ms Hoey that he had only had one meeting with Secretary of State Karen Bradley since she took office. Retired PSNI Chief Superintendent Robbie Robinson has been laid to rest after falling to his death on the Mourne Mountains on Sunday. Mr Robinson's funeral was held Seapatrick Holy Trinity Church of Ireland in Banbridge on Wednesday. He was then buried in Banbridge New Cemetery. Read More The father-of-two and grandfather-of-three (64) died after slipping on muddy ground while walking at the top of Slieve Commedagh with his son Neil. Neil said his father, who he described as a devoted family man who loved life, had "tumbled". Unable to see him, Neil alerted the emergency services, who arrived after attending another fatal accident involving father-of-three Sean Byrne on nearby Wee Binnian. Mr Byrne's funeral took place in Camlough on Monday. Mr Robinson had served in the police for 33 years, retiring 14 years ago. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried into the church for the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried into the church for the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 16th January 2018 Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. The 64-year-old former senior RUC officer died on Sunday after an incident in the Mourne Mountains, Co. Down, Mr Robinson's coffin is carried from the church after the funeral service. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Funeral of Robert Robinson at Holy Trinity Church in Banbridge. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye "It was just purely a freak accident," said Neil. "There was wind beforehand, but there wasn't any wind at the time. "He had easily been up the Mournes hundreds of times. "We want to dispel any rumours that it was due to the weather. It wasn't the weather in any way, shape or form." Mr Robinson's wife of 42 years Barbara (62) said she found suggestions that her husband's death was linked to the weather "hurtful". She described him as a "devoted family man" who looked after his three grandkids. "He took all the precautions and he wouldn't have taken the chance if he thought it was dangerous," she said. "He was too experienced for that. He always had everything with him, his kit. He went up on his own manys a time. "It was his passion. He was doing what he loved best, that gives me comfort." The DUP said it is backing the Government in Wednesday night's no confidence motion saying Prime Minister Theresa May must be given time to come up with a better withdrawal agreement but "lessons will need to be learned". Leader Arlene Foster and Nigel Dodds met with the Prime Minister on Wednesday evening just hours before the vote on the Labour motion. Describing the meeting as "useful" Arlene Foster said lessons needed to be learned and the backstop "dealt with". "These are critical times for the United Kingdom and we have indicated that first and foremost we will act in the national interest," she said. Read More It comes as reports mounted EU officials are considering plans to extend the Article 50 exit procedure. The Times reported preparations are underway given the political turmoil in Westminster and the resounding rejection of Mrs May's deal with a view to the UK leaving the EU in 2020. "Lessons will need to be learned from the vote in Parliament," Arlene Foster continued, "The issue of the backstop needs to be dealt and we will continue to work to that end. "In keeping with our commitments in the Confidence and Supply agreement, which has benefited every sector of society in Northern Ireland, the DUP is supporting the Government this evening so that we can concentrate on the real challenges ahead of us. "We will have further engagements in the coming days." The Prime Minister needs to be given time to deliver a better withdrawal agreement. Nigel Dodds Theresa May is widely expected to see-off. Should she lose there could be a General Election called. Nigel Dodds said he believed an election was not in the national interest and didn't believe a Corbyn government as an alternative was a good idea. Nigel Dodds amusingly implies that Labour MPs have asked the DUP to ensure the confidence vote is won by the #Conservatives - Even Labour MPs don't really want a Corbyn PM #NoConfidence pic.twitter.com/nzx9jP3AmH Eddie Hughes MP (@EddieHughes4WN) January 16, 2019 He described the motion of no confidence in the Government as "little more than opportunism". The MP told the Commons: "Last nights verdict was emphatic and clear. Now that the result is known, the Prime Minister must listen and learn lessons, particularly if she is to secure vital changes to the Withdrawal Agreement. "The Government knows full well our concerns about the Brexit negotiations but we believe it is in the national interest to support the Government at this time so that the aims and objectives of the Confidence and Supply Agreement are achieved. "Labours motion of no confidence is little more than opportunism and does not set out any genuine alternative programme for government. In the national interest the Prime Minister needs to be given time to deliver a better withdrawal agreement that can command our support in the House of Commons." Arlene Foster has said she had a useful discussion with Theresa May and confirmed the party will support the Prime Minister in Wednesdays confidence vote. The DUP leader said she had indicated during a meeting in London, which was also attended by the partys Westminster leader Nigel Dodds, that her party will act in the national interest. She added that the issue of the backstop, the main sticking point for the DUP in Mrs Mays rejected Withdrawal Agreement, needs to be dealt with and we will continue to work to that end. In a statement issued after the meeting, Mrs Foster said: These are critical times for the United Kingdom and we have indicated that first and foremost we will act in the national interest. Lessons will need to be learned from the vote in Parliament. I hope that our Prime Minister uses that vote last night to go to Europe and to look for a better deal.Arlene Foster The issue of the backstop needs to be dealt with and we will continue to work to that end. She confirmed the party will vote in support of the Government so that we can concentrate on the real challenges ahead of us. There will be further engagements in the coming days, she added. Speaking to the Press Association Mrs Foster said she told Mrs May her view is that we should use the scale of that (Tuesdays) defeat to go back to Brussels and argue very strongly for the backstop to be looked at again and dealt with in a meaningful way so that we can get a withdrawal agreement that works for the European Union, but also works for the United Kingdom as a whole. She added: If we want a deal, and we do want a deal, and if Europe wants a deal then let us come back to the table and get that deal. Its not a question of opening up the whole withdrawal agreement. It is dealing with that single issue of the backstop. Earlier, Mrs Foster said she would urge the Prime Minister to go back to Europe and seek a better deal, and called on the Irish Government to help find solutions to Brexit. She also claimed there had never been a hard border on the island of Ireland. She told Northern Ireland-based U105 radio: For those of us who lived on the border and who were attacked by the IRA, we know that the IRA escaped across that border so it was not a hard border, nobody wants to go back to that. It takes the will to look for solutions and the regrettable thing is the Republic of Ireland has not been in the solution-finding mode. I hope that they are now, I hope that our Prime Minister uses that vote last night to go to Europe and to look for a better deal. Asked if she stood by her border comments in the face of criticism, she told the Press Association: I was simply saying that even then (during the Troubles) it was not hermetically sealed. What we need to see is no infrastructure on the border and our own Government has committed to that. I understand that the Republic of Irelands Government has committed to that as well because there are other ways to deal with customs and trade and regulatory alignment. The DUPs 10 MPs voted against Theresa Mays draft EU Withdrawal Agreement on Tuesday. Opposition had focused on the backstop, an insurance policy to avoid a hard Irish border after Brexit. Customers are being duped into handing over their personal and financial details via fake TV Licensing emails. A Craigavon resident has been conned out of 15,000 in a TV Licensing scam. The incident comes following fraud warnings issued earlier this month by TV Licensing after cyber crime watchdog Action Fraud said they received around 2,500 reports from Northern Ireland residents about fraudulent emails. Read More In a post on social media, PSNI Craigavon said the victim was sent an email purporting to be from TV Licensing stating their licence was due for renewal. They were then directed to a false website, which appeared to be legitimate, where they entered their bank details to pay their licence. "A few days later the victim was phoned by someone claiming to be from their bank and was able to tell them all of the information which was inputted into the fake website," police said. "The person on the phone said they were from the fraud department and had noticed some strange transactions. The next day a text was received from her bank asking to be contacted immediately. "It was confirmed that the call the previous day was nothing to do with the bank. This was victim has lost approximately 15,000 in this despicable act. "Please warn friends and family who may not have access to social media to see these warnings." Earlier this month, Alana Taylor, a spokeswoman for TV Licensing issued a warning about the scam after seeing a rise in fraud reports. "In common with other large organisations like HMRC, TV Licensing suffers from fraudsters sending scam emails to the public posing as genuine TV Licensing communications," she said. "TV Licensing will never email customers, unprompted, to ask for bank details, personal information or tell you that you may be entitled to a refund." "Anyone who has provided details as a result of a fraudulent email should report it via ActionFraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If they have provided bank details, they should call their bank urgently." TV Licensing said there are a number of tips to follow to help identify scam emails, including looking out for those which don't include your name or those addressed directly to your email address. Phrases such as 'action required' or 'security alert' in the email subject line should also be treated as suspect. Nearly 60 police officers are attacked each week, according to figures There have been calls for tougher sentences for assaults on PSNI officers after new figures showed nearly 60 are attacked each week. Figures obtained by the BBC reveal that since 2012/13 a total of 17,248 assaults against officers have been recorded - just under 3,000 a year. Read More In comparison, there were 2,278 recorded assaults on ambulance staff and 677 against firefighters. One officer serving in north Belfast said he was assaulted on a weekly basis. While most incidents were minor, such as a punch to the arm or a slap to the head, he said there had been a number of occasions he feared for his life. Mark Lindsay, chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland, which represents rank-and-file officers, said: "We're very clear that each case needs to be looked at individually, but we don't accept at all this is a policeman's lot that they should be subjected to vicious assaults. "When our people put themselves in danger to protect the public and get assaulted, the judiciary needs to send a message out to society it's wrong and won't be tolerated. "You should expect a custodial sentence or the very maximum the sentencing guidelines allow." Judiciary NI said that sentencing was a matter for each individual judge after consideration of the specific circumstances of each case. It added: "In calculating the appropriate sentence for the offence, the judge will have considered a range of factors." Former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Alan McQuillan said he was most concerned by declining police numbers and the increasing availability of drugs. "With the RUC you had a lot more officers, which acted as a deterrent," he said. "In the past the main issue was alcohol but now you have people on various types of drugs, which lower the inhibitions even further. I'm not surprised we're facing this level of problem." While calling for tougher deterrents, he said a custodial sentence wasn't always the answer. "Many people are doing this because of major addictions. What we also need is an effective system to try and get them rehabilitated," he added. "What happens is you lock them up for three months and they just do it again." Ulster Unionist policing spokesman Alan Chambers MLA said he was shocked by the figures. "I utterly condemn those responsible for the assaults, and would support a minimum custodial sentence for those convicted of assaulting all emergency services staff, whether that be police officers, paramedics, fire crews or whoever," he said. Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said the high-risk nature of policing meant that, regrettably, it was inevitable officers could be attacked. "This is far from acceptable and must be condemned. Any attack is a criminal offence that should be viewed as a serious matter when it is brought before the courts," he said. "I would appeal to people to see beyond the uniform and understand that an attack on a police officer is an attack on a member of your community, who also has family at home awaiting their safe return from work each day." He added officers were well equipped and trained to deal with violent incidents and the PSNI took seriously its responsibilities to support them. "In addition to the treatment available through medical practitioners, the PSNI has one of the largest and best resourced occupational health and welfare departments in the UK. The services available include counselling, specialist psychological support, physical fitness programmes, physiotherapy and general wellbeing support," he said. The war memorial in Coagh. Credit: Google. Concrete slabs have been damaged at a war memorial in Co Tyrone. The war memorial on Main Street, Coagh was damaged between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday morning. Police said that the damage was not believed to be a deliberate act. The man was refused bail on charges related to an alleged two-year campaign of molestation. A Belfast man accused of sexually abusing his teenage daughter groomed and manipulated her with talk of running away together, the High Court has heard. Prosecutors claimed the 38-year-old defendant controlled her to such an extent that she still remains loyal to him. Details emerged on Wednesday as he was refused bail on charges related to an alleged two-year campaign of molestation. The man, who cannot be identified, faces counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child family member, sexual communication with a child, making and possessing indecent photographs of a child, inciting her to take indecent images, and possessing Class A drugs. The alleged offences were committed from June 2016 to December 2018, when his daughter was aged between 13 and 15. Social services and police were alerted last month after the girl confided to a school friend, according to the prosecution. Crown lawyer Conor Maguire said: "The friend had received phone messages (from her) over the weekend stating that it was happening again, and that her father was coming to get her." Most of the alleged assaults occurred in the family home, fuelled by heaving drinking and occurring up to twice a week. It was claimed the man also ordered his daughter to pose for indecent photographs, and sent messages referring to the type of abuse he intended to carry out. Examination of the accused's mobile phone corroborates the girl's version of events, Mr Maguire contended. During interviews the man initially denied any sexual activity with her. But he subsequently made "partial admissions" to taking indecent photos of his daughter, asking her to send images to him, and using cocaine, the court was told. Opposing bail, Mr Maguire cited the risks of re-offending and interference with the investigation. "The injured party has what is described as remarkable loyalty to the applicant, notwithstanding the abuse she said occurred," he continued. "She has also told police that the applicant had said to her that they would run away together and make a life together." Amid an alleged deterioration in his marriage, the man was said to have feared being forced to leave his home before Christmas. Mr Maguire added: "Police say the applicant has manipulated, groomed and controlled the injured party over two years to the extent that she has this relationship with him." Defence counsel Ben Thompson said his client voluntarily went to police and cooperated fully once the allegations emerged. He confirmed partial admissions were made to "lower end" sexualised contact and taking images. "A picture is painted of him at that stage experiencing relationship difficulties with his wife, suffering severely distorted thinking and increasingly prevalent reliance on alcohol, particularly in the evening times where he found himself in a pattern of staying up later and drinking more and more heavily," Mr Thompson submitted. He argued that the accused has since detoxified and could be released to live at an address well away from his daughter. Denying bail, however, Mrs Justice Keegan ruled: "At the minute I don't consider that the risk could be managed." Protestant victims' campaigner Willie Frazer has revealed how he "feels conned" by notorious INLA killer Dessie O'Hare, who convinced him he had become a born again Christian. Mr Frazer said he had shaken hands with O'Hare, who pleaded guilty on Monday to charges of assault and false imprisonment in Dublin. Read More He described O'Hare, known as the Border Fox and suspected of involvement in around 30 killings, as "a master of deception". Mr Frazer said that a number of years ago he had heard O'Hare had turned his life around and was attending Christian fellowship meeting in the Armagh area. He said he went along to one "seeking an honest conversation with O'Hare". The two had discussed what brought them to faith, with O'Hare denouncing his terrorist past and Mr Frazer extending "the hand of Christian friendship". But he now feels conned, proclaiming that Dessie O'Hare never was a man of God. "Not only is O'Hare a hardened criminal, he is a convincing liar," he said. "I've no doubt that many were conned by his profession of faith." Mr Frazer, who said he went later to confront O'Hare, urged gardai to investigate O'Hare's former and current links with terrorism. He added: "Trying to use God as a cover in the end will prove more devastating to him than any past activity." A Northern Ireland man accused of raping his baby son is to be questioned on other matters, a judge has ruled. Standing handcuffed in the dock of Newry Magistrates Court on Wednesday, January 16, the 25-year-old, who cannot be named to protect his infant son, confirmed his name and date of birth. He is in custody charged with sexually assaulting his two-week-old son on September 29 last year and with inflicting grievous bodily harm on the baby with intent. Previous courts have heard how the child was found with broken ribs and thigh bones and was taken to hospital with unexplained injuries including a brain haemorrhage, a number of broken bones, traumatic bruising and bleeding. The defendant denies sexually assaulting the infant and an unsuccessful bail hearing at the High Court heard how he claimed he may have unintentionally hit the childs head on a wall while tired and frustrated. That court also heard claims police allegedly discovered extreme pornographic material and indecent images of children on a phone linked to the accused. In Newry Magistrates Court, Detective Constable Davis confirmed the police were applying under Article 47 for the defendant to be released into their custody for 24 hours to be questioned in relation to other separate offences than which he is presently in custody. The defence Solicitor confirmed the application was being consented to. That being the case, District Judge Eamon King ordered the alleged rapist to be freed into police custody at Banbridge PSNI station for 24 hours. The child developed severe cerebral palsy after being starved of oxygen to the brain when he was born at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry. A six-year-old boy from Co Londonderry who suffered devastating injuries at birth is set to be awarded nearly 5 million in damages. The child, who cannot be identified, developed severe cerebral palsy after being starved of oxygen to the brain when he was born at Altnagelvin Hospital. The pay out confirmed as part of a settlement reached in the case is believed to be one of the biggest of its kind in Northern Ireland. Lawyers representing the boy's family sued the Western Health and Social Care Trust for alleged medical negligence. The claim centred on procedures and actions during his birth in 2012. He sustained a traumatic brain injury which left him with profound disabilities. Liability was accepted days before the action was due to go to trial at the High Court in Belfast. Negotiations then centred on the level of damages to be awarded to cover the care and specialist therapies the boy will require for the rest of his life. The settlement, approved today by Mr Justice Maguire, is expected to reach 4.9m. Outside court the child's solicitor, Harry McAleese of McCartan Turkington Breen, said: "The family are delighted and relieved at the outcome of this long-running case. "This settlement will enable them to provide the necessary support and comfort for their child." Pro-Brexit supporters outside the Houses of Parliament, London, following the House of Commons vote on the Prime Minister's Brexit deal Pro-EU supporters react outside the Houses of Parliament after the vote last night Northern Ireland's politicians have called for a People's Vote, or for the Government to "get the EU back to the negotiating table" after the defeat of Theresa May's withdrawal agreement. Independent North Down MP Lady Hermon, who voted in favour of the deal, told the Belfast Telegraph that the size of the defeat had come as a "complete surprise" and the calculations of Tory whips had turned out to be spectacularly wrong. "I'm quite sure the Prime Minister will not lose the vote of no confidence tabled by the Labour Party," she said. "Beyond that, however, we are still in the dark about whether the Prime Minister has a Plan B, and if she has, what is in it." UUP leader Robin Swann called for the Government to seek an extension to Article 50, and said the backstop issue "needs dealt with". "The Prime Minister and the team around her have been trying to resurrect their doomed withdrawal agreement for weeks," he said. "Attempts to manipulate this vote to be a decision between a bad deal and no-deal were desperate in the extreme and have clearly backfired, resulting in an emphatic defeat for the Government. "Instead of more prevarication and reckless negotiating tactics, the UK Government needs to recalibrate its negotiating position, grab this process by the scruff of the neck and seek an extension to Article 50. Then get the EU back to the negotiating table. "The debate has clearly shown that there is no desire amongst the majority of MPs for a no-deal Brexit. The EU's claims that they want to defend the Belfast Agreement must now be backed up by actions that reflect their responsibility. The backstop needs dealt with and they know it." Mr Swann said his party wants a deal which "doesn't undermine the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom or the principle of consent which is at the heart of the Belfast Agreement". Alliance leader Naomi Long called for a People's Vote. "The Brexit process has been defined by a flawed concept, incompatible red lines, unrealistic expectations and imaginary solutions," she said. "Even today, 30 months on, there is still no clarity on what the UK wants in terms of Brexit. "Parliament last week rejected a no-deal Brexit, recognising it would be a disaster for the UK, and a catastrophe for Northern Ireland. Now they have rejected the withdrawal agreement, despite the fact any negotiated Brexit will require a withdrawal agreement, including an open-ended, all-weather backstop. "They have also comprehensively failed to offer any single alternative which commands a majority. It is now clear the only coherent way forward is to have a People's Vote." SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MLA said that politicians in Westminster must wake up to the reality that there can be no deal without a backstop, "There is no such thing as a good Brexit, but if we are forced to leave the EU then Northern Ireland must be protected through a backstop," he said. "The naive belief in Westminster that a better deal can be negotiated with Brussels is merely postponing the inevitable. That fact remains - there is no way to avoid a hard border in Ireland if Northern Ireland leaves the customs union and single market. That is why a backstop is essential. Northern Ireland's economy and stability can't be sacrificed because politicians in London have failed to recognise the obvious." Green Party leader Clare Bailey called for a People's Vote to "push through the parliamentary impasse". "Westminster and Theresa May's Government are in chaos, a People's Vote is a must," she said. "The option to remain must be on the table as part of a People's Vote. The majority of people across Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU and the polls tell us that most people would swing to remain if a vote happened tomorrow." TUV leader Jim Allister said he was "delighted" that the draft deal had been defeated. He said: "It deserved no better. The PM needs to now present the EU with the unequivocal choice of ditch the backstop or face no deal. "No more rollover - time to make Brussels face reality." People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said Theresa May had "lost all authority". "The Tories have shown a cavalier attitude towards the border and the concerns of ordinary people in the North," he said. "They are completely out of touch. The Tories should be brought down as soon as possible and replaced with a Corbyn-led government which can implement socialist policies for the vast majority in our society." MPs rejected Labours motion of no confidence in Theresa Mays Government by 325 votes to 306 - a majority 19 - with the DUP highlighting just how crucial their votes were to the Prime Minister. Theresa May said her cross-party meetings would begin immediately on Wednesday night with party leaders on finding a way through the deadlock and reaching agreement on a Brexit deal. Jeremy Corbyn called on the Prime Minister to take a no-deal departure off the table. Read More Nigel Dodds pointed out how crucial DUP MPs were in the vote. Had they voted in favour of the motion, the Prime Minister would have lost by one vote and there would have been a General Election. The North Belfast MP said the DUP's 10 votes made the difference. Independent Lady Sylvia Hermon - the only other Northern Ireland MP in the Commons - also voted in support of the Government. The result of tonight's vote shows the importance of our C&S Agreement. DUP votes once again make the difference. Nigel Dodds (@NigelDoddsDUP) January 16, 2019 "The results illustrates the importance of the confidence and supply arrangement that is currently in place," he told the Commons. One MP could be heard responding "and the billion quid that goes with it". An MP also waved a bank card at the MP. Expand Close An MP waved a credit card at Mr Dodds during his remarks. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp An MP waved a credit card at Mr Dodds during his remarks. Mr Dodds continued: "I am always delighted when out our opponents illustrate the strength of that relationship and what it delivers for Northern Ireland. "And when the people of Northern Ireland see that investment in education and health and infrastructure they will thank this party and this government for that extra investment." He added: "The confidence and supply arrangement is built upon delivering Brexit on the basis of our shared priorities and for us that is the Union and we want to deliver Brexit taking back control of our laws, our border and our money and we leave the EU as one country. "Let us work in the coming days to achieve that objective," he said to nods from the Prime Minister. Tellers report the result of the vote in the Commons last night The DUP will hold "intensive talks" with the Government over coming days to draw up a Brexit Plan-B following Theresa May's crushing defeat in Parliament. Westminster sources last night said that previous clashes between Arlene Foster's party and the Prime Minister over her Brexit deal were "water under the bridge". Senior teams from both parties will now try to map out a way forward on a new plan. The 230-vote margin of defeat for Mrs May's Brexit deal in the House of Commons was the largest defeat for a government in parliamentary history. Sinn Fein said the Brexit crisis had deepened and urged Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to stand firm and protect the backstop. The Irish government said Parliament's rejection of the Withdrawal Agreement had added to the uncertainty and increased the risk of a disorderly Brexit. It said it would be stepping up preparations for a no-deal scenario. Mrs May's deal was defeated by 432 votes to 202. A total of 118 Tory rebels, including staunch Brexiteers like Boris Johnson and Jacob Rees-Mogg and former Brexit secretaries David Davis and Dominic Raab, joined Remainers Anna Soubry and Dominic Grieve in voting against the Government. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the "catastrophic" defeat represented an "absolutely decisive" verdict by MPs on Mrs May's handling of Brexit. He then moved to table a motion of no-confidence in the Government - but without the support of the DUP it is set to fail. Mrs Foster's party last night confirmed it will be supporting the Prime Minister in today's vote. Mrs May has made it clear she won't resign. She said she would be setting out plans for talks with senior parliamentarians from parties across the Commons in the hope of finding "genuinely negotiable" solutions which she can take to Brussels. Mrs Foster urged her to return to EU leaders and renegotiate to secure a "better deal". The DUP leader insisted that Parliament had "acted in the best interests of the entire UK" when it voted against the Withdrawal Agreement. "The House of Commons has sent an unmistakable message to the Prime Minister and the EU that this deal is rejected," Mrs Foster said. "Mrs May will now be able to demonstrate to the Brussels' negotiators that changes are required if any deal is to command the support of Parliament. We will work with the Government constructively to achieve a better deal. That is our focus." Mrs Foster continued: "Whilst some may wish to use this defeat to boost their political ambitions, we will give the Government the space to set out a plan to secure a better deal. "Reassurances, whether in the form of letters or warm words, will not be enough. "The Prime Minister must now go back to the EU and seek fundamental change to the Withdrawal Agreement. "We want an orderly exit from the European Union with a sensible deal which works for Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom." DUP MP Sammy Wilson confirmed his party would be backing the Government today. "We will vote against the Labour Party's confidence motion," he told the BBC. "We want to see the Conservative Government continuing to deliver on Brexit ... we never wanted a change of government. We wanted a change of policy back to what the Prime Minister promised in the manifesto she stood on, and the promises she made in subsequent speeches." Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald urged the Dublin government to stand firm. "Ireland's people, Ireland's economy and Ireland's peace process all need to be protected as we go forward now," she said. "The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste and our partners at a European level need to stand firm and not move away from or attempt to dilute the backstop. "We need to say clearly to the British that if they wish to Brexit then that's a matter for themselves, but any Brexit agreement needs to recognise, understand and protect the people, the economy and the peace process on this island." Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill tweeted that the "Brexit crisis has deepened further tonight". She added: "No-deal crash out is completely reckless and not in our people's, households or businesses interests. Backstop is the bottom line and is not up for negotiation." The Irish government said that the Commons' vote had added to the uncertainty "about the nature" of the UK leaving the EU. It urged Downing Street to set out how it planned to move forward. In a statement, the Dublin administration said: "The Irish government continues to believe that ratification of this Agreement is the best way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the UK, which avoids a hard border and respects the single market and Customs Union, while also delivering on the UK's objectives for withdrawal. "Regrettably, the outcome of (the) vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently, the government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome." The Irish government said its cabinet discussed preparation for a no-deal Brexit in detail yesterday. "Cabinet took a number of significant decisions, including the preparation of essential legislative measures as part of this ongoing work," it added. "This work will intensify over the next few weeks." In the statement, Dublin insisted it was "not too late" to avoid a disorderly Brexit and called for the UK to set out how it will resolve the impasse "as a matter of urgency". The SDLP has hit out at Arlene Foster after she said that even during the Troubles there had never been a hard border in Ireland. Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty accused the DUP leader of being "divisive" and "flippant" when speaking at a conference in London yesterday. Read More Mrs Foster said: "The borders of the past were there for a completely different reason. "They were there to stop terrorists; they were there to stop the flow of Semtex as opposed to the flow of powdered milk." Mr McNulty said: "We all know Arlene has admitted to the RHI Inquiry that she could not be expected to be over 'every single jot and tittle'. "However, at a time like this how can she get her facts so wrong and be comfortable making divisive, inaccurate comments? "The DUP leader has unashamedly not let the facts get in the way of a good soundbite." Mr McNulty added: "Long before the Troubles broke out there was a customs border. "A border existed since partition and it existed primarily as a customs border. "It sought to prevent the carrying of goods across the border without paying excise duty. "It was only in the 1970s the militarised border appeared and this lasted for over 30 years. "The people of Ireland, north and south, do not want to go back to any form of border on this island. "Mrs Foster and her colleagues have blindly followed the right-wing pied pipers Jacob Rees-Mogg, David Davis and Boris Johnson into a Brexit cul-de-sac." South Down Sinn Fein MP Chris Hazzard shared a picture on social media of a fortified border post from the Troubles era. "What absolute nonsense; I'm guessing she never attempted to cross the border then?!" he tweeted. Responding to some of the criticism on Twitter, DUP MLA Christopher Stalford said: "We know why there was a harder border during our recent history and it had precious little to do with trade policy. Secondly, if the Provos had tried to murder your father and escaped over it, maybe your perspective would be different." Speaking at the pro-Brexit event in London, Mrs Foster called for a better deal than the withdrawal agreement. "There is no need for the backstop," she said. "The Irish Prime Minister has indicated he will not be putting up a harder border on the island of Ireland. As someone who lived through the Troubles, we never had a hard border. "There were 20,000 soldiers in Northern Ireland and they couldn't hermetically seal the border in Northern Ireland. "It is a bit of a nonsense, frankly, to talk about a hard border." She added: "What we should be looking at is ways to use technology. "We are living in the modern world. We should be using technology. "We should be using our intelligence. "We should be using risk analysis in terms of the single market which they want to protect - I understand that." Renowned for its high levels of service, and hosting some of the most discerning customers at sea, the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2, now a floating hotel docked permanently in Dubai, will be home to the Middle East's first British Butler Institute from January 26. Principal of the Institute and former head butler at the Ritz, Gary Williams is in charge of training the service stars of tomorrow. We find out which skills he'll be teaching them... 1. A butler is a jack of all trades and a master of each one "A butler can be a valet, chef, housekeeper, chauffeur and PA rolled into one. From collecting the newspapers at 6am, ready to provide tray service for those who wish to have breakfast in bed, to serving dinner and drinks at the end of the day, they have a wide variety of tasks to perform, and there's no hopping from foot to foot, hoping for the day to end," says Williams. "Should there be any gaps in the day, they should polish silver, clean or drive the cars, open the post, answer the phone and front door, take the dog for a walk, run baths, deal with contractors and generally ensure that everybody is happy." 2. Plan ahead and always pay attention to detail From regularly meeting with their employer, known as the principal, and the other members of staff they work with, to liaising with the staff of any guests who are coming to stay, it is so important to plan ahead, Williams adds. "Before a big shoot or house party, I often contact the guests' PA or butler, to ask what their requirements are. "Perhaps they like fresh pink roses by the bed or Tanqueray gin with three slices of lemon and Fever Tree tonic before supper. "With the principal's permission, I ensure that these are all available, so their stay is as comfortable as possible." 3. Everything must be done in the correct fashion From folding napkins and shining shoes, to serving cigars and carrying out a turndown service, there is a correct way to perform each task that every butler must know. "We teach 38 modules on how to serve different items," he says. Expand Close The famous floating hotel PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The famous floating hotel 4. Know how to clean everything "It is vital to know everything there is to know about stain removal," notes Williams. "If a guest spills wine on their suede shoes, I will remove it using an eraser, an emery board and a suede brush. "Should a lady spill red wine on a silk dress, I'll let her know that should it be ironed in, it will stain forever. "I'll also suggest that she changes immediately if possible, put soda water on it and then take it to a specialist cleaner." 5. What does a butler see? Everything, sir, but we never speak of it Expand Close Gary Williams PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gary Williams "We see all manner of political and sexual scandals, but we never speak of anything," he continues. "There is a code of honour, which applies both in and out of the household. "Often, prying guests call me over and whisper, 'Is such and such having an affair?' or, 'Is it true that President Clinton and Brad Pitt are dining here next week?' "To each I give a variation on the answer: 'I am not aware of that, sir'. And I always inform my principal. To find out more about the QE2, visit qe2.com. Visit britishbutlerinstitute.com/qe2 to find out more about the British Butler Institute on board the QE2 From left: Ciaran McConnell, managing director, JP Corry, Sonia Armstrong of Ulster Business, Kieran Harding, managing director, Business in the Community and Noel Mullan, commercial director, Heron Bros Business in the Community is calling on firms across Northern Ireland to enter the 2019 Responsible Business Awards. The charity's annual awards celebrate companies making a difference by taking measures to address social and environmental issues. Entries are open to firms here of all sizes and from all sectors in 10 categories ranging from Responsible Company of the Year, sponsored by Heron Bros, Environmental Leadership Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox, and the One-To-Watch Award, sponsored by Survitec. Moya Johnston, managing director of Survitec and chairman of Business in the Community, said: "The Responsible Business Awards are our annual celebration and recognition of responsible businesses, helping to encourage new ways of thinking and inspiring others to take action. "Each time a business applies for a Responsible Business Award, it is raising the bar for others. "The awards are free to enter and I'd encourage every business, no matter how big or small, to have a look at the range of categories and get your entries ready. "If your organisation is acting as a force for good, we want to hear from you." Find out more at www.bitc.org.uk/awards. Closing date for entries is February 22. Marks & Spencer is to shut its outlet unit at The Junction in Antrim, placing 34 jobs at risk. (Yui Mok/PA) Marks & Spencer is to shut its outlet unit at The Junction in Antrim, placing 34 jobs at risk. The store was on a list of 17 UK branches identified for closure yesterday by the retailer. M&S said the move is part of its programme to reshape its store estate. However, the company said it still intended to open a new branch in Carrickfergus in the summer. Its only other outlet store here is at The Boulevard in Banbridge, which experienced a 22% boom in shoppers during December. It will continue trading. Simon Layton, head of region for Marks & Spencer Northern Ireland, said: "The decision to propose the closure of our outlet store at The Junction has been a difficult one. "Supporting our hard-working colleagues is our priority. "We'll be speaking with them individually over the coming weeks about what's best for them. "Our commitment to ongoing food expansion in Northern Ireland will continue with the opening of a new store in Carrickfergus." The plan to shut the discount outlet at The Junction comes six months after shoe retailer Clarks closed its outlet store at the Co Antrim retail park, which was bought by property firm The Lotus Group in 2016. The Co Down property group said yesterday that footfall figures for The Junction during December were 2.55% down on its 2017 performance. While slightly below the UK average, which reflected a 2.6% decline, the drop was in stark decline to some other shopping hubs here, which saw record numbers passing through during the Christmas period. Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon, Co Armagh, reported its most successful Christmas in 42 years with a 15% jump in shoppers. And Ballymena's Fairhill Shopping Centre in Co Antrim reported a 7% rise in footfall during December compared to the previous year. Lotus said The Junction was currently undergoing a significant revamp. Despite the loss of Marks and Spencer, The Junction saw the addition of McDonald's, Intersport, Bonmarche and Beauty Outlet last year. Nandos is already among the brands confirmed to relocate to the site in 2019. The Boulevard outside Banbridge, which is also owned by the Lotus Group, saw a much improved December, with footfall surging by 21.8% compared with 2017. A spokesman for the property firm said: "The Junction is in the early stages of its 30m redevelopment masterplan and will be welcoming a number of new brands to the scheme in 2019. "In comparison, The Boulevard is much further along in terms of redevelopment timelines. We look forward to seeing similar results with The Junction over the coming years." The number of people employed by Marks & Spencer's outlet store at The Junction in Antrim Airbus says it plans to ramp up production of the A220 aircraft series after a record breaking year, generating more work for Bombardier's Belfast plant, where the wings are made. The European aerospace giant has produced 20 A220s since acquiring a majority stake in the planes from Bombardier in July. That compares with the 13 jets produced in the first six months of 2018 under the Canadian manufacturer and 17 in the whole of 2017. Airbus confirmed that work has already started to increase the capacity of its current assembly facility for the A220 in Mirabel, Canada. Work is also due to start towards the end of the year on a new delivery centre at the Canadian plant. And Airbus is starting construction today on its new assembly facility in Mobile, Alabama, which will fulfil orders for US airlines Delta, Jet Blue and Moxy. Florent Massou, who heads up the A220 programme, said the plans will sustain the step-up in production and meet customer demand. "These are major investments we will carry out this year at Mirabel to sustain our growth and to give us all the enablers that will be necessary to continue the ramp up of the A220 in Mirabel," he said. "We need to expedite the base of all processes here in Mirabel." Airbus currently has orders for 537 A220s from 19 different operators. On the 20 jets produced since July, Mr Massou described it as "a very demanding but also outstanding ramp-up compared to other programmes". He added: "It shows the magnitude of the ramp-up we are going through. The ramp-up is not over and we continue to grow." Meanwhile, Airbus has been granted new certification in Canada to fly unconstrained routes over water. The company said on Monday that it had received 180-minute extended operations approval from the Canadian civil aviation authority, Transport Canada. "This achievement paves the way for A220 customers to start new direct non-limiting routings over water, remote or underserved regions," it said. Northern Ireland's business community last night urged politicians from all parties to work together to find a solution to avoid "disaster" for the province after the draft withdrawal agreement was rejected. Business groups here who supported the agreement expressed frustration with the continued uncertainty and expressed alarm over the prospect of a no-deal Brexit. Ann McGregor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, called on politicians to find an alternative to the draft agreement to avoid a hard Brexit. She said that while the chamber's members did not all agree on what a Brexit agreement should involve, she said all wanted to avoid a messy and disorderly no-deal. "To achieve this we therefore need an agreement that will secure the transition period and protect jobs," she said. "As businesses wait to see what happens next in Parliament, it is crucial that those at Westminster move beyond tactical manoeuvring and look at all the options in order to avoid a no-deal scenario." She said firms were in the dark on "too many" aspects of life after March 29. "This has already led to many businesses taking action - pausing on recruitment and investment, stockpiling goods, and relocating factories in other parts of the EU. In fact, a third of NI Chamber members are currently putting growth and investment plans on hold in the absence of clarity from Westminster. "There is however nothing to stop government acting decisively on areas within their control, such as migration and customs procedures. "For businesses, it's not about political personalities or procedures, it's about results. They want this long and laborious chapter of Brexit to come to a swift conclusion. The endless Westminster back-and-forth only causes business frustration to mount further." Business groups and the Ulster Farmers Union had formed an unprecedented coalition - in opposition to the DUP - to campaign in favour of acceptance of the proposed deal. Aodhan Connolly, director of the NI Retail Consortium, said the result was a "cause for concern" for businesspeople with the province now closer than ever to a "disaster" no-deal. He said: "Northern Ireland businesses desperately need certainty about the UK's future trading relationship with the EU and will be severely disadvantaged by a no-deal. "A no-deal Brexit means that Northern Ireland households will face higher prices and less choice on the shelves something they can ill afford." He urged politicians to find a "workable" alternative which would protect consumers from the costs of losing the benefits of frictionless trade with the EU. "We are now closer than ever to the possibility of a no-deal that will be a disaster for Northern Ireland." Tina McKenzie, NI policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said we were now "running out of time" to avoid a no-deal. She said the UK crashing out of the EU would be "deeply damaging for small businesses, causing disruption to supply chains, increasing costs and stifling investment". She described a no-deal as "something which we simply cannot countenance" and called on politicians to "sharpen their focus" and do their utmost to reach agreement in the 10 weeks left before March 29. Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said that while imperfect, the draft withdrawal agreement was to be preferred to crashing out without a deal. "The Government now needs to work on a cross-party basis with Labour and other opposition parties to reach a broader agreement for a withdrawal deal and secure the transition period, protect jobs and a positive future relationship with the EU. "It is vital that Labour Party leadership meets with the representatives of the business community in Northern Ireland to move this process forward. "Parliament needs to make it crystal clear that no-deal will not be accepted given the disastrous impact this would have on the economy of Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK." British Irish Chamber of Commerce director general John McGrane said: "With 70bn worth of trade sustaining 400,000 jobs hanging in the balance, the chamber urges parliamentarians on all sides to come together to find a way forward that avoids this outcome." Scott Boden, MD, director of Atlanta-based Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center and chair of the department of orthopedic surgery at Emory University School of Medicine spent years on the forefront of spine care and innovation. Now he also serves as the CMO and chief quality officer of Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine and vice president for business innovation of Emory Healthcare. Here, he discusses the state of the spine field and how the big trends in health IT and price transparency will affect the field. Question: Do you think the future is bright or dark for spine surgery? What are the biggest factors driving decision-making about your practice? Dr. Scott Boden: I think the future of spine surgery is bright. The right operation in the right patient can restore function in very measurable ways. While there is a continued focus on minimally invasive approaches, the choice of operation and patient diagnosis will always be paramount to success. My hope is that artificial intelligence and new diagnostics will help stratify patients more clearly into treatment groups. Q: What do you think about technology companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Amazon moving into the healthcare space? Is this a positive or negative trend for spine and healthcare overall? SB: I think it depends on what these tech companies are adding to the equation to increase quality or decrease cost. That is what we need in healthcare right now and if tech companies can help in those two areas, I'm all for it. We are looking at strategic partnerships in the tech space to improve value. Q: How do you feel about the move toward increased price transparency? Will this have an impact on spine? SB: In principle, this is a trend that has appeared in most other industries. Unfortunately purchasing healthcare services is far more complicated than online shopping, so achieving meaningful transparency is more difficult. The other problem with transparency is that there are not reliable measures of quality, appropriate operative indications, so I am a bit concerned if healthcare choices are solely driven by price. To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com. For a deeper dive into the future of spine, 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. Dayton, Ohio-based Premier Health's Orthopedic Spine Center will open a new office in Centerville, Ohio, according to Dayton Business Journal. Four notes: 1. Premier Orthopedic Spine Center offers spine services for numerous conditions, including degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and osteoporosis compression fractures. 2. Spine surgeon Max Berdichevsky, MD, will see patients at the new location. 3. After earning his medical degree from New York City-based Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Dr. Berdichevsky completed his residency at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center in New York City. He underwent orthopedic spine surgery fellowship training at Portland-based Oregon Health and Science University. 4. Premier Health's physician network will also open a rheumatology facility in Dayton and a family medicine clinic in Xenia, Ohio. Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare is looking to offshore roles throughout the organization to enhance efficiency, according to executive chairman and CEO Ronald Rittenmeyer's Jan. 8 presentation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco. Tenet, one of the nation's major for-profit hospital operators, did not specify what areas of the organization would be affected. However, Mr. Rittenmeyer said Tenet will "look at aggressively" offshoring jobs "across the whole enterprise," which includes Conifer Health Solutions, the company's Frisco, Texas-based healthcare business services subsidiary, according to The Dallas Morning News. Mr. Rittenmeyer said Tenet hadn't determined how many workers would be displaced, but he expects it will be more than 1,000. He said direct patient care employees such as physicians and nurses won't be affected, but the offshoring could affect employees who manage corporate functions, according to the Morning News. He said changes will not take place immediately; he expects them to happen over the next 12 to 18 months, according to the newspaper. When contacted by Becker's Hospital Review, Tenet declined to provide more information about the offshoring plans. But according to the Morning News, Mr. Rittenmeyer expects to release more information at an upcoming employee town hall meeting. Tenet's enterprise includes three areas hospital operations, Conifer and its Addison, Texas-based ambulatory services operation, United Surgical Partners International. A company spokesperson told the Morning News that Tenet's total North Texas workforce is about 6,150 employees. More articles on workforce: 10 best cities to find STEM jobs Arizona hospital expected to add nearly 600 jobs Mercy hospital in Ohio to hold open interviews Jan. 1 More than 32 million U.S. patients have a documented penicillin allergy, but studies have found more than 95 percent can be treated safely with this class of antibiotics. Providers can use several practices to verify a documented penicillin allergy and avoid spreading drug resistance, researchers report in JAMA. The study comes from a consensus development of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology; the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America. The common use of penicillin and related antibiotics, called beta-lactams, is behind the frequent documentation of penicillin allergy, said lead author Erica Shenoy, MD, PhD. "Many reported penicillin allergies are established during childhood, when it is by far the most commonly prescribed antibiotic. If a penicillin is prescribed for what is actually a viral rather than a bacterial infection, a rash that develops may be caused by the virus but attributed to a penicillin allergy, which then is documented in the patient's chart and never questioned again," Dr. Shenoy said. When alternatives are used, it can lead to increased risk of treatment or prevention failure, as well as increased risk of resistant pathogens such as Clostridium difficile. To ensure penicillin allergies are properly evaluated and managed, the researchers suggest providers take a comprehensive history of the reaction that led to allergy documentation, which can help identify the patient's risk level and appropriate procedures for testing. "A simple history can often distinguish intolerances for example, headaches or nausea from allergies," said senior author Kimberly Blumenthal, MD. "Side effects should be judged by their severity, and after discussion with the patient, clinicians should consider the safety of a potential drug challenge." The study authors said some form of evaluation of a documented penicillin allergy can and should be carried out in any clinical setting for all patients with this documentation. "If such allergies are routinely evaluated, patients will not needlessly avoid the beta-lactams that may be the best treatment for their infection and reduce the development of antibiotic resistance," Dr. Blumenthal said. Kealakekua, Hawaii-based Kona Community Hospital lifted visitor restrictions Jan. 14 following a scabies outbreak that started in late 2018, according to Hawaii News Now. Although the restrictions were lifted Jan. 14, hospital officials said it is too soon to declare an all-clear in the outbreak. About 50 people were diagnosed with scabies around the time the virus was brought into the hospital in November. Hospital staff have taken steps to contain the outbreak, including hospitalwide disinfection, preventive treatment of all patient-care employees and daily surveillance of patients and staff. The Colorado health department confirmed nearly 1,200 people have been hospitalized with the flu as of Jan. 12, according to The Coloradoan. At present, the flu accounts for 8 percent of physician visits in Colorado. The state is tied with Maryland for having the second highest rate of flu hospitalizations, according to the CDC. Earlier this month, Phoenix-based Banner Health's urgent care clinic in Loveland treated 20 flu patients in one day, Daniel Bates, MD, a physician lead for Banner's urgent care services, told The Coloradoan. Dr. Bates noted Colorado consistently demonstrates higher flu hospitalization rates than other states, perhaps due to vaccination rates. "Especially around Boulder and Fort Collins, you see a lot of people who choose not to vaccinate themselves or their children, so I think we probably have lower flu vaccination rates than the rest of the country, and that probably contributes to the higher risk right now," he told The Coloradoan. Lawyers for two former patients of Saddle Brook, N.J.-based HealthPlus Surgery Center, which the state temporarily shut down due to poor sterilization practices, said their clients tested positive for hepatitis B, the North Jersey Record reports. The two patients who tested positive for hepatitis B underwent blood tests after the surgery center notified them in December that "lapses in infection control" between Jan. 1 and Sept. 7, 2018, may have exposed them to HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C. The New Jersey health department recommended 3,778 past patients of the surgery center get tested. A third patient, who was treated for hepatitis A after a procedure at the center, is also seeking to join a class-action lawsuit against the facility as lawyers look to broaden the list of diseases and the time period for which the center might be liable. A HealthPlus spokesperson said none of its patients had shown evidence of contracting any of the three diseases from procedures at the center. "No positive test result to date is attributable to any prospective exposure at HealthPlus," the spokesperson told the Record. The New Jersey Department of Health, which receives notification of all positive test results for HIV or hepatitis, said it would not release or confirm the results from testing of HealthPlus patients. "We cannot tell when we receive positive lab results whether they represent infection related to the procedures performed at HealthPlus or were acquired in some other manner," a department spokesperson said. "When the outbreak investigation is complete," she said, the department may release a summary of the test results, identifying how many positive test results were "related to the infection control breach, unrelated to the infection control breaches or impossible to determine." Jordan Spillane, PharmD, has directed ambulatory pharmacy for Wauwatosa, Wis.-based Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin for more than five years. She oversees five retail pharmacies within Froedtert facilities and outpatient anticoagulation services across the health system. Becker's Hospital Review recently asked her to discuss the skills pharmacy leaders need in today's healthcare climate, how to control pharmacy spend and what her proudest moment has been since joining Froedtert. Editor's Note: Responses were edited for length and clarity Question: When it comes to managing drug spend, what advice would you offer other pharmacy leaders? Dr. Jordan Spillane: Use your resources and get creative. It is important to determine the most helpful, value-added resources when managing contracting, wholesaler relationships, shortage challenges and recalls. From a creativity standpoint, I think it is important to have nonpharmacy personnel involved in the drug spend process, as these individuals can have diverse backgrounds and experiences, which can provide a completely new perspective to the process. Q: What skills are essential for pharmacy leaders in today's healthcare climate? JS: Being agile, proactive and communicative. All industries, including healthcare, are undergoing enormous change at a very quick pace. This makes agility the primary skill that pharmacy leaders in healthcare must possess. By being proactive and communicative, pharmacy leaders in healthcare can be strategic and ensure that their staff understand goals and changes that are needed. If the leader is a strong communicator and proactive, this allows for success with changes and initiatives because everyone is aware of the "why" behind the initiative and how it will positively impact patient care. Q: What has been one of your proudest moments since joining Froedtert? JS: Two and half years ago, I was responsible for bringing four disparate teams of pharmacists, nurses and pharmacy technicians together under one team. This was a yearlong project that involved multidisciplinary team members, as well as frontline staff. The change directly impacted patients and required the clinicians to manage the change. It was a great learning experience, teaching me that accountability, immediate follow through and being thoughtful of future changes are essential for success with large changes that involve numerous individuals. Now, the team truly practices as one unified team, following one standardized process and reporting to one leader. It has been incredible to see the change that has occurred and has been sustained. It has also been exciting because other health systems have reached out to understand how our organization went through this process and what our learnings and barriers were so that they can undergo the same process. Q: What market disruptors have your attention? JS: Mergers and acquisitions in Wisconsin. There has been a lot of movement in Wisconsin, with regards to healthcare mergers and acquisitions in the past five years since I started working at Froedtert Health. This movement has created some reactiveness across the state, which has been interesting to work through. It has also caused some patients across the state to shift their preferred health system to Froedtert Health, so we have seen growth in certain areas and have had to be agile to shift tactics to ensure we are providing excellent patient care in those growing areas. The evolution of consumer choice is another change that has my attention. With changes in technology and consumer expectations, it has been exciting to think creatively about how we can continue to provide excellent patient care in a delivery platform that patients want. I am always fascinated when I see consumer data from an age range, locale and socioeconomic perspective. For my clinic pharmacists, we continue to evolve our offerings to provide care in a patient-centric approach. Finally, the increasing age population within Wisconsin. There are very few people moving into Wisconsin although this is changing in the very southeastern portion of the state and most people who live in Wisconsin are approaching 65 years of age. This will dramatically shift the payer mix for our health system. As a result, we are working to proactively prepare for that and thinking creatively about other revenue streams while still keeping patient care as the primary focus for our organization. An appeals court affirmed its ruling that UnitedHealth Group isn't allowed to offset overpayments made to out-of-network providers from some of its health plans by withholding payments to the same provider from its different health plans, according to Law 360. Three things to know: 1. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit affirmed its ruling in a Jan. 15 filing. The ruling concerns cross-plan offsetting, through which UnitedHealth recovers any overpayments to in-network providers under agreements that allow the health insurer to offset the overpayment through withholding the overpaid amount in subsequent payments. 2. In 2007, UnitedHealth expanded its cross-plan offsetting practices to out-of-network providers. Class-action lawsuits were filed against the health insurer in 2014 and 2015 by two out-of-network providers challenging the cross-plan offsetting practices. The cases were later consolidated. While UnitedHealth argued the plaintiffs weren't authorized to bring their actions and that cross-plan offsetting is allowed, the court disagreed. 3. In its Jan. 15 filing, the court affirmed its previous agreement with the plaintiffs: "The plaintiffs, litigating under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ['ERISA'] on behalf of their patients, the plan beneficiaries, claim the relevant plan documents do not authorize United to engage in cross-plan offsetting. The district court agreed and entered partial summary judgment to the plaintiffs on the issue of liability. United appealed the summary judgment order. We affirm." More articles on payers: 4 recent health plan data breaches The health insurance industry in 2019: 4 things to know 1 in 4 pre-Medicare adults don't think they can afford insurance next year These 10 contract resolutions and dissolutions occurred between payers and providers since early December, beginning with the most recent: 1. BCBS of Western New York reaches agreement with 1,000 Catholic Health physicians BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York reached a three-year agreement with Buffalo, N.Y.-based Catholic Health and its affiliated physicians, Catholic Medical Partners. 2. Anthem inks OTC agreement with CVS Anthem Medicare Advantage members in California and New York can purchase over-the-counter medications and health supplies at CVS Pharmacy stores using their health plan allowance beginning in January, the companies said Jan 14. 3. Tenet, Humana sign agreement through 2023 Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare signed a multiyear agreement that will allow Humana members to access the system's hospitals, outpatient centers and employed physicians at in-network rates, the companies said Jan. 15. 4. UnitedHealthcare, 120-facility urgent care chain end dispute New York City-based urgent care system CityMD inked a new contract to remain in UnitedHealthcare's network. 5. Tenet, Cigna reach last-minute contract deal Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare entered into a new multiyear contract with health insurance company Cigna after 11 months of negotiations. 6. 950 ProMedica physicians, Aetna end contract feud ProMedica Physician Group and Aetna resolved disagreements over their contract, allowing thousands of Aetna members to retain in-network access to 950 ProMedica physicians in 2019. 7. Envision reaches in-network agreement with New Jersey's Horizon Healthcare Horizon Healthcare, New Jersey's largest health insurer, and Envision Healthcare reached a statewide multiyear agreement opening Envision's physician network to Horizon patients. 8. Meet the 1st hospitals to join Humana's national value-based network Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston and Cincinnati-based TriHealth are among the first hospitals to join Humana's national value-based Hospital Incentive Program, which reimburses hospitals based on quality improvement and performance metrics. 9. UPMC Pinnacle signs narrow-network agreement with Aetna Harrisburg, Pa.-based UPMC Pinnacle and Aetna extended an existing accountable care agreement to include hospitals recently acquired by the hospital system. 10. Envision, UnitedHealthcare extend contract: 5 things to know UnitedHealthcare and Nashville, Tenn.-based Envision Healthcare, one of the country's largest providers of emergency room services, agreed to extend their contract, effective Jan. 1. Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia sued the man it hired to develop markets for medical breakthroughs, claiming he "misappropriated" confidential research findings, according to the Cherry Hill Courier-Post. Four things to know: 1. CHOP alleges Miami Beach, Fla.-based ViaGenetics, a company run by Richard Postrel, "uses deceptive means to extract confidential information from scientists and other inventors, and then attempts to beat the legitimate inventors in a race to the Patent Office." ViaGenetics began as a technology company in 2013 and has transitioned to research and drug development, according to its website. 2. According to the lawsuit, Hakon Hakonarson, MD, PhD, director of CHOP's Center for Applied Genomics, provided his research findings to ViaGenetics under a confidentiality agreement. He believed ViaGenetics would help him "commercialize" his research, according to the report. 3. CHOP alleges some of the confidential information "was subsequently incorporated into patent applications that list Postrel as the only inventor without permission from CHOP or Dr. Hakonarson." 4. Mr. Postrel denies the allegations. "We were surprised by the lawsuit, which is completely without merit," he told the Cherry Hill Courier-Post. "And we intend to vigorously defend the case." Access the full Cherry Hill Courier-Post article here. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Montana hospital pays $10M to settle kickback suit California AG tries to halt sale of 2 hospitals Physician assistant admits role in $1B Medicare fraud scheme Erik G. Wexler has held senior leadership positions at several major health systems, but it was only upon arriving at Renton, Wash.-based Providence St. Joseph Health that he understood how a faith-based mission can treat patients beyond their physical needs. Mr. Wexler joined Providence in 2016 a regional chief executive. Providence operates 51 hospitals across seven states, with 13 hospitals in the Southern California Region. He previously served as CEO of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare's Northeast Region, worked for Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanguard Health System, and was senior vice president of LifeBridge Health System in Baltimore. Mr. Wexler earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in business administration from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. He recently spoke with Becker's and answered our seven "Corner Office" questions. Editor's note: Responses have been edited lightly for length and style Question: What's one thing that really piqued your interest in healthcare? Erik Wexler: When I was in college, I was a security officer at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Conn. I often worked in the emergency department and saw firsthand the vulnerability and fear of people in need. I felt compelled to help. I imagined each person I saw was my own loved one and that I would do anything possible to comfort them. So I have dedicated a large part of my life to helping others as a way of giving back to those in my community and to society in general. Q: What do you enjoy most about Southern California? EW: We love California. My wife Stephanie and I have two little dogs that we often go out walking and hiking with because the weather is always pretty predictable here. What we find special about California is the lifestyle. It is not a sedentary lifestyle. There's a lot of great restaurants to go to, but there's a lot of great sites to see within an hour or two of Los Angeles. It's one of the best places we've lived in all of our lives. Q: If you could eliminate one of the healthcare industry's problems overnight, which would it be? EW: I think I would eliminate the conflict between payers and providers. I have no doubt both parties desire to exceed the expectations of those they're responsible for, but efforts to drive down costs have still not resulted in alignment and shared incentives. From my perspective, our collective goal should be to keep people healthy and out of the hospital while working together to deliver care closer to home, mostly in the ambulatory setting. Care can even be provided in the household itself. Q: What is your greatest talent or skill outside the C-Suite? EW: Well I'm a fitness freak, so I work out about five days a week. I like to keep my body in motion, whether it's hiking, biking, walking my dogs or even running errands. Stephanie is a cancer survivor, so we learned about the threat of serious illness. The benefit of a scary experience like that is that it has inspired us to keep ourselves healthy, eat well and use fitness and exercise as a way of having balance and mental health as well. Q: How do you revitalize yourself? EW: We own a 42-foot motor home, and one of the ways we revitalize ourselves is by going into national parks or far-off places and completely disconnecting. When I'm on vacation, I do not answer business emails. I turn that off and count on others to make sure everything carries forward in an appropriate fashion. I think revitalization is only achieved when you can fully dedicate your time to yourself and your loved ones. So the RV gives me the opportunity to explore the Western United States and keep myself balanced. We got the RV when we moved to the West Coast. We used to rent RVs when we lived in the Northeast, but one of the beauties of living in Southern California is you get to really use an RV year-round. We just came back from Albuquerque, N.M. Q: What's one piece of advice you remember most clearly? EW: The most important piece of advice I have gotten was over 30 years ago from a man by the name of John DiBella, who was chairman and CEO of a major bank in Connecticut. I was just a young professional at the time and had the opportunity to visit with him in his office. At the end of the meeting, he offered one piece of advice, which is this: No matter who calls you or writes to you, respond to them within 24 hours or less. If you do that, it will show them the respect that they deserve and boost their opinion of you and in your professionalism. So for the past 30-plus years, every phone call, email and letter that I get no matter who it's from is responded to within 24 hours or less, unless I'm on vacation. If I'm on vacation, there is a note that says I'll get back to you when I return. Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement at Providence St. Joseph so far? EW: The challenge of bringing together Providence Health and Services and St. Joseph Health in Southern California was an extraordinary achievement for my entire team. This is not something that one individual can do on their own. Everybody has to want unity. I would say in 2018, that was certainly a highlight. On a personal note, my own achievement has been understanding our faith-based mission. It is important not only for delivering compassionate care, but for giving patients and caregivers the spiritual opportunity to fully connect with well-rounded, whole-person care. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society Director of Informatics Mari Greenberger discusses blockchain technology in healthcare and how the HIMSS Blockchain in Healthcare Task Force she launched last year is prepared to further develop use of the technology in 2019. Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: Where is blockchain in healthcare now and how will it develop in 2019? Mari Greenberger: While today's healthcare practitioners are aware of blockchain, they're still looking for guidance when it comes to navigating the ecosystem and using the technology in a way to reap the benefits. In response to the numerous vendors, solutions and ideas in the market that make it difficult to envision what blockchain actually means for health, HIMSS created a Blockchain in Healthcare Task Force composed of payers, providers, vendors and other interested parties. In 2018, this group came together and concluded that 'blockchain remains an emerging technology both fraught with unanticipated challenges and the promise of unrealized potential in healthcare.' Moving forward in 2019, the Task Force will continue to define the role of blockchain and distributed ledger technology within the health information and technology ecosystem, as well as evaluate its clinical, business, technical and financial implications both in the U.S. and around the globe. We will also begin to hold 'Lighting Rounds' during Task Force meetings, featuring companies that leverage blockchain technology as a key tenant of their product, to highlight active blockchain initiatives that address real healthcare problems and use cases. Q: What do you think will be the most significant blockchain applications in healthcare over the next five years? MG: I believe the most important application of blockchain will center around how this technology can enable new business relationships and foster new kinds of consortia. Blockchain technology will ultimately force a paradigm shift in how we think about the way healthcare stakeholders build business relationships across the healthcare continua. This technology has the potential to help break down longstanding barriers, or data silos, to bring different health stakeholders together in a way that was not previously thought possible. For example, the two use cases that seem to have made significant headway are around provider directories and credentialing. The Synaptic Alliance has leveraged blockchain technology to reduce costs and administrative burdens associated with the maintenance of keeping accurate provider directory data. The Alliance includes, Optum, Humana, Ascension, Aetna, MultiPlan, UnitedHealthcare and Quest Diagnostics. In the provider credentialing use case, The Professionals Credentials Exchange, ProCredEx, was created to use blockchain technology to simplify the administrative burden of healthcare professional credentialing. This exchange includes National Government Services, Spectrum Health, WellCare Health Plans, Accenture and The Hardenbergh Group. It is my hope and belief that blockchain technology can help facilitate the long-needed trust and transparency that the healthcare industry desires to ensure information is available to be used where and when it is needed the most. Q: What do health IT leaders at hospitals and health systems need to know about blockchain today? MG: Blockchain technology cannot be used in isolation. Whether it is a technical network consisting of data, or a network of individuals or consortia connectivity is always the driving force of value. Therefore, health information exchange organizations should be paying attention to this kind of technology, specifically because they have already built strong networks and consortia within their communities and they are trusted by their participants. This technology could augment services that HIOs are currently offering to their members and continue to demonstrate their value to the broader healthcare ecosystem. There's a terrific opportunity allowing us to move the needle on interoperable health information exchange, and this kind of technology could provide a strong business case for stakeholders who may not be considering it. To participate in future Becker's Q&As, contact Jackie Drees at jdrees@beckershealthcare.com. While a new proposal from the Trump administration may lead to reductions in overall prescription drug spending, some Medicare beneficiaries could see their out-of-pocket costs increase, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Five things to know: 1. Among President Donald Trump's proposals to lower drug costs, one plan would shift coverage of some drugs from Medicare Part B, which covers most physician-given drugs and biologic agents, to Medicare Part D. Medicare Part D is administered by private health plans. 2. For the study, researchers from Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital and the University of Zurich and University Hospital Zurich in Switzerland wanted to estimate how the shift would affect total drug spending and patient out-of-pocket costs. They studied 75 brand-name drugs with the highest Part B expenses for fee-for-service Medicare members in 2016. 3. The study estimated that at 2018 prices, annual Medicare Part B spending across the 75 drugs was $21.6 billion. Under President Trump's proposal, the researchers predict Part D drug spending for the 75 drugs would range from $17.6 billion to $20.1 billion after rebates, representing a 6.9-18.3 percent decrease in drug spending when compared to Part B. 4. The study authors projected the change would decrease out-of-pocket costs by about $860 for Medicare beneficiaries without Medicaid or Part B supplemental insurance. However, for beneficiaries with Medigap insurance, Part D out-of-pocket costs exceeded average Medigap premium costs by about $1,460 for beneficiaries with Part D coverage and $1,952 for those without Part D coverage. 5. "In the interim, while the potentially offsetting effect of reforms on premiums would need to be assessed, HHS could consider capping out-of-pocket costs, or sharing some of the savings from increased rebates with beneficiaries," the authors concluded. "As it implements this proposal, HHS should ensure that the proposed reforms benefit both patients and payers." More articles on healthcare finance: Pennsylvania hospital misses payroll for 9th time since August Zuckerberg criticized over billing at San Francisco hospital with his name CHS expects $900M gain from hospital divestitures in 2019 Boca Raton (Fla.) Regional Hospital has begun a campaign to raise $250 million for expansion projects that include the construction of a new patient campus, according to South Florida Business Journal. The seven-story, 180,000-square-foot patient tower would include surgical suites with three floors dedicated to growth. The hospital also plans to make all 400 of its rooms private, add a 20-bed observation unit and invest in its Marcus Neuroscience Institute. "We've all come together in the spirit of Gloria Drummond, whose pioneering spirit helped build this hospital, to help take us to the next level as a healthcare provider," said Christine Lynn, hospital chairwoman. "We hope and expect those who care deeply about sophisticated world-class healthcare will embrace this effort and help us bridge the gap between the $115 million weve raised to date and the $250 million we need to move forward. Our community has always been there for the hospital, as demonstrably as the hospital has been there for the community." The median annual salary for full-time clinical physician assistants was $105,000 in 2017, a 2.9 percent increase from $102,000 the year prior, according to the 2018 AAPA Salary Report. Alaska has the highest median PA salary ($130,000), but it falls to No. 20 on the list after adjusting for cost-of-living. Alabama had the lowest median PA salary ($91,400), according to the report. The median PA salary and the median cost-adjusted PA salary in each state and the District of Columbia are listed below: Alabama Median salary: $91,400 Cost-adjusted median salary: $101,218 Alaska Median salary: $130,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $105,178 Arizona Median salary: $110,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $105,465 Arkansas Median salary: $92,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $104,190 California Median salary: $125,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $89,928 Colorado Median salary: $101,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $96,099 Connecticut Median salary: $115,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $93,042 Delaware Median salary: $105,300 Cost-adjusted median salary: $101,543 District of Columbia Median salary: $114,650 Cost-adjusted median salary: $76,332 Florida Median salary: $102,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $101,493 Georgia Median salary: $104,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $112,190 Hawaii Median salary: $120,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $90,703 Idaho Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $108,578 Illinois Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $92,251 Indiana Median salary: $104,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $113,786 Iowa Median salary: $108,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $117,519 Kansas Median salary: $95,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $102,703 Kentucky Median salary: $95,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $103,939 Louisiana Median salary: $94,250 Cost-adjusted median salary: $100,694 Maine Median salary: $103,500 Cost-adjusted median salary: $90,630 Maryland Median salary: $103,500 Cost-adjusted median salary: $81,754 Massachusetts Median salary: $110,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $87,371 Michigan Median salary: $101,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $112,723 Minnesota Median salary: $109,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $109,218 Mississippi Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $117,925 Missouri Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $111,857 Montana Median salary: $102,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $105,263 Nebraska Median salary: $97,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $103,412 Nevada Median salary: $110,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $105,871 New Hampshire Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $83,612 New Jersey Median salary: $110,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $93,063 New Mexico Median salary: $106,660 Cost-adjusted median salary: $110,186 New York Median salary: $108,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $76,217 North Carolina Median salary: $101,800 Cost-adjusted median salary: $110,532 North Dakota Median salary: $97,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $95,850 Ohio Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $111,483 Oklahoma Median salary: $106,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $117,127 Oregon Median salary: $110,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $101,289 Pennsylvania Median salary: $96,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $93,113 Rhode Island Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $85,251 South Carolina Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $103,199 South Dakota Median salary: $106,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $112,169 Tennessee Median salary: $98,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $108,287 Texas Median salary: $110,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $115,546 Utah Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $101,523 Vermont Median salary: $114,500 Cost-adjusted median salary: $97,364 Virginia Median salary: $100,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $97,561 Washington Median salary: $116,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $103,111 West Virginia Median salary: $94,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $100,106 Wisconsin Median salary: $101,000 Cost-adjusted median salary: $104,447 Wyoming Median salary: $109,500 Cost-adjusted median salary: $108,847 Access more information about the AAPA report here. In the hopes of securing state approval for its proposed ASC in Braselton, Ga., Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton is holding an information session Jan. 16. What you should know: 1. Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton President Anthony Williamson will explain how attendees can help the ASC project move forward. 2. The Georgia Department of Community Health is expected to make a decision on the project in March. 3. If approved, the ASC could open in spring 2021. "ASCs typically have less intense services compared to being in a hospital, generally resulting in a lower cost. Patients who have surgery or a procedure at an ASC usually return home on the same day," the event page states. "We need YOUR support to help secure state approval and move forward. Please come to this information session to learn more our efforts to bring this important service to the community." WASHINGTON Texas border region Congressman Vicente Gonzalez left a White House meeting on the 26-day-old government shutdown Wednesday questioning President Donald Trump's grasp of border issues, calling his comments "crazy" and "irrational." He also reported zero progress in Trump's meeting with a half-dozen Democratic members of the bipartisan "Problem Solvers Caucus." "He has not gotten off the notion of physical structure," Gonzalez said about Trump's demand for $5.7 billion for border wall construction in 2019. "He seems to be dug in pretty deeply." The meeting in the White House situation room came a day after Democratic leaders in Congress spurned an invitation from Trump to negotiate an end to the shutdown with a group of party moderates. ON THE COAST: Trump plan to tap Army Corps funds for wall hits a nerve, according to HoustonChronicle.com report While some Democrats suspect Trump of trying to split off members of their party to gain leverage in the border wall budget standoff , Gonzalez said he felt obligated to accept the White House invitation. "I felt like at a very minimum I had a responsibility to sit with him and try to find common ground," he said. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders issued a statement praising the meeting. TRENDING TEXAS HEADLINES: Get Texas political news and updates delivered to you. "The President and his team had a constructive meeting with bipartisan members of the problem solvers caucus," she said. "They listened to one another and now both have a good understanding of what the other wants. We look forward to more conversations like this." But Gonzalez, a second-term Congressman from the Rio Grande Valley, said he was startled by some of Trump's remarks on the border in his home town of McAllen, which the president visited last week. "He mentioned some pretty radical things about how he perceives the border region, which are completely irrational," Gonzalez said. "One thing that I gathered when I walked out is that he really believes this. I was kind of shocked, because some of it is just so crazy. Just crazy stuff. That is not the way the border region really is." Gonzalez said he is reluctant to publicize specifics of the president's comments, but he described them as "bizarre" and exaggerated portrayals of a porous border and how criminal traffickers operate there. While Trump has referred to the border region as a "humanitarian and security crisis," some Texas border officials, including McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, say the area is experiencing less crime than it has in decades. "He certainly does not have a sense of the reality of the border," Gonzalez said. "It's still quite complicated. Otherwise, people wouldn't be paying $10,000 to get into the United States." "He says a lot of things without evidence, statistics or numbers," Gonzalez continued. "It's shocking. But I was under the impression, for the first time, that he really believes these things. He lives in 'baseland.' That's what his base tells him." Gonzalez said Trump also repeated his view that most of the 800,000 government workers who are furloughed or working without pay are Democrats. "I don't think the Border Patrol and Customs agents and a lot of law enforcement those might be Republicans, and after a few missed paychecks they might start feeling the pinch and start putting pressure on their members and the administration," Gonzalez said. Gonzalez' district has some 8,869 federal employees, including large contingents of workers with Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and produce inspectors with the U.S. Agriculture Department. "I have Border Patrol agents, his own base, calling me and asking me to see what we can do to come to an agreement to open the government, so they can start receiving their paychecks," he said. Gonzalez, a critic of Trump's border wall plan, said he pitched the idea of reopening the government for at least 30 days to continue negotiations. "That's something both sides should easily be able to agree to," he said. Despite Trump's hard line posture with Congressional Democrats, Gonzalez said the administration appears to be feeling the pressure of the shutdown, now in its third week. "I do believe that even though he tried to play this tough guy act, that 'Hey, we can keep the government closed as long as we need,' I don't believe that's the way they genuinely feel, or I don't think we would have been there," Gonzalez said. He said the White House strategy appears to be to convince rank-and-file Democrats to push party leaders to reopen the government on Trump's terms something he sees as unlikely. As for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Gonzalez dismissed any suggestion that the Problem Solvers Caucus was trying to negotiate with Trump behind her back. "I'm honest with her," Gonzalez said. "I tell her what I believe and give her my opinion. I let her know that I was going. But at the end of the day I represent a border district that's highly impacted, and it was important for me to be there." NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Sign up for breaking news alerts delivered to your email here. At least 94 people were arrested or indicted on murder charges in Bexar County in 2018, according to records obtained by mySA.com. The total represents about a 15 percent decrease from 2017's tally of 111. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox A few of the defendants were arrested in connection with cold cases or homicides committed in recent years, but the vast majority were charged in killings committed in 2018. This list does not include those charged with murder who later had their cases dismissed. Between January and November 2018, San Antonio police opened 103 homicide investigations. The number for December was not immediately available. In 2017, police investigated 125 homicides, according to Chief William McManus. These numbers do not include killings investigated by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Earlier this year, mySA.com reported about 41 percent of homicides committed between January and June 2018 in San Antonio remained unsolved. That unsolved rate is slightly above the national average of 40.6 percent, according to FBI statistics. [Click through the slideshow above for a list of every defendant charged with murder in 2018 in Bexar County.] In 2018, a handful of slayings shocked San Antonio by their level of apparent violence. Ernesto Esquivel Garcia, who had twice been apprehended by immigration authorities, is accused of kidnapping and killing 20-year-old Jared Vargas, then setting fire to his body in an attempt to cover up the alleged crime. According to online records, he is awaiting a psychiatric evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial. Juan Carlos Garcia and his cousin, Salvador Garcia-Godinez, who is believed to have fled to Mexico, are accused of digging a grave in Garcia's backyard before attempting to kill 16-year-old Christian Jimenez-Santos over a drug dispute. The planed slaying went awry, and police say the two suspects ended up gunning down Jimenez-Santos as he ran away. They abandoned his body in the street and fled, police said. RELATED: Death of woman in luxury San Antonio-area home ruled suicide, officials release IDs of 2 victims Ryan Stanush of Converse is accused of beating his girlfriend, 25-year-old Dorinda Ma, so badly she was placed on life support for two days before she died. Ma was an English teacher with Teach for America in the Rio Grande Valley and had moved to San Antonio only weeks before she was killed. Stanush told investigators Ma's injuries were the result of "rough sex," but doctors said her injuries were not consistent with such an explanation, authorities said. Three of the defendants--Michael Cruz Arroyo, Miguel Gutierrez and Jessica Briones--are accused of killing children under the age of 10. Biones struck her 4-year-old in the head, causing serious brain trauma and eventual death, police said. Gutierrez is accused of killing an 11-month-old child he was baby sitting. Arroyo is facing a charge of capital murder of a child under 10, connected to the death of 4-year-old Cash Briones, whose mother found him dead and covered in bruises in a hotel bed next to Arroyo, who was drunk, police said. Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com Caleb Downs covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County. Read him on our breaking news site, mySA.com, and on our subscriber site, ExpressNews.com | cdowns@mysa.com | @calebjdowns It's been four weeks since the beginning of the partial federal government shutdown, and furloughed employees are feeling the pressure of going without a paycheck. Thankfully for them, several organizations and nonprofits are stepping up to help fill the gaps. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is receiving more money for a shelter it opened in Port Arthur during Tropical Storm Harvey and for the ice and water it distributed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursed the commission $13.6 million for its services. The shelter at the Port Arthur Civic Center cost more than $2.6 million and the ice and bottled water cost more than $10.9 million. Former Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Thurman Bartie, 64, announced his candidacy for Port Arthur mayor Tuesday on the steps of City Hall. Bartie, whos lived in Port Arthur for most of his life, said he was approached by a group of city residents last summer who asked him to run. But he didnt seriously consider it until they asked again later in 2018. I determined (winning) would be a possibility if I worked hard. It would become a reality if I got people to support me, he said. That brings me to today, where the possibility and probability is there. Bartie said his main priorities are to unify the Port Arthurs government agencies so they can work together when determining where the city to progress. He also wants to emphasize job creation and fixing Port Arthurs outdated infrastructure. He didnt yet have a plan on how to advance those goals but said he hopes his position as mayor would influence other council members to get on board. I know its not going to be easy because we havent done it yet, he said. Bartie began his tenure as Justice of the Peace in 1995 but was suspended from his position in 2002 by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The body found he used obscene language in the courtroom, failed to follow the law, and exhibited incompetence in the law, among other findings. A later decision to bar him from holding judicial office in the state because of these actions was upheld by a Texas Supreme Court review tribunal in 2004. Bartie said hes learned from the mistakes and grown since then. Im not the same individual that made some of those decisions and reacted to a certain stimuli, he said. All I can do is ask for another opportunity to serve my community because I love this community and have worked for it. kaitlin.bain@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/KaitlinBain Kim Brent Dennis Kiel, director of Lamar University's Dishman Art Museum will host a lecture February 11 on the Art Museum of Southeast Texas' current exhibit. The show, The Art of Found Objects: Enigma Variations was organized by Robert Craig Bunch of San Antonio. It will be on display until March 3, and features artists' work using re-purposed materials. Veteran journalist Amanullah Kabir dies bdnews24.coms Senior Editor Amanullah Kabir has died at the age of 71. He passed away at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University around 12:45am on Wednesday, his son Shat-Il-Kabir told bdnews24.com. The senior journalists body will be taken to the National Press Club for a Namaz-e-Janaza at 11:00am. He will be buried at his home village in Jamalpur. The veteran journalist was suffering from diabetes and other complications. Liver-damaging toxins were also found in test, his family earlier said citing physicians. He was admitted to Dhaka Central International Medical College in Mohammadpur due to the illness two weeks ago. Later he was shifted to Ibn Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi and then to the BSMMU when his health deteriorated, his daughter Shovan Kabir told bdnews24.com. He had suffered a massive heart attack three years ago. Regardless of the fact that many of us differed with him about interpretations of certain chapters of our national political history, we will remember him for his honesty, integrity and commitment to the profession of journalism, bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi wrote in a Facebook post. He opposed the communal forces and hated those who hobnobbed with them. Kabir Bhai lived a life that required restraining himself from availing all the privileges for an influential journalist that he once was in this country, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. We are proud to have been colleagues in the last chapter of his life, Khalidi said in his tribute. Born on Jan 24, 1947 in Jamalpur, Kabir worked with both Bangla and English news outlets over the course of his career. A 1968 MA from Dhaka University, Amanullah Kabir rose through ranks to head the newsroom at The New Nation, then a major newspaper, in the 1980s and became the first news editor at The Daily Star founded by the late SM Ali. In late 1991, he joined The Telegraph as Executive Editor, was part of the launch team as executive editor at The Independent, owned by Beximco, before becoming the Managing Director and Chief Editor at state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha when BNP was in power. He was founding Editor of Amar Desh, then owned by the BNPs Mosaddek Ali Falu. The last leg more than five years of his nearly five-decade career was spent at bdnews24.com. In the 1980s and 90s, he was elected president and secretary general of undivided unions of journalists, serving both the Dhaka Union of Journalists and the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists. He was arguably the strongest voice for media freedom during the rule of military dictator Lt Gen HM Ershad. Amanullah Kabir authored books such as 'The Struggling Democracy of Bangladesh', Nodi o Ondhokarer Roop, Mukhoshbarhi, Nistabdhatar Matam, and Zilay Zilay Bhasa Andolan o Onyanyo Tothyo.-- bdnews24.com John Cox can be reached at 661-395-7404. Follow him on Twitter: @TheThirdGraf. Sign up at Bakersfield.com for a free newsletter on local business. Verdict on Eskaton double murder case Jan 30 The verdict in the New Eskaton double murder case against Bakhtiar Alam Rony, son of former Awami League MP Pinu Khan, will now be delivered on January 30. Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Session's Judge Manjurul Imam fixed the date on Tuesday after closing the law-point arguments from both sides newly. The court was supposed to pronounce its judgment on October 4 last. However, it deferred for the second time the delivery of the verdict in the double murder case as the prosecution filed a petition to summon the investigation officer of the case for rehearing. Following the petition, Judge of the Dhaka Additional Metropolitan Session Judge's Court-1 Md Monjurul Imam asked IO Dipak Kumar Das to present a mobile call list to the court on October 17 of the year. The court was scheduled to deliver the verdict first on May 8, 2018. However, the judgment in the case was deferred on the day as Judge Md Al Mamun said he could not prepare the judgment. So, he decided to defer the delivery of the judgment. On April 13, 2015, Bakhtiar Alam Rony, said to be a drug addict, opened fire on people indiscriminately near Janakantha Bhaban in New Eskaton area from his car, leaving two people-rickshaw-puller Abdul Hakim and Janakantha's auto-rickshaw driver Yakub-injured with bullets. Hakim succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on April 15 while Yeakub died at the hospital on April 23. On April 15, a case was filed with Ramna Police Station against unidentified people in this connection. On June 1, law enforces arrested Rony from his Dhanmondi residence in connection with the firing. A Valley man is trying to get his wife and son into the U.S. the right way but says the immigration system is failing him. By Trend Some 1.3 million real estate properties were sold in Turkey in 2018, which is 2.4 percent less than in 2017, Trend reports referring to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). During the period, 234,000 real estate properties were sold in Istanbul, 75,000 properties in Ankara, and 131,000 properties in Izmir, the message said. "The remaining 860,000 real estate properties fall to the share of other cities," the TUIK message read. In 2018, 39,600 real estate properties were sold to foreigners in Turkey, which is 78.4 percent more than in 2017. In 2018, the Iraqi citizens acquired 8,200 real estate properties in Turkey, the citizens of Iran purchased 2,700 properties, while Russian citizens bought 2,200 properties. "The remaining 26,500 real estate properties fall to the share of citizens of other countries," the TUIK message read. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov Kyrgyzstan's GDP in 2018 grew by 3.5 percent and amounted to 557 billion soms ($8 billion), said Chairman of the Kyrgyz National Statistical Committee Akylbek Sultanov during a press conference on January 16. Following the results of 2018, a positive trend is observed in the economy of Kyrgyzstan. For example, last year's GDP, according to preliminary estimates, amounted to 557 billion soms. Compared with 2017, the growth was 3.5 percent, he stressed. Industrial output made about 251 billion soms ($3.6 billion) and increased by 5.4 percent compared with 2017 due to an increase in coal production by 22 percent, crude oil and natural gas by 15.5 percent, and also due to growth in the production of petroleum metals, textile production of clothing, food, etc. Positive trends were recorded in agriculture, where volume growth amounted to 2.7 percent. The growth is mainly due to the increase in crop production by 3.4 percent, livestock by 2.2 percent. Retail and wholesale trade grew by 5.5 percent and the construction sector grew by 7.8 percent. All this served the growth of the economy in 2018, reported Sultanov. The economy of Kyrgyzstan is developing dynamically, therefore, it is very promising and attractive for foreign capital and business. The main sectors of the Kyrgyz economy are agriculture, industry, construction, trade, services, tourism, transport and communications. Kyrgyzstan can be characterized more as an agrarian country since more than half of the population is employed in this sector. Despite the decline in the global economy, agriculture continues to develop dynamically. The bulk of agricultural production (about 95 percent) is accounted for by private farms. The most significant branches of agricultural production are livestock (livestock, poultry, pig), and cotton, fruits, vegetables, cereals, nuts, berries. The largest industries in Kyrgyzstan are electric power and mining. The electric power industry of Kyrgyzstan was as an industry formed in Soviet times. There are 17 hydropower stations operating in the country, the most powerful is the cascade of stations along the Naryn River. However, despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan exports electricity, there is some deficit in the country itself. There are rich deposits of rare metals in the country - mercury, tungsten, tin, there are also large reserves of gold, and therefore the cost of jewellery in this country is low. It gives rise to the constant demand for these products from both locals and tourists. The country also has reserves of coal, oil and gas. The processing industry is represented by light, textile and food industry. The main foreign trade partners of Kyrgyzstan are Russia and Kazakhstan. They account for more than a third of the total foreign trade turnover. The forecasts of independent foreign analysts about Kyrgyz economy development are very favorable. The economy of this country has great potential for growth and development. The government, by all means, creates a favorable investment climate in Kyrgyzstan, which contributes to the inflow of foreign capital into the country, so even in times of crisis, Kyrgyzstan manages to maintain a fairly high GDP growth rate. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov More than 10 protocols of intent and investment contracts totalling more than four billion euros were signed during German-Uzbek business forum held in Berlin on January 14. Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the State Committee on Investments, Sukhrob Holmuradov, mentioned this at the conference. According to representatives of the German business circles, the interest of German investors to Uzbekistan increased sharply after the new president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, began to carry out large-scale reforms. The Eastern Committee of the German economy, representing the interests of firms from Germany, working in the markets of Eastern European and Central Asian countries, speaks very positive about the reforms of the new president. For a long time for the German business, the economy of Uzbekistan was a kind of black box, said Klaus Mangold, the former chairman and now a member of the Presidium of the Eastern Committee. He added that German business circles have great interest and curiosity due to decisive changes over the past two years. A few days ago, the World Bank introduced Uzbekistan among the countries most actively pursuing reforms. Mangold hopes that Uzbekistan will become a WTO member in 2019, which will significantly expand the opportunities of foreign investors. The dynamics and speed of Uzbek reforms made a good impression on Berlin, said at the forum Eckhard Franz from the German Ministry of Economy and Energy. He called monetary reform a decisive reform. As a result of this and other measures, said Franz, "we have witnessed such a boom in bilateral economic relations, which two years ago seemed completely impossible to us". Uzbekistan shares with Moldova the second place among all post-Soviet countries with which bilateral trade with Germany in 2018 grew at the fastest pace. According to preliminary estimates, the volume of trade increased by about 16 percent compared with 2017. Moreover, exports from Germany and imports from Uzbekistan grew. In absolute figures and in comparison with other countries that the Eastern Committee "supervises", trade with Uzbekistan still looks rather modest. Its volume for January-October 2018 amounted to 542 million euros. With Poland, for comparison, this figure equals 99 billion, with Russia - 52 billion, with Ukraine - 6 billion, with Kazakhstan - 4.5, with Azerbaijan - 1.5 billion. The potential of Uzbekistan, according to the Eastern Committee, is incomparably greater. By population (33 million people), the country ranks first in Central Asia. In Soviet times, Uzbekistan was the most industrially developed republic of this region with highly skilled labor. The country has a rich resource base and cheap energy. In the free economic zones, there is a preferential tax and customs regime. But from the point of view of investors, the Eastern Committee states that the biggest advantages of Uzbekistan are high GDP growth rates (5 percent in 2018), the prospects for higher profits, domestic demand and the possibility of exit from Uzbekistan to other markets in the Central Asian region with 60 million consumers. Accessing the goods produced in Uzbekistan to the markets of, for example, Russia or Kazakhstan would be easier if this country joined the EAEU. But, Tashkent has not yet decided whether to take such a step, they are still weighing the pros and cons. Speaking at the forum, Sukhrob Holmuradov called on German businessmen to pay attention primarily to such promising sectors of Uzbekistans economy, like chemistry, petrochemistry, pharmaceuticals, health care, construction materials, the agro-industrial complex and tourism. Last year, the number of German tourists who visited Uzbekistan more than doubled. Now, visas for German citizens to travel to the country for no more than 30 days are no longer needed. But in the tourist centers - Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva - there are not enough hotels, and the government of Uzbekistan, said Holmuradov, is ready to compensate part of investors' expenses for the construction of new hotels at the expense of the state budget. The German businessmen - participants of the forum, of course, were interested in how irreversible the reforms in Uzbekistan were, whether there was a guarantee that the country would not return to the isolationist policies pursued by the former president. I want to assure our German friends, that Uzbekistan is firmly committed to the free market economy principles, Sukhrob Holmuradov said. He said Tashkent understands that without a truly open market economy, the country will face a hard fall. As an example, he cited the introduction of private ownership of land from July 1, 2019. Foreigners who have bought property in Uzbekistan are granted the right to receive a residence permit in the country. Uzbekistan introduced a visa-free regime for German citizens visiting Uzbekistan for tourist purpose for 30 days from January 15, 2019. This decision was made in order to strengthen cultural, scientific, educational exchange between countries, improve the investment climate and increase the tourist flow. According to the amendments, visa-free visits to Uzbekistan for 30 days for tourist purposes will be introduced for citizens of Germany from January 15, 2019. As many as 1,089 Germany citizens were issued entry visas through the e-visa system as of December 28, 2018, taking the 10th position among the countries whose citizens used the program. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The value of exports of Irans Khorasan Petrochemical Company from March 21 to December 21, 2018 (nine months of the Iranian year) amounted to $62 million, which is 12 percent more than in the same period of the previous year, executive director of the company Hossein Shafiepour said, Trend reports via IRNA Jan. 16. He noted that before the end of the Iranian year, which ends March 21, 2019, the company plans to achieve a record export figure. He said that during this period, 468,000 tons of urea, 274,000 tons of ammonia and 18,800 tons of melamine were produced in the company. Production volumes exceeded the forecasted volumes by 8.2 percent, he noted. This is a record for the petrochemical industry of Iran, he said. Khorasan Petrochemical Company is located 17 kilometers from the administrative center of the North Khorasan province. The company has been operating since 1996. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov National Bank of Uzbekistan (NBU) and German KfW IPEXBank signed a basic loan agreement for a total of 100 million euros, reported by the press service of the Uzbek National bank. The signed agreement provides for the start of new cooperation with KfW IPEX Bank in providing a long-term credit line to the National Bank of Uzbekistan for financing large investment projects. The minimum amount is 5 million euros and the term is up to 10 years. The main advantage of this agreement, compared to other attracted credit lines of European banks, is the financing of projects in all sectors of the economy, involving the importation of high-tech European equipment and services from Germany and other EU countries under insurance coverage of export credit agencies (ECA) Euler Hermes, SACE and SERV. Uzbekistan pays considerable attention to projects based on European technologies, allowing to organize the production of high added value products in all promising sectors of the economy. The cooperation of NBU and KfW IPEX Bank will give a new impetus to the development of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Germany, as well as serve to enhance bilateral relations in other promising areas. NBU is the largest investment institution in the country. Its primary mission is to service foreign trade operations, to increase the export potential of the republic and attract foreign investments. NBU combines the functions of project finance, universal commercial banking, investment and savings banks and is instrumental in the development of a market-oriented economy in Uzbekistan. Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Germany established on March 6, 1992. The trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Germany amounted to $334 million in January-June 2018. KfW IPEX-Bank is a banking unit of the KfW Group and was formed as a member of the group in 2008. The main mission of KfW IPEX-Bank is to support the economy and the activities of companies in Germany and Europe in the areas of project and export financing. The bank owns assets in the amount of $30.1 billion. KfW IPEX-Bank, being a partner in financing numerous large companies around the world, has a branch in London and representative offices in Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Mexico City, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Sao Paulo, Singapore. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Abdul Kerimkhanov The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide Uzbekistan with a loan of $ 240 million under a state guarantee, the EBRD reported. This is the largest bank loan at the moment. The funding will allow the state-owned vertically integrated power utility responsible for the majority of the countrys electricity generation, transmission and distribution to finance the installation of at least 900 MW combined cycle gas turbines (CCGT) and related infrastructure. The project will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Uzbek Fund for Reconstruction and Development (UFRD). Ensuring uninterrupted and sustainable energy supply remains a major challenge in the region. The investment will address a major issue for the region, namely the provision of uninterrupted and sustainable power supply, which will support economic growth and improve the wellbeing of the population. The new project will help improve the efficiency and reliability of the power supply in Uzbekistan and contribute to the governments objective to create new modern power generation capacities across the country. This is particularly important for Uzbekistan, the most populated state in Central Asia. Currently, energy losses of up to 20 percent are experienced due to unreliable power supply and obsolete facilities across the country. The new high-efficiency CCGT design will help reduce carbon intensity to around 350 kg CO2/MWh, which is approximately half the current average across the power sector in Uzbekistan. The project will enable a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the national power sector. To date, the EBRD has invested 1.3 billion in 70 projects of the Uzbek economy. Uzbekistan joined the EBRD on April 30, 1992. A new approach by the Uzbekistan authorities has allowed the EBRD to re-engage in the country, open a new Resident Office in Tashkent and prepare a new Country Strategy adopted by the Board of Directors in September 2018. The document identifies the following operational and strategic priorities for the EBRDs work in Uzbekistan: enhancement of competitiveness by strengthening the role of the private sectors role in the economy, promotion of green energy and resource solutions across sectors, support increased regional and international cooperation and integration. --- Abdul Kerimkhanov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AbdulKerim94 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Organizers said they had many requests to bring back the Ironman, as a way for people to feel "normal" again after more than a year of the unsettling pandemic. By Trend Italys Eni company has spent around $2 billion for operations in Burun Field, Nebit Dag Area in Turkmenistan, the company told Trend. Main activity has been focusing on production optimization, with a massive number of wells drilled and worked over, according to the company. The Italian company said that the extremely complex field structure (multilayer and block compartmentalization) calls for a sophisticated geo-seismic reconstruction and an important number of wells, and recompletion of the same. Step-outs to peripheral areas has implied the discovery of yet undrained oil bearing blocks, after several years from production start-up, according to Eni. The company said that water injection and artificial lifting have been implemented as well, allowing for production maximization. Eni said it is planning to increase further the production optimization activity in 2019, by adding a new drilling rig. Eni started its activities in Turkmenistan with the purchase of the British company Burren Energy plc in 2008. Activities are focused on the onshore Nebit Dag Area in the Western part of the country, over a developed acreage of 200 square kilometers (180 square kilometers net to Eni), in four areas. Production derives mainly from the Burun oil field. Oil production is shipped to the Turkmenbashi refinery plant. Eni receives, by means of a swap arrangement with the Turkmen Authorities, an equivalent amount of oil at the Okarem terminal, close to the South coast of the Caspian Sea. Enis entitlement is sold FOB. Associated natural gas is used for gas lift system. The remaining amount is delivered to the national oil company Turkmenneft, via national grid. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Iranian parliament will discuss the issue of raising a $5 billion loan from Russia, Mohammad Mehdi Mofatteh, a rapporteur of the parliaments ad-hoc budget review committee, told reporters. Putting this issue on the agenda of the parliament was approved by the members of the budget committee, Mofatteh added, Trend reports referring to IRNA. The plans about Russia's providing a $5 billion loan to Iran were first announced in 2015 during Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novaks visit to Tehran. If the loan is approved, these funds will be allocated for infrastructure projects, he added. Mofatteh stressed that the planned export of 20 percent of the energy produced at the Bushehr nuclear power plant abroad was also raised in the discussions of the budget for the next year (the Iranian new year will start on March 21). For this purpose, 12 trillion rials (about $285 million) may be allocated, he added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has met with former President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy. Mehriban Aliyevas role in the successful development of France-Azerbaijan bilateral relations during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency was hailed at the meeting. It was noted that Mehriban Aliyevas activities as head of the Azerbaijan-France interparliamentary friendship group, as well as the implementation of the important humanitarian projects by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in France made significant contribution to further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The sides also noted that thanks to the Azerbaijani and French presidents activities towards the development of relations, the bilateral ties between the two countries in a number of areas were expanded during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova Until today, the question of ancient settlements on Absheron remained controversial due to the small number of findings from the Paleolithic period and the absence of settlements of this period in the region, department head of the Archeology and Ethnography Institute under the Azerbaijan National Academy of Science (ANAS), head of the Absheron Archeological Expedition, Ph.D. in history Idris Aliyev told Trend on January 15. "In 2003, materials from the Upper Paleolithic period (ancient Stone Age) were found in the west of the Surakhani village. However, due to the small amount of materials found and as a result of subsequent agricultural work, it was impossible to raise the question of the anthropogenesis of the Paleolithic on Absheron," said the department head. The expedition leader also said that in December 2018, during the works of the Absheron archaeological expedition, numerous tools of the Stone Age were discovered at the Girmeki site, between the Balakhani and Muhammadi villages. The samples were found on a large territory, so it is possible that there was an ancient settlement here, he said. Also, the Absheron paleogeography does not contradict the topography of the monument. Experts have conducted a comparative analysis of materials and, according to preliminary estimates, the subjects belong to the Middle Paleolithic. The paleontological materials found in geological sediments show that there was a rich fauna in the region, he said. The head of the expedition also noted that a more thorough study of the areas around the settlements of Binagadi and Balakhani would allow studying the problem of settlement in the region. Archaeological monuments covering a great era from ancient times to the Middle Ages have been discovered and studied in Azerbaijan. The study of archaeological monuments of Azerbaijan began with the registration of ancient monuments in 30-50s of the 19th century. As a result of research, it became known that people have settled the territory of Azerbaijan two million years ago. As archeological investigations were expanding, hundreds of new monuments have been discovered and explored. Ancient historical monument Gipchagtepe, which belongs to the early Middle Ages and Middle Ages, has been discovered by archaeologists in country's Gakh region, near the Ayrichay bridge, recently. In addition, the research was also conducted on the territory of Sari Pir cemetery. The study revealed that people lived here in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, in the 20th century, they settled in the present territory of Gipchagtepe village. The inscriptions on the tombstones show that they belonged to the 19th century. The Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), the highest scientific institution in the Azerbaijan Republic, was established in 1945 from the Azerbaijan Branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. By the Presidential decree in 2003 the Academy was appointed as an organization coordinating scientific research in all state research and educational centers. ANAS plays a leading role in undertaking fundamental research, creating new technologies and methodologies, and training highly qualified experts. A series of scientific results having international significance have been obtained within the ANAS in various major fields of science. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Russia is preparing a trilateral summit with Iran and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference dedicated to 2018. "It is our turn to host a trilateral summit," Lavrov added, Trend reports. "We are preparing such a summit. I assure you that it will be held." As for other possible formats with the participation of Azerbaijan, Lavrov noted that so far no practical talks about this have been held. We need to look whether these formats will have added value, he added. Thats because a format for the sake of a format, probably, isnt something that will meet the interests of Azerbaijan, Russia and other possible participants. But, I repeat, if there is added value of one form of our interaction or another, we, of course, will gladly consider such an opportunity. The previous trilateral summit of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran was held in Tehran in November 2017. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The conference entitled Topchubashov. Security Conference: Security Issues in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union was held in Baku on Jan. 15, Trend reports. The conference has been organized by the M.A. Topchubashov Scientific and Surgical Center. The foreign and local political experts and other guests attended the conference. During the conference, panels entitled Assessment of Security Strategies of the Eastern European Countries and Balancing Security at Borders: Post-Soviet Countries were held. While delivering speech, political analyst Andreas Umland stressed that after the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), there were conditions for the creation of a new coalition in Eastern Europe, as well as for the post-Soviet countries to join international organizations such as NATO and the Council of Europe. Umland stressed that after the collapse of the USSR, relations were established between Azerbaijan and Turkey. He said that being a NATO member, Turkey has had an impact on ensuring the security of this cooperation. In turn, political expert from Poland Adam Richard stressed that after the collapse of the Soviet regime, Soviet troops were withdrawn from Poland and the country joined NATO. Poland has formed its own security structure, he added. The security of Eastern European countries is important for Poland. Poland attaches great importance to the cooperation with neighboring countries and partners in the field of security. The conflicts existing in the post-Soviet countries, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, pose a threat to security, Richard said. These problems should be solved to ensure safety. Estonian expert Merle Maigre spoke about cyber security and said that cyber security is one of the main challenges of the modern period. "We must pay special attention to this issue, she said. Information technologies affect all spheres of our life. We talk on the phone every day, use the internet. Anyone can be subject to a cyber attack." A cyber attack poses the same threat as a physical attack, Maigre said. From this point of view, a cyber security strategy must be an integral part of each country's national security. While delivering speech, head of the Azerbaijani community of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan Tural Ganjaliyev spoke about the activity of the community and stressed that as a result of the Armenian occupation, more than one million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their native lands. "Despite we have undergone ethnic cleansing by the Armenians and they destroyed the burial of our ancestors, our monuments, we are ready to live together with the Armenians if the conflict is resolved within the international law and Azerbaijans territorial integrity," Ganjaliyev said. The Armenian community must understand that its happy life can be ensured within Azerbaijans territorial integrity, he said. We are also ready for constructive negotiations with the Armenian community, Ganjaliyev added. The sooner the Armenian community understands this, the better it will be. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Speaker of the Armenian parliament Ararat Mirzoyan made a statement during his speech at the Armenian parliament about the fictional "massacre" of the Armenians, spokesperson for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Leyla Abdullayeva told Trend on Jan. 15. Abdullayeva was commenting on newly appointed Speaker of the Armenian parliament Ararat Mirzoyans statement that "massacre was carried out against Armenians in Baku in 1990." "The words 'as a nation which historically faced with violent actions, we cannot tolerate violence against any national minority' are an unsuccessful attempt by the Armenian speaker to convince others of the truthfulness of the lie in which he believes, she added. The Armenian speaker, who made such a statement, cannot be unaware of the ethnic cleansing that has been purposefully committed against the Azerbaijanis by Armenian nationalists over the past two centuries, she said. Abdullayeva stressed the bloody events committed by the Armenians over the past decades. "Armenia, which was patronized by the ruling circles of the Soviet Union, carried out an aggressive policy against Azerbaijan in 1988-1991, she said. As a result, civilians were killed, settlements were destroyed and plundered. On September 18, 1988, about 15,000 Azerbaijanis living in Azerbaijans Khankendi city, were forcibly expelled from the city and their houses were burned. As a result of ethnic cleansing during this period, about 250,000 Azerbaijanis from 185 Azerbaijani villages in Armenia were subjected to aggression and were forcibly expelled from their native lands, she added. As a result of the Khojaly genocide committed by the Armenian armed forces on the night of Feb. 25-26, 1992, 613 civilians were killed, among whom were children, women and the elderly. She noted that as a result of Armenias aggression policy, more than one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs. We recommend that the Armenian speaker before making statements once again pay attention to the well-known historical events, to their sad consequences and make statements not for stirring up hatred between nations, but for peace, progress and future development in the region, she noted. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition of the famous Azerbaijani cartoonist Soltan Soltanly has opened at at Irshad Hotel on January 14. At the opening of the evening, the head of the Islamic Studies Center "Irshad", Professor Rafig Aliyev, Honored Art Worker Ziyadkhan Aliyev, Professor Nizami Tagisoy and others commented on Soltan Soltanlys unusual view of the visual arts. The artist's works have repeatedly won prizes and received top awards at prestigious international competitions and festivals. His paintings are kept in museums and private collections around the world. More than 20 works of the artist, created by him over the past two years were presented to art connoisseurs. Each of his work contains a certain idea and philosophy. The series of art works "Centaurs" looks particularly peculiar - in ancient Greek mythology, wild mortal creatures with the head and torso of a man on a horse's body, inhabitants of mountains and forest thickets. According to legend, the centaurs were originally the embodiment of mountain rivers and tumultuous streams. In heroic myths, some centaurs are educators of heroes, others are hostile to them. As a rule, different violent temper and incontinence. In Soltan Soltanly works, the centaurs are very kind creatures with a human soul. The exhibition is open until January 17. Soltan Soltanly successfully represents Azerbaijan at international exhibitions and competitions, where his works are often awarded with prizes. In 1991, Soltan came to Baku to enter the former Azerbaijan State School of Arts named after Azim Azimzade, but he failed. After returning to Agsu , he increased his contacts with the nature and tried to feel the nature profoundly. Soltan's father was against his son's wish. That is why Soltan drew his paintings secretly. He had only a way to come to Baku in order get high education. He had also a great interest in the literature. So in 1993 Soltan entered the philology faculty of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and graduated it in 1997. Having come to Baku, Soltan got interested in painting very much, he went to the exhibitions and visited the famous painters' and sculptors' studios, wrote articles about them. His intention was decisive: to enter the School of Arts. The paintings by Soltan Soltanly are the mature examples of the modern art and painting. The intellect and philosophy are the main peculiarities for Soltan's activity. He tries to enlarge the dream world of the humanity with his works and to show the essence of the real world. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition titled "Maestro and Artists" has solemnly opened at Baku Museum Center on January 15. Works by the national artist of Azerbaijan, holder of the Shohrat order Arif Aziz and his students were presented at the exhibition. The event was timed to the 75th anniversary of Arif Aziz,Trend Life reported. The opening of the exhibition was attended by prominent public and art figures, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in the country, etc. Addressing the event, rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, Jeyran Mahmudova spoke about the creative path of the national artist Arif Aziz. First Deputy Minister of Culture Vagif Aliyev highly appreciated the creative activities of the national artist. In his speech, Chairman of the Council of Aksakals of Azerbaijan, MP Fattah Heydarov noted that the exhibition of works by Arif Aziz and his students is a significant event. President of Dada Gorgud Fund Eldar Ismayilov, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts, People's Artist Salhab Mammadov congratulated Arif Aziz on his anniversary and wished him further creative success. At the event, Arif Aziz was awarded a medal of Dada Gorgud Fund. In turn, Arif Aziz expressed his gratitude to the organizers and participants of the event. Then the guests got acquainted with the exposition. The group exhibition, which continues the series of conceptual exhibitions, is a unique project organized in Azerbaijan and abroad. The exhibition features art works of 100 students of Arif Aziz, each of which has his or her own artistic style. At the same time, the exhibition brings together several generations of artists at one place. The exhibition "Maestro and Artists" will last until January 18. Talented master of pencil, full member of the UNESCOs International Art Academy, goodwill ambassador, prominent man of art, professor Arif Aziz is one of the most famous, well-known persons of the modern Azerbaijani art. Since the 70s of the last century, he has been engaged in design, decorative and applied art, decoration, book graphics, set design, fashion, painting, and had a great influence on the formation of the modern state of Azerbaijani art. He received his first artistic education at the Azim Azimzade Art School, and then continued his studies at the Moscow Higher Art and Industrial School. From 1971 to the present day, Arif Aziz has been teaching at Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Art. Over 48 years of teaching, he has made a great contribution to the education of hundreds of artists, designers, graphic artists and masters of carpet weaving. Arif Aziz entered the world of art with graphics. He also created many-colored compositions in easel painting. He painted numerous posters, ex-libris, logos, design sketches, as well as illustrations for childrens books during the graphic period in the early stage of his work. Advertisement posters created by artist are also noteworthy. These posters served not only as propaganda, but were also distinguished by their interesting composition and colour solution. In 60-70s of the 20th century "photo-realism" mood was dominating the poster art, which hindered the application of creative opportunities in full. Works by Arif Aziz can be found in collections of Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Baku Museum of Modern Art, Senegal State Art Museum in Dakar and Moscow Museum of Modern Art. In 2018, a master of Azerbaijani abstract art received international award. He was awarded with the gold medal "Roses of the world" of the World Academy of Art and the International Humanitarian Academy "Europe-Asia" operating at UNESCO. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Seymur Movlayev has been appointed acting Chairman of the Agency for Agrarian Services under Azerbaijans Agriculture Ministry, the ministry told Trend. Prior to his appointment to this position, Movlayev was the chairman of the board of Aqrolizinq OJSC. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on additional measures to improve governance in the agricultural sector on Jan. 14. According to the decree, the Agency for Agrarian Services is being established under the Ministry of Agriculture on the basis of the State Phytosanitary Control Service, the State Veterinary Service, the State Service for Registration of Plant Varieties and Seed Quality and the State Main Technical Supervision Service. According to the decree, the Agency organizes and manages veterinary and phytosanitary services, controls their quality, coordinates the activities of state agricultural development centers in this field; conducts registration of agricultural equipment, control of equipment and provides public services in this field through state agricultural development centers. The highest number of the Agency's staff is 85 people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Religious Freedom Day Contact: Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2019 /Standard Newswire/ -- President Donald Trump recognizes that faith is embedded in the history, spirit, and soul of America and today issued a Presidential Proclamation affirming Religious Freedom Day, 2019. In recognition of this day, President Trump states in his proclamation: "On Religious Freedom Day, we celebrate our Nation's long-standing commitment to freedom of conscience and the freedom to profess one's own faith. The right to religious freedom is innate to the dignity of every human person and is foundational to the pursuit of truth." Religious Freedom Day is celebrated in America each year on January 16 to commemorate the anniversary of the passing of the 1786 passage of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom that ended the state-established church in Virginia, finally protecting religious rights for all people. The Anglicans had fined, persecuted, jailed and murdered Christians who were not part of the state-established church. However, Jefferson, a lifelong fervent advocate for the rights of religious liberty and religious conscience, worked hard to protect and defend those Christians. President Trump also stated: "Our Nation was founded on the premise that a just government abides by the 'Laws of Nature and of Nature's God.' As the Founders recognized, the Constitution protects religious freedom to secure the rights endowed to man by his very nature. On this day, we recognize this history and affirm our commitment to the preservation of religious freedom." To further promote religious freedom, President Trump nominated, and the Senate confirmed, Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas to be Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Department of State. In the ambassadorship, Brownback leads the Office of International Religious Freedom, which is under the umbrella of the State Department and charged with promoting religious freedom as a foreign policy objective. U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Vice President Mike Pence also hosted the first Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom last year at the U.S. Department of State to discuss ways to combat religious persecution and discrimination and to protect religious freedom around the world. This was a historic first for any country in the world, and representatives of international organizations from over 80 countries attended. "I commend President Trump for commemorating today as the 233nd anniversary of the passing of Thomas Jefferson's Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom, which has shaped and secured our cherished legacy of religious liberty," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "We must continue to embrace and protect our religious freedom in America and around the world. Christians and religious minorities are now suffering more persecution than at any time in history," said Staver. Liberty Counsel is an international nonprofit, litigation, education, and policy organization dedicated to advancing religious freedom, the sanctity of life, and the family since 1989, by providing pro bono assistance and representation on these and related topics. By Trend The decree on additional measures to improve management in the agrarian sector is an integral part of the agrarian policy pursued by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports referring to the statement of Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture. The Agency for Agrarian Services has been established under the Ministry of Agriculture on the basis of the State Phytosanitary Control Service, the State Veterinary Service, the State Service for Registration of Plant Varieties and Seed Quality and the State Main Technical Supervision Service upon President Aliyevs decree dated Jan. 14. The ongoing agrarian reforms in the country ensure sustainable and successful development of the agricultural sector. The Agency for Agrarian Services under the Ministry of Agriculture will organize and manage veterinary and phytosanitary services, control their quality, coordinate the activity of state agricultural development centers in this field. The Agency will register agricultural equipment, control equipment and render services in this field through the State Agricultural Development Centers. The Agency will ensure optimization, flexible and effective management. The ongoing reforms will enable the implementation of innovative solutions in the agricultural sector, accelerate the transition to e-services and increase transparency. The single standards will be applied thanks to the reforms in agricultural services. Presently, up to 70 services on various kinds of activity, the number of which will grow, are rendered to the farmers in the centers. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova Opening of Trade Houses is one of the important activities carried out within the expansion of the export of Azerbaijani products and promotion of the Made in Azerbaijan brand. Established by Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy, the trading houses engage in marketing research, participate in exhibitions and implement other activities related to the promotion of Azerbaijani goods. Azerbaijans Trade House opened in Dubai on January 15, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy. A special information office will operate in the Trade House, where anyone can get detailed and interesting information on Azerbaijan, including tourism. The opening of the Trade House in Dubai will provide increase in the exports of the non-oil sector, promote Azerbaijani products and expand bilateral trade. More than 600 products, including fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, tea, jams, fruit juices, lemonades, canned food, vegetable oil, milk and dairy products, confectionery, makeup products, etc., will be presented in the Trade House. The Azerbaijani delegation headed by Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev, as well as UAE officials attended the opening ceremony. Speaking at the event, Mustafayev emphasized that the opening of the Trade House of Azerbaijan in Dubai shows the importance attached by the heads of both states to trade and economic relations, as well as the UAE interest in Azerbaijani products. The Minister noted that relations between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates that are based on mutual respect and friendship, are developing successfully. Mustafayev mentioned that one of the first Azerbaijani trade representatives abroad was established in the UAE, and export missions were sent to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in 2017-2018. Currently, 290 UAE companies are operating in Azerbaijan in industry, construction, trade, agriculture, communication, transport and service. Azerbaijan and the UAE have signed more than 30 documents on various fields of the cooperation, so far. Stressing the development of trade relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE, Mustafayev said that trade turnover between two countries in 11 months of last year increased by 51 percent, exports increased by 31 percent compared to the same period of 2017. He added that Azerbaijan and UAE are also successfully cooperating in investment, since the UAE invested $ 2.1 billion to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan invested $ 330 million to the UAE. Speaking about tourist flow between countries minister noted that the implementation of "ASAN Visa" system has facilitated the tourist visits to Azerbaijan. Number of tourists from UAE visiting Azerbaijan increased by 13 percent in January-November 2018 compared to last year. Last year, Azerbaijan Tourism Board opened its representative office in the UAE. In turn, UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori underlined that the opening of the Azerbaijan Trade House in Dubai is an important step in the development of bilateral economic relations, emphasized its importance in the economic cooperation and business relations between the two countries and shared his views on expanding mutual economic relations. In addition, the office of the trade mission of Azerbaijan also opened in the UAE. This is the Azerbaijans seventh trade house abroad. Azerbaijan opened its first trading house in Minsk in 2017. Azerbaijan has trading houses in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia, Poland and China. It is planned to open up to 10 Trade Houses in 2019. According to the Azerbaijani State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the UAE amounted to $48.84 million in January-November 2018, which is 50.8 percent more compared to the previous year. Azerbaijan's exports to the UAE amounted to $19.16 million (an increase of 31 percent), while imports reached $29.68 million (an increase of 67.1 percent). Azerbaijan mainly imports high-tech products, electronics, industrial goods and building materials from the UAE and exports to the UAE fruits, juices, nuts, metal semi-finished products and so on. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Leman Mammadova The 5th Azerbaijan International Conference of Beekeepers will be held in Baku on January 26-27, Trend reports with reference to the Agriculture Ministry. Representatives from Germany, Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and Georgia will come to share their experience with local beekeepers. The representatives of relevant government agencies, public associations and businessmen will also attend the event. The conference will discuss issues of preventing bee diseases, increasing the yield in beekeeping, supplying beekeeper products to local and foreign markets. The event will be held in Dubai International Hotel in Baku. The rich climate of subtropics, the riotous diversity of flora and the valuable qualities of local bees - these are the favorable natural conditions of Azerbaijan, which contributed to the maintenance of the centuries-old tradition of beekeeping in Transcaucasia. During the excavation in The Azokh Cave, where one of the most ancient settlements of the primitive man was discovered, a bowl with the bee depicted on it was found, which once again proves that beekeeping has deep roots in Azerbaijan. Honey is used in the treatment of many diseases in folk medicine as well as in our daily lives. Currently, Azerbaijan is doing its best to contribute to the rehabilitation and further development of beekeeping by creating favorable conditions for beekeepers. Climatic conditions and rich vegetation are the main factors that contribute to the development of beekeeping in our country. There are about 600 species of honey plants in Azerbaijan, of which almost 200, as a source of nectar and pollen, create even greater natural opportunities for the expansion of beekeeping. Annual honey production in the republic is 3,000 tons, and honey consumption is 5,000 tons. Most of bee families are located in Zagatala (17,097), Astara (12,429), Gakh (9,125), Lerik (8,669) and Balakan (8,581). In 2018, 3,000 tons of honey were produced in Azerbaijan. Moreover, 65-70 percent of the country's population is provided with honey produced in the country. The number of bee colonies increased in 2018 compared to 2017. According to the available data, there were 300,000 bee colonies in Azerbaijan. However, presently, there are 400,000 bee colonies and grants have been given for the maintenance of 270,000 of them. It is expected that the number of colonies will reach 500,000-600,000. On average, each bee colony gives up to ten kilograms of honey. If certain measures are carried out, volume of honey from each bee colony can be increased up to 25-30 kilograms. Presently, about 6,000 people are engaged in beekeeping in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova Adjara Autonomous Republic of Georgia is a strategically important region for Azerbaijan. This is a rapidly growing region in Georgia. Many neighboring countries are seeking to strengthen their presence here and Azerbaijan should not stay away from these processes. Thus, Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a contract on the construction of a terminal for mineral fertilizers in the Batumi port of Georgia in January 14. The American corporation Trammo together with the Wondernet Express Investment Group will invest $ 20 million in the construction of the terminal. Georgian Economy Minister Giorgi Kobulia noted that thanks to the new terminal the volume of cargo from Central Asia will increase on the Georgian railways, and conditions will be created for the opening of new jobs. Noting the regional significance of the terminal, the minister said that the project will contribute to the growth of the economy of Adjara and Georgia as a whole. The project envisages the creation of a logistics corridor through the Black Sea port between the countries of Central Asia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Wondernet Express Investment Group has already signed agreements with the main project partners - Georgian Railways JSC, Batumi Port, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC and Baku Port. The new multimodal terminal will be equipped with modern equipment, the storage capacity for mineral fertilizers will be 60,000tons. Construction of the terminal is scheduled to begin this spring. It will be able to process up to 1.2 million tons of mineral fertilizers per year. Diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Georgia were established on November 18, 1992. The two countries broadly cooperate in regional energy development, transportation and economic partnership projects such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (BTC), Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway (BTK), the TRACECA, the BSEC. Georgian exports to Azerbaijan include cement, locomotives and other railway vehicles, mineral and chemical fertilizers, mineral waters, strong drinks, glass and glass wares, and pharmaceuticals, among other things. Azerbaijani mainly exports to Georgia oil and petroleum products, natural gas, plastic wares, furniture and building constructions. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during his meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, which took place in March in Baku, noted that Azerbaijan is on the first place in terms of the volume of investments in Georgia, which indicates a high level of interstate relations between the two countries. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, the trade turnover between Georgia and Azerbaijan made up $835,782,800 in January-October 2018. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Narmina Mammadova The prices for passenger cars rose by 0.5 percent in Azerbaijan in December 2018, the State Statistics Committee reports. Passenger cars went down in cost by 0.3 percent in January 2018, prices were stable in February, March, April, went up by 0.1 percent in May-June, and went down by 0.2 percent in July. In August, cars were sold at a higher price having increased by 0.8 percent, while in September prices went down again by 0.8 percent. In October, they remained stable, in November went down by 1.1 percent. According to official statistics, in December the average price for a passenger car was 34,595 manats. In recent years, Azerbaijan has developed newer industries in addition to petroleum engineering. The country has achieved certain success in the development of transport engineering, namely the automotive sector. Presently, Iran Khodro, the largest Iranian carmaker, is expanding its cooperation with Azerbaijan. Iran Khodro and the Azerbaijani automotive company AzEuroCar LLC have manufactured over 300 units of family sedan model Dena in Azerbaijan since March. On August 6, 2016, big Iranian automaker Iran Khodro and Azerbaijans AzEuroCar company (AzerMashs subsidiary) signed an agreement on the establishment of a joint car plant in the Neftchala industrial site. The total cost of the project is estimated at 24 million manats ($14.12 million). Meanwhile, 75 percent of investments in the plant were invested by the Azerbaijani side, 25 percent by the Iranian side. The plant intends to manufacture 1000 light-duty trucks every year. The company will meet the needs of the domestic market, and the delivery of trucks to other countries has been planned for the future. Some 80 people will be employed at the plant at the initial stage, and 150 people - later, after reaching the operation at full capacity. The light-duty trucks "GAZelle Next" and "GAZelle Business", as well as medium-duty trucks "Gazon Next" will be assembled at the plant. At the same time, a number of component parts for trucks will be manufactured in Azerbaijan. It will be the second automobile plant in Azerbaijan for AzerMash OJSC. Currently, the company is also a co-owner of "Khazar" automobile plant, the joint venture established together with the Iranian Iran Khodro company in the Neftchala industrial zone. The Khazar plant was opened during a two-day visit of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Azerbaijan in March 2018. Presently, the plant produces Khazar LD and Khazar SD models. The assemblage of a number of Peugeot and Renault models will be carried out in the future. They will cost 18,000-21,000 manats ($10,600-12,300). The cost of cars presently produced at the plant is 14,000-16,000 manats ($8,200-$9,400). The annual capacity of the plant is about 10,000 cars. These cars are expected to be delivered not only to Russia, but also to Ukraine and Central Asian countries in the future. All vehicles manufactured at the plant comply with Euro-5 standards. The plant plans to start exporting cars this year. "Azermash" OJSC is interested in creation of car industry in other regions of our country. The production of some trucks and cars has already been set up in Azerbaijan, at the Ganja and Nakhchivan automobile plants. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan acknowledged the need for concrete measures to prepare the populations for peace when they held fresh talks in Paris on Wednesday, according to international mediators. Zohrab Mnatsakanian and Elmar Mammadyarov met in the presence of the U.S., Russian and French mediators co-heading the OSCE Minsk Group for the fourth time in six months. The press services of both ministers described the meeting, which lasted for more than four hours, as useful. They said the two sides will hold more results-oriented negotiations on resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Ministers discussed a wide range of issues related to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and agreed upon the necessity of taking concrete measures to prepare the populations for peace, read a separate statement released by the Minsk Group co-chairs. During the meetings, the Co-Chairs reviewed with the Ministers key principles and parameters for the current phase of the negotiation process, said the statement. They also discussed a possible meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, it said, adding that such a summit could give a strong impulse to the dynamic of negotiations. Aliyev and Pashinian spoke to each other for the first time on the sidelines of a summit of former Soviet republics held in Tajikistan in September. There has been a significant decrease in ceasefire violations around Karabakh and along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border since then. The two leaders talked again during another ex-Soviet summit that took place in Russia in early December. Aliyev said afterwards that the year 2019 will see a new impetus to the Karabakh peace process. In virtually identical statements released after the Paris talks, the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministries confirmed that Mammadyarov and Mnatsakanian discussed ways of preparing their populations for a peaceful settlement as well as achieving security and sustainable regional development. But they gave no details. The mediators said in this regard that they underlined the importance of possible mutually beneficial initiatives designed to fulfill the economic potential of the region. They did not elaborate on those initiatives, saying instead that they plan to meet with Pashinian and Aliyev in the near future. Despite the continuing positive tone of statements made by Yerevan and Baku it remains unclear whether the conflicting parties narrowed their differences on how to end the protracted conflict. Armenias Justice Ministry and national bar association have drafted a bill that would make it a crime to insult lawyers or threaten them and their family members with violence. The move results from angry public reactions to high-profile court cases involving former senior government and military officials accused of corruption. They have also targeted lawyers representing some of those former officials, including Manvel Grigorian, a retired army general prosecuted on corruption charges. Last week one of Grigorians lawyers, Arsen Mkrtchian, was confronted outside a court in Yerevan by protesters furious with his clients recent release from pretrial detention. Some of those protesters verbally abused Mkrtchian and spat at his car. Armenias Chamber of Advocates condemned the incident and demanded stronger government protection of its members dealing with sensitive criminal cases. The chairman of the bar association, Ara Zohrabian, said earlier this week that failure to do so would put lawyers at risk of serious physical attacks. The resulting bill drafted by the Justice Ministry and the Chamber of Advocates calls for criminalizing slander, insults and threats voiced against lawyers. All forms of libel were decriminalized in Armenia about a decade ago. Not all Armenian lawyers agree with the proposed bill. Yervand Varosian, a prominent trial attorney, considers it a potential threat to the freedom of expression in the country. Why is it necessary to criminalize slander in the case of lawyers but not journalists? Varosian told RFE/RLs Armenian service on Wednesday. Why dont we also protect doctors, prosecutors, investigators, politicians or government officials [in the same fashion?] Varosian said that relevant authorities should instead talk and explain things to the society. The lawyers must be in a situation where the society understands their role and importance, he added. Armenian judges dealing with ongoing corruption cases have also faced such angry reactions. Late last month, the national Union of Judges condemned what it called growing hate speech against some of its members. The union urged Armenian authorities, political and civic groups as well as ordinary citizens to refrain from demanding explanations for court rulings, discrediting judges or exerting any pressure on them. Grigorians release from jail earlier in December was the result of one such ruling. It provoked angry street protests in the town of Echmiadzin where the disgraced general lived before being arrested in June. The protests resumed late last week, with several dozen people blocking a highway leading from Yerevan to Echmiadzin. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Tuesday warned them againstresorting to more such blockages. The prime ministers of Armenia and Georgia met on Tuesday for what they called informal talks. The meeting between Nikol Pashinian and Mamuka Bakhtadze took place in Bolnisi, a Georgian town located about 30 kilometers from the Armenian border. Few of its details were made public afterwards. Pashinians office said he stressed the importance of Armenian-Georgian relations in all areas. In a separate Facebook post, the Armenian leader said the talks were very cordial and described Bakhtadze as my friend. We decided to hold a Georgian-Armenian business forum in [the Armenian town of] Dilijan in May, added Pashinian. A short statement by the Georgian government said the two leaders discussed good-neighborly relations between the two neighboring states and expressed readiness to continue fruitful cooperation in the future. Pashinian characterized Georgian-Armenian ties as brilliant after meeting with Bakhtadze in Yerevan in September. He said they need to be reinforced by closer commercial links. The Armenian and Georgian governments will strive to help increase the annual volume of bilateral trade to $1 billion within the next few years, he declared. According to Armenian government data, Georgian-Armenian trade stood at a modest $122 million in January-November 2018. Prime Minister Theresa Mays historic defeat in the House of Commons yesterday has emboldened those in Westminster and around the country who argue a second referendum is needed to decide whether the U.K. goes ahead with Brexit or reverses course. The big picture: A second referendum now looks at least as likely as the other scenarios: a tweaked version of Mays deal, a softer Brexit, a no deal exit or a general election. The Economist Intelligence Unit put the likelihood of a second referendum at 30% in a new report, and that was before the Brexit deal May struck with the European Union was defeated by the largest margin in modern British political history. The backstory: Leave beat Remain by a 52-48 margin in June, 2016. The major parties all said theyd respect the results and move ahead with Brexit. However, they never agreed on what form Brexit would take. May argues that reversing course now would betray the will of the people and erode trust in politics for a generation. But some, including European Council President Donald Tusk, argue a second referendum is the only remaining course of action that makes any sense. Tusk tweeted: If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? The catch: Just about every aspect of Brexit is far more complicated than it seems, and thats also true of a second referendum. The question Parliament would have to approve the idea, and would also have to sign off on the question posed to voters. Thats particularly tricky here, because there are three broad options: leave with Mays deal, leave with no deal (the preferred choice for hardline Brexiteers), or remain in the EU. Simply offering those three choices would split the Leave vote into two camps whilst handing Remain a huge advantage, the Telegraphs Harry Yorke points out Instead, voters would likely have to be asked to rank their first and second choices, or whether theyd prefer no deal or Mays deal in the event that Leave beats out Remain. The timing Brexit Day, March 29, is fast approaching. In order to hold a second referendum, the U.K. would have to extend or revoke the Article 50 provision that put Brexit into motion. A fair estimate is that the whole process would take a minimum of 21 weeks, but this would be much shorter than other recent referendums, the Institute for Government notes The controversy The objections to a second referendum from pro-Brexit Members of Parliament and activists are fierce. They claim the elites are out to undermine democracy because they didnt like the peoples decision. May is also firmly against it. She has said the people of the U.K. gave their leaders a solemn responsibility to deliver Brexit, and not doing so isnt an option. Remain now leads Leave by a 46 to 39 margin (or 54-46 once undecideds are removed) according to a YouGov poll But one scenario thats been raised is the possibility that Remain defeats Leave this time around, but by a margin thats similar to or smaller than Leaves victory in 2016. What then? The bottom line: There have only been three nationwide referendums in U.K. political history. Another referendum on Brexit has never been the likeliest course. But it has also never looked as likely as it does now. It was announced this past fall that a rare filly in the Maritimes was in need of a name, and Trot Insider has been informed that, after a name the foal contest was conducted, the young pacer now has a new handle. In October of 2018, the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association had announced that Cheering for Charity was conducting a name the foal contest for Barona Lilacs filly. The filly had been born on April 18, 2018 and was from the first and only crop by Steelhead Hanover. The late Steelhead Hanover, who was a popular young first-year stallion at the time, was euthanized at the Atlantic Veterinary College on May 4, 2017 following emergency treatment. Steelhead Hanover, a multiple stakes-winning son of Bettors Delight, had won 24 lifetime races and banked more than $577,000 in purses. He was a half-brother to Sprig Hanover, the dam of 2016 two-year-old world champion Downbytheseaside. Barona Lilacs foal, who has now been named Steelthethunder The NSHRIA had hoped that it would receive some great name suggestions through the contest, as well as provide another opportunity to give back to some great organizations in the Colchester County. As part of the contest, he individual that ultimately submitted the chosen name would be able to chose which charity (Big Brothers Big Sisters, SOS Dragon Boat Team, Truro Boys and Girls Club, Bible Hill Fire Brigade, or the Truro Rotary Club) would receive a share in the filly at no cost. Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association Executive Director Robyn Crowe has informed Trot Insider of the winning submission. The registered name is Steelthethunder and was submitted by Diane Mantel of Truro, Nova Scotia, Crowe explained. Diane chose the SOS Dragon Boat Team as the charity of her choice to win the percentage of the filly, said Crowe, who stated that the NSHRIA was thrilled to receive 612 submissions from all over North America. Americas largest oil-industry groups are launching a new coalition to lobby in support of new global standards that tighten air pollution regulations for shipping fuel. Why it matters: This is a classic example of business using regulation to gain a competitive edge over others. Many of Americas oil and refining companies have been anticipating these rules set a decade ago by an arm of the United Nations that oversees maritime issues and moving toward low-sulfur kinds of diesel fuel. Details: The Coalition for American Energy Security officially launched Tuesday. Although the organization doesn't have a website yet, it has the following members and plans to grow further: American Petroleum Institute American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Domestic Energy Producers Alliance, which counts Continental Resources (whose CEO Harold Hamm is close to President Trump) as a leading member. United Steel Workers The big picture: The global standards are forecast to increase prices of diesel, gasoline and oil prices in the coming years, according to a report released Tuesday by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Energy Department. The analysis finds that the price impacts will be most acute in 2020 and diminish over time. That development an uptick in oil prices during the presidential election year could favor a possible attempted intervention by the Trump administration, as the Wall Street Journal reported last October The new coalition says that the EIA also shows diesel, fuel and gasoline prices for consumers will be lower in 2020 than they were last year. Columbia University scholar Antoine Halff agreed, writing Tuesday that the increase in fuel prices due to the standards is "more than offset by downward pressures" from other factors. Whats next: The rules officially go into effect January 1 next year. A coalition spokesperson says they are not hearing that the administration has any plans to urge for an easing of the standards, like the October WSJ report had indicated. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Go deeper: Copyright 2020 by Mountain Times Publications. Digital or printed dissemination of this content without prior written consent is a violation of federal law and may be subject to legal action. Pawel Lawreniuk had been visiting with his daughter in the UK, Express reports. He had spent about 2 weeks with her and was at the Leeds-Bradford airport on January 6 to board his flight back home, to Gdansk.Instead, he ended up in Malta.It wasnt until he landed and tried to hail a cab that he understood that hed arrived at the wrong destination: obviously, no one spoke Polish. To make matters worse, he didnt speak English either and had very little money on him, so he was completely stranded and confused.As the man was trying to talk to an agent at a tourist information booth, another passenger, Kamilla Nikolas, overheard his story. Nikolas speaks Polish and she was able to help out, contacting the mans daughter back in the UK and speaking with the airline to get him on a different flight.Mr. Lawreniuk flew out of Malta later that night and arrived in Gdansk 14 hours later than the hour he was supposed to arrive, had he boarded the right plane. Now, his daughter wants Ryanair to answer for their snafu, because it is, after all, their duty to check that passengers get on the right flight.In a statement to the media, the budget airline acknowledges the mishap, adding, The passenger had undergone all airport security screening before boarding the flight and had a valid passport which had been checked.We are investigating how this occurred and we are re-briefing all staff on procedure. We would like to apologize to Mr Lawreniuk for the inconvenience caused, the statement adds. And the render that brought us here is probably the most impressive to date. That's because the pixel play portrays the 2020 Toyota Supra as a shooting brake.It's impossible not to think of the old BMW Z4M Coupe and Z3M Coupe when you come across this body-modded Toyota. And it's just as difficult not to miss those delightful oddities.Of course, we're not expecting the Japanese automaker to come up with such a derivative anytime soon and there are multiple reasons for this.For instance, Toyota did build an 86 Shooting Brake, but the company's Australian arm only created this as a concept.And the BMW resemblance mentioned above is, sadly, another reason in favor of steering clear of such an effort. Want another one? Sales - BMW and Toyota decided to reduce development costs by building the 2019 Z4 and the 2020 Supra together since sportscar don't sell all that well, so the clientele for a Supra S/B would be extremely limited.Then again, it wouldn't surprise us to see an eccentric shop out there coming up with a Shooting Brake incarnation of the Mk V Toyota Supra. For one thing, the new Supra should become one of the tuning world's favorite children, with the reputation of its predecessor hinting towards this.Meanwhile, we're inviting you to feast your eyes on this rendering. The image comes from Rain Prisk , a digital art label that has a fetish for S/Bs, as we've shown you on multiple occasions. For example, here 's a Dodge Viper coming in such form. The UKs Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has joined a new task force to tackle economic crime, which is estimated to be worth at least 14.4bn a year. Called the Economic Crime Strategic Board, the UK body will set priorities, direct resources and scrutinise performance against the economic crime threat, the government said. Sajid Javid, home secretary, and Philip Hammond, chancellor, will chair the taskforce, which will meet twice a year. The board includes leaders of the UK financial industry and the professional services sector. It includes chief executives from Barclays, Lloyds, and Santander, as well as representatives from UK Finance, the National Crime Agency, the SRA, the Accountants Affinity Group, and the National Association of Estate Agents. Russell Kennedy has bolstered its construction and infrastructure team with the addition of Michael Bragg as associate. Bragg joined the firm after leaving Jackson McDonald in Perth, where he was a solicitor for nearly four years. He advises on both front-end contractual work and construction disputes work. He also acts on property and finance matters. His practice has served a wide array of clients, including Australian and multi-national corporates, local governments, NGOs, architects, and a university. Bragg has degrees in law and commerce and has also studied engineering and arts. The additional capabilities will bring a global 24/7 follow the sun approach to the eDiscovery team, currently located in Australia and the UK. It also expands the ALT business to 11 locations including four in Australia (Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne), together with the UK, and South Africa. "A globalised approach is an innovative way for us to provide eDiscovery services for clients to seamlessly complement the legal work delivered by the firm. Excitingly, with legal technology developing apace, it will also put the foundations in place for ALT to continue developing new technology solutions to offer clients in the future, commented Libby Jackson, global head of practice for Alternative Legal Services. Squires hires new corporate partner in Hong Kong Squire Patton Boggs has hired Anthony Chan as a partner in its corporate team in Hong Kong. We can't seem to find the page you are looking for. You may have typed the address incorrectly or you may have used an outdated link. You are the owner of this article. Watch Snob at Salon De La Haute Horlogerie 2019 Watch Snob Dishes on the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly at SIHH 2019 The worst thing about watch trade shows is that they force brands to come out with new products on a cycle that is more suited to the fashion industry than to the thoughtful development of new timepieces everything must be new! Amazing! Disruptive! And the poor brands hardly know whether they should celebrate their history or discard it wholesale in a flustered and generally unconvincing attempt to seem more au courant. Amazingly enough, however, this years Salon International Haute Horlogerie (or, as the Snob likes to think of it, Johann Rupert and Friends) in Geneva has a surprising number of releases that seem reasonable: not attempts to make a watch seem like something it is not, but rather, updates to existing design vocabularies that actually seem, dare I say it, thoughtful. Getty Images RELATED: Last Week Watch Snob Went All In on Audemars Piguets Obscure Offerings The Bad First However, before the good, let us discuss the (supposedly) bad and the (allegedly) ugly. Now look here, chaps, I bear no special love to Audemars Piguet as it presently exists. Oh yes, I know as we all do that their watches cannot be faulted on quality and that they are a technical powerhouse, but for the sake of truth in advertising, one cannot help but feel that they should just change the name of the company to The Acme Royal Oak & Offshore Co. and be done with it. However, the drubbing they have received for the Code 11.59 collection was unwarranted, and if we are quick to parody the excesses and foibles of the watch industry, then we are honor bound to note the monumental, self-satisfied, bloated complacency, overt sadism, and all around criminal stupidity of the online watch community. Yes, I agree, the watches look problematic in photographs, and certainly AP is culpable to some degree in generating outsized expectations. But the sheer volume of shrill denunciations of the new watches online, which would do a Stalinist show trial proud, show the watch enthusiast community at its absolute worst. The loudest denunciations come, of course, from those who are the most ignorant of watches and watchmaking who, moreover, have not seen the pieces. This is not to say that anyone is obliged to like something that they do not, but to be so absolutist about something one has not actually experienced helps no one. It is not a surprise to see such a display of collective asinine braying, but the many people at AP who put heart and soul into these watches some of which, by the way, look technically remarkable deserve better. Shame, shame, shame. SIHH 2019 Now the Good And the biggest surprise for the Snob this year? A brand that (speaking of taking pleasure in hating) I have increasingly found irrelevant to anyone interested in real watchmaking in recent years: IWC. IWC has a new boss (former CEO Georges Kern having decamped to Breitling) and his presence, if the new Spitfire collection is anything to go by, has had a bracing and salutary effect. The Spitfire watches are certainly not all home runs and there have been some regrettable decisions here and there in their designs, but overall I astonished myself by, er, actually wanting an IWC pilots chronograph for the first time in heavens, it must be 10 years. At least. Worth a look, especially if you are convinced IWC has irretrievably lost its way. One other pleasant surprise: Panerai. Yes, yes, the Snob actually found some of the Panerai watches rather convincing. The company has taken the wise step of making all of their watches, which have more than 300 meters worth of water resistance, into a separate family: submersible. This is certainly not a revolutionary move, by any means, but it does something very important for their customers, which is to clarify that there is a specific technical family, and that the other lines probably and most especially, Luminor Due should be approached with a different set of expectations. Getty Images And my own, personal favorite wristwatch of the Salon? This year, there was something really marvelous from Vacheron Constantin: their Twin Beat perpetual calendar. If you missed the news around its launch, it is worth visiting some of the online coverage. (There are a couple of stories by writers who actually show signs of knowing their stuff, if you poke around a bit.) Essentially, this is a watch with two balances: one vibrates at a higher frequency than the other. If you know you will not wear the watch for a time, you may use a button set into the case flank to switch to the lower frequency balance. This consumes less energy, and in standby mode, the watch has a staggering 65-day power reserve. The idea is to spare the owner the often odious task of painstakingly resetting the perpetual calendar. It is a fresh idea, well executed, and yet very much part of the centuries-old story of the perpetual calendar something other brands would do well to examine closely. I have not been a champion of some of Vacherons creations over the last few years, but if we are so eager to apportion undeserved blame (as the so-called watch community has done with AP), we ought also to apportion deserved praise. Getty Images As is usually the case at the SIHH, which consists exclusively of luxury brands (with the arguable exception of Baume & Mercier, who always seems a bit confused to be there), there is little for people wanting a nice watch at a reasonable price. However, there are a plethora of nice watches at unreasonable prices, but for something that appeals not to the ultrarich, but rather, the merely very well off, we must wait for Baselworld in April. What sort of show that will be, in the absence of the participation of the Swatch Group, is anyones guess, but there ought to be a few things that offer good value for a reasonable price. After all, one brand that we know will be there is Grand Seiko. Send the Watch Snob your questions at [email protected] or ask a question on Instagram with the #watchsnob hashtag. You Might Also Dig: Of custody and crypto The normally staid world of custody banking is now having to embrace the wild child of global assets: cryptocurrency. And this is happening just as bitcoin, the poster child of cryptocurrency, seesawed from US$30,000 one week to $40,000 the next, shedding then recovering 30% of its value. Some bitcoin bulls are talking of $100,000 by year-end Kevin Fret, a rapper and LGBT advocate, was shot dead on January 10 in Puerto Rico. The 25-year-old was shot twice times in San Juan, according to the New York Times. Police are now looking for another man who was with Fret, but fled the scene quickly after he was shot. They are not ruling out a hate crime. Fret was known as Latin traps first openly gay artist. His manager, Eduardo Rodriguez, confirmed his death in a statement before the police released the victims name. His passion was music, and [he] still had a lot to do," Rodriguez said. "This violence must stop. There are no words that describe the feeling we have and the pain that causes us to know that a person with so many dreams has to go. We must all unite in these difficult times, and ask for much peace for our beloved Puerto Rico. Last month, an 18-year-old allegedly ran through the museums Stampede: Animals in Art exhibit, knocking over a display case and smashing centuries-old sculptures and objects from China and the Mayan Empire. Fortunately, the museum has announced that almost everything he broke can be repaired and the financial hit taken by the museum will be much lower than feared. Denver Post On many days lately, the last places Ive wanted to be are 2020 and 2021. And living outside of the present is clearly optional. Encouraged by pandemic restrictions, I retreated to my... Read more Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte told the new Ambassador of Czech Republic that the Philippines is looking into acquiring small-arms from his country, without precising whether he meant assault rifles, light machine guns and/or pistols. CZ 805 Bren-A2, a possible future purchase by the Philippines (Picture source: Army Recognition) We are looking into the acquisition of small-arms, President Rodrigo Duterte said as he welcomed Jana Sediva, new ambassador of the Czech Republic, during the presentation of his letter of credentials in Malacanang. No further details have been communicated concerning what weapons might be envisaged. Sediva said that she is looking forward to further strengthen bilateral ties based on shared interests and mutual respect. In an interview to receive their Australian visas, a gay Bangladeshi couple seeking asylum were asked personal questions about their sex lives, including if they swallow each others semen. Buzzfeed uncovered a list of questions they were asked in the 2012 interview, supposedly to establish whether they were in a relationship. Australian authorities ended up denying their visa request. The immigration officer asked questions like Why was drinking his cum a problem? and Did he ejaculate...And then oral sex was given to you. Did you come? The Australian Refugee Review Tribunal overturned the officers decision to deny their requests, saying the questioning was intrusive and very intimate. But Anna Brown, with Equality Australia, told BuzzFeed this wasnt an isolated incident. Ridiculously, there have been instances where gay people have been tested on their knowledge of Oscar Wilde or particular gay nightclubs on Oxford Street, and applicants have felt compelled to produce footage of sexual encounters to prove their claim, Brown said. Owosso, MI (48867) Today Mostly sunny skies. High around 85F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds early with showers likely after midnight, and a thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Yes, a business should be able to set its own rules Yes, if you don't like it get another job Yes, but only in medical fields No, it infringes on personal freedom No, you shouldn't be forced to put something in your body No, COVID isn't a big deal and we don't need them I don't know Vote View Results The aviation industry in Turkey is on the rise after the opening on 29 October 2018 of Istanbul Airport and now it is to host The New Airport Show Istanbul from June 18-20, 2019. The show will tell the industry story behind the most important new hub between New York and Shanghai through a spectacular exhibition and high-calibre conferences detailing how and why this hub has been built, and defining its centrally strategic role in global aviation. Taking place at the downtown Istanbul Congress Centre (ICC), Turkeys most prestigious convention venue and the largest in Istanbul, the show, co-located with Future Travel Experience EMEA, is expected to attract 2,000+ international visitors and 150+ exhibitors The new hub and home of Turkish Airlines will eventually offer flights to more than 350 destinations with an annual passenger capacity of up to 200 million. The strategic partnership between Dubais two airlines, Emirates and Flydubai, continues to grow since its launch 14 months ago as it adds new codeshare destinations in 2019. The partnership, which came into effect at the end of October 2017, has since delivered a number of benefits to both airlines customers, such as offering greater global connectivity through more destination choices, flexibility with flight options when planning trips, one integrated loyalty programme, and the convenience of travelling on a single ticket with seamless point to point baggage handling. Between January and December 2018, the two airlines have jointly carried 3.29 million customers on codeshare flights across 84 destinations, which include popular tourism and adventure destinations such as Bucharest, Kathmandu and Zanzibar, amongst many others. Through the codeshare partnership, Emirates customers can access 67 additional destinations through Flydubais network, while Flydubai customers have 115 additional destinations they can travel to on Emirates network. The partnership between Emirates and Flydubai has really taken off and we are very pleased with what has been achieved. It has not only delivered tangible benefits to our collective customers, but also to both airlines in terms of the synergies that come with working closely together, for example reducing route overlaps and the realignment of schedules to common destinations, said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of Flydubai. In addition, the partnership has also helped to further strengthen Dubais position as a leading global aviation hub with the increase in traffic flows resulting from the two airlines codeshare network, and by enabling smooth and seamless connections for customers through the citys modern and comfortable international airport, he added. Expanding global connectivity The partnership started with codeshare flights to just 29 cities, and has since expanded to 84, including new Flydubai destinations such as Catania, Krakow, Dubrovnik and Helsinki. During 2019 the network of codeshare flights will be further expanded, with the launch of new Flydubai destinations Naples and Budapest, as well as several others that will be announced in due course. Flydubai flights to Chittagong will also restart from 20 January, while flights to Kozhikode, Kerala, will start from 1 February. Delivering better connections Since 2 December last year, 11 Flydubai flights started to operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport to help improve the connections between Emirates and Flydubai. These are Belgrade, Bishkek, Bucharest, Catania, Helsinki, Krakow, Mineralnye Vody, Prague, Rostov-on-Don, Salalah and Zagreb. During this year, more flights, including Naples and Budapest, will be departing from Terminal 3, further improving the connection experience for customers. This move has enabled customers booked to travel to these destinations to check-in at the Emirates Business Class and Economy Class desks in the departures area of Terminal 3. Business Class passengers are also able to use fast track on the ground and enjoy other Business Class services, whilst transiting passengers have a smooth and quick transit time. One loyalty programme Since August 2018, over 125,000 Skywards members have flown and earned almost 300 million Skywards Miles on Flydubai. Skywards members have also been active in using their Miles to partially or fully pay for over 10,000 Flydubai tickets. Members earn the same currency with both airlines, so they can reach rewards faster and more easily rise through the tiers of the programme. Embraer has released its preliminary forecast for 2019 and 2020 at a meeting with investors at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). For 2019, Embraer expects to deliver between 85 and 95 commercial jets, 90 to 110 executive jets, including light and large jets, 10 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft and two multi-mission KC-390 aircraft. Total consolidated revenues should be between US$ 5.3 billion and US$ 5.7 billion. The Company expects to achieve a consolidated EBIT margin of breakeven (approximately zero) for the year 2019. It is important to highlight that 2019 guidance includes potential costs and expenses associated with the creation of the Commercial Aviation JV in a strategic partnership between the Company and The Boeing Co. (Boeing) under the terms of the associated material facts published by Embraer. With the finalisation and closure of the partnership operation described above, tentatively expected to occur by the end of 2019, Embraer anticipates a capital structure without leverage, with a net cash position of approximately US$ 1.0 billion after the payment of a special dividend to shareholders of roughly US$ 1.6 billion (which remains subject to the confirmation of certain requirements, including the fiscal year results). Embraer also presented its guidance for the year 2020, the first year after the potential closure of the operation creating the strategic partnership between Embraer and Boeing in Commercial Aviation. The guidance presented for 2020 includes 100% of the expected results of the Executive Jets and Defense & Security segments (and the results of their respective services and support businesses) and exclude expected financial results coming from the 20% stake Embraer will have in the Commercial Aviation JV in partnership with Boeing. Embraer expects to have net revenues of between US$ 2.5 billion and US$ 2.8 billion, EBIT margin of between 2% and 5% and roughly breakeven free cash flow for the year 2020. 2018 Estimates Revision Embraer is revising its 2018 guidance for executive jet deliveries, Revenues, Executive Jet revenues, Defense & Security revenues, consolidated and adjusted EBIT, consolidated and adjusted EBIT margin, consolidated and adjusted EBITDA, consolidated and adjusted EBITDA margin, Free Cash Flow and Investments. Global market conditions for executive jets, although gradually improving, continue to recover more slowly than expected. In combination, Embraers increased focus on improving profitability and price preservation, as well as the recent launch of the new midsize/super midsize executive jets (Praetors), which will begin delivering in 2019, led the Company to adopt a more cautious approach towards deliveries in 2018. As a result, Embraer delivered 91 total executive jets in 2018 (compared to guidance of 105-125 jets previously). As a result of the reduction in executive jet deliveries, the company now expects revenues in the executive jets segment to be approximately US$ 1.1 billion (previously US$ 1.35 billion US$ 1.50 billion). In addition, the cost base revision for the KC-390 contract in the second quarter of 2018, resulting from the incident involving prototype 001 in May 2018, negatively impacted revenues for the Defense & Security segment. This impact led to a new projection for revenues for the segment, of approximately US$ 0.6 billion (US$ 0.8 billion US$ 0.9 billion previously). As a result, Embraers consolidated revenues for 2018 are now expected to be approximately US$ 5.1 billion, a reduction from the previous range of US$ 5.4 billion US$ 5.9 billion. Guidance for consolidated and adjusted EBIT, consolidated and adjusted EBIT margin, consolidated and adjusted EBITDA, and consolidated and adjusted EBITDA margin for 2018 were lowered due largely to lower fixed cost dilution of the Company as a function of lower executive jet volumes and a decline in Defense & Security revenues. The adjusted values for 2018 exclude the impact of US$ 127.2 million related to the cost base revision of the KC-390 contract in the second quarter of 2018, following the incident involving prototype 001 in May 2018. Embraer also estimates that its spending on investments for 2018 will be roughly US$ 300 million, below its previous expectation for a total of US$ 550 million. It is important to note that the lower spending on investments has not negatively impacted the Companys ongoing development projects. As a result of the lower executive jet deliveries, partially offset by the lower spending on investments in 2018, the Company expects that 2018 Free cash flow will be a use of cash of roughly US$ 200 million (versus a use of no more than US$ 100 million in its previous guidance). Dubai based aviation services company Click Aviation Network will be sending representatives to the 2019 Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC2019) in San Antonio, Texas, from 29 January to 1 February. This will be the first time Click exhibits its trip support and travel services at the conference in the U.S. SDC2019, hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), is an annual business aviation conference. In 2019, NBAA expects over 580 exhibit booths and roughly 3,000 attendees, representing 47 countries and all 50 U.S. states. Click Aviation Network said in a statement: This conference marks a particularly significant milestone for Click, as we are proud to announce the expansion of our services to the U.S. with a new office in Miami, Florida. As an international driver of aviation solutions and networking, we are always adding to our resources and capabilities to serve new and existing markets. Click has evolved in leaps and bounds over the past year and we will continue to grow further in 2019. Purchase an online subscription to our website for $7.99 a month with automatic renewal. Each online subscription gives you full access to all of our newspaper websites and mobile applications. To cancel you may contact Customer Service @ 256-235-9253 or email JPAYNE@ANNISTONSTAR.COM For a limited time, for NEW SUBSCRIBERS ONLY a NEW ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION is just $59.99 for the first year. Existing customers do not qualify for the specials! After the first year, well automatically renew your subscription to continue your access at the regular price of $69.99 per year. Please note *Your Subscription will Automatically Renew unless you contact Customer Service To Cancel* Posted on: January 16, 2019 1:49 PM A bishop in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa has stepped down after being accused of sexual misconduct. The Sunday Times newspaper in Johannesburg reported at the weekend that Bishop Monument Makhanya has decided to stand down at the end of this month after a former Deacon in the diocese lodged a complaint of sexual misconduct against him. The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, told the Anglican Communion News Service that he would seek the input of the provinces Synod of Bishops in response to the resignation. I very much regret that someone appears to have relayed the content of Bishop Monuments ad clerum (a letter to his clergy) to the press, Archbishop Thabo said. As I explained to the newspaper concerned, as soon as the complainant in this matter was willing to lodge a written statement, we followed our Provinces guidelines for dealing with such allegations. Bishop Makhanya resigned during the process which followed, which is still ongoing. I have consulted with the Provinces Safe Church Network and legal advisers and will seek the input of the next meeting of the Synod of Bishops on the way forward. Bishop Monument was consecrated as the 14th Bishop of Zululand on 23 April 2016. Archbishop Thabo told The Sunday Times that he was shocked and distressed when he heard the allegation; and said that pastoral support is being provided to the complainant. Verizon has announced that government employees affected by the United States governments ongoing partial shutdown are not only welcome to make Promise To Pay agreements that stretch long enough for them to receive pay again, but they wont incur any late fees or other associated charges that usually come with doing so. The company says that a disruption to government operations should not result in a disruption to your cell service. This special deal will last for the duration of the shutdown, meaning that government employees can pay Verizon once they receive their back pay. Those who are furloughed indefinitely rather than forced to work without pay wont be receiving a large sum up front for back pay once operations are back in order, but Verizon is also willing to help them out on a case-by-case basis. Background: The announcement is accompanied by instructions on how both cellular and residential service customers can make a Promise To Pay arrangement quickly and easily. The agreement usually allows customers to tweak their payment due date by up to a month in some cases, but given the shutdown, government employees will almost certainly see more flexibility depending on the length of the shutdown. Advertisement It is worth noting that Verizon is not offering affected individuals total bill forgiveness; youll still have to pay for your service, and all of the normal charges will be incurred. The difference is that the carrier is being flexible about how and when you pay, as a gesture of understanding amid a time of financial uncertainty and insecurity for many government workers. As the shutdown approaches a month, many employees have already begun to receive paycheck statements with no money on them. Those who are working without pay do have a back payment to look forward to once operations resume. Others have been given far fewer hours or days of work than normal. Still, others have been furloughed indefinitely, which is to say that theyre essentially temporarily laid off. This is an especially precarious position to be in because they cant simply go and get new jobs in the interim, and many of them lack the technical skill for online freelance work. Impact: Verizons gesture is likely going to keep a lot of these government employees connected through the length of this tumultuous shutdown who would otherwise end up unable to meet normal payment agreements. While all carriers offer payment arrangements, Verizon is going out of its way to pay special attention to government workers affected by the shutdown, many of whom live in densely populated areas and sport a decent income under normal circumstances. Advertisement Essentially, these workers fall into Verizons core customer base, given its price and value proposition. Alienating them would not only be a public relations nightmare but would also see the carrier lose a large chunk of its business. There are some 800,000 workers affected by the shutdown across the United States. Since not all of those are going to be Verizon customers, expect to see similar gestures from other carriers in the near future, though some may simply work with affected workers behind the scenes to come up with an acceptable billing arrangement. ANNAPOLIS Governor Larry Hogan's Second Inaugural Address January 16, 2019 Remarks As Prepared for Delivery It is such an honor to be standing here at this historic state house where General George Washington resigned his commission as commander of the Continental Forces and where the Revolutionary War ended with the ratification of the Treaty of Paris. And it is truly humbling to be inaugurated for another term as only the second Republican to do so in the entire 243-year history of our state. I want to congratulate my friend and partner, Maryland's great lieutenant governor, Boyd Rutherford, and thank my wife, Yumi, who has been a wonderful first lady for Maryland. I would not be here today without the love and support of my entire family. President Miller, Speaker Busch, and all our distinguished guests, thank you for being here. Governor Bush, I'm honored by your presence here today. Your governorship was a model of leadership, and your entire family has been a shining example of public service. Last month, I had the privilege of attending the memorial services for your father, our 41 st president, a true American hero who represented the very best of our nation. Throughout his remarkable life, he showed us the true meaning of honor, integrity, courage, and humility. As I listened to your brother, our 43 rd president, deliver his beautiful eulogy, I could not help but think back to just the year before when I lost my own dad and had the difficult job of delivering his eulogy. My father was proud to serve in Congress with George H.W. Bush. He served on the House Judiciary Committee during Watergate as the whole world watched the impeachment proceedings. Despite tremendous political pressure, he put aside partisanship and answered the demands of his conscience to do what he thought was the right thing for the nation that he loved. "Party loyalty," he said, "and personal affection and precedents of the past must fall before the arbiter of men's actions: the law itself. No man, not even the President of the United States, is above the law. For our system of justice and our system of government to survive, we must pledge our highest allegiance to the strength of the law and not to the common frailties of man." With those words, my father became the first Republican to come out for the impeachment of President Richard Nixon. The decision cost him dearly. He lost friends and supporters and his party's nomination for governor that year. But it earned him something more valuable: a quiet conscience and an honored place in history. I learned a lot about integrity and public service from my dad. I miss him a lot, especially today. And as I look out at all of you, the backdrop is the beautiful dome of the United States Naval Academy chapel where I attended the funeral of another American hero, Senator John McCain, a man with passion, toughness, and tenacity. Senator McCain wasn't someone who would yield easily, but he never hesitated to reach across the aisle to get things done, and he always put his country before his party or himself. As we look back on the lives of these leaders, it makes us yearn for something better and more noble than the politics of today. For those of us who have been given the privilege of serving, we could offer those men no greater tribute than to follow their example. Back in January of 2015, I was humbled, eager, and, frankly, a little awed by the opportunity granted me by the people of Maryland to serve them as governor. In the incredible four years that followed, there has not been a single day, good or bad, when I was not grateful for the privilege. Thank you, my fellow Marylanders, for giving me the most important work of my life. Because of the trust that you have placed in me, I pledge to you that I will keep giving this job everything I've got every single day that I am given. Four years ago, I committed to usher in a new era of bipartisan cooperation and prosperity in Maryland, one filled with hope and optimism. I pledged to govern with civility and moderation, to avoid attempts to drive us to the extremes of either political party, and to uphold the virtues that are the basis of Maryland's history as "a state of middle temperament." I believe it's because we kept that promise to put problem-solving ahead of partisanship and compromise ahead of conflict that I'm standing here again today just as humbled and eager and awed as I was at the start of my first term. We have spent four years working together to unshackle the unlimited potential and promise of this great state. We debated, discussed, and reasoned together honestly and productively, with integrity and sincere purpose. We argued without acrimony, negotiated without hidden agendas, and compromised without political posturing. We didn't demand Republican solutions or Democratic solutions; we sought out bipartisan, commonsense solutions that worked for the people of Maryland. We didn't surrender our principles; we simply practiced the art of the possible, and we trusted Marylanders to appreciate the distinction. Do the right thing and the politics will work itself out that was our plan. We faced our fiscal challenges with steady resolve and eased the tax burden on hard-pressed Maryland families, retirees, and small businesses. We cleared away the tangle of regulatory undergrowth and paved the way for historic economic growth and record job creation. We funded education at historic levels to give our schools the resources needed to prepare our children for the opportunities of the future. We protected the healthcare coverage of Marylanders and provided lower insurance rates for the first time in a decade. We met our transportation challenges head on with historic investments in our infrastructure. And we practiced skilled stewardship of the environment, which resulted in a Chesapeake Bay that is cleaner than it has been in recorded history. Today, I ask my partners in the legislature to join in reaffirming our pledge to continue on this bold new path. Rather than engaging in mere rhetoric, let's continue to deliver real results for the people who sent us here. Let's keep putting the people's priorities before partisan interests. Let's continue to tackle our common problems by accepting our shared responsibility to solve them. Let's repudiate the debilitating politics practiced elsewhere including just down the road in Washington where insults substitute for debate, recriminations for negotiation, and gridlock for compromise; where the heat, finger-pointing, and rancor suffocates the light, and the only result is divisiveness and dysfunction. Where getting something done for the people no longer seems to be a priority. There is plenty of blame to go around. People on both sides of the aisle refuse to give up even a little to get a lot done. Neither side really wants to make progress; they just want to make demands and win arguments. That's not governing that's just political theater, and most of us are sick and tired of all that drama. Look, I'm willing to stand up and fight for the things that really matter but not for status quo politics and not to perpetuate polarization and paralysis. I come from the get-to-work and get-things-done school of politics, and I'll work with anyone who wants to do the people's business. We have enough worries, stress, and drama in our private lives, don't we? We might have a sick child or an elderly parent to care for; problems at work or in school; a spouse who lost a job; or a close friend who's hurting. Maybe we received a tough diagnosis or recently lost someone we love. We all suffer enough challenges in our lives that give us plenty to worry about. You shouldn't have to obsess over or argue constantly about angry and divisive politics. You should be able to have confidence in the character and competence of the people you elect to office regardless of their party affiliation. You should be able to trust that we'll do our best for you to solve our problems. Those of us blessed by your trust should give you a government that doesn't act as if it is something apart from you but one that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. A government that appreciates that no one of us has all the answers or all the power. A government that tolerates contrary views among a diverse citizenry without making them into enemies or doubting their patriotism. A government that can discuss and debate with as much civility as passion and with a view to persuade, not intimidate, to encourage, not demonize or defeat. That is exactly what we have succeeded in providing to the people of Maryland over the past 4 years: A humble, tolerant, respectful, and effective government that has worked together and found bipartisan, commonsense solutions. A government that took on the big problems and made things better for the people we serve. A government we could all be proud of. As I stand here today, I'm hopeful, and I have every confidence in our collective ability to continue giving Marylanders a state government that is just as decent, hardworking, and pragmatic as they are. Harry Truman once said: "Men make history, not the other way around. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better." It isn't always easy to put the public good ahead of personal and partisan interests. If it were, then leaders like George H.W. Bush, John McCain, and my dad would not have stood out from their contemporaries as much as they did. Those men had the wisdom to know that no success is more satisfying than living honorably and keeping faith with the people who gave you their trust. While the tenor of today's national politics may have strayed from the noble example they set, I still believe that what unites us is greater than that which divides us. And to those who say our political system is too broken and can't be fixed, I would argue that we have already shown a better path forward. And if we can accomplish that here in Maryland, then there is no place in America where these very same principles cannot succeed. So on this historic day, in this historic place, let us once again pledge to seek that middle ground where we can all stand together. Let's keep changing Maryland for the better and continue setting an example for the rest of the nation. Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the great State of Maryland and the United States of America. (January 16, 2019)Beating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma into remission and being the first Maryland Republican governor elected for a second term since 1954 is no small feat.But Gov. Larry Hogan will continue to work against the odds this legislative season, with Democrats maintaining a supermajority in the Maryland House and Senate.Regardless, Hogan has previously touted his bipartisanship, and Wednesday's inauguration was no different.Cold reporters huddled together on the State House steps for a press conference with Hogan in the morning.An excited governor said then he was excited, humbled and ready for the challenges ahead.Hogan said after his swearing in that in this term, he plans to continue the harder work of putting the people's priorities before partisan interests."Do the right thing, and the politics will work itself out," said Hogan.Much of Hogan's speech took jabs at the federal government's inability to compromise."Heat, finger-pointing and rancor suffocates the light," said Hogan. "That's not politics, that's political theater."Hogan said instead of putting on a show, over the next four years he will strive to be moderate, find compromise, and encourage a government that will work together to find bipartisan solutions."I still believe that what unites us is stronger than what divides us," Hogan said.Maryland Lt. Gov Boyd Rutherford addressed that divide after being sworn in.He said four years ago, he and Hogan had pledged they would be different from past administrations; they would serve as one executive power with the same agenda.Hogan signaled his willingness to reach across the aisle by having Isiah "Ike" Leggett, former Montgomery County executive, make the opening statement."This inauguration is not an ordinary event," Leggett said. "It is the official recognition and acceptance of the people of Maryland."Leggett was the first black Montgomery County executive and served for 12 years, until 2018.Jeb Bush, 2016 GOP candidate and former governor of Florida, said Hogan's governance contrasted the gridlock and dysfunction in Washington."There's not a lot of people I would leave paradise for," said Bush, referencing warm weather in Florida, "but Larry Hogan is at the top of that list."In standing by one of President Donald Trump's former Republican rivals, Hogan further distances himself from the conflict between parties on Capitol Hill.During his last term, Hogan said he worked with Democrats to pass legislation on health care, transportation, the Chesapeake Bay and fracking.Now for his second term, Hogan said he is focusing on four areas: Education, economic opportunity, crime and redistricting.Hogan wants to relieve student debt, reduce taxes on small businesses, raise sentences for firearm offenders and drunken drivers as well as create a nonpartisan redistricting process, according to his 2019 legislative proposals.But he may face significant opposition in the state House and Senate, especially after eight House Republicans were ousted for Democrats in the 2018 elections.Maryland Delegate Anne Kaiser, D-Montgomery, said Hogan often talks up his bipartisanship but does not always work with Democrats.Kaiser told Capital News Service that over the last four years, Hogan "advanced our agenda or signed off on it at the end, and claimed it as his own."Kaiser said she is curious to see what Hogan's vision for the next four years will be, but said the House will provide for the working class no matter his plans.Even with a House and Senate with the power to veto his decisions, Hogan still holds a 67.3 percent favorable opinion among Marylanders, according to an October 2018 Gonzales poll ( www.realclearpolitics.com/docs/Gonzales_Maryland_Poll_-_October_2018.pdf ).Queenstown, Maryland, resident Michael Parsons, 49, a Republican, said Hogan is "one of the most likable politicians you'll ever meet."Parsons said Hogan found ways to pass good economic policy and improve business, even with a Republican minority in the House and Senate.Jay Walton, 37, a Republican from Dundalk, Maryland, said he was particularly impressed by Hogan's steps toward improving education."He's trying to hold education officials more accountable," said Walton.Walton was just appointed to Hogan's P-20 Leadership Council of Maryland, a schools-business partnership that aims to prepare students entering the workforce.Melinda Craig, 68, a Republican from Havre de Grace, Maryland, said Hogan is well-liked and well-loved in all counties, and that he truly cares about the people and the state."You can't get anything done if you're not for everyone," said Craig.Michele Cordle, 58, a Republican from Annapolis, Maryland, said it is Hogan's ability to put aside partisanism that makes both Republicans and Democrats love him."He has some challenges, but like anything that Larry faces, he's going to take on the challenge," said Cordle. Game of Thrones vs. Stranger Things? Which service should you go for? Up until now, Netflix has always been compared to Hulu and/or Amazon Prime Video. To the point where most people likely make their subscription choice based on this comparison. In some cases, some people might flip between Hulu and Netflix on a monthly or quarterly basis depending on how much content they have consumed from one or the other at a given point. Prime Video has, and for now always will remain an outlier here as this is typically consumed as part of a Prime membership and is not necessarily therefore an extra cost. But Hulu and Netflix definitely are. Advertisement Times they are a changin The reason Hulu and Netflix have typically always been compared against each other is the price. Both have largely been considered up to $10 entities as you can gain access to either for less than $10 and up the quality of the experience by upping the monthly cost. HBO on the other hand has always been considered more of a premium purchase especially considering it costs $15 per month, as an add-on or standalone purchase. Advertisement But the times are indeed changing and Netflix announced this week that it is now upping the price for subscribers in the US. In fact, if you are not an active Netflix subscriber you will be charged the higher rate right now. Which for a Standard subscription (the one most people opt for) results in a monthly cost of $12.99 in the US. Yes, Hulu charges $11.99 for its no-add option but you can opt for the $7.99 option besides the ads theres not much difference between the two plans (number of streams, playback quality and so on). Not to mention Hulu (No Ads) does still come with some ads due to content agreements. Adding to this, at times, you can get the ad-supported version for much cheaper. For example, Hulu for the last few months was offering the entry-level option for just $5.99. So yes, Hulu on paper costs $11.99, but you shouldnt be paying that for Hulu in the first place. Theres no argument on that point, Netflix is the better option. Hulu is not worth $11.99 per month. Advertisement Netflix on the other hand offers an entry level option (with the new price increase its now $8.99 per month) but drops the number of streams to one at a time and the quality down to SD. The very fact that most Netflix users are on the Standard plan can be argued is the Netflix plan. Now, however, at $12.99 the Netflix cost feels much closer to the cost for HBO than for Hulu, and that suddenly makes purchasing decisions far more interesting. As it remains to be seen whether Netflix is worth the money when you could opt for HBO instead. The quantity argument If your decision strictly comes down to quantity then Netflix is your best option. Netflix offers more content than HBO on any given day. So if you want quantity value for money then Netflix will win out. Always. Advertisement This also applies to the networks own content. Netflix has been greenlighting and releasing far more of its own content than HBO has. This is one of the reasons why Netflix did as well as it did last year at the Emmys compared to HBO. More shows means more nominations and that strategy paid off for Netflix gaining 112 noms compared to HBOs 108. So theres more to watch on Netflix, and more of the content that you can only watch through Netflix on Netflix. Although a point to note about Netflixs Originals is not all of its so-called original content is Netflix content. As the streaming service has a habit of branding a show/movie as a Netflix Original even though Netflix did not make the show. The discrepancy here lies in distribution as Netflix often buys the rights to shows (usually imports) and then brands them to the US market as if the show was its own. One of the most recent examples of this was Bodyguard. This is a UK show greenlit and paid for by the BBC and Netflix agreed the rights after it had proved successful in the UK. Advertisement While theres nothing wrong with Netflix branding content as Original as it is the only place you can currently watch the content in the US thats not quite the same as believing the show is a Netflix show, always will be a Netflix show, and will always remain only available through Netflix. The quality argument Theres no doubt the quality of Netflixs own shows has increased massively of late. It really has. You only have to look at the likes of The Haunting of Hill House, You, and Bird Box to see how good its shows and movies now are. Advertisement One of the reasons for this is Netflix is willing to bet on scripts other networks might not. Whether that be because they are a little different, obscure or from an unknown writer, Netflix is willing to back more new content to build out its portfolio than any other network. Netflix is understood to be able to do this due to its unique approach to agreeing terms. For example, Netflix seems to be more keen on paying for the rights to original content, making it, and then collecting more back when it proves successful. So higher outlay, but greater return. Other networks usually prefer to back content that they expect to see returns on. This also means those networks pay less up front to writers but give them more of a share if a movie/show is successful. Less outlay up front, less loss if the show/movie fails, but less returns. Coming to HBO, and this network is very different to Netflix as it has always pushed forward a less is more mantra. To the point where HBO likes to brand itself as a curated network. This means less shows, but shows that are of a higher quality in general. Advertisement So in spite of the upping of the quality of Netflix content, it could be easily argued that HBO shows are better value for money when it comes to the quality considering most of its content is of a minimal quality unlike most of the content available on Netflix. You only have to look at the Emmys again to further highlight this point as while Netflix won the nomination war (112 vs. 108), when it came to Emmy wins, things were not so straightforward. Netflix and HBO tied when it came to Emmy wins on 23 awards each. While some might argue that proves Netflix quality is as good as HBOs, theres two points to note here. Firstly, HBO won the same amount as Emmys with less nominations and less content in general. Secondly, what is arguably the Emmy held in the highest regards is the Outstanding Drama Series award. This was won by HBO for Game of Thrones. Beating out Netflixs two contenders in this category (Stranger Things and The Crown) as well as its own Westworld which by the way was also another example of the quality shows HBO is capable of. So overall theres less filler on HBO and that is likely to be an important point to note for some. Whether you view success or recommendations based on critical acclaim or social media hype HBO offers as much as Netflix does, if not more, with less content thrown at you. The newer argument Another element to consider is third-party content. As while Netflix is collecting some great titles and branding them as its own, the selection of newer content is far more limited on Netflix compared to HBO. This is especially in true in terms of movies which seem to take an age to arrive on Netflixs platform. In contrast, HBO is already offering tiles including Oceans 8, Super Troopers 2, Life of the Party, Blockers, Rampage, Ready Player One, and more. All of which are 2018 movies. So if accessing newer movies and shows from various networks and studios matters to you, then arguably HBO is the better option. As you will get a greater variety of theater releases quicker than you will by subscribing to Netflix. The future matters Whether you hedge on the quality or quantity side, whats right for you now, might not be right for you in the future. Take Netflix for example. If you have been under the impression the non-Netflix content has gotten smaller in recent years. You would probably be right as this is Netflixs end goal. Netflix is intent on populating its service with its own content. Thats its priority now and in the future, with the intention that in the future the service will pretty much only offer its own content (made or purchased). This also means that Netflix will be focusing less on third-party content in general and that is already starting to become evident. Users should expect to see less new content thats not marketed as Netflix content, and less content overall as time goes on. One of the big examples of this was the near-miss that was Friends. It seemed Netflix was not planning on renewing the rights but eventually buckled under user pressure. Dont expect this to always be the case. This is the main issue Netflix, and its users, will likely face going forward as the streaming service looks to transition itself to solely a provider of content and not a licensee without compromising on the features and content that drew viewers to the service in droves. That is, while also continuously raising its prices to help pay for that transition. Of course, you could always live your best life and subscribe to both. Although at close to $30 per month, for just those two channels, thats unlikely to be a sensible option for many. Netflix users will now start to pay more than they ever have before for monthly access to the streaming service as the company is now in the process of increasing the prices of its varying plans. Depending on whether an individual is an existing customer or not will affect when the price increase shows up, although all Netflix users in the US will be subject to the increase. Those opting for the entry-level Basic plan will see the price rise from $7.99 per month to $8.99. Those on the Premium plan will start to pay $15.99 per month instead of $13.99, while those on the Standard plan can now expect to pay $12.99 per month compared to $10.99. Advertisement Most Netflix subscribers in the US are on the Standard plan and therefore most will be subjected to the higher $2 per month price increase. The Standard plan offers access to Netflix on two screens simultaneously, but does not provide access to any Ultra HD content. Compared to the Premium option which not only allows UHD access but also ups the simultaneous screen count to four. The Basic plan will continue to offer access to only one feed at a time and will remain resigned to an SD quality. The new price increase is already in effect on the companys website and therefore customers looking to sign up to the service today will immediately encounter the heightened prices. Advertisement Existing customers can expect to see the change take effect within the coming weeks and presumably determined by bill cycle date. Netflix does not often increase its prices although those increases are now starting to come through on a somewhat regular basis considering this 2019 price increase followed one in 2017 which in turn followed another in 2015. As part of the previous 2017 increase, prices rose by a similar $1 and $2 level, depending on the plan. Although compared to this current increase, the 2017 increase did not affect those on the Basic plan. Instead, prices rose for the Standard plan by $1 up to to $10.99, with the Premium plans price upped by $2 to $13.99. Advertisement This time around the increase affects all users of the service based in the US. One of the suggestions for the increase is simply to help Netflix further fund its own originally programming. This has become a significant priority for the steaming service of late and has resulted in the release of a number of high profile movies and shows coming through, including Bird Box, Stranger Things, and You, as well as older and longer-running entities, such as House of Cards. It remains to be seen how well the price increase will be received by current subscribers although what is clear is the price of the service is starting to rise to a notably level with even the most basic and affordable option now inching closer to the $10 marker. Advertisement Cord cutting has resulted in a number of live and on-demand TV services coming through in recent years with prices starting as low as $25 per month. That baseline live TV package is now less than $10 more than the most expensive Netflix price plan. Thats also only $12 more now than the plan most American Netflix subscribers are currently signed up to. Huaweis EMUI Android skin was rebranded quite a bit with the launch of EMUI 8 on the Mate 10 last year, and now follows the numbering scheme with Androids version numbers. EMUI 9 launches on the Mate 20 family, running atop Android 9.0 Pie and represents another change in visual design language and overall look and feel of the OS. This isnt a radical change in most respects, rather an incremental one in many areas of the phone. Youll find a redesigned system settings menu that features less clutter and fewer basic options up front, although advanced options are still available for those that love to tweak. Huawei has also lightened up many aspects of the OS, although the system-wide dark mode is available on phones in the Mate 20 family with OLED displays, like the Mate 20 Pro and Mate 20x. Youll also find new UI interaction sounds, new alarms and ringtones, and other themes based on nature, as thats Huaweis new theme going forward. There are a number of areas where Huawei has improved upon Googles designs in Android 9 Pie, many of which were poor choices on Googles part to change things that shouldnt have been changed. First off is the shortcut to settings, found in the notification shade, which takes two swipes down to access on stock Android 9 Pie, and is a tiny icon to boot. Huawei has increased this icons size and put it in a more prominent position on the top of the shade, reachable with a single swipe. Youll also find improvements to the volume adjustment pop-up, which is both tiny on stock Pie and only allows for media volume adjustment. When switching from vibrate to ring mode a separate ringer volume slider appears as well, otherwise only media audio is adjustable by pressing the volume rocker in vibrate or silent modes. Also, despite the issues with the Overview multi-tasking screen, Huawei has improved the tiles in a way over stock Android 9 Pie by adding in a dedicated split-screen button to the top right of each tile, as well as adding in clearer titles and icons so that two names and icons are visible at all times instead of just the single name and icon on the stock Android 9 Pie tiles. EMUI 9 does have an interesting amalgam of little issues that dont cause any actual problems but show some oversights on Huaweis part when it comes to design. The display notch can be hidden on both phones, and, even better, on a per-app basis. This is some amazing granular control thats simply not available on most phones with a notch, but theres an odd design issue with the curves on the sides of the hidden notch. Huawei was careful to match the curve size and dimensions to the physical curves on the device, so hiding doesnt look out of place, but this is an overlay that doesnt sit atop every UI element and tends to look a bit messy at times. For instance, when a notification pops in the top corners of that rectangular notification sit over top the hidden notch and glitch out when disappearing. This contrast of square and round is weird looking, and the glitching fits right in with the issues we have on the Overview screen. Advertisement Huawei builds a number of convenient features into the Mate 20 family to make daily usage easier, and some to cut down on the number of devices you need to get things done. Huawei was one of the first OEMs to support a desktop projection mode through a USB Type-C cable, delivering a desktop interface that utilizes Androids powerful window functionality, allowing any app on the phone to be run in this interface as if it were made for a desktop PC or laptop instead of a phone. Huawei has upgraded this functionality with the Mate 20 family, which now features faster initialization once plugged in, and overall better speeds and more solid multitasking over the previous generation. Wireless projection support is also available via supported Miracast devices, a list of which you can find on Huaweis website. This allows wireless projection of the phones screen as is, or in the desktop form, if preferred. A theme store is available with thousands of different themes, both free and paid, with new ones added and updated every week. Themes range from seasonal to classical art, colors and shapes, pop culture and just about anything else you could think of. Most themes consist of only icon and wallpaper changes though, so they arent quite as robust as themes from Samsung or LG, but you can change out any icon and, of course, wallpaper to your liking. Huawei still offers their magazine lock lock screen, which will automatically change the lock screen art regularly throughout the day based on any sources you select. Huawei is always adding new sources and new material to each source and category, so youre going to see new things all the time. Advertisement Huawei Mate 20 Wireless Connectivity, Sound and Security Just like the P20 family, theres a fair dichotomy between the speaker configuration and quality between the Mate 20 and Mate 20 Pro. The Mate 20 features a single camera on the bottom of the phone, located next to the USB port, and is supposed to also use the top earpiece to act as a stereo source, however, our review unit either did not do this or just didnt do a very good job of using this speaker as a way to enhance sound output. The Mate 20 Pro utilizes a similar stereo speaker setup, aided by Dolby Atmos, which uses the earpiece and bottom speaker to virtualize a 3D sound environment and create a more full experience. Whats a bit weird about the Mate 20 Pros configuration is found in that bottom speaker, which is seemingly nowhere to be found on the outside of the phone. Instead, this speaker is located inside the USB Type-C port; a unique design that ultimately creates a worse experience when compared to the Mate 10 or P20 Pro. The quality itself is a bit diminished from the P20 Pro, which did an excellent job of creating a very full sound experience, and while its still a better experience than the Mate 20, its not nearly as good as the past two Huawei flagships, or other 2018 flagships like the Galaxy Note 9, Sony Xperia XZ3 or Google Pixel 3. Advertisement Its also far too easy to cover up the USB port and muffle the speaker, as the surface area for the speaker is smaller than most. Surprisingly, plugging in the USB Type-C cable doesnt muffle the sound as much as you might expect, although theres a noticeable difference in the volume between plugging in and not. Another interesting dichotomy between the two phones lies in the audio output, where the Mate 20 Pro only features a single USB Type-C port on the bottom, while the Mate 20 has a 3.5mm audio jack on top as well. Huawei ships the Mate 20 Pro with a USB Type-C to 3.5mm dongle, but having the port built into the phone is always more preferable, both for ease of use, and the fact that you can more easily charge and listen at the same time. On the security front, the Mate 20 family offers a wide range of options to fit every preference. The Mate 20 features a classic rear-facing fingerprint scanner as well as a single front-facing camera thats used for face unlock. I feel the fingerprint scanner is a bit too shallow for my liking, as its more difficult to use than it should be since theres not much of a physical feeling difference between it and the rest of the back, as the scanner isnt very recessed into the frame. The face unlock features of the Mate 20 are certainly not going to be as secure or accurate as the ones on the Mate 20 Pro, as the Mate 20 Pro features an IR camera and dot projector, which is able to identify faces based on 3D modeling of a face both in good light and in the dark. This projection of 30,000 dots isnt visible to the naked eye, but the IR camera on the front can utilize it at any time, and it takes about a second or so to identify a face. I found the facial identification to be a bit lacking though, as its not only quite a bit slower than a traditional fingerprint scanner, but I found myself staring at the phone for quite a few seconds several times per day, waiting for the phone to identify me and unlock. Its also, of course, not able to identify your face if you have something covering it, such as a scarf in the winter, or a beard if you created the facial identification while unshaved. The in-glass fingerprint scanner on the Mate 20 Pro also leaves quite a bit to be desired, as its not only slow but isnt entirely accurate. Theres no way to do additional scans to help the fingerprint scanner understand your fingers patterns better either, so if you have constant problems youre going to have to delete the enrolled fingerprint and try re-enrolling again. I almost never used the in-glass fingerprint scanner simply because it was more annoying to use than the facial recognition, but some may prefer utilizing this method other the other depending on how comfortable they are with the accuracy or privacy of facial recognition. Advertisement Previous Page - Mate 20 Performance and Battery Buy Huawei Mate 20 (Amazon) Buy Huawei Mate 20 Pro (Amazon) Huawei is now being criminally investigated over allegedly stealing trade secrets, this stems from a civil case involving T-Mobile back in 2014. The case originally was involving T-Mobile and robotic technology that the company uses to test phones in its laboratories. The report, which comes out of The Wall Street Journal notes that in one instance, two Huawei employees slipped another into the lab, and took unauthorized photos of the robot. It also notes that one employee tried to hide the fingerlike tip of the robot behind a computer monitor so that the security cameras could not see, and then sneak it out in a bag. Huawei, of course, fought this lawsuit with T-Mobile, saying that nothing was stolen. T-Mobile eventually won the lawsuit and was awarded $4.8 million, in 2017. Nearly three years after the lawsuit was filed. Advertisement Theres not a lot of information currently available about the current case that federal prosecutors are working on, against Huawei. This is because the case has not been formally announced, and no charges have been filed either. Though, sources inside the FBI are expecting that indictments will be coming down soon. This comes at a not-so-great time for Huawei in the US. Over the past year or so, the Huawei and the US have been at odds. And lately, things have been turned up a notch. On December 1, the companys CFO was arrested in Vancouver during a layover. The arrest was over Huaweis violation of US sanctions with Iran and North Korea. She was eventually released on bail, but is expected back in court soon. Then just last week, another Huawei executive was arrested in Poland, on espionage charges. Now we have Huawei being investigated for stealing trade secrets. Stealing trade secrets should not be a huge surprise when it comes to Huawei. Chinese companies are known for stealing these trade secrets and intellectual property, and this is largely because the Chinese dont believe in patents. This is a big reason why you see so many iPhone-clones in China, because it doesnt care about intellectual property or IP. Advertisement The case with T-Mobile from 2014 may not seem like that big of a deal. Its a robot that T-Mobile uses for phone testing, okay, whats the big deal. But theres a broader play here. If Huawei was looking to steal that robot, what else did they or could they have stolen while working with US companies. T-Mobile is not the only carrier that Huawei has worked with. It also worked with though for a short time Verizon and AT&T. Ultimately the deals with those two carriers to sell the Mate 10 Pro last year fell through, but the phone was tested on their networks. Huawei also works with some of the biggest names in tech: Google, Microsoft and Qualcomm. Huaweis reputation in the US is going from bad to worse. And it is very unlikely that even if Huawei is able to get all of this cleared up, that itll be back in the US anytime soon. Fake news is a new term, but lies and propaganda is as old as written history, spread by individuals to aggrandize oneself or smear the public image of an enemy. Then, there is yellow journalism, where newspapers rely on sensationalism and the publication of scandal-mongering articles and exaggerations of news events to increases sales and circulation. While this sort of media irresponsibility is often seen among competing newspapers, there was one time when four different newspapers colluded to publish a blatant lie. The idea was if all four newspapers published the same lie, few would question it. Photo credit: Photonomus/Flickr The nefarious plan was hatched one summer evening in 1899, over drinks at the bar at Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado. The four men involved in the plot were Al Stevens, Jack Tournay, John Lewis, and Hal Wilshireall reporters of the four Denver newspapersthe Post, the Republican, the Times, and the Rocky Mountain News. Each had been tasked by their editors to come up with something exciting to entertain their readers with. Each had come up empty. According to an article published by the Denver-based songwriter Harry Lee Wilber in 1939forty years after the eventit was Al Stevens, the reporter for the Denver Republican, who suggested that they fabricate a story. Denver, at that timethe Denver Post noteswas full of ethically challenged journalists. The newspapers office in downtown Denver was known as The Bucket of Blood because of all the red headlines and splashy yellow journalism the paper painted the city with. Harry Tammen, the Posts co-owner, was proud of it. He once said: The public not only likes to be fooled it insists upon it. Tammen bought the struggling Denver Evening Standard for $12,500 in 1895 and changed its name to Denver Post. Under his stewardship, the newspaper flourished and in three years, one in every five Denver residents were reading his paper. Tammens intention, like any newspaper owner and editor of the era, was to make money, not set journalistic standards. They pounced upon every opportunity to blackmail and bully people of prominence and coerce them to secure advertising and cooperation. The Post was quick to embellish any story or stoke any flame to sell papers That evening when Al Stevens suggested that they fabricate a story to meet their deadlines, not a single one of them saw fault in the reasoning. They all agreed and decided that instead of inventing four separate stories, they would create a single coherent lieone that would pique the interest of the public, but that which could not be easily discredited. The four debated the idea briefly and decided to set the story on a foreign landChina. It would take weeks, if not months for anyone to debunk the story, they thought, and by then they would sell a lot of papers. And so they came up with the story of an American engineer named Frank Lewis, who stopped over in Denver on his way to San Francisco, bound ultimately for China, where the Great Wall was to be demolished. Lewis was going to negotiate a contract with the Chinese government to tear down a part of the wall and use the pulverized stone to build a new road. The story was published on June 25, 1899, but for reasons unknown, the papers didnt publish the story with a screaming headline on Page One, but tucked it inside in the middle and back pages. The Rocky Mountain News never published the news at all, despite its reporter reportedly being part of the cabal. Within a few days several other papers throughout the country picked up the story and embellished it in their own ways. The Fort Wayne Sentinel claimed that the bricks from the wall were to be used to build dikes to contain the Yangtse River. Another large newspaper claimed to have spoken to a Chinese official who confirmed the story. Only the New York Times questioned the authenticity. The paper wrote: If there is anything which modern China can safely be assumed to regard with respect and devotion it is that famous wall, so ancient, so useless, so queer, and so inconvenient. Like most other things in China, its material is such as to preclude the idea of employing it in making things of present necessity, and that is another reason why the reported scheme is incredible and incomprehensible. And if the Chinamen had decided to destroy the noblest embodiment of Chinese instinct and policy, why shouldn't they do it themselves? Though they may lack the energy requisite for building so large and remarkable a structure, still they would have no difficulty in tearing it down. It wasnt until 40 years later that one of the reporters finally confessed to the scheme. The story about the Great Wall of China hoax was given a new twist by Harry Lee Wilber in an article published in 1939, where he greatly exaggerated the tale creating essentially another hoax. Wilber claimed that the story reached China where it so angered the populace that it sparked the Boxer Rebellionan anti-foreign, anti-colonial, and anti-Christian uprising in China that claimed the lives of 32,000 Chinese Christians and many hundred Western missionaries. Wilbers hoax was short-lived. Only seventeen years later, it was featured in the book Great Hoaxes of All Time published in 1956. Almost all Democratic candidates who ran in the midterm elections tried to push climate change as a major issue. It didn't work, but time after time, Democrats repeated the same half-truths and myths that have been used for years to push a radical global warming agenda. You'd never know it from media coverage of the climate change issue, but over the past year, several "facts" about global warming have been debunked entirely or were radically altered. The Global Warming Policy Forum, a London-based think-tank, supports "open and skeptical" science and policy research, as well as a balanced approach to the question of climate change. This kind of hardheaded realism is badly needed to counter the outright hysteria of climate alarmists. The GWPF came up with a list of the 12 debunked climate scares of 2018. Here are a few: PARIS (AFP) Earth's surface will almost certainly not warm up four or five degrees Celsius by 2100, according to a study released Wednesday (Jan 17) which, if correct, voids worst-case UN climate change predictions. A revised calculation of how greenhouse gases drive up the planet's temperature reduces the range of possible end-of-century outcomes by more than half, researchers said in the report, published in the journal Nature. This is the most persistent myth advanced by climate change hysterics that unless we do something now about global warming, we'll all be dead by 2100. That may have been the prediction a decade ago, but gradually, over the years, even the IPCC predictions have become less dire. You may recall the above report by the BBC, which described how bad last year's Atlantic hurricane season was, before commenting at the end: "A warmer world is bringing us a greater number of hurricanes and a greater risk of a hurricane becoming the most powerful category 5." I fired off a complaint, which at first they did their best to dodge. After my refusal to accept their reply, they have now been forced to back down. In fact, no major hurricane made landfall in the U.S. between 2005 and 2017. And the prediction that storms would become more severe just hasn't panned out. NASA glaciologist Jay Zwally says his new study will show, once again, the eastern Antarctic ice sheet is gaining enough ice to offset losses in the west. The question of polar ice growth or shrinkage either the North or the South Pole continues to bedevil scientists. But climate hysterics have accepted as an article of faith that the ice is disappearing. And then there are the poor, starving polar bears: The narrative behind the viral photo of a polar bear starving, reportedly thanks to climate change, has been called into question by the National Geographic photographer who took it in the first place. Try, try again, guys. The issue of "coral bleaching" is a favorite of hysterics. This issue also can be dropped from the alarmists' agenda: Coral bleaching has been a regular feature of the Great Barrier Reef for the past 400 years, with evidence of repeated mass events dating back to well before European settlement and the start of the industrial revolution. What runs through all these myths is the political calculation that people, scared to death, will hand politicians and bureaucrats enormous power to control our lives by controlling energy. It's really just a simple power grab played out on a planetwide scale. But as long as skeptical scientists aren't put in jail or burned at the stake for their beliefs, that power grab will be stymied. How much sympathy for pregnant illegal border-crossers is too much? Back on November 26, Maryury Hernandez, a God-fearing pregnant migrant from Honduras, entered the country with her husband and three-year-old son in search of "better lives" for her children and "to keep them safe" (so she makes the hazardous trek north?), says journalist Ruben Navarrette, who is "extremely grateful for his citizenship." The problem is, she entered illegally, which makes her eligible for deportation. "I feel like a criminal," said Maryury. She is a criminal. A pregnant foreigner may go to the U.S. to give birth. She doesn't violate any U.S. laws if she has a visa. Still, U.S. Customs, strict on pregnant foreigners entering the country, may refuse her entry. Maryury didn't bother to apply for a visa. She caravanned north, and her handlers quickly put her in the hands of immigration agents who caringly whisked her off to an excellent environment for giving birth. She gave birth on November 27 a bouncing baby boy. Just another drop in the anchor-baby bucket? While hosting a show on "a conservative radio station" in San Diego, citizen-journalist Navarrette listened to callers repeat "the old trope advanced by cable news hosts that babies born on U.S. soil somehow 'anchor' their parents to the United States." People should know that babies born on U.S. soil to foreign parents don't anchor their parents to the United States. Apparently, Maryury's baby has become a U.S. citizen by jus soli, yet Maryury is eligible for deportation. So it's back to Honduras for mother and child, or it's back to Honduras for mother sans child, who goes into foster care, whether mother likes it or not, though she probably likes it at least her child has a better life. Maryury has no right to live in this country. She is eligible for deportation, yet, here she is, making her way through our court system, slowly, due to the excessive demands being made on it. Meanwhile, an American woman, a volunteer, houses her in this country, and she doesn't see herself as a criminal, nor do plenty of others, for what it's worth. What if America were to dismiss its immigration agents in one fell swoop, thus halting the enforcement of its immigration laws? Sounds far-fetched? Who would have thought that members of Congress would call for the end of ICE? Imagine the influx of migrants, the chaos: conditions in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco would become worse, to the point of becoming impossible to live in, because migrants struggling to survive there would contribute as much or more to the worsening conditions (e.g., greater crime, more trash, poorer sanitation, etc.) as citizens. The reader should not feel sorry for Maryury. Rather, he should feel anger for her. Look what she put her three-year old through, trekking north to the border. Citizen-journalist Navarrette is dangerously soft-hearted (and anyone else who thinks like him). He is a drunkard, drunk on the w(h)ine of liberalism. His plea for Maryury and other migrants who enter the country illegally (I presume) looking for a "better life" is maudlin and given as a rationalization for the commission of a crime. There can be no rationalization for crime. Meanwhile, look what's happening in our cities. Citizens should not denigrate immigration agents; they should support them for the good of the immigration system and for the good of the country. Build the wall. A wall would help. Elon Musk's latest gamble Elon Musk is back in the news. It's not for drug use or space shots. It's that Tesla has just broken ground to construct a massive factory in China on a 210-acre plot. When up to speed, this facility is expected to produce 500,000 electric vehicles (E.V.s) annually. This, by the way, will be the first wholly foreign-owner car plant allowed in Red China. Bill Russo, chief executive of Shanghai-based consulting firm Automobility, says Musk's move is a gamble. "It will take billions of dollars to build a footprint in China. As 100% owner, this burden falls on Tesla." Since Tesla is heavily subsidized by the U.S. and money is fungible, this burden is also indirectly partly on the back of the U.S. taxpayer. Musk is hoping to use his Shanghai factory as a springboard to boost Tesla from a niche startup into the automotive mainstream. Marketing data that helped entice him to China is the reported one million E.V.s sold there last year that is, if you can believe numbers from the Chinese government. As for Tesla, it sold a mere 14,000 of its cars in China for the first nine months of 2018. But those cars had to be imported from the U.S. and so were hit with the 25% Chinese tariff on vehicles. This is why Tesla and all the global automotive companies have production facilities in China to avoid the tariffs. On the downside, Tesla will now be operating in a communist environment, where the reliability of the rule of law can depend on which way the breeze is blowing. Bill Russo warns, "Chinese authorities will likely try to influence everything from how Tesla stores customer data to local supplier selections." That's putting it mildly. If past behavior is any indication, Tesla can expect to have its proprietary technology appropriated by China. The Chinese are masters at stealing intellectual property when operating in a foreign country. Imagine how good they will be in their own ballpark. As time goes on, Musk may find that his glib tongue, which served him so well in Washington, may not get him out of difficulties with Comrade Xi if things get tough. Having plopped a multi-billion-dollar state-of-the-art factory in China, it won't be easy to just pack up and leave. And what is the long-term future of E.V.s, anyway? The premise behind them is that they will reduce the emission of so-called greenhouse gas and other pollutants. This is a dubious assertion. As Holman Jenkins writes in the Wall Street Journal: However you slice it, car[s] just aren't that big a part of an ostensible CO2 problem. Personal cars sit idle 95% of the time. Planes, trains, ships, trucks, and buses and other commercial vehicles account for well over half the emissions associated with the transport sector globally. And the transport sector accounts for only 14% of all emissions. The inordinate focus on E.V.s is because cars have become a favorite whipping boy of the green movement. A component of this is the desire by environmentalists, who are invariably leftists, to limit personal freedom and exert control over the movement of people. Jenkins feels that E.V.s may be a passing fad, writing: "A whole generation of green activists and politicians probably will have to die away before rational priorities for limiting CO2 emissions will be discussable." But die off they will. And how pollution-free are E.V.s, anyway? In China, coal accounts for some 62 percent of the country's energy needs. So to say electric cars will run by rechargeable batteries in China is to say they will run mostly on coal. But what about renewables? As Germany is now finding out, it is a costly fairy tale to think a significant part of a country's energy needs can be provided by wind and solar. Musk is gambling with this China venture. He's betting that 1) costly E.V.s have a sustainable future and 2) China will continue its growth and develop into a true consumer economy. He's trying to make four the hard way. Many believe he'll crap out. If so, hopefully the compromised fools in Congress don't try to bail him out with more taxpayer money. Despite California being battered by 4-8 inches of torrential rain and flooding from an El Nino weather cycle, E&E News reported that the State of California in late January will authorize eminent domain authority for local jurisdictions to implement a "managed retreat" policy that will allow taking and demolishing coastal homes and businesses. The California Coastal Commission is set to empower local government to take thousands of properties through eminent domain along 1,100 miles of coastline to prepare for sea level rise. The California Coastal Commission circulated an 87-page "Draft Residential Adaptation Guidance" in March regarding how communities could proactively address sea level rise impacts through Local Coastal Programs (LCPs). Although the CCC draft did not adopt specific retreat guidance, the California Special Districts magazine expects that the CCC will predict a sea level rise of 2.5-5.5 feet and the elimination of 31-67 percent of Southern California beaches by the year 2100. CCC retreat guidance is expected to also entail dismantling and relocating of dozens of wastewater treatment and power plants; 250 miles of highway; 1,500 miles of roads; and 110 miles of railways, according to the latest California Special Districts magazine. The CCC does not have the direct power to condemn properties, but under the California Coastal Act, it can task the local cities and counties with coastal zone land use rules for maintaining minimum beach width. The CCC has enormous practical power, since directive language must be recorded in property deeds and disclosed to future buyers. CCC proposed guidance for the first time would prioritize local entities condemning and taking private homes and businesses to protect shoreline wildlife from "coastal squeeze" caused by retaining walls and other fixed development preventing "landward migration of the beach that would have otherwise occurred." Nossaman's Eminent Domain and Valuation Group, which provides lawyers for valuation disputes between public agencies, landowners, and businesses, stated that California eminent domain "regulatory taking" requires paying owners fair compensation based on: (1) the economic impact of the regulation on the claimant; (2) the extent to which the regulation has interfered with the claimant's reasonable, distinct investment-backed expectations; and (3) the character of the government action. But Nossaman warned that CCC issuing retreat guidance has the potential to negatively impact coastal property values due to "precondemnation damages" associated with the risk that properties could be taken through eminent domain any time over the next 80 years. Many coastal homeowners have scoffed at the idea that California's cities that suffer from huge indebtedness and underfunded pension liabilities will have the financial capability to pay the big bucks to take many coastal properties under eminent domain. But Nossaman expects that the California Coastal Commission's guidance will allow local jurisdictions to fund the cost of using eminent domain to manage their retreat by "buying the homes and then renting them out until they're damaged." The supposedly settled science that climate change is melting the poles and causing massive sea level rise has come under severe scientific scrutiny over the last few years. The doomsday models of climate change scientists are having a difficult time explaining why the European Alps are currently experiencing the heaviest snowfall in 100 years, the Arctic polar bear population is increasing, and the Greenland ice sheet just grew to its sixth highest surface mass on record. California's politics has been dominated by what the Public Policy Institute of California coined as the coastal-inland divide, with the coastal elites voting Democratic and the inland lower-middle-class areas voting Republican. It will be interesting to see how coastal progressive elites respond to having their beachfront homes taken through eminent domain, to be then profitably rented out for big bucks by their local government. LA PLATA, Md. (January 16, 2019)Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School has received a national award in recognition of exceptional student achievement. The school now holds the title of National ESEA Distinguished School, and is the first school in Charles County to receive the designation. Schools are nominated for the honor by their respective state education agency and only two schools per state receive the designation annually. The award recognizes schools in one of three categories: exceptional student performance for two consecutive years; closing the achievement gap between student groups; and excellence in serving special populations of students. Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy was honored in the area of exceptional student performance for two consecutive years. The award, administered by the National Association of ESEA, or Elementary and Secondary Education Act, State Program Administrators (NAESPA) recognizes Title I schools for outstanding achievements. Title I is a federal program that provides additional funding to schools with students who are economically disadvantaged in order to promote equal access. There are seven Title I elementary schools in Charles County, and Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy has qualified for the federal program for more than 30 years. According to Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Principal William Miller, student achievement increased because of several factors. Staff maintain their focus on high expectations and continue to develop student engagement strategies for use in areas such as guided reading and math. Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy teachers participate in targeted professional development, such as how to use formative assessment, to help monitor student performance. Formative assessment is the process of using student data from tests and activities to review student progress. Formative assessment helps teachers analyze a student's understanding of content or a subject, and determine areas where lessons can be focused to allow students to better grasp the curriculum. Examples include class discussions, small group lessons and learning games to homework problems and warm-up activities. The data helps school staff develop instructional strategies to increase achievement. "Data analysis has contributed to the academic success of students at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary School. Collaborative instructional plans for meeting the needs of students have been developed during weekly, monthly and quarterly data meetings. We have taken a team approach to meet the needs of students," Miller said. Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy also prioritizes family involvement. Each year, parents complete an activity with school staff in which they work together to develop a shared vision for academic achievement. The Parent-Teacher-Organization (PTO), as well as the school's parent liaison, works collaboratively with school staff to refine programs available for parents so they can support their children at home. Some of the programs hosted by the school include a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) night, family game/behavior night and a family reading/art night. Miller said staff work with parents during school events to provide trainings. "Staff during our Math and Stem Night teach parents how to help their children at home with math. During our Family Game/Behavior Night, we discuss with parents the importance of taking time to connect and play games with their child, and learn behavior strategies they can use at home," Miller said. Another parental involvement goal for Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy was increasing a positive male role model presence in the school for students. The school developed its Watch DOGS, or Dads of Great Students, program to invite father figures into the school on a weekly basis to work with students. Miller said Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy is unique in nature because it fits the definition of a true community school. "Our school is truly a community-based school. Our families support our initiatives and value the time their children spend with us. We meet the needs of the whole child by building relationships, providing engaging and rigorous learning experiences as well as meeting social needs of our students. Our teachers care about our children and provide a nurturing environment of love and mutual respect," Miller said. Within the past 20 years, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy has grown from a school that was once labeled by the state as a school in improvement for achievement gaps among students to one of the top performing elementary schools in Charles County. Kristin Shields is the Title I Director for Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) and a former principal and vice principal at Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy. During her tenure, she helped to implement consistent instructional strategies for students, developed a strong relationship with the Nanjemoy community and fostered parental involvement. In her experience as an administrator, and now as a director over Title I schools in Charles County, Shields agrees that what makes Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy a unique school is teamwork. "The school is located in a rural setting and is the hub of the community. The education of children in Nanjemoy is a team effort. The community takes great pride in the school and the school takes great pride in the community. The relationship between school and community is what makes the school so special," Shields said. Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy staff is hosting a ceremony at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24 to celebrate the award and the successes of students, staff and the school community. During the ceremony, Miller will present an award banner that will hang in the school. Additionally, Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy and CCPS will be honored alongside other schools chosen for recognition by the NAESPA at the ESEA Conference Jan. 30-Feb. 2. The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program recognizes qualifying federally-funded schools for outstanding student achievements. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public education. Caravan leader Juan Carlos Molina's crime? Raping a younger than 12-year-old, his own little cousin, sneaking into her home as she awaited her mother's return from a late-working job with the door to her home ajar to let her back in, according to Honduras's Diario La Tribuna (story in Spanish). If she had to leave the door open, it's quite likely it's because she had to go to sleep, meaning the rape was a bedroom invasion rape of a young girl, which is every girl's (and woman's) worst nightmare. The optics for the latest caravan don't get much worse than this: Honduran border police arrested a 26-year-old fugitive they said was leading it and hauled him off to prison to serve the 15-year term that came of his 2015 conviction. The raped girl then got pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy. Cops matched Molina's DNA to that of the infant, and that secured his conviction. Having skipped his court dates, he became a fugitive, and now he's out leading caravans these days, undoubtedly with women and children to head into the U.S. Putting him in with women and children anywhere is revolting in the extreme, but here he was, expecting to get away with it because it was the media-untouchable caravan. Some of caravaners he led may have valid asylum claims, but it's a hard fact that he was running from his crimes and ready to file an asylum claim for free entry into the U.S. Sound like the kind of people we should be letting in, for even two seconds? These are the very people whose sob stories the media lap up as they report on caravaners as merely asylum-seekers running from crime. Nobody ever mentions that some of them are the crime, other than angry Mexican residents who experience it firsthand and who are lashing out now. According to the open borders crowd, and according to our laws, it's all good if a guy like Molina gets in, because, well, he has a "right" to file an asylum case, and if he sneaks in to do it, he has a "right" to stay here for the duration. Good luck to all the little 12-year-olds in whatever vicinity he planned to wait out his asylum claim in. Fortunately, the Honduran cops got him. The whole sickening spectacle highlights that migrant caravans really are loaded with criminals, and if the leader is a criminal, criminals have a "safe space." U.S. Homeland Security surveillance identified about 600 criminals from the last caravan as the media pooh-poohed the reports, and those were the ones the U.S. knew about. The ones they didn't know about are people who would have been let in, or else would have broken in (something that comes natural to criminals) and then been allowed to stay by legal default. It defies belief to think there are no criminals in this group hell-bent on getting into the States by extra-legal means. And for every criminal, you can bet there were quite a few female enablers from that single-mom-with-kids community the press is so anxious to promote as the harmless face of the caravan. Now the Mexican government is warning that the caravans have become magnets for criminals, because they're now a money-making opportunity. In a jaw-dropping news item utterly ignored by the mainstream press here, a top Mexican migration official told La Razon, a left-leaning Mexican newspaper, that criminals were coming to dominate the caravans now, with open borders activists agreeing. Via Google Translate (which came out pretty good this time), La Razon reported: The Undersecretary of Human Rights, Migration and Population of the Ministry of the Interior (Segob), Alejandro Encinas, said he did not doubt that some organizations profit economically from migrant caravans, but also said that there are some criminal groups that want to get involved in the Exodus. "I do not doubt it, and not only that (profit), there are some criminal groups that want to get involved unduly in these marches," he said. The official told La Razon that the Mexican government is following up on the new caravan that left early yesterday morning in Honduras. "Already left today (yesterday) in the early morning a contingent of slightly more than 500 people, right now (noon yesterday) amount to just over a thousand and we are monitoring," he said. In this regard, Jorge Andrade, founder of the migrant group You Are Us, said that what the official said "is an open secret". "What Alejandro Encinas says is an open secret, because these groups have been identified for seven years; Even the National Commission of Human Rights (CNDH) has conducted studies on migrant violence, "he said. In an interview with this newspaper, the anthropologist also said that for organized crime the Central American migrant represents large amounts of money. Somewhere, somehow, this truth has got to eventually get out. The press isn't reporting it. But the fact remains: the caravan problem is becoming a criminal enterprise, and criminals, extremely violent ones, are among its leaders. If that, and this arrest, is not a case for a wall, what is it going to take? A Mexican border snapshot from someone who knows Here is a U.S.-Mexican border snapshot. The Coronado National Forest, in New Mexico and Arizona, shares a 53-mile border with Mexico. In 2010, the average number of illegals crossing through that 53-mile stretch were 35,000 per year, of which Customs and Border Protection (CBP) estimated catching about half. There was no effective barrier. Most of those they would catch would be ten miles north of the border on or near Interstate 10, which effectively created a 500-square-mile-plus no man's land of public space, unsafe for entry by the general public. The ranchers who had private land within the area had significant security problems and property damage and were concerned about their families' safety. There was considerable evidence of heartbreaking human-trafficking of young women and a lot of drug-smuggling. We know that individuals who were being sent to illegally grow pot on the National Forests across the nation were coming across through this 53-mile stretch of remote border. Many were armed. The illegals who were leading these groups would frequently light brushfires, which the Forest Service fire crews would chase. They were purposely lit as diversions so the illegals could move people without being caught. Any time the Forest Service firefighters responded to wildfires, they had to have armed law enforcement folks accompanying them, because many of those bringing the illegals had assault weapons. Compassionate local citizens would distribute thousands of plastic water bottles, which may have helped some on a humanitarian level but added to another issue: the 500-square-mile area was trashed. I am aware that during that year, CBP did find a Koran on at least one occasion as well as other documents in Arabic. A fence would have been effective in most of the area though there were places where the steep terrain would make construction a greater challenge. Without a physical barrier, agents have to chase people down, often on foot, after they cross. There are those who say we need comprehensive immigration reform, including allowing many more immigrants, because the U.S. birth rate is less than replacement. There are those who say a twenty-billion-dollar wall is not necessarily the best barrier and that less expensive barriers are available. They may have valid points. And there are those who minimize these problems and the reported violent murders caused by gang members who do enter illegally. There are those who compare these deaths to nonviolent causes of death in order to minimize the importance of addressing the border issue. There are those who say this is all about political victories and not about real issues. They are wrong. This situation cries out for our attention. Mr. Schiff is a retired Forest Service employee. He has seen the border firsthand and represented agency law enforcement leadership on Capitol Hill, including developing testimony for hearings on the topic. He also worked for the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee and heard the personal testimony of ranchers and on-the-ground law enforcement officers. I hope Jews of Ashkenazi descent will begin or continue their own individual process of recognizing the white supremacy from which they benefit. Rebekah Stern, associate rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Berkeley and a member of the California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, told a panel recently : It does seem possible that Rabbi Stern, 39, a mother of two, benefited from what she describes as "white supremacy." A profile of her published four years ago in the Jewish News of California describes her deep roots in Berkeley. "A big part of my formative Jewish experience was singing in the [Beth El] choir," she recalls. "Being part of the music then with Cantor Brian Reich and [choir director] Achi Ben Shalom, I remember a calming, warm feeling that has stuck with me ever since." During her college years, Stern earned money serving as a song leader at Camp Kee Tov and attended a leadership session at URJ Camp Newman in Santa Rosa experiences that opened the door to a career as a Jewish professional. After graduating U.C. Berkeley with a degree in psychology, she considered law school but instead found herself drawn to the rabbinate. So she began interviewing rabbis. I am 70 years old and grew up in Jeffrey Manor, a neighborhood wedged between the former U.S. Steel South Works and the Chicago City Incinerator. We lived at 9808 South Clyde, about 24 blocks from the home at 7436 South Euclid, where Michelle Robinson (later Obama) grew up. Approaching the end of high school, Mother sat me at the green Formica table in our kitchen, saying that I could attend any college I wanted, as long as I lived at home, paid for it myself, and helped in Dad's newly opened used car lot. I was accepted to Roosevelt, DePaul, and U of I-Chicago, choosing DePaul. (Its downtown campus was across the street from the clothing store where I worked.) For 25 years, Dad operated Leonard Motor Sales, at 90th and Ashland Avenue. The money to start it came from the $300 I'd received in bar mitzvah gifts, a like amount my brother had gotten, and another $300 he and Mother had managed to save, plus $1,000 borrowed on his life insurance policy. The first day I worked at Dad's lot, he handed me a shovel, instructing me to clean up after the dog he had recently taken in trade. I began a business career shoveling dog poop. At DePaul, I was elected sophomore class president, ran the homecoming parade, and graduated with a degree in economics. One of my friends was applying to graduate school. That sounded like a good idea, so I began studying for the Graduate Record Exam. When the scores came back, and I showed the 99th percentile report to my adviser, he said, "That's funny, I didn't think you were that smart." A half-century later, it is still painful. In time, I completed a master's degree in economics, entered journalism, won a wire service award, worked for trade papers, did market research, became a stockbroker, published a market letter about troubled companies, and ran a couple of firms myself. In various positions, I have made thousands of cold calls. Is it really that simple: grow up in Berkeley, go to Jewish summer camp, graduate U.Cal. Berkeley, become a Progressive? Live at home, commute to college, pay for it yourself, become something else? Looks that way. There is one aspect of Rabbi Stern's remarks with which I agree. She wants to make America great again. That may not be what she meant, but it's what she said: I believe that in today's political climate, white Jews have a tremendous opportunity to do meaningful work in repairing the brokenness of our nation. I'm white and I'm a Jew, and I agree. Let's make America great again. The tragic political demise of this distinguished general who was President Trump's initial national security adviser, one of the key jobs in the White House, has been well documented . Former FBI director James Comey and the now disgraced upper echelon of the FBI and, subsequently, Special Counsel Robert Mueller maliciously trapped him, resulting in his ultimate prosecution and pleading guilty to lying to the FBI. Not only did Flynn lose an important and influential job in the White House, but they also bankrupted him with legal fees; threatened his family; and, worst of all, damaged the good name of a highly decorated military professional who served his country honorably and with distinction as a member of the American Intelligence Community. Does the American public really understand what happened to Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn? Highlights of the case have been thoroughly exploited by the shallow, left-leaning media as a convenient avenue to attack President Trump. But important elements of the story remain largely buried from public view. The despicable and unethical attack on Flynn immediately after his appointment by Trump was just one element of a shameful Deep State campaign to discredit and destroy the Trump presidency. As Trump's national security adviser, Flynn had Trump's ear. He was potentially the Deep State's worst nightmare. Flynn knows in detail how the Intelligence Community and the FISA courts operate. With a 33-year military career, including heading up the Defense Intelligence Agency, Flynn was an existential threat to outgoing President Obama and his shameless and highly partisan CIA director, John Brennan, who cynically and criminally corrupted the Intelligence Community for political purposes on behalf of Obama and Hillary Clinton. Offical portrait of Lt. General Michael Flynn as head of the DIA. The Conservative Tree House linked Flynn's fall from grace to his knowledge of what happened in Benghazi. Flynn knew how they lied and covered up the disaster that cost four American lives, including an ambassador's. Behind the attack-motive was the much bigger State Department and CIA problem with the U.S. Libyan weapons and the flow to Syria. The U.S. sending weapons into the hands of al-Qaeda was always the larger risk to the Obama administration. This problem started with Clinton (State) and Panetta (CIA at the time), but now those weapons going to Syria was an even bigger problem. Flynn was not in place at the time (2010 2011). There is yet another major element of Flynn's fall from grace that, predictably, has been ignored by the politically correct, anti-Trump media. In 2016, Flynn published his book, The Field of Fight: How We Can Win the Global War Against Radical Islam and Its Allies. That's the last direction of policy that Barack Hussein Obama, Brennan (there is suggestive but unconfirmed evidence that Brennan is a converted Muslim), and their pro-Islamic allies wanted as a priority agenda of the new administration. You will recall that Obama's well established Muslim sympathies led him to pressure Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak into inviting the Muslim Brotherhood to attend his Cairo speech over Mubarak's objections. Obama later supported Muslim Brotherhood-backed Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi until Morsi was overthrown by the Egyptian people with the help of the Egyptian military. Who can forget Obama's criticism at a prayer breakfast, where he never mentioned Islam, of what Crusaders did in the name of Christianity? That's the same Obama who, in his May 19, 2011 speech, called for Israel to be cut in two by connecting the Gaza strip, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank (emphasis added): The borders of Israel and Palestine should be based on the 1967 lines with mutually agreed swaps, so that secure and recognized borders are established for both states. The Palestinian people must have the right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state. Recall that Flynn was dismissed by Obama as head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in 2014, thus ending Flynn's military career. In his final interview as DIA director, Flynn said he felt like a lone voice in thinking that the United States was less safe from the threat of Islamic terrorism in 2014 than it was prior to the 9/11 attacks. Flynn believed he was pushed into retirement for questioning the Obama administration's public narrative that al-Qaeda was close to defeat. Journalist Seymour Hersh wrote that Flynn told him his agency had sent a constant stream of classified warnings about "the dire consequences of toppling Syrian President Bashar Assad." Flynn recounted that his agency was producing intelligence reports indicating that radical Islamists were the main force in the Syrian insurgency and "that Turkey was looking the other way when it came to the growth of the Islamic State inside Syria." Flynn reportedly said the reports "got enormous pushback from the Obama administration," who he felt "did not want to hear the truth." According to former DIA official W. Patrick Lang: "Flynn incurred the wrath of the White House by insisting on telling the truth about Syria ... they shoved him out. He wouldn't shut up." In addition to Trump's appointment of Flynn as national security adviser, Trump had also named Sebastian Gorka as a deputy assistant. Gorka washed out of the Trump administration in a few short months after accusations from the Deep State and academia that he was a fringe academic with questionable credentials. It's no coincidence that Gorka, an internationally prominent and highly respected authority on counterterrorism, had published a book with a similar theme to Flynn's: Defeating Jihad: The Winnable War. Flynn and Gorka represented the first time senior government officials at the White House level were willing and able to enunciate and lead America's war against radical Islam. The globalists were horrified at the idea of this sort of thinking at the White House level, which some claimed could offend or alienate America's Muslim allies, particularly Saudi Arabia, which has been a primary funder and enabler of Wahhabism, a fundamentalist and militant sect of Islam. (Of the 19 9/11 hijackers, 15 were from Saudi Arabia.) In his book, Flynn is highly critical of past U.S. policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran, a principal supporter of Islamic terrorism. Flynn believes that the invasion of Iraq was a major error. The focus, he believes, should have been on Iran. He slams Obama for not supporting the Green Revolution of the Iranian people in 2009, when there was a chance to topple the mullahs from inside the country. It didn't happen because, Flynn wrote: [N]othing of the sort will be undertaken by Obama because this president wants to be remembered as the man who embraced the Islamic Republic, not as the American leader who brought it down. (page 176) Flynn calls for strengthening America's relationships with Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. He notes that Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi saved Egypt from the clutches of the Muslim Brotherhood, and both Egypt and Jordan have been at peace with Israel. He underscores Israel's importance to America, particularly in terms of intelligence about radical Islam. Of the many mistakes of the Obama presidency, its open hostility to Israel is one of the most damaging to our national security. I find it simply incredible that an American president should believe a strategic alliance with Iran to be more attractive than our traditional embrace of Israel. ... [W]e need Israel if we're going to defeat the radical Islamists, and above all, the Iranians. It's quite clear why the Islam-loving Obama and Brennan did not want Flynn at the right hand of the new president. Not only were their crimes likely to be brought public, but also, their primary pro-Islamic thrust in the Middle East would be reversed. Here's the core of Flynn's thinking: We have heard [Muslims] say, "We love death more than you love life" over and over again and we have heard them chant "death to America." Yet it does not seem that our leaders, and perhaps, most of our people, are sufficiently against the barbarians who act in this way. Political correctness forbids us to denounce radicalized Islamists, and our political, opinion and academic elites dismiss out of hand the very idea of waging war against them. No wonder we're losing. They've gotten a free ride. (page 157) What to do? "We've got to get inside the minds of the Jihadis. We should have done that a long time ago, because their goal has been clear for nearly half a century." Flynn cites the incident of a PLO jihadist who shot to death the Jordanian prime minister on November 28, 1971. "As he lay dying, one of his killers bent over and lapped the blood that poured from his wounds." Flynn thus asks the obvious question, which still has not been answered by the pro-Islamic forces in America: "Do you want to be ruled by men who eagerly drink the blood of their dying enemies?" Frank Hawkins is a former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Associated Press foreign correspondent, international businessman, senior newspaper company executive, founder and owner of several marketing companies, and published novelist. He currently lives in retirement in North Carolina. Tamping down expectations, Politico bases its warning on inside sources: "[d]efense lawyers working on the Russia probe and more than 15 former government officials with investigation experience spanning Watergate to the 2016 election case." As the Mueller special counsel investigation is rumored to be winding down, the media are furiously spinning tall tales about President Donald Trump as a hedge against the Mueller report being a nothingburger. Politico is warning Democrats and NeverTrump Republicans to "prepare for disappointment." Despite Politico's pessimism, the New York Times remains ever hopeful that the Mueller report will be the pony under the Christmas tree that the media have been waiting for since Trump announced his candidacy for president in June 2015. Late last week was their latest "bombshell" report, claiming that federal law enforcement officials "became so concerned by the president's behavior that they began investigating whether he had been working on behalf of Russia against American interests." Funny how they had no concern over the Clintons and their money-laundering pay-to-play Clinton Foundation, who might "have been working on behalf of Russia against American interests" such as half-million-dollar speaking fees to Bill Clinton for speaking to a Russian bank while his wife, as secretary of state, opposed sanctions on Russia. Or the Uranium One deal handing over rights to 20 percent of U.S. uranium production to Russia. Some familiar names were involved in this scheme, too Mueller, Rosenstein, and McCabe. What a coincidence. The New York Times reported the absurd claim that "[a]gents also sought to determine whether Mr. Trump was knowingly working for Russia." This must be based on Trump joking at a campaign rally when he said, "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing." If there was ever proof that liberals don't have a sense of humor, this would be it. The only other ties between the Trump campaign and Russia are ones orchestrated by the Obama justice and intelligence agencies, inserting spies into Trump's campaign and setting up staged meetings at Trump Tower. Or creating contacts between Trump campaign aides Carter Page and George Papadopoulos and foreign operatives. Then there's the "unverified" Steele dossier, which was used as the basis of FISA warrants to spy on Trump, his campaign, and associates. These fabricated ties to Russia, according to the Times, prompted the FBI to open a criminal investigation of Trump based on "[w]hether his firing of Mr. Comey constituted obstruction of justice" based on it being tied to the Russian investigation. How ridiculous is this? The Obama Deep State holdovers had no problem ignoring the will of the American people in electing a president. Instead, "Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and top FBI officials viewed Trump as a leader who needed to be reined in, according to two sources describing the sentiment at the time," CNN reported. To rein him in, a polite way of saying they wanted to overturn the election results, they claimed that "[i]f Mr. Trump had ousted the head of the F.B.I. to impede or even end the Russia investigation, that was both a possible crime and a national security concern." Why was FBI director Comey fired? Because Rod Rosenstein recommended it. Let's go back to a few memos and letters from May 2017. First was a memo from Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein to Attorney General Sessions. Here are some excerpts. I cannot defend the Director's handling of the conclusion of the investigation of Secretary Clinton's emails, and I do not understand his refusal to accept the nearly universal judgment that he was mistaken. Almost everyone agrees that the Director made serious mistakes; it is one of the few issues that unites people of diverse perspectives. Although the President has the power to remove an FBI director, the decision should not be taken I agree with the nearly unanimous opinions of former Department officials. The way the Director handled the conclusion of the email investigation was wrong. As a result, the FBI is unlikely to regain public and congressional trust until it has a Director who understands the gravity of the mistakes and pledges never to repeat them. Having refused to admit his errors, the Director cannot be expected to implement the necessary corrective actions. This is just a politically proper way for a senior government lawyer to say Comey needed to go. His boss, Jeff Sessions, agreed. Based on my evaluation, and for the reasons expressed by the Deputy Attorney General in the attached memorandum, I have concluded that a fresh start is needed at the leadership of the FBI. The Director of the FBI must be someone who follows faithfully the rules and principles of the Department of Justice and who sets the right example for our law enforcement officials and others in the Department. Therefore, I must recommend that you remove Director James B. Comey, R. and identify an experienced and qualified individual to lead the great men and women of the FBI. Following the advice of his attorney general and deputy, President Trump dismissed Comey. I have received the attached letters from the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General of the United States recommending your dismissal as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I have accepted their recommendation and you are hereby terminated and removed from office, effective immediately. It is essential that we find new leadership for the FBI that restores public trust in its vital law enforcement mission. It all seems proper and straightforward. President Trump sought and received the advice of those supervising the FBI and Mr. Comey. He acted on their recommendations. Trump could have also listened to Democrats, who had called for Comey to be fired. In November 2016, here's what some recommended: Chuck Schumer said, "I don't have confidence in him any longer." Nancy Pelosi echoed Chuck, as she is prone to do on other issues: "[m]aybe he's not in the right job." Bernie Sanders agreed, saying, "It would not be a bad thing for the American people" if Comey stepped down. If President Trump, in the spirit of bipartisanship and reaching across the aisle, just said he was following the advice of his esteemed Democrat colleagues, would he still be obstructing justice? Collusion isn't a crime. Obstruction of justice may be, if it happened and can be proven, both very big ifs. This would be the high crime the Democrat impeachment cheerleaders are looking for. Good luck with that. President Trump was entirely justified and well within his constitutional authority to fire James Comey. Even Rosenstein, charged with overseeing Mueller and his investigation, agreed and recommended it. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders provided the clearest explanation. This is absurd. James Comey was fired because he's a disgraced partisan hack, and his Deputy Andrew McCabe, who was in charge at the time, is a known liar fired by the FBI. Unlike President Obama, who let Russia and other foreign adversaries push America around, President Trump has actually been tough on Russia. Put that in your obstruction pipe and smoke it. Brian C. Joondeph, M.D., MPS is a Denver-based physician and writer. Follow him on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Image credit: Donkey Hotey via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. The Centennial of Prohibition No matter what the aim is of a particular government policy, the consequences of government action are nearly always worse than government inaction. January 16, 1919 was a perfect example of that principle in operation. Prohibition, by constitutional amendment, became the law of the land. The federal government was now going to be the principal means of regulating alcohol consumption in America. There is no doubt that drinking too much chronically is damaging, not only to the alcoholic but to those closest to him as well. The story is as old as human history. Statist attempts to stop drunkenness, however, have always failed. This is particularly true of centralized statism, which eliminates the marketplace of governments that state and local governments provide. Before federal Prohibition, state governments had long pursued their own individualized approaches to controlling the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol. These reflected the mores and beliefs of citizens of these states, with the rights of each state through tolerance of different attitudes supporting the rights of all states to take different varieties of statist "governance." There is a myth perpetuated by leftists that in the absence of statist governance, there is no governance at all. In fact, self-governance or voluntary communal governance almost always works better than statist government, which is ultimately based upon force. Few examples of that self-governance or communal governance are more evident than in the case of excessive alcohol consumption. Who does not grasp the myriad ways in which the self-governance of alcohol consumption manifests? Surely, anyone who has had a hangover has felt the sting of consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. Individuals hurt themselves by drinking too much in other ways. It makes them sick in body and in mind. Booze costs money. It costs the drunkard family relationships, friendships, and public reputation. Moreover, these pains come almost immediately and automatically, without any statist control at all. Statist Prohibition also created government jobs in terms of dedicated police, prosecutors, courts, parole officers, and prisons. These state employees, like all state employees, had a vested career interest in the problems of alcoholism not being solved. This does not mean that these folks were indifferent; rather, simply, it means that their jobs and promotions would wither if the problem they are hired to control was, in fact, controlled. Even worse was the corruption of police, prosecutors, and courts as organized crime bought protection, and crime bosses like Al Capone used Prohibition to provide what much of the public wanted but could not lawfully obtain, save through the seedy conduits of criminal organizations. Prohibition also actually endangered public health by turning people to bathtub gin, moonshine, and other clandestinely manufactured alcohol. Sloppy, cut-rate, and incompetently made alcohol took the place of established, family-owned vineyards and breweries. This also meant that good-paying jobs were lost to the economy, and tax revenues dropped. Classes of Americans who had traditionally been the most decent, law-abiding, hard-working, and responsible citizens devout Catholics and Orthodox Jews, for example needed wine for religious purposes. The special exemptions carved out for such groups inevitably made for gray areas in the law. What made that even more galling is that the devout Catholic and Orthodox Jews were the sort of Americans who were the least likely to become drunkards. Self-destructive behavior requires no statist response. Proper self-governance is natural and proportional, whether illegal or not, if governance is required. There are, of course, what appear to be exceptions. Drunk driving is and ought to be punished by the state, but that is because the drivers are licensed by the state, and the roads are built and maintained by the state and used by the drunk drivers. These are not really exceptions at all. Prohibition was an effort to do something that sounds fine on paper, but all attempts to regulate vice by statist governance fail on every level. We ought to have learned a vital lesson from Prohibition, but somehow the lesson seems to have been seen as only a problem with statist governance of alcohol. The left, in particular, seems to have utterly compartmentalized the lessons of Prohibition. Consider the leftist war on tobacco. Leftists seek hyper-regulation of tobacco, a much lesser vice than alcoholism, by limiting smoking to certain areas, by levying increasingly heavy taxes on tobacco, by warning labels and the like. Smug in the feeling that they are doing good, leftists really are creating problems by pushing legislation and regulation so solve a problem that is actually a matter of private choice. The more liberty we have, the more chance we have to truly reform our lives by personal choice and not by statist coercion, and the more problems we truly solve. One century ago, we had the chance to see the dreadful results of using the state to do what individuals on their own ought to do. Often, it seems that we have learned nothing at all from the disaster called "Prohibition." Macron and the Fall of France It had been over twenty years since I had been in Paris when I visited again in July of 2018. The contrast between my memory of the city and the current reality was astonishing. Instead of resembling a European center of culture, fine food, and fashion, it seemed as if I were in a third-world country in North Africa. It could have passed for a former French colony, since I did see some French signs, but not that many French people. Many buildings and the subway system were in a state of decay, sanitation was poor, and homelessness seemed to be rampant. Some French people I did see were the occasional groups of four or five armed soldiers on patrol. When I was in the Louvre Museum, after going through a security check that you might expect at a major airport, an unaccompanied backpack was spotted on the floor in a large open area against a wall. A few soldiers along with a man in civilian clothing walked over to the backpack and talked with concerned looks on their faces. I was watching from about 20 or 30 feet away. The man in civilian clothes walked over to me and asked me if it was mine. Right after I told him that it wasn't, another man walked over and claimed it without incident. The demographic and cultural transformation of France has been one of the main issues of concern for the yellow vest protesters who started demonstrating in November over a gas tax hike in the most heavily taxed nation in Europe. They have been supported by 80% of the French people. While 80% also believe that immigration should be stopped or much more strongly controlled, President Emmanuel Macron has chosen to ignore the views of the people he was elected to represent and has turned out to be one of Europe's strongest proponents of mass migration from the Third World. The increase in violent crime and terrorism and the huge public expense incurred in providing state benefits to migrants does not seem to be of any great concern to him. In an interview conducted in April 2018, Macron stated that due to explosive third-world population growth, Europe will be entering an age of unprecedented mass migration from Africa and that the people of the two continents have a shared destiny. He was referring to an estimate that within the next few decades, the number of Africans living in Europe will increase from nine million to as many as 200 million. The continent of Africa is larger than the U.S., China, Japan, India, and most of Europe combined and is rich in valuable natural resources. A more rational leader might have mentioned that, along with how the people should stay home and work on improving their own nations. After the mass migration mess of the last few years, which flooded Europe with approximately 3 million mostly male economic migrants from third-world countries in the Middle East and Africa, resources are being stretched to the limit as Europeans deal with more violent crime and terrorism. An additional 200 million could make that look like a relaxing Sunday afternoon picnic in the park. And last month, Macron sent a representative to Marrakesh, Morocco to sign the U.N. Migration Pact, which aims to facilitate the regular movement of people from the Third World to developed countries. He did this over the objections of the yellow vest protesters as well as a group of retired generals who stated in a published letter that signing the pact would be treasonous. While most U.N. members did sign the pact, a number of nations also objected and did not sign, including the U.S., Japan, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Israel, Chile, and Australia. The migration issue has also caused serious strains among nations of the E.U. as pro-migration Macron and German chancellor Angela Merkel, who share similar views, have been at odds with counterparts such as Hungarian leader Victor Orban and Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, who have stressed the importance of protecting Europe's borders. On November 11, 2018 in Paris at a ceremony commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Macron gave a speech in which he criticized nationalism, calling it the opposite of patriotism. This was obviously meant for some of the world leaders in attendance who have expressed nationalist views. It was implied that nationalism caused the war and that its resurgence will result in new conflicts. However, this claim is a misleading attempt to further a globalist agenda. The political philosopher Yoram Hazony has convincingly argued that the assertion that nationalism caused the two world wars is simplistic. The anti-nationalist rhetoric is in reality part of an ideological conflict over the political organization of the world. Nationalism calls for the world to be organized around sovereign nation-states that each take into account the unique characteristics, culture, and needs of their people while respecting the sovereignty of other nation-states. Globalists oppose nationalism because they believe that nation-states should be subject to laws imposed by international organizations, gradually giving up their rights as sovereign nations, and ultimately wither away to fall under one-world government. Each side in this ideological conflict believes that following its own views will result in more stability, peace, and prosperity. Macron once said that there is no such thing as French culture. It was ridiculous to say such a thing, but culture is part of national identity. To flood your nation with millions of economic migrants from the Third World is certainly a way to alter culture and national identity. I don't believe that Macron is a stupid man. He must occasionally look out a window and see what is happening in Paris. Maybe he believes that accepting millions of migrants in Europe will help bring the world closer to a globalist utopia, and that the people who will suffer the consequences before we get there are just collateral damage. However, the yellow vest protests continue all over France, with over 80,000 participating last Saturday, and Macron's approval rating has hit as low as 18%. Macron's days as president of France may be numbered, but the direction France will then go remains to be seen. I hope Macron's globalist dream will not become Europe's nightmare. Photo credit: Pelle De Brabander. And yet it is they, the climate hucksters, who continue to refuse any honest debate on the subject, resorting instead to the same worn out tactics of the pre-Climategate era: false claims of a "consensus" and demonization of dissenting opinions and facts. Those of you who have been paying attention know that you can fertilize your lawn with claims of "consensus." It's hard to believe that we're just shy of ten years since contents of the so-called "Climategate" folder revealed the fraudulence of the anthropogenic global warming (AGW) scare. Yet, somehow, Climate Alarmists continue to behave as though it was all an innocent misunderstanding; that all evidence of lying, cheating, and exaggeration aside, anyone who doubts the self-serving drivel alarmists have been pushing is a "denier." At a time when the realists' science is the sounder by far; when alarmists' dire warnings of imminent disaster have been exposed as the exaggerated globaloney they are; when energy experts have analyzed and cast serious doubt on alarmists' renewable energy proposals, how can those taking a rational position possibly be called the "deniers"? Alarmists Still Refuse to Debate Chuck Todd opened last year's final Meet the Press show, which focused its entire hour on climate change, with a pompous, long-winded speech blaming human activity for a disastrously overheating Planet Earth. The NBC News host made news himself by declaring that "climate deniers" aren't welcome to the discussion because "the science is settled." It was an awful show, even by NBC standards a Sunday news and discussion program that not only deliberately invited only one point of view to the table, but proudly proclaimed as much in its opening statement. As promised, what followed was as one-sided and alarmist-biased a presentation on the subject as you're likely to see anywhere. And yet, even in the absence of opposition opinion, Todd somehow seemed to lose the debate. One member of the silenced opposition, Dr. Roy Spencer, principal research scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, was quick to point out Todd's mistake. Addressing the "settled science" canard from his excellent blog: The belief in human-caused warming exceeding a level that what would be relatively benign, and maybe even beneficial, is just that a belief. It is not based upon known, established, and quantified scientific principles. It is based upon the assumption that natural climate change does not exist. Having attended numerous lectures by Richard Lindzen, the American atmospheric physicist Lord Monckton referred to as "the greatest climatologist of his age," I couldn't help hearing his words in my mind's ear: Virtually by definition, nothing in science is 'incontrovertible' especially in a primitive and complex field as climate. 'Incontrovertibility' belongs to religion where it is referred to as dogma. And remembering Prof. Robert M. Carter: As to "the science is settled"; or, there is a "consensus" on the issue. ... [S]cience is about facts, experiments and testing hypotheses, not consensus; and science is never "settled." Indeed, Einstein's relativity theories are still being tested; e.g."Lorentz invariance." Incidentally of course no science is ever settled, nor would we want it to be. Suppose computer science had been "settled" back in 1946, when the IBM 603 was developed. Can you imagine cramming all those big, bulky vacuum tubes and relays into a smartphone? Fortunately, just as are the sciences of semiconductors, sensors, mobile processors, and image capture tools (to name just a few), climate science is in a constant state of flux, as is the climate itself, and neither will likely ever be "settled." There's No Denying the Facts Not two weeks after NBC's fiasco, C-SPAN's Washington Journal hosted a discussion on the "The Green New Deal & the 116th Congress." League of Conservation Voters senior V.P. Tiernan Sittenfeld faced off against Heartland Institute senior fellow James Taylor. Once again, the conservative offered facts, while the liberal offered invective. Throughout the segment, Sittenfeld spewed bumper-sticker declarations of a "climate crisis" and "record hurricanes," at one point misquoting the IPCC with a ridiculously hysterical warning that "we have 12 years to stave off another catastrophe." Taylor countered that "global warming doom and gloom" isn't backed by science, that 2017 ended the longest period in history without a major hurricane strike in the United States and set a record for the smallest percentage of the U.S. not covered by drought. Additionally, the last two years set a record low for the number of tornadoes in this country, while at the same time, we've had record increases in global crop production. Rather than dispute any of Taylor's facts, Sittenfeld would fly into dismissive tirades, crying, "This is embarrassing" and "horrifying," calling his views "dangerous and flat-out wrong" and contrary to scientific consensus. At one point, Sittenfeld actually accused the Heartland Institute of "spewing misinformation." Taylor challenged her to stop the personal attacks and lecturing and to instead show him why he's wrong. He calmly challenged her "consensus" fiction with the Global Warming Petition Project (aka the Oregon Petition), signed by 31,487 American scientists (9,029 with Ph.D.s), which states: There is no convincing scientific evidence that human release of carbon dioxide, methane, or other greenhouse gases is causing or will, in the foreseeable future, cause catastrophic heating of the Earth's atmosphere and disruption of the Earth's climate. Moreover, there is substantial scientific evidence that increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide produce many beneficial effects upon the natural plant and animal environments of the Earth. Taylor also mentioned that over the course of humankind (not just the past 100 years), temperatures have in fact seen periods of warmth greater than today. Sittenfeld's response to the truth was a wide-eyed look of disbelief and the admonishment that the "notion of denying climate change is so fringe and so marginalized" as to be "beyond the pale." Demonizing the Realist and Conflating the Science Notice how in the ten years since liberal journalist Ellen Goodman introduced the term into the debate, "denier" has all but replaced "skeptic" and "realist" in the public lexicon. Don't believe me? Just Google "climate denier" and see for yourself. Its usage has a sinister intent, which is to put a particular stink on the erstwhile "skeptic" the stink by association of the dimwitted, troglodytic, bigoted Holocaust-denier. This is a stink that instantly shuts down conversation while consigning contrary opinion to the fringe and the loony bin. (See my 2007 piece "Global Warmists Exploit the Holocaust.") In reality, no one is "denying" anything. There's no doubt that climate changes; it has for eons. But crafty warmists have learned to phrase all climate issues in a manner that confuses the conclusion. This is alarmist SOP; they and their media accomplices build a straw man of global climate change, citing "record temperatures" and "unprecedented disasters," then demand action against AGW, an entirely different issue. So all remedies proposed address atmospheric CO2, which likely has a minimal impact on global temperatures, if any. Anyone not all in on CO2 as the principal driver of global temperatures: Doesn't believe the climate is changing and is therefore a denier. It's no wonder that Richard Lindzen has included these words in each of the three lectures I've attended. Conflation of climate change and AGW is the medias biggest mistake. And its greatest weapon. Climate Always Changes Before we lost him in 2016, I was fortunate enough to know paleoclimatologist Prof. Bob Carter. I remember attending a fabulous lecture where Bob used Greenland ice core data to chart our current geological era, the Holocene. When plotted from its beginning, approximately 12,000 years B.P. (before present) to today, the post-glacial period, naturally, trends warm. However, were we to use 10,000 years B.P. as a start point, it plots essentially flat or slightly cooling. Reconstruction source: Wikimedia Commons. And, although looking at the past 2,000 years, we see several warming periods (Roman, Medieval), overall, cooling occurred at an even faster rate. Significantly, the last 700 years, which includes the historically colder Little Ice Age (LIA), brought even faster cooling and then warming coming out of the LIA into the Modern Late 20th-Century Warm Period, which was, in Bob's words, "nothing special," particularly by paleontological measures. It seems that over the past 10,000 years, we've seen warming and cooling oscillate within a range of +/- 2.5 degrees Celsius (D.C.). The rate today using satellite data (if you're familiar with Anthony Watts's other website, you know that nothing else will do) is 1.5 D.C./century, which is right within the Holocene averages. And other than an abrupt jump during the super-ENSO of 2015 (the pause in the pause), there's been no statistically significant warming in the 21st century. The point is, there are no climate change-deniers in the skeptic camp none. Said Bob: The late 20th century warming of half a degree, and the current pause or cooling, fall well within the bounds of previous natural temperature change; they are therefore not necessarily alarming, nor necessarily of human causation. It's Not CO2 At ICCC4, Lord Monckton pointed out that Hadley data shows three recent periods of rapid warming: 1850-1880, 1915-1945, and 1975-1999. We can rule out CO2 as the cause of the first two periods, as the increases in CO2 concentration during those periods were in any view insufficient to cause the rapid warming. However, all three periods of warming did correspond with the PDO of the time. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a pattern of Pacific Ocean-atmosphere climate variability, similar to ENSO but exhibiting much longer phases. PDO shifts between warm and cool phases take place every 20 to 30 years, while ENSO cycles generally last only 6 to 18 months. Shifts in the PDO phase impact hurricane activity, droughts and flooding, cloud fluctuations, and global temperature patterns. Donald J. Easterbrook is emeritus professor of geology at Western Washington University. In 2000, he correctly predicted that the previous warm cycle had ended and that global warming would abate, rather than increase, in the coming decades. He based this on observations that glacier fluctuations match the PDO, which coincides with solar variations and matches global temperature patterns: Since 1900, each time the PDO was warm, global climate warmed; each time the PDO was cool, global climate cooled. Each of the two PDO warm periods (1915-1945 and 1978-1998) and the three cool periods (1880-1915, 1945-1977, 1999-2014) lasted 25-30 years. Dr. Spencer, who believes that 75-80% of warming could be due to cloudiness changes due to PDO, agrees: PDO phasing appears to correspond to periods of cloud cover and thereby warming and cooling. IPCC modelers have ignored natural cloud variations (they assume cloud cover to be constant) which has led to the illusion of Positive Feedback (aka a "sensitive" climate system). Settled science, my gluteus maximus. So then, 20th-century warming and cooling patterns do not correspond to man-made atmospheric CO2 concentrations but do correspond to natural solar, ocean, and cloud variations. And yet, the left wants to legislate a "Green New Deal" that would completely rewire the U.S. economy and add tens of trillions of dollars to the national debt in order to reduce atmospheric CO2 . Tell me: exactly who is in denial? Marc Sheppard is a software engineer and data analyst. The public is free to believe in "All the news that's fit to print," but, admitting that newspapers are out to make a profit, let the public beware. In any case, "fit to print" means what? Fit for whom readers? A motto, simply an ideal or a guiding maxim, is never meant to be taken at face value. The New York Times coined its motto in 1897, and there it is today on the masthead. For the media at large, news fit for whom? is addressed in my book Hadrian's Echo: The Whys and Wherefores of Israel's Critics. The answer, the key to unlock media bias, is not, as many would think, readers and audiences. The core stakeholders come first: media owners and advertisers. It is for their sake alone that news must be fit to print. What it all means may come as a shock: news and its quality are second thoughts. Return on investment is king. And here the Times, with that motherly nickname "Gray Lady," must take care. The paper has to be wary of "unwelcome" news, of news unfit to print, which could hit profitability. Hence, unwelcome news will be tampered with or blocked out entirely. In other words, for profit's sake, something has to give, and that something is objectivity bias, if you will. By definition, unless a newspaper or a channel or a site is biased in the preferred way, shareholders and advertisers will be none too happy. Where does that leave the Times motto? Not far off the mark, actually. One word out and one in will make the motto quite believable: "Only the news that's fit to print." Then the Times would have a solid case for publishing news that leans heavily to one side. If bias can be understood, faking the news is a different kettle of fish. And downplaying atrocities committed by monster tyrants puts a media business out of bounds among the lowliest and the dirtiest. How the New York Times got there is on record. It starts with the owners. In WWII, Arthur Hays Sulzberger and family, loath to alienate the powers that be, downplayed news that could give an impression of the Times being a "Jewish newspaper." Hence, editorial and news pages methodically skirted the plight of Europe's Jews being murdered wholesale. In her book, Buried by the Times: The Holocaust and America's Most Important Newspaper, Laurel Leff cites many instances of how the Times shied away from the truth. It went so far as to blur Jews in the Warsaw ghetto revolt into "Poles" or, even sillier, "Warsaw patriots." Stories on massacres of Italian and Austrian Jewry never made it onto the front page. Page 12 and four columns were good enough for an account of a half-million Hungarian Jews sent to their deaths. As if downplaying one Holocaust wasn't bad enough, the Times had already denied another one. News was not buried; it was faked, cooked up to order. Prior to downplaying Hitler's solution for the Jews, the paper denied Stalin's solution for Ukrainians. The years 1932 and 1933 saw a famine of unprecedented proportions. Ukrainians by the millions starved to death. Stalin wanted their land for Russians and set to starving them out. Cannibalism got to the point where authorities had to plaster signs on walls: "To eat your own children is a barbarian act." Meanwhile, Walter Duranty was playing his own disgusting part. The Times' man in Moscow filed dispatches denying it all. Americans read that the Holodomor, as Ukrainians call their Holocaust, was a stunt. His tales of "hardship" won Duranty the Pulitzer Prize for his "dispassionate interpretive reporting." Fifty years later, the artist of fake would be known as "the correspondent who liked Stalin" and "Stalin's apologist." Duranty, the communist- and Bolshevik-admirer, vociferously denied the famine. People, he wrote, were "hungry but not starving." "There is no famine." Fact is, the rogue newsman saw the famine with his own two eyes. None of it stopped the Times going to print with reports demeaning the atrocity as mostly "bunk" and greasily quipping, "You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs." Jokes and a big fraudulent prize! Executive editors were cool with it. The revelation doesn't seem to qualify as news. It's really history and belongs in history books. It also didn't much bother Howell Raines, the executive editor at another time (emphasis added). Though the paper's slogan is "All the News That's Fit to Print," it is patently flawed. Important news slips by because our coverage reflects blind spots that we recognize only in retrospect[.] ... "We know we make mistakes, but as long as they are ... intellectually honest... Blind spots! The Times was not intellectually honest then, nor was it afterward unless declining to return the fraudulent prize was the honest thing to do. Some record. The paper's record on Israel is more of the same. Fact is, the first owners never liked Zionism; the second- and third-generation owners liked a Jewish state no more than a chronic carbuncle hence the hiring of Middle East reporters who were and remain duty-bound to be anti-Israel, who implant opinion into news until the reader gives up distinguishing one from the other. Something called "News Analysis" on the front page brings a new subtlety to the art of coaxing readers to interpret news the Times way. The feature is an editorial by another name. Headlines, too, often are simply opinion in disguise. When covering Israel, keeping opinion and news apart seems to be a foreign concept at the Times. Jodi Rudoren took obfuscation to a new level. While bureau chief in Jerusalem, her dispatches made it clear that bias was in her brief, that her solemn duty was to tear down Israel in the eyes of the world, to deprecate, denounce, condemn, and revile Israel as the villain. From the outset, Rudoren had the back of Hamas covered, same as Walter Duranty had Stalin's back. It was her given duty the Gray Lady had appointed her to be a cutout replica of that rogue. Perhaps the day has come for the New York Times to remove the "all" in its motto. "Only the news that's fit to print" would be a more transparent one. The writer is a prolific author of novels, non-fiction, and essays. His works are The Paymaster, 1998; Hadrian's Echo, 2012; contributor to "War by other means: Israel and its detractors," 2012; Enemies of Zion (ready for publication early 2019); and Balaam's Curse (WIP novel). His articles have appeared on many sites and in many journals. Steve blogs at Enemies of Zion (http://enemiesofzion.wordpress.com). A red flag law is a gun violence prevention law that permits police or family members to petition a state court to order the temporary removal of firearms from a person who may present a danger to others or themselves. --Wikipedia ANNAPOLIS (January 16, 2019)In the three months since its implementation, Maryland's "red flag" gun safety law has prompted more than 300 protective orders across the state, law enforcement officials told state lawmakers Tuesday.In effect since Oct. 1, the Maryland Extreme Risk Protective Orderalso known by the acronym ERPOor "red flag" law is a court-issued civil order that temporarily requires an individual posing an immediate danger or threat to surrender their firearms and ammunition to law enforcement. It also prohibits the individualor respondentfrom purchasing or possessing firearms or ammunition while in effect, according to the Maryland Courts website.The petition for the order asks for details concerning the respondent's risk of danger to themselves or others, their behaviors, and their firearmsand is then filed with a District Court.Petitioners able to request orders in Maryland include spouses and intimate partners, family members, law enforcement officers or medical professionals who have examined the respondent.From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 302 petitions have been filed across the state, with Anne Arundel, Harford and Baltimore counties having the most orders, said Montgomery County Sheriff Darren Popkin, D.Since going into effect, use of the law has alleviated concerns that it was just an "inappropriate gun grab," and has "saved lives," said Delegate Geraldine Valentino-Smith, D-Prince George's, one of the bill's initial sponsors.When the order is terminated or expires, the respondent may request return of their firearms and ammunition, provided they're not otherwise prohibited from possessing them.Still, organizations promoting gun owners' rights in Maryland have expressed their opposition to the law, even before it was signed and placed into effect.In a letter written by Maryland Shall Issue, an organization dedicated to the preservation of gun owners' rights, the group's president, Mark Pennak, urged Gov. Larry Hogan, R, to veto the bill last year, stating that it was "a grossly illegal, partisan attack on gun ownership in Maryland."Hogan signed the bill on April 24.A majority of the "red flag" orders in Maryland were filed by family members or household members, primarily about mental health concerns, with others being placed by law enforcement officials or health professionals, Popkin said."Orders are not only being issued appropriately, but are also saving lives," Popkin said.After high school shootings in Florida and Maryland prompted conversations about gun safety in early 2018, it was decided that the petitions can be filed against a minor.At least five of the orders have been school-related threats, with four being significant enough to seize firearms, Popkin said.There was no "red flag" process in Maryland before this law went into effect Oct. 1, and Valentino-Smith said she supports re-evaluating the law after its first year.In November, an armed Anne Arundel County man was fatally shot by county officers during a struggle over a gun while he was being served a red flag order."It makes you take a double take and question due process," said Delegate Robin Grammer, R-Baltimore County, commenting on how someone had been fatally shot in the few short months the law has been in place.Confidentiality rules included with the law do not allow for the disclosure of case details.In Anne Arundel County, 47 orders have been filed between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31, the highest in the state. This could be due to a greater awareness in the county, Popkin said.At the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, five staff members were fatally shot in June.The man charged in the killing had a long-running grudge against the newspaper. He has pleaded not guilty. A ceremony in Jerusalem, a massacre in Gaza and how the media covered both. Plus, spies on air in the US. The Kenyan constitution is once again threatened by the executive and it is up to the judiciary to defend it. Newspapers use of graphic images of victims sparks online fury and allegations of disrespectful and biased reporting. As Kenya reels from the deadly attack on an upmarket hotel in capital Nairobi that killed 14 people, a controversy over a New York Times (NYT) article has added to the anger. Many Kenyans have taken to Twitter since Wednesday evening to express their feelings on the assault on Dusit Hotel complex, claimed by the armed group, al-Shabab. Using the hashtag #WeShallOvercome, Kenyans tweeted messages of solidarity. However, another, angrier hashtag soon emerged in response to the NYT coverage of the tragedy. 181103130454315 An NYT article by its East Africa bureau chief, Kimiko de Freytas-Tamura, showed the aftermath of the attack, including images of wounded people and dead bodies. The article drew ire of some Kenyans who used a slightly harsh hashtag #DeportKimiko to protest the images of graphic violence against black Africans, calling them disrespectful and biased. They argued that such images would never be used in the coverage of tragedies in the United States, where the NYT is based. #SomeoneTellNYTimes #RiversideAttack This is how new york times covers terror attacks from various parts of the world , notice no images of dead victims #deportkimiko pic.twitter.com/U6bLHT8XLv TONNY 254 (@Antoniotonny3) January 16, 2019 #deportkimiko @kimidefreytas you claim that it the companies policy to share disturbing pictures. Please show us what happened to that policy when similar attack occurred in the US and Europe..or is it just an african policy??? The internet never forgets. pic.twitter.com/Gnv7be8GwX Tahii (@MutahiBrian) January 16, 2019 Soon, another hashtag #SomeoneTellNYTimes began trending, with many tweets showing photos of people providing the victims aid after the assault. What The New York Times won't report. A patriot has brought breakfast for the rescuers #RiversideAttack #Dusit #KenyaAttack #Nairobi.#deportkimiko #WeShallOvercome United than ever. Kenyans are also donating blood all over. Terrorism will never triumph! pic.twitter.com/rMPBIyie1i Donald Agwenge (@DonaldAgwenge) January 16, 2019 Others posted positive images of Nairobi to contrast with the violent images used by the newspaper. https://twitter.com/dutchesofMasaku/status/1085372454216888320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw In response, the NYT tweeted a statement expressing its respect for those affected by the attack but also defending its use of the images. It is important to give our readers a clear picture of the horror of an attack like this. This includes showing pictures that are not sensationalised but that give a real sense of the situation. We have heard from some readers upset with our publishing a photo showing victims after a brutal attack in Nairobi. We understand how painful this coverage can be, and we try to be very sensitive in how we handle both words and images in these situations. https://t.co/Qjm0qBMaF3 pic.twitter.com/1sqgTnnVKW The New York Times (@nytimes) January 15, 2019 One-third of United Nations staff and contractors say they experienced sexual harassment over the past two years, according to a new report released by the organisation. The online survey, carried out by Deloitte in November and published on Tuesday, was completed by 30,364 people from the UN and its agencies just 17 percent of those eligible. In a letter to staff, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the response rate as moderately low. This tells me two things: first that we still have a long way to go before we are able to fully and openly discuss sexual harassment; and second that there may also be an ongoing sense of mistrust, perceptions of inaction and lack of accountability, Guterres wrote, according to Reuters. The survey comes amid the wider Me Too movement around the world against sexual harassment and assault. It also follows UN efforts to increase transparency and strengthen how it deals with such accusations over the past few years after a string of sexual exploitation and abuse accusations against the world bodys peacekeepers in Africa. The head of the UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is also stepping down in June, six months before his term ends, after an independent panel said that his defective leadership tolerated a culture of harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, and abuse of power. Sobering statistics According to the report, 21.7 percent of respondents said they were subjected to sexual stories or offensive jokes, 14.2 percent received offensive remarks about their appearance, body or sexual activities and 13 percent were targeted by unwelcome attempts to draw them into a discussion on sexual matters. Some 10.9 percent said they endured gestures or the use of body language of a sexual nature, which embarrassed or offended them, and 10.1 percent were touched in a way that made them feel uncomfortable. More than half of those who said they had experienced sexual harassment said it happened in an office environment, while 17.1 percent said it happened at a work-related social event. Two out of three harassers were male, according to the survey. Only one in three people said they took action after experiencing sexual harassment. Guterres said the report contained some sobering statistics and evidence of what needs to change to make a harassment-free workplace real for all of us. As an organisation founded on equality, dignity and human rights, we must lead by example and set the standard, he said. Just a day after the UN childrens fund UNICEF said 15 Syrian children had died in the last month from severe cold and a lack of medical care, another winter storm is battering the Levant region. This is the latest in a series of storms to hit the area. The last two brought widespread flooding to the camps in northern and eastern Lebanon. Lebanon is home to more than one million Syrian refugees, the majority of whom live in informal settlements made out of tarpaulin tents supported by wooden frames. The current rain and snow is being brought in on some strong winds, which will also send temperatures tumbling. The heaviest snow is expected in Turkey, where there could be more than one metre of fresh snow in places. As the winds rage, this could lead to blizzard conditions, bringing widespread travel chaos. In places that see rain rather than snow, the drop in temperatures on Wednesday night is likely to cause any slushy areas to freeze, bringing additional hazards to motorists. Further south, there will be more rain than snow, but as the temperatures slip away, some parts of Syria, Lebanon and Jordan that do not often see wintry weather could see a few flurries. For the thousands of refugees sheltering in Bar Elias, in Lebanons Bekaa Valley, there could be more than 20cm of snow brought in on winds gusting over 55 kilometres per hour. Even where the precipitation is lighter, the winds are still likely to cause problems and could be strong enough to cause blackouts. In northeastern Jordan, the winds at the Rukban camp are expected to be gusting over 70kph, and the temperature will hover around freezing over the next few nights. This would make it feel more like -10 degrees Celsius. A tarpaulin tent will only offer limited protection against these conditions. Observers worry that the trial marks an escalation by US authorities targeting humanitarian volunteers in the desert. The trial of four volunteers working in the southern Arizona desert started in Tucson on Tuesday, raising fears about the future of humanitarian work at a time when US President Donald Trump is ratcheting up fear over immigration. The four No More Deaths volunteers Natalie Hoffman, Oona Holcomb, Madeline Huse and Zaachila Orozco McCormick are facing misdemeanours related to leaving behind water containers and other humanitarian supplies on a wildlife refuge, reports The Arizona Daily Star. The trial is expected to last until Friday. Established as a coalition of faith and community groups in 2004, No More Deaths leaves out water jugs in the vast desert stretches, searches for migrants who go missing and documents human rights violations by Border Patrol and other US authorities. Holcomb, Huse, McCormick and Hoffman are accused of entering a national wildlife refuge without a permit and abandoning property there; Hoffman faces an additional charge of operating a motor vehicle in a wilderness area, the Daily Star adds. Federal prosecutors say the case is straightforward and that the alleged legal violations are clear. 190104163142319 The incidents allegedly took place on the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, an arid desert stretch where the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner says at least 43 sets of human remains have been found since the beginning of 2017, as reported by the Daily Star. Christopher Dupont, a defence lawyer, insisted the volunteers were seeking to help migrants and refugees passing through a veritable cemetery, a land of unmarked graves. Speaking to the local Arizona Republic news outlet, No More Deaths spokesperson Justine Orlovsky-Schnitzler described the area as one of the deadliest corridors for migrant movement. Everyone has a right to safe passage and we hope that thats held up [sic] in court, she said. Fears of crackdown The trial is the first of a series of legal proceedings against humanitarian aid activists helping migrants and refugees on the southern frontier, including five additional No More Deaths volunteers facing charges stemming from incidents in 2017 and 2018. Although similar charges have often been dismissed in the past, the Trump administrations hardline anti-immigration stance has many worrying about a crackdown on humanitarian aid work. Activists and community members held a small rally on Tuesday in Tuscon. Last month, Trump allowed the government to partially shut down over his unfulfilled demand that Congress approve more than $5bn in funding to erect a wall on the US-Mexico border. 181210211443443 That shutdown, the longest of its type in US history, has affected more than 800,000 federal employees, who have either been furloughed or are working without pay. Despite talks, the Democrats have consistently rejected Trumps demand to fund the wall, and Trump has floated the idea of declaring a national emergency to circumvent Congressional approval for the money. Since coming to office, Trump has sought to restrict the number of refugees and migrants entering the country, deployed thousands of soldiers to the southern border, and falsely described US-bound caravans of people fleeing violence and economic catastrophe as an invasion. London, United Kingdom Theresa Mays victory in a second no-confidence vote over her strategy for leaving the European Union will give the British prime minister breathing space, as she tries to resolve her political woes yet by no means assures her survival. Parliamentarians threw out a no-confidence motion put forward by the opposition Labour Party a day after Mays humiliating defeat on the Brexit deal she negotiated with the EU. But the implications of the latest vote could ultimately prove to be greater for Labour whose leadership has placed its bets on unseating her zombie government and engineering a general election by reviving its own demons over Europe. Professor Anand Menon, director of the think-tank, The UK in a Changing Europe, said: All those Labour backbench MPs who to date have hidden behind the slogan I want a general election are now finally at long last going to have to confront the real choice over Brexit. 190114215228549 Do they want to leave with a deal, do they want to leave without a deal, or do they want a referendum? Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wants to topple May and win a subsequent election that would enable him to renegotiate the Conservative prime ministers unpopular divorce deal. However, many of his own Labour MPs and party members want a second referendum that they hope could reverse the UKs decision to leave Europe taken after a plebiscite in 2016. Tim Bale, professor of politics at Queen Mary University London, said: The Labour leadership did not put forward this motion because they thought it could get them a general election, they did it because they want to avoid having to endorse a second referendum. The result of Wednesdays no-confidence vote May won by 325 votes to 306 was expected, given the parliamentary arithmetic: her minority administration has survived since an election in 2017 with the support of Northern Irish MPs. She defeated a no-confidence motion within her own party in December. Even though many Conservative MPs hate the prime ministers Brexit deal rejected on Tuesday in the so-called meaningful vote by a thumping majority they rallied around her out of hostility to Corbyn. Labour can call such no-confidence motions again some of its MPs now see this as a viable strategy but the latest result effectively rules out a general election for now. Europe is closely watching the outcome of Theresa Mays Brexit plan [File: Michael Probst/AP] Menon said that Labour figures have made contradictory statements about what to do next, with some calling for recurrent confidence motions until they get the result they want, but others insisting this is pointless. There is obviously a real fight going on within the Labour Party about this, and no one knows which way it will go. Temporary respite Wednesdays victory will give May temporary respite as she attempts to convince EU leaders to offer sufficient concessions to convince a majority of MPs to back her Brexit deal. Maddy Thimont Jack, a researcher at the Institute for Government in London, said: The vote will show that she does have the confidence of the House of Commons, so it gives her a bit more flexibility going into the next step when she has to bring back the motion [on her Brexit deal] next week with the governments plan B following Tuesdays defeat. In the immediate term, it might strengthen her, but it doesnt stop another motion being brought in three weeks time and given how fast things are moving and that the clock is ticking it could then be a very different situation. However, the implications of Corbyns decision to move a motion of confidence could be greater for Labour, by prising open its own Brexit divisions and May knows it, effectively daring Corbyn to challenge her. Bale said: She thinks clearly that it is a way of getting the troops to rally round her after Tuesdays terrible defeat, which it is and it also then exposes the tensions within the Labour Party because it puts the ball in Corbyns court as regards a second referendum and what to do next? He has marched his troops to the top of the hill and he cant really march them down again now. Second referendum? Corbyn and other senior Labour figures have used the hope of an election to conceal from their members the fact that they want to proceed with Brexit and oppose a second referendum. Bale said: This vote was really not about defeating the government because they know in their hearts that cant possibly be done. The confidence motion is something they have been able to hide behind since the Labour Party conference in the autumn, and it allows them to tell their supporters in the country and especially their grassroots members that there is no need for a second referendum yet because they might be able to engineer a general election. That was always a fiction and it will be exposed as such but it might be something that they carry on trying to do for two or three weeks, meanwhile running down the clock. While Labour is now likely to edge closer to resolving its own policy disagreements, this does not automatically mean it will embrace a second referendum. Bale said: It looks as if the leadership is reluctant to do that and is intent instead on pursuing the possibility of some kind of softer Brexit in coordination with the government, or indeed tabling another confidence motion in a few days or weeks time. Menon also noted that a recent gathering of Labour MPs who want a peoples vote attracted just 71 parliamentarians. That isnt very many, he said. There are an awful lot of Labour MPs who dont want a referendum. In principle, it would not be difficult to secure parliaments commitment to a second referendum through a motion. However, it would then require complex legislation and an extension of the March 29 deadline under Article 50 by which the UK formally announced its intention to quit the EU. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference on January 16, 2019 2019/01/17 Q: On January 15, the British House of Commons rejected the Brexit deal and the political declaration which sets out a framework for the future UK-EU relationship by a vote of 432 to 202. On the same day, the opposition Labour Party introduced a motion of no confidence on the government. What is your comment? A: China has been closely following the Brexit issue and noted that there are some disagreements within the UK and between the UK and the EU on this issue. We believe that when the UK and the EU enjoy stability, openness and development, all parties stand to benefit. We hope that the Brexit process would proceed in a steady and orderly way. China's existing policy in moving forward the development of China-UK and China-EU relations in parallel will not change. As for the motion of no confidence on the government introduced by the opposition party, it is their domestic affair and the Chinese side will not comment on that. Q: After the Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced to death by the Dalian Intermediate People's Court, Canadian leader said China has "arbitrarily" applied the death penalty. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland described the death penalty as inhumane and inappropriate. But we also noted that there are Canadian media reports that Schellenberg was convicted of drug possession and trafficking by courts in Canada as early as 2003 and 2012. In the meantime, some Canadian netizens also believe that smuggling over 200kg of methamphetamine is a felony and the Canadian government should not provoke diplomatic issues for such a vile drug trafficker. What's your comment? A: I also noted relevant reports. What you mentioned in your question seems to imply that some Canadians are even more sensible than their leader. I wonder if the leader of the Canadian side can make it clear to its people how many lives 222kg of drugs could claim and how many families could be robbed of their happiness? If Schellenberg's sentence to death for smuggling 222kg of drugs is inhumane and inappropriate, does that mean it's humane and appropriate to allow drugs to deprive more people's lives? The severe harm of drugs following the Opium War in 1840 is still very much alive in Chinese people's memory and we will never allow drug traffickers of other countries to put the lives of Chinese people in jeopardy. If this case of Schellenberg's drug smuggling happens in Canada, we wouldn't even care how the Canadian side handles it. But since this case has happened in China, it needs to be handled in accordance with Chinese law. Just as the opinion of some Canadians you mentioned suggests, Chinese judiciary's conviction is just, while the relevant remarks of the Canadian leader is apparently somewhat arbitrary and would taint the image and reputation of Canada. We hope that they will respect the rule of law and China's judicial sovereignty. Q: Bloomberg had a report saying that some Chinese state-owned enterprises have been asked to avoid business trips to the US and its other allied countries and to take extra precautions to protect their electronic devices if they need to travel there. What is China's comment? A: I am not aware of the specific details you mentioned. But from a series of reports we've seen, some countries do take some measures which I believe are not very fair or even improper in regulating the entry of Chinese citizens. Under this circumstance, if there is indeed such a warning, I believe it is appropriate. Q: The Canadian Foreign Ministryhas asked China to consider "clemency" for Robert Schellenberg. Will the Chinese side listen to the request from the Canadian side and consider sparing his life? A: You asked whether China would like to listen to the request from the Canadian side, but I would like to ask relevant Canadian leaders whether they have truly and earnestly listened to China's solemn position? We have made clear the facts, circumstances and gravity of this case. You all know that drug crime is a world-recognized felony with great harm to the society. All countries crack down on it severely. The real spirit of the rule-of-law indicates that everyone is equal before the law. Canada has been repeating that it is a law-abiding country. We hope that it could earnestly take some concrete actions to show its respect for the rule of law. Follow-up: But with respect to the specific request for "clemency" that death is not applied in the situation, will the Chinese side accept this request by the Canadian side? A: China is a country governed by law. In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, the people's courts and the people's procuratorates shall independently exercise the judicial and procuratorial powers respectively in accordance with the provisions of the law, free from any interference from administrative organs. Q: As we have learned, DPRK official Kim Yong Chol will be in Beijing tomorrow on his way to the US. Can you confirm that? Will he meet with Chinese officials while he is in Beijing? A: My understanding is that he will transit in Beijing. As of yet, I haven't heard of any arrangements for meetings. Q: The Canadian Prime Minister yesterday spoke out about what he called "arbitrary" law enforcement in China. The Australian Acting Foreign Minister has recently also spoken out on that, saying that the death penalty should not be applied in Schellenberg's case, and also China should not reach a verdict so rapidly. Is the Chinese side concerned that it is facing opposition from the international community? A: I can tell you for sure that we are not worried at all. You mentioned Australia in your question. Actually, you can count by the fingers of your hand the few allies of Canada that chose to side with it on this issue. These several countries can by no means represent the entire international community. For serious crimes posing great harm to the society like drug-smuggling, I believe it is the international consensus that such crimes shall be strictly handled and punished. As a Canadian media outlet, you should know that people in Canada share this view. They also demand their government to severely crack down on these crimes, because that is what should be done to cherish, respect and protect people's lives. As for the statement made by the relevant Australian officials on China's handling of the Schellenberg case, I find it rather odd. Does it have anything to do with Australia? According to the information released by the relevant Chinese court, Schellenberg was planning to smuggle more than 200kg of drugs to Australia. Does the Australian side wish to see this large batch of drugs arrive in its land and endanger its people? This Australian official owe an explanation to his people. Does he wish to see these drugs find their way into his country? I have made clear China's unequivocal position at yesterday's press conference. It is highly irresponsible of the Canadian leader to use "arbitrary" to describe China's trial of the Schellenberg case. In fact, the relevant remarks made by the Canadian leader, which lacks the minimal spirit of the rule of law, showcased what arbitrary means. I also suggest you give another read to the interview of the official from the Dalian Intermediate People's Court. In the handling of the Schellenberg case, the Chinese side has strictly followed the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law and went through relevant legal procedures. Nothing procedure-wise has deviated from the law. When hearing the Schellenberg case, the Dalian Intermediate People's court has ensured the right of the defendant's lawyer to review the case files. All links in the trial met the term-related provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law, including case filing, formation of the collegial panel, serving of the summons and notices and the notification of the time and place of the court session. Q: There have been a number of reports that Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will be visiting Washington on January 30 and 31 to continue the trade talks with the US. Can you confirm that? A: The Spokesperson for the Commerce Ministry has talked about the next-step arrangements for China-US trade talks many times. The two sides are now in close communication. One thing is clear, which is that the two sides are making positive efforts to implement the important consensus reached between the two leaders and reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial and win-win through trade negotiations and consultations. Q: The Defense Intelligence Agency of the US issued a report on China's military power, saying that Beijing's attempt to "eventually compel Taiwan's reunification with the mainland" has served as the primary driver for China's military modernization. China is rapidly building a robust, lethal force, with capabilities spanning ground, air, maritime, space and information domains, designed to enable China to impose its will in the region, and beyond. What is your comment? A: We have noted the report entitled "Assessment on US Defense Implications of China's Expanding Global Access" recently issued by the US Department of Defense and this report just published by the Defense Intelligence Agency. We still need some time to study these reports in an in-depth and meticulous manner, but I can give you an initial response: These reports by the US side made unwarranted speculations and comments on China's development path, strategic intention and national defense, showing no respect to facts and teeming with the Cold War mindset and zero-sum game mentality. The baseless speculations they contain are highly ridiculous and unprofessional. China is firmly opposed to that. We believe that the sound and steady development of military ties between the two sides will benefit not only the two countries but also the whole world. We hope that the US military could view China's development in a rational, objective and correct way and maintain the larger picture of China-US state-to-state and mil-to-mil relations with concrete actions. I want to further emphasize a few points: First, China is committed to the path of peaceful development. China develops its national defense strength independently in commensurate with the growth of its national power, the purpose of which is to better safeguard its own sovereignty, security and development interests and maintain global and regional peace and stability. Second, China is a role model in observing regional and international rules. We maintain that interests shall be protected by rules, not by weapons. In fact, as you may have all noted, even for a country as militarily powerful as the US, it cannot have its way in everything it does. We hope that the US side could also respect and observe international rules, instead of finding or even fabricating various excuses to develop greater lethal force for the purpose of more military strength. Third, the Taiwan question belongs to China's internal affairs. Just like what General Secretary Xi Jinping said in his speech to commemorate the 40th anniversary of issuing Message to Compatriots in Taiwan, we are willing to create broad space for peaceful reunification, strive for peaceful reunification with utmost sincerity and greatest efforts, but will leave no room for any form of separatist activities. We urge the US to abide by the one China policy and maintain the larger picture of China-US relations as well the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits. Fourth, I also want to remind certain people in the US that peace and development is the trend of the times and the aspiration of all people. If these people only care about burying their heads down to find traps or are even busy digging pits, instead of looking up at the stars, sooner or later they will fall into the traps and pits of their own making. British prime ministers EU divorce plan in tatters as parliamentarians prepare to vote on her leaderships future. British Prime Minister Theresa May finds herself in a tough spot one day after British MPs voted down the Brexit deal she negotiated. With 432 votes against and 202 for, this was the biggest defeat a government faced in modern history. After the defeat materialised, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn put forward a motion of no-confidence in Mays government and requested that a vote be held on Wednesday. The Conservative leader is likely to survive the vote, as even those within her own party who rejected the draft Brexit proposal say they will support her to prevent what would almost certainly lead to a new general election. With opinion polls putting the two leading parties neck-and-neck, a new vote would likely either force the Conservatives out of power or result in a continued stalemate. May at the end of the line Labours statements in the aftermath of the vote capture a sentiment widespread on both sides of the debate: That the prime minister doesnt see a clear way out of the crisis. Corbyn tweeted: Theresa May has reached the end of the line. Even the United Kingdoms right-leaning newspapers didnt try to dress up Mays woes. The Daily Mail, which backed her deal, proclaimed: Fighting for her life on its front page, while the right-leaning Daily Telegraph declared: The crisis is finally upon us. Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said the party would settle for nothing less than another election. . @jeremycorbyn has tabled a no confidence motion in the Government after their historic defeat on Theresa Mays deal. The Government have confirmed that this will be debated and voted upon tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/c1hdmLuKrB Labour Whips (@labourwhips) January 15, 2019 The Tories have failed miserably on Brexit and it is no surprise Theresa Mays deal has been rejected by such a massive margin, he said, adding: We need a general election and a Labour government to break the deadlock and end austerity. I voted for the PMs deal tonight and will of course back her in tomorrows confidence vote. But be in no doubt that she is the architect of tonights defeat. Nick Boles (@NickBoles) January 15, 2019 An election would take weeks to organise and any new parliament would have to find a deal the EU also accepts. For now, the burden of concluding Brexit remains Mays. The most immediate short-term remedy before her would be to extend Article 50, the constitutional mechanism for leaving the EU, something she has said she does not believe in doing, but has not ruled out entirely. Article 50 gives a member state two years to complete the process of leaving once the EU has been formally notified of its intention to leave. 181201182945771 In December 2018, the European Court of Justice ruled that the process could be unilaterally halted or extended by the member state. The move would bring temporary relief but is likely to enrage the hard right and Brexit supporters, who see it as a delaying tactic. No-deal, new deal, or new referendum Aside from extending Article 50, the prime minister has few options to deal with the crisis at hand. A no-deal Brexit would see the UK leave the EU without an agreement on any shared trade, economic, security and other political structures, reverting to trade with the EU on World Trade Organisation terms. Seen as a doomsday scenario by most Britons, this option has support among the hard right and May does accept it as a possible scenario in spite of warning against it. The UK would have to strike hundreds of new trade deals to replace those lost in a no-deal Brexit, which would likely lead to a rise in prices and a slowdown in economic growth. Renegotiation of the draft deal is a second scenario that would see May heading back to Brussels to negotiate more favourable terms with EU leaders. The onus will be on her, however, as EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said it is up to Britain to come forward with ideas in wake of the vote defeat. EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said a disorderly Brexit was looking more likely while European Council President Donald Tusk seemed to suggest that Britain should consider reversing Brexit altogether. Even if the EU agrees to concessions, May would have to put them to parliament and, given the unprecedented scale of the first defeat, it is unlikely a modified deal would pass as is. The third scenario on the table would be to call a second referendum on leaving the EU, demands for which have grown over the past year, spearheaded by the Peoples Vote campaign. But there is no guarantee that would work, either. Polls show that while a majority of Britons would prefer to stay in the EU, the margins are small and have shifted little since the original 2016 referendum. May has dismissed the idea as a betrayal of those who voted to leave in 2016 and any attempt to reverse course on Brexit would also enrage the hard right. SDF says zone must come with guarantees to stop foreign intervention, in apparent reference to Turkey. The Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) has said it will support efforts to establish a safe zone in northeastern Syria. The SDF, a coalition of armed groups backed by the US and led by the Kurdish YPG (Peoples Protection Units), said the zone must have international guaranteesthat would prevent foreign intervention, in an apparent reference to Turkey. We will offer all the support and assistance to set up the safe zone that is being discussed, in a way that guarantees the protection of all co-existing sects and ethnicities from annihilation, the group said in a statement on Wednesday. It also said it hoped to ensure stability at the border region by reaching agreements with Turkey, which has vowed to crush the YPG. The idea of a safe zone was suggested by US President Donald Trump on Twitter on Sunday, although he did not elaborate. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he had discussed such a zone which Turkey would set up inside Syria along the length of their border, during a phone call with Trump. Erdogans comments came a day after he had a telephone conversation with Trump to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to devastate the Turkish economy if Ankara attacks Kurdish forces in Syria. Earlier on Wednesday, a political leader of the Syrian Kurdish alliance Movement for a Democratic Society, said it would accept the deployment of United Nations forces along the separation line between Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops, in order to ward off a threatened offensive. Other choices are unacceptable as they infringe on the sovereignty of Syria and the sovereignty of our autonomous region, Aldar Khalil told AFP news agency. Russia, meanwhile, said only its ally, the Syrian military, should police the war-torn countrys north. The YPG has been the key US ally in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), with an estimated 50,000 of its soldiers killed. The anti-ISIL campaign is now nearing its conclusion with the groups fighters confined to an ever-shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres in Syria. Ankara regards the YPG as an offshoot of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has waged a deadly war for autonomy in southeastern Turkey since 1984, and describes the armed group as terrorists. Syrian control Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday the Syrian government must take control of the countrys north. We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures, Lavrov told reporters. Russia is a long-time supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lavrov said the future of the Kurds could be secured under regime control. We welcome and support contacts that have now begun between Kurdish representatives and Syrian authorities so they can return to their lives under a single government without outside interference, Lavrov said. He said there was progress in resolving Syrias nearly eight-year war that has killed hundreds of thousands of people, and the focus should remain on Idlib the northwestern province that earlier this month fell under the full control of Hayet Tahrir al-Sham, an armed group dominated by Syrias former al-Qaeda affiliate. The Syrian settlement is progressing, though of course more slowly than we would like, Lavrov said. The fight against terrorism must be completed. Now the main hotbed of terrorism is Idlib. Trump-Erdogan call Erdogan said he had a quite positive telephone conversation with Trump late on Monday where he reaffirmed a 20-mile [30-kilometre] security zone along the Syrian border [] will be set up by us. The Syrian Kurdish leader said he regretted the US proposal to give Turkey control over the security zone. 190114194841618 Sadly, Trump wants to implement these safe regions through cooperation with Turkey. But any role for Turkey will upset the balance and the region will not be safe, Khalil said. On the contrary, Turkey is a party [to the dispute] and any party cannot guarantee security. Turkey has threatened to attack the YPG in the Syrian city of Manbij. The Turkish army previously launched two major operations in Syria since 2016. The last offensive saw Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies overrun the enclave of Afrin that was under the control of the YPG and its political arm, Democratic Union Party (PYD), in the northwest one of several governed by the militia. Sudan protests: Opposition groups divided over demands Some say the government should step down now, while others prefer to wait for the election for transfer of power. People take to the streets in Kassala for the first time since protests began against President al-Bashir in December. Police in Sudan have fired tear gas at anti-government protesters in the eastern city of Kassala, according to eyewitnesses, as demonstrations against President Omar al-Bashirs three-decade rule entered its fourth week. Wednesday was the first time protesters took to the streets in Kassala, located near Sudans border with Eritrea, since massive anti-government demonstrations started in December in which at least 24 people have died. Eyewitnesses told AFP news agency that protesters shouting freedom, justice and peace were confronted by police officers who fired tear gas at them. On January 7, Kassala witnesed the first pro-government rally held by supporters of al-Bashir, which was followed days later by another in the capital, Khartoum. Since December 19, Sudan has seen several large-scale protests in most major cities and towns. Demonstrations initially erupted in the northeastern town of Atbara after the government raised the price of bread, but then quickly flared to other regions before spreading to Khartoum. March on the presidential palace More than 800 people have been arrested since the unrest began, said officials, insisting that the situation has now stabilised even as protests continue. 190116114011856 Protest organisers have called for a march on the presidential palace in Khartoum on Thursday, along with simultaneous demonstrations in several cities, including Port Sudan, Gadaref and Madani. They are demanding the removal of al-Bashir, the 74-year-old general-turned-politician, who has ruled the north African country since 1989. An embattled al-Bashir has promised economic development but has refused to step down. Instead, he has called on opposition leaders to wait until the elections scheduled to be held in 2020. Sudans ruling party has pressed ahead with plans to change the constitution, so Bashir can stay in office beyond his present term, which ends in 2020. HRW says the PA suppresses dissent and online freedoms. By Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman once paid a $100m bribe to former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, an ex-Guzman associate testified, adding that he previously let the United States authorities know about it. Alex Cifuentes, who has described himself as Guzmans onetime right-hand man, discussed the alleged bribe under cross-examination by Jeffrey Lichtman, one of Guzmans lawyers, on Tuesday in Brooklyn federal court. Asked if he told authorities in 2016 that Guzman arranged the bribe, he answered, Thats right. There was no immediate comment from Pena Nieto, who has previously denied taking bribes, or his former spokesman. 190103073300242 His former chief of staff, however, took to social media to reject the accusation. The declarations of the Colombian drug trafficker in New York are false, defamatory and absurd, wrote Francisco Guzman in a post on Twitter, adding that the Pena Nieto government located, detained, and extradited the Mexican kingpin. The allegations are among the most explosive to emerge from Guzmans trial, which began in November, and has so far featured testimony of lower-level corruption. Guzman, 61, was extradited to the US in 2017 to face charges of trafficking cocaine, heroin and other drugs into the country as leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. Bribe paid in 2012 Cifuentes testified he had told US prosecutors that Pena Nieto initially reached out to Guzman, asking for $250m. The suspect said that he told the prosecutors that the bribe was paid in October 2012, when Pena Nieto was president-elect. Cifuentes also said that Guzman once told him he had received a message from Pena Nieto saying he did not have to live in hiding any more. 181105065700611 It was unclear how Cifuentes testimony, which appeared to implicate Guzman, could be used to defend him, though Lichtman homed in on inconsistencies in Cifuentes memory. Cifuentes admitted that at a meeting last year, he told prosecutors he was no longer sure of the exact amounts of the bribes, but did not elaborate. Pena Nieto was president of Mexico from December 2012 until November 2018. He was once a rising star in Mexicos long-dominant Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and was the former governor of the state of Mexico, the countrys most populous. However, the president ended his term a much-diminished figure, pummeled by conflict-of-interest scandals, rampant crime and a lacklustre economy. While Pena Nieto himself was barred by law from running for second term in 2018, his centrist party suffered a landmark defeat at the polls as leftist President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador won in a landslide, relegating the PRI to the role of a marginal player in the new Mexican Congress. Malaysias foreign minister has announced that the country will not host any events in the future involving Israel. In comments made on Wednesday, Saifuddin Abdullah also said the Malaysian government will not budge over a ban on Israeli athletes in a para swimming competition. The event in July serves as a qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The foreign minister said that the cabinet affirmed last week that no Israeli delegates can enter Malaysia for sporting or other events. He added that Malaysia also decided not to host any more events involving Israel to reflect the governments firm stance over the Israeli issue, according to The Associated Press news agency. Malaysia, a strong supporter of the Palestinian plight, is among the predominantly Muslim countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Last month, the Malaysian government said in a statement it strongly opposed Australias controversial decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Calling for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Malaysia denounced the move as premature and a humiliation to the Palestinians and their struggle for the right to self-determination. Syrians help with aid distributions for vulnerable refugee living in camps across Bekaa Valley as more rains hit region. Bekaa Valley, Lebanon Snow-capped mountain peaks gleamed in the distance as tens of people, many shivering and carrying toddlers, huddled around a truck filled with firewood. As the harsh wind whistled around him, a young boy pointed excitedly at one of the blocks being unloaded. Four hours of heat; this means four hours of heat, he said on Tuesday. For the vulnerable residents of this remote Syrian refugee camp outside the small northeastern Lebanese town of Bar Elias, the firewood typically used to generate heat in the absence of fuel oil is an essential commodity. 190114210329942 Like thousands of other refugees sheltering in Lebanons Bekaa Valley, families here have been struggling to deal with the aftermath of two almost consecutive storms in the space of fewer than two weeks. The first one, Storm Norma, affected more than 22,000 Syrian refugees living in some 574 settlement structures across Lebanon, according to United Nations figures, before subsiding a few days ago. But on Sunday evening, a second storm dubbed Miriam started bringing again incessant rain, harsh winds and snowfall in the Bekaa Valley. It is expected to last until January 17. Usama Hammoud: Were working as fast as we can [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] Act fast Just as SAWA for Development and Aid, an aid organisation run by volunteers who fled the long-running war in neighbouring Syria, delivered the firewood at the informal camp outside Bar Elias, residents complained that they have not received much assistance from humanitarian groups, including the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). Its a view held many other refugees across Bekaa Valley. Firewood distribution at the camp [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] Lebanon, which is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, has blocked efforts to upgrade the camps plywood and tarpaulin tents out of fear they may become permanent structures. In nearby camps, tens of flimsy tents housing refugee families either collapsed or flooded with rain and wastewater, damaging mattresses, clothing items and rugs used as protection from fertile grounds that quickly turn muddy with rainfall. Many of those who lost their tents were moved to centres belonging to SAWA, whose objective is to enable Syrians to organise and advocate for self-sustainability. We expected one or two tents to flood, which is what happens every year, Mishaal Hamoud, SAWAs operations manager who is from the suburbs of the Syrian capital, Damascus, told Al Jazeera. But when the storm hit and thousands were affected, we immediately evacuated our centres to accommodate people as part of an emergency response plan, he said, putting the figure of tents floods in the central Bekaa region as a result of the first storm to 2,000. This was especially important because we know that international organisations do not usually offer their offices and centres as shelters in such circumstances, Hammoud added. So we needed to act fast. 190113053554914 The shelters housed around 600 families, most of whom chose to remain put until Storm Miriam subsides. Others have found refuge in incomplete housing units and garages. To date, 11 other local organisations have joined SAWAs efforts, which include cooking and distributing daily meals to those who have lost their temporary homes. The meals, made in the main centre in Bar Elias, are prepared by Syrian female volunteers who cook traditional dishes favoured by the community. Huddled around four large metal pots, the women stirred bulgur wheat and boiled chicken while a dozen other volunteers prepared bread and dairy packages. The organisations also deliver donations mostly mattresses, clothes, and fuel oil for heat. Syrian female volunteers cook traditional dishes that are familiar to the community [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] I wanted to help my people Usama Hammoud, a local volunteer, said there were camps still flooded with water but have been left without assistance. Were working as fast as we can, but theres only so much we can do, the 26-year-old told Al Jazeera. 190114135342878 Wed arrive at some camps and find a family helplessly sitting inside their flooded tent, he said. They would just be waiting, hoping someone would stop by and help them evacuate. For the past two days, volunteers have been assisting families with rebuilding their tents a few centimetres higher to avoid being hit by another round of floods. Hamoud said some volunteers are working around the clock to accommodate refugee needs across the area. I wanted to help my people because I knew no one else would, Miro, an 18-year-old volunteer, told Al Jazeera, stressing that it was important to him to help other Syrians around him. My camp flooded and I couldnt just stand still; I had to do something to help everyone else who shared my familys suffering. Always freezing cold There are more than one million Syrian refugees in Lebanon, whose economic woes have been exacerbated with the absence of a functional government. While the country is in political deadlock, Lebanese leaders have urged Syrian refugees to return to their country. Though several thousand have voluntarily returned to their homes over the past few months, rights groups say it is still not safe to go back. Refugees have been calling for a UN-committee to oversee and accompany those who wish to return and ensure their safety. In the meantime, they continue to brave harsh winter months in camps across the country and, in particular, the colder Bekaa Valley, home to more than 340,000 Syrian refugees. Were never warm, its always freezing cold, an elderly woman in her 60s said as she sat bent at the entrance of her tent outside Bar Elias. Every night, I pray to God that when I open my eyes next, its finally morning. Thousands of educators strike for better wages and conditions, the same reasons many joined the last stoppage in 1989. Los Angeles, California This isnt the first time Los Angeles teacher Yvette Olivares Estrada walked out of the classroom for better conditions and pay. Twenty-nine years ago, about a year after she became a teacher, she went on strike for practically the same reasons, the English and History teacher at Hollenbeck Middle School told Al Jazeera on Tuesday. Here we are again, fighting for the same things, she said on day two of a strike that has brought more than 30,000 teachers in the second-largest school system in the United States out of their classrooms. Estrada joined thousands of teachers who rallied and marched in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, demanding a 6.5 percent pay increase, smaller class sizes, less testing, new hires of librarians, counsellors and nurses and a moratorium on new charters. The strike came after United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), the union representing the educators, and the district reached an impasse over the demands. On Wednesday, the strike continued without an end in sight. Daniel Barnhart, UTLA secondary vice president, told Al Jazeera a day earlier that the union and school district have yet to resume negotiations. Were still waiting for them to reach out. Im checking my email, were looking for a phone call, its not happening, he said. The union has been in negotiations with the school district since April 2017. The union rejected an offer last week of $130m in funding that included providing a full-time nurse in elementary schools and cut class sizes by two students in middle schools. 190114170619413 Last Wednesdays offer was to spend less than five percent of their [nearly] $2bn reserve for one year and ignore every other demand that we have on the table about the future of our schools, Barnhart said. The offer and stalled negotiations prompted teachers in 900 schools throughout the city to strike, while many classes, staffed with substitute teachers, continued in some capacity. Teachers deserve a pay rise This weeks strike is the first work stoppage in the city since May 1989 when 20,000 teachers walked out of the classroom for nine days. They returned to the classroom after winning a pay rise. Estrada said that today school budgets fail to meet the needs of students. We have a nurse that works once a week, three hours a day, she said. Thats what 1,200 kids get in this school. We have classroom sizes of 38 to 42 kids. Its unconscionable. Parent Julie Ortega, who joined Estrada and other teachers on the picket line at Hollenbeck Middle School, said that although shes wary of the possibility of a drawn-out strike, shes ready to support the teachers. I dont want my child stuck in a class of more than 30 students, said Ortega referring to growing classroom sizes that have come to characterise her 12-year-old daughters school. The teachers deserve a pay rise. [Students] are our future, and I know we need to invest in them. Im here to support. Some parents have continued to drop their kids off at schools, presenting a challenge to the striking teachers aim of pressuring district officials to the negotiation table in light of a sharp decline in student attendance. Teachers walked out of their classrooms on Monday, demanding better pay and conditions [Martha Guerrero/Al Jazeera] Superintendent Austin Beutner said the district lost $15m on the first day of the strike due to the loss of state funding based on enrollment. The Los Angeles School District overwhelmingly serves low-income communities, where 400 campuses are considered high poverty and students qualify for subsidised lunches. More than 70 percent of students are Latino. Some parents find it difficult to skip work or look after children in light of school shutdowns. If I was working and I didnt have anyone to take care of my child, I would have to bring her to school, said Ortega. Thats what I feel a lot of parents do. They have to stay home with them and [many] dont have the resources to pay for somebody to watch them, so they have to drop them off at school. Organising for a long time At the neighbouring Theodore Roosevelt High School, with an enrollment of 1,400 students, History teacher and union board member Gillian Russom said more funding would slash class sizes and the fill the need for socioemotional and health-related support for a low-income student of colour. Weve been organising for a very long time because of the really unjust conditions of learning in our public schools. We are the richest state in the country and the fifth largest economy in the world and were 43rd in the nation in per pupil funding, said Russom. Russom also pointed to a clause within the current contract that allows the district to violate previously agreed-upon contractual caps. 180427103803611 Our district has a clause that says even when we set numbers on class sizes they can violate them if they feel there is a fiscal emergency. So thats one piece were finally trying to get rid of in this contract fight, she said. The districts latest offer proposed a new clause that would ignore agreed-upon caps on class size contingent on changes in pension costs and student enrollment. Every year, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) allocates funding based on school enrollment estimates and some schools like Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School, opened in 2009, have been able to meet those projections and secure the funding. But many schools in the district have lost students to charter schools. The union estimates a 287 percent increase in the overall presence of charter schools in Los Angeles. Felicitas & Gonzalo Mendez High School teacher Peter Olson said a drop in school enrollment displaces teachers and presents a series of issues. A lot of schools have been losing students to charters and there have been a number of schools even in this community that have lost teachers. Teachers have been displaced and when teachers are displaced, class sizes increase because there are fewer teachers to go around. Peter Olson said a drop in school enrollment displaces teachers and presents a series of issues [Martha Guerrero/Al Jazeera] Teachers rallied on Tuesday in front of the California Charter School Association, an organisation leading legislative lobbying on behalf of charter schools in the state. Los Angeles now has 224 charter schools and leads nationally in both charter schools and students. During a press conference on Tuesday, Superintendent Austin Beutner noted the strikes enormous effect on Los Angeles but said funding restrictions prevent the district from meeting the unions demands. Today as yesterday all 1,240 schools in Los Angeles Unified remained open, and our buses remained on a regular schedule. But its by no means a normal day at LAUSD. he said. 180402123021761 Yesterday about 144,000 students attended school, on a normal rainy day we would have had closer to 450,000, he added. But this isnt about the numbers, its about the students. To state the obvious, we need our educators back in our classrooms helping inspire our students. Beutner said his office has costed out the unions demands to a total of about $800m in funding a year. The district previously proposed $130m in funding but Beutner has since said the district cant meet those numbers. He said the solution would be to end the strike and join the union in pushing for more revenue from the state government. Estrada, a seasoned teacher that joined the citys previous landmark strike on the outset of her career, said its on the district to find solutions to mounting problems in schools. Beutner needs to understand that we need to come together, work this out, and improve the quality of education for our kids. More than 700 people were rescued after the hotel complex was attacked, but dozens remain unaccounted for. Kenyan security forces have killed all five attackers who stormed an upscale Nairobi hotel complex, taking at least 21 lives and causing hundreds to flee, according to authorities. At least 50 people believed to have been in the compound remained unaccounted for on Wednesday, the Kenya Red Cross said, raising the possibility of a higher final death toll. The al-Shabab armed group, an al-Qaeda affiliate, said it carried out the attack in the Kenyan capital in response to US President Donald Trumps decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Two people accused of facilitating the attack have been arrested. Of the victims, 16 were Kenyan, one was British, one was from the United States and three were of African descent but their nationalities were not yet identified, police said. 190116062508808 Uhuru Kenyatta, the president of Kenya, announced the end of the 20-hour siege at the DusitD2 complex that echoed a 2013 assault that killed 67 people at the Westgate mall in the same district. The security operation at Dusit complex is over and all the terrorists have been eliminated, Kenyatta said in a televised address on Wednesday. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. The president said more than 700 civilians were evacuated from the complex. Tormented night It was a tormented night for families of those trapped as they waited outside the hotel with sporadic gunfire ringing out, and the rescue of dozens of people at about 3:30am (00:30GMT). 190116100507555 Mourning relatives and friends gathered at a nearby mortuary on Wednesday. Families who went to the Chiromo morgue were told they could not view bodies until a forensic investigation had been performed, provoking grief and anger. My sister is not in any of the hospitals and the last time we spoke she was a bit calm. But suddenly she started crying and shouting and I could hear gunshots and her phone remained on but she wasnt speaking, said a woman who gave her name as Njoki. We have no doubt her body is here, she said, weeping. Coordinated attack CCTV footage broadcast on local media showed four black-clad, heavily armed men entering the complex. According to Kenyas police chief, Joseph Boinnet, the coordinated assault began at 3pm local time (12:00 GMT) on Tuesday with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests. Hiram Macharia, a marketing executive at LG Electronics, said security officers rescued him and some colleagues from their office two hours after the attack began. But one colleague did not survive. One of our colleagues went to the top of the building and his body was found there, he said. A police source told AFP news agency two attackers were shot dead on Wednesday morning after a prolonged shootout. The two have red bandanas tied around their forehead and bullets strapped around their chest with several magazines each, the senior police officer said. Each had an AK-47 which has been secured. People are evacuated by a member of security forces during the al-Shabab attack in Nairobi [Baz Ratner/Reuters] The attack at DusitD2 was the first in Nairobi since the Westgate mall attack in 2013. On April 2, 2015, another al-Shabab attack killed 148 people at the university in Garissa, in eastern Kenya. The Westgate attack resulted in many upscale establishments and shopping centres in the capital including the Dusit putting up security barriers to check cars and pedestrians. Like the attack at the Westgate Mall, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners. It came a day after a magistrate ruled three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege. Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung stated that the telecommunications infrastructure is not only the foundation for communications but also the basis for the digital economy and society in the era of Industry 4.0, in which everything is closely connected. Smartphones and broadband connections should be more widely used. It is, therefore, necessary for Vietnam not to repeat the tardiness in introducing 3G and 4G technologies to the public. Instead, the 5G technology should be encouraged among users, along with the improvement in network quality. This will help Vietnam increase its overall telecommunications position from 108 to the top-50. The service Mobile Money, a digital payment method, will be piloting to allow customers to purchase merchandise online via a telecommunications account regardless of their location. However, the Minister also insisted that telecommunications development should be sustainable, in that new markets should be better investigated and invested rather than focusing on current too-crowded ones, which normally lead to unhealthy competitions. Saying this, he promised to seriously address the issue of spam SIMs in Vietnam at the moment. Right now, Vietnam seems to be the slowest in ASEAN regarding digital economy. Hence, to boost the growth of this field, the state budget should be heavily allocated to information technology (IT), both in local and national levels. Simultaneously, departments of Information and Communications of each province and city must adjust regulations related to IT projects and services. One good suggestion is that giant IT businesses invest in basic IT projects, after which the government can hire and then buy these when finance allows. As to cyber security, Minister Hung shared his view that becoming a cyber security power meant becoming safer and more prosperous since it shows the ability to protect our peace in a long term. Understanding that fact, in 2019, Vietnam should begin creating a safe cyber environment via sufficient investment into information security and the foster of related businesses. Critical infrastructure of the nation as well as all governmental activities must be well protected from cyber criminals. Vietnam has to be the center of cyber security in the whole ASEAN. Concerning Information Communications Technology (ICT), including the software, hardware, electronics and telecommunications, digital content industries as well as IT services and cyber security, Minister Hung insisted that Vietnam has a great chance to be one of the largest manufacturers of telecommunications equipment in the world. Statistics show that Vietnam are now producing 70 percent of these devices and is aiming at taking the fourth position in the world. This should be fulfilled in the period from 2019 2020. What is more, Vietnamese networks should prioritize made-in-Vietnam applications equipment when possible to encourage the productivity. The Ministry of Information and Communications intends to comprise 20 30 percent of the total revenues of all network providers regarding digital content, yet the current rate is a mere 6 8 percent, which is too low compared to other nations. It should reach $3-4 billion, a 3-to-4-time increase. To fulfill this goal, proper policies should be introduce to boost the provision of digital content from foreign companies while domestic ones should not compete unhealthily or prevent their international counterparts from working in Vietnam. Since many technologies in Industry 4.0 can be applied in various fields of a nation, ranging from economy, culture, to society, there should be more Vietnamese technological companies to popularize those new pieces of knowledge to the public. Industry 4.0 requires a policy adjustment to welcome new business models thanks to new technologies. Therefore, the Prime Minister has asked the Ministry of Information and Communications to cooperate with the World Economic Forum to form a Center for Industry 4.0 in Vietnam, with the function to prepare suitable policies for Industry 4.0 in the nation. In 2018, ICT contributed the largest part to the total revenues of the whole industry, at $98.9 billion (compared to $91.5 billion in 2017). Its export value was at $94 billion. The growth rate of the software field accounted for 13.8 percent, with a revenue of $4.3 billion and export value of $3.5 billion. There are now around 10,000 software companies in Vietnam, employing 120,000 people. The meeting attracted the participation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Head of the Central Propaganda Department of the Communist Party of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong. By TRAN BINH Translated by Vien Hong Kabuls air pollution kills more people than war The government says if air quality levels reach dangerous levels, there are other measures that can be implemented. Daughter of former president says father intends to go home as anti-Gbagbo protests erupted in Abidjan. The government of Ivory Coast has said there is no political obstacle to former president Laurent Gbagbo returning home despite scattered protests in the capital Abidjan, a day after he was acquitted of war crimes charges by the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Hague-based tribunal is due to rule on Gbagbos release later on Wednesday, with prosecutors pleading to the court to bar him from returning home. The government, meanwhile, has urged calm, forgiveness and reconciliation, Communications Minister Sidi Toure told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. He added that President Alassane Ouattara and the government are thinking of the victims of the 2010-1011 post-election crisis that led to Gbagbos trial before adding that further measures would be taken to aid their families. Anti-Gbagbo protests took place in Abidjans Abobo neighbourhood on Wednesday, with demonstrators wielding sticks setting tyres on fire on the streets. Earlier on Wednesday in The Hague, Gbagbos daughter Marie Laurence Gbagbo told Reuters news agency that her father intends to return to Ivory Coast. My father will not live in any other country than Ivory Coast. He would go back and we expect him to go back, she said. Prosecutors oppose Gbagbos return, saying he would likely not return to The Hague in the event of an appeal or retrial. The defendants release may increase tensions, Paolina Massidda, a legal representative of the victims, said to the court. Gbagbos daughter said her father intends to return to Ivory Coast following his acquittal. [Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters] Gbagbos lawyers said the prosecution request showed they had not yet come to terms with the scale of their legal defeat. Laurent Gbagbo is no longer an accused person. He has been acquitted. He is no longer presumed to be innocent, he has been acknowledged as being innocent, Gbagbos lawyer Emmanuel Altit told the court. At stake, your honours, is the natural right to freedom, the freedom of mankind. This is the essence of the debate today. Not procedures, defence lawyer Geert-Jan Knoops told the judges. Gbagbo has been in detention since 2011 when he was captured by Ouattaras troops, who were being aided by UN and French forces, and sent to The Hague. On Tuesday, judges ruled that prosecutors had failed to prove their case against Gbagbo and co-defendant Charles Ble Goude and that his continued detention could no longer be justified. Gbagbos acquittal was deplored by victims groups that were formed for those who died in violence that killed around 3,000 people during Ivory Coasts 2010 elections, which Gbagbo refused to concede. Hundreds of thousands fled the unrest that prosecutors blamed on Gbagbo and victims fear his return home could revive hostilities in the capital. San Salvador, El Salvador Alex Gonzalez decided to flee El Salvador on the spur of the moment. Waking up from a recurring nightmare about gang violence, Gonzalez packed a small bag and left home that day, joining the latest caravan of migrants and refugees heading north from Central America. The 22-year-old from the department of La Paz had so far managed to resist pressure to join his local street gang, but when the gang started to ask him for protection money he could little afford, he made up his mind to flee. On Wednesday morning, he joined a group of 200 people departing from the capital city of San Salvador. Earlier this week, thousands of Hondurans had also headed towards Guatemala in an attempt to reach the United States. We are leaving a lot behind, Gonzalez told Al Jazeera. He was travelling with his 20-year-old brother, Jose. Leaning against a Spiderman backpack filled with a handful of clothes, Gonzalez took out his phone to show photos of his six-month-old daughter, Ashley Elisabeth. Unlike Jose, who had been unemployed for three months, Gonzalez had regular work, as he was a clown for hire for special events. But he said that the threats and extortions had become unbearable of late. He made around $230 a month, roughly on par with El Salvadors minimum wage, but the Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13 gang, would take $150, and make menacing phone calls when he failed to pay. 190115201938465 I would regret becoming yet another victim in El Salvador, he said. He tried to leave his neighbourhood quietly, fearing gang members would kill him if they knew he was trying to flee. He doubted the $150 he scraped together would last him until he reached the US border, but he tried not to think about it, and instead said simply: God is great. He planned to request asylum in the US, where his 17-year-old sister was also an asylum seeker. Shed fled their home about two years ago, fearing for her safety after she was raped by what she said were gang members. Gonzalez was also worried about the rest of his family, especially his daughter. A man holds a map as he waits to leave with a new caravan of migrants, set to head to the United States, at El Salvador del Mundo Square in San Salvador [Jose Cabezas/Reuters] Unlike Gonzalez, 48-year-old Rafael Guillen from San Martin wanted his three children to be able to stay in El Salvador and receive a good education. He said he would only live in the US on a temporary basis, and just saw it as a way to earn more money. A street vendor in El Salvador, he hadnt received any threats from street gangs himself. But as he went from bus to bus selling sweets and biscuits, he constantly had to think about not getting caught in clashes between rival gangs. If you leave your house [in El Salvador], you run the risk of not returning, he told Al Jazeera. If you migrate to another country, at least if something happens, you die in the attempt. Like the others, Guillen was undeterred by US President Donald Trumps ongoing hostility towards Central American migrants and refugees. As long as there is poverty, migration is not going to stop, he said. No matter how tall the wall may be. If I come back, itll be to die The caravan was the fifth to leave El Salvador since last October. The majority of participants cited the lack of economic opportunity and insecurity as the reasons for leaving. Many hoped that travelling in large groups would make the journey safer and help offset the cost of people-smuggling fees. According to surveys conducted by the International Organization for Migration, these could be up to thousands of dollars. Some hoped to stay and work in Mexico, while others planned on joining the thousands of Central Americans already at the US border awaiting their turn to apply for asylum. Government statistics based on interviews with deportees pointed to economic factors as the overwhelming driver of immigration from the country, followed by insecurity and family reunification. But rights groups said causes of migration were often not clear cut and that a lack of government support for victims of violence had contributed to an upswing in the number of Salvadorans seeking asylum in the US and other countries in recent years. The UN refugee agency UNHCR reported that 49,726 Salvadorans requested asylum in the US in 2017, a more than eightfold increase from 2013. Salvadoran asylum requests in Mexico and Costa Rica were also on the rise. If you leave your house (in El Salvador), you run the risk of not returning. If you migrate to another country, at least if something happens, you die in the attempt. Rafael Guillen, caravan participant Jose Martin, from San Luis Talpa, hoped to make the case for asylum in the US. The 18-year-old, who identified as trans, said discrimination against the LGBT community made it difficult to find work. And threats of violence were constant. Im going to see if I can request asylum and not get deported, because if I come back, itll be to die, said Martin, who had a gay friend who was murdered two years ago. 181123170408532 As one of the most violent countries in the world over the past decade, El Salvadors rate of people driven from their homes due to violence and conflict 3,600 out of every 100,000 inhabitants is second only to Syria, according to the International Displacement Monitoring Center. Tough-on-crime policies due to a crackdown on violent gangs have failed to improve security over the past 15 years. A total of 235,708 people were forced to move in 2018 to escape threats or violence in the country of 6.3 million, and six out of 10 internally displaced people have considered leaving the country, more than half of them with eyes set on the US, surveys by the University Institute of Public Opinion at the Jose Simeon Canas Central American University in San Salvador found. Climate change also increasingly drives migration from parts of El Salvador along Central Americas drought-prone Dry Corridor, which also stretches across Honduras and Guatemala, as farmers suffer crops losses amid years of intensifying droughts. Regional leaders meet Of some 2,700 Salvadorans that left the country in four caravans late last year, nearly 600 returned home, Aquiles Magana, head of El Salvadors National Council for the Protection and Development of Migrants and Their Families, told Al Jazeera. 181117175706623 Magana said the government sought to educate people about potential dangers on the migrant trail, especially for young children, to make them think twice about joining the caravan, but few change their minds. If they decide to go, we cant stop them, he said. What good is it for the government to try to stop us if it isnt giving us any [support]? said 23-year-old Abigail Perez, as Wednesdays group began its journey north. Travelling with her partner Franklin and their two-year-old daughter Perez, she hoped to save money in Mexico before the family headed to the US. The caravan departed after government officials from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico met in San Salvador on Tuesday to discuss a regional development plan aimed at stemming migration through job creation and improvements in security in the Northern Triangle and southern Mexico. Salvadorans take part in a new caravan of migrants and refugees, set to head to the US, as they leave San Salvador, El Salvador [Jose Cabezas/Reuters] Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has called for an investment of $30bn to support a so-called Marshall Plan for Central America. Critics argued the strategy, which so far included no significant new investment from the US, was likely to favour militarised security initiatives and private investment schemes that have failed historically to improve the living conditions in the region. Ursula Roldan, director of the Institute for Research and Social Projection on Global and Territorial Dynamics at the Rafael Landivar University in Guatemala City, told Al Jazeera she was alarmed that mass migration continued amid uncertainty over how immigration authorities would receive the caravans, including in Guatemala, currently pitched in a constitutional crisis. I didnt think the caravans would be replicated this much, because the results havent been as positive as we would hope, Roldan said. But we are seeing that people prefer to go in caravans because they feel more protected. European Union leaders have warned that Britain is running out of time after UK politicians resoundingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit agreement, deepening the countrys worst political crisis in decades. Following the crucial vote on Tuesday in Britains lower house of parliament, frustrated officials in Brussels and other European capitals insisted the divorce deal they signed with Mays government in late 2018 remains the best way to avoid a feared hard Brexit on March 29. We regret the outcome of the vote and urge the UK government to clarify its intentions with respect to its next steps as soon as possible, said a spokesperson for Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council. In a post on Twitter, Tusk also suggested the only real solution was for Britain to stay in the EU in the wake of the vote, which saw legislators defeating Mays Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin of 432 to 202 the worst defeat in modern UK history. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Tusk wrote after the vote. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Charles Michel (@eucopresident) January 15, 2019 European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said he regretted the outcome of the vote, but warned that for Britain, Time is almost up. 190115164043103 Juncker added that the chances of Britain leaving the bloc without an agreement had increased, referring to a so-called disorderly withdrawal, and that the Commission would continue its no-deal preparations. Michel Barnier, the EUs chief negotiator, meanwhile, said that the bloc would remain united if May were to come seeking more concessions to help her sell the accord to sceptical British MPs and voters. No renegotiation EU leaders have repeatedly said there could be no renegotiation, insisting that the accord they signed with May was the best solution possible because it provided a transition period for businesses to adapt. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz tweeted: I regret the outcome of the Brexit vote in the British lower house in London. In any case there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement. 190114215228549 French President Emmanuel Macron said Britain would be the biggest loser if it crashed out of the EU without a deal. The government of Ireland the only EU member state with a land border with the UK said it would now intensify preparations to cope with a disorderly Brexit, urged Britain to set out how it proposed moving forward. Meanwhile, Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, warned that an abrupt British exit from the EU would be catastrophic. German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz lamented what he called a bitter day for Europe. We are well prepared but a hard Brexit would be the least attractive choice, for the EU and GB (Great Britain), he said. Al Jazeeras David Chater, reporting from Brussels, said there was a real sense of regret and dismay among European leaders at the sheer size of the defeat for May. Juncker has come back to wait for any emergency talks that might be needed but the size of that vote means that it is very unlikely that over the next few days that a Plan B can be sorted out with any real concessions or real compromises. With the clock ticking down, several EU leaders said they were actively preparing for a no-deal scenario and called on Britain to come up with alternatives to the rejected withdrawal agreement. The UK parliament has said what it doesnt want, Guy Verhofstadt, the EU parliaments Brexit negotiator and a former Belgian prime minister, said on Twitter. Now it is time to find out what UK parliamentarians want. In the meantime, the rights of citizens must be safeguarded. Split country If London does not ratify an accord before March 29, it will leave owing billions in EU dues and with no transitional arrangement to keep trade flowing, which critics say will be economically disastrous. But Mays Conservatives are split between supporters: hardliners who want an abrupt split and pro-Europeans who want to rerun the 2016 referendum, which saw 52 percent of voters backing Britains exit from the EU. The main opposition Labour Party, meanwhile, is also divided and its leader Jeremy Corbyn is trying to use the crisis to topple May and force a general election. 181214000111139 After Tuesdays vote, in which more than 100 MPs from within Mays Conservative party were among those rejected her deal, Corbyn promptly called a vote of no confidence in the government, which is scheduled to be held at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday. Al Jazeeras Paul Brennan, reporting from London, said Brexit was raising a question over the whole principle of parliamentary democracy in an already divided Britain. Its pitting the government against parliament, and parliament against the people. What was initially a binary in-out question has now given rise to a whole kaleidoscope of complex options and uncertain outcomes, he added. Market reaction Despite the growing uncertainty, the British pound rallied following the parliamentary, standing at 88.71 pence to the euro near 20:35 GMT on Tuesday, compared with 89.57 and 89.15 on Monday night. Against the US dollar, the pound traded at $1.2860, compared with $1.2704 and $1.2864 the previous night. 190116004018388 Before the vote, some analysts had predicted the pound could plunge with a one-sided defeat, such as 200 votes or more. But on Tuesday, the pound was sold pretty significantly before the outcome of the vote, said Joe Manimbo, senior market analyst at Western Union Business Solutions. This is a classic of Buy the rumour, sell the fact situation. BK Asset Managements Boris Schlossberg said investors simply did not believe there was a realistic chance of a so-called hard Brexit, in which Britain leaves the EU without any deal. Markets project beliefs and the underlying belief is that nobodys going to be committing economic suicide, he said. Still, Moodys, a ratings agency, said in a statement that the outcome of Tuesdays vote further extends the period of uncertainty over the UKs relationship with the EU, a credit negative for many rated issuers. This also means that a wide range of outcomes remain possible, from a no-deal Brexit in March to a decision to remain indefinitely in the European Union, it added. Zalmay Khalilzad likely to meet Pakistani officials as Afghan Taliban threaten to quit talks to end the 17-year war. Islamabad, Pakistan United States Special Envoy on Afghan Reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, is due to arrive in the Pakistani capital Islamabad for talks with the countrys civilian and military leadership, as the Afghan Taliban threaten to pull out of peace talks that could see an end to the 17-year Afghan War. Khalilzad is expected to land in Islamabad on Thursday, although the envoys schedule has been fluid in recent days after his visits to New Delhi, Beijing and Kabul, with brief stops in Dubai, since embarking on his regional tour earlier this month. 181230082443475 The US envoys visit to Pakistan comes as the Afghan Taliban on Tuesday threatened to pull the plug on direct negotiations with the US, accusing the country of duplicity in a statement issued to the media. If [the US] seeks to avoid accepting the legitimate demands of Afghans and under various excuses wishes to pursue its colonial and military objectives in the guise of peace it means it has a lack of interest in finding a peaceful solution to the Afghan problem, read the Taliban statement. In advance of Khalilzads visit, senior US State Department official Lisa Curtis has been holding meetings in the Pakistani capital. Curtis is expected to accompany Khalilzad on his engagements with the government of Pakistan, a country the US considers to have a key role in bringing the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table. In December, US President Donald Trump told Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan that he considered Pakistan to [have] the ability to deny the Taliban sanctuary on its territory, in a letter requesting Afghanistans eastern neighbour for its support and facilitation for the Afghan peace process. 181227010746519 Pakistan denies that it holds direct influence over the Afghan Taliban, an armed group that has been fighting US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan since 2001, and which the Afghan government considers to be backed by Islamabad. Pakistan has long advocated for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Afghanistan, the USs longest-ever war reaching more than 17 years of fighting. Pakistans long-standing position to give peace and reconciliation a real chance in Afghanistan has become the basis of an international consensus, said Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal at a recent press briefing. The Pakistani Foreign Office has acknowledged the countrys role as a facilitator in the Afghan peace process in several statements, but denies having direct control or influence over the Afghan Taliban. Let us pray that this leads to peace Direct talks between the US and the Afghan Taliban recommenced in July last year, with senior US State Department official Alice Wells meetings with representatives of the armed group in Qatars capital, Doha. 190108070441726 A second meeting, this time with Khalilzad, was held in October, also in Doha. This was followed by a third two-day meeting last month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which also included representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and the UAE. The talks have fulfilled a long-standing demand from the Afghan Taliban, who refuse to negotiate with Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis civilian government, terming it a puppet regime of the US. Efforts by the US to include Afghan officials in the latest peace talks have met continued resistance from the armed group. Following the last round of talks, Pakistans Prime Minister Khan said his country would do everything within its power to further the peace process. Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi. Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people, he said in a tweet. Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi. Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people. Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process. Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 18, 2018 On Tuesday, UK-based broadcaster, the BBC, reported that Pakistan had detained a senior Afghan Taliban official in a possible bid to pressure the group to return to the negotiating table. Hafiz Mohibullah, who served as religious affairs minister when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, was arrested in the northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar, the broadcaster reported. Shortly after the news broke, the Afghan Taliban issued a statement accusing the US of exerting unlawful pressure by enticing other countries. 190110082054319 It is unclear where the talks now stand, with the Taliban accusing the US of expanding the agenda beyond the earlier agreed upon remit of a withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan and a commitment to prevent Afghanistan from being used against other countries, according to the Taliban statement. The Islamic Emirate warns the United States that if the current state of affairs continues and America sustains her insincerity, then the Islamic Emirate will be forced to stall all talks and negotiations until America ends her unlawful pressures and manoeuvring and steps forward towards true peace, the Taliban said. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Police in Zimbabwe have arrested prominent protest leader Evan Mawarire as part of a widening security crackdown on demonstrators following violent clashes and incidences of looting. Mawarire, an activist pastor, had called for a three-day work stayaway to protest against a rise in fuel prices that angered citizens already struggling in the countrys ailing economy. At least five people have reportedly been killed as a result of the brutal government response, which brought back memories of the mass protests that ended the four-decade rule of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017. President Emmerson Mnangagwa succeeded him, promising a new era of freedom at his inauguration. However, he has allowed a security clampdown on protesters. Mawarire is yet to be charged, but stands accused of inciting violence along with nearly 60 out of 200 protesters arrested in the past three days. The government blames civil society activists and the opposition for the nationwide demonstrations. This isnt the first time Mawarire has been arrested for his activism. In 2016, he was charged with inciting violence and attempted subversion of the state after calling for a day-long shutdown in protest against the policies of the Mugabe government. Tensions remain high Clashes between protesters and security forces continued in Zimbabwes second city of Bulawayo on Wednesday, and tensions remained high in the western suburbs. In the suburb of Sizinda, looting has ceased but a standoff between the people and the army continues. Military trucks were seen patrolling the neighbourhood, forcing residents to clear makeshift barricades and clean the streets with their bare hands. After cleaning, the youths re-erected the stone barricades and the armed troops returned to line themselves up along the main highway. 190115142535917 Residents accused soldiers of beating civilians and conducting house raids. Mafios Mumpuri, 69, a supermarket cleaner, told Al Jazeera he had been accused of erecting stone and tyre barricades. The soldiers told me to remove the stones because I was one of those who put them on the street. After I pushed them off, they beat me with a belt and told me to go home. I am pained by what they did to me, how can we expect our country to be free if they make us do things like this, he said. Josphat Ngulube, an activist and independent politician, said he witnessed several beatings during security raids and had taken at least four people to hospital in Sizinda. He urged the government to listen to the people and end the violence. The demonstration has an impact because people are no longer listening to the government, they are not going to work because no one has confidence in the government. They need to engage with the people, they cant kill us all, he told Al Jazeera. According to the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights, over 100 people have been admitted to hospitals across the African nation, mostly with gunshot wounds. Activist Ngulube has carried several wounded protesters to hospitals [Tendai Marima/Al Jazeera] Zimbabwe can be prosperous Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, who narrowly lost a disputed election against Mnangagwa, visited the wounded in hospital in the capital, Harare. In a statement issued by the MDC Alliance, which he heads, the movement urged the Mnangagwa government to end the siege on citizens and recall the military. You do not have to do this and it does not have to be this way. Zimbabwe can be a prosperous nation, prosperity brings about peace, not guns and murder Order the armed forces back to the barracks, allow peaceful protests and do not prevent a process on national dialogue, the statement read. Listing five demands, Chamisa appealed to the government to consider the far-reaching effect of its suppression of citizens rights and urged it to work towards resolving the economic crisis. On Wednesday, the internet was partially restored in major urban centres after access was cut for more than 30 hours. Adding to the woes of ordinary citizens, shops and fuel stations have remained closed during the stayaway. As a result, a black market has emerged with basic goods being sold at exorbitant prices. A loaf of bread, which normally sells for $1.40, is being sold for $4 while a litre of fuel costs $3, more than three times the normal price. Despite the black market price-gouging, the looting and the states actions against demonstrators, many Zimbabweans blame the government for the crisis and hope the stayaway action will not only pressure the government to work harder to fix the economy, but also bring about a change in the rule of Mugabes increasingly unpopular successor. In a bid to win back the nations support, Mnangagwa, who is currently in Russia, posted a message on his Twitter account despite the social media blackout in his country. I understand the pain and frustration that many of you are feeling. Resolving Zimbabwes economic challenges is a monumental task, and while it may not always feel that way, we are moving in the right direction. We will get there, he said. Julia Banda is unconvinced and unmoved by the presidents Twitter post. The 83-year-old, who lived through Zimbabwes 1970s liberation struggle and Mugabes rule, told Al Jazeera that the protests are necessary for change. Investors and business leaders fear further damage to British economy after Prime Minister Theresa May loses vote. Business leaders and investors say they are worried that a crushing parliamentary defeat for British Prime Minister Theresa Mays Brexit plan further complicates the outlook for the UKs economy. Members of parliament on Tuesday voted 432 to 202 to reject the deal. As things stand, UK law says we will leave on March 29, with or without a withdrawal agreement, and yet MPs are behaving as though they have all the time in the world, the UKs Institute of Directors said. How are businesses meant to prepare in this fog of confusion? Credit rating agency Moodys said in a statement that the outcome of the vote further extends the period of uncertainty over the UKs relationship with the EU This also means that a wide range of outcomes remain possible, from a no-deal Brexit in March to a decision to remain indefinitely in the European Union. 190115164043103 May faces a vote of confidence in parliament on Wednesday which she is expected to win. Her proposed deal was approved on November 25 by leaders of the 27 countries remaining in the European Union. But it has faced stiff opposition by British legislators from across the political spectrum, including her own Conservative Party. Sticking points The plan covers the UKs financial settlement with the bloc and the rights of UK and EU citizens living in each others territories. But the most contentious part of the deal has been its proposed mechanism to prevent a so-called hard border between Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK, and Ireland, an EU member state. Many business leaders fear that the British economy would be hurt if the UK leaves the EU without an agreement ensuring the continued smooth flow of goods and services across the countrys borders. Leaving the EU, our biggest and most important trading partner, without a deal and without a transition period to cushion the blow would put this sector and jobs at immediate risk, Britains Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said in a statement. Slowing growth The UKs economy grew at its weakest pace in half a year in the three months to November as manufacturers were hurt by global trade wars and concerns over Brexit. The British pound rallied more than one US cent to above $1.28 after Tuesdays vote. Some investors say a delay or cancellation of Brexit would restore the UKs economic potential. Investment bank Goldman Sachs said in a note: We think the prospect of a disorderly no deal Brexit has faded further. Supporters of Britains departure from the bloc argue that being outside the EU frees it up from bureaucracy and allows the UK to strike trade deals with rapidly growing countries such as India and China. At least two people have been killed in clashes between rival militias in the Libyan capital of Tripoli. The fighting on Wednesday violated a UN-brokered ceasefire which was signed four months ago. The clashes resulted in two killed and 17 wounded from both civilians and fighters, Tripoli health department official Malik Marsit told Reuters news agency. The groups involved in the clashes are known as the Seventh Brigade, or Kaniyat, and a collection of factions called Tripoli Protection Force. 181001072826305 The Seventh Brigade and some allied groups triggered the August fighting in a bid to challenge the dominance of four super militias, including the Tripoli Protection Force, in the streets of the capital. The UN mission in Libya condemned the renewed fighting in an official statement on Twitter, adding that it warns parties against any breach of the ceasefire agreement, compromising stability in the capital & endangering lives of civilians & their properties. The mission stresses that any party initiating a confrontation will be held fully responsible, it added. UNSMIL strongly condemns the recent military mobilisation of forces in southern #Tripoli & warns parties against any breach of the ceasefire agreement, compromising stability in the capital & endangering lives of civilians & their properties. https://t.co/cUnkY2wctv pic.twitter.com/QFJg6mizUl UNSMIL (@UNSMILibya) January 16, 2019 The internationally recognised government in Tripoli, backed by the United Nations, has been working on a new security plan since the ceasefire deal but achieved little as Libya, long a major oil producer, lacks a national police force or army. 190101091518144 During the clashes in September, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) described the situation in the north African country as desperate, with the fighting, collapsed economy and destruction of infrastructure leaving hundreds of thousands of people increasingly vulnerable. Seven years of war in Libya has driven over 500,000 people to flee their homes, the ICRC said in a tweet. For Libyans trying to return home, theres not always much to return to. Houses, schools are often destroyed completely. The group also cited the sabotaging of health facilities, water and electricity supplies, as well as the dangers of unexploded remnants. Prime Minister May invites all opposition leaders for Brexit talks after narrowly escaping defeat with 325-306 margin. Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote on Wednesday, a day after members of parliament dealt a crushing blow to the Brexit plan she negotiated with the European Union. Parliament members voted 325 to 306 against the motion called by Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, who had earlier urged May to resign. It was expected that May would survive the vote after she secured the backing of her own partys rebels and the small Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up her minority government. I am pleased that this House has expressed its confidence in this government tonight, May said, welcoming the result and vowing to continue to deliver on the result of the [Brexit] referendum. My government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. We have a responsibility to identify a way forward that can secure the backing of the House, she said. With her leadership secure for the time being, May has to decide the next step as the March 29 deadline for the United Kingdoms departure from the EU, or Brexit, looms. The prime minister has ruled out calling a general election, saying that it would be the worst thing Britain could do now. It would deepen division when we need unity, it would bring chaos when we need certainty and it would bring delay when we need to move forward, May told parliament. The other options on the table are a second referendum, a renegotiation with the EU or a departure from the bloc without a deal. May pledged to work with senior politicians to find a compromise that would avoid a disorderly no-deal Brexit or another referendum on membership. The prime minister held talks with representatives from the Liberal Democrats, Scottish National Party and the Welsh party Plaid Cymru, but said she was disappointed that Corbyn chose not to take part in discussions. She said that her door remains open to Labour, calling on the MPs to put self-interest aside and work constructively together to find a way forward for Brexit. Corbyn said he was willing to meet May to discuss the way forward if she agreed to take a no-deal Brexit off the table. During the debate at parliament on Wednesday, Corbyn said that the Brexit vote on Tuesday night had left Mays government ineffective to deliver on her promise. This government has failed our country. It cannot govern, it cannot command the support of the people, facing the most important issue at the moment, which is Brexit, said Corbyn, who opposes a second referendum. Following the vote on Wednesday, Corbyn called on May to remove clearly the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and all the chaos that would come as a result of that. John McDonnell, Labours finance spokesperson, said May could eventually get a deal through parliament if she negotiated a compromise with the opposition party, which wants a permanent customs union with the EU, a close relationship with its single market and greater protections for workers and consumers. But Mays spokesman said it was still government policy to be outside an EU customs union, while May insisted Britain would leave the bloc on March 29, leaving little time for a solution to be found. For its part, the SNP urged May to rule out a no-deal Brexit and agree that the possibilities of extending the Brexit negotiations and holding a second referendum remain on the table. Brexit: UK parliament disappoints some voters in Derby Back in 2016, 57 percent of people here voted to leave, opinion now about the countrys future is still divided. In previous time, both sides maintained mutual friendly visits between senior leaders as well as high- level meetings between ministries, departments and agencies that affirmed and leveled the deep solidarity relationship. The delegation was led by General Director of KPL Sounthone Khanthavong.At the receipt, the Vietnamese leader stressed that the trip contributed in solidarity of the blossomed friendship cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. BY MINH TAM- Translated by Huyen Huong Brazils new far-right president believes arming his population will decrease crime. By Several people, including civilians and US troops, were killed after a blast struck near a US-led coalition patrol in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on Wednesday, less than a month after US President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw US troops from the war-torn country. The US Department of Defense said two US soldiers, one Pentagon civilian and one contractor were killed in the attack. War monitors and local activists also reported that a number of civilians had been killed. A website linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) claimed responsibility, saying an attacker used an explosive vest to carry out the blast, which occurred near a restaurant in the city. The attack calls into question Trumps claim that ISIL has been defeated in Syria his stated reason for pulling 2,000 US troops from the country. US Vice President Mike Pence repeated the claim on Wednesday after the attack, saying the ISIL caliphate has crumbled and the armed group has been defeated. In a statement later in the day, Pence said that he and Trump condemn the terrorist attack and our hearts are with the loved ones of the fallen. As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate not now, not ever, the statement added. A screen grab taken from video shows US troops gathered at the scene of the attack [ANHA/AFP] 190115104659468 Videos of Wednesdays attack released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered in debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area. The videos could not be immediately verified. No timetable for withdrawal Trumps withdrawal announcement last month surprised many politicians in Washington as well as Western and Kurdish allies fighting alongside the US against ISIL. The move prompted US Secretary of Defense James Mattis to resign, and the top US envoy in the anti-ISIL fight, Brett McGurk, to leave his post earlier than expected. Trumps decision was initially expected to be carried out swiftly, but the timetable became vague in the weeks following his announcement. Last week, the US military began pulling out equipment from the northeast into neighbouring Iraq. No troops are known to have withdrawn yet. Wednesdays attack took place in the highly strategic town of Manbij. It is the main town on the westernmost edge of Syrian territory held by the US-backed Syrian Kurds, running along the border with Turkey. Mixed Kurdish-Arab Syrian forces liberated Manbij from ISIL rule in 2016 with help from the US-led coalition. But Kurdish control of the town infuriated Turkey, which views the main US Kurdish ally, the Peoples Protection Units or YPG, as terrorists linked to Kurdish fighters on its own soil. The town has been at the centre of tensions in northern Syria, with the militaries of two NATO members, the US and Turkey, on opposing sides. The two sides began joint patrols around Manbij in November as part of an agreement for easing tensions between the two allies. US-led coalition forces have been targeted in the area before, although such incidents have been rare. In March last year, a roadside bomb killed two coalition personnel, an American and UK national, and wounded five in Manbij. Offer comes as Colombo faces economic crisis triggered by political uncertainty in the South Asian island nation. Bank of China, one of the countrys biggest lenders, has offered a loan of $300m to Sri Lankas government, with the option of increasing the amount to one billion dollars. The offer came as Colombo faces an economic crisis triggered by political uncertainty in the South Asian island nation. Eran Wickramaratne, Sri Lankas junior finance minister, told the Reuters news agency on Tuesday that Sri Lanka was considering the Chinese offer. He also confirmed that Sri Lanka had started negotiations to increase the amount of a swap deal with Indias central bank to one billion dollars, up from a previously negotiated $400m. A series of credit rating downgrades amid a political crisis have made it harder for Sri Lanka to borrow as it faces record high repayments of $5.9bn this year, $2.6bn of which are due in the first three months. Its extremely difficult to tap the international market due to tight conditions and rating downgrades, said Wickramaratne, who is the state minister of finance. 181122192018763 A government subcommittee will assess and negotiate on the tenure, size, and the price of this loan (with Bank of China). The cost of political crisis is high. There was no confirmation from Bank of China about the loan offer. Investor confidence took a hit when President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in October and replaced him with pro-China former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and dissolved the parliament. Sri Lankas top court then ruled the dissolution of parliament illegal and Wickremesinghe was restored to power in December. But the seven-week-long crisis hurt the rupee and drove sovereign bond yields higher, straining state finances. Debt trap By the end of 2018, nearly a quarter of Sri Lankas total foreign debt was owed to China, which has lent some eight billion dollars while building ports and highways and planning other major investments in the island state as part of its drive to build a 21st-century Silk Road across nations and shipping lanes. A source with knowledge of the Bank of China offer told Reuters on Tuesday that Sri Lankas cabinet had already asked Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera to negotiate the loan. It has to be repaid within three years, the source said. Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the One Belt, One Road project in May 2017, pledging tens of billions of dollars to build ports, highways and power grids in about 60 different countries, linking China to much of Asia, Europe and Africa. China is already one of the biggest investors in various infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka. But there has been criticism, both locally and internationally, and growing concerns that China has lured Sri Lanka into a debt trap. Despite security concerns and demonstrations, the two countries signed a $1.12bn agreement, giving China a 70 percent stake in a major port in Sri Lanka Hambantota. Artwork with Saudi flag removed from New Yorks Ground Zero The flag was part of a public art exhibit near the victims memorial. Iranian broadcaster says Marzieh Hashemi was arrested after landing at St Louis international airport. An American journalist working for Irans English-language Press TV has been arrested by US authorities on unspecified charges, the state-run broadcaster said on Wednesday. Marzieh Hashemi, 59, was arrested upon arrival at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday and transferred by the FBI to a detention facility in Washington, DC, Press TV said. Her relatives were unable to contact her, and she was allowed to contact her daughter only two days after her arrest, the Iranian broadcaster reported. Hashemi [] has told her daughter that she was handcuffed and shackled and was being treated like a criminal. Several local jails around Washington that house federal inmates said they did not have her in custody. FBI officials were not immediately available for comment. Born Melanie Franklin, Hashemi was in the United States to visit family. The Muslim convert was quoted as saying by the broadcaster she was prevented from observing her Islamic faith and wearing her headscarf. She was also only offered pork as a meal, which is prohibited in Islam. The only food she has had over the past two days has been a packet of crackers, Hashemi was quoted as saying by Press TV. The account of her treatment could not be independently verified. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday called for her immediate release. We condemn the illegal arrest of Marzieh Hashemi, the reporter and presenter of Press TV, and the inhumane treatment of her in jail in Washington, Bahram Qasemi was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA. Piling on pressure Hashemis reported arrest comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US. During his recent trip through the Middle East, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US is redoubling its efforts to put pressure on Iran, accusing it of destabilising the region. Pompeo vowed to expel every last Iranian boot from Syria and urged regional rivals to come together to confront Iran. US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear accord last year and reimposed sanctions on Tehran, even as other partners in the deal including China, France, Germany, Russia and the United Kingdom have sought to maintain it. Activists ask India to honour principle of non-refoulement as Hindu far right calls for mass deportation of Rohingya. At least 1,300 Rohingya have crossed into Bangladesh from India since the start of the year, an official said on Wednesday, as fears of deportation to Myanmar spark an exodus. New Delhi has faced sharp criticism for turning Rohingya people over to Myanmar in the past months, despite the members of the persecuted minority facing threats to their safety there, with the United Nations and rights groups accusing India of disregarding international law. India, which is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, arrested 230 Rohingya in 2018 the highest number in years as Hindu nationalists called for the Rohingya to be deported en masse. For the past year, the government of India has been making life difficult for the Rohingya refugees in India, Ravi Nair, of the South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC), told Al Jazeera. Nair said India must honour the principle of non-refoulement the practice of not forcing refugees or asylum seekers to return to a country in which they can be subjected to persecution. He said that the Rohingya in India are subjected to regular visits by local intelligence officials, this includes harassment about their paperwork. A large number of Rohingya, our own data shows over 200, from Jammu to Tripura, Assam and West Bengal states have been arrested and imprisoned, he said. The round-ups in India and fear of deportation to Myanmar have driven even more of the stateless Rohingya into Bangladesh, where a million already live in sprawling refugee camps in the countrys southeast. Increase in new arrivals Nayana Bose, a spokeswoman for the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), which includes UN agencies and other foreign humanitarian organisations, said the pace of new arrivals to Bangladesh had increased since January 3. Some 1,300 individuals from 300 families have arrived from India to Bangladesh until today, she told the AFP news agency. UNHCR spokesman Firas Al-Khateeb said the UN refugee agency was aware of the situation. Those crossing the border in recent weeks have been intercepted by police and sent to Coxs Bazar, a southern district home to the worlds largest refugee camps. Some 40,000 Rohingya are believed to have taken shelter in India over the years. Bangladesh police said those who arrived at the borders had been living in India for a long time. Humanitarian law Rohingya for decades have faced persecution in Myanmar, which refuses to recognise them as citizens and falsely labels them Bengali illegal immigrants. They were concentrated in Rakhine state, the epicentre of a brutal Myanmar army offensive in August 2017 that UN investigators described as genocidal in intent. At least 720,000 Rohingya fled the bloody crackdown and entered Bangladesh to join some 300,000 already living in camps there. Amnesty International, among other rights groups, has blasted India for forcibly repatriating the Rohingya to Myanmar when persecution in Rakhine is ongoing. The Rohingya refugee camp in Coxs Bazar district is among the largest in the world [Malavika Vyawahare/Al Jazeera] The Oxford Human Rights Hub has said India and its Supreme Court were in breach of several international human rights obligations when it decided to deport the Rohingya asylum seekers in October 2018. Amidst the rising tide of Hindu nationalism, this decision raises cause for concern, it said. Nair of SAHRDC added: The Bangladesh foreign minister is expected here next week, and we hope he will take this up strongly with India. Though an overwhelming majority of Rohingya refugees is based in Bangladesh, tens of thousands of them have also taken shelter in other countries. Last week, dozens of Rohingya were deported from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh. They were arrested for illegally using Bangladeshi passports to travel to the kingdom. Zeenat Saberin contributed to this report from New Delhi. A joint military exercise between Jordan and the US sparked a frenzy of speculation about an imminent American, British and Jordanian military intervention inside Syria to stem the threat posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group. The annual exercise, Eager Lion, was kicked off on Sunday by US and Jordanian troops with the participation of more than 20 nations. It is in its seventh year and is led by forces from US Central Command responsible for the Middle East region. This years exercise, however, comes amid local and regional press reports suggesting a link between the timing of the military exercise and a possible US-led ground intervention in Syria. But according to Jordanian analysts, sending Jordanian ground forces inside Syria would have dire consequences for Jordans stability and national security. It would be wise for Jordan, argues retired General Mousa al-Odwan, to keep a defensive-offensive posture on the Syrian borders. We should not intervene in the Syrian conflict unless there is a clear and present terrorist threat to our national security, said Odwan, a former commander of Jordans Special Forces and former deputy chief of staff of Jordans armed forces. Odwan, who is in favour of using special forces in a pre-emptive attack capacity inside Syria to neutralise terrorist threats, downplayed any connection between the Eager Lion exercise and the Syrian conflict, arguing that it was important for Jordanian armed forces to gain exposure to foreign militaries and train with them. READ MORE: Syrias civil war explained from the beginning Since the start of the Syrian crisis in 2011, Jordan has been part of the US strategy towards Syria, which has focused on keeping the conflict as a low-intensity war to prevent it from spilling over into neighbouring countries. Jordan is also a member of a US-led alliance to defeat ISIL, using its own air force to bomb targets inside Iraq. Jordan has agreed to host hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. Political analyst Adnan Abu Odeh pointed out that the Jordanian public had misunderstood media reports that gave the impression that something was about to happen on the Jordan-Syria borders. Jordanians linked the timing of the Eager Lion exercise with King Abdullahs interview in The Washington Post last month during which he said that Jordan will defend itself if attacked by terrorists coming from the Syrian territory, said Abu Odeh, who was Chief of Royal Court during the reign of King Hussein. On Sunday, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem was quoted in the official Syrian news agency warning Jordan that any of its troops found inside Syrian territory without prior coordination with the Syrian government would be dealt with as hostile forces. If the Jordanian forces entered without coordination with the Syrian government they will be considered as hostile forces. Jordans official policy towards Syria, however, is in favour of peaceful resolution to the Syrian conflict. During a meeting with Jordanian journalists in Amman late April, King Abdullah II stressed Jordans commitment to a peaceful end to war in Syria while keeping Jordans military in a defensive posture. The king also stressed that Jordan was ready to deal with any threats coming from the Syrian side of the border. We will not allow the developments in Syria to pose threats to Jordan. We are continuing with our policy of deep defence without the need to have the Jordanian army involved inside the Syrian territories. Commenting on Moallems warning to Jordan, Jordanian political commentator Khaled al-Majali told Al Jazeera that he understands the Syrian position as logical and within the Syrian government rights. Jordan is incapable of and should not be fighting a long, protracted foreign civil war on behalf of the Americans or the Russians. Khaled al-Majali, Jordanian commentator Any government is within its mandate to oppose the presence of foreign troops inside its territories without a request or coordination with it. Majali, who like many Jordanians is against the regime of Bashar al-Assad, opposed any Jordanian intervention inside Syria because it would have dire consequences for Jordans stability and national security. Jordan should never send any forces to fight inside Syria because this will end up wrecking Jordans military establishment. Moreover, Jordan is incapable of and should not be fighting a long, protracted foreign civil war on behalf of the Americans or the Russians, he said. Majali said that any ground troops intervention in Syria would not be popular with Jordanians. Jordanian citizens will not support any policy that requires the sending of our troops to Syria. This isnt as if the Jordanian army will be marching off to liberate Jerusalem, he added. US Major-General Bill Hickman, deputy commanding officer for the American army in the region, said this years Eager Lion exercise the seventh so far is the largest and most complex to date. The highlight of this years war games, he said, will be that for the first time ever a global strike mission will be conducted by two US Air Force B-1B bomber aircraft a long-range multi-mission bomber. A statement by the Jordanian army said troops from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Gulf region including from Britain, Japan, Kenya and Saudi Arabia are taking part in the exercise, which runs through May 18. About 6,000 troops from Jordan and the US took part in last years exercise, a joint operation first launched in 2011. Jordan is a key partner in the US-led coalition battling ISIL fighters in Syria and Iraq. Follow Ali Younes on twitter @ali_reports Al-Shabab has been targeting Kenyan civilians and soldiers for years now. Why have no lessons been learned? For a third January in four years, Kenya has suffered a terrorist attack organised by al-Shabab terror group. The attack on the DusitD2 Hotel in the heart of Nairobi comes on the third anniversary of the 2016 attack on a base manned by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the Somali town of El Adde in which 173 soldiers were killed. A year later, in late January, another KDF camp this time in the Somali village of Kulbiyow, was stormed, which resulted in the loss of up to 68 troops. Yesterdays attack is also eerily reminiscent of the one on the Westgate Mall in September 2013 in which four al-Shabab terrorists killed 67 people; in fact, it came just a day after a court acquitted one of four men who had been put on trial in connection with the terror act. In Kenya, memories are also still fresh of the April 2015 siege on Garissa University College, which killed 147 people the deadliest attack al-Shabab has unleashed so far on Kenyan civilians. Kenya has been a regular target for the terror group since it invaded Somalia in October 2011. The incursion, code-named Operation Linda Nchi (defend the nation), was undertaken to stop cross-border attacks by al-Shabab militants, but actually paved the way for deadlier and more frequent atrocities. And for the past almost eight years, Kenyans have felt increasingly insecure as the security apparatus has failed to curb these attacks. At Dusit Hotel, the response of the Kenyan authorities seemed much swifter and seemingly better coordinated than was the case at Westgate, where the government forces showed up too late and initial rescue efforts were carried out by private individuals. This time, security officers, including the specially trained police anti-terror unit, the Recce Company, which ended the siege at Garissa University, were on the scene within the hour and rescued a number of people. Buildings around the hotel, including a nearby hostel for university students, were also quickly evacuated. Nevertheless, the fact that the attack still happened, at the scale and timing that it did (the Kulbiyow was meant to mark the anniversary of El Adde), will raise important questions about the effectiveness of the Kenyan security apparatuss counterterrorism strategy. There will be questions asked about the governments failure to carry out a public inquiry into any of the previous terrorist attacks. There was never a review meeting on how we handled incidents, a senior police officer told the Daily Nation in July 2015. As a result, the police service has basically learnt nothing from [the terror attacks on] Westgate, Garissa, Mpeketoni and others. The public will also demand answers about why the attack was not pre-empted. In October, the Kenyan newspaper The Star reported on a leaked police memo, claiming that six al-Shabab operatives were planning to attack targets in Nairobi between Sunday 28th October 2018 and Sunday 4th November 2018. There were no terror attacks in that period but initial reports from Dusit suggesting that there were six attackers will raise questions whether it was the same individuals and whether someone dropped the ball on useful intelligence. There will also be hard questions asked about current pre-emptive tactics being used by the Kenyan security services. Although there is a general acceptance that the government has become better at fighting terrorism, there is still much concern over the disappearance and killing of young men who took advantage of a government amnesty on al-Shabab recruits who wanted to leave the group. Finally, there will doubtless be questions about the wisdom of continuing to maintain troops in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia. Since the 2011 invasion, Kenya has not had a public debate over its objectives in Somalia or the price it is willing to pay to achieve them. The goals of Operation Linda Nchi kept shifting and the mission was wound down and integrated into AMISOM before any of them were achieved. Opposition leader, Raila Odinga, has previously called for the troops to be withdrawn and last year a lawmaker petitioned the National Assembly to demand the same. A 2016 poll found that an overwhelming majority of Kenyans favoured bringing the troops back home but President Kenyatta has said they will stay put until stability is restored. Although AMISOM has announced plans to withdraw by next year, it is unlikely that Somali forces would be able to maintain security without its support, which puts in doubt any such plans. The President has addressed the nation in the wake of the latest attack and declared victory over the terrorists, just as he did five years ago. But just as then, Kenyan security officials still have plenty of explaining to do. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Never before has a British prime minister been defeated in parliament as heavily as Theresa May last night. By 230 votes, she lost the motion on her deal for exit from the EU, a deal which has been two years in the making. One hundred eighteen of her own MPs voted against her deal thats the vast majority of Conservative MPs who arent on the governments payroll. In any normal time, such a defeat would lead to the immediate resignation of the prime minister and a general election. But with her Conservative Party utterly divided, and few of her colleagues willing or able to swap places with her, May carries on. Mays party is now bitterly divided. In fact, that division is how we got into this calamitous situation. For decades, a part of the British ruling class, represented by the Conservative Party, has been desperate to leave the EU, which they see, incredibly, as a left-wing conspiracy. They want to get back to the days when Britannia ruled the waves and could force free trade on any country we wanted to. With his usual arrogance, David Cameron thought he could easily beat this right-wing element of his own party. But after imposing five years of deep austerity, which started to undermine the social fabric of Britain, he fatally misjudged his own unpopularity. When those in northern industrial towns, whove been forgotten by British governments for decades, joined their votes with the usual anti-immigrant bigots, it was enough for Brexit to win, albeit narrowly. Theresa May then came to power as the Brexiters champion. She has been utterly intransigent. She has failed to speak to the half of the county that voted remain. She has refused to talk to the opposition in order to come up with a solution that marginalises her own extremist backbench MPs. She has alienated most European leaders with her nationalistic language. Rather than building consensus, she tacked hard right, making a red line of her consistent desire to rid Britain of migrants. This strategy has disastrously backfired. After two years of stubbornness and secrecy, she failed to win over those in her own party, increasingly powerful with the Tory grassroots, who will settle for nothing less than the hardest of Brexits, premised on the idea that only chaos in the country will give them the space to create the deregulated, free-market economy they dream of. In the words of a former minister, Brexit is about completing the Thatcher revolution. It is to these people that government minister Geoffrey Cox turned in yesterdays debate and asked: What are you playing at? What are you doing? You are not children in the playground, you are legislators. We are playing with peoples lives. But the rebels ignored him and voted down the deal. Those in parliament who support a hard Brexit (no deal at all with the EU) hope that this vote will lead to Britain crashing out of the EU altogether. Remainers, on the other hand, believe it makes the whole notion of Brexit impossible to achieve. Its a high-stakes game, and they cant both be right. Today, May will face a no-confidence motion brought by leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn. But the Tories are desperate to avoid a general election and Mays right-wing allies from the north of Ireland, who prop her government up, wont give up the power they have over this parliament. So, she will almost certainly be victorious. In office without power, ideas or strategies, May struggles on, with a very limited range of options. Parliament has demanded May return on Monday with a new plan one that they will be able to amend. May seems to favour renegotiation, but that will only work if she is prepared to drop all her previous red lines and negotiate a very close relationship with Brussels something more akin to a Norway relationship, which would significantly limit damage, but leave the UK with little power over the rules that govern us. She could potentially get through parliament with some Labour backbenchers, but its a long shot and surely not a long-term option for Britain. May could call an election, though would be in serious danger of losing it, and after her last disastrous electoral performance (where she lost her majority, following the referendum), that seems unlikely. She could prepare to crash out of the EU, though unlike some of her backbenchers, she seems to realise that such an outcome would unleash chaos. She could threaten to crash out, in the hope that MPs will change their minds and vote for her deal though the scale of defeat makes that option look like too high a gamble. Corbyn also needs to decide his next move. To date, he has tried to reframe the debate, away from Brexit, and towards traditional left-right divisions, to unite working-class voters behind a vision of radical change. In a sense, he wants to undermine the causes of Brexit. This is a laudable goal, and will be much needed in the years ahead, but at the moment it seems nearly impossible to achieve given where British politics currently are. It also causes disquiet among his party members who are solidly remain and get more so every day. We are left with one other option to put the matter back to the British public in a referendum. No doubt this carries risks. For one, assuming remain was on the ballot, it could lose again, practically forcing the country into a no-deal Brexit. Second, the racism whipped up by the first referendum could be dramatically increased. Very few people want to return to the climate of the last referendum. Corbyn particularly is nervous about losing potential leave voters in a future election, and is fed up that this issue has been used by the right-wing of his party to consistently undermine his leadership. But there again, what choice is there? Neither May nor Corbyn can seriously renegotiate the deal without significantly moving the goalposts, and accepting a very soft Brexit. The EU has made that clear. No deal Brexit is beyond contemplation by any but the most extreme MPs. And the British public was lied to so thoroughly in the referendum, that no solution will meet the expectations of those who voted leave. At least a peoples vote breaks the deadlock by going back to the people if done with humility and honesty. But it would never be won for remain if it was rerun of the last referendum thats to say a complacent establishment trying to scare people. Britain is a deeply divided society, scarred by the lasting legacy of neoliberalism and austerity. We are not, and should not, go back to business as usual. No one wants to be lectured by Tony Blair or his henchmen. Only a referendum which also promises radical transformation of Britain as well as the imploding EU can capture the imagination and live up to peoples needs and aspirations. Corbyn is in a prime position to make sure a strategy work. But time is of the essence. Britain leaves the EU in 72 days. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. Survivors and relatives remember the 45 people killed in an assault that led to NATO intervention. Racak, Kosovo A fresh layer of snow covers the muddy ditch in the hill overlooking the village of Racak in southern Kosovo. Rocks with red paint pop out of the snow, marking the exact locations where 45 people from this village were killed on January 15, 1999. Twenty years later, thousands of people in below freezing temperatures paid homage to one of the worst massacres during the 1998-1999 Kosovo War. The memories of the fighting in the corner of the Balkans, then a province of Serbia after Yugoslavia broke apart in the 1990s, are still fresh. I feel like my pain increases every year, maybe because every year I understand better or maybe because of what others tell me about [my uncle] and how he treated us, Egzon Bilalli, a 21-year-old psychology student, said after this years commemoration. The memorial wall at Racak displays the names and photos of those killed in the village 20 years ago [Valerie Plesch/Al Jazeera] Only nine months old and hiding in a nearby city when the killings took place in his village, Bilalli remains connected to the events from that day. He now lives in Racak and he and his relatives paint red marks every year in the ditch where his uncle and the others died that day. Bilalli doesnt want the village or the rest of the country and world to forget what happened here. It was here in the ethnic Albanian village of Racak in southern Kosovo, about an hour from the capital, Pristina, where 45 men, women, teenagers and children were taken from their homes and beaten and shot by Yugoslav security forces in the hills above the village. The remains from one woman are still missing. Hundreds of people from Racak and around Kosovo visited the cemetery on the 20th anniversary of the massacre [Al Jazeera] The bloodshed became a turning point in the conflict between the Serb-led Yugoslav security forces and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), the main ethnic Albanian rebel group fighting for Kosovos independence from Serbia after the breakup up of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Veteran US diplomat William Walker visited the village one day after and publicly declared it as a massacre by Serb security forces, describing a crime against humanity. This declaration garnered international attention and paved the way for the US-led NATO bombing campaign in Kosovo that began on March 24, 1999, and lasted for 78 days, driving out Slobodan Milosevics forces out of Kosovo. By the end of the air raids, Kosovo was liberated from Serbia. Today, Serbia still does not recognise Kosovos independence and claims that the crimes at Racak were staged by the KLA. Nerxhivane Bilalli, 29, in Racak, Kosovo says it is difficult to live in the same village where her father was killed [Valerie Plesch/Al Jazeera] Though the KLA dismantled shortly after the war, NATO troops remain in Kosovo to keep the peace and security in Europes newest nation. Muhamet Bilalli, 53, was one of the KLA soldiers fighting in Recak that morning to protect the residents from the advancing Serb security forces. He and his brother Lutfi Bilalli, Egzons uncle, had been working in Switzerland throughout the 1990s like many Kosovo Albanians during that time. The siblings returned to Kosovo in 1998 to join the KLA. On January 15, 1999, Lutfi was killed in Racak while helping residents to escape from the village. It doesnt feel like 20 years; it feels like it happened today or yesterday. The memories are still fresh, Muhamet Bilalli said. He becomes anxious before every anniversary. Since last night, I couldnt get any sleep until now. I played the events in my head. To date, no one from Serbia has been brought to justice for the crimes that took place in Racak. This hurts us the most. Where is the justice? Where is the EU and UN? Muhamet Bilalli holds a photo of himself when he was a KLA soldier. His brother was killed during the massacre at Racak [Valerie Plesch/Al Jazeera] Lutfi Bilallis daughter, Nerxhivane Bilalli, 29, still lives in Racak. She says it is difficult to live in the same place where her father died. Every morning when you leave the house, you see the place where the massacre happened which brings back the memories. But at least we have freedom. The 20th anniversary comes against the backdrop of a new special court set up in The Hague known as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. This week, several former KLA commanders were invited to The Hague either as suspects and witnesses, which has sparked controversy in Kosovo. The new court will prosecute war crimes allegedly committed by KLA commanders during the war. Many in Kosovo believe that the court is one-sided. A boy stands at the gravesite of a loved one at Racak [Valerie Plesch/Al Jazeera] Back at the Racak cemetery, residents continue to heal from their recent wartime past as they visit the graves of their relatives. Beqe Beqiri, 40, a mechanic and former KLA fighter, lost his father and two brothers at Racak. It was a big tragedy when they killed my father and siblings, but having this tragedy happen to my family gave me some sort of strength. He and others from the village still have pain from our wounds from that day. The hardest and most humiliating part was knowing and not being able to stop the Serbs from putting the dead bodies into plastic bags and dragging them up the mountain so that they could cover their crimes, he said. It was very hard for me to see my dead father and brothers in that way. For Racaks youth, they will continue to preserve the memories for future generations in order to remember the past. Even though most of us lost someone in the massacre, said Egzon Billali said, we still feel proud that they were the reason for us to keep living; we have to keep going. Condolences from around the country are pouring in to the Birmingham Police Department as the grieving family and co-workers finalize plans for the funeral of slain Sgt. Wytasha Carter. On Tuesday, the department received a floral bouquet from the New York Yankees. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Birmingham Police Department, read the accompanying card. Jonny Castro a Pennsylvania police officer and artist - also notified BPD of a painting he already completed of Carter. On Facebook, he describes himself as an officer, forensic composite artist, U.S. Army combat veteran and portrait painter of heroes killed in the line of duty. Police Officers risk their lives every single day to protect the citizens of this country. They go out and do a thankless job because, believe it or not, they want to make a difference. They laugh. They cry. They have families. They have hobbies. They are human beings just like everyone else. The reason behind painting portraits of these fallen heroes is to try and share who these officers were in life before they were taken from us, Castro writes on Facebook. The portraits of the officers that were killed in the line of duty is something I do, 100% free of charge, for family members and the men and women that worked beside these heroes. I absolutely will not sell prints or accept any sort of money of them. I never have and I never will. Thousands of law enforcement agencies and citizens have used social media, via Twitter and Facebook, to show their support for the fallen officer. Statewide, members of the Thin Blue Line have draped their badges with the customary somber strip to mark a comrades death. On Tuesday, the Birmingham Police Department received a floral bouquet from the New York Yankees. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Birmingham Police Department, read the accompanying card. We are truly thankful for all the well wishes and reflections, according to a statement tweeted Tuesday by BPD. True love is reflected in giving. Giving could mean everything, including the giving of yourself. #nogreaterlove #Cartergave. Carter was shot to death, and another officer critically injured, early Sunday while investigating a rash of car burglaries in downtown Birmingham. Birmingham police spokesman Sgt. Johnny Williams on Tuesday evening officially released the plans for Carters service. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 18, from noon until 6 p.m. at Ridouts Trussville Chapel, 1500 Gadsden Highway. The funeral will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at Legacy Arena at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in the 2100 block of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard. The processional route has not yet been announced as department officials coordinate with law enforcement agencies around the state and country who are expected to attend. A private burial for family only will take place at a later time. At the time of his death, Carter was assigned to the North Precinct. Officers from the citys other precincts, and possibly other agencies, will take patrol shifts during the funeral to allow Carters North Precinct officers to attend. The ordeal began at 1:59 a.m. Sunday when officers were working a special detail dealing with a rash of car break-ins in that area. An undercover officer spotted at least two suspects who appeared to be trying door handles to see if they were locked in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue North outside the 4 Seasons Bar and Grill. The officer called for backup, and the sergeant arrived. The officer and the sergeant approached two suspects. "The officers approached one suspect and patted him down where they found what they believed to be a weapon,'' said Birmingham Police Chief Patrick Smith. They asked him about it, he armed himself and fired upon our officers. "What I can tell you is it appears our officers were unable to respond,'' the chief said. They were taken completely by surprise. We cant go into great detail because we are still in the infancy stage of the investigation. Carter, the second officer who has been on the force just under two years and a suspect were rushed to UAB Hospitals Trauma Center by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. Both of them were shot in very critical areas,'' the chief said of the officers. Carter was pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities have not released the name of the surviving, but critically-wounded, officer and said Tuesday he continues to recover. The hospitalized suspect is 31 years old. Authorities have not released his condition. The second suspect, an 18-year-old who was handcuffed, at the scene, was released from the Jefferson County Jail Monday night without being charged with any crime. Investigators continue their search for one more possible suspect. The probe is ongoing by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation and any charges brought against a suspect or suspects are expected to be filed by SBI, not Birmingham police. A Birmingham activist is calling for the removal of the Confederate monument in Linn Park, two days after a judge ruled the law that protected the memorial is void. Frank Matthews, president and founder of the Outcast Voters League, spoke at the Birmingham Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Wednesday morning. He called for the board to remove the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Linn Park, which has been covered with black plywood since August 2017. Lets do this right, Matthews said. The judge has ruled. We have nothing to fear. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Graffeo issued his order on Monday just before midnight. The order comes over a year after the Alabama Attorney Generals Office sued the city for violating the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act-- a law to prohibit local governments from moving historical monuments on public property that have been in place for 40 years or more. The act also prohibits renaming buildings and streets with historical names that have been in place at least 40 years. In his order, Graffeo said he reluctantly declares the act is void and has no legal effect or authority, and the city of Birmingham doesnt have to take down its wooden screen placed the Linn Park monument. A spokesperson for the AGs Office said Wednesday that a judgement is not final until 30 days after the date of filing, and the state is currently working on an appeal which should be filed sometime this week. After the city erected the wooden screen in 2017, the Alabama Attorney Generals Office sued the city. In April 2018, attorneys from the city and the AGs Office argued their cases, and each filed court briefs. Graffeos ruling came about eight months after the arguments were presented. Just as the state could not force any particular citizen to post a pro-Confederacy sign in his or her front lawn, so too can the state not commandeer the citys property for the states preferred message, Graffeo wrote in his Monday ruling. Here is a close-up look at the monument While Matthews said he recognizes the history behind the monument, he doesnt think it has a place in the heart of Birmingham. Matthews said he agrees with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin that the monument should be placed in a museum, like the Birmingham Museum of Art. Matthews said he would like the memorial to be taken down before people across the country visit Birmingham in 2020 for the World Games. He said the city should have taken down the monument in 2015 like other cities across the nation. That year, the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board unanimously approved a resolution to ask city attorneys to research the removal of the 112-year-old monument to Confederate veterans at the park. Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Memorial Preservation Act into law in May 2017 and, when the wood covering was put up months later, Bell said he wouldnt break the law to tear down the monument. A petition calling on Alabama to end its combined Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert E. Lee holiday has garnered more than 13,600 signatures. The petition on Care2 urges Alabama and Mississippi the last two states with a joint holiday for the slain civil rights leader and the Confederate general to stop the horrific practice of the merged day. In Alabama and Mississippi, the third Monday is not only MLK Jr. Day, it is also Robert E. Lee Day a state holiday celebrating Confederate General Robert E. Lee who ruthlessly fought for the right to keep black people enslaved, petition organizers said. "While it is horrific that these states celebrate the two men on the same day, the real horror is that they even celebrate Lee at all. Lets be clear Robert E. Lee was a traitor to the United States of America. After taking an oath to serve the country, Lee resigned from the U.S. Army in order to join the Confederacys war against it. Known for his tactical brilliance, Lee was responsible for the death of over 700 combatants and civilians during the four-year war, organizers added. Alabama will commemorate MLK/Lee Day next Monday. As of Tuesday night, the petition has 13,678 signatures out of its 14,000 goal. It also urges Florida and Arkansas to drop Robert E. Lee Day from their lists of official holidays. Both states have a day honoring Lee on their calendars but do not combine it with MLK Day. You can find the petition at www.thepetitionsite.com. Alabama and Mississippi have commemorated Lee's birthday since the 1800s and King's since 1983. The Lee/King holiday is one of three Confederate-related days on Alabama's official calendar, which also includes Confederate Memorial Day on the fourth Monday in April and the birthday of former Confederate President Jefferson Davis on the first Monday in June. Lee was born on Jan. 19, 1807; King was born on Jan. 15, 1929. The Mobile Police Department is investigating after a warning posted on social media told parents to not send their children to Causey Middle School Wednesday. The post said someone had threatened to shoot up Bernice Causey Middle School, WKRG News 5 reported. Mobile County Public Schools officials told WKRG they have a person of interest. Mobile police are questioning that person. A warning circulating social media Tuesday night warned parents to not send their children to school Wednesday, Jan. 16 after someone threatened to shoot up Bernice Causey Middle School. The post states the other threats at the other school are arrested, but these people are copy cats. Mobile police say they will have additional police officers on Causeys campus Wednesday. In a floor speech Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Mo Brooks spoke of two Huntsville teens who died at the hands of an illegal immigrant as the national debate over border security continues. Brooks also told of two Huntsville residents who died last year in grisly deaths in which two men with links to a Mexican drug cartel have been charged. Brooks, R-Huntsville, recalled two teenagers killed in a 2009 traffic accident with an illegal immigrant who was fleeing police and the 2018 deaths of a 13-year-old girl and her grandmother for which two Mexican nationals have been charged. An outspoken supporter of President Trumps efforts to secure funding for a southern border wall, Brooks told of the incidents as well as the murder of an elderly Nebraska woman while poster-sized photos of the victims were displayed on an easel next to him. As a partial government shutdown lingers into its fourth week as Trump seeks funding for a border wall before bringing about 800,000 federal employees back to work, Brooks pinned the blame on Democrats in his speech -- saying that they favor illegal aliens over American citizens and have no regard for border security. The speech also came days after Brooks engaged in a shouting match with a CNN anchor over border security. These killings on American soil will continue if America does not secure our porous southern border, Brooks said in concluding his speech. As for those who support amnesty and open borders: how many American lives and dreams must be snuffed out by illegal aliens before Washington has the guts and integrity to secure our porous southern border? How many dead Americans does it take before you will start saving lives rather than aiding and abetting those illegal aliens who take them? On April 17, 2009, Grissom High graduate Tad Mattle, 19, and his 16-year-old girlfriend Leigh Anna Jimmerson died instantly when Felix Ortega rear-ended Mattles vehicle and it burst into flames at Airport Road and Whitesburg Drive. Ortega was seeking to escape in his truck from Huntsville police after an officer had been called to investigate after Ortega struck another car in his apartment complex parking lot. Ortega, whose blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, pleaded guilty to two murder charges in 2010 and received a 15-year prison sentence. Last year, the bodies of Mariah Lopez, 13, and her grandmother, Oralia Mendoza, were found dumped in rural separate locations in rural Madison County in June. The teen had been beheaded after witnessing her grandmothers death by stabbing, police investigators said. Israel Palomino and Yoni Aguilar have been charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of Lopez and Mendoza. Mendoza, the grandmother, along with Palomino and Aguilar were associated with the Mexican Sinaloa drug cartel. Mendoza and her granddaughter were killed by Palomino and Aguilar, police said, after an argument about a drug deal. Brooks made no mention of the grandmothers connection to the drug cartel during his floor speech. Each of these horrific deaths have one thing in common, Brooks said. None of these lives would have been stolen from us but for illegal aliens aided and abetted by Democrats who protect, promote and prefer the lives of illegal aliens to the lives of American citizens. Brooks also criticized media coverage of illegal immigrants, saying that telling the stories of American lives needlessly ended by illegal aliens does not receive ample coverage. In the press release from Brooks office about the floor speech, however, four different media outlets -- including AL.com and news partner WHNT Channel 19 -- were cited as sources of information for the incidents that the congressman spoke about. Americans would know about these horrific killings if the media diverted just a fraction of the time it spends on extoling illegal aliens and attacking our brave border patrol and ICE officers and agents to telling the stories of American lives needlessly ended by illegal aliens, Brooks said. A northwest Alabama man was killed when the vehicle he was driving left a highway and hit a tree Tuesday afternoon, authorities said. Tyler Dunkin Jolley, 23, of Florence, died at the scene, state troopers said in a news release. The crash happened around 12:20 p.m. on Alabama 247 in Franklin County. Jolley was driving a 2008 Lexus ES350 that ran off the road and hit a tree about two miles north of Alabama 24, troopers said. Cpl. Scott Simpson said the investigation is ongoing. With international attention turning to south Alabama on Wednesday for a major aerospace groundbreaking, the fact that a delegation of foreign and aviation-industry media stopped over in Mississippi on Tuesday was no accident. Far from it: The groups visit to a helicopter plant in Columbus, Miss., was part of a press tour organized by Airbus, a grand arc that started Monday with a tour of the plant in Mirabel, Canada, where Airbus and Bombardier already build their new A220 jetliners, and which will end Wednesday in Mobile, where Airbus is building a new assembly line to help meet the anticipated demand for the planes. Update: Airbus, Alabama officials dig in For Airbus the stop was a chance to illustrate the breadth of its North American activity. But for newcomers and local observers alike, it offered a reminder that when it comes to international investments, like the one its about to make in Mobile, Airbus plays a long game. The story of the Airbus Helicopters plant goes back to the early 2000s. Local industrial development guru Joe Max Higgins Jr., whose winning ways have been the subject of a "60 Minutes" profile, told his audience Tuesday that at the time the so-called "Golden Triangle" of Starkville, Columbus and West Point had the infrastructure for big things. "Back then," he said, "our people didn't have a lot of confidence they could win." The company wasn't called Airbus, then. It was EADS -- a name which, like the lack of confidence -- may ring familiar in Mobile. EADS' Eurocopter division landed in the Golden Triangle with a contract to build hundreds of UH-72A Lakotas helicopters for the U.S. Army. "I can't tell you how that decision changed this region," Higgins said Tuesday. "It literally changed us." By 2011 the plant was churning out 60 of the light utility choppers a year and hitting an employment peak of around 380 people, said Mike Spears, Vice President of Industry for Airbus Helicopters in North America and head of the Columbus plant. Then as now, a significant portion of its workforce came from across the Alabama line just a few miles to the east. 2011 also was the year EADS finally lost a long and brutal battle over an Air Force tanker contract to Boeing. The defeat left deep wounds in Mobile, where EADS had planned to build its tankers. Time passed. For Mobile, the years brought good news: The EADS consortium consolidated under the Airbus name and made good on its promise to build jets in Mobile, investing $600 million in a Final Assembly Line for its single-aisle A320 family of jetliners. The first A321 assembled in Alabama flew in March 2016, and since then the FAL has delivered more than 100 jets. Airbus Helicopters in Columbus has seen some ups and downs. Production of the Lakota has tapered down, now running at about two per month. But the plant is no longer entirely dependent on military contracts, and it also produces about two single-engine H125s a month. Factor in its role in final delivery prep for a couple of other models, and it's putting out about 70 birds a year, and employing around 200 people, Spears said. Building a new assembly line in Mobile is part of an effort to capitalize on red-hot demand for single-aisle jetliners. Both Airbus and archrival Boeing are doing everything they can to increase annual production, to fulfill thousands of orders. The main assembly hall in Columbus showed certain similarity to the much larger A320 Final Assembly Line in Mobile, with aircraft moving from station to station as they gained various components. A worker leading a tour showed off a stripped-down Lakota airframe fresh out of the box from Germany. It actually started out in Japan, he said, where it was manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industry, then went to Germany for work, then arrived in Columbus for wiring, engine, electronics, interior, paint and everything else needed to make it operational. That much, at least, was similar to Mobile. There, wings made in Wales are attached to fuselages shipped in from Germany, with myriad other components coming from elsewhere in Europe. Economically, the Columbus plant is in a bit of a different world. Current army contracts mean it'll keep making Lakotas for a few more years at least. The civilian helicopter market has been soft for a few years now, Spears said, but is bound to heat up eventually. Airbus is staying competitive on both sides, offering newer models such as the single-engine H130 and the executive-oriented H160 on the commercial side, while pitching the H135 -- basically a smaller sibling of the Lakota -- for an upcoming Navy contract on the military side. "Our goal is, you want a balance," he said. Meaning a balance between military and commercial. There'll be no such balance in Mobile, where it's all commercial. But the Mississippi plant might still offer some lessons for folks in Mobile -- including a notion of how to handle the regional allure of local jobs. As the Mobile City Council recently considered a multimillion-dollar incentive package for the new Airbus assembly line, several members made it clear they wanted to see local hiring. "We put all our money in there, and people walk up in there, from what I've seen in the past, from other parts of the county, from other parts of the state, from other states, and take these jobs, and the money we put in here we're not going to get any residual benefits," said Councilman Fred Richardson. "All we're trying to say now is we want benefits for what we put in. And if other communities want in, put the money up." It's likely that a portion of the Airbus workforce in Mobile commutes in from Mississippi. It might not feel Lower Alabama officials feel much better, but there is a regional quid pro quo. Spears said he figures that "probably 20 percent of our employees live just across the line" in Alabama. It's about 60 miles to Tuscaloosa and he said he knows one who commutes all the way from there. He says it just comes with the territory. "You just can't expect that everybody who works for you is going to come move in five miles away." Even if they don't live in the neighborhood, he said, "they're going to stop at Kroger, they're going to buy gas." There's a bigger picture too, he said. Regional political clout helps support big developments like the Airbus operations in Columbus and Mobile. It's not unusual for Alabama and Mississippi legislators to work together. Those Lakotas they build in Columbus? You'll find a huge fleet of them at Fort Rucker, southeast of Montgomery, up around the corner of the Florida Panhandle from Mobile. The Mississippi-Alabama border may be close by according to the map. But it doesnt really feel like theres a line right there, said Spears. Former state Rep. Ed Henry of Hartselle pleaded guilty in federal court this morning to one count of theft of government property. Prosecutors said Henry entered agreements with three doctors under which the doctors would refer patients to Henrys chronic care management business and waive the required co-payments by patients. Medicare then reimbursed for the services provided by Henrys company. Prosecutors said the result was that Medicare paid for services that patients would have otherwise declined had they been required to pay the co-payments. The crime is a felony and has a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Henrys plea agreement says that prosecutors will recommend a sentence and fine at the bottom of advisory guidelines. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss all the 17 counts in an indictment against Henry issued by a grand jury last year, charges that included conspiracy and violation of an anti-kickback law. Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Wallace Capel Jr. accepted Henrys guilty plea on the one theft charge this morning. The decision on whether to accept the plea agreement will be up to Chief U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins, who was scheduled to hold a trial on Henrys case beginning on Feb. 4 in federal court in Montgomery. Henry remains on release. Henry and his attorney, Max Pulliam, declined comment after todays hearing. Henry, who served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2018 and did not run for re-election last year, filed a notice last week that he would change his plea from not guilty to guilty. Henry, 48, had initially denied any wrongdoing after his indictment last year. A Huntsville general practice physician, Dr. Nicole Scruggs, pleaded guilty last week to one count in the same case. Scruggs' attorney, F. Wilson Myers Sr., said last week Scruggs intends to continue her medical practice. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2. Dr. Punuru Reddy of Decatur was also charged in the case. Reddy has pleaded not guilty and, as of today, was still set for trial on Feb. 4. Prosecutors said the third doctor who referred patients to Henrys chronic care management company was Gilberto Sanchez of Montgomery, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison last year for prescribing unnecessary controlled substances, health care fraud and money laundering. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ross said investigators in the Sanchez case found correspondence between Sanchez and Henry that led to the investigation and charges against Henry. Henrys company to provide chronic care management was called MyPractice24. Medicare began paying for chronic care management in 2015. Patients with at least two chronic conditions who are under a comprehensive care plan are eligible. Examples of services provided by a chronic care management company include arranging appointments with specialists, calling in prescriptions and monitoring and updating a patients comprehensive care plan. Medicare generally pays about $32 per month for a patient who receives at least 20 minutes of chronic care management. The doctor is responsible for collecting an $8 co-payment. Ross said he hopes Henrys case helps raise awareness that the waiver of required co-payments for services that Medicare covers is a form of health care fraud. Medicare requires doctors to collect co-payments in order to ensure that services are not overused, Ross said. Henrys plea agreement says the amount of loss caused by Henrys offense was more than $150,000 and less than $250,000. The agreement says that prosecutors will not ask Henry to pay for restitution. It says restitution will be payable by the physicians involved. Ross said Henrys crime was not related to Henrys position in the Legislature. During his time in the House, Henry was an outspoken member of the Republican caucus and is the lawmaker who initiated the impeachment investigation of former Gov. Robert Bentley. This story was updated several times, including at 12:48 p.m. with more information about the plea agreement. If President Trump orders the Army to build a wall along the southern U.S. border, dont expect to see soldiers and green bulldozers on the job. The Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for contracting for commercial builders to construct the wall, Secretary of the Army Mark Esper said in Alabama today. Theyve been doing it for years. Thats ongoing. Ill just leave it at that. Esper was asked after a visit to Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal if the Army is doing any planning to build the wall and what the challenges would be in building it. Trump has tweeted during the standoff with Congress over funding for the wall that the Army could build it if he declares a national emergency situation. The Wall Street Journal reported today that, The White House has asked the Army Corps of Engineers to examine potentially diverting money from other projects to pay for the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, if Mr. Trump does decide to declare a national emergency. The Corps of Engineers has a civil division that is responsible for military construction and projects like dams and ports across the country. The Corps military functions include needed work at military installations including facilities and infrastructure construction. The Washington Post reported Jan. 11 that the president also is eyeing unused money in the Army Corps of Engineers budget, specifically a disaster spending bill passed by Congress last year that includes $13.9 billion that has been allocated but not actually spent for civil works projects. The Post reported that Trump has asked the Corps of Engineers to determine how quickly it could sign contracts and begin work. Espers visit to Alabama was to visit contractor Northrop Grumman and key military and civilian leaders at Redstone to monitor progress on the Future Vertical Lift vehicle, a new generation of helicopters that is one of the services key priorities for the future. Redstone is working on Future Vertical Lift, which will develop a new family of helicopters with shared hardware such as sensors, avionics and engines. Northrop Grumman has won an Army contract to upgrade Black Hawk helicopter cockpits with new open-architecture digital technology, and the contractor has a large presence in Huntsville. Residents of an unincorporated West Mobile neighborhood who are set to lose Mobile city fire department coverage and do not live in a fire district were presented with four options to solve the issue during a meeting Tuesday morning. But in a twist that took many by surprise at the meeting, the option of merging with an already established neighboring fire district, arguably the easiest solution, was taken off the table. District 3 Commissioner Jerry Carl told the hundreds of residents who had gathered at the Living World Church on Dawes Road that he wasnt sure when the city would formally withdraw coverage, but said the situation had to be resolved through a democratic vote and should be a priority for residents. There was never a fire district designed for that hole, said Carl, referring to a neighborhood of about 9,000 people he named West Mobile/Dawes Community. This probably goes back 50, 60, or 70 years. It should have been put in a fire district. It was not. Therefore, we the people have got to decide what to do. The decision by the city to withdraw fire coverage from the police jurisdiction a 3-mile area outside of the city limits - was first announced two years ago. The result of that decision is that greater strain will be placed on volunteer fire departments out in the county. However, the West Mobile/Dawes area does not have a volunteer fire department and residents must now work out what to do. One of the major issues faced by city planners and what prompted the move is the continued growth of areas outside the city limits compared with the city itself. The population of Mobile County outside of the city has seen huge growth over the last 50 years, going from less than 8,000 in the 1960s to about 220,000 in 2016, according to city figures. Comparatively, the City of Mobiles population has been relatively stagnant since the 1960s, staying between 194,000 and 200,000 throughout that time. That has meant added strain on budgetary considerations for Mayor Stimpson has his team, who are essentially providing emergency services to a growing group of people outside the city primarily using funds from a city that has struggled to grow. Mobile Police Department will continue to serve those in the police jurisdiction. Carl said he had been discussing the impact of the move over the last two years and the biggest issue was how to ensure residents in the area he described as the hole would continue to get fire coverage. On a leaflet given to residents Carl outlined four possible options. Those choices are joining the Seven Hills Fire District, by asking to be annexed into the City of Mobile, forming their own city, or creating their own fire district. Each of the four options would require an election by voters in the affected area, he noted in a Jan. 7 letter sent to those in the neighborhood. However, as quickly as Carl had laid out the options, the Seven Hills Fire District Board President Terry Bacon surprised the District 3 Commissioner and attendees by saying that his volunteer fire department, the largest in Mobile County, would not be able incorporate the neighborhood into its fire district. We do a good job with the resources and the few manpower we have, said Bacon. My board and I have discussed this repetitively over the last two years and with all due respect we cannot handle this. We will not leave you hanging but folks we do not have the manpower, we do not have the financial strength, we do not have the resources to do what Mobile can do. And quite frankly, and I dont mean to catch you of guard, but if I lived in your area, I would vote for Mobile Annexation. I was not expecting that, responded Carl. The prospect of annexation appeared to split attendees with some saying the whole reason they moved to West Mobile was to escape city bureaucracy and what some people described as wasteful government. Others clapped loudly at Bacons suggestion. Its been proven over the years that the city doesnt handle its affairs well, said Larry Faulkner, one of the 9,000 people living in the West Mobile/Dawes Community. I prefer having our own volunteer fire department and Id happily pay for that over anything the city provides. Another resident called the withdrawal of services an effective land grab by the city and suggested Mayor Stimpson was searching for ways to not have to cut budgets and bring in larger revenues. The city collects very little from residents in exchange for these services, said Alton Stokes who moved to West Mobile 47 years ago. If the city annexes our community then it gets to apply full sales tax and can collect property tax. I dont think anyone favors joining the city. I want a volunteer fire department. Robert and Cindy Hasty said the meeting was good but said they favored starting a fire district. People dont move to West Mobile to be part of the city. I think a volunteer fire department is the best choice. Carl also talked about the prospect of forming a new city, which like the other options would involve an official petition and a subsequent vote through the probate court. The final option was to form a new fire district, which would be paid for using a local tax or fee. Carl said he personally pays about $70 a year for the volunteer fire department in Seven Hills. It was not clear how much creating an entirely new volunteer fire department would cost residents, but it was clear this appeared to be a favored option among those attending the meeting. While the city will lose sales tax it collects in the area when it finally announces a date for the withdrawal of services, its likely to save tens of millions by not supplying fire coverage to areas within the police jurisdiction, an area of about 75,000 to 80,000 people, which in terms of size would be Alabamas eighth largest city just behind Auburn, said Public Safety Director James Barber said. Barber also said that the city spends about $27 million annually on providing emergency services to residents inside the police jurisdiction. The city collects about $2 million in taxes in exchange, according to officials. Barber was not sure what the West Mobile/Dawes community contributed or cost the city in fire services. While no date has been decided on when the city will stop supplying fire services to the police jurisdiction, Mobile Fire Chief Mark Sealy allayed attendee fears that they would be left high and dry. Nothing is changing until this area is adequately covered, said Sealy. We will continue to provide services to those who do not have an alternative. A federal lawsuit filed last week alleges a female investigator at the Limestone County Sheriffs Office was demoted and threatened to be terminated after she filed a complaint regarding sexual misconduct from a chief deputy. The lawsuit names Leslie Ramsey, a Limestone County Sheriffs Investigator as the plaintiff. Limestone County and the Limestone County Commission are named as defendants. Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely and Chief Deputy Fred Sloss are named as defendants in both their official and individual capacities. The lawsuit alleges Chief Deputy Fred Sloss swiped his hand several times between Plaintiffs legs, across her chest and crotch and along the outside of her clothes, while she and her boyfriend at the time were visiting Sloss at his home on Jan. 14, 2017. Attorneys for the plaintiff are seeking for punitive damages for Blakely and Sloss and for a preliminary and permanent injunction and declaratory relief against Limestone County, the commission and Blakely, finding that they discriminated against Plaintiff, and prohibit them from discriminating against Plaintiff based on her gender. Sheriffs spokesman Stephen Young sent AL.com statement regarding the lawsuit Tuesday night, saying Sheriff Blakely, Chief Sloss and the Limestone County Sheriffs Office have always been proactive in their commitment to treating everyone, including our employees, with equal respect and dignity in every way possible. While we are unable to provide a detailed response at this time on advice of counsel, we want to assure the people of Limestone County that our commitment to equality and providing the best workplace environment possible for everyone remains steadfast. Collin Daly, Chairman of the Limestone County Commission also sent a statement to AL.com Monday. The pending lawsuit is being reviewed by legal counsel at this time for an appropriate response, he said in an email. The lawsuit claims the incident happened when Sloss followed Ramsey outside the home to smoke a cigarette. Ill make you Captain. Show me your tit[s], [my wife] would do it, she claims Sloss said to her before offering to promote Ramsey to Captain if she complied with his sexual advances, according to the lawsuit. She denied his advances. Her boyfriend at the time met with Blakely on May 24, 2017, to discuss the incident at Sloss home. The lawsuit claims the two discussed the incident for at least 40 minutes. The same day, Ramsey submitted a grievance to the sheriff regarding the January incident. The next day, the lawsuit claims her supervisor, Capt. Lance Royals, responded to her grievance in writing, saying Blakely was entitled to threaten [Ramsey] with termination and that revocation of her vehicle privileges was justified, the lawsuit reads. On May 26, 2017, she was demoted from investigator to patrol duty and ordered to vacate her office. She was assigned to second shift patrol. A few days later she was demoted to third shift patrol. Ramsey was reinstated to her investigator position after she filed a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in November 2017, the lawsuit claims. The lawsuit further claims other male officers were not reprimanded for similar offenses and others, with less experience than her, were promoted. The lawsuit claims Ramseys Fourteenth Amendment rights were violated when she was demoted and reprimanded after reporting a sexual assault from a superior and when the sheriffs office failed to properly investigate Slosss misconduct. Attorneys for the plaintiff are asking for damages for attorneys fees, lost wages, benefits, overtime, off-duty compensation, mental anguish, humiliation, loss of reputation and further relief as the court seems just. They are also asking to be compensated for damages related to the alleged assault on Ramsey, claiming she suffered intense emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation, anxiety and concern. The lawsuit claimed Slosss alleged behavior violated state assault and invasion of privacy laws. The sheriffs office will hold a press briefing Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the sheriffs office in Athens. Updated at 9:50 p.m. to provide details about a planned press briefing. Read the full lawsuit below: This January would have marked the 90th birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta. He was killed on April 4, 1968, in Memphis. The civil rights activist is commemorated in many places in Birmingham, including with a statue in Kelly Ingram Park, and throughout Alabama. He was the pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery from 1954-60, where he rose to national prominence as a spokesman for the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955-56. He led civil rights marches in BIrmingham in 1963 that reverberated throughout the nation. King was awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent campaign against segregation. We asked civil rights historian the Rev. Wilson Fallin Jr., a friend of King, about his favorite King quote. Fallin, professor of history at the University of Montevallo and author of "A Shelter in the Storm," said it was this one: "We will live together as brothers or perish together as fools." That quote sums up much of the philosophy of King, who has a federal holiday dedicated to him, which will be observed Monday, Jan. 21. AL.com has compiled some additional quotations that help capture the essence of King and his fight for justice, drawing from the King Center and other sources. "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well." "No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence." "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" "We refuse to believe there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation." "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." (From the book, "I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World) "Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal." (Speech, Feb. 25, 1967, The Nation Institute, Los Angeles) "Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity. (Letter from Birmingham Jail) "True peace is not merely the absence of tension, it is the presence of justice." (From the book "Stride Toward Freedom") "I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together." (From "I Have a Dream" speech to civil rights marchers in Washington on Aug. 28, 1963) -- "Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities, and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty." (From "Letter from Birmingham Jail") -- "Let us march on segregated housing. Let us march on segregated schools, until ... Let us march on poverty, until ... Let us march on ballot boxes, until we send men ... who will not fear to 'do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God.'" (Delivered on March 25, 1965, in Montgomery) -- "When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love. Where evil men would seek to perpetuate an unjust status quo, good men must seek to bring into being a real order of justice." (From the book, "The Words of Martin Luther King") -- "The promises of the Great Society have been shot down on the battlefields of Vietnam, making the poor white and Negro bear the heaviest burden both at the front and at the home." (April 1967 speech at U.N. Plaza in New York) -- "We only assemble here because of our desire to see right exist. My friends, I want it to be known that we're going to work with grim and bold determination to gain justice on the buses in this city. "And we are not wrong; we are not wrong in what we are doing. If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. If we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong. If we are wrong, Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer that never came down to Earth. If we are wrong, justice is a lie, love has no meaning. And we are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream . . . (A few days after Rosa Parks was arrested, King addressing the First Montgomery Improvement Association at Holt Street Baptist Church a few days after Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the whites-only section of a public bus) "I could not in all good conscience pay a fine for an act that I did not commit and above all for brutal treatment that I did not deserve. With all due respect to you and your court, I am inwardly compelled to take this stand. (After being arrested Sept. 3, 1958 and found guilty of loitering and fined him) -- "And I'll tell you, I've seen the lightning flash. I've heard the thunder roll. I felt sin-breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul. But I heard the voice of Jesus saying still to fight on. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone. No, never alone. He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone." (Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago on Aug. 27, 1967) -- "I often feel like saying, when I hear the question 'People aren't ready,' that it's like telling a person who is trying to swim, 'Don't jump in that water until you learn how to swim.' When actually you will never learn how to swim until you get in the water. And I think people have to have an opportunity to develop themselves and govern themselves. (Interview, March 6, 1957) -- Somewhere somebody must have some sense. Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets toughness. And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody. Somebody must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and the chain of evil in the universe. And you do that by love. ("Loving Your Enemies" sermon, delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Montgomery, Nov. 17, 1957.) -- "The reason I can't follow the old eye-for-an-eye philosophy is that it ends up leaving everyone blind." (At Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, May 5, 1963) -- "The ultimate test of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and moments of convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge and moments of controversy." (At Nobel Peace Prize Recognition Dinner, January 27, 1965) -- "World peace through nonviolent means is neither absurd nor unattainable. All other methods have failed. Thus we must begin anew. Nonviolence is a good starting point. "Those of us who believe in this method can be voices of reason, sanity, and understanding amid the voices of violence, hatred, and emotion. We can very well set a mood of peace out of which a system of peace can be built. ("Dreams of Brighter Tomorrows," Ebony Magazine, March 1965) - Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. (Sermon, Loving Your Enemies, delivered at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church Montgomery, Nov. 17, 1957) Bigfoot enthusiasts have a new event where they can meet like-minded folks, and its being held in a castle in Alabama. The Bigfoot Convention, hosted by Kelsey Graham and Catherine Marie of Abnormal Alabama, will be Feb. 9 at The Sterling Castle, an event venue in Shelby. Seven speakers will make presentations. Each $35 ticket buys you meet-and-greets with all presenters, a chance for door prizes and a photo booth where you can have a picture made with the big guy himself, Sasquatch -- or if he doesnt show, a costumed stand-in. Click here for tickets. Speakers are: Paul Hulsey, Bigfoot researcher Bigfoot Bob, Bigfoot hunter Kim Johnston, author of the book Haunted Shelby County Miranda, the Ghost Biker, who explores reportedly haunted destinations Kevin Cain, an expert on haunted dolls Frank Lee of the Central Alabama Society for Paranormal Investigation and Research (CASPIR) Ryan Rush, a Bigfoot researcher Evergreen, Ala., proclaimed itself to be the Bigfoot Capital of Alabama in 2017. Read more about Evergreen here. Birmingham-based soft drink distributor Buffalo Rock is suing PepsiCo over several distribution issues. The suit, filed Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court, names the soft drink company, as well as several other defendants, over transhipping - the encroachment of soft drink bottling companies into another companys exclusive territory. Buffalo Rock is a fourth-generation family-owned business in operation since 1901. In the lawsuit, Buffalo Rock states it is the exclusive bottler and distributor of Pepsi products, chiefly Pepsi and Mountain Dew, in portions of Alabama, West Georgia, and Florida. Over the years, the company says, PepsiCo has allowed other bottlers, and a subsidiary named Pepsi Beverages Co, that makes up approximately 80 percent of the bottling operations in the United States, to distribute into its territory. The suit claims PepsiCo has done little to stop the practice, and has allowed other transhippers into Buffalo Rocks zone. The suit seeks more than $1 million in relief. In a statement, the company said it filed the suit against PepsiCo for violating our franchise agreements. For years, we have tried to resolve this issue by working proactively with PepsiCo to address our ongoing concerns, the company stated. "Unfortunately, after years of discussions with PepsiCo, the problem has not been resolved, and we feel we have no choice but to file suit to protect our Company and our employees. It is our responsibility to protect our company, our employees and their families, and the integrity of our franchise agreements. We hope and expect to resolve this issue favorably but in a way that allows us to continue our longstanding partnership with PepsiCo," the statement said. Attempts to contact PepsiCo for a statement were not successful. According to the lawsuit, Buffalo Rock currently employs over 2,100 employees, and operates 14 facilities in Alabama, Florida, and West Georgia. TUNIS, Tunisia Basma Balaai was 17 when she first got involved in charity work through a mosque in her native village of Menzel Bouzelfa, near the Mediterranean coast. I believed I was doing good, serving free meals to the poor, she said. But Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali disagreed. Like countless others, Balaai was imprisoned and tortured along with immediate family members for terrorist activities. I was flogged, kicked and sexually abused for days on end," Balaai, now 54, told Al-Monitor. "I cannot have children because of what they did to me. They were unspeakable things. Balaai now joined fellow citizens in a march along Tunis main Habib Bourguiba Avenue on Jan. 14 to mark the eighth anniversary of the Jasmine Revolution. Tunisia is the sole democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring protests that ripped through the region over the past decade. Protests began after Mohamed Bouazizi, an impoverished young Tunisian fruit vendor sick of corruption and police harassment, set himself on fire. Eight years on, many of the same problems that drove Ben Alis fall such as rampant graft and youth unemployment persist, casting a dark shadow over Tunisias infant democracy. Last month a struggling journalist in Kasserine, a perennially neglected backwater bordering Algeria, burned himself to death to protest the lack of change. Anti-government protests are erupting with greater frequency. Allegations of police impunity continue to fuel resentment. "ACAP," the acronym for "All Cops Are Bastards," inspired by the eponymous Italian movie, is scrawled across many walls in the country. Yet Balaai, who spent long nights paralyzed by the screams of her younger sister as she was tortured in a neighboring cell, does see the light. My family was destroyed," she said, "but I have faith in haiat al-haqiqa wa al-karama. She was referring to Tunisias Truth and Dignity Commission, the body that was set up in December 2013 to document the mountain of human rights abuses and corruption cases that occurred from 1955 to 2013. A staggering 50,000 cases, each more gruesome than the next, have been filed with the commission, commonly referred to by its French acronym, IVD. While fellow Arab Spring states have succumbed to war and repression, the IVD remains a potent symbol of Tunisias fight to cement a culture of accountability and rule of law. On Dec. 31, the bodys steely president, Sihem Bensedrine, submitted a report of the IVDs findings to the countrys president, Beji Caid Essebsi, along with a set of recommendations on how to proceed. The dossier is the fruit of five years of painstaking excavation, which saw victims, among them Balaai, describe, on live national television, the horrors they endured. What happens next is a critical test of where Tunisian democracy is headed. The IVD and transitional justice represent the moral high ground in the public space," Bensedrine told Al-Monitor at her office in Tunis. "You have to pick your sides. Either you take the necessary measures [to address the reports findings] or you are in the other camp." It's a highly complex process, she said, but several things need to happen if justice is to be served. At a minimum, some 50,000 bona fide victims must be officially recognized and receive financial compensation. Bensedrine said she would ask the World Bank for help. The state has to formally apologize to all the victims and clear their names. Medical treatment must be offered where due. Then there is the work of the independent special courts set up to prosecute cases where the worst violations occurred. At least 150 cases have been referred to these courts, with 30 cases already underway. And since June, a trickle of perpetrators who long resisted facing their victims have yielded to threats of detention and begun appearing in court The government has a year to come up with a working plan based on the IVDs recommendations. But with parliamentary elections due to be held in November, chances of implementation between then and now remain slim. Yet implementation is key. Shining this bright light on Tunisias past is an essential part of transitional justice," said Amy Hawthorne, deputy director for the Project on Middle East Democracy, a think tank in Washington DC. "But the next phase, accountability, is perhaps even more crucial cases need to be tried in court, perpetrators punished and victims compensated." There have been no convictions so far. It's too early for that, Bensedrine said. But victims are saying, I am experiencing something very important to me. The guy who tortured me is now before me in court and accountable for what he did to me, and this is very important to victims. It's cathartic. It brings a measure of inner peace. But the other camp holdovers from the ancient regime who oversaw the crimes, and their allies in the business elite is digging in. Essebsi, who served in prominent positions under the countrys founding strongman Habib Bourguiba, then Ben Ali, is at the vanguard of efforts to castrate the IVD. He has shunned its hearings and tried unsuccessfully to cut short its mandate. Essebsi scored a big win, however, when his long-touted reconciliation bill granting amnesty to crooked officials who returned their loot was adopted by the parliament in September 2017. The policemens union has, meanwhile, darkly hinted that its members could not guarantee the safety of those attending the hearings because they would not serve in a courtroom where their colleagues were being unjustly tried. The president encouraged impunity, said Bensedrine. His election as president in November 2014 and the victory of his former party, the ruling, pro-establishment Nidaa Tounes in parliamentary polls held a month prior, had ushered in the return of the deep state. Shockingly perhaps for many of its supporters who bore the brunt of Ben Alis barbarity, the Islamist Ennahda party backed the measure as well. Ennahda leader Rachid Ghannouchi defended the move in an interview with Al-Monitor. Speaking through his daughter, he recalled that Ennahda created the Ministry of Transitional Justice when it became the first political party to govern post-revolution Tunisia in 2011. For us, [transitional justice] is about comprehensive reconciliation, not punishment or retribution," he said. "It is about revealing the truth and encouraging perpetrators to acknowledge, and apologize for, their crimes and for victims to have their moment and forgive. Many view Ghannouchis actions as more cynical dealmaking. Since a bruising setback in the 2014 elections, Ennahda has played second fiddle in Nidaa Tounes' wobbly coalition, hewing ever closer to the mainstream in a bid to retain power. If Mr. Ghannouchi would like to forgive the perpetrators, it's not up to him, it's up to the victims, and he is not the representative of all the victims, said Bensedrine. We cant have reconciliation without accountability. The objective is to protect the new institutions, to protect democracy, to ensure that such institutionalized evil does not recur. The former journalists sharp tongue has won her many enemies, easing their efforts to shift the focus away from the crimes that have been exposed to her alleged flaws. Controlled by a panoply of business tycoons, sections of the pro-establishment Tunisian media have propagated wild tales about Bensedrine. The 69-year-old mother of four is variously accused of dipping into the IVDs funds and of being a prostitute and spy. It's hardly surprising that the old guard wants to shut her up, she said. Our main finding is that if Tunisia is now in this economic and social crisis it's because of corruption, and corrupted people are still in power now and they are trying to influence the government and they are trying to protect their interests. On Jan. 14, prominent civil society groups Al Bawsala and I WATCH filed a criminal complaint against Essebsi for abuse of power for having expunged a former education minister under Ben Ali of corruption charges. The move came days after the same groups filed similar charges against Prime Minister Youssef Chahed for seeking to lift the asset freeze on Ben Alis former son-in-law, Marouane Mabrouk. The businessman, who is alleged to have vastly profited from the sale of state-owned holdings, divorced Ben Alis daughter the day after the revolution. It was utterly disgusting, said Bensedrine. Some say the fact that Bensedrine was jailed under previous dictatorships most recently for calling out Ben Alis nephew for corruption blots her impartiality. She is too confrontational," charged Leila Chettaoui, a prominent secular opposition lawmaker. "The IVD should be about reconciliation. Bensedrine has had a polarizing effect." Others take aim at what they call an authoritarian streak. Lamine Benghazi, a British-educated political scientist, who helps runs Al Bawsala, told Al-Monitor, Her style is very problematic. She threatened to reveal the findings of her report to the public if the president refused to receive her, thereby creating the impression that these were open to negotiation. It was a mistake. Bensedrine dismisses such critiques along with rumors that she will run for office. Politics is too dirty, she said. "The public hearings brought together victims from a broad cross-section of ideologies and repression spanning six decades of dictatorship. If anything, the IVD united people in their pain. Khmeis Arfaoui, a left-wing activist who now teaches at Tunis University, was one of them. An expert on the countrys communist labor movement, Arfaoui was arrested in the '90s and tortured for days. They whipped me, waterboarded me and made me remain in the roast chicken position, he told Al-Monitor, referring to the practice of forcing prisoners to crouch with their hands and feet bound. Have you tasted roast chicken? he asked with a bitter grin. Of course we seek justice. He may not get it. Hawthorne shared the growing worry, in emailed comments to Al-Monitor, that figures from the Tunisian old guard who are now politically ascendant will thwart these processes, rendering the IVDs legacy incomplete. But Bensedrine remains stubbornly optimistic about Tunisias future. What we gained in this process of transitional justice is an independent judiciary. The executive has no power over them. They are the only ones who can turn to the crooks and say, Come here and give back the money.'" For the last two years, a portrait of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani adorns many cars, shopwindows, skyscrapers and other public places in Doha. The image drawn by now famous Qatari artist Ahmed Al Maadheed is more than a royal portrait or state-sponsored graffiti; it has become a crystallization of the blockade-induced national sentiment. The growing sense of unity among once disparate Qatari groups is caused by the blockade that was imposed in June 2017 to break Qatar, according to Ross Griffin, assistant professor of postcolonial literature at Qatar University. When Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt began their trade and diplomatic blockade on Qatar, the international media was quick to refer to it as the Gulfs "biggest diplomatic crisis in years. Citing Qatars links to extremists groups and to Iran, the so-called Anti-Terror Quartet imposed 13 demands and a strict deadline, while panicked Qatari residents hurriedly stockpiled food in anticipation of what was to come next. Yet 1 years later, many international media outlets and academics note Qatar is not only surviving but thriving. For Qataris, the blockade really did have an effect in strengthening their identity and sense of nationalism or patriotism. They have turned to each other for support and strength, Ola Diab, a Sudanese journalist based in Doha, told Al-Monitor. Another Doha resident who asked to remain anonymous said that many Western expats and even some African and Asian migrant workers have been swept along with national zeal and express their sense of belonging to and pride in the country. This pride is symbolized by the redundant use of the image Tamim Al-Majid ("Tamim the Glorious"), which was drawn by Maadheed before the blockade started, in celebration of Qatar National Day on Dec. 18, 2016. He reposted it from his social media accounts six months later, shortly after the onset of the blockade, as a personal display of support. It was not a new portrait. It was something I had done much before the crisis. I posted it only to show my feelings of support towards the Emir and my pride being a Qatari, he told the Qatar Tribune July 2017. To Maadheeds surprise, the image quickly went viral and soon appeared as massive murals in vacant spaces in the capital. Subsequently, thousands of residents began drawing graffiti in public places, praising the emir and proclaiming their love for their country. Some of these murals were displayed as the truest examples of public art in the Museum of Islamic Art Park, and was the focus of an exhibition attended by Al-Monitor of Maadheeds artworks of the Al Thani royal family and others at the W Hotel in Doha on Juy 2-Sept. 10, 2017. Quickly, the pensive image of the emir began to appear on stickers, mugs and other paraphernalia, becoming so popular that Maadheed released newspaper statements warning the hundreds of people who reproduced it without permission that he would take legal action against them. In a video posted to his Twitter account, Maadheed who was a relatively unknown artist before the drawing catapulted him to fame said, There has been a commercial exploitation by some shops where they sell products that contain the image of 'Tamim Al-Majid' at high prices and exploit the feelings of the people's love for the emir. Economic advantages notwithstanding, not everyone is convinced this is an authentic grassroots movement, although this has not been questioned in the media thus far. For example, aside from public exhibits, the state has invested great energy into disseminating the image to as many people as possible. Western expats in particular have been given paraphernalia to display, leading one individual to comment anonymously to Al-Monitor that if one does not display the portrait somewhere on ones property this might be seen as insubordinate. Yet very few are ready to talk about it on the record of the 10 people approached by Al-Monitor to comment on this story, seven declined to do so. Despite this, when walking around the streets of Doha it seems undeniable that the image has become a symbol of the fight between Qatars Luke Skywalker and the Saudi-blocs Galactic Empire. Indeed, for Diab, while the portrait has little intrinsic aesthetic value [it] is not unique in any way there is nothing very artistic about it it has nonetheless provided a unity emblem that people were looking for. As such, it almost seems as if this image is not simply representative of a growing national identity, but rather has actively helped to construct it. On Jan. 9, Russias ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, praised UN efforts to end hostilities in Yemen and pledged Moscows support for peace negotiations that engage all warring parties in the conflict. While Nebenzia remained circumspect about the prospects for a swift breakthrough in the UN peace negotiations, his conciliatory attitude toward the talks reflected Russias support for dialogue between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthi rebel forces. Russias support for engaging Houthi rebels in multilateral diplomacy has been a consistent hallmark of its Yemen policy since the wars inception in March 2015. In April 2015, Russia was the only nation on the UN Security Council to abstain from Resolution 2216, which called for an arms embargo against the Houthis and imposed a travel ban on the movements leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi. While Russia ultimately removed its diplomatic personnel from Sanaa in December 2017 to demonstrate opposition to Houthi involvement in former President Ali Abdullah Salehs assassination, Moscow has continued to oppose the Saudi-led coalitions campaign to militarily vanquish the Houthis. Although Russia is typically circumspect about political factions that seize power through extralegal means, Moscow believes that diplomatic engagement with the Houthis is possible because of their history of political compromise. Mareb al-Ward, a prominent Yemeni journalist, told Al-Monitor that the 2009 truce with Saudi Arabia and temporary cease-fires in 2016 were proof that the Houthis could engage in effective dialogue given the right incentives. While hard-liners who surround Houthi control the movements military activities, Ward noted that other senior leadership figures such as Mohammed Abdulsalam have engaged in direct dialogue with Saudi Arabia. These informal divisions within the Houthi movement have convinced Russia to emulate the strategy it implemented in Afghanistan, where Moscow has sought to engage with moderate Taliban members who are interested in a political settlement. On Oct. 26, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov met with a delegation of Houthis led by Mohammed Abdulsalam to discuss a potential peace settlement in Yemen. The reaction from the Houthi delegation was positive. Shortly after meeting with Bogdanov, Abdul Malik Arji, a member of the Houthi political bureau, spoke to Russian state media outlet Sputnik and stated his support for Russia becoming a venue for intra-Yemeni peace talks. The conciliatory response of the Houthi delegation in Moscow to comprehensive peace negotiations was intriguing, as it occurred just weeks after Houthi rebels refused to attend the aborted Geneva peace talks. While the intensification of Saudi airstrikes in Hodeidah undoubtedly influenced this change in perspective, the Houthi delegations receptiveness to Russian diplomatic pressure reflects the organizations long-held aspirations of gaining Russian support. The Houthi movements courtship of Russia began in February 2015, when Houthi diplomats asked Russia to accept the legitimacy of their rule over Yemen in exchange for deals in Yemens energy sector. Although these commercial deals did not come to fruition, the Houthis intensified their diplomatic outreach to Russia again in August 2016, when the Russian charge daffaires in Sanaa, Oleg Dremov, praised the creation of a Supreme Political Council coalition between Saleh and the Houthis. This statement was swiftly clarified by Russian officials, who expressed support for Yemens UN-backed government. Despite this backtrack, Salehs description of Russia as the closest kin to the Houthis revealed the goodwill toward Russia that lingered in Sanaa. Even though Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov described the Houthis as a radicalized movement after Salehs death, Houthi engagement with Moscow on a resolution to the Yemen conflict might have finally produced a tangible breakthrough in the second half of 2018. In July, the head of Yemens Supreme Political Council, Mahdi al-Mashat, urged Russia to intervene on behalf of the Houthis in Hodeidah, and wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The letter claimed the Saudi-led coalitions military activities in Hodeidah violated international law, the UN Charter and Yemens sovereignty. Although Mashats letter to Putin did not result in a Russian military intervention in Yemen, Abdulsalam Mohammed, the director of the Abaad Center for Studies, told Al-Monitor that Russia subsequently exerted pressure on the Houthis to engage in multilateral peace talks and to desist from capturing and torturing political prisoners. According to Mohammed, the initial delay in Russias outreach to the Houthis after Mashats letter was merely the product of Moscows desire to avoid tensions with Saudi Arabia, at a time when it sought to secure lucrative commercial deals with the kingdom. While the exact role of Russia in encouraging the Houthis to come to the table in Stockholm is unclear, Moscows outreach toward the Houthis is viewed favorably, even by political factions that are stridently critical of Houthi military activities. When queried about Russias balancing strategy in Yemen, the Yemeni ambassador to Russia, Ahmed Salem al-Wahishi, insisted to me that Moscows ultimate allegiance is to Yemens UN-recognized government, as both countries understand the costs and dangers of terrorism. Ali Zamaki, a Moscow-based representative of the Yemeni secessionist Southern Transitional Council, told Al-Monitor that Russia possessed no special relationship with the Houthis and that Moscows dialogue with them is aimed at facilitating a political settlement in Yemen. Zamaki also expressed support for Russias decision to veto a UN resolution in February 2018 condemning Iran for its alleged supply of ballistic missiles to the Houthis. He said Moscow correctly viewed these false allegations as a form of psychological warfare used by external powers to advance their political objectives. Although Russia refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the Houthi seizure of Sanaa in 2014, Russia has engaged with the Houthis more actively than any other great power because of its belief in the necessity of a political solution to the Yemen conflict. This pattern of dialogue has made the Houthis receptive to Russias demands and given Moscow a more prominent role in ending the Yemeni civil war. As tensions between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition have intensified due to mutual allegations of cease-fire violations, Russias diplomatic outreach strategy toward the Houthis could be put to the test again in the months to come. If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). The sand continues to shift in Syria, as each of the many players there maneuvers for its most advantageous position. The terrorist-designated rebel alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has managed to expand its control over virtually the entire Idlib de-escalation zone. After days of fierce fighting, HTS devastated the Nureddin Zengi Brigades (NZB), one of the largest factions of the Turkish-backed National Liberation Front (NLF). The other NLF forces there then signed a cease-fire agreement with HTS on Jan. 10 without any substantial resistance. Under the arrangement, the NLF handed over all the territories it controlled there to the so-called Syrian Salvation Government the civil administration wing of HTS. Those moderate opposition groups then had to leave, evacuating to Afrin. Groups that declined to move to the Turkish protectorate in the Afrin area have basically become HTS subordinates. Under these conditions, it would seem impossible to maintain the de-escalation memorandum signed in September by Russia and Turkey in Sochi, Russia. Yet according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, there are no insurmountable problems with maintaining the agreement. We are taking all necessary measures to stop these attacks by radical groups in Idlib, he said. Moscow also reiterated its commitment to the Russian-Turkish memorandum of September, but expressed unease with the situation in Idlib. We are seriously concerned by the number of cease-fire violations [there]. More than a thousand such cases have been recorded since September of last year, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated during a Jan. 11 news briefing. While it's important to manage the cease-fire, she said, it's also critical to keep the Idlib de-escalation zone from becoming a shelter for thousands of terrorists. She said the zone should be considered "temporary." These statements were made just as the moderate opposition was capitulating to HTS and withdrawing to Afrin. Afrin is controlled by pro-Turkish factions of the Syrian National Army (SNA, which is affiliated with the Free Syrian Army, FSA). Omer Ozkizilcik, a security analyst at the Ankara-based Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research, tweeted Jan. 10 that the first of 1,700 NLF members from the Ahrar al-Sham and Suqour al-Sham factions were starting to leave the area and move to the so-called Turkish protectorate in the Afrin area. It should be noted that in February and March, the Syrian Liberation Front an alliance of NZB and Ahrar al-Sham with Turkeys assistance in logistics managed to inflict substantial damage on HTS, taking over large territories, numerous cities and towns. But in the recent NLF/HTS confrontation, Turkey reportedly ignored pleas by civil society activists of greater Idlib to intervene and support the NLF. The concentration of Turkish-backed SNA forces along the boundary line with HTS turned out to be merely for show. The NLF was left with no help. The lack of support and probably the absence of direct orders from Ankara to mobilize the NLF made organized resistance impossible and led to the moderate oppositions collapse. The mild reaction from Ankara and Moscow stirs speculation. The developments might not have been pre-planned by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in advance, but the events didn't contradict the two nations objectives. Hence, Turkey failed to intervene and Russia remains seemingly indifferent, not requiring Ankara to take any urgent actions to restore order. There's a lot of evidence that Ankara finds retaking Idlib less of a priority than pursuing Kurdish factions in Manbij and on the east bank of the Euphrates. Turkey is preparing to attack the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-Arab alliance currently supported by the United States. SDF includes the People's Protection Units (YPG), a Kurdish faction that Turkey considers a terrorist group. Turkey's priorities could make Idlib a key bargaining chip for Ankara in a potential deal with Russia. Moscow and the Syrian regime have wanted to launch a military operation against HTS without the moderates in the way. The moderate groups are gone now. Moscow could influence Damascus to allow Ankara to spread its control over some of the Kurdish territories. For its part, Ankara would withdraw its forces from Idlib, clearing the way for Russia and the Syrian regime to attack the militants there, returning Idlib to the Syrian government's authority and relieving Turkey of any further obligations in the de-escalation zone. Turkey probably lost interest in controlling Idlib and carrying out the Sochi memorandum once it learned about US plans to withdraw from Syria prematurely. At that moment, the operation east of the Euphrates and eliminating SDF troops in Manbij became a priority. At the same time, Ankaras intention to move against the SDF has been criticized by certain renowned Turkish military officers. As Al-Monitor reported Jan. 7, the officers pointed out that Turkey's army would have to fight against much more substantial forces than it has previously in Syria. Thus, they said, the number of Turkish soldiers in combat and hence the number of casualties among them would be larger, and the outcome would be unpredictable. With this in mind, the ongoing confrontation with HTS in Idlib and the significant presence of Turkish troops there could be considered a reckless positioning of forces. On the other hand, the moderate opposition's withdrawal from Idlib to the protectorate in northern Aleppo will double the number of SNA troops deployed there for attacks on the Arab-Kurdish SDF, decrease the number of Turkish troops needed in Idlib and partly deflect some military leaders' criticism of the government. Moreover, this takes care of the issue of dividing the moderate opposition from the radicals, which used to cause many debates with Moscow. (Moscow initially wanted all the opposition forces to leave the area, while Turkey supported and received help from the more moderate ones and wanted to keep them.) Now the radicals are staying in Idlib for the time being while the moderate opposition as a whole is moving to the Afrin area. In this situation, Moscow is willing to play along with Turkey, at least to delay action for a while in Idlib, even though terrorists control the entire area. For Ankara this is crucial, since the United States is waffling on a schedule for pulling out troops. Without well-coordinated timing on Erdogan's part, he could risk losing Idlib without the compensation of receiving areas in northern Syria. It's not clear how long Russia will wait before attacking HTS, given the moderate opposition's departure and HTS' creation of a terrorist pseudo-state under its puppet Syrian Salvation Government. Time is not on Turkey's side. HTS is growing stronger, and the Kurds in Manbij and east of the Euphrates are seeking backup support from Damascus. Turkey can't act until the US makes up its mind about withdrawing. All of this pushes Turkey to respond by claiming just the opposite, saying it has everything under control and issuing harsh statements such as Cavusoglu's on Jan 10. The foreign minister denounced speculation that Ankaras new military operation in Syria depends in any way on the status of US troops. Putin and Erdogan are supposed to meet Jan. 23 in Russia, where they are likely to focus on Idlibs future. The outcome is anyone's guess. RAMALLAH, West Bank Hamas prisoners in Israeli prisons elected their senior leadership for the 2019-2021 term. These elections are held in Israeli prisons every two years. The results were announced Dec. 2. Inmate Mohammed Arman was elected president. The leadership committee began its tasks at the beginning of the new year after winning the elections, which were held by a special election commission affiliated with Hamas. The elections are held across all prisons and detention centers, whereby 11 members are elected and four others are appointed as jail wardens of the four major prisons al-Naqab, Ofer, Rimon and Megiddo bringing the number of the committee to 15 members. The committee is made up of important names in the Hamas movement especially its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Many of these names played a major role in the movement before their detention and after their release. Hamas current strongman, Yahya Sinwar, was head of the prisoners' committee in 2011 before his release. He later became Hamas' leader in the Gaza Strip. Arman, the newly elected head of the committee, hails from Ramallah and is seen as one al-Qassam Brigades prominent leaders. He is serving a 36-year sentence in prison for his involvement in the killing of 35 Israelis during the second intifada. His deputy, prisoner Abbas al-Sayed, is also serving a life sentence. A Hamas leader, Hassan Yousef, told Al-Monitor that the elections have become a custom for the movement in order to promote Shura (consultative) values as a non-exclusive decision-making system whether within or outside of prisons. He pointed out that the elections inside prisons are held for prisoners to elect a general committee, which in turn elects a Shura Council made up of 60 members who elect the higher leadership committee. The leadership committee is entrusted with several tasks, mainly the management of inmates affairs; the development of administrative, financial and cultural programs for prisoners; and communication with the Israel Prison Service (IPS). The committee is also responsible for coordinating decisions and stances with the leadership of other factions inside prisons especially with regard to holding hunger strikes or returning food to the IPS, according to Yousef. Commenting on whether Israeli prison authorities are aware of the elections in jails, Yousef said, The IPS knows what is going on in the prisons via its surveillance cameras. But we do not wait for its approval to hold elections. We are keen on using our own means and methods to communicate with inmates across all prisons so that the voice of each and every one of them is accounted for in the elections. In other words, elections are done in secrecy. The prisoners committee plays a major role in Hamas political and military decisions, as it constitutes one of the four parties involved in decision-making alongside the movements leadership in the West Bank, Gaza and abroad. The committee has a say at the political level and in any development in the Palestinian issue, Youssef said. He added that two members of the prisoners leadership committee are also members of Hamas' General Shura Council based abroad. One of them is Arman; he refused to identify the second. Hamas is one of the first Palestinian factions in Israeli jails to elect a senior leadership inside prisons. The first such elections were held in 2004, according to Hamas spokesman Ali al-Mughrabi, who spoke with Al-Monitor. The leadership committee conducts all contacts with prison authorities. This arrangement has proved convenient for the IPS to ensure a calm routine within the prison walls. Therefore, prison authorities worry when these committees make a decision to dissolve which is seen as a decision of war and civil disobedience prompting the IPS to declare a state of alert, as has happened on a few previous occasions. Back on Aug. 9, 2015, Hamas leadership committee announced that it would dissolve and that the prisoners were in full-blown civil disobedience. The Islamic Jihad committee followed suit the following day. The factions were protesting against the crackdown on inmates and decisions to move some prisoners. The move was meant to pressure prison authorities, because dissolving the committee means stirring up chaos and trouble among the inmates' population and an absence of spokesmen to communicate with authorities not to mention Israeli fears of stabbing operations against jailers. Hamas prisoners leadership, like the rest of the movements bodies, is in for several challenges in the new year in light of the Israeli legislative decisions against Palestinians. Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan announced Jan. 2 that he was accepting the recommendation of a team he appointed in June to examine the condition of Palestinian inmates. These included a series of new restrictions on prisoners, including limiting stipends provided by the Palestinian Authority to inmates, significantly reducing their water consumption and banning cooking. Most importantly, Erdan said he will revoke the prisoners autonomy and the separation between Fatah and Hamas prisoners. This separation has proved to be in the interest of the IPS in order to avoid power struggles between the two rival factions and maintain order in jails. Mughrabi considered Erdans threats to be an expression of the political decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, which failed in the confrontation with Gaza. He believes the government is trying to boost its status before its supporters and pressure the Palestinian factions mainly Hamas in regard to the captured Israeli soldiers. He also believes this step comes as part of the competition to attract right-wing voters in the upcoming elections, as political parties are trying to come across as hard-liners when it comes to Hamas prisoners. Mughrabi said that prisoners are fully ready to retaliate should these decisions be implemented on the ground. GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip A delegation from the political leadership of Islamic Jihad met with an adviser to the Syrian regime in Damascus Jan. 8. It was the first meeting held between the two sides since 2011, when they became estranged over Islamic Jihad's neutral position in the conflict in Syria. Some Islamic Jihad leaders left Damascus and headed to Lebanon and Tehran in August 2012, while others remained to maintain some minimal ties with the Syrian regime. However, the movements neutral positions regarding the conflict in Syria and Yemen later angered Iran, the Syrian regimes strategic ally. As a result, Iran reduced the movements funding in 2015. Islamic Jihad suffered a financial crisis until Iran resumed aid after its leaders repeatedly visited Tehran in 2017 and 2018. The Islamic Jihad delegation, led by political bureau member Khaled al-Batsh, visited Damascus as part of a tour by the Islamic Jihad leadership to Lebanon, Iran and Syria to rebuild ties with the Iran-Syria-Hezbollah axis and secure financial, political and military support for the movement. On Dec. 29, an Islamic Jihad delegation met with leaders from the Iranian regime in Tehran including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. On Jan. 10, the delegation met with Hezbollah officials in Beirut and discussed mobilizing political support for the Palestinian cause and restoring the financial and military support the movement enjoyed before 2015. The delegation received promises of support by the end of the visits. On Jan. 8, Al-Mayadeen quoted political and media adviser to the Syrian regime Bouthaina Shaaban as saying during the meeting with Islamic Jihad, Palestine is Syrias number-one cause. Shaaban further expressed her countrys readiness to receive those wounded during the marches of return initiated by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip at the end of March 2018. Islamic Jihad leader Khodr Habib told Al-Monitor that the visit to Syria is part of a tour by the new Islamic Jihad leadership to several countries to rally support for the Palestinian cause and discuss the latest challenges facing the Palestinian people, particularly the so-called "deal of the century" expected from the United States. Habib stressed that Islamic Jihad is keen to maintain relations with the Syrian regime despite the two not seeing eye to eye when the Syrian conflict first broke out, as Islamic Jihad stressed the unity of the Syrian territory. He pointed out that Islamic Jihad is part of the axis of resistance against Israel and that strengthening its relations with the Syrian regime, Iran and Hezbollah is natural, noting that the Syrian political and moral support for Islamic Jihad and the Palestinian cause has never stopped. Syrias rejection of US President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital on Dec. 6, 2017, was a significant form of political support to Palestinians. The Islamic Jihad office in Damascus has held official meetings there, most recently on Oct. 13, 2018. The Syrian regime seems to have wanted to meet publicly with the Islamic Jihad leadership to convey a message to Israel that Syria will continue to stand by the Palestinian factions in response to the continued Israeli air strikes on Syrian territory. The meeting came following Israeli reports claiming that Iran offered the Islamic Jihad leadership, which visited Tehran on Dec. 29, access to a joint operations room with Hezbollah and Iraqi militias to open a second military front against Israel in case the latter attacked any of the parties. Salah Abdel Ati, member of the Coordination Committee of the Great March of Return and Breaking the Siege, told Al-Monitor how pleased he was with Syrias readiness to receive the wounded. He pointed out that the Palestinian people will not forget this initiative from Syria despite its difficult internal situation. He said that all Palestinian factions and civil society organizations represented in the coordination committee will consult among themselves to arrange the travel of the wounded. Islamic Jihad has announced on many occasions its support for the Syrian regime, condemning the Western and Israeli attacks on Syrian territory in recent years. Professor of political science at An-Najah University in Nablus Abdul Sattar Qassem told Al-Monitor that the Palestinian cause is of great importance to Syria and this support cost it 40 years of international isolation, shown in political and diplomatic estrangement from some Western countries such as the United States. He pointed out that the Syrian regime is on better terms with the Islamic Jihad than it is with Hamas, whose leaders left Syria in January 2012, a move that the Syrian regime saw as betrayal and thus shut down Hamas offices in Syria. Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a professor of political science at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, told Al-Monitor that the escalating Israeli attacks against the Palestinians in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem have prompted the Palestinian resistance movements to strengthen their relations with Iran and Syria, as many Arab countries rush to normalize relations with Israel. He pointed out that since some Arab countries that opposed the Syrian regime have restored their relations with Damascus, such as the UAE, Palestinian resistance movements had to do the same since these movements need financial, political and military support. Now that the Syrian regime has won its major battles against the armed groups in Syria and regained control over the majority of the Syrian territory, many parties are showing interest in rebuilding ties with it. Meanwhile, the Hamas leadership has indicated that restoring its relationship with the Syrian regime is only a matter of time. Palestinian citizens of Israel are expected to send an entirely different set of politicians to the Knesset in the upcoming parliamentary elections, due to take place April 9. They are currently represented by the Joint List, led by Ayman Odeh, with one Jewish and 12 Arab Knesset members. Political observers estimate that at least two, and possibly three, Arab lists will be announced before the deadline to register at the end of February. One new party likely to participate is Arab Home. According to a Dec. 31 press release by the attorney Ayman Abu Rayya, the party's founder, Arab Home would join the governing coalition no matter who heads this coalition. No Arab party or list has ever been invited to join an Israeli government in the state's 70 years of existence. As for the Joint List, it is not clear whether the current party lineup will be the one presented to voters in the April balloting. While internal rules dictate a rotation of many of the representatives of the main parties of the Joint List, it is also unclear whether the list itself, which was voted into the Knesset by an overwhelming majority of Palestinian citizens of Israel in 2015, will survive. The Joint List currently consists of Hadash (the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality), Balad (Al-Tajamu), the Islamic Movement and the Arab Movement for Renewal, led by Ahmad Tibi. Al-Monitor has learned that Tibi, one of the more popular members of the current list, is holding serious negotiations to establish a separate list in collaboration with Nazareth Mayor Ali Salam, who was re-elected with 63% of the vote in municipal elections held in October. Palestinian sources in Israel told Al-Monitor that a Tibi-Salam list might attract the Islamist vote, creating formidable competition for the Joint List. Jafar Farah, director of the human rights organization Mossawa and a possible Hadash candidate, told Al-Monitor that the various parties will all have major changes in their candidate lists not only because of internal rules of rotation, but also because of the difficulty most candidates will likely have in obtaining the two-thirds, or 60%, of the vote for a spot on the lists. Farah noted some of the upcoming changes. From al-Tajamu, Jamal Zahalka has announced that he will not run, and Haneen Zoubi will have a hard time getting 60% of the votes, Farah said. Dov Hanin, the only Jewish member of the Joint Arab List, will not be running, and the Islamic Movement [southern branch] will be presenting Mansour Abbas as its top candidate for the Knesset. Farah believes the Tibi-Salam coalition might invite the Islamists to join its list and might even give the movement's representative, Abbas, the top spot to entice him to leave the Joint List. Farah is not too concerned about splitting the Joint List, which had been hailed as a major achievement for the 20th Knesset. If they can pass the minimum threshold, two lists competing against each other might raise the level of participation among Palestinian citizens of Israel, Farah said. Parties must win at least 3.25% of the vote to enter the Knesset. He further noted, In the last election, 63.5% of Arabs voted, and they overwhelmingly voted for the Joint Arab List, sending 13 members to the Knesset. If there is only a single list, the number of Knesset members might drop to 11 or 12 because of voter apathy, however, if there are two lists competing for votes, this could raise the percentage of Arabs voting in the elections and can yield 13 or even 14 Knesset members. The possibility of a new Arab party or list making it to the Knesset is seen by many, including Farah, as remote. Mohammad Darawsha, a lecturer at the Shalom Hartman Institute, told Al-Monitor that the Arab Home founders consist of inward-looking former government employees who do not want to deal with the Palestinian issue. This is a party created by a lawyer from Sakhnin and is very unlikely to pass the threshold needed to enter the Israeli Knesset, Darawsha said. Arab Home leader Abu Rayya was quoted Dec. 28 in Maariv as saying that Arabs, given that they constitute 20% of the population of Israel, must be partners in any decision-making process. Thus, he said, his party would not hesitate to join a coalition led by Benjamin Netanyahu, the current prime minister and leader of the right-wing Likud. Abu Rayya also remarked that his party respects the right of the Jewish people to have their state, and we respect the Israeli flag and national anthem. He noted that Arabs in Israel are part of the Palestinian people, but that the Palestinians have their own leadership, and his party will focus on the status of the Arab minority in Israel. Farah who suffered a broken leg after being detained by Israeli police at a May 18 protest in Haifa against the Nationality Law, said that in terms of campaigning in the upcoming elections, We need to focus our election messaging on the need to preserve democracy and to oppose the occupation. The Palestinian cause and where each party stands on it are major concerns for Jewish and Arab voters and to the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah, which was instrumental in the last elections in convincing Tibi to join the Joint List and to persuade all the Arab parties to run on a single list to improve their chances of surpassing the vote threshold, which had been increased in part to keep small parties out of the Knesset. Mohammad Madani, a senior adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Israeli peace movements, told Al-Monitor that the Palestinian leadership will steer clear of electoral machinations. We are close to all the candidates and parties, and we wish them success, but we will not be involved in the formations that they choose, Madani said. One storyline of the elections will certainly revolve around whether Israelis are willing to hand a fifth mandate to Netanyahu, the longest-serving prime minister in Israels history. The role of one-fifth of the population could also figure prominently as an indication of whether issues of peace and equality will be given enough priority in the 21st Knesset. The debate among Palestinian citizens of Israel in regard to the upcoming elections and seeking voter opinion is a healthy development in determining what those citizens want. There was a changing of the guard on Jan. 15 in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF): Former Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Maj. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot was replaced by Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi. Kochavi, the philosopher officer, was nicknamed in his youth Mel Gibson by the paratroopers due to a striking resemblance to the actor. Now he has received the reins to the most powerful army in the Middle East and one of the strongest in the world. But together with that comes the responsibility for innumerable headaches, bubbling powder kegs and ticking bombs scattered over diverse fronts. An Israeli chief of staff does not receive even a hundred seconds of grace. Kochavis first test is already anticipated for Jan. 18 on the fences of the Gaza Strip. Again, Hamas has not received Qatar's money in cash as the third installment of aid to Gaza; meanwhile, the level of violence continues to rise toward the possibility of a new explosion. The Gaza issue is not the most dangerous of the threats faced by Israel, but it is urgent at this stage because of the lack of any checks and balances vis-a-vis Hamas, which has its back to the wall. In fact, Hamas has shown in the past that when under pressure, it will react violently against Israel. In addition, Israel lacks a strategic goal regarding Gaza-Hamas that could be implemented by the political echelons in other words, by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The 54-year-old Kochavi has been viewed as an Israeli prince almost from the first minute. His military career began in the paratrooper unit, where he blossomed until he received command over the paratrooper brigade in 2001. It was in this role that he left his strategic mark on the IDFs battle methods; he succeeded in overtaking the Nablus refugee camps and the Casbah in the 2002 Operation Defensive Shield with almost no casualties. Those were the days of the bloody second intifada in which hundreds of Israeli citizens were slain by suicide bombers who flooded the streets and cities. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon commanded the IDF to re-conquer the West Bank cities and uproot terror. Many IDF higher-ups were concerned about entering the crowded refugee camps and threatening Casbahs that were overflowing with weapons, mantraps, suicide bombers and explosives. The assessment then was that the IDF would pay the price of dozens, if not hundreds, of fatal casualties and would be forced to kill thousands of Palestinians in order to complete the mission. But Kochavi, a young paratrooper brigade commander, was not deterred. He invented and developed a system through which his brigade took control over Nablus: infiltrating from the inside. Instead of advancing exposed through the narrow alleyways and Casbahs, the paratroopers infiltrated directly into structures and buildings in the heart of the city. From there, they continued to advance via the structures themselves: by breaking down walls to advance from house to house, without exposing themselves to dangers. The operation was successful beyond all expectations and was then carried out in other West Bank cities. The method developed by Kochavi is studied to this very day in military schools throughout the world. The US Army in Iraq and Afghanistan adopted it. But beyond questions of defense and security, which I will address shortly, Kochavi will also have to deal with his boss, Netanyahu. Netanyahu currently also serves as defense minister and is extremely busy conducting his own war for political survival. On the one hand, he will be less attentive to complex defense issues, but on the other hand, he will need as many military victory photos as possible to leverage before the upcoming elections on April 9. There are problems overseas as well: The two most important strategic partners of the Israeli chief of staff are the US chief of staff and the US secretary of defense, Joseph Dunford and James Mattis, who are leaving their posts. They will be replaced, of course, and Kochavi will have to connect to new people. But in this task, Kochavi enjoys a great advantage: He is viewed as Mr. America in the Israeli General Staff. Kochavi has a masters degree in public administration from Harvard University (a joint program with the Wexner Foundation) and a second masters degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University. Kochavis English is excellent, and American history is one of his favorite subjects. He is well-versed in American politics, receives American publications regularly and was much involved through his career (especially in his last position of deputy chief of staff) in the IDFs relations with the US Army. As opposed to his predecessor, Eizenkot (who did not especially like conversing with foreign generals), Kochavi feels at ease in such environments. Despite his basic qualifications and aptitude, the challenges that will face Lt. Gen. Kochavi will be complex. US behavior in the current era is chaotic and unpredictable, in spite of the relative intimacy that prevails between Netanyahus bureau and the White House. Israels security system vigilantly keeps close tabs on developments and takes nothing for granted. Israeli intelligence has already shifted resources, energy and much attention to the Iranian threat arena due to its concern that the Tehran regime may decide to enrich uranium again now that the United States has abandoned the nuclear deal. This concern was raised in an earlier article in Al-Monitor, and indeed there has been publicity recently that the Iranians have returned to limited enrichment. Kochavi will try to tighten intelligence cooperation with the United States, but that may not be easy. US Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette visited Israel Jan. 15 and made a startling statement. He noted that the United States evaluates foreign investment very, very closely, and that Israel should adopt a similar approach. If Israel wont adopt such a defense policy, he hinted, its partners might be reluctant to share with it intelligence data. In other words, he threatened that if Israel continues to tighten relations with China and continues to allow China a spree of economic investments in Israel, then US intelligence-sharing with Israel will be at risk. Brouillette described Chinas investments in Israel as investments with malicious intent. This Israeli dilemma which was detailed in an article here last week and the words of Brouillette clearly highlight the importance of the issue. And all these ticking issues will, beginning Tuesday morning, sit on Lt. Gen. Kochavi's table. Kochavi wont endanger the alliance with the United States and or the fruitful connections with US intelligence. This problem belongs more to Netanyahu, who has been advocating rapprochement with China, than to Kochavi. Still, it will be Kochavi who might be the one paying the price if it comes to that. Kochavi has been preparing all his life for the role of the IDF chief of staff. He was marked for the job when he was only a platoon commander of the paratroopers, an impressive junior officer who made a deep impression on his soldiers and commanders. Kochavi is a philosophy fan (with an undergraduate degree in philosophy from the Hebrew University) and an amateur painter; he lives in the Galilee and is a vegetarian. In fact, Kochavi is the first vegetarian chief of staff, but dont underestimate him: When it comes to the battlefield, the Syrian-Lebanon front, the Iranian threat and the Gaza Strip he does not act like one. As Ariel Sharon used to say: In the Middle East, you are either a carnivore or you are on the plate. Former military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz fired the opening shot of his election campaign with a video that's making the rounds on social media and turning the tables on the right wings attacks. It features Likud ministers Miri Regev and Yariv Levin as well as Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the New Right denigrating his views and his record. Their litany is drowned out by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus voice chanting They are a-f-r-a-i-d, the famous taunt he directed at the liberal media when he was drumming up voter support for his run in the 1999 elections. Gantz is now using Netanyahus catchy cadence to mock the rights hysterical reaction to his rising star in Israeli politics. True, this is the nature of politics. Each party lauds its candidates and presents its rivals weaknesses and failures. In Gantz case, however, the right will stop at nothing, not even at distorting and rewriting history, to discredit him. His critics ramped up their attacks against Gantz on Jan. 14, when he came out of his house to greet members of Israels Druze protesting the controversial 2018 nationality law. The protesters, led by Brig. Gen. Amal Assad, argue that by granting Jews the sole right to self-determination in Israel, the law discriminates against minorities. I will do everything in my power to fix the nationality law, Gantz said in his first public political statement. Referring to the fact that the Druze (unlike Israels Arab minority) serve in the military, Gantz added, We have a deep and unbreakable connection, not only in battle, but also in life. Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan was first to attack, citing the October 2000 shooting death of an Israeli Druze soldier at Josephs Tomb in the West Bank. As the divisional commander, Erdan tweeted, Gantz was part of a group of officers that turned its back on him and did not do everything in its power to save his life. Former Shin Bet chief Avi Dichter was right behind Erdan on Twitter. The cloud of Madhat Yusuf, an IDF fighter from the Druze community who bled to death at Josephs Tomb, hangs over Gantz head, he wrote. Dichter neglected to mention that he himself, as head of the Shin Bet at the time, was in charge of contacts with Palestinian security head Jibril Rajoub, who had promised to evacuate the Israeli soldier to safety. The attacks on Gantz were well orchestrated. Those who were sent out to the microphones to defend Netanyahu against suspicions of bribery are now reciting new talking points prepared by the Likud. According to Yediot Ahronoth, Likud associates had prepared a Gantz file to slander him and tarnish his image. Yusuf's death is one of three dramatic events that ignited the second Palestinian uprising against Israel in the fall of 2000. On Sept. 30, 2000, Palestinian boy Muhammad Al-Durrah was shot to death at Israels Netzarim Junction in the Gaza Strip. The shooting was caught on camera by a French television crew, fueling outraged protests in the West Bank. The following day, thousands of Palestinians stormed Josephs Tomb near the West Bank town of Nablus, where a small Israeli military contingent was deployed to protect Jewish worshippers. Yusuf was wounded by Palestinian sniper fire, leaving Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Shaul Mofaz two options. One was to send an armed military force into the compound, which was surrounded by thousands of angry Palestinians, and risk dozens if not hundreds of deaths. The other was to await the Palestinian evacuation force promised by Rajoub. The decision to wait for Rajoub was made by the top echelons based on information provided by Dichter himself as head of the Shin Bet. The Palestinian rescuers were late in coming, and Yusuf died of his wounds. According to the logic of military hierarchy, Dichters responsibility for Yusufs death is greater than Gantz. As head of the countrys security agency, he should have known that Rajoub would not risk sending his men into the maelstrom and being labeled an Israeli collaborator. Dichter had no qualms about taking personal credit for another dramatic event. On Jan. 13, he went on Twitter to mark the 23rd anniversary of the assassination of Yahya Ayash, a notorious Palestinian bomb maker known as the engineer who was killed in a sophisticated Shin Bet operation with a booby-trapped cellphone. 23 years ago we got rid of him; I sent him a cellphone at a blast of a price, Dichter tweeted. In fact, it was Shin Bet chief Carmi Gilon who made the decision to take out Ayash in January 1996 and was responsible for its execution. Dichter served at the time as the head of the Shin Bets southern district. The assassination set off a series of bomb attacks in Israel that cost acting Prime Minister Shimon Peres the elections and handed them to Netanyahu, whom Dichter now seeks to please. It appears that when generals go at each other, facts and decision-making can be shaped in accordance with politics. Maj. Gen. (res.) Yoav Galant, who served as housing minister in the Netanyahu government before crossing the lines recently from Kulanu to the Likud, is trying to engineer for himself a slot high on the Likud list by adopting Netanyahus talking points, which include slinging mud at Gantz. I think that [Gantz] knows why he is silent. I also know why he is silent, and the thousands of officers who served under him know why he is silent, Galant said at a Jan. 5 event in the town of Nes Ziona. The next day, he criticized Gantz performance during Operation Protective Edge, Israels summer 2014 war with Gaza. He achieved a draw against a second-rate team called Hamas, Galant snidely opined. Galant got his facts mixed up. While Gantz was indeed the head of the Israel Defense Forces during the war, he was under the command of Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and Netanyahu, who boasted of monitoring the situation closely from the underground war room in Tel Aviv. Netanyahu made the decision to avoid unseating the Hamas regime for fear of throwing the Strip into prolonged chaos, and he was the one who forced the IDF into a 50-day war that only ended with an Egyptian-mediated cease-fire. Now Netanyahus emissaries and servants hawks Galant and Dichter, along with Erdan, Regev, Levin and others are willing to do anything to preserve Netanyahus rule and ensure a spot for themselves at his side, even at the cost of defiling the IDF, the most sacred institution of Israeli society. In so doing, they cast serious doubt on Israels first Prime Minister David Ben-Gurions immortal injunction: It is not enough for a commander to know his job. If the commanders instill trust, dedication and love in their soldiers, every Jewish mother can be assured that she has placed the fate of her sons in the hands of commanders worthy of her trust. For about 10 years, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), which controls Erbil and Dahuk provinces in Iraq, has enjoyed close working relations with the Turkish government on trade, energy and security. The main architect of this opening has been the KDP's Nechirvan Barzani. The KDP, unlike other Iraqi Kurdish groups, has also acted as a counterweight since the 1990s to the formidable Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) guerrilla movement Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans archenemy by allowing Turkey to establish a number of military bases to monitor PKK activities. However, Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) since 2012, was not nominated by the KDP to form the next KRG Cabinet. This is causing Erdogan to worry about the fate of a 50-year secretive energy deal made with Barzani in 2014. In short, the KDP has been a critical partner for Erdogan. He was in Venezuela early last month when the news about Barzani broke and phoned from Caracas to find out more about what was happening in Erbil. According to two sources briefed about the conversation, Erdogan was concerned. It took several minutes for Nechirvan to convince Erdogan that he should not worry about the changes, one source told Al-Monitor. Another source said Erdogan directly asked Barzani, Are you happy with the changes? While Barzani told Erdogan that the decision to nominate his cousin Masrour Barzani as prime minister has been based on consensus, foreign diplomats and sources close to the KDP say the switch was not easy and fairly acrimonious. The changes involving the powerful Barzani family are not only a family affair but also a regional issue that Turkey and Iran are watching closely. In recent years, the Kurdish issue in Iraq and Syria has taken up a lot of the thinking space in Erdogans brain. Turkey is currently fighting Kurds across the four parts of Kurdistan, in Iran, Turkey, Iraq and Syria. On several occasions, Turkish jets have bombed the fighters of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) a guerrilla group affiliated with the PKK that fights the Iranian government right on the Iranian border with the acquiescence of Tehran in recent years, sources close to the PJAK say. Turkish security forces fight the PKK in Turkey's southeast and have constructed dozens of bases across the border inside Iraqi Kurdistan to restrict the movement of the PKK. Turkey invaded the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in Syria last year, and as Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Jan. 10, Turkey will attack the Syrian Kurds regardless of the US withdrawal. Whether President Donald Trump delivers on his threat to devastate the Turkish economy if Turkey attacks the Syrian Kurds is not clear. Turkey does not want to see another self-administered Kurdistan on its doorstep that spends millions of dollars annually on lobbying in Washington and other Western capitals. Since 1992, Turkey has faced numerous problems with the Iraqi Kurds from whose territory PKK fighters cross the border into Turkey and attack Turkish security forces and their Kurdish collaborators. In the first decade of Kurdish rule in northern Iraq, Turkey enticed Kurdish peshmerga to fight a bloody battle against the PKK fighters in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan; still, the Iraqi Kurds, feeling more anchored and connected internationally, have become more independent actors. The issue of the Syrian Kurds is a big headache for Erdogan; another one involves the activities of the PKK in the Sulaimaniyah area, the seat of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Since August 2017, when the PKK abducted two senior officials of the Turkish intelligence agency near Sulaimaniyah, Ankara has placed tremendous pressure on the PUK to limit PKK activities. Turkey also has continued a ban on flights through its airspace to the Sulaimaniyah airport that started after the Iraqi Kurdish independence referendum in September 2017. Ankara says there is no coherent rule in PUK-controlled areas, unlike in KDP-controlled areas under Barzani. A Turkish diplomat told Al-Monitor that this has created a vacuum the PKK has exploited to increase its activities. A Turkish diplomat told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that the main stumbling block is financing and sending new recruits to the mountains, which is done in safe houses in Sulaimaniyah. Still, the PUK has intensified its crackdown on PKK activities, leading to the arrests of dozens of people affiliated with the groups close to the PKK in Sulaimaniyah. Turkey is allegedly prepared to lift the ban on use of its air space for flights to Sulaimaniyah later this month following the recent visit of Iraqi President Barham Salih, who is a senior member of the PUK. Turkey apparently also has concerns about PKK activities in KDP-controlled areas as well as the activities of Gulen educational institutions. The KRG has taken over all our institutions, and we are not operating anything there, a Gulen movement official who operated in Kurdistan until two years ago told Al-Monitor via Facebook from a Western capital. The terror that Erdogan unleashed against us made life unbearable for us in Kurdistan. Erdogans overzealous drive to strike hard at opponents in and around Turkey will undoubtedly win him votes inside the country, but Turkey is bound to be troubled by the Kurdish issue for years to come as demonstrated by the changing US position on the Kurds of Syria. The PKK is a powerful transnational armed organization and further pressure from the PUK on its activities and activists in Sulaimaniyah area could propel the group into reacting, which could have devastating consequences for the stability of the Sulaimaniyah region. As for the formation of the next KRG government, negotiations are dragging on. Erdogan's ally Nechirvan Barzani has been nominated to be KRG president, a post that is expected to be less important than prime minister. There is no clear indication as to how he and his cousin Masrour Barzani will share power. An American-born Iranian journalist working for Iran's state-funded English-language news network Press TV is said to be in custody after landing in the United States to visit an ailing brother. Marzieh Hashemi was reportedly detained at St. Louis International Airport Jan. 14 and taken to a Washington, DC, facility by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to Press TV, citing family and friends. The FBI has yet to comment on the story. But Press TV says it has learned that its 59-year-old anchor was denied contact to her family members for 48 hours. She has recounted different forms of "mistreatment" such as being handcuffed and shackled, forced to remove her hijab, offered only pork which is forbidden in Islam and photographed without a headscarf. The Iranian Foreign Ministry was quick to condemn the arrest, demanding the journalist's immediate and unconditional release. Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi slammed the US government for what he called an apartheid-style treatment of non-white citizens, referring to Hashemis African-American background. "The United States has turned into a dangerous country for journalists," he concluded. Press TV's CEO Peyman Jebelli separately warned that the US government will be held responsible for the health of the anchor, who he described as a "serious critic" of "evil" US policies. The TV host is known among viewers for her attacks against perceived racial profiling by the US government as well as discrimination against American Muslims. On social media, Hashemi's infuriated supporters questioned the US government's approach toward freedom of speech. "Is this the human right[s]" the Americans promote? tweeted one user with the hashtag #FreeMarziehHashemi, while another referred to the arrest as an abduction. Born Melanie Franklin, the Muslim convert from New Orleans moved to Iran after being inspired by the ideology of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. In Iran, Hashemi has been actively involved in political and religious circles, including Shiite mourning ceremonies held on the martyrdom anniversaries of Shiite imams. Last year, she participated in the annual pilgrimage to the Iraqi city of Karbala, which houses the shrine of the third Shiite Imam, Hussein ibn Ali. The march draws millions of Iranians each year. In 2009, she produced a controversial documentary for the Iranian state broadcaster on the death of a female Iranian protester in the aftermath of the country's disputed presidential elections that year. Contradicting what was reported by mainstream Western media outlets, the documentary argued that Neda Agha Soltan was not killed at the hands of security forces. Iran itself has a history of detaining journalists including US citizens on its soil over various security charges. It remains to be seen on what grounds Hashemi has reportedly been detained. The news of her arrest comes only one week after Iranian authorities confirmed that US navy veteran Michael White is being held in a prison in the northeastern city of Mashhad. This weeks changing of the guard at the top of the Israeli army has all the trappings of a royal wedding. The replacement of Gadi Eizenkot with Aviv Kochavi as chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) today was marked by a daylong ceremony, including a prayer visit to the Wailing Wall, lunch at the president's home and a fancy ceremony with a whos who of the Israeli elite. The countrys TV stations all broadcast the ceremony live and extensively quoted from both generals speeches. The preceding weekend, seemingly every media outlet published interviews with Eizenkot (who never gave interviews while he was on duty) and plenty of trivia about Kochavi. Why it matters: The IDF ranks at the top in poll after poll involving public trust, far ahead of any other institution. Since serving in the army is mandatory for most Israelis (except Arab citizens), nearly every family has or has had a soldier in the ranks. High-ranking officers in particular are considered to have given their best years to the country and are widely viewed as the ultimate patriots. In a divided society that despises most politicians, love for the army cuts across almost every demographic and party. The pageantry raised eyebrows on social media. This chief of staff festival is way over the top, tweeted Jerusalem Post editor Yaakov Katz. That is the closest Israel gets to a royal wedding, replied Peter Lerner, a former IDF spokesman. I'm all for the @IDF (I covered it for a decade & wrote 3 books on it) but this chief of staff festival is way over the top. Its true IDF plays a key role in society b/c of compulsory service but daily TV/radio broadcasts for past week & live feed from ceremony now, is overkill. Yaakov Katz (@yaakovkatz) January 15, 2019 Whats next: With April elections looming on the horizon, candidates of all stripes are hoping for some of that popularity to rub off on them. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is naturally keen to embrace the military in his quest to portray himself as Israels best defender. But former generals themselves are also in the running: Polls show former IDF chief Benny Ganz getting 15 of 120 seats in the Knesset in the upcoming elections, before even saying one word about his views or ideology. A half-dozen other former generals are also expected to run. They all would do well to remember Ehud Barak, another former IDF chief who is now remembered as one of the worst prime ministers in Israels history. Read more: Read Mazal Mualem's take on why outgoing IDF chief Eizenkot is praised as a calm and resilient leader. -Danny Zaken The death of several Americans today in a suicide attack in the Kurdish-held Syrian city of Manbij has thrown another wrench into US plans for a rapid withdrawal from Syria. The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack weeks after President Donald Trump touted the groups alleged defeat as the impetus for his decision to pull US troops out of Syria. Why it matters: News of the attack further complicates debate inside the Trump administration on the timing for plans to withdraw 2,200 US troops from Syria. In a brief statement, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said, The President has been fully briefed and we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Syria. Questions abound: The fallout from the attack, which killed two service members, a Department of Defense civilian and a Pentagon contractor, remains in question. Meanwhile, Turkish media are reporting that a suicide bomber targeted a meeting of US and French troops with Kurdish militants at a Manbij restaurant. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says 16 people died in the blast, including nine civilians. All eyes on Trump : Already dealing with the fallout from a weeks-long government shutdown at home, the US president now has to contend with new facts on the ground in Syria. Trump has pledged to cut down the United States' overseas troop presence, but his Syria policy has drawn fire from the Pentagon and State Department as well as from allies in Congress including Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. Trump previously walked back his 30-day deadline for the pullout, but with the mission having little public support, todays attack may cause Trump to once again press for a speedy retreat. and Erdogan: The attack comes as Turkey-backed Syrian rebels are chomping at the bit to launch a full-scale assault to take back Manbij from the US-backed Syrian Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, which Ankara considers terrorists. Todays attack right on Turkeys doorstep may be all the justification Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan needs to act, especially if he gets a tacit green light from a US president eager to disengage from the chaotic conflict. US residual presence: Even if Trump pivots back toward quickly pulling out of Syria, it doesnt mean US forces will completely leave the country. As news of the blast began breaking this morning, Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley, tapped by Trump last year to be the Pentagons top military officer, indicated today that the United States still had a small pocket of Islamic State fighters left to finish off. Weve got the remnants, a relatively small amount of remnants of [IS] bottled up in a small geographic area and we are determined to finish that off and then hand the battle off to our indigenous partners," Milley said at an army association breakfast. IS resurgence: IS has claimed responsibility for the deadly attack but did not make clear whether it was designed to hasten a US withdrawal from the country. The attack will inevitably raise questions about how strong the group remains, and could create public pressure for European countries including France to withdraw if their forces died in the attack. That could give IS some breathing room to regroup. The White House is showing no inclination to review its analysis of the groups demise. "[IS] has been defeated," Vice President Mike Pence insisted today during a visit to the State Department during which he touted a list of the Trump administration's perceived foreign policy accomplishments. Whats next: Expect Trumps Twitter feed to light up at some point soon with condolences for the fallen and next steps in Syria. If Trump pushes for a quick US withdrawal, expect pushback from hawkish Republicans. "To those who lost their lives today in Syria, you were defending America, in my view, Graham said at an unrelated Senate hearing. I hope the president will look long and hard at what were doing in Syria. Know more: Al-Monitor Pentagon correspondent Jack Detsch first reported on Defense Department concerns about a possible IS resurgence across Syria and Iraq back in August. And make sure to read Kadri Gursel on the limitations of Turkeys ability to take over from the United States in northern Syria. Update: Jan. 16, 2019. This post has been updated with a US casualty count from the Department of Defense. -Jack Detsch Felicia Frazar is the assistant editor of the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail her at felicia.frazar@seguingazette.com 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 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. A federal judge has struck down an Iowa law that prohibits undercover photographing or filming on factory farms, meatpacking plants and other agricultural operations, declaring it a violation of the First Amendment, notes PDN. Judge James Gritzner of the U.S. Southern District of Iowa made the ruling in a lawsuit brought against the state by lawyers representing several nonprofit organizations concerned with animal protection and workers rights. About Dr. Lisa Tokach Abilene Animal Hospital I grew up raising beef cattle and quarter horses and am a graduate of the University of Minnesota. I was fairly young when I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian. Tokach has been conducting veterinary services in the Abilene, Kan. area for 27 years. Today she is a partner at the Abilene Animal Hospital with seven other veterinarians. Tokach and her husband, Mike, who is a Ph.D. in Animal Science with a specialty in swine nutrition, live outside of Abilene. All of their children are in college, All the kids were very involved in 4-H. I still have chickens, bees and horses. MM: What areas of expertise are you focusing on in your position? LT: Currently, each of us in our practice has an area that we specialize in. I specialize in swine along with two others. We also have two who do companion animal work and one who does cattle and horses as well as one who focuses on cattle, horses and small animals. What Ive seen throughout my tenure in our practice is that we have become far more specialized. One of our companion animal veterinarians is an orthopedic surgeon and another person specializes in internal medicine. Tokach noted their swine team all conducts herd visits and does diagnostic work, But some members are better at data management and others are better at financial planning. We try and work together as a team with all these specialized areas. MM: What are some specific issues in the swine industry today? The soybean market during the summer growing season oftentimes takes its direction from the weather, and the way this summer is shaping up it LEWIS, Iowa Mike Marshall certainly did not think he would end up making a career in the pork industry. He planned to enlist in the Marines The labels of most post-emergence corn herbicides allow applications at various crop growth stages, but almost all product labels indicate a maximum growth stage beyond which broadcast applications should not be made, and a few even state minimum growth stage before which applications should not be made. The May World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates gives the first look at the newest marketing-year demand expectations since the U.S. De In 1999, the Supreme Court handed down its landmark Olmstead v. L.C. decision which should have settled the deinstitutionalization debate. The Court expressly cautioned against forced deinstitutionalization, the termination of institutional settings for persons unable to handle or benefit from community settings, finding instead that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) only requires community placement when an individuals treatment professionals determine community placement is appropriate, such placement is not opposed by the individual, and the placement can be reasonably accommodated, taking into account the resources available to the State and the needs of others with disabilities. Even though initial reforms were motivated by a lack of service options (an over-reliance on the ICF/IID program), it was not long before efforts to rebalance our system of care shifted from the expansion of options to the dramatic reduction of ICFs/IID and other specialized options. These early reforms were quite properly motivated by the need for a system of care and supports that responded to the very individualized and diverse needs of the entire population of people with I/DD. These reforms, however, also set the stage for decades of ongoing deinstitutionalization, resulting in the elimination of specialized housing, employment and education options for people with I/DD, leaving some to question the price of progress. Still, as the ICF/IID program grew, so did calls for housing alternatives. Critics emerged, claiming that the ICF/IID federal standards of care promoted a non-individualized, inefficient model of care, and, due to federal financing incentives, discouraged states from developing alternate service options. In 1981 Congress responded by providing for small (4-15 person) ICFs/IID and a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, to allow states to waive certain ICF/IID requirements. Families and advocates alike applauded this infusion of federal funding, licensing and oversight for a program specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The atrocities of Willowbrook ushered in a generation of advocates, nonprofit organizations, providers, and professionals who successfully pushed for massive reform, beginning in 1971 with the development of Medicaid Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICFs/MR) [later renamed as ICFs for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/IID)]. In 1965, then-Senator Robert Kennedy toured the Willowbrook institution in New York State and offered this grim description of the individuals residing in the overcrowded facility: "[They are] living in filth and dirt, their clothing in rags, in rooms less comfortable and cheerful than the cages in which we put animals in a zoo." We are reprinting this article by Tamie Hopp with permission. To view the original, please visit NPQ, The Non-profit Quarterly. If you have a child with autism or another disability, we suggest you join VOR (Vee-Oh-Are) an AofA sponsor and one of the only advocacy groups fighting for INDIVIDUALIZED housing and adult care. There are self-advocates and others who know nothing about the needs of our loved ones with autism who are seeking to deny choice. Learn more at the VOR site. By Tamie Hopp However, masterful messaging by nonprofit organizations and federally-funded lawyers with mission statements and funding aimed squarely at eliminating all institutional options quickly (and incorrectly) characterized Olmstead as deinstitutionalization mandate requiring community integration for everyone. While deinstitutionalization proponents had successfully closed many ICF/IID homes by 1999, the time of the Olmstead decision, the decision has only further fueled their efforts in the years that followed. Has the pendulum swung too far? According to Samuel Bagenstos, former Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Obama Justice Departments Civil Rights Division and a key litigator in deinstitutionalization cases, the population of state institutions for I/DD now stands at approximately 16% of its peak. The exits of ICFs/IID from the service landscape created a vacuum that lured nonprofit and for-provider providers into the business of human services. Between 1977 and 2010, the number of residential settings that served people with I/DD increased by remarkable 1,598%, with most of these new settings being small and privately operated. In 2010, non-state agencies served 98.5% of people living in places with 6 or fewer residents. The number of home and community-based services recipients outpaced residents receiving specialized Medicaid licensed ICFs/IID by 676.1%, while the number of people receiving ICFs/IID care decreased by 63%. As early as 1993, then-U.S. Rep. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) pointed to the problems created by an unchecked expansion of providers rushing in to fill a need. Increasingly, millions of Americans with these life-long handicaps are at risk from poor quality of care, questionable and even criminal management practices by service providers, and lackluster monitoring by public health and welfare agencies, wrote Wyden in a March 22, 1993 report in his capacity as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Regulation, Business Opportunities, and Technology of the U.S House Committee on Small Business. In 2000, the American Prospect magazine reported similar problems in its article, Neglect for Sale, which investigated a disturbing trend of large for-profit corporate providers capitalizing on the then-$22 billion (now more than $40.5 billion) in government spending on services for people with disabilities, turning care for individuals with I/DD into a major growth industry. It should not be surprising, Bagenstos wrote, that the coalition of deinstitutionalization advocates and fiscal conservatives largely achieved their goal of closing and downsizing institutions and that deinstitutionalization advocates were less successful in achieving their goal of developing community services. State officials were not keen on investing in the development of adequate community services after being told closing ICFs/IID would save them money, resulting in inadequate funding and compromised care. Bagenstos acknowledges adequate investment in community services, especially due to the cost of quality staffing, will meet or exceed the cost of ICF/IID care. These outcomes are made all the more tragic due to their predictability. The failed deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill should have been an important lesson learned. As events played out, large state institutions [for the mentally ill] were indeed shut down in the 1970s, but the promise of high-quality community-based care collided with the fiscal cutbacks of the 1980s, wrote Eyal Press, author of Neglect for Sale. Homelessness, incarceration and violence raise questions about "whether society's concern for the constitutional rights of people with mental illness has led to their abandonment." Predictable Tragedies as the Price of Progress Even if some license is afforded to hope a hope that history would not repeat itself when deinstitutionalizing individuals with I/DD there is no excuse for continuing down a path that has in its wake repeated, widely-reported, tragedies in small settings for people with I/DD. More than 150 media reports in more than 30 states since 1997 reveal systemic concerns in small settings for people with I/DD, including deaths, abuse, neglect, and financial malfeasance. In November 2011, The New York Times that more than 1,200 people with I/DD in the past decade have died in group homes due to unnatural or unknown causes. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) has called for a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigation to focus on the prevalence of preventable deaths at privately run group homes across this nation and the widespread privatization of our delivery system. Georgia offers a particularly poignant example of the extremes by which success is defined by proponents of forced deinstitutionalization. An October 2012 federal settlement calls for the transition of its I/DD residents from ICFs/IID to community settings. In 2013, the states own reports showed that 10% (40 people) of those transferred to community settings in 2013 had died. Yet, United Cerebral Palsy, a national nonprofit organization, ranked Georgia 4th in the nation for its successful is community inclusion of people with I/DD. Other symptoms of failed deinstitutionalization are less obvious, but no less harmful to people with I/DD. Waiting lists for I/DD services now number nearly 317,000 people, emergency rooms have become de facto urgent care clinics for people with I/DD, and correctional facilities are replacement treatment centers for some individuals who experience both mental illness and developmental disabilities. Conclusion: Why does this continue? The original goal of deinstitutionalization, to provide opportunity to individuals not appropriately institutionalized and rebalance the system, was shared by advocates. We have passed the 50% mark in most states that point of balance when half the Medicaid funding for people with I/DD was spent on HCBS options and half on facility-based (institutional) options. In fact, the United Cerebral Palsy reported that 38 states now meet the 80/80 Community standard, which means that at least 80 percent of all individuals with ID/DD are served in the community and 80 percent of all resources spent on those with ID/DD are for community support. As advocates marched toward balance and in most states exceed it, tragedies followed and seem to be more widespread. These tragedies, which should have been a wakeup call, have done nothing to stem aggressive deinstitutionalization. State-level fiscal conservatives still loathe spending money, yet safely serving people with complex needs requires adequate funding. Proponents for community integration for everyone advocates, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies and providers have a lot at stake, past and present. To change paths now is to admit failure and risk future funding. Lost in this debate is concern for the individual. Person-centered planning, which is held up as the ideal by advocates, nonprofit organizations and government alike, is short-changed by system-change advocacy to eliminate specialized care options for those who need it. Instead, we must figure out ways to meet individual needs versus wholesale approaches to providing care that end up being as bad as or worse than having an institution as the only option. The legal framework is in place to support individualized care and choice. Advocates must set aside efforts to eliminate options of care and work together to expand options. This begins with a commitment to serving each individual; true person-centered planning. About the author: Tamie Hopp is the Director of Government Relations & Advocacy with VOR, a national nonprofit organization advocating for high quality care and human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.vor.net. Willowbrook State School, Wikipedia (July 7, 2014) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willowbrook_State_School) (citing, Staff (September 10, 1965). "Excerpts From Statement by Kennedy". The New York Times. Retrieved September 26, 2010). Id. Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581, 601-602 (1999) Id. at 587 U.S. Department of Justice, http://www.ada.gov/olmstead/ (Olmstead: Community Integration for Everyone) Samuel R. Bagenstos, The Past and Future of Deinstitutionalization Litigation, 34 Cardoza L. Rev. 1, 29 (2012); see also at 7: Since that time, states have closed hundreds of their institutions, and they have downsized others. Note: The decline in the population of psychiatric hospitals for individuals with mental illness is even more dramatic, with current resident populations at just 9% of its highest numbers. Larson, S.A., Ryan, A., Salmi, P., Smith, D., and A. Wuorio (2012). Residential Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Statues and trends through 2010. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community Living, Institute on Community Integration. United States. (1993). Residential programs for the mentally retarded: Out of sight, out of mind?: Poor Quality Care, Waste and Theft of Millions In Public Reimbursement : Dangerously Inadequate Oversight By Federal, State and Local Authorities. Washington, DC: U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Regulation, Business Opportunities, and Technology. Neglect for Sale, The American Prospect (November 30, 2000). Bagenstos, supra at note vi, at 21. Id. at 43; compare, Kevin Walsh, et al, Cost Comparisons of Community and Institutional Residential Settings: Historical Review of Selected Research, Mental Retardation, Vol. 41, No. 2: 103-122 (April 2003)(Findings do not support the unqualified position that community settings are less expensive than are institutions and suggest that staffing issues play a major role in any cost differences that are identified). Id. Behind the yellow door, a mans mental illness worsens, Washington Post (June 28, 2014) at http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/behind-the-yellow-door-a-mans-mental-illness-worsens/2014/06/28/28bdfa9c-fbb5-11e3-b1f4-8e77c632c07b_story.html. Abused and Used: In State Care, 1,200 Deaths and Few Answers, New York Times (November 6, 2011) at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/nyregion/at-state-homes-simple-tasks-and-fatal-results.html Murphy, Christopher S., U.S. Senate. Letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General investigation (March 4, 2013). Transfers of disabled patients still a problem, Georgia Health News (June 23, 2014) at http://www.georgiahealthnews.com/2014/06/problems-developmental-disabilities-program/; see also, Mentally disabled suffer in moves from Georgia institutions, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (June 21, 2014), http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional/leaving-state-hospitals-takes-some-disabled-adults/ngPJZ/; see also Widespread Abuse, Neglect and Death in Small Settings Serving People with Intellectual Disabilities, VOR (revised April 2014), http://vor.net/images/AbuseandNeglect.pdf. The Case for Inclusion 2014, United Cerebral Palsy (February 2014) Id. Id. By Natalie Palumbo I am 18 years old, and a rising senior in high school. I am the younger sister of a 21 year old brother with low verbal autism. Anthony just aged out of special education in June, and is now home full-time with my mother. I just spent a wonderful four weeks away attending precollege at the Ringling College of Art and Design. I want to make visual effects and animation my career and Ringling is my first choice for college. This experience meant the world to me and helped me prepare for my future, which includes caring for Anthony in our later years as brother and sister. As with every experience in my life, Anthonys autism is never far from my mind. During my free time at precollege, I stumbled across an article in which the rap artist 50 Cent used the term autistic to insult a follower of his on Twitter. To add to the degradation, he posted, I don't want no special ed kids on my time line follow some body else. Shortly after that, there was an MSNBC report on the theatre shootings in Aurora, Colorado at the midnight showing of Batman. Joe Scarborough of MSNBC, while discussing the young suburban gunman, stated that, "these people are somewhere, I believe, on the autism scale." Reading these statements made me cringe to think that these influential people reach a large audience, and used their status to further this kind of ignorant chatter. Even though both men publicly apologized, the damage was already done. I have noticed a trend among younger entertainers to use the term autistic as the new R-word. As it has become socially unfashionable to use the term retarded as a negative descriptive, the term autistic seems to be taking its place. I have heard internet personalities refer to someone as autistic when they want to insult their intelligence or mock their behavior. I live in a world where it is close to impossible to get proper help for my brother, and now his condition is being trivialized to being nothing more than a term used to insult. I fear the word autism will become as meaningless as current slang. With the epidemic growing, this is especially troubling to think no one will take it seriously. I face a lifetime of being a caregiver for my brother and therefore social attitudes and trends affect my life. Celebrities have more impact than ever with the 24 hour power of the internet and social media. The trivialization of autism is impacting my generation. I have noticed it in the terminology of my peers. Shocking, thoughtless, and insensitive comments about special needs are masquerading as edgy and bold. I hear commentary that imitates trendy social attitudes, and it feels fake, harsh and irresponsible to me. Witnessing this trend makes me feel isolated. Twice at precollege, I was faced with the choice of holding in my feelings when I heard thoughtless chatter or expressing my concerns and risk ridicule. Both instances occurred during mealtimes when precollege students were expected to bond and socialize. Given that Marvel has grown into becoming a pop-culture phenomenon in the country, Disney India will be launching a television destination for the brand in India. Marvel HQ will be home to all things Marvel and will be the first window to the world of Marvel for the kids in India. The channel is also a fresh new offering to the super-hero action seeking and Marvel fans across the country. The channel aims to transport viewers into the world of epic storytelling told through inspiring characters and will reach out to kids 9+ (boys and girls) introducing them to the world of Marvel and also bring in youth and audiences who are fans of Marvel animation and the movies. The content will include animation series as well as live-action movies. Over the last decade the popularity, affinity has been growing, were now seeing it transcend age groups, cities, geographies. It's a great opportunity to initiate something new with Marvel and its all based on the core Marvel promise of epic storytelling with human spirit. There are over 8,000 characters in the Marvel Universe being created all the time. Marvels legacy is stemmed from comic books, which have historically been everyones first touchpoint into the Marvel Universe. But for India it has been mainly through the movies and the series. Marvel has also been creating a strong connect through the merchandising route, with 35 million+ products sold last year at retail. This is for the first time that a special TV destination has been created for Marvel as it allows everyone to have exposure and access, besides creating a first experience for a user. As Devika Prabhu, Executive Director and Head - Product Media Networks, Disney India, said, Marvel has content over different platforms, but with Disney its all about experience. We wanted to create a curated Marvel experience on TV. It is going to transport viewers into the world of epic storytelling told through inspiring characters. It is multidimensional, high intensity, high octane storytelling. Adgully caught up with Devika Prabhu to know more about the strategy behind launching Marvel branded channel. According to Prabhu, I think with new platforms there are new opportunities for viewers to commit. The thing about Marvel storytelling and why it works in this interconnected world is because it gives new viewers an opportunity to come to the story. I dont believe that everybody has seen everything. I believe that when you watch something curated for you, you enjoy the experience more. Following are excerpts from the interaction: Whats the thought behind launching a separate channel for Marvel? We believe it is time for such a channel. With the Disney channel we have the kids and family angle, with Marvel it gives us the opportunity to tap into the action/ adventure space. Seeing the popularity of Marvel, I think there is a need to have a base and a home front. Usually such launches are done during the holidays or closer to school vacations. Why launch it so close to the exam season? The launch is more about building a base over the next few months, so that by the time the summer vacations begin, the base is already there. The users would have got habituated to the content by then. How challenging will it be to launch amid strong, established players? If there is a market out there that wants this kind of content, then they will find a way to see it. Who is your TG for Marvel HQ? Will it clash with the TG for your other kids channels? The Marvel TG is everybody who loves Marvel. Having a separate platform for Marvel helps us break down the universe and help new viewers understand. That is going to be our endeavour make Marvel HQ the platform to go to for people who love Marvel but dont necessarily know all about it and want to know more. What would be your content strategy for Marvel HQ? We are currently starting off with 40 per cent of the schedule as Marvel content accompanying the launch and as we go forward, we will think of growing that. The thrust will be the summer season. I dont really think viewers look at genres. They look at the story. They dont see a Spiderman live action movie or Spiderman animated series as separate entities. The series will be animated, while the live action will be in the form of movies. The objective is to have a home for all things Marvel. What is unique is the option to shoot in multiple languages, which is not something that a lot of other categories can do. We will simultaneously broadcast in 4 languages English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu so viewers can choose a language of their preference. What would be your marketing strategy for the new platform? We have an extensive multi-media plan. Currently our focus is on creating a base for our viewers as well as a base for Marvel HQ. Are you looking at merchandising options for India? We are looking at consumer engagement activities and will share the details as we go forward. Will you at localisation of the channel at some point or is Marvel at such a level that you dont need to do so? I think right now Marvel is at such a level that it feels local already. If you talk to anybody who has watched any Marvel movie, especially the way it is dubbed and the kind of references that are there, you will realise why it has become so prominent; it is because how we connect with it. The objective of localisation is to connect with the people. Can we look forward to a local super-hero in the Marvel universe? Its a new base; right now we have got 8,000 super-heroes to manage! Marvel characters are spontaneously recalled, and most of them are high in affinity as well. Obviously, the popular ones are those who form the Avengers; everybodys been seeing them for the last 10 years, the most popular ones being Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Spiderman. Spiderman, I think, for the longest time has been the first Marvel super-hero in India and a lot of us grew up with him. What have been the significant viewership trends in the kids genre in 2018? Kids like to be surprised, they like new concepts, they want to see a lot of things that surprise them something unexpected, something to do with todays technology pounded into a wall that they understand, and they are very happy to keep watching what they love. Kids need aspirational characters, someone they want to look up to negative or positive, it doesnt matter. They want someone to emulate, someone to be when they role play. Its all about role play for kids, especially those below the age of 8, where they adopt the persona. Therefore, they need characters that they can connect with. Do you think OTT has become the first screen of choice in single TV homes, where the mobile becomes the platform for viewership? Kids will watch content wherever it is made available to them. So, it really depends on what their dynamics are and where they are. Kids adapt very well, so its unlikely to change. Having said that, television is still the biggest platform of reach in the country. If you want to build something, if you want to reach out to everyone, and linear platforms are your answer. As far as OTT programming for Marvel HQ channel goes, at this point in time we are considering it as a linear platform. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - On Jan. 15, PG&E announced its intention to file for bankruptcy. Action News Now spoke with a lawyer about how this announcement could affect many entities of the company. Current Employees, Retired Employees and Pensions Attorney, Adam Sorrells, said depending on the situation, filing for bankruptcy can be profound. "Employees can lose jobs pensions are generally protected however the pensions the employees in 2001 were protected and the hope is that they'll be protected in this case as well," Sorrells said. Sorrells said people who have pensions with PG&E would be guaranteed a monthly or every two-week benefit for the rest of their life. There could be a limit or an elimination on those, but Sorrells said in his best estimates, the pensions will hopefully be saved. Stockholders and Investors Sorrells said that stockholders and investors will take the brunt of it all. "They may be the people that lose the most other than the consumers that lost their homes and all of our neighbors here in Paradise and Concow that have lost their homes other than those people the investors may lose the most because if PG&E goes bankrupt it can wipe out all the value of the stock," Sorrells said. Sorrells said when a company declares bankruptcy its creditors can file a claim with the bankruptcy court to try and get money back. The bankruptcy court will look at the debts, the liabilities and if there is anything left to pay creditors. Camp Fire Victims Sorrells said that Camp Fire victims could potentially get little to no compensation. "We are worried and it definitely means that people who have already lost so much may be limited, however, PG&E did carry some insurance there's approximately $1.4 billion in insurance that's carried," Sorrells said. "Smart lawyers will be able to put their clients to the front of the line in front of the insurance companies so we are hoping there will still be claims to pursue." Sorrells said previous lawsuits will be frozen until the bankruptcy is finished. If you want to file a new lawsuit, your lawyer will alert the court. The judge will monitor those cases until the bankruptcy case is finished. Until then, lawyers will file those claims as creditor claims. BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - The Butte County Sheriff's Office has issued an evacuation warning for the community of Pulga due to the potential for flooding in the area. The warning goes into effect on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 10 p.m. through Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7 a.m. The sheriff's office advises residents in this area to evacuate to higher ground prior to 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for Butte County, which includes areas impacted by the Camp Fire. This flood watch is in effect beginning Wednesday, Jan. 16, and goes through Thursday, Jan. 17. WILLOW GLEN, Calif. (KPIX) - They may be Silicon Valleys most unusual and pampered tenants: two cats are staying in a casita located behind a single-family home in Willow Glen. Louise and Tina like to lounge around the cat tree. According to landlord David Callisch, they mind themselves, dont complain, and the $1,500/month rent comes on time. Its quirky isnt it? I never planned for this to happen, said Callisch. People love their pets, theyre part of their family, so I wanted to help out my buddy. His buddy is Victoria Amiths father. Amith is a freshman at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, and she couldnt take Louise and Tina with her to the dorms when she started school. Her father lives in the Bay Area, but when his fiances dog and the cats didnt get along, he was looking for a quick solution. He says, Hey, would you mind if Ihow about if I rented your place?' said Callisch. I said, Well, what do you mean? He says, Well, you wouldnt have to deal with people all the time if you rented it, and I could stick the cats there. Im close, I could come visit. I said, Really?' The space comes with a bathroom and shower as well as an Apple TV, but it doesnt have a kitchen. The cats may be getting a good dealrents in Willow Glen for a studio fall just under $2,000/month. Victoria Amith says its a temporary solution until she gets her own place after the school year. Its not in a public space, its in someones backyard, because theres obviously a huge housing issue in the area, and I dont want people to be like, Oh, this is taking away the housing,' Amith told KPIX via Skype. The cats live in an area where the differences between the haves and the have-nots are especially pronounced, and housing prices are sky high. Its difficult because there is so much homelessness and theres so much disparity in incomes in this Valley and its hard, and one person cant solve those problems, said Callisch. The cats have stayed in the studio since July. Callisch feeds the cats everyday and Amith visits when she has breaks from school. NEW YORK, N.Y. - Tuesday, Jan. 15, marks the 10-year anniversary of what is now called the 'Miracle on the Hudson.' Flight 1549 was likely the most famous emergency landing in history. After taking off from LaGuardia Airport with 155 passengers on board, the plane hit a flock of birds and was forced to land in the Hudson River. Denise Lockie and Laura Zych-Mccormick were on board and remember how they felt to this day. "There was a moment where we felt, 'are we actually alive? or is this how it feels afterward?'" Lockie said. While the flight lasted less than five minutes, it has impacted some of the passengers for a lifetime. Today they still meet up. They once were strangers, but now they now consider each other family. "It was really the best thing that ever happened to me that day," said Lori Crane, a passenger of Flight 1549. "It made me realize what's important in life. The empathy, and more awareness of everything going on in the world. I appreciate everything." You can find more interviews with passengers in the video. Celebrity The rich beggar, who is arrested by authorities in Pati, Central Java, says he owns assets worth millions of rupiah. Jan 16, 2019 AceShowbiz - A beggar is often associated with the poor, but it's not the case with Legiman. The 52-year-old man from Pati, Indonesia, who was recently arrested by the Pati District Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), claims that he owns assets worth millions of rupiah. Legiman was arrested on Saturday, January 13 local time during the agency's routine operation against homeless people, beggars and derelicts. The agency stated on its official Instagram account that they found a large sum of money in his pocket at the time of arrest. "We were surprised by this, we counted a total of Rp659,000 that was kept in his pocket," read the post. During the interrogation, Legiman told the authorities that he could get more than that had it not been raining that day. Legiman, indeed, had been caught with more than Rp1 million in his pocket during an arrest one week prior. Legiman also confessed to have a bank account with Rp900 million worth of saving, a house worth of Rp250 million and recently purchased a piece of land worth Rp280 million. His assets were all from his main activity as a beggar who usually operates on busy streets and Simpang Lima city square. The authorities went on reminding the public to refrain from giving money to these types of beggars, referencing to the Regional Decree that punishes beggars and people that hand money to beggars. "You're mistaken to think that beggars come from the poor. He's begging because he's lazy but wants to obtain large sums of money instantly. That is why we urge you to think again before giving them money," they explained. Legiman has since gone viral as a rich beggar. Commenting on the report, Vice-Chairman of Social Affairs Commission VIII Ace Hasan Syadzily called this phenomenon of wealthy beggars "ironic." While admitting that every person has his own fortune, he said, "Searching through food begging so that he has plenty of real estate assets should not have been allowed to pass a lot of wealth." Ace additionally reminded the public to not give money or gifts to "beggars who are still productive, healthy and young, and it is better to turn to those who need creative or credible philanthropic institutions." Legiman has been released by the authorities after a family member picked him up. Despite his boasting about his wealth, the Vice of District Public Order Agency of Central Java said the man could not prove that he owns the assets mentioned above. WENN/Apega Celebrity The daughter of Michael Jackson allegedly decides that she needs to 'take some time off to reboot, realign and prioritize her physical and emotional health' after a busy year. Jan 16, 2019 AceShowbiz - Paris Jackson is seeking professional treatment for her health. It has been reported that the 20-year-old model and actress has checked herself into an undisclosed facility in an effort to improve her "physical and emotional health." According to a source close to the daughter of Michael Jackson, she "decided that she needed to take some time off to reboot, realign and prioritize her physical and emotional health" after "a busy year of work engagements that took her all over the globe." The source added, "She checked herself into a treatment facility to aid in her wellness plan and is looking forward to coming out of this revitalized and ready to tackle the exciting new projects that await her." Should the report be true, it explains why the "Gringo" actress suddenly stopped sharing photos on social media since December. In addition, Paris didn't appear to join her family for a vacation to Tokyo, Japan over the holidays. The movement was certainly raising eyebrows as she is known to be very close to her brothers. Paris has been open about her battle with depression and anxiety in the past. In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, the IMG Model talent revealed that she tried to take her own life multiple times due to his mental health. "It was just self-hatred, low self-esteem, thinking that I couldn't do anything right, not thinking I was worthy of living anymore," she said, explaining that she took 20 Motrin tablets and slashed her wrist. "I was crazy," she added, recalling that time when she was only 13 years old. "I was actually crazy. I was going through a lot of, like teen, angst. And I was also dealing with my depression and my anxiety without any help." Paris eventually attended a residential therapy program after that. Movie Sparks fly between Peter and MJ during their school trip, but Nick Fury 'hijacks' Peter's vacation to ask his help in dealing with elemental creature attacks in Europe. Jan 16, 2019 AceShowbiz - As promised, the first official trailer for "Spider-Man: Far From Home" was finally released online on Tuesday, January 15. Initially debuted at the Comic Con Experience (CCXP) in Brazil last December, the video features scenes that match the trailer description. Having found out about her nephew's superhero alter ego, May (Marisa Tomei) recruits Peter (Tom Holland) for a charitable event. Happy (Jon Favreau) arrives late to bring a donation from Pepper Potts and he appears to be smitten with May. Peter senses this and asks, "What just happened?" Next, Peter prepares for his school trip. He struggles to decide whether or not he should bring his Spider-Man suit. In another scene, Happy appears to urge Peter to embrace his role as a superhero, giving him a hypothetical question, "You're all alone, your friends are in trouble. What are you gonna do about?" Upon arriving in Europe, Peter gets closer with MJ (Zendaya Coleman). But his normal teenager moments are interrupted by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), who "hijacks" his vacation to ask his help in dealing with some elemental beasts which have attacked Europe. Initially reluctant, Peter is later seen wearing his suit which now enables him to fly. He's also seen sporting the new black stealth suit. Nick and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders) are seen shooting bullets to a solid rock form of the Elementals known as Magnum in the comics. The creatures also come in the form of air known as Zephyr which attacks the London bridge, in the Elemental of flame known as Hellfire, and as water called Hydron. Hydron attacks Peter while he's on a bridge in Venice, Italy, and that's when Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) appears as a sort of an ally. He tries to fend off Hydron with his power which looks like Doctor Strange's magic tricks. Marvel also releases another version of the trailer for international audience. It opens with different scenes, showing Peter getting through airport security where the officer opens his suitcase to reveal that Aunt May has packed his Spider-Man suit and he's not allowed to bring banana on the plane. According to the official synopsis, "Peter Parker returns in Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man: Homecoming series! Our friendly neighborhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peters plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent!" "Spider-Man: Far From Home" is still directed by Jon Watts who also served as helmer for "Spider-Man: Homecoming". The superhero pic is set for a July 5, 2019 release in the United States. A&E Network TV A Scientology security worker was murdered by a teenager who allegedly spouted vicious religious hatred and propaganda incited by 'Scientology and the Aftermath'. Jan 16, 2019 AceShowbiz - Leah Remini and her A&E's docuseries "Scientology and the Aftermath" are being blamed for recent murder outside of Scientology headquarters in Sydney, Australia. The church accuses the actress of inciting church murder through the series. The accident, which occurred on January 4, claimed the life of Scientology security worker Chin-Hen Yeh who was originally from Taiwan. Yeh was escorting a female church member to a "purification ceremony" before the woman's 16-year-old son stabbed him in the neck with a large kitchen knife. Yeh was rushed to the hospital though he later died in the emergency room. A 30-year-old man was also left with minor injuries during the incident. The assaillant's name is currently being withheld for legal reasons. He is charged with murder and being held without bail. He is set to appear on the court for a trial on February 19 at Surry Hills Children's Court. According to a letter dated January 11 which was sent to A+E Networks Group president Paul Buccieri, Scientology spokeswoman Karen Pouw claimed that prior to attacking Yeh, the assailant "spouted vicious religious hatred and propaganda, incited by A&E and the Leah Remini/Mike Rinder series." "For years, A&E executives ignored our warnings that the series was inspiring bigotry and violence," Pouw wrote in the letter. "You knew what you were doing. Your intent was to stir up hate and turn it into cash. Now somebody has been murdered." "We warned you. Six hundred threats of violence, caused by your programming, meant nothing to you. Assassination threats against the leader of our religion meant nothing to you," the letter further read. "You put a convicted felon on your show to praise him for vandalizing our Church and threatening to kill the leader of our religion. It didn't matter to you, because it was what you were trying to do. For ratings, for sales, for money." Concluding the letter, Pouw said, "Now, somebody is dead. You paid for the hate that caused his murder. And you profit. Stop your program." While the Church of Scientology has yet to respond on the matter, an A&E spokesman said the network had no response to Pouw's letter. Instagram Celebrity During a visit to 'Watch What Happens Live', the 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star tells host Andy Cohen she would rather be stuck in an elevator with the 'Bad Blood' hitmaker than Drake. Jan 16, 2019 AceShowbiz - Kim Kardashian has insisted she is no longer feuding with Taylor Swift. The reality TV personality and her sisters Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian made an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen on Monday night, January 14, where they discussed a number of topics. At one point the conversation turned to the long-running war of words between Taylor and Kim's rapper husband Kanye West over the inclusion of her name in his 2016 song "Famous", but the star claimed that the fight was now over. "Over it," she deadpanned, adding that she hasn't spoken to the "Bad Blood" hitmaker but felt as if "we've all moved on". Host Andy then asked Kim if she would rather be stuck in an elevator with Taylor or Canadian rapper Drake, with whom Kanye has recent been feuding, and she said she would choose Taylor. Additionally, the 38-year-old commented that she was no longer any "drama" with Lindsay Lohan, after the "Mean Girls" actress wrote that she as "confused" by a picture of Kim sporting "Bo Derek"-inspired braids on Instagram in early 2018, and that Khloe had "squashed" the fight she had with model Amber Rose on Twitter in 2015. Though the three sisters admitted that they have issues with their brother Rob Kardashian's ex-fiancee Blac Chyna because they are "still in a lawsuit" with her, and didn't appreciate Chelsea Handler claiming that the Kardashians were responsible for getting U.S. President Donald Trump elected. "We don't (have that much power) and it's crazy that she would even put that on somebody else," Khloe said of the TV host. Elsewhere in the chat, the sisters confirmed that they were again talking to Caitlyn Jenner, who was married to their mother Kris Jenner before having gender reassignment surgery, and had seen her at a party on Christmas Eve. And Kim confessed that she sometimes texts Khloe's boyfriend Tristan Thompson, even though she publicly criticised him after he allegedly cheated on her 34-year-old sibling shortly before she was due to give birth to their daughter True Thompson last April. "He text me the other day to try to help him get someone out of prison (sic). And I was like, 'Oh you need me now... OK, OK,'" the mother-of-three smiled. Instagram Celebrity The 'Jersey Shore' star sets up a Facebook account prior to checking into prison and will serve his 8-month sentence at Otisville Federal Correctional Institution. Jan 16, 2019 AceShowbiz - "Jersey Shore" star Mike Sorrentino a.k.a. The Situation has begun his eight-month prison sentence for tax evasion. The reality TV star surrendered to authorities and checked into prison on Tuesday afternoon, January 15, according to a representative for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Sorrentino, who will serve his time at Otisville Federal Correctional Institution in upstate New York, has set up a Facebook account so he can keep in touch with fans from behind bars. During a livestream 'event' prior to checking into prison, the newlywed said, "I want to put this behind me and move forward. The comeback is always greater than the setback." He was joined during the livestream by his wife Lauren, who he wed in November (18). Sorrentino was sentenced in October 2018 during an appearance in New Jersey federal court. He had previously pleaded guilty to falsifying business and personal tax returns between 2010 and 2012. In addition to eight months in prison, Sorrentino was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to complete 500 hours of community service. His brother, Marc, was handed a 24-month prison sentence for tax offences. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. A private equity-backed California company has acquired Albuquerque-based Yearout Mechanical, Inc., and its sister firm, Yearout Services LLC. Therma Holdings LLC, a portfolio company of Gemspring Capital in Connecticut, announced the purchase Tuesday in a news release. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Yearout Mechanical and Yearout Services together provide mechanical, fabrication and maintenance services. In an interview with the Journal, Yearout Mechanical President Kevin Yearout said the deal appealed to him because it allowed the companies to maintain their relationship with the union to which their employees belong and created a succession path for existing management to eventually be replaced by new leaders within the firms. The question that always hovered over our succession planning was . . . How do we come up with a whole bunch of money to buy out our existing managers?' said Yearout. This killed two birds with one stone. Yearout said the purchase closed in December and that he will remain in his position for a minimum of five years. He said most operations will appear unchanged to employees and customers, and that employees and their families will continue to have their health care insurance premiums fully covered by the firms. Therma declined to comment beyond the information contained in its press release. In the release, Therma CEO Joe Parsi called Yearout Mechanical an established company with a great reputation with customers and general contractors in the New Mexico market and . . . an excellent fit with Thermas growth strategy. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Gemspring did not respond to a request for comment. The Yearout Mechanical acquisition is the latest in a string of New Mexico investments by private equity-backed firms. In September, Fullsteam Operations LLC, a holding company created by New York-based Aquiline Capital Partners, bought Albuquerque-based software firm Event Rental Systems. In December, Fullsteam acquired ticketing software company HoldMyTicket, also based in Albuquerque. The terms of both transactions were undisclosed. Yearout said its clear the private equity community has begun taking a greater interest in New Mexico businesses after years of activity in neighboring states. Its finally getting to us, he said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. The remote New Mexico Bootheel region has become a hot spot for smugglers moving large groups of Central Americans to the border, according to Border Patrol officials. The latest group of migrants entered the country near the Antelope Wells border crossing and turned themselves in to Border Patrol agents just after midnight Tuesday, the agency reported. The majority of individuals from this group are from Central America, with many in the group immediately claiming the need for medical care, according to a news release from the El Paso Border Patrol sector, which includes all of New Mexico. The 247 migrants taken into custody included parents with small children and unaccompanied juveniles. The vast majority of Central Americans arriving are seeking asylum. A 7-year-old girl from Guatemala who died in Border Patrol custody in December crossed in the same remote area of the Bootheel with her father as part of another group. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Unscrupulous organized smugglers are exploiting the area and the proximity to the border to move large groups of people, the news release says. Migrants are directed where to cross and turn themselves in, with smugglers never having to cross the border themselves and risk apprehension, according to the Border Patrol. Since October, at least 24 large groups of migrants have been trafficked in the Lordsburg area, the agency says. The Border Patrol defines groups of more than 100 as large groups. The Border Patrols El Paso sector, which includes all of New Mexico, has had a spike in the number of parents with children from Central America and unaccompanied minors arriving at the border asking for asylum. Through November, Border Patrol apprehended 11,617 family units and 1,873 unaccompanied children, according to the most recent data available from the agency. People are taking more risk,said Fernando Garcia, director of the Border Network for Human Rights. The organization is among immigrant advocacy groups that say asylum seekers are traveling to remote areas to cross illegally because they are being turned away at official ports of entry. Democratic members of Congress who toured the New Mexico border region after the deaths of the 7-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy from Guatemala in Border Patrol custody expressed the same concern. According to Customs and Border Protection officials, people are not denied the right to ask for asylum but are asked to return later to make a claim because CBP facilities are not designed to hold large numbers of people. Instead, asylum seekers put their names on a waiting list and remain in Mexico until their numbers are called. Garcia said that rather than wait, some migrants are choosing dangerous routes in remote areas and hiring smugglers. The Trump administration policy is not only killing children, but fueling money to criminal organizations at the end of the day, Garcia said. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. Members of the Navajo Nation welcomed a new tribal president in an inaugural ceremony today at the Bee Holdzil Fighting Scouts Events Center here. Hundreds of tribal members watched as Jonathan Nez stood with his wife, Phefelia Herbert-Nez, and their two sons to take the oath of office at noon as administered by Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne. Nez later delivered an inaugural address, which he presented in the Navajo language and in English, that reflected on his journey of ascending to the presidents office and developing his administration. He spoke about the resilience of the Navajo people, as well as about learning life lessons at sheep camp, and following advice from others about pursuing an education and then returning home to improve the community. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Nez commended his supporters for remaining with him when a challenge was made to his candidacy and for believing in his campaign message. You believed it was time for change. Change could be a good word, but it could also be a scary word. I think the Navajo people (are) tired, tired of the same old rhetoric, tired of the same old work that is happening, not just here in Window Rock but across the Navajo Nation, Nez said. He added the people do not need to fear the change his leadership is talking about, but embrace its opportunities, then move forward as a nation. Despite the many challenges we face, our people still have hope. They hope for a better tomorrow for all of us as Dine people, Nez said. When the inaugural ceremony began, Nez and Herbert-Nez led the procession of elected officials. Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer sat with their spouses on stage and were surrounded by members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, the Navajo Board of Election Supervisors, the Navajo Nation Board of Education and the Kayenta Township Commissioners, who were also sworn in today. Notably absent was outgoing President Russell Begaye, whose service concluded at 11:59 a.m. today. Among those sitting in the audience was Charissa Benn, who traveled to the inauguration from Montezuma Creek, Utah. Its something different. New chances, especially for our young kids, Benn said. She explained that she worked in education, and it is important for tribal leaders to advocate for education. While holding a poster of Nez and Lizer, Benn said as a supporter of the two candidates, it was important for her to attend the inauguration. In his welcome address, outgoing council Delegate Tom Chee reminded the incoming leaders that being elected is different from exercising leadership. It takes a different set of spurs to become a leader, Chee said. Members of the new council were introduced one by one after the oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Jayne and Associate Justice Eleanor Shirley. Rick Nez, who will represent six chapters in the Northern Agency on the tribal council, pointed toward the sky after his name was announced. Eugenia Charles-Newton, the new council delegate for the Shiprock Chapter, waved to the crowd after hearing her name. First lady Herbert-Nez, Vice President Lizer and his wife, Dottie Lizer, also delivered inaugural addresses. The inclusion of the first and second ladies represented a change in the event program from the way it has been conducted in the past. Myron Lizer said as a small business owner, he wants his service to help Dine business owners and entrepreneurs who are creating economic development opportunities. Im a strong advocate for buy Navajo, he said adding it is time for the Navajo people to change their mindset and support businesses in tribal communities. Dottie Lizer said her family had never played a role in the realm of politics, but they accepted the calling to help the Navajo people. I believe that president now I can say president, not elect and vice president are capable of delivering that purpose, she said. Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636 or by email at nsmith@daily-times.com. 2019 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. The Office of Navajo Nation Scholarship and Financial Assistance Monday resumed issuing scholarships and financial aid to Navajo students attending school during the winter or spring semester. Late Friday, the scholarship office issued a press release that stated the award process from a $2.5 million grant from the Bureau of Indian Affairs was delayed due to the partial federal government shutdown. The announcement caused concern and worry from students as the scholarship office and tribal personnel addressed the situation. The scholarship office announced Monday afternoon that the Navajo Nation government will advance $2.5 million of its own funds to cover the remaining scholarship and financial aid awards. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Rose Graham, department manager for the scholarship office, said the tribes Office of the Controller will establish a new account for the advanced funding and the amount will return to the tribe when the office receives funding from the BIA. Mindi Schrum, senior director of financial aid for San Juan College, said Monday the college was working with approximately 428 students regarding the funding. Employees became aware of the tribal scholarship situation after an employee from the colleges Native American Center inquired about the funding on Jan. 10, Schrum said. The spring semester started Monday, and most students have other forms of financial aid and scholarships in place to start classes and to purchase items such as books, she said. They were able to start today. Were definitely not going to see any student not get taken care of. This wasnt something that they could predict that was going to happen, Schrum said. The scholarship offices release on Friday explained the office was approved on Dec. 21 to receive approximately $2.5 million from the BIA and Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye signed the contract for the amount on Jan. 8. The signed contract was prepared for submission to the BIA Navajo Region office but due to the federal government shutdown, the regional office is closed and the process for obtaining the amount is at a standstill, the release states. According to the release, there were 9,127 students who submitted applications to the scholarship office for the winter or spring semester. Scholarships and financial aid awards were provided to 1,854 students as of Jan. 11. Funding for those awards were provided by either the tribe, trust accounts, other federal programs or corporate donations, according to the scholarship office. Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636 or by email at nsmith@daily-times.com. 2019 The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) Visit The Daily Times (Farmington, N.M.) at www.daily-times.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE, N.M. Theres a new push to allow medical cannabis on school grounds. Sen. Candace Gould, R-Albuquerque, has pre-filed Senate Bill 204, aiming to allow the medicine in schools and on school buses, and to be administered by staff. Yet the bill allows exclusions for districts that demonstrate they will lose or have lost federal funding from allowing medical cannabis. If passed, students with a treatment plan agreed upon by the schools principal and the students legal guardian and a certification for use of medical cannabis will be allowed to take the drug at school. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Designated school personnel or legal guardians would dispense it, as the bill would prohibit students from self-administering or storing medical cannabis. And administering cant cause disruption to the educational environment or cause other students to be exposed to medical cannabis, the bill says. The approach would be much like that for other drugs at schools. For Albuquerque Public Schools, students can have prescribed or over-the-counter medicines at the school with provider and parental consent, but they have to be stored in a locked medicine cabinet in the health office, according to the districts policy. There are protections for students incorporated into the bill, too, banning discipline or discrimination as a result of students using medical cannabis. Its an issue braided into Lindsay Sledges life, who has been pushing for this law change for years. This bill marks one step closer, she said. The mother of three moved her family to New Mexico from Utah to get her daughter, Paloma, access to cannabis oil the only medicine Sledge has found to be effective for the 5-year-olds severe seizures. But the current statute affected Palomas ability to go to school. Last school year, while the then-preschooler was attending a half-day program, Sledge waited in the parking lot to drive off campus and give her cannabis oil. However, the mom needed to find a long-term solution for Paloma to attend full-day schooling changing the law became that long-term goal. Sledge said its a huge relief to see the bill filed. If it does pass, its going to be a huge precedent for other states also dealing with this issue, she told the Journal. Sledge said she was very involved with Gould to craft the proposal, adding that she studied a similar piece of legislation in Colorado as a frame of reference. Goulds filing comes after Sledge and Tisha Brick, another New Mexico mother who is fighting for medical cannabis oil on school grounds, shared their stories with the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee in October, chronicling their battles to send kids to school under current state law, which prohibits the medical cannabis on school grounds. Bricks 11-year-old son, Anthony, uses cannabis oil for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and a type of schizophrenia. Sledge plans to speak to legislators during this years session, which started Tuesday, to share her story once again and advocate for the bill. The proposed legislation would allow a district to be exempt if it could prove that it could lose or has lost federal funding as a result of allowing medical cannabis in school settings. Palomas mother says she is optimistic APS wont push back if the bill passes. Im hopeful APS will implement this if it gets passed, because they would be setting the standard for every other district in the state, she said. If the law is changed, Im hopeful it will be an easy transition. APS Board of Education President David Peercy said the board will have to take a stance in the future if the bill passes. We have not discussed this bill or the issue in general, so there is no board position at this time. Our government relations staff will keep us informed on this bill, as well as all education-related bills. As this bill progresses, the board and administration may decide to take a position, he wrote in an email to the Journal. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Two days before the first Womens March on a frosty January morning in 2017, I worried that the whole thing was about to implode because of squabbling over a decision made by the national leaders. At issue was a Womans March-approved list of revolutionary women, trailblazers who had broken the ground on which other women now intended to march ever closer to equality, freedom and opportunity. The list included luminaries such as Gloria Steinem, Harriet Tubman, Dolores Huerta and Malala Yousafzai. Notably, one name was missing: Hillary Clinton. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The stinging exclusion sent shock waves among those who had watched Clinton come so close to becoming the first female U.S. president. Thankfully, the uproar over the list was not enough to bring down the march, which became the largest single-day demonstration in U.S. history, with at least 4.2 million people marching not only in Washington, D.C., but in more than 600 cities across the country including Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Deming, Fort Sumner and Santa Fe. If you were at one of those marches, you know what it felt like to be buoyed in a sea of pink hats, power and promise of better days ahead. Seeing women all over the world walking in solidarity and sisterhood was uplifting, inspiring, empowering. Many of the women who marched had never contemplated being a part of any political cause. But even after the pink hats and sneakers were put away, many of those women kept on going. They ran for office, worked on campaigns, joined activist groups, showed up at their political leaders town halls and offices, voted. When January 2018 rolled around, women and men marched again. This time, the Womens March was proactive rather than reactive, centered on the theme of Power to the Polls in advance of the midterm elections. So here we are, days away from the third Womens March Saturday in most cities, Sunday in Albuquerque because the date conflicted with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and March. This years theme is Womens Wave, a celebration of the record number of women who won elections across the United States. In New Mexico, women now hold the office of governor, two of three U.S. representative seats and 31 of the 70-seat state House. We are celebrating these women who are making history, said Samia Assed, chairwoman of New Mexico Womens March. But the march this year is also to keep the momentum. Weve started to move the needle forward but so much work needs to be addressed. The Albuquerque march will feature guest speakers Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Rep. Deb Haaland, Albuquerque first lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller and poets Jessica Helen Lopez and Sarita Sol Gonzalez, among others. But once again, controversy on a national level has arisen, with calls for the four national chairwomen Bob Bland, Tamika Mallory, Linda Sarsour and Carmen Perez to resign over concerns that they have steered the movement away from its original course of empowerment and inclusion and have aligned themselves with anti-Semitism and homophobic interests, particularly through their interaction with Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. The women have denounced the allegations, saying they stand against bigotry and discrimination in all forms but acknowledge they should have responded sooner before the media storm hit and feelings were hurt. Trying to dismantle oppression, while working within systems of oppression, is hard, they said. Fallout has been brutal. Several marches, including in Chicago and New Orleans, have been canceled. Sponsors, including the Democratic National Committee, have walked away. Some marches have distanced themselves from the national organization or joined up with March On, formed by a former Womens March leader. Locally, Assed said she is troubled by the turmoil but stands in solidarity with the beleaguered chairwomen, calling some of the media coverage overblown and an attempt by those who do not want change to cripple the movement. We know we have different views and ideas, but in coming together we find the humanity, she said. That is the key. Despite its imperfections, the Womens March is transformative. It already has been. If we step back, we risk losing so much. I believe we will get through this stronger than ever. Revolution is messy. Solidarity is not always solid. Suffragettes, civil rights leaders, even our Founding Fathers knew that. Assed acknowledges that this Sundays march will likely not be as large as the first one. But the Womens March still has miles to go. 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. Womens Marches in NM Albuquerque: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Civic Plaza. Official march route will be posted later this week.Santa Fe: 11 a.m. Saturday, starts on the east side of Capitol Building to Old Santa Fe Trail to Plaza. Fort Sumner: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dallas Park. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... Copyright 2019 Albuquerque Journal A longtime foster parent accused of sexually abusing six children under his care over a six-year period has been indicted on 13 felony charges, according to court documents. Clarence Garcia, who was indicted Jan. 4, remains out of custody after a detention hearing scheduled for Tuesday was pushed back until next month. Garcia was at the center of an investigation by the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department last year after the agency discovered girls were being placed with Garcia, even though he had repeatedly been accused of sexual abuse and misconduct spanning nearly two decades. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ The Jan. 4 indictment deals with incidents involving six alleged victims from 2012 to 2018. It alleges four of the girls were under 13 at the time of the abuse and two were 13 to 18 years old. He is charged with multiple counts of rape and criminal sexual contact of a minor. Prosecutors have filed a motion asking a judge to detain the 60-year-old Garcia until his trial, but a hearing Tuesday on that request was rescheduled for early next month to allow the defense more time to review the extensive evidence in the case. The defendant has shown (he is) a danger by repeatedly sexually abusing some of the most vulnerable members of our community, prosecutor Rebekah Reyes wrote in a motion for pretrial detention. The defendant was being supervised by CYFD and continued to be allowed to care for young children. Despite supervision, the defendant repeatedly engaged in sexually abusive conduct against minors. According to his conditions of release, Garcia cannot have contact with minors and cannot discuss the case with his wife, who is a witness. The CYFD investigation eventually led the agency to revoke the license of Familyworks Inc., a not-for-profit that placed high-risk children into specialized foster homes. According to a search warrant, Garcia and his wife had contracted with the company to provide care since 1997. The July search warrant filed in 2nd Judicial District Court pointed out that there had been claims of sexual abuse involving several children, ages 6 to 16, who had been placed in his home by Familyworks. Investigators said CYFD noted consistent separate disclosures of food being used as a coercive tool from Clarence against the girls so he would be allowed to molest and penetrate them. But Christopher Dodd, who is representing Garcia, said Tuesday that his client is an innocent, law-abiding man and that some of the children involved in the case made disclosures only after repeated contacts from law enforcement. Having looked at the police reports thus far, it looks like many of the accusers initially made statements that there was no sexual contact, Dodd said. And we are very concerned about that fact. Dodd said one report he received indicates an accuser recanted and told police that she lied because she was upset because she wasnt given her allowance. Garcia, along with Familyworks and CYFD, is named in a civil suit filed by the mother of a foster child who says she was raped repeatedly for more than a year while in his custody. Dodd said he also finds the lawsuit concerning. Before any charges are brought against my client, the state gets sued, Dodd said. And I think that raises a lot of questions for me. Several allegations had been reported to CYFD, but a preliminary review by the department found its workers had followed policies and procedures in their prior investigations. Then-CYFD Secretary Monique Jacobson has said department officials were waiting until the criminal case is completed before doing a more thorough critical review. However, the lawsuit alleges negligence by both CYFD and Familyworks for failing to prevent or stop the abuse, as well as assault and battery by Garcia. CYFD seems to be outsourcing its responsibility to the detriment of kids, said attorney Kate Ferlic, who filed the lawsuit. I think that they have a moral imperative to participate in the selection and certification of foster parents and take seriously complaints of sexual abuse. Journal reporter Elise Kaplan contributed to this report. .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... SANTA FE Joseph Fammartino, 68, who was seriously injured when a Santa Fe city government snowplow struck him and his wife Toni Fammartino Friday evening, has been released from University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque, according to a friend. Sylvia Sims, ministry coordinator at Christ Church Santa Fe, where the Fammartinos are active members, also said broken bones around the right eye of Joseph Fammartino, a retired ophthalmologist, are expected to heal and that it appears that he will not lose sight in that eye, a possibility raised in a police report of the accident that took place at Galisteo Street and Paseo de Peralta. Toni Fammartino, also 68, the chorale leader at Christ Church, also had injuries, including a head wound. A Santa Fe police spokesman said earlier this week that snowplow driver Billy Kavanaugh may face a careless driving charge but not a charge for leaving the scene of the accident because he was adamant he did not know he struck anyone. Kavanaugh was making a left turn onto Paseo de Peralta from Galisteo when he struck the two pedestrians about 6 p.m. as they were crossing Paseo in a crosswalk and then drove away. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps pick to become the next attorney general said Tuesday that he would not go after marijuana companies in states where cannabis is legal, even though he personally believes the drug should be outlawed. In his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, William Barr said he would not use limited government resources to target cannabis businesses that are complying with state laws. Businesses in the marijuana industry relied on Obama-era guidance that kept federal authorities from cracking down on the pot trade in states where the drug is legal, but those guidelines were rescinded by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions last year. Pointing to the growing marijuana industry and investments in cannabis companies, Barr said he didnt want to upset settled expectations. To the extent that people are complying with the state laws, distribution and production and so forth, were not going to go after that, Barr said. Despite his affirmation that he would not target cannabis businesses, Barr said he would personally support a federal law that prohibits marijuana everywhere. The largely hands-off approach to marijuana enforcement set forth during former President Barack Obamas administration allowed the marijuana industry to flourish into a sophisticated, multimillion-dollar market that helps fund some state government programs. Days after Californias broad marijuana legalization went into effect, Sessions rescinded the Justice Departments guidance known as the Cole Memo and decried it as allowing a safe harbor for marijuana by allowing states to flout federal law. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ Since the guidance was rescinded, there has been concern about the future of the growing cannabis industry. Despite medical and so-called recreational cannabis legalization in dozens of states, federal law prohibits the possession and sale of marijuana. But Barr said the current system is untenable and almost like a backdoor nullification of federal law. He called for members of Congress to come up with a way to handle marijuana enforcement across the U.S. I think its incumbent on the Congress to make a decision as to whether we are going to have a federal system, he said. Because this is breeding disrespect for the federal law. ___ Michael Balsamo is a member of APs marijuana beat team. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 . Find complete AP marijuana coverage here: www.apnews.com/tag/LegalMarijuana .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... TIJUANA, Mexico The migrant caravan that was seized upon by U.S. President Donald Trump in the run-up to the 2018 midterm election has quietly dwindled, with many having gone home to Central America or put down roots in Mexico. Despite the hard-line immigration rhetoric by the Trump administration, however, many others nearly half, according to U.S. Border Patrol arrest records have sought to enter the U.S. illegally. About 6,000 Central Americans reached Tijuana in November amid conflict on both sides of the border over their presence in this Mexican city across from San Diego. ADVERTISEMENTSkip ................................................................ As of Monday, fewer than 700 migrants remained at a former outdoor concert venue in Tijuana that the Mexican government set up as a shelter to house the immigrants. Where have they all gone? The U.S. Border Patrol has made about 2,600 caravan-related arrests in its San Diego sector, said spokesman Theron Francisco, indicating that nearly half have crossed into the U.S. illegally. Families are typically released with a notice to appear in immigration court. Mexican officials say about 1,300 caravan members have returned to Central America. Mexico has issued humanitarian visas to about 2,900 others, many of whom are now working legally there with visas. Francis Lopez is among the migrants who have stayed in Mexico. The 26-year-old former clothing factory worker said he and his wife made a snap decision to leave their home in the Honduran city of San Pedro Sula when the caravan left in October. He had hoped to join a relative in Florida but is having second thoughts about seeking asylum after an American attorney told him he had a weak case and may be detained until a judge orders him deported. Its a loss of time, a loss of time that you can never recover, Lopez said. Javier Diaz of El Salvador, who is working as a taxi driver in Tijuana on a visa, said the caravan offered strength in numbers enough safety to avoid paying a smuggler at least $8,000 to reach the United States. Diaz, a 44-year-old former construction worker who fled for economic reasons and to escape violence, said he had hoped to reach the United States to make enough money to support his wife and five children in El Salvador but Mexico was better than going home. If Mexico deports me today, I will be in Mexico again tomorrow, Diaz said Monday amid sporadic rain at the shelter. If I can go to the United States, better. The diminished presence of the migrants in Tijuana came as hundreds of Hondurans left the violent city of San Pedro Sula this week in a new caravan hoping to reach the United States or Mexico. That group crossed peacefully into Guatemala on Tuesday, under the watchful eyes of about 200 Guatemalan police and soldiers. About 500 Honduran migrants, including dozens of children, lined up to show their documents to a first line of unarmed security personnel at the Agua Caliente border crossing. Riot police waited in a second line to contain any possible disturbance. News of this latest trek north came as Trump has been working to convince the American public that there is a crisis at the southern border to justify construction of his long-promised border wall. Trumps demand for billions of dollars to build the wall has resulted in a standoff with Congress that has forced a partial government shutdown. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras. Tell Nancy and Chuck that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work, Trump tweeted Tuesday, referring to Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority leader Chuck Schumer. Caravans have taken place over the years though on a smaller scale, organized to draw attention to migrants rights and usually not reaching the border. The ones that formed last year gained attention for their larger numbers and after Trump began seizing on them for political purposes. In the lead-up to last falls elections, Trump frequently referenced the caravans, warning that they posed a national security risk and deploying active-duty troops to the border in anticipation of their arrival. Opponents criticized the move as an abuse of presidential power. The latest caravan began Monday night with many women and children boarding buses bound for the Guatemalan border. Others started walking and hitchhiking under a steady rain. More followed Tuesday morning trying to catch up. Some pushed toddlers in strollers or walked holding older childrens hands. Honduran media said the countrys authorities had reinforced the border with Guatemala to make sure everyone had proper documents. Children must carry passports and written parental authorization to leave the country, and parents could face up to three years in prison if found to be taking a child without the right documents, Security Minister Julian Pacheco was quoted as saying. Migrants fleeing Central Americas Northern Triangle region comprising Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala routinely cite poverty and rampant gang violence as their motivation for leaving. Bartolo Fuentes, a migrant advocate accompanying the new caravan, said Tuesday that migration from Honduras will not stop until those chronic problems are resolved. People leave every day, he said. Every day 300, 400 people go. The caravan has been like a constant river of people to Mexico, to the United States. Among them is Honduran Angel Eduardo Cubas, who now sits in limbo in Tijuana, hoping to find work in Mexico. The former school security guard left his family behind, hoping to reach Florida for a job that would allow him to send money home. To others embarking on the journey, his advice was to keep the faith and dont lose heart. Cubas said he could tell others that the trip isnt worth it, because it hasnt turned out well for him, but they would come anyway. We dont all have the same luck, he said. Its gone badly for me, but I met others along the way who are already (in the U.S.) and had better luck. ___ Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat reported this story in Tijuana and AP writer Delmer Martinez reported from San Pedro Sula, Honduras. APress writers Christopher Sherman and Maria Verza in Mexico City and Jill Colvin in Washington contributed to this report. Rich Lowry National Review The FBI took it upon itself to determine whether the president of the United States is a threat to national security. No one had ever before thought that this was an appropriate role for the FBI, a subordinate agency in the executive branch, but Donald Trump isnt the only one in Washington trampling norms. The New York Times reported the astonishing news. Counterintelligence investigators, the paper writes, had to consider whether the presidents own actions constituted a possible threat to national security. U.S. presidents over the decades have made many foolhardy decisions that have undermined our security; never before have they been deemed a fit subject for an FBI investigation. The proximate cause for the probe into Trump was his firing of FBI Director James Comey, which the FBI considered both a potential crime and a national security matter because it might shut down the investigation into Russian efforts to influence the 2016 election. Even if they were shocked by the treatment of Comey, top FBI officials should have been able to quickly ascertain that the Russia investigation continued unimpeded indeed, it is still ongoing today. If the Times reporting is correct, the FBI grew more suspicious of Trumps conduct based on comments that have been widely misunderstood. Among the bill of particulars: During the campaign, he urged the Russians to hack Hillary Clintons email. Trump clearly meant this line sardonically, though. The GOP platform allegedly was softened toward Russia. Never mind that, as Byron York of the Washington Examiner has demonstrated, this didnt actually happen. And in his Lester Holt interview after the Comey firing, Trump said that this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story. The president added, its worth noting, that he knew firing Comey probably extended the investigation rather than shortened it. More legitimately, agents were disturbed by Trumps continual praise for Vladimir Putin. These comments were blameworthy, but not a federal offense. The Times implies that foreign policy played into the FBI internal debate whether to investigate Trump. Many involved in the case, the paper reports, viewed Russia as the chief threat to American democratic values. That is an entirely defensible and perhaps correct view (China is the other candidate for the dubious distinction). But there is no warrant for the FBI letting it influence the momentous decision whether to investigate a president of the United States. As part of the executive branch, the FBI should brush up on the powers of the chief executive. The president gets to fire subordinate executive branch officials. He gets to meet with and talk to foreign leaders. He gets to make policy toward foreign nations. Especially important to the current investigation, he gets to say foolish, ill-informed and destructive things. If the president wants to tilt toward Russia (not that Trump really has, except in his words), he can. If he wants to butter up Chinas dictatorial president during high-stakes trade negotiations, he can. If he wants to announce a precipitous withdrawal from Syria and make it slightly less precipitous in a fog of confusion, he can. And the FBI should have nothing to say about it. The Times story is another sign that we have forgotten the role of our respective branches of government. It is Congress that exists to check and investigate the president, not the FBI. Congress can inveigh against his foreign policy and constrain his options. It can build a case for not re-electing him and perhaps impeach him. These are all actions to be undertaken out in the open by politically accountable players, so the public can make informed judgments about them. Perhaps the Times report is exaggerated, or the FBI has serious evidence of a criminally corrupt quid pro quo between Trump and Moscow that theres no public indication of yet. Otherwise, the Times story is a damning account of an offense against our political order, and not by Donald Trump. We all either have or know someone who has student loan debt and is concerned about how they are going to pay it off. Montana legislators are taking up a bill that could require Universities to educate students about how to take out loans responsibly. The Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee will begin discussing this bill. It would require students to attend a student loan education workshop if they are borrowing money for the first time to pay for college. Keith Regier, a Republican legislator from Kalispell, wrote this act. He says he hopes it would empower students applying for a loan for the first time to understand the consequences of going into debt. The financial literacy class hes proposing would include detailed information on monthly payments and interest, to rate of employment, average starting salary and strategies for avoiding defaulting. The bill would require Universities that include federal student loans to be prepared to offer loan education to the students. ARLINGTON, Va. The various mission modules for the three mission packages designed for the Navys littoral combat ship (LCS) are progressing through their testing milestones toward their initial operational capability (IOC), a Navy official said. This is really a good time to be in mission modules, Capt. Ted Zobel, the Navys mission module program manager, said Jan. 15 at the Surface Navy Association annual symposium, noting that two years ago progress was less impressive. Zobel is in charge of development of mission modules for three mission packages currently in development for the LCS: Surface Warfare (SUW) Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Countermeasures (MCM). He said that the Surface-to-Surface Mission Module of the SUW package a launcher that fires the Hellfire Longbow missile has completed developmental test on USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) and USS Detroit (LCS 7) and is in operational test on Detroit. A total of 55 missiles have been fired to date with a greater than 91 percent hit rate. He showed a video of the missiles being fired from an LCS and successfully destroying a swarm of six high-speed targets. Zobel said the Hellfire missiles countered the targets that were pretty representative of an attack by FIAC (fast inshore attack craft). The SSMM will reach IOC in the second quarter of 2019 on USS Jackson (LCS 6). The preproduction test article of the ASW packages Variable-Depth Sonar (VDS), delivered from Raytheon in November, is going through testing on board a ship at the Atlantic Underwater Test and Evaluation Test Center at Andros Island in the Bahamas. The VDS is scheduled for installation on USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) during the third quarter of 2019, with developmental test scheduled for August or September. Zobel said the VDS should be able to [reach] IOC in 2020. With the COBRA (DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis) sensor reaching IOC last year, all three aviation mission modules of the MCM mission package are certified to deploy on an Independence-variant LCS. During fiscal 2019, the MCM package will be integrated on a Freedom-variant LCS, Fort Worth. Zobel said the Knifefish MCM autonomous underwater vehicle went through integration testing on an Independence-variant LCS in December. The UISS (Unmanned Influence Sweeping System) was in its last week of integration testing and is on track for developmental test and operational test by 2021. The full MCM package is slated to reach IOC in 2022. En espanol | For years, Andrew Iwach, executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, has been trying to convince patients to kick their smoking habit. Words like emphysema and lung cancer werent always successful. But when people learned that puffing could increase their risk of glaucoma, well, that was a different story. Ive helped more patients quit smoking by letting them know smoking affects vision loss, says Iwach, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Little wonder. As far as illnesses go, a diagnosis of glaucoma can be particularly devastating. The disease is sneaky: It develops slowly, often without warning, and can lead to irreversible blindness if its not treated in time. Glaucoma is caused by fluid building up in the front part of your eye, increasing pressure and damaging the optic nerve a kind of electric cable that sends visual information from the eyeball to the brain. More than 2.7 million Americans over 40 have glaucoma, but only half are aware of it, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The disease is one of the worlds leading cause of blindness. Particularly at risk: People over the age of 40. The Glaucoma Research Foundation reports that youre six times more likely to get glaucoma if youre over 60. Also more vulnerable than average are those with a family history of the disease, African Americans, Hispanics, people with diabetes and smokers. Survey Methods and Outcomes The researchers used survey data from the Rhode Island Department of Health to conduct their analysis. Since 2009, the health department has surveyed practicing physicians about health IT use and the effect of technology on workflow, patient care and job satisfaction. In 2017, the department updated its survey to include questions about health IT-related stress, specifically focusing on stress related to EHR use. The survey was sent to nearly 4,200 physicians with active Rhode Island licenses; resident and fellow physicians were excluded. A variety of demographic and practice data were obtained, including the respondent's age, gender, specialty type, practice setting and size, whether they provide primary care, whether they use an EHR, and whether they use a medical scribe. The main study outcome was the prevalence of self-reported burnout, which was tracked using a single question that rated burnout symptoms on a five-point scale. The researchers also tracked health IT-related stress, which was defined by reporting one or more of the following measures: having insufficient time for documentation while at work, spending moderately high or excessive amounts of time on the EHR while at home, and agreeing with the statement that EHRs add to the frustration of one's day. Respondents who used an EHR answered additional questions, such as whether they had remote access to the EHR (and if so, whether they used it remotely), and under what circumstances they used the EHR most often. Study Findings Almost 43 percent of the physicians (1,792) returned the survey. Of those, nearly 26 percent reported one or more symptoms of burnout. Overall, family physicians reported a higher prevalence of burnout than physicians in any other specialty, with 35.7 percent of FPs experiencing at least one burnout symptom. Similar rates were reported by dermatologists (34.6 percent) and hospitalists (30.8 percent), while anesthesiologists had the lowest prevalence (14.3 percent). Burnout prevalence also was considerably higher among physicians who used EHRs, with 27.2 percent of that group reporting one or more burnout symptoms, compared with 13.6 percent of physicians who did not use an EHR. More than 91 percent of respondents reported using an EHR. Of those, nearly 70 percent reported at least one measure of health IT-related stress. Family physicians had the third-highest prevalence of health IT-related stress (83.2 percent), just behind orthopedic surgery and general internal medicine. Although EHRs made some parts of a physician's job easier, the negatives often outweighed the positives. More than three-quarters of physicians who used EHRs said they improve the billing process, and more than 69 percent thought EHRs improve communication among physicians and staff. But only about half of physicians thought EHRs improved patient care or clinical workflow, and less than 30 percent reported that they improve job satisfaction. In fact, aggravation with EHRs was the most commonly cited stress measure across almost every specialty, with more than 64 percent of physicians who used EHRs agreeing or strongly agreeing that they add to one's daily frustration level. More than 46 percent reported having insufficient time for documentation, and nearly 40 percent spent moderately high or excessive time on EHRs at home. Of the respondents who reported being primary care physicians, more than one-third stated that they experienced all three health IT stress measures. The highest percentage was found in internists (39.5 percent), followed closely by family physicians (37.0 percent) and pediatricians (33.6 percent). In contrast, less than 10 percent of anesthesiologists, radiologists and hospitalists reported experiencing all three stress measures. Based on the wide discrepancy among specialties, principal study author Rebekah Gardner, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at Brown University's Warren Alpert Medical School in Providence, advised that taking a one-size-fits-all approach to addressing physician burnout isn't the best way to go. "To me, it's a signal to health care organizations that if they're going to fix burnout, one solution is not going to work for all physicians in their organization," Gardner said in a press release.(news.brown.edu) "They need to look at the physicians by specialty and make sure that if they are looking for a technology-related solution, then that's really the problem in their group." Clear Links Between Stress and Burnout Regardless of specialty, the researchers found that after adjusting for demographics and other variables, there were clear associations between burnout and each of the health IT-related stress measures. Specifically, they found that physicians who reported not having enough time for EHR documentation were 2.81 times more likely to show symptoms of burnout than those who reported having sufficient time; physicians who spent moderately high or excessive amounts of time on their EHR at home were 1.93 times more likely to show burnout symptoms than those who spent minimal or no time on the EHR at home; and physicians who agreed that EHRs add to the frustration of the day were 2.44 times more likely to show burnout symptoms than those who disagreed. The authors gave several reasons why insufficient documentation time may contribute to burnout, especially among family physicians. First, spending time working on an EHR "poses a direct challenge to connecting with patients," which is "one of the more sustaining aspects of primary care practice." The authors also noted that because documentation time typically is not reimbursed, this task "may contribute to physicians' frustration, particularly if, as our study shows, a majority of physicians feel that EHRs do not improve patient care." The researchers recommended that health care organizations "regularly and systematically measure health IT-related stress and burnout" among their workers, and that analyses should be broken down by specialty. They also encouraged organizations to interview individual physicians who report low stress and burnout levels to help identify what works well for them and how that could be applied to physicians who are experiencing high stress and burnout levels. "Given the toll of burnout on clinicians, patients and the health care system, measuring and addressing health IT-related stress is an important step in reducing workforce burden and improving the care of our patients," they concluded. AAFP's Medical Informatics Expert's Take Family physician Steven Waldren, M.D., M.S., an AAFP vice president and the Academy's chief medical informatics officer, told AAFP News that he was not surprised at the level of stress associated with EHR use. "Unfortunately, this study is in line with several other studies on this topic," he said. Waldren attributed the high levels of stress and burnout reported by family physicians to a number of factors. "The diversity of patient types and issues that FPs treat, along with the complexity of their patients with multiple chronic diseases, compound the shortcomings of current EHRs," Waldren said. He also noted that some family physicians may be required financially to see high numbers of patients, which could cause additional stress. Waldren said the Academy is well aware that family physicians are dissatisfied with EHRs and struggle with the amount of time involved in documentation. The AAFP is actively taking steps to solve those problems. "The AAFP has advocated and continues to advocate for improved usability of EHRs and for reduction of the administrative burden evoked by regulations that are contributing to FP frustration and burnout," Waldren said. He cited the Academy's approval of an informatics project in October 2018 as part of the AAFP's ongoing efforts to drive innovation and make health IT work for family physicians. He also pointed to several other projects the Academy will be pursuing in 2019 that are designed to reduce administrative burden and improve EHR interoperability and that will allow family physicians to spend more time seeing and caring for patients. Once just a divide between downtown and East Oakland, the Lake Merrittadjacent Grand Lake neighborhood is now a destination-worthy cultural hub thanks to the lake's $122 million renovation. With a booming restaurant scene, historic theater, and one heck of a beautified lagoon, you'll come for the nature but end up staying for the food. Here's everything to do in Oakland's Grand Lake 'hood. Where to Eat in Oakland's Grand Lake Score half-off small plates during Shakewell's happy hour. (Facebook) Sit-Down Restaurants Best brunch in town: Try your best to pick between authentic chilaquiles with pickled red onions and black beans or the savory French toast (or both!) dipped in a porcini batter and pair it with the fried donuts and a side of people-watching from the cozy front patio of Grand Lake Kitchen (576 Grand Ave.). // Two Top Chef alums serve up boldly spiced tapaslike fried stuffed olives, grilled calamari, and jamon croquetasfrom a wood-burning oven at Shakewell (3407 Lakeshore Ave.), their Lakeshore Avenue restaurant. While it can be tempting to fill up on small bites, consider saving room for one of the sizeable bombas, a wood-fired paella that gets a delightfully crispy crust from its time in the oven. On Tuesdays, the restaurant hosts family-style fried-chicken dinners, which you can pair with a pitcher of beer or sangria. // Sister restaurants Boot & Shoe Service (3308 Grand Ave.) and Penrose (3311 Grand Ave.) sit conveniently across the street from each other, doubling your chances to snack on their famous wood-fired flatbread and sip a well-balanced cocktail. // It'll feel a little bit like you're dining at a friend's cozy house (in the best way possible) at The Grand Tavern (3601 Grand Ave.), which occupies an old reverted home on Grand Avenue. Vegetarians and gluten-free diners will even find something to love on the menu, which clearly marks dishes appropriate for visitors with dining restrictions. Favorites range from the social skins chipsserved with jalapeno chutney, garlic aioli, and ketchup for dippingto slow-cooked butternut squash to gluten-free fish and chips. // Grand Lake newcomer Bardo Lounge and Supper Club (3342 Lakeshore Ave.) made quite a splash when it opened in early October with mid-century decor, a 1960s-inspired cocktail menu, and reinvented small bites from classic cookbooks in the downstairs lounge and a prix fixe menu in the upstairs mezzanine. Reservations are required for the multi-course prix fixe meal, but curious visitors can experience the dinner party vibe in the lounge and bar anytime by snacking on pork belly pot pie, deviled duck eggs, or broccolini casserole washed down with a Papa Bear or California Drifter cocktail. // Get your deep-dish Chicago-style pizza fix at the Oakland outpost of San Francisco pizza joint The Star on Grand (3425 Grand Ave.), and enjoy the cornmeal-crusted pies in surprisingly airy digs alongside a glass of wine or artisanal cocktail. // It's definitely not the newest or sexiest restaurant on the block, but Grand Avenue stalwart Ikaros (3268 Grand Ave.) delivers with authentic Greek dishes ideal for sharing over a bottle of Greek wine or beer, live Greek music on Tuesdays, and brunch with ayou guessed itGreek spin. // While probably best-known for being one of the few spots in Oakland you can still score unlimited mimosas during brunch, Cana Oakland (530 Lake Park Ave.) manages to blur the line between Cuban restaurant and party spot, serving a solid lineup of tostones, ropa vieja, and cubanos to contend with its bustling bar scene (featuring a sugarcane press) and weekend dance floor. // Lin Jia Kitchen (3437 Lakeshore Ave.) features Asian fusion food in light and airy space. Don't skip the Korean fried chicken, Cantonese noodles, or lunch specials. // New-ish pub and grill Aisle 5 (3320 Grand Ave.) filled Grand Lake's need for a laid-back hang for catching a game and some grub, with an open and inviting space, wood-fired pizzas house-made from scratch daily, multiple flat-screen TVs, and craft beer available from 20 taps by the pint or jumbo flight. // At this second location of San Francisco's Proposition Chicken (3260 Lakeshore Ave.), expect comfort-food favorites such as fried or rotisserie-style chicken, biscuits, and barbecue tofu, plus healthier sides ranging from Brussels sprouts to house-made bone broth. The Best Bars in Oakland's Grand Lake Neighborhood Natural wines line the shelves at Ordinaire. (Photo by Terri Loewenthal) The Cat House (3255 Lakeshore Ave.) feels like an upscale escape into a different decade, with art deco wallpaper, tufted velvet furniture, and a dog-friendly back patio that entices you to sprawl out in the sun. BYO food to pair with a mezcal-forward E&E or bourbon-based Coal Miner's Daughter from the cocktail menu, or tell the friendly bartenders what you like and they can whip up something to suit your taste buds. // At The Libertine (3332 Grand Ave.), you can find a surprising number of "Ds" (get your mind out of the gutter): drinks, a dance-party atmosphere, DJs, andmost surprisingly, a dill pickle in a shot glass. // Natural wine bar and shop Ordinaire (3354 Grand Ave.) pours vino crafted using organic farming methods and fermented naturally, meaning you'll get a buzz you can feel good about. The welcoming staff is more than happy to answer questions or offer recommendations for natural-wine neophytes. Swing by on a Saturday for $10 tastings featuring a different winemaker each week, or join the wine club for access to two bottles of specially selected wines each month. // At first glance, Heart & Dagger Saloon (504 Lake Ave.) feels a little rough around the edges in the same way the Mission's Zeitgeist may scare off more timid drinkers, but come with cash and decisive order and you'll have no trouble selecting a song from the decades-spanning jukebox, slipping in a game of pool or pinball, and easing onto the rock and roll bar's dog-friendly back patio. // You don't get more old-school than 85-year-old The Alley (3325 Grand Ave.), with its shingled exterior and interior, walls littered with business cards of years gone past, and lively sing-along piano scene. While local legend Rod Dibble sadly passed and no longer tickles the ivories, it's still worth a visit for the heavy pours, surprisingly good steak dinners, and a chance to belt out a classic inside a classic. // Similarly smacking of a different era, Smitty's Cocktails (3339 Grand Ave.) is a delightful neighborhood dive with shuffleboard, a pool table, a solid jukebox, and plenty of good people watching. Coffee + Treats in Oakland's Grand Lake Baked goods reign supreme at Arizmendi Bakery. (Facebook) Grab-and-Go Snacks, Coffee, and Sweets Grand Lake finally has a locally owned coffee shop to compete with Starbucks and Peet's: Wilde Brothers Coffee Shop (3206 Grand Ave.) not only roasts its own beans (best highlighted in a pour over), but also offers three different riffs on matcha, mochi muffins from Third Culture, and latte specials that highlight fun ingredients like orgeat and Nutella. // It's hard not to end up rubbing elbows with someone you know at baking cooperative Arizmendi Bakery (3625 Lakeshore Ave.), where locals line up (sometimes out the door) for the made-from-scratch bread, morning pastries, cookies, and pizza fired in the on-site ovens. Plan on grabbing to-go, as seating is limited and it can be especially difficult to jostle for a table on weekends. // Old-school and no frills, 24-hour Colonial Donuts (3318 Lakeshore Ave.) exudes that classic donut shop vibe, with reasonable prices for your fried favorites (try the apple fritters or old fashioned glazed), plus $1 donuts and frequent chess matches late into the evening. // Slip into the tiny Main Squeeze (3435 Lakeshore Ave.) for organic acai bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and super foodboosted smoothies such as the Maca Mama and Gold(en) Sun. // Satisfy your sweet tooth at Michael Mischer Chocolates (3352 Grand Ave.), where you'll find confections ranging from salted dark chocolate to seasonal flavors such as pumpkin milk and baked apple, plus affordable scoops of creamy gelato. Lauren Aratani at The Guardian: Somewhere amid the sand dunes of the worlds oldest desert croons a soft voice: Its gonna take a lot to take me away from you. The voice belongs to the American band Toto, whose hit song Africa has been indefinitely tethered to an undisclosed spot in the Namib coastal desert thanks to Namibian-German artist Max Siedentopf. The artist set up an installation called Toto Forever made up of six speakers attached to a blue MP3 player whose only song is Africa set to play on an infinite loop all standing atop white rectangular blocks set up in the sand. The installation, Siedentopf writes on his website, runs on solar batteries to keep Toto going for all eternity. more here. David Byrne at his new website Reasons To Be Cheerful: Was austerity the only possible response to the debt that many nations incurred after the global economic mess post 2008? The answer, if one looks at Portugal and some other places, is NO. In other words, what was fed to usthat austerity was inevitable and necessarywas a lie. There was and is another way. A tiny bit of background: After the banking and credit mess of 2008, austerity government measures taken to reduce expenditure, usually in response to a debt crisis and often combined with privatization was frequently touted by many politicians and economists as the ONLY way out of the hole that had been dug for us by the bankers. In nation after nation, public services were cut, wages and pensions were frozen and the funding for all that was deemed inessential was reduced. Public assets were often sold to private corporations to quickly raise money. As a result, health, infrastructure and education (amongst much else) suffered, and a swath of folks increasingly felt left behind. Not just felt, they WERE left behind. The outcome was a fair amount of resentment, which gets expressed politically in the divisions and populism we see rising everywhere. Economically these policies didnt work all that well either. This is not the place to go into the justifications and pressures that were used to implement austerity policies, rather, in the spirit of Reasons To Be Cheerful, Id prefer to look at a successful alternative. Heres what happened in Portugal. More here. by Brooks Riley Jean-Luc Godard once inscribed a picture to me with these words: This is the surface, Brooks, and thats why its deep. At the time, I was skimming the surface, darting from one life experience to another without stopping to sink down or dive deeperor give his jeu de mots much thought. While I always relished his love of word play in both English and French, this time I was suspicious of what sounded to me like a facile paradox. As a man of cinema, Godard must first have thought of that great cinematic paradox, the flat screen and the depth of field that miraculously occurs when a film is projected onto it. In the photograph, he stands in front of a blank wall, very like the blank screen he would soon use for a shadow play to the opening bars of Mozarts Requiem Mass in D Minor, defying the double-entendre of flatness and cinematic depth with a chiaroscuro ballet in front of the screena crane operator and his crane moving the camera and cameraman slowly up, over and then down again, a graceful pas de deux silhouetted against the flat white surfacea two-dimensional triumph. How appropriate that this holy moment was filmed in the soundstage where the glitzy streets of Las Vegas had been built for Francis Ford Coppolas One from the Heart. The crew, borrowed for a Saturday from that bigger film, consisted of ItaliansVittorio Storaro and his Italian crewand the hardboiled Hollywood mainstream pros who had seen it allor thought they had. As Godard piped Mozart over the loudspeakers, and the camera rolled, a cathedral hush permeated the vast interior of the soundstage as the middle-aged, elegant crane operator began to move in front of the screen with the assurance of a dancer, or a man who knows his job. When the music faded out at the end, the hush prevailed. No one, not the crew, not the visitors, not the cast, had ever seen anything like it. It was surface magic, deep beyond words. Now I knew that his inscription made sense. (As a 9-year-old with not enough movie experience I could easily have retorted, This is the surface, Jean-Luc, and its a grande illusion, as I waited in vain for Marlon Brando to emerge from the back door of my local movie theatre after a showing of Desiree.) Too often surface is a euphemism for superficial. But living on the surface makes it easier to be ubiquitous. The assumption that one has to dig or dive for treasures is not necessarily reliable. Analogies can also be arrived at by moving far afield over a surface, like the gerridae, those bugs who walk on water, always finding what they need on top, not deep down. Knowledge is like that body of water: You can dive down into it, but to see clearly, you have to rise to the surface. Roots, family, expertise, a life-long profession, a single hobby, all those elements that make people stand fast and dive deep, have eluded me. And I have eluded them to the best of my ability, driven by a thirst for diversity of knowledge and eclectic experience, for beauty in all its forms. I guess that makes me a dilettante in the most positive senseone who delights in what I learn and experience as well as what I do On the trail of various subjects on the German Wikipedia, I suddenly realized just how many 18th and 19th century men of arts, science and letters were multitasking on a grand scale. Take the poet Justinus Kerner, whose works were immortalized by Robert Schumann: He also invented klecksography, the art of turning ink stains into recognizable forms, what Rorschach would later apply to psychological testing. He wrote the first diagnostic paper on botulism poisoning. In his spare time he was a doctor, an author of books about medicine and about animal magnetism. Or Otto von Guericke, Mayor of Magdeburg, physicist, politician, inventor, jurist, who made great strides in the study of vacuum and staged a grand experiment with 30 horses to prove his point. Or the multifarious Friedrich Nietzsche. Like them, I love too many things to stay put or sit still intellectually. I suffer from distractionwithout a trendy diagnosis like ADHDdiverted by the promise of some new edification around the corner, be it scientific, musical, aesthetic, cinematic, historical or literary. To travel, I dont even have to leave home. Surface and surfing have different etymologies, but they both enable broad coverage of terrain and the random discovery of resources that can initiate a pursuit for yet more knowledge, one thing leading to another in a seemingly never-ending reserve of revelations. Those who devote their lives to one endeavor, discovering new secrets in their chosen field, have established their own paradise within the confines of a chosen metier. Eric Kandel comes to mind, getting to the bottom of memory on the ocean floor, assisted by the lowly sea slug Aplysia californica and its gigantic nerve cells. I too love this slug for all that it represents for Kandel, and for its unique properties. I might even love it for its behavioral idiosyncracies if I knew more about them. But it is only one of many delights on my quest to know more about everything. And its value as analogy gives me an extra tool with which to weave my many interests into an ever-expanding, singular, personal world view. Kandel, too, understands the value of analogynot only in his scientific work but also in the seemingly unrelated world of art and the understanding of the human psyche. Analogy and apophenia go hand in hand: I see things in objects that otherwise seem to have no meaning or point of reference. As a lonely child, I developed a form of apophenic drawing. Using a ball point pen, I would scribble wildly on a page, haphazardly and without intent. Then I set about to find something recognizable in the chaos. When I found it, the application of two dots (for eyes) might turn the chaos into a sweet dog, or an unholy monster, or a smug schoolmaster. There was always something to be found in the chaos. Ive recently taken up the practice again, using MS Paint. The chaos is more sophisticated now and interpretation is no longer about a hidden face (forget the two dots) but about identifiable movement, attitude, and quite often, memory. Where did it begin? After an early childhood in the city, I found the chaos of nature on a farm overwhelming at first. But still I searched for signs of intelligence, of civilization. The first time I found a birds nest in the bushes, I knew Id found what I was looking for. Like our chickens, I could probably learn to feed myself on leftovers. Like our horses, I could probably find a clever way to let myself out of the stable. But a birds nest? I could never build a birds nest. If I put my mind to it, I might understand the principles of building a birds nestas Ai Wei Wei did, together with Herzog & de Meuron, for a stadium in Beijing. But only the bird knew how to build a real nest and what an achievement that wasnot just the perfect conjunction of form and function, but a knowledge of materials and sophisticated construction techniques. As an infantile Eureka moment, it was like finding intelligent life somewhere else in the universe, or a sudden face in the clouds. The search for knowledge and meaning are individual endeavors. Their starting point is sum ergo cogito, not the other way around. The inexplicable always lingers somewhere, driving the expert and the amateur ever onward. Some of us dive down to the ocean floor. Others of us dance over the surface to gather as much as we can in the short time weve got. Im weaving my motley shroud with all that I know and will know, like a Norn before the Riss. It wont change the world, but it makes mine worth living. Godard knows this too. Kathmandu, Nepal: Three Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) officials of Mulpalni branch have been arrested on the charge of taking bribe on Wednesday. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested Electrical Supervisor Badrinath Neupane and assistant duo Kale Thapa Magar and Bidur Pudasaini were arrested with Rs 15,000 bribe. The Warsaw-based design studio Nizio Design International has unveiled design for the new National Museum "Memorial to Holodomor Victims", it will be the largest museum project in Ukraine, which is under construction in Kiev. The firm, owned by Mirosaw Nizio, presented its architectural design in cooperation with the Ukrainian design studio Project Systems. Nizio Design International is fully responsible for the preparation of the permanent exhibition design. Total usable area of the Memorial will exceed 14,000 square meters, while the exhibition area will occupy over 3,500 square meters. On November 24, 2018 the official celebrations to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the 1932-1933 Great Famine took place in Kiev. They were attended by the Presidents of Latvia and Slovakia, the Prime Minister of Moldova, the Vice-President of the European Parliament, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Ukrainian officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Ukraine. During the event, Mirosaw Nizio, who heads the Warsaw-based Nizio Design International studio, presented to the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko together with the Ukrainian architect Andriy Myrhorodsky and Ivan Vasyunyk, the deputy chairman of the governments Organisational Committee for the construction of the museum the design of the Museum of the Great Famine. The Polish Nizio Design International studio is famous for its public space projects: museums, historical exhibitions, expositions, memorials, scenography. Mirosaw Nizio with his team was involved in the creation and execution of i.a. main exhibitions of the two most visited cultural institutions in Poland: The Warsaw Rising Museum and the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw. "The fact that I was entrusted with work on the Museum of the Great Famine is a proof of appreciation for the experience and professionalism of my studio, and also a real professional challenge.The design of the permanent exhibition and the proposed architectural solutions are supported by over 15 years of experience in working on the most important history- and culture-related facilities in Poland," said the architect. "My office has worked on such world-renowned projects as the Ulma Family Museum of Poles Saving Jews in World War II in Markowa or the Mausoleum of Martyrdom of Polish Villages currently under construction in Michniow." The starting point for the design of the Memorial building is the concept of blending it into the tectonics and landscape of the Dnieper valley slope, near Pechersk Lavra, a place of unique importance in the history of Ukraine. The Museum building is located on the axis leading from the viewpoint to the existing candle-shaped monument commemorating the victims of the Holodomor the man-made famine in Ukraine in 1932-1933. The architectural form of the building is an image of the idea of bringing to light the deliberately hidden truth about the Holodomor (Great Famine). The hidden history is to be remembered not only by the tectonic layers covering the building and the architectural intervention consisting in hiding the body of the building under the ground, but also by changing the colour of vegetation which will grow on the roof covered with soil. Also, the characteristic slitting of the roof of the building and the shifting of its half has a symbolic dimension - it shows how peoples actions lead to exposing and declassifying the crime. The monumental entrance to the building, located from the side of the candle-shaped monument, is a gate leading to the interior of the earth and to the hidden truth which will be shown in the exposition of the Memorial. Through the set design and other artistic and architectural solutions, the authors intend to arouse emotions and make us reflect on the tragedy that took place in Ukraine. The exhibition design prepared by Mirosaw Nizios studio assumes building a narrative that is made up of two parts. In the first part, visitors get to know the mechanisms of government in the Soviet state: the propaganda apparatus, repressions, the reasons behind the Great Famine. The continuation of the exhibition, titled the Space of Death, shows in a documentary way the picture of tragedy as a result of criminal political actions of the Soviet state authorities, which in the symbolic and artistic layer is accompanied by Ukraines descent into the grave. The second part of the exhibition will show the times after the tragedy and will be an architectural and scenographic act of rebirth and overcoming the traumas associated with the tragic experiences that have scarred future generations. In this part, whose aim is to reflect on the tragedy of the Great Famine, examples of noble attitudes towards terror will be included in the narrative: ways of rescue, stories of aid and mutual support, etc. It will also be about people who for decades have pierced the wall of silence and passed the truth about the Great Famine to the whole world. One of the next stages of the exhibition will be the space where the repressions and liquidation of the Ukrainian intelligentsia and clergy will be shown. In the vicinity of the exit there will be a Zone of Silence with mild light and vegetation. This area will serve as a place for rest and reflection. Immediately after entering the exhibition, the visitors eyes will be drawn to the monumental artistic wall composition entitled Ukraine, in which life is symbolized by lush vegetation, and death - by its decay. The exhibition space located closest to the entrance will give a glimpse into Ukraines past. In this part of the exhibition the Pantheon of Ukrainian Culture will be located, presenting former heroes of the nation, commanders and poets. After leaving it, thanks to the use of a specific historical shortcut, visitors will move to the streets of Kiev from the early twentieth century, and see the outline of buildings, such as the opera house or the Besarabsky Market. In this scenery figures known from the social, cultural and scientific life of the time will appear, as well as those connected with the national rebirth and struggle for independence. When walking through the exhibition, visitors will be accompanied by the motif of soil and the zigzag line symbolizing the steel plough of the Bolshevik revolution, carrying death and destruction. In the Ukraine composition which runs parallel to the historical narrative, the countrys rebirth is symbolised by sprouting, young, green cereal. In the colour layer, lighter tones appear here, and the space gets gradually filled up with light. In the second part of the exhibition, whose aim is to reflect on the tragedy of the Great Famine, examples of noble attitudes towards terror will be included in the narrative. In the central part of the exhibition, along the Road of Remembrance crossing the Memorial, the Wall of Life and the Wall of Remembrance will be arranged in parallel. The Wall of Life will show people and their daily lives before the tragedy, while the Wall of Remembrance, made up of thousands of portraits, will be a tribute to the victims of the Great Famine. At the Wall of Remembrance some abandoned furniture, luggage, workbenches and other equipment will stand, symbolizing the interrupted life and work of those who died as a result of the Great Famine, and who could have worked and created to the benefit of Ukraine. Moving further along the exhibition, towards the light, visitors will be able to go to the archive. The symbolic culmination of the exhibition will be a projection displayed on monumental walls on both sides of the Way of Remembrance, running through the interior of the Memorial. It will show people from different backgrounds and generations talking about truth, forgiveness and the future. The architectural design of the Museum building has been prepared by Polish architectural studio Nizio Design International owned by Mirosaw Nizio, in cooperation with the Ukrainian studio Project Systems LTD. Nizio Design International is fully responsible for the design of the permanent exhibition of the Memorial. Works on construction of the Museum will take several years. Total usable area of the Museum is almost 14,000 square meters, while the exhibition area will occupy over 3,500 square meters. All images Nizio Design International / Dima Taranenko, Philip Dotsenko > via Nizio Design International Kathmandu, Nepal: The main opposition party Nepali Congress (NC) has condemned the government for showing empathic attitude to save the life of Dr Govinda KC by fulfilling his demands. Issuing a press release on Wednesday, the NC has demanded to fulfill the demands put forth by Dr. KC without any further delay. Governments apathetic attitude toward Dr KC is condemnable; the NC has said adding that all the demands raised by Dr. KC have to be fulfilled in line with the agreement reached with him in the past. It is condemnable to see the while his condition is getting worse day by day, Nepali Congress said in the press release issued today to condemn the government. The NC has issued the statement in the mean time when Dr. KCs health condition is getting worse day by day. Senior orthopedic surgeon Dr KC has been staging fast-unto-death at the district hospital, Ilam for the last eight days. 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29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) Trump would prefer, of course, to continue interacting with Putin unsupervised. He also would prefer the broader public to adopt his view of investigations of his conduct as witch hunts. All of that would also involve the country accepting an imperial understanding of presidential powers. Thats why one of the great tests of the Trump presidency involves seeing how ready the Republican Party and voters are to accommodate themselves to executive overreach or malfeasance. Trump and his advocates have argued that Comeys firing cant be construed as obstruction of justice because, under Article II of the Constitution, the president was merely exercising the powers of his office as he saw fit. Comey worked for him, after all. A similar argument has surfaced around the voluminous body of critical or meddlesome tweets Trump has directed at federal investigators and defendants in various legal probes that might circle back to him. Trump can tweet whatever he wants because its free speech, say his defenders. OSAGE The Osage Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new director and members are seeking assistance from the Osage City Council. At a recent meeting of the Osage City Council, Chamber President Maggie Huemann, and Treasurer Harlan Bisbee asked the City Council for $25,000 in annual support to help in the efforts of attracting a chamber director. The council didnt act on the request. It will be addressed in an upcoming committee meeting. The chamber recently lost its previous director, Kati Henry, because the position doesnt offer benefits like health insurance. Huemann said the chamber met with officials from Minnesota-based Community and Economic Development Associates. CEDA works with chambers of commerce and economic development boards in small towns, providing staff, when not possible by the organizations themselves. The Cresco Chamber of Commerce employees work for CEDA. CEDA indicated a new chamber director with benefits would cost $80,000. Additionally, the person would be employed by CEDA and not work full-time in Osage. Senate Minority Leader Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, agreed with Reynolds that it is time for her and others to deliver on their promises to fully fund mental health, rural revitalization and job training initiatives. Theres some issues within her speech that Democrats and Republicans should be able to work on together, added Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. Reynolds called for $20 million to implement Future Ready Iowa and $11 million over two years for mental health care. A 2.3 percent increase in state aid to K-12 schools she asked for is more than double the 1 percent increase approved last year. If the full amount is approved by legislators, it would make up 46 percent of the states $7.6 billion general fund. The governor also asked for $18 million more to fully fund a Board of Regents request. In all, her education recommendations would account for 56 percent of the state budget. She also proposed $20 million over two years for broadband infrastructure and doubling rural workforce housing tax credits to $10 million. House arrest of ex-Foreign Ministry official charged with fraud overturned RIA Novosti 17:42 16/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court on Wednesday overturned a ruling extending house arrest for ex-deputy chief of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Corps Directorate Nazym Yusipov charged with fraud, RAPSI was told in the courts press service. The case was returned to the Nagatinsky District Court of Moscow for the review. Yusipov was arrested and placed in detention in April 2018. In May, the Moscow City Court ruled to put the defendant under house arrest. During a previous hearing, his house arrest was extended until February 11. Yusipov held his post in the Foreign Ministry from March 2017 to late April 2018. However, according to investigators, an alleged crime he stands charged with was committed between 2015 and 2016 and is not connected with his work in the diplomatic mission. CEDAR FALLS Some solutions to parking problems downtown could be on the horizon. Short- and long-term recommendations were presented Tuesday night at the second public presentation conducted by the Wantman Group Inc. Andy Miller, an urban planner with WGI, presented findings of his companys parking study. The study only focused on parking downtown and came after a public survey that generated 2,678 total responses. I think a mistake has been made, Andy Miller said. I think the city has looked at these developments only under the lens of the zoning requirements and not stepped back and did a broader analysis to see the impact these projects are going to have. Residential parking requirements have been overprescribed and unexpectedly benefited downtown Cedar Falls by creating more physical parking spaces, he said. Short-term solutions the study recommended include charging people to park in the lots behind downtown businesses at a rate of 50 cents per hour with a maximum rate of $3 until 5 p.m. when $3 becomes the flat rate, and offering permit parking in those lots for 20 percent of the spaces. Its important to say some of this stuff may need to be tweaked, Miller said. Regardless of the rule change, Whitver said, the practice wont change. The change, he said, allows committee chairmen more flexibility in scheduling meetings. If you get a bill assigned at 5 p.m. and you want to have a subcommittee at 4 p.m. the next day, do we really have to wait 24 hours? he said. Sen. Rob Hogg, D-Cedar Rapids, said the danger in eliminating the 24-hour notice is you no longer have that norm written in rules. Lawmakers use that 24 hours to notify people of subcommittee meetings, he said. In 2017, when a death penalty bill showed up, that gave us a little bit of time to alert people who we knew were concerned about the issue so they could participate, Hogg said. The danger there is you shut people out, and when you start to shut people out, that undermines peoples confidence in our form of government and our democracy, Hogg said. Thats really bad. Especially right now when people are feeling there are lots of attacks on our democratic norms. The Iowa House requires a days notice for subcommittee meetings, as long as midnight comes between the notice and the meeting. That will not change, House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, said. WATERLOO The city has won its court battle to seize the blighted St. Marys Villa from an out-of-state investor. Black Hawk County District Court Judge Linda Fangman ruled Tuesday that Henry Anderson, of Downey, Calif., had abandoned the property and awarded title to the city. Fangman said testimony and photos provided by the city showed the former nunnery at 123 E. Parker St. had no utilities, was not fit for habitation, had collapsed ceilings from water damage and was full of black mold and animal feces. No property taxes had been paid on the building and the city had been handling snow removal and mowing for years. The ruling puts the entire former church property at East Fourth and Parker streets in the citys hands. A separate ruling last summer granted the city title to the adjacent St. Marys Church and School, including a rectory. City officials said they intend to tear down the buildings, starting with the rectory, because they have been damaged beyond any reasonable ability for repair. Anderson bought the property from the Roman Catholic Church for $475,000 in 2006 with stated plans to save the historic property. But no improvements were forthcoming and the buildings were not maintained. EVANSDALE An Evansdale man died after firefighters pulled him from a burning home Tuesday morning. Albert Schmitt, 30, was pronounced dead at a local hospital after firefighters removed him from 429 Morrell Ave. Firefighters found Schmitt unconscious in the single-story home, said Evansdale Fire Chief Ryan Phillips. We pulled him out, took him to the ambulance, Phillips said. The cause of the fire hasnt been determined, and the State Fire Marshal Division is investigating. Phillips said the blaze appears to have started in the kitchen, located toward the back of the residence. It wasnt clear if the home was equipped with functioning smoke alarms. A neighbor smelled smoke at about 3:20 a.m. Tuesday, went outside to investigate, noticed the fire and called 911. When police and firefighters arrived, flames were shooting from the rear portion of the house. Crews were told there could be someone inside, and there was a pickup truck parked in the driveway, so a team of firefighters entered. They went right in and started doing their search right away and grabbed him out, Phillips said. Theres really concerns in my mind, said Allen. While admitting that the choice of Ebbers looked more fiscally responsible, he insisted I go with the philosophy that you get what you pay for. Allen added, Will I vote for him if it comes to a vote? No, I wont. Despite Wynes withdrawing from consideration, other trustees suggested Ebbers did a good job for the college. Eventually, the board chose Greg Schmitz as president. He had been vice president of administration and finance and led the college for five years, succeeded by Linda Allen. While serving as president, Schmitz earned his doctorate at Iowa State. That was an unfortunate situation that turned out to be a bonus, as far as Im concerned, said trustee Ron McGregor, who was on the board at the time. He noted that Ebbers bent over backwards in solving our problem. Trustee Jay Nardini added, I dont want to make a decision based on something that happened 20 years ago. Hes got a pretty good history, said trustee Bruce Clark, noting a number of other Iowa community colleges had recently used the consultant in their searches. They also talked about Arce hiring the informant to kill a University of Iowa medical professor, and the informant said Arce would need to meet with someone more qualified. He agreed and wrote information about the target on a yellow sticky note that included Carver College of Medicine MD Urology on it, court records state. Arce sold the informant a Smith and Wesson AR-15 rifle for $1,000, records state. On Jan. 2, the informant and Arce met in a Crossroads Boulevard parking lot, and Arce said he wanted to delay the hit for two weeks because of an appeal hearing he had with the University of Iowa medical college, court records state. He also allegedly said he wanted someone to give the target a nice fing beating to coerce him to let Arce back into medical school, records state. He told the informant he was putting together an Uzi and other automatic weapons, records state, and he sold the informant a 9 mm Smith and Wesson pistol for $550. The following day, the informant and an undercover DNE officer pretending to be a hitman met with Arce at the West Ninth Street address. Arce told the two he had a different target in mind, his girlfriends ex-boyfriend, and he said he might want the medical professor killed later, court records state. Funchess then brought up two recent articles: One was the 2018 report by online financial site 24/7 Wall Street that rated the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metropolitan area as the worst in the United States for African-Americans to live in terms of economic, educational and health disparities. The other was a U.S. News and World report showing Iowa was the No. 1 state in the nation for all people to live in terms of the same conditions, a study the governor touted in her re-election campaign. That reminds us of the two Americas Dr. King talks about, Funchess said. Were the No. 1 state in the nation, but oh, by the way, Waterloo/Cedar Falls is the worst place in all of the nation for blacks to live. So this is what we hope to reconcile tonight. The 24/7 Wall Street study nearly kept Robert Welch, who is from Florida, from taking a position as director of student advising at UNIs College of Education. The article came out a week after I was offered the job here at UNI and, boy, I had a serious conversation with my wife about, Do we really want to move to Waterloo? he said. Gwenne Berry, UNIs first chief diversity officer, noted it took two years of her college-educated husband searching for employment to no avail to bring her to the same grim conclusion. GOP Washington law makers are complicit in supporting Putins Puppet Trump in lifting sanctions on key Russian Oligarch despite evidence of his participating in Russias meddling in 2016 Presidential election. By Michael London Despite the revelation last Friday by the New York Times that the FBI was compelled to open an investigation into whether Donald Trump has been compromised by the Russians and is serving their national interests over those of the United States. The Republican-controlled Senate stood up in support of lifting sanctions against Russian Presidents buddy Russian oligarch, Oleg V. Deripaska, a man that may be at or near the center of Russias meddling on the 2016 presidential election that allowed Donald Trump to prevail. Only eleven Republicans joined Democrats in a vote to maintain sanctions against the oligarchs corporate empire, but that was three votes short of the 60-vote threshold required to advance the measure towards a denial of sanctions relief. Special: Imagine an options trading service that has delivered over 4,872% in winning trade recommendations over 11 years. That's 442% a year in winning trade recommendations. Check it out! Just $49 for the first 60 days! Sanctions against Mr. Deripaska personally, put into effect last April, remain in force and are not affected by the Treasury Department decision or by todays Senate vote. However, analysts argue that its any empty consolation given Mr. Deripaskas companies waged an aggressive lobbying and legal campaign against the corporate sanctions imposed against his companies. While President Trump and GOP Senators have repeatedly argued that they have been much tougher on the Russians, the truth is the Trump administration has steadily dragged its feet and delayed imposing sanctions on Russians like Deripaska and his companies, then announced last month it would lift them entirely. The reality that the GOP and President Trump may be nothing more than Russian stooges supported by money funneled through tens of millions of dollars funneled through the National Rifle Association (NRA) is looking more and more likely. Expect the Democrat-controlled house to both vote to maintain sanctions and to intensely investigate the flow of Russian money and influence to Donald Trump and the NRA in the 2016 and 2018 elections in the months ahead. If this trail of money and influence buying by Russia is confirmed, we could be witnessing the biggest scandal in U.S. history. 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. FILE PHOTO: Internally displaced people gather to collect food aid from an ICRC aid distribution centre in Bajil, Yemen FILE PHOTO: Internally displaced people gather to collect food aid from an ICRC aid distribution centre in Bajil, Yemen, December 13, 2018, 2018. REUTERS/Abduljabbar Zeyad/File Photo GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. food agency delivered emergency food and vouchers for over 9.5 million people in Yemen in December, just shy of its 10 million monthly target in the famine-threatened country, a spokesman said on Tuesday. Yemen's nearly four-year war and economic collapse have left 15.9 million people, 53 percent of the population, facing "severe acute food insecurity", and famine looms if immediate action is not taken, a survey said last month. "We were at a bit less than 10 million because the actual situation slowed down a bit the distribution in some areas. The security is not as good as expected in some areas," World Food Programme spokesman Herve Verhoosel told a Geneva news briefing. "Some of our trucks were also stopped for longer than usual in some security checkpoints." Verhoosel later clarified that the figures represented food aid that was "dispatched" to local distribution centres across Yemen but not all had been handed out to recipients yet. The WFP, which got supplies to 7-8 million Yemenis in November, is trying to reach as many as 12 million people at risk of starvation. In December it said that some food aid meant for Yemenis was being stolen and sold in some areas controlled by the Iran-aligned Houthi militia. U.N.-brokered peace negotiations between the Saudi-backed Yemen government and the Houthis held in Stockholm last month yielded a shaky ceasefire deal in the lifeline port city of Hodeidah. In January, the WFP managed to deliver food to more than 10,000 families in two hard-hit areas of Hodeidah - Tahita and Duraihmi - for the first time since July, thanks to a reduction in fighting, Verhoosel said. "The truce is inconsistent, there are still some sporadic problems in and around Hodeidah." (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Mark Heinrich) A student lost a limb when she was shoved in front of a commuter train while studying abroad in Central America. Gabrielle Newell, 23, was walking to college in Heredia, Costa Rica, when she was mugged and pushed onto the tracks ahead of an oncoming train. Despite the hardship Gabrielle found the courage to move to New York City and now says she "loves" being an amputee. Gabrielle, of Las Vegas, Nevada, lost her left leg below the knee in the horror incident in April 2013. She was bundled into a truck by a passer-by who rushed her to a local hospital. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia is not rubbing its hands with glee over Britain's chaotic departure from the European Union despite its troubled relations with London and wants the EU to be strong and united, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a resounding defeat on her Brexit plan in parliament on Tuesday, plunging the country into political uncertainty. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. Some British politicians have suggested that Russia may have meddled in the 2016 Brexit referendum in an attempt to weaken the West, an allegation Moscow has denied. Lavrov, addressing a news conference in Moscow, said Russia took no pleasure from Britain's Brexit-related political crisis despite its difficult relations with London, which were worsened by the poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, in England in March last year. "We won't and aren't saying anything about Brexit, though people are constantly saying and writing that Russia is rubbing its hands together and gloating. Nothing of the kind," said Lavrov. He said Brexit was a matter for Britain, but that Russia was naturally interested in how it would affect the EU, one of Moscow's main trading partners. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December that British Prime Minister Theresa May had no choice but to implement Brexit and steer clear of a second referendum or risk undermining faith in British democracy. (Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova, Vladimir Soldatkin and Christian Lowe; Writing by Tom Balmforth/Andrew Osborn; Editing by Gareth Jones) Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor has sent repeated requests to Google requiring it to route its citizens' web searches through a government filtering system, according to reports. A law passed in Russia last year requires search engines to be connected to the federal state information system (FGIS) allowing the Kremlin (IOB: 0Q8D.IL - news) to censor the websites which its citizens can access. It is not clear whether the system could also be used to conduct surveillance on users. Roskomnadzor spokesman Vadim Ampelonsky told Russian news agency Interfax that the regulator did not record information on citizens' search results. Google was fined 500,000 rubles (5,800) in December for failing to connect Search to the filtering systems. At the time the company neither commented on nor appealed against the fine. Mr Ampelonsky told Interfax the company faced a maximum fine of 700,000 rubles (8,100) in the case of continued violation - effectively worth less than 0.00001% of the annual turnover for its parent company Alphabet (Xetra: ABEA.DE - news) . Domestic web firms in Russia including Yandex, Sputnik and Mail.ru have complied with the requirement to connect to the FGIS. According to Interfax, if Google was deemed to have conducted "malicious non-fulfilment" of its obligation to connect to the FGIS, the Kremlin may consider legislating to block the company in the most severe circumstances. Google did not respond to Sky News' repeated requests for a statement in response. The regulator's aggression follows reports that Google is planning to launch a censored version of its search engine in China, where it is currently banned. Google effectively left China in 2010, when it criticised the censorship and surveillance activities of Beijing, and the company's Soviet Union-born co-founder Sergey Brin decried the "forces of authoritarianism" in the country. Although there is little sign of authoritarianism receding in either China or Russia, the company is content operating in those jurisdictions under chief executive Sundar Pichai. Mr Brin is now the president of Alphabet and has not spoken out regarding the censored search project in China, instead choosing to criticise the leaks during a reported meeting with employees. The work environment at Oxfam is marked by racism, colonial behaviour and bullying behaviours, according to a new report. The interim report produced by the independent commission, set up by Oxfam International in the wake of the Haiti scandal in 2018 to assess the companys culture, found it has a toxic work environment. A lack of robust policies and procedures across the charity also led to a culture in which sexual misconduct could be misunderstood at best or, at worst, unaddressed, it said. Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, Mark Goldring, CEO of Oxfam GB, and Caroline Thomson, chair of trustees for Oxfam GB, giving evidence before the Commons Development Committee at Portcullis House (PA) The 30-page report details the initial findings of the commissions investigation after speaking directly with staff, communities and survivors to identify problems and solutions. The Independent Commission on Sexual Misconduct, Accountability and Culture Change (ICSMACC) heard from staff who complained of a wide range of issues, which the charity apologised for and said it was acting to stamp out. The report said: The Commission has heard multiple staff raise concerns of elitism racism and colonial behaviour sexism, rigid hierarchies and patriarchy that affect relationships among Oxfam staff and between Oxfam staff and its partners and program participants. Staff were highly critical of both management behaviour and company procedures for dealing with bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct. These were said to be deficient and compromised staff morale at times. Bullying is so prevalent that staff said they did not believe the companys values were understood by all employees. The report said: Oxfams values are printed on wall posters but not always understood or upheld in actionand sometimes are even contradicted. Oxfams work culture has been described as toxic by staff (Yui Mok/PA) Additionally, those who have raised issues in the past, referenced as whistleblowers and survivors, felt deeply frustrated and saddened at the lack of accountability they experienced. Story continues In some cases, those individuals reported being pushed out of the organisation, or were left with no choice but to leave. The investigation into the charitys culture began in May 2018 following reports of alleged sexual assault by staff in Haiti in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. The Commission is still gathering research before the full report is published in May 2019, including an investigation from the UK Charity Commission. Oxfam said the report was an important step to help tackle the root causes of abuse. Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International executive director, said: We set up the commission to ask the hard questions of our culture and practice. This is an important piece of work at a crucial time for us. We will use its emerging recommendations to bolster our ongoing improvements so that we truly have zero tolerance to anyone who would abuse their power over others. Winnie Byanyima, executive director of Oxfam International, giving evidence before the Commons Development Committee on the aid worker sex scandal in February 2018 (PA) Ms Byanyima also apologised to those who had experienced abuse from the organisation. It is painfully clear that Oxfam is not immune from sexual and other forms of abuse that stem from the abuse of power, she said. To those who have experienced such unacceptable behaviour: we are sorry, I am sorry, and we will follow up on any cases passed to us by the Commission as a matter of urgency. If Kenya defaults on a 2bn euro debt to China, it may have to hand over Mombasa's port to the Asian giant. A leaked copy of the contract Kenya signed with China for the construction of the giant Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge railway project is causing political shockwaves in the country. This is amid revelations that the country could lose the port of Mombasa to the Chinese government, if the national Railway Corporation defaults in the payment of Sh227 billion owed to Exim Bank of China. That amounts to an estimated 1.9 billion euros. The revelations are contained in the front page article of todays Daily Nation newspaper which claims it has managed to secure a leaked copy of the contract. Assets in danger The publication highlights a controversial clause in the 2014 SGR agreement which it warns will infuriate Kenyans. It stipulates that: neither the borrower (Kenya) nor any of its assets is entitled to any right of immunity on the grounds of sovereignty, with respect to its obligations. Edwin Okoth is the author of the bombshell revelations published by the Nairobi-based Daily Nation. He told RFI from Nairobi that Kenya may have mortgaged itself when it accepted the terms of the huge Chinese loan four years ago. What I was able to find out which is shocking is that none of the national assets normally protected by sovereignty have been left out in regard to that loan agreement, regrets the journalist. Okoth also says that the Chinese may be targeting Kenyas second container port for which they filed a tender and lost under the argument that they need to generate money and pay their debts. What that basically means is that everything will go in case of default, warned the Nations business reporter. SGR Losses Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia told a parliamentary committee last year that the company recorded a loss of Sh110 billion in its first year of operations. That represented a revenue shortfall of 943 million euros which he attributed to low cargo business the SGR transporting just 800 containers, out of the 1,700 which arrive the port. Kenyan economist David Ndii is an outspoken critic of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Guage Railway contract. He told RFI that the cost of servicing the SGR loan is about 20 billion Kenyan Shillings which is about 250 million dollars per year. Take-or-pay David Ndii goes on to point out that under the take-or-pay contract, the Kenya Ports Authority has the obligation to apply tariffs of 12 Cents/ton/km set by the Chinese funded and operated SGR Company. In Ndiis opinion, by proceeding as such, the Chinese are able to securitize the ports cash flows, in the event that the KPA did not meet recovery requirements. Debt burden China is Kenyas largest lender, accounting for 72 percent of all its foreign debts set to surpass the 5 trillion Shilling mark (42.8 billion euros). That accounts for more than 60 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product. Kenya is set to spend a staggering 800 billion Shillings (6.8 billion euros) in 2019 to service its debts, becoming the third indebted country behind Angola at 36 billion euros and Ethiopia at 11 billion euros. If Kenya defaults on a 2bn euro debt to China, it may have to hand over Mombasa's port to the Asian giant. A leaked copy of the contract Kenya signed with China for the construction of the giant Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge railway project is causing political shockwaves in the country. This is amid revelations that the country could lose the port of Mombasa to the Chinese government, if the national Railway Corporation defaults in the payment of Sh227 billion owed to Exim Bank of China. That amounts to an estimated 1.9 billion euros. The revelations are contained in the front page article of todays Daily Nation newspaper which claims it has managed to secure a leaked copy of the contract. Assets in danger The publication highlights a controversial clause in the 2014 SGR agreement which it warns will infuriate Kenyans. It stipulates that: neither the borrower (Kenya) nor any of its assets is entitled to any right of immunity on the grounds of sovereignty, with respect to its obligations. Edwin Okoth is the author of the bombshell revelations published by the Nairobi-based Daily Nation. He told RFI from Nairobi that Kenya may have mortgaged itself when it accepted the terms of the huge Chinese loan four years ago. What I was able to find out which is shocking is that none of the national assets normally protected by sovereignty have been left out in regard to that loan agreement, regrets the journalist. Okoth also says that the Chinese may be targeting Kenyas second container port for which they filed a tender and lost under the argument that they need to generate money and pay their debts. What that basically means is that everything will go in case of default, warned the Nations business reporter. SGR Losses Kenyan Transport Cabinet Secretary, James Macharia told a parliamentary committee last year that the company recorded a loss of Sh110 billion in its first year of operations. That represented a revenue shortfall of 943 million euros which he attributed to low cargo business the SGR transporting just 800 containers, out of the 1,700 which arrive the port. Story continues Kenyan economist David Ndii is an outspoken critic of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Guage Railway contract. He told RFI that the cost of servicing the SGR loan is about 20 billion Kenyan Shillings which is about 250 million dollars per year. Take-or-pay David Ndii goes on to point out that under the take-or-pay contract, the Kenya Ports Authority has the obligation to apply tariffs of 12 Cents/ton/km set by the Chinese funded and operated SGR Company. In Ndiis opinion, by proceeding as such, the Chinese are able to securitize the ports cash flows, in the event that the KPA did not meet recovery requirements. Debt burden China is Kenyas largest lender, accounting for 72 percent of all its foreign debts set to surpass the 5 trillion Shilling mark (42.8 billion euros). That accounts for more than 60 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product. Kenya is set to spend a staggering 800 billion Shillings (6.8 billion euros) in 2019 to service its debts, becoming the third indebted country behind Angola at 36 billion euros and Ethiopia at 11 billion euros. An American anchor on Iranian state TV has been arrested by the FBI on arrival to the US, the broadcaster claims. The FBI has not issued any statement in response to the reported detention of journalist Marzieh Hashemi, born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans. Ms Hashemi, who has worked for Iran's English-language service Press TV for 25 years, was arrested alongside her son, Reza, at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday, the broadcaster said. The alleged arrest comes as Iran faces its own criticism for detaining dual nationals and others with Western ties, such as jailed Iranian-Briton Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe , who ended her three-day hunger strike on Wednesday. She was protesting not having access to a doctor and medication. Using similar campaign techniques to relatives of people being held in Iran, the Islamic Republic held a news conference and has launched a hashtag to highlight Ms Hashemi's case. "We will not spare any legal action" to help her, said Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster. Press TV said Ms Hashemi had travelled to America "to visit her family members, including her brother, who is suffering from cancer". It claims no reason has been provided as to why she is being held and alleges she has been made to remove her hijab, forcing her to cover her hair with a t-shirt. Ms Hashemi's brother, Milton Leroy Franklin, who lives in New Orleans, told Associated Press he knows only what his niece has put on Facebook, saying he believes she has been in custody since Sunday. "We don't have any detailed information except she's being held. And her son is being held in a hotel in (Washington) and she's being held in some form of prison or incarcerated area," Mr Franklin said. "I'm very concerned. There's no way of getting any word to her and she can't send any out, apparently. We're all in the dark and just waiting and praying that they release her." Story continues Lambert airport spokesman Jeff Lea declined to comment and referred questions to the FBI. He said he could not confirm what flight she arrived on or when. St Louis police said they were not involved and the FBI headquarters in Washington did not respond to requests for comment, AP reported. Last week, Iran confirmed it is holding US Navy veteran Michael R White at a prison in the country, making him the first American known to be detained under President Donald Trump's administration. FILE PHOTO: Syrian national Ahmed Hamed looks on during his trial over his part in a riot at Hungary's border with Serbia in September 2015, in Szeged, Hungary March 14, 2018. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo - RC1FC31BBA50/File Photo BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Authorities in Hungary will next week release a Syrian man jailed for his role in a 2015 border riot and expel him from the country, a court spokesman said on Friday. Ahmed Hamed, a Syrian national who holds residency in Cyprus, crossed into Hungary on Sept. 16, 2015 from Serbia when hundreds of migrants forced open the border gate while throwing rocks at police firing water cannon and teargas. Convicted of illegally crossing the border and for being an accomplice in what the court called a "terrorist act", Hamed was handed a five year prison term, a decision that drew criticism from the European Parliament and Amnesty International. Hamed will be released conditionally on January 19, when he fulfils two-thirds of his sentence, the earliest possible date set in his sentence, court spokesman Laszlo Soros told Reuters. Soros said Hamed would be expelled, without giving further details. Prime Minister Viktor Orban's hardline anti-immigration stance has put Hungary at odds with fellow EU members Germany and France. As well as building a steel fence on its southern border to keep out migrants, Hungary toughened its immigration laws and clamped down on non-government organisations working with migrants. Hamed's case featured in a report on the rule of law in Hungary, which culminated last year in an unprecedented decision by the European Parliament to sanction Hungary for flouting EU rules on democracy, civil rights and corruption. Orban said on Thursday that the views of France and Germany on immigration were irreconcilable with his own, and outlined a campaign to change Europe's political makeup along the migration issue. (Reporting by Marton Dunai; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) A migrant caravan that departed Honduras on Monday, January 14, was met by heavy police presence as it reached the border crossing to Guatemala, at Agua Caliente, on Tuesday. Several hundred members of the US-bound caravan presented documents to cross legally into Guatemala, Reuters reported. Nearly 150 migrants were turned away because they lacked the correct documents, according to Reuters citing local police. Donald Trump tweeted on Tuesday about the new caravan, saying only a wall, or steel barrier, will keep our country safe! Credit: Enma Calderon / Azteca Honduras via Storyful VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria would support granting Britain more time for negotiations to avoid it crashing out of the European Union with no exit deal, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said on Wednesday, though he stressed the current deal could not be renegotiated. The UK parliament resoundingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal on Tuesday, prompting expressions of concern among EU leaders who say they are stepping up emergency planning for a possible 'hard Brexit'. Kurz said the EU could help to further clarify aspects of the withdrawal deal but that Britain needed to take the initiative and state clearly what it wants. "Regarding the future relations ... there is of course the possibility of further defining certain points if this helps to avoid a hard Brexit scenario", Kurz told a news conference in Vienna. "The main target is to avoid a hard Brexit. If we need more time to reach that, then we should consider that option," Kurz said, echoing a proposal by German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29, though speculation has increased that the deadline may have to be extended to allow May more time to overcome deep divisions in her Conservative Party and in the UK parliament. (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle and Tassilo Hummel; Editing by Michelle Martin and Gareth Jones) Gabons President Ali Bongo arrived in Libreville overnight on Tuesday following several months of absence after suffering a stroke, just over a week after the country experienced an attempted ... The president of the republic is present in Libreville, said Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, in an interview with Deutsche Welle radio. Bilie-By-Nze said it was out of the question that Bongo swear in the new government from abroad and when asked if Bongo would be returning to Morocco he said, certainly, he hasnt yet finished his convalescence. Gabon has been without its head of state for several months. Bongo is thought to have suffered a stroke during a visit to Saudi Arabia in October and received initial treatment in Riyadh. He was then transferred to Morocco to continue his recovery and has since made rare video appearances including a speech for New Year. The Gabonese presidents return comes just over a week after a foiled coup attempt by a group of soldiers who seized the countrys state broadcaster. The apparent coup leader gave an address describing Bongos New Year speech as shameful, saying Gabon had lost its dignity. Tuesday mornings swearing-in was closed to the press, according to reports from the AFP news agency. Almost 40 government ministers were sworn in during a ceremony presided over by Bongo at the beachside presidential palace in Libreville. The Gabonese presidential protocol obviously chose a discrete return for President Ali Bongo, reported RFIs Libreville correspondent Yves-Laurent Goma. A new government was announced in a video from Rabat on Saturday, though there were no significant changes. Gabons constitution states that before taking up their roles members of the government must take an oath of office before the president and in the presence of the constitutional court. Bongo is expected to chair a cabinet meeting before returning to Morocco to continue his recovery. Gabons President Ali Bongo arrived in Libreville overnight on Tuesday following several months of absence after suffering a stroke, just over a week after the country experienced an attempted ... The president of the republic is present in Libreville, said Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, in an interview with Deutsche Welle radio. Bilie-By-Nze said it was out of the question that Bongo swear in the new government from abroad and when asked if Bongo would be returning to Morocco he said, certainly, he hasnt yet finished his convalescence. Gabon has been without its head of state for several months. Bongo is thought to have suffered a stroke during a visit to Saudi Arabia in October and received initial treatment in Riyadh. He was then transferred to Morocco to continue his recovery and has since made rare video appearances including a speech for New Year. The Gabonese presidents return comes just over a week after a foiled coup attempt by a group of soldiers who seized the countrys state broadcaster. The apparent coup leader gave an address describing Bongos New Year speech as shameful, saying Gabon had lost its dignity. Tuesday mornings swearing-in was closed to the press, according to reports from the AFP news agency. Almost 40 government ministers were sworn in during a ceremony presided over by Bongo at the beachside presidential palace in Libreville. The Gabonese presidential protocol obviously chose a discrete return for President Ali Bongo, reported RFIs Libreville correspondent Yves-Laurent Goma. A new government was announced in a video from Rabat on Saturday, though there were no significant changes. Gabons constitution states that before taking up their roles members of the government must take an oath of office before the president and in the presence of the constitutional court. Bongo is expected to chair a cabinet meeting before returning to Morocco to continue his recovery. When the UK voted in favour of Brexit in a referendum, nobody visualized the pitfalls ahead. The UK had joined the EU willingly, but inherent fears of domination by Germany and free migration to the British isles stoked latent fears, and a majority voted for Britain to leave the European Union. For some reason this move was backed by Donald Trump who looked at the EU as a rival in trade and world domination on the back of America and with his policy centred on "America First" it was inevitable he would favour Brexit. The BBC has reported that this defeat of the Theresa May government is a historic defeat. Defeat in Commons The British decision to leave the EU has far-reaching repercussions, and the House of Commons was to give its approval to Theresa May the British PM to negotiate a withdrawal from the EU. She was in favour of a soft approach and wanted to retain many links with the EU. The motion was put to the vote and decisively defeated in the House of Commons. Almost 400+ members voted against the government with just about 200 supporting Theresa May. Jeremy Corbyn the leader of the opposition immediately tabled a motion of no-confidence against the Conservative government. CBC News has reported that after the vote Theresa May will now face a no-confidence motion. Next step? Theresa May has lost the confidence of the house, but she is right that though there is a negative vote, nobody has specified what step should be taken next. There is thus a feeling of uncertainty all around, and Mr Corbyn wants another general election. How this will solve the problem of Brexit is not specified. Theresa May had been expecting a defeat, but the magnitude of the voting against her handling of negotiations with the EU is a surprise. It is not clear what the members of Parliament want. Do they want a hard Brexit [VIDEO] ( which may not be all that bad), or a soft Brexit or no Brexit? Some even want Brexit to be cancelled and Britain to remain in the EU. Some want another referendum. Historical reasons The entire atmosphere in the UK is charged with emotion, and there is no doubt that one of the reasons that triggered Brexit is that Britain a great imperial power at one time would be dwarfed by Germany and the British would lose their identity. There is no doubt Germany is the powerhouse of the EU and Trump also is wary of this. One can safely say that what Hitler desired, complete domination of Europe is achieved by Germany now without firing a shot. In this light, it was inevitable that the English would leave the EU regardless of what happens. Future I don't think Brexit can be reversed, but the Britsh will have to realize that Brexit is a double edge sword and many will have a question like Hamlet "to be, or not to be." Acting Screenrights CEO James Dickinson has been formally appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the royalties body. He has been acting in the role since the departure of Simon Lake in July 2018. Screenrights Chair Jill Bryant said, After an extensive search, the Board considered James to be the best person to lead the organisation, and were delighted to announce his appointment. We fully support James vision for Screenrights over the coming years and look forward to working with him to ensure our members benefit from ongoing growth. Dickinson says, Im honoured to lead Screenrights and its people at a time of dynamic change in the screen industry. I look forward to developing deeper relationships with our membership and guiding the organisation as we navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities. Screenrights occupies a unique industry position in support of the Australian and New Zealand screen sectors, as well as those around the world. Supporting our members remains at the heart of everything we do. Were always looking at ways we can better serve our members, and growing Screenrights positive impact for the screen industry is something that Im passionate about. Last year we launched our Cultural Fund and supported three impactful projects, our disbursements and international services for members continued to grow, and EnhanceTV highlighted the educational value of using TV in the classroom with ever-increasing reach. We distributed $42.8 million to members from our education, government and retransmission licences, our international collections and through our disbursement service. Its a privilege to be able to take the reigns at such a positive time for Screenrights, and I am confident the team will continue to take Screenrights from strength to strength. Dickinson brings over 20 years of experience with the company to the role. His previous roles include Head of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and, more recently, General Manager. Dickinson has an in-depth understanding of the regulatory framework under which the organisation operates and is well-regarded by Screenrights stakeholders in government and education. Related These are the first 8 teams who will face off in the 10th Anniversary Season of My Kitchen Rules on Seven. Hosted again by Pete Evan, Manu Feildel and Colin Fassnidge, the Seven season is teasing a record number of perfect scores this season. Teams will also be paired up in open homes to produce a three-course menu for the public and one team of total strangers will be teamed up in Group 2. On offer is another $250,000 and plenty of media attention. As tipped by TV Tonight, this season is also launching in an earlier timeslot. On 10 years of MKR? Manu: Theres at least one thing, one big thing thats changed in 10 years we were 10 years younger. And I think I was 10kg lighter, haha. Pete: Were definitely richer for the experience. All of those amazing dishes, and we must have eaten thousands over that time. Im super proud of everything thats unfolded on this journey. Ive learnt so much from the contestants and from the food as well. Manu: Yes, all of the cultures, all of the cuisines. Its been a huge learning curve for both of us as well. Im still pinching myself. When we started we had no idea wed be here 10 years later, with more to come. Its incredible! And what better thing to do with your best mate. Its not even like coming to work. Pete: Its pretty awesome. We get to work with our best mates, have a lot of fun, try some amazing food and see people achieve their dream. Whats the secret to MKRs success? Pete: Real people cooking real food. Teams from different walks of life, ethnic backgrounds, age groups and relationships who have all got their own authentic story to share, which is translated onto a dinner plate. How cool is that! Manu: The challenge that we throw out to our teams every year is to cook their food, for us. We dont give them a recipe to replicate, we only ask them to cook for us with what they know. Pete: Thats quite unique as far as a cooking competition goes. Group 1: Stacey & Ash, NSW Recently Engaged Food has always been a passion of mine, says Stacey. Its really exciting that we get to be a part of MKR and make our own little magic on air. And how lucky are all the teams coming to Byron! gushes Ash about his hometown. The social media marketers hope to get a bunch of likes for their market-fresh cuisine. We like to keep it pretty authentic, says Ash. Were super into food that will pop on a plate. We communicate really well so I think thats going to be a massive advantage for us, adds Stacey. We can win this competition because weve got the right attitude. Amanda & Blake, WA Sister and Brother Our biggest advantage in MKR is that were brother and sister, says Blake. Blood is thicker than water. Were like twins. Theres not much that comes between us. The best friends, who share a background in retail, live by the rule gym, tan, laundry. But as much as we love our GTL, family is definitely number one, says Amanda. We want to make them proud. We didnt grow up in a rich family, Blake explains. There were five of us in a two-bedroom house. I shared a room with my brother. Amanda was with mum and dad. And dad worked 15 hour days to put food on the table for us. Karito & Ian, WA Married Couple Cooking is a way to show my beautiful daughter and my amazing husband my love for them, says Karito, who was born and raised in Colombia with rhythm in my blood. Karito, a business development executive and online fashion retailer, was taught to cook by her late grandmother. I cant believe Im sharing, for the first time in My Kitchen Rules, Colombian culture, she says. Im here to honour my grandmother, my background and make my daughter proud. Ian meanwhile is your typical skip. Falling in love with a Latino really spiced up my life, the business owner reveals. Chris & Lesley, QLD Flight Attendants In our job, weve experienced some amazing cuisines and weve brought those experiences home with us to share, explains Chris, who has been flying for 28 years (longer than the age of some people at the table). Chris is the Cary Grant of the air, confides Lesley, about her great friend of more than 20 years. Im going to blush, jokes Chris, who plans to show off his Italian heritage in the kitchen (classic with a modern twist). Andy & Ruby, QLD Passionate Peruvians We want to put Peru on the map, explains Andy, who moved to Australia in 2006. A lot of Aussies are still very unfamiliar with Peruvian cuisine so we want to be able to showcase our heritage and how amazing our food is. Australian food is boring; a bit bland, says Ruby, who relocated to Brisbane in 2007 where she met Andy through a mutual friend 10 years ago. Peruvian food is bold, citrus, spicy, says Andy. Chilli is in our DNA. MKRs first Peruvian team arent shy at letting people know what they think. We have that Latin fire so we can get very passionate about food at times, admits Andy, a food blogger. We both love eating out and we are very critical of the food we eat. Mick & Jodie-Anne, VIC Hubby and Wife Were doing this for the so-called country bumpkins, says Mick. Were going to showcase some good food, adds Jodie-Anne. Bring the country to them city folk! The loved up, semi-retired couple enjoy nothing more than spending an arvo at their slice of heaven on the Murray River, having a beer and a wine, and cooking. We like depth of taste without being over the top fancy, says Jodie-Anne, who describes herself as a passionate cook without too many bells and whistles. I dont need many fine things in my life. I have Mick! she laughs, ribbing her husband of 16 years. Were a good team, says Mick. Ibby & Romel, NSW Socialites Not that were going to tell the other teams that, confides Romel, who runs an agency in the fashion industry. The stylish friends, who met seven years ago, will draw on their shared Middle Eastern heritage in the kitchen. With our Persian and Lebanese backgrounds, we can come up with some very cool menus, says Ibby. I learnt to cook at a young age watching my grandmother and from then I knew I wanted a career in food. While Ibby knows flavours, Romel promises to add some spice at the table. Confrontation has never been something I have shied away from, he reveals. I am not afraid to speak my mind and put people in check should I feel they are overstepping the line. Josh & Austin, NSW Home Schooled Brothers Were amateur cooks and were going in this to learn and get better and better until we win, says Austin. Our philosophy is if you decide to commit to something, you better give it everything youve got, says Josh. And were here to win a competition. Raised by missionary parents and home schooled in different countries, the devout Christian brothers are set to ruffle feathers with their no- nonsense approach. Every time I open my mouth Ive got word vomit, Josh admits. But just because our opinion is somewhat obscene or offensive to you, doesnt mean its wrong. And just because I dont appear sociable doesnt mean I dont know how to work people. One of the perks of being home schooled is that youre not raised into the system, Austin reveals. 7pm Monday January 28 on Seven. Related A court in Vietnam gave the death penalty to a local teacher convicted of drug trafficking on Tuesday. The man, Vu Ba Xenh, was a school teacher at the time of his arrest in his residential area in Nghe An Province, which borders Laos. In mid-June 2018, Xenh got acquainted with a person living in Laos who promised to pay him US$200 each time the teacher managed to transport drugs, after realizing that he knew Nghe An like the back of his hand, court records said. Xenh, 40, accepted the offer and left his phone number for contact. Later in the same month, Xenh came to a designated meeting spot in Vietnam and received a gun from a group of people who had crossed the border forest at night, the court said. While Xenh and the group were moving drugs to another place, they were intercepted by Vietnamese police. Xenh was subdued but the group fled into a jungle after firing several shots at the officers. Two policemen were injured, one of whom is now confined to a wheelchair as one of the bullets ended up lodged in his spine. The authorities said they seized a home-made gun, 20 heroin packages, seven kilograms of meth and 12,000 tablets of synthetic drugs. Xenh alone carried nearly 15 kilograms of drugs, they said. It is unclear what type of drug was mentioned but in Vietnam trading over 100 grams of heroin, meth, cocaine, amphetamine or MDMA (ecstasy) is punishable with up to 20 years imprisonment, life imprisonment or capital punishment. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A group of five illegal hunters have been arrested for killing two rare gray langurs at a national park in the north-central Vietnamese province of Nghe An. Tran Xuan Cuong, director of the Pu Mat National Park, confirmed on Tuesday that the poachers were handed over to the police unit in Con Cuong District for further investigation. Management officers previously caught the hunters killing the pair of gray langurs, also known as Hanuman langurs, at the park. They also confiscated a total of five handmade guns, one living wild boar, legs and bones of another boar, and multiple tools to trap wild animals from the poachers. The illegal hunters said they came from Tuong Duong District, also in Nghe An Province, to the national park to hunt wildlife. According to Cuong, gray langurs, whose scientific name is Trachypithecus phayrei, are considered rare and should be protected in accordance with a government decree. Under Article 244 of the Penal Code, the poachers may face jail terms of one to five years and/or a fine of VND500 million (US$21,500) to VND2 billion ($86,000), online newspaper Dan Tri quoted Cuong as saying. Covering an area of more than 910 square kilometers, the Pu Mat National Park spans across Tuong Duong, Con Cuong, and Anh Son Districts in Nghe An. Being part of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, the park is one of the most important sites for mammal conservation in Vietnam. Wildlife hunting and other activities that violate regulations on forest protection are prohibited within the venue. Earlier this month, the parks forest protection officers apprehended seven people armed with nine handmade guns and confiscated multiple dead monkeys, flying squirrels, and mice. The gang was slapped with a VND36 million ($1,548) fine. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Politics -- Chairwoman of Vietnams lawmaking National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on Tuesday met with President of the Cambodian Senate Samdech Say Chhum in Siem Reap, Cambodia on the sidelines of the 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-27). Society -- Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday launched a month-long campaign to test drivers for use of alcohol and other stimulants, with officers being stationed on streets from 6:00 pm until 2:00 am the next morning. -- The Management Authority of Urban Railways of Ho Chi Minh City has requested that the municipal administration make an advance payment of VND2,248 billion (US$96.65 million) to contractors involved in the development of the citys first metro line while waiting for new budget allocation from the central government. -- Since toll collection was ceased on the Ho Chi Minh City Trung Luong Expressway, which connects the city with Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta region, on January 1, traffic has increased by 18-26 percent, significantly reducing the average vehicle speed on the high-speed road. -- Vietnamese spend around $2 billion each year on medical costs overseas, said Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien at a conference in Hanoi on Tuesday to review the health ministrys work in 2018. -- Fifty hectares of sea located south-west of the Ly Son Island in Quang Ngai Province in central Vietnam is being proposed for a reclamation project to build a commercial urban area. Business -- Two circulars issued by Vietnams Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment that request local authorities to inspect 100 percent of scrap imports have caused containers to pile up at the countrys ports due to there being not enough personnel to conduct the inspections. -- Le The Chu, Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, has proposed that June 16 be made Vietnams Cashless Day to promote the use of cashless payment methods in daily transactions as 60 percent of Vietnamese citizens from 15 years of age had a bank account as of mid-2018. -- Most countries that have launched trade defense lawsuits against Vietnamese steel have achieved their purpose of imposing anti-dumping tariffs on the products due to Vietnamese businesses lacking financial capabilities and personnel to follow through with lengthy court procedures. -- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed that the Vietnamese government will continue to always create favorable conditions for foreign firms to do business in Vietnam, including those from Japan, as he received Japanese business leaders in Hanoi on Tuesday. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In Vietnam, Tet has been long considered one of the most important celebrations that should be spent with families. However, many elderly patients have no choice but to spend this holiday in the hospitals where they are being treated. Even though gifts and support are always provided to patients who are struggling financially, they are even more evident during this upcoming holiday. At the Hospital of Thu Duc District in Ho Chi Minh City, a special form of support is provided to poor patients. VND0 fair On January 27, which is the 22nd day of the last lunar month, when Tet or the Lunar New Year festival is one week away, the hospital will hold a special fair where patients are going to be allowed to buy goods for VND0. Each patient will be allowed to purchase seven different goods of their own choice regardless of their price on the market. The fair organizers will also hold other activities to raise funds to pay for the insurance of many patients who cannot afford the medical care they need. In charge of this program is the department for social affairs of the Hospital of Thu Duc District, which usually finds ways to support patients in dire need of care but without financial means. So far we have been able to find 25 stalls to join us and hopefully the number will increase, Nguyen Thi My Chau, head of the department, beamed. The fair plays an important role in giving the patients a wholesome Tet holiday despite their being away from their families on this special occasion, which includes an experience of shopping for new things. Moreover, it will have the patients feel supported and loved by many, thus giving them more strength to fight their illnesses. Last year, the fair was organized for the first time after a research on patients needs had been conducted at the hospital. Having received positive feedback, the hospital management decided to make the fair a biannual event held before Tet and the Doan Ngo Festival, which is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. Annually there are around 100 patients inevitably spending the celebrations at the hospital and the expenses for the fair usually range from VND250 million (US$11,000) to VND300 million ($13,000). Funds are raised through donations from doctors, hospital staff, and different charities. All of them participate in organizing the fair and other activities for the patients as well. The department for social affairs of the hospital is also trying to sell cashew nuts to raise funds for poor patients, especially to buy these patients insurance as a gift for the forthcoming Lunar New Year. This year the fair will play an even more important role, as it is going to sell goods to fund insurance and wheelchairs for many patients, Chau, the departmental head. In 2018, the hospital gave away 100 insurance cards and six wheelchairs costing VND1.6 million [$70] each. Vietnamese hospitals trying to help The Hospital of Thu Duc District makes significant efforts to help their patients, but they are not the only one to do so. Binh Dan Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City is also trying to speed up its crowd-funding activities as Tet is nearing to support poor patients so as to guarantee a warm and meaningful holiday for them. On a daily basis, the hospital also makes an effort to find sponsors and funds for poor patients. Having a fund supporting patients who cannot afford basic treatment is a common practice in many hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City. These funds usually heed the patients financial situation while also providing emotional support for them. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Child sexual abuse is an ongoing and serious issue that not only Vietnam but also other countries are confronted with. Some expats provide Vietnamese with advice on how to deal with the problem. Educate children about private parts as soon as they talk Child sexual abuse victims are left with emotional scars that will never leave. It changes the child to someone else that you hardly recognize as far as how they interact with their parents before and after becoming a victim of sexual abuse, although some help can come from psychiatric care. Hence, children should be told as soon as they can talk and understand that no one should touch their private parts. Later when they get to five or six years old parents best option is to teach children to trust their instincts and how to handle situations that make them feel uncomfortable like what you do if you are at a friends house and someone there tries to touch you, or show you inappropriate material and then role-play the situation with your child. This is very important as it makes them alert to a real situation if it occurs. I told my two-year-old sons and grandchildren about their private parts belonging to them and no one else should touch them. Later we talk about not letting them get into a situation that they cant talk to me about. This is always very important that they know they are never alone with whatever happens to them and they should never fear telling their parents or guardians. The signs of abuse arent always obvious, and learning the warning signs of child abuse could be life-saving. You might notice behavioral or physical changes that could signal a child is being abused: behavioral changes such as removing themselves away from any physical contact, even from a trusted relative; regressive behaviors like thumb sucking from younger children or changing hygiene routines such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively, among many others. It is important to encourage children to communicate with parents. This process starts at a very young age and is repeated often while growing up. They are taught to say no with conviction, so they never become a victim. School educators should be taught to recognize abuse of children. When they see it, then the parents should be notified right away as well as police and authorities. In the States, child abuse is mostly taught in school starting about age six or first grade. As strange as it seems, most parents let the schools talk about and teach this subject as they seem to not have the time or dont know how to tell their children what they should recognize when they are being abused. Sex education is also taught in school and not at home. Charlie Oakes from the U.S. Sometimes parents do not communicate enough with their child In my country, the UK, we are constantly discovering the huge scale of the problem of child sexual abuse in our institutions, such as media organizations, religious institutions, schools, and other places. The sad truth is that if there are any situations where people can be in a position of power over children and young people, then there will always be really sick and confused people who seek out those positions and abuse that power. Obviously all organizations that deal with children and vulnerable people need strict rules and procedures to do everything they can to prevent this from happening. I think we all think if we were parents then we would be able to prevent our children from being abused: but the truth is a lot of parents fail in this regard. Sometimes children don't feel able to tell their parents about abuse, sometimes parents don't communicate enough with their child, or don't pay enough attention to realize that they are suffering. They also fail in their duty to teach children how they should and shouldn't be treated by adults. There are even sad cases where children tell their parents they are being abused but their parents don't believe them. Schools are places where change can happen much faster. Although teachers might be inexperienced or uncomfortable discussing sexual abuse with students, it is important and could spare a lot of suffering and save lives. Of course this doesn't remove the responsibility of the parents to communicate properly with their children, but it could give children the knowledge and courage to report sexual abuse and remove abusers from positions of power. Joe Edwards from the UK Raise awareness for the parents The biggest problem in Vietnam in this matter is that there is no sex education. While Canadian schools start educating children about this matter at 11 years old, Vietnamese students are not provided with this knowledge until they are finishing junior high school, or in high school, if not being skipped. Only by understanding how it works, what is love, protection, and sickness, can we know what aggression is. It is also important to note that both parents and schools have the responsibility to educate children about this matter. However, since the government does not provide proper education, in most Vietnamese family cases, even parents have not been educated or had a proper understanding of the matter. I am not saying that Canada does not have such problems, because we do and they happen everywhere. The impact on children is indescribable as it can destroy a personality forever. While the definition of sexual assault is whatever you do not like, it is harder in Vietnamese culture. Vietnamese never say no, they tend to say yes or avoid the confrontation which is why it is even harder to put a molester in jail. Another problem is that there is still a lot of poverty in rural areas so not many children go to school, which makes it difficult to change peoples mindsets, raise awareness, and spread the understanding. For the time being, the government can raise awareness through public media such as TV, newspapers, or radio. Vietnamese seem to like famous people so the government can take advantage of it and have well-known figures talk about such matters on TV. Frederic Coutu from Canada Give children enough information In my opinion, the impacts on a child who has suffered sexual abuse are varied. The child may feel a sense of guilt and carry that guilt with them throughout their life. They may even become abusers themselves as they get older. They may find themselves addicted to alcohol, drugs or display other addictive behavior. Often the denial and hiding of the issues is the biggest burden the child has to carry. I would also like to mention shame and self-loathing among child victims as the impacts. In the West, we often warn children, never take candy from strangers," but since sexual abusers are often people in trusted positions of power over the children, this advice is not very helpful. The most important thing is that a child feels that he/she can share anything with his or her parents. If there is that level of trust, then the parents will know when something is wrong. Children should be told that it is not ok for an adult to touch them or fondle them and if the child feels uncomfortable with a particular young person or adult, they should share that information with the parents or other responsible adults. Children should be educated that as soon as they are able to understand language. They should be taught and re-taught at their age level, that it is not ok for an adult to touch them in their private places, or to kiss or fondle them. Parents should also teach their children its not ok if a person who molests children tells them that it is a secret just between the two of them, and makes children promise not to tell anyone about what happened. Parents should be alert to the behavior of their children and of the young people and adults they come into contact with. If an adult shows more than a healthy interest in the child, singles them out for extra attention, buys them presents, and suggests special outings, it would be good to talk to the child about their relationship with that adult. The most important thing is information. Your child needs enough information to clearly be able to judge what behavior is appropriate and what is not. Free communication with parents and others in a position of trust is very important. Thats not only the familys responsibility; schools must be very alert and check carefully the references of all the people that the child comes into contact with; not just the teachers, but all the staff. L. Dennis Woolbright from the U.S. Parents should not blame the children It is important to keep communication open between parents and children. Many parents do not know how to talk about this since it is very uncomfortable. Often by the time parents say something, if they ever do, it is too late because sexual abuse can begin at an early age. Basically, parents should tell their children that their bodies are theirs, they are not for anyone else to touch. Children as young as five years old should be taught that and this message should be repeated during their lifetime. Since much of the abuse is caused by friends, it is almost impossible to protect one's children all the time. Changes in a child's behavior should be noted and gently questioned in the hope of curtailing abuse if it does happen. Abuse is very bad but abuse which continues for a long time can be utterly devastating. Parents must understand the children are the weakest people in this scenario. Abuse is only rarely committed by someone younger than the victim. So the guilty person is almost always older and theoretically more mature. The children are almost powerless and can be used and manipulated. So, parents should not blame the children if the abuse is discovered. Parents should try not to judge the child. Also, schools should have an effective sex education program for students and staff. Bill Harany from Canada Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, one of the leading dailies in Vietnam, has suggested celebrating Cashless Day on June 16 every year as a way to promote non-cash payment in the Southeast Asian country. The proposition was made by Tuoi Tre editor-in-chief Le The Chu as he addressed the seminar Toward a cashless society, co-organized by the newspaper and the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday. The event was meant to solicit ideas and suggestions on what can be done to reduce the use of cash in the country from SBV officials, economic experts, finance specialists and representatives from several local commercial banks. In his opening remarks, Chu briefed attendees on the current status of cashless payment in Vietnam, difficulties in investment in digital payment infrastructure and possible solutions to these challenges. In a society where cash remains king and using cash is a culture and habit of Vietnamese people, the editor-in-chief admitted that it will be challenging to transform Vietnam into a cashless society. But just because it is difficult does not mean it is impossible to make such a transformation, he underlined. Le The Chu, editor-in-chief of Tuoi Tre, speaks at the seminar Towards a cashless society in Ho Chi Minh City on January 15, 2019. Photo: Tuoi Tre Chu proposed making June 16 the Cashless Day as an event to encourage non-cash payment in Vietnam. Speaking at the seminar, SBV deputy governor Nguyen Kim Anh said it seems to be an irreversible process for Vietnam to move toward a non-cash society, taking into account all the significant advantages brought about by digital payment methods. According SBV data, more than 43 million Vietnamese people, making up more than 60 percent of people aged 15 years and older, owned a bank account as of mid-2018. In 2018, Vietnams inter-bank electronic payment system safely handled 137.6 million transactions collectively valued at VND73 million billion (US$3.14 trillion), 13 times higher than the countrys GDP of that year, Anh said. Vietnam now has 76 providers of Internet payment services and 41 mobile payment operators, according to SBV data. In the meantime, 90.51 percent of the Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation customers now pay their bills electronically, Nguyen Duy Quoc Viet, deputy general director of the municipal power utility, said, citing its latest statistics. Representatives of commercial banks attend the seminar Towards a cashless society in Ho Chi Minh City on January 15, 2019. Photo: Tuoi Tre However, experts also expressed their concerns that promoting non-cash payments and clamping down on cash usage in Vietnam would not be without obstacles. Pham Tien Dung, general director of SBVs payment department, pointed to three reasons, which include the long-established habit of using cash and the reluctance to try new payment technology among local consumers. The other reason, according to Dung, is the fact that payment infrastructure is mainly concentrated in urban areas and people in rural areas lack necessary means to go cashless. Illustrating this view, Tu Tien Phat, deputy CEO of Asia Commercial Bank (ACB), said that 80 percent of Vietnamese online shoppers still chose cash on delivery (COD) as their payment method in 2018. In order to promote non-cash payment, Vietnam needs as many new payment products and services as possible, Dung, the SBV official, suggested. The payment methods should meet the needs of users, especially those in rural areas, while service providers with payment systems should be connected with one another, he underlined. Experts speak at the seminar Towards a cashless society in Ho Chi Minh City on January 15, 2019. Photo: Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! OPINION: "No, I am not and we are not 'over sensitive.' Anti-Semitism is real, hurtful and malicious. Sometimes it is subtle, sometimes flagrant. It affects more of us than anyone would want to admit," writes Rabbi Emeritus Robert Eisen. We hope you have enjoyed your complimentary access for the month. To continue viewing content on tucson.com, please sign in with your existing account or subscribe. Qatar Airways will not buy a stake in Jet Airways as a substantial portion of the debt-laden Indian carrier is held by Etihad Airways, whose owner Abu Dhabi is an "enemy" of Qatar, its CEO Akbar al-Baker said on Tuesday. Abu Dhabi is part of the United Arab Emirates that cut ties with Qatar in 2017 over accusations of supporting terrorism. Doha denies the charges. The UAE, together with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain have banned Qatar Airways since June of that year as part of the dispute. "We would definitely look at it (Jet Airways) if a 24 per cent stake was not held by Etihad," al-Baker told Reuters on the sidelines of an aviation conference in Mumbai. "How can I take a stake in an airline which is owned by our adversary?" Etihad plans to hike its stake in Jet to help the Indian carrier with its financial woes, a person close to the Abu Dhabi carrier told Reuters late on Monday. Al-Baker said Qatar Airways would be "delighted" to take a stake in IndiGo, the largest airline in India - home to the world's fastest-growing aviation market. The Qatari airline has previously expressed an interest in investing in IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation. "But not in an airline where substantial ownership is by the enemy of my country," he said, referring to Jet. Qatar Airways posted a 252 million riyal ($67.18 million) loss for the financial year ended March 31, 2018, as it lost access to 18 destinations due to the political dispute. As part of a broader effort to diversify its portfolio outside its home market, the Qatari carrier purchased a 10 per cent stake in Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd in 2017 and 5 per cent in China Southern Airlines Co Ltd this month. Qatar Airways also remains interested in starting a fully owned airline in India, al-Baker said on Tuesday, but that is not allowed under India's current foreign investment rules. Given China and India "are the biggest growing markets, it is obvious as an airline we want to invest strategically in those regions because we ourselves are a very rapidly growing airline", he said. Al-Baker has threatened publicly to pull Qatar Airways out of the oneworld airline alliance despite holding minority stakes in members Cathay Pacific, British Airways and LATAM Airlines Group SA. China Southern in November said it would exit the rival SkyTeam alliance, in a move that opened the potential for it to join oneworld. "Joining oneworld is entirely their business decision and we always will respect as a stakeholder the decision made by the majority shareholder," al-Baker said of China Southern. Also Read: Kumbh Mela 2019: Hindu ascetics lead 150 million pilgrims in holy bath, but politics weigh Also Read: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley goes to US for 'medical check-up', says sources Q Why is the sky blue? Zhongfang Tu, visiting professor at University of Wisconsin A Samantha Tushaus, researcher at the Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Light from the sun comes in many colors, including colors we can see and some we cant see. And just like sound waves or waves on the water, light travels in waves. Each color has a different kind of wave, from short wavelengths to long wavelengths. For example, blue light has a shorter wavelength than red light. Light from the sun will travel in a straight line until it encounters something like the Earths atmosphere, which is made up of billions of tiny molecules of mostly nitrogen and oxygen. Those molecules scatter shorter wavelengths more than they like to scatter long wavelengths. So the molecules scatter blue light much more than they scatter red light. When we look up to the sky, we see all the blue light thats been scattered by the oxygen and nitrogen in our atmosphere. A man died from after being pulled from a fire in an abandoned building on Tucson's southeast side Wednesday morning, officials say. Firefighters were notified of the building fire by a resident of at an apartment building near East 29th Street and Swan Road about 5:30 a.m. Flames were coming off the roof of the building when firefighters arrived, according to a Tucson Fire Department news release. The man was pulled from the building and rushed to the hospital where he died, said Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson police spokesman. The man appeared to be sleeping in the abandoned building when the fire started. Police have identified the man, but are not yet releasing his identity to the public. The fire was under control in seven minutes. No firefighters were injured. The investigation continues. Contact reporter Danyelle Khmara at dkhmara@tucson.com or 573-4223. On Twitter: @DanyelleKhmara 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. This current conflict is an outgrowth of more than a decade of hard relations with the United Steelworkers and other unions representing Asarco workers. That broke into the open with the 2005 strike, but has been regular since the company emerged from bankruptcy in early 2010. On July 1, 2011, an agreement between the unions and Asarco took effect that said new hires would no longer be enrolled in the companys defined-benefit pension program. The new agreement said nothing about the existing copper-price bonus, which paid a lump sum to each employee every quarter, based on the price of copper. But the previous agreement had said that the copper-price bonus was to be paid to workers enrolled in the pension plan. Soon after the new agreement took effect, in July 2011, an Asarco human resources administrator noted the problem: Since newly hired workers were not in the pension plan, it could be argued they were not qualified for the copper-price bonus. You can imagine cackling laughter rippling down the corridors at the Williams Centre on East Broadway, where Asarco has its headquarters. In September that year, the company informed the Steelworkers that it was planning to take advantage of this contractual oversight: The company would not pay the copper-price bonus to those hired July 1, 2011 or after. My grandmother started a camp in the 1970s off of Sandario Road, which I took over in the 1980s, she said. At the time, Tucker worked as a nutritionist at San Xavier Mission school and would be off during the summer, which allowed her the time to harvest saguaro fruit in June and July. In a plentiful season, Tucker and volunteers would produce gallons of syrup and jam, which Tucker would sell from her home in Tucson, and to tribal elders who were not able to harvest anymore. The group picked the fruit from the saguaro using a saguaro-ribbed tool called a KuipaD to knock the fruit to the ground, often from more than 30 feet up in the air. The tool is made of two dried saguaro ribs lashed together. At one end of the ribs, a greasewood stick juts from either side, forming a cross. Tucker passed her knowledge on at the harvesting camps to students, scientists, artists and family. She worked to teach the interrelationship between the Oodham, the saguaro and the Sonoran Desert. Tucker also taught many workshops at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, said Eisele. The time is almost here, Tucson. Reid Park Zoo's newest critters itty-bitty squirrel monkeys have made their Tucson debut. On Saturday, the public will be able to gawk at how cute they are. Did we mention the tiny monkeys only weigh between one and two pounds? The four monkeys three female and one male arrived in Tucson in January and were getting acclimated in the zoo's health center. Zoo officials were also waiting for the monkeys' permanent habitat appropriately named the Temple of Tiny Monkeys to be complete. A former snack bar in the zoo's South America area was transformed into the monkeys' habitat. It has an ancient ruin theme and includes an indoor space with both heating and cooling, a small water feature and an outdoor space with large trees for the monkeys. The new exhibit is part of a ballot initiative that increased the city's sales tax by one-tenth of 1 percent for the next 10 years. What it actually says is that lawmakers cannot be arrested during the legislative session or in the 15 days leading up to the session unless they are charged with treason, a felony or breach of the peace. Nothing immunizes them from being arrested and prosecuted after the session is over. The same provision also says lawmakers are not subject to civil process during the same period. Ducey, in his State of the State speech Monday, referred to the provision as legislative immunity. He said one reason people hold members of Congress in contempt is that they exempt themselves from many of the laws they pass. Lets show the people of Arizona that their elected leaders will live under the same laws as every man and woman in this state, the governor said. Bowers, however, said he sees no reason to repeal the protection simply because some lawmakers have acted badly and then sought to escape being held accountable. Leach said the whole idea of the protection is to keep a police officer or sheriffs deputy from detaining one or two lawmakers whose votes are needed. You could render it nonfunctional, he said of the Legislature if a member were kept away. The charges may be relatively minor, but the implications of a trial this week could shape humanitarian aid work in Southern Arizona for years to come. As their trial began Tuesday, four volunteers with the Tucson-based No More Deaths organization argued they took action to stop the deaths of illegal border crossers while politicians are endlessly debating policy for the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal prosecutors said the volunteers broke the law by going where they werent supposed to go and leaving items prohibited by the rules of a wildlife refuge southwest of Tucson. The opening statements on Tuesday marked the start of a series of trials against aid workers, the first criminal charges against such workers in U.S. District Court in Tucson in more than a decade. In separate cases from 2017 and early 2018, federal prosecutors charged five other No More Deaths volunteers with crimes connected to aid work. Those trials are scheduled to start in the coming months. In this weeks trial, Natalie Hoffman is accused of operating a motor vehicle in a wilderness area. She and Oona Holcomb, Madeline Huse and Zaachila Orozco McCormick are accused of entering a national wildlife refuge without a permit and abandoning property there. All of the charges are misdemeanors. Gov. Doug Ducey returned to Tucson on Tuesday to give a slightly modified version of the state of the state speech he gave on Monday in Phoenix. The Republican governor told more than 500 at the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce-organized luncheon that he wants to get back to work following the November election, vowing to work with Democrats and Republicans. The issues facing the state, he argues, arent partisan, signaling hed work with anybody with good ideas. The two-term governor discussed the looming water crisis, continued support for K-12 education funding, touched on several of his legislative priorities this year as well as hinted what would be in his recommended budget when it is released later this week. Here are several takeaways from Duceys visit to Tucson: INTERSTATE 10 SAFETY IS A SERIOUS ISSUE While talking to reporters after the luncheon, Ducey said that he considers the issue of cross-median crashes along Interstate 10 is a serious issue. The man who police were searching for in a case of possible child abuse turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday, officials say. David Clark, 35, was arrested on Jan. 16 on suspicion of sexual conduct with a minor, failure to report child abuse, sexual assault, and continuous sexual abuse of a minor, the Sahuarita Police Department said in a news release. Police had obtained arrest warrants for Clark and his wife Stephanie Clark after a domestic disturbance at a Green Valley home on Jan. 9. That investigation revealed allegations of possible child abuse and domestic violence. Police arrested Stephanie Clark, 32, on Tuesday. She was booked into the Pima County jail on two counts of child abuse and two counts of failure to report child abuse. She has since been released, according to a Sahuarita police news release. Clark was being taken to jail Wednesday afternoon, police said. Contact Star reporter Shaq Davis at 573-4218 or sdavis@tucson.com On Twitter: @ShaqDavis1 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Reliance Industries Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani has made it to the prestigious Foreign Policy magazine's 2019 list of '100 Global Thinkers'. The other names on the list, which will be fully released next week, include Alibaba's Jack Ma, Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, Amazon's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, and Bill and Melinda Gates. The entire list for 2019 has been split into 10 categories, including defense and security, energy and climate, technology, economics and business and science and health. Interestingly, Ambani, Asia's richest man, was not listed under the business category but under technology. According to the magazine, that's because Ambani may have made his fortune courtesy his holdings in the oil, gas, and retail sectors, but he's likely to make his biggest impact on India through his new telecom venture Jio. "By offering cellular data and voice free for the first six months after Jio's launch, Ambani got more than 100 million Indians to sign up-accelerating a smartphone internet revolution in the world's largest democracy," the magazine said on its website, adding, "The next stage of Ambani's plan is to use the digital airwaves to sell content and lifestyle products, eventually competing with Google and Facebook." Rubbing shoulders with Ambani in the tech category, so far, are Yuval Noah Harari, best known for his 2011 best-seller Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, and Kai-Fu Lee, the founder of the venture capital fund Sinovation Venture and an author. The other Indian-origin names on the latest list of thinkers include Fareed Zakaria, one of the most influential foreign-policy analysts and TV hosts for almost two decades, and author Amitav Ghosh. On January 25, 1934, John Dillinger and his crew of criminals, Charley Makley, Russell Clark and triggerman Harry Pierpont, were apprehended by Tucson law enforcement following bank robberies, murders and jailbreaks carried out from Kentucky to South Dakota. The gang came to Tucson to hide from the heat and get out of the cold, but soon found themselves behind bars. They were eventually transported east to face their fates. Here are 10 things you might not know about Dillinger's capture, taken from Arizona Daily Star stories written at the time: Toloache is a flower, associated with Mesoamericas ancient peoples, with known medicinal and hallucinogenic properties. Its also used in love potions. So when a pair of New York City female musicians, who were looking to create a new ensemble and sound, were looking for a name for their group, they settled on toloache. We wanted something to do with a flower, something feminine and strong, said Mireya Ramos. It sounded right. The word exuded elegance and power. Its a magical name, Ramos said. So Ramos, along with her musical partner Shae Fiol, created Mariachi Flor de Toloache, an all-women mariachi ensemble in New York City. Although Flor de Toloache is not the first all-female mariachi, it has since its founding in 2008 created a wide swath of admirers and followers beyond the world of mariachi music. The group will perform Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 191 Toole. The group has earned acclaim for its marriage of traditional mariachi with blues and Caribbean stylings, and other nontraditional mariachi sounds to create a mesmerizing and enchanting sound, much like the effects of the toloache flower, bringing a new edge to mariachi music. State lawmakers are considering a new measure that would impose a 5 percent lodging tax statewide, with the funds going to the Wyoming Office of Tourism. The goal of the new tax would be to ensure a steady stream of funds for promoting tourism throughout the state, an effort normally paid for through the general fund. Because the general fund is subject to the whims of the energy industry, when budgets are being slashed, tourism budgets are always in danger of being reduced. This is counterproductive during times when income from our number two industry tourism is most crucial. The 5 percent tax would eliminate the uncertainty and keep funding for tourism promotion consistent. So when our primary industry is struggling, tourism can continue to help supplement state and local economies. The tax wouldnt hurt our states most vulnerable populations, like a regressive tax might. Out of town visitors, or residents traveling within the state, would be able to choose if the cost increase was worth it, and adjust their plans accordingly. In other words, its taxing a want, rather than a need. However Nina Hebert, a spokesperson for the Legislatures Democratic Caucus and herself an epilepsy patient, said it took her and her doctor two years to find a combination of medication to control her seizures to a level of fewer than seven a week. Despite having the best drugs money can buy, she said, the medication had destroyed her kidneys, and may put her on dialysis before 45 years old. Once Colorado legalized the use of recreational marijuana, Hebert was able to cross the border to get some patches with CBD and CBD oil. But doing so was an arduous process. Because she couldnt drive with her condition, she said, she would need to find someone to drive her across the border. Meanwhile, she had to book a hotel and pay for child care while she administered the CBD. I am not a stoner, she said. I am not running off to get high. My kids have not even had a cavity until this year. I am a successful and educated person, living a successful life with a number of things showing that I am not looking to run off, get high and eat pizza. I have a chronic disease literally taking things from me, and I have to get someone to drive me all the way across the border to get the help I need. A new website says more than half of Wyoming's Republican lawmakers are not Republican enough. Who's behind it is a mystery. CHEYENNE Gov. Mark Gordon on Tuesday asked state lawmakers for $10 million to help pay for the construction of an experimental, 5-megawatt advanced coal-generating plant capable of capturing at least 75 percent of the carbon emissions it produces. The request is part of the new governors five-item, $21 million supplemental budget request. Gordon is also seeking money for wildlife and agricultural projects. In his first two speeches as governor, Gordon presented a vision for Wyoming to become a leader in energy innovation, at the forefront of research to produce cleaner-burning coal, lowered emissions and a sustainable future for the states coal producers. After presenting his supplemental budget requests to the legislatures Joint Appropriations Committee on Tuesday afternoon, it became clear his administration isnt wasting any time in doing so. The funding for the power plant, which would support the University of Wyoming School of Energy Resources, would be used to leverage up to $40 million in grant funding from the United States Department of Energy for a project to help supplement the work of the Integrated Test Center near Gillette. But the district says bus video does not support this claim and that Jonckers turned to follow one of the girls who bullied her, rather than moving in the opposite direction and toward her home. Officials suspended Jonckers for her role in the fight that followed. Jonckers spent several weeks out of school because of injuries she sustained during the incident. The district announced it was hiring Craig Silvas firm to investigate the incident. The board then decided to hire the firm, with Silva as the point-person, to represent it going forward. Although district officials said they believed the investigation could still be independent and thorough, and that they had used their own attorney for investigations before, ODonnell publicly questioned the legitimacy of the inquiry. Verba Echols, the districts associate superintendent of human resources, told the Star-Tribune on Monday that, while the district disagreed with ODonnells assessment, it decided to honor her request and to hire Copenhaver. Messages sent to Copenhaver and ODonnell were not returned Tuesday. A woman at Copenhavers firm indicated he was out of the office for the week. A state committee last month recommended Buffalo instead of Casper as the best site for a potential state-run nursing home for veterans but Casper City Manager Carter Napier said Tuesday that the committee has reversed that decision. Napier, who made the announcement during the Casper City Councils Tuesday work session, said he had just received the news via text message. Its a huge turn of events for us, he said. A handful of city representatives argued last month before the Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Committee that Casper is the best location for the facility. But it appeared the committee was swayed toward Buffalo because it already has the states assisted living facility for veterans. Buffalo has been the site of the Veterans Home of Wyoming since 1903. At the time, Napier commended all those who spoke on the citys behalf. We were represented very well, he said. Despite good arguments and logic it didnt work out yet, but I would say we still need to be in the fight. The committee initially considered several cities, including Cheyenne and Riverton. But only Casper, Buffalo and Sheridan were selected as finalists this summer. During the eight-week festival at Prayagraj in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, up to 150 million people, including a million foreign visitors, are expected to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and a mythical third river, the Saraswati. More than 18 million pilgrims led by naked, ash-smeared ascetics had entered the grounds by 1600 local time (1130 GMT) on Tuesday, said a spokesman for the Kumbh Mela Adhikari, the main organizing committee. "This time there is so much more space," he said. "All indications are this will be bigger than the last Kumbh." Estimating crowd numbers at the site, two thirds the size of Manhattan is difficult, and the official did not say how the committee had arrived at the figure. However, if the trend continues, it would be the largest ever Kumbh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, which governs the state, sees a successful festival as a way to burnish its credentials as a defender of the Hindu faith. Giant cardboard cutouts of Modi, who faces a tough test in a general election due by May, adorned the sacred site. "Modi is a good man," said Varun K Seth, a saffron-clad priest who gestured at a figure of Modi. "He is watching over us." Devout Hindus believe bathing in the waters of the Ganges absolves people of sins and at the time of the Kumbh Mela, or the "festival of the pot", it brings salvation from the cycle of life and death. A highlight is the appearance of the Naga sadhus, or ascetics, who worship Shiva and bathe on the first day. Many sadhus belong to monastic orders called Akharas and some live in remote caves, stepping out for the Kumbh Mela, generally held once every three years in four cities. Shortly before dawn on Tuesday, the first ascetics, the Panchayati, plunged into the water amid cries of "har har Mahadev", or "everyone is Mahadev", another name for Shiva. "It is out of this world," said Seth. "When you get in the water, you feel like you are alive." Members of the largest monastic order at the festival, the Juna Akhara, raced down to the water carrying tridents and spears as police held back throngs of spectators. "The river gives us immortality," said a naked sadhu from the Juna Akhara as he covered his body in ash after bathing. POLITICAL FLAVOR Modi's chief minister in Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, a firebrand Hindu priest pictured on billboards across the city, has championed policies that play to the BJP's core Hindu base. This year he transformed a smaller Ardh, or "half" Kumbh Mela, into a full version of the festival. He also replaced the Muslim names of several cities with Hindu names - including Prayagraj, which was Allahabad until October. "Yogi is a great leader who cares for the people," said Kuldeep Banderi, a pilgrim from Delhi. "If this Kumbh is Ardh think what the next will be like." The BJP lost power in three states in assembly elections in December, and want to avoid a similar result during the general election in Uttar Pradesh, a state of 220 million people where a strong showing can often decide the outcome. For the first time at the Kumbh Mela, a transgender ashram known as the Kinnar Akhara and led by rights activist Lakshmi Narayan Tripathi from Mumbai joined the first bathing day. India legalized gay sex in September, but the LGBT community still faces prejudice in the deeply religious country. Members of the Kinnar Akhara received a police escort to the bathing site, where Tripathi plunged into the waters fully clothed to the cheers of her followers. The festival has its roots in a Hindu tradition that says the god Vishnu wrested a golden pot containing the nectar of immortality from demons. In a 12-day fight for possession, four drops fell to earth, in the cities of Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain and Nasik, which now share the Kumbhs. Also Read: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley goes to US for 'medical check-up', says sources Also Read: Not interested in 'enemy' state backed Jet Airways, says Qatar CEO Akbar al-Baker Malayalis attuned to beating humidity were in for a big shock when the January weather took an overnight about-turn from sticky to chilly. This is perhaps a first for Kerala leaving folks shivering in the early morning fog. The cold season has given reason enough for another first, a soup to warm up people. The Taiwanese beef noodle soup being ladled out at 'The soup Shop' on the Kaloor-Kadavanthra stretch in Kochi is doing just that. Think soup and what pops up in mind are sweet-corn chicken, mutton, crab, or veg varieties. However, contrary to expectations, the serve here is a bowlful of piping hot soup with the aroma of tender beef and fresh peppercorns filling the room. In pure Taiwanese style, here's a bowlful high on the health factor. Beef stock is set aside while the meat gets cooked. What's added to the beef are salt, tomatoes, masalas, pepper, and bay leaves. The whole stuff is left to simmer over a low flame for about three hours. The pieces and the stock are then set aside. Huge chunks of meat are put in to get the sufficient quantity of stock. The chunks are diced into smaller bits only when the order is placed. The stock is then once again boiled along with broccoli and other vegetables as per customers' choice. Generous helpings of beef slices and pre-cooked noodles are blended in, in a final act. No maida here to thicken the soup. What goes in are rice noodles with celery, lettuce, and spring onion for garnish. As the 'Soup Shop' has started catering to the soup and salad health combo, a taste of the chef-special grilled chicken salad seasoned with olive oil and lemon is highly recommended. Coming back to the beef soup, it's free of cream or corn flour padding. Beef tastes just like beef. The tasty soup packed with beef and fibre aplenty is a complete meal in itself. And with garlic bread to go for a bite, the broth is simply divine. This is no appetizer, but a full meal. British Prime Minister Theresa May will face a vote of no confidence on Wednesday following a historic defeat in parliament over her Brexit deal with EU leaders. MPs in parliament's lower House of Commons voted by 432 to 202 to reject Prime Minister Theresa May's agreement with the EU, becoming the worst defeat for a modern government in recent history. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main Labour opposition party, tabled a motion of no confidence, saying the government had suffered a "catastrophic" defeat. British lawmakers voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to reject the EU divorce deal struck between London and Brussels, in a historic vote that leaves Brexit hanging in the balance. "The house has spoken and the government will listen," May said, immediately after the vote. "It is clear that the house does not support this deal but tonight's vote tells us nothing about what it does support. "Nothing about how, or even if, it intends to honour the decision" taken by the British people to leave the European Union, she said. "Listen to the British people, who want this issue settled," said May. British vote boosts risk of 'no deal' Brexit says EU commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. The British parliament's rejection of a negotiated Brexit deal increases the risk that Britain will crash out of the European Union without an agreement, European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker warned Tuesday. "I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up," Juncker, the head of the EU's executive arm, said in a statement immediately after the vote in London. The SNP's leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford, has called for Article 50 to be rescinded. On Wednesday, MPs will debate the motion of no confidence. It is likely that the vote will occur at 7pm. The pound recovers The British pound bounced from session lows on Tuesday after the lower house of parliament, as expected, rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan. Near 1950 GMT, the pound stood at 89.11 pence to the euro, compared with 89.57 just before the vote tally. The pound traded at $1.2787, compared with $1.2704 before the vote. Three potential Brexit scenarios According to AFP's James Phelby, these are three scenarios which could occur in Britain's exit from the EU. Try again The British government and EU leaders say their agreement is the best compromise available, and despite her historic defeat, May said Tuesday it remained the only option. Members of her Conservative party say the deal keeps Britain too close to the EU, while opposition parties say fails to protect economic ties with the bloc. Both sides also hate a plan to keep open the Irish border, the so-called backstop, which could see Britain indefinitely follow European rules on trade. May has already sought concessions on the backstop from EU leaders but they refused to alter the deal itself, and her critics were not convinced. On Tuesday, she warned there was no "alternative deal" on offer from the EU but she said she was open to discussing ideas with MPs that were "genuinely negotiable" and could "explore them with the European Union". Attorney General Geoffrey Cox earlier told MPs that the Brexit deal "will have to return in much the same form and with much the same content". There is nothing to stop the government bringing back the same deal again and again to the House of Commons until either MPs accept it, or seek to oust May, who faces a no confidence vote on Wednesday called by the opposition Labour Party. No deal This is billed as the doomsday scenario that threatens to trigger a recession in Britain and markedly slow the European Union's economic growth. It is the default option if the British parliament votes against the deal and there are no other solutions before March 29. May's agreement was meant to keep trade rules between the world's fifth-biggest economy and its largest export market almost unchanged for a transition period running to the end of 2020. A sudden shift to different standards would impact almost every economic sector -- and possibly see the costs of everyday products in Britain rise as well as create disruption at logistical hubs such as ports. The government has conducted visible displays of its ramped-up no-deal preparations over the past few weeks. There is growing speculation in London and Brussels that she could seek to delay Brexit to avoid a no deal scenario. Second referendum EU supporters have been calling for another vote ever since the Leave campaign won by 52 to 48 percent in the 2016 referendum, and demands have stepped up in recent months. There is no law keeping Britain from doing it all over again, but many question whether this would be democratic. It also threatens to be just as divisive, with opinion polls showing the country is still split over the issue. May has warned another vote "would do irreparable damage to the integrity of our politics". The first step would be to extend Britain's departure date, although EU diplomats warn this would only be for a few months. A French woman accused of seducing and then poisoning elderly wealthy men had her sentence reduced on appeal Tuesday, after a court overturned two murder convictions in the case. Patricia Dagorn, dubbed the "Black Widow of the Riviera," was sentenced last year to 22 years in prison over the fatal poisoning of two men found dead in 2011 on the Cote d'Azur, and the drugging of two others. But the jury in the appeals court on Tuesday overturned the two murder convictions, despite the prosecutor's claim that Dagorn was "dangerous" and had "enjoyed killing these old men." Francesco Filippone, an 85-year-old retired bricklayer, was found dead from a Valium overdose in 2011, and one of Dagorn's lovers, Michel Knefel, was found five months later in a Nice hotel, also with Valium in his blood. No charges were filed at the time, but the investigation was reopened the following year after police found vials of Valium and personal documents belonging to about a dozen different men among her belongings. The documents included IDs, bank account details and health insurance cards. Before Filippone's death Dagorn had cashed a cheque from him for 21,000 euros ($25,600), money which she said was a gift to help her open a jewellery shop. Addressing the court before the verdict, the 58-year-old Dagorn said she was the "victim of a judicial error." However, the jury upheld the charges of poisoning two other men she met through a dating agency who survived. Dagorn had previously been sentenced to a five-year prison term for theft, fraud and sequestration involving an octogenarian in the French Alps in 2012 who had agreed to let her live with him in exchange for sexual relations. Police believe she may have met at least 20 men after arriving on the French Riviera in 2011, mainly via a matchmaking agency. Dagorn, who said she was beaten and raped by a former husband, continued her match-making endeavours while in prison, according to prosecutors. In 2013, she wrote to a Swiss dating agency in a bid to find a millionaire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is urging the Libyan government to bring all prisons under its control and free from the grip of militias, some of whom run migrant-smuggling networks. Guterres said in a report to the Security Council released Thursday that torture and arbitrary detention is widespread in Libya. About 6,400 detainees are held in 26 official prisons but "thousands of others" are being held in facilities with little government control or "directly run by armed groups," said the report. "I remain deeply concerned about widespread human rights violations and abuses committed in the context of detention and the prolonged arbitrary detention of thousands of men, women and children without due process," wrote Guterres. The government must protect detainees against torture and "all prisons must be under effective government control and free of any influence or interference of armed groups," he added. Libya descended into chaos following the 2011 overthrow of Moamer Kadhafi that has seen a bitter rivalry emerge between two governments scrambling for control in the oil-rich north African country. The United Nations backs the government in Tripoli but is working toward holding elections, possibly this year, to unite the country. Guterres also reported that an increase in the number of migrants and refugees who were detained over the past six months was a result of more interceptions at sea and the closure of sea routes to migrants. About 5,300 refugees and migrants have been detained in Libya of whom 3,700 were in need of international protection, he said. In all, there are over 669,000 migrants in Libya, of whom women and children make up 21 percent, according to the report. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean Asselborn, met with the corresponding parliamentary commission to provide some explanations and updates regarding the most pressing issue in Luxembourg's foreign affairs, which is the future of Brexit and its implications. Following the British House of Commons' historic rejection of Theresa May's deal, Asselborn confirmed that it is clear that Luxembourg must prepare itself for the increasing likelihood of a no-deal scenario, which would have implications for the Grand Duchy. As a result, the Chamber of Deputies will have to begin voting on a number of laws in a rather short time frame. CSV MP Laurent Mosar expressed his frustration that these laws would have to be created between now and March 29, highlighting that the CSV has long called for the government to better prepare itself for No Deal. Mosar said the government had said it had not been necessary, but has since u-turned in light of the vote. He was also unsure of the practicalities of these new laws coming into effect before 29 March. ADR MP Fernand Kartheiser highlighted the need to examine whether all diplomatic avenues to find a deal have been exhausted. Kartheiser especially expressed his concern for the Republic of Ireland and its relationship with the United Kingdom. Referring to the backstop, Kartheiser believes that Irish diplomats do have further suggestions concerning the backstop. Kartheiser expressed the need for the EU to consider showing more flexibility to find a further deal. The Left's David Wagner claimed that those within the EU leadership live in a bubble and cannot seem to understand that people are discontent with the liberalisation of EU policies, citing the example of the EU's blunder with Greece. Asselborn highlighted that Luxembourg must examine the fate of Luxembourgers currently living in the United Kingdom. A further concern affects Luxembourgish students and the recognition of their diplomas. There are also over 4,000 British citizens living and working in the Grand Duchy who seek clarity as well. Next week, the parliamentary commission on finances will meet with Minister PIerre Gramegna and discuss financial relations with London and the financial consequences of No Deal. Across the globe, Sanjay Shah, a Dubai-based British businessman, caused damages worth billions of euros through his nefarious business dealings. The Luxembourgish government alone probably lost about 10 million through Shah's tax fraud schemes. The Luxembourg-based investigative journalism platform "Reporter" researched the scandal which made waves across the globe and might even have been approved by the government. Shah owned a whole network of shell companies and faked deals worth millions. He was then reimbursed for his investments by the tax administration and pocketed the money, even though he was never really entitled to it. This way, he defrauded the Luxembourgish government out of about 10 million and raked in billions across the globe. According to Reporter, the Luxembourg tax administration even enabled Shah through a special tax ruling. Shah's spokesperson confirmed this in writing, but Luxembourg's Ministry of Finance has yet to comment on the allegations. Shah created four shell companies in Luxembourg that allowed him to defraud the government - and by extension the citizens of Luxembourg. Today, one of these four shell companies is still in existence. Shah is suspected of money laundering and large-scale tax fraud. One of the liquidators in charge of looking into the bankruptcy of one of the three shell companies currently out of business told Reporter that he noticed irregularities in the company's bookkeeping. The extent and the exact manner in which the fraud was carried out has yet to be discovered, which is made very difficult by the fact that many transactions recorded in the books actually never took place. In December 2018, Luxembourg's justice department ordered search warrants into several companies with ties to Sanjay Shah. The examining magistrate is currently investigating Shah on the suspicion of tax fraud. This was confirmed by a representative of the justice department. Alongside several other countries, Denmark also recently launched an investigation into Shah. Here, he reportedly raked in 1.65 billion over the course of four years. Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg made headlines this week after having lost her Visa credit card in Paris. But the Visa Infinite card isn't just any old card. Princess Alexandra hasn't been reunited with her credit card yet, but there is certainly an incentive to get it back: The Visa Infinite credit card is the most exclusive product Visa has to offer. Read more about how Princess Alexandra's lost Visa Ininite credit card was discovered here. Up until recently, the Visa Signature card was the highest tier credit card in the Visa family, one tier above the the standard Visa. It has since lost that position to the Visa Infinite, and to date, there are only handful of these elusive credit cards in existence. The Visa Infinite credit card is comparable to the Platinum American and Express World Elite Mastercard in that only very wealthy customers have access to the service. Visa Infinite credit cards are instantly recognisable through their sleek black design. While the Banque de Luxembourg could not tell us how many cards are currently out there, a representative for the bank told us that prospective owners must have at least a million in the bank and have to pay a fee of about 350 a year. Grand Ducal Court Apart from having to be pretty wealthy and privileged to be able to afford a Visa Infinite credit card in the first place, the credit card affords the owner a lot of extra privileges and luxuries. The Banque de Luxembourg promises its Visa Infinite holders personalised concierge services and access to "prestigious services". Owners can "get seats for a sold-out show", have "flowers delivered" or even "have someone else take care of day-to-day concerns" altogether. Banque de Luxembourg Banque de Luxembourg It also offers the card holder travel and purchase insurance, as well as emergency medical cover. The Banque de Luxembourg Visa Infinite booklet also offers some handy advice to owners who might have lost their credit card: Banque de Luxembourg Chere Alexandra de Nassau, Princesse du Luxembourg, je n'ai pas trouve votre soulier de verre mais votre Carte Bancaire. Je ne la ferai pas essayer a toutes les dames de Paris. Je vous laisse me contacter pour la recuperer. @CourGrandDucale pic.twitter.com/JLD7EbCAxj Renaud Marquot (@RenaudMarquot) 11. Januar 2019 After Malta blocked two NGO ships from entering their ports for several days, they were finally allowed to dock on 9 January. The small Mediterranean island nation of Malta had refused to let the ships dock out if fear that they would have to bear the burden alone. After a couple of days, the two ships carrying a total of 49 refugees were finally allowed to moor. An agreement was reached between 8 EU member states to redistribute about 220 refugees who were rescued off the coast of Malta. Luxembourg has agreed to welcome 6 refugees from Africa. Only seven other EU countries agreed to help out: Germany, Portugal, France and Italy among others. Party reactions The president of the parliamentary foreign and cooperation commission Marc Angel (LSAP) called the move a logical measure. He said that Luxembourg could hardly preach solidarity to other countries and not step up to the plate itself. This would have been an impossible contradiction. This sentiment was echoed by all the other parties as well. CSV MP Claude Wiseler added that it is finally time for a more global, European solution to the issue and lamented that EU politics are still far away from reaching a common policy of solidarity. Sven Clement of the Luxembourg Pirate Party agreed and said that it should not be the case that EU ministers need to convene each time a person gets rescued from the Mediterranean Sea. Every person is worth saving, which is why the Luxembourg Pirate Party called for more humane EU policies. Djuna Bernard of The Greens commented that Luxembourg did its duty as an EU member and that the spirit of inclusivity is what makes Luxembourg special. According to Bernard, welcoming half a dozen people is the least Luxembourg could have done. She stated that Luxembourg would have to continue taking on an active role in getting other EU members to the table. DP fraction leader Eugene Berger shares the belief that a comprehensive solution can only be found if all EU members take part. In early February, Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn will present a report on Luxembourg's 2018 immigration policies. The report is expected to bring the issue of immigration to the forefront again. Seeking an "authentic" experience as he backpacked through war-torn Afghanistan, Dutch tourist Ciaran Barr searched the Couchsurfing website for locals to stay with. He found an astonishing number of potential hosts. Despite the country's decaying security nearly 2,000 Afghans -- the vast majority of them men -- have signed up to host guests on the social networking platform, which connects travellers around the world with locals who are willing to put them up for free. "You feel like you get a more authentic feel for the city so you don't get trapped in tourist hotspots," Barr, 24, tells AFP in heavily-militarised Kabul, where he spent several nights sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor of his Afghan host's bedroom. Tourists still visit Afghanistan ignoring clear warnings from their own governments to stay away from a country infested with suicide attackers, kidnappers and armed robbers, and which by some estimates is now / AFP "Not that there are any in Afghanistan," he adds wryly. Once a popular stop on the well-worn hippy trail between Europe and South Asia in the 1970s, Afghanistan has seen the number of foreign travellers crossing its borders dwindle in the past four decades of almost non-stop conflict. But dozens still make the dangerous journey every year, ignoring clear warnings from their own governments to stay away from a country infested with suicide attackers, kidnappers and armed robbers, and which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone. Many take their chances by staying with Afghan strangers they find through the Couchsurfing network, rather than paying for a room in a hotel protected by armed guards and bullet-proof doors. "Staying with people and dressing to blend in a bit makes it possible to travel in Afghanistan with not too big of a risk," says Barr, who -- with his dark hair and beard, and dressed in the baggy pyjama-style shalwar kameez favoured by most Afghan men -- stands out less than most foreigners. - 'You have to be smart' - Couchsurfing's concept is like a modern-day version of Afghanistan's tradition of hospitality, which obliges Afghans to provide food and shelter to strangers. But it is risky. Couchsurfers only have their host's online profile and references to judge their character. In a country where kidnappings remain common and foreigners are highly-prized targets, they have no way of knowing if their host is connected to criminals, who may see a chance to get rich by abducting them or giving them up to militants. Norwegian tourist Jorn Bjorn Augestad, who has couchsurfed in Iraq and the Central African Republic, tells AFP in Kabul that government warnings exaggerate the dangers of visiting Afghanistan / AFP "You can end up with the Taliban," says a diplomat in Kabul, who has been involved in negotiations to rescue kidnap victims. "It's naive and reckless." That is what happened to North American couple Caitlan Coleman and Joshua Boyle, who were kidnapped while backpacking in Afghanistan in 2012. They were freed from the Taliban in 2017, along with their three children who were born in captivity. But Norwegian tourist Jorn Bjorn Augestad, who has couchsurfed in Iraq and the Central African Republic, tells AFP in Kabul that government warnings exaggerate the dangers. "They are too careful. You have to be smart about a lot of things, having contact with a local is the best way to stay safe," says Augestad, who is on a mission to visit every country in the world, including Syria, before his 30th birthday this year. He adds: "This is part of the cultural experience, seeing how people live and hearing people's life story and getting an understanding of the country that you are in." - Vicarious travel - Barr and Augestad began their week-long Afghan odyssey in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, famous for its ancient Blue Mosque and buzkashi, a savage version of polo played with a goat carcass. The pair met through a local travel agent, who found them a taxi driver to take them more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) to the Afghan capital. Afghan Couchsurfing host Naser Majidi (R), 27, talks with his guests Norwegian tourist Jorn Bjorn Augestad (L), 29, and Dutch tourist Ciaran Barr, 24, at a house in Kabul / AFP After reaching Kabul, the deadliest place in Afghanistan for civilians, Barr and Augestad stayed with Couchsurfing host Naser Majidi, 27, who works as a technical adviser for a water utility company. For Afghans consumed by wanderlust, hosting a foreigner is a chance to travel vicariously through their experiences, as more and more countries make it all but impossible for Afghan passport holders to obtain a visa. "I can make it easier for them to see the beauty of this country," says Majidi, who has hosted six guests since signing up to Couchsurfing in 2016. "It's a good experience for me -- I get more friends and I know the world better." But his family worry that he is putting himself in danger. "They have advised me many times that this is very risky for you and for them (guests)," Majidi says. Elyas Yari, who became a host in 2017 despite the objections of loved ones, says he enjoys listening to his guests' travel "experiences and their ideas". "It's fun for me," says Yari, 19, who has received visitors from Canada, Russia, Mexico and Taiwan. Afghanistan is "not as dangerous as it looks", he says. But Barr and Augestad are not oblivious to the potential pitfalls of travelling independently in Afghanistan where the Taliban and the Islamic State group terrorise much of the country. "Things can go well nine out of 10 times," says Barr, adding: "It just takes that one time when things go wrong and so far nothing has gone wrong. He concedes: "We also have been lucky." Perhaps feeling too lazy to do his own flying, a feathery passenger was found 12 hours into a 14-hour flight from Singapore to London. The bird, which suddenly popped up in business class on a Singapore Airlines flight last Monday, has been identified as a Mynah bird. According to a spokesman who spoke to the Strait Times newspaper, it was eventually caught by cabin crew "with the assistance of some of the passengers". It was subsequently handed to animal quarantine at London Heathrow. How the bird got on the plane, and where it managed to hide for 12 hours, remains unclear. Podcast: Huawei founder denies spying for China in rare interview Loading the player... Finance Minister Arun Jaitley goes to US for 'medical check-up', say sources Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has left for the United States for a "regular medical check-up", following a kidney transplant last year, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. A finance ministry spokesman confirmed the report and said Jaitley was expected to be back by the weekend. 7th Pay Commission: Modi govt approves proposal to extend benefits for teachers 7th Pay Commission: Days after announcing 10 per cent quota for upper caste poor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on Tuesday approved proposal to extend the benefits of the 7th Central Pay Commission to the teachers and other academic staff of the state government and government aided technical institution in the country. The move, which will benefit lakhs of academic staff members, would cost the Centre Rs 1,241.78 crore. The pay scales will be applicable from January 1, 2016. Civil aviation ministry moots corridor for flying drones Seeking to develop an ecosystem for drone operations, the government has suggested establishing a corridor for flying drones as well as setting up a separate directorate for licensing and authorising of unmanned aircraft systems. Coming out with a draft policy note on Tuesday, the civil aviation ministry has also proposed constructing droneports to facilitate take-off and landing of drones and a stricter regulatory framework Not interested in 'enemy' state backed Jet Airways, says Qatar CEO Akbar al-Baker Qatar Airways will not buy a stake in Jet Airways as a substantial portion of the debt-laden Indian carrier is held by Etihad Airways, whose owner Abu Dhabi is an "enemy" of Qatar, its CEO Akbar al-Baker said on Tuesday. Abu Dhabi is part of the United Arab Emirates that cut ties with Qatar in 2017 over accusations of supporting terrorism. Huawei founder denies spying for China in rare interview Huawei's reclusive founder Ren Zhengfei stepped out of the shadows Tuesday to give a rare media interview, forcefully denying accusations that his firm engaged in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government. The company he founded more than 20 years ago has been under fire in recent months with the arrest of Ren's daughter and Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, the arrest of an employee on spying charges in Poland, and a worldwide campaign by Washington to blacklist it. India needs a decisive PM, not maverick leadership: Arun Jaitley Citing achievements of the Narendra Modi government, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Tuesday said India needs a decisive prime minister with a clear mandate to deliver economic growth and satisfy the country's aspirations, and not an unworkable alliance with maverick leadership. Jaitley in a blog said India has emerged as the fastest growing major economy under Modi though it is still not satisfied with 7-7.5 per cent GDP growth and wants to "break the 8 per cent barrier". At Rs 4,236 crore, this year's Kumbh mela in Prayagraj is costliest ever Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,236 crore for the Kumbh Mela 2019, an iconic Hindu festival that is celebrated every six years, being held in Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad), which is more than thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013. Of the Rs 4,236 crore, the Uttar Pradesh government is investing Rs 2,000 crore, and the central government has allocated Rs 2,200 crore, of which Rs 1,200 crores has already been released. If you compare this budget with any other religious event organised in India, the Ardh-Kumbh mela's budget is the costliest ever. SUMMER SPECIAL!!! - Sign up at 20% OFF for Full Access to all of the online content and E-Editions on the www.thewordlink.com website here! (The charge will appear as "Country Media Inc." on your credit card statement) The Speciality Restaurants stock closed higher today on its robust earnings for the quarter ended December 31. The micro cap stock closed 20% or 16 points higher at 98.40 compared to its previous close of 82 level on the BSE. The stock hit upper circuit in early trade today and remained in the upper band for major part of the trading session. It opened with a gain of 15.85% at 95 level on the BSE. It hit an intra day low of 90.10 on the BSE. The stock has been gaining for the last two days and has risen 22.01% in the period. It saw only buyers and no sellers during the day. On NSE too, the stock ended the day in the green. It closed 19.97% higher at 97 level on the NSE. The stock has gained 24.56% since the beginning of this year but lost 43.56% during the last one year. The stock closed higher than the 50 day and 200 day moving averages of 80.35 and 88.96, respectively. Also read: Jet Airways stock hits air pocket after Etihad offers to invest at discount in ailing carrier Net sales rose 24.15% to Rs 98.45 crore in Q3 of current fiscal compared to Rs 79.30 crore for the corresponding quarter of previous fiscal. Net profit rose 1,159.70% to Rs 8.44 crore in Q3 compared to Rs 0.67 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. The firm logged 142.83% growth in Q3 operating profit compared to 25.37% rise in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. The company outperformed in terms of expenses in the third quarter. Its cut total expenses to Rs 9,194 crore in the December quarter compared to Rs 26,808 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal. Speciality Restaurants is engaged in restaurants and mobile food service activity. The company has restaurants across India, Bangladesh and Tanzania. The company's brands include Mainland China, Mainland China Asia Kitchen, Oh! Calcutta, Sigree Global Grill, Cafe Mezzuna, Sweet Bengal, Hoppipola, Sigree, Machaan, Haka, Flame & Grill and Mobifeast. It operates approximately 105 restaurants and 20 confectionaries. Meanwhile, the Sensex and Nifty closed flat in trade today. While the Sensex gained just 3 points to 36,321, Nifty managed to end the day 3.50 pts higher at 10,890. Edited by Aseem Thapliyal Issues of concern to people who live in the west: property rights, water rights, endangered species, livestock grazing, energy production, wilderness and western agriculture. Plus a few items on western history, western literature and the sport of rodeo... Frank DuBois served as the NM Secretary of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. DuBois is a former legislative assistant to a U.S. Senator, a Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior, and is the founder of the DuBois Rodeo Scholarship. The report says the worker said "OK," closed the window and told colleagues she didn't want to go back because the man was acting "obnoxious." The man waved her back and when she opened the window again, he splashed the coffee in her face. She declined medical treatment. Camden police have released surveillance video of the man. As much as the worker was not seriously hurt, there should at least be some consequence for such an action. While there are so many instances of people showing inhumanity to one another, to the point of killing, the mans actions are a straight-up example of the problems we have in society. Plain and simple, there is too little respect for others, the law and the very principles of civility. We need fewer characters and more character. Thus at no time has efforts such as Orangeburg County Community of Character been more important. The nearly two-decade-old campaign is devoted to building positive character traits in the countys population. The organization works with all segments of the community: schools, business and industry, government and public safety, social services and health services, families, civic and other nonprofits, plus faith-based organizations and media. And yes, Rep. Tlaib's outburst was both ill-advised and premature, although Trumpists objecting to profanity aren't real persuasive. Particularly not Trump himself, who said the Detroit congresswoman "dishonored herself." Don't you love it when the world's biggest vulgarian plays at being a stuffed shirt? Speaker Nancy Pelosi reacted coolly to impeachment talk. Tlaib, she said, "does not speak for the Democratic caucus." Many Democratic candidates took their cue from Pelosi during the 2018 campaign. They stressed practical issues like health care, voting rights, infrastructure and jobs, letting voters' disgust with Trump take care of itself. "We have to wait and see what happens with the Mueller report," Pelosi also said. "We shouldn't be impeaching for a political reason, and we shouldn't avoid impeachment for a political reason." Exactly right. A premature impeachment would do little more than satisfy cable TV's need for political melodrama without persuading voters that Democrats can actually govern. In my opinion, it would also be Trump's only real hope of political survival, much less of re-election come November 2020. The NBC report quoted various experts offering opinions as to the reasons, but regardless, Americans are objectively not as happy and more prone to suicide over the past 20 years. Women have historically suffered much higher rates of depression than men, though both sexes are becoming more depressed. Instead of attacking masculinity over a higher rate of suicide by men than women (a number which the past APA president claims is becoming equalized), the APA should be concerned with whats happening to both sexes in recent decades. Men have always had higher rates of suicide, and due to male testosterone will naturally exhibit higher rates of violence. We are not becoming more of a masculine nation but less, and yet the numbers go up That is science, not biased theory. What has changed in the past few decades has been the attempts by progressives to force a genderless society -- an agenda the APA has joined. Organizations like the Boy Scouts have been pressured to the point of surrender in remaining all-male. WEST COLUMBIA -- Republican U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson presented his 2019 Legislative Agenda at media presentations across the Second Congressional District of South Carolina this past week, visiting the Midlands, Aiken and Barnwell. With President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress, we have promoted positive conservative change, Wilson said. As a member of the minority party, I will continue fighting for limited government and expanded freedom for American families. We can build on the successes of 2018, which I saw firsthand, Wilson said. As chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee, we reversed the decline of our military. With my leading the House delegation for the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, I know the security of Israel is enhanced. And with middle class incomes at a record high, we see the success of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As the ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Wilson is also committed to the alliance with Israel and to reducing terrorist violence in the region, working closely with allies from Morocco to NATO member Turkey. We need to further peace through strength to protect American families, Wilson said. To the Editor: In Donald Trumps first two years in office, he had the benefit of a Republican-controlled Congress (both Houses). During that time, he succeeded in getting $1.6 billion appropriated for construction of a border wall, although much of that money was earmarked for replacement of existing barriers on the border. In September, having failed to give Trump everything he wanted by election time, Republicans extended government funding until Dec. 7. So how does this not look to the average citizen like a manufactured conflict between political factions now that Democrats control the House of Representatives? Furthermore, on the issue of terrorists entering the country, the real points of entry have not historically been at our southern border. The State Department reports that no credible information that any member of a terrorist group has traveled through Mexico to gain access to the United States as of July 2017. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security counted 2,554 people on its terrorist watch list apprehended in 2017, all attempting to enter either by sea or air. Even Trumps favorite news source, Fox News, called Sarah Huckabee Sanders on this misrepresentation. How is this not a manufactured crisis? In an interview Sunday with The State Journal-Register, Pritzker was asked about the law, and said people he has been hiring for his own staff are from Springfield, the surrounding area and "all over the state." "This government really does reflect the diversity" of Illinois, he said. While there won't be a requirement that his directors live in Springfield, he also said there will be no "mass movement of anybody out of Springfield." "But I am going to be here," he said. "I've committed that I would spend a majority of my time. ... I'm really excited to spend time here in Springfield and get to know Springfield, the surrounding area, Sangamon County and the rest of Illinois." At the Bank of Springfield Center Monday before the inauguration ceremony got underway, Butler characterized the letter as "just a reminder" and said he's had "a few quick conversations" with Pritzker and looks forward to "sitting down with him and talking about the needs of not only Sangamon County but the 87th District. "I've been impressed so far with the folks that he's brought into the administration," Butler said. "Hopefully, we're going to have a good working relationship." URBANA, Ill. (AP) A federal judge in central Illinois has denied defense motions to suppress evidence in the case of a 28-year-old man charged in the kidnapping and killing of a University of Illinois scholar from China. The (Champaign) News-Gazette reports Tuesday that the judge accepted FBI assertions that agents obtained the voluntary consent of Brendt Christensen's wife to search their apartment. Investigators went there in 2017, two weeks before Christensen was charged in Yingying Zhang's kidnapping in Urbana. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, saying Christensen also tortured the 26-year-old woman. Her body hasn't been found. Christensen's now-ex-wife, Michelle Zortman, has said agents searched before she consented. She's not accused of wrongdoing. Judge James Shadid also refused to toss jail recordings of Christensen, saying prosecutors can use them at the April trial. ___ Information from: The News-Gazette, http://www.news-gazette.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 India-born Indra Nooyi, former CEO of beverage giant PepsiCo, has made it to the initial of list potential candidates for the role of World Bank President. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim announced recently that he would resign in February to join a private investment firm following which the White House is on a hunt for the successor. A report in New York Times said that Nooyi, 63, has been "courted as an administration ally" by Ivanka Trump, who is playing a key role in the selection process. According to reports, Nooyi's name was forwarded by Ivanka Trump who considers her a mentor and inspiration. "Indra, you are a mentor + inspiration to so many, myself included. I am deeply grateful for your friendship. Thank you for your passionate engagement on issues that benefit the people of this country, and beyond," Ivanka Trump had tweeted soon after Nooyi stepped down as the CEO of PepsiCo. Nooyi had even dined with the president earlier and has assumed an advisory role on Trump's business council. The NYT report mentioned that the decision-making process is "fluid" and is in its initial stages. It also, however, said that "early frontrunners and candidates often fall off the radar or withdraw from consideration before the president makes his ultimate pick". Also, it is not clear if Nooyi would accept the nomination. Additionally, Nooyi's remarks after the 2016 elections could count against her. Talking about Trump's win, Nooyi had said that her daughters and employees are in mourning and said that people who are not white, women, and the LGBTQ community are worried about their safety. The process of choosing the next World Bank President is overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, and Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, along with Ivanka Trump. Ivanka Trump's involvement in the selection process was not without criticism. The ethics watchdogs said that her role could pose a conflict of interest. Other candidates being considered for the position are Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, David Malpass and President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Ray Washburne. The President of World Bank cannot be appointed by the US President alone but will also have to be approved by the bank's board. (Edited by Anwesha Madhukalya) Also read: SBI account holders! Don't ignore SMS on updating your KYC CARBONDALE Plans to open a dog park at Parrish Park in Carbondale are moving forward after several months of negotiations over liability insurance between the park district and the nonprofit volunteer organization that will maintain it. On Monday, the Carbondale Park District Board of Commissioners approved a motion to operate the dog park as a park district program, pending its ability to secure coverage from its insurance provider, the Illinois Parks Association Risk Services organization, said Carl Flowers, the park district's board president who is also serving as interim director. That represents an important step forward for the development of the dog park, because the nonprofit could not otherwise afford to provide the coverage for the dog park at Parrish Park, said Jane Adams, of the Friends of Carbondale Dog Parks. Under the terms of the tentative agreement, the park district will own and insure the park, and the nonprofit will pay to build it, and maintain it once it's operational. For instance, after it opens, volunteers will be responsible for keeping the park stocked with dog waste bags and performing other required routine and long-term maintenance tasks, Adams said. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Morris disagreed and said he needed to at least bring forward witnesses or some form of supporting testimony for the court to consider. Verity said in October he and other attorneys are the only ones who could vouch for Burns behavior, and asking them to do so would violate the oath they took to defend attorney-client confidentiality. These same arguments were made during a Jan. 11 hearing, where Veritys new motion was presented, this time with more specifics. Morris said he would schedule a hearing for the motion, but asked Verity to bring supporting case law. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} In the Tuesday hearing, Verity handed Morris a thick stack of case law he believed supported his case, but the judge was still incredulous. He asked whether an attorneys naked assertion is enough in Illinois for the court to compel a fitness exam. Morris said he has seen Burns more than a dozen times in court and witnessed him give an eloquent statement of allocution during a January 2018 sentencing hearing for his attempted kidnapping conviction. He said he had never witnessed the behavior laid out in the defenses motion. Verity countered that no one other than he could testify to Burns true behavior. The Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield announced Monday that Grover Thompson, who was wrongfully convicted in 1981 of stabbing a Mount Vernon woman, and died in prison in 1996, has received executive clemency based on actual innocence by outgoing Gov. Bruce Rauner. Rauner granted the request Friday, a few days before he completed his term. This is the first posthumous exoneration to occur in Illinois and only the 21st such exoneration nationwide, as documented by the National Registry of Exonerations. For Thompsons nephew, S.T. Jamison, his uncles executive clemency is the culmination of years of waiting for an answer for the mistreatment that Thompson experienced. He actually died in prison. It was so devastating to hear about his death at first. Today means so much for me. It restores my faith in people and that justice can happen, Jamison said. I just feel so relieved, and my family does as well. On Sept. 7, 1981, Grover Thompson, then 46, got off a southbound bus in Mount Vernon to sleep for the night because he couldnt sleep on the noisy bus. He was traveling from his sisters house in Milwaukee to visit family in Mississippi. Thompson ended up in the local post office, sleeping under a table. Wall Street analysts have given United States Natural Gas Fund a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but United States Natural Gas Fund wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Royal Bank of Canada operates as a diversified financial service company worldwide. The company's Personal & Commercial Banking segment offers checking and savings accounts, home equity financing, personal lending, private banking, indirect lending, mutual funds and self-directed brokerage accounts, guaranteed investment certificates, credit cards, and payment products and solutions; and lending, leasing, deposit, investment, foreign exchange, cash management, auto dealer financing, trade products, and services to small and medium-sized commercial businesses. This segment offers financial products and services through branches, automated teller machines, and mobile sales network. Its Wealth Management segment provides a suite of advice-based solutions and strategies to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, and institutional clients. The company's Insurance segment offers life, health, home, auto, travel, wealth, annuities, and reinsurance advice and solutions; and creditor and business insurance services to individual, business, and group clients through its field sales force, advice centers, and online, as well as through independent insurance advisors and affinity relationships. Its Investor & Treasury Services segment provides asset, cash management, transaction banking, and treasury services to institutional clients; correspondent banking and trade finance services for financial institutions; and short-term funding and liquidity management services. The company's Capital Markets segment offers corporate and investment banking, as well as equity and debt origination, distribution, sale, and trading services for corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, governments, and central banks. Royal Bank of Canada has a strategic partnership with Royal College Of Physicians & Surgeons Of Canada to support the needs of Canada's medical specialists. The company was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More The Gujarat government seems to have given Anil Ambani a miss for the upcoming edition of Vibrant Gujarat summit amid the Rafale controversy. Ambani, who has been among the most avid supporters of the biennial investors' summit since it began in 2003, has reportedly been omitted from the list of invitees for this year. Anil Ambani has been targeted by the opposition parties in the ongoing Rafale deal row, which might be the reason why he has not been extended an invitation for the Vibrant Gujarat summit. The government has avoided all industry leaders who could draw even the slightest negative perception, Manoj Das, principal secretary to Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani told The Times of India. ALSO READ:No Pakistani delegation coming for Gujarat Vibrant Summit, says Vijay Rupani The list of 19 corporate honchos who have been invited by the state government to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat summit does include Mukesh Ambani , Anil's elder brother and the Chairman of Reliance Industries. Other invitees of note are Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrashekhran, Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, Godrej Group Chairman Adi Godrej, Suzlon Energy CMD Tulsi Tanti, Cadila Health Care Chairman Pankaj Patel, Vice Chairman and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank Uday Kotak, ITC MD Sanjiv Puri, Bharati Enterprises Vice Chairman Rakesh Bharati Mittal, HDFC Chairman Dipak Parekh, SBI Chairman Rajneesh Kumar. ALSO READ:'The final decision was mine', says Philip Kotler on controversy over award to PM Modi Edited by Vivek Punj National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment provides investment solutions, trust and estate services, banking services, lending services, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and other wealth management solutions through internal and third-party distribution networks. The Financial Markets segment offers risk management products and services; and debt and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance expertise; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and the activities of targeted investments in certain emerging markets. The company also offers credit cards. It provides its services through a network of 483 branches and 1,573 banking machines. The company was founded in 1859 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. The Undead Archives I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world. When water supply is low, you pull more from fossil fuel sources for electricity, Wineke said. Preliminary 2016 data shows a decrease in electricity-related emissions, Wineke said. Legislators set emissions-reduction targets in 2008. After 2020, the next statutory marker is 2035, when emissions are supposed to drop 25 percent below 1990 levels. Then, in 2050, the state is supposed to cut emissions in half, compared with 1990. Every two years, the Ecology Department is required by law to produce what amounts to a progress report. Climate experts last year delivered dire warnings about the effect of warming on the world, and called for society-altering shifts in behavior and the worlds economy. A U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change called for rapid and far-reaching changes in energy systems, land use, city and industrial design, transportation and building use. It also found substantial difference in the effects between the Earths temperature rising 1.5 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees. A report produced by the U.S. Global Change Research Program detailed expected climate effects in the U.S. The Northwest can expect both more drought and more extreme rain events. If emissions are left unchecked, higher temperatures will likely cause salmon to lose habitat, disrupt Northwest crops like cherries and contribute to more wildfires. Two unvaccinated children in the Vancouver area have confirmed cases of the measles, public health officials said Tuesday, and its unclear if the outbreak is connected to another case from earlier this month. Clark County Public Health officials are investigating the two confirmed cases plus an additional 11 suspected cases, all among children in southwest Washington. The measles outbreak comes days after a separate Jan. 4 confirmed measles case in the Vancouver area. Its unclear if the child in the Jan. 4 case was vaccinated, and officials also dont know the vaccination status of the 11 suspected cases. Dr. Alan Melnick, public health director and health officer for the county, said there are likely more measles cases out there, and the county is waiting for test results on the 11 suspected cases to come back. Melnick said the outbreak is occurring even though measles is completely and entirely preventable with vaccines. Measles was considered eradicated, Melnick said in an interview. Were obviously seeing more cases more recently, he added, as some parents opt not to vaccinate their children against the disease. One of the two contenders for the next status chocolate bar. Photo: Raaka Chocolate If you received a fancy chocolate bar as a gift sometime in the last decade, theres a good chance it came from Mast Brothers. The bearded brothers Rick and Michael helped to popularize artisanal chocolate with their conversation-starting inclusions, like dark chocolate with goats milk; high-end collaborations; and eye-catching, patterned packaging, which even prompted a slideshow dedicated to All of the Mast Brothers Chocolate Wrappers on Vanity Fair. There was, of course, the 2015 controversy in which it was revealed that the brothers had overstated their bean-to-bar credentials in the early days of their business, but Masts lasting impact on the artisanal chocolate industry has been undeniable, especially when it comes to branding. The bean-to-bar community has always been focused on craft and using high-quality ingredients, says Megan Giller, author of Bean-to-Bar Chocolate: Americas Craft Chocolate Revolution. But after Mast Brothers success, I think the bean-to-bar industry saw, Oh, we need to step up our game and actually have packaging that is as beautiful as the bars taste. Sophie Helsby, one of the owners of Lower East Side restaurant and market Dimes, agrees: Maybe the Mast Brothers were sort of the first to set the bar high, but that packaging has become such an important part of a chocolate bar, especially as a gift. Thats one reason why it seemed like Los Angelesbased Compartes would emerge victorious as the next status chocolate in a post-Mast landscape, with their bright, graphic, near-psychedelic packaging. We got it a couple of years ago, and we sold like crazy, says Alana Campbell, co-owner of the speciality grocer Campbell & Co. in Williamsburg. But the fervor has slowed down. People are moving on to the next one, says Campbell. So, what is the next status chocolate bar? If theres anything weve learned from the Mast Brothers, it must have giftable packaging, but it cant rely on looks alone. The chocolate inside needs to be just as thoughtful as the wrapping, made from cacao beans that have been sourced carefully and ethically. Bonus points if there are interesting collaborations with other brands, or tasteful (and tasty) inclusions, using ingredients that are also considerately sourced and complement the flavor of the chocolate, rather than overpower it. We talked with chocolate buyers, specialty grocery shop managers, and people who love chocolate about their favorite bars, and came up with two front-runners for this delicious title, along with five honorable mentions that are just as excellent to give as gifts. Two New Status Chocolate Bars Casa Bosques Chocolates Casa Bosques Pink Peppercorn $11 Casa Bosques is an art and design bookstore in Mexico City, a project of the branding and architecture firm Savvy. Casa Bosques is also the name of their chocolate, with simple, clean, yet friendly packaging that echoes the ethos of the store. This specific sensibility has been quickly embraced by packaging nerds and members of the design community; you can find the bars in their distinctive, envelope-like packaging at Saturdays in Soho, Homecoming in Greenpoint, even the gift shop at the L.A. Museum of Contemporary Art. Its almost like a little envelope, explains Helsby of Dimes. Rather than the classic foil-wrapped [bar] with a nice piece of paper, this is kind of a little pouch. Sasha Laing of Import News jokes, I almost wonder if theyre a little bit too beautiful and that people dont know its chocolate. Campbell calls the chocolate beautiful, as well, with unique inclusions that are as carefully sourced as the cacao beans, much of which is single-origin from the Dominican Republic and dark, at 72 percent. Im always a sucker for pink peppercorn on anything, she admits, and they do a pink peppercorn and dark chocolate. They also have a coconut and curry dark chocolate, which is fun. I dont think anyone else that we carry has anything like that currently. Laing calls their cardamom bar amazing. But what elevate Casa Bosques to front-runner for the title of the next status chocolate are the careful collaborations that still somehow feature their most experimental flavors and the most eye-catching packaging on their roster. Casa Bosques collaboration with the interiors magazine Apartamento features a bar of single-origin dark chocolate with toasted buckwheat that features a full-bleed photo of a (somehow stylish) toilet seat on the sleeve. A collaboration with Dimes features some of the go-to ingredients from their kitchen, explains Helsby, including coconut and puffed quinoa. The result is a grown-up version of the old-school crackle bar, says Campbell, in a beautiful, blue gradient package. $11 at Casa Bosques Buy Raaka Chocolate Raaka Chocolate Pink Sea Salt $7 $7 Raaka has been making chocolate bars in Brooklyn since 2010 (and were highlighted by Grub Street in 2013, as part of the citys then-burgeoning craft-chocolate scene). And even though theyve amassed a bit of a cult following, theres been an explosion of interest in the brand over the last couple of years. JetBlue started carrying mini-bars from Raaka for their premium Mint passengers in December 2017, and then, in August 2018, Raakas head chocolate maker, Nathan Hodge, published a book on The Art and Craft of Chocolate. That same year, Raaka underwent a serious and colorful rebranding, with new, decidedly millennial packaging that garnered even more attention. Now, each bar has a different colored background, inspired by the landscape of each origin, with an overlaid, simple white box featuring bold, black text. Its simple, and can easily be compared to many other millennial-focused companies branding, but Campbell says it will sell. Its beautiful, and it has that sort of vibe. And according to Kristina Graeber, general manager at Bklyn Larder, Raaka has been selling very well, post-rebrand; this past holiday season, it was one of the top-selling chocolate bars in the Brooklyn shops gift baskets. The newly sleek packaging isnt thing only thing to set Raaka apart and make it our other front-runner, though. Raaka stands out through their use of unroasted cocoa beans, Louise de Verteuil, an assistant buyer at Food52, explains. In other words, the chocolate is raw, so it tastes a little more fruity than chocolate made from traditionally roasted cacao beans, which is the vast majority of what the industry makes. Plus, Raaka emphasizes single-origin chocolate, meaning the terroir of the chocolate is distinctive, adds de Verteuil. The combination of these two perspectives results in unusual flavor profiles and a mindful, sustainable approach to chocolate making. Giller says, Theyre doing something really different from the rest of the bean-to-bar chocolate world, because theyre using unroasted beans and then focusing on inclusions. And those flavors are why the chocolate is still approachable. Campbell tells me that their pink sea salt bar is so delicious, I could eat a little square of it every day and never get tired of it. But Raaka also experiments with more out-of-the-box inclusions (which is part of how both Mast Brothers and Compartes captured customers imaginations) like bananas Foster or a no-longer-available seasonal lemonade and freeze-dried raspberry that plays on the bright, fruity flavors of Madagascar chocolate, recalls Giller. In addition to all of these crowd-pleasing and playful flavors, you can find Raaka chocolate bars at Whole Foods, yet another reason why this brand is poised to continue to grow and become the next big thing. $7 at Bar and Cocoa Buy Honorable Mentions Askinosie Chocolate Askinosie Chocolate Chocolate Covered Malt Balls $20 I was first tipped off to Askinosie Chocolate by Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jenis Splendid Ice Creams and James Beard Awardwinning author of two cookbooks, who described the Missouribased companys chocolate as the perfect topping and complement to ice cream in an interview. It popped up on my radar several months later, when Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer brought a tin of Askinosies chocolate-covered malt balls to the Strategists Celebrity White Elephant (and it was one of the most-stolen items). One hundred percent of the chocolate he sells is 1,000 percent traceable to the farmer who grew the cocoa beans himself. Thats probably not something you find on your average Whopper, Meyer said of these confections. $20 at Mouth Buy $15 at Askinosie Chocolate Buy Askinosie White Chocolate Bar $11 And like the malt balls, Askinosies chocolate bars are held to the same high standard of transparency and traceability. So much so, in fact, that the bars feature photographs of the farmers the company works with on their labels. But what makes the brand especially giftable are their crowd-pleasing collaborations, like a rosemary and avocado dark chocolate bar made with Heath Ceramics, and a jammy red raspberry bar with American Spoon. Nick Cardoni, shop manager for the Meadow in Manhattans West Village, also notes, If theres a bar thats going to change your mind about white chocolate, its Askinosies, which uses goats milk powder and single-origin chocolate to make this oft-maligned type of bar. And even though Shawn Askinosie has been making this chocolate since 2005, the Springfield-based brand is arguably more popular than ever. According to Graeber, it was another best-selling bar for the holiday season, alongside the Raaka though at this point, its more of a solid, never-fail standby than the next status chocolate. $11 at Askinosie Chocolate Buy Dandelion Chocolate Dandelion Maya Mountain Belize 70% $9 San Franciscobased Dandelion Chocolate makes what Giller describes as quintessentially bean-to-bar chocolate, in that they only use cocoa beans and sugar and spend a lot of time sourcing beans and talking to farmers. And though the single-origin chocolate, sourced from locations around the globe, including Liberia, Madagascar, and Tanzania, is much-lauded, and has been making chocolate in the Mission District of San Francisco since 2010, the packaging is what makes these bars truly giftable. Each is wrapped in handcrafted brown paper with intricate gold detailing. Two of the shop managers I interviewed compared it to nice wallpaper, subtle yet beautiful. But since the chocolate-makers at Dandelion let the terroir of the cacao beans shine through in each bar, without any inclusions like nuts or dried fruit, the differences can be a little more subtle. As a result, this is very much a true chocolate lovers chocolate bar, with perhaps less mass appeal than a bar with a ton of sweet additions and inclusions and thats why its just an honorable mention but for the right person, its going to be incredible. $9 at Bar and Cocoa Buy Marou Chocolate Marou Dak Lak 70% $14 There are a couple of easy comparisons you could make between Dandelion and Marou Chocolate. Both have delicate gold detailing on their packaging, though with Marou, its overlaid on brightly colored paper. And like Dandelion, Marou also focuses on single-origin bars. But unlike Dandelion, and many other terroir-focused chocolatiers, Marou limits their source of beans to one country: Vietnam. The result is a dark-yet-spicy, bean-to-bar chocolate thats fairly hardcore, yet it still almost sold out at Campbell & Co. this holiday season. Thats probably because theyre some of the prettiest bars, according to Campbell. The downside is that the distribution is still relatively limited, so they might not ever become as big as some of the other makers on this list. But their inclusion bars, like one with popped rice and another with candied chili, are certainly status-y, since theyre only available at their shop in Ho Chi Minh City. $14 at Amazon Buy $9 at Bar and Cocoa Buy K+M Chocolate K+M Extra Virgin Dark Peru, 75% $15 Photo: Eric A. Zepeda/Eric A Zepeda www.ericzepeda.com If youre looking for a chocolate bar with pedigree, you cant go wrong with K+M Chocolate. Its a line of chocolate from Thomas Keller, the Michelin-starred chef behind Per Se and French Laundry who uses these chocolates in his restaurants desserts, and according to Sara McMonigle, category manager of packaged good and private label at Dean & DeLuca, its the most luxurious one that we carry. Its also the most expensive single bar, at $15 each, and yet, theyre doing really well, says McMonigle, calling it one of the New York City grocery chains top-selling lines. The packaging is simple, especially compared to some of the other trendier or more gilded options on this list, in mostly black-and-white with a sans-serif logo but the final product comes across as classic, rather than cold. The chocolate, too, is impeccably sourced and mostly single-origin, from Madagascar, Peru, and Nicaragua. And the production method is unique, using high-end, extra-virgin olive oil in the production of each bar, instead of cocoa butter, which helps with the silky texture. For gifting purposes, K+M Chocolate also makes an elegant gift box with a little grosgrain bow, for those who want to give more than one bar at a time. $15 at K+M Chocolate Buy Cacao Prieto Cacao Prieto Pecan & Sour Cherry Bark Bar $12 On the other end of the spectrum from these solid chocolate bars are the fruit-and-nut-loaded, crowd-pleasing Bark Bars from Cacao Prieto. Theyre one of Campbells favorite gifts, especially for the holidays, and their inclusions, like pecan and sour cherry or hazelnut and rum raisin, resonate with her customers. Someone just came in and literally bought all of the Cacao Prieto Bark Bars, every single one of them, she told me in December, just days before Christmas. Thats the appeal, if someones like, Im going to give them to my entire office. Helbsy, from Dimes, agrees: They are always a go-to gift, and its all single-origin chocolate, which is a nice extra touch. $12 at Cacao Prieto Buy get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. The state Department of Social and Health Services announced Tuesday that clients will receive their February food stamp benefits weeks earlier than usual because of the partial federal government shutdown. The department is acting on instructions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give out Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by Jan. 20 to limit the potential effects of any lapse in funding. SNAP recipients usually get their monthly food stamp benefits anywhere from the first of the month to the 20th, according to the state department. Early distribution of food stamps has caused some concern in the social service community that beneficiaries may not budget wisely and use up their assistance too soon, and could go hungry before receiving their next round of assistance. About 21.6 percent of Cowlitz County households, roughly 22,000 people, receive SNAP benefits, according to the Food Research and Action Center. John Gotshall, with St. Vincent de Paul food bank in Longview, said the organization hasnt seen a noticeable jump in clients but added that he does anticipate that number to rise if the shutdown continues. Included in that support will be fighting misinformation about the Kalama plant, McElligott said. She said, in terms of functions, the plant wouldnt be too different from her current employer, Emerald Kalama Chemical, and would be operated by a skilled labor force who value our community and its health. ... It is imperative we get the (methanol plant) project going for our local trades and economic growth, McElligott said. I would like to find innovative ways to bring economic development to our area; we have the land and resources, lets make our area a draw for companies. The labor council represents a diverse workforce, from blue collar workers to office staff. Representing the spectrum of labor workers in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties is a big job, McElligott said, adding that her work experience has given her an idea of what its like to be in different workers shoes. We are a very diverse group and I believe I can touch on both trades and services and office workers, McElligott said. I spent nearly eight years as an emergency room technician and CNA at PeaceHealth, then transitioned to an industrial job as a chemical worker. This gives me a unique perspective on labor and the needs of the building trades and services workers, educators and office workers. The Castle Rock School Board started its superintendent search from within, interviewing the districts high-school principal, Ryan Greene. But this does not rule out the possibility of launching a broader search, said board chair Andy Ogden at a Tuesday night board meeting. The board decided to see what we had in-house before we went outside to potentially save time, money and resources, Ogden said. Hiring a new superintendent can take up to three months, Superintendent Jim Mabbott said. The process includes posting the job, hiring a search firm, vetting dozens of candidates and conducting extensive interviews with the top three candidates. Greene is currently enrolled in the districts superintendent training program, and it was highly likely he would apply to succeed Mabbott as superintendent, Ogden said. If he came back as the candidate in favor, why would we go through an exhaustive process to get to that point? Ogden said. We thought it was a risk versus reward situation. We could risk these three weeks and see what happens, he said. Southwest Washington Congresswoman Herrera Beutler will hold a telephone town hall at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday. Constituents may ask about the federal government shutdown, regional legislative priorities or whatever is on their mind, Herrera Beutler said in a press release. To participate, residents can wisit https://herrerabeutler.house.gov/forms/form/?ID=3247 or by calling 360-695-6292. Residents can also call in to join the live telephone town hall at any point during the event by calling 1-877-229-8493 and using the passcode 116365. Herrera Beutler, a Ridgefield Republican, recently won a hotly contested re-election campaign in which she was criticized for not having traditional, in-person town hall meetings with constituents. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 2 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CHICAGO Like a lot of people, Chandra Ram got an Instant Pot because of peer pressure. Im not a gadget person by any stretch of the imagination, says Ram. I live in Chicago, so I dont have room for a bunch of things. But friends kept telling her how useful the device was, and she eventually relented. Ram already knew how to cook. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, worked as a restaurant consultant for years and currently serves as the editor of the food magazine Plate. She even recently co-authored the cookbook Korean BBQ with chef Bill Kim. But because she was so busy all the time, she felt her home cooking had slacked off a bit. I would often come home from work, and I felt like I was half- -ing it, says Ram. I was just throwing canned things together. When she got the Instant Pot, the first recipe she tried was the butter chicken recipe from Urvashi Pitres extremely popular, and Tribune-approved, Indian Instant Pot Cookbook. I took one bite and said, This really does taste like it has been cooking all day, says Ram. In other words, she was hooked. While Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have announced they will reopen their embassies, Saudi Arabia has claimed that it will not writes Asharq al-Awsat. On Monday, it was reported that Saudi Arabia has denied that it was reopening its embassy in Syria, by the Saudi Press Agency. It rejected reports circulated online that allegedly quoted Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Assaf as saying that the Kingdom was reopening its diplomatic mission in Damascus. An official source at the Saudi Foreign Ministry said that the claims were completely baseless. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Freezing temperatures and heavy rain has made compounded the misery of refugees and caused the death of 15 children reports Zaman Al Wasl. Fifteen Syrian children have died in one month because of the severe cold weather and a lack of medical care, UN childrens agency UNICEF said on Tuesday. Freezing temperatures and harsh living conditions in the al-Rukban camp, on the southwestern Syrian-Jordanian border, are increasingly putting childrens lives at risk, Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement. In just one month, at least eight children most of them under four months and the youngest only one-hour old have died, he said. Al-Rukban refugee camp accommodates some 45,000 people, 80 percent of whom are women and children. Cappelaere pointed out that since December around 10,000 Syrians have fled Hajin area in Syrias northern Deir ez-Zor province because of fierce clashes between the Islamic State and PYD/PKK terrorist groups. The dangerous and difficult journey has reportedly killed seven children most of them under one-year-old, the Director said. UNICEF called on all sides to urgently facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to al-Rukban. The lives of babies continue to be cut short by health conditions that are preventable or treatable. There are no excuses for this in the 21st century, he said. This tragic manmade loss of life must end now. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Geir Pedersen has started his job as the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria with a meeting in Damascus writes SANA. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and Expatriates Minister Walid al-Muallem received the United Nations Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, and the accompanying delegation. The meeting dealt with the efforts exerted for making progress on the political track of the crisis in Syria and following up the ideas related to the political process. Muallem welcomed Pedersen to his new post and expressed Syrias readiness to cooperate with him in his task of facilitating the intra-Syrian dialogue to reach a political solution to the crisis, which serves the interest of the country in a way that leads to eradicating terrorism, ending the illegitimate foreign presence in Syria and preserving the countrys integrity, sovereignty and independence. For his part, the UN Special Envoy expressed pleasure of visiting Damascus to start his tasks, pointing out that he asked to visit it in order to attentively listen to the Syrian governments viewpoint. Pedersen discussed the meetings he is to hold and the activities he is to undertake during the upcoming period, which aims to activate the political process, stressing that this process should be led by Syria, otherwise it wont succeed. Pedersen affirmed that he wont spare any efforts to reach a political solution in accordance to the principles stipulated in the UN Charter and UN Security Council resolutions related to Syria, highlighting the UNs commitment to Syrias national and territorial unity, independence, and sovereignty. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Following the announced withdrawal of US forces from Syria, Presidents Trump and Erdogan spoke to discuss the establishment of a safe zone and the protection of the Kurdish people reports Anadolu Agency. In a phone call this week, the US President reaffirmed his decision to pullout of Syria, as well as a 32-kilometer (20-mile) safe zone in Syria to be established by Turkey, said Turkeys president on Tuesday. Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the remarks in an address to lawmakers of his Justice and Development (AK) Party in the capital Ankara. On Monday, Erdogan held a phone call with US President Donald Trump, discussing the idea of a terror-free safe zone in northern Syria. Erdogan said he told Trump that Turkey embraces all people in Syria without discrimination. We also told him that the PKK/YPG tortures the groups in Syria that do not depend on them. We also said that we have given all documents on this issue to his advisers, Erdogan said. He added that the two presidents agreed to increase the Turkish-US trade volume to 75 billion dollars. The phone call came after Trump threatened to devastate Turkeys economy if they hit the Kurds, conflating Kurds with the terrorist PKK/YPG, a conflation that Turkey has repeatedly criticized. Turkey has dealt a heavy blow to the terrorist PKK/YPG in Afrin, and it will soon move to eliminate terrorist groups east of the Euphrates River, Erdogan added. Erdogan also called on Kurds not to be fooled by terror groups, adding, I call on my Kurdish brothers. You should not be deceived by this game. Turkey is the country of my Kurdish brothers as well. Following the surprise announcement in December that US forces would leave Syria, US officials said the withdrawal was conditional on Turkey not attacking the Kurds, meaning the terrorist PKK/YPG. Turkish officials blasted the US conflation of Kurds with the terror group, saying an expected Turkish operation in Syria will target a terrorist group which threatens Arabs, Turkmens, and Kurds in Syria alike. This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Residents of Aleppo have expressed their anger with local officials at the lack of basic goods and services available to them reports Alsouria Net. Areas under the control of the Bashar al-Assad regime in the city of Aleppo and its southeastern countryside are witnessing a state of popular discontent due to the lack of basic goods, including gas, bread, water, electricity and other necessary services. This issue is growing at the same time as frantic increases in prices of these goodsif they are available on the black market. Securing gas for the house is still a concern for most residents, despite the promises offered by the governorate, the city council, and the supply directorate to increase the distributed amounts. However, the crisis is continually growing, to the extent that the price for a canister of gas has reached 25,000 Syrian pounds in the eastern districts of Aleppo city. According to accounts from residents, militia members, security forces, and officials from the governorate, the city and supply council, as well as the police who regularly attend the distribution of gas in the distribution centers take the largest shares, leaving only a small amount for the local government representative to distribute to residents. According to information obtained by Alsouria Net from local sources who asked not to be named, in the end the local government representative distributes the remaining quantities to those he knows. The number of people registered in the queue could reach 6,000, while the amounts of gas canisters reaching each center is only enough for between 200 to 1,000 residents. In the eastern and southern Aleppo countrysides, the party factions of the Baath Party branch in Aleppo undertake the distribution of gas to residents in Maskanah, Deir Hafer, Tel al-Daman, and other cities and towns, with the relatives of militia and party members obtaining canisters first. In general, the militias monopolize fuel and oil at the gas stations, which are run by their relatives, in addition to the fact that prices have increased several times over. In the second half of 2018, the industrial city in al-Sheikh Najjar, northeast of Aleppo, saw the migration and closing of a number of heavy and medium industrial facilities, contrary to what the President of the Syrian Industrial Federation, Fares Shihabi, said about industry returning and being revived in the city. The taxes and fines that are imposed by the security administrations and militias at military checkpoints have contributed to raising costs, and ultimately raising the prices of the products, which are subject to competition from imported and smuggled products, which have prices up to 25 percent lower. The terrible living conditions and the nepotism has created an unprecedented state of frustration in Aleppo, especially among the pro-Assad popular base, who have begun to attack the regime government openly, and are directly accusing the militias and security forces of stealing portions allocated for distribution, in addition to referencing security and military figures loyal to the regime by name on social media sites. The death of an infant in Aleppo from cold has stoked anger and frustration with the regime government. Pro-regime media sites carried statements from the infants father that complained about his inability to secure gas for cooking and warmth, as well as the medical neglect his child suffered from the government hospital in Aleppo. In a video taken at a recent protest in the city of Tartous, a former fighter in Assads forces appeared saying Long live Syria, and down with Assad, in an incident representing a precedent in regime areas, and reflects the unprecedented state of daring and frustration among Assads popular base. Since last week, pro-regime pages on social media have been inflamed with post that have included sharply-worded criticisms and insults of members of the Assad government, with even Assad not escaping the blame. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The drive to ratify the ERA began long ago, and may yet succeed. Photo: Portland Press Herald/Getty Images For those of us who came of age at a time when the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment seemed as inevitable as it was overdue, the ERAs sudden revival in the Trump era has been a marvelous development. Today the Virginia Senate ratified the amendment, which means the Old Dominion is halfway through the process of becoming the crucial 38th state three-fourths of the 50 states to get onboard since Congress passed the ERA in 1972. The amendments language is extremely simple: Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex. Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article. Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification. Its practical implications may depend on what Congress does to implement it, but in effect, it would serve as a constitutional backdrop to more specific protections of gender equality, and as an ongoing basis for challenging discrimination in the courts. The ERA was long thought to be comatose, if not dead, after only 35 states ratified it prior to the expiration of a 1982 ratification deadline set by Congress. But inspired by doubts about the constitutionality of ratification deadlines, and perhaps some defiance toward the manifest pigginess of the 45th president, momentum for the ERA resumed, with Nevada ratifying it in 2017 and Illinois in 2018. As the Washington Post notes, Virginia has gotten to this point but no further repeatedly: The legislation died last year in committee in both chambers, even though a majority of lawmakers in both the House and the Senate had signed on as co-sponsors. The full Senate has passed it five times in the past eight years, but it has never cleared the House. Perhaps the big shift toward Democrats in 2017 House elections in Virginia, and the strong possibility that Democrats could take control of that chamber this November, could motivate Republicans to stop their obstruction of the ERA. Its certainly a good sign that seven Republican senators joined all 19 Democrats in voting for the ratification in the upper chamber. If Virginia does ratify the amendment, the legal maneuvering will begin, as the New York Times noted last year: Expect a legal showdown, intense lobbying and constitutional fireworks [O]rganizers would lobby Congress to recognize the 38 total ratifications. How would that work? A 2013 report by the Congressional Research Service, a policy research branch, said that Congress could simply vote to change the old deadline. That would obviously be a tough row in Mitch McConnells Senate, and even if Congress took that step, there would be litigation against it. The whole thing could wind up in the Supreme Court. But the debate would be interesting, and would offer the Grand Old Party yet another opportunity to recant its abandonment, under the influence of the conservative movement, of an ancient party tradition of supporting an ERA, as Katie Kilkenny observed in 2015: Republicans installed the first woman in Congress and shepherded the 19th Amendment through a Republican-dominated Congress in 1919. Senator Charles Curtis and Representative Daniel R. Anthony Jr. (both, R-Kansas) were the first to introduce the Equal Rights Amendment into their respective Congressional sessions in 1923, and in the midst of an embattled fight to pass it over the next few decades, President Dwight Eisenhower (R) would be the first president to call a joint session of Congress to get the bill passed. And Republicans began putting the ERA into party platforms in 1944, and didnt definitively begin rejecting the amendment until Ronald Reagans ascent to the leadership of the party in 1980. At a time when women are repudiating Republicans at the polls to a remarkable extent, it would be a good time for the GOP to wake up and embrace equality as sufficiently central to American principles to merit inclusion in the Constitution. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, is visiting the Middle East to try an secure support for America's policies and its post Syria strategy writes Al-Watan. No sooner had US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, began his Middle East tour than hopes of a Arab-Syrian rapprochement faded. The US Secretary came to line up the ranks of his countrys allies in the Gulf and Egypt behind the American strategy, which is taking shape against Iran and its regional allies. Thus rapprochement with Damascus fell outside the American scope, at least at the current time, until pressure mounts on Tehran and it produces more results related to the demands of President Donald Trumps administration. The Arab states stopped their efforts to restore Syria to the Arab League, and it is likely that Syria will not participate in the Arab economic summit in Beirut, or the Arab summit in Tunisia. This has been accompanied by Egypt tightening its tone regarding Syrias return to the Arab League, with its Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry saying that, Damascus is taking steps in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2254. Shoukry definitively cut off any doubt regarding the similarity of the position of a number of Arab states with the positions of America and Europe about Syria, when he said that Syrias return to the League was tied to the development of the political process to end the crisis. These statements returned the matter entirely to square one. Pompeo came to the region to reassure US allies among the Arab states of Washingtons determination to contain Turkish ambitions in Syria, even when it is withdrawing from the countrys east. This comes in exchange for strict adherence to standing alongside the American administration in its attempts to curb Iranian influence in the Fertile Crescent. America is counting on a change in the Turkish position regarding the American withdrawal after a visit by the National Security Adviser, John Bolton, to Ankara, armed with Israeli support and Trumps strict position on protecting the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is led by the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, which the Turkish government considers to be nothing more than a terrorist group and a Syrian extension of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party in Turkey. While Pompeo was moving from one Arab country to another, Israel struck storehouses close to the Damascus International Airport, in an indication of Israels refusal to open up to Syria. Accompanying Pompeos Middle East visit, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hale, arrived in Beirut to stress Americas worries about Hezbollah destabilizing activities in Lebanon and the region, which led to more doubts about the imminent birth of a Lebanese government. American signals are reaching Lebanon, with new language from the head of the Future Movement, Saad al-Hariri, who is tasked with forming the government, as his sources leaked that he is not ready to surrender to Hezbollah the upper hand in imposing its control over the government. This American mobilization of the forces in the Middle East will have implications for the policies of the Astana tripartite of Russia, Turkey and Iran, as these countries are preparing to hold a summit for their leaders in the coming days in order to search for means of dealing with the next stage in the region after Trumps declaration. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. by Austin Bay January 16, 2019 The past year has witnessed an overdue international response to China's rapacious military espionage and economic theft operations. Noteworthy pushback occurred in December 2018 when Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Meng is also the daughter of Huawei's billionaire founder, a man regarded as a Beijing insider. The U.S. has charged Meng with subverting economic and political sanctions on Iran. The U.S. and other nations seem to suspect she runs a high-tech spying operation. Washington seeks her extradition. Beijing demands that Canada send her to China. Allegedly, China has detained over a dozen Canadian citizens in China. Beijing's bullying pressure tactic looks like a reprisal. On Jan. 11, Huawei once again made headlines when Poland announced its Internal Security Agency had arrested senior Huawei executive Wang Weijing on spying charges. A former Polish intelligence officer was also charged with espionage. From 2006 to 2011, Wang worked as a consular officer in Poland. That leads to appropriate speculation. Consular and embassy officers frequently collect intelligence "under diplomatic cover." If caught recruiting spies, they usually claim diplomatic immunity. Apparently, Wang now collects intelligence under what he thought was robust cover provided by Huawei's cash and commercial power. Huawei sells more mobile phones than Apple. Following the arrests, Poland's internal affairs minister said the EU and NATO must jointly consider excluding Huawei from their markets. The U.S. has condemned Chinese espionage and illegal activities by Chinese commercial operations. Consider this high-level congressional criticism. During a Senate Intelligence committee hearing in February 2018, Senator Tom Cotton, R-Ark., asked the directors of America's intelligence and security agencies "if they would use products made by Huawei or ZTE." (ZTE is another suspect Chinese enterprise.) Cotton noted that none of them would, nor would they recommend Huawei or ZTE products to private American citizens. Why? Because U.S. intelligence and defense agencies seem to believe it is highly likely the companies' products have hidden gadgetry that lets Chinese intelligence use them as spy tools. Their service operations, whether human or digital, likely pass on any useful information they may acquire. The Trump Administration has accused several Chinese businesses of law breaking, to include theft of intellectual property and foreign patent claims. In August 2018 President Donald Trump imposed a penalty when he signed a bill that forbids use of Huawei products by the U.S. government. According to one media source, he is now considering an executive order that would prevent private U.S. companies from using Huawei equipment. In the process of aiding China's intelligence agencies, Chinese companies have stolen trade, manufacturing and financial secrets of immense value to their own businesses. This isn't news. In June 2013, StrategyPage.com observed that "increasingly, Chinese firms are boldly using their stolen technology, daring foreign firms to try and use Chinese courts to get justice. Instead, the foreign firms are trying to muster support from their governments for lawsuits outside China." Chinese firms have apparently encouraged criminal theft. In 2010, StrategyPage.com reported Chinese-born engineer "Xiang Dong Yu who worked for Ford Motor Company for over a decade, pled guilty on November 17th of stealing over $50 million worth of Ford technology and selling it to a Chinese automobile company." The technology Xiang stole also had military applications. Can China be encouraged -- or pressured -- to rein in its illegal activities? There is scant evidence Beijing will willingly comply. In 2013, the Philippines asked The Hague's Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Netherlands to rule on the territorial disputes between Manila and Beijing. The Court would convene under terms prescribed by the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, which China signed. In 2016, the court concluded China had violated the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, had stolen resources and had violated Filipino sovereignty. Beijing ignored the decision. Lewisville High School student Brandon Funk, left, and Hebron High School student Joshua Thomas work on a project at Career Center East. LISD will construct a new career center on the west side of the district, one of several projects that will come from the 2017 bond election. Post Time with Mike and Mike is excited to announce the line-up for Thursday morning (Jan. 16) at 10:30 a.m. The hosts will be joined by 2018 USHWA award winners Moira Fanning, Chris Gooden, Ray Cotolo, and Heather Vitale. Fanning, who won the Moticello-Goshen Leadership award, will join the program to discuss her career in racing and how she became involved in the sport. Fanning is currently the COO of the Hambletonian Society and is an intricate part in putting on some of harness racings Grand Circuit events. Gooden, who secured the Unsung Hero Award in 2018, is the track photographer at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Gooden is known for his social media presence and his willingness to help teach people the sport of harness racing. Gooden, who is a former Post Time with Mike and Mike award winner, will discuss his career in the sport of harness racing. Cotolo, the 2018 Breakthrough Award winner, will join the pair to discuss his contribution to harness racing. Cotolo who has been involved in the sport since he was in his teens, also hosts North American Harness Update on Friday nights. Vitale, who will be honoured at USHWA's Member of the Year, is known for her bubbly personality and also her major social media presence. Vitale is the co-host of Post Time that airs on television networks in Pennsylvania. She is also the daughter of Jim and JoAnn Looney King, who have Horse of the Year contender Shartin N. USTA Social Media and Publicity Coordinator Wendy Ross will be stepping in for Mike Bozich who will be away on assignment. Post Time with Mike and Mike can be heard live every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. via posttimewithmikeandmike.com or on the archive at betamerica.com/BARN. (With files from Post Time with Mike and Mike) After making just his eighth start in the last five years, 13-year-old Blazing Sakra made his return to the racetrack in a big way in January 9 at The Raceway at the Western Fair District. A son of Bettors Delight - Sakra Beauty, Blazing Sakra had last started in a pari-mutuel event on October 17, 2015 at Kawartha Downs. In that season, he made eight starts and managed two second-place efforts. But that 2015 campaign came after making no starts during the 2014 season and just three appearances in 2013. Owned by Maria Chlapak of Terra Cotta, Ont., Blazing Sakra is trained by Frederick Bourgault and is back in-to-go on Wednesday (January 16) at Western Fair. Bourgault told Trot Insider that the idea of bringing Blazing Sakra back as a racehorse was not the plan of the owner as much as it was a testament to the horse's attitude and resilience. "The owner, Maria, just started to have racehorses. She had that horse as a pet," said Bourgault. "He was injured a few years ago and she's been taking care of him and riding him. She came to me with the idea of trying to race him. So I said I'd give him a try and we'll see how it goes. "We started jogging him and I started training him down, and he was doing that good and he was sound but I said 'we'll go week by week.' Week by week, Blazing Sakra showed Bourgault he still had the ability of pacer that took a mark of 1:51.1 at Woodbine Racetrack in 2011. "He was ready to train when I got him, so it took me about three months to get him ready...[Maria] said 'he's ready to train' and she was right. she didn't decide that in two days, saying 'OK, let's race the horse,' she took her time and did an amazing job. "I always trained him and whenever I trained him he wanted to go faster; once you train them, you know if you have a good horse or a bad horse and the first time I sat behind him I knew he was a good horse." Blazing Sakra returned to the track at the end of 2018 with a qualifier at Flamboro Downs. "He was ready to qualify, and he qualified very good," said Bourgault of the qualifying win in 2:02.4. "He didn't go fast, but he came home strong. My good friend Brett MacDonald qualified him and after he said 'that ol' horse is ready'. So I waited a bit, trained him back at the farm and put him in the box." Drawing post six in a field of nine $7,000 claiming pacers on January 9 in an added-distance event at Western Fair, Blazing Sakra was understandibly settled away near the back of the pack early by driver Scott Coulter. The veteran driver was looking for a strong finishing effort, and the veteran pacer benefitted from brisk early fractions that set up perfectly for a horse to close. The 'brush and crush' from Coulter and Blazing Sakra was jaw-droppingly impressive. After spotting the field some 13-plus lengths at the half-mile point, Coulter sent Blazing Sakra four- and then five-wide down the backstretch to be situated with the pacesetters around the final turn before pulling away to win by more than two lengths. "I was shocked he won but I knew he would race good, because they went such a big half so I thought he'd have a good chance but I never thought he would circle them like that. It was pretty impressive and I'm pretty happy with the old man." Bourgault, a 20-year-old native of Quebec now residing in Guelph, Ont., recently completed his first full season with his own stable and posted solid numbers. Sending out 153 starters, Bourgault boasted 29 winners and a 0.320 UTRS. He got his early lessons in horsemanship from his uncle, Serge Nadeau, before coming to Ontario nearly three years ago and working for award-winning stables the likes of Ben Baillargeon and Scott McEneny. "It's my first year with my trainer's license but we've had a lot of those kinds of horses in Quebec, and my uncle is very good with those older horses to bring them back to the races, but I've never seen an old horse like him. He's like cement. He's a strong, beautiful horse." Longtime harness racing industry participant Gerald 'Jerry' Nelson of Truro, N.S. and Coconut Creek, Fl., passed away in Truro with family and friends by his side on Friday, January 11 at the age of 86. Nelson passed peacefully at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro. Born and raised in Truro, Nelson fell in love with horses as a boy and started working with Standardbreds in his teen years. This was just one of Nelsons passions, as he also loved to strap on some blades and hit the ice for a game of hockey. He was known for reminiscing of his action-packed days with the Truro Bear Cats with Shirley as his cheerleader. He remained a loyal friend with many of his teammates throughout his life. After marrying Shirley, his high school sweetheart, in 1950, the duo soon after welcomed their two beautiful children, Debbie and Stanley. Family was so important to Gerry and challenging to balance in such a demanding industry. He always cherished the time when the family could be together. Gerry, who was a longtime trainer/driver, started working in the racing circuits of the Maritimes. He was honoured with many prestigious awards during his time, including being one of the top drivers in eastern Canada for many years running. Gerry and Shirley moved to the United States in 1977 and worked out of California, with the great Joe OBrien, and Florida for many years till retirement. Nelson also was first trainer with Archie McNeil, Ron Waples, Joe Pavia Jr. and Wally Hennessey, and worked much of his career at Pompano Park. Gerry was honoured by the Florida chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Gerry has been around horses all his life, Hennessey said at the time of the award announcement. He was always reliable, super with the horses, he was the whole package. Everyone has nothing but the utmost respect for him. Gerry is survived by his lifelong love of 68 years, Shirley (Works) Nelson, daughter, Debbie Nelson of Florida, sister, Phyllis (Nelson) Coolen of Ontario, daughter-in-law, Beverley (Waddell) Nelson, most precious grandchildren, Joshua and Victoria (Tori) Nelson. Also left to mourn are numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Besides his parents, the late Charlie and May (Connolly) Nelson, Gerry is predeceased by a son, Stan Nelson, brothers, Ralph Doyle, George Nelson, sisters, Mildred (Doyle) Dewar, Francis (Nelson) Saville. Arrangements were handled by the Mattatall Varner Funeral Home in Truro. Gerry will be buried in Bible Hill Cemetery, Bible Hill. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of choice. The family would like to thank the hospital staff, Earth Angels and staff of Cedarstone Enhanced Care for being such loving support. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Gerrys obituary online and selecting Send A Condolence at www.mattatallvarnerfh.com. For more on Gerrys passing, click here. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Gerry Nelson. In New Jersey, the anticipation over the horse racing support legislation that is working its way through the political system is palpable. Tracks and horsepeople in the state are patiently waiting for the next shoe to drop in order to make their 2019 racing plans. The Asbury Park Press has run an article on the situation which explains that the industry is in limbo until the fate of NJ S2992 (18R) is known. The piece of legislation would provide $20 million annually for five years starting this fiscal year to be disbursed through the New Jersey Racing Commission for use toward purse subsidies and track operations at New Jersey racetracks. The first step was to have the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee advance the proposed legislation to a vote in the NJ Senate, which on December 10 was unanimously approved. On December 17, the NJ Senate passed the legislation by a 40-0 vote, thus successfully completing step two. There remain a few important hurdles before the bill becomes law. It must first pass a committee of the Assembly that will determine the validity of the proposed request. If accepted, the bill will then be introduced into the full Assembly for a vote and must pass that house before ultimately being signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy. [The Meadowlands Racetracks] season started January 1 and we have major stakes races people have to nominate their horses by February 15, so its critical we know whether were getting the subsidy or not. So that I know what my purses are supposed to be and how many days Im going to race, Meadowlands Racetrack operator Jeff Gural has told the Asbury Park Press. Because right now were scheduled to run 90 days, but without the subsidy we could never race 90 days and we would not be able to have the stakes races we normally have.'' To read the Asbury Park Press article in its entirety, click here. (With files from the Asbury Park Press) Tied for second in single-season wins last year, Spicey Victor returned to the winner's circle in his first start of 2019 when winning an $8,500 claiming trot at The Raceway at Western Fair District on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Driver Scott Coulter positioned the nine-year-old Broadway Hall gelding fifth as Holiday Holly brushed to the front heading past a :29 opening quarter. Coulter tipped the favourite off the rail moving into the far turn and advanced towards Holiday Holly approaching a 1:00.1 half. Spicey Victor pulled a length in front of Holiday Holly passing three-quarters in 1:30.3. From there the Leonard Lalonde trainee widened his margin turning into and through the stretch. Jilona, tracking the favourite's cover, gave pursuit in second while Jagersro overtook pocket-sitter Burst Hanover for third, four lengths back. Claimed by Steve Coulter for $8,500, Spicey Victor changed hands numerous times through 2018, however trainer Leonard Lalonde and owner Kristina Lalonde claimed him back on every occasion. The earner of $193,277 won 20 races from 39 starts last year while Southwind Amazon, racing in Ohio, won the most races of any horse last year with 22. Spicey Victor has 45 victories overall from 201 starts. Spicey Victor paid $3.30 to win. To view Tuesday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Tuesday Results - Western Fair Raceway. Furloughed IRS employees will return to work for tax season, but they wont be getting paid. Photo: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Theres a conservative theory bouncing around (as it usually does during government shutdowns) that furloughed nonessential federal employees wont be missed, and that in fact Americans who dont miss them will suddenly experience enlightenment and vote to shrink government forever. But instead of endorsing this theory by shrugging at the unperformed jobs of nonessential workers, the Trump administration is now recalling 46,000 of them, who will go from the frying pan of not being allowed to work to the fire of being forced to work without pay. Some will be assigned to tasks that will head off dangerous criticism of the administration, like aircraft and food safety inspections. Others are apparently being rushed to the assistance of favored industries like mortgage lenders and oil companies, as Bloomberg reports: The Interior Department is now clearing the way for previously furloughed workers to help sell drilling rights in U.S. coastal waters, as 11 personnel are being temporarily recalled to prepare documents necessary for auctions of Gulf of Mexico expected in March and August Some 40 personnel also are available amid the shutdown on an on-call basis to help process permits authorizing seismic tests to search for oil in the Atlantic Ocean and develop a new five-year plan for selling drilling rights in U.S. coastal waters from mid-2019 through mid-2024. Yeah, sounds pretty essential if you are a fan of fossil fuels. But the bulk (an estimated 36,000) of recalled workers are at the IRS, basically so that the tax refunds Trump promised can go out more or less on schedule. That promise aside, the bigger picture is that Republicans at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue want to make sure taxpayers realize the benefits of the one major accomplishment of the 115th Congress, the 2017 tax-cut bill. If IRS employees have to engage in what is essentially involuntary servitude to make that happen, so be it. Unfortunately for them, their union was rebuffed in court this week as a federal judge refused to deem the unpaid work a violation of both federal statutes and the constitution. The judge basically cried havoc and suggested the relief could make a shutdown mess even more of a mess. The more this drags on, though, and the more the administration turns furlough plans into Swiss cheese at the behest of lobbyists and Republican pols, the less the judiciary will perpetually tolerate the attendant injustices and deliberate skirting of the law. Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes Controversy involving a Portland coffee shop is garnering national attention. According to OregonLive, writer Nancy Rommelmann and Penthouse Magazine columnist Leah McSweeney created a new YouTube channel titled #MeNeither in which they call into question the honesty and motives of sexual assault survivors, many of whom are part of the #MeToo movement. For their 20-minute first episode, Rommelmann and McSweeney discuss toxic femininity, specifically Rose McGowan and Asia Argento, actors who have both accused Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault. In the video, Rommelmann and McSweeney call into question the reliability and motivations of the actresses, referring to the as fame eaters, according to Willamette Week. Rommelmann is the wife of Ristretto Roasters owner Din Johnson and herself has been referred to as a part-owner, according to OregonLive, causing the controversy to bleed over into the coffee space. Ristretto denies that Rommelmann is involved in the ownership of the company, telling The Oregonian, Nancy is neither an owner nor employee of Ristretto. The opinions expressed by Rommelmann and McSweeney have led many to state they would no longer support the coffee shop. Since the backlash, both Rommelmann and Johnson have stated that she has not had any affiliation with the company for many years now, though OregonLive found evidence of Rommelmanns involvementin the form of liquor licenses and company emailsas recently as May 2018. As of time of publication, Rommelmann is not listed as a co-owner according to the Oregon Secretary of State. In response, an open letter condemning the blog has been penned by former Ristretto employee Camila Coddou and signed by 30 current and former employees of the coffee shop, which we are printing in full: Nancy Rommelmann is an established author and journalist within Portland. A few weeks ago she started a Youtube channel with columnist and podcast host Leah McSweeney, titled #meneither. This channel currently consists of three videos in which they have in-depth discussions denying the experiences of sexual assault survivors and questioning their credibility, qualify gradations of sexual violence in order to label some as more valid than others, and espousing the idea that trauma is a personal choice. Nancy Rommelmann also one of the owners of Ristretto Roasters, a local roasting company that has employed and served people within our community for over a decade. As former and current Ristretto employees we feel it is our duty to come forward and publicly denounce the perspectives shared on Rommelmanns #meneither Youtube channel. The views shared are misguided, dangerous, and hurtful, and do not represent the values of the Ristretto employees signing off on this letter. We believe it is a business owners responsibility to create a safe and supportive working environment for their employees. Invalidating assault survivors throws into question the safety of Ristretto Roasters as a workplace and has the potential to create a demoralizing and hostile environment for employees and customers alike. This cannot be tolerated. As the public face of Ristretto, the people who make and serve you your coffee on a daily basis, we have done our best to ensure our customers feel welcomed in a business they can feel good about supporting. It is our hope that in sharing this information we can better inform the community at large and make it clear that we believe survivors. We would like to note that we also speak on behalf of some current employees who agree with the sentiment of this letter but do not wish to attach their name for fear of retribution. Ristretto Roasters currently has a rating of 2.1 out of 5 on Facebook, with 67 of the total 105 reviews coming after the #MeNeither channel made news. Zac Cadwalader is the managing editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge. If you happen to venture onto the Rue des Tournelles, a calm street a few blocks away from the busy traffic circle around the historic Place de la Bastille square or the gracious Place des Vosges, you will be met by Yellow Tucan, a cafe that opened last fall. With large windows ensconced in a gracefully weathered wooden facade, the coffee shops namesake bird makes his first appearance on the glass front, greeting customers as they enter. Yellow Tucans tailored menu is anchored by coffee from Berlins excellent Five Elephant coffee roastery, which one may pair with a changing assortment of cakes and pastries sourced from the cafe's own lab, YT Kitchen. Rounding out the offerings are Halles Saint-Antoine fresh juices, Kodama teas, quiche, and organic Catherine Kluger granola. In lieu of air conditioning, the iced coffee is bright-tasting and particularly refreshing in the summer heat, while espresso-based drinks with Beillevaire whole raw milk from Normandy or the chocolat chaud from master chocolatier Jean-Paul Hevin are good options for a hot beverage. Visitors are free to sit outside on one of the two benches in front of the cafe, or to lounge indoors where there are plenty of small tables perfect for conversing with friends, spending time with a good book, or even working on a laptop thanks to the free wi-fi and outlets. The overall effect of the dainty vases of fresh cut flowers (even outside), framed photographs, and the yellow, white, and green palate brings harmony to the sun-filled space. If you look closely enough at the surroundings, the Yellow Tucan mascot is whimsically perched in various corners, sometimes hidden in plain sight. A self-described fan of coffee shops, Yellow Tucan proprietor Vincent Rouviere always enjoys discovering new places to drink coffee in his home city of Paris and during his frequent travels around the world. Indeed, Rouviere says he's searched for good coffee everywhere from Seoul to Londonand enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods surrounding these cafes as much as visiting the shops themselves. One day par hasard (by chance) he stumbled across a for rent sign on an empty commercial space in the well-known Parisian district of Le Marais. More on a lark than anything else, he called the phone number listed on the sign to see if the spot was still available to let. By Rouvieres recollection, everything fell into place quite quickly following that initial call. A few weeks of negotiating the terms of the lease later and the storefront was suddenly his. I had never worked in a coffee shop, said Rouviere. Lack of experience notwithstanding, there was no other choice but to dive headfirst into the challenging work of opening a cafe. Yellow Tucan welcomed its first customers in September 2017 after several busy months of building renovation, menu planning, intensive barista training, and bringing to life the design and cheery decor. Prior to the opening of Yellow Tucan, Rouviere was a serial entrepreneur, immersed in the world of startups in France and involved in a wide range of businesses including a car service using solely electric and hybrid vehicles, and bringing international fashion design talents to present their collections and network in Paris. When asked what it was like to become a new cafe owner after wearing so many other hats, Rouviere responded with a laugh, saying, I love entrepreneurship and different projects. However, before Yellow Tucan I never had a physical storefront on the street! It is a different experience. Nevertheless, according to Rouviere, the lessons learned from his previous endeavors, in addition to the impressions formed from the many different cafes he toured as a customer, motivate him to provide friendly service and high-quality products. For Rouviere, Yellow Tucan was intended as a place for calm, a location to work, chat, think about projects, soak in the atmosphere of Parisian life, and meet people. When asked about the name, Rouviere chuckles. The toucan is beautiful, elegant, colorful, and friendly, which seems appropriate for a cafe where people can be social. Also, they are native to Central America, and can be found in places like Costa Rica, where some of the worlds best specialty coffees are produced. Fittingly, Rouvierethe man behind the tucanis as genial as the cafes namesake: customers can expect good coffee and friendly service in French (or English). Michelle Hwang is a writer who splits her time between California, Paris, and Seoul. Read more Michelle Hwang for Sprudge. Slovakia had followers of Palach Despite the efforts of the communist regime, people kept Jan Palach and his protest in their memory. One of the student demonstrations in Bratislava, 1969. (Source: Archive of the Interior Ministry Levoca) A young man arrived in front of the National Museum building in Prague in the afternoon of January 16, 1969, poured petrol over his body and set himself on fire. History student Jan Palach sacrificed his life to protest against the invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Warsaw Pact armies, the restrictions of freedom and the increasing passivity of people. He died in a hospital three days later. Read also: Sport, torture and guns; Palach was a fighter Read more Palachs deed also raised awareness in Slovakia, particularly among university students who organised various events across the country. The efforts of the regime to erase Palachs deed from history books in the years that followed failed. There were big demonstrations against the communist regime in January 1989, at the time of the 20th anniversary of Palachs death, historian Peter Jasek, of the Nations Memory Institute, told The Slovak Spectator. One student kicked out of uni after a hunger strike After Palach died in the hospital on January 19, 1969, Slovak students organised a number of demonstrations and meetings, put up posters in student dorms and lit candles in his memory. 16. Jan 2019 at 18:54 | Radka Minarechova Institutional racism penetrated the justice system No amount of evidence will ever be enough to hold racist police officers to account when they terrorise and brutalise Roma communities. The author is the Human Rights Monitoring Coordinator at the European Roma Rights Centre. In April 2017, video footage emerged of police officers indiscriminately beating Roma women, men and children upon entering a majority-Roma area of Zborov. The video was filmed from a window by a Roma man who refused to delete the file after police allegedly visited the community to demand that all evidence of the attack was confiscated or destroyed. The video drew widespread outrage (and a significant amount of racist vitriol) from the Slovak general public. It was the first time that police brutality against Roma people had been caught so brazenly on camera, and regardless of the circumstances, showed police officers mercilessly striking civilians, including an old Roma woman with disabilities who was beaten to the ground. Despite the shocking video evidence of excessive force towards the Roma in Zborov, the domestic court and the Police Inspectorate announced that they had found no wrongdoings in the actions of the police officers involved. Sadly, this did not come as a surprise to many who are familiar with the history of such cases against police brutality in Slovakia. This is not the first time that Roma have been denied justice. Its not even the second, third, or fourth time. The Slovak court records are littered with inadequate and disproportionate judgements relating to human rights abuse of the Roma. The European Roma Rights Centre, who released the video to the public and took legal proceedings before the court, has provided mounting evidence to the Slovak authorities in similar cases in Moldava nad Bodvou, Vrbnica, Strane pod Tatrami, Rakusy, and Podhorany. Each case has resulted in the same outcome from the Police Inspectorate and national justice system - no wrongdoings to be found. It is clear that no amount of evidence will ever be enough to hold racist police officers to account when they terrorise and brutalise Roma communities. There is something broken in the Slovak justice system. Institutional racism has penetrated so deeply in the judicial apparatus and law enforcement circles that they are not fit for purpose to provide for the needs of the countrys Roma citizens. Last year, a UN body expressed deep concerns in its observations on Slovakia regarding police violence against Roma and failures to properly investigate such actions: The Committee notes with great concern that the majority of these reports are either not duly investigated or when investigations have been initiated, they have been suspended, and most complaints against law enforcement officers have been dismissed. The recent case before the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding the shooting of a Roma family in Hurbanovo by an off-duty municipal police officer confirmed the gross mishandling of the case by the national courts to the extent that justice could only be found from Europes highest judges. In the case of Moldava nad Bodvou, the investigation of a violent police raid on a Roma community even resulted in the Roma victims being accused of perjury rather than the offending officers being held to account. After the Zborov video was released and the police investigation progressed, it became quickly apparent that the Police Inspectorate were less interested in properly investigating what had happened on April 17, and were instead occupied with the task of obstructing the pursuit of justice for the victims in order to preserve the careers of the officers involved. The ombudswomans investigation of the police raid in Zborov clearly contradicts the findings of the Police inspection and the domestic court: "The ombudswoman stated that the police intervention was inadequate for the gravity of the situation and needed response. Police officers should have a high degree of professionalism and should pay increased attention while using force, especially if vulnerable groups (women, children, elderly) are involved. From the obtained evidence, it is clear that the police used excessive force; it was not used only to the necessary extent, but was used overwhelmingly, even against vulnerable groups. Therefore, the Ombudsperson found that the police action violated the law against mistreatment and degradation of human dignity." The European Roma Rights Centre will follow up with a complaint to the Slovak Constitutional Court with the intention to secure justice for Roma in Zborov at all costs. However, the recent ECHR ruling in the case of the Hurbanovo shooting from 2012 demonstrated the failings of the Slovak Constitutional Court. If the Slovak national courts continue to obstinately turn their back on Roma who demand justice when their rights are violated, then the ERRC will force their hand through a higher European court, which is not as tainted by the bias of antigypsyism. 16. Jan 2019 at 13:39 | Marek Balaz 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... The Rise of the Surveillance State China has figured out how to entwine surveillance with digital governance. Understanding this dynamic has become even more critical as surveillance technology used in China begins to be adopted elsewhere in the worldin at least 80 different countries as of 2019. Check out this month's issue of Security Technology. People launch cyberattacks for all sorts of different reasonsto steal money, to steal secrets, to show off their skills, to wreak havoc, but also for (what they consider to be) altruistic reasons. Martin Gottesfeld did it to draw attention to the case of Justina Pelletier, a Connecticut teenager who was admitted to Boston Childrens Hospital in 2013 and kept in a psychiatric ward there, against her parents wishes, for more than a year. Pelletier was ultimately returned to her family, but before that, Gottesfeld launched distributed denial-of-service attacks on two Massachusetts medical facilities involved in Pelletiers care. On Jan. 10, he, was sentenced to serve 121 months in prison and pay a $443,000 fine. Gottesfelds relatively severe sentence is an important marker of how seriously courts are taking denial-of-service attacks and how little it matters, at least from a legal standpoint, whether the people behind those attacks were motivated by a hacktivist agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gottesfelds case is technically fairly straightforward but ethically complicated. He targeted Boston Childrens Hospital as well as the Wayside Youth and Family Support Network, a residential treatment facility where Pelletier was also a patient. Unlike more recent ransomware attacks on hospitals, Gottesfelds denial-of-service attacks deliberately did not target or compromise any patient records, but they did plenty of damage. The weeklong attacks directed at Boston Childrens Hospital in April 2014, for instance, disrupted the Hospitals day-to-day operations as well as the research being done at the Hospital and forced Childrens to shut down portions of its network, making it more difficult for doctors outside the hospital to access medical records and hampering patients ability to communicate with their doctors there, according to FBI agent Michael Tunick. Tunick said that during the attack, patient care was not affected, but the hospital had to re-allocate its resources in a significant way, costing some $300,000 in damage, as well as an additional estimated $300,000 in lost fundraising. (The attack was planned to coincide with a fundraising drive.) Advertisement Compared with the damage done by the WannaCry ransomware program, which shut down more than a dozen National Health Service hospitals and clinics in the U.K. in 2017, Gottesfelds denial-of-service attacks seem relatively tame. Unlike ransomware, which encrypts the contents of a computer network so that no one can access any of the information stored on it or use the computers until a cryptocurrency ransom has been paid, Gottesfeld bombarded a server with so much online traffic that it crashed and could not respond to legitimate user requests. Thats how he managed to take down the Childrens Hospital fundraising website without affecting patient records. So few perpetrators of online attacks are ever actually tried. But just because Gottesfeld didnt target patient records doesnt mean that denial-of-service attacks, especially those directed at hospitals and other critical infrastructure, arent incredibly dangerous and damaging. Denial-of-service attacks, bolstered by the influx of Internet of Things devices that can be harnessed into ever larger botnets to launch attacks, have become increasingly serious threats. Even some hackers who are comfortable pushing the boundaries of the law in the name of activism draw the line at targeting hospitals. In fact, though Gottesfeld is a self-proclaimed member of the hacking group Anonymous, the Anonymous Twitter account YourAnonNews tweeted during his attacks: To all the Anons attacking the CHILDRENS HOSPITAL in the name of Anonymous via Op #JustinaPelletier IT IS A HOSPITAL: STOP IT. Advertisement Gottesfeld himself didnt take great pains to hide his trackshe uploaded a YouTube video threatening Childrens and included a link to the hospitals server information in order to enable others to join his attack. He exchanged Twitter direct messages explaining his plans and also created a new Twitter handle, @AnonMercurial2, to call on others to join his attacks on the Wayside treatment center. (The FBI traced this activity back to Gottesfeld using his internet provider RCN to establish his IP address at the time. In an interesting Fourth Amendment twist, Gottesfelds lawyers tried to argue that he had a reasonable expectation to privacy of his IP address because he used encryption, but the court was not persuaded.) Advertisement Advertisement After he and his wife tried and failed to flee to Cuba in 2016, Gottesfeld even released a statement to the HuffPost taking credit for the attacks. I coded around the clock for two weeks to perfect the attack, Gottesfeld wrote. Small test runs were made. [Childrens] bragged to the media that they were withstanding the onslaught and hadnt been taken down. They had no idea what was to come. In Gottesfelds view, he did nothing wrongand he isnt alone in that opinion. A sympathetic Rolling Stone profile, published in June 2017, dubbed Gottesfeld The Hacker Who Cared Too Much and invoked the controversial case of Aaron Swartz, the Reddit co-founder who downloaded academic articles from JStor using MITs network and then killed himself in January 2013 while awaiting trial. But while both Swartz and Gottesfeld were charged under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act for accessing protected computers without authorization, their actual technical actions bear little resemblance. Swartz downloaded millions of academic articles using a university network. Gottesfeld launched a denial-of-service attack against a hospital and a medical treatment facility, forcing them to shut down portions of their networks and hampering patient communications and access to medical records. Advertisement Advertisement At a moment when hospitals seem especially vulnerable to online attacks, and denial-of-service attacks are growing bigger and more damaging than ever before, its not surprising that a court would view Gottesfelds actions as deserving of a 10-year prison sentence. Its significantly more time than many other perpetrators of denial-of-service attacks have received in the past, and much longer than the 30-month sentence that 30-year-old British hacker Daniel Kaye received recently for a series of denial-of-service attacks in 2015 that temporarily took Liberiayes, the entire countryoffline. Its hard to say whether thats because Gottesfeld went after a hospital, or because courts are taking denial-of-service attacks more seriously than they used to, or because so few perpetrators of online attacks are ever actually tried that the court wanted to make an example of Gottesfeld as a warning to other would-be attackers. Probably all of those motivations played some role in the sentencing. If nothing else, it sends a clear signal that the penalties for hacking in the name of a political agenda are every bit as stiff as those for hacking in pursuit of money, fraud, and state secrets. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Theres something weird in the sky. Its blinking, its hovering, its making loud noises. But how do you describe what you saw? Your answer is probably dependent on the time you live in. In 1561, you might have called the weird flying thing a heavenly portent. In the U.K., just before the start of World War I, you would probably say youd been startled by an unexpected zeppelin. During the Cold War era, you might have called the thing a flying saucer of possible alien origin, or perhaps a secretive Soviet spy weapon: objects that fell into the category of UFOs. And in 2019, you might assume the weird thing twinkling in the sky is a drone. Advertisement Weve been seeing a lot of weird things in the sky in recent years, as demonstrated by the recent uproar over purported drone sightings at Gatwick and Heathrow airports in the United Kingdom. The sightings at Gatwick closed the airport entirely for 36 hours during the holiday travel season. Yet despite the onslaught of media attention, investigations into these drones and their pilots have elicited little in the way of concrete results. The existence of the drone at Gatwick still has yet to be publicly confirmed. As I write this, the Heathrow drone sightings remain under investigation. Its only the latest example of what I think of as Schrodingers Drone: a well-publicized burst of concern over a drone (or drones) that may or may not exist. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And there have been quite a few of these. In April 2016, the world was horrified by reports that a drone had smashed into a British Airways passenger jet approaching Heathrow Airport. A few days later, U.K. government officials stated that the object may have been a plastic bag. A pilot in South Australia thought his light plane had hit a drone. Hed actually come into contact with a hefty flying fox. In April 2018, flights at Auckland Airport were disrupted after airport staff mistook an errant balloon for a drone. There have also been incidents of mass but unconfirmed drone sightings, like the still-mysterious reports of unauthorized flights over landmarks and nuclear power plants in France in 2015. While these incidents are well-known, there are many that never receive widespread media attention. The FAA states that it receives over 100 reports each month from citizens who believe theyve sighted a drone near a manned aircraft or an airport. Advertisement Yet many drone specialists are skeptical of these FAA reports. In 2015, the Academy of Model Aeronautics analyzed these FAA sightings and found that many of them were vague, some were reports of apparently legal flights, and only 3.5 percent described incidents where a manned pilot had a near-miss with an drone. Some reporters and experts (including the U.S. Government Accountability Office) have criticized the FAAs collection of these reports, citing the iffy quality of the data and their inherently unverifiable nature. Advertisement These Schrodingers Drone incidents are also more common than the real thing. Take reports of drone near-misses or collisions with aircraft, which usually garner the most attention. While weve heard plenty of stories of supposed drone collisions or near-misses with aircraft, I was able to find only two incidentsin New York and Canadain which the presence of a drone has been absolutely confirmed by investigators. Advertisement Its possible that almost all of these unconfirmed drones were actually there, and we simply failed to find them, due to the (very real) current inadequacy of drone identification technology. But we should also consider the possibility that at least some of these maybe-drones never existed. Perhaps drones are taking the place of UFOsin the extraterrestrial or mysterious sense, rather than the literal meaning of unidentified flying objectas humanitys preferred catch-all explanation for weird stuff in the sky. According to the two top UFO-sighting reporting centers, were seeing fewer UFOs than we used to, a decline that began around 2014. This decline coincides with the period when relatively advanced drone technology first became truly accessible to consumers. While we dont have any evidence that the newfound popularity of small drones is linked to a decrease in UFO sightings, I have to wonder whether theyre a factor. Drones provide people with a good way of saying that they saw something odd in the sky without forcing them to publicly claim that they saw an honest-to-God UFOwhich is something many people would rather not do because it makes you look weird, like someone to be edged away from at a party. Saying that you saw a drone, on the other hand? That makes you look like a concerned citizen. Advertisement Advertisement While the term unidentified flying object is a perfectly neutral description of something you cant identify in the sky, thats not how most of us hear it. For decades, the term UFO has been associated with big-eyed aliens that travel around in flying saucers. Even the Cambridge English Dictionary defines a UFO as an object seen in the sky that is thought to be a spacecraft from another planet. Unfortunately, the hijacking of the reasonable term UFO by alien-watchers means that we lack a widely known, shorthand term for odd things in the sky that is neutral enough to encompass everything from plastic bags to planet-spanning alien warships. We may also be seeing more drones because we are worried about the idea of drones, just like ancient peasants were worried by sky demons, 1896 Americans were bothered by the idea of mysterious flying airships, and just about everyone was worried about the idea of secretive, world-destroying military technology (and day-tripping aliens) during the Cold War. Advertisement The idea that at least some UFO sightings can be explained by psychological or social phenomena is known among ufologists (a delightful term if I ever heard one) as the psychosocial hypothesis. It means that if we see something we cant identify, were likely to slot in whatever seems most plausibleand what seems plausible may change depending on current events and modern fears. Advertisement Consider the flying saucer, which remains the most iconic representation of what an alien ship looks like in the popular imagination. Flying saucers became an international phenomenon after Kenneth Arnolds famous sighting of nine mysterious flying objects near Mount Rainer in 1947, which many media outlets reported as circular in shape. The infamous Roswell, New Mexico, incident happened the same month, and breathless coverage of the two incidents was quickly followed by flying-saucer sightings all over the world. For many years, true believers seized upon this commonality in shape as evidence that extraterrestrial UFOs had to be real: Certainly people couldnt all be imagining seeing the exact same kind of circular spacecraft, all around the world. Advertisement Except Kenneth Arnold never reported seeing a flying saucer. He had simply claimed that the distinctly uncircular objects he saw flew like a saucer if you skip it across the water, a statement that was then widely misinterpreted by the media as one that referred to shape. If people were seeing flying saucers around the world, it wasnt because they were all seeing alien aircraft identical to those spotted by Kenneth Arnoldit was because they expected to see a saucer shape when they saw something odd in the sky. This conclusion is supported by this excellent visualization of UFO sightings from the National UFO Reporting Center. According to this data, sightings of the iconic, midcentury flying saucer aircraft peaked in 1970 and then began a precipitous decline. Think about it: When was the last time you saw a flying saucer in a movie? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were influenced by movies and media, and were also influenced by the times that we live in. Carl Jung, in one of his last works, speculated that UFO sightings symbolized transformations of the collective psyche, prompted by changes in the constellation of archetypes or gods. The sightings were, to him, symbolic of the Cold War as an age of fear and fragmentation, a shift from one era to another. British researchers concluded in a 2002 study that Cold War paranoia was behind many of the U.K.s UFO sightings, a fear that worked its way to the highest levels of government. (Lord Mountbatten, the famous British statesman and naval leader, was a believer.) The mystery airship sightings of 1897 across the United States may have been influenced by a national obsession with the imminent arrival of manned flight. Advertisement Our current era is marked, like the Cold War, by political turmoil and deep-seated anxiety with technology. Perhaps these drone sightings are just a product of the unpleasant times that we live in, a manifestation of our fears. And drones, like flying saucers, are a rather concrete thing to be afraid of, a less abstract source of technological fright than subtle social media influence campaigns, or never-turned off tracking via our mobile phones. Were frightened by the idea of drones spying on us, obstructing our travel, or even dropping explosives on our heads. Were surrounded by news reports of attempted attacks with small drones by terrorists in Venezuela and in the Middle East, airport obstruction incidents like those at Gatwick and Heathrow, and general stories of people doing profoundly dumb and dangerous things with drones. Advertisement Perhaps these drone sightings are just a product of the unpleasant times that we live in, a manifestation of our fears. Manned pilots are understandably terrified by the prospect of a drone bashing through their airframe as they make their final approach into the airport. Being concerned about drones is decidedly (and understandably) mainstream, in a way that fear of being poked at by an alien probe never has been. Nor are these fears inherently foolish or ridiculous. They are often grounded in valid concerns about the unchecked spread of technology. While there were no zeppelins flying over the U.K. in 1909, armed zeppelins really did arrive in the U.K. during World War I, an unhappy validation of the fears of jumpy Londoners. Sometimes there actually is a drone over the airport. An essential part of being human is our drive to ascribe meaning to things that we cannot adequately explain, and all of us do it, including the most brilliant and believable among us. The best we can do is to mitigate this natural tendency, because while it is understandable, it can be counterproductive. If we jump too quickly to the assumption that something weird in the sky is a drone, we might miss out on other explanations, like errant weather balloons, plastic bags, or, sure, alien spacecraft. An overemphasis on one kind of threat or problem can lead us to miss other problems. Advertisement Advertisement While we absolutely should be concerned about the malevolent use of consumer drones, we shouldnt become so paranoid about these dangers that we start seeing them everywhere, or responding to them in overblown ways. The Gatwick drone incident has provoked serious soul-searching among airport controllers and security experts about the need to invest in better counterdrone technology, and for the U.K. government to give police wider powers to take down and identity malevolent drones. Thats a very good thing. However, incidents like the event at Gatwick should not be used as rationale for banning consumer drones entirely, or restricting their use to an unreasonable degree thereby losing out on the well-proven benefits of the technology for society. Nor should they be used to cast suspicion on everyone who uses a drone for any reason at all. Perhaps the clearest solution to the conflation of drones and UFOs comes from technical drone identification methods, which might truly solve the problem of Schrodingers Drone. A lot of trouble could be avoided, at Gatwick and elsewhere, if we had better ways of knowing for sure that the weird thing were looking at is a drone, paired with better techniques for identifying the pilot responsible. One thing is for sure: Weirdness in the sky will always be with us. We just need better ways of determining what sort of weirdness were dealing with. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. For several years, at most once a day, my inbox has pinged with any mention of U.S. national parks in the media. As a national parks scholar, I rely on almost daily Google alerts to draw my attention to the local or park-specific media outlets most often reporting wildlife sightings, wildfires, and top five, 10, or 25 lists of the best or worst or most iconic parks in the nation. But in the past 25 days, Ive not needed alerts. Advertisement As the longest government shutdown in history continues, the news cycle has been dominated by reports of the tragic loss of life in parks. Four are believed to have died by suicide, while three more have been lost due to accidents, including a 14-year-old girl who fell from an overlook at Horseshoe Bend in Arizonas Glenn Canyon Recreation Area on Christmas Eve. In response, Rep. Raul Grijalva, a Democrat and the chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources, declared that [a]ny National Park Service unit where a staffing or funding shortfall has endangered public safety or put natural, cultural, or historic resources at risk should be closed for the duration of this shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Grijalva was carefuland correctto note something that is easy to miss in all the coverage: that its unclear whether any of these deaths were caused directly by the impacts of the shutdown. Mike Litterst, the National Park Services acting chief spokesperson and chief of public affairs, reports that the NPS sees an average of six deaths per week, including accidents and medical incidents. The ripples of the shutdown may have played a role, but seven reported deaths between Dec. 24 and Jan. 5 are not statistically out of the ordinary for national parks. Government shutdown or not, visitors to parks always face the potentially dangerous realities of wilderness exposure when they engage in backpacking, hiking, mountaineering, and other recreational activities that can pose serious risks like falling, drowning, or wildlife encounters. But its worth noting that youre more likely to experience a car accident or a heart attack in a park than to have a deadly encounter with a grizzly bear. (Since Yellowstone was created in 1872, there have only been eight recorded fatalities from grizzly bear attacks.) And overall, not counting suicides, your chances of dying in a national park sit around 1 in 2 million. Advertisement Advertisement Although not statistically unusual, these deaths should call our attention to the dangers park visitors can encounter, as well as the threats visitors pose to park resourceseach heightened by the absence of park personnel. By keeping parks open, the Trump administration has risked the safety of people and parks. Perhaps it sought to avoid the negative press that occurred throughout the 2013 government shutdown during which President Obama ordered all parks closed, barring visitors from entry. Instead, Trumps Department of the Interior has raised our awareness to just how complicated it is to run parks and the park system. Beyond the park services famous park rangers, there are public safety enforcement officers, facilities and janitorial staff, wildlife specialists, educators, and administrators. Without them, the parks are less safe, less clean, less educational, and less protected from crowds. Until the government can develop a plan to fully fund the return of these indispensable public servants, the parks should remain closed for the protection of our parks and the people who love them. Advertisement By keeping parks open, the Trump administration has risked the safety of people and parks. In December, the Department of the Interior released a contingency plan (later replaced by this January version) stating that parks would remain accessible to visitors. Even so, parks may not use the presence of visitors in the park to justify higher staffing numbers than approved during previous shutdowns. Some states have intervened, providing funds for various park functions in places like Grand Canyon, Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion national parks. But in general, visitors are crowding into parks without the oversight of park officials. Though tragedy is still rare, the shutdown may have stunted parks ability to respond to visitor emergencies. During one of my research-related park visits, I witnessed the swift and careful response typical of national park officials in the occurrence of a death: Public safety personnel act calmly and decisively to investigate and mitigate any remaining threats, while park leadership respectfully report the tragedy. But that response isnt possible if adequate staff arent present. For example, in late December, rangers responded to a 911 call from a man who later died from his head injury. Several days later, the death had still not been reported by park authorities. Andrew Munoz, a public affairs officer for the National Park Service, told Outside that the shutdown was to blame: The incident remains under investigation, which is taking longer than usual because of the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Though the shutdowns effect on public safety in national parks isnt clear, its impossible to deny that park visitors are leaving waste and ruin in their steaddamage that the parks are helpless to address with more than 21,000 furloughed employees. The growing heaps of trash have inspired some volunteer groups to clean up Yellowstone, Everglades, and Joshua Tree national parks, among others. Shining spotlight on such efforts, Democratic Reps. Jackie Speier and Jared Huffman, both from California, volunteered to clean the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. They later hauled their trash bags to the White House to illustrate the overflowing restrooms and trashed campgrounds plaguing parks. To cope with the maintenance and sanitation nightmare, the superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park decided to temporarily close the parks gates. Shortly after the Jan. 8 announcement, however, the acting secretary of the Department of the Interior, David Bernhardt, authorized the use of entrance fee money to fund park maintenance crews. The move has been controversial. In a public statement, Theresa Pierno, president and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association, equated the use of park fees to robbery. Park fees are meant to be used for visitor services as opposed to operations and maintenance, and thus the NPCA has recently demanded an investigation into the acting secretarys decision. Regardless of this recent use of fee funds, precious park resources have already been irreversibly destroyed at the hands of reckless visitors. In Joshua Tree National Park, several of the parks namesake trees have been vandalized. In some instances, trees have been chopped down to make way for illegal and damaging off-roading into the desert landscape. Advertisement Advertisement In a 1953 Harpers essay, Lets Close the National Parks, American historian Bernard DeVoto argued that the public shouldnt be allowed in the parks until Congress could adequately restore parks after wartime neglect and underfunding: Let us close Yellowstone, Yosemite, Rocky Mountain, and Grand Canyon National Parksclose and seal them and so hold them secure till they can be reopened. Meanwhile letters from constituents unable to visit Old Faithful, Half Dome, the Great White Throne, and Bright Angel Trail would bring a nationally disgraceful situation to the really serious attention of the Congress which is responsible for it. Now, for its own protection, let us close Joshua Tree and all of its kin. In 2019, political divisiveness and government shutdown have prompted parks problems, but the need is the same. As in DeVotos imagination, park closure may cause local communities to feel the painful loss of tourism dollars, while families will bemoan canceled holidays. But these temporary losses must be held in balance with the long-term health and protection of parks, as well as the safety of park visitors. Until Congress can take responsibility and restore funds, let us close the national parks. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. The Orlando airport is collecting food donations for unpaid federal workers. Photo: John Raoux/AP/REX/Shutterstock Its been clear for weeks that the partial government shutdown is hurting Americans. No group has been harmed more than the 800,000 furloughed workers, whove taken to using food banks as they go without pay. But the ripple effects have also made life harder on those trying to catch a flight or visit a national park. And now, as the shutdown approaches the end of its fourth week, its becoming clear that its hurting the economy too. On Tuesday, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said the shutdown, which has cost the economy close to $4 billion, causes a 0.13 percent dip in quarterly economic growth for each week it goes on. That means that the economy has already lost nearly half a percentage point of growth from the four-week shutdown, the New York Times reports. This is the effect of 800,000 federal workers and another 4 million government contractors going without pay. Those furloughed workers will receive back pay once the government reopens, but the contractors, who are coping with the shutdown by filing for unemployment and tapping their savings, will not. Hassett said some of the growth problems will correct themselves once federal employees return to work. But even when this shutdown is over, the willingness of Congress and the president to use shuttering the government as a negotiating tactic could hurt the economy down the line. Some economists have begun to warn that economic confidence could be undermined as businesses, consumers and investors lose faith in the ability of political leaders to find agreement on issues like raising the federal debt limit and approving trade deals. That lack of confidence could snowball into a self-inflicted economic contraction on the heels of what appears to have been the nations strongest year of growth since the 2008 financial crisis. The warnings about the shutdowns economic impact are coming from outside the White House too. Economist Ian Shepherdson has said that if the shutdown drags on through the end of March, we would look for an outright decline in first quarter GDP. That assessment got the attention of JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who called for our countrys leaders to strike a collaborative, constructive tone, which would reinforce already-strong consumer and business sentiment, in an earnings release this week. For weeks, stories have been told of the real suffering caused by the shutdown in the lives of federal workers and contractors, SNAP recipients and those who depend on federal housing assistance. None of this has caused the Trump administration to move with any urgency toward ending the shutdown. Maybe the potential of cratering the economy will. Sixteen people including four U.S. troops were killed in Northern Syria on Wednesday in a bomb attack claimed by ISIS. The bombing took place at a restaurant in the rebel-controlled city of Manbij. Before this attack, only two U.S. troops had been killed in combat in Syria, according to the Pentagon. Two others have died outside of combat. The bombing occurred at a restaurant where U.S. troops were meeting with a local U.S.-backed militia. Previously occupied by ISIS, Manbij was recaptured by U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in 2016 and is currently a major flashpoint in escalating Kurdish-Turkish tensions in Northern Syria. Advertisement The attack comes nearly a month after Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria, declaring ISIS defeated. At a meeting Wednesday with U.S. ambassadors in Washington, Vice President Mike Pence said, The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated without mentioning the Manbij attack. Advertisement Advertisement While the drawdown of U.S. forces formally began last month, the timing of when it will be completed is unclear as U.S. officials focus on a number of related goals including protecting Kurdish allies, blunting Irans influence in Syria, and continuing the fight against he remnants of ISIS. When he announced his initial order, Trump described the mission to defeat ISIS as the only reason for the U.S. troop presence in Syria. With that in mind, its unclear what impact Wednesdays tragedy will have on the pace of the withdrawal. Advertisement Its possible it could bolster Trumps determination to remove our young people from what he has called a land of sand and death that holds little strategic importance for the U.S. On the other hand, officials like National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo who have been making the case for an ongoing U.S. presence in Syria could use the attack to convince Trump of the need to continue the fight against the remnants of ISIS. ISIS may have lost control of the vast territorial state it once governed, but the group still remains dangerous as a more traditional underground terror network. This then raises the difficult question that the U.S. has been grappling with since Sept. 11, 2001: Can such a group ever really be defeated? With Democrats now in charge of the House of Representatives, and the country nearing a fifth week of the disastrous Trump shutdown, progressives are beginning to feel new momentum. But while Democrats may be poised to win the short-term political argument over the shutdown, the pain and suffering it has inflicted are part of a long-term right-wing strategy thats older and broader than many people realize. That strategy involved a decades-long campaign to turn everything from the courts to the Congress to the countrys overall cultural character sharply rightward by stigmatizing forms of collective actiongovernment, unions, even votingthat history shows are necessary counterweights to the greed of the powerful. Advertisement This long-game effort calls for an equal and opposite strategy: something that will bolster the promising, if disparate, elements of the resistancemass protests, diverse candidates, grass-roots door-knocking, bold policy ideasby offering a sustained, deep story about the positive role government plays in American life. To change the narrative effectively, progressives should launch a long-term persuasion campaign designed to restore belief in government. Advertisement Advertisement This campaign should draw lessons from the right-wing playbook and should also take elements from the last great successful progressive persuasion push: the movement to shift public opinion on LGBTQ equality. As with that transformation, which involved rejecting shame and timidity to insist that gay is good, this campaign should reinvigorate the understanding that government is good, and integrate a values-driven narrative alongside organizing, legislating, and other methods of change. Advertisement The rights campaign to demonize government took root in 1971, when future Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell penned a revolutionary memo calling for a corporate counterinsurgency against efforts to use government to humanize the free market. His proposal was not simply to fill the courts with corporate-friendly judges, but to marshal the wisdom, ingenuity and resources of American business against liberal foes. Alongside a pro-corporate lobbying and litigation campaign, Powell urged full-scale information warfare in which no tool of communication would go unleveraged: infiltration of media networks, monitoring of textbooks, a speakers bureau, student groups, and think tanksall would be used over an indefinite period of years to valorize markets and corporations, cripple labor unions, and vilify liberals and government. In the rise of Trumpism, this 50-year effort is showering its patrons with dividends while pummeling democracy in the process. Advertisement Advertisement Surprisingly, the left has no comparable infrastructure dedicated to driving a consistent narrative about what progressives want to accomplish and why. Despite consensus on the left around broad goalsgreater economic and racial equality, a democracy less corrupted by powerful interests, a sustainable environment, and protection of the most vulnerabletoo many Americans seem unclear what progressives stand for beyond horror at Trump and the GOP. We propose this unifying thread: Government is essential to making our country better and preserving democracy against oligarchy. Our vision of government is good will have crossover appeal to millions of people who dont identify as left of center. Some 58 percent of Americans believe the government should do more to solve our countrys problems. Even among Republicans, 28 percent favor a more active government, more than double the number that did in 2010. A solid majority of Americans even favor the once-radical idea of a federal jobs guarantee. Americansfrom both partiesare also quite happy, in their real lives, to rely on government. The average American has used 4.5 government programs, and the share of her income that comes from federal transfers jumped from 7 percent in 1969 to 17 percent in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Polls also show that between three-fifths and three-quarters of Americans support the progressive policy agenda: single-payer health insurance; strong labor unions; campaign finance limits; robust action on climate change, gun control, and criminal justice reform; the right to abortion and the freedom to marry; a higher minimum wage; legalized marijuana; and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. These figures help explain how Democrats made unprecedented gains on Election Day largely on a platform of activist government. Further, voters in three solidly red statesUtah, Nebraska and Idahovoted to expand Medicaid. Americans support for these proposals and candidates seems at odds with their low levels of trust in government, a gap dubbed the government-citizen disconnect by Cornell professor Suzanne Mettler. Here, again, is where conservatives long-term investment in framing a narrative has clearly been rewarded. The shutdown, though, could even be a wake-up call to many conservative, rural votersthose historically most hostile to governmentwho rely on it disproportionately, and suffer in its absence. Advertisement In truth, of course, America has a noble history of government activism, from building this nations financial and physical infrastructure to creating Social Security and cutting poverty in half with the New Deal and the Great Society. Progressives should reach back to this history to move forward. As Franklin Roosevelt noted, our nations early settlers regarded government as their greatest single instrument of cooperative self-help and an indispensable instrument of their daily lives. Advertisement In putting together this strategy, theres a successful model upon which to draw. Fifty years ago, most gay men and lesbians could scarcely dream of sharing their stories with the public, let alone seeing marriages recognized by the state. But driven by the ferment of the 1960s, and the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, activists built a movement based on turning shame into pride, and insisting to the world that gay is good. Over time, we built infrastructure that mastered effective ways of communicating our vision of LGBTQ equality. What worked, we learned, was telling the stories of our lives in ways that evoked emotion and shared valuessuch as love and commitmentto increase acceptance of LGBTQ people, and then translating that approval into policy triumphs. Advertisement What if you couldnt marry the person you love? asked a 2008 ad depicting a bride stumbling down an aisle cluttered by obstacles, unable to reach her groom. While the majority of Californians voted to ban marriage equality during that years battle over Propositions 8, in Santa Barbarawhere the ad was field-testedvoters rejected the ban by 10 percentage points. Eventually, love won. What would an effective persuasion infrastructure look like for winning similar victories toward a progressive future? First, just as our movement championed the freedom to marry as both a goal in itself, and a strategy for promoting a broader vision of equality and inclusion, active government should be extolled as both a necessary check on concentrated power and an instrument for renewing investment in the civic space we share as Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In putting together this strategy, theres a successful model upon which to draw. Second, just as the Freedom to Marry mantra was there is no marriage without engagement, a persuasion infrastructure would research and test ways to engage the reachable-but-not-yet-reached; invest in the means and messengers that move them; and enlist a multitude of institutional voices to deliver a persistent drumbeat for change, as Lewis Powell urged conservatives to do. How could the suffering inflicted by the shutdown, for instance, be deployed in a government is good version of the Santa Barbara marriage equality ad? Perhaps it would feature poignant images of We want to work banners held up by furloughed government employees desperate to pay their rent, along with stories of Americans harmed that vividly show all the ways we rely on governmentfrom aviation security to protecting national parks to, yes, paying taxes. Advertisement None of this means poll-testing the public to choose our values, but leading with our values and learning what works. Progressives should cultivate and deploy our best and brightest to share powerful stories of all that Americans have achieved through government: protecting food and water from pollution; building highways, dams, great cities, and a thriving middle class; expanding inclusion, equality, and freedom; literally reaching the moon. Advertisement Finally, we should apply the latest research on how to change hearts and minds: Appealing to emotions and empathy works far better than arguing policy using reason and debate. For example, as former Freedom to Marry campaign director Marc Solomon described in Slate, voters in three key November 2018 ballot initiatives gave decisive support to policies protecting marginalized groups. The campaignson behalf of rights for transgender Americans, people convicted of a felony, and undocumented immigrantsexplicitly drew on lessons from the marriage equality movement: Build a connection between the affected group and voters through the sharing of genuine human stories. Tying authenticity and perseverance to research on how to move people is pretty basic, but surprisingly effective when done in a sustained and strategic way. Advertisement Reclaiming government cannot rely on communications alone. We must simultaneously rebuild trust in government by pushing and helping our political leaders to advance policies that genuinely serve the many rather than the few. A Green New Deal could be a promising start, as is the broad Democratic reform bill already introduced in the new House. But durable, successful change also requires civic engagement and the vision of possibility that inspires it. Marshaling that engagement, in turn, requires a savvy understanding of how driving a narrative, telling a clear and powerful story over and over, can mobilize public opinion. Weve had versions of this fight before. I regard this contest as one to determine who shall rule this free countrythe people through their governmental agents, or a few ruthless and domineering men whose wealth makes them peculiarly formidable because they hide behind the breastworks of corporate organization, declared Republican President Teddy Roosevelt during a similar struggle a century ago to address economic inequality, social injustice, and the concentration of power in the hands of the rich. Restoring such belief in government in a way that results in concrete action will be the key to ensuring that our democracy not only survives Trump, but thrives once again. The government shutdown has already proved costly for President Donald Trump. A majority of Americans, including 53 percent of independent voters, blame him for the crisis, the longest in the countrys history. Trumps approval rating has continued to slide since the shutdown began more than three weeks ago, now barely scratching 40 percent. Last weeks antics, in which Trump misused a prime-time address to score political points, lambaste the opposition, and demonize immigrants, apparently managed to persuade a laughable 2 percent of viewers of the need for a border wall. Only 31 percent of Americans support Trump using emergency powers to build the wall, as he has suggested he might, with 66 percent opposed. Trumps visit to the border in Texas didnt fare any better, with landowners announcing their intention to fight the governments plan to seize their lands through eminent domain. In a desperate attempt to sway public opinion, Trump proceeded to tweet misleading figures on crime and immigration, which were soon fact-checked and debunked. Through it all, the president has appeared distraught, a hustler whose bluff has run its course. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But while Trumps current gamble appears doomed, his longer nativist con faces better odds. Forty-two percent of Americans now support the construction of the border wall, a full 8 percentage point jump from previous results on the same question, published one year ago. Respondents who said they strongly support the walls construction increased as well, from 25 percent to 29 percent, while the number of Americans who strongly oppose the wall has fallen dramatically, from a clear 53 percent majority a year ago to a startling 38 percent in the middle of Trumps border-inspired government paralysis. With the exception of the possibility of impeachment, nothing makes Republicans angrier than illegal immigration. Trumps nativist rhetoric has been particularly successful with Republican voters, 88 percent of whom support the presidents border wall. As alarming as it is, the number is part of a larger trend. In another recent poll, 3 out of 4 Republican respondents identified illegal immigration as the biggest challenge facing the United States, an irrational concern in a country where income disparity, gun violence, or drug addiction are far more worrisome, but one that fits Trumps fearmongering like a glove. And while its tempting to dismiss the presidents demagoguery as unreasonable, Trumps messaging continues to be an effective device for emotional manipulation, as Slates Yascha Mounk recently wrote. With the exception of the possibility of impeachment, nothing makes Republicans angrier than illegal immigration. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats should be careful not to misread the zeitgeist. The prolonged success of Donald Trumps nativist message among Republican voters and the way his manic insistence on the wall has apparently made noticeable inroads among the general public need to be taken seriously. Of course, Trump is wrong in his aggressive call for the border wall, and so are those who mistake a humanitarian crisis happening thousands of miles from the border in Central America with an existential threat against the United States, but intellectual annoyance is an ineffective political tool. If the Democratic Partys ultimate goal is to win the presidency back from Trump, it will have to carefully consider how best to approach the issue. Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, who recently announced his presidential candidacy, has called the president a failed leader on immigration while dismissing Trumps persistence on the wall as merely a way to stoke his political base. Other Democratic candidates will likely echo Castros position during the partys primaries. They should be prudent. With the general election in mind, it seems misguided to dismiss the wall as nothing but a political symbol or a dog whistle. Advertisement Advertisement In 2020, the partys ideals on immigration could have to take a backseat to the more pressing issue of electability. Democrats could consider, for example, shelving calls to abolish ICE, a rallying cry for some of the partys base but a fairly unpopular position nonetheless. Its not a matter of resigning the partys progressive principles or its more ambitious goals on the issue, but rather a call for stark pragmatism and for workable immigration policies. From the beginning of his presidential campaign, Trumps nativist rhetoric has struck a raw nerve. However hateful and irrational, it seems to have endured. The Democratic candidate for president will need to recognize its existence and deactivate its persistent toxicity while also validating the concerns of those who, for example, support building Trumps border wall. It will be a delicate balancing act, to say the least. In the meantime, the president will be sticking with his not-so-delicate message. Theresa May just cant win. Theresa May just cant lose. One day after the overwhelming and humiliating defeat of the European Union departure plan she spent months negotiating, May comfortably won a confidence vote Wednesday, 325306, ensuring she will remain prime minister but doing little to clarify the way forward on Brexit. In Tuesdays parliamentary vote on her deal, dozens of members of Mays Conservative Party and her coalition partners, the Democratic Unionist Party, voted against the government, but Wednesday they nearly all backed her. (The two parties together control 327 seats.) Advertisement The vote came after a day of contentious debate capped off by Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, who accused May of not just defying the laws of politics, but the laws of mathematics in attempting to stay on the job. In a back-handed compliment, he praised May for her fortitude, saying, To suffer the humiliations on the global stage that she has done would have finished off weaker people far sooner. Advertisement Advertisement It certainly hasnt been easy to finish off May. This is the second vote of confidence shes survived in a little over a month: Rebel members of the Conservative Party failed to unseat her in an intra-party vote in December. She wont have long to bask in her triumph. May announced following the vote that she would begin holding a series of meetings with senior members of Parliament to discuss the way forward. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn responded by saying he would agree to such a meeting only if May would rule out the prospect of a no-deal Brexit: Britain leaving the EU without a trade agreement. The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party concurred, and the Scottish National Party called for talks on holding a peoples vote, a new referendum on leaving the EU. The prime ministers office, meanwhile, preemptively ruled out one potential compromise favored by Labour and some pro-Remain conservatives: keeping Britain in a customs union with Europe under a so-called Norway-style arrangement. Its also looking increasingly likely that Britain will have to ask European leaders for an extension of the current March 29 Brexit deadline. If no further action is taken before then, the default is that Britain will exit without a deal. Despite the denials and ultimatums from all sides, a host of alternative paths forwardincluding a softer Norway-style Brexit, a no-deal Brexit, and a new referendumare all very real possibilities. It also seems possible the deadline could be extended and British politicians will continue to debate the intricacies of the Irish backstop until Earth is engulfed by the sun. Theresa May will probably still be prime minister when that happens. On Day 25 of the longest government shutdown in United States history, Congress was no closer to resolving the impasse than it was on Day One. Since President Donald Trump rejected the easiest path out of the shutdowndeclaring a national emergency and punting the issue of a border wall to the courtsover the weekend, the Capitol has seen its fair share of commotion. But none of that should be confused with movement toward resolution. So what is this commotion-but-not-movement? Democrats continue to pressure Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell into voting on House-passed bills to reopen the government, while Republicans insist that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi needs to budge from her refusal to negotiate over border wall money. But neither McConnell nor Pelosi, the two strongest congressional leaders of the 21st century, is known for budging. When they commit to their strategic positions, they commit, and their caucuses follow them in lockstep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is, however, theoretically a moment when either sides vulnerable membersHouse Democrats representing swing districts, and swing state Senate Republicans up for re-electionsuffer enough that these leaders recognize the shutdown could endanger their majorities. A leader budges, and a deal gets cut. The commotion this week, then, has been about testing each sides pressure points. But so far, no one seems close to caving. The Capitol has seen its fair share of commotion. But none of that should be confused with movement toward resolution. Several vulnerable Senate Republicans have gone on the record calling for reopening the government even without wall funding. Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, the Republicans most vulnerable senator in 2020, said shortly after New Years Day that we should pass a continuing resolution to get the government back open. Maine Sen. Susan Collins, another top target for the Democrats, has called for the Senate to at least pass the other, nonHomeland Security appropriations bills that have come out of the House, which would reopen most parts of the government. Building the wall is an unpopular policy in both of their states, just as it is nationallyeven though its growing in popularity among Republicans. And Trump and Republicans are taking most of the blame for the shutdown, as poll after poll after poll in recent days has shown. Advertisement Advertisement But a couple of senators feeling uncomfortable does not add up to a rebellion, does not hurt Mitch McConnells feelings, and will not persuade him to change course. As Texas Sen. John Cornynno longer a member of leadership himself, but still tuned in to leaderships thinkingsaid Monday according to Politico, those senators calling to reopen government are going to do what they need to do. But, he added, I dont think that should be confused with what Sen. McConnells calculus is, which is: not to go through this effort of passing something the president wont sign and then going through a potential veto override and all the conflict that would cause. Thats why Gardner, Collins, and others feeling heartburn over the shutdown arent more forceful about pressuring McConnell to change course: The alternativedefying Trump, and all the conflict that would causeremains the more politically troubling course. Though Quinnipiacs most recent shutdown poll showed only 43 percent public support for building the wall overall, 88 percent of Republicans agreed with it, and 74 percent of Republicans blamed Democrats in Congress for the shutdown. For Senate Republicans to pass a House Democratic bill that the president would veto, and then to override the presidents veto, would be viewed as treason by the Republican base. So long as the danger of defying Trump is more palpable than the danger of biding their time, vulnerable Senate Republicans are going to twiddle their thumbs and go along with McConnells strategy. It could be a while. Advertisement Advertisement And if the Trump administration thinks it can peel vulnerable House Democrats away from Pelosi, it may be waiting even longer. The bad public polling for Trump has allowed Pelosi to take the firm position that she wont support Trumps wall now, in a month, or ever. But that doesnt mean all House Democrats are perfectly at ease with the uncompromising stance. Many freshman members, especially, won longtime Republican districts and will be on precarious re-election grounds in 2020. Some of these members would like the messaging to emphasize that theyre open to compromise and that they take border security seriously. The Trump administration, in its desperation, is trying to create a wedge between these anxious House Democrats and their leader. Thats why the White House sent invitations to some centrist Democrats for a Tuesday lunch. Advertisement The invitations, though, turned into an opportunity for House Democrats to demonstrate their unity. Not a single Democrat accepted the invitation, so Trump was left to dine with a group of powerless House Republicans. (These Democrats apparently didnt need to be pressured into declining the invitations, either: Pelosi said she didnt care if they accepted them. They can see what weve been dealing with, she told her leadership team. And theyll want to make a citizens arrest.) Advertisement Later Tuesday afternoon, a group of Democratic freshmen held a press conference to emphasize their unity, and to pressureyou guessed itMcConnell into holding votes to reopen the government. One reporter asked if they all stood by Pelosis position that they wouldnt fund more than one dollars worth of the border wall. Advertisement A border wall is off the table, California Rep. Katie Hill said. No dissent was voiced. Donald Trump will not pick off a meaningful number of House Democrats, if any, from Nancy Pelosis clutch. Democrats do not want to reward Trumps hostage-taking, they dont feel that they need to make the first move when Republicans are taking the blame for the shutdown, they trust Pelosis skill set, and the border wall is still unpopular. And Republicans arent moving because they are scared of Trumps Twitter feed. No one is breaking at either of these pressure points right now. Vulnerable House Democrats are sticking by Pelosi, and vulnerable Senate Republicans are sticking by McConnell, who is sticking by Trump. Theyre all stuck. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in her just-thinking-out-loud-here voice, passed on a suggestion to President Trump regarding the State of the Union address thats scheduled for Jan. 29: Since preparation for SOTUs requires a lot of planning and advance security work from federal employees currently on furlough, maybe he should consider another date unless the shutdown wraps up soon? Or submitting it in writing would work, too. It was unclear in reading Pelosis letter whether she was asking him to reschedule or informing him that he would have to. State of the Union addresses require the speaker of the House to invite the president to Capitol Hill and for the House and Senate to pass a resolution. When Pelosi wrote that she suggest[s] the two work together to determine another suitable date after government has re-opened for this address, or to deliver the address in writing on the 29th, was this her diplomatic way of telling him the invitation was revoked? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for Pelosi said, No, this was not a formal rescinding of the invitation, just a proposal. Then, however, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer went on CNN and said, the State of the Union is off. A spokesman for Hoyer then clarified that he hadnt read the actual letter and misunderstood. OK. For now, this is just a proposal for Trump to mull over. If he decides that he does want to press forward and give a joint address to Congress on that specific day, he could receive a proper disinvitation. Trump could decide to sidestep a thrilling public scheduling debate with Pelosi altogether and choose one of several other options. The first option would be to reopen the government and deliver the address to Congress as scheduled. But lets not be frivolous. Advertisement If the government is still shut down, he could submit the address in writing, as Pelosi suggested, and earn some goodwill with the millions of Americans who take their 9 p.m. Tuesday television programs seriously. He could deliver the speech from the Oval Office or another White House set-up. Hed probably appreciate some applauding crowds, though, applauding for his applause lines. In that case, he could submit the address in writing and deliver it later that day during a MAGA rally along the border. The net effect of any of these alternatives is that the following day, Republicans and Democrats would still wake up with starkly different views about the merit of funding additional physical barriers on the southern border and few political incentives to reach an agreement. But surely theyll have more ideas for cheeky letters. Two years ago, during Jeff Sessions hearing to become Donald Trumps attorney general, then-Sen. Al Franken questioned the nominee about whether he was aware of a breaking news report about an exchange of information between the Russians and the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. Sessionstaken abackreplied that he was not aware of any of those activities and that he did not have communications with the Russians during the campaign. That proved to be untrue. Less than two months later, Justice Department officials told the Washington Post that Sessions had in fact met with then-Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak at least twice during the campaign. Shortly thereafter, Sessions was forced to recuse himself from all Department of Justice investigations related to the 2016 election. As a result of this recusal, and Sessions subsequent failure to exercise oversight over the Mueller investigation, Trump expressed repeated frustration with his AG, including, in 2017, reportedly ordering White House Counsel Don McGahn to stop Sessions from recusing himself. Last November, after nearly two years of being insulted and berated by his boss, Sessions resigned at the presidents request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, William Barr is having his own confirmation hearings to replace Sessions as the nations top lawyer. While Democrats probably dont have the Senate votes to block Barr from confirmation, his record is troubling them on various fronts, from his capacious view of presidential authority, to his zeal for mass incarceration during his tenure in the George H.W. Bush administration, to his record on civil rights, to his handling of presidential pardons in the Iran-Contra probe. Hovering over all of it is the little matter of the Mueller investigation, and the unsolicited 19-page private memo Barr sent to Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein in June calling the Mueller probe into whether Trump obstructed justice fatally misconceived. Barr opined in that same memo that Mueller shouldnt be allowed to subpoena Trump, calling it an interrogation. Advertisement In a Facebook post on the firing of Andrew McCabe from March, Franken wrote that he hadnt known his gotcha questions about Sessions and Kislyak would turn out to be gotchas, nor that they would lead to the Mueller probe. Nevertheless, leading up to Tuesdays confirmation hearing, I couldnt help but wonder what Franken would have planned to ask Barr during his hearing, were he still on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Franken no longer sits on that committeehe left the Senate in 2018, in the wake of reports that he had touched women inappropriately, a decision I thought was warranted given the allegations against him. He has also apologized for his past behavior, and Ive watched from afar as he has continued to weigh in on questions before the Senate Judiciary Committee, ranging from how he would have questioned Brett Kavanaugh at his Supreme Court confirmation hearings to his excoriation of Sessions last March when the then-AG fired former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe just hours before McCabe was to have retired with full benefits. Each of these accounts show, in my view, Frankens continued aptitude for cutting through the crap. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Barr should recuse himself twice for good measure. Al Franken Dahlia Lithwick: As of this writing, nominee Barr has announced that its vitally important that Mueller be allowed to finish writing his report and that its very important that Congress and the American public be informed of his findings and conclusions. Does that suggest to you that all is clear on the special counsel front? Al Franken: No. No. Not really. No. Barr believes the president is the prosecutor-in-chief, and told George H.W. Bush that he was the top law enforcement officer in the country. So, it seems to me Barr thinks that what the AG finds vitally important is less vitally important than what the president thinks is vitally important. And the president is Donald Trump. So, I think its vitally important that Barr not be the AG. Advertisement At the very least, given Barrs very long memo, which no one forced him to write, stating that Mueller has no right to investigate Trump for obstruction of justice, I think he has to recuse himself entirely from the Mueller investigation. Also, given that Trump asked Barr to be his personal attorney in the Mueller investigation and that we have no idea what the president said to him, Barr should recuse himself twice for good measure. Advertisement Barr has espoused some very broad ideas about executive powers, which feel extra troubling as the president mulls declaring a state of emergency to appropriate funds he cannot exact from Congress through negotiation. Do you worrycheck that, do you FREAK OUTat the prospect of any lawyer telling this president that his job comes with a bottomless stack of blank checks to do what he wants? Advertisement Yes. And let me tell you why. The attorney general should be a check on the presidents worst impulses, and this president seems to have poor impulse controlwhether its declaring an emergency in order to build a big wall or ordering DOJ to investigate his political adversaries. Barrs belief in expansive executive power suggests that he wont be that check. Did anything else from his prepared statement jump out at you? Hard to miss the cry for civility and voting rights. In his testimony, Barr said that he would protect our elections from foreign interference, but he stopped short of pledging to defend voting rights from ALL threatsforeign AND domestic. Barr should make clear whether DOJ, under his leadership, will protect the right to vote by suing to block states from enacting racist policieslike voter ID measuresthat are designed to keep black voters from casting a ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Barr should also say whether he supports DOJs role in protecting civil rights more broadly. During my time in the Senate, I successfully pushed the Obama administration to adopt policies that protected LGBT people under existing federal civil rights laws. But late last year, Barr wrote an op-ed with former Attorneys General Ed Meese and Michael Mukasey that praised Sessions for rolling back those very same policies. So, Im skeptical that Barr is capable of being an attorney general who protects the rights of all Americans. Stipulating, as you noted last March, that you were not prescient with your line of confirmation questions for Sessions, you were nevertheless Russia-curious. What sorts of issues around the Trump-Russia arm of the Mueller probe would you be curious about two years later? Advertisement As I said, Barr should recuse himself from the Mueller investigation. So, to be clear, I would not encourage anyone to ask him what he would do to investigate Trumps many, extremely suspicious connections to Russia and their interference in our election. That said, there are any number of questions I have about Trump and Russia. The root of the question ishad Russia compromised him? By bailing him out when he was less credit-worthy than Charlie Manson? Did they launder money through his organization by buying real estate, like that mansion in Florida that he sold to a Russian oligarch for more than twice what he paid for it just four years earlier? Thats interesting, dont you think? Did he know about the meeting that his son, son-in-law, and campaign manager had with Russians who had promised dirt on Hillary Clintona meeting held in the tower named for him? Thats also interesting. I have a lot of questions about the American interpreters in his meetings with Putin. Are they still alive? I certainly hope so. Did he swear them to secrecy? And did they comply? And is that why they are still alive? Did Paul Manafort know that giving Russians internal polling data might seem suspicious? Is Manafort happy that Trump won the election? In a particularly shocking claim in a trial filled with salacious details, a witness at the trial of Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo, alleged Tuesday that former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto accepted a $100 million bribe from the drug kingpin. The accusation came from Alex Cifuentes Villa, a Colombian drug lord who worked closely with El Chapo from 2007 to 2013. When asked if Mr. Guzman paid a bribe of $100 million to President Pena Nieto, Cifuentes answered directly, Yes. Advertisement According to Reuters, Cifuentes testified that Pena Nieto reached out to El Chapo first and asked for $250 million. Pena Nieto ultimately accepted the terms at $100 million and was paid by an intermediary in October 2012, when he was president-elect, according to Cifuentes. Advertisement Advertisement If the allegations are true, it would mark a new height for the Sinaloa cartels reach into the countrys institutions. El Chapos trial, which began in November, has detailed payoffs to police and government officials in Mexico and alleged a cozy relationship with corrupt American drug agents. Pena Nieto denied earlier, vague claims about corruption in the Mexican leadership. He has not yet responded to the latest allegations. According to the New York Times, lawyers for El Chapo told the judge in the first week of the trial that a witness would testify that two Mexican presidents had taken bribes from the Sinaloa cartel. The judge forbade the testimony, saying it would embarrass people not directly involved in the case. In November 2016, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was booted from his job as Donald Trumps transition team chairman. Now, Christie has revealed that he blames Kushner for his ousting, alleging that Kushner held a grudge from when Christie prosecuted his father, Charles Kushner, a decade earlier. In his upcoming book, Let Me Finish, Christie blasts Kushner, alleging that Steve Bannon, Trumps then campaign chief, confirmed that Kushner was behind Christies dismissal, the Guardian reported Tuesday. Advertisement According to Christies account, Bannon, tasked with delivering the news to Christie at Trump Tower in Manhattan, admitted to Kushners role once Christie threatened to go to the press and blame Bannon. Steve Bannon made clear to me that one person and one person only was responsible for the faceless execution that Steve was now attempting to carry out, Christie writes. Jared Kushner, still apparently seething over events that had occurred a decade ago. Advertisement Advertisement According to the book, Bannon added, The kids been taking an ax to your head with the boss ever since I got here. In 2005, Christie, then a federal attorney, prosecuted Charles Kushner for witness tampering and tax evasion. The case arose from a messy family drama in which Charles Kushner hired a sex worker to seduce his brother-in-law, filmed them having sex, and sent the tape to his own sister in an attempt to blackmail the couple into silence over their knowledge of Charles financial crimes. Kushner served more than a year in federal prison in Alabama. According to the book, Jared Kushner asked Trump, in front of Christie, not to make the former New Jersey governor his transition chairman. Kushner allegedly told Trump that his father was unfairly imprisoned for so long, arguing that the sex tape and blackmail was a family matter, a matter to be handled by the family or by the rabbis. In all the noise surrounding Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, much of the attention centered on her has been hostile or leering, racist or white-knighty or paparazzishand predictably focused on her looks. While the left certainly isnt exempt, the response from the right has been notable not just for its frenzied ubiquity, but for the gendered stink of the efforts to undermine her. NRATVs Grant Stinchfield suggested he and his guest Jesse Kellywho found her cuteput a picture of her up to analyze. Could you imagine that look when shes mad at you because you didnt take out the trash? he said to Kelly, who agreed that youd need to lose your hearing. Red State called her a sweetheart, the Blaze upped that to socialist sweetheart, and Fox News settled for liberal darling when the network wasnt painting her as a nation-busting menace. While I dont especially recommend visiting them, the uglier corners of the internet are similarly obsessed and more frank. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is the kind of thing that can generally sink a female politician, through zero fault of her own. Actors and reality stars can build careers on this kind of attention, but female political candidates have historically been held to conservative standards from which their white male colleagues are happily exempt, and these include attracting only the right kind of attentionunless you want to sacrifice your message to your looks. Discussion of a female politicians appearance has long been used to automatically delegitimize her. Whether the content was flattering or cruel, the fact that her looks were discussed at all made her seem ineffective and insubstantial to the public. Im not breaking ground here by observing that a womans beauty tends to subtract from her perceived seriousness; a nation socialized to objectify a subset of people doesnt typically accord those human ornaments agency, intentionality, or depth. Advertisement Shes getting everyday Americans to debate actual policy while being ruinously feminine enough that one right-wing commentator intoned: Dont deny her hotness. Whats surprising about Ocasio-Cortez is that she seems to be exposing the falseness of that dichotomy. If anything, shes functioning as a magnifying glass: collecting all those rays of dysfunctional attention and using them to get America to focus differently on matters of national importance. If Jesse Watters wonders if shes all sizzle but no steak, Ocasio-Cortez gets a Green New Deal trending. While the Federalists Kelly criticized her as wacky but kinda cute, adding that a little bit of crazy can be fun, she got Americans educating each other on marginal tax rates. (Take this Google Trends chart mapping searches for marginal tax, with its big upswing right around her much-publicized 60 Minutes interview with Anderson Cooper.) Advertisement Advertisement Max Tani observed that AOC has accomplished something abnormal in the Trump era: Getting cable news networks to talk about policy not directly related to Trump or some legislation on the verge of passing. The effect isnt limited to media organizations and politicians. Shes getting everyday Americans to debate actual policy. Even those who disagree with her. On Twitter, yet! All this while being ruinously feminine enough that one right-wing commentator intoned: Dont deny her hotness. Dont. Shes been caricatured. Mocked. Called a whore. Had a fake nude photo circulated. These are grand old scripts intended to shrink Ocasio-Cortez down and put her in her place. Shouldnt they be making her less effective? Why isnt the implicit bias of the system working? Why, faced with a very pretty woman who dances well, are Americans talking about marginal tax rates? Advertisement Political stardom is frustratingly irreducible. Youre never quite sure why it works. There are a thousand reasons why Donald Trumpa soft old fellow who never served, inherited millions from his dad, and made a career of being petty, arbitrary, and punitiveshouldnt appeal to right-leaning Americans who insist they value hard work, bootstraps, and military service. But he really does. And its not just because hes tall or gratifyingly grumpy and shouty. Its not because he promised a wall and a Space Force, and its not just because he eats fast food and comes up with nicknames for people he doesnt like. Advertisement Its that his charisma made it possible for a subset of Americans to openly air grievances they couldnt before without seeming uncouth: how immigrants are lazy, job-stealing criminals, for instance. Something similar is happening with the rise of Ocasio-Cortez, I think: The combination of her personal and political appeal seems to be channeling the unspoken (and unspeakable) feelings of many Americans. In a country that values bootstrapping, a failure to thrive is shameful, and we have an economy whose sunny reports dont square with the fact that 40 percent of Americans cant cover a $400 emergency. Stardom may be opaque, but Ocasio-Cortezs has created unexpected eddies in Americas political conversation. If Trumps winky crowd work made it possible for America to open up about its racism and xenophobia, Ocasio-Cortez appears to have helped the country come to terms with other facts about itself. People are tired of being blamed for failing to haul themselves out of their own unlucky financial circumstances. As someone who did just that, shes in a position to acknowledge that the unsayable sacrifices people make within a flawed economic framework might constitute a problem thats worth fixing. Or at least discussing. Advertisement Advertisement Thats due in part to the simple accessibility of her story: Her mother scrubbed toilets to send her to school. They moved to a better neighborhood, got a house. Her father died. Her mother had to scrub toilets again. Now that womans daughter is a congresswomaneducated, with a degree in economics and a giant platform of her own making. Its exactly the sort of meritocratic story the right claims to love. (Even though they dont seem to actually think its possible; the number of attempts conservatives have made to debunk parts of her biography suggests that they find the American dream literally unbelievable). But theres a more complicated dynamic at work in Ocasio-Cortezs ability to deflect sexist attacks on her. The fact that Ocasio-Cortez is pretty, female, and Hispanic has been cited by some on the right as an unfair advantage: Any attack on her is called sexist or racist, they say, when all they really want to criticize is her crazy ideas! The press create a shield around AOC, in which any criticism must be due to sexism or bigotrywhen in fact its in their heads, not ours, says Fox News Greg Gutfeld, adding that this strategy works, by preventing real criticism about her actual beliefs, which are retreads of horrible ideas from previous centuries. Heres Gutfelds real criticism of those ideasin full: Socialism with a smile; fascism among friends, Venezuela meets vegan. (If you werent counting, thats 10 words.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is surely some power in being an attractive woman at a moment when talking about a female politicians looks is finally being recognized as a tired, undermining tactic (see the pushback the New York Times got for tweeting about Nancy Pelosis dress on the day of her swearing-in). Thanks to #MeToo and other ongoing nationwide discussions, the public now has a much better understanding of how discussing clothes and looks has historically diminished women. Feminine youthdespite the advantages it confers in certain sphereshas not historically been a political asset in a society that confuses gravitas with testosterone and political ability with old age. For a refresher on standard American misogyny, look no further than Ed Rollins, chairman of the pro-Trump Great America PAC, who recently called Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a little girl, while Candace Owens accused the congresswoman of constantly infantiliz[ing] her voice to sound like a toddler so that journalists dont critique her dangerous ideas. Advertisement Yet for Ocasio-Cortez, these hoary old attacks arent really landing. Shes too obviously not the cunning, sultry sociopath her opponents want her to be in order for these scripts to work. Her transparency is such that some critics, needing to point to some telling and sinister concealment, have resorted to accusing her of disguising her voice. (Or her childhood. Or her nicknameGateway Pundit seemed to find it quite incriminating that the Yorktown Elitist and Bronx Hoaxer used to go by Sandy. Something about her has got to be fake and manipulative, damn it.) Advertisement Candace Owens is a particularly strange charge: Ocasio-Cortez certainly has her faults, but she hasnt shied away from confrontation or buried her ideas behind a veneer of fragility. Quite the contrary: Shes pleasant but rather direct in interviews, and her Twitter strategy is aggressive and quick to confront. But maybe thats the point: Ocasio-Cortez has a gift for getting her opponents to criticize her on specious grounds that reveal the yawning gaps between their outdated cultural scriptsabout femininity, Latinos, socialists, dancing, taxes, the leftand the contemporary reality. Advertisement Criticism from the right has concentrated along a few reliable axes. The Republican National Committee called her a mini-Maduro (as in Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro). There are the constant charges that she doesnt understand things. Charles Cooke called hers the unserious face of an unserious movement. Rush Limbaugh claimed that shes right about Amazon, but she doesnt know why. The charge, over and over again, is that Ocasio-Cortez is ignorant. YIKES, Sarah Palin tweeted. Ocasio-Cortez Fumbles Basic Civics TWICE In 1 Statement. (You may remember Sarah Palin: She once claimed that the department of law protected the president.) A remedial class in economics would do you justice, C.J. Pearson tweeted. But its a symptom of the confusing Ocasio-Cortez phenomenon that he was immediately informed, by people who agree with him, that she studied economics. Thats a little weird! In a moment exploding with partisan misinformation, normal Americanseven those who oppose herare somehow invested in getting things right about Ocasio-Cortez. Advertisement Advertisement Even some of Ocasio-Cortezs ideological opponents acknowledge that her proposalsunlike Trumps, saydo actually address fiscal questions that most politicians dont bother with. A guy whod recently liked a photo posted by Trump adviser Stephen Miller tweeted, I cant believe Im tweeting this. I cant. But doesnt @AOC deserve a tiny tiny bit of credit for being honest about what taxes would need to be to pay for stuff? Rather than promising stuff without explaining how to pay for it. Grudging admission of Ocasio-Cortezs basic honesty is a phenomenon that repeats across comment sections in the conservative blogosphere. Many right-leaning readers and commenters seem more inclined to read her charitably than the actual columnists, for whom she must represent (among other things) the ills of the left. Discussing the professional rights appetite for AOC content, National Reviews Dan McLaughlin suggested that Ocasio-Cortezs appeal as a target is that she seems to embody aspects of the other sides unbridled id. Advertisement The trouble with that kind of projection, for anyone whos watched her, is that this just isnt quite true. No matter how hard the right tries to make this case, Ocasio-Cortez simply isnt a wacky Palin figure for the other side. Gifted though she may be at putting together a polished look while, like Palin, being so expressive and animated that still photos of her are easy to caricature, Ocasio-Cortez is effective and focused in ways that Palin never was. Shes fun-loving and vivacious when thats appropriate, but she also speaks in ways that areor at least feelunvarnished and pained and sincere. What those right-leaning readers are correcting for, I thinkwith nuance you dont see much onlineis a disjunction between conservative attacks on AOC as the figure they need her to be and the person she actually is. Advertisement Advertisement And its notable that the comments about Ocasio-Cortezs appearance havent seemed to distract from her seriousness in the way that such comments directed at female politicians have historically. If anything, the crush she inspires in many would-be critics seems to have short-circuited some of their strategies for undermining their opponent. A recent effort to embarrass her by showing an old video of her dancing only succeeded in making her look awesome. Washington Examiner journalist Eddie Scarry implied that she looked too good to be hard up: That jacket and coat dont look like a girl who struggles, he tweeted, sharing a photo of her from behind. Hed later delete the tweet, but if the point was that AOC was a hypocrite, the subtext was that she looked great (or ELEGANT, as he added later in a follow-up tweet). But you can, I think, feel the effort Scarry is making to avoid sounding like hes talking about her looks. That strenuous focus on her coat seems like its masking a familiar tendency not just to recognize a womans beauty, but to interpret it as intrinsically deceptive, suspicious, misleading. Advertisement The crush she inspires in many critics seems to have short-circuited some of their strategies for undermining their opponent. Ocasio-Cortezand in this she really does seem kind of exceptionaldoesnt appear to be a liar. She seems sincere, and her mistakes (which are real and worth discussing) seem genuine. Compared with Paul Ryans lies (a brief sample), they dont seem like efforts to deceive. Nor is she remotely out of step with the level of knowledgeor the degree of accuracyher male colleagues in Congress bring to the job. It is a problem that our politicians do not give us accurate information. It is not a problem that has anything to do with AOCs youth, or experience, or femininity. Its hard to measure how a cultureor subculturehas changed in response to a movement. I doubt whether well really know what #MeToo et al. accomplished for decades. But you can see, in the response to Ocasio-Cortez, that many Americans have been thinking openlyand analyticallyabout sexist scripts they were brought up to unconsciously internalize. Though the gendered attacks against her are probably as frequent as they would have been in a world where #MeToo didnt happen, the public seems to be brushing them off more easily. Critics will keep trying to cast her as the scary Latino, the ditzy girl, the beautiful ignoramus, the vicious Communist, the resentful victim, the spoiled daughter of privilege, or the liberal Palin. But Ocasio-Cortezwith her youth, industry, intelligence, and ambitionhas made the bankruptcy of those tropes easier to recognize. Its a truism by now that Trump has made explicit our countrys tendency to excuse misconduct, no matter how serious, as long as its committed by rich white men. Ocasio-Cortez seems to be going a long way toward exposing how easily weve been manipulated throughout history into pathologizing and rejecting bold leaders who happened to be women. Listen to Lili Loofbourow on Slates daily news podcast What Next. Yes, she may? Photo: Parliamentary Recording Unit British prime minister Theresa May spent the past two months describing her Brexit plan as the best and only possible deal that the United Kingdom could secure from the European Union. On Tuesday, the U.K. Parliament rejected that deal by 230 votes the most lopsided defeat a sitting government has ever suffered in British history. Now, May is assuring her fellow Conservatives that there are, of course, other possible deals while Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn pushes to topple her government, and global investors bet that Brexit will never happen. We are now only ten weeks away from the U.K. crashing out of the E.U. without an agreement. Immediately after Mays defeat, Corbyn suggested that the historic vote had demonstrated the sheer incompetence of this government, and offered a motion of no confidence. If a majority of Parliament backs that motion Wednesday, Mays government will fall and a new general election could theoretically be called. But early chatter suggests Corbyn wont have the votes. Thanks to a failed leadership challenge last month, the Conservatives cannot replace May as their leader until the end of the year. And the Tories coalition partner, Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, told the BBC that it will support May on Wednesday. But even if May does survive, the U.K. is sure to remain wracked by political instability. Mays recent rhetoric about her Brexit plan wasnt pure hyperbole: The European Unions official position is that it is done negotiating. And even if it werent, its unclear what (remotely plausible) concessions could move the parliamentary math in Mays favor. Mays core problem is simple: There is no viable version of Brexit that will not leave Britain worse off than it is under the status quo and thus, it is in virtually no ones political interest to endorse any actually existing Brexit agreement. The Tories far-right Brexiteers would much rather deride any deal that doesnt allow the U.K. to retain all the benefits of E.U. membership (and that fails to restore Britains dominion over the Suez Canal) as a betrayal of the one true Brexit while Labour has no interest in simultaneously antagonizing its remain contingent, disappointing its pro-Brexit faction (by exposing it to the grim reality of its position), and strengthening Theresa Mays grip on power. In more granular terms, the most intractable problem in negotiations between the U.K. and E.U. has been the status of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Free movement and trade between the two nations was a cornerstone of the Good Friday Agreement, and thus, a pillar of peace in the region ever since. Thousands of people cross the border daily for work, and many companies have built business models and supply chains that depend on the maintenance of seamless commerce between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Thus, many in Mays party insist that any Brexit deal must keep that border open. But Ireland is not leaving the E.U. And the E.U. is, among other things, a single market and a customs union. As a single market, E.U. members synchronize their consumer, labor (including immigration), and other commercial regulations; as a customs union, they apply synchronized tariffs on goods produced outside of the union. Thus, if Britain exits both the single market and customs union, then Ireland would be forced to impose tariffs on products produced in Northern Ireland and check them at the border for compliance with the E.U.s regulations. The only way to avoid that outcome would be for Northern Ireland to remain beholden to E.U. rules. And so, under Mays deal, it does. The agreement frames this as a temporary expedient, until a more satisfying solution is found. But its unclear how the U.K.s simultaneous demands for an open border with Ireland and total sovereignty over its trade and regulatory policies could ever be reconciled. Thus, hard-line Brexiteers insist on May prioritizing freedom from Brussels over peace in Ireland. Meanwhile, other opponents of Mays deal want a new referendum on Brexit itself, or else a form of Brexit that keeps the entirety of the U.K. in the customs union and/or single market. Ostensibly, fear of a crash out Brexit is Mays best (and only) hope of getting a deal through Parliament. As March 29 draws closer and the specter of food shortages and trade chaos comes into clearer view perhaps rebellious backbenchers will realize that a bad deal is better than no deal. Earlier this month, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez floated the idea of a 70 percent tax rate on incomes over $10 million. Critics piled on to call the tax astronomical, higher than Communist Chinasome even likened it to slavery. On Tuesday, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker compared the multimillionaires tax to taking money from fifth-graders after doing their chores, then referenced the fall of the Soviet Union as evidence that socialism doesnt work. The irony of all this is that AOCs tax proposal finds inspiration not in Karl Marx, but in mainstream American political philosophy. How we tax the rich depends on why we tax the rich, and AOCs proposal reflects a surprisingly moderate view of economic justice. Advertisement Her plan can trace its intellectual lineage to John Rawls, the giant of American political philosophy. His 1971 classic, A Theory of Justice, defends a vision of liberal society that still appeals to most Americans: equal rights, a market economy, and a welfare state. Advertisement Advertisement Central to Rawls philosophy is a defense of inequality. If people are born free and equal, why would we agree to live in an unequal society? His answer is that we can all do better if we allow some inequality. Its OK that business owners earn more than othersbut only because the financial reward acts as an incentive for entrepreneurs to create jobs and produce goods that improve the lives of the less well-off. Advertisement In other words: A rising tide is just, as long as it lifts all boats. From the perspective of justice, its therefore important to distinguish the interests of those at the very top (the multimillionaires) from the interests of everyone else. John Rawls would applaud AOC s tax as being wholly consistent with the principles of justice. Multimillionaires would certainly lose money under AOCs tax proposal. How much does that matter? Economists typically appeal to utilitarian reasoning to argue that it matters very little: The superrich can buy nearly anything under the sun either way, so a few hundred grand here or there has a negligible effect on their well-being. And just 16,000 Americans make more than $10 million per yeartheyre literally the 1 percent of the 1 percentmaking any negative impact of the tax even tinier. Advertisement Advertisement This utilitarian line of argument might be compelling, but it misses the larger question of justice. According to Rawls, it doesnt matter if particular levels of inequality and taxation are good for the rich. What matters is whether those levels are good for everyone elseif were debating the marginal utility of a third yacht, were asking the wrong question. What matters for justice is how AOCs tax would impact everyone whos not a multimillionaire. Would raising taxes on the superrich hurt the economy as a whole, leaving everyone else worse off? Heres where economic research comes in. It turns out that when their taxes go up, multimillionaires do report less taxable income. For the wealthiest Americans, this means that higher taxes simultaneously trim the tax base and capture a larger share of it. Economists Emmanuel Saez and Peter Diamond (a Nobel laureate) have estimated the tax rate where the gains offset the losses: According to them, it comes out to 73 percent. Thats the tax rate that they say maximizes revenue from the superrich, even after accounting for the fact that higher taxes discourage the accumulation of taxable income at the margin. Advertisement Advertisement But wait a minute: If the superrich make less money, doesnt that hurt economic activityeven if tax revenue is maximized? Paul Krugman, another Nobel Prizewinning economist, argues that it doesnt. The crux of his argument is straightforward: Multimillionaires do generate economic activity, but if left to their own devices in a competitive market, they keep the winnings for themselves. Everyone else benefits only when multimillionaires get taxed, which returns some of the money back to the economy. So higher taxes might cause the superrich to generate slightly less income, but for everyone else, the benefits still outweigh the costsat least until the tax reaches about 73 percent, according to Saez and Diamond. In short, when we maximize the revenue collected from multimillionaires, we maximize the economic welfare of everyone else in society (because of increased social spending, lower tax rates for others, or both). For this reason, John Rawls would applaud AOCs tax as being wholly consistent with the principles of justice. Advertisement Unsurprisingly, Rawls has outspoken critics on both the right and left. On the right, libertarians argue that taxation amounts to theft, no matter whom it helps or hurts. If Krugman is correct that the rest of the economy is better off when multimillionaires are taxed at a top rate of 70 percent or higher, the surprising consequence is that lower rates can be justified only by this kind of libertarian argument, not the typical Republican appeal to economic growth. On the left, egalitarians argue that inequality has inherently poisonous effects on politics and society, and so the goal of taxing the rich isnt just to raise revenueits also to bring multimillionaires down a rung on the economic ladder. A tax bracket above 70 or 80 percent would need to rely on this kind of egalitarian argument, not on the typical Democratic justification of raising revenue for social programs. Taking money from fifth-graders might be unpopular, but taxing multimillionaires has deep roots in American ideas about economic justice. Listen now: Get More Dear Prudence Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to Dear Prudence Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to the Dear Prudence podcast via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. Prudence is joined this week by journalist and comedian Francesca Fiorentini. Fiorentini is a correspondent on National Geographics Explorer and a regular guest on The Young Turks. Shes also the host and creator of The Bitchuation Room podcast. Together, they take on letters about how to handle a neighbor who keeps trying to kiss you and is also your wifes good friend, whether you should tell your friend that her porn- and weed-addicted fiance might not be the one, what to do when your girlfriends needy family is keeping your relationship from advancing, and what to do when the treehouse once used by your grandchildren is now causing tension with your neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Slate Plus members will hear Prudie and Fiorentini discuss a letter writer who is wondering if her tendency to cry easily will jeopardize her ability to secure a new job. Want to see Dear Prudence live? Check out dates and locations for our national tour. Tickets here. The full Dear Prudence podcast is available exclusively to Slate Plus members. Access all of Prudies podcasts and columns here. Got a question for Prudie? Send it to prudence@slate.com or leave a voice mail message at 401-371-DEAR (3327), and you may hear your question answered on a future episode of the show. Production by Phil Surkis. Listen to Outward by clicking the arrow on the audio player below: Get More Outward Slate Plus members get extended, ad-free versions of our podcastsand much more. Sign up today. Join Slate Plus Subscribe to Outward Copy this link and add it in your podcast app. copy link copied! For detailed instructions, see our Slate Plus podcasts page. Listen to Outward via Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, Stitcher, or Google Play. This month on Outward, hosts Christina Cauterucci, Bryan Lowder, and New Americas Brandon Tensley talk about queer travel. Where do they like to go, and how do they find gay experiences when they get there? Then they speak with cultural anthropologist Esther Newton about her work studying the queer community of Cherry Grove on Fire Island and the way it has changed over the decades, as well as her new memoir My Butch Career. Slate staffer Erin Nichols explains the difficulties of going through airport security as a genderqueer person. And finally, June Thomas joins in for a fun bit of queer travel advice. Advertisement Items discussed on the show: Advertisement Advertisement Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quoting drag queen Monique Heart on Twitter Cody Fern at the Golden Globes The Haunting of Hill House Can You Ever Forgive Me? trailer Its Time to Drop the LGBT From LGBTQ, by Jonathan Rauch in the Atlantic Dream Boat Looking for Lorraine: The Radiant and Radical Life of Lorraine Hansberry, by Imani Perry Cherry Grove, Fire Island: Sixty Years in Americas First Gay and Lesbian Town, by Esther Newton My Butch Career, by Esther Newton Margaret Mead Made Me Gay, by Esther Newton Gay Agenda items: Brandon: The Darlinghurst suburb of Sydney Christina: Big Dicks House of Big Boobs Bryan: The Hideaway gay bar in Rock Hill, South Carolina This podcast was produced by Daniel Schroeder. Please send feedback, topic ideas, and advice questions to outwardpodcast@slate.com. As the world plunges into chaos, you could be forgiven for thinking New Zealand, a bolthole for the super-wealthy operating under the stewardship of the nicest lady in politics, is simply trucking along serenely. Sure, Brazils fascist president has just relaxed gun laws despite the country leading the world in homicides, and the U.K. is drifting disastrously toward Brexit while Theresa Mays leadership hangs in the balance. I dont care to mention Trump. But we do have problems of our own in this little corner of the South Pacific. Advertisement Namely, we are being terrorized by a large, rowdy family of holidaymakers. For weeks, a terrible family of unruly tourists has wrought a trail of destruction from Auckland all the way to Hamilton. A large man in red shorts and a white tank top, a woman in a unicorn onesie, and a small, angry boy are the unwilling public faces of this terrible family who number about 12, according to multiple witnesses. Advertisement Advertisement It all kicked off on Monday when Kiwi social media was flooded with video footage from an Auckland beach. The video showed a Kiwi woman confronting a tourist about rubbish theyd left strewn along the beach, including beer bottles and baby wipes. (Littering is a fineable offence in New Zealand as well as heavily culturally frowned upon.) Advertisement The woman shooting the video, Aucklander Krista Curnow, said she was intimidated by several adults in the group before being threatened by a shirtless boy of about 9 wearing an oversized straw hat. In the video, the boy, having detected his familys honor is being called into question and marching purposefully into the fracas, shouts, Ill knock your brains out! Soon other New Zealanders came forward with their own stories of unpleasant encounters with the unrepentant tourists. It turns out this bad family has been wreaking havoc on our quiet country for a month! The familys alleged crimes are many and varied. Not only did they refuse to pick up their own rubbish, they had the cheek to tell locals to pick it up for them. They have been accused of purposely contaminating meals with both ants and strands of hair to get out of paying the sometimes hundreds of dollars worth of food theyd ordered, leaving a shit-filled baby onesie on a plane, and walking through a Burger King drive-thru. Advertisement Advertisement To understand why the story of the bad family has absolutely taken over New Zealand, you must know that our economy absolutely depends on the massive amounts of money tourism brings in, yet we actively despise every single tourist who dares to come and enjoy all the stuff we promised was so great. Furthermore, Kiwis cannot abide arrogance. As a nation, we are crippled by a pervasive tall poppy syndrome, which means all our comedy must be deadpan and every one of our heroes is obligated to be taciturn, lest they accidentally let on theyre proud of themselves. So the bad family is a perfect storm. Yes, littering is bad, and so is weaseling out of paying your bills. But its the total lack of remorse this menacing foreign family appears to feel about their actions which has united the public against them. Advertisement Just who do they think they are? Well, thats not entirely clear; no ones even certain at this point where theyre actually from. Initially, and somewhat bigotedly, witnesses to their trail of destruction referred to the group as Irish travelers, but one family member later claimed in an exclusive interview with local reporter Belinda Feek that they were from Liverpool. Advertisement John Johnson (possible relation of BoJack Horsemans Vincent Adultman?) told Feek in the same interview that his grandfather was the 10th richest man in England, which, by his reckoning, therefore proved that claims made about their bad behavior simply could not be true. According to the Telegraphs 2018 British rich list, the 10th richest man in England is the Duke of Westminster, Hugh Grosvenor, who is 27 years old. Advertisement While the groups heritage may be up for debate, what is clear is that in the absence of any actual news thanks to the summer holiday slump, New Zealand has become obsessed with this horrible familys misdeeds. Since Monday, every major news website in the country has been covering every minor exploit of this crafty family on its homepage, and Kiwi Twitter has been reveling in each absurd detail. On Day Two, Tuesday, the countrys paper of record, the New Zealand Herald, created a timeline detailing the bad familys every infractiona news device usually reserved for covering quickly unfolding national emergencies like earthquakes or tropical storms. At one point, news alerts were pinging phones hourly: The bad family has been sighted in a Bunnings hardware store and hassled by a member of the public! The bad family tried to turn staff against each other in an Auckland cafe before running away without paying! The bad family rudely demanded to use a random mans scooter! The bad family was spotted throwing their toast on the floor! Advertisement Advertisement And the stories kept on coming. It is now believed the unruly tourists struck as early as Dec. 7, stealing a Christmas tree from an Auckland petrol station. Is nothing sacred? New Zealand was baying for the blood of the bad family. They had to be punished. Then, on Tuesday afternoon, an alert: Immigration had served a deportation notice. Apparently, the government can kick someone out of the country on the grounds of bad character, and clearly our officials agreed with the public at large: We were dealing with a bunch of real bad eggs. The bad family didnt care; they were already cutting their vacation short, John Johnson told the Herald. Were here to see the Hobbits, he said. Ive been looking at the Hobbits my whole life, since Im born, that was originally what our plans was, but its all been fked up now. Advertisement Im no one famous, he added plaintively. Im just a fat kid from England on holiday. Yes, there he was, the naughty, confident child, inexplicably shirtless once again, despite being at court. Then, incredibly, more news. A woman in the group had been nabbed on closed-circuit TV nicking some sunnies, a couple of Red Bulls, and, weirdly, a length of rope from a petrol station. Tina Maria Cash, 26, was subsequently arrested on two shoplifting charges. Cash appeared on Wednesday at Hamilton District Court, pleaded guilty, and was later convicted. Advertisement Advertisement But they wouldnt be the bad family if they just turned up and quietly entered their plea. Unruly Tourists: Young British Boy Pulls the Finger as Locals Lash Out, one headline cried following the Hamilton court appearance. Yes, there he was, the naughty, confident childinexplicably shirtless once again, despite being at courtFLIPPING THE BIRD at media and assorted local rubberneckers. Advertisement Well, the good people of Hamilton werent taking that lying down. In accompanying footage of the incident, bystanders can be heard really laying into the nations tormentors. Advertisement Advertisement Hows your holiday? asked one. Are you going to pick up your rubbish? inquired another. When are you going home? a third person wanted to know. Pretty tense scenes, yes. But its striking that this is what locals chose to yell at the visitors, given the chance. Could it be that underneath our outrage at the bad family lurks something deeper? Might we even, unthinkably, envy them? To give as few fucks as this wild familywould that be what true freedom feels like? After all, New Zealanders are polite. Were obliging. Were very concerned with what the world thinks of us. Would that we all could march aggressively through life with the bolshy swagger of an angry, shirtless 9-year-old, unafraid to pull the finger at anyone who got in our way. As one friend confessed to me, watching the bad kid shout at Krista Curnow: I have never in my life had that sort of confidence. Slate Plus members get more Care and Feeding from Carvell Wallace every week. [Read Nicole Cliffes answers to these letters from earlier this week.] Dear Care and Feeding, My 18-month-old son has developed a deep, deep love of the vacuum cleaner. He loves to watch Daddy vacuum. He loves to watch Mommy vacuum. He loves to push buttons on the unplugged vacuum and push the unplugged vacuum across the floor. He does not accept toy vacuums or DustBusters. Those are inferior products and he is no fool. He has recently broken out in extreme hives, and his doctor suspects the vacuum to be the culprit. The vacuum is banished to the garage, but he is now constantly banging on the garage door, pitching full-on screaming tantrums that can be heard from outside the house. The nanny texts me about it all the time, but I tell her we do not negotiate with terrorists. He accepts no comfort or redirection. His hives are gone. What to do? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This Sucks Dear TS, Oh my God, this is adorable. Also, it is terrible and I send my condolences. It sounds like you had no problem with the kids attachment to the vacuum cleaner and were more than happy to oblige until the hives broke out, so its really the hives you primarily have to address. I say this knowing that in all likelihood, this is a temporary problem. I dont imagine your 12-year-old still banging on the garage door hoping to bond with the vacuum cleaner, though I could be wrong. Do you have an older vacuum? One without a HEPA filter? If so, theres your problem. According to WebMD, a lot of older vacuums do as good a job of throwing dust around the room and activating dust allergies as they do with cleaning up said dust, so maybe its time for an upgrade. Advertisement Allergists also recommend not vacuuming when kids are around because they are closer to the ground and thereby the dust, so that leads me to wonder how long you can pull off a total griftyou know, pretend the vacuum went off to vacuum heaven, hide it somewhere in the back of a closet, and only vacuum when hes sleeping. This will make the hives die down without turning your home into a dustbin. There are also little solutions like electromagnetic cloths and, of course, good old-fashioned sweeping (which, given his apparent allergy to dust, should also not happen when he is awake.) But to me this looks like one of those situations where you just may have to use the oldest of parenting strategies: waiting it out. Ultimately, he will get over it as we all do. It just will be painful until he does. Advertisement Dear Care and Feeding, My daughter recently turned 5. She has always been a good sleeper and still is. However, in the past month or so she has insisted on sleeping with the lights on. It doesnt seem as if she has a fear of the dark or monsters in her room or anything like that; she literally just decided that she prefers to sleep with the lights on. The first few nights, we would wait an hour or so until we were sure she was sound asleep, and just go in and turn the lights off. However, now if we do that, somehow it seems to instantly wake her up and she turns them back on. Is this even a problem? Advertisement Lights Out Dear LO, You will face so many real parenting problems (maybe you already have) that I give you complete and total permission to not make this another one. Im assuming youve tried night lights and found them wanting. So here you are. Let me assure you that overall this is fine. Your electric bill suffers a bit, but I hope you are using energy-saving bulbs. Re-visit the issue periodically in the coming year to see if shes made progress but other than that, do not give this a second thought. If your child is sleeping happily, count it a blessing and move on with your life. Pacific Gas and Electricthe investor-owned utility that provides electricity and gas for approximately 16 million people across Northern Californiaannounced Monday that it plans to file for bankruptcy. The move is perhaps not surprising for a company that was already an estimated $30 billion in the hole thanks to costs its faced in damage to its infrastructure and equipment in the past two years from wildfires across the state. The company has also been found responsible for at least 18 of the 21 large fires that blazed through California in 2017, and that doesnt even count its possible liability for the Camp Fire, the deadliest conflagration in California history. Novembers Camp Fire took the lives of at least 86 people in Butte County, turned the entire town of Paradise to ash, and consumed more than 14,000 homes in the area. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, but PG&E did report damage to a 115,000-volt transmission line just minutes before the fire first sparked in the same location. If it is found to be at fault in the Camp Fire, the utility may face charges of homicide, according to a state attorney general. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So the plan to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection isnt necessarily surprising, but it could pose an enormous problem. Here in California, were still trying to figure out how to rebuild and help victims of fires that burned months and years ago. No one is sure which path forward will safely provide electricity to the millions of Californians who need it. The fires arent likely to stop. And a broke utility company filing for bankruptcy certainly doesnt help, particularly because the federal bankruptcy judge who will rule on the potential filing will be obligated to prioritize the interest of PG&Es creditors rather than ratepayers or fire victims. PG&E has vowed that the lights will stay on even if the utility succeeds in its bankruptcy claim. Services will still be provided, said Mark Toney, director of the Utility Reform Network, a consumer advocacy group. This is a reorganization; they arent going to close the store. Any charges that are floated to ratepayers will need to be approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, the state regulatory agency that oversees PG&E, an essential protection in a market that will prioritize creditors over customers. Advertisement Were still trying to figure out how to rebuild and help victims of fires that burned months and years ago. No one is sure which path forward will safely provide electricity to the millions of Californians who need it. Interestingly, some experts, including Michael Wara, the director of the Climate and Energy Policy Program at the Woods Institute for the Environment at Stanford University, think a taxpayer-funded bailout for the utility company could be a good thing. Consumers in Northern California still need power. Providing that power will still be risky, thanks to a threat that is increasingly exacerbated by the effects of climate change, like drought and dying trees. A bailout could be used to extract sizable, necessary concessions from PG&E, including negotiations that protect ratepayers and promises that the company make good on its debt to fire victims. It could include plans to force the company to shut off service in fire-prone areas at high-risk times (a similar requirement was proposed by a federal judge on PG&E earlier this month). It could also be tied to a commitment to immediately invest more in lower-risk technology, such as solar installations and wind power. This would have the joint benefit of lowering the risk of fireno more dangling power lines through forestsand bolstering Californias ambitious plan to transfer to 33 percent renewable energy sources by 2020. Advertisement The basic problem, Wara says, is not the fires that have already happened. Its that its unsafe to operate an electricity system in the way that these systems have been traditionally operated. Wara suggested part of the conditions for receiving financial assistance or a bailout could be for PG&E or another electricity provider to guarantee that it will invest in becoming the kind of utility company the state needs given its unique risksone that doesnt depend on distributing power through lines that run through trees that could fall. Advertisement Opponents of a bailout say that PG&E doesnt deserve taxpayer help. They point to the fact that the size of PG&Es debt isnt yet calculated. Part of the challenge the bankruptcy court is going to have is how do we pay future debt that isnt yet determined, says Toney of Utility Reform Network. He further noted that the fault of the 2017 Tubbs Fire that left 22 people dead in Napa and Sonoma counties has yet to be determined. We dont know if PG&E is liable, he says, noting that he thinks filing for bankruptcy before determining the scope of the debt would be premature. A bailout would also mean taxpayer dollars are being provided to prop up a for-profit company that has been caught falsifying records and appears to have dramatically failed to maintain its infrastructure, costing peoples lives. The evidence is not favorable to PG&E that it can be trusted to use taxpayer money responsibly, at least not without strong oversight. Advertisement As a private company, though, if PG&E is determined to declare insolvency, theres nothing the state can do to stop it, says Sean Hecht, a law professor at UCLA and the co-director of the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. Its also true that theres no guarantee a bailout would result in the type of greater oversight Wara envisionswithout strong oversight it could end up meaning that the company still opts to divert focus from fire prevention for the upcoming season to recoup costs for the utilitys creditors. Advertisement PG&E has two weeks before its allowed to officially file for bankruptcy. If it decides to do so, this would not be the first time PG&E has turned to a bankruptcy court in the midst of a crisis. (The company filed for bankruptcy in 2001 following rolling blackouts that ultimately cost the state billions, and the debt was passed on to ratepayers.) A lot can happen in two weeksnewly inaugurated Gov. Gavin Newsom has only been in office for about one week. Theres no clear consensus about what course of action he could take to protect taxpayers, ratepayers, and current and future fire victims alike. All we can say for certain is that the cost of safely providing electricity in California isnt going down anytime soon. Please log in to keep reading. Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images In a decision uncovered by Forbes, a California judge has issued a new ruling in how law enforcement is allowed to use, or not use, a suspects biometric features. In denying a police search warrant, Judge Kandis Westmore ruled that biometrics are the same as passwords, diverging from previous rulings on the subject. Prior to Westmores decision, there was a significant difference between text-based passwords and biometrics like fingerprints or facial mapping used to unlock phones. A suspect could not be compelled to give up their password, but police could unlock their devices using their fingerprints or face because those were generally not considered testimony, in the legal sense. They are often considered similar to physical evidence found at the scene. Thats why, for instance, people who anticipate getting arrested at protests are advised to turn off biometric unlocks on their phones. If a person cannot be compelled to provide a passcode because it is a testimonial communication, a person cannot be compelled to provide ones finger, thumb, iris, face, or other biometric feature to unlock that same device, she wrote. The decision came in the form of denying a police search warrant that requested permission to open any phone on the premises with biometrics. The decision could be overturned, but at the very least it indicates how more and more judges are beginning to think of digital privacy on its own terms instead of working it into a framework of the physical world. As Westmore wrote in her decision, technology is outpacing the law. House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake, also pledged to work with the governor to push more opportunity to rural Iowa and continue to address our states skilled worker shortage. Senate Minority Leader Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, agreed with Reynolds that it's time for her and others to deliver on their promises to fully fund mental health, rural revitalization and job training initiatives. Its not that shes never heard a governor talk about those things, but her proposal here in front of everyone today, with a dollar amount attached to it, that means something promising, Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt, D-Cedar Rapids, said about Reynoldss call for $20 million to implement Future Ready Iowa and $11 million over two years for mental health care. Theres some issues within her speech that Democrats and Republicans should be able to work on together, added Rep. Chris Hall of Sioux City, the ranking Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee that will parse the governors proposed budget. A 2.3 percent increase in state aid to K-12 schools that Reynolds asked for is more than double the 1 percent increase approved last year. If the full amount is approved by legislators, it would make up 46 percent of the states $7.6 billion general fund. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} If the state rejects Reynolds recommendation and falls short of the boards requested bump, the universities have said theyll raise tuition further to make up the difference they say is needed to achieve their strategic goals including decreasing student debt and increasing enrollment among first-generation and minority students. The state of Iowa has no financial aid funding designated solely for students attending Iowas public universities, according to the boards request in September. When comparing states by the percent of need-based aid awarded to students at public institutions, Iowa is last in the country. Regardless of state support, UI and ISU administrators have advocated for the need to increase tuition which, at least for resident undergraduate students, was frozen for several years. Now, considering the universities charge far less than their peers and have suffered recent cuts, they have a dire revenue need and plenty of rate-hike space before losing their competitive edge, administrators say. UNI, on the other hand, is hoping to keep its costs down, as it already charges on par with peers and needs to maintain a competitive advantage. Because most of its students come from within Iowa meaning they pay less in tuition than other students state aid is even more paramount in the schools success. As a nurse, Mary Catherine brought this same dedication of compassion and caring throughout 45 years of service to her patients at St. Luke's Hospital. She served 11 years on the board of directors at Trinity Heights, enjoyed playing Bunco and was part of the same bridge group for 40 years. She will forever be remembered by family and friends for her grace, warmth and tireless work ethic. Mary was a person who always put the needs of others before her own, leading a life of service that allowed her to touch countless lives through her kindness and generosity. She was a wonderful, beautiful person who was loved by so many and returned that love many times over. Above all, she was loved and cherished by her husband, daughters and grandchildren, who have always been her greatest source of happiness. She cherished the many memories made with them through visits, family vacations and holidays. She always enjoyed hosting family events and cooking Italian family recipes. Mary instilled values and traditions, faith, wisdom and unconditional love to her family. And in doing so, her light is evident in each of her daughters, inspiring them to continue the traditions, her love of family, and her devotion to the nursing profession. Sioux City Mark A. Greenleaf, 66, of Sioux City, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, at a Sioux City hospital following a brief illness. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Mark was born on June 5, 1952, in Sioux City, the son of Alva and Marilyn Greenleaf. He graduated from East High School. Mark served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Vietnam War. Mark lived in Sioux City before moving to Tarpon Springs, Fla., in the 1980s. He returned to Sioux City in 2000. Mark was employed as an engineer with KCAU and in Tarpon Spring with a CBS affiliate. Mark had been battling MS for a long time. He was one of the founders of the local band Lockwood, which was inducted into the Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. Survivors include his son, Nathan of Florida; a daughter, Lindsey of Florida; sisters and brothers-in-law, Joan and Wayne Holles of Sioux City, Kent and Lisa Greenleaf of Sioux City, and Kay and Len Schabold of Ankeny, Iowa; three grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Doug. SIOUX CITY -- Northwest Iowa officials questioned Tuesday whether U.S. Rep. Steve King can still effectively represent the 4th Congressional District after losing all of his committee assignments as a punishment for his controversial remarks on white supremacy. Amid growing calls that he resign his seat, King remained defiant, promising to "continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years. Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott said the decision by House Republican leaders to strip King of his committee posts "definitely hurts" his influence in the chamber. Committees "in general have a lot of power," Scott said. "You've got a chance to get legislation in for your district when you are on a committee." "It means (King) isn't going to be in a position to help us on particular concerns to Sioux City," said the mayor of the largest city in the 39-county district. SIOUX CITY -- Mere days after U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand entered the growing field of 2020 Democratic presidential contenders by launching an exploratory committee, she will speak at a Woodbury County Democratic Party fundraiser. Gillibrand, 52, and a senator from New York, has made plans to campaign in Iowa over the weekend, more than a year before them state's caucuses that begin the presidential nominee selection process. Her Sioux City event will be at 5 p.m. Friday, at a private home at 2221 Nebraska St. The fundraiser is part of the county party's Truman Club, which hosts house parties with presidential candidates and potential candidates. Gillibrand joins what is expected to be a crowded primary field for the Democratic nomination that could feature more than a dozen candidates. Already, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has announced her own exploratory efforts, and she spoke in Sioux City on Jan. 5. Copyright 2018 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SIOUX CITY -- Woodbury County has agreed to pay more than $182,000 to settle a sexual discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by the county's former social services coordinator. Among the allegations Patty Erickson-Puttmann made in her lawsuit were that current and former county officials had cut her salary because she had filed a state civil rights complaint about her treatment. The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to approve the settlement and pay Erickson-Puttmann $50,962 in back pay and an additional $71,462. The county will raise her annual salary to $101,306, effective Dec. 31. The county also agreed to pay $60,000 to the West Des Moines law firm that represented Erickson-Puttmann. Erickson-Puttmann, who currently serves as Woodbury County's service coordinator for Sioux Rivers Regional Mental Health and Disability Services group, has agreed to resign on June 30. She will be on paid time off, receiving her salary and benefits, until her retirement. The settlement ends Erickson-Puttmann's employment with the county after more than 29 years. Under terms of the agreement, she will not provide work services during her paid time off. She also agreed not to apply for any positions with Woodbury County in the future. Senator Ed Markey represents these federal workers. But a lot of Republicans do, too. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/AFP/Getty Images One of the fables some Republicans tell themselves in order to avoid any heartburn over the partial federal government shutdown is that those suffering from missed paychecks arent really their kind of people. Heres one Republican who conspicuously expressed that sentiment a while back: 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 Beyond this assertion, there are broader conservative conspiracy theories holding that federal bureaucrats (presumably in alliance with those pesky minority folk who vote themselves benefits) elect Democratic members of Congress who will return the favor by creating and maintaining programs that provide these bureaucrats steady employment. Its another way of telling Republican pols that there are broad swaths of the population they shouldnt worry about. A new analysis from the Pew Research Center, however, suggests that Republicans in Congress are just about as likely as Democrats to represent federal workers: Looking at all current members of the U.S. House of Representatives, the average number of federal workers is roughly the same in districts represented by Democratic representatives (10,800) as it is in districts represented by Republican members (10,400), according to a Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census data. (Similarly, there is little partisan difference in the median number of federal workers represented.) Could that be because Republicans represent a lot of those red-blooded federal employees who work on military bases rather than maintaining those wasteful bleeding-heart social programs? Nope: The widely dispersed impact of the shutdown across congressional districts is evident even when accounting for House districts with military bases. (The Defense Department has a substantial civilian workforce and is not subject to the partial government shutdown.) Looking only at those districts with no military bases, the average number of federal workers differs little between those represented by Democrats (about 6,900 workers per district) or Republicans (about 6,700 per district). The president, who doesnt get around much, seems to think of federal workers as being concentrated in the D.C. suburbs mostly represented by Democrats. But there are Democrats in plenty of places where federal jobs just arent: The House member with the most federal workers in his or her district is Democratic Rep. Don Beyer, whose Virginia district includes 86,900 federal workers. (Among districts with no military bases, Democratic Rep. Gerry Connollys neighboring Virginia district has the highest number of federal workers.) Yet a Democrat also represents the district with the lowest number of federal workers: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allards Southern California district has about 2,700 federal workers. Pew doesnt have data breaking down furloughed federal employees by location. But it stands to reason they will be scattered through Democratic and Republican districts as well. So your average GOP House member would be wise to take a good look at the public payroll back home before demagoguing too much about the paltry effects of the shutdown. It tends to make an enduring impression on people when you dont allow them to go to work or force them to work without pay for an extended period of time. SIOUX CITY -- Sioux City Police responded to a call that a male student brought a gun to Perry Creek Elementary School, 3601 Country Club Blvd., Wednesday morning. At 9:07 a.m., the school was put on lockout when officials were informed of a potential firearm on campus, Mandie Mayo, Sioux City School District communications director, said in a statement. According to a Sioux City Police new release, school officials confronted the student, seizing the weapon. It was determined that the student had told a classmate he had a gun in his backpack. School officials immediately seized the backpack. Police determined the gun was a BB gun and students were never put in danger. While a BB gun is not classified as a firearm by definition, it is still prohibited on school grounds per school district policy, Mayo said. The student's name wasn't being released and the incident remains under investigation between the police department in coordination with the Sioux City Public Schools. Copyright 2018 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 3 Sad 0 Angry 4 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. STORM LAKE, Iowa -- A multi-block section of Storm Lake was evacuated and closed off Tuesday morning while police searched a suspicious backpack, which was left by a man who reportedly said he "was trying to change the world." A Storm Lake Police Department release said several blocks near Barton Street were closed for an hour. Police were called to a suspicious package in the 400 block of Barton Street, just before 8 a.m. Officers reported finding a backpack lying in the street near Lake Pointe Villa Housing Complex. The person calling in the backpack location told police a man placed it in the street, and said he was trying to change the world," before leaving the area northbound. The release said police closed off a three-block area around the backpack as a precaution. Residents of Lake Pointe Villa moved to the west side of the complex, to be further from the backpack, and a home in the 400 block of Barton Street was also evacuated. The 17-year-old man who had left the backpack called police, saying he was located at Storm Lake High School and needed police help. The release said the man was displaying strange behavior and beginning to undress. LAKE VIEW, Iowa -- A 55-year-old man was shot in the shoulder early Wednesday in rural Lake View. Sac County authorities continue to search for the person who shot the man, whose identity has not been released. The Sac County Sheriff's Office responded to the shooting at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday in the 3100 block of 330th Street, where they found the man who had been shot by an unknown assailant, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. The victim was transported by ambulance to Loring Hospital in Sac City and later transferred to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City. His injury is not believed to be life-threatening, the sheriff's office said. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting the sheriff's office with the investigation. Copyright 2018 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SHELDON, Iowa -- The Sheldon Fire Department responded early Wednesday morning to a liquid animal fat tank engulfed in flames. Brad Hindt, an assistant fire chief with the Sheldon Fire Department, said fire crews responded to a fire at Ag Partners, 1541 Western Ave., at around 1:52 a.m. Wednesday. The fire was called in by a passerby. Crews found a liquid animal fat tank on fire at the site. The fire did not spread to other buildings, Hindt said, though the heat damaged walls, wires and insulation in an adjacent structure. It took firefighters about 30 minutes to get the fire under control, Hindt said. Crews remained on scene until around 4:15 a.m. Hindt said the fire was "most likely" electrical in nature. He was unsure of the extent of the damage to the facility. Copyright 2018 The Sioux City Journal. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 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. An elephant living in Melbourne Zoo in Victoria, Australia, celebrated her ninth birthday on January 16 with an iced cake and treats that she shared with other members of her herd. Video shared by Melbourne Zoo showed Mali rushing to her specially-laid out picnic, and having fun knocking the cake over with her trunk. Children visiting the zoo also sang Happy Birthday to Mali. Credit: Melbourne Zoo via Storyful The US envoy in Afghanistan said Wednesday that a peaceful end to the 17-year conflict requires the Taliban to engage in direct talks with the Afghan government, which they have consistently refused. Zalmay Khalilzad spoke to reporters in Kabul on his latest visit to the war-torn country, where he is at the centre of a flurry of diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the conflict which began with the US invasion of 2001. "The road to peace will require Taliban to sit with other Afghans, including the government," Khalilzad said. "There is a consensus among all regional partners on this point," he added, according to quotes sent to AFP by the US embassy in Kabul. The insurgents have long refused to hold direct talks with the Kabul government, which they dismiss as a puppet of Washington. Taliban representatives have met several times with US officials in recent months, but earlier this week threatened to suspend the fledgling peace efforts, accusing the US of changing the agenda of the talks and "unilaterally" adding new subjects. "If the Talibs want to talk, we can talk, if they want to fight we can fight. We hope that the Talibs want to make peace," Khalilzad said in response to the threat. The envoy arrived in Kabul late Tuesday, where he met with the country's political leaders. On his third tour of the region since his appointment in September, he had previously travelled to India, the United Arab Emirates and China. He is expected next in Pakistan. His tour comes shortly after US officials said in December that President Donald Trump intends to withdraw as many as half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan. Khalilzad Wednesday said that if the Taliban choose to continue fighting, "the United States will stand with the Afghan government and the Afghan people and support them". He dismissed reports the US wanted to maintain military bases in the country. "We have never said we want permanent military bases in Afghanistan," he said. "What we want is to see this conflict end through negotiation, and to continue our partnership with Afghanistan, and to ensure no terrorist threatens either of us." In the long run the US is seeking a military, diplomatic and economic relationship with Afghanistan, he added. Khalilzad, a former US ambassador to Afghanistan, said he hopes for fresh talks with the Taliban "very soon". The US is not the only country dancing around talks with the militants. Russia and Iran have held meetings with the Taliban in recent months, while China has also made overtures. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are all participating in the US efforts. The happy trio in March 2017. Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images To committed fans of palace intrigue, its no surprise that former New Jersey governor and Trump campaign official Chris Christie was cut from the administration roster just before the inauguration after months of work as leader of the transition planning team because the president-elects son-in-law didnt like him. But in his upcoming book Let Me Finish, Christie takes an interesting approach to memoir-writing: airing some personal embarrassments and professional setbacks in the pursuit of self-promotion. According to The Guardian, which published details from the book prior to its January 29 release date, Christie relays how Jared Kushner pushed to nix him from the team. The kids been taking an ax to your head with the boss ever since I got here, said Steve Bannon, according to Christie, when he was sent in to fire the former governor. Though both are close allies of the president, Kushner had personal reasons to want Christie out. In 2005, as U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, Christie was the head of the prosecution that put Charles Kushner, Jareds father, in federal prison for illegal campaign contributions, tax evasion, and witness tampering. The senior Kushner notoriously arranged for a prostitute to sleep with his brother-in-law, recorded the encounter, and had the tape sent to his sister. (Perhaps its why Kushner has added prison reform to the broad mandate of his Office of American Innovation.) In the book, Christie describes the first time Kushner talked trash in his presence: In April 2016, he told Trump that Christie should not be transition chairman while the former New Jersey governor was in the room. He implied I had acted unethically and inappropriately but didnt state one fact to back that up, Christie writes. Just a lot of feelings very raw feelings that had been simmering for a dozen years. Kushner then told Trump that his fathers alleged sex tape and blackmail number was a family matter, a matter to be handled by the family or by the rabbis that did not need to be brought into federal court. Christie also shares a few anecdotes in which President Trump tells him to lose some weight as the president has done, repeatedly, to women in his orbit. At dinner in 2005, Christie says that Trump spoke to him as if he were a contestant in the Trump-owned Miss Universe pageant, saying to win elections, hed need to cut weight. During the 2016 campaign, Trump, who is not exactly the picture of physical fitness, suggested a tip from his own wardrobe: To make yourself look thinner, wear a long tie. (For Sopranos fans, the whole exchange the power dynamic, the misogynistic background, the proximity to New Jersey has an element of Tonys hypocritical fat-shaming of Bobby Bacala.) Elsewhere in Let Me Finish, Christie makes the argument that if his transition plan had been implemented, the Trump presidency would have started on a sure footing, and would be less chaotic today. Its a solid, if unprovable, hypothetical, given that Mike Pences thrown-together approach helped lead to the hiring of former national security adviser Mike Flynn and former attorney general Jeff Sessions, two staffing decisions that thrust the Trump presidency into early chaos. For Christie, the 2016 firing could have been a real blessing in disguise: Thus far, many cabinet members have resigned in disgrace or protest, and no one seems to be having much fun of it. After calls for his impeachment as governor, and felony convictions for close allies as a result of Bridgegate, perhaps its best for Christies long-term prospects for him to lay low at ABC News, sitting this administration out. It appears Christie has learned his lesson: In December, he passed on the job of White House bedlam-wrangler, otherwise known as Trumps chief of staff. US authorities are in the "advanced" stages of a criminal probe that could result in an indictment of Chinese technology giant Huawei, a report said Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, said the Department of Justice is looking into allegations of theft of trade secrets from Huawei's US business partners, including a T-Mobile robotic device used to test smartphones. Huawei and the Department of Justice declined to comment on the media report. However, Huawei noted that "Huawei and T-Mobile settled their disputes in 2017 following a US jury verdict finding neither damage, unjust enrichment nor willful and malicious conduct by Huawei in T-Mobile's trade secret claim." The move would further escalate tensions between the US and China after the arrest last year in Canada of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who is the daughter of the company founder. The case of Meng, under house arrest awaiting proceedings, has inflamed US-China and Canada-China relations. Two Canadians have been detained in China since Meng's arrest and a third has been sentenced to death on drug trafficking charges -- moves observers see as attempts by Beijing to pressure Ottawa over her case. Huawei, the second-largest global smartphone maker and biggest producer of telecommunications equipment, has for years been under scrutiny in the US over purported links to the Chinese government. Huawei's reclusive founder Ren Zhengfei, in a rare media interview Tuesday, forcefully denied accusations that his firm engaged in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government. The tensions come amid a backdrop of President Donald Trump's efforts to get more manufacturing on US soil and slap hefty tariffs on Chinese goods for what he claims are unfair trade practices by Beijing. In a related move, lawmakers introduced a bill to ban the export of American parts and components to Chinese telecom companies that are in violation of US export control or sanctions laws -- with Huawei and fellow Chinese firm ZTE the likely targets. "Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the People's Liberation Army," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, one of the bill's sponsors. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen said in the same statement: "Huawei and ZTE are two sides of the same coin. Both companies have repeatedly violated US laws, represent a significant risk to American national security interests and need to be held accountable." Last year, Trump reached a deal with ZTE that eases tough financial penalties on the firm for helping Iran and North Korea evade American sanctions. Trump said his decision in May to spare ZTE came following an appeal by Chinese President Xi Jinping to help save Chinese jobs. Hong Kong legal heavyweights have paid tribute to the citys first ethnically Chinese prosecutor, Patrick Yu Shuk-siu, who died on Saturday aged 96. The celebrated criminal barrister is remembered for turning down three offers in the 1970s to become a judge on Hong Kongs highest court. He cited discriminatory employment terms against locals as the reason. Yu was also known for his stern opposition to the appointment of lawyers as queens counsel, later renamed senior counsel, for which he said there were no objective criteria. He never applied for the title throughout his 30-year career, during which he was a mentor and leading counsel to a number of lawyers who went on to become top judges. Yu played an instrumental role in establishing the citys first law school, at the University of Hong Kong, in 1969. Former Bar Association chairman Martin Lee Chu-ming said Yu had been in poor health, both mental and physical, when they last met several months ago. Yu was Lees godfather. He was a perfectionist, and when he found he was not quite his best self, he retired, Lee said. Hed always have to be 100 per cent ready. Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma Tao-li hailed Yu as the best of his generation, and said he was unshakeable in his pursuit of the rule of law and had influenced generations of lawyers and judges. Mr Yu was for many lawyers in Hong Kong, including judges, barristers and solicitors, an inspiration, and represented the ultimate aspiration as to the qualities required in the law, Ma said. Patrick will be much missed but his generosity of spirit and his ideals will live on. Senior counsel Lawrence Lok Ying-kam said: Unlike most criminal barristers, he was very sincere and always well reasoned not like those silks who keep banging the table in court. HKU law dean Michael Hor Yew Meng also paid tribute to Yu for his work securing justice for defendants from poor backgrounds. Yu was born in Hong Kong in 1922. He studied at HKU but missed his last year due to the second world war. He later served in the intelligence corps for the Republic of China before the communist revolution in 1949. Story continues After the war he was awarded a government scholarship to study politics, philosophy and economics at the University of Oxford. He first began practising law in Malaysia. The legal profession in the colonial era was dominated by British and Commonwealth practitioners. Yu maintained that employment policy was discriminatory and called it distasteful. Nevertheless in 1951 Yu became the first Chinese to be appointed a crown counsel, as the colonial government grappled with a growing number of bilingual court cases. He resigned one year later in protest at discrimination against local lawyers. His appointment had been backed by two attorneys general who promised to employ him on the same terms as expatriates, but he was eventually denied a housing allowance and the paid leave given to other government prosecutors. Yu later turned to private criminal practice, but his fight against colonial discrimination had not been in vain, according to a book he published in 1998 titled A Seventh Child and the Law. Following his resignation the government introduced housing allowances for local civil servants and the pay gap gradually narrowed. Yu was offered three terms on the Supreme Court bench by three consecutive chief justices, in 1970, 1973 and 1979. But on each occasion our dialogue broke down as soon as I insisted on being granted equal terms with the expatriate judges, Yu wrote. He welcomed the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to China, saying it would surely mark the end of discrimination once and for all. But Yu believed there was no way Chinese could replace English as the language of legal argument, as no translations existed of legal principles or case law. After retiring in 1983, Yu rarely commented on public affairs. But in 2002 he voiced rare support for a legal interpretation issued by Beijing of Hong Kongs mini-constitution. He was often praised by fellow lawyers for his cross-examination skills. He had a photographic memory, said Lee, now Hong Kongs most senior barrister. When we used to prepare closing submissions for a case, he would invite me to dinner at his home the night before to ask how we should word the legal points. But he never had to take notes not a single word. Yus family said he died peacefully on Saturday and that arrangements for a memorial service would be announced later. This article Tributes flow for Hong Kongs first Chinese prosecutor Patrick Yu, after death at 96 first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. MOSCOW (Reuters) - A court in Moscow ruled on Wednesday that four Ukrainian sailors seized by Russia last year off the coast of Crimea should be kept in pre-trial detention until April 24, Russian news agencies reported. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 on Nov. 25 near Russian-annexed Crimea. Moscow accuses them of illegally entering Russian waters, something Kiev denies. In similar rulings on Tuesday, the court extended the detention of the other 20 Ukrainians until April 24 and, in the case of four of them, until April 26. The United States and European Union have called on Russia to release the men, but the Kremlin has said they must be put on trial. No date has been set for a trial. Moscow could hand over the men as part of a prisoner swap deal with Ukraine later this year, a Russian diplomatic source was quoted as saying last week by the pro-Kremlin Izvestia newspaper. (Reporting by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Catherine Evans) The daughter of a notorious Sicilian mafia boss has denied cashing in on her father's notoriety with a new Paris restaurant and has promised to change its name. Lucia Riina, a painter and the youngest child of former "boss of bosses" Salvatore "Toto" Riina, is working in an Italian restaurant named after her late father's home town of Corleone in an upmarket quarter of the French capital. The restaurant is decorated with her canvasses and the crest of Corleone, the name American writer Mario Puzo gave to the crime family in his bestselling book, "The Godfather", on which Francis Ford Coppola's trilogy of films is based. "Corleone by Lucia Riina" was launched in November by Paris nightclub owner Pascal Fratellini, who brought her and her husband from Sicily to work there after buying some of her paintings. But there was fury in Italy last week that the family of the man known as "The Beast", who was accused of ordering the murder of magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992, was profiting from his name. Riina said that "to avoid any misunderstanding" she was withdrawing her name from the restaurant, "even if it means me being denied my identity as an artist and as a woman." - 'Nothing to hide' - She told the French daily Le Parisien that she "had nothing to hide", was only a waitress and had no money in the restaurant. "There is no money laundering, there was no suitcase of cash. It is just an opportunity for me and my family to start a new life and for me to sell my work, even if I miss my homeland," she added. She said she welcomes diners while her husband works in the restaurant's bar. Riina has lived in Corleone since she was 12 when her father -- who is alleged to have been responsible for hundreds of deaths in the 1980s and 1990s -- was finally arrested. When AFP visited the restaurant last week Riina was not there but a painting of her and her baby daughter hung in the dining room. The only illicit activity was a pair of middle-aged diners apparently having an affair. "I do not want to be associated with the image of my father," Riina told the newspaper. "I work in a restaurant and I am a painter. I want to be known for what I am without having to change my name. I was born with it and I will continue to live with it," she added. Corleone, which specialises in Sicilian cuisine, is not the only Paris eatery which has been accused of using associations with organised crime to garner publicity. Colombians have called for a boycott of a nightclub near the Champs Elysee called Medellin for glamorising the late drug baron Pablo Escobar. By Steve Gorman and Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Some 30,000 Los Angeles teachers on strike for higher pay, smaller classes and more staff walked picket lines in the rain for a second day on Tuesday as Mayor Eric Garcetti embraced their cause while trying to nudge the two sides back to the bargaining table. Negotiators for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the United Teachers Los Angeles have not met since union leaders rejected the LAUSD's latest contract offer on Friday night, calling the proposal an "insult." Asked on Tuesday afternoon whether the two parties had any intention of resuming labor talks, an LAUSD spokeswoman said: "Nothing is scheduled at this time." But hours later, union president Alex Caputo-Pearl said in a video statement posted online that Garcetti "has been working with us and working on the district side" to reinitiate negotiations. "Things are developing in a good way there, and we'll have more to report to you tomorrow on that," Caputo-Pearl said. There was no immediate word in response from either the mayor's office or LAUSD, which ranks as the second largest public school district in the United States, encompassing some 1,200 campuses. The walkout, with teachers garbed mostly in red braving two days of rainy weather to stage mass rallies downtown, has shattered 30 years of labor peace by Los Angeles teachers but has not completely idled schools. The district has enlisted administrators and substitute teachers to keep classes open on a limited basis through the strike, although LAUSD reported only about a third of its 492,000 public school students showed up on the first day of the walkout. It said attendance was up 13 percent on Tuesday. About 148,000 additional students are enrolled in LAUSD's independently managed charter schools and have been unaffected for the most part by this week's labor strife. On Tuesday, however, a group of no more than four dozen unionized teachers at three LAUSD charter schools operated by a company called The Accelerated Schools walked off the job in a separate dispute they said was focused on job security. Story continues It marked only the second charter school strike in the nation and the first in California, said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers parent union . The Los Angeles walkout followed a wave of teachers' strikes across the United States over pay and school funding, including in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Arizona. Denver teachers could vote to strike by Saturday if no deal on a new contract is reached by then. SYMPATHY FOR TEACHERS Public sympathy appeared strongly aligned with the Los Angeles teachers' union, with more than three-quarters of those polled by Loyola Marymount University's Center for the Study of Los Angeles saying they supported the teachers. The survey, released on Tuesday, showed strike support running at 60 percent or more across all demographic groups. Among parents with children at home, support topped 82 percent, a finding reflected in the presence of many parents seen walking picket lines with the teachers, despite the inconvenience the strike posed for working families. Aside from the education disruption, the strike could have implications for the political aspirations of the mayor, who is considered a likely contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Garcetti expressed support for the teachers, telling Reuters at Tuesday's rally that the strike "is an important and righteous fight about the soul of our schools. Every parent, every kid deserves a decent-sized classroom where teachers arent overwhelmed by the numbers." The mayor previously avoided taking sides in the dispute, over which he has little practical sway because the LAUSD is governed by an independently elected school board that appoints its superintendent. The two sides remained at loggerheads on how much the district needs to invest in hiring staff, including nurses, librarians and other support staff. Superintendent Austin Beutner said the district had offered staff increases that would cost $130 million a year - more than county officials have said is available - while the union's demands would cost $800 million. Beutner offered to accompany teachers in lobbying state lawmakers to increase education funding. "Join me on the bus," he said. The union wants a 6.5 percent pay raise. LAUSD teacher pay currently averages $75,000, according to state figures. The district has offered a 6 percent hike with back pay. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis and Steve Gorman; Additional reporting by Dan Whitcomb and Jane Ross in Los Angeles, Gina Cherelus and Peter Szekely in New York and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Bill Tarrant, Cynthia Osterman and Peter Cooney) BARRON, Wis. (AP) In a story Jan. 11 about Wisconsin teenager Jayme Closs being found alive nearly three months after she vanished from the family home, The Associated Press misidentified Steve Lykken as president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store in Barron. Jeannie-O Turkey Store is a national brand, and Lykken is president of the company. Its headquarters are in Willmar, Minnesota. A corrected version of the story is below: The Latest: Sheriff says Wisconsin teen reunited with aunt Authorities say a Wisconsin teen who was abducted during an October home invasion in which her parents were killed has been reunited with an aunt and will see the rest of her relatives within hours BARRON, Wis. (AP) The Latest on a Wisconsin teenager who was found alive three months after disappearing following her parents' deaths (all times local): 4:30 p.m. Authorities say a Wisconsin teen who was abducted during an October home invasion in which her parents were killed has been reunited with an aunt and will see the rest of her relatives within hours. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said at a news conference that Jayme Closs was taken back to her hometown of Barron on Friday. He says she has already met with an aunt and will be reunited with her other relatives on Friday night. Fitzgerald says investigators have recovered more than one gun, including a shotgun consistent with the type of gun used to kill Jayme's parents, James and Denise Closs. He says the shotgun still needs to be tested to determine if it was the weapon used. Authorities say Jayme managed to escape Thursday from a remote home near Gordon, which is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of Barron. They arrested 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson on homicide and kidnapping charges. His initial court hearing is scheduled for Monday and records show he doesn't have an attorney yet. ___ 4:20 p.m. Authorities say the man suspected of kidnapping a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl made "great efforts" to avoid leaving any evidence. Story continues Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said Friday that Jake Patterson changed his physical appearance before the October attack and the abduction of Jayme Closs, including shaving his head to avoid leaving any hair behind. He says investigators believe Patterson killed Jayme's parents to abduct her. Fitzgerald says investigators have no evidence that Patterson knew anyone at the Closs home or had contact with anyone there. And he says investigators don't believe there was a social media connection between Patterson and Jayme. He says investigators don't know how Patterson "became aware of Jayme." ___ 4:10 p.m. Authorities in Wisconsin say they believe the man suspected of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs was out looking for her when he was arrested. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said Friday that 21-year-old Jake Patterson wasn't at home when Jayme escaped Thursday afternoon. Deputies arrested Patterson in his vehicle soon after Jayme turned up on a neighbor's doorstep near Gordon. He's also suspected of killing Jayme's parents in an October attack at the family's home near Barron, which is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Gordon. Fitzgerald says investigators don't believe there was any social media connection between Patterson and Jayme. He says investigators are trying to determine how he "became aware" of the girl. ___ 2:50 p.m. Elizabeth Smart says that finding a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl who had been missing for three months is "why we can never give up hope on any missing child." Smart was 14 when she was abducted from her Salt Lake City home in 2002. She was rescued nine months later. Jayme Closs disappeared in October after her parents were killed inside their home in Barron. Authorities say she managed to escape Thursday from a home about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south and they arrested a 21-year-old man on homicide and kidnapping charges. Smart told The Associated Press by phone Friday that she would expect that Jayme will have to confront the fact that there "is no going back to the way things were." She recommends that Jayme's friends and family give her space and allow her to make her own decisions. ___ 2:10 p.m. Ownership of a remote cabin where a Wisconsin teenager was apparently held during a nearly 3-month disappearance passed to a credit union soon after the girl's abduction. Records show that defendant Jake Thomas Patterson's father transferred the title of the cabin near Gordon to Superior Choice Credit Union on Oct. 23, eight days after the Oct. 15 attack at the Closs family's home near Barron, which is about 60 miles (100 kilometers) south of Gordon. It was appraised at $79,300. The circumstances of the transfer weren't clear. The credit union didn't immediately return calls seeking comment Friday and The Associated Press couldn't find a working phone listing for Patterson's father, Patrick Patterson. Jake Patterson was arrested Thursday after authorities say 13-year-old Jayme Closs managed to escape from the cabin and approach a neighbor, who sought help. Authorities believe he killed Jayme's parents to abduct her. He is jailed on homicide and kidnapping charges. Jail records don't list an attorney for him. ___ 1:45 p.m. The company that employed the slain parents of a Wisconsin teen who was kidnapped says the man accused in the attack worked at the plant for one day nearly three years ago. Steve Lykken, president of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, issued a statement Friday saying 21-year-old Jake Patterson was hired one day at the company's plant in Barron but quit the next, explaining that he was moving away from the area. An obituary for James and Denise Closs says they worked at the turkey processing plant for 27 years. Lykken says the company and the Hormel Foods family are "overjoyed at the news of Jayme's safe return." Authorities say Jayme escaped from a cabin in the town of Gordon on Thursday and they arrested Patterson on homicide and kidnapping charges. ___ 12:55 p.m. Detectives are interviewing a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl who authorities say managed to escape from a cabin months after being abducted from her home. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said Friday at a news conference that investigators don't think Jayme Closs had ever interacted with 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson before they say he killed her parents and kidnapped her in October. He said he doesn't know if Jayme was abused by her captor and that detectives are interviewing her about her ordeal. Authorities say Jayme escaped Thursday from a cabin near Gordon and they arrested Patterson on homicide and kidnapping charges. Gordon is in Douglas County and about 60 miles (100 kilometers) north of the Closs' home in Barron County. Fitzgerald said Patterson has a tie to Barron County, but he didn't specify except to say it wasn't a connection to the Jennie-O Turkey Store in Barron where James and Denise Closs worked. ___ 11:05 a.m. A woman who called 911 to report that a missing 13-year-old Wisconsin girl had been found says the girl told her that the man arrested in the case "killed my parents and took me." Kristin Kasinskas told The Associated Press on Friday that Jayme Closs said she didn't know why she was targeted. A 21-year-old Gordon man, Jake Thomas Patterson, was arrested Thursday on homicide and kidnapping charges. Authorities say Jayme managed to escape from a cabin in Gordon where Patterson was holding her and that she encountered a woman walking her dog, who knocked on Kasinskas' door. Kasinskas says she doesn't really know Patterson even though he lives three doors down from her. She says she taught him middle school science but only remembers that he was quiet. Kasinskas says she didn't see Patterson during the months that Jayme was missing. ___ 10:55 a.m. Authorities say investigators are trying to learn more about what happened to a 13-year-old girl since her parents were killed and she was abducted during a home invasion in October. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald said at a news conference Friday that Jayme Closs managed to escape from a cabin in the town of Gordon on Thursday. She found a woman walking her dog and the woman notified a neighbor, who called 911. A 21-year-old Gordon man, Jake Thomas Patterson, was arrested on charges of first-degree homicide and kidnapping. Fitzgerald says investigators believe he killed Jayme's parents because he wanted to kidnap her. Fitzgerald says detectives are speaking with Jayme and that she'll be reunited with her relatives when they're done. He says her relatives hugged and cried when told Thursday that Jayme was found alive. ___ 10:35 a.m. A neighbor says she and her husband had problems years ago with the man suspected of kidnapping a Wisconsin teenager and killing her parents. Authorities announced Friday that they arrested 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson on Thursday on suspicion of kidnapping 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents at their home near Barron in October. Investigators say Jayme escaped from a cabin in the town of Gordon where Patterson was holding her Thursday. Patterson has no criminal history in Wisconsin. Daphne Ronning told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Patterson's parents moved to Gordon about 15 years ago. She says the parents later moved away but Patterson and his brother continued to use the home. She says she and her husband once caught them siphoning gas. She says her husband spoke with them and they didn't have any further problems. Ronning says she didn't know Patterson was living in the house and hadn't seen Jayme around. ___ 10:25 a.m. Wisconsin authorities say they believe 13-year-old Jayme Closs was "the only target" of a man suspected of kidnapping her and killing her parents in October. At a news conference Friday, Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald identified 21-year-old Jake Thomas Patterson as the man suspected in the crimes. He says Patterson "planned his actions and took many steps to hide his identity" and that Patterson had no prior criminal record. Fitzgerald says Jayme managed to escape from a cabin on Thursday and approached a woman who was walking her dog. That woman alerted a nearby neighbor, who called 911. Fitzgerald says Closs was medically cleared, is out of the hospital and is being interviewed by law enforcement. ___ 10:20 a.m. Authorities say they have jailed a 21-year-old man on kidnapping and homicide charges in the October killing of a Wisconsin couple and abduction of their teen daughter, who was found alive. Douglas County Sheriff Thomas Dalbec said at a news conference Friday that Jake Thomas Patterson was arrested Thursday after Jayme Closs was found near the Town of Gordon, where Patterson lives. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says investigators believe Patterson killed Jayme's parents because he wanted to abduct her, and that Patterson "took many steps to hide his identity." On Thursday, Closs walked away from a cabin where she had been held. Dalbec says Patterson was arrested based on a description of his vehicle that Jayme was able to provide. Jayme approached a woman out walking her dog in a neighborhood, who notified a neighbor who called 911. ___ 10 a.m. The woman who was the first to encounter a missing Wisconsin girl who vanished after her parents were killed says the teen called out to her for help, said she was lost and grabbed onto her before telling her who she was. Jeanne Nutter tells The Associated Press her many years as a social worker in child protection helped her keep Jayme Closs calm as they sought help. Closs is the 13-year-old girl who vanished Oct. 15 after her parents were fatally shot at their home about 60 miles to the south in Douglas County. Nutter says Jayme had walked away from a cabin not far from her place where she had been held. Nutter says her goal was to get Jayme to a safe place where the police could be called, so they went to a neighbor's house. ___ 9 a.m. Elizabeth Smart says it is a "miracle" that a 13-year-old Wisconsin girl missing for nearly three months has been found safe. Smart was 14 when she was abducted from her Salt Lake City home in 2002. She was rescued nine months later. Jayme Closs disappeared in October after her parents were killed inside their home in Barron, Wisconsin. She was found Thursday in a town about an hour's drive away after approaching a woman walking her dog, saying she'd been held against her will. Smart posted Friday on her Instagram account that she was thrilled Jayme had been found. Smart says that while the country celebrates this "happy occasion," the girl's family should be given "space and privacy on their road to finding a new sense of normal and moving forward." Smart says "whatever other details may surface, the most important will still remain that she is alive." ___ 8:20 a.m. A woman who helped a Wisconsin girl who'd been missing for three months following her parents' deaths says the girl told her she'd been held against her will. Kristin Kasinskas says she took 13-year-old Jayme Closs into her home after the girl and a woman she'd approached for help came to her door Thursday afternoon in the small town of Gordon. Kasinskas says Jayme told her the name of the person who'd been holding her captive. Kasinskas says she recognized the name but didn't know the person. Kasinskas tells NBC's "Today Show" that Jayme talked about being locked up or hidden when the person had to leave, but that the girl didn't detail how she got away. Jayme was reported missing on Oct. 15, after her parents were found fatally shot in their home near Barron, about an hour's drive south of Gordon. ___ 7:35 a.m. The grandfather of a Wisconsin girl who went missing after her parents were killed in October says he received a call late Thursday that he'd been praying for, informing him his granddaughter had been found alive. Robert Naiberg told The Associated Press on Friday that his daughter called him with news that 13-year-old Jayme Closs had escaped her captor near the small town of Gordon, about an hour's drive from where her family lived. Naiberg says Jayme reported that she'd been held by "a guy in the woods" but was able to escape. Witnesses say Jayme approached a woman walking her dog Thursday, asking for help. The woman took her to a nearby home owned by Peter Kasinskas. Kasinskas tells Minnesota Public Radio News that Jayme told him she'd been abducted, that her parents had been murdered and that she left a nearby house after she'd been left alone. Investigators confirm a suspect is in custody but say no other details would be released until a Friday news conference. ___ 6:45 a.m. The aunt of Wisconsin teenager who disappeared after her parents were killed in the family's home says the girl escaped from where she was being held and ran to a woman walking her dog for help. Jen Smith tells ABC's "Good Morning America" that investigators told her that her niece, 13-year-old Jayme Closs, had escaped and was being treated at a hospital Thursday. Smith says she was given no other details about the case, other than being told a suspect was in custody. Investigators confirm they have a suspect in custody, but say no other details would be released until a Friday news conference. Jayme had been missing since Oct. 15. Police discovered someone had broken into her family's home in Barron, killed her parents and apparently abducted her. Jayme was found in the Town of Gordon, about an hour's drive north of Barron. ___ 12 a.m. Investigators are expected to explain how they located a Wisconsin teenager missing for three months alive and took a suspect into custody. Authorities say 13-year-old Jayme Closs was found Thursday afternoon in the Town of Gordon in Douglas County, Wisconsin. A suspect was apprehended minutes later. Jayme was taken to a hospital for an evaluation. Jayme had been missing since Oct. 15, when police discovered someone had broken into her family's home in Barron, killed her parents and apparently abducted her. The Town of Gordon, where she was found, is about an hour's drive north of Barron. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports Jayme approached a woman walking her dog but authorities have released no details. The Barron County Sheriff's Department has scheduled a news conference Friday morning. By Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopian troops have launched operations against members of a rebel group that signed an agreement to end hostilities with the government last year, an official said on Wednesday. Since the 1970s, the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has fought an insurgency for self-determination for ethnic Oromos, the Horn of Africa country's most populous ethnic group. The OLF was initially part of a transitional government set up in 1991 by rebels. The rebel coalition had driven military leader Mengistu Haile Mariam from power, but the OLF soon fell out with them. Though the OLF has since splintered into a myriad of groups, one faction with the largest number of fighters, which had been based in neighbouring Eritrea, signed a reconciliation agreement in August with the Ethiopian government, led by reformist premier Abiy Ahmed. But skirmishes between the two sides have since plagued the Oromiya region. On Wednesday, Billene Aster Seyoum, press secretary of the prime minister's office, accused the group of carrying out attacks that included rape, bank robberies, and blockades of highways that caused "a lot of displacement" in parts of the Oromiya region. "They (the military) started the stabilisation mission over the last two weeks. They have already had key milestones and wins with regards to apprehending these anti-peace elements," she told reporters. Billene said the offensive was taking place in the province's Kelem Wollega Zone, where she said OLF training sites were based. She denied media reports of air strikes, saying helicopters were only used to transport soldiers. In a statement, the OLF said on Sunday that the government was trying to resolve "disagreements" by force instead of holding discussions. "It is very sad that the government does not have any interest and patience for peace. That is why the fight between the OLF and the government has not stopped altogether," it said. Story continues Ethiopia has been roiled by an array of conflicts that have coincided with the implementation of widespread reforms under Abiy, who was appointed prime minister in April. Nearly three million people were displaced throughout the country last year due to clashes that often took place along ethnic lines. (Editing by Katharine Houreld, William Maclean) Caroline Calloway, the Instagram influencer at the center of this weeks best drama. Photo: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Shorty Awards Caroline Calloway is an Instagram influencer whose name you maybe only learned this week after her so-called creativity tour imploded. In December, Calloway began selling $165 tickets to events in cities across the United States where she would serve her guests homemade vegan salads, provide materials for making orchid crowns, teach lessons on being your best self, and send attendees home with customized care packages and personal letters. But events in Brooklyn and Washington, D.C. did not exactly go as planned. (Sample complaint: There wasnt an orchid crown! Just a single flower to put in our hair that we didnt keep. Mason jar had a little pack of wildflower seeds.) Calloway pulled the plug on the rest of the tour, and promised to refund anyone who had attended or bought tickets to the events. While some attendees and fans expressed disappointment online, Calloway has cultivated such a cult of personality that the majority of her fans do not appear to feel slighted at all. Thus, on Wednesday, just two days after announcing she was canceling the tour, Calloway posted an Instagram Story announcing that the tour is back on. The Caroline Calloway creativity tour is BACK ON FOLKS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/DVrZ5cNt2b Madison Malone Kircher (@4evrmalone) January 16, 2019 Calloway said she initially cancelled because if you read enough bad things about yourself on the internet you will start to believe theyre true. Her tour went viral via a Twitter thread posted by journalist Kayleigh Donaldson. (You can read Intelligencers earlier coverage of the thread and tour here.) I sold out a speaking tour in cities across America. 80 people attended last weekend, Calloway wrote. 50 in New York and 30 people in DC EVEN WITH THE BLIZZARD. A few of them didnt like it. BUT ALMOST EVERYONE WHO DID LOVED IT AND FOUND VALUE IN THE EXPERIENCE I CREATED FOR THEM. Fans who purchased tickets to the original tour can expect to be contacted by Calloway soon to rebook. Anyone who attended the first two stops has already been fully refunded, but Calloway writes they can now DECIDE what value the experience I created held for you. You can pay your full price ticket; you can pay less; you can pay nothing at all and keep your full refund. (Unclear if this means those wanting to pay anything or everything would have to repay her, since she has already issued their refunds.) Im not doing this to make myself rich, she added. No word on whether the un-canceled tour will, in fact, have fresh orchid crowns. A top Chinese military official on Tuesday called for efforts to strengthen trust between China and the United States, but said Beijing would not tolerate outside interference in Taiwan affairs. General Li Zuocheng, the PLAs chief of the Joint Staff Department, made the remarks during a meeting in Beijing with Admiral John Richardson, the US chief of naval operations. Richardson is in China on a three-day visit that also includes a stop in the eastern city of Nanjing, headquarters of the Peoples Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command. The two military leaders also had a deep exchange of views over Taiwan and the South China Sea, according to a statement released by the Chinese defence ministry. Li warned that China would defend its sovereignty at all costs. The Taiwan issue is a matter of Chinas internal affairs that concerns Chinas core interests and the feelings of the Chinese people across the Taiwan Strait, and China will not allow any outside interference, Li said, according to the statement. If anyone wants to separate Taiwan from China, the Chinese military will safeguard the national unity at all costs so as to protect Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity. But Li also said military ties were a key component of China-US relations, and called on both sides to improve communication. The ups and downs experienced during the 40 years since the establishment of Sino-US ties have shown that the mutual interests between China and the US far outweigh the differences, and that cooperation is the best choice for both sides, said Li, who is also a member of the Central Military Commission, the militarys ruling body. The two militaries should respect each other, strengthen mutual trust and communication, properly manage risks and work to make military exchanges a stabiliser of the Sino-US relationship, he said. Under US President Donald Trump, Washington has increased its support for self-ruled Taiwan with renewed arms sales and upgraded contact between officials, drawing repeated protests from Beijing. Story continues Chinese President Xi Jinping sees reunification with Taiwan as central to his vision of the nations rejuvenation and said in an address this month that Beijing would not promise to abandon the use of force to achieve this. Relations with the US have also deteriorated over Chinas military build-up in the contested South China Sea, where two warships came close to colliding in September. During the meeting, the US Navy commander said the United States highly valued a constructive, results-oriented relationship between the two militaries, according to the Chinese statement. Richardson also expressed willingness to increase high-level military exchanges, strengthen mutual understanding and reduce the risk of misunderstanding and miscalculation. It is Richardsons second visit to China since he became the US Navy chief in 2015. His last visit in 2016 focused on frictions over the South China Sea. This article China wont tolerate interference in Taiwan, military chief warns US first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. More from South China Morning Post: Looking for a 360-degree camera to fully capture the action on your next ski-trip? If you search on Google for a recommendation, chances are one particular device will keep cropping up on Best of lists the Insta360 One X. Techradar and Forbes lists the Insta360 One X as its top choice, and prior to the devices release, tech review site Wirecutter said that the Insta360 One X had higher specifications on paper than its top pick from Japans Ricoh. But what few may realise is that Insta360, which produces 360-degree cameras that beat GoPro devices, is a 4-year old Shenzhen based-company, helmed by 28-year old Liu Jingkang. Liu, a native of Guangdong province, founded a live-streaming start-up in his final year at Nanjing University in early 2014 but decided to pivot when he watched and became fascinated by a 360-degree video. At the time, companies who wanted to film high-definition video had to organise a rig of multiple cameras in a sphere, and then stitch the resultant images together to get the 360-degree effect. We wanted to create a camera that could take a 360-video with just one press of a button, said Liu in an interview on the sidelines of the CES trade show in Las Vegas last week. He enlisted the help of several schoolmates and eventually they made it from Nanjing to Shenzhen the Southern Chinese port city known for its hardware factories. The best 360-degree action camera: GoPro Fusion or Insta360 One X? Initially, it was really difficult to convince manufacturers to take a chance on us, said Liu. Almost nobody had made a 360-degree camera before, it was difficult to convince them that there was a market for such a device. Liu and his team faced a number of technology challenges, chief among them being the need for 360-degree cameras to film in high-resolution. It was also a struggle to obtain financing as they were a young team fresh out of university, trying to make a new device. Initial prototypes of the 360-camera were extremely fragile and unreliable. In the early days, the team would carry around a toolkit, including a welder and glue if they needed to fix up the prototype quickly before important demos. Story continues But they did find investors and today China is Insta360s largest market, accounting for 25 per cent of sales. The US is a close second at just over 20 per cent, followed by Japan, at around 18 per cent. Insta360s success reflects how many Chinese hardware firms and manufacturers have now reached a level where they are snapping at the heels of some of the worlds biggest brands. This is in stark contrast to the situation a decade ago, when Chinese brands were seen as cheap knock-offs with inferior build quality, while Japanese brands were often seen as the benchmark for quality electronics. Insta360 frequently receives plaudits for its innovative software features and easy-to-use app that enables even beginners to edit and produce professional-looking videos. Its software is seen as cutting edge and Liu attributes this to Insta360s massive research and development (R&D) team. About 60 per cent of our team is in R&D, thats more than we actually need but a large team allows us to keep thinking ahead, to think about what our competitors might be doing next and creating features that our consumers want, Liu said. Insta360 Nano S review: 4K 360-degree camera top value for money One of Insta360s notable features is its flowstate stabilisation, which stabilises images as if users were holding a gimbal. Another is the ability of its software to automatically detect and edit out a selfie-stick, so that the final video doesnt show it. However, Liu acknowledged that technology and hardware is not the be all and end all for consumer electronics companies. Ultimately, for a consumer device to succeed, companies need an integrated strategy including a strong marketing team and a clear product definition. At its CES booth in Las Vegas, Insta360 showed off just how far it would go to get users to try out its product. Recycle your action camera, said a sign above a blue trash bin, Get a free One X, said another. Attendees who decided to part with their current action camera whether a GoPro or a cheaper, no-brand device were given a brand new Insta360 One X. You could have the best product or technology in the world but if you dont have the ability to market it, or dont understand what consumers want, its difficult to do well, said Liu, who hopes that one day Insta360 will become a camera brand as big as Nikon or Sony in the global market. This article This four-year-old Chinese brand is beating GoPro in some reviews first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. A Chinese state-owned company marked on Wednesday the completion of an ambitious land reclamation adjacent to Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, part of Beijing's "Belt and Road" infrastructure initiative that has alarmed India and the West. "Colombo Port City is an important project of the One Belt, One Road initiative in Sri Lanka, which is one of the key countries along the maritime silk route," China's ambassador Cheng Xueyuan said at a ceremony. "No matter how the international situation changes, China always facilitates great importance to Sino-Sri Lanka relations and actively implements the consensus of the leaders of the two countries," he added. The $1.4 billion Colombo Port City was agreed between China and Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapakse, one of several projects to raise fears that the strategically important location was falling into Beijing's orbit. On another, the $1.4-billion Hambantota deep-sea port also built by the Chinese, China in December 2017 was given a 99-year lease after Colombo said it was unable to keep up with servicing loans made by Beijing to pay for it. The nearby Hambantota airport also funded by China and built in Rajapaske's constituency in the middle of two wildlife sanctuaries has turned into a white elephant, with no scheduled flights. Two-thirds of the new 269 hectare (664 acre) reclamation project which is envisaged as the site of a new financial district and has worried environmentalists, goes to China on a 99-year lease. Patali Champika, the minister in charge of the project, said however that the reclaimed area would not be a threat to Sri Lanka's sovereignty or undermine the security of regional power India. The port of Colombo is a key hub for Indian import-export cargo and the new real estate is situated at the entrance. China has also emerged a key political and financial backer of Sri Lanka, dislodging Japan which used to be the biggest funder of infrastructure such as ports in the island nation. Finance ministry officials said the Bank of China had offered Colombo a $1.0 billion loan to shore up its foreign reserves amid an exodus of foreign capital from Sri Lanka's bond and equity markets. The Chinese funding becomes crucial at a time when three international credit rating agencies downgraded Sri Lanka after a political crisis in late 2018. Sanan Optoelectronics, Chinas biggest maker of chips for light-emitting diodes, tumbled by the 10 per cent daily limit in Shanghai trading on Wednesday, wiping out 15 billion yuan (US$2.22 billion) in market value over the past month amid mounting scepticism about the companys accounting authenticity. The stock slid 1.16 yuan to 10.44 yuan in Wednesday trading, its lowest close since February 2015. The decline has taken its loss in 2019 to 7.7 per cent, compared with a 3.1 per cent gain on the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index. Traders are getting more sensitive to listed companies accounting practices after the recent bond default by Kande Xin Composite Material Group brought the issue into the limelight. The Shenzhen-listed maker of laminating films said this week that it defaulted on the payment of 1.5 billion yuan of short-term bills. The company said in its third-quarter report released in late October that it had 15 billion yuan in cash. The stock sank 4.8 per cent to 6.15 yuan on Wednesday, capping a four-day loss totalling 22 per cent. At the centre of the storm surrounding Sanan are concerns over the accounting abnormality of its controlling shareholder. In a shorter-term bill prospectus revealed by Fujian Sanan Group, its advance payment to customers totalled 8.6 billion yuan, far exceeding its combined net assets of 7.12 billion yuan. Some findings also showed some of the companies to which Funjian Sanan made advance payment, either were not registered in the nations taxation system or were small ones with few employees. The Post made two calls to Li Xuetan, Sanans board secretary, both of which went unanswered. Investors are afraid that they would step on some landmines, said Wang Chen, a partner at Xufunds Investment Management in Shanghai. We havent spotted any problem from the listed companys financial statement. But its accounting numbers are usually much better than the industrys average. That is something beyond our knowledge that the sentiment of the LED industry is actually going down. Story continues More than 82 million shares of Sanan changed hands on Wednesday, or 2.3 times its 180 day average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. China International Capital Corp lowered its rating on the stocks to neutral last month and slashed the target price by 40 per cent to 12 yuan, citing waning demand from the property market, autos and consumer electronics, decreasing government subsidies and the China-US trade friction. Third-quarter profit for major global LED manufacturers dropped 21 per cent from a year earlier, according to the investment bank. Sanan reported a 14 per cent decline in third-quarter profit and before that, it had posted year-on-year earnings increases every quarter since 2016. This article Chinas biggest LED chip maker tumbles by daily limit in Shanghai first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. Australia's conservative prime minister took the uncharacteristic step of advocating looser drug laws on Wednesday, backing greater imports of narcotic kava root in a symbolic gesture to court Pacific Island neighbours. Visiting Vanuatu on the first day of a landmark regional charm offensive, Morrison endorsed a pilot program allowing Pacific Islanders to bring more of the ceremonial and culturally significant root into Australia. Kava is a sedating narcotic that is usually made into a brownish brew and used in traditional "bula" toasts and seances. Morrison -- who has long campaigned on an uncompromising tough-on-crime message -- said he had agreed to the new pilot programme with Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai to help trade and cultural links. "That is for personal use, I should stress," said Morrison, vowing to "make sure that is properly managed". Kava is currently listed as a controlled substance in Australia, but is becoming more accepted -- thanks to use by Pacific Island communities and the likes of Prince Harry, who sipped the narcotic drink at a traditional welcoming ceremony in Fiji last year. Pacific Islanders visiting Australia can already carry two kilograms of the substance into the country, which Morrison in Sydney admitted was a "modest amount" and not enough for "one family gathering". The step was hailed as a victory for cultural diplomacy and as an effort to smooth sometimes bumpy relations between Canberra and what Morrison dubbed the "family region". He is the first Australian leader in decades to visit Vanuatu and later this week will become the first ever to make a bilateral visit to Fiji. "If you step up you've got to show up!" Morrison said. But there are still deep differences between Australia and its smaller Pacific neighbours over issues like security and climate change. Morrison vowed to continue funding climate mitigation efforts, but Australia continues to dig up coal and pump out emissions that could help bury Pacific Islands underwater. Salwai warmly welcomed the visit but stressed the need for "mutual respect and equal partnership". There were also few signs of progress toward a bilateral security treaty, amid Australian concern about growing Chinese influence and reported efforts to develop a military base in Vanuatu. Malaysia's government will alter an elementary-school textbook which suggested girls should dress modestly to prevent sexual assault, authorities said Wednesday, after it sparked widespread anger. Social media exploded with outrage after images circulated of a section of the book, which is used by nine-year-olds, entitled "Saving one's modesty". It featured a series of pictures of a fictional girl called Amira, whose parents advise her to protect "the modesty of her sexual organs" by wearing the correct attire. They also tell her to keep the door of her room closed when changing clothes, and to avoid spending time in quiet locations alone. If she fails in her efforts to prevent an assault, Amira would bring shame on her family, be shunned by her friends and face emotional problems, the book said. Activists said the book was teaching children from a young age that female victims of sex attacks only had themselves to blame. "We are appalled," said Meera Samanther, vice president of rights group Women's Aid Organisation. "The educational material sexualises nine-year-old girls, teaches them to be ashamed of their bodies, and shifts the blame from the perpetrator to the survivor of sexual assault." Following the outcry, the education ministry said the controversial section of the book would be covered over using stickers. It is not the first time authorities in Muslim-majority Malaysia have been accused of taking a poor approach to issues of gender or sexuality. The health ministry was criticised in 2017 for offering cash prizes for the best videos explaining how to "prevent" homosexuality. The competition was amended following an outcry. The new Joshua Reed Giddings? Photo: Cheriss May/NurPhoto via Getty Images With her unapologetic progressivism and remarkable social-media savvy, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has captured the national spotlight and already helped shape the image of her party to an extent unheard of in recent history for a rank-and-file Democrat, much less a 29-year-old. To draw a more appropriate parallel to past trailblazers, its useful to go farther back. Last week, the historian Rick Perlstein compared Ocasio-Cortez or at least her tactics to none other than Newt Gingrich. We asked three more experts a simple question: Who does Ocasio-Cortez remind you of most strongly in American political history? Kevin Kruse, Professor of History, Princeton I think she has a lot of echoes of Shirley Chisholm. Chisholm was in her 40s when she got elected older than Ocasio-Cortez, which was more usual for that period. But they do come from similar places. Chisholm was from Brooklyn, and Ocasio-Cortez the Bronx. They represent some of the same kinds of communities. The thing that really stands out is the attitude. In 1968, Chisholm was the first African-American woman ever elected to Congress, and really came in guns blazing. She took a committee assignment that wasnt her dream: agriculture, which is a weird spot for a woman who represents Brooklyn. But she used it to help boost the food-stamp program, reaching across the aisle to work with Bob Dole, and that benefited a lot of people in a working-class district. At the same time, she was really unapologetic. Her motto was Unbought, Unbossed. She really didnt take any guff from anyone. Shes also someone who really was nationally known, partially because of the fact that she was a black woman during a time when there were no other black women in Congress, but also I think because of force of her personality. She was a very smart, very shrewd political player, and was an important figure in the Democratic Party throughout the 70s and into the 80s. So, Ocasio-Cortez really does call to mind Chisholm in a lot of ways for me, which is, at least in my mind, a very positive and powerful comparison. I think Chisholm is tragically underrecognized because of her importance in American political history; people should pay more attention to her. Alexis Coe, presidential and womens historian: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has created a bipartisan panic among, primarily, white men, but signals what transformative figures in history always have, from JFK to Barack Obama: a changing of the old guard. When I heard them complain about her, it reeks of jealousy and fear. Theres an oft-used joke among women, that we should channel the confidence of a mediocre white man; that Ocasio-Cortez is authentically confident scares mediocre white men, no matter their political affiliation. Just look at Fox News and other mediocre conservative media outlets obsession with her. She reminds me of Shirley Chisholms slogan: Unbought, Unbossed. Ocasio-Cortez has not changed her tune since arriving in Washington. What she says to voters, to Americans, is what she says to lawmakers and pundits; she is wildly consistent, and it terrifies those who capitulate to the realities of Washington, which often means money and power. Is she accessible on social media? Sure. So was FDR in the 1930s, with his fireside chats. He had radio. Ocasio-Cortez has Twitter. The tendency is to suggest shes naive, through words like idealistic or inexperienced, but Id turn that around and say she isnt beaten down or scarred by major historical shake-ups. She doesnt have PTSD from the Contract with America era, but all indications suggest shes well aware of it. Shes got historic examples at the ready, instead of being defensive in the moment; when shes called radical, she reminds people that Abraham Lincoln was radical for signing the Emancipation Proclamation. Matthew Karp, Assistant Professor of History, Princeton Ocasio-Cortez is a member of the Democratic Party, but her relationship to the party is really ambiguous. These analogies are always slippery, but during the antebellum period in Congress, you had a two-party system not totally dissimilar to todays, which had arisen around the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Pretty much the entire country was evenly divided between Democrats and Whigs. And abolitionists, the Northerners who put the opposition to slavery at the top of their political agenda, were really frozen out of power and even representation in federal politics across the 1830s. At the same time, there were a lot of Northerners who were personally opposed to slavery, but because of the nature of that two-party system, their personal animosity to slavery didnt really develop into any kind of public politics. So it was really only a tiny handful of isolated members: first John Quincy Adams in Massachusetts in the 1830s, and then Joshua Giddings from Ohio, who was elected late in that decade. And they became these very lonely voices, denouncing the way that slavery had a stranglehold on all national politics. Giddings and John Quincy Adams became the chief figures in Congress who were paying attention to the Slave Power, and how it manipulated and controlled the national government in both domestic and foreign policy. Later, Giddings co-wrote, along with Salmon Chase and others, one of the most influential propaganda documents in American history the Appeal of the Independent Democrats against the Kansas-Nebraska Act which was a galvanizing document for the emergence of the new Republican Party in 1854. And its this group of radicals like Giddings, Chase, Charles Sumner, that became the ideological core of that party. There were tensions among Republicans, but the fundamental commitment to the opposition of slavery the rejection of property of man as something thats constitutional, and the opposition to all expansion of slavery with the belief in slaverys ultimate extinction became the new center of gravity for this dominant party in the North. I do think there are some parallels to today. Ocasio-Cortez exists in this kind of uncomfortable tension with the Democratic Party. She has allies in the party, but at the same time, she does represent a brand of politics that wants to reorient the axis of debate in a fundamental way. In some sense, I think this threatens the ideological priorities of the party and its establishment. "The Clemency Process Is Broken. Trump Can Fix It." | Main | Reviewing criminal justice highlights (or low-lights) from AG nominee Barr's confirmation hearing January 16, 2019 "Top Trends in State Criminal Justice Reform, 2018" The title of this post is the title of this two-page briefing paper authored by Nicole Porter for The Sentencing Project which highlights significant criminal justice policy changes at the state level in 2018. Here is how the document gets started: The United States is a world leader in incarceration rates and keeps nearly 7 million persons under criminal justice supervision. More than 2.2 million are in prison or jail, while 4.6 million are monitored in the community on probation or parole. Changes in sentencing law and policy, not changes in crime rates, have produced the nations high rate of incarceration. Scaling back incarceration will require changing policy and practice to reduce prison populations, intentionally address racial disparity, and eliminate barriers to reentry. In recent years a number of states have enacted reforms designed to reduce the scale of incarceration and impact of the collateral consequences of a felony conviction. This briefing paper describes key reforms undertaken in 2018. Notably, this short document makes no mention of state level marijuana reforms, even though many are motivated, at least in part, by interest in addressing racial disparities and eliminating barriers to reentry. This reinforces my long-standing view that there is a tangible disconnect between criminal justice reform movements and marijuana reform movements. January 16, 2019 at 10:51 AM | Permalink Comments Post a comment Via distinctive 5-4 vote, SCOTUS concludes Florida robbery satisfies "physical force" requirement as Armed Career Criminal Act predicate | Main | "Top Trends in State Criminal Justice Reform, 2018" The title of this post is the title of this notable new Atlantic commentary authored by Rachel Barkow, Mark Holden and Mark Osler. Here are excerpts: It took six years of intense wrangling to get the First Step Act passed. Clemency reform, however, requires the action of only one man. The president can act alone to fix what Congress did not. Even the First Step Acts primary nemesis, Republican Senator Tom Cotton, has acknowledged a role for clemency, saying as part of his attack on the legislation, I grant that, in a particular case, the interaction of specific facts and the law can create an unjust sentence. If that happens, the best course of action is the scalpel of the governor or the presidents pardon and clemency power, not the ax of criminal leniency legislation. Unjust sentences resulting from mandatory minimums are not rarities. That is why the First Step Act no longer permits mandatory minimum life sentences for third-strike drug offenses and lowered a two-strike, 20-year mandatory minimum for drug offenses to 15 years. The Act also requires that an individual first be convicted of an offense involving a firearm before receiving an additional 25-year mandatory minimum if he commits a second offense with a gun. (Previously, first-time offenders such as Weldon Angelos could receive multiple 25-year mandatory enhancements if the police documented multiple drug buys before making an arrest.) One problem, as noted above, is that these and other welcome changes do not operate retroactively. People serving sentences now deemed excessive by Congress and the president have no recourse other than clemency to have those sentences rightsized. There are more than 3,000 people left in prison serving mandatory sentences under the old firearm-enhancement law and the three-strikes provision that imposed a life sentence. Add to that the many individuals who are serving excessive sentences because of prosecutorial overcharging, and it is easy to see the urgent need to correct these injustices. For clemency to reach those thousands, the country needs a process that fairly, thoroughly, and efficiently evaluates candidates for a commutation (or shortening) of their sentence under the Constitutions pardon power. At the moment, there are two possible processes, but neither works very well. The first is informal: The president evaluates individual cases based on personal recommendations. This system does not scale. The second, more formal method isnt any better. It courses through seven levels of review, much of it through a hostile Department of Justice bureaucracy that tends to defer to local prosecutors who are, in turn, loath to undo the harsh sentences they sought in the first place.... Some states have better systems in place. In Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, and South Carolina, among others, an expert board plays a leading role in identifying and evaluating good cases. The best-functioning boards consist of people with expertise in criminal justice, social work, and psychology, and represent key stakeholders such as former judges, defense lawyers, prosecutors, and community activists who share a common belief that the purpose of the pardon power is to temper justice with mercy. This model could work at the federal level as well. The president could create a similar board of clemency advisers who represent a diverse range of experiences, including those who work in criminal defense or corrections and people who were formerly incarcerated. Ideally, this body would be bipartisan and work collaboratively with a professional staff to identify cases for the president. This body could also track the progress of individuals granted clemency to document how they use their second chances. Many no doubt will serve their communities ably, and publicizing their experiences could help counteract the risk of a single Willie Hortontype incident overshadowing the positive stories of people who have been granted clemency.... The members of the bipartisan coalition that pushed through sentencing reform were united by a belief in liberty, a desire to cut costs, a respect for public safety, and a belief in second chances. But as the name of their legislation indicates, sentencing reform was just a first step. Clemency should come next. Lamenting how federal supervised release operates and suggesting reforms | Main | "Equal Protection Under the Carceral State" June 2, 2018 "Pardon System Needs Fixing, Advocates Say, but They Cringe at Trumps Approach" The title of this post is the title of this lengthy new New York Times article. I recommend it in full, and here are excerpts: For those who view the Justice Departments pardon system as slow and sclerotic, with its backlog of more than 11,000 cases, they need only look to the case of Matthew Charles. Mr. Charles was sentenced in 1996 to 35 years in prison for selling crack cocaine. In prison, he took college classes, became a law clerk and taught fellow inmates. He was released early, in 2016, and began rebuilding his life, volunteering at a food pantry and even falling in love. Last month, Mr. Charles was sent back to prison after a federal court determined that he did not technically qualify for early release. His lawyers plan to ask the Justice Department to commute the rest of his sentence, and he appears to fall within its guidelines for clemency. But with nearly 9,000 petitioners for a commutation ahead of him, it could take years for federal law enforcement officials to decide his fate. Cases like Mr. Charless make some criminal justice reform advocates say they would welcome a reform-minded president willing to bypass the system and more boldly wield the constitutional power to grant pardons. Now they have one in President Trump, who has pardoned five people in his first 17 months in office and bypassed the Justice Departments recommendation system to do so. This week, he pardoned Dinesh DSouza, the conservative commentator who pleaded guilty in 2014 to violating campaign finance law. Mr. DSouza responded on Twitter by claiming victory over what he viewed as a political prosecution and by mocking Preet Bharara, the former United States attorney in Manhattan whose office prosecuted the case. But by choosing to pardon political supporters whose cases largely failed to meet the basic guidelines for pardons, Mr. Trump could turn a slow and imperfect system into an unequal and unjust one, both liberal and conservative advocates warn, in which those with fame, money or access to the presidents ear are first in line to receive clemency. A more regular and robust use of presidential clemency, and a willingness to go around the Justice Department process, would be applauded by many, said Kevin Ring, a conservative public policy expert and the president of Families Against Mandatory Minimums. The issue is whether the president will still apply standards and meritocracy. Will he weigh the injustices and mete out justice to reflect the needs of a situation? That doesnt seem to be the case.... The pardon office has a reputation for slow decision making, in part because of the time needed to carefully vet a case. Of the backlog of 11,203 pardon and commutation cases, only 2,876 have been filed since Mr. Trump became president. A lack of resources has also bogged down the process, according to officials involved. The previous pardon attorney, Deborah Leff, resigned because she said she could not get the resources necessary to meet Mr. Obamas goal to prioritize petitions that would shorten sentences for nonviolent drug offenders.... Advocates who want to see the pardon system overhauled generally support its guidelines for granting pardons and commuting sentences. In general, felons wait five years after conviction or release to petition for a pardon. They must show evidence of rehabilitation and demonstrate that they have led responsible and productive lives after release for a significant period of time. The recommendations of officials including federal prosecutors and judges are also taken into consideration. A president that circumvents this system is not necessarily a bad idea, said Shon Hopwood, Mr. Charless lawyer. Legal scholars have argued for years that its inappropriate to have the office of the pardon attorney at the Justice Department. It asks the people who grant pardons and clemency to correct their colleagues, the prosecutors who put people in prison. Some regular readers may recall that, way back in 2010, I urged Prez Obama to structurally change the federal clemency system in this this law review article titled "Turning Hope-and-Change Talk Into Clemency Action for Nonviolent Drug Offenders." Here is a snippet from that piece (updated for Trumpian times): President [Trump] ought to seriously consider creating some form of a "Clemency Commission" headed by a "clemency czar."... Though a "Clemency Commission" headed by a "clemency czar" could be created and developed in any number of ways, ... [the] basic idea is for President [Trump] to create a special expert body, headed by a special designated official, who is primarily tasked with helping federal officials (and perhaps also state officials) improve the functioning, transparency, and public respect for executive clemency. Though the structure, staffing, and mandates of a Clemency Commission could take many forms, ideally it would include personnel with expertise about the nature of and reasons for occasional miscarriages of justice in the operation of modem criminal justice systems persons who possess a deep understanding that, in the words of James Iredell, "an inflexible adherence to [severe criminal laws], in every instance, might frequently be the cause of very great injustice." The Clemency Commission could and should study the modem causes of wrongful conviction, "excessive" sentences, and overzealous prosecutions, and then make formal and public recommendations to the President and other branches about specific cases that might merit clemency relief or systemic reforms that could reduce the risk of miscarriages of justice. In addition, the Commission could be a clearinghouse for historical and current data on the operation of executive clemency powers in state and federal systems. It could also serve as a valuable resource for offenders and their families and friends seeking information about who might be a good candidate for receiving clemency relief. Though the creation of a Clemency Commission would be an ambitious endeavor, the effort could pay long-term dividends for both the reality and the perception of justice and fairness in our nation's criminal justice system. Prior recent related posts about Trumpian clemency activity: June 2, 2018 at 04:22 PM | Permalink Comments This seems more like treating the symptom then the addressing the causes. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong with how the pardon power was constructed in the Constitution. Nothing about Trump's use of the pardon power is surprising to me. His character and values were laid out in the open for voters, and they elected him president. He has been consistent in who he has portrayed himself to be, and his use of pardons appears to me as evidence of that consistency. In other words, it's not the power or privilege that is the problem, but the person or persons who are elected into the positions that posess said power. Additionally, we stopped having institutional checks on the overreach of one branch with the formation of parties (factions), which are able to consolidate and coordinate the powers and actions of each branch. Members of Congress are not collectively motivated by a dominant interest in their institution, jealously gaurding it's perogatives, but rather towards their party and it's broader goals. Democratic members of Congress will defend alleged overreach by a Democratic president, and vise versa with Republicans. We have found ourselves confronted with many of the outcomes of this lack of institutional defense. Lastly, why are so many individuals in prison all dependent on one person for clemency as opposed to being distributed among 50 governors? As federal criminal laws capture a wider array of conduct, more people become federal criminals, the federal criminal population increases, but the power of pardoning remains in the hands of one. If the federal government was less involved in the business of crime and the states took a more active role, then the criminal population is dispersed among 50 different individuals with pardoning power. Seems like a more manageable work load. I see other issues at play as well, such as the Times finding an individual it would pardon and then claiming there is a problem with the power because that person hasn't been pardoned, but a digression into the question "what is justice?" Might be too much. Posted by: Anonuser879 | Jun 2, 2018 6:00:18 PM The poster lady below was a drug kingpin. Although the life sentence was for distribution, who doubts she had hundreds of competitors slaughtered, to protect the non-violent distribution business. She probably also killed thousands of addicts by overdose. Posted by: David Behar | Jun 2, 2018 10:20:54 PM Post a comment Intro Greetings! I am a political scientist , specializing in International Relations , my research and teaching focus on ethnic conflict and civil-military relations . I watch way too much TV, and I like movies as well so I tend to write about both and find IR stuff in pop culture. I rant alot about American politics and sometimes about Canadian politics. I like to take ideas I once learned a long time ago and apply them to whatever strikes my fancy. (Click to enlarge) However, finance professionals are positioning for whats next, with many believing theres an increased chance Britons will get to vote again in a national ballot on Brexit - a repeat of the 2016 vote that triggered Mays rise to the helm in negotiating the U.K.s exit. Below, Bloomberg has collected insights from market strategists, investors and analysts on what happens now. The reason why the markets seem kind of calm about it all is it takes away the option of just crashing out, David Blanchflower, a former policy maker at the Bank of England and now a professor at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, told Bloomberg TV. They have to defer, they have to delay. The prospects of a second referendum are rising and prospects of no Brexit at all are rising. Evercore ISI, Krishna Guha Near term this may mean higher volatility, higher uncertainty and therefore consistent with sterling, which fell earlier in the day, staying weak. Longer run, it increases the likelihood of a softer Brexit (via a new effort to find a cross party consensus) or no Brexit at all (via a second referendum) more than it increases the likelihood of a chaotic No Deal Brexit.In the interim, Brexit delay looks likely. This could even end up being positive for U.K. risk. Put differently, the probability distribution is shifting toward more of a barbell, in which both upside and downside tail risks now command most of the probability mass, but in our view, the upside tail (better than May deal from a market perspective) has increased more. Aberdeen Standard, Stephanie Kelly Id expect sterling to be volatile until the result of the no-confidence vote is known. With the DUP saying theyll back the Conservatives, the no-confidence vote is dead in the water unless theres a big rebellion within the Conservative party. If May wins the no-confidence vote then we are going to essentially be in the same place as if the vote had happened four weeks ago but with a tighter timeline to Article 50 ending. Markets will be choppy in the coming days but its worth remembering that nothing fundamental has changed overnight. The wisest thing for investors to do in the short term is nothing. Crossbridge Capital, Manish Singh If she makes the mistake of going and forming a single market, customs union agreement with Labour, and tries to pass it that way, she might lose support of the Tories. My base case remains the same -- the U.K. will leave with a deal, not without a deal. Right now, it comes back to the EU. Manish Singh, chief investment officer of Crossbridge Capital, talks about the U.K.s rejection of Mays Brexit deal. Credit Suisse, Sonali Punhani Our scenario remains that a soft Brexit deal is more likely than the U.K. exiting without a deal. But the path to such an outcome is likely to involve further U.K. domestic political stress and uncertainty in the next few days and weeks. Merian Global Investors, Richard Buxton If a deal can ultimately be agreed, we may see the Bank of England hike policy rates up to three times over the course of 2019. Related: How Will The Government Shutdown Impact Gold? Conversely, if the U.K. does leave the EU without an agreement, I would expect the Banks Monetary Policy Committee to move rapidly to cut rates from their already-low levels. The resumption of monetary stimulus, in the form of quantitative easing would in my view, be a possibility. Daiwa Capital Markets, Paul Kitney The vote actually wards off one of the existential risks that I had seen in equities, particularly in emerging markets. That would have been an ill-proposed deal being accepted, and then there being a flight to quality into the U.S. dollar as a result. Thats being put on hold at the very least. What it also shows is that the focus is on the economics. Were seeing a bipartisan approach to looking at the implications of Brexit on the U.K. economy. Particularly in the backdrop of a weaker Eurozone, a weaker U.K. economy, this has become much more important. And ultimately were likely to see a better outcome even if that outcome means no Brexit at all. Makor Capital Markets, Stephane Barbier de la Serre A most uncertain outcome though (both in the immediate future and down the road) and that may be the rationale behind GBPs impressive resilience after a short-lived fall in the immediate aftermath of the vote, But another much more fundamental reason could be that the odds of a second referendum have now objectively dramatically increased. Arguably, we may not go there in a straight line but, mutatis mutandis, keep buying dips on GBP and British domestic companies with a domestic bias. For now, Brexit remains a depressant on UK stocks against other major markets (in dollar terms)... Click to enlarge) By Zerohedge More Top Reads From Safehaven.com Give the officers wife her due A story in the Jan. 8 Journal told about a woman being denied what apparently all married police officers are granted at retirement, that is survivors benefits by the South Dakota Retirement System. This action by this organization makes me believe that South Dakota totally missed the last 50 years of American social growth toward equality for all. But then this is, after all South Dakota, the home of some of the most backward, bigoted people in the nation. Just give this woman what is due her, what is right and forget all these technicalities you claim exist to deny her. Give her what we all learned as children, give her the Golden Rule. Give her equal justice in the name of basic fair play. Let her retire and mourn her dead wife as we all would. Brent Cox Sturgis Cal Thomas shows what opposes us I cant stand Cal Thomass extreme opinion pieces, but Im glad the Journal still publishes them, because I need to be reminded what very crabby conspiracy theorists are thinking these days. The wall certainly cant hurt. The Border Patrol says we need it, its relatively cheap, and the longer the Democrats put it off, the more expensive it becomes. Other than stopping the president from fulfilling yet another campaign promise, whats the point? Why would you not legalize something that helps people? Get with the times. The government shutdown is a good reminder for all of us to realize how important it is to have a healthy savings account to help us through tough times. The first money out of every paycheck should be to yourself. The news reports that the US trade deficit with China just reached a record high. This proves that trade wars are easy to win, so easy that we've apparently become tired of winning. If walls don't work, why was it necessary to tear down the Berlin wall? Why do federal workers think their jobs are guaranteed? This household is from the Rust Belt where we experienced tremendous job losses, loss of pensions, vacation and sick time, yet not one of us was a whiny as the federal workers. The majority of people coming to the USA from the southern border are people seeking asylum as refugees. We need new borders laws not border walls. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 "Were going to be a good neighbor," Hall said. Matt Bender, president of the Black Gap homeowners association described it as a "cooperative, productive" discussion. "Even though we remain opposed to the rezoning request, assuming the commission goes ahead and approves this rezoning, I believe we have at least opened a positive dialogue with Mr. Hall and Mr. (Brian) Hammerbeck and hopefully will be able to continue with cooperative relationship going forward based on the commitment we have made to work together and keep a meaningful communication," Bender told the commissioners. Commissioner Lloyd LaCroix, who voted against the first reading on Jan. 2, said he was pleased to see the two groups reach common ground, and agreed that the area is suited to heavy industrial use. But DiSanto, whose district includes the Black Gap residents, remained wary. "Generally speaking, Im a commissioner that wants to allow people to do with their land what they want to do with their land. But if it comes into conflict with the safety or health of the neighbors then it kind of sends up a red flag for me," he said. Presiding Judge Cuno Tarfusser of the International Criminal Court on Tuesday ordered the immediate release of the 73-year-old Gbagbo and Ble Goude, following the judgment midway through their trial. Former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and Ble Goude will be freed after seven years behind bars on charges of crimes against humanity. The charges related to an alleged campaign of violence launched by Gbagbo after his defeat by AlassaneOuattara in elections in 2010. About 3,000 people died in the unrest. The international community, including former colonial power France backed Ouattara as the winner, and Gbagbo was eventually arrested by Ouattaras troops aided by UN and French forces and sent to The Hague for trial in November 2011. After numerous delays, Gbagbos trial opened in 2016 with the prosecution calling more than 80 witnesses. Lawyers for Gbagbo and BleGoude asked judges last year to acquit both men for lack of evidence at the end of the prosecution case in their trial that began just under three years ago. According to ICC president judge, a majority of the three-judge chamber ruled that the prosecutor has failed to satisfy the burden of proof against both men. Around 200 supporters wearing free Gbagbo t-shirts, some of them waving Ivory Coast flags, rallied outside the court on Tuesday. A former university professor turned activist, Gbagbo, 73, is the first-ever Head of State to be handed over to The Hague-based ICC. Known as the Iron Lady, Gbagbos wife, Simone walked away from a 20-year jail term in August when she was amnestied by Ouattara after seven years in detention. VRC recently moved to renovated facilities near Ellsworth Air Force Base, where its cold-spray metal technology is used on aircraft components. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Anderson thanked city and state leaders, economic development and education officials, customers and employees during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on an unseasonably warm January morning. All of you have had a hand to play in what has been a textbook startup at the Ascent Innovations campus at the School of Mines to where we are today, he said. B9 Creations now employs 30 sales, marketing, accounting and manufacturing employees as well as engineers at the Plant Street location, formerly office space owned by Black Hills Energy before its consolidation to its new corporate headquarters at Horizon Point in south Rapid City. The move came about, Anderson said, with the cooperation of Black Hills Works and the Black Hills Works Foundation, which uses the second floor of the building. Anderson said B9 Creations serves customers in 66 countries and has become FedExs largest international exporter from the West River, earning the company the Small Business Administrations 2018 Regional Exporter of the Year for South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. Bruce "was experienced at meeting such biases head on" by taking action when he encountered discrimination in school, at the Legislature and with the state health-care policy, the motion says. The lawyers also shared statistics and research about discrimination against trans people and suicide rates in the community. Of the more than 1.4 million trans people in the United States, the motion says, 41 percent have attempted suicide at least once, a rate 25 times higher than the general population. "Statistics such as these serve as a stark reminder of the life and death consequences of laws and policies which demean the transgender community and seek to deprive them of basic dignity and respect. While this lawsuit is now coming to an end, these important issues will survive this case," the lawyers wrote. Jerry Johnson, the lawyer representing South Dakota, and Gill responded on Jan. 15 that it agrees the lawsuit should be dismissed. But he clarified that agreeing with the dismissal doesn't mean his clients agree with what Bruce's lawyers wrote about Bruce and the harassment and suicide risk of trans people. "On the other hand, defendants agreement that this case should be dismissed as a result of the death of Terri Bruce should not be taken as any agreement by defendants regarding the statements in the motion which are not necessary to support the dismissal of this case," Johnson wrote. Contact Arielle Zionts at arielle.zionts@rapidcityjournal.com. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. A Colorado technician died last week after falling from a cell tower in Pennington County, officials confirmed. Andrew Psomas, 23, of Broomfield, Colo., died Jan. 10 while working on a cell tower on 154th Avenue near Caputa, said Helene Duhamel, spokeswoman for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office. The call was reported at 8:44 p.m. Psomas was the first tower technician to die this year while working, according to Wireless Estimator, an industry outlet. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} While the sheriff's office responded to the call and conducted a coroner's exam, the office is not investigating the incident, Duhamel said. True North Tower, the Sauk Rapids, Minn., company that Psomas was working for, also confirmed the incident and said they are in the process of working with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency, to conduct an investigation. "We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our thoughts are with Andrews family, friends and co-workers as we work through this difficult time," an emailed statement from Jordan Wang, the vice president of True North Tower said. The House overwhelmingly voted down the motion to further investigate the issue, with 62 voting no and five voting in favor. Republican House and Senate leadership at a Friday news conference said that they investigated the issue and found both Pourier and Foster to be eligible, and said there were no intentions to attempt to remove them from their seats. "We worked very hard to get the information and right now, with current information we have, we believe there's no reason she would be unseated, House Majority Leader Rep. Lee Qualm of Platte said Friday. There's plenty of evidence saying that she's definitely eligible." Qualm was present at Mondays closed-door meeting with dozens of District 27 residents, as well as House Speaker Rep. Steven Haugaard of Sioux Falls, Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Arch Beal of Sioux Falls and Speaker Pro-Tempore Rep. Spencer Gosch of Glenham. House leadership refused to begin Monday's meeting until all members of the press left the room. Democratic leadership on Friday said they were confident from the start that both Pourier and Foster are eligible for their seats. "We knew that that was going to be the end result," Senate Minority Leader Sen. Troy Heinert of Mission said Friday. Livermont said following Tuesdays vote that he does not intend to further pursue an investigation on Pourier, but that House leadership is mulling over introducing legislation that would tighten residency requirements so this doesnt happen again. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 SIOUX FALLS | Federal investigations into two recent fatal plane crashes in South Dakota have been hindered by the partial government shutdown. National Transportation Safety Board investigators have been furloughed during the longest ever U.S. government shutdown, forcing the agency to prioritize which crashes they investigate, the Argus Leader reports. Probes into a plane crash south of Salem that killed its pilot on Sunday and another on Christmas Day in Sioux Falls have been delayed until funding is restored. "That changes this thing quite dramatically," said Brad Stiefvater, McCook County Emergency Management Director. McCook County workers removed the wreckage from Sunday's crash scene with NTSB's clearance and planned to preserve it until an examination can begin. Stiefvater said both he and the NTSB are in the dark on when the agency can oversee an investigation. After the Sioux Falls plane crash, Minnesota-based company Wentworth Aircraft was contracted by the NTSB to remove the wreckage and store it in a hangar near Minneapolis. LINCOLN, Neb. | The Nebraska Tourism Office has launched its first campaign of 2019 by promoting the hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes that migrate to the Platte River Valley, with the hope of expanding on tourism success they saw after promoting the event last year. The print and television ads began running Monday, The Lincoln Journal Star reported. The crane ads note that while many people view Nebraska as a place to fly over and not a place to visit, more than half a million cranes come to the state every March. The ads will run until March in cities in Colorado, South Dakota and Kansas. Tourism office staff and animal experts will also travel to Denver this week to promote the cranes. Tourism Commission Executive Director John Ricks said the migration draws tourists from around the world. "It's truly one of the most outstanding migrations in the world," he said. The state first promoted the event to out-of-state markets last year, and saw increases to traffic to the tourism website and lodging tax that was collected, Ricks said. The ads are part of the state's new tourism campaign, "Nebraska. Honestly, it's not for everyone." which will launch fully in April. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 We did not hear the governor say anything about devoting money to narrowing the per-pupil disparity that prevents districts like Davenport from spending as much on students as other schools in the state. In fact, her office confirmed there is no money in her budget for the per pupil inequity, which for Davenport and 169 other districts amounts to about $30 less per student than the average. The governor made a big splash showing up at Central High School last year to sign a law that made a down payment on the per pupil and transportation disparities. But it apparently wasn't enough of a priority for her budget. Quad-City area lawmakers like Sen. Roby Smith, R-Davenport, have promised they will continue to work on this problem. And the governor's office told us Tuesday that she is willing to work with lawmakers on it. We'll see. We were happy to see the governor devote additional funds in her Medicaid budget to mental health efforts $11 million over two years and to move forward on a children's mental health system. She also talked about giving regions, which oversee delivery of mental health services, more budget flexibility. That will be welcome. We expect, however, there will continue to be pressure by those local regions for greater ability to control their own tax and spending policies given the volatile nature of mental health budgets. The Condition of the State address is the governor's statement of priorities, her vision for Iowa. And while we would rather have seen greater investment and aggressiveness in things like funding our public schools and providing for a more just state, we will be eager to see over the next few months where our governor goes from here to put her own stamp on the state's future. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 The results from the 2018 midterm elections prove them wrong. Trump's incredibly small margin in Florida in 2016 was clearly helped by the fact that 1.5 million people in the state who were previously convicted of a felony could not vote - even if they'd served their time. But last November, 64 percent of Floridians supported Amendment 4 restoring their voting rights. In Michigan, 11,000 votes separated Trump and Hillary Clinton when the dust settled. Can you guess the size of the margin when automatic voter registration was on the ballot in 2018? "Yes" beat "no" by 1.4 million. Trump won Missouri in 2016 by 19 percentage points. Two years later, Missourians voted overwhelmingly to eliminate the state's "right to work" law. They also approved medical marijuana and sweeping campaign finance reform. These are exactly the kind of "idealistic" and "radical" changes everyday people demand, and we can deliver - not just in blue states but all over country. Too many Americans feel like the walls are closing in. They don't care about returning "normalcy" to our political discourse - whatever the hell that means. Voters want significant proposals for equality and fairness. Anyone who tells you otherwise is dooming our party to repeat the mistakes of the past. There are many signs that the dawn of a new progressive era is here. Now is the time for our party to redefine the possible. We can only do it by refusing to listen to what centrists tell us is realistic. Look instead at what progressives have already done. It's time to catch up with the new, progressive future and not allow ourselves to be left behind. De Blasio, a Democrat, is mayor of New York City. This was written for the Washington Post Love 2 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Two leading opposition figures have been barred from running in presidential elections next month, the Constitutional Council said on Monday. Karim Wade, the son of former Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and Khalifa Sall, a former mayor of Dakar are barred from running the Feb. 24 poll as they were both jailed for graft and corruption in 2015 and 2018 respectively. Both presidential hopefuls had collected more than the 53,000 supporting signatures required to run but according to the Constitutional Council, the sentences ended their chances of running under Senegalese law. Karim Wade, who held a number of cabinet posts during his fathers presidencys alleged to have acquired a number of foreign companies and real estate by corrupt means, including Dubai Port World, which runs the port container terminal in Senegals capital Dakar and Moroccan bank BCME. Karim went into exile in Qatar in 2017 after serving half of his six-year sentence. Khalifa remains in jail, where he is serving a five-year sentence for embezzling 1.8 billion CFA francs ($3.2 million) in public funds. He was denied an appeal by the Supreme Court earlier in January. The former ruling Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) accuses the regime of Macky Sall, who defeated Wades father in presidential elections last year, of conducting a witch hunt of opponents. Only four opposition candidates have so far been approved by the Council. The two have 48 hours to appeal the Councils decision, which will publish a final list of approved candidates 35 days before the poll. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. Among the reasons corrections officers quit is to move on to be a police officer, sheriff's deputy or they realize "that they're not comfortable with the job, or can't do the job," he said. Major Bryce Schmidt said two new recruits who just completed the 12 weeks of training "decided this is not for them." "The No. 1 reason (those that leave) give us is lack of manpower and overtime," he added. Lane told the board it is cheaper to have someone on overtime than hiring another officer, but the excessive overtime "is running our employees out the door." Lane said correctional officers worked 3,211 hours of overtime in the six-month period ended Feb. 20, 2018. The 12 officers who worked the most overtime had 1,821 overtime hours during that period. Though the jail is authorized for 59 correctional officers, "There has never been a time when no one has been in training. There has never been a time when we were at 59 since I became sheriff," he said. Overtime also is required when staff are on medical leave or Family Medical Leave Act, or military service. He received board approval last summer to over-hire in the jail, but the time it takes to recruit, hire and train keeps the jail from reaching full staffing. The administration budget calls for expenditures of $64.69 million, but with the departmental requests, expenditures would be $65.81 million. Revenues are estimated to be $64.25 million, up $2.28 million over 2019. The proposed mental health levy increase would put Scott County at its statewide cap. In fiscal 2019, the county levied $4.11 million for its share of the region's mental health costs. In 2020, it is recommending a levy of $5.3 million. "We were able to raise mental health (funding) last year without raising the total rate. We're not able to do that this year," Farmer said. Of the eastern Iowa counties that are part of the mental health regional system, he said Scott County was the only county to levy taxes. As part of the presentation, Sheriff Tim Lane discussed his request for 10 new positions, including five correctional officers in the jail, where understaffing has led to frequent turnover. He also is requesting to add a full-time sex offender registry specialist, three deputies (for patrol) and a deputy in investigations. Board Chairman Tony Knobbe asked about the impact that plans to issue debt for new towers and equipment at the Scott Emergency Communications Center would have on the budget. "That is the second shoe to drop here," he said. A good Wednesday to all. Snow is once again heading our way. Here are the weather details from the National Weather Service. 1. Increased clouds with chance of snow Today we will see increasing clouds with a steady temperature around 26 degrees. Tonight there's a 50 percent chance of snow after midnight. It will be cloudy with a low around 24 degrees. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible. Thursday brings a 40 percent chance of snow before noon. Skies will be cloudy with a high near 31 degrees and a low around 17 degrees. The Quad-City region is under a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service. Here's what it says about Thursday through Tuesday. "Light snow will continue Thursday morning with additional light accumulations possible, which may continue to produce some slick spots on untreated surfaces especially south of Interstate 80. "A larger storm system will likely produce widespread accumulating snow across the area from Friday afternoon through Saturday. A man and a woman were facing charges Tuesday after their arrests the day before in Moline on suspicion of firearms violations. The Moline Police Department said Monday that two people were initially arrested a man and woman after officers were sent around noon to investigate suspicious activity in an area near the Kone building, 1 Montgomery Drive. The man had outstanding warrants, and the woman was arrested on suspicion of illegal possession of a firearm. A third person, whom police identified on Monday as Scottie S. Smith, 20, Chicago, was arrested about 12:30 p.m. after a foot chase. During that chase, Smith allegedly threw away a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine that could hold up to 30 rounds. Smith has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to Rock Island County court records. He is accused of carrying a pistol despite a felony conviction out of Cook County. His bail was set at $100,000, which means he would have to post $10,000 to be released. He made his first appearance Tuesday afternoon before Judge Frank R. Fuhr. The woman was identified in court and in court records on Tuesday as Mimi Boots, 40, Cedar Rapids. Davenport officials may soon give local law enforcement the ability to shutter massage businesses that arent run by state-licensed operators as a way to crack down on prostitution rings that operate under the guise of being legitimate massage therapists. The idea was discussed Tuesday during a routine afternoon meeting between city council members and city staff, an early step in what could become a proposed city ordinance in the near future. As council members heard different enforcement options, city officials repeatedly referenced a desire to rid the city of any illegal businesses without putting too many regulatory hurdles on legitimate ones. No concrete details about the prevalence of illicit massage therapy in Davenport were presented during Tuesdays meeting. However, the city has seen the total number of massage businesses grow significantly over the past years, and city officials have found potential issues during site visits in recent months, said Davenport City Administrator Corri Spiegel. This is an emerging issue for us, Spiegel said. Weve seen a doubling of these types of businesses in the city really over the past year. Nora L. Steele, 66, of Silvis, the former operations director of the Quad-Cities Area Childrens Food Program, is now scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 28 in Peoria by Chief U.S. District Judge James E. Shadid. She had been scheduled to be sentenced Thursday. On Sept. 19, 2018, Steele waived indictment and pleaded guilty to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture of more than $500,000 and filing a false tax return. She faces up to 23 years in prison. QCACFP, which provided meals for at-risk youth in up to 50 sites in the Quad-Cities area each month, was forced to close its doors in November 2017. Staff and volunteer board members initiated the investigation with the FBI Springfield Division, the USDA, the Office of Inspector General, the IRS and criminal investigation in the spring of 2016. Steele pleaded guilty to defrauding the federal government of $515,617 and filing a false tax return. During her plea hearing in September, she admitted that from August 2015 through June 2017 she inflated the meal count forms at Church of Peace and QCACFP for federal reimbursement. The Davenport Police Department is warning residents about a scam making the rounds where telephone callers impersonate employees of the Davenport Police Department. This scam targets area residents using threats of arrest to get money from victims. The suspects inform victims that they will be arrested unless they pay a large fine, then give instructions on how to pay the fine on prepaid charge cards, according to a post on the Davenport Police Department Facebook page. The number for the Davenport Police Department may show up on caller ID due to the use of a "spoof app," and suspects use names of Davenport police employees, the Facebook post says. It is not the Davenport Police Department. The department does not solicit money from anyone over the phone and legal fines cannot be paid on those types of prepaid charge cards. Residents should report any calls to the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-7979. Quad-City Times Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 It may be in the 20s this week, but it's guaranteed to be 98 Degrees inside Rhythm City Casino at 8 p.m. May 11 when the once-hot boy band of the same name takes the stage at the Event Center. Tickets for the show ($30 to $65) go on sale at 10 a.m. Jan. 21 at rhythmcitycasino.com, 844-852-4FUN or in person at The Market inside Rhythm City Casino, 7077 Elmore Ave. From 1997 to 2002, 98 Degrees sold a staggering 10 million records and scored a chart-topping single, Thank God I Found You, with Mariah Carey. And collaborated with their collective idol, Stevie Wonder, on True to Your Heart, for the 1998 animated Disney film, "Mulan," according to a tour release. Their four-million-selling album, "98 and Rising" in 1998 spawned the Top 5 favorites Because of You, I Do and The Hardest Thing. Their next album, 2000s "Revelation," which sold two million copies, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and yielded a trio of hits, Give Me Just One Night (Una Noche), My Everything and The Way You Want Me To." Leischner said 2017 was an outlier year, ending in 7 percent fewer passengers than the year before. While this past year's numbers look "optimistic," he said the passenger increase mostly brings the airport to "stabilization." "I look at (2017) as being more of a dip than it should have been. So this is really rightsizing that to stabilization," he said. "This is definitely a positive story. But it's not something where, 'hey, we're suddenly growing really fast.' We're back to where we should have been." He said this past year's total passenger numbers were 1 percent lower than in 2016. Leischner said the airport's next challenge is adding complementary air service to what is already offered today, "that isn't going to take away from existing carriers' success." Potential solar project Leischner is looking at ways to take advantage of state incentives by building a solar network at the airport. He said the airport is applying for renewable energy credits through Illinois' community solar initiative. For community grade projects, a lottery will decide which developers receive incentives from the Illinois Power Agency. We continue to be awed by the generosity of Quad-Citians, and we thank these donors from the bottom of our hearts for their support and for unveiling the beauty of all things. But theyre not the only angels who have spread love every Christmas for the past 111 years through our holiday giving program, including the Santa Funds sophomore year under the Lee Foundation umbrella. Every one of the donations we received in 2018 was essential in helping us spread joy in 2018, and get ready to do the same in 2019. In fact, the vast majority of the money collected each year in our annual holiday fund drive comes from donations ranging from $10 to $100. Thank you to everyone who gives. Every dollar matters. We also couldnt do what we do without the partnering agencies that identify those who need help most and then deliver it in time for Christmas. So thank you once again to the Aldridge Early Learning Center, Arc of the Quad Cities, Bethany for Children and Families, Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, Child Abuse Council, Christian Friendliness/Youth Hope, Illinois Division of Rehabilitation, Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Project NOW, Rock Island County Senior Center, Skip-A-Long child development centers, Childrens Therapy Center of the Quad Cities and CASIs (Illinois) Senior Secret Santa. Eight years after the popular uprising that ousted President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisian are back to the streets again as the government and its powerful workers union have failed to reach a deal to raise the wages for about 670,000 civil servants. Although praised for its relatively peaceful transition to democracy, Tunisia is still struggling economically. The country is under pressure from international lenders to freeze public sector wages to help reduce budget deficit. A strike by the Tunisia General Labour Union (UGTT) this week would include all airports, ports and government offices, Al-Jazeera reported. A government source told Reuters news agency that the negotiations had failed despite a new proposal from the government. As a reminder, the public sector wage bill had doubled to about 16 billion dinars ($5.5bn) in 2018 from 7.6 billion dinars ($2.6bn) in 2010. About 670,000 public sector workers went on strike and thousands protested across Tunisia last November to press the government to raise wages again. Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi opened an exhibit on Monday on the revolution at the countrys leading museum and urged all parties to work together to solve their differences. He summoned key political players and union leaders last week to press them to avoid unrest. The president warned of the danger that a general strike posed to the nations fragile economy. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. The Rock Island-Milan School District has tapped Robert Lagerblade to serve as interim superintendent. Lagerblade will hold the post until Reginald Lawrence begins July 1. Board members met in closed session during the special meeting Tuesday for about 25 minutes, according to school board president Linda Dothard. The board then reconvened for a 5-2 vote to approve Lagerblades contract, which is effective immediately and includes a salary of $600 per day. Dothard and board member Tiffany Stoner-Harris voted against the contract. Board members approved the hiring of Reginald Lawrence as Oberhaus successor on Dec. 21, and Lawrence will begin duties with the district on July 1. Dothard said she voted no on the contract because she believed Tom Berg, former Hampton superintendent, would have been a better fit. She said he has a wealth of experience in the district and the county and would have taken on the role at a lower price. Circuit Judge Terry Patton on Wednesday denied a defense request to quash the arrest of a Tennessee man and to suppress evidence from the incident. James L. Roberts Jr., 42, of Ten Mile, Tennessee, was charged Aug. 12, 2016, with cannabis trafficking, Class X possession with intent to deliver and Class 1 felony possession. Formerly of Fortuna, California, Roberts was arrested for having 250 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 in Henry County after a K-9 unit indicated the presence of marijuana. Patton had previously denied a motion to quash the arrest and suppress evidence from that arrest. Roberts attorney, Michael Galvin, argued Wednesday that he didnt know before the hearing that an Illinois State Trooper was told about Roberts vehicle from an officer in Nebraska. I would have done this a whole lot differently, had I known that, said Galvin. Patton said if the defense had needed more time, they could have sought a continuance. The Supreme Court has ruled that, as long as an officer has probable cause to make a traffic stop, it doesnt matter if the stop is a pretext for drug interdiction. Leischner said 2017 was an outlier year, ending in 7 percent fewer passengers than the year before. While this past years numbers look optimistic, he said the passenger increase mostly brings the airport to stabilization. I look at (2017) as being more of a dip than it should have been. So this is really rightsizing that to stabilization, he said. This is definitely a positive story. But its not something where, hey, were suddenly growing really fast. Were back to where we should have been. He said this past years total passenger numbers were 1 percent lower than in 2016. Leischner said the airports next challenge is adding complementary air service to what is already offered today, that isnt going to take away from existing carriers success. Potential solar project Leischner is looking at ways to take advantage of state incentives by building a solar network at the airport. He said the airport is applying for renewable energy credits through Illinois community solar initiative. For community grade projects, a lottery will decide which developers receive incentives from the Illinois Power Agency. Per Mar Security Services, a leading provider of total security solutions for residential and commercial clients based in Davenport, is ranked 15th in SDMs 2021 Top 100 list, moving up five spots from last year. The SDM 100 Report measures consumer dollars gained by security companies in order to present an account of the size of the market captured by the 100 largest residential and nonresidential electronic security providers in the United States. Posted pro bono: Wild Thoughts by Julia Randall. A three-part series on wilderness ethics and management offers a comprehensive review of wilderness as a legal concept, an ecological condition and as a cultural phenomenon. Click on the following links to access Part I , What is Wilderness; Part II , For Whom Does Wilderness Exist? ; and Part III , Wilderness and a Livable World . Ms. Randall's StoryMap can be found on the Adirondack Councils website at: Ms. Randall'scan be found on the Adirondack Councils website at: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/39efc4883ac348a09fbd03a0f2c6c78f Combating on the job misbehavior: https://www.not-me.com/organizations An app (the #NotMe app) employers can make available to their personnel permitting the easy and timely submission of complaints of alleged supervisor or co-worker misconduct to personnel officers, human resource teams, compliance officers or designated individuals. Click on for information concerning this program. Concerning the viral evolution of COVID-19: Science Magazine e-Letter had posted NYPPL's Science Consultant Robert Michaels' item concerning "Viral evolution may herald new pandemic phase. Click here to read Dr. Michaels' comments. Sexual Harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination : New York State : https://www.ny.gov/programs/combating-sexual-harassment-workplace 's Internet guidelines addressing employer obligations to combat sexual harassment in the workplace is at The Steel Bar is the epic story of the rise and fall and rebirth of the Pittsburgh lawyer, from the earliest days of the Pittsburgh bar to the modern era, against the backdrop of American history." More at https://publicpersonnellaw.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-steel-bar-pittsburgh-lawyers-and_28.html Contaminants of Emergent Concern was discussed by Dr. Robert A. Michaels [bam@ramtrac.com] at the New York State Bar Association, Energy and Environmental Law Section on January 31, 2020. Dr. Michaels' remarks are posted for viewing/downloading at no charge at the following URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339055672_Legacy_Contaminants_of_Emergent_Concern. Other articles addressing environmental issues by Dr. Michaels are posted on on the Internet at:https://publicpersonnellaw.blogspot.com/2020/01/articles-by-dr-robert-michaels-nypers.html Ransomware continues assault against cities and businesses - take a look at the most recent attacks, how US and international cities have handled them, and advice for dealing with the aftermath. Keep reading. Social Effects and Outcomes of Identity and ID Programs - Download this impact report that details research, use cases and tips for creating a successful municipal and government ID program to better transact with citizens by clicking here: Government ID Impact Report New technology assists local governments to better serve its residents by using new technologies to save money, communicate with residents and allow taxpayers to make payment. Click here to download a report released on September 16, 2019 by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Governing Daily has posted a link to an item, How to Prevent Job Loss in the Public Sector, noting that when budgets get slashed and hiring comes to a halt, municipalities need a way protect their most valuable resources people and finances. [Content provided by CentralSquare Technologies.] Click here to LEARN MORE About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profile The Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday in Addis Ababa to discuss Democratic Republic of Congos presidential election, that the runner-up says was rigged. The regional bloc, which includes old Kabila allies Angola and South Africa, recommended a government of national unity including parties representing Kabila, Fayulu and Tshisekedi that could promote peace. The International Conference of the Great Lakes Region (CIRGL), a 12-member body including Kinshasa allies Angola and Republic of Congo, also expressed great concern at the controversy. President Kabilas diplomatic adviser, Barnabe Kikaya Bin Karubi, is expected to attend the Thursday meeting. It was not immediately clear who else from DR Congo would be present. Pre-election polls predicted a landslide win for opposition candidate Martin Fayulu. Congos Catholic Church said that tallies compiled by its 40,000-strong monitoring team show a different winner to those announced by the electoral commission. Fayulus supporters say authorities rigged the result on behalf of Tshisekedi in a deal to protect members of President Joseph Kabilas outgoing administration and maintain his influence over security forces. The former Exxon manager and Kinshasa lawmaker urged that Congos electoral commission publish detailed results, polling stations by polling station. Around the vast nation of 80 million people that is nearly the size of western Europe, there have been isolated incidents of post-election violence. Kabila has ruled since 2001 in the Central African nation rich in minerals key to smartphones around the world. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand does not have the name recognition of other Democratic presidential contenders, according to a local political pr A new report shows that 81 percent of New York voters believe in climate change, and 62 percent believe that its caused mostly by humans. The research, released by the Nature Conservancy and conducted by a bipartisan team from FM3 Research and American Viewpoint, included interviews with 801 likely November 2020 voters conducted over the phone between Nov. 19 and 21 and Nov. 25 and 26. This research is proof that any debate is over, said Amanda Lefton, deputy policy director for the Nature Conservancys New York branch, in a news release. From worsening severe weather to devastating flooding year after year, New Yorkers are seeing the impacts of human-made climate change, and they are ready for our leaders to take concrete actions to fight it. Participants were asked about their intensity of concern around other topics, too, like crime, health care and the economy. But topics involving climate change, fossil fuels and global warming saw an increased number of people concerned since the questions were first posed in 2009. Those extremely concerned about climate change, for example, jumped from 43 percent in 2009 to 57 percent in 2018. Raising labor costs at the same time our agricultural businesses are challenged on the revenue side is a recipe for a lot of farm closures, she said. Woerner also would have liked to hear more about cleaning up pollution in the waterways and PCBs in the Hudson River. Like Stec, she also wanted more attention on aging infrastructure. Weve got more miles of roads and bridges in our DOT region than any other region of the state, she said, adding that this region does not receive any more in funding than other areas. Sen. Betty Little, R-Queensbury, also bemoaned the lack of focus on upstate and wanted to make sure that the North Country communities are not overlooked and forgotten. She said schools and health care facilities need appropriate funding and more money is needed for infrastructure including roads, bridges, water and sewer lines and broadband and cellular service. While the downstate economy has flourished, upstate lags for many reasons. To reverse the outmigration of families and businesses, we have to provide tax relief for the middle-class and create an economic environment that is much more welcoming and supportive of those who work hard and want only a fair opportunity to succeed, Little said in a news release. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed a $956 million increase to education spending in his State of the State address on Tuesday, bringing the state total to $27.7 billion. This number falls well short of what many education advocacy groups from around the state were hoping for, according to Queensbury Superintendent Douglas Huntley. Districts are experiencing increased needs from poverty, changes in enrollment and special education, Huntley said. I believe, in the field of education, there is a ways to go. David Albert, communications director for the New York State School Boards Association, agreed and said his organization and others, such as the Board of Regents, requested much more. We requested a $2.2 billion increase in school aid, Albert said. His proposal is about half of what was requested by the educational community. Albert said oftentimes the governors budget is a starting point and that the Legislature is likely to add more to the budget later, but if it was passed without changes it would stress school budgets across the state. The Lincoln Strike Group's upcoming deployment also comes at a time the U.S. is paying closer attention to Russia and its operations in the Atlantic. The U.S. recently re-established the Norfolk-based Second Fleet to manage operations in the north Atlantic, where Russia is becoming increasingly assertive. Norfolk also is home to a new NATO command that focuses on the Atlantic led by the Second Fleet commander. In the letter, Faine said he was lying on a couch while Landis played with the gun. He said she first put the gun to his forehead and then to hers. He said he grabbed it and it went off. Al-Qaeda-linked Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab, on Tuesday, attacked a business complex in Nairobi. Media reports put the number of dead at between five and 15 people. According to Nairobi Police, the assault happened after 3 pm local time in 14 Riverside, which houses offices, retail outlets, and restaurants along with the upscale DusitD2 hotel. The coordinated attack first started at the I&M Bank, followed by an explosion that targeted three vehicles in the parking lot of Dusit hotel where a number of guests suffered injuries, The Nairobi police commander Philip Ndolo said. The injured have been rushed to hospital as special forces cordon off the area, according to numerous media reports. Tuesdays attack came exactly three years after a deadly al-Shabaab attack on a Kenyan military base in El-Adde in Somalia, in which about 140 Kenya soldiers were killed. Kenya has been battling Al-Shabaab militants for a number of years following its military intervention in Somalia to fight the militants. In 2013, armed gunmen attacked the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, killing at least 69 people and injuring more than 175. Two years later on April 2, 2015, the group attacked and killed 148 people at the university in Garissa, in eastern Kenya. Rashid Abdi, an expert in Islamic militancy in east Africa with the International Crisis Group in Nairobi, said al-Shabab was a versatile and patient organisation. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. Darleen Mastin, retired senior vice president/COO of Optima Health, also thinks that her career in health care as well as her volunteer work in the community aligns with YWCA's goals. "Like the United Way and the Women's United Boards that I served on, the YWCA's mission is trying to impact our community by helping women to successfully move out of a poverty or crisis situation in life," Mastin said. Seven people on the transport bus were injured, Kosinski said Wednesday on the phone. The bus is similar to an activity bus, and is not an emergency vehicle, he said. This week Hands United Building Bridges an organization that brings together people of different faiths to tackle tough topics like racism and bias did something about it. The group held its first Summit Against Hate at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus Monday night to talk about what can be done to stop hate-based violence. Only a few states, not including Virginia, allow greyhounds to race. In November, Florida residents voted to end greyhound racing by the end of 2020, which means that thousands of the dogs will be up for adoption in the near future, Latimer said. "We have a two-prong approach to this," Labbe said. "One is through donations from local optometrists and our student government to build an inventory of glasses. The second approach is to build an app so nurses and different schools can use it to submit a request or search on our database for glasses that we have." Locally, Fort Monroe will be busy as Ground Zero. Fort Monroe is the site of the Old Point Comfort, where the first Africans arrived. A 1909 library building is being renovated and will open in August as the Fort Monroe Visitor and Education Center. It looks at the expanse of history from those first Africans to the slaves who escaped to the fort during the Civil War. Jordanian monarch Abdullah II Monday paid a historic visit to Baghdad after nearly 11 years in a move that heralds Iraqs return to the international in the wake of the Islamic State group (ISIS) defeat in 2017. King Abdullah II, AFP reports met with President Barham Saleh in Baghdad including Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi. The king last visit to the neighbor dated back to 2008 making him the first world leader to visit Iraq after the removal and the killing of Saddam Hussein following the 2003 US invasion. The visit follow that Saleh in November last year, the agency reports. The oil rich country has witnessed a flurry of visits of top officials from the region and around the world. US President Donald Trump set the tone with an unannounced visit last month during which he met with US troops. His Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also made a surprising stopover last week he embarked on a regional tour. Baghdad also received Irans oil minister then top diplomat Mohammed Javad Zarif made the trip on Sunday. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also arrived on Monday and met with Iraqi premier Adel Abdel-Mahdi, AFP reports. All visits occurred post the defeat on ISIS. Baghdad claimed in December 2017 victory over the terror group after 3 years of fierce battle. Jordan and Iraq also discussing several issues including construction of a 1,700-kilometer pipeline linking Iraqs oil-rich Basra province to Jordans Aqaba port. Iraq is also seeking to import around 300 megawatts of electricity from Jordan as it looks to diversity its critical energy sources. The U.S. as strong ally has demanded to Iraq to stop buying energy from Iran which has been supplying the maximum electricity for Iraqi households and necessary gas required to run Iraqi power plants. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. Selection of gazelle bones from Space 3 at Shubayqa 6 displaying evidence for having been in the digestive tract of a carnivore. Credit: University of Copenhagen Around 11,500 years ago, in what is now northeast Jordan, people began to live with dogs and may also have used them for hunting, according to a new study by archaeologists from the University of Copenhagen and University College London. They suggest that the introduction of dogs as hunting aids may explain the dramatic increase of hares and other small prey in the archaeological remains at the site. Dogs were domesticated by humans as early as 14,000 years ago in the Near East, but whether this was accidental or deliberate remains unclear. The new research may suggest that humans valued the tracking and hunting abilities of early dogs more than previously known. A study of animal bones from the 11,500-year-old settlement Shubayqa 6 in northeast Jordan not only suggests that dogs were present in this region at the start of the Neolithic period, but that humans and dogs likely hunted animals together. "The study of the large assemblage of animal bones from Shubayqa 6 revealed a large proportion of bones with unmistakable signs of having passed through the digestive tract of another animal; these bones are so large that they cannot have been swallowed by humans, but must have been digested by dogs," explained zooarchaeologist and the study's lead author, Lisa Yeomans. Yeomans and her colleagues have been able to show that Shubayqa 6 was occupied year-round, which suggests that the dogs were living together with the humans rather than visiting the site when there were no inhabitants: One of the excavated structures at the Shubayqa 6 site. Credit: University of Copenhagen "The dogs were not kept at the fringes of the settlement, but must have been closely integrated into all aspects of day-to-day life and allowed to freely roam around the settlement, feeding on discarded bones and defecating in and around the site." Can new hunting techniques account for the increase in small prey? When Yeomans and her co-authors sifted through the data, they also noted a curious increase in the number of hares simultaneous with the appearance of dogs at Shubayqa 6. Hares were hunted for their meat, but Shubayqa 6's inhabitants also used the hare bones to make beads. The team think that it is likely that the appearance of dogs and the increase in hares are related. "The use of dogs for hunting small, fast prey such as hares and foxes, perhaps driving them into enclosures, could provide an explanation that is in line with the evidence we have gathered. The long history of dog use to hunt both small as well as larger prey in the region is well known, and it would be strange not to consider hunting aided by dogs as a likely explanation for the sudden abundance of smaller prey in the archaeological record," said Lisa Yeomans. "The shift may also be associated with a change in hunting technique from a method such as netting, which saw an unselective portion of the hare population captured, to a selective method of hunting in which individual animals were targeted. This could have been achieved by dogs." Explore further Evidence of dogs accompanying humans to Europe during Neolithic More information: Lisa Yeomans et al, Close companions: Early evidence for dogs in northeast Jordan and the potential impact of new hunting methods, Journal of Anthropological Archaeology (2018). Lisa Yeomans et al, Close companions: Early evidence for dogs in northeast Jordan and the potential impact of new hunting methods,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaa.2018.12.005 Students were shown a picture and asked to write a description of what they saw using the Cherokee syllabary. Credit: University of Kansas Cherokee is spoken as a first language by fewer than 5,000 people, yet in recent years it has experienced a remarkable revival as a second language. But what happens when entire generations may have learned to speak the language but not read or write it? Research from the University of Kansas shows children learning to write Cherokee in an Oklahoma immersion school internalized both English and Cherokee to develop an idiosyncratic writing style. KU researchers Lizette Peter and Tracy Hirata-Edds have worked with Tsalagi Dideloquasdi, a Cherokee immersion school in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for several years to learn more about the revitalization of the language and how students acquire Cherokee. The recent findings are among the first studies to examine writing in the language, and the researchers found the students developed their own style of writing never seen in the language. Peter and Hirata-Edds argue it is not bad or incorrect, and it gives teachers important information to develop new approaches to help learners continue to build their bilingual skills. "We didn't know what to expect regarding how proficient their writing would be," said Peter, associate professor of curriculum & teaching. "Oral language is different because you have an interlocutor, in the schools' case, a teacher. When writing, the students have to rely on all they know about both Cherokee and English." Cherokee uses an orthography known as syllabary in its written form. Developed by Cherokee folk hero Sequoyah in the 1820s, it is unique among American Indian languages. The written form has many differences from English; for example, it does not use articles such as "a," "an" or "the" before nouns, and it synthesizes morphemes to a much higher degree than English. However, when analyzing students' writing samples and comparing them to samples of oral stories by Cherokee adults, the students often used grammatical conventions characteristic of English, such as creating an article where none was required. "We found the repurposing of a Cherokee demonstrative adjective peppered throughout their writing before every noun, the way an article is used in English," Peter said. "Cherokee is a highly synthetic language, so articles are generally fused with the noun. The children clearly felt the need for a separate article, though, the way their English rules tell them it should be. We're challenging the notion that they write 'bad Cherokee.' Instead, we see them as having a need to convey an idea and they're doing it in their bilingual way, through translanguaging." Students were shown a picture and asked to write a description of what they saw using the Cherokee syllabary. Credit: University of Kansas The findings comprise a chapter in the book "Teaching Writing to Children in Indigenous Languages: Instructional Practices from Global Contexts," edited by Ari Sherris and Joy Peyton. The chapter was written by Peter; Tracy Hirata-Edds, lecturer in KU's Applied English Center, and Ryan Wahde Mackey of Cherokee Nation. Most people who speak Cherokee as their first language are of the grandparent generation. Most speakers of younger generations never learned to read or write the language. So, today's students had little prior exposure to written Cherokee. For example, children's literature in Cherokee was almost nonexistent when the immersion school began, so unlike many children, students did not have access to stories in their written language. Fortunately, there has been a lot of documentation of Cherokee stories. Brad Montgomery-Anderson, who received his doctorate in linguistics from KU in 2008, recorded, transcribed and analyzed oral stories told by expert Cherokee speakers, and the researchers compared those stories with the ones written by the immersion school students. "We used a lot of different lenses to study the writing," Peter said. "We couldn't understand children's writing without also looking at what was going on in the school and then, examining more broadly their families' and communities' experiences with Cherokee language contact, shift and revitalization from a historical perspective. So, we try to contextualize their writing within the many levels of speakerhood that characterize the Tahlequah, Oklahoma, community." The chapter includes pedagogical solutions to assist teachers. They suggest supplementing the immersion approach, in which Cherokee is the only language spoken, with a focus on linguistic forms. As the students are bilingual, teachers can use that to their advantage. It is admittedly a fine balance, the authors write, but an approach comparing and contrasting the languages can help illustrate the rules of writing in both, how they differ and why. That way, instead of just pointing out students' errors, teachers can help them develop metalinguistic awareness and an understanding of why each language has the rules it does. By helping teachers, researchers can in turn help students who will be the future speakers and writers of the language. "As applied linguists, we think about oracy and literacy and how they tie together and represent the identity of those speakers, especially as they learn to express themselves in indigenous languages, many of which are threatened," Peter said. "The idiosyncrasies we see in their writing are a testament to the creativity of the human mind and how language is a key outlet for that creativity." Explore further Study shows children learning Cherokee are part of ongoing language renewal Credit: CC0 Public Domain It's right there in the name: The Endangered Species Act is meant to protect endangered species of animals. Emphasis on species. "Or they have to be a sub-species, or for vertebrates, they can be a distinct population segment," said Emily Latch, associate professor of biological sciences at UWM. "It's important to delineate taxonomic groups appropriately, because taxonomic classifications have important implications for conservation efforts and ESA protection." That means there could be high stakes for red wolves and Mexican gray wolves as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducts an assessment on the taxonomic status of each breed. Taxonomy refers to an animal's classification its genus, species, etc. Currently, red wolves are classed as a separate species from the ubiquitous gray wolf that most people are familiar with. Mexican gray wolves are considered a sub-species of the gray wolf. As part of an appropriations bill passed last year, Congress directed the wildlife service to determine if those designations are correct. The outcome could affect conservation efforts for each animal. Congress directed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct an independent assessment of each wolf, so the service turned to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The scientists convened an independent group of experts, including Latch, to give the academy a crash course in wolf taxonomy. Because wolf conservation can be a controversial topic, each expert is a scientist who has a good understanding of genetics or animal behavior but has not been previously involved in wolf conservation debates. "We've presented information at a series of meetings and webinars. The webinars have been on topics like, 'What constitutes a species or a sub-species?'" Latch said. "I talked about how hybridization occurs, how hybrids are maintained and what approaches we might use to evaluate hybridization in species in the wild. Those are the sorts of things my lab does. We use genetic tools to help understand how animals use landscapes and how changes to those landscapes affect evolution." Hybrids not protected Most people are already familiar with hybridization, if only because they've seen purebred dogs versus mutts hybrids between two or more breeds. "But they're all one species: dogs," Latch said. "One of the purest definitions of a species is that they're two things that don't interbreed. So once they start to interbreed, it becomes challenging to determine what is a species." Hybrids are not afforded protection under the Endangered Species Act. She's talking specifically about red wolves. Today, red wolves can be found only in a recovery area in eastern North Carolina. Red wolves frequently interbreed with coyotes and produce hybrid pups. Sometimes, hybrid offspring are sterile and cannot produce babies of its own, such as mules, hybrids between horses and donkeys. But red wolf/coyote hybrids are fertile, challenging managers to keep the populations from mixing and to remove hybrid pups from the wild. With only about 30 red wolves left in the wild, Latch said, it's an ongoing struggle. By comparison, conservation efforts for Mexican gray wolves have seen more success, though it has been hard-won and recovery remains a challenge. At one point, the subspecies was extinct in the wild, and the initial captive population was started with just 5 wolves. Through careful breeding efforts, said Latch, the population began to grow and researchers began releasing wolves back into the environment. Today, there are 114 Mexican gray wolves in the wild in the United States and a good captive breeding program, according to the Wolf Conservation Center. Future uncertain The future of conservation efforts for both breeds is uncertain as the government debates their taxonomic status. Latch isn't sure of her own opinion either the fact that red wolves can hybridize with coyotes makes determining a designation tricky, and the evolutionary history of wolves is complex but she's enjoyed learning from her colleagues around the country as she's listened to their webinars. And if she was able to shed some light on hybridization, so much the better. "I was honored to be able to help the National Academies with this difficult charge, and happy to apply my lab's work and experience to a new and important conservation problem," Latch said. The committee's report will be released in March. You can learn more about the taxonomic debate at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine website, and you can view Latch's presentation on the academies' wolf taxonomy webpage, starting at 29:20. Explore further Gray wolf arrives at New Mexico zoo for recovery program Exploring the work of Professor Judith Kelley. Credit: Duke University Using data to rate countries doesn't just help us understand their behavior, it actually changes it. For Judith Kelley, the acronym GPA means more than "grade point average," the term most familiar to her students. She also thinks of "global performance assessments"public measures of performance that nations, nongovernmental organizations and private entities use to attract attention, shape debate, andthey hopechange behavior. Kelley studies how international actors influence domestic politics. "What can we do to get countries to stop mistreating people?" she asks. She has written books on getting states to respect the rights of ethnic minorities, and about how to promote better elections. Her work on international election monitors showed that observing and reporting on elections could improve election quality. Social scientists are familiar with the phenomenon, called the Hawthorne effect: When people are aware they are being observed, they change their behavior. Yet observation alone may not suffice to bring about desired changes. What other strategies can be used on the international stage to ensure fair elections or secure basic human rights? "Professors know very well that grades affect behavior," says Kelley. "It can be a motivating tool. A low grade can spur improvement and a high grade can inspire the student to work hard to keep that grade. Nations that care about their reputations can also be influenced through ratings and rankings in what I call 'scorecard diplomacy.'" Scorecard diplomacy is an important new tool in international relations. It is a form of "soft power," used in combination with, or instead of "hard power," such as economic sanctions or military force. It combines both "carrots and sticks." A bad ranking can shame countries, but scorecard diplomacy goes further than just calling out failures. It also outlines actions that can lead to a better score in the next cycle. Credit: Duke University "The essential feature of GPAs is the itchy feeling they create of being socially watched, judged and especially compared with peers," Kelley, and co-author Beth Simmons (University of Pennsylvania) write. Once people realized this type of information was powerful, more organizations began doing it as a way of setting norms. Exploding GPAs Now that new forms of information technology have made it possible to analyze and spread data globally, instantly, and at a minimal cost, these types of GPAs have exploded. For example, the World Bank has the Ease of Doing Business Index, the NGO Transparency International has the Corruptions Perceptions Index, and the U.S. Department of State has the Trafficking in Persons Report. Indices and rankings exist now in nearly every domain, from gender equality to military power. Kelley's current research focuses on scorecard diplomacy and human trafficking. Data is unreliable, but the International Labour Organization estimates there are about 20 million victims worldwide. Trafficking is "not only a horrific crime, but it is difficult to combat," she says. Anti-trafficking measures are costly and countries often deny the problem. Policymakers may not see human trafficking victims as constituents, as the victims are often children, immigrants or part of marginalized groups. Governments may even be complicit in exploitation of workers, such as Japan's worker trainee program, or Uzbekistan's cotton production program. Cultural norms may lead to different ideas of what constitutes trafficking. In the Middle East, foreign children as young as four were formerly bought to serve as jockeys in camel races. In 2000, two important developments occurred in the global fight against human trafficking. First, the United States passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which established the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Second, the United Nations adopted the Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. It established a definition of human trafficking that included sexual exploitation, forced labor and organ removal. The United States issued its first Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report in 2001. It covers three areas of action: protecting victims, prosecuting traffickers and preventing trafficking. The best ranking, Tier 1, is given to countries that make efforts to address the problem. The worst offenders are graded as Tier 3. There is also a Tier 2, and a "watch list" Tier 2 sub-category, which serves as a warning to those at risk of a Tier 3 grade. Credit: Duke University Combined with a U.N. protocol and new web-based reporting platforms, conditions were ripe for the exercise of this type of power. U.S. diplomats combine the public release of the report with quieter forms of diplomacy. These include the use of grants, the possibility of sanctionsso far rather ignored and collaboration with nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations. How well does it work? U.S. scorecard diplomacy on human trafficking offers a unique opportunity. Not only can Kelley explore the central question of influence in international relations, she also can assess a contested diplomatic effort on an important topic. Kelley is finding confirmation of the effectiveness of scorecard diplomacy from an unexpected source: WikiLeaks. The archive includes a quarter-million diplomatic cables from 2000 to 2010, a treasure trove of data usually unavailable to scholars. "The availability of the U.S. State Department cables allows us to peek behind the scenes to understand how officials react in private conversations with the U.S. embassy officials," she writes. With funding from the National Science Foundation, Kelley identified and analyzed more than 8,500 cables that discussed human trafficking. She also interviewed 90 people from NGOs and IGOs, as well as U.S. politicians and bureaucrats. Kelley complied a database of NGOs working on trafficking, and surveyed 500 of them. The analysis showed that countries were very concerned with their reputations, especially how they ranked within a peer group and who they were compared with. Credit: Duke University A French official noted, incredulously: "You're telling me that France could easily be in Tier Two, with Nigeria?" Some nations even hired public relations firms to help improve their image. Countries in the bottom tier were more likely to pass anti-trafficking laws in an effort to improve their rankings, Kelley found. As any teacher knows, disappointed students frequently contest grades. Similarly, countries have accused the United States of arrogance and meddling in their internal affairs. In 2006 Belize's Prime Minister Said Musa said on the evening news: "But those who seek to judge us should perhaps examine their own decadent societies before they come and pass judgment on us." Countries in Tier 3 or on the Watch List often try to save face by criticizing the validity of the rankings, Kelley says. Sometimes they have good cause, she admits. The policy is not perfect. Nonetheless, it has been effective. Numbers, rating and rankings provoke countries' concern for their international reputations and this, she argues, shows the power of strategically deployed information. "Scorecard diplomacy uses reputation like a sculptor might use a chisel. By using it to target his force, the sculptor delivers his power more effectively than the use of his hammer alone," says Kelley. This image from video provided by John Nyakatura in January 2019 shows computer-generated and robotic simulations of an Orobates Pabsti dinosaur's footprints while walking. Nyakatura has spent years studying the four-legged plant-eater, which lived before the dinosaurs, and fascinates scientists "because of its position on the tree of life.". Researchers believe the creature is a "stem amniote"a likely ancestor of several groups of land-dwelling animals that later differentiated into modern mammals, birds and reptiles. (John Nyakatura/Humboldt University via AP) How did the earliest land animals move? Scientists have used a nearly 300-million-year old fossil skeleton and preserved ancient footprints to create a moving robot model of prehistoric life. Evolutionary biologist John Nyakatura at Humboldt University in Berlin has spent years studying a 290-million-year-old fossil dug up in central Germany's Bromacker quarry in 2000. The four-legged plant-eater lived before the dinosaurs and fascinates scientists "because of its position on the tree of life," said Nyakatura. Researchers believe the creature is a "stem amniote"an early land-dwelling animal that later evolved into modern mammals, birds and reptiles. Scientists believe the first amphibious animals emerged on land 350 million years ago and the first amniotes emerged around 310 million years ago. The fossil, called Orabates pabsti, is a "beautifully preserved and articulated skeleton," said Nyakatura. What's more, scientists have previously identified fossilized footprints left by the 3-foot-long (90 cm) creature. Nyakatura teamed up with robotics expert Kamilo Melo at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne to develop a model of how the creature moved. Their results were published Wednesday in the journal Nature. The researchers built a life-size replica of the prehistoric beast"we carefully modeled each and every bone," said Nyakaturaand then tested the motion in various ways that would lead its gait to match the ancient tracks, ruling out combinations that were not anatomically possible. They repeated the exercise with a slightly-scaled up robot version , which they called OroBOT. The robot is made of motors connected by 3D-printed plastic and steel parts. The model "helps us to test real-world dynamics, to account for gravity and friction," said Melo. The team also compared their models to living animals, including salamanders and iguanas. This undated photo provided by researchers in January 2019 shows the OroBOT, based on an Orobates Pabsti fossil. Scientists have used a nearly 300-million-year old skeleton and preserved ancient footprints to create the moving robot model of prehistoric life. (Tomislav Horvat, Kamilo Melo/EPFL Lausanne via AP) Technology such as robotics, computer modeling and CT scans are transforming paleontology, "giving us ever more compelling reconstructions of the past," said Andrew Farke, curator at the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology in Claremont, California, who was not involved in the study. Based on the robot model, the scientists said they think the creature had more advanced locomotion than previously thought for such an early land animal. (Think more scampering than slithering.) "It walked with a fairly upright posture," said Melo. "It didn't drag its belly or tail." University of Maryland paleontologist Thomas R. Holtz, who was not involved in the study, said the research suggests "an upright stance goes further back than we originally thought." Stuart Sumida, a paleontologist at California State University in San Bernardino and part of the initial team that excavated Orobates fossils, called it "an exciting study." Sumida, who was not involved in the robot project, said the work provided "a much more confident window in to what happened long ago. It isn't a time machine, but Nyakatura and colleagues have given us a tantalizing peek." Explore further How early reptiles moved More information: John A. Nyakatura et al. Reverse-engineering the locomotion of a stem amniote, Nature (2019). Journal information: Nature John A. Nyakatura et al. Reverse-engineering the locomotion of a stem amniote,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0851-2 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Ten years ago, Samsung unveiled its very first Galaxy smartphone. On Feb. 20 at San Francisco's Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, Samsung hopes to celebrate the milestone with the expected launch of the S10 flagship handset. Searching for clues? The invitation, sent to the press on Thursday, not so subtly showed off the number 10 written out sideways. The launch of the S10 is a big deal for Samsung, and not just because of the 10th anniversary. Samsung, like arch-rival Apple, has seen a significant slowdown in the smartphone business. Premium handsets are pricey, the market has become saturated and, as good as phones as last year's Galaxy S9 and other top tier phones are, it's been some time since any major new ground has been broken in the space. In looking to break that ground, Samsung could announce as many as three new Galaxy phones at the "Unpacked" event, just as Apple did during its own 10th-anniversary event in September of 2017 when it unveiled the iPhone X, iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. Apple repeated a hat trick launch this past September, with the XS, XS Max and XR. At least one of Samsung's latest phones is likely to be capable of tapping into the blistering fast new 5G wireless networks that are launching this year. Whether that proves to be a Verizon exclusive or gets immediate support from all the major U.S. (and global) carriers pushing 5G remains to be seen. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have all announced that they will have at least one 5G Samsung phone in 2019. AT&T has also said it will carry a second Samsung 5G phone later this year. A Wall Street Journal report from November suggests a new Samsung model with a monster-sized 6.7-inch screen and as many as six cameras on board. Another possible innovation has to do with wireless charging, in which you may be able to use the Samsung phone to wirelessly charge other devices by placing one on top of the other. One other thing to look out for that I hope does not happen: Will Samsung follow the trend of removing the standard-sized headphone jack? Speaking of innovation, it is also plausible, though this one seems less certain, that Samsung will formally announce the release of its "foldable" phone at the event. Even if that phone isn't quite ready yet, I'd expect Samsung to surrender more details. Galaxy series devices have had their ups and downs during their 10-year lifespanlook back no further than 2016's thrice-recalled Galaxy Note 7 phablet, whose batteries kept catching fire. But Samsung has also successfully nurtured the Galaxy brand during the period that, along with Apple, came to dominate the smartphone business. Explore further Mark your calendars: Samsung preps for Galaxy S9 launch (c)2019 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Signage for automakers Volkswagen, Acura, Chevrolet and Ford, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This year's North American International Auto Show scarcely looks different: There are gleaming vehicles, bright lights and flashy displays. But a few things are missing: BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi and Mazda. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) At first glance, this year's edition of the North American International Auto Show might look like any other from the past: gleaming vehicles, bright lights and flashy displays trying to lure spectators to their offerings. But after traversing Cobo Center's massive exhibition space and ticking off the automakers, you'll notice what's not there: namely BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Audi or Mazda. Those brands had been mainstays of the Motor City's celebration of the auto industry, which opens to the public on Saturday. But they are pulling out not just from Detroit but shows worldwide because of a bad date for their vehicle launch cycle, a declining bang for their buck, or bigger buzz from solo events or digital campaigns that go straight to consumers. In response, auto shows are retooling to remain relevant: moving their events on the calendar or amping up the customer experience by offering test tracks and collecting data on visitors. Detroit auto show Chairman Bill Golling is helming the city's last winter show before NAIAS prepares its move next year to the more weather-friendly month of June. Warmer temperatures will allow for test drives of new vehicles and autonomous and vehicle-to-vehicle technologies, as well as reduced time and costs for setup and teardown. "We can now give additional time and give that experience to the consumers," Golling said. "Not only test drives of the product itself but the technology will be available to test drive it, the autonomy, the connected cars. They can't get that over the internet." As companies have left, so have automotive reporters. The show had just under 4,600 journalists this year, but normally has more than 5,000, organizers said. As for public attendance, Detroit has drawn around 800,000 for the past several years. Representatives for the auto shows in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago say they don't release attendance figures. A spokesman for the New York show would only say that it has drawn more than a million attendees every year for the past 15 years, and Los Angeles says hundreds of thousands attend annually. Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan says attendance is "pretty consistent," but BMW and Mercedes-Benz have pulled out of next month's show. He's quick to add that others, such as Jaguar Land Rover, are increasing their show floor space. "We're concerned about it," he conceded. "We're doing everything we can to try and show them that performance." Those efforts include installing indoor test tracks and outdoor test drives, he said, because "butts in seats is a great way to show off your vehicles." Still, the overall trend continues for companies to explore other promotional paths, and "not just for auto shows but globally in all different industries," said Sam Abuelsamid, a senior analyst with Navigant Research. Overview of the Cadillac, Volkswagen and Infiniti display, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) "Big companies are increasingly moving toward getting away from announcing new products, making major announcements ... where they're fighting for attention with 15-20 other companies and (instead) doing stand-alone events." Many automakers reject an all-or-nothing proposition. Detroit-based General Motors got good exposure for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox small SUV outside of any auto show. GM President Mark Reuss said "it's hard to get the right exposure in the right medium" at an auto show, but he sees a balance. "I don't think it goes away," he said of the shows. "It's important that we're here and doing big things in Detroit." Luxury makes Volvo Cars and Jaguar Land Rover are skipping the Geneva auto show in March. Volvo said it's continuing to "move away from traditional auto industry events to focus on bespoke activities to introduce its new cars, technologies and services to media and consumers." Last year, Volvo unveiled the new model of its V60 wagonnot at an exhibition center, but in the driveway of a home in suburban Stockholm. Bjorn Annwall, Volvo's senior vice president of strategy, brand and retail, said last year that "automatic attendance at traditional industry events is no longer viablewe must tailor our communications based on how the options complement our messaging, timing and the nature of the technology we are presenting." "We are not saying never to car shows. We expect industry events like the Geneva Motor Show to continue evolving and we may return in future." Volkswagen officials say it was important to be in Detroit this year, even though its Audi and Porsche were not. "For us, it's a must," VW CEO Herbert Diess said. He acknowledged that "shows are declining" globally, but affirmed the automaker's decision to stick with the Motor City. "I just had a walk through the showI had a good impression," he added. "There's a lot of new product being shown here, so why not?" 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. An olive ridley sea turtle, a species of the sea turtle superfamily. Credit: Thierry Caro/Wikipedia More than three-quarters of marine mammal and sea turtle populations have significantly increased after listing of the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), according to a study published January 16 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Abel Valdivia of the Center for Biological Diversity in California, and colleagues. The findings suggest that conservation measures such as tailored species management and fishery regulations, in addition to other national and international measures, appear to have been largely successful in promoting species recovery, leading to the delisting of some species and to increases in most populations. The ESA is a powerful environmental law protecting imperiled plants and animals, and a growing number of marine species have been protected under this law as extinction risk in the oceans has increased. Yet analyses of recovery trends for marine mammals and sea turtles after listing are lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, Valdivia and colleagues gathered the best available annual abundance estimates for populations of all 62 marine mammal species and sea turtle species listed under the ESA. The researchers analyzed population trends, the magnitude of population change, and recovery status for 23 representative populations of 14 marine mammal species and eight representative populations of five sea turtle species. The findings revealed that 18 (or 78%) of marine mammal populations and six (or 75%) of sea turtle populations significantly increased after ESA listing. On the other hand, two (or 9%) of marine mammal populations, but no sea turtle populations, declined after ESA protection. Meanwhile, three (or 13%) of marine mammal populations and two (or 25%) of sea turtle populations showed non-significant changes. Overall, the 24 populations that increased in abundance were from species listed for 20 years or more (e.g., large whales, manatees, and sea turtles). According to the authors, the results underscore the capacity of marine mammals and sea turtles to recover from substantial population declines when conservation actions are implemented in a timely and effective manner. Explore further Global conservation priorities for marine turtles More information: Valdivia A, Wolf S, Suckling K (2019) Marine mammals and sea turtles listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act are recovering. PLoS ONE 14(1): e0210164. Journal information: PLoS ONE Valdivia A, Wolf S, Suckling K (2019) Marine mammals and sea turtles listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act are recovering.14(1): e0210164. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210164 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Doctors in intensive care units face a continual dilemma: Every blood test they order could yield critical information, but also adds costs and risks for patients. To address this challenge, researchers from Princeton University are developing a computational approach to help clinicians more effectively monitor patients' conditions and make decisions about the best opportunities to order lab tests for specific patients. Using data from more than 6,000 patients, graduate students Li-Fang Cheng and Niranjani Prasad worked with Associate Professor of Computer Science Barbara Engelhardt to design a system that could both reduce the frequency of tests and improve the timing of critical treatments. The team presented their results on Jan. 6 at the Pacific Symposium on Biocomputing in Hawaii. The analysis focused on four blood tests measuring lactate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and white blood cells. These indicators are used to diagnose two dangerous problems for ICU patients: kidney failure or a systemic infection called sepsis. "Since one of our goals was to think about whether we could reduce the number of lab tests, we started looking at the [blood test] panels that are most ordered," said Cheng, co-lead author of the study along with Prasad. The researchers worked with the MIMIC III database, which includes detailed records of 58,000 critical care admissions at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. For the study, the researchers selected a subset of 6,060 records of adults who stayed in the ICU for between one and 20 days and had measurements for common vital signs and lab tests. "These medical data, at the scale we're talking about, basically became available in the last year or two in a way that we can analyze them with machine learning methods," said Engelhardt, the senior author of the study. "That's super exciting, and a great opportunity." The team's algorithm uses a "reward function" that encourages a test order based on how informative the test is at a given time. That is, there is greater reward in administering a test if there is a higher probability that a patient's state is significantly different from the last measurement, and if the test result is likely to suggest a clinical intervention such as initiating antibiotics or assisting breathing through mechanical ventilation. At the same time, the function adds a penalty for the test's monetary cost and risk to the patient. Prasad noted that, depending on the situation, a clinician could decide to prioritize one of these components over others. This approach, known as reinforcement learning, aims to recommend decisions that maximize the reward function. This treats the issue of medical testing "like the sequential decision-making problem it is, where you account for all decisions and all the states you've seen in the past time period and decide what you should do at a current time to maximize long-term rewards for the patient," explained Prasad, a graduate student in computer science. Sorting through this information in a timely manner for a clinical setting requires considerable computing power, said Engelhardt, an associated faculty member of the Princeton Institute for Computational Science and Engineering (PICSciE). Cheng, an electrical engineering graduate student, worked with her co-adviser Kai Li, the Paul M. and Marcia R. Wythes Professor in Computer Science, to run the team's computations using PICSciE resources. To test the utility of the lab testing policy they developed, the researchers compared the reward function values that would have resulted from applying their policy to the testing regimens that were actually used for the 6,060 patients in the training data set, who were admitted to the ICU between 2001 and 2012. They also compared these values to those that would have resulted from randomized lab testing policies. For each test and reward component, the policy generated by the machine learning algorithm would have led to improved reward values compared to the actual policies used in the hospital. In most cases the algorithm also outperformed random policies. Lactate testing was a notable exception; this could be explained by the relatively low frequency of lactate test orders, leading to a high degree of variance in the informativeness of the test. Overall, the researchers' analysis showed that their optimized policy would have yielded more information than did the actual testing regimen that clinicians followed. Using the algorithm could have reduced the number of lab test orders by as much as 44 percent in the case of white blood cell tests. They also showed that this approach would have helped inform clinicians to intervene sometimes hours sooner when a patient's condition began to deteriorate. "With the lab test ordering policy that this method developed, we were able to order labs to determine that the patient's health had degraded enough to need treatment, on average, four hours before the clinician actually initiated treatment based on clinician ordered labs," said Engelhardt. "There is a scarcity of evidence-based guidelines in critical care regarding the appropriate frequency of laboratory measurements," said Shamim Nemati, an assistant professor of biomedical informatics at Emory University who was not involved in the study. "Data-driven approaches such as the one proposed by Cheng and co-authors, when combined with a deeper insight into clinical workflow, have the potential to reduce charting burden and cost of excessive testing, and improve situational awareness and outcomes." Engelhardt's group is collaborating with data scientists on Penn Medicine's Predictive Healthcare Team to introduce this policy in the clinic within the next few years. Such efforts aim to "give clinicians the superpowers that other people in other domains are being given," said Penn Senior Data Scientist Corey Chivers. "Having access to machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical modeling with large amounts of data" will help clinicians "make better decisions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes," he added. "This is one of the first times we'll be able to take this machine learning approach and actually put it in the ICU, or in an inpatient hospital setting, and advise caregivers in a way that patients aren't going to be at risk," said Engelhardt. "That's really something novel." This work was supported by the Helen Shipley Hunt Fund, which supports research aimed at improving human health; and the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation, which supports research in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Explore further Machine-learning system could aid critical decisions in sepsis care More information: An Optimal Policy for Patient Laboratory Tests in Intensive Care Units. An Optimal Policy for Patient Laboratory Tests in Intensive Care Units. psb.stanford.edu/psb-online/pr gs/psb19/cheng_l.pdf The Big Thompson River thunders through the east edge of the Big Thompson Canyon creating a large waterfall Friday September 13, 2013.The flood damaged sections of Highway 34, at the left. Credit: Colorado State University Hurricanes and tropical storms on the coasts tend to get countrywide airtime for their intensity and impact, but floods in the central part of the U.S. also cause significant damage and disruption. That is certainly true for the Front Range of Colorado. In 1864, a massive flood from the Poudre River destroyed the Camp Collins military post in LaPorte. In 1997, the Spring Creek flood caused $200M in damages and five deaths, when 10-14 inches of rain fell in a 31-hour period. Most recently, in September 2013, six days of historic levels of rain caused massive flooding in Northern Colorado's Front Range. "Floodwater damaged and destroyed homes and businesses, mountain towns and transportation networks, ditches, dams and bridges, oil and gas drilling sites, farmland, and natural areas across seventeen counties. Eight people lost their lives. This was a hydro-geologic event, as heavy monsoonal rainfall over many days produced both devastating floods and perilous landslides. State and local officials have estimated the monetary cost of the flood to be over two billion dollars," notes Dr. Ruth Alexander, a professor in the history department and faculty researcher in the Public Lands History Center at CSU. What can a historian do in response to life-threatening flooding? Quite a lot it turns out. By documenting the communication, cooperation, and activity of natural disaster responders, historians capture the knowledge and information-sharing process that is so crucial to future response and recovery. Less than a month after the flood, Alexander and Patricia Rettig, head of the Water Resources Archive at CSU, had a conference call with Kevin Houck, section chief of Watershed and Flood Protection at the Colorado Water Conservation Board, to discuss the goals and funding for a public history project. Houck expressed keen interest in capturing the insights of professionals in water management, search and rescue, and recovery while the experience was still fresh in their minds. Alexander's role would be to gather oral histories, recordings, and transcripts of extended interviews of people involved in an event. While the flood prompted oral history projects in numerous counties, the oral history project led by Alexander and funded by the CWCB was the only one focused on emergency responders, water professionals, and officials responsible for flood management. She wanted to explore how and why the flood affected counties and communities in different ways, and how officials and professionals at all levels of government and in the private sector coped in the short and long term. While Alexander originally thought of this project as a resource for government officials and professionals in all areas of water and flood management, she also saw the materials as a resource for scholars, students, and researchers across the university. By making all of the materials publicly available through the Water Resources Archive at CSU's Morgan Library, the project would also be a resource for the citizens of Colorado to learn about "the choices communities can make to lessen their vulnerability to flooding," Alexander says. People need to be able to find, read, and use historical materials to keep their communities safe because "People are going to die if there is not good communication between professionals and the public," Alexander says. Collecting the Oral Histories and Materials After securing funding, Alexander organized a team of history graduate students led by a recent CSU history master's graduate, Naomi Gerakios (M.A. '14). To help the students prepare to collect oral histories, the Public Lands History Center ran a full-day workshop on oral histories, including theory, methodologies, legal requirements, and best practices. Credit: Colorado State University As the project manager, Gerakios set up the oral history interviews. " I really enjoyed the interviews themselves: going to meet the individuals, hearing their stories, asking follow up questions beyond the standard list of questions we had outlined, and being able to make connections across the interviews themselves," says Gerakios, a curator of collections for Heritage Village. "I was able to listen and identify similar themes across the interviews, identify comments that really stood out to me, and draw a broad picture of the flood from 34 different perspectives." Each oral history in the collection includes a transcript and an audio recording. Many also include an image of the interviewee. The resource collection as a whole includes 35 oral histories, images, newspaper articles, Powerpoint presentations given by Alexander to officials and other professionals around the state, articles, videos, and a final report. The final report for the 2013 Northern Colorado Flood Oral History Project is available to the public to read. Lessons Learned Alexander's final report analyzes four main categories of lessons learned: floodplain management, preparation for and management during natural disasters, and recovery efforts. In 2013, Fort Collins benefited from the lessons learned from the 1997 flood, which prompted improved flood basins, detention ponds, levees, and storm sewers, increased open space, a flood warning system for the city, and improved mapping efforts. Overall, Fort Collins had less property damage and lower repair costs than comparable cities like Boulder. The 2013 flood caused some unexpected immediate and long-term problems. In the short term, for example, existing mutual aid agreements between cities were often too limited for new, catastrophic situations. In the days after the flood, city and municipality officials worked quickly and creatively with attorneys to draft all-purpose mutual aid agreements. According to Scott Sandridge, the Parks and Grounds superintendent for the City of Evans, one of these new agreements helped Greeley build a new pipeline to Evans, when Evans' wastewater treatment plant became overwhelmed. The pipeline allowed Evans to send excess water to Greeley's wastewater treatment plant which meant that Evans did not risk a raw sewage leak and did not have to call for a "no-flush" order for the city. Communication during and immediately after the flood was also difficult. Bruce Holloman, who was the state emergency coordinator in 2013, had to work with FEMA, the US Army, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Colorado National Guard to gather information across the affected counties and then find ways to share that information with local communities. They used helicopters, satellite imagery, and photography as well as real-time GIS data to coordinate rescue efforts between national, state, and local groups. Eddy Hall saw significant flood damage after the 1997 flood. Credit: Archives and Special Collections, Morgan Library Long-term recovery was complex as well. For example, much of the water for agriculture and cities in the affected counties moves through private ditches. According to Sean Cronin, the executive director of the Left Hand and St. Vrain Conservancy District, ditch companies were suddenly faced with millions of dollars of repairs, but many could not receive public assistance for those repairs. City leaders like Tara Schoendiger, the mayor of Jamestown, had to meet with FEMA officials and physically walk them through damaged areas to show how the "private" ditches were in fact a crucial part of city water infrastructure. Water ecosystems faced unexpected long-term threats, including overzealous repairs by individual land owners, volunteer crews, and local governments. According to Chris Sturm at the Colorado Water Conservation Board, "A lot of the debris in the stream channels was not trash...We didn't anticipate the widespread removal of those materials and hauling it to landfills." This led to waterways that couldn't support fish populations and lost the ability to function as full ecosystems. Over time, however, Sturm and others at the CWCB have managed to develop nine new citizen-led watershed restoration coalitions to educate and guide restoration efforts. Response, Recovery, and the Future The lessons learned through these oral histories appeared again and again: communication, cooperation, and creativity. Town, municipality, county and state officials, and professionals shared stories of efforts to communicate and cooperate across jurisdictions. They repeated the need to be creative when disaster breaks the systems in place, threatening lives and businesses. By sharing the knowledge gathered by people involved at all levels of government in planning, rescue, and recovery from the 2013 flood, Alexander hopes to provide insight and assistance to anyone interested in understanding and preparing for a flooding disaster along the Front Range. "It appears that I may be leading a new oral history project on the 2013 flood in 2019. The CWCB is very interested in interviewing large numbers of water professionals and others about lessons learned, problems identified, and improvements made since the 2013 flood," Alexander says. Explore further Caring for the hills protects us from flooding, says new research More information: 2013 Colorado flood oral history, final report: 2013 Colorado flood oral history, final report: hdl.handle.net/10217/167378 An Iranian cargo, Boeing 707 carrying from Kyrgyzstan crashed on Monday after skidding off on the runway at an airfield during an emergency landing near capital, Teheran, leaving 15 people dead except one crew member, reports say. The narrow body jet dating back to 1979 crashed into residential area after making an emergency landing at 8:30 am, at Fath Airport operated the Irans powerful Revolutionary Guards. The four-engine aircraft ended up in a residential area. Images of the state-run television showed the wreckage of the jet and some homes completely destroyed. The landing was to take place at the nearby Payam International Airport, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Tehran. The aircraft, the Associated Press (AP) reports bore the paint scheme of the Iranian air forces Saha civilian airline. There were 16 people as on the aircraft which was carrying meat from Kyrgyzstan which has been since 2916 a key meat supply for Iran. Irans meat imports from Kyrgyzstan hit 150 tons in 2016 and 350 tons in 2017. In a similar development, a commercial airline in November nearly suffered same faith at Fath Airport but managed to avoid a crash after mistaking the airfield for Payam International Airport, AP notes. The Monday accident underlines Irans challenges to renew its aging aircraft fleet which most in majority acquired during the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Airbus and Boeing have scrapped deals and suspended talks with Teheran to sell over 100 jets after US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions in August and November as he in May tore the 2015 multinational nuclear accord between Iran and world powers. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. Artists impression by Anna Serena Esposito An international team of scientists, including astronomers from the Universities of Leicester, Bath and Warwick, have found evidence for the existence of a 'hot cocoon' of material enveloping a relativistic jet escaping a dying star. This research is been published online today and in print in Nature tomorrow. A relativistic jet is a very powerful phenomena which involves plasma jets shooting out of black holes at close to the speed of light, and can extend across millions of light years. Observations of supernova SN2017iuk taken shortly after its onset showed it expanding rapidly, at one third of the speed of light. This is the fastest supernova expansion measured to date. Monitoring of the outflow over many weeks revealed a clear difference between the initial chemical composition and that at later times. Taken together, these are indicators of the presence of the much theorised hot cocoon, filling a gap in our knowledge of how a jet of material escaping a star interacts with the stellar envelope around it and providing a potential link between two previously distinct classes of supernovae. The supernova signals the final demise of a massive star, in which the stellar core collapses and the outer layers are violently blown off. SN2017iuk belongs to a class of extreme supernovae, sometimes called hypernovae or GRB-SNe, that accompany a yet more dramatic event known as a gamma-ray burst (GRB). At stellar death, a highly relativistic, narrow beam of material can be ejected from the poles of the star which glows brightly first in gamma radiation and then across the entire electromagnetic spectrum and is known as a GRB. Until now, astronomers have been unable to study the earliest moments in the development of a supernova of this kind (a GRB-SN), but SN2017iuk was fortuitously close-byat roughly 500 million light years from Earthand the GRB light was underluminous, allowing the SN itself to be detectable at early times. Dr. Rhaana Starling, Associate Professor in the University of Leicester's Department of Physics and Astronomy said: "This immediately looked like an event worth chasing, as it happened in a grand-design spiral galaxy at very close proximity, cosmologically speaking. "When the first sets of data came in there was an unusual component to the light that looked very blue, prompting a monitoring campaign to see if we could determine its origin by following the evolution and taking detailed spectra. Supernova 2017iuk (indicated with an arrow) in its host galaxy, 18 days after onset. Credit: A. de Ugarte Postigo (IAA/CSIC) "The gamma-ray burst itself looked quite weak, so we could see other processes that were going on around the newly-formed jet which are normally drowned out. The idea of a cocoon of thermalised gas created by the relativistic jet as it drills out of the star had been proposed and implied in other cases, but here was the evidence that we needed to pin down the existence of such a structure." A coordinated approach using a suite of space- and ground-based observatories was required to monitor the supernova over 30 days and at many wavelengths. The event was first detected using the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. Swift is a NASA space mission in which the University of Leicester is one of three partners, and hosts its UK data centre. Data obtained with the Gravitational-wave Optical Transient Observatory (GOTO) helped to track the supernova light, while spectroscopy was obtained through dedicated observing programmes including initiatives by the STARGATE Collaboration headed up by Professor Nial Tanvir at the University of Leicester, which uses 8-m telescopes at the European Southern Observatory. Professor Tanvir, Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leicester said: "The relativistic jet punches out through the star as if it was a bullet being fired out from the inside of an apple. What we've seen for the first time is all the apply debris that explodes out after the bullet." Speeds of up to 115,000 kilometres per second were measured for the expanding supernova for approximately one hour after its onset. A different chemical composition was found for the early expanding supernova when compared with the more iron-rich later ejecta. The team concluded that just hours after the onset the ejecta is coming from the interior, from a hot cocoon created by the jet. Existing supernova production models proved insufficient to account for the large amount of high velocity material measured. The team developed new models which incorporated the cocoon component and found these were an excellent match. SN2017iuk also provides a long-sought link between the supernova that accompany GRBs, and those that do not: in lone supernovae, high speed outflows have also been seen, with velocities reaching 50,000 kilometres per second, which can originate in the same cocoon scenario but escape of the relativistic GRB jet is somehow thwarted. Core-collapse supernovae without GRBs are usually found much later after their onset, giving scientists very little chance of detecting any signatures of a hot cocoon, whilst cocoon features in GRB-associated supernovae are usually hidden by the bright, relativistic jet. The rare case of SN2017iuk has opened a window onto the earliest stages of this type of supernova phenomenon, allowing the elusive cocoon structure to be observed. Explore further X-ray vision can reveal the moment of birth of violent supernovae More information: L. Izzo et al, Signatures of a jet cocoon in early spectra of a supernova associated with a -ray burst, Nature (2019). Journal information: Nature L. Izzo et al, Signatures of a jet cocoon in early spectra of a supernova associated with a -ray burst,(2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0826-3 Renault is starting to consider replacing Carlos Ghosn, who remains in custody in Japan over allegations of financial misconduct Behind bars in Japan, Carlos Ghosn has already been stripped of his leadership roles at Nissan and Mitsubishileaving questions for Renault, the third carmaker in their alliance, over who should steer the French company now. Tensions are also running high between Renault and its Japanese partners following the sensational allegations of financial misconduct against Ghosn. What lies ahead for Renault, a company which Ghosn grew into an industrial behemoth as part of the powerful alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi? Who could replace Ghosn? Ghosn is still Renault's CEObut he needs to be replaced, with even his own lawyers acknowledging he could remain in jail awaiting trial for months. "It's a foregone conclusion," a source close to the matter told AFP. A former senior executive said Renault was "in the process of recruiting Ghosn's replacement", while a third source said: "There will be a replacement, we just need to be a little patient." Thierry Bollore, Renault's chief operating officer, has temporarily taken the reins and would be Ghosn's natural heir. Choosing Bollore, a Frenchman with plenty of experience in Asia, would allow for some continuity in a company that has been badly rocked by the Ghosn affair. But several other names are also circulating, including Didier Leroy, executive vice president at Toyota, and Michelin CEO Jean-Dominique Senard. Chief Operating Officer Thierry Bollore has temporarily taken over the top job at Renault, and would be a natural choice to replace Carlos Ghosn permanently Senard's posting at the top of the tyre-making giant is coming to an end in May and he is well-liked by the French government, which with a 15 percent stake is Renault's biggest shareholder. One plausible scenario would see him become chairman of the board, while Bollore would remain on as chief operating officer. PSA chief Carlos Tavares, whom Ghosn ousted from Renault in 2013 for daring to hint that he wanted to run the firm, is also being discussed as a possible successor. Several senior French officials have been dispatched to Tokyo for talks with Nissan chief Hiroto Saikawa, which could speed up the naming of Ghosn's replacement. A change in leadership structure? Until his arrest Ghosn was simultaneously CEO of Renault and the alliance, as well as board chairman at Nissan and Mitsubishi. Several sources say his replacement at Renault will not necessary also lead the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which is based in the Netherlands. Renault's CEO job could even be split up between an executive general manager and board chairman, a structure used by other French companies partly owned by the state. One industry insider said it was "normal" for the recruitment process to take time, adding "the streets are not overflowing" with potential leaders of firms this large. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire stressed that "there is a pilot in the plane" in Ghosn's absence in the form of Renault's temporary leadership. Carlos Ghosn is widely viewed as having been the glue that kept the alliance together Can the alliance survive? Ghosn, accused of with breach of trust and under-declaring his income, had been seen as the glue binding together the complex three-way structure that makes up the world's top-selling auto company. Nissan says the alleged financial misconduct came to light through a company whistleblowera source of angst at Renault, which has denounced what it called a "deliberately orchestrated destabilisation campaign". The documents passed to investigators have targeted figures close to Ghosn including Mouna Sepehri, Renault's head of legal affairs and communications. Resentment has long been brewing in Japan over the structure of the alliance, which some say gives Renault an undue share of Nissan's profits. Some within French company suspect Nissan of seeking to tip the balance of power within the alliance to the detriment of Renault, which currently holds 43 percent of its Japanese partner after saving it from collapse in the early 2000s. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa dismissed this as "absurd", saying: "Look at the evidence. It's serious." He insisted he was committed to the alliance and had no immediate plans to seek to change its structure. One Paris source suggested changes would be necessary in the top ranks of Nissan for the Franco-Japanese partnership, forged in 1999, to continue. Another source said it was inevitable that there would be "battles for influence" and "score-settling", but insisted the alliance would live on to see another day. Explore further Renault board maintains Ghosn as CEO, says pay was legal 2019 AFP The coral Stylophora pistillata, also called Smooth Cauliflower Coral. Credit: Eric Tambutte, Centre Scientifique de Monaco Coral reefs are made up of massive calcium carbonate skeletons. A new study, published in Science Advances on January 16th 2019, reveals insights into the calcification process that leads to the formation of these skeletons. Elucidating coral calcification is key to a deeper understanding and better predictions of how and why coral reefs respond to environmental changes such as ocean acidification. "By combining microscopy and microsensor measurements, we directly measured calcium, carbonate and pH at the site of calcification in coral microcolonies of Stylophora pistillata and derived important carbonate chemistry parameters from it. We show that all measured and derived parameters are higher at the coral than in the surrounding seawater. This points to the importance of calcium- and carbon-concentrating mechanisms that are actively regulated by the coral to form its skeleton," says lead author Duygu Sevilgen, scientist at the CSM and former Ph.D.-student at the Max-Planck-Institute for Marine Microbiology. Measuring these key parameters at the site of calcification in live coral samples (where the first crystals are formed before they fuse to build the massive skeleton) is technically highly challenging. Previous studies using microelectrodes have been carried out "blind," and were hampered by uncertainty over correct placement of the microelectrodes in the calcifying medium. As such, most of today's knowledge is based on geochemical signatures in dead skeletons, rather than measurements in live corals. Sevilgen and her colleagues overcame these difficulties by using in vivo microscopy to orientate the microelectrodes into the calcifying medium, minimizing disturbance to coral physiology. "For many years, one of our strengths at the CSM has been to culture corals under controlled conditions and develop cutting edge techniques to analyse the physiology of living corals," says Sylvie Tambutte, research director at the CSM. Microcolony of the coral Stylophora pistillata, also called Smooth Cauliflower Coral, with microsensor . Credit: Eric Tambutte, Centre Scientifique de Monaco Alexander Venn, senior scientist at the CSM, further explains: "Lots of important data on the calcifying fluid are available in the literature on corals. However, values obtained by different methods show great variability. As a first step in our study, we combined two methods to measure pH (a pH sensitive fluorescent dye and pH microsensors) and optically verified that we measure at the same spot and at the same time. By doing this we could show that when measured at the same time and place, methods indeed agree, clarifying differences in previous findings. This highlights the usefulness and importance of optical verification during the use of microsensors to ensure proper placement within the coral." The study presents important insights that are relevant for future microsensor and modeling approaches addressing the carbonate chemistry and dynamics during carbonate crystal formation in corals. Explore further New sensor enables first carbonate ion concentration measurements inside coral More information: "Full in vivo characterization of carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification in corals" Science Advances (2019). advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/1/eaau7447 Journal information: Science Advances "Full in vivo characterization of carbonate chemistry at the site of calcification in corals"(2019). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau7447 Carlos Ghosn has lost his positions at Nissan and Mitssubishi and now the French government wants him replaced as Renault CEO The French government on Wednesday called for former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who has spent the last two months in Japanese custody, to be replaced as chief executive of carmaker Renault. Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire called for Renault's board to meet "in the coming days "to pick a "new lasting leadership" to replace the fallen auto titan, who has been charged with under-declaring his income and aggravated breach of trust. The French state is Renault's biggest shareholder, owning a 15-percent stake. Ghosn, who built up a formidable alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi that sold more cars than Volkswagen in 2017, has already been stripped of his leadership roles at Nissan and Mitsubishi. But until now the French government had refrained from trying to oust him from the country's second-biggest carmaker. The move came a day after a Tokyo court denied bail for the 64-year-old Franco-Brazilian-Lebanese businessman, meaning he could remain in pre-trial detention for several more months. Last week, Ghosn was hit with further charges for alleged financial misconductall of which he denies. 'Lasting leadership' sought "I always indicated, while reiterating the presumption of Carlos Ghosn's innocence, that if he was durably prevented (from fulfilling his role) we would move to the next stage. We're there now," Le Maire told LCI broadcaster. "In this new stage we need a new lasting leadership for Renault," he said, adding that he had "explicitly asked, as the shareholder of reference, that Renault's board of directors meet in the coming days" to choose a new CEO. Several people have been cited as possible replacements for Ghosn. Le Maire praised Michelin CEO Jean-Dominique Senard, tipped as a possible future chairman of the board, working alongside chief operating officer Thierry Bollore. Ghosn made a dramatic courtroom appearance in Japan on Tuesday, during which he denounced the allegations against him, saying he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained". He has been indicted on two counts of under-declaring his income in statements to shareholders, amounting to over nine billion yen ($83 million) over eight fiscal years. Ghosn also stands charged with "aggravated breach of trust" over a complex alleged scheme in which he is said to have tried to transfer foreign exchange losses to Nissan's books. His ongoing detention has prompted some international criticism of Japan's legal system and created tensions between Renault and its Japanese partners. In a letter to Human Rights Watch, his wife Carole Ghosn complained about the "harsh" conditions in which he was being held since his shock arrest at Tokyo's Haneda airport on November 19 She also claimed he was being subjected to round-the-clock interrogations intended to extract a confession. Explore further What future for Renault after Ghosn scandal? 2019 AFP New research provides evidence of rainfall on the north pole of Titan, the largest of Saturns moons, shown here. The rainfall would be the first indication of the start of a summer season in the moons northern hemisphere, according to the researchers. Credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona. An image from the international Cassini spacecraft provides evidence of rainfall on the north pole of Titan, the largest of Saturn's moons. The rainfall would be the first indication of the start of a summer season in the moon's northern hemisphere. "The whole Titan community has been looking forward to seeing clouds and rains on Titan's north pole, indicating the start of the northern summer, but despite what the climate models had predicted, we weren't even seeing any clouds," said Rajani Dhingra, a doctoral student in physics at the University of Idaho in Moscow, and lead author of the new study accepted for publication in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union. "People called it the curious case of missing clouds." Dhingra and her colleagues identified a reflective feature near Titan's north pole on an image taken June 7, 2016, by Cassini's near-infrared instrument, the Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer. The reflective feature covered approximately 46,332 square miles, roughly half the size of the Great Lakes, and did not appear on images from previous and subsequent Cassini passes. Analyses of the short-term reflective feature suggested it likely resulted from sunlight reflecting off a wet surface. The study attributes the reflection to a methane rainfall event, followed by a probable period of evaporation. Titans north pole as seen by the Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer. The orange box shows the wet sidewalk region, what analyses suggests is evidence of changing seasons and rain on Titans north pole. The blue box shows the expanded region in the bottom panel. Bottom Panel: Pictured is an expanded view of Titans north pole. Dark blue arrows mark clouds. Red arrows mark the mirror-like reflection from a lake called Xolotlan Lacus. Pink arrows mark the wet sidewalkregion. The black dot marks the actual north pole of Titan. Light blue arrows mark the edges of the largest north polar sea, Kraken Mare. Credit: NASA/JPL/University of Arizona/University of Idaho. "It's like looking at a sunlit wet sidewalk," Dhingra said. This reflective surface represents the first observations of summer rainfall on the moon's northern hemisphere. If compared to Earth's yearly cycle of four seasons, a season on Titan lasts seven Earth years. Cassini arrived at Titan during the southern summer and observed clouds and rainfall in the southern hemisphere. Climate models of Titan predicted similar weather would occur in the northern hemisphere in the years leading up to the northern summer solstice in 2017. But, by 2016, the expected cloud cover in the northern hemisphere had not appeared. This observation may help scientists gain a more complete understanding of Titan's seasons. "We want our model predictions to match our observations. This rainfall detection proves Cassini's climate follows the theoretical climate models we know of," Dhingra said. "Summer is happening. It was delayed, but it's happening. We will have to figure out what caused the delay, though." Additional analyses suggest the methane rain fell across a relatively pebble-like surface, Dhingra said. A rougher surface generates an amorphous pattern as the liquid settles in crevasses and gullies, while liquid falling on a smooth surface would puddle in a relatively circular pattern. Dhingra is using the wet sidewalk effect to search for additional rain events on Titan as part of her research. More information: Rajani D. Dhingra et al, Observational evidence for summer rainfall at Titan's north pole, Geophysical Research Letters (2019). Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters Rajani D. Dhingra et al, Observational evidence for summer rainfall at Titan's north pole,(2019). DOI: 10.1029/2018GL080943 Think you've come up with a killer idea for exploiting the emerging next-generation wireless networks known as 5G? If Verizon buys into in your vision and considers it commercially viable, the company will issue you up to a cool $1 million in seed money. What's more, you'll be invited to develop the concept on live networks in one of Verizon's 5G incubator labs, in New York City; Cambridge, Massachusetts; Los Angeles; Palo Alto, California, and Washington, D.C. And Verizon will provide training and technical support to the chosen innovators. It's all part of a "Built on 5G Challenge" launched this week at CES in Las Vegas during a keynote address by Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg. 5G is all about blistering speeds and low latency or network responsiveness, but the promise behind the technology extends well beyond the wicked fast handset you hope to carry in your pocket. There's surely no small amount of hype around 5G, with Verizon referring to it as the "fourth industrial revolution." The tech is meant to play an important role in self-driving cars, remote medicine, immersive education and all things connected, whether in your home, business or entire "smart community." How might you play a small part in the revolution? Verizon's challenge is open to venture-funded companies, bootstrapped startups, non-profits, educators, and yes, creative individuals. The $1 million that the company promises to dish out represents a pool of money that will be shared among a limited selection of potential winners; no more than two or three seems likely. If you're the only one you could get the full million. Not just a PowerPoint Applicants must meet certain criteria, says Sanyogita Shamunder, a network vice president for 5G ecosystems and innovation at Verizon. Is what you've cooked up real? What capabilities does the idea use? Can it realistically be implemented, given the current state of artificial intelligence, available hardware or other technologies? And does it really require 5G? "It can't be just a PowerPoint. There needs to be a proof of concept," Shamunder says. It's too soon to tell, she adds, whether chosen ideas will turn into actual commercial products. Verizon could acquire the winning company behind an innovative ideaor not. It could license some aspect of the technologyor not. According to Shamunder, "There should be potential for it to be monetizable, but every idea doesn't have to be like that. It can be something that can be used to solve some unique societal problem as well." Verizon claims it is motivated by the concept of generating such ideas and not because of any of the extra marketing attention the challenge brings to its 5G as it launches these networks at the same time that rivals such as AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint do. Shamunder concedes that the marketing aspect is a "byproduct," but hardly the main purpose. "We don't have a monopoly on ideas," she says. "There are people out there who have deep insight into certain industries and that have their own unique problems. We have these toolboxes we want them to use to solve these problems and they are better at doing that than I am." The various legal and other requirements that are part of the challenge are still being hammered out and will be posted on a Verizon website; it is probably safe to assume that Verizon will retain first right of refusal over any idea that is selected. It is unclear what kind of ownership stake Verizon will take in any of the winning ideas. This isn't, in fact, the first time Verizon has challenged outsiders to develop ideas for 5G. In partnership with Ericsson and the Mass Tech Leadership Council, Verizon in November announced the launch of the Verizon 5G Robotics Challenge for universities, startups, and other developers in the greater Boston area to create 5G-powered robotics technologies that will transform modern industry. The pool money in that challenge was $300,000. Winners have not yet been selected. It has issued another similar challenge geared toward first responders. Verizon describes its far broader latest challenge as "a nationwide search for the biggest and brightest ideas that will bring the true power of 5G to life. Winners will be judged on innovation, commercial viability, and the potential impact and sustainability of how their ideas will be able to make the world a better, more connected place." Judging will begin in the spring. Explore further Verizon cuts 10,000 workers through buyouts as part of restructuring (c)2019 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Where do the ocean waters that wash the Gold Coast come from? Credit: Flickr/LJ Mears , CC BY-NC-SA Many people in Australia will head to the beach this summer and that'll most likely include a dip or a plunge into the sea. But have you ever wondered where those ocean waters come from, and what influence they may have? Australia is surrounded by ocean currents that have a strong controlling influence on things such as climate, ecosystems, fish migrations, the transport of ocean debris and on water quality. We did a study, published in April 2018, that helps to give us a better understanding of those ocean currents. Go with the flow: Indian Ocean Our 15 year simulation indicates that water from the Pacific Ocean enters the Indonesian Archipelago through the Mindanao current (north) and Halmahera Sea (south). It then enters the Indian ocean as the Indonesian Throughflow between many Indonesian Islands, with flow through the Timor Passage being the most dominant. Most of this water flows west as the South Equatorial Current. Re-circulation of the SEC creates the Eastern Gyre that contributes to the Holloway Current. This in turn feeds the Leeuwin Current the longest boundary current in the world (Ocean currents that flow adjacent to a coastline are called boundary currents) The Leeuwin Current is the major boundary current along the west coast and as it moves southward. Indian Ocean water is supplied by the South Indian Counter Current increasing the Leeuwin Current transport by 60%. Surface currents around the Australian continent. Credit: Ems Wijeratne/Charitha Pattiaratchi/Roger Proctor The Leeuwin Current turns east at Cape Leeuwin, in Western Australia's south-west, and continues to Tasmania as the South Australian and Zeehan Currents. There is a strong seasonal variation in the strength of the boundary currents in the Indian Ocean with a progression southwards of the peak transport along the coast. The Holloway Current peaks in April/May (coinciding with changes in the monsoon winds), the Leeuwin Current reaches a maximum along the west and south coasts in June and August. Go with the flow: Pacific Ocean In the Pacific Ocean, the northern branches of the South Equatorial Current are the main inputs initiating the Hiri Current and East Australian Current. At around latitude 15 degrees south the currents split in two: southward to form the East Australian Current, and northward to form the Hiri Current which contributes to a clockwise gyre in the Gulf of Papua. The East Australian Current is the dominant current in the region transporting 33 million cubic metres of water per second southward. Ocean surface currents around Australia by Halliday 1921. At around 32S, the East Australian Current separates from the coast and 60% of the water flows eastward to New Zealand as the Tasman Front. The remaining 40% flows southward as the East Australian Current extension and contributes to the Tasman Outflow. The Tasman outflow is the major conduit of water from the Pacific to Indian Ocean and contributes to the Flinders Current, flowing westward from Tasmania and past Cape Leeuwin into the Indian Ocean. Along the southern continental slope, the Flinders Current appears as an undercurrent beneath the Leeuwin Current and a surface current further offshore. The Flinders Current contributes to the Leeuwin Undercurrent directly as a northward flow, flowing to the north-west of Australia in water depths 300 metres to 800 metres. Impact of the currents Understanding ocean circulation is a fundamental tenet of physical oceanography and scientists have been charting the pathways of ocean currents since the American hydrographer Matthew Maury, one of the founders of oceanography, who first charted the Gulf Stream in 1855. One of the first maps of circulation around Australia was by Halliday (1921) who showed the movement of "warm" and "cold" waters around Australia. Although some of the major features (such as the East Australian Current) were correctly identified, a more fine scale description is now available. The unique feature of ocean currents around Australia is that along both east and west coasts they transport warmer water southwards and influence the local climate, particularly air temperature and rainfall, as well as species distribution. Time for a plunge in the water at Bondi Beach, NSW. Credit: Flickr/Roderick Eime, CC BY-ND For example, the south west of Australia is up to 5C warmer in winter and receives more than double the rainfall compared to regions located on similar latitudes along western coastlines of other continents. Similarly many tropical species of fish are found in the southwest of Australia that hitch a ride on the ocean currents. The Pacific Ocean is the origin of waters around Australia with a direct link to the east and an indirect link to west. Ocean water from the Pacific Ocean flows through the Indonesian Archipelago, a region subject to high solar heating and rainfall runoff, creating lower density water. This water, augmented by water from the Indian Ocean, flows around the western and southern coasts, converging along the southern coast of Tasmania. So next time you head for a dip in the coastal waters around Australian, spare a thought for where that water has come from and where it may be going next. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Jennifer Lynn Stoever is an associate professor of English at Binghamton University, State University of New York. Credit: Binghamton University, State University of New York What do songs by artists like Jay-Z and Public Enemy have in common? They feature representations of 'cop voice,' a racialized way of speaking that police use to weaponize their voices around people of color, according to faculty at Binghamton University, State University of New York. Jennifer Lynn Stoever, associate professor of English at Binghamton University, studies what she refers to as the "sonic color line," the learned cultural mechanism that establishes racial difference through listening habits and uses sound to communicate one's position vis-a-vis white citizenship. "In the United States," said Stoever, "the ideology of the sonic color line operates as an aural boundary: sounds are racialized, naturalized and then policed as 'black' or 'white'." According to Stoever, police use a racialized and gendered way of speaking known as 'cop' voice' to provoke fear and extreme forms of compliance from people of color. In her new paper, Stoever identifies the phenomenon of the 'cop voice' and analyses how three hip-hop artists have deployed it as a trope in their songs to interrogate police violence in black communities. "I define 'cop voice' as the way in which police wield a vocal cadence and tone structured by and vested with white masculine authority, a sound that exerts a forceful, unearned racial authority via the sonic color line to terrorize people of color," wrote Stoever. "Intentionally wielded, although allegedly 'inaudible' to its users, cop voice almost immediately escalates routine police interactions with people of color..." Stoever argues that hip-hop artists like Jay-Z, Public Enemy and KRS-One represent 'cop voice' through shifts in their rapping flow or by using white guest rappers. "When rappers re-enact the cadence of white supremacy in their songs, I argue, they use their vocal tone, cadence and timbre to share embodied listening experiences as black men and women," wrote Stoever. "By re-enacting these everyday moments, rappers verbally cite the violence inherent in the masculinist sound of the cop voice itself: the confident, assured violence propelling those aspirant 't's and rounded, hyper-pronounced 'r's." Jay-Z's "99 Problems," features an interaction between a white police officer and the black man he has pulled over. According to Stoever, Jay-Z changes his cadence in the song to take on the sound of state-sanctioned white supremacy that he hears in the cop's voice. "The contrast in the interplay between the white cop and the black driver highlights the racial scripting inherent in the cop's rhythmic vocal aggression," wrote Stoever. "Jay-Z's performance of this cop marshals the sound of whiteness, and involves accent, tone and grainbut it is more than these things, and yet all of these things at once. It is a cadence, an ideologically rhythmic iteration of white supremacy in the voice, one that surrounds, animates and shapes speech. Jay-Z's lyrical and vocal performance of cop voice embodies and deliberately grinds against the edge of the sonic color line, calling attention to it and enacting its relations of power by inhabiting whiteness with audible masculine swagger and expectation of immediate obedience." Identifying and listening closely to these examples of cop voice reveal how people who are raced as 'white' in the United States mobilize this subject position in their voices through particular cadences that audibly signify racial authority, while at the same time, never hearing themselves as doing so, wrote Stoever. "In each of these songs, male rappers vocally emphasize how cops sound to them; parroting this speech amplifies how white people weaponize their voices in these semiprivate encounters to exert unearned racial authority via the sonic color line," she wrote. More information: Jennifer Lynn Stoever, 'Doing fifty-five in a fifty-four': Hip hop, cop voice and the cadence of white supremacy in the United States, Journal of Interdisciplinary Voice Studies (2018). Jennifer Lynn Stoever, 'Doing fifty-five in a fifty-four': Hip hop, cop voice and the cadence of white supremacy in the United States,(2018). DOI: 10.1386/jivs.3.2.115_1 Sustainability means different things to different people, say researchers. Credit: Lars Plougmann, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 What does sustainable shopping look like? From environmental impact to workers' rights, the term can cover so many aspects that buying sustainably can be a daunting task. But a new app that helps people select supermarket products by ethical preferences and an online database that brings transparency to supply chains aim to change that. Dr. Johannes Klinglmayr from the Linz Center of Mechatronics in Austria is developing a smartphone app to help shoppers choose food products that conform to their own version of sustainability. "One of the problems for sustainable consumerism is getting reliable data," he said. The app is designed to be used when someone is standing in front of a supermarket shelf, and allows people to assess the difference brands for between similar products such as pasta. It works via Bluetooth, matching the customer's location with a database of product information. The app allows someone to see how each one matches their own preferences, which they've pre-programmed into the app. To do this, Dr. Klinglmayr and his team on the ASSET project used some 25 sustainability criteria to tag products with, including environmental factors such as being free from palm oil as well as health concerns such as being sugar-free. "We have to take the word apart and give people the ability to build their own criteria," Dr. Klinglmayr said. "The point is that everyone has a different understanding of sustainability, but on some levels there is overlap." For one shopper, he explains, sustainability could mean organic food, while for another it means food that was sourced locally, or has a small carbon footprint, or was produced whilst upholding workers' rights. But all four of those sustainability criteria would prompt a shopper to buy a product made locally, in an area he or she feels familiar with. "This means that four shoppers could have different understandings of sustainability, but end up buying the same product in the shop," he said. Organic Dr. Klinglmayr believes this type of information could be more helpful than relying only on food labels, which he says have become so diverse as to risk creating confusion. "In Austria, for instance, there are 30 different labels that call an egg organic," he said. The app has already been trialled by the COOP shop in Estonia and WinklerMarkt in Austria. ASSET looked at information on all food products in the Estonian shop, excluding tobacco and alcohol. In Austria, the products used included common shopping items such as tea, milk and pasta. Dr. Klinglmayr said initial indications were that the app had been appreciated by shoppers and that data from the trials is now being analysed to see if a business case could be built for the app moving forward. He says that ASSET is part of a wider trend to improve product data and share the information with customers, whatever the end form of that turns out to be. "In general, I strongly encourage widely spread implementation within the EU of a transparent product information system," he said. Opaque One hard-to-assess criteria of sustainability is what goes on in companies that form the opaque supply networks around the world that bring goods to shoppers and which can allow brands and companies to hide behind distant suppliers. Much of this data, about which factories are working for which companies, and which brands are produced where, is available if you know where to look. But a lot isn't published publicly, or when it is there is so much data that even the companies themselves don't know where to start. Laureen van Breen, program manager with open analysis platform WikiRate, which gathers data from companies at various points along global supply chains and publishes it in an online database, says there is a lot of information about supply chains that could be made transparent, if the right systems are in place. Van Breen coordinates a project called ChainReact, which aims to make supplier networks easier to understand and more responsive. This includes identifying responsible and irresponsible corporate behaviour, and making it easier for workers to report problems. One important feature of ChainReact and WikiRate is sharing research with companies, trade unions and NGOs, and developing tools for them to make use of the information. With this project, 'we're able to connect companies (to supply chain data)," van Breen explained. Working with the UK's University of Cambridge, ChainReact has developed an app for whistleblowers known as The Whistle. The Whistle makes it easier for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to collect grievance reports from workers, to improve transparency along the supply chain. Theresa Heithaus, ChainReact's co-coordinator, say NGOs are already using the data gathered by ChainReact. The pressure group Clean Clothes Campaign, a network of NGOs and labour unions in the garment industry, has for instance used supply chain data in talks with trade unions, with the aim of improving working conditions. Slavery Another NGO, the Walk Free Foundation, used ChainReact data to analyse the effect the UK's Modern Slavery Act was having on company behaviour in order to advise the Australian government on the development of the country's own anti-slavery legislation. Through WikiRate, ChainReact gathered information about over 500 companies, to see whether for instance they had a training programme to raise employee awareness of modern slavery, or a whistle-blower system. ChainReact also looked simply at which companies were legally complying with the act, which turned out to be 'a shockingly low percentage," says Van Breen. Van Breen says the NGOs' work shows the important of ethical supply chains goes well beyond Europe and will always be relevant. "We don't really have a geographic limit," she explained. "Supply chains are global." Explore further Almost every brand of tuna on supermarket shelves shows why modern slavery laws are needed There were a few worried faces on the 23rd floor of a skyscraper in the business hub of Hong Kongs Taikoo Place last Wednesday afternoon. One of the most worried faces belonged to a supply chain manager for a Canadian technology company which manufactures the bulk of its products in China for export to North America. A few years ago, in an effort to combat rising labour costs in the southern mainland province of Guangdong, his company shifted some of its production to Laos, only to find that the quality and support was nowhere near the level in South China. We wanted to move back to China, he said. Yes it is more expensive, but the support is much better. But then they started talking about tariffs. The company is now stuck with sub-par production facilities in Laos. However, since the trade war began last July, anything produced in its plants in China is subject to a 10 per cent tariff when exported to the US. In March, if there is no trade agreement, this is due to increase to 25 per cent. The worried businessman who spoke to the South China Morning Post on condition of anonymity says his company is being whacked twice by Donald Trumps tariffs. We can take 10 per cent, we divide the cost between our suppliers and pass some on to our customers. But if it goes up to 25 per cent, I dont know what we will do. I may lose my job, he said. He was one of about 20 people in the room, listening to presentations from PwC and Deloitte, about how companies in Hong Kong can avoid paying tariffs in China, but mainly in the US. The secret lies in an arcane, decades-old customs rule that was codified into US law during the Ronald Reagan administration. I dont usually come to these things, said a director of a logistics company, who also wished not to be identified, but who said questions from clients had driven him to attend the event. Cargo volumes at the port of Hong Kong are down by 5 per cent in 2018, and while it is difficult to quantify how much of that is directly related to the trade war only 16 per cent of the total freight volume is directly related to the US experts are expecting to see a further fall off once the effect of front-loading of export orders wears off. Story continues Hong Kong, from a shipping perspective, is 70 per cent transshipment. It is volume coming into Hong Kong and going out to China, volume coming into Hong Kong from China, going to other parts of the world, said Peter Levesque, group managing director of Modern Terminals, the second largest container terminal operator in Hong Kong. So whatever happens between the US and China, it definitely impacts on Hong Kong, he said. The mood in Hong Kong is as palpable as it is understandable. Hong Kong financial secretary Paul Chan, speaking at the citys 12th Asian Financial Forum this week, said he entered the new year full of anxiety over the decline of the rules-based trading system. Wilson Chong, senior economist at the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, confirmed the mood of general anxiety. Some chamber members have received fewer orders from their US clients due to the trade war, Chong said. Some are worried that the situation might last longer and this uncertainty is hindering them from making important investment decisions. While many companies are considering moving their manufacturing out of China, thats not always possible. It can take years to relocate. And as the experience of the Canadian technology company in Laos demonstrates the quality, expertise and reliability in Southeast Asian countries can often fall well short of that in China. Furthermore, few of these hubs have the infrastructure and capacity to absorb a mass exodus of manufacturing from China. The population of Vietnam, for example, is smaller than that of Guangdong province, while Cambodia in its entirety would fit neatly inside Hebei province, Chinas 12th largest. It is unsurprising, then, that companies are looking for technical workarounds to dodge tariffs. The presentations from the accountancy firms were complex and high on jargon. But those who sat in the room at Taikoo were engaged, asking questions and scribbling notes. Desperate times call for desperate measures and one such measure being considered is an arcane, mysterious, 30-year-old piece of trade legislation known as the first sale rule. The first sale rules applies to goods bought and sold multiple times en route to their final buyer in the US, and works like this: If you have a factory in China making smartphones, you sell that product first to your trading company in Hong Kong (or anywhere else). Your Hong Kong trading company sells it on to the US, but Trumps tariffs are only payable on the first sale price that is, what the trading company paid the factory. Theres a catch: each of these transactions needs to be legitimate. Each party must make money and you have to prove this through reams of documentation, such as purchase orders that require transparency from your suppliers in China. A major challenge is convincing Chinese suppliers to share details of their finances. It can be a pain in the a*** to implement, said Farouk Merzougui, chief financial officer of Native Union, a designer of luxury tech accessories, which is using the first sale rule to skirt tariffs. It took five months to implement, but hes now saving two-thirds of the duty slapped on his US exports. When the trade war hit last summer, he was in the middle of inventory planning for the Christmas season. Merzouguis firm looked at moving production to Cambodia or Vietnam, but had reservations about the manufacturing standards. Native Union doesnt own its facilities in South China but trusts its suppliers to deliver a quality product, according to Merzougui. We were looking for a bridge between a short term and long term supply chain solution, to Christmas basically. Its not easy, its a very unknown rule. But based on our current organisation, it was likely to be the best short term fix, he said. At [a tariff of] 10 per cent this is navigable, at 25 per cent, its survival, Merzougui told the Post. It doesnt protect you totally from the tariffs, it dilutes the burden. Its not easy, a lot of preparation and documentation. But this trade war has become a competitive advantage. Were a small organisation so we could move fast. Competitors were waiting to see, so we got a competitive advantage. The rule has been challenged numerous times but remains in place in the US, which is now the only major market in which first sale can be used, after the EU outlawed it in 2016. For companies which have never dealt with trade tariffs before, the first sale rule offers a convenient solution. First sale is our baby, said Sally Peng, Hong Kong-based Asia-Pacific practice group leader at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, a firm that specialises in trade and customs issues. It was her firm that brought the litigation case that established the first sale rule in 1988. In that case, tailored suits were being made to measure in Hong Kong, then shipped to Detroit, via a network of distributors and freight-forwarders, meaning that by the time they reached the final customer in Michigan, they had been sold numerous times. Those involved in the import trade thought duty should only be paid on the price of the first sale. The United States Court of Appeals agreed. Three decades on, Peng said, the esoteric loophole now accounts for more than 50 per cent of her practices business. Until recently, first sale was used mainly by the apparel, footwear and electronics industries, which have been subject to relatively high import duties in the US. But, since the trade war began, other firms are catching on. In the past, there needed to be two things happening at the same time for first sale to be used. One is that you need a really high volume of exports, as much as possible. The second is you want the duty to be high. For some garments, such as yoga clothes, the duty is over 30 per cent, so it was widely used, Peng said. Now businesses that have previously enjoyed low tariff access to the US market are getting in touch, even those which dont have a high volume of exports. Peng says she is hearing from manufacturers of everything from tables, through car parts, to phone covers and air conditioning units which are produced in Chinese factories and exported to the US. The companies that may not have that high a volume [of exports] will consider doing first sale, because they need every little bit of help that they can get, Peng said. The common denominator is that each product is on the list of goods subject to US tariffs under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, the legislation underpinning the US trade war. The Post spoke to more than a dozen exporters, academics, lawyers, customs experts and consultants about the first sale rule. Some were fully familiar with it, others loosely, while about half had never even heard of it. Deloitte and PwC said they were fielding more enquiries from Hong Kong companies looking for workarounds before the trade war truce expires on March 1. Half a year ago we started getting enquiries. Thats when people started to feel that the trade war is going to continue, even though in the beginning a lot of people were hoping that it would end pretty quickly, Derek Lee, a partner specialising in trade at PwC, said. Trade lawyers in the US said the rule was legitimate and usable, but warned that the US Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) would be watching like a hawk for discrepancies. Establishing that the necessary conditions will be met for use of first sale value is complex and requires careful evaluation, said Craig Lewis, a trade partner at law firm Hogan Lovells Washington practice. CBP continues to recognise the validity of this valuation methodology in its practices and rulings, including a ruling recently issued in 2018, Lewis said. Therefore, absent new legislation amending the valuation statute, first sale valuation should continue to be acceptable to use first sale value where the required factual conditions are met. Back in Taikoo, the reaction was a mixture of excitement and suspicion. Even if true, I wouldnt recommend it to any of our customers as it doesnt follow the spirit of the law, said the logistics provider. The supply chain manager who fears for his job was more enthused. That was the first time I heard that we could transfer the cost of the tariff, he said on the phone days later. This is something I am very excited about. This article Trumps trade war tariffs send firms to Hong Kong for a little-known legal loophole first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. More from South China Morning Post: Qatar mother said it will oppose efforts by large members of the Arab League to reinstate Syria noting also that it will not reopen its diplomatic mission in the Syrian capital Damascus contrary to some leading Arab countries, reports say. Since day one Qatar had reasons for which it supported suspending (Arab League) membership and those reasons are still there, so we do not see any encouraging factor, said Qatar foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The Qatari top diplomat also stressed that Gulf country will not resume diplomatic relations with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Arab League in 2011 expelled Syria out of the Pan-Arab organization over regimes crackdown on demonstrators. The league also supported rebels opposed to the regime until recently. Relations between Syria and the several Gulf countries have improved since last month with the UAE and Bahrain reopened their embassies in a move of reconciliation. Kuwait also early this month say it was keen to send back diplomatic staff at its embassy in Damascus with the Arab League gives the greenlight. The organization will convene in Tunisia in March but the issue on the Syrian membership would not be discussed according to the organizations assistant Secretary General, Hossam Zaki. The League has no plans to discuss invitation to the bodys summit in Tunisia during the upcoming meeting in Lebanon to which Damascus is not invited either,Zaki told Russian state-run news agency Sputnik on Saturday. Posted by North Africa Post North Africa Post's news desk is composed of journalists and editors, who are constantly working to provide new and accurate stories to NAP readers. Heading to Japan to see the cherry blossoms? You might be too late Tourists who booked holidays in Japan to coincide with the blooming of the nations famous cherry trees may be in for an unpleasant surprise: theyre probably going to be late for the party. Japan Weather is charged with providing accurate predictions about when the delicate flowers hanami will bloom in different parts of the country. It has announced cherry trees will turn pink as much as 10 days earlier than usual. The company says higher temperatures in the latter half of 2018 have been followed by average temperatures since the turn of the year, although the forecast is for the next few weeks to be relatively warm again. As a result, buds on the nations cherry trees may begin to emerge from their dormancy 10 days early in eastern parts of Japan and a week ahead of schedule in western areas of the country. The forecast is for the blossoms to emerge in the north and in Hokkaido the same as in an average year. Blossoms of the Somei-Yoshino variety of cherry tree are expected as early as March 18 in Shikoku Prefecture and will be followed by trees in Fukuoka within 48 hours. Tokyo will witness its own explosion of pink on March 22, with trees in Osaka predicted to be in bloom five days later. Trees in Hokkaido will not be in bloom until May 4. The appearance of cherry blossoms is an annual spectacle in Japan that is welcomed as the harbinger of spring and the progress of the opening of the blooms is closely monitored. Television news programmes and newspapers carefully chart the northwards advance of the flowers on maps and early or late blooming is a serious matter. In the two weeks the flowers are on display, families, visitors and even normally staid businessmen let their hair down at company parties beneath the hanami in city parks. Japans legendary cherry blossoms also make spring the preferred time of year for many tourists to visit the country, with a record 2.6 million overseas travellers arriving in March last year. Story continues In total, 31.19 million foreign tourists arrived in Japan in 2018, up 8.7 per cent from the previous year a record. Tourism Minister Keiichi Ishii said the country is on course to reach its target of 40 million arrivals per year in 2020, when Tokyo will host the Olympic Games, and the even more ambitious aim of 60 million arrivals by 2030. This article Heading to Japan to see the cherry blossoms? You might be too late first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. More from South China Morning Post: China's GDP growth may be significantly slower than official estimates suggest and its economy more vulnerable to external shocks than widely believed, a global business think tank has warned. Data due next week is expected to show the world's number-two economy expanded around 6.5 percent last year, its slowest rate in almost three decades as a global slowdown and the US trade war bite. But even that is well above the 4.1 percent the US-based Conference Board, which provides research to member-businesses and organisations worldwide, says its methodology indicates. Economists in China and abroad have long suspected data is massaged upward, often noting that full-year gross domestic product hits Beijing's pre-set targets with suspicious regularity. The governor of northeastern Liaoning admitted in 2017 that the industrial province had falsified data for years. Even current Premier Li Keqiang said in 2007, when he was Liaoning's top political official, that results were often "man-made" and he used his own calculations to guide provincial policymaking, according to a confidential memo released by WikiLeaks. The Conference Board, whose research is widely tracked by investors and policymakers, began making its alternative China figures public in 2014. David Hoffman, its senior vice president for the Asia-Pacific, said Chinese data reporting problems do not factor into the Board's calculations. - Heightened vulnerability - Its numbers differ mainly because it looks at industrial output and service-sector growth using different methodologies intended to reduce distortions in official pricing mechanisms. Its data indicates growth in China, now a vital component of the world economy, may have been more volatile and vulnerable to outside factors than official readings let on. For example, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says growth dipped to 7.8 percent in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis, from 9.2 percent in 1997. But The Conference Board's calculations show 1998 growth may actually have been 2.3 percent, half that of the previous year. Subsequent shocks may also have been smoothed over, most recently the 2014-2015 oil and commodity price deflation cycle. The Conference Board estimates 2015 growth fell to 3.8 percent, from 6.3 percent the previous year. Official numbers, however, show a relatively small dip to 6.9 percent, from 7.3 percent. Economic growth is a sensitive topic for the Communist Party, which has based its ruling legitimacy largely on delivering constant expansion and rising living standards. Hoffman said if the Board's numbers are correct, "it makes the case for substantive economic reforms (by China) all the more urgent, especially in the face of intensifying external factors such as trade conflict and slowing global demand". Some believe China's growth may be even lower. Xiang Songzuo, a finance professor at Beijing's Renmin University and former chief economist of China Agriculture Bank, said in a lecture last month that 2018 growth may have been as low as 1.67 percent, or even contracted. Video of Xiang's lecture was widely circulated online until government censors moved to block it. - Data crackdown - The NBS did not respond to a request for comment but acknowledges the data problem. Last week it said it would launch a "first-ever" crackdown on falsification this year and implement a "unified" nationwide system of calculating growth. It may not like what it finds in 2019. Last year, the China-US trade battle may actually have boosted Chinese exports temporarily as manufacturers rushed out shipments ahead of the onset of US tariffs. But that has ended -- December exports fell 4.4 percent year-on-year -- and The Conference Board's senior economist Gao Yuan said external pressures on China's economy "are likely to show up more significantly" over the next 12 months. That further complicates Beijing's efforts to address its economic slowdown, clean up worrying debt levels, and the larger goal of transitioning away from an economic model based on exports, manufacturing and investment to one more reliant on domestic consumption. Such priorities require a cushion of solid growth to execute, economists say, but The Conference Board sees China's growth slowing further to an average 3.8 percent for 2019-2023, and 3.4 percent in 2024-2028. China's economy is "slowly decelerating, similar to the official data, but at a lower level of growth", Gao said. A US defence intelligence official has warned that Beijings growing military prowess might encourage it to consider bringing self-ruled Taiwan under its control by force, despite concerns from the United States. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in Washington, said such a possibility was the biggest worry in Washington as Beijing steadily expanded and modernised its military, although he did not predict the mainland would take such a step any time soon. The biggest concern is that they are getting to a point where the Peoples Liberation Army [PLA] leadership may actually tell [mainland Chinese President] Xi Jinping that they are confident in their capabilities, the official was quoted by Reuters as saying. Asked if he was referring to the mainlands confidence in its ability to win a battle with Taiwan, Reuters quoted the official as saying: Well, specifically that would be the most concerning to me. Chinese President Xi Jinping urges Taiwan to follow Hong Kong model for unification In a speech on January 2, marking the 40th anniversary of a cross-strait ceasefire, Xi called for talks to seek a peaceful unification with Taiwan under the one-China principle but stressed Beijing would not renounce the use of force to achieve that purpose. Xi also warned against any external interference in the mainlands handling of the Taiwan issue, which Beijing has long regarded as an internal matter. Beijing considers Taiwan a wayward province which must be reunified, by force if necessary. In addition to staging a series of war games around Taiwan and poaching five of its allies, it has suspended official exchanges with the island since Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, was elected president in 2016 and refused to accept the one-China principle. Tsai, who has rejected Xis call for talks, vowed to safeguard the islands sovereignty and security during her inspection of its army defence command in the eastern county of Hualien on Tuesday. Story continues Is Xi Jinpings Taiwan reunification push hastening a US-China clash? The leader from the other side of the Taiwan Strait has reiterated in a recent speech that they would not renounce the use of force to attack Taiwan, which has created a certain impact on regional peace and stability, she said. She promised further support for the military to safeguard Taiwan, referring to her decision to increase the military budget to at least 3 per cent of the islands GDP. Beijing has been particularly upset over Washingtons continued arms sales to Taipei, which it believes is a US attempt to use Taiwan as a pawn in dealing with the mainlands expanding military and economic influence in the region. On Tuesday, Li Zuocheng, chief of the mainland Central Military Commissions Joint Staff Department, said that if someone tried to split Taiwan from China, the PLA would do whatever it takes to safeguard national reunification, national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Xi Jinpings Taiwan comments likely to scuttle talks, analysts say However, the US official cautioned against overreacting, noting that Xi had reason to believe he had plenty of time to achieve unification with Taiwan. Hong Kong-based columnist and commentator Lau Yui-siu said Xi would consider forced unification only if Taiwan declared independence, or in the event that he wanted to shift attention at home due to internal struggles or mounting opposition. Lau said Xi would otherwise opt for peaceful means to resolve the Taiwan issue as he addressed economic and political issues at home along with diplomatic and commercial matters involving the US and other countries. This article Chinas military strength could advance Taiwan unification by force, says US official first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2019. Canada urged Beijing on Tuesday to grant clemency to a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking, after his sentence reignited a diplomatic dispute that began last month. Ottawa has warned its citizens about the risk of "arbitrary enforcement" of laws in China following a court's sentencing of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, 36, to death on Monday, increasing a previous 15-year prison term. The sentence came during a clash between Ottawa and Beijing over Canada's arrest in December of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of telecom giant Huawei, on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency" for Schellenberg, Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Earlier, Beijing said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. Freeland recalled Canada's long-standing opposition to capital punishment. "We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it," she said. Asked if Beijing would consider the clemency request, the foreign ministry said China is a rule of law country. Citing the Chinese constitution, ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters on Wednesday that the court and procuratorate "exercise independent judicial authority and prosecutorial power according to the law and will not be interfered with by other administrative organs". Human rights groups say Chinese courts are not independent and can be influenced by the Communist Party. Beijing had earlier said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had made "irresponsible remarks" for saying China chose to "arbitrarily apply" death penalties. In a move observers see as retaliation over the Huawei case, Chinese authorities detained two other Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security. The timing and swiftness of Schellenberg's sentence, and the inclusion of new evidence, raised suspicion among observers. Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said China was "playing hostage politics." In response to Canada's travel advisory on China, Beijing issued a similar response, urging its nationals to "travel cautiously." China executes one or two foreigners every year -- nearly all for drug offences, according to John Kamm, director of the US-based Dui Hua Foundation rights group. Despite the fact that the U.S. is not looking to grant any waivers to Iranian oil customers when the current ones expire in early May, it shouldnt be taken for granted that no waivers will be issued, according to the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, Brian Hook, and to analysts and an official with the previous U.S. Administration. We did not want to lift the price of oil, and we were successful doing that. So when the president left the deal it was trading at $74. When our sanctions went back into effect, and we had taken off a million barrels of Iranian crude, oil was at $72, Hook said at Atlantic Councils 2019 Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. So we had very carefully calibrated the balancing of our national security goals and our economic interests. We did not the president was very clear that he did not want to cause a spike in oil, and so we granted eight oil exceptions significant reduction exceptions. All of those countries demonstrated significant reductions in their purchases of Iranian crude that made them eligible for an exception, Hook said. We are not looking to grant any waivers or exceptions to the import of Iranian crude, U.S. Special Representative for Iran said. However, asked about waivers, Hook replied Well, I cant preview that specifically. All I can say is that we believe that a that certainly when we have a better-supplied oil market then that puts us in a much better climate to accelerate the path to zero, Hook noted. While the U.S. Administration and many analysts believe that there will be a direct correlation between the U.S. Iran waivers policy and the price of oil at the time it has to decide, Amos Hochstein, the former international energy envoy who oversaw Iran sanctions under President Obama, told CNBC that There will 100 percent be exemptions in May. According to Hochstein, the U.S. granted exemptions because it was unable to reach agreements with some of Irans largest oil customers to stop importing oil from Tehran and the Administration probably doesnt want to sanction countries that would continue imports. The reason for that is if you dont give an exemption and someone is importing, then you have to sanction them, and you probably dont want to sanction them, Hochstein told CNBC. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Total and Chevron have joined the Vakt blockchain-based trading platform that BP and Shell launched last year, Reuters reports, adding that Indias refining giant Reliance Industries also signed up for the platform. News of the platform first emerged in 2017 as blockchain continued to gain popularity. The consortium behind Vakt also includes trading houses Gunvor and Mercuria, as well as Koch Supply & Trading. The platform was financially backed by Dutch ABN Amro, ING, and French Societe Generale. The consortium behind Vakt announced the launch of the platform in November last year. Big Oil has been eager to embrace the digital age now that the financial and efficiency benefits that some solutions can offer have become obvious. Blockchain specifically, despite the hype, has been adopted by a growing number of companies outside the narrow blockchain and cryptocurrency sector in a bid to make various transactions more secure. Total has been supporting industry initiatives to digitise cargo post-trade processes for some time, the French companys chief of trading and shipping, Thomas Waymel said in a statement cited by Reuters. We view them as a major step forward towards safer, faster and cheaper logistical operations. We are committed to contribute to the roll out to various markets of the VAKT blockchain platform. At the launch of Vakt, the consortium behind it said that initially, the platform will only process contracts for the five crude oil grades sourced from the North Sea that form the Brent international benchmark. At a later stage, it will include U.S. oil pipelines and cargoes of gasoline and other oil products for Northern Europe, which explains Totals and Chevrons early entry. Besides the four Big Oil companies, the consortium behind Vakt also includes Norways Equinor and trading giants Mercuria and Gunvor. Soon, the platform will be made available to non-members of the consortium, according to an S&P Global Platts report from November quoting Lyon Hardgrave, VP of business development at Vakt. By Irina Slav for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Iran is ready to sign a deal with Iraq to drop the bilateral customs tariffs to zero, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said while on a visit to Iraq on Wednesday. The Islamic Republic of Iran is prepared to zero tariff rates between the two countries, Irans Fars news agency quoted the foreign minister as saying. According to Zarif, Iran exports US$2 billion worth of gas and electricity to Iraq every year, despite the U.S. sanctions on Iran. The American sanctions on Iran have put Iraq in a tight spoton the one hand, Baghdads trade is closely linked with its neighbor Iran, but on the other hand, the United States is an ally that helps with security. Iraq has said that it will comply with the U.S. sanctions on Iran, and just before the sanctions snapped back, Baghdad stopped trucking small volumes of crude oil from its northern Kirkuk oil field to Iran in exchange for Tehran delivering the same amount of its oil to Iraqs southern ports. Late last year, the United States granted Iraq a 90-day extension to the initial 45-day waiver allowing Baghdad to continue imports of electricity from Iran after the U.S. sanctions on Tehran returned. Major Iraqi power plants are dependent on Iranian natural gas supply, while Iraq also imports electricity from Iran, as Baghdads power generation is not enough to ensure domestic supply. Iraq has argued that it needs more time to find alternative sources of electricity supply, or it risks more and more power outages, which were one of the main reasons for protest rallies in the heart of Iraqs oil region in the southern city of Basra in the summer of 2018. During his visit to Iraq this week, Zarif also hoped to hold talks with senior Iraqi officials to look at ways to further boost cooperation and trade, Fars news agency reports. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Chevron Corporation has temporarily suspended train 3 of its Gorgon liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Australiaa development expected to boost Asian LNG prices that hit an eight-month low last week. Chevron halted the third train at Gorgon to fix a mechanical issue, and the cause is currently being investigated, a Chevron spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday. The other two trains at Gorgon are operating regularly and they continue to produce LNG and load cargoes, the spokesman noted. According to LNG traders and industry sources who spoke to Reuters, the temporary suspension of train 3 is set to boost Asian LNG prices, which last week hit their lowest in eight months and are at their lowest for this time of the winter season in the northern hemisphere in at least two years. At the end of last week, Asian LNG spot prices for February delivery slipped to $8.50 per million British thermal units (mmBtu)the lowest since the middle of May 2018, as milder winter weather in Japan and parts of China had depressed spot LNG cargo demand in the region. In addition, stock levels of LNG in China are quite high, so the Chinese will not rush to procure spot cargoes at least until the Lunar New Year holiday in early February, traders told Reuters last Friday. Referring to the cause of the Gorgon outage, some industry sources say that the mechanical issue at the suspended train 3 could have been caused by the current heat wave in Australia in the southern hemisphere summer. The past 4 days are in Australia's top 10 warmest days on record, Australias Bureau of Meteorology tweeted on Tuesday. Chevrons three-train Gorgon project, which has the capacity to produce 15.6 million tons of LNG per year, sent its first LNG cargo in March 2016. In April 2018, Chevron said that it would proceed with more offshore development at Gorgon. The expansion will involve drilling of 11 new wells in the Gorgon and Jansz-Io fields offshore Australia, with drilling set to begin this year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The carbon footprint of British Columbia is growing and has been growing for the last eight years despite a strong environmentalist lobby, , the latest provincial government data suggests. The Global and Mail quotes a spokesman for the Ministry of Environment as saying British Columbia has fallen off the rails leading to the achievement of its carbon emission reduction target for 2030. The reason for this failure has, however, nothing to do with the oil industry as such. Its simply a question of more people driving more cars. Were still living in a fossil-fuel-based economy, and weve experienced economic and population growth, the Globe and Mail quoted a Simon Fraser University researcher, Mark Jaccard, as saying. More people are driving more cars, and unless we make a significant leap towards electric vehicles, these emissions will continue to rise. British Columbia had a target of cutting carbon emissions by 33 percent from 2007 levels to 2020. However, the new figures reveal the province has only succeeded in cutting emissions by 2.2 percent from 2007 levels, which means the 2020 target will be pretty much unattainable unless a radical change in driving habits takes place. Related: Russias Looks To Build LNG Island To Supply Booming Asian Market Now, the British Columbia has a new target of reducing emissions by 40 percent from 2007 levels by 2030. Thats what the CleanBC plan devised by the new NDP government that came into office in 2017 envisages. According to Premier John Horgan, CleanBC includes steps to reduce emissions by 75 percent of the target amount by 2030 by encouraging a switch to more electric vehicles, greater use of renewable sources of energy and a pledge that by 2040 all new cars sold in the province will be zero-emission vehicles. B.C.s shift to cleaner energy has pitted the province against neighbor Alberta, which produces most of Canadas oil and supplies B.C. with natural gas. British Columbians have been protesting the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion on pollution concern grounds and the government has joined in, stopping the project. Now, B.C. residents are protesting a gas pipeline to a future project that the Horgan government is supporting: LNG Canada. The latest figures about emissions could intensify the environmental protests against the project, which the NDP government welcomed with open arms as the biggest single private investment in the province. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On Monday morning, Mozambican soldiers opened fire to disperse protesters calling for natural gas projects to be suspended until more pressing issues, particularly fundamentalist insurgents, are dealt with. Nonetheless, Mozambique seems determined to push ahead with LNG development, hopeful that the huge gas deposit discovered off its northern coast in 2010 could lift the country out of the ranks of the worlds poorest. Its not only the protesters who are skeptical, however: analysts have raised fears that Maputo could be hit by the resource curse, in which newfound resource wealth brings increased hardship rather than economic growth. This fate, observed in numerous other emerging economies, is nevertheless not inevitable. Mozambique must learn from these countries mistakes and emulate those nations, such as Norway, Qatar and Botswana, which have used their oil and mineral reserves as a springboard for long-term sustainability. Green light for exploration despite ongoing troubles Mozambiques first LNG project is already under construction, while two even bigger undertakings, helmed by ExxonMobil and Anadarko, will receive final investment decisions in 2019. Both projects have already secured off-take commitment, with major companies including Qatar Petroleum joining the exploration. By the mid-2020s, Mozambique could be the worlds sixth biggest LNG producer, transforming the country into a genuine regional power. Yet Mozambique is still coping with the scars from its 15-year civil war; tension remains high between the government and the REMATO rebels. This political instability has led to rampant graft which analysts warned just last week will make it difficult for Mozambiques LNG prospectors to ensure long-term funding. Turmoil and corruption sapping revenues This is a worrying theme to anyone whos observed the plight of resource-rich countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Angola, and Papua New Guinea. Each of these countries discovered huge oil or mineral riches, only to have the bounty drained by a combination of political turmoil and endemic graft. Related: Global Automakers To Spend $300 Billion On EVs In 10 Years The DRC provides perhaps the most tragic example: the sprawling Central African country should be a global powerhouse given its reserves of oil, copper, gold, diamonds and cobaltthe demand for which is set to rise exponentially thanks to its use in lithium batteries. Yet decades of fighting and a postcolonial political vacuum have left it among the worlds poorest countries. A litany of armed groups continue to spar over the DRCs mineral troves, using the proceeds to buy weaponsmeaning that the countrys natural wealth is actually fueling its own agony. Its a familiar tale around the globe. Nigeria, home to the worlds 11th-largest oil reserves, is racked by internecine tension. Repeated attacks on oil operations in the Niger Delta have enabled unscrupulous insiders to steal up to one million barrels per day. In South Sudan, locked in conflict since its foundation, officials have siphoned off oil proceeds, squirreling them away overseas. Far from bringing Papua New Guinea economic prosperity, its vast swathes of LNG reserves have inflamed decades-old tensions between rival clans, who have blocked the gas plants. Blindingly short-sighted Alongside these endemic political problems, each cursed country has made the same fundamental economic error: instead of using their resources to fund long-term investment and evolution, they have allowed these natural bonanzas to engulf all other areas of the economy. Nigeria, for example, was once the worlds second-biggest producer of cocoa, and exported large amounts of rubber and palm oil. But these plentiful reserves were sidelined when oil was discovered in the 1950s, with oil and gas now accounting for nearly 40% of GDP. The Angolan government has been even more myopicoil now constitutes 95% of Luandas total exports. As a result, Angola and Nigeria are ever-more vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodities markets; indeed, the oil price shock has had a seismic effect on both countries, pushing up government debt and jeopardizing the countries credit profiles. To make matters worse, many of the resource curses victims have allowed themselves to be sucked in by Chinas promise of cheap loans. Under the pretext of its Belt and Road trade strategy, Beijing has offered quick cash to developing countries, then seized their assets when the repayments get too steep. Many countries with abundant natural resources, struggling with mounting debts, have given in to the temptation of Chinese investment. As a result, Beijing is scooping up natural treasures across the developing world, controlling Congos cobalt and allowing South Sudan and Angola to pay off debts in crude, leaving the countries with little oil to sell themselves. Positive examples Thankfully, a number of resource-rich countries have avoided the curse through proactive economic strategies. Norway, which has plowed its oil rents into a vast sovereign wealth fund which now owns 1% of the worlds stocks, is an obvious example. Fellow natural gas hub Qatar (and competitor for the worlds richest country per capita), which has used the Saudi-led blockade as a spur to accelerate its diversification away from hydrocarbons, is another. Related: Fears Of U.S. Shale Demise May Be Overblown Dohas own wealth fund has pivoted towards an ambitious new strategy to build an economy independent from gas revenues, supplementing high-profile purchases such as Londons Grosvenor Hotel with significant investment in industry and agriculture and a joint initiative with Malaysia and Turkey to corner the Islamic finance market. With the emirates economic growth expected to exceed 3% for the next three years, its clear this strategy is bearing fruit. Perhaps the most relevant case study for Mozambique is nearby Botswana. The government has reinvested profits from its lucrative diamond mines in foreign-exchange reserves, which have in turn stimulated Gaborones manufacturing and services sectors as well as bankrolled investment in health and education. As a result, Botswana has enjoyed a prolonged period of steep economic growth and rising revenues from non-mining sectors. Encouragingly, Mozambique is already talking about following in Norway, Qatar and Botswanas footsteps. At the dawn of Maputos LNG boom, the government is targeting progress in fisheries and agriculture; a number of significant infrastructure works, including a national electrification scheme, are in the pipeline. But with the country mired in lingering uncertainty, sustainably managing the countrys natural resources is sure to bring plenty of challenges ahead. By Richard Talley for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: NORFOLK - Its been a four year process, but renovation of the Johnny Carson exhibit at the Elkhorn Valley Museum is now complete and was celebrated during a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday. Thank you for Reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. Umpires failed to notice a strange incident with MS Dhoni that helped India beat Australia in the second ODI on Tuesday. Another Virat Kohli masterclass and an ice-cool finish from Dhoni propelled India to a six-wicket win against Australia to square their limited overs series at one-all. Chasing 299 runs to win at Adelaide Oval, Kohli struck a sublime 104 from 112 deliveries as India reached their target with just four balls remaining. Kohlis 39th ODI ton was followed by a typically composed finish from Dhoni (55 not out from 54 balls) as India set-up a series decider in Melbourne on Friday. However a bizarre incident came to light late in the match when commentators noticed Dhoni had failed to complete what looked to be a regulation single. On the final ball of the 45th over, Dhoni pushed the ball to long-on and trotted to the other end. The umpire called the over complete and the match carried on, but Adam Gilchrist noticed that Dhoni never made it all the way to the crease at the non-strikers end. MS Dhoni never completed the run. Image: Fox Sports It looked to be completely accidental as the Indian great failed to get his bat or feet over the crease, turning on his heel just short of the line and heading back to the middle of the pitch to chat to his batting partner. Umpires were completely unaware of the technically illegal act, which should have resulted in India being docked one run. There was no suggestion that Dhoni failed to make his ground intentionally which can result in five penalty runs being taken from the batting side but it was still a strange moment. I wonder if well hear anything more about that should this match come down to the wire, Gilchrist said at the time. In the end it didnt make a difference, with Dhoni getting his side home with four balls remaining. Shaun Marsh ton goes in vain The Indians eclipsed Australias 9-298 highlighted by Shaun Marshs 131 from 123 balls in temperatures peaking at more than 42 degrees. Australias concerns grew over captain Aaron Finchs form slump: he made just six and was bowled for the fifth time in his past eight ODI knocks before Marsh and Glenn Maxwell (48 from 37 balls) boosted Australias total. Story continues Kohli then produced yet another gem and hes now 10 tons shy of compatriot Sachin Tendulkars world record for most ODI centuries Tendulkar made 49 in 463 ODIs while Kohli has played 218. Virat Kohli celebrates his century. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images) After Kohlis dismissal in the 44th over left India needing 55 from the last six overs, his captaincy predecessor Dhoni nervelessly steered the tourists to their target. Requiring seven runs from the final over from Jason Behrendorff, Dhoni smacked the first ball for six over long-on and pinched a single from the next. Earlier, Australians Marsh and Maxwell again batting at No.7 and arriving at the crease in the 38th over put on 94 runs from 65 balls. Marsh now has seven ODI centuries and four of the past five by Australians. But Finchs torrid summer continued when he aimed a big drive at a Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-45) delivery but edged onto his stumps. Finch was axed from Australias Test team after making 97 runs at an average of 16.16 in the first three Tests of the just-completed series against India. He was also bowled for six by Kumar in the ODI series-opener last Saturday and struggled as well in the ODI series last November against South Africa, making 57 runs in the three matches. with AAP While everyone scrambled to get a glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they toured Australia in October, one family has been sent a personalised letter from the couple. NSW mum, Kelwyn White, took to her Twitter to post a picture of the letter, which has left her four children, Maddie, Finn, Sienna and Hamish, absolutely delighted. The kids sent their own note to Kensington Palace before the royal tour, asking if pregnant Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, would like to come over to their house for afternoon tea. A NSW family have received a letter from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photo: Getty Images A couple of months ago the kids decided to write to Harry & Meghan and invite them to afternoon tea whilst they toured Australia. Today they were super excited to receive a reply from @KensingtonRoyal, Ms White wrote on Twitter. Unfortunately the royals were unable to visit the kids, but made sure a Kensington Palace aide sent a letter to apologise. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have asked me to thank you for the lovely letter you sent in which you invited them to afternoon tea at your house, the letter starts. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Kelwyn showed a picture of the kids holding up the letter and their photos of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, with massive grins on their faces. Photo: Twitter/Kelwyn White Your menu sounded delightful and, although Their Royal Highnesses were unable to take up your kind invitation, they have asked me to send a photograph for each of you as a special thank you. Kelwyn then showed a picture of the kids holding up the letter and their photos of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, with massive grins on their faces. The royals visited Sydney, Melbourne, Fraser Island and Dubbo when they were in Australia, before flying to New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji. Got a story tip? Send it to tips@oath.com Want more lifestyle and celebrity news? Follow Yahoo Lifestyle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Or sign up to our daily newsletter here. Over the past 10 years Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) Ltd. (SGX:BS6) has been paying dividends to shareholders. The company currently pays out a dividend yield of 3.2% to shareholders, making it a relatively attractive dividend stock. Lets dig deeper into whether Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) should have a place in your portfolio. See our latest analysis for Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) Want to help shape the future of investing tools and platforms? Take the survey and be part of one of the most advanced studies of stock market investors to date. Heres how I find good dividend stocks If you are a dividend investor, you should always assess these five key metrics: Is it the top 25% annual dividend yield payer? Has its dividend been stable over the past (i.e. no missed payments or significant payout cuts)? Has it increased its dividend per share amount over the past? Can it afford to pay the current rate of dividends from its earnings? Will the company be able to keep paying dividend based on the future earnings growth? SGX:BS6 Historical Dividend Yield January 15th 19 Does Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) pass our checks? The company currently pays out 28% of its earnings as a dividend, according to its trailing twelve-month data, which means that the dividend is covered by earnings. Going forward, analysts expect BS6s payout to increase to 32% of its earnings. Assuming a constant share price, this equates to a dividend yield of around 3.4%. However, EPS is forecasted to fall to CN0.73 in the upcoming year. Therefore, although payout is expected to increase, the fall in earnings may not equate to higher dividend income. When thinking about whether a dividend is sustainable, another factor to consider is the cash flow. Cash flow is important because companies with strong cash flow can usually sustain higher payout ratios. Reliablity is an important factor for dividend stocks, particularly for income investors who want a strong track record of payment and a positive outlook for future payout. BS6 has increased its DPS from CN0.089 to CN0.21 in the past 10 years. It has also been paying out dividend consistently during this time, as youd expect for a company increasing its dividend levels. This is an impressive feat, which makes BS6 a true dividend rockstar. Story continues In terms of its peers, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) has a yield of 3.2%, which is on the low-side for Machinery stocks. Next Steps: With these dividend metrics in mind, I definitely rank Yangzijiang Shipbuilding (Holdings) as a strong income stock, and is worth further research for anyone who considers dividends an important part of their portfolio strategy. 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 key factors you should further research: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for BS6s future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for BS6s outlook. Valuation: What is BS6 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 BS6 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. The Newspapers Brexit Reaction Metro called the Commons outcome the worst defeat ever (Picture: Metro) A historic humiliation, worst defeat ever and Brextinct are some of the ways the newspapers describe Theresa Mays crushing Commons defeat. The Times says the prime minister can only survive by taking a new approach to Brexit and winning the support of the opposition. The country faces a crisis and it is not clear whether Mrs May is part of the problem or part of the solution. She was dealt a near-impossible hand but she has played it extraordinarily badly, the paper adds. If her legacy is to be anything other than the hapless prime minister who led the country to chaos and paved the way for a Corbyn government, she must be prepared to make compromises to secure the passage of some form of her deal. The Daily Mirror, which on Tuesday called for the PM to change course, says it is time for a general election to be called. Wasting yet more time and effort trying to resuscitate the corpse, with the clock ticking louder as March 29 nears, would be injudicious recklessness from a discredited PM, the paper adds. But swapping one lame duck with another Tory is insufficient. Britain deserves real change. Only Labour can deliver decisive reform, giving people hope where there is none. And that means a general election. Now. On its front page, Metro called it the worst defeat ever, after Mrs Mays deal was rejected by a margin of 230 votes. MORE: Theresa May faces no-confidence vote after MPs hand her humiliating Brexit defeat MORE: Mum who spent 37 ordering Dominos pizza calls police after takeaway is cancelled The Daily Telegraph, which on Tuesday called for MPs to reject the deal, says both Mrs May and Brussels misjudged Parliament. Anyone with a clearer understanding would have seen that the Commons could not back a deal that would threaten to undermine Britains independence, the paper says. The Government must regain the confidence of the House, rethink the agreement and go to the Europeans with a united front. Whether or not Mrs May leads that effort is a decision upon which she will now have to think very hard. Story continues The Daily Mail, which on Tuesday called for MPs to back the deal, says the country now needs cool heads and pragmatism with Mrs May in charge. If MPs wanted to sow the seeds of chaos, they could hardly have done a better job, the paper says. The Guardian says Mrs Mays deal is over and asks what comes next for a country stockpiling food and medicines as if preparing for war. The country now faces a situation without precedent in its constitutional history: how to reconcile the sovereignty of the people with the sovereignty of parliament, the paper says. The prime minister has been humbled into admitting she needs to win her opponents over. The Sun says it is time to batten down the hatches and set course for a No Deal. The Sun reluctantly believes we must head for a clean break, finalise preparations as best we can and batten down the hatches, the paper says. The Daily Express, which called for MPs to back the PMs deal, says Brussels must heed this vote and compromise. The integrity of democracy is at stake now. There is no going back, the paper says. Whatever it takes Britain must leave on March 29. It is up to the EU now over whether that is on constructive and friendly terms, or not. There are fears of backlogs of lorries in Kent if no Brexit deal is reached. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire Preparations for a no-deal Brexit look set to be stepped up across the world after a catastrophic defeat in parliament threw the British governments plans into chaos last night. The markets have reacted positively to signs Brexit could be delayed, but British politics is now in uncharted territory and the UKs planned exit date of March 29 is drawing ever closer. Here are some of the ways businesses, politicians and experts in the UK and beyond are now preparing for the worst-case scenario of Britain leaving without an agreement. Britain Business advisory firms are urging UK companies to take seriously the chances of a chaotic no-deal outcome in just 72 days time. Steve Varley, chair of EY UK, told the Financial Times his firm would continue to advise clients to make contingency plans, despite reassurances from the chancellor Philip Hammond. Andrew Gray, head of Brexit at PwC, said no-deal could still happen by default, warning starkly: The time to act is now. READ MORE: Britain looks on the cusp of another election and a delayed Brexit Stockpiling among British manufacturers is now at a record high, according to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. Tesco and Marks & Spencer revealed last week they had begun increasing their supplies. But markets appear less fazed, with Bank of England governor Mark Carney putting sterlings rise this morning down to increased confidence Brexit could be delayed and a no-deal outcome blocked by MPs. Germany German politicians and firms are alarmed by the prospect of a no-deal Brexit, but stress the British government is to blame and must find a solution. The countrys economics minister Peter Altmaier has said the UK government should be given the chance to clarify its position, but ruled out renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement. EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has since said renegotiation is possible, but only if the UK chooses to shift on its red lines. Story continues The National Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR) also urged Theresa Mays government to provide clarity to stop severe damage to German trade with the UK, while German car industry association VDA said a no-deal Brexit would prove fatal and cost jobs. READ MORE: German media try to make sense of the Brexit chaos The Federation of German Industries (BDI) said both countries firms had been left dangling in the air, though surveys suggest German companies are not quite as spooked as their British counterparts. 60% of manufacturing firms told Germanys Institute for Economic Research last month that a hard Brexit would hit sales, but on a manageable scale. Ireland Irish ministers met yesterday to discuss no-deal planning, including urgent legislation, supply of medicines, transport links and citizens rights to travel between Ireland and the UK. Prime minister Leo Varadkar said a new law would be needed to mitigate a no-deal Brexits effects across 21 different sectors, from railway safety and copyright law to health insurance and broadcasting. The bill would be published in late February if necessary and voted on by the Irish parliament in March, the prime minister said. France President Macron of France. Photo: NurPhoto/SIPA USA/PA Images. The French business lobby group Medef said it still hoped a negotiated deal could be reached despite the vote, but urged French firms to accelerate back-up plans for a fall off the cliff scenario. It said in a statement: Medef calls on all companies to prepare for the worst scenario, which is to say a non-agreement. It encourages them to examine, in all sectors, the consequences for their business of a Brexit without agreement in terms of: logistics, legal, tax, customs, data transfer, certification. President Macrons government has already passed legislation to help ensure people and goods can still cross the Channel in a no-deal scenario, as well as hiring hundreds more customs and border staff. Belgium The Belgian prime minister Charles Michel discussed a package of emergency Brexit legislation with his cabinet this week, which could be voted on by the end of February. Belgiums government has warned firms a no-deal Brexit could mean tariffs of 1.96bn and put as many as 40,000 jobs at risk, according to the Guardian. Spain Spains government began advising the public and Spanish companies on how to make no-deal contingency plans this week. A new website provides information about residency, voting rights, healthcare, education, travel, financial services and other areas, according to the Spanish newspaper El Pais. Environmental issues dominated the annual Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum. Photo: Tayfun Salci/Getty Images The world risks sleepwalking into a crisis as geopolitical tensions make it increasingly difficult for leaders to come together to solve pressing global problems, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Global risks are intensifying but the collective will to tackle them appears to be lacking. Instead, divisions are hardening, the independent international organisation warned on Wednesday as it released its annual Global Risks Report. The report summarised that some of the most urgent risks facing the world right now include climate change and the potential for devastating, large-scale cyber attacks. Yet world leaders are spending too much time on issues such as trade wars and taking back control of their national interests to spend time on these important shared problems, it warned. There is a more urgent need than ever to renew the architecture of international cooperation, said Brge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum. The report, based on a survey of roughly 1,000 top business executives, politicians and experts, noted that the following five risks were considered the most likely to happen in 2019: Extreme weather events (such as floods and storms) Failure of climate-change mitigation and adaptation Major natural disasters (such as earthquakes and tsunami) Massive incident of data fraud/theft Large-scale cyberattacks We now appear to be sleepwalking into a climate catastrophe, warned Alison Martin, the chief risk officer at Zurich Insurance Group (ZURN.VX), which partnered with WEF to publish this report. When you look at the backdrop were in, maybe its not surprising, she told Yahoo Finance UK in a special one-to-one interview. She noted that divisions were growing between countries, and within countries. RELATED: Opportunities for change in the face of environmental crisis The report also warned about slowing global growth and the risks that leaders might not coordinate an appropriate response to a downturn. Story continues Nine out of 10 respondents to the WEF survey said they expect the economy to worsen due to increasing geopolitical tensions. We simply do not have the gunpowder to deal with the kind of slowdown that current dynamics might lead us towards. What we need now is coordinated, concerted action to sustain growth and to tackle the grave threats facing our world today, said Brende. The annual report was published just days before WEF hosts an annual forum for global leaders, top executives and economists in Davos, Switzerland. The invitation-only event is attended by the heads and members of more than 100 governments, alongside top executives at 1,000 large global companies. US president Donald Trump, who attended WEF last year, cancelled his trip this year due to a government shutdown. [January 15, 2019] Majesco Announces Change to Record Date and Expiration Date for its Rights Offering to Shareholders Majesco (NYSE American: MJCO), a global provider of cloud insurance software solutions for insurance business transformation, today announced that due to the continued federal government shutdown, it has changed its record date for its previously announced rights offering from January 29, 2019 to February 5, 2019 and its expiration date from February 19, 2019 to February 25, 2019. Under the proposed rights offering, Majesco will distribute to its shareholders, at no charge, one non-transferable subscription right for each share of common stock held or deemed to be held on the record date. Each right will entitle the holder to purchase one-sixth of a share of Majesco's common stock at a subscription price of $7.10 per whole share. The net proceeds from the rights offering, for which the Company has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC (News - Alert) "), will be used to fund the remainder of the Exaxe acquisition, pay off debt, and accelerate cloud growth, which includes additional acquisition opportunities. The registration statement relating to the rights offering has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. The securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, before the registration statement is declared effective. At that time, a copy of the prospectus forming a part of the registration statement may be obtained free of charge at the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the Information Agent, Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc., by email at Shareholder@Broadridge.com or by telephone at 888-789-8409. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful before the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Majesco Insurance business transformation is a journey of change and revitalization, a renaissance of Insurance. Approximately 160 insurance companies worldwide in P&C, L&A and Group/ Employee Benefits are transforming their businesses with Majesco's solutions. Our market leading software, consulting and services uniquely underpin the entire insurance value chain and are designed to empower insurers with the agility, innovation and speed needed to meet their transformation opportunities. Majesco's solutions include policy management, new business / underwriting, rating, billing, claims management, distribution management, BI/ analytics, predictive modeling, digital platform with mobile and portal, testing services, cloud services, bureau and content services, transformation services, consulting services and more. For more details on Majesco, please visit www.majesco.com. Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of management, are not guarantees of performance and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors, including those set forth in Majesco's reports that it files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and which you should review, including those statements under "Item 1A - Risk Factors" in Majesco's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Majesco's Registration Statement on Form S-1. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to: integration risks; changes in economic conditions, political conditions, trade protection measures, licensing requirements and tax matters; technology development risks; intellectual property rights risks; competition risks; additional scrutiny and increased expenses as a result of being a public company; the financial condition, financing requirements, prospects and cash flow of Majesco; loss of strategic relationships; changes in laws or regulations affecting the insurance industry in particular; restrictions on immigration; the ability and cost of retaining and recruiting key personnel; the ability to attract new clients and retain them and the risk of loss of large customers; continued compliance with evolving laws; customer data and cybersecurity risk; and Majesco's ability to raise capital to fund future growth. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as predictions of future events and Majesco cannot assure you that the events or circumstances discussed or reflected in these statements will be achieved or will occur. If such forward-looking statements prove to be inaccurate, the inaccuracy may be material. You should not regard these statements as a representation or warranty by Majesco or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this presentation. Majesco disclaims any obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190115005920/en/ [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] With a measured tone and carefully worded answers, William Barr sought Tuesday to reassure senators that he would protect the Justice Departments vaunted independence if he were confirmed as attorney general. He said that hes often told other people they would be crazy to take the job. Over the years, Barr said hes told friends whove mused about becoming the nations top cop that they shouldnt do it if they want to have a future in politics, since at any point they may need to take an unpopular stand. But as a former attorney general who served under George H.W. Bush and private lawyer in the twilight of his career, he argued that he can take on the powerful role. I feel like Im in a position in life where I can do the right thing and not really care about the consequences, Barr, 68, told the Senate Judiciary Committee. I am not going to be bullied into doing anything I think is wrong. The questions at his hearing were not an academic exercise. As president, Trump has tested legal limits and pushed against the independence of the Justice Department. He told former FBI Director James Comey that he expected loyalty, according to Comey, then fired him as the agency pursued an investigation into the presidents relationship with Russia. He has called on the Justice Department to investigate his political opponents and repeatedly criticized former Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his recusal on the Russia investigation. He has threatened to fire Special Counsel Robert Mueller, a move that could spark a constitutional crisis. Senate Democrats pressed Barr about these issues, and he responded by promising to protect the Mueller investigation and provide as much transparency as I can, about its findings. He also contradicted one of Trumps favorite catchphrases, saying, I dont believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt. Democrats had reason to be concerned going into the first day of hearings. In June of 2018, Barr sent a long memo to the Justice Department that was fiercely disapproving of the fact that Mueller is reportedly looking into whether Trump obstructed justice in the events surrounding his firing of Comey. The obstruction inquiry is based on a fatally misconceived theory, Barr wrote, according to the Wall Street Journal. As I understand it, his theory is premised on a novel and legally insupportable reading of the law, Barr wrote. Moreover, in my view, if credited by the Justice Department, it would have grave consequences far beyond the immediate confines of this case and would do lasting damage to the Presidency and to the administration of law within the Executive branch. Story continues But Barr was quick to note before the Judiciary Committee that this memo was narrowly tailored to a specific statute, and that he has no qualms about the investigations focus on Russia matters. I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere in the election and I think we have to get to the bottom of it, he said. Barr and Mueller are good friends, as Barr described it, having served in the Justice Department at the same time in the early 1990s. Trump knew this before he nominated Barr to be attorney general Barr confirmed Tuesday that he met with Trump in June of 2017 to talk about joining his legal defense team. Barr declined, but told the committee that at that time Trump had asked him about his relationship with Mueller and wondered about Barrs assessment of Muellers integrity. He says he told Trump that Mueller is a straight shooter and should be treated as such. While Trump often lashes out at Muellers team on Twitter, Barr said Trump has sought no assurances, promises, or commitments from me of any kind, either express or implied, and I have not given him any. Barr said he wouldnt even fire Mueller for good cause, the standard laid out in the regulations governing the special counsels appointment. Frankly, its unimaginable to me that Bob would ever do anything that gave rise to good cause, Barr said. He added that he would want to meet a higher bar than good cause for termination. To be fired, Mueller would have to commit a transgression that is pretty grave, and the public interest would essentially have to compel Muellers dismissal, Barr said, because he thinks the overriding public interest is currently in letting Mueller finish his investigation. In all, Barrs testimony on Tuesday contained more details that might be worrisome to a White House anticipating the fallout from Muellers findings than to Democrats anxious about the Oval Office interfering in the Justice Department. He even took a direct hit at Trumps legal team: when asked about Trump lawyer Rudy Giulianis assertion that he should be able to correct Muellers report before it could be made public, Barr said simply, That will not happen. Barr is a very honorable man, doing what he believes, and the President respects that, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Tuesday. The President thinks he will be a great Attorney General. To be sure, Barrs assurances about Mueller in his hearings dont mean that the way he conducts himself as attorney general wont ever align with Trumps wishes. It appears to me that Barr is going just far enough to get confirmed, says former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti. He isnt committing not to overrule Mueller. He isnt committing to follow ethics advice. But obviously hes being reassuring about Mueller as much as possible because he needs 50 votes. Apart from the Mueller investigation, Barr sketched out an expansive view of executive power that fits within current Republican thinking while also giving Trump leeway to pursue his goals. He said multiple times that he supports a physical barrier along the Southern border, Trumps signature campaign promise and the issue at the center of the current partial government shutdown. (You call it the Trump shutdown, but it takes two to tango, Barr told Democratic Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy at one point.) Under questioning from Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, Barr, who was known as an advocate for tougher crime policies in the 1990s, said he thinks the heavy drug penalties, especially on crack and other things, have harmed the black community, the incarceration rates on the black community, while saying he thinks the system overall is working and treats black and white people fairly. On a related issue, Barr said that while he thinks Congress should pass a federal law barring recreational marijuana nationwide, he would not use the powers of the Justice Department to end the experiments under way in states like Colorado and Washington that have legalized the drug on a state by state basis. Barr said his top priorities as attorney general will be criminal justice reform, reducing violence on the basis of race, ethnicity, political orientation or sexual orientation, clamping down on illegal immigration, and protecting voting rights. Throughout the day, there werent any disruptions from the public seats, a striking departure from Sessions hearings two years ago, which was continually interrupted by loud protests. But while the temperature in the room was lower for Barr than for Sessions, the stakes of his appointment are arguably higher Mueller hadnt yet been appointed when Sessions was considered for the post. He only needs 50 votes to be confirmed, leaving Republicans with a comfortable margin to confirm him along party lines. How the Senate ultimately votes on Barr, and how he chooses to exercise his power, will have a significant impact on the country and Trumps presidency. One former White House official who knows Barr notes that if he is confirmed, I have no doubt that he will on some occasions have to say no to someone in the White House who wants something done, and it might earn him a tweet or two, but I dont think hell let it bother him. A home burns as the Camp Fire rages through Paradise, Calif. (Photo: Noah Berger/AP) As the record-setting partial federal shutdown continues, forestry experts worry that furloughing thousands of government workers could exacerbate this years wildfire season. This story has augmented reality! Tap the video above to see how it looks and download the Yahoo News app to launch the full experience. Augmented reality is currently available to iPhone users (iPhone 8 and later) with the latest version of iOS. Lenya Quinn-Davidson, who serves as the area fire adviser for the University of California Cooperative Extension, told Yahoo News that right now workers who would normally be clearing out areas of potential fuel arent in the field, raising the risk of devastating fires later in the year. Tactics like controlled burns and forest thinning have worked in years past to reduce the severity of fires and limit their size. But with federal workers idled, those projects are languishing, and likely wont be completed before fire season which typically begins in April in California. We know if they are able to get those projects accomplished we see positive benefits during wildfires, said Quinn-Davidson. This story has augmented reality! Tap the video above to see how it looks and download the Yahoo News app to launch the full experience. Augmented reality is currently available to iPhone users (iPhone 8 and later) with the latest version of iOS. 2018 was one of the worst ever for California wildfires, with nearly 2 million acres burned. Novembers Camp Fire was the deadliest in the states history, killing 86 people and destroying 14,000 homes. There are also concerns that areas where fire season starts earlier in the Southeast and Southwest could face greater than usual dangers, putting the potential trouble spots in areas ranging from Redwoods National Forest in Northern California to the pine forests of Florida. This story has augmented reality! Tap the video above to see how it looks and download the Yahoo News app to launch the full experience. Augmented reality is currently available to iPhone users (iPhone 8 and later) with the latest version of iOS. Federal agencies manage 19 million acres of forest in California, but due to the shutdown no one at the National Forest Service was available to relay the exact number of employees furloughed nor the numbers of acres that werent being cleared due to the shutdown. (An estimate from the Senate Appropriations Committee projected that 80 percent of the NFSs workforce, of 28,800 people, would be furloughed.) The agencys home page did display a Dec. 14 story on the importance of fighting fire with fuel clearance. President Trump has been critical of Californias fire management, tweeting on Jan. 9, Billions of dollars are sent to the State of California for Forest fires that, with proper Forest Management, would never happen. Unless they get their act together, which is unlikely, I have ordered FEMA to send no more money. It is a disgraceful situation in lives & money! Story continues Chris and Nancy Brown embrace while searching through the remains of their home, leveled by the Camp Fire, in Paradise, Calif., in November. (Photo: Noah Berger/AP) Nick Goulette, the executive director for the Watershed Research & Training Center in Northern California, said that time-sensitive projects are already being missed. The Forest Service was planning to clear hazard trees left behind from last summers Carr and Delta fires, selling the trees to local mills to offset the cost. But the value of the standing deadwood declines with time. Losing even a month in time in that planning could mean the difference between those trees having value and costing the taxpayer money to remove, said Goulette. In the case that the government doesnt open, they dont get the environmental planning done in time, its possible the hazard just doesnt get mitigated if its going to cost the government money. Theyll be a public safety hazard that will eventually create costs for the taxpayer eventually, theres a reckoning. Experts said that in addition to failing to clear out fuel areas that could lead to fires later this year, there are just the logistical complications of falling behind on planning for weeks (or potentially months if the shutdown drags out) and coming back to a crunch of work. This is also hiring season for the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, and a continuing shutdown means that crews wont be able to get hired and trained. Every year they do this huge workforce expansion during this time of year, said Goulette. Its seasonal: They train in the winter and spring, they fight fire in the summer and theyre laid off for a period of time in the winter. That period of time is ending, and its time to get back to that training regimen. If this stretches another month and there are no exceptions made for them as emergency personnel or essential personnel, then the problems start to compound. Homes leveled by the Camp Fire line the Ridgewood Mobile Home Park retirement community in Paradise, Calif., in this December photo. (Photo: Noah Berger/AP) While the federal shutdown stretches through its fourth week with no end in sight, state officials are preparing. Tiffany Davila, the public affairs officer for Arizonas Department of Forestry and Fire Management, said a few employees have missed out on federal training but that the state training and fuel burning on state land has continued unimpeded. Theyre in contact with the skeleton crew of federal employees monitoring national forests and tribal land in the area. If theres a fire on federal lands, well call their dispatch and ask, Do you guys need assistance and firefighters? We can send crews out there, said Davila. Kind of no different right now, but luckily its our slow time so were working on fuel projects. They do have some people working, its just not that full staff were used to seeing every day. Davila said theres been a lot of moisture over the winter and there hasnt been fire activity, but she expects that if there were a major fire on federal land then more furloughed employees would be brought in to help handle it. Although work was done prior to the furlough to clear out fuel-heavy areas and nonfederal groups are doing their best during the shutdown, Goulette said that theres no way to make up for the lost time. Every year we get further behind on burning piles and broadcast burning, even without a shutdown, said Goulette. We can do the chainsaw work and the machine work faster than we can find the windows of opportunity to do the disposal and the burning part of this, so every lost opportunity and every missed window to get burning done just expands the backlog and theres no making it up. I worry its going to delay the federal agencies in bringing on their fire crews, and given every year were seeing fire season get a little longer and move a little earlier in the spring, that could really cause a problem, said Quinn-Davidson. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Managing your own money is a lot like dating. There's that initial spark and energy that keeps things interesting for the first six months, but then something happens. You get complacent, you get busy with life, maybe stop bringing over flowers and texting less, and before you know it, you're having The Talk. If you don't pay attention, the relationship can go awry pretty quickly. It's the same when trying to manage your investments. In my career as a financial advisor, I've seen plenty of folks pick and choose stocks and mutual funds on their own -- some make it, while others fizzle out. Those who fall short generally do so because they've ignored one of the four "P"s. Man is upset because his stocks crashed. Most investment portfolios fail for one one of four reasons. Image source: Getty images. Price Not knowing how much a mutual fund costs is a like letting a small leak in a pipe go unfixed. The drip is small initially, but over time it does tremendous damage. Investment fees tend to get overlooked because most investors don't directly pay them. Mutual funds charge an expense ratio that is debited from the fund directly or taken out of the performance. For example, if your fund gains 10% in a year but there is a 1% annual fee, then your account is up 9% after fees. Because mutual fund shareholders never pay the cost out of pocket, they're less likely to feel the pain of being charged fees. But fees can add up over time and fees can increase over time too. Be aware of what you are paying and make sure it is in line with other fund managers in that same category. For instance, if your large cap growth manager is charging 1% more than its peers, there better be a compelling reason why. You can check a mutual fund's website for its fees and expense ratio before buying. In my opinion, it's not worth paying more than 1% for a mutual fund. Some funds are more expensive, such as international mutual funds, but you can still find good low-cost managers. Some fund carriers, such as Vanguard, offer cheaper versions of certain mutual funds if you meet a higher minimum investment. For instance, Vanguard's "Admiral" funds are cheaper than the "Investor" funds, but you have to meet the Admiral minimum, which is higher. Fees are a drag on performance, leaving less money to grow in the account and, once you start withdrawing funds, less income to work with. Story continues Performance Before you buy a mutual fund, look at its performance relative to it's benchmark over the past three and five years. Once you've invested, it's a good practice to compare your investment to its benchmark at least annually or semiannually. If you don't evaluate the performance of your investment regularly, you may be unwittingly holding a lemon, which means your money won't grow as it should. On the other hand, if you check your performance too much -- say, daily or monthly -- then you run the risk of selling a position too soon and not giving your investment time to perform. Be sure to compare your investment to the proper benchmark, too. For example, compare an emerging-markets fund to an emerging-market index, rather than to the S&P 500, which wouldn't be an apples-to-apples comparison. If you find the investment underperforming by a few percentage points over the course of one or two years, then that's cause for concern, and you should review why the investment is not performing as well. The right time to sell is not an exact science, and depends on the type of investment you own. For instance, if you own a stock that is underperforming the broad market, but you still believe in the company's growth prospects, then you may want to give the stock more time to perform. But if you own a large-cap growth fund that is underperforming similar large-cap growth funds, then you're unlikely to lose much upside by switching to another fund manager. Paying attention If there's anything that can sink an investment portfolio, it's not paying enough attention to it. If you pick a few mutual funds in your 401(k) and never look back, then your asset allocation -- the ideal mix of stocks, bonds, and other holdings in your portfolio -- will not keep up with changes in your life and your investing goals. For example, if you're just two years from retirement and still have 90% of your portfolio in stocks because you never changed your asset allocation, then a stock market downturn could take a huge bite out of the savings you'll soon rely on for income. This isn't such a big deal for younger investors who have time to wait out a market downturn, but I've seen plenty of people have to defer retirement and keep working while they waited for their 401(k) to recover. Investors should also pay attention to style drift. Style drift is when a manager starts to buy stocks out of their expertise or out of their mandate. A large cap growth manager begins to buy value stocks for instance. This is a problem because you hired that manager to buy growth stocks, and you may already have a value manager elsewhere, which can lead to a lack of diversification. At least annually, check your mutual fund's top holdings via their annual report to see if they still fit the fund's objective. Also, mutual fund managers change from time to time, which is another reason to pay attention to your account. If there is a management change, is the new management team experienced? Do they have experience in the fund's sector or style? At least annually, try to review your investment's performance, asset mix, and fund managers to ensure that everything is where you want it to be. Poor diversification Some investors pick a few mutual funds with different-sounding names and think they're diversified. But if you look under the hood, there's a good chance the funds all hold the same stocks. For instance, there is a high probability that a large-cap blend fund and a large-cap growth fund both own similar stocks. If that's the case, how diversified are you? Diversification works best when your underlying stock mix is varied. The more different stocks you own, the better the odds that some companies will perform well when others don't. For instance, Proctor and Gamble may do relatively well in a recession because it sells basic necessities, but Apple may suffer when consumers have less disposable income to spend on high-end gadgets. If all your stock holdings are in the same industry, then you're really not diversified, and your portfolio may be overexposed to one sector, which can get ugly if that sector falls out of favor. The key is to assemble the right mix of stocks. Consider buying different styles of funds such as large-cap and small-cap, value and growth, and make sure your investment is also spread across as many industries as possible. In addition, traditional U.S. investors typically have very little money in international stocks. We call this "home country bias" in the investing world. We all have a natural inclination to trust what we know -- in this case, companies based in our home country. But the world is a big place, and ignoring international stocks means ignoring some big names like Nestle and Novartis, which are headquartered abroad. International stocks may also help diversify your portfolio, as foreign stocks expose you to different currencies, different economies, and different governmental policies, all of which help to diversify and reduce the risk of your investment. Like they used to say, you have to mind your "P"s and "Q"s -- or, in this case, at least the "P"s. Be aware of the price you're paying for your investments, pay attention to your account and make sure the asset mix is right for you, check your investments' performance against their benchmarks, and finally, make sure you're properly diversified. Nailing these four fundamentals puts you in a much better position to succeed in the long run. More From The Motley Fool The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Lennox International Inc.s LII shares have rallied 11.8% in the past three months against 3.1% decline of the industry it belongs to. Also, the company has outperformed the industry in each of the 4-week, 12-week and 52-week time frames. Lennox, a global leader in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets, has been riding high on new investments for expansion, research and development, as well as buoyant marketing programs. Meanwhile, earnings estimates have been upwardly revised over the past few weeks, suggesting that sentiments on Lennox are moving in the right direction. Notably, earnings estimates for the to-be-reported quarter as well as 2018 have increased 2.7% and 1%, respectively, over the past 30 days. Earnings estimates for 2019 have also increased 1.3% over the same time frame. This positive trend justifies the companys Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), indicating robust fundamentals and the expectation of outperformance in the near term. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Lets delve deeper into other factors that make this stock a solid pick now. Solid Growth Potential: Destruction caused by tornado at the companys manufacturing facility in Marshalltown, IA in July 2018 has impacted its near-term results. Nonetheless, underlying demand fundamentals in the companys core residential and commercial HVAC markets, and pricing power remain strong. Again, new investments for the expansion of distribution footprint, research and development projects, as well as recent marketing programs are expected to be conducive to the companys top line. We believe that improving replacement, solid residential construction (primarily new constructions) and equipment sales will continue to drive growth. Lennox has solid growth prospects, as is evident from the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2019 earnings of $12.37 per share, which are expected to grow 31.3% year over year. Overall, it constitutes a great pick in terms of growth investment, supported by a Growth Score of A. Lennox has a three-five year expected EPS growth rate of 19.2%. Upbeat View: Recently, Lennox revised its full-year 2018 guidance and issued the same for 2019, reflecting the earlier receipt of insurance proceeds than the prior expectation. For the full year of 2018, Lennox expects adjusted EPS from continuing operations in the range of $9.21-$9.61, which was previously expected within $8.70-$9.10. On a GAAP basis, the company now expects EPS within $8.95-$9.35 versus $8.11-$8.51 projected earlier. For 2019, the company expects adjusted EPS from continuing operations in the range of $12.00-$12.60. GAAP EPS is anticipated within $14.30-$14.90. VGM Score: Lennox has a VGM Score of B. Our VGM Score identifies stocks that have the most attractive value, growth and momentum characteristics. In fact, our research shows that stocks with VGM Scores of A or B, when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 or 2, make solid investment choices. Other Stocks to Consider Other top-ranked stocks in the Construction sector include Armstrong Flooring, Inc. AFI, Gates Industrial Corporation PLC GTES and Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation GLDD, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2. Armstrong Flooring surpassed earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters, resulting in average positive surprise of 38.9%. Gates Industrial and Great Lakes 2019 earnings are expected to grow 9.7% and 1,400%, respectively. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Gates Industrial Corporation PLC (GTES) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. By now, you've heard about the egg, which surpassed a photo of Kylie Jenner's daughter, Stormi, on Sunday as the most-liked post on Instagram. But who did the egg? Whose dumb but ultimately successful idea was this? This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Here's what we know so far: 1. The egg account holder goes by "Henrietta." Henrietta is, according to a report from BuzzFeed News, a "chicken from the British countryside." 2. The account holder, however, claims to live in London. Im an individual living in London, the account holder told The Independent earlier this week. They also revealed that they only have 400 followers on their personal Instagram account. Sources close to Mashable have also independently confirmed that the egg is a man who lives in the London area. 3. The egg's name is Eugene, allegedly. In some interviews, the account holder goes by the name Eugene, bypassing the whole "Henrietta" schtick entirely. 4. The person who did the egg was participating in dry January at the time. Nothing breeds creativity like suddenly not drinking. 5. Fans of the egg are called the "Egg Gang." Sure. 6. The egg account follows 928 accounts and two hashtags. The hashtags are #WSHH WorldStarHipHop and #FatBoySSE, who is a rapper from New Jersey. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. 7. Supreme Patty is a suspect. So far, the only public figure to have implied responsibility for the egg is Supreme Patty, an Instagram star who smokes hot sauce and is known for squeezing lemon juice into his own eyes. While Patty didn't claim he did the egg outright, one of his friends did say so in a TMZ interview. (This is, of course, to be taken with a lemon-sized grain of salt.) For what it's worth, we do not think Supreme Patty did the egg. It's more likely that he's just capitalizing on the big meme of the moment. He did get an egg tattoo, though, so kudos on committing to the bit. And the egg does follow him on Instagram. Story continues We've reached out to Supreme Patty and will update this post if we hear back. 8. Okay, the egg account says it's not Supreme Patty. In an Instagram story posted on Tuesday, @world_record_egg claimed the TMZ story was bogus. "We're still anonymous. Fake news," they wrote. Fake news! Image: Instagram So we guess it's not Supreme Patty. Stay tuned for more egg updates. This story is developing ... UPDATE: Jan. 16, 2019, 1:34 p.m. ET This story was updated to include information regarding the egg's Instagram Story as well as the hashtags it follows. UPDATE: Jan. 17, 2019, 10:03 a.m. ET This story was updated to confirm the egg's city of residence. CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) Some lawmakers in drug-ravaged West Virginia want to pitch in millions of dollars for President Donald Trump's wall-building effort along the U.S.-Mexico border. The GOP-led House of Delegates issued a statement Monday that a bill planned by three delegates would divert $10 million from West Virginia's current $186 million budget surplus for wall construction. Trump is seeking $5.7 billion overall to fund construction of a wall along about 235 miles (375 kilometers) of the border, and the federal government has been partially shut down as Trump and Democratic lawmakers are at an impasse over his request. The suggested offer from West Virginia would pay a tiny fraction of the cost. Last week a Republican lawmaker in Montana proposed giving more than $8 million for the wall, while South Dakota senators voted to urge construction of a steel barrier. The sponsors in West Virginia are Delegates Carl "Robbie" Martin, R-Upshur; Patrick Martin, R-Lewis; and Caleb Hanna, R-Webster. Robbie and Patrick Martin are brothers. West Virginia has by far the highest rate of U.S. drug overdose deaths. The three lawmakers said on a conference call Tuesday the $10 million would help stem the flow of drugs from Mexico into West Virginia. "Our constituents are crying out, saying that they need help with this drug problem," Patrick Martin said. "West Virginians want this wall. I believe that they want border security." Drug trafficking is concentrated at land ports of entry, not remote stretches of the border, according to a 2018 report by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The most common trafficking technique by transnational criminal organizations is to hide drugs in passenger vehicles or tractor-trailers as they drive into the U.S. though entry ports, where they are stopped and subject to inspection. They also employ buses, cargo trains and tunnels, the report says, citing other smuggling methods that also would not be choked off by a border wall. Story continues The DEA found that most of the heroin sold in the U.S. is being trafficked from Mexico, but the agency has said China is a main source of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids that have been flooding the U.S. market. China has pushed back against the characterization. The DEA's report also noted a drop in the number of U.S. methamphetamine labs is being filled by Mexican and Latin American drug cartels. Republican House Speaker Roger Hanshaw didn't immediately return a telephone message seeking comment on the chances of the proposal's passage. West Virginia Democratic Party chairwoman Belinda Biafore called the proposal a "political stunt" and "sickening" because the money should be used for other pressing needs in the state. Trump carried West Virginia by 42 percentage points in the 2016 election, and 63 percent of state voters who cast midterm ballots approve of his job as president. On todays episode of Free Lunch, Ryan McQueeney covers the latest Brexit news and Snaps executive exodus. He also recaps earnings results from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and United Air Lines. Later, he discusses a busy week for deals in the cannabis industry. Want more video content from Zacks? Subscribe to Zacks Investment News now! Free Lunch is presented by Zacks Investment Research. It is streamed live, four times per week, and features breaking news and analysis from Zacks strategists. Free Lunch is available on YouTube, Twitter, and other major streaming platforms. Stocks were generally higher in morning trading Wednesday, as impressive earnings reports continued to lift spirits on Wall Street. Today, investors rewarded the after-hours results of United Air Lines UAL, which crushed top- and bottom-line estimates as well as unit revenue expectations. Uniteds strong report was met with several impressive announcements from the finance sector before the opening bell on Wednesday. Notably, Goldman Sachs GS cruised past analyst projections and notched solid growth in its investing and lending division, which managed to outweigh weakness in the companys fixed income division. Bank of America BAC also proved it could handle sluggishness in fixed income trading, as the bank giant reported a strong earnings beat on the back of great numbers in equities trading and other key business areas. Bullish results from United and some of the markets biggest banks hogged the headlines this morning, even as some uncertainties lingered above investors. For instance, U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is facing another confidence vote this evening, after her latest Brexit deal was convincingly rejected by Parliament on Tuesday. There were also more headaches for Snap SNAP investors today, as the embattled social media firms CFO announced his resignation less than one year after taking the job. On the first half of todays program, Ryan recaps these headlines from Wednesday morning. Later, he takes a step back and looks at an industry that has been making news throughout the duration of the week. Story continues Indeed, the cannabis business has once again captured the attention of Wall Street, and this time, it has to do with a pattern of deal-making that seems focused on growing the industry in the United States and abroad. This week, cannabis investors have heard from Canopy Growth CGC, which announced plans to start producing hemp in New York; Aurora Cannabis ACB, a Canadian company that just bought a top brand with some international exposure; Tilray TLRY; and CBD-based drink maker New Age Beverages NBEV. All of this news is coming just weeks after U.S. lawmakers legalized the production of hemp in the country, opening the door for a foundation to be built in the domestic cannabis industry. Want to hear more about these deals and their motivations? Make sure to check out todays Free Lunch! More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report United Continental Holdings, Inc. (UAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report New Age Beverage Corporation (NBEV) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tilray, Inc. (TLRY) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Kylie MacLellan and Elizabeth Piper LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May urged lawmakers on Monday to take a "second look" at her deal to leave the European Union, a last-ditch effort to win over a parliament that looks set to reject the agreement. The fate of the United Kingdom's March 29 exit from the EU is in the balance before Tuesday when parliament is widely expected to vote against May's deal, opening up outcomes ranging from a disorderly divorce to reversing Brexit. In the deepest crisis in British politics for at least half a century, May and EU leaders exchanged letters giving assurances on her withdrawal agreement, though there was little sign of a change of heart among rebel lawmakers. May used a speech at a china factory in the leave-supporting city of Stoke-on-Trent in central England to say that lawmakers blocking Brexit altogether was now a more likely outcome than Britain leaving without a deal. She then returned to parliament, where she asked lawmakers to give her deal a chance, referring to the assurances she secured from Brussels and warning parliament it risked the break up of the United Kingdom if it voted against the agreement. "I say to members on all sides of this House (of Commons) - whatever you may have previously concluded - over these next 24 hours, give this deal a second look," she said. "No it is not perfect. And yes it is a compromise," she said, telling them to think about how any decision will be judged in history books. "I say we should deliver for the British people and get on with building a brighter future for our country by backing this deal tomorrow." May has refused to budge over her deal despite criticism from all quarters. The agreement, which envisages close economic ties with the EU, has united the opposing sides of the debate - pro-EU lawmakers who see it as the worst of all worlds and Brexit supporters who say it will make Britain a vassal state. Turning to her Conservative Party at a private meeting, May again warned lawmakers against fuelling division in Britain over Brexit and against allowing the main opposition Labour Party and its leader Jeremy Corbyn from winning the upper hand. "She said ... I just want you to focus on two things: we have to deliver Brexit ... and two that we've got to keep Jeremy Corbyn as far away from Number 10 (Downing Street) as possible," lawmaker Nadhim Zahawi told reporters after the meeting, adding that May was relaxed. But two Brexit supporters left the meeting early, saying they had not changed their minds on opposing her deal. LETTER FROM EU As the world's biggest trading bloc tried to brace for an unpredictable ride, Spain said the EU could agree to extend the deadline for Brexit, but not beyond elections for the European Parliament due in May. And as part of the effort to get the deal approved by the British parliament, the EU and May set out some assurances in a choreographed exchange of letters on Monday. The EU told May that it stood by commitments to find ways to avoid triggering the "Irish backstop", an insurance policy to avoid the return of a hard border in Ireland, in their Brexit deal and that this pledge had legal weight. In a joint reply to questions from May, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk said the EU stood by its commitment to try to reach a post-Brexit trade deal by the end of next year in order to avoid using the unpopular backstop. While stressing that nothing in their letter could be seen as changing or being inconsistent with the draft treaty agreed with May last month, they said a commitment to a speedy trade deal made by EU leaders had "legal value" which committed the Union "in the most solemn manner". May said the assurances might not go far enough for some lawmakers and the small Northern Irish party that props up her minority government said it was insufficient. Nigel Dodds, deputy leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, said he would not back the deal, but his party's aim to get it renegotiated meant it could also not support any move by Labour to call a vote of no confidence in the government. "PARLIAMENT PLOT" With a 'no deal' Brexit the default option if May's deal is defeated, some lawmakers are planning to try to pull control of Brexit from the government. But though May is weakened, the executive has significant powers, especially during times of crisis, so it was unclear how parliament would be able to take control of Brexit. If May's deal is defeated and the government is unable to have any amended version passed in the next three weeks, one suggestion is for senior lawmakers who chair parliamentary committees to come up with an alternative Brexit plan. "What we need to do is find the solution," said Nick Boles, one of the Conservative lawmakers behind the plan, who said he would vote for May's deal. "And if the government can't find the solution ... then parliament needs to," he told BBC radio. (Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski in Brussels and William James in London; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge and Elizabeth Piper; Editing by Janet Lawrence) (Reuters) - Drugstore chain Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc and Microsoft Corp said on Tuesday they have entered a seven-year agreement to research and develop new methods of delivering healthcare services through digital devices. As a part of the deal, the companies will focus on virtually connecting people with Walgreens stores and provide services on therapeutic areas ranging from preventative self-care to chronic disease management. Early last year, Amazon.com Inc, Berkshire Hathaway Inc and JPMorgan Chase & Co had said they will form a company that could eventually negotiate directly with drugmakers and healthcare providers and use their vast databases to get a better handle on costs. Walgreens and Microsoft will also develop healthcare solutions to reduce emergency room visits and decrease hospital readmissions while lowering the cost of care, the companies said. The drugstore chain said it will pilot up to 12 stores, which will sell select healthcare-related devices, in 2019. Microsoft will become Walgreens' cloud provider through the agreement and the Microsoft 365 software will be rolled out to more than 380,000 Walgreens employees and stores globally. (Reporting by Saumya Sibi Joseph in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) DETROIT Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor Co unveiled an alliance on Tuesday that combines forces on commercial vehicles and is likely to expand into joint development of electric and self-driving technology, actions meant to save the automakers billions of dollars. Ford and VW announced their partnership against the backdrop of the Detroit Auto Show, VW Chief Executive Herbert Diess told reporters on Monday. The companies in recent months have discussed cooperating in vans and other commercial vehicles, and have said that any expanded alliance would not involve a merger or equity stakes. A joint conference call provided an update on the status of the proposed collaboration. The two automakers have been exploring closer cooperation as trade frictions force carmakers to rethink where they build vehicles for Europe, the United States and China. The expanding alliance highlights the growing pressure on all global automakers to manage the costs of developing electric and self-driving vehicles, as well as technology required to meet tougher emissions standards for millions of internal combustion vehicles they will sell in the years to come. Slowdowns in the world's largest auto markets China and the United States have ratcheted up the pressure to cut costs. The scope of the VW-Ford alliance was still being determined ahead of the auto show as talks covered cooperation in the area of electric and autonomous cars. The framework of the alliance is expected to include the pooling of resources in autonomous technology and VW investing in that Ford business, and Ford licensing Volkswagen's MEB electric vehicles platform, sources have said. In the call, Ford President and CEO Jim Hackett announced that the two automakers would partner on commercial vans and medium-size pickups. Ford will provide truck platforms for both companies, starting in 2022. Come 2023, Ford will provide larger vans like the Transit, while VW will provide urban vans, like the Caddy, for both entities. Additionally, Hackett and Diess said the automakers have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore co-developing technologies electric vehicle, autonomous vehicles and mobility. The automakers didn't announce specifics for EVs, citing a competitive market and the need to work quietly, but Hackett said not to assume there hasn't been been an agreement. Hackett said Ford doesn't expect this collaboration to lead to workforce reductions in any of its factories, and that the automakers hope to leverage existing facilities as much as possible. The partners emphasized the alliance does not involve any cross-ownership. Both companies, Hackett said, have "deep ties" to their home countries, and don't want that to change. Volkswagen's Diess confirmed at the Detroit auto show on Monday that the alliance will include VW gaining access to Ford's midsized Ranger pickup truck platform. In the conference call, Diess confirmed that the next-generation VW Amarok would be based on this platform. The Amarok is still not intended for North America. Hackett emphasized that Volkswagen and Ford vehicles built on shared platforms would maintain their own, separate brand identities, including driving dynamics and user interface. They would use the powertrains native to the platform, though, rather than expending additional resources to pair new powertrains to existing platforms. In June 2018, Ford and VW revealed talks about an alliance in commercial vehicles and added they were looking at other joint projects. Executives with both companies have talked about the potential savings of a deeper alliance, and VW officials have talked openly about building their vehicles in Ford plants, and Ford using the German automaker's electric vehicle platform. The tie-up with Volkswagen serves as a big bet for Ford Chief Executive Jim Hackett since he took over in May 2017 from the ousted Mark Fields with the mandate to speed up decision-making and cut costs. Some analysts and investors have been frustrated by Ford's laggard stock price and a perceived lack of details from Hackett about the Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker's $11 billion restructuring. Last week, Ford said it would cut thousands of jobs, discontinue building money-losing vehicles and look at closing plants as part of a turnaround effort for its unprofitable European business. On Monday, Volkswagen said it would invest $800 million to build an electric vehicle plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate the city and state in a post on Twitter the following day. But the White House has been pushing to end subsidies on electric vehicles that would help the plant and the alliance. Reporting by Ben Klayman and Jan Schwartz; Additional reporting by Makini Brice. Further reporting by John Beltz Snyder at Autoblog. Related Video: WASHINGTON Vice President Mike Pence tried to enlist Americas ambassadors in the shutdown fight on Wednesday, telling the diplomats they each have a role to play as we take the battle forward on Capitol Hill to secure our border. But even as Pence urged the embassy chiefs to defend President Donald Trumps tough immigration policy, he did not mention the partial government shutdowns impact on U.S. diplomatic staff stationed across the globe. Hundreds of embassy employees have been furloughed amid the stalemate over Trumps demand for $5.7 billion in border wall funding. Pence made the remarks in a wide-ranging speech at the State Department, where about 180U.S. ambassadors gathered this week for a Chiefs of Mission conference. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo decided to move ahead with the conference despite the shutdown. A State Department spokesman said the gathering was essential to national security and the conduct of U.S. foreign affairs. Vice President Mike Pence wave to the audience, during the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference "One Team, One Mission, One Future" at Department of State on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Washington. Among those traveling to Washington for the event were Callista Gingrich, Trumps ambassador to the Vatican, and Jon Huntsman, his chief diplomat in Russia. In his speech Wednesday, Pence championed Trumps often controversial approach to foreign policy and acknowledged that some of the presidents decisions have left U.S. allies irked and alienated. President Trump has made some big changes in our nations foreign policy, Pence told the group of more than 100 ambassadors in a State Department auditorium. And they havent been welcomed in all quarters around the world. Pence specifically touted Trumps decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria and declared that ISIS has been defeated a comment that was notable given several American service members were killed in Syria on Wednesday in an attack for which ISIS claimed responsibility. We are bringing our troops home, Pence said without mentioning the American service members' deaths. The caliphate has crumbled, and ISIS has been defeated." Story continues Critics of the Trump administration said Pences remarks were tone deaf, coming amid the shutdown and broader global unease with Trumps trade war against China, his attacks on NATO, and his decisions to withdraw from a slew of multilateral agreements. American diplomats are silently struggling on the frontlines in some of the most dangerous and difficult places on the planet, said Brett Bruen, who served in the Obama administration as director of global engagement. They struggle with policies that are inconsistent with American values. The struggle with directives that are incoherent. They struggle with cuts that directly undermine their teams' operational readiness. Bruen said its often more difficult for Americas diplomatic corps to deal with the impacts of a shutdown because they are stationed abroad, managing finances and families from afar. The lack of empathy with the serious struggles of our diplomats will only serve to further distance the administration from those standing between us and the next global crisis, Bruen said. The State Department is one of nine federal departments and smaller agencies affected by the lapse in federal funding. The agency is still processing passport and visa applications, but many other operations have been frozen. Nearly one-quarter of the State Department's overseas employees and 40 percent of its domestic staff are furloughed. Although Pence did not mention the shutdown directly, he implored the ambassadors to make it clear to our allies around the world that the United States supports legal immigration. In fact, we celebrate it, and America has a proud record of support for refugees. The Trump administration has capped new refugees from coming to the U.S. Pence expressed gratitude to the diplomats for their public service and asked them to deliver a message from the Trump administration when they return to their posts: Tell them America is back. Were back on the world stage to advance Americas interests. Not everyone will be thrilled to hear this message, Pence conceded. Syria: US service members killed in explosion, US military says Turkey: White House scrambles to repair rift with Turkey after Trump's threat to 'devastate' ally's economy This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Vice President Pence tries to enlist U.S. ambassadors in the shutdown fight, but doesn't mention furlough Geneva (AFP) - Russia remains "in material breach" of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the US said Tuesday, raising the prospect that Washington will follow through on threats to ditch the agreement over alleged violations by Moscow. US and Russian diplomats met in Geneva amid widespread concern over the fate of the bilateral agreement, after US President Donald Trump said in October his country would pull out of the deal unless Russia lived up to its terms. "The meeting was disappointing as it is clear Russia continues to be in material breach of the Treaty and did not come prepared to explain how it plans to return to full and verifiable compliance," US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, said in a statement. "Our message was clear: Russia must destroy its noncompliant missile system," she added. Russia hosted the talks at its mission in Geneva and Moscow's delegation was led by deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov. There was no immediate comment available from Russia after the discussions, but ahead of the talks Ryabkov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying he was not optimistic for progress. "Recently we have noted that the American side has even hardened its tone, we see that as not a very favourable signal," he said Monday, according to Interfax. Last month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington would withdraw within 60 days from the Cold War treaty limiting mid-range nuclear arms if Russia does not dismantle missiles that the US claims breach the deal. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the US hardline by threatening to develop more nuclear missiles banned under the treaty. The landmark treaty was signed by Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 and led to nearly 2,700 short- and medium-range missiles being eliminated. It put an end to a mini-arms race in the 1980s triggered by the Soviet Union's deployment of SS-20 nuclear missiles targeting Western European capitals. U.S. service members were among those killed Wednesday when a fiery explosion ripped through a market in the northern Syria town of Manbij, U.S. military officials said. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that took place less than a month after President Donald Trump declared victory over the militant group in the region. "U.S. service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today," the military's Operation Inherent Resolve said in a statement. "We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time." This frame grab from video provided by Hawar News, ANHA, the news agency for the semi-autonomous Kurdish areas in Syria, shows a damaged restaurant where an explosion occurred, in Manbij, Syria, Jan. 16, 2019. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Syrian war monitoring group, and a local town council said Wednesday that the explosion took place near a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition and that there are casualties. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based group that monitors the conflict in Syria, said the cause of the explosion was a suicide bomb outside a restaurant. The group said the attack killed seven people and wounded 10 others. Reuters, citing an unidentified U.S. official, said four U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded in a blast. The Kurdish Hawar news agency said at least three Americans had died. More: White House scrambles to repair rift with Turkey after Trump's threat More: American teen accused of fighting for ISIS in Syria The White House said Trump has been fully briefed on the situation. Manjib is controlled by the U.S.-backed Kurdish People's Defense Units. The explosion took place in a market wedged along a crowded street thick with cars. Video that Hawar identifies as from the scene shows people gathered on a crowded sidewalk when the fiery blast occurs. A senior Kurdish security official told NBC News the U.S. forces were on foot in the city when they were approached by a man wearing civilian clothing with the explosives hidden underneath. Since 2016, four U.S. troops had been killed in Syria before the latest attack, according to Pentagon records. Those troops were taking part in Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led effort begun in 2014 to combat ISIS terrorists in Iraq and Syria. Story continues Last month, Trump announced that the 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria would be withdrawn but did not give a timetable. We have won against ISIS. Trump said then. Now its time for our troops to come back home. Trumps decision to withdraw American forces from Syria was one of the reasons for stepping down that former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis cited in his resignation letter last month. Mattis had urged Trump to maintain the U.S. presence there to aid Kurdish allies and to deter the Syrian and Iranian regimes. After confusing signals from the Pentagon and the White House, officials announced last week that equipment had been removed from U.S. facilities in Syria and that all troops would withdraw within months. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US service members killed in Syrian explosion, US military says Washington (AFP) - The Pentagon said Monday it would extend until September 30 the deployment of active-duty soldiers and Coast Guard members at the US-Mexico border, while expanding the mission to include surveillance and detection. Lengthening the troops' mission past a January 31 deadline, the Pentagon said it was "transitioning its support at the southwestern border from hardening ports of entry to mobile surveillance and detection, as well as concertina wire emplacement between ports of entry." "DoD will continue to provide aviation support," the statement added, referring to the Department of Defense. The Pentagon already has about 2,350 active-duty troops stationed along the boundary, deployed under a controversial order President Donald Trump gave last year before midterm elections in November as several thousand Central American migrants made their way to the border to seek asylum from violence and poverty in their own countries. Critics decried Trump's order as a costly political stunt to galvanize supporters ahead of the vote, in which his Republicans lost control of the House of Representatives. Trump spoke of a "national emergency" and an "invasion" -- initially suggesting US troops could shoot migrants if they threw stones at the US border. The US military is not allowed in almost any case to get involved in domestic law enforcement and the border mission has put the supposedly non-political military in an uncomfortable spotlight. About 2,200 National Guardsmen were supporting border operations even before Trump sent the active-duty troops. The unusual deployment was supposed to end in mid-December, but the Department of Homeland Security asked that it be extended until January, a date which is now further prolonged. - Some troops grumbled - The troops' role had primarily been to erect miles of concertina-wire fencing along popular crossing points. Trump is unwavering in his demand for a border barrier, which has triggered a major impasse with legislators and a partial government shutdown that is entering its fourth week. Story continues The president only recently backed away from talk of an emergency declaration that would have freed up Department of Defense funds for a border barrier, after pressing it for days as a way out of the continuing budget standoff. The troop deployment was one of several issues on which Trump and former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis disagreed before he resigned in December after the leader's shock decision to pull troops from Syria. Mattis said front-line border troops would only carry batons. In November visited troops on the border and reiterated that their job in the short term was to assist under-resourced Customs and Border Protection agents and put up physical obstacles. But "longer term, it's somewhat to be determined," he said at the time. Some rank-and-file troops initially grumbled about the purpose of the mission to US media before they were placed under strict instructions not to voice personal opinions to the press. Several soldiers AFP spoke to said their time on the border provided valuable real-world training, albeit without the risks of combat. Twice since November, US Border Patrol agents have fired tear gas during attempted mass migrant crossings in the San Diego area. The remains of the Confederate statue known as Silent Sam were removed from the University of North Carolina campus early Tuesday, hours after the school chancellor announced her resignation and said she had ordered the monument taken away. Chancellor Carol L. Folt on Monday said she would step down at the end of the academic year and announced she had ordered the removal of the statues base and commemorative plaques because of safety concerns. The state university systems Board of Governors responded by telling Folt to leave by the end of January. The statue, erected on the Chapel Hill campus in 1913, was torn off its base in August by students protesting its symbolism as a shrine for white supremacy. Protests outside the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 2017 over Confederate monuments led to a womans death in clashes between white supremacists and demonstrators. The remnants of a Confederate statue known as "Silent Sam" is lifted before being transported to the bed of a truck early Tuesday on the campus of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) Video taken at UNC around 1 a.m. Tuesday showed people singing and cheering as construction workers carefully removed the remains of Silent Sam. As chancellor, the safety of the UNC-Chapel Hill community is my clear, unequivocal and non-negotiable responsibility, Folt wrote in a letter to students. The presence of the remaining parts of the monument on campus poses a continuing threat both to the personal safety and well-being of our community and to our ability to provide a stable, productive educational environment. No one learns at their best when they feel unsafe. The base and plaques will be placed in storage until a permanent place for them is decided, Folt added. The Confederate statue known as Silent Sam was toppled by protesters in August. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) While I recognize that some may not agree with my decision to remove the base and tablets now, I am confident this is the right one for our community one that will promote public safety, enable us to begin the healing process and renew our focus on our great mission, Folt said. UNCs Board of Governors, which oversees the states public universities, accepted Folts resignation and said she should leave by the end of the month. Story continues Chairman Harry Smith said speeding up the ouster isnt meant as a punishment though he said the board was unaware of Folts plans to remove the statue and was unhappy with what she had done. People gather around the remainder of the Silent Sam monument after it was toppled from its pedestal by protesters at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill in August. Early Tuesday morning, the remainder of the monument was taken down. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) We are incredibly disappointed at this intentional action. It lacks transparency and it undermines and insults the Boards goal to operate with class and dignity, Smith said in a statement on Monday. The Chapel Hill schools Board of Trustees, in contrast, expressed support for Folts decision to remove what remained of the monument, and said she was acting properly to preserve campus security. Gov. Roy Cooper (D) also expressed support for Folts actions, stating on Twitter: North Carolina is welcoming to all, and our public university should reflect that. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Related... UNC Officials Condemn Silent Sam Confederate Statue Toppling 3 People Charged With Toppling Confederate 'Silent Sam' Monument At UNC This article originally appeared on HuffPost. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council unanimously approved Wednesday the deployment to Yemen of up to 75 monitors in a new mission to shore up a fragile ceasefire and oversee a pullback of forces from the flashpoint port of Hodeida. The observer mission was agreed during talks last month in Sweden between the Saudi-backed government and Huthi rebels and an advance team is already on the ground in the rebel-held city. The unarmed monitors will be sent to Hodeida city and port as well as to the ports of Saleef and Ras Issa for an initial period of six months. The port of Hodeida is the entry point for the bulk of Yemen's supplies of imported goods and humanitarian aid, providing a lifeline to millions on the brink of starvation. The UN says a ceasefire that went into force on December 18 in Hodeida has been generally holding despite some clashes, but there have been delays in the redeployment of rebel and government forces from the city. The Huthis control most of Hodeida, while government forces are deployed on its southern and eastern outskirts. The resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to "expeditiously" deploy the United Nations Mission to support the Hodeida Agreement (UNMHA), led by retired Dutch General Patrick Cammaert. Guterres has described the mission as a "nimble presence" that will report on violations in Hodeida, which for months was the front line in the war after pro-government forces launched an offensive to capture it in June. Since the Saudi-led military coalition intervened in support of the government in March 2015, the conflict has unleashed what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. - Access to food warehouses - Nearly 10 million people in Yemen are on the brink of famine, according to UN aid officials, while 80 percent of the population -- 24 million people -- are in dire need of humanitarian aid. The United Nations separately announced that the warring sides had agreed to allow aid agencies to reach the Red Sea Mills food warehouses in Hodeida, which hold enough food to feed 3.5 million people for a month. Story continues UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Cammaert will propose a plan to the Huthis and the government to allow aid convoys to go to the warehouses and pick up the 51,000 metric tonnes of food commodities. French Ambassador Francois Delattre described diplomatic gains made in Yemen with the Stockholm agreement as "fragile" and stressed the importance of moving toward ending the war. "The goal is to build on the current momentum, to make it irreversible and bring the full weight of the Security Council behind the process," said Delattre ahead of the vote. UN envoy Martin Griffiths has told the council that a follow-up round of talks that were to be held later this month was pushed back to February, diplomats said. International Crisis Group expert Dan Schneiderman said the resolution was "a step in the right direction" and singled out US support for the measure as a sign that the administration sees value in the new peace process. "Lowering the temperature in and around Hodeida is critical for making broader peace talks accessible," said Schneiderman, a former US national security council director for Yemen. London (AFP) - A Qatari-owned property giant battled in court against an EU agency's bid to break a longterm lease because of Brexit on Wednesday in a case that lawyers said could have "consequences" for Britain's property market. The Canary Wharf Group is fighting in Britain's High Court an attempt by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to end the 25-year lease worth hundreds of millions of pounds on its London headquarters. The EMA, which has been based in the British capital since 1995 but is in the process of relocating to Amsterdam, claims Britain's departure from the European Union effectively negates the terms of the deal. Canary Wharf, a luxury office quarter on the River Thames, initiated court action against the agency last June, and a six-day hearing began Wednesday -- just as political paralysis over Brexit grips Britain. "It is for the court to determine its (Brexit's) legal effects and that process begins today," Joanne Wicks, a lawyer for the property firm, said in her opening remarks. "If the EMA were to succeed in this claim, other tenants might be tempted to follow suit, with significant consequences for the property market". Judge Marcus Smith is expected to rule on the expedited case before Britain is due to leave the bloc on March 29. - Rare and exceptional - The EMA, which is responsible for the evalutation and monitoring of all medicines across the EU, is preparing to move to new 300-million-euro headquarters in Amsterdam. But the lease on its current ten-floor home -- agreed in 2011 ahead of its move there in 2014 -- runs until 2039, costing A13 million ($17 million, 15 million euros) a year. The agency has said it is not "an economically motivated decision" and that it cannot operate from Britain because its own regulations state it must be based in an EU member country. It is using an obscure English legal doctrine of "frustration" -- when an unexpected event occurs which fundamentally changes the performance of a contract -- to try to walk away. Story continues Brexit was "not reasonably foreseeable as a real possibility," Jonathan Seitler, a lawyer for the EMA, stated in written submissions to the court. "This is as rare and as exceptional a case as the court will ever see," he added. "If the doctrine of frustration does not apply to this lease and in these exceptional circumstances, then it is hard to see when it ever would." The doctrine has never been successfully argued in a court case in Britain. - 'Significant wider implications' - However, in its court filings Canary Wharf argued Brexit is "worlds away from the type of event that may be capable of frustrating a long lease. "Brexit, whatever it means and however it happens, falls well short of that standard." The case is being watched closely in legal and commercial property circles in Britain, amid fears it could open the door to similar claims from a variety of companies whose business is impacted by Brexit. "If EMA were successful it could have significant wider implications, beyond the real estate sector," Paul Moorcroft, of Eversheds Sutherland law firm, told AFP. "However, on the law as it stands the case seems very weak and not one we would expect the tenant to win, he added, noting difficulties with the "frustration" argument. The EMA said in a statement it was "still pursuing all possible options in accordance with the lease agreement... to find a solution acceptable to all parties". By Stephanie Kelly NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices edged higher on Wednesday, buoyed by a U.S. equity market rally and a supply cut agreement by OPEC+, but gains were limited by data showing growing U.S. refined product inventories and record crude production. Brent crude futures rose 68 cents to settle at $61.32 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 20 cents to settle at $52.31 a barrel. Boosting oil prices, Wall Street's main indexes hit a one-month high. [.N] Crude futures sometimes track equity markets. Futures drew support from a supply cut agreement from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and major non-OPEC producer Russia. The group agreed in December to cut combined oil output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January. Russia's deputy energy minister said the country will reach its oil output target reduction in April. "The market is consolidating. To see what our next driver is, we're going to watch to see if the cuts are working, if the members that agreed to them are adhering to them," said Gene McGillian, director of market research at Tradition Energy. Despite the output cuts, rising crude oil production in the United States could pressure prices. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude production rose last week to a record 11.9 million barrels per day, as crude exports jumped close to record highs near 3 million bpd. U.S. fuel stockpiles rose more than forecast and were up for the fourth straight week, EIA data showed. [EIA/S] U.S. crude output is expected to grow this year to a record beyond 12 million bpd, with the country turning into a net crude exporter in late 2020, the EIA said on Tuesday. Gasoline stockpiles rose 7.5 million barrels, far exceeding analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 2.8 million-barrel gain. At 255.6 million barrels, gasoline stocks were at the highest weekly level since February of 2017. Story continues Distillate stockpiles , which include diesel and heating oil, increased 3 million barrels, versus expectations for a 1.6 million-barrel rise, the data showed. Crude inventories fell 2.7 million barrels, more than double forecasts. "Any bullish sentiment from the crude draw has been vanquished by emphatic builds to the products," said Matthew Smith, director of commodity research at ClipperData. Mounting signs of an economic slowdown across the world may also keep oil prices in check. White House estimates showed on Tuesday that the U.S. economy is taking a larger-than-expected hit from a partial government shutdown. The outlook for the global economy darkened further after Britain's parliament on Tuesday shot down Prime Minister Theresa May's deal to leave the European Union. China this week reported poor December trade data. China's central bank on Wednesday made its biggest daily net cash injection via reverse repo operations on record, in efforts oil markets will watch closely. (Reporting by Stephanie Kelly in New York, additional reporting by Noah Browning in London; Editing by David Gregorio and Marguerita Choy) Have you been eager to see how U.S. Bancorp USB performed in Q4 in comparison with the market expectations? Lets quickly scan through the key facts from this Minneapolis-based popular banks earnings release this morning: An Earnings Beat U.S. Bancorp came out with adjusted earnings per share of $1.07, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.06. Higher revenues were primarily responsible for this beat. How Was the Estimate Revision Trend? You should note that the earnings estimate revisions for U.S. Bancorp depicted neutral stance prior to the earnings release. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained stable over the last seven days. Also, U.S. Bancorp has an impressive earnings surprise history. Before posting earnings beat in Q4, the company delivered positive surprises in all the prior four quarters. Overall, the company surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 1.28% in the trailing four quarters. U.S. Bancorp Price and EPS Surprise U.S. Bancorp Price and EPS Surprise | U.S. Bancorp Quote Revenue Came In Higher Than Expected U.S. Bancorp posted revenues of $5.8 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.7 billion. It compared favorably with the year-ago number of $5.6 billion. Key Stats to Note: Net interest margin expanded 4 basis points year over year Average total loans recorded 0.9% sequential growth Non-performing assets declined 17.6% year over year Through dividends and repurchase of common shares, 80% of earnings were returned to shareholders What Zacks Rank Says The estimate revisions that we discussed earlier have driven a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for U.S. Bancorp. However, since the latest earnings performance is yet to be reflected in the estimate revisions, the rank is subject to change. While things apparently look favorable, it all depends on what sense the just-released report makes to the analysts. (You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.) Check back later for our full write up on this U.S. Bancorp earnings report! More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. As Democrats and Republicans clash over Donald Trumps demands for $5.7bn in funding for a southern border wall, the president's Council of Economic Advisers has acknowledged the government shutdown will have a far worse impact on economic growth than anticipated. The agency which advises the president on matters of economic policy revealed in its latest analysis the shutdown could force the US economy to contract, meaning a drop in national output, along with declines in real personal income and industrial production. The loss in economic growth will nearly double what the council had predicted in its original estimates. The shut down is currently in its 26th day. Mr. Trump has walk backed the possibility of declaring a state of emergency along the US-Mexico border a move that could possibly provide a path for the president to receive his wall funding, but would likely face legal scrutiny and warned earlier this month the shutdown could last months or even years. Video: Hundreds of Thousands Struggle as Shutdown Continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Meanwhile, in an effort to alleviate the damage caused by the shutdown, the White House administration has called thousands of federal employees working at airports, food inspection facilities and the Internal Revenue Service back to work this week without pay. Council of Economic Advisers chairman Kevin Hassett blamed the Democratic Party in an announcement revealing the agencys latest assessment of the shutdown. Congress needs to look at the harms that were talking about, he said on Tuesday, and address them. Nearly 800,000 federal employees are currently working without pay or are furloughed across the country, causing a spike in absences at the nine agencies impacted by the shutdown. Whereas Mr Trump took credit for the government shutdown before it happened, telling Democratic leadership during a televised meeting, I am proud to shut down the government for border security, he has since shifted the blame to Democratic Party for refusing to accept his demands. Nancy and Cryin Chuck can end the Shutdown in 15 minutes. At this point it has become their, and the Democrats, fault! the president tweeted on Monday. The first time they met was in Germany. President Donald Trump took his interpreters notes afterwards and ordered him not to disclose what he heard to anyone. Later that night, at a dinner, Mr Trump pulled up a seat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin to talk without any American witnesses at all. Their third encounter was in Vietnam, when Mr Trump seemed to take Mr Putins word that he had not interfered in U.S. elections. A formal summit followed in Helsinki, where the two leaders kicked out everyone but the interpreters. Most recently, they chatted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, after Mr Trump said they would not meet because of Russian aggression. Mr Trump has adamantly insisted there was no collusion with Russia during his 2016 presidential campaign. But each of the five times he has met with Mr Putin since taking office, he has fueled suspicions about their relationship. The unusually secretive way he has handled these meetings has left his own administration guessing what happened and piqued the interest of investigators. Whats disconcerting is the desire to hide information from your own team, said Andrew S. Weiss, who was a Russia adviser to President Bill Clinton. The fact that Mr Trump didnt want the State Department or members of the White House team to know what he was talking with Mr Putin about suggests it was not about advancing our countrys national interest but something more problematic. The mystery surrounding the meetings seems to have drawn attention from the special counsel, Robert Mueller, who is examining ties between the president and Russia. And it has generated a furor in Congress, where Democrats are pushing to subpoena the notes of the presidents interpreters or perhaps the interpreters themselves. Veterans of past administrations could not recall a precedent for a president meeting alone with an adversary and preventing his own advisers from being briefed on what was said. When they meet with foreign leaders, presidents typically want at least one aide in the room not just an interpreter to avoid misunderstandings later. Story continues All five of the presidents whom I worked for, Republicans and Democrats, wanted a word-for-word set of notes, if only to protect the integrity of the American side of the conversation against later manipulation by the Soviets or the Russians, said Victoria J. Nuland, a career diplomat who worked for Dick Cheney and Hillary Clinton, among others. That would seem an even greater imperative for Mr Trump, who knew there were questions about his relationship with Mr Putin given that U.S. intelligence agencies concluded that Moscow tried to help elect him. If any president would have wanted witnesses and protection, it ought to have been Donald Trump, said Richard N. Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations and adviser to four presidents, most recently as President George W. Bushs State Department policy planning director. And yet he chose not to, and that adds fuel to the fire that something here is not right. Mr Trumps defenders acknowledge his approach does not resemble the way his predecessors operated, but note that he has been an unorthodox president in so many ways that it does not prove anything untoward. And, they say, he has reason to feel burned since previous interactions with foreign leaders have leaked, including full transcripts of telephone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia published in The Washington Post. Of course I was disappointed with Helsinki, but I do not just look at how the president handles specific meetings with Putin, said Luke Coffey, a foreign policy scholar at the Heritage Foundation. Instead, Im most interested in what the actual policies are coming out of the administration. He cited additional sanctions, weapons sent to Ukraine, increased Pentagon spending meant to counter Russian aggression and opposition to a new Russian pipeline to Europe. All that, he said, is proof that this is one of the toughest administrations on Russia since Reagan. The question of Mr Trumps meetings with Mr Putin was revived by a pair of news stories last weekend. The New York Times reported that after Mr Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey in 2017, the bureau opened a counterintelligence investigation to explore whether the president was acting on Russias behalf. The Post reported that Mr Trump had gone to unusual lengths to conceal details of his talks with Mr Putin, including taking his interpreters notes. The White House dismissed the stories as unfair smears. The liberal media has wasted two years trying to manufacture a fake collusion scandal instead of reporting the fact that unlike President Obama, who let Russia and other foreign adversaries push America around, President Trump has actually been tough on Russia, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, said in a statement. Mr Trump has been in contact with Mr Putin since shortly after his election in November 2016. Mr Putin sent him a congratulatory telegram and the two spoke by telephone on 14 November. They spoke a few more times before meeting in person for the first time as presidents on 7 July 2017, in Hamburg, Germany, during a Group of 20 economic summit. Aside from interpreters, the only others in the room were Rex W. Tillerson, then the secretary of state, and Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister. The inaugural meeting came at a sensitive time. Mr Trumps team learned that day that one of the biggest secrets of his presidential bid was about to become public: At the height of the campaign, his son, son-in-law and campaign chairman had met at Mr Trump Tower with Russians on the promise of obtaining dirt on Hillary Clinton from the Russian government. Mr Trumps team was scrambling to respond to a request for comment by The Times. Mr Trumps meeting with Mr Putin that day lasted more than two hours. Afterward, Mr Trump took his interpreters notes and instructed the interpreter not to brief anyone. Mr Tillerson told reporters that the leaders discussed everything from Syria to Ukraine, but he also described a very robust and lengthy exchange on the election hacking. A few hours later, Mr Trump sought out Mr Putin again during a dinner for all the leaders. Videotape later made public showed Mr Trump pointing at Mr Putin, who was seated across and down a long table, then pointing at himself and then making a pumping motion with his fist. Mr Trump later told The Times that he went over to see his wife, Melania Trump, who was sitting next to Mr Putin, and the two leaders then talked, with Mr Putins interpreter translating. No US officials were present, and the White House did not confirm the encounter until more than 10 days later, after it was independently reported. The day after the two meetings, as Mr Trump was on Air Force One taking off from Germany heading back to Washington, he telephoned a Times reporter and argued that the Russians were falsely accused of election interference. While he insisted most of the conversation be off the record, he later repeated a few things in public in little-noticed asides. He said that he raised the election hacking three times and that Mr Putin denied involvement. But he said Mr Putin also told him that if we did, we wouldnt have gotten caught, because were professionals. Mr Trump said: I thought that was a good point because they are some of the best in the world at hacking. Asked how he weighed Mr Putins denials against the evidence that had been presented to him by Mr Comey; John O. Brennan, then the CIA director; and James R. Clapper Jr., then director of national intelligence, he said that Mr Clapper and Mr Brennan were the most political intelligence chiefs he knew and that Mr Comey was a leaker. Later on the same flight to Washington, Mr Trump huddled with aides to decide how to respond to the emerging story by other Times reporters about the Trump Tower meeting. He personally dictated a misleading statement, saying the meeting was about Russian adoptions without admitting that it was actually intended to accept Moscows aid for his campaign, as emails obtained by The Times later documented. The confluence of the two conversations with Mr Putin even as Mr Trumps team was grappling with questions about the Trump Tower meeting have fueled further suspicions. If you add up all these pieces, its a very damning picture at a minimum of how to handle national security, said Weiss, who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. If theres a more nefarious explanation, its obviously more disturbing. Mr Trump next encountered Mr Putin in person on 11 November 2017, at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Da Nang, Vietnam. No formal meeting was scheduled, but the two chatted anyway, and Mr Trump later indicated that Mr Putin again denied any election interference. I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it, Mr Trump said. The two stayed in touch by phone. Mr Trump called after Mr Putin was re-elected in a contest heavily managed by the state in his favor. Although wary aides wrote in his briefing papers, DO NOT CONGRATULATE, Mr Trump went ahead and congratulated Mr Putin anyway. US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland, 16 July 16, 2018. (file photo:Kevin Lamarque/REUTERS) Their most famous meeting came 16 July 2018, in Helsinki, where they talked for more than two hours accompanied only by interpreters. At a subsequent news conference, Mr Trump seemed to again accept Mr Putins denial of election interference over the conclusions of American intelligence agencies. But what happened behind closed doors remained shrouded. The Kremlin later reported that the leaders reached important agreements, but U.S. government officials were left in the dark. U.S. intelligence agencies were left to glean details about the meeting from surveillance of Russians who talked about it afterward. Within months, Mr Trump was angling for another meeting, perhaps at the White House or in Paris. Finally, they scheduled a get-together in Buenos Aires in December on the sidelines of yet another G-20 meeting. President Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin as they gather for a group photo at the start of the G20 summit, Buenos Aires, Argentina. 30 November 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File) Days before, Russian forces seized three Ukrainian naval vessels, but Mr Trump seemed intent on sitting down with Mr Putin anyway, telling reporters as he left the White House for Buenos Aires that the meeting was still on. Just an hour later, after aides briefed him again on the Ukraine standoff, he canceled the meeting on Twitter, catching the Russians off-guard. But when he arrived in Buenos Aires, Mr Trump ended up having another informal conversation with Mr Putin at the leaders dinner. Once again, little information emerged about what they discussed, even to other U.S. government officials. Ive never heard of a president conducting one-on-one meetings with his Russian counterpart without note-takers or without afterward offering readouts to his top aides, said David J. Kramer, a former assistant secretary of state under Bush. Putin is privy to what the two discussed why cant senior administration officials be trusted and looped in, too? The New York Times WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump will meet members of Congress at the White House later on Tuesday as the partial U.S. government shutdown enters a 25th day without resolution amid a standoff over border wall funding. Trump is scheduled to host the lawmakers for lunch, according to his public schedule, which did not say who was attending. CNN, citing unnamed sources, said moderate Democrats were invited. Representatives for the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Representatives for congressional leaders could not be immediately reached for comment on the meeting or who was attending. Related: Government shutdown continues This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Washington Post on Monday reported that a new bipartisan group of U.S. senators is also searching for an agreement that could help end the shutdown, which began Dec. 22 and has shuttered key agencies and left hundreds of thousands of federal workers and contractors without pay. Trump, who has demanded $5.7 billion from Congress to build his long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexican border, on Monday rejected a call by fellow Republicans to temporarily reopen the government while talks continue on border security issues. He held fast to his demand on Tuesday, tweeting: "Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!" Democrats, who took over the U.S. House of Representatives this month, have rejected the border wall but have said they back other border security measures. House Democrats have passed a number of bills to fund the roughly one-quarter of federal operations that have been closed, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, has said the chamber will not consider any legislation that Trump will not sign. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday called on McConnell to move forward, suggesting that Congress go around the president. "The president is unwilling to move the ball forward, so Congress must. I urge my friend leader McConnell to allow a vote on the House-passed legislation to re-open the government. It seems to be the only way out right now," Schumer said in remarks on the Senate floor. The partial shutdown is the longest in U.S. history and its effects have begun to reverberate across the country, in one case in the form of longer lines at some airports as more security screeners fail to show up for work. Food and drug inspections have been curtailed and farmers, stung by recent trade spats, have been unable to receive federal aid. Roughly 800,000 federal employees are also feeling the financial sting after missing their first paycheck last week. (Reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Steve Orlofsky) Donald Trumps judicial nominee for a lifelong appointment to one of the nations most powerful courts, has stirred controversy over her apparent views surrounding sexual assault victims, among other legal issues. Neomi Rao, who would replace Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh on the US Circuity Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit, has never been a judge, though she previously worked for the Senate Judiciary Committee and currently serves the White House as the administrator of the office of information and regulatory affairs at the office of management and budget. A series of writings the conservative penned while attending Yale University, have since revealed her apparent attitudes towards issues such as rape, race and LGBTQ equality after being unearthed in a BuzzFeed News report published on Monday. In one of her more controversial columns from 1994 published in the Yale Herald, Ms Rao argued against the defence that a woman could become too inebriated to consent to sex. A good way to avoid a potential date rape is to stay reasonably sober," she wrote. And if she drinks to the point where she can no longer choose, well, getting to that point was part of her choice. Implying that a drunk woman has no control of her actions, but that a drunk man does strips women of all moral responsibility, she continued. The conservative legal scholar also appeared to undermine the need for LGBTQ protections, writing in a separate 1994 column: Trendy political movements have only recently added sexuality to the standard checklist of traits requiring tolerance. She has also referred to the issue of race as a hot, money-making issue, and claimed multiculturalists were seeking to undermine American culture. The Justice Department defended the presidents choice to replace Mr Kavanaugh on whats seen as the second most powerful court in the country, saying in a statement Ms Raos writings were intentional provocative. Neomi Rao is a renowned constitutional and administrative law expert. That is why the president nominated her to the DC Circuit. The views she expressed a quarter century ago as a college student writing for her student newspaper were intentionally provocative, designed to raise questions and push back against liberal elitism that dominated her campus at the time, a spokesperson for the department said. More than two decades later, her views can be found in her numerous academic articles and speeches. We are confident Ms. Rao will make an exemplary judge on the D.C Circuit. Story continues Ms Rao, who has reportedly been considered for a potential Supreme Court nominee if another seat were to open under Mr Trumps presidency, has been a key official in the White Houses deregulations efforts. She was selected by the president to fill Mr Kavanaughs role in November, though her official nomination was returned to the White House with the close of the last Congress in early January. Ms Rao is hardly the first of Mr Trump's judicial nominees to stir controversy; a slate of his picks have withdrawn after questions arose surrounding their compotency and stances on issues like race and equality. The president is expected to re-nominate her and dozens of other judicial nominees in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a contentious confirmation battle. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday canceled a planned visit later this month to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, signaling he was prepared for the political showdown over the partial federal government shutdown to stretch into late January. It was unclear whether the shutdown, now in its 20th day, would end before the start of the global economic meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 22 to 25. Trump and congressional Democrats are in a battle over funding for the government and Trump's long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. "Because of the Democrats intransigence on Border Security and the great importance of Safety for our Nation, I am respectfully cancelling my very important trip to Davos, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum," Trump wrote on Twitter. The president had told reporters at the White House earlier on Thursday that he intended to speak at the forum but would not attend if the shutdown continued. The cancellation quashes any opportunity for Trump to meet with other world leaders about economic issues, including trade. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told reporters after a briefing with lawmakers on Capitol Hill that he was talking with the White House about whether he would still make the trip to Switzerland. "My guess is if we do continue it, it will be in a scaled-back version," Mnuchin said. The Trump administration is engaged in trade talks with the European Union and China, among others. China and the United States have agreed to a 90-day pause in implementing tariffs in order to hammer out a trade deal. China's vice president, Wang Qishan, was expected to attend the Swiss meeting, but it was unclear whether any talks had been planned between him and Trump. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Additional reporting by Makini Brice; Writing by Lisa Lambert and Susan Heavey; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Peter Cooney) Support for Donald Trump has waned significantly among a key group of working-class voters during the longest government shutdown in US history, polls indicate. The presidents approval rating among white Americans without university degrees has plummeted in the last month, according to separate surveys by Quinnipiac University and CNN. The demographic is seen as crucial to Mr Trump, with two-thirds backing him in the 2016 election. Fifty-three per cent of white voters with no degree approve of the presidents performance, down from 56 per cent on 19 December, found the Quinnipiac poll. His disapproval rating has increased from 37 per cent to 43 per cent, according to the survey. CNNs research put the same groups support for Mr Trump at 45 per cent, down from 54 per cent a month ago. The rating is his lowest polled by a CNN survey of white Americans without degrees, by one per cent. The CNN poll found 55 per cent of all Americans placed most of the blame for the government shutdown on the president, compared to 22 per cent who blamed Democrats in congress. Forty-five per cent of white Americans without university degrees blamed Mr Trump, with 39 per cent blaming Democrats. The president initially appeared eager to take responsibility for the deadlock which has left 800,000 federal government workers unpaid for more than a month, telling Democrats in a televised meeting in December: I will be the one to shut it down ... Im not going to blame you for it. Earlier this month, Mr Trump vowed to keep shuttered government departments closed for months or even years if House Democrats continue to refuse to sign off funding for his border wall. But with frustration growing over the shutdown, which entered its 26th day on Wednesday, the president has tried to shift blame onto Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. Nancy and Cryin Chuck can end the Shutdown in 15 minutes. At this point, it has become their, and the Democrats, fault, he tweeted on Monday. Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Ca., questions William Barr at hearing to confirm him as Attorney General of the United States. WASHINGTON The Senate Judiciary Committee's ranking Democrat signaled Wednesday that she would vote to confirm William Barr as attorney general if the nominee provided greater assurances that he would make public the final report of Russia special counsel Robert Mueller. A day after Barr promised the committee that he would allow the special counsel to complete his investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election, Feinstein said that she had become increasingly "concerned" about whether the nominee would be willing to share Mueller's work in full. Feinstein, during the second day of Senate confirmation hearings, characterized Barr's daylong testimony as "good" overall. But she said that his commitment to make Mueller's final conclusions public became more "confusing" as the day wore on, at one point indicating that any report submitted to the Justice Department at the end of the inquiry would be confidential. "This is a big report," Feinstein said. "I don't think there should be very much redaction at all. My vote depends on that." Because Republicans control the Senate, Barr is likely to be confirmed, though the top Democrat's consideration of the nomination represented a departure in a deeply polarized political environment. More: William Barr: Democrats to question attorney general nominee about criticism of Robert Mueller inquiry More: Top 5 moments from first day of William Barr's confirmation hearing for attorney general Feinstein's remarks came as civil rights advocates and former Justice Department officials sparred over Barr's nomination. Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, who served in the administration of President George W. Bush, told the Senate panel that he knew of no other nominee for the post with Barr's credentials. "He has done everything you can possibly do," Mukasey said, citing Barr's previous stint as attorney general during President George H.W. Bush's administration. Mukasey, however, was quickly followed by Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP who called for the Senate to reject Barr's nomination, asserting that the nominee represented a threat to erode civil and human rights laws. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top Judiciary Democrat: Vote to confirm Barr hinges on commitment to release final Mueller report The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] WASHINGTON The nation had front-row seats to the first day of confirmation hearings for William Barr, President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general. Barr, who previously served as attorney general under President George H.W. Bush, took on questions from everything on gun policies, civil rights and immigration to how he would oversee the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election, a probe that has cast a shadow over Trump's presidency. Here are the top five moments from his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The hearings is scheduled to continue on Wednesday. 1. Barr won't halt Mueller probe Barr asserted that President Donald Trump exacted no promises of favoritism and that he would not direct the Justice Department as an extension of the White House. Throughout the all-day hearing, Barr provided unflinching assurances that he would allow special counsel Robert Mueller to complete the investigation into Russias interference in the 2016 election. I dont believe Mr. Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt," Barr said, acknowledging a long professional association and personal friendship with the special counsel. He said it would be unimaginable that Mueller would engage in conduct that would warrant his removal. Trump has repeatedly called Muellers investigation a witch hunt and accused Mueller of waging a politically charged campaign against him. Barr committed to providing the necessary resources to the special counsel investigation, and when asked for a pledge to keep Mueller on the job, Barr told California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the panels ranking Democrat, Absolutely. A big point of disagreement between the president and his last attorney general, Jeff Sessions, was Sessions' decision to recuse himself from overseeing the investigation. Trump repeatedly voiced his frustration with Sessions' decision and his criticisms over how the investigation was being handled. Story continues 2. Unclear if Barr would recuse himself Barr said he would seek the advice of Justice ethics officials on whether he should recuse himself from overseeing the Russia investigation, but he would not commit to following their recommendation. I make the decision, Barr said, adding that he would take action in good faith, based on the law and the facts. Questions about Barrs recusal have been raised since last month after the disclosure of a 19-page memorandum he wrote that said Muellers inquiry into possible obstruction by the president was fatally misconceived. Committee Democrats and some Republicans seized on the memo as a gauge of Trumps possible influence over the nominee. If confirmed, the president is going to expect you to do his bidding; I can almost guarantee you hell cross the line at some point, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., told Barr. Late last year, acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker refused to follow the recommendation of ethics officials that he recuse himself from involvement in Muellers inquiry because of public statements assailing the special counsels inquiry. 3. Barr supports a border wall During much of the hearing, Barr presented himself as independent-minded and unworried about any pressure that might come from President Donald Trump if they were to disagree. But when the subject of immigration came up, Barr on Tuesday sounded very much like Trump. We need a barrier system on the border in order to get control of the border, he told lawmakers. The federal government has been partially shut down for more than three weeks because President Trump demanded that his proposal for a border wall be funded before he would agree to any budget deal with Congress. Democrats who control the House refuse to budge on Trumps request, arguing that his wall proposal is impractical and a waste of money. After his initial response, Barr seemed to make a point of repeating several times that a barrier was needed to stem these problems. Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., sought to clarify Barr's view: "Are you advocating a wall? "I am advocating a barrier system," Barr said. "In some places, it may not be necessary to have a wall." 4. 'Won't be bullied,' would resign Throughout his hours answering questions from lawmakers, Barr sought to convey his independence from Trump and the White House. Some of his answers when it came to Mueller's investigation and immigration didn't line up with some of the comments that have previously come from members of the president's cabinet. Attorney general nominee William Barr testifies at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 15, 2019, in Washington. "Im in a position in life to provide the leadership necessary to protect the independence of this department," Barr told the Senate Judiciary Committee. "I wont do anything that I think is wrong; I wont be bullied into doing anything I think is wrong." Later when asked about protecting the president and the role of the attorney general in that regard, Barr told lawmakers that, "If I was ever asked to do something that I felt was unlawful and directed to do that, I wouldn't do it and I would resign rather than do it." 5. An unlikely star: Barr's grandson While the nation tuned in to watch Barr's remarks, his 8-year-old grandson seemed to steal the spotlight for much of the day. Barr's grandson, Liam, caught the attention of lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats alike, who offered him snacks, a chance to sit with them and even a bit of career advice. Barr, while listing the list of attorneys in his family, introduced Liam as a future Justice Department employee to a crowded room of laughter. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. and chair of the committee, interrupted Barr, telling the 8-year-old boy, "Think about medical school, Liam. Somebody needs to make money in the family." His feet dangling in the air, unable to reach the ground, Liam sat in the front row of the audience and used a pen and notepad to get through the all-day affair. He wrote a sweet letter to his grandpa, telling him, "I love you so much. You are doing great so far." Liam wrote that he was "having so much fun." After six hours on the Hill, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., paused before resuming questioning to say she was sending a care package from the dais that included a bag of chips, a Snickers candy bar and a granola bar to Barrs grandson for making it so far into the hearing. He deserves a medal, Feinstein said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top 5 moments from first day of William Barr's confirmation hearing for attorney general A toddler in London was crushed to death by a cars passenger seat because his mothers boyfriend was annoyed that he was making too much noise, a prosecutor told a U.K. court. Three-year-old Alfie Lamb was in the rear footwell of the car when he was squashed at the touch of a button on Feb. 1, 2018, the court was told. Stephen Waterson, 25, who was in the front passenger seat, allegedly pushed his seat back twice in anger at the noise and fuss. Alfies mother, Adrian Hoare, 23, who was in the seat behind her son, is charged with manslaughter alongside Waterson. Alfie Lamb (pictured) was in the rear footwell of a car when he was crushed by the reclining passenger seat. (Photo: via Facebook) The driver, Marcus Lamb, 22, and his then-girlfriend, 19-year-old Emilie Williams, who was in the back seat with Hoare, are due to give evidence against the couple. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson said a pathologist found that the boy had died from crush asphyxia. It was caused by the front passenger seat of the Audi vehicle, Watersons seat, being moved back further into the rear passenger side footwell at a time when, as was known, Alfie was in that footwell, Atkinson said. In effect, he was squashed by the car seat and suffocated. Hoare had a duty of care to Alfie but did nothing to help him, Atkinson also charged. Both defendants went on to lie to police about what happened, the court heard. Stephen Waterson, 25, who was in the front passenger seat, allegedly pushed his seat back on the toddler. (Photo: Mirror) An ambulance and police had been called to Adams Way in Croydon in south London on the evening of Feb. 1 to investigate a report of an unresponsive child. Police found closed-circuit TV footage that showed that Hoare, Williams, Lamb and Waterson had all traveled together to Adams Way in a dark Audi car. Hoare is also accused of attacking Williams, while Waterson allegedly fought with Lamb. Hoare has denied charges of manslaughter, child cruelty and common assault on Williams. Waterson has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and intimidation of Lamb. The couple and Williams have pleaded guilty to conspiring to pervert the course of justice by making false statements to police. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. By Aleksandar Vasovic BELGRADE (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters marching in Belgrade to mark the anniversary of the assassination of a Kosovo Serb leader accused the authorities on Wednesday of covering up for the perpetrators of the unsolved killing. The march, the seventh such anti-government protest since December 8, took place on the eve of a visit by Russia's President Vladimir Putin, an event expected to boost the popularity of President Aleksandar Vucic, who also heads the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). Protesters brought together by the Alliance for Serbia, a loose grouping of 30 opposition parties and organizations, marched in silence in the evening in tribute to Oliver Ivanovic, gunned down a year ago in the Kosovo town of Mitrovica. "This is not only about Oliver, who was a man of peace, this protest is also about the climate of fear-mongering, this is because of a regime that is intimidating its own citizens," said Nenad Nikolic, a 23-year-old student. Ivanovic, 64, was shot dead on Jan. 16 as he arrived at his party office in Mitrovica, a town bitterly split between Kosovo's majority ethnic Albanians and minority nationalist Serbs, who dominate the northern region surrounding Mitrovica. He had been facing retrial over killings of ethnic Albanians during Kosovos 1998-99 guerrilla uprising against repressive Serbian rule. Kosovo gained independence from Serbia in 2008 and Ivanovic subsequently became known as a relative moderate for advocating dialogue and compromise with Kosovo Albanians. Ivanovic also became one of the chief interlocutors for NATO, U.N. and EU officials based in Kosovo to help steer it toward stable democracy and rule of law. "This is a symbolic day because we are not only marking the slaying of a great man, we are marking one year of a cover-up by the state and Pristina as well," Stana Ilic, 59, said. "I hope this murder will be resolved once Vucic and his clique are replaced," she said. Three Serbs were arrested in connection with the killing in November 2018 when a special police unit sent by the Kosovo Albanian government in Pristina carried out a raid in the Serb-dominated north side of Mitrovica. They have yet to be charged. On Wednesday protesters marched toward the biggest Orthodox church in Serbia, the Saint Sava Church, a site which Putin will visit. Dozens of thousands of SNS supporters are expected to come to the church on Thursday to greet the Russian leader. Since he took power in 2012, Vucic has been performing a delicate balancing act between Serbia's goal to join the European Union and maintaining close ties with Orthodox Russia. Vucic and his coalition have a majority of 160 deputies in the 250 seat parliament, but protests could shake their popularity. "Dissatisfaction is there, it is a question of time if there is going to be more sustained risk to the government," Florian Bieber, Balkans expert at the University of Graz, told Reuters. (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Writing by Ivana Sekularac, Editing by William Maclean) At first, furloughed federal employees were sent home from work to wait out the partial government shutdown. Now, theyre being told to get back on the job without pay. Thousands of staffers from agencies including the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Aviation Administration will be forced to start punching the clock again, according to announcements made Tuesday. Per its newly published shutdown plan, the IRS will recall about 46,000 workers as tax filing season looms less than two weeks away. The added employees mean nearly 60 percent of the workforce will be on duty, which will help tax refunds to get out on time, but without compensation for the workers bearing the burden. Meanwhile a revised Department of Transportation shutdown plan indicates more than 3,600 FAA employees are back on the job. That number was calculated using the DOTs initial plan released last month. In a statement released last week, the FAA called safety its top priority, adding that it is allocating resources based on risk assessment to meet all safety critical functions. If we identify an issue, we recall inspectors and engineers to address it. The shutdown is the longest in U.S. history, dragging into its third week with no end in sight as Democrats face off with the GOP over President Donald Trumps demands for more than $5 billion to build a border wall. On Tuesday, Trump invited moderate Democrats to a White House meeting only to be turned down once they began suspecting it was the presidents attempt at a divide-and-conquer strategy to work a deal to pay for the wall. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said the IRS plans to recall 36,000 workers; it plans to bring back about 46,000. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. (Watch Theresa Mays speech from Downing Street above) Theresa May has criticised Jeremy Corbyn for refusing to take part in emergency Brexit talks after she scraped through a vote of no confidence in her Governments handling of the crisis. In a speech outside Downing Street on Wednesday night, the Prime Minister urged MPs to put self-interest aside and confirmed she had held talks with the SNP, Plaid and Lib Dems but that Jeremy Corbyn had chosen not to take part. Mr Corbyn had previously said he will only take part in cross-party talks if Mrs May takes the prospect of a no deal Brexit off the table. Elsewhere, significantly, it has emerged that the EU could be preparing to offer a delay in Brexit until next year, with French and German officials believing the UK to be in such a logjam that it will take at least 12 months to resolve. Previous planning had centred on a three-month delay to Brexit from March 29 until the end of June but now, according to sources quoted by The Times, EU officials are investigating legal routes to postpone Britains withdrawal until 2020. Theresa May speaks outside Downing Street on Wednesday night. (PA) May survives just Earlier, Mrs May survived an attempt to topple her Government by a majority of just 19 votes. Mr Corbyn had called the vote after the PM suffered a bruising defeat on her Brexit deal yesterday the largest defeat for a Government in modern history. Mr Corbyn had hoped to trigger an early general election with the help of rebel Tories and smaller parties, but Mrs May survived by 325 votes to 306. Following the vote, Mrs May immediately stated she planned to hold meetings starting on Wednesday night with senior parliamentarians and party leaders. She said: I am pleased that this House has expressed its confidence in the Government. I do not take this responsibility lightly and my Government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. And yes, we will also continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise we made to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union. Story continues The PM told the Commons she will approach the meetings with a constructive spirit and urged others to do the same. But her offer almost immediately ran into problems with the Labour leader saying that, for talks to go ahead, Mrs May should remove a no-deal Brexit from the table a view echoed by the Liberal Democrats. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. On the steps of Downing Street, Mrs May tried to present herself as the unifying force of Brexit while simultaneously trying to pile pressure on Mr Corbyn. She said she had held constructive meetings with the leaders of the SNP, Lib Dems and Plaid Cymru and would meet MPs including the DUP on Thursday. Theresa May has survived a no confidence vote (Picture: PA) She added: I am disappointed that the leader of the Labour Party has not so far chosen to take part, but our door remains open. However, a spokesperson for Mrs May said late on Wednesday that Mrs May would not be taking no-deal off the table, which means the impasse with Mr Corbyn will remain unresolved in the short term at least. COUNTDOWN TO BREXIT ANALYSIS FROM YAHOO UK Where do Theresa Mays ministers stand on Brexit? Post-Brexit trip to Europe? Try these non-EU alternatives Bank of England governor confident about UK banks Brexit readiness Dont be fooled the biggest battle over Brexit starts now Hard Brexit could cripple UK science warn Nobel Prize winners Meanwhile, the DUP pointed out the importance of their role in the result of the vote showing just how reliant Mrs May is on their support to prop up her Government. The partys Westminster Leader Nigel Dodds said: Im always delighted when our opponents illustrate the strength of that relationship that we have, and what is delivering for Northern Ireland. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking in the House of Commons, London, after MPs rejected Labours motion of no confidence in Theresa May. (PA) What happens next? Mrs May will have to try to find some kind of consensus in Parliament. The PM has confirmed she wants to meet MPs from across Parliament before returning to the Commons on Monday to make a fresh statement on the way forward on Brexit. Crucially, she has said she remains committed to securing an independent trade policy after Brexit, effectively ruling out a customs union with the EU an area where Labour, and reportedly even members of Mrs Mays own Cabinet, has said a breakthrough could be found. A senior Downing Street source said: One of the principles as we approach these talks is that we want to be able to do our own trade deals. That is incompatible with either a or the customs union. Speaking after the vote, the Trade Secretary Liam Fox didnt rule out the PM discussing a customs union in cross-party talks. Earlier, in an interview with the BBC, Justice Secretary David Gaulke refused six times to say whether Mrs May could now change her policy, appearing to cast some doubt on the issue. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Will Brexit be delayed? Both the EU and the UK are still preparing for Britains departure from Europe on March 29, but given the problems in reaching an agreement, it is increasingly possible that date could be pushed back. According to some reports, that date could be delayed by a few weeks possibly until July if it looks like there is the prospect of a workable deal being reached. Other reports say some EU officials believe political turmoil is so entrenched in the UK that they might be willing to consider offering to delay Brexit into 2020. According to the Times, Germany and France believe UK deadlock is so entrenched that they have indicated their willingness to extend withdrawal negotiations for far longer. Previous planning had centred on a three-month delay to Brexit from March 29 until the end of June but now, according to sources quoted by The Times, EU officials are investigating legal routes to postpone Britains withdrawal until next year. Any delay would involve Article 50 being suspended a request that would come from the UK Government and then discussed by the EU council. On Tuesday night, Emmanuel Macron said he thought the UK would seek an extension. I think thats what theyll do. I know them a bit, the French president said. In that case, well look into it, and maybe well make improvements on one or two things. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Texas Capital (TCBI) reports results for the quarter ended December 2018. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates. The earnings report, which is expected to be released on January 23, 2019, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower. While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise. Zacks Consensus Estimate This holding company for Texas Capital Bank is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.59 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +33.6%. Revenues are expected to be $253.17 million, up 10.1% from the year-ago quarter. Estimate Revisions Trend The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.86% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period. Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Earnings Whisper Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core. 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 subject 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 Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only. A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP. Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell). How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Texas Capital? For Texas Capital, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.25%. On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4. So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Texas Capital will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue? While calculating estimates for a company's future earnings, analysts often consider to what extent it has been able to match past consensus estimates. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number. For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Texas Capital would post earnings of $1.72 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.65, delivering a surprise of -4.07%. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times. Bottom Line An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss. That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Texas Capital doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings 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 Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (TCBI) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Tesla may not be at this year's North American International Auto Show, but it's easy to feel the influence of Elon Musk's company on the automakers unveiling new vehicles in Detroit. From announcing all-electric cars to adding assembly lines specifically for plug-in models, auto executives are ramping up their electric vehicle plans. "There's no doubt, the auto industry is becoming much more serious about developing electric vehicles driven by the need for emissions compliance in the U.S., China and Europe," said Michael Robinet, analyst with IHS Markit. "Tesla has shown the industry that markets do exist for electric vehicles, and the major players have taken notice." Robinet says the early success of the Model 3 shows there is demand for all-electric vehicles. Until last year, U.S. sales of plug-in models were growing, but limited. In 2017, the auto website Inside EVs estimated the top-selling electric model in the U.S. was Tesla's Model S, with sales of approximately 27,000 vehicles. In 2018, Inside EVs' estimates Tesla sold just under 140,000 Model 3s in the U.S.. Tesla (TSLA) does not release sales by country. The surge in sales for the Model 3 clearly demonstrates there's a larger market for an all-electric vehicle, even if it comes at a higher price. The average Model 3 sells for roughly $50,000. Cadillac (GM) President Steve Carlisle admits he "obsessively" benchmarks and studies Tesla. "They have done a lot to popularize electric vehicles and to get into the minds of consumers," Carlisle told CNBC after giving reporters an early glimpse of the all-electric Cadillac being developed. Carlisle's public comments about Tesla are noteworthy. For years, auto executives have privately scoffed when asked about Musk and rarely did they publicly acknowledge the growing sales and success of Tesla. Not anymore. While executives may be more willing to admit Tesla's success, many believe they can ramp up their EV sales to rival, if not exceed, Tesla. Story continues Ford (F) CEO Jim Hackett says the electric models it's developing are "going to appeal to car owners and car lovers." Carlisle cautions that it's premature to say Tesla is the winner of the EV race. "I think we ought to wait a while to write the whole story because we don't know what happens when EVs really start to scale," he said. Both executives have a point. Last year, U.S. consumers bought just over 360,000 EVs, just 2 percent of all vehicles purchased in the country. In other words, it's early, but Tesla and Musk are clearly influencing the thoughts and actions of automakers looking to catch up in the world of EVs. _ CNBC producer Meghan Reeder contributed to this report Qamishli (Syria) (AFP) - A suicide attack killed four US personnel in northern Syria Wednesday, costing Washington its worst combat losses in the war-torn country since 2014 as it prepares to withdraw. The bombing, claimed by the Islamic State group, comes after US President Donald Trump's shock announcement last month that he was ordering a full troop withdrawal from Syria because the jihadists had been "largely defeated". The Pentagon said "two US servicemembers, one Department of Defense (DoD) civilian and one contractor supporting DoD were killed and three servicemembers were injured while conducting a local engagement in Manbij". "Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation," it said, adding that the names of the dead were being withheld until 24 hours after their families were informed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights earlier said two Americans soldiers, nine Syrian civilians, and five US-backed fighters were killed in the attack on a restaurant in the northern city of Manbij near the Turkish border. Rubble littered the outside of the eatery in the city centre and its facade was blackened by the blast, footage from a Kurdish news agency showed. According to Pentagon statistics, Wednesday's blast was the deadliest attack for US anti-IS forces in Syria since they deployed in 2014. The US Department of Defense has previously only reported two American personnel killed in combat in Syria, in separate incidents. The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said it was the first suicide attack in the city in 10 months. - 'Security zone' - Addressing a gathering of US ambassadors in Washington, Vice President Mike Pence did not comment on the attack, saying only that the United States would ensure the defeat of IS, also known as ISIS. "We'll stay in the region and we'll stay in the fight to ensure that ISIS does not rear its ugly head again," he said. Story continues The bombing comes as Syrian Kurds present in areas around Manbij rejected any Turkish presence in a planned "safe zone" to include Kurdish-held areas along the frontier. Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack Washington's Syrian Kurdish allies, who Ankara views as "terrorists" on its southern flank. Washington, which has relied heavily on the Kurds in its campaign against IS in Syria, has sought guarantees for their safety since Trump's pullout announcement. On Tuesday, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would set up a "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion by Trump. But senior Syrian Kurdish political leader Aldar Khalil said any Turkish deployment in Kurdish-held areas was "unacceptable". He said the Kurds would accept the deployment of UN forces along a separation line between Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops. But "other choices are unacceptable as they infringe on the sovereignty of Syria and the sovereignty of our autonomous region," Khalil told AFP. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have been a key US ally in the fight against IS. They have taken heavy losses in a campaign now nearing its conclusion, with the jihadists confined to an ever-shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles). But the jihadists have continued to claim attacks nationwide and abroad. Ankara has welcomed Washington's planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria, but the future of Kurdish fighters has poisoned relations between the NATO allies. On Monday, Erdogan and Trump had a telephone conversation to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to "devastate" Turkey's economy if Ankara attacked Kurdish forces in Syria, and called for a "safe zone". - No 'outside interference' - Erdogan said he and Trump had a "quite positive" conversation in which they spoke of "a 20-mile (30 kilometre) security zone along the Syrian border... set up by us". The YPG-led forces fighting IS in a statement said they would provide "necessary support to set up the safe zone" -- if it came with international guarantees to "prevent any outside interference", in an apparent reference to Turkey. The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria in recent years. In the latest, Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies seized the northwestern enclave of Afrin from the Kurds last year. Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of military occupation and abuses in Syrian sovereign territory. But while Ankara has spoken of a YPG-free "security zone" under its control, analyst Mutlu Civiroglu said it was not immediately clear what the US president meant by a "safe zone", or who he thought would patrol it. Analysts were "waiting for a clarification from Washington to see what the president really meant", he told AFP. The US planned withdrawal has sent the Kurds scrambling to seek a new ally in Damascus, which has long rejected Kurdish self-rule. With military backing from Russia since 2015, Syria's regime has advanced against jihadists and rebels, and now controls almost two-thirds of the country. A northwestern enclave held by jihadists and pockets held by Turkish troops and their allies remain beyond its reach, along with the much larger Kurdish region. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian government must take control of the north. dls-burs/del/par MADISON, Wis. (AP) Defense attorneys for the man accused of kidnapping a Wisconsin teenager and killing her parents acknowledged Wednesday that they're starting the case at a disadvantage after their client gave detectives a detailed confession and said they're not sure he can get a fair trial in the state. According to a criminal complaint , 21-year-old Jake Patterson outlined in detail for detectives how he gunned down 13-year-old Jayme Closs' parents Oct. 15 in their home near Barron and abducted the girl. Jayme escaped last week from the remote cabin where Patterson had been hiding her. Patterson was arrested minutes later, and he was charged Monday with two counts of homicide and kidnapping. Charlie Glynn and Richard Jones, Patterson's public defenders, told The Associated Press that they face an uphill struggle. Glynn acknowledged that the complaint contains "a very thorough confession." "Yes, it looks like you start out behind the eight ball a little bit," Glynn said. Jones said the defense team will evaluate Patterson's statements to determine whether they were given voluntarily and if they're true. He cautioned that prosecutors have amassed 30 banker's boxes full of evidence, but that the defense likely won't receive any of it, let alone review it, until after Patterson's Feb. 6 preliminary hearing. Terry Sullivan, a Chicago attorney who prosecuted the John Wayne Gacy killings, said he wouldn't have included so many details in the Patterson complaint. "I'm befuddled as to why they would release this amount of their evidence," Sullivan said. "It doesn't take a lot to hold a defendant, especially on a case like this. This guy certainly doesn't deserve any sympathy but, under our laws and our constitution, he at least deserves a fair trial. How do you get one if all the jurors have read this?" Jones said he doubts Patterson can get a fair trial in Barron County or maybe anywhere in Wisconsin, given the publicity surrounding the case. Story continues "(Barron) is a small community," Jones said. "So many different people have had not only an interest in the case, but an actual involvement in the case, being part of the search , those things, being part of fundraisers. They've had physical, tangible involvement in the case. The question becomes, 'Can you lay that involvement, that emotion aside and render a verdict based on this case?' In that county, I think that could be extremely difficult." Barron, which lies about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Minneapolis, is home to about 3,400 people. Investigators took more than 3,500 tips during the three-month search for Jayme. Some 2,000 people participated in a ground search for her on Oct. 23. The defense attorneys said they had an extensive conversation with Patterson in jail, but they declined to reveal anything that was said. They described his demeanor as "appropriate" for a 21-year-old facing such serious charges but didn't elaborate. They said they understand everyone wants to know Patterson's motivation, and that it will become clear later as the legal proceedings continue, Jones said. The attorneys declined to comment on Patterson's mental health. Patterson's father, Patrick Patterson, visited the Barron County Justice Center on Tuesday, saying he wanted to pass a note to the Closs' family, CNN reported . On the verge of tears, Patrick Patterson declined an interview but said: "All I care about right now is Jayme's family." Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald told the AP he had no knowledge of a note from the Patterson family. Glynn and Jones described Patrick Patterson as a genuinely kind man who feels terrible. They said he didn't know what was going on, even though his son told detectives Jayme was trapped beneath his bed during several visits from his father. Jayme's grandfather, Robert Naiberg, said Wednesday that he appreciates the father's sympathy. "You can't blame the parents," Naiberg told the AP. "A guy becomes 21 years old, and sometimes it's not how he was raised or anything." Naiberg said his granddaughter continues to recover. He said she will permanently live with her aunt and wants to return to school eventually. "She doesn't want to talk to anybody ... (but her aunt is) bringing her out of her shell slowly," Naiberg said of Jayme. ___ Associated Press writers Amy Forliti and Doug Glass in Minneapolis and Jeff Baenan in Barron, Wisconsin, contributed to this report. ___ For The Latest: https://bit.ly/2RMh9jN ___ For more stories on Jayme's abduction and her parents' deaths: https://apnews.com/JaymeCloss ___ Follow Todd Richmond on Twitter: https://twitter.com/trichmond1 Follow Amy Forliti on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyForliti A priest who was arrested over the gang rape of a woman in Nyeri has been arraigned in Court. The suspect, Joseph Karuga Muraguri, appeared before Nyeri Resident Magistrate Maisi Chesang on Tuesday but he did not take a plea. Nuru Abdullahi, the case investigating officer, requested the court to grant detectives five days to conclude investigations into the case. The Officer told the Court that he believed the priest was connected to the gangrape and termed the case sensitive. He told the court that the woman was gang-raped at Ruringu estate in the outskirts of Nyeri town on January 12. Magistrate Maisi Chesang allowed police to hold the suspect for two days. The Nyeri court ordered Joseph Karuga be detained until Thursday when he will take plea. The case will continue on Thursday when the court will determine whether to release the suspect on bond. Erin Gianaras, young woman with brown hair and glasses. I am currently 29 years old, and I am a stroke survivor. I never thought Id be saying that or that I even could be saying that at such a young age, but here I am. My stroke happened on June 27, 2016; I was just 27 years old at the time. For about 12 weeks before, I was experiencing excruciating head and neck pain. I saw four doctors during that time. They told me I was fine and I didnt need further treatment. I had no other symptoms. As time went on, the pain started interfering with my job. I am a pharmacist at a hospital. I would either leave work early or call in sick to work, which was very unlike me. Then on Monday, June 27, I woke up with extreme vertigo. Vertigo is often described as dizziness, feeling off balance, and a sensation of spinning. It is frequently accompanied by nausea. Within an hour or two, the vertigo improved, and I was able to shower and go about my day. Related: There Is Life After Having a Stroke Early that afternoon, I went to Bed, Bath, and Beyond at a local outdoor shopping center. As I approached the mall, my right foot fell asleep. I thought the timing was odd because I had never experienced my right foot falling asleep while actually driving. At that time, the educated pharmacist in me briefly thought, Headaches, vertigo, foot numbness; am I having a stroke? I thought, No, its not possible; Im only 27. When I was done at the store, I went to checkout. The woman at the counter stated, Are you done? I can help you over here. The words sounded so jumbled. Difficulty comprehending speech is often another symptom of stroke, so by this point, I was even more sure I might be having a stroke. However, I truly felt as if the woman had misspoken and I had heard the words correctly; I had never heard anyone describe this symptom exactly like this. Given this and my age, I convinced myself not to tell the woman I may need help. Related: Through the Eyes of a Stroke Survivor Story continues I left the store and as I stepped down from the sidewalk to the parking lot, I almost lost my balance and fell. I was more sure that something was wrong. I planned on going back to my car and calling 911. I got in my car, turned it on, and put my seatbelt on out of habit. I turned the air conditioning on because it was 95 degrees outside. By this time, my whole right side felt numb, I could tell I had a facial droop, and my vision was very blurry. I was 100 percent positive my suspicions were correct; I was indeed having a stroke. I immediately looked at the clock to see what time it was. Identifying what time your symptoms start is crucial when having a stroke because of a drug called tPA, which is a clot buster. This drug can be given in ischemic strokes, which is the most common type of stroke. However, tPA must be given within a certain time frame from when ones symptoms begin. The time frame is typically three hours, but may be extended to four-and-a-half hours if the patient meets certain criteria. Related: 8 Ways for Stroke Survivors to De-Stress Over the Holidays After noting the time, I lost my speech completely. My arms were in a clenched position in front of my chest. As a pharmacist, I had responded to numerous stroke codes while working at a hospital, and I had not recalled seeing anyone as bad as I was at the moment, which scared me even more. I attempted to dial 911, but I struggled to do so because of my blurry vision. I would accidentally type 912, then have to backspace only to dial another incorrect number. This process continued for what felt like close to 30 minutes. After finally reaching an emergency operator, I was relieved, but terrified at the same time because I didnt know how I would communicate. She asked me what my emergency was, and I was able to respond with only a moan. She continued asking questions such as where I was, if I was by myself, had I been drinking or using drugs, and so on. Sometimes I was not even capable of producing any sound when trying to respond. Finally, she traced my call and confirmed my general location. The emergency operator sent mall security to come find me. I saw mall security driving around shortly after and luckily, the man was able to spot me almost instantly. He quickly realized I truly needed help when I was unable to open my car door upon his instruction. He directed the emergency operator to send paramedics. Two ambulances arrived, and several paramedics surrounded my car. A few paramedics focused on evaluating and communicating with me while the others searched through my wallet and front seat trying to gather whatever information they could. The paramedics realized I was unable to move on my own, so they proceeded to take my seatbelt off and lift me out of my car onto a stretcher. I was then put in the back of the ambulance, and we left for the hospital. Shortly after, we arrived at the hospital, which was coincidentally the hospital I also worked at. I was rushed into an exam room in the ER. I just remember lots of people swarming around me trying to take vitals, evaluate me, change me into a gown and so on. They were not sure what was wrong with me. The whole time I kept thinking, I am having a stroke; call a stroke code. I couldnt communicate this message so I continued sitting in silence. I somewhat presented as if I was having a seizure, so they initially started treating me for that. Even though I had every typical stroke symptom, they were not considering stroke as a diagnosis because of my age. My mom arrived minutes later. She realized that I was aware of what was happening and communicated with me by asking yes or no questions. My mom had a transient ischemic attack or TIA, also known as a mini stroke, about 15 years prior. She had experienced similar symptoms, so was able to relate to how I felt. I remember her asking, Are your eyes painful? Are your eyes blurry? I shook my head no, then yes. She continued to ask, Is your right arm numb? Here? Here? Here? while pointing to three different locations on my arm. Again, I shook my head yes to all three locations. My mom was persistent and insisted I was having a stroke. The staff finally called a stroke code, which alerts several members of the healthcare team to respond. I was taken for a CT scan of my head and neck. They determined I was having an ischemic stroke in the brain stem and basilar artery, which has a high mortality rate. The CT scan also showed I had four arterial dissections. A dissection is a tear in the artery, which can lead to a blockage in the blood vessel and cause a stroke. My dissections were in the four main arteries that supply blood to the brain. In general, dissections are rare, but having four dissections is highly unusual. Next, I was evaluated by a neurologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital via telestroke, which allows a neurologist from a remote location to assess a patient. The neurologist asked me to follow certain commands like moving my arm and leg various ways. He also asked me to identify certain images on cards he showed me. I remember just staring straight ahead, and I was almost in tears from the frustration, fear, and panic. The critical care pharmacist, who is also one of my good friends, had responded to the stroke code. I remember being so glad to see her because I knew she would take very good care of me. She in addition to the rest of the medical staff and my parents were hard at work trying to figure out if I was a candidate for tPA. Since I had been alone, they had no idea what time my symptoms began. They used my receipt from Bed, Bath, and Beyond and my phone to identify what time I called 911 to ultimately determine I was just within the window to receive tPA. Thus, I did receive tPA. Later on while still in the ER, I was worsening because I was needing to be intubated in the ER. Afterwards, I underwent a complicated procedure to remove the clot and have two stents placed to keep the appropriate arteries open. The doctor successfully performed the procedure, and thats why Im here today. I remember waking up in the intensive care unit (ICU) later and still thinking I was in the ER, though I knew I was at the hospital, which was a very good sign. The next day, I was able to speak again, but it was hard and my speech was definitely slurred. It was also extremely hard to swallow. I could not move my entire right side, still had a lot of numbness and tingling, and was experiencing severe pain. Emotionally, it was very difficult to process the severity of what I was going through and all the unknowns. How long would I be hospitalized? Could I ever walk or drive again? When could I go back to work? I could not even begin to process that I might actually have long term consequences and disabilities and that my life would be changed forever. On that first Thursday, three nights after my stroke, a CT scan showed I might be worsening. The next day, the doctors decided I needed to be transferred to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. I had an extremely hard time with that news and lots of tears were shed because it brought up so many more unknowns. I was transferred by ambulance later that day. The next 48 hours were the absolute toughest and a complete blur. I dont remember much; I was in so much pain. I was in the first two hospitals for a total of three-and-a-half weeks, almost all of which was in the ICU. Afterwards, I went to Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), and I was an inpatient there for another three-and-a-half weeks. At RIC, I underwent rigorous physical, occupational and speech therapy. I had therapy about four hours per day, six or seven days a week. I was in a wheelchair and trying to relearn how to stand, climb stairs, walk and talk. I could not get dressed, shower or go to the bathroom on my own. I was supervised all the time. I cannot begin to explain how that feels when just weeks before you were doing everything on your own. My whole life had now become dedicated to moving one finger on my right hand, then opening and closing my entire hand, rotating my wrist, moving my right leg, balancing, and strengthening my right side. My right side was my dominant side prior to the stroke, so I was forced to become left-handed. As a result of doing everything with one, non-dominant hand, I developed severe carpal tunnel issues from overuse, on top of every other obstacle. The pain I still experienced due to the dissections, mainly in the form of unrelenting and excruciating headaches (unlike that of a migraine), kept me abstaining from watching television, reading or listening to music for months. When I was discharged home, the struggles continued. I had someone staying with me for a couple months in case I were to fall. For several months after, I had extreme difficulty coming up with the right word I was trying to say. I experienced bladder and bowel incontinence for some time because of muscle weakness and decreased feeling. My day to day life was consumed by doctor appointments, trips to the pharmacy, phone calls with insurance, and outpatient day rehab at RIC, which consisted of six hours of therapy per day, about three days a week. After a lot of testing, Ive been told I have some underlying genetic connective tissue disorder, which predisposed me to the dissections. How have I survived this and gotten to where I am? I try to maintain a positive attitude despite everything. Ive also had the most wonderful support system, which is incredibly important. It definitely starts with my family and friends, coworkers, therapists and doctors. The stroke team at the initial hospital was amazing and provided excellent care; I cannot even begin to thank the stroke coordinator, nurses, pharmacists, and doctors, as well as the doctor who performed my procedure and his nurse practitioner. They saved my life and Ill forever be grateful. The main piece of advice Id give to others is do not wait if you are suspecting a stroke or just think something is generally off. Millions of brain cells die every minute when youre having a stroke. Im talking from experience. My biggest regret is not seeking help sooner. Strokes can and do happen to anyone at any age. Please dont think you are the exception! Read more stories like this on The Mighty: We Need to Pamper Ourselves Sometimes in Our Lives With Chronic Illness What Having a Stroke Taught Me The Unexpected Place I Found Help as a Stroke Survivor A photo of a Subway employee resting her bare feet on a food-prep counter is concerning a Michigan health department and the restaurant chain. A woman named Tara Renee took a photo of the worker talking on the phone with her uncovered feet propped up on a counter where sandwich ingredients are stored. This is at the Subway on State St. near the U of M! Quite disgusting! Im sure the health dept would have an issue with this. Bon appetit, Renee wrote Friday on Facebook. Sources told WXYZ that the Ann Arbor-based employee was the owners wife, although Yahoo Lifestyle could not confirm that. When called for comment, no one at the restaurant picked up the phone. Shes denied ever doing this just three days ago, and theres still been no admission of responsibility or personal apology to customers, according to WXYZ. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Kip Klopfenstein, business development agent at Subway, tells Yahoo Lifestyle, The behavior in this photo is inconsistent with the high standards Subway requires of its restaurants. Food safety and restaurant cleanliness are top priorities. We are investigating and will take appropriate action. On Monday, Renee sent the photo to the Washtenaw County Health Department, the agency that oversees customer complaints and performs restaurant inspections in this Subways jurisdiction. The image is a strong visual representation of a valid food safety concern, says environmental health director Kristen Schweighoefer. We explained to Subway why bare feet on a countertop was unhygienic, Schweighoefer tells Yahoo Lifestyle. My understanding is that the employee was tired and this was a lapse in judgment. Schweighoefer says the agency usually handles restaurant complaints that are far worse rodent infestations, sewage problems (which cause immediate store closures) and unsanitized kitchen tools. Unwashed feet can transfer dust or bacteria to the food space, she says, and the organization will take an educational approach with Subway. Story continues Were getting to the root cause, Schweighoefer notes. Do employees have an appropriate place to take breaks or chairs that allow them to relax? In December, that particular Subway location received zero violations during an inspection, and unless bare feet are a repeated occurrence, there are no fines or penalties. As usual, Subway will continue undergoing periodic inspections by the health department. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Rep. Steve Kings base of support, including in his home state of Iowa, continues to erode after comments he made appearing to praise white supremacy were published in the New York Times. The latest salvo came as the Sioux City Journal, a conservative newspaper in Iowas Fourth District that had previously endorsed the Republican congressman, called on him to resign. It's hard for us to summon words that will properly convey how repugnant we view that remark, said the paper in response to King asking, White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? earlier this month. Constituents deserve better and more from the man or woman we send to represent us in Washington, D.C., wrote the Journals editorial board. If he cares deeply about citizens of the 4th, and we believe he does, King should do what is in their best interests and step down from office. King defeated Democratic challenger J.D. Scholten by 3.7 percent in Novembers race, surviving controversy over his endorsement of a declared white supremacist in Torontos mayoral race and a meeting with an Austrian group associated with neo-Nazism. Joining the Journal in its call for a resignation was the Des Moines Register, which wrote that King has lost even the potential to effectively represent his Iowa constituents because of his abhorrent comments about white nationalism and white supremacy. King has often made Iowa a laughing stock on the national stage with his offensive and absurd remarks about undocumented immigrants, comparing them to dogs or disparaging them as drug mules with calves the size of cantaloupes, wrote the Registers editorial board. Des Moines is not located in Kings district. I think he should find another line of work, said Rep. Liz Cheney, the third-ranking Republican in the House, on Tuesday. His language questioning whether or not the notion of white supremacy is offensive is absolutely abhorrent, its racist, we do not support it or agree with it. Story continues Rep. Steve King, far left, with Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, then Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in 2016. (Photo: Charlie Neibergall/AP) King has been condemned or outright abandoned by a number of Republican allies who stood by him through his long history of racist rhetoric. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, stripped King of his committee assignments. Sen. Chuck Grassley and Sen. Joni Ernst condemned Kings most recent comments after previously campaigning with him. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said she would stay out of the primary race for Kings seat after keeping the congressman on as a co-chair for her 2018 campaign. King also served as the national co-chair of Sen. Ted Cruzs 2016 presidential campaign. Congressman Steve Kings recent comments, actions, and retweets are completely inappropriate, wrote Steve Stivers, head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, who had criticized King even prior to the 2018 election. We must stand up against white supremacy and hate in all forms, and I strongly condemn this behavior. He was still endorsed by Grassley, who said Iowa needs Steve King in Congress. I also need Steve King in Congress. King had attempted to defend his association with international far-right groups by saying, If they were in America pushing the platform that they push, they would be Republicans. Despite his comments to the New York Times, King says has rejected being labeled a white nationalist and voted Tuesday on a House measure to condemn white supremacy. Some congressional Democrats are pushing for a formal censure of their colleague. The turn on King by Republican colleagues and leadership who ignored years of his prior comments has caused confusion for both King and observers. (King kept a Confederate flag on his desk through 2016 even though Iowa was a Union state.) Iowa Republicans have said that the narrow margin in his 2018 race the tightest victory of his nine-term career in an extremely Republican district have shown him to be too vulnerable to be worth defending, while his comments have become a distraction for Republicans nationwide. If King doesnt heed the calls to resign, he is expected to face a number of challengers in next years Republican primary. The Office creator Greg Daniels and star Steve Carell will reunite for a new Netflix sitcom, Space Force, that parodies President Trumps proposed military branch of the same name. The duo co-created the series and will executive produce; Carell will star in the show, and Daniels will serve as showrunner. The streaming service previewed the project with a sci-fi-aping teaser that outlines the plot. On June 18th, 2018, the federal government announced the creation of a sixth major division of the United States Armed Forces, reads overlaid text. The goal of the new branch is to defend satellites from attack and perform other space-related tasks. Or something. This is the story of the men and women who have to figure it out. Netflix has yet to announce the shows episode count or premiere date. Space Force marks the pairs first project together since the U.S. version of The Office; Carell starred in the show as protagonist Michael Scott for seven of its nine seasons; Daniels served as showrunner for the first four seasons and returned for its ninth and final installment. Space Force marks Carells second major TV project announcement in recent months; in October, he signed on as a co-star of an Apple morning show drama alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. Since leaving The Office in 2011, hes focused primarily on film projects, including 2018 roles in Vice, Welcome to Marwen and Beautiful Boy. In addition to his work on The Office, Daniels co-created King of the Hill and Parks and Recreation. The fine-time Emmy winner previously wrote for The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live, among other programs. Trump unveiled his initial idea for a Space Force in June. Im hereby directing the Department of Defense and Pentagon to immediately begin the process necessary to establish a Space Force as the sixth branch of the armed forces, the president said at a White House event. Thats a big statement. Six months later, he signed a memo ordering the Pentagon to establish the Space Command, a precursor to the Space Force. Sterling Bancorp (STL) is expected to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended December 2018. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price. The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on January 23. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower. While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise. Zacks Consensus Estimate This bank holding company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.51 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +30.8%. Revenues are expected to be $268.93 million, up 4.3% from the year-ago quarter. Estimate Revisions Trend The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 2.11% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period. Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Earnings Whisper Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction). 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 subject 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 Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only. A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP. Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell). How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Sterling Bancorp? For Sterling Bancorp, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -0.98%. On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3. So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Sterling Bancorp will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue? Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number. For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Sterling Bancorp would post earnings of $0.51 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.51, delivering no surprise. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates two times. Bottom Line An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss. That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Sterling Bancorp doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings 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 Sterling Bancorp (STL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Justin Trudeau answers questions at a town hall event (CP) Six-in-ten Canadians feel the country is in crisis over its lack of new energy pipelines, according to a poll released Wednesday. The Angus Reid Institute questioned more than 4,000 individuals between late December and early January. The findings show about half place blame on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government for not doing enough to move projects forward. Canadas long-standing pipeline issue was thrust into the spotlight again in late 2018, as prices for heavy Canadian crude plunged against global benchmarks. A barrel of Western Canadian Select (WCS) oil, the main grade produced in Alberta, sold for as much as $52 less than U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) in October. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley pressed Ottawa for action, explaining Canadas heavy oil discount was costing the nation more than $80 million per day. Notley took the matter into her own hands in early December, curtailing 325,000 barrels per day worth of production to ease the glut of oil trapped in the province that weighed on prices. WCS prices have recovered since mid-November, significantly narrowing the discount to the U.S. benchmark. However, many industry observers see the government-imposed production cut as a band-aid on a problem with only one solution more pipeline capacity to move Canadas oil to foreign markets. (Angus Reid Institute) This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The outcry from Canadas energy patch was recently underscored by the announcement last Wednesday that Calgary-based TransCanada Corp. (TRP.TO) plans to change its name to TC Energy. The pipeline company, which is increasingly drawing more of its revenue from outside Canada, said the decision is meant to reflect the scope of its operations across North America. While pipeline expansion has attracted fierce opposition from various stakeholders, including environmental and Indigenous groups, Angus Reid found two-thirds (65 per cent) of those polled count oil and gas as a critical industry. Seven-in-ten (69 per cent) said they expect the country will be considerably impacted without new pipeline capacity. Story continues Perhaps unsurprisingly, frustration over the lack of new pipelines was found to be most acute in Alberta, home to the vast majority Canadas energy resources. Eighty-seven per cent of those polled in that province called the situation a crisis, compared to 40 per cent in Quebec, where pipeline anxiety was found to be weakest. More than half (53 per cent) said they support both TransCanadas Energy East pipeline and the Trans Mountain project that Ottawa purchased from Kinder Morgan Canada (KML.TO) for $4.5 billion in May. SURVEY METHODOLOGY: The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from December 21, 2018 January 3, 2019, among a representative randomized sample of 4,024 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The sample plan included large oversamples in some regions that were then weighted back to provide a national snapshot. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size with this sample frame would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. The survey was self-commissioned and paid for by ARI. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Today well evaluate Manx Telecom plc (LON:MANX) to determine whether it could have potential as an investment idea. Specifically, were going to calculate its Return On Capital Employed (ROCE), in the hopes of getting some insight into the business. First, well go over how we calculate ROCE. Then well compare its ROCE to similar companies. Then well determine how its current liabilities are affecting its ROCE. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What is it? ROCE is a measure of a companys yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. In general, businesses with a higher ROCE are usually better quality. Ultimately, it is a useful but imperfect metric. Author Edwin Whiting says to be careful when comparing the ROCE of different businesses, since No two businesses are exactly alike. So, How Do We Calculate ROCE? Analysts use this formula to calculate return on capital employed: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets Current Liabilities) Or for Manx Telecom: 0.11 = UK17m (UK187m UK32m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2018.) Therefore, Manx Telecom has an ROCE of 11%. See our latest analysis for Manx Telecom Want to help shape the future of investing tools and platforms? Take the survey and be part of one of the most advanced studies of stock market investors to date. Does Manx Telecom Have A Good ROCE? One way to assess ROCE is to compare similar companies. It appears that Manx Telecoms ROCE is fairly close to the Telecom industry average of 11%. Regardless of where Manx Telecom sits next to its industry, its ROCE in absolute terms appears satisfactory, and this company could be worth a closer look. AIM:MANX Last Perf January 16th 19 When considering this metric, keep in mind that it is backwards looking, and not necessarily predictive. ROCE can be deceptive for cyclical businesses, as returns can look incredible in boom times, and terribly low in downturns. ROCE is, after all, simply a snap shot of a single year. What happens in the future is pretty important for investors, so we have prepared a free report on analyst forecasts for Manx Telecom. Story continues Do Manx Telecoms Current Liabilities Skew Its ROCE? Current liabilities include invoices, such as supplier payments, short-term debt, or a tax bill, that need to be paid within 12 months. Due to the way the ROCE equation works, having large bills due in the near term can make it look as though a company has less capital employed, and thus a higher ROCE than usual. To counteract this, we check if a company has high current liabilities, relative to its total assets. Manx Telecom has total assets of UK187m and current liabilities of UK32m. As a result, its current liabilities are equal to approximately 17% of its total assets. Current liabilities are minimal, limiting the impact on ROCE. What We Can Learn From Manx Telecoms ROCE This is good to see, and with a sound ROCE, Manx Telecom could be worth a closer look. You might be able to find a better buy than Manx Telecom. If you want a selection of possible winners, check out this free list of interesting companies that trade on a P/E below 20 (but have proven they can grow earnings). If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them). 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. These are the Brexit tribes and the outcomes they are going after (Getty Images) Yesterdays annihilation of Theresa Mays Brexit deal, which saw the Prime Minister lose by a record-breaking margin of 230 votes, was an undeniable indiction that MPs do not support the Withdrawal Agreement she negotiated with the EU. However the vote did not give any indication of the sort of Brexit that politicians actually do want. On one side Remainers clamour for a second referendum that could overturn the result of the first, while, on the other hard, Brexiteers advocate a no-deal Brexit that would see the UK leave without an agreement in place. Others in the middle have their own ideas of how Brexit ought to look. These are the seven main Brexit tribes and what they actually want. 1. Renegotiated deal Even after her deal was roundly rejected by Parliament, Theresa May and her Cabinet continue to insist that her approach is the best one. After conceding that the Commons does not support this deal, the Prime Minister appealed for cross-party talks in an attempt to tweak the current agreement to make it palatable to politicians. Theresa May continues to insist that her Brexit approach is the best option available. (Alberto Pezzali/NurPhoto/Sipa USA) Mrs May intends to head back to Brussels after talks in an attempt to secure concessions, particularly on the contentious Irish backstop arrangement. However the EUs Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said that the EU will only rethink the deal if Mrs May budges on her Brexit red lines something she has insisted she will not consider. The scale of the defeat could also indicate to the EU that even a renegotiated deal has no hope of making it past MPs, making them less likely to offer up a compromise. Second referendum As the Brexit deadlock tightens, the campaign is stepping up to hold another referendum on EU membership. The Peoples Vote movement, led by Labours Chuka Umunna, insists that Mrs Mays deal is not what was promised during the Brexit referendum campaign and that no deal would be disastrous for Britain. The Peoples Vote campaign is.stepping up its calls for another vote on Brexit. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham) Despite pressure from the Labour back-benches 71 Labour MPs publicly backed a second vote on Wednesday Jeremy Corbyn has resisted supporting another referendum and the PM has repeatedly said she will not support the idea. Story continues Critics argue that another Brexit vote would be undemocratic and likely to deepen existing divisions. Delaying Brexit With the Brexit deadline looming ever closer, more politicians are urging Mrs May to delay Brexit by extending Article 50. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon has called on the PM to extend Article 50 to allow more time to break the stalemate, and Labours Yvette Cooper responded to the Brexit deal defeat by demanding an immediate extension. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Theresa May has softened her stance on delaying Brexit in recent delays, shifting her tone from saying she would refuse to do so to saying that she does not believe it is the right thing to do. The EU would also have to agree to an extension, as British cannot do so without their approval. General Election Jeremy Corbyn yesterday tabled a motion of no confidence in Theresa Mays Government in an attempt to trigger a General Election. The Labour leader says, if elected, he would reopen negotiations with the EU and try and negotiate a withdrawal agreement that includes a customs union and single market. The scenario is unlikely to come to pass as the Prime Minister is expected to win the vote of no confidence in her Government, as Tory rebels and the DUP all intend to back her. No deal Hard Brexiteers including Jacob Rees-Mogg argue that Britain should be prepared to leave the EU without a deal on 29 March. Jacob Rees-Mogg walks past an anti-Brexit protester (Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne) The Governments own economic forecasts predict that leaving without a deal could cause the UK economy to shrink by up to 9.3% and could result in shortages of food and medicines. Brexiteers dub these predictions project fear and insist the fallout would not be as bad as the Government says. A vote in Parliament limited the Governments no-deal powers, indicating that this approach does not enjoy the support of MPs, and Conservative ministers have put it on the record that they would resign if Mrs May were to actively pursue a no-deal exit. Canada+++ Boris Johnson and David Davis are among the Brexiteers pushing for a Canada+++ deal, meaning a free trade agreement based on the one between Canada and the EU but with some additional extras. Mr Johnson repeated his pitch for Canada+++ after Mrs Mays humiliation on her Brexit deal, saying that the EU had been offering this all along. Boris Johnson is a supporter of the Canada+++ option. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) This is true although there is more to it than Brexiteers admit. The EUs Canada+++ offer does not involve a customs union or single market and so does not solve the Irish border issue. This means it would involve the same Irish backstop contained in Mrs Mays deal or a sea border between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, essentially amounting to a break-up of the union. The EUs deal with Canada also does not cover services, which makes up 80% of the UKs economy. Norway The Norway model is an option being increasingly touted as it becomes ever more apparent that MPs will not stomach a hard Brexit. It represents a so-called soft Brexit option, keeping the UK closely tied to the EU without being a member, while allowing Britain to strike external trade deals with other countries. The Norway model would keep Britain in the single market, allowing frictionless trade and solving the Irish border issue, but would involve the UK accepting rules from Brussels, continuing payments to the EU and keeping free movement of people. Mike Sonko lost his cool over the weekend after an internet user questioned him on Facebook while referring to him as a Socialite Governor. The Nairobi County boss last Saturday posted a picture of the widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs, Laurene Powell vacationing in Croatia with her boyfriend on a yacht. Sonko mentioned how Ms Powell was enjoying herself on the yacht estimated to cost 100 million dollars. Although the late Steve Jobs commissioned the yacht in 2008, he never got to ride it as he died in 2012 before it was commissioned. The governor seemingly used the post as a lesson to his fans on Facebook to enjoy their money while they are still alive. But one Facebook user, identified as Kinyua Davis, challenged Sonko on the relevance of the post to Nairobians. Socialite Governor, so how is this policy helpful to Nairobians? posed Kinyua. This seemed to have irked Mike Sonko who hit back telling Kinyua that he(Sonko) must socialise with his fans. Peleka ujinga mbali I must socialise with my fans on my page. Leo ni sato nakama hauna fans tuma sms, wrote Sonko. The Democrats on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hammered Andrew Wheeler on Wednesday for his role in systematically rolling back environmental protections at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Wheeler, a former coal lobbyist, has been the agencys acting administrator since his predecessor, Scott Pruitt, resigned amid ethics scandals in July. President Trump nominated Wheeler to become the permanent head of the agency last week. Andrew Wheeler arrives to testify at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP) Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent-Vt., who caucuses with the Democratic Party, reproached Wheeler for not even mentioning the words climate change during his opening statement when the scientific community is urgently calling for drastic cutbacks in fossil fuel use to avert irreparable environmental damage. I would not call [climate change] the greatest crisis. No sir. I consider it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally, Wheeler said. Sanders responded that the U.S. has the strongest economy in the world and leadership by the EPA could influence the entire international community. He noted that many Republican senators refuse to acknowledge the danger of global warming and that the EPA head should be pressing the matter with Congress. Will you provide the leadership in this country and the world to say that we are concerned about the future of this planet for our kids and our grandchildren? Sanders demanded. Wheeler said that rather than advocating for climate action, he would continue to implement the laws that Congress has already passed. We are concerned about the future of the planet for our kids and our grandchildren, and we are implementing the laws that have been passed by Congress, he said. Sen. Bernie Sanders, independent-Vt., reacts after questioning Andrew Wheeler as he testifies at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP) Sanders asked Wheeler if he agrees with scientists that climate change is causing larger and more destructive wildfires in the West. Wheeler said that although climate change probably [has] some relation, the biggest issue with the wildfires has been forest management echoing Trumps views, which are disputed by forestry experts. Story continues Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said that Wheelers policies such as repealing and replacing the Clean Power Plan fly in the face of the recommendations from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and even by the EPAs own scientists. Booker said that when Wheeler took office as Pruitts deputy, he swore to protect human health and the environment, but said that Wheeler has consistently taken actions that undermine that mission. It just seems the consistency of actions you are taking [from] weakening rules to undermining the sense of urgency, that across agencies [scientists] are telling us that we face growing, growing challenges not just now but really over the next 25 years, Booker said. Wheeler responded that he believes the EPA is moving forward on reducing greenhouse gases through the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) Rule. My career staff tell me that our proposal is going to get us a 34 percent reduction in CO 2 and that the Obama proposal would have gotten between 33 and 35 percent reduction, Wheeler said. Booker countered that data from Wheelers own scientists contradicts those claims. Republican Sens. John Barrasso of Wyoming (the committees chairman), James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia defended Wheeler. Inhofe submitted to the record articles that challenge the methods and findings of the National Climate Assessment (NCA) from libertarian and conservative think tanks: the Cato Institute, the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation, which called the NCA alarmist fear-mongering. A protester is removed by Capitol police officers as Andrew Wheeler testifies at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP) Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., said that conservatives need to do a better job of talking about how their policies are making a difference for conservation, but that certain regulations like the Waters of the United States Rulemaking can be onerous for farmers. He said its important for the EPA to protect the environment without unnecessarily complicating the lives of everyday people. I think clean air and clean water is important to everyone. I also look at the fact that over the weekend, I had three different farmers approach me about dealing with the technicalities of dealing with Waters of the U.S., Braun said. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., said that he appreciates the passion of some on the other side but that Wheeler has been prudent in not issuing frivolous regulations that would unduly burden farmers. Cramer and Wheeler agreed that the Obama administrations Clean Power Plan had gone beyond the law. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., the ranking member of the committee, tried to impart a sense of urgency to Wheeler that he needed to act quickly to protect the environment rather than invoking bureaucracy and process to justify his inaction. This idea that were waiting for them or theyre waiting for us, Carper said, referring to workers in different parts of government. Thats not [right]. Your job is to basically be the leader for fighting this battle. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., cited the fourth NCAs dire forecasts of the harm global climate change will have on American infrastructure, public health and the economy this century as evidence that Wheeler should take a leadership role in protecting the environment. The 1,600-page report was compiled by a consortium of 13 federal agencies and released by the Trump administration. Markey asked Wheeler whether he disagreed with the agencies conclusion that the actions taken by the EPA do not approach whats necessary to avert catastrophe. Wheeler said that hes been briefed on the NCA only once and that he isnt prepared to discuss it at this time. Several protesters are arrested by Capitol Police after being pulled out of the confirmation hearing for Andrew Wheeler to be administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/Getty Images) Markey was aghast: This report came out in November. Youre the head of the EPA! Were heading to the end of January! Thats unacceptable, Markey continued. Youre looking to be confirmed as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency and were having a hearing on your worthiness for this job. And you very conveniently havent had enough time yet to review whether or not theres an extra level of urgency to this problem. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a lobbying group for American businesses, sent a letter of support for Wheelers nomination to the committee on Tuesday. Mr. Wheelers substantial public service experience makes him an excellent choice to lead the EPA. He began his career at the EPA, where he worked on toxic chemical, pollution prevention and right-to-know issues, and he was awarded the EPA Bronze Medal twice for his accomplishments, wrote Neil Bradley, the chambers executive vice president and chief policy officer. Mr. Wheeler also has shown his ability to work with Congress, having previously served the Committee as majority staff director, minority staff director, and chief counsel. In these roles, he worked on all major environmental and energy-related legislation before Congress for more than a decade. The American Petroleum Institute (API), the largest trade association for the fossil fuel industry in the U.S., supports Wheelers work at the EPA. EPA plays a critical role in energy policy, and API has worked with Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler on industrys efforts to continue to cut emissions and deliver the energy that Americans demand every day, an API spokesperson told Yahoo News via email. The environmentalist community has been united in urging the committee and the full Senate to oppose Wheelers nomination. Ahead of the hearing, Rhea Suh, the president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, released a statement saying Wheeler should not be promoted. The Senate should reject him immediately. The EPA is our last line of defense against toxic pollution and environmental ruin. The American people expect its chief to honor that mission and protect the environment and public health not go to bat for polluter profits at the peoples expense, Suh said. Michael Brune, executive director of the Sierra Club, released a similar statement, arguing that the American people cannot afford to have the EPA run by someone who values corporate polluter profits more than clean air and water. A coal lobbyist shouldnt be in charge of the EPA. Period, Brune said. In an administration that respected the rule of law and public health, this shutdown and this hearing would not be happening and Wheeler would have never been nominated in the first place. In his short time at EPA, and in his long career as a lobbyist for corporate polluters, Wheeler has proven himself to be a dangerous threat to the health of our families and our air and water. No further hearings on Wheelers confirmation are expected and the vote has not been scheduled yet. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: See our 2018 year-end features >>> By Maria Tsvetkova MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov denied on Wednesday that Moscow was imposing an ultimatum on Japan in talks to end a decades-long territorial dispute, but called on Tokyo to recognize the results of World War Two. Japan is seeking a peace deal with Russia it hopes will end a dispute over islands captured by Soviet troops in the last days of World War Two, a disagreement that has long soured bilateral relations. The islands are known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has launched a diplomatic campaign to strike a deal with Moscow. Russia says Tokyo must recognize Russian sovereignty over the islands before progress can be made in peace talks, however. "These are not pre-conditions, it's just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World War Two in their entirety'," Lavrov told a news conference. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono held talks about the territorial dispute with Lavrov in Moscow on Monday and Shinzo Abe is to have discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Jan. 22. Lavrov has said a Russian desire to normalize relations with Tokyo meant it agreed to step up talks about the territorial dispute and the peace deal, but that significant differences remain between the two sides. Opinion polls show most Russians oppose handing back the islands to Japan, and Russian nationalists plan to stage a demonstration in Moscow this weekend calling on the Kremlin to keep the territory. (Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova; writing by Tom Balmforth/Christian Lowe/Andrew Osborn; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Teachers and parents are mobilizing against Verizon for imposing a fee that would disrupt a popular app that facilitates communication between educators and students. Founded in 2011, Remind is a private messaging platform that allows students, teachers, administrations and parents to communicate with one another about assignments and announcements. The app currently has 31 million monthly users spread throughout schools nationwide. Unless a school district has a premium Remind plan, using the app is free to send and receive messages, as Remind sends messages through communications service Twilio. But due to a new fee from Verizon on groups like Twilio that is intended to halt spam, Remind would have to pay around 11 times of what it pays today from several hundred thousand dollars a year to several million. Remind CEO Brian Grey said his company cannot afford to pay that new fee. "As a startup company thats in the education space, theres no way that we can support that incremental cost, Grey said. Because Remind can't pay the fee, Verizon customers who use the free Remind service will not be able to receive or send text messages starting Jan. 28. More than 7 million of Remind's users are on Verizon plans. More: Despite controversies, Facebook apps were the most used and downloaded in 2018 More: Roku reneges on offering Alex Jones' InfoWars channel, removes it amid backlash More: Verizon adds free Apple Music to Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited plans Currently, Remind can be accessed on any type of phone through text messaging, the Remind app and email. But with the discontinuation of Remind text messaging for Verizon, only phones with email and/or apps will be able to continue using the service. Grey said this move will disproportionately affect lower-income users who might not have smartphones, data plans and/or broadband at home. "There are going to be so many people that need this communication and need this connection to their school communities that are going to have it severed by this increased fee that Verizon is imposing, Grey said. Story continues Though Remind has tried to negotiate with Verizon to keep a lower fee, Grey said the telecommunications company rejected the proposed plan in December. Richard Young, a director of corporate communications at Verizon, told USA TODAY that the telecommunications company is working with Remind and Twilio on an agreement "that would avoid text message feels for educators, parents and students in K-12 districts." "Schools and education-related institutions should not pay any fees for sending or receiving text messages," Young said. "The small fee we're implementing on message aggregators was intended to contain spam and fraud associated with this service. That fee was never intended to be charged to schools, parents or students." Remind's Grey told USA TODAY said that the fee is "being imposed wholesale on the channel Remind uses via Twilio to relay critical information between educators, students, and parents." Though this channel is also used by marketers and spammers, Grey hopes that Remind can be exempt from the fee. "While Verizon isn't charging their customers directly, those customers are still paying the price," he said. In a note posted on Remind's website, the company is encouraging users to contact Verizon. "Please take a few minutes to ask Verizon to reverse the fee impacting text messaging on Remind," the company said in the post. Remind users have responded to the call. With the hashtag #ReverseTheFee, thousands have petitioned Verizon online through various social platforms. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Follow USA TODAY intern Ben Tobin on Twitter: @TobinBen This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: #ReverseTheFee: Verizon draws backlash from teachers, parents for fee on Remind app Steve King defiantly rejected what he described as an "unprecedented assault on his freedom of speech while simultaneously supporting a resolution in Congress condemning his own racist remarks. The Iowa Republican whose has a history of controversial rhetoric sparked a backlash after an interview with the New York Times was published last week in which the congressman appeared to lament why language like white nationalist and white supremacist had "become offensive". Mr King took to the House floor to seemingly clarify his controversial statements before the vote. I regret that we are in this place, the congressman said, urging his colleagues to support the resolution brought by Republican James Clyburn titled, Rejecting White Nationalism and White Supremacy. I agree with every word that you have put in this, he continued. Its an honest and a direct resolution put together to address a subject that has been too long before the public dialogue in this country. I want to ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, let's vote for this resolution. I'm putting up a yes on the board here, Mr King added. The resolution passed 416-1, with Democrat Bobby Rush saying it did not go far enough to punish Mr King for the slate of comments he has made in past years. While the resolution does not punish Mr King in any way, GOP leadership decided to strip him of his seats on committees in the new Congress, effectively removing him from the Judiciary, Agriculture and Small Business Committees. The House Republicans denounce his language. We do not believe in his language and weve decided that he will not serve on any committees, said Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday, stopping short of calling on Mr King to resign. Other key Republicans urged Mr King to step down, however, including Liz Cheney, the number three Republican in the House. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. I think that he should find another line of work, she said Tuesday. Story continues The outcry surrounding Mr Kings comments arrived after he said in the Times interview: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization? The comments were met with swift backlash from Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said on Monday: Rep. Kings statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position. If he doesnt understand why white supremacy is offensive, he should find another line of work. It does not appear Mr Kings support for Tuesdays resolution will put an end to the issues surrounding his remarks. As more Republicans call for his resignation, including Senator Mitt Romney, new controversial videos and interviews of Mr King continue to surface online, causing vocal backlash from Democrats and the left. In an Op-Ed for the Washington Post, Tim Scott the only sitting black Republican senator wrote, Why are Republicans accused of Racism? Because were silent on things like this. The resolution passed in the House denounces Mr Kings remarks and describes his comments as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States. The congressman said his remarks has not been perceived the way he intended them to. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, part of a new crop of Democrats swept into office this year on a stronger liberal platform, said she is poised to serve on a key congressional panel overseeing Wall Street, a potential setback for the financial services industry. "I'm looking forward to digging into the student loan crisis, examining for-profit prisons/ICE detention, and exploring the development of public & postal banking," Ocasio-Cortez tweeted late Tuesday. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to sit on this committee as a freshman." Other incoming progressive Democrats, including Katie Porter, Rashida Tlaib and Ayanna Pressley, are also expected to secure spots on the committee, Politico reported. Representatives for Democratic U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, the panel chair, could not be immediately reached for comment. Their reported appointments to the House Financial Services Committee would be a setback for the industry, which had hoped the committee would be filled by moderate Democrats more sympathetic to their issues. The powerful committee also oversees the U.S. housing market, insurance and international finance sectors, among other areas. It has also long been a major source of campaign contributions from Wall Street for both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. The flow of cash to the committee jumped in 2018 as the industry looked to rebuild bipartisan support it had enjoyed before the 2007-2009 financial crisis. Related: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Instagram: This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Ocasio-Cortez, 29, is part of a wave of female Democratic congressional candidates elected in November aiming to put more support behind the party's liberal progressive wing. She became the youngest woman elected to Congress, representing New York's 14th congressional district in the Bronx and Queens after upsetting a longtime Democratic incumbent. She graduated from Boston University in 2011 with degrees in international relations and economics. The Supreme Court wrestled with Tennessee's residency requirement for liquor store retailers on the 100th anniversary of Prohibition. WASHINGTON On the 100th anniversary of Prohibition, the Supreme Court continued to wrestle with its consequences. On tap Wednesday at the high court was a Tennessee law that imposes residency requirements on alcoholic beverage retailers. Tennessee, ironically, did not defend the law, but 35 other states raised a glass in its defense. The dispute focuses on the 21st Amendment, which in 1933 repealed Prohibition the product of the 18th Amendment, ratified on Jan. 16, 1919. The repeal gave states the power to regulate transportation and importation of "intoxicating liquors" within their borders. The Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association a trade association seeking to block Total Wine from operating an outlet in Knoxville and a Utah couple from opening a liquor store in Memphis said that amendment gives the state sufficient authority to overcome interstate commerce protections. The justices weren't so sure. Some seemed to agree with Carter Phillips, the lawyer representing merchants seeking to enter the state, who called the law "rank discrimination." Others worried that allowing the mega-store Total Wine to escape state laws could lead to future lawsuits from potential online sellers "the Amazon of liquor," Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch mused. "Alcohol has been treated differently than other commodities in our nation's experience, for better or worse," Gorsuch said. But several justices were uncomfortable with the state's requirement that retailers reside in Tennessee for at least two years and 10 years to renew their licenses. The goal of the law, they said, clearly was economic protectionism. "The sky is the limit," Associate Justice Elena Kagan said in reference to the length of the residency requirement. "The more you do, the more protectionist it gets." The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case last September following two lower court rulings striking down the residency requirement. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, based in Cincinnati, ruled that the 21st Amendment did not give states the power to regulate interstate commerce. Story continues "Tennessees durational-residency requirements do not relate to the flow of alcoholic beverages within the state. Instead, they regulate the flow of individuals who can and cannot engage in economic activities," the appeals court said. "The 21st Amendment gives a state the power to oversee the alcoholic-beverages business, but it does not give a state the power to dictate where individuals live." Appeals court Judge Jeffrey Sutton dissented in part, asserting that the 21st Amendment allowed states to regulate alcohol as a "unique commercial article." He would have allowed the two-year rule but not the 10-year rule for renewals. During oral argument, Shay Dvoretzky, the lawyer representing Tennessee's wine and spirits retailers, said the residency requirement protects the health and safety of Tennesseans by allowing background checks and other due diligence. He argued for the same rules that applied in the years before Prohibition. Associate Justice Stephen Breyer was skeptical. "It can't be 100 percent whatever they did in 1920," he said. More: Tap, pinch, pull? Supreme Court says minimal force can raise minimum sentence for 'violent' criminals More: Supreme Court agrees to wade into politically explosive issue of election maps drawn for partisan advantage More: Supreme Court agrees to hear Trump administration's effort to restrict vulgar trademarks This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: On Prohibition's 100th anniversary, Supreme Court tackles state liquor laws Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Popular (BPOP) reports results for the quarter ended December 2018. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates. The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on January 23. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower. While management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call will mostly determine the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations, it's worth having a handicapping insight into the odds of a positive EPS surprise. Zacks Consensus Estimate This company that runs Banco Popular and other banks in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.39 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +113.9%. Revenues are expected to be $602.90 million, up 27.4% from the year-ago quarter. Estimate Revisions Trend The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period. Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Earnings Whisper Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction). 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 subject 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 Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only. A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP. Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell). How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Popular? For Popular, the Most Accurate Estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that there are no recent analyst views which differ from what have been considered to derive the consensus estimate. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of 0%. On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #4. So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Popular will beat the consensus EPS estimate. Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue? Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number. For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Popular would post earnings of $1.28 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.38, delivering a surprise of +7.81%. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times. Bottom Line An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss. That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Popular doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings 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 Popular, Inc. (BPOP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Steve Mbogo has come out to explain his presence at 14 Riverside Drive in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon during a suspected terrorist attack. The former Starehe parliamentary aspirant was pictured at the scene armed with a sophisticated assault rifle and a bulletproof vest. This raised eyebrows among internet users who wondered what role the controversial businessman was playing in the multi-agencies rescue operation. According to Steve Mbogo, he went to the terror front as a licensed firearms holder, who was willing to help. I am a licensed firearms holder. I was running my errands near the dusitD2 Hotel here in Nairobi when I learnt that the facility was under a terror attack, said Mbogo. Because I was in a position to help, given I have good knowledge on how to handle firearms and protect myself against such situations, I went in to help in the rescue operations. If you are asking in what capacity I was there, I would tell you: I was there as a civilian, who is mandated by law to handle firearms. When pressed to explain if he drives around with automated rifles, Mbogo said: Such questions are not relevant as of now. Mbogo was also put to task to explain the circumstances in which he owns a flak jacket, which according to Kenyan law, is nearly impossible for a civilian to possess. In his response, Steve Mbogo said: I am still occupied with rescue operations. Let me take cover and then I will speak to you later. On social media, internet users shared mixed opinions about Steve Mbogo, with some labeling him a Slay King who was only out to show off his firearm. Others praised him for risking his life. We have sampled some reactions. Hon Steve mbogo out and ready to help I love your courage #Nairobi pic.twitter.com/VqxiPE8Pfj Atunga Hazard (@AtungaHazard) January 15, 2019 Led by Steve Mbogo from Keyboard Defense Forces, QWERTY Battallion, Slay King Division arrived armed to teeth ? #RiverSideAttack pic.twitter.com/D2ZnbxwTNd Chris (@Ngaruthi) January 15, 2019 Under whose command was Steve Mbogo at the Riverside Drive Attack? Inspecta Mwala? Someone tell that wannabe millionaire to calm his balls. Arudi nyumbani achunge bibi yake before his driver drops PART 2 of a certain story. ? pic.twitter.com/vVGZj08Ekc Le Presidente (@AtGuru001) January 15, 2019 Steve Mbogo just there to show off his gun collection. High calibre weapons na sijui nani alimpatia license. pic.twitter.com/Eo4Qp03RNN Kenyan (@MisterAlbie) January 15, 2019 Its absolutely pointless to hate on Steve Mbogo. It was his choice to show up not yours.For those who may not know. As a licensed gun owner,you have the obligation to help those in need if you choose to. Besides,if this was someone we didnt know doing this we would praise them. pic.twitter.com/kHFVRNOmAM Chito Ndhlovu (@ThisisCHITO) January 15, 2019 Steve Mbogo was at the scene for show off. Karani Mutonga (@Karanimutonga) January 15, 2019 Is that Steve Mbogo with what appears to be an automatic weapon pretending to be assisting the police? Is it even legal for a civilian to be in possession of automatic weapons? pic.twitter.com/BA2gjXhabu Ivar The Boneless (@roomthinker) January 15, 2019 It's been a long time since Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) shareholders have seen any revenue growth. Product sales peaked in 2010, but the company now has what it needs to begin a long climb to new heights. Shares of Pfizer outperformed the overall pharma industry by a mile last year. Let's see if a string of new drug approvals can help America's largest pharmaceutical company do it again in 2019 and beyond. Colorful pills and hundred dollar bills. Image source: Getty Images. Reasons to buy Pfizer's a big company with lots of pieces moving in different directions. In the years ahead, loss of exclusivity for blockbuster drugs won't weigh as heavily on the company's top line as in years past. In June, Pfizer loses exclusivity for Lyrica, a top-selling blockbuster pain reliever that racked up $3.6 billion in revenue during the first nine months of 2018. With Lyrica accounting for 9.2% of total revenue, its expiration will take some of the wind out of Pfizer's sails in 2019. Once Lyrica reaches bottom, though, Pfizer will enter what its new CEO, Albert Bourla, says is a period in which it will be virtually free of any losses of exclusivity until 2026. Luckily, Pfizer has new drugs, and old drugs reaching new patients, that can probably offset the losses and drive total sales to a new all-time high. In October, the Food and Drug Administration approved Talzenna capsules for the treatment of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who fit a genetic profile that's generally difficult to treat. During a study leading to Talzenna's approval, the capsules decreased patients' risk of disease progression or death by 46% versus standard chemotherapy. A similar treatment, AstraZeneca's Lynparza, is also approved to treat this group, but only for patients who have already been treated with chemotherapy. That gives Talzenna a shot at adding $1 billion to Pfizer's top line in 2019, and much more thereafter. Pfizer also earned a huge label expansion for its prostate cancer treatment in 2018, and another is on the way. Xtandi is now available for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer that hasn't spread, and another expansion to include earlier-stage patients who still respond to hormonal therapy could happen by the end of 2019. That means practically every man diagnosed with prostate cancer could soon be eligible for treatment with Xtandi. Story continues Smiling doctor giving a thumbs up. Image source: Getty Images. In 2018, Pfizer's oral rheumatoid arthritis treatment, Xeljanz, earned approval to treat ulcerative colitis, too. Xeljanz sales surged 31% higher during the first nine months of 2018 versus the prior-year period, to $1.2 billion, and the new indication could allow sales to double in a couple of years. Pfizer expects to submit 25 applications by 2022, and thinks 15 of them could each add at least $1 billion in annual revenue if approved. That includes tafamidis, a rare-disease drug that produced some encouraging clinical trial results last year. Cash for shareholders Pfizer generated a stunning $15.7 billion in free cash flow over the past 12 months, and returning that cash to shareholders is a top priority. Rather than commit to huge increases, the company has steadily raised the dividend payout 125% since 2009. On top of acquiring drugs like Talzenna and Xtandi, Pfizer has used its massive cash flows to reduce its outstanding share count by an impressive 28% since 2010. At recent prices, Pfizer offers a nice 3.4% yield. And with fewer shares out there, investors can look forward to more steady payout bumps ahead. Over the past year, the company used just 50.6% of the free cash flow that operations produced to meet its dividend obligations. Doctor showing a cancer patient her chart. Image source: Getty Images. Reasons to be nervous Pfizer's investments in intellectual property have a pretty good track record. When it comes to facilities and people who operate them, though, that track record becomes embarrassing. Healthcare providers across the country last year suffered shortages of sterile injectable drugs because Pfizer can't seem to fix the problems it inherited from Hospira at a few manufacturing facilities. The sterile injectables business Pfizer acquired in 2015 added $6 billion in revenue to the top line in 2016, and it finished the third quarter on pace to reach just $5 billion annually. In July and August of 2018, FDA inspectors cited problems with manufacturing facilities that Pfizer knew were troubled when it bought them a few years earlier. Outside of Pfizer's own operations, the national drug pricing debate could blow up in the company's face. Price hikes are a complicated issue that seems to infuriate everyone. If Pfizer somehow loses the ability to raise prices for successful products, it could lose a reliable source of growth. A buy now? Pfizer has gained 18% over the past year while investors shaved 7% from the benchmark S&P 500 index. Despite the recent run-up, it looks like most investors aren't expecting much from Pfizer in the years ahead. At recent prices, the stock trades at just 10.8 times trailing earnings. Pfizer is priced far below the average S&P 500 stock, which trades at 20.5 times trailing earnings, but it's set up for years of double-digit growth. With most of those profits coming back in the form of dividends and share buybacks, this is one of the best stocks you can buy right now. More From The Motley Fool Cory Renauer has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) - A federal appeals court on Wednesday rejected an effort by three major U.S. cities to require the Pentagon to be more vigilant about reporting service members who were disqualified from owning weapons to a national background check system. By a 3-0 vote, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said it lacked jurisdiction to compel the Department of Defense to fix what New York City, Philadelphia and San Francisco called a "broken" system, or to supervise improvements to the Pentagon's "partial and inconsistent reporting." The cities sued seven weeks after former Air Force member Devin Kelley killed 26 people on Nov. 5, 2017 at a Sutherland Springs, Texas, church before killing himself. Kelley, 26, was convicted in a 2012 court martial of assaulting his wife and stepson and should not have been allowed to possess weapons. But his conviction had not been entered into the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The cities said the Pentagon had failed to report some 15,000 current or former personnel who could not own guns because of court martial convictions or dishonorable discharges, and that this undermined their ability to fight violent crime. Writing for the Richmond, Virginia-based appeals court, Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson praised efforts by cities and towns nationwide to protect the public from violence that is too often committed by people who should not have firearms. "The APA, however, does not permit their efforts to include judicial supervision of the myriad programmatic workings of the federal government," Wilkinson wrote, referring to the federal Administrative Procedure Act. He said courts couldn't step in despite what the cities viewed as the Pentagon's widespread and systemic failure to provide disqualifying conviction records for former personnel. "The department has admitted as much and is engaged in extensive efforts to increase its compliance," Wilkinson wrote. A spokesman for New York's law department said it was disappointed with the decision, but also pleased with the court's admonishment for the Pentagon's lapses. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said his office will evaluate its legal options. Philadelphia's law department declined to comment. The U.S. Department of Justice, which represented the Pentagon, also did not respond to requests for comment. Wednesday's decision upheld an April 2018 ruling by U.S. District Judge Claude Hilton in Alexandria, Virginia. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Bill Berkrot and Sonya Hepinstall) Vice President Mike Pence declared the Islamic State defeated in remarks at the State Department Wednesday delivered just hours after the terror group claimed credit for a deadly suicide bombing that killed several U.S. service members. The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated, Pence said during an address to the Global Chiefs of Mission Conference at the State Department. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Pence celebrated victory over ISIS hours after a coalition spokesman confirmed reports that an unspecified number of American troops were killed in a suicide bombing Wednesday while patrolling the northern Syrian city of Manbij. Reuters, citing a U.S. official, reported that four U.S. troops were killed and at least four others were injured in the blast. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on its official propaganda website, Amaq. Pence did not mention the attack during his remarks at the State Department but his spokeswoman confirmed before his address that he was aware it had occurred. He did, however, vow that U.S. troops would remain in the region to toinsure that ISIS does not rear its ugly head again. Reached for comment, Pences spokeswoman provided a statement condemning the suicide bombing and reiterating that the ISIS caliphate has been crushed. President Trump and I condemn the terrorist attack in Syria that claimed American lives and our hearts are with the loved ones of the fallen. We honor their memory and we will never forget their service and sacrifice, the statement reads. Thanks to the courage of our Armed Forces, we have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities. As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate not now, not ever. The bombing marked the first time ISIS had taken credit for an attack on coalition forces since President Trump announced the immediate withdrawal of troops from Syria after a call with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan last month. Story continues The loss of American life at the hands of ISIS will likely bolster critics of the U.S. troop withdrawal, who have pointed out that while the groups territorial holdings have been eroded, roughly 30,000 of its fighters remain in the region. More from National Review PayPal Holdings, Inc. PYPL has appointed Allison Johnson as the new chief marketing officer (CMO) and executive vice president. Notably, the company revived the role after six years. Allison will report to PayPals chief executive officer, Dan Schulman and will manage the marketing affairs of the business from the companys San Jose headquarters. Allison initially worked with Apple AAPL for over six years as the president of worldwide marketing communications. Prior to being appointed by PayPal, she served as the founder and managing partner of West. Before joining Apple, Johnson worked as senior vice president of global brand marketing at HP. Given her vast knowhow and expertise, we believe she will help the company to scale new heights. Growth Prospects PayPal is firing on all cylinders to expand its presence in the digital payment solutions space. The safety and simplicity of transactions on the platform differentiate it from its competitors. Venmo continues to bolster PayPals stake in mobile payments. This application enables the transfer of money between family and friends via mobile devices. Notably, in third-quarter 2018, the app processed $17 billion of payments, up 78% year over year. The company continues to provide sellers and customers with a better payment experience. This is expected to drive PayPals top line in the near term. Recently, the companys money transfer service, Xoom, expanded operations to Canada. Local customers can now send money, make bill payments or reload their phones in more than 130 countries internationally at a better rate. Further, the company also announced the acquisition of a payout platform, Hyperwallet. Notably, the deal will likely give PayPal access to more than 200 markets, further enhancing its payment distribution capabilities. PayPal will report its fourth-quarter fiscal 2018 earnings on Jan 30, after market close. PayPal Holdings, Inc. Price and Consensus Story continues PayPal Holdings, Inc. Price and Consensus | PayPal Holdings, Inc. Quote Competition Rife PayPal operates in a highly competitive global payments industry with its participants, many of which are traditional financial services companies such as MasterCard and Visa, enjoying dominant and secure positions. Square SQ too holds a prominent position in the digital payment solutions space. The company emerged as an omnichannel payment platform with the launch of its in-app payments software development kit (SDK), which enables developers to process payments with Square through their own mobile apps. Nevertheless, PayPals well-performing payment platforms like Braintree, Venmo and Xoom will continue to support it in a rapidly growing market. Zacks Rank & Stock to Consider Currently, PayPal carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). A better-ranked stock in the broader computer and technology sector is Verint Systems Inc. VRNT, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The Brexit deal painstakingly negotiated by British prime minister Theresa May over the past two years was rejected overwhelmingly by Parliament on Tuesday. The deal, which fell in a 432202 vote in the House of Commons, represented the only established path forward to prevent a so-called no-deal British exit from the European Union, which is set to take place in March and would likely result in massive political and economic upheaval. In response to the historic defeat, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a vote of no confidence, which, if passed, would oust May and give Corbyn a chance to form a new government. If Corbyns bid to become prime minister then failed to gain the support of a majority of MPs within 14 days, Parliament would dissolve and a new general election would be held. May, in advocating on behalf of the deal she has negotiated over the past two years, cast it as the only viable option that accorded with the will of the British people, who voted in June 2016 to leave the European Union. This is the most significant vote that any of us will ever be part of in our political careers, May said as the five-day Commons debate concluded. The time has now come for all of is in this House to make a decision . . . a decision that each of us will have to justify and live with for many years to come. May has struggled in recent months to overcome opposition from pro-Brexit lawmakers, who have cast her deal as a betrayal of the voters will that would leave Britain beholden to key E.U. trade regulations, and from the pro-Remain opposition, which has pushed for a second referendum to be administered now that voters have a greater understanding of the negative economic implications of Brexit. The so-called Northern Ireland backstop, which offered assurances that the border between British Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would remain open, emerged in the weeks leading up to the vote as the central sticking point for Mays Tory opponents. Under Mays deal, the U.K. would have to secure the permission of the E.U. before taking steps to harden the border. Story continues Arlene Foster, who leads Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party, told the Associated Press that her party opposed Mays deal because of the backstop. We want the PM to go back to the EU and say the backstop must go, Foster said. May had originally planned to hold a vote on the deal in December, but postponed that vote in hopes of securing greater support, which never materialized, over the holiday break. More from National Review It was billed as a luxe culture festival on an exclusive island. But Fyre Festival will long be remembered as a schadenfreude sideshow where rich kids got suckered into staying in wet tents and surviving on cheese sandwiches. Last October, then-26-year-old Fyre founder Billy McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison for falsely advertising a musical-getaway-turned-screaming-hellscape. But the question lingers: How did the disastrous event that had wealthy influencers taking selfies from inside a locked airport even happen? Lucky for us, both Netflix and Hulu have competing documentaries on the topic out this week. Netflixs Fyre debuts Friday, and is partly produced by Jerry Media, the company that marketed Fyre Fest. (USA TODAY has reached out to Netflix and Jerry Media for comment.) Hulu, however, beat Netflix to the punch Monday by dropping "Fyre Fraud" with no notice and their project boasts an exclusive interview with McFarland himself. So which approximately-90-minute streaming doc should you see? Honestly, both. Come for each film's depiction of behind the scenes chaos, stay for the moment the Hulu film puts a former Jerry Media employee on screen to cast suspicion on the rival Netflix project. In fact, treat them as companion pieces. Here are the craziest facts that both Fyre movies bring to light. 1. A promo video existed before there was even a Fyre Fest location You may recall the look of the Fyre Fest trailer: aerial views of the ocean, famous supermodels like Bella Hadid and Emily Ratajkowski frolicking in the sand, bros drinking booze, everyone laughing and jumping into the water. It advertised the festival would be on Normans Cay, a Bahaman island it touted as once owned by Pablo Escobar. However, as "Fyre" lays out, promoting that the island was once owned by the Colombian drug lord violated McFarland's land agreement. So McFarland had to find a new location for his festival after the video was released. Story continues Both documentaries agree that the twenty-something promoter landed on nearby Bahamian island Great Exuma only a few weeks before the festival, failing to factor in that it didn't have the necessary infrastructure for several hundred people, namely enough plumbing for everyone. 2. The Fyre Fest website was full of misinformation Here's a sampling of lies the website told: The map of the Fyre Fest festival area was cropped to look as though it was isolated, but it was actually connected to a Sandals resort. Digital renderings of luxury villas looked nothing like the, uh, actual disaster relief tents that were assigned on the day of the event. There were no such things as cabanas, sold for $50,000, that existed on the island. Instagram comments from people confused about amenities or suspicious of what was being offered were immediately deleted. As a former Jerry Media employee reveals in "Fyre Fraud," he was instructed to block any comments on Instagram that included key words like "flight" and even "festival," because messages with those words tended to be negative. Eventually, as "Fyre" explains, comments were turned off entirely. 3. McFarland says he had keys to more houses that no one got to stay in Ultimately, there was not nearly enough housing for attendees. Though some high-profile influencers were put up in rented houses, many ticket holders were ushered to a gravelly camping ground with tents that had been soaked by a recent storm. Since there werent enough tents for everyone, some began looting mattresses and ransacking neighboring tents. At night, there was no lighting. McFarland says in "Fyre Fraud" that he had access to more houses, but the box that contained keys to $2 million dollars worth of homes was lost." Why didn't he inform the attendees what was going on, instead of yelling that everyone should go find their own tent? He has no answer. 4. McFarland tried to start a brand new scam while he was out on bail After Fyre Fest failed and McFarland was charged with wire fraud (later he was also charged with bank fraud and giving false statements to a law enforcement officer), he started a new scam: NYC VIP. This time, as both documentaries tell it, McFarland used the email list of people who had purchased Fyre Fest passes to offer them tickets to the Met Gala and Victorias Secret Fashion Show. He did not have access to those tickets. No one has access to those tickets. No matter: As "Fyre" discloses, a few email recipients sent him over $100,000 for tickets, apparently duped again. He eventually pleaded guilty to both the Fyre Fest-related charges and those brought against him for NYC VIP. 5. McFarland was making a movie about himself after he was arrested All while McFarland was working on NYC VIP, he employed videographers to film his every move. Fyre shows footage of this, but Fyre Fraud offers an explanation: McFarland wanted to make a recovery documentary" that would show him recouping money for his investors. And "Fyre Fraud" says he apparently wanted to make a Fyre Festival 2018 happen. More: Founder of disastrous Fyre Festival pleads guilty to fraud 6. McFarland allegedly still hasnt paid some workers In communications with investors, McFarland said he had $2.5 million in Facebook stock, but in reality, both docs say he had closer to $1,500 in stock. He claimed his Fyre company made millions, but it actually earned less than $60,000. Both films recall how he had similar issues misleading investors in his other entrepreneurial venture, an exclusive credit card company, Magnises. Money issues continue: One former Fyre employee says he has $150,000 in outstanding bills for Fyre Fest on his personal credit card. Bahamian locals still havent been paid an estimated $25,000 for their hours of festival prep, according to "Fyre Fraud." One Bahamian restaurant owner says she paid her staff $50,000 out of her own pocket after she didn't get paid for serving Fyre Fest attendees. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You should watch both Fyre Fest docs on Hulu and Netflix (despite Hulu's shade-throwing) The partial government shutdown reached another uncomfortable milestone Tuesday when members of the U.S. Coast Guard missed a paycheck the first time American military service members have ever not been paid during a shutdown. In a letter addressed to more than 40,000 active duty guardsmen and guardswomen on the day of their first missed paycheck, Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Karl L. Schultz acknowledged the strain the gap in pay places on them. I recognize the anxiety and uncertainty this situation places on you and your family, and we are working closely with service organizations on your behalf, Schultz wrote. He also wrote that to the best of my knowledge, this marks the first time in our Nations history that servicemembers in a U.S. Armed Force have not been paid during a lapse in government appropriations. The Coast Guard is the only military branch directly impacted by the shutdown. While the other branches of the military are funded by the Department of Defense which is fully funded the Coast Guard is funded by the Department of Homeland Security. Guard members were paid through Dec. 31 via a one-time action, per the Coast Guards official blog. About 6,400 civilian workers were also furloughed, and 2,100 are working without pay, Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Scott McBride told the Washington Post. In his letter, Schultz promised to keep Coast Guard service members updated about the shutdown. He noted that the civilian workforce had already missed one paycheck, adding we are confronting this challenge together. The strength of our Service has, and always be, our people. You have proven time and again the ability to rise above adversity. Stay the course, stand the watch, and serve with pride. You are not, and will not, be forgotten. Schultz also said that the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) has donated $15 million to support our people in need. The American Red Cross will distribute the funds to those who need it. The Coast Guard did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the full letter here: It was a sigh of relief for Kenyans when President Uhuru Kenyatta addressed the country a few minutes after 10 am, to announce the conclusion of the security operation at 14 Riverside Drive. 6 terrorists took over the compound that hosts the 5 star Dusit D2 hotel, as well as several office blocks, on Tuesday afternoon. In a Westgate style attack, they shot indiscriminately, working to kill an injure as many people as possible. One of the terrorists reportedly blew himself up at a restaurant in the premises, killing and injuring several in what was to be one of the first explosions of the day. Unlike in 2013 at Westgate, there was a great and visible improvement in the handling of the exercise, with the security forces falling under one command. According to President Uhuru, the first priority for the security forces was rescuing all occupants of the buildings, and more than 700 people were indeed rescued. As of this morning, the special units running the exercise were able to neutralize the last of the remaining terrorists, effectively bringing the operation to a close. By the time of going to press, 14 people had succumbed to injuries, with an unknown number nursing injuries at several hospitals around the city. The president did not disclose whether there has been any fatality among the security forces sent to handle the situation. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went back to work on Monday with their first joint royal engagement of 2019. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to Birkenhead, a town near Liverpool in England. According to Hello, the trip was so the charity-minded couple could visit a local school, as well as a few organizations that support the community, including Birkenheads Number 7, a community cafe and grocery store that sells discounted foods to those in need, the youth community gathering space, Hive Wirral Youth Zone, which is close to Harrys heart, and the womens empowerment group, Tomorrows Women Wirral, where Markle gave a heartfelt speech. Markle, who told one young fan that she was six months pregnant, held her growing baby bump as she talked with the crowd at the towns Hamilton Square, where the couple took a few minutes to greet the crowd, including some of the local children. The Duke and Duchess spent time doling out hugs and handshakes to the small, well-behaved crowd. While the British are typically a reserved bunch, one young girl couldnt hold in her emotion at meeting the pregnant duchess. In a photo shared on Instagram, the girl is completely agog over her royal encounter. It may be the most relatable photo of the royal family ever. Netflix (NFLX), on Tuesday, said its raising prices on its subscription plans with the cheapest now topping out at $9 per month, and the most expensive $16 a month. I've looked outside my window, and it seems like the price increase hasn't led to mass civil unrest. And judging by the relatively muted, by internet standards, response to the price hike, it seems as though most subscribers are willing to accept the roughly $2 more they'll have to pay. All of that is to say, Netflix, despite the price increase, is still a worthwhile buy for consumers. But with more competition coming its way, the company may not be able to continue raising prices and expect subscribers to stick with the service in the future. Binging is still worth it When Amazon (AMZN) increased its price for Prime subscriptions from $99 a year to $119 a year, denizens of the internet reacted with outrage. Some even threatened to leave the service all together, even though the increase was well worth the access to free two-day shipping, as well as Prime Video and Prime Music. Netflix, meanwhile, costs $108 a year for its $9-a-month plan and $192 a year for its $16-a-month premium plan, which gets you four simultaneous streams and access to 4K, HDR content. And still, that price is worth it when you consider the vast amount of content Netflix offers ranging from older favorites like "Friends," which the company recently spent $100 million on, to feature-length movies like "Bird Box" and newly minted iconic series like "Stranger Things." And let's not forget the billions of dollars the company continues to spend on new content in the U.S. and abroad. With so much to watch, across so many different genres, there just isn't anything quite like Netflix available to consumers. In a 2018 survey of 1,100 Netflix subscribers, Piper Jaffray's Michael Olson and Young Kim found that most users were willing to pay more for the service, while some were fine with paying significantly more. Story continues "Using a weighted average of prices that respondents are willing to pay, they indicated they would remain on the service even if the current rate were $15.50/mo," the analysts' note said. "In other words, there is even more room for price increases beyond the $13/mo level that the Standard plan was just increased to by Netflix." Wall Street seems to be just as upbeat about the pricing increase with the stock jumping more than 6%. Netflix is expected to announce its Q4 2018 earnings on Jan. 17, but the pricing increase isn't going to have any impact because the quarter already ended. The party won't last forever Netflixs latest price increases probably arent drastic enough to send consumers fleeing, at least not yet. But that doesn't mean the company can continue to hike prices without eventually facing some kind of backlash from consumers. It's hard to imagine subscribers to the base $9 version of Netflix will stick around if the price jumps to $16. And if prices eventually hit the $20 mark, consumers could start to leave the service. Outside of the potential for pricing fatigue, Netflix also has to contend with a growing number of big-name competitors. NBC announced it will soon begin offering its own over-the-top streaming service that could offer shows like "Parks and Recreation," as well as a slew of movies for roughly $12 per month. Disney (DIS) is also set to launch its own streaming platform this year, though pricing isn't yet available. That service in particular could hurt Netflix, since Disney will be able to ensure that content it owns, including Marvel and "Star Wars" properties, appears only on its platform. Apple (AAPL) is also expected to launch a streaming service in 2019 that is drawing big names like Steven Spielberg. And with the recent announcement that Apple will begin offering its iTunes apps via Samsung TVs, the iPhone maker's unnamed service is sure to have a massive reach. Then there are the existing streaming services out there that Netflix is already battling including Hulu and Amazon, as well as streaming cable offerings like Googles (GOOG, GOOGL) YouTube TV and Sonys (SNE) PlayStation Vue, which could eat into Netflix's market share over time. Netflix's biggest hedge against that competition is its commitment to continue to produce its own addictive and critically acclaimed content. And with the service's film "Roma" generating plenty of award season buzz, it looks like the company is on track. But Netflix might start to fall behind if it loses its content mojo, or if it spends too much money on underperforming movies or shows. More from Dan: Daimler Trucks CEO says intelligent trucks are coming to roads this year Honda Dream Drive can earn you Amazon gift cards for riding in your car Google Assistant is getting new features to take on Amazons Alexa Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@oath.com; follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Follow Yahoo Finance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.finance.yahoo.com/ House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has also suggested Mr Trump could issue the speech as text only - REUTERS Donald Trump was told to delay his State of the Union address by the most senior Democrat in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday until after the government shutdown was over. Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker, wrote to Mr Trump demanding that he either push back the January 29 speech or simply submit a written version of what he wanted to say to Congress. Ms Pelosi cited security concerns, saying that the Secret Service and Homeland Security - which both help keep the event safe had been partly hamstrung by the lack of funding. The move was an apparent attempt to force focus of the shutdown back onto Mr Trump while also denying the president a prominent stage from which to chastise Democrats over the impasse. Republicans appeared to reject the move, with Steve Scalise, the second most senior Republican in the House, tweeting: This decision makes clear what we already know: Democrats are only interested in obstructing Donald Trump, not governing. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The procedural clash came as two separate moves from congressmen attempted to force an end to the shutdown already longest in US history and which was due to enter its 27th day on Thursday. Some 800,000 federal government workers are affected, with around half working for free and the other half sent home without pay. A quarter of the government is impacted. Mr Trump hosted a cross-party group of House members, known as the Problem Solvers Caucus, in the White House on Wednesday in the latest attempt to break the deadlock. Sarah Sanders, the White House press secretary, called the meeting constructive. The US president has insisted he will sign no spending bill that would reopen the government unless it includes $5.7 billion for construction of his Mexico border wall a key campaign pledge. In the second move, a cross-party group of US senators were circulating a letter urging Mr Trump to agree to reopen the government for 30 days, during which immigration reform can be negotiated. Story continues The Democrats, who hold the majority in the House, have refused to give Mr Trump his $5.7 billion and insist they will not talk about immigration reform until the government is back open. The letter, which was picking up signatures from Democrat and Republican senators on Wednesday, saw its backers promise to make our best efforts to reach a compromise in the three-week period. This would include debating and voting on investments on the Southern border that are necessary, effective, and appropriate to accomplish that goal, it read. Ms Pelosi, a 78-year-old congresswoman from California, has been at loggerheads with Mr Trump, 72, throughout the shutdown, trading barbs and attempting to pin the blame on each others party. Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union in 2018 Credit: Bloomberg The State of the Union address is one of the most prominent Washington events of the year, seeing a president speak to almost every member of the capitals political elite. Every congressman and senator is invited to the speech, delivered in the House, as well as Supreme Court judges, members of the presidents cabinet and foreign ambassadors. Security is extremely tight, with the roads around the US Capitol closed off in the hours before the speech. A member of the presidents cabinet, dubbed the designated survivor, does not attend in case a disaster should happen. Ms Pelosi wrote in her letter: Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government reopens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has reopened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to Congress on January 29. Should Mr Trump refuse to change the date of his speech it is unclear what will happen. Theoretically the House speaker invites the president to make the address and could rescind that invitation. But, congressional sources told The Telegraph, there is no rule or convention that dictates what should happen. It has been an informal agreement which, until now, has not been challenged. Mueller files court documents describing evidence of Manaforts alleged lies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Special counsel Robert Mueller has filed a heavily redacted court document Tuesday afternoon outlining the underlying evidence to support its claims that Paul Manafort, the presidents onetime campaign chairman, lied to federal investigators over the course of his 12 days of interviews. The alleged lies, spelled out by an FBI special agent, include Manaforts claims that he had not maintained contact with people in President Donald Trumps administration, and misleading statements about the nature of his discussions with a longtime business associate identified by the special counsel as a former Russian intelligence officer. The government also alleges Manafort lied about the source of a $125,000 payment that appears to line up with money he received from one of the well-funded political action committees that backed Trumps 2016 campaign. (MORE: Special counsel Robert Mueller's office says Paul Manafort broke his cooperation deal by lying) It is my belief that Manafort made false and misleading statements in breach of the plea agreement with the government, the agent, Jeffrey Weiland, wrote in a 31-page declaration. Though the details are difficult to discern because of the heavy redactions, the filing suggests that the Manafort interviews were wide ranging and there are several aspects of the special counsel probe that are still not well understood, including several that could intersect with his five months of work with then-candidate Trump. PHOTO: FBI Director Robert Mueller testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing at the Capitol, June 19, 2013. (CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images, FILE) Special counsel prosecutors, tasked with probing Russian interference in the 2016 campaign, accused Manafort in November of lying to federal investigators, marking the end of a short-lived plea deal struck just before the start of a trial in Washington. At a hearing in December, the federal judge overseeing that case asked the government to provide some underlying evidence to support the scant details theyve offered about the content of his alleged lies, which they said occurred after he had agreed to fully cooperate. Story continues If U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson concludes that Manafort failed to live up to his cooperation agreement, he could face a lengthy prison term -- potentially up to 80 years, though most likely closer to seven years, legal experts said. (MORE: Federal judge in DC asks attorneys for more evidence about Paul Manafort's alleged lies) Manaforts legal team argued in a court filing last week that their client did not intentionally mislead investigators. Mr. Manafort provided complete and truthful information to the best of his ability, his defense team wrote. He attempted to live up to the requirements of his cooperation agreement and provided meaningful cooperation relating to several key areas under current government investigation. In Tuesdays filing, prosecutors provided details on five topic areas in which Manafort is accused of lying. One of those areas involves Manaforts claims that he never contacted anyone in the Trump administration while he was under investigation. Though much of the supporting material is blacked out, the court filing says evidence demonstrates that Manafort had contacts, and tried to have contacts, through others, with the Administration. PHOTO: Paul Manafort arrives for a hearing at US District Court in Washington, D.C., June 15, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images, FILE) The government also accused Manafort of lying about his interactions with Konstantin Kilimnik, the longtime business associate with Russian intelligence ties. Over the course of several interviews and in the grand jury, Manafort gave various accounts concerning his communications with Kilimnik, according to the filing. Details of those various accounts are redacted, but suggest he repeatedly changed his testimony over the course of several meetings with Muellers team and a federal grand jury. As part of the document meant to defend Manafort against accusations that he lied to prosecutors, his defense counsel failed to adequately redact sections of their filing, inadvertently revealing that Manafort stands accused of sharing internal Trump campaign polling data with Kilimnik while he was working for the campaign in the spring of 2016. (MORE: Paul Manafort shared 2016 presidential polling data with ex-Russian agent: Feds) Another area zeroed in on a $125,000 payment Manafort received. The source of the funds is blacked out in documents. Legal analysts have suggested the description of the payment dovetails with a payment to Manafort by a political action committee called Rebuilding America Now, which was set up in the summer of 2016 by a longtime friend of Manaforts. The political committee raised and spent millions of dollars to support Trumps campaign. Manafort has already been found guilty on eight counts of tax and bank-fraud in a Virginia case related in part to his work as an unregistered foreign lobbyist. Sentencing in that case is scheduled for early February, and could land him a lengthy prison term. Manafort is scheduled for sentencing in the Washington case on March 5. A motorcyclist has died following a collision on the M11 motorway (Picture: PA) A motorcyclist has died after a hit-and-run crash on the M11 near Stansted Airport. The motorbike was in a collision with a small dark-coloured vehicle at about 5am on Wednesday. The vehicle failed to stop at the scene, police said. They said the motorcyclist, a man in his 60s, died at the scene. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The M11 was closed southbound between junction 8 for Stansted Airport and junction 7 for Harlow. The northbound route was closed between junction 6 and junction 8 but has since reopened. The closures caused five-hour delays for some passengers heading to and from Stansted Airport in Essex. Many passengers faced missing their flights, and budget airline Ryanair said customers affected would be moved to the next available plane for free. MORE: Theresa May faces no-confidence vote after MPs hand her humiliating Brexit defeat MORE: Mum who spent 37 ordering Dominos pizza calls police after takeaway is cancelled Police said the road is expected to be closed into this afternoon and that they are working with Highways England to open it as soon as possible. A Ryanair spokesman said: Customers travelling to/from Stansted Airport this morning should be aware of severe traffic disruption due to the closure of the M11 motorway. Flights will depart as scheduled customers who miss flights due to this closure will be transferred to the next available flight free of charge. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. EasyJet advised passengers to leave extra time to get to the airport, and said one flight to Amsterdam had been delayed because a crew member was stuck in traffic. A spokesman for Stansted Airport said: The closure of the M11 has impacted some passengers travelling to London Stansted Airport by road. However, the airport itself has been open and operating as normal all day. Since early this morning, we have been advising passengers to check with highways authorities and their airlines for the latest information and advice, and we understand airlines including Ryanair and easyJet have been rebooking passengers on to later flights free of charge. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK WASHINGTON (AP) Almost a dozen Senate Republicans broke with the White House Tuesday on Russia, voting to move forward on a resolution that would maintain sanctions on companies linked to oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The Democratic resolution would stop the Treasury Department from lifting penalties against the Russian aluminum manufacturing giant Rusal and two other companies connected to Deripaska. Senators took two procedural votes to proceed to the resolution, with 11 Republicans voting with Democrats. While Democrats are unlikely to get the 60 votes they will eventually need to pass the resolution, the strong GOP showing which came hours after Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin came to Capitol Hill and urged Republicans to vote against the resolution is yet another signal that Senate Republicans are willing to oppose the White House and President Donald Trump on national security matters. "I'll vote to disapprove Treasury's easing of sanctions on Russian businesses involving oligarch & Putin ally Oleg Deripaska," Republican Sen. Susan Collins tweeted after the vote. "He still would maintain significant control given his ties to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. Easing the sanctions sends the wrong message to Russia & to Deripaska." At issue is a December announcement from the Treasury Department that the U.S. would lift sanctions on the three companies Rusal, EN+ Group and the Russian power company JSC EuroSibEnergo. EN+ Group is a holding company that owns nearly 50 percent of Rusal. The Treasury Department says the Russian companies have committed to separating from Deripaska, who will remain blacklisted as part of an array of measures announced in early April that targeted tycoons close to the Kremlin. Treasury maintains that the companies have committed to diminish Deripaska's ownership and sever his control. In a statement last week, Mnuchin said Deripaska remains under sanctions, "his property and interests remain blocked, and any companies he controls are also sanctioned." Story continues Treasury has warned that the sanctions could upset global aluminum markets or even prompt the Russian government to nationalize the company, thus shutting it out from any outside control. Mnuchin said after his closed-door meeting with Republican senators that the sanctions "shouldn't be a political issue." Echoing Trump, Mnuchin said, "we have been tougher on Russia with more sanctions than any other administration." But 11 Republicans still voted to move forward on the resolution, which was sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer. The vote came less than a month after a similar scenario played out in votes to end U.S. assistance to Saudi Arabia for the war in Yemen and blame Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While the Trump administration sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary James Mattis to Capitol Hill to encourage Republicans to continue the U.S. assistance, several Republicans defected, angered by what they said was Trump's lackluster response to Khashoggi's killing. The two measures were never considered by the House and expired at the end of the congressional session. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell encouraged Republicans on Tuesday to vote against the sanctions resolution, noting that Deripaska's influence over the companies would be limited and calling the vote a "Democratic stunt." McConnell said Republicans are "hardly strangers" to the need for strong policies on Russia. He added that they have "long seen Vladimir Putin for the KGB thug that he is," referencing the former Russian secret police and intelligence agency. Schumer said that if senators agree with McConnell that Putin is a thug, "they'll vote yes" on the resolution. "We're only a few Republican votes short of the U.S. Senate telling Putin he can't run the show no matter what President Trump and his administration try to do," he said. The Senate is expected to hold another procedural vote to move forward on the resolution Wednesday, and this time supporters will need 60 votes. If Tuesday's tallies are any indication, they will be just short 57 senators voted in support of proceeding to the resolution. The House could also hold a vote soon, as Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., has introduced a similar resolution to Schumer's. Congress has 30 days from the Dec. 19 announcement to block the sanctions decision. Last week, House Democratic chairmen from seven committees called Mnuchin in for a classified briefing on the easing of the sanctions. But many Democrats left frustrated, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi saying she was "unimpressed." In a letter asking Mnuchin for a briefing, the committee chairmen said the sanctions deal appears to allow Deripaska to keep "significant ownership" of one of the companies. They did not elaborate. Democrats have asked for an extension of the 30-day timeline because the sanctions announcement came just before a holiday recess and the start of the government shutdown. Mnuchin said after his Senate meeting that Treasury will see how the Senate vote goes. "Our view is that we have great responsibility in managing the sanctions programs all over the world, and we take those responsibilities very seriously at Treasury," Mnuchin said. In addition to Collins, of Maine, the Republican senators voting with Democrats were John Boozman of Arkansas, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Steve Daines of Montana, Cory Gardner of Colorado, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Martha McSally of Arizona, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Marco Rubio of Florida, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Jerry Moran of Kansas. Vice President Mike Pence issued a statement Wednesday that sought to clarify remarks he delivered earlier in the day in which he claimed that ISIS has been defeated several hours after the radical Islamic group set off a bomb that killed at least two U.S. service members and two American civilians in Syria. More than a dozen people died in the attack. In a speech at the U.S. State Department Wednesday morning, Pence credited President Trump and the U.S. military with vanquishing Islamic State terrorists in Syria. Thanks to the leadership of this commander in chief and the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces, we are now actually able to begin to hand off the fight against ISIS in Syria to our coalition partners, Pence said, And we are bringing our troops home. The caliphate has crumbled, and ISIS has been defeated. Before Pence delivered that assessment, he had been briefed on the deadly bomb attack, for which ISIS quickly claimed responsibility, in the northern city of Manbij. Hours after his speech, the vice president issued a statement about the bombing that stopped short of an outright declaration of victory. Vice President Mike Pence. (Photo: Jose Luis Magana/AP) President Trump and I condemn the terrorist attack in Syria that claimed American lives and our hearts are with the loved ones of the fallen. We honor their memory and we will never forget their service and sacrifice, Pence said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Thanks to the courage of our Armed Forces, we have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities. As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate not now, not ever. By claiming to have crushed the ISIS caliphate the quasi-state covering parts of Iraq and Syria that the group controlled for several years Pence emphasized the part of the allied effort that has been successful, without mentioning that the group still exists as an underground army of terrorists, capable of pulling off deadly attacks. Story continues In explaining his decision in December to pull U.S. troops out of Syria, Trump declared, We have won against ISIS. Weve beaten them, and weve beaten them badly, Trump said. Weve taken back the land and now its time for our troops to come back home. According to Pentagon estimates, ISIS can still claim 30,000 fighters in Syria and Iraq. Secretary of Defense James Mattis resigned in protest over Trumps plan to remove the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops stationed in Syria, but in his speech at the State Department, Pence said that goal remained on track. Some Republicans, including Trumps strident supporter Sen. Lindsey Graham, have pushed back against the presidents plan. My concern by the statements made by President Trump is that you have set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy were fighting, Graham said Wednesday at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: See our 2018 year-end features >>> Yet another migrant caravan is making the long and dangerous journey to the United States, with the situation on the US-Mexico border having already contributed to the longest government shutdown in American history. Honduran Deputy Foreign Minister Nelly Jerez said that between 800 and 1,000 people were travelling together and headed towards the Agua Caliente border crossing into Guatemala. Hundreds of Honduran refugees and migrants also left a bus station in the northern city of San Pedro Sula and moved along to join the caravan. The first groups to leave included many women and children who got onto buses destined for the Guatemalan border. Others are walking towards the border, or hitchhiking, braving steady rains to flee violent or impoverished conditions that have made life unbearable at home. People leave every day, Bartolo Fuentes, a migrant activist who is accompanying the caravan, told the Associated Press. Every day 300, 400 people go. The caravan has been like a constant river of people to Mexico, to the United States. What happens is it wasn't visible. Donald Trump has used the issue of such caravans to rally support during last years midterms and more recently, to try and make a case for the $5.7bn in funds he has asked Congress for to build a border wall. Democrats have refused to sanction the spending, leading to the government shutdown. True to form, Mr Trump seized on the incoming migrant caravan on Tuesday to drum up support for his border wall. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras, the president tweeted on Tuesday. Only a Wall will work. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! The first groups left on Monday night from the bus station in San Pedro Sula. Many of those leaving were reportedly carrying knapsacks, and walked along busy roads as they left the city. Those with children pushed children, or walked along the roads holding the hands of older children. Story continues It is unclear what fate may await the migrants once they make their way further north, but Honduran media has reported that authorities there have reinforced their border with Guatemala. Migrants arriving and attempting to travel north will be required to show proper documentation, including children. Parents have been warned that they could face up to three years in prison if they are found attempting to take children across the border without correct to documents, according to Security Minister Julian Pacheco. Mexico, too, is preparing for the migrants, with the interior minister saying last week that they will be prepared. "We have information that a new caravan is forming to enter our country in mid-January, Olga Sanchez Cordero, the interior minister, said at a news conference last week. We are already taking the necessary steps to ensure the caravan enters in a safe and orderly way". Finish this article for as low as $1 when you purchase a day pass. Just click the sign up button to purchase. If you are already a subscriber, just click log in to continue reading. Microsoft Corp. MSFT has recently clinched a five-year contract worth $1.76-billion from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), under which the company will provide enterprise servicesfor the Pentagon Defense Department, cloud Coast Guard and intelligence services. The companys contract is non-competitive, single-award, firm-fixed, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity. Per the deal, Microsoft will provide enterpriseservices that include availability of Azure in order to create new technologyand address ethical issues. It will also take care of existing workloads like security, and new workloads such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge artificial intelligence AI. Notably, shares of Microsoft have returned 14.7% year over year, substantially outperforming the industrys rally of 10.9%. Microsofts Government Services: A Bright Spot Microsofts recent contract comes in addition to its huge deal with the U.S. DoDin 2018. In October 2018, Microsoft Azures corporate vice president, Julia White, had announced that it is increasing support to various cloud services for government. The company is also bidding on a 10-year contract worth $10 billion to provide cloud-based infrastructure services for the Pentagons Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI). This contract is scheduled to be awarded this spring. The major takeaways of the announcement were the availability of Azure Government Secret regions from the first quarter of 2019, new Azure Data Box, Data Box Heavy and Data Box Edge to government customers, and expansion of Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) support for various U.S. Government agencies. In November 2018, Microsoft secured another U.S. army contract, worth $480 million. Per the deal, the companys robust augmented reality (AR) capabilities of HoloLens were anticipated to enable U.S. army soldiers in countering real-life challenging conditions. Story continues Microsoft is optimistic regarding this association with the U.S. Department of Defense. Microsoft had previously expressed its support for the US military, stating Microsoft is going to provide the U.S. military with access to the best technology all the technology we create. Full stop. Additionally, the increasing spending on defense in the companys budget bodes well. The fiscal 2019 defense budget of $717 billion the largest budget allotted to defense in U.S. history highlights the countrys efforts in maintaining a solid security cover, with rivals like China and Russia. We believe Microsofts focus on improving its products with emerging technologies, including AR, VR or MR, IoT, AI, among others is helping the company explore new use cases for its offerings. These initiatives in turn assist in winning contracts, including the one under review, which are anticipated to boost top-line growth, going forward. The aforementioned factors are expected to help the company compete against fellow industry giants, such as Amazon AMZN and Alphabet GOOGL. Zacks Rank & a Stock to Consider Microsoft carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), at present. Marvell Technology Group Ltd. MRVL is a better-ranked in the broader technology sector, flaunting a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The expected long-term earnings growth rate for Marvell is currently pegged at 9.4%. (NOTE: This article is being re-issued to correct an error. The original version, published January 14, 2019, should no longer be relied upon.) Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +21.9% in 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +115.0%, +109.3%, +104.9%, +98.6%, and +67.1%. And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 19X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation. See Them Free>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Things got heated at the View on Tuesday when the hosts discussed whether Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, should step down following his recent comments about white supremacy in the New York Times. The segment ended with Meghan McCain slamming her hand down on the table and the network going to commercial break. McCain took issue when the conversation about King, the GOP and race turned to President Trumps proposed border wall. Sunny Hostin began to ponder the question posed by Abby Huntsman: Theres 42 percent of the country that support the wall. Are they all racist? Thats when McCain jumped in to address what she called identity politics in the country. When you broad-stroke everyone all black people think one thing, all Hispanic people think one thing, all Republicans think one thing, thats how we got ourselves into this mess, she said. McCain went on to say that she wanted to focus on King instead of Trump and the border wall but wanted to hammer home one point about the president. I think I have made myself quite clear how I feel about President Trump, how I feel about the America that was always great before he came to it. I think I have made myself explicitly clear on this show and other places, so please dont paint me, just because Im for border security, that Im somehow a racist in one way or another. Because I dont think thats fair. McCain, who is against the wall but for strong border security, said she wants the show to stay away from trying broad-stroke everyone and tried to steer the conversation back toward Kings specific comments about race. But when Joy Behar told McCain to check the platform, not the person, the intensity ramped up. I am John McCains daughter! McCain said while slamming her hand down on the table. I am not someone who sits here and is OK with racism in any way whatsoever. Behar was quick to respond: And Im Gino Occhiutos daughter, and I say hes a racist! Whoopi Goldberg had the final word, though: And Im Whoopi Goldberg, and well be right back. Story continues The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. on ABC. Watch the View host Whoopi Goldberg send some advice to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, or leave your comments below. She might be the mother of the Duchess of Sussex, but it seems Doria Ragland hasnt altered her life or indeed her shopping habits too significantly. The 62-year-old yoga instructor was spotted browsing the aisles of budget retailer Target (similar to a mix between Asda and TK Maxx) in Los Angeles on Saturday. According to reports, Doria kept a low profile as she went about her shopping at the American department store, known for its cut price home furnishings, beauty products and clothing. An onlooker who spotted Doria was astonished to see the future grandmother of the seventh-in-line to the throne shopping at Targets Baldwin Hills outlet. Doria was spotted shopping in Target in Los Angeles on Saturday [Photo: SWNS] They said: Target is a middle of the road store and everyone shops there. But you dont expect to see someone connected to the English royal family wandering down the aisles. She has a very distinctive look and I immediately recognised her. Doria quietly browsed the aisles [Photo: SWNS] Meghans mother was the only member of her family to attend the royal wedding last May and even accompanied the Duchess to the the launch of the Together cookbook she supported with the women of the Hubb Community Kitchen. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The Duchess has had no contact with her father Thomas Markle since before she and Harry tied the knot, after he was was caught staging paparazzi photos for money. Meghan is also estranged from her half-siblings, Thomas Markle Jr. and Samantha Markle. Doria will become a grandmother when Meghan gives birth to her and Harrys first child in April. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Read more from Yahoo Style UK: Meghan Markle reveals babys due date during Merseyside visit Meghan colour clashes for first 2019 joint engagement with Harry Meghan Markle reveals awkward moment after charity donation Reuters Peter Harris Politics, Europe Theresa May now faces a vote of no confidence, but it won't be enough to oust her from Britain's most powerful political position. Mayday: The Prime Minister's Brexit Plan Has Crashed For a while now, the refrain in London has been that Theresa May is a prime minister in office but not in power. But even this stinging witticism was not enough to capture the situation yesterday, when May lost a House of Commons vote on her plan to withdraw from the European Union (EU) by a thumping 230 votesthe largest government defeat in over a century. It was a humiliating loss, with no fewer than 118 (over a third) of Mays own Conservative members of parliament (MPs) voting against her. In normal times, May would be out of a job. But these are not normal times, and the prime minister looks likely to cling to office in the short term. One reason is that the Conservative Partys rulebook says that leaders can only face one internal challenge per year, and May fended off such an attempt only last month. And so while some Tory backbenchers might be seething at Mays haplessness, they have lost the opportunity to replace her with a more effective colleague. The only other way to topple the prime minister would be for her government to lose a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons. May will face exactly such a test later today. Yet despite her torrid time yesterday, the prime minister will probably defy the odds and secure the support of most MPs when push comes to shove. This is because even the most disloyal Conservative lawmakers prefer Mays leadership to a Labour government headed by their arch-rival, Jeremy Corbyn. The same goes for the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the small Northern Irish party that has been propping up Mays government since June 2017 (but voted against May yesterday). And so it is that a prime minister who just suffered the biggest parliamentary defeat of any government in modern times and whose plan for exiting the EUarguably the most important issue to face the country since World War IIhas been trampled on by MPs from all sides, might yet still formally enjoy the confidence of the House of Commons and be tasked with taking Britain out of the EU. It is an absurd situation. The prime minister lacks all power, authority, credibility, trust, and respectbut lumbers forward regardless. She is an undead prime minister, defying the usual logic of political mortality. Story continues Assuming she remains in office beyond the next few days, May will visit Brussels and discuss next steps with her EU interlocutors. For when all the dust has settled, Britain and the EU still need to finalize an agreement on how Brexits withdrawal from the EU ought to be managed. In Mays ideal world, the EU would agree to concessions hefty enough to change the political calculus of MPs in Westminster. However, all signs are that EU negotiators will not budge on the main tenets of the withdrawal agreement, which they point out has already taken years to negotiate. So what comes next? One obvious possibility is that May will try to buy more time by asking the EU for an extension to the two-year negotiating period, which is due to expire in March. Indeed, there are reports that Brussels has been preparing for just such an outcome. On its face, this makes a lot of sense: two months is probably not long enough for Britains leaders to find common ground, and so more time will be needed. But more time for what? The EU has already made it clear that there can be no question of revising the existing withdrawal agreement, which means any extra time would have to be spent beavering away at the home front. If yesterdays vote is anything to go by, it is painfully unclear whether any amount of extra time would be enough to change the minds of the most skeptical MPs. A more extreme option would be to call off Brexit altogetherif only for the time being. This would be deceptively easy to do: the European Court of Justice has already ruled that the government has the power to cancel the Brexit processexit Brexitif it so chooses. This option has the advantage of being wholly in the gift of the British government (i.e., it would not depend upon the EUs agreement) but, if tried, it would almost certainly provoke uproar among Conservative MPs and the country at large. (This nuclear option could be deployed as a specter to frighten pro-Brexit MPs into backing Mays withdrawal agreement.) Third, May could ask Parliament to relinquish control over Brexit and pass the buck to the electorate. This could take the form of a fresh election (in hopes that a newly assembled set of MPs might be able to settle upon a way forward) or a second referendum (the so-called Peoples Vote option). Both options would be mechanisms to take the temperature of the electorate and thus glean some sort of guidance for parliamentarians to act upon. At the moment, however, there appears to be no parliamentary majority for holding a second referendum, not least of all because there would have to be extensive wrangling over what question to put to the electorate. And there is even less chance of two-thirds of MPs voting for a fresh election (the number required by the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act). While the Labour Party leadership might be champing at the bit, the same cannot be said of those nervous Conservative and DUP MPs who fear losing power to Labour if an election is held under present conditions. This leads to the fourth option, of Britain crashing out of the EU without any deal in place to soften the blow. This is actually the default option, and will happen automatically on March 29 unless Parliament enacts legislation to avert it. A clear majority of MPs regard this no-deal Brexit outcome as something akin to economic Armageddon: it would lead to chaos at Britains ports of entry, uncertainty over supplies of goods (including food and medicine), and a whole host of costly legal issues. But as May found out yesterday, pulling together a parliamentary majority in favor of an alternative plan is no easy task. No-deal Brexit is thus a real possibility. The problem is that a sizable minority of MPsmostly Conservatives, but also perhaps the DUP and a small group of Labour rebelswould happily see Britain crash out of the EU in a chaotic fashion if the alternative was to halt or cancel Brexit. To these hardcore Brexiters, the most important thing is that Britain leaves the EUwhatever the cost. Although they are relatively small in number, this hardcore group of Brexiters is still large enough to wield an effective veto over anything that May proposes unless the prime minister can reach a modus vivendi with the opposition Labour Party. As of yet, there have been no efforts at cross-party bridge-building. There is a fifth option, however: that Mays deal could pass at a second attempt. While this might seem terribly unlikely at the moment, given the scale of Mays recent defeat in the House of Commonsa whopping 116 MPs would have to change their minds in order for Mays deal to pass if put to another voteit could feasibly happen if enough MPs become fearful of the two extremes outlined above: no Brexit and no-deal Brexit. Either the hardline Brexiters could be persuaded to swallow Mays deal as a way to secure Brexit in at least some form, or else a group of (Labour) moderates could be cajoled into supporting the deal to avert a no-deal calamity. It is impossible to know which, if any, of these options will play out. None of them enjoy broad-based support in Parliament or the country at large. None of them are painless. Instead, MPs must choose from a menu of undesirable and divisive options. Right now, they are having extreme difficulty settling on a choice. But at some stage before March 29, Britains leaders must come to a collective decision on what they want, not just what they dont want. Peter Harris is an assistant professor of political science at Colorado State University. You can follow him on Twitter: @ipeterharris. Image: Reuters Read full article Rep. Maxine Waters laid out a broad agenda for the Committee on Financial Services, which she chairs, in one of her first extended remarks since the midterm elections on Wednesday. She promised to hold "many hearings" and declared it "a new day in Congress for the Financial Services Committee." The remarks at the left-leaning Center for American Progress Action Fund focused on a variety of issues from low-income housing to Russian sanctions. Waters, a California Democrat, signaled a specific focus on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau which was recently headed Mick Mulvaney, now the presidents acting chief of staff. Mulvaney, Waters claimed, had a "direct intent to undermine and destroy" the agency. She vowed to "undo the harm that Mulvaney has done." The event was delivered to a supportive audience in downtown Washington. Waters received applause when she noted that she is the first woman and first African American to lead the committee. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., chair of the House Committee on Financial Services, is asked by reporters about comments by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., who used profanity to describe President Donald Trump and call for his impeachment, at the Capitol in Washington, Friday, Jan. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) I have the gavel The crowd also applauded her message of increased oversight of the Trump administration. Throughout her remarks, Waters peppered in asides directly taking on the president. At one point, she said he was throwing a "tantrum" over the shutdown and later noted he had been sued for violations of the Fair Housing Act before he became president. At another point, she pledged to try to cooperate with Republicans but noted "if they don't, I have the gavel." Waters also implied that Trump might not finish his term, saying that her committee would pass legislation and then were going to send it to whoever is president at the time. During the midterms, President Donald Trump has singled out Waters a frequent target of his criticism saying she would be put in charge of our Countrys finances. Both Democrats and Republicans have also wondered whether Waters would use the committee gavel to issue subpoenas to Trump and those close to him. She did not address that topic directly on Wednesday. Story continues A breath of fresh air In her remarks, Waters did announce the creation of a subcommittee on diversity and inclusion, noting that it was the first subcommittee of its kind in Congress. The moderator of the event, Neera Tanden, expressed hope that the subcommittee would spur companies across the financial sector to increase diversity. Neera Tanden speaks during the third day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Tanden, the president of the Center, told Yahoo Finance in an interview that she is optimistic about the direction the committee was taking. "Businesses recognize that to thrive in the economy, we need wages to go up as well," she said. "I think she'll be a breath of fresh air in terms of ensuring that we have a structure that really addresses the needs of working people." The Chairwoman also kept the focus on her overall agenda instead of individual personalities. The committee's membership is expected to be one of the most dynamic in Congress with at least 15 new Democrats expected to be named. Some of the higher profile names include influential freshman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and, reportedly, presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard. While Waters didnt discuss any individual committee members, Tanden told Yahoo Finance that Cortez "is a phenomenal new voice in the Democratic party, but I think she is one of many voices." With a GOP-controlled Senate it is unlikely that Waters will get much of her agenda to Trumps desk. However, she signaled a desire to be a key adversary to the president through the second half of his term noting, "were in this to fight and to work hard and to not back down." Ben Werschkul is the Washington, DC producer for Yahoo Finance. On Monday, Jojo heard from her childrens school that her two sons were running low on diapers and needed her to replenish their supply. It was the kind of thing that normally would have been a routine reminder. But this week, it filled her with dread because she doesnt have the money to buy them. Jojo, who requested to be referred to just by her nickname because she and her fellow employees were told not to speak to the press, is one of about 420,000 U.S. federal employees currently working without pay. Another 380,000 employees are furloughed due to the record-setting partial government shutdown, which started on Dec 22. Jojo is a corrections officer at a federal prison in Texas and is the sole earner of her household. Her husband stays home to care for their two sons, who are 3 and 4. The boys both have autism, are non-verbal and recently aged out of home services. After missing at least one paycheck, many federal workers cant pay for basics like food and medication and are taking desperate measures to get those items. Affording diapers, a costly expense even for families earning paychecks, has become a particularly difficult problem. Going without them isnt an option and there are no federal government programs that offer them. I cant not change them. They cant survive like that, Jojo told HuffPost. You have to take care of the little ones. You dont want to jeopardize their health and wellness. Jojo earns about $2,000 a month, and the family has been living paycheck-to-paycheck since they had children. In addition to their everyday expenses, they pay for special twice-weekly therapy services for their boys. Insurance covers most of the cost, but the family is required to pay $30 for every session. Because Jojos job doesnt offer paid maternity leave, she had to take a few unpaid weeks off each time, during which she accrued $6,000 in credit card debt that shes still paying off. Diapers cost her about $120 a month, and Jojo couldnt afford to pay her mortgage or car note bills this month, either. Story continues Jojo was relieved to learn from a friend that she could turn to the Texas Diaper Bank to get some help. The San Antonio-based nonprofit is a two-hour drive from her house, but even after accounting for fuel costs, she said making the trek is still financially worthwhile. The group is offering six months worth of diapers and wipes to government employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. Jojo plans to make the drive on Wednesday after she finishes her eight-hour shift at work. A number of nonprofits are giving out diapers during the government shutdown to families in need, but some can't keep up with demand. (Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS) While the Texas Diaper Bank currently has the resources to provide extra supplies to government employees who may be seeking help for the first time, demand could very well exceed capacity, said Ashley Hernandez, program manager at the nonprofit. The group typically supports 20 families a day. On Tuesday alone, after announcing that it was extending help to families affected by the shutdown, the organization gave out diapers to about 25 families, and more calls are coming in. Its likely that many nonprofits, especially those that provide diapers, simply dont have the resources to meet this kind of additional demand, said Joanne Goldblum, CEO and founder of the National Diaper Bank Network. Nonprofits dont have more money because theres a shutdown, Goldblum said. It impacts and pushes on the resources of organizations that are already straining to meet the needs of people who rely on them on a day-to-day basis. The National Diaper Bank Network comprises more than 200 local diaper banks that follow a similar model to that of food banks. The local agencies provide diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products and services to struggling families. Goldblum said the organization has seen a noticeable uptick in need since the shutdown, particularly among Coast Guard families and communities in the greater Washington, D.C., area, where there are high levels of federal employment. Although the network distributes about 52 million diapers a year, its still not enough. In Connecticut alone, the diaper bank gives out around 1 million diapers a year, according to Goldblum. The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation is working to bring food and other basic needs to military members affected by the government shutdown. In a matter of two weeks, two of its temporary pantries went through three months' worth of diapers. (Photo: Massachusetts Military Support Foundation/Facebook) Other diaper-specific groups and general nonprofits say theyre overwhelmed with requests for diapers from federal employees right now. The Cloth Option, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that just launched at the beginning of this month, provides reusable diapers. Since announcing on Facebook this week that its services are available to federal employees, the group has gotten a steady stream of applications, said Sadie Cora, chair of the groups board of directors. One application that stuck out to Cora was from a mother who has four children and is pregnant with her fifth. Her husband was furloughed and she said in her request that she was scared because she had no idea when they were going to see a paycheck again. This is real for people, Cora said. The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, which provides aid to military personnel based in Massachusetts, said it can barely keep up with demand. It set up five pop-up pantries for Coast Guard families affected by the shutdown. In Rhode Island and Boston, the group went through three months worth of diapers in two weeks, said Don Cox, the foundations president. Cox said his organization is spending about six times what it normally spends per week to meet the needs of these military families. While the families are grateful for the help, theyre also weighed down by stress, Cox said. If you didnt get paid, and you had your Christmas bills, and your car insurance was due and you werent sure when next paycheck was coming in, how would you feel? he asked. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. While these organizations are providing crucial services, many families might not even be aware that theyre available. Others might not live anywhere near an agency and may be forced to take desperate measures as a result. Teremy Henriquez, a furloughed federal employee who works for the Department of Agriculture in Puerto Rico, has a 1-year-old son. Shes running low on diapers and has been keeping her child home from daycare to more closely monitor how many diapers he goes through and make them last a little longer. Its a last resort for a lot of struggling families: Rationing diapers can lead to diaper rash and other health risks. Jojo is grateful that her situation hasnt come to that. But she has plenty of other things to worry about right now. As the bills continue to pile up, shes considering where she can pick up another job, possibly at a nearby McDonalds. I was raised to go get a good job and support my family, in order to live a happy and healthy life, Jojo said. I went out and got a good job to support my family to allow them to be happy and healthy and not worry. Now, Im worried. HuffPost readers: Are you affected by the government shutdown? Email us about it. If youre willing to be interviewed, please provide a phone number. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Reuters TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan is set to outline how it will lift its state of emergency curbs while keeping some restrictions, including spectator numbers at big events, amid fears that next month's Olympics could trigger a new wave of coronavirus infections. Media reports say the government is considering allowing up to 10,000 spectators into stadiums during the Games, in line with a plan endorsed by health experts https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/japan-considering-limited-domestic-spectators-olympics-media-2021-06-15 on Wednesday for local events. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is due to announce a decision later on Thursday on the state of emergency for 10 prefectures, which expires on June 20. Lockheed Martin Corp.s LMT Aeronautics unit has secured a $68.9-million contract to conduct the Mission Data (MD) programming and reprogramming mission for the F-35 Digital Channelized Receiver/Technique Generator and Tuner Insertion Program (DTIP), and other non-DTIP configurations. Per the deal, this defense contractor will design, develop, integrate and test the upgrades related to the mission. The contract has been awarded by the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland. Work related to the deal will be majorly executed in Fort Worth, TX. The rest would be executed in Baltimore, MD; and Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The entire task is scheduled to complete in May 2021. Our View The U.S. defense budget for fiscal 2019 provisioned for a spending plan of $21.7 billion on aircraft. The budget specifically included an allotment of $10.7 billion for Lockheed Martins F-35 program. Such budgetary provisions should usher in more contract wins for the F-35 program and its associated upgrades from the Pentagon. The latest contract win is an example of that. Such contract wins are likely to boost the companys profit margin in the future. Moreover, production of F-35 is expected to rise in the years ahead, given the U.S. governments current inventory objective of 2,456 aircraft for the Air Force, the Marine Corps and the Navy. Notably, the requirement for conducting and configuring Mission Data programming/reprogramming for the F-35 is also likely to increase significantly. Thus, Lockheed Martin is expected to acquire major contracts related to F-35s data programming like the latest one. Price Movement Lockheed Martins stock has decreased 14.2% in the past year compared with the industrys decline of 4.6%. The underperformance may have been caused due to the intense competition that the company faces in the aerospace-defense space for its broad portfolio of products and services, both domestically and internationally. Story continues Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Lockheed Martin currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked companies in the same sector are AeroVironment, Inc. AVAV, The Boeing Company BA and Heico Corporation HEI. While AeroVironment and Boeing currently sport a Zacks Rank #1(Strong Buy), Heico carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. AeroVironment came up with average positive earnings surprise of 257.01% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys earnings in fiscal 2019 has increased 33.3% to $1.48 in the past 90 days. Boeing came up with average positive earnings surprise of 28.01% in the last four quarters. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its earnings in 2019 has increased 4.53% to $18.22 in the past 90 days. Heicos long-term growth rate for the next five years currently stands at 12.10%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the companys earnings in 2019 has increased 4.00% to $2.08 in the past 90 days. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AeroVironment, Inc. (AVAV) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. LONDON British Prime Minister Theresa May faced a new battle to save her job Wednesday following a defeat in Parliament over her Brexit deal to leave the European Union. May lost Tuesday's vote on the deal she agreed with the EU to leave the bloc by 432-202. But while the defeat was widely expected, the scale of the loss was not. It was the widest margin for defeat in the the history books for a House of Commons measure in the modern parliamentary era, breaking a record set in 1924. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called for a no-confidence vote in her government. May is expected to win. If she doesn't, she could resign and trigger a general election with just 10 weeks to go before the U.K. leaves the EU. The vote is likely to be held around 7 p.m. local time (2 p.m. ET). If a new election is called, it would be Britain's third in four years. USA TODAY is providing live coverage of the vote in the player above. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Live stream: Britain's Parliament holds no-confidence vote for Theresa May Moscow (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday dismissed as ridiculous reports questioning whether US President Donald Trump has acted as an agent for Russia as controversy mounted over his alleged ties to the Kremlin. Trump has denied explosive news reports that he hid details of discussions with President Vladimir Putin and that the FBI investigated him as a potential national security risk who might be acting on behalf of Russia. Asked about the issue by journalists in Moscow, Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov said: "Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?" The aide said Russia's relations with the US were "at rock bottom" and "nothing has happened in the context of developing them." Trump himself said on Monday that he "never worked for Russia" and told reporters: "It's a disgrace that you even ask that question." The US president was responding to a report in The New York Times that said the FBI had opened an investigation into whether he was acting on Russia's behalf after he fired the FBI's then-director James Comey in 2017. Trump slammed this report as "a lot of fake news" and called the then-leaders of the FBI who decided to investigate him "known scoundrels, I guess you could say dirty cops." In addition, The Washington Post reported on what it said were unusual lengths taken by Trump to hide details of his conversations with Putin. The Post story said Trump personally acted to prevent notes taken by his interpreter during one-on-one meetings with Putin from being shared with aides. He allegedly took the notes away and ordered the interpreter not to divulge the contents. But the White House rejected the Post report, with spokeswoman Sarah Sanders calling it "so outrageously inaccurate it doesn't even warrant a response." "President Trump has actually been tough on Russia," she said. Story continues - Nothing to leak? - The bombshell reports came as Washington special prosecutor Robert Mueller presses on with a huge investigation into alleged Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election -- and the possibility Moscow colluded with Trump's campaign. Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov wondered why the complex Mueller probe has been almost leak-proof, implying it had not turned up any strong evidence. "No facts have been presented and there haven't been any leaks, which is very strange for the American political system," Lavrov told a news conference. Asked whether the Kremlin had influenced the transparency of Trump's talks with Putin, he expressed disgust that US journalists were even covering the issue. "For the American press, this is a lowering of journalistic standards," he retorted. Suspicions over Trump's links to Russia have been fuelled by his past as a real estate developer selling to wealthy Russians and never-fulfilled plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow, as well as his decision to hold his Miss Universe competition there in 2013. During the 2016 election, Trump's campaign had numerous contacts with Russians. Trump has rejected the conclusions of US intelligence that Russia meddled in the election and he fired Comey for resisting pressure to halt his investigation into Trump's campaign and Russia. 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 Nan Hai Corporation Limited (HKG:680), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. What Is Insider Buying? 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. We dont think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. 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 Nan Hai Want to help shape the future of investing tools and platforms? Take the survey and be part of one of the most advanced studies of stock market investors to date. The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Nan Hai Executive Chairman Pun Hoi Yu made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for HK$4.5m worth of shares at a price of HK$0.18 each. So its clear an insider wanted to buy, even at a higher price. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the companys future. Its not at all bad to see insiders buy shares at or above current prices. The only individual insider to buy over the last year was Pun Hoi Yu. Pun Hoi Yu purchased 76.55m shares over the year. The average price per share was HK$0.19. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by individuals) 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 SEHK:680 Insider Trading January 16th 19 I will like Nan Hai better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying. Does Nan Hai Boast High Insider Ownership? Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Its great to see that Nan Hai insiders own 53% of the company, worth about HK$5.9b. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. What Might The Insider Transactions At Nan Hai Tell Us? The fact that there have been no Nan Hai insider transactions recently certainly doesnt bother us. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Nan Hai insiders feel good about the companys future. Along with insider transactions, I recommend checking if Nan Hai is growing revenue. This free chart of historic revenue and earnings should make that easy. 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. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand used an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to announce she was formally entering the race to become president in 2020 the latest high profile Democrat to enter what will become a crowded field. Im going to run for president of the United States, because as a young mom Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own, she said, when asked if she had any news to share with the audience. Im filing an exploratory committee for president of the United States tonight. The formation of the exploratory committee will allow her to legally begin fundraising and organising her campaign, as she seeks to carve out a distinct presence in a field of candidates that could reach two dozen. Texas Democrat Julian Castro, a former San Antonio mayor and top official in Barack Obamas administration formally launched his White House bid on Saturday. Former congressman John Delaney has been running for more than a year, while senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts formed an exploratory committee last month. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii said last Friday that she too, will run for president. It is generally reckoned that candidates such as Ms Gillibrand, a senator for New York, who is well known but not among the top-rated potential candidates, benefit from declaring earlier in the cycle. This gives them more time to raise the vast sums required for a run, and to build awareness nationwide. People such as Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, should they decide run, already possess extensive networks that would allow them to raise money quickly. They also have greater national recognition. Figures such as congressman Beto ORourke, who narrowly failed to defeat Ted Cruz last year for a senate seat, have displayed they have the power to generate excitement among grassroots supporters that would also allow them to raise money quickly. In her appearance broadcast on Tuesday evening, Ms Gillibrand, who was previously moderate but has shifted to the left on issues over the past decade, pitched herself as someone who would push for universal health care, public school and job training programmes, and seeking to tackle climate change. Story continues You are never going to accomplish any of these things if you dont take on the systems of power which make all of that impossible, said Ms Gillibrand, who took the senate seat previously occupied by Hillary Clinton. Which means taking on institutional racism, its taking on the corruption and greed in Washington, and taking on the special interests that write legislation in the dead of night, and I know that I have the compassion, courage, and fearless determination to get that done. Reuters said that as senator, Ms Gillibrand has been outspoken about rape in the military and campus sexual assault several years before the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and assault gathered pace in 2017. In late 2017, as she pushed for a bill changing how Congress processes and settles sexual harassment allegations made by employees some prominent party leaders criticised her for being the first Democratic senator to urge the resignation of senator Al Franken, who was accused of groping and kissing women without their consent. During the same period, Ms Gillibrand said Ms Clintons husband, former President Bill Clinton, should have resigned from the White House after his affair with intern Monica Lewinsky, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives. By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor Co <005380.KS> and affiliate Kia Motors Corp <000270.KS> said on Wednesday they will recall about 168,000 U.S. vehicles at risk of fuel leaks, after recalling them in 2017 for engine fire risks, and will offer software upgrades for 3.7 million vehicles. A high-pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged or improperly installed as part of an engine replacement during the prior recall, and that installation could increase the risk of fire, the companies said. The Korean automakers said the software update aims to protect the vehicles from internal damage, and they will also offer new extended warranties for engine issues. The "knock sensor" software detects vibrations indicating the onset of excessive wear on the connecting rod bearing. Kia said that 20 percent of the vehicles involved have already received the update. The new recall covers 68,000 various Kia Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles from the 2011 through 2014 model years, while Hyundai said it affects 100,000 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and 2013-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles. Kia said six fires are linked to the new recall but no reports of injuries, while Hyundai said it had no reports of fires linked to the new recall. In May 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened a formal investigation into the recalls of nearly 1.7 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles over engine defects. In November 2018, Reuters reported that federal prosecutors had launched a criminal investigation into Korean auto affiliates Hyundai and Kia https://reut.rs/2VVMwYm to determine if vehicle recalls linked to engine defects were conducted properly, citing a person with knowledge of the matter and documents. The companies declined to comment. A South Korean whistleblower in 2016 reported concerns to NHTSA, which has been probing the timeliness of three U.S. recalls and whether they covered enough vehicles. Story continues In 2015, Hyundai recalled 470,000 U.S. Sonata sedans, saying engine failure would result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. At the time, Kia did not recall its vehicles, which share the same Theta II engines. In March 2017, Hyundai expanded its original U.S. recall to 572,000 Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles with Theta II engines, citing the same issue involving manufacturing debris. On the same day, Kia also recalled 618,000 Optima, Sorento and Sportage vehicles, all of which use the same engine. The recall, which was also conducted in Canada and South Korea, cost the automakers an estimated 360 billion won ($319.3 million). The nonprofit Center for Auto Safety in October called for the immediate recall of another 2.9 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles over engine fire risks. A NHTSA spokeswoman declined to comment because of the partial U.S. government shutdown. The auto safety agency is not reviewing recall submissions or posting new recall campaigns on its website. (Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Bernadette Baum, Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot) Security forces help civilians flee the scene as cars burn at a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) Kenyan security forces have killed the militants who stormed an upscale Nairobi hotel compound, taking at least 14 lives and forcing hundreds of others to make terrifying escapes, the government said Wednesday. More than 700 civilians were evacuated from the Dusit D2 complex after a 20-hour siege that echoed a 2013 assault that killed 67 people in Nairobis Westgate shopping center in the same neighborhood. Some people hid under desks as bullets shattered plate-glass doors. Others jumped from windows or ran out under fire. The security operation at Dusit complex is over, and all the terrorists eliminated, President Uhuru Kenyatta told the nation, looking drained and grave. As of this moment, we can confirm that 14 innocent lives were lost through the hands of these murderous terrorists. Kenyatta did not specify how many assailants there were, but CCTV clips showed at least five dressed in black. One is seen waiting outside the restaurant before blowing himself up in a cloud of debris just after 3 p.m. (1200 GMT). Four others then shoot assault rifles crossing the car park. People are evacuated by a member of the security forces at the scene where explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan.15, 2019. (Photo: Baz Ratner/Reuters) The attack was claimed by the Somali group al-Shabab, an al-Qaida affiliate fighting an insurgency to topple the weak U.N.-backed government and impose strict Islamic law. Airstrikes against the group have stepped up under President Trump, but Tuesdays attack showed the group retains the ability to strike outside Somalias borders. Neighboring Kenya, a hub for expatriates, became a frequent target for al-Shabab after sending troops into Somalia to try to create a buffer zone along the long, porous border. (Reuters) _____ See more images here: Kenyan Red Cross workers help a woman at the Chiromo Mortuary in Nairobi, Kenya, after she learned of a family member killed during the terrorist attack on Jan. 15, 2019, (Photo: Brian Inganga/AP) A member of Kenyan special forces shouts at the media to go back after his wounded colleague was carried into an ambulance by paramedics at the scene, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) A wounded member of Kenyan special forces is carried from a U.S. embassy diplomatic vehicle to an ambulance by paramedics, Jan. 16, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) Cars burn at the scene of explosions and gunshots in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan.15, 2019. (Photo: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters) Civilians flee a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) Rescuers and journalists evacuate an injured man after explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Njeri Mwangi/Reuters) A woman is carried on a stretcher by rescue workers during ongoing gunfire and explosions in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Dai Kurokawa/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Security officers search for attackers during an attack by terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Dai Kurokawa/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) An unexploded grenade lies in a hallway in a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) An injured man is escorted away by security officers during the attack in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Dai Kurokawa/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Security forces surround a shattered door in which an unexploded grenade lies at a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) Medics rescue a civilian from a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: John Muchucha/AP) People are evacuated after explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan.15, 2019. (Photo: Baz Ratner/Reuters) People run as they are evacuated after explosions and gunshots were heard at the Dusit hotel compound in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters) Kenyan security officers search for attackers during in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Dai Kurokawa/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) People take cover after an attack on a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Brian Inganga/AP) Kenyan RedCross workers provide first aid to injured victims during a terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Daniel Irungu/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Kenyan armed soldiers regroup after an attack on a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Brian Inganga/AP) Civilians flee the scene at a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) Security forces point their weapons through a shattered door behind which an unexploded grenade lies at a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) A woman is rescued by Kenyan medics after an attack at a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Brian Inganga/AP) Members of security forces secure a building at the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan.15, 2019. (Photo: Baz Ratner/Reuters) Civilians who had been hiding in buildings flee a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, under the direction of a member of security forces, Jan. 15, 2019. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP) A woman is evacuated from the Dusit hotel compound, in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan.15, 2019. (Photo: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters) Two of the gunmen are pictured as they made their way into a hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019, in this still image taken from a CCTV footage obtained by Reuters TV on Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo: Reuters TV/Reuters) A gunman is pictured as he and others make their way into a hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, Jan. 15, 2019, in this still image taken from a CCTV footage obtained by Reuters TV on Jan. 16, 2019. (Photo: Reuters TV/Reuters) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. Read more from Yahoo News: See our 2018 year-end features >>> Tokyo (AFP) - Size does matter, at least when it comes to some hermit crabs, who appear to have evolved longer penises so they can stay in their shells to protect their homes during sex. The so-called "private parts for public property" theory posited by the research published on Wednesday tackles the question of how penis size relates to home size, for crabs anyway. Crabs that live in shells face the risk that interlopers will try to steal their homes while they are otherwise distracted by mating. That risk is even more pronounced for certain types of hermit crabs, who "remodel" their shells by removing some internal structures. The renovations make the shells more spacious and desirable, but also more difficult to cling onto, particularly in the throes of passion. As a result, Mark Laidre, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Dartmouth University, began exploring whether the crabs most vulnerable to theft might have evolved longer penises "to facilitate safe sex". "In theory, longer penises could enable individuals to reach out to sexual partners while simultaneously maintaining a safe grip on their property with the rest of their body, thus safeguarding property against thieves while having sex," Laidre wrote in the study in Royal Society Open Science. To test the theory, Laidre set about the unenviable task of measuring members -- specifically, seeing how the penises of 328 specimens of various types of hermit crab stacked up. If his theory was correct, he expected to find that crabs with the remodelled and most covetable shells would have the longest penises, while those with unmodified shells would have slightly shorter ones, and hermit crabs with no shells would be the least generously endowed of all. He also wanted to rule out other possibilities, including that penis length was based on whether crabs were land or sea-based, or correlated with their overall body size. Story continues - Intimate study - And after a series of intimate examinations of museum specimens, Laidre found the results bore out his theory. The hermit crab with the largest penis relative to body size was the Coenobita species, the only one occupying the remodelled and more vulnerable shell homes. Crabs with unremodelled homes presented the next longest penises, while those who shed their shells as adults were found to have the shortest of all three types. "All other hypotheses for these penis size patterns came up short," Laidre wrote. And the crabs might not be the only ones, with Laidre positing that the theory could apply to other animals "including those with valuable but non-portable property." He suggested further research could focus on examining the different types of "remodelling" crabs do to their shell homes, to see if variation in renovation is reflected in penis size. And he posited that for animals who have to defend territory that can't be carried around on their backs, a different trend might hold: smaller penises but larger "fighting structures" like claws. Further research could "explore such trade-offs by examining relative weapon and penis size in relation to private property value," Laidre wrote. New York (AFP) - A federal judge in New York on Tuesday denied President Donald Trump's administration's bid to reinstate a citizenship question in the US Census. The ruling, seen as a win for Democrats and immigration rights groups, still could be taken up by the US Supreme Court. Rights groups and several US states and cities opposed the move by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to add the question to the 2020 census. Opponents of the question, removed from the Census for 60 years, said it was an effort by the administration to discourage illegal immigration. There are an estimated 10.7 million undocumented people living in the United States. The country as a whole has more than 331 million people. The results of the censuses carried out every 10 years determine how billions of dollars in federal money will be allocated to states, and also the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. If non-citizens avoid census takers for fear of running afoul of immigration authorities, the states where they live could lose federal funding. Since most non-citizens reside in Democratic-run states, they have the most to lose. In his ruling on Tuesday, Judge Jesse Furman found that Ross, who oversees the census and announced the reintroduction of the nationality issue in March, violated US law. Ross "failed to consider several important aspects of the problem; alternately ignored, cherry-picked, or badly misconstrued the evidence in the record before him; acted irrationally both in light of that evidence and his own stated decisional criteria; and failed to justify significant departures from past policies and practices," the ruling said. The Justice Department voiced dismay. "We are disappointed and are still reviewing the ruling. Secretary Ross, the only person with legal authority over the census, reasonably decided to reinstate a citizenship question on the 2020 census in response to the Department of Justices request for better citizenship data, to protect voters against racial discrimination," it said in a statement. Do not throw away your shot! 'Hamilton', the smash-hit (understatement of the century) musical thats still managing to take over the nation is running its first international tour in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the homeland of the show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Miranda will be reprising the lead role as Alexander Hamilton for the first time since the shows original cast run in New York City in 2015, and for #Hamilfans and theater lovers alike, seeing the show would be the opportunity of a lifetime. JetBlue, an official sponsor of 'Hamilton' in Puerto Rico and the largest operating airline on the island, is doing more than just encouraging fans of the musical and travelers alike to go out and visit Puerto Rico its actually sending fans there for free. This is quite characteristic for the airline, which is known to support the betterment of communities in need around the world through countless charitable activations every year through its JetBlue for Good initiative. Last year, for example, JetBlue sent hundreds of volunteers on trips to the Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Houston, Texas to help underprivileged communities in their missions to rebuild. Puerto Rico, whose infrastructure and levels of tourism have been struggling since Hurricane Maria in in 2017, is the next spot that JetBlue hopes to tackle and make a splash in and what better way to do that then by teaming up with one of the island's most beloved stars? Heres how JetBlue's Duel Seats contest works twice a day until January 16 at 9 a.m., you can enter the contest here in order to win tickets to 'Hamilton' Puerto Rico (the show date for which the tickets will correspond to will be two days from the morning that the tickets are won.) Winners will be treated to two roundtrip flights from New York (JFK) to Puerto Rico, two tickets to the hottest show on the island and a one-night stay in San Juan. So whether you know every intimate detail about this particular Founding Father or youre often caught humming the notes of the musical's opening number (were guilty on this one) theres no better way to throw yourself into the vibrant culture and art scene that Puerto Rico has to offer then by doing it with a ticket to the hottest show on the island. So dont Wait for It and good luck! Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Three Italian security officers left the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after an incident that saw them flee to a UN building as Hamas security pursued them, an official and a diplomatic source said. The three were in Gaza to prepare for an upcoming visit by the Italian consul general based in Jerusalem, the diplomatic source said, and were stuck in the UN building for around a day after the incident. They were allowed to leave after their identities were confirmed and it was determined they were not involved in any wrongdoing, a Gazan security source said. Hamas has been on high alert for infiltrations following a November botched Israeli special forces operation inside Gaza. The unusual incident began on Monday, when the three Italians were in a car in central Gaza as gunfire rang out, said Gaza interior ministry spokesman Iyad al-Bozum. "The car then headed to a United Nations headquarters in Gaza City," he said in a statement, adding that there were suspicions about their identities. Hamas security forces pursued them and surrounded the building, leading to a standoff. There was also gunfire during the pursuit, the diplomatic source said, but there were no reports of injuries. Hamas-affiliated media reported that the Italians had refused to be searched and security forces had fired at them as they fled to the UN building, but Al-Bozum did not comment on this. The Gaza security source said that through investigations they had identified the three, clarified their entrance to Gaza was legal and "that their car had no relation with the shooting incident". The diplomatic source said the discussions with Hamas occurred through intermediaries since Italy does not have contacts with the Islamist group, which the European Union labels a terrorist organisation. The security agents left the Gaza Strip on Wednesday afternoon, the source said. Italy's foreign ministry confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that the three officers had left the UN building and thanked UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov for "having managed the situation". Story continues It said that local authorities had been notified through the UN of the security officers' mission. In November, an Israeli undercover unit was discovered in a botched raid, leading to a gunfight in which seven Palestinians and one Israeli were killed. The agents were allegedly using fake ID documents of Gaza residents and were posing as charity workers. az-jod-lal-cjo/mjs/del Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. IRWD announced that its gastrointestinal drug, Linzess, has been granted marketing approval by Chinese regulatory authorities to treat adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Ironwood plans to launch the drug in China along with its partner in the country, AstraZeneca plc AZN in the second half of 2019. Linzess is marketed to treat IBS-C as well as chronic idiopathic constipation (CC) in the United States and 30 more countries. It is commercialized in collaboration with Allergan AGN in the United States. Ironwood and Allergan co-develop and co-commercialize Linzess and equally share U.S. collaboration profits or losses as well as development costs. Linzess is marketed by Allergan for IBS-C in Europe and Canada under the brand name Constella. Ironwood receives royalties on sales of Constella in Europe and Canada from Allergan. In Japan, Ironwood has a partnership with Astellas Pharma for the development and commercialization of Linzess. The drug witnessed solid sales in the first nine months of 2019, generating over half a billion dollars in revenues. The company is also developing Linzess for label expansion in several IBS indications. Additionally, it is developing MD-7246, a delayed release version of linaclotide, for all subtypes of IBS. The stock has lost 38.1% in the past six months compared with the industrys 13.2% decline. Earlier this month, Ironwood and Allergan announced that they have settled all pending patent litigations with Mylan N.V. MYL related to Linzess. Mylan filed an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) seeking approval to market a generic version of Linzess. However, Mylan is yet to receive approval from the FDA for any generic version of Linzess. This is the third patent settlement agreement entered into by Ironwood and Allergan to protect revenues of Linzess from generic competition. In 2018, the companies made similar settlements with India-based companies Sun Pharmaceuticals and Aurobindo Pharma. Story continues In a bid to achieve increased operational performance and strategic flexibility, Ironwood Pharma remains on track to split into two separate entities. The entity focused on Linzess and gastrointestinal (GI) pipeline development will retain the current name of the company. Meanwhile, the other entity will focus on the development of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) pipeline for the treatment of serious and orphan diseases and will be named Cyclerion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2019. The separation of the entities is also being anticipated to be tax free. Ironwood currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Mylan N.V. (MYL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Photo credit: AFP - Getty Images From Popular Mechanics Iran's home-brewed space program suffered an embarrassing failure today as its Safir rocket failed to deliver a Payam satellite into orbit. But to some U.S. government officials, this launch is not what it seems. They believe Irans space program is just a cover for the development of long-range missiles, though that view is not universally shared. The Safir rockets third stage reportedly ran into trouble after the launch from Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran's Semnan province early this morning. Previously, American officials didn't think the Safir even had a third stage, so previous information about the rocket was either incorrect or the rocket launched yesterday incorporated a new invention. Safir is described as 72 feet long and just more than four feet wide. As a two-stage rocket, Safir had a launch weight of 26-27 tons at liftoff, most of that fuel, and was thought to be capable of carrying up to 100 pounds into low earth orbit. A third stage should allow a heavier payload. Out of eight launches between 2009 and 2019, four have been successful. Photo credit: Getty Images Iran claims to be developing its own spaceflight industry because no one else will sell satellites and rockets to the country, a claim that is pretty much true. Irans orbiters have so far been mostly remote sensing and imaging satellites, although it also claims to have sent two monkeys into orbit. There are no international agreements that prohibit the country from developing its own space rockets. However, senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, believe Iran is using the space launches to further its ballistic missile program, which could lead to missiles capable of striking the United States. However-while space rockets and ICBMs have a lot in common-The New York Times recently reported that the Pentagon and the U.S. intelligence community did not believe that was the case. Iran has been conducting space launches since 2005 and yet there has been little practical movement towards long range missiles in that time frame. Story continues Via Associated Press ('You Might Also Like',) LONDON (Reuters) - Iran will keep military forces in Syria, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday, defying Israeli threats that they might be targeted if they do not leave the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria and warned them "to get out of there fast, because we will continue with our resolute policy". Rebuffing the threats, Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the Revolutionary Guards top commander, was quoted as saying by the semi-official ISNA news agency that "the Islamic Republic of Iran will keep all its military and revolutionary advisers and its weapons in Syria." Jafari called Netanyahu's threats "a joke", and warned that the Israeli government "was playing with (a) lion's tail." "You should be afraid of the day that our precision-guided missiles roar and fall on your head," he said. Iran and Russia have both backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a seven-year war against rebels and militants, and have sent thousands of soldiers to the country. Israel, increasingly concerned that its enemy Iran may establish a long-term military presence in neighboring Syria, says it has carried out more than 200 attacks against Iranian targets in Syria in the last two years. Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on what he called an Iranian arms cache in Syria. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London with additional reporting by Dan Williams in Jerusalem; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Karbala (Iraq) (AFP) - Iranian firms should have a key role in rebuilding Iraq after the fight against the Islamic State group, Tehran's top diplomat said Wednesday in a rare meeting with Iraqi paramilitary units. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke in Iraq's holy city of Karbala to commanders of the Hashed al-Shaabi, which is dominated by Iran-backed Shiite groups opposed by Washington. "The world has realised the truth -- that the US wasn't the one who defeated Daesh (IS). You were, and that's why they exerted pressure on you and on us," he told gathered commanders in Farsi. After IS overran nearly a third of Iraq in 2014, the Hashed's auxiliary units partnered with Iraqi forces for three years to fight the jihadists. Many Hashed factions receive military and political support from Iran. Some commanders have been blacklisted by the US, which also reimposed tough sanctions on Iran last year after pulling out of an international deal on Tehran's nuclear programme. Now, as Iraq looks to rebuild, Zarif said Iranian firms should be favoured because of his country's support and the complex logistics of partnering with Western companies. "If a European or American company comes to Iraq to do rebuilding activities, the costs of protecting their workers and staff in Iraq exceeds its contract for reconstruction," he told commanders. But an Iranian company could help rebuild at "low cost" and without security concerns, after having "stood alongside the Hashed". IS and the battle to defeat it ravaged swathes of Iraq and shattered its economy. Last year, Baghdad said its 10-year reconstruction plan will cost an estimated $88.2 billion. One Hashed commander said his units were grateful to Iran. "The main reason Iraq could persevere in the face of terrorism is the fact that Iran stood by its side. Everyone rejects America's entry into Iraq," said Abu Ammar Al-Jubury. Story continues Zarif spoke to the commanders on his fourth day in Iraq, where he has met top officials in Baghdad and the Kurdish city of Arbil, and attended a trade summit. Iran is the second-largest source of imported goods in Iraq. Besides canned food and cars, Baghdad also buys 1,300 megawatts of electricity and 28 million cubic metres of natural gas daily from Iran to feed power plants. As tensions between the US and Iran escalate, Iraq has played a careful balancing act to maintain ties to both. (WASHINGTON) Veteran Republican Rep. Steve King will be blocked from committee assignments for the next two years after lamenting that white supremacy and white nationalism have become offensive terms. King, in his ninth term representing Iowa, will not be given committee assignments in the Congress that began this month, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Monday night. King served on the Agriculture, Small Business and Judiciary committees in the last Congress, and he chaired Judiciarys subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. McCarthy, R-Calif., called Kings remarks beneath the dignity of the Party of Lincoln and the United States of America. Kings comments call into question whether he will treat all Americans equally, without regard for race and ethnicity, McCarthy said, adding: House Republicans are clear: We are all in this together, as fellow citizens equal before God and the law. The action by the GOP steering committee came after King and McCarthy met Monday to discuss the remarks on white supremacy, the latest in a years-long pattern of racially insensitive remarks by King. King called McCarthys decision to remove him from committees a political decision that ignores the truth. He vowed to continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell denounced King earlier Monday, saying, There is no place in the Republican Party, the Congress or the country for an ideology of racial supremacy of any kind. Meanwhile, House Democrats moved to formally punish King. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the third-ranking House Democrat and the highest-ranking African-American in Congress, introduced a formal resolution of disapproval late Monday. Addressing what he called a tale of two kings, Clyburn said the Iowa lawmakers remarks were offensive because they embraced evil concepts. Story continues Invoking the memory of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. whose 90th birthday will be celebrated on Tuesday Clyburn called on colleagues from both parties to join me in breaking the deafening silence and letting our resounding condemnation be heard. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., said he will introduce a censure resolution, a more serious action by the House, that Rush said would announce to the world that Congress has no home for repugnant and racist behavior. As with any animal that is rabid, Steve King should be set aside and isolated, Rush said Monday in a statement that also called on Republicans to strip King of his committee memberships until he apologizes. A third Democrat, Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio, introduced a separate censure resolution against King. It doesnt matter if youre a Democrat or Republican, we all have a responsibility to call out Rep. Kings hateful and racist comments, Ryan said, noting that the white supremacy comments were not the first time King has made headlines for inappropriate language. The text of Rushs censure resolution lists more than a dozen examples of Kings remarks, beginning with comments in 2006 in which he compared immigrants to livestock and ending with his lamentation in the New York Times last week that white supremacy and white nationalism have become offensive terms. McConnell, in his statement, said he has no tolerance for the positions offered by King, and said those who espouse these views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. Rep. Kings statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position. If he doesnt understand why white supremacy is offensive, he should find another line of work. One Republican did not join the chorus of criticism. Asked about Kings remarks Monday, President Donald Trump said, I havent been following it. King on Friday suggested hes been misunderstood. He said on the House floor that the interview with the Times was in part a discussion of other terms that have been used, almost always unjustly labeling otherwise innocent people. The word racist, the word Nazi, the word fascist, the phrase white nationalists, the phrase white supremacists. King said he was only wondering aloud: How did that offensive language get injected into our political dialogue? Who does that, how does it get done, how do they get by with laying labels like this on people? South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who is the only black Republican in the Senate, cast Kings remarks and those like them as a blemish on the country and the Republican Party. When people with opinions similar to Kings open their mouths, they damage not only the Republican Party and the conservative brand but also our nation as a whole, Scott wrote in an op-ed last week in The Washington Post. Some in our party wonder why Republicans are constantly accused of racism it is because of our silence when things like this are said, Scott wrote. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, also condemned King, telling CNN Monday that King doesnt have a place in our party or in Congress and should resign. Kings position in the GOP had been imperiled even before his remarks about white supremacy. Shortly before the 2018 midterm elections, in which King was running, Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, then the head of the GOP campaign committee, issued an extraordinary public denunciation of him. King has already drawn a primary challenger for the 2020 election: Randy Feenstra, a GOP state senator. Feenstar said Monday, Sadly, today, the voters and conservative values of our district have lost their seat at the table because of Congressman Kings caustic behavior. KHARTOUM (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters turned out to demonstrate against President Omar al-Bashir's rule in a densely populated neighborhood of the Sudanese capital Khartoum late on Tuesday before being dispersed by security forces, witnesses said. The protesters in the working class area of Kalakla in south Khartoum chanted slogans including "Freedom, peace, justice and revolution are the people's choice", before security forces fired tear gas and chased demonstrators down sidestreets. Near daily demonstrations triggered by a worsening economic crisis have spread across Sudan since Dec. 19, the most prolonged challenge to Bashir's rule since he took power in a coup in 1989. The protests have continued despite a crackdown in which officials say 24 people have been killed. Activists say at least 40 have been killed. On Monday Bashir insisted he would not step down, saying Sudan's economic problems would not be solved by "vandalism". (Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz, Writing by Aidan Lewis, Editing by William Maclean) London (AFP) - Britain is in "uncharted waters" after Prime Minister Theresa May was "humiliated" by the "crushing defeat" of her Brexit deal in parliament, according to scathing reactions in the British and world press on Wednesday. Here are some of the responses: - 'Brextinct' - "May's Brexit deal dead as a dodo", Britain's biggest-selling newspaper The Sun said, with a mock-up picture of the PM as the extinct flightless bird, under the front page headline "Brextinct". The Daily Telegraph's front page read: "A complete humiliation". Times columnist Matthew Parris branded May "a zombie prime minister". The Daily Mirror's front page said: "No deal, no hope, no clue, no confidence." The Daily Mail tabloid said May was "fighting for her life". "Now it's time for MPs to do their duty and work with Theresa May for a deal that satisfies the 17.4m who voted for Brexit... Don't fail us!" the Daily Express said under the headline "Dismay". "May suffers historic defeat as Tories turn against her," said The Guardian's front page. "The PM leads a party that is divided and a country stockpiling food and medicines as if preparing for war. She needs to humbly reach out to her opponents and find a way to prevent Britain crashing out of the EU," its editorial said. - 'Gridlocked' - "A democracy that cannot change its mind is not a democracy," wrote New York Times columnist Roger Cohen, suggesting Britain hold another referendum on leaving the EU. "The people may do that when presented with the whole picture after seeing only a partial or distorted one." The Washington Post said in an editorial that "Brexit has gridlocked the British political system," warning against a "no-deal" Brexit. "Both Ms aMay and her parliamentary opponents must now make it their overriding priority to avoid that disastrous outcome," it said. Story continues - 'What a Brexshit' - "Great Britain, the homeland of democracy, was once known as the 'island of reason'. That is over," Germany's Bild tabloid said, under the headline "What a Brexshit". "Attention Brussels: your time is coming! As the British obviously don't know how to help themselves, someone else must come to the rescue, and it can only be the partner on the other side of the table," said German newspaper Die Welt. - 'What Plan B?' - French newspaper Le Figaro's headline read: "Plan B, what Plan B?" "All this may lead to the inevitable postponement of the exit date from the EU," it said. - 'Unknown territory' - "Now that the firm ground of the only seemingly possible deal has been abandoned, we venture with sails on fire into unknown territory" -- Spain's El Pais newspaper said under the headline "May's crushing defeat exacerbates Brexit crisis". - 'Impossible to predict' - "Britain is navigating in unchartered waters: this is the only thing all MPs of all parties can agree on," said Nicol Degli Innocenti in Italian financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore. Although today's story will be of special interest to dentists, it applies to business people of all kinds. Let's begin with these two questions: No. 1: Why are dentists more likely than most other health care professionals to become victims of theft and embezzlement by a trusted employee? No. 2: How much does the dental profession lose a year from theft by employees? Just ask David Harris of Prosperident. As president and CEO of Prosperident, he has seen his company grow to become world's largest firm investigating financial crimes committed against general dentists and dental specialists. "The bill for dental employee theft runs up to a staggering half a billion dollars a year from embezzlement alone," he says. "In large part, it is explained by that wonderful quality dentists have, which patients, staff and their colleagues so appreciate, that is also a giant trap: Trust. "A great deal of this theft could be avoided had the dentist been much more careful in the hiring process," he points out, adding, "The mistakes made by dentists are not unique to this profession, but affect many businesses." 'Fixer of Teeth - Not a Business Owner' My law practice has a number of physicians and dentists as clients, and all of them share two qualities: Their full-time job is the delivery of health care, or, "Fixer of Teeth, Restorer of Smiles," as Harris relates the way dentists describe what they do. "Most dentists did not choose a career to be business owners, unlike the person who owns a restaurant, where they see their job as running a restaurant. To dentists, business ownership is the unwelcome tag-along." So, as you will see, the combination of Trust in what they are told as part of the dentist's DNA, and often not really enjoying the business aspects of running a dental office, leads to a series of mistakes in hiring -- costly mistakes. Story continues First Mistake: Failure to Realize the Number of Bad People Out There How many people do you think have a criminal record in the United States? 10 million? 20 million? 40 million? More? Surprise: Estimates by the National Employment Law Project put the figure at about 70 million, or about 1 in 3 adults. "The first mistake dentists make is to not to realize the number of bad people out there. A staggering number of Americans have a rap sheet. And in most cases, when dentists hire they are not aware that chances are this person has a criminal record. "Merely having a record does not make an applicant un-hirable, but as dental employees often work with money and children, their background can and should be looked into deeply. "But proper background checks are not being done, and it is a mistake to view a background check and a criminal records check interchangeably. A criminal records check is a sub-set of a background check, an important one, but a background check is much broader and would include such things as drug testing," he explained. But what if nothing shows up on a criminal records check? Can you assume that it is safe to hire that person? "Not yet," says Harris. "It could take months for a recent one to show up. You must look in other places, because if they have a tainted past, they are taking steps to conceal it." Second Mistake: Not Contacting Previous Employers He outlines how a bad apple can camouflage reality: "You are given the name of a former employer who you phone -- but you could be talking to anyone on the planet. Applicants often omit certain jobs they have had because you will not hear good things, or they will say, 'Do not contact my current employer. My boss doesn't know I am leaving so please don't call him.' "What this could mean is that I was fired and do not want you to learn this, so by saying, 'Please do not call my employer,' you will not discover that they were fired for theft. But it could be a legitimate request, and so your response should be, 'We do not hire anyone without contacting the most recent employer. The job offer is contingent on speaking with your current employer, and receiving a positive recommendation.' " Finally, Harris observes that, "Unemployment in the United States is at an historic low right now. In the minds of people hiring, as the pool of available candidates is small, they do not see the value in doing much scrutiny. This can be penny-wise pound-foolish thinking, as the damage an unsuitable employee can do to any business is huge." Lawyers know that health care professionals take what people say to them at face value, tending to be on the extreme end of trusting. They have a code of honesty in dealing with each other for the benefit of the patient. And that is often a problem. Comments are suppressed in compliance with industry guidelines. Click here to learn more and read more articles from the author. This article was written by and presents the views of our contributing adviser, not the Kiplinger editorial staff. You can check adviser records with the SEC or with FINRA. EDITOR'S PICKS Copyright 2019 The Kiplinger Washington Editors The Huawei chief executive said the company would not turn over Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has broken a lengthy silence to hit back at criticism levelled at the Chinese telecoms giant by western countries in recent months, claiming that the firm is not aiding Beijing in espionage. Mr Ren, who has not spoken to the foreign press since 2015, said that his company has never received any request from any government to provide improper information. The chief executive made the public appearance following the arrest of his daughter and Huaweis chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver two months ago, who is alleged to have violated US sanctions on Iran. Huawei is the worlds biggest provider of telecoms equipment and will be a key partner for companies working to build next-generation 5G mobile networks. The company has come under fresh pressure after a Huawei executive arrested in Poland was accused of spying. Huawei has since sacked the employee. The arrest comes after months of heightened scrutiny from the likes of the US, Australia, Japan and the UK, which have raised questions about the cyber security risks posed by the telecoms firm. I love my country, I support the Communist Party. But I will not do anything to harm the world, Mr Ren told journalists in Shenzhen on Tuesday. I dont see a close connection between my personal political beliefs and the businesses of Huawei. The Huawei boss doubled-down on his defense, saying that his company does not have regular contact with the political regime and would refuse any requests from the Chinese government for sensitive information. Huawei has also found support from the Chinese government amid a backlash from western countries. During a briefing in Beijing on Monday, Hua Chunying, a spokeswoman for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the allegations of security threats posed by Chinese companies were being used to suppress their growth in international markets. We urge relevant parties to cease the groundless fabrications and unreasonable restrictions toward Huawei and other Chinese companies, and create a fair, good and just environment for mutual investment and normal cooperation by both sides companies, she said. Ms Hua added that those using "security reasons to hype, obstruct or restrict" Chinese company ties with other countries would be hurting their own interests. For people living in disadvantaged communities, smartphones are often the only way they have to access the internet. Inadequate internet access whether through broadband connections at home or the office means lost opportunities, not just socially, but economically as well. But according to a new report from the Brookings Institution, next-generation 5G technology, which promises greater speed of wireless networks, has the ability to be a game changer for the people living in these areas. 5G will improve quality of life in terms of jobs, health care and transportation, says Brookings Center for Technology Innovation fellow Nicol Turner Lee. Particularly for people on the margins, getting access to faster networks will allow them to engage in social services in ways that they could not engage before, she says. (Verizon has been the first wireless carrier to roll out 5G technology in Los Angeles, Houston, Indianapolis and Sacramento.) Lee cautions that having a smartphone is not the same as having reliable high-speed internet access. According to the Pew Research Center, 77% of Hispanics, 77% of whites, and 75% of African-Americans own smartphones. Yet over 24 million Americans lack access to a residential broadband connection, according to the FCC. There are people who have smartphones in their pockets but theyre connected to really poor networks where they cannot engage the true power of what that smartphone can do, she says. Impact on unemployment rate Brookings research found that smartphone-dependent communities tend to overlap with those that have limited economic advancement and higher unemployment rates. Credit: Brookings Lee attributes the higher unemployment rate among African-Americans to the lack of digital access in their communities, which are often economically disadvantaged. As more services and conveniences go online, people with inadequate internet access are at a disadvantage when it comes to economic mobility. The 13% of Americans a couple years ago that were offline tended to be in these categories of poverty, older, foreign-born Americans. People living in rural communities. And if you [compare that with] demographic information when it comes to economic mobility, theyre pretty much the same people, she said. Story continues Job opportunities The current government shutdown is the latest example of how people with access to reliable broadband are making ends meet. I was coming back from the airport over the weekend, this one Uber driver is furloughed and shes taken to the digital share economy, Lee says. Shes doing Uber while shes waiting. Thats the power of having access, thats what it allows you to do. Im not saying its a substitute by no means of a paycheck, but that access to technology allows you to be creative to get through certain circumstances. More affordable health care for disadvantaged communities Health care is another example where 5G can make a difference. Better internet access can often mean saving on health costs and greater access to medical providers remotely. You can have that type of expectation of having high confidence in the network because you want to watch a Netflix movie, but what Im talking about is for people with limited access to social services, health care, education, transportation, energy. [These networks] will create healthier communities, she said. Lee says 5G has the potential to play a central role in medical care in the future. People will be able to wear a cardiac device and transmit in real time their cardiac results to their doctor who could at that moment determine that you were about to go into cardiac arrest, she says. Follow Sibile Marcellus on @SibileTV More from Sibile: Ocasio-Cortez should worry markets, Horizons chief global strategist says Apple dominates as mobile device of choice for corporate America: Survey The 15 most promising jobs, according to LinkedIn Slok: Economists misunderstood the surprising labor market Dominos and Chipotle among BTIG analysts top picks San Pedro Sula (Honduras) (AFP) - Hundreds of Hondurans have set out on a trek to the United States, forming another caravan that US President Donald Trump cited Tuesday to justify building a wall on the border with Mexico. "A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras," Trump tweeted Tuesday. "Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!" As the procession left the town of San Pedro Sula under a steady rain Monday night, one of the migrants summed up their plight: "We are leaving because there is crime and no work," said Juan Garcia, 52. Many said they had answered an anonymous social media posting referring to a January 15 migrant caravan leaving Honduras' second city. Most are young men, but the caravan also includes older people, including women carrying children. Some had wrapped themselves in the blue-and-white Honduran flag. "In this country, there is nothing. Only unemployment, corruption, violence, extortion, which is why we fled the country," said Darwin Omar Reyes, 19, from the capital Tegucigalpa. More than 500 people set out from the center of San Pedro Sula, which is 180 kilometers (110 miles) north of the capital Tegucigalpa. It was from the same transport hub that some 2,000 Hondurans left on October 13 in the first of a series of US-bound caravans. That and other migrant flows from El Salvador and Guatemala came to total some 13,000 people. - Tougher border policies - More than half turned around and went home, eventually. Hundreds -- down from much larger numbers late last year -- remain at the Mexican border with the United States, held back by tougher border policies under Trump and support among his base for his proposed border wall. Marlin Alcantara, 31, said from among a group of people in the back of a pick-up truck that she was fleeing domestic violence and had documentation that would support her entry to the US. She was travelling with two daughters aged nine and 13. Story continues "My particular case is delicate. We were victims of my mother's husband. The miserable man is in prison now but it's not enough. The worst thing is that she is on his side," said Alcantara. "That's why I made the decision to go," she said. Kevin Ramos, 18, worked at a coffee plantation in western Honduras before he was made unemployed two months ago. "With God's help, we can get a job in the United States," he said. He said his father had urged him to join the caravan. Many said they had lost hope under President Juan Orlando Hernandez. "We don't want that president, who is destroying our lives," said Javier Moran. Hernandez's rise to power in 2014 elections provided a surge of hope for Hondurans, but Moran said that a year into his second term, that hope had dissipated. - Living in shelters - According to Honduras' embassy in Mexico, around 2,500 Hondurans from earlier caravans are currently living in shelters in Mexico, and that only about 3 percent of them are likely to achieve their goal of asylum in the United States. The Honduran foreign ministry estimates that, in all, around 13,000 Hondurans arrived in Mexico in recent months, of which around 7,200 voluntarily returned to their country after being blocked at the Mexico-US border. A total of 11 migrants had died. The first caravan, on October 13, sparked a Twitter-borne stream of anti-migrant invective from the US president. Trump has refused to sign off on budgets for swaths of government departments in a showdown with Democrats over funding for his border wall project, leading to the longest government shutdown in US history. The president has made the migrant caravans one of his main targets as part of his broader anti-immigration drive in mid-term elections last November. When Miranda Smith*, 30, started her job as a senior advisor in government consulting, she immediately surveyed her new team. More specifically, she started searching for another person who looked like her. As a Black woman, I always look for another person of color, Smith explains. Its such a relief knowing theres someone else in the workplace like me. For many professionals, entering a new workplace brings with it a desire to connect with colleagues. Sometimes, these connections can unfold on a superficial level, restricted by the structured confines of the forty-hour workweek. But other times, these relationships can root themselves deeply and eventually expand well outside of the office. Indeed, real workplace friendships are not only possible, they are common. After all, when spending some 40 hours each week surrounded by the same people, substantial friendships are a strong possibility. I found my past work ally by working directly with her every day, says Tionna Graham, 27, who works as a desktop support technician in the IT industry. Graham and her confidant were both the same age and interested in many of the same activities, therefore relating in many ways. She invited me to the bar with her friends one day and told me a secret, [which] I kept it. Later on, I told her a secret and she kept it, [too]. Weve been friends since. She invited me to the bar with her friends one day and told me a secret, which I kept it. Later on, I told her a secret and she kept it, too. Weve been friends since. Lindsey Pollak, multigenerational workplace expert and author of the forthcoming book, The Remix, says that having a workplace confidant who can serve as a supporter or sounding board can be critical for growth, at any juncture of one's career. Sometimes you just need someone to listen so that you can vent when youre frustrated or happy, Pollak says. Sometimes you need someone who is good at giving advice or who can give you tough love. Story continues Pollak cautions that a confidant may not always be just one person. Sometimes, it's necessary to have multiple people who can provide support in certain scenarios. Diversity, Pollak says, is critical. Having a number of confidants of different backgrounds, generations, seniority levels, and genders can be incredibly important."To thrive today you have to be able to understand a variety of perspectives," Pollak adds. Graham says that, in addition to making her experiences at work more fun, her previous confidant also bolstered her growth at work since she was able to perform Grahams duties and covered for her if needed (and vice versa). Like Graham, Smiths experiences with her workplace confidant, Shelly*, have in many ways allowed her to thrive at work as a woman of color, particularly in the face of racial and gendered microaggressions. As a woman of color, having a workplace ally of color has honestly made my job [one] that I love, Smith says. No one can relate to the things you experience as a woman of color. Especially when, [for example], an older white man ask if your braids are fake in front of meeting attendees. No one can relate to the things you experience as a woman of color. Especially when, for example, an older white man ask if your braids are fake in front of meeting attendees. Recently, discussions of onlyness that is, the phenomenon of being the only one of a certain identity, whether gender, race, or sexuality in the office has become increasingly relevant. In fact, according to the Women "Women in the Workplace" report from McKinsey & Company and Lean In, one in five women report they are often the only woman, or one of few women, in their place of work. For women of color, experiences of onlyness tend to be particularly pronounced and, sometimes, having a confidant can make all the difference. According to Pollak, having someone you can trust especially as an 'only' is tremendously important. After all, Pollak says, sometimes you need someone who can validate and normalize your experiences, providing a reality check that what you're thinking and feeling. Its an uncomfortable and exhausting position to be an only, Pollak adds. Having someone who understands your perspective is really important. Like Smith, Fabiana Melendez, a 23-year-old working in public relations, has always had a workplace ally. These alliances, Melendez says, tend to develop naturally usually through commonalities, such as having similar roles, outside interests, or struggles. When I have been at jobs that have been less than great, these friendships help us both vent and determine what we don't like and how to proceed, Melendez explains. At places where I have enjoyed working, we usually vent about smaller issues such as difficult clients or weird deadlines. Regardless of how they evolve, Melendez says her workplace confidants have had a positive impact on her mental health, giving her an outlet to vent about work to someone who knows the specific politics and dynamics of the office. Access to such resources has been pivotal especially in times of internal company conflict. Having someone to talk to who saw what was going on helped validate my experiences and realize that it wasn't just me, Melendez adds. They were a great resource for advice on dealing with tough professional situations. Having someone to talk to who saw what was going on helped validate my experiences and realize that it wasn't just me. Still, not everyone is as open as Melendez. Though Grahams last workplace confidant made a difference in her experience, she does not currently have one at her current job and doesnt feel she would be able to easily trust another coworker in the same way, particularly with sensitive information that could jeopardize her job. Im very private about my life at work, Graham explains. These people arent my friends or dont have my best interest at heart. Im not saying they wouldnt want me to do well but I would not trust them with information that could hurt me in a long run. Ultimately, no matter how you feel about the necessity or lack thereof of having workplace confidants, it's a lifeline for so many in the workplace. For women, particularly women of color, having an ally who is trustworthy and supportive can make all the difference. And, as these women have demonstrated, these alliances hold a powerful potential to transform even the most toxic or unfulfilling work environments into opportunities for solidarity and even lifelong friendship. I dont think Ive ever had this close of a relationship with someone in the workplace. Weve shed tears in private together, I helped her receive a $30,000 raise, and were traveling [abroad] together next month. She has my back, just as I always have hers," Smith concludes. And one extra perk: It makes coming into work every day so easy. * Name has been changed. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? I Went From Making $27,000 To $90,000 In Two Years A Week In Amsterdam On A $55,542 Salary 5 Books To Read If You Want To Be A Great Leader At Work Carol Vorderman found herself in the midst of a heated debate on Good Morning Britain today as the show continued its discussion on Gillettes controversial new advert. The shaving companys new campaign highlights the negative behaviour of some men, showing examples of sexual harassment and bullying. GMB host Piers Morgan passionately ranted about the ad yesterday, arguing it was anti-masculinity and that a similar campaign never would have been made about women. Vorderman was in firm agreement with Morgan and even said she hated the controversial ad. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. After Marina Fogle told the large panel that the ad isnt a critique of all men, but just certain types of masculinity, Vorderman interrupted and said: Im sorry, I have to interject here. Youre implying all men were like that. I know alpha males who are heroes and veterans and they can still be charming. Its slagging off men who came before. She added of the advert: I hated it. I really did. I found it insulting, I found it offensive. Im not offended by anything, but I was offended by it. Carol Vorderman finds Gillettes new ad insulting Journalist Martin Daubney, who was also on Vordermans side of the argument, then described the campaign as one of the worst mens branding adverts hed ever seen. Ive worked in mens media for 25 years and its the worst mens branding advert I have ever seen, because it signal boosts the very worst things the very worst do and says all men, this is your problem, he said. Here we have an issue: the bad things men do are constantly signal boosted by the media and social media, and the good things men do are not. More to the point, he continued. Where men need help: 75% are suicides, 95% are jail inmates, 85% are the homeless the worst educational attainers are white working-class boys. No one cares. Why dont Gillette do that? Help those people. Read more Piers Morgan says he doesnt remember sickbed Instagram post Piers Morgan throws up Greggs vegan sausage roll live on air Watch Luke Goss insult Matts outfit live on Good Morning Britain Hands off births involve little medical intervention [Photo: Getty] For many pregnant women the presence of midwives and other medical professionals at the birth can be reassuring and comforting. But for others continuously checking your dilation, the babys heartbeat and other medical checks can be somewhat off-putting. However, there is a way of giving birth without your midwife even touching you. Whats more so-called hands off births are becoming increasingly popular. A hands off birth is also known as a low intervention birth or a non-medicalised birth, explains Liz Halliday, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Private Midwives . It can occur in any birth setting but is more usually experienced at home or in free standing birth centres. When pregnancy and labour are normal, birth is a physiological process and can be supported as such without medical intervention, she continues. Usually, the midwife will still undertake some clinical checks such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature and she will listen in to the babys heart regularly to make sure everything is ok. However, the midwife does not perform vaginal examinations, break your waters, perform midwife led or purple pushing, put her hand in the perineum for birth or perform routine episiotomy. Liz says this approach can have huge benefits for women who often feel more supported and in control of their labour, leading to a lower incidence of postnatal depression, anxiety or PTSD, and an easier transition to parenthood. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. One advocator of the hands off approach to birthing is nurse and midwife, Deb Fiore, from North Carolina, who wrote a post on her Facebook page describing whats involved in a low-intervention type of birth. I rarely touch a woman during her labor/birth, she wrote. I dont check her cervix unless needed (which is rare and typically only needed with first time mums). I dont tell a woman that its time to push or that she needs to start pushing. I dont massage the perineum. I dont catch the baby (unless requested to by mum). Story continues Fiore believes most mums have all it takes to birth their babies themselves and it is rare that she needs to intervene. It has been my experience (in 18 years of practice) that we do not need our hands on perineums or babies when they enter the world except in the rare scenario where they are having trouble with the journey (shoulder dystocia, tight nuchal cord, ect [sic]), she explains. Women are increasingly turning to hands off births [Photo: Getty] But are hands-off births safe? As women are still supported by an experienced midwife in low intervention births, there are no clear risks to planning this type of birth, Liz Halliday explains. The midwife should recognise if anything is not normal and then discuss with their client what the options for intervention are if required. The key is to have a trusting partnership between woman and midwife (which often comes from having a continuity carer throughout pregnancy), to have discussed other care pathways that may present during labour and to remain flexible should medical attention be required. Though they wont be for everyone, hands-off births do offer women the opportunity to take control of their own births and put their trust in their own bodies to deliver their babies. Equally, women may prefer the comfort of knowing their midwife is continuously checking them and their babies, and thats fine too. The important thing to remember is its your birth, and hands off or hands-on the main thing is that your voice and wishes are heard. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for non-stop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyleUK. Read more from Yahoo Style UK: Midwifes advice on shaving pubic hair is a hit with pregnant women How giving birth can impact a womens breast cancer risk Mothers difficult labour leads to three years of PTSD I became worried about everything. Chancellor Philip Hammond. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire/PA Images. The UK government could delay Brexit to avoid a catastrophic no-deal scenario, according to reports. Chancellor Philip Hammond is understood to have reassured businesses after Theresa Mays Brexit deal was voted down by parliament in a crushing defeat last night. He told business leaders on a private conference call last night that parliament could vote next week on a plan to push back the UKs March 29 exit date. The Financial Times reports that Hammond made clear the government would not put obstacles in the way of a controversial amendment that could delay Brexit and even see a cross-party group of MPs take charge of finding a deal. There is a large majority in the Commons that is opposed to no deal, the chancellor is said to have told firms. READ MORE: How Britain is on the cusp of another general election over Brexit The amendment by Conservative former minister Nick Boles would give the government a three-week deadline to find their own solution. But if May failed to find a compromise she could get through parliament, it would fall to the Commons liaison committee, made up of select commitee chairs, to work out a Brexit plan acceptable to MPs. Hammonds comments may help explain the pounds recovery despite MPs resounding rejection of the governments plans, with Bank of England governor Mark Carney saying this morning that markets believe Article 50 could be extended. The chancellor appeared to be trying to alleviate companies fears of the UK leaving without any agreement in March, which official forecasts suggest could wipe 8% off GDP in a year. Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the UKs biggest business group the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), had issued an impassioned plea for the government to rule out a no-deal scenario altogether last week. If parliament cant agree then it is for the government immediately to set out what it will do to avert a no-deal exit, and to guarantee this, she said. READ MORE: The pound has recovered after a volatile night heres where it could go next Story continues The prospect of a no-deal Brexit still appears to be worrying many firms, as some government ministers remain convinced the UK must be prepared to walk away if it wants to obtain more concessions from the EU. Steve Varley, chair of EY UK, told the Financial Times: Based on advice from the chancellor on a briefing call tonight we will continue to advise our clients to plan for a no-deal Brexit. Andrew Gray, head of Brexit at PwC, said after last nights vote: Until a way through can be found, it is important to remember that no deal is the default outcome. Were advising organisations to urgently activate their no deal plans, while still preparing for both a deal and no deal outcome. The time to act is now. Chris Scicluna, head of economic research at Daiwa Capital Markets, said: The evidence yesterday is that there is a quorum of MPs who will do whats required to avoid a no-deal Brexit. So theres a strong probability of an extension of Article 50 and that means theres an increased probability of a softer Brexit or no Brexit at all. MJose Mourinho favourite Marouane Fellaini is set for the Manchester United exit door Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will make Marouane Fellaini the first casualty of his tenure at Manchester United. The Belgian has only played twice since Jose Mourinhos departure, both appearances off the bench, and United are prepared to let him go. A Mourinho favourite, often brought on when United were searching for a winner or equaliser, Fellaini signed a two-year deal in the summer. READ MORE: Ranked! The 30 best strikers in Premier League history READ MORE: Every current clubs greatest ever Premier League win READ MORE: The 10 worst January transfers ever The fast, attacking style play Solskjaers United have shown in his first six games does not suit the 31-year-old. United would want around 15m for Fellaini, which could then be used to reinvest in the side, and there are teams interested, say the Mirror. AC Milan, Porto and Guangzhou Evergrande are all tipped with an interest in Fellaini, who could leave before the end of the January window. Arsenal want James Rodriguez Real Madrids James Rodriguez, on loan at Bayern Munich, could soon become Real Madrids James Rodriguez, on loan at Arsenal. Unai Emerys admission that Arsenal are restricted to loan deals this January was met with anger by fans. But they are still looking to bring players in and, according to The Mail, James Rodriguez is on their list. The Colombian is 18 months into a two-year loan at Bayern Munich from Real Madrid, however he has struggled for minutes this season. James was signed by Carlo Ancelotti, but he is not a favourite of new boss Niko Kovacs and doesnt look to have a permanent future at the Bundesliga champions. Real are entitled 3m for the final six months of James loan and if Arsenal are willing to pay that, Bayern would be happy to let him go. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Chelsea continue to chase Gonzalo Higuain and hope to have a loan deal done by the end of the week, but Alvaro Moratas move to Atletico Madrid is in doubt as they only want him on loan. Yannick Carrasco is on Arsenals radar, but the Dalian Yifang and Belgium winger could only be afforded if Mesut Ozil and his large wages are offloaded. Story continues Daniel Sturridge is attracting plenty of interest from MLS sides as he enters the final six months of his deal at Liverpool Fiorentina have seen a 8.9m bid for West Hams Pedro Obiang rejected, while Javier Hernandez is keen to move to Valencia. Brentford and Wales centre-back Chris Mepham has admirers on the south coast in Bournemouth and Southampton, with the former set to bid 15m. On the managerial front, Leicester have identified Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has a potential replacement for Claude Puel, whose future remains uncertain. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen has been criticised by Brazils agriculture minister after she accused the country's new far-right government of gutting environmental protections. The 38-year-old supermodel attacked new president, Jair Bolsonaro and his plans to roll back safeguards which seek to preserve Brazils environment. Shortly after Mr Bolsonaro a populist nationalist who claimed the presidency on a deeply-conservative and divisive platform won the election in October, Ms Bundchen attacked plans to merge the environment and agriculture ministries. Combining the two departments would be potentially disastrous and a path with no return, she tweeted, although both currently remain separate. Activists feared Mr Bolsonaro, who ran on promises to boost economic activity in the Amazon and reduce reserves for indigenous people, would allow Brazils powerful agri-business lobby to strip away regulations preventing further deforestation and damage to the environment. Agriculture minister Tereza Cristina Dias, who was sworn in earlier this month, has hit out at Ms Bundchen and said she was damaging the image of Brazil around the world. Speaking to a Sao Paolo radio station, Ms Dias said, contrary to the models claims, Brazil in fact was a world leader in protecting the environment. Sorry, Gisele Bundchen, you should be our ambassador, to say that your country preserves, that your country is on the global vanguard of preservation, and dont come here saying bad things about Brazil without knowledge of the facts, Ms Dias said. Its absurd what they do today with the image of Brazil. For some reason they go out and paint a picture of Brazil and its industries that is not true. Ms Bundchen has also criticised previous Brazilian administrations over attempts to shrink the protected areas of the Amazon. In 2017 she shamed the then-president Michel Temer on Twitter into abandoning plans to reduce the size of a national forest. Story continues In a tweet after the radio interview, Ms Dias who was previously head of the farmers caucus in Congress said she would soon invite Ms Bundchen to become an ambassador for the agriculture sector. Rather than criticising, the model should show other countries how Brazil supposedly managed to produce agriculture for the world while preserving the environment, she said. Ms Bundchen, who is already a United Nations environment goodwill ambassador and been given a Global Environmental Citizen award from Harvard, did not respond to requests for comment. BERLIN (Reuters) - The German government is actively considering stricter security requirements and other ways to exclude China's Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL] from a buildout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported. Handelsblatt, citing government sources, said government officials were discussing setting security standards that Huawei could not achieve, effectively blocking its participation. Changes to the German telecommunications law were also under consideration as a last resort, the paper said. The deliberations would mark a shift from the German government's position in October, when it told lawmakers it saw no legal basis to exclude any vendors from an upcoming 5G auction following warnings from Washington. The government told lawmakers in a more recent response that the security of 5G networks was "extremely relevant", and would guide its upcoming decisions, Handelsblatt reported. U.S. officials have briefed allies that Huawei is ultimately at the beck and call of the Chinese state, while warning that its network equipment may contain "back doors" that could open them up to cyber espionage. Germany's Deutsche Telekom announced in December that it would review its vendor strategy and France's Orange said it would not hire the Chinese firm to build its next-generation network in France. The shift by the national market leaders, both partly state owned, followed Huawei's exclusion on national security grounds by some U.S. allies, led by Australia, from building their fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks. Huawei says the security concerns are unfounded. Tensions have been heightened by the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada for possible extradition to the United States. Handelsblatt quoted Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei as saying his company had never received a request from a government to transmit information in violation of any regulations. "I love my country, I support the Communist Party, but I would never do anything that would harm another country in the world," it quoted him as saying. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Tom Brown) German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Photo: REUTERS/Costas Baltas What a Brexshit! The divided kingdom. And now? Germanys front pages this morning (16 January) are focused on UK prime minister Theresa Mays crushing Brexit-deal defeat in parliament on Tuesday evening. The overwhelming mood is serious, combined with a degree of bewilderment about what happens next for Great Britain. Der Spiegel, Germanys leading political magazine, expressed a degree of sympathy for May, but added: You could almost feel sorry for her. But only almost. Because May made an equally conscious and fatal decision right at the beginning of the Brexit process: to fool the British, rather than telling them the truth. Die Zeits London correspondent accuses May of a total dereliction of duty. Her mistake above all is what she has not done in her two and a half years in power, writes Bettina Schulz. May has seen Britains exit from the EU purely as an instrument of internal party power politics. She failed to educate people about the benefits of the EU after the referendum. Several newspapers took a humorous swipe at what they see as buffoonery in the UK government. The Frankfurter Rundschau paired a Hamlet quote with a picture of British comedy icon Mr. Bean. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Photo: Bild website Politicians in Berlin refrained from the blame game, emphasising instead that the parliament in London needs to get serious about where to go from here. The time for games is over, German foreign minister Heiko Maas told public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk. We need a solution and we need it quickly. He said the UK parliament urgently needs to figure out how to get itself out of this standoff, and that postponing the UKs March exit from the block may be difficult, considering the European parliamentary elections are coming up in May. German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz tweeted that it was a bitter day for Europe, even though Germany is well prepared for a hard Brexit. Germanys Economics Minister Peter Altmaier told ZDF that both sides, Britain and the EU, would suffer in the event of a no-deal Brexit. He appealed for calm: I thing we should give the British the chance to clarify their position he added, but said that the current withdrawal agreement with the EU is substantially non-negotiable. Story continues The National Association of German Cooperative Banks (BVR) said on Wednesday that the best solution for the UK would be to now unilaterally withdraw its Brexit declaration, urging Westminster to provide clarity to avoid further damage to businesses. The chief executive of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) warned that rejection of the Brexit deal meant that businesses in Germany and the UK are still dangling in the air, and that a chaotic Brexit threatened the UK with a recession and a knock-on effect in Germany. The UK is Germanys fifth-largest trade partner. A December survey of 1,300 German manufacturers by the Munich-based ifo Institute for Economic Research found that 43% believed there Britain would likely leave the EU in a hard Brexit, and some 60% of them said their sales would be affected by this but on a manageable scale. Have you been paying attention to shares of Genworth Financial (GNW)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 16.4% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $5 in the previous session. Genworth Financial has gained 6.7% since the start of the year compared to the 4.5% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 7.6% return for the Zacks Insurance - Life Insurance industry. What's Driving the Outperformance? The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on October 30, 2018, Genworth Financial reported EPS of $0.29 versus consensus estimate of $0.23 while it missed the consensus revenue estimate by 0.68%. For the current fiscal year, Genworth Financial is expected to post earnings of $1.02 per share on $8.56 billion in revenues. Meanwhile, for the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $1 per share on $8.51 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of -13.56% and -0.58%, respectively. Valuation Metrics Genworth Financial may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level. On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style. Genworth Financial has a Value Score of A. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are D and A, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B. Story continues In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 4.9X current fiscal year EPS estimates. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 2.5X versus its peer group's average of 9.1X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective. Zacks Rank We also need to look at the Zacks Rank for the stock, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Genworth Financial currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to favorable earnings estimate revisions from covering analysts. Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Genworth Financial fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Genworth Financial shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come. How Does Genworth Financial Stack Up to the Competition? Shares of Genworth Financial have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? Some of its industry peers are also solid potential picks, including FGL Holdings (FG), Athene Holding (ATH), and Cigna (CI), all of which currently have a Zacks Rank of at least #2 and a VGM Score of at least B, making them well-rounded choices. The Zacks Industry Rank is in the top 17% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for Genworth Financial, even beyond its own solid fundamental situation. 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 Genworth Financial, Inc. (GNW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Athene Holding Ltd. (ATH) : Free Stock Analysis Report FGL Holdings (FG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The rise of newA stablecoins was a defining story in the second half of 2018, but the reality is that exclusive discounts partly fueled their growth. Dollar-backed stablecoins are generally supposed to be worth $1, whether itas Geminias GUSD or Paxosa PAX. But according to four sources with knowledge of these cryptocurrency exchanges, both stablecoin-issuers privately offered over-the-counter [OTC] trading desks up to a 1 percent discount if traders used these tokens in some fashion before redeeming them for USD. aThey were offering that as a sweetener for getting it kick-started with adoption, an OTC trader, who asked to stay anonymous, told CoinDesk. Pablo Escobars Brother Says New Crypto Will Fund Impeach Trump Effort This is why GUSD and PAX activity surged in December 2018, both between OTC desks and on exchange platforms like Huobi and Binance, where several traders moved millions of dollars within a matter of days. According to CoinMarketCap, GUSDas global market cap suddenly surged from roughly $87 million on December 17 to over $103 million the following day. aA lot of the arbitrage opportunities were manufactured,a the OTC trader added. Dorothy Chang, VP of Paxosa marketing and communications department, told CoinDesk this incentive structure was only offered to a ahandful of partnersa for aless than two monthsa starting around late September. Perhaps fortuitously for Paxos, the first-ever U.S.-dollar-pegged stablecoin Tether (USDT), temporarily lost parity in mid-October. According to a report prepared for CoinDesk by the analytics firm Delphi Digital, USDT lost almost a third of its market share during this period, with GUSD eventually exceeding PAX with more than $140 million in transaction volume in January 2019. Coinfloor to Relaunch Crypto Derivatives Exchange With Stablecoin Futures The Delphi Digital report argued that acompetitors are all fighting for the spot Tether will most likely eventually lose.a Story continues With regards to PAX, Chang said the discount was asomething we did when we were first introducing our product to the market,a adding that Paxos is increasing its redemption windows from once to twice a day and looking for more partnerships with enterprises across the space. aWeave been at above $100 million in daily transaction volume for the past three days and holding steady,a Chang said on Monday. While Paxos has moved on, the markets may still witness ripple effects from these corporate incentive programs for months to come. GUSD, for example, saw a burst of trading activity and market valuation in January. aThe incentives that are issued by these entities often come with a lock-up period. Those may have expired,a said Jesse Proudman, CEO of the algorithmic trading platform Strix Leviathan. Proudman explained to CoinDesk that the discounted stablecoins can now be freely traded. Game of coins Once several stablecoins became available for less than or more than a dollar, whether based on incentive strategies or organic market fluctuations, the arbitrage games began. According to a Paxos blog and reporting by The Block, several Huobi users tried to obfuscate their source of funds by opening dozens of accounts using other names in order to exceed the Paxos exchangeas daily USD redemption limit. Paxos told CoinDesk at least 10 accounts were closed in relation to this trend. The frenzy arose because the PAX discount program coincided with the release of HUSD, which is essentially a pool of stablecoins offered by the Singapore-based exchange Huobi that allows traders to deposit one type and later withdraw another. Besides GUSD and PAX, the pool also supports Circleas USDC and TrustTokenas TUSD. According to Kelvy Ko, partner at crypto hedge fund Leotank Digital Trading, Huobias HUSD pool has made it much more convenient for traders to swap stablecoins and leverage arbitrage without actually trading them. Indeed, around the same time that the stablecoin USDT oscillated and Huobi launched HUSD, PAXas global market cap jumped from roughly $42 million to $79 million in a single day on October 23. Then in early December, Binance saw a plethora of multibillion-dollar PAX trades as traders struggled to find liquidity and arbitrage sources beyond the redeemer itself. By the first week of 2019, Paxos told CoinDesk the company had redeemed $200 million worth of stablecoins so far. Tiantian Kullander, founding partner at Amber AI, a crypto firm that works with market makers, said he wouldnat be surprised if Gemini matched the Paxos promotion in December to incentivize usage because athey were lagging behind the other stablecoins.a Even so, there could be a long way to go until the regulator-approved stablecoins like PAX and GUSD catch up to USDT in terms of volume. aEven though USDT is wash traded, it has the first mover advantage,a Ko said, referring to how some USDT users allegedly buy and sell the same financial instrument to create the artificial appearance of marketplace activity. Plus, this practice is hardly restricted to USDT and might currently be applied by some traders to other stablecoins as well. aEven if USDT is in a legal grey area, it is hard for others to compete because some people want to avoid the regulators,a Ko added. Gemini declined to comment on this specific incentive program or transaction volumes across global exchanges. According to the companyas blog and a recent regulation-friendly marketing campaign, Gemini seeks to distinguish itself from the competition by being aa compliance-centric company.a When asked if incentive programs artificially inflated the respective coinas market cap, Chang of Paxos said: That may have been true for some, but we have not been optimizing for market cap alone; its not meaningful by itself. What is meaningful is transaction volume. For us, the point of offering an incentive was to develop market depth. Windows of opportunity One of the anonymous OTC traders CoinDesk spoke with said that stablecoin issuers were inspired to launch this short-lived campaign because there isnat an organic demand for these assets. aThe banks and the other [crypto] OTC desks we work with are really incredibly flexible,a the trader said. aItas much easier to do that [work with the bank] than toget back these tokens that have a bunch of strings attached and also doesnat pay any interest.a On the other hand, Proudman of Strix Leviathan told CoinDesk his company uses PAX for large-scale trades on Binance a sans backroom discounts a because he prefers to hold a regulated asset that can be redeemed for dollars. aWe elect to not use the incentive strategies from any of the stablecoin companies,a Leviathan said, adding they use stablecoins for arbitrage related to bitcoin, ethereum and other trading pairs. aFrom a traderas perspective, we find ourselves electing to use coins we are comfortable with over those that we are less comfortable with.a However, since stablecoin issuers require a significant amount of know-your-customer information in order to redeem the tokens, the anonymous trader said OTC desks that participated in the rush may have revealed competitive information about their partners and trading volumes to the exchanges, namely Gemini and Paxos. aThese smaller desks canat get banked at the places that allow instant U.S. dollar transfer, so they are willing to give up some of their privacy,a he said. The second anonymous trader agreed that this opportunity was especially appealing to OTC desks with liquidity challenges, often related to jurisdictional compliance. Because of that, he expects companies to continue issuing stablecoins, perhaps with more promotional discounts, in 2019. aI think there is no clear winner yet, both in terms of traders and issuers,a he said. According to Ko, the regulated stablecoin arbitrage opportunity closed after several weeks because aonce the short-term interests [were] achieved, they donat need to keep the aggressive promotional rebates.a Plus, a Huobi Global representative told CoinDesk that the exchange added the daily withdrawal limits during the timeframe of this incident. For PAX traders in particular, the limits are now $20,000 for verified accounts and $1,000 for unverified users. The arbitrage rush may have impacted Huobias coffers, with three Huobi wallets holding roughly 78 percent of all GUSD in circulation. Gemini declined to comment on why that might be. Moving forward, the Huobi Global representative said the exchange plans to adynamically develop HUSD over the course of 2019a in order to improve the user experience and prevent misuse of the system. Wolfie Zhao contributed reporting Game of Thrones image via Shutterstock Related Stories Fulton Financial (FULT) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.33 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.35 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.28 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -5.71%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this financial holding company would post earnings of $0.33 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.37, delivering a surprise of 12.12%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. Fulton Financial, which belongs to the Zacks Banks - Northeast industry, posted revenues of $215.65 million for the quarter ended December 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.25%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $206.37 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. Fulton Financial shares have added about 5% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 3%. What's Next for Fulton Financial? While Fulton Financial has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Story continues Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Fulton Financial was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.33 on $212.81 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $1.43 on $880.46 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Banks - Northeast is currently in the bottom 38% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. 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 To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Paris (AFP) - The French government on Wednesday called for former Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn, who has spent the last two months in Japanese custody, to be replaced as chief executive of carmaker Renault. Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire called for Renault's board to meet "in the coming days "to pick a "new lasting leadership" to replace the fallen auto titan, who has been charged with under-declaring his income and aggravated breach of trust. The French state is Renault's biggest shareholder, owning a 15-percent stake. Ghosn, who built up a formidable alliance between Renault, Nissan and Mitsubishi that sold more cars than Volkswagen in 2017, has already been stripped of his leadership roles at Nissan and Mitsubishi. But until now the French government had refrained from trying to oust him from the country's second-biggest carmaker. The move came a day after a Tokyo court denied bail for the 64-year-old Franco-Brazilian-Lebanese businessman, meaning he could remain in pre-trial detention for several more months. Last week, Ghosn was hit with further charges for alleged financial misconduct -- all of which he denies. - 'Lasting leadership' sought - "I always indicated, while reiterating the presumption of Carlos Ghosn's innocence, that if he was durably prevented (from fulfilling his role) we would move to the next stage. We're there now," Le Maire told LCI broadcaster. "In this new stage we need a new lasting leadership for Renault," he said, adding that he had "explicitly asked, as the shareholder of reference, that Renault's board of directors meet in the coming days" to choose a new CEO. Several people have been cited as possible replacements for Ghosn. Le Maire praised Michelin CEO Jean-Dominique Senard, tipped as a possible future chairman of the board, working alongside chief operating officer Thierry Bollore. Ghosn made a dramatic courtroom appearance in Japan on Tuesday, during which he denounced the allegations against him, saying he had been "wrongly accused and unfairly detained". Story continues He has been indicted on two counts of under-declaring his income in statements to shareholders, amounting to over nine billion yen ($83 million) over eight fiscal years. Ghosn also stands charged with "aggravated breach of trust" over a complex alleged scheme in which he is said to have tried to transfer foreign exchange losses to Nissan's books. His ongoing detention has prompted some international criticism of Japan's legal system and created tensions between Renault and its Japanese partners. In a letter to Human Rights Watch, his wife Carole Ghosn complained about the "harsh" conditions in which he was being held since his shock arrest at Tokyo's Haneda airport on November 19 She also claimed he was being subjected to round-the-clock interrogations intended to extract a confession. Bake Off winner Sophie Faldo (Credit: BBC) Sophie Faldo, the winner of the 2017 series of The Great British Bake Off, has denied she is heading back to Army duty, as in reality she never left. She had told the The Sun that she was keen to get back into combat. Faldo had served with the Royal Artillery as a captain in Helmand Province in 2009 and 2010. It is similar to the job that I have done in the past and it involves dealing with different kinds of artillery. Now I want to go out on tour again and the job that I want to go into is quite frontline and back in Afghanistan, so I hope that I will get it, she told the paper. However, the GBBO winner has since told Huffington Post UK that her comments were misrepresented, and are actually about her being an Army Reservist. I left the regular army in 2012 and Ive been a reservist ever since then, she said. So everyones saying Im going back and Im like, Well Im not going back, I never left it. I was discussing a reservist role because Ive moved from a cavalry regiment into an artillery regiment Ive just moved within the Army. Im now going back to a similar job that I was doing when I left the regulars. Its really frustrating because right from the beginning, I was always quoted as being a former Army officer but actually I never left, she told the digital news source. Sophie Faldo attending the National Television Awards 2018 held at the O2, London (Credit: Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment) Faldo recently scrapped plans for a cookbook following her Bake Off win, after reportedly splitting with her management company. Prior to entering the TV baking contest, she worked as a personal trainer after leaving the army, and was also training to be a stuntwoman. Faldo beat Kate Lyon and Steven Carter-Bailey to the winners trophy in the eighth series of Bake Off, the first to be broadcast on Channel 4 following its move from the BBC. Famously, judge Prue Leith accidentally tweeted that she was the winner of the show, 12 hours before the final aired. Read more Raymond Blanc praises Theresa May after Brexit defeat Clarkson denies Grand Tour sexism claims Ex-Bake Off star Perkins wades into Brexit The Trump administration ordered thousands of federal employees back to work without pay on Tuesday, raising questions over whether it is legal in America to make people work for free. The Fair Labor Standards Act requires workers to be paid at least the minimum wage for hours they worked in a timely fashion, said Minna Kotkin, director of the Employment Law Clinic at Brooklyn Law School. There is a legitimate claim that this... is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act. Since the partial government shutdown began on Dec. 22, roughly 800,000 workers have not been paid. One-fifth of the workers make less than $50,000, and theyve missed an average of $5,000 in pay so far, according to a New York Times analysis. The shutdown has affected just 25% of the government, but more than 400,000 workers have worked without pay because their tasks are deemed essential to keep the government functioning. The Internal Revenue Service, for example, ordered 36,000 furloughed employees back to work without pay on Tuesday. Jeffrey Hirsch, an employment law expert and professor at UNC School of Law, noted that these federal agencies are still violating the Fair Labor Standards Act even though they have no choice but to make people work. They know theyre making people work without pay, he said. Thats a clear violation of the FLSA. You cant spend money that isnt appropriated The Trump administration has already been hit with multiple lawsuits from federal workers including two from labor unions and one from a group of federal employees. The lawsuits claim the federal government is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery. Federal workers also assert that the Trump administration is violating the Fifth Amendment because its depriving them of their wages without due process. For its part, the Trump administration is using a 135-year-old law called the Antideficiency Act to justify its failure to pay workers, Kotkin, the Brooklyn Law professor, noted. That law essentially says you cant spend money that hasnt been appropriated, she said. However, Kotkin noted, it would be more of a stretch for the president to use that law to require people to work while theyre not being paid. Story continues The Antideficiency Act only goes so far as to say you dont get paid. It doesnt say anything about having to work, she said. Weve seen this before If the Trump administrations argument seems weak, it may not bode well that furloughed workers forced to work without pay during the 2013 shutdown won a similar lawsuit last year. In February 2017, U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge Patricia Campbell-Smith ruled that workers deemed essential during the 2013 shutdown should get twice their pay for a five-day period they worked without pay (the standard award under the FLSA). As Hirsch, the UNC law professor, noted, Weve seen this before. To be sure, workers in the recent cases faced a setback this week when a judge refused to grant temporary restraining orders that would have either let workers stay home or forced the federal government to pay them. But Hirsch believes the workers will ultimately receive double their pay under the FLSA, which, he noted, will add to the costs of the government shutdown. There are lots of ways a shutdown costs the government more money, and this is one of them. Every hour those... employees work, thats more financial liability thats likely to incur, he said. Its just adding to the tally. Erin Fuchs is deputy managing editor at Yahoo Finance. WASHINGTON A Florida city commissioner is under fire after calling Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who made history as one of the first Muslim members of Congress, a "danger" who might "blow up" the U.S. Capitol. The comments were made by Annabelle Lima-Taub, a city commissioner in the south Florida city of Hallandale Beach, in the aftermath of Tlaib saying she wanted to "impeach that motherf----," a reference to President Donald Trump Lima-Taub signed an online petition that aimed to remove Tlaib from office and wrote a message about Tlaib on her personal Facebook page, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "Proudly signed," Lima-Taub wrote, according to a screen grab of the post. "A Hamas-loving anti-Semite has NO place in government! She is a danger and [I] would not put it past her to become a martyr and blow up Capitol Hill." U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib in Dearborn in this 2018 file photo. The fallout from her comments was almost immediate. Fellow commissioners denounced the remarks and CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, called on her to resign. "Xenophobic stereotypes must not be embraced by any elected official," CAIR-Floridas communications director, Wilfredo Ruiz, said in a statement to the HuffPost. "Her un-American, xenophobic statements establish that she is unfit to hold the Commissioners seat. She must apologize immediately and follow up that apology with her resignation." Tlaib also condemned the comments in a tweet on Tuesday, blaming President Trump and the Republicans because "this sort of hateful anti-Muslim rhetoric doesnt happen in a vacuum." This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Tlaib's comments about the president weren't embraced by fellow Democrats and Trump responded by saying she "dishonored her family" by using profanity in calling for his impeachment. "I thought her comments were disgraceful," Trump said. "This is a person that I don't know, I assume she's new. I think she dishonored herself and I think she dishonored her family. Using language like that in front of her son and whoever else was there, I thought that was a great dishonor to her and to her family." Story continues Tlaib became the first Palestinian-American woman and one of the first two Muslim women, along with Minnesota's Ilhan Omar, to serve in Congress. She did apologize, saying she wasn't sorry for making the comments about Trump but for the "distraction" they caused, adding she "will never apologize for being me and for being passionate and upset." "I understand that I am a member of Congress, and I don't want anything that I do or say to distract us. And that's the only thing that I apologize for that it was a distraction," Tlaib told reporters when asked about the comments. She also called it a "teachable moment." More: Donald Trump: Rashida Tlaib 'dishonored her family' with profanity-laced impeachment call Related: Rep. Rashida Tlaib apologizes for 'distraction' of impeachment comment, not for her passion This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida commissioner: Rep. Rashida Tlaib might 'blow up' Capitol, has 'no place in government' Rusli Khusmin, 42, a fisherman from Indonesia, shows a map of the location where he believes Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 crashed into the Sumatra Indonesia Sea (Picture: Getty) A fisherman from Indonesia claims he knows the location of missing flight MH370. The Malaysia Airways plane carrying 239 people disappeared on March 8, 2014 while flying from Kuala Lumpur airport to Beijing, China. Its crew last communicated with air traffic control 38 minutes after takeoff when the flight was over the South China Sea. Fisherman Rusli Khusmin, 42, claims he witnessed the plane go down in the Strait of Malacca, a shipping lane west of Kuala Lumpur. He has handed over his co-ordinates to investigators, saying he recorded them on a GPS device. Mr Khusmin shows his GPS navigator to reporters (Picture: Getty) He held up a map to reporters during a press conference to show where he believes the flight went down. He said he saw a damaged aircraft and thick black smoke. MORE: Theresa May faces no-confidence vote after MPs hand her humiliating Brexit defeat MORE: Mum who spent 37 ordering Dominos pizza calls police after takeaway is cancelled I saw the plane moving from left to right like a broken kite, he said. There was no noise, just black smoke as a result of fires before it crashed into the water. He said there was a strong smell of acidic fumes in the air before the plane crashed. Mr Khusmin swore an oath of truth over the Koran about his claims. The Malaysia Airlines plane is still missing (Picture: Getty) His evidence will be sent to Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. The Malaysian government called a halt to the investigation to find the plane, admitting they still dont know exactly what happened. Last month, an engineer at a Danish university, using flight data, claimed the plane went down near Christmas Island in Australia. Olivier Beziade was treated by medics after being shot in the head in Bordeaux on Saturday (Picture: France Info) A firefighter protesting with Frances Yellow Vest movement has suffered a serious brain injury after being shot in the head by a police officer, it has been reported. Olivier Beziade, a father-of-three in his 30s, is in a coma after he was hit from behind like a rabbit during clashes between police and protesters in Bordeaux on Saturday. Distressing TV footage showed him lying on the ground in the city centre with his head covered in blood. He was wearing one of the hi-vis jackets used by the Yellow Vests when protesting all over France. Mr Beziade is pictured lying on the ground after being shot in the head (Picture: France 3) The group have been protesting against French president Emmanuel Macrons controversial fuel tax, but the demonstrations have regularly turned into violence as they are met by armed police. Mr Beziades family said he is currently in an induced coma in hospital. MORE: Theresa May faces no-confidence vote after MPs hand her humiliating Brexit defeat MORE: Mum who spent 37 ordering Dominos pizza calls police after takeaway is cancelled His wife, Cindy Beziade, who is also firefighter, said: Im furious. This is unacceptable. I wont let it go. The pictures speak for themselves. She told France Info: The demonstration was calm until about 4.30pm. I was with my husband in Rue Sainte-Catherine. Then there was a bit of panic. We turned turned back to avoid tear gas fumes and to go home. I turned first right, he took the first turning on the left. They shot at us like rabbits. The Yellow Vests protested in Bordeaux at the weekend (Picture: Reuters) It was reported that he was shot by a plainclothes officer with a flash ball. A uniformed officer was also seen throwing a stun grenade towards Mr Beziade. The couple had travelled to Bordeaux from their home in Bazas for the Act 9 Day of Rage against the government. Bordeauxs police chief has ordered an investigation into the incident. Police claimed a gang of Yellow Vests were trying to get into an Apple store at the time of the shooting. There are plenty of choices in the Sector - Tech category, but where should you start your research? Well, one fund that you should consider investigating is Fidelity Advisor Technology A (FADTX). FADTX carries a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank of 3 (Hold), which is based on nine forecasting factors like size, cost, and past performance. Objective We note that FADTX is a Sector - Tech option, and this area is loaded with many options. Found in a wide number of industries such as semiconductors, software, internet, and networking, tech companies are everywhere. Thus, Sector - Tech mutual funds that invest in technology let investors own a stake in a notoriously volatile sector, but with a much more diversifies approach. History of Fund/Manager FADTX finds itself in the Fidelity family, based out of Boston, MA. Fidelity Advisor Technology A made its debut in September of 1996, and since then, FADTX has accumulated about $652.12 million in assets, per the most up-to-date date available. Yun-Min Chai is the fund's current manager and has held that role since January of 2005. Performance Investors naturally seek funds with strong performance. This fund carries a 5-year annualized total return of 12.73%, and it sits in the top 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 15.48%, 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. The standard deviation of FADTX over the past three years is 17.13% compared to the category average of 10.24%. Over the past 5 years, the standard deviation of the fund is 15.81% compared to the category average of 10.33%. This makes the fund more volatile than its peers over the past half-decade. Risk Factors It's always important to be aware of the downsides to any future investment, so one should not discount the risks that come with this segment. FADTX lost 59.78% in the most recent bear market and underperformed its peer group by 6.47%. This could mean that the fund is a worse choice than comparable funds during a bear market. Story continues Investors should not forget about beta, an important way to measure a mutual fund's risk compared to the market as a whole. FADTX has a 5-year beta of 1.17, which means it is likely to be more volatile than the market average. Another factor to consider is alpha, as it reflects a portfolio's performance on a risk-adjusted basis relative to a benchmark-in this case, the S&P 500. FADTX's 5-year performance has produced a positive alpha of 3.2, which means managers in this portfolio are skilled in picking 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 principally on equities that are traded in the United States. This fund is currently holding about 94.89% stock in stocks, which have an average market capitalization of $442.21 billion. Turnover is 84%, which means, on average, the fund makes fewer trades than the average comparable fund. 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, FADTX is a load fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.04% compared to the category average of 1.35%. So, FADTX is actually cheaper than its peers from a cost perspective. Investors need to be aware that with this product, the minimum initial investment is $0; each subsequent investment has no minimum amount. Bottom Line Overall, Fidelity Advisor Technology A ( FADTX ) has a neutral Zacks Mutual Fund rank, and in conjunction with its comparatively strong performance, worse downside risk, and lower fees, Fidelity Advisor Technology A ( FADTX ) looks like a somewhat average choice for investors right now. Don't stop here for your research on Sector - Tech 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 FADTX to its peers as well for additional information. Zacks provides a full suite of tools to help you analyze your portfolio - both funds and stocks - in the most efficient way possible. 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 To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Federal prosecutors are pursuing a criminal case against Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei over the alleged theft of American tech companies intellectual property, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday. The investigation, which is expected to result in indictments in the near future, was sparked by a number of civil lawsuits brought against Huawei, including one focused on the appropriation of T Mobiles Tappy, a device used to test smartphones. A jury in Seattle found Huawei civilly liable in May 2017 for stealing the proprietary technology that T Mobile relied on to develop the Tappy. Huawei has stolen that technology. It used that stolen technology to develop and improve its own testing robot, which it uses for its own benefit, reads the complaint filed by T Mobile when the suit began in September 2014. Huawei abused its relationship as a phone handset supplier for T-Mobile to obtain access to T-Mobiles robot and, in violation of several confidentiality and nondisclosure agreements, copied the robots specifications and stole parts, software, and other trade secrets. News of the criminal investigation came just moments after a bipartisan group of senators introduced a series of bills that would ban the sale of U.S. microchips and other industrial components to Huawei. Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the Peoples Liberation Army, Senator Tom Cotton (R., Ark.), one of the bills sponsors, wrote in a statement. If Chinese telecom companies like Huawei violate our sanctions or export control laws, they should receive nothing less than the death penalty which this denial order would provide. The legislation would also prohibit the sale of U.S. parts to Chinese telecom giant ZTE, reinstating a ban Congress lifted in April after the company agreed to pay a $1 billion fine for violating the U.S. embargo on trade with Iran. More from National Review FDA approves new closure device for heart defect in premature babies originally appeared on abcnews.go.com One in 10 babies are born premature and Irie Felkner and her twin brother, Judah Felkner, were two of them. Born 13 weeks prematurely, they were unable to breathe on their own after birth and had to be placed on ventilators. They were transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit at Nationwide Childrens in Columbus, Ohio. Judah was able to breathe on his own and come off the ventilator after a week. But Irie could not. "She had a hole in [the artery coming off] her heart, a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)," the twins' mother, Crissa Felkner, said. "Doctors tried to take her off of the ventilator nine times but she was unable to sustain herself since the PDA was there. A machine was keeping her alive." What sounds like a mothers worst nightmare is actually a reality for many families. The U.S. is sixth on the list of countries with the most preterm births. India, China and Nigeria top the list. (MORE: 911 audio shows shock, panic after comatose woman gave birth) Of the 15 million premature babies that are born each year, 1 million of them die of complications from being premature, according to the World Health Organization. One of these deadly complications is a PDA. On Monday, the FDA approved the groundbreaking use of a minimally-invasive device to close the hole and treat PDA in premature babies. This device, called the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder, was used to treat the PDA in Irie. It is a small self-expanding mesh device (smaller than a pea) that is inserted through a tiny incision in the leg. It goes into the arteries of the body through a minimally-invasive catheter, enters the PDA and seals the hole. It is based on similar technology that Abbott has used for the past 20 years to perform minimally invasive procedures but that technology was previously only available for larger-sized babies, said a spokesperson for Abbott, the company behind the research and manufacture of the device. Story continues PHOTO: This tiny transcather device called the Piccolo Occluder is deployed in a minimally invasive procedure that seals the open hole present in babies who have patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). (Abbott) We were given four options, one of them being the Piccolo Occluder, which is what we eventually went with, Felkner explained. The other options were waiting and seeing if the hole would close on its own, medications to try to close the hole (but those are not always effective and have side effects), or open heart surgery.The Piccolo Occluder was not FDA approved at that time which did concern the Felkners. It was also the reason they waited a few days before deciding to go ahead with the procedure. After about a week of waiting and watching, a repeat echocardiogram, or ultrasound, of her heart showed that it had enlarged and that her condition was getting worse. She was not a candidate for surgery since she still only weighed 2 pounds. Suddenly, the procedure with the Piccolo Occluder turned out to be Iries only option for survival. She wasnt getting better so we had to take a leap of faith that this device would work, Felkner said. What is a PDA? The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a normal small artery that all babies have before theyre born that connects the two bigger and main arteries of the body, the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Its purpose is to shunt blood away from the lungs of the fetus and to the aorta since at that stage the fetus is getting its oxygen supply through the umbilical cord, not the lungs. Right after birth when babies are able to take their first breath, their lungs expand and the DA is no longer needed and closes on its own within the first five days of life. But in some babies, usually ones who are premature, the DA doesnt close like it normally should and remains open. This heart defect, called a PDA, can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygen in the blood that is delivered to the body's organs. Sometimes blood can flow in the reverse direction through this open defect, or hole, and into the lungs, causing fluid in the lungs and heart failure in babies, which is what happened to Irie. (MORE: Lack of paid leave, support at work partly to blame for low fertility rates: Experts) From clinical trial to FDA approval Three days after she had this procedure done, she was off of the breathing machine. This minimally-invasive procedure saved my daughters life and did not even leave a single scar. She has no limitations now. She is a normal toddler and can do anything her brother can, Felkner said. PHOTO: Once premature and dependent on a breathing machine to live for six weeks, Irie Felkner is now the vision of health. (Abbott) PHOTO: Irie, now over a year old, grins as she plays with her mother, Crissa Felkner. (Abbott) Before the approval issued today, there was no minimally-invasive option to correct this heart defect urgently in babies the size of Irie. They would either have to grow bigger in order to get a minimally-invasive device or have an invasive open heart surgery that had a high risk of complications, including death itself. Irie was treated as a part of the U.S. clinical trial called the ADO II AS, which enrolled 50 premature babies over the age of three days at eight centers across the U.S. Its results combined with that of a continued access protocol involving 150 more patients supported its safety and efficacy which led to the FDA approval. As the rates of prematurity in the country continue to increase, the addition of this modern technology is a big step forward in treating some of the smallest -- and most vulnerable -- population of all. Azka Afzal, MD, is an internal medicine resident physician in Houston and is a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Top FBI officials debated whether Donald Trump was acting at the behest of Russia and somehow following directions, according to newly disclosed transcripts of congressional hearings. James Baker, the FBIs general counsel in the aftermath of James Comeys firing as FBI director, told lawmakers senior bureau officials discussed the possibility the US president was working for the Kremlin, according to transcripts obtained by CNN. That was one extreme. The other extreme is that the president is completely innocent, and we discussed that too, Mr Baker told investigators at a closed-door hearing in 2018. Theres a range of things this could possibly be. We need to investigate, because we dont know whether, you know, the worst-case scenario is possibly true or the president is totally innocent and we need to get this thing over with and so he can move forward with his agenda. The New York Times reported on Friday that the FBI opened a counterintelligence probe into whether Mr Trump could have been acting to benefit Moscow following the presidents decision to fire Mr Comey in 2017. Mr Bakers testimony and the testimony of former FBI lawyer Lisa Page reveal the extent of concerns among top officials about possible obstruction of justice by the US president and the potential for Russia-related motives. The then-general counsel met with around half a dozen others, including then-acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe, to discuss whether Mr Trump was acting at the behest of and somehow following directions, somehow executing their will. Mr Baker explained: Not only would it be an issue of obstructing an investigation, but the obstruction itself would hurt our ability to figure out what the Russians had done, and that is what would be the threat to national security. Im speaking theoretically. If the president of the United States fired Jim Comey at the behest of the Russian government, that would be unlawful and unconstitutional, he added. Story continues Is that what happened here? asked congressman John Ratcliffe, a Texas Republican. I dont know, said Mr Baker. Ms Page told investigators the bureau had been considering an investigation into whether Mr Trump was working to benefit Russia before he fired Mr Comey. This case had been a topic of discussion for some time, the former FBI lawyer said. The waiting on was an indecision and a cautiousness on the part of the bureau with respect to what to do and whether there was sufficient predication to open. It was previously reported that former FBI agent Peter Strzok, fired in August 2018, had texted Ms Page to say the bureau should open the case weve been waiting on following Mr Comeys dismissal. According to a report in The Washington Post, Mr Trump has gone to extraordinary lengths to hide details of his conversations with Vladimir Putin, including removing notes from his own interpreter. Mr Trump has denied the claims and attacked several of the former FBI actors involved in Russia-related investigations Mr Comey, Mr McCabe, Ms Page and Mr Strzok in a tweet sent out on Saturday. Lyin James Comey, Andrew McCabe, Peter S and his lover, agent Lisa Page, & more, all disgraced and/or fired and caught in the act, he wrote. These are just some of the losers that tried to do a number on your President. Activists passed out thousands of copies of a newspaper announcing President Donald Trumps departure from office made to look like The Washington Post in the nations capital Wednesday. Members of a self-described trickster activist collective called the Yes Men took credit for the stunt, which they say offers a blueprint to help us reclaim our democracy. The idea of this in part was to bring joy and hope to people along with actual tools for creating change, said author L.A. Kauffman, who created the paper together with Onnesha Roychoudhuri and the Yes Men. Unauthorized, but its inspirational. Its not deception, its dreaming. The paper, dated May 1, 2019, featured the splashy headline UNPRESIDENTED: ENDING CRISIS, TRUMP HASTILY DEPARTS WHITE HOUSE. Stories on the faux-front page told a tall tale of Trumps flight from the White House following the emergence of a women-led, multi-racial grassroots resistance. Included along with the paper is an action guide titled Bye-Bye 45: A Guide to Bringing Him Down, which activists say offers strategies for making the papers fictional future a reality. Its a sort of road map to the future, said Andy Bichlbaum, one of the co-founders of the Yes Men. A way of saying we could have this world if we hold people, if we hold the Democrats feet to the fire.' Kauffman said the paper was timed to be released ahead of the Womens March taking place this weekend as a way to bring hope and strategy to the movement. I think people still dont dream as big as they might," she said. "This project is partly designed to encourage the resistance to Trump to dream big." Bichlbaum said that the stunt was inspired by a similar campaign the Yes Men ran in 2008 to pressure the incoming Obama administration. The papers cost about $40,000 to produce, more than $36,000 of which was raised through a GoFundMe campaign, according to Bichlbaum. He said the group distributed about 10,000 of the papers. Story continues An online version of the paper was posted at two websites my-washingtonpost.com, which appears to have been taken down, and democracyawakensinaction.com, according to the activists. Rumors about papers with wild headlines bearing a stark resemblance to the Post started to swirl online this morning. The Posts PR department put out a statement on Twitter saying, There are fake print editions of The Washington Post being distributed around downtown DC, and we are aware of a website attempting to mimic The Posts. They are not Post products, and we are looking into this. Other activists groups, including MoveOn and CodePink, took to social media to offer their support of the stunt. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. A video posted to Facebook appeared to show CodePink founder Medea Benjamin handing out some of the fake papers. Post by codepinkalert. Bichlbaum said while the Post's lawyers have sent a letter to Cloudflare concerning the websites, the response overall has been "tremendous." "People are amused," he said. "Nobody was really fooled. We never intended to fool anybody." Follow N'dea Yancey-Bragg on Twitter: @NdeaYanceyBragg This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fake news? Activists hand out counterfeit copies of The Washington Post in D.C. By P.J. Huffstutter and Caroline Stauffer CHICAGO (Reuters) - U.S. grain merchant Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM) has looked at buying rivals including Bunge Ltd. and dozens of other companies but decided the time is not right for "monster" acquisitions, the company's chief executive told Reuters. ADM's overture to Bunge last year, reported by Reuters and other media, fueled Wall Street speculation of further consolidation among the world's major trading houses that sell, store and ship crops. "I cannot run ADM and say Bunge is out there, oh, I never made an analysis of Bunge. Of course we do," CEO and Chairman Juan Luciano said in a rare interview to discuss M&A strategy. He explained ADM has also analyzed other companies in the past including Cargill Inc [CARG.UL] and Louis Dreyfus Co [LOUDR.UL], the other members of the so-called ABCD group of grain traders. Luciano declined to comment on whether ADM had formally made a bid for New York-based Bunge. ADM is pursuing growth in its nutrition business through smaller acquisitions and potential joint ventures in agricultural processing and other areas, he said. "We feel we don't need that monster transformational transaction," Luciano said at ADM'S Chicago headquarters. High valuations and M&A competition are also deterrents from large acquisitions, Luciano said. "When credit becomes tighter, we might flex our balance sheet a little bit more, when theres a little bit less competition," he said. Acquiring Bunge would be "a nice optimization," Luciano said. "But I have a lot of the things that Bunge has," so there is "not a lot of urgency to me." Bunge shares fell about 2 percent after Luciano's comments were published. ADM's shares briefly turned positive and then traded down 0.3 percent. Analysts have said ADM's conservative trading strategy and diversification into flavors and nutrition helped it weather a deep slump in commodity prices better than some rivals during a global soy and corn surplus and the U.S.-China trade war. Story continues Still, it is the only major trading company without crushing capacity in Luciano's native Argentina, the world's top exporter of soy meal and oil made by processing soybeans. That has increased investor expectations of ADM striking a deal with Bunge or acquiring an Argentine crushing company such as Molinos Agro. "At the right time, we will go into Argentina," Luciano said. He said crushing plants in Argentina were running at around 65 percent capacity and would only fall further if ADM built a new plant, limiting profit margins and further flooding the marketplace. ADM announced on Friday the acquisition of flavors and fragrances firm Florida Chemical Company (FCC), a division of Flotek Industries, for $175 million. Luciano said ADM evaluates more than 50 companies each year, and added he was open to more joint ventures with competitors, like the one ADM did with privately held Cargill in Egypt. ADM does not have any JVs with Bunge, which was approached by commodity trader Glencore Plc in 2017. "We dont have joint ventures with Bunge, candidly, because they were in turmoil during this time," he said. Bunge was particularly hard hit by a global grains glut and currency issues in South America that crimped its profits before the U.S.-China trade war upended global commodities markets. Bunge spokesman Frank Mantero declined to comment, saying only we are business as usual at Bunge. ADM does not have any joint ventures with Louis Dreyfus Co. either. Louis Dreyfus did not respond to a request for comment. TRADE WAR Luciano said he meets regularly with U.S. and Chinese officials, and believes the countries will resolve their trade war this year, though he worried about long-term tensions. "I think the longer it lasts, the more it complicates our lives," he said, explaining Canadian or Russian soymeal could become alternatives to the United States. In an example of shifting trade flows, he said ADM had sold U.S. soybeans to Argentina after prices for U.S. beans plummeted when China virtually stopped buying them. Argentina, the world's No. 3 soybean grower after Brazil, was the world's top importer of U.S. soybeans last year. As part of its corporate strategy in recent years, ADM has sold assets like Brazilian sugar and Bolivian oilseed ventures. ADM is "90-something percent" done with its strategic review, he said. The company's two U.S. dry ethanol mills have been for sale since 2016. Luciano said offers ADM had received were too low. It is holding on to its so-called wet mills, which produce more products than dry mills. "We are a nutrition company, not a fuel company so ethanol is not our main thrust," he said. (Additional reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago, Hugh Bronstein in Buenos Aires; Editing by David Gregorio) By Peter Maushagen and Philip Blenkinsop STRASBOURG/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The EU would consider a potential British request for closer post-Brexit ties than London has sought so far, but will not renegotiate the withdrawal agreement rejected by parliament, its Brexit negotiator said on Wednesday. Addressing the European Parliament on Wednesday, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier indicated that one way forward would be for Britain to accept closer alignment with EU regulations to secure a very close trading relationship. EU officials say London could, for example, abandon its determination to leave the EU customs union and centrally regulated single market. "If the United Kingdom chooses to let its red lines change in future, and that it takes this choice for its advantage of the ambition of going beyond a simple but not negligible free trade accord, then the European Union would be ready immediately to ... respond favorably," Barnier said. EU leaders lined up to again rule out any significant change to the binding withdrawal agreement they struck with May last month and that was crushed the previous evening by British lawmakers on opposing sides of the bitter Brexit divide. However, the sides have also negotiated a separate, non-binding political declaration which spells out their future aims. Asked if Barnier was suggesting reworking that outline of future ties, the EU executive's chief spokesman told reporters: "The withdrawal agreement -- and, I repeat, the withdrawal agreement -- ... is not open for renegotiation." EU officials say staying permanently in the EU customs union or even the full single market would greatly limit disruption on Northern Ireland's EU land border and so ease arguments over the EU's insistence on an "Irish backstop" protocol in the withdrawal agreement that many British lawmakers abhor. With just 10 weeks to go until Britain's two-year deadline for a deal or no-deal exit, Union politicians were less sanguine than investors. Markets reflected views that stalemate may keep Britain in the EU beyond March 29, or even forever. But Barnier and others warned that the risk of a disorderly departure into a chaotic legal limbo was now greater than ever and that it was a priority for other European countries to prepare for the worst. MYSTIFIED Barnier's suggestion for a "deeper relationship" was echoed by the EU legislature's Brexit coordinator, Guy Verhofstadt, and a German lawmaker briefed in Berlin by Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was open to further talks on the future relationship. But Barnier and others also highlighted how the vote in London exposed only divisions, without shedding light on what Britons could actually rally behind as a consensual position, just 10 weeks before the country is set to leave the bloc. "Please, please, please tell us finally what you want to achieve," pleaded Manfred Weber, the center-right leader in the EU parliament and an ally of Europe's key power broker Merkel. Barnier was also wary: "Right now it's too early to assess all the consequences of this vote," he told a Strasbourg chamber sparsely attended by EU lawmakers growing weary of British woes. "What yesterdays vote showed is that the political conditions for the ratification of the withdrawal agreement are not yet there in London." Some leaders voiced an openness to extending the March 29 deadline, though any longer than three months would complicate plans for elections to the European parliament in May. Britain would need to ask for any extension and also show exactly what it aimed to achieve with the reprieve, rather than just delay for its own sake, if it wanted other countries' approval, the Commission said. Some EU lawmakers have called for Britain to put the question of remaining in the EU to a second referendum. The chair of EU summits, Donald Tusk, suggested on Tuesday that division in Britain could lead to Brexit being canceled. Frans Timmermans, the deputy head of the European Commission, citing a phrase often attributed to British fantasy novelist C.S. Lewis, suggested Britain should put its past tribulations behind it and seek a fresh start with the EU: "You can't go back and change the beginning," the former Dutch foreign minister said, "But you can start where you are and change the ending." Nigel Farage, the former leader of the UK Independence Party which drove the campaign for the 2016 vote to leave, told fellow members of the European Parliament that any second ballot would deliver an even greater majority for quitting because Britons had been angered by the EU's stance in negotiations. (Additional reporting by Jan Strupczewski, Clare Roth and Alastair Macdonald; Writing by Alastair Macdonald; Editing by Peter Graff) PARIS (Reuters) - It would be wrong for Britain to think the European Union will blink on Brexit and make concessions that undermine its core principles, such as the integrity of the single market, an official at the French presidency said on Wednesday. "If there's an idea going round that the European Union has shown a firm front but in fact is weak and febrile when it comes to its fundamental principles, well that would be wrong," said the official at President Emmanuel Macron's office. "Nobody believes it, and I don't think Theresa May believes it," the official added, a day after the British prime minister's deal over the terms for divorce from the bloc was resoundingly defeated by the British parliament. The French official added that any request by Britain to extend article 50 would have to come with a plan, a strategy, that would respect EU principles to be approved by the EU side. "An extension is not a solution in itself, a procedure exists and it must be the consequence of a plan. The work must be done in London in coming days, because it is not Brussels which is blocking things," he said. "All the options would be looked at with good will and openness, as long as they respect the main principles of the EU, notably the integrity of the single market," the official added. The French official also said the wide margin by which the vote in the Commons was lost demonstrated that further political assurances from the EU alone would not be enough to swing a new vote. France's prime minister will hold a meeting with cabinet ministers on Thursday morning to provide an update on ongoing preparations for a no-deal scenario and speed them up if need be, the official added. (Reporting by Michel Rose; editing by Richard Lough) Sandra Bullock in Gravity (Credit: Warner Bros) The conclusion of Alfonso Cuarons heart-stopping Gravity saw an exhausted, traumatised Sandra Bullock crash landing on Earth against all the odds. It was a singular cinematic moment, with Bullocks astronaut Dr Ryan Stone standing on her own two feet after landing in a lake and somehow finding the strength to drag herself to the surface. But according to Cuarons pal Guillermo Del Toro, the studio behind the multi-Oscar winner, Warner Bros, wanted the actress to be rescued at the end. Alfonso Cuaron (Credit: Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) But Cuaron refused repeated notes from executives, who gradually toned down their requests from helicopters in the distance, to a crackling assistance on the radio. Instead, he kept Bullocks moment all about her. And its kind of the point of the film. Del Toro revealed the back and forth between the studio in an exchange on Twitter. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. The movie, as Cuaron envisaged it, ended up being nominated for 10 Oscars, with the Mexican helmsman winning for Best Director. Read more Stop taking Black Mirror too seriously, says Brooker Should biopics be historically accurate? Bryan Cranston on lack of disability actor opportunities We know the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) will support prime minister Theresa Mays government in Wednesdays no-confidence motion, because it has said it will. But that does not mean that the party actually has confidence in her leadership. For months, the DUP has taken a distinctly strident attitude towards the notion of a backstop: Under no circumstances would it support a Brexit deal that included one. This is because the party believes that it could separate Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK if it came into force. Despite this, and even though Mays government is dependent on the partys support in parliament, she pressed ahead with negotiations with the European Union and brought her backstop-containing deal to the floor of the House of Commons on Tuesday. The largest parliamentary defeat in modern British history notwithstanding, the DUP now seems even less willing to pretend that it has faith in her negotiating abilities. READ MORE: How Britain is on the cusp of another general election and a delayed Brexit Asked on the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme on Wednesday whether Theresa May was the best person to lead the UK out of this pickle, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds simply said: Well, she leads the best party to do it, because they have more seats than anyone else. In other words, no, the DUP does not think she is the best person to do it. So why was the DUP so quick to say that it would back her government in the no-confidence motion put forward by Jeremy Corbyn? Corbyn actually has a lot to do with it. We dont believe a general election is in the interests of the country, Dodds said. We dont believe a Corbyn government is in the interests of the country. And we believe there is still time for the prime minister to rescue the position that she got into. Of course, there is some sense to this logic. Even though Corbyn has signalled that he would try to negotiate a backstop-free deal as prime minister, he has also been a lifelong supporter of a united Ireland something that goes against the very fibre of the DUPs existence. Story continues As a unionist party, the DUP fervently supports Northern Irelands current position within the United Kingdom and would not be willing to associate with anyone who could put that at risk. READ MORE: Irish business groups warn against devastating consequences of no-deal Brexit But it is also not at all clear how May or anyone, for that matter could negotiate anything that placates the DUP, considering both Ireland and the EU are equally steadfast in their stipulation that any deal must include a backstop in order to prevent a hard border in Northern Ireland. But, when it comes to Brexit, there is no comity even on areas of agreement. The quandary that the DUP finds itself in pretty much everyone in Northern Ireland had rallied around Mays deal is similar to the predicament of the staunch Brexiteers. Are they willing to countenance a no-deal Brexit? President Donald Trumps economic advisers predict the ongoing partial government shutdown will have a substantially worse impact on the U.S. economy this quarter than they originally estimated, The New York Times and CNBC reported Tuesday. The shutdown, which entered its 26th day on Wednesday, slashes quarterly economic growth by 0.13 percentage points for every week it lasts, Kevin Hassett, the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, told the Times. The CEA originally calculated a 0.1 percentage point loss every two weeks. The agencys latest calculation means the economy has already lost about half a percentage point since the shutdown began on Dec. 22, according to the Times. Over 800,000 federal employees across several agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Interior Department, have been furloughed or, if deemed essential, continue to work without pay during the shutdown. Federal workers will likely receive retroactive pay once the government reopens, but many are struggling to pay rent and buy necessities in the interim. Government contractors are unlikely to get back pay for work theyve missed. Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett said the economy will take a big hit from the shutdown this quarter but is likely to rebound in the future. (Photo: Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images) The shutdown has a domino effect on communities across the country. Financially strapped federal workers are likely to spend less, which has left some businesses reeling. And there appears to be no end in sight for the shutdown the longest such closure in U.S. history. Trump has vowed to veto a spending bill that would reopen federal agencies affected by the shutdown if it does not include more than $5 billion for his long-promised wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Democrats have steadfastly rejected his demand, calling the wall ineffective and immoral. Hassett on Tuesday continued to blame Democrats for the shutdown, which Trump said in December he would be proud to take the blame for. The CEA chair claimed the economy will take a big hit from the shutdown this quarter but likely will rebound in the future. Story continues In the fullness of time, this should not have a long-run effect on GDP growth, Hassett told Fox Business Network. Its something that is going to be very painful this quarter. But some business executives and financial experts believe the shutdown could have long-lasting economic repercussions. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told reporters Tuesday that the budget stalemate could gut the economy. Someone estimated that if it goes on for the whole quarter, it can reduce growth to zero, Dimon said. We just have to deal with that. Its more of a political issue than anything else. HuffPost readers: Are you affected by the government shutdown? Email us about it. If youre willing to be interviewed, please provide a phone number. Related Coverage Some Renters Are Already Facing Eviction, Thanks To The Shutdown Thousands Of Furloughed Workers Told To Go Back To Work Without Pay Food Stamp Recipients Warned To Budget Early Payments Amid Shutdown Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Many investors are still learning about the various metrics that can be useful when analysing a stock. This article is for those who would like to learn about Return On Equity (ROE). To keep the lesson grounded in practicality, well use ROE to better understand Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:NCLH). Our data shows Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has a return on equity of 15% for the last year. Another way to think of that is that for every $1 worth of equity in the company, it was able to earn $0.15. See our latest analysis for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Want to help shape the future of investing tools and platforms? Take the survey and be part of one of the most advanced studies of stock market investors to date. How Do You Calculate Return On Equity? The formula for return on equity is: Return on Equity = Net Profit Shareholders Equity Or for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings: 15% = 899.006 US$6.2b (Based on the trailing twelve months to September 2018.) Its easy to understand the net profit part of that equation, but shareholders equity requires further explanation. It is the capital paid in by shareholders, plus any retained earnings. The easiest way to calculate shareholders equity is to subtract the companys total liabilities from the total assets. What Does Return On Equity Signify? ROE looks at the amount a company earns relative to the money it has kept within the business. The return is the amount earned after tax over the last twelve months. That means that the higher the ROE, the more profitable the company is. So, as a general rule, a high ROE is a good thing. Clearly, then, one can use ROE to compare different companies. Does Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Have A Good ROE? Arguably the easiest way to assess companys ROE is to compare it with the average in its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. The image below shows that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has an ROE that is roughly in line with the Hospitality industry average (17%). Story continues NYSE:NCLH Last Perf January 16th 19 Thats neither particularly good, nor bad. ROE can give us a view about company quality, but many investors also look to other factors, such as whether there are insiders buying shares. I will like Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings better if I see some big insider buys. While we wait, check out this free list of growing companies with considerable, recent, insider buying. Why You Should Consider Debt When Looking At ROE Virtually all companies need money to invest in the business, to grow profits. That cash can come from issuing shares, retained earnings, or debt. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt used for growth will improve returns, but wont affect the total equity. That will make the ROE look better than if no debt was used. Combining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdingss Debt And Its 15% Return On Equity Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings clearly uses a significant amount debt to boost returns, as it has a debt to equity ratio of 1.06. Its ROE is quite good but, it would have probably been lower without the use of debt. Debt does bring extra risk, so its only really worthwhile when a company generates some decent returns from it. The Key Takeaway Return on equity is useful for comparing the quality of different businesses. In my book the highest quality companies have high return on equity, despite low debt. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, Id generally prefer the one with higher ROE. Having said that, while ROE is a useful indicator of business quality, youll have to look at a whole range of factors to determine the right price to buy a stock. Profit growth rates, versus the expectations reflected in the price of the stock, are a particularly important to consider. So you might want to check this FREE visualization of analyst forecasts for the company. Of course Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of other companies that have high ROE 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. Every investor in Laurus Labs Limited (NSE:LAURUSLABS) should be aware of the most powerful shareholder groups. Institutions will often hold stock in bigger companies, and we expect to see insiders owning a noticeable percentage of the smaller ones. I generally like to see some degree of insider ownership, even if only a little. As Nassim Nicholas Taleb said, Dont tell me what you think, tell me what you have in your portfolio. Laurus Labs is a smaller company with a market capitalization of 41b, so it may still be flying under the radar of many institutional investors. In the chart below below, we can see that institutional investors have bought into the company. We can zoom in on the different ownership groups, to learn more about LAURUSLABS. View our latest analysis for Laurus Labs Want to help shape the future of investing tools and platforms? Take the survey and be part of one of the most advanced studies of stock market investors to date. NSEI:LAURUSLABS Ownership Summary January 15th 19 What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Laurus Labs? 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. Laurus Labs already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own 15% of the company. This implies the analysts working for those institutions have looked at the stock and they like it. But just like anyone else, they could be wrong. 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 Laurus Labs, (below). Of course, keep in mind that there are other factors to consider, too. NSEI:LAURUSLABS Income Statement Export January 15th 19 Laurus Labs is not owned by hedge funds. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future. Insider Ownership Of Laurus Labs While the precise definition of an insider can be subjective, almost everyone considers board members to be insiders. The company management answer to the board; and the latter should represent the interests of shareholders. Notably, sometimes top-level managers are on the board, themselves. 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. Our most recent data indicates that insiders own a reasonable proportion of Laurus Labs Limited. Insiders own 15b worth of shares in the 41b company. It is great to see insiders so invested in the business. It might be worth checking if those insiders have been buying recently. General Public Ownership The general public, with a 16% stake in the company, will not easily be ignored. 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 Equity Ownership With a stake of 20%, private equity firms could influence the LAURUSLABS board. Some might like this, because private equity are sometimes activists who hold management accountable. But other times, private equity is selling out, having taking the company public. Private Company Ownership We can see that Private Companies own 13%, of the shares on issue. Its hard to draw any conclusions from this fact alone, so its worth looking into who owns those private companies. Sometimes insiders or other related parties have an interest in shares in a public company through a separate private company. Next Steps: I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. I like to dive deeper into how a company has performed in the past. You can access this interactive graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow, for free . Ultimately the future is most important. You can access this free report on analyst forecasts for the company. 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. It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. On the other hand, wed be remiss not to mention that insider sales have been known to precede tough periods for a business. So before you buy or sell Man Industries (India) Limited (NSE:MANINDS), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. Do Insider Transactions Matter? 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, such insiders must disclose their trading activities, and not trade on inside information. Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. As Peter Lynch said, insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise. Check out our latest analysis for Man Industries (India) Want to help shape the future of investing tools and platforms? Take the survey and be part of one of the most advanced studies of stock market investors to date. The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Man Industries (India) Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Executive Chairman Ramesh Mansukhani for 9.0m worth of shares, at about 120 per share. That means that even when the share price was higher, an insider wanted to purchase shares. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. We generally consider it a positive if insiders have been buying on market, even above the current price. Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 289.31k shares worth 27m. Overall, Man Industries (India) insiders were net buyers last year. They paid about 92.83 on average. Id consider this a positive as it suggests insiders see value at around the current price, which is 69.90. The chart below shows insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date! Story continues NSEI:MANINDS Insider Trading January 15th 19 If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Insider Ownership Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. Its great to see that Man Industries (India) insiders own 42% of the company, worth about 1.7b. This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders. So What Does This Data Suggest About Man Industries (India) Insiders? There havent been any insider transactions in the last three months that doesnt mean much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. It would be great to see more insider buying, but overall it seems like Man Industries (India) insiders are reasonably well aligned (owning significant chunk of the companys shares) and optimistic for the future. If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future. 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 Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's new pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency told lawmakers on Wednesday he does not believe climate change is a major crisis, and would continue to undo Obama-era emission limits if confirmed. Trump nominated EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler last week to run the agency permanently, seeking a strong advocate for his pro-fossil fuels agenda - a choice that cheered business interests and drawn scorn from environmentalists. "I would not call it the greatest crisis," Wheeler said at his confirmation hearing when asked if he believed the increasingly urgent warnings from scientists about the threats from global warming. Wheeler's confirmation is expected to sail through the Republican-controlled Senate despite Democratic opposition. A Washington insider with years of experience, he has been running the EPA since July when his predecessor Scott Pruitt resigned in a flurry of criticism over his use of resources and staff for personal matters. Democratic lawmakers focused on Wheeler's record at EPA, his past lobbying work for energy companies, and his stance on global warming - casting him as a pro-business extremist not fit to run the nation's top environmental regulator. Democrat Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, asked Wheeler his view of global warming, which scientists say is driven by fossil fuels consumption and is leading to sea level rise, and more frequent flooding, wildfires and extreme weather. Wheeler said he believed global warming is an important issue that needs to be addressed, but that far-reaching federal regulation forcing deep emissions cuts was the wrong approach and more faith should be put in the hands of states and private enterprise. "You are putting up a smokescreen to ensure there is an advancement of Donald Trumps dirty policies," Markey said, in one of the hearing's most heated exchanges. "Thats why it is relevant that you are a former coal industry lobbyist." A federal report written by 13 government agencies late last year said climate change will cost the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century, damaging everything from human health to infrastructure and agricultural production. Trump, who has repeatedly cast doubt on climate change and has indicated his intention to withdraw from a global pact to fight it, dismissed the report after its release, saying "I don't believe it". Wheeler said he had been briefed on the assessment, but was waiting for further briefings from his staff before taking a public position on its findings. RECORD OF ROLLBACKS Wheeler defended his record at EPA, which has been largely defined by moves to undo or weaken Obama-era environmental regulations. He cast the agency's rollbacks as a way to reduce the regulatory burden on business while also protecting air and water quality for Americans. Among his accomplishments, Wheeler last year finalized a proposal to replace Obama-era federal curbs on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants with a new rule placing much of that power in the hands of states. He has also overseen the EPA's gutting of the justification for Obama-era mercury emissions limits, a proposal to reduce the number of waterways under federal protection, and efforts to lower targets for vehicle fuel efficiency. Democrats pressed Wheeler on whether his EPA work was in any way linked to his previous lobbying on behalf of energy companies like underground coal giant Murray Energy, a vocal proponent of reduced environmental and safety regulation. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, held up photos of Wheeler attending meetings between Murray's Chief Executive Robert Murray and Trump administration officials, and asked Wheeler for a full accounting of the number of such meetings he had arranged for the coal company. Wheeler said he would provide a written response. Industry representatives and Republican lawmakers have largely praised Wheeler for his deregulatory stance. "He understands how the regulatory process works and the type of effort that is required to develop effective and legally defensible regulatory reforms," said Jeff Holmstead, a partner at industry-focused law firm Bracewell and a former EPA air administrator. Environmental groups have taken a different view. Activists briefly interrupted Wheeler's testimony on Wednesday shouting "Shut down Wheeler, not the EPA," and several were arrested after demonstrating outside the hearing room. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Paul Simao) The push to increase the percentage of women on corporate boards is reflected in a study published Wednesday by the Alliance for Board Diversity and Deloitte. Among Fortune 500 firms, the study finds that in 2018, women held 22.5% of board positions, an increase from 20.2% in 2016. Among Fortune 100 firms, women in 2018 held 25% of board seats, up from 23% in 2016. The study also tracked changes to minority board representation. African American and Asian women made a major jump in board positions held within Fortune 100 companies, from 30.8% in 2016 to 44.8% in 2018. The research adds to a growing set of data relied upon, in part, to postulate that firms with gender-diverse boards outperform their more homogenous counterparts. We passionately believe that diversity and inclusion are critical elements of creating better solutions to really complex problems, whether it's in the boardroom, in the C-suite, or just in teams, Deb DeHaas, Deloittes Vice Chairman and National Managing Partner Center for Board Effectiveness, said. Referenced in Deloittes study is a popularly-cited 2012 Credit Suisse Research Institute report showing that, over six years, shares in global companies with a market capitalization exceeding $10 billion perform 26% better when at least one woman holds a board seat. This year, the Californias legislature used similar data to require diverse boards by law, becoming the first state in the nation to adopt statutory quotas for female directorships within publicly-traded companies. Does board diversity improve corporate performance? University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business professor, Katherine Klein, says that gold standard research does not support conclusions that female-inclusive board composition breeds stronger company results. Theres zero relationship between ... gender diversity and company performance, Klein said based on a review of two meta-analyses performed concerning the question. A 2015 analysis by Post and Byron included 140 studies on board diversity covering 90,000 companies, and a 2015 analysis by Pletzer, Nikolova, Kedzior, and Voelpel examined data from 20 studies, covering 3,097 companies. Story continues A higher representation of females on corporate boards is neither related to a decrease, nor to an increase in firm financial performance, confirming findings from a similar meta-analysis on this topic, the Pletzer study concluded. Asked about the California mandate, Klein said, Personally I have very, very mixed feelings, because I am delighted to see more diversity on boards, because boards are powerful, theyre opportunity, and oversight. I think there are other arguments for this policy, but if you're trying to justify this policy on the basis of this is going to improve corporate performance, the best research evidence does not suggest diversity is going to improve corporate performance, Klein said. DeHaas said Deloitte hasnt taken a position on Californias new law. We strongly support diversity in the boardroom and in the executive leadership ranks, and frankly, in all parts of the organization as a way to get to better solutions to complicated issues, she said. To the extent that there's progress, that's something that we're very supportive of. Pressure from investors, activists, and legislatures A main area of progress that DeHaas points out from the study is the pace of women securing board roles. There's a bit of an acceleration in in the progress, and I do think that the outside voices that are speaking up on this topic are impacting the pace, DeHaas said. In the last several years, there's been a much stronger voice from investors. According to the report, increasing pressure is coming from the market, investors, activists, and legislatures. I think what we are seeing is that there is an increasing expectation that companies will have gender diversity, Klein said. Corporate activists are looking at boards that don't have gender diversity and they're signaling, We don't think this is a good thing. And all of this is creating a social norm...It is increasingly part of how we evaluate company's reputation. Alexis Keenan is a New York-based reporter for Yahoo Finance. She previously produced live news for CNN and is a former litigation attorney. Follow her on Twitter at @alexiskweed More from Alexis: Disabled San Diego residents sue over e-scooter obstacle course How legalized cannabis changed Colorado in the past five years Legal experts disagree on whether Trump can declare 'emergency' to build his wall William Barr, President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, will begin his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senators need assurances from Barr By Caroline Fredrickson What is a president to do when a federal criminal investigation is closing in around him? Put some friendly faces in charge. Out with Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Rod Rosenstein, in with Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and attorney general nominee William Barr. Sessions famously incurred President Donald Trumps wrath because he wouldnt shield him against charges that the Trump campaign conspired with Russian officials to sway the 2016 elections. Rosenstein, similarly, irked the president by steadfastly protecting special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Both men may have technically resigned, but it's the worst kept secret in Washington that their stands on the Russia investigation cost them their jobs. Trump replaced Sessions with Whitaker as acting attorney general and nominated Barr to serve in the position full-time. Confirmation hearings begin Tuesday. Given the legal shroud hanging over this presidency and the fate of those previously tasked with overseeing investigations into Trumps conduct it is vital that the Senate receive clear assurances from Barr that, if confirmed, he will remain independent of the president and allow the Mueller investigation to continue unimpeded. Talker: The FBI is playing politics with Donald Trump Barr has in the past downplayed the allegations made against the president and his campaign. And even though the Trump has said several times that the Russia investigation influenced him when he fired the man originally overseeing it, James Comey, Barr has said that the president made the right call. Barr has also shown himself to be no friend of special counsel appointees from years past. He is alleged to have undermined the special counsel investigating the Iran-Contra affair, urging then-President George H.W. Bush to pardon several figures involved even as the investigation was progressing. Story continues Trump and Barr are even said to have discussed the possibility of Barr serving as Trump's private defense attorney. That didn't happen, but it does provide a window into how useful Trump thought Barr might be with regard to the Russia investigation. Trump is in legal jeopardy on many fronts. Several of his campaign cohorts are either in jail, have pleaded guilty or have been indicted. He is circling the wagons and obviously views the U.S. attorney general's office as a get-out-of-jail-free card. During the confirmation hearings, senators must secure from Barr a commitment to let the Mueller investigation continue to its natural conclusion. They must seek answers from his testimony on several key issues (some of which Barr addressed in advance testimony released Monday): How will Barr impartially oversee Robert Muellers work? Will he commit to making Mueller's findings public? Will he resign if Trump demands he fire Mueller? Does Barr think presidential documents can be subpoenaed as the courts found in U.S. v. Nixon? Can a sitting president be indicted? The American people deserve an attorney general who will uphold the rule of law and put their interests first. Any failure by Barr to clearly address any of the questions above should disqualify him from serving as the highest law enforcement officer in the land. Caroline Fredrickson is the president of the American Constitution Society and author of the forthcoming "The Democracy Fix: How to Win the Fight for Fair Rules, Fair Courts, and Fair Elections". You can follow her on Twitter: @crfredrickson. What others are saying The New York Times, editorial: "It is William Barrs approach to the investigation of the president that demands the most scrutiny. Under his view that the president controls Justice Department functions and can 'start or stop a law enforcement proceeding,' he may well be committed to the idea that the president can do as he wishes with the Mueller investigation. Would he be willing to resign if President Donald Trump tried to shut that investigation down, as Attorney General Elliot Richardson did when President Richard Nixon ordered him to fire the Watergate special prosecutor?" Grant Woods, USA TODAY: "Sen. John McCain explained, 'The Constitution says that the Senate has the obligation to advise and consent. I am in keeping with the Constitution of the United States. When I got re-elected, I said I would support and defend the Constitution, I didnt say I would support and defend the president of the United States.' This is exactly how the Senate is supposed to work and I hope senators treat Barrs confirmation with the same urgency. A coequal branch of government should demand no less." Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., The Washington Post: "I will press him to demonstrate that he will be an attorney general committed to upholding the Constitution and applying the law without fear or favor. I will be looking for unequivocal commitments that he will respect the independence of special counsel Robert Muellers investigation; that he will ensure it receives all of the resources it needs; that he will not overrule Muellers decisions about indictments and prosecutions; and that he will not allow anyone, including the president, to interfere with or curtail the investigation." What our readers are saying Special counsel Robert Mueller was given funds, staff and unlimited time to go after one person. I don't think these resources were given to investigate a crime. Jose Folenchez I hope that William Barr keeps his word and doesn't let President Donald Trump interfere with making Mueller's report public. We're all waiting to see what's in it. Russell E. Glass The Mueller report will be nothing more than a political hit piece against the president. The report should not be released to the public until the White House has had the opportunity to write a rebuttal. Then, the two reports should be released at the same time. Jim Reid The fact that Barr says he wants Mueller's report made public and won't allow improper interference must terrify the liberals! I think the only thing keeping Mueller going is partisan liberal politics. Don Dupree To join the conversations about topics on USA TODAY or provide feedback to this newsletter, email jrivera@usatoday.com, comment on Facebook, or use #tellusatoday on Twitter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: To confirm William Barr, he must pledge to protect Robert Mueller: Today's talker London (AFP) - The risks of catastrophic weather and flooding from climate change top the list of concerns for business leaders heading into next week's World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. An annual WEF report -- based on a survey of about 1,000 respondents drawn from the Davos community of company chiefs, politicians, civil society and academics -- listed climate change as the dominant concern for a third year running. "The world is sleep-walking into catastrophe," Alison Martin, group chief risk officer at Zurich Insurance Group, said at the launch of the 114-page report in London on Wednesday. Data theft and cyberattacks have joined climate change in the top tier of worries, but respondents also highlighted anxiety about worsening international relations and the attendant risks for the world economy. Just under 90 percent of people in the survey, conducted over September and October, expected international trading rules and agreements to weaken further, as President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda weakens the body politic of global trade. "The muscles are not really where we would like them to be if faced with a new recession," WEF president Borge Brende said, citing the trade tensions and high budget deficits in many economies. The growing risk of Britain crashing out of the European Union without a Brexit deal in late March is also worrying global institutions and will figure at the meetings next week in the Swiss Alps, with a number of British and EU officials attending. Prime Minister Theresa May faced a no-confidence vote later Wednesday after her Brexit plan was comprehensively rejected by the House of Commons. Jobs and long-term investments in Britain are at risk until some way out is found from the impasse, said John Drzik, president of global risk and digital at US professional services company Marsh. "Once Brexit is resolved, even if resolved adversely, at least we remove some uncertainty and it may clarify the ability to invest in some things. The uncertainty is killing it now," he told AFP at the WEF launch. Story continues - Failure to act - The report also discussed risks posed by rapid-fire technological advances in artificial intelligence and quantum cryptography, along with the growing problem of digital isolation among stressed-out individuals. Fully 90 percent of the respondents expected "further economic confrontation between major powers in 2019", although the survey was conducted before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed last month to try to negotiate a peace pact on their tariffs war. Trump has also withdrawn from the Paris accord on climate change. While other countries agreed at UN talks last month on a common action plan, the most vulnerable states along with environmentalists warned the pact lacked the ambition needed to restrict carbon emissions. The WEF report showed mounting alarm about the risks of extreme weather and a failure to take mitigating action as temperatures rise, detailing the possibility of many low-lying cities in Asia, Europe and North America being wiped off the map by flooding. China alone has more than 78 million people in cities at risk of inundation, a number increasing by three percent every year, the report said, citing World Bank research. Martin at Zurich Insurance Group said 2018 was already marked by historic wildfires, heavy flooding and rising greenhouse gas emissions. "It is no surprise that in 2019, environmental risks once again dominate the list of major concerns. So, too, does the growing likelihood of environmental policy failure or a lack of timely policy implementation," she warned. For environmentalists, such a policy failure has been made more likely by the election of Brazil's far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who is due to address the annual WEF gathering. Like Trump, Bolsonaro is a climate sceptic. But the two populist leaders won't get to rub shoulders in Switzerland after the US president cancelled his trip owing to the budget crisis in Washington. The Davos meeting is the first international gathering of 2019 and ought to be dominated by the climate emergency, Greenpeace International executive director Jennifer Morgan said in response to the WEF report. "Instead, the agenda only addresses climate change as one issue of many. The Davos 'elite' are still pretending we have time to fix the climate crisis. We don't," she said. Theresa May is refusing to speak to Jeremy Corbyn to try and break the Brexit deadlock. The PM suffered a crushing blow last night as MPs voted overwhelmingly against her deal and, tonight, she faces a vote of no confidence tabled by Labour. In the aftermath of the vote last night, Mrs May said she would talk to senior parliamentarians to find a way through the logjam. However Shadow Chancellor John McDonnnell said there had been no approach from Downing Street to Mr Corbyn and that Mrs May had never picked up the phone in the past two years. A gangland hitman is facing life behind bars after being convicted of the double murder of a mob enforcer and an underworld Mr Big. Mark Fellows, 38, nicknamed The Iceman, murdered Salford mobster Paul Massey with an Uzi machine gun outside his home in the city in July 2015, as well as John Kinsella, 53, a martial arts expert and mob enforcer from Liverpool in a second cold-blooded execution. Fellows smiled and nodded as he was found guilty of both murders. A vintage fighter jet crashed killing 11 men when it hit a road and burst into a fireball during a failed airshow stunt purely because of pilot error, a court heard. Andrew Hill was flying the Hawker Hunter too low when he lost control over the A27 during the Shoreham Airshow in 2015, jurors were told on Tuesday. The 1950s fighter jet plummeted onto the West Sussex dual carriageway while it was performing a loop stunt at 1.22pm on August 22. The 54-year-old, of Sandon, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, is standing trial after denying 11 charges of manslaughter by gross negligence. A fisherman from Indonesia claims he knows the location of missing flight MH370. The Malaysia Airways plane carrying 239 people disappeared on March 8, 2014 while flying from Kuala Lumpur airport to Beijing, China. Its crew last communicated with air traffic control 38 minutes after takeoff when the flight was over the South China Sea. Fisherman Rusli Khusmin, 42, claims he witnessed the plane go down in the Strait of Malacca, a shipping lane west of Kuala Lumpur. By Philip Wen, Christian Shepherd and David Ljunggren BEIJING/OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Chinese court on Monday sentenced a Canadian man to be executed for drug smuggling, prompting Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse China of using the death penalty arbitrarily. The ruling, and Trudeau's reaction, could aggravate already sour relations between Beijing and Ottawa following the arrest of a senior Chinese executive in Canada and China's subsequent detention of two Canadians. The Dalian Intermediate People's Court in China's northeast province of Liaoning re-tried Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who had appealed his original 15-year prison sentence, and decided on execution, the court said in a statement. Schellenberg was told in court he had the right to appeal to Liaoning High Court within 10 days upon receiving the ruling, the intermediate court said in a second statement. "It is of extreme concern to us as a government, as it should be to all our international friends and allies, that China has chosen to begin to arbitrarily apply (the) death penalty ... as in this case," Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. Schellenberg's aunt, Lauri Nelson-Jones, said the family's worst fears had been confirmed. "Our thoughts are with Robert at this time. It is rather unimaginable what he must be feeling and thinking," she said in a statement to Reuters. "It is a horrific, unfortunate, heartbreaking situation. We anxiously anticipate any news regarding an appeal." China-Canada ties turned icy in early December after Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL], was arrested in Vancouver on a U.S. extradition warrant. China warned of unspecified consequences unless Meng was released, and detained Michael Kovrig, a Canadian diplomat on unpaid leave from the embassy in Beijing, and Michael Spavor, a Canadian consultant, on suspicion of endangering state security. Beijing has not drawn a direct link between the detentions and the arrest of Meng, wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions. Western diplomats in Beijing, however, say the cases are a tit-for-tat reprisal. Lu Shaye, China's ambassador to Canada, suggested in a newspaper article last week that the arrest of Kovrig and Spavor was "China's self-defense," but did not give details. Earlier on Monday, China's government dismissed Trudeau's statement that Kovrig enjoyed some form of diplomatic immunity. A Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman said Trudeau should "earnestly study" the Vienna Convention governing diplomatic ties so as to "not become a laughing stock." Trudeau said Ottawa "will continue to engage strongly" with Beijing over Kovrig's status and what he called China's arbitrary use of justice. Rights groups condemned the Schellenberg sentence while Guy St-Jacques, who was Canada's ambassador in Beijing when Kovrig worked there, expressed concern at how quickly the courts had acted. "The Canadian government will make representations in Beijing, but based on past experience I am not sure whether this will work," he told the CBC. "We are in a very difficult place." 222 KG OF METHAMPHETAMINE St-Jacques said Canada should immediately call for a top-level meeting of foreign policy and security advisers from the two nations "to impress upon the Chinese side that they have to abide by international law". Alex Lawrence, chief spokesman for Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, declined to comment. William Nee of Amnesty International noted that drug-related offences did not meet the threshold of the "most serious crimes" to which the death penalty must be restricted under international law. Drug smuggling is routinely punished severely in China. Beijing has previously executed foreign nationals convicted of drug-related crimes - a Briton was executed in 2009. The court said Schellenberg had conspired with others in an attempt to smuggle 222 kg (489.43 lb) of methamphetamine from China to Australia in late 2014. Chinese state television said in an earlier report that Schellenberg argued in court that he was a tourist visiting China and was framed by criminals. A lawyer for Schellenberg, Zhang Dongshuo, told Reuters his client would probably appeal against the death sentence. The Liaoning High Court in late December ordered the case retried after prosecutors said the sentence was too light and improper. Beijing considers the number of people executed in China to be a state secret. International human rights organizations estimate the annual figure at around 2,000. (Additional reporting by Michael Martina in BEIJING, Meg Shen and Twinnie Siu in HONG KONG, Tyler Choi in TORONTO; Writing by Se Young Lee and David Ljunggren; editing by Mark Heinrich and Marguerita Choy) SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgaria's parliament approved the government's plan to start talks with the United States on buying eight new F-16 fighter jets to replace its aging Soviet-made MiG-29s and improve compliance with NATO standards. Some 130 lawmakers voted in favor of the plan of the center-right government, led by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov while 84 deputies were against it, accusing the cabinet of breaching the tender rules. A deal for Lockheed Martin's F-16V Block 70 would be worth around 1.8 billion levs ($1.05 billion), Bulgaria's biggest military procurement since the fall of Communist rule some 30 years ago. Other bidders had included Sweden, with Saab's Gripen jets, and Italy, with second-hand Eurofighters. Defence Minister Krasimir Karakachanov, who has conceded that the United States' bid exceeded the budget by 300 million levs, said that negotiations would last about four months, with the first meeting expected in Brussels next month. "From now on there are many issues that we need to clarify - delivery dates, service... spare parts delivery," Karakachanov said. The question of which warplanes to buy has been vexing successive governments in Bulgaria for more than a decade. "The U.S. Embassy welcomes the decision today by Bulgarias National Assembly to initiate negotiations to acquire new F-16 Block 70 aircraft from Lockheed Martin," the U.S. Embassy in Sofia said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to strengthen our strategic partnership with our NATO Ally Bulgaria." The plan has spurred heated political debates in the Black Sea country with supporters hailing it as a strategic choice for Bulgaria but many in the Balkan country criticized the process with President Rumen Radev describing it as "a triumph of lobbying". (Reporting by Angel Krasimirov, editing by Louise Heavens) A Briton is among the dead in a militant attack on a luxury hotel in Nairobi that killed at least 14 people. Gunmen stormed the DusitD2 complex in the Westlands district of the Kenyan capital on Tuesday afternoon, setting off explosions and shooting people. Al-Shabab the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi that left 67 people dead has claimed responsibility for the atrocity. On Wednesday, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said 14 people were killed and said the operation to neutralise the attackers was over. Kenyan security forces aim their weapons up at buildings as they run through a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya (Picture: AP) Mr Kenyatta did not say how many attackers were involved in the incident. He urged Kenyans to go back to work without fear, saying the East African country is safe for citizens and visitors. MORE: Theresa May faces no-confidence vote after MPs hand her humiliating Brexit defeat MORE: Mum who spent 37 ordering Dominos pizza calls police after takeaway is cancelled In a video posted on Twitter, the UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey, confirmed that at least one British national was killed in the attack. Our team at the High Commission was working through the night to support the Kenyan authorities as they responded to this attack and offer all the help we can to all the British nationals who may have been caught up in it, he said. I am very sad to confirm that at least one British national has been killed in the attack. We are providing our support to his family and friends at this very difficult time and our thoughts are with them. In this grab taken from security camera footage released to the local media, heavily armed attackers walk in the compound of the hotel (Picture: AP) In this grab taken from security camera footage, an armed attacker walks in the compound of the hotel in Nairobi (Picture: AP) The US state department confirmed that an American citizen was also among those killed, but did not release the victims identity. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter: Shocked by dreadful scenes in Nairobi thoughts and prayers are with those affected. Brits in the area should remain vigilant and follow advice of local security authorities.. The DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks, is located in Nairobis well-to-do Westlands neighbourhood. Story continues Special forces were sent into the hotel to flush out the gunmen, who were believed to be holed up inside the hotel. The Kenya Red Cross said it was helping families searching for loved ones missing since the attack began. Kenyas Interior Ministry has said no further threat to the public exists. The ministry said in a tweet: Mopping up process still underway. No further threat to public exists. Security forces help civilians flee a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya (Picture: AP) Civilians who had been hiding in buildings flee under the direction of a member of security forces (Picture: AP) Security forces walk to the scene as continued blasts and gunfire could be heard early on Wednesday (Picture: AP) Civilians who had been secured in one building by security while mopping up continues now safely evacuated. All buildings and surrounding area secure. However, another explosion and gunfire were later heard at the hotel complex, despite authorities earlier saying that buildings and the surrounding area were secure. The Associated Press reported the explosion and gunfire had been heard not long after a number of survivors were freed from the area. London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May faces deadlock Thursday over a new Brexit plan, after narrowly surviving a no-confidence vote sparked by the crushing defeat of her EU withdrawal deal. With the clock ticking, May has appealed to opposition leaders to meet for cross-party talks before she presents an alternative proposal to parliament on Monday. But her opponents have set out a list of demands for cooperating -- including ruling out the possibility that Britain would leave the EU in March without any deal at all. The embattled leader conceded the divorce terms she struck with the EU had been roundly rejected, after MPs delivered the heaviest government defeat in parliament in modern British political history on Tuesday - 432 votes to 202. "Now MPs have made clear what they don't want, we must all work constructively together to set out what parliament does want," May said in a televised address to the nation on Wednesday evening, after winning a no-confidence vote triggered by the opposition Labour party. She set out a schedule of cross-party talks that began immediately with meetings with the Scottish nationalist, Welsh nationalist and the pro-EU Liberal Democrat leaders. "We must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House," she had told parliament earlier. But opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he would only meet May if she could "remove clearly, once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal Brexit". May said she was "disappointed" by Corbyn's decision and stressed that "our door remains open". On Wednesday evening her spokesman said the possibility of a "no deal" was still on the table. Ian Blackford of the Scottish National Party (SNP) said his party would only participate if she were prepared to consider delaying Brexit, ruling out a "no deal" and the option of holding a second referendum. Story continues May has flatly rejected a second vote. - Late-night talks - The prime minister is working to the tightest-possible deadline as Britain prepares to leave the bloc that for half a century defined its economic and political relations with the rest of the world. Her defeat sparked warnings from European leaders that the prospect of "no deal" had increased, with the potential for huge economic disruption on both sides of the Channel. May must return to parliament on Monday with a Plan B that she and her team intend to negotiate with various MPs through the weekend. Her offer to meet with the opposition "rings hollow without evidence of her readiness to compromise on the substance of Brexit", the Guardian newspaper said, pushing for a "menu of options" to be presented to parliament. Meanwhile the Daily Telegraph warned that parliament "may be planning a betrayal". "After two-and-a-half years, Plan B is to let parliament take over," the Telegraph said. "At least it is a plan; but is parliament capable of delivering on the referendum result, or is this the start of a great betrayal of that vote?" - Divorce delay? - May survived the no-confidence vote Wednesday thanks to the support of members of her Conservative Party and its Northern Irish allies in the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). But more than a third of the Conservatives and all 10 DUP members of parliament voted against her Brexit arrangements on Tuesday -- each for their own reason. May will therefore tread carefully as she tries to win over opposition lawmakers -- many of whom want to remain in the EU -- while also attempting to appease more hardened Brexit-backing coalition partners. She stuck to two key principles on Wednesday: limiting EU migration and pursuing an independent trade policy. Both points rule out Labour hopes of membership of an EU customs union or its single market. Yet she also hinted at the possibility of delaying Brexit. May said the EU would allow this "if it was clear that there was a plan that was moving toward an agreed deal". EU officials have said extending the negotiating period could be possible until the newly elected European Parliament meets in July. On Thursday, the pound edged up against the dollar with dealers optimistic that Britain will not leave the EU without a deal in place, despite May's exit plan being thrown out by MPs. - Blurred lines - European leaders have repeatedly said they will not reopen the draft withdrawal agreement sealed at a special Brussels summit in December. French President Emmanuel Macron suggested the EU might be willing to tweak a few minor points -- but only if they did not alter the bloc's existing position on trade and borders. "We won't, just to solve Britain's domestic political issues, stop defending European interests," he said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was time for talks as long as London could present a clear and united position. And Irish Prime Leo Varadkar added "that if the United Kingdom were to evolve from its red lines on the customs union and on the single market, that the European Union could evolve also". Prime minister Theresa May only just survived a rebellion by her own MPs back in December. But after a devastating defeat in parliament over her Brexit deal last night, she now faces a no-confidence vote further paving the way for a potential general election. As promised, the leader of the opposition party Jeremy Corbyn, tabled a motion of no-confidence in the immediate aftermath of the crushing defeat. Corbyn said this would allow the Commons to give its verdict on the sheer incompetence of this government. Today, members of Parliament (MPs) will debate the confidence motion for about six hours following Prime Ministers Questions at 12pm local time. The confidence vote will then take place at 7pm. Considering the political climate at the moment, there is a distinct possibility of both a delayed Brexit and another general election. If the government wins, then May and her cabinet stay in place. There is an expectation from the markets that May and the government will be safe, which has been reflected in the rebound to the pound overnight. Chart: Yahoo Finance GBP is steady after wild overnight gyrations, neither helping nor hindering the FTSE, after UK PM Mays overwhelming Brexit vote defeat, said Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets. Despite falling as low as -1.7% at one point, Sterling is back to square one as the Parliamentary calculus remains unchanged and the PM is likely to remain in power, even after todays no confidence vote. Laith Khalaf, senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown said in a statement: The pound has become the markets Brexit barometer, and its been a volatile night as currency markets digest proceedings in Westminster. Sterling gained ground following the vote, but only recovered ground it lost earlier in the day. Markets think a softer Brexit may start to take shape now the vote has failed, as parliament gains greater control of the process. This is a change in dynamic, as previously government failures have heightened expectations of a hard Brexit, and have weighed sterling down. Story continues The reality is theres no correct price for sterling until theres greater resolution on the direction of Brexit, what we have right now is a middle ground between competing possibilities. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. What if the government loses the vote? However, there are three other outcomes if the government loses the vote. Firstly, under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, there will be a question of where to go next is there a clear, viable alternative government? If the answer is yes, May is likely to resign and a new prime minister is appointment. At the moment, it does not look like thats the case, due to the level of Conservative party in-fighting for the last couple of years. May has also been strident on keeping her position and promised she will step down after Brexit actually happens, in order to secure her role after the rebellion by her own MPs last month. So if the answer is no, another question is raised can the government win a confidence vote in 14 days? If the answer is yes, then the government can continue but will likely have modified policies. If the answer is no, then a general election is likely. May called a snap general election back in 2017, meaning the next one should be in 2022. If a general election happens, then an extension to Article 50 the official notification that Britain would leave the EU and thereby starting a two-year process to discuss a deal would have to happen as there is not enough time to hold a snap election before 29 March, 2019. Investment bank Citi said late yesterday there is now a very high chance that Brexit will be delayed. After tonights emphatic rejection, small tweaks wont get the deal over the line, Citi said. The probability of Article 50 extension is now very high, and the stock of Article 50 revocation is rising too, they added, referring to the legal mechanism that triggered the exit process. Earlier this week, one of the worlds most reputable think tanks the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) said that Brexit will not happen on 29 March and that a no-deal Brexit is the least likely scenario right now. READ MORE: Its more likely Brexit will not happen on 29 March, than no-deal EIU London (AFP) - From the shock Brexit referendum result to Tuesday's momentous vote on Theresa May's unpopular divorce deal with the European Union, here are the milestones on Britain's rocky road out of the bloc after 46 years. - Britons vote to leave - In a referendum on June 23, 2016, Britons choose to end their membership of the 28-nation EU by 52 percent to 48 percent. It prompts the resignation the next day of Conservative prime minister David Cameron, who had called the referendum and led the campaign to remain in the EU. - May becomes prime minister - In a race to replace Cameron, key Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson does not put himself forward as expected and May, the interior minister who had backed remaining in the bloc, becomes prime minister on July 13. On January 17, 2017, May gives a speech setting out her Brexit strategy, saying Britain will also leave Europe's single market in order to control immigration. She warns she would be willing to walk away from negotiations with the EU, saying: "No deal for Britain is better than a bad deal for Britain." - Exit process triggered - On March 13, Britain's parliament gives final approval to a bill empowering May to trigger Article 50 of the EU treaty which lays out the process for leaving the union. With a letter to EU President Donald Tusk on March 29 formally announcing the intention to leave, the government sets Article 50 in motion. Its two-year timetable for withdrawal puts Britain on course to exit on March 29, 2019. - Lost majority - To capitalise on the perceived weakness of the opposition Labour party and strengthen her hand in Brexit negotiations, May calls a snap election for June 8, 2017. Her gamble backfires as the Conservatives lose their parliamentary majority. They are forced to strike a deal with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to govern. The issue of British guarantees to keep an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland after Brexit becomes a key sticking point in negotiations. Story continues - First terms agreed - Britain and the EU reach an outline agreement on December 8 on three key areas of the divorce: Britain's financial settlement to the union, citizens' rights and the Irish border. EU leaders give the go-ahead for the next stage of Brexit talks, including on how Britain will continue to trade with the bloc after the split. A bill enacting the decision to leave the EU becomes law on June 26, 2018. - Top ministers quit - On July 6, 2018, May wins agreement from her warring cabinet to pursue "a UK-EU free trade area" that would retain a strong alignment with the EU after Brexit. But two days later David Davis, the eurosceptic Brexit minister, quits saying May is giving "too much away too easily". Johnson, now foreign secretary, resigns on July 9, becoming a leading critic of May's plans. EU leaders meeting in Salzburg on September 19 and 20 tell May that her Brexit proposals are unacceptable and need to be reworked. - Draft deal agreed - The European Union on November 13 publishes contingency plans for a "no-deal" Brexit. But a few hours later, May's office says negotiating teams have reached a draft agreement for the divorce. On November 14, her cabinet backs the agreement. However the following day four ministers, including new Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, quit in protest. EU leaders approve the accord on November 25. "This is the only deal possible," says European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. - Confidence vote - May's deal faces intense criticism in parliament over the "backstop" provision designed to prevent border checks in Ireland. On December 10, May postpones a House of Commons vote on the deal due the following day, acknowledging she faced a heavy defeat. She heads off to Europe for further talks, but EU leaders reject any substantive renegotiation. On December 12, May's Conservative party announces that enough MPs are unhappy with her leadership to trigger a confidence vote. But the embattled leader survives the challenge, securing the backing of 200 Tory colleagues, while 117 voted against her. The result meant May is immune from further internal party challenges for a year. - Parliament vote - The House of Commons, Britain's lower house, finally gets its chance Tuesday to vote on the draft withdrawal agreement that May struck with EU leaders in December. With opposition parties and dozens of Conservative MPs all rejecting it for their own reason, it appears to be heading for certain defeat. May has warned that Britain would then be entering "unchartered territory", with the fate of Brexit itself up in the air. Tuesday's vote is expected from 1900 GMT. BP plc BP is downsizing oil and gas exploration plans off Nova Scotia as it intends to return 50% of the area included in the license. The total area of the license, that is a consolidation of four offshore parcels, is located about 300 kilometers southeast of Halifax. The move follows after the company failed to drill four wells within the first phase of its exploration license, which is mandatory for the approval of the second phase. BP has agreed to pay a deposit of $1 million to extend the first phase of its exploration license by one year. The company is required to apply for permission to drill a well during the extension period. However, the board mentioned that if BP fails to drill a well during its extension period, the company will forfeit the deposit and either surrender the remaining area under its exploration license or make a $2-million deposit for another one-year extension. Per BP spokeswoman, prior to progressing with a development plan, the company will continue to appraise data from its first exploration well in the area the Aspy D-11 well. The well reached a total depth of 7,400 meters. In November 2018, BP's partner in the Scotian Basin exploration drilling project, Hess Corporation HES, announced that its first well did not encounter commercial quantities of hydrocarbons. BPs plan to downsize operations in Nova Scotia basin came just over a year after Royal Dutch Shell plc RDS.A stated to shut the second of two exploration wells due to unavailability of any commercial hydrocarbons. BP won the right to explore offshore Nova Scotia in late 2012 after it submitted a $1 billion bid, the highest ever accepted for deepwater exploration rights in Atlantic Canada. The Nova Scotia basin is estimated to hold a potential resource of 121 trillion cubic feet of gas and 8 billion barrels of oil. In June 2018, BP leaked 136 cubic meters of synthetic drilling mud from the West Aquarius drilling unit, raising concern about offshore exploration in Nova Scotia. The incident raised questions about the safety of the lands and waters, while others expressed anxiety about the potential impact on the province's prospective fishing industry. Per an environmentalist, a major blow out or spill along the Scotian Shelf will be devastating and that all operations should be stopped. However, the board needs to take a quick decision with respect to further operations in the area. Zacks Rank & Key Picks Currently, BP carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Another better-ranked player in the energy space is NextEra Energy Partners L.P. NEP, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Based in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy Partners was formed by NextEra Energy, Inc. in 2014, to acquire, manage and own contracted clean energy projects with stable long-term cash flows. The partnership delivered average positive earnings surprise of 99.1% in the last four quarters. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Hess Corporation (HES) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Monday called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro a modern Adolf Hitler, days after Brasilia officially recognized an opposition leader as the legitimate head of the increasingly isolated country. Brazil on Saturday said it recognized Juan Guaido, head of Venezuela's opposition-run Congress, as legitimate president after Maduro was sworn in to a second term that countries around the world described as illegitimate. "Over there we've got Brazil in the hands of a fascist - Bolsonaro is a Hitler of the modern era!" Maduro said during a state of the nation speech. "Let's leave the task of Bolsonaro to the wonderful people of Brazil, who will fight and take care of him." The Brazilian president's office said through a spokeswoman that it would not comment. Guaido on Friday had said he was willing to assume the presidency after opposition leaders said Maduro's second term was illegitimate because the broadly boycotted 2018 elections were rigged in his favor. Guaido, who was briefly detained by intelligence agents on his way to a political rally on Sunday, has not declared himself president. Brazil and Venezuela maintained cordial relations for over a decade thanks to friendly ties between Brazil's Workers Party and Venezuela's Socialist Party. Bolsonaro, a fervent anti-communist who has praised his country's 1964-85 military dictatorship, has promised to target Venezuela. (Reporting by Brian Ellsworth in Caracas and Anthony Boadle in Brasilia; editing by James Dalgleish) EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier speaking in the European Parliament (Reuters) Michel Barnier has responded to the crushing defeat of the Brexit deal he brokered with the UK government by offering to reopen negotiations but only if the UK shifts its red lines. The EU chief negotiator insisted the withdrawal agreement rejected by MPs on Tuesday remains the best possible compromise considering Theresa Mays aims of leaving the customs union and single market. But Barnier opened the door to a new deal being forged if the cross-party talks promised by the prime minister leads to the UK seeking a closer relationship with the EU. Speaking at the European parliament in Strasbourg, the French politician said: If the UK chooses to shift its red lines in the future and if it makes the choice to be more ambitious, to go beyond a simple free trade agreement, then the EU would be immediately ready to go hand in hand with that development and to give a favorable response. Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliaments Brexit coordinator, also urged MPs to come out of the trenches and work across parties to redefine the red lines which were unilaterally imposed by the hardliners in the Conservative party. Their comments were a nod towards growing momentum behind a Norway-style deal, which would keep the UK in the customs union and single market. However, the Economists Intelligence Unit believe that remains unlikely as MPs may fear being punished by voters for pursuing a Brexit path that retains free movement of laboura central issue for Leave votersand forces the UK to contribute to the EU budget and apply part of its policies without having a say on them. Barnier said that future steps must be indicated very clearly by the British government and appeared more concerned about the prospect of a no-deal Brexit after the Commons vote. We are fearing more than ever that there is a risk of a no deal, he said, as the clock ticks down towards the March 29 date at which the UK is scheduled to leave the EU. The European parliament debating the outcome of the meaningful vote on the Brexit deal (Reuters) Conservative MEP Syed Kamall said the EU would have to wait a little longer for clarity about the UKs next move as May consulted opposition parties in a bid to find a way forward. Story continues He also urged the European commission to learn the lessons from their 2015 renegotiation of Britains membership terms with the then prime minister David Cameron. Arguing that some tweaks to that deal would have prevented the Brexit vote, he added: I believe it would be a great pity if no further efforts were made to try to reach an agreement to try to help the British prime minister to forge an agreement at Westminster. Manfred Weber, leader of the largest group in the European parliament and the frontrunner to become the next commission president, warned though that the EU will have its own demands, such as continued freedom of movement, if negotiations are reopened. READ MORE: EU ready for new talks with May after Brexit deal defeat Many MEPs said the impasse at Westminster means the issue should be solved by a fresh referendum. Either a positive and credible majority on Brexit takes shape in the Parliament or you need to put the question back to the people, said Robert Gualtieri, the Brexit spokesperson for Labours group in the European parliament. UKIP MEP Nigel Farage said his continental colleagues would be in for a big surprise if there is a second Brexit vote. The British may be a very placid people, very laid back but I promise you that if they get pushed too far its a lion that will roar, he said. We will be even more defiant if we have to fight a second referendum and well win it by a bigger majority. READ MORE: EU leaders give solemn backstop reassurances to May ahead of Brexit vote AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Republican Greg Abbott began a second term as Texas governor Tuesday by promising lower taxes and a school funding overhaul but without mentioning a national policy dispute that weighs heavily on his state: President Donald Trump's demand for a border wall. Texas shares 1,200 miles of border with Mexico and stands to be affected more if Trump receives the $5.7 billion he is demanding to build a barrier and end the longest partial government shutdown in U.S. history. Abbott has said walls are effective but hasn't been an outspoken cheerleader of Trump's demands during the shutdown He didn't wade into the debate at all during his inauguration ceremony, where some onlookers on the Texas Capitol plaza chanted "Build a Wall!" Virtually all Texas Republicans have stood by the president throughout the shutdown. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz both accompanied Trump to the Texas border last week , as did Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who went so far to suggest that Texas could oversee construction of a wall if given the money. Abbott didn't join Trump, with aides to the governor saying there were scheduling conflicts. But Abbott has also not taken a clear position on Trump's demands for a wall in recent interviews, and he isn't casting the border as a priority for Texas at a time when the president is calling the situation 250 miles south of the state Capitol a crisis. Abbott, who four years ago vowed that "I will secure our border" during his first inauguration address, never mentioned it in his second one Tuesday. "Together, we will pay our teachers more. We will provide a better education for our students. We will make our schools safer," Abbott said. "We will tackle skyrocketing property taxes. We will help Texans recover from storms that have ravaged our communities. We will do all this and more." Inauguration speeches traditionally lean more toward long-range visions than current events. But some use the occasion to mix both. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, chided the Trump administration following his swearing-in last week but did so without saying the president's name. Story continues Abbott sidestepping the debate is the most visible example of the Texas Legislature suddenly taking the spotlight off border security after GOP lawmakers spent years campaigning on the issue. Some Republicans say Texas has already done its part, having spent $1.6 billion on state trooper patrols, border cameras, spy planes and other security measures since Abbott took office in 2015. The governor has also deployed the National Guard signed one of the nation's toughest "sanctuary city" bans in 2017. Democrats, meanwhile, believe Republicans are course-correcting on the heels of the GOP's worst election in Texas in a generation, when Democrats picked up 12 seats in the Texas House behind Beto O'Rourke's near-upset of Cruz. Abbott fared better than most and won re-election by double-digits, but some polls showed him doing slightly worse among Hispanic voters than in 2014. Texas currently has about 100 miles of barriers along the border with Mexico, which includes walls and fencing. Asked about the wall in an interview with Corpus Christi television station KIII last week as Trump was in Texas, Abbott said "it's helpful whenever the president comes down" but did not weigh in on the current impasse. "It's a fact that we have a porous border, it's a fact that we have already a wall in place in certain areas, it's a fact that fencing can work," Abbott said Thursday. "But it's also a fact that we have lost hundreds of Border Patrol agents who had been in the state of Texas who are now elsewhere that make Texas more vulnerable. So there are a lot of resources that Texas needs, and we're gonna make sure that we keep our state secure." Judy Jackman, of Amarillo, tried leading a chant of "Build a Wall!" in the crowd before the inauguration began Tuesday. She said she was a little disappointed that Abbott didn't mention a wall in his address but said those around her still supported him. "I think it will be a big topic," she said. "I don't know why it wasn't today." ___ Associated Press Writer Jim Vertuno contributed to this report. ___ Follow Paul J. Weber on Twitter: www.twitter.com/pauljweber By Saumya Joseph and Aakash B (Reuters) - An advisory panel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Wednesday that benefits of Amgen Inc's osteoporosis treatment for postmenopausal women at high risk for fracture outweighed its risks and overwhelmingly voted for the drug's approval. The panel voted 16-1 in favor of the monthly injection developed jointly with Belgium-based UCB SA. The drug, Evenity, helps reduce the risk of fracture by increasing bone formation and inhibiting break down of bone minerals. Three of the 19-member panel initially voted in favor of a different indication but one of them later said he meant to support the proposed use. The panel, however, raised concerns of cardiovascular safety risks linked to the drug, which FDA staff reviewers on Monday had cited as the main reason for convening the panel meeting. "I don't think we've adequately characterized cardiovascular safety ... I don't know the perfect solution but relying on observational data only post approval, I don't think, will help us answer this reliably," said panel member Pamela Shaw, who voted in favor of the drug's approval. "My vote is relying on a high-quality post-marketing study." Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a chronic condition resulting from progressive bone loss beginning around the time of menopause. An estimated 8 million American women live with the condition, which puts them at an increased risk of fractures, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Amgen had proposed approval with a boxed warning - the FDA's harshest - highlighting the heart safety risks associated with Evenity. "The efficacy of the drug was superb. If I had to bet, I'd bet that the cardiovascular issue would turn out to be spurious ... I hope (Amgen) will do a study that will get rid of the blackbox," said Glenn Braunstein, another member who voted "yes". Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said a boxed warning would still represent an over $500 million revenue opportunity worldwide for Amgen. Eli Lilly and Co's osteoporosis drug Forteo brought in $1.75 billion sales in 2017 despite having a boxed warning. Evenity, chemically known as romosozumab, belongs to a new class of drugs known as sclerostin inhibitors and is administered as an under-the-skin injection. Amgen and UCB in 2017 received a complete response letter for the drug from the FDA, which requested data from an additional study to be included in their marketing application. The FDA is not mandated to follow the recommendation of the panel, but generally does. (Reporting by Saumya Sibi Joseph and Aakash Jagadeesh Babu in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) Jake Sullivan, a former Obama-administration official who advised Hillary Clinton during the 2016 campaign, has spent the last two years contemplating the future of the Democratic party. Hes authored two articles, one in Democracy and another in The Atlantic, articulating the principles he says should inform the domestic and foreign-policy agendas of the next Democratic president. Both are worth reading, but I was drawn to the Atlantic essay on foreign policy. Its there that Sullivan argues that Democrats should embrace the concept of American exceptionalism. Its an idea criticized by elements of both Left and Right. These critics say that America isnt so special after all, and that American exceptionalism acts as cover for imperialist wars. Sullivan replies that they dont grasp the meaning of American exceptionalism. The idea is not that the United States is intrinsically better than other countries, Sullivan writes, but rather this: Despite its flaws, America possesses distinctive attributes that can be put to work to advance both the national interest and the larger common interest. Hell get no argument from me there. But what are these distinctive attributes? According to Sullivan, they include positive-sum thinking, a can-do spirit, a willingness to wield power in all forms, and establishing a state based on ideas. The first three qualities seem to me to be widespread throughout the globe Russia, for example, seems all too willing to use power. Its the last attribute, establishing a state based on ideas, that is most distinctly American. The Founders proclaimed the values of liberty and equality, Sullivan writes. They established the supremacy of We the People. He adds, Crucially, the Founders believed not just in individual rights but in the common good. Absent from this 6,000-word essay, however, is any mention of the ground of these rights: God. Nor do the words religion, human rights, or natural rights appear in the text. Freedom shows up just twice once in the context of Freedom of Navigation Operations. Story continues If only Sullivan had explored more deeply the relationship between the American founding and American exceptionalism. The Founders believed that the very goal of government was to secure God-given natural rights. It was up to America to decide, as Hamilton says in Federalist No. 1, whether societies of men are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force. The public philosophy of the Founders isnt just part of American exceptionalism. Its the whole. Sullivan credits the ideas on which the country was founded, but America is more than an idea. It is a nation governed by institutions that were wholly exceptional at the time of the founding and remain unique today: the separation of powers, federalism, extended republic, and limited government of enumerated powers described in the Constitution. It was these institutions that produced the society in which Alexis de Tocqueville observed such distinct qualities as widespread religiosity, voluntary association, and equality of condition. A grand strategy that took American exceptionalism seriously would put both American values and American institutions at its center. U.S. foreign policy can neither ignore nor avoid the subjects of democracy and human rights, because these concepts are tied inextricably to our national identity and purpose as recognized in our founding charter. Certainly our adversaries understand the challenge to their legitimacy posed by human freedom as incarnated in the United States of America. However, as we voice our support for these principles abroad, we must also stay true to the institutional structure the Founders built to secure them at home. Sullivans former boss is an example of what not to do. He submitted neither the Paris Climate Accord nor the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to Congress as treaties, and took a widely expansive view of the 2001 authorization of military force, against the Taliban and al-Qaeda, that encompassed both the Libya war and intervention in Syria. Rather than adhere to and strengthen what makes America truly special the separation of powers President Obama ignored the Constitution whenever it became inconvenient. The current president ought to learn from his mistakes. A grand strategy of American exceptionalism need look no further than the Constitution to identify our national purpose as insuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, and securing the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. It would stipulate that the legislative and executive branches play the roles the Founders wrote for them in pursuit of these goals. It would never downplay or deny the God-authored personal dignity of every human being. But it would also apply our principles to concrete realities through the use of another of the Founders values: prudence. The results of this grand strategy might look different from what Jake Sullivan has in mind. Still, Im grateful to him for attempting to rehabilitate a much-derided idea. And for reminding us that if conservative Republicans dont embrace and think seriously about American exceptionalism, liberal Democrats will. More from National Review Washington (AFP) - A US citizen was killed Tuesday in an attack by Islamist militants on an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, a US official said. "We can confirm that a US citizen was killed in the attack. We offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of this individual," a State Department official said. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, declined further details, citing respect for the privacy of the person's family. An AFP photographer in Nairobi saw the bodies of five victims and a police source said he had seen as many as 14 dead. Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked Somali group that assaulted a Nairobi shopping mall in 2013, claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack on the DusitD2 compound, which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant, and offices for local and international companies. The United States commended Kenyan authorities and said it was providing unspecified assistance in the response. "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrible attack at the Dusit2 Hotel complex in Nairobi," tweeted Bob Godec, the US ambassador in Nairobi. "We offer our deepest condolences to all who have been affected by this horrifying violence," he wrote. It seems that e-commerce giant Amazon's AMZN entry in the pharmacy retail market along with other non-healthcare heavyweights like Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan has initiated a new episode in the healthcare space. According to many market watchers, the traditional retail pharmacy and drugstore industry is set to undergo a sea change. This development has been taken quite seriously by drugstore industry players who are unwilling to give up and lose their turf. These traditional pharmacy players are currently coming together to defend their position. Consolidations in the Traditional Pharmaceutical and Drug Retail Space After underperforming for a year, shares of Walgreens WBA finally rallied 1.6% to close at $71.79 after the company entered into a seven-year alliance with Microsoft Corporation MSFT. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Price | Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. Quote The partnership will combine Microsoft Azure, Microsoft's cloud and AI platform, health care investments and new retail solutions, with Walgreens customer reach, convenient locations, outpatient health care services and industry expertise. According to a CNBC article, this alliance will explore digital health opportunities within stores and develop software for managing patient engagement. While Amazon is trying to figure out ways to enter the multibillion dollar pharmacy industry, this is not the first attempt made by Walgreens to counter competition. Following Amazons foray into the healthcare retail industry last June (through the purchase of online pharmacy PillPack in December), Walgreens formed an alliance with Alphabets GOOGL life sciences and healthcare segment, Verily, to collaborate on multiple projects. According to Walgreens, this strategic tie-up was designed to combine Verilys healthcare technology innovation with Walgreens pharmacy services. In this regard, we note that following Amazons PillPack deal, Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina stated he was "not particularly worried" about Amazon. Walgreens currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues Another established player CVS Health CVS is also following Walgreens footstep. This Zacks Rank #1 PBM (pharmacy benefit manager) company achieved a momentous healthcare consolidation by acquiring United States third largest health insurer Aetna for a colossal sum of $70 billion. CVS Health Corporation Price CVS Health Corporation Price | CVS Health Corporation Quote Last month, prominent health insurer Cigna CI merged with PBM player, Express Scripts. This latest deal can effectively drive the breadth of value-based relationships for Cigna and add to its fast-growing collaborative care network. Summing Up In any business, bankable human resource and strong financial position matter the most. And Amazon has both. Undoubtedly, Amazons entry has resulted in an upheaval in the prescription drug industry with major players struggling to keep afloat. However, some analysts believe those preferring cash payments are expected to opt for Amazons pharmacy services. However, the percentage of this population is quite nominal. Moreover, patients with the need for immediate drugs will prefer buying them from stores over waiting for online delivery. Considering these factors, major analysts believe there is enough scope left for the existing industry behemoths to maintain a competitive edge. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (WBA) : Free Stock Analysis Report CVS Health Corporation (CVS) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN announced two job positions for its existing offices in New York. These two new job listings are for a front-end engineer and a software development manager. They will form part of the companys Intelligent Cloud Control, which focuses on varied growth areas like cloud computing, advertising and fashion. The move is in line with Amazons strategy of adding efficiency to its production and operations by bringing more talent and expertise to the company. This will aid business growth of Amazon. Coming to share price performance, shares of Amazon have steadily trended upward over the past year. The stock has returned 28.3% against its industrys decline of 7.3% in the said period. Focus on New Job Positions Late last year, the company stated that it has selected Long Island City, NY and Arlington, VA for building its new headquarters. The company further said that though the hiring in the new locations is expected to be slow initially, it plans to add 700 jobs in 2019 and close to 3,000 by 2020. However, the e-commerce giant intends to create more than 25,000 jobs in each HQ2 location by 2028, in turn expanding its employee base. Notably, Amazon has more than 610K employees globally and in excess of 250K workforce in North America alone. The sheer numbers make the company a massive force in employment. Bottom Line Amazon has been expanding on a global basis in a bid to maintain supremacy. In this regard, the company is heavily investing to hire more people in cloud, fulfillment, technology and content. Reportedly, New York reached 128,600 of tech employment in 2017 and is often considered the hub of talent. Consequently, adding more positions in the city is likely to be a major positive for Amazon. Given that the company is likely to ink a deal to lease new space in New York, Amazon is likely to have a competitive advantage against tech bigwigs such as Alphabet GOOGL and Apple Inc. AAPL, which have also been expanding their presence in the city. Story continues All of these benefits are likely to add value to the company and aid the performance of its business model. Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus Amazon.com, Inc. Price and Consensus | Amazon.com, Inc. Quote Zacks Rank & Another Stock to Consider Currently, Amazon carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Another top-ranked stock in the broader technology sector is Groupon, Inc. GRPN, carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Long-term earnings growth rate for Groupon is currently pegged at 3%. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Groupon, Inc. (GRPN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attends a swearing-in ceremony and welcome reception for new Hispanic members of the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., on January 9, 2019. WASHINGTON Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez dances outside her office, solicits instant-pot recipes and gets into fights on Twitter. Soon you may see other Democrats taking a page from her social media playbook. The House Democratic Policy and Communications Committee is hosting a session Thursday morning with Ocasio-Cortez of New York (@AOC 2.42 million followers) and Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut (@jahimes 76,500 followers) "on the most effective ways to engage constituents on Twitter and the importance of digital storytelling." The lesson comes as a generational divide between members of Congress and the tech platforms they oversee has been on full display. Hearings with the heads of Facebook and Google over the past year showed that some lawmakers didn't understand how the platforms made money or even what they did. "The older generation of members and senators is pretty clueless on the social media platforms. Its pretty clear that a lot of members have 25-year-olds in their offices," running their social media, Himes said. The decision to invite Ocasio-Cortez, a freshman, signals the party's attempt to bring in fresh voices even when those voices don't always agree with leadership. Ocasio-Cortez has made a splash in the nation's capital ever since she successfully unseated Rep. Joe Crowley, the Democratic caucus chairman, in a primary. On her first day in Washington she joined climate change activists for a sit-in at Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi's office. "Alexandria has very quickly built a national progressive following," Himes told USA TODAY. He described his own following as "more typical of most members. But both lawmakers will have useful insight for colleagues trying to amp up their followings, he said. The biggest tip? People have "a real hunger for calling it like it is," Himes said. "For kind of opening the kimono on personal details. Are you a person? I think a lot of people believe politicians are manicured." Story continues The Connecticut Democrat has made a deal with his staff that he can manage his own Twitter unless he's drank more than two beers (that rule came after "a beautiful haiku" Himes put up about the Metro North train after drinking). He also can't tweet about body parts (he once tweeted that his scalp was sweating after eating "super spicy chili.") And he's not allowed to tweet about all he learns on the House Intelligence Committee because, well, that's sensitive stuff. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. At 29, Ocasio-Cortez is the youngest member of Congress and has become something of a sensation with both sides of the aisle for her progressive views and use of social media to share opinions and policy positions. She's attracted millions of followers, far more than the average lawmaker. The pair will be joined by representatives from Twitter and the House Administration Committee for the briefing. Ocasio-Cortez's office declined to comment for this story. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a social media star, to school House Democrats on Twitter use An Alabama judge has scrapped a state law preventing the removal of Confederate memorials on public property, ruling it violated the rights of local communities repulsed by a Birmingham monument, The Associated Press reported. Jefferson County Circuit Judge Michael Graffeo ruled Monday that the 2017 law, which also guards against alteration of the memorials, infringed upon the free speech of the citys residents, who are predominantly black. Graffeo ruled that the law, including its fine of $25,000 for a violation, cannot be enforced. The state attorney general is likely to appeal. At issue is a 52-foot obelisk dating to 1905, built to pay homage to Confederate troops. As the nation reckoned with such monuments in the aftermath of white supremacist violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, a 12-foot box was constructed around the base of the stone marker to cover its inscriptions. The protective legislation, passed in 2017, was signed by Gov. Kay Ivey, who was inaugurated on Monday just before Graffeos ruling. During her campaign, Ivey took aim at special interests looking to tear down our historical monuments and decried politically correct nonsense. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin told AP hes happy with the judges ruling. We were not even a city during the Civil War, Woodfin noted. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Reuters While most Americans expect electric vehicles eventually to dominate the nation's roadways, many have greeted the first battery-powered models with skepticism, expressing concerns about the potential costs and inconveniences of owning such vehicles, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed. Automakers have already recognized the challenge and said they plan to market future battery-powered models by touting their performance and long-term cost savings over environmental benefits. Vehicle manufacturers need to win over more rural Americans and Republicans, with the survey showing those groups express less enthusiasm than others for electric vehicles. Wall Street expects a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when Abbott (ABT) reports results for the quarter ended December 2018. While this widely-known consensus outlook is important in gauging the company's earnings picture, a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates. The earnings report, which is expected to be released on January 23, 2019, might help the stock move higher if these key numbers are better than expectations. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower. While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise. Zacks Consensus Estimate This maker of infant formula, medical devices and drugs is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.81 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +9.5%. Revenues are expected to be $7.79 billion, up 2.6% from the year-ago quarter. Estimate Revisions Trend The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.61% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period. Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Earnings Whisper Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction). 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 subject 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 Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only. A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP. Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell). How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Abbott? For Abbott, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.25%. On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3. So, this combination indicates that Abbott will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue? Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number. For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Abbott would post earnings of $0.74 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.75, delivering a surprise of +1.35%. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times. Bottom Line An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss. That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported. Abbott appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings 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 To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The Palestinians will launch a bid to become a full member of the United Nations even though such a move will be blocked by the United States, the Palestinian foreign minister said Tuesday. The Palestinians have the status of non-member observer state at the world body and full membership would amount to international recognition of Palestinian statehood. Any request to become a UN member-state must first be approved by the Security Council, where the United States has veto power, before it is endorsed by the General Assembly. "We know that we are going to face a US veto but that won't prevent us from presenting our application" for full UN membership, Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki told journalists. The Palestinians will begin lobbying Security Council members with a view to presenting the application for UN membership in "a few weeks," said Maliki. The Palestinians presented a request for UN membership in 2011, but the application never came before the Security Council for a vote. - Israel 'hampering development' - Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas addressed a ceremony at the United Nations marking the start of the Palestinian chair of the Group of 77 and China, raising their profile by leading the biggest UN bloc of developing countries. Abbas charged that Israel was hampering development in the Middle East and renewed his commitment to a two-state solution. "Israel's continued colonization and occupation of the state of Palestine undermines our development and capacity for cooperation, coordination and obstructs the cohesive future development of all peoples of the region," Abbas told the gathering. The Palestinian leader said he was committed to a "peaceful solution that brings an end to the occupation and the realization of the independence of the state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side-by-side in peace and security with the state of Israel." Story continues The Palestinians reacted furiously to President Donald Trump's decision in December 2017 to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, breaking with the international consensus that the status of the city would be decided in negotiations. Abbas has broken off ties with the Trump administration and has vowed to oppose any US peace proposal that he has warned would be biased in favor of Israel. The United States has also cut hundreds of millions of dollars in aid for the Palestinians including funds to the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), which was forced to scale back its education and health programs. The General Assembly last year adopted a resolution granting the observer-state of Palestine additional rights to act as chair of the G77, a bloc of 134 countries at the United Nations. The US voted against that measure, arguing that the Palestinians should not be allowed to take the chair because it is not a full member-state. Eli Lilly & Company LLY is known for its drugs like Humalog, Alimta, Taltz, and many others. Indianapolis, IN based Lilly boasts a wide range of products that serve a vast number of therapeutic areas. The company focuses primarily on central nervous system disorders, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which are all high-growth areas and represent significant commercial potential. Here are five reasons to invest in the stock this year. Good Rank and VGM Score: Lilly currently carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and has a favorable VGM Score of B. Back-tested results show 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. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Rising Share Price and Earnings Estimates: Lillys shares have outperformed the large-cap pharma industry in the past year. The stock has returned 35.8% in the said timeframe against the industrys decrease of 2.5%. Lillys outperformance has been backed by decent quarterly results, positive news flow and regulatory updates. Lillys earnings estimates have risen 2% for 2019 over the past 30 days. Its earnings surpassed expectations in each of last four quarters, with the average positive surprise being 10.03%. The company is expected to record earnings and sales growth of 6% and 4.4%, respectively in 2019. Upbeat 2019 Outlook: In December, Eli Lilly provided better-than-expected financial outlook for 2019 at its investor meeting. Lilly expects revenues to be between $25.3 billion and $25.8 billion in 2019, indicating mid-single-digit growth. Revenue growth is expected to be driven by higher demand for its newer medicines including Trulicity, Jardiance, Taltz, Verzenio as well as newly launched migraine drug, Emgality as some older drugs like Cialis lose patent exclusivity. Earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $5.90 to $6.00 in 2019. Story continues Lilly raised its long-term revenue growth expectations as well. The company now expects annual revenue growth of at least 6% during the 2015-2020 period, up from 5% expected previously. For its Pharmaceuticals unit, Lilly expects 7% growth over the same time period. Pipeline Progress: Lilly was on a strong footing in terms of its pipeline in 2018 with several positive late-stage data readouts. These included positive data from phase III studies on pipeline candidates, tanezumab for osteoarthritis (OA) pain, ultra-rapid lispro for type I and type II diabetes and flortaucipir, its tau imaging agent for Alzheimers disease. A novel diabetes candidate in Lillys pipeline is tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (GIP/GLP-1 RA), which showed impressive blood sugar reductions and weight loss in type II diabetes patients in October. In addition, Lilly also presented encouraging data from late-stage label expansion studies on psoriatic arthritis drug, Taltz for ankylosing spondylitis; cancer drug, Cyramza for the second-line treatment of liver cancer; and type II diabetes drugs Trulicity for reducing cardiovascular risk and Jardiance for type I diabetes. A key regulatory success for Lilly was the FDA approval of Emgality/galcanezumab, a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antibody for migraine prevention, which could emerge as a significant contributor to long-term growth. Other important approvals this year were that of JAK inhibitor, Olumiant (baricitinib) in the United States and breast cancer drug Verzenio in first-line setting in the United States, Europe as well as Japan. Talking about CGRP antibodies, Emgality will face intense competition from Amgen AMGN/Novartis NVS and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limiteds TEVA newly launched CGRPs, Aimovig and Ajovy respectively. Both were launched in the United States in 2018. Several key regulatory and pipeline events are expected in 2019, which will drive the stock further. Loxo Buyout and Strategic Deals: In the beginning of 2019, Lilly announced a definitive deal to acquire small cancer biotech, Loxo Oncology, Inc., for $8 billion in cash. The deal will broaden Lillys cancer portfolio into targeted medicines by adding Loxos newly approved marketed drug Vitrakvi as well as three precision medicines to its pipeline for multiple tumor types. At the recently held prestigious J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Lilly CEO David Ricks said that the company will continue to evaluate other potential deal targets to enhance its position in its core therapeutic areas like cancer, immunology and neuroscience. In addition, with the acquisition of California-based immuno-oncology biotech, ARMO Biosciences in June 2018, Lilly added pancreatic cancer candidate, pegilodecakin, to its pipeline. Lilly also announced several business development transactions in 2018, including a licensing agreement which Chugai Pharmaceuticals for an oral GLP-1 agonist and a licensing and research collaboration with Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, utilizing its RNAi technology platform. Important collaborations include one with NextCure Inc., to make novel immuno-oncology cancer therapies; Aduro Biotechto develop new immunotherapies for autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases; and with Swiss biotech AC Immune to jointly develop Morphomer tau aggregation inhibitors, which have the potential to treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Spin-Off of Animal Health Unit: Lilly divested its Elanco animal health unit as an independent publicly traded company Elanco Animal Health Incorporated via an initial public offering (IPO) of a minority stake in mid-2018. Elanco Animal Health started trading with the ticker symbol ELAN on NYSE from Sep 20. Lilly owns 80.2% stake in the new company, which is expected to be divested through a tax-efficient transaction by 2019. We believe Lillys decision to separate Elanco, which had been underperforming, was prudent. Conclusion Lilly has its share of challenges, which include rising competitive pressure on its drugs this year, generic competition for several drugs including key drug, Cialis and rising pricing pressure on the diabetes franchise. However, it looks like Lillys strong pipeline, consistent outperformance of new drugs, cost cuts and regular strategic deals will keep the stock afloat through 2019. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) : Free Stock Analysis Report Novartis AG (NVS) : Free Stock Analysis Report Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TEVA) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The Root Two months ago, a Black man was fatally shot by Honolulu police. The police, of course, claimed that the man refused to follow their orders and violently attacked them before he was shot. Ring video from a residence shows the man asking who the cops were, and it showed that a police officer waited until after several shots were fired to shout police. Its a horrifying story that ends the way many horrifying stories in America endwith a Black person dead because someone was afraid. U.S. equity market volatility could be here for a while owing to fresh developments on the global macroeconomic front that threaten to induce more unpredictability in stock performances. Mays Brexit vote defeat, the longest ever U.S. government shutdown and uncertainty over Sino-U.S. trade talks are some of the prime factors influencing markets at present. In such a gloomy scenario, defensive stocks could be your best bet to fight market turbulence and offset losses. Mays Brexit Deal Defeat Could Mar U.S. Equities U.K. Prime Minister Theresa Mays proposed Brexit deal defeat this week has resulted in more political uncertainty in the United Kingdom. Possibilities are high for the U.K. to leave the European Union with no deal on Mar 29 or a renegotiation where May could exercise some concessions from Europe. But until a decision is reached, investor confusion over the proceedings is likely to take a toll on global stock markets. U.S. equities could bear the brunt of the uncertainty as well, as foreign-listed U.S. stocks may come under fire. U.S. Government Shutdown Marks Day 25 The partial U.S. government shutdown that began on Dec 22 is resulting in more economic damage than anticipated earlier, the White House acknowledged on Jan 15. According to the Council of Economic Advisers revised estimates, the shutdowns effect has started to show up in the U.S. economy and could ultimately push it into a state of contraction, a New York Times report cited. President Donald Trumps prolonged standoff with Democrats over $5.7 billion for a border wall could restrict U.S. economic growth unless resolved soon. Kevin Hassett, the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, noted that the shutdown might lower expectations of growth permanently if the equity markets and businesses anticipate Trump and the Congress to repeat such action again. No Immediate Resolution to Trade Dispute Although positive investor sentiment around U.S.-China trade talks last week helped U.S. equities rally, both economies could still be far from reaching a trade resolution in the near future. Story continues According to Senator Chuck Grassley, United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer witnessed no progress in trade talks that were meant to settle the continuing trade dispute. Per a CNBC report, Grassley told reporters at a conference call, there hasn't been any progress made on structural changes that need to be made. He added, Let's say that would include intellectual property, stealing trade secrets, putting pressure on corporations to share information with the Chinese government and industries. Given the delay in an affirmative deal despite the talks, it could be an indication that it might be a while before a favorable deal surfaces that may be profitable for American businesses. Why Invest in Defensive Stocks Now Defensive stocks could be good investments at the moment given the political uncertainty in the United Kingdom and other macroeconomic headwinds that could affect the U.S. equity markets in the near future. Defensive stocks always tend to be in demand since they comprise necessary products and services. Consumer staples consist of items such as food and beverages, household products etc. Pharmaceuticals and medical services are in demand no matter what economic conditions affect equity markets. Therefore, these two sectors can be ideal investments at present. 4 Defensive Stocks to Buy We have hand-picked four defensive stocks that you could consider adding to your portfolio. Consumer Staples Newell Brands Inc. NWL is a global manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial products. The company carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 0.6% over the past 30 days. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Tupperware Brands Corporation TUP is a manufacturer and seller of design-centric products for home and kitchen. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 2% over the past 30 days. Medical Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. IONS is a developer of RNA-targeted therapeutics. The company carries a Zacks Rank #1 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 3.2% over the past 30 days. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. NBIX is a developer of pharmaceuticals for treating endocrine and neurological-related diseases and disorders. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has advanced 0.6% over the past 30 days. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research Charting Illinois future, statesmanship initiatives, speakers lead Simon Institute spring 2019 schedule by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. A summit of Illinois college students in March to consider the states future is one of the featured events planned by SIU Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute this spring. The summit, Renewing Illinois: Ambitious Dreams and Practical Steps to Revive the Prairie State, will be in Carbondale March 28-29. Interest in starting a discussion John T. Shaw, Institute director, said the summit is designed to encourage a vigorous discussion and generate creative ideas on how to get Illinois moving again with the help of bright Illinois students. With a new governor and a new administration coming into office in Springfield, its important to focus on the hopes and concerns of students from colleges and universities across our state, Shaw said. We want this summit to be both aspirational and practical. We want to find tangible ways to persuade Illinois students to stay in the Prairie State after college and make it even better. Organizers expect students from about two dozen Illinois colleges and universities, Shaw said. The Institute is developing a policy book for participants to review before the summit and also will schedule presentations by Illinois political leaders and policy experts. A detailed agenda will be released in February. Pizza and Politics series returns With the continued focus on policy challenges confronting Illinois, the Institute will again host several state representatives this semester for its popular Pizza and Politics series. The lectures are at the Institute, 1231 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale. The series is free but an RSVP is encouraged. Speakers this semester are: Jan. 28 5 p.m., State Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Westchester, chair of the House Higher Education Committee. April 8 5 p.m. State Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis. Work on Statesmanship Initiative continues The Institute will continue to work on its Statesmanship Initiative this spring, examining ways to improve the quality of leadership in Illinois and across the United States. Former U.S. Ambassador Harriet Elam-Thomas will discuss the importance of civility in public affairs during a luncheon speech at the Institute on March 21. Elam-Thomas had a 42-year career as a diplomat with the U.S. Department of State, including U.S. Ambassador to Senegal from 2000 to 2002. She retired with the rank of career minister. Elam-Thomas is a professor and director of the diplomacy program at the University of Central Florida. She is the author of the 2017 book Diversifying Diplomacy: My Journey from Roxbury to Dakar. Morton-Kenney lecture is April 11 Barbara Walter, a political science professor at the University of California San Diego, is the spring 2019 Morton-Kenney lecture guest. Walter is an expert on international security with an emphasis on civil wars. Walter will be the 45th lecturer in the series sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the Institute. The series is in the spring and fall of each year. The late Jerome Mileur, originally from Murphysboro, was a professor emeritus in political science at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and retired in 2004 after a 37-year teaching career there. He established the series in 1995 in honor of two of his political science professors Ward Morton and David Kenney who inspired him as a student. Mileur, who died in September 2017, earned his bachelors degree in speech communication in 1955, and a doctorate in government in 1971, both from SIU Carbondale. YEREVAN. The lions share of the National Assembly of Armenia majority My Step Factions first meeting recentlyand in which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also participatedwas devoted to the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict, according to Hraparak (Square) newspaper. Pashinyan touched upon the matter in great detail (). He touched upon the main provisions, said that, in essence, there is no resolution to the matter at this moment, he also does not see that resolution yet, for the simple reason that the approaches existing in the arena are not clarified once and for all. Its said with the [Russian FM Sergey] Lavrov Plan that 5 regions should be returned to Azerbaijan, then it will be seen. [These regions should be returned] in exchange for what? we [the Armenian party to this conflict] asked them; they dont say. We demand: Let Azerbaijan first say it agrees to concessions, and we will take our step. They tell us: They will call Azerbaijan a traitor inside their country. And we say to them: What? Should we become the traitor? The [peace] negotiations continue; the rest will be seen over the course, this is approximately what Pashinyan said, Hraparak wrote. YEREVAN.- Implementation of the agreement signed between Armenia and the EU slows down, and it is necessary to accelerate this process through Embassies of Armenia in the European countries and also through the diaspora, the head of the Bright Armenia faction Edmon Marukyan stated during discussion of the candidacies for the post of European integration standing committee's chairman. According to him, the Armenia-EU agreement is indeed of great importance. "I think we should increase its importance. Elections are currently being held in Europe, and they are busy with that agenda and the ratification of this agreement for some countries has been reduced to a secondary role. I think the implementation of the agreement is overdue. I think that with the help of embassies, and with the support of political groups, as well as with the support of other offices and the diaspora, European parliamentarians can ratify this agreement, Marukyan said. He stressed that their faction, as the opposition, will monitor all these processes. An Indonesian held captive by Abu Sayyaf bandits was rescued by government security forces on Tuesday in Sulu, the military said Wednesday. In a statement, the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), identified the rescued hostage as Juragan Kapal Samsul Saguni who was held captive for four months. The military said the victim was rescued through the efforts of former Sulu Governor Abdul Sakur Tan and soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion, and the 5th Infantry Division and 11th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. He was immediately brought to the residence of Tan in Poblacion, Maimbung, Sulu around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Soldiers from the Joint Task Force Sulu, for their part, facilitated the custodial debriefing of Saguni at the JTF Sulu headquarters in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo, Sulu.The victim also underwent a medical check at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Barangay Bus-bus and his medical results showed he was physically healthy, according to Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr. Saguni, however, will still be brought to the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command for debriefing. Our Joint Task Force Sulu is committed in rescuing captives of the Abu Sayyaf and in ending the terrorist groups kidnap and ransom ploys through the consistent conduct of counter operations against the militants and through the strengthened cooperation with the local government and the people of Sulu to encourage the capitulations of the rest of the Abu Sayyaf militants, said Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Wesmincom commander. UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal has been rejected by 230 votes - the largest defeat for a sitting government in history, BBC reported. MPs voted by 432 votes to 202 to reject the deal, which sets out the terms of Britain's exit from the EU on 29 March. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has now tabled a vote of no confidence in the government, which could trigger a general election. The confidence vote is expected to be held at about 1900 GMT on Wednesday. The defeat is a huge blow for Mrs May, who has spent more than two years hammering out a deal with the EU. The plan was aimed at bringing about an orderly departure from the EU on 29 March, and setting up a 21-month transition period to negotiate a free trade deal. The vote was originally due to take place in December, but Mrs May delayed it to try and win the support of more MPs. China has asked some of the countrys state-run companies to avoid business trips to the United States and its allies, and to take extra care to protect their devices if they need to travel, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), which oversees about 100 government-run companies, has told some firms in recent weeks to only take secure, company-issued laptops meant for overseas use if travelling is necessary, according to the report here, citing people familiar with the request, Reuters reported. Chinas travel advice also included warning on travelling to the other countries in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing pact - Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Bloomberg said. SASAC did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Some employees at the company were not allowed to take laptops on such trips and were ordered to delete all work-related data and information from their personal phones before travelling, the person said. Approved business trips to the United States had not been cancelled, the person told Reuters. Armenia acting PM talks about demarcation and delimitation during campaign meeting in province Biden snaps at CNN reporter who grilled him about Geneva summit with Putin Armenian police barge into "Armenia" bloc's headquarters, demand to not tape acting PM's meeting Armenia 3rd President: Servicemen's Insurance Fund told Government in April that there were 1,064 missing servicemen Armenia 2nd President meets with ex-PM Karen Karapetyan at end of visit to Gyumri (PHOTO) 2 Azerbaijani servicemen die in car accident in Lachin US Embassy in Yerevan calls on its citizens to be alert What did Putin gift Biden? Biden calls meeting with Putin 'positive' Biden says he doesn't think Putin wants a new Cold War Putin: There's no problem that Russia and the US can't solve together Biden gifts Putin pair of Aviator sunglasses China citizens get vaccinated in Armenia Armenia opposition party leader: Citizens attack office in Kapan, police brutally beat young people in Yeghegnadzor Putin says Russia and US have agreed to reciprocally resend ambassadors Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijan is illegally keeping Armenian POWs to receive certain mine maps in exchange Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party leader says border security is primary issue for Armenians "I Have the Honor" bloc's candidate for Armenia PM and Serzh Sargsyan hold campaign meetings in Kotayk Province Russia and US Presidents end talks in Geneva, Biden leaves Villa La Grange Demonstrators demand condemnation of Azeri aggression against Armenia, Karabakh on heels of Putin-Biden meeting "Armenia" bloc holding campaign meeting in Gyumri Azerbaijan resumes trial against Armenian POWs, Erdogan visits Karabakhs Shushi, June 16 digest "Armenia" bloc member: Law-enforcement bodies not taking action in response to acting PM's call for violence Armenia deputy police chief says hammer that Pashinyan uses during campaign meetings is not a cold weapon Putin-Biden narrow-format talks end in Geneva One dollar falls below AMD 515 in Armenia European Union agrees on additional sanctions against Belarus Armenia village murder solved 6 months later Government employees in Armenia's Vayk attending acting PM's campaign meeting during working hours Resident of Armenia's Khoznavar village moves to Jermuk after not being able to raise cattle in grazing field Police summon opposition Prosperous Armenia Party's MP candidate, launch criminal case Armenia 2nd President: Government must take care of basic needs of all citizens Bright Armenia Party leader says they are 3rd in big cities Armenia prosecutor's office looking into acting PM statement on $1,000 reward for vote-buying videos Armenia 2nd President: There is a need to increase funding for education Armenia Police record 172 cases of electoral violations Armenia Police on acting PM being accompanied by many officers during campaign: Assessment is made in each case Artsakh MFA: Shahumyan region is integral part of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Did Russias Putin offer proposal to end Artsakh war on October 10? Putin-Biden meeting kicks off in Geneva Armenia ruling party promises $1,000 for videos proving vote buying, says acting PM Karabakh opens criminal case on Azerbaijan vandalism of Armenian cemetery of Askeran Aliyev: Minefield maps will give us big advantage Armenia 3rd President Sargsyans nephew is sentenced to 3.5 years in prison Former President Kocharyan: Russia military presence in Armenia should be further modernized Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: State is obligated to take care of issues of those who lost homes in Karvachar Armenia ombudsman: Acting PMs constant display of hammer, figurative comparisons are inadmissible Harvey Weinstein to be extradited to California Trump to arrive in Texas at US-Mexico border European Commission organizes online event Proposal Writing Camp for Armenia Four new cases of coronavirus reported in Artsakh Ex-President Kocharyan: Armenian authorities actions are sabotage or stupidity? Kim Jong-un says North Korea faces tense food situation 124 intellectuals call for supporting "Armenia" bloc in snap parliamentary election 14 Armenian POWs trial begins in Azerbaijan 99 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Two Armenian captives still on trial in Azerbaijan Armenia ombudsman's office hosts OSCE/ODIHR delegation Armenia dissolved parliament sitting not convened again White House announces exact time of Biden-Putin meeting in Geneva Israel carries out airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza Newspaper: How "hijacked" plane is managed to be transported to Armenia? Newspaper: Armenia acting premier instructs provincial governors to sack school principals who support another force Emirates airline posts $5.5bn net loss as coronavirus disrupts travel Newspaper: Armenia is left out of important world developments Germany issues nearly 5 million COVID-19 vaccination certificates Few attend Armenia acting PM's election campaign rally in Kajaran town (PHOTOS) Republican Party of Armenia: We Armenians must be concerned about Turkey appearing on Karabakh's borders Armenia ex-Ambassador to Vatican: Nikol Pashinyan rejected Putin's offer to stop war on October 10, 2020 Robert Kocharyan: Armenia is seeing US on brink of radical review of position on the region Britain, Australia announce free trade deal Armenia 1st President: The whole world considers Karabakh a part of Azerbaijan Armenia 2nd President says he doesn't see himself as a member of the opposition Armenia 1st President: There will be post-election developments, even clashes during elections Switzerland President assesses Russia's role in establishment of ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh Turkey's Erdogan expresses support to "Zangezur corridor" project Armenias Pashinyan makes threat in Kapan Armenia 3rd President on Nikol Pashinyan: The capitulator no longer has majority of votes Mayor of Armenia's Kajaran says acting PM's campaign meeting in Syunik Province was a cheap show His Holiness Karekin II hosts Bishop of Coventry Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker interferes in work of Tert.am's reporter, urges her to leave premises Armenia 2nd President suggests that Pashinyan visit a psychiatric clinic to get document on mental health Catholicos of All Armenians receives representatives of Catholic Near East Welfare Association "I Have the Honor" bloc campaigns in Armenia's Ararat Province, led by Serzh Sargsyan Decision on abolishing registration of Mihran Poghosyan as Armenia Member of Parliament annulled US Ambassador visits Armenia MOD National Defense Research University Putin and Biden to discuss Karabakh, Azerbaijani troops seen near Syunik roads, Jun. 15 digest Karabakh MFA: Erdogan's visit to Shushi is clear manifestation of xenophobia, genocidal and terrorist policy Armenia MFA issues statement regarding Turkish and Azerbaijani Presidents' visit to occupied territories of Artsakh Erdogan challenges Russia in Shushi Robert Kocharyan on return of Armenian POWs ahead of snap parliamentary elections Armenia acting PM holds march in Agarak village, surrounded by children There are serious doubts about acting PM's deal with Azerbaijan, says Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan St. Petersburg court to review verdict against Armenian ex-deputy regional governor One dollar drops below AMD 516 in Armenia 2021 developments point to faster-than-expected economic growth recovery in Armenia, says Central Bank Karabakh Parliament: Erdogan's visit to Shushi poses a new challenge to Armenia, Artsakh, Russia and Iran Deputy mayor of Armenia's Meghri: Police troops are being brought in buses Central Bank: 12-month inflation falls to 5.9% in Armenia Armenia former President Kocharyan: Personal relations are important component of interstate relations Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday said Sylhet will be the countrys first digital city where the resident can get free WiFi access. Momen informed about this while addressing a two-day freshers ceremony at the Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) in Sylhet, reports The Daily Star. Skilled manpower is needed to turn the city into a digital one as well as to manage the system, and you (students) will have to take the responsibility to maintain it, he said. Calling upon the newcomers, Abdul Momen said, Youve to build yourself as self-confident citizens as were a victorious nation and we can be successful through boosting our confidence. The countrys financial status has improved greatly. Theres no Monga in the country any more. Weve established ourselves as a developing country and we also have moved up a lot more in social index compared to our neighbours, he mentioned. SUST Vice-chancellor Prof Farid Uddin Ahmed presided over the programme while Treasurer Prof Elias Uddin Biswas, President of the admission committee Shamsul Haq Pradhan, its member secretary Zahir Ahmed and Registrar Ishfaqul Hossain were present as special guests. Trump had already spent Saturday morning using his Twitter feed to slag the Times, Comey, the FBI, Special Counsel Robert Mueller and Democrats for orchestrating groundless investigations, and he continued his food fight on Pirro's show -- lobbing insult after insult but never answering a straightforward question in a straightforward way. Later in their conversation, Pirro and Trump chatted about another piece of hard-won reporting the Washington Post published Saturday morning. The Post disclosed that Trump had "gone to extraordinary lengths" to bury details of conversations he had with Putin, including "on at least one occasion taking possession of the notes of his own interpreter and instructing the linguist not to discuss what had transpired with other administration officials." The net effect of Trump's maneuvers, the Post noted, is that there now isn't a detailed record -- even in the federal government's classified files -- of his personal conversations with Putin at five locations over the past two years. A reasonable person might wonder if the president has been going out of his way to hide something. The president was less concerned. "I'm not keeping anything under wraps. I couldn't care less," Trump said. "I mean, it's so ridiculous, these people make it up." Authors of the report, which was previewed to the council in August, urged city leaders to think of the Napa River whose cupped bend lent its name to the surrounding area not as a boundary line but as the center and focus of its surroundings. Event planning, pedestrian links and land-use decisions should be made with a goal not only of attracting more people to the neighborhood, but also to make clear its walking connections west into downtown Napa, according to the study. Besides its waterside setting, what sets the Oxbow apart is its blend of elements setting tourism hubs like CIA at Copia and the Oxbow Public Market, and the green space of the Oxbow Commons linear park, alongside smaller shops and restaurants in an easily walked setting of mostly low-rise construction, according to Robin Schabes, city economic development director. In the course of being interviewed for the study last year, folks said the Oxbow is the best of Napa, all in one place, she told council members. FAIRFIELD A group of Napa County nonprofits has received grants from the Solano Community Foundations relief fund established after the wildfires of October 2017. These grants are intended to support mid- and long-term recovery efforts in Napa County. The results of fires in Solano County were generally felt either by residents who were evacuated from the fire-fighting routes or by county residents who worked in Napa, the foundation said in a news release. Napa recovery grants went to: Project K.I.K.S. (Kind Initiative Kids Shoes) received $4,500 to buy shoes and socks to help replace those lost in the fires. These were distributed to children in three Napa grade schools by Paul Cheatham II, the founder and director of the nonprofit and a Solano County resident. Calistoga Affordable Housing received $5,000 to help replace low-income housing for the Napa workforce, and for seniors who lost part or all of their homes. United Policyholders, in San Francisco, was awarded $9,350 to provide Spanish-speaking case management assistance to Napa policyholders. This will help their clients navigate the sometimes arcane process of filing insurance claims. These same lawmakers might be in the mood to punish PG&E -- but have to make sure the company is financially and operationally healthy enough to keep the lights on while its future is resolved. PG&E is already facing a judge's order to dramatically ramp up its inspections of its equipment before the next fire season begins in June. "We're going to have to figure this out even though PG&E's not a sympathetic actor," said state Sen. Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, who was Assembly speaker when PG&E went bankrupt in 2001. "This thing is so hard." In at least one respect, this crisis is easier. Unlike 2001, when power generators were deliberately withholding electricity and causing blackouts, this time there's plenty of juice to go around. "We are not in a position where we're worried about our lights turning out," Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday. For the most part, though, the new PG&E bankruptcy figures to be extraordinarily difficult. "This is going to be a very complex process and there are many different stakeholders whose interests need to be balanced," said Steve Malnight, the company's senior vice president of energy supply and policy. As our mayoral election was heating up last summer, this column called for a polite and reasoned debate, stating that we should be able to disagree without being disagreeable. Sadly, that didnt happen. One of the most tiresome and non-productive themes in our political discourse this election season was the old argument over who qualifies as a local. The implication, of course, is that if you were not a true local, then your political standing and your right to have an opinion were weak. In political terms, the simplest definition of a local is that if youre registered to vote here, then youre a local, regardless of when you arrived in town. Socially, the issue is more complicated. This column addressed the subject more than a dozen years ago, and given that the debate hasnt disappeared, it may be time for another look. What defines a St. Helenan? Is it being born here? Is it living here X number of decades? I remember the story of a friend who attended a local funeral. An elderly lady said to her then, Im so happy to see someone here from old St. Helena. My friend said to me, Old? Ive only lived here 30 years! A town hall about gun violence, featuring Congressman Mike Thompson, has been cancelled as Thompson heads back to Washington to deal with the government shutdown. Thompson had planned to answer questions about his new legislation to expand background checks and help prevent gun violence on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at the St. Helena Performing Arts Center, 1401 Grayson Ave. in St. Helena. Thompson is part of a bipartisan group in the House that introduced a measure this month that would expand background checks for all gun sales and most gun transfers. Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are returning to California to film episodes of the series American Pickers throughout the region in March. The show is a documentary series that explores the world of antique picking on the History Channel. The show follows Wolfe and Fritz as they hunt for Americas most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them. American Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST (653-7878). Wolfe and Fritz only pick private collections so no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about Americas past along the way. Learners at the new Menzi Primary school started the 2019 academic year with digital boards in front of them, and tablets in hand. Less than a week later, and the school in Langaville in Tsakane township in Ekurhuleni has been robbed. BusinessTech reported on the opening of the school, detailing how it contained 33 smart classrooms and cost over R105 million to build. This included spending on smart technology like tablets for learners. The school also contains two smart science labs, two smart multi-purpose rooms, a library, and dining hall. At the time of the opening, Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi begged the local community to protect the school. If you see someone vandalising these schools, report them to the police, said Lesufi. In protecting the schools, Lesufi said the community would ensure that the learners of Menzi Primary have a shot at competing in the imminent fourth industrial revolution, reported BusinessTech. Robbery His words were prophetic, and News24 reports that the school has been robbed. The report stated that criminals broke down the main vault door to access keys which could unlock the entire school, early on Tuesday morning. Two security guards were allegedly tied up while the theft took place, with the administration and IT offices targeted. 185 tablets were stolen, along with 8 laptops, 2 projectors, 3 desktop PCs, a TV, and R500 cash. Lesufi has subsequently told the local community that they must help find the criminals and the stolen goods, or all the tech equipment will be removed from the school. Schools being robbed This is not the first time a smart school in South Africa has been targeted by criminals looking to take expensive tablets and other tech. In 2015 it was reported that the Gauteng Department of Education was withdrawing 88,000 tablets from seven township schools due to a rise in the number of burglaries. In 2017, it was found that tablets allocated to high schools in Gauteng had been smuggled out of the country and sent to Pakistan and India. This was due to the theft of these tablets. It has also been reported that learners who receive tablets at school carry them around outside of school hours, which makes them a target for criminals. This resulted in the suspension of tablet distribution to certain learners, as the department of education said they were not ready. Menzi Primary Now read: Zimbabwe orders Internet shutdown Netflix has told MyBroadband that price hikes in the US will not influence South African users. A Netflix spokesperson stated that price increases are specific to each country, and the US increase does not influence or indicate a price change in South Africa. The statement comes after Netflix raised its prices in the US this week. The new prices for its streaming packages in the US are: Basic from $8 to $9 from $8 to $9 Standard from $11 to $13 from $11 to $13 Premium from $14 to $16 Its the fourth time Netflix has raised prices since its streaming service launched. The company last raised rates in October 2017, said CNBC on the matter. We love our wildlife here, she said. Wolf hunt Yet Gaertner has no problem with wolves being legally hunted as outlined under Montana regulations. In her area that often means Yellowstone wolves are shot, animals that may have become less wary of humans because tourists visit Yellowstone by the millions each year. Since Montanas first wolf hunting season held in 2009, 37 wolves that spent the majority of their lives in Yellowstone were shot by hunters, Doug Smith, Yellowstones wolf biologist, told the Gazette in December. Eighty percent of the wolves killed were shot in two hunting districts outside the parks boundaries in Montana. A bill sponsored by Sen. Mike Phillips, D-Bozeman, is being drafted for this session of the Montana Legislature that would ban hunting and trapping of wolves next to Yellowstone in Park County. Another bill being drafted would allow wolf hunting at night. It is sponsored by Rep. Bob Brown, R-Thompson Falls. Wolf lovers Wolf hunting contrasts sharply with some park wolf watchers who are so dedicated that they have names for the more visible animals and track their life stories. Whose idea was the Berlin Wall? America's, or Russia's? Since when does the Land of the Free and (Home of i.e. Because of) the Brave need a border wall? Also "pro-life" people exist in more than the Republican (pro life?) Party. When is it right to incarcerate innocent children away from their parents because they are from another country? So were most of our ancestors. The paychecks of our airline security agents as well as many other innocent citizens are being held hostage by our own president to the delight of his buddy Vladimir. Not to mention the other despotic leaders of the world. Seems to me Russia has figured out a way to buy our government. Leaders get your eyes off your fat wallets and do the work you were elected by the people to do. Eleanor Dunn, Butte Love 4 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Drugs, 'stacks' of cash A 32-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after police located large amounts of meth, prescription medication and stacks of cash in his residence. On Tuesday morning, Butte police assisted Butte Pre-Release Center workers in a search of Charles Pettys home in the 700 block of Sampson Street. There, they found large amounts of meth, prescription pills, scales and other paraphernalia. There were also stacks of thousands of dollars, police said, but they were unsure of the exact amount as of Wednesday morning. Petty was cited for two felony counts of drug possession with intent to sell, a property subject to forfeiture felony, a possession of drug paraphernalia misdemeanor and a felony probation violation. Partner/family member assault Police arrested a 38-year-old man who allegedly strangled a woman and held her against her will last week. On Tuesday afternoon, Phillip Arnold was arrested on a warrant for partner or family member assault, a felony. The Tuesday before, a woman had met with police and stated Arnold allegedly strangled her and would not allow her to leave a residence in the 600 block of North Alaska Street. Arnold is being held in the county jail on a $5,000 bond. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 11 BEIRUT The U.S. military says a number of service members were killed Wednesday in an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria the first instance of U.S. casualties since President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw troops from the country last month. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the rare morning attack in the U.S.-patrolled town of Manbij in northern Syria, saying one of its members carried out a suicide attack and detonated his vest filled with explosives. Videos released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered with debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area. A local town council and a Syrian war monitoring group said the blast occurred near a restaurant near the town's main market, near a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition, killing and wounding more than a dozen people. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 people were killed including nine civilians and others were wounded in the blast. It added that at least five U.S.-backed Syrian fighters were also among the dead. July 9, 1958-Jan. 13, 2019 Mary Ann graduated from Butte Central Catholic High School in 1977. She graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1982. While attending MSU, she met the love of her life Rusty Harris and they were married on October 16, 1982. The first 22 years of their marriage together they lived in San Luis Obispo, CA. While in California, they became parents to two wonderful daughters, Ashley and Julianne. Mary Ann's greatest passions were being a mother and an active volunteer in her children's classrooms at Old Mission School. She was also very proud to be 100% Irish and very much enjoyed exploring her Irish heritage. Mary Ann always gave more than she received and was the foundation and strength of her family. Fultons proposal was late but at Andersens urging, it was considered by the committee and the council. Commissioners ultimately went with Wishrock. Andersen said Tuesday that Fultons proposal was late initially, but it was still the best of the three. He had a plan and he had a partner who wanted in and they said they would have some businesses in there within three months, and now nine months have passed and we (the county) are out a bunch more money, Andersen said. The county should seek new developer proposals, he said, and consider any offer at any price. Getting only $500, he said, was better than spending tens of thousands more on utility and security costs. If nothing comes through by March, the building should be mothballed, he said. Shaw and Sorich said they were disappointed that Wishrocks efforts were not fruitful. But Shaw, whose district includes the old complex, said mothballing would send a message that its no longer valued or being shown and marketed, and that would make it harder to find buyers or tenants. We are back to ground zero, square one, but we have an opportunity to get back on board in trying to market it ourselves, she said. BILLINGS Wildlife advocates are asking Montana officials to ban trapping along much of the state's border with Idaho to protect a cat-sized predator living in old-growth forests. Representatives of five environmental groups said in a petition submitted Tuesday to Montana wildlife commissioners that trapping is a serious threat to the Northern Rockies fisher. The fanged predators that feed on porcupines once ranged at least five states. They're now limited to an area straddling the Montana-Idaho border. Federal wildlife officials say at least 100 of the animals were killed in Montana between 2002 and 2016. Idaho prohibits trapping fishers, but 86 were killed by trappers accidentally in that time period. Federal wildlife officials in 2017 said fishers were not in danger of extinction despite worries about habitat loss and trapping. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Its a sad fact that abortion is now the leading cause of death in America not cancer, heart disease/stroke, automobile accidents or drugs. The year-to-date total stands at 55 million dead since Roe vs Wade considered by legal experts to be one of the worst U.S. Supreme Court decisions ever. Mao killed 65 million Chinese. Stalin killed 40 million Russians. Hitler killed 11 million. How very grim that the U.S. rates right up there with the worst of historys butchers. How grim that U.S. taxpayers are forced to support this slaughter, not only here at home but even overseas as Nancy Pelosi et al push to fund international abortion. Fortunately, Donald Trump has made it clear he will veto any such legislation. He should do the same for any funds headed to Planned Parenthood. Pelosi claims to be some sort of Roman Catholic and sanctimoniously quotes St. Francis of Assisi. Maybe she should heed the words of the Pope named for that saint: Every life counts: from the beginning to the end, from conception to natural death. America should heed those words as well and end the holocaust that is abortion. C.A. Disney, Libby You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 2 Funny 3 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 4 The Department of Information and Communications Technology said it is set to sign this week separate agreements with three foreign companies to build cellular towers nationwide. The DICT said it would sign agreements with Nigerias IHS Towers, Malaysias Edotco Towers and China Energy to build common towers in the country. Malaysias Edotco Group specializes in end-to-end solutions in the tower services sector, including co-locations, build-to-suit, energy, transmission and operations, and maintenance. It operates more than 29,000 towers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Pakistan. IHS Towers, meanwhile, provides site build services for mobile network operators in Nigeria. The DICT earlier said that there would be no limitation in the ownership structure of tower companies, with foreigners allowed to own up to 100 percent of these companies. ISOC Infrastructure Inc., the first to sign an agreement with DICT in December, plans to build 25,000 towers nationwide in seven years for P100 billion. The agreement will pave the way for the DICT to support a common tower company in facilitating permits and right of way and provide other government support for infrastructure.The department said it was looking to grant subsidies to common tower companies to build cellular towers in underserved and unserved areas. The agency said the maximum rollout of one tower company would be 25,000 for a seven-year period. Each tower company is projected to invest $2 billion. It said the Philippines would need at least 50,000 cellular towers to have the proper coverage and provide adequate service to the Filipino consumers. The Philippines has around 16,000 towers, covering 8,000 locations at present. Last week, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines reaffirmed his support for term limits in Congress, announcing that he favors a constitutional amendment limiting U.S. senators to two terms and representatives to three. He has supported similar legislation in the previous two congressional sessions as well. But now that his standing in the Senate has been elevated with a seat on a powerful new committee position, perhaps he ought to give deeper consideration to the downsides of term limits. Daines served a single term as Montanas representative in the U.S. House and is in his first term as a senator. From that relatively novice position, it is easy to argue that term limits are necessary in order to prevent politicians from becoming too entrenched. The thinking goes that, by treating the job as a temporary assignment, rather than a lifelong career, politicians are compelled to make the most of their limited time by focusing on legislating, rather than on fundraising for their next re-election campaign. On Dec. 21, 2015, my cousin Lonette Keehner was murdered by two white supremacists in Missoula. It is a day my family will never forget. On the afternoon of that day I began getting phone calls from my aunt and mother on the Blackfeet reservation, then there was a flurry of social media messages. I called Marilyn Marler, then the president of Missoula City Council, and my good friend: Marilyn, have you heard the news of a woman who was murdered, she is my cousin. She immediately said, The chief of police is in the hall, let me talk to him. A police sergeant called me back, The chief asked me to call you, how can I help? My family wants information and justice, I said. Unfortunately, as Native American families know all too well, law enforcement does not always act this efficiently. The recent disappearance of 14-year-old Henny Scott on the Northern Cheyenne reservation was not made public until almost two weeks after she was reported missing, despite her family contacting local authorities. She was ultimately found dead. A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against a state senator from Thompson Falls, filed by a Washington, D.C., group seeking the release of her government emails to determine whether she was conducting business on behalf of an organization pushing the transfer of federal lands to states. The records request ultimately proved Sen. Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, had not misused her official email account, the national government ethics group Campaign for Accountability told the Missoulian on Tuesday. The lawsuit, however, did draw $36,303 in legislative appropriations to pay for her defense because Fielder, as she said then, did not make the request a priority before she and the state were sued for it. "We're happy that the state of Montana worked with us to resolve this lawsuit," Daniel Stevens, executive director at Campaign for Accountability said. "If Senator Fielder had just allowed the state to process our request as the law requires, this could have all been avoided." Fielder on Tuesday declined to comment about the case, but directed a reporter to a statement posted Monday on Facebook: After detection of asbestos last month in McGill Hall at the University of Montana, a cleanup is underway in Rooms 212A, B and C, according to UM. UM communications director Paula Short said the campus identified eight people for "potential exposure" to date; none are students. Short confirmed Tuesday UM had notified all those individuals, a mix of faculty and staff who currently or previously occupied that office suite. She said "pulmonary function tests are being offered to establish baseline function." In an email Monday, Short said she anticipated the cleaning would take roughly another week. She said the air handler supplied only those three rooms and the contamination is contained in those offices. Short said a UM facilities technician responded Dec. 12 to a maintenance call to work on the air handler above the ceiling in Room 212C of McGill Hall. "When he moved a ceiling tile to gain access to the heating unit, which is above the ceiling, he saw the suspect material, which was present on the top of the ceiling tile," Short said. She said the tech notified a UM specialist who is trained to identify materials with asbestos, and the specialist determined the material was consistent with "friable asbestos." The post on which the signal is mounted is about 3 feet away from the bumpy orange pad known as a truncated zone that signifies the entrance to the crosswalk so that delivery trucks that might cut the corner dont knock down the post. And the truncated zone, which is supposed to be from edge to edge across the sidewalk, is about a foot short on each side. If I came up to this corner, I wouldnt be able to find my button, and the tactile arrow on it should point to the other corner, but it doesnt, Sillar said, adding that the planters around the pole also pose hazards. Just because something is up to ADA standards doesnt mean its usable. Lets not say we cant. Lets say we can. I hear a lot of excuses walking around; tell me instead how we can do something. To Travis Hoffman with Summit Independent Living, the lack of handicap accessible parking is one of the largest deterrents he sees in downtown Missoula. Hes counted the available spots, and Missoula is 27 spaces short, according to a federal formula based on the overall number of parking spaces. The filing for corporate rehabilitation by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co. Philippines highlights the risks to Philippine banks asset quality from concentrated loan portfolios, Fitch Ratings said Wednesday. Local banks loans to HHIC-Phil are equivalent to only around 0.2 percent of system loans, but some banks have more significant exposure, which could put pressure on their ratings, Fitch said. Fitch said some mid-sized banks in the Philippines showed higher growth appetite than the large banks in recent years, driven by their ambitions of gaining market share. It said the aggressive growth increased the potential for banks to take on greater exposure to more vulnerable companies, which is a risk that the credit watchdog incorporates in its Philippine bank ratings. However, further large impairments could lead us to reassess banks risk standards and controls, which could be negative for the ratings, Fitch said. Fitch said larger banks also exhibited appetite for growth, but their larger capital bases, higher profitability and better access to capital and funding put them in a stronger position to withstand potential problems with large exposures. Moodys Investors Service earlier said the exposures of BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Land Bank of the Philippines, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. to shipbuilder Hanjin were credit negative because it would reduce their profits. The exposures are credit negative for the five Philippine banks because they will need to incur additional credit charges related to HHIC-Phil, which will reduce their profit, Moodys said. The banks said in separate disclosures to the stock exchange Tuesday they would not be significantly affected by exposures to Hanjin. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas also said in a statement the domestic banking system remained strong and stable. With its robust capitalization and sufficient liquidity buffer, the Philippine banking system is therefore well-positioned to manage about $400 million in loan exposure to Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines, the Bangko Sentral said Wednesday.It said the loan exposure represented only 0.24 percent of total loans of the banking system and 2.49 percent of the foreign currency loans of foreign currency deposit units. Moreover, based on the results of the BSPs stress-testing exercise, an assumed write-off of the loan exposures to Hanjin will have minimal impact on the industrys CAR [capital adequacy ratio], the BSP said. The Bangko Sentral said Philippine banks implemented strategic reforms over the past 20 years that resulted in higher capitalization and stronger risk management systems to manage potential threats, it said. Total assets of the banking system expanded 11 percent in 2018, the bulk of which were largely channeled to production loans. The increase in the loan portfolio is supported by sound credit risk management consistent with the BSPs comprehensive guidelines on CRM issued in October 2014. These guidelines set a higher standard in managing risk arising from the banks lending operations., the regulator said. The CRM guidelines also require banks to set aside allowance for expected credit losses, prompting them to be cognizant of potential losses in their loan portfolio even at an early stage. This has resulted in strong asset quality as indicated by the decline in banks non-performing loans ratio to 1.83 percent while loan loss provisioning exceeding 100 percent as of end-October 2018, it said. Latest data howed that the local banking industry was well-capitalized, with a capital adequacy ratio of 15.36 percent as of September 2018, above the international standard of 8 percent and the BSPs regulatory requirement of 10 percent. With more than adequate capital base, the banking system continued to post strong core earnings. As of end-September 2018, the banking systems net profit grew 5.8 percent compared to the previous years level. The industry remained liquid. Data showed that as of end-September 2018, the liquidity coverage ratio of universal and commercial banks stood at 157.6 percent on solo basis, above the current regulatory threshold of 100 percent. Share Pin Email Reddit WhatsApp 42 Shares Heritage Week celebrates cultural heritage and historic places across BC and Canada. In 2019, the theme is Heritage: The Tie That Binds. The Vancouver Heritage Foundation (VHF) will be offering events that celebrate the power heritage has to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. VHF is offering several opportunities during the week to explore historic places, and to learn about and celebrate cultural heritage. Vancouver Heritage Week When:February 18 to February 24, 2019 Heritage Hall on Main Street Places That Matter Community Celebration Wednesday, February 20, 2019 6:00pm to 8:30pm Heritage Hall (3102 Main Street, Vancouver) Free, all are welcome! After a very positive response to this event in 2018, VHF is bringing a new group of speakers, plus musicians, food and refreshments, and community displays to a new venue (Heritage Hall) Oakridge Community History Walking Tour Sunday, February 24, 2019 10:00am to 12:00pm Register here $20 Tour the Oakridge neighbourhood with Michael Schwartz of the Jewish Museum & Archives of BC to learn about the vibrant Jewish communitys roots and legacy in this transforming area. Tea at Chinatown House Saturday, February 23, 2019 1:30pm to 3:00pm Chinatown House, 188 East Pender Street Register here, $20 (incl. tax) The cultural heritage of Chinatown is a core aspect of what makes this neighbourhood unique as a historic place but also a living community. Join VHF for a visit to Chinatown House, a new hub in a converted building that is providing space for co-working and cultural programming. Hear about the project from Leslie Shieh, co-founder of Tomo Spaces and learn about the intangible cultural heritage of the area from Helen Lee, a planner with the City of Vancouvers Chinatown Transformation Team. In exploring the important role of intangible heritage to Chinatowns revitalization and conservation, Helen will be joined by Cantonese instructor and certified tea master, Christine Wong, who will serve tea and discuss its relevance in Chinese traditions and everyday practices. There will also be a special reading from the recently published Journeys of Hope: Challenging Discrimination and Building on Vancouver Chinatowns Legacies. BONUS: Architectural Photography Workshop and Tour at the Orpheum Register here, $30 Outside of Heritage Week Sunday, February 9, 1:00pm to 4:00pm Develop your photography skills while discovering the history of the Orpheum, which recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. This 3-hour photography workshop and tour explores the history and architecture of this celebrated theatre. Explore the eclectic mix of Moroccan, Indian, British and Spanish architectural influences with Historian John Atkin. During the tour Architectural Photographer Martin Knowles will offer tips and tricks of the trade to get the best photographs of the lobby spaces. Gain useful information for how to balance light, form and scale to make the most of the beautiful subject matter. Open to all skill levels. Please bring your own photographic equipment. Tripods are recommended. Heritage Week offers a chance for all Canadians to visit museums, historic sites and cultural centres and connect with others in learning about and celebrating cultural heritage. Follow the Vancouver Heritage Foundation on Twitter and Facebook for more event updates. RELATED: Vancouver in 1919 Michael-in-Norfolk disclaims any and all responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, completeness, legality, reliability, operability, or availability of information or material displayed on this site and does not claim credit for any images or articles featured on this site, unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to it's respectful owners. Information on this site may contain errors or inaccuracies, and Michael-in-Norfolk does not make warranty as to the correctness or reliability of the site's content. If you own rights to any of the images or articles, and do not wish them to appear on this site, please contact Michael-in-Norfolk via e-mail and they will be promptly removed. Michael-in-Norfolk contains links to other Internet sites. These links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information or content in such site has been endorsed or approved by this blog. The State Board of Education had its first and only meeting before the Legislative session begins in March and the board members indicated that they hope lawmakers revisit some of the most heated issues in education. School safety was constantly mentioned as a top priority for this year, by all members but especially by Andrew Pollack, the father of Meadow Pollack who was killed in last years shooting in Parkland. Wednesday marked Pollacks first meeting as a member of the state board since he was appointed by former Gov. Rick Scott as one of Scotts final actions . Since the shooting, Pollack has risen to prominence in his calls for greater accountability in Broward County, and he made clear that his tenure as a board member would have the same theme. A lot of these districts have bureaucrats and they dont know what the word urgency means," he said, before suggesting there should be strong penalties for schools that dont comply with last years school safety law. Theres no accountability for not putting our kids' safety first. Board member Michael Olenick said the Legislature should consider increasing funding for both armed school security and for increased mental health programs in schools. Both those elements were crucial pieces of last years SB 7026, the monumental law that was passed following the Parkland shooting which requires all public schools to have armed protection, either through law enforcement officers or trained school staff. We all have the same goal but its individual ways we achieve that goal that has to be looked at, he said, adding that districts should be allowed greater flexibility with how they use the guardian program to arm school staff. Olenick also said the Legislature must address Floridas growing teacher shortage, as well as consider adjustments to requirements for school building construction, which he said are antiquated and make erecting new buildings too expensive. Richard Corcoran, who attended the meeting in Pensacola for the first time as Commissioner of Education, said hes certain that Gov. Ron DeSantis is also going to advocate for those same ideas. Whether its increasing mental health funding, finding a way to improve upon teacher recruitment and retention, school security and ways to work with the districts in creating easier pathways and on school construction ... theyre front and center on his agenda, he said. Were going to move forward on all four of those in a very dramatic way. There was much anticipation in the education world surrounding Corcorans first meeting, as many looked to see whether his reputation as an aggressive House Speaker and political arm-wrestler would follow him into his new position. But he did not speak at great length at any point during the meeting, other than to follow agenda items where he made a presentation to the board on failing schools seeking approval for a second year of district-managed turnaround. During that portion, he successfully recommended that two schools to be denied, including North Side Elementary School in Broward County, which had slipped from a D to an F in its first year of its turnaround program. Obviously were dealing with people who even with the (state turnaround) criteria, cant figure it out," he quipped. He also harkened back to a major piece of legislation that he championed last year: the Hope Scholarships, which are offered to students who said theyve been bullied so they can attend another public or private school. During the meeting, Step Up for Students Chief Financial Officer Joe Pfountz said that only 60 students have so far been approved for that scholarship, citing a lack of public awareness and troubles getting correct documentation about the reported bullying incidents. Corcoran assured the board that there are changes in the works, and said that the remaining funds collected for that scholarship could be directed to students on the waiting list for other scholarships administered through Step Up. He said the bullying scholarships are anticipated to generate $46 million, which it wont come close to spending. The money is raised by Floridians checking a box when they buy a car to redirect $105 of their state sales tax to Step Up for Students for this program. @blaskey_s @alextdaugherty A rookie commissioner from a South Florida beach city is facing calls for her resignation after she called newly elected Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib a danger and said the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress may decide to become a martyr and blow up Capitol Hill. From Washington to South Florida, the post has been called indefensible and racist. Thats terrible, Tlaib said when informed of the Facebook post by the Miami Herald. She said the comments were part of a national campaign to penalize supporters of Palestinian rights. Five days after Tlaib made national headlines for a vow to help fellow Democrats impeach the mother------, a reference to President Donald Trump, Hallandale Beach commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub signed an online petition to remove Tlaib from office. She then shared it on Facebook along with racially charged comments first reported by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Proudly signed, the first-term South Florida commissioner wrote when she shared a We the People petition on Facebook. A Hamas-loving anti-Semite has NO place in government! She is a danger and [I] would not put it past her to become a martyr and blow up Capitol Hill. Lima-Taub told the Miami Herald her support for removing Tlaib from office had little to do with the possible offense Tlaib caused Trump and his supporters. She also ignored critics who called for an immediate apology for the offensive post, and instead justified her actions by pointing to Tlaibs stance on Israel. My issue with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is her affiliation with the BDS movement, Hamas, Hezbollah and CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Lima-Taub told the Miami Herald. (BDS refers to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel.) CAIR-Florida called for Lima-Taubs immediate resignation after learning of the post. To say someone might be a terrorist because they are Muslim is wrong, said Hallandale Beach Commissioner Mike Butler. He said members of all faiths are welcome in the South Florida City. Read more here. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned Tuesday that Airbnb faces sanctions over its decision not to list properties in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, arguing that the policy is discriminatory and may violate a state law that prohibits Florida from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. Floridas State Board of Administration is preparing to present findings at the end of the month on whether the popular tourism service should be placed on a state list of scrutinized companies that boycott Israel, DeSantis said Tuesday. Administrators have not yet made a recommendation to the SBAs board of trustees, which is composed of Floridas governor, attorney general and chief financial officer. DeSantis said he hopes Airbnb will make the controversy moot by reversing its position. But Floridas new governor also made clear during a visit to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach Countys Boca Raton headquarters Tuesday that he believes Airbnbs policy regarding the West Bank which he referred to as the Biblical heartland of Judea and Samaria is anti-Semitic, and said the company is dangerously close to making it onto Floridas hit list. We have a moral obligation to oppose the Airbnb policy. It does target Jews specifically. I think thats wrong, said DeSantis, who declared Tuesday that state employees will no longer be reimbursed for stays at Airbnb properties while on government business. Airbnb claims its a company of inclusion and yet this policy only affects Jews who have homes on the West Bank. It doesnt appear to apply to anyone else on the face of the earth. In announcing in November that it would not list roughly 200 homes in Israeli settlements, the popular home-sharing platform explained that it was uncomfortable doing business in an occupied territory subject to a historical dispute between Palestinians and Israelis. Much of the world considers Israels West Bank settlements, built on land Israel claimed in the 1967 war, to be a violation of international law. The United Nations considers the West Bank an occupied territory. Airbnb denied Tuesday that it is anti-Semitic, or that it has discriminated against Jews. Read the rest here. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A large majority of the world's 3.4 billion smartphone users are putting their necks at risk every time they send a text, according to new research involving the University of South Australia. 'Text neck,' as it is colloquially called, places stress on the spine and alters the neck's natural curve, increasing the likelihood of associated soft tissue discomfort. A recent international study published in PLOS One, highlights the high ergonomic risks to smartphone users, particularly young people, who are experiencing neck pain earlier than previous generations. Researchers from Khon Kaen University video recorded 30 smartphone users in Thailand aged between 18-25 years, who spend up to eight hours a day on their phones. Using a Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tool (RULA) to measure ergonomic risk levels, they found that the average score for the participants was 6, compared to an acceptable score of between 1-2. "The results identified issues with unsuitable neck, trunk and leg postures which lead to musculoskeletal disorders," says lead researcher Suwalee Namwongsa. RULA has been used to assess the ergonomic impacts of desktop computers and laptops in the past but this is believed to be the first time the tool has been used to assess ergonomic risk levels of excessive smartphone use. Dr. Rose Boucaut, a UniSA physiotherapist involved in the paper, says the awkward postures adopted by smartphone users can adversely affect the soft tissues. "Smartphone users typically bend their neck slightly forward when reading and writing text messages. They also sometimes bend or twist their neck sideways and put their upper body and legs in awkward positions," Dr. Boucaut says. "These postures put uneven pressure on the soft tissues around the spine, that can lead to discomfort." In a separate study published this month in the journal WORK, the same researchers also surveyed 779 Thai university students who use smartphones, with 32 per cent reporting neck pain, 26 per cent shoulder pain, 20 per cent upper back pain and 19 per cent wrist and hand pain. Musculoskeletal disorders were more common among students with higher smartphone use (more than five hours a day) and those who smoked and did little exercise. Female smartphone users also experienced far more musculoskeletal disorders than men 71 per cent compared to 28 per cent. This study is the first to show the association between smoking, smartphone use and neck pain. Of the 11 students who identified themselves as current smokers, nine of them had musculoskeletal disorders. The low number of smokers reflects the no-smoking policy of the Khon Kaen University. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated that cigarette smoking is harmful not only to lungs but also to soft tissues, decreasing healing time at a cellular level. Dr. Boucaut says the findings should be communicated to health professionals who treat people with neck and back pain and may not always link their symptoms to smartphone use. "It is also doubtful whether people experiencing back and neck pain (especially young people) are aware it could be as a result of excessive smartphone use," Dr. Boucaut says. "Health practitioners need to educate their patients about safe postures and curtailing time spent using smartphones to help prevent these issues." Some smartphone companies are now sending unsolicited messages to their customers notifying them of their average time spent on daily smartphone use. "This feedback may help users connect neck discomfort with smartphone use and encourage them to reduce time spent texting," Dr. Boucaut says. More information: Suwalee Namwongsa et al. Ergonomic risk assessment of smartphone users using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool, PLOS ONE (2018). Journal information: PLoS ONE Suwalee Namwongsa et al. Ergonomic risk assessment of smartphone users using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool,(2018). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203394 Lenore Jarvis, M.D., M.Ed, an emergency medicine specialist at Children's National Health System. Credit: Children's National Health System Over the past several decades, it's become increasingly recognized that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), including postpartum depression, are more than just "baby blues." They're the most common complication of childbirth in the U.S., affecting about 14 percent of women in their lifetimes and up to 50 percent in some specific populations. PMADs can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies, including poor breastfeeding rates, poor maternal-infant bonding, lower infant immunization rates and maternal suicides that account for up to 20 percent of postpartum deaths. But while it's obvious that PMADs are a significant problem, finding a way to solve this issue is far from clear. In a policy statement published December 2018 in the journal Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatric medical homes coordinate more effectively with prenatal providers to ensure PMAD screening occurs for new mothers at well-child checkups throughout the first several weeks and months of infancy and use community resources and referrals to ensure women suffering with these disorders receive follow-up treatment. To help solve the huge issue of PMADs requires a more comprehensive approach, suggests Lenore Jarvis, M.D., MEd, an emergency medicine specialist at Children's National Health System. A poster that Dr. Jarvis and colleagues from Children's Perinatal Mental Health Taskforce recently presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2018 National Convention and Exhibit in Orlando, Florida, details the integrated care to help women with PMADs that originated at Children's National and is being offered at several levels, including individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy. The poster was ranked best in its section for the Council on Early Childhood. At the base level of care for mothers with possible PMADs, Dr. Jarvis says, are the one-on-one screenings that take place in primary care clinics. Currently, all five of Children's primary care clinics screen for mental health concerns at annual visits. At the 2-week, 1-, 2-, 4-, and 6-month visits, mothers are screened for PMADs using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, a validated tool that's long been used to gauge the risk of postpartum depression. In addition, recent studies at Children's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and emergency department (ED) suggest that performing PMAD screenings in these settings as well could help catch even more women with these disorders: About 45 percent of parents had a positive screen for depression at NICU discharge, and about 27 percent of recent mothers had positive screens for PMADs in the ED. To further these efforts, Children's National recently started a Perinatal Mental Health Taskforce to promote multidisciplinary collaboration and open communication with providers among multiple hospital divisions. This taskforce is working together to apply lessons learned from screening in primary care, the NICU and the ED to discuss best practices and develop hospital-wide recommendations. They're also sharing their experiences with hospitals across the country to help them develop best practices for helping women with PMADs at their own institutions. Furthering its commitment to PMAD screening, Children's National leadership set a goal of increasing screening in primary care by 15 percent for fiscal year 2018then exceeded it. Children's National is also helping women with PMADs far outside the hospital's walls by developing a PMAD screening toolkit for other providers in Washington and across the country and by connecting with community partners through the DC Collaborative for Mental Health in Pediatric Primary Care. In April 2019, the hospital will host a regional perinatal mental health conference that not only will include its own staff but also staff from other local hospitals and other providers who care for new mothers, including midwives, social workers, psychologists, community health workers and doulas. Finally, on a federal level, Dr. Jarvis and colleagues are part of efforts to obtain additional resources for PMAD screening, referral and treatment. They successfully advocated for Congress to fully fund the Screening and Treatment for Maternal Depression program, part of the 21st Century Cures Act. And locally, they provided testimony to help establish a task force to address PMADs in Washington. Together, Dr. Jarvis says, these efforts are making a difference for women with PMADs and their families. "All this work demonstrates that you can take a problem that is very personal, this individual experience with PMADS, and work together with a multidisciplinary team in collaboration to really have an impact and promote change across the board," she adds. Explore further Researchers present new guidelines for treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders based on new study Researchers Subhash Tripathi, Ankitha Shetty and Tommi Valikangas from Turku Centre for Biotechnology celebrate the new publication. The study is part of the dissertation research of Ankitha Shetty and Tommi Valikangas. The research groups of Academy Professor Riitta Lahesmaa and Research Director Laura Elo from Turku Centre for Biotechnology have discovered new proteins that regulate T cells in the human immune system. Some of these proteins are possible targets for drug development in treating immune-mediated diseases. The discovery was published in the new iScience journal. The newly discovered regulatory proteins differ significantly from the regulators in mouse immune cells, which have been reported earlier. Some of the proteins regulating the transcription of several genes, such as SATB1, function in the opposite way in humans compared to mice. The findings open new prospects in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis. "The differences in the immune system cell regulators in mouse and human revealed by protein-level analyses are in line with our earlier findings. To understand the special characteristics of the human T cell regulation, studies on human cells are necessary to advance translational research," says Professor Riitta Lahesmaa. T cells are critical in regulating the immune response. They can also cause inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis or type 1 diabetes. Researchers from Turku Centre for Biotechnology of the University of Turku and Abo Akademi University in Finland used a proteomic approach they have optimised to discover how protein levels in T cells change over time so that they start causing inflammation. The team identified new cell regulators and gained information on the cell differentiation process, which can be a starting point for planning new ways of preventing cells from becoming inflammatory. Explore further Research group discovers a new immune system regulator More information: Subhash K. Tripathi et al, Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Dynamic Protein Landscape during Initiation of Human Th17 Cell Polarization, iScience (2018). Subhash K. Tripathi et al, Quantitative Proteomics Reveals the Dynamic Protein Landscape during Initiation of Human Th17 Cell Polarization,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.12.020 Land Bank of the Philippines offered to acquire the shares of the Philippine Stock Exchange in Philippine Dealing Systems Holdings Corp. for P281.96 million The PSE said in a disclosure to the stock exchange it received a letter from LandBank offering to purchase the bourses PDSHC shares for P215 apiece, or significantly lower compared with the price last year. The offer of Land Bank is valid until 31 January 2019. The company is studying the offer and will make a recommendation to the companys board of directors, the PSE said. The PDSE in April reported it received an offer from LandBank to buy out its shares in PDSHC for P472.12 million, which was equivalent to P360 per share. The PSE owns roughly a 20-percent interest in PDSHC, which operates the countrys fixed-income exchange. LandBank sought to take over the bond exchange operator after continued delays in the planned merger of PDS Holdings with the PSE that began in 2013.The PSE also planned to take over PDS and even secured share purchase agreements with several PDS shareholders owning a combined 72-percent stake. But until the expiration of the SPAs on March 31, the PSE failed to secure an exemptive relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission on the 20 percent single-industry ownership limit. The PSE had failed to reduce brokers ownership in the stock exchange to 20 percent, one of conditions set by the regulator. With the expiration of the SPAs, shareholders of PDS were free to entertain other offers. Aside from PSE, the other big shareholders of PDS are Singapore Stock Exchange and Bankers Association of the Philippines, Tata Consultancy Services Asia Pacific Phils, San Miguel Corp., Philippine America Life and General Insurance Co., Development Bank of the Philippines, Social Security System and Citibank NA. This ultrasound image shows a breast mass (at arrow) highly suspicious of cancer. A biopsy revealed ductal carcinoma in situ, the earliest form of breast cancer with low risk of becoming invasive. Credit: Radiology, 2016 In American women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death. While routine screening helps to detect breast cancer, existing technology frequently identifies suspicious lesions that turn out not to be cancer. In fact, up to 80 percent of the biopsies performed reveal the suspicious areas are not cancerous. A team of scientists at Washington University in St. Louis is evaluating a noninvasive imaging technique that could help radiologists differentiate cancer from benign tumors and thereby significantly reduce unnecessary biopsies, health care costs and stress for patients. Quing Zhu, professor of biomedical engineering in the School of Engineering & Applied Science and of radiology in the School of Medicine, and Steven Poplack, MD, professor of radiology at the School of Medicine's Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology and a breast-imaging radiologist at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the School of Medicine, received nearly $2 million from the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to investigate the technique and its effectiveness over the next five years. Zhu uses ultrasound-guided diffuse light tomography, an imaging method that relies on near-infrared light to get a better look at the blood vessels within the suspicious mass. Her unique approach uses a commercial ultrasound transducer and near-infrared optical imaging sensors mounted on a hand-held ultrasound probe. The ultrasound locates the mass in the breast, and optical sensors take images of the total hemoglobin concentration in the mass. Hemoglobin, which is carried by red blood cells, absorbs the near-infrared light. A higher level of hemoglobin raises suspicion for cancer, while lower levels reduce suspicion. Zhu, a pioneer of combining ultrasound and near-infrared imaging modalities for cancer diagnosis and treatment assessment, and her team recently performed a retrospective study of 288 patients with breast tumors to assess the potential clinical impact of their technique on the decision of whether or not to perform a biopsy. Using a conservative threshold for the total hemoglobin present in the tumors as well as the clinical evaluation by two radiologists, Zhu's team found that the number of referrals for biopsy would have been reduced by 45 percent with the optical imaging technique. To test the method, Zhu and Poplack's team is planning a clinical trial that will involve about 300 patients recruited from the Joanne Knight Breast Health Center at Siteman Cancer Center. The patients will have undergone mammograms that have identified suspicious lesions and will be referred for biopsies. When breast tumors are identified through imaging, they are rated on a scale of 2 to 5, with 2 being benign and 5 being highly suggestive of cancer. Biopsies are generally performed on a tumor rated 4 (suspicious) or higher, although the majority of abnormalities that are sent for biopsy are found to be benign. "Before the biopsy, these patients will have the ultrasound-guided diffuse light tomography scan," said Poplack, also the Ronald and Hannah Evens Endowed Chair in Women's Health at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "We'll ask the radiologist to decide how suspicious the tumor is based on conventional imaging, then we'll give them the information from the diffuse light tomography and ask if their assessment changed." In addition, a smaller group of patients will undergo conventional imaging then a contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM), in which patients receive an iodine-based injection prior to mammography. In general, cancerous tumors absorb the iodine-based material more than benign tumors or normal breast tissue. Similar to the adjunctive use of diffuse light tomography, radiologists will determine if their initial assessment changed upon reading the results of the contrast-enhanced mammogram. Zhu and Poplack will compare the results of both the ultrasound-guided diffuse light tomography scan and the contrast-enhanced mammogram to determine if either method could be used to eliminate the need for some biopsies and how frequently the two technologies agree. "One of the nice things about optical imaging is that you have very objective criteria," Poplack said. "We can calculate the hemoglobin concentrationan objective numberand based on previous experience, establish rules that say below this concentration, the likelihood of cancer is really low, and above this concentration, the likelihood is really high." The optical imaging technology presents no harm to patients and is very inexpensive to use, Poplack said. "It has a lot of potential and promise as a diagnostic application, and that's why we want to evaluate this technology in a clinical trial," he said. Explore further Noninvasive combination technique may reduce number of breast biopsies It is hoped machine perfusion could increase the number of organs viable for transplant, saving more lives and reducing liver transplant waiting lists. Credit: University of Birmingham A procedure assessed by NICE and used in research led by the University of Birmingham has been hailed as an exciting development in increasing the number of livers which can be safely used for transplantation. A perfusion machine can keep the donated liver viable for transplantation for longer. The machine reduces the rate of tissue deterioration that occurs after the liver has been removed from the donor and extends how long the liver can be stored before transplantation. Variations of the technique can also allow the liver to be flushed with blood at body temperature and supplied with oxygen, medications and nutrients allowing its viability and function to be assessed. It is hoped machine perfusion could increase the number of organs viable for transplant, saving more lives and reducing liver transplant waiting lists. Liver transplantation is a highly successful treatment for end-stage liver disease, which kills 11,000 people a year in England. Deaths from liver disease have soared by 25 per cent in a decade and continue to rise, while the average age of death from liver disease (currently 50-59 years) continues to decrease. Today NICE has issued final guidance which recommends the procedureex-vivo machine perfusion for extracorporeal preservation of livers for transplantationis used under special arrangements as more data is gathered into its efficacy. NICE's independent advisory committee did not identify any major safety concerns. Surgeons undertaking the procedure must inform patients about the uncertainty of the procedure's efficacy, comply with the relevant regulatory and legal requirements of the Human Tissue Authority and should enter details about all patients having this procedure into the NHSBT UK transplant registry. NHS England and commissioners will decide whether they fund the procedure. However research is already taking place at centres around the UK including studies by experts from the University of Birmingham's Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research in the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust's Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre. University of Birmingham Honorary Professor Darius Mirza, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: "In the 30 years I've been involved with transplantation there have been three or four events which have been game changers and I'm absolutely certain we are looking at a game changer that will change the way we practice organ storage and transplantation. "It is already changing practice at the centres that have been able to use this technology either within clinical trials or within an expansion of service evaluation." Professor Kevin Harris, programme director and clinical advisor for the Interventional Procedures Programme at NICE, said: "This procedure offers hope for patients needing a liver transplant. It offers another way of preserving the liver, and assessing whether livers which might have previously been considered unsuitable, can be used safely. "The latest evidence reviewed by a NICE committee concluded that the procedure worked well and was safe to be offered to patients who had been fully informed of the risks and benefits. Clinicians should seek approval from their trust's management and record all data from the procedure in a database. "By using this procedure, more patients on the organ transplant waiting list could be offered a chance of a transplant and there-by potentially extending their lives." Sue Bennett, 45, a mother of three from Ranton in Staffordshire, had a liver transplant using this new technique in 2015. She said: "I signed up for the trial not knowing I would be one of the first to have this procedure in the country. Before my transplant I was very ill. I was losing weight, I couldn't sleep and my quality of life was quite low. "I had a transplant after the hospital found a donor who was a match. The liver was kept alive using this procedure overnight and I was able to have the operation the following day. Nine days later I was back home. "Having a transplant has changed my life. I've joined the gym, got fit and gone back to work and did some voluntary work for the Staffordshire Search and Rescue team and I also compete nationally and internationally in the Transplant Games as a member of the Team GB transplant team. "My life is unbelievably wonderful. I'm very healthy, I'm very happy and very active. I think I've been very lucky." John Forsythe, associate medical director at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: "There has been a huge amount of research in the area of preservation and perfusion methods that allow us to both assess precious donor organs and to enhance their function. This could potentially mean the organ works better and improve transplant outcomes. "Many of the lead researchers in the area of transplant preservation and perfusion techniques are in UK and it is good to see UK researchers continue to be at the forefront in this field. "Transplantation wouldn't be possible without the generosity of organ donors and their families." Vanessa Hebditch, director of policy at the British Liver Trust said, "Every year hundreds of people with advanced liver disease die whilst waiting for a transplant. "This new device offers real hope as it may improve transplant outcomes and allow livers that were previously thought to be unsuitable to be used and also increase the time that livers are able to be kept. "It is an exciting development that has the potential to shorten waiting list times and reduce mortality rates from advanced liver disease. After transplant, the vast majority of people go on to lead full and healthy lives and it is truly amazing to see the transformation." For the financial year ending 31 March 2018, there were 1,043 liver transplants in the UK and 359 patients on the UK active transplant list, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. The number of patients on the active transplant list reached a ten year high in 2015 when 611 patients were on the waiting list. However the large drop attributed to the 2018 figure may be due to the introduction of the National Liver Offering Scheme (NLOS) in March 2018. Explore further Ground-breaking study tests whether rejected livers can be made viable for transplantation Credit: CC0 Public Domain Republican and Democratic governors have strikingly different visions for the future of health care, according to a new analysis published in the American Journal of Public Health. While Republican leaders favor maintaining or shrinking public health insurance programs, Democratic leaders are advancing several new proposals to expand public coverage, including "public option" and single-payer health reforms. Researchers analyzed the health care platforms of the 72 Republican and Democratic nominees running for governor in the 2018 election, examining position statements posted on campaign websites. They identified four major health care reform proposals advanced by gubernatorial candidates: introducing work requirements for Medicaid, expanding Medicaid in states that have not yet done so, creating a public insurance option, and transitioning to a state-based single-payer system. Five Republican nominees proposed adding work requirements for their state's Medicaid program, of whom one was elected (in Ohio). In the 22 states that had previously expanded Medicaid, no candidate from either party proposed rolling back coverage. Six Democratic nominees proposed creating a new public insurance option to compete alongside private plans, of whom five were elected. Importantly, a public option was proposed by newly elected governors in Illinois, Colorado, New Mexico, and Maine who will be working with Democratic state legislatures, bolstering the political viability of reform. Seven Democratic nominees proposed single-payer health care plans, of whom three were elected. These newly elected governorsin California, Colorado, and New Mexicowill all be working with Democratic-controlled state legislatures. All Democratic nominees included health care platforms on their campaign websites, but only half of Republican nominees did so. Their omission did not appear to have electoral consequences: 13 of the 18 Republicans offering no health care platform won their elections. According to Micah Johnson, an author of the AJPH article and M.D. candidate at Harvard Medical School, "With a divided government in Washington, states have an opening to provide leadership on health reform in the next two years. State efforts to expand public coverage could serve as a model for future national reform, much as the Massachusetts health reform plan in 2006 provided the blueprint for the Affordable Care Act." Sanjay Kishore, an author of the article and M.D. candidate at Harvard Medical School, said, "At a time when many voters consider health care their top priority, it's remarkable that ten candidates for governor led with a platform of single-payer or a public option, reforms never achieved anywhere in the U.S. This may signal a desire for more progressive health policy." Explore further New York announces $100 million universal health care plan More information: Micah Johnson et al, Laboratories of Democracy: Health Care Reform Platforms in the 2018 Governor Elections, American Journal of Public Health (2019). Journal information: American Journal of Public Health Micah Johnson et al, Laboratories of Democracy: Health Care Reform Platforms in the 2018 Governor Elections,(2019). DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2018.304890 Provided by Physicians for a National Health Program Were taking a break from the increasingly ridiculous game of chicken playing out in Washington and invading our TVs and other forms of communication. Instead, well offer something else: reports of scientific advances and discoveries underway. If you havent been paying attention to astronomy (and not enough people do), you probably missed this astronomical news: A telescope in Canada has picked up repetitive fast radio bursts, the source of which scientists are trying to determine. Theyve picked up these types of signals before, but repetitive signals from the same source have been detected only one other time, according to Scientific American, citing an upcoming Nature journal report. However, scientists believe we will detect many, many more. Meanwhile, NASAs New Horizons mission has unveiled an entirely new kind of world called Ultima Thule, the most distant object ever explored. More data, including images, are expected over the next month. But get this: Last month, on Christmas Eve, the scientists sent a message from volunteers on Earth and beamed it toward New Horizons and Ultima Thule. (The message chosen was Keep on Exploring! according to the NASA report.) TWIN FALLS In the early 1850s, a small group in Utica, N.Y., formed the Independent Order of Good Templars men and women devoted to promoting a life of temperance. Their motto: Friendship, Hope and Charity. A half-century later, the IOGT made its way to Twin Falls, joining the usual secret societies Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Loyal Order of Moose, Freemasons, Knights of the Templars, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a few social clubs unique to Twin Falls women Mothers Study and Surprise Club, Morningside Club, Country Womens Club and the Syringa Club, a literature group that soon became the Twentieth Century Club. The first Twentieth Century Club, founded in the late 19th century in Buffalo, N.Y., claims to be the first club in the U.S. to be run by women, for women. Womens civic clubs across the nation flourished as a way to participate in social causes before women had the right to vote. The womens clubs each had a specific focus, said KennieLynn Klingback, historian for the Syringa Club in Sweet, near Emmett. But for many, the weekly or monthly meetings were a social outlet. It was mothers day out, Klingback said. August 23, 1939January 12, 2019 Barbara A Kreft, age 79, of Twin Falls, ID, passed away suddenly in her home on January 12, 2019. She was born in Twin Falls, ID on August 23, 1939 to Ann and Leonard Titmus. She graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1958. On September 19, 1959 she married the love of her life, Phil Kreft. They later had two children Kevin and Karie. Barbara worked in retail most of her adult life, including The Paris, VanEngelens and Macys/Bon Marche. She loved what she did and was amazing at her job. Her personality sparkled, people loved coming into Macys (The Bon Marche) and seeing her contagious smile. She later retired from there in 2007. She loved spending time with her family at the cabin every chance they could. Yearly trips to the Oregon Coast and visiting her mother and stepfathers ranch every summer is what she looked forward to. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Phil Kreft, her mother Ann Proctor and father Leonard Titmus, her grandson, Jeremy Eldredge and brother Gene Titmus. She is survived by her son Kevin (Melody) Kreft, daughter Karie (Kenny) Eldredge, granddaughters Lindsey (Chris) Collins, Elizabeth Kreft, grandsons Quincy (Kristen) Shell, Tyler (Danielle) Kreft, and Isaac Kreft. Great granddaughters, Camille and Camber Collins, Syndal and Makaesyn Shell, and Abigail Kreft. But the proposed standards are in line with a handful of other states that have also implemented caseload limits, Elliott said. Sixteen states have some kind of standards in place; of those, five states have felony limits of roughly 200 cases, and five others have felony limits of about 150 cases. The remaining six use a non-comparable weighted caseload standard. Twin Falls County is among the counties that do not currently meet the new standards, Griesmeyer said Tuesday. County Commissioner Jack Johnson told the Times-News on Tuesday that the commission board wasnt aware of any changes in the public defenders office that would need to be made under the new standards. The last meeting we had with the Public Defense Commission rep indicated we kind of have a poster program here, Johnson said, adding that the chief public defender was out of the office this week. I havent seen anything come down to indicate otherwise. The new standards also include a cap of two capital felony cases per year. In Owyhee County, which contracts with one public defender and subcontracts with additional defense attorneys if necessary, one capital case could take up half of the only public defenders workload for a year, Commissioner Kelly Aberasturi pointed out. She gleaned lots of information for us, Adams said. Organizers hope to launch a museum website soon, and have already created Facebook and Instagram pages. In November, they met with city staff in Twin Falls and Jerome to give them a heads up about the project and get feedback. The Twin Falls School District hasnt been directly involved with the childrens museum nonprofit, Superintendent Brady Dickinson said Tuesday. Teri Fattig, director of the College of Southern Idahos library and Herrett Center for Arts and Science, said in a voice message Tuesday to the Times-News she isnt involved with the childrens museum group either. I feel its a great thing thats coming to Twin Falls. Beth Oppenheimer, executive director for the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, said she hadnt heard about the new Magic Valley childrens museum nonprofit. I think these childrens museums geared toward younger children is certainly needed in our communities, she said Tuesday. Oppenheimer said she talked about a year ago with the founder of the Childrens Museum of Idaho in Meridian about early childhood education, but the Idaho AEYC didnt have much involvement in the project. Across Idaho, there arent many facilities such as museums or play spaces for young children, Oppenheimer said. As for childrens museums, we are really thrilled to have that environment for children and families to play and gather because so often, I think were missing out on those play-based environments because theyre hard to come by. Love 8 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 HAGERMAN The Hagerman Historical Society will host College of Southern Idaho geology professor Shawn Willsey lecturing on the major geologic events that shaped the Hagerman Valley. The presentation will be at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Hagerman Senior Center, 140 E. Lake St. Willsey will speak on varying topics, from underlying ancient volcanoes and eruptions to the creation of lakes from lava flows and the effects of the Bonneville flood. Willsey earned a bachelors of science in geology at Weber State University, then pursued a masters degree at Northern Arizona University. He came to teach at CSI in 2004 and became a licensed professional geologist in the Idaho in April 2007. Willsey is married and has a daughter and two sons. In his spare time, he likes to explore the geology of the western U.S. and abroad. He is the author of Geology Underfoot in Southern Idaho and will have his books available for sale. For more information, call Darlene at 208-850-9996. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 No country can hope to obtain internal security, sustain its sovereignty, maintain stability or protect the treasures of its democracy, culture, values and financial strength without sound border security. We would not need a wall if millions would respect the legal immigration process, as well as not take advantage of and game a system historically generous to those in need of a safe harbor. Latin America is fast becoming our welfare state. What is the endgame? Are we to underwrite and indemnify the care of millions of citizens of other distressed Latin American countries such as Venezuela or Brazil? This is mindless nihilism or treason on the part of the left. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., use their positions to undermine the security needs of this country. Their patriotism is on par with that of Julius Rosenberg, Jonathon Pollard or Aldrich Ames. The very fact that a wall will slow and deter a percent of illegal immigrants is the very reason they object to a wall. Moreover, their animus towards President Donald Trump exceeds any fidelity to this country. No solution will be perfect, but a physical barrier is needed, now. Christian R. Johnson, Darlington Wisconsin ranks high for binge drinking and drunken driving. According to the latest statistics from the state Department of Transportation, 190 people were killed and 2,900 injured in alcohol-related crashes in 2015. And while repeat offenders appropriately get lots of attention, most drunken-driving injuries and deaths are caused by first-time violators. Editorial: Ten more reasons to go after OWI OUR VIEW: Wisconsins drunken-driving scourge takes heavy toll, with state leaders slow to react The Republican-run Assembly favored making a first offense a misdemeanor in 2013. But the GOP-led Senate balked, fearing taverns may lose business. Senators should remember that neighboring states still have plenty of bars, despite dealing with OWI in more serious ways. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said hes open to Darling and Otts sensible change. We have to find ways to make the first offense more meaningful to the offenders so they dont offend again or dont offend the first time, Evers said. Whether thats making it a felony or not, Im not sure. Just to be clear: Nobody is talking about making it a felony. The proposal is to make a first offense a misdemeanor. Center Stage: Political predictions for 2019 In this week's political podcast, Milfred and Hands gaze into their crystal ball to see the future of local, state and national politics. Who will win the spring elections in Madison and Wisconsin? Which Democrat will emerge to challenge Trump? Our podcasters even predict the World Series. The government shutdown is causing plenty of problems. The one that is worrying us at this hour is the chill its putting on the airline industry at a time when revenue was already cooling. So far during this budget crisis, weve seen news stories about the devastating impact on the personal finances of federal employees and those who need government assistance. Weve also seen the problems it is creating in national parks and in government services like food stamps. As the shutdown lingers, it will touch all of us in some way, as corporations must wait on government agencies to do their work, and consumers forgo some basic government protections. Ahead of the shutdown, airlines were heading into the sweet spot of the industrys normal economic cycle, that point where carriers add too many flights and passengers delight in a bonanza of travel discounts. Dallas to Tulsa for $76, what a country! And more capacity was in the works, with Southwest Airlines on the cusp of an industry-shaking plan to fly to Hawaii. The Dallas airline still needs certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate extended flights over water, a big step for the airline, which was largely constrained to land by the type of airplane it flies, the Boeing 737. Case from 2012 Jordan J. Hemaidan, a lawyer at the Madison firm of Michael Best and Friedrich who represents a dairy operation that is the focus of one lawsuit, referred a request for comment to his client. The client, Kinnard Farms, said in a statement that it views the panel's action as "purely procedural development, and looks forward to the case moving toward an efficient and clear resolution. One of the lawsuits challenges a DNR decision to allow Kinnard to expand in Kewaunee County, an area plagued by manure-contaminated drinking water. The case began in 2012 as an appeal by a handful of citizens over DNRs approval of a permit for the feedlot to nearly double in size to more than 6,200 cows, a herd conservation groups estimated would generate 70 million gallons of manure annually. Jeffrey Boldt, an administrative law judge who heard the initial challenge, said massive regulatory failure had caused the widespread drinking water contamination in that area. Boldt ordered the DNR to add to Kinnards permit a limit on the number of animals and a requirement for groundwater monitoring so pollutants could be detected before they reached more drinking water. As the partial government shutdown approaches the end of its fourth week, Wisconsin agencies are reporting fairly limited impacts to the services they provide. But depending on how long the political battle over border security remains unresolved, the situation could jeopardize crucial programs for low-income residents or force municipalities to tap their own reserve funds. City of Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said Wednesday the longer the shutdown drags on, the more programs supported by federal funding such as the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Head Start could be affected. Soglin said the city can tap reserve funds to keep programs running into the summer, but thats not ideal. The shutdown also delays the grant process for divisions such as the Police Department and Metro Transit system. Grants already awarded wont be reimbursed to the city until after the federal government reopens, he said. Unemployment claims For the new reports, due to differences in how much candidates had as of mid-summer and spending during the period, Cheeks and Soglin had about the same amount in the bank at the close of 2018, followed by Shukla and Rhodes-Conway. The top fundraisers all found something positive in the numbers. The investment in Mos campaign from hundreds of supporters from across the city shows that Madison is ready for a new mayor, said Brita Olsen, Cheeks campaign manager. Our fundraising in 2018 demonstrated incredible momentum for Mos campaign and vision for an innovative, safe, and inclusive Madison. Shukla said, People across Madison are hungry for politics built on hope, creativity, and common purpose. Our campaign brings new energy to take on affordable housing, improve our transit system, bring together a coalition around early childhood care, and grow a truly green city. Soglin, who has demonstrated fundraising prowess in mayoral campaigns, had an unusual start this time. In July, he said he wouldnt seek re-election amid an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for governor, but in mid-October, announced hed be a late entry in the mayoral race. He estimated at least 50 university proposals will be waiting for NSF review whenever the agency reopens. Researchers from other universities are also continuing to submit proposals, creating a backlog at agencies when the government reopens that will inevitably generate further delay. Course suspended At UW-Stevens Point, the largest impact is on the Cooperative Fishery Research Unit, a collaboration between the university, the state Department of Natural Resources and the federal Department of Interior. The unit includes two federally employed scientists who advise and oversee undergraduate and graduate students on at least 20 open and active research projects that rake in about $1 million in federal funding, according to Brian Sloss, associate dean of outreach and extension for the College of Natural Resources. Before the shutdown, those scientists delegated responsibilities to university staff, so research is continuing, he said. The suspect in a Sauk County homicide reportedly was seen on Madison's East Side Tuesday, while a second man initially thought to be connected to the murder has been ruled out, authorities said. Robert Pulvermacher, 68, of rural Middleton, is being sought by police after the body of a man in his 80s, reported missing on Monday, was found in his car in the Ho-Chunk Casino parking lot. "Efforts to locate the suspect at the time (Tuesday afternoon) were unsuccessful," said Sauk County Sheriff Chip Meister. "The Madison Police Department is assisting the Sauk County Sheriff's Office in searching for this suspect." An autopsy on the homicide victim was performed Tuesday, confirming the victim died of homicidal means. No other information was released about the victim. A second man who had his picture released on Tuesday as a possible second suspect in the murder was talked to by authorities, and has been ruled out as a suspect. "He didn't have any knowledge of the homicide until he saw press coverage of the incident," Meister said. "He is not believed to have had any part in the homicide." BARRON Authorities are deciding what to do with a $50,000 reward for information about 13-year-old Jayme Closs, who was found alive nearly three months after authorities say she was abducted from her home and her parents were killed by an intruder. Milwaukee FBI spokesman Leonard Peace said Tuesday that the reward remains under review. Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says the reward is being discussed with the FBI and will be determined later. The FBI offered a $25,000 reward on Oct. 24 for information about Jayme's whereabouts. The Jennie-O Turkey Store, where James and Denise Closs worked, later doubled the amount to $50,000. Jayme was discovered Thursday by a woman walking her dog near the small northwestern Wisconsin town of Gordon, 60 miles (100 kilometers) away from her hometown of Barron. The woman, Jeanne Nutter, took Jayme to the home of Peter and Kristin Kasinskas, who called 911. Peter Kasinskas told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the couple does not want the reward. He says if anyone gets it, Jayme should because "She got herself out." No information on Nutter's views on the reward was available. 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Terrance Grissom, 48, who is a prisoner at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, was charged with one count of making a bomb threat and one count of making terroristic threats, after he sent a letter to the Dane County District Attorneys Office that arrived on April 9, claiming that a bomb was set to go off in the Dane County Courthouse, and another was in the office of Gov. Scott Walker, according to a criminal complaint. Grissom appeared in court Thursday where state Assistant Attorney General Robert Kaiser and state Assistant Public Defender Guy Cardamone agreed to ask for a signature bond because Grissom will be in prison until 2036. Court Commissioner Jason Hanson ordered Grissom not to make threats by any means to any person, organization or government agency by himself or through another person. According to a criminal complaint, Grissoms outgoing mail had been monitored until just before the threatening letter was sent. Grissom was an inmate at Waupun at the time but was transferred to Columbia in May. Lieske first said that Faber had stepped out of Lieskes home for a cigarette and never returned. As the search for Faber came to Lieskes door, he unlocked buildings on the property for searchers looking for Faber, knowing all the while that he had stashed away Fabers body, Ozanne said. Investigators saw no signs of a struggle in the bathroom where Lieske claims that Faber attacked him, Ozanne said, and no signs of injuries on Lieskes body. Ozanne also pointed to testimony by Agnieszka Rogalska, Dane County deputy chief medical examiner, who said her autopsy found that Faber first had been shot twice in the back and once in the back of his head, then a fourth time on the front of his body. If the defendant wasnt sure, that fourth one would have definitely allowed him to know he had killed Mr. Faber, Ozanne said. He also argued that six of the seven shots that Lieske fired struck Faber, demonstrating intent to kill on Lieskes part. Burke disputed Rogalskas testimony, postulating instead that Lieske was firing wildly and rapidly. The first shot, striking a bucket of paint, caused Faber to turn away, exposing his back to Lieske as he continued to fire rapidly, Burke said. At the sentencing hearing, Karofsky will set a time when Lieske will be eligible for release from prison on extended supervision, which under state law cannot be before 20 years. Had the jury not found Lieske guilty of first-degree intentional homicide, Karofsky gave it the options of finding him guilty of two lesser included crimes second-degree intentional homicide and first-degree reckless homicide. Lieske reacted little to the verdict after it was read by Karofsky. He and Burke watched the faces of jurors as Karofsky polled jurors one by one, to assure that the verdict was the one they agreed to. In closing arguments Tuesday, Burke said Lieske killed Faber in self-defense, calling Faber a live wire who before that night was unknown to Lieske but, by the early morning hours, had attacked him, forcing Lieske to shoot Faber. Both men had been drinking heavily. He shot him and intended to kill him, Burke said. Thats what he thought he had to do to protect himself and (Goss) and everything they had from this live wire. A long time ago, when I was just a youngster, my parents rented a cottage to spend a week in July on a crystal clear lake up in Burnett County. My sister and I slipped into the back seat of Daddys two-tone gray Chevrolet early one Saturday morning with blankets, two pillows, and comic books to read along the way while driving north through towns we had never heard of before. Stopping along the way for a much needed brief rest and something to eat introduced us to a place in Bloomer offering delicious homemade pies. Whenever we headed in that direction during the years that followed, wed always return to the same place on main street and include pie for dessert. Through the many years that followed, Bloomer remained our designated stop until one year when the only parking place available happened to be a block away and in front of another small restaurant known as Fat Boys. Upon entering, we were greeted like locals by owner Jay Thompson and his wife, LaWanda. Fat Boys offers excellent pizza, an array of sandwiches, salads, and soups, Friday fish fry specials and Saturday evening Prime Rib reigns like royalty. We are investing in neighborhoods, which I think is connected, Evers said. Expanding Medicaid through federal funding also will help, he said. Toni Sikes, 2014-2018 chair of the Tech Council and CEO of CODAworx, a network for commissioned artwork, told Evers that Wisconsin has robust networks of small, individual investors but is sadly behind in providing larger investments to help young entrepreneurs take their companies beyond the startup stage. She asked him to encourage insurance companies and large corporations to invest. Sikes said later that former Gov. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, convened such companies at the governors mansion early in his first term. He accomplished so much just by bringing people together and explicitly saying, Invest in these funds, Sikes said. Sikes also said she was pleased to hear Evers consider the concept of economic development in a broader sense. Theres a much bigger world view to think of beyond just the number of jobs, she said. Gov. Tony Evers vowed Tuesday to push ahead on expanding Medicaid in his budget while making an early concession to Republicans by dropping plans to eliminate the states economic development agency. Evers comments come after a private meeting with Senate and Assembly Republicans, who said last week they would bypass Evers budget and write their own if he included Medicaid expansion or any tax hikes. But the new governor, who campaigned on taking federal dollars to expand Medicaid and insure thousands more Wisconsinites who earn close to the poverty level, said he wont back down and hoped some Republicans would eventually rally behind him. Were not going to burn the Capitol down, Evers said. Were going to disagree. I believe our position at the end of the day is the correct one. He added he thinks some Republicans will come to understand the success of hospitals and clinics in small towns depends on increased Medicaid dollars, and that most in the health care industry back an expansion. Getting Republican support would be a long shot. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, on Tuesday reiterated Republicans would block any move to expand Medicaid, calling such a proposal an attempt by Evers to score political points. Like other Dodge County Board members, District 26 Supervisor Thomas Nickel represents roughly 2,600 people. However, theres something different about Nickels constituents. About 41 percent of them are prisoners at the Dodge Correctional Institute who cant vote and come from other communities. Nickel said he doesnt consider that large demographic when governing. The prisoners dont contact him, and he doesnt reach out to them. Youre the first one who has ever brought up that there are inmates in my district, he said in a phone interview. Packed closely together in the northern part of Dodge County are four state prisons with a combined population of more than 6,000 inmates. The U.S. Census Bureau counts prisoners as residents of the communities in which their detention facilities are located, rather than their hometowns. States and local governments must use that data every 10 years to redraw political district boundaries. During the last redistricting process, Dodge County spread its state inmates among six of the countys 33 supervisory districts. However, four of those six districts still wound up with prison populations that made up more than one-third of the constituency. Critics say this method of counting prisoners distorts political influence, giving increased representative power to people who live near prisons. For example, in all but one Columbia County supervisory district, supervisors are chosen by voters among a population of roughly 2,000 people. However, the same is not true of the 5th district, where the Columbia Correctional Institution is located. In that district, more than 800 residents are prisoners who are barred from casting ballots. Voters among the districts remaining 1,200 people get to pick a county board member. Ongoing practice Nearly all of the 77,863 people who submitted comments to the U.S. Census Bureau since its last 10-year census have urged a change in policy to count prisoners as residents of their hometowns. However, the federal agency has no plans to make such a change in 2020. They just kind of turn a blind eye to the facts on the ground, said Aleks Kajstura, legal director with the Easthampton, Massachusetts-based nonprofit Prison Policy Initiative, which says the counting method leads to prison gerrymandering. Aside from the issue of skewed representative power, Kajstura said, the Census Bureaus policy isnt practical. Lawmakers whose constituents are incarcerated at a disproportionate rate are more likely to champion issues prisoners care about such as criminal justice reform than politicians with prisons in their districts. And when prisoners reach out to elected officials, Kajstura said, they often contact the ones from their hometown districts. The Census Bureau uses a concept called usual residence established by the Census Act of 1790 to count prisoners. A persons usual residence is defined as the place where they live and sleep most of the time. It may not be the same as their legal or voting residence. Therefore, counting prisoners anywhere other than the facility would be less consistent with the concept of usual residence, since the majority of people in prisons live and sleep most of the time at the prison, Census Bureau spokeswoman Kristina Barrett said in an email. The concept of usual residence was more important in 1790, when ensuring equal representation in Congress was all that mattered, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Today, census data is used to redistrict all levels of state and local government, making the specific location of residents more important. Solutions sought Communities have searched for ways around the problems that result from how the Census Bureau counts prisoners. In Columbia County, officials received permission from the state to split the prisons population into two census blocks. The intent was to spread the inmates among multiple political districts to dilute the problem of skewed representation. However, the prisoners wound up being counted entirely within the countys 5th supervisory district and the city of Portages 8th aldermanic district, said Brian Zirbes, an analyst with the Columbia County Land Information Department who worked on the countys redistricting plan after the last census. He said incorporating a prison into local political boundaries is not an easy task. District populations must be nearly equal in population, regardless of whether one of them includes a significant number of inmates. Theres a whole bunch of different rules youre trying to please, Zirbes said. It gets more complex than most people realize. Even jails can skew representation. Although inmates in those facilities are different than state prisoners because some of them retain voting privileges, most arent actual residents of the communities in which they are incarcerated. The Sauk County jail in Baraboo houses inmates from all parts of the county and elsewhere. Nevertheless, all the inmates counted there were considered Baraboo residents for the purposes of redistricting. Baraboo city engineer Tom Pinion said the citys 4th aldermanic district was drawn up to include 237 jail inmates. Thats about 17 percent of the districts total population. Inmates within the jail who do exercise their right to vote likely arent voting for 4th district alderman race. The state requires inmates to vote by absentee ballot in the district they lived in immediately prior to their incarceration. So you have people counted as though theyre constituents of the alderman from the 4th district, but theyre voting in different races, said Kajstura of the Prison Policy Initiative. If they try to register in Baraboo, chances are theyd be committing voter fraud. Barrett, the Census Bureau spokeswoman, said the agency will offer a product to states after the 2020 census that will assist them in reallocating prisoners if they wish. It will be up to states to submit a data file showing how the prisoners were redistributed. She said states will have the option of using the adjusted data for their own purposes, but it will not be incorporated into the Census Bureaus counts. Follow Tim Damos on Twitter @timdamos or contact him at 608-745-3513. MOUNT PLEASANT A Mount Pleasant man is facing felony charges after he was accused of sexually assaulting two 10-year-old girls last year. Wayne R. Paul, 56, is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. Each count carries a maximum sentence of up to 60 years in prison. According to the criminal complaint: On Dec. 22, a Mount Pleasant Police officer was called to investigate the alleged sexual assaults of a girl, who said the assaults occurred in the 5300 block of 16th Street. The 10-year-old girl reported that a neighbor, Paul, had sexually assaulted her. The girl said the assaults began in the summer of 2018 and continued through December. She said Paul had touched her in personal areas and kissed her on the mouth. At first, she said she did not tell anyone because she was afraid. She also said Paul told her not to tell. The girl also said that Paul had touched her 10-year-old friend. When interviewed, the friend admitted that Paul had touched her too. The second girl said Paul asked the two girls to cuddle with him in his room, but they refused. Lunaticoutpost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , anaffiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Amazon, the Amazon logo, MYHABIT, and the MYHABIT logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Don't be a pest to the forum.No profanity in thread-titles or usernamesNo excessive profanity in postsNo Racism, Antisemitism + HateNo calls for violence against anyone..This website exists for fun and discussion only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. 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He will go into dispatch and start shooting people. He will then find the fifth person in the bathroom with his pants around his ankles because he will be (expletive) his pants scared and then one head shot it will be over. Instead of getting serious about the K-C threat, these supposed protectors of Wisconsin jobs went off on their own merry ways. These supposed soulmates on the state's economy couldn't even decide among themselves how to deal with a corporation that after a century in the state only wanted the kind of favors they had already championed for outsider Foxconn. Instead, Walker alone pleaded to send big bucks to K-C and called for a special legislative session to deal with it. But Fitzgerald and Vos decided to use the lame-duck session to enact a power grab that was designed to make it harder for Evers to do his job. They even moved to undermine the new governors ability to address the mess they created with Walkers scandal-plagued Wisconsin Economic Development Corp., but did nothing about K-C. When Walker finally focused on the work at hand, Kimberly-Clark compromised by accepting $28 million in subsidies and keeping open its Fox Crossing plant of about 400 workers while jettisoning the Neenah plant. Every Midwestern state has some claim to the state of niceness, as in Wisconsin Nice or Minnesota Nice, etc. And yet the civility of Wisconsin somehow resulted in a political landscape that over the last 10 years was so cheap-skating, mean-spirited and cheese-headed that going to the state Capitol and yelling like a New York cab driver at somebody seemed the only rational thing for some nice Wisconsin liberals to do. It took 10 years, but the vociferous liberal resistance to former Gov. Scott Walker and Trumpublicanism in the state finally resulted in the election of a Democratic governor and attorney general. Tony Evers was the Democratic gubernatorial nominee presumably because his was the name most Democrats and independents could recognize. It was an uninspired choice, especially since two highly qualified, boldly eloquent women (Kelda Roys and Kathleen Vinehout) were in the running on the Democratic side. The Racine Journal Times issues a plea to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the GOP-controlled Legislature to take a clue from the craziness going on in Washington and vow to find ways to compromise and avoid gridlocked government, which will harm everyone. Political Environment blogger James Rowen wonders if we really need coyote killing contests in Wisconsin. The DNR's mission statement says the department is supposed to enhance our natural resources and the ecosystems that sustain all life. In a blog on Right Wisconsin, George Mitchell says that state revenue isn't keeping up with Wisconsin's transportation needs. He says the data clearly show that the state has reduced its highway funding at a time when it needs it most. He likes Gov. Tony Evers' position, but wonders if he can get legislators, particularly the Republicans, to take action. Eric Upchurch, Pettaways campaign manager, said Pettaway is relying on support from a community that is largely disenfranchised and without the disposable time and income to level the playing field. When it comes to her expertise in issues of social and racial justice, Tori is the top pick to make real changes in one of the nations most racially disparate cities; but Madison runs the risk of missing that opportunity, because the status quo permeates our habits, Upchurch said. Because she did not submit the 200 signatures necessary to be on the ballot, Pettaway said she will be running as a write-in candidate. Matt Baier, Nick Harts campaign manager, said his campaign has raised well under $2,000 mark and did not file a campaign finance report. Were not really trying to do a big media blitz for this stuff, Baier said while pointing to campaign literature at a mayoral forum at the Central Library Tuesday. Even if we had the money to do it, I have certain concerns over the amount of how much any of this is going to get read. The next campaign finance reporting deadline is Feb. 11. The primary election is Feb. 19, and the general election is April 2. Assembly Democrats on Tuesday laid out a set of proposals they say would restore principles of democracy undermined by the Legislature's Republican majority. "Good policy doesnt happen without good government," said Assembly Minority Leader Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, in a news conference highlighting the measures, most of which are unlikely to find support in the Republican-led Legislature. Democrats said the bills they're proposing would give Wisconsin a "fresh start" after eight years of Republican control of the legislative and executive branches. While Republicans retained strong majorities in both chambers of the Legislature in the 2018 election, voters chose Democratic Gov. Tony Evers over former Republican Gov. Scott Walker on Nov. 6. With the next set of legislative electoral maps set to be drawn in 2021, state Sen. Dave Hansen, D-Green Bay, argued Democrats and Republicans should come together now to change the state's redistricting process, putting it in the hands of a nonpartisan board rather than partisan elected officials. "It is the time to take action to guarantee that no party will have the power to rig the legislative elections like weve seen these past eight years," Hansen said. One of the biggest hurdles people point to is the fundraising piece of it, the financial capital that comes with running for office, Mirilli said. But it was clear to me when I ran in 2013 and now that theres a lot of social capital I often heard in 2013, Youre running for office against so-and-so, and that so-and-so is my friend and a good person.' Adelante has sought to support the campaigns of Muldrow, Mirilli and Caire for School Board. The group is also supporting and has endorsed Christian Albouras, who is running to serve as District 20 alder on the City Council. Adelante has stayed out of the mayors race thus far, saying that the race was already too far ahead by the time the group got up and running in late December. But some have pointed to Adelantes mission of helping candidates with the logistics as crucial, especially after write-in mayoral candidate Toriana Pettaway fell one nomination signature short of making it onto the ballot earlier this month. When Jerry Butler was a kid plowing his familys fields in rural Mississippi, he told his grandma he wanted to be the first black artist in the world. He didnt know there were any others. That is all I knew, and that is more telling than anything else, Butler said on a recent morning, walking among 20 of his newest collage portraits. I didnt know that Jacob Lawrence and Romare Bearden and all of those guys were already doing stuff. I had no sense there were already black artists, doing art. I think if I had seen some of that stuff then, I could be light years ahead of where I am now. At 71, Jerry Butler has entered one of the most prolific seasons of his long artistic career. He makes work in his west side studio for eight hours every day, layering colorful paper and black and white photographs with acrylic paint to create striking collage portraits. Butlers current show, Angels and Demons, is on view on the third floor of the Central Library through Jan. 23. A second show with 10 more new works opens March 12 in Overture Centers Gallery I, running through early June. Since Butler came to Madison in 1970, he has shown work in galleries, in schools and on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Hes taught art to thousands of kids, from elementary schoolers to graduate students. Hes been an administrator, an illustrator and a muralist, and through it all, hes kept up his art. While he prepares for the Overture show, Butler has also been painting illustrations for what could eventually become his fourth book, Ashleys Secret, written with his sister, Mary Kirkendoll. Butler and Milele Chikasa Anana are working on a new book about Kwanzaa-themed art, featuring 26 different covers Butler has created for UMOJA magazine since the 1990s. Anana hopes to publish it later this year. On top of this, Butler, a former middle school teacher for 16 years, is teaching again. He leads a Wednesday night arts and crafts club at Lake View Elementary School. This semester he wants to make a mural with his K-2 students. The school is still looking for a location on the north side. I feel like if I do enough work and keep improving, the people who are artist connoisseurs will take note of it, Butler said. Whatever years Ive got remaining, Im going to work. I enjoy work, and I enjoy people, so Ill keep telling stories and making marks. Drawing in the sand Butler grew up in Magnolia, Mississippi, about 80 miles south of Jackson. The oldest child of nine with four brothers and four sisters, he would plow the family fields with his mule, Ada (a prominent figure in Self-Portrait with Angels and Demons in his Central Library show). He dreamt of writing a book or flying one of the military planes that boomed overhead. Even early on, he had an artistic eye for the things around him. I was a camera buff when I was a kid, he said. I took photographs of family members all the time, so much so that they started to turn their heads and I got a lot of pictures of the backs of my family members. And then after 20 years, all of them wanted their photographs! Family and church encouraged his artistic sensibilities, and soon Butler graduated from drawing the Sunday School lessons in pastels and chalk to creating a mural on a Baptist baptismal font. In his early teens, Butler worked a paper route and saved a nickel at a time to send away for a $35 artists correspondence course. He raced through the assignments in a few weeks, and was surprised when the remote instructor wrote back to tell him to slow down. Butler knew that work and study would be his way forward, not only raw talent. Everybody around me was more talented than I was, Butler said. I was not the smartest kid. Girls could outrun me. I played in the band, but I wasnt the first seat. There were kids who could do amazing things. They could hear a Sam Cooke song once and the next day they could sing it, they could play it, could transpose from piano to guitar to harmonica. They could do amazing things. For his part, Butler seized opportunities when they came. He graduated in 1965 in a class of 66 people and took a scholarship to Jackson State College (now Jackson State University), a historically black school. Once, during summer school, he was homeless, living out of his car. Yet just like with the correspondence course, he finished college coursework quickly. An administrative arts job at a school district right out of college got Butler a deferment from the war in Vietnam. The district, Butler said, wrote to the draft board and said I was vital to their program. In his 1998 memoir/art history book, A Drawing in the Sand: A Story of African-American Art, Butler recalled the racism he experienced as he went from school to school in Mississippi, helping teachers lead art classes. It was then that I really began to learn about racism, Butler wrote. If I tried to hand some notes to a secretary, asking her to type them, she wouldnt touch the paper I had held. If I taught a workshop that included white students, they refused to take directions from me. They didnt believe that a young black man could teach them anything. My talent in art was dismissed by them as an uncanny gift from God an explanation that negated the work, the discipline, and the study I had put into developing my talent. Butler moved to Madison in 1970 and started his MFA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It was the first time hed attended a class with white students. He also met Freida High W. Tesfagiorgis, who later became a professor of African/ African-American art history and visual culture. Butler and Tesfagiorgis were part of a brief collective of black artists called Common Bond, which produced one show in the 1970s. They also collaborated on later shows, like The Wisconsin Connection: Black Artists Past and Present at the Wisconsin Union Galleries in 1987. Angels and Demons Angels and Demons Through Jan. 23 Madison Central Library, third floor, 201 W. Mifflin St. FREE madisonbubbler.org/exhibitions Jerry Butler and Shelby Kahr Jerry Butler and Shelby Kahr March 12-June 2; reception Friday, May 3, 6-8 p.m. Gallery I, Overture Center, 201 State St. FREE overture.org/galleries/overture-galleries When we started, many of us in my generation were looking for African-American art, said Tesfagiorgis, who taught at UW-Madison for 41 years. There werent many books published until the 70s, when people started digging and organizing exhibitions and doing small catalogs. It was all a growing experience. When he first came to Madison, Butler wrote that most of the black artists he knew could only exhibit at black art shows, except perhaps during Black History Month. His contemporaries were divided about how political they should be, as well as who their art was for. I wanted my work to be seen and appreciated by all people, and hostile work seemed to draw negative responses, Butler wrote in Drawing in the Sand. My natural approach has always been a positive one I knew the kind of artistic segregation we were experiencing was inexcusable, though. I wanted my art to include my experiences. I wanted my art to show Black American life, and I wanted white people to understand that life. Butler moved into a career as an educator, teaching at Lincoln Elementary, Sennett Middle School and Lake View Elementary. In 1995, he completed a PhD in curriculum and instruction from UW-Madison and moved into arts administration at Madison Area Technical College (now Madison College), where he worked for 13 years. He got canned from that job, he said, in 2001 the college alleged that he hired a company owned by a friend, got kickbacks of some $30,000 and used college employees for work on a course he taught at UW-Whitewater. Butler did not admit wrongdoing when he resigned, but he ended up declaring bankruptcy and going back to school, this time for a degree in landscape architecture. In 2008 he left Madison for six years, teaching at a university in Connecticut and making public art. When Butler sees the arts education even the youngest students receive now, he marvels at their access and options. He also sees how hard it is for some young black students to break out of their economic, social mold and challenges them to think differently, to re-engineer their future. He wants the kids he works with to think less about where they are and more about where they want to be. In my time working with kids, I tell them, genius is not defined by age, Butler said. You can do great things early on. It is, to some degree, defined by hard work. I never thought about where I was. I always thought about where I wanted to be, where I was going. Art angels Butler created the work for the Central Library Angels and Demons show in less than a year. Hed had a few recent shows, including one at a university in Jackson, Mississippi and another, Visual Jazz, at La Follette High School in spring 2018. But again he seized an opportunity, this time to make a series of new work. The musical theme from Visual Jazz carries over in just one image in Angels and Demons, a bright chaos of musicians and dancers inspired by Butlers grandfathers bar, the Dew Drop Inn. But the overall themes of the show are different. Butler wanted to show the angels whod supported him mostly women, like his late sister Ronnie and his Aunt Wilma who died in a car accident when she was in her 20s and the demons of his darker side, ghouls of self-doubt, fear and procrastination. The first image in the show, Boxed with Internal Demons, was inspired by a photo of his brother. Butler wanted to reflect the way young black men have been treated, caged. I used various things in the garment to show the multiplicity, Butler said. I have some areas of paint, some areas of photograph. I use whatever floats to the front. What floats to the front might be gilt-accented Japanese paper in a bright pink floral print, used to create the dress on a portrait of an old girlfriend. It might be the quilted patterns that repeat in his own self-portrait and a collage that foregrounds his first wife Jeanette, who died of cancer when she was in her 30s. I like to put transparent things on top of transparent things, to create layers as youre looking through them, he said. I like to use prints. Ill see a texture or something I like, and use that. Butler took a painting that his daughter, Vanessa, had made when she was a teenager and later partially destroyed. Butler repurposed pieces of her painting, a portrait of two women in profile, for four new collages. For him, the final works tell a story of intimacy and physical closeness. The coat Butler wears in his self-portrait was made by his grandmother before he left for college, and he wore it until it fell apart. In the upper right corner of the work, he gives a photographic glimpse of the Mississippi farm. Ole Ada, the mule, tucks her head over Butlers shoulder, while the demons of procrastination and fear glower in another corner. I might start with a figure in space, he said. Then I build that space and try to see if I have natural, believable aesthetic elements around it. Trent Miller, the curator and artist who runs the librarys Bubbler program, was intrigued by a portrait of Butlers father when the man was in his 50s. Theres something so powerful in the gaze, and the texture in it, Miller said. I felt drawn to that piece. It did some different things than the other pieces that were busier it knocked my socks off. Butlers father was a barber who thought his son was wasting time being an artist, Butler said. He thought for a long time before completing that particular portrait. Butlers mother shows up in one collage with an ironing board. Tucked toward the end of the board is a plain white mask of the kind people decorate and wear during Mardi Gras. The mask is going to be a big part of some future series, Butler said. As African-Americans in this environment, youve always had to have two realities. You mask things as you go out. Tesfagiorgis went to see Angels and Demons and spotted figures she knew and patterns she remembered. She noted that Butlers work is usually narrative as well as figurative. Theres always some kind of story going on, she said. He has great technical skills, the way he works with line, colors and textures. I like the way he can combine the figure with abstraction. Photos: 'Angels and Demons' at the Central Library Artist Jerry Butler created the work for the Central Library Angels and Demons show in less than a year. Butler wanted to show the angels Photos: UMOJA magazine covers by Jerry Butler Artist Jerry Butler's Kwanzaa-themed UMOJA covers are being compiled in a book by Milele Chikasa Anana, set to be published later this year. Photos: Jerry Butler in the studio At 71, Jerry Butler has entered one of the most prolific seasons of his long artistic career. He makes work in his west side studio for eight Working drafts These days Butler begins planning on the way to the studio, where he often has multiple pieces in progress at once. Ill work on three or four things at the same time, Butler said. The piece first and foremost that I want to get done, Ill work on that until I cant work on it anymore. At some point I have to stop, because Ill overwork it. His studio, he said, is a sanctuary for me. He collects things, like photos of family, magazine cut-outs, prints, notes and textural paper. Hes carried some items with him for years, moving them from studio to studio, waiting for the right time to use this image or that textured paper. Stylistically, Butler was influenced by Romare Bearden and Jacob Lawrence, among others. Miller was reminded of the portraiture of Alice Neel. Butler acknowledged the influences, but said he doesnt think of himself in terms of a specific artistic lineage. I cant allow things to limit me when I approach my work, Butler said. If there are things that are culturally true, then it comes out in the work. I dont have to struggle for it or against it. If I can do that, Im a lot freer. When he started making work for UMOJA in the 90s, Milele Chikasa Anana gave him a few prompts for the Kwanzaa-themed covers. That was a challenge for Butler, and he was glad when she eventually let him do whatever inspired him. A lot of his work had details in it that are very intense and relevant, Anana said. In a lot of his work, youll notice repetitive patterns the one I remember the most is the checkered floor. Hed have a burst of color, like red, and he did a lot of black and white art. A lot of people dont pay enough attention to color, Butler said. A lot of times Ill start off with a warm gray, rather than a white white to me is too cold to paint on. I like to let some of the base color come through. Butler prices his work from $6,000 to $12,000. Hed love to have a higher profile, have his work acquired by collectors and shown in museums. But its also important to him that the people who see the work respond to it. Id love to have my work in MOMA in New York where its the epitome, and people think this guy is great and youve got collectors buying your stuff, Butler said. But Id rather have someone buy my work because they really like my work and have an interest in what Im doing, than to buy it as an investment. Butler isnt sure if hell ever break into those kinds of big leagues. He does the work because he enjoys it, but hes also evolved in his ideas, and hes disciplined about his own learning and growth. Ive come a long way in my understanding of art, Butler said. I think Ive done some stuff thats really good. I dont know whether Ill ever be if I could sell work for half a million dollars, that to me says not necessarily that its good or bad, but I would have made it into the market. Its either a brilliant idea at the right time or you do something that is worthy. You have to have someone out there that recognizes it, (someone) with resources. Butlers illustrations will have an afterlife in his work for UMOJA, soon to be anthologized, and his three books. In addition to A Drawing in the Sand, he illustrated Barbara K. Curry and James Michael Brodies Sweet Words So Brave: The Story of African-American Literature for Zino Press and Freedom Train North: Stories of the Underground Railroad in Wisconsin by Julia Pferdehirt. The kids who learned from him will remember him as a great teacher, Tesfagiorgis said. Hes such a multifaceted person. When you create, youre creating from your own imagination, from the impulse thats stimulating you, she added. You want the world to see it, people of all ages and genders. Things have definitely changed since we created Common Bond. When Butler thinks about his artistic legacy, his work as an educator is wrapped up in it. He loved teaching middle school, just like he enjoys the work now. Some teachers cannot continue doing their work, but a lot of my work was done while I was teaching, Butler said. One of the things I found that was so extraordinary is to have a body of work youre creating while youre teaching your students, and your students seeing that work and talking to them about it. Even more exciting, he said, was when he had some pieces on display in what was then the Madison Civic Center, and the students got to see the finished work. I took a bus trip with my kids down there, Butler said, and when they walked in and saw that work their voices, the expressions on their faces, oh my goodness! This is incredible. Being able to both do the work and pass on his love for art, he said, has made a very full life. I wasnt teaching art to produce a whole bunch of artists, I was teaching art to produce successful people, Butler said. President Donald Trumps Cuba policy is driving millions of dollars from the islands private entrepreneurs to its state-run tourism sector, the opposite of its supposed goal, according to new government figures. Trump announced in June 2017 that he was tightening limits on U.S. travel to Cuba in order to starve military-linked travel businesses and funnel money directly to the Cuban people. He restricted Americans ability to travel to Cuba on their own, rather than with a tour group. At the same time, he allowed U.S. cruise lines to continue to take passengers to Cuba, where they pay millions to disembark at military-run docks and make quick trips onshore that are generally coordinated by government tour agencies that stejrer travelers to state-run destinations. Cuban government figures from the first full year under Trumps policy show occupancy of private bed-and-breakfasts in Havana plunged to 44 percent in 2018 after years at near capacity in the wake of President Barack Obamas start of normalization with Cuba, said Michael Bernal, commercial director for the Ministry of Tourism. Even as the private sector suffered, U.S. travel to Cuba was growing, from 618,000 in 2017 to 630,000 last year, Tourism Ministry figures say. Most of those travelers came by ship, avoiding the confusing rules on travel to the island with package tours that are guaranteed to comply with the law. The shift to cruises meant the average U.S. stay on the island dropped from six days to three, said Jose Luis Perello, a former University of Havana professor who studies Cubas tourism industry. That has had a devastating effect on owners and employees of Cubas 24,185 private bed-and- breakfasts and 2,170 private restaurants known as paladares. They cherished U.S. travelers as heavy tippers who crammed days full of activities like classic car rides and cooking classes that put money into private hands. David Pajon, a university professor who bought an apartment to rent in Old Havana, said he has had to drop his rates and his income has fallen 40 percent since Trumps new policy went into effect in 2017. He still was a third empty last month, the first time in three years that he wasnt fully booked in December. U.S.-Cuba normalization inspired a lot of people who thought this was a good business to invest their savings in, Pajon said. And all of a sudden you have the U.S. government creating a situation that has an impact on the number of people who came, or changes the way theyre coming on cruise ships! The Trump measures, which were backed by Cuban-American Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, ban U.S. travelers from doing business with tourism businesses under the military-linked conglomerate known as GAESA, which runs dozens of hotels and a major tour-bus line, among others. Instead, Americans are going to businesses run by the Tourism Ministry, but there is no reason to believe that Cuba has any difficulty transferring money within its highly centralized single-party government, said Richard Feinberg, a Brookings Institution fellow and University of California, San Diego, professor of international political economy who studies Cuba. Trumps policies have reduced on-island, versus cruise ship, tourism and thus harmed B&Bs as well as other private tourism-related firms including paladares and taxistas, Feinberg said. Beyond that, he said, the only traceable impact of the Rubio sanction is to inconvenience US tourists. The number of U.S. travelers to Cuba grew from 162,000 in 2015, the year after Obama and then Cuban President Raul Castro announced detente, to 284,000 in 2016 and 618,000 in 2017. The overall number of travelers grew, too, from 3.5 million in 2015 to 3.7 million in 2016, 4.3 million in 2017 and 4.7 million last year. Nonetheless, the private sector suffered. Enrique Nunez, owner of La Guarida, perhaps Havanas best-known restaurant, said he had to cut his employees hours last year because his revenue fell 40 percent. We dont understand the U.S. rules, said Bernal, the tourism official. We heard the presidents speech saying that the U.S. government supports entrepreneurs. However, thats the sector thats suffering most in Cuba. Andrea Rodriguez, Havana, AP Post: #1 Israel may need to invade Iran, says strategic report Advertisement Israel needs to prepare for the possibility that its battle to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria may have to be expanded to Lebanon or to Iran directly, according to an assessment by the Institute for National Security (INSS). That is one of the recommendations that appeared in INSS's Strategic Assessment for Israel 2018-2019 that was released and rolled out by the Tel Aviv-based think tank at a ceremony at Beit Hanasi on Wednesday. Israel maintains a very strong basic deterrent against security challenges that are below the threshold of the war, according to the report. At the same time, most of the fronts facing Israel are very volatile: Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. In all three, despite the existence of mutual deterrence between the sides, there is a potential for escalation of a broad confrontation and a general war, more than one front at a time. According to the report, the most serious threat facing Israel in 2019 would be an all out war in the north The First Northern War that would include Iran, Hezbollah and Syria. Such a confrontation would also likely spill over to the south, and Israel would additionally find itself battling the terrorist organizations from the Gaza Strip. This whole case scenario, according to the report, is a possibility that Israel must be prepared for. That whole case scenario is also the worst case scenario. The report also broke down the threats individually, and ranked them according to their severity. https://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Israel...ort-577590 This will certainly start WWIII.Israel needs to prepare for the possibility that its battle to keep Iran from entrenching itself militarily in Syria may have to be expanded to Lebanon or to Iran directly, according to an assessment by the Institute for National Security (INSS).That is one of the recommendations that appeared in INSS's Strategic Assessment for Israel 2018-2019 that was released and rolled out by the Tel Aviv-based think tank at a ceremony at Beit Hanasi on Wednesday.Israel maintains a very strong basic deterrent against security challenges that are below the threshold of the war, according to the report. At the same time, most of the fronts facing Israel are very volatile: Syria, Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. In all three, despite the existence of mutual deterrence between the sides, there is a potential for escalation of a broad confrontation and a general war, more than one front at a time.According to the report, the most serious threat facing Israel in 2019 would be an all out war in the north The First Northern War that would include Iran, Hezbollah and Syria. Such a confrontation would also likely spill over to the south, and Israel would additionally find itself battling the terrorist organizations from the Gaza Strip.This whole case scenario, according to the report, is a possibility that Israel must be prepared for.That whole case scenario is also the worst case scenario. The report also broke down the threats individually, and ranked them according to their severity. The U.S.-China trade war has delayed but not derailed Chinese automaker GAC Motors plans to enter the American market, company officials said Monday. Company President Yu Jun, speaking at Detroits North American International Auto Show, said the dispute is a factor in moving its U.S. product launch from the end of this year as it announced at last years show to June 2020. Still, analysts think they might have a longer road to the market. President Donald Trump imposed tariff increases of up to 25 percent on USD250 billion of Chinese imports over complaints Beijing steals or pressures companies to hand over technology. President Xi Jinping responded by imposing penalties on $110 billion of American goods. Washington wants Beijing to change its plans to use government support to make Chinese companies world leaders in robotics and advanced technologies. Chinese officials have suggested Beijing might alter its industrial plans but reject pressure to abandon what they consider a path to prosperity and global influence. A Dec. 1 agreement postponed further tariff increases. Economists say the 90-day postponement of additional tariff increases that had been meant to take effect Jan. 1 may be too short to settle the disputes bedeviling U.S.-Chinese relations. Yu said the 25 percent auto tariffs would cause prices to rise to the point that GACs cars arent competitive. Hes optimistic that the trade dispute will be resolved in time for his company to meet its latest goal. China and the United States are the worlds two largest economies, so their trade tensions will not only affect these two countries but also the entire world, he said through an interpreter. So we believe the leaders of both countries will show their wisdom and the vision for the common interest of the entire world. Yu acknowledged GACs uphill battle to entering the U.S. market but he noted the company is making steady progress. In addition to opening the design centers in Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and Detroit, he said it expects to have its North American sales company running by March. After that, GAC will start to establish a distribution network and build brand awareness in the U.S. GAC officials visited the National Automobile Dealers Association convention last March, holding an event that attracted 130 dealership companies from 30 states representing 1,100 dealers, he said. He added many expressed a keen interest in working with the company, which has continued discussions with them. GAC plans to attend the convention again this year. By entering the U.S. we can examine our own capabilities and challenge ourselves to build even better products, he said. IHS Markit analyst Stephanie Brinley said GACs announcement underscores its commitment to launch in the U.S., but stressed the company must jump many hurdles, starting with regulatory and trade, and then consumer awareness and consideration. It could all take several years to overcome, she said. However, if the company can maintain its patience and commitment, it is ultimately a question of when rather than if they reach the U.S. market, she added. At its fifth Detroit show, GAC unveiled a concept called the Entranze. The hyper family car comes from GACs Los Angeles design center and Yu said the sleek, seven-person crossover, is the first to be designed in the U.S. However, GACs first vehicle in the U.S. is expected to be the GS8, a full-size SUV that will cost about $30,000. GAC sought to tamp down the trade tensions and put on a show for the assembled journalists, featuring dancers who aggressively pulled the tarp off the Entranze and executives who spoke glowingly of the U.S. and a history of commerce between the nations that has benefited consumers. We believe American consumers will enjoy our products, Yu said. Jeff Karoub, Tom Krisher, AP Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will top the list of leaders attending the World Economic Forums annual meeting next week after the withdrawal of President Donald Trump. The U.S. president canceled his trip to the annual gathering of global financial elites because of the government shutdown, which is now the longest in the nations history. The U.S. delegation will include Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Brazils recently sworn-in President Jair Bolsonaro will attend, as will U2 frontman Bono and Britains Prince William. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Chief Executive Officer David Solomon and hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio will also be there. The gather at a time when investors are questioning the outlook for the world economy and increasingly linking the prospects for its expansion to geopolitical events such as trade wars and Brexit. A model from Belarus who claimed last year that she had evidence of Russian involvement in helping elect Donald Trump president pleaded guilty yesterday in a Thai court in a case related to holding a sex training seminar and will be deported. A lawyer representing Vashukevich said she and seven co-defendants were given suspended 18-month prison terms and fines of 100,000 baht (USD3,135), waived in view of nine months already served since the charges of soliciting and conspiracy were filed against them. All were arrested in February last year at a hotel in the seaside resort town of Pattaya, where Vashukevich and Russian self-styled sex guru Alexander Kirillov, a co-defendant, were giving a class in sexual relationships fully clothed, at least when police and reporters burst in. They were initially sentenced yesterday by the court in Pattaya to three- year prison terms, but their sentences were halved because they pleaded guilty, a standard procedure in Thai trials. The soliciting charge carried a maximum prison term of 10 years, and conspiracy a maximum penalty of seven years. The lawyer, who asked not to be identified because he feared he might be breaching court rules, said the group would be freed Tuesday night and deported afterward. Vashukevich, also known as Nastya Rybka, drew international interest last year by claiming to have recordings of Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska talking about interference in the 2016 U.S. election but did not make them public. Deripaska is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and also had a working relationship with Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign manager who was investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller and convicted last year of tax and bank fraud. In the early stages of their detention, the sex training group sent a note to the U.S. Embassy via an intermediary seeking help and political asylum. Vashukevich indicated she would turn over the recordings she claimed to have if the U.S. could help secure her release, but later withdrew the offer, suggesting that she and Deripaska had reached an agreement. Vashukevichs earlier revelation of an alleged affair with Deripaska fueled opposition allegations in Russia of official corruption and enraged the Kremlin. A public scandal erupted in early February last year when Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny published an investigation drawing on her social media posts suggesting corrupt links between Deripaska and a top Kremlin official, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko. The report featured photos from Deripaskas yacht in 2016, when Vashukevich claimed she was having an affair with him and recorded him. Thai Immigration Police Chief Lt. Gen. Surachate Hakparn said his office would take custody of the group after they were released by the court in Pattaya and put their names on a blacklist barring them from returning to Thailand. Once weve received them, tomorrow I will contact the Russian ambassador in Thailand to arrange a date for it to take them in and buy a plane ticket, he said by phone. He said he expected to deport them by the end of next week. AP South Sudan opposition commander Moses Lokujo flipped through his notes, explaining international humanitarian law to an attentive group of senior officers. Soldiers are not supposed to kill someone whos not an enemy, he said. And if a civilian is walking with a goat it doesnt mean you can steal it just because you have a gun. Just months ago, such training seemed implausible in a country that was embroiled in a five- year civil war that killed almost 400,000 people and displaced millions. Since a fragile peace deal was signed in September, however, South Sudans previously warring parties have been trying to rebuild trust in some of the areas hardest-hit by the war. On a trip this month to government and opposition-held territories in Kajo Keji in Central Equatoria state, The Associated Press met with both sides who said the reconciliation of former rivals President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar was the reason peace efforts appear to be working on the ground. If these two have united, why cant we? said John Camillo, deputy commander for government troops in Kajo Keji. For the first time, 10 opposition soldiers were stationed in the government barracks as part of a makeshift soldier swap. Government soldiers walked through town, unarmed and in civilian clothes, seemingly unconcerned by the possibility of attack. Theres really been a total change, said Abiggo Manson, field officer for the Support for Peace and Education Development Program, a local aid group. Waving to soldiers on a motorbike, Manson said he never would have done that in September because suspicions at the time remained high. The peace efforts continue to be undermined by violence, however. In October, government soldiers attacked the opposition in Kajo Keji. More recently, the opposition has accused the government of not withdrawing its troops from opposition territory as stipulated by the peace agreement. Renowned as South Sudans breadbasket, the Equatoria region was devastated by fighting after renewed clashes erupted in the countrys capital, Juba, in July 2016. Desolate, damaged houses line Kajo Kejis eerily quiet streets. Vandalized shops, robbed of their windows, roofs and doors, are concealed by overgrown brush. Kajo Keji county has been cut off from aid for more than two years due to repeated denials of humanitarian access by the warring sides, according to an internal humanitarian report seen by AP. The county lacks food, shelter and water. The government doesnt have resources to bring people back, said Luka Yombek, Kajo Kejis former commissioner who left office in October. In November, a United Nations-led humanitarian convoy drove from Juba to Kajo Keji for the first time since 2016 to assess its needs. While the U.N. said it plans to provide assistance where needed, it is contingent on having safe space to operate, said Andrea Noyes, head of the U.N. humanitarian office for the country. In town, only a handful of people have trickled back, with the majority of civilians too wary to return. Were still waiting to see if the peace deal is a real one, said Francis Ladu, one of more than 35,000 people sheltering in the Korijo displaced persons camp in the opposition-held part of Kajo Keji on the Ugandan border. Life in the camp is hard. With no clean water, people are forced to drink from muddy ponds. Ladu said he walks six hours into Uganda several times a week to work odd jobs to make money to buy food for his family. Intently watching his 2-month- old twin girls, he said it ultimately doesnt matter where they live. Going there and staying here is all the same at the moment. The government cant provide for us, he said, hanging his head. People are suffering, theyre just surviving. Sam Mednick, AP Singapore officials said yesterday that it isnt in the countrys interest to nab or even name the perpetrator of a cyberattack that breached 1.5 million health records, including those of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. An inquiry into the July 4 breach, believed to be the largest in Singapores history, concluded that it was likely state-linked. The inquiry called for hearings and considered factors like the attackers persistence, resources and advanced tactics. In a public report released last week, it said the attacker had a clear goal in mind, namely the personal and outpatient medication data of the Prime Minister in the main. Lee is a two-time cancer survivor. Minister of Communication and Information S. Iswaran, who is also in charge of cybersecurity, told Parliament yesterday that the attacker could not be named for national security reasons and the copied personal data has not emerged in any form on the dark web. The country has strengthened its cybersecurity portfolio since the breach, Iswaran said. It will adopt new systems, such as one that can aggregate, analyze and isolate threats in real time. Iswaran added that actions have been taken against individuals and organizations that could have limited or stopped hackers. That is the totality of our response, he said. I dont think we should reduce whether we have confidence in the sense of justice to just one specific point, that theres no public attribution of the perpetrator. Pressed by a member of Parliament, Iswaran said naming the perpetrator was not in our interest. And its not because we lack the legislative capacity to do so, if indeed it is within our jurisdiction, he added. Around 1.5 million people who visited outpatient clinics in Singapore from May, 1, 2015, to July 4 last year had their personal data accessed and copied. This included names, identification card numbers, addresses, race, gender and dates of birth. Of that total, 160,000 had their records of dispensed medicines copied too. Officials have said that patients information was not amended or deleted. They also said hackers did not have access to other records, such as diagnosis documents, test results or doctors notes. Lee, who has been prime minister since 2004, has said he didnt know what the attackers were hoping to find. He has been treated for intermediate-grade malignant lymphoma and prostate cancer. In 2015, he underwent surgery to remove his prostate gland and was subsequently given the all-clear sign by doctors. My medication data is not something I would ordinarily tell people about, but there is nothing alarming in it, Lee said on Facebook last year after news of the breach broke. AP The Russian republic of Chechnya has launched a new crackdown on gays in which at least two people have died and about 40 people have been detained, LGBT activists in Russia charged this week. The new allegations come after reports in 2017 of more than 100 gay men arrested and subjected to torture, and some of them killed, in the predominantly Muslim region in southern Russia. The Associated Press and other media outlets have interviewed some of the victims, who spoke about torture at the hands of Chechen law enforcement officers. Chechen authorities have denied those accusations, and federal authorities conducted a probe into the earlier reports but said they found nothing to support the charges. Alvi Karimov, a spokesman for Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, told the Interfax news agency on Monday that the latest reports are complete lies and dont have an ounce of truth in them. Karimov insisted that no one has been detained in Chechnya on suspicion of being gay. But the Russian LGBT Network, which has been monitoring the situation in Chechnya and helping victims, said in a statement Monday that about 40 men and women have been detained on suspicion of being gay since December and that at least two of them have died of torture in detention. The detainees are believed held at the same facility that was named in the 2017 reports. Widespread detentions, torture and killings of gay people have resumed in Chechnya, Igor Kochetkov, program director at the Russian LGBT Network said. Persecution of men and women suspected of being gay never stopped. Its only that its scale has been changing. Kochetkov said the new wave of anti-gay persecution started at the end of the year, when Chechen authorities detained the administrator of a social media group popular with LGBT people in the North Caucasus. Kochetkov said the mass detentions began after the authorities got hold of the contacts on his phone. LGBT activists in 2017 helped to evacuate around 150 gay men from Chechnya to help them restart their lives elsewhere in Russia. Many of them have sought asylum and resettled abroad. News that the authorities have resumed the crackdown is spine-chilling, said Marie Struthers, director of Amnesty Internationals Eastern Europe section. With lives in jeopardy, there is an urgent need for an international response to protect gay and lesbian people in Chechnya. Russian authorities have strenuously denied that killings and torture took place in the predominantly Muslim region where homosexuality is taboo, even after one man came forward to talk about the time he spent in detention in Chechnya. Kim Jong Un told the world this month that North Korea took steps to stop making nuclear weapons in 2018, a shift from his earlier public statements. The evidence shows production has continued, and possibly expanded. Satellite-imagery analysis and leaked American intelligence suggest North Korea has churned out rockets and warheads as quickly as ever in the year since Kim halted weapons tests, a move that led to his June summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. The regime probably added several intercontinental ballistic missiles, nuclear proliferation analysts say, with one arms control group estimating that Kim gained enough fissile material for about six more nuclear bombs, bringing North Koreas total to enough for between 30 to 60. There is no indication that their nuclear and missile programs have slowed or paused, said Melissa Hanham, the director of the One Earth Future Foundations Datayo Project and an expert in using satellite imagery and other publicly available data to analyze weapons proliferation. Rather it has reached a new stage. Recent reports have shown that North Korea continued to operate two suspected uranium enrichment facilities one near its long-established Yongbyon nuclear center and another location suspected of being a gas centrifuge site. In July, U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo acknowledged in Senate testimony that North Korea was still producing fissile material. Other reports suggest North Korea bolstered its arsenal in the run-up to the Trump summit and still runs a plant believed to have produced Kims first ICBMs capable of reaching the U.S. homeland. They say the regime recently expanded a factory probably making engines for new, easier-to-hide solid-fuel rockets and enlarged an underground base for long-range missiles. The reports underline whats at stake as Trump considers holding a second summit with Kim, which the U.S. president says could come in the not-too-distant future. While Trump has credited Kims decision to halt weapons tests and dismantle a few testing facilities with preventing a war in the Western Pacific, those moves havent prevented North Korea from building new weapons out of sight that could threaten the U.S. Skepticism remains about Kims denuclearization pledges, including his assertion in a New Years speech that he agreed in 2018 to neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer, nor use and proliferate them. A year ago, Kim ordered the mass production of warheads and ballistic missiles after suspending weapons tests following the launch of an ICBM capable of reaching the entire U.S. the last of more than 40 conducted in a 24-month span. Non-proliferation analysts say Kims strategy appears to be quietly fortifying the arsenal he has while creating the diplomatic climate necessary for North Korea to get sanctions lifted and be tolerated as a nuclear state. The stalled nuclear talks with the Trump administration have given Kim the space to perfect the technologies needed to strike the U.S. Analysts say its only a matter of time before he acquires a targeting system and a re-entry vehicle capable of delivering a warhead safely through the atmosphere. I dont know of a country that has produced an ICBM and found that building a re-entry vehicle to be a substantial barrier, said Jeffrey Lewis, a specialist on proliferation at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. Lewis and his colleagues produced several reports showing Kims continued weapons development last year, identifying the probable site of a covert uranium-enrichment facility north of Pyongyang and an expanded missile base near the Chinese border. In recent days, Kim has also made clear that any disarmament deal with Trump would also require removing the U.S.s nuclear-capable planes and warships from the region. Hes shown little interest in declaring his nuclear assets as sought by U.S. officials, with state media last month comparing it to handing over a target list. Without disclosures and inspections, its impossible to know exactly what weapons North Korea possesses. The secretive regime has for decades relied on deception and a vast network of tunnels and clandestine facilities to hide the components of its nuclear arms program from government spy agencies, let alone commercial satellites. An analysis of satellite imagery published by the 38 North website on Jan. 9 showed that the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center, which Kim suggested he might dismantle in exchange for U.S. concessions, remains operational and well maintained. How many nuclear warheads North Korea holds is unknown. The non-partisan Arms Control Association estimated last year that the regime possessed at least 15 warheads and was churning out enough fissile material to produce six to seven more bombs annually. But there is a high degree of uncertainty surrounding these estimates, the Arms Control Association said. By 2020, it could have anywhere from 20 to 100 warheads, potentially exceeding Israels 80 estimated bombs. Bloomberg An upscale hotel complex in Kenyas capital came under attack yesterday, with a blast and heavy gunfire. Witnesses and police at the scene called it a terror attack. The complex in Nairobis Westlands neighborhood includes a large hotel known as DusitD2, banks and offices. Several vehicles burned. People were being rushed, even carried, from the scene. It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible. I have seen a human as I ran out and there is what looks like minced meat all over, said one a man who said he ran from the scene, Charles Njenga. He did not give details. I have been hiding. My colleagues were running everywhere, said another man, breathing heavily, who did not give an Associated Press video journalist his name. He said he hid in an office. I didnt see an attacker. Yeah, it was a terrorist attack. I think so. Gunfire continued several minutes after the first reports. Black smoke rose from the scene. We have sent officers to the scene, including from the anti-terrorism unit, but so far we have no more information, police spokesman Charles Owino said. Ambulances, security forces and firefighters rushed to the scene, sirens wailing. A large group of women were hurried out by security forces, one woman still in hair curlers. Other groups of dozens of people were hurried away as plainclothes officers went shop to shop in the complex. What appeared to be plainclothes security forces inched their way toward the scene, guns in hand. Helicopters could be heard. Other people appeared to be taking cover behind fountains and other features in the lush outdoor complex. The attack immediately reminded many Kenyans of the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi in 2013, when al-Shabab extremists burst into the luxury shopping center, hurling grenades and starting a days-long siege that left 67 people dead. The attack came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in neighboring Somalia, killing scores of people. The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab objects to the presence of Kenyan troops in the turbulent Horn of Africa nation. Joseph Mwihia, Nairobi, AP The founder of Huawei, in a new effort to allay Western security concerns, said yesterday that the Chinese tech giant would not comply with Chinese government requests to disclose confidential information about its foreign customers and their communication networks. Ren Zhengfei spoke in a rare meeting with foreign reporters as Huawei Technologies Ltd. counters concerns that threaten to hamper its access to global markets. Telecom carriers are preparing to spend billions of dollars on next-generation technology. Rens comments were the 74-year-old former military engineers first public response to foreign accusations his company is controlled by the ruling Communist Party or is required to facilitate Chinese spying. The United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments have imposed curbs on using Huawei technology over such concerns. Asked how the company would respond to an official demand for confidential details about its customers and their operations, Ren said, We would definitely say no to such a request. Asked whether Huawei might go to court, Ren said it would be up to Chinese authorities to file litigation if the company rejected such a request. Ren said neither he nor the company have ever received a government request for improper information about anyone. Huawei, the biggest global supplier of network equipment used by phone and internet companies, says it is employee-owned. Ren said no government entity or any other investor who isnt a current or former employee owns one cent of Huawei shares. Ren said Huawei has no research cooperation with the ruling partys military wing, the Peoples Liberation Army. He said the company also has no dedicated unit for military sales and he knew of no purchases of civilian technology by the PLA. Ren is the father of Huaweis chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested Dec. 1 in Canada on U.S. charges related to possible violations of trade sanctions on Iran. Ren said he misses his daughter but couldnt discuss her case while it was before a court. However, he said Huawei obeys the law, including trade sanctions, in every country where it operates. AP HONG Kongs former top leader Donald Tsang was released yesterday after serving time in prison for failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment from a businessman granted a government broadcasting license during Tsangs time in office. The 74-year-old Tsang, who served as Hong Kongs chief executive from 2005 to 2012, is the highest-ranking former or current official sent to prison for wrongdoing in the Asian financial hub, which prides itself on a reputation for clean governance. The apartment, which is in mainland China, was for his retirement. Tsangs 2017 conviction was a stunning downfall for the longtime civil servant whose career spanned both British colonial rule and Hong Kongs return to China in 1997. Last week, Hong Kongs Court of Final Appeal accepted his petition to try to get his conviction overturned. It also contrasts with the Hong Kong Justice Departments decision late last month not to prosecute former Chief Executive C.Y. Leung for failing to report a 50 million Hong Kong dollar (USD6.4 million) payout from Australian engineering firm UGL Limited in its takeover of a company where Leung was a director. The decision came after a four-year investigation by the citys anti-graft agency. After serving one term as chief executive, Leung was appointed in 2017 to Chinas legislature as a vice chairman. Tsang turned down an appointment from Beijing. Political commentator Ching Cheong said that Beijing is suspected of pressuring the Justice Department to drop the case. Both men failed to declare their interest before serving the citys highest office, but one was sent to prison the other got off, Ching said. Thats where the injustice lies. Violet Law, Hong Kong, AP South Africa: SA condemns Kenya terrorist attacks This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector, including organs of State, is set to resume on Wednesday. Initially, the commission, headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, was set to resume on Tuesday, which was later postponed to Wednesday. The com... See more Guangzhou mayor Wen Guohui said yesterday that the city is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Macau and Hong Kong to expedite construction of the Greater Bay Area. The capital of Guangdong Province will work with the two special administrative regions to build a world-class urban agglomeration and a tech innovation corridor linking Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau, said Wen Guohui. Wen made the revelation while delivering the government work report to the annual session of the citys peoples congress. During the event, the city also announced its 2019 budget of 19 billion yuan (USD2.8 billion) to boost the joint development of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Wen said the city planned to set up an innovation center for young entrepreneurs in the Greater Bay Area and extend the Guangzhou-Shenzhen- Hong Kong Express Rail Link into the the center of Guangzhou. The city will also expedite construction of the Guangzhou campus of Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. MDT/Xinhua A 47-year-old man from the mainland has been killed in an illegal guesthouse in Taipa at the Edificio Palacio do Sucesso, the Judiciary Police (PJ) reported yesterday. Initially, the police ruled out murder. Another two mainland men were also involved in the case, but only sustained injuries. According to the PJ, the case was handed over to the bureau by the Public Security Police Force (PSP) yesterday morning at around 7:30 a.m. The police believe that the deceased and the other two men first became involved in a verbal fight, which was followed by a physical brawl. During the fight, the now-deceased man called the police to report the incident. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene after receiving the call, whereupon they sent the man to the emergency room of Conde S. Januario Hospital. After forensic examination, the deceased was found to have a shallow wound on the right hand and a shallow bruise on the right side of both the face and neck. No other scars were found. The cause of death is yet to be determined. As for the other two injured men, there were knife wounds in the right palm, left side of the chest and right shoulder. The deceased had been drinking alcohol before the fight. The case is currently under investigation. the PJ will publicize any future updates. The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, yesterday pledged to support local media during a lunch with representatives of English and Portuguese-language media. In his speech, Chui said that local media that report in English and Portuguese are an element of Macaus multicultural environment, and therefore crucial in promoting further exchanges between Eastern and Western cultures. Chui said the government paid great attention to the medias opinions and suggestions regarding the governments work tasks. The CE said that the government strictly upheld the principles of the freedom of the press and the freedom to publish. He also reviewed Macaus general economic development in 2018, saying the economy had remained stable with sound public finances, a high local employment rate, and improvement in terms of the overall well-being of Macaus people. Chui went on to acknowledge that 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China and the 20th anniversary of the MSAR, as well as the year his successor would be elected to the role of Chief Executive. Chui said the Government would strive to ensure the two anniversaries were celebrated successfully through various activities, and also to ensure a smooth election process and transition to the next administration. The Chief Executive had also hosted a lunch on Monday for representatives of local Chinese-language media. He mentioned that advances in technology had helped diversify the publics sources of information. He added the government would always help the local media to address the challenges created by new media technology. An Australian state government yesterday announced plans to mechanically pump oxygen into lakes and rivers after hundreds of thousands of fish have died in heatwave conditions. Up to a million dead fish were found floating last week in the Darling River in western New South Wales state and the state government announced that 1,800 more rotting fish had since been found in Lake Hume in the states south. Minister for Regional Water Niall Blair said 16 battery-powered aerators had been bought and would be placed in various drought-affected waterways after they are delivered by Wednesday. They are a Band-Aid solution; we admit that, Blair told reporters. Nothing will stop this fish kill unless we get proper river flows and water levels in our dams back up to normal. We are doing everything we can to try and limit the damage, he added. Experts blame heatwave conditions across much of Australia, drought and algal blooms for starving waterways of oxygen. Blair rejected some criticisms that governments were allowing irrigators to take too much water from the Murray-Darling Basin, Australias main river system, which winds across four states and is where a third of the nations food is produced. Water experts were meeting in Canberra yesterday to decide how the nation should respond to the water quality crisis. Australian National University water expert Daniel Connell said many more fish would likely die with heatwave conditions forecast to continue until the weekend. Its a very predictable crisis, Connell said. Connell said taking water from the system to irrigate had likely contributed to the poor water quality in rivers as well as the drought which is impacting most of New South Wales. By massively reducing the amount of water in the system, you produce much hotter water, you produce conditions that are much more conducive to algal blooms, he said. AP Chinese President Xi Jinpings government is sparing no expense to its international reputation in its determination to force Canada to back down over the case of a Chinese telecommunications executive it detained last month. While Beijing formally denies any connection, the arrest of two Canadians on vague national security charges and the re-sentencing of a convicted Canadian drug smuggler to death on Monday point to a determined campaign of intimidation and retribution. And while global perceptions of Chinas adherence to free trade and rule of law may take a beating, for Xi and other highly nationalistic Communist leaders, the stakes are simply too high. The Chinese will stop at nothing because its a huge loss of face, for both the Chinese government and Xi Jinping in particular, said Willy Lam, an expert on Chinese politics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Canada detained Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. The U.S. wants Meng, who is also the daughter of Huaweis founder, extradited to face charges that she committed fraud by misleading banks about the companys business dealings in Iran. China responded nine days later by arresting former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor. On Monday, a Chinese court sentenced Robert Lloyd Schellenberg to death, overturning a 15-year prison term handed down earlier. The actions fit a pattern of retaliation against nations that offend China, which sometimes extends to their citizens inside the country. Past instances have shown China willing to endure long freezes in relations and subsequent damage to its national image. China suspended its bilateral trade deal with Norway and restricted imports of Norwegian salmon when the Nobel peace prize was awarded to political prisoner Liu Xiaobo in 2010. Britain and other countries were retaliated against over meetings with the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, considered a dangerous separatist by Beijing, and in 2014, a Canadian couple was detained in northeastern China and charged with espionage following Canadas arrest of a man accused of stealing U.S. aviation secrets for China. Analysts say they have little doubt Kovrig and Spavors cases are related to Mengs, and the handing down of tougher sentences on appeal is rare enough to arouse suspicion. This really hurts China and its efforts to promote its influence around the world, said David Zweig, a Canadian who directs the Center on Chinas Transnational Relations at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Xi Jinping has been talking so much about promoting soft power [] I certainly think that it hurts Chinas soft power and its argument that it supports the rule of law, Zweig said. Retaliating against Canada, widely seen as a benign influence on the global order, also offers fewer dividends for China than confronting the U.S., which is regarded by many in the international community as at least as much of a bully as China, Zweig said. China doesnt win any points by pushing around Canada, he said. However, Beijings dismissive attitude toward Canada seems very much in line with its binary view of the world as divided into big or powerful nations that need to be deferred to, and small ones which China can afford to push around, said Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at Londons School of Oriental and African Studies. China is picking on Canada because they can, said Tsang. It will have lots of negative effects on Chinas standing in the world and international perceptions of China. He said Beijings handling of the case shows its refusal to recognize the concept of an independent judiciary, something unknown in China, where the ruling Communist Party controls the courts. As the daughter of the founder of Huawei closely connected to Chinas powerful military and considered something of a national treasure Meng is afforded special status, Tsang said. While he predicts further steps by Beijing to pressure Canada, Tsang said he doubts they will have any bearing on the result. It will have no impact in terms of how the Canadian government deals with the Meng case, he said. International observers also point to the strikingly different ways in which the cases are being handled by the two countries. While Meng has been afforded a lawyer and released on bail to her Vancouver mansion, Kovrig and Spavor are being held in cells with only minimal consular access. Canada has also complained that as a former diplomat, Kovrig should be accorded a degree of immunity. The timing and circumstances of Schellenbergs resentencing are also being called into question. While his case was on appeal, the speed with which the new hearing was held, with only four days notice, drew criticism from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a subsequent sharp rebuke of him by Beijing. Underlying Chinas behavior is the apparent conviction that Mengs detention was a political act that must be responded to in kind. Given the limited information about the cases allowed by government censors, Chinese have no sense that Ms. Meng was grabbed for anything other than political reasons, Zweig said. And if its completely political, then I guess in their viewpoint, kidnapping people is just tit-for-tat, he said. On Beijings frigid streets Tuesday, public opinion seemed to be running strongly in the governments favor. It shows China is standing up to Canada, said teacher Liang Reufen, adding that she hopes the matter will not be elevated to a political level. Finance worker Huo Yong said politics were already inextricably tied up in the case. We should pressure them since they use politics to contain our economic growth, said Huo. My attitude is, whoever bullies us, we should bully them back. Christopher Bodeen, Beijing, AP remaining of SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM! 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. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Supreme Court ordered a new trial Tuesday for a professor who alleged she lost her job at Harris-Stowe State University because of discrimination. Siding with an earlier appeals court decision, the high court said the instructions given to jurors at the close of a 2015 circuit court trial were erroneous and prejudicial. Shereen Kader had been awarded $2.5 million after a St. Louis jury agreed that her contract was not renewed based on her ethnicity. Kader is a Caucasian of Egyptian origin and an Arab Muslim. She was a professor in Harris-Stowes College of Education from 2007 through 2010, when she filed the lawsuit. Kader alleged in her suit that she was denied a leave of absence while trying to extend her work visa. According to the appeals court decision, Kader asked for the leave of absence during a 30-day grace period after her visa expired. Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants Watch out Trump lop guest User ID: 467626 01-16-2019 12:02 PM Post: #1 John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants Advertisement But trump is such a stupid f**ker he would fall for it From our friends at The Intercept... https://theintercept.com/2019/01/15/john...-he-wants/ Logic, however, has never been Boltons strong suit. He is an ideologue. It is a big mistake, he once declaimed, for us to grant any validity to international law even when it may seem in our short-term interest to do so because, over the long term, the goal of those who think that international law really means anything are those who want to constrict the United States. To hell with international law. And the International Criminal Court. And civilian lives. The bellicose Bolton is going to spend much of 2019 making the case, both in public and in private, for war with Iran a war that would make the invasion of Iraq look like a walk in the park. This is what makes the mustachioed national security adviser, with an office down the hallway from Trump, the most dangerous member of this reckless administration. Devil incarnate? Perhaps that was an understatement. War with Iran will make Iraq look like a walk in the parkBut trump is such a stupid f**ker he would fall for itFrom our friends at The Intercept...Logic, however, has never been Boltons strong suit. He is an ideologue. It is a big mistake, he once declaimed, for us to grant any validity to international law even when it may seem in our short-term interest to do so because, over the long term, the goal of those who think that international law really means anything are those who want to constrict the United States.To hell with international law. And the International Criminal Court. And civilian lives. The bellicose Bolton is going to spend much of 2019 making the case, both in public and in private, for war with Iran a war that would make the invasion of Iraq look like a walk in the park. This is what makes the mustachioed national security adviser, with an office down the hallway from Trump, the most dangerous member of this reckless administration.Devil incarnate? Perhaps that was an understatement. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 467626 01-16-2019 12:10 PM Post: #2 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants And further to the point Every single person in his admin that has opposed war with Iran is G O N E Bolton remains You red hat jerks sure are gonna get your just rewards LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 482926 01-16-2019 12:13 PM Post: #3 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants go ahead America bomb a country that has not started any wars in 200 years +. Wankers... Archangel Michael User ID: 441975 01-16-2019 12:13 PM Posts: 14,103 Post: #4 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants The Neo Con agenda is still very much in play. Iran is another of the countries scheduled by their agenda to be decimated. Russia and China are intended to have war waged upon them at some point as well. Netanyahu and the Zionist agenda are the ones wanting Iran attacked and millions killed, with their Zionist servants, Trump, Bolton, and a plethora of others rubbing their hands together, willing to do the dastardly deed for the cowardly Israeli's. Always best to have the Gentiles do the dirty work is Israel's motto. When Bolton was US Ambassador to the UN, the Israeli Delegation called him 'the extra man' on their negotiating team. Trump obeys what Sheldon Adelson wants. Sheldon and his wife gave President Trump $46.6 million dollars between them, and that's only the beginning of Jewish money President Trump is beholden for his position to. He wants to be see as a good and willing servant to Zion, possibly being declared 'Messiah' if he can deliver the whole world to Israel. It will take skill to avoid Iran being attacked. We hope that will happen. During the P5 + 1 negotiations, Iran was willing to consider the possibility of ending hostilities with Israel if Israel was willing to do the same toward Iran. Good progress on fulfilling the parameters necessary for that to happen were going well, when Netanyahu convinced the neophyte President Trump to scrap the JCOPA. That was possibly the largest mistake of the Trump administration so far. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 467626 01-16-2019 12:14 PM Post: #5 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 12:13 PM) go ahead America bomb a country that has not started any wars in 200 years +. Wankers... When youre dealing with dumb as hell Trumpers , yer phucked When youre dealing with dumb as hell Trumpers , yer phucked LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 467626 01-16-2019 12:14 PM Post: #6 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants Archangel Wrote: (01-16-2019 12:13 PM) The Neo Con agenda is still very much in play. Iran is another of the countries scheduled by their agenda to be decimated. Russia and China are intended to have war waged upon them at some point as well. Netanyahu and the Zionist agenda are the ones wanting Iran attacked and millions killed, with their Zionist servants, Trump, Bolton, and a plethora of others rubbing their hands together, willing to do the dastardly deed for the cowardly Israeli's. Always best to have the Gentiles do the dirty work is Israel's motto. When Bolton was US Ambassador to the UN, the Israeli Delegation called him 'the extra man' on their negotiating team. Trump obeys what Sheldon Adelson wants. Sheldon and his wife gave President Trump $46.6 million dollars between them, and that's only the beginning of Jewish money President Trump is beholden for his position to. He wants to be see as a good and willing servant to Zion, possibly being declared 'Messiah' if he can deliver the whole world to Israel. It will take skill to avoid Iran being attacked. We hope that will happen. During the P5 + 1 negotiations, Iran was willing to consider the possibility of ending hostilities with Israel if Israel was willing to do the same toward Iran. Good progress on fulfilling the parameters necessary for that to happen were going well, when Netanyahu convinced the neophyte President Trump to scrap the JCOPA. That was possibly the largest mistake of the Trump administration so far. Trump is one huge mistake Hope you didnt vote for him Trump is one huge mistakeHope you didnt vote for him LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 481136 01-16-2019 12:15 PM Post: #7 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants The opposition in Iran will probably say yes, but it will be another Vietnam for USA even worse than Afghanistan. Archangel Michael User ID: 441975 01-16-2019 12:18 PM Posts: 14,103 Post: #8 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants John Bolton is a psychopath in a suit. The most dangerous kind. Bolton is not a rational man. He's melted down screaming and. trying to kick in a woman's hotel door, and is obviously an unstable person except when he's working to fulfill Israel's plans to do the remake of the hanging of Haman in Iran. To wish John Bolton bad luck, would be an understatement. I wish everyone wanting to do harm to Iran, or any other country in the world, the worst of luck and bad fortune overall. Archangel Michael User ID: 441975 01-16-2019 12:22 PM Posts: 14,103 Post: #9 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 12:15 PM) The opposition in Iran will probably say yes, but it will be another Vietnam for USA even worse than Afghanistan. Hillary had already promised to attack Iran, Trump not so much. Senator McCain, before he died, was involved with the creation and support of terror groups intending and intending to attack Iran. He delivered checks to them and handed them to them, as he had done with ISIS is in Syria. The 'son of Cain' his name means, did his best to truly be a son of Cain, and to kill as many of his brothers as possible. Hillary had already promised to attack Iran, Trump not so much.Senator McCain, before he died, was involved with the creation and support of terror groups intending and intending to attack Iran. He delivered checks to them and handed them to them, as he had done with ISIS is in Syria. The 'son of Cain' his name means, did his best to truly be a son of Cain, and to kill as many of his brothers as possible. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483955 01-16-2019 12:22 PM Post: #10 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants Bomb Israel and fix the problem once and for all ! Archangel Michael User ID: 441975 01-16-2019 12:24 PM Posts: 14,103 Post: #11 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants Archangel Wrote: (01-16-2019 12:18 PM) John Bolton is a psychopath in a suit. The most dangerous kind. Bolton is not a rational man. He's melted down screaming and. trying to kick in a woman's hotel door, and is obviously an unstable person except when he's working to fulfill Israel's plans to do the remake of the hanging of Haman in Iran. To wish John Bolton bad luck, would be an understatement. I wish everyone wanting to do harm to Iran, or any other country in the world, the worst of luck and bad fortune overall. As a vet, it's sickening to wish our troops a trouncing, still if they attack Iran they will definitely be in the absolute wrong. Just as what we have done to so many countries is ultimate evil and totally wrong. Archangel Michael User ID: 441975 01-16-2019 12:26 PM Posts: 14,103 Post: #12 RE: John Bolton Wants to Bomb Iran and He May Get What He Wants LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 12:22 PM) Bomb Israel and fix the problem once and for all ! That's the best idea. I regret giving Israel more time to change their ways. However that time, another 20 years will be expiring soon. Should God allow another attack to be planned, I will not intercede. That's the best idea. I regret giving Israel more time to change their ways. However that time, another 20 years will be expiring soon. Should God allow another attack to be planned, I will not intercede. Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Cowering in the shadows of anonymity is an Idaho lawmaker of some stature who recklessly fueled the critical race theory debate that has diminished academic freedom and deprived the states already lean institutions of higher learning of $2.5 million. Username: Password: or Register Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Thread Rating: 1 Vote(s) - 5 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance ALADIN * weird wizard1* User ID: 482279 01-16-2019 10:25 AM Posts: 5,426 Post: #1 It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance Advertisement This time the outspoken US ambassador in Berlin may have gone too far to be ignored. The German government has denounced as a provocation letters that the American envoy sent to companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 project warning them of possible US sanctions. The German government reportedly told the project companies to ignore the missives dispatched by Ambassador Richard Grenell. Nord Stream 2 is the 1,222-kilometer pipeline being laid in the Baltic seabed which will greatly increase delivery of natural gas from Russia to Germany. It will double Germanys import of Russian gas when complete. But the Trump administration has repeatedly voiced its objection to the project, claiming that it will give Moscow undue political leverage over Europe. Trump has warned of sanctions on participating companies, which include German and Austrian firms. The flagrant ulterior agenda is seen as the US trying to undermine German-Russian energy trade, for the purpose of selling more expensive American liquefied natural gas to Europe. So much for American free-market capitalism! Grenells letters to the German firms received at the weekend are viewed as an unprecedented threat to the nations conduct of private business. The US embassy denied it was a threat, saying the letters were merely stating Washingtons policy of imposing sanctions. It is but the latest furore involving the maverick envoy who has been accused in the past of violating diplomatic protocol by meddling in Germanys domestic affairs. German media have previously blasted Grenell for seeking regime change in Berlin because of his open support for the anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-01-1...-arrogance It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a ma s k on their nose and mouth ... It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial ArroganceThis time the outspoken US ambassador in Berlinto be ignored. The German government has denounced as a provocation letters that the American envoy sent to companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 project warning them of possible US sanctions.The German government reportedly told the project companies to ignore the missives dispatched by Ambassador Richard Grenell.Nord Stream 2 is the 1,222-kilometer pipeline being laid in the Baltic seabed which will greatly increase delivery of natural gas from Russia to Germany. It will double Germanys import of Russian gas when complete. But the Trump administration has repeatedly voiced its objection to the project, claiming that it will give Moscow undue political leverage over Europe. Trump has warned of sanctions on participating companies, which include German and Austrian firms.The flagrant ulterior agenda is seen as the US trying to undermine German-Russian energy trade, for the purpose of selling more expensive American liquefied natural gas to Europe. So much for American free-market capitalism!Grenells letters to the German firms received at the weekend are viewed as an unprecedented threat to the nations conduct of private business. The US embassy denied it was a threat, saying the letters were merely stating Washingtons policy of imposing sanctions.It is but the latest furore involving the maverick envoy who has been accused in the past of violating diplomatic protocol by meddling in Germanys domestic affairs. German media have previously blasted Grenell for seeking regime change in Berlin because of his open support for the anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). 9n Sprinkles User ID: 444549 01-16-2019 10:28 AM Posts: 2,458 Post: #2 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance 44575 Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:25 AM) It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance This time the outspoken US ambassador in Berlin may have gone too far to be ignored. The German government has denounced as a provocation letters that the American envoy sent to companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 project warning them of possible US sanctions. The German government reportedly told the project companies to ignore the missives dispatched by Ambassador Richard Grenell. Nord Stream 2 is the 1,222-kilometer pipeline being laid in the Baltic seabed which will greatly increase delivery of natural gas from Russia to Germany. It will double Germanys import of Russian gas when complete. But the Trump administration has repeatedly voiced its objection to the project, claiming that it will give Moscow undue political leverage over Europe. Trump has warned of sanctions on participating companies, which include German and Austrian firms. The flagrant ulterior agenda is seen as the US trying to undermine German-Russian energy trade, for the purpose of selling more expensive American liquefied natural gas to Europe. So much for American free-market capitalism! Grenells letters to the German firms received at the weekend are viewed as an unprecedented threat to the nations conduct of private business. The US embassy denied it was a threat, saying the letters were merely stating Washingtons policy of imposing sanctions. It is but the latest furore involving the maverick envoy who has been accused in the past of violating diplomatic protocol by meddling in Germanys domestic affairs. German media have previously blasted Grenell for seeking regime change in Berlin because of his open support for the anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-01-1...-arrogance 9n Interneting is so much fun... ALADIN * weird wizard1* User ID: 482279 01-16-2019 10:33 AM Posts: 5,426 Post: #3 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance 9n Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:28 AM) 44575 Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:25 AM) It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance This time the outspoken US ambassador in Berlin may have gone too far to be ignored. The German government has denounced as a provocation letters that the American envoy sent to companies involved in the Nord Stream 2 project warning them of possible US sanctions. The German government reportedly told the project companies to ignore the missives dispatched by Ambassador Richard Grenell. Nord Stream 2 is the 1,222-kilometer pipeline being laid in the Baltic seabed which will greatly increase delivery of natural gas from Russia to Germany. It will double Germanys import of Russian gas when complete. But the Trump administration has repeatedly voiced its objection to the project, claiming that it will give Moscow undue political leverage over Europe. Trump has warned of sanctions on participating companies, which include German and Austrian firms. The flagrant ulterior agenda is seen as the US trying to undermine German-Russian energy trade, for the purpose of selling more expensive American liquefied natural gas to Europe. So much for American free-market capitalism! Grenells letters to the German firms received at the weekend are viewed as an unprecedented threat to the nations conduct of private business. The US embassy denied it was a threat, saying the letters were merely stating Washingtons policy of imposing sanctions. It is but the latest furore involving the maverick envoy who has been accused in the past of violating diplomatic protocol by meddling in Germanys domestic affairs. German media have previously blasted Grenell for seeking regime change in Berlin because of his open support for the anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-01-1...-arrogance that is not an excuse for him ... that is not an excuse for him ... It also forced all people, great and small, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a ma s k on their nose and mouth ... LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483959 01-16-2019 10:34 AM Post: #4 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance He needs to f*#k off back to the US. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 436582 01-16-2019 10:37 AM Post: #5 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance Pathetic whinging by failing empire.. MAGA Nordstream2 is a go because it's way cheaper than dipshit America's LNG. Zip it Pathetic whinging by failing empire.. MAGANordstream2 is a go because it's way cheaper than dipshit America's LNG.Zip it LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483870 01-16-2019 10:46 AM Post: #6 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance Germany stupidly wants to put itself under Russian control and throw Ukraine under the bus. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 436582 01-16-2019 10:52 AM Post: #7 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:46 AM) Germany stupidly wants to put itself under Russian control and throw Ukraine under the bus. Fuck Ukraine and its Ameri-puppet illegitimate government. It's now obsolete as a gas transit hub because of neocon fuckery/failed policy and very stupid/weak leadership. NS2 makes all of that bullshit obsolete.. haha Some dumb cunt once said "fuck the EU".. That dumbcunt is now as irrelevant as Ukraine as a transit hub for Europe.. hahah! Fuck Ukraine and its Ameri-puppet illegitimate government.It's now obsolete as a gas transit hub because of neocon fuckery/failed policy and very stupid/weak leadership.NS2 makes all of that bullshit obsolete.. hahaSome dumb cunt once said "fuck the EU"..That dumbcunt is now as irrelevant as Ukraine as a transit hub for Europe.. hahah! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483870 01-16-2019 10:57 AM Post: #8 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:52 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:46 AM) Germany stupidly wants to put itself under Russian control and throw Ukraine under the bus. Fuck Ukraine and its Ameri-puppet illegitimate government. Yes we know you want to re-enslave Ukraine and no doubt have another genocide like the Holomodor. Funny how history has been much kinder to you Russians than it has been to the NAZIs. Yes we know you want to re-enslave Ukraine and no doubt have another genocide like the Holomodor. Funny how history has been much kinder to you Russians than it has been to the NAZIs. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 436582 01-16-2019 11:00 AM Post: #9 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:57 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:52 AM) Fuck Ukraine and its Ameri-puppet illegitimate government. Yes we know you want to re-enslave Ukraine and no doubt have another genocide like the Holomodor. Funny how history has been much kinder to you Russians than it has been to the NAZIs. Um, no. Get a grip, dipshit. Um, no.Get a grip, dipshit. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483965 01-16-2019 11:15 AM Post: #10 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance idiots, all. just one more step towards extinction. choose soul-love, . . greed and corporalism is a one-way dead-end street. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483870 01-16-2019 11:16 AM Post: #11 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 11:00 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:57 AM) Yes we know you want to re-enslave Ukraine and no doubt have another genocide like the Holomodor. Funny how history has been much kinder to you Russians than it has been to the NAZIs. Um, no. Get a grip, dipshit. Why, because Russia would never invade and occupy Ukrainian territory again? Becuase Russia would never fight a terrorist insurgency war in Donbass killing thousands of defenceless Ukrainians? Yeah sure, we see how that worked out. They are just waiting to complete Nord Stream 2 and then the next stage of invasion and the second Holomodor will take place. Why, because Russia would never invade and occupy Ukrainian territory again? Becuase Russia would never fight a terrorist insurgency war in Donbass killing thousands of defenceless Ukrainians? Yeah sure, we see how that worked out. They are just waiting to complete Nord Stream 2 and then the next stage of invasion and the second Holomodor will take place. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483964 01-16-2019 11:18 AM Post: #12 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 11:00 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 10:57 AM) Yes we know you want to re-enslave Ukraine and no doubt have another genocide like the Holomodor. Funny how history has been much kinder to you Russians than it has been to the NAZIs. Um, no. Get a grip, dipshit. I dont want them to have one. I dont want them to have one. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 436582 01-16-2019 11:18 AM Post: #13 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 11:16 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 11:00 AM) Um, no. Get a grip, dipshit. Why, because Russia would never invade and occupy Ukrainian territory again? Becuase Russia would never fight a terrorist insurgency war in Donbass killing thousands of defenceless Ukrainians? Yeah sure, we see how that worked out. They are just waiting to complete Nord Stream 2 and then the next stage of invasion and the second Holomodor will take place. Paranoid nonsense^ No further comment.. Paranoid nonsense^No further comment.. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483966 01-16-2019 11:21 AM Post: #14 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance Idiots never learnt... LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 483870 01-16-2019 11:26 AM Post: #15 RE: It's A Gas... Germany Outraged By US Colonial Arrogance LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 11:18 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (01-16-2019 11:16 AM) Why, because Russia would never invade and occupy Ukrainian territory again? Becuase Russia would never fight a terrorist insurgency war in Donbass killing thousands of defenceless Ukrainians? Yeah sure, we see how that worked out. They are just waiting to complete Nord Stream 2 and then the next stage of invasion and the second Holomodor will take place. Paranoid nonsense^ No further comment.. The war in Donbass is a paranoid delusion? No doubt the Holomodor was too? You are going to have to do better than that Ivan. Germany cares more about saving a few cents on gas than it does on the lives of millions of Ukranian people, shame on them. The war in Donbass is a paranoid delusion? No doubt the Holomodor was too? You are going to have to do better than that Ivan.Germany cares more about saving a few cents on gas than it does on the lives of millions of Ukranian people, shame on them. Advertisement Back to Forum Reply to This post Post New Thread Motorola may be looking to revive its Razr brand again. The original Motorola Razr was a flip phone launched in 2004, known for its eye-catching design and super-slim profile. Now the Wall Street Journal reports that Motorola plans to release a new model with a foldable display and a $1,500 starting price. While thats a lot of money for a smartphone, it seems to be in-line with what other companies including Samsung and Royole are expected to charge for their smartphones with folding displays. The upshot of a foldable device is that you have a single gadget that you can use as both a smartphone and a tablet. The downside is that its probably cheaper to buy a phone and tablet separately the cost of being an early adopter seems unusually high at the moment. The WSJ report doesnt contain many other details about the upcoming phone, aside from the fact that Motorola plans to manufacture about 200,000 devices, its expected to be a Verizon exclusive in the United States, and that it could launch as soon as February although the release date could be pushed back. This wouldnt be the first time Motorola has attempted to revive the Razr brand the company released a few Motorola DROID RAZR phones in 2012 in 2012. They were largely unremarkable phones with relatively slim designs and large batteries, by 2016 standards. Share this article: Share this: Facebook Twitter Reddit Pocket Tumblr Pinterest LinkedIn Email LEXINGTON Celebrating 150 Years of the University of Nebraska is the topic of the next Rural Radio Forum. It will air on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, from 3 pm to 4 pm CT on 880 AM KRVN-Lexington, 840 AM KTIC-West Point, 104.9 FM KTMX-York, and from 2 pm to 3 pm MT on 960 AM KNEB-Scottsbluff, among other stations in the Rural Radio Network. Guests of this special program will include Dr. Hank Bounds, President of the University of Nebraska system; Chancellors Dr. Ronnie Green at UNL, Dr. Jeffrey Gold at UNMC and UNO; Doug Kristensen at UNK, and Dr. Ron Rosati at NCTA. On Friday, February 15, 2019, the University of Nebraska will celebrate its 150th anniversary as the states land-grant institution of public education and service through improving the quality of life for Nebraska and beyond. We, at the Rural Radio Network, have a similar mission to serve Nebraskans, and we will celebrate the historic past of our University and learn about its vision to chart a bold new future. We will explore the history of each campus, how the University became a multi-campus system, how each campus has formed its own niche in serving and growing the state of Nebraska, what the future holds, and more. The program will be hosted by the Rural Radio Networks Brandon Benitz and Bryce Doeschot. The Rural Radio Forum is an hour-long program presented quarterly by the Rural Radio Network on issues faced by rural Nebraskans. Podcasts of past Rural Radio Forum programs are available at RuralRadio.com. Alysia Rodgers has a new job that is very much like her old job. For the past year, Rodgers has served as the Main Street Manager for the Lebanon Downtown Association, working to promote the city center and attract new customers. In January, Rodgers, 30, was hired by the city of Lebanon to serve as the Economic Development Catalyst. This position builds on her downtown experience to encompass the entire community. "I really liked getting to know the building owners and business owners downtown and helping them by creating events downtown and being able to connect with them," Rodgers said. The Main Street Manager position is part time and that fit well with Rodgers schedule as a mother of two small children. She wasn't looking for a new job, but when she learned about the economic development post, she was intrigued. "That did sound really attractive to me and being able to do it outside of the downtown as well, being able to build on that and do things city-wide," Rodgers said. When Orris returned home, they moved back into Albany where their three daughters, Judy, Barbara and Marta, were born over the next eight years. Joyce was a full time mother and grandparent. She served as Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout Leader. She supported all of her children in a variety of school, church, and extracurricular activities. She enjoyed camping with the family, particularly the Sunday picnic outings to Cascadia and fishing/camping at Clear Lake resort. She was always very fond of her aunts, uncles and cousins, on both the Stellmacher and Eastman sides of her family. The year they were married, Joyce and Orris joined the Whitespires United Presbyterian Church. In 1967, they became members of the United Presbyterian Church of Albany, when the two church congregations merged. She served the church in many ways, including holding Elder and Deacon positions. She had strong faith which carried her throughout her life, and enabled her to endure hardships and still provide quiet guidance and inspiration to her friends and family. In their later years, Joyce and Orris particularly enjoyed traveling in their RV, visiting their children and sites throughout the West. They had good friends and traveling companions on many adventures with the Ready Roamer Good Sam Travel Club and Willamette Rollers Elks RV Club. The best paying jobs in the United States often require successful completion of a study program at a college or university. But a new study suggests there are also millions of good jobs for people with only a high school education. The study was a project of the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Its findings were based on U.S. government information. Financial company JPMorgan Chase provided money for the research. The Georgetown researchers defined a good job as one paying at least $35,000 a year for U.S. workers between the ages of 25 and 44 years. For those between 45 and 64, a good job was said to pay at least $45,000 a year. The study identified three general paths leading to a good job: a high school education, middle skills, and bachelors degree, BA, from a college or university. The high school path is meant for workers with a high school education or less. The middle-skills group included workers with more than a high school diploma, but less than a bachelors degree. Included in this group were people who earned an associate degree or attended classes or training in college, but did not have such a degree. The report noted that after World War II, U.S. workers with a high school diploma or less were able to get good-paying, middle-class jobs. It said that is because there were a large number of jobs in manufacturing and other industries requiring physical labor. Most of these jobs were filled by workers with only a high school education. But over the years, manufacturing kept moving toward greater use of machines. In addition, the U.S. and world economies went through major changes. These developments created a need for a more educated and skilled work force. The report said that in the manufacturing-based economy of the past, about two-thirds of entry-level jobs required a high school diploma or less. Today, two-thirds of jobs require at least some education or training in addition to high school, it found. The researchers estimated that in 1991, 15 million good jobs existed for those with a high school diploma. About 12 million good middle-skills jobs were available, while 18 million existed for people with a bachelors degree. By 2016, the report found the high school path led to only 13 million good jobs. However, those 13 million jobs were responsible for about 20 percent of all good jobs, the study found. The middle-skills group grew to 16 million, while the path for bachelors degree holders doubled to 36 million good jobs. Anthony Carnevale is director of the Center on Education and the Workforce, and a lead researcher on the project. While its no surprise that the BA economy has doubled the number of good jobs it provides, it really struck us that the high school economy still provides 13 million good jobs, he said. We also found it surprising that even though blue-collar jobs declined, middle-skills jobs have grown considerably. The report said that the long-term future for high school-educated workers is unclear. But it estimated about 27 percent of U.S. workers aged 25 to 34 with a high school diploma currently have a good job. The financial website Kiplinger.com recently examined a collection of data to identify the highest-paying jobs for Americans without a college degree. Among the top-rated were sales representative, computer user support specialist and power line installer, Kiplinger reported. As the population ages, Americas health care industry will provide many more jobs for people without a college degree. These are expected to include health technologist, medical secretary, medical assistant and dental assistant, Kiplinger noted. Other top jobs identified for high school diploma holders included oil, gas and mine service operator, self-improvement education teacher, flight attendant and plumber. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English. His report was based on information from the Center on Education and the Workforce, VOA News and Kiplinger.com. George Grow was the editor. How important do you think a college education is to getting a good-paying job? Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Quiz - US Study: Many Good Jobs Exist for High School Graduates Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story bachelors degree n. a degree given to a student by a college or university usually after four years of study automation n. the control of something using machines and not people decline v. to become less in amount, importance, quality or strength installer n. person whose job is to put things in position and make them ready for use plumber n. someone whose job is to supply, connect, and repair water pipes and devices The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed all war crimes charges against Laurent Gbagbo, former president of Ivory Coast. The court announced the decision Tuesday at its offices in The Hague. The chief judge said prosecutors had failed to prove the accusations against Gbagbo and another defendant, Ble Goude. Judge Cuno Tarfusser also said the prosecution failed to show that the former presidents speeches directly incited any crime. Gbagbos defense lawyer said that, He is happy to have put his faith in the justice process. Outside the courthouse, Gbagbo's supporters cheered and danced at the announcement. But rights groups said the decision denied justice to victims of Ivory Coasts post-election violence, which lasted from December 2010 to April 2011. At the time, Gbagbo refused to accept results of the 2010 presidential election. The official results showed that he lost to Alassane Ouattara, who now serves as president of Ivory Coast. An estimated 3,000 people were killed in the post-election unrest. Jim Wormington of Human Rights Watch told the Reuters news agency that, Forces loyal to both Gbagbo and Ouattara were responsible for shocking violence. ICC faces criticism The dismissal of the charges again Gbagbo marked another defeat for ICC lawyers. They also lost a case against Jean-Pierre Bemba, a former vice-president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ICC ruling against Bemba and his sentence for war crimes charges were overturned in 2018 because of mistakes by the court. Charges against Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta were dropped in 2015. ICC lawyers have won three war crimes cases in the past 15 years. Fatou Bensouda of Gambia has served as the chief prosecutor at the ICC since 2012. She is to be replaced next year. James A. Goldston is a director with the rights group Open Society Justice Initiative, which is based in New York City. Goldston said it is important that the process to choose another top lawyer produces a person of integrity and sound judgement who is highly skilled at criminal investigations. Gbagbo faced four charges including murder, rape, persecution and other inhumane acts. His release means he may return to Ivory Coast to influence or take part in the 2020 presidential election there. Ivory Coast has one of West Africas largest economies and is the worlds biggest producer of cocoa. Im Mario Ritter Jr. Mario Ritter Jr. adapted this Reuters story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story prosecutor n. a lawyer who represents a government agency in a court faith n. belief or trust post - prefix. after or later; later than integrity n. the quality of being honest and fair We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. The British parliament has rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for Britain to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 432 to 202 against the plan negotiated by members of Mays government. The prime minister said she is trying to carry out the "democratic decision" voters made 18 months ago to leave the EU. Opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbin called the vote a "catastrophic defeat" for May's Conservative Party. He also demanded a parliamentary vote be held Wednesday on whether to withdraw support from her government. He criticized the British government as incompetent. The vote against Mays plan was widely expected, but it is not clear what comes next for the withdrawal, known as Brexit. Before the vote, May warned members of parliament that the EU would not offer an "alternative deal." One of the main terms of her plan was to avoid a hard border between EU member Ireland and British Northern Ireland. She wanted to prevent the return of border measures if Britain and the EU failed to reach a free trade agreement. May's deal would have left unchanged the rights of more than three million EU citizens living in Britain and the one million Britons living in the EU. Britain would have paid $51 billion to settle its financial responsibilities with the EU. Mays plan faced opposition from both sides of the debate over Brexit. Those supporting the break argued that her deal would still leave Britain tied to EU rules. Opponents to Brexit wanted even stronger economic links to the EU. Groups of pro-EU and pro-Brexit activists demonstrated near parliament in London, Tuesday. Negotiators from Britain and the EU agreed to the terms of the Brexit deal in November after long and difficult talks. It is unclear what will happen next. May has until next Monday to present a new proposal. I'm Caty Weaver. VOANews reported this story. Caty Weaver adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter Jr. was the editor. ___________________________________________________ Words in This Story catastrophic adj. something that is a disaster incompetent adj. lacking necessary ability or skills alternative n. something that offers another choice We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Wednesday, January 16, 2019 The Kansas Supreme Court has disbarred an attorney On September 18, 2018, the respondent was temporarily suspended in Kansas in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 203(c) (2019 Kan. S. Ct. R. 240), as a result of respondent's convictions of aggravated assault in Maricopa County, Arizona, in violation of A.R.S. 13-1204 and 13-3601, a class 3 felony and a domestic violence offense. In a disciplinary proceeding, a criminal conviction is conclusive evidence of the commission of that crime. Supreme Court Rule 202 (2019 Kan. S. Ct. R. 239). A disciplinary complaint was pending at the time respondent surrendered his license, alleging that respondent violated Kansas Rule of Professional Conduct 8.4 (2019 Kan. S. Ct. R. 387) (professional misconduct). This court finds that the surrender of the respondent's license should be accepted and that the respondent should be disbarred. We recently reported on his Arizona disbarment. ( Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2019/01/the-kansas-supreme-court-has-disbarred-an-attorney-on-september-18-2018-the-respondent-was-temporarily-suspended-in-kansas.html Tuesday, January 15, 2019 Human Rights First has released a report, Prisons and Punishment: Immigration Detention in California, which documents the legal, mental, physical and other harms created by immigration detention in the State of California. It focuses on the experiences of detainees at the Otay Mesa, Theo Lacy, Musick, Adelanto, Mesa Verde and Imperial detention centers. From the Human Rights First press release: The Trump Administrations massive overuse of detention punishes vulnerable asylum seekers in a failed attempt to deter others from seeking protection, said Human Rights Firsts Robyn Barnard, the primary author for todays report. Refugee families are treated like criminals from the moment they arrive at our borders, they are separated from loved ones, put in what are essentially prisons, and left to defend themselves in a complex legal system often without a lawyer. These challenges, combined with poor healthcare and conditions, worsen the trauma of those who came to the United States fleeing torture and trauma. Todays report finds that many detainees are held for months and years even though they qualify for release under U.S. law, regulations, and other relevant criteria. Researchers also found that detention itself is a barrier to legal representation and that many detainees report denials of, or deficiencies in, health care, long waits to see health professionals, and a lack of proper medication. Further, following a December 2017 policy change ending the presumption of release for pregnant women, ICE now detains many pregnant women in California despite the well-documented harmful effects of detention on both pregnant women and fetal development. Prisons and Punishment includes examples of personal histories of vulnerable people impacted by the use of immigration detention in California. The report further offers recommendations to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, Facility Operations, and Congress to end harmful detention policies. Legal representation for detained asylum seekers and other immigrants is essential to the due process of our immigration system, yet the majority of individuals in immigration detention centers in California are forced to represent themselves without a lawyer, said Jenna Gilbert, managing attorney in Human Rights Firsts California office. In a moment when there are unprecedented attacks on asylum seekers and their right to seek protection, increased pro bono and quality representation is a matter of life and death. -JKoh https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2019/01/human-rights-first-report-on-immigration-detention-in-california-.html University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law professor JoAnne Sweeny is spending some time in Finland on a Fulbright. Congratulations, JoAnne! She recently entered Finland for the first time, and her experience with Finnish immigration control differs vastly from what one would experience entering the United States. I'll let her tell you about it: Let me explain immigration in Finland. So, I have a weird situation because my husband is an EU citizen and, therefore, I am considered an EU dependent. Therefore, to enter Finland for my Fulbright, I didn't have to apply early for a visa. Instead, my husband applied for a residence permit for us through his EU citizenship. This was all done online through an online application and the submission of pdf scans of various official forms such as our marriage certificate and our son's birth certificate. We also had to get an apostille for those documents. More on that later. Anyway, he submitted everything and we were given an appointment time and day at the immigration center in Helsinki. But we were given nothing official other than that. So, we were going to enter Finland with the intent to stay more than 90 days (so no tourist visa) with zero documentation that we were allowed to do so. The lack of documentation terrified me, to be honest. And my husband had done all the paperwork so I never saw the process and my inner control freak was... well, freaking out. So, we get to passport control in Helsinki and they told us we were allowed to go into the EU citizen line - not all countries allow that, so that was a good sign. However, the international line was shorter, so we did that one instead. I walked up first to the immigration official - a youngish woman with red hair shaved closer on the sides with a small topknot (it looked badass) and handed her the passports for me and my son. My husband stood behind us and held on to his passport, possibly to be able to flee and disavow us later if something bad went down. I need to add here that I expected emotionless efficiency at the border. Finns are not known for their gregariousness and if you add border control to that mix, well, it can't help but make someone bring out their poker face a-game. So, anyway, she takes the passports and asks how long we intend to stay. Ok, here we go. The short truth is about three weeks - we already have plans to go to Italy at the end of January because hell yeah. So, technically, we're only here for a few weeks. But that's not the whole truth because we'll be back again for a few weeks and then off to Ireland for my son's birthday and then back and then off again a few weeks later for... wait, I don't want to spoil the surprise. Let's just say that I'm living in Europe for, in total, about six months and I am going to squeeze in as much as possible. So there's gonna be some country hopping. There just is. But all that hopping is bound to be noticed by the Finnish government at some point so, I figure, honesty is my best policy. How long will be I be in Finland? "Until May" I tell her. This answer makes her pause thoughtfully for a second. So, being an American who can't shut up, I explain myself before she even asks. "I have a Fulbright Award and I'll be teaching at the University of Turku." This does not seem to impress her. Not that I think it should but any kind of positive response would be encouraging. But, no, my badass topknot immigration viking goddess appears unmoved. Or maybe I can't read Finnish faces yet. Her next question: "Do you have a residence permit?" Ah, the fun part. "No, we applied online and have an appointment with the Immigration Center tomorrow." No reaction from her as she looks at her monitor and then our passports. I turn nervously to my husband who has not fled yet. "Do we have any paperwork from them?" He looks confused and then says no. I am feeling very nervous at this point. How can I prove that I've applied for the permit? Where's my email? My confirmation number? I can't order movie tickets online without a confirmation number or a pdf with a barcode. And that's to see Ant Man and the Wasp (last movie I saw in the theater, no joke, we don't get out much). I turn to the immigration goddess with what must have been desperation in my eyes. "Do you need a confirmation email? Our appointment is tomorrow at 10am." Sidenote: I was totally wrong about that. Our appointment was at 1pm. Why did I think 10am? WHY DID I LIE TO HER? My prevarication was never discovered, however. The immigration goddess (I really should have looked for her name, I could never be a journalist. Let's just call her Emma. Please note that I will not go back and change her name throughout this blog. Enjoy the journey.). Emma, for the first time, cracks a small smile. "No, I believe you," she says. Wait, what? You believe me? That's it? That was, in fact, it. She looked at all our passports, asked a few perfunctory questions, and sent us on our way with a final admonishment. "If you do not receive a residence permit, you must leave before 90 days." I felt the need to spill my guts a bit more. This was just way too easy. "Yes, of course. We're actually going to Italy in about three weeks but I thought I should tell you the whole story." She nodded. "Yes." In that moment, I felt like we had suddenly become best friends, our minds in total agreement on everything. I feel like she really got me, you know? But before we could exchange whatsapp numbers, my husband and son moved me past her booth and through the safety of the now-opened glass door next to her. We made it. So, what's the point of this story? One, I am no immigration law expert but, seeing what my husband - a US permanent resident - goes through when he returns to the United States stands in sharp contrast to what I experienced yesterday. As I have mentioned, Finns are not known to be warm and cuddly. But, damn, Emma was calm, open and positively welcoming compared to what I've seen in the US. In US passport control, the atmosphere is tense, especially if you're not a US citizen. They make my husband have his retinas scanned just to enter his country of residence, and he is a white Irish guy, so pretty acceptable as foreigners go in America. And in Finland, they let me in with just an assurance that I would obtain a residence permit or leave within the required 90 days. It's crazy. I felt like I'd somehow gotten away with something, even though I was completely (sometimes almost embarrassingly) honest. We did all the paperwork in advance, we were prepared. But, here's the kicker, they trusted me at my word. It was so simple. It makes me wonder why we have made it so complicated, so confrontational. Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Yesterday, South Carolina State Representative Mandy Powers Norrell filed a bill that would make people in police custody legally incapable of consenting to sexual acts with law enforcement officers. This would apply to any number of people in police custody, including (1) suspects; (2) victims; and (3) witnesses. The origin of all of this is the story of 18 year-old "Anna," who claimed that two Brooklyn police officers took turns raping her when she was taken into police custody after weed was found in a car she was sitting in with two other individuals. The officers claimed that the sexual acts were consensual, which brought to light the fact that 35 states allow police officers to claim that sexual acts with people in their custody were consensual. This is in stark contrast with the correctional facility context, where every state and the federal government says that inmates are legally incapable of consenting to sexual acts with correctional officers. Representative Norrell's bill says that the same type of law should apply to people who are in police custody. So, how big of a problem is this? Buffalo News maintains a "database of more than 700 law enforcement officers accused of sexual misconduct." Specifically, "[o]f at least 158 law enforcement officers charged since 2006 with sexual assault, sexual battery, or unlawful sexual contact with somebody under their control, at least 26 have been acquitted or had charges dropped based on the consent defense." But this also understates the scope of the conduct. Many more officers are technically convicted...but of the lesser charge of misconduct in office, often because prosecutors fear that jurors will believe a consent defense, just as they do in many rape and sexual assault cases. That was the case with Dereck Johnson, an officer with the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office in South Carolina, who engaged in a sexual act with an alleged domestic violence victim while responding to a 911 call. If you want to see how the consent defense is raised in cases like these, check out this Youtube clip of Dereck Johnson's preliminary hearing: If you want more insight into the issues surrounding what I'll call "detainee consent," you can check out our special "Consent" episode of the Undisclosed Podcast. And, if you want more insight into Representative Norrell's bill and why I think it should get broad bipartisan support in South Carolina, check out my "Explainer" below the jump. Detainee Consent Bill Explainer All states, including South Carolina, have laws stating that inmates are not capable of consenting to sexual acts with police officers or other law enforcement officers. Conversely, most states do not have laws stating that people in police custody, including suspects and victims, are incapable of consenting to sexual acts with police officers or other law enforcement officers. This loophole in the law was brought to light late last year when a young woman in Brooklyn alleged that she was sexually assaulted while in police custody by two detectives, who claimed that the acts were consensual. In the wake of these allegations, four states New York, Maryland, Kansas, and Louisiana have passed bills stating that people in police custody are not capable of consenting to sexual acts with police officers or other law enforcement officers. The bills in New York, Maryland, and Louisiana all passed unanimously, and it was reported with regard to the Kansas bill that [l]awmakers on both sides of the aisle embraced the change, saying it was long overdue. Indeed, according to Kansas Representative John Carmichael, Those of us who have been there for a few years thought it was something that had already been taken care of in the law. The current loophole in the law creates significant problems. Since 2006, at least 158 law enforcement officers have been charged with sexual assault, sexual battery, or unlawful sexual contact with a person in custody. Of these 158 officers, 26 have been acquitted based upon a consent defense. Many other officers were either never charged or had the charges dropped or reduced. Brooke Lierman, the sponsor of the Maryland bill, said, I have been shocked at the number of women and organizations serving women who have come forward to tell me they have clients who have experienced this.Its galling. Its horrible. Cindy Holscher, the sponsor of the Kansas bill, pointed to multiple affidavits that alleged that detective Roger Golubski had a long history of coercing sex from black women in Kansas City. In New York, a Buffalo News analysis found that an officer is accused of sexual misconduct every five days. Finally, JP Morrell, the sponsor of the Louisiana bill, commented that there are cases right now throughout the United States in which officers have been exonerated saying that it is possible for a person while in police custody to consent to having sexual intercourse. South Carolina is not immune from these problems. Since 2010, at least ten South Carolina law enforcement officers have resigned or been fired in connection with allegations of sexual misconduct against persons in their custody. These include allegations of sexual misconduct against suspects, victims, and minors. Several of these officers have claimed that the sexual acts were consensual, and there have been difficulties in prosecuting many of these cases. A few of these officers have merely been charged with misconduct in office and not rape or sexual assault. The Supreme Court has described police custody as inherently coercive, and a variety of factors explain why a crime suspect or victim would be unable to give consent to a law enforcement officer while in custody. This bill is based on the belief that crime suspects and victims should be given the same protection as inmates. It therefore closes the current loophole in South Carolina law and provides that people in police custody are incapable of consenting to sexual acts with police officers or other law enforcement officers. -CM https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/evidenceprof/2019/01/yesterday-south-carolina-state-representative-mandy-powers-norrell-filed-a-bill-that-would-make-people-in-police-custody-leg.html Statement From Newly-Elected City Council President Pro Tempore Nury Martinez Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nury Martinez (Sixth District) issued the following statement after being elected to the role of Council President Pro Tempore by her colleagues on the City Council: This morning, I was humbled to be chosen as our City Councils new President Pro Tempore by a unanimous vote. With this new power comes the opportunity to further shape the future of our great City. As one of only two women on the City Council, and the first Latina in Council leadership, I am thrilled to represent the interests of my District as well as the over 50 percent of Los Angeles who identify as women. I remain committed to empowering women, because every little girl in this City deserves to see themselves reflected in positions of power and authority. I will continue to make the status of women and girls in Los Angeles one of my priorities. While I continue my advocacy, what is not lost on me is the diversity of this Council today. ADVERTISEMENT On behalf of all Angelenos, we are embracing and leveraging our diversity. We can always do better, but right now, this Council is a great reflection of who Los Angeles is. We are showing every segment of the next generation that they too are just as qualified of being here to serve the people of Los Angeles. With Mr. Wesson as our President, I am confident that we are leading Los Angeles towards a brighter future. I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the Sixth Council District and the City of Los Angeles. Kane Brown to Be Honored with Breakthrough Artist Award at Music Biz 2019 The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present platinum-selling, progressive Country artist Kane Brown with a Breakthrough Artist Award at the Music Biz 2019 Conferences Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, May 7 at the JW Marriott Nashville. The Award is presented to artists who have truly emerged and made a particularly significant impact on the music scene in the past year, and who are poised to propel to stellar new heights. Brown, who will be honored alongside fellow 2019 Breakthrough Artist Bebe Rexha, joins the ranks of past winners including Julia Michaels, Ariana Grande, Sam Hunt, Meghan Trainor, Halsey, Maren Morris, Lukas Graham, Nicki Minaj, John Legend, Carrie Underwood, and The Killers, among others. With a sound uniquely his own, Kane Brown blends traditional southern musicianship with youthful, contemporary lyrics that distinguish him as a driving force in the revitalization of Country music, explains Music Biz President James Donio. Kane has already achieved so much at the age of 25, and with his Kane Brown: Live Forever Tour kicking off in the new year, theres no sign of him stopping any time soon. ADVERTISEMENT Noted by The New York Times as one of Nashvilles most promising young stars and also one of its most flexible, the 3-time AMA winner continued to break records and accrue accolades during a milestone 2018, including his selection by The Associated Press as one of 2018s Breakthrough Entertainers of the Year and the No. 1 Billboard 200 release of his sophomore album, Experiment. With Experiments chart-topping debut, Brown became the only male country artist in more than 24 years to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 Chart with a sophomore release, and only one of three country artists to top the Billboard 200 chart in all of 2018. Brown first topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with the release of his self-titled debut album (2016), and again with the release of Kane Brown Deluxe Edition(2017), which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and in the Top 5 on the Billboard 200 Charts. With his debut album, a breakthrough No. 1 Top Country Album, Brown became the first-ever artist to top all five Billboard Country Charts. He debuted at No.1 on the Country Digital song chart with the Triple-Platinum song Heaven and debuted at No. 1 on the Country Airplay, Hot Country Song and Country Streaming Song charts with the Quadruple-Platinum song What Ifs featuring Lauren Alaina. Brown recently topped the airplay charts with Lose It, his third consecutive No. 1 single at country radio. Lose It follows chart-topping hits What Ifs and Heaven, which is nominated for Country Song of the Year for the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Browns current single, Good As You impacted country radio this week as the No. 1 most-added song. Music Biz 2019 will return to Nashville May 5-8 at the elegant JW Marriott in the heart of downtown Nashville. The music industrys premier event, Music Biz offers a platform for the commerce, content, and creative sectors to network, get on the cutting edge of the latest trends, and meet with trading partners. Announced in addition to Bebe Rexha, Sony Music Nashville Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman will receive the Presidential Award for Outstanding Executive Achievement and Record Archive owners Richard Storms and Alayna Alderman will accept the Independent Spirit Award during the Music Biz Awards & Hall of Fame Dinner on Tuesday, May 7. The dinner event is sponsored by BuzzAngle Music, City National Bank, Jammber and TiVo. More program and awards announcements will be made in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date conference information, visit musicbiz2019.com. To register for the 2019 event, go to musicbiz2019.eventbrite.com. Early bird rates are available through March 22, 2019. From Travel to Jobs, how Shutdown is Upsetting US Economy WASHINGTON (AP) Delta Air Lines cant get eight new aircraft in the air. Roughly a million government employees and contractors arent being paid. Some Americans who are trying to start small businesses face delays in obtaining the required tax identification number from the IRS. As the partial government shutdown moves through its fourth week with no end in sight, the economic blow is being felt not only by federal workers but also by business people, households and travelers across the country. And while the hit to the overall economy so far remains slight, economist foresee real damage if the shutdown drags into February or beyond. ADVERTISEMENT On Tuesday, Kevin Hassett, a top economist in the White House, acknowledged that the shutdown was weighing on the economy more than he had previously estimated. Hassett, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, said the White House now calculates that annual growth is slowing by about 0.1 percentage point a week. With the shutdown in its fourth week, that calculation would suggest that the economy has lost nearly a half-percentage point of annual growth so far, though some of that loss occurred at the end of last year and some in the first quarter of this year. Hassett said the economy should enjoy a boost whenever the government reopens. Previous White House estimates of the impact didnt fully take into account the effects on people who work for private companies that contract with the government to provide services, Hassett said. The shutdown is rippling through the economy in ways that are not always visible, making it hard to fully assess its consequences. Complicating the task is that much of the economic data the government normally provides from retail sales to home construction to the nations gross domestic product has been suspended because the agencies that compile it remain closed. With national parks shut down and some travelers suffering through long security lines and in some cases partial airport closures, for example, many Americans are having to decide whether to cancel travel and vacation plans. It is now plainly evident that the shutdown is affecting air travel, and when that happens, damage to the overall U.S. economy will shortly follow, said Jonathan Grella, a spokesman for the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group. ADVERTISEMENT Some companies are pointing to specific problems: Delta said Tuesday that the shutdown is costing it $25 million a month in government travel. Its CEO, Edward Bastian, said that with the Federal Aviation Administration partially closed, Delta will also likely delay the start date of eight new aircraft. Neil Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber has heard from members that have been unable to obtain an employer identification number from the IRS. That number is needed to open bank accounts and file tax returns. Eric Smith, an IRS spokesman, said most U.S.-based businesses can obtain the numbers online, but paper applications arent being processed. The most hard-hit by the shutdown, of course, are government workers themselves, who missed their first paychecks Friday, and contractors that work closely with the government. Many have had to cut back on purchases, lowering overall consumer spending. Among them is Pearl Fraley of Greenville, North Carolina, a consumer safety inspector for the food safety inspection service. Fraley, 53, helps ensure the safety of the nations food supply by monitoring slaughter processing plants. Its a job shes held for over 15 years. Fraleys job is deemed essential, so shes had to go to work even though she isnt being paid. She and her co-workers were told in an email that if they work 40 hours, they arent eligible for unemployment benefits under North Carolina rules even though theyre receiving no pay. Fraley said she feels like an indentured servant and said her stress level is over the top. I cant pay my rent, she said. I cant pay my car payment or insurance. I have money for gas to go to work and for food. For now, her 25-year-old daughter is contributing some of the money she earns from working at McDonalds. Zandi said the shutdown could inflict longer-term damage on the government and ultimately on the economy in ways that might not be obvious. He noted, for example, that some demoralized federal employees, particularly those with vital skills in such areas as cybersecurity, might quit for jobs in the private sector. Federal agencies may also have a harder time recruiting young workers. Government workers have options, Zandi said, particularly with unemployment low and many employers desperate to fill jobs. This could be quite debilitating to the government. Hassett said Tuesday that the Council of Economic Advisers itself may lose a potential new hire because of the shutdown. A young staffer who we hired for the first job out of grad school just informed us that they might have to turn down the job and move back home because they cant start and they cant be paid, Hassett said. I can remember going on my very first Girl Scout camping trip when I was 11 years old. I went to Camp Furnace Hills and attended that years weekend camp, titled Pinky Pirate Adventure Land. It was the best camping trip I have ever been on. We did crafts and games and made campfires. We also were supposed to find a little pink flamingo in a birdcage located somewhere in the woods as we hiked that weekend. The flamingos cage had little tokens inside that were our tickets to the dance on Saturday night. The search kept everyone occupied while we walked to the next campsite. That trip was the one that made me fall in love with Camp Furnace Hills. I had a passion for that camp that could never be explained. I wanted to share that passion with as many younger girls as I could, so I decided to help at every Camp Furnace Hills event I could. A storm tore through the camp in early 2017, causing damage to some campsites. Many were heartbroken, knowing we could not camp there until it was fixed. I am sure you can then imagine the shock that came to girls and adults alike when Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania told its membership they were going to sell 270 acres of Camp Furnace Hills. Girls as young as second-graders were asking their leaders what they could do to help save their camp, but leaders truly did not know what to do. Because of this, a few Camp Furnace Hills staff members formed an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit called Furnace Hills Camping Association to give the girls a voice. FHCAs mission was, and continues to be, to buy the camp and restore it to the way it was before the storm damage so the local Girl Scouts can continue to have a safe place to go camping. We have reached out to Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania to see if we could work with them to restore the camp and give it back to the girls, but we are told the best option is to buy it. Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania had told us they were doing some mild logging on any trees that could fall and damage a building. FHCA wanted to see for ourselves what they had done, so we flew over the camp in a small airplane. What I saw that day was horrendous. Today, you can see the buildings from the road if you drive by the camp, which you could never do before because of the trees. But from the sky, it looks like a war zone. Where there was once a field of grass, there is mud and tire tracks from the tractors. Where there once were large and beautiful wooded areas home to wildlife there is now hundreds, if not thousands, of tree stumps swamped in mud. What was once a beautiful, green Girl Scout camp is now what looks to be a dark wasteland, almost out of a movie. All of this from that mild logging Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania talked about. We took photographs of the camp while in the sky to share with our supporters. They can be seen on our Facebook page. I had reached out in May 2018 to Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania expressing concern for their decision to sell the camp. In a response, they said girl members and adult members who participated in surveys and focus groups have confirmed that their interest in being a part of Girl Scouts comes from the personal development and friendships they experience; not because of camping. As of Tuesday afternoon, we have raised more than $850 on just our Save Historic Furnace Hills Girl Scout Camp GoFundMe page. (The sale price for the camp is nearly $1.5 million.) My father and FHCAs president, Will Haggans, wrote an open letter to Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania expressing concern for the timbering and shared the letter on Facebook. That post was seen over 11,000 times in the first week after being published. Its hard to believe people no longer care about camping unlike what Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania had told me after seeing so much support for FHCAs mission. According to the Girl Scout website, Girl Scouts honors (Juliette Gordon Lows) legacy by promoting respect and love for the great outdoors, which prompts the question as to why Camp Furnace Hills was wiped off the map. FHCA stands to give the girls a voice, with or without support from Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, and we will not stop until they are heard. For more information, visit furnacehills.org. Trinity Haggans is a support volunteer with the Furnace Hills Camping Association. She is a lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Silver Award winner for community projects. THE ISSUE As LNPs Heather Stauffer reported Monday, exemptions to Pennsylvania immunization requirements rose from 2.3 percent to 3.6 percent of students statewide, and from 8.6 percent to 9.5 percent in Lancaster County. (A parent can claim a student exemption on more than one ground, but theres no way to discern from the reported numbers if they do, Stauffer noted.) The states annual immunization reports cover only kindergarten and seventh-grade students. Heres the good news: More students are getting fully vaccinated before the start of school. The grace period for students who were not fully immunized was tightened from eight months to five days a much-needed change at the start of the 2017-18 school year. The result? Statewide, reports show the number of students using the grace period dropping from 24,724 the previous year to 6,531, or from almost 11 percent to 2.5 percent, Stauffer wrote. In Lancaster County, the drop was from 2,023 to 359, or from almost 17 percent to 3 percent. This represents a victory for school administrators, school nurses and, most importantly, for student health. Now the bad news. The World Health Organization reports that vaccine hesitancy the reluctance or refusal to vaccinate despite the availability of vaccines threatens to reverse progress made in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases. Measles, for example, saw a 30 percent increase in cases around the world in 2017, according to the World Health Organization. Measles in New York Rockland County, New York, has been battling a serious measles outbreak this year with 114 confirmed cases as of Tuesday, according to that countys website. Its the largest of the outbreaks around New York state that have mostly affected Orthodox Jewish communities. According to NBC News, the virus was brought back by visitors to Israel, which has been battling a measles outbreak for months. Health officials believe the outbreaks have been fueled by a combination of anti-vaccine propaganda, lax enforcement of school requirements to vaccinate and a growing trend among some families to turn away from standard medical care, NBC News reported Jan. 8. New York state health Commissioner Howard Zucker told NBC News that local rabbis are perplexed by the vaccine skepticism and are urging immunization. Not a religious issue In Lancaster County, the relatively high number of unvaccinated children often is chalked up to the large Plain presence here. Surveys conducted by the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg indicate that the vaccination rate among the Amish tends to be lower than the Mennonites, Adam Heaps, the clinics executive director, said in an email, but that both communities have many members who are partially or fully vaccinated. Steven Nolt, senior scholar at Elizabethtown Colleges Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, said the Amish church has no religious prohibition against vaccination. The lower rates of vaccination among the Amish stem from cultural factors, such as particular cultural understandings of health and medicine, as well as the reinforcing circles of opinion, he said. He explained: If you are part of a social circle (Amish or not) in which a significant minority of your peers are not immunized, immunization is not normalized in the way it is if you are part of a social circle in which 100 percent of folks are. Therein lies the problem. And its not religion, so we ought to stop tip-toeing around the issue, thinking this is a religiously sensitive one. The real problem The reality: In too many social circles, questioning vaccination has become the norm. Instead of heeding the advice of pediatricians actual, trained medical professionals too many parents are placing their trust in an anti-vaccination movement that relies on junk science. These are parents a generation or more removed from the time when vaccine-preventable diseases such as polio and measles sickened, disabled and even killed children. Because theyve had no direct experience of the terrible consequences of some childhood diseases, these parents tend to be cavalier about the risks of their children contracting the illnesses that previous generations of parents dreaded. Lets state once more the following: Vaccinating your child against measles, mumps and rubella will not cause your child to have autism. There is absolutely no link between immunization and autism, and the doctor who claimed there was lost his medical license. If vaccine-preventable diseases werent serious, vaccines wouldnt have been created to eradicate them. As members of society, we are obligated to protect not just our own children, but those too sick or too young to get vaccinated. Plea to lawmakers If parents arent going to heed this obligation, lawmakers must make it more difficult for them to get their children exempted from immunization. Just 1.7 percent of students statewide have philosophical exemptions. But 6.6 percent of students in Lancaster County have them. (Significantly fewer 1.8 percent of county students have religious exemptions, and still fewer have medical exemptions.) As Stauffer reported, Pennsylvania is one of just 18 states that allow philosophical exemptions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. She added: Exempted students may be excluded from school if theres an outbreak of vaccine-preventable disease. The phrase closing the barn door after the horse gets loose springs to mind. If you want your child to play a school sport, your child needs to get a physical. But if you want your child to attend school unvaccinated, all you need to do is to get a religious or philosophical exemption. No doctors visit is necessary just a one-line explanation and a signature from the parent or guardian. Robert Hollister, superintendent of Eastern Lancaster County School District, called the philosophical exemption troubling when the absence of vaccination creates a clear and present danger to others especially our more medically fragile students. It is indeed troubling. So we make this plea, yet again, to Lancaster County lawmakers: Too many county students are using the philosophical exemption, and this poses a risk to other county students. Its a clear and present danger you have the power to address. Please do. Gov. Tom Wolf's second inaugural address Tuesday may have been light on specific policy goals as pledged to build trust and help foster a renewed faith in Pennsylvania's future, but there's little doubt about the direction he hopes to take the Keystone State in the next four years. During his first term, the Democrat from York County prioritized robust increases to funding education, raising the minimum wage and implementing a severance tax on natural gas drilling. In the months since his re-election, he's tagged on plans to significantly reduce Pennsylvania's carbon footprint and to explore the idea of legalizing recreational use of marijuana. We can work together here in Harrisburg," Wolf said Tuesday outside the Capitol, flanked by two former Republican governors sitting to his right and the current Republican legislative leaders to his left. We can get things done. And while Lancaster County's mostly Republican legislative delegation has concerns about parts of the governor's likely progressive agenda, they're optimistic. In terms of compromise, I think the highest priority, as well as opportunity, would be toward workforce development and education, said state Rep. Bryan Cutler, a Peach Bottom Republican. Cutler, who will take up a key policy-driving role this year as House majority leader, said the governor's stated goals on education funding and his increased talk about career and technical education align with the Republican majority's ideas. State Sen. Ryan Aument, a Landisville Republican, agreed also saying it's the first issue that comes to mind when considering compromises. There's a tremendous opportunity there for the General Assembly to work with the governor," Aument said about workforce and education issues. As the new chair of the Senate Education Committee, Aument will have an important role in those discussions, playing gatekeeper to any proposals and amendments throughout the legislative process. He said there is bipartisan support to prioritize career and technical training, putting funding toward jobs that are in demand now and into the future such as access to coding training and other STEM professions. Aument, who is also in the forefront of the push to keep the nuclear plant Three Mile Island from its impending closure later this year, said he also sees opportunity for progress in discussions of energy policy. Wolf recently announced plans to curb Pennsylvania's greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025, based on 2005 levels, and 80 percent by 2050. One part of that plan is keeping nuclear plants from shuttering. There's certainly not a path, in my view, to meet those goals, to meet those targets, without nuclear energy being a key component of being a carbon-free energy producer, a very high-performing carbon-free energy producer, Aument said. Hopefully there's an opportunity to work together. Cutler expressed some skepticism with Wolf's initial plans, which haven't yet been introduced as legislation or detailed proposals. The biggest concerns are going to be the impact on the average taxpayer and average citizen, Cutler said. Other parts of Wolf's policy agenda raising the minimum wage, considering the legalization of marijuana for recreation and the natural gas tax likely still lack broad support in the GOP-controlled House and Senate, Cutler and others said. I suspect that's probably not going to be at the top of the agenda, state Rep. David Hickernell, a Republican from West Donegal Township, said about raising the minimum wage. State Rep. Mike Sturla, the county's lone Democratic representative, sees that conversation going a bit differently. The Lancaster city Democrat said he expects more political capital to be spent on raising the wage, from $7.25 per hour to at least $12 per hour. Wolf raised the minimum wage for state employees to $12 last year via executive order, and he's offered it in recent budget proposals as a statewide change. Sturla said he also expects more discussions on equitable education funding possibly finding compromise in speeding up the implementation of the state's new education funding formula and on the nuclear issue. East Cocalico Township police DRUG CHARGES DENVER: Russell D. Chabak, 26, of Denver, was charged with possession of marijuana after he was found smoking marijuana Jan. 9 when police responded to a report of loud music at an apartment in the 100 block of South 4th Street, police said. DUI EAST COCALICO TWP.: Sally A. Kirkpatrick, 43, of Ephrata, was charged after she was seen swerving out of her lane Dec. 26 in the 900 block of North Reading Road, police said. EAST COCALICO TWP.: Emma L. Rice, 25, of Stevens, was charged after she was stopped for speeding Dec. 8 in the 1600 block of Reading Road, police said. Ephrata police THEFT CHARGES EPHRATA TWP.: Michele L. Willis, 50, of Hopeland, was charged with theft after she took cash and credit cards from a woman Jan. 3 at Walmart, 890 East Main Street, police said. Manor Township police DRUG CHARGES MANOR TWP.: Anthony Bailey Miller, 21, of York, was charged after a traffic stop Jan. 6 in the 200 block of Millersville Road, police said. An officer found a marijuana pipe with raw marijuana in it, police said. DUI MANOR TWP.: Tina Babb, 50, of Lancaster, was charged after a vehicle accident Jan. 7 on Columbia Avenue at Stonemill Road, police said. FALSE ID MANOR TWP.: Robert Rutter, 29, address not given, was charged with giving a false identity and driving on a suspended license after a traffic stop for an expired inspection sticker Jan. 9 in the 300 block of Donnerville Road, police said. Manheim Borough police DUI MANHEIM.: Nathan Kulp, 33, of Power Road, was charged after he drove into a wooded area Jan. 6 in the area of South Cherry Street and Fuller Drive, police said. MANHEIM: Katelyn Witmer, 26, of Mount Joy, was charged after she struck two parked cars Dec. 23 on North Charlotte Street, police said. MANHEIM: Justice Mann, 25, of Shenks Ferry Road, was charged after a traffic stop Dec. 30 on Market Square, police said. SIMPLE ASSAULT MANHEIM: Robert Garris, 36, of South Charlotte Street, was charged after he assaulted a person Dec. 29 on South Charlotte Street, police said. TRESPASS MANHEIM: Shannon Coble, 38, of North Charlotte Street, was charged after he went into a shed without permission Dec. 23 on North Charlotte Street, police said. Manheim Township police BURGLARY MANHEIM TWP.: Residents of a home in the 500 block of Ashford Drive reported electronics worth $430 were taken from their unlocked home Jan. 11, police said. DISORDERLY CONDUCT LANCASTER TWP.: Leighann M. Quinn, 38, of Lancaster, was charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness after creating a disturbance Jan. 11 in the 1100 block of Millersville Pike, police said. DRUG CHARGES MANHEIM TWP.: Morgan Jean-Marie Boas, 22, of Lancaster, was charged with marijuana possession after a traffic stop for speeding Jan. 11 on Pinetown Road at Route 222 North, police said. DUI MANHEIM TWP.: Richard W. Welk Jr., 61, of Lancaster, was charged after a traffic stop Jan. 13 on East Roseville Road, police said. TERRORISTIC THREATS EAST PETERSBURG: Lori L. White, 60, of East Petersburg, was charged with terroristic threats and harassment after a domestic dispute at her home Jan. 12 in the 2200 block of Valley Road, police said. THEFT MANHEIM TWP.: Power tools and electronics worth $475 were reportedly taken from a work van between Jan. 10 and 11 at Rebath, 1330 Harrisburg Pike, police said. MANHEIM TWP.: A resident of Knollwood Drive said a package worth $715 was taken from the porch Dec. 9 or 10, police said. THEFT CHARGES LANCASTER TWP.: Frederick C. Sisneros, 47, of Leola, was charged with theft from vehicle and loitering and prowling at night after he was seen breaking into a vehicle Jan. 12 in the 100 block of River Drive police said. Officers determined he had been through numerous other backyard properties, police said. LANCASTER TWP.: Milton F. Coleman, 63, of Lancaster, was charged with retail theft after stealing more than $600 total in merchandise Jan. 6 and 7 from Weis Markets, 1204 Millersville Pike, police said. A warrant was issued for his arrest. MANHEIM TWP.: Sadie Ann Peters, 26, of Elm, was charged with theft after she stole a purse and contents worth $900 from an unattended shopping cart Dec. 30 at Walmart, 2030 Fruitville Pike, police said. State police HARASSMENT CHRISTIANA: Eric S. Thompson, 47, no address given, was charged after pushing and holding a woman against a wall Jan. 13 in the first block of Carolyn Drive, police said. PARADISE TWP.: John Powers, 43, of Kinzers, was charged after harassing a woman via text message Jan. 2, police said. We listen to local police and fire departments scanner traffic, but sometimes miss crimes, wrecks, fires or other incidents, especially if they happen overnight. If you know of something were not covering yet, please let Managing Editor Jeff Pownall know by emailing him at jpownall@lufkindailynews.com, or submit a news tip online by visiting lufkindailynews.com/tips. A Megans Law Offender who previously pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography faces new charges of sexually assaulting a child in Lancaster County, according to Manheim Borough police. The criminal complaint says Joseph Todd Rohrer, 48, admitted to multiple occasions of touching the child inappropriately, exposing himself and having the child touch him inappropriately. The child said the incidents happened at Rohrers home in Rapho Township sometime before Thanksgiving 2018, according to the complaint. Rohrer, 48, was charged Jan. 10 with third-degree felony counts of unlawful sexual contact with a minor and sexual assault by volunteer or employee of a nonprofit, and first-degree misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure and indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age. Rohrer met the child and family member(s) while volunteering at the nonprofit Hopes Haven Rescue & Youth Camp, according to the complaint. Camp spokeswoman IdaMay Hornberger said Rohrer had entered a relationship with another volunteer who was related to the child. Rohrer used the alias Todd Brown, and because the Conoy Township camps preliminary background check on that name turned up no problems, he was allowed to volunteer in a limited capacity that mostly involved training horses off-site, Hornberger said. She said the camp also requires fingerprint checks and Rohrer balked at that, which led to his being suspended and then terminated as the camp investigated further and figured out who he really was. The camp never allows an adult to be alone with a child, requiring that at least two adults be present at all times, according to Hornberger. Rohrer is in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $300,000 cash bail, awaiting a Jan. 23 preliminary hearing, court records show. No defense attorney is listed. Court records show that Rohrer was sentenced to six months of house arrest and five years of probation after pleading guilty in 2013 to seven counts of possessing child pornography in 2012. He was also required to register with Megans Law as a sex offender. LNP records show that prosecutors said Rohrer had 273 images of children in lewd acts that were discovered when he took a zip drive containing them to a local library in 2012. Joseph Madenspacher, who was then Lancaster County President Judge, said Ive seen people that had far more files than this and got probation when sentencing Rohrer, according to LNP records. The Megans Law website currently lists Todd Brown as an alias of Rohrers. It is not clear when that was added to his file. Please enable JavaScript to properly view our site. Members of a local historical service organization took a literal taste of history last week, conjuring the spirits of some of Americas Founding Mothers to serve up confections and culinary tips. During Thursdays meeting of the Donegal chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution, historical figures such as author Louisa May Alcott and first ladies Dolley Madison, Abigail Adams and Martha Washington walked among the tables in a meeting room at the Willow Valley Communities Cultural Center. Wearing Colonial-style dresses and caps, these women portrayed by members of the local DAR chapter, who are all descended from men who fought in the American Revolution were there to swap recipes connected with the famous names and personas theyd temporarily adopted. They also spoke about dishes theyd have served, to family or company, during the 18th and 19th centuries. Three of the dishes for which recipes were provided to the DAR membership Lady Baltimore cake, Dolley Madisons almond cakes and Louisa May Alcotts apple slump were prepared for sampling by the culinary team of Willow Valley Communities. Chapter member Jenne Renkin portrayed Alcott, and presented a recipe for apple slump a pastry dish said to be a favorite of Alcotts. The author, best known for her book, Little Women, lived at Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts. But her homestead actually got the nickname Apple Slump, after the dish, Renkin says. Suzanne Landis, of Columbia, portrayed Washington and talked about how her husband, our first president, was partial to chicken pie. It is the most popular among all of our guests to Mount Vernon, Landis says. She calls the dish a savory combination of diced chicken, flour, cream and butter ... cooked beneath a delicate batter crust. George adores a ham and chicken combination, Landis adds, as the first first lady. Molly Pitcher, the legendary Revolutionary War battlefield assistant possibly based on a soldiers wife named Mary Ludwig, came to life courtesy of Renee Schuler, of Lancaster. Schuler had Pitcher talk about how a tough cut of beef could be used in sauerbraten, a dish typical of Ludwigs German heritage. You have to have something to break down that connective tissue to make it soft, Schuler says. They would soak (the beef) in vinegar for almost five days before cooking it with onions and carrots. Jean Logan, of Willow Valley, talked of how a favorite dish of her historic figure, Abigail Adams, was baked Indian pudding, that was served to me as a child, and which I liked to serve at White House dinners. Sue McClure, of Lancaster, touted first lady Madisons acclaimed food preparation skills before sharing a recipe for her 19th-century almond cakes. Audrey Hallgren, of Lititz, took on the persona of Joan, Lady Baltimore, the second wife of George Calvert, the first Lord Baltimore. Calvert oversaw the colony of Avalon in Newfoundland in the 17th century; his heirs were early proprietors of land in present-day Maryland. The provenance of the cake bearing Lady Baltimores name is somewhat murky. It is said to have originated at the Lady Baltimore Tea Room in Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 20th century. Following in the footsteps of the famous women that visited their meeting, the DAR chapter members submitted their own family recipes. We plan to make them into a cookbook, Landis says. Our goal is to have it (put together) by our April luncheon to sell copies of it. We might even make it available through our website. RECIPES Here are some of the recipes that were shared at the recent meeting of the Donegal chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, both by those portraying early American women and by members submitting their own family recipes for a future cookbook. Jenne Renkin presented this version of apple slump, from Louisa May Alcotts Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts. LOUISA MAY ALCOTTS APPLE SLUMP Serves 6 Ingredients: 4-6 tart apples (Renkin uses 3 large Granny Smith and 3 medium Golden Delicious apples) 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup sugar 1 egg, well beaten 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup melted butter Directions: Peel, core and slice the apples. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease the inside of a 1 1/2-quart baking dish with butter. (For a shallower, more even apples-to-topping ratio, use a 9- by 13-inch pan). Put into the dish the sliced apples, brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt. Bake apples, uncovered, until they are soft, about 20 minutes. While the apples are baking, sift together into a bowl the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt and sugar. Mix into this the beaten egg, milk and melted butter. Stir gently. Spread this mixture over the apples and continue baking until the top is brown and crusty (about 25 minutes). Serve with whipped cream. Notes from Renkin: Renkin uses a least six good-sized apples seven or eight if theyre small to avoid having more topping than fruit. Renkin tossed the apples with the brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt in a separate bowl before putting it in the baking dish. She also added 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract to the apple-sugar mixture. Another option, she says, is to sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans over the batter topping. Baking times may be longer than noted, Renkin says. Watch for the apples to soften and the top crust to turn an even, light gold-brown. This next recipe comes from the 1957 booklet Early American Recipes: Famous Favorites, published by Fenton Kelsey Jr., Madison, Wisconsin. DOLLEY MADISONS ALMOND CAKES Makes about 2 1/2 dozen. Ingredients: For pastry: 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/4 cup powdered sugar 1 egg yolk 1 cup flour For filling for tarts: 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup almond paste 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 teaspoon green coloring Directions: For pastry: cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk and flour and mix until smooth. Refrigerate for 45 minutes. For filling: cream sugar and butter until smooth; add almond paste, eggs and green coloring. Mix until well blended. Heat oven to 350 F. Roll out pastry and cut with 2 1/2-inch cutter. Use small muffin pans, about 2 inches in diameter. Press pastry into muffin pans. Fill pastry about 3/4 full with the almond mixture. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until pastry is baked and filling is set. Spread top of tart with a powdered-sugar icing. Also from Early American Recipes comes Martha Washingtons chicken pie. CHICKEN PIE Makes about 12 servings. Ingredients: For filling: 4 cups diced, cooked chicken (cut chicken into 1-inch pieces) 3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup flour 1 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 2 cups chicken stock 2 cups light cream 1 tablespoon lemon juice Directions: Melt butter and add flour, stirring until mixture is smooth. Add salt and pepper. Add the chicken stock and cream slowly, stirring constantly. Cook sauce for about 15 minutes until thickened, and there is no starchy taste. This will be a thick sauce. Add more seasoning, if desired. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Combine with diced chicken, and turn into oblong baking pan. For batter topping: 1 1/4 cups sifted flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 4 eggs, separated 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons melted butter Directions: Sift flour, salt and baking powder together. Beat egg yolks until light, and add milk and added fat. Add to dry ingredients and combine lightly. Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry, and fold into batter. Pour batter topping over creamed chicken mixture. Bake in 425 F oven for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until topping is a golden brown. Cut into squares, and serve batter side up. Note: Martha Washington often used a combination of ham and chicken in this dish. Another dish from Early American Recipes is this sauerbraten, dubbed a Pennsylvania Dutch pot roast. It was presented as part of the German heritage of Mary Ludwig, one of the women on whom the Revolutionary battlefield legend of Molly Pitcher is thought to have been based. SAUERBRATEN Makes 4 to 6 servings. Ingredients: 2 pounds beef chuck or rump Salt and pepper 1 cup vinegar Water 3 bay leaves 3 cloves 8 peppercorns 1/4 cup fat 6 medium carrots, cut in strips 4 medium onions, sliced thin 1 tablespoon sugar 8 gingersnaps Directions: Wipe meat with damp cloth and then sprinkle thoroughly with salt and pepper. Place meet in earthen dish or crock and add vinegar. Add enough water to cover. Add the bay leaves, cloves and peppercorns, and let stand tightly covered in a cool place (refrigerate) for five days. Put fat in Dutch oven, add meat and brown well on all sides. Add the carrots and onions and 1 1/2 cups of the spiced vinegar in which meat was marinated. Cover tightly and cook over low heat for about three hours or until meat is tender. Add more of the spiced vinegar, if necessary. When the meat is cooked, add the sugar and crumbled gingersnaps and cook for 10 minutes longer. Serve with the gingersnap gravy. Abigail Adams is said to have enjoyed making and serving Baked Indian Pudding. Here's a recipe, taken from Early American Recipes." 1 quart milk 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup molasses 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter Directions: Heat oven to 250 F. Scald 3 cups of the milk; pour over cornmeal to which salt has been added. Add molasses, sugar, cinnamon and butter. Mix thoroughly. Turn into buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole, and put it in the oven. After pudding has been in the oven 20 minutes, pour in the remaining cup of cold milk and stir carefully. Stir several times during the baking. Bake at 250 F for 5 to 6 hours. Serve hot or cold with whipped cream or ice cream. Note: The pudding is very thin when put in the oven, but dont be alarmed. It will thicken and caramelize as it bakes. Recipes from DAR members Chapter member Caroline German Bausinger submitted this biscuit recipe that comes through the family of her paternal grandmother, Maude Thomas Garman, who was born in Cameron County in 1880 and died in McKean County in 1967. The biscuits are wonderful served with a hearty winter stew, Bausinger writes on the recipe. But my family always liked the best as the base for strawberry or peach shortcake. SHORTBREAD BISCUITS Makes 2 large or 3 medium biscuits. For a family, you can quadruple the recipe. Ingredients: 1 cup flour Dash salt Heaping teaspoon baking powder About 1 tablespoon sugar, optional 2 tablespoons shortening (Crisco) Directions: Cut the shortening into small pieces as you mix it with the dry ingredients. Add just enough milk to make a soft dough. Drop biscuits on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 F for about 20 minutes. DAR member Jeanne Lehmann says this recipe comes from her great-grandmother. She says a slice of this bun cake is great toasted with butter. GERMAN BUN Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup butter, creamed 2 1/4 cups sugar 7 eggs, beaten one at a time 2 1/2 cups Sifted flour 2 teaspoons vanilla Directions: Combine ingredients, and bake in a Bundt pan at 325 F oven for 1 hour or until done. Audrey Hallgren, who portrayed Lady Baltimore at the DAR meeting, submitted this recipe as a tribute to her own New England heritage. CLAM CHOWDER Ingredients: 3 slices bacon cut into 1-inch pieces 1 medium onion, minced 1 (6 1/2- to 7 1/2-ounce) can minced clams, drained, with juice reserved 1 large cubed potato 1 (11 1/2-ounce) can cream of celery soup 1 1/2 cups milk Pepper Oyster crackers for serving Directions: Cook bacon. Drain, and reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings. Also reserve a little bacon for garnish. Saute onion in drippings for 4 to 5 minutes. Add clam juice. Cover and cook over low heat until potatoes are tender. Add remaining bacon, minced onions, soup, milk and pepper. Cook over low heat. Note: You can make this chowder the day before you want to serve it. This recipe for Lady Baltimore Cake comes from the Early American Recipes booklet, which took it from What to Cook for Company, by Lenore Sullivan, from the Iowa State College Press. LADY BALTIMORE CAKE Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 3/4 teaspoon vanilla 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups sifted cake flour 3 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup milk 4 egg whites 1/3 cup sugar Directions: Heat oven to 350 F. Cream butter. Add 1 cup of sugar gradually and continue creaming until light and fluffy. Blend in flavorings. Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Beat egg whites until foamy, and add remaining 1/3 cup of sugar. Beat to soft-peak stage. Fold carefully into cake batter. Pour into two greased 9-inch layer cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool on cake rack in pans for about 5 minutes, then turn out of pans and let cool on rack before frosting. LADY BALTIMORE FROSTING Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup boiling water 3 egg whites 1 cup powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla Directions: Boil granulated sugar and water together rapidly until the syrup forms a soft ball, at 238 degrees. Whip egg whites, adding slowly 1/3 cup of the confectioner sugar and beating until the consistency of a meringue. Add syrup gradually, beating constantly. Beat until mixture is thick and creamy. Add gradually the remaining 2/3 cup of powdered sugar, beating until frosting will hold its shape. FILLING FOR THE CAKE To 1/3 of the Lady Baltimore Frosting recipe, add 1/4 cup diced glace cherries, 1/4 cup chopped seedless raisins, 1/2 cup chopped figs and 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped. Put layers together with the filling in between. Frost cake with remainder of frosting. Swirl frosting on top of the cake. Chapter member Susan Lain offered this cookie recipe, which comes from the kitchen of her grandmother, Minnie Kreider Duke, who was born in 1881. SUGAR COOKIES Ingredients: 3 cups sugar 3 eggs 1 cup butter 1 pint buttermilk 7 cups flour 1 tablespoon vanilla 3 heaping teaspoons baking powder, added to the flour 4 level teaspoons baking soda, added to the buttermilk Directions: Heat oven to 375 F. Cream butter and sugar. Add the other ingredients, alternating the flour and milk mixtures as you add them. Mix well. Drop dough by large tablespoons on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with colored sugar. Bake at 375 F for about 10 minutes. Let cookies brown around the edges. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe The last of several storms that have rolled through Southern California this week will be settling in Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday. Rainfall is expected to increase through midday, then become heavier in the evening and overnight, according to the National Weather Service. The storm could drop up to 3 inches of rain in many parts of Southern California -- and up to 4 inches in the Santa Monica Mountains. Peak rainfall is expected to arrive on Thursday between 5:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. A flood advisory has been issued for northwestern Ventura County, as well as the Thomas and Whitter burn areas. With the rain comes the threat of flooding, mudslides and debris flows, so regional emergency officials are closely monitoring recent wildfire burn zones and taking precautions. The City of #Malibu Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is staffed 24 hours per day monitoring the rain storms through the week. To report any storm hazards, mud slides, or request information, please call City Hall at 310-456-2489. Updates will be posted to https://t.co/OyDKyWWgMa pic.twitter.com/fNGMDs0gdY City of Malibu (@CityMalibu) January 16, 2019 Caltrans issued this reminder to drive slowly, turn on your headlights and more when driving in the rain. We cant stress this enough, does not cause crashes, how you drive in the does. Turn your lights on. SLOW DOWN, slow down, slow down. Leave EXTRA SPACE between your & the ahead of you. Drive in the middle lanes, outside lanes tend to flood.NEVERthrough flood waters CHP PIO - LA County (@CHPsouthern) November 29, 2018 Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for several Malibu-area neighborhoods: Corral Canyon / El Nido Escondido / Old Chimney Escondido Drive / Latigo Canyon Malibu West / Trancas Canyon Malibou Lake All of Ramirez Canyon Road and adjacent streets Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park and restaurant Voluntary evacuations are in effect in Burbank at Country Club Drive above Via Montana, and are expected to stay in effect until Thursday at 5:00 p.m. All Malibu schools will be closed on Wednesday and will remain closed on Thursday. Santa Monica schools remain open. High surf is expected at San Diego and Orange County beaches on Thursday and Friday, possibly getting up to 15 feet south of Encinitas. NBC4 reports a 19-car pile-up on the southbound 15 near Cajon Pass. All injuries were minor, but the freeway is closed completely in that direction as the wreck is cleared up. Ranchero Road is being used as a detour. Mud and rocks have spilled onto Route 23 (Decker Road), and the stretch is open to resdidents only, at least until after tonight's storm. A fog advisory is in effect near the Cajon Junction on State Route 138, and high surf up to 11 feet in and around L.A. is expected. California Department of Transportation officials said State Route 23 remains closed from Pacific Coast Highway to upper Mulholland Highway due to the storm. Authorities also warned of the "potentially significant risk of flooding and mudflow" in areas that burned in the 2017 Creek Fire. Residents in Kagel Canyon, Lopez Canyon and Little Tujunga Canyon were urged to be ready to evacuate "at a moment's notice," though no orders have yet been issued. Free sandbags are available at several L.A. County fire stations. As a series of winter storms move through the area residents in the Creek Fire burn area, particularly Kagel Canyon, Lopez Canyon and Little Tujunga Canyon are urged to remain vigilant and prepare for potential evacuations should mud and debris flows develop. #LArain pic.twitter.com/8i58zWwfZs L.A. County Fire Department (@LACoFDPIO) January 16, 2019 In Burbank, voluntary evacuations were announced for several neighborhoods (they can be found here). Sandbags are being offered for free to businesses and residents at the Public Works Yard, while supplies last. Residents are encouraged to follow lacounty.gov/larain for updates, register at Alert LA County for notifications, and follow L.A. County on Facebook and Twitter for ongoing information about the storms. In Ventura County, some evacuation orders were downgraded to voluntary, but mandatory orders are in effect for the county's South Coast area as well as Matilija, Wheeler Springs and North Fork along Oso Road. For ongoing updates throughout Wednesday, including lists of evacuation centers, road closures and more, check the following sites: UPDATES: 11:10 a.m.: This article was updated with information about the 19-car pile-up on the 15 freeway. 1:57 p.m.: This article was updated with information about high surf, a fog advisory and mud and rock spillage onto Route 23. 5:31 p.m.: This article was updated with information about Malibu school closures. 6:16 p.m.: This article was updated with information about high surf advisories and peak rainfall expectations. This article was originally published on Jan. 16 at 8:15 a.m. Jessica P. Ogilvie contributed to this report. LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe In what has become the longest government shutdown on record, federal workers missed their first paycheck last week. Now Southern California food banks are getting ready to feed them. One Inland Empire church is opening a food pantry this weekend to help employees at the nearby Ontario International Airport, many of whom are currently working without pay. "This whole community is connected to the airport," said Darryl Jackson, the pastor at a small, non-denominational church in Ontario called Love Chapel. Jackson hears planes overhead all the time. He was troubled by reports about how the government shutdown was affecting TSA workers. "So I thought, you know, they're suffering," Jackson said. "We're right here in the community. What better way to help?" Love Chapel hasn't had a food pantry in the past. But Jackson said he's been getting calls from people asking if the church had any resources for those struggling to make ends meet during the shutdown. Jackson called his region's food bank, Feeding America in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. On Tuesday, a truck came to the church to drop off boxes full of canned soup, cereal, fresh fruit and other items. Jackson estimates church volunteers will be able to hand out food to about 60 families on Saturday. "We're going to try to concentrate on government employees. That's our first priority," he said. "As the day draws by, if we still have enough, then we'll open it up." Lori Butler, the food bank's director of philanthropy, encouraged federal workers in the Inland Empire to find their local pantry on Feeding America's website. But she said they could also pick up emergency food kits at the organization's central food bank in Riverside. "I think a lot of people are holding out -- but worried," Butler said. Government workers have been calling Feeding America, "checking in advance that there will be resources available to them, if they need it," she said. Heads of other local food banks say they're also preparing for increased need. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank President Michael Flood said he hasn't seen any spike in demand yet. But he said it's possible some government workers are already showing up at local pantries. "When someone comes in and seeks food assistance, they're not necessarily going to identify why they're there," he said. "Our sense is the longer the shutdown goes on, the more people will need to turn to food pantries." LAist only exists with reader support. If you're in a position to give, your donation powers our reporters and keeps us independent. Our reporting is free for everyone, but its not free to make. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Los Angeles residents may wonder why this isn't already prohibited, but a handful of council members on Tuesday proposed a ban on campaign contributions from real estate developers of significant projects. Developers covered by the proposed restrictions include those whose projects would add or construct more than 4,000 square feet of residential floor area or 15,000 square feet of commercial space. The council members also want to look for ways to restrict developers from making contributions to favored causes supported by officials, donations known as "behested payments." In August 2017, KPCC investigated millions of dollars in behested payments raised by Mayor Eric Garcetti from individuals, businesses and foundations. In recent years, some of the contributors won large contracts and crucial city approvals for their projects. Garcetti at the time had set a city record in using the little-known and minimally regulated behested payments to largely benefit the Mayor's Fund of Los Angeles, a charity he helped start after his election in 2013. Councilman David Ryu authored the new motion calling for the restrictions on developers' campaign contributions and behested payments, a move backed by council members Paul Koretz, Mike Bonin, Paul Krekorian, Nury Martinez and Joe Buscaino and seconded by Council President Herb Wesson. The motion seeks to ban contributions from certain developers from the time of their planning applications until 12 months after they are finally resolved. This motion is the second of its kind. A previous motion from early 2017 expired over the recent council recess. Ryu's office hopes the latest motion, which for the first time calls for steps banning behested payments from developers, will move more quickly. "What it does is it limits the perception that there is this pay-to-play style of politics at City Hall," said Estevan Montemayor, Ryu's deputy chief of staff. Montemayor said Ryu has pushed for the reform measure since he was elected, but it ran into delays. "This is our first opportunity to reintroduce the idea," Montemayor said. The proposal calls on the chief legislative analyst and L.A. Ethics Commission staff to report back on ways the city could restrict behested payments. The council proposal comes the same week that a Federal Bureau of Investigation search warrant emerged showing the agency's ongoing corruption probe reaches deep into city departments and City Hall. Initial details about the investigation suggested a focus on Councilman Jose Huizar, whose Boyle Heights home and City Hall office were searched by FBI agents in November. But the search warrant revealed the federal investigation extends to other elected officials and their staff. Federal agents also may be investigating the role of Chinese investment in the development of high-profile projects, particularly in downtown Los Angeles. The Ryu motion will first be reviewed by the council's Rules Committee and requires approval by the full council before it could take effect. Mary Plummer contributed to this report. Your opinion on the ongoing federal government shutdown is probably dependant on the sources of news you rely on for information. Id expect the federal shutdown hasnt had much impact on most in the Coulee Region even as the government has been partially closed going into a fourth week. The rub in getting the federal government back to 100 percent open is a difference of $5.7 billion the president wants for additional security in the form of a barrier on the U.S. southern border. Democratic members of Congress will not submit (House) or pass (Senate) any funding continuing resolution that includes dollars for a southern barrier. Federal spending in 2018 was more that $4 trillion ($4,000 billion) and is programmed for the same in 2019. The 5.7 billion is less than one tenth of one percent of the budget; fairly insignificant in the Washington, D.C., spending trough. President Donald Trump has been in politics for less than two years; the two Democratic Party members opposing the funding are Sen. Chuck Schumer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Both have been in Congress more than 25 years. The voters didnt deliver an indictment of economic progress during former Gov. Scott Walkers tenure, but a call for attention on other issues. Heres how Evers positioned those topics with the intersection of economic prosperity. Education: Evers called on business to help young people understand there are multiple career pathways to be pursued in Wisconsin. That could include more partnerships with schools, especially when it comes to internships and apprenticeships. Workplace experience is transformative for students, he said. As state superintendent of public instruction for nearly 10 years, Evers served on the UW Board of Regents and the Wisconsin Technical College System board. I believe they have been underfunded, he said, which makes it harder for businesses to find the talented workers they need. Evers called out research and development, especially in the UW System, as a priority tied to the states entrepreneurial economy. Health care: Evers described how he met during the campaign with a group of entrepreneurs in Milwaukee who talked about the lack of health-care coverage for their small companies. I think thats critical for the economy, he said, noting that quality health care can help to attract and retain workers and firms. They seem to be signaling that they are not really the bigots that they appear to be. Republicans seem desperate to explain that they are normal and moral, in spite of all the evidence. Attacking King reveals some sense of shame at what they have become. Yet, in the end, Republican critics of King manage to look worse rather than better. If racism is the problem, then President Trump is a worse offender. And their relative silence on Trump is a sign of hypocrisy and weakness. Take the last days before the 2018 midterm elections. Trump closed his campaign for Republicans with a hysterical warning that brown people were invading the country. He initially suggested they should be shot. He added that he wouldnt be surprised if Soros was funding the migrant caravan. This is clearly what he regards as his strongest political argument the racist promotion of animus against outsiders, tied to pernicious conspiracy theories. Trump feeds ethnic stereotypes of migrants as rapists and murderers. He makes apocalyptic warnings that Democratic control would turn America into Venezuela and totally open borders. And his supporters dismiss criticism against him as a personality thing. Vos said he would prefer to work from the governors budget request, as is done typically, but said it would be an awful lot harder if revenue from the Medicaid expansion is built into it. Wisconsin is one of 17 states that havent taken federal funding to expand Medicaid to people who make up to 133 percent of the poverty level, a move that would have saved the state $1.1 billion from 2014 through 2019, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. People who make more can get subsidies on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The decision by former Gov. Scott Walker and Republicans to expand coverage to all people below the poverty line shifted about 63,000 adults off Medicaid while allowing about 130,000 childless adults onto the program. A panel of judges in 2016 had ruled the states 2011 political maps represented an unconstitutional gerrymander, allowing Republicans to take a significant majority of seats. Republicans dispute allegations they intentionally engineered the maps in their favor, contending GOP voters are naturally dispersed geographically across the state while Democrats are clustered in cities. Attorneys for the Republican-controlled Assembly, which intervened in the case last fall, in a court filing earlier this month called for a stay in the gerrymandering cases proceedings, arguing the two cases the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear on appeal present the same issues as Wisconsins Gill vs. Whitford case and that holding a trial would be unnecessary until the other cases are resolved. The Assembly cannot reasonably suggest that its request for a stay is motivated by anything other than a desire to preserve the unconstitutional 2011 gerrymander through the end of the decennial cycle, wrote Annabelle Harless, one of the attorneys for the Democratic plaintiffs. In their filing, Democrats also challenged the GOPs argument the two cases taken up by the Supreme Court present similar issues. If that were the case then hotel rooms, apartments and vacation cottages would be public places and the owners and tenants/lessees of such places could consume alcohol on the premises only if they held a retail liquor license or permit, WILLs attorneys wrote. Schimels informal opinion mirrored the stance of groups such as the Tavern League, which has criticized as unfair the DORs decision not to require wedding barns to obtain liquor licenses. But other groups, such as the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, contend wedding barns already comply with existing state law and should not be subject to liquor license or permitting requirements to serve alcohol. WILL in the lawsuit is suing Gov. Tony Evers and his administration in Dunn County court to seek clarification from a judge that wedding barn venues are, in fact, private venues that can distribute alcohol without a liquor license or permit. The legal group is suing on behalf of two wedding barn owners it says would be at risk of closing if they cant purchase a liquor license: The Weddin Barn, owned by John and Julie Govin in Menomonie, and Farmview Event Barn, owned by Bob and Jean Bahn in Berlin. Counties are generally allowed to issue only a limited number of liquor licenses. The Land Stewardship Project will hold a workshop to help farmers consider the costs and benefits of increasing soil health on their farm. The workshop will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lewiston Community Center, 75 Rice St., Lewiston, Minn. The goal of the workshop is to help attendees see soil health not as an expense, but as an investment, said Alex Romano, from the Land Stewardship Project. North Dakota farmer and rancher Joshua Dukart will keynote the workshop. Dukart is a proponent of holistic farm management, which examines sustainable farm practices through an ecological, economic and quality of life standpoint. Its using different tools to help us improve the ecological side of things, when to use them, how to manage risk, Dukart said. And how do we do it without driving ourselves crazy and at the same time be willing to step out of our comfort zone. Going low-till or no-till reduces the number of passes over a farmers land, which reduces topsoil erosion from wind or rain. The La Crosse County Convention and Visitors Bureau Board is open to talking about raising the hotel room tax, but reluctant to raise it to the 12 percent proposed by Mayor Tim Kabat. Kabat proposed increasing the tax on hotel room reservations to 12 percent from the current 8 percent last week as a way to offset the cost of financing the $42 million La Crosse Center renovation and expansion. The CVB board discussed Kabats proposal at its Tuesday meeting and members said the increase to 12 percent would be unacceptable, according to executive director A.J. Frels. Going to 12 would be a 50 percent increase from where we are now, Frels said. It would also be the highest in the state by two percentage points, which would stand out to meeting and event planners as they build their budgets and look for places to hold conventions and other events. That could hurt the areas competitiveness as Explore La Crosse works to bring in users to the La Crosse Center and other city amenities. However, Frels said his board would be open to discussing some sort of increase. We understand what needs to be done. We get it and were willing to have a conversation, Frels said. The Viroqua Area Schools Board of Education has decided the school district will not consider another referendum this year. After the referendum was not approved on the Nov. 6, 2018 ballot, the School Board held a workshop to continue what has been a year of strategic planning. According to a statement the school district released Monday, the board and administration discussed the feedback from the community gathered throughout the referendum process. Several key ideas were discussed that led the board to agree that more work is needed to bring community input into the planning process. We felt that we need more time to get more community members involved in the process, Dr. Kehl Arnson, district administrator, said. The next opportunity for a referendum will be in April of 2020. According to the statement, Looking ahead to April of 2020 will give us time to reengage the community and dig deeper into the details. This does not diminish, however, the months of work that so many people have already put into building and honing the strategic plan. We have a great deal of good information and talented professionals to help us make the best choices for our students, staff and community. The students are always our top priority, and we want to provide the best quality school environment for them. Last week we began to examine Dr. C.V. Porters stone marker entitled Site of Red Birds Village, located along the Mississippi River on Hwy. 35 in Vernon County. Various sources in the museums collection lead me to think that the Ho-Chunk man named Red Bird did not actually live in a village at this spot where the Bad Axe River empties into the Mississippi, but that he did live in the region. Porter calls what happened at this site the First Battle of the Bad Ax and thats whats written next on the stone after the date of June 1827. This wording is taken straight from the Crawford and Vernon County history books of 1884, which contain many identical passages. Note that a second battle took place in the same area at the end of the Black Hawk War of 1832, although its now better described as a massacre. Most of Porters other stone markers commemorate the Black Hawk War. Thousands of people gathered at the Federal Plaza in Chicago on Jan. 13 for the annual March for Life to protest the U.S. Supreme Courts Roe vs. Wade decision 46 years ago. The backdrop featured Alexander Calders red flamingo sculpture. A strong contingent from western Wisconsin boarded one of six buses leaving from various parts of the state to join the march. The La Crosse bus picked up a group of 20 from Tomah and other buses left from Green Bay, Wausau, Appleton, Brookfield and Cedarburg. Caravans of buses from Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri and Iowa made their way to Chicago. The 2 p.m. rally, held under a bright sky and mild temperatures, featured several speakers who hit on this years theme, Unique from Day One. Appropriately, the symbol was a single human fingerprint. Speakers included Chicago Bears co-owner Patrick McCaskey; Right Reverend Paul, Bishop of the Chicago Orthodox Church; Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago; and Ryan Bomberger, Founder of the Radiance Foundation, whose mother was raped and put him up for adoption. Illinois Republican Congressman Darin LaHood urged attendees to continue the fight. A 42-year-old Sparta man was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney after he allegedly threatened to murder several people. According to the Monroe County Sheriffs Office, a woman recorded a Dec. 22, 2018, phone call from Brian T. Zillmer, who reportedly said he was going to drive to Michigan and shoot a woman, her family and himself. The report says Zillmer called the same woman Nov. 25, 2018, leaving a suicidal message asking her not to let him die alone. The woman told police she was being harassed but never filed the paperwork. Police drove to Zillmers town of Little Falls residence Dec. 22. Zillmer wasnt there, but police were approached by two people who said Zillmer had driven from the residence about 45 minutes earlier. Zillmer answered a cell phone call from police a short time later. Zillmer denied making threats and said he was in Chicago. When police expressed doubts about Zillmers whereabouts, he hung up. While searching for Zillmer, police learned that he had threatened to kill or hurt another man in an unrelated dispute. A witness said Zillmer was attempting to obtain a gun, and police believe he went inside a house on and Hwy. 27 stole a handgun. Leo Fischer is the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year for Monroe County. Each year the American Tree Farm System requests nominations from Certified Tree Farm inspectors for Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year, starting at the county level. Outstanding Tree Farmers are selected for demonstrating and implementing sustainable forestry on their property, and Fischer was honored for 40 years of conservation on his property. According to ATFS, one of the outstanding attributes that sets Fischers property apart from other landowners is the large size. At over 500 acres of hilly and mostly forested land, it is a lot of property to manage. Fischer has done considerable work on his property with the help of Department of Natural Resources and private foresters. Fischers property has been in the Managed Forest Law program for 25 years and has been re-enrolled for another 50 years. There have been over 20 timber sales on his property. BloodCenter of Wisconsin and Tomah Memorial Hospital officials hope area residents can help meet a need for blood by donating at Tomah Memorial Hospital Friday, Jan. 25. Tomah Memorial marketing and public relations director Eric Prise said winter weather and illnesses can cause a decline in blood donations. Blood is traditionally in short supply during the winter months and January, in particular, can be a difficult month for blood donations since supplies often run low when needed most, Prise said. January is National Blood Donor month, so now is the perfect time to celebrate by giving the gift of life. He said BloodCenter of Wisconsin strives to see 800 donors a day, six days a week, to collect the blood needed by patients in the hospitals with which they partner, such as Tomah Memorial. Residents can donate blood on the 25th, from noon to 6 p.m. at Tomah Memorial Hospital. To donate blood, a person must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have photo identification. Sixteen-year-olds may also donate with parental consent. Forms are available at Tomah Memorial, and online with BloodCenter of Wisconsin at bcw.edu. Donors can are strongly encouraged to register for a donation time online at tomahhospital.org Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. One of Wisconsins legacy retailers said Wednesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will close 38 more locations, including both of its Madison stores. Shopko, based in the Green Bay area with 360 stores in 26 states, including a large presence in Wisconsin, said it is restructuring as a result of excess debt and ongoing competitive pressures. The company, with three stores in Dane County and dozens across the state, many in smaller communities, has obtained $480 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help fund and protect its operations through the Chapter 11 process. The money will be used to pay suppliers, vendors and other business partners. The bankruptcy was filed Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Nebraska. This decision is a difficult but necessary one, Russ Steinhorst, Shopkos CEO, said in a statement posted on the companys website. In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that by operating a smaller and more focused store footprint, we will be able to build a stronger Shopko that will better serve our customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders through this process. Shopko, which was purchased by Sun Capital Partners, a private equity group in 2005, announced late last year the closing of 39 stores in 19 states by the end of this February, including a store in Mauston that opened in 2015. Last week the company added six more Wisconsin stores to the closure list. They are in Appleton, Grafton, La Crosse, Menasha, Seymour and Sussex. On Wednesday, Shopko added 10 more stores in Wisconsin to the closing list, including the Shopko on Mineral Point Road at West Towne Mall and the Shopko on Zeier Road on Madisons East Side. Other Wisconsin stores that will close are in Green Bay, Manitowoc, West Bend, Stevens Point, Plover and Neenah, along with Shopko Express stores in Appleton and the Outagamie County town of Buchanon east of Appleton. The closings will leave just the Shopko store at South Towne Mall in Monona as the lone Shopko store in Dane County. The Shopko just off Aberg Avenue on Madisons North Side closed in 2014. Im not at all surprised theyre closing their full line stores in cities where there are Walmart, Targets and Kohls, said Jerry OBrien, executive director of the Kohls Center for Retailing at UW-Madison. I think they had a difficult time differentiating. Shopko also has other stores throughout southern Wisconsin in communities like Watertown, Beaver Dam, Janesville, Monroe and Fort Atkinson, but the Madison stores found themselves surrounded by highly competitive national retailers. For the West Towne store, which opened in 1981 when there was farmland next to the store, a Walmart and Sams Club opened across the Beltline in 1988. The Kohls at West Towne opened in 1995 in the 89,000-square-foot former Prange Way building, while Target added a store on Junction Road in 1996 and at Hilldale Shopping Center in 2011. Employees in demand Both Madison Shopko stores are scheduled to close by April 15. It was not immediately known how many employees would be affected by the closures. However, OBrien, who just returned from a conference of the National Retail Federation where he learned there are 900,000 retail positions waiting to be filled nationally, said those who lose their jobs should have a relatively easy time in finding work. Its always sad for the people that work there. They have longtime employees, OBrien said. Theyll be snatched up. Theres a huge shortage. In addition to closing stores, Shopko has been selling its pharmacy operations and has its headquarters building in Ashwaubenon for sale for $24.3 million, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Just days after Kroger announced it was buying the records of over three dozen Shopko pharmacies, Iowa-based Hy-Vee announced on Dec. 14 that it had purchased the records from another 22 Shopko pharmacies. The Hy-Vee deal was for pharmacies in 17 cities, but the only Wisconsin store on the list was the Shopko Pharmacy on Mineral Point Road. The rest were in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company, with 76 locations in Wisconsin, also announced on Wednesday that it will relocate over 20 optical centers to free-standing locations and conduct an auction for its remaining pharmacy business. Shifting strategies Shopko also has a store in Columbus that opened in 2012 as part of the companys Shopko Hometown concept, stores that are about 35,000 square feet compared to the traditional stores, like those in Madison, that range in size from 85,000 to 100,000 square feet. The Shopko Hometown stores have been built in smaller communities that, in the past, have been bypassed by Shopko and had been largely ignored by Walmart, Target, Kohls and Kmart but have been a magnet for the likes of Dollar General and Dollar Store. Theyre in small, underserved communities, said Paul Jones, who was Shopkos president and CEO at the time. We felt there was a void in these smaller markets for general merchandise retail and pharmacy services. The Hometown concept also has been incorporated into Pamida stores, a discount retailer purchased by Shopko in 1999 and operated as a separate division until 2012 when the two companies merged. One of those converted stores is in Reedsburg. Shopko was founded by pharmacist James Ruben in Green Bay in 1962. By 1971, Shopko had 10 stores. By 1981, it had opened its 30th store, located on Madisons Far West Side. Shopko now has 126 larger-format stores, 234 HomeTown locations, five Shopko Express Rx stores, six Shopko Pharmacy locations and four Shopko optical stores. The closing of the Shopko at West Towne creates another large retail void at the sprawling property. In the last year, the 140,000-square-foot Boston Store closed, the Sears store, which had been cut in half to make way for a Dave & Busters and Total Wine & More, was shuttered, followed by the closing of the 55,000-square-foot Toys R Us store in May. In addition, the Apple Store, known for its high customer traffic, relocated in 2017 to Hilldale Shopping Center. It is a ton of space, OBrien said of the vacant and soon-to-be vacant spots at West Towne. Its not atypical of malls across the country. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 10 Angry 2 By John Gilstrap Another brave anonymous writer has submitted a first page for review and comment. Yall know the drill by now: First the piece, and then comments on the other side. NOTE: The italics are all mine, a way to differentiate whose writing is which. THE HALCYON VENGEANCE Adrian Steele stared out the 10th floor window in the direction of Sheremetyevo. Snow drifted lightly down. His jaw clenched. He was in Moscow. In winter. Again. He glanced over to Natalya who recited the final brief for his assignment in Cuba. Steele kept his expression neutral, his impatience hidden. He traced a finger through the condensation of his breath on the cold window. His hand remained steady. Good. He wasnt nervy. Steele, Natalya said softly after a pause, please remember why youre here. Youre sounding like Pierce. Doesnt suit you. Natalya grimaced, stepping to the knapsack shed left on the chair. She handed him an unmarked envelope. Thats all there is. It could be my job for helping you. Especially with this. Clothes? She tossed him the knapsack. No trackers, I checked them myself. Steele thought about the trackers that shed doubtlessly put in. Natalya turned her head to the dark window as he changed his clothes. Shed watched him before. Now she wouldnt. Hed need to lose the clothes, then. After he pulled on a thick parka she handed him a battered ushanka. Remember, flaps up. Or youll look like a pussy, she muttered. Steele nodded. He knew. And dont die. Or get wounded. You need to be back by 0300 for your flight to Havana. He put his hand out. Natalya bit her lip as she passed him a Makarov PM and two magazines. Dont fret, I wont leave a mess. Youre lucky, going to a tropical place, she muttered wistfully. I wouldnt exactly call it lucky. But the weathers better. Yes, it is. Spasiba do svidaniya myshonok, he muttered as he opened the door, checked the hallway, and slipped away. Natalya pulled the mobile from the inside pocket of her jacket. Did you get all of that? she asked Pierce. Yes. But he lied, our Adrian did. You mean ? Oh, he wont miss his flight, he knows whats on the line. But hes off the leash I let him do this, or he wont do the job in Cuba. Hes the only one who can and he knows it. Im not sure what hes got planned, but its going to leave a hell of a mess. Will he kill Voschenko? He wants to. Thank you for your help Natalya. You should go to ground. But Leave myshonok. Disappear. Now. Its Gilstrap again. First, by way of full disclosure, I had some real formatting issues transferring the original email onto the blogging platform. So, Anon, if I screwed up any of the paragraph breaks, I apologize. First, the positives. I like the tone of this story. It has a very Cold War Ludlum feel to it. No one trusts anyone. I like that stuff. I also like the flow of the dialogue for the most part. It feels like a real scene, populated with believable characters. On the downside, I have some quibbles with the prose, which Ill discuss below, but the most urgent issue here is the fact that its confusing. So, lets get to all of that. First things first: I hate the title. It doesnt mean anything. Titles are supposed to draw a reader in. Its among your most important marketing tools. Now lets go section by section: Adrian Steele stared out the 10th floor window in the direction of Sheremetyevo. Snow drifted lightly down. His jaw clenched. He was in Moscow. In winter. Again. He glanced over to Natalya who recited the final brief for his assignment in Cuba. Steele kept his expression neutral, his impatience hidden. He traced a finger through the condensation of his breath on the cold window. His hand remained steady. Good. He wasnt nervy. I get that its not my place to rewrite Anons work, but I think the opening line should be Adrian Steele was in Moscow. In winter. Again. He stared out the 10th floor . . . More people have heard of Moscow than have heard of Sheremetyevo, so the quicker you anchor the readers head to the setting, the better off youll be. Anon, I urge you to cleanse your work of -ly adverbs. Snow drifted lightly down implies that snow can drift through the air heavily. In this case, the word, drift, is strong enough to carry the entire image youre looking for. The image of Steele tracing his finger through the condensation implies to me that he is very close to the window, yet hes receiving a mission brief. This confuses me. Is there something outside that he must watch? Is there a reason for him not to be fully engaged in what Natalya is telling him? This is the paragraph where the confusion starts. An assignment in Cuba could be a job as a missionary as well as an assassin. I think you should plant something more specific as to the nature of what hes going to do, just so the reader can get his head in the right place. Steele, Natalya said softly after a pause, please remember why youre here. More confusion for me. Natalyas admonition seems unearned. To me, theres no indication that hes not remembering why hes there. It doesnt help that we the reader dont know, either. Youre sounding like Pierce. Doesnt suit you. A one-sentence explanation could clarify who Pierce is. Alternatively, Natalya could respond with a pithy remark like, Impossible. His voice is much higher than mine. Anything that would give us a hint of character. Natalya grimaced, stepping to the knapsack shed left on the chair. She handed him an unmarked envelope. Here again, the grimace feels unearned. Is she in pain? As she steps to the knapsack, where is she stepping off from? In my mind, they were sitting, so she would have to rise before she steps. We need more description of the setting. If shes briefing him, why is the knapsack someplace other than where she is? Thats all there is. It could be my job for helping you. Especially with this. Until this line, I thought Natalya was the boss. Also, shouldnt there be some reaction from Steele? A few lines later, we learn that hes confident that shes a liar, so it makes sense that he wold have some kind of cynical reaction to her fear that she might lose her job. Given that Steele is risking his life, wouldnt he be a little bit snarky, if only in his head? Clothes? She tossed him the knapsack. No trackers, I checked them myself. Here we have back-to-back non-sequiturs (sp?). Steele asks a one-word question and Natalya gives a non-responsive response. Is Steele naked? What does he need the clothes for? Is he asking if clothes are in the knapsack? Steele thought about the trackers that shed doubtlessly put in. Yes! I like this bit. Im not fond of the word, doubtlessly, but the sentiment works. Natalya turned her head to the dark window as he changed his clothes. Shed watched him before. Now she wouldnt. Hed need to lose the clothes, then. More confusion. Changing clothes from what to what? Why? That shed seen him without clothes implies that they are (or were) lovers, so why turn away? Again, this seems unearned. After he pulled on a thick parka she handed him a battered ushanka. I have no idea what a ushanka is, so therefore I have no image. Without an image, the next line makes no sense. Remember, flaps up. Or youll look like a pussy, she muttered. Steele nodded. He knew. He knew what? That hed look like a pussy? And dont die. Or get wounded. You need to be back by 0300 for your flight to Havana. This is the best line of the entire piece. I would break it into two parts, though: And dont die. Or get wounded. I cant, he said. Ive got an 0300 flight to Havana. He put . . . He put his hand out. Natalya bit her lip as she passed him a Makarov PM and two magazines. Dont fret, I wont leave a mess. Okay, the Makarov PM is a clue. Unless the assassin is using old surplus equipment, the story must be set sometime between the late 40s and early 90s. Now that hes got his pistol, what does he do with it? Is there a holster? Does he slip it in his pocket? Surely he must load it (unless the two magazines Natalya hands him are extras). My point here is that once you introduce an object, yhou cant just let it disappear from the page. Youre lucky, going to a tropical place, she muttered wistfully. I wouldnt exactly call it lucky. But the weathers better. Yes, it is. Spasiba do svidaniya myshonok, he muttered as he opened the door, checked the hallway, and slipped away. Jim Bell blogged last Sunday on using dialect and foreign words in manuscripts. Spasiba do . . . translates in my head as blah, blah, blah. Also, wheres the emotion? They talk about the weather, and then Steele just walks away. This section highlights a lack of point of view. Whose scene is this? Id like to be in someones head, but instead, Im just watching the players move around on the set. Id like to feel something from someone. Natalya pulled the mobile from the inside pocket of her jacket. Did you get all of that? she asked Pierce. Yes. But he lied, our Adrian did. What is the lie? You mean ? Im lost. I dont know what theyre talking about. Oh, he wont miss his flight, he knows whats on the line. But hes off the leash I let him do this, or he wont do the job in Cuba. Hes the only one who can and he knows it. Im not sure what hes got planned, but its going to leave a hell of a mess. Will he kill Voschenko? He wants to. Thank you for your help Natalya. You should go to ground. But Leave myshonok. Disappear. Now. I sense that here at the end, Im supposed to be fearful, but Im not. Dialogue can carry a scene only so far. As a reader, I dont want to feel like Im merely eavesdropping on someones conversation. I want to understand whats going on. I want to understand the stakes. What say you, TKZers? Its your turn. - Tyra Banks has been very vocal in being a fan of Catriona Gray's lava walk - This time the American superstar patronized shoes made by Catriona Gray's shoe designer when she competed in Miss Universe 2018 - He is Jojo Bragais who's also a friend of Catriona PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed After Tyra Banks' consecutive posts about Catriona Gray's lava walk and slow-mo twirl, this time she has given huge support to a Filipino designer. The American supermodel ordered shoes from Jojo Bragais, the one who designed Catriona Gray's shoes that she used in Binibinig Pilipinas and in Miss Universe 2018. As reported by ABS-CBN news, it was Tyra's stylist who contacted Jojo. Di ba si Tyra Banks, she commended yung Lava Walk ni Cat? Sobrang funny because the stylist of Tyra Banks called me up. Hey, puwede ka bang gumawa ng shoes for Tyra Banks?," he said. Jojo is also a good friend of Catriona whom he often features in his vlogs. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! In a previous report by KAMI, Tyra Bank has once again expressed her amazement with Catriona Gray's Lava walk. Catriona Gray is a Filipino-Australian actress and model who was born on born January 6, 1994. She already joined and became a finalist in Miss World 2016 before winning the Miss Universe Philippines this year. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! In this animation video by KAMI, we show the story of a woman who adopted a baby boy. As he grew up, he became more rebellious and wanted to meet his biological mother. In the end, he learned an important lesson on who his real mother is on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph - Another Maldives honeymooner bravely opened up about their experience when they snorkeled at the island - She recounted how sudden big waves took her and her husband to the deeper portion of the sea where she almost drowned - Her husband was able to grab her shoulder and they were able to make it back to shore PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed! For so long a time, Hazel Ann Baria-Castelo did not talk much about her and her husband's experience during their stay in Maldives. KAMI learned that when the news about the newlywed couple reached her, she felt that it was the ample time to share her horrifying experience in Maldives. According to Hazel, she and her husband, John Darren Castelo, went to Maldives in 2017 for that lovely honeymoon. Another Maldives honeymooner (Photo: pxhere) Source: Facebook So upon arriving, they immediately settled down and decided to swim at the beach. They didn't go far as they were just in front of their villa. She said that the water was calm, however, just a few minutes later, big waves started to hit them. Hazel even told Darren not to swim far as both of them didn't know how to swim. She recalled the exact words she stated as, "Wag kang lumayo parehas tayong hindi marunong lumangoy." In a matter of seconds, they no longer felt the sand and they panicked. Waves were getting stronger and she could hear Darren shouting at her, "FLOAT!" Previous Maldives honeymooner (Photo: pixabay) Source: Facebook She started praying and soon she felt her husband's hand on her shoulders and they were back at the shore. Hazel said God saved them that day, a miracle in fact. Albeit, there was no certainty as to what happened to the recent newlyweds who drowned in the island, Hazel and Darren's experience may have shed some light as to what may have transpired that fateful day to Leomer and Erika Joyce Lagradilla. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! Here is her full post: Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! Care for some "pampa-good vibes"? Watch our Ariana Breathin Low-Budget Parody | HumanMeter On KAMI YouTube Channel Source: Kami.com.ph - An unfortunate news saddened the entire pageantry world - Miss Universe Jamaica 2014 finalist died at the age of 29 after battling lupus for a couple of years - Her fellow beauty queen has expressed grief towards the news PAY ATTENTION: Click "See First" under the "Following" tab to see KAMI news on your News Feed Zandrea Bailey died last Sunday, this was announced by Jamaicas The Gleaner. According to its report, she died in a New York hospital, where she has been admitted for some weeks. Tha Jamaican beauty queen is a finalist in Miss Universe Jamaica 2014 who was diagnosed with lupus in the year 2012. PAY ATTENTION: Using free basics app to access internet for free? Now you can read KAMI news there too. Use the search option to find us. Read KAMI news while saving your data! In an interview, she revealed that her mother suffered and died because of the same disease. Moreover, her fellow beauty queen, Kaci Fennel, mourns her death. Enjoyed reading our story? Download KAMI's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Filipino news! This video will tickle your mind and ignite your critical thinking as the HumanMeter team test your logical thinking through the following Tricky Questions. Check out our videos on KAMI HumanMeter YouTube channel! Source: Kami.com.ph RACINE The City Council on Tuesday approved an advisory resolution supporting licenses for undocumented immigrants and residents whose licenses have been suspended for minor infractions or for failure to pay fines to have their licenses reinstated. Last week, the Affirmative Action and Human Rights Commission heard 17 people speak in front of a packed room supporting the resolution. The Commission voted unanimously to forward the resolution to the City Council with a recommendation to approve. More than 20 people, many of whom spoke before the Human Rights Commission, spoke before the council on Tuesday. More than 50 people listened in the audience. Eighth District Alderman Q.A. Shakoor II pointed to the crowd as reason to approve the resolution. They have been given an opportunity to speak and they have spoken loud and clear, said Shakoor. We know we cant do anything about it locally, but it is our responsibility that our state an federal representatives know what theyre saying in here. Alderman Carrie Glenn of the 10th District made a motion to send the resolution to the Committee of the Whole for a fuller discussion. I just need a little more information to make an informed vote, said Glenn. RACINE On what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s 90th birthday, Racine residents and local leaders came together Tuesday at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and State Street to honor the martyred civil rights activists legacy. Led in prayer and song by pastors and local elementary-school students, the crowd of about 100 people celebrated as they laid a wreath in front of the statue of King in the plaza at the intersection. In attendance at the noontime ceremony were students from 21st Century Preparatory School and Evergreen Academy, Racine Mayor Cory Mason, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Racine Police Chief Art Howell and Alderman John Tate II, among others. Tate told the crowd that despite the reverence with which many people treat King and his message of equality, we cannot ignore the reality that there is still significant racial disparity in Racine. Tate went on to cite a study by 24/7 Wall St. that last November named Racine the third-worst city for black Americans based on factors such as income inequality and high black unemployment. The prerequisite to hope, I believe, is the acknowledgment of reality, Tate said. One cannot hope for a better future while also denying the present reality. EAST TROY A Franklin man has been charged in connection to the alleged killing of men from Racine and Milwaukee and leaving their bodies in a burn pit in rural Walworth County. The suspect, 43-year-old Matthew J. Neumann of the 9400 block of South 29th Street, has been charged with one count of first-degree reckless homicide and hiding a corpse. Two men who reportedly worked for Neumann have been reported as missing since Jan. 2, according to police. The victims had not yet been positively identified as of Tuesday, but Assistant Chief Kevin Magno of the Franklin Police Department confirmed that one victim was from Racine and the other was from Milwaukee. Finding the bodies According to the criminal complaint, a woman saw what appeared to be a lifeless body in Neumanns truck at his home on Jan. 2. Police reported that another witness said they heard Neumann say he had shot someone over a pack of squares referencing a pack of cigarettes. That night, Neumann reportedly returned to his home smelling heavily of diesel fuel. A witness reported that the victim was crossing the street in the crosswalk when a white sedan struck her. Someone in the car was yelling for the driver to stop but it continued driving away. Surveillance video showed the victim sliding across the hood and going airborne over the windshield before falling to the street. The driver's vehicle allegedly smelled of marijuana. Cafferty said no one he has represented has come before the commission, and if they did, he would recuse himself from discussions and decision-making. Its theoretically a conflict of interest if the issue actually came before the board and I participated in deliberations of what the results should ultimately be, Cafferty said. But nothing I have been involved in has ever come before the commission, and I have never made any decisions as a commission member as it relates to persons I have previously represented. Cafferty continued by saying that he would never participate in discussion, debate or decision-making regarding any of his former, current or future clients. My presence has not interfered with its (the commissions) function in any way, Cafferty said. The whole purpose of me being appointed (to the commission) is that I bring a different perspective and knowledge base than other commission members. It has enhanced or brought value to decisions we make. Keith Rogers, the president of the Racine Police and Fire Commission, was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday. The result: Widespread condemnation, especially from Republicans, and the resignations of the secretary of defense and the special envoy to the coalition against Islamic State. That December blow-up (and all that preceded it) leave Trump even more vulnerable to Bolton's maneuverings against his policy. Sure, Trump could obviously stand up for his plan by firing his national security adviser. But since Bolton is already Trump's third NSA in under two years, and since a third or so of Trump's cabinet is already filled with temporary "actings," canning yet another key player would be very costly. It's worth noting, too, that Trump hired Bolton just a few months ago, and it's not exactly a secret that Bolton is a hawk when it comes to the Middle East. If Trump wanted to withdraw troops and disengage, hiring Bolton made no sense at all, even given that the White House chaos probably meant that the list of qualified experts willing to take the job was extremely limited. As political scientist Dave Hopkins put it, "More evidence that Trump the 'authoritarian' is actually the weakest president in modern history." The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday announced plans to temporarily reopen many of its Farm Services Agency offices. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a news release that about half of the offices will be open Thursday, Friday and Tuesday to assist farmers and ranchers with existing farm loans and to help ensure they have necessary tax documents. Offices will not be open Monday, which is Martin Luther King Day. The offices will not process any new applications for loans or take new applications for any federal farm programs. In Nebraska, FSA offices will be open in Auburn, Beatrice, Bloomfield, Broken Bow, Chadron, Columbus, David City, Fremont, Grand Island, Hartington, Hastings, Kearney, Lexington, McCook, North Platte, Ogallala, O'Neill, Scottsbluff, Syracuse, Valentine and Wayne. Farm Services offices have been closed since Dec. 28 because of the federal government shutdown. "I encourage Nebraskans to closely review the services being offered and utilize them during this time, Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska said in a news release. Fischer is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Kirkpatrick was the first of the candidates to say he wouldn't accept a pay hike if the council increased the mayor's pay and would donate the raise to public libraries. He was also first to provide his views on affordable housing and to weigh in on hiring additional police officers. And late last week he sent a news release saying city leaders need to wait a while before making pronouncements on how to handle the likely increase in property valuations. There will undoubtedly be much talk in the future about any "windfall" from the higher property valuations, additional money the city will get if leaders do not correspondingly reduce the city property tax rate. Kirkpatrick suggests waiting for that discussion until the city knows more about revenue from the city sales tax, which is currently running below projections. "While we are ahead in property taxes, the city is also millions behind in sales taxes," Kirkpatrick said. "Anyone who wants to commit these additional dollars now would put at risk funding for the streets, sidewalks, parks, pools and libraries that are important to Lincoln families. That is not a fiscally prudent and it's not good leadership," he said. The suspect shot by a Lincoln officer after he allegedly attacked the officers with a knife has been released from the hospital, jailed and charged with six felonies, according to court records. Christopher X. Brennauer, 43, of Lincoln, was charged Tuesday with first-degree assault on an officer, attempted first-degree assault on an officer, terroristic threats and three weapons-related crimes. An affidavit filed by Lancaster County Sheriff's investigators Tuesday provided new details into the Dec. 29 encounter between Brennauer and Lincoln police in an apartment at 48th and High streets. Sometime before 2:30 a.m., Brennauer, his girlfriend and another man were in his apartment when the couple began arguing about dinner, drugs and infidelity, the affidavit said. During the argument, Brennauer got a steak knife, and he grabbed his girlfriend by the throat and pointed the knife at her, investigators said. He was talked down and let the woman go, but soon began slashing the knife around, cutting his girlfriend's finger, the affidavit said. At some point, she called 911, saying someone was mentally ill and had knives, as Brennauer retreated into the hallway, saying he wouldn't go with police and would kill himself instead. The autopsy for a 67-year-old man found dead last month on his Louisville-area property where a cockfighting ring was discovered, concluded he died of hypothermia, Cass County Attorney Colin Palm said. Marvin Voglers body was found Dec. 4 in a field about a quarter-mile from his home. In a news release Wednesday, Palm said the autopsy report indicated Vogler died of hypothermia associated with combined hydrocodone, acetaminophen and diphenhydramine toxicity. At this time, there is no evidence indicating another persons direct involvement in Mr. Voglers death, Palm said. "However, the circumstances surrounding the death are still being investigated by the Cass County Sheriffs Office. Officials are awaiting results of an examination of the cellphone found, along with an empty prescription bottle, near Vogler's body. Vogler had been a person of interest in the cockfighting investigation, according to the sheriff's office. Acting on an anonymous tip, deputies and state troopers raided a cockfight on the Vogler property Nov. 24, managing to arrest 32 people while many fled into the nearby fields. Failing to break a legislative filibuster two years ago, Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings is reviving a call for Nebraska to join a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution. His resolution (LR7) would see Nebraska join 12 states that have already called for a convention, identical to a resolution brought by then-Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete in 2017. "Years of abuse and overreach by the judiciary, legislative and executive branch of the federal government have obliterated the enumerated powers established by our founders," Halloran said at a news conference Wednesday, and "made a mockery of our 10th Amendment" that states any powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states and the people. Halloran's proposal would limit the convention to proposing amendments "that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress." A corresponding bill Halloran plans to introduce would impose guidelines for Nebraska's delegates to a proposed convention. Last year, similar proposals fell two votes short of gaining first-round approval in the full Legislature. Another retailer is leaving Lincoln. Shopko on Wednesday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska and announced plans to close additional stores. Among the closures announced were all the Shopko stores in Lincoln. The Wisconsin-based retailer in December announced plans to close the north Lincoln Shopko at 3400 N. 27th St. Wednesday, it said it will close the remaining three stores, at 27th Street and Nebraska 2, 27th Street and Pine Lake Road and 66th & O streets. According to a store closing list, the north Lincoln store is scheduled to close March 3, while the other stores are slated to close about April 15. The company also plans to close its store in Bellevue, as well as Shopko Hometown stores in Kimball, Ord and Plattsmouth. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The optical centers at all of the Lincoln locations and the ones in Bellevue and Plattsmouth will remain open and be relocated to new locations. Shopko said its freestanding optical business has been a bright spot and that it plans to expand it. Company officials could not be reached for comment on the local closures. Nebraska will get an $81,947 share of a $6 million, 42-state settlement with Encore Capital Group Inc., one of the nation's largest debt buyers, over its collection practices, according to documents filed Tuesday in Lancaster County District Court. Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said the settlement follows an investigation by the states into claims the company and its subsidiaries signed and filed affidavits in large volumes in state courts without verifying the information in them, a practice commonly called robo-signing. Midland must reform its affidavit signing and litigation practices as part of the settlement. "Debt buyers must be held to the same standards as any other creditor when providing consumers and the courts with accurate and truthful information," Peterson said. Nebraska's portion of the money will go to the state settlement cash fund. Midland also will eliminate or reduce judgment balances for 67 Nebraska consumers for a value of $75,816 in cases filed between 2003 and 2009. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 The business news you need With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. CHARLESTON -- The group opposed to a Coles County property reassessment project has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the federal lawsuit it filed over the issue. The Concerned Tax Payers of Coles County's petition to the court states that a district federal court's dismissal of the case left no opportunity for the relief the suit sought. The lawsuit sought, in part, an injunction halting the project, which the case claimed wasn't possible by suing in state court. A federal appeals court later upheld the lower court's dismissal, with both saying federal courts shouldn't address an issue that can be settled in state court. Neither court specifically addressed the injunction claim. The dispute centers around the county's decision in 2015 to conduct a complete reassessment of commercial and industrial property. Those classifications hadn't received new values for taxing purposes since a reassessment of all county property in 2001. James DiNaso of the Concerned Tax Payers said the group decided to petition the Supreme Court because the group's claim that the reassessment violated constitutional equal protection requirements hasn't been addressed. "We fully intend on adjudicating this to the highest level until the taxpayers of Coles County receive the answers we've requested from our elected officials," DiNaso said. He added that the group believes the county has "tried every type of maneuver" to avoid addressing the issue and "we look forward to our day in state and federal court." Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The group also filed a lawsuit in connection with the reassessment in Coles County court. In part, it addresses one of the group's main contentions -- that the hiring of an independent appraiser to do the reassessment wasn't proper. The county has filed a motion to dismiss that lawsuit but there are currently no hearings scheduled in the matter. On the group's decision to petition the Supreme Court, Coles County Board Chairman Mike ZuHone said the county will continue to "let the courts figure it out." He added that county officials "stand by" the decisions of the lower federal courts. "It's well within the rights of the Concerned Tax Payers to proceed in this manner," ZuHone said. "We're going to continue to let it play out in the legal system." There's no indication yet if the Supreme Court would be willing to consider the issue or when a decision might be made. The Concerned Tax Payers' petition, filed by attorney Erick Kaardall on behalf of the group, says the current situation leaves all Illinois taxpayers with no chance for court relief. The group's equal protection argument is based on the contention that the county's method of conducting the reassessment is unconstitutional. It claimed the method placed a "disproportionate tax" on business owners in Mattoon Township, the first part of the county that was subject to the reassessment. Property in Mattoon Township was reassessed first, and the questions and complaints began after the township's business owners received notices of their new property values. That method led to one of the lawsuit's contentions -- that it resulted in tax increases for Mattoon Township businesses while not affecting the rest of the county -- which the suit claims is a violation of the constitution's equal protection clause. Contact Dave Fopay at (217) 238-6858. Follow him on Twitter: @FopayDave Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Navidpour had been repeatedly raped by Salman Khodadadi, the parliamentary deputy of Malekan, a small city in East Azerbaijan Province, northwestern Iran, and was pursuing a case against him in court. She had previously released videos and audio files accusing Khodadadi of sexually assaulting her when she had gone to ask him for a job roughly four years ago. This led to much speculation that the Iranian Regime and Khodadadi were involved in her death, something that this cover-up seems to confirm. Navidpour had been repeatedly threatened by Khodadadi prior to her death, so she wrote to the judge presiding over her case saying that she needed to be protected, even providing audio files and documents of the threats. She even went on TV in the neighbouring Republic of Azerbaijan a few weeks ago to speak about the threats on her life. Khodadadi previously told her in the parliament: I will order to have you and your family killed overnight without anyone knowing. The judge dismissed Navidpours concerns and accused her of lying, up until the point that Khodadadi was recorded admitting to the rape, in an effort to close the case without upsetting the mullahs. Khodadadi is a controversial figure in Irans parliament, where he has served five four-year terms, because of several other sexual abuse allegations against him, including from other constituents and a former secretary. Navidpour is far from the first woman in Iran who has fallen victim to violence and sexual abuse by regime officials, but it is still shocking that she may have been killed to stop this matter from going to court. The abuse of women by Iranian officials is directly linked to the sexist laws enacted by the Regime, which strip women of their agency, their authority, and their humanity. It will not end until the Regime falls. According to the USA Today, it is unclear whether the Pentagons response to the request was ever actually shared with the White House or with President Trump. In any event, the administration has subsequently maintained that it has no designs for regime change or military confrontation with Iran. However, some commentators have speculated that Trump and his foreign policy advisors are in fact pursuing a thinly-veiled strategy for regime change, albeit by non-military means. This conclusion is perhaps supported by the fact that Trumps National Security Advisor, John Bolton, has previously advocated for bombing Iran but is also a noted supporter of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which promotes the idea of regime change at the hands of the Iranian people only. The primary constituent of the NCRI coalition, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran, has been a major driver of anti-government protests all across Iran over the past year. These protests were notably endorsed and praised by President Trump in early 2018, fueling speculation about the administrations hopes for a change of government. Despite steadfastly avoiding the term regime change, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that the White House strategy of maximum economic pressure and diplomatic isolation for the Iranian regime is aimed at securing a wide-ranging change in the governments behavior. For many persons close to Iranian affairs, such a change is seen as being inseparable from the collapse of the theocratic regime. The past years protests in Iran may have contributed to the dialogue about regime change while also discouraging the Trump administration from further explorations of direct military intervention. Whatever the case may be, most public actions undertaken by the administration in this area have involved the enforcement of economic sanctions and the promotion of what Pompeo recently described as an enormous coalition of national governments that are opposed to Irans ongoing and expanding influence in the Middle East and particularly in conflict zones like Syria and Yemen. Promoting this coalition proved to be a major priority of Pompeos tour of the Middle East, which was cut short on Monday following a death in his family. In the midst of that tour, Pompeo criticized the comparatively weak policies of Trumps predecessor, while defending Trumps recently announced intention to withdraw US troops from Syria. The Associated Press described Pompeo as arguing that the administration is in it for the long haul in destroying the Islamic State and combatting Irans increasing assertiveness in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen. Toward that end, Pompeo also used his Mid-East tour to tease a summit that the US will host in Warsaw, Poland next month. It was in that context that the Secretary of State made reference to the enormous coalition that is prepared to assist in creating stability and peace here in the Middle East. This, he suggested, would be comprised of traditional US allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, as well as various other members of the international community to which the US will be reaching out with the February 13-14 summit. It remains to be seen which countries will send delegations to the event, but Tehran has already begun to lash out at prospective participants, beginning with the country that agreed to provide the setting for the summit. The AP reported on Sunday that Iranian authorities summoned the top Polish diplomat in the Islamic Republic to hear the regimes complaints. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif took to Twitter to decry the planned event as a desperate circus. However, Zarifs Polish counterpart Jacek Czaputowicz voiced serious concerns over Irans destabilizing effect on the broader Middle East, and he appeared to urge European leaders to find common ground with the United States. Poland, like the rest of Europe, has been firmly supportive of the Iran nuclear deal even after the US withdrew from it in May. But Czaputowicz stated that preservation of that deal would not be enough, on its own, to address threats posed by the Iranian regime. Those threats have seemingly proliferated in recent months, with Tehran being credibly accused of ordering bomb attacks and assassinations in Albania, France, and Denmark, although all of these plots were thwarted. Furthermore, two Iranian spies were indicted in the US last summer, and the criminal complaint against them made it clear that their activities were setting the stage for attacks on Iranian opposition activists there, as well. Nevertheless, there has been no indication of the White House approaching the Pentagon for military plans in the wake of these developments. This may suggest that the Trump administration is earnestly committed to an alternative strategy, and one that relies on regional partnerships to confront the Iranian regime near its own borders, or within them. On Monday, the National Council of Resistance of Iran issued a statement embracing Pompeos recent actions to reverse the appeasement policy of previous presidential administrations, and presenting the NCRI as a democratic alternative that should be embraced by Tehrans foreign critics and adversaries. The suggestion of an alliance between Western powers and Irans domestic opposition could point to a broader conception of the Middle Eastern Strategic Alliance that has been proposed by the US State Department and colloquially described as an Arab NATO. Resistance to Iranian influence remains strong among Arab nations, but Iran has made significant inroads and is actively challenging the US in its bid for a coalition that is both broader and tighter than what already exists. As an example of this effort, Reuters pointed out on Monday that Iran had sent Foreign Minister Zarif to visit Baghdad almost immediately after Pompeo left. There, he was greeted by a friendly government that is gradually demonstrating a pivot toward the Islamic Republic through such activities as expanded military involvement in Syria, alongside Iranian forces and their local proxies. By contrast, there is little indication of Iran making similar inroads among its own population, much of which remained in revolt throughout 2018, following a nationwide uprising that began in the final days of 2017. In fact, the regimes failure to control that uprising and subsequent, localized protests apparently prompted authorities to order its attempted attacks on opposition figures on European soil. On June 30, Belgian authorities thwarted a plot to bomb the Iran Freedom rally near Paris, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including a high-ranking Iranian diplomat working in Austria. The event is held each summer and showcases the substantial international support for the PMOI and NCRI, but there had been little evidence of Iranian attempts to attack the event directly until Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei connected the ongoing protests to those groups. The Paris plot and other threats of Iranian terrorism will almost certainly drive Western powers to reconsider their positions regarding the Iran nuclear deal, the prospective defiance of US sanctions, and overall relations with the Islamic Republic. This in turn may prompt them to look more closely at various options for collaboration with an increasingly assertive but non-combative White House. And if the US remains true to its apparent commitment to non-military solutions, Pompeo and other foreign policy officials may begin to more openly advocate support for those entities that represent the genuine pursuit of regime change by the Iranian people themselves. The Regime has always denied using torture, but the report specifically highlighted how flogging a sentence so entrenched in the Iranian judicial system that it is handed down for nearly 150 crimes in Iran, including political activism by groups like the MEK is considered a form of torture under international law. Iran Human Rights Monitor explained that in the first half of 2018, 47 people were sentenced to flogging and six people were flogged. The report also highlighted how physical and psychological torture is routinely used in interrogations to force confessions from prisoners; something that began in the 1980s. The Iranian public, and by extension MEK activists, have little legal protection against such abuse and the Regime is able to torture without consequences for the mullahs. In the recent MEK-organised protest movement that has swept Iran, hundreds of protesters have been arrested and many have been tortured. This includes labour activist Esmail Bakshi, who spoke out being tortured to the brink of death in custody and is now facing charges for publically talking about his ordeal. But the most notable example of the Regimes torture is probably the 1988 massacre, where 30,000 political prisoners, mainly MEK members, were executed in just a matter of weeks. Before execution, a great deal of the MEK members were tortured and sexually assaulted by the Regime to recant their political views we know this from survivors, mainly those lucky enough to have been so badly injured from the torture that they were in the infirmary on the day they were supposed to go to the gallows. Amnesty International recently said in their report of the 1988 Massacre of MEK members that the Regime is continuing to commit crimes against humanity by concealing the fate and whereabouts of the MEK. Not much has changed since. Many students held following a wave of student protests in the early 2000s have reported being tortured and abused by Regime agents while in custody. Many MEK activists and students were arrested for protesting the contested elections in 2009 and they reported being raped, sexually abused, and physically and psychologically tortured at the Kahrizak Detention Centre. At least five people died. The rise of technology has even allowed many inmates to blog about their experiences inside Irans prisons, which show that the Regime is moving towards psychological torture methods, like solitary confinement and harassing prisoners families. Theyve also increasingly denied medical treatment and sexually assaulted prisoners. When prisoners die under torture, as happened during the 2018 MEK-organised protests, the Regime dresses the up as suicides, with no evidence to support that idea. The Iranian people are increasingly standing up against the Regimes torture and human rights abuses, so soon they will bring the end of the Regime. In this Nov. 29, 2018, file photo, victims of Japan's forced labor and their family members arrive at the Supreme Court in Seoul. A South Korean district court said Wednesday that it has decided to freeze the local assets of a Japanese company involved in compensation disputes for wartime Korean laborers. The sign reads " Mitsubishi Heavy Industries apologize and compensate victims." AP A South Korean district court said Wednesday it has decided to freeze the local assets of a Japanese company involved in compensation disputes for wartime Korean laborers. Last October, South Korea's top court ordered Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. to pay 100 million won ($88,000) each to four plaintiffs forced to work for the company when Japan colonized the Korean Peninsula from 1910-45. The Daegu District Court's branch office in the southeastern city of Pohang said Wednesday it had approved a request by lawyers for the plaintiffs to seize Korean assets held by the Japanese company as it was refusing to compensate the former laborers. Japan maintains all colonial-era compensation issues were settled by a 1965 treaty between the governments. The Japanese company holds 2.34 million shares, or around $9.7 million, in its joint venture in Pohang with South Korean steelmaker POSCO. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an unidentified official at the Pohang office, reported the district court decided to freeze 81,075 of the 2.34 million shares, not the whole shares. Yonhap said the asset freeze will become effective after a related court document is delivered to the joint venture. The district court said it couldn't immediately confirm the Yonhap report. The asset freeze could further chill diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan, which are both key U.S. allies in the region. Many South Koreans still harbor strong resentment against Japan's colonial occupation. In November, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered a second Japanese company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, to compensate 10 former Korean workers, drawing strong criticism from Japan. (AP) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge will represent the Congress party at the mega anti-BJP opposition rally convened by Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on 19 January. Kolkata: Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi will skip the grand opposition rally in Kolkata, organised by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 19 January. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge will represent the Congress party at the event. TMC is organising the rally to gather support for a pan-India anti-BJP front. Banerjee had been touring the country for the last one year in an effort to shore up a strong and united opposition front to fight the Lok Sabha elections against the BJP. According to sources in the West Bengal Congress, the state unit of the party wanted Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to skip the rally and instead to send a party leader. Also, the state leadership is believed to have told the party chief that Congress workers were ready to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections alone. The West Bengal Congress leaders were also allegedly annoyed about the fact that the TMC supremo did not invite any state leader for the rally. Rahul, in the past, had assured his party unit in West Bengal that any decision in regard with forging an alliance with the TMC will be taken after considering the state leadership's view. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati are also yet to confirm their participation in the mega opposition rally, say reports. Among those to be present at the rally include Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party chief Chandrababu Naidu, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal and Janata Dal-S leader and former prime minister HD Devegowda. Also See: BSP-SP alliance: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav meets Mayawati, says BJP will get whitewashed in Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav says seat-sharing with BSP will be announced in a week, maintains suspense on Congress joining alliance Mayawati announces tie up with Akhilesh Yadav for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, claims pulling Congress in SP-BSP alliance was 'pointless' Read more on India by Firstpost. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the White House in Washington FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 9, 2019. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts By Lesley Wroughton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Islamic State has been defeated in Syria, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday, hours after Americans were killed in a northern Syria bomb attack claimed by the militant group. Pence did not mention the attack in his address to 184 chiefs of U.S. diplomatic missions who gather annually in Washington from around the world to discuss foreign policy strategy. "The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated," Pence told the U.S. ambassadors and other senior American diplomats, referring to Islamic State. In separate statements later, both the White House and Pence condemned the attack and expressed sympathy for the deaths of the U.S. personnel. The Pentagon said two U.S. servicemembers, a Department of Defense civilian employee and one contractor working for the military were killed and three servicemembers were injured in the blast in the northern Syria town of Manbij. An Islamic State-affiliated website said the attack was the work of a suicide bomber. Trump made a surprise announcement on Dec. 19 that he would withdraw 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria after concluding that Islamic State had been defeated there. His decision led to the resignation of U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who cited policy differences with the president for his departure. LACK OF PROGRESS Despite talks of a second leaders' summit between Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, Pence acknowledged that efforts to convince Pyonyang to give up its nuclear arsenal had not made headway. "While the president is promising dialogue with Chairman Kim we still await concrete steps by North Korea to dismantle the nuclear weapons that threaten our people and our allies in the region," he said. The vice president also criticized China's "unfair" trade practices and loans to developing countries that pushed up their debt levels as it tries to gain greater influence in the world. Story continues "The truth is that too often in recent years China has chosen a path that disregards the laws and norms that have kept the world state prosperous for more than half a century," he said. "The days of the United States looking the other way are over," he added. Pence said the administration's foreign policy was based on Trump's "America First" agenda. "No longer will the United States government pursue grandiose, unrealistic notions at the expense of American people," he said. He acknowledged that Trump's foreign policy was "different from what the world has come to expect" and that the United States faced different threats than during the Cold War. "Today we are not up against one super power but several great powers competing with us for preeminence across the world," he said, saying the United States faced a "wolf pack" of rogue states including Iran, Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton and Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Tom Brown and Cynthia Osterman) The government on Wednesday, 16 January, said IT major Infosys will develop the next-generation income tax filing system for Rs 4,241.97 crore which will cut down the processing time for returns to one day from 63 days and expedite refunds. "The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to expenditure sanction of Rs 4,241.97 crore for Integrated E-filing and Centralised Processing Centre 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department." - Union minister Piyush Goyal Also Read: Watch: A Do-It-Yourself Guide To Filing Income Tax Returns Briefing media about the decision, he said the processing time at present for Income Tax Return (ITR) is 63 days and it will come down to one day after implementation of the project. Goyal said the project is expected to be completed in 18 months and will be launched after three months of testing. Infosys, he said, has been selected to implement the project after the bidding process. The current system has been a success and new project will be more tax friendly, he said. The e-filing and Centralised Processing Centre (CPC) projects have enabled end-to-end automation of all processes within the Income Tax Department using various innovative methods to provide taxpayer services and to promote voluntary compliance. The Cabinet also sanctioned a consolidated cost of Rs 1,482.44 crore for the existing CPC-ITR 1.0 project up to 2018-19. Goyal also informed that tax refunds worth Rs 1.83 lakh crore have been issued so far in the current fiscal. Also Read: Income Tax Notices Sent to 400 People Named in Panama Paper Leak The decision will ensure transparency and accountability besides faster processing of returns and issue of refunds to the taxpayers' bank account directly without any interface with the Income Tax Department. The broad objectives of the integration project include faster and accurate outcomes for taxpayer, enhancing user experience at all stages, improving taxpayer awareness and education through continuous engagement, according to an official release. Besides, it will also be promoting voluntary tax compliance and managing outstanding demand. . Read more on Business by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsHardik Pandya Not Taking Any Calls, Not Stepping Out of House . Read more on Business by The Quint. Amid the controversy over his elevation that has led to the supersession of several judges, the appointment of Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the Supreme Court was cleared by President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, 16 January. The President also appointed Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Maheshwari as a judge to the apex court after the recommendation by SCs Collegium. Also Read: Prez Appoints Justices Khanna, Maheshwari to SC Despite Protests Speaking to BloombergQuint on the row surrounding the apex court, Former Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court VK Gupta said, This action of the SC collegium is raising so much concern because it is unprecedented in more ways than one. First and foremost, in this recommendation, the collegium has superseded three senior judges of Delhi HC and recommended a judge who is at number four in the seniority of Delhi HC judges This is absolutely unprecedented. It has never happened before and we all condemn it. Also weighing in on the controversy was BG Kolse Patil, former judge at the Bombay High Court. The appointment of Justice Khanna was announced on a day when the chorus of protests against the collegiums recommendation to elevate him grew louder, with Bar Council of India (BCI) saying it is whimsical and arbitrary and will lead to humiliation and demoralisation of the superseded judges. Also Read: SC, Ex-HC Judge Protest Elevation of 2 Judges by Collegium . Read more on News Videos by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand Deaths Swords, Guns, Knives Seized in Maharashtra; BJP Functionary Held . Read more on News Videos by The Quint. Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg appears in court for a retrial of his drug smuggling case in Dalian Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg appears in court for a retrial of his drug smuggling case in Dalian, Liaoning province, China, January 14, 2019, in this handout picture received by Reuters January 15, 2019. Intermediate People's Court of Dalian/Handout via REUTERS By Philip Wen and David Ljunggren BEIJING/SHERBROOKE, Quebec (Reuters) - China said on Wednesday it was "not worried in the slightest" by mounting international concern over the death sentence handed to a Canadian for drug smuggling. Monday's sentence for Robert Schellenberg for smuggling 222 kg (489 lbs) of methamphetamines prompted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to accuse China of "arbitrarily" applying the death penalty. The United Nations said it opposed capital punishment apart from exceptional circumstances, and Australia's acting foreign minister Simon Birmingham said he was "deeply concerned" by the case. Trudeau has called several world leaders in recent days to share concerns about the case of Schellenberg and two Canadians that Beijing detained last month after a senior Chinese executive was arrested in Vancouver on a U.S. arrest warrant. Speaking at a daily news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Canada's "so-called allies could be counted on ten fingers" and did not represent the views of the wider international community. "I can very clearly state that we are not worried in the slightest," Hua said of the mounting outcry, adding that a majority of Chinese supported severe punishment for drug crimes. Schellenberg's sentence has further strained relations between China and Canada, already aggravated by the December arrest of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL], on a U.S. extradition request. Asked about Hua's remarks, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland noted that the 28-nation European Union had offered its backing to Ottawa. "We're very pleased to have this support from the EU which ..., like Canada, believes in the rule of law," she told reporters ahead of a three-day meeting of Trudeau's cabinet in Sherbrooke, Quebec. "Canada is clear about our principles and our position and we're also clear that it is a broad and deep relationship (with China)," she added. Story continues Freeland and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke on Tuesday and "expressed their concerns about the arbitrary detentions and politically motivated sentencing of Canadian nationals", the State Department said in a statement on Wednesday. Days after Meng's arrest in Vancouver, China detained two Canadians on suspicion of endangering state security. One of the men, Michael Kovrig, is a diplomat on leave without pay from Canada's embassy in Beijing. Trudeau complained last week that China was not respecting Kovrig's diplomatic immunity, but gave no details. A source directly familiar with the case said Canada was unhappy because Chinese officials were questioning Kovrig about what he had done when stationed at the embassy. The news was first reported by the Globe and Mail newspaper. China has not linked any of the three Canadians' cases to Meng's arrest, but has warned of severe consequences if she was not immediately released. The Global Times, a state-run tabloid with a nationalistic bent, said China "cannot be weak at this time". "Canada does not have any special cards that can allow Chinese law to bow its head to it," the newspaper said in an editorial on Wednesday, adding that Canada's protests would have no effect. Freeland said on Tuesday that Ottawa had formally applied for clemency for Schellenberg. When asked if China typically listened to this type of request, Hua said the judiciary was not subject to "interference from administrative organs". "You ask whether China is willing to listen to the Canadian side's request, but I don't know if Canada's leaders or politicians have seriously listened to China's solemn position," Hua said. Schellenberg had appealed against an original 15-year prison sentence issued in November, but the court in Liaoning province sided with prosecutors who argued at a retrial that the punishment was too light. (Additional reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington; editing by Darren Schuettler and James Dalgleish) Commuters who swear by Mumbais BEST buses can finally breathe a sigh of relief after BEST employees union called off its indefinite strike after the Bombay High Court order. With the court ordering BEST to increase employees pay, the transport undertaking will have to now mediate with the union and work out a middle ground to ensure employees needs are taken care of. But why did over 30,000 employees go on a 9-day-long strike? Read on to find out. Why Were the Workers on Strike? The two key demands that BEST workers had were increase in pay scale, especially for junior-grade employees, and merging the BEST budget with that of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The Bombay High Court has now ordered BEST to provide a 10-step increase in salary for its employees, to be effective from 20 January. Aside from salaries, the court has also instructed the BMC to merge the BEST budget with that of the civic body at the earliest. While these were the employees two key demands, the court also directed BEST to begin mediation with its workers on the other issues that were raised. During a plea being heard by the Bombay High Court against the strike earlier, the BEST employees union had argued that there are employees working as daily-wage labourers in the organisation for more than 13 years and around 50,000 employees are earning less than Rs 15,000 each month. "BMC gets Rs 5,000 crore as interest but still they are not ready to spend the money on BEST. The resolution of merger has been passed by BMC and BEST around one-and-a-half years ago. Our demands have been discussed but what we are asking is for the survival of our employees. It is not possible to survive in a city like Mumbai on a Rs 15,000 salary. Let the state government decide on merger, but the basic salary issue should be resolved at the earliest." - BEST employees union to Bombay HC The Rs 5,000 crore interest that BEST union leaders had mentioned to the court is received by the civic body against its stash of fixed deposits worth over Rs 61,000 crores made across 30 different banks. Story continues BEST workers and their family members protest. Apart from raising concerns about the amount, the BEST workers union had also sought timely payment of salaries for its employees. "We dont get our salaries on time. We never get our salaries on the 1st of the month. It comes in around the 10th or 12th of the month. How do we survive and manage our childrens expenses till then?" - Sarla Gaikwad, BEST employees wife Also Read: BEST Strike Cripples Mumbai: Why Hasnt BMC Taken a Stand? How Would Merging BEST Budget With BMCs Help? Apart from increase in wages, another key demand the BEST workers union had was merging BESTs budget with that of the BMC. The main reason for this is financial security. One of Indias richest civic bodies, the BMC had a budget of Rs 27,258 crore for 2018-19. The BMC also has fixed deposits worth over Rs 61,000 crore. With the BEST reeling under annual losses amounting to over Rs 1,000 crore, the cash-rich BMC could help the transport undertaking tide over these financial difficulties. Besides, merging their budget with the BMCs could give BEST employees a greater sense of job security. BEST buses parked at the Santacruz depot during strike. Addressing the issue on 13 January 2019, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had assured BEST employees that his party will keep its promise and merge the BEST budget with that of the BMC, news agency PTI reported. "The financial condition of the BEST has deteriorated. I had given the promise of merger of the budgets and that will be fulfilled. A solution can be found only through talks. Even though the BEST strike issue is in the court, I am ready to be part of the discussion if necessary." - Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena Chief Also Read: They Want to Abolish Posts, Say BEST Employees Fearing Job Cuts Is Privatisation the Way Forward? To minimise losses, the BMC has been considering opting for semi-privatisation of BEST. As part of the solution, 1,250 buses would be hire purchased from a private organisation that will provide drivers and maintenance for those buses. Only the conductors would be assigned by BEST. "The municipal commissioner has suggested a formula which says that in the coming year, 1,250 buses will be hire purchased. It will be partly privatised. Recently, about 450 buses were ordered but the union went to court and got a stay. But, throughout the year 2019-20, 1,250 buses are being expected for hire purchase that will be wet lease." - Ravi Raja, leader of Opposition, BMC Police guarding a BEST depot. The Shiv Sena, however, has been non-committal about privatisation of BEST, fearing an uproar from employees. Thackeray recently pointed out that privatisation could not be the final solution. "We will not let ownership slip away from us (BMC). There could be privatisation of few buses but no final decision has been taken yet." - Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena Chief Why Are BEST Employees Opposed to Privatisation? BEST employees are vehemently opposed to the idea of privatisation. With at least 900 BEST buses being scrapped over the last five years and the number of employees decreasing by over 2,000 in the last one year alone, union leaders fear privatisation would result in job cuts. Employees protest at Dharavi BEST bus depot. "They had a fleet of 4,600, now its 3,200. Proportionately, they have reduced the number of drivers and conductors. Now, the size of Mumbai and demand of passengers have increased but they have reduced the number of buses. This is a clear indication that they dont want to have their own fleet and they want to privatise. " - Kedar Hombalkar, former BEST committee member However, BMC standing committee members and senior lawyers have said BEST employees would not lose their jobs even if the transport undertaking is privatised. It is the obligation of the state government to ensure the employees are absorbed in another department or they accept Voluntary Retirement Scheme. The workers, meanwhile, have been raising concerns about the organisations decision to not replace retired drivers and conductors. "BEST has been around for about 50-60 years, so a lot of people working in it are in the above-50 age group. The ratio of older people in BEST is higher than those younger. They are not retrenching drivers but they are also not replacing the drivers who are retiring. " - Ashok Datar, Transport expert . Read more on Explainers by The Quint.RSS & BJPs Nehru-Netaji Cosplay: Irony Dies a Thousand DeathsLatest News: 4 US Soldiers Killed in Blast in Syrias Manbij . Read more on Explainers by The Quint. Farm transitions rarely go exactly as planned. Much like anything in life, there are both joys and hard moments to estate and succession planning. The toughest part of the transition was keeping everything whole while trying to be fair to everyone, shared Kansas dairyman Justin Ohlde. We had to come up with a price that was fair because it was a big chunk of our grandparents retirement, continued Ohlde who farms with his three brothers and parents. So, we needed to be able to get started but take care of them as well. My advice would be to make it as simple as possible, and make sure everyone understands what and why things are being done the way they are. For the other three young dairy producers interviewed for the Round Table These young farmers came back to the dairy, recording the transition, timing it right, and cooperating with family were all part of their succession story. Read more on these young farmers in the December 2018 issue of Hoards Dairyman on pages 714 to 716. Heres how the other three participants answered the question, What has been the toughest part of the transition? Glen Meadows Farm (Clark Egelston), Fultonville, N.Y.: The toughest part of the transition was getting it all on paper. For one, its a big step in general, but it was also a little harder to write down our spoken agreement than I thought it would be. The reason I think our transition went smoothly is that no one was looking to get rich in our transition. Im in this business because its my passion as it is for my uncle. I think that we both understood if we wanted to see this business continue that some compromises needed to be made on both sides. Schulze Dairy (Chris Schulze), Holland, Minn.: The toughest part of the transition and transition planning was our timing. I entered the business in 2014 without the opportunity to really enjoy the higher milk prices, and then we have slogged through the last few years of tough economic times in the dairy industry. There is, however, very little that we would change if we could go back and do so. There is nothing else we would rather be doing even if we could make more money in a different career. Slaymaker Farm (Jessica and Dan Slaymaker), Mansfield, Pa.: There were definitely some tough moments in our farm transition process. One of the blessings was having the capitol already invested in the farm. Even though there were some pretty tight financial moments, we already had the farm paid off. That being said, communication was hard with the older and younger generations desiring different things. We wish that we could have talked more openly. We definitely learned a lot from the transition process. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. (c) Hoard's Dairyman Intel 2019 January 14, 2019 SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Grover Thompson died an innocent man in prison. Now, 23 years later, he has been officially exonerated. Thompson a homeless black man who died in prison for a crime that a white serial killer later confessed he committed was among 30 people granted clemency by former Gov. Bruce Rauner during his final days in office last week. Thompson is the first person posthumously exonerated based on actual innocence in the states history, according to the Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield, a nonprofit organization that works to free the wrongly convicted. Rauner had denied a clemency request filed on Thompsons behalf as recently as 2015, despite serial killer Timothy Krajcirs confession to the stabbing and attempted sexual assault of a 72-year-old Mount Vernon, Ill., woman in September 1981. And the exoneration last week came with a caveat: Thompsons nephew S.T. Jamison had to sign a document pledging not to sue the state. It didnt feel good, said Jamison, of Minneapolis. But our ultimate goal was to exonerate him, and by expunging his record, the state is validating he didnt do it. Jamison flew into St. Louis for a ceremony Tuesday in Springfield, Ill., to mark the exoneration. He traveled there with representatives of the Illinois Innocence Project and retired Carbondale Police Lt. Paul Echols, who heard the serial killers confession more than a decade ago and has worked to clear Thompsons name since. On the one hand its a good conclusion, Jamison said before leaving St. Louis for the Springfield reception. And on the other hand, with thoughts of how long this has taken and the governors (previous) denial, you just wonder if he signed the document just because he was leaving office and nothing could hurt him politically. It feels like a political move of safety. But well take it. A fateful night The victim was ambushed on Sept. 7, 1981, in her basement apartment in Mount Vernon, about 75 miles east of St. Louis. She started screaming. He started stabbing. He then hoisted himself up through one of the basement windows and ran. She survived, and told police the attacker was a black man. Thompson, who had been sleeping in a post office lobby near the victims apartment, was arrested shortly after the crime. Then in his early 40s, Thompson was homeless and was passing through the town on his way to Mississippi from Milwaukee by bus, a route he traveled to see relatives, his nephew said. At the time, Thompson had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Thompson shuffled, rather than walked, because his legs had been injured when he was struck by a car, Jamison said. His public defender, Steve Swofford, has said seeing Thompson shuffle up to the witness stand during his trial was one of the most poignant moments in the courtroom. He hoped the jury would see that he was physically incapable of carrying out the attack. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Instead, the all-white jury returned a guilty verdict within four hours. In 1996, Thompson died from natural causes. He had served 14 years. He was 60. A serial killers confession In 2007, Echols and Cape Girardeau, Mo., Detective Jimmy Smith listened for about four hours as Krajcir confessed to nine murders and multiple sexual assaults across four states, including Illinois and Missouri. Krajcir agreed to a full confession in exchange for multiple life sentences without the chance of parole instead of the death penalty. Any errors and the deal would have been off, Echols said. The detectives connected him to five homicides in Cape Girardeau during the late 1970s and early 1980s, including the murder of Lindbergh High School graduate Sheila Cole. Among the crimes Krajcir confessed: the attack in Mount Vernon. Echols said the moment Krajcir said the words, I think someone might have gone to prison for that one, his heart sank. It was like an Oh my God moment, Echols recalled Tuesday. Is there somebody out there sitting in prison for something that hes done? Once we figured it all out, it was very much of a letdown. ... I was very much looking forward to helping someone get out of prison, but it was too late. We were too late. But Echols and Smith continued their quest to clear Thompsons name. They discussed the case with FBI agents, who then reinterviewed a surviving witness. The witness had claimed to have fought the attacker and identified Thompson after seeing him sitting alone next to a police officer in the Mount Vernon Police Department. He recanted his statement when interviewed by the FBI. Investigators are confident Krajcir is the real attacker. Krajcir drew the floor plan to the victims apartment and described the inside of her shower where he hid as he waited for her to come home. Echols said Krajcirs dark hair and complexion often led to flawed descriptions in other cases, in which victims believed their attacker was black. Echols, who now teaches criminal justice at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., said he wants the Thompson case to serve as a lesson. I spent 28 years as a police officer and went to great lengths to find the bad guys and make sure justice was found for victims, Echols said. Why would I not spend the time when a real injustice has been done and do what we can to bring justice and closure to that? Its the right thing to do. After his uncles death, Jamison said he lost touch with Thompsons two sons. Hes not sure where they are. But he said he hopes that, should they someday try to find information about their father, theyll now know he died an innocent man. Krajcir remains in the Pontiac Correctional Center. Hes now 74. EDITORS NOTE: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect name for the Illinois Innocence Project and an incorrect rank for retired Carbondale Police Lt. Paul Echols. Christine Byers 314-340-8087 @christinedbyers on Twitter cbyers@post-dispatch.com Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 CHICAGO On his first full day in office, Gov. J.B. Pritzker tried to further distance his nascent administration from his predecessor's, moving to enact certain pay increases state workers say they're owed and didn't receive under Republican Bruce Rauner. In Rauner's first weeks in office, he signed an executive order aimed at absolving state workers who don't want to join a union from paying fees that support collective bargaining. That move led to a U.S. Supreme Court case that was seen as a blow to organized labor. The Pritzker administration said Tuesday it would grant regular pay increases to workers that they haven't received since 2015. And an executive order he signed prohibits the state from asking applicants about salary history, a practice that can hold down pay for women. Rauner spent much of his four-year term in court with the state's largest employee union, never coming to contract terms with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Pritzker, who was endorsed by organized labor in his campaign, will have to go to the bargaining table soon. "We're obviously going to be entering into negotiations at some point in the near future to discuss wages going forward and all the other issues," Pritzker said at his first news conference in his Capitol office. "But it's very important for us to establish on day one that this is a very different kind of administration and we're working on lifting up working families." Pritzker declined to say how much the step increases would cost. He took over a state government Monday that's $7.5 billion behind in paying its bills, and dealing with Illinois' troubled finances could loom over almost everything he does. While he just took office, his first budget proposal is due next month. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. AFSCME Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said the "announcement represents important progress toward ending Bruce Rauner's illegal four-year freeze on step progression for state employees." The Republican leaders of the Illinois House and Senate did not comment on Pritzker's moves, but the state party pushed back. "Yesterday, we heard promises from Pritzker that he would work with Democrats and Republicans to balance the budget," Illinois GOP Chairman Tim Schneider said in a statement. "Yet today, Pritzker unilaterally made reckless spending promises without specifying the costs, creating more budget uncertainty." The move also follows Pritzker's announcement last week that he would use money from his own pocket to double the salaries of his his top government aides, an unusual arrangement that has raised eyebrows across state government. Pritzker on Tuesday also signed an executive order requiring state agencies to make plans to fix problems found by recent audits, as well as ensure they're following transparency laws. The new governor, though, has declined to release personal income tax returns that could shed light on his financial holdings, providing only the first two pages of the returns. He has declined to release the tax returns for any of his trusts, including PG Byk -- a domestic trust in which he is the sole beneficiary and that financed his successful run for governor. On Tuesday he declined to reveal the cost of the his swanky inaugural ball attended by lobbyists, administration officials and lawmakers of both parties. It was headlined by upcoming Super Bowl entertainer Maroon 5 and featured a musician playing a giant harp made of cables strung from the ballroom's ceiling. "What was important ... was that we made sure to celebrate a new day for the state of Illinois," Pritzker said. "We have a new direction for Illinois. We simply wanted everybody to have a good time." Love 5 Funny 0 Wow 2 Sad 0 Angry 3 PEORIA Federal prosecutors in central Illinois say a Texas man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for child pornography charges involving more than 40 girls in eight states. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Prosecutors said Tuesday that a federal judge sentenced 36-year-old Mark P. Barnwell of Whitehouse, Texas, on Jan. 9. Authorities say he used false Facebook profiles to contact girls and advertise modeling opportunities. Prosecutors say Barnwell directed the girls to send him sexually explicit photos and threatened to post the nude photos online if they failed to send more. Officials say Barnwell obtained nude photos from 43 victims, including 28 in central Illinois along with others in California, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, Washington and West Virginia. Barnwell was ordered to remain on supervised release for the rest of his life when he completes the prison term. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 WASHINGTON A group of Republican lawmakers that included U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, met with President Donald Trump on Tuesday and said it's time for Democrats to come the negotiating table to end the partial government shutdown now in its fourth week. The White House had invited rank-and-file House Democrats to the luncheon, bypassing Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders, but they declined to attend. The administration is trying to peel off Democratic support for Trump's demand for border wall money and negotiate directly with centrist lawmakers and some newly elected freshmen, including those in districts where Trump is popular. Pelosi gave her blessing for lawmakers to accept the invitation, but White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said "unfortunately" no Democrats accepted. Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., who was invited, "welcomes the opportunity to talk with the president about border security," his spokesman said, "as soon as the government is reopened." Davis said he's disappointed his Democrats turned down the chance to meet with Trump and others to discuss ways to reopen the government. Many of my Democratic colleagues who have stated time and time again they were willing to work with the Trump administration to solve our countrys problems, they were invited, and none of them showed up, Davis said. The president, on a conference call with supporters, showed no signs of backing down. "We're going to stay out for a long time, if we have to," Trump said. "We'll be out for a long time." With some 800,000 federal employees furloughed or working without pay, Trump suggested the partial shutdown that has clogged airport security lines and shuttered federal agencies was going smoothly. "People are very impressed with how well government is working with the circumstances that we're under," Trump said. Behind the scenes, though, the administration and its allies on Capitol Hill are warily eyeing the next payday, hoping to reach a resolution before next week's Tuesday deadline when they'll need to prepare the next round of paychecks for workers who have been seeing zeros on their pay slips. "There is definitely a sense that there is a deadline approaching, which would be next Tuesday, to make sure that we're able to solve this problem," said Mercedes Schlapp, a White House spokeswoman. Tuesday brought another day of high theatrics, but low substance, as the shutdown dragged into its fourth week. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The House and Senate announced they would stay in session, canceling an upcoming recess week at home if the shutdown continued, which seemed likely. On the shutdown's 25th day, Trump did not move off his demand to have Congress provide $5.7 billion to build his promised border wall with Mexico. Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened, but Pelosi is refusing money for the wall they view as ineffective and immoral. The president, who a week ago seemed intent on declaring a national emergency in order to build the wall, has turned his attention back to Congress as polling shows he is taking much of the blame for the standoff. For Davis, there is no reason to further kick the can down the road with a short-term fix, and he urged Democrats to meet with Trump and compromise on a solution that ends the shutdown and provides what he called much-needed funding for the border. Central Illinois Republicans wary but hopeful in the era of Pritzker DECATUR Local Republican lawmakers and organizers are hoping they can find agreement on some legislation with new Gov. J.B. Pritzker while t You cannot complain about not ending the shutdown without offering your own solution, he said. Trump urged his supporters to call the offices of Democratic lawmakers to press them to support the wall to reopen the government. A group of House Democrats on Tuesday made its way to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office demanding that he consider House-passed bills to fund the government. McConnell was not in his office at the time, so the Democrats left a note. McConnell says he doesn't want to waste the Senate's time and will only bring up measures that Trump will sign into law. Democrats, he said, have turned Trump's wall into "something evil" and it's time to get the country off the "political carousel" of the shutdown fight. Republicans complain that Democrats are the ones who are refusing to budge, and they say it's up to Pelosi to bring Trump a new offer. "The president who is not well-known for flexibility has been more flexible than the other side," said Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri, a member of GOP leadership. Meanwhile, the effects of the partial government closure intensified around the country, with workers facing deepening anxieties about mortgage payments and unpaid bills. Some lawmakers are reluctant to return home for next week's planned recess some were planning their first town halls of the new year as the standoff deepens. JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon told reporters Tuesday that he expects U.S. economic growth to slow to nothing this quarter if the government shutdown continues. "I hope it doesn't go to the end of the week," said Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Senate Republican. "I'd like to see us have a breakthrough here." But hopes of side deals being cut by the White House seemed unlikely, as did the prospect of groups of senators meeting privately to forge a compromise. Said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., "The shutdown will eventually take us to a place where the average American is angry at and sick of all of us." Contact Ryan Voyles at (217) 421-7985. Follow him on Twitter: @RVVoyles Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR Rodney Davis has joined other Republican House members in denouncing his party colleague, Iowa Rep. Steve King, who was quoted last week defending white supremacy. Along with stripping King of his House committee seats, the House of Representatives nearly unanimously voted Tuesday on a measure rebuking King. Rep. Kings comments were abhorrent, they were offensive and they should have never happened, Davis said. We did, as a body, what we should do to someone who is duly elected to represent a district in this country: He was reprimanded. Hes unable to serve on any committees, and its something our Republican team did very quickly and very swiftly. The comments King, who has served as a U.S. representative since 2003, made were published in the New York Times on Jan. 10. He was quoted as saying, White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? There is the question of "why now?" for King, who has a history of making racist and xenophobic comments and sharing the work of Nazi sympathizers on social media. In addition, the Washington Post reported last year that King had met with a far-right Austrian group with historical ties to the Nazi Party during a European trip last fall funded by a Holocaust memorial group. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Davis said he was unfamiliar with many of the past comments made by King. I dont know all the comments Mr. King made in the past, but the ones made in the New York Times were pretty well documented to be offensive, Davis said. The lone congressman to vote against rebuking King Tuesday was Bobby Rush, a Democratic from Illinois, who has said the chamber should go further in its punishment. Rush has called for the House to censure King, which amounts to a vote and a public shaming. It is the most stringent form of punishment just before expulsion. Others such as Rep. Liz Cheney, a Republican from Wyoming, have called for King to step down. Asked whether he would support censure for King, Davis said he would not get into hypotheticals. We cast our vote (Tuesday) and thats pretty telling, Davis said. Contact Ryan Voyles at (217) 421-7985. Follow him on Twitter: @RVVoyles Love 0 Funny 1 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. DECATUR After a year of price volatility for one of the most important materials used in road work asphalt contractors and local agencies are cautiously optimistic for stability in 2019. "We could be looking at relatively stable prices (this year), whereas 2018 we saw our costs increase quite a bit," said David Tyrolt, president and CEO of Dunn Co., a paving contractor based in Decatur. From January 2018 to this month, the price per ton of liquid asphalt, the black glue agent that gets mixed with rocks and sand to make hot-mix asphalt, went up $352.50 to $498.50. The good news for local agencies like the city's Public Works Department and the Macon County Highway Department, is that while raw materials like liquid asphalt went up in price, their share of overall costs of a road paving project is relatively small. After all, liquid asphalt makes up only about 5 percent of the final hot-mix product that crews use for paving. As far as big-pay items from contractors, "in general most of them have been fairly steady the last few years," said Griffin Enyart, assistant city engineer. But city-led road projects will likely be fewer this year after the city council in October agreed to use $600,000 in state motor fuel tax money to pay for design plans of the Brush College Road Overpass project. City officials hope construction will begin for the $40 million project, covered mostly by federal and grants, in 2021. In 2018, the city devoted $1.6 million to road repairs funded by its share of state motor fuel tax, or the money that Illinois collects by charging 19 cents per gallon at the pump. By contrast, this year's Decatur city budget calls for spending $350,000 of the state gas tax proceeds on road repairs. More state dollars will be set aside for bridge improvements in 2019, with $2 million dedicated to updating bridges on East Mound Road. But Decatur also has its own motor fuel tax 5 cents per gallon that has been funding road projects since 2016. Last year, the council approved $750,000 of that money for road improvements to make way for a new Love's Travel Stop & Country Store on Illinois 121. This year, all $1.5 million of the city's budgeted revenue from the tax could go to neighborhood road improvements, but a final list of projects has yet to be made, Enyart said. Meanwhile, county officials have budgeted $5.1 million for road work for what Macon County Engineer Bruce Bird describes as maintenance work for a declining system of roads and bridges. "It's not a whole lot of fun trying to manage decline," Bird said. "But it's what we have to deal with." Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} In the last 15 years or so, county officials have cut back on asphalt paving projects to every three or four years, Bird said. This year, the highway department will stick once again to cheaper and less durable coat-and-seal work, which spreads a thing layer over damaged roads to improve conditions for a few years. The cheaper road sealing allows crews to hit more miles of road with fewer dollars, Bird said, but it doesn't fix roads like asphalt does. "It seals it up, and provides better riding quality, but it doesn't provide additional strength," Bird said. Commodity prices related to road construction may not be top on the minds of public officials. Contractors like Tyrolt, whose company bids on government contracts for paving work, have to keep a close eye on the market for cement, steel, fuel and liquid asphalt, an especially hard commodity to predict, he said. "Liquid asphalt is a byproduct of refining crude oil," he said. The black sticky glue that allows the rock and sand to congeal into a pavement mix for road is separate out in the oil refinery process that leads to fuels like gasoline. It's no surprise a petroleum-based material got more expensive in a year when a barrel of oil grew in price from $63 in January to $70, only to topple down to less than $50 since December. "But (asphalt) is also a competing product for fuel," Tyrolt said. When oil prices go up, refineries can run the asphalt through a process to extract more fuel a more expensive process, but a more valuable commodity with a higher-priced market than simply selling off the byproduct as liquid asphalt. "They call it 'cracking' the asphalt," Tyrolt said. And because liquid asphalt goes into another refining process of its own, the influence of oil prices lag behind gasoline by a few months. To add insult to injury, an April explosion and fire at the Husky oil refinery in Superior, Wisconsin, caused a major source of liquid asphalt in the Midwest to shut down suddenly. Entire neighborhoods nearby had to evacuate for several hours, and 11 workers were hurt. "That had a marked impact in asphalt prices in the Midwest," Tyrolt said. Months later, the refinery is not yet open, but supply chains and the market have had time to stabilize. Another contributor to the higher prices, the Dunn Co. chief said, was a humming economy with more private companies spending money on projects that increased demand on construction materials like asphalt. But those in the paving and asphalt industry are hoping the surprises of 2018 are in the rear-view mirror. "In terms of cost volatility, there doesn't look to be any known factor right now that would cause a lot of movement" for this year, Tyrolt said. Contact Tom Lisi at (217) 421-6949. Follow him on Twitter: @tommylisi Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. DECATUR The National Weather Service in Lincoln said that it's still too early to know how much snow the storm system expected to hit Central Illinois this weekend will bring, but one thing is certain: Residents need to get ready. "People have already had practice," said meteorologist Chuck Schaffer, referring to the snowstorm that dropped double-digit accumulations onto Macon County on Friday and Saturday. "They should take those precautions again and do the same things to get ready." Having just dug out from last weekend, Schaffer said residents can expect this new storm system will bring stronger winds along with heavy snow and potential for a mixture of freezing rain and ice. It is expected to begin on Friday night and will last all day Saturday. After the system passes, Schaffer said, residents should brace themselves for bitter cold with wind chills as low as 15 to 20 degrees below zero. The weather service said reports from last weekend's winter storm measured between 9 and 9 inches of snow to most of Macon County. Jacksonville was hit the hardest by the storm, recording a total of 16 inches of snow. Schaffer said that before the next storm rolls into the area, motorists should expect slick morning commutes on Wednesday and Thursday. A light freezing drizzle will fall on the area tonight(Tuesday), he said. A stronger system will bring a tenth of an inch of freezing rain and possibly a half inch of snow from Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Freezing rain and fog caused multiple crashes and slide-offs in Central Illinois on Tuesday morning. Sgt. Lou Holland of the Macon County Sheriff's Office said many sheriff's deputies responded to crashes throughout the county. Illinois State Police said a crash involving two semi trucks on Interstate 55 shut down a four-mile stretch of road of a northbound lane between Lincoln and Atlanta. The road was closed for several hours. In DeWitt County, a garbage truck was reported to be involved in a crash and was turned on its side on Revere Road near Clinton. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Schaffer said Thursday afternoon's high of 36 degrees could melt much of the leftover snow from the previous winter storm, but he advised keeping an eye on the forecast as the weather service continues to learn more about the developing storm system. Reporter Kevin Barlow contributed to this story. Winter weather continues to affect area Contact Jaylyn Cook at (217) 421-7980. Follow him on Twitter: @jaylyn_HR Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 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. Today's Highlight in History: On Jan. 16, 1920, Prohibition began in the United States as the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect, one year to the day after its ratification. (It was later repealed by the 21st Amendment.) On Jan. 16: In 27 B.C., Caesar Augustus was declared the first Emperor of the Roman Empire by the Senate. In 1547, Ivan IV of Russia (popularly known as "Ivan the Terrible") was crowned Czar. In 1865, Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman decreed that 400,000 acres of land in the South would be divided into 40-acre lots and given to former slaves. (The order, later revoked by President Andrew Johnson, is believed to have inspired the expression, "Forty acres and a mule.") In 1912, a day before reaching the South Pole, British explorer Robert Scott and his expedition found evidence that Roald Amundsen of Norway and his team had gotten there ahead of them. In 1935, fugitive gangster Fred Barker and his mother, Kate "Ma" Barker, were killed in a shootout with the FBI at Lake Weir, Florida. In 1942, actress Carole Lombard, 33, her mother, Elizabeth, and 20 other people were killed when their plane crashed near Las Vegas, Nevada, while en route to California from a war-bond promotion tour. In 1978, NASA named 35 candidates to fly on the space shuttle, including Sally K. Ride, who became America's first woman in space, and Guion S. Bluford Jr., who became America's first black astronaut in space. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. In 1989, three days of rioting began in Miami when a police officer fatally shot Clement Lloyd, a black motorcyclist, causing a crash that also claimed the life of Lloyd's passenger, Allan Blanchard. (The officer, William Lozano, was convicted of manslaughter, but then was acquitted in a retrial.) In 1991, the White House announced the start of Operation Desert Storm to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. (Allied forces prevailed on Feb. 28, 1991.) In 1992, officials of the government of El Salvador and rebel leaders signed a pact in Mexico City ending 12 years of civil war that had left at least 75,000 people dead. In 2003, the space shuttle Columbia blasted off for what turned out to be its last flight; on board was Israel's first astronaut, Ilan Ramon. (The mission ended in tragedy on Feb. 1, when the shuttle broke up during its return descent, killing all seven crew members.) In 2007, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., launched his successful bid for the White House. In 2009, President-elect Barack Obama made a pitch for his massive economic stimulus plan at a factory in Bedford Heights, Ohio, saying his proposal would make smart investments in the country's future and create solid jobs in up-and-coming industries. Painter Andrew Wyeth died in Chadds Ford, Pa., at age 91. John Mortimer, the British lawyer-writer who'd created the curmudgeonly criminal lawyer Rumpole of the Bailey, died in the Chiltern Hills, England, at age 85. In 2014, The Vatican was called to account for the global priest sex abuse scandal as U.N. experts in Geneva interrogated the Holy See for eight hours about the scale of abuse, and what it was doing to prevent it. The U.S. Senate voted 72-26 for a $1.1 trillion government-wide spending bill, sending it to President Barack Obama for his signature. The state of Ohio executed Dennis McGuire for the 1989 rape and fatal stabbing of pregnant newlywed Joy Stewart; McGuire gasped and snorted for 26 minutes before he was declared dead, raising questions about the drugs used in his lethal injection. Death claimed actors Russell Johnson ("Gilligan's Island") at age 89 and Dave Madden ("The Partridge Family") at age 82. In 2018, the Trump administration cut tens of millions of dollars for Palestinian refugees, demanding that the U.N. agency responsible for the programs undertake a "fundamental re-examination." Pope Francis met with survivors of priests who sexually abused them; a spokesman said Francis wept with them and apologized for the "irreparable damage" they suffered. Authorities in Denmark charged inventor Peter Madsen with killing Swedish journalist Kim Wall during a trip on his private submarine. (Madsen was convicted in April and sentenced to life in prison.) Thought for Today: "A fanatic is a man that does what he thinks th' Lord wud do if He knew th' facts iv th' case." From "Mr. Dooley's Philosophy" by Finley Peter Dunne, American humorist (1867-1936). Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 NORMAL Farm Service Agency offices in Normal, Decatur and Clinton will not be among those temporarily reopening to assist farmers during the federal government shutdown, but several others in the region will reopen, starting next week. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said that 983 of the 2,124 FSA offices will be open on Thursday, Friday and Tuesday during normal business hours, to assist farmers with existing farm loans and ensure the agency provides 1099 tax documents to borrowers by the IRS deadline. Offices at the Lincoln Service Center, 16550 5th Street Road in Lincoln; Pontiac Service Center at 1510 West Reynolds St., in Pontiac; Shelbyville Service Center at 111 N. Cedar St., in Shelbyville; and the Champaign Service Center at 2110 W. Park Court, Champaign, will be open. All will be closed on Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. Residents of any county can visit or call any of the open offices for assistance. "It comes at a very good time when farmers were worried about their FSA loans and a lot of other matters they take care of during the winter," said Adam Nielsen, director of national legislation with the Bloomington-based Illinois Farm Bureau. Please log in to keep reading. {{featured_button_text}} Enjoy unlimited articles at one of our lowest prices ever. "I was happy to hear the news because we have been getting questions from farmers about their loans or the status of the grain that is being held for collateral, or worried about penalties or something," he added. The USDA Farm Service Agency county offices closed Dec. 28 as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. Until Congress sends President Trump an appropriations bill in the form that he will sign, we are doing our best to minimize the impact of the partial federal funding lapse on Americas agricultural producers, Perdue said in a statement released Wednesday. We are bringing back part of our FSA team to help producers with existing farm loans," he continued. "Meanwhile, we continue to examine our legal authorities to ensure we are providing services to our customers to the greatest extent possible during the shutdown. Staff members will be available to help producers with specific services, including processing payments made on or before Dec. 31, continuing expiring financing statements and opening mail to identify priority items. Additionally, staff may release proceeds from the sale of loan security by signing checks jointly payable to FSA that are brought to the county office by farmers. Services that will not be available include new direct or facility loans, new farm loan guarantees, new marketing assistance loans, new applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), certification of 2018 production for MFP payments, the Dairy Margin Protection Program, and several disaster assistance programs. Contact Kevin Barlow at (309) 820-3238. Follow him on Twitter: @pg_barlow Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The business news you need With a weekly newsletter looking back at local history. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. There is another side to this whole story that has yet to be told, or is being told by doctors and patients who have been marginalized, and that includes myself. The Board Of Medicine took me out, in coordination with DEA. It worked. But the DEA, regulators and legislators are practicing medicine without a license, always mindful of: we cannot tell you what to do, we are not doctors." It is well known that the board of medicine deprived me of my due process rights, had experts that were found to be lying (not credible) and ignored the findings of their own hearing officer, David Scrimm. The intimidation of doctors in this state has worked. It worked on me. The consequences, intended or not, are that Montana has been turned into a wasteland for pain management. We have become a Third World state, with people in such misery that they kill themselves. Lets have an open debate about the terror that doctors have been feeling. Lets look at the tribalism and shaming happening around pain and addiction. Lets interview patients who were taken from their familiar primary care MD, and forced to see a mid level NP or PA, who took them off their stable regimen. Its nasty. Now some may argue that love, appreciation, and respect must never involve death or the pursuit of another and that, for all intents and purposes, hunting and killing are the same. This is an understandable argument, but not necessarily a conclusive one. While the outcome may be the same for the elk (though more often than not, it is not), hunting and killing are fundamentally different thingsboth in terms of the acts themselves and the scope of objectives involved. Elk are elk and their worth does not rely on us, though it is influenced by our ability to identify and communicate that value. If we truly love and appreciate elk, its time for hunters to reclaim the ethical highroad of fair chase hunting that honors elk for what they are and demands the hunter to be the very best he or she can be. Before us is a decision by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to extend elk shoulder seasons for the purpose of killing elk efficiently and effectively during a period of up to six months in 43 hunting districts in 2019-20. Incentivized by the prospect of an easy elk, hunters are encouraged to kill cow elk on private land in August, when calves are still nursing, and similarly, in January and February, when elk are concentrated in herds in lowlands trying to survive winter, pregnant with a new crop of calves. Commissioner Clayton Christian said that question was one of the most critical ones with which board members grapple. He said the Montana Constitution is vague, but it does guide education leaders to act as one system and avoid unnecessary duplication when possible. "I certainly take those words to heart. I know the presidents do," Christian said. He also said the board and a deputy commissioner are working to tighten the process for program approvals in order to better evaluate duplication. This year, the governor's budget is asking for $32 million for Romney Hall at MSU, and Hamlett wanted to know how important the reconfiguration of that building was, given the rise in enrollment in Bozeman. If MSU can't meet demands because of space, Hamlett said it will end up hurting students: "Suddenly, you end up closing a door, not opening it." MSU President Waded Cruzado said the campus must use Romney Hall in its present state, "which is absolutely deplorable," but it could serve 1,000 students an hour after an overhaul, as opposed to 140 students an hour. In the meantime, she raised the issue of equity. "Those students pay exactly the same tuition as everybody else," Cruzado said. The hearings of the education appropriations subcommittee are available via live stream and continue Wednesday. Please sign up here to subscribe to Under the M, the Missoulian's weekly email about the University of Montana and higher education news in Montana. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 The fishing is still good on Georgetown Lake, despite the die-off that happened last spring. Bradley Liermann, Fish, Wildlife and Parks fish biologist, conducted a fish study on Georgetown Lake this past fall and found the results to be pretty similar to what hes seen on the lake over the last 15 years. As many as 500 fish died at Georgetown Lake last spring. The fish washed up ashore, causing alarm for anglers. Liermann believes it was likely due to low oxygen in the water. The oxygen in the lake was lower than normal last winter. Liermann said he talked to 26 anglers over the summer and the vast majority said the fishing was as good or better than in previous years. Only 27 percent said it wasnt. Even so, Liermann said hes heard repeatedly from anglers who are concerned that the die-off impacted the overall numbers of fish. Of the fish that perished last spring, Liermann mostly saw rainbow trout. But his catch rate was 20 per night this past fall. The average has been 22.5 per night since 2005 for rainbow trout, he said. It may be early in what has so far been a mild winter, but sporadic snowfall across Montana has pushed several river basins at below normal snowpack. Haifa is on the "front line" in any action in the north but this blog looks at life in the shadow of danger to all of Israel not only are taxes on shareholders eventual sales of the securities collected by the IRS, but also on Mutual funds, though helpful for personal investors who wish to diversify their portfolios, expose shareholders to additional taxation:reinvested dividend stakes earned by the securities held by the fund itself.A) not only are taxes on shareholders eventual sales of the securities collected by the IRS, but also onB) collected by the IRS are taxes not only on shareholders eventual sales of the securities, but also onC) taxes not only on shareholders eventual sales of the securities are collected by the IRS but alsoD) not only taxes on shareholders eventual sales of the securities are collected by the IRS, but also onE) taxes are collected by the IRS not only on shareholders eventual sales of the securities but alsoSolution: B.This sentence tests sentence structure and may be best solved by looking at the 3/2 split between the answer choices on the last word. Three choices use on as the last word, while two choices omit on signifying that well need to ensure that the multiple phrases in the sentence are connected properly. Connector words like on, but, to, that, etc. make for terrific decision points.When testing connectors, you may want to quickly write your own ideal sentence to determine which components need to be connected. Here, ideally, the sentence would say something like:The IRS collects taxes not only on shareholders sales but also on reinvested dividends.In this ideal sentence, we need to include the word on for both items to denote that taxes are collected on both types of income. Answer choice E, the most popular choice on this question, does not include that word on to link the collection of taxes to the reinvested dividends, and is therefore wrong. We need the word on at the end, and we also need on to be logically drawn back to taxes are collected.Look back at choice B, the correct answer. Its awkward, but it does exactly what we need it to do it leads with taxes are collected, and connects that phrase to both components with the word on. The only awkwardness is an inverted subject/verb structure. We want to see:Taxes are collected (by the IRS) not only on shareholders stakes but also on reinvested dividendsBut choice B gives usCollected by the IRS are taxes not only on shareholders stakes but also on reinvested dividends.As we concluded at the outset, were being tested on the structure of the sentence, so thats paramount, and choice B gets that 100% correct. And inverted subject/verb structure is not an error it may be awkward but it is okay! It throws us off the scent here, but if you look back for specifically what is necessary connecting both types of income back to the collection of taxes it does exactly that and is therefore correct._________________ Rachitkansal, you've got some solid aspects to your candidacy and some challenges as well. Your biggest, challenge -- as you probably know -- is that you're coming from such a tough demographic, and at least based on what you shared here, the risk is that you will blend in with the crowd. Being an Indian male engineer is absolutely the toughest demographic to apply form when it comes to b-school apps. It's also one that tends to have very high GMAT scores (740+), strong undergrad education, work experience in the tech space, volunteer experience that often has something to do with an NGO, and career goals that are typically in the tech space (usually product management). (After tech, the m oct common path is consulting). So, while it sounds you've got great credentials, as you can see, your challenge is going to be to stand out from the crowd.There are a number of ways to do that - your work experience is critical & you'll want to be sure to show the meaningful contributions you've made there (e.g. increasing revenue, cutting costs, developing innovative ideas that were implemented & had success, etc). It sounds like you've had some significant leadership experience, which is great & will help you differentiate yourself.Your career goals are critical as well. You want to paint a clear picture for exactly what you hope to do post-MBA and WHY this is your passion. It is important to demonstrate that there is demand & grow potential for whatever you plan to do (which is typically an easy argument when it comes to tech), but at the same time, you can make a business case for all sorts of things, so it's critical to also make a case for why this particular path is your PASSION. Like I said, tech is a very common goal for your demographic, so in your case, you also want to look for ways to convey a unique story as much as possible. That might be in your focus (is it a less common niche within tech for example), in what you plan to accomplish (do you have a unique vision?) but also in how you talk about the reason for your passion.In terms of school selection, you have a shot at top 10 but given the challenges of your demographic I'd make sure you have plenty of representation among schools in the 11-20 range as well. Tepper is a great one to target. In my experience, they tend to take more applicants from your demographic than many other schools. UNC would be one to consider as would Emory. UT Austin is a great choice - they have an awesome culture & it will also set you up well for a career in tech.Definitely reach out if you'd like any support. Julie Bowman specializes in working with a lot of our Indian male engineering/tech applicants & could definitely help you craft a unique value proposition if you are looking for any help with your strategy and your apps. If you reach out to Claudia at Claudia@admissionado.com she can get you set up with a free consultation! NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York Mens Market Week in New York kicks-off with the two most established menswear trade events, PROJECT and MRKET, running concurrently January 20 22nd at the Jacob Javits Center. The New York Mens marketplace showcases preeminent apparel, footwear and accessories brands from emerging to established and contemporary to classic menswear. PROJECT New York debuts its newest neighborhood N:OW, dedicated to culturally relevant brands that drive whats next in fashion including HUF, Brixton, The People Vs., and Atomic Mission Gear. Coming off of the neighborhoods successful launch in Las Vegas in 2018, the show has evolved its N:OW partnership with WGSN offering a full schedule of forums, panels, daily happenings, brand installations and exclusive events that set the stage for contemporary men's fashion. N:OW at PROJECTs daily panels will be hosted within the neighborhood and feature some of the most respected voices in the industry with Host Mordechai Rubinstein MISTER MORT, and guest speakers WGSNs Brian Trunzo, Highsnobietys Jeff Carvalho, Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers, and Vintage Collector Josh Matthews, among others. PROJECT New York is well known for its strong premium denim and designer collections and will showcase new apparel and accessories from Rhone, Vince, Paige, Liverpool and much more. The show will also offer directional neighborhoods to create an easier navigation for buyers that include: THE TENTS | The top luxury and designer, contemporary mens and dual-gender labels to convene with notable brands including: Sol Angeles, Bogner, Troubadour, Baldwin, Parajumpers, Monfrere, and Borsalino. The top luxury and designer, contemporary mens and dual-gender labels to convene with notable brands including: Sol Angeles, Bogner, Troubadour, Baldwin, Parajumpers, Monfrere, and Borsalino. BLUE | Premium denim from brands including DL 1961, 7 For All Mankind, PAIGE, Frame, BLDWN and Raleigh Denim. Premium denim from brands including DL 1961, 7 For All Mankind, PAIGE, Frame, BLDWN and Raleigh Denim. PROJECT SOLE | The contemporary footwear event welcomes P448, Carmina Shoemaker and Ugo Vasare alongside Trask, Kenneth Cole, Haley H, and Wolf & Shepherd. The contemporary footwear event welcomes P448, Carmina Shoemaker and Ugo Vasare alongside Trask, Kenneth Cole, Haley H, and Wolf & Shepherd. THE FOUNDRY | A curated selection of refined men's apparel, purposeful objects, male grooming products, and contemporary home goods from Pair of Thieves, Boca MMXII, Swish & Swank, and Walking Sticks. This season, PROJECT invites show-goers to participate in its first-ever scavenger hunt. PROJECT has teamed up with award-winning publication COOL HUNTING who has curated a list of their favorite items to find on the PROJECT floor. Stop by COOL HUNTINGS Booth #403 to pick up the curated map, uncover helpful hints and follow along on social media @coolhunting @projectshow for a chance to win big. Lizette Chin, President of Mens states This season, we wanted to provide our retailers with a strong selection of tailored, heritage brands mixed with trend driven contemporary exhibitors. The offerings showcase the diversity of the menswear market and the strength of PROJECT and MRKETs identities the industry has come to expect. Running alongside PROJECT is MRKET, the sophisticated fashion event for discerning menswear brands offering an elevated experience to its brands and attendees, highlighting a mix of refined tailored sportswear, footwear, and accessories collections. MRKET is the only show in the U.S. to spotlight such a diverse and large grouping of international sections, such as Made in Italy and Brits in New York. Brits in New York welcomes the best in British Menswear featuring heritage and sartorial apparel and accessories from Alan Paine Knitwear, Barbour, Barker Shoes, and Ettinger. In honor of the Barbours 125th anniversary this year, Barbour is hosting an exclusive preview of the Icons Re-Engineered collection, a celebration of the five generations of the Barbour family and a look back at iconic outerwear styles from 1894 through the present day. Supported by the Italian Trade Commission, Made in Italy features the finest brands that Italy has to offer. This long-standing neighborhood showcases the craftsmanship that borders on art when it comes to making clothes, accessories and shoes. This season the show welcomes Italian style aficionado, Guerreisms and his team who will be pulling looks from Made in Italy brands shooting content live from the trade show floor. @guerreisms | @mrketshow | @extraitastyle MRKET is proud to unveil the MRKET Clubroom located at booth #848. Presented by MR Magazine, this will feature a cash bar with daily happy hours, gaming area, and photo studio. Each day the menswear industrys most dapper enthusiasts will style looks and create content featuring the brands from the show floor at the photo studio located within the Clubroom. Featured MRKET Ambassadors include: Adam Gonon @adamgonon, Mens Style Pro @mensstylepro and The Cuff @thecuff.co. @PROJECTSHOW | #PROJECTNY #NOWPROJECT @MRKETSHOW | #MRKETSHOW For a complete list of panels, forums, show events and happenings please visit: https://ubmfashion.com/show/2226/schedule About PROJECT | Held bi-annually in New York and Las Vegas, PROJECT is the worlds preeminent contemporary fashion trade event, encompassing mens, womens, accessories and footwear brands within PROJECT Vegas, PROJECT Womens, THE TENTS, PROJECT New York and PROJECT SOLE New York. Bringing expertise and relevance to the global fashion industry through a highly merchandised approach, PROJECT creates destinations where innovation, commerce and service converge. For more information, please visit www.projectshow.com . About MRKET | MRKET is the sophisticated fashion event for discerning menswear brands and the only show in the U.S. to spotlight such a diverse and large grouping of international sections, such as Made in Italy and Brits in New York. MRKET offers an elevated experience to its brands and attendees, highlighting a mix of refined tailored sportswear, footwear, and accessories collections. About Informa Exhibitions | Informa Exhibitions, the global exhibitions division of Informa PLC, enables communities across the globe to engage, experience and do business by providing them with powerful platforms to connect across key regions and market verticals. Industry insight, coupled with an innovative and customer first approach, provides Informa Exhibitions customers and partners with the opportunity to create business advantage and access markets, both digitally and face-to-face, 365 days of the year. About Informa | Informa PLC is a leading, international business to business information services Group, operating in over 30 countries. We create transaction-led exhibitions and content-based events, specialist data, intelligence and marketing services products, as well as scholarly research and specialist reference-led academic content. Our products and services help businesses and professionals connect, learn, do business and gain an edge over the competition. Informa is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a member of the FTSE 100. TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Datametrex AI Limited (the Company or Datametrex) (TSXV: DM, FSE: D4G) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy Environics Inc. (Nexalogy) is now an approved vendor to the US Federal Government on SAM.gov. The Company is committed to the AI sector providing robust technology solutions to Government agencies, which includes the fake news filtration. Our recent wins within the Canadian Federal government has drawn attention in the US, and we are now pursuing the opportunities that will further enhance Nexalogys profile. The United States governments budget for technology in 2018 was approximately $85 Billion dollars according to itdashboard.gov, a content portal where you can access the same tools and analysis that the U.S. government uses to oversee the performance of Federal IT investments. Nexalogys expertise in the areas of social media monitoring and intelligence, fake news filtering and other machine learning applications are in great demand from government agencies and other organizations. Datametrex through its Nexalogy division is well positioned to capitalize on these accretive opportunities in Canada, U.S., and internationally, says Andrew Ryu, Chairman and CEO of Datametrex AI. About Datametrex AI Limited Datametrex AI Limited is a technology focused company with exposure to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy ( www.nexalogy.com ) and Implementing Blockchain technology for secure Data Transfers through its investee company, Graph Blockchain ( www.graphblockchain.com ). Additional information on Datametrex is available at: www.datametrex.com To stay informed about Datametrex, please join our Investor Group on 8020 Connect http://bit.ly/2fPUNwF for all upcoming news releases, articles comments and questions. For further information, please contact: Jeffrey Stevens President & COO Phone: (647) 400-8494 Email: jstevens@datametrex.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "likely", "should", "would", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "proposed", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar words, expressions and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. Readers are cautioned to consider these and other factors, uncertainties and potential events carefully and not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and is based on the beliefs, estimates, expectations and opinions of management on the date such forward-looking information is made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law. OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prime Capital Investment Advisors (PCIA) continues its growth strategy and has agreed to acquire the assets of Longer Investments Inc. (LII) of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The new company will be known as Longer Financial, an affiliate of Prime Capital Investment Advisors. Longer Investments was founded by Elaine M. Longer in 1985. Longer is a leader in the community and will remain with the new firm, along with the other employees of LII. PCIAs portfolio manager, Eric Krause, has been actively involved in Northwest Arkansas for several years, working with individual clients and corporate retirement plans. Krause has relocated to the area and will lead PCIAs operations in Fayetteville as part of the Longer Financial team, and will be responsible for integrating LIIs private wealth management business and continuing to grow the firms Qualified Plan presence. Weve now built a presence in 14 markets and continue to grow, said Glenn Spencer, CEO of PCIA. Under Elaine and Erics leadership, Longer is already a premier financial services firm in Northwest Arkansas. Erics background and relationships in the area make him a great candidate to lead PCIAs efforts in Fayetteville. We have built our growth and reputation on a foundation of trust, service and results, Longer said. Joining PCIAs team allows us to continue to grow and maintain our high level of client service. This also will allow us to offer even more expertise and services to our clients. Krause is a member of the firms Investment Advisory Committee, which is responsible for the management and oversight of the firms assets. With more than 10 years of wealth management experience, Krause will continue in this role, working with both individual investors and retirement plan sponsors. Like Elaine, Erichas earned the Chartered Financial Analyst designation. We work on behalf of our clients, with a personal approach to their portfolio one that makes the most sense for their needs, both now and for their future, said Krause. Ive been fortunate to have spent a great deal of time working with clients in Northwest Arkansas for the past several years. Im very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Elaine and her team as we continue to grow our firm together in this community. About Prime Capital Investment Advisors Prime Capital Investment Advisors provides a client-centric, team approach to full-service financial planning, including fee-based asset management and wealth management. The firm currently has 16 locations throughout the United States, with investment advisor representatives serving clients across the nation. Advisory services offered through Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC. (PCIA), a Registered Investment Adviser. PCIA: 6201 College Blvd., 7th Floor, Overland Park, KS 66211. PCIA doing business as Qualified Plan Advisors (QPA). NASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority has selected TransCore to develop an integrated electronic toll collection and border analytics system on the Peace Bridge, which crosses the Niagara River, connecting Buffalo, New York with Fort Erie, Ontario. The innovative approach combines electronic tolling with data analytics to improve mobility and reliability along an important international bridge. Opened in 1927, more than five million vehicles cross the Peace Bridge each year, making it the second busiest border crossing between Canada and the United States. As a bi-national bridge authority, our mission is to ensure the long-term viability of this vital international corridor, which benefits travel, tourism, and trade, said Chief Operating Officer Thomas A. Boyle. We are excited to work with TransCore in delivering smart data solutions that improve travel across the Peace Bridge. TransCores long partnership with the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority started in 1996 and continues today with the implementation of TransCores flagship Infinity Digital Lane System , which will enable the Authority to process cash, credit, debit, E-ZPass, and even pay-by-plate transactions. Infinity integrates automatic vehicle identification, vehicle classification, and video capture and recognition systems specifically designed to automatically and accurately collect transactions in high-volume traffic across a wide variety of traffic speeds and patterns. Infinitys fully-integrated digital video audit system also provides agencies with a real-time, user-friendly tool to facilitate true end-to-end revenue traceability and auditability. TransCore will also implement a data analytics engine to collect real-time and historical information on toll and inspection lane traffic volumes, inspection times, and regional border crossing wait times. These data will be used by Authority and Customs personnel to optimize their respective operations at the border. In addition, TransCore will work closely with the Authority to provide redundant levels of daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance support both on site and remotely from TransCores Maintenance Monitoring Centers in New York and Houston. TransCores Insight Maintenance Online Management System also enables authorized personnel to immediately track equipment issues in real-time until they are resolved. TransCore is truly honored that the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority continues to place its trust in our people, our products, and our services, said TransCore Vice President Sean Persaud. We share in the Authoritys mission to provide seamless, reliable travel along the iconic Peace Bridge. About TransCore A leader in the transportation industry, TransCore provides innovative, technical solutions and engineering services for applications encompassing next generation Open Road Tolling and Traffic Management Systems. The company operates award-winning tolling customer service centers for departments of transportation throughout the U.S. and internationally. A pioneer in Radio Frequency Identification systems used in the transportation industry, TransCore secures access for airports, hospitals, parking garages, border patrols, trucking fleets, and the rail industry. Follow us on LinkedIn . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/70a8e6ed-16ef-4dd8-9e19-47f6ca3346cb Highlights Turnkey Drilling Contract for up to two CSG appraisal wells executed with Danos Drilling Gaborone, Botswana. Appraisal wells will be the first to drill and flow test bright and gas saturated coals within Strata-Xs interpreted high graded area. The Company holds 100% equity in approximately 320,000 acres within the interpreted high grade area of the Serowe CSG Project. Coal Seam Gas expert appointed to manage well site appraisal program. DENVER and BRISBANE, Australia and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The directors and management of Strata-X Energy Ltd. (Strata-X or the Company) (TSX-V:SXE) (ASX:SXA) are pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a turnkey contract for 1 firm plus one optional vertical well with Danos Drilling of Gabarone, Botswana for the initial appraisal drilling of the Companys 100% owned Serowe CSG Project. The Company has received all the necessary government approvals for the appraisal program and is set to begin drilling operations during the first week of February. Following the Companys internal interpretation of historical coal and CSG drilling in Botswana last year, Strata-X focused on the upper stratigraphic section within a high graded area. The stratigraphic section has bright and gas saturated coals that are interpreted to be highly prospective for commercial CSG. The Company holds 100% equity in approximately 320,000 acres within the interpreted high grade area of the Serowe CSG Project. SXE 19B-1 will be the first vertical well to drill and flow test within the high graded area and is located adjacent to (~ 2.5 km) a fully cored well. The cored well was drilled in 2003 by the Government of Botswana and intersected about 8 metres of bright coals with gas saturations up to 100%. The SXE 19B-1 well will be drilled to approximately 490 metres and is located in Strata-Xs 100% owned Prospecting License (PL) 19-B. The operations plan is to case and suspend the SXE 19B-1 well for long term production testing. If the results of SXE 19B-1 are sufficiently positive, the Company may consider expanding the drilling program to a pilot program and include the optional second well in that pilot. As previously announced, the Company has selected Mr. Adam Scott to direct the CSG wellsite evaluation for the drilling program. Mr. Scott has a long career in CSG exploration and appraisal with Arrow Energy, Sino Gas and Energy, Origin Energy and others and is a highly regarded expert in CSG evaluation. Mr. Scott will be on location directing the evaluation of the coals, gas measurements and flow tests. Ron Prefontaine, Strata-X Chairman stated, Our small team at Strata-X is looking forward to the results of the first wells within the interpreted high graded area of the Botswana CSG Fairway. Botswana has low sovereign risk and a supportive government that recognizes the value of commercializing domestic gas, to feed the growth of this emerging economy. In addition to the immediate and longer term gas markets in Botswana, there are large and diverse energy hungry markets in the surrounding Southern Africa countries. The potential size of the Southern African gas market far exceeds the internal estimates of the gas markets servicing the Walloon CSG Fairway in Queensland, when I started as an executive director at Arrow Energy in 2001. Starting from zero reserves in 2001, fast-forwarding to 2018, the Walloon CSG Fairway now has 30 TCF of remaining reserves.(2) There are many similarities between the Surat Basin Walloon CSG Fairway and the Botswana CSG Fairway. The main technical difference is that the majority of the Walloon CSG Fairway are bright coals and typically have high gas saturations that have proven to be highly prospective for CSG. Whereas over the majority of Botswana CSG Fairway, the traditionally targeted coals are dull and under-saturated. These dull and under-saturated coals require a lot more regional water drawdowns before sustained gas flows are achieved and therefore more expensive to produce than bright, highly gas saturated coal seams but these characteristics are not true of the interpreted highgrade area coals.(2) Last year, Strata-X identified an area over the Botswana CSG Fairway with multiple bright and highly gas saturated coal seams similar to the Walloon CSG Fairway coals over an ~80 metre stratigraphic interval that are interpreted as highly prospective for CSG. We have referred to this area as the highgraded area. Since the highgrade identification, Strata-X has acquired all available vacant and dormant acreage and now has 320,000 acres of land holdings within the interpreted high grade area. Our certifier has estimated an average of ~1.3 Bcf of gas resource potential per square kilometer within the high graded area.(1) Strata-Xs 19B-1 test will be the first vertical production well to drill and flow test the bright, gassy coals within the highgraded area of the Botswana CSG Fairway. An example of positive results from our first well would be encountering multiple bright coal seams coupled with modest water flows and some free gas. This result could demonstrate to our technical team that the highgraded area has the potential to be highly prospective for commercial CSG. If positive results are encountered in the first well, with the goal to accelerate timelines to achieve reserve certification required for a foundation gas sales agreement, Strata-X may elect to go straight to a CSG pilot programme with the target outcome to prove commercial gas flows. Commercial gas flows are not only a requisite for reserve certification, but are in my experience, a major catalyst for gas sales agreements and successful CSG field development. The Company holds 4,784 KM2 (1,173,000 acres) over the Serowe CSG Project with a certified Prospective Resource of 3.3 TCF.(1) ASX disclosure note - 5.28.2 - The estimated quantities of petroleum that may potentially be recovered by the application of a future development project(s) relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration appraisal and evaluation is required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially moveable hydrocarbons. About Strata-X Strata-X is a Denver, Colorado (USA) based company and is engaged in the business of oil and gas exploration and development with a variety of exploration opportunities in the States of California and Illinois in the United States of America and the Republic of Botswana. Strata-X has 81,201,984 common shares outstanding and trades under the symbol "SXE" on the TSX-V and "SXA" on the ASX. (1) Prospective Resources figures are from an audit report prepared by MHA Petroleum Consultant, a qualified reserves auditor, dated and effective 26 March 2018 following their audit in accordance with the COGE Handbook of the available technical data including the geological interpretation, information from relevant nearby wells, analogous reservoirs and the proposed program for the Project, prepared and presented to MHA by Strata-X. Prospective Resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development project. Prospective Resources have both an associated chance of discovery and a chance of development. A high level of uncertainty exists with the Prospective resources given the lack of historical drilling, available data and other productivity factors that limit the economic viability of coal seam gas deposits. The Report reviewed only Prospective Resources as the project is not sufficiently developed to assign Contingent Resources or additional Petroleum Reserves to it. Stated Prospective Resource figures are Best Estimate undiscovered natural gas quantities and net of a royalty and are shown at a 100% working interest in the Project. The total costs associated with establishing the commerciality of this project are unknown at this time given the early stage of the Projects development. There is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered, if discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources. (2) https://www.dnrm.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/excel_doc/0005/1261886/petroleum-gas-reserves-statistics.xlsx For further information please contact: Tim Hoops (USA) President +1 855-463-2400 info@strata-x.com MASON CITY | Mercy Medical Center North Iowa is getting a new name. Mercy Health Network announced Monday that its Mason City-based location, and its other wholly owned health care facilities across the state and region, will be known as MercyOne come Feb. 1. Our new name further unifies our statewide system of care, Mercy North Iowa Interim President and CEO Rod Schlader said. As we strive to create healthier, stronger communities, our unified name and brand will help our patients better identify all of the resources and expertise within our extensive network. The name change and new logo will be unveiled Feb. 1 after 18 months of strategic planning, consumer research and community engagement. MercyOne was selected after a comprehensive external review and selection process. The new name acknowledges our history and carries on our legacy, which is grounded in faith, said Bob Ritz, Mercy Health Network president and CEO. This change to unify under the MercyOne brand follows work to align our mission, vision and culture, which guides us in serving our patients and communities. STACYVILLE - A Stacyville woman was arrested for threatening a woman with a knife in Mitchell County. Rita Aurea Torres Vazquez, 25, was charged with misdemeanor domestic abuse assault. The incident occurred at about 7:45 a.m. Wednesday at a residence on East Vernon Street in Stacyville. According to court documents, a woman called 911 and told dispatch that she was being threatened with a knife. Vazquez and the woman allegedly got into a fight upstairs. Vazquez then went downstairs and picked up a large black handled knife before going back upstairs and threatening the woman, court documents said. Rita stated that she did retrieve the knife from downstairs, and took it to the bathroom with her, but did not threaten (the woman) with it, the criminal complaint said. Law enforcement found the knife in a sheath hidden in a cupboard in the bathroom, documents said. Democratic lawmakers say they plan to introduce legislation to require Colorado oil and gas regulators to make health and the environment their top priority, in response to Mondays long-anticipated court ruling that says the state must give more weight to other factors. Republicans and industry advocates cautioned against smothering one of the largest economic drivers in a state long considered a leader in safe energy production. The Colorado Supreme Courts unanimous decision said regulators are required to foster the development of oil and gas resources while enforcing property rights and protecting public health and the environment but only after weighing the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of those protections. Democrats controlling both chambers of the Legislature called the ruling an invitation to amend the law in order to accomplish what Xiuhtezcatl Martinez of Boulder and five other teenagers sought in 2013. Thats when the young people, who later sued state regulators, asked the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to halt all oil and gas production until determining it could be done without impairing Colorados atmosphere, water, wildlife and land resources, and does not adversely impact human health, and does not contribute to climate change. Regulators declined, leading to split decisions in lower courts and Mondays ruling by the state Supreme Court. It is up to the Legislature to make sure we finally prioritize health and safety when it comes to oil and gas operations, state Sen. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, told Colorado Politics after the high courts ruling. We need to put health and safety over corporate profits. Foote said Democratic lawmakers are ready to enact sweeping updates to the law that governs the commissions mission, including proposals blocked in recent years when the GOP controlled the state Senate. The Martinez language is a good start, Foote said, referring to the rule initially proposed by Martinez and her fellow plaintiffs. But you can do much more. Theres plenty of room for improvement. Wild About Teller: Please keep an eye and a leash on your dog The Collins company in California lost 11,500 acres in the Barry Point Fire. RenewWest of Denver has a contract to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and is partnering with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte, based in Lake George, for future projects. Gov. Jared Polis and his staff gave a sneak peek of his proposed state budget to Capitol reporters Tuesday, a day before he presents it to the Joint Budget Committee. Former Gov. John Hickenlooper presented his budget proposal for the 2019-20 fiscal year on Nov. 1, but it's standard for a new governor to tweak his predecessor's proposal to fit his priorities. The biggest change is Polis' decision to fully fund full-day kindergarten at $227 million. Polis campaigned on the proposal and announced it as his top priority in last week's State of the State address. The state now pays for a little more than half of full-day kindergarten, so most school districts offer full-day kindergarten but only pay for a half-day. This school year, 170 of the 178 school districts have full-day kindergarten, with parents picking up at least part of the tab. Six of the eight other districts mostly small and rural provide half-day kindergarten. Two don't have kindergarten. In all, 49,941 full-day kindergarteners are enrolled in Colorado, but only 19,223 fewer than half get it for free, reports the state Department of Education. Among 13,324 students in part-time kindergarten, 1,653 are paid by the state, the education department says. Polis is adamant that the full-day funding is not a mandate to districts to offer full-day kindergarten. But those who don't offer it won't get more kindergarten funds from the state. A lot of districts divert money from other areas to pay for full-day kindergarten, Polis said, so his proposal will free dollars for them that could be used, for example, to increase teacher pay or shrink class sizes. The governor said his plan will add 8,100 slots in full-day kindergarten. The money to pay for that is coming from the state budget surplus, said Lauren Larson, director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting. The surplus is predicted to total about $274 million in 2019-20 and $327 million in 2020-21, Larson's office predicted. Polis also plans to convert a scholarship program for K-12 teachers to a loan forgiveness program and add $6.5 million to it. But he supports many of Hickenlooper's budget priorities, including boosting the state's general fund reserve to 8 percent and putting $77 million toward reducing the debt to K-12 education, currently at $672 million. There's "great consistency with the previous administration's budget," Polis said. He also supports a Hickenlooper request for $10 million for initiatives proposed by the states Education Leadership Council to address such things as teacher shortages and incentives for students in internships and apprenticeships. Another $6.5 million, also proposed by Hickenlooper, would go to scholarships for college students who commit to teach in rural and other under-served school districts. State college and university students can breathe a one-year sigh of relief, as Hickenlooper and Polis budget requests both commit to no tuition increases for the 2019-20 school year, at a cost of $121 million. On other issues: Polis plans to set aside $1.3 million to set up a program that lets Coloradans buy prescription drugs from other countries. That will require legislation, which already has been introduced by Democratic Sens. Robert Rodriguez of Denver and Joann Ginal of Fort Collins. Polis wants $2.5 million for rural economic development grants of $50,000 one-third to be matched by non-state funds for beginning rural businesses. That proposal is in a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Don Coram of Montrose. On health care, Polis proposes $1 million for "reinsurance" to compensate insurance companies for major medical claims and the like. The proposal calls for a model that could drive down health insurance premiums. A similar effort last year died in the state Senate, partly because of its $270 million cost. Such a plan would require state legislation and federal approval. Polis also intends to continue Hickenlooper's request for $30 million for the state water plan over the next three years. His revised budget didn't go over as well as might be expected with Senate Democrats on the Joint Budget Committee. The JBC chairman, Sen. Dominick Moreno of Commerce City, and Sen. Rachel Zenzinger of Arvada applauded the full-day kindergarten funding but expressed doubts that the state could pay for it beyond the next year or two. The state might need to phase it in, Zenzinger said, though Polis promised full-day kindergarten by this fall. It's not off the table, though, Zenzinger said. Some school districts will have capital costs too, Moreno said, and it will take time for them to create classrooms and absorb the new programming. "My advice to those departments and districts: Tread carefully, and don't make too many plans for these dollars" until the budget is final, he said. The revised budget had nothing for transportation, save for the $495 million in last year's Senate Bill 1, Moreno noted. But "we heard loud and clear from our constituents" on transportation, he said. "They are tired of sitting in traffic, and they want better infrastructure." The JBC also will work with Polis on other issues, such as human services and corrections, particularly since the state's public and private prisons are both at capacity. Ultimately, however, itthe JBC writes the budget, Moreno said. The governor simply submits a request. Zenzinger said she was pleased that Polis continued Hickenlooper's commitment to no public-college tuition increases in 2019-20, and she lauded his intention to address the teacher shortage. After a hearing before a state legislature committee, Howard County neared in on its goal of getting some help in the local court system. Last week Howard County officials ventured to the state capital to appear before the Indiana House Committee on Courts. House Bill 1118, or a bill introduced by Rep. Mike Karickhoff that creates a court magistrate position for the county, served as the focus of the meeting, and the committee unanimously approved the bill. That unanimous approval put Howard County one step closer to creating a position local officials have advocated for for several months, with the hope being that a magistrate would help accelerate court cases. A magistrate, according to Howard Superior III Judge Doug Tate, would be able to hear initial hearings on a consistent basis, allowing cases to be accelerated and, as a result, move inmates through the jail more rapidly. Tate and Howard County Prosecutor Mark McCann both attended last weeks committee hearing to advocate for HB 1118, and the judge said he believed the bills path to success seemed promising. One other county, Vanderburgh County, is seeking to create a magistrate as well. Tate noted that both countys bills are likely to pass. We fall at number two on a needs assessment list for judicial officers, and Vanderburgh County is at number 12, so were both pretty high up on the list as far as the need, said Tate. It looks like theyre going to approve both. With committee approval, the bill moved on to the House for its next round of approval, and if that is granted the Senate will hear HB 1118 next. If all goes according to plan, Tate said Howard County could have a magistrate as soon as July 1. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute A fiscal note attached to the bill showed that the state would allocate $168,780 to pay for the position on an annual basis, with the bulk of that amount going toward the prospective magistrates $117,731 salary. It then would be up to the county to foot the bill for the remainder of what would be required to put the magistrate to work, including court supplies and a court reporter. These items would require approval from the Howard County Council. The entire goal of creating the position, said Tate, remains the same as has been advocated for publicly in the last year. With a swelling jail population, the local judicial system has sought methods to decrease wait times between arrest and an initial hearing in court. This, its posited, could help decrease the jail population as inmates can be released on bail with a lessened lag time between arrest and court appearances. Tate said hes spoken with the judges about the potentially-incoming magistrate. Once one is hired, Tate said the magistrate likely would occupy the courtroom located in the county jail to conduct hearings. But, he said, other uses could be found for the position as well, and final details have yet to be established for the situation. As long as the bill is formally passed, then we as judges will sit down, and we will have a meeting and discuss our thoughts on the duties and responsibilities for the magistrate, such as where the magistrate will be located and the duties and responsibilities for a court reporter, said Tate. Were going to start talking about posting the job, start accepting applications, and interviewing individuals for the position of the magistrate and the court reporter. While the county awaits final approval from the state, Tate said that the process remains on track. Everything so far has been on track, said Tate. Rep. Karickhoff has been great to take care of. He has come through in every step of this process for us. I cant thank him enough, and it looks like were on track to have our fist magistrate. Colorado Springs, CO (80903) Today Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 64F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. For nearly two decades, Pakistan risked internal stability and international isolation by providing sanctuary and support for the Taliban in neighboring Afghanistan. But the recent arrest of a senior Taliban figure in Pakistan could be a sign that Islamabad is changing its stance on its erstwhile Afghan allies. According to analysts and members of the Taliban, Pakistans powerful military is now pressuring the Afghan insurgents to end their war by negotiating peace with the United States and the Afghan government. Rahimullah Yousafzai, a Pakistani journalist, says the recent arrest of Hafiz Mohibullah, a minister in the Taliban regime in the 1990s, could herald a new Pakistani approach to the Taliban. Our information indicates that Pakistans policy [toward the Taliban] is likely to change, he told the BBCs Urdu service. Pakistan has clearly told the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government, declare a cease-fire, and resolve the conflict or it is going to force the Taliban leaders now present inside Pakistan to move out of the country. If implemented, the policy will represent a turnaround in Islamabads approach toward Afghanistan. For nearly four decades, domestic and international critics have accused Islamabad of supporting Afghan Islamist groups, including the Taliban, in order to dominate and fashion Afghan politics. But the situation on the ground has yet to reflect any major change. While Mohibullah was arrested over the weekend, he was subsequently released on January 16 after the Taliban leaked his arrest to the press and complained that the move was part of Pakistani efforts to pressure them. Since 2010, Pakistan has arrested several senior Taliban officials, including the movements deputy leader, Mullah Abdul Ghani Beradar. But such arrests made no dent in the Talibans war efforts, and Islamabad eventually released most of the detained Taliban leaders at Kabuls request. Yousafzai says Pakistan has been keen to brandish its role in facilitating talks between Washington and the Taliban during the past few months. He says Washington now demands that Islamabad push the Taliban to engage in direct negotiations with the Western-backed Kabul government and to announce a cease-fire. If there are more arrests [of Taliban leaders], then there will be pressure on the Taliban, he said. The Taliban, however, have always opposed any kind of negotiations with Kabul. Since losing power in a U.S.-led military attack in late 2001, the Taliban have identified themselves as the real government of Afghanistan and branded the Western-backed Kabul government a U.S. puppet. In a January 15 statement, the hard-line Islamist movement reiterated it is only willing to talk about what it terms the occupation of Afghanistan. This issue can neither be solved through pressure or tactical maneuvering of anyone, nor is it acceptable for anyone to use the issue of Afghanistan for strengthening ties or furthering their own interests, the statement said. Quoting anonymous Taliban sources on January 16, Reuters reported that the insurgents say Pakistan authorities have raided several houses of Taliban leaders. The Taliban sources attributed the pressure to a split between the United States, Pakistan, Iran, and Qatar, with the former pushing the Taliban to negotiate with Kabul while the latter sides with the insurgents. "Iran and Qatar are supporting the Taliban's way, but Pakistan is saying what the Afghan government and the U.S. wanted," a senior unnamed Taliban leader told Reuters. Afghan journalist Sami Yousafzai says Pakistani pressure on the Taliban might complicate negotiations with the United States. Pakistan is capable of ramping up pressure on the Taliban, but the Taliban might not accept everything that Pakistan tells them to do, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. In a January 16 discussion with Afghan journalists, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said the onus of choosing between war and peace in Afghanistan now rests with the Taliban. If the Taliban want to talk, we can talk. If they want to fight, we can fight, he noted. We hope that the Taliban want to make peace. But if they do not choose to come to the table, if they choose to continue fighting, the United States will stand with the Afghan people and the Afghan government and support them. He reiterated Washingtons position that there is no escape from talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. The road to peace will require the Taliban to sit with other Afghans, including the government, he said. There is a consensus among all the regional partners on this point. Norias Nori contributed reporting from Prague. This years success for Keene has been in large part due to increased outreach to the schools, Vanderworth said. Keene Memorial Library sent out letters inviting classes at all grade levels and have seen particularly good participation from the elementary schools, the middle school and Fremont Middle School. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The library also recently reached out to area senior homes to get them involved, too, Vanderworth said. Hopefully next week well be getting their numbers back, she said. Im hoping to see a big jump then, too. Outreach in general has improved this year, Vanderworth said, with the library sharing frequent social media posts marked #winterread2019 and #beanstack. Last year, the first year that Keene participated in the challenge, the library amassed nearly 1.7 million minutes, Vanderworth said. She hopes that the library can match or exceed that this year. And with the addition of the schools and the senior homes, the minutes are accumulating at a faster pace than last year. A graphic shared on the Keene Memorial Library Facebook page showed that on Jan. 11, the library had hit 566,654 minutes. On the same day last year, readers were only at 127,061. In court this past Monday, Beamis said that the defendant has done nothing in regard to treatment, since the last court date. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} He has continued to indicate to this court that he does not want probation, Beamis said. Dake indicated that Spor has been working and has acknowledged that he needs to address the problems that bring him before the court today. Hall ultimately sentenced Sport to two years in prison, along with nine months of post-release supervision. He will receive credit for 130 days time served. Also in court on Monday, Jeffrey Collins, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine and will go to prison for year, as part of an agreement with the state. Collins was arrested in October after he was searched by the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, as part of a pat down initiated after a deputy made contact with him and a female he was with who had active warrants. Collins will also get nine months of post-release supervision. He receives credit for 100 days previously served. I think the Daffodil Days is wonderful, because the daffodil itself is such a bright, beautiful flower, she said. It is the first flower of spring and reminds us of all that is new and gives us hope! Especially, during the cold days of winter such as we are going through now, thinking about the spring and the dawn of new hope is such a positive attitude adjustment. William Barr at his confirmation hearing. Photo: Diego M. Radzinschi/ALM William Barr, President Donald Trumps choice for attorney general, fielded questions about nationwide injunctions, Justice Department guidance on marijuana enforcement and the Affordable Care Act during a hearing dominated by discussion of the special counsel probe. While early testimony focused on special counsel Robert Mueller IIIs probe, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee also used the hearing to probe Barr on how he might run the Justice Department in other key areas, if confirmed. Barr, of counsel at Kirkland & Ellis, signaled early in the day that he had no intention of recusing from special counsel Robert Mueller IIIs inquiry into the Kremlins interference in the 2016 election. He also suggested Muellers report on the investigations findings might not be made public. But Barr pledged to stand up to the White House if asked to do something he considered improper, telling senators, I am not going to do anything that I think is wrong. And I will not be bullied into doing anything I think is wrongwhether it be editorial boards or Congress or the president. Here are four key moments, unrelated to Mueller, from Barrs confirmation hearing: Reconsidering DOJs Nondefense of ACA Barr left open the possibility that he might break with his predecessor in one big area: the Justice Departments decision last summer to not defend the Affordable Care Act. Barr was asked about the Obama-era health law by Sen. Kamala Harris, D-California. The law is at the center of a major legal challengebrought by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and a coalition of mostly conservative statesnow before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The Justice Departments role in the matter, though, became a source of controversy after Sessions said last June that the agency would no longer defend the law in court. The DOJ has a long tradition of defending the constitutionality of federal laws and, while there are exceptions, its rare for the department to refuse to defend federal statutes. Barr, in a quick question and answer with Harris, said Tuesday that if he were confirmed, he would like to review the departments position on that case. Are you open to reconsidering the position? Harris asked. Yes, Barr said. Story continues Barr, No Fan of Nationwide Injunctions When former Attorney General Jeff Sessions headed the Justice Department, he made a habit of railing against judges who issued nationwide injunctions blocking Trump administration policies. On Tuesday, Barr made clear he isnt a fan of those injunctions either. In exchanges with Sens. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, and Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, Barr said he believed the orders should be challenged. The fact of the matter is, there are a lot of district court judges, and you can usually find one who, somewhere in the country, will agree with you, Barr told Hawley. Barr also expressed concern about what he described as the willingness of some district court judges to wade into matters of national security. He said the appeals court process could take a long time, which means a lot of damage can be done before the Supreme Court weighs in. Barr, who pointed to the travel ban litigation as an example, said the Constitution vests the authority in the president to make national security determinations and emergency acts. Hes politically accountable for that, and yet a judge with a lifetime appointment sitting somewhere in the country who doesnt have the access to the informationhas no political accountabilitycan stop a national security measure. You know, globally, essentially. And it takes a long time to get that sorted out. Thats really troublesome to me, Barr said. Recusing? Sure ... in the AT&T-Time Warner Case Before Tuesdays confirmation hearing, in a meeting with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, Barr gave assurances that he would recuse from the Justice Departments ongoing challenge to AT&Ts multibillion-dollar acquisition of Time Warner. Barr, a former Time Warner board member, reiterated Tuesday that he would play no role in the case as the Justice Department challenges a judges June 2018 decision to allow the deal to proceed. When Klobuchar asked him whether hed recuse, Barr responded, Absolutely. Barr signed a sworn affidavit leading up to the merger trial that questioned whether the Justice Departments challenge to the deal was politically motivated, based on Trumps past criticism of CNN, a Time Warner subsidiary. Back to the Cole Memo on Legalized Marijuana? Jeff Sessions made no secret of his disdain for state efforts to legalize cannabis when he withdrew the Obama administrations guidanceknown as the Cole memoin January 2018. Under questioning from Sens. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, and Harris, who are both believed to be eyeing White House bids, Barr said he would not pursue legalized cannabis businessesbut he urged Congress to address the growing tension between state laws allowing medical or recreational use and the federal prohibition on marijuana. To the extent people are complying with the state lawsdistribution and production and so forthwe're not going to go after that, Barr said. I do feel we cant stay in the current situation, he added, saying the situation was breeding disrespect for the federal law. Read more: William Barr Wont Commit to Recusing From Russia Investigation Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Census Citizenship Question Federal Employees Lose Early Bid to Stop Unpaid Work During Trump's Shutdown Judiciary Extends Financial Lifeline an Extra Week Amid Shutdown After being beaten down in the final quarter of 2018, pot stocks staged a nice comeback at the start of this year on the renewed appeal for riskier assets. Notably, these stocks recorded their third consecutive week of gains, the longest winning streak since August. ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF MJ the first and only pure ETF targeting the cannabis/marijuana industry climbed 21.4% so far this year (read: Best & Worst Performing ETFs to Start 2019). The massive strength came despite disappointing earnings from Aurora Cannabis and Aphria APHA. This is because investors are capitalizing on the huge potential of the global cannabis industry with the beaten-down stocks. MJ in Focus The fund tracks the Prime Alternative Harvest Index, designed to measure the performance of companies within the cannabis ecosystem, benefiting from global medicinal and recreational cannabis legalization initiatives. The fund holds 37 securities in its basket and Canadian firms make up for 57% of the portfolio, while American firms comprise 33%. The ETF has AUM of $756.5 million and trades in a good volume of around 820,000 shares. It charges 75 bps in annual fees. Inside The Surge The pot industry is emerging and poised for rapid growth given its widespread legality. Though cannabis remains illegal at the federal level in the United States, 10 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana while 32 states have legalized medical weed. Recreational marijuana is expected to be legal soon for adults over the age of 21 years in New York as well (read: After a Landmark 2018, Will Pot ETF See Same High in 2019?). Canada is the second country in the world to legalize the drug for both medical and recreational use, trailing Uruguay and the first country among the G-7 nations. In late November, the European nation of Luxembourg announced that marijuana would soon be legalized for recreational use by adult residents. Additionally, with the FDA's first approval of a cannabis-derived drug and President Trump's signing of the Farm Bill legalizing hemp and hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) oil, the cannabis industry looks more encouraging. All these developments have spurred a large number of deal activities, including mergers and acquisitions in the industry. A number of alcoholic beverage companies are investing or partnering with cannabis producers. Among the latest deal, Aurora Cannabis agreed to buy Whistler Medical Marijuana Corp. in a stock deal valued at up to C$175 million ($131.8 million). Canopy Growth CGC plans to invest up to $150 million in New York to target the emerging market for cannabis products derived from hemp and CannTrust CNTTF plans to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. Meanwhile, marlboro cigarette maker Altria Group MO is mulling over an acquisition of Canadian cannabis firm Cronos Group CRON (read: Cronos-Altria Deal Boost Marijuana ETF: Will This Continue?). Further, Coca-Cola KO and Diageo DEO have been eyeing for a stake or forming partnership to produce cannabis-infused beverages. Constellation Brands STZ has already invested $3.8 billion to increase its stake in Canopy Growth. According to the Arcview Market Research, the U.S. legal cannabis market is projected to reach $11 billion in consumer spending this year and more than $23 billion by 2022. Per an analyst at Cowen, the U.S. legal cannabis industry is expected to reach $80 billion in sales by 2030, surpassing the carbonated soft drink market in 2017. An analyst at Haywood Securities foresees exponential growth in cannabis stocks with the U.S. cannabis market expected to be worth between $15.9 million and $21.7 billion by the year 2022 (read: Another Cannabis ETF on the Way). Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, 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 Diageo plc (DEO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Coca-Cola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research 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 Community Foundation of Howard County has the following non-traditional scholarship applications available. Eligibility guidelines are available at www.cfhoward.org. Online applications are available at howardclintoncarrollscholars.communityforce.com. Deadline for applying is March 1.. William S. & Susannah B. Hough Memorial Scholarship is available to students who have graduated or will graduate from any public high school, or accredited private high school located in Howard County, Ind., who will be attending Indiana University Kokomo, Purdue University Kokomo or Ivy Tech Community College in Kokomo. Students must be enrolled in a program leading to an associate or bachelors degree. June Brown Hill PEO Nursing Scholarship is available for Howard County residents who are or will be enrolled in an accredited educational institution to study nursing. Students must demonstrate academic ability, high moral character and have an excellent mental attitude. Fisher Medical Scholarship is available to Howard County residents or Howard County high school graduates who are accepted to an accredited School of Medicine and pursuing a medical degree. Adams Rotary Memorial Scholarship is available to Howard County high school graduates enrolled, or planning to enroll, in any accredited college, university or nursing school in the United States. Careers in pre-medicine, medicine, two-year associate program in nursing, three-year diploma program in nursing, and four-year bachelor of nursing program will be considered providing any such program is preparation for obtaining a registered nurse designation or a M.D. degree. Support Local Journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Contribute Holtson Family Teachers Scholarship is available for late-in-life, second career or other non-traditional students on an educative track to become teachers in Indiana. Kokomo Rotary Club Early Risers Scholarship is available to graduates of a Howard County public or private high school who are in their third or fourth year of college study and who are active in community service. Max M. Earl Memorial Scholarship is available to Howard County residents or former students of any Howard County high school, who are or will be attending the Indiana University School of Medicine to pursue a degree as a medical doctor. Melissa Anson Jarrell, DDS Scholarship is available to graduates of any Howard County high school who are pursuing courses of study in fields that lead to careers in the medical/dental profession at any accredited college, university or nursing school in the United States. Walter J. Moss Teacher Enhancement Scholarship: This fund provides scholarships to professional educators in the Kokomo School Corporation or Howard County school districts who are seeking an advanced degree and/or certification beyond initial certification. The degree or certification sought should be in the field of education or the subject area taught at any degree-granting institution approved by the State of Indiana. Apply through the Kokomo Education Foundation, Debbie Vawter, at 765- 455-8000. Huawei, whose booth is seen during CES 2019 consumer electronics show in early January, is facing a US criminal probe over stolen trade secrets, according to the Wall Street Journal (AFP Photo/Rob Lever) US authorities are in the "advanced" stages of a criminal probe that could result in an indictment of Chinese technology giant Huawei, a report said Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, said the Department of Justice is looking into allegations of theft of trade secrets from Huawei's US business partners, including a T-Mobile robotic device used to test smartphones. Huawei and the Department of Justice declined to comment on the media report. However, Huawei noted that "Huawei and T-Mobile settled their disputes in 2017 following a US jury verdict finding neither damage, unjust enrichment nor willful and malicious conduct by Huawei in T-Mobile's trade secret claim." The move would further escalate tensions between the US and China after the arrest last year in Canada of Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, who is the daughter of the company founder. The case of Meng, under house arrest awaiting proceedings, has inflamed US-China and Canada-China relations. Two Canadians have been detained in China since Meng's arrest and a third has been sentenced to death on drug trafficking charges -- moves observers see as attempts by Beijing to pressure Ottawa over her case. Huawei, the second-largest global smartphone maker and biggest producer of telecommunications equipment, has for years been under scrutiny in the US over purported links to the Chinese government. Huawei's reclusive founder Ren Zhengfei, in a rare media interview Tuesday, forcefully denied accusations that his firm engaged in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government. The tensions come amid a backdrop of President Donald Trump's efforts to get more manufacturing on US soil and slap hefty tariffs on Chinese goods for what he claims are unfair trade practices by Beijing. In a related move, lawmakers introduced a bill to ban the export of American parts and components to Chinese telecom companies that are in violation of US export control or sanctions laws -- with Huawei and fellow Chinese firm ZTE the likely targets. Story continues "Huawei is effectively an intelligence-gathering arm of the Chinese Communist Party whose founder and CEO was an engineer for the People's Liberation Army," said Republican Senator Tom Cotton, one of the bill's sponsors. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen said in the same statement: "Huawei and ZTE are two sides of the same coin. Both companies have repeatedly violated US laws, represent a significant risk to American national security interests and need to be held accountable." Last year, Trump reached a deal with ZTE that eases tough financial penalties on the firm for helping Iran and North Korea evade American sanctions. Trump said his decision in May to spare ZTE came following an appeal by Chinese President Xi Jinping to help save Chinese jobs. (Bloomberg) -- U.S. prosecutors are pursuing a criminal investigation of Huawei Technologies Co. for allegedly stealing trade secrets from U.S. business partners, including T-Mobile US Inc., the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The probe emerged partly from civil lawsuits against the Chinese telecommunications company, including one in which a jury found Huawei liable for misappropriating robotic technology from T-Mobile, the paper said, without naming its sources. The investigation is at an advanced stage and an indictment could come soon, the Journal said, citing the people familiar. A Huawei spokesman declined to comment. The Justice Department didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Huawei has been under increasing pressure in the U.S., Europe and elsewhere amid growing concerns that Beijing could use the companys equipment for spying, something executives have denied. U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has been pushing European allies to block Huawei from telecom networks amid a wider dispute over trade with China. Last week, a company employee was arrested in Poland. The company is also mired in a U.S. case alleging violations of trade sanctions. The U.S. alleges that Huaweis chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, conspired to defraud banks to unwittingly clear transactions linked to Iran. Meng was arrested in Canada on Dec. 1 and released on bail four weeks ago awaiting extradition hearings to the U.S. She is living under restrictions in her million-dollar Vancouver home. To contact the reporter on this story: Jillian Ward in San Francisco at jward56@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net, Andrew Pollack For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. * Syrian rebels want to take back Manbij * City located near different zones of control * Turkey key to decisions on an offensive * Latest moves result from U.S. decision to withdraw By Khalil Ashawi JARABLUS, Syria, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Rebel commander Adnan Abu Faisal and his army are encamped near the frontline in northern Syria, waiting to launch an offensive on his home city of Manbij. But they are not the ones who will decide whether to march on the strategically important city, held for more than two years by Kurdish forces supported by the United States. The decision will depend on Turkey, the main backer of Abu Faisal's group, and on how contacts evolve between Washington and Ankara over the United States' plans to withdraw forces from Syria, a move set to reshape a major theatre of the war. The United States and Turkey are allies both in the NATO defence alliance and in the fight against Islamic State, but Ankara sees the Kurdish YPG forces that helped the U.S.-led coalition drive IS out of Manbij in 2016 as a security threat. The YPG fear the U.S. withdrawal will open the way for a threatened Turkish attack into northern Syria, including Manbij, but U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Turkey of "economic devastation" if it goes ahead with the attack. Abu Faisal's fighters are awaiting orders near Jarablus, a town held by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies about 35 km (22 miles) south of Manbij. The frontline in the area runs through open farmland where wheat and corn are usually grown. "We are ready with our forces ... for 'zero hour' to begin any military action," Abu Faisal, whose forces have more than 300 vehicles including pickup trucks and armoured vehicles provided by Turkey, told Reuters. "Preparations are going at full speed," he said. Abu Faisal, 36, was an army captain before Syria's civil war began in 2011 but defected from the Syrian army in 2012 to join the fight against President Bashar al-Assad. Abu Faisal helped wrest control of Manbij from the Syrian army early in the conflict but fled when it was seized by Islamic State in 2014 and has not set foot there since then. Story continues The YPG have also left Manbij but retain influence over the Kurdish-allied groups that hold the city 30 km (20 miles) from the border with Turkey. Manbij lies near the junction of three separate blocks of territory that form spheres of Russian, Turkish and, for now, U.S. influence. The U.S. military pullout will not only leave Kurds exposed to possible confrontation with Turkey but will also open the way for the expansion of Russian and Iranian sway into the areas that U.S. forces will be leaving. The U.S. military deployed into Syria as part of the fight against Islamic State but officials later indicated wider objectives included containing Iran, Assad's main regional ally. Late last month, the YPG called on Assad's forces to protect Manbij from attack by Turkey. Syrian government forces, which are backed by Russia, answered the YPG appeal by deploying outside Manbij. Abu Faisal's rebel fighters, backed by Turkish forces, made their own advance towards the city the same day but stopped short of an attack. Since then, Turkey has been engaged in diplomatic contacts with Washington and Assad's Russian allies. The Kurds who control swaths of northern Syria have turned to Russia and the Syrian government since Trump's announcement, hoping to secure a deal that keeps Turkey at bay and preserves their autonomy within a reformed Syrian state. Abu Faisal said "political understandings" would determine whether an attack went ahead, reflecting the influence of foreign powers in the Syrian conflict. A political solution that spared blood would be welcome, he added. TRUST IN TURKEY For Abu Faisal, the YPG -- Peoples Protection Units -- is no less of an enemy than IS or Assad. Turkey views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a 34-year insurgency in Turkey for Kurdish political and cultural rights, mostly in southeastern areas near Syria. A top Kurdish politician told Reuters this month the Kurds had presented Moscow with a road map for a deal with Damascus. . Syria's deputy foreign minister has said he is optimistic about renewed dialogue with the Kurds. A deal between Damascus and the Kurds would piece back together the two largest chunks of Syria and leave one corner of the northwest under the control of anti-Assad insurgents who have been driven out of many of the areas they once held. Abu Faisal -- head of the opposition's Manbij Military Council in exile -- says it would be a catastrophe if Assad were allowed to recover Manbij. He warned this would trigger yet more displacement of civilians fleeing a return of Assad's rule. His priority is to secure the return home of Manbij residents who have been living either as refugees in Turkey or in nearby areas of northern Syria that are controlled by Turkey and its Syrian allies. "There cannot be acceptance of any political solution or military solution except with the return of these displaced people to their city," Abu Faisal said. "Our goal is to reassure the people of Manbij that its people will run the affairs of this city," he said. (Writing by Angus McDowall and Tom Perry in Beirut, Editing by Timothy Heritage) Trump administration still might let Iran export oil, and that could lower prices The State Department's envoy to Iran is declining to say whether Washington will force oil buyers to cut off purchases of Iranian crude later this year. The Trump administration says it issued waivers allowing eight country's to buy Iranian crude despite U.S. sanctions to avoid an oil price spike. Obama's former Iran sanctions envoy says the Trump administration will continue issuing waivers regardless of oil prices. The Trump administration is leaving itself wiggle room to continue allowing Iran to export oil, potentially setting up another catalyst for lower crude prices later this year. The administration's special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, last weekend refused to say with certainty whether the White House will enforce sanctions more strictly on the Islamic Republic's oil exports. Instead, he left the door open to extending exemptions that have allowed some of Iran's biggest customers to continue importing its crude. The administration's decision in November to grant sanctions waivers to eight countries , including China and India, surprised the market and contributed to a three-month collapse in crude oil prices. President Donald Trump withdrew from a nuclear accord with Iran in May and restored sanctions on the country's energy industry in November. The administration wants Iran to stop testing ballistic missiles, end its support for militant groups and accept tougher limits on its nuclear program. To be sure, Hook is maintaining the administration's message of "maximum pressure" on Iran and reiterating its goal of driving Iran's oil exports down to zero. "We are not looking to grant any waivers or exceptions to the import of Iranian crude," Hook said during a panel at the Atlantic Council's 2019 Global Energy Forum in Abu Dhabi last weekend. However, pressed by CNBC's Hadley Gamble on whether the administration would extend the waivers, Hook said he could not answer that question yet. Story continues "All I can say is that we believe that ... when we have a better-supplied oil market, then that puts us in a much better climate to accelerate the path to zero," he said. The case for going to zero Hook's remarks suggest that the administration's decision will in part depend on the cost of crude when the six-month waivers expire around the start of May. "I think that this administration made clear what some of us have said for some time, namely, that there is a relationship between the oil price level and the implementation of sanctions," said Michael Cohen, head of energy markets research at Barclays. Cohen has previously written that Brent crude prices below $60 a barrel will embolden the Trump administration to apply sanctions more strictly, putting pressure on buyers to cut off imports from Iran. On the other hand, a spike back above $80 likely would force the administration to allow significant volumes of Iranian crude to hit the market. Hook on Saturday reiterated what Trump has said: The administration agreed to the waivers to prevent an oil shortage that would cause prices to spike. In fact, the State Department's repeated vows to cut Iran's exports to zero played a major role in driving up oil prices throughout much of last year. Oil fell from four-year highs at the start of October as crude futures got swept up in a broad market sell-off. The rout deepened after Trump issued the waivers, surprising the market and allies like Saudi Arabia, which had hiked production sharply in anticipation of strict sanctions. Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members have said the oil market is now oversupplied largely because Washington kept its allies in the dark about the waivers. Asked again on the sidelines of the Atlantic Council forum what OPEC should expect when the waivers expire this spring, Hook told CNBC he cannot comment on agreements with foreign countries. "We're not in a position to telegraph or relay what we're going to be doing because each of these is confidential," he said. Waivers not about oil price However, some believe the link between oil prices and sanctions waivers is something of a smokescreen. The real reason the Trump administration granted the waivers is because it was unable to work out a deal with some of Iran's biggest customers to stop buying oil from the Islamic Republic, says Amos Hochstein, the former international energy envoy who ran Iran sanctions under former President Barack Obama . That raised the prospect of the U.S. being forced to sanction Chinese or Indian companies. "There will 100 percent be exemptions in May," Hochstein said. "The reason for that is if you don't give an exemption and someone is importing, then you have to sanction them, and you probably don't want to sanction them." Hook stressed that the eight countries received waivers because they had significantly reduced their purchases of Iranian crude. But these so-called significant reduction exemptions, or SREs, actually incentivize countries to continue purchasing Iranian oil, says Hochstein. The waivers are designed to allow countries to continue buying Iranian crude so long as they demonstrate they are reducing their purchases. If a country cuts its imports to zero, then it cannot import Iranian crude again until the sanctions are lifted, explained Hochstein, now senior vice president for marketing at liquefied natural gas firm Tellurian. Hochstein said the Trump administration continues to push inaccurate comparisons to Obama-era sanctions on Iran, which were designed to pressure Tehran to accept limits on its nuclear program. "The Trump administration has a strange need to always compare their actions with the Obama sanctions, but in reality their intent was very different," he said. "We were intending to force Iran to the negotiating table, while the Trump administration wants to go to zero as an open-ended punishment." The State Department did not return a request for comment by the time this story was published. Hook on Saturday said the Obama administration gave out 20 waivers, while the Trump administration only issued eight. However, many of the countries that received waivers under Obama including European Union member nations actually cut their purchases to zero immediately. "The real issue is not how many exemptions you give, but how many countries continue to import," Hochstein said. China, India, Turkey and South Korea have taken Iranian crude since the sanctions snapped back into place on Nov. 5, according to tanker-tracking firm ClipperData. China accounts for the lion's share, taking 576,000 barrels per day in December, ClipperData says. South Korea resumed its purchases this month, recently discharging 300,000 barrels, its first cargo since July. Japan intends to resume imports of Iranian oil as early as this month, Nikkei reported on Tuesday. Still, Iran's exports have plunged below 1 million bpd from about 2.5 million bpd before looming sanctions began to bite last year, according to Reuters. More From CNBC SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's Kakao Mobility on Tuesday said it would re-enter talks over its proposed car-sharing service with an open mind, and would even consider abandoning the idea, should taxi drivers who protested the service return to negotiations. The transportation unit of Kakao Corp, operator of the country's most popular chat app, also said it has decided to halt trials of the car-sharing service. The comments come after the firm's appeal to car owners sparked a series of mass demonstrations with taxi drivers complaining the service would destroy their livelihoods. Two protesters died in separate incidents by self-immolation. Lawmakers have called on drivers unions to meet the firm and government officials to reach a consensus. The unions boycotted the talks as trials continued after the first death. "Without any strings attached, we will join the dialogue with an open mind, and from a stance where even scrapping the launch is a possibility," Kakao Mobility said in a statement. South Korea has one of the world's highest smartphone penetration rates, yet app-based ride-hailing services have struggled in the face of strong unions and tight regulation. Kakao Mobility also runs a cab-hailing service connecting taxi drivers and passengers. Lee Yong-bok of the Korea National Joint Conference of Taxi Association said Kakao Mobility should have stopped the trial earlier if it really wanted to talk. "We are asking the transport minister to resign," Lee told Reuters. "The ministry, and the ruling party: They have to show us something to make us believe they want to have discussions from a clean slate and not take Kakao Mobility's side." (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Christopher Cushing) (Bloomberg) -- PagerDuty Inc., which makes tools for software developers, has filed confidentially for an initial public offering, said two people familiar with the matter. The San Francisco-based company selected Morgan Stanley to lead the offering, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private. Morgan Stanley declined to comment, and PagerDuty didnt respond to requests for comment. This year is poised to be busy for IPOs, but the party is on hold due to the partial U.S. government shutdown, the longest of the modern era. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission isnt providing feedback on corporate filings due to a lack of staff, which has left a raft of deals in limbo. Founded in 2009, PagerDuty rose to become a leader of a category of software tools known as developer operations. Its service helps alert coders to crashes and other technical problems when they arise. PagerDuty offers various services to predict and prevent potential software calamity. In April, PagerDuty told Bloomberg it was on pace to exceed $100 million in revenue for 2018. Venture capital firms Andreessen Horowitz, Bessemer Venture Partners and Accel Partners are among the companys backers. In September, PagerDuty was valued at more than $1 billion after an investment led by T. Rowe Price Group Inc. and Wellington Management. Jennifer Tejada, PagerDutys chief executive officer, has said the company is looking to adapt its programmer-centric service for other types of workers, including marketers, IT administrators and executives. To contact the reporters on this story: Eric Newcomer in San Francisco at enewcomer@bloomberg.net;Olivia Zaleski in San Francisco at ozaleski@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Mark Milian at mmilian@bloomberg.net;Elizabeth Fournier at efournier5@bloomberg.net For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. Singapore shares are 'cheap' and 'attractive' and major wealth managers say it's time to buy The Straits Times Index held up better than many Asian markets in 2018 even though the Singapore economy is among the most vulnerable in the U.S.-China trade fight. In 2019, Singapore's stock market could deliver attractive returns to investors, according to major investors such as UBS Global Wealth Management and Citi Private Bank. Singapore export-driven economy is among the most vulnerable in the ongoing United States - China trade conflict, but major investors said its stock market could deliver attractive returns this year. "It's very attractive and that's one of the reasons why we're actually overweight Singapore relative to other Asian equities," Kelvin Tay, regional chief investment officer at UBS Global Wealth Management, said on Monday. Tay told clients at the UBS Wealth Insights forum that the bank actually has a bearish outlook on the Singapore economy. The bank expects the country's gross domestic product to grow by 2 percent in 2019, down from last year's estimated 3.3 percent and at the lower end of official forecast of 1.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Singapore, a tiny but wealthy Southeast Asian country, relies heavily on exports to power its economy. Its exports of goods and services in 2017 were close to 200 percent of its roughly $300 billion GDP among the highest globally, according to the World Bank . The country's benchmark Straits Times Index didn't escape the global sell-off last year, shedding 9.8 percent throughout 2018. But, the index held up better than its trade-dependent north Asian peers and Singapore shares are still "cheap," said Tay. In addition, in an environment where economic expansion and corporate earnings growth are slowing, listed companies that can maintain the ability to pay dividends to investors are good buys, strategists said. "Dividend is going to be a very important element for investors in 2019 ... on that, Singapore ranks high," Ken Peng, head of Asia investment strategy at Citi Private Bank, told reporters on Tuesday. Story continues Peng said the bank likes Singapore lenders a view shared by investment bank Jefferies, which has a "buy" rating for DBS Group Holdings DBSM-SG , Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp OCBC-SG and United Overseas Bank UOBH-SG . Krishna Guha, equity analyst at Jefferies, wrote in a note last week that the three Singapore banks have the potential to continue growing their capital and that may result in higher dividend payouts. That's one of the reasons that make the lenders an attractive investment option, Guha said. "Notwithstanding uncertain macro conditions, Singapore banks, in our view, are sheltered by a combination of inexpensive valuation, growing payout and diverse levers to sustain earnings growth. Valuations are in the low range of historical bands and attractive regionally," he wrote. More From CNBC By Ritah Kemigisa The Uganda Investment Authority has cried out for more funding to purchase more land in the Namanve Industrial park. Appearing before the parliament finance committee to present their views on the 2019/2010 budget framework paper, the authoritys acting executive director Lawrence Byensi said shs 250 billion is needed for the purchase of 446 acres of land in Namanve. The funds he says are not included in the shs 10.984 billion has allocated to the authority in the forthcoming financial year. His revelation did not go well for the MPs led by the committee chairperson Henry Musasizi who wondered why government would purchase more land in an industrial park that has half the land currently unutilized. However the UIA director lands development Hamza Galiwango said the land is not enough to accommodate the over 100 investors who have applied for the land with priority sector projects. His submission was also supported by finance minister for planning David Bahati. FILE PHOTO: Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar al-Baker poses in front of an Airbus A350-1000 at the Eurasia Airshow in the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Turkey April 25, 2018. REUTERS/Murad Sezer/File Photo By Aditi Shah MUMBAI (Reuters) - Qatar Airways will not buy a stake in Jet Airways as a substantial portion of the debt-laden Indian carrier is held by Etihad Airways, whose owner Abu Dhabi is an "enemy" of Qatar, its CEO Akbar al-Baker said on Tuesday. Abu Dhabi is part of the United Arab Emirates that cut ties with Qatar in 2017 over accusations of supporting terrorism. Doha denies the charges. The UAE, together with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain have banned Qatar Airways since June of that year as part of the dispute. "We would definitely look at it (Jet Airways) if a 24 percent stake was not held by Etihad," al-Baker told Reuters on the sidelines of an aviation conference in Mumbai. "How can I take a stake in an airline which is owned by our adversary?" Etihad plans to hike its stake in Jet to help the Indian carrier with its financial woes, a person close to the Abu Dhabi carrier told Reuters late on Monday. Al-Baker said Qatar Airways would be "delighted" to take a stake in IndiGo, the largest airline in India - home to the world's fastest growing aviation market. The Qatari airline has previously expressed an interest in investing in IndiGo, owned by InterGlobe Aviation. "But not in an airline where substantial ownership is by the enemy of my country," he said, referring to Jet. Qatar Airways posted a 252 million riyal ($67.18 million) loss for the financial year ended March 31, 2018, as it lost access to 18 destinations due to the political dispute. As part of a broader effort to diversify its portfolio outside its home market, the Qatari carrier purchased a 10 percent stake in Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd in 2017 and 5 percent in China Southern Airlines Co Ltd this month. Qatar Airways also remains interested in starting a fully owned airline in India, al-Baker said on Tuesday, but that is not allowed under India's current foreign investment rules. Given China and India "are the biggest growing markets, it is obvious as an airline we want to invest strategically in those regions because we ourselves are a very rapidly growing airline", he said. Story continues Al-Baker has threatened publicly to pull Qatar Airways out of the oneworld airline alliance despite holding minority stakes in members Cathay Pacific, British Airways and LATAM Airlines Group SA. China Southern in November said it would exit the rival SkyTeam alliance, in a move that opened the potential for it to join oneworld. "Joining oneworld is entirely their business decision and we always will respect as a stakeholder the decision made by the majority shareholder," al-Baker said of China Southern. ($1 = 3.7511 riyals) (Reporting by Aditi Shah, writing by Jamie Freed; Editing by Himani Sarkar) BRUSSELS, Jan 16 (Reuters) - A meeting between Russia and the United States in Geneva failed to resolve long-running accusations that Moscow is violating a Cold War missile treaty, setting the stage for Washington to withdraw from the pact, a U.S. official said on Wednesday. The United States is now set to start the six-month process of quitting from the 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty on Feb. 2, U.S. Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson told reporters at NATO. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Visible gold now recovered from multiple zones New sample highlights include 17.6 g/t Au , and 11.1 g/t Au Five of 25 samples taken to date returned values in excess of 11 g/t Au Strike length of new zone extends 400 meters VANCOUVER, CA / ACCESSWIRE / January 15, 2019 / Nexus Gold Corp. (''Nexus'' or the ''Company'') (TSX-V: NXS, OTCQB: NXXGF, FSE: N6E) is pleased to report additional sample results from the recently acquired, 100% -owned, 98-sq km Dakouli 2 Gold Project, located on the Goren Greenstone Belt, central Burkina Faso, West Africa. A total of 13 samples were taken in the second round of prospecting on the Dakouli 2 property, with five returning values between 1.74 grams-per-tonne (''g/t'') gold (''Au''), and 17.6 g/t Au, and eight returning values from 0.052 to 0.864 g/t Au. Samples were collected from orpaillage dumps and from depths of 15 to 40 meters below surface within active artisanal pits and shafts. Of the first 25 samples now collected on the property, 11 have returned values greater than 1 g/t Au. Five samples so far have exhibited various concentrations of coarse, nuggety, visible gold, returning assay values greater than 11 g/t Au. All 25 samples taken to date at Dakouli 2 have tested positive, with several returning significant gold values (see Table 1). Ground reconnaissance recently completed by the Company has identified two new mineralized zones and a secondary vein structure just south of the primary Northeast Zone described in the Company's January 8, 2019, news release. The secondary vein structure identified is located 70 meters south of the primary Northeast Zone. The new workings are parallel to the primary orpaillage being worked and three samples taken 17 to 40 meters below depth returned gold values of 1.74 g/t Au, 3.68 Au and 17.6 g/t Au, respectively. The 17.6 g/t sample exhibited coarse visible gold. The workings of the Northeast Zone on the Dakouli 2 property now cover an area measuring 400 meters along strike enclosing two parallel gold bearing structures 150 meters wide. Story continues An additional new zone, located on the western boundary of the Dakouli 2 permit, has returned two samples from workings located there of 2.72 g/t Au and 11.1 g/t Au. This second orpaillage, termed the Boken Vein Zone, consists of gold in quartz veins located proximal to a granitic plug. The samples were taken from workings at 25-meter depths. ''The secondary structure identified in the north east and the Boken Vein showings are revealing just how robust the Sabce fault zone is,'' said Vice President of Exploration, Warren Robb, P.Geo. ''The amount of coarse visible gold we have seen thus far makes this a very exciting exploration program,'' continued Mr. Robb. ''These are positive early indicators at Dakouli,'' said Alex Klenman, president & CEO. ''We have already confirmed multiple mineralized zones on the property and are currently mapping out these zones to determine their relationship to known structural faults and trends. It is a prolific area in terms of gold mineralization and we are encouraged by both the abundance of visible gold at Dakouli and the sample grades so far. We have lots of similar ground to cover, I'm looking forward to a deeper and more extensive exploration program, including a maiden drill program, in the coming months,'' continued Mr. Klenman. Dakouli Samples to date Sample-ID Easting Northing Comment Au g/t DKL-001 636687 1445630 Qtz from orpaillage pit, about 8m depth, light grey to smoky qtz, looks like flat vein 3.15 DKL-004 636763 1445627 Milky qtz vein from orpaillage pit, about 8m depth, several pieces of VG show from panning 27.5 DKL-009 636828 1445661 Milky qtz vein from orpaillage pit, 18m depth 2.90 DKL-010 636767 1445652 Light grey qtz vein from orpaillage pit 4.93 DKL-011 636738 1445670 Qtz from orpaillage pit, VG show in panning and on a piece of quartz coming from the same shaft, about 10m depth 29.5 DKL-012 636677 1445642 Qtz from orpaillage pit, about 8m depth, VG show in panning 12.4 DKL-021 625232 1441439 Qtz from orpaillage pit, 15m depth, white to light grey 2.72 DKL-022 625269 1441469 Qtz from orpaillage pit, 25m depth 11.1 DKL-023 636901 1445515 Qtz + VG from orpaillage pit, 40m depth 17.6 DKL-024 636903 1445514 Qtz from orpaillage pit, 40m depth 1.74 DKL-025 636967 1445530 Qtz from orpaillage pit, 17m depth 3.68 Figure 1: Rocksample with visible gold in quartz, recovered at the Dakouli 2 concession Prospecting along the southern boundary of the property has now identified a third area of active artisanal workings. Shafts and workings in this area have targeted a black quartz vein which has returned anomalous gold values ranging from 0.312 to 0.864 g/t Au. This southern series of showings is termed the Black Vein Zone and is located along the southern Sabce Sud lineament. This lineament is defined by the Gougre satellite open pit currently being exploited by Nordgold, a major orpaillage occurring on the adjacent eastern permit, and the orpaillage at the Black Vein Zone. Figure 2: Close up of visible gold in quartz sample recovered at the Dakouli 2 concession The Dakouli 2 exploration permit is located approximately 100 kilometers due north of the capital city Ouagadougou. The 98-square kilometer permit lies immediately south of the Company's Niangouela property (see figures 3 and 4) which has been explored over the past two years. Drilling at Niangouela has returned significant intercepts, including 26.69 g/t Au over 4.85m (including 1m of 132 g/t Au), and 4 g/t Au over 6m (including 20.5 g/t Au over 1m). The Dakouli 2 property is located on the Goren Greenstone belt and is bordered to the north by granitic rocks. It is also bisected by the Sabce Shear, a major structural fault zone proximal to multiple gold deposits, which trends southwest northeast and bisects the entire long axis of the property. Figure 3: Nexus project locations with known structural faults in red The Sabce Nord (see Figure 4) trend starts at Nordgold's Bissa mine continues through the Northeast Zone on the Dakouli 2 permit, and the southeastern corner of the Niangouela permit. It proceeds to Boken Vein Zone on the western boundary of Dakouli 2 and is approximately 12 kilometers in length. The Sabce Sud (see Figure 4) hosts Nordgold's Gougre satellite pit, east of Dakouli 2, and runs approximately four kilometers across the property's southern section, bisecting the Black Vein Zone. The Black Vein Zone, an active orpaillage featuring a series of deep shafts that trend sub parallel to the Sabce Sud, features hard, black siliceous rock, similar to what is being mind at the Gourgre satellite pit. Figure 4: Dakouli 2 mineralized zones and bisecting Sabce faults/lineaments in red About the Company Nexus Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating primarily in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company is currently concentrating its efforts on establishing a compliant resource at one or more of it's four current Burkina-based projects which total over 560-sq kms (56,000+ hectares) of land located on proven gold belts and active mineralized trends. Warren Robb P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of NEXUS GOLD CORP. Alex Klenman President & CEO 604-558-1920 info@nexusgoldcorp.com www.nexusgoldcorp.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially because of factors discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of our interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings with the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable Canadian securities regulations. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. SOURCE: Nexus Gold Corp. * Riyad Bank continues to gain on merger talk * Tabuk Cement rises on cement export to Yemen * Emirates NBD increases after strong Q4 earnings * Egypt's Alahly rises on FY earnings, dividend * Dubai's DAMAC continues to slide after BofA downgrade By Shakeel Ahmad Jan 16 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's stock market rose on Wednesday, boosted by its bank shares, while Egypt's index was lifted by its blue-chip stocks, mirroring a gain in emerging markets. Saudi Arabia's index rose 0.7 percent with Banque Saudi Fransi rising 5.2 percent. Riyad Bank continued to rise, adding 4.5 percent. The lender had picked Goldman Sachs to advise on its merger talks with National Commercial Bank (NCB), Reuters reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. NCB shed 0.4 percent. The Saudi market, which will become part of the MSCI emerging market benchmark this year, has started the year on a positive note, rising 7.6 percent so far this year. Foreign selling, which accelerated in the second half of 2018, is also showing signs of easing. Saudi exchange data released on Sunday showed foreigners were net buyers of 1.03 billion riyals ($274.60 million) of stocks last week, up from the 134.3 million riyals of stocks foreigners bought the week before. Most cement stocks also gained with Tabuk Cement increasing 4.8 percent after saying that it had exported 6,950 tonnes of cement to Yemen under a memorandum of understanding with International Tataloat Co. The Egyptian blue-chip index added 0.5 percent, with its biggest lender Commercial International Bank rising 3.4 percent. The Financial Regulatory Authority said it was considering the bank's request to increase its authorised capital to 50 billion Egyptian pounds ($2.80 billion) from 20 billion pounds. Qatar National Bank Alahly rose 5 percent after reporting an increase of more than 30 percent in its annual net profit and proposing a higher dividend for the same period. The bank also proposed a capital increase to 10.77 billion Egyptian pounds from 9.79 billion pounds by granting one bonus share for every 10 shares. Story continues Private equity firm Qalaa Holdings added 4.3 percent. The firm signed a memorandum of understanding to buy an additional stake in Egyptian Refining Co, owned by Qatar Petroleum. In Dubai, the index gained 0.4 percent, after three straight sessions of losses, partly lifted by gains in Emirates NBD, its largest bank. Emirates gained 1.1 percent after reporting a 10 percent rise in its fourth-quarter net profit as loan growth and improved margins offset lower income from investment securities and higher expenses. GFH Financial Group, whose primary listing is on the Bahrain stock exchange, added 2.4 percent after saying it had acquired Westside Office Business Park in the UK. It said it and its clients would invest up to 39.2 million pounds ($50.4 million). However, Developer DAMAC Properties dropped 2.3 percent, having plunged nearly 10 percent in the last session after BofA Merrill Lynch downgraded the stock to 'underperform' from 'neutral'. The Abu Dhabi index was flat with First Abu Dhabi Bank, United Arab Emirates' largest lender, slipping 0.4 percent in low volume. Energy firm Dana Gas added 5 percent but trading was suspended after an hour ahead of a board meeting called to discuss its operations in Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Iraqi Kurdistan. The firm did not announce the results of the meeting, and trading was suspended until market close. Qatar's index also traded flat, with Middle East's biggest lender, Qatar National Bank, shedding 0.5 percent despite reporting a increase in full-year net profit and total customer deposits. Arqaam Capital forecast a slowdown in the lender's earnings in 2019 on rising combined operating ratio, adding the bank is not immune to headwinds in Turkey. ($1 = 17.8600 Egyptian pounds) SAUDI The index rose 0.7 pct to ARABIA 8,406 points DUBAI The index gained 0.4 pct to 2,501 points EGYPT The index rose 0.5 pct to 13,510 points QATAR The index was flat at 10,762 points ABU DHABI The index was flat at 4,983 points KUWAIT The index was down 0.1 pct to 5,468 points BAHRAIN The index was flat at 1,340 points OMAN The index was down 0.5 pct at 4,258 points (Reporting by Shakeel Ahmad in Bengaluru; Editing by Jon Boyle) By Moses Kyeyune The leader of opposition in parliament Betty Aol has conceded to the decision by the speaker Rebecca Kadaga to have the tenure of Bugweri County Abdu Katuntu as Cosase chair extended to February. The decision was reached after a heated closed door meeting attended only by the Speaker, her deputy Jacoub Oulanyah and the Leader of Opposition as well as the shadow attorney general Wilfred Niwagaba (and shadow opposition whip, Mr Harold Mihindo. The five man team accepted that the outcome will be communicated by Kadaga herself. Speaking to the press in her boardroom, the leader of opposition has said there was a decision reached for the good of both the opposition and the institution of parliament. KFM has established that the negotiating team agreed that Katuntu will serve up to February 15, 2019 and not 20th as had been suggested by the speaker. We however await official communication from the speaker. A McDonald's employee holds a tray of Big Mac burgers at their fast food restaurant in central Moscow, Russia January 31, 2017. REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin (Reuters) - McDonald's Corp (MCD.N) has lost its rights to the trademark "Big Mac" in a European Union case ruling in favor of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac's, a decision from the EU's Spain-based Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) showed. The judgment, provided to Reuters by Supermac's, revoked McDonald's registration of the trademark, saying that the world's largest fast-food chain had not proven genuine use of it over the five years prior to the case being lodged in 2017. The EUIPO did not respond to phone calls and emails requesting comment. McDonald's was not immediately available to comment on the decision. The decision said the company can still appeal. With the revocation, Supermac's said it can now expand in the United Kingdom and Europe. The ruling also allows the Irish chain to use the "Big Mac" name on any food items it will sell. Supermac's said it had never had a product called "Big Mac" and that McDonald's had just used the similarity of the two names to block the Irish chain's expansion. "Supermac's are delighted with their victory in the trademark application and in revoking the Big Mac trademark which had been in existence since 1996," founder Pat McDonagh told Reuters in an email. "This is a great victory for business in general and stops bigger companies from "trademark bullying" by not allowing them to hoard trademarks without using them." (Reporting by Soundarya J in Bengaluru; editing by Patrick Graham) Several Kenyans took to Twitter to criticize the New York Times for publishing a graphic photo taken in the aftermath of a terrorist attack on Tuesday in Nairobi, with some users calling it insensitive and sensationalized. The U.S. newspaper published a photo of two bullet-ridden bodies slouched over tables at a restaurant in the hotel and office complex targeted by an al-Qaeda affiliate group in the East African nation. The attack claimed 14 lives, according to President Uhuru Kenyatta. We want to be respectful to the victims and to others affected by the attack, the New York Times said in a post on Twitter twtr . But we also believe it is important to give our readers a clear picture of the horror of an attack like this. Angry Twitter users told the New York Times nyt what they thought of the publications explanation. It is insensitive & does not add value to the story, tweeted Dennis Itumbi, a communications official with the Kenyan government. The nations Information, Communication and Technology Secretary Joe Mucheru summoned foreign journalists in the country for a briefing on Thursday morning. Africans have often used social media networks to complain about the negative portrayal of the continent that they say international media has tended to perpetuate instead of reporting on the regions booming economies and emerging middle class. LONDON, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that Tehran will be ready for a new satellite launch in a few months after a failed attempt this week, ignoring U.S. and European warnings to avoid such activity. "We have achieved a lot in satellite technology and we are on the right track. The remaining problems are minor and will be resolved in a few months and we will be ready again for a launch," Rouhani was quoted as saying by state broadcaster IRIB. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin; Editing by Catherine Evans) FILE PHOTO: The logo of French car manufacturer Renault is seen at a dealership of the company in Illkirch-Graffenstaden near Strasbourg, France, January 10, 2019. REUTERS/Vincent Kessler/File Photo By Laurence Frost and Gilles Guillaume PARIS (Reuters) - The French government is moving to dismiss Renault's (RENA.PA) scandal-hit Chairman and Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn and has requested a board meeting to consider candidates to replace him, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. France, Renault's biggest shareholder, had until now supported the company's decision to keep Ghosn in office while he awaits trial in Japan for alleged misconduct at Nissan , the French carmaker's alliance partner he also chaired until his dismissal in November. But the government, which commands a 15 percent Renault stake and two board seats, has asked the company to convene its nominations committee followed by a full board meeting on Jan. 20 to begin the process of appointing one or more successors to Ghosn, according to three people briefed on the process. A spokesman for Renault and a French finance ministry official both said they had no knowledge of plans for a weekend board meeting. Ghosn's Nov. 19 arrest in Japan and swift firing by Nissan have deepened tensions with Renault, which owns a 43.4 percent stake in the Japanese carmaker. The French move to replace Ghosn follows a decision by the Tokyo District Court earlier on Tuesday to deny the ousted chairman's request for release on bail. Ghosn has been charged over allegations he failed to disclose close to $80 million in additional compensation for 2010-18 that he had arranged to be paid later. Nissan director Greg Kelly and the company itself have also been indicted. Both men deny the deferred pay agreements were illegal or required disclosure, while former alliance boss Ghosn has denied a separate breach of trust charge over personal investment losses he temporarily transferred to Nissan in 2008. Jean-Dominique Senard, who is soon to step down as CEO of tyre maker Michelin, is likely to replace Ghosn as Renault chairman, according to two sources. The French state and its advisers are also considering candidates for the Renault CEO role currently occupied on an interim basis by Ghosn's deputy Thierry Bollore. Story continues Bollore is among contenders for the permanent CEO appointment. Others under consideration include senior Toyota executive Didier Leroy, Elior (ELIOR.PA) boss Philippe Guillemot and one other potential candidate, a source involved in the discussions said. "Philippe Guillemot denies being a candidate for Ghosn's succession," said a spokesman for food services group Elior. "It's possible that people considered him, but no more than that." Senard could alternatively be appointed chairman and CEO, taking over both of Ghosn's current roles, the source said. "All these options are on the table." Leroy declined to comment, and attempts by Reuters to reach Senard at Michelin were unsuccessful. Headhunting firms Korn Ferry and Emeric Lepoutre & Partners, which are involved in the executive search, could not be reached after hours. French officials had said Ghosn should be kept in office unless it became clear he would remain "incapacitated" for much longer, also hinting that Tuesday's court decision would be an "important development". Two senior French finance ministry officials were travelling to Tokyo on Tuesday for talks with Nissan stakeholders aimed at stabilising the alliance with Renault, daily Le Figaro reported. Nissan CEO Hiroto Saikawa said in a Monday interview he expected Renault to back the Japanese carmaker's ouster of Ghosn when its board of directors were finally given full access to the findings of its internal investigation. (Reporting by Laurence Frost; Editing by Georgina Prodhan, Jan Harvey and Chris Reese) Former Republican Gov. John Kasich of Ohio will join CNN as a senior political commentator, where he will appear as a guest on a number of platforms, CNN announced Tuesday. Earlier this week, CNBC reported that Kasich had been in talks with his advisors to join a major cable news network, pointing to either CNN or MSNBC. He ruled out working with Fox News Channel, though he previously hosted his own show, Heartland With John Kasich, on Fox News in the early 2000s. Reports circulated on Monday as Kasich left office that he signed a contract to be represented by United Talent Agency. Im excited to work with UTA to keep my voice active across the world and share my experiences and observations to help improve the lives of others, Kasich said in a statement. UTA co-president Jay Sures called Kasich one of the nations most unifying and inspiring political voices, according to Variety. The agency said it would help the politician navigate the next phase of his public and private life. Kasich has positioned himself as a staunch critic of the Trump administration within the Republican Party. His team and sources close to him say he will still consider a 2020 run against President Donald Trump, even as he joins CNN as a commentator, CNBC reported. CNN has cut ties with contributors in the past once they take steps to run for office, the outlet noted. Kasichs first appearance as a CNN contributor will be on Cuomo Prime Time on Tuesday night. Fortune has reached out to Kasichs team for comment. By Michael Nienaber BERLIN (Reuters) - As a golden era for its exporters fades, Germany is scrambling to secure its interests in Beijing, but China's transformation from customer to competitor is forcing Europe's largest economy to make changes at home. China has been crucial to Germany's recent expansion, sucking in German cars and industrial goods to create the infrastructure that has allowed it to grow into the world's second-largest economy. But the great export boom, turbocharged by the euro replacing the stronger deutschmark, is fading as China moves up the value chain and innovates faster than many German firms, which are also caught in the crossfire of U.S. President Donald Trump's 'America First' trade policies. Foreign trade acted as a drag as imports grew faster than exports in 2018 and the German economy posted its weakest growth in five years, official figures showed on Tuesday. While German exports to China still grew by nearly 10 percent year-on-year from January to November, Chinese demand for 'Made in Germany' goods is waning. "The business outlook for German companies in China is getting clouded," said Volker Treier of Germany's DIHK Chambers of Industry and Commerce. In November alone, German exports to China grew only by 1.4 percent, Treier said. A general cooling of the Chinese economy and the uncertainty caused by the U.S. tariff dispute are hurting Sino-German trade. With German industry pressing for a more robust approach to China, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz heads to Beijing this week to seek better access for his country's businesses, especially banks and insurance companies. German policymakers and business executives say China's state-driven economic model leaves them at a disadvantage. With its "Made in China 2025" plan, Beijing is pushing domestic development of technologies such as electric cars. Abroad, it is buying know-how through acquisitions of firms such as German robotics maker Kuka. Berlin stresses its "close and advantageous trade relations" with China, whose rise has demoted Germany from third biggest economy in the world to fourth. "At the same time, we are increasingly looking to better protect and strengthen sensitive German and European business sectors from state-run strategic overseas acquisitions," an Economy Ministry spokeswoman said. In an unusual move, Germany's influential BDI industry association last week called for tougher European Union policies towards China and urged companies to rely less on the Chinese market. TOUGH TALKS Chancellor Angela Merkel prefers to resolve differences with China through dialogue, rather than adopting Trump's approach of threatening trade tariffs. In this spirit, Scholz will seek to persuade Vice Premier Liu He that Beijing should be more open to foreign firms. In November, Beijing let Germany's Allianz Group establish China's first foreign insurance holding company. Scholz is expected to use the talks to tell China that it is in its own interests to further open up its economy and create mutually fair conditions for trade and competition, and to ease tensions with the United States. The question is whether Beijing shares this view. China's mix of state aid for domestic companies and restrictions on foreign firms has helped Chinese manufacturers to dominate the local market for electric vehicles, giving them a springboard for large-scale exports. The challenge is illustrated by Volkswagen's plan to invest billions of dollars in electric vehicles over the next few years, part of a $300 billion surge by global automakers with nearly half of the money targeted at China. Herbert Diess, chief executive of VW, which has decades-old joint ventures with two of China's largest automakers, has said: "The future of Volkswagen will be decided in the Chinese market." During his visit in Beijing from Thursday to Friday, Scholz will push for Germany to become a center for Chinese and renminbi-denominated financial products in Europe. Germany hopes to benefit from Britain's decision to leave the EU as banks shift some operations from London to Frankfurt. GERMAN HOMEWORK At home, Germany is responding to China's emergence as a competitor with moves to protect its knowledge economy and stimulate the domestic demand it needs to promote growth as exports wane. Pivoting to domestic-driven growth is a major shift for Germany, whose post-war 'economic miracle' was largely export-driven. Last month, the government agreed tougher rules for screening and even blocking purchases of stakes in German firms by non-Europeans to fend off unwanted takeovers by Chinese investors in strategic areas. Germany also wants to use some of its export-generated budget surplus to fund domestic stimulus and rebalance the economy. Child benefit is due to rise this year, and legislators from Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) have discussed new tax cuts. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, who succeeded Merkel as CDU leader late last year, and Economy Minister Peter Altmaier say tax cuts should be used as a stimulus to pre-empt a possible downturn. "The fiscal measures currently implemented and discussed by the government will surely give the economy a push this year," said Stefan Kipar, head of economic research at BayernLB. "So there is some rebalancing taking place, with domestic demand sucking in more imports, but the fiscal measures so far agreed by the cabinet are probably not enough to give the euro zone economy as a whole a really big push." Thomas Gitzel from VP Bank agreed. "Now is high time for the government to start a broad infrastructure spending program," he said. (Additonal reporting by Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Paul Carrel and Giles Elgood) * One of three trains shut due to mechanical issue * Outage may boost Asian LNG prices -sources * Heat wave sweeps across Australia (Adds details) By Jessica Jaganathan SINGAPORE, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Chevron Corp's Gorgon liquefied natural gas (LNG) project has temporarily halted train 3 to address a mechanical issue, a company spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday. The cause of the halt is being investigated, he said. "There is no interruption to trains 1 and 2 and we continue to produce LNG and load cargoes," he said. The outage is expected to boost Asian LNG prices (LNG-AS) that are currently at an eight-month low and their weakest for this time of year in at least two years due to a mild winter in East Asia, industry sources said. "It should lend some support to prices," a Singapore-based LNG trader said. The mechanical issue is likely due to a heat wave sweeping across Australia, industry sources said, though this could not be confirmed with Chevron. Higher than usual temperatures have the potential to affect the cooling processes of an LNG plant. The past four days are all among Australia's top 10 warmest days on record, according to the country's Bureau of Meteorology in a tweet on Wednesday. Only one cargo loaded this week, with another currently loading from the Gorgon project at Barrow Island off Western Australia, compared with three last week and five the week before, shipping data from Refinitiv Eikon showed. The three-train Gorgon project, one of the world's largest natural gas projects, can produce 15.6 million tonnes of LNG annually from its three trains, according to Chevron's website. Chevron is the Gorgon project operator, with its Australian subsidiary holding a controlling 47.3 percent. Exxon Mobil Corp and Royal Dutch Shell each have a 25 percent share, and the rest is held by Japan's Osaka Gas, Tokyo Gas and JERA . (Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan; Editing by Tom Hogue) Investing.com - Bitcoin and other major digital coin prices dropped on Wednesday in Asia, after South Africa joined a growing list of countries to announce plans for tighter regulation of cryptocurrencies. South Africa's central bank outlined plans for new rules that would hold crypto exchanges accountable for ensuring that trade in crypto assets complies with anti money-laundering regulation. Japan, Denmark and Bulgaria have all announced intentions to regulate crypto trading more tightly this week, in line with a commitment announced by the leaders of the G20 group of nations at their summit in Buenos Aires last month. Bitcoin, the worlds largest digital coin, lost 1.81% to $3,577.4 by 12:58 AM ET (06:58 GMT). Ethereum slid 6.59% to $119.4, XRP was down 1.86% to $0.32346, and Litecoin dropped 3.66% to $30.767. Most major crypto assets had staged a mild recovery on Tuesday. The South African Reserve Bank's consultation paper didn't propose banning trade in cryptocurrencies. In order to achieve anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements, more specific requirements will be necessary in line with the recent amendments to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations, the paper read, adding that regulatory action should not be delayed. It is soliciting opinions until February 15. FATF, the global anti-money-laundering body, is expected to release guidelines for new rules on the oversight of cryptocurrencies by June 2019. In South Africa, the proposed rules require all cryptocurrency asset trading platforms, custodial service providers, and payment service providers to register with the authorities and comply with the AML/CFT provisions of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act. Cryptocurrency service providers should also monitor user transactions, especially large transactions that could be related to terrorism. The G20's declaration covers economies that account for over 90% of world GDP. However, smaller jurisdictions and offshore tax havens such as the Marshall Islands are still plowing ahead. Story continues The island nation is developing its national cryptocurrency known as Sovereign (SOV), which could be launched this year. The team behind the digital coin said last week that it had made significant progress in finding partners, investors, and developers to realise the project. Major financial bodies such as the International Monetary Fund and the U.S. Treasury Department have criticised the project, warning of potential costs arising from economic, reputational, AML/CFT, and governance risks. Related Articles Oceans Apart: Crypto Regulation in the US and EU Total Value of Bitcoin Sent to Darknet Markets Increased by 70% in 2018: Report CoinDesks Crypto-Economic Data Is Now Accessible on GitHub (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. will cut back on hiring for some divisions after selling fewer iPhones than expected and missing its revenue forecast for the holiday quarter, according to people familiar with the matter. Tim Cook, Apples chief executive officer, made the disclosure to employees earlier this month in a meeting the day after he penned a letter to investors about the companys recent struggles, particularly in China. During the meeting, Cook was asked if the company would impose a hiring freeze in response. He said he didnt believe that was the solution. Instead, Cook said some divisions would reduce hiring, according to the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. Cook said he is yet to fully determine which divisions would cut back on hiring, but said that key groups such as Apples artificial intelligence team would continue to add new employees at a strong pace. He also emphasized that a divisions importance to Apples future isnt measured by hiring rates. An Apple spokesman didnt respond to a request for comment. Apple has been on a hiring spree in the past decade, but the pace of headcount growth has slowed in recent years. The company added about 9,000 workers in its most-recent fiscal year for a total of 132,000. A year earlier, Apple added roughly 7,000 employees. The hiring pullback wont affect plans to open new offices in Austin, Texas, nor expand in the Los Angeles area, where Apple is building out its original video content team, the CEO also said. Following Cooks talk with employees, some Apple senior vice presidents held separate meetings with vice presidents, senior directors and other managers in their groups to emphasize that the iPhone sales slowdown is an opportunity for new innovation, according to one of the people. On Jan. 2, Apple cut revenue guidance for the holiday quarter to $84 billion from between $89 billion and $93 billion. That was the first time Apple reduced its sales forecast in almost two decades. The company blamed the lower outlook on weaker iPhone sales due to economic and industry headwinds, mostly in China. Story continues The Cupertino, California-based technology giant also said iPhone upgrades were not as strong as expected in some developed markets because of fewer carriers subsidizing phone purchases, higher prices and consumers holding on to older iPhones longer due to cheaper battery replacements. In a memo to employees after the announcement, Cook told staff that he wouldnt use "external forces" as an excuse. "This moment gives us an opportunity to learn and to take action," he added. While lower iPhone sales dragged down revenue, Cook noted earlier this month that the companys services business would grow to $10.8 billion in sales during the holiday quarter. In his meeting with employees, Cook stressed the importance of services to the companys future. In recent months, Apple has signaled a shift in its services strategy, opening up Apple Music to Amazon devices, adding the ability to stream media directly from iPhones and iPads to TV sets and releasing an iTunes video streaming app for Samsung TVs. The company is continuing to work on new partnerships and plans to expand services like Apple Music to more third-party platforms, according to a person familiar with the strategy. The missed iPhone sales and reduction in hiring come just months after the iPhone maker became the first U.S. publicly traded company to pass the $1 trillion market capitalization threshold. Since then, Apple has lost almost $300 billion in value. --With assistance from Ian King. To contact the reporter on this story: Mark Gurman in San Francisco at mgurman1@bloomberg.net To contact the editors responsible for this story: Tom Giles at tgiles5@bloomberg.net, Alistair Barr, Andrew Pollack For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com 2019 Bloomberg L.P. William Barr appears for his confirmation hearing. Credit: Diego M. Radzinschi / NLJ Amid concerns about the future of the Russia investigation, William Barr declined Tuesday to commit to recusing himself from overseeing the probe if confirmed as attorney general, telling senators he would consult with the Justice Departments career ethics staff but that the decision would ultimately be his to make. Barr, a Kirkland & Ellis counsel who previously led the Justice Department under the George H.W. Bush administration, said he would make the decision to oversee special counsel Robert Mueller IIIs probe in good faith. His comments came in response to questioning from Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vermont, who inquired about an unsolicited June 2018 memo Barr sent to Justice Department officials, deriding a possible obstruction of justice inquiry as fatally misconceived. But Barr, earlier in his testimony, sought to quell concerns that he would undermine the Russia investigation, affirming he would allow the special counsel to complete the probe into the Kremlins interference in the 2016 presidential election. The nominee, in a quick-fire exchange with Senate Judiciary Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, spoke of his respect for a number of Justice Department officials whove been the frequent target of President Donald Trumps ire and aspersions. Barr said he didnt believe Mueller would be involved in a witch hunt. He said former Attorney General Jeff Sessions probably did the right thing by recusing himself from the early investigation into Russian interference. And lastly, the nominee said he held a very high opinion of (Deputy Attorney General) Rod Rosenstein, who has overseen the probe since Sessions recusal. Under questioning from Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the top Democrat on the committee, Barr said he and Mueller were good friends and vowed he would give the special counsel the time and funds necessary for the investigation. Barr on Tuesday did not commit to fully disclosing a final report of Muellers findings to Congress or the public. He told Feinstein that, at the inquirys close, he plans to make as much information available as I can consistent with the rules and regulations. Asked by Feinstein whether that applied to a possible report on obstruction of justice findings, Barr replied: Thats the same answer. Barr also repeatedly told senators he would not terminate Mueller without good cause. Frankly its unimaginable to me that Bob would ever do anything that gave rise to good cause, he later told Leahy. But in theory if something happened that was good cause, for me actually it would take more than that. Itd have to be pretty grave, and public interest would essentially have to compel it, because I believe right now the overarching public interest is to allow him to finish. Barrs nomination has been under intense scrutiny since Trump picked him in November to head the Justice Department following the forced resignation of Sessions. Barr would replace acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker, whose own installation atop Justice is at the center of much litigation in federal courts. The special counsel probe is widely believed to be winding down, which has thrust Barrs nomination even further into the spotlight. Once Mueller completes his probe, he is required by Justice Department regulation to submit a confidential report on his findings to the attorney general. Barr then is expected to report to the heads of the House and Senate Judiciary committees, explaining why theyve chosen to act, or not act, on parts of the special counsels findings. But Democrats are concerned Barr might not commit to full disclosure of Muellers findings to Congress, and therefore the public. Story continues Inside the Hearing Tuesdays hearingthe first half of a two-day sessioncomes nearly three decades after Barr testified in a confirmation hearing during his first bid to be U.S. attorney general under then-President George H.W. Bush. He served in that role from 1991 to 1993. Familiar faces from that era dotted the crowd Tuesday: McGuireWoods partner George Terwilliger, a former acting attorney general who served as Barrs deputy from 1991 to 1993, attended the proceeding in a show of support. Two of the senators who questioned Barr in 1991Leahy and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowawere still on the committees dais Tuesday. Former Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, who was also on the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991 and retired from Congress this January, introduced Barr on Tuesday. He praised the nominee as a lawyers lawyer. Backers and critics of Barrs nomination alike descended upon the hearing room in anticipation of the days grilling. A few Justice Department officials attended the days proceeding, including Steve Engel who heads the DOJs Office of Legal Counsel, Beth Williams from the Office of Legal Policy, and Jody Hunt who leads the Civil Division. Also spotted in hearing room Tuesday: Vanita Gupta and Kristine Lucius of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a left-leaning civil rights group that has urged senators to question Barr on his commitment to enforcing civil rights laws. During his opening remarks, Barr gave a shout-out to his family, including daughters Mary Daly, a lawyer working on opioid enforcement in Rosensteins office, and Margaret Barr, a former assistant U.S. attorney in D.C. who now works on Capitol Hill. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale that opened its doors to the public this December lines up an amazing array of art works from thirty one countries. More than ninety works of art awaits the viewers pouring in each day, unveiling the brave new frontiers of artistic expression. The countrys largest art exposition steals the limelight this year by lining up the highest numbers of women in its short history. The 4th KMB can boast of a whopping sixty percent of women artists. And, not to mention the fact that the curator of this edition is a woman. Anita Dubey, the first female curator of the KMB was busy with her responsibilities at Pepper House, one of the Biennale venues in Fort Kochi. This is a dream ! A space where an amazing array of women artists from the Guerilla Girls to the weaver woman from Kerala brush shoulders with each other, said Dubey briefly, before plunging into her hectic responsibilities. In this series, four of the women artists who are present at the 4th KMB each one flaunting their own distinctive ideas and approaches talk about their art and life. Here's Sue Williamson talking about her work: The five ships of slavery - Sue Williamson White garments that sway in the breeze, hanging down from the clothesline. One of them carries the inscription: Name: Jacob, Place of Birth: Kochi, Age: 18, Sex: Male, Seller: Jan Kakkaler, Buyer: Pierre Simond, Price: Rds 80, Sold at: Cape Town 8.4.1694 Its the details of a slave who was transported to Cape Town from Kochi in the 17th century. At the venue of the KMB, you come face to face with the historical facts that it was not just the spices and coffee, but human beings were also shipped out of Malabar and Travancore. It is part of an installation made by the internationally renowned artist Sue Williamson at the Aspinwall House as part of the KMB. Williamson who had migrated to Africa from Britain had witnessed the dark ages of apartheid. She was in the forefront of the resistance put up by the African artists against apartheid during the seventies. The documents about the slaves shipped off from Kerala were obtained from the archived files of Dutch East India Company at the Deeds Office of Cape Town, Williamson says. The seventy-seven year old Williamsons next installation also features the slave trade. Here are the slaves who were shipped off from Western and Central Africa for the United States of America during the 19th century. They were transported in ships along the Atlantic passage. Five major ships used for the slave trade that contained the most authentic documents have been re-created symbolically for this installation. Five huge nets are filled with bottles filled with brown-coloured water. The names of the slaves have also been inscribed. These details are from the Archival Shipping Records. Williamson was talking to us while spending time with her two children and three grand children in Cape Town. The KMB that presents such a large number of artists is certainly heartening. Id received the best of professional support here. Kerala knows how to respect an artist in the real sense. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale that opened its doors to the public this December lines up an amazing array of art works from thirty one countries. More than ninety works of art awaits the viewers pouring in each day, unveiling the brave new frontiers of artistic expression. The countrys largest art exposition steals the limelight this year by lining up the highest numbers of women in its short history. The 4th KMB can boast of a whopping sixty percent of women artists. And, not to mention the fact that the curator of this edition is a woman. Anita Dubey, the first female curator of the KMB was busy with her responsibilities at Pepper House, one of the Biennale venues in Fort Kochi. This is a dream! A space where an amazing array of women artists from the Guerilla Girls to the weaver woman from Kerala brush shoulders with each other, said Dubey briefly, before plunging into her hectic responsibilities. In this series, four of the women artists who are present at the 4th KMB each one flaunting their own distinctive ideas and approaches talk about their art and life. Here's Nilima Sheikh talking about her work: With the angels of the earth Nilima Sheikh The seventy-two year old Nilima Sheikh was the first artist chosen by Anita Dubey for the KMB. One of the most well-known visual artists of India, the epitome of female strength whose works reflected the contradictions of the Indian society upon her canvass the descriptions for Nilima Sheikh are endless. But, Sheikh chose to portray for the KMB, the angels of Kerala. Each child is born into the hands of a nurse. Throughout the rest of our lives, its the nurses that offer us solace whenever were struck down by the health. Sheikh is throwing towards us not just images that make us pause and think, but questions that force us to think too. This installation, Salam Chechi, is dedicated not just to all the nurses who have intervened in my life so far, but to all the nurses who dedicate their lives to offer solace to the sick. There were some smart Malayali nurses among those who were nursing my parents when they were ailing. Their duty was in two shifts. But they would never run off grabbing their bags the moment their shift was over. Theyd leave only after the next person arrives and they hand over the duty with all the necessary information exchanged. Id found their humanity more attractive than even their extreme professionalism. As I chose this subject, I conducted a lot of research and enquiries all over the world and learnt a lot about the Malayali nurses who were working under harsh conditions leaving their families behind in different parts of the world. After collecting all that information, there was no turning back on this project. Sheikhs installation carries images from the diverse moments of the nurses routine work. Her canvasses carry images and words that reflect the motherly instinct and the touch of healing. Her husband is the renowned artist and pedagogue Gulam Muhammed Sheikh who was also her teacher. They have two children, one daughter who is a historian and a son who works as a public health professional. The Sheikhs live and work in Baroda. With the British parliament rejecting the Prime Minister Teresa Mays painstakingly drafted British exit (Brexit) deal for leaving the European Union (EU), the government has been plunged into an immediate crisis with the Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbin tabling a no-confidence motion. The parliament will discuss the no-confidence motion on Wednesday. Mays plan was voted down with a majority of 230 votes, with only 202 voting in support of the deal that spells out the conditions for Britains decision to exit from the European Union taken following a nation-wide referendum taken on June 23, 2016. A total of 432 members voted against Mays deal including 118 members from her own Conservative Party. Only 196 members from the Conservatives supported May, while three members from the opposition Labour Party as well as three independents also stood with her. Following the referendum, the proceedings for Britain to leave the EU as stipulated in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty were initiated on March 29, 2019. According to these proceedings, Britain will cease to be a part of the EU on March 29, 2019, which leaves just 73 days. The UK and the EU countries had been working out the withdrawal agreement charting out the details of the exit. The deal was supposed to chart out the status of the UK citizens living in the EU countries and how much money the UK will have to pay for leaving. What will happen now ? Five possibilities are being considered while discussing the immediate future of Brexit and the British government now. 1. Reconsiderations and negotiations If Teresa May manages to tide over the no-confidence motion, the government will get three more days to hold renegotiations and come up with new suggestions. May has promised that the alternate suggestions could be tabled next Monday (January 21). May is hopeful that though more than 100 members of her own party had voted to defeat the Brexit deal, they would support her in fighting the no-confidence motion. If that happens, the government will not fall and renegotiations could be held. 2. New government The British parliament rejected the Prime Minister Teresa Mays painstakingly drafted British exit (Brexit) deal with an overwhelming majority In case the no-confidence motion wins and May is forced to resign, a new government may come to power with new leadership. This government could initiate the reconsiderations and renegotiations. Or, they could conduct a second referendum. 3. General election If the no-confidence motion manages to force the present government out and yet no new government could be formed, then fresh polls may be expected. The proceedings for the elections would need at least five weeks. 4. Second referendum The 2016 referendum had given only a narrow margin to Brexit. Many of the officials and the public had later expressed their opinion that a pro-Brexit stance was taken rather impulsively. It is widely believed that a second referendum may actually vote against Brexit. The possibilities for a second referendum are high in case of the formation of a new government on Mays exit or in case of a new Government getting formed following elections. With the second referendum expected to be against Brexit, it may be possible for Britain to escape from the complications. 5. No deal exit The last possibility would be a no-deal exit for Britain from the EU. However, this is feared to result in total chaos as the conditions for trade and diplomatic relationships between Britain and the EU countries would remain undefined. The prospects of travel would also be greatly affected. Is Britain really out ? Will the Brexit cease to exist with the deal getting defeated in the Parliament? Or, will Brexit continue to be a reality ? These are natural doubts that would spring to mind. Any country that initiates the proceedings under Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty to leave EU will be automatically out of the EU on completion of two years since the initiation of the proceedings. As per this rule, Britain, whose Article 50 proceedings were initiated on March 29, 2017, will cease to be a part of the EU at 11 p.m. British Time on March 29, 2019. It cannot be reverted. However, in the light of the current crisis, Britain could ask for extending of the deadline, which could be ratified by the EU. It is expected that under the present circumstances, the EU may give an extension of the deadline without much hitch. It is also pointed out that Britain still has the possibilities to revert the Brexit. The EU leadership had already dropped hints that the time for rethinking is not yet out. Even though there are member countries that are against any recalling of the exiting member, in case Britain takes a decision to revert the Brexit, that might be universally accepted. However, under the present circumstances only 73 days remain for Britain to sever ties with the EU. Read more: Latest World news Kottayam: Four nuns who protested against Bishop Franco Mulakkal over allegations of sexual misconduct have been transferred by the Missionaries of Jesus. In March 2018, a transfer order was first issued but the protesting nuns defied the directive. The fresh order comes with a warning that action will be taken against them if they do not comply with the March order. Sister Anupama, who has been transferred to Punjab, said that the transfer order was aimed at punishing the nuns for speaking out against Bishop Franco. Bishop Franco Mulakkal However, the victim nun, who complained that the Bishop sexually assaulted her, has not been transferred. The four protesting nuns have been transferred to four different locations. In her complaint to the Kottayam Police in June, the victim nun had alleged that Bishop Mulakkal raped her at a guest house in Kuravilangad in May 2014 and later abused her on several occasions. The nun said she had to approach the police as the Church authorities did not act on her repeated complaints against the clergyman. However, Mulakkal has denied the charges as "baseless and concocted," insisting the nun levelled those as the Catholic order had rejected her demand for favours. Mulakkal, who is out on bail, was directed by the court to surrender his passport and not to enter Kerala state except for appearing before the probe officer. Thiruvananthapuram: As another Lok Sabha election approaches, rumours about likely candidates are swirling. Political observers and public are curious to know if film actors will be in the fray from any of the 20 constituencies in Kerala. After actor Suresh Gopi, who is a Rajya Sabha MP, indicated his candidature depends on nod from the BJP leadership, talks on the chances of big stars like Mohanlal and Mammootty are very much on. Rumours of Mohanlal contesting for the BJP from Thiruvananthapuram have been doing the rounds for some time now and the CPM is reportedly considering proposals to field Mammootty from the Ernakulam seat. Though already an MP, Suresh Gopi too could seek the peoples mandate. He had said the BJP leadership is yet to hold talks with him about Lok Sabha bid. It is up to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and national organising secretary BL Santosh to decide on the candidacy, the actor had said. No decisions have been made yet, added Suresh Gopi. Mohanlals meeting with Modi in Delhi a few months ago had triggered talks of his entering electoral politics. Neither Mohanlal nor the BJP confirmed such reports. However, sources close to Lal say he might not contest in 2019. The BJP is confident of its chances in Thiruvananthapuram, and is searching for an ideal candidate. Talks of bringing back Mizoram governor Kummanam Rajasekharan into active politics by offering him the seat too are making the rounds, though the party's concern is about the impropriety of getting him to contest days after resigning from the constitutional position. Mammoottys chairmanship at Kairali TV channel and his close ties with top CPM members could make his chances of getting a Lok Sabha ticket easy. The party is still mulling over a suitable man for the Ernakulam seat, which is a Congress bastion. Meanwhile, the chances of actor Innocent, MP, contesting from Chalakkudy are poor. It is too early to say which all stars are going to bring that extra shine to Lok Sabha polls 2019. Trade unions of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation decided to defer the proposed strike from midnight following conciliatory talks initiated by the government. The decision to defer the strike was taken after the unions reached a consensus on several issues during a meeting with Transport Minister A K Saseendran on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, although the Kerala High Court had ordered the trade unions not to go ahead with the indefinite strike, the workers had vowed to continue with it. The HC had directed the trade unions to take part in the conciliation talks with the KSRTC authorities slated for Thursday. Hearing a plea filed against the strike by the Pala-based Centre for Consumer Education, the HC also flayed the KSRTC MD for the delay in holding talks. The talks were delayed though the notice for the strike was issued on January 1, the HC observed. The HC also said that the MD had the responsibility to hear the issues raised by the employees. The rights of the passengers should also be taken into account while holding a strike, the HC noted. The strike was called by trade unions affiliated to the ruling Left front as well as the opposition parties. Talks between KSRTC Managing Director Tomin Thachankary and the unions in the morning failed to end the deadlock. However, Thachankary told reporters that steps would be taken to prevent the disruption of services. The unions had pointed out that Transport Minister A K Saseendran hadn't even called a meeting to discuss their grievances. Assurances given by him when a strike was announced on October 2, 2018, were not fulfilled, they charged. The demands of the trade unions include rejig of single-duty roster, resolution of the crisis sparked by trimming of schedules and reinstatement of sacked employees. The management wants the unions to abandon the strike as the KSRTC was facing a financial crisis. The strike call was made by major trade unions incuding the CITU, INTUC and AITUC. The Centre for Consumer Education had pleaded before the court that the demands of the trade unions were beyond the purview of the KSRTC. Varappuzha: Kochi girl Hanan, who rose to fame after a photo of her selling fish to raise money for her studies went viral, was injured in an accident on Tuesday. She was injured as her head hit a car's door while she was returning after purchasing fish from Varapuzha market. The 21-year-old, who runs a fish outlet, normally purchases fish from Varapuzha and sells it at Kaloor market. The driver of the car immediately took a bleeding Hanan to a nearby medical centre. She was then taken to a hospital at Edappally. Preliminary reports said that her injuries were not of serious nature. This is her second accident in five months. She had to wear a belt after her spine was injured when her car hit an electric pole in Kothaparambu near Kodungallur in September, 2018. She was returning after a stage show. A miscreant had even taken a photo of Hanan recuperating in the ICU. The photo of Hanan selling fish had gone viral. A B.Sc student at a private college at Thodupuzha in Idukki district, Hanan's story had gone viral after media reported her struggles. However, a section of social media users expressed doubts about her struggles and claimed it was 'fake.' Hanan had earlier suffered an accident in September, 2018. The Kerala government soon came out in support of the college student and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed police to initiate action against those who launched the abusive propaganda on social media platforms. After recovering from her accident, Hanan had started an e-business platform, Hanan's Viral Fish, that offers door delivery of packaged, ready-to-cook fish. Her business venture was inaugurated by acclaimed actor Salim Kumar in December. Hanan at her fishing outlet. Read more: Latest Kerala news Kochi: The intelligence agencies have received vital information about a criminal gang that was instrumental in bringing a group of refugees to Munambam for trafficking to Australia in a fishing vessel. They also suspect the gang must have extorted money from the people under the pretext of taking them to Australian coast. The criminal background of a few people who visited the refugees during their stay at Cherai supports their conclusion. The police have zeroed in on the racket that thrives on Sri Lankan refugees living in the slums of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The fraudsters took money from the people by promising them jobs in countries such as Australia, Malaysia and Korea. The intelligence sleuths have received evidence of the racketeers supplying forged documents to the refugees after taking them to Delhi. Such refugees are desperate to come out of the Indian camps and obtain jobs in a foreign country, but get duped in a big way. Human trafficking agencies dealing with Sri Lankan migrants are rife in Tamil Nadu. They manage to procure travel documents by submitting fake ID proofs and thus the refugees fly out to foreign countries. The 'sleeping cells' of the proscribed LTTE play a major role in human trafficking in order to guarantee a secure life for its sympathisers. A single boat might have been too small to carry the entire team that arrived at Munambam harbour. Hence, it could be assumed more boats were used to transport the refugees if they left the Kerala shores by Sunday dawn itself. However, efforts to locate the vessel went in vain. There are reports that the boat used for human trafficking was purchased after paying a hefty price. The police are doubtful whether the group has reached its overseas destination. Had they departed on boats, there is all likelihood for the Coast Guard or Navy to trace them as they would not have covered a safe distance. The travel bags might have been abandoned as the group had to shift to some other locations after they dropped their travel plans. Cherai resorts sealed The police have sealed six resorts where the group stayed at Cherai, on Kochi coast, for detailed examination. Around 45 people have stayed in the homestays and resorts at Cherai. According to eyewitness accounts, the refugee team that left the resorts around midnight was perturbed and the women were in tears. There is evidence that a baby and a child in the group were treated at a private hospital at Kuzhipilly, and the team asked medicines for a month, said hospital authorities. It has also come to light that the voyagers had stayed at various hotels at Kodungalloor in Thrissur district before commencing their long trip on boats from Munambam. Police said Tamils Sreekanthan, 30, and Selvam, 45, had stayed at Hotel Indraprastham at East Nada, along with two women. The group had furnished ID proofs to book rooms, said hotel authorities. They had earlier visited the hotel five times between November 28 and December 28. "They told us they are here to visit temples," said the hotel authorities. Police have taken relevant details from hotel. Sreekanthan is the co-owner of 'Dayamatha', the fishing vessel which was used for human trafficking. Police raided his house at Venganoor in Kovalam. Sreekanthan, a native of Thakkala in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, has been staying at Paruthi Vila, near Venganoor, along with an elderly woman and a 10-year-old boy for more than three years. Another batch of 15 people comprising women and children stayed at Hotel Vanchinad at Kodungalloor for two days. This group, which was led by Thiruvananthapuram native Sreemani of Uthodathu Nagar, Kakkavu, had reached the hotel on January 7 and booked three rooms by producing passports and other documents. They checked out after two days, a probe revealed. Role of Thiruvananthapuram residents The police are also probing the role of Thiruvanathapuram natives in the human trafficking case. Sreekanthan had told his neighbours that he was gearing up for a long journey and would return only after two months. The local residents said the family left the place on the night of January 7 with a heavy luggage. The neighbours have said over 10 Tamil speaking people were with Sreekanthan. It is believed Sreekanthan had transferred to co-owner Anil Kumar, a part of investment for the boat on the same day. Read more: Latest Kerala news Kozhikode: The Kerala Traffic Police on Wednesday launched a mobile app to guide the drivers from traffic chaos. The app, 'Qkopy', will be available only in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode city limits for the time being and will soon spread to other parts of the state. Traffic jams, diversions and announcements would be available through this app. Smartphone users can download the app through Playstore or App Store after saving the mobile phone number of their respective city traffic police. For Kozhikode, the number is +91 94979 75656. The users can also log in to http://qk.gl/citytraffickozhikode to download the app. The corresponding number for the users in Thiruvananthapuram is +91 94979 02341 and the website is http://qk.gl/citytraffictrivandrum Police informed that they would also provide a platform to chat and directly communicate with the officials for any query regarding traffic in these cities through Qkopy. Apart from the notifications and announcements, there would be awareness messages regarding safe driving. Read more Kerala News Two days after Industries Minister E P Jayarajan said that it was tsunami and not mining that had devastated Alappad, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conceded that mining had indeed caused problems for the coastal panchayat in Kollam. The chief minister's intervention came during a high-level meeting of elected representatives and officials here on Wednesday. During the meeting, the government shed its uncompromising stand and met the preconditions set by the agitators half way. It rejected the agitators' demand for a cessation of all mining activities in the area, but ordered that sea wash mining be put on hold till a scientific study is carried out. Karunagapally MLA R Ramachandran also took the stand that scientific mining activities, other than sea wash excavation, should not be stopped. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan This softened stance will enable the agitators to hold talks with the government delegation led by industries minister E P Jayarajan on January 17. Both India Rare Earths Limited and Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited had been consistently saying that sea wash mining was done in the most scientific manner. Sea wash mining has been going on in the area even before 1963, when the IRE began operations in the area. The Assembly Committee on Environment, after visiting the village in December 2017, had also called for a six-month break in between sea wash mining activities, or the excavation of minerals deposited on the beach by the sea waves. Industries Minister E P Jayarajan IRE officials state that the mining plan for collecting beach wash mineral sand per annum has been approved by Indian Bureau of Mines and Atomic Mineral Directorate. The company also stated that the sea wash collection was being done only at a small portion, while the rest of the area had sea wall protection. Two more decisions that would encourage the agitators to hold talks with the government were also taken at the high-level meeting. An expert committee would be set up to study the impact of mining in the area. The committee will probe the damage done to the environment and livelihood of locals. A monitoring committee chaired by the district collector will be set up to supervise mining activities in the area. The committee will have as its members government officials, environmentalists, subject experts, and people's representatives. Incidentally, both the measures were recommended in the report of the Assembly Committee tabled in the House in February 2018. Let me begin with a disclaimer. I consider myself to be a new-gen politician who regularly interprets excel sheets, spends a fair share of time reading online content and doesn't miss an opportunity to watch my favourite series on Netflix or Amazon. On the professional front, being an elected representative, I enjoy interacting with the local community on social media, mostly through platforms like Facebook and Whatsapp. The advent of social media has not only reduced the power-distance but also paved way for active communication enabling addressing of people's concerns, both of which are very consummating. In the same breath, I should confess that I was pleasantly surprised that a random search for Aryanad a primarily rural panchayat in my constituency springs up hundreds of tech-savvy users on Instagram. If you need to further assess my Social Media Quotient, the fact that the latest online fads the 'one minute to fame' apps like TikTok, Smule and Musically still elude me shows that I have not yet reached that illusory social media milestone. December 2018 proved to be a starkly turbulent time in cyberspace which saw polarising discussions on matters like Sabarimala entry, Women's wall and Rafale deal in the forefront. Though it served to get a 360 degree view of opinions, it did bring out some sensible and some unsavoury expressions from various sources. I couldn't but notice that the fine line between acceptable and unacceptable forms of expressions was beyond blur! On one such day, while browsing, I accidentally stumbled upon a particular video-clip which would soon become an internet sensation in the vernacular. The TikTok clip which came to be infamously known as 'Sateeshante Mon' (meaning son of Satheeshan, whom we will refer to as Mr S, here) featured a couple of school-going girls venting their anger in unparliamentary words against an ex-lover boy whom I presume is the son of Mr S. The story didn't end there, and was followed by an angry repartee by the prodigal son of Mr S, once again in a derogatory manner. These videos were instantly shared by thousands of social media users and almost became a hot topic of discussion among the Malayali youth. Even when one doesn't need to pass any moralistic judgment here I definitely cannot fathom the need for washing dirty linen in public on issues as these. A bunch of chirpy girls from a village in Northern Kerala made a short private video titled 'Kilinacode' to register their protest in being victims of unfair orthodoxy while returning from a friend's wedding. Draped in giggles and veiled in humour they pointed out that 'light had not entered several remote places' even in this modern era. This video leaked on multiple social media portals thereby pushing them into instant prominence followed by backlash, laughter turned into fear, threats and tearsall within a couple of days, thanks to social media once again. This brings to light that everyone has a spot in social media, but the platforms as such hardly offer any chance for discernment under the pressure to react even if it means mindless spewing out of emotions. A bunch of chirpy girls from a village in Northern Kerala made a short private video titled 'Kilinacode' to register their protest in being victims of unfair orthodoxy while returning from a friend's wedding. These videos lingered on in my dormant mind as I spent my days interacting with the common public. I grew keen on figuring out if the popularity of the internet and social media could be attributed only to a select few tech-savvy Malayalis, or was it really such a path breaker in our society in the larger scheme of things. I decided to test the waters during my annual interaction with students in the National Service Scheme camps that were held during the Christmas holidays. These camps are usually a pleasure to attend as the vivacious students are more cheerful and receptive to robust discussions with the guests as compared to some other didactic addresses that legislators like me have deliver in front of audiences. Thus, during my interaction with a bunch of smart students in my constituency, I briefly mentioned TikTok. The very word TikTok garnered almost disruptive attention that I could sense the students turning on their mental antennas. The next phase of this experiment turned out to be priceless. As I mentioned the 'holy' words 'Satheeshante Mon', the students comprised boys and girls in nearly equal numbers quipped revealing a melange of emotions, ranging from sheer shock and loud gasps to exhilaration and shrill cat-calls. One thing was certain even the most diminutive, shy one in that group of rural students had either seen the video or at least learned about it. Equally curious was the reaction of the fraternity of parents and teachers who attended the session you guessed it right not a single soul comprehended the interaction. They were flummoxed as if the students and their legislator were speaking in some alien language beyond mortal comprehension. The TikTok clip which came to be infamously known as 'Sateeshante Mon' featured a couple of school-going girls venting their anger against an ex-lover. I wouldn't stop short of inferring that most of us, including policy makers, social workers, academicians, teachers or parents fail to understand the mind-frame of this whiz-generation. My contention is that all of them are in their own little world which are finely interconnected beyond our imagination. They operate in ways that are strange to us, much to our chagrin on most occasions. On one hand they are homogeneously glued on to the mobile screens, nodding their heads in unison insulated from our public ridicule, (well, it helps that their techni-coloured earphones are blasting music full throttle). On the other hand they turn-about springing a welcome surprise by working tirelessly in flood relief operations, carrying truck loads of relief material on their shoulders sans any recognition, unlike their predecessors who grew up fancying acknowledgement for upkeep of self-esteem. A young vibrant demographic dividend is India's competitive advantage. But let us not forget that it is their untapped potential that we need to harness to translate the benefits for the greater good of our society. This will happen only if each one of us take a step back, or rather step ahead and understand (at least try to understand) this generation. Our teaching modules should go beyond the cliched ICT tools to more relevant technologies. As a legislator, I learn that I should not just invest in tin-box educational infrastructure but carve out more creative learning spaces where technology aids in sparking innovations for public good. When we do channelize this ceaseless and restless flow of energy in the right direction, it would work wonders for our nation's bright future. For that, we need to be better prepared. How about a classroom debate on the viral video clip "Satheeshante Mon - are expletives an acceptable form of new age expression?" Sure to kick off with some enthusiasm from the responders, the future! (KS Sabarinadhan, a former management professional, is one of the youngest members in the Kerala Legislature) Kochi: The second phase of the Indian Super League (ISL) will kick-start from January 25 with Kerala Blasters hosting ATK here, the organisers announced on Wednesday. The league stage will conclude on March 3 as ATK hosts Delhi Dynamos in Kolkata. Last seasons finalists Bengaluru FC are currently the table toppers, accumulating 27 points off 11 matches, closely followed by Mumbai City at 24 points in 12 games. FC Goa and NorthEast United are placed third and fourth respectively with 20 points each. Kerala Blasters remain eighth with nine points from 12 matches. The current month-long mid-season transfer window will close on January 31. The dates for the playoffs will be announced later. Kerala Blasters' upcoming fixtures January 25: Kerala Blasters ATK (Kochi) January 31: Kerala Blasters Delhi Dynamos (Delhi) February 6: Kerala Blasters Bengaluru FC (Bengaluru) February 15: Kerala Blasters Chennaiyin FC (Kochi) March 1: Kerala Blasters NorthEast United (Kochi) Read more ISL News Actor Priya Prakash Varriar, who became an internet rage through her 'viral wink', is back hogging headlines. Priya, who took the Internet by storm after the song 'Manikya Malaraya Poovi' from Director Omar Lulu's 'Oru Adaar Love Story' went viral, is gearing up for her Bollywood debut. Priya will be seen donning the heroine in the movie named 'Sridevi Bungalow'. The film has already kicked a row after late actor Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor slapped a legal notice against the movie. In the upcoming movie, Priya plays a lonely actress. The trailer also shows her lying in a bathtub, an eerie resemblance to how actor Sridevi died last year. The initial reports said that the actor, wife of producer Boney Kapoor had died due to cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had gone along with her family to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding. However, later the Dubai police said that the actor was found dead in a bathtub and there were traces of alcohol in her blood. According to the director of the movie, Prasanth Mambully, 'Sridevi' was " just a thriller film". He has reportedly vowed to face the legal consequences. Parassala: Sand mafia is likely behind the break-in at the house of Daly, an 80-year-old woman who led a single-handed battle against sand mining in River Neyyar. She was away at an orphanage after her house was flooded and returned home on Monday after four months only to find it ransacked. Her property documents, pension book etc, kept in a box, were found burned. The lock of the backdoor of the house was found smashed. Daly owned 10 cents of land opposite to the Kanjiramood Jetty where sand mining is intense. The mining has shrunk her property to about three cents. Daly reached home on a country boat as the road to her house was destroyed in the flood. Local people suspect the sand mafia behind the break-in A group of foreign scientists practising green chemistry, including a Nobel prize winner, plunged into the paddy fields of Kuttanad to have a close look at its greenery. The team, which includes Nobel winner Dr. Robert Grubbs, is here to study the possibilities of green chemistry. They were shocked at the sight of heaps of garbage in various locations of Kuttanad and wondered why there are no plans to make tourism ecofriendly. Dr Shiju Raveendran, a Kozhikode native who teaches at the Amsterdam University, said a project to generate fuel from biowaste is at the research stage in the Netherlands. Kerala can also think of this, he said. Netherlands has geographical similarities with Kerala. Dr Bruce Lipschutz is leading a research to replace chemical solutions with water in several complex chemical reactions. A visitor once prompted Lipschutz into this research as he posed a question: Do you have any idea as to how much chemical pollution your labs generate? The idea Dont create waste originated thus. He said it was an Indian chemical firm that first used his green research, first published in 1998. Dr Grubbs lends a helping hand as Dr Thomas Kolakott falls into silt in the field. In Kuttanad, Dr Lipschutz was fascinated by pong pong (Cerbera odollam), the suicide fruit and took it for mango. Once it was explained to him that many people have ended their lives consuming the fruit, he cautioned: It looks like mango, but dont eat. As the boat parked in R. Block, some in the team asked why the paddy field is at a lower level than the backwaters. They were told the area is in fact below sea level. Great man Dr Grubbs examines arecanut kept for drying at the Kuttanad paddy field. Dr Grubbs stands tall among others not only because he is the 2005 Nobel winner. The tall man, who had to take extra care about his head inside a luxury boat, is noted for his simple ways. Grubbs, 76, was befriending everyone around, and joined a game of carroms on the boat. Asked for his comment on Kerala, Grubbs said: Beautiful lakes. He only offered a smile when it was pointed out that the pollution is quite high. Dr Shiju Raveendran. What is green chemistry? Green chemistry, also called sustainable chemistry, aims at developing products and processes that curtail the use and generation of hazardous substances. The concept of green chemistry was born out of the fear that chemistry causes more harm than benefits to nature by generating harmful chemicals. Visiting Kuttanad and hearing its agonies, they have now realised that green chemistry is more absolutely relevant now. Prof. Bruce Lipschutz. Read more Ernakulam News Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: In 2018, 28 people were killed in the PKK attacks in Turkey, Trend reports referring to the country's Interior Ministry. Among the dead, there was also an 11-month-old child, the ministry noted. "Almost all of the killed civilians were residents of Turkey's eastern provinces," the ministry added. The conflict between Turkey and PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has lasted more than 35 years, claiming more than 40,000 lives. PKK is recognized as a terrorist organization by the UN and the EU. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Istanbul, Turkey, January 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Istanbul police are conducting an anti-drug raid, Trend reports via Turkish media. Reportedly, raids are carried out in three districts of Istanbul, as well as at previously established addresses. The names of the detainees were not disclosed. According to statistics, the minimum age of Turkish citizens who started using drugs is 13 years, the average is 36, and the maximum is 65 years. Drug addicts in Turkey at the age of 15 to 24 years old are 2.9 percent, from 25 to 44 years old 2.8 percent and from 45 to 64 years old 2.3 percent of the country's population. There are 22 rehabilitation centers in the country where drug addiction is treated. More than 300,000 people have been detained in Istanbul for using and selling drugs within the past four years. Russia is ready to work to save the landmark Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) despite numerous problems and hopes Washington will take a responsible approach to arms control treaties, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday, Trend reports referring to Reuters. Washington has threatened to pull out of the 1987 pact, alleging that a new Russian missile violates the treaty, which bans either side from stationing short and intermediate-range, land-based missiles in Europe. Russia says the missiles range puts it outside the treaty altogether and is not as long as Washington alleges, meaning that it is fully compliant with the INF. Rescuers have pulled the fifth body from the rubble of a house in South Russias city of Shakhty, a spokesperson for the Russian Emergencies Ministry told TASS on Wednesday, Trend reported. "Rescuers have found and retrieved the body of the fifth and last victim. The search operation is over," the source said. A gas blast took place on January 15 on the ninth floor of a residential building in the city of Shakhty, Rostov Region. Four apartments were damaged as a result of the blast, on the ninth and eighth floors. There are 72 apartments in the building in total. Twelve people lived in the apartments damaged in the gas blast. Seven people were rescued from under the rubble, including a child. A total of 140 people were evacuated from the building. A criminal case on manslaughter charges has been opened over the incident. Russia is ready for a serious conversation with Washington to discuss all aspects of the strategic agenda, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with Serbias Politika newspaper, Trend reported citing TASS. "Despite the United States declared intention to withdraw from the [Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces, INF] Treaty, we are open for a dialogue to search for ways to preserve it. We sent a series of practical proposals to the Americans on this issue. We are also ready for a serious conversation on the entire bilateral strategic agenda," he said. He went on to say that "in fact, the US has de-facto been pursuing the political line aimed at dismantling the system of international agreements in the arms control domain, which pose restrictions on their military buildup, or at selectively complying with those agreements by fulfilling only the provisions that benefit them." He said Washingtons plans to withdraw from the INF Treaty has become a just another step in a long series of similar decisions and "the consequences of this policy are going to be extremely negative." "Naturally, we are not going to turn a blind eye to the deployment of US missiles that pose a direct threat to our security. We will be forced to take effective reciprocal measures. However, being a responsible and rational country, Russia is not interested in a new arms race," Putin added. US President Donald Trump said on October 20, 2018, that Washington would withdraw from the INF Treaty because Russia was violating the terms of the agreement. US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said after a NATO ministerial meeting on December 4 that his country would stop fulfilling its liabilities under the INF Treaty unless Russia returned to "full and verifiable" compliance with it within 60 days. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on the following day that the US side had provided no evidence to prove Russias alleged violations of the treaty. He stressed that Russia is against dismantling this treaty but will have to react correspondingly if the United States withdraws from it. The death toll from an extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed, police said Wednesday in the aftermath of the brazen overnight siege by al-Shabab gunmen. Two people accused of facilitating the attack were arrested, trend reports citing The Associated Press. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to the hospital, he said. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the all-night operation by security forces to retake the complex was over and that all of the gunmen had been killed. "We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act," he vowed. The attack by heavily armed extremists using guns and explosives demonstrated al-Shabab's continued ability to strike the capital despite setbacks on the battlefield. Of the civilian victims, 16 were Kenyan, one was British, one was American and three were of African descent but nationalities not yet identified, police said. Al-Shabab, which is based in Somalia and allied with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility. The Islamic extremist group also carried out the 2013 attack at Nairobi's nearby Westgate Mall that killed 67 people, and an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that claimed 147 lives, mostly students. The 25th Ukraine International Travel and Tourism Exhibition will be held on March 27-29 2019 in Kyiv, Trend reports referring to Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency. Ukraine International Travel and Tourism (UITT) Exhibition is the leading travel and tourism event in Ukraine which would be attended by tour operators and tourism industry stakeholders from several countries. Last year, 366 exhibiting companies from 24 countries attended UITT Exhibition. According to registration data, as many as 20,078 tourism professionals visited the venue during 2018 Exhibition and figure reported an increase of 4 percent comparing to visitors of 2017 Exhibition. Tour operation companies from Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Egypt, Israel, India, Italy, Spain, China, Cyprus, Cuba, Malta, Maldives, Malaysia, Morocco, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United States, Palestine, Turkey, Tunisia and Sri Lanka had their stalls in 2018 Exhibition. Organisers are expecting more countries to attend the event this year. Ukraine is working to add new products in its tourism market and is aggressively working to establish food tourism, eco-tourism, winter tourism, sea tourism, cultural tourism, as well as MICE events and festivals. Ukraine is an important tourism destination by offering seven UNESCO Heritage sites; 20,000 lakes; 11 million hectares of forest; 71,000 rivers and streams; over 100,000 meters of snowy slopes; and 500 kilometers of beaches, 30,000 churches and parishes along with 23,000 kilometers of railways network which virtually connects every small town and big city of the country with each other. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has said that a siege by suspected militants in Nairobi is over and all the attackers have been "eliminated", Trend reports referring to BBC. Gunmen attacked the compound in the Westlands district of Kenya's capital on Tuesday, killing at least 14 people. Officials originally announced the end of the siege hours after it began, but gunfire and explosions were heard again early on Wednesday. The Somalia-based militant group al-Shabab said it was behind the attack. It is not clear how many attackers there were. The complex houses the DusitD2 hotel as well as offices. In a TV address to the nation, Mr Kenyatta said 14 people had been killed but 700 others were safely evacuated from the complex. However, the Kenyan Red Cross put the number of dead at 24. A US citizen is among the dead, the US State Department said. He has been named as Jason Spindler. A British citizen with dual South African nationality was also killed and another Briton was wounded, the UK Foreign Office said. "I can now confirm that... the security operation at Dusit is over and all terrorists have been eliminated," the Kenyan president said. "We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act," he added, vowing to pursue them "relentlessly". "We are a country governed by laws, rules and regulations - a country that embraces peaceful coexistence... I must also state that we are also a nation that never forgets those who hurt our children." The European Union will intensify its preparations for a scenario in which Britain leaves the bloc without a withdrawal agreement, the bloc's chief executive and Belgium's prime minister said on Tuesday, Trend reported citing Reuters. "The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening's vote," Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement following the British parliament's rejection of a Brexit deal with the EU. "While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared," he said. Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel said on Twitter his country was also stepping up its planning for a Brexit no-deal. 1. Yes. Its important to address the problem before it gets worse. A bond is needed. 2. Yes. Its fine, as long as the bond isnt too large. The city doesnt need more debt. 3. No. A bond issue would just put the problem back on the taxpayers. Not acceptable. 4. No. Certificates of obligation, targeting the worst roads, would be a better choice. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say without knowing the details of what a bond would entail. Vote View Results The United States and Britain have conducted their first joint naval drills in the South China Sea, as Washington seeks support from its allies in challenging Beijings claims to the disputed waters, Trend reports referring to South China Morning Post. US Navy guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell and Royal Navy frigate HMS Argyll conducted operations together in the South China Sea from Friday last week until Wednesday, the two countries said. The US said the two vessels had practised communication drills, division tactics, and a personnel exchange designed to address common maritime security priorities and enhance interoperability. We routinely train with regional allies and partners, but it is a rare opportunity for my team to work with the Royal Navy, Allison Christy, the McCampbells commanding officer, said in a US navy statement. Professional engagement with our British counterparts allows us the opportunity to build upon our existing strong relationships and learn from each other. Argylls commanding officer Toby Shaughnessy said the Royal Navy was pleased with the opportunity to train alongside our closest ally. Earlier this month the McCampbell passed within 12 nautical miles of the Paracel Islands which are claimed by mainland China, Vietnam and Taiwan in what the US Navy described as a freedom of navigation exercise designed to challenge excessive maritime claims. Last August a British amphibious assault vessel, the HMS Albion, sailed close to the same island chain. The following month a US and Chinese warship came within metres of colliding off the Spratly chain. The past year has a seen an increasing number of exercises by other US allies in the South China Sea, including a Japanese drill in September that involved a submarine, two destroyers and a helicopter carrier. In late May, the French assault ship Dixmude and a frigate sailed through the Spratly Islands and around a group of reefs that China has turned into islets, pushing back against Beijings claim to own most of the resource-rich waters. In April, two Australian frigates and an oil replenishment ship were challenged by the Chinese as the vessels were sailing to Vietnam, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported. Jinan University Southeast Asian affairs specialist Zhang Mingliang said that both the US and Britain would deny that the exercises were aimed at any nation, but it was an unequivocal message to China. The US and Britain are protesting against Chinas policies in the South China Sea, said Zhang. He said China would undoubtedly see it as a way of applying pressure and would publicly criticise the move. Xu Liping, a Southeast Asian studies expert at the China Academy of Social Sciences, said the joint naval drills by the US and Britain may not be directly targeted China, but were intended to show their military capabilities. Chinese firms are facing greater risks when they invest abroad because of rising tensions with the United States and growing security threats posed by Islamic State and al-Qaeda, a risk assessment report warns, Trend reports referring to South China Morning Post. The report, released on Tuesday, said the challenges were particularly acute in Asian and African countries, which are at the centre of Chinas global trade and infrastructure strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative. It also said the US and its allies were expected to step up efforts to counter Chinas growing influence in those countries. The report was published by Beijing-based Paitron Services and the China Overseas Development Association, a semi-official body under the National Development and Reform Commission. On the bilateral level, the US will continue to strengthen its trade protectionism, including through its economic decoupling policy to circumvent competition from China and curb Chinas development, the report said. At the same time, it will step up its assault through the technology cold war and introduce even more stringent investment review measures, export controls or extraterritorial jurisdiction tactics to contain China, it continued. We must also be aware that even if there is a temporary truce in the current tense situation between China and the US in trade, the US will accelerate its Indo-Pacific strategy and New Africa strategy in the belt and road countries to curb Chinas geopolitical influence in those countries. The report comes as Beijing and Washington are locked in disputes over trade, technology and security. Washington has accused Beijing of using government-backed investments to promote its influence abroad, creating debt burdens for countries that they will struggle to repay. But Beijing has rejected the claim, saying its financing comes with no strings attached. The report also warned that Chinese investments may face a heightened risk of terror attacks as global counterterrorism efforts may be hampered due to increasing geopolitical competition among major nations. Those risks could come from Islamic State fighters extending their influence around the world after defeats in Syria, as well as the resurgent al-Qaeda seeking to carry out attacks in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Chinas crackdown on Muslim minorities in the far western region of Xinjiang could also trigger certain pushback by internal and external extremists to plot terror attacks targeting Chinese companies and Chinese citizens overseas, the report warned. Beijing has denied the existence of mass internment camps and forced political re-education in the region, but admitted that Xinjiang was facing severe threats from separatist and extremist forces. After years of growth, Chinese overseas investment has lost momentum in the past two years, partly because of Beijings tightened control of capital outflows and closer scrutiny by Western governments of Chinas controls on its critical assets and infrastructure. Chinese investment in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America has also come under pressure amid environmental and social concerns and the debt trap it could create. The report suggested Chinese companies should be more sensitive to political risks when they invest overseas, and improve relations with local communities to reduce their vulnerability. The explosion took place in an apartment building in the Digomi district in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, Rustavi2 TV channel reported. According to the media outlet, there are people under the rubble of the building, Trend reports citing Sputnik. As Teimuraz Kupatadze, the head of the patrol police department of the Georgian Interior Ministry, told reporters, the blast claimed lives of at least three people. "According to preliminary information, an explosion occurred on the fourth floor. The investigation will establish the rest of the details", he said, noting that according to preliminary data, the explosion occurred due to a gas leak. Commenting on the number of casualties, country's Health Minister David Sergeenko stated that seven people were injured as a result of the blast, including six children. Later, a doctor, cited by the Georgian Imedi TV, stated that one of those injured, a four-year-old girl, has died. The explosion was followed by a fire and the building being torn down. Firefighters have not yet managed to rescue people from out of the rubble. They are currently working at the site. The people were evacuated from the building. Those injured are taken to local hospitals. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Azer Ahmadbayli Trend: Only some 10 years ago, the UAE was perceived in the world as one of the "coolest" trade hubs and a great place for recreation and shopping at the same time no geopolitics, only business and leisure. The same can be said about Saudi Arabia a closed society that once a year opens its doors to millions of pilgrims visiting the main Muslim shrines, and a number one oil trader, which used to be reluctant to venture into politics. Even if I am wrong, and these countries someway participated in the formation of the political agenda of the region, they did it inconspicuously. What do we see now? Two allied countries plunged impetuously into big politics. Both are parties to the Yemeni crisis; the Emirates are also trying (so far successfully) to take over the Yemeni island of Quneitra; also, some time ago, both were supporting the "moderate opposition" countering the Syrian regime. Recently, since the Emirates finally realized that the Syrian opposition is losing the battle, it has hastened to restore diplomatic relations with the Assad government. Saudi Arabia is also said to be carefully probing the ground for this move. The Emirates, which consider Iran at least an ill-wisher for its interference in Arab affairs, condemns neighboring Qatar for, allegedly, discrediting ties with Iran, at a time when its own trade with the Islamic Republic is greater than anyone else's. Both countries suddenly increased interest in relations with the Arabs existential foe Israel. And here's the latest news: Minister of foreign Affairs of UAE Anwar Gargash worries about the fate of the Syrian Kurds who have nothing to do with his country. Here's what he tweeted: Since the Kurds played a key role in the defeat of the Islamic state terrorist organization, it is legitimate that the regional and international community is concerned about their fate. In this sense, the Arab interest requires that the deal with the role and location of the Kurdish component be restricted within the political framework and in a way that preserves the unity of Syrian territory. In response, Mustafa Bali, head of the press service of the Syrian Democratic forces (SDF), said that historical need is for the Arabs and Kurds to work together to prevent the return of the new Ottoman Empire. Is it really all about the fear of the Iran's expansionism or, as they say, Turkey's imperial ambitions? It is up to the Kurds whose words to believe. As for the talks with the Assad regime, the Kurdish political parties have little faith in success in talks with the Syrian government, according to the Kurdish media. We dont think that the regime is ready to provide anything to the Kurds. Assad several times refused to meet with the party, said member of the Political Bureau of the Kurdish Democratic Progressive Party Ahmed Suleiman, Rudaw news agency reported. If the Kurds do not want to once again be thrown overboard, they need, after carefully analyzing the events of recent years, to negotiate not with those who are visually attractive, but with those who can keep their word. If they want to negotiate with Assad, they should not talk to him but go to Moscow. There they could have a chance that if promised something, they would get it. Except Putin, the second politician of such kind is Erdogan, however unacceptable it may be for some Kurdish forces. Many Kurdish decision-makers likely realize this. Iran's failed attempt to place a satellite into orbit with a three stage rocket demonstrates the Islamic republics intent to develop missiles able to reach as far as Europe, Michael Pompeo said in a statement on Tuesday, Trend reported citing Sputnik. Earlier in the day, Iran attempted to launch a satellite into orbit but the third stage of the rocket failed to provide enough speed to reach the orbit, Iranian Information and Communications Technology Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said. Iran plans a second satellite launch in the coming days in what the nation claims is a space exploration program, while claiming that rocket launches do not violate the Security Council resolution. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has insisted that the country's space program did not violate the resolution, related to the country's nuclear program. Iran has recently made a significant progress in its space program with the launch of its Simorgh Satellite Launch Vehicle in July 2017. The United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France in a joint statement condemned the launch, saying it contravened the UN Security Council resolution. Unanimously adopted on 20 July 2015, United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 endorsed the international nuclear deal, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The resolution laid out a plan for removing the UN sanctions on Iran in exchange for strict monitoring of its nuclear program, which the country insists is peaceful. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018, and Tehran has since then accused Washington of violating the UNSC resolution. Iran has also denied that its missile program violates the resolution. Washington, in turn, has reimposed its sanctions against Tehran that had been lifted under the JCPOA agreement. The first package of the US restrictions came into force in August. In early November, Washington imposed new sanctions targeting core sectors of Iran's economy. Following last year's ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, China, Russia and Iran have announced that the European Union would establish a financial mechanism, known as Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), to enable trade with Tehran, bypassing Trump administration's reimposed restrictions. Tehran, Iran, Jan.16 Trend: Iran's Central Bank (CBI) continues to control foreign currency market despite the US economic pressure and its psychological war against the country, said CBI governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, Trend reports citing Mizan. "The Central Bank of Iran will provide foreign currency for the people and business with full strength," Hemmati said during a meeting with economists. The official insisted that the measure taken by CBI have led to a relative stability at the foreign currency market. "As a result of those measures, the process of issuing foreign currency payment orders has been expanded through other countries." Hemmati pointed out that the Central Bank of Iran will announce details about the rial deposit account that would be based on foreign currency in the upcoming days and will ensure an organized currency market. "These measures alongside with other plans would strengthen the stability in the country's foreign currency market." Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: The DOMOTEX 2019 exhibition was recently held in Hanover, Germany, where a delegation from Turkmenistans Ministry of Textile Industry took part, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen Foreign Ministry. The organizer of the event, which was attended by about 1,400 organizations from more than 60 countries, is Deutsche Messe AG, an exhibition and fair company. A series of meetings with interested companies and representatives of the business community were held on the margins of the exhibition, where opportunities for cooperation to supply carpets made in Turkmenistan to international markets were discussed. One of the advantages of the Turkmen carpets is their high density, which ranges from 200,000 to 400,000 or more nodes per square meter, making the carpets ornaments clear and expressive. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Huseyn Hasanov Trend: Ambassador of Belarus Oleg Tabanyukhov met with Turkmenistans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Berdiyaz Matiev in Ashgabat, Trend reports citing the Belarus Embassy in Turkmenistan. The meeting was attended by Belarus Consul Vladimir Pasyura and Head of the Consular Department of Turkmenistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs Annamurat Altyyew. The parties exchanged views on consular issues, prospects for development of the Belarus-Turkmen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including political, economic and humanitarian. Belarus supplies mainly value-added goods to Turkmenistan: trucks, special-purpose vehicles, tractors, road-building equipment, medicines, woodworking products, agricultural products. Bilateral cooperation in education is noticeable too with more than 9,000 citizens of Turkmenistan studying at Belarus educational institutions. The Eurasian Economic Union helps Kyrgyzstan not only to modernize production and facilitate the access of migrants to the Russian labor market. Thanks to union membership, the republic also strengthens its borders, Trend reports referring to 24.kg. The day before, the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan received the first batch of military hardware from Russia within the framework of an agreement between governments On Rendering Technical Assistance in the Framework of Accession to the Eurasian Economic Union. The President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov personally accepted the machinery. Together with the military and representatives of the Russian side, the head of state carefully examined the transport for the military. Sooronbai Jeenbekov thanked Russia for helping to strengthen the borders. After Kyrgyzstan joined the Eurasian Economic Union, Russia began a program of financial and technical assistance to the country to strengthen the external border of EEU the borders of Kyrgyzstan with China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The military hardware that was handed over to the State Border Service is used to equip these areas, said the Ambassador of Russia to Kyrgyzstan Andrei Krutko. In 2018, with the help of the Russian Federation, 11 border posts were equipped in Kyrgyzstan. The automotive and engineering equipment was delivered. It will be used at border posts. A total of 125 Russian-made vehicles arrived in Kyrgyzstan. At least 108 high-mobility vehicles for transportation of people and goods, two towing vehicles, two excavator loaders, two truck cranes, four ambulances, five special purpose vehicles and two drilling machines were brought to the border posts. Therefore, these are vehicles with high mobility. In addition, they are equipped with heaters, Ularbek Sharsheev, Chairman of the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan, told. The agreement between Kyrgyzstan and Russia deals with the arrangement of the border line outside the checkpoints. The project consists of three stages. At the first, complexes of border posts to ensure normal life of the personnel have been built. At the second, Kyrgyzstan was provided with machinery, and at the third, equipment of dual use technical means for border protection, taking into account modern requirements, will be delivered. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Sara Israfilbayova Trend: PASHA Banks share in the system-wide corporate lending reached around 17 percent as of Sept. 30, 2018 (9 percent at end-2016), Standard & Poor's (S&P) said, Trend reports. S&P Global Ratings today affirmed its 'BB-' long-term and 'B' short-term issuer credit ratings on Azerbaijan-based PASHA Bank. The outlook remains negative. The affirmation reflects our view that the banks creditworthiness continues to benefit from its solid market position in Azerbaijans corporate lending sector, better-than-peers geographical business diversification, and ongoing capital and funding support from its shareholder, PASHA Holding, S&P said. We believe these benefits largely offset sustained pressure on the banks capital or potential risks associated with high lending growth, S&P said. PASHA Bank continued its strategy of high business growth in Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia throughout 2018. We estimate that the banks loan portfolio increased by about 25 percent last year, with growth in Azerbaijan of close to 32 percent, S&P said. The banks share in the system-wide corporate lending reached around 17 percent as of Sept. 30, 2018 (9 percent at end-2016), which is significant given the highly concentrated Azerbaijani banking sector. We expect PASHA Bank will continue above-average business growth in Azerbaijan to increase further its market share and business volumes in corporate banking, S&P said. We also note that overseas business in Turkey and Georgia, which now represent about 25 percent of the banks loan portfolio, increases the geographical diversity of the banks business model and supports its business stability, S&P said. As such, we think that the competitive trends are favorable for PASHA Banks business position and could facilitate improvements in the bank's creditworthiness in the coming 12-18 months. The banks asset quality remains solid compared with local peers: Over the first half of 2018, the banks nonperforming assets declined by 19.0 million manats to 89.3 million manats, representing 5.7 percent of the loan portfolio versus 7.7 percent at year-end 2017. The bank also reduced the single-name concentration in its portfolio to 40 percent from 45 percent at year-end 2017, which is now comparable to those of peers in the Commonwealth of Independent States. We do not expect material impairments of the banks portfolio in Turkey because of its short-term and secured nature, consisting mainly of factoring and trade finance loans, S&P said. However, considering our expectation of elevated lending growth in the highly risky economic environment of Azerbaijan and Turkey, we cant exclude the increase of nonperforming loans and credit losses in 2019-2020. PASHA Bank has been operating in Azerbaijan since 2007 and is a member of the PASHA Group of Companies, which is a large investment holding operating in the insurance, construction, construction materials production, tourism and other sectors. Kapital Bank, one of the largest banks in the Azerbaijani retail market, also belongs to the PASHA Group of Companies. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Italys Eni company has spent around $2 billion for operations in Burun Field, Nebit Dag Area in Turkmenistan, the company told Trend. Main activity has been focusing on production optimization, with a massive number of wells drilled and worked over, according to the company. The Italian company said that the extremely complex field structure (multilayer and block compartmentalization) calls for a sophisticated geo-seismic reconstruction and an important number of wells, and recompletion of the same. Step-outs to peripheral areas has implied the discovery of yet undrained oil bearing blocks, after several years from production start-up, according to Eni. The company said that water injection and artificial lifting have been implemented as well, allowing for production maximization. Eni said it is planning to increase further the production optimization activity in 2019, by adding a new drilling rig. Eni started its activities in Turkmenistan with the purchase of the British company Burren Energy plc in 2008. Activities are focused on the onshore Nebit Dag Area in the Western part of the country, over a developed acreage of 200 square kilometers (180 square kilometers net to Eni), in four areas. Production derives mainly from the Burun oil field. Oil production is shipped to the Turkmenbashi refinery plant. Eni receives, by means of a swap arrangement with the Turkmen Authorities, an equivalent amount of oil at the Okarem terminal, close to the South coast of the Caspian Sea. Enis entitlement is sold FOB. Associated natural gas is used for gas lift system. The remaining amount is delivered to the national oil company Turkmenneft, via national grid. --- Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Huseyn Valiyev Trend: Paint products of the Azerbaijani company FAB Boya will be exported to the Russian market, the company told Trend on Jan. 16. Presently, this issue is under consideration with partners, the company said. "Most of the company's products are supplied to the domestic market today, the company said. The range of products is gradually increasing. For example, we put into operation a putty factory in 2018." FAB Boya produces about 40 tons of paints daily. The company managed to increase production by 20 percent in 2018. The list of products manufactured by the company also includes dry mixes, water pipes, sewer pipes, etc. In general, there are about 2,000 kinds of products that are produced by the company. ---- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: Uzbekistan National Bank signed a loan agreement for 300 million euros with Raiffeisen Bank Germany, Trend reports via UzDaily.uz. The agreement was signed within the framework of the German-Uzbek business forum held in Berlin on January 14, 2019, on the eve of the President of Uzbekistan state visit to Germany. The signed agreement provides financing of the exports of high-tech equipment and technologies from the European Union, under insurance coverage of export credit agencies. Moreover, co-financing of large investment projects in Uzbekistan is also expected through the provision of a credit line on a long-term basis up to 7 years. The agreement with Raiffeisen Bank Germany will contribute to implementation of the objectives set out in the Strategy for action in the five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021 that includes: to stimulate the growth of export potential; active attraction of foreign investment; increasing the competitiveness of local producers in the domestic and foreign markets; creating and improving the investment and business environments for wider business development. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Some 1.3 million real estate properties were sold in Turkey in 2018, which is 2.4 percent less than in 2017, Trend reports referring to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). During the period, 234,000 real estate properties were sold in Istanbul, 75,000 properties in Ankara, and 131,000 properties in Izmir, the message said. "The remaining 860,000 real estate properties fall to the share of other cities," the TUIK message read. In 2018, 39,600 real estate properties were sold to foreigners in Turkey, which is 78.4 percent more than in 2017. In 2018, the Iraqi citizens acquired 8,200 real estate properties in Turkey, the citizens of Iran purchased 2,700 properties, while Russian citizens bought 2,200 properties. "The remaining 26,500 real estate properties fall to the share of citizens of other countries," the TUIK message read. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Taleh Mursagulov Trend: Seymur Movlayev has been appointed acting Chairman of the Agency for Agrarian Services under Azerbaijans Agriculture Ministry, the ministry told Trend. Prior to his appointment to this position, Movlayev was the chairman of the board of Aqrolizinq OJSC. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on additional measures to improve governance in the agricultural sector on Jan. 14. According to the decree, the Agency for Agrarian Services is being established under the Ministry of Agriculture on the basis of the State Phytosanitary Control Service, the State Veterinary Service, the State Service for Registration of Plant Varieties and Seed Quality and the State Main Technical Supervision Service. According to the decree, the Agency organizes and manages veterinary and phytosanitary services, controls their quality, coordinates the activities of state agricultural development centers in this field; conducts registration of agricultural equipment, control of equipment and provides public services in this field through state agricultural development centers. The highest number of the Agency's staff is 85 people. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @TalehMursagulov Tehran, Iran, Jan.16 Trend: Iran's Agriculture Minister Mahmoud Hojjati has announced the allocation of $1.1 million to dry rice cultivation plan in Golestan Province. "Implementing new irrigation systems in provinces are on the agenda, these plans should expand in Golestan Province," said Hojjati during his visit to Province alongside President Hassan Rouhani 's cabinet members, Trend reports citing Mehr News Agency. Referring to dry rice cultivation plan in Golestan Province, he said the dry rice cultivation plan would help the province to restore immense amount of water. The Agriculture minister has inaugurated 614 development projects in agriculture sector during his visit to Golestan Province, while the Ministry has allocated $4.52 million worth of credit to these projects that expected to create 8,451 jobs. Iran has been facing drought and water shortage in recent years, due to climate change and short rain fall. Dry rice cultivation is primarily a form of natural resource management that includes the conservation of the biological environment and resources such as water on the controlled land. Using pressurized technology, such as sprinklers is a water conserving technique. One of the most successful water-saving irrigation systems has used alternating between wetting and drying the fields. In this process, the field is supplied with water, and then let completely dry before the next watering. Not only does this cut down on water usage, but it also minimizes the methane gas that is produced due to anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in flooded fields. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.16 Trend: The import of fruits from Uzbekistan into Ukraine has increased last year, Trend reports, referring to the analytical data of the EastFruit platform. Previously, Uzbekistan was not even in the top 20 of the largest exporters, yet the raisins shipments increased by 1,5 times the amount by 2018, with a slight increase in shipments of prunes and dried apricots. In addition, imports of fresh apricot increased almost by 14 times till 168 tons, with a more than 8 times increase in shipments of grapes. Still, representatives of the retail business mark failures in this market after a long transportation, the quality of the products leaves much to be desired. Import of Uzbek melons to Ukraine increased by 3.3 times last year, accompanied with a 2.7 times increase in shipments of persimmon. Uzbekistan has, in turn, renewed its sugar import at the end of last year, after a long halt. Uzbekistan retains its position as the leading purchaser of many Ukrainian products and medicines. Baku, Azerbaijan, January 16 By Ilhama Isabalaeva Trend: Today, the Center for Reforms and Public Health of Azerbaijan Health Ministry held a meeting dedicated to the presentation of mobile application" Give up smoking "and the improvement of legislation on combating smoking in Azerbaijan. Director of the Center Gahraman Akhverdiyev said that the event was aimed at focusing the publics attention on the dangerous consequences caused by smoking and on expanding the awareness on that topic. "The main goal is to ensure a ten percent reduction in tobacco consumption in Azerbaijan by 2020," said Akhverdiyev. Details added (first version posted on 19:17) Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: An agreement was reached on the continuation of negotiations between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers next month, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend on Jan. 16. "Views were exchanged during the talks between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenian Acting Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, which lasted more than four hours, the ministry said. The importance of establishing further understanding and trust was also emphasized." During the talks, the sides discussed a number of issues, including the ways to prepare the populations of each of the parties for peace, security and sustainable regional development. 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 12:37) Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Major General Mohammad Bagheri. The president said the Azerbaijan-Iran bilateral relations have been developing successfully in all fields over the past years, including in the military area. Saying the bilateral political ties reached a high level, President Aliyev pointed out that holding more than 10 meetings at the level of presidents over the past years played a special role in developing the relations. The president stressed the importance of reciprocal visits at other levels in terms of expanding the relations. Noting that the two countries' peoples have lived in an environment of good neighborliness for centuries, President Aliyev expressed confidence that Azerbaijan-Iran friendship and brotherhood will continue to develop successfully. Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Bagheri extended President Hassan Rouhani's greetings to President Aliyev. Mohammad Bagheri underlined that the Supreme Leader of Iran considers it necessary to further strengthen relations between the two countries and peoples. He noted that the Iranian people are happy for the development, peace and stability ensured in Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Aliyev. Mohammad Bagheri said that the two countries' peoples have been bound together by common history and culture for centuries, and stressed that the bilateral ties are developing successfully. Mohammad Bagheri underlined that Iran considers the Karabakh lands as Azerbaijani lands, supports and will continue to support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It is unacceptable to change the borders by force, Iran always stands by Azerbaijan on this issue. President Aliyev asked Mohammad Bagheri to extend his gratitude to the Iranian leadership for this fraternal position, adding that Azerbaijan hails Iran's fair stance. The president informed Mohammad Bagheri about the destruction by Armenians of Azerbaijan's historical and religious monuments in the occupied territories. The president thanked for President Rouhanis greetings and asked Mohammad Bagheri to extend his greetings to the Iranian president. The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas Your choice for flooring in Central Texas! Your flooring is more than just the surface you walk on it's an integral part of your home. With over 35 years of flooring experience, The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas has the resources and knowled Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: An agreement was reached on the continuation of negotiations between the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers next month, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend on Jan. 16. "Views were exchanged during the talks between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenian Acting Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, which lasted more than four hours, the ministry said. The importance of establishing further understanding and trust was also emphasized." During the talks, the sides discussed a number of issues, including the ways to prepare the populations of each of the parties for peace, security and sustainable regional development. 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 14:45) Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Russia is preparing a trilateral summit with Iran and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference dedicated to 2018. "It is our turn to host a trilateral summit," Lavrov added, Trend reports. "We are preparing such a summit. I assure you that it will be held." As for other possible formats with the participation of Azerbaijan, Lavrov noted that so far no practical talks about this have been held. We need to look whether these formats will have added value, he added. Thats because a format for the sake of a format, probably, isnt something that will meet the interests of Azerbaijan, Russia and other possible participants. But, I repeat, if there is added value of one form of our interaction or another, we, of course, will gladly consider such an opportunity. The previous trilateral summit of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran was held in Tehran in November 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has met with former President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy. Mehriban Aliyevas role in the successful development of France-Azerbaijan bilateral relations during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency was hailed at the meeting. It was noted that Mehriban Aliyevas activities as head of the Azerbaijan-France interparliamentary friendship group, as well as the implementation of the important humanitarian projects by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in France made significant contribution to further strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The sides also noted that thanks to the Azerbaijani and French presidents activities towards the development of relations, the bilateral ties between the two countries in a number of areas were expanded during Nicolas Sarkozy's presidency. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: Russia is preparing a trilateral summit with Iran and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference dedicated to 2018. "It is our turn to host a trilateral summit," Lavrov added, Trend reports. "We are preparing such a summit. I assure you that it will be held." As for other possible formats with the participation of Azerbaijan, Lavrov noted that so far no practical talks about this have been held. We need to look whether these formats will have added value, he added. Thats because a format for the sake of a format, probably, isnt something that will meet the interests of Azerbaijan, Russia and other possible participants. But, I repeat, if there is added value of one form of our interaction or another, we, of course, will gladly consider such an opportunity. The previous trilateral summit of the presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran was held in Tehran in November 2017. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: Azerbaijani First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Colonel-General Najmeddin Sadikov attended the "Resolute Support" meeting of the NATO Military Committee, held in Brussels, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry on Jan. 16. During the meeting, discussions were held on such issues as exercises for the national defense and security forces of Afghanistan, operational conditions and regional security of the Resolute Support Mission, being conducted under the leadership of NATO with the aim of support and consultation. Moreover, the opinions and recommendations in connection with 2019 and the further period were heard. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: A working meeting with an expert group of NATO is being held at the Military Academy of Azerbaijans Armed Forces, Trend reports with reference to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Jan. 16. The meeting is taking place in line with the NATOs Defense Education Enhancement Program (DEEP) as part of supporting certain areas of the military education system. Teachers of military educational institutions are holding discussions with the Alliance expert group for the preparation and evaluation of curricula and programs. As part of the working meeting, which will continue until Jan. 17, local teachers will hold open lessons, at the end of which their general theory will be discussed and evaluated. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of SOCAR carbamide plant constructed in the territory of Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev and director of the plant Khayal Jafarov informed the head of state of the work done. The foundation of the plant was laid by the President of Azerbaijan in December 2011. Samsung Engineering Co. Ltd. won an international open tender to provide engineering, procurement, construction and pre-commissioning services for the plant. President Ilham Aliyev launched the plant. The head of state then watched a film highlighting the activity of the SOCAR carbamide plant, one of the key residents of Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. The President then met with the staff of the plant. President Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the event. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.16 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America) hosted consultations between Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on 16 January in Paris, Trend reports citing a statement issued by OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. The Co-Chairs met separately and then jointly with the Ministers. Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk also participated in these meetings. This was the fourth meeting of the two Ministers. State Secretary for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne reviewed the outcomes of the talks with the participants. The Co-Chairs were received at the Elysee Palace, where they briefed top diplomatic advisers of President Emmanuel Macron. The participants expressed to the Ministers their appreciation for the ongoing efforts of the sides to maintain an environment conducive to intensive results-oriented negotiations. The Ministers discussed a wide range of issues related to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and agreed upon the necessity of taking concrete measures to prepare the populations for peace. During the meetings, the Co-Chairs reviewed with the Ministers key principles and parameters for the current phase of the negotiation process. The Ministers and the Co-Chairs considered next steps toward a possible summit between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in order to give a strong impulse to the dynamic of negotiations. The Co-Chairs underlined the importance of possible mutually beneficial initiatives designed to fulfill the economic potential of the region. The Co-Chairs plan to meet the leaders of the two countries in the near future. 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, Jan. 16 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be settled with the goodwill of Yerevan and Baku and the support of the international community, represented by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference dedicated to the results of 2018, Trend reports Jan. 16. "Last year was a year when authorities in Armenia changed, he said. As for our contribution to the work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, it is limited only to introductory meetings. Another contact of the co-chairs with Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers is planned this month. So, I think in this direction we will also be able to contribute to resolving the conflict, which has already acquired the shape of a protracted conflict." "I think the statements from Baku about the readiness to look for solutions deserve all support and we hope that our Armenian friends will reciprocate. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 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 Jan. 16, Trend reports. 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. Woman held with 15 kg hashish from Post Office A woman has been arrested for possession of 15 kg hashish from the Post Office in Sundhara, Kathmandu on Wednesday. Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 16 Trend: The decree on additional measures to improve management in the agrarian sector is an integral part of the agrarian policy pursued by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports referring to the statement of Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture. The Agency for Agrarian Services has been established under the Ministry of Agriculture on the basis of the State Phytosanitary Control Service, the State Veterinary Service, the State Service for Registration of Plant Varieties and Seed Quality and the State Main Technical Supervision Service upon President Aliyevs decree dated Jan. 14. The ongoing agrarian reforms in the country ensure sustainable and successful development of the agricultural sector. The Agency for Agrarian Services under the Ministry of Agriculture will organize and manage veterinary and phytosanitary services, control their quality, coordinate the activity of state agricultural development centers in this field. The Agency will register agricultural equipment, control equipment and render services in this field through the State Agricultural Development Centers. The Agency will ensure optimization, flexible and effective management. The ongoing reforms will enable the implementation of innovative solutions in the agricultural sector, accelerate the transition to e-services and increase transparency. The single standards will be applied thanks to the reforms in agricultural services. Presently, up to 70 services on various kinds of activity, the number of which will grow, are rendered to the farmers in the centers. Only four months after his Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979, the revolution's leader Ayatollah Rouhollah Khomeini took the first step to set up a "special clerical court" to deal with those whom he called "corrupt clerics." He said the court was not there to defend the clerics. Instead, it is there "to defend Islam." Corrupt clerics were those who did not submit to the newly established political system's ideology. There have always been dissenters among the ranks of Iranian clerics during the past 40 years, but it was hard to show any deviation from the regimes strict line as the response was expected to be harsh, and it often was. A cleric had to be the mouthpiece of the established system, obey the Supreme Leader and be demonstrably anti-secular and anti-Western. Khomeini often talked about Ulam-i Su (bad scholars) in Iran and abroad. Even some eulogists, who are not exactly clerics were killed or treated otherwise violently during the first year after the revolution. Fear of violent punishment for disobedience, led to a secrecy that concealed dissidence and independent thought in the clerical ranks, which otherwise operates based on blind obedience. The fear, also explains why there is no clear picture of what many clerics really think. On the other hand, not all those who are punished are dissidents. Some are simply black sheep that break traditional rules and harm the image of the clergy. Although the government that came to power after the 1979 revolution was an Islamic Republic ruled by clerics, some clergies who were not happy with the regime change, came under attack by the new leaders because of their links to the previous regime. In March 1980, a top Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Tabatabai, complained at a meeting with Khomeini that "incompetent judges have disrobed innocent pious clerics, harming Islam in your name and in the name of Islam." The Special Clerical Court was established in 1990. A year after Khomeini's death. Before that tribunals formed of three clerics and two local elders tried clerics linked to the Shah's secret police, SAVAK, Persian acronym that stood for the state intelligence and security organization. The law that led to the establishment of the court stipulated, among other things, that "Those who are not qualified to wear the clerical robe, shall be condemned to be disrobed." Being disrobed, means no longer being entitled to wear the long Qaba, another long cloak on top of it called Aba, and a turban that covers the head. Some clerics believe that was the way the prophet used to dress up. Here is a list of some of the clerics disrobed under the Islamic Republic as the punishment has been frequently used to discredit and humiliate critics. Seyed Abdolreza Hejazi - He was one of the most renowned preachers in Tehran in the 1970s. At the time of the revolution he was a close aide of dissident cleric Ayatollah Kazem Shariatmadari. Shortly after the revolution he was accused of being an accomplice in a coup plot against the Islamic Republic. Hejazi was disrobed and executed in 1983. Ironically, the Shah's secret police believed he was a revolutionary who supported Khomeini. Ali Akbar Hekamizadeh He was the author of the book "Millennial Secrets", a discourse against religious superstition. In the book he asked questions that were later answered by Ayatollah Khmoeini in his book "The Islamic Government." After the Islamic revolution, Islamic Republic authorities disrobed him under pressure from fanatical clerics. He died in 1987. Hassan Yusefi Eshkevari Reformist cleric and former MP, Eshkevari was arrested in 2000 after taking part in a conference about human rights in Berlin, along with other participants in the event. He was tried at the Special Court for Clerics in Tehran and subsequently disrobed before going to jail for five years after his death sentence was commuted under international pressure. Eshkevari lives in Germany. Ali Afsahi A young cleric and the editor of a publication about cinema and sports, Afsahi was disrobed forever and jailed for four months on charges of "insulting saints and clerics" following a speech at the Bushehr Film Center in the year 2000. Seyed Mohammad Mousa Mirshahvalad A clerical student in Mashad, Mirshahvalad was sentenced to 20 months in jail, 30 lashes and being disrobed for two years for "insulting state officials and propagating against the state." He was pardoned in 2003. Hadi Qabel A reformist cleric, Qabel was arrested in 2007 on charges of "propagating against the regime." According to his lawyer, the Special Clerical Court disrobed him and sentenced him to 40 months in prison, and a 500,000 tuman fine. He was disrobed on charges of "undermining clerics' prestige." Qabel was pardoned in 2009 after serving 22 months in jail. Seyed Hossein Kazemeini Boroujerdi He is a cleric who has openly opposed the intervention of religion in politics, and the rule of jurisconsult (Velayat-e Faqih), in other words, the rule of Supreme Leader, currently Khamenei. A court in September 2007 tried him for "fighting God" and "propagating against the regime," and sentenced him to 10 years jail after disrobing him. Majid Jafari Tabar was sentenced to death in 2014 for "financial corruption, having devoted followers, and claiming to be in contact with the hidden Imam." After his conviction, his pictures were published showing him next to Khamenei's son and President Hassan Rouhani. Ahmad Montazeri He was sentenced first to 21 and then to 6 years in jail in 2016 for publishing a tape in which his father Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri disclosed secrets about mass murders in Iranian jails in the 1980s. He was also sentenced to being disrobed, but his sentence was later suspended for three years. Mohammad Reza Nekounam - A seminary teacher, Nekounam was first arrested in 2014 for insulting high-ranking hardline cleric Nasser Makarem Shirazi. In 2016 he was jailed again for writing an article in a newspaper. In 2017, the Special Clerical Court disrobed him before sentencing him to lashes and five years in jail. Hassan Aghamiri Social media activist nicknamed as the Telegram Cleric, Aghamiri has over one million followers on Telegram and more than 200,000 followers on Instagram. He is extremely popular for his critical speeches. A court in Tehran disrobed him in January 2019 on charges of "undermining clerics' prestige and insulting sanctities" and sentenced him to two years in jail but suspended his jail sentence for two years. OSCE envoys to the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) in Minsk have suggested creating a joint UN and OSCE peacekeeping mission in Donbas, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "Even OSCE representatives who are working on the Minsk platform have come out with a proposal to create a joint OSCE and UN mission. This joint mission should have a military component, a police component, and an international administration. This is clear to everyone. Russia, as you know, is trying to manipulate [things] in view of the upcoming elections [in Ukraine] and in this way to meddle with our politics and affect our elections," he said at a press conference in Severodonetsk on January 16. Klimkin said the conflict in Donbas can only be resolved with the help of an effective peacekeeping mission. During a meeting in Kyiv, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and President of the National Council of Austria Wolfgang Sobotka, have noted the intensity of the political dialogue at the highest level and expressed mutual interest in deepening inter-parliamentary ties. "The principled position of Austria during the presidency of the EU Council on the extension of sanctions against Russia in response to the blocking of the peace process in Donbas by Moscow, the continued occupation of the Crimean peninsula and another act of armed aggression in the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait, was noted," the presidential press service said on Wednesday morning. The head of the Ukrainian state noted Austria's vigorous efforts to help improve the humanitarian situation in areas liberated from the Russian occupation forces. "Special attention was paid to the issue of the release of Ukrainian hostages and military personnel of the Ukrainian Navy, who are illegally detained in Russian prisons," the information says. They also discussed the risks to the energy security of the European Union, which are created by the implementation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. Columb Trade LLC, which delivers cars from the United States, accuses staff of Kyiv's State Fiscal Service of misconduct and confiscation of personal property of the company's co-founders during raiding the company's office, Columb Trade co-founder Pavlo Kazaryan said at a press conference in Interfax- Ukraine on Tuesday. According to Kazaryan, during the raid, the employees of the State Fiscal Service seized $28,000, nine MacBooks and 11 iPhones, including personal funds and equipment of the company's employees. He said that the raid was made on December 26, 2018 on the basis of a ruling of the Holosiyivsky District Court as part of a pretrial investigation registered on the signs of a criminal offense of covering up illegal activities and tax evasion. Kazaryan himself considers these actions of the employees of the State Fiscal Service as pressure on legitimate business and raiding. Anti-Brexit demonstrators in London on Tuesday. HENRY NICHOLLS / REUTERS It might have seemed like the ultimate defeat, given the enormous scale of the parliamentary disaster endured by Theresa May the worst in the last 100 years. But this is not so. More defeats could still be on their way. The efficiency of the Brexit shredding machine did not end on Tuesday evening, when parliament punished the prime minister with a severe and unprecedented rejection of her plans by nearly two thirds of the chamber. Unfortunately for the British people, and perhaps also for Europeans, Tuesday was a historic day that does not preclude more historic days to come, each one of them overshadowed by the tragic clouds that typically accompany historical moments. The shredder will continue to do its work, fed by uncertainty, bitterness and rancor, the three dark feelings that May evoked in her speech following the defeat, like three evil spirits that grow with every passing day that the Brexit issue fails to be resolved. This is the second time that the United Kingdom has rejected a deal with the European Union proposed by its government. The first time, at the referendum of June 23, 2016, voters rejected, by a margin of nearly four points, a deal renegotiated by David Cameron that would have granted the UK an even more special status than that which it already enjoyed. As a result, the prime minister immediately resigned. This time, the rejection has come from parliament, and even though the scale of it was much greater, it has not led to Prime Minister Theresa Mays resignation, only to a no-confidence motion by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. May figures that she can still obtain from Brussels what Brussels cannot and will not give It is self-evident what the future should be for a prime minister who has negotiated an agreement that is voted down, and even more so if the MPs who have rejected it also want the terms to be renegotiated in Brussels, regardless of the fact that the EU of the 27 has ruled out this option. Yet May will only go if she is kicked out, and only her own party can do that. The confidence vote on Wednesday is expected to produce a defeat for Corbyn, which will not be his last, either. After that there will be consultations among the conservatives before handing the issue back to Brussels, where May will stir fears of a wild Brexit on May 29, just as she did unsuccessfully among MPs to secure parliaments approval. Tuesday was a historic day that does not preclude more historic days to come May figures that she can still obtain from Brussels what Brussels cannot and will not give: an improved agreement that Westminster can greenlight, which is something that only a new prime minister with sufficient parliamentary support could demand. And this means calling a general election at a time when there is barely any time left. All of which means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancor. After leaving behind the solid land of the only deal that seemed possible, we now set sail at full speed into uncharted waters, where more fear will be used to combat fear. UK PM May faces confidence vote as Brexit goes down to the line Prime Minister Theresa Mays government faced a no confidence vote on Wednesday after the crushing defeat of her Brexit divorce deal by parliament left Britains exit from the European Union in disarray just 10 weeks before it is due to leave. In a strange case of role reversal, the argument now before the U.S. Supreme Court being pressed by California is that one of its earlier opinions should be overturned. That case is known as Nevada v. Hall. California residents brought suit in a California court for damages when a state of Nevada-owned vehicle on official business collided with the Californians on a California highway. The California courts assessed damages of more than $1 million against Nevada. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1979 ruled that while states have sovereign immunity from being sued in their own courts, a state is not constitutionally immune from suit in the courts of another state. In yet another twist, the attorneys general of 45 states, including Nevadas then-Attorney General Adam Laxalt, have filed amicus briefs asking that Nevada v. Hall be overturned. The comprehensive immigration reform bill (S. 744) passed the Senate in June 2013, five and a half years ago. Now, many Democrats say there are no circumstances under which they would support President Trumps proposal for a border wall or even a fence, or barrier, or whatever Democrats would prefer to call it. Many observers note the Democratic Party has changed dramatically in the last half-dozen years, most significantly on immigration. On that issue, the party has moved far left. And now the Democrats position appears to have further hardened. Speaker Pelosi has called a border wall immoral. Her colleagues will find it difficult to make a deal to support something they believe to be immoral. Its unclear whether Pelosi thinks all the barriers currently in place on the U.S.-Mexican border are immoral, but it appears clear she would never support any new ones. In 2013, House Republicans blocked the comprehensive immigration reform bill (S. 744) from coming to a vote. They felt betrayed by the 1986 immigration bill, which called for the government to grant amnesty to illegal immigrants and also institute new border security measures. The amnesty happened but the security did not, leading to an even greater number of people crossing illegally into the United States from Mexico. Jan. 7 Ivan Alexander Rangel-Arroyos pleaded guilty to pedestrian under the influence and was ordered to serve 13 hours in jail with credit for time served. Ryan Thomas Brennan pleaded guilty to failure to stop at the scene of an accident involving damage to a vehicle or property and was ordered to pay $500 in restitution and $640 in fees and fines. Landon Erik Brown pleaded guilty to minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage and was given a suspended sentence of five days in jail, and was ordered to complete 20 hours of community service and pay $355 in fees and fines. Salvador Garcia Espitia pleaded guilty to one count of battery and one count of disturbing the peace and was given a suspended sentence of 85 days in jail, and was ordered to serve 20 days in jail, pay $2,292.96 in restitution, and pay $995 in fees and fines. Edgar Uribe-Limon pleaded no contest to minor in possession of an alcoholic beverage and was given a suspended sentence of 10 days in jail and was ordered to pay $355 in fees and fines. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Kacin said for him and Porter it was their duty to put forth the need for a third district judge as judicial officers. We have an ethical responsibility that if we see a problem like this, we are supposed to come to our funding authority with the issue, Kacin said. So, I think this is an ethical problem for us if we dont do something. About $250,000 in fees collected in district court from convicted criminal defendants will go toward the construction and remodeling expenses, and the justice court will equally match it out of fees it collects from defendants. We want to help defray the cost of facilities to the county so that we can make this work, Kacin said. Adding more staff to relieve the bottleneck, such as additional court masters for routine hearings and motions, is not a solution, as it would be another expense to the county, Porter said, whereas the judge will be paid for by the state. The county commissioners are ultimately the ones who will have to make those funding decisions, Porter said. I am hopeful the county commission can figure out a way to get the raises to the county employees and allow for a third judge, she said. But why? Nonprofit groups may submit announcements of upcoming events to events@elkodaily.com. Bristlecone Audubon meets Jan. 18 ELKO Retired Great Basin College professor Ed Nickel will be featured at Bristlecone Audubons January meeting. Nickel has made videos of his bird, landscape and other pictures many times and has occasionally shared them with the Bristlecone Audubon members. This month he will be giving a short presentation on how those have been created using his iPad and free/inexpensive apps. Although he has printed some of his pictures, with mounting and framing, that can get very expensive and only a few people ever get to see them in that format. So, compiling videos of the pictures and short clips then posting them on the Internet is an inexpensive way to make use of his photos and then make them available to a larger audience. Everyone is welcome to attend. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 18 in room 208 of the DCIT Building, 1050 Chilton Circle. Cheer Clinic slated Jan. 19 ELKO The Elko High School Cheerleaders are holding their annual Cheer Clinic on Jan. 19 at the Centennial Gymnasium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 09/29/1933 12/19/2018 Sammye E. Johnstone Ugalde died December, 19, 2018 at Renown Hospital, Reno, Nevada. She passed unexpectedly of natural causes. Sammye was born September 29, 1933, in Winnemucca, Nevada. She was the first born child to parents Samuel Keith Johnstone and Mary L. Peraldo Johnstone. The couple would have three more children, Walter, Thomas and Ann. Grandfather, Walter Johnstone and father, Samuel, owned Paiute Meadows, Battle Creek and Clark Field. The ranches were purchased from Miller and Lux in 1925. Paiute was where the family lived until she was in the fifth grade. Then they moved to Clark Field. Sammye and Walt went to school at Leonard Creek for two years. The two would ride their horses back and forth or they would stay at Leonard Creek when the weather was bad and their folks would come get them on the weekend. From the time she was able to get on a horse, she would go everywhere with Uncle Bill Hudspeth. He was the cow boss. Mom thought the world of him. There were no fences so they would ride with the neighbors and bring their cattle home. He taught her how to drive a car, in his coupe. She had wonderful memories and stories of her childhood. A blond, long haired girl in bib overalls living and riding wild and free. This blog may be a labor of love for me, but it takes a lot of effort, time and money. For over 14 years and 30,000 articles I have been providing accurate, original news that would have remained unnoticed. I've written hundreds of scoops and sometimes my reporting ends up making a real difference. I appreciate any donations you can give to keep this blog going. State 2 kicks off Beti Bachau-Beti Padhau campaign Province 2 government started the implementation of the Beti Bachau-Beti Padhau campaignan insurance scheme to encourage girl educationfrom January 15. Russia has disrupted technical consultations in the run-up to the trilateral Ukraine-EU-Russian negotiations on the future contract on gas transit via Ukraine. This casts doubt on the very effectiveness of talks, scheduled for January 21. The Ukraine-EU-Russia talks, scheduled for January 21, on the future of gas transit via the territory of Ukraine, for which the contract between Gazprom and Naftogaz expires on January 1, 2020, will in fact be reduced to zero. This is evidenced by the history of the Kremlins disruption of expert-level tripartite technical consultations on 15 January. "Gazprom disrupted technical tripartite gas consultations, trying to intimidate Europe with its uncontrollability and impose its concepts instead of civilized rules. Their logic is simple not to pay attention to anyone, keep constructing Nord Stream 2, without waiting for final permits, and ignore partners," Zerkal wrote on Facebook. "After that, they will continue convincing the world that it's possible to reach agreements with Gazprom, building relations on trust, as German politicians do. And it doesnt even matter already whether it's senseless naivety or cynicism. In fact, this is self-deception and deception of the whole world, the deputy foreign minister stressed. In her opinion, the European Union should not make any exceptions for Gazprom and that it is necessary to apply EU energy standards to all of Gazprom's projects, "which Ukraine has been long demanding". Its very opportune that the issues of relevant changes to the EU gas directive are being discussed in the EU Council today, added Zerkal. "We are working further and preparing not only for tripartite consultations at the political level, but also for all possible scenarios of developments," the official assured. Naftogaz Chief Operating Officer Yuriy Vitrenko has also commented on the situation: Gazprom did not warn about and in no way justified their absence at forthcoming tripartite consultations. Representatives of Naftogaz, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry, and the National energy regulator partook in consultations from the Ukrainian side, while the EU was represented by European Commission officials. In general, Russia's refusal from consultations was quite expected. Moscow has already expressed its position they did it more than once. Ukraine has also had its say. All that concerns the future transit contract has been stated. The requirements are based on European standards, which is in line with the principles of the EU Energy Charter. This is in fact the main irritant for the Kremlin and their "gas wallet". Ukraine's requirements Ukraine's position, which it will defend at future gas negotiations, is as follows: implementation of all relevant EU rules and regulations for the gas transmission system in relation to the contract. We believe that future transit should be based on transparent and effective EU rules. For example, this means that gas will be purchased on the eastern border of Ukraine, while gas tariffs will be calculated based on European methodology, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said, adding that Ukraine was ready to participate in a constructive dialogue, but it must be based on very clear terms, and the most necessary of them are to apply European standards to have a clear prerequisite for future transit. To maintain Russian gas transit, Naftogaz even went for a compromise. The company says it is ready to reconsider or abandon a new lawsuit worth $12 billion set to be filed against Gazprom with the Stockholm arbitration over the loss of value by the Ukrainian gas transmission system due to the construction of Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream pipelines bypassing Ukraine if Gazprom agrees to conclude with Ukraine a new long-term transit contract. In fact, we are saying to our Russian colleagues: if you build [bypass routes] and don't want to transmit gas [via Ukraine], then compensate. If you want to transmit and are ready to sign a long-term contract according to European rules, with guarantees that you will pay us money, we are ready to drop the suit, or revise it, or change it, said Naftogaz head Andriy Kobolyev. According to him, the message has already been communicated to the European Commission: And we have been heard. We are ready to put this issue on the negotiation table before Gazprom if our shareholder allows us. The goal is simple to preserve transit via the territory of Ukraine. Such readiness to compromise on the part of Naftogaz is quite understandable as the commissioning of Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream, scheduled for the end of 2019, threatens to deprive Ukraine of the gas transit state status. And this means billions in losses for the budget. Under pressure from Germany, the main European beneficiary of Russian pipelines, is trying to calm Ukraine, claiming that they are taking care of it, and even reached an agreement with Russia. The Kremlin chief, Vladimir Putin, promised to maintain gas transit through the Ukrainian GTS, even voicing the volumes of 14-15 billion cubic meters of gas per year. But this volume would be enough only for technical maintenance of the Ukrainian pipe. Meanwhile, Washington is starting to clamp down hard on Russian plans for the routes bypassing Ukraine. The U.S. warns European companies involved in the said projects of risks to fall under American sanctions. This caused serious confusion in Berlin. Many companies are already talking about giving up on the Nord Stream 2. Understanding all the risks it is facing, Russia has put forward new requirements for the transit contract. Debt "claims" Speaking of the terms for concluding the transit contract, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak said that the most important of them is the signing of a settlement agreement on the Stockholm arbitration awards where Naftogaz was declared a full winner. As reported earlier, in February 2018, Naftogaz won a transit dispute with Gazprom. The Stockholm arbitration ordered the Russian company to pay Naftogaz more than $4.6 billion for the short supply of fuel provided for in bilateral agreements. Earlier, the court confirmed the debt of the Ukrainian company for the supply of gas in excess of $2 billion. As a result, according to the results of two arbitration disputes, Gazproms debt to Ukraine amounted to $2.56 billion, plus penalty accumulated. Without paying anything, in March 2018, Gazprom appealed against arbitration award, announcing the termination of the 2009 contract. In turn, Naftogaz launched the procedure of forced debt recovery. As a result, Gazprom is now challenging the courts in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the UK the arrest of its assets. In addition, the U.S. courts started satisfying Naftogaz's claims on obtaining evidence of property ownership to recover debts from Gazprom. It is clear that Russian gas monopoly is simply dragging time, while the verdict will not be revised. By the way, Gazprom laid in its budget the money for repayment of obligations. Although, they still count on Kyivs goodwill. Now Gazprom and Naftogaz are in litigations, and these proceedings, in fact, affect the ability to conduct a dialogue, because on previously issued arbitration awards of funds there are constant seizures of funds, property, and so on. Since, as a result of the Stockholm arbitration awards, the balance of interests was violated under the two contracts, signed by Gazprom and Naftogaz in 2009, the court is considering termination of these contracts. As an option, Gazprom is ready to consider signing a settlement agreement that would satisfy both parties. And the second point concerns the very continuation of transit through Ukraine. In Russia, at different levels, including at the level of the country's leadership, it has always been confirmed that we are ready to ensure continued transit even after 2019, but on the condition that such an option is competitive with other gas supply routes to Europe, Russian energy minister Alexander Novak said. According to him, The European Commission sees its main task in preventing transit and supply of gas to European consumers. Our colleagues are not against the settlement deal, but, in their opinion, Gazprom and Naftogaz should first agree on this between themselves. Awaiting "political" negotiations The main, "political", round of gas tripartite negotiations is scheduled for January 21. Naftogaz said that the Ukrainian delegation would take part in it. However, the company doubts that the meeting will reach final agreements, given the disruption of preliminary consultations by the Russian side. Due to the absence of Russian experts at the consultations on January 15, one can hardly expect final agreements at the political level to be reached next week [January 21], said Yuriy Vitrenko. The Russian side, however, also announced its participation in the negotiations. But their assurances, as we know, are not worth a penny. So far, the attempt of the European Commission to act as a mediator has failed. But even if the parties sit down at the round table on January 21, most likely, such communication will yield no result. On the other hand, there is still time until the end of the year. Although, it may be too little to resolve the transit issue, taking into account the history of the conflict. Nana Chornaya If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter What do you think about our new website? Share your opinion Cypriot court seizes property of Ukrainian oligarch Firtash over VTB Bank's claim Russian media Russia's VTB insists Firtash's structures owe nearly US$37.5 million to the bank. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Passenger traffic from Ukraine to Russia falls by 15% in 2018 Omelyan Ukraine is developing railway services with the European Union member states. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukrainians vote for cognac substitute name in Ukraine Ukraine's Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry will consider the results of the poll late in January. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Child brides and grooms in India at their engagement ceremony. Photo by Reuters In India, many poor families take out loans to cover marriages and then fall into modern slavery. For his 16-year-old daughters wedding last year, Makhanlal Ahirwal bought Bhawani saris, bangles and anklets, got her in-laws a water cooler, a bed, and utensils as dowry and threw a feast for 500 people in his village in central India. The celebrations added 200,000 rupees ($2,800) to an unpaid debt of about 100,000 rupees that hed already taken on for the wedding of another daughter. To repay the original debt he had traveled 800 kilometers (497 miles) to Delhi the previous year, where he was lured by a promise of good pay at a construction site. Instead, he was held against his will and denied wages and food for three months before he was rescued. His experience is not uncommon in India, which is home to 8 million of a global estimated total of 40 million slaves - and where many poor families take out loans to cover marriages and then fall into modern slavery while trying to repay the money. "I worked over 12 hours and lived in a tent, but wasnt paid a penny," Ahirwal said, sitting outside his clay hut in Dharampura village in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. "I had taken that loan to get my elder daughter married. She was 14 then. But I did not get paid. I had another four daughters to marry, so I took one more loan last year," he said. "There is no way I can repay the loan if I dont migrate and look for work again." Landless, and at the bottom in the hierarchy of the Indian caste system, the Ahirwals in Dharampura lean on local landlords who lend money at 4 percent interest. Villagers take loans for major expenses, which in most cases are related to healthcare and or their daughters marriages. With no work in villages, many migrate to cities and send earnings home to repay the money lenders, campaigners say. But in many cases, unscrupulous employers dupe them into working long hours with the promise of good money, knowing they have debts to repay. Bosses sometimes withhold pay - a practice that can trap villagers for years and is widely seen as a form of slavery. Makhanlal Ahirwal was among the 22 people from Dharampura who were rescued from bondage two years ago and are entitled to government benefits such as cash compensation and housing. Each of them had outstanding loans when they migrated. "Most of us had taken loans for weddings of our children. One daughters marriage means four years of debt," said Nirmal Ahirwal, who was trapped in bondage along with Makhanlal. Underage and overleveraged Many parents in Dharampura plan debt cycles around their daughters ages, ensuring the older ones are married before the younger ones attain puberty to avoid clustering wedding loans. Despite being illegal, nearly 27 percent of girls get married before they turn 18 in India, accounting for the highest rates of child marriages across South Asia. The practice is especially prevalent among the poorest and the most marginalized and officials said they lean on awareness drives to enforce the law as action against the parents would further victimize families. Madhya Pradesh is among Indias poorest states and in Chattarpur district - home to Dharampura village - more than half the women were married before 18, government data shows. Weddings cost up to 200,000 rupees and in many cases push entire families into modern slavery even as young girls are pulled out of schools and pushed into adulthood. "Both parents and their daughters are victims in these cases ... they are both bonded in different forms of slavery," said Nirmal Gorana, convener of the National Campaign Committee for Eradication of Bonded Labor. "Workers we rescue from bondage often cite loans they took for their childs marriage for taking up the work," he added. Voiceless Bhawani, Makhanlals 16-year-old daughter, comes across as a coy new bride as she walks into her parents home, dressed in a pink sari and faux gold bangles, a streak of red vermillion along the parting of her hair and her eyes lined with kohl. "I never liked dressing up. But now I do what they (her in-laws) like," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "I wanted to study. I never said I wanted to get married. But people start talking of even 15-year-olds as 20." Teenage girls in the village fetch water, cook, and clean and roll "beedis" (traditional cigarettes) to supplement family income. Most drop out of school young and are wed soon after. Child marriage without consent is a form of slavery as it pushes children into sexual and domestic servitude, experts say. "We dont ask our parents anything. We do as they say," said Rekha Ahirwal, 14, who dropped out after the ninth grade. A moment of pride Many parents do not see a future for their young daughters so take loans to marry them off, said Bhuwan Ribhu, an activist with the non-profit Kailash Satyarthi Childrens Foundation. "Besides, the girls marriage is a moment of pride for the family in the village as they discuss with the community what all they did, what they gave her," he said. Awareness drives have checked the practice, but only to some extent, according to activists and officials. "We explain there are cash incentives if they get their daughters married after 18, but parents believe the right age ... is 12," said Ramesh Bhandari, Chattarpur district head. Bhawani recalls feeling crushed when her father returned exhausted and penniless from Delhi after he was rescued. "His debt has only increased after my marriage," she said. But she has another loan to worry about - that of her in-laws. She will take the risk of migrating "to some city wherever there is work" with her husband to repay the 150,000 rupees they borrowed for their sons own wedding festivities. "This is not a big amount," her husband Paras, 22, said. "Weddings cost as much. We will find work soon to repay the loan." An employee of Malaysian airline Malindo was among eight people arrested in Australia on charges of trafficking more than 14 kg of drugs. Photo by Shutterstock/Sugrid Gleakpakdee Eight people have been arrested in Australia on charges of trafficking more than 14 kg of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, authorities said Wednesday. One suspect worked for Malindo Air, a subsidiary of Indonesia's Lion Air, which said the crew member had been suspended with immediate effect pending termination. "Malindo Air stands ready to co-operate with all the relevant authorities be it in Australia or in Malaysia in this regard," it said. The 38-year-old airline crew member was part of a group that brought drugs from Malaysia on aircraft for sale in Australian cities, police and customs officials said in a statement. The gang, which police believe was run by a Vietnamese crime syndicate, was based in the city of Melbourne, Tess Walsh, Victoria State police crime command assistant commissioner, told reporters. Police seized some 14 kg of drugs when the suspects were rounded up but the gang was believed to have been smuggling drugs for a long time. "Intelligence would tell us that this crew has been operating for some years, I would say five plus," Walsh said. Australia is a lucrative market for suppliers of drugs from Southeast Asia. It has one of the worlds highest per-capita rates of methamphetamine use, government statistics show. Police said they had made the eight arrests over the past 10 days, apprehending four women and four men aged between 26 and 55 in and around Melbourne. They faced drug trafficking charges and appeared in court on Wednesday. No pleas were entered and they will next appear on May 15. Police said they seized 6 kg of heroin, 8 kg of methamphetamines, 500 grams of cocaine, along with a "significant quantity" of cash and a Porsche Macan SUV and Mini Cooper car. A Chinese man was caught stealing money from Vietnamese passenger on Vietnam Airlines' flight from Da Nang to Hanoi on January 9. Photo by Shutterstocks/anvu A Chinese national has been detained at Hanois Noi Bai airport for allegedly stealing $431 from a Vietnam Airlines passenger. Zuo Lei took money from the bag of a Vietnamese passenger sitting in front of him on the flight from Da Nang to Hanoi, police said Wednesday. About 20 minutes after takeoff Thursday last week, some passengers spotted the Chinese man acting suspiciously. He changed seats and opened a bag from the overhead compartment before rummaging through it. They immediately alerted the flight attendants who asked passengers sitting close to the man to check their luggage. One of them, whose identity has not been revealed, claimed that he had lost VND10 million ($431) from his bag. The flight crew checked Lei after he returned from the toilet and found the money on him. The crew handed the alleged thief over to security authorities at Noi Bai Airport. He is in custody of Hanoi police for investigation. Many Chinese have been caught for theft aboard flights in Vietnam in recent years. Vietnamese authorities have yet to take effective measures against such theft. Vietnam Airlines has responded by training staff to be more alert, a representative said. The national airline has also warned its passengers not to keep money and other valuable assets in their cabin luggage. Vietnamese laws treat theft as a criminal offense if the stolen property's value exceeds VND2 million ($87). Vietnams far away from becoming a cashless society, given low financial literacy and the lack of an ecosystem, experts say. When Nguyen Quynh Hoas phone texts that her salary has been credited, she goes to the nearest ATM. "Its just more convenient to use cash when I go shopping at a local market. Giving the vendors there my card would be ridiculous," the 24-year-old office worker said. Hoa has had a bank account and debit card for years, but she relies heavily on cash for daily transactions. This is despite her living in Hanoi, Vietnams capital and one of its biggest financial centers. "There are several convenience stores and supermarkets that dont welcome cards, and I find it more complicated going through many steps to make an online transaction. Cash is just easier," she told VnExpress International. The Vietnamese government in recent years has been encouraging the development of cashless payment, but experts say that the task will be challenging as "underbanked" people rely mostly on cash. Pham Hoai Thu, a cashier at a fashion store in the Aeon Mall in Hanoi, said that six out of ten customers pay with cash, and most people only pay with cards when the bill is $200 or higher. "Customers often choose to pay with cards only if they do not have enough cash with them. Even businesspeople pay cash, as they are concerned about technical issues," she said. Pham Thi Sinh, owner of a grocery store in Hanois Dong Da District, does not have a bank account. She said that she doesnt need one. "I receive all my income in cash, and make purchases with cash, too. Why would I need a card?" the 60-year-old said. A large population of Vietnam remains unbanked. Only 40 percent of Vietnamese adults over 15 years old had a bank account in 2017, according to World Bank data released last year. This rate is lower than Thailand at 82 percent, Malaysia, 85 percent, Singapore, 98 percent and the East Asia and Pacific region average at 74 percent. The data also showed that only 27 percent of the Vietnamese population owns debit cards and just four percent have credit cards, much lower than the East Asia and the Pacific average of 60 percent for debit cards and 22 percent for credit cards. Trust issues The ratio of cash over total payments in Vietnam was 11.61 percent as of September last year, according to the State Bank of Vietnam. One of the main reasons Vietnamese people are reluctant to go cashless is their lack of faith in technology in terms of money. Can Van Luc, a government economic advisor and chief economist at BIDV, biggest bank by assets, told VnExpress International that Vietnamese people are "so used to cash they dont feel safe doing transactions without cash." Creating a cashless habit is also difficult because Vietnamese cashless payment services are not user-friendly enough to attract those who are not tech-savvy, he added. Another reason is the insufficient number of points of sale (POS) terminals in the country. Nguyen Quang Minh, deputy CEO of the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), said that there are only 150,000 shops in the country with POS terminals. In order for Vietnamese people to change their payment habit, the number of POS shops need to leap from 150,000 to at least one million, Minh said at the recent 2019 Future of Finance Vietnam organized by The Asian Banker. "The payment habits of Vietnamese people are changing, but slowly. Cashless payment in the country is individually operated by each company, not standardized, creating challenges for users. It also slows the speed of cashless payment development," Minh said. "Vietnamese people need more time to catch up with new technologies." Other experts say that many Vietnamese people are not aware of what a card can do. Arnab Ghosh, CEO of a Hanoi-based finance company, said at the conference that consumers dont know the full function of a card. "Most Vietnamese people think of their debit cards as cash-withdrawal tools only. They dont even know they can use their cards to make purchases," said Ghosh, who has been working in Vietnam since 2011. Ghosh is also concerned about the lack of an ecosystem for cashless transactions. He said that even if a "pho" stall owner accepts POS transactions, he wont commit to cashless payments if he still has to pay for ingredients in cash at a local market. "While more and more banks and financial companies are essentially addressing the points of sale (issue), they are not addressing the entire supply chain," Ghosh said. The Vietnamese government has demanded that the cash over total payment ratio be reduced to below 10 percent next year. However, experts fear that this target might not be achieved that soon as the ratio has never fallen below 11 percent. Luc, the governments economic advisor, proposed that the Vietnamese government implements a larger scale strategy to teach people the benefits of cashless payment. "We need to have a financial inclusion strategy. Financial literacy in Vietnam now is only about 20 percent, very low compared to European average of 40-45 percent," he said, adding that schools should start teaching personal finance as early as possible. He also said that mobile phone payment, which is becoming more popular in Vietnam, could become a solution for the unbanked and underbanked. "In China, even beggars use their phones to ask for money. This could be the future for Vietnam." A government resolution issued in January recommended that cashless transactions made viable for all urban household bill payments by the end of this year, prioritizing mobile payments and payment via card readers. Meanwhile, Hoa, the office worker in Hanoi, took out her wallet and paid with cash for the ingredients she bought to cook dinner for the family, something she has been doing for years. "I think Ill have to stick with cash for a long time." Bamboo Airways lands its first flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on January 1, 2019. Photo by Bamboo Airways Vietnams fifth airline completed its first official flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi on Wednesday. The Bamboo Airways flight, carrying 180 passengers and five crew members, landed at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi at 8.30 a.m. "This is the first commercial flight and it is very important and meaningful for Bamboo Airways. Local and international customers expect a new experience in Vietnam with good service and reasonable price. We will give them the service of a friendly airline," said Dang Tat Thang, Bamboo Airways CEO. He said the carrier plans to have 37 routes connecting major cities and travel destinations in Vietnam this year. During the upcoming Tet, Lunar New Year Festival, which falls on February 2-10, Bamboo Airways will operate eight routes covering Hanoi, HCMC, the central towns of Quy Nhon and Dong Hoi, and the Central Highlands town of Buon Me Thuot. It will also offer flights from HCMC to the Van Don International Airport that opened last month in northern Quang Ninh Province. Bamboo Airways also plans to operate flights on international routes from Vietnam to Japan, Korea, Singapore and European countries this year. The new carrier, owned by property and leisure firm FLC Group, is expected to make Vietnams aviation sector more competitive. The other carriers are Vietnam Airlines, its low-cost carrier Jetstar Pacific, budget airline Vietjet Aviation and Vietnam Air Services Co. Trinh Van Quyet, chairman of Bamboo and FLC, underplayed concerns about competition and infrastructure. "Bamboo will compete with other airlines with its service quality and other factors that other airlines dont have. We are not concerned about the constraints in aviation infrastructure in Vietnam, as the infrastructure keeps expanding rapidly and there hast been any major congestion," he told Reuters. Last July, Bamboo Airways signed a provisional deal to buy 20 Boeing 787-9 wide-body jets worth $5.6 billion at list prices, and a memorandum of understanding in March with Airbus for up to 24 A320neo narrow-bodied aircraft. The airline plans to expand its fleet to 40-50 by the end of this year. Vietnams tourism has boomed in recent years, with a surge in the number of both domestic and international passengers. The country welcomed 15.5 million foreign tourists last year, up 19.9 percent year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office. Of these, 12.5 million of them came by air, up 14.4 percent. Portfolio division puts ministry on sticky wicket The Ministry of Health and Populations decision to divide its portfolios between its two secretaries to function efficiently will most likely be ineffective, following strong reservations from one of its secretaries Kedar Bahadur Adhikari. As clear skies fade away and a storm approaches, Dan Lingo tosses up a serve while playing tennis against Terry Feigenbutz, back left, and Todd Benson at Moscow Middle School on Tuesday afternoon. In an effort to get outdoors and remain socially distant during a pandemic year, the three men have been a part of The Pandemic Tennis Club since last April. And she didn't offer any details about what she thinks the best way is to overhaul the state's tax system to raise that additional revenue. She has said in the past that she doesn't want to take any options off the table, but here's a time when she needs to tip her hand. Otherwise, that ambitious list of goals isn't much more than a wish list. (mm) Training shutdown One of the stories to track in this legislative session will be how lawmakers work to improve the workplace climate in the Capitol, which was recently rocked by a state report concluding that leaders haven't done enough to address pervasive sexual harassment. One of the ways legislators hoped to tackle the problem was by scheduling a training session by a federal agency on how to build respectful workplaces. That training was expected to begin Tuesday, but got off to a poor start: It was canceled because of the partial federal government shutdown. Legislative leaders said they would reschedule the training, even if it requires disrupting the schedule of the legislative session, which begins Jan. 22. That's the right call. In the meantime, the irony of the situation wasn't lost on legislators such as Sen. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, who tweeted: "Irony is when the Oregon Legislature's new and improved workplace harassment training is canceled because of the Trump federal government shut down." And we'll leave it at that for today. (mm) Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 December 27, 1952 January 7, 2019 Suzanne Durheim passed away on January 7, 2019, at the age of 66. Born in Oregon, Ohio, to Robert and Mabelle Thompson, she was the third of four children and grew up in northern Ohio, graduating from Clay High with honors and then pursuing what would become a lifelong career in nursing. She moved to Brownsville, Oregon, in 1979, where she met her husband Kevin Durheim whom she married in 1981. She worked as a hospital nurse, in cardiac care, in intensive care, and as an independent consultant to hospitals in several western states. She was a mother to three children and was the generous, hard-working, level-headed, and loving rock of her family. She loved God as much as she loved her family. Suzanne is survived by her husband, Kevin; sons, Alex and Adam; daughter, Cecilia; sisters, Fillamay (Ron) Cowell and Judy (Tarry) Beard; and brother, Dan (Joan) Thompson. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. on January 18 at Life Bible Church, 23650 Peoria Road, Harrisburg, OR 97446. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be sent to Compassion International. August 30, 1941 January 2, 2019 Sandra K. Lindh, age 77, passed away January 2, 2019. Sandra was born to Eileen and Eugene Parker of Modoc Point, Oregon. She was raised by her beloved grandparents, Ellen and Olaf Morris, settling in Adin, California, where she attended school. In 1956, she married Buford Thomas and had seven children, eventually moving to Albany in 1971. Sandra first drove school bus for Albany Private School, eventually driving for Greater Albany Public Schools, along with being an Educational Aide between shifts, for a total of over 26 years. She touched many lives during that time from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her hobbies included yard-sales (or any kind of sale), oil painting, Tri-chem, baking, teaching Bible study, and Vacation Bible School. She loved cats and always had a few. She volunteered at the local Senior Center and Pregnancy Center; played BUNCO and Farkle with her friends and LOVED reading. She was a people person who loved to talk and maintained lifelong friendships from high school on, including a large and loyal group from her bus-driving days. Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital is hosting the annual Baby Blast Open House and Information Fair for new parents in east Linn County. The baby shower-themed event will take place 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in conference room B-C at the Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital, 525 N. Santiam Hwy. The event will feature free health checks for babies, and representatives from several services in Lebanon and Sweet Home will be on hand. Prizes, healthy snacks and other refreshments will be available. Registration is encouraged, but not required at www.samhealth.org/BabyBlast. For more information, call 541-451-7161. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Over 70,000 civil servants apply for adjustment Over 70,000 civil servants have expressed their readiness to serve provincial and local governments so far, one day before the deadline set by the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to apply for their adjustment expires. Officials say the number could go higher. A group of Wyoming legislators is hoping this is the year that they repeal the death penalty. Douglas Senator Brian Boner and Cheyenne Representative Jared Olsen are sponsoring the bill. They note that no one has been executed in Wyoming since 1992, yet the state still has to pay nearly a million dollars a year to defend cases. While past attempts to repeal the death penalty have failed, Olsen said this year they have a large number of co-sponsors, and that makes him optimistic. "You've got social conservatives and libertarians and that's a little more of a mix than we've had before. And then if you look at the heavy hitters on the bill we've got three-quarters of the House leadership on the bill and I did get confirmation that unless he's changed his mind, President Perkins supports the bill. " Olsen noted that even the death penalty convictions that have occurred in the state have been overturned. "It's worthless, all we do is spend millionsreallyof taxpayer dollars on it and I think that's a burden that the taxpayers have shouldered for too long." | 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 The Bonne Terre City Council held a short meeting Monday night. In this meeting, it was decided that a town hall meeting will be held on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at city hall to discuss the property tax issue on the April 2 ballot. Because this is a town hall meeting, citizens are encouraged to attend to discuss their stance on the property tax issue. A resolution passed that affirms that the city council supports the renovation and the eventual donation and acceptance of the renovated firehouse and headquarters from Sharo Shirshekan to the City of Bonne Terre. A bill was approved to grant the authorization of Bonne Terre City Administrator Shawn Kay to execute a contract with Flynn Drilling Company for the repair of Well 3. A bill to approve amendments regarding the Orchard Apartments fell through, and as of now, no actions will be followed through. A motion was passed to approve the request of the Bonne Terre Space Museum to close East School Street from First State Community Bank to Marios on March 16. The council is also now accepting bids for roof replacement on the Parkview Apartments in Bonne Terre. The meeting, which began at 6:02 p.m., adjourned for its closed session at 6:48 p.m. Rachel Gann is a reporter for the Daily Journal. She can be reached at 573-518-3617 or at rgann@dailyjournalonline.com. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 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 Desloge Board of Alderman met in regular session on Monday night. The first item of business was the filling of the vacancy left by Jason Loughary, who resigned as Ward 1 alderman during the December meeting. Loughary resigned because he moved out of the ward he was representing. Mayor David Kater requested the appointment of David Shaw to replace Loughary as alderman until the April election. The appointment was unanimously approved by the board of alderman present at the meeting. Deion Christopher, the other Ward 1 alderman, was not in attendance. Shaw was immediately sworn in as alderman by City Clerk Stephanie Daffron, and took his position at the table for the remainder of the meeting. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Shaw was born in Bonne Terre but grew up in a home on what is now Desloge Drive. Shaw got his first job at the age of 15 when he went to work as a desk clerk at Roseners Motel for Leeman Rosener, a man he describes as one of the most influential men in his life. A new study soon to be released by the University of Missouri and agriculture industry partners including Missouri Farm Bureau finds that Missouri has the capability to grow the impact of its food and agriculture industry by more than $25 billion in the next eight years. Dean Chris Daubert of the University of Missouris College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources previewed the feasibility studys findings and recommendations on Jan. 10 at the Governors Conference on Agriculture. In late 2016, a study of the Missouri agriculture industry found that it has an annual economic impact of more than $88 billion to the state, making it the states number one industry. According to the study, the best way to boost this impact from its current level is to focus on taking the raw products Missouri already produces and adding value to them through advanced manufacturing or processing efforts. The feasibility study made three main recommendations. First, Missouri should create a network of universities, colleges and Extension offices that can coordinate resources and identify new business opportunities. This Regional Food Systems Initiative would reduce overlap in current efforts and increase cooperation for the overall benefit of the state. The Union government has set up a seven-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to examine and suggest ways to resolve the issues plaguing the real estate sector after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Terms of Reference The Terms of reference of the panel are: Suggest a plan of action to address the problems facing both developers and buyers. Examine the various aspects of levying GST on the transfer of development rights and development rights in a joint development agreement and suitable model. Look at the legality of inclusion or exclusion of land or any other ingredient in the scheme and suggest a valuation mechanism. Examine GST levy on Transfer of Development Rights and development rights in a joint development agreement and suitable model. The GoM headed Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel has finance ministers of Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh and Goas Minister of Panchayat as members. When you receive your paycheck and look at the withholding for federal, state and sometimes city taxes, along with Social Security and Medicare, you probably dont think youre underpaying governments and want them to take more. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio believes that if you have played by what used to be called the rules and are making a decent living, taking care of yourself and your family and not relying on government, your taxes should be increased. In his State of the City address last week, de Blasio said, ...brothers and sisters, theres plenty of money in the world. Theres plenty of money in this city. Its just in the wrong hands. He continued: You havent been paid what you deserve for all the hard work. You havent been given the time you deserve. Youre not living the life you deserve. And here is the cold, hard truth: Its no accident. Its an agenda. He blamed presidential administrations from Reagan to Trump. The mayor ignores the tax cuts and in some cases spending reductions that have fueled an economic boom, producing more wealth for individuals and more revenue for governments. A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus. Pride, the worst of the seven deadly sins, blinds us and holds us back. Dr. King taught us that forgiveness is the way to defeat pride:, Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude. Forgiveness means reconciliation, a coming together again. We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. Something my father did in the military in the 1950s still makes me proud. He was raised in Pittsburgh in an era when he had limited interaction with the African-American community. In the Army, however, he became best friends with an African-American who was being harassed by another fellow solely because of his skin color. My father, a large, powerful man, used his fists to put an end to the harassment. His friend went on to become a physician. My father says of him, He was the finest man I ever met. Sentinel reporter Joseph Cress offers a daily digital glimpse back in Cumberland County history with help from our Newspapers.com archives: 50 Years Ago Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} The Crown Construction Co. of Johnstown announced work is in the planning stages for a major expansion of the Carlisle Plaza shopping center at York and Trindle streets. The expansion may include a major department store along with seven smaller shops and offices to augment the 14 businesses already located at the complex. Stores at Carlisle Plaza included Town & Country, G.C. Murphy Co., Bermuda Card Shop, S&H Green Stamp, Safeway Cleaners, Raub Shoes, Joe the Motorists Friend, a Sherwin-Williams paint shop, a Rea & Derick, Carlisle Food Market and a Dauphin Deposit Bank. William Gambor, president of the Carlisle Plaza Merchants Association, said the name may be changed to the Carlisle Plaza Mall once plans are carried out to build an enclosed, heated and air-conditioned mall connecting the majority of the stores at the shopping center. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The race for the Republican nomination for district attorney in Cumberland County now features two candidates. Current district attorney Skip Ebert announced Wednesday that he would seek the nomination in the May primary. Ebert was appointed by a vote of the countys common plea judges to fill the remainder of former District Attorney David Freeds term, which ends in 2020. Freed was appointed by President Donald Trump to become the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania in 2017. Ebert settles in as Cumberland County's 'new' DA Cumberland County has only had two district attorneys for the past 20 years Skip Ebert and David Freed. Ebert served as district attorney from 1996 to 2006 when he was elected a judge in the Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas. He served 12 years as a county judge. Ive worked most of my adult life to acquire the skills necessary to excel in the office of district attorney, Ebert said in a written statement. Im a proven prosecutor. Prior to becoming district attorney in 1996, Ebert served as the executive deputy attorney general of the criminal law division for Pennsylvania and served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1977, earning the rank of captain. One arrested for rape of 12-year-old girl in Bajura A man has been arrested for his alleged involvement in raping a 12-year-old girl in Bajura. The suspect has been identified as Dal Bahadur Thapa, 47, of Budhiganga Municipality-8, Nuwakot. Mechanicsburgs plans for reconstructing a portion of Allendale Road this year are a step closer to moving into action. Mechanicsburg Borough Council last week awarded a contract for the Allendale Road reconstruction project to Hempt Brothers Inc. for $523,966.70. The project involves a complete reconstruction of about a mile of Allendale Road down to its subbase from Simpson Street to Cocklin Street. Borough officials said late last year that poor soil conditions in the area contributed to several water main breaks over the years. Borough manager Roger Ciercierski said last week that officials are looking at a midspring start date for the project, but a more detailed work timeline is expected in an upcoming contract document. Hempt Brothers price as the projects low bidder came in substantially lower than the boroughs initial cost estimate of $850,000. The original cost estimate was created using the price-points for a similar project in another municipality. (The other project) had some elevated asphalt and fuel cost that this bid does not have. Also, narrowing down the scope of the (Allendale Road) project made a tremendous difference in the actual project numbers, Ciecierski said. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (on the left) with Mikhail Gutseriyev, the father of Said Gutseriyev, one of the investors in Currency.com. Source: president.gov.by A Belarusian company has announced the official launch of what is claimed to be the worlds first fully-functional trading platform for tokenized securities. The new exchange, dubbed Currency.com, reportedly allows users to place bets on the price movements of traditional assets such as a share of Apple or gold using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. According to a statement from the exchange, they will start by issuing around 150 tokenized securities, which will track the underlying market price of common financial instruments, such as global equities, indices and commodities, that users will be able to trade for cryptocurrency. Over time, the exchange plans to issue more than 10,000 such tokens for its users, using technology from sister platform Capital.com. Within the first two hours, the new exchange received 2,000 applications for registration, according to Reuters. Currency.com will be authorising new users on the platform gradually to ensure optimal functionality as the service scales, the exchange said. The Currency.com iOS and Android apps should be available for beta testing from February 2019. Tokenized commodities on Currency.com: Source: Currency.com However, the claim that it is the first exchange of its type is not very accurate. In January, cryptocurrency exchange called DX.Exchange launched stocks trading of giant companies, as reported by Cryptonews.com. Decree No. 8 According to a report by the independent Belarusian TV network Belsat TV, work on setting up Currency.com in the country started after a government decree called Decree No. 8 On the Development of the Digital Economy was signed by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in 2017. Currency.coms CEO Ivan Gowan said in a statement that the platform is fully compliant with Decree No. 8, and that it adheres to the strictest regulatory standards set by this decree. The project was launched by two IT-focused investment companies, VP Capital and Larnabel Ventures. According to Belsat TV, Said Gutseriyev of Larnabel Ventures is the son of the Russian oligarch Mikhail Gutseriyev, a friend of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. According to unofficial data, it was Gutseriyev, together with Viktar Prakapenya [of VP Capital], who persuaded Lukashenko to sign the decree On the Development of the Digital Economy, Belsat TV reported. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Finding a suitcase full of documents is every journalists dream. But for the investigative outlet Rise Project, it quickly turned into a legal nightmare after Romanian authorities filed a complaint under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ordering the outlet to reveal its sources or pay a fine of up to 20 million euros (US$23 million). The GDPR is an EU regulation covering how companies protect personal data and giving control to individuals over their data. Analysts, however, said they think that the Romanian authority is abusing the law, which was set up to protect the data privacy of EU citizens, not to curtail the press. The problems for Rise Project started in November, when it published a teaser on Facebook about its investigation into allegations of corruption involving Liviu Dragnea, the president of the ruling party. The Facebook post showed the contents of a suitcase that the Rise Project said it received from an anonymous source in the fall, containing documents, files, emails, photos from a memory stick, and a tablet that appeared to establish links between a local road construction company, Tel Drum SA, and Dragnea. Romanias anti-corruption directorate a year earlier had charged Dragnea with setting up an organized crime group to defraud millions of euros of EU funds. Dragnea has denied the charges and denied having links with Tel Drum, according to reports. A few days after the Facebook post, the Romanian Data Protection Authority the state body responsible for the protection of personal data privacysent a letter (English translation here) to Rise Project alleging that the outlet had breached data privacy rules. The authority cited the GDPR and ordered the journalists to explain how and when they obtained the information, who their source was, how they stored the documents, and what other personal information they had on Dragnea, Tel Drum executives, and their friends. The authority demanded that the reporters return the information within 10 days or face a fine of 644 euros for each day of delay. Failure to comply would result in a fine of up to 20 million euros, the letter said. There is a history of government authorities using legal means to intimidate and harass us, said Paul Radu, the co-founder of Rise Project, which is part of the international Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). Radu told CPJ that the speed at which the authority reacted was surprising as many cases submitted by citizens linger for months without action. Radu said he believes political motives were behind the move, adding that the head of the data protection authority, Ancuta Gianina Opre, was appointed by the ruling party and is indicted by the anti-corruption directorate in an unrelated case for abuse of office in a previous job at a different state body. In an email to CPJ, the data protection authority denied that the order was politically motivated and emphasized that the body was an autonomous and independent public authority in the performance of its tasks and the exercise of its powers. President of the ruling party Liviu Dragnea carries suitcases into parliament in November, as part of stunt mocking the Rise Project reporting. Romanias data protection authority has ordered the investigative outlet to reveal its sources. (Inquam Photos/Octav Ganea) Dragnea has mocked the investigative outlets report, arriving in parliament on November 5 with a suitcase that he said contained donuts from Rise Project. He added that what the Rise Project journalists presented was a lie and had nothing to do with him. It isnt the first time Rise Project has faced action over its reporting on Dragnea. On July 6, 2017the day the outlet had announced it would publish an article on a separate investigation into Dragneathe Romanian Anti-Fraud Authority raided its office on accusations of suspected fraud, according to rights groups. The anti-fraud investigation failed to find evidence of wrongdoing, according to reports. Dragnea had previously warned journalists covering that corruption case that that he was ready to fight back, even saying in a TV interview that peace is over. The ruling party spokesperson did not immediately respond to CPJs request for comment. Raluca Radu, (no relation to Paul Radu) a journalism professor at the University of Bucharest, said that the latest action against the Rise Project fits into a pattern in Romania. The legislative framework is nice and European, but often these very same laws are misused by the authorities to pressure journalists, she said, adding that in the past three years, the attacks seemed to intensify. Raluca Radu said that what made the current case difficult was that the legal right to protect sources was still weak in Romania because it is enshrined only in the audiovisual code for radio and TV, and not for print or online outlets. The Romanian authority not only wrongly interprets EU regulation, but clearly contradicts the law and its objectives, said Estelle Masse, a senior policy analyst at the international advocacy organization Access Now. Masse said that the GDPR established a fine balance between the protection of personal data and the fundamental right to freedom of the expression and information, and made a clear exception for data acquired for journalistic purposes. Article 85 of the GDPR says that EU states need to provide for exemptions or derogations when data is processed for journalistic purposes. In response to questions from CPJ, the Romanian data protection authority cited a paragraph of Romanian lawaimed to comply with the GDPR and approved in 2018as a basis for its request to the Rise Project, and emphasized that the authoritys actions fall exclusively within the legal competences, without prejudice to the freedom of the press. The member state cannot interpret the law as it wants, this is clearly a case of abusing the law, said Masse, adding that a member state cannot ultimately contradict the jurisprudence and guidance given by the EU. Masse said that a similar situation arose in Spain, where the government failed to implement the GDPR in line with EU jurisprudence by passing legislation allowing political parties to use personal data obtained from web pages and other publicly accessible sources. Advocacy groups have warned that the new law could pave the way for parties to create ideological profiles. We expect the EUs Data Protection Board and the European Commission to push the Romanian authority to rectify the error they have done, Masse said. The role of the Commission is to make sure that the regulation is properly implemented. If all those efforts fail, the last resort will be litigation at the EU courts, she said. The EUs Data Protection Board refused to comment to CPJ on the Rise Project case as no decision was reached among the board members. However, during a general media briefing last year, European Commission spokesperson Margaritis Schinas said that the GDPR clearly states that data protection has to be balanced against freedom of expression and information. In response to a question about the action against Rise Project, he said that using the EU regulation would be a clear abuse of the regulation. Paul Radu, from the Rise Project, said that the outlets lawyers have responded to the Romanian authoritys questions, without revealing sources, and said they were up to a legal battle if needed. We will keep on working as before, these threats will not deter us, he said. [Reporting from Berlin] Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, January 15, 2019 Russian authorities should immediately release blogger Viktor Toroptsev from jail, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. A court in the city of Amursk, in the Far Eastern region of Khabarovsk, handed a 10-day sentence to Toroptsev yesterday, ostensibly for a traffic violation, after he shared a video on YouTube that allegedly showed several law enforcement officials attending the funeral of a local crime boss, the blogger told MBK Media, a news outlet funded by Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Jailing a blogger for sharing a publicly available video is a terrible injustice, said Gulnoza Said, CPJs Europe and Central Asia program coordinator. We call on the federal authorities to intervene in the case and overturn the verdict. Viktor Toroptsev should be released immediately, and Russians right to stay informed about events of public importance should not be restricted. Toroptsev told MBK Media that he was stopped and detained by traffic police on January 12 for allegedly driving with an invalid license. He was released from police custody the next day, apparently because of a large public outcry over the video, Toroptsev wrote on VKontakte, a Russian social networking site. But he was detained again on January 14 and sentenced by a local court to 10 days in jail, MBK Media reported. Toroptsev insists that his detention is illegal and that he is being targeted for publishing a video on YouTube under the username ihar felyzen on January 8, according to a report by the U.S. Congress-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). Khabarovsk authorities announced a probe into the publication of the video on January 9, RFE/RL reported. According to a resident of Amursk who spoke on condition of anonymity citing fear of persecution to OVD-Info, an independent group that monitors crackdowns on protests, the arrest followed several days of harassment towards Toroptsev. In the days before he was arrested, the blogger received several phone calls from unknown people who threatened him because of the video, and Toroptsev was visited by police who demanded he take the video offline, according to the resident. According to RFE/RL, comments on the video accuse several Khabarovsk police officers and employees of the local prosecutors office of attending the funeral of alleged crime boss Yuriy Zaruba Zarubin, including some who acted as pallbearers. The press office for the regional police denied any law enforcement involvement in the January 8 funeral procession, according to Russias state-run Vesti news agency. CPJ reached out to the police force for further comment but did not receive a reply. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, January 16, 2019The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on the Libyan National Army to release journalist Ismail Bouzreeba al-Zway, who was detained December 20 in the eastern Libyan city of Ajdabiya, according to news reports, local press organizations, and the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. Al-Zway, who shoots photo and video footage of community events in Ajdabiya for Libyan Cloud News Agency and other news outlets, was detained while covering a ceremony honoring Ajdabiyas first generation of teachers, Ameen Ahmed, a member of local press freedom group the Libyan Center for Freedom of the Press, told CPJ. Al-Zway is being held at a prison in the eastern city of Benghazis Al-Kwayfiya suburb, Ahmed told CPJ. Benghazi, Libyas second-largest city, is under control of the self-styled Libyan National Army led by Khalifa Haftar, although CPJ could not determine what authority or group initially detained the journalist. Libya is split between rival governments led by the Libyan National Army in the east and the U.N.-recognized Government of National Accord based in Tripoli, Libyas capital. CPJ could not determine the circumstances of al-Zways arrest, including who detained him or when was transferred from Ajdabiya to Benghazi. CPJ tried to reach al-Zways uncle by Facebook and his cousin via WhatsApp, but the messages went unanswered. A spokesperson for the Libyan National Army did not respond to CPJs emailed request for comment. The Libyan National Army should immediately release photojournalist Ismail Bouzreeba al-Zway, who has been arbitrarily detained for weeks, CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour said from Washington, D.C. Libyan journalists should not be subjected to brazen and arbitrary detentions. A CPJ review of al-Zways Facebook page showed that he covered various events around Ajdabiya such as lectures, panels, competitions, and natural phenomena before his arrest. Al-Zway was detained for allegedly working for Al-Nabaa, a privately owned Libyan news channel broadcast from Turkey, Ahmed told CPJ. Authorities in east Libya view Al-Nabaa with hostility due to the channels criticism of the Libyan National Army, according to Ahmed. Al-Nabaa is also viewed in Libya as being allied with Islamists, according to news reports. In March 2017, armed men attacked the office of Al-Nabaa in Tripoli and set the building on fire, CPJ reported at the time. The Libyan Center for Freedom of the Press reported that the journalists family denied that he was connected to Al-Nabaa. The center also reported on Twitter that Al-Nabaa denied any affiliation with al-Zway. Ahmed said al-Zway was barred from receiving visitors in prison. Al-Zway also serves as chairman of the board of directors for the Libyan Youth Club for Culture and Dialogue, a local debate club in Ajdabiya, according to a statement by the local press freedom group Libyan Organization for Independent Media and a Facebook post by the journalists uncle, Suleiman Gharbi. Gharbi did not respond to CPJs request for comment sent via Facebook. 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. There is also no "security crisis" to speak of on the southern border. The vast majority of those who are coming to our country via migration from the south are among the most vulnerable people in the world: parents and children feeling extreme violence and poverty in Central America, seeking only opportunity and safety in a new land. The only humanitarian crisis is that which has been wrought by this administration's draconian immigration policies, from children detained away from their parents to restrictive rules for asylum-seekers and the rescinding of DACA to historically low refugee admissions. The president and his enablers in Congress - chief among them Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who could easily bring up the exact same no-wall funding package that the Senate already passed in December - can blame the Democrats for the shutdown all they want. But the simple calculus is that the Republicans have demonstrably chosen to make the wall their top priority above all other functions of the U.S. government. Otherwise, there would be no reason not to re-open the government and return to normalcy now, and continue the border security policy discussion as a separate item. I would encourage anyone in agriculture to take advantage of the complimentary tickets. We really do appreciate the contributions of the ag community to our regions economy and the lifestyle that we enjoy and want to see many producers there for the banquet. The Chambers Agribusiness Committee shares the evening with the Platte County Ag Society and Platte County 4-H program, as they also honor their outstanding volunteers that evening. So you will also learn the 4-H programs Friends of 4-H award-winners and those who will receive the Meritorious Service Awards from 4-H as well. Also today, a reminder that the Chamber will start the new year for our Legislative Committee with the annual Legislative Kick-off Breakfast on Monday morning, Jan. 21st featuring State Sen. Mike Moser. Sen. Moser will bring us information and impressions from the early days of his first legislative session as our State Senator. The Chamber will be actively involved in advocating for some specific pieces of legislation in this session of the Unicameral and those issues will be discussed at the breakfast. But, he said NU remains committed to being a driver for economic development in Nebraska. "We know our budget work is not over," Bounds said. "But the best way to grow our state and solve the urgent workforce crisis facing our communities is to invest in one of Nebraska's most powerful economic engines: the university." Regent Tim Clare of Lincoln, who will become the Board of Regents chairman later this month, said NU is focused on its mission of educating young Nebraskans and helping build the state's economy through research and workforce development opportunities. "I'm confident that we can work together with the governor, legislators, business leaders and partners across the state on a shared vision for growth," Clare said. Ricketts' budget proposal also calls for increases to the Nebraska State College System, as well as the state appropriation for community colleges. The state colleges, based in Peru, Wayne and Chadron, would receive a $1.6 million 3.1 percent increase in the first year of the biennium, as well as a $3.2 million 6.2 percent increase in the second year. The total appropriation for the state colleges would be $54.8 million at the end of the biennium. The pot of money for Nebraska's community colleges would increase 2 percent next year and 4 percent in the second year of the biennium, according to Ricketts' plan, bringing the total appropriation for the six community colleges to $102.6 million at the end of the 2020-21 fiscal year. Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com. On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} I think with building the new school, Dr. Loeffelholz got so much publicity out there, Krysl said. Basically, just word of mouth, people coming and touring our new facilities. They saw what a nice program we had. Were pretty much state of the art here, if not number one, were close to number one evidently, someone came through and thought it was impressive enough to nominate us. He added his appreciation to the community. There are a lot of schools out there doing a lot of good things," Krysl said. "And its not that most STF teachers out there dont have the knowledge to do this, their school district doesnt have the opportunity of the funding to do this. And I would really like to thank the Columbus community as far as giving us the support we needed with their donations. Building Construction and Cabinetmaking Instructor Marcus Gillespie said the new building is a huge improvement over the previous. Its night and day, Gillespie said. Weve got businesses that come out here and say we dont even have this in our industry, its crazy what you guys got.' To Krysl, receiving the award shows that the school is doing a good job. Nepali Congress urges government to address Dr KCs demands pronto The main opposition Nepali Congress has drawn the governments attention to address the demands raised by Dr Govinda KC, who has been staging a hunger strike, at the earliest. Columbus Community Hospital this week revealed a new cog in its health care machine by announcing the inception of Columbus Plastic Surgery. The new clinic is the first plastic surgery clinic in Columbus and will be located in the Healthpark Medical Office Building, 4508 38th Street, Suite 165. The practice, scheduled to be fully operational toward the end of January, is helping to fulfill the organizational goal of filling in the small amount of existing service line holes. Thats what Ive been focused on for nine years (since taking over at CCH), CCH President/CEO Mike Hansen told The Telegram. I think I can safely say that we have filled in most of those gaps that we had nine years ago. We have a very strong hospital and excellent organizational culture here in Columbus." Joining the clinic is Dr. Sanjay Mukerji, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been in practice for more than 20 years. Mukerji received his medical degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and trained in Washington D.C. Currently, Hansen said Mukerjis practice is based out of Aberdeen, South Dakota. Once he arrives in Columbus, he will spend about half of his time locally and half still managing his existing practice, Hansen said. Richard Gathercole, alleged to be the "AK-47 bandit who robbed a Nebraska City bank in 2014, was set to enter a plea Tuesday but instead asked for a different court-appointed attorney and more time to prepare for trial. U.S. Magistrate Judge Cheryl Zwart denied the motion for a new attorney after a closed-door meeting with Gathercole and his current attorney, Jon Braaten. Gathercole now is set for trial March 25 on a six-count indictment in connection with the robbery of $90,000 at First Nebraska Bank and his arrest in Dawson County in 2017. The 40-year-old from Roundup, Montana, was arrested June 19, 2017, at a gas station near Lexington following an earlier shootout with a Kansas Highway patrolman, a high-speed chase and a carjacking. In the indictment, Gathercole was accused of being in a stolen pickup and in possession of an improvised explosive device with six containers and two homemade detonators with handwritten labels the day he was arrested. He also was accused of the holdup, one in a series of bank robberies and attempted robberies across five states that law enforcement believe to have been committed by the suspect dubbed the AK-47 bandit because of the rifle he brandished when he went in the banks. Reach the writer at 402-473-7237 or lpilger@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSpilger. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Another retailer is leaving Lincoln. Shopko on Wednesday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska and announced plans to close additional stores. Among the closures announced were all the Shopko stores in Lincoln. The Wisconsin-based retailer in December announced plans to close the north Lincoln Shopko at 3400 N. 27th St. Wednesday, it said it will close the remaining three stores, at 27th Street and Nebraska 2, 27th Street and Pine Lake Road and 66th & O streets. According to a store closing list, the north Lincoln store is scheduled to close March 3, while the other stores are slated to close about April 15. The company also plans to close its store in Bellevue, as well as Shopko Hometown stores in Kimball, Ord and Plattsmouth. The optical centers at all of the Lincoln locations and the ones in Bellevue and Plattsmouth will remain open and be relocated to new locations. Shopko said its freestanding optical business has been a bright spot and that it plans to expand it. Company officials could not be reached for comment on the local closures. 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! The Prime Time Awards are voted on by each of the three members of the Prime Time Podcasts. The awards look at the impact on the cigar industry. Today, we unveil our choice for 2018 Large Company of the Year. This award factors things such as innovation, ability to continue to deliver quality product, and impact to the industry. Joya de Nicaragua is the Prime Time teams selection for 2018 Large Company of the Year. The company which celebrated half a century in the cigar business in 2018 was a unanimous first choice selection by the team. Much of the companys history is tied to the history of Nicaragua this past half-century. While this year Joya de Nicaragua has celebrated its people and accomplishments, it has also been challenged by the civil unrest that has been going on in Nicaragua for the last four months. Joya de Nicaragua not only persevered during a challenging year, but rose to the occasion having its best year to date. This year, the company had two releases at the IPCPR Trade Show coinciding with the celebration. The Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas is the companys signature release for its 50th anniversary. It stands for five decades When it was released at the 2018 IPCPR, it became one of the most talked cigars at the trade show. Once the trade show was over, the momentum didnt slow down as Cinco Decadas became one of the most popular new cigars of 2018. The company also had another huge hit with the Joya Silver. Its the fourth installment in Joya de Nicaraguas Joya series aimed at the more contemporary smokers. It also became the companys first all box-pressed line. Joya de Nicaragua also had two other project in 2018 the re-packaged Joya de Nicaragua Clasico and the Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Reserva Presidente for the TAA. Joya de Nicaragua was well-represented on each of the Prime Time Teams End of Year lists. The company had two spots on the Cigar Coop Countdown of the best cigars of 2018. It was represented on Bear Dupliseas #2 Cigar of the Year on #ElOsoFumarTakes, and two spots on Aaron Loomis Top 25 Cigars for 2018, including the #3 Cigar of the Year. In addition, Joya de Nicaragua completed the double as its factory won the Prime Time Award for Large Factory of the Year. Honorable Mention: Davidoff The full vote results appear here. Photo Credit: Joya de Nicaragua Theres something special about rediscovering a forgotten piece of childhood. Stumbling across a box of old toys or seeing a familiar book title in a second-hand store is often the start of a magical journey of memories and emotions. But what is it that about stepping back into the past that we love so much? The joys of childhood books When I was a child I devoured books the way competitive eaters will go at a plate of food. I would borrow as many as I could from school and then borrow more from the public library. I would read at breakfast, in class (when I could get away with it) and even had a special system (for books so good I couldnt bear to put them down) so I could read in the shower without ruining the pages. Nancy Drew, The Famous Five, Teen Power Inc, Storm Boy, The Swiss Family Robinson; I would read whatever I could get my hands on. This was before the days when every literary success was immediately adapted for the silver screen. There was something very special about being about to imagine the story for myself. I miss the time when I could perfectly picture in my head each Pevensie sibling as they made their way through Narnia. In fact Im not sure Ill ever forgive Andrew Adamson for making golden haired Lucy a brunette in his 2005 version of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and forevermore replacing my version of Lucy with his own. But childhood books still hold a rare kind of magic for me. I have never once been disappointed rereading an old favourite. While the delight of first discovery can never be exactly the same, I still enjoy reading them just as much as I did when I was young. When I was in seventh grade there was an old book I would check out of the library at least once a month. While my recollections of the plot are a little fuzzy, it remains in my memory the perfect combination of idyllic country childhood, boarding school mishaps, island adventures and wartime mystery. Despite my best efforts, Ive never been able to remember or work out what book it was. While I have to be satisfied for now with remembering it fondly, Ive never been able to truly resign myself to the fact that Ill likely never read it again. A picture in time I have a friend who buried a time capsule in his backyard as a youth. When the appropriate amount of time had passed, the spot was dug up and not a thing was to be found. He now holds an annual holiday hunt for the capsule. The search methods get more elaborate as the years go by, but not one scrap of teenage 90s memorabilia has ever been seen. Im not sure even he can remember what was put inside, but the possibilities for a peek back in time are (for him at least) worth the effort. When I think back to what I might have put in a time capsule, I picture classic toys like my Polly Pocket and Tamagotchi. Or perhaps a Kinder Surprise toy, or those glow in the dark stars that every 90s kid had stuck to their ceiling. These simple things have ended up as defining markers of thousands of childrens childhoods. The Disney vault And who doesnt remember sleepovers spent in front of cumbersome TV sets watching The Lion King or The Little Mermaid? Disneys enduring popularity is a great example of a brand building an empire from childhood dreams and the magic of early animation. Adults who grew up watching the classics on VHS are now the companys biggest brand ambassadors. Not only can they pass the magic of Disney on to their own children, but Disney continues to reward their older fans with faithful live action remakes and new original stories. More nostalgia please Why is it though that looking back to the past feels so good? Maybe its because our nostalgia brings us together. As we compare old memories we find shared experiences and commonalities that might not otherwise be obvious. Perhaps its because it takes us back to a better time. Our rose tinted glasses come out as we reminisce. We yearn for simpler times when we had fewer responsibilities and a more childlike view of the world and our future. Often though its simply that it makes us feel. We hear a song from high school and feel the exhilaration of being 16 and on top of the world again. We see a sweater on a movie character and remember how cool we felt when we wore that. Keep looking back Whatever it is that keeps us coming back for more, Its not a bad thing. Research has found that nostalgia acts almost like protective boost. When we experience meaninglessness or loneliness, nostalgia jumps in to compensate. Our past experiences of the things we are currently lacking are magnified. So if you end up spending all day curled up with a childhood book, or playing Super Mario on your Nintendo 64, dont feel like it was a waste. Take your time and enjoy the blast from the past. Anna hails from Australia but lives and works in South East Asia. She enjoys travel, good coffee and getting to hang out with awesome people from around the world. So apparently, now it could be a rude thing to ask an Asian person, Where are you from?. Given that that person could have been born in the country the questioner is from, trying to figure out where exactly the Asian persons family originally came from could be seen as an act of proving that he or she is not of us. As a Korean, I have received this question countless times. I dont know if it is because I wasnt born in New Zealand, but I have never felt offended by the curious questions. Sure, I have received racist remarks and dealt with some inappropriate behaviours living as an immigrant, but the question itself never occurred to me as racist or rude. It is obvious I look different with my Asian facial features, hair colour and skin tone. Sometimes I would be taken back by the Oh my! But your English is so good! remarks, sure. But most of the times, the question would lead up to nice conversations about Korea, North Korea (almost always! Haha), other Asian countries, travelling and identity. New identity in making As stated before, racism was something I just had to deal with ever since I stepped into the new country. I like to think I was more of the lucky one, meeting the nice friends in school who understood my lack of knowledge in the language and culture. Judgements made from stereotypes or ignorance, name-calling and silly faces made with fingers that raised their eyes up were only what some strangers did from time to time. I met wonderful people that gently held my hand and guided me around in my new life in New Zealand. So, I quickly fit in. I didnt even know the alphabets when I first came, but in less than a year, I understood everything the teachers said, went to birthday parties, received certificates and made friendship bracelets. I was eight and New Zealand felt more and more home. The clash, conversations and confusion All was well until I wasnt eight anymore. I was 12, 16, 18 and 20. As each year went by, I was more and more confused. Even though I used Korean fluently, English was used a lot in my dreams, in my thoughts, diaries and conversations at home. Going back to Korea felt like I was travelling and I was always glad to leave, back to the country that I now called home. I was happy to answer questions that made me say Im from Korea but found it difficult to talk about how much of the country I really knew. Talking about its politics and history was hard as I didnt know much at all, let alone about its famous places or friends I had there. I knew and had none. Every conversation such as these seemed to force me to think about my identity. I knew race and ethnicity differed, but I seemed to know nothing more than that. I began questioning about how I really felt towards my motherland and my new home. Even though Kiwi culture was definitely more comfortable for me, sometimes this clashed with my Korean culture. I could never decide if English was more mine or Korean. I felt like a foreigner whenever I popped back, but because of how I looked and with my fluent Korean, everyone treated and expected me to be absolutely Korean. Although New Zealand was home, I couldnt shake off the feeling I wasnt ever going to be completely Kiwi to others that perceived me or even to myself. I wanted to belong, but it felt like there was no category available for me. I was too Korean to be Kiwi and too Kiwi to be Korean. Being a Kowi and a Kristian Later on, I realised a lot of people went through the stuff I did. I became honest about my shaken identity and my discomfort in its unstableness, and many of my friends shared their similar feelings. I was happy to realise I was in this category of being a Kowi a Korean Kiwi. But one of the conversations that stands out to me the most and comforts me the best to this day is the one I had with an older, trusted friend at church. She explained that she used to feel exactly the same, and she even went on a 6 months trip to Korea in order to learn more about her motherland. However, she now realised that finding out her ultimate ethnicity isnt as important for her, as God had reminded her that she belongs in His family, which is the ultimately-best category to be in. As I flip through my diary today, I see the difficult times I had to deal with concerning this issue of identity. I felt broken, a little off, definitely not a whole. I couldnt decide who I was ethnically, and it felt like I had to. I realised this was because in every one of us, there resides a longing to belong to belong in a stable category that will show them who they really are, to be able to stand firm in their identity they trust in. I am now joyful, knowing that I belong in the most trustworthy, stable family of all as Gods daughteror as a Kristian a Kowi-Christian. Sunny is a media student, a dreamer, a rider with a steady seatbelt in the roller coaster of her Christian life. You can easily find her lost in books, writing in her journal, crafting, sharing her awes in God and sneaking one too many chocolates in her mouth. At the Barron Area School District, Superintendent Diane Tremblay said administrators will meet Thursday to work on a plan to address the trauma students may be feeling. It was definitely a random act of evil, Tremblay said. We have to not focus on the things we dont have control over ... dont let it infiltrate you and make you negative. Stick to the positive: Jayme is home. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} While the main focus for teachers, administrators and counselors will be to listen to students, she said, their message will be that the children continue to be safe at school and at home. What would the point be of telling them anything else but that? Tremblay said. What sense does it make to change your lifestyle because of evildoing? Barron Mayor Ron Fladten said the crimes and the details behind them are unheard of in Barron. To some degree, reassurance is something people have to work on individually, he said. You cant prevent the eruption of evil. You cant predict it. Unfortunately we live in the real world and we cant control everything that happens, Fladten said. It is the scariest thing possible, but I think people need to go on with their lives and try to look up and be positive and be optimistic. One of Wisconsins legacy retailers said Wednesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will close 38 more locations, including both of its Madison stores. Shopko, based in the Green Bay area with 360 stores in 26 states, including a large presence in Wisconsin, said it is restructuring as a result of excess debt and ongoing competitive pressures. The company, with three stores in Dane County and dozens across the state, many in smaller communities, has obtained $480 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help fund and protect its operations through the Chapter 11 process. The money will be used to pay suppliers, vendors and other business partners. The bankruptcy was filed Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Nebraska. This decision is a difficult but necessary one, Russ Steinhorst, Shopkos CEO, said in a statement posted on the companys website. In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that by operating a smaller and more focused store footprint, we will be able to build a stronger Shopko that will better serve our customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders through this process. Shopko, which was purchased by Sun Capital Partners, a private equity group in 2005, announced late last year the closing of 39 stores in 19 states by the end of this February, including a store in Mauston that opened in 2015. Last week the company added six more Wisconsin stores to the closure list. They are in Appleton, Grafton, La Crosse, Menasha, Seymour and Sussex. On Wednesday, Shopko added 10 more stores in Wisconsin to the closing list, including the Shopko on Mineral Point Road at West Towne Mall and the Shopko on Zeier Road on Madisons East Side. Other Wisconsin stores that will close are in Green Bay, Manitowoc, West Bend, Stevens Point, Plover and Neenah, along with Shopko Express stores in Appleton and the Outagamie County town of Buchanon east of Appleton. The closings will leave just the Shopko store at South Towne Mall in Monona as the lone Shopko store in Dane County. The Shopko just off Aberg Avenue on Madisons North Side closed in 2014. Im not at all surprised theyre closing their full line stores in cities where there are Walmart, Targets and Kohls, said Jerry OBrien, executive director of the Kohls Center for Retailing at UW-Madison. I think they had a difficult time differentiating. Shopko also has other stores throughout southern Wisconsin in communities like Watertown, Beaver Dam, Janesville, Monroe and Fort Atkinson, but the Madison stores found themselves surrounded by highly competitive national retailers. For the West Towne store, which opened in 1981 when there was farmland next to the store, a Walmart and Sams Club opened across the Beltline in 1988. The Kohls at West Towne opened in 1995 in the 89,000-square-foot former Prange Way building, while Target added a store on Junction Road in 1996 and at Hilldale Shopping Center in 2011. Employees in demand Both Madison Shopko stores are scheduled to close by April 15. It was not immediately known how many employees would be affected by the closures. However, OBrien, who just returned from a conference of the National Retail Federation where he learned there are 900,000 retail positions waiting to be filled nationally, said those who lose their jobs should have a relatively easy time in finding work. Its always sad for the people that work there. They have longtime employees, OBrien said. Theyll be snatched up. Theres a huge shortage. In addition to closing stores, Shopko has been selling its pharmacy operations and has its headquarters building in Ashwaubenon for sale for $24.3 million, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Just days after Kroger announced it was buying the records of over three dozen Shopko pharmacies, Iowa-based Hy-Vee announced on Dec. 14 that it had purchased the records from another 22 Shopko pharmacies. The Hy-Vee deal was for pharmacies in 17 cities, but the only Wisconsin store on the list was the Shopko Pharmacy on Mineral Point Road. The rest were in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company, with 76 locations in Wisconsin, also announced on Wednesday that it will relocate over 20 optical centers to free-standing locations and conduct an auction for its remaining pharmacy business. Shifting strategies Shopko also has a store in Columbus that opened in 2012 as part of the companys Shopko Hometown concept, stores that are about 35,000 square feet compared to the traditional stores, like those in Madison, that range in size from 85,000 to 100,000 square feet. The Shopko Hometown stores have been built in smaller communities that, in the past, have been bypassed by Shopko and had been largely ignored by Walmart, Target, Kohls and Kmart but have been a magnet for the likes of Dollar General and Dollar Store. Theyre in small, underserved communities, said Paul Jones, who was Shopkos president and CEO at the time. We felt there was a void in these smaller markets for general merchandise retail and pharmacy services. The Hometown concept also has been incorporated into Pamida stores, a discount retailer purchased by Shopko in 1999 and operated as a separate division until 2012 when the two companies merged. One of those converted stores is in Reedsburg. Shopko was founded by pharmacist James Ruben in Green Bay in 1962. By 1971, Shopko had 10 stores. By 1981, it had opened its 30th store, located on Madisons Far West Side. Shopko now has 126 larger-format stores, 234 HomeTown locations, five Shopko Express Rx stores, six Shopko Pharmacy locations and four Shopko optical stores. The closing of the Shopko at West Towne creates another large retail void at the sprawling property. In the last year, the 140,000-square-foot Boston Store closed, the Sears store, which had been cut in half to make way for a Dave & Busters and Total Wine & More, was shuttered, followed by the closing of the 55,000-square-foot Toys R Us store in May. In addition, the Apple Store, known for its high customer traffic, relocated in 2017 to Hilldale Shopping Center. It is a ton of space, OBrien said of the vacant and soon-to-be vacant spots at West Towne. Its not atypical of malls across the country. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Kidnapped boy rescued from Dhangadhi A 17-year-old boy, who was kidnapped from Jalasa Hotel in Dhagadhi, has been rescued from Mohana forest. Police rescued Basanta Bhat of Godawari Municipality-6 on Tuesday. Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh. blogspot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work. . ..JNS.org..14 January '19..For some observers, this past weekends revelations about Israeli strikes against Iranian targets in Syria was just politics as usual in the Jewish state. Some pundits treated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus public acknowledgement that the Israel Defense Forces has struck specific Iranian military targets in Syria as an attempt to distract the voters from his personal legal woes in advance of the April elections.Similarly, there might be those who consider outgoing IDF Chief of Staff Gen. Gadi Eizenkots exit interviews with the Israeli and international press in of the same ilk. He, too, spoke about the armys ongoing duel with Irans Quds Force and its Hezbollah auxiliaries in recent years as evidence of his desire to puff up his image before eventually turning (like so many other top officers) to politics.But taken together and coming after U.S. President Donald Trumps announcement that he will be withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria, the unavoidable conclusion about these statements is that, while Israels operations there have been an open secret never before publicly acknowledged, the Jewish state is sending a clear message to Tehran. After years of pounding Iranian forces on the quiet, Israels security establishment feels the time is right to make it clear that it will continue to enforce certain red lines in Syria to ensure that the Islamist regime isnt in position to launch a war on its northern front. Falling registration at Yukon's School of Visual Arts in Dawson City is threatening the program's existence, and it's mounting an effort to recruit students from across the territory and Canada. The school, known as SOVA, is Canada's most northerly post-secondary fine arts institution serving as a springboard for young Yukon artists. According to Aubyn O'Grady, the school's program director, there are currently eight full-time students enrolled, and the school hopes to bring in at least 15 full-time students next year. The school can accomodate up to 20. "I think students are not really pushed towards studying visual arts anymore. They're looking for something like design, something that pays with an undergraduate degree and you know, I can't blame them," O'Grady said. "One of the things that I've been focussing on with our recruitment is supporting northern and Yukon-based students, high school students, and really making sure that everyone feels welcome to apply to SOVA and to pursue arts after high school." O'Grady says the school recently held creative workshops for students in Old Crow, Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk, to give them a taste of art education. The school will also be doing recruitment activities in Whitehorse and Vancouver next month. The deadline for out-of-territory registration is Mar. 31, and Yukon students can apply until June. 'Everyone should study arts' SOVA, now in its 12th year of operations, offers a one-year certificate that counts as the first year of a bachelor of fine arts degree. Many graduates transfer to schools such as as Vancouver's Emily Carr University of Art and Design after completing the program. That's the path O'Grady took. She says the program inspired her to study education, and she's now working at completing her PhD. "What's obvious to me is that everyone should study arts," she said. Story continues Claudiane Samson/Radio-Canada The school boasts of a world-renowned faculty, small class sizes, custom designed studio spaces and a vibrant arts community. And despite Dawson's bitterly cold winters and remote location, some students say the community's small population can actually be an advantage to learning. "I'm not afraid of going into a bigger place, but you know, I'm just out of high school," said Claire Gallagher of Whitehorse. "I had not lived alone before and I thought being in a smaller place where I kinda knew the community ... I would know my classmates and my teachers and probably get help if I needed it." Claudiane Samson/Radio-Canada Gallagher says she plans to apply to arts schools elsewhere in Canada. She says she hopes her experience will encourage others to consider SOVA as a transition to art schools in the South. "I knew it would be easier for my first year before I went diving into a giant school where I knew no one," Gallagher says. Sahtu Dene and Metis to sign self-governance agreement in principle, a 1st for Metis in Canada Dene and Metis in Norman Wells, N.W.T., will be one step closer in reaching a final agreement for self-governance after signing today's agreement in principle making them the first group representing Metis in Canada to reach that milestone. The signing of the Self-Government Agreement-in-Principle for the Sahtu Dene and Metis of Norman Wells will be at 5:30 p.m. MT Wednesday in the community of about 800 people, 37 per cent of which self-identify as Indigenous. The agreement in principle is not legally binding; it's a foundation for negotiations for a final agreement. CBC has not yet seen the text of the agreement-in-principle as it's undergoing negotiations. The Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement was signed in 1993. That paved a way for N.W.T.'s Sahtu communities like Deline, Norman Wells, Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope and Tulita to pursue self-government agreements. Deline was the first Dene community to achieve self-governance in 2014. The Norman Wells Land Corporation which represents the Metis and Dene in the community will become the Norman Wells Metis Government, according to the text of the framework agreement. The new government would have the power to collect taxes, decide on membership and run their own child and family services, among other things. The government will also represent the community's Dene population. "What is being created here is a Dene Metis Government," said David Rolf, the legal counsel for the land corporation, adding negotiations have involved both groups in the community. Currently, it has 300 members in and outside of Norman Wells. A 1st for Metis in Canada Though a Metis government has been suggested as a possibility elsewhere in Canada, the land corporation is the first to sign an agreement in principle to create one. Other Metis groups in Canada have signed regional agreements granting some level of local autonomy, like the Metis Nation of Alberta, which achieved recognition from the province for eight local Metis governments in 1989. Story continues Metis Nation British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding with the federal government last year the first stage on the path to a self-governance agreement. History of Sahtu self-governance The self-government agreements fall under the Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, signed in 1993, which paved a way for Sahtu communities like Deline, Norman Wells, Colville Lake, Fort Good Hope and Tulita to pursue self-government agreements. That agreement codified that the Sahtu Dene and Metis were responsible for more than 40,000 square kilometres of land in the Mackenzie River valley. The area is rich in natural resources and there are constant proposals to develop various sites there. In 2014, the community of Deline was first to be self-governing. It took Deline more than 10 years from the agreement in principle to achieve a final agreement. Norman Wells signed its framework agreement in 2007. The agreement specified a timeline for these negotiations, saying both parties would make "best efforts" to sign an agreement in principle in four years. It took three times as long. In August last year, the Norman Wells Land Corporation, and territorial and federal governments initialed the proposed agreement in principle. On Wednesday, that agreement in principle will be signed. The next step is signing a final agreement which could potentially take years. Negotiations toward a final agreement are underway, according to a news release from the federal Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations in August. Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada, spoke at the Regina Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Monday, just a few days after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a town hall meeting at the University of Regina.. Bernier discussed issues he says are "important to people here," like inter-provincial trading, pipelines and equalization money. "The equalization payment is too generous," he told CBC before the event. "We must give less money to these provinces, like my own province of Quebec, and give them the right incentive to develop their own natural resources and their economy." Quebec is set to recieve a $13.1 billion equalization payment next year $1.4 billion more than its last payment. Bernier said his goal is for Quebec not to receive any equalization payments in the future. Instead, he wants the Quebec government to be more "pro-growth" and have incentives to develop their own natural resources. More pipelines Bernier said his party will work to increase pipeline capacy and streamline pipeline approvals, even if that means approving pipelines in provinces that are opposed. "It's federal jurisdiction, so the federal government can approve pipelines," he said. Bernier said consultations are needed before a pipeline is built, but the federal government can override provinces that are against pipelines. "If we need to do that because a province like B.C. or Quebec doesn't want a pipeline, that's not a decision for a provincial government, that's a decision for the federal government," he said. Bernier said he would also scrap Bill-C48 and Bill-C69. He said his party would, if necessary, "use our constitutional power to ensure we have a pipeline built." Bill C-48 would ban all oil tanker traffic off the coast of northern B.C., while Bill C-69 would overhaul the process of environmental assessments for major resource projects. He also said he would eliminate the federal carbon tax and take Canada out of the Paris Climate Accord. The People's Party of Canada does not have a plan to address climate change, according to Bernier, nor would it impose one. Story continues Bernier said he would leave it to the provinces to develop and implement their own plan, if they choose to do so. Immigration issues Bernier's views on immigration became a controversial topic after he made a series of controversial tweets about immigration and diversity in August. Bernier said he would like to drop immigration levels down to Harper era numbers, which were about 250,000 per year. Canada is currently set to increase its annual immigration admissions to 350,000 by 2021. "We must have fewer immigrants," said Bernier. "We must go back and we must be sure that our immigrants will be well-integrated into our society, and the best way to do that is to have more economic immigrants, less refugees a little bit and less reunufication of families.," he said. Bernier said he wants immigrants who come to Canada to have a job because it will help them integrate into the country. Some critics have suggested his views on immigration are xenophic. Bernier denied those accusations on CBC News Network's Power & Politics in September, saying his platform is about freedom, responsibility, fairness and respect and that all his policies will be based on those principles. "Extreme people who are against immigration, they're not welcome in this party. And it's clear. I will have the privilege to choose the candidates that will run for this party and we'll choose people who share the values of our party," he told host Vassy Kapelos. Conservative alternative Bernier said his party is an alternative to the federal Conservative Party, even though his party has policies similar to the Conservatives and he recently ran for the Conservative leadership Bernier said he's speaking about issues that Andrew Scheer, leader of the federal Conservative Party, isn't addressing. Bernier said his party currently has associations set up in all 14 Saskatchewan ridings, and he hopes to have candidates established by April. He's also aiming to have riding associations all of the country's 338 federal ridings DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) The Latest on developments in Syria's civil war (all times local): 6:50 p.m. A senior Kurdish official has categorically rejected a "safe zone" that the Turkish president says his troops plan to set up in northern Syria. Bedran Ciya Kurd says the so-called safe zone would be tantamount to Kurdish occupation but with a new cover. He spoke to The Associated Press from northern Syria on Tuesday, a few hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his troops will establish a 20-mile- (32-kilometer) wide "safe zone" in northern Syria, and that Turkey would seek logistical and financial assistance from the United States and other allies to create the zone. Ciya Kurd said the Kurdish administration in northern Syria would accept a "safe zone" only if it us under the auspices of the United Nations with international forces. Alternatively, he said Syrian governments troops were also a possibility. ___ 3:35 p.m. The Iranian Embassy in Beirut says recent comments by visiting U.S. officials are a blatant interference in other people's business and an attempt to dictate orders. The rare statement referred to comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a regional tour and those by David Hale, the U.S. undersecretary of state for political affairs on a visit to Lebanon. Both vowed to step up efforts to counter Iran's activities around the region and expel from Syria "every last Iranian boot." The embassy statement called the remarks "provocative." It said Iran's military presence in Syria "does not need permission" from anyone because it was requested by the Syrian government and was done in full cooperation between the two countries. ___ 1:20 p.m. Turkey's president says his troops will establish a 20-mile-wide "safe zone" in northern Syria with the help of allies, remarks that came after Recep Tayyip Erdogan's discussions with President Donald Trump. Story continues Erdogan made the comment on Tuesday, during an address to his ruling party legislators in Parliament. He later told reporters that Turkey would seek logistic and financial assistance from the United States and other allies to create the zone. Erdogan said the zone would keep "terrorists out," protect civilians and stem the flow of refugees. Erdogan and Trump discussed the issue in a telephone call late Monday that apparently aimed to ease tensions after the U.S. president tweeted a threat to Turkey warning of economic harm should Ankara attack U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in Syria. Ankara considers the Kurdish forces in Syria terrorists aligned with a Kurdish insurgency within Turkey's borders. Erdogan said the two leaders reached an "understanding of historical importance." ___ 11:35 a.m. The United Nations' new special envoy for Syria says he hopes to have "constructive" talks in Damascus. Geir Pedersen spoke briefly to reporters upon his arrival in the Syrian capital on Tuesday. It's his first trip to Syria since he took office earlier this year. The veteran Norwegian diplomat took over from Staffan de Mistura, who stepped down for family reasons after four years and four months of peace efforts that led nowhere. Pedersen's office, in a tweet, said the envoy is looking forward to productive meetings in Damascus. Syria has said it will cooperate with Pederson if he avoids the "methods" of his predecessor and commits to Syria's territorial integrity. Nearly half a million people have been killed in the seven-year civil war in Syria. SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Huawei's [HWT.UL] founder Ren Zhengfei on Tuesday rejected claims his company is used by the Chinese government to spy and said he missed his daughter, who is being held by Canadian authorities, the Financial Times newspaper reported. Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, was detained in Canada last month at the request of U.S. authorities who allege she misled banks about the company's control of a firm operating in Iran. Huawei had "never received any request from any government to provide improper information", the newspaper reported Ren as saying in an interview with reporters in the southern city of Shenzhen. "I still love my country, I support the Communist party, but I will never do anything to harm any country in the world," he said, adding he missed his daughter "very much". Huawei confirmed the accuracy of Ren's comments to Reuters. Ren, a former military officer who founded Huawei in 1987 and largely keeps a low profile, said he owned 1.14 percent of the company's shares. Beijing and Ottawa have been at odds since Meng's arrest, which China's foreign ministry on Tuesday called an abuse of legal procedures. On Monday, China sentenced a Canadian to death for drug smuggling, further damaging relations. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecommunications equipment, has been facing intense scrutiny in the West over its relationship with China's government and U.S.-led allegations that its devices could be used by Beijing for spying. No evidence has been produced publicly and the firm has repeatedly denied the accusations, but some Western countries have restricted Huawei's access to their markets. Poland said this week it could consider banning the use of Huawei products by public bodies, after it arrested a Chinese Huawei official. Ren dismissed fears over the security of Huawei's equipment, saying "no law in China requires any company to install mandatory backdoors (that could be used for spying)" and added the company had had "no serious security incidents". He also played down the risk Huawei faced from being blocked from the rollout of 5G telecoms networks by some countries. "It's always been the case, you can't work with everyone ... we'll shift our focus to better serve countries that welcome Huawei' he said, adding the company had 30 contracts globally to build 5G networks. U.S. President Donald Trump in August signed a bill that barred the U.S. government from using Huawei equipment and is considering an executive order that would also ban U.S. companies from doing so. However, Trump told Reuters last month he would intervene with the Justice Department in the case against Meng if it would help secure a trade deal with Beijing. Ren described Trump as "great" and praised his tax cuts as good for American industry. "The message to the U.S. I want to communicate is: collaboration and shared success. In our world of high tech, it's increasingly impossible for any single company or country to sustain or to support the world's needs," (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Additional Reporting by Anne Marie Roantree in Hong Kong; Editing by Mark Potter) JERUSALEM (AP) Scuffles broke out at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday after guards at the mosque refused to allow an Israeli policeman to enter for a routine security check because he was wearing a Jewish skullcap known as a kippah, a Palestinian official said. Firas Dibs, a spokesman for the Islamic authority that oversees the site, says dozens of worshippers scuffled with police after the guards closed the doors to the mosque and barricaded themselves inside. He says the director of the mosque was lightly wounded. Israeli police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said police "prevented any disturbances from taking place" after local residents closed the doors of the mosque and prevented officers from entering. He said the doors were opened a few hours later and that police detained five people for questioning. The iconic gold-domed mosque is part of the Al-Aqsa mosque complex, which Muslims consider their third holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. It is the holiest site for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount because it was the location of the biblical temples. The holy site is at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and past clashes there have sparked widespread violence. Dibs said police carry out routine security checks every morning, and that the policeman was only prevented from entering because he was wearing a kippah. The Palestinians have long feared that Israel plans to take over the site so it can rebuild the temple, allegations denied by the Israeli government, which says it has no plans to change the status quo. Earlier on Monday, the Gaza Health Ministry said a 14-year-old Palestinian who was shot by Israeli forces during mass protests along the perimeter fence over the weekend died of his wounds. The ministry said Abdelraouf Salhah was shot in the head during the protest on Friday. A 43-year-old female activist was also killed, and two dozen Palestinians were wounded. Story continues Hamas has been orchestrating weekly mass protests along the perimeter fence since last March to protest an Israeli and Egyptian blockade imposed on Gaza when the Islamic militant group seized power in 2007. At least 187 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began, including 35 who were 18 or younger, and thousands of Palestinians have been wounded. An Israeli soldier was also killed. Israel says it is protecting its border from infiltrators who could carry out attacks. ___ Associated Press writer Fares Akram in Gaza City, Gaza Strip contributed. Kathmandu, provinces at odds over security arrangements When Province 2 went ahead with endorsing its Provincial Police Bill back in October last year, it created quite a furore at the Centreso much so that former prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, co-chairman of the governing Nepal Communist Party, went on to warn that any move to overtake the Centre would jeopardise republicanism. In just three years, the value of Calgary's downtown office towers dropped by more than $12 billion, plunging city tax revenues by $300 million. That has some business leaders and others suggesting it's time to shift the burden onto Calgary's residential property owners. Others say the city should run a short-term deficit to make up for the shortfall. City manager Jeff Fielding describes the problem as the "most vexing" issue he's ever faced. The drop in commercial property values has resulted in higher tax bills for non-residential owners outside the core. The city has already dipped into its savings to help ease the burden, taking $86 million over the past two years to cap the business property tax increase at five per cent. But businesses say that's a short-term solution. They'd like to see a longer term strategy to ease the stress and anxiety, as a rise in downtown office values appears years away. The Calgary Chamber of Commerce says this is a big problem with no easy solutions. "We've seen vibrancy stripped from the downtown core as a result of the economic downturn and tens of thousands of jobs leaving the core," said Mark Cooper, a spokesperson for the chamber. He says the property tax shift to the suburbs is hurting suburban companies and their ability to do business in Calgary. "We're talking about some big property tax hikes for small business at probably one of the worst times you can imagine," added Richard Truscott with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. Bryan Labby/CBC Truscott says unless city council does something to help small businesses, two-thirds of them will face a double-digit property tax increase along with many more potentially damaging consequences. "Dropping this onto the shoulders of business owners is going to cause a lot of frustration, a lot of anger and may ultimately lead to so many of these business owners just giving up, and quitting and going away," said Truscott. Story continues He says some will consider moving to smaller centres outside the city, or, if possible, they'll move to an online-only presence. Time for homeowners to pay more? With all of the ups and downs in Alberta's economy over the decades, city council should have seen this issue coming, says Truscott. "City residents have not been paying the cost of the services that they receive." - Richard Truscott, Canadian Federation of Independent Business He says now is the time to ease the burden on business and spread some of the pain onto homeowners. "City residents have not been paying the cost of the services that they receive. They've been heavily subsidized by the business community, including the big oil and gas companies, and the chickens have come home to roost," he said. Truscott says it's a question the city needs to consider, along with spending cuts. "I think that a lot of residents need to wake up and realize that the cost of running the city is not what they've been paying through property taxes. And once they see the real value, or the real cost, of running the city, it's going to be a big shock." The Chamber of Commerce says the tax imbalance between business owners and homeowners needs to be addressed. "The non-residential to residential ratio is one of the highest in Canada. Now it's certainly the highest in Alberta," said Cooper. "So we've always felt like there needs to be some solution to shrink that ratio. And we do think that it is possible and it doesn't necessarily mean a sharp increase in property taxes for homeowners." Cooper says if the city finds more "efficiencies," it could pass along those savings to help businesses. Time for change While the debate rages over who is going to pick up the cost of falling office values, at least one expert says it may be time for a new, "more innovative" property tax system. "[One] where the tax rates between businesses and residential properties are tied together and fixed so that council doesn't pick how many dollars it wants from each tax base but really does spread the pain when downtown assessments do drop," said Trevor Tombe, associate professor of economics at the University of Calgary. Tombe says residential property taxes have been able to be low because of a larger amount of dollars flowing in from "pretty high" downtown assessments. But he says it may be time to make a change, especially if lower downtown assessments are the "new normal." And he points out the city's rainy day fund will eventually run dry. "We have seen during this past recession that our current property tax system really doesn't perform very well in this kind of boom, bust environment," he said. Tombe suggests, under the new city charters, Calgary could even go into deficit to help finance the shortfall but only on a short-term basis. "Now we can run deficits, so long as we make them up within the overall four-year [budget] cycle, for example," he said. Hopeful for another 5% cap In the meantime, businesses are pushing for an extension of the tax relief program. They're hoping to see a five per cent cap. "We'd like to see it lower five per cent at most. Let's not forget this is a very difficult economy, and those small businesses operate on very thin margins in very competitive markets and are struggling," said Truscott. "Asking them to even pay five per cent more in property taxes going to be a very difficult pill to swallow. So 10 per cent and anything above that is just I mean, that's catastrophic for a small business," he said. "Ten per cent or potentially even higher? That's just absolutely not acceptable," said the chamber's Mark Cooper. The city has said a 10 per cent cap will cost taxpayers $45 million. Council has asked administration to recommend various solutions before the tax rate is finalized in April. Bryan Labby is an enterprise reporter with CBC Calgary. If you have a good story idea or tip, you can reach him at bryan.labby@cbc.ca or on Twitter at @CBCBryan. Edmonton activist calls for more research on killers of Indigenous women Muriel Stanley Venne was left for dead in the back alley of her home. It was a violent end to a marriage marred by years of abuse. Looking back, Venne feels she was perilously close to becoming a statistic just one of hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. "The only reason he didn't kill me was because he thought I was dead," Venne recalled. Nearly 50 years later, Venne now an internationally-recognized human rights activist is calling for more research on the killers of Indigenous women and girls. She wants federal prisons to interview the convicted murderers. To understand why Indigenous women are murdered at disproportionate rates, advocates and policy-makers must hear from the killers themselves, she said. This is an excellent opportunity to start dealing with the root causes of this pain. - Muriel Stanley Venne "If we don't interview them and find out why did what they did what they did, we will be missing a great part, a factor in the awful tragedies that are happening in the country and have been happening for many years," said Venne, who pitched her idea to Correctional Service Canada commissioner Anne Kelly last week. "This is an excellent opportunity to start dealing with the root causes of this pain that is throughout the Indigenous community." Venne met with corrections officials in Laval, Que. last week. She is a member of National Aboriginal Advisory Committee, which provides advice and recommendations to Correctional Service Canada on Indigenous offenders. She's also the founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, based in Edmonton. "The statistics have gotten worse instead of better and that's of very grave concern to me," she said. We are not speaking to the perpetrators and valuable information could be gained from this. "It's something that I, as a Canadian woman, find very concerning," she said in an interview with CBC Radio's Edmonton AM. The fact that it's taken so long to get where we are is something that haunts me." Story continues A 2017 report from Statistics Canada showed Indigenous women are six times more likely to be victims of homicide than non-Indigenous women. An RCMP report in 2014 found 1,181 police-recorded incidents of Indigenous female homicides between 1980 and 2012, and missing Indigenous females dating back to 1951. Of these, there were 164 missing and 1,017 homicide victims, making Indigenous women and girls over-represented among missing and murdered women in Canada. In September 2016, a national inquiry was launched to examine the disproportionate numbers and investigate how such cases are handled. The inquiry is set to release its final report in April. But a lack of information around what drives killers to prey on Indigenous women will leave that final document lacking key answers, Venne said. 'To answer the question why' Venne said she plans to meet with correctional officials again but no meeting date has been set. While her idea remains only a proposal, Venne remains confident the model could provide valuable insight on the motivations and psychology behind each killing and help prevent future violence. "To answer the question why," she said. "Why is it that this happens? "With these startling statistics, I just agonize over the fact that our women are killed on a routine basis and it's being left at that. I'm hoping that things will evolve." BEIJING (Reuters) - China has asked some of the country's state-run companies to avoid business trips to the United States and its allies, and to take extra care to protect their devices if they need to travel, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), which oversees about 100 government-run companies, has told some firms in recent weeks to only take secure, company-issued laptops meant for overseas use if traveling is necessary, according to the report, citing people familiar with the request. China's travel advice also included warning on traveling to the other countries in the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing pact - Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, Bloomberg said. SASAC did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. One state-owned Chinese energy firm had recently tightened information technology security protocols for employees traveling to the United States, a company source told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. Some employees at the company were not allowed to take laptops on such trips and were ordered to delete all work-related data and information from their personal phones before traveling, the person said. Approved business trips to the United States had not been canceled, the person told Reuters. At the center of growing strains between China and the United States was the recent arrest of a top executive at Chinese technology giant Huawei [HWT.UL] in Canada at the request of U.S. authorities. The detention has raised concerns over a potential backlash on U.S. firms operating in China, amid an already tense war between the two countries on the trade front. China's ties with Canada have also turned frosty since the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer and "heiress" of Huawei. China has warned of unspecified consequences unless Meng was released, and has detained Michael Kovrig, a Canadian diplomat on unpaid leave from the embassy in Beijing, and Michael Spavor, a Canadian consultant, on suspicion of endangering state security. Beijing has not drawn a direct link between the detentions and the arrest of Meng, wanted by U.S. authorities for allegedly misleading multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions. Western diplomats say the cases are a tit-for-tat reprisal. On Monday, Canada's foreign ministry updated its travel advisory for China to warn citizens about "the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws." (Reporting by Ryan Woo and Meng Meng in Beijing and Ismail Shakil in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Shu Zhang in Singapore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier, Rashmi Aich and Subhranshu Sahu) By Thiam Ndiaga and Tyler Choi OUAGADOUGOU/TORONTO (Reuters) - A Canadian man was kidnapped in an area of Burkina Faso that the government has warned is under growing threat from jihadist attacks, the African country's top security official said on Wednesday. A dozen gunmen abducted the man around 1945 GMT (2:45 p.m. EST) on Tuesday at a mining site owned by Vancouver-based Progress Minerals near northern Burkina Faso's border with Niger, Security Minister Clement Sawadogo said. Progress Minerals Chief Executive Adam Spencer declined to comment. Earlier this month, a Canadian man and an Italian woman went missing, Sawadogo said. "We have alerted our entire security presence to find these people," he said. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday that the government was aware a Canadian was missing in Burkina Faso, and said it was working with local authorities. "The relevant Canadian agencies are very much engaged in this difficult situation," Freeland told reporters in Quebec. Canadian media identified the kidnapped man as Kirk Woodman. In a statement to CTV News, the family asked for privacy. We have faith and trust in Canadian authorities to bring our husband and father home safe. We are hopeful for a fast resolution to the situation, the family said in the statement. Attacks by Islamist militants have surged in the country in recent months and Burkina Faso declared a state of emergency in several northern provinces that has been in effect since Dec. 31. Security has deteriorated in the West African country in the past three years. Jihadists with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State, many based in neighboring Mali, have sought to increase their influence across the poorly policed scrublands of the Sahel region just south of the Sahara Desert in West Africa. In response, international forces from the United States, France and other European powers have sent troops and equipment to help stamp out the threat. Tuesday's kidnapping occurred on the third anniversary of an attack in a hotel in the center of the capital, Ouagadougou, that killed dozens, shocking a country that until then had largely been spared the violence that has plagued its neighbors. The same day, militants kidnapped an Australian doctor and his wife, both in their 80s. The doctor's wife was later freed. The attacks were claimed by Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Last year, eight people died and dozens were wounded in a coordinated militant assault on the army headquarters and the French Embassy in Ouagadougou. (Reporting by Thiam Ndiaga in Ougadougou and Tyler Choi in Toronto; additional reporting by Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; writing by Juliette Jabkhiro; editing by Mark Heinrich, James Dalgleish and Jonathan Oatis) Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland has reached out to China's ambassador to ask for clemency in the case of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, the Canadian who is facing the death penalty for allegedly smuggling 222 kilograms of methamphetamines. "We have already spoken with China's ambassador to Canada and requested clemency," Freeland told reporters in Sainte-Hyacinthe, Que., today. "Canada's position when it comes to the death penalty is consistent and of very long-standing," she added. "As Canadians know, we do not have the death penalty in Canada. We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it." On Monday a Chinese court issued a death sentence against Schellenberg in what has become the latest escalation in the diplomatic rift between Canada and China. The tensions emerged in early December when Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of the Chinese technology giant Huawei on an extradition request issued by the United States. The U.S. alleges Meng is guilty of violating international sanctions against Iran through a Huawei subsidiary called Skycom. Shortly after Meng's arrest China arrested Canadians Michael Kovrig, a diplomat on leave who is working for an NGO in China and Michael Spavor, a business consultant who arranges trips to North Korea. Asked if it was time for Canada to escalate the level of communication, to have Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reach out to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Freeland said there was plenty of talking going on between officials at present. "We are in touch with the Chinese government at a number of levels," Freeland said. 'I've spoken to the Chinese ambassador twice myself, and he has many contacts here. We are also in touch with the Chinese government in China at a number of levels, and that continuing that dialogue is very important." Story continues Previous executions A similar situtation arose a few years ago when, as Global Affairs Canada confirmed to CBC News on Tuesday, diplomats provided consular assistance to a Canadian in China who was later executed, in 2015, for drug smuggling. Canada's former ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, told The Toronto Star on Monday that two Canadians of Chinese origin were tried and executed while he served as envoy to the country. In an interview Tuesday with CBC News Network's Power & Politics, Saint-Jacques said Canada was only granted consular access to one of them because the other used a Chinese travel document to enter the country. Global Affairs could not provide details on that case. Saint-Jacques said both then-prime minister Stephen Harper and then-governor general David Johnston were personally involved in asking China for clemency in both cases, to no avail. In fact, Saint-Jacques said that when Canada learned of the scheduled date of execution for the man who entered on his Canadian passport, Harper wrote a personal letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping asking for clemency. China executed the man the next day. Saint-Jacques said he doesn't think the Canadian government's request for leniency in the case of Schellenberg will change the attitude of the Chinese government. Freeland said she was proud that a "large and growing group" of Canada's allies are standing by Canada in the dispute, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, the EU, the U.S. the U.K. Australia, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia. Despite the tensions, Freeland was not ready to call time on the Canada/China relationship, saying that it is a "complicated and difficult moment" in the relationship between the two countries. "It's also important to remember that Canada's relationship with China is very long-standing," Freeland said. "It is a deep relationship which has many strands to it, and I think both Canada and China are committed to that relationship going forward. But it is true that this is a difficult moment, and our government will continue to advocate for the Canadians who are arbitrarily detained." Army engineers worked to clear snow from the dining room of a hotel in the village of Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria, on January 15, after it was hit by an avalanche. Around 60 people were evacuated after the avalanche hit the Kirchenwirt Pehab hotel and an adjacent apartment building at around 1 am, rescue services said. No one was hurt, the Kronen Zeitung said. It was lucky the avalanche didnt occur four hours earlier when all of the guests were in the dining room, Heribert Eisl, of Ramsau am Dachsteins mountain rescue team, told AFP. This footage, posted by a spokesman from Austrias Ministry of Defense, shows deep snow being cleared from the hotel dining room. Credit: Ministry of Defense, Austria via Storyful Opinion / Columnist Mthwakazi Republic Party Bulawayo Provincial Secretary Henry Dube has been assaulted and shot on the head at his home at Cowdry Park in Bulawayo. Dube was shot after questioning the security agents on why they were indiscriminately firing teargas into their houses, endangering the lives of their children. Dube who is reported to be in a critical state, has been taken to a private hospital for treatment through the assistance of the Doctors for Human Rights.Henry Dube was shot right in his yard, in front of his children. We invite all our members and the people of Bulawayo to pray for the miraculous survival of our comrade. It is rumoured that soldiers and CIO agents disguised as police are currently raiding and assaulting people in their houses.We warn our members to be vigilant and keep in touch with one another. A regime that shoots unarmed residents in their houses is at the brink of losing power. Freedom is beckoning.Sisonke Sibambene singu Mthwakazi SizokulungisaFor Peace and Justice in Our LifetimeNjabulo NgwenyaMRP INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY DEPARTMENT News / National by Staff reporter FORMER Highlanders Captain Honest Moyo is believed to be searching for greener pastures in the neighboring countries after parting ways with the Bulawayo giants.Bosso announced Moyo's departure last Friday saying the 27-year-old has decided to look for new challenges beyond borders.Moyo, who came from Bosso's junior ranks, was among the players who were dragging on extending their stay at Babourfields.The defender is being linked with moves to South Africa, Botswana and Zambia in his search for a new club and further his playing career.The club stated that he believes his work at Highlanders was exemplary enough to leave an impression on the youngsters who are coming up the system and they are bound to do great work."He believes the younger players have matured & now ready to take up responsibility and drive the club forward," a statement read.Highlanders believe Moyo did justice in serving the club and they want him to do well in his next quest."He is the product of our junior structures and he served the Club well."The club has nothing but admiration for the departing professional and exemplary captain. We wish him all the best in his new life challenges."His departure comes after former vice captain Gabriel Nyoni who left for CAPS United, he was their joint top goal scorer with Newman Sianchali.Bosso have, however, managed to pin down other key players including defenders Peter Muduhwa and Tendai Ndlovu.Mudhuwa was heavily linked with an exit but is believed to have recommitted his future with Highlanders.Moyo was part of the COSAFA Castle Cup winning team in 2018 and is a loss in the leadership department of Bosso. News / National by Staff reporter Seems like the powers that be have restored internet in Zimbabwe Sure Kamhunga (@sure_kamhunga) January 16, 2019 Internet seems to have been restored in some networks in Zimbabwe. This after a 28 hour Internet blackout! #shutdownZimbabwe #KeepItOn MISAZimbabwe (@misazimbabwe) January 16, 2019 ZOL internet connections are back online - use a VPN to get online if you are in Zimbabwe. @misazimbabwe reporting that some network services are being restored: #shutdownZimbabwe https://t.co/ylXD6KP32M William du Plooy (@Williamz902) January 16, 2019 Mobile networks and internet service providers in Zimbabwe have restored internet connectivity after a blackout that lasted more than 24 hours, Zim Techreview reported.It is alleged that the military and police used blackout to launch a brutal crackdown targeting Zimbabweans who took part in m protests over fuel price hikes.Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa said Tuesday that his network had taken down internet services across Zimbabwe on government orders, saying resisting would have led to imprisonment for the management.The government blocked internet access a day after widespread protests against a 150 percent increase in fuel prices announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last Saturday.Human rights groups said troops and armed police had simultaneously launched a door-to-door crackdown to smoke out anyone suspected to have taken part in the protests in major cities.At least five people were reported to have died on Monday, with nearly 30 others treated for gunshot wounds after soldiers and police fired live ammunition.Masiyiwa, citing an Econet statement, said the government had used the Interception of Communications Act to order his network, which has over 6,5 million subscribers, to shut down its internet services."Failure to comply would result in three years' imprisonment for members of local management in terms of section 6:2(b)," Masiyiwa wrote on his Facebook page.All the other networks including NetOne, Telecel and internet service providers also froze out their clients. The blockade was still on at 11PM on Tuesday.Econet said it had received a written warrant from State Security Minister Owen Ncube and the Director General of the Central Intelligence Organisation Issac Moyo directing that it switches off its internet services."As an organisation we are obliged to act when directed to do so in terms of the law. All inconvenience caused as a result of this action is sincerely regretted. We urgent others to accept that this is a matter beyond our control," the Econet statement added.Masiyiwa has been caught in the cross-hairs of Zimbabweans recently after claiming Mnangagwa was "sincere" and calling on the United States to lift sanctions on government officials. How businessmen used Ncell to launder black money to Nepal When Ncell was sold for the 12th time in 2016, some of the countrys leading members of parliament, and members of the government and the judiciary were mired in Nepals biggest tax evasion scandal. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu BREAKINGNEWS: Lawyers for human rights in Zimbabwe are currently in court to file an urgent court application to unblock the internet. 62 people also appearing in court on charges of inciting violence #sabcnews @africanperspec1 Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) January 16, 2019 President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government has restored mobile data after a blackout that lasted more than 24 hours.The minister of State Security Owen Mudha Ncube instructed the internet shut down so that the military and police could use the blackout to launch a brutal crackdown targeting Zimbabweans who took part in Monday protests over fuel price hikes. News / National by Mandla Ndlovu We extend our solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe who have taken to the streets to protest against increase in petrol prices. We call on the government of Zimbabwe to respond to these demonstrations with restraint. We particularly condemn the unleashing of the military on citizens. A democratic government knows too well that militaries are not entities used to respond to protesting, and defenseless citizens. To unleash military is to treat citizens as enemies of the stat, who must be met with excessive violence, force and death, as militaries are death driven, only to be deployed to those who are armed and sworn enemies of the people. Militaries should never ever be used against protests and civil defiance demonstrations actions. The progressive international community celebrated the fall of Mugabe, with the hope that the era of human rights abuse , associated with his reign in Zimbabwe , will come to an end. President Mnangagwa is therefore consistent with the Mugabe administration violation of citizens' rights to protest and civil disobedience. Julius Malema's Economic Freedom Fighters have warned President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government against unleashing armed military personnel on protestors.In a statement released on Tuesday the EFF said: News / National by Staff reporter Businesses in Zimbabwe are losing millions of dollars per day as a shutdown protest - called for by the country's biggest labour union body - continues over a sudden 150% hike in fuel prices.Most businesses were closed by midday on Monday, when violent protests that started in high-density suburbs spread to the central business district of Harare.Businesses, at least in Harare, remained closed on Tuesday, amid social media threats of unspecified action to those who defied the call to stay away.The country's biggest labour union body, Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions, called for the 3-day stayaway after the government announced that the price of petrol would increase from $1.31 per litre to $3.31/l, the highest in the world.According to AFP, five Zimbabweans have been killed in the fuel hike protests.Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Christopher Mugaga said businesses, and retailers in particular, stood to lose at least $5m for every day they were closed."We have looked at it. We are talking of an average $5m per day in sales, especially in the retail sector. This also comes in a month we have lost a lot of productive hours in fuel queues. So January will be the lowest in terms of productive hours," said Mugaga.While only CBD and high-density outlets were closed Monday, those in wealthy suburbs, such as Sam Levy Village, Zimbabwe's most affluent mall, remained closed on Tuesday amid social media threats.At noon on Tuesday, social media platform WhatsApp seemed not to be working, with many taking to Twitter to express their dismay with government action.Some businesses also fell victim to looting, with at least two outlets belonging to Botswana retail Group Choppies having been looted.Meanwhile, the US embassy in Harare has issued a security statement alerting its citizens and officials to avoid the central business district in the capital city, as well as in Bulawayo."There have been widespread tensions, sometimes including violent protests, countrywide including in Harare's Central Business District, Epworth, Chitungwiza, and downtown Bulawayo."Additionally, there are reports of fights breaking out in fuel queues and as a result the embassy advised official Americans to not use fuel stations until the situation has calmed." News / National by Mandla Ndlovu Zimbabwe on Tuesday experienced its first total internet shutdown since inception. The shutdown came after citizens on Monday used social media to organize protests that left about five people dead and scores injured.The country's three mobile network operators Econet, Telecel and Netone had no access to internet. The government, Potraz or the service providers have not yet issued a statement to explain the blackout.Media Institute of Southern Africa said, "Internet in Zimbabwe was shutdown at around noon, local time. VPNs are currently of no use. Voice calls and SMS on the local Mobile Network Operators are still going through."In 2016 government blocked access to social media to disrupt strikes organised by #ThisFlag social movement.A tech magazine TechZim explained the blackout, "Just to clarify, if Econet, Telecel, TelOne and NetOne have blocked access to the whole internet (as they have reportedly done) VPNs actually won't help. VPNs help if access blocked to only certain sites (e.g. WhatsApp, Facebook etc..) has been blocked."Zimbabwe on Tuesday mid morning began to complain about the network being slow before it was eventually shutdown.The shutdown has affected mobile money services. A victim who spoke to Bulawayo24 said they tried to pay a bill with their Barclays online platform but it was not working. Some residents reported that they are failing to purchase electricity due to the blackout.On Monday the government warned Zimbabweans against listening to social media reports calling for disruption of business.Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions on Sunday called for a three day mass stayaway which ends on Wednesday. PAY ATTENTION: Click See First under the Following tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! - Maimane said the ANC was at risk of going down the same road as ZANU-PF - He compared Cyril Ramaphosa to Emmerson Mnangagwa as a leader who promised to fix his party but failed to deliver - Maimane also slammed the ANC's manifesto, saying it would not be able to create enough jobs to re-energise the economy Mmusi Maimane says Zimbabwe should serve as a warning for South Africans. Speaking at the Cape Town Press Club, the opposition leader compared Ramaphosa to new ZANU-PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa. He said Mnangagwa, like Ramaphosa, was viewed as a saviour who could rehabilitate a liberation movement that had lost its way. However, Mnangagwa has failed to deliver on those promises. Zimbabwe is currently in the grip of its worst economic problems in years and has been hit by heavy protests after a major increase in fuel prices. PAY ATTENTION: Save mobile data with FreeBasics: Briefly is now available on the app Maimane also criticized the ANC, like ZANU-PF, for focusing on charismatic leaders rather than competent government systems. "Having destroyed the systems and the institutions that make up a government, they will ask you to put your hope and your trust in individual leaders, personalities whom they will try to elevate to icons," Maimane said. Maimane also claimed that the ANC was trapped in a liberation mindset rather than a mindset of governance. He added that its proposed economic policies will not be able to create the number of jobs needed to solve South Africa's economic woes. In his view, many of the country's major problems - inequality, crime, social tensions - were directly due to this high unemployment. READ ALSO: Malema hits back at Kriel: "You're drunk on Klipdrift and Coke" "As we grapple with our own path forward, we could also do well to reflect on the situation in Zimbabwe right now," the opposition leader said. "That's not how a capable state is built. If you want a better government, then you have to choose a better government. I believe the DA is that government." 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 During a 60 Minutes interview Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez casually mentioned that she thought that America's super-rich should pay a marginal tax-rate of 70% on annual earnings over $10,000,000 (which is a better deal than they got under Reagan); since then, the proposal has roiled the political classes and billionaire-backed news outlets, who coincidentally oppose taxing billionaires. Though the establishments of the Democratic and Republican parties have scrambled to brand this proposal "unworkable" and "radical," there's another group of people who really like the sound of it: voters, including Republican voters. A newly released Hill-HarrisX poll found that 59% of registered US voters support the proposal, and that breaks down to 62% of women, 55% of men, 57% of southerners, 56% of rural voters, 60% of independents, 71% of Democrats, and even 45% of Republicans. The establishment has attributed AOC's incredible reach and influence to many factors her physical attractiveness, her ignorance, or some kind of witchy, indefinable charisma. As compelling as all those dismissive reasons may be for the people who mouth them while rocking back and forth with their eyes screwed shut, there's another possible explanation that this poll bears out: "She's preaching popular, common sense, underexpressed messages. But honestly, would a new member of Congress be so dominating the national conversation, if other Democrats were either less clueless or less beholden to their donors?" My favorite part of this debate are the bootlickers who insist that it's impossible to tax rich people because they'll just hire procurers and enablers to hide their money in the Irish Sea, the English Channel, the Caribbean, Luxembourg, Wyoming, and Delaware. This counsel of despair is awfully convenient for the oligarch class, but it's belied by the energy that the super-rich pour into the project of keeping the top marginal rate as low as possible. Either they're doing this because it breaks their hearts to see Uncle Sam try so hard and fail so badly to get them to pay their share, or, just maybe, they know that hidden money is a lot less useful than on-shore fortunes that you can freely claim. In her comments to the CBS show, Ocasio-Cortez referenced tax rates that had once been in place during the mid-20th century. During the 1950s and 60s, the wealthiest Americans were once taxed at a rate in excess of 90 percent. "That doesn't mean all $10 million are taxed at an extremely high rate, but it means that as you climb up this ladder you should be contributing more," she said. The proposal has been met with both criticism and acceptance within the Democratic party. Republicans and conservative commentators have been universally critical, some incorrectly implying that the congresswoman wants to tax all income of the richest Americans at 70 percent. Poll: A majority of Americans support raising the top tax rate to 70 percent [Matthew Sheffield/The Hill] (via Naked Capitalism) Last summer a 3-year-old cow named Betsy (not the one in the photo; that's a stock image I used because our content management system doesn't allow us to post something without an image) somehow escaped from a rodeo in Alaska and went to a 4,000-acre park on the outskirts of Anchorage. She's been spotted many times in the park by hikers and bicyclists, but so far no one has been able to capture her. "I'm just totally exhausted from looking day in and day out," Frank Koloski, Betsy's owner, told The Washington Post on Tuesday night. "She's a go-getter, that's for sure." Koloski has a plan in place: If he can just figure out where Betsy is hiding, he'll bring several other cows to that location. Betsy will immediately rush toward the other cattle, he predicts, and a number of his rodeo acquaintances have already volunteered to help him rope her. Until he knows exactly where she's located, though, he's not eager to let the other cows loose in the dense, dark woods. In the meantime, Betsy appears to be doing just fine. Alaska cattle are tough and accustomed to the area's harsh winters, Koloski said. Since the park is within city limits, he doesn't think there's too much of a risk of her running into a bear or a wolf. There are still plenty of natural sources of water that haven't frozen over, and he's left out hay bales and mineral salt blocks nearby. During the summer, Betsy would have found plenty of fresh grass on the slopes of the ski area to feast on, he said. And even once the snow started falling, there were still patches of green grass to be found under the overhang of the trees. "It's a cow's dream," he said. How much more evidence does America need that Donald Trump isn't working for us, but for Russia? No, seriously. Trump can't stop talking about removing America from NATO. Trump hasn't had an original idea in his whole life. Who told him that'd be a good idea? Who wants the USA out of NATO? Russia. "It would be the wildest success that Vladimir Putin could dream of." Michele Flournoy, an under secretary of defense under Obama. From the New York Times' Julian E. Barnes and Helene Cooper: Senior administration officials told The New York Times that several times over the course of 2018, Mr. Trump privately said he wanted to withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Current and former officials who support the alliance said they feared Mr. Trump could return to his threat as allied military spending continued to lag behind the goals the president had set. In the days around a tumultuous NATO summit meeting last summer, they said, Mr. Trump told his top national security officials that he did not see the point of the military alliance, which he presented as a drain on the United States. At the time, Mr. Trump's national security team, including Jim Mattis, then the defense secretary, and John R. Bolton, the national security adviser, scrambled to keep American strategy on track without mention of a withdrawal that would drastically reduce Washington's influence in Europe and could embolden Russia for decades. Now, the president's repeatedly stated desire to withdraw from NATO is raising new worries among national security officials amid growing concern about Mr. Trump's efforts to keep his meetings with Mr. Putin secret from even his own aides, and an F.B.I. investigation into the administration's Russia ties. Read the rest. What more proof does America need? No matter. More is coming. Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, just started a new job this week. She's an art teacher at a Christian school that makes job candidates sign a pledge not to engage in homosexual activity. Gay kids, you're not welcome either. The Pences are nothing if not consistent. Consistently horrible. Huffington Post's Rebecca Klein reports that the school where Pence now works discriminates against LGBTQ people in its job application, and doesn't want any queer kids around, either. Immanuel Christian School in Northern Virginia makes it clear right in their online application [PDF] and job application form [PDF] that they don't welcome everyone. Excerpt: In a "parent agreement" posted online, the school says it will refuse admission to students who participate in or condone homosexual activity. The 2018 employment application also makes candidates sign a pledge not to engage in homosexual activity or violate the "unique roles of male and female." "Moral misconduct which violates the bona fide occupational qualifications for employees includes, but is not limited to, such behaviors as the following: heterosexual activity outside of marriage (e.g., premarital sex, cohabitation, extramarital sex), homosexual or lesbian sexual activity, polygamy, transgender identity, any other violation of the unique roles of male and female, sexual harassment, use or viewing of pornographic material or websites," says the application. The application says that the school believes "marriage unites one man and one woman" and that "a wife is commanded to submit to her husband as the church submits to Christ." The application asks potential employees to explain their view of the "creation/evolution debate." The "parent agreement" asks parents to cooperate in its "biblical morality" policy. Under this policy, parents are to acknowledge the sanctity of marriage as a strictly heterosexual practice. Families who condone, practice or support "sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity" go against the principles of the school, per the document. What a load of crap. [via Rebecca Klein] On this episode of Radio Free Acton, Actons Tyler Groenendal speaks with Dave Hebert, professor of economics at Aquinas College, about the current government shutdown and what effect is has on individuals and businesses. In another segment, we have a conversation about community revitalization with Ashanti Bryant, director of education at AmplifyGR, a nonprofit working to build flourishing neighborhoods in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Check out these additional resources on this weeks podcast topics: Register here to hear Ashanti Bryant speak on Purpose Built Communities on January 24 in Grand Rapids Learn more about AmplifyGR Read What you should know about the 2018 partial government shutdown by Joe Carter Read Shutdown Squeezes Small Businesses That Do Work for Government by Andrew Duehren Do you have questions for the Radio Free Acton team that you would like answered in future podcast segments? We want to hear from you! Leave a message at 888-705-4180 or email RFA@acton.org. Lastly, if you like what you heard on todays episode, dont forget to give us a rating on iTunes. Featured image by Scott Kirkwood/NPCA used under Creative Commons license (CC BY-ND 2.0). Image not for reuse. Flouting laws, dozens of Nepalis invested in companies in tax haven nations Those involved in offshore investment include politicians to high-flying businessmansome of whom are non-resident Nepalisto doctors and hoteliers, as well as at least half a dozen individuals whose names were previously unheard of in the public sphere. Last night, the UK Parliament rejected Prime Minister Theresa Mays proposal towards an agreed exit from the European Union that would keep North Ireland part of the EU. And here we go again. This is yet another step in the endless drama initiated by the Brexit referendum which, contrary to all expectations, has resulted in a nationalist shout against the nation-state dissolution project in favor of a supranational entity based in Brussels, free of any democratic control. Needless to say, the plan, from the beginning when the French socialist Jean Monet laid the foundations of what would come to be known as the EU has always been the destruction of nation-states, as Christopher Booker and Richard North showed in the well-documented The Great Deception. The June 2016 referendum by itself was an act of pure political opportunism. When confronted with the possibility of political defeat in the elections of 2015, the boy scout of European-ism David Cameron decided for a commitment with the Eurosceptics who threatened to disband in favor of the UKIP. It worked, and the Tories gained five more years at Number 10. To general astonishment, Cameron decided to keep his promise. Unexpectedly, 51.9% of voters were in favor of leaving the EU. Since that fateful referendum, British and European political elites alike have been looking for a way to sabotage its outcome, which should not come as a surprise. The EU itself was built and expanded thanks to an arsenal of dirty tricks and lies. What did the European establishment do when earlier referendums in France and the Netherlands systematically rejected a proposal for a single constitution for the bloc? It maneuvered to pass the rejected legislation through the Lisbon Treaty, which dispensed popular consultation. When Ireland proved to be an obstacle, the European establishment threatened them, overpowered them and eventually made the countrys population ratify the treaty in a controversial second referendum. If the EU could be defined in a single word, that word would be demophobia, fear of the people. The collapse of democracy through the construction of an unchecked bureaucratic managerial state is not an exclusively European phenomenon. On the contrary, this seems to be a trend that has been occurring in all Western countries. the modus operandi, for instance, is almost always the same. Take California as an example. The state that gave America Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, Hollywood and Disneyland, has now become the Panzer tank of new left socialism. The history of the Golden State in the last 50 years can be summed up in ordinary peoples constant effort to prevent California from turning into Harvey Milks and Jim Jones San Francisco. The battle, anyone can see, has been lost. However, before the state that embodied the American dream had turned into a macabre experience of politically correct totalitarianism, the local population struggled tooth and nail to preserve their state and, of course, without the support of the neoconservative establishment. First, in 1994, voters passed a ballot proposition that would deny illegal immigrants access to welfare. Four years later, Californians went again to the ballot box to force the English language to be taught as the main language at public schools. Then, in 2008, they voted to ban gay marriage. Two of them were overthrown by judges committed to cultural leftism and the one who enforced English at schools was repealed in 2016 by a ballot supported by the leftist coalition that now rules the Golden State. The Republican Party that once had a stronghold in Orange County and almost won every presidential election in the state, from Eisenhower to George H. Bush, was decimated in 2018. Democrats now represent all districts in Orange County, and the new governor, Gavin Newsom of San Francisco, would shudder at Karl Marxs radicalism. The Republican bloodbath was preceded by years of multiculturalism at schools, uncontrolled immigration, high taxes and mismanagement by the conservative establishment, much more concerned with promoting democracy abroad than at home. Once a Republican bulwark, the middle class has been shrinking in the Golden State. In 1980, 60% of California families were in the middle class. In 2010, just less than half were, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. In spite of being an economic powerhouse, California is sliding toward socialism with steadily increasing tax rates, public spending, and regulation. As it turns out, the hippie economy, to use Joseph Sobrans words, is based in freeloading. This is too expensive for middle-class men or women to pay for. Destroying private wealth and multiplying public poverty, the new Golden State is in the process of becoming a two-class state: on one side, the very rich can afford to pay high taxes and on the other, the poor dont mind living on government funding. Thus, the homeless army that occupies downtown San Francisco, which catches unsuspecting tourists, should surprise none. To understand what is happening to Brexit, Americans should look at California. Just as the will of the British people has been sabotaged by the elites through Parliament, the will of the Californians was subverted by the courts until the tipping point was reached. Or, as the numbers seem to point out, until the elite could create a new people to replace the old, disobedient one. Following the current trend of demographic change and californization of other states, we are only two election cycles away from Democrats making Texas a competitive state and turning purple Florida to blue. If that happens, the GOPs path to the White House will be blocked for generations. Thanks to the Republican establishment, America might eventually follow Reagans 49-state victory with a not so unlikely Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez presidency. If anything is clear, it is that elite power is always engaged in undertaking social engineering to preserve the status quo. No matter how things change, the elite will always be there. The faster things change, the more assured and overwhelming the power of the ruling class will be. From Salems puritanism to Oakland and San Franciscos progressiveness, the only thing that matters to them is to burn off any dissenting thinking. Populists preach a resumption of the power by the people, mainly through plebiscites and referendums. However, as the example of California proves, and Brexit is currently exhibiting, voting matters little when structures of power have been seized by a group flexible enough to survive all political earthquakes and sufficiently relentless to ensure obedience through persuasion, fear or deception, whichever is the most advantageous at one particular moment. As Donald J. Trumps presidency unfolds, it becomes clearer that elite power remains intact. If those who hold power failed to predict that a populist would defeat their candidates in the Republican primaries (and much less could they have predicted Hilary Clintons electoral humiliation), they are being very efficient at sabotaging the administration. Whether it is through the deep states Russian hoax or judicial sabotage, they will make sure nothing changes. Or rather, to use the words of a character from the Lampedusas Il Gattopardo, they will ensure that everything needs to change, so everything can stay the same. With Brexit in flames, we must seek to understand the world according to the rules created by the power-holders. The first step to freedom is to become aware of how oppression works. Only in this way can conservatives bury the myth that to replace those in power is a long-term solution. The GOP, the sole recipient of the conservative vote for the last three decades, has compromised with the left on virtually every issue. Abortion, gay marriage, welfare state, multiculturalism, feminism, you name it. And, on the other hand, the neoconservative Republicans were the founding members of the warfare state club that led to the Iraq disaster and champions of uncontrolled immigration. If conservatives want to prevent the United States from becoming a new California, the whip needs to be taken away for good, regardless of who the master is. Homepage photo credit: Brexit protestors near the Houses of Parliament, London. WikiCommons. Last month a judicial nominee was asked during a Senate hearing if his membership in the Knights of Columbus might impede his ability to judge federal cases fairly. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Kamala Harris (D-California) both questioned Brian C. Buescher about his membership in the Catholic service organization. Hirono even asked Buescher if he would quit the group if he was confirmed to avoid any appearance of bias. In response to this blatant anti-Catholic bigotry, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) wrote an op-ed for The Hill calling out the senators and defending religious liberty: For too long in our country, politicians have weaponized religion for their own selfish gain, fomenting bigotry, fears and suspicions based on the faith, religion or spiritual practices of their political opponents. Whether we think of ourselves as Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Sikh, Buddhists, Jews, atheists, agnostics, or anything else, it is imperative that we stand united in our commitment to protect religious freedom and the right to worship or not worship, safely and without the fear of retribution. We must stand together, and with one voice condemn those who seek to incite bigotry based on religion. We cannot allow those who are anxious to exploit our differences to drive a wedge between us. We cannot and will not tolerate prejudicial treatment of those with whom we disagree, any more than we would tolerate such treatment of those with whom we agree. [] The party that worked so hard to convince people that Catholics and Knights of Columbus like Al Smith and John F. Kennedy could be both good Catholics and good public servants shows an alarming disregard of its own history in making such attacks today. The Democratic Party considers itself the natural party for women and minorities. Yet the partys anti-religiousand specifically anti-Christianbias is a betrayal of the demographic groups Democrats claim to champion. As Stephen L. Carter says, When you mock Christians, youre not mocking who you think you are. A 2015 Pew Research Center study of race and ethnicity among U.S. religions provides some basic facts. In the first place, if youre mocking Christians, youre mostly mocking women, because women are more likely than men to be Christians. The greatest disproportion is found among black Christians, of whom only 41 percent are male. So youre mocking black women in particular. Overall, people of color are more likely than whites to be Christians and pretty devout Christians at that. Some 83 percent of all black Americans are absolutely certain that God exists. No other group comes close to this figure. Black Christians are far more likely than white Christians (84 percent to 64 percent) to describe religion as very important in their lives. Of all ethnic groups, black Christians are the most likely to attend services, pray frequently and read the Bible regularly. They are also heres the kicker most likely to believe that their faith is the place to look for answers to questions about right and wrong. And they are, by large margins, the most likely to believe that the Bible is the literally inerrant word of God. In short, if you find Christian traditionalism creepy, its black people youre talking about. Its true that, politically, black Americans are overwhelmingly Democrats, and thats true of black Christians as well. On the other hand, black Christians tend to be socially conservative: the least tolerant of homosexuality, the most likely to oppose same-sex marriage and the least likely to believe in evolution. If youre maligning traditional Christianity, the people youre maligning are disproportionately black. Read more . . . UK Prime Minister Theresa May suffered the largest defeat in modern history last night, as Parliament rejected her Brexit deal by a vote of 202-432; she now faces a confidence vote that could turn her out of office. Rev. Richard Turnbull who is both ordained in the Church of England and the director of the Centre for Enterprise, Markets, and Ethics in Oxford explains the likely outcomes in a new essay for the Acton Institutes Religion & Liberty Transatlantic website. Christians should be concerned about the UK becoming a less prosperous nation, tied inextricably to Brussels supranational bureaucracy and led by a prime minister hostile to the free market. One likely outcome is that the UK becomes a less free, less prosperous, and less independent nation. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn immediately offered a no confidence vote in her government, which could result in his becoming the next prime minister. Rev. Turnbull writes: Theresa May faces a no confidence vote that could potentially turn her out of office and result in the election of a socialist. The official opposition Labour Party (the British socialist party) has tabled a motion of no confidence in the government. Under the Fixed Term Parliaments Act if a motion of no confidence in the government is passed, and not reversed by another vote within 14 days, Parliament is dissolved and a general election is held (although the precise date is a matter for the prime minister). As of this writing, the confidence vote has not been held, and there is almost no chance of that vote succeeding. The government has 318 out of 643 active Members of Parliament, just short of a majority. It is inconceivable that any Conservative MP would vote for this no confidence motion at this time. If the clock moves to March and there is a repeat no confidence motion, some extreme Conservative Remainers might defect, but not today. In addition the 10 MPs of the Democratic Unionist Party (Northern Irelands largest party, which is socially conservative and pro-Brexit) will support the government., Labours leftist leader, in effect, throwing away any chance of forcing an election. Expect a government win which will strengthen May. If she survives which most observers believe she will the UK may face an economic future significantly less independent and prosperous than it would have enjoyed had she seized the possibilities offered by Brexit to embrace the free market and repeal reams of EU red tape. Soft Brexit alternatives will result in a high degree of regulatory alignment. Rev. Turnbull writes: A softer Brexit may hamper free trade. In her statement immediately after the defeat, May indicated she would consult across Parliament to seek a way forward. Only softer options are likely to emerge. Read his full, in-depth analysis here. (Photo credit: Marco Verch. CC BY 2.0.) Decades ago, when I was first ordained a priest, I shared a prejudice that many people hold: I thought homeschooling families were odd. I believed schooling children at home deprived such children of opportunities to be with other children causing them to be less able to communicate with others, socially awkward and reclusive and narrow in their experience and understanding of the world that they would one day have to grow up in and navigate. That was until I actually met homeschooling families. This happened when I was serving in a chapel that had daily Masses serving largely downtown workers. Most of those coming were business people who would come either before they went to work or during their lunch hours. Among my congregants was a mother with three young children who would come regularly. Aside from the regular fussiness of children being asked to sit quietly for a thirty minute service, I was impressed at how attentive and well-behaved the children were. It was my custom during those years to welcome people as they entered the chapel and to greet them once again at the conclusion of liturgies. This afforded me the opportunity to get to know, even if only slightly, this family. One day as the little gaggle entered the chapel I greeted them and noticed that one of the little boysperhaps six or seven years oldwas holding a napkin in his hand with something folded into it. What have you got there? I asked. Beaming with pride, he extended his hand to me and unfolded the napkin to reveal a hideous, almost prehistoric looking insect, lying dead on the crease. I suspected he could see the horror in my face but he simply said, This is a Tettigarctidae, pronouncing the word precisely, Homer writes about them in the Iliad. They are very interesting because they hibernate for long periods of time before emerging. How interesting, I said. Ive never heard of them before Well, lets begin Mass then, shall we? A day or so later I received a letter, addressed to me in childish handwriting, in my mailbox. Dear Fr. Sirico, it read. I must apologize for the mistaken information I gave you the other day before Mass. The bug that I found was not really a Tettigarctidae. I took the bug home and looked in our books and found that it was really a Cicadidae which is related to the Tettigarctidae. They as very similar, but the Tettigarctidae are only found in Australia. The Cicadidae are in America. Sorry about the confusion. My first reaction was to bust out laughing; but my second reaction was wonderment. As time passed I was extended an invitation to dinner at this familys home to meet the father of these children. I spent a lovely evening conversing with the whole familynot just the adultsabout a wide range of things. Perhaps what left the deepest impression on me that evening was the relaxed intelligent conversation I was having with children who looked me straight in the eye, asked me questions and listened to my replies. I felt free to ask about their philosophy of homeschooling and why they chose to make such a serious counter cultural commitment to it. I also mentioned my curiosity about the insect research. The mother helped me to understand that education was only part of the broader formation of her childrens lives. Life is filled with opportunities for learning, like the discovery of the bug on the way to church, and the discovery of what specific type it, in fact, was. I was amazed and frankly embarrassed that something so simple and natural had escaped my grasp until getting to know that family. All of this came to mind when I read of the recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that the parental rights of two homeschooling German parents were not violated when: In August 2013, a group of at least 20 police officers and social workers raided the Wunderlich home and took away their four children. ADF International, the legal group representing the parents, claimed that the action left the family traumatized. The children were placed in a childrens home for three weeks. Though they were eventually returned to their parents, their legal status was not clear. The children were enrolled in a school from 2013 to 2014. Homeschooling has been illegal in Germany since 1918 and the Court ruled that: Based on the information available at the time, the domestic authorities had reasonably assumed that the children were isolated, had had no contact with anyone outside of the family, and that a risk to their physical integrity had existed, the court said. The court acknowledged that the parents later submitted learning assessments showing that the children had sufficient knowledge, social skills and a loving relationship with their parents, but this information was not available to officials when they decided to withdraw parental custody in a temporary and partial manner. In other words, the state acted out of ignorance presumptuously seizing children from their home. And yet a court, allegedly dedicated to human rights, has ruled the parents rights were not violated? When the state can seize healthy, social and intelligent children from loving parents simply for educating their children according to their conscience no rights worth the name exist. Parents have a natural right and responsibility to raise and educate their children, not the state. It is also parents who know best the needs of their children and who have the greatest incentive to make positive choices for their formation, not politicians and meddling bureaucrats. Not all families are willing or able to effectively home school their children but, when many of our schools struggle to form children intellectually and morally, homeschooling parents who choose to make that commitment should be applauded for their effort and not presumed guilty of negligence. I shudder to think what might have happened to that first homeschooling family I met had they lived in Germany. Would they too have had their children taken from them? I have stayed in touch with this family all these years and watched these children grow up. The two little boys are now both physicians and fine young men. Homeschooling was a blessing to this family, a blessing that allowed them to be a blessing to each other and which equipped them to be a greater blessing to the world. If youre fortunate youll live to an old age in relative good health. The reality is many people fight ailments later in life and need assisted living help or nursing home care. That means they need some kind of nursing home accommodations. According to disabled.world-com, the life expectancy in the U.S. is 79 years. For women its 81 and for men its 76. In comparison, the average life span is 31.99 years in Swaziland and 82 years in Japan. Some people are able to live on their own until death while others find themselves in need of care in their 50s or 60s. Its not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in. For the elderly, especially, the Tribune Editorial Board believes the community has some responsibility. Older citizens can be doing well on their own and one serious illness can change their lifestyle, forcing them to seek nursing home care. That care gets expensive. During the legislative session of 2017 the funding for nursing facilities in the state wasnt increased for the first time. That forced nursing homes to borrow from banks and dip into reserves. The homes "literally depleted any money that they had," according to Shelly Peterson, president of the North Dakota Long-Term Care Association. Sanford Health in part blames the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for not being clear enough in the new rule, which requires hospitals to post their "current, standard charges." "The regulation was very vague, so hospitals across the country are doing their best to apply it," said Lawrence, explaining that no standard format or definition exists for what hospitals need to post, meaning information will vary widely between providers. "CMS will get more specific as it realizes this," she added. The issue doesn't just present itself in jargon used to code hospital services. The lack of parallels between chargemasters also proves confusing. Sanford's list has about 2,500 rows. Essentia's has more than 19,000. Comparing common procedures like colonoscopies, cesarean sections, electrocardiograms, and hip or knee replacements also proves difficult for a layperson. There are a handful of close parallels, however. A colonoscopy with an endoscopic mucosal resection the most common method for removing polyps from a colon is listed as $2,600 at Essentia-Fargo and $1,729 at Sanford in Fargo, in their respective chargemaster data sets. North Dakota law enforcement officials described the common sense bill as a new tool to address people who havent necessarily committed a crime but are believed to be dangerous. West Fargo Police Chief Heith Janke said the number of suicide calls in his city rose to 144 in 2018, up 40 percent from the year before. There are times where people go through crisis in life, theres this window of instability in their life where perhaps them having access to a weapon isnt the greatest thing in the world, Fargo Police Chief David Todd said. Todd and Janke predicted officers would rarely use the new powers and said the bill provides adequate due process protections by requiring a hearing to determine whether an public safety protection order should be issued. It also allows firearm owners to seek an orders termination. Todd credited Hanson for building a coalition of people from both sides of the aisle to support the bill, including Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson. House Bill 1521, introduced by House Majority Leader Chet Pollert and Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, outlines a process for filing ethics complaints against public officials, includes exceptions to the prohibition against lobbyist gifts and budgets $100,000 to new ethics commission. And in apparent attempt to address one of the chief complaints raised by opponents of Measure 1, the bill narrowly defines what it means to influence state government action to "promoting or opposing the final adoption of a rule by an administrative agency." Opponents had argued the constitutional language was too broad and could require private citizens to disclose their costs for traveling to Bismarck to testify on a bill. To better prepare for the new economy, North Dakota needs to use the talent and knowledge at UND by investing in higher education and research that can propel the state forward, Kennedy said. UND also needs to work with the state to provide high-quality education at a value, not a price, Kennedy said. He noted that campus enrollments are declining nationwide with competition from online universities and from alternative credentials. In response to declining enrollments, the South Dakota Board of Regents recently approved giving in-state tuition to students from North Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana and Colorado. The move, which is known as the South Dakota Advantage, has been discussed at length during recent State Board of Higher Education meetings as a potential threat to enrollment numbers across the state. However, Kennedy said there is much more to an education than a price point. Other factors like the economy and program quality are also key. We view this, at UND, as an act of desperation on the part of South Dakota that will not play well into the long-term future, he said. Madhukar Upadhya is a watershed person, who writes about the rising tensions between a flourishing society and sustaining natural resources, including the emerging challenges of managing climate crisis. Hunter has an outstanding record of service and community involvement. He listens to and respects the opinions of all students he leads by example and is willing to take on any role that is needed to make the entire group successful, she wrote in a letter of recommendation. I believe he genuinely cares about making his school and community a better place. A two-year Key Club member, Cady, who serves as secretary, helps organize and participates in numerous service projects throughout the year. Last month, the club set up an Angel Tree at Legacy, which allowed students to purchase Christmas gifts for four families in need, including one with a direct tie to the school. Last year, club members picked up garbage in Legacys parking lot and throughout the campus after witnessing the need. A lot of people get stuff to eat and, instead of walking to the garbage can, they just open their window and toss their garbage in the parking lot, he said. Our solution was, instead of putting up signs, like people will do, lets just fight the problem at the source and go clean it up. The student council president has been in speech for six years and enjoys competing in serious prose. He invoked the Legacy Fund's near $6 billion balance and the billion-dollar price tags of several water projects around the state, such as the $2.75 billion Fargo-Moorhead area flood diversion. But Hogue also raised concerns with what he said are outside interests that could target Legacy Fund spending through initiated ballot measures. He pointed to Marsy's Law and other recent ballot measures funded from mostly outside North Dakota asking critics of SCR4005 to consider his concern. "I predict when we go home that we will see a ballot measure to do something with the Legacy Fund," Hogue told the Tribune. "That's our history." SCR4005 would provide for annual transfers of Legacy Fund dollars to the proposed North Dakota First Fund starting with 15 percent of the Legacy Fund principal in 2021. Hogue's proposal would need support from the state House and Senate and be approved on a statewide vote in 2020 to amend the state Constitution. A state infrastructure board would oversee the fund. Eleven people testified in support of SCR4005, including mayors of Fargo and Minot, Grand Forks Republican Sen. Curt Kreun and Williston Republican Sen. Brad Bekkedahl who co-sponsored the proposal. When you really begin to understand what is going on in that womans and that familys life, sometimes you find that theyre a victim of trafficking, Thomasson said. Because of the Human Trafficking Task Force that the state formed in 2015, Lutheran Social Services has been able to connect tenants with victim services. North Dakota legislators first approved funding for human trafficking victims in 2015, dedicating $1.25 million for 2015-17. That launched the task force, a coordinated network that involves victim service providers and law enforcement agencies from around the state. Funding was reduced to $825,000 in 2017 when less state funds were available. Sen. Dick Dever, R-Bismarck, the primary sponsor of the bill, is advocating for the level of funding to be restored. Sgt. Mike Bolme of the Bismarck Police Department testified that the states task force allows law enforcement to work with case managers to help victims turn their lives around while also getting victims cooperation to prosecute traffickers. The funding also supports a demand reduction program. The North Dakota Attorney General's Office has announced that 151 North Dakota students will receive more than $340,000 in loan debt relief in a settlement with the for-profit education company, Career Education Corp. The debt relief is one of a number of conditions included in a national settlement that CEC reached earlier this month with Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and 48 other attorneys general. Under the terms of the settlement, the company will change its recruiting and enrollment practices and forgo collecting about $493.7 million in debts owed by 179,529 students across the country, according to a news release from Stenehjem's office. CEC will also pay $5 million to the states, and North Dakota will collect $40,000. The attorneys general launched an investigation into CEC in January 2014 after receiving complaints from students and a report on for-profit education by the U.S. Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The investigation's findings include that CEC: Nick Archuleta, president of ND United, told lawmakers that the committee received 343 reports of safety incidents as of August, of which 70 percent involved violence toward a peer or staff member. "Attacks on teachers and education support staff are unacceptable," Archuleta said, adding that school districts need to provide a safe environment for students and teachers. Christine Hogan, an attorney with the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project an independent state agency that advocates for the rights of those with disabilities asked lawmakers to consider the rights of children with disabilities in the study. "I'm not testifying in support or against the resolution ... I would, however, just like to ask that the study also consider that children with disabilities have rights to certain procedural safeguards under federal law," she said, referring to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Misconduct and violent or disruptive behavior can be prevented with evidence-based solutions, such as positive behavioral supports and behavioral intervention plans, Hogan said. Students who receive special education have an Individualized Education Program, or an IEP, which often includes behavioral interventions. The partial government shutdown has stalled talks with the Bureau of Land Management over changes to how flaring is regulated, Helms said. The federal agency plans to defer oversight to state and tribal leaders, but the workers involved with those discussions have been furloughed, according to Helms. State officials indicated they had hoped to have an agreement in place with the BLM by February, but Helms said the shutdown will delay the timeline by at least a month. The shutdown also has stopped the Bureau of Indian Affairs from reviewing right-of-way applications for pipeline projects, Helms said. Justin Kringstad, director of the North Dakota Pipeline Authority, reported an increase in flaring from wells that are not connected to a pipeline. Typically, a majority of flaring comes from wells that have pipeline connections but the infrastructure is inadequate. Sixty-eight drilling rigs operated in the state as of Tuesday. Kringstad said recent improvement in oil prices indicate theres growth potential for oil production over the winter. Industry could grow, but that growth rate is going to be heavily weighted by Mother Nature and other seasonal factors, Kringstad said. (Reach Amy Dalrymple at 701-250-8267 or Amy.Dalrymple@bismarcktribune.com) Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Landowners have until March 15 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks for enrollment in the Unlocking Public Lands Program. The program is designed to provide recreational public access to state or federal (Bureau of Land Management or Forest Service) land where no legal public access currently exists. In exchange for access across the private lands, landowners will receive a tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 tax credit per year. Landowners decide how the public may cross their private property and may limit access to foot traffic only. Offering a tax credit in exchange for allowing public access across private land to reach public land is a unique and innovative way to increase public access, said Ken McDonald, FWP wildlife division administrator. We hope these new opportunities and incentives may appeal to landowners throughout the state. The Unlocking Public Lands program is a product of the 2015 Legislature, which expanded a program called Unlocking State Land passed by the previous Legislature. While Montana contains nearly 31 million acres of BLM, USFS, and state land, much of this land requires landowner permission to cross private land to reach the adjoining state or federal land. More information about the program, including enrollment criteria and the application form, can be found at http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/hunterAccess/unlockingPublicLands/ Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Frightened humans have a long history of building worthless walls. Emperor Qin Shi Huang (220 206 B.C.) gave it an early try in China and in time various emperors on that land would build 13,000 miles of walls and barriers to secure their borders. Today its remnants are an interesting tourist attraction. If you happen to be touring nearby, visiting what remains will cost $25 if you come by the bus-load. Private tours will cost around $60. More recently, in 1945, frightened Russian communist dictators threw up an Iron Curtain across Eastern Europe to block the scary influence of Western democracy. The curtain included a concrete, stone and wire wall, isolating West Berlin from the rest of that city and from the free world that had just liberated them from a ruthless dictator. In June of 1963, John F. Kennedy stood in that divided place and told 450,000 cheering citizens that all free men are citizens of Berlin! Twenty-four years later, Ronald Reagan stood in that same walled and gated city, and before a cheering crowd, told the secretary of the Soviet Unions Communist Party, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall! Three years later the people of Berlin attacked, not each other, but the wall and it is now rubble. When will we ever learn? The Republican Governors Association quickly donated $500,000 to the campaign of Rick Hill, the GOP nominee for governor. Lovells decision was appealed to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which reinstated the Montana campaign limits pending appeal, so the limits were off for just six days. The Hill campaign asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene and allow unlimited donations pending appeal, which the high court declined to do. Eventually, the circuit court upheld the donation limits constitutionality and the law's foes appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. What this long legal battle means is that Montana must not take our campaign finance laws for granted. Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan, who has the duty of enforcing those laws, needs adequate staffing and resources to fulfill his vital watchdog role. The flurry of court action in the 2012 General Election erased any doubt that even greater sums of cash would flood into our elections if we had no limits. WASHINGTON Wyoming's representative, Rep. Liz Cheney, on Tuesday called on Rep. Steve King to resign, exposing a rift among GOP leaders as the controversy over the Iowa Republican continues coming to a head. "I agree with Leader McConnell actually. I think he should find another line of work," said Cheney, the No. 3 House Republican. That was a reference to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who on Monday said if King did not know what was wrong with white supremacy and white nationalism, as he said in a recent New York Times article, he should get out of politics. "I think you've seen now repeated - this wasn't the first time - but his language questioning whether or not the notion of white supremacy is offensive is absolutely abhorrent. It's racist. We do not support it or agree with it," Cheney said. Other Republicans, notably Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, and Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, have also called on King to resign. 17 years of denied justice Muktinath Adhikaris family is among thousands who have been dismissed in the Transitional Justice process Washington state lawmakers are taking another run at climate change legislation, including plans to abandon southeast Montanas Colstrip power plant by 2025. The states Legislature convenes this week with an ambitious plan from Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee to respond to climate change. Phasing out coal power entirely within six years is an early step, but only a first. Inslee wants all fossil fuel power, including electricity from gas, eliminated within 26 years. Washington residents are big customers of the coal-fired Colstrip power plant, with roughly 1.8 million people drawing electricity from utilities owning shares of Colstrips four units. Already, there are plans to shutter Colstrips two oldest units no later than 2022, but Washington banning coal power completely by 2025 would signal an earlier end to Colstrip than anyone has previously been willing to suggest. Climate change demands an early response, said Reuven Carlyle, a Democratic state senator from Seattle. Carlyle will carry the governors climate change plan in the Washington Senate where he thinks odds for approval are favorable. Democrats control the House and Senate by a few votes, though a carbon tax put to voters in November failed. This is why the march is inviting everyone, not only American Indians, Iron Eyes said. "It's clear that Washington doesn't have our best interest in mind, and I'm speaking as an American, not just as an indigenous person. We are in complete trouble," he said. Houska, director of Honor The Earth, a nonprofit group on the White Earth Indian Reservation, said there are clear requests on several issues facing native people. These include ending attacks on the Indian Child Welfare Act, reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, fully funding appropriations to Indian Health Services and passing Savanna's Act, which aims to gather data on missing and murdered indigenous people and is named after Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a slain North Dakota woman whose baby was cut from her womb. "It's historic, and it's long overdue that we have these conversations nationally," Houska said. "We still don't see native people on television really anywhere except continuing to be in Western movies and as mascots. I'm very excited to see this step forward." Taking part in the march are tribal nations and organizations from across the U.S., with indigenous people from Canada, Australia and Guatemala expected to attend. Iron Eyes is travelling from South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and Houska is heading out with a Line 3 opposition group from Duluth, Minn. Before the committee Tuesday, Sands credited a bipartisan and survivor-centered approach for the work that led to the bills introduction. Were proud of the work thats been done together and were also recognizing that we are not quite where we need to be yet, Sands said. And this bill will lead us in that way. If passed, the bill allows sexual assault survivors the choice to submit written consent to release their evidence kit for analysis. From there, the health care facility receiving consent to submit the kit to law enforcement must contact the cases investigating or jurisdictional law enforcement agency within 24 hours. Law enforcement would then take possession of the kit within five business days of collection. After taking possession, law enforcement must then submit the kit with a police report to a publicly accredited crime lab for testing no more than 30 days after reception. The bill notes that, in court proceedings, failure of law enforcement to meet the time limit does not constitute grounds to exclude evidence obtained from a kit. "I was shocked," Landsverk said. Word soon spread to Pug Mahon's and the Bookie, and employees at both locations confirmed Tuesday that they too would be shutting down Saturday night. For the past two days, Landsverk has tried to reach Kevin MacIntyre, Bill MacIntyre's brother, but has not gotten a call back. Kevin MacIntyre owns Fiddler's Green on Southgate Drive in Billings. According to Fiddler's Green, Kevin was unavailable for comment on Tuesday. Bill and another brother died over the weekend, and on Tuesday Kevin was traveling to Detroit to handle arrangements for the other brother who died, an employee at Fiddler's Green said. The lack of communication with the businesses in Bill MacIntyre's building has led to rumors and some confusion about who now owns the building and what might happen to it. News about the building's impending closure Saturday spread haphazardly Monday; no official announcement has come from the MacIntyre family. "I called my boss to let her know," said Autumn Spivey, a bartender at the Bookie. RALEIGH: Governor Roy Cooper today wrote to President Donald Trump to urge him to end the federal government shutdown that is holding back hurricane recovery efforts and threatening North Carolina's farming economy.Gov. Cooper wrote in the letter sent today.In April 2018, North Carolina was notified of a $168 million award of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) from the US Housing and Urban Development to make the state's flood-prone areas safer. The state remains unable to use these funds until guidance is published in the Federal Register, which cannot happen while the federal government remains shuttered.In September, a HUD appropriation for 2018 storms including Hurricane Florence was enacted as part of the FAA reauthorization bill but awaits allocation to affected states. The $1.68 billion allocated will be shared by North Carolina and other states recovering from natural disasters, but without guidance states are left waiting to learn how much funding they will receive and how best to put these funds to work for recovery and mitigation.The shutdown also limits North Carolina's access to HUD experts needed to help with rebuilding efforts in the state. In addition, North Carolina farmers are without help from federal agriculture experts at a critical time.Gov. Cooper wrote in his letter.Hurricane Florence hit North Carolina on September 13, grinding across the state for days and dumping 8 trillion gallons of rain. The storm took 41 lives, flooded whole cities, and ruined homes, crops, schools and entire communities. Many parts of North Carolina hit hard by Florence were still working to recover from Hurricane Matthew, which hit the state just two years prior.Gov. Cooper wrote to President Trump.Ford PorterPhone: Email: At noon on Thursday, Democrats officially take control of the U.S. House of Representatives. A short time later, the new majority will pick a Speaker, expected to be (once again) Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Californistan).And a little while after that, they'll start work on a bold "new" agenda to expand government, blanket business with new regulations, raise taxes on all Americans and push a new socialism that will deliver "free" health care and college tuition.In fact, socialism is literally coming to the new House as democratic socialists, such as outspoken Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Muslim Rashida Harbi Tlaib, join the 116th Congress. Their platform is increasingly similar to that of rank-and-file Democrats, including a "Medicare-for-all" program and "guaranteed jobs" programs, along with demands for a $15-an-hour minimum wage. Democrats will also push a "Green New Deal," which would create hundreds of new regulations on businesses and the energy sector.Some, like Ocasio-Cortez, want to see the end of capitalism. "I do think right now we have this no holds barred, wild west hyper-capitalism," she said in July. "What that means is profit at any cost. Capitalism has not always existed in the world and will not always exist in the world."Democratic voters are also embracing socialism. "An overwhelming majority of respondents, 76 percent, said they would not vote for a 'socialist' political candidate, while only 24 percent of those polled said they would," finds a July 24 poll conducted by The Hill and HarrisX. And an August poll by Gallup found that 47% of Democrats view capitalism positively, down from 56% in 2016, while 57% of view socialism positively.While the socialist ideas have always existed in the Democratic Party, they are now moving from the fringe to the mainstream. Several of the party's 2020 hopefuls, including Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are embracing them.A December 29 analysis by The New York Times showed that one-third of Senate Democrats - along with more than half of House Democrats - endorse the Medicare-for-all program.Under the "Green New Deal," Democrats hope to guarantee every American a job, saying the program will "provide all members of our society, across all regions and all communities, the opportunity, training and education to be a full and equal participant in the transition, including through a job guarantee program to assure a living wage job to every person who wants one."According to a draft plan, the program also plans toIn other words, socialism.The draft plan says paying for the massive programWhen she's not chugging beer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), expected to run against President Trump in 2020, supports the Green New Deal.an aide told Axios.Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez last year called Ocasio-Cortez the "future of our party." And in August, she held an event in Southern California intended to "mobilize communities across Los Angeles in pursuit of a better, socialist future."So brace yourself, people, socialism has arrived. So get out your wallets. President Trump is moving toward his 2024 candidacy as per all indications from his enlightening address to the NC GOP on June 5, 2021. Considering this political vector as a distinct possibility: What is your electoral pleasure as an integral cog in this Representative Republic? No Vote: Mr. Trump will never be president again as we boldly march toward a Socialist society. Yes Vote: Mr. Trump was the best president since Ronald Reagan, and we need a real leader, who is fully cognitive of that responsibility in these tumultuous times.. A psychiatrist who was terminated in November from his job at the Lincoln Regional Center has lost his lawsuit against the state and the Department of Health and Human Services for alleged violations of regulations, policies and laws in diagnosing and treating mentally ill patients. Dr. Farid Karimi's claims against the state of Nebraska and the DHHS, a state agency, are barred by sovereign immunity, according to an order in the case last week. While the order largely gutted Karimi's lawsuit, it remains open against Dr. Roger Donovick in his official and individual capacities, and Mark LaBouchardiere and Sheri Dawson, both individually. Donovick was the Regional Center's chief medical officer until August 2017; LaBouchardiere is the current facilities director and has been in charge of the Regional Center for nearly a year; and Dawson was Karimi's former supervisor. In an order Thursday, Senior U.S. District Judge Laurie Smith Camp said Karimi went to work at the Regional Center in February 2016 and, after several months, noted what he considered procedural and medical irregularities there and reported them. I knew it would be a challenge, so I think that was part of the reason I knew it would be a goal, he said. One of the things Ive always liked at each level was having the ability to work with different types of people. Ive really enjoyed helping people along in their careers so Im really looking forward to this new position to have a little more influence. Sharp said his military and law enforcement careers overlap, and serving in the National Guard has made him a better deputy. The easiest parallel is being a supervisor in the military and being a supervisor at the sheriffs office, he said. Thats the easy one, dealing with people. The skills Ive picked up along the way in property accountability, maintenance, managing information, developing consensus, those skills have really helped me out in my law enforcement career. Sharp added it meant a lot to him that Sheriff Millard Gus Gustafson and other members of the sheriffs office attended the ceremony to show their support. He also praised his military career for the impact its had on his life and said anyone curious about enlisted should look into it. Ive really enjoyed my time in the military, Sharp said. I would strongly encourage any person who has an interest in it to consider it. Obviously, I would push the National Guard because its the organization Ive been a part of for 20 years, but every branch of service offers different benefits. A lot of people think of the military as just the infantry soldiers going off fighting, but theres so much more. Reach Scott Koperski at scott.koperski@beatricedailysun.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottKoperski. Love 0 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. Students in the next quarter-century will co-create their experiences on campus alongside faculty and staff, Green said, to "spark curiosity, lead to demonstrated achievement, and deepen the capacity for analysis and reflection." They will also be responsible for enhancing the quality of life in Nebraska and beyond through research and creative thinking to solve what Green calls "wicked problems" the societal challenges faced locally, nationally and globally. Green said UNL will become a place where "every person and every interaction will matter," fostering affordability and accessibility, as well as diverse and inclusive experiences for all individuals. Finally, the chancellor told the crowd of more than 600 that UNL will "build communities" by taking the work done at the university out into the world. Acknowledging his vision as lofty but insisting it is attainable, and that the university is hard at work charting a course for the next 25 years Green said UNL's past is a prologue. Troy Heinert, South Dakotas new state Senate minority leader, is also a rodeo pickup rider and member of the Rosebud Sioux. (Photo by Randy Heinert) The Right To Vote The enthusiastic participation of Native voters in 2018 was as significant as the surge of Native elected officials. Though 2018 election data by ethnicity was not yet out at press time, there were reports of high turnout on reservations. If the Democratic Party wants to stay relevant in these changing times, it needs to listen to Native voices, says OJ Semans. He and his wife, Barb, codirect Four Directions, a voting-rights group headquartered in South Dakota on the Rosebud Sioux reservation. Both are tribal members. Yes, we Native American Indians are mostly Democrats, in some areas nearly exclusively so, but thats not the point, he says. We want the political parties to interact with tribal members. Tell us what youre about and what youre going to do. Let us decide. Overwhelming support in Indian country tipped Montana Democratic Sen. Jon Tester to re-election in a Trump state. Semans says Tester earned that support with field offices on reservations: He talked to us. The critical issue for us is not the party, but equality: the equal right to vote guaranteed by the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. Native Americans have been U.S. citizens for less than a centurysince the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924and couldnt vote in some states for decades longer, explains University of Utah political science professor Daniel McCool in Native Vote: American Indians, the Voting Rights Act and the Right to Vote. To achieve that, Indians would have to overcome a panoply of state laws, constitutional clauses and court decisions that blocked the way. Americans have periodically stepped up to expand and protect voting rights, with the civil-rights marches of the 1960s and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, for example. For Native people, scores of federal lawsuits since the 1960snotably by the Native American Rights Fund, Four Directions and the American Civil Liberties Unionhave won them better ballot-box access. There have been steps backward, though, as when a 2013 Supreme Court decision, Shelby v. Holder, eliminated a key protection for voters. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the decision swept away Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which had required federal approval of changes in voting procedures in jurisdictions with a history of discrimination. In 2018, North Dakota took another big step backward. The nation was agog at the conservative states last-ditch attempt to keep typically Democratic Native Americans from the polls. When North Dakota required that voting IDs have detailed street-address information that is usually not available for reservation residences, tribes and advocacy groups (including Four Directions) scrambled to put the data in place. The suppression effort ended up energizing the Native vote and driving turnout; on the Standing Rock reservation, for example, turnout doubled from the last midterm election. Semans sees the ID laws as overt vote suppression, but also sees covert suppression in poll workers giving misinformation. In the 2018 midterms, one Four Directions volunteer witnessed a county official refuse to accept a Native voters in-person absentee ballot, telling them they had to go home and mail it (which was untrue). On another day, Semans personally witnessed a poll worker tell a Native voter that a document was invalid because it had been signed in black ink, rather than blue. That, too, was untrue; black ink is valid. To cast a ballot in North Dakota, Native voters had to know the details of voting-rights law backwards and forwards, Semans says. John Arnold, North Dakotas state elections director, claims that the new ID requirements were not intended to discriminate. Problems should be taken up with the counties where they occurred, he says, where local officials should have had the sense to know correct procedures. Semans disagrees. State and local election officials took an oath to administer fair and democratic elections, he says. Theyre not. The bar has to be raised. He believes election officials closest to the voting processcounty workers across the country who decide where the voting offices will be, who staffs them, their hours and much moreare where the power lies. Its where the proponents of the racial and financial privilege that Shelton describes are fighting their last-ditch battles against Native and other minority voters. In an important development, Crow Creek tribal resident Yvette Isburg garnered 56 percent of the vote to become head elections official in Buffalo County, S.D., which had a history of extreme gerrymandering. Some 14 years ago, the county settled a federal lawsuit that found it packed 1,500-plus Crow Creek Sioux Tribe members into one county-commission district, while 100-plus and 300-plus mostly non-Native residents made up the other two districts. The districts were evened up, and now a Native woman will be sworn in March 4 to the influential role of ensuring fair and equal elections. She will monitor the point at which voters register, vote and otherwise interact personally with the nations election system. Four Directions is already working toward 2020. The group is looking outside North Dakota, talking to tribes in Arizona and in other swing states. Navajo has a total of some 115,000 voting-age citizens across three states, Arizona, New Mexico and Utahwith 70,000 in Arizona alone, Semans says. We are opening the doors for them. The organization aims to establish 15 early-voting offices on the Navajo reservation in Arizona, where there were only three in 2016. In Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, Native votersif they get to the pollscan affect the presidential contest, Semans says. We are looking at Denver, he adds, doing field surveys and seeing how we can make a difference for its urban-Indian population. North Carolina has 60,000 Lumbees. We are talking to them. The Democratic Party may well benefit from the increased Native voter turnout, he says, but for tribal people it will likely mean more Native officeholders in federal, state and local seats. Voting is critically important for Native people, says Heinert. Voting is how we exercise our sovereignty. We are here, we are part of the process. Weve been an afterthought, and thats not the case anymore. Stephanie Woodard is an award-winning journalist who has reported investigative articles for In These Times. Her new book is American Apartheid: The Native American Struggle for Self-Determination and Inclusion. Never miss a story. Subscribe to the free In These Times weekly newsletter: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Meeting the specification for baking a quality loaf will be one of the topics of this years Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Milling Wheat Conference. Held in association with the National Association of British and Irish Flour Millers (Nabim), the event will feature speakers including: Sarah Clarke, of agricultural consultancy ADAS, on managing wheat crops for quality; milling wheat supplier James Price, of Perdiswell Farm, on growing for the market; and Philip Darke, of Camgrain, on capturing quality through storage. For the first time, this years conference will include a panel of millers from across the industry who will discuss their requirements. AHDB knows it is vital that UK farmers remain competitive and are well prepared to face future challenges, said AHDB strategy director Dr Martin Grantley-Smith. Working with our industry partners in milling, agronomy and exporting, we can support farmers to find and maximise opportunities for quality milling wheat and build resilience. The conference includes the presentation of the YEN Wheat Quality Award by George Marriage, director of W&H Marriage & Sons and president of the Nabim executive committee. Sponsored by Nabim, the award recognises achievements in growing quality milling wheat. The AHDB Milling Wheat Conference 2019 is being held on 26 February at Wyboston Lake Resorts, Bedfordshire. There have been two elections, and Sisi won both overwhelmingly. He received almost 40 million votes. If he was so hated, why did the people not refuse to vote? Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. (photo credit: PAVEL GOLOVKIN/POOL VIA REUTERS) Having watched the CBS 60 Minutes interview on Sunday evening, January 6, I was left in complete shock. As a journalist, Ive met three times with Egypts President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi over the past 16 months for more than five and a half hours of interviews. The last was at the Palace Hotel, the same location where 60 Minutes staged their interview. The individual described by the CBS anchor was not the person I know. The network reported having spoken with a number of Egyptians who refused to refer to Sisi as president. Oh really? I spoke with dozens of significant Egyptians who not only call him president, but love him. The president was accused of the worst human rights abuses. I wondered if they were talking about Bashar Assad of Syria, or Saddam Hussein. Not at all! There have been two elections, and Sisi won both overwhelmingly. He received almost 40 million votes. If he was so hated, why did the people not refuse to vote? On 60 Minutes Sisi was accused of massacring protesters in what was called a peaceful protest. Police stations all over Egypt had been set afire. What was happening in that country was exactly what happened in Syria and Libya during the Arab Spring. What Sisi had done was save Egypt. Fighting terrorism is a human right. If Egypt had been transformed into an Islamic state, as Mohamed Morsi had planned, or if it had fallen into chaos as had Libya and Syria, the war on terrorism would have been lost for decades to come. Watching 60 Minutes would have led one to believe that the Muslim Brotherhood was comprised of little George Washingtons. Did you also notice that virtually none of Sisis interview was used? Rather, a Muslim Brotherhood leader and a Barack Obama leftist were attacking Egypts president. The same day the show aired, Sisi inaugurated the largest Christian church in the Muslim world. It was financed by the Egyptian government, and was a gift from the president. Nothing was said about that. President Donald Trump tweeted his enthusiasm: Excited to see our friends in Egypt opening the biggest Cathedral in the Middle East. President El-Sisi is moving his country to a more inclusive future! Trump has referred to CBS as fake news and an enemy of the people. There is no doubt that what the network has done to Sisi is, indeed, fake news. Nor is there any doubt in my mind that no other world leader has more effectively won the ideological war against radical Islam. What was the motivation for the one-sided 60 Minutes interview? It is obvious that the only incentive was to slander the president of Egypt. As I watched the show, my mind returned to another 60 Minutes broadcast. That was the interview with the shah of Iran in 1976. Precisely the same thing was done to him accusing him of arresting what was called political prisoners. It was a full-court press by the liberal Left media and American president to undermine the shah, Americas strongest Muslim ally. In fact, they succeeded. Empress Farah, wife of the late shah, told me in an interview that on the Persian new year, Carter advised Pahlavi to release political prisoners, and institute freedom of press and religion. Carter reiterated that if he did not, the shah would receive no replacement parts for helicopters and planes. After the Carters left the celebration, Pahlavi told his wife that if he did as ordered, the Russians would invade Afghanistan, Iraq would go to war against Iran and an Islamic revolution would take place in Iran. Asadollah Alam, appointed prime minister by the shah in July 1962, was Pahlavis personal confidant. Alam, in his autobiography, wrote of Pahlavis concerns over the election of Carter. The shah opined: Who knows what sort of calamity he [Carter] may unleash on the world? There is no question that 9/11 happened because of what a liberal Left media and president did to a Muslim ally. Sisi was also accused of being the worst ever Egyptian president. That is a total fabrication. There has been no Egyptian president who has been a stronger supporter of Israel than he. At this moment, he and Israel are battling ISIS in the Sinai. Every time he and I have met, Sisi has mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a favorable way. And, there has never been an Egyptian president who has better supported the United States. Sisi has created stability and security in the country. Winning an ideological war is not an easy task to accomplish. The United States tried in Afghanistan and Iraq, but with all of Israels amazing successes, has not won an ideological war. Egypt has both waged and won such a war. The world needs to listen to and heed President el-Sisi. Im not entirely sure anyone comprehends exactly how such wars are fueled and fed. His success plan needs to be implemented throughout the entire Middle East, and in fact, globally. The same godless liberal Left moral relativists who forced the shah out of power are still operating today, and are hard at work to depose Sisi. Sadly, those liberals have a difficult time seeing moral issues clearly. These humanists reject absolute standards of good and evil, right and wrong. While it is true that terrorists kill the body; God-hating, humanist, liberal Leftists kill the soul. They see jihadists not as terrorists, but as freedom fighters little George Washington types who simply need tolerance and support. Those with moral clarity are cast aside onto the scrap heap of history while the world continues its downward spiral toward destruction. The writer is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author with 89 published books and is the founder of Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, of which the late President Shimon Peres, Israels ninth president, was the chair. He also serves on the Trump Evangelical Faith Initiative. During this weeks hearings, set for Tuesday and Wednesday, the Senate must bring Mr. Barrs positions on important civil rights issues into sharper focus. Though Mr. Barr has at least acknowledged that minority communities suffer discrimination in the form of disparate impacts, as the Trump administration accelerates efforts to roll back the use of important civil rights regulations, his position on this and other civil rights issues must take center stage. For his part, Mr. Sessions was openly hostile to civil rights, revoking 25 DOJ guidance documents in December 2017, the majority of which provided state and local actors with clear instructions for meeting various civil rights obligations. Mr. Sessions revoked an additional 24 guidance documents in July 2018, most dealing with civil rights in education and improving operation of the nations juvenile justice system. One particular guidance document revoked by Mr. Sessions sought to prohibit incarceration and other punishments for individuals based solely on their poverty and inability to pay court-imposed debt. In revoking the fines and fees guidance, Mr. Sessions made it clear that the DOJ was abdicating its role in ensuring fairness and equality for indigent defendants who are often pawns in the profit-making schemes of local courts and the private corrections industry. As the government shutdown drags into its fourth week, federal employees across northern Arizona are facing the prospect of going even longer without pay. One such federal worker is Bill Guise, who said his family has had to take out a small loan to help them get through the shutdown. The loan, which they got from the Department of the Interior Federal Credit Union, comes without interest, and they hope it will provide them with enough money to get them through the rest of the shutdown, Guise said. But its not just about keeping a roof over their head and food on the table. On top of needing money to pay their mortgage and bills, Guise said he and his wife have two kids enrolled in college and have taken out loans for them. Its cruel; there was a time within my lifetime when one looked at government work as stable, Guise said. But now he worries that banks and creditors may not see those who work for the federal government as having stable employment. To prepare for these hospitality careers, culinary students at FHS meet in class every day and often prepare full meals including an entree, drink and dessert which are then sold to faculty members for lunch. Preparing for the C-CAP competition takes months of additional after-school practices. Aurora Smith, 17, is one of Pastors Culinary III students and the only FHS senior to compete this year, for her first time. She said she enjoys the tradition of her familys cooking as much as she does learning how to prepare new things in class, which is challenging, but worth it. Her advice for other students is not to take critiques too seriously because of the freedom cooking provides. Dont let their words hurt you. Learn from your mistakes, she said. Things arent always done the same way. Aurora said her plans for next year are to attend either Northern Arizona University or New Mexico State University for their Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) programs. Later, she hopes to be accepted to the Navajo Technical University for its culinary arts program. ALBANY, NYSTRIPT Erotic Designs has announced the launch of its online boutique at GetStript.com. Having first debuted at an expo in Brooklyn in September of 2018, STRIPT provides fine jewelry inspired by the beauty and mystique of sexuality and the human figure. Each piece is unique in portraying a hidden symbolism or making a bold statement, living up to the companys tagline of Sexuality as a Showpiece. Crafted from solid sterling silver or 18k gold, the initial line of jewelry features four necklaces made to the highest standards of quality. The collections flagship design, Le Clitoris, includes a gold pendant resembling the elegant shape of a clitoris, having a natural diamond at its center, and retailing for $999. The other pieces in sterling silver retail for between $109 and $149 (US). Each of STRIPTs pendants have been created by designer and STRIPT CEO Maxine Lynn. With an eye for beauty, and a finger on the pulse of whats hot in adultshe's been an attorney representing erotic industry clients for several yearsshe has curated the line to appeal to women of varying tastes and desires. Known as the SexTech Lawyer, she publishes the Unzipped: Sex, Tech & the Law blog and hosts the Unzipped: The Business of Sex podcast. I am so excited to show the world another side of my passion, said Lynn. The brand will explore thoughtful expression of sexuality in the non-traditional media of ultra-fine and demi-fine jewelry. My vision is to spread the message that sexuality, in whichever way you choose to embody, characterize or express it, is normal, natural and exquisitely beautiful. In the initial line, these values are demonstrated with some pieces screaming out, such as Le Clitoris, while other pieces are quiet and secretive, such as The Vulva, the features of which represent the labia, clitoris, and vagina without literal depiction. Based in New York State, STRIPT jewelry is proudly made in the USA, and available for shipment around the world. Necklaces can be purchased online by the public at the new boutique. Wholesale inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. Pictured: Maxine Lynn with the Le Clitoris and The Vulva jewelry designs Trump did not blame Saudi Arabia for the Khashoggi murder. Trump ordered troops out of Syria. Also, Putin didn't want to deal with Clinton, a strong adversary against him when she was secretary of state. Russia interfered in the 2016 election to ensure Trump's victory. How does Putin have such leverage over Trump? Easy Russia owns Trump. In the 1990s, Trump was $4 billion in debt after his casinos went bankrupt. No one would lend to him except Russia. The Trump Organization has been a pass-through for Russian laundered money for decades. Just Google the details. That's why Trump won't release his tax returns. And it continues to this day: The donations/allotments of millions of Trump inauguration funds are now being criminally investigated. Why so many Trump-Russia connections? A cosmic coincidence? Probably not. "I haven't talked to Russia in ten years." Oh really? "Veterans have lots of questions. Senator Schumer believes it is important for the VA to get out to the public and explain their decision and how veterans in the Auburn area will continue receiving high-quality, accessible health care," Schumer spokesperson Lincoln Zweig said. STG International was chosen as part of the established Department of Veteran Affairs federal solicitation and award selection process, in which VA clinic contracts are competitively bid every five years. The company's plans include setting up an outpatient clinic at the former Rite Aid pharmacy at 47 E. Genesee St., with extensive renovations slated before a planned May opening. The new clinic is set to be about twice the size of the Auburn hospital's facility at about 10,000 square feet of space, with the new provider planning to include additional patient care and services thanks to the new clinic's larger size. Around 1,400 veterans in Cayuga County and the surrounding area still receive primary and behavioral health care and specialty referral services through the Auburn hospital's clinic. POPLAR RIDGE Southern Cayuga Central School District voters passed a capital project for a solar panel array on Tuesday. The project proposal was approved 180-52. The $1.5 million, 750 kilowatt solar panel system would span three acres on the district's land. The district will partner with the Ithaca-based Renovus Solar for the endeavor. At 45 cents per watt for solar projects 750 kilowatts or below, the project qualifies for the highest grant available from the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority. The district hopes to get the project approved by the state education department by April, start construction by July and begin producing power by October. While a public vote was not required for the project, the district gets an added 10 percent in state aid through a successful vote as a incentive. Over 80 percent of the project's cost would be covered by $877,083 in state building aid and $337,669 from the development authority. The remaining amount would be handled by credits from New York State Electric & Gas for energy produced on campus by the panel system, with the project not expected to boost local taxes. +3 Three charged with robbery, using stolen vehicle in Auburn The Auburn Police Department arrested three people in connection with a robbery at a Pulaski At the time of his arrest, Felder was charged with first-degree robbery and first-degree unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. In court Tuesday morning, Felder pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree robbery, a class D felony. "I went into the house on Pulaski Street and robbed the people that were in the house," Felder said. "I didn't have permission to take anything out of the house and I forcibly took it." While the maximum sentence is 3.5 to seven years, Judge Fandrich will likely sentence Felder, a second-felony offender, to an indeterminate two to four years in prison. Felder is due back in court for sentencing March 19. A Niles man pleaded guilty to attempting to possess a weapon in Moravia. Judge Fandrich said on or about June 25 it was alleged that on Route 38 in the town of Moravia, Matthew Matijas, 25, of 3761 Route 41A, attempted to possess an AR-15 .300 blackout. Matijas pleaded guilty to third-degree attempted possession of a weapon, a class E felony reduced from his original charge of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a class D felony by admitting to having the assault rifle in his car and knowing it was illegal to possess it. Fandrich sentenced Matijas to shock probation with the shock portion being 100 hours of community service and five years of probation. The maximum sentence for his crime is 1 1/3 to four years in prison. Matijas is due back for sentencing March 19. Staff writer Megan Ehrhart can be reached at (315) 282-2244 or megan.ehrhart@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter @MeganEhrhart. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 9 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. Mlod, who is organizing the efforts, said she spoke with the Pauls last year during an event where authors did Skype sessions for free. The Pauls were so engaging with Mlod's students that she asked what it would take to bring them to Auburn, and they replied that they were working on "I Am Farmer" and would tour in support of it. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Mlod, Calarco and Rice also wanted to help install the well water system and blog about it to show pictures to the students, teach them digital citizenship and "make it more real" for them. "It exposes them to other parts of the world and other perspectives that other people might have," Mlod said. Anyone is invited to donate at least a penny for the project. Donations can be brought to the library of any Auburn public elementary school or of the junior high school. Checks should be made out to the Save Your Future Association and brought to Mlod at Genesee. She said it would be great to have students contribute to the well water system, which is set to cost $4,793. Jan. 16, 2004 Cayuga Community College's Regional Economic Center was formally named the James T. Walsh Regional Economic Center in honor of the area congressman. "I'm actually pretty overwhelmed by all of this," Walsh said following the ceremony, which was attended by about 100 people. "I was humbled by it," he said. "I didn't expect it. What's the most important thing is that it is here and it's a way we can keep our bright, young people here in central New York give them a skill and put them to work and create new opportunities." Walsh, R-Onondaga, is a board member of the Erie Canal Museum, Vera House and Everson Museum. He is also one of the 13 chairmen of House appropriations subcommittees, a group sometimes referred to as "the college of cardinals" because of their influence on national spending policies. CCC President Dennis Golladay pointed out that Walsh was key in securing federal funds for the building. "This is a small way in which we can honor the congressman, who was so essential in getting the funding to make this building a reality," he said. Compiled by David Wilcox Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Venezuela's government hit out at the United States on Wednesday, accusing the Donald Trump administration of fomenting violence in the South American country by backing the opposition-controlled parliament's bid to disavow President Nicolas Maduro. "Venezuela demands respect for its democracy," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted, denouncing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and "other extremist voices looking to destabilize the country and incite violence." The US has been one of the biggest critics of the Maduro regime in Venezuela and described the president as illegitimate last week when he was sworn in for a highly-controversial second term in office. Maduro won snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and branded a fraud by the US, among others. Last week, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said his country would "use diplomatic and economic tools to support the Venezuelan people's efforts to restore their democracy." But it was Pompeo's support for Venezuela's National Assembly, which has formally declared Maduro a "usurper of democracy," that most irked Arreaza. "It's a shame that... Pompeo cannot receive a credible and rigorous report that would allow him to understand the content of our sacred Venezuelan constitution," said Arreaza. Maduro was sworn in on Thursday in front of the Supreme Court, made up mostly of regime loyalists, rather than the opposition-controlled legislature, as the constitution dictates. "Not satisfied with leading a criminal economic blockade and an international operation of aggression against Venezuela, Pompeo is now blatantly promoting a coup d'etat, citing articles from a constitution he clearly doesn't know," added Arreaza. Pompeo has voiced his support for National Assembly president Juan Guaido's claim that the constitution allows him to assume power and set up a transitional government ahead of snap elections. Guaido spoke with Mike Pence on Tuesday, with the US vice president offering "continuous support" to the legislature. While increasingly isolated on the international stage, Maduro does enjoy the support of Venezuela's military high command. But on Tuesday, Guaido promised an amnesty to any members of the military that disavow Maduro. He's called a mass protest against the socialist ruler for next Wednesday. Maduro is widely blamed for Venezuela's economic meltdown that sees the oil-reliant country wallowing in a fourth year of recession as crude production is at a 30-year low, while poverty is widespread and millions have fled the country. Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza is accusing the United States of trying to incite a coup d'etat in the South American country US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned foreign businesses Wednesday to steer clear of formerly private properties seized by Cuba -- and said he was considering allowing lawsuits over such assets in US courts. Pompeo said he was reviewing whether to move forward on a section of a 1996 law that would allow Cuban exiles to sue both private companies and Cuba itself for profiting on properties nationalized after Fidel Castro's 1959 communist revolution. US administrations have systematically used their authority to delay implementation of the measure every six months -- but Pompeo said he was issuing a suspension for only 45 days. Pompeo said in a statement that US President Donald Trump's administration would conduct a "careful review" over the period, which will begin on February 1. The administration will look at "efforts to expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba and include factors such as the Cuban regime's brutal oppression of human rights and fundamental freedoms and its indefensible support for increasingly authoritarian and corrupt regimes in Venezuela and Nicaragua," he said. "We call upon the international community to strengthen efforts to hold the Cuban government accountable for 60 years of repression of its people," he added. "We encourage any person doing business in Cuba to reconsider whether they are trafficking in confiscated property and abetting this dictatorship." - Sharp reversal from Obama era - The warning was another sharp reversal from the policies of former president Barack Obama, who normalized relations with Cuba and said decades of US policy to overthrow the communist leadership had failed. Even before Obama's reconciliation drive, successive US administrations determined that allowing lawsuits over property would jeopardize key relationships as European allies and Canada have invested widely in Cuba. The European Union lodged protests and complained to the World Trade Organization after the 1996 passage of the Helms-Burton law, also known as the Libertad Act, which authorized the property lawsuits in US courts as one part of an expansion of the existing US embargo on Cuba. The law was spearheaded by far-right Republican senator Jesse Helms and congressman Dan Burton after Cuba in 1996 shot down two aircraft flown by exiled Cuban activists. The US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, which supports American business in the Caribbean island, said Pompeo's move was calculated to "create uncertainty and, thus, anxiety." The 45-day suspension "presents a likelihood of an ominous commercial, economic and political landscape" for Cuba, the European Union and all WTO members, said the council's president, John Kavulich. In a speech to anti-Castro Cuban exiles in Miami after taking office in 2017, Trump called Obama's policies "terrible and misguided" and declared: "We now hold the cards." While not reversing all of Obama's sanctions relief, Trump kept in place previous restrictions on US citizens' travel and business dealings in Cuba. Pompeo earlier presented Cuba with an open letter to demand that it explain the detention of eight people considered by Washington to be political prisoners. Trump has shown himself willing to move ahead with actions that cause controversy on the world stage. He earlier ended years of White House waivers on congressional action and moved the US embassy in Israel from Jerusalem. People walk past a building for sale in Havana, Cuba, as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned foreign businesses to steer clear of formerly private properties seized by the island nation US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will review whether to implement a 1996 US law that allows lawsuits over property seized in Cuba A suicide attack killed four US personnel in northern Syria Wednesday, costing Washington its worst combat losses in the war-torn country since 2014 as it prepares to withdraw. The bombing, claimed by the Islamic State group, comes after US President Donald Trump's shock announcement last month that he was ordering a full troop withdrawal from Syria because the jihadists had been "largely defeated". The Pentagon said "two US servicemembers, one Department of Defense (DoD) civilian and one contractor supporting DoD were killed and three servicemembers were injured while conducting a local engagement in Manbij". "Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation," it said, adding that the names of the dead were being withheld until 24 hours after their families were informed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights earlier said two Americans soldiers, nine Syrian civilians, and five US-backed fighters were killed in the attack on a restaurant in the northern city of Manbij near the Turkish border. Rubble littered the outside of the eatery in the city centre and its facade was blackened by the blast, footage from a Kurdish news agency showed. According to Pentagon statistics, Wednesday's blast was the deadliest attack for US anti-IS forces in Syria since they deployed in 2014. The US Department of Defense has previously only reported two American personnel killed in combat in Syria, in separate incidents. The Britain-based Observatory, which relies on a network of sources in Syria, said it was the first suicide attack in the city in 10 months. - 'Security zone' - Addressing a gathering of US ambassadors in Washington, Vice President Mike Pence did not comment on the attack, saying only that the United States would ensure the defeat of IS, also known as ISIS. "We'll stay in the region and we'll stay in the fight to ensure that ISIS does not rear its ugly head again," he said. The bombing comes as Syrian Kurds present in areas around Manbij rejected any Turkish presence in a planned "safe zone" to include Kurdish-held areas along the frontier. Turkey has repeatedly threatened to attack Washington's Syrian Kurdish allies, who Ankara views as "terrorists" on its southern flank. Washington, which has relied heavily on the Kurds in its campaign against IS in Syria, has sought guarantees for their safety since Trump's pullout announcement. On Tuesday, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara would set up a "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion by Trump. But senior Syrian Kurdish political leader Aldar Khalil said any Turkish deployment in Kurdish-held areas was "unacceptable". He said the Kurds would accept the deployment of UN forces along a separation line between Kurdish fighters and Turkish troops. But "other choices are unacceptable as they infringe on the sovereignty of Syria and the sovereignty of our autonomous region," Khalil told AFP. The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) have been a key US ally in the fight against IS. They have taken heavy losses in a campaign now nearing its conclusion, with the jihadists confined to an ever-shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles). But the jihadists have continued to claim attacks nationwide and abroad. Ankara has welcomed Washington's planned withdrawal of some 2,000 US troops from Syria, but the future of Kurdish fighters has poisoned relations between the NATO allies. On Monday, Erdogan and Trump had a telephone conversation to ease tensions after the US leader threatened to "devastate" Turkey's economy if Ankara attacked Kurdish forces in Syria, and called for a "safe zone". - No 'outside interference' - Erdogan said he and Trump had a "quite positive" conversation in which they spoke of "a 20-mile (30 kilometre) security zone along the Syrian border... set up by us". The YPG-led forces fighting IS in a statement said they would provide "necessary support to set up the safe zone" -- if it came with international guarantees to "prevent any outside interference", in an apparent reference to Turkey. The Turkish army has launched two major operations in Syria in recent years. In the latest, Turkish troops and their Syrian rebel allies seized the northwestern enclave of Afrin from the Kurds last year. Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of military occupation and abuses in Syrian sovereign territory. But while Ankara has spoken of a YPG-free "security zone" under its control, analyst Mutlu Civiroglu said it was not immediately clear what the US president meant by a "safe zone", or who he thought would patrol it. Analysts were "waiting for a clarification from Washington to see what the president really meant", he told AFP. The US planned withdrawal has sent the Kurds scrambling to seek a new ally in Damascus, which has long rejected Kurdish self-rule. With military backing from Russia since 2015, Syria's regime has advanced against jihadists and rebels, and now controls almost two-thirds of the country. A northwestern enclave held by jihadists and pockets held by Turkish troops and their allies remain beyond its reach, along with the much larger Kurdish region. On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Syrian government must take control of the north. dls-burs/del/par An image grab taken from a video published by Hawar News Agency shows the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on January 16, 2019 Map locating the city of Manbij, in Syria, and surrounding zones of control. US armoured vehicles at the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij on January 16, 2019 An image grab taken from a video published by Hawar News Agency on January 16, 2019, shows people at the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij Critics have accused Turkish troops and their proxies of the military occupation of Syrian sovereign territory Just four weeks after President Donald Trump declared victory over the Islamic State group, the jihadists claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Syria that highlighted a very different reality on the ground. Four Americans, including two troops, were among those killed when a suicide bomber hit a restaurant in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north -- the deadliest attack against US forces since they first deployed in the war-torn nation four years ago. Trump claimed on December 19 that the US and its allies had "beaten" IS, and he ordered an immediate troop withdrawal from the war-torn country. While many Americans have cheered Trump's decision, fed up after years of costly and seemingly interminable conflicts, observers said Wednesday's attack shows he was too hasty. Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said the attack demonstrated how IS can now conduct a low-level insurgency in Syria. This is "precisely how this jihadist organization has adapted and gone back on the attack in years past," Lister said. "Trump's order was reckless and driven far more by domestic political concerns than it was by facts on the ground." To bolster his argument that IS had been defeated, Trump highlighted how much territory the group had lost since it declared a "caliphate" across swaths of Syria and Iraq in 2014. But the jihadists still hold small pockets of land in the Euphrates River Valley, and thousands of fighters are thought to remain in Syria. "To suggest ISIS is 'defeated' because it no longer controls territory is to fundamentally misunderstand how ISIS and similar organizations seek to operate," Lister said, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group. - 'No time to retreat' - Members of Trump's own Republican Party have spoken out against his withdrawal plans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, usually a stalwart supporter. "My concern about the statements made by President Trump is that (he) had set in motion an enthusiasm by the enemy we are fighting," Graham said. "I would hope the president would look long and hard with where he's headed in Syria. I know people are frustrated, but we are never going to be safe here unless we are willing to help people over there who will stand up against this radical ideology." Senator Marco Rubio, another Republican, said IS's claim for the attack serves as a "tragic reminder that ISIS not been defeated and is transforming into a dangerous insurgency." "This is no time to retreat from the fight against ISIS. Will only embolden & strengthen them," Rubio said on Twitter. The American president did not immediately react to the US troop deaths, but Vice President Mike Pence doubled down on Trump's declaration that IS was beaten. "The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated," Pence said. In a statement, he later added: "We have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities." Pence added that the American people "can be assured" that the US would never allow ISIS to reestablish "their evil and murderous caliphate." In the weeks since he gave the withdrawal order, Trump and members of his administration have delivered mixed messages about the timeline. National Security Advisor John Bolton last week announced conditions for a withdrawal that appeared to slow it for an undetermined amount of time. Adding to the confusion, the Pentagon then said the US has already begun "the process of our deliberate withdrawal" from Syria, but stressed this was only for "non-essential" military gear -- and not troops. The scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij is seen on January 16, 2019 US President Donald Trump has ordered an immediate troop withdrawal from war-torn Syria Sudanese police Wednesday fired tear gas at crowds of anti-government protesters in Kassala, witnesses said, in the first such demonstration held in the eastern town bordering Eritrea. Protesters chanting "Freedom, justice and peace" took to the streets in downtown Kassala but were swiftly confronted by riot police, witnesses told AFP by telephone. It came just days after crowds held a rally in the town in support of President Omar al-Bashir. Witnesses said that as protesters came into the streets, shopkeepers shut their stores in the town's main market. Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December 19 when people demonstrated in towns and villages against a government decision to triple the price of bread. At least 24 people have died in the protests that have swiftly turned into nationwide rallies in which demonstrators have called on Bashir to step down. On January 7, supporters of Bashir had held a rally backing him in Kassala, the first such pro-government rally which was followed days later by another in the capital Khartoum. Hundreds of people from Kassala and neighbouring towns and villages gathered in front of the local governorate to express their support for Bashir. Kassala has been under a state of emergency since last year, prompted by a government plan to collect illegal arms and to combat drugs and people smuggling. Sudan, in the Horn of Africa, is a key transit point on the migrant route to Europe. From Kassala dozens of Eritreans travel across Sudan to Libya or Egypt, experts say, before taking the perilous journey across the Mediterranean on smugglers' boats. With anti-government demonstration held in Kassala, protesters have managed to stage rallies in most key cities and towns of the country. Demonstrations initially erupted in Atbara after the government raised the price of bread, but then quickly flared to other regions before spreading to Khartoum. Protest organisers have called for a march on the presidential palace in Khartoum on Thursday, along with simultaneous demonstrations in several cities including Port Sudan, Gadaref and Madani. The Sudanese Professionals' Association, an umbrella group of unions representing doctors, teachers and engineers, is spearheading the anti-government demonstrations. President Omar al-Bashir has ruled Sudan for nearly three decades Sudan's ranking compared to neighbouring states Seven-time champion Serena Williams swings back into Australian Open action Thursday against Eugenie Bouchard while six-time winner Novak Djokovic turns back the clock in a clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. In her first tour match since losing an US Open final mired in controversy, Williams delivered an ominous warning in a 49-minute opening round thrashing here of Tatjana Maria. Next in the firing line is Canadian Bouchard. They have met twice before, but not since 2014, with the American winning both times. Williams, who is bidding to match Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam crowns on her first return to Melbourne Park since winning in 2017, cited her consistency and few unforced errors as key takeaways from her first round outing. Despite 2014 Wimbledon finalist Bouchard slipping down the rankings to 79, she said she was not taking her lightly. "It will be a great match. She plays really well. She does everything well, and I really like that she doesn't quit," she said of the popular Canadian, who she meets on Rod Laver Arena in a night match. "You know, people write her off, and she doesn't let that bother her. She continues to fight and do what she needs to do. I think that's really good." Djokovic, gunning for a record seventh title, has a fairytale meeting with Frenchman Tsonga in a rematch of their 2008 final that the Serb won. "It's funny. I mean, 11 years after our first Grand Slam final here, it feels like a lot has happened for both of us," said Djokovic. "He also struggled with injuries lately. It's good to see him playing well. It's good to see him back." World number one Simona Halep, who narrowly survived a three-set first-round scare, tries to get her tournament back on track against American Sofia Kenin, who won the warm-up Hobart International. "I have no expectations because I'm not at the highest level," said the Romanian, who is returning from injury. "But I'm motivated." Venus Williams is also in action as she looks to re-live past glories, taking on France's Alize Cornet, while fourth seed and US Open champion Naomi Osaka has a clash with Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek. Men's fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who beat Djokovic to win the ATP Finals at the end of last season, takes on Jeremy Chardy, a Melbourne quarter-finalist in 2013. In her first tour match since losing a US Open final mired in controversy, Serena Williams (pictured January 15, 2019) delivered an ominous warning in a 49-minute opening round thrashing of Tatjana Maria Serbia's Novak Djokovic (pictured January 15, 2019) had a fairytale meeting with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a rematch of their 2008 Vice President Mike Pence said the United States would fight to ensure the defeat of the Islamic State movement but reiterated plans to pull troops out of Syria after an attack there killed US service members. "We'll stay in the region and we'll stay in the fight to ensure that ISIS does not rear its ugly head again," Pence, using another name for IS, told a gathering in Washington of US ambassadors stationed around the world. "We will protect the gains that our soldiers and our coalition partners have secured," he told the meeting at the State Department. Despite the pledge of support, Pence double-downed on President Donald Trump's controversial declaration in December that the United States would pull all of its 2,000 troops from Syria. "Thanks to the leadership of this commander-in-chief and the courage and sacrifice of our coalition partners, we're now actually able to hand off the fight against ISIS in Syria to our coalition partners and we are bringing our troops home," he said. "The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated," he said, without referencing the attack earlier Wednesday. The US-led coalition said US service members were among the dead in the suicide attack in the flashpoint city of Manbij, the first there against the international forces in 10 months. The Islamic State movement claimed the attack. Vice President Mike Pence, seen here speaking to reporters at the White House, has vowed that the United States will not allow a return of the Islamic State movement Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday the Syrian regime must take control of the country's north, after calls from the United States to set up a Turkish-controlled "security zone" in the area. "We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov told reporters. Turkey said on Tuesday it would set up the "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion from President Donald Trump, who announced last month he was pulling American troops from the country. The US-allied Kurds, who control much of northern Syria, have rejected the idea, fearing a Turkish offensive against territory under their control. Russia is a long-time supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lavrov said the future of the Kurds could be secured under regime control. "We welcome and support contacts that have now begun between Kurdish representatives and Syrian authorities so they can return to their lives under a single government without outside interference," Lavrov said during an annual press conference. He said there was progress in resolving Syria's seven-year conflict and that the focus should remain on Idlib, the northwestern province that earlier this month fell under the full control of a jihadist group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. "The Syrian settlement is progressing, though of course more slowly than we would like," he said. "The fight against terrorism must be completed. Now the main hotbed of terrorism is Idlib." Russia is a long-time supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the future of the Kurds could be secured under the Damascus regime Seeking an "authentic" experience as he backpacked through war-torn Afghanistan, Dutch tourist Ciaran Barr searched the Couchsurfing website for locals to stay with. He found an astonishing number of potential hosts. Despite the country's decaying security nearly 2,000 Afghans -- the vast majority of them men -- have signed up to host guests on the social networking platform, which connects travellers around the world with locals who are willing to put them up for free. "You feel like you get a more authentic feel for the city so you don't get trapped in tourist hotspots," Barr, 24, tells AFP in heavily-militarised Kabul, where he spent several nights sleeping on a thin mattress on the floor of his Afghan host's bedroom. "Not that there are any in Afghanistan," he adds wryly. Once a popular stop on the well-worn hippy trail between Europe and South Asia in the 1970s, Afghanistan has seen the number of foreign travellers crossing its borders dwindle in the past four decades of almost non-stop conflict. But dozens still make the dangerous journey every year, ignoring clear warnings from their own governments to stay away from a country infested with suicide attackers, kidnappers and armed robbers, and which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone. Many take their chances by staying with Afghan strangers they find through the Couchsurfing network, rather than paying for a room in a hotel protected by armed guards and bullet-proof doors. "Staying with people and dressing to blend in a bit makes it possible to travel in Afghanistan with not too big of a risk," says Barr, who -- with his dark hair and beard, and dressed in the baggy pyjama-style shalwar kameez favoured by most Afghan men -- stands out less than most foreigners. - 'You have to be smart' - Couchsurfing's concept is like a modern-day version of Afghanistan's tradition of hospitality, which obliges Afghans to provide food and shelter to strangers. But it is risky. Couchsurfers only have their host's online profile and references to judge their character. In a country where kidnappings remain common and foreigners are highly-prized targets, they have no way of knowing if their host is connected to criminals, who may see a chance to get rich by abducting them or giving them up to militants. "You can end up with the Taliban," says a diplomat in Kabul, who has been involved in negotiations to rescue kidnap victims. "It's naive and reckless." That is what happened to North American couple Caitlan Coleman and Joshua Boyle, who were kidnapped while backpacking in Afghanistan in 2012. They were freed from the Taliban in 2017, along with their three children who were born in captivity. But Norwegian tourist Jorn Bjorn Augestad, who has couchsurfed in Iraq and the Central African Republic, tells AFP in Kabul that government warnings exaggerate the dangers. "They are too careful. You have to be smart about a lot of things, having contact with a local is the best way to stay safe," says Augestad, who is on a mission to visit every country in the world, including Syria, before his 30th birthday this year. He adds: "This is part of the cultural experience, seeing how people live and hearing people's life story and getting an understanding of the country that you are in." - Vicarious travel - Barr and Augestad began their week-long Afghan odyssey in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif, famous for its ancient Blue Mosque and buzkashi, a savage version of polo played with a goat carcass. The pair met through a local travel agent, who found them a taxi driver to take them more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) to the Afghan capital. After reaching Kabul, the deadliest place in Afghanistan for civilians, Barr and Augestad stayed with Couchsurfing host Naser Majidi, 27, who works as a technical adviser for a water utility company. For Afghans consumed by wanderlust, hosting a foreigner is a chance to travel vicariously through their experiences, as more and more countries make it all but impossible for Afghan passport holders to obtain a visa. "I can make it easier for them to see the beauty of this country," says Majidi, who has hosted six guests since signing up to Couchsurfing in 2016. "It's a good experience for me -- I get more friends and I know the world better." But his family worry that he is putting himself in danger. "They have advised me many times that this is very risky for you and for them (guests)," Majidi says. Elyas Yari, who became a host in 2017 despite the objections of loved ones, says he enjoys listening to his guests' travel "experiences and their ideas". "It's fun for me," says Yari, 19, who has received visitors from Canada, Russia, Mexico and Taiwan. Afghanistan is "not as dangerous as it looks", he says. But Barr and Augestad are not oblivious to the potential pitfalls of travelling independently in Afghanistan where the Taliban and the Islamic State group terrorise much of the country. "Things can go well nine out of 10 times," says Barr, adding: "It just takes that one time when things go wrong and so far nothing has gone wrong. He concedes: "We also have been lucky." Despite the country's decaying security nearly 2,000 Afghans -- the vast majority of them men -- have signed up to host guests on social network Couchsurfing, which connects travellers around the world with locals who are willing to put them up for free Tourists still visit Afghanistan ignoring clear warnings from their own governments to stay away from a country infested with suicide attackers, kidnappers and armed robbers, and which by some estimates is now the world's deadliest conflict zone Norwegian tourist Jorn Bjorn Augestad, who has couchsurfed in Iraq and the Central African Republic, tells AFP in Kabul that government warnings exaggerate the dangers of visiting Afghanistan Afghan Couchsurfing host Naser Majidi (R), 27, talks with his guests Norwegian tourist Jorn Bjorn Augestad (L), 29, and Dutch tourist Ciaran Barr, 24, at a house in Kabul Thousands of people on Wednesday took part in a silent march in Belgrade in memory of Kosovo Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic murdered a year ago in a drive-by shooting.. A year on, his murder is still unsolved and his harsh criticism of Belgrade has made him a symbol of resistance among Serbian opposition groups. During Wednesday's demonstration, part of a series of anti-government protests in Belgrade, marchers held candles and their mobile phones to create a sea of light in the heart of the city. "Who killed Ivanovic?" asked one banner held aloft during the march. "A year after his killing, we still do not know who killed him and who ordered his murder," said actor Branislav Trifunovic, one of the march's organisers. The 64-year-old was hit by six bullets in January 2018 outside his party headquarters in the Kosovo city of Mitrovica, where the Ibar river draws a line between a mainly ethnic Albanian community in the south and Serbs in the north. The bleak city is still a hotbed of tension 20 years after Kosovo broke away from Serbia in a separatist war, a move Belgrade has never accepted. Like most of the Serb minority in Kosovo, Ivanovic did not recognise Kosovo's sovereignty. But the articulate politician but was considered rare among his ilk for efforts to build bridges with Kosovo Albanians, whose language he also spoke. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia a decade after the 1998-1999 bloody war between them that claimed around 13,000 lives, but Belgrade still considers the territory as its southern province. Ivanovic's strong criticism of Belgrade's policies made him a frequent target of the scathing campaigns of Serbia's pro-government tabloids, as well as of local political allies of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. But it also cast him as a symbol of resistance among Serbian opposition groups. Like most of the Serb minority in Kosovo, Ivanovic did not recognise Kosovo's independence A man is fighting for his life after he and two others were pulled from the water at Sydneys Bondi Beach. Emergency workers were called to the southern end of the beach just before 7.30pm on Wednesday. Police said officers arrived to find members of the public performing CPR on a 21-year-old man after he got caught in a rip. A 21-year-old man (pictured) is in a critical condition after being pulled from the surf at Bondi Beach. Source: 7 News Police were told two 20-year-old men he was swimming with were also rescued and have been released from hospital. The 21-year-old was in cardiac arrest as he was loaded into the ambulance. He is in a critical condition in St Vincents Hospital. It is believed the trio are international students staying nearby. With AAP For decades Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has fought India's conservative laws and beliefs to put her transgender community on a par with the rest of society, and now she has notched up a new milestone. On Tuesday she and dozens of other resplendent "Kinnars" splashed in the sacred waters of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers alongside revered Hindu ascetics at the immense Kumbh Mela festival in northern India. It was the first time that members of India's estimated two-million-strong transgender community have been allowed to do so at the festival, the biggest religious gathering in the world that got under way this week. Dressed in saffron and red saris, they reached the river banks to take the ritual bath that Hindus believe will rid them of their sins, as devotees chanted religious hymns and thousands of people looked on. "For us, this participation is about mainstream society accepting us. The creator is within us and once we die, we will go back to him. Our doors are open for all," Tripathi told reporters last week. Hijras, a term used in India for transgenders and eunuchs, often live on the extreme fringes of society, with many forced into prostitution, begging or menial jobs. But Hinduism has many references to transgenders, including gods and goddesses who belong to the third gender. Over the centuries transgenders have assumed different roles in society, from royal courtesans to participants in birth ceremonies and other auspicious occasions. They have waged a lengthy battle to protect their rights and end discrimination. India's Supreme Court recognised them as a third gender in a historic 2014 ruling, followed by a judgement last year that overturned a colonial-era law criminalising gay sex. Tripathi, 40, heads Kinnar Akhara, a religious gymnasium or monastery for Sadhus or ascetics. It has however not yet won official recognition from the other groups. "Establishing Kinnar Akhara aims to show the correct path to the next generation and to ensure that they do not face the stigma and discrimination we faced," Pavitra Nimbhorker, the group's secretary, told AFP. The Kumbh Mela, which began on Tuesday, is expected to attract more than 100 million Hindus over the coming seven weeks to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. Tuesday was the first time that members of India's estimated two-million-strong transgender community have been allowed to wade in the water at India's Kumbh Mela festival Laxmi Narayan Tripathi has for decades fought to put her transgender community on a par with the rest of society India's transgender community has waged a lengthy battle to protect their rights and end discrimination Hinduism has many references to transgenders, including gods and goddesses who belong to the third gender Over the centuries transgenders have assumed different roles in Indian society, from royal courtesans to participants in birth ceremonies and other auspicious occasions India's Supreme Court recognised transgender people in a historic ruling in 2014 The Kumbh Mela is expected to attract more than 100 million Hindus over the coming seven weeks Sixteen people with heat-related conditions have presented at hospital emergency departments across South Australia with seven admitted for further treatment as the states record-breaking heatwave continues. With Adelaide facing a third-straight day of temperatures above 40 degrees and regional centres pushing towards 50, health officials are bracing for more cases of heat stress. Chief medical officer Paddy Phillips says with prolonged hot weather and especially when temperatures stay high overnight, people can get into trouble. Usually we see presentations at hospitals after a few days and were starting to collect that data, Professor Phillips said. Sixteen people with heat-related conditions have presented at hospital emergency departments across South Australia. Source: 7 News Temperatures across South Australia are running 10 to 12 degrees Celsius above average, fuelled by a pool of hot air that has been circulating over inland Australia since November. On Tuesday, Port Augusta posted a top temperature of 48.9, the highest recorded in the mid-north town. In Tarcoola, further north, the mercury hit 49C, also beating the towns previous record of 48.9C. Both communities are forecast to experience similar conditions on Wednesday while a string of other towns will also have tops in the mid to high 40s. Adelaide had already passed 41 degrees by 1.30pm on Wednesday, after similar maximums on Monday and Tuesday. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. South Australians are trying to stay cool as the state faces a third day of soaring temperatures. Source: AAP The severe weather has prompted warnings from emergency and health authorities for people to take care. Authorities are particularly concerned about the impact on those most vulnerable, including the homeless, the elderly and those with medical conditions. Heat is the worst of our natural emergencies with excess hospital presentations, ambulance transfers and even people potentially dying, Prof Phillips said. SAs State Emergency Service has issued an Extreme Heatwave Emergency Warning and the state government has declared a Code Red. The Code Red triggers extra funding so services for the homeless can be extended while a special phone line will also operate for the next two days, providing regular checks on the elderly and others at risk. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras headed into a confidence vote Wednesday with his political future on the line after a row over a landmark name deal with Macedonia sunk his four-year coalition. Tsipras is expected to win the vote in parliament, which will be held after midnight, but the subsequent fate of his government is less clear. His Syriza party has 145 lawmakers in the 300-seat chamber, and he can survive even with 120 votes if enough MPs abstain. Tsipras is expected to secure at least 151 votes thanks to the backing of a number of independent MPs. But it's unclear whether he will be able to complete his four-year term, which ends in September. The 44-year-old leftist leader on Tuesday insisted his government "has another nine months and very important tasks to carry out," pointing to elections in October. Among his goals are a revision of the constitution, a minimum wage increase and the completion of a property deal with the church that was recently blocked by senior bishops. "We do not seek (the support of) 151 lawmakers just to complete our term, but in order to carry out specific political initiatives," government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos told Open TV on Wednesday. - Coalition in crisis - Even if he survives Wednesday's vote, Tsipras faces an immediate challenge to also secure the approval of a controversial name deal with neighbouring Macedonia. Last year's agreement with Skopje to rename the country the Republic of North Macedonia, ending a 27-year diplomatic dispute, broke up Tsipras' coalition with the nationalist ANEL party at the weekend, ending a four-year partnership. Macedonian lawmakers last week approved a constitutional revision to rename their country, but the agreement will only come into effect if backed by the Greek parliament. Athens has not given a date for the vote on the Macedonia deal, but Tsipras recently said it would be before the end of January. The European Union and NATO have hailed the deal, which would lift Greek objections to Macedonia joining both organisations. The proposal faces resistance in Greece because of what critics see as the implied claims to Greek land and cultural heritage. For most Greeks, Macedonia is the name of their history-rich northern province made famous by Alexander the Great's conquests. In many cities in northern Greece, posters were put up overnight to urge local lawmakers to vote against the deal. "Will you betray our Macedonia?" the posters read, each bearing the name and picture of local MPs from the Syriza and ANEL parties. The confidence vote puts the political future of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on the line Sicley Williams was ready to escape what she found an unfriendly climate in the United States and take a leap of faith, leaving her native Chicago for Ghana. She had previously visited the West African nation on holiday and when she returned in 2017 found work practising yoga and offering spa services. "The climate of the US was just really negative, especially the racial climate," said Williams. In Ghana, that tension disappeared almost entirely, she added. "It's much more pleasant to be in a place where you feel more accepted, you feel freer, you feel more open to being who you are and, of course, you are around people who look like you." Williams has become an unofficial ambassador of a growing movement encouraging other African-Americans to move to Ghana. President Nana Akufo-Addo has designated 2019 the "Year of Return" both to commemorate the resilience of Africans forced into slavery and to encourage their descendants to "come home". "We know of the extraordinary achievements and contributions they (Africans in the diaspora) made to the lives of the Americans, and it is important that this symbolic year, 400 years later, we commemorate their existence and their sacrifices," he said last September. His timing was based on the first recorded landing of a ship carrying Africans in Virginia in August 1619, said by historians to be an English warship that had plundered a Portuguese slaver. Celebrities including supermodel Naomi Campbell and actors Idris Elba and Rosario Dawson kicked off the year-long programme by attending the Full Circle Festival in Accra in late December. - 'Year of Return' - Ghana is still dotted with dungeons and castles established during the slave trade, which serve as a powerful reminder of the past to educate citizens and foreign visitors about slavery. US former president Barack Obama and his family visited the Cape Coast Castle in 2009 and described it as a place of "profound sadness". "It reminds us that as bad as history can be, it's also possible to overcome," he told reporters during the tour of the landmark, with its infamous "door of no return" in the dungeon. Akufo-Addo's invitation isn't the first from Ghanaian presidents. In 2000, Ghana passed legislation designed to make it easier for people from the African diaspora to live and work in the country. Akufo-Addo has pledged to simplify the visa process. Tourism Minister Catherine Abelema Afeku is organising music and culture festivals, including Ghana independence celebrations in March. There will also be Panafest, a theatre festival aimed at bringing together Africans on the continent and in the diaspora "around the issues of slavery". - Support and development - Christabel Dadzie hopes that 12 months of celebration will inspire Ghanaians in the diaspora to move back. After a decade working in the United States, Dadzie founded the Ahaspora Young Professionals to help those in the diaspora make the transition to Ghana. With a network of about 2,000 people, Dadzie and others help field questions like how to get a job, where to recruit a babysitter or even buy household goods. The group also offers community services such as mentoring high school students in professional development and has raised funds and donations for disaster relief. Seeing those in the diaspora coming to Ghana "will be great for our tourism and camaraderie, getting to know other people who are related to the country," said Dadzie, who is planning one of the events of the celebration. "They come home and do amazing entrepreneurial things so actually thrive here." - 'Come home' - Entrepreneur Dedo Azu said there were obvious challenges to moving to Ghana, including having to pay one or two years' rent up front and a sense of alienation. After 11 years in Canada it took Azu some time to find her feet. But she had a breakthrough as the owner of Tea Baa, one of Accra's most popular bars, serving ice cold drinks in Mason jars. Those who are determined to "come home" can carve out a living, said Azu. "If you come, you will find a little space to do what you want or make it better. "If we all came back and brought what we have, maybe we would really have something to show off," said Azu, taking a sip of an iced Earl Grey tea. She understands why the government is inviting people back. "It boils down to a simple message, 'We love you, come home'," she said. Ghana's Cape Coast Castle, with its infamous "door of no return" in the dungeon is a Ghana landmark that serves as a powerful reminder of the past and helps educate about slavery Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has designated 2019 the "Year of Return" to commemorate the resilience of Africans forced into slavery and to encourage their descendants to "come home" US former president Barack Obama visited Ghana's Cape Coast Castle in 2009 Roger Federer ground out a tough three-set win to make the Australian Open third round for an incredible 20th straight year Wednesday, with long-time rival Rafael Nadal also safely through in his drive towards an 18th Grand Slam title. Women's defending champion Caroline Wozniacki also progressed to set up a mouth-watering clash next with in-form former world number one Maria Sharapova. But it was curtains for South African Kevin Anderson, who slumped out to young American Frances Tiafoe and became the highest seed, at five, to be sent packing so far. On an overcast day at Melbourne Park, second seed Angelique Kerber, the 2016 winner, and former US Open champion Sloane Stephens joined the big guns in round three, but the women's side also saw a top 10 player crash. Ninth seed Kiki Bertens, who raced through the rankings last year after winning three titles, was whipped in three sets by Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Federer might be 37 but he's not showing his age, with British qualifier Dan Evans the latest to fall under his spell as he works towards a third successive Australian crown and 21st major victory. He defeated Evans at Wimbledon last year with the loss of just eight games, but it was a much harder assignment this time, winning 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena. "I think if I could have pulled away earlier in the match it might have been easier," said the third seed. "I think he played very well, it was hard to pull away to his credit." The Swiss star's Australian achievements so far put him on a par with other six-time winners Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson -- although the Australian great's victories all came before the Open era. He next plays American Taylor Fritz. If he goes on to win the tournament, he will become the first man ever to claim seven or more titles at two Grand Slams, having already won eight Wimbledons. Nadal had an easier route to round three, outclassing local hope Matthew Ebden 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. The Spaniard is bidding for his own slice of history by becoming the first man in the Open era, and only the third in history along with Emerson and Rod Laver, to win each Grand Slam on two or more occasions. "I played a solid match, I was happy with the way I served. I did a few things very well," said Nadal, who next plays Australian Alex de Minaur. "It is an honour to play here. Was a great atmosphere." Anderson, beaten by Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon final last year, was sent home by Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. The fifth seed struggled with an elbow injury early in the clash and couldn't cope with the 20-year-old's power and finesse. - Collision course - Sixth seed Marin Cilic, who lost in the final to Federer last year, had no such dramas, grinding past American Mackenzie McDonald in four sets and next plays Spanish 26th seed Fernando Verdasco. Dane Wozniacki, who is battling rheumatoid arthritis, steamrolled Sweden's Johanna Larsson 6-1, 6-3 as she bids to become the first woman to defend the title since Victoria Azarenka in 2013. It set up a tough clash with five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova, who blitzed past Sweden's Rebecca Peterson 6-2, 6-1. The Russian is in scintillating form and has dropped just three games in her opening two matches. "I'm really happy with the way I performed," said Sharapova, adding that she was looking forward to the Wozniacki showdown. "It's a tough third round but I have set up the challenge and I'm ready to go out there and take it." Meanwhile, three-time Grand Slam champion Kerber dominated Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-2, 6-3 to stay on a collision course with Stephens in the quarter-finals. Stephens, who endured a horror run at Melbourne Park since reaching the semi-final in 2013, exiting in the first round in 2015, 2016 and 2018, swatted aside former doubles partner Timea Babos 6-3, 6-1. Switzerland's Roger Federer might be 37 but he's not showing his age, as he works towards a third successive Australian crown and 21st major victory Rafael Nadal is bidding for his own slice of history by becoming the first man in the Open era, and only the third in history, to win each Grand Slam on two or more occasions It was curtains for South African fifth seed Kevin Anderson, who slumped out to young American Frances Tiafoe Maria Sharapova has dropped just three games in her opening two matches The first chilling photograph of a freezer where three children died after become trapped has been released by police. The young children, aged one, four and six, were playing in a backyard in Live Oak, Florida, on Sunday when they climbed into the unplugged freezer and accidentally became locked inside. A new photo of the scene shows an open yard with a small white chest freezer sitting in the middle. Childrens bikes and toys can be seen strewn about the yard just metres from the appliance. The chest freezer was unplugged when the children climbed inside. Source: Suwannee County Sheriff According to police, a woman was outside with the children but went inside to use the bathroom. When she came out and couldnt find the children, she alerted another woman and the pair began searching the property for the kids. After half an hour of searching, the women found the children inside the freezer, unresponsive. They administered CPR and called an ambulance, but tragically the children could not be revived. Police are investigating the incident, but dont believe foul play is involved. Stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo7s daily newsletter. Sign up here. Australia's conservative prime minister took the uncharacteristic step of advocating looser drug laws on Wednesday, backing greater imports of narcotic kava root in a symbolic gesture to court Pacific Island neighbours. Visiting Vanuatu on the first day of a landmark regional charm offensive, Morrison endorsed a pilot program allowing Pacific Islanders to bring more of the ceremonial and culturally significant root into Australia. Kava is a sedating narcotic that is usually made into a brownish brew and used in traditional "bula" toasts and seances. Morrison -- who has long campaigned on an uncompromising tough-on-crime message -- said he had agreed to the new pilot programme with Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai to help trade and cultural links. "That is for personal use, I should stress," said Morrison, vowing to "make sure that is properly managed". Kava is currently listed as a controlled substance in Australia, but is becoming more accepted -- thanks to use by Pacific Island communities and the likes of Prince Harry, who sipped the narcotic drink at a traditional welcoming ceremony in Fiji last year. Pacific Islanders visiting Australia can already carry two kilograms of the substance into the country, which Morrison in Sydney admitted was a "modest amount" and not enough for "one family gathering". The step was hailed as a victory for cultural diplomacy and as an effort to smooth sometimes bumpy relations between Canberra and what Morrison dubbed the "family region". He is the first Australian leader in decades to visit Vanuatu and later this week will become the first ever to make a bilateral visit to Fiji. "If you step up you've got to show up!" Morrison said. But there are still deep differences between Australia and its smaller Pacific neighbours over issues like security and climate change. Morrison vowed to continue funding climate mitigation efforts, but Australia continues to dig up coal and pump out emissions that could help bury Pacific Islands underwater. Salwai warmly welcomed the visit but stressed the need for "mutual respect and equal partnership". There were also few signs of progress toward a bilateral security treaty, amid Australian concern about growing Chinese influence and reported efforts to develop a military base in Vanuatu. Britain's Prince Harry sipped the narcotic drink at a traditional welcoming ceremony in Fiji last year Photos: AAP, Getty British Prime Minister Theresa May has had her Brexit deal overwhelmingly rejected by British MPs, throwing an already wobbly EU into more uncertainty. But the uncertainty doesnt end at European shores. Australian winemakers have been stockpiling supplies across European warehouses in preparation for a no-deal Brexit, the Australian Financial Review reports. Britain is the hub for Aussie wine exports to Europe, which means the Australian wine industry would suffer a major hit from an adverse Brexit decision. And the Meat and Livestock Australia organisation warned last year that a disorderly Brexit poses a range of risks to Aussie red meat exports. Today, in the wake of the historic defeat, economists and experts are taking a new look. We need to focus on steady trade: Trade Minister Simon Birmingham Senator Birmingham said Australia will attempt to maintain steady trade with Britain following the defeat, and described these as extraordinary and uncertain times to ABC Radio National this morning. It could lead in any number of directions it seems from here, with just 73 days to go now until the scheduled date for Brexit to take effect, he said. Minister for Trade Simon Birmingham in Singapore on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. (Photo: AAP/Mick Tsikas) Australia will continue to focus on securing free trade agreement (FTA) deals with the UK and the EU regardless of Brexit, he indicated. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, Australias FTA with the EU is under negotiation while its negotiations with the UK are categorised as prospective. Trade critical, but I can work with either leader: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten Shorten added that while the uncertainty was a definite negative for British people, Australia needs to keep its eye on trade opportunities. With an Australian federal election around the corner, Shorten said that if elected, he could establish a working relationship with either May or Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn. I think what weve got to do is make sure we maintain good relationships with Europe and with Britain, and we and get the advantages we can for our businesses, Shorten told the Nine Network. Story continues This hasnt had a massive impact on markets: the ASX The Australian share market has opened flat with finance markets pulled in different directions. Optimism about the Chinese economy has been offset by Brexit gloom. This vote doesnt change things for Australia: AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver While its major news, the MP vote will actually have little impact on Australia, Oliver told Yahoo Finance. It just leaves us where we were before; Brexit is still possibly happening but the uncertainty is to how that will pan out, he said. If anything, it actually increases the chance that the Brexit outcome if it does occur is a soft Brexit because its likely that May will win the confidence vote tonight and shes already indicated shell reach out to a lot of parties to work out a cross-party solution. AMP Capital chief economist Shane Oliver. (Photo: Supplied) Oliver noted that UK parliament is a lot more pro-Europe than the referendum was, with the majority actually supporting a decision to stay in the EU. Given this, Oliver predicts it will lean towards a pro-Europe soft Brexit or another referendum. So for Australia, theres always the hope well have a free-trade deal with the UK, if theres a no-deal Brexit. But I think ultimately this is heading towards some sort of softer Brexit where the large degree of the UK remains within the customs union so that may make it harder for Australians to negotiate with the UK. But its all still up in the air. The customs union is an agreement allowing partaking countries to set common external tariffs. Australian investors neednt worry but a British recession could sting: BetaShares chief economist David Bassanese Mirroring Olivers comments, Bassanese sought to allay investor fears about the uncertainty: these days, the UK is a diminishing factor in trade. Although ongoing Brexit uncertainty poses huge risks to the UK economy, the good news for Australian investors is that Australian exports to the UK were worth around $4.5b late year, or only 2.5% of the total, he told Yahoo Finance. As such, Brexit itself is unlikely to shake global growth or global equity markets, but it is having some impact on the British pound in currency markets. In saying that, however, the UK is a reasonably important source of foreign investment, accounting for 10 per cent of foreign direct investment and around 15 per cent of total investment flows in 2018. In that sense, there is a risk that a major downturn in the UK economy could see some curtailment of investment in Australia, though the impact on trade flows should remain low. The debate is now about the manner of Brexit: Fidelity International UK equities portfolio manager Leigh Himsworth With a no-deal Brexit beckoning, Himsworth noted that May now has only three days to come up with a plan B amid an uncertain political situation. Corbyn has tabled a motion of no-confidence, set to be debated in Parliament today. Observing this, Himsworth said the debate comes down to how Britain achieves a full exit from the EU. This will either be a no-deal crash-out or one that may happen over many years. Each has pros and cons. The crash-out is potentially highly disruptive but gives certainty on what the UK faces and allows subsequent negotiation of trade deals, movement of people and so on. This could result in an immediate fall in sterling, but then a rebound as companies are forced to re-adjust quickly. The latter, an elongated exit, may result in a stronger sterling initially but prolong the uncertainty, resulting in falling investment and concerns about the ability of the corporate sector to make longer term plans. EU offer was a bad deal: Alexander Downer, former Australian High Commission to the UK and Liberal Party politician In a tweet, Downer indicated that the EUs offer to May would have injured Australias chances of securing a free trade agreement with the UK and called on the EU to revisit the backstop decision. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Speaking to the ABC last night, he added that a hard Brexit could actually allow Australia to negotiate a better trade deal. We may be able to negotiate much better access to the British market than we have, so we might be able to sell some beef and sheep meat, possibly dairy products into the UK, which we cant sell at the moment or we barely can sell at the moment because of the restrictions on exports of agricultural products to the EU, he argued. The uncertainty is bad for Australian companies: 4D Infrastructure global equity strategist Greg Goodsell Goodsell agrees with Himsworth, noting the extreme uncertainty in Britain today. In the immediate future there is the no-confidence motion in Theresa May which will be held tomorrow in the UK. Over the medium-term it is very difficult to say where the Brexit issue will go but a fresh election or referendum is not out of the question, he said. For the UK more generally, the level of uncertainty can only be bad for consumer and investor confidence which is detrimental for the economy. This is where the impact could be felt in Australia with companies who have a significant component of their earnings sourced from the UK. More longer-term, if the UK does finally exit the EU then it becomes a potential new trading partner for Australia. The free movement of workers is of critical importance: Bailador Technology Investment co-founder David Kirk Uncertainty is never good for sales as clients sit on their hands waiting for clarity on which way regulations and the economy are heading. Information technology companies have the benefit of selling electronically delivered products so there are no logistics or physical border problems. The free movement of people is always a concern for tech companies. The best talent is globally mobile and hard to find. If the UK restricts the inward flow of developer talent from Europe that will not be good. It could be time to look at hedging through the VIX index: T3 Index CEO Simon Ho Echoing AMP Capitals Shane Oliver, Ho said the vote doesnt mean very much right now. The US market was up over night, and nothing has happened since the vote so I think people were kind of expecting this. One thing I will note about the VIX market in general though is that if people want to bet against it the price of VIX options is at an 18-month low so its a very opportune time if someone thinks something is going to happen to use VIX products to hedge themselves. The VIX index is also known as the fear index as it measures volatility. Aussie businesses with UK operations should be on the alert: Saxo Banks Australian market strategist Eleanor Creagh Speaking to Yahoo Finance, Creagh said the final outcome for Australia is largely dependent on how the EU and UK decide to Brexit. The latest developments have not offered up any form of clarity on the final outcome, so at this stage the effects on global markets are muted. But Australian businesses with operations in the UK will not escape the economic uncertainties and inability to make decisions about the future that have arisen from political paralysis. Australias GDP growth is largely driven by exports, so trade agreements with both the UK and the EU are also critical, given the EUs position as a 508 million-person export market. The EU is Australias second largest trading partner surpassed only by China, with the UK accounting for around one third of those exports. The decision to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement [as Australia has done] with the EU reflects that strong relationship. And even your music could be affected: Beggars Group music labels The largest group of independent labels in Europe, Beggars Group has reignited its warnings that a Brexit could have devastating impacts on the British music industry and local artists, as revenues from the EU are a critical element of business. Therefore, it is of some concern that the arrival of Brexit may hold back further growth, they said in a note last year. So, a Brexit vote could even affect the amount of new music and artists coming out of the UK. Whats next? May will likely win the vote of no confidence but nothing is a sure thing: CBA senior currency strategist Joseph Capurso In a research note, Capurso outlined a number of scenarios that could happen, with the current government winning the vote of no confidence as most likely thanks to the support of the ten seats from the junior coalition within the government and the Democratic Unionist Party. We also expect the Conservative Party members, even the ardent Brexiters, will vote for the government out of self-interest, Capurso added. Under this scenario, we expect PM May to stick with her two pronged plan to seek greater support in the House of Commons for her existing Withdrawal Agreement and seek concessions from the EU. But May could decide to call a second referendum on Brexit. If she does so, shell likely ask the EU to push back the current exit date of 29 March, even though shes ruled out a delay thus far. Commonwealth Bank senior currency strategist Joseph Capurso. (Photo: Supplied) What if the government loses the vote of no confidence? May would probably resign, though that is not guaranteed. According to the law that governs the no confidence process, parliament has 14 days to form a government that can win a vote of confidence. And if no government is formed, led by either the Conservatives or Labour, Parliament will likely be dissolved and an early general election will be called. Under the uncertain circumstances, a hard Brexit where the UK leaves the EU without a Withdrawal Agreement and trades with the EU on WTO rules is still possible, Capurso noted but it requires Parliament to approve of such a clean break with the EU. But trade between the UK and the EU could be severely disrupted for at least several months while new stop-gap trade arrangements are implemented. A recession in the UK would be possible under a hard Brexit because formal trade agreements can take years to agree. More to come. Make your money work with Yahoo Finances daily newsletter. Sign up here and stay on top of the latest money, news and tech news. Read next: ASX to open flat after Brexit deal defeat Read next: Theresa May faces immediate no-confidence vote from Labour after MPs hand her humiliating Brexit defeat Read next: NO DEAL, BUT NO ESCALATION: Why CBA expects the US-China trade deadline will be extended YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjrn Jagland has sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan on being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the message runs as follows, I congratulate you on being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia after your victory in the parliamentary elections of December 9, 2018. The political transition that started last year reached its final destination by the formation of the new parliament in a peaceful manner and in line with the Constitutional norms. The December 9 elections and their results show the aspiration of the Armenian people towards democracy and prosperity. The Council of Europe will work with the new Government to reach these goals. I am confident that the continuous commitment towards democratic institutions and rule of law that your country displayed in the recent years will continue for the benefit of the citizens of Armenia. I wish you success in the implementation of your important responsibilities. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium Charles Michel has sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan on being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the message runs as follows, I convey to you my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of being appointed Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. I have warm memories of our bilateral meeting in October in Yerevan in the sidelines of the Francophonie summit. I hope our countries will continue the wonderful tradition of cooperation and dialogue. Please accept, Mr. Prime Minister, dear partner, the assurances of my deepest respect. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will participate in World Economic Forum in Davos, ARMENPRESS was informed from the office of the Prime Minister. The PM is scheduled to participate in World Economic Forum in Switzerlands Davos city on January 22-25, a press service official said. The forum is entitled Globalization 4.0: Shaping a New Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution''. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Acting foreign minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and foreign minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met on January 16 in Paris under the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs Igor Popov (Russia), StefanVisconti (France) and Andrew Shoffer (US). Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk was also present at the meeting. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, a productive and constructive exchange of views took place which was aimed at reaching maximal mutual understanding and confidence. During the meeting that lasted over 4 hours the interlocutors referred to a broad scope of issues referring to the peace process, including issues of preparing the peoples to peace, as well as security and regional stability. The next meeting has not been scheduled yet, but the foreign ministers agreed to continue interactions during the upcoming months. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang has sent a congratulatory message to Nikol Pashinyan on being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the official website of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the message particularly runs as follows, I cordially congratulate you on behalf of the People's Republic of China and personally myself on the occasion of being appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. For China Armenia is a traditional partner of friendly cooperation. In the recent years healthy and firm tendency of development of relations is preserved, political mutual trust continuously strengthens and tangible results have been achieved in the joint efforts of the implementation One belt, one road initiative. I am ready to preserve close working ties and make efforts for the stable development of bilateral relations for the strengthening of the practical cooperation in all the spheres for the benefit of the both peoples. I wish you new success in this high state position. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Years ago social media networks in the Spanish-speaking world began spreading information on January 16th being declared as an international day of The Beatles by UNESCO. UNESCO Armenia office told ARMENPRESS that the organization had denied this news back in 2013 as disinformation. However, in a world where unconfirmed or false information can spread rapidly online, this particular one was no exception. The disinformation spread to the extent that in certain countries fans of the legendary English rock band began celebrating January 16th as an international day of their favorite music band without knowing that it all started from a disinformation. To this day, news media in Armenia, Russia and Ukraine, among others, continue to erroneously refer to January 16th as Beatles Day. And our very own reporter was in the process of preparing an homage article to The Beatles today. However, there are indeed two facts that connect the famed English rock band with this date it was January 16th 1957 when The Cavern club opened in Liverpool, where three years later The Beatles made their debut. And in 1964 on this day, the bands I Want To Hold Your Hand made it to the number one of Cashbox magazines hit-list. Anyhow, this bizarre story can also be a good occasion to listen to some of the legendary songs of the Beatles tonight. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, 16 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 16 January, USD exchange rate down by 0.05 drams to 486.58 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.27 drams to 555.14 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 7.29 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.06 drams to 626.18 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price up by 23.74 drams to 20249.48 drams. Silver price down by 0.26 drams to 244.04 drams. Platinum price down by 79.52 drams to 12546.41 drams. YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Russia expects progress in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement in 2019, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said during a big press conference today, reports Armenpress. Another meeting of the Co-Chairs from Russia, France and the US [OSCE Minsk Group] with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan is scheduled this month. Therefore, I think we can also support the conflict settlement on this direction which has acquired lines of delay, but is definitely subject to solution in the presence of good will of Yerevan and Baku and the support of the international community, in the person of the Co-Chairs, Lavrov said. The meeting of acting foreign minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan with foreign minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov was held in Paris on January 16 by the proposal and participation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenias second largest city, has launched military exercises involving its T-72B tank units, the Russian Southern Military District said in a press release. The drills are taking place in the Alagyaz training facility. The military exercise scenario involves choosing firing positions during combat, position concealment and anti-infantry and anti-equipment battle. More than 100 Russian soldiers and 30 military equipment units are involved in the field exercises. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Acting Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Valery Semerikov sent a congratulatory letter to Nikol Pashinyan on being re-appointed Prime Minister of Armenia, the Armenian PMs Office told Armenpress. Please accept my warmest and sincere congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of Armenia. The results of the recent parliamentary elections reaffirm that the Armenian people have hopes with the deep democratic reforms announced by you and are ready to participate in their implementation process for the sake of the good future of their own country. I am confident that by relying on this support your government will achieve significant progress in all spheres of political, socio-economic and public life. We hope to continue and boost the cooperation with Armenia in the CSTO format aimed at further developing the organization and raising the potential of ensuring the security of the CSTO member states in order to counter the treats and challenges facing the international and regional security. I wish you good health, welfare and good luck for the benefit of Armenia and its people, reads the congratulatory letter. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The Spanish Madrilenians around the world famous travel project has made a video about Armenia by the support of the Armenian Embassy in Spain, Telemadrid reported. Armenia is considered the place of origin of one of the first civilizations. Therefore, we couldnt miss the impressive History Museum located in Yerevans Republic Square. The Museum has more than 4000 exhibits, including the worlds oldest leather shoe which is more than 5.500 years old, the report says. The project also touched upon Armenias Matenadaran, the manuscripts kept there, as well as the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute which tells about the 1.5 million Armenians killed in the early 20th century. The video also presents the Armenian market, brandy, lavash, carpets and cross-stones. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The first heated dispute has already taken place in the new Armenian parliament, just two days after the inaugural sitting. The altercation happened as MP Arman Babajanyan from the Lusavor Hayastan opposition party clashed with Proserpous Armenia, the other opposition party, MP Arman Abovyan. The parliament was debating the election of a chairperson for the foreign relations committee, and during exchange of ideas with nominee Ruben Rubinyan, MP Babajanyan also addressed several Armenian ambassadors and their activities abroad. He criticized several ambassadors, including former ambassador to Ukraine Andranik Manukyan. But, the former ambassadors son himself was in the audience. Davit Manukyan, the son of Andranik Manukyan, is a Member of Parliament from the Prosperous Armenia faction. He called on Babajanyan to stop the critisizm, but things got heated when Prosperous Armenia faction secretary Arman Abovyan took the floor. Everything that was said about former ambassador to Ukraine Andranik Manukyan is a lie. I will not allow for disinformation to be voiced from this floor, he said. Lusavor Hayastan faction leader Edmon Marukyan reacted, and then the debates turned into a noise and heated altercation. Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan called for order and demanded lawmakers to respect one another. I am asking you to maintain respect towards the important institution of lawmaker, for each other and the chairmanship. From now on, if you have things to settle, leave it outside, Mirzoyan said. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan This basically began yesterday in ernest. Headlines on Twitter showing SNOW and ICY weather coming! This basically began yesterday in ernest.Headlines on Twitter showing SNOW and ICY weather coming! Yeah........ Winter is back! My AC is off and my heat is back on!! The beach a week ago was nice........ .... I didn't go outside today in Raleigh. Brrr... Tonight's blog is a prelude to real discussion. I want to show a variety of news and tweets. The real news today was in California... Dabuh knew that! If there's a beach he's watching the surf. And the weather.... he's a great weather watcher! Prayers indeed as you will see deeper down in the blog. The Polar Vortex is being unleashed!!Yeah........ Winter is back!My AC is off and my heat is back on!!The beach a week ago was nice............ I didn't go outside today in Raleigh. Brrr...Tonight's blog is a prelude to real discussion.I want to show a variety of news and tweets.The real news today was in California...Dabuh knew that!If there's a beach he's watching the surf.And the weather.... he's a great weather watcher! Yoda knows.... In truth though California IS having WEATHER NOW! Yet you wouldn't know it from my feed .... ...that is heavily weighted to the Hurricane cities & Seattle. There's a Blizzard warning up for the Sierras! California is like the song.... I've lived there.... First comes fire and then the rain comes.... ...and the mud runs down the hills. It's one disaster after another... In Santa Barbara there was crazy wind damage. High Surf Warnings up the coast of California. If you live in LA......... ........don't let your garbage cans float away! But on the East Coast everyone is ready!!! North Carolina and Virginia are waiting... NC won the November storm lotto... VA stole last week's storm. What will be with this next storm? Allan Huffman is as reliable as it gets. He's watching the models and we are listening. In my mind it's going to Carolina...... No it's not really going to Carolina, not this week's storm. But I'm driving North for the cold, frigid week down the road. So I know I'll see snow one way or the other soon... You heard about the 10 year challenge on Facebook? 30 years plus and James Taylor is still singing. My best friend loves him. Took me a long time to enjoy him again. I can finally listen and smile. What do you love? Who do you love? You love snow or hate it? Doesn't matter.... ...you get what you get. Mother Nature's in charge of this one. I know... Polar Vortex (rolling eyes) Yah we have all these great terms these days.... ........to describe Winter. Love reading Cranky's BLOG. Note there is a 2 part harmony here going on. The storm THIS week........ .... the BIG storm next week! Cranky likes to Tweet. He loves to Blog.... Read his blog and then read it twice. I know you want to know if Philly is gonna get snow. SMH....... Definite maybe. Everyone's chasing after snow...... Or complaining about shoveling it! And everyone who is Tweeting is ...... .....updating every few hours. As models come and models go. Soon we will really know. Compare the below tweet with the above one. A man of few words has this to say on the cold. A man of many words and great wisdom is Larry Cosgrove. You really need to follow him! Weather Twitter is a buzz and buzzing louder than transformers or swarms of freezing bees. What do I think? What do I know? When you have a period of warm weather deep in December you have to know that winter is going to come back with a vengeance. It's like during hurricane season when it's slow and early waves give it up to Saharan Dust and Shear at the Gateway of the Caribbean and you think there won't be any hurricanes and then Mother Nature is back with a bite and Twitter begins buzzing with innuendo and rumors and people act as if the world is coming to an end and on air news people say things like "unprecedented Arctic Invasion as the Polar Vortex is blasting it's way down into Florida" and you worry Aquaman is going to freeze and Lex Luthor finally discovered a weather machine that will control Earth's weather and then you remember Spring will come again. Kids enjoy the snow, parents shiver and shovel the snow and someone gets sleet which is about as annoying as rainy days and Mondays. So as for me I'm going to enjoy whatever we get this week and wonder on what weather I'll see in New York City next week as I'm scheduled to be there then. There's highs and lows near zero if the extremists are right and if it moderates in the teens... time will tell. As for tonight, enjoy this song and know I love it...... really as much as the oldie goldies are great this song is perfect and note .... he uses weather because how can you show a love song without some kind of weather?? Weather is locational and whether you live in Maine or Miami you have different priorities with regard to what you wish for...... and in this case be careful what you wish for.... Note the REAL storm is going on NOW in California but the East Coast, as always, thinks this is all about them and whether NYC or Boston gets Snow. The South looks longingly at the snow models wishing the system would take the more Southern track so that we could see some snow flakes falling and dusting our Carolina Pines. There is a middle part of the country, though to be fair they got the last snow storm AND Jim Cantore so they have plenty of stories to tell of the Winter of 2019!I gotta warn you there's a lot of hype going on right now, because that's all we have is hype and models and watching the satellite loops. Speaking of models the Canadian is really on to something or just being the Canadian over amping every system and bringing snow to Cuba. It's worth noting it DID snow in Cuba in 1857 so I suppose it's not impossible. The EURO and the GFS (choose your version of it) do not show snow for Havana or Miami so you can breathe a bit and get out your favorite boots for weather diving down for one night into the 40s!And the usual mets are having fun with this because to be honest we had one wild winter storm in November, a January thaw in December and now in January winter is showing up again on the models. And it seems this one will really do the trick and usher in some Arctic Air down into the US all the way down to .... Key West and do NOT laugh as Key West is an island in the middle of the Florida Straits and when a cold front breezes in across the water it gets down right chilly!YesBesos BobbiStorm@bobbistorm on TwitterPs... Don't say I didn't blog and as always I hoping you get the weather you dream about!I'll be back with real hard data on what to expect from the storm after this storm and how frigid the temperature will be and just how low that freeze line will go. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the winter links on Mike's fantastic www.spaghettimodels.com as he's a guy for all seasons ;) Labels: California, Carolinas, flooding, hype, meteorology, mudslides, music, NYC, storms, Twitter, weather, winter YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenias acting minister of nature protection Erik Grigoryan is participating in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Forum from January 14 to 16 which is attended by nearly 4000 specialists from different countries, as well as heads of state and government, the ministry told Armenpress. As a guest of the United Arab Emirates minister of climate change and environment Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the Armenian acting minister attended the opening ceremony of the Forum and the Zayed Sustainability award ceremony. During the visit the Armenian ministry of nature protection and the UAE ministry of climate change and environment will sign a memorandum of understanding, within the frames of which the sides will implement joint programs on environment protection. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Acting minister of education and science Arayik Harutyunyan departed for the United States on a working visit at the invitation of President of the Union of Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) John-Emmanuel Shirajian, the ministry told Armenpress. The acting minister will participate in the 35th Annual AESA Gala in the city of Glendale during which world-renowned scientist Yury Oganesyan will be handed over with the 2018 award named after Viktor Hambardzumyan. Arayik Harutyunyan will also visit the University of Southern California and the UCLA, as well as the Armenian schools in Los Angeles, will meet with the teaching staff, students and their parents. During the visit the acting minister will also meet with American-Armenian scientists, education specialists and representatives of the city authorities. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of the Republic of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan on January 16 addressed a message to the participants of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaksoutyun) Party World Congress, the Presidential Office told Armenpress. The message runs as follows: Dear participants of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaksoutyun) Party World Congress, I greet all of you warmly on launching the most important event for your party. I would like to note with great satisfaction that the patriotic activity of the Congress delegates representing dozens of countries is highly appreciated in Artsakh. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsoutyun regularly holds congresses, consultations, and meetings in our republic. However, the World Congress as the party's key political event is being held in Artsakh for the first time, which has in itself a unique meaning testifying the special role and significance of Artsakh in the ideology and activity of the party. The Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun Party's role in our national-liberation struggle, in the restoration, defense, formation and development of the independent Armenian statehood, in solving issues of pan-Armenian significance could not be overstated. The ARF and its different structures also represent a powerful bridge which maintains strong bonds between the Homeland and the Diaspora, being among the most significant institutions of preserving national identity of the Armenians worldwide, patriotic up-bringing of the younger generation. The reinforcement of the Artsakh statehood, just settlement of the Artsakh issue, international recognition of our republic are of crucial importance for the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsoutyun Party. We feel it constantly and appreciate it very much. The questions on the World Congress agenda are, naturally, of great importance for the Party, and I believe their multifaceted and comprehensive discussions and the elaboration of corresponding solutions would provide a solid basis for the implementation of the approved programs and further activity of the Party. I welcome you once again and wish active and productive work and all the best. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian police launched a criminal investigation into an unlawful incarceration of a person into a mental hospital based on materials provided by the Ombudsmans Office (Human Rights Defender). The Ombudsmans Office said the unlawful incarceration case was revealed back in October of 2018 during an unannounced visit to the psychiatric ward, known as the National Center of Preserving Mental Health. The hospital was formerly known as the Nubarashen psychiatric center. The person who was unlawfully kept at the ward was released upon intervention from Ombudsman agents and proceedings were forwarded to the Prosecutor General, Police Chief and Healthcare Minister. Healthcare authorities launched administrative proceedings over the case and violations were subsequently revealed in the hospital. The identity of the person who was illegally kept at the facility was not disclosed. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. According to the Early Warning Project of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Turkey is ranked 8th among 162 countries with the highest risk of committing new mass killings. Turkey is assessed as having 11.2% or 1 in 9 chance of new mass killings during 2019. Our statistical model estimates that there is a 11.2%, or approximately 1 in 9, chance of a new mass killing beginning in Turkey in 2018 or 2019. Turkey ranks 8th highest among 162 countries, the Early Warning Project of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said. Excerpted from "Countries at Risk for Mass Killings 2018-19": Ranked eighth for risk in 201819, Turkey has been in the top 15 in each of our past three annual assessments, it added. According to the Early Warning Project, the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey caused the country to rise in the ranking. Other risk factors include a lack of freedom of movement for men, the countrys anocratic regime type, a large population, a history of mass killing, and the ongoing armed conflict between the government and Kurdish rebels. Turkeys infant mortality rate and ethnic fractionalization are substantially lower than average; Turkeys risk estimate would be even higher if those variables were at the global mean. The Early Warning Project stated that genocides are never spontaneous. They are always preceded by a range of early warning signs. If these signs are detected, their causes can be addressed, preventing the potential for catastrophic progression. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museums founding charter, written by Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, states that only a conscious, concerted attempt to learn from past errors can prevent recurrence to any racial, religious, ethnic or national group. A memorial unresponsive to the future would also violate the memory of the past. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of the European Parliament Antonio Tajani called the UK Parliaments voting on rejecting the deal with the EU over the terms of Brexit as bad news, reports Armenpress. Brexit vote is bad news. Our first thoughts are with 3.6m EU citizens living in UK and Britons living elsewhere in EU. They need assurances with regards to their future. We will always stand by their side, the EP President said on Twitter. British lawmakers rejected the bill with the EU over the terms of Brexit. A total of 432 MPs voted against the bill, which has been approved by London and Brussels last year in November after 1.5 years of negotiations. 202 MPs voted in favor of the bill. The 230-vote margin has become the biggest defeat for a UK premier in parliament in 95 years. In a statement to parliament following the defeat, May pledged to come up with an alternative by January 21. First, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House [of Commons]. I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonights vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question, she said. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. No drastic decision will be made in Armenias foreign policy frameworks without the peoples positive attitude, Ruben Rubinyan candidate for Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on Foreign Affairs, said during todays Parliament session, reports Armenpress. We have a strong mandate, but will be guided by Armenias interests and the decisions of the people. I reaffirm that it is necessary to reject the policy of making a drastic foreign policy-related decision without the positive attitude of the people, he said. Ruben Rubinyan also touched upon the negotiations over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The Prime Minister announced that he can negotiate with the representative of Azerbaijan on behalf of Armenia, and he kept this logic. The impression that Yerevan has refused from the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg is wrong, they continue to remain in the agenda. The main issue in the negotiations with Azerbaijan is to ensure the continuation of the negotiation format. When during the revolution we were saying that there will be no drastic changes in the foreign policy vectors, we meant the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship format, he said. On January 15 the three factions of the new Parliament of Armenia nominated the candidacies for chairmen of the standing committees. 8 committees will be chaired by My Step faction, 2 by Prosperous Armenia and 1 by Bright Armenia factions. The first session of the Parliament of 7th convocation began on January 14. Yesterday Ararat Mirzoyan was elected Speaker of Parliament. MPs Alen Simonyan and Lena Nazaryan from the ruling My Step faction have been elected Vice Speakers of Parliament. The third Vice Speaker Vahe Enfiajyan is a representative from the opposition Prosperous Armenia faction. The Bright Armenia nominated Mane Tandilyans candidacy for the position. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The US Police arrested journalist and anchor Marzieh Hashemi who works for Irans English-language Press TV television news network, Armenpress reports citing Press TV. We were informed that journalist and anchor Marzieh Hashemi has been detained in Washington D.C.. The cause of the arrest is unknown, no formal charges have been pressed against her, Press TV said on Twitter. She was detained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, and later was transferred by the FBI to the detention facility. Marzieh Hashemi was born in the US. She travelled to the US to visit her ill brother and other relatives. Her family members told Press TV that they were unable to contact here for over 48 hours, and only recently leant about her detention. Hashemi informed family members of mistreatment at the detention center. She said her hijab had been removed against her will. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Head of the UK opposition Labor Party Jeremy Corbyn announced he tabled the motion of no confidence in Prime Minister Theresa May shortly after her draft deal with Brussels on terms of Brexit suffered a crushing defeat in the UK Parliament, TASS reported. The government has lost confidence of this house and this country. I therefore, Mr. Speaker, inform you Ive now tabled a motion of no confidence in this government, he said as quoted by TASS. The Labor Party said the government had agreed to consider the motion in parliament on January 16 and vote on it at 19:00 local time [23:00 Yerevan time] on the same day. British lawmakers rejected the bill with the EU over the terms of Brexit. A total of 432 MPs voted against the bill, which has been approved by London and Brussels last year in November after 1.5 years of negotiations. 202 MPs voted in favor of the bill. The 230-vote margin has become the biggest defeat for a UK premier in parliament in 95 years. In a statement to parliament following the defeat, May pledged to come up with an alternative by January 21. First, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House [of Commons]. I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonights vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question, she said. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union has increased after the UK Parliaments voting on rejecting the bill between Brussels and London, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement, Reuters reported. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared, he said. Juncker said the European Union will intensify its preparations for a scenario in which Britain leaves the bloc without a withdrawal agreement. British lawmakers rejected the bill with the EU over Brexit. A total of 432 MPs voted against the bill, which has been approved by London and Brussels last year in November after 1.5 years of negotiations. 202 MPs voted in favor of the bill. The 230-vote margin has become the biggest defeat for a UK premier in parliament in 95 years. In a statement to parliament following the defeat, May pledged to come up with an alternative by January 21. First, we need to confirm whether this Government still enjoys the confidence of the House [of Commons]. I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonights vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question, she said. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The regular sitting of parliament has kicked off with lawmakers set to continue debates over confirming chairpersons for standing committees. Members of Parliament will also elect chairs of committees. The parliament will also debate the government-proposed changes in the governmental structure and its action plan. Earlier on January 15th, the parliament elected MPs Alen Simonyan and Lena Nazaryan from the ruling My Step faction to be Deputy Speakers. Vahe Enfiajyan from the opposition Prosperous Armenia party was installed as another Deputy Speaker. The parliament will have 11 committees: My Step faction will chair in 8 of them, Prosperous Armenia in 2, and the other opposition party Lusavor Hayastan (Luminous Armenia) in 1. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian met with founding member and Chairman of ALNOWAIS Investments Hussain AlNowais in Abu Dhabi, the Armenian Presidential Office told Armenpress. AlNowais Investments is an investment company headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, that owns and controls a diverse array of subsidiary companies. AlNowais Investments owns controls and manages a diversified portfolio of companies which operate in multiple vital sectors, including: engineering and construction, oilfield services, healthcare, communication systems and technology, electromechanical and chemical industries, construction industries, real estate, hospitality and infrastructure projects. During the meeting the company Chairman said he is interested in the cooperation with Armenia, in particular, by implementing joint programs in the field of renewable energy. An agreement was reached to visit Armenia in the future to get acquainted with the opportunities and develop concrete projects. Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan 14:24 | Lima, Jan. 16. "This dates back some time when, in the cocktails case, they sought to take a stance through (ex) Supreme Judge Hinostroza ," Vela expressed. Likewise, he indicated the documents found in the home of Vicente Silva Checa Fujimori's advisor showed their intention had always been to remove the natural judge since this person caused discomfort to the defense's interests. "What we defend is the principle of the natural judge," Vela added. The prosecutor ruled out seeking a biased person for the case they investigate. He also recalled the Judicial Branch is the institution that determines the competence of judges, not the Public Ministry. No public hearing On the other hand, the prosecutor pointed out the debate on the recusal against Judge Concepcion Carhuancho should have been resolved at a public hearing. "We have not been notified of the written recusal," Vela said. Furthermore, he stated that Keiko Fujimori 's defense could demand the end of the 36-month preventive detention the Fuerza Popular party leader currently serves. The judge In Peru, Concepcion Carhuancho has become very popular as he ordered preventive detentions against former Presidents Alejandro Toledo Ollanta Humala , and candidate Keiko Fujimori all of them involved in the Odebrecht case. Furthermore, he pointed out former CEO Marcelo Odebrecht's statement had been the starting point of a strong collaboration between Peru and Brazil. Thus, progress was made in the probe, and the Inca country's ex-presidents as well as political leaders like Fujimori were found to have been associated with the corruption-tainted company. The prosecutor went on to add that Odebrecht's former top executive in Peru Jorge Barata's statement consolidated the case since he had indicated former Heads of State Alejandro Toledo (2001-2006) Ollanta Humala (2011-2016) , and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (2016-2018) , as well as Keiko Fujimori , were implicated in the matter. 15:48 | Lima, Jan. 16. The request was submitted by the defense of Jaime Yoshiyama , who was also ordered preventive detention but is currently based in the United States. Lava Jato Case Special Prosecution Group Coordinator Vela announced his team will file an appeal to declare invalid the measure to remove the judge. In Peru, Concepcion Carhuancho has become very popular as he ordered preventive detentions against former Presidents Alejandro Toledo Ollanta Humala , and candidate Keiko Fujimori all of them involved in the Odebrecht case. 11:00 | San Juan de Marcona (Ica region), Jan. 15. While in automobiles it appears to be almost a foregone conclusion that Qatar's Nasser Al-Attiyah (Toyota) will take the title. This leg of the race was a 323-km (200-mile) stretch that started and ended in the coastal town of San Juan de Marcona and was one of the most complicated stages of this year's rally, with almost 100 km over dunes and another 200 km over very rocky terrain. The race started in foggy weather that caused one portion of the stage to have to be canceled. The first motorcycle rider to cover the route was Quintanilla, who began the day in the lead spot but ended in fourth place in the general classification, after losing time because he had to blaze the trail for the following riders through the difficult landscape. The result was that both Brabec and Australia's Toby Price (KTM), along with France's Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) surpassed the Chilean in the rankings, although the four top riders are separated by less than 10 minutes, overall. "It was a question of time, whereby they overtook me. The idea was that Ricky would not get (further ahead) than I can recover. On Tuesday, the situation will be reversed. I'll set out from behind and I have the chance to recover time," said Quintanilla. In autos, Al-Attiyah has practically clinched the Rally, given that he has been so far out in front in his Toyota since the third stage. Frenchman Sebastien Loeb , who began the day as the Arab's main rival, had a difficult run, with his car experiencing electrical failures on a couple of occasions that caused him to lose about half an hour. The winner of the stage was Stephane Peterhansel , also from France, followed by Spaniards Nani Roma and Carlos Sainz , both driving for Mini, in second and third place, respectively. It was Peterhansel's second stage win in this year's Dakar and his 76th during his career participating in the Rally, a circumstance that enabled him to recover the second place in the general classification, albeit about half an hour behind Al-Attiyah. Efe Agency: All rights are reserved. It is expressly prohibited reproduction without prior written permission from the Efe agency. (END) EFE/RMB/MVB The seventh leg of the 2019 Dakar Rally through the Peruvian coastal desert heated up in the motorcycle competition, where U.S. rider Ricky Brabec (Honda) moved back into the lead, unseating Chile's Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna).Published: 1/15/2019 10:13 | Lima, Jan. 16. In a press release issued by its Foreign Affairs Ministry , Peru extends its deepest condolences and solidarity to families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those affected. 13:04 | Lima, Jan. 16. The document was submitted by the defense of Jaime Yoshiyama , who was also ordered preventive detention but is currently based in the United States. Likewise, he indicated the Judiciary's Board as an administrative body does not influence, nor has it any responsibility concerning the jurisdictional decisions made by judges. In Peru, Concepcion Carhuancho has become very popular as he ordered preventive detentions against former Presidents Alejandro Toledo Ollanta Humala , and candidate Keiko Fujimori all of them involved in the Odebrecht case. When crime came to Reading at the turn of the 20th century Part II When crime came to Reading at the turn of the 20th century A traveling, hands-on exhibit to raise awareness about the research program, which aims to speed up health research and medical breakthroughs. On January 16, University of New Mexico will host the National Institutes of Healths All of Us Journey, a traveling, hands-on exhibit to raise awareness about the All of Us Research Program. All of Us aims to speed up health research and medical breakthroughs. To do so, All of Us is asking 1 million volunteers to share different types of health and lifestyle information information like where you live, what you do, and your family health history. Albuquerque is one stop on the All of Us Journeys national tour. University of New Mexico invites you to attend this event to learn more about the All of Us Research Program and how it could enable research to more precisely prevent and treat a variety of health conditions. WHAT University of New Mexico invites the Albuquerque community to visit the All of Us Journey and learn how you can help change the future of health. WHEN Wednesday, January 16 10am 3pm WHERE University of New Mexico - Smith Plaza 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque NM 87131 WHY Unlike a single research study focused on a specific disease or community, the All of Us Research Program will create a research resource to inform thousands of studies, covering a wide range of health conditions. This information could help researchers better understand health differences and improve health for generations to come. 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On January 15, the meeting of the community took place and about 25 unknown people joined it as Viktor Makoviy said. They demanded to put the issue of the transition of the local religious community from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) to a vote. Head of a village put the issue on the voting. Only two locals supported it and 24 unknowns gave their votes. Moreover, another 11 votes were added to the final report; thus, there were 37 votes for the transition in the end. Local citizens were outraged as the Orthodox community stated earlier that it is not going to join the UAOC. Nevertheless, the present Head of Borznyansky Regional State Administration signed the report of the voting and it is unacceptable as it is the interference of the authority in the religious issues, Makoviy said. Today in the morning, the outraged local parish gathered near the church but those 25 unknown people, who called themselves to be the patriots, were waiting for them there. The quarrel occurred. The local parish went home in the end as the unknowns threatened to use force, protoiereus Ioan said. According to Viktor Makoviy, unknown brought their own priest to the church, broke the locks and illegally entered the building. The parties of 112.ua found difficulty to reply what happens in the church now. On January 16, the authority of Chernihiv region reported to the mass media that the first parish of the region transited to the UAOC. Olexy Stepanenko, the Head of Nationality and Religion Department of Culture, Tourism, Nationality and Religion Department of Chernihiv Regional State Administration, reported that yesterday the general meeting of the citizens of Olenivka village along with the representatives of the religious community, the parish of local Saint Ascension parish took place and people voted for the transition to the UAOC during it. According to Stepanenko, the next step of the community is the appeal to the Eparchy of UAOC with the request to appoint a new priest. The transition took place without the agreement of the current head of the church. Protoiereus Ioan reported that Pastor Olexandr Hladysh was not invited to the meeting and the head of the village assured him earlier that the issue of the transition to the UACO will not be raised. The local church belongs to Nizhyn Eparchy of the UOC. Pastor Olexandr Hladysh called the decision of the meeting a provocation and said that people, who have nothing to do with Olenivka voted at the meeting. Earlier the activists of Svoboda far-right party along with head of the council of Vorsivka village, Malyn District of Zhytomyr region forcefully hindered the believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to hold the divine service event on the territory of the church. Earlier Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew passed the Tomos of autocephaly and bishops crosier to primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Epifaniy. The event happened during the festive service in St. George's Cathedral. Besides, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko guarantees the states respect for the religious choice of every citizen of the country. The body urges the international community to enhance pressure upon Moscow to provide a quick and unconditional release of the POWs Court hearing of the case on extension of arrest of the Ukrainain sailors captured in November 2018 Hromadske Ukraines Foreign Ministry protests against the extension of sentence term for 24 Ukrainian sailors imprisoned by Russia near the Kerch Strait in November 2018. The body urges the international community to enhance pressure upon Moscow to provide a quick and unconditional release of the POWs, as the press office of the Ministry reports. The trial of these Ukrainian servicemen runs counter to the international humanitarian law. The closed-door court hearing today is clear evidence that the Kremlin is fully complicit in this sham trial. According to the 1949 Third Geneva Convention, Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, there can be no dispute that these captured Ukrainian sailors have the legal status of Prisoners of War. We therefore strongly demand that the Russian Federation treats them in full accordance with their status and with full respect to their rights under international humanitarian law, the message says. Ukraines Foreign Ministry demands Russia to provide medical report on the health condition of the injured Ukrainian sailors and their treatment. Besides, the Ministry thanked the international partners for support in the courtroom. We greatly appreciate this manifestation of solidarity with Ukraine and its captured servicemen. We call on the international community to condemn Russias actions and to consolidate pressure on Moscow that will lead to the release of all 24 prisoners of war, currently incarcerated in Russia, the message says. As it was reported, Lefortovo court extended arrest of the last four Ukrainian sailors for three months. Earlier, detention was prolonged for the rest POWs captured near Kerch Strait in November 2018. On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. 21 Ukrainian sailors have been delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison, also in the Russian capital. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait. Related video: Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada will make it to top-3 of the rating Open source In 2019, Ukraine will be included in top-50 courtiers from where Instagram users will post most of the photos, as Big 7 Travel supposed. In particular, our country might take the 39th place of Instagram states rating and surpass Austria (41st place), Switzerland (42nd place), Egypt (50th place) and some other courtiers famous for their unique attractions. Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada will make it to top-3 of the rating. Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, the People's Friendship Arch, Independence Square, St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery and an 18-meter copy of the Eifel Tower, Besarabsky Market, and the Motherland Monument were considered most beautiful places in Ukraine. Big 7 Travel rating is based on the number of hashtags and marks in each destination, results of the surveys of the readers, and votes of the experts. Poroshenko expressed appreciation for progress in the introduction of a new EU sanctions package against Russia for aggression in Azov Ukraine's President Poroshenko had meeting with the Ministers from Estonia, Poland and Lithuania Presidential Administration press office Within the meeting with the ministers Sven Mikser from Estonia, Saulius Skvernelis from Lithuania and Jacek Czaputowicz from Poland Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko noted the need to enhance a consolidated pressure upon Russia, as the Presidents Administration reported. The necessity to enhance a consolidated international pressure upon Russia with a demand to immediately release the Ukrainian sailors, return captured vessels and provide freedom of navigation in Azov and Black Sea, the message says. Besides, it was added that the parties have discussed the situation in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea and existing threats Russia poses given its aggressive behavior in November 2018. The Head of Ukraine informed the minister about the situation in Donbas and Russia violating Minsk Agreements, and about ceasefire as well. He thanked Estonia, Lithuania, and Poland for their support of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for condemnation of Russias aggressive behavior. In addition, Poroshenko expressed appreciation for progress in the introduction of a new EU sanctions package against Russia for aggression in the Sea of Azov. He hopes that the European Commission and the EU member states would provide more support for Donbas and Ukraines Pryazovia, which suffer from Russias continuous aggression. The Head of the State valued the EUs decision to send an assessment mission to explore additional social and economic needs in the region, the message reads. The lawyers need to get materials, which confirm the fact of Russias aggression to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights Ukrainian POWs, detained in Azov Sea in November 2018, in Lefortovo court Social media The lawyers of the Ukrainian sailors, whose arrest was prolonged for three more months, will file appeals and address the European Court of Human Rights, as the lawyer Ilya Novikov said on air of 112 Ukraine. The lawyers have to file appeals against all the courts decisions. Such measures are necessary to address the European Court later. We have a compulsory program, we must file appeals against all the decisions. Otherwise, we will lose a chance to turn to the European Court, Novikov said. The lawyers need to get materials, which confirm the fact of Russias aggression. The lawyer separated the materials about interception of negotiations between the Russian servicemen and the information about the way the movement of the Ukrainian ships. This problem might be solved in a political way only. We were already told that nothing would happen till the elections in Ukraine, so we expect some results will April or May, yet we have to use any chance to seek for support of the other countries, he noted. As it was reported, Lefortovo court extended arrest of the last four Ukrainian sailors for three months. Earlier, detention was prolonged for the rest POWs captured near Kerch Strait in November 2018. On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. 21 Ukrainian sailors have been delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison, also in the Russian capital. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait. Related video: "I met with President Tajani to abate him with the situation and to present him with letters and signatures from journalists at NewsOne and 112 Ukraine TV Channel," Gill says Nathan Gill and Antonio Tajani discuss the state of freedom of press in Ukraine seen in suppression of freedom of speech in Ukraine 112 Agency Nathan Gill, Member of European Parliament, met with Antonio Tajani, the President of the European Parliament, to discuss the state of freedom of press in Ukraine seen in suppression of freedom of speech in Ukraine and imposition of sanctions against 112 Ukraine and NewsOne TV channels. Nathan Gill wrote that on his Facebook page. Mr. Gill urges the EP to defend democratic principles like freedom of speech and freedom of the press in Ukraine. Heres the full text of the application: Yesterday I was able to meet with Antonio Tajani, the President of the European Parliament, to discuss the state of freedom of press in Ukraine. Right now journalists are being murdered and attacked and TV channels are being threatened with being shut down by the government. There have been no arrests or prosecutions on behalf of the Ukrainian journalists and there have been no investigations on behalf of Ukrainian TV channels. The situation in Ukraine is deteriorating and I am concerned that if we dont act now to protect freedom of press in Ukraine it may be too late. I met with President Tajani to abate him with the situation and to present him with letters and signatures from journalists at NewsOne and 112 Ukraine TV Channel. I also let him know about my plans to table a motion for a resolution on this situation on next month Strasburg plenary session. Asking the European Parliament to call upon Ukrainian authorities to stop taking restrictive measures against the press, investigate the matters and attacks on journalists and monitor the situation. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are essential values and I will always fight for democratic principles. As we reported earlier, Ukraines Verkhovna Rada urged the countrys National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to introduce sanctions against several Ukrainian TV channels. 229 MPs supported the draft law No. 9157 on 'Approval of recommendations to introduce personal special economic sanctions and other restrictive measures (sanctions)'. Thirteen European parliamentarians appealed to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine to revoke the decision on imposing sanctions on 112 Ukraine and NewsOne TV channels. The leaders of 112 Ukraine and NewsOne channels arrived in Brussels personally to talk to the lawmakers and get their support. The issue of freedom of speech in Ukraine is raised at the international conferences, forums, and in the offices of European parliamentarians. The MPs carefully study the situation regarding the sanctions against Ukrainian broadcasters and sign the petition. Another petition to support 112 Ukraine also officially gained 25,000 signatures. Though the authorities take no other measures yet. 112 Ukraine is an informational and analytical TV channel which broadcasts 18.5 hours per day on air and uses modern technologies to be the first channel to provide the unbiased information on important and interesting events going on in Ukraine and in the world. This is mentioned in the respective statement by Artem Marchevskyi, the Chief Producer, and Yehor Benkendorf, Director General of 112 Ukraine. Open source Ukraine did not ask Turkey to close the Bosporus for the Russian vessels, as Ukraines Foreign Ministry reported to Ukrainian News. "The request for the necessity to close the Bosphorus Strait for the passage of Russian warships under Article 19 of the Montreux Convention was not sent to Turkey," the news agency reported referring to the response of the service. It was added that the document provides no other details. As it was reported, Lefortovo court extended arrest of the last four Ukrainian sailors for three months. Earlier, detention was prolonged for the rest POWs captured near Kerch Strait in November 2018. On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. 21 Ukrainian sailors have been delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison, also in the Russian capital. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait. Russian Security Service headquarters in Moscow Radio Liberty Russian Security Service (FSB) stated that it has deported a man, allegedly, Ukraines SBU agent who planned to collect information about Russias military forces in Crimea, as Radio Liberty reported. The FSB's directorate in the southwestern Voronezh region said on January 16 that Leonid Kaplun was detained while entering the region from neighboring Ukraine. It said he was deported later in the day and barred from entering Russia for 20 years, the news agency reads. FSB reported that he was not charged with espionage, as he was not able to conduct his alleged mission. Kaplun said he worked for a transportation company and visited Crimea often. Russia annexed Crimea after the illegal referendum was held on the peninsula in March 2014. Earlier, the Russian military captured all strategic military objects and buildings of the key authoritative bodies. Neither Ukraine nor the rest of the civilized countries recognized the results of the referendum. A number of the European and the world countries, including Ukraine, imposed the economic sanctions against Russia. Paul Whelan, U.S. ex-marine, who was arrested in Moscow EPA Russia stated it detained ex-U.S. marine Paul Whelan kept in Russia on spying charges, while he was carrying out illegal activities in his hotel room in Moscow, as Reuters reported. Russias Security Service detained Whelan who holds British, Canadian, and Irish passports on December 28, 2018. His family say he is innocent and that he was in Moscow to attend a wedding. Whelan faces up to 20 years in jail if found guilty of espionage, the news agency reads. As Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, said he was caught red-handed. He was detained at the moment he was carrying out specific illegal actions in his hotel, Lavrov added. Russian Foreign Minister stated that the investigation on the case of former U.S. marine continues and his arrest was not motivated by an attempt to exchange him for Russians held in the U.S. He said Russia would allow U.S. diplomats to visit Whelan for a second time and that an Irish diplomat was also due to meet him soon, the message says. The citizen of Ukraine was sentenced to three and a half years of the imprisonment The Belarusian court convicted a citizen of Ukraine to three and a half years of the imprisonment, as he participated in the organization of the illegal migration as State Border Committee of Belarus reported. It is reported that 42-year-old Ukrainian was involved in the transit of the citizens of Nigeria to Poland through the territory of Belarus in June-July 2018. A citizen of Ukraine found guilty in the organization, management, and assistance in the illegal entry to Belarus, stay and transit of foreigners committed by a group of people with prior agreement. He is sentenced to three years and six months of the imprisonment with the confiscation of the property and serving of the sentence in the strengthened-regime correctional colony, the message said. As of June, there were 151 Ukrainian sailors in Greece, 98 of them were detained for transporting illegal migrants. Over a hundred Ukrainian citizens are now held in Italian prisons, judged for the same kind of violation. Ukraines Foreign Ministry reported that 42 citizens of Ukraine were convicted and 78 Ukrainians are under the investigation in Greece due to the accusation of the transfer of the illegal migrants. Earlier we reported that 214 Ukrainian sailors imprisoned in Greece, India, Spain, Libya, Oman, and Sri-Lanka as the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine reported. According to BIMCO and ISF, 69,000 Ukrainians worked on foreign ships in 2015. Ukraine was enlisted to the TOP-6 largest supplier of the workforce to the ship owners. The Ukrainian leader states that the Bayraktar TB2 UAVs are capable of destroying naval targets Open source Ukraine purchases Bayraktar TB2, the combat drones developed by Turkish designers; they can carry missiles and are capable of engaging the naval targets. Petro Poroshenko, the Ukrainian leader said this during his working visit to Volyn region, as Interfax reported. 'These are the tactical UAVs; apart from their high technological features, they also can be armed with high-precision missile load to destroy the armored vehicles, engineering structures and fortifications. They can also be used to destroy the naval targets', the head of the state said. The U.S. administration actually controls the Kyiv authorities and Poroshenko personally, - Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev Open source Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev stated that the strategy of Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko can lead to the dismantling of the country, as Newsweek reported. "The U.S. administration actually controls the Kyiv authorities and Poroshenko personally. Even Ukrainian experts are skeptical of the four-year work of Petro Poroshenko as head of state," Patrushev said. He added that The Kyiv authorities are doing everything to split Ukraine, implementing the West's scenario for separating Ukraine from Russia, while ignoring the interests of their own people. In the end, the country was effectively split. The continuation of such a policy by the Kyiv authorities may contribute to Ukraine's loss of statehood. According to Newsweek, the U.S. supports Ukraine in the fighting against pro-Russian militants in occupied Donbas and extends anti-Russian sanctions amid the vows of Trump to strengthen relations with Russia. Moreover, the Donbas Conflict is not the only one Ukraine-Russia issue. The recent capture of the Ukrainian sailors near Kerch Strait by Russia can lead to the direct fights as Newsweek stated. Despite the demands of Poroshenko to release Ukrainian sailors, Lefortovo Moscow Court extended their detention up to April 24. Europe and U.S. continue to support Ukraine in the case of the sailors and National Security Adviser John Bolton warned that Trump would not meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin until the issue was resolved as the source states. Moreover, the NATO alliance, with active American participation, strengthened its forces in Easter Europe, particularly deployed the military units to Poland and Baltic States to prevent the Russian aggression. According to Newsweek, in its turn, Russia accused NATO to dominate Europe and particularly, Trump, for violation of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. Ukraine will face the presidential elections soon and Russia emphasized that the further destiny of Ukraine and Donbas conflict will depend on the choice of the Ukrainian leader. According to Minister Poltorak, Russia wants to annex Azov Sea in such way The Russian Federation will not force Ukraine to refuse from its legal right of the passage through Kerch Strait, as 112 Ukraine reported citing Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak. One of the tasks set by Russia, when it organized the provocation in Kerch Strait was to provoke us to the response, to make us shell and use this possibility to begin open aggression against Ukraine. The second aim was to make us to refuse from the passage through Kerch Strait and Azov Sea and actually to hold the annexation of the Sea of Azov. But we will never agree on such step. We will not give over any piece of our land, Poltorak said. He emphasized that Ukraine will not refuse from its legal right in accordance with all international commitments of the maritime law, international treaties to pass through Kerch Strait. Earlier Poltorak stated that Ukraine will continue carrying out passages through the Kerch Strait and sending vessels to Azov Sea ports despite the existing danger. On November 25, the coast guard ships of the Russian Navy attacked the ships of the Ukrainian Navy, which have been carrying out a scheduled transition from Odesa port to Mariupol port in the Sea of Azov. 21 Ukrainian sailors have been delivered to Lefortovo remand center in Moscow, three others are in the hospital of Matrosskaya Tishina prison, also in the Russian capital. On December 3, the Russian prosecutors officially accused Ukrainian sailors with the 'illegal crossing of the state border' during the attack in the Kerch Strait. On December 26, Crimean Supreme Court left all Ukrainian sailors under arrest. On January 15, the Ukrainian sailors refused to testify in Lefortovo court, where they face an extension of the sentence term. As it was reported, Russian Security Service asked to hold a hearing on the case of the Ukrainian POW in camera. On January 16, Lefortovo court has extended the arrest period for all Ukrainian sailors who suffered the attack of the Russian Navy in the Kerch Strait in November. The police arrested Armin Alibasic who carried a scope sight in his bag; later, they found bomb components at his place The police of Novi Pazar, Serbia, detained the 21-year-old man charged with preparing a terrorist attack. The incident occurred during the visit of Vladimir Putin to this country, Informer reported with the reference to the source. The law enforcers halted Armin Alibasic who appeared to have carried a scope sight in his bag; later, the police searched his flat and found bomb components and some items with the ISIS symbolics. The police don't rule out the chance that Alibasic's possible victim could be the Russian leader Vladimir Putin who was going to visit the Serbian capital on January 17. The local special services, however, are quite sure they can provide the Russian president's security. As is known, Putin happens to be the target of Islamists because of Russia going to war with the Islamic State. Earlier, Putin said the creation of new Orthodox Church of Ukraine is merely and 'exclusively political and secular project'. The Russian leader claimed that the clergy and believers of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine are 'prosecuted, have their shrines and monasteries taken away from them, while the church faces the attempts to be deprived of its legal name'. 'The Kiev authorities are doing everything to split Ukraine,' security council secretary says Secretary of Russias Security Council Nikolai Patrushev crimerussia.com Ukraine could lose its statehood if the former Soviet republic continues to be divided by competing interests, Russias top security official has said. Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of Russias security council, accused Ukrainian authorities, including president Petro Poroshenko, of being controlled by the US amid simmering tensions between Kiev and Moscow. "The continuation of such policy by the Kiev authorities can contribute to the loss of Ukraines statehood," Mr Patrushev told Rossiyskaya Gazeta, according to Russian news agency Tass. He continued: The Kiev authorities are doing everything to split Ukraine, implementing the Wests scenario to break Ukraine away from Russia, while ignoring the interests of its own people, "As a result, the country has been de facto split. Mr Patrushevs comments come amid a crisis between the two countries following Russias 2014 invasion and subsequent annexation of Crimea, an autonomous region in Ukraines southeast with close historical and cultural ties to Russia. The standoff moved a step closer towards open conflict last year when three Ukrainian vessels and 24 Ukrainian sailors were fired at and captured by Russian coast guards in the Black Sea in November. A Moscow court on Wednesday extended the detention of eight of the seamen. Russia insists the men should be put on trial for violating its border. Ukraine calls them prisoners of war who were illegally captured. The US has provided more than $1bn to Kiev to help enhance its defensive military capabilities, and last year their militaries co-hosted a major exercise involving US Navy warships and hundreds of sailors and Marines. The population of the western regions does not trust natives of southeast, considering them to be supporters of the Russian world, Mr Patrushev said. In southern and eastern regions, Kievs power is ensured, to a large extent, at the expense of moral and physical pressure exerted on the local population by radical nationalists. "Because of that, anti-government sentiment in the aforementioned regions is mounting, with the public rift exacerbated by the inter-church standoff," he concluded, in reference to Ukraines forming of its own Orthodox Church. Read the original text here. The first time they met was in Germany. President Trump took his interpreters notes afterward and ordered him not to disclose what he heard to anyone. Later that night, at a dinner, Mr. Trump pulled up a seat next to President Vladimir V. Putin to talk without any American witnesses at all. Their third encounter was in Vietnam when Mr. Trump seemed to take Mr. Putins word that he had not interfered in American elections. A formal summit meeting followed in Helsinki, Finland, where the two leaders kicked out everyone but the interpreters. Most recently, they chatted in Buenos Aires after Mr. Trump said they would not meet because of Russian aggression. Mr. Trump has adamantly insisted there was no collusion with Russia during his 2016 presidential campaign. But each of the five times he has met with Mr. Putin since taking office, he has fueled suspicions about their relationship. The unusually secretive way he has handled these meetings has left many in his own administration guessing what happened and piqued the interest of investigators. Whats disconcerting is the desire to hide information from your own team, said Andrew S. Weiss, who was a Russia adviser to President Bill Clinton. The fact that Trump didnt want the State Department or members of the White House team to know what he was talking with Putin about suggests it was not about advancing our countrys national interest but something more problematic. The mystery surrounding the meetings seems to have drawn attention from the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III, who is examining ties between the president and Russia. And it has generated a furor in Congress, where Democrats are pushing to subpoena the notes of the presidents interpreters or perhaps the interpreters themselves. Veterans of past administrations could not recall a precedent for a president meeting alone with an adversary and keeping so many of his own advisers from being briefed on what was said. When they meet with foreign leaders, presidents typically want at least one aide in the room not just an interpreter to avoid misunderstandings later. Memorandums of conversation, called Memcons, are drafted and details are shared with officials who have reasons to know what was said. All five of the presidents whom I worked for, Republicans and Democrats, wanted a word-for-word set of notes, if only to protect the integrity of the American side of the conversation against later manipulation by the Soviets or the Russians, said Victoria J. Nuland, a career diplomat who worked for Dick Cheney and Hillary Clinton, among others. That would seem an even greater imperative for Mr. Trump, who knew there were questions about his relationship with Mr. Putin given that American intelligence agencies concluded that Moscow tried to help elect him. If any president would have wanted witnesses and protection, it ought to have been Donald Trump, said Richard N. Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations and adviser to four presidents, most recently as President George W. Bushs State Department policy planning director. And yet he chose not to, and that adds fuel to the fire that something here is not right. Mr. Trumps defenders acknowledge Mr. Trumps approach does not resemble the way his predecessors operated, but note that he has been an unorthodox president in so many ways that it does not prove anything untoward. And, they say, he has reason to feel burned since previous interactions with foreign leaders have leaked, including full transcripts of telephone calls with the leaders of Mexico and Australia published in The Washington Post. Of course I was disappointed with Helsinki, but I do not just look at how the president handles specific meetings with Putin, said Luke Coffey, a foreign policy scholar at the Heritage Foundation. Instead, Im most interested in what the actual policies are coming out of the administration. He cited additional sanctions, weapons sent to Ukraine, increased Pentagon spending meant to counter Russian aggression and opposition to a new Russian pipeline to Europe. All that, he said, is proof that this is one of the toughest administrations on Russia since Reagan. The question of Mr. Trumps meetings with Mr. Putin was revived by a pair of news stories last weekend. The New York Times reported that after Mr. Trump fired the F.B.I. director James B. Comey in 2017, the bureau opened a counterintelligence investigation to explore whether the president was acting on Russias behalf. The Post reported that Mr. Trump had gone to unusual lengths to conceal details of his talks with Mr. Putin, including taking his interpreters notes. The White House dismissed the stories as unfair smears. The liberal media has wasted two years trying to manufacture a fake collusion scandal instead of reporting the fact that unlike President Obama, who let Russia and other foreign adversaries push America around, President Trump has actually been tough on Russia, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House press secretary, said in a statement. Mr. Trump has been in contact with Mr. Putin since shortly after his election in November 2016. Mr. Putin sent him a congratulatory telegram and the two spoke by telephone on Nov. 14. They spoke a few more times before meeting in person for the first time as presidents on July 7, 2017, in Hamburg, Germany, during a Group of 20, or G-20, economic summit meeting. Aside from interpreters, the only others in the room were Rex W. Tillerson, then the secretary of state, and Sergey V. Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister. The inaugural meeting came at a sensitive time. Mr. Trumps team learned that day that one of the biggest secrets of his presidential bid was about to become public: At the height of the campaign, his son, son-in-law and campaign chairman had met at Trump Tower with Russians on the promise of obtaining dirt on Mrs. Clinton from the Russian government. Mr. Trumps team was scrambling to respond to a request for comment by The Times. Mr. Trumps meeting with Mr. Putin that day lasted more than two hours. Afterward, Mr. Trump took his interpreters notes and instructed the interpreter not to brief anyone. Mr. Tillerson told reporters that the leaders discussed everything from Syria to Ukraine, but he also described a very robust and lengthy exchange on the election hacking. A few hours later, Mr. Trump sought out Mr. Putin again during a dinner for all the leaders. Videotape later made public showed Mr. Trump pointing at Mr. Putin, who was seated across and down a long table, then pointing at himself and then making a pumping motion with his fist. Mr. Trump later told The Times that he went over to see his wife, Melania Trump, who was sitting next to Mr. Putin, and the two leaders then talked, with Mr. Putins interpreter translating. No American officials were present, and the White House did not confirm the encounter until more than 10 days later, after it was independently reported. The day after the two meetings, as Mr. Trump was on Air Force One taking off from Germany heading back to Washington, he telephoned a Times reporter and argued that the Russians were falsely accused of election interference. While he insisted most of the conversation be off the record, he later repeated a few things in public in little-noticed asides. He said that he raised the election hacking three times and that Mr. Putin denied involvement. But he said Mr. Putin also told him that if we did, we wouldnt have gotten caught because were professionals. Mr. Trump said: I thought that was a good point because they are some of the best in the world at hacking. Asked how he weighed Mr. Putins denials against the evidence that had been presented to him by Mr. Comey; John O. Brennan, then the C.I.A. director; and James R. Clapper Jr., then director of national intelligence, he said that Mr. Clapper and Mr. Brennan were the most political intelligence chiefs he knew and that Mr. Comey was a leaker. Later on the same flight to Washington, Mr. Trump huddled with aides to decide how to respond to the emerging story by other Times reporters about the Trump Tower meeting. He personally dictated a misleading statement, saying the meeting was about Russian adoptions without admitting that it was actually intended to accept Moscows aid for his campaign, as emails obtained by The Times later documented. The confluence of the two conversations with Mr. Putin even as Mr. Trumps team was grappling with questions about the Trump Tower meeting have fueled further suspicions. If you add up all these pieces, its a very damning picture at a minimum of how to handle national security, said Mr. Weiss, who is now at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. If theres a more nefarious explanation, its obviously more disturbing. Mr. Trump next encountered Mr. Putin in person on Nov. 11, 2017, at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Da Nang, Vietnam. No formal meeting was scheduled, but the two chatted anyway, and Mr. Trump later indicated that Mr. Putin again denied any election interference. I really believe that when he tells me that, he means it, Mr. Trump said. The two stayed in touch by phone. Mr. Trump called after Mr. Putin was re-elected in a contest heavily managed by the state in his favor. Although wary aides wrote in his briefing papers, DO NOT CONGRATULATE, Mr. Trump went ahead and congratulated Mr. Putin. Their most famous meeting came on July 16, 2018, in Helsinki, where they talked for more than two hours accompanied only by interpreters. At a subsequent news conference, Mr. Trump seemed to again accept Mr. Putins denial of election interference over the conclusions of American intelligence agencies. But what happened behind closed doors remained shrouded. The Kremlin later reported that the leaders reached important agreements, but American government officials were left in the dark. American intelligence agencies were left to glean details about the meeting from surveillance of Russians who talked about it afterward. Within months, Mr. Trump was angling for another meeting, perhaps at the White House or in Paris. Finally, they scheduled a get-together in Buenos Aires in December on the sidelines of another G-20 meeting. Days before, Russian forces seized three Ukrainian naval vessels, but Mr. Trump seemed intent on sitting down with Mr. Putin, telling reporters as he left the White House for Buenos Aires that the meeting was still on. Just an hour later, after aides briefed him again on Ukraine standoff, he canceled the meeting on Twitter, catching the Russians off guard. But when he arrived in Buenos Aires, Mr. Trump ended up having another informal conversation with Mr. Putin at the leaders dinner. Once again, little information emerged about what they discussed, even to many other American government officials. Ive never heard of a president conducting one-on-one meetings with his Russian counterpart without note-takers or without afterward offering readouts to his top aides, said David J. Kramer, a former assistant secretary of state under Mr. Bush. Putin is privy to what the two discussed why cant senior administration officials be trusted and looped in too? Read the original text at The New York Times. Open source One of the sensitive problems, the solution of which is directly related to the de-occupation of Donbas, is the local environmental situation. In the 20th century, the Soviet government made Donbas a top-developed industrial region. Overloading the region with various mining, coke-chemical, chemical, and metallurgical enterprises caused a large number of hazardous waste repositories and disposal sites. Due to the temporary occupation of Donbas, this "heavy legacy" remained in the territories of the so-called republics. During 2018, public activists and bloggers, and the official Ukrainian authorities raised the issue of the deteriorating environmental situation in the self-proclaimed republics. Here is a brief list of the most problematic and well-known objects. Firstly, Yunkom or Young Communard Yenakiivska mine (in the 70s a series of underground nuclear explosions was carried out there). Secondly, ammonia dumps on the former Stirol concern in Horlivka. There are 450 thousand tons of sulfate dumps with an area of three hectares at a distance of about one and a half km. In addition to sulfates, chemical production wastes, including explosive ones, are located there. Of course, the uncontrolled flooding of mines by the militants makes the situation with chemical and nuclear repositories really unpredictable. In Horlivka, all the mines were closed; in Donetsk and Makiyivka, only private mines stay afloat. The industrial subsidence would lead not only to the pollution of groundwater with saturated elements but also to the ingress of corrosive waters into chemical and nuclear burial grounds. Within a few years, this would turn the areas of Donbas into a territory uninhabitable. At the same time, due to the break of the Donetsk Ridge, all this will inevitably fall into Russias Rostov region, the waters of the Azov Sea and, subsequently, the Black Sea. According to the insider information, in November 2018, representatives of the Russian Emergencies Ministry and the Donetsk Peoples Republic conducted a survey of the storage facilities. According to the results of a visual inspection of containers with these wastes, the Russians came to the conclusion that they are not subject to transportation for subsequent disposal. The abandoned mine excavations in the mines, located near Tsupky in Donetsk region, deserve special attention. This territory is now controlled by the collaborators. In the mid-60s and in the 70s, the Soviet Armed Forces conducted the disposal of the nuclear waste there, which was obtained as a result of the nuclear warheads production. No one knows, how many tons of nuclear waste were brought from the territory of the Russian SSR and buried in these mines. All this information is kept in the archives of the Russian Federation under the "top secret" heading. Let us not forget about the burial grounds in the Kuibyshiv district of Donetsk, where in the late 70s a pit was dug in the territory of the former Smolyaninivsky coke plant, and the barrels with chemical waste were poured with concrete. These objects are located in Donetsk itself, and in 2014-2015, the positions of large-caliber artillery of an illegal armed formation were next to them. The situation at the closed Mykytivsky Mercury Combine, where at the end of 2018 water pumping from mercury mining mines (2 and 6 BIS) was stopped, is also dangerous. According to the preliminary estimates, if groundwater contamination lasts for several months or a year, almost all Horlivka town and the villages adjacent to it will be contaminated. At the same time, the South Donbas water supply is close to the subsiding mountain fields of these mines; it which brings water to Horlivka, Yasynuvata district, Donetsk, Avdiivka and a number of other settlements. Unfortunately, the list goes on. Any adequate person is worried, whether the so-called DPR authorities and their Moscow curators are aware of these dangerous objects and their condition. According to the insider information, from 2016, employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Federal Security Service, and the military intelligence of the Russian Federation conducted research at Yunkom, Stirol, Mykytivsky Mercury Combine, the last commission was at Horlivsky Chemical Plant. The results of their work were classified. Naturally, none of the environmentalists and representatives of Ukrainian official authorities has access to the conclusions of Russian experts. But the measures taken by the special forces of the Russian Federation and the DPR to protect these commissions, a thorough check of the meeting places for wiretapping, and so on, suggest certain conclusions. Are the Russian authorities going to solve the problem of nuclear and chemical waste in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas? Of course, not. Indirectly, this point of view is confirmed by the December statements by Russian officials, the hysteria of the Russian media and militants about the upcoming chemical attack of the Armed Forces of Ukraine against the so-called republic. The organization and cost of this campaign are much cheaper than a multi-billion dollar project to minimize the negative consequences of the destruction of the above facilities. The Kremlin does not intend to abandon the project to destabilize Ukraine. One option for such a solution might be entering of the UN peacekeepers into these territories. International peacekeeping forces will be able to ensure the safety of the work of international environmental organizations for an objective assessment of the risks from the destruction of nuclear and chemical disposal sites. After that, it would be possible to prepare programs and projects to eliminate the negative consequences for the ecosystem of the Ukrainian territory. Read the original text at 112.ua. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners Open source International Monetary Fund decided to allocate two tranches of $ 2.6 billion to Ukraine: May 15 and November 15. Will the new president give up this if the Ukrainians elect the one who promised to cease relations with the IMF? And how will the state give back those borrowings taken earlier? Ukrainian debt today in relation to GDP is 87%. To be frank, this is a serious threat to our independence and state sovereignty. The current government is a giant with clay feet and financial crutches from the international lenders. If you take the crutches away, the entire construction will instantly collapse. The loss of independence of any country begins with the limit when its national debt in relation to the gross domestic product crosses the mark of 60%. It is necessary to return $ 25.5 billion to the creditors until 2022. And this year, almost 40% of the budget revenue should be paid back as debts. Prime Minister Volodymyr Groisman said that this is due to the borrowings, taken by their political predecessors. Figures of increasing external debts in political cycles in billions of dollars indicate a different thing. All the governments borrowed money. But most of all, the current government did. In 2005-2009 they took 8.3 billion; in 2010-2013 - 10.9 billion; and in 2014-2018 - 15.8 billion. Kyiv takes new debts to return the old ones. Before the declaration of martial law, it cost from 7 to 9% per annum. World practice shows that at the end of martial law or war, serious private investors do not come for such countries for at least 2 years after the martial law or war. In Ukraine, political tension, associated with the election campaigns, is constantly growing. This means that the cost of loans will only grow. The question is where would Ukraine take money to repay its debts? World Bank analysts believe that every year the country loses from 13-15 billion dollars due to corruption. According to the IMF, more than 48 billion dollars are used in the underground economy. So everything depends on the authorities. These funds are enough to not only pay off the credits but also raise pensions and wages to our compatriots. Nevertheless, people chose power. Would they be able to make the right decision? Read the original text at 112.ua. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners. Kremlin understands that any escalation of the armed aggression against Russia could lead to shedding more blood, - Viktor Muzhenko Open source The threats of the number of the Russian political to destroy the Armed Forces of Ukraine within minutes are groundless and propaganda as General Staff reported on Facebook citing Viktor Muzhenko, the Chief of General Staff. There is no use to react at such statements, which are propaganda. If they (Russian officials) could solve Ukrainian issue as they see it, they will do it. They tried in 2014 and understood that it is not so easy. Those events showed the sustainability of the community and reminded that Ukraine has great historical experience of the fight against foreign invaders. The events of 2014 and increase of the capabilities of the Armed Forces in 2015-2018, which we continue to build up this year, are, possibly, the most persuasive factor for the deterrence of the Russian aggression, he said. Kremlin understands that any escalation of the armed aggression against Russia could lead to more blood, which is not likely needed by the Russian community, Muzhenko is sure. Earlier Defense Minister of Ukraine Stepan Poltorak stated that the Russian Federations reports about the allegedly preparing chemical attack in Donbas are provocative. Over the past 24 hours, Ukraine's State Border Guard employees processed 37,500 people and 4,200 vehicles. The authority's press office reported that on Wednesday morning. Two incidents occurred at Mayorske and Mariinka checkpoints when the border guards prevented violations of the order of bringing goods across the division line. The list of seized goods includes a chainsaw, a walk-behind tractor and a power generator. As we reported earlier, over 800 Russian citizens failed to enter Ukraine after the martial law ended on December 26, according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Spokesperson of the border service Oleg Slobodyan stated that 160 Russians were refused to enter Ukraine during the New Year holidays. When aliens and stateless persons, as well as the citizens of the Russian Federation, cross the border, the border guards constantly separate risk groups and take additional measures to prevent people to enter Ukraine as they might be involved in provocative or illegal actions on the territory of our state, they say. As we reported, the border guards did not allow 1,650 citizens of Russia to enter Ukraine during the action of martial law in ten regions from November 26 till December 26. Related: Polish border guards detain man trying to bring howitzer across border Related: 800 cases of offering bribery to border guards spotted in Ukraine in 2018 US police have arrested an American-born journalist working for Iran`s English-language Press TV on unspecified charges, the state-run broadcaster reported on Wednesday. "Marziyeh Hashemi was arrested in St. Louis and sent to custody in Washington DC although no formal charges have been pressed against her," it said. "She was detained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday, and has now been transferred by the FBI to a detention facility," Press TV said. Hashemi was in the United States to visit her family, the broadcaster said. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) officials were not immediately available for comment. Moscow: Russia is not rubbing its hands with glee over Britain`s chaotic departure from the European Union despite its troubled relations with London and wants the EU to be strong and united, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday. Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a resounding defeat on her Brexit plan in parliament on Tuesday, plunging the country into political uncertainty. Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. Some British politicians have suggested that Russia may have meddled in the 2016 Brexit referendum in an attempt to weaken the West, an allegation Moscow has denied. Lavrov, addressing a news conference in Moscow, said Russia took no pleasure from Britain`s Brexit-related political crisis despite its difficult relations with London, which were worsened by the poisoning of a former Russian spy, Sergei Skripal, in England in March last year. "We won`t and aren`t saying anything about Brexit, though people are constantly saying and writing that Russia is rubbing its hands together and gloating. Nothing of the kind," said Lavrov. He said Brexit was a matter for Britain, but that Russia was naturally interested in how it would affect the EU, one of Moscow`s main trading partners. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in December that British Prime Minister Theresa May had no choice but to implement Brexit and steer clear of a second referendum or risk undermining faith in British democracy. NAIROBI: Fifty people believed to have been in a Nairobi hotel complex when it was attacked by militants remained unaccounted for as of 3 pm (1200 GMT) on Wednesday, the Kenya Red Cross said, hours after the country`s president said the deadly siege was over. At least 14 people were killed and more than 700 evacuated from the dusitD2 complex, President Uhuru Kenyatta said. Gunmen blasted their way into a hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday, killing people and sending workers diving under desks from an attack claimed by Somali Islamists al Shabaab. Police warned the "terror attack", which echoed a 2013 assault on a Nairobi shopping centre, may be ongoing, with assailants still inside the upscale 14 Riverside Drive complex. Nairobi is a major expatriate hub, and the compound attacked houses offices of various international companies. "The main door of the hotel was blown open and there was a human arm in the street severed from the shoulder," said Serge Medic, the Swiss owner of a security company who ran to the scene to help when he heard of the attack from his taxi driver. Medic, who was armed, entered the building with a policeman and two soldiers, he said, but they came under fire and retreated. An unexploded grenade lay in the lobby, he said. "One man said he saw two armed men with scarves on their head and bandoliers of bullets," Medic told Reuters, as gunfire echoed in the background. Kenya has often been targeted by al Shabaab, who killed 67 people at the Westgate shopping centre in 2013 and nearly 150 students at Garissa university in 2015. Al Shabaab says its attacks are revenge for Kenyan troops stationed inside Somalia, which has been riven by civil war since 1991. More than three hours after Tuesday`s attack began, small groups of workers were still being taken out by officers escorting them to armoured vehicles. Foreign security advisors on the site scrambled to make sure their clients were safe. GUNFIRE AND EXPLOSIONS Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said the attack began with an explosion targeting cars followed by a detonation from a suicide bomber. As he spoke, a Reuters reporter on the scene reported heavy gunfire then an explosion shortly afterward. At least seven people were killed and eight wounded, hospital officials and witnesses told Reuters. A security guard said four bodies had been carried out in bags at the ICEA insurance company`s offices. Two further bodies were put into bags at I&M bank, said a medic, and one person died at MP Shah hospital. A woman shot in the leg was carried out and three men emerged covered in blood. Some office workers climbed out of windows. Many told Reuters that they had to leave colleagues behind, still huddled under their desks. "There`s a grenade in the bathroom," one officer yelled as police rushed out from one building. "We heard a loud bang from something that was thrown inside. Then I saw shattered glass," Geoffrey Otieno, who works at a beauty salon in the complex, told Reuters. "We hid until we were rescued." INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES Al Shabaab, which wants to overthrow the weak, U.N.-backed Somali government and impose strict Islamic law, quickly said it was responsible. "We are behind the attack in Nairobi. The operation is going on," Abdiasis Abu Musab, the group`s military operations spokesman, told Reuters by telephone in Somalia. According to its website, 14 Riverside is home to local offices of international companies including Colgate Palmolive, Reckitt Benckiser, Pernod Ricard, Dow Chemical and SAP, as well as the dusitD2 hotel, part of Thai group Dusit Thani. Kenya is a base for hundreds of diplomats, aid workers, businessmen and others operating around east Africa. The Australian embassy is across the road from the compound. "I just started hearing gunshots, and then started seeing people running away raising their hands up and some were entering the bank to hide for their lives," a woman working in a bank in the complex said, adding she heard two explosions. Kenyan television featured appeals for blood from local hospitals and showed police cordoning off the route to ensure vehicles could move quickly. Red Cross ambulances ferried victims away. Kenyan troops, concentrated in south Somalia, originally went into Somalia to try to create a buffer zone along the border. They are now part of an African Union peacekeeping force. Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for the Kumbh Mela being held in the 'sangam' city of Allahabad, which is over thrice the budget of the Maha Kumbh in 2013, making the mega pilgrimage perhaps the costliest ever. "The UP government has allocated Rs 4,200 crore for 2019 Kumbh Mela. The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013," state Finance Minister Rajesh Agarwal said. He said that apart from this, some other departments have also allocated funds for the mega event. Agarwal said this time the Kumbh Mela area has been doubled as compared to the previous years. This year's Kumbh Mela is spread over an area of 3,200 hectare as compared to 1,600 hectare area in the previous melas. The endeavour of the UP government has always been to enhance the facilities for the public and establishing facilities at the ground level has been a big task, the minister said. The Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred pitcher) is anchored in Hindu mythology. It is the largest public gathering and collective act of faith anywhere in the world. Ardh Kumbh is held in every six years, while the Kumbh Mela comes after 12 years. The Yogi Adityanath government has renamed Ardh Kumbh as Kumbh and the Kumbh as Maha Kumbh. The mela draws tens of millions of pilgrims over the course of approximately 48 days to bathe at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river. The congregation includes Ascetics, Saints, Sadhus, Sadhvis, Kalpvasis and pilgrims from all walks of life. In all there are six auspicious bathing dates in this Kumbh - Makar Sankranti (January 15), Paush Poornima (January 21), Mauni Amawasya (February 4), Basant Panchami (February 10), Maghi Poornima (February 19) and Mahashivratri (March 4). New Delhi: Ace comedian turned actor Sunil Grover is immensely talented and is a master of disguise. We all have witnessed his impeccable comic timing and his finesse in the craft multiple times. The classic actor, who was these days seen in 'Kanpur Wale Khuranas' had to take a departure from the show which went on-air for 16 episodes. Now, on the other hand, former colleague Kapil Sharma has returned to television after a year-long break with the fresh season of 'The Kapil Sharma Show' and once again has topped the TRP charts. This time, Krushna Abhishek and Bharti Singh have also joined forces with the king of comedy. According to a report in IBTimes.com, there is a strong possibility that Sunil might be back on Kapil's show. The two recently exchanged a chat on Twitter where Sunil wished Kapil's mother on her birthday and previously the former wished the ace comedian on his wedding. Wish u a very happy birthday maa. Thank u for bringing me in this beautiful world. This world is beautiful jus bcoz of u. May u keep laughing always. I will try my best to make u happy always . Love u pic.twitter.com/0e4d2aRK0D KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) January 13, 2019 Happy birthday Aunty. Regards Sunil Grover (@WhoSunilGrover) January 13, 2019 On the work front, Sunil will next be seen in superstar Salman Khan starrer 'Bharat' and once he completes the shoot of the film, who knows we might actually see a reunion of the two big TV stars. New Delhi: Every now and then the world gets excited over some or other internet challenge. Last, it was the famous Kiki Challenge, that invited much attention on the social media with Mumbai Police even issuing a warning to it. And now the netizens have got obsessed with the #10YearChallenge which requires them to post a pictures from 10 years ago with their current photo. While the trend is pretty amazing, the celebrity results are quite astounding. And our celebrities did not mind swilling their old picture albums to find their best pic to take the latest challenge. They shared their decade-old pictures with their fans and some of them went on to prove that they have hardly aged. Bollywood actresses Sonam Kapoor, Diana Penty, Esha Gupta, and Shruti Haasan are amongst the first few celebs to participate in the challenge. Take a look at their post: Last year, social media saw the rise of many internet challenges, which included, Kiki Challenge, Hum Fit Toh India Fit Challenge and Falling Stars Challenge. New Delhi: After Tanushree Dutta's explosive interview about the alleged sexual harassment, a can of worms opened in Bollywood. Several big names surfaced as sexual offenders in the MeToo list. And the latest one happens to be renowned filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Raju Hirani's name has left the industry people and fans shocked. A few days back, a co-worker who assisted the filmmaker in 'Sanju' has alleged that he sexually assaulted her. Although the director has outrightly denied any such claim. TV actress Karishma Tanna, who was seen in 'Sanju' starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead has backed the filmmaker. She told Bollywoodlife.com, God! I'm very upset with the whole controversy and allegations. I would like to say that whoever is trying to do it, is very immature. Someone like him, a veteran and a respectable director and producer like him, I cannot even think of it. I have worked with him and it has been a brilliant pleasure and outstanding experience. When I heard the news, more than being shocked I was very upset. She further said, Whoever is trying to put allegations they should not forget that there is an option called NO. You can't just put any false allegations, that is very immature. Meanwhile, several Bollywood stars such as Dia Mirza, Arshad Warsi and Javed Akhtar among others have expressed their shock and maintained that it's hard to believe that Hirani would have done something like this. New Delhi: Ever since the report of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani getting embroiled in the MeToo controversy surfaced, several actors who have worked with him have come out in his support. From Sharma Joshi to Arshad Warsi and Boney Kapoor, several people from the industry have extended their support to the filmmaker while deeming him as a man of immense integrity and character. In the latest, veteran writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar has broken his silence on the matter as he vouched for the 'Munna Bhai' series filmmaker on the allegations. Javed took to Twitter and expressed his support for the filmmaker, writing, "I had come to the film industry in 1965. After so many years if I am asked who are the most decent people you met in this industry over almost 5 decades, perhaps the first name that will come to my mind is RAJU HIRANI. G.B Shaw has said . "It is too dangerous to be too good." Hirani is the latest name to be called out for sexual harassment with a woman "assistant" alleging in an article in HuffPost India that he sexually abused her more than once between March and September 2018 while working on "Sanju". Soon after the news surfaced, Hirani issued a statement defending himself on the issue. "I was completely shocked when these allegations were brought to my notice about two months back. I had suggested immediately that it is essential to take this matter to any committee or any legal body. The complainant has chosen to go to the media instead. I want to very strongly state that this is a false malicious and mischievous story being spread with the sole intention of destroying my reputation," his statement read. New Delhi: Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan time and again proves that he is one of the most good looking actors in the industry. The 'Greek God' of the film industry took to Instagram and shared some pictures that will make you fall in love with him, all over again! Check out these pics here, The caption is, if I think I look good , does that make me look bad That isn't all! The actor shared another set of pics that will leave you in awe. Check them out here: Captioning the pics, the 'Kaabil' actor wrote, Im such a faker. Looking thru binoculars at a wall 3 feet away. Those skis dont work and I dont know that dog.#actorslife The hunk of an actor turned 45 recently and wishes poured in from different parts of the world. On the work front, Hrithik will next be seen in 'Super 30'. The first look posters of the film were unveiled in September last year and took the internet by storm. Hrithik has completely transformed himself for his role and his look took us all by surprise. The film is slated to hit the screens in July this year and is one of the most awaited releases of the year. Hrithik will also share screen space with Tiger Shroff and Vaani Kapoor in an untitled film. New Delhi: 'Queen of hearts' Disha Patani and the much-talented Tiger Shroff are rumoured to be dating each other for quite some time. However, neither of them have accepted or denied their relationship in public, and continue to maintain that they are good buddies. But their pictures from their dinner dates and outings speak volume of their relationship. The two had a blast of time together in the Maldives and rang in the New Year in each other's company, which clearly suggested that there's more than friendship between them. Pictures from their vacation had gone viral on the internet in no time. Apart from their frequent dinner and lunch dates and stopping at their favourite cafe in Bandra, the duo also happen to share a common gym. And guess what? Tiger's mom Ayesha Shroff doesn't mind sending the lovebirds some healthy, hygienic, hot home-cooked food. As per reports, Ayesha sends meals made by her son's chef, that are nutritious and tailor-made to compliment Tiger and Disha's fitness routines. Disha is believed to love home-cooked food. A couple of years ago, when she tried out a few cooks and didn't find any of them suited, it was Tiger who came to her rescue and made the arrangements. In fact, Disha is very much loved and looked after by the Shroffs. However, both she and Tiger currently wants to focus on their career, and hence, are in no mood to confirm their relationship in public. As per Mumbai Mirror, Ayesha is also said to be quite fond of Tiger and Disha's jodi and has reportedly given her approval to the pair. Talking about their work front, Tiger, son of veteran actor Jackie and Ayesha Shroff, will share screen space with Hrithik in a Yash Raj Films' production also starring Vaani Kapoor. The untitled project is one of the most awaited films of Bollywood. The makers are keeping all details of the film are being kept under the wraps which just adds to the excitement level. Apart from the film with Hrithik, Tiger has Karan Johar's 'Student of The Year 2' with newcomers Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria in the pipeline. And not just this, the young man has the official Hindi remake of Sylvester Stallone's 'Rambo' in his kitty. Reports are that Tiger will also be a part of 'Baaghi 3'. Disha, on the other hand, has 'Bharat' starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. She is also rumoured to have been cast by Sajid Nadiadwala for the second installment of 'Kick', opposite Salman, again. New Delhi: The top actress in Bollywood, Deepika Padukone enjoys a solid fanbase across the globe. The year gone by was special for her in many waysthe actress got her biggest hit in 'Padmaavat' and she tied the knot with longtime beau Ranveer Singh. The actress, recently took to her Instagram handle and went on a picture sharing spree. Well, it doesn't happen that often so when it does, the fans love it! One of her captions read: anything is possible with sunshine and errr....a lot of pink... Isn't she looking simply stunning! The actress got married to longtime beau Ranveer Singh in what can be called nothing less than a fairytale wedding. The couple got married at the picturesque locales of Lake Como, Italy. They had two ceremoniesKonkani and Sindhi on November 14 and 15 respectively. On the work front, Dippy is set to sweep the viewers off their feet one more time. She will next be seen in Meghna Gulzar's next based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. Deepika will not only play the titular role but also produce the movie. The acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal was attacked way back in 2005 when she was only 15. The 32-year-old assailant was known to the family and after Laxmi rejected his advances, he attacked her. The Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) union in Mumbai agreed to withdraw its strike on Wednesday after being pulled up by the Bombay High Court. The union withdrew the strike after the High Court appointed a retired judge as a mediator to negotiate the issues. After hearing all parties in the case, the High Court directed BEST union to announce the withdrawal of strike within one hour, following which the decision was taken. The court also directed the BEST to provide a 10-step increment with effect from January 20, 2019, even as the lawyer of the union argued that employees wanted a 15-step increment. Besides, the court also instructed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra government to start the process of merger of budget at the earliest. While no action was ordered against the striking employees, BEST authorities were asked to sort out the remaining issues amicably with the workers. Arguing on behalf of the BEST authorities, lawyer MP Rao alleged that the workers were defying all the court orders. He further pointed that they had called the state committee report a 'death report'. On Tuesday, BEST authorities had told the bench, comprising Bombay High Court Chief Justice Naresh Patil and Justice NM Jamdar, that it was willing to implement the redressal measure suggested by a high-powered committee on granting an interim pay hike to its employees. In compliance with the court's previous orders, the state government through Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, had on Tuesday submitted a list of measures recommended by the committee to address the demands raised by the workers' union. The committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, was constituted by the state last week. The committee in its report had recommended, among other things, that subject to the strike being called off, as an interim measure, workers be granted a '10-step increase' in salary for about 15,000 employees in a time-bound manner. Mumbai: A 32-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly groping a teenage girl while boarding a suburban train at Dadar station, police said on Tuesday. The 16-year-old victim, a resident of neighbouring Thane district, was boarding the train for Titwala with her friend on Monday evening when the accused Om Singh alleged touched her inappropriately, a police official said. After the girl raised an alarm, Singh left hurriedly by taking advantage of the crowd. The victim, a student, and her friend, spotted him at Mulund station and pulled him out of the train when it halted. A scuffle broke out among the trio on the platform when Singh allegedly manhandled the victim's friend and also hit her. Other commuters gathered at the spot and thrashed Singh before handing him over to police. A case was registered by the Dadar GRP. He was produced before a court on Tuesday. While police sought his custody, defence lawyer R U Jha argued that the accused be remanded in judicial custody. The court remanded him in police remand till January 18. He was booked under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. MUMBAI: The Sensex on Wednesday opened on a positive note in the morning session of the trade. The sensitive index of the BSE opened at 36,370 and touched a high of 36,428 after its previous day close of 36,318. On the other hand, the broader 50-scrip Nifty at National Stock Exchange (NSE) opened at 10,899.65 points after closing at 10,886.80 points on Tuesday. The rupee, meanwhile, opened on a weaker note but soon pared the losses and appreciated by 13 paise to 70.92 against the US dollar in opening trade, driven by gains in domestic equities and weakening of the greenback in overseas markets. The rupee opened on a weak note at 71.10 at the interbank forex market then lost further ground and touched a low of 71.12. The domestic unit however pared the losses and touched a high of 70.92, registering gains of 13 paise over its previous close. Forex dealers said, selling of the American currency by exporters supported the rupee. Foreign funds purchased shares worth Rs 159.60 crore from the capital markets on a net basis, while domestic institutional investors purchased shares worth Rs 417.44 crore Tuesday, provisional data showed. BENGALURU: Former chief minister and Janata Dal Secular chief HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday downplayed the exit of Independent MLAs from the Karnataka government calling it a media hype. "The two MLAs (who withdrew support from Karnataka government) are not affiliated with any party. They are independents. There is no need to hype it up so much. It is all a media hype," he said. The JDS chief asserted that the government headed by his son HD Kumaraswamy was stable and not at the mercy of any political party but of god. "It is not in anybody's hands, including the media. However much you cry hoarse, nothing will happen because it is in the hands of God. When a party (JDS) of 38 MLAs gets the blessings of a national party (Congress), it is all the wish of God," Gowda added. He also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over allegations that Rs 60 crore and ministerial positions were offered to the MLAs of the ruling coalition by the BJP. "Does it look good that a national party (BJP) is hoarding its 104 MLAs? I am not talking about Amit Shah, but Modi, who talks a lot throughout the day," he said. Kumaraswamy had also brushed aside the issue terming it as a false alarm. "This 'Operation Lotus' is a false alarm created by media. There is no threat to the government. I enjoy the news channels running programmes like soap opera about threat to the government," he had said. In a significant development in Karnataka politics, two Independent MLAs H Nagesh and R Shankar had on Tuesday withdrawn support from the HD Kumaraswamy led Congress-JDS government. After their exit, the MLAs pledged their support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), giving fuel to allegations of horse trading flung by the ruling coalition at the saffron party. Both lawmakers, staying at a hotel in Mumbai, sent identical letters to the Governor and requested him to take "necessary action", a move that reduced the ruling coalition's strength to 118, but still kept it in the safe zone in the 224-member assembly. Bengaluru: Former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Wednesday directed MLAs to attend the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting scheduled be held on January 18. Siddaramaiah warned the MLAs saying that anti-defection law will be used against those who fail to attend the meeting and it will be assumed that the member himself has decided to resign from the primary membership of the Congress party. The direction from the Congress veteran comes amid the ongoing political drama the state where the ruling Congress-JDS government has levelled horse trading allegations on BJP and claimed that it is trying to topple the seven-month-old coalition government. Meanwhile, JDS MLA KM Shivalinge Gowda confirmed that one of his party leaders was offered Rs 60 crore and a ministerial post by the former chief minister and BJP leader Jagadish Shettar. Refusing the offer, the JDS leader informed Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy about it. In a significant development in Karnataka politics, two Independent MLAs H Nagesh and R Shankar had on Tuesday withdrawn support from the Kumaraswamy led Congress-JDS government. After their exit, the MLAs pledged their support to the BJP, giving fuel to allegations of horse trading flung by the ruling coalition at the saffron party. Both lawmakers, staying at a hotel in Mumbai, sent identical letters to the Governor and requested him to take "necessary action", a move that reduced the ruling coalition's strength to 118, but still kept it in the safe zone in the 224-member assembly. In the 224-member Assembly, the BJP has 104 members, Congress-79, JD-S 37, BSP, KPJP and Independent one each, besides the Speaker. The Bahujan Samaj party, KPJP and an Independent were supporting the coalition. Global beverage giant PepsiCos former CEO Indra Nooyi is being considered for the position of World Bank Chief. According to a report in New York Times, her name is being considered as a frontrunner for the esteemed position by the White House. US President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump is playing a key role in the selection of the candidate for the post. After Indra Nooyi stepped down as the PepsiCo CEO in August 2018, Ivanka had tweeted, referring to the India-born American business executive as a mentor and an inspiration. As Nooyi stepped down from her post in August 2018, Ivanka had tweeted, The great @IndraNooyi is stepping down as PepsiCo CEO, after 12 yrs. Indra, you are a mentor + inspiration to so many, myself included. I am deeply grateful for your friendship. Thank you for your passionate engagement on issues that benefit the people of this country, and beyond. However, the NYT reported pointed at a possible roadblock for Indra Nooyi in the path, citing her comments after Trump was elected as the President of the United States. In an interview after Trumps election, Indra Nooyi had said, They were all in mourning. She had hinted at a sense of insecurity among PepsiCo employees on Trumps election as US President. World Bank's current president Jim Yong Kim had earlier this month announced that he would step down from his post in February to join a private infrastructure investment firm. His unexpected departure came nearly three years before the end of his term. The NYT report said that the process of choosing Kim's successor is being overseen by Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and Ivanka, whose role in the process was announced by the White House Monday. Inclusion of Ivankas name in the process had evoked sharp reactions from some sections. Kolkata: The West Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to seek permission for 10 to 12-day long four-phased 'Rath Yatras' from the state government, a senior party leader said Wednesday. A fresh itinerary of the 'Rath Yatras', in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court, will be submitted to the government. The proposed "Rath Yatras" of the BJP in West Bengal were put on hold on Tuesday by the Supreme Court, which asked the party to seek a fresh approval from the Mamata Banerjee government in the state by submitting a revised proposal, saying the law-and-order apprehensions were not "totally unfounded". "We have decided to submit the new 10 to 12-day schedule of four-phased 'Rath Yatras' to the state government. Let us see whether the state gives us permission or not," BJP state vice president Jai Prakash Majumdar said. According to the proposal, four chariots will begin their journey from four venues -- Coochbehar, Kakdwip (South 24 Parganas), Krishnanagar (Nadia) and Birbhum district. The state BJP leadership, however, declined to give the exact dates of the 'yatras' they are planning to submit to the state government. "Initially, our proposal was for a 40-day long yatra. The state declined to give us permission. Then we submitted a 20-day-long schedule which too was declined permission. So now, we will submit a 10 to 12-day long yatra (schedule)," another senior BJP leader said. The apex court had put the BJP's proposed 'Rath Yatras' on hold, but allowed the West Bengal unit of the party to continue with its proposed public rallies and meetings under its 'Ganatantra Bachao Yatra". The SC bench, in its verdict, asked the Trinamool Congress government in the state to consider the fresh, revised proposal of the saffron party keeping in mind the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under the Constitution. It also said that the government should respond to the revised proposal of the BJP with "utmost expedition", keeping in mind that with the commencement of the CBSE and other board examinations, use of loudspeakers might be banned. New Delhi: Investigative agencies are looking to identify foreign and domestic assets of Christian Michel, alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland scam, to unravel the purported kickbacks generated by him and his associates to swing the defence deal in the favour of the Anglo-Italian firm. Officials involved in the probe said investigative agencies have detected that Michel possesses properties and bank accounts in at least four countries and they suspect that a number of them have been created during the time the deal was being inked. They suspect some of the assets could also be in India and are held in a 'benami' manner where the actual owner could be linked to the British national, extradited last month to India from the UAE. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in 2015 had attached properties worth about Rs 1.12 crore in Delhi that were linked to Michel under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials said the agencies are now looking to identify his assets so that they can be similarly attached. This will also help the agencies to establish the money trail in the deal, they added. The agencies are taking help of their counterparts in the UAE and the UK, among other countries, to not only obtain details of immovable properties but also information on bank accounts, they said. Michel is among the three alleged middlemen being probed in the case by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The others are Guido Haschke and Carlo Gerosa. Michel was arrested in the UAE and extradited to India on December 4. Currently, he is in judicial custody. The ED, which is probing this case along with the CBI, had filed a charge sheet against Michel in 2016 and had alleged that he received 30 million euros (about Rs 225 crore) from AgustaWestland which was nothing but "kickbacks" to execute the 12-helicopter deal in favour of the firm in "guise of" of genuine transactions for performing multiple work contracts in the country. ED investigations have detected remittances made by Michel through his Dubai-based firm Global Services, FZE to a media firm he floated in Delhi, along with two Indians. According to the agency, the firm was nothing but a "shell company" to "launder the proceeds of crime". The PMLA probe found that AgustaWestland Chief Executive Officer Bruno Spagnolini was paying "kickbacks" to Michel and the two other middlemen in the guise of numerous "consultancy contracts" and Michel alone received 30 million euros in his Dubai company accounts and others under this arrangement. The probe also found that Michel had hired a firm to provide to him from India an analysis of market publications related to manufacturing industry active in the Indian defence arena, the economic and financial trends in the country and overall views on private sector participation in Indian defence and manufacturing industry. On January 1, 2014, India scrapped the contract with Finmeccanica's British subsidiary AgustaWestland for supplying the 12 AW-101 VVIP choppers to the IAF over alleged breach of contractual obligations and charges of paying kickbacks to the tune of Rs 423 crore by it for securing the deal. The CBI has alleged there was an estimated loss of about Rs 2,666 crore to the exchequer in the deal that was signed on February 8, 2010 for the supply of VVIP choppers worth 556.262 million euros. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Wednesday targeted Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over the latters remark that it was Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah, who recommended that master poll campaign strategist Prashant Kishor should be included in the Janata Dal United (JDU). Tejashwi, who is the leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly, took to microblogging site Twitter to claim that Nitish Kumars remark proved that JDU is advanced version of BJP. The RJD leader further said that all important organisational posts in JDU were being given to people chosen by BJP president Amit Shah. Finally Nitish Kumar admits that JDU is advanced version of BJP therefore he is giving all important organisational posts except him to the people chosen by Sh Amit Shah, tweeted Tejashwi, younger son of RJD supremo and former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. Finally Nitish Kumar admits that JDU is advanced version of BJP therefore he is giving all important organisational posts except him to the people chosen by Sh. Amit Shah. Hope now you understand,Why Mob Lynchings & State Sponsored Crimes have become a routine practice in Bihar? Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) January 16, 2019 He further said, Hope now you understand,Why Mob Lynchings & State Sponsored Crimes have become a routine practice in Bihar? This comes a day after the Bihar Chief Minister said at an event on Tuesday that it not solely his decision to give a post in the JDU to Prashant Kishor. According to Nitish Kumar, it was BJP chief Amit Shah who called him twice to give Prashant Kishor a post in the JDU. The JDU chief had also said at the event that Kishor was assigned the responsibility to include people from all walks of life in politics. Prashant Kishor had formally joined the JDU in September during the state executive meet of the party in Patna. He was appointed as the vice president of the ruling party in Bihar. Kishor has, however, clarified that he will not contest any election for the next 10 years and would focus on working for the welfare of Bihar. Almost a month after making his political debut, Kishor had said, I will not contest any elections, including for the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, for the next 10 years... and serve Bihar. My goal is to work to help Bihar get into the 10 developed states of the country. New Delhi: Union minister Sushma Swaraj was on Tuesday moved by a Tunisian woman's professed love for India, prompting the senior politician to say that she must have been "an Indian in her previous life". Maha Gaida, 31, who speaks four Indian languages -- Hindi, Urdu, Malayalam and Tamil -- participated in the grand finale of the 'Bharat Ko Janiye' quiz and became emotionally overwhelmed while describing her relationship with India. "Tunisia and India, both have a very special place in my heart. And, I am delighted to be part of this event, and excited to explore India more. I wish to thank Sushma ji for this opportunity," she said. Maha, who participated in the foreigner category, later while interacting with reporters said this was her fourth visit to India, but first shot at the quiz contest. Her professed love for India, charmed Swaraj, who in her address at the event held at the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra here, said, "Among all the events organised by the MEA, the quiz is the dearest to me." "Maha has been very excited about her visit and was getting overwhelmed answering each of the question which shows she came well-prepared. But, what is the most striking part is her love for India," she said. "Maha, you must have been an Indian in your previous life... We in India believe that (previous life). And, it is that love for India which is manifesting in your eyes and words spoken," Swaraj said, drawing applause from the audience. During the felicitation ceremony, Maha greeted Swaraj by touching her feet on the dais and the minister reciprocated by hugging her. A senior Ministry of External Affairs official said 24 contestants were selected for the semi-final, which took place on Sunday, from over 40,000 applications drawn from over 100 countries. From 24 semi-finalists, nine were chosen for the grand finale in three categories -- NRI, PIO and foreigner. An emotionally overwhelmed Maha, during her interaction with reporters, said she learned Kathakali dance in Kerala during her visit to India a few years ago. "I love Bollywood films, but I also love south Indian language films. Indian films are not just Bollywood. I like Shah Rukh Khan but also Vijay from Tamil films and others," she said. Maha, who hails from Sousse city in Tunisia, said she watches film on internet which helped her pick up Hindi. Her younger sister, Soha, a fashion designer, who also participated in the quiz event, said, "We watch films on TV with French subtitles." Maha said both India and Tunisia had several similarities like spicy food, scenic locales and cultural roots celebrated in both the countries. "I am deeply in love with India and it is my heart," she extolled. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-day visit to Gujarat from Thursday during which he will inaugurate the ninth edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. The summit is being held in Gandhinagar from January 18 to 20. PM Modi will take part in a slew of other programmes during his January 17-19 visit which will also cover Silvassa, the capital of the neighbouring Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, according to his itinerary shared by the state government and the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Upon his arrival on Thursday, Modi would first inaugurate the 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show', an integral part of the biennial investor summit. Later in the afternoon, he would inaugurate a newly built hospital in Ahmedabad, according to the schedule. The 1,500-bed hospital has been built in the premises of VS Hospital, run by the BJP-ruled Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). In the evening, the PM would inaugurate a shopping festival on the Sabarmati Riverfront. Modi would address gatherings at both these places. On the morning of January 18, Modi will inaugurate the three-day summit. In the afternoon, he will have one-to-one meetings with some of the heads of state who would be attending the event. Heads of five countries and over 30,000 national and international delegates, including CEOs of major companies from India and abroad, are expected to attend the 9th edition of the summit, according to organisers. Indian business tycoons who are expected to attend include Mukesh Ambani, Uday Kotak, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Gautam Adani, Adi Godrej and Pankaj Patel. CEOs and top executives of global companies like BASF, DP World, Suzuki, Vanguard and Maersk would also be present. In the evening, the prime minister will take part in a 'round table interaction' with the heads of global sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and institutional investors. This will be followed by a dinner with VVIP guests. On January 19, Modi is scheduled to visit Hazira industrial area near Surat as well as Silvassa. PM Modi "will visit Hazira in Surat on January 19 to mark the setting up of the Hazira Gun Factory", a PIB release said Wednesday. From Hazira, he will go to Silvassa "to inaugurate as well as to lay foundation stone for various projects", the release said. New Delhi: The Selection Panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on January 24 to decide on the new CBI director. Other members of the committee include Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. The sources said the government had proposed the meeting on January 21 earlier while Kharge wanted the meeting on January 24 or 25. After mutual consultations, the government has finalised January 24 as the date for the meeting to select the new CBI Director, a post which is lying vacant ever since the government removed Alok Verma and appointed him as Director General Fire Service. IPS officer M Nageswara Rao was named the interim director of the CBI. The Congress has been attacking the prime minister for not appointing a regular CBI Director. Kharge had also written to the prime minister demanding early holding of the meeting of the high powered committee to appoint a regular CBI Director. Nageshwar Rao has been appointed the interim CBI chief for the second time. Rao, a 1986-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, was given the duties and functions of CBI director late night on October 23, 2018, after Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana were divested of all powers by the government following a spat between them. The next morning, Rao had effected a large number of transfers, including of officials probing a corruption case against Asthana like DSP A K Bassi, DIG M K Sinha and Joint Director A K Sharma, the officials said. (With inputs from agencies) Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy, who was injured in 2018 in the Indian ocean during a global circumnavigation race, on Wednesday said he wants to return to the sea immediately after recovering fully from his injuries. Describing his situation after he was injured, Tomy said he was badly injured and pulled himself into the boat somehow. Recalling the incident, he added that he was left injured for three days as the rescue vessel was taking time to reach him. He also recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him up to enquire about his wellness two days after he was rescued. He had told the PM him that he would return to the sea and go sailing as soon as he recovered fully. "I am recovering from my injuries that I had sustained during the race and I hope to recover fully in near future. I want to get back to the sea immediately after that. I was badly injured and I pulled myself into the boat somehow. I was left injured for three days as the French vessel was taking some time to reach me," said Tomy. "PM Modi called me up to know about my wellness two days after I was rescued. I told him that I would return to the sea and go sailing as soon as I recover fully," added Tomy. Tomy was injured after his vessel was hit by a vicious storm mid-way across the south Indian Ocean while taking part in the Golden Globe Race (GGR). Wave heights of 5 to 8 metres were being experienced in the area during the time of the rescue operations. He was rescued mid-sea by a French vessel in an immobile state south Indian Ocean. He was transferred to French fishing Vessel Osiris for further treatment. "He has been rescued and has been pulled out on a stretcher by French Fishing Vessel Osiris. He is conscious and is in safe hands," Navy Spokesperson Captain DK Sharma had earlier said. Aircraft P8i located the Navy Commander and his boat Thuriya in the Southern Indian Ocean. The Navy officer, who had earlier dismasted in extremely rough weather and sea conditions, was in communication with the Race Control at France through messages. During the storm, Tomy got dismasted and suffered a back injury. According to the Indian Navy, Commander Tomy was representing India in the GGR 2018 on an indigenously built sailing vessel 'Thuriya'. The yacht was in the south Indian Ocean. Commander Tomy is the only Indian to have circumnavigated the globe non-stop on the legendary sail Yacht INSV Mhadei. He was awarded Kirti Chakra in 2013 by the then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. He is also a recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award. New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday summoned a Pakistan High Commission official and lodged a strong protest at the death of a civilian in an unprovoked ceasefire violation by the neighbouring country last week. "Pakistan High Commission official was summoned today and a strong protest was lodged at the death of a civilian in unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan forces on 11 January in Sunderbani Sector," MEA said. "Our strong concerns were also shared at continued unprovoked firing and ceasefire violations across the LoC and International Boundary. We also protested Pakistan's continued support to cross border terrorist infiltration into India, including supporting cover fire," the Ministry added. Last Friday, an Army porter was killed when Pakistani troops continued ceasefire violations for the fourth consecutive day along the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Identified as Hemraj, the Army porter was critically injured when Pakistani troops resorted to unprovoked firing in Sunderbani Sector of Rajouri district. He was provided immediate resuscitation and medical aid but he succumbed to the gunshot wounds. Pakistan troops also resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in forwarding areas of the Poonch district, officials said. Indian troops guarding the borderline retaliated strongly, resulting in an exchange of firing on both sides. The year 2018 had witnessed 2,936 ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Indo-Pak border, the highest in the last 15 years. The continuous shelling and firing by Pakistan targeting villages have set in fear psychosis among the border dwellers, officials added. Pakistani troops resorted to firing and shelling along the LoC in Poonch eight out of ten days of this month. Despite repeated calls for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire understanding of 2003 for maintaining peace and tranquility at Indo-Pak flag meetings, Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: Asserting that jurisdiction issues, at times, cause harassment to people, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday asked the railway ministry to start a facility by which passengers can file FIRs online. "There is no facility for a passenger to file an FIR online. If somebody is travelling by train (and something happens), he needs to visit the Government Railway Police (GRP) police station to get an FIR registered. It will then go to the state, to the district and eventually to the police station concerned. There is no guarantee that he would get the desired justice," the minister said. He said there has to be a provision for the passengers to file the FIR electronically. "You (Railway Ministry official) need to discuss and decide on this (online FIR). We will provide all possible support from the Ministry of Home Affairs," he said, citing the 'crime and criminal tracking network and system or CCTNS' for the integration of state police work implemented by his ministry. Singh said he would look into whether the online filing of FIRs by railway passengers can be integrated into the CCTNS system, that allows citizens to lodge FIRs electronically. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who was present at the event, said he would look into the home minister's suggestion of online filing of the FIR. According to an official data, about 24,000 cases of theft are registered by railway passengers annually. In a veiled remark, Rajnath Singh asked the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to be sensitive and friendly with people. "It is expected from all police personnel. Be it central or state police force, all police force personnel should have friendly behaviour with common people. We have been telling these to them," the home minister said at the All India Conference on Railway Security. Singh said there was a need to change the way people's luggage are frisked at railway stations or inside moving trains. "There is a provision for frisking of passenger luggage at railway stations. There luggage are also frisked inside moving trains. Passengers feel humiliated by this. So, how can this be improved? That need to be discussed," he said. The home minister said there was a need to make the presence of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel felt in the railway network. "There has to be regular patrolling in trains. At times, it has been observed that it does not take place. So how to make RPF's presence felt? You need to discuss it," Singh said at the programme attended by senior railway ministry officers. Singh suggested "theatre-specific" Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to avoid any untoward incident. "The railway has a huge network. Trains pass through Naxal-(affected) areas. There may be a fear of terrorist attack. There should be a theatre-specific SOPs to guide police personnel on how to act in a specific situation," he said. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tej Pratap Yadav took to microblogging site Twitter on Tuesday to target Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) supremo Ram Vilas Paswan, depicting the latter as Mahisasura, the mythological figure who was killed by goddess Durga. In the photograph shared by Tej Pratap Yadav, his mother and former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi has been portrayed as goddess Durga while the Yadav scion himself appears as a lion the carrier of the goddess. Along with the picture, the former Bihar health minister hailed women power, saying that a woman showers love and also forgives easily, but those who disrespect are never spared. , - ...? pic.twitter.com/bsaJnztkHC Tej Pratap Yadav (@TejYadav14) January 15, 2019 Tweeting in Hindi, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadavs son wrote, A woman gives birth, showers love, and forgives as well. But history tells us that even Duryodhana and Ravana, who disrespected women, were not spared, then what is the worth of opportunist politicians? Notably, Tej Pratap Yadav had remained estranged from his family members for a long time since they refused to back him in his decision to seek divorce from his wife, Aishwarya Rai, just six months after their marriage. According to reports, the former Bihar minister stayed in Mathura, Vrindavan and New Delhi during that period. After returning to Patna, Tej Pratap Yadav first met his mother Rabri Devi. Following this, the elder son of Lalu-Rabri held a "political meeting" with RJD leader and brother Tejashwi Yadav. He referred to Tejashwi as Arjuna, adding that he would assist his brother like Lord Krishna in winning upcoming elections. We held only political discussions. Things like how to make our party stronger and take Lalu's dream forward. Tejashwi is my Arjuna and I will see to it that he occupies the throne. Tej Pratap had said. Notably, Tej Pratap Yadav is slated to start a badlaw yatra from February 1, 2019. Pune: RSS leader Indresh Kumar on Tuesday alleged that the Congress, the Left and "two-three judges" were among the "culprits" who were creating hurdles in construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya by delaying justice. He also reiterated the RSS' demand that the government bring an ordinance for construction of the temple. "We appeal to the government to conduct a debate in Parliament. We feel that justice should be done at the earliest," he said, adding that the mood of the entire country is that the temple of Lord Ram should be built as soon as possible. Addressing a press conference in Pune, Kumar dismissed as a "lie" the allegations by Congress and other parties that the ruling BJP was raking up the Ram temple issue to derive political mileage in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Kumar's remarks on Ayodhya came days after the top court rescheduled the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land title dispute for January 29 before a new bench. Kumar, the president of RSS-affiliated Rashtriya Muslim Manch, was in Pune to attend some programmes. "Places of worships such as Kaba, Vatican City, Diksha Bhoomi, Sarnath, Golden Temple and other places worldwide receive respect, then why there is an injustice and insult meted out to the place where Lord Ram was born, and the entire world should answer this question," he told reporters. "This is the responsibility of 125 crore people of this country to bring about the solution to address the issue of 'Ram Janmabhoomi', as this is not a responsibility of any party or religion alone," he said. Alleging that the Congress and the Left were among the main culprits for delaying justice in the Ram temple matter, Kumar said, "The third culprits are two-three judges of the Supreme Court who are using delaying tactics, and such tactics are turning out to be the hurdles in the case." Three years ago, the apex court had categorically said that it would conduct day-to-day hearing in the title suit case and ensured that the decision will be delivered at the earliest, he claimed. "They (the bench) not only refused to oblige the Supreme Court but they are defying the Constitution, fundamental rights and the faith of the people of this country. Instead of delivering justice, the matter is being delayed and is put into denial (sic)," he said. Kumar alleged that it was not BJP but the Congress, the Left, the fundamental elements and two-three judges who have stretched the Ayodhya issue till elections. "I am sure that people of this country will give a befitting reply in the general elections to those who are creating hurdles in the case," the RSS leader said. Without elaborating on his claims, Kumar also equated a veteran actor, who recently talked about intolerance, as also a couple of other public figures, with historical characters like Jaichand and Mir Jafar. Nationalism and patriotism cannot be compromised and if they are compromised then it is unfortunate, he said. A minor succumbed to his injuries after he was thrashed by his step-father, in the national capital, Delhi Police said on Wednesday. The incident took place on January 10 and the five-year-old boy died on January 12, news agency ANI reported quoting a police official. A murder case has been registered, said the police. The DCP South West citing medical report said the child suffered multiple injuries including one on the head which was the cause of the death. The step-father has confessed to thrashing the child, added the police. The police further added the mother had presented the wrong facts during the investigation. The death is a result of a conspiracy which the mother was also a part of, concluded the police. According to the DCP South West, "On January 12, the child died due to injuries. The step-father has confessed to beating the child. The mother presented wrong facts during the investigation. We've concluded that death is a result of a conspiracy of which the mother was also a part. We've registered a murder case. According to the medical report, the child suffered multiple injuries including, one on head which was the cause of the death." The government on Wednesday approved a capacity expansion plan for Numaligarh Refinery in Assam from the existing 3 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 9 MMTPA at an estimated cost of Rs 22,594 crore. The project is to be completed within a period of 48 months after the approval and receipt of statutory clearances, Union Minister of Railways and Coal Piyush Goyal said in a press briefing. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval to the project for expansion of Numligarh Refinery Assam with the capacity to be expanded from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA. The expansion project involves setting up a crude oil pipeline from Paradip to Numaligarh and product pipeline from Numaligarh to Siliguri at a cost of Rs 22,594 crore, he said. The government also decided to recapitalise state-owned Exim Bank to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore and double its authorised capital to Rs 20,000 crore. The equity will be infused in two tranches -- Rs 4,500 crore in 2018-19 and Rs 1,500 crore in 2019-20. "Cabinet approves recapitalisation of Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore and increase its authorised capital from Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore," he said. Established by the Government of India, Exim Bank commenced operations as a purveyor of export credit, mirroring global export credit agencies. It serves as a growth engine for industries and small and medium enterprises through a wide range of products and services. This includes the import of technology and export product development, export production, export marketing, pre-shipment and post-shipment, and overseas investment. Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Gegong Apang quit the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday, claiming that the current party leadership was not following the principles of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In his resignation letter to BJP president Amit Shah, Apang alleged that the party had become a platform to seek power. Apang wrote, Late Shri Vajpayee ji is perhaps one of the greatest democrats our country has produced. He always used to remind me of the golden principle of Raj Dharma. Even today as a student of Vajpayee jis philosophy, I try to follow that very Raj Dharma in words and deeds. However, I am disappointed to see that the present day BJP is no longer following the principles of late Shri Vajpayee ji. The party is now a platform to seek power, it serves a leadership which hates decentralisation of democratic decision making and no longer believes that the party founded by, for and of the cadre is only seeking to capture power, he added. Former Arunachal Pradesh CM Gegong Apang quit BJP yesterday; wrote in his resignation letter to BJP chief Amit Shah, "I'm disappointed to see that the present day BJP is no longer following the principles of Late Vajpayee Ji. The party is now a platform to seek power" pic.twitter.com/rTRiNllfTA ANI (@ANI) January 16, 2019 Apang further alleged that despite the BJP not getting majority in Arunachal Pradesh Assembly elections in 2014, the party leadership used every dirty trick of the trade and installed late Shri Kalikho Pul as CM. He went on to say that not even a proper investigation was done in the former chief ministers suicide, adding that the BJP leadership did not think of morality and ethics by installing many more BJP government in north east. Vajpayee ji once said to me that it is better to be in a splendid political isolation rather than get into power by compromising on political ideologies. The rank and file of the BJP in most of the north eastern states has no role in any participatory democratic exercise within their state units, he further wrote. Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Apang claimed that the party workers had become habitual of uploading and downloading decisions from the NaMo app, adding, Party leadership is more concerned about winning seats and using social media to harp on grass-root level victories. New Delhi: Following the elevation of Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, the Bar Council of India strongly opposed the decision and said there is strong resentment among several judges. The names of Justice Menon and Justice Nandrajog were recommended in December last year, however, the collegium suddenly took a U-turn and announced the appointments. "There is strong resentment among several judges. Names of Justice Menon and Justice Nandrajog were recommended in December. Now suddenly collegium has taken a u-turn after 20-25 days," Bar Council Chairman MK Mishra said. He added that a delegation led by the Council will go and meet the collegium, asking to reconsider and recall the decision. "Our delegation will go and meet the collegium to ask them to reconsider and recall this decision. If they don't do it, we'll go and sit on a dharna," Mishra said. Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind appointed Justice Maheshwari, chief justice of Karnataka High Court and Justice Khanna, judge of Delhi High Court, as judges of the Supreme Court with effect from the date they assume charge of their office. The development came amid questions over the elevation by the legal fraternity. Former Delhi High Court judge Kailash Gambhir had on Tuesday written to President Kovind against the recommendation of the Collegium to elevate Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dinesh Maheshwari to the top court. Last week, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the names of Justice Maheshwari and Justice Khanna for elevation as judges of the apex court. The five-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi took the decision in its meeting on January 10. The decision of the Collegium, comprising justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde, N V Ramana and Arun Mishra, was made public on the apex court's website on Friday. The apex court, which had a sanctioned strength of 31 judges, was functioning with 26 judges. (With inputs from agencies) New Delhi: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said he watched the film "Uri: The Surgical Strike" and big rounds of applause for the movie in theatres show how much the country respects its security forces. Addressing a conference on railway security, Goyal said that while watching an 11 pm show of the movie in a packed theatre in central Delhi on Tuesday, he was amazed by the way the audience reacted to every scene. "The excitement of the audience... When they were standing up and applauding every scene, I feel is a reflection of their sense of respect towards those who secure our country. There cannot be a bigger compliment for you that the youth of this country appreciate you," he told an audience at Vigyan Bhavan that included security personnel from RPF, GRP, Delhi Police, and other security agencies. "People were giving a standing ovation. I compliment all of you for taking up this job. It's not easy. The detractors will keep criticising, we should not get scared or distracted by criticism. We should learn from it," he said. The film, which was released on January 11, is based on the 2016 surgical strikes by the Indian Army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes had come in response to the September 2016 militant attack on an army camp at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed the lives of 18 soldiers. The minister also urged the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police to work together. New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday appointed Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, chief justice of Karnataka High Court and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, judge of Delhi High Court, as judges of the Supreme Court with effect from the date they assume charge of their office. The development comes amid questions over the elevation by the legal fraternity. On Tuesday, former Delhi High Court judge Kailash Gambhir had written to President Kovind against the recommendation of the Collegium to elevate Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dinesh Maheshwari to the top court. Urging President Kovind to prevent 'another historical blunder' from being committed, Gambhir had said, "I write to you as having been a proud member of this vibrant judiciary, which has withstood the tests on its credibility every now and then, but I am afraid may not survive this time. It will be another black day when there will be supersession of 32 Judges who are senior to Justice Sanjeev Khanna and many of them may be no less meritorious and men of integrity than him. The legacy that we all are so proud of and which the collegium, so scrupulously wants to preserve will become nothing but an unfortunate irony. " The Supreme Court Collegium had on last week recommended the names of Justice Maheshwari and Justice Khanna of the Delhi High Court for elevation as judges of the apex court. The five-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi took the decision in its meeting on January 10 to recommend the names of justices Maheshwari and Khanna for their elevation to the Supreme Court. The decision of the Collegium, comprising justices A K Sikri, S A Bobde, N V Ramana and Arun Mishra, was made public on the apex court's website on Friday. The apex court, which had a sanctioned strength of 31 judges, was functioning with 26 judges. The decision put on the website noted the issue of elevation of judges was deliberated on December 12, 2018, when Justice M B Lokur was also a member of the Collegium. Justice Mishra became a member of the Collegium after Justice Lokur retired on December 30. According to the website, after extensive deliberations on January 5 and 6 this year, the newly constituted Collegium deemed it appropriate to have a fresh look on the issue of elevation of judges in the light of the additional material that became available. Justice Maheshwari was appointed a judge of the Rajasthan High Court on September 2, 2004 and was transferred to Allahabad High Court on July 19, 2014. He was elevated as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court on February 24, 2016 and was thereafter transferred to Karnataka High Court on February 12, 2018. He has been functioning there since then. Justice Maheshwari stands at Sl. No. 21 in the combined seniority of high court judges on all-India basis. Justice Khanna was appointed a judge of the Delhi High Court on June 24, 2005 and since has been functioning there. He stands at Sl.No. 33 in the combined seniority of high court judges on all-India basis. Following the elevation, Justice Khanna would become chief justice of India after Justice D Y Chandrachud in 2024. (With inputs from agencies) NEW DELHI: Veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday took charge as the party's Delhi chief just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The event held at the Congress office in Delhi had many dignitaries in attendance. However, the one leader who overshadowed the celebrations was Jagdish Tytler, an accused in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Several questions were raised over the presence of the Congress leader. Tytler however, rubbished the questions saying there was no case against him. "What can a man say when the Court has given a verdict. You also mention my name. Why? Is there an FIR? Is there a case? No? Then why do you take my name? Someone said that and you believed it," Tytler reacted when asked about the controversy. The Congress also came under attack from the Akali Dal over Tytler's presence. "What his family did earlier, Rahul ji is just continuing with that tradition. It clearly shows that they have no respect for sentiments of Sikhs," Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said. The 80-year-old was appointed to the post by the party's national president Rahul Gandhi after Ajay Maken stepped down citing health troubles. The former Delhi chief minister was welcomed at the office by enthused workers amid slogans and drum beats. Chants like "Sheila Dikshit Ayi Hai, Badlaw Ki Andhi Layi Hai" "(Sheila Dikshit has come with a storm of change) were heard. With Dikshit at the helm of affairs, the party is looking to revive its fortunes in the national capital after a series of poll debacles starting with the loss of power in 2013. Dikshit said she will take the party to new heights in Delhi where it will replace all and sought the help of ground-level workers. She also said the Congress will make full efforts to win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. Along with her, three new working presidents -- Devender Yadav, Haroon Yusuf and Rajesh Lilothia -- also took charge. CHANDIGARH: Baldev Singh, an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Punjab, resigned from the primary membership of the party on Wednesday, citing "autocratic functioning" and "double standards" in the party. Baldev Singh is the sitting AAP legislator from the Jaito Assembly seat. He sent his resignation to AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday. "I am pained to forward my resignation from the primary membership of AAP because the party has completely given up its basic ideology and principles," he wrote in his resignation letter. This is the second resignation of an AAP MLA this month. Earlier, on January 6, MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira resigned from the party`s primary membership citing the "dictatorial attitude" of Kejriwal. Lawyer-activist HS Phoolka also gave up AAP's primary membership earlier this month. He had already resigned as an AAP MLA in October claiming that the Congress government in Punjab had not taken desired action against those named in the Justice Ranjit Singh Commission report on the sacrilege incidents. New Delhi: Renowned actor-filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia's much-awaited directorial venture 'Milan Talkies' release date has finally been unveiled. The movie stars Ali Fazal and Shraddha Srinath in the lead roles. Noted film critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh took to Twitter and shared the details of the movie along with the first glimpse. He wrote: Release date finalised... #MilanTalkies, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, to release on 15 March 2019... Stars Ali Fazal and Shraddha Srinath with Reecha Sinha, Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra and Sikandar Kher... Produced by PS Chhatwal... First glimpse of #MilanTalkies. Release date finalised... #MilanTalkies, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, to release on 15 March 2019... Stars Ali Fazal and Shraddha Srinath with Reecha Sinha, Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra and Sikandar Kher... Produced by PS Chhatwal... First glimpse of #MilanTalkies: pic.twitter.com/Zxl8F1A1mA taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 16, 2019 'Milan Talkies' will release on March 15, 2019. It features Ali Fazal and Shraddha Srinath with Reecha Sinha, Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra and Sikandar Kher in pivotal parts. It has been produced by PS Chhatwal. The story happens to be essentially a love story presented in typical Dhulia style with desi flavour intact. The movie has been in the making for a long time and fans were eagerly waiting for the release date announcement. Meanwhile, Tigmanshu was last seen in Aanand L Rai's 'Zero' starring Shah Rukh Khan, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif in lead roles. The 'Gangs of Wasseypur' actor played SRK's on-screen father in the movie. New Delhi: Last year, Priya Prakash Varrier took the entire internet by storm with her 'wink' act. And now, she is all set to make her debut in the Hindi film industry with 'Sridevi Bungalow'. On Monday, the first trailer of the film was dropped by the makers, and unfortunately, within hours of its release, the film has found itself in troubled waters. In the trailer, Priya is seen playing the role of an actress by the name of Sridevi, who appears to be very lonely. The end of the teaser has a shot of bathtub with a woman's feet hanging out of it lifelessly. The scene is eerily similar to that of Sridevi's death last year since the legendary actress passed away due to accidental drowning in a bathtub during her stay in Dubai's Jumeirah hotel. Minutes after the trailer was unveiled, the makers started to face the flak by the audience who felt that the film is a mockery of late superstar Sridevi's life. In fact, on Tuesday, filmmaker and Sridevi's husband Boney Kapoor slapped a legal notice to the team of 'Sridevi Bungalow'. Confirming the same, 'Sridevi Bungalow' director Mambully told Cinestaan.com, "We received a legal notice from Mr Boney Kapoor last week. And we will face it. I want to My film is a suspense thriller. I told him (Boney Kapoor) that Sridevi is a common name. My film's character also happens to be an actress. We will face it (the legal case)." On the other hand, Priya Prakash has come out in the support of the director saying that 'Sridevi' is just the name of her character in the film and the film has nothing to do with the late veteran actress. "Who would want to create such controversies? I think the curiosity surrounding the trailer is good and we have to leave it to the audience to judge if the film is based on the veteran actress Sridevi ma'am," Priya told exclusively to Times Of India. And though, she is elated with the response the trailer has generated, in her opinion, it is unfortunate that the film has courted controversy. In the meantime, director Prashanth revealed to the publication that he had originally thought of Kangana Ranaut for the lead role but later opted for Priya as she is a popular face down south. New Delhi: Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Bharat' is one of the biggest releases of this year. The shooting is still going on and makers remain tight-lipped about the film. So far, all that we know is that 'Bharat' is being directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and has an ensemble star cast. Talented actors like Sunil Grover, Tabu, Disha Patani, Varun Dhawan and Nora Fatehi have important roles in the film. The movie is slated for an Eid release this year. Apart from the star cast and release date, not much is known about this Ali Abbas Zafar directorial. However, as per a report in peepingmoon.com, a brand new teaser of the film will be unveiled and the date is closer than you think! The report states that the new teaser will be unveiled on January 26 this year. With barely 10 days left for a brand new teaser to be unveiled, we are sure all the Salman fans will be quite excited. In August last year, the film's first official teaser was unveiled. While sharing it on Twitter, Salman had written, "Kuch Rishte Zameen se hote hai, Aur kuch Khoon se.. Mere Paas Dono Thee! , .. ! (sic)." The film had made a lot of headlines when it was announced and earlier had actress Priyanka Chopra as the female lead. However, owing to her engagement with international singing sensation Nick Jonas, Pee Cee had quit the project and Katrina was cast to fill in for her. Excited for January 26? We are as well! Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday attributed his sudden exit from the opposition alliance to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's "inability" to take a stand on corruption charges against his former deputy and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav. Kumar, who also heads the JD(U), claimed that his party was instrumental in the Congress getting 40 seats to contest in the 2015 assembly polls. The chief minister said he had felt let down by Gandhi, then the party's vice-president, when he "did not come up with even a statement that could have made me have second thoughts (about leaving the alliance)". Kumar had quit the alliance, comprising the JD(U), the RJD and the Congress, in July 2017 after the CBI lodged an FIR against Yadav on corruption charges and the following strife between him and the RJD. "It has been always my line that there will be no compromise on crime, corruption and communalism. Their (RJD's) style of functioning was such that it was becoming increasingly difficult for me to work. There was interference at all levels. Their people would telephone police stations with their own decrees," Kumar claimed. "Rahul Gandhi had famously torn that ordinance. It was the JD(U) which insisted that it (Congress) be given 40 seats and they ended up winning 28. The RJD, despite its old association with it, was never ready to give it that much weightage," Kumar said. In 2003, Gandhi had torn an ordinance brought by the Manmohan Singh government with a provision to protect convicted politicians against disqualification. Stating that he resigned as he had no other choice, Kumar said his resignation was immediately followed by an offer of support from the BJP. "So I took the decision (to join hands with the BJP) in the interests of Bihar," he said. "We have our differences on issues like Ayodhya, Article 370 and Uniform Civil Code since the 1990s. My association with the BJP predates the NDA's formation in 1999. But we have always worked amicably. Even now, we are getting full cooperation from the Narendra Modi government," he said. Kumar had snapped ties with the BJP in 2013 following differences over projection of Narendra Modi, the then Gujarat chief minister, as the prime ministerial candidate. On a query about the RSS, he said, "I may not agree with their thoughts but I cannot help admiring their consistency and commitment towards organisation building, something those adhering to our socialist ideology never excelled at." Recalling the stupendous performances by the JD(U)-BJP combine in 2009 Lok Sabha polls and the assembly elections a year later, Kumar said, "Now we have an important leader like Ram Vilas Paswan with us. So there is no reason why we should not do even better in the upcoming LS polls." On the opposition 'mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance), which comprises the RJD, the Congress, the RLSP, the HAM and some smaller parties, he said, "Even the term mahagathbandhan that they keep flaunting was given by me. After the exit of JD(U), it is just a gathbandhan (alliance)". "The opposition in Bihar is in panic. So it keeps adding more allies to its flock," Kumar remarked dismissively when asked about many parties, including former NDA allies like RLSP and HAM, gravitating towards the alliance. On the RJD's opposition to the quota for upper castes, Kumar, whose party voted in favour of the bill in Parliament, said social changes have led to a sizeable growth in the number of poor among the unreserved category. "When they are being helped without infringing on the rights of SCs, STs and OBCs, there should be no complaints," he said. He also asserted that the NDA will face no major problems in the Lok Sabha polls, saying in states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the margin of defeat was small. "Moreover, people have vented their ire against the governments that ruled the respective states for long. Now there is nothing that voters are going to hold against the NDA," Kumar said. Comisia Europeana a inceput sa aprobe PNRR-urile tarilor membre Comisia Europeana a aprobat, ieri, primele PNRR-uri. Unul este cel al Portugaliei, tara care detine presedintia semestriala a Consiliului UE si care a fost in aprilie prima care a trimis la Bruxelles programul sau de reforme si investitii finantate de Fondul Next [citeste mai departe] Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 06:28:51|Editor: yan Video Player Close AMMAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Wednesday condemned a terrorist attack in Syria's city of Manbij that killed 10 people including four U.S. soldiers. In a tweet on his official Twitter account, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi denounced the attack as a "savage terrorist attack," while offering condolences to the families of those killed. "Another barbaric crime that further proves urgency of rallying all efforts to ensure enduring defeat of terrorists everywhere," Safadi added. On Wednesday, the militant group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that targeted a U.S. patrol in Syria's Kurdish-controlled city of Manbij in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo Province. Four U.S. soldiers were killed and three others wounded in the attack, a U.S. official was quoted as saying. They are the first U.S. military casualties since U.S. President Donald Trump announced in December his plan to pull out U.S. troops from Syria. The United States has deployed 2,000 troops in Syria, including Manbij, to fight the IS militants. A suicide bomber detonated his vest filled with explosives near a restaurant in Manbij near a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition in the city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Manbij is controlled by the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council and U.S. forces patrol the city after tension grew between the Turkey-backed rebels around Manbij and the Kurdish-led militia inside the city. Even in Italy, a nation lousy with famed pizzaiolos, Stefano Callegari stands out, and not just because he's an outsized man with an ebullient personality. Born into a restaurant family, Callegari took a bit of a detour (15 years as a flight attendant) before opening his first pizza shop in 2005, in Rome. He rapidly built an empire on the foundation of his unusually light, crispy crusts and a menu of innovative pies based on classic pasta dishes. Along the way, he also invented the trapizzino, a wildly popular Roman street food. But it wasn't until last month that Callegari finally brought his game to NYC, with the opening of La Rossa on SoHo's eastern edge. I've been here four times already, and it is fantastic. The signature Callegari pie is the Cacio e Pepe, which starts with four ice cubes placed atop an otherwise empty circle of dough. The pie is pushed back into the hottest part of the oven, the ice melting in time with the dough baking, until out comes a perfectly cooked crust, still a blank slate expect for a coating of boiling water. Handfuls of snowy Pecorino Romano are immediately dumped on top, so that the bottom layer of cheese turns hot and creamy, while the top remains dry and fluffy. A drizzle of oil and a few twists of the pepper mill complete the preparation. It's a marvel of technique, and an absolutely delicious way to eat a mountain of cheese. Pizza crust timelapse. (Scott Lynch / Gothamist) Callegari isn't some one-trick pony, though, not by a long shot. As revelatory as the Cacio e Pepe pie is, his Carbonara pizza is probably even better, loaded with chunks of chewy guanciale, smears of soft scrambled egg, and shards of sharp cheese all sitting up on the crisp, airy crust. Want something a bit lighter? La Rossa's Margherita is an instant contender for the best such pie in town, thanks to the lovely mozzarella (courtesy of "Caseificio Ignazzi in Monopoli, Puglia") and, especially, to the astonishingly bright and lively San Marzano tomato sauce. There are plenty of other pies on the menu as well, both familiar and less sothe Fiori e Alici, with two cheeses, zucchini flowers, and anchovies, was also a big winner at my tableas well as a trio of rice balls, a few salads, and some snackable "Oltre Pizze" dishes. For a minute there Callegari was slinging square slices during the daylight hours, but he recently halted production on those, citing a lack of space. "At my next restaurant in New York, they will be back," he promised. Stefano Callegari. (Photo by Scott Lynch / Gothamist) La Rossa seats about 25, and it's all comfortable and inviting. And unlike so many other restaurants nearby, it's not yet mobbed, which makes for a exceptionally pleasant SoHo/Nolita meal. Just a few blocks from the Angelika, too. La Rossa is located at 267 Lafayette Street, just south of Prince, and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (917-262-0302; larossa.love) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 05:58:40|Editor: yan Video Player Close AMMAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A heavy snowfall hit Jordan on Wednesday, blocking roads and causing traffic jam in parts of the country. In the capital Amman, the municipal authorities were using snow plough trucks to clear roads, as the temperature in the kingdom, according to Jordan Meteorological Department, was brought below freezing. On Wednesday night, the Prime Minister's Office announced a day off on Thursday for the public schools and universities because of the current weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Greater Amman Municipality and the Civil Defense Department urged residents to remain in their houses as the snowfall was expected to continue until Thursday morning. A polar front is affecting the region, bringing heavy snow to countries including Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 04:02:56|Editor: yan Video Player Close MADRID, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Spain received 82.6 million foreign tourists in 2018, setting a new record of visitor numbers to the country, according to figures published by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism on Wednesday. Spanish Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Reyes Maroto admitted that the growth in visitor numbers was considerably lower than the 8.9 percent growth witnessed in 2017 and the high growth seen prior to that. But he told Xinhua that this was to be expected as other markets such as Turkey and North Africa recovered strength. "We are at a time when trends are normalizing and it makes us think it will be difficult to grow more," she explained, adding that Spain has to look at other strategies to attract tourist revenue. "We have to improve the quality of tourism and bring visitors who have added value and spend more money," she said. That strategy appears to be working, as although tourist numbers only rose by by around 400,000 last year, spending went up 3.1 percent to 90 billion euros (about 103 billion U.S. dollars). "The numbers are good and reflect a new record and they allow us to continue working to consolidate our growth and consolidate high-level tourism," said Maroto. The as yet unknown effects of the Brexit could well affect the number of visitors to Spain in 2019, given that the UK is the biggest source market for Spain. But the minister highlighted that her ministry has a budget of 316 million euros to "strengthen new lines of action, such as technological innovation, promotion campaigns abroad and new planning and management models for intelligent and sustainable destinations. Tourism currently contributes 13 percent of Spain's gross domestic product (GDP) with a return of 2 euros for every euro invested in the sector. The year 2017 saw 82.2 million tourists visit Spain, beaten only by the 89.9 million who travelled to France. (1 euro equals to 1.14 U.S. dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 01:22:12|Editor: yan Video Player Close LJUBLJANA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia regrets that the UK parliament has failed to support the Brexit deal, with its Prime Minister Marjan Sarec urging Britain to rethink, the national media report on Wednesday. Slovenian Press Agency STA quoted Sarec as saying that the UK should reconsider whether Brexit is really worth pursuing or whether this is a dead end and staying in the European Union is a better solution. A statement from the prime minister's office on Wednesday said the divorce deal was a fair compromise, a balanced document which allowed a regulated and controlled exit for the UK. Slovenia will continue to support the approval of the deal in the EU, as the document is the best solution for the future and a necessary foundation on which to build relations after 2021, it noted. Similar to the rest of the EU states, Slovenia expects the UK government to present a plan on future steps as soon as possible. The statement also expresses the hope that "the coming weeks and months will see enough political wisdom to avoid the worst outcome." Slovenia's key wish is to preserve constructive and comprehensive cooperation even after Brexit, which must in no way infringe on the rights of citizens of Slovenia and other EU countries living in the UK. On the other hand, Slovenia will guarantee "an appropriate level of rights for UK citizens" living in the country. File Photo: A U.S. Soldier surveils the area during a combined joint patrol in Manbij, Syria, Nov. 1, 2018. (Xinhua/REUTERS) WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A number of U.S. soldiers were killed in a blast on Wednesday while conducting a routine patrol in northern Syria, the U.S. military said, the first U.S. casualties since President Donald Trump announced his plan to pull out of troops from the country. "U.S. service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time," Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, said on Twitter. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that targeted a U.S. patrol in Syria's Kurdish-controlled city of Manbij in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo province. Four U.S. soldiers were killed and three others wounded in the Manbij explosion attack, media reported citing a U.S. official. A suicide bomber detonated his vest filled with explosives near a restaurant in Manbij near a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition in that city, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The monitor group said the bombing was the first of its kind to hit Manbij in terms of targeting a convoy of the U.S.-led coalition in the city. The rare attack came days after the United States began the process of withdrawing from Syria, having reportedly pulled out ground equipment from the northeast into Iraq. Currently, there are about 2,000 U.S. troops deployed in Syria. Last month, Trump abruptly announced his decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria, citing that the Islamic State has been largely defeated. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told media Wednesday that President Trump had been "fully briefed and we will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Syria." Manbij is controlled by the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council and U.S. forces patrol the city after tension grew between the Turkey-backed rebels around Manbij and the Kurdish-led militia inside the city. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:57:08|Editor: yan Video Player Close JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,612 road deaths were recorded during festive season in South Africa, said Transport Minister Blade Nzimande when he released preliminary road safety report on Wednesday in Pretoria. The report covers the period from December 1, 2018 to January 8, 2019. It shows an over 5 percent increase compared to the 1, 527 fatalities which were recorded in the 2017/18 season. Kwazulu-Natal contributed the most with 328 fatalities, followed by the Eastern Cape at 238. Minibuses and trucks were involved in some of the most horrific accidents, killing 54 people. He said alcohol and substance abuse, negligent driving and unroadworthy vehicles are among contributing factors behind road carnage. The minister noted that 58 percent of road deaths involved alcohol during the 2018/19 festive season. The minister also said that rooting out corruption in the issuing of drivers licences would assist in reducing road deaths. "Our focused attention on corruption resulted in the arrest of 17 officials implicated in issuing learner licences and roadworthy certificates. The officials were arrested in Gauteng, Kwazulu Natal and Limpopo." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:42:02|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to establish a UN mission to support the Hodeidah agreement between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels. Resolution 2452, which won unanimous support of the 15 members of the council, decides to establish a special political mission, for an initial period of six months, to support the implementation of the agreement on the city of Hodeidah and ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa as set out in the Stockholm Agreement. The Security Council last month authorized an advance team for 30 days to monitor and support the implementation of the Stockholm Agreement, reached in UN-brokered talks in Sweden in December. The Yemeni government and Houthi rebels agreed on a cessation of hostilities in Hodeidah governorate and the mutual redeployment of forces from Hodeidah city and the ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Issa. They also agreed on a mechanism for the exchange of prisoners and reached an understanding on Taiz, another frontline city. The new resolution approves the proposals of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the composition and operational aspects of the political mission called the UN Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA). The mission will have 75 UN monitors and other support staff and would be headed by Gen. Patrick Cammaert of the Netherlands as chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee. The committee, which includes representatives of the Yemeni government and the Houthis, was established by the Hodeidah agreement to supervise the redeployment of forces. Gen. Cammaert arrived in Yemen last month with the advance team that the Security Council authorized in Resolution 2451. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:37:01|Editor: yan Video Player Close SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-27) wrapped up here on Wednesday, proposing solutions to many challenges that the region and the world are facing, according to a joint communique. Opened by Cambodian National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin and Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Tuesday, the forum brought together 331 delegates from 21 countries, discussing a number of topics including economic and trade matters, political and security issues, and regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, among others, the communique said. ECONOMIC AND TRADE MATTERS Key issues identified were protectionism, unilateralism and inequality, it said, adding that some proposed solutions are to enhance open and inclusive multilateralism and to strengthen free trade. "The delegates highlighted the need to build strong institutions to promote trade and investment for sustainable inclusive growth," the communique said. "We reiterated our commitment to fight against protectionism to achieve our common goal of free trade and investment in the region." The delegates also discussed promoting access to finance, science, technology and innovation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and called for regional cooperation to encourage investment in education along with vocational training and lifelong learning to meet SME requirement of critical skills in the changing global business environment. "In addition, we discussed enhancing regional connectivity through e-commerce and called for investment in telecommunications infrastructure and harmonized rules, regulations and legislation governing digital trade to promote the free flow of goods and services in the region," it said. POLITICAL AND SECURITY ISSUES Main issues raised included lack of political trust, and non-traditional security threats including terrorism, transnational crimes, cyber security, Rohingya crisis, and peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, the communique said. "Some suggested policies to address these issues include developing mechanisms to strengthen mutual trust for peace and security, promoting collective efforts to resolve the root-causes of terrorism, advancing cooperation on cyber security and digital literacy," it said. Concerning the situation in the Korean Peninsula, the delegations noted the positive developments and expressed a desire for a diplomatic resolution of the remaining issues, it said, adding that the delegates hoped that the upcoming summit between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will bring concrete results. REGIONAL COOPERATION IN ASIA-PACIFIC Key issues discussed included climate change, cultural exchange and cooperation, and disaster risk reduction, said the communique. Proposed solutions covered building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation to mitigate and adapt to climate change and global warming, it said, adding that promoting cultural diversity and furthering investment in disaster risk reduction are also essential. The communique said the delegates underscored the commitment to the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, especially the principles for mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies and enhancing civilization connectivity. The delegates also raised the important role of the Asian Cultural Council in promoting the synergies of culture and peace and sustainable development. The delegates also urged the APPF member countries to foster global and regional cooperation mechanisms such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Belt and Road Initiative, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), among others. According to the communique, Australia will host the APPF-28 in 2020. Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) meets with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 30, 2018. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia and China enjoy a "very confident progressive development of relations in all areas," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday. The two countries reached a record trade turnover in 2018 but this is not a limit, as Russia and China have ambitious plans discussed by President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping at various meetings, Lavrov said at his annual press conference. According to China's customs authority, trade turnover between China and Russia surged by 27.1 percent to a record high of 107.06 billion U.S. dollars last year. The two governments have identified about 70 projects worth a total of more than 100 billion dollars in various fields, including nuclear energy, agriculture, transport and space cooperation, Lavrov said. He specially mentioned the coordination of the Russian and Chinese global navigation systems GLONASS and BeiDou. "So our prospects in trade, economic and investment areas are very, very significant," the top Russian diplomat said. Lavrov also praised the close cooperation and coordination between Moscow and Beijing in international affairs, including within BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations, as well as harmonizing the Eurasian Economic Union with the Belt and Road Initiative. Russia and China have common approaches to resolving conflicts solely by political methods on the basis of international law and dialogue, including in Syria, elsewhere in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula, Lavrov said. "The friendship between Russia and China is not aimed against anyone," Lavrov stressed. Russia and China are friends because they are neighbors, have many common interests, are strategic partners in international affairs and equally see the need to make the world more stable, more secure and more democratic, he added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:26:58|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- This year's annual conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) will focus on the open economy, multilateral cooperation and innovation, BFA Secretary General Li Baodong said Wednesday. The conference, scheduled from March 26 to 29 in Boao, a coastal town in China's southern island province of Hainan, will be themed "Shared Future, Concerted Action, Common Development," Li told a news conference. It will feature about 50 official sessions which are categorized into five modules including open world economy and innovation-driven development, he said. The conference will provide an open and inclusive dialogue platform for participants and send a clear message to building consensus regarding global governance, Li said. "Globalization and free trade are inevitable trends of economic development," Li said. "Multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation are the shared aspirations of most countries, while openness and innovation are the best choice to sustain the advancement of world economy and globalization." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:16:51|Editor: yan Video Player Close BERLIN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- German business associations and economic institutes alike reacted on Wednesday with concern to the British parliament rejection of the withdrawal agreement with the European Union (EU). "The rejection of the withdrawal agreement is alarming," commented Joachim Lang, director general at Federation of German Industries (BDI), adding that the "the prospect of a chaotic Brexit is dangerously increasing". The avoidance of a hard Brexit has "top priority now" but the responsibility would lie with the British government and the Labour party opposition in London, according to BDI director Lang. German companies had "invested in the United Kingdom to the tune of around 120 billion euros (136.7 billion U.S. dollars)" and have considerably more than 2,000 stake holdings in British companies, Lang emphasized. The German industry would now expect quick answers on how to proceed, as any lack of clarity would "jeopardize tens of thousands of businesses and hundreds of thousands of jobs in Germany, and more particularly in the United Kingdom", the BDI statement read. The Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (ifo) also warned against a hard Brexit and called on the European Union and the United Kingdom to resume negotiations. "A hard Brexit with its huge costs must be avoided," said ifo president Clemens Fuest. Ifo trade expert Gabriel Felbermayr considers the rejection of the Brexit deal by the British House of Commons to be understandable "because it would downgrade Britain to the status of a trade colony". Britain would not "stand to gain trade autonomy and its territorial integrity would be called into question," noted Felbermayr. Similar concerns came from the president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW) Dennis Snower, who said that the rejection of the Brexit agreement was a "tragic decision". Snower also believes that an unregulated withdrawal from the EU was highly probable now. A "no deal" would likely bring trade between the EU and Britain "temporarily to a complete standstill", said Snower. According to the IfW, the British parliament's decision "would only be good if it led to a second referendum." Unlike most German industry voices, Marcel Fratzscher, president of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), thinks that the probability of a hard Brexit on March 29 has barely increased as a result of Wednesday's rejection by the British House of Commons. Fratzscher expects that either the withdrawal date will be postponed for a few months or that individual agreements for a transitional phase will be reached in order to avoid "economic chaos". "The rejection of the Brexit agreement, on the other hand, has increased the probability of a second referendum and thus of Britain remaining in the EU," Fratzscher said. "The Brexit is an economic, social and political disaster for Great Britain. It is hard to imagine another government or party in Europe now wanting to impose such a process on their country," Fratzscher emphasized. "The hope is that politics will now find more courage to reform and advance Europe." Given that the MTA Board governs the MTA, youd have hoped that Tuesdays emergency board meeting to discuss Governor Andrew Cuomos plan to avert a 15-month shut down of L train service between Brooklyn and Manhattan would have revealed crucial details that have remained a mystery since the new plan was first announced 13 days ago. Instead, the three-hour hearing raised more questions than it answered, as the MTA and its consultants struggled to provide facts and context for a proposal that is intended to replace one that took three years for engineers and transit planners to devise. Jerry Jannetti, a vice president at WSP, the engineering consultant that worked with the MTA on the first L train shutdown plan and is now part of creating Cuomos plan, told the board that by demolishing significantly less concrete than originally anticipated, and racking power and communication cables on the tunnel wall, the MTA could repair the Canarsie tunnel and keep the trains running on nights and weekends. But it's becoming ever clearer that a firm plan to avert an L train shutdown does not exist yet. Here are some of the most pressing questions that are still outstanding. Is the L train shutdown actually going to happen or not? And who ultimately decides if the shutdown will happen, or if Cuomos plan will prevail? Initially, Governor Cuomo said it would be up to the MTA Board to decide whether his plan would be adopted or not. Whats next is, the MTA Board has to vote on whether they want to pursue the plan, the governor told reporters on January 4th. If they pursue the plan, theres a secondary question, theyd have to renegotiate the contract with the contractors because the scope of work is different, et cetera. But the MTA has all but pretended these procedural hurdles dont exist: One agency press release from January 3rd stated baldly, MTA Announces L Train Shutdown Averted. The authority has scrubbed its website of planning documents for the shutdown, and removed signage notifying riders about the pending repairs. While MTA Chair Fernando Ferrer told board members on Tuesday that they will retain their oversight power over contractual changes (more on that later) and major service changes, he was very careful not to say whether this would include requiring board approval of the reversal of the L train shutdown and the adoption of Cuomos new plan. Does this plan need approval by the board or not? I am confused about it, an exasperated Polly Trottenberg, the NYC DOT commissioner who serves on the MTA board, asked Ferrer during yesterdays meeting. The purpose for this meeting was to share information. Once there is a change, a plan, it comes before the board again, Ferrer replied. So if the sign says shutdown averted, it should have a footnote that says subject to board approval?" Trottenberg added. Ferrer cut his mic, said something to Trottenberg, and moved on to the next question. Shams Tarek, a spokesperson for the MTA, declined to comment to Gothamist on whether the MTA Board will need to approve Cuomos plan to move forward, referring us to Ferrers comments. We are moving forward with the new plan and will be regularly briefing the Board, public officials, and our customers, Tarek said. The Board will be retaining an independent consultant to advise it on the project and review safety and environmental considerations." Listen to WNYC's Stephen Nessen discuss the latest with change in L train shutdown plans: Is the governors plan to only partially demolish the bench wall safe? And how much time will it really save? The crux of the governors no-shutdown plan rests on switching from rebuilding the concrete bench wall that contains the tunnels signals and cables to hanging the cables from open shelving, while leaving most of the bench wall intact. Jannetti presented a slideshow during yesterdays meeting reiterating what WSP had previously indicated: 60 percent of the bench wall would be preserved, with the other 40 percent either left untouched, shored up with a plastic coating, or torn out. A slide from WSP's presentation at the emergency MTA Board meeting. Jannetti would not speculate on the tunnels lifespan following the repairs, but stressed that this was a generational investment, not a Band-Aid. He admitted, however, that longevity is hard to say in these harsh environments. Later in the meeting, though, when asked by Putnam County MTA Board representative Neal Zuckerman if there were any downsides to the new plan, WSP technical director for structures Mike Abrahams replied, It certainly would have been advantageous for long-term service life to completely tear out the duct banks and completely replace them. There are certainly surface-life advantages to doing that. (The Manhattan Institutes Nicole Gelinas instantly tweeted that this would be the death-knell quote for Cuomos L train plan.) Neither Abrahams, Janetti, nor MTA officials provided details on how much service life of the fix would be reduced by leaving a patched bench wall in place; John Busel, a vice president of the American Composite Manufacturers Association, notes that fiber-reinforced polymer has only been in wide use since the 1990s, so its long-term lifespan is yet to be determined. And, it turns out, even that 60 percent figure for how much of the wall is in good shape is preliminary at best. Asked by WNYCs Stephen Nessen following the meeting about how the MTA determined that figure, Ferrer replied, The MTA didnt decide that. Gonna be very careful about the language we use here. We did a preliminary investigation and testing of the bench wall. There has to be followup testing on this, to make sure what stays, what goes. If the determination is in the neighborhood of 60 percent can remain, thats fine. So, either the bench wall is mostly fine and leaving it intact is no problem, or maybe its not mostly fine and this could cause long-term problems. Definitely one of those. What about all the silica dust that will be kicked up by partly demolishing the bench wall? After spending several years warning of the threat of potentially carcinogenic silica dust, the MTAs engineers now say they can safely mitigate the substance even while reopening the tunnel to service every few hours. The silica will be handled solely on weekends, rather than weekdays, and workers will be able to clean as they go, Warren Goodman, safety director at Judlau Contracting, told the MTA Board. A third-party air quality monitor will ensure that stray dust isnt floating around when rush hour arrives on Monday morning. But some board members remain unconvinced. According to Trottenberg, the past projects that the MTA cited as precedent for this sort of jobBrooklyn-Battery Tunnel and Queens-Midtown Tunnelwere used only by vehicular traffic while the silica cleanup was underway, meaning there was no threat of directly exposing subway riders on platforms to the dust. Its apples and oranges in that regard, she said during the board meeting. Evaluating for air quality can also be a challenge, Trottenberg noted, because silica levels are not evenly distributed throughout the tunnel. Even if youve cleaned up, hosed down, vacuumed, done all the mitigation treatments, it can be a little bedeviling to get the dust levels down to where they need to be, she added. How will the MTA ensure that evening and weekend work doesnt spill over into the next mornings commutes? A 2014 report by WSP leaked to the Times that considered doing the L train repair work on weekends noted the high risks of not being able to restore train services on time after weekend [work] as a reason why that plan was rejected. Two years later, when the MTA made a video to explain why they needed to shut down the Canarsie tunnel for 15 months, the agency said that "even if we did shut down the tunnel for the weekend, we couldn't bring back normal service until the following Tuesday or Wednesday because of the time we'd need for the cleanup and silica testing. This concern was again brought up by DOT Commissioner Trottenberg yesterday, who said that under the new plan, she would have to worry about, well, is the tunnel open for service every single morning for rush hour for however many years this project is gonna take? What if one morning the silica dust still isnt where it needs to be? Judlau safety director Goodman replied that he really cant speculate about that. What we do is, I think well develop a plan, now that everything is somewhat different, I anticipate a plan where the workers clean as they go...and then set aside some time to do some additional cleaning and continue to use means and methods to capture silica where they work, Goodman said. Pat Foye, the MTAs new president, said that the concrete demolition would only occur on weekends, which means that in theory, only Monday morning rush hour would be jeopardized. Trottenberg then pointed out that on weeknights, workers only get three or four hours of wrench time to perform the actual work, and that the rest of the time is spent shutting down the tunnels, setting up, and then breaking down the work stations to prepare the areas for service. New York City Transit Administration President Andy Byford said that workers now typically get started around 10 p.m., where previously we started at midnight, and get at least five hours of wrench time, which is a good amount of time to do the work. I guess we can decide whether five hours is good or not, Trottenberg replied. Carmen Bianco, the former NYCTA president who wrote an op-ed in the Times last week criticizing Cuomos new plan, told Gothamist that he couldnt recall a project under his tenure that included demolition that created this level of silica dust where the tunnels were regularly reopened for service. I do know that when they did the Montague tube, they came up against this challenge, but that was out of service for nine months, Bianco said. (It was actually closed for a little over a year.) Bianco added that it takes time to test the air for silica and get the results back. I dont know too many labs that turn it around immediately, he said. At 11:10 p.m. last night, the MTA released this statement from Judlau: "Following those weekend periods when removal of a portion of benchwall will occur, we are confident we can safely remove any silica dust in accordance with the new plan and resume train service on a timely basis as we have done in the past." So in other words, Judlau is confident it can come up with a plan to mitigate the silica dust and clean up the tunnels in time before rush hour while doing the actual work on time, once their engineers figure out how much concrete needs to be demolished and how much silica dust needs to be cleaned out of the air. Another slide from WSP's presentation at the emergency MTA Board meeting. How long will the repair work take? When will it begin? When the intervention was first announced, both Ferrer and Cuomo told reporters that the new repairs, which they hoped to begin in April, would take between 15 and 20 months to complete. But that timeline was called into question on Tuesday by MTA Managing Director Veronique Hakim, who noted that a review of the schedule is still underway. The original comment when the new approach was first discussed with the academic team was 15 to 20 months, but we obviously have to validate that, Hakim noted. Whereas the previous contract with Judlau included hefty fines for any delays over 15 months, there have been no similar penalties discussed in this iteration of the project. A spokesperson for the MTA did not respond to a request for comment about whether the updated contractwhich is still being renegotiatedwill impose any punishment for a missed deadline. Likewise, the emergency meeting didnt shed much light on when the MTA will be able to begin this work. Despite the initial estimation that the project would start on April 27th, the MTAs permanent citizen advisory commission has predicted that it could take between six months and a year before the new plan can clear the necessary reviews (more on that below). For their part, the MTAs management team said they were still aiming to start the work in April, even if the independent review must be conducted expeditiously. But if the work does need to be delayed, there could be increased costs to the public in other ways. During Tuesdays meeting, Trottenberg revealed that city officials were informed by the MTA months ago that delaying the shutdown to ensure that bus lanes were properly painted was not an option, due to cost considerations. The MTA told us that would be impossible, Trottenberg recalled. There would be enormous penalties in the contract if we delayed it that would have a knock-on effect on a bunch of other outages and projects that are going to flow from this. Does the law require the MTA to let other companies bid on this new work? Or can the MTA amend the original L train contract? According to experts in the State Comptroller's Office who have reviewed MTA contracts in the past (though they have not seen the current L train contract with Judlau), typically if more than 50 percent of the work in a contract changes, it would need to be bid out again. The existing contract could also be renegotiated, but the MTA would have a difficult time explaining that the new price is indeed the lowest price for the project without bidding it out again. The MTA does have guidelines that stipulate that changes to contracts must be approved by the Board. But they also allow an authorized officer to make changes if there is the existence of an emergency or a risk of a substantial increase in cost or delay if prompt action is not taken, which could be applied to the unprecedented situation the MTA is currently in. MTA Board member Andrew Saul said he hopes the contract is bid out again. This is now a totally different set of work, there may be other people out there that are capable of bidding on this at a lower price and I certainly hope we open this up for bidding, Saul said. MTA President Foye said the MTA is in closed doors meetings with the contractors hired for the project. Were not going to negotiate that in public but I can assure you we have a goal of reducing costs, which we believe is appropriate, he said. Also, if you'll recall, the governor declared a state of emergency for the MTA last year, which is still in effect, the governor's office confirms, and which allows the MTA to speed up the usual procurement process. An MTA veteran in the authoritys procurement office told Gothamist that while the emergency order does allow the office to move fast, once the emergency is over, it's still responsible in the event of an audit, for explaining why any purchase was cost efficient and not arbitrary. A good procurement process reduces unknowns. In this highly technical matter, the MTA's professionals and lengthy project review were sidelined and overruled by a politician, the Governor, Rachael Fauss, with the good government group Reinvent Albany said. The Governor's team maybe by right. The problem is that the Governor's rushed and secretive process has vastly increased the amount of technical unknowns and thus increased the risk of delays, cost overruns and disruptions. From left, MTA acting chair Fernando Ferrer, Governor Cuomo, Columbia University engineering school dean Mary Boyce, and Cornell University engineering school dean Lance Collins, at the announcement of Cuomo's alternative L train plan on January 3 (Governor's Office) What is the current status of the projects $500 million in Federal Transportation Administration funds? Is that money guaranteed even if the MTA moves forward with Cuomos plan? And how long will it take to be approved? The federal government was set to contribute roughly half of the $1 billion price tag for the Canarsie tunnel repairs, through Sandy relief money and state of good repair grants. The FTA had to sign off on the plan itself, on mitigation measures to get commuters around, and on the plans environmental impacts. MTA Managing Director Hakim has said that Cuomos revised plan will also require FTA approval. According to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has oversight on federal disaster relief and transportation infrastructure, the MTA is arguing that because Cuomos plan would be even less intrusive than a full shutdown, it should fall under the same exclusion from environmental review that the FTA granted to the earlier plan (though an environmental assessment was done). The committee also noted that the MTA is still counting on the money, which will probably be approved since it is still set to be used on Sandy-related repairs. How long the federal governments stamp of approval will take is unknown, but Hakim told the board on Tuesday that the government shutdown is making that process more difficult. What happens next? Following the board meeting, the MTA released a statement saying it was moving forward with the new plan, and would be retaining an independent consultant to review safety and environmental considerations. That third-party overseer will not be selected by the board, as some members had requested, but by the MTAs own upper management. The review will take the place of the independent assessment that NYC Transit President Andy Byford had vowed to personally approve as part of his commitment to the public. By all indications, the transit chief, who will be celebrating his one year anniversary at the MTA on Wednesday, has been effectively sidelined by the new L train plans. During Tuesdays meeting, Ferrer announced that the MTAs Capital Construction division, headed by Janno Lieber, would be taking over the project from NYC Transit, which Byford leads. MTA managing Director Veronique Hakim will now be "directly responsible for supervision" of the plan. At some point, the MTA will presumably release an actual engineering plan outlining the specifics of what the new shutdown alternative will entail. Theyll eventually have to figure out just how much of the bench wall is unstable, and will likely need to get a renegotiated contract past the more skeptical members of the MTAs board. But for now, not having those details in place doesnt seem to be stopping anyone from plowing ahead. We want to move this project along, Ferrer said. We want to do it safely, we want to do it well, but we want to do it expeditiously, too. The next MTA board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th. Hopefully, well know more by then. Additional reporting from WNYC's Stephen Nessen. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:01:47|Editor: yan Video Player Close BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) must continue to strive to enhance its capabilities and integrity by planning and formulating effective strategies to combat the rise of non-traditional crimes. This was stated by Brunei's Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Second Minister of Finance and Economy Mohd Amin Liew at Tuesday's parade to mark the 98th anniversary of the RBPF at the Police Training Centre. According to a report by local daily Borneo Bulletin on Wednesday, the minister said that the RBPF will always face challenges in law enforcement amidst the rapid advancement and increasing sophistication of technology. This includes the rise of non-traditional crimes such as cross-border crime and cybercrimes. "The theme for this year's celebration, 'Together Forward Facing Challenges' is very timely given the technological developments that have greatly changed trends in crime, which has now become very challenging and complex," he said. The minister added that the RBPF is called to play a role as a close partner and to work with the people in efforts to combat crime in the country, adding that the police force has established a network with stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to improve the effectiveness of its services. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:01:47|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Beijing is building a national-level cybersecurity industrial park to boost the industry and tap into the potential of domestic tech companies. Over 10 companies specialized in internet security have signed a contract to move into the park, which has two branches respectively in Haidian district and Tongzhou district, according to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology. Construction on the park started at the end of 2017. By 2020, the industrial output is expected to reach 100 billion yuan (about 14.5 billion U.S. dollars). "We are actively advancing the project. Leading firms in cybersecurity from home and abroad will establish their headquarters in the park," said Jiang Guangzhi, an official with the bureau. As smart cities' initiatives using information technology are rolling out in many cities in China, the demand for internet security infrastructure is high. "The fact that many agencies and organizations are exploring digitization and information technology without sufficient security creates a lot of risks," said Qi Xiangdong, a member of the Beijing municipal committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. The committee is currently holding its annual session. "Beijing is the center for political activity, culture, international exchange and technological innovation, but it is also a big target for cyber attacks," said Qi. The 360 Enterprise Security Group said it found security loopholes in over half of the one million websites in Beijing. On a daily basis, over 9.55 million malware are detected and blocked from PC users. The global average of security spending in IT is about 3.7 percent of the total IT spending, but the Chinese average is only 1.1 percent, Qi said. Insufficient investment in cybersecurity may lead to serious consequences, said Tong Liqiang, also a member of the committee and former director of the Beijing cyber information office. "A full-fledged internet security shield is still not yet in place, but it is needed to service the development of the IT industry, tackle the security challenges and meet the public demand," said Tong. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:01:47|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close People attend a rally to protest against government shutdown outside a federal government building in New York, the United States, Jan. 15, 2019. Dozens of federal employees and their representatives as well as activists gathered here on Tuesday to protest against the ongoing partial government shutdown, which is now the longest government closure in U.S. history. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday asked President Donald Trump to delay his State of the Union address scheduled for Jan. 29, since federal agencies designated to provide security for the event have not been funded due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. "Sadly, given the security concerns and unless government reopens this week, I suggest that we work together to determine another suitable date after government has reopened for this address or for you to consider delivering your State of the Union address in writing to the Congress on January 29th," said Pelosi in a letter to Trump. The U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security are leading federal agencies for security of the event. There was no immediate response from the White House. The shutdown, the longest one in U.S. modern history, stemmed from a budget standoff in which Trump requested 5.7 billion U.S. dollars for building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, but congressional Democrats rejected his demand. Since the shutdown started on Dec. 22, the White House and the congressional Democratic leadership have held several rounds of negotiations over border security and wall funding, but all have ended in failure. The shutdown has affected a quarter of federal agencies with about 800,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay as a result. The White House estimates that the shutdown will likely reduce quarterly U.S. GDP by 0.1 percent every two weeks that it continues. Related: U.S. partisan divide on gov't shutdown over border wall more sharply: poll WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- With the partial shutdown of the federal government entering its 26th day, Americans' view on whether to expand the U.S.-Mexico border wall has been more sharply divided along partisan lines, according to a Pew Research Center survey released Wednesday. Seventy-nine percent Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say the shutdown is a "very serious problem", while only 35 percent Republicans and Republican leaners say the same, the poll showed. Full story Spotlight: Longest U.S. gov't shutdown grinds on, impact rippling across country WASHINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government shutdown, which affected a quarter of federal agencies, stretched into the 22nd day on Saturday, eclipsing all the previous 20 such closures to become the longest in the country's modern history. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-17 00:01:47|Editor: yan Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Wednesday that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will help his country improve its connectivity with the regional countries and beyond to south and central Asia. Addressing a ceremony in the capital city of Pakistan, Umar said that CPEC is the most important component of China's Belt and Road initiative. "I believe that CPEC will be the center of gravity of the global trade in the future," Umar said. He said that Pakistan is also working on a plan to bring forward other parties to invest in various projects along the CPEC route to accelerate economic activities and increase jobs for the youth. Terming CPEC as the best example of Pakistan-China friendship, the finance minister said that the project is equally important for other countries of the region and hoped that someday neighboring countries will look beyond their immediate interests and join Pakistan and China in the CPEC. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 23:46:42|Editor: yan Video Player Close CAIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian police have bust a terrorist cell in North Sinai Province, killing five of its members, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday. The terrorists opened fire at the raiding forces in a remote area in Arish, capital city of North Sinai, before "the forces dealt with them and killed five terrorists," according to a ministry statement. "Three machine guns, a shotgun, an explosive device and an explosive belt were found in the terrorists' possession," the statement said. Egypt has been facing terrorist activities that killed hundreds of policemen, soldiers and civilians following the popular ouster of former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in early July 2013 and the later security crackdown on his supporters. Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood group is currently outlawed in Egypt as a terrorist organization. Most of the terror attacks in Egypt in the past few years were claimed by a Sinai-based offshoot of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group. Meanwhile, the Egyptian army and police killed hundreds of terrorists and arrested thousands of suspects during the country's ongoing anti-terror war declared by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 23:41:39|Editor: yan Video Player Close MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Japan are far from being partners in international affairs as rifts remain between them, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday. "We are even far from understanding the need to look for constructive approaches that bring positions closer without condemning the other participant in communication," Lavrov said at his annual press conference. Moscow and Tokyo still have a lot to do to become true partners rather than "countries on the opposite sides of a barricade" in the international arena, he said. Lavrov said Japan had supported a number of sanctions against Russia as well as the anti-Russian statements of the Group of Seven, and that it had also voted against Russia on some United Nations (UN) resolutions. Concerning the four disputed Pacific islands controlled by Russia, Lavrov said the transfer of them to Japan contradicts the UN Charter, which fixes the results of World War II. Russia and Japan have not signed a post-World War II peace treaty due to their rival claims over the islands which are known as the Southern Kurils in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan. The Soviet army took the four islands in the final days of World War II. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the four islands were incorporated into Russia. According to a joint declaration signed in 1956, the then Soviet Union agreed to return two of the islands provided a bilateral peace treaty is signed, while Japan refused to sign such an agreement, insisting on the return of all four islands. On Monday, Lavrov and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono failed to reach a consensus on the disputed islands at talks in Moscow. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 23:41:38|Editor: yan Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli said on Wednesday his country was ready to sell its food surplus to Malawi when the southern African country was in short supply. President Magufuli made the remarks shortly after he had received credentials from Malawi's new envoy to Tanzania, Glad Chembe Munthali, at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has a surplus and it is ready to sell it to Malawi, a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communication quoted Magufuli as saying. The president also assured the new Malawi envoy of Tanzania's continued cordial bilateral relations, said the statement. Early this month, the Minister for Agriculture, Japhet Hasunga, said the country has about 3 million tonnes in surplus food. Hasunga said Tanzania has continued to help several neighboring countries with food supplies, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi. He said Tanzania Revenue Authority data showed that Tanzania exported a total of 64,477.95 tonnes of maize and 99,434.45 tonnes of beans to these countries between June 2017 and June 2018. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 23:11:24|Editor: yan Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that targeted a U.S. patrol in Syria's Kurdish-controlled city of Manbij on Wednesday, according to local media reports. The suicide bombing happened while a U.S. patrol was passing in the central part of Manbij in the northeastern countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria. The state news agency SANA cited media reports as saying that four U.S. soldiers were killed along with a number of Kurdish fighters in the suicide bombing. For its part, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group said the bombing is the first of its kind to hit Manbij in terms of targeting a convoy of the U.S.-led coalition in the city. After the blast, U.S. forces cordoned off the area and a helicopter took the bodies of the slain soldiers and the wounded ones among other injured people to areas in the eastern Euphrates River. Manbij is controlled by the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council (MMC) and U.S. forces usually patrol the city after growing tension between the Turkey-backed rebels around Manbij and the Kurdish-led militia inside the city. The Syrian army has recently deployed units in the countryside of Manbij amid ongoing talks for entering the city and assuming control to strip Turkey of the pretext to attack the city. Additionally, the Kurdish militia group rejected the Turkey-backed plan to impose a security zone in northern Syria. In a report Wednesday, a political leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) rejected the idea of imposing a security zone in northern Syria by Turkey, the Saudi-funded Al Arabiya TV reported. Citing Riad Dardar, the joint chief of the SDC, the report said that a security zone supervised by Turkey in northern Syria would be rejected. "Turkey should have no hand in such area, neither should the extremist militants, which should not be allowed to get in or out of such a zone," he said. He noted that the security zone, which was discussed by Turkey and the U.S., should not be controlled by any of the conflicting sides. It is worth noting that the SDC is the political wing of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia, which is backed by the U.S. and controlled areas in northeastern Syria. His remarks come against the backdrop of the recent remarks of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who said he agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 32-km security zone along the Syrian border. The Kurdish groups have found themselves trapped in the middle since late December, when Trump said he decided to withdraw American troops from Syria. After that time, the Kurdish militia started leaning toward the Syrian government in order to settle the situation in the Kurdish-controlled areas and to avert a planned Turkish campaign targeting the Kurdish militia. However, no concrete results have yet surfaced except for the fact that the Syrian Army has recently deployed its troops in the countryside of the Kurdish-controlled Manbij city and is now on the frontline between the Turkey-backed rebels and the Kurdish-led militia. A day earlier, the Syrian Foreign Ministry lashed out at the remarks of Erdogan about the security zone in northern Syria. In a statement, the ministry said Erdogan's remarks and actions indicated that his country "only deals with the language of occupation and aggression," adding that Erdogan's actions "run against the simplest principles and charter of the UN." It stressed that the Syrian government is determined to protect the country's territorial integrity and will defend the Syrian territory against any Turkish occupation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:56:20|Editor: yan Video Player Close NEW DELHI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Veteran Congress leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Wednesday took over as the party chief of Delhi, officials said. A congress party spokesperson said the 80-year-old three time chief minister of Delhi took charge of party affairs at Rajiv Bhawan, the office of the Delhi Congress. "Sheila Dikshit today took charge as the party's Delhi chief in presence of a large gathering of workers and senior leaders," the spokesperson said. Dikshit was appointed as head of the Congress in Delhi last week by the Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi after Ajay Maken stepped down citing health troubles. Political analysts said with Dikshit in command, the party is looking forward to improving its performance in the national capital in the country's general elections. Dikshit led the Congress Party to three consecutive electoral victories in Delhi and served as the chief minister of Delhi for a period of 15 years from 1998 to 2013. In the December 2013 Delhi local elections, the Congress Party was defeated by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Dikshit was replaced by Arvind Kejriwal. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:56:19|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Australian Defense Minister Christopher Pyne said Wednesday that his country will continue its support for the Lebanese army, local media reported. "We will continue supporting the Lebanese army in a bid to enable it to assume its full responsibilities," Pyne was quoted as saying by the National News Agency (NNA). Pyne's remarks came during his meeting at Baabda Palace with President Michel Aoun. Pyne also met with House Speaker Nabih Berri. He emphasized during his meeting that his country has very strong ties with the Lebanese army in fighting against the Islamic State group and terrorism. "The exchange in security information between Lebanon and Australia was very important in fighting against terrorism in both countries," NNA quoted Pyne as saying. A sculpture which depicts the Saudi Arabian flag as a piece of candy is moving from its controversial location near the 9/11 Memorial to JFK International Airport. The 1,450-pound sculpture is one of twenty in a larger installation called Candy Nations, meant to depict the twenty countries in the G20. The entire installation will now be dispersed throughout JFK's AirTrain system, according to a Port Authority press release. The French artist Laurence Jenkell, who crafted these sculptures out of polyester and resin, first displayed them at the 2011 G20 summit in Cannes, France. The nine-foot tall pieces, which include the likes of Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and Mexico as wrapped pieces of candy, appeared in 25 countries around the world before arriving in New York City. The sweets previously cropped up throughout the Port Authority Bus Terminal and in fall 2018, they surfaced in the Garment District. In December, Port Authority announced that Jenkell's sculptures would move to a spot near the 9/11 Memorial to coincide with the holidays. Not everyone loved that the Saudi Arabian flag was included in the installation, located right by the Oculus near the 9/11 Memorial (the majority of the 9/11 hijackers were from Saudi Arabia). Following the sculptures' installation, a group of 9/11 survivors and victims' families criticized its placement. "The sculpture's presence at this site, depicting the (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) flag, is an outrageous affront to the 9/11 community and all other Americans who seek justice for the attacks on our nation on September 11, 2001," read the statement. Jenkell noted to the Observer that she thought about excluding the Saudi flag when Candy Nations made the move to World Trade Center area, but ultimately decided against it. "Given the unique and justified sensitivities surrounding the World Trade Center, it came to my mind to propose to remove the sculpture showcasing the flag of Saudi Arabia, or relocate it to a less sensitive location," she said in a statement. "But there is no way I can do such a thing as the flag of Saudi Arabia is entirely part of the G20 just like any other candy flag of this Candy Nations show." Port Authority confirmed to Gothamist on Tuesday that the sculptures would now be housed at JFK Airport: "We believe this solution respects the unique sensitivities of the site and preserves the artistic integrity of the exhibit." Reached by email, Jenkell said, "I've been deeply disturbed and saddened by some of the reactions, especially given the reverence I have for this sacred site that embodies resilience even more than any other place in the world." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:56:18|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri expressed Wednesday his regret over Libya's decision not to attend the Arab Economic and Social Summit which will take place Sunday in Lebanon, the National News Agency reported. "This is an occasion to express my deep regret for the absence of the Libyan delegation from this meeting and to emphasize that the relationship between brothers must remain above any offenses," Hariri said. Hariri's remarks came in a speech during his patronage of the opening of the Arab Private Sector Forum at the headquarters of the Union of Arab Chambers - Adnan Kassar Edifice for Arab Economy. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nabih Berri replied to Hariri's remarks by saying the "major harm was done to Lebanon 40 years ago," in reference to the disappearance of Shiite cleric Imam Moussa al-Sadr which is blamed on Libya. On Monday, Libya confirmed that it will not participate in the summit due to Lebanese authorities in Beirut's airport preventing Libyan businessmen from entering and to protest offending of the Libyan flag. Lebanon's Amal Movement announced few days ago that the Libyan delegation will be forbidden from entering Lebanon to attend the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit. Moreover, Amal supporters Sunday took down Libyan flags from outside Beirut's Biel Center, where the summit is expected to be held, and replaced them with their own to protest against Libya's participation in the summit. Al-Sadr disappeared alongside Sheikh Muhammad Yaacoub and the journalist Abbas Badreddine during an official visit to Libya in August 1978. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:51:16|Editor: yan Video Player Close GABORONE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Botswana's former Director of the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services (DISS), Isaac Kgosi, was arrested on Tuesday night. Kgosi, who lead the country's top spy agency since its establishment in 2009 was dismissed under unclear circumstances in May 2018 following the ascendance of Mokgweetsi Masisi to the Presidency, taking over from Seretse Khama Ian Khama. He was arrested upon arrival at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) in the capital Gaborone, coming from a holiday in Dubai with his family. The arrest, led by the current DISS Director Fana Magosi who replaced Kgosi, happened in full presence of the local media before he was whisked to a military holding cell where he spent a night. No official charges were revealed during the arrest but it was speculated that he was arrested on tax related charges. Briefing the media on site, DISS Director Fana Magosi said they have a warrant to search all Kgosi's properties, some of which were outside Gaborone. Kgosi was taken to his house in the suburb of Phakalane in Gaborone on Wednesday morning under heavy security escort where it was revealed that his property was searched. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:46:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Israel has set up a fund to support environmental projects in developing countries, amounting to one million euros (about 1.14 million U.S. dollars), as reported Wednesday by the state's Ministry of Finance. The fund was established by the Israel's ministries of finance, environmental protection and economy, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The fund was established to support environmental projects such as water, energy and climate change in countries where the bank is active, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Central Asia. The fund will provide technical assistance tools such as feasibility studies, engineering and legal opinions and professional advice. These tools enable raising funds for projects from commercial banks, regional development banks and special funds for complementary financing for environmental projects. The EBRD was established in 1991 by 40 countries, including Israel, to help build a new, post-Cold War era in Central and Eastern Europe. It has since played a historic role and gained unique expertise in fostering change in the region and beyond, and investing more than 130 billion euros (148 billion U.S. dollars) in a total of over 5,200 projects. According to the Israel's Ministry of Finance, through economic development cooperation, the government is assisting Israeli companies to realize the great potential inherent in these markets. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:46:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to establish a UN mission to support the Hodeidah agreement between the Yemeni government and Houthi rebels. Resolution 2452 won unanimous support of the 15 members of the council. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:46:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian police said on Wednesday that it had seized more than 2,000 illegal armaments smuggled into capital Addis Ababa during the past six months. According to the Addis Ababa City Police Commission's report on Wednesday, the illegal armaments seized by police in partnership with the East African country's security and intelligence unit were said to be part of a hidden agenda that aimed to create havoc by hindering the country's peace and stability. The police report came amid waves of similar incidents as the smuggling and transaction of armaments in the country escalated over the past few months. Last month, Ethiopian police also disclosed the seizure of some 180 illegal handguns when they were smuggled into the capital. The Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, however, did not give further details regarding the identity of the latest handguns smugglers nor their intention behind the illicit armament. Police previously indicated that the armaments were illegally smuggled into the country, with a major motive to ignite widespread impact on peace and security of Ethiopia. The commission had previously arrested more than 18 suspects in connection with smuggling of armaments into the country. Some of them were also said to be involved in illicit foreign currency outflow and the transfer of illegal and fake Ethiopian birr notes across the East African country. Police over the few months alone had announced multiple seizures of millions of U.S. dollars and other foreign currency notes that were illegally smuggled out of Ethiopia, including at the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's major international flights hub. Addis Ababa police also on Wednesday revealed that it had seized more than 68 million Ethiopian birr notes (about 2.5 million U.S dollars) while being smuggled across the country. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. dollars, euros, as well as pound sterling notes were also caught from illegal smuggling during the period, it was noted. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:46:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers a speech at the central conference on political and legal work in Beijing, capital of China. The conference was held in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has ordered efforts to promote modern social governance, push forward reforms and develop a better force in political and legal work. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the statement in a speech to the central conference on political and legal work held in Beijing Tuesday and Wednesday. He instructed law enforcement and judicial agencies to enhance their revolutionary spirit, standardize their practices and improve competence. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice Premier Han Zheng, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting. Xi demanded more efforts to enhance law enforcement in key areas that matter to the immediate interests of the public so that they can be provided with cleaner air and water, safer food and faster traffic in a more harmonious society. Xi underlined the need to improve the law-based social governance model under which Party committees exercise leadership, the government assumes responsibility, non-governmental actors provide assistance and the public gets involved. Thus, a social governance system based on collaboration, participation and common interests can be established, he said. Xi stressed the principle of rule of law so that "law-abiding members of society can feel proud and elated, while lawbreakers shall find it difficult to move one step." Xi also spoke of the need to make more efforts on the development of crime prevention and control system, which is multifaceted and features IT application. Describing mafia-like gangs as "the cancer of society", Xi vowed to maintain high-handed pressure and continue to crack down on such crimes to achieve a three-year term target. Xi urged law enforcement and judicial agencies to push for breakthrough development at a higher level and build a functional system that is optimized, coordinated and efficient. On plans to improve the system of power checks and supervision, Xi said efforts should be focused on prominent problems that prompt the strongest public reaction and resolutely guard against slack law enforcement, miscarriage of justice, breaking the law while in charge of law enforcement and judicial corruption. Xi called on law enforcement and judicial agencies to provide convenient, efficient, smart and targeted public services that are equitable and beneficial for all. Efforts should be made to accelerate the establishment of legal service networks that can offer full services accessible at all times and for people from different regions, Xi noted. Xi also stressed stepping up the building of a safety protection system to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of the country's overseas institutions and working staff. Greater emphasis should be placed on strengthening competence of law enforcement and judicial officials, Xi said, urging Party organizations and leading officials at all levels to support judicial organs in exercising power in a law-based, independent and impartial way. In his concluding remarks, Guo Shengkun, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Commission for the Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, said it is a primary political task to study and implement the spirit of Xi's speech. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:46:15|Editor: yan Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Deputies of the Citizens' Representative Council of Ulan Bator elected a new mayor of the capital city on Wednesday. Samdannyam Munkhchuluun was appointed by 24 deputies in the 45-seat council in a secret ballot. "Working as mayor of the capital city is very responsible. I will work hard to solve the pressing issues in the city which is home to more than half of the country's population of 3.2 million," Munkhchuluun told reporters after the appointment. The 40-year-old Munkhchuluun, a member of the ruling Mongolian People's Party, has served as a deputy of the Citizens' Representative Council since 2016. Sundui Batbold, the former mayor of Ulan Bator, announced his resignation in late November after the country's Prime Minister Ukhnaa Khurelsukh accused him of not fulfilling his duties. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:31:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close GAZA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Health Ministry officials in Gaza warned on Wednesday that a growing power crisis, due to a severe shortage of fuel at Gaza Strip's hospitals, threatens the lives of hundreds of patients. "The fuel crisis is threatening 800 patients in dialysis departments, 120 preterm infants in the nursery and 100 patients in intensive care unit in the hospitals of the Gaza Strip," ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qedra told a news conference in Gaza. He added that the ministry has taken austerity measures to save the remaining fuel, which has reached a critical stage that may be unable to generate power for providing health service at any time. He also said the ministry needs 300,000 liters of fuel per day to run 13 hospitals and 53 primary care centers in the coastal enclave. Al-Qedra pointed out that the ministry continues to work and move in all directions and with various stakeholders to stop the crisis from interrupting health services. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Palestinian territories, since 2013, the UN has been providing emergency fuel to operate standby generators in nearly 250 vital facilities, water and sanitation facilities in the Gaza Strip. An OCHA statement issued last October said that the UN provided the last of its own fuel reserves in September which is worth one million dollars, calling for at least two million dollars to cover the operation of basic services until the end of 2018. The Gaza Strip suffers from a deficit in its electricity needs, especially in winter, forcing the electricity distribution company to rely on a schedule based on eight hours of electricity every day. Israel has imposed a tight blockade on the Gaza Strip, home to nearly two million people since mid-2007 after Hamas movement's takeover of the enclave by force following rounds of internal fighting with forces loyal to the Palestinian Authority. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:26:07|Editor: zh Video Player Close HONG KONG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- More than 10 million tourists have visited Hong Kong via the Hong Kong section of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge since the operation of the two cross-border infrastructures, according to Hong Kong Monthly Digest Statistics on Tuesday. The data published by the Census Statistics Department of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) showed that around 5.27 million visitors used West Kowloon Station to travel to and from Hong Kong, with visitor arrivals reaching 1.81 million in December. As for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, more than 4.81 million visitors made trips to Hong Kong via the bridge, with 2.21 million in single December. From January to November last year, visitor arrivals from the mainland witnessed a 14.2 percent increase to reach 46 million compared to the same period in 2017. In 2018, visitors from the mainland spent 21,000 Hong Kong dollars per visit, 3 percent higher than 2017, said Nielsen Hong Kong, a global market research and study company. Michael Lee, managing director of Nielsen Hong Kong, predicted that retailing and other tourism-related industry might flourish due to the growing tourists from the mainland fueled by the cross-border rail link and the bridge. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:06:00|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ATHENS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A search and rescue operation was launched on Wednesday in western Greece for a small two-seater aircraft which went missing, Greek national news agency AMNA reported. An eye witness saw the single-engine aircraft crashing in the sea area off Messolonghi town, about 200 km west of Athens, according to early information by authorities. It is still unclear whether there was a second passenger on board besides the pilot. The plane belongs to a local flying club. It took off from Messolonghi and was en route to nearby Patras city port, according to local media. Ending days of widespread speculation, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY) officially announced plans to pursue a presidential bid on Tuesday while a guest on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. As the Senator most closely associated with the #MeToo movement and with a history of supporting women who run for office, Gillibrand made the case for why now was her time to run. As a young mom, I am going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I fight for my own, Gillibrand, 52, said, promising a push for guaranteed healthcare, better schools, and the job training needed to earn the way into the middle classwhile taking on institutional racism and government corruption. I know that I have compassion, the courage and the fearless determination to get that done, she added. TONIGHT: @SenGillibrand stops by @colbertlateshow to announce that she is forming an exploratory committee to run for President of the United States! #LSSC pic.twitter.com/vPUpF1gs8z The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) January 15, 2019 Officially, Gillibrand is filing to set up an exploratory committee which is the first step towards launching a full-scale presidential campaign. Tuesday's unambiguous announcement stands in stark contrast to her comments during her latest Senate re-election bid, when she pledged to serve a full six-year term if elected. Colbertwho joked that after factoring in the holidays when The Late Show was off air, Gillibrand had just been his guest like last week"noted things had changed, citing the 25-day government shutdown. He said they joke a lot that the world is on fire, And America right now is interviewing for new Fire Chiefs, because the present Fire Chief likes to play with matches. Asked about the first thing she would do on day one in office, Gillibrand said, restoring whats been lost. The integrity and the compassion in this country." She also pledged to bring people together to get things done, citing her work on the 9/11 health bill, which provides care and financial support for first responders and rescue workers who were sickened in the aftermath of the terror attacks. Gillibrand said she has a bipartisan bill with nearly every member of the Senate. I mean, Ted Cruz and I agree on how to end sexual harassment in Congress and wrote a bill together which ultimately was passed unanimously, Gillibrand said. Me and Ted Cruz. While shes not the first woman to enter the race, the Gillibrand camp is making a direct appeal to women voters who helped fuel major Democratic wins in the midterm elections, putting her role as a mother front and center in the campaign. She has two sons. I believe this country needs a movement rooted in compassion and courage. We want an America defined by strength of character, not weakness of ego. We need to protect our basic rights and fight for better health care, education and jobs. And I believe I'm the woman for the job. Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 The campaign we're building will have one core mission: restoring power to people. I wont accept contributions from corporate PACs or federal lobbyists, and I'm not afraid to take on Trump, special interests or any powerful system - never have been. Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 Our movement is about lifting voices that have been ignored for too long. That means taking institutional racism and injustice head-on - in our politics, health care, education and economy. Let's show what we can build with determination and optimism, rather than hatred and fear. Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 This is a moment in history when none of us can stay silent. We have to rise up and reclaim our values. At such a time as this, we all have to ask ourselves: What will we do? Ill fight, and Ill fight with everything I have. It would mean so much if you joined me. Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) January 15, 2019 Her campaign also points to her fundraising prowess. Shes raised more than $56 million over her career, including $8.2 million in online grassroots donations in the 2018 cycle, with an average online donation of $20 and over 140,000 first-time donors. Nearly a year ago, she announced plans to stop accepting money from corporate political action committees. She enters the 2020 fray with more than $10 million on hand. Thats after her fundraising took a hit last year. Politico reported that some major Democratic donors were upset with her for being the first to call for Minnesota Senator Al Frankens resignation after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment. Gillibrand has refused to apologize for her position, arguing that the Democratic party needed to hold its own accountable if they were to challenge Trump on his behavior towards women. Years before the #MeToo movement, Gillibrand took on the issue of sexual assault in the military and on college campuses. Gillibrand, 52, first entered the Senate in 2009 when she was appointed by then-Governor David Paterson to fill the seat vacated by Hillary Clinton, after she was tapped to be President Barack Obamas Secretary of State. At that time, she was a little-known congresswoman from a rural district in upstate New York. She was viewed as pro-gun and anti-immigration. Several higher profile Democrats were seen as more-likely successors to Clinton, including Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late president John F. Kennedy, and Andrew Cuomo, then the attorney general and now the governor of New York. Speaking to WNYC for a profile of Gillibrand last year, Paterson said an unlikely sequence of events, including an unflattering skit mocking him on Saturday Night Live, led him to consider selecting Gillibrand. He also said he wanted a woman for the seat. At that period of time there were a lot of women who felt that in the Democratic primary of 2008 that the old boys network defeated racism, Paterson told WNYC. That in other words the bias against Senator Barack Obama was not as great as the bias against Hillary Clinton and many women around New Yorkactivist womenfelt that way. And I could kind of understand why they did, he said. Since 2010, Gillibrand has been re-elected statewide three times, beating her latest Republican challenger by more than 30 points. Out of New York States 62 counties, she won 18 of the 46 that voted for Trump in 2016, a feat her campaign points to as a sign of her potential crossover appeal. And her positions on those bread and butter Democratic issues have changed. On guns, she now receives an F-rating from the NRA. On immigration, shes fought for protections for DREAMers. Still, those perceived flip-flops are likely to be lines of attack for her opponents. Gillibrand is the latest to join what is an already a crowded field of Democratic candidates seeking to oust Republican President Donald Trump from the White House. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard and former Obama administration housing secretary Julian Castro all declared their candidacy in recent days. Senators Kamala Harris of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey are likely to enter the fray soon, with former Vice President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also considered top-tier candidates should they decide to run. Another possible candidate with lots of buzz is former Texas Representative Beto ORouke, who ran a unexpectedly competitivebut ultimately unsuccessfulSenate race against Republican Ted Cruz. ORouke amassed a large national following, raising record-setting amounts from donors and maintaining an oddly engaging digital presence (like making his latest dental appointment a viral fascination). Gillibrand is expected to appear in Troy, New York on Thursday at a diner near where she lives with her husband Jonathan and their sons, ages 15 and 10. On Friday, she will travel to Sioux City, Iowa for her first public event in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. Addressing her reputation for using salty language, Colbert asked her if she would give up swearing on the campaign trail, and Gillibrand said she would try. Asked what word she would miss most, she said with a smile, Rhymes with duck. Brigid Bergin is the City Hall and politics reporter for WNYC. You can follow her on Twitter at @brigidbergin. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:05:59|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DHAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Bangladeshi police said on Wednesday they had arrested one of the key suspects in connection with the sensational murders of an editor and his friend. "The suspect, Asadullah, was detained on Tuesday evening," Monirul Islam, chief of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit, told reporters on Wednesday. He said Asadullah, 25, is one of the seven killers who were captured by a closed-circuit camera while they were fleeing the crime scene. Asadullah has been identified as a member of banned militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team. With the latest, he said, four accused in the double murder case have so far been arrested. Machete-wielding assailants forcibly entered the house of Xulhaz Mannan who used to edit "Rupban," Bangladesh's first magazine for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, on April 25, 2016 in central Dhaka's Kalabagan area. The assailants stabbed Mannan and his friend Tonoy Fahim, leaving them dead on the spot. Mannan, who previously worked as a protocol officer in the U.S. embassy in Dhaka, and his friend were killed for their alleged anti-Islamic activities, Islam said earlier. A number of secularist writers, bloggers and publishers in Bangladesh have been killed or seriously injured in attacks perpetrated by Islamist extremists since 2013. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:00:48|Editor: zh Video Player Close MOSCOW, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Russia and China enjoy a "very confident progressive development of relations in all areas," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday. The two countries reached a record trade turnover in 2018 but this is not a limit, as Russia and China have ambitious plans discussed by President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping at various meetings, Lavrov said at his annual press conference. According to China's customs authority, trade turnover between China and Russia surged by 27.1 percent to a record high of 107.06 billion U.S. dollars last year. The two governments have identified about 70 projects worth a total of more than 100 billion dollars in various fields, including nuclear energy, agriculture, transport and space cooperation, Lavrov said. He specially mentioned the coordination of the Russian and Chinese global navigation systems GLONASS and BeiDou. "So our prospects in trade, economic and investment areas are very, very significant," the top Russian diplomat said. Lavrov also praised the close cooperation and coordination between Moscow and Beijing in international affairs, including within BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations, as well as harmonizing the Eurasian Economic Union with the Belt and Road Initiative. Russia and China have common approaches to resolving conflicts solely by political methods on the basis of international law and dialogue, including in Syria, elsewhere in the Middle East and on the Korean Peninsula, Lavrov said. "The friendship between Russia and China is not aimed against anyone," Lavrov stressed. Russia and China are friends because they are neighbors, have many common interests, are strategic partners in international affairs and equally see the need to make the world more stable, more secure and more democratic, he added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 22:00:47|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close HELSINKI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Confederation of Finnish Industries expressed its concerns in a media release on Wednesday morning, after the British parliament rejected late Tuesday overwhelmingly the exit agreement negotiated with the EU. "No one emerges as a winner from this," said Taneli Lahti, the director for trade policy and EU issues at the Confederation of Finnish Industries, referring to the defeat of the Brexit deal. Lahti said it is difficult to understand what the majority of the British parliament was against. "The agreement was as advantageous to the UK as possible and the declaration about the future comprised all possibilities." Lahti noted that the Finnish business hopes for the best, but prepares for the worst. In January-August 2018, the UK was the seventh largest export target country of Finland. In imports it was the tenth largest, according to trade statistics. Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila deplored the rejection of the agreement late Tuesday. He said in a social media entry that it was expected though. Sipila said Finland along with the rest of EU prepares now for the hard departure of the UK. Sipila said earlier on Tuesday that the Finnish interests had been taken into account in the agreement, particularly in the appendixes. One of particular Finnish concerns is the continuation of air traffic as smoothly as possible. The Finnish state-majority-owned airline Finnair offers high volume transit travel to the UK via Helsinki and connections via the UK. Teija Tiilikainen, director of the Finnish Institute for International Affairs (FIIA), said late Tuesday that the arrangements were rejected both by the opponents of Brexit and its backers. "It looks very difficult that something could be built around the now defeated agreement", she said. Juhana Aunesluoma, director of the European studies program at the Helsinki University, said the voting result makes it impossible to offer a second solution to the British parliament again. "With a less clear defeat, (Theresa) May could have presented an agreement to the parliament again." Timo Vuori, the director for international affairs at the Finnish Central Chamber of Commerce, said Brexit "does not meet the political and economical interests of Britain - nor the EU". He said that the markets both in Britain and the EU are "unlikely to be disappointed" if the whole Brexit could be canceled in the end. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:55:45|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ten al-Shabab militants have been killed on Tuesday evening in a fierce fighting in Afgoye town in the country's southern part of Lower Shebelle region, officials said on Wednesday. Lower Shabelle region governor Mohamed Ibrahim Barre told journalists that the attack came after al-Shabab militants had attempted to overrun Afgoye, which is 30 km northwest of the Somali capital Mogadishu, but they were overpowered. "They (al-Shabab) tried to attack the town but our forces were able to subdue them, killing 10 of their fighters and injured 10 others. We have lost two of our soldiers," the governor said. He added that they are in full control of the town, vowing more operations against the militants in Lower Shabelle region in southern Somalia. Residents in the agricultural town of Afgoye said they heard gunshots on Tuesday night. "There was huge gunfire at the town and we felt panic during the gunfight," Isaq Abdi, a resident, told Xinhua. The terror group al-shabab did not comment on the incident but the al-Qaida affiliated group conducted a deadly attack on Tuesday at a hotel in the neighboring Kenya, killing 14 civilians. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:45:44|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police said Wednesday they are holding two key suspects in connection with the attack on a luxury hotel and office complex in Nairobi that left 14 civilians killed and several others injured. George Kinoti, director of Directorate of Criminal Investigation under the National Police Service, said the two were arrested in Eastleigh and Ruaka residential estates in Nairobi, hours after security forces ended 18-hour siege at the dusitD2 complex on 14 Riverside Drive. Kinoti who was involved in the security operation at the hotel said one of the attackers lived in Ruaka. "The suspects are providing good information on the incident. They had contacts with the slain men," he said, noting that they were looking for more suspects into the incident. The arrest came a few hours after President Uhuru Kenyatta declared the terrorist attack at the 14 Riverside Drive over, saying security officers killed all the terrorists. Kenyatta did not mention the number of the attackers who had stormed the business complex that houses hotels and multinational companies. The president who had earlier convened a national security council meeting said the government will dedicate efforts to rooting out terrorism that has remained a grave national security threat. "Throughout the breadth of Kenya and in our immediate neighborhood, multiple security efforts are underway to detect, deter, disrupt and defeat terrorist operatives or groups," said Kenyatta. Somali terrorist group al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the Tuesday attack. Security forces are seen near the site of an attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019.(Xinhua/Wang Teng) NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans vowed to defeat terrorists in the wake of a deadly attack in Nairobi by Somali-militant group al-Shabab, with leaders and citizens noting that the country would not cow to terrorists. A message of unity and courage reverberated across the East African nation on Wednesday with citizens coming together to support victims of the terror attack and condemn the terrorists and their activities. Some Kenyans composed poems and prayers while others wore attires emblazoned with the national flag to symbolize unity and defiance against terrorism. People embrace each other after an evacuation near the site of an attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019.(Xinhua/Lyu Shuai) Most importantly, however, dozens of citizens flocked various hospitals and special centers set up by the Kenya Red Cross to donate blood for the victims of attacks. At the Bomb Blast Memorial Park in Nairobi, where a United States embassy once stood before it was bombed in 1997, the humanitarian agency had set up tents and several Kenyans queued to donate blood as they responded to its appeal on Wednesday morning. The humanitarian agency further set up blood donation centers in the lakeside city of Kisumu and the coastal town of Mombasa. Security forces stand guard near the site of an attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019.(Xinhua/Wang Teng) President Uhuru Kenyatta in an address to the nation revealed that 14 civilians had been killed and hundreds rescued in the attack at DusitD2 Hotel complex located on 14 Riverside Drive in the district of Westlands in Nairobi. He further declared that all the terrorists had been killed and security agencies had secured the building, news that lit up Kenyans. "Despite the attacks, we will not be cowed and our gallant soldiers should not leave Somalia. We should work harder to defeat the criminals both here in the country and in their hideouts in Somalia," Peter Kanungi, wearing a Kenyan flag bandana, said at the Bomb Blast Memorial Park. The message was echoed on social media platforms in the East African nation, with Kenyans vowing that "we shall defeat terrorists." People embrace each other after an evacuation near the site of an attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019.(Xinhua/Lyu Shuai) "We must come out of our houses with our heads high. We must carry our flags in our hands, in our cars and drape buildings in them to show the cowardly terrorists that we fear no evil," Mutula Kilonzo Junior, the senator of Makueni County, wrote on his Twitter account. Makau Mutua, a professor of law, noted that Kenya should not relent in its quest to attack the criminals. "Terrorists understand only one language - force. That's how Kenya must deal with the al-Shabab and all its elements within and outside Kenya," he said on Twitter. Gabriel Mutiso, a university student, said that by uniting as the country grieves, Kenyans would show terrorists that they would not succumb to their acts. Security forces gather near the site of an attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Lyu Shuai) Amid the show of solidarity in the East African nation, Kenyans leaders and citizens lauded the security forces for responding to the siege professionally and swiftly to minimize the casualties and rescue those who had been trapped. Some armed citizens, similarly, were also celebrated as they were among the first responders to the attack and helped to save lives. "Bravo to our security officers who have put their lives in danger to rescue those in distress," said Aden Duale, the majority leader in the National Assembly of Kenya. Opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, similarly, lauded the security officers for doing all they can to end the siege that lasted 18 hours. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:30:39|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close by Marwa Yahya, Ahmed Shafiq CAIRO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Middle East tour of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was not successful as it has not fully achieved its goals, experts said. Pompeo on Monday cut short his Middle East tour over a family funeral. "Secretary Pompeo will return to the United States after his meetings in Muscat, Oman," State Department Deputy Spokesman Robert Palladino said in an emailed statement. "This curtailment of travel is required so that the Pompeo family may attend a family funeral." The U.S. top diplomat's tour covered Jordan, Egypt, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar. Palladino said Pompeo will look to visit Kuwait at an agreeable time in the near future. "The main goal of the visit is to establish an Arab alliance against Iran ... there are other minor goals, of course," Noha Bakir, professor of political sciences with the American University in Cairo, told Xinhua. Based on that main objective, the countries of the tour were carefully chosen, she said, adding the most important pillar for building that alliance was to bring Qatar back to the Arab alliance. While in Qatar, Pompeo called for ending the continuing crisis between Qatar and mainly its Gulf neighbors. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt severed ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has strongly denied the accusations. "We are all more powerful when we are working together and disputes are limited. When we have a common challenge, disputes between countries with shared objectives are never helpful," Pompeo told reporters in Doha. "There is no consensus among the Arabs to resolve the Qatari crisis. The priorities of the Arab countries on Iran are also completely different," Bakir said. Delivering a major speech at the American University in Cairo on Thursday, Pompeo said countries of the Middle East will never enjoy security, achieve economic stability, or advance dreams of their peoples if Iran's regime persists on its current course. "The U.S. is working with partners in the region and beyond to stop malign activity by Iran and its proxies in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere," he noted. The expert said the priorities in Pompeo's visit to Egypt were different for the two sides. "Egypt's foreign policies since President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi came to power are based on not joining any alliance or sending troops abroad," she noted. While Pompeo focused on forming an alliance to defy Iran's influence, the Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry focused on combating terrorism in all its forms, she said, stressing that Pompeo did not touch upon the Palestinian cause, which is the main priority for Egypt. She explained that Pompeo's visit wasn't successful as aspired by the U.S. side, adding that his tour was met with Arab dissatisfaction in general. "The Arab people see the United States as the main power behind Iraq's destruction as well as the minimization of the Arab wealth. The people deemed that America destroyed the Arab region and then withdrew without fixing the chaos it has created," Bakir said. In addition to forming alliance against Iran, Bakir said, Pompeo also wanted to show support for Qatar, adding he just failed to fulfill the goal too. The U.S. administration also wanted to stress its new trend, which is abandoning the Middle East. "The United States wants the Arab countries to run their own affairs and solve their problems," she said. The expert stressed that 2019 will see a change in alliances in the region, adding Sisi's visit to Jordan on Sunday was meant to focus on this. Meanwhile, professor of political sciences with Cairo University, Tariq Fahmy, said Pompeo's visit has not brought successful results "because the U.S. side wanted only to focus on the political vacuum in Syria and the Arab region, as well as Qatari crisis." "The agendas of Arab countries forced Pompeo to get far from his own agenda during his tour," Fahmy told Xinhua. "Pompeo came to market the U.S. administration policies as the power that rescues the Arab region, while the Arabs delivered a message that they can handle their own problems." He added that the U.S. ambition to form an anti-Iran Arab NATO is difficult amid disagreement among the Arab leaders on some files. He added that the U.S. withdrawal from Syria was also frustrating for some Arab leaders, adding that the U.S. military is still present in the region. "I can say that the Pompeo's visit was not successful in any way since it failed to convince the Arabs to form an alliance against Iran, and failed to reach reconciliation between Qatar and other countries," he stressed. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:30:39|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close JAKARTA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday rebuffed an accusation that the Indonesian government had paid a ransom for the release of a national kidnapped by the bandit group of Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines. The Foreign Ministry's director for overseas citizen protections Lalu Muhammad Iqbal made the remarks in response to the release of Indonesian fisherman Samsul Saguni, who was taken hostage four months ago, from a splinter cell of the Abu Sayyaf group on Tuesday afternoon. Saguni was taken hostage along with his fellow Usman Yunus in September last year while fishing in the waters of Gaya Island of Sabah, Malaysia, according to the ministry. Reports quoted the official as saying that Yunus managed to escape from the clutches of his kidnappers on Dec. 7. Currently Saguni is in a military base in Jolo, Southern Philippine for a medical check up before flying to Zamboanga City, said Igbal. On his plan to return to Indonesia, the official said the arrangement would be made after the fisherman is handed over to the Indonesian Embassy to the Philippines. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:25:37|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans vowed to defeat terrorists in the wake of a deadly attack in Nairobi by Somali-militant group al-Shabab, with leaders and citizens noting that the country would not cow to terrorists. A message of unity and courage reverberated across the East African nation on Wednesday with citizens coming together to support victims of the terror attack and condemn the terrorists and their activities. Some Kenyans composed poems and prayers while others wore attires emblazoned with the national flag to symbolize unity and defiance against terrorism. Most importantly, however, dozens of citizens flocked various hospitals and special centers set up by the Kenya Red Cross to donate blood for the victims of attacks. At the Bomb Blast Memorial Park in Nairobi, where a United States embassy once stood before it was bombed in 1997, the humanitarian agency had set up tents and several Kenyans queued to donate blood as they responded to its appeal on Wednesday morning. The humanitarian agency further set up blood donation centers in the lakeside city of Kisumu and the coastal town of Mombasa. President Uhuru Kenyatta in an address to the nation revealed that 14 civilians had been killed and hundreds rescued in the attack at DusitD2 Hotel complex located on 14 Riverside Drive in the district of Westlands in Nairobi. He further declared that all the terrorists had been killed and security agencies had secured the building, news that lit up Kenyans. "Despite the attacks, we will not be cowed and our gallant soldiers should not leave Somalia. We should work harder to defeat the criminals both here in the country and in their hideouts in Somalia," Peter Kanungi, wearing a Kenyan flag bandana, said at the Bomb Blast Memorial Park. The message was echoed on social media platforms in the East African nation, with Kenyans vowing that "we shall defeat terrorists." "We must come out of our houses with our heads high. We must carry our flags in our hands, in our cars and drape buildings in them to show the cowardly terrorists that we fear no evil," Mutula Kilonzo Junior, the senator of Makueni County, wrote on his Twitter account. Makau Mutua, a professor of law, noted that Kenya should not relent in its quest to attack the criminals. "Terrorists understand only one language - force. That's how Kenya must deal with the al-Shabab and all its elements within and outside Kenya," he said on Twitter. Gabriel Mutiso, a university student, said that by uniting as the country grieves, Kenyans would show terrorists that they would not succumb to their acts. Amid the show of solidarity in the East African nation, Kenyans leaders and citizens lauded the security forces for responding to the siege professionally and swiftly to minimize the casualties and rescue those who had been trapped. Some armed citizens, similarly, were also celebrated as they were among the first responders to the attack and helped to save lives. "Bravo to our security officers who have put their lives in danger to rescue those in distress," said Aden Duale, the majority leader in the National Assembly of Kenya. Opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, similarly, lauded the security officers for doing all they can to end the siege that lasted 18 hours. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:05:30|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- British Conservative MPs who delivered a fatal blow to Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal are expected to back her Wednesday in a vote of confidence in her government. The 10 politicians at Westminster from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) who shore up May's minority government are also expected to vote against the no confidence measure tabled by the main opposition Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Despite May entering the records books as suffering the worse defeat ever in Britain's House of Commons, her MPs will rally around her to avoid a collapse of the government, with the prospect of Labour taking over. Some political commentators were suggesting Wednesday that May should resign as prime minister or be replaced at 10 Downing Street, even if she wins the confidence vote. Work and Pensions Minister Amber Rudd told reporters as she left her home in London Wednesday morning that she thought May will win the vote of no confidence later. Rudd said: "I look forward to making the case for her. The real issue we need to focus on today is how devastating a Jeremy Corbyn government would be for this country. We have difficulties over delivering on Brexit. But nothing, nothing would be worse than a Jeremy Corbyn government." On a breakfast television program, leader of the House of Commons, Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom said May now wants to hear constructive ideas from senior parliamentarians that are negotiable with the European Union. Leadsom said it was clear the Brexit deal as a whole wasn't necessarily being rejected, but there are aspects of the deal some MPs find problematic. She added May sees as her core purpose delivering on what 17.4 million people voted for in the 2016 referendum when the majority backed leaving the EU "The prime minister remains committed to delivering on Brexit and we all need to now help her," added Leadsom. Leadsom told the BBC the government will not be delaying or revoking Article 50, adding: "We are determined to deliver on Brexit on March 29 which is what a vast majority of Parliamentarians voted for in triggering Article 50." Labour politicians reacted to the Leadsom interview with suggestions there is a reluctance to involve their leader Jeremy Corbyn in face-to-face talks with May about a way forward. Labour's headquarters in London described as inaccurate claims the party doesn't have an alternative plan. "We have been promoting it for months, a new Customs Union, a close relationship with (European) single market," a party spokesman said on social media. Developments in London are being closely followed Wednesday in Brussels and across Europe, with some European politicians saying a delay to the March 29 departure date is possible. But there seems to be little appetite in Brussels for making radical changes to the Brexit deal brokered between May and other EU member state leaders. There was extended applause for the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier in European Parliament as he delivered his reaction to the Tuesday night vote in House of Commons when British MPs rejected May's deal by a massive margin of 432 votes to 202. Barnier called for EU to remain calm and united, saying it is now up to Britain to provide clarity. Scotland's First Minister, and leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) Nicola Sturgeon travelled from Edinburgh to London Wednesday to meet the leader of the SNP at Westminster, Ian Blackford. Sturgeon said: "We want the UK to stay in EU which is why we back a People's Vote. But it is becoming increasingly clear that Scotland's wider interests will only be protected with independence." Meanwhile, the former leader and co-founder of UKIP, Nigel Farage, said Wednesday it was bizarre May had not resigned as prime minister following her defeat. Farage, who helped set up the party almost 30 years ago to campaign for Britain to leave the EU, said in an interview he thought the British parliament would not allow Brexit to happen on March 29. He said: "These are extraordinary circumstances. What you have got, probably for the first time in the history of our nation, is a parliament that refuses point blank to accept the will of the people. We voted for Brexit, we backed it up in a general election the following year and a majority of the House of Commons don't want it." If, as widely expected, May wins the confidence vote, she will have to return to the House of Commons Monday to make a statement outlining an alternative to the Brexit deal rejected in Tuesday night's historic vote. By now, New Yorkers have become all too familiar with the gentrification playbook: A faceless landlord buys up an aging low-story apartment building in an up-and-coming neighborhood, rent-stabilized tenants are bought out, and the ones who stay endure a series of humiliating conditions ranging from the inconvenient (locks to the front door changed without notice) to the brutally inhumane (extended periods without heat and hot water.) The five remaining Greenpoint residents at 97 and 99 Clay Street, a cluster of four buildings with 25 units, say their landlord has subjected them to these harassment tactics and more for over a year. Altogether, the two buildings have racked up over 100 housing and building code violations, according to city records. Descriptions of the open housing violations at the buildings include exposed wiring in public areas, leaking roof, roaches, broken or defective lock on vestibule door, defective smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, among other issues. On Monday, the group staged a press conference with St. Nicks Alliance, a tenant rights group, to put pressure on their landlord, who manages the buildings through a company called Perfect Management, LLC. Were not asking for anything extraordinary, said George Manatos, a 37-year-old video editor who has lived in one of the buildings since 2010. Im not fighting for personal gain. Im fighting for my rights. Reached for comment, a representative for Perfect Management said no one was available to speak on the issue. In May 2018, city's Department of Buildings slapped the landlord with a $2,500 fine for falsely stating on an official filing that the buildings were unoccupied and that there were no rent-stabilized tenants. According to the DOB database, the fine is yet to be paid. Rolando Guzman, an organizer with St. Nicks Alliance who has been working with the Clay Street tenants, said that, to his knowledge, the Department of Housing Preservation Development has not assessed any fines on the owner. The city agency is responsible for ensuring that all rentals in New York City are habitable. A call requesting comment from HPD was not immediately returned. City property records show that the buildings were purchased in November 2014 for $6.5 million by an entity known as LJC Towers LLC. According to the HPD database, the LLC's head officer is Yoel Gross. Shortly after the change of ownership, Manatos said the landlord installed new locks on the front doors without any notice. We had to break into our own building, he said. That was really a tone-setter for us. Manatos said the landlord proceeded to allow the building to fall into neglect and disrepair. As an example, he said windows in vacant units were kept open, resulting in water damage and stray animals moving in. Over time, tenants began moving out and their empty apartments were demolished. Things took a turn for the worse starting in late 2017, he said, when the landlord began renovating the vacated units, resulting in a string of leaks as well as power outages and lack of hot water. "From Christmas to early January he had to live without heat and hot water," he said. He has also regularly had to wipe down a layer of dust in his apartment resulting from all the ongoing construction. In recent years, unsafe and unusually disruptive construction has become a commonly used landlord tactic to harass tenants, said Guzman, who has been working in North Brooklyn for 15 years. Among the more recent notorious examples: a number of East Village buildings, whose owners include President Donald Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, where gut-renovations of vacant units have allegedly produced hazardous levels of lead dust. Its a pattern we are seeing, Guzman said. He added that Monday's event with Clay Street tenants was intended to send a message to everyone in New York City that construction harassment against tenants is not tolerated. Guzman said that while tenant harassment is "insidious" and sometimes operates within legal limits, he has seen the city's oversight agencies improve their efforts in recent years. During his state of the city address last Thursday, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan to crack down on landlord abuse with the launch of a new agency called the Office to Protect Tenants. The new arm of government, which will have a $450,000 budget and staff of five, will help the DOB, HPD and other city agencies mount a coordinated response to landlord harassment. Although small in number, the rent-stabilized tenants at Clay Street are prepared to dig in their heels. Greenpoint tenants from 97 and 99 Clay St. on Tuesday staged a press conference on Lee Avenue to accuse their landlord of harassment. (Photo by George Manatos) One of the residents, Gretchen Mongrain, recently started an Instagram account documenting cascading leaks, exposed wiring, as well as garbage-laden public spaces and construction debris. Mongrain, a 36-year-old who works as a retail manager for Harley Davidson, said the group of tenants had talked for a while about using Instagram to document their living conditions. But everyone was too busy. Then on December 30th, she came home from work and discovered there was no heat and no hot water. I guess that was the straw that broke the camels back, she said. Mongrain, who has lived in her apartment for 10 years, said that staging a fight against landlord harassment amounts to a full-time job. In addition to filing the 311 complaints and reaching out to community members and activists, she has had to make time to be home for city inspectors who need to come and assess the violation. You cant get a violation if you dont let HPD into your apartment, she said. Mongrain said she currently pays $1,200 a month for her studio. For many longtime residents, rents in the North Brooklyn area have become increasingly out of reach. The monthly median rent in Greenpoint was $2,800 as of October, a year-over-year increase of 3.6 percent, according to Streeteasy. While she said she has at times considered moving out, the five remaining tenants have since banded together. We are the last ones and we are not leaving, she said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:00:29|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MOGADISHU, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and Somali health ministry on Wednesday launched the first major nutrition survey in the country since 2009. Both the ministry and UNICEF said in a joint statement issued in Mogadishu that the Somali National Micronutrient Survey will be carried out in the next four months. Fawziya Abikar, minister of health, said they will be collecting data related to micronutrient at household level that will help them better understand the health and nutritional status of children and women in Somalia. Jesper Moller, UNICEF Somalia acting representative, said the nutrition survey represents a major step forward towards improving the health and nutritional status of the country's children and women. "We feel very honored to be part of the process. We call on all health partners to continue investing in data collection to help us accurately assess and respond to the health and nutritional needs of children," said Moller. "By doing so we help build a stronger and healthier workforce and economic foundation for Somalia," he added. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 21:00:26|Editor: Liangyu Video Player Close Media representatives of the Silk Road Celebrity China Tour attend a ceremony to enter the ancient city of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 13, 2019. A media group consisting of people from six countries praised the development and stability of Xinjiang after visiting the region. The Silk Road Celebrity China Tour was held from Jan. 9 to 16 in Xinjiang, with 12 media representatives from Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka visiting locals and a vocational training center. (Xinhua) URUMQI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A media group consisting of people from six countries praised the development and stability of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region after visiting the area. The Silk Road Celebrity China Tour was held from Jan. 9 to 16 in Xinjiang, with 12 media representatives from Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka visiting Xinjiang locals as well as a vocational training center. The media group said that the Chinese government's successful experience in governing Xinjiang deserves praise. The group visited a transportation hub where China-Europe freight trains converge in Urumqi, the regional capital, and conducted live coverage of the trains. Shiabur Rahman, an editor with Bangladesh's Daily Sun, said that the China-Europe freight trains brought Xinjiang closer to the rest of the world. As the front gate of China's opening-up westward, Xinjiang's economic development will become increasingly better. Abdul Matin Amiri, with a weekly publication from Afghanistan, said the display of unity and joy from the locals is completely different from what some media in the West describe, adding that Xinjiang is developing well under the leadership of the Chinese government -- cities in the region are thriving and people are living prosperous lives. The reporters also visited the once poverty-stricken residents who have relocated from the mountains and are living modern lives in newly-built houses. Erdal Kurucay, with Turkey's ATV, said the happiness exuded from the once poor residents showed Xinjiang's rapid economic development and the success of China's targeted measures in its anti-poverty campaign. The media group also enjoyed an ethnic minority music performance by a Xinjiang folk music orchestra. Misket Dikmen, president of the Izmir Journalists Association of Turkey, said that Xinjiang has done a good job of protecting and promoting minority cultures. They also visited the Id Kah Mosque, one of the most renowned mosques in Central Asia. Shiabur Rahman, the Daily Sun editor, said that before he came to Xinjiang, he heard that the Chinese government did not allow Muslims to worship, but after his visit, he found that the government does not intervene in normal religious activities and religious freedom of the Xinjiang Muslims has been effectively protected. The group also attended an exhibition of major cases related to violence and terrorism in Xinjiang. Xinjiang has effectively prevented the incidents of violence and terrorism and safeguarded people's lives and property in the region through taking effective measures, said Shiabur Rahman, adding that the Chinese government is a very responsible one. After visiting a vocational education and training center in the city of Kashgar, Turkish ATV reporter Tugcenur Yilmaz said that trainees are learning laws, Mandarin and skills in the center, which plays an important role in de-extremism. Shiabur Rahman said those people were once affected by extremism and religious fanaticism. He said that such training has made a great contribution to the non-occurrence of violence and terrorism in Xinjiang in the long term. Bangladesh has been impacted by extremism as well, and that he would bring the experience back to his country, Shiabur Rahman said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:55:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on Wednesday strongly condemned the terrorist attack against innocent civilians in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on Tuesday. The chairperson of the AU commission "condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attack against innocent civilians in Nairobi, Kenya," said an AU statement released early Wednesday. "He expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the victims, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," said the statement. Faki further stressed that "this cowardly attack, once again, underlines the imperative for renewed and reinvigorated efforts to combat terrorism throughout the continent." Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed on Wednesday that 14 people were killed and several others injured after a deadly attack on a hotel and business complex frequented by foreigners in the country's capital. The chairperson of the 55-member continental union also commended "the swift response by the security forces of Kenya," and expressed the solidarity of the AU with the government and people of Kenya. Faki further reiterated the AU's commitment to continue working with its member states and partners in the fight against terrorism throughout the continent, as well as to pursue its efforts to stabilize the situation in Somalia and the fight against al-Shabab, through its Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been targeting Kenya-Somalia border areas and killing innocent citizens since Kenyan soldiers entered Somalia in 2011 to secure the two countries' shared border. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:55:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DAMASCUS, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Around 30 civilians were either killed or wounded by a blast that hit Syria's northern city of Manbij during a U.S. patrol in that Kurdish-controlled city on Wednesday, according to al-Mayadeen TV. The blast in Manbij in the northeast of Aleppo province in northern Syria took place while a U.S. patrol was passing the center of Manbij, said the report. No further details were given about what happened to the U.S. patrol or who could be behind the blast. Manbij is controlled by the Kurdish-led Manbij Military Council (MMC) and U.S. forces usually patrol the city after growing tension between the Turkey-backed rebels around Manbij and the Kurdish-led militia inside the city. The Syrian army has recently deployed units in the countryside of Manbij amid ongoing talks for entering the city and assuming control to strip Turkey of the pretext to attack the city amid growing tension. Additionally, Kurdish militia group rejected the Turkey-backed plan to impose a security zone in northern Syria. In a report Wednesday, a political leader of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) rejected the idea of imposing a security zone in northern Syria by Turkey, the Saudi-funded Al Arabiya TV reported. It's worth noting that the SDC is the political wing of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) militia, which is backed by the U.S. and controlled areas in northeastern Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said recently that he agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 32-km security zone along the Syrian border. The Kurdish groups have found themselves trapped in the middle since late December when Trump said he decided to withdraw American troops from Syria. After that time, the Kurdish militia started leaning toward the Syrian government to reach a settlement of the situation in the Kurdish-controlled areas and to avert the planned Turkish campaign targeting the Kurdish militia. However, no concrete results have yet surfaced except for the fact that the Syrian Army has recently deployed its troops in the countryside of the Kurdish-controlled Manbij city and is now on the frontline between the Turkey-backed rebels and the Kurdish-led militia. A day earlier, the Syrian Foreign Ministry lashed out at the remarks of Erdogan about the security zone in northern Syria. In a statement, the ministry said Erdogan's remarks and actions indicated that his country "only deals with the language of occupation and aggression," adding that Erdogan's actions "run against the simplest principles and charter of the UN." It stressed that the Syrian government is determined to protect the territorial integrity of Syria and will defend the Syrian territory against any Turkish occupation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:55:25|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KABUL, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Fighting has intensified in northern Afghanistan as 21 fighters from warring sides were killed in clashes between the government forces and Taliban militants in two northern provinces over the past two days. Taliban militants in an overnight attack on security checkpoints in Chamtal district of Balkh province killed six police personnel and injured two others, a provincial council member Mohammad Saleh Muradi said Wednesday. Similarly, a clash between the government forces and the Taliban insurgents in Shirin Tagab district of the restive Faryab province, which erupted on Tuesday night and lasted until Wednesday morning, killed three security personnel and five pro-government tribal militias called uprising people, member of Faryab provincial council Sibghatullah Silab said. Fighting between security forces and the Taliban outfit also killed seven militants including a local commander Abu Talha and injured five others in Garziwan district of Faryab province on Tuesday, said an army statement released Wednesday. Taliban militants have also intensified activities in Jawzjan, Sari Pul, Kunduz, Baghlan, Samangan, Badakhshan and Takhar provinces over the past months. Government forces, according to security officials, will continue to keep pressure on militants during freezing winter to weaken their abilities in Afghanistan. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:40:22|Editor: zh Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- A court in Shanghai on Wednesday imprisoned 15 people for fraud valued at 43.4 billion yuan (about 6.4 billion U.S. dollars). The main suspects, Huang Jialiu and Wei Yanping, were sentenced to life in prison and ordered to pay fines, while 13 others received jail terms ranging from 9 to 15 years, at Shanghai First Intermediate People's Court. The fraudsters were executive staff with three companies including Shanghai Kuailu Investment Group. The companies used counterfeit documents to pool funds from private investors through the Internet and brick-and-mortar stores between 2014 and 2016. The funds were all transfered to bank accounts owned by Shanghai Kuailu Investment Group and its former board chairman Shi Jianxiang. About 28.2 billion yuan was used to pay back the capital and interest of early investors. The remaining funds were either embezzled, transfered overseas or used for the companies' other operational activities. The court said the group cheated nearly 40,000 victims and caused an economic loss of 15.2 billion yuan. The three companies were ordered by the court to pay a total of 1.9 billion yuan in fines. Shanghai's judicial authorities are working to recover the losses and pursue other suspects, the court said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:35:20|Editor: zh Video Player Close Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, attends a Spring Festival reception held for the widows of renowned figures in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 16, 2019. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body held a Spring Festival reception for the widows of renowned figures Wednesday. Zhang Qingli, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), introduced the achievements made by the advisory body in 2018 at the event. Zhang said the committee would always respect and care for them and that it looks forward to hearing their valuable advice on the CPPCC's work and development. He called on them to continue caring for nation building and support development of the united front work and work of the CPPCC. Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, attended the gathering. This year's Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 5. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:35:20|Editor: zh Video Player Close HONG KONG, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's Hong Kong is Asia's second largest private equity center, trailing only the mainland, an official said here on Wednesday. Private equity is critical to Hong Kong's asset and wealth management landscape, said Paul Chan Mo-po, financial secretary of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As of mid-2018, Hong Kong's private equity players managed 152 billion U.S. dollars in Hong Kong, which is about 16 percent of the total capital under management in Asia, the financial secretary said at the Asia Private Equity Forum, organized by the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. During the first half of 2018, private equity funds raised in Hong Kong amounted to 12 billion dollars, about 20 percent of the total funds raised in Asia, he said. In the coming months, the government will put out a proposal for industry consultation about introducing a limited partnership regime for private equity funds in Hong Kong. "Thereafter, we will introduce a bill in the Legislative Council. If passed, it would be the second dedicated regime for a fund vehicle in our law books," Chan said. Green finance is also promising and the government will soon launch its green issuance under the government green bond program, Chan said. The government will continue to boost Hong Kong's unique role as a gateway between international markets and investors and their counterparts on the mainland, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:30:19|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Interior Ministry's Tripoli security forces on Wednesday said it responded to a military attack in south of the capital Tripoli. "Because the groups that attack Tripoli did not withdraw out of the borders of the Tripoli military area, we declare that we responded to an attack by these groups to prevent loss of lives and property," the Tripoli security forces said in a statement. Local media reported that clashes had erupted in southern Tripoli in the morning. On the other hand, the Ministry of Health announced state of public emergency as a result of the clashes and deployed ambulances near the conflict areas. A Libyan armed group, named the Seventh Brigade, on Tuesday warned the UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj against "military escalation" in south of the capital Tripoli, calling on Serraj to "restrain armed militias and force them to implement the agreed security arrangements." In August 2018, violent clashes broke out in southern Tripoli between forces allied with the government and the Seventh Brigade militia, killing 117 people and injuring more than 500 others, mostly civilians. The clashes ended with the warring parties signing a UN-sponsored cease-fire agreement, after which the government approved new security arrangements in Tripoli that focus on replacing armed groups with regular police and security forces. Following the 2011 uprising that toppled former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country has been suffering escalating violence and chaos, as well as political division. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:30:17|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KAMPALA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Parliament speaker Rebecca Kadaga has hailed China for implementing a digital television project for rural areas to be connected to satellite television. Kadaga said the Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages project has extended coverage to many parts of the country, where only 30 percent of villages can access television. She was speaking at a handover event of the access-to-digital-television project at Starlight Primary School in Kananage in the eastern district of Kamuli on Monday. She urged the community to embrace the programs in order to access news and information. "I want to thank the Chinese government. Through such programs, our people will be able to be informed on time and also realize the many opportunities outside their communities," Kadaga said, according to a statement from her office on late Tuesday. Andy Wang, Chief Executive Officer for StarTimes, said the project would provide over 1,000 jobs to youths who will work as technicians in over 500 villages where the project has been implemented. CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. (Zargon or the Company) (TSX:ZAR) has re-engaged Macquarie Capital Markets Canada Ltd. as financial advisor to assist in seeking outcomes that will maximize value for the Company and its stakeholders. These outcomes may include a corporate merger, sale, recapitalization or reorganization. Zargons long-life, low-decline oil exploitation assets have significant upside potential in a period of prolonged higher oil prices. In addition, Zargon brings a TSX listing and more than $155 million of non-capital losses that could have significant value in a more favourable Canadian energy investment climate. As previously announced, Zargon also commenced marketing its North Dakota assets in December 2018, assisted by Energy Advisors Group (formerly PLS). FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may", "will", "project", "should", "plan", "intend", "believe" and similar expressions (including the negatives thereof) are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the Company's strategic initiative process and the effect of the Exchange Transaction on Zargon's prospects and flexibility to pursue strategic, value-enhancing transactions. The forward-looking information and statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information or statements including, without limitation: those relating to results of operations and financial condition; general economic conditions; industry conditions; changes in regulatory and taxation regimes; volatility of commodity prices; escalation of operating and capital costs; currency fluctuations; the availability of services; imprecision of reserve estimates; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; environmental risks; weather; the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management; stock market volatility; the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; competition from other industry participants for, among other things, capital, services, acquisitions of reserves, and undeveloped lands and skilled personnel. Risks are described in more detail in our Annual Information Form and other public documents, which are available on www.zargon.ca and on www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are provided to allow investors to have a greater understanding of our business. You are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information and statements, including, among other things: future oil and natural gas prices; future capital expenditure levels; future production levels; future exchange rates; the cost of developing and expanding our assets; our ability to obtain equipment in a timely manner to carry out development activities; our ability to market our oil and natural gas successfully to current and new customers; the impact of increasing competition; the availability of adequate and acceptable debt and equity financing and funds from operations to fund our planned expenditures; our ability to add production and reserves through our development and acquisition activities; and the receipt, in a timely manner, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Our actual results, performance, or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. We can give no assurance that any of the events anticipated will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits we will derive from them. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this document is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Our policy for updating forward-looking statements is that Zargon disclaims, except as required by law, any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Zargon Zargon is a Calgary-based oil and natural gas company working in the Western Canadian and Williston sedimentary basins and is focused on oil exploitation projects (water floods and tertiary ASP) that profitably increase oil production and recovery factors from existing oil reservoirs. In order to learn more about Zargon, we encourage you to visit Zargon's website at www.zargon.ca where you will find a current shareholder presentation, financial reports and historical news releases. For further information please contact: C.H. Hansen President and Chief Executive Officer Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 20:20:14|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close RIGA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Responding to the British Parliament's rejection of the Brexit deal, Latvian officials on Wednesday voiced general disappointment about the outcome of the vote and vowed to do everything to protect the rights of Latvian citizens residing and working in the UK. "I regret that British Parliament rejected #BREXIT deal. I hope that UK government will provide proposals for the way forward. The simple truth is that both UK and Europe need each other and we must work together to get through this rather complex situation," Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics wrote on Twitter after British MPs on Tuesday voted down the UK's EU Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by British Prime Minister Theresa May. The rejection of May's Brexit plan was not a surprise, what was surprising was the high number of lawmakers voting against it, the Latvian Foreign Ministry's Parliamentary Secretary, Zanda Kalnina-Lukasevica, said on public radio on Wednesday. She said that great chaos was likely to ensue in the case of the hard or no-deal Brexit, as it would affect not only migration but trade as well. Kalnina-Lukasevica said that Latvia had been preparing for this scenario for a while already and that crisis management was already in place, meaning that a number of laws have already been drafted so they can be quickly passed if needed. The first of these bills would ensure UK citizens' right to stay and work in Latvia, with the UK expected to respond by passing similar legislation regarding Latvians in the UK. Foreign Minister Rinkevics also said in an interview with LNT TV channel that Latvia would be prepared to protect the rights of its citizens and entrepreneurs in case of any scenario. The Brexit deal that was reached and considered optimal both for Latvia and the EU has effectively failed, Rinkevics admitted. The Foreign Ministry had already warned earlier that a no-deal Brexit was a possibility and urged Latvia to prepare for this worst-case scenario. Uncertainty is so great now that it makes work on long-term strategies impossible, so there are no other options but to act according to the changeable situation, the foreign minister said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 19:40:02|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close GENEVA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- UNAIDS, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries in western and central Africa on Wednesday to do more to stop new HIV infections among children and adolescents, and increase HIV testing and treatment coverage. In a high-level in Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday, the UN agencies urged the regional countries to unpack the challenges, share best practices and innovative approaches to address the persisting bottlenecks, agree on corrective actions and ensure commitment to action from countries and partners. According to UNAIDS, in 2017 around 67,000 children aged zero to nine years and 69,000 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years became newly infected with HIV. Two thirds, or about 46,000 of adolescents newly infected with the virus were girls. Despite progress against HIV, some countries, including Nigeria which has the largest epidemic in the region, experienced no declines at all. "Countries in western and central Africa have a real opportunity to create a positive change for children and young people," said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe. "Underlying issues including a lack of domestic investment, fragile health systems, user fees, gender inequality and widespread stigma and discrimination must urgently be addressed to remove barriers and save lives." In western and central Africa, close to 800,000 children and adolescents aged under 20 years were living with HIV in 2017, the second highest number in the world after eastern and southern Africa. "The majority of children living with HIV in this region are not receiving care and treatment because they do not know they have HIV as they have not been tested," said UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa Marie-Pierre Poirier. "We can reverse that trend by focusing on a family-centered approach to HIV testing and treatment and by rolling out innovative point-of-care technologies that bring testing closer to the primary health facilities and the communities where children live." According to WHO Regional Director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti, effectively tackling HIV in children and adolescents needs "strong and quality health services. By committing to universal health coverage, countries can fast-track progress towards an AIDS-free generation in western and central Africa." As part of concerted efforts to step up progress in the region, UNAIDS, UNICEF and WHO called the three-day high-level meeting starting from Wednesday, which announced, among other plans, an important funding of nearly 1 million U.S. dollars to UNAIDS by Australia for HIV prevention in the Asia-Pacific region. Photo taken on Nov. 4, 2018 shows the night scene of Shanghai, China. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Despite a recent decline, China will remain the prime destination for Asia-Pacific (APAC) exports for several years to come, the British think tank Oxford Economics said on Tuesday. According to Oxford Economics researchers, APAC economies have been highly integrated with China's economy since the country's WTO accession in 2001. Given their geographic proximity, APAC countries even have stronger trade links with China than with the rest of the world. "While China has become a principal final destination for many APAC exports, what's more striking is that China is also the largest import source for most APAC countries," they said in a study. China plays an increasingly significant trade role for Asian countries such as India or Vietnam, which strive to increase income level and stimulate industrial development. "Participating in Asia's supply chain and penetrating the Chinese market are key to helping industrial sectors succeed," the report added. Meanwhile, trade dependence on China is also growing outside of Asia, the report showed. "Resource-rich emerging countries outside of Asia, such as Chile, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Russia, have high export intensities with China, exporting large amounts of energy and commodities there," it said. The researchers added that these countries' "export intensities with China are even higher" than those of many Asian countries. Furthermore, countries "such as Russia and Argentina have higher import than export intensities given that they import even larger amounts of manufactured goods from China compared to the energy and commodities they export," it said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 19:14:53|Editor: zh Video Player Close SHANGHAI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- U.S. tech giant Microsoft on Wednesday signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation to locate its new artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) Insider Lab, the first of its kind in Asian-Pacific Region, in Shanghai. The memorandum was signed between the company and Shanghai's Pudong New Area. The lab is expected to open in April. It will be Microsoft's third and largest AI & IoT Insider Lab in the world, after the company set up the first two in Seattle and Munich. The lab is set to enhance deep integration of AI and IoT, and help digital transformation across industries including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and the public sector. "China has the world's largest IoT market. The AI and IoT industry has great potential in China," said Roan Kang, vice president of Microsoft China, adding that Microsoft would provide the most comprehensive AI and IoT platform, products and solutions. The lab will work with local enterprises and multinational companies to build prototypes through production, conduct technical training, provide go to market advisory, and deployment and scalability guidance, the company said. Pudong has seen great development of AI industry in recent years, with more than 100 AI-related enterprises and organization settled in the area. The Microsoft lab will be located on the "AIsland" of Zhangjiang Science City in Pudong. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:59:49|Editor: zh Video Player Close KUNMING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Foreign trade of southwest China's Yunnan Province rose 24.7 percent year on year in 2018, local customs authorities said Wednesday. According to Kunming Customs, Yunnan's foreign trade totaled 197.3 billion yuan (29 billion U.S. dollars) last year. Exports rose 9.4 percent year on year to about 84.8 billion yuan, while imports increased 39.3 percent year on year to 112.5 billion yuan. Border trade rose significantly last year, with mutual businesses on Yunnan's border areas rising 20.9 percent. Trade with ASEAN nations accounted for 46.1 percent of Yunnan's imports and exports. Meanwhile, trade with countries and regions along the Belt and Road expanded 30.3 percent to 133.16 billion yuan. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:44:41|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from NASA's New Horizons mission on Tuesday released new images and a movie of the Kuiper Belt object nicknamed Ultima Thule, the most distant object ever explored. The movie shows the propeller-like rotation of Ultima Thule in seven hours between 3 p.m. eastern time (2000 GMT) on Dec. 31, 2018 and 12:01 a.m. (0501 GMT) on Jan. 1, 2019. It was seen by the Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) aboard NASA's New Horizons as the spacecraft sped toward its close encounter with the Kuiper Belt object at 12:33 a.m. eastern time (0533 GMT) on Jan. 1. New Horizons performed this farthest flyby in history when it approached Ultima Thule within 2,200 miles (about 3,540 km) of the surface at a velocity of 31,500 miles (about 50,694 km) per hour. During this deep-space photo shoot, New Horizons' range to Ultima Thule decreased from 310,000 miles (about 500,000 km) to just 17,100 miles (about 28,000 km), during which the images became steadily larger and more detailed. All the images have been sharpened by scientific techniques that can enhance details. The original image scale is 1.5 miles (2.5 km) per pixel in the first frame, and 0.08 miles (0.14 km) per pixel in the last frame, according to the team. The New Horizons science team will use these images to help determine the three-dimensional shape of Ultima Thule in order to better understand its nature and origin. New Horizons downlinked the two highest-resolution images in this movie immediately after the Jan. 1 flyby, but the more distant images were sent home on Jan. 12-14, after a week when New Horizons was too close to the Sun for reliable communications. New Horizons will continue to transmit images and data for the next months, said the team. The New Horizons mission, launched in January 2006, aims to understand worlds at the edge of the solar system by making the first reconnaissance of the dwarf planet Pluto, and by venturing deeper into the distant, mysterious Kuiper Belt -- a relic of solar system formation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:39:41|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close TOKYO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who was in office between 2011 and 2012 under the now defunct Democratic Party of Japan, formed a new opposition group at the lower house of parliament Wednesday with six other lawmakers. "We have to take a toll on the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and put an end to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's administration in the election," Noda said in a press conference on the matter, referring to the current prime minister's lengthy time at the helm and his and the LDP's growing autonomy. Noda said he saw his new in-house group, the name of which translates from Japanese to mean "national council for revamping the social security system", as serving to bridge the gap between the two major opposition parties, prior to this summer's upper house election. Part of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) long reign under Abe is in part because there, of late, has been no opposition party or camp that can numerically challenge the LDP in the lower house of Japan's bicameral parliament. Due to the LDP's super-majority in parliament, the party can effectively move legislation, contentious or otherwise, from lower to upper house and into law, without any recourse or deliberation needed from the opposition camp, political watchers here have said. Noda, therefore, is pushing for the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and the Democratic Party for the People, both parties originated from Noda's former Democratic Party of Japan, to become reunited and find more cohesion to better stand against the LDP and its unilateral brand of politics. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:39:41|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KANDHAR, Afghanistan, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least four policemen were killed in an insider attack in southern Kandahar province on Wednesday, police said. "The gruesome incident happened early Wednesday in Panjawai district's Mishan area when two policemen, allegedly the Taliban infiltrators opened fire on four of their colleagues inside their checkpoint, killing them on the spot and fled the area," a provincial police spokesman Qasim Azad told Xinhua. Police have started investigation into the case, added the spokesman. The Taliban group has yet to make a comment on the report. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:34:40|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Wednesday. -- About 70,000 teachers in Zambia have been issued with practicing certificates out of the 146,000 who applied for the documents, a regulator has said. (Zambia Daily Mai) -- Police in Zambia have proposed that a controversial law that governs public gatherings and processions should be amended in order to make it flexible and generally acceptable by all stakeholders.(Times of Zambia) -- Three African railway firms have signed a tripartite business agreement to increase capacity in the locomotive industry. The Zambia Railways Limited, the Tanzania-Zambia Railways (TAZARA) and SNCC of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed the agreement which on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2019, a partnership which demands the railway industry in the region to work together as a team in transportation cargo. (Daily Nation) -- A civic body has asked the Office of Zambian President Edgar Lungu to avail the nation information of his health status following his visit to South Africa last week for his routine annual medical checkup. (The Mast) Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:34:40|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta announced Wednesday the end of a security operation following a terror attack on a hotel and office complex in the country's capital, killing 14. Kenyatta told a televised news conference that all the terrorists who have attacked the DusitD2 Hotel complex have been killed, ending the 18-hour-long terror attack. The security teams have evacuated Kenyans and foreigners from the buildings during the operation. "We are grieving as a country this morning and my heart and that of every Kenyan goes out to the innocent men and women violated by senseless violence," said Kenyatta. The president vowed to enhance the fight against global terrorism, saying "terrorism will never defeat us." A mortuary attendant, who declined to be named, said earlier in the day that 15 people were killed as security officers engaged the terrorists in a gunfight on one of the hotel floors. He said most of those killed are Kenyans and two are foreigners, and the U.S. State Department has confirmed that one of the victims was an American citizen. On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the "terrorist attack." UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces also condemned the attack. "There is no justification for using terror and violence against innocent people," she said through her spokeswoman Monica Grayley. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas called on all nations to combat terrorism after hearing the news of the attack, saying he condemns terrorism in all forms and manifestations. The attack began at 3:00 p.m.(1200 GMT) Tuesday, said security officers. Joseph Boinnet, inspector general of National Police Service, said the terrorists began their onslaught by setting ablaze three vehicles at a bank parking lot before moving to the DusitD2 complex. At the entrance of the hotel, the assailants carried out a suicide explosion, injuring several people, said Boinnet. Witnesses said the gang arrived at the hotel entrance and alighted before one of them started to shoot aimlessly. The gunshots alerted police guarding the Australian embassy, which is located close to the hotel. The officers rushed there and engaged the gunmen in a gunfight, deflating the car that the terrorists had. The officers managed to drive the terrorists to the hotel's main entrance, where guards on duty escaped on foot from the shootout, said Shadrack Kirui, a witness. It was at that point that one of the attackers lobbed a grenade at three cars parked at the main barrier, setting them on fire. The terrorists then proceeded to the main hotel lobby where one of them detonated an explosive device he had on his body. Somalia-based terrorist group al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group has been targeting Kenya-Somalia border areas and killing innocent citizens since Kenyan soldiers entered Somalia in 2011 to secure the two countries' shared border. Phoenix, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After hearing Governor Duceys priorities for 2019 in the State of the State, College Success Arizona offers its support and partnership to do the things that matter. College Success Arizona is focused on students and affordability, and we know that Arizona needs to do much more as a state to raise awareness aboutand provide greater support forcollege access and attainment along the various pathways available, including credentials and associates and bachelors degree programs. Unfortunately, however, Arizonas budget has not typically reflected these priorities. In fact, between 2008 and 2017, Arizona reduced per-student higher education spending by more than 50 percent and the two largest community college systems, Maricopa and Pima, no longer receive any state funding. We also do not have a state-sponsored financial aid program. To our great shame, Arizona continues to stand out as one of the states that has failed low-income students most egregiously. If Arizona is to remain competitive regionally and nationally, we need to help more low-income students go to college and earn a certificate or degree. There is a great opportunity now to create new policies that will significantly increase Arizonas college access and attainment rates. In the spirit of the Governors mission of doing the things that matter, we believe that enabling more Arizonans to earn a certificate or degree matters greatly. College Success Arizona has articulated the policy priorities we think are key to increasing college access and affordability in Arizona and to bringing us closer to meeting our statewide attainment goal60 percent by 2030set by Achieve60AZ. These priorities include: Closing information gaps that limit college-going culture Working to improve college affordability Increasing state financial aid Advocating for increased attainment statewide to drive economic growth We stand ready to work with the Governor and other key leaders across the state to ensure that the Arizona of tomorrow remains strong. Rich Nickel is president and CEO of College Success Arizona. College Success Arizonas goal is to assist all Arizonans in gaining access to, and successfully attaining, a postsecondary credential. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 18:19:37|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close by Keren Setton JERUSALEM, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Yossi, who is blind and deaf, works at Israel's main toll road installing sensors on cars. Sapir, 17 years old, who has a rare disease that makes her age faster, can make perfect traditional Jewish Sabbath bread, Challah. Their lives have been changed, thanks to the Shalva National Center in Jerusalem, an organization aiming at incorporating those with disabilities into society. Walking into the 11-storey building, one can find decorations of butterflies everywhere, which reflects the objective of the center to help those in special needs overcome the challenges in the beginning of their lives and live independently, just like the butterflies. "I don't let these (disabilities and diseases) bother me," said Refael Haim Moshe, who was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, adding that he feels his life has unlimited possibilities. The 27-year-old man plays in a band, has worked at a coffee shop and now is a guide in the Shalva Center. The organization also offers support to those families raising children with special needs. It offers programs for mothers of newborns with disabilities, daycare for young children who go to classes with healthy kids, family support and vocational training. The center was established when a couple at their 40s, Kalman and Malki Samuels, found their son Yossi deaf, blind and acutely hyperactive overnight, after receiving expired vaccine. The Samuels, shattered and broken, began raising Yossi at home and soon formed a playgroup that included several other children with special needs. Yossi is now 42 years old and has a job. He is not isolated at all, as his diseases may have caused him. Yossi likes to read news and is obsessed with cars. The shelves of his room are filled with models, said his families. The principle of the center is to make everything natural, according to Yochanan Samuels, the CEO of Shalva and Yossi's uncle. "Anything artificial, no matter what good cause you give it, will not work," he said. The kindergartens at Shalva hold classes where kids with special needs learn and play together with healthy kids. They sit at the table having lunch together, giggling together and playing with the water as they wash their hands. The kindergartens have tens of "regular" children on the waiting list to get enrolled, said Yochanan Samuels. Shalva has an annual budget of 15 million U.S. dollars, half of which comes from donations, 30 percent from the Israeli government, and the rest from profitable businesses of the center, like the coffee shop. Shalva also hosts hundreds of conferences and works with Jerusalem's hospitals. Currently the Shalva music band is on a successful run at the popular TV reality show "The Rising Star." "I don't call it a building, I don't call it a center, I call it a movement," Yochanan Samuels told Xinhua. "We have to work together to build a better society ... out of the recognition that we are one." Gal Haviv, 23 years old, is an instructor at the center. He now guides a group of 18-21 year olds with special needs to achieve maximum independence. The aim of his job is to teach them the skills which they can use to live independently with less help from society. He said he also learned something from these lovely young people. "It's their simplicity ... their constant happiness, they are always satisfied," Haviv told Xinhua. "It is a universal message that can be heard everywhere." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 16:24:05|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close The 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces speaks during an interview with Xinhua at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 11, 2019. The current world needs multilateralism more than ever before in face of many serious challenges, Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces said in a recent interview with Xinhua. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) by Xinhua writer Wang Jiangang UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The current world needs multilateralism more than ever before in face of many serious challenges, UN General Assembly (UNGA) President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "We need more multilateralism, perhaps more than ever before," Espinosa said, highlighting the need for multilateralism that features "cooperation, collective action and global leadership" and allows the international community to have "the capacity to respond and address global challenges through collective action." The world needs multilateralism that "connects the real-time of conflict with real-time of our response capacity," she said. "There is no other way that we have to address issues of climate change, disarmament, terrorism and international organized crime, that need cooperation among nations," she added. ROAD TO PROSPERITY Espinosa said the world needs stronger cooperation and "a good quality multilateralism -- multilateralism that delivers." She stressed the importance of dialogue in solving global conflicts. "Dialogue is the most powerful tool that we have to solve and address global conflicts," she said. "There is no other way that is supported by the Charter of the United Nations." Espinosa, Ecuador's former foreign minister, was elected last June to become the fourth woman to hold the UNGA presidency. "Dialogue is the only avenue to build a truly peaceful and prosperous world," she said. THUMBS-UP TO CHINA Espinosa cheered China's contributions to the United Nations in support of multilateralism. "China is a very important partner ... it has shown a strong commitment to multilateralism," she said. She applauded China's contributions to the fight against climate change, saying "China has done a tremendous effort and has a very strong commitment on mitigation and on its contribution to combat climate change." China has committed to "changing its energy matrix, and to investing in renewable energy in terms of sustainable consumption patterns," she said. Espinosa said that China, which has lifted 700 million people out of poverty in recent decades, is "a very important and reliable partner" of the United Nations in UN development goals such as poverty reduction. "This is really a big success," she said, referring to China's achievement in poverty reduction. "This is also a guiding force and a leading force to meet the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals." BUSIER 2019 Espinosa said the UN has concluded 2018 with big strides such as the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and the Global Compact on Refugees and the agreement on the implementation guidelines, or a common rulebook, of the landmark Paris Agreement. The UNGA president said this year she is going to carry on with a campaign to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. She is also planning to organize a high-level event on the climate and future generations in March. She will be joining UN Women in the international campaign to eradicate violence against women. In addition, the UNGA chief will be also joining efforts at the 2019 Global Forum on Youth, Peace and Security, and hosting three days of dialogue on international migration. The priorities of her efforts will be in line with the mandates she has received from member states. "The year is going to be extremely busy," she said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 16:19:04|Editor: zh Video Player Close NANJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Qian Qihu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) who won the country's top science award this month, has decided to donate all his prize money to help poor children receive an education. Qian, 82, together with another academician Liu Yongtan, was awarded 8 million yuan (1.18 million U.S. dollars) each for outstanding contributions to scientific and technological innovation in early January. He set up the theoretical system for China's modern defense engineering and contributed to creating a below-ground defense infrastructure. Qian said on Tuesday he has decided to use the money to set up a student aid fund in his hometown, the city of Kunshan, eastern China's Jiangsu Province, to help more poor children gain access to school. Since 2006, Qian has personally assisted 17 poor students in Kunshan with funding of more than 200,000 yuan, said the local authority. "To serve the country and the society is the duty of a soldier. Receiving the award is definitely an honor, but it also means more responsibilities," said Qian, a professor with the Army Engineering University. Qian's charitable behavior has been praised by numerous Chinese netizens. Many people paid tribute to him and said they were deeply touched. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 16:09:02|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close LONDON, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The risk of a disorderly Brexit has increased since the Withdrawal Agreement was turned down by British MPs on Tuesday evening, arousing dismay and regret by European Union (EU) leaders. German Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Tuesday as "a bitter day for Europe," adding that "a hard Brexit would be the least attractive choice for the EU and GB (Great Britain)" on Twitter, but said Germany was ready for a no-deal Brexit. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Britons might be the biggest losers of a no-deal Brexit and wished them "good luck." "We've reached the maximum of what we could do with the deal and we won't - just to solve Britain's domestic political issues - stop defending European interests," said Macron, adding that he believes British leaders will try to renegotiate the deal with the EU. The British Parliament rejected the Brexit deal in a 432-202 vote on Tuesday. Prime Minister Theresa May has three sitting days to return to parliament with a "Plan B." Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission president, urged Britain to clarify its intentions, noting "time is almost up." "While we do not want this (disorderly withdrawal) to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared," Juncker said. The government of the Republic of Ireland also expressed concern for the vote result and possibility of a no-deal Brexit which would be a "bad outcome for everyone, not least in Northern Ireland." "Regrettably, the outcome of tonight's vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently the Government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome," the Irish Government said in a statement. Affected by the vote, British pound plummeted against the U.S. dollar and the Euro on Tuesday but soon rebounded. As the country holding the presidency of the EU Council, Romania called for unity among EU members, stressing that the EU will continue preparing for the worst variant of Brexit, said George Ciamba, Romanian minister of European Affairs. Britain is scheduled to leave the EU on March 29. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 16:04:00|Editor: zh Video Player Close QUITO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador on Tuesday inaugurated the Minas-San Francisco hydroelectric power station built by Chinese firm Harbin Electric International at the Pacific watershed between the southern provinces of Azuay and El Oro. The completion of the work demonstrates that challenges were overcome from all engineering points, said William Barcenes, manager of the business unit of the Ecuadorian Electric Corporation, which manages the power station. The support of the communities in the area was essential to the project, he added. Daniel Merchan, leader of the local San Sebastian community, highlighted the social compensation efforts made during the construction of the power station. Carlos Perez, minister of Energy and Non-renewable Natural Resources, also attended the event. The power station, with a capacity of 270 megawatts of installed power, will contribute to the National Interconnected System with an estimated annual production of 1,290 gigawatt hours of renewable energy, benefitting 222,000 families in southern Ecuador. The project is considered by the Ecuadorian government to be one of the most important in the energy sector since it complements others located in the Amazon watershed. In addition, it will help cut 690,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year on average by reducing the use of fossil fuels. Harbin Electric International, dedicated to investigating, developing, producing and building devices for power plants, kicked off the construction of the plant in 2011. The power station makes use of the potency of the Jubones River, which has an average annual flow of 48.3 cubic meters per second. It features a reservoir of 14 million cubic meters, of which 6 million are to be used for normal operation. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 15:03:43|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close KAMPALA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan police said late on Tuesday that it is on high alert after a terror attack on a hotel and office complex in neighboring Kenya. Security has been enhanced and counter-terror measures have been put in place to secure the east African country, Polly Namaye, Uganda's deputy police spokesperson, said in a statement. "Our security personnel are on the alert. Crowded places such as churches, markets, hospitals, schools, shopping malls should in particular adhere to these security measures, and we have alert squads in place to ensure that this is done," Namaye said. "We also encourage everyone to make use of the security contacts that we availed to them in case of any useful information," she said, urging the public to be vigilant, watch out for suspicious items or people, and report to the nearest police station or authority. Somali militants Al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. The Kenyan police and counter terrorist forces have been fighting to regain control of the hotel and office complex in the capital Nairobi. "We sympathize with our Kenyan counterparts in this trying moment and pray that perpetrators of such acts are brought to book," said Ugandan police in a tweet, adding that the security forces have secured the country's borders following the Nairobi attack. Uganda forms the bulk of the African Union peacekeeping forces in Somalia. Al-Shabaab has constantly warned Uganda that it would launch attacks in the country if it does not withdraw its peacekeeping troops from Somalia. In 2010, the militant group launched twin bomb attacks in Kampala that killed about 80 people and injured several others. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:53:38|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close MANILA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine troops have rescued an Indonesian kidnapped by terrorist group Abu Sayyaf after nearly four months in captivity, the military said on Wednesday. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the Philippine military's Western Mindanao Command, said Juragan Kapal Samsul Saguni was rescued on Tuesday afternoon in a remote village in Sulu province in southern Philippines. Saguni underwent a medical checkup at a military hospital in Jolo town, also in Sulu, said Besana. The result of the check-up indicated that the victim is "physically healthy." Saguni and another Indonesian Usman Yusuf were seized by Abu Sayyaf terrorists while fishing on Sept. 11 last year in waters off Semporna archipelago in Sabah, Malaysia. Both were taken to the Abu Sayyaf militants in their hideout in Sulu province, said a military report. Troops rescued Yusuf in December last year. The Abu Sayyaf terrorists are holding five foreigners and three Filipinos in the boondocks of Sulu province. The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but also the most radical among the terrorist groups operating in the southern Philippines. The group is notorious for carrying out kidnappings, bombings and beheadings in western Mindanao, particularly in their lair in the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu. The Philippine security forces have been trying to crush the Abu Sayyaf terrorists since early 2000. The Philippine military recently deployed an army division in Sulu mainly to track down the Abu Sayyaf militants. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:53:37|Editor: ZX Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Ma Qian, Lin Yuan NEW YORK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Facial recognition payment, app-enabled self-checkout, digitalized inventories... Alibaba's offline Hema supermarket was on display in New York City during the 2019 Retail's Big Show on Jan. 13-15, featuring artificial intelligence (AI) and the e-commerce giant's concept on the future of retail. Hema launched its first store in January 2016 in Shanghai and so far has owned over 100 stores across China. It was defined as a "Pathfinder of Alibaba's New Retail" through technology and data in a bid to merge online and offline retail, according to public corporate information. The AI technologies applied in Hema focus on improving consumers' experience and retailers' operation efficiency, blurring the line between online and offline shopping, Guo Xulin, business assistant to Hema's CEO, told Xinhua, calling Alibaba's New Retail concept a "locomotive" to lead the retail industry moving forward. RETAIL DIGITALIZATION "We have thousands of products on the supermarket's shelves. It was actually a big problem perplexing the traditional retail industry of how to guarantee appropriate storage, and avoid either going out of stock or wasting of products," Guo said. To resolve the problem, Hema resorted to an algorithm in machine learning, a subfield of AI, which identifies patterns in observed data, builds models that explain relevant phenomena and makes predictions. "In this way, we can learn each product's demand patterns through customers' consumption, so that we will be able to order the product more precisely," he said. The supermarket has recently rolled out a new service that allows online purchases to be delivered within 30 minutes, also powered by machine learning, Guo said. AI technology can precisely match multiple factors in retail to fulfill customers' need, including product information, order requirements, traffic data, weather conditions and delivery staff deployment. Hema supermarket is "the example of New Retail of the food category, fresh food and grocery category," said Michael Evans, president of the Alibaba Group, during a business talk at the show on Monday. In terms of consumers, either online or offline, personalized needs are the top concern for such technologies, which allow customers to get everything they want at one stop. "New Retail has done deeper research on customers than traditional retailers, and thus accumulated much more understanding and customer insights," Guo said. "In the future, we can develop and customize merchandise based on consumers' demands." For retailers, the integration of online and offline operations involves many complex components, including inventory, supply chains, logistics, payments, delivery and order fulfillment, which Alibaba has aimed to resolve through digitalization of the main facets of the retail industry. In his 2017 letter to shareholders, Jack Ma, co-founder and executive chairman of the Alibaba Group, called the company's New Retail initiatives as the starting point to its "Five New" strategy, the others being New Finance, New Manufacturing, New Technology and New Energy. "'E-commerce' is rapidly evolving into 'New Retail.' The boundary between offline and online commerce disappears as we focus on fulfilling the personalized needs of each customer," Ma said in the letter. To make it simple to grasp, Evans defined the newly coined concept as "the digitization of entire retail value chain for the benefit of the merchant and the consumer." "We've created a technology platform that allows you to digitize everything you were doing online and offline, integrate them, provide merchants with all that data, so that they can optimize the supply chain," he explained. "So that they can think about how to make the fulfillment and delivery more efficient and more productive, and ultimately to increase the bottom line profits margin," Evans added. AI FOCUS In the next three years, the retail industry will be more extensively empowered by AI, as the AI adoption rate by the industry is estimated at 54 percent, surpassing that of the banking, manufacturing and healthcare sectors, which have largely utilized the first-class technology in recent years, according to Deborah Weinswig, CEO and founder of U.S. retail and tech consultancy Coresight Research. It is predicted that China would be the top country followed by the United States in AI spending from 2017 to 2022, said Weinswig at a panel discussion during the show on Monday. She said that the ranking is thanks to China's massive investment, presence of large tech firms such as Tencent and Alibaba, supportive government policies and a huge amount of data based on its large population. Evans is optimistic about the future of retail both in China and globally, as he believes China's economy will probably be the largest in the world, because the percentage of consumption in total GDP will be the largest in the next 12 to 18 months. "Another 300 to 400 million people will move into the middle class. And it will not be a market that most small businesses brands and retailers could ignore," he added. "For those of you who haven't been to China recently, you should come to China. Come and see what's going on. It's quite extraordinary what's happening innovation and technology in retail across all categories," Evans said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:43:35|Editor: ZX Video Player Close SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Consulate General here Tuesday announced a series of cultural events to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year with local people in major cities in the western United States. "Chinese Spring Festival reflects the Chinese people's adherence to excellent traditional values. The festival has also been increasingly embraced by people of other countries and become an important tie to connect overseas Chinese with their motherland," said Xiao Xiayong, cultural counselor of the Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, at a press conference. This year's events include a musical festival, Chinese operas, variety shows, concerts and parades from January to March in Northern California, Nevada and Oregon. As part of a program called "Happy Chinese New Year," the serial events were initiated by China's Ministry of Culture in 2010 to allow American people to share in the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. Last year, the "Happy Spring Festival" events were held in more than 400 cities of over 130 countries, Xiao said. "In the celebrations of the Spring Festival, we find Chinese and American people share a lot of common values, such as the value of family, the longing for a good life and the cherishing of excellent culture and art," he said. The Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb. 5 this year. San Francisco is the first place in the United States that embraced the Chinese culture. The Lunar New Year celebration in San Francisco Chinatown is considered the oldest and the largest of its kind outside of Asia and dates back to the 1860s. The annual Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is ranked among the top 10 parades in the world. Every year, millions of people celebrate the Lunar New Year at community events across California. Last year, California designated the Lunar New Year as a day of special cultural significance to encourage all public schools and educational institutions in the state to recognize the traditions and cultural significance of the day and to hold festivities and celebrations for the occasion. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:43:34|Editor: ZX Video Player Close NEW YORK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Wendy Li, an immigrant from China, was sworn in as new judge of the New York City Civil Court on Tuesday. Over 200 city councilors, judges, lawyers and Chinese community representatives filled a courtroom on the third floor of the city civil court Tuesday evening to witness the inauguration ceremony of Li, who was elected to the office on Nov. 6, 2018. Li immigrated from the Sichuan province in China to the United States when she was 28 after obtaining a law degree from Beijing University. She later graduated with degrees from Southern Methodist University, Oxford and Harvard. Li spent 18 years as a corporate lawyer focusing on banking, administrative proceedings, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and international arbitration, private-equity funds and real estate. TEL AVIV, Israel and CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bringg, the leading delivery logistics platform for enterprises, announced today that it has raised a new funding round from strategic partners, bringing its investment total to $53 million. The $25 million C round adds Next47, the Siemens-backed global venture firm, to its existing list of well-known investors, including Salesforce Ventures, Aleph VC, OG Tech Ventures (Eyal Ofers VC arm), Cambridge Capital, Coca-Cola, Ituran and Pereg Ventures. Following strong market traction with clients including Walmart, Panera Bread, and Arcos Dorados (McDonalds largest global franchisee), the new funding will help accelerate business expansion during the companys hyper growth stage. Bringg will use the funds to further expand globally from its current reach of more than 50 countries, through sales, marketing and development efforts targeted at securing additional global enterprise customers. The booming demand for faster deliveries that are also more convenient and fully transparent, means that businesses are under increasing pressure to explore new ways to create the perfect experiences for their customers, while optimizing their delivery-related business models. Bringgs Delivery Logistics solution provides the platform for enterprises to orchestrate, manage, measure and track their entire delivery ecosystem, whether they are using in-house fleets, third party providers, or a combination of both. Guy Bloch, CEO at Bringg said: This is a watershed moment for Bringg as it goes into hypergrowth mode. This new investment enables Bringg to level the playing field in the age of Amazon by enabling large retailers, grocery chains, consumer goods companies, restaurant chains and logistics firms to provide their customers with what they expect from their deliveries, based on the optimized business models required to win in today's challenging market. Guy added: We are on a mission to equip enterprises with the technology platform they need to orchestrate successful delivery operations - providing their management and logistics teams with the visibility and control they need to not only survive but thrive in this exciting new landscape. Matthew Cowan, Partner at Next47 added: Were delighted to invest in Bringg, a pioneering company thats providing crucial capabilities to leading organizations looking to connect logistics data across different silos and optimize their last mile of delivery. With the global logistics market predicted to grow to $15.5 trillion by 2023 and the 'Amazon effect' drastically changing customer expectations, Bringg has a massive opportunity to fundamentally transform the logistics industry by enabling seamless automation, greater data transparency, and a more collaborative mental outlook. About Bringg Bringg is the leading delivery logistics platform, providing enterprises with the most efficient way to manage their complex delivery operations. Some of the world's best-known brands in more than 50 countries are already gaining clear strategic value from our powerful SaaS platform which offers the real-time capabilities they need in order to achieve logistical excellence across their delivery ecosystem. Market-leading companies from the retail, grocery, restaurant, consumer goods, logistics, healthcare and services industries trust Bringg's technology to help them streamline their logistical operations for peak efficiency, enable fully elastic logistics across multiple delivery models, and create perfect delivery experiences for their customers. By using our platform, they can establish successful cost-effective operations that balance the needs of all the participants in their delivery ecosystem - from management at headquarters, through the teams in the field, and all the way to the end-customers who are at the heart of the entire process. For more information, visit our website at www.bringg.com About Next47 Next47 is a global venture firm created by Siemens that invests in, and partners with, entrepreneurs who think big and build industry-defining companies. With offices in Boston, Beijing, London, Munich, Palo Alto, Paris, Stockholm, and Tel Aviv, Next47 gives start-ups unparalleled access to one of the worlds largest portfolios of customers in the areas of industry, energy and infrastructure as well as domain expertise in the deep technologies that impact those customers. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:38:32|Editor: ZX Video Player Close SUVA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Bus drivers and companies in Fiji will be issued Traffic Infringement Notices (TINS) for carrying excess passengers as per PSV Regulation from Wednesday. Chief Executive of Fiji's Land Transport Authority (LTA) Samuel Simpson said on Wednesday that overloaded buses threatened road safety and contributed to many fatal accidents on Fiji's roads. Overloaded buses not only put the driver at risk but also passengers and other road users, he said, adding that overloaded buses incurred higher maintenance costs and higher fuel consumption. Fiji Roads Authority's General Manager Network Operations and Maintenance Aram Goes said earlier that overloading of vehicles contributed to a lot of damage on Fiji's roads which was an expensive exercise separate from the construction of new roads and other capital works. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:38:32|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's top economic planner has approved construction of seven infrastructure projects with a total investment of 485 billion yuan (72 billion U.S. dollars) this year, according to Securities Daily. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) authorized plans to build infrastructure projects in transportation, water conservancy and energy, the paper reported. The projects include several rail transit projects in the city of Wuhan, construction of a hydroelectric station at the Jinsha River and airports in the cities of Lianyungang, Hohhot and Xianyang. The most costly of the projects would be the inter-city railroads in Jiangsu Province, expected to require 231.7 billion yuan. China has accelerated approval of infrastructure projects to stabilize investment and bolster the economy, said Pan Yuzhang, a researcher with Xiangcai Securities. The country's fixed-asset investment rose 5.9 percent year-on-year to 60.93 trillion yuan in the first 11 months of 2018, an encouraging sign amid increasing downward pressures on the wider economy. Fixed-asset investment includes capital spent on infrastructure, property, machinery and other physical assets. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:18:25|Editor: ZX Video Player Close by Michael Strong DETROIT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) Motor has said it is working on getting its vehicles ready for the U.S. market and plans to begin sales in the first half of 2020. In an interview with Xinhua, GAC Motor President Yu Jun said that he believes the GAC vehicles have now met the U.S. regulatory standards, while progressive refinement is still in process. The company is working with the U.S. regulatory agencies to ensure its compliance with requirements, Yu said, adding that once the U.S. regulators confirm that the vehicles are ready, the GAC Motor would begin to carry out its dealers and financing operation. The company was working to put all the pieces in place, Yu told Xinhua. The GAC Motor has already established a sales company and opened three research and development centers in the United States, two in California and one in Michigan, which laid a groundwork for setting up a U.S. dealer network in the future, Yu said. At the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, some 130 dealership representatives expressed their interest in acquiring a GAC dealer franchise, Yu said, adding that "there have been ongoing discussions with them" who represented 30 states and more than 1,100 dealers in the United States. The GAC Motor sold more than 535,000 vehicles last year in 16 countries. "There are so many uncertainties and unpredictable factors in the U.S. market. We'll continue to work harder to raise our brand awareness in the U.S. market and move toward," Yu said. Though the company has run into a few stumbling blocks on its path to the U.S. market, it has been closely following the U.S. customers' preferences. Americans are in favor of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), crossovers and trucks. Fortunately, GAC makes plenty of sport-utilities, Yu said. Yu pointed out that the company will rely on its research and development centers to make sure the company was keeping its finger on the pulse of the shifting preferences in the U.S. market. He expressed hope that the GAC's focus on quality will help it gain the faith of customers. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:13:21|Editor: WX Video Player Close MAIMANA, Afghanistan, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- At least seven militants including a local commander have been killed and five others injured after government fighting aircraft targeted Taliban hideouts in Garziwan district of Afghanistan's northern Faryab province on Tuesday, said an army statement released Wednesday. The airstrikes, according to the statement, were launched against Taliban fighters in Adam Qala area of Garziwan district Tuesday afternoon killing seven insurgents including commander Abu Talha on the spot and wounding five others. Taliban militants have not commented. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 14:03:17|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislature will hold a two-day session at the end of January and is expected to continue the review of a draft law on foreign investment. The eighth session of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) is scheduled for Jan. 29-30, said a statement issued after a NPC Standing Committee chairpersons' meeting Wednesday. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting. The meeting suggested the draft foreign investment law be deliberated at the legislative session. It will be the second reading of the draft, which was submitted to the top legislature for its first review in late December 2018. It aims to adopt a model of pre-establishment national treatment with a negative list and will strengthen protection of the property rights of companies with foreign investments. The legislative session will also review decisions on personnel appointments and dismissals. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 13:28:07|Editor: WX Video Player Close VIENTIANE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Mines Advisory Group (MAG) Laos has been granted more than 38 billion kip (4.5 million U.S. dollars) in funding from the British government for its unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance operations in Laos. With the grant, MAG will conduct UXO clearance for 13 months in Xieng Khuang province in northern Laos, along with UXO clearance, a non-technical survey and mine risk education in central Laos' Khammuan province. The Britian-based MAG assists people affected by landmines, UXO and small arms and light weapons. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Monday between the National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action sector in Laos (NRA) and MAG Laos, local daily Vientiane Times reported on Wednesday. Signing the agreement were Lao Director General of NRA Phoukhieo Chanthasomboune and Country Director of MAG Laos Blossum Gilmour. "UXO-impacted families are amongst the poorest members of Lao society, living at subsistence level in remote rural communities with limited access to basic services," Gilmour mentioned. In 2017, over 3,800 hectares of land were cleared across the country, according to the NRA, a Lao official institution dealing with UXO issues. A total of 108,586 UXO items were removed, including 84,977 cluster munitions on 3,882 hectares of land in 2017. According to statistics from Lao authorities, from 1965 to 1973, the United States dropped some 2 million tons of ordinance on Laos during the Vietnam War, including 2.7 million cluster bombs which are designed to break apart and release a payload of smaller bombs. As many as 30 percent of these bombs did not explode. The NRA said from 2008 to 2017 some 920 people were injured or killed in almost 600 UXO-related accidents with the number of fatalities recorded at 244. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 12:52:59|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close HAVANA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on Tuesday again that his country is keen to further strengthen ties with the European Union (EU). "We build spaces for the dialogue and cooperation; we put our points in common over our differences, aiming to develop long and stable relations," the minister tweeted. He said the relations between Havana and the EU have developed favorably on the basis of mutual respect. In 2016, Cuba and the EU signed an agreement of political dialogue and cooperation. Now the EU is the one of the largest foreign investors in Cuba, mainly in its sectors of tourism and construction. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 12:47:58|Editor: zh Video Player Close Member of the European Parliament Jan Zahradil attends the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition of Zheng He, a great navigator in ancient China, at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Jan. 15, 2019. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) STRASBOURG, France, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The claim that China is becoming a colonial power is absolute nonsense, a senior member of the European Parliament (MEP) told Xinhua Tuesday, citing the seven voyages of Zheng He, a great navigator in ancient China. Nirj Deva, chairman of the EU-China Friendship Group in the European Parliament, made the remark on the margins of the photo exhibition of Zheng He at the headquarters of the European Parliament here. "Whenever people in the West now say, 'oh, China is a colonial power, is going to take over people's land', I say it's absolute nonsense, they could have done that 100 times over in the past from 500 BC to 1760, but it did nothing of the kind," Deva said. "Admiral Zheng He with his grand fleet of over 300 Chinese ships having circumnavigated the globe in four directions colonized no one and conquered none," he added. Dispatched by emperors of the Ming Dynasty, Zheng's fleets visited more than thirty counties and regions in Asia and Africa from 1405 to 1433, several decades before Christopher Columbus set foot on America. According to historical records of the Ming Dynasty, during Zheng's first excursion, there were 27,800 officers and soldiers in his fleet made up of 62 ships. As the host of the exhibition, Deva told Xinhua he intended to tell Europeans that China had no colonial ambition even at the time when it had the most powerful fleets in the world. In addition, Deva dismissed Western countries' smear of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. "Recently it has become fashionable in Washington to cry wolf and ring alarm bells about Chinas colonial ambitions. Frankly, I laugh at this, because of China's record. If anyone in Washington cared to study Chinese history, (they) would say otherwise -- This exhibition says it all," he said. "Chinese culture is different. China is not an aggressive colonial power, but aggressive colonial powers cannot think beyond themselves, and they think that everybody is an aggressive colonial power," he stressed. The photo exhibition, telling a full story of Zheng He's seven voyages, enchanted a number of MEPs and diplomats in Strasbourg, many of whom gathered here this week for the legislature's plenary session. "I think it's a really important exhibition to show to Europeans that China had a really advanced navy, they had really strong skills in being able to be seafarers with the technology that they created at the time, and also to show people the history of China, too, " said Steven Woolfe, an MEP for the North West of England. Co-hosted by China Maritime Museum and China Art Photography Society, the exhibition will stay open to the public till Friday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 12:27:51|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- More people were rescued early Wednesday from the site of an attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, as authorities warned the public to avoid the area. Live TV broadcasts said more than 170 people were rescued from the DusitD2 complex and that gunshots could still be heard. "We wish to caution all members of the public including politicians that Dusit Hotel and the area around 14 Riverside Drive is a Crime Scene that is under an active security operation," the Kenyan National Police Services said on its Twitter account. "Until it is declared safe, everyone not actively involved in the operation should avoid the area," it said. Late Tuesday, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang'i said security teams have evacuated scores of Kenyans and other nationalities from the buildings after a nine-hour operation. "We are now in the final stages of mopping up the area and securing evidence and documenting the consequences of this unfortunate event," he told journalists. "I can now report that the country is now secure and that the nation remains calm, that Kenyans and all our visitors are now safe," he added. The DusitD2 complex, which houses several multi-national offices and a hotel, is located in the leafy Riverside area of Westlands, Nairobi. About four gunmen armed with rifles and grenades drove to the complex at around 3 p.m. local time and staged a deadly attack, leaving a trail of destruction. "We have secured all the buildings that had been affected. The situation is under control and the country is safe. Terrorism will never defeat us. We will not surrender or bend," Matiang'i said. He did not say how many people were killed or injured in the attack, but there were reports that 15 people were killed. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that one of the victims was an American citizen. Al-Shabab, a Somalia-based extremist group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 12:12:48|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close PHNOM PENH, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni has granted political rights to two banned former opposition members. In a royal decree signed on Tuesday and publicized on Wednesday, the monarch said he restored the political rights for former Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) adviser Kong Korm and his son Kong Bora, a former CNRP lawmaker. "Samdech Techo Hun Sen, prime minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, must take responsibility to implement this royal decree from the day of signature," the king wrote. The restoration of their political freedom came after the kingdom's parliament amended last month the Law on Political Parties to allow banned politicians to re-enter politics. Under the amended law, King Sihamoni can pardon banned politicians at the request of the prime minister. Kong Korm, 77, and Kong Bora, 44, requested the king through the prime minister last week to have their political rights reinstated. The father and son were among the 118 CNRP politicians who were barred from politics for five years by the Supreme Court in November 2017 after the court dissolved the party following the arrest of party president Kem Sokha on "treason" charges. Kem Sokha, 65, is currently on bail at his home in capital Phnom Penh awaiting trial. TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tanzanian Royalty Exploration Corporation's (TSX:TNX) (NYSE MKT:TRX) (the "Companys) Board of Directors is pleased to announced that the Company has completed the sale of 3,924,386 common shares raising $885,734 in the aggregate previously announced in its press release of January 12, 2019. The proceeds from the sale of common shares will be used in furtherance of the Companys Three-Phase Drill Program at the Buckreef Project. Respectfully Submitted, "James E. Sinclair" James E. Sinclair Executive Chairman For further information, please contact Michael Martin, Investor Relations, m.martin@tanzaninaroyalty.com , 860-248-0999, or visit the Company website at www.tanzanianroyalty.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements Certain of the statements made herein may contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified using words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information herein include, but are not limited to the Positive Feasibility Study on Buckreef. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information and even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: gold price volatility; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; mining operational and development risk; litigation risks; regulatory restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; risks of sovereign investment; currency fluctuations; speculative nature of gold exploration; global economic climate; dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key employees; additional funding requirements; and defective title to mineral claims or property, as well as those factors discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 20-F Annual Report dated November 29, 2018. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources The terms "Mineral Reserve", "Proven Mineral Reserve" and "Probable Mineral Reserve" used in this release are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM") Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on August 20, 2000 as may be amended from time to time by the CIM. These definitions differ from the definitions in the United States Securities Exchange Commission ("SEC") Guide 7. In the United States, a mineral reserve is defined as a part of a mineral deposit which could be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the mineral reserve determination is made. The terms "Mineral Resource", "Measured Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource", "Inferred Mineral Resource" used in this release are Canadian mining terms as defined in accordance with National Instruction 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects under the guidelines set out in the CIM Standards. Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. For a detailed discussion of Buckreef resource and reserve estimates and related matters, see the Company's reports, including the Form 20-F Annual Report dated November 29, 2018, and technical reports filed under the Company's name at our website at: www.TanzanianRoyalty.com . Cautionary Note to US Investors Concerning Estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources Note to U.S. Investors. While the terms "mineral resource", "measured mineral resource," "indicated mineral resource", and "inferred mineral resource" are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, they are not defined terms under standards in the United States and normally are not permitted to be used in reports and registration statements filed with the SEC. As such, information contained in this report concerning descriptions of mineralization and resources under Canadian standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S companies in SEC filings. With respect to "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource," there is a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and a great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an "indicated mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all mineral deposits in these categories will ever be converted into reserves. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change, and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S. CONNECTICUT OFFICE: PO Box 577 Sherman, CT U.S.A. 06784 Fax: (860) 799-0350 investors@TanzanianRoyalty.com TORONTO OFFICE: 82 Richmond Street East Suite 208 Toronto, Ontario M5C 1P1 Toll Free (844) 364-1830 www.TanzanianRoyaltyExploration.com Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 11:32:41|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's finance ministry on Wednesday expected a possible no-deal Brexit to have a limited impact on its economy given the relatively low trade volume between Seoul and London. First Vice Minister of Economy and Finance Lee Ho-seung held an emergency meeting with officials from relevant ministries to discuss countermeasures for a possible no-deal Brexit, which means the British exit from the European Union (EU) without an agreement on the post-Brexit relationship between the two sides. British lawmakers overwhelmingly voted down Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal overnight, sparking worry about a no-deal Brexit. Lee told the emergency meeting that the rejection of the deal had a limited impact on the global financial market as it was widely forecast. The first vice minister said if the no-deal Brexit is realized, though its possibility is low, its direct impact on the South Korean economy was expected to be limited as the bilateral trade volume is low. South Korea's goods export to Britain was 5.4 billion U.S. dollars for the first 11 months of last year, while its import from Britain amounted to 6.2 billion dollars. South Korea's trade in 2018 topped 1 trillion dollars for the second consecutive year. However, South Korean companies doing businesses with British partners could be influenced negatively by the no-deal Brexit as they may not enjoy benefit from the country's free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU anymore. South Korea has been pushing for a bilateral FTA with Britain. The vice minister said the South Korean government will take necessary measures pre-emptively while considering the worse-case scenarios, including a no-deal Brexit. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 11:17:39|Editor: WX Video Player Close SYDNEY, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Scientists from Australia's University of Queensland have created a method they hope will dramatically reduce the time it takes to develop vaccines in the event of a global epidemic. The university announced on Wednesday that a global collaboration involving the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations aimed to reduce vaccine development time from years or even decades to as little as 26 weeks. "We aim to be able to manufacture more than 200,000 doses of a new vaccine, demonstrate safety and the likelihood of efficacy, and be ready for field deployment in as little as six months," project co-leader Dr Keith Chappell said. Chappell's team have developed technology called "molecular clamp," which provides stability to the viral proteins that are the primary target of immune defence systems. "The technology has been designed as a platform approach to generate vaccines against a range of human and animal viruses," project co-leader Professor Young said. "We've had some extremely promising results so far from trials targeting viruses such as influenza, Ebola, Nipah and MERS coronavirus." The effort to fast track vaccine development is supported by a global coalition of scientists including a number of peak international scientific bodies including Hong Kong University. "Molecular clamp technology has the potential to address some of today's most devastating diseases and to fundamentally change how we protect ourselves from common diseases," co-developer of the technology, Dr Daniel Watterson said. "By rapidly creating vaccines to these new threats, we'll be able to quickly limit the spread of disease and diffuse potentially catastrophic situations." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 11:02:34|Editor: ZD Video Player Close SINGAPORE, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Singapore Life, the first independent life insurer licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, announced a 13 million-U.S. dollar investment by the Aberdeen Standard Investments in a recent round of funding on Tuesday. "We are excited to have Aberdeen Standard Investments as a strategic investor," Walter de Oude, chief executive officer of Singapore Life said in his press release statement, citing ASI's investment expertise and credibility as drivers behind the relationship. Singapore Life, the first fully digital insurer in Singapore, aims to simplify customer experiences by digitalizing life insurance and savings products. ASI, a Scotland-based global asset company, boasts a portfolio of 557.1-billion-U.S. dollar in assets, with a presence in 80 countries. "As the asset management and insurance industries are in the midst of a digital transformation, technology innovation will become a key differentiator," Martin Gilbert, co-chief executive of Aberdeen Standard Investments said, adding that "this is a truly exciting opportunity for us to expand our strategic relationship with such a fast-growing digital life insurance provider and be part of its growth journey." There is "great potential in Singapore Life to continue disrupting the traditional insurance market and building market share," Hugh Young, head of Asia at Aberdeen Standard Investment said, adding that the investment leverages his company's expertise across the South East Asian markets to open up new opportunities and appeal to broader client bases in the region. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 10:32:27|Editor: WX Video Player Close WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. House of Representatives vote Tuesday by 424-1 to approve a resolution condemning white supremacy, responding to remarks by Representative Steve King questioning why white supremacy is considered offensive. In the resolution, which doesn't directly rebuke King, the House "once again rejects White nationalism and White supremacy as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States." Only Bobby Rush, a Democrat, cast the lone vote against the resolution and called for a tougher response to King instead. "We need to be clear to the American people that we use condemnation to express our disapproval of those not in the House," Rush said in a statement. "We use censure for those in the House." "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization -- how did that language become offensive?" King asked in a New York Times interview published last week. "Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?" the 69-year-old lawmaker continued. He has since been under fierce fire and was stripped of committee assignments Monday night as both Republicans and Democrats condemn his comments. King voted for the resolution Tuesday, insisting that his remarks to The Times were taken out of context. However, local media reported that King has a lengthy history of incendiary comments related to race and immigration. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Monday that if King "doesn't understand why 'white supremacy' is offensive, he should find another line of work." Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 10:17:22|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The reform of China's recruitment system for firefighters will help form a national rescue team with enhanced professionalism, Wednesday's China Daily reported. Firefighters who were once part of the military put on new blue uniforms last month that reflected their new identity: They are now part of the China Fire and Rescue team under the Ministry of Emergency Management, according to the newspaper. Recruitment of firefighters has been changed as well. Recruits must have at least high school education and serve a minimum period of five years, the newspaper cited a new government guideline as saying. Previously, firefighters were recruited under the Military Service Law and were managed as soldiers. Under that law, Chinese citizens could enroll to serve from age 18 to 22. The new guideline lifted the age limit of firefighters to 24. Recruited firefighters will receive training in their first year and work as interns in the second year before assuming full duties - an arrangement in line with the objective of fostering professionalism, the newspaper quoted a statement from the Ministry of Emergency Management as saying. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 09:52:14|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close GAZA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Three Italians working for the Italian embassy were released by Hamas on Tuesday night after being held at an office of the United Nations (UN) in Gaza for two days, local media reported. The Italians are security guards who arrived in Gaza on Monday to ensure the visit of the Italian Ambassador to Israel Gianluigi Benedetti on Wednesday, local media quoted sources close to the UN as saying. The report said that Hamas security forces chased an armored vehicle holding diplomatic plates Monday afternoon and opened fire at it, but the car escaped and took refuge in a UN office in western Gaza. Hamas and other factions' armed wing militants besieged the office and demanded to check the identities of the three Italians who were armed with automatic rifles, fearing that they could be members of an Israeli army undercover unit, said the sources. After the Italian ambassador intervened and talked with Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas security officers checked identities of the Italians and let them leave, said the reports. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 09:47:13|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close BRASILIA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree on Tuesday that makes it easier for people to own, register and sell guns in the South American country. The major move since Bolsonaro took office on Jan. 1 honored one of his main campaign promises. "As the people sovereignly decided, to safeguard the right of self-defense, today I am going to use this weapon," Bolsonaro said, holding up his pen before signing the document. "I'm restoring what the people wanted in 2005," Bolsonaro said, referring to a referendum held 14 years ago in which most Brazilians opposed additional restrictions on gun ownership. The decree issued on Tuesday is confined to gun possession only. It allows Brazilians aged 25 and above to keep up to four guns at home, and the need for any more must be qualified. Among the restrictions stated in the decree is that a gun buyer must undergo a psychological evaluation and has no criminal record. Making it easier for Brazilians to arm themselves as a way to combat crime is controversial. A poll by Datafolha Institute published in December showed 61 percent of Brazilians believed possessing guns should be banned as it poses a life threat against other people. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 09:12:05|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close NAIROBI, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- More people were evacuated early Wednesday from the site of a terror attack at an upmarket hotel and office complex in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, following fresh blasts and gunshots, several hours after officials said that the situation was under control. Live broadcast by local NTV station showed one of the evacuees saying people holed up in places like toilets for hours before police came to their rescue. Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government Fred Matiang'i said late Tuesday that security teams have evacuated scores of Kenyans and other nationalities from the buildings after a nine-hour operation. "We are now in the final stages of mopping up the area and securing evidence and documenting the consequences of this unfortunate event," he told journalists. "I can now report that the country is now secure and that the nation remains calm, that Kenyans and all our visitors are now safe," he added. The DusitD2 complex, which houses several multi-national offices and a hotel, is located in the leafy Riverside area of Westlands, Nairobi. About four gunmen armed with rifles and grenades drove to the 14 Riverside Drive at around 3 p.m. local time and staged a deadly attack, leaving a trail of destruction. "We have secured all the buildings that had been affected. The situation is under control and the country is safe. Terrorism will never defeat us. We will not surrender or bend," Matiang'i said. He did not say how many people were killed or injured in the attack, but there were reports that 15 people were killed. The U.S. State Department has confirmed that one of the victims was an American citizen. Joseph Boinnet, Inspector General of Police, said earlier that the terrorists began their onslaught by setting ablaze three vehicles at the I&M Bank parking lot before moving to the Dusit D2 complex. At the entrance of the hotel, Boinnet said the assailants carried out a suicide explosion, injuring several people. "This criminal activity commenced at about 3 o'clock in a coordinated fashion that began with an attack at I&M Bank with an explosion that targeted three vehicles on the parking lot and suicide explosion in the foyer at Dusit hotel where a number of guests suffered severe injuries," said Boinnet. He said a multi-agency special security team had made progress to regain control of the hotel where the gunmen are holed up. "Owing to swift and targeted response by our security agencies, the situation has been largely contained and six out of the seven floors of the hotel building have been secured," said Boinnet. Al-Shabab, a Somalia-based terrorist group, claimed responsibility for the attack. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 09:00:40|Editor: ZX Video Player Close This photo taken on Jan. 15, 2019 shows a stamp sheet featuring the Year of Pig at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The UN Postal Administration (UNPA) has issued the special stamp sheet to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 5 this year and marks the Year of Pig in the Chinese calendar. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 08:31:56|Editor: ZX Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Liu Yanan, Chang Yuan NEW YORK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese e-commerce giants, technology device producers and financial solution providers are shaping the retail industry in China and the world at large, industry leaders and insiders said at a major retail convention and expo. "We don't see this kind of application of facial recognition linked with payment. It's so cool. It's really interesting. We're talking about this in Europe, and we don't have it either," said Elisabeth Orn Sylve with Swedish operations of Microsoft Corporation on her tour to the booth of Freshippo, a robot-driven restaurant and supermarket operated by China-based Alibaba Group. CHINA PLAYERS SCALE UP APPLICATIONS Freshippo makes its debut at the ongoing Retail's Big Show 2019 organized by the U.S. National Retail Federation, showcasing its unmanned check-out devices featuring facial recognition, camera surveillance and others. "We have a number of advantages compared with other countries in the world" as China's mobile internet witnesses fast development, said Xulin Guo, chief of staff and business assistant to CEO of Freshippo. The advantage of Freshippo also lies in the strong support from technology research and development division with Alibaba Group, Guo told Xinhua on Monday. "We see the future of retail industry featuring better customers' experience and high operating efficiency and takes efforts to materialize the envisioned products step by step," said Guo, hoping to offer inspirations to peers in the world. Alibaba has rolled out more than 10,000 self-checkout machines at its own offline stores and stores operated by third parties since the launch of the product around a year ago, according to Freshippo. It is estimated that the self-checkout machines would be able to do the job of three to six cashiers, and customers could save 30 percent of time in checking out. Alibaba has opened around 120 Freshippo chain supermarkets in around 20 Chinese cities since the opening of the first store in January 2016. As the third largest internet firm in the world by revenue and a major e-commerce platform, JD.com has cutting edge technological application at scale with over 100 drone bases across China, said Harlan Bratcher, global business development head of JD Fashion on Tuesday in a dialogue at Retail's Big Show 2019. JD.com has introduced pilot drone-enabled delivery of goods in mountainous areas in southwest China and opened about 20 unmanned stores in China and another one in Indonesia. CROSS-BORDER PAYMENT BOOMING The fast development of e-commerce in China and the United States has given birth to a fast-growing business facilitating cross-border payment between e-commerce platforms and online stores. As one payment partner of Chinese e-commerce payment giant Alipay and WeChat Pay in North America, Citcon said it has partnered with more than 5,000 top merchants in the United States. The transaction costs via Citcon would be as much as 40 percent lower than that by international credit cards, without fraud and chargeback liability for merchants to accept Alipay and WeChat Pay, according to the company. "Over the past two years, we've witnessed how retailers in North America embrace and succeed with Chinese mobile payment solutions Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay QR Code payment," said Citcon in a press release. While Citcon works on to enable international merchants to accept Chinese QR-based mobile wallets in-store and online, a number of banks operating in the United States are working with third-party payment companies to enable Chinese e-commerce players to collect payment from U.S. e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, Wish and others. Bank of China New York Branch launched a cross-border payment system named e-MPay in 2016 in cooperation with a third-party payment processor. Chinese e-commerce players operating at Amazon, eBay and other platforms only need to pay around 1 percent of commission fees rather than the previous 3 percent to 5 percent while business cycle has been shortened to one working day from one or two weeks, according to Bank of China New York Branch. The fast growing business also drew the participation of Citibank, according to industry insiders. Counect International Technology Ltd., a Beijing-based maker of data collection device and offline mobile payment device, showcased its flagship device Cube designed to be installed at malls and stores. "Cube draws great interests and good feedbacks from system integrators, governmental authorities," said Hans Yu, founder of Counect International. The device has been used by the Malaysian government to monitor sales and taxation in addition to utilization in more than 60 Chinese cities, added Yu. LEARN MORE FROM CHINA China has been a leading force in applying artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, drones and other cutting edge technologies, which makes it rich of experiences and application cases. There is a lot can be learnt from the technologies that are already applied in large scale in China and the implications for the United States and Europe, said Rod Sides, vice chairman of Deloitte LLP, who also leads the retail, wholesale and distribution practice in the United States and the retail consulting practice globally. Sides noted China has an online economy scale of almost 1 trillion U.S. dollars and there has been the massive adoption of digital payment systems in the country. China just leapfrogged in adopting mobile phones and became the largest cashless economy in the world, said Bratcher. "I think China is a main hub of testing all the things in terms of innovation like AI technology, as we have partnership with Alibaba and other vendors. For us, it's going be a lot of focus coming from China in terms of knowledge I was looking for as well", said Edward H. J. Park, senior vice president with North America operations of Guess?, Inc. The next breakthrough for retail sector relies on 5G technologies, said Joy Tang, CEO and founder of Markable.ai, an AI computer vision company for the retail sector. AI is making a lot of differences not only in the future but also right now to the workforce, customers and retailers, said Hui Cheng, senior director with Silicon Valley Research Center of JD X, the innovation lab for JD.com. As an online and offline retailer, JD has the opportunity to combine them and deliver new technologies in the store, added Cheng. The next generation of retail would be characterized by decentralization thanks to the flexibility enabled by artificial technology, machine learning, robotics and other technologies, according to Steven Blitz, chief U.S. economist and managing director with investment research firm TS Lombard. "Actually if you look out over the next five years, I would say the trends of manufacturing is an absolute reversal of what we've seen over the last hundred years, which is that you move to a decentralization of production," Blitz told Xinhua in an interview on the sidelines of Retail's Big Show. (Xinhua reporters Luo Jingjing and Ma Qian contributed to the story.) VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Core Gold Inc. ("Core Gold" or the "Company") (TSX: CGLD, OTCQX: CGLDF) is pleased to announce that the Company will attend and present at the 2019 Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (the "Conference") to be held on January 20th 21st, 2019, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Mr. Keith Piggott, CEO of Core Gold, will give a company update presentation on Sunday January 20th at 1:20 PM in Workshop 4. Company representatives will also be available throughout the Conference at booth #526. During the Conference, Mr. Piggott will also participate in one-on-one meetings with registered conference investors. Registration for these meetings is only for qualified investors, portfolio managers, and private wealth and family office managers. About Core Gold Inc. The Company is a Canadian based mining company involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties in Ecuador. The Company is currently focused on gold production at its wholly-owned Dynasty Goldfield project. Mineral is treated at the Companys wholly-owned Portovelo treatment plant. The Company also owns other significant gold exploration projects including Linderos and Copper Duke in southern Ecuador, all of which are on the main Peruvian Andean gold-copper belt extending into Ecuador. For further information please contact: Keith Piggott, CEO Suite 1201 1166 Alberni Street Vancouver, B.C. V6E 3Z3 Phone: +1 (604) 345-4822 Email: info@coregoldinc.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 07:26:43|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- British businesses urged the government to take an immediate action to introduce a "Plan B" after Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was rejected overwhelming in the Parliament on Tuesday night. Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation, tweeted that "parliament's decision to reject the Government's deal means businesses across the UK will continue to face uncertainty." "The Government must urgently set out its 'Plan B' to ensure we can secure a deal locking in a legally binding transition before 29 March," McGuinness said. Carolyn Fairbairn, director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), said "Every business will tonight feel no deal is hurtling closer. A new plan is needed immediately." She noted that it is time for the politicians to make history as leaders. "All MPs need to reflect on the need for compromise and to act at speed to protect the UK's economy." Companies that have business with the UK are also in jittery. Michael Strobaek, global chief investment officer of Credit Suisse, commented that "People, business and financial markets in the UK need certainty on future UK-EU relations." "Tonight's parliamentary vote merely heightens the uncertainty," he added. The UK members of Parliament (MPs) voted 432 to 202 against the Brexit deal after a five-day debate, further complicating the country's historic exit from the European Union (EU). Prime Minister Theresa May has three sitting days to return to parliament with a "Plan B". Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. "Every day that passes without this issue being resolved means more uncertainty, more bitterness and more rancour," said May reacting to the huge government loss. Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government following the deal defeat. The motion will be debated in the Commons on Wednesday. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 07:01:38|Editor: Yang Yi Video Player Close BUCHAREST, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Each member state of the European Union (EU) will continue preparations for the worst variant of Brexit, Romanian Minister for European Affairs George Ciamba told local media late Tuesday after the rejection of the Withdrawal Agreement in the British parliament. "It was a result that the world was expecting, in the sense that the only novelty is that it is a much worse score than the expectations of the past few days," he said, regretting the vote result. "Romania, as the country holding the presidency of the EU Council, is making an appeal and wishes to continue to express the unity of the 27 members," he told local Mediafax news agency, adding that "at this moment we need to see what will happen tomorrow, it is about the motion of no confidence." According to him, the Romanian authorities are in contact with all European partners for a coordination of efforts. Romania has preparations that are both at Community level of legislation to be adopted and at national level, he said. "We will see the other elements of the political process. I do not think it is necessary to create a fear or to think that at this moment it is very clear that there is a disorderly withdrawal of UK," the official said, noting that "no fear" should be created. "I revert to the assurances made by the British Foreign Minister that the rights of European citizens who are on the territory of Great Britain will not suffer in a disorderly withdrawal but will have the same treatment as that provided in the Brexit agreement," said the Romanian official. The British parliament on Tuesday rejected the Brexit deal in a 432-202 vote, further complicating the country's historic exit from the European Union. Romania officially assumed its presidency of the EU Council last Thursday and will preside over the process of Brexit. Britain's departure from the EU, slated for March 29, will be the most complicated challenge during its mandate. Brexit process is also a sensible issue for Romania, as it has in the UK almost 500,000 migrants, the second largest non-UK nationality. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 05:31:10|Editor: yan Video Player Close BEIRUT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Embassy in Lebanon on Tuesday blasted the U.S. intervention in the affairs of Lebanon and the region, the National News Agency reported. "U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs David Hale expressed a series of positions that can be considered as direct intervention in others' businesses," the embassy said in a statement following Hale's visit to Lebanon. After his meeting with Lebanese officials, Hale said that his country was going on with its efforts to counter Iran's dangerous activities in the region, including the financing of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hale said that Lebanon has the right to defend itself through its legal institutions. "It is not acceptable to have a militia outside the control of the government," he said, hinting at Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Jalal Firouznia criticized U.S. role in the region during his meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on Tuesday. "The United States wants to promote itself as a country that cares about this region and its people... This is obviously not true given the American support for Israel's daily violations," Firouznia said. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 05:21:09|Editor: yan Video Player Close BAGHDAD, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on Tuesday denied the media reports that the United States has asked Iraq to dissolve Shiite paramilitary Hashd Shaabi brigades. The reports alleged that U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanded the Iraqi government freeze and confiscate the weapons of up to 67 Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and dissolve them within a period of time, including Badr, Asa'b Ahl al-Haq and Saraya al-Salam, or Peace Companies, headed by the Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. "The talk about a period of time to dissolve the Hashd Shaabi is incorrect," Mahdi told a press conference after the weekly cabinet meeting. He confirmed that the issue of the Hashd Shaabi paramilitary brigades "is purely Iraqi." Moreover, Mahdi denied local news report claiming that there is an increase in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, adding that the "talk about the increase of foreign troops in Iraq is not true." On Jan. 9, Pompeo paid a surprise visit to Iraq and held a series of meetings with Iraqi top officials before meeting with the Kurdish leaders in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq. Pompeo's visit to Baghdad is part of his Middle East tour, in which he tried to reassure U.S. allies about the U.S. commitment to the region following Washington's decision to pull out troops from Syria. The majority of Hashd Shaabi units that were mentioned in the media reports are part of the Hashd Shaabi Board, which is officially under the command of the prime minister, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi force. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 05:21:08|Editor: yan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Inroads are being made in delivering humanitarian aid to millions of people in war-stricken and famine-threatened Yemen thanks to a cease-fire, the chief UN spokesman said on Tuesday. "The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan for Yemen aims to reach some 15 million people," Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman, told reporters at a regular briefing. The World Food Programme (WFP), aiming to reach 12 million of those people, has been able to reach thousands of families south of Hodeidah, Yemen's major Red Sea port city, he said. "They have received aid for the first time in more than six months." "More than 10,000 families in the communities of Al Tuhayat and Al Darayhimi were reached with more than 3,300 metric tons of food thanks to the recent cease-fire deal," Dujarric said, adding they were the first humanitarian shipments delivered since July 2018 when a WFP-contracted truck was hit in the area. Such attacks on humanitarian aid vehicles led to a slowdown of aid. However, he said that the agency scaled up the delivery of food and food vouchers last month to around 8 million people throughout the country. In the coming weeks, the WFP aims to reach 12 million people to help avert famine in the country. The aid agencies have provided supplies to 1,400 newly displaced people in Taizz governorate, south of Hodeidah, while 42,000 people in Hajjah governorate, just northeast of Hudeidah, will receive hygiene kits, the spokesman said. He also pointed out that the World Health Organization provided supplies for three months for the Ibb (city) blood bank, southeast of Hudeidah. Agencies of the UN have been warning for several weeks that the embattled country faces famine if aid doesn't reach the victims. Shiite Houthi rebels, allegedly backed by Iran, have been battling Sunni Yemen government troops, backed by Saudi Arabia, since 2015. Last month, the world organization mediated a cease-fire and helped establish the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) with representatives of both sides to negotiate withdrawal of their troops from Hudeidah, its port and two minor ports, to facilitate aid shipments. Dutch Gen. Patrick Cammaert, chairman of the technical talks, "shuttled" between opposing members of the RCC who refused to meet face-to-face. But now published reports say the talks are deadlocked over interpretation of details in the cease-fire accord known as the Stockholm Agreement. Already a deadline has passed for more expansive talks to begin, as called for under the Stockholm Agreement. While the reports say Jordan has acquiesced to host the talks, no date has been given for opening of discussions. The International Crisis Group, a neutral nongovernmental organization think tank, says the talks are on the brink of collapse. LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The British parliament on Tuesday voted to overwhelmingly rejected the Brexit deal, further complicating the country's historic exit from the European Union (EU). MPs voted 202 to 432 against the deal reached between the British government and the EU after a five-day debate. British Prime Minister Theresa May has three sitting days to return to parliament with a "Plan B". Britain is due to leave the EU on March 29. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government following the defeat. The motion will be debated in the House of Commons Wednesday. In a last minute plea ahead of the vote Prime Minister May said the vote any politician will ever make in their political careers. She said the decision will define Britain for decades to come. Before the main vote MPs voted by to accept reject an amendment by Conservative MP John Barron. It was designed to give the British government the right to terminate the Northern Ireland backstop measure without the agreement of the EU. It was defeated by 600 votes to 24. An EU insistence that a backstop must be part of May's deal led to many MPs voting against her in tonight's deal. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 02:50:17|Editor: yan Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Libyan armed group, named the Seventh Brigade, on Tuesday warned the UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj against "military escalation" in south of the capital Tripoli. The group has been committed to the truce during the past months and working in accordance with the security arrangements of the government, said a statement by the group's spokesman Sa'd al-Hemmali. The spokesman called on Serraj to "restrain armed militias and force them to implement the agreed security arrangements." In August 2018, violent clashes broke out in southern Tripoli between forces allied with the government and the Seventh Brigade militia, killing 117 people and injuring more than 500 others, mostly civilians. The clashes ended with the warring parties signing a UN-sponsored cease-fire agreement, after which the government approved new security arrangements in Tripoli that focus on replacing armed groups with regular police and security forces. Following the 2011 uprising that toppled former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, the country has been suffering escalating violence and chaos, as well as political division. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 02:30:11|Editor: yan Video Player Close TRIPOLI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Libyan Red Crescent Society on Tuesday recovered four bodies of immigrants near the city of Sirte, said a report by the Al-Wasat news website. The bodies were found on the shore of Harawa area, some 70 km east of Sirte, the report said. The bodies were taken to a local hospital, where the authorities will take DNA tests and other legal procedures. A total of 25 bodies of immigrants have so far been recovered this month off Sirte, some 450 km east of the capital Tripoli. Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants, who hope to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe because of the chaos in the country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 02:25:09|Editor: yan Video Player Close KUWAIT CITY, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Kuwaiti official said on Tuesday that his country is expected to invest 20 billion U.S. dollars in the civil aviation in the next decade, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. The announcement was made by Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, president of Kuwait's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, during the ongoing Global Aviation Summit in Mumbai, India. According to Sheikh Salman, the investments will be used to improve the capacity of Kuwait International Airport and related services. The newly-opened passenger Terminal 4 at the airport can now accommodate 4.5 million passengers a year, he said. A new air traffic control tower of the airport is under construction, the Kuwaiti official added. The Global Aviation Summit, which kicked off on Tuesday in Mumbai, brought together airplane manufacturers, investors, bank officials and skill development agencies from different parts of the world. Photo taken on Jan. 14, 2019 shows a batch of military vehicles being deployed in Hatay province, Turkey. (Xinhua/Ihlas News Agency) ANKARA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that his country will set up a 32-km safe zone in northern Syria, following a consensus with U.S. President Donald Trump. During a speech to the lawmakers of his ruling Justice and Development Party in the parliament, Erdogan said that he held a "quite positive" phone conversation with Trump late Monday, discussing the possibility of creating a safe zone in northern Syria. In the phone call, Trump reaffirmed that "a 32-km (20-mile) safe zone along the Syrian border... will be set up by us," the Turkish leader said. Erdogan suggested the zone be expanded. "This is an issue that our teams can discuss and evaluate and which I look positively upon," he said. "We decided to continue to hold bilateral talks on all issues regarding Syria, including the safe zone," Erdogan added. Erdogan spoke with Trump over the phone on Monday in an effort to ease the tensions after the U.S. leader threatened Ankara with an "economic devastation" if the latter hits Kurdish groups in Syria. As the U.S. prepares to pull its troops out of Syria, Turkey has threatened to launch a cross-border operation inside Syria to clear the Kurdish group People's Protection Units (YPG) of northeastern Syria. The U.S. and Turkey have been at odds over the Kurdish militia, a U.S. ally in the anti-Islamic State campaign but seen as a terrorist group by Ankara. NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP is investigating securities fraud claims on behalf of shareholders of Sogou Inc. (NYSE:SOGO) (Sogou) resulting from allegations that Sogou may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP reminds purchasers of the securities of Sogou Inc. (NYSE: SOGO) pursuant and/or traceable to Sogous November 9, 2017 Initial Public Offering (IPO) of the important March 11, 2019 lead plaintiff deadline in the class action. If you purchased and incurred losses in shares of Sogou Inc., please call Gregory Stone at (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774, or email to gstone@whafh.com . Sogou Inc. operates as a Chinese online search engine. The Company develops Internet applications such as map, voice search, and smart phone assistant, as well as web directory and browser. Sogou serves clients in China. On November 8, 2017, Sogou priced its initial public offering (IPO) at $13.00 per share. Subsequently, in June and July of 2018, media sources reported that Chinese authorities were investigating Sogou concerning allegations that Sogou had failed to remove illegal content from its search engine. On July 30, 2018, Sogou reported that it had implemented remedial measures, including a ten-day suspension of part of its advertising business, as a result of the investigation. On this news, Sogous stock fell $0.78 or 7.55% to close at $9.55 on July 30, 2018. It has continued to decline and closed yesterday at $5.92 per share. Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation. If you wish to discuss this investigation or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this matter, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735, via e-mail at classmember@whafh.com , or visit our website at www.whafh.com . ## Follow the firm and learn about newly filed cases on Twitter and Facebook . ## Contact: Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-16 00:19:36|Editor: WX Video Player Close World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab speaks at a press conference at the WEF headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 2019. The world is entering a period of "profound instability" due to the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and geo-economic and geopolitical realignment, Klaus Schwab said Tuesday. The forum's 2019 annual meeting will take place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland from Jan. 22 to 25. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The world is entering a period of "profound instability" due to the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and geo-economic and geopolitical realignment, Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum (WEF) founder said Tuesday. He was speaking at a press conference at the WEF headquarters here ahead of the forum's 2019 annual meeting that will take place Jan. 22-25 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The meeting brings together more than 3,000 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, arts and culture, and media, as well as the foremost experts and young leaders from all over the world. The meeting will convene under the theme, Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The purpose of the meeting is to identify new models for peace, inclusiveness, and sustainability to suit a world where further global integration is inevitable and where existing models of global governance struggle to foster concerted action among the world's powers. Schwab said that the fourth wave of globalization needs to be "human-centered, inclusive and sustainable." "We are entering a period of profound global instability brought on by the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the realignment of geo-economics and geopolitical forces," said Schwab. All those taking part in the Davos meeting need to summon the imagination and commitment necessary to tackle the instability, said Schwab, who is also WEF executive chairman. This year's program will hold more than 350 sessions, nearly half of them webcast, and meetings are organized in a series of global dialogues. The meeting gathers more than 3,000 participants from over 110 countries, including more than 60 heads of state and government and over 40 heads of international organizations. File Photo: A U.S. Border Patrol agent stands in front of the border fence that divides the U.S. and Mexico in San Diego, California, the United States, Nov. 17, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong) WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Defense announced a decision Monday to extend the deployment of active duty troops at the border with Mexico to Sept. 30. Earlier in the day, the Pentagon also confirmed in a statement it would send a fresh contingent of active duty troops to the southern border at the request of officials from the Department of Homeland Security. The new troops will include combat engineers to fortify border crossings and aviation units to help ferry border patrol agents, a USA Today report quoted a Pentagon official who was not authorized to speak publicly as saying. The troops will also help with surveillance at the border, according to the Pentagon statement. Currently, there are about 2,350 active duty troops and another 2,200 National Guard members at the border. President Donald Trump requested the deployment of troops to the border just before the Nov. 6 midterm elections. Their mission was originally supposed to end on Dec. 15 but then extended until Jan. 31 as caravans of Central American migrants marched towards the U.S.-Mexico border. The active-duty military personnel are meant to help strengthen the security of the U.S. southern border but they are allowed to provide only engineering, logistic and medical support. Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-15 22:18:49|Editor: xuxin Video Player Close DAR ES SALAAM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Tuesday ordered relevant authorities to suspend removal of 366 villages situated in protected areas for wildlife and forests. A statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communication at State House in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam said all ministries responsible for protected areas should implement his directive without delay. The statement said President Magufuli also directed responsible ministries to identify wildlife and forests protected areas which had no wildlife and forests and allocate them to farmers and livestock keepers. "Farmers and livestock keepers are spending sleepless nights looking for farming and grazing areas, respectively," the statement quoted Magufuli as saying. President Magufuli particularly directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to start afresh demarcation of areas for human settlements and wildlife conservation. "I am not feeling comfortable when I see livestock keepers chased away on the grounds that they are grazing on land earmarked for wildlife protection," said the president. "I get the same bad feeling when farmers are evicted from areas considered to be protected for wildlife or forests," added President Magufuli. About 40 percent of land in Tanzania is set aside in protected areas for conservation. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The Sergeant Ernest "Boots" Thomas VA Clinic will dedicate a new marker honoring veterans. WTXL ABC 27's Jada Williams was live Wednesday morning to tell how this marker is different from what is normally seen. This marker isn't just for looking at; it's for touching. And it's aimed at honoring the blind veterans right in our community. The Sergeant Ernest I. "Boots" Thomas VA Clinic is unveiling a special bronze braille American flag this Wednesday morning in honor of the more than 1000 blind veterans currently receiving services within the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. The bronze flag features the Pledge of Allegiance in braille. If you'd like to be a part of the dedication, it begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the lobby of the VA Clinic on East Orange Avenue. The flag was donated to the clinic by Georgia vet Walt Peters and the Florida Regional Group Blind Veterans Association. Peters is now legally blind and has since made it his mission to dedicate Flags at as many VA facilities as possible. VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - A man is facing multiple charges after he shot three people inside a parked car in Valdosta. Calvin McKeithen, 19, was arrested by the Valdosta Police Department on Tuesday. On Jan. 14 at about 12:34 a.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of JoRee Street, in response to three suspects who had been shot while sitting inside a vehicle. When officers arrived on scene, they found one man and two women with gunshot wounds to their body. All three victims were taken to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment. Through the investigation it was determined that McKeithen had targeted that vehicle and a home in the area. McKeithen shot numerous rounds into the vehicle, as well as into a home that was occupied at the time. Officers learned that McKeithen had been in an on-going altercation with the man inside the vehicle. On Tuesday, detectives obtained arrest warrants for McKeithen for three counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. With the assistance of the FBI Southwest Georgia Gang Taskforce, detectives located McKeithen and he was taken into custody without incident. He was taken to Lowndes County Jail. Since the incident, one victim has been released from SGMC and two others are still receiving treatment and are in stable condition. This investigation is on-going and further charges are pending. If anyone has any information in reference this case, please call the Valdosta Police Department at 229-242-2606," said Interim Police Chief Leslie Manahan. RADNOR, Pa., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP announces that a securities fraud class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against Tenaris S.A. (NYSE: TS) (Tenaris) on behalf of purchasers of Tenaris securities between May 1, 2014 and November 27, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). Important Deadline: Investors who purchased Tenaris securities during the Class Period may, no later than February 11, 2019 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class. For additional information or to learn how to participate in this litigation please visit www.ktmc.com/tenaris-securities-class-action . According to the complaint, Tenaris produces and sells seamless and welded steel tubular products and related services for the oil and gas industry and other industrial applications. Tenaris has a significant investment in Ternium S.A and, as of December 31, 2017, held 11.46% of Terniums share capital (including treasury shares). Ternium was created in 2005 by the consolidation of Siderar of Argentina, Sidor of Venezuela, and Hylsa of Mexico. In 2008, Venezuela ordered the transformation of Sidor, a Venezuelan steel company, into a state-owned enterprise. On May 7, 2009, Ternium sold its 59.7% stake in Sidor to Corporacion Venezolana de Guayana, a Venezuelan state-owned entity. Ternium agreed to receive $1.97 billion for the sale of its interest. It took several years, from 2009 to 2012, for Ternium to receive the money. The Class Period commences on May 1, 2014. On April 30, 2014, after market hours, Tenaris filed a Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 with the SEC, which provided Tenaris year-end financial results and position. The Form 20-F stated that Tenaris was committed to conducting business in a legal and ethical manner in compliance with local and international statutory requirements and standards. According to the complaint, on November 27, 2018, Bloomberg reported that Paolo Rocca, who served as Tenaris Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) throughout the Class Period, was indicted for his role in a graft scheme. Specifically, the article stated that an Argentine judge indicted Mr. Rocca after he testified that one of his companys executives paid an undisclosed amount of cash to government officials in monthly installments from 2009 to 2012 to speed up a compensation payment from Venezuelas Hugo Chavez for the nationalization of Sidor. Following this news, Tenaris stock fell $2.64 per share, or nearly 10%, to close at $24.36 per share on November 27, 2018. The complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, the defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Tenaris CEO and Chairman, Paolo Rocca, knew that one of his companys executives paid cash to government officials from 2009 to 2012 to speed up compensation payments for the sale of Sidor; (2) this conduct would lead to Mr. Rocca being charged in a graft scheme, and subject Tenaris, its affiliates, and/or executives to heightened governmental scrutiny; and (3) as a result, Tenaris public statements were materially false and/or misleading at all relevant times. If you wish to discuss this securities fraud class action lawsuit or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests with respect to this litigation, please contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check (James Maro, Jr., Esq. or Adrienne Bell, Esq.) at (888) 2997706 or (610) 6677706, or via e-mail at info@ktmc.com . Tenaris investors may, no later than February 11, 2019 , seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. In order to be appointed as a lead plaintiff, the Court must determine that the class members claim is typical of the claims of other class members, and that the class member will adequately represent the class. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country involving securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duties and other violations of state and federal law. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check is a driving force behind corporate governance reform, and has recovered billions of dollars on behalf of institutional and individual investors from the United States and around the world. The firm represents investors, consumers and whistleblowers (private citizens who report fraudulent practices against the government and share in the recovery of government dollars). The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, please visit www.ktmc.com . CONTACT: MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Madison County School Board held a meeting Tuesday night to decide the fate of Greenville Elementary School. The school board decided to keep the elementary school open. A recent report on the school district's finances recommended closing the school. The school is the smallest in the district in terms of enrollment with only 124 students enrolled in 2019. It was decided not to close the school with no member of the board voting to close it. Cynthia James said that "Without a heart, the body dies and if Greenville is the heart of our town, if you take our school, our community dies." Dr. Karen Pickles said "I have to think about all the kids in this district, not just 124 kids." The board meets January 24 to discuss ways to save money now that they are not closing the school. Some proposed ideas were to eliminate staffing as they are over-staffed in certain areas. Madison County School District to discuss potential Greenville Elementary closure MADISON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - A Madison County school could be closing as the district tries to cut costs and address years of fiscal challenges. A recent report on the school district's finances recommends closing Greenville Elementary School. The school is the smallest in the district in terms of enrollment. The recommendation is to transfer students to other district schools. The school used to be known as "Greenville Training School." A graduate says the school plays an important role in the town. "It's the hub of the community, and if you've even been around Greenville, you can see that it's a very impoverished community, low-income, and our people are just so needy, and we need our school in Greenville," said Cheryl Clemons, a Greenville native. "The support of this community is unanimous around here." The school board is meeting Tuesday night at the Madison County High School cafeteria. We will be there and bring you an update in your news at 11. (WTXL) - Florida residents may be able to use electronic ID and registration if a proposed bill passes this legislative session. Florida could be one of the first 14 states to accept electronic identification, according to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel report. Tampa Rep. James Grant is expected to sponsor a bill that would allow drivers to use electronic credentials, as opposed to hard copies, for ID and registration during traffic stops, as well as for voting and purchasing liquor, according to the Sentinel. Florida drivers can already present proof of insurance electronically. The report also states the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administration is developing standard protocols to enable the use of digital licenses. MARIANNA, Fla. (WTXL) - A deputy was taken to the hospital after being exposed to Fentanyl during an arrest. Wanda Mercer, of Greenwood, Florida was arrested by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. On Tuesday, deputies responded to the Goodwill Store located at 2800 Hwy 71 in Marianna, Florida in reference to a shoplifting call. When deputies arrived on scene, they were told that Mercer was found walking around the store concealing items. While making contact with Mercer, deputies saw several items fall from her that were consistent with the use and possession of illegal narcotics. The items were later determined to be methamphetamine and aluminum foil boats used to smoke methamphetamine. Before taking Mercer to jail, a deputy field tested the suspected methamphetamine per Jackson County Sheriffs Office policy. The deputy then immediately began to have a physical reaction to the substance that would mirror an exposure to Fentanyl. Before losing consciousness, JCSO said the deputy was able to radio that he needed medical attention due to a possible Fentanyl exposure. The injured deputy was administered a dose of NARCAN to counteract the affects of the potential Fentanyl exposure. He was later taken to the Jackson Hospital where he remains for observation. Mercer was transported to the Jackson County Jail to await first appearance. During the booking process, an additional baggie containing a controlled substance later identified as Xanax was taken from Mercer. Mercer is being charged with possession methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, introduction of contraband into a correctional facility, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Further charges are pending. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Lawyers for Florida school shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz sought Tuesday to pry loose evidence for his defense from a state commission that investigated last years Valentines Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. The commission did dozens of interviews and collected numerous pieces of evidence before releasing its 446-page report earlier this month. Cruz attorney Melisa McNeill said at a hearing Tuesday the defense needs access to that material for his defense. We dont know what they have. We just want to know what they have, McNeill told Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer. Jason Jones, who represents the chairman of the 15-member Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission, said most of the key witness statements and transcripts had already been turned over to Broward County prosecutors. Jones said hed have a list of other evidence to Cruzs defense by Friday. We have turned over all recorded and or transcribed statements, Jones said. All those have been turned over to the state as we promised. Assistant State Attorney Steven Klinger said prosecutors were still going through about 180 witness statements collected by the commission but would soon turn them over to Cruzs lawyers. Judge Scherer set a Jan. 29 deadline for that to happen. Right to Buy scheme to be scrapped in Wrexham this month This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Jan 16th, 2019 A housing scheme which allows tenants of council houses to buy their property at a discount will be scrapped in Wrexham this month. Right to Buy, introduced by the Conservative government in the 1980s, also allows tenants of some housing associations the legal right purchase their property. Between 1981 and 2016, over 139,000 local authority and housing association homes were sold off under the Right to Buy across Wales. Locally, over 6,000 council homes have been sold since the creation of Wrexham County Borough in 1996, with many ending up in the private rented sector. However plans to axe the scheme across Wales were unveiled in 2016 as part of the Welsh Governments first year legislative priorities. The Bill, which was granted Royal Assent in February 2018, aims to protect housing stock and incentivise the building of new social housing. Right to Buy has already been suspended in Anglesey, Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Powys, Swansea and Cardiff. However from 26th January 2019 the scheme will be scrapped in Wrexham and across the rest of Wales. Commenting on the scrapping of the Right to Buy scheme, Lesley Griffiths AM said: I am pleased this key Welsh Labour commitment is coming to fruition. Abolishing Right to Buy will help reduce pressure on social housing, enabling local authorities and housing associations to invest in new developments safe in the knowledge that their housing stock will not be sold off at discounted rates. Constituents regularly contact my office with housing issues but I am hopeful this move will help ensure sustainable, affordable housing is available for people who need it most. Tenants in Wrexham who have been considering buying their council home will need to submit an application to your landlord either to Wrexham Council or your housing association, depending on your circumstances by no later than January 25 (any applications received after this date wont be accepted). If youve already made an application, dont worry about the deadline. Wrexham Council say it will still be processing applications already received in the normal way, and the deadline wont affect them. If youre a tenant of Wrexham Council and youre interested in buying your home, you can contact them on 01978 298993 or email HESupport@wrexham.gov.uk. Further information is available from the Welsh Government here, spelling out whether or not youre eligible to buy your home and other details. Xiaocao communicates happily with a senior who holds a ball of string. [China.org.cn] A young entrepreneur from Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, has injected vitality into intangible cultural heritage in Daliangshan, a mountainous region in the province, over the past few years, according to a recent profile. Xiaocao (pseudonym), 25, has promoted several traditional crafts of the Yi ethnic group as featured on the national-level intangible cultural list, such as woolen textile production and felt making through her business in Daliangshan in recent years. She ran a felt studio in Chengdu before going to the impoverished region. Originally, she went there to learn the skills of making felt from senior craftsmen of the Yi ethnic group. Considering the outstanding sewing skills of locals, she rented an unused folk house of about 300 square meters in the county of Huidong and established a woolen felt company, offering jobs to around 20 local women. On the basis of drawing on the traditional skills of the Yi minority, she developed attractive objects made of woolen felt, such as hats, scarves and gloves to present the old skills through new forms. However, the products were known to few people. Owing to inconvenient transport, it was difficult to transport the products to other places. She then thought of selling them on Taobao, China's leading e-commerce platform. Thanks to this idea, her products have been sold to many places including overseas. Benefiting from their expanded sales channels, some of her employees have tripled their monthly income. Her company is popular with seniors of the Yi minority. Some of them have joined her work voluntarily. They are good at twisting threads by hand, a skill also included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. Before delivering goods, she commonly ties a bowknot outside the package with woolen threads provided by some of the seniors. She is often praised by buyers for her attention to small details. Thanks to her business, a middle-aged woman from her company was able to travel by air for the first time in May, 2018. "I would never have such a chance if I had not met Xiaocao. Before that, the furthest place I went is a county 50 kilometers away," said the woman. "Any people who want to improve their living standards through their own efforts are welcome to my company," said Xiaocao. Besides, she has shown concern for the younger generation. For example, she gave a lesson to students with hearing and speaking impairments in a local school to help them find employment after graduation. Xiaocao makes a woolen felt hat together with a worker. [China.org.cn] Xiaocao makes felt products together with other women. [China.org.cn] Xiaocao dines with locals. [China.org.cn] Xiaocao meets with locals in front of her company. [China.org.cn] (Source: China.org.cn/Translated and edited by Women of China) Clockwise from top left: Fan Wenhao, a 69-year-old man in Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, pays with his mobile phone at a grocery; Fan shows his mobile payment records; Fan and his wife take a selfie at home. [Photo/Xinhua] An increasing number of Chinese elderly people are embracing the digital world, China Daily said Tuesday. It quoted data from major Internet companies and a big data firm to predict that there are about 50 to 60 million mobile Internet users in the country who are seniors. WeChat, the most popular social media app in China, reported having 61 million users aged between 55 and 70 as of September 2018. Alibaba's Taobao and Tmall, two of the biggest e-commerce sites, reported having about 30 million middle-aged and elderly online shoppers. Their average spending was about 5,000 yuan (730 U.S. dollars) in the first nine month of 2018. "New content, connections and lifestyles have popped up, buoyed by rapidly changing technologies," Cheng Wu, vice president of Chinese Internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, was quoted as saying. "The Internet can open a new world for seniors." One of the reasons behind the rise of tech-savvy elderly is higher literacy rate, the paper said. And more middle-aged people are retiring with high familiarity with technology. They have already started shopping and chatting online. Chinese elderly create new market as well. Many apps have emerged catering to the needs of elderly square dancers. "The vast elderly group is gradually becoming a new market force," Si Xiao, head of the Tencent Research Institute, was quoted as saying. "We need to better serve their specific needs." Chinese society is rapidly aging. According to the Office of the National Working Commission on Aging, there were 241 million people aged 60 and above in China at the end of 2017, accounting for 17.3 percent of the total population. That number is expected to hit 487 million by 2050, it said. One in every three Chinese will be a senior citizen. (Source: Xinhua) CHICAGO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the space of just one day, a Chicago jury awarded $1,000,000 in compensatory damages and $8,000,000 in punitive damages to a Chicago woman, in her case against a wealthy Chicago insurance executive, for his egregious conduct. The jury of six men and six women deliberated for one hour before returning a unanimous decision, finding the defendant guilty of one count of sexual assault and four counts of assault and battery against the woman. The verdict was reached on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois Law Division. The Executive, who owns interests in several Chicagoland insurance companies, was found guilty of multiple transgressions of the rights of a woman with whom he was acquittanced, between October 5, 2015 and March 23, 2016. The charges against the Executive included strangling, physical and verbal violence and non-consensual sexual behavior. This is a strong message from the heart of the #metoo movement to defend women against powerful men who feel that because they have wealth, they can act with callous disregard for the laws of humanity and the Republic. It took a jury of 12 people just one hour to determine that one womans suffering was worth eight million dollars in remuneration for scars that will last a lifetime. I can only hope that if this example doesnt at least deter this kind of behavior, it sends a message that if you are a victim with a voice, the public has an ear, says attorney Daniel J. Voelker. Voelker and Olga S. Dmytriyeva, who represented the victim, and are available for comment. About the Voelker Litigation Group The Voelker Litigation Group represents clients in contract, business, construction, real estate, trust and estate, intellectual property, securities, and labor and employment disputes. Our legal team, composed of trial lawyers, has handled cases of all sizes from the relatively small matter to high-stakes litigation. Members of our legal team have been selected for professional designations such as Leading Lawyers, Super Lawyers and the AV-Preeminent rating. Please contact the firm at 312-870-5430 or visit www.voelkerlitigationgroup.com for more information. Atalnta, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ATLANTA January 16, 2019 Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) (Company) today announced that Distech Controls, an innovation leader in energy management solutions, received ControlTrends Vendor of the Year (Large Manufacturer) award and the Companys nLight AIR wireless lighting control system won ControlTrends Lighting Solution of the Year. In addition, Stefani Szczechowski received ControlTrends Woman of the Year award in her role as regional sales manager for Distech Controls. The awards were announced during AHR Expo (International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Expo), the worlds largest HVACR event with more than 2,100 exhibitors and 60,000 attendees. The Vendor of the Year award recognizes the ability of our solutions to go beyond energy savings with a streamlined, connected building offering that is available across industries and can also leverage an HVAC infrastructure for IoT capabilities such as indoor positioning, said Martin Villeneuve, President, Distech Controls and Acuity Brands Lighting Senior Vice President, Distributed Building Technology. We offer our customers a breadth of solutions that work together -- end-to-end -- transforming their building from a cost center to a strategic asset. Acuity Brands digital lighting controls create a communication network for a dynamic, connected building, which enables the flow of data from systems such as HVAC, LED lights, sensors and controllable devices, said Trevor Palmer, Acuity Brands Lighting Senior Vice President, Digital Lighting Controls. When a building is equipped with Distech Controls and nLight solutions from Acuity Brands, an occupant can change the temperature, lighting level, sunblind function and other environmental considerations in the space. Judged by a group of independent industry professionals, ControlTrends Awards honor innovation in the development of products for the HVAC and building automation industries. Click here to see the full list of winners. About Acuity Brands Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is the North American market leader and one of the worlds leading providers of lighting and building management solutions. With fiscal year 2018 net sales of $3.7 billion, Acuity Brands currently employs approximately 13,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia. The Companys products and solutions are sold under various brands, including Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Aculux, American Electric Lighting, Antique Street Lamps, Atrius, DGLogik, Distech Controls, DTL, eldoLED, Gotham, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, Indy, IOTA, Juno, Lucid, Mark Architectural Lighting, nLight, Peerless, RELOC Wiring, ROAM, Sensor Switch, Sunoptics and Winona Lighting. Visit us at www.acuitybrands.com. Media Contacts: Monica Sanchez 770-860-2948 monica.sanchez@acuitybrands.com In their continuing efforts to stave off relegation, Fulham have signed Ryan Babel. The 32-year-old Dutch winger has joined the club on a six-month permanent deal from Besiktas, whom he joined in January of 2018. Once of Liverpool, Babel doesnt immediately strike you as the kind of muck-in-and-get-things-done signing the Cottagers need to haul themselves up and out of the gurgling mire (any Fulham fan will tell you that at least one new dependable centre-half should have been the priority). Rather, it would appear that the club have procured another flighty attacker with a long and vaunted history of being entirely inconsistent. Its not like hes even in form, either, with Babel currently without a single goal or assist in his previous nine appearances at club level. With every passing day, Claudio Ranieiris wimpy team look slightly more doomed. NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) is expanding its efforts to create employment opportunities for military veterans and their families. The company announced today that it has joined the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations Hiring 100,000 Military Spouses campaign to raise awareness of military spouse unemployment, which rates four times the national average, and to encourage employers to make military spouse hiring commitments. As part of the campaign, HII plans to hire 50 service member spouses over the next three years. As the largest employer in Mississippi and the largest industrial employer in Virginia, nothing is more important to us than growing our workforce through the recruitment, hiring and retaining of veterans and their families, said Bill Ermatinger, HIIs executive vice president and chief human resource officer. This campaign reaffirms our commitment to supporting the men and women who have served our country. HII employs more than 6,600 former members of the Armed Forces, as well as current members of the National Guard and Reserve. Huntington Ingalls Industries is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services to partners in government and industry. For more than a century, HIIs Newport News and Ingalls shipbuilding divisions in Virginia and Mississippi have built more ships in more ship classes than any other U.S. naval shipbuilder. HIIs Technical Solutions division provides a wide range of professional services through its Fleet Support, Mission Driven Innovative Solutions, Nuclear & Environmental, and Oil & Gas groups. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII employs more than 40,000 people operating both domestically and internationally. For more information, visit: HII on the web: www.huntingtoningalls.com HII on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HuntingtonIngallsIndustries HII on Twitter: twitter.com/hiindustries Contact: Beci Brenton beci.brenton@hii-co.com (757) 880-3934 Kathie (Riggenbach) and Scott Richter will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Jan. 25. After spending a short honeymoon at Oglebay Park, the newlyweds then drove to Victorville, California to begin setting up their first home, one of 22 moves they have made. Their first child Cindy was born in December 1969, and their son Jeff was born in November 1972. Their six grandchildren are such a joy. After graduating from Magnolia in 1965 and 1967 and then WVU in the early 70s, they have lived from California to New Jersey and Texas to Wisconsin, and many places in between. Scotts jobs and various vacations have taken them to over 50 countries. That first dance (Scott credits Kathie for asking him) at the Roller Rink on New Years Eve 1964-65 seems like so long ago. We were both pleased to move back to New Martinsville 10 years ago after being away from 30 years. We thank God for the many blessings He has freely given to each of us as individuals and as a couple over our many years together! Paden City Council met in regular session on Jan. 7, 7 p.m. in the council chambers at the municipal building. Mayor Hochstrasser, the council, and Paden City Police Department wanted to thank the Wetzel County Commission for its generosity in getting the city a new police cruiser. The city has been in desperate need of a new cruiser, as the current one, a 2004 model with over 130K miles on it, has multiple mechanical issues, as well as electrical issues. The city is in the process of getting the new cruiser ready for use and will be cutting corners on cost by using equipment to outfit the cruiser that the city has on hand and by finding used equipment as necessary. In other police maters, during the month of December 2018, there were 22 citations issued for various violations, including nine speeding tickets and one DUI. The Wetzel County E-911 end of month report recorded a total of 74 calls placed to 911 from Paden City in the month of December 2018. In new business, Mayor Hochstrasser read the election proclamation: By order of the Elections law of the City of Paden City, I herewith proclaim June 7, 2019, as the date for the next election for the City of Paden City, West Virginia. Three members of the council, one from each ward will be elected for a two-year term. Any qualified person desiring to run for any of the offices must file their intention, fill out the necessary eligibility forms and pay the filing fee of $10 for council at the recorders office on or before March 14, 2019. This date is necessary for filing in order that the ballots may be prepared. In matters related to the water project, the mayor stated that the telemetry system is complete. Cleaning of well number four was expected to begin on Tuesday, Jan. 8. Once well number four is cleaned, the city will be able to move on to cleaning well number three and getting the wells on a regular maintenance schedule. The council approved the Rule 42 to cover the $5 million water project. The city will be increasing the water rate $7 per year for the next three years for a total rate raise of $21 by 2021. The council approved all bills for payment, and the minutes of the last meeting. The council also addressed a letter submitted by Water, Streets & Maintenance Superintendent Josh Billiter. In the letter Billiter states he would like to step down as chief water operator, but he would still oversee the water plant operations, in a move to allow Joe Parrish the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience that is necessary for his advancement in the water industry. Billiter also recommended Joe Parrish become the assistant superintendent. He wrote these changes are necessary due to increasing time that Billiter, as superintendent, will use to focus on other tasks and state regulations adding that he believes it would create a more effective workforce. The mayor recommended the council not allow Billiter to step down, as the citys employee manual states the operator can have an assistant oversee the water plant. Other council members recommended waiting until Billiter was in attendance of a council meeting to continue the discussion. No action was taken at this time. The council did pass a motion to appoint Joe Parrish assistant superintendent and approved a small raise for the added responsibility. The council will revisit the city budget to give Parrish a higher pay rate in the months to come. In matters related to streets, the council discussed a request by Lance Smittle to stop traffic from using an alley between Pollock and Rural on the east end of the alley; the alley stays wet most of the time and is not graveled. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to take no action at this time. The Paden City Park and Pool committee reported that the Christmas tree lighting was a success with more than 30 residents attending in the frigid temperature that evening. The committee is hoping to include a parade at next years event. The Wetzel County January 2019 Grand Jury met behind closed doors on Tuesday, Jan. 8. As a result, 22 individuals have been charged at the circuit court level. The charges include attempted murder, sexual assault, child neglect, burglary, and drug-related offenses, among others. Those indicted, and their charges, are as follows: * James Willis Bright, Jr., 60, of 88E Club Road, Pleasant Plains, Arizona, has been given a six-count indictment. Count one charges him with attempted murder, to have occurred on or about October 29, 2018 when Bright allegedly shot at another with a firearm. Counts two through seven charged Bright with wanton endangerment. Each count alleges that Bright discharged a firearm at a vehicle being driven by another individual. * Glen R. Anderson, 64, of 27 Mexico Lane, Reader, is charged in an eight-count indictment and a two-count indictment. The eight-count indictment included the charge of sexual assault in the first degree, two counts of sexual abuse by a custodian, sexual abuse in the first degree, three counts of distribution and display to minor of obscene matter, and enticing minor to photograph sexually explicit conduct. These offenses allegedly occurred between July 15, 2018 and October 1, 2018. Andersons second two-count indictment charges him with sexual abuse in the first degree and sexual abuse by a custodian. Both offenses are to have occurred between July 15, 2018 and October 1, 2018. * John Wesley Blake, 48, of 8742 Mountaineer Highway, New Martinsville, is charged in a one-count indictment with child neglect creating risk of injury. This offense allegedly occurred on or about April 6, 2018. * Nancy Mae Cox, 35, of 8742 Mountaineer Highway, New Martinsville, is also charged in a one-count indictment with child neglect creating risk of injury. This offense was to have occurred on or about April 6, 2018. * Ronald Lanson Wood, 40, of 1736 Doolin Run Road, New Martinsville, received an eight-count indictment from the grand jury, charging him with burglary, the misdemeanor offense of domestic battery, two counts of the misdemeanor offense of battery, the misdemeanor offense of destruction of property, two counts of strangulation, and the misdemeanor offense of unlawful restraint. The indictment alleges that on November 17, 2018, Wood did break and enter a dwelling house, with the intent to commit a crime. The indictment further alleges domestic battery, stating Wood intentionally grabbed another and attempted to drag them from the above-mentioned residence. Two counts of battery each allege that Wood pushed a separate individual at the above-mentioned residence. A charge of destruction of property alleges that Wood destroyed personal property at the above-mentioned residence, in an amount less than $2,500. Two counts of strangulation each allege that between October 15 and November 17, 2018, Wood strangled an individual. A charge of unlawful restraint, alleged to have occurred during the timespan mentioned above, accuses Wood of restraining an individual in a box truck with the intent that the individual not be allowed to leave the box truck. * Joshua Eugene Streight, 31, of 214 S 2nd Avenue, Paden City, was charged in a one-count indictment with malicious assault, alleged to have occurred between November 30 and December 1 of 2017 when Streight allegedly picked up another individual and slammed their body onto the floor. * Brandon Scott Lloyd, 33, of Route 1 Box 219, West Union, received a two-count indictment, charging him with fleeing from an officer in a vehicle and gross child neglect creating risk of death or serious bodily injury. The indictment alleges that on or about August 21, 2018, Lloyd feloniously fled in a vehicle from Deputy Donald Bordenkircher, of the Wetzel County Sheriffs Office, who had activated his blue lights and siren. The indictment alleges that Lloyd showed reckless indifference to the safety of others, including the child who was in the vehicle he was driving. * Lewis Ray Anderson, 24, of 6310 McElroy Creek Road, West Union, was given a one-count indictment, charging him with failure to update sex offender registry information. The charge alleges that between July 16 and July 26, 2018, Anderson failed to update his registry information by failing to update the addresses or provide the address of any habitable real property where he intends to reside or resides at the time. * Denzil R. Owens, 38, of 308 Fair Street, Middlebourne, was charged by the grand jury in a one-count indictment, charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. This offense allegedly occurred between September 1 and September 30, 2018 when Owens failed to report in the month of his birth, to renew his sex offender registration with the West Virginia State Police. * Nicholas Chad Fletcher, 39, of 245 Lemley Ridge Road, Littleton, received two indictments from the grand jury. The first indictment charges him with burglary and grand larceny. These charges allege that between July 17 and July 22 of 2017, Fletcher entered the residence of another and stole goods with a value of more than $1,000. A separate, one-count, indictment charges Fletcher with fleeing from an officer, to have occurred on November 14, 2018. The indictment claims that Fletcher fled from Hundred Police Chief Joshua Cecil, after Cecil had activated his blue lights and siren. * Codey Allen Baters, 31, of 44493 State Route 7, Clarington, Ohio, was charged through a two-count indictment with entry of a building other than a dwelling and misdemeanor petit larceny, to have occurred on or about November 10, 2018. The indictment states that Baters entered commercial property housing a business known as Universal Blasco and stole a laptop computer. * Jeffery Allan Starkey, 54, of New Martinsville, received a four-count indictment, charging him with possession of a controlled substance (psilocybin mushrooms) with intent to deliver, misdemeanor driving while revoked for DUI, misdemeanor expired registration, and misdemeanor no insurance. These offenses allegedly occurred on or about June 10. * Randall Wayne Yoho, 58, of 732 American Ridge Road, New Martinsville, was given a three-count indictment, charging him with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled narcotic substance (Xanax) with intent to deliver, and possession of a controlled substance (Tramadol) with intent to deliver. These offenses allegedly occurred on or about May 31, 2018. * Natasha Lynn Tedrow, 27, of 632 Maple Avenue, New Martinsville, received a three-count indictment, containing charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamines) with intent to deliver, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and false evidence of registration. These offenses allegedly occurred on May 26, 2018. The second count alleges that Tedrow was previously convicted of conspiracy to deliver Subutex, which thereby prohibits her from possessing a firearm. The third count alleges that Tedrow was using a registration plate that was registered to another vehicle other than the one she was driving. * Jenna Kay Erb, 38, of 253 Chelsea Street, Sistersville, received a three-count indictment from the grand jury, charging her with burglary and two counts of misdemeanor destruction of property. The indictment alleges that on August 5, 2018 Erb entered the residence of another, destroying the door of the residence, as well as a television. * Michael Lee Erb, 32, of 101 Evans Street, New Matamoras, Ohio (homeless) received a three-count indictment, charging him with grand larceny, unlawful taking of vehicle (joyriding) third or subsequent offense, and receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle. All offenses allegedly occurred on or about November 5, 2018. Erb allegedly stole and drove a 1966 Ford Fairlane, having a value of more than $1,000. Erb was convicted for unlawful taking of vehicle (joyriding) previously July 2017, July 2012, May 2008, July 2009, and April 2018. The charge of receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle alleges that Erb had a vehicle in his possession, knowing it was unlawfully taken. * Kristi Rhena Fox-Hall, 35, of 46 Anson Street Apt. 7, New Martinsville, was charged in a two-count indictment with burglary and grand larceny, to have occurred on or about September 22, 2018. The indictment alleges that Fox-Hall unlawfully broke and entered the residence of another and stole goods having a cumulative value of more than $1,000. * Amanda Nicole Dennis, 37, of 24423 Energy Highway, New Martinsville, received a one-count indictment from the grand jury, charging her with embezzlement. The indictment states that between August 1, 2017 and March 12, 2018, Dennis, embezzled more than $1,000 in funds belonging to Packys Beer & Tobacco, in Wetzel County. * George Patrick Hallowell, 49, of 131 Commercial Street, New Martinsville, has been charged with uttering false bill or note, to have occurred on September 13, 2018. The indictment states that Hallowell uttered, or attempted to employ as true, a false $100 bill, knowing it to be false. * Daniel Ray Kessler, 20, of 187 N State Route 2, New Martinsville, was charged in a one-count indictment with failure to appear on felony bail, to have occurred on or about November 7, 2018. The indictment states Kessler failed to appear after being charged by felony indictment in Wetzel County Circuit Court. * Michael Tryone Blare, 35, of 957 Husky Highway, Fairmont, was given a one-count indictment, charging him with driving while revoked for DUI third offense. The indictment states that on or about May 2, 2018, Blare operated a motor vehicle on State Route 7 in Wetzel County, though his privilege to do such had been suspended. Blare was previously convicted of Driving Suspended/Revoked for DUI in September 2014 and in February 2015. * Randy Lee Cline, 50, of 607 N 7th Avenue, Paden City, was given a two-count indictment, charging him with driving while revoked for DUI third offense and fleeing from an officer. It is charged that Cline, on or about Nov. 26, operated a motor vehicle in Paden City, though his privilege to do such had been suspended or revoked. Cline has been convicted for Driving Suspended/Revoked for DUI in August 2018 and in July 2013. The indictment further states that Cline fled in a vehicle from Paden City Police Department Officer Raphe Bailes, after Bailes had activated his blue lights and siren. Nestled in the hills of Hundred is a coffee shop, Loris Cup of Joe. The shop is very much befitting of its town. Its small, yet full of heart, and it leaves an impact. The shop, approaching its second birthday on Jan. 30, is the fruition of Joe and Lori Allen. The Allens had lived in Loris hometown of Bethlehem Pennsylvania for years until Joes brother-in-law passed away four years ago. At the time Lori had a home-based business, dealing with insurance. Yet the Allens felt that Joes sister needed help, so they decided to leave home and move closer to her. Though this might seem like a big move, the Allens faith in God comforted them. They felt the Lord was telling them to trust in Him, and as the scripture states, to not lean on their own understanding, in all their ways acknowledge Him, and He would direct their steps. Lori was used to the hustle and bustle of city life, as Bethlehem was close to New Jersey and New York. However, she soon fell in love with the community, closeness, and friendships she discovered. The move wasnt quite as drastic for Joe, who grew up in Mount Morris, Pa., not too far from away. It now takes Lori about five hours to travel to her hometown, but shes always anxious to return to her now-home. The population in Bethlehem has grown even more since she left, due to an increase in industry. Lori said she likes the small-town life much more. Yet, though their new home has given the Allens its small-town comforts, the Allens have returned the favor. Lori said one of the first things she noticed when she moved to the area was the lack of coffee shops. Joe, himself, was used to Dunkin Donuts coffee. And all at the same time, Lori wanted to be out of her then-profession; she felt it was a burden. So, with the Allens love of coffee, and feeling the need for a coffee shop, Lori took a step of faith. Lori explained that the Allens take a lot of steps of faith though. Through a step of faith, they bought a church that they are now converting into a house. Lori said the house sits on top of a mountain, allowing a view for miles. And, though she doesnt physically reside in it, she considers her coffee shop located at 57 Four Seasons Drive in Hundred, next to the former West Virginia State Police barracks like a little house, where she can serve coffee and talk to people. In two years, she has a lot of regulars, but she feels there are still a lot of people who do not know about the shop yet. The name of the shop, of course, is a play on words, using the Allens first names. And notably, its opening was on Loris birthday. She said there has not been a bad response to the shop yet. Lori said that without God, she wouldnt have her coffee shop. She said God has totally blessed the Allens, and she feels it is His plan for them to have the shop. Notably, Lori, having the gift of hospitality, said she has always loved to serve. Lori explained that her kids are all growing up and moving out, and naturally, she needed to do something. She has four boys, and her oldest is married. She has twins, and one just moved away and is planned to marry soon. Lori was primarily a stay-at-home mom and has had other careers out of her home, but she felt the decision to work outside of the home was right for her now. Joe also didnt want Lori to have to commute far to work, and since Lori wanted to do something on her own, the coffee shop also served as a bit of an experiment. Joe explained that neither he or Lori had any experience in serving coffee, or in the restaurant business, but the endeavor is working well. Lori explained that Joe helps her in the morning and then leaves to work with his construction business. He formerly worked in the oil and gas industry but noted the hours did not leave time for his family. Joe helps with sandwich preparation in the morning, but Lori is responsible for all the different coffee drinks she serves. She even has incorporated her childrens names into some of her specialties. Her son Nicholas likes hot chocolate but isnt big on coffee; he is the inspiration for her St. Nick drink. Jacked Up Jake is named after another son. Loris Cup of Joe started with only four drinks, but she now offers many more. Joe noted the last addition Loris Cup of Joe needed, to make it a complete espresso coffee house, was an espresso machine. Lori said at the time she didnt begin her endeavor with a lot of money and was working with what she had. However, during the shops infancy, the Allens were blessed with some tickets to attend a concert in Elkins. During this outing they stopped to dine at a steakhouse. The owner, who was very outgoing, chatted with the Allens, and the Allens discovered she was a fellow Christian. The Allens told the woman how they were just a few months into their business. The owner then described an espresso machine she had stored away because it was never used, and she thought the Allens might have an interest in the machine. After dinner, they met with the owner again and further discussed the machine. The machine, although very nice, was also very pricey. However, Lori described how the owner blessed them with the offer of a payment plan. She also told the Allens they could return the machine if they changed their mind in the next 30 days. Lori described the machine as truly being a blessing, as she can make her drinks while making sandwiches. The machine grinds the beans, which she formerly had to do manually. Joes construction company assisted with Loris endeavor by creating the building for the shop. Joe said Lori wanted a log cabin, and he had never seen anything like it. However, he had an idea and went with it. He said he knew he couldnt use real concrete, because it would crack if the building was moved. Thus, the outside of the building is made of foam. No one realizes this, unless they are closely examining the building. Joe said if ever necessary, he would build the shop the same away again, as it has worked out nicely. Thankfully, Joe has not had to rebuild the shop, though months after its opening, Loris Cup of Joe was involved in the flood that devastated the Town of Hundred in Summer 2017. Lori described photos from that time, in which the building looked like a little boat upon a river. Yet, Lori describes the scene as a beacon in the night. There was damage to the building, yet the small shop stood strong and stayed in place. The Allens took this as a sign that they were supposed to be there. Loris Cup of Joe is unique in that it serves its customers more than just coffee and sandwiches. It can also be said that Loris Cup of Joe serves a bit of hope, through prayer with customers. Lori explained how, sometimes, people who need prayer will stop. Thus, Lori will reach out her drive-thru window and pray with her customers. The Allens like to believe that they are letting their light shine and spreading their Christian faith. They said they do not push their faith on anyone, yet they are deeply rooted in it, and they are open to discussion. Notably, a prayer box is posted outside of the shop, where people can leave prayer requests. Also, a cross stands nearby, a remnant from a cross walk held in Hundred last year. One could certainly say the Allens faith in God, and their steps of faith, have reaped a fair share of blessings. Notably, after Joe constructed the Loris Cup of Joe building, other individuals took notice and asked Joe for help on other jobs. Joe had so much work that he has now obtained his license as a contractor. Joe said he has not had to look for work since building Loris shop. This is the happiest time in our lives, doing what we want to do. The Lord will give you your desires if you are faithful, said Joe. Loris Cup of Joe is located right beside of the former West Virginia State Police barracks in Hundred. It is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. U.S. Service Members Killed in Syria Blast By The Associated Press BEIRUT, LEBANON - A number of U.S. service members were killed in an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria on Wednesday, the U.S. military said, an attack that came less than a month after U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw troops from the war torn country.The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the rare morning attack, which local groups said killed 16 people in the U.S.-patrolled town of Manbij.The claim, which could not be independently confirmed, calls into question Trump's claim that IS has been defeated in Syria his stated reason for pulling 2,000 American troops out of the country."We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency," Trump tweeted in December in announcing his intention to bring back U.S. troops "NOW."Trump has been clear about his desire to pull out of Syria, a country he described as "sand and death." But critics have said a pullout was premature, that IS was still not defeated and a pullout could lead to a power vacuum that would fuel even more violence.Video released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered with debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area.A security camera showed a busy street, and then a ball of fire and people running for cover as the blast went off.A local town council and a Syrian war monitoring group said the blast occurred outside a restaurant near the town's main market, near a patrol of the U.S.-led coalition, killing and wounding more than a dozen people.The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 people were killed including nine civilians and others were wounded in the blast. It added that at least five U.S.-backed Syrian fighters were also among the dead.The U.S. military released a statement on Twitter that said: "U.S. service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time."The rare attack came days after the U.S. began the process of withdrawing from Syria, pulling out equipment from the northeast into neighboring Iraq. Trump's initial announcement about a rapid withdrawal took some of his closest aides by surprise, upset allies in the region, and led to the resignation of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis.Since then, U.S. officials and Trump himself have suggested the withdrawal would be slower than initially believed.The Kurdish Hawar news agency, based in northern Syria, and the Observatory, which monitors the war through activists on the ground, reported U.S. troops were among the casualties.Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing unnamed local sources, said a number of U.S. soldiers were injured in the blast and that the U.S. military evacuated soldiers by helicopter.It was not the first time that forces of the U.S.-led coalition were subjected to attacks in the area, although they have been rare.In March last year, a roadside bomb killed two coalition personnel, an American and a Briton, and wounded five in Manbij. OP/ED: Life on Mars? Fetal Heartbeats on Earth By Richard Nelson, Commonwealth Policy Center Scientists studying the geography of Mars believe there's evidence of a lake, now dried up, called Jezero Crater. It's a 28-mile geologically rich terrain and Amos reports that NASA scientists believe "It could be easier to detect the signs of ancient life on Mars than it is on Earth." The relatively undisturbed terrain makes this speculation plausible and NASA is spending more than $2 billion to help answer mysteries of the universe and the origins of life. It's fascinating that we can successfully launch space missions 33.9 million miles away to explore the possibility of life on the Red Planet, but amidst the anticipation a terrible irony comes into focus. As we search for life on other planets, we ignore the tiniest and most significant formations of life here on Earth, more specifically, unborn human life in the womb. A mission of another kind will descend on Washington D.C. January 18. Thousands of Earthlings will come from across the country to protest the culture-rocking Roe v Wade ruling handed down 46 years ago when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion on demand by declaring a new right found in the "penumbras" of the U.S. Constitution. A penumbra is a shadow cast by a heavenly body. It's another twist of irony that the author of Roe, Justice Harry Blackmun, used an astronomy term to justify the right to terminate life while pioneering astronomers and scientists invest their lives and talents in the idea that life may have once existed on Mars. Which brings us to human life here on Earth and efforts to protect it. Last week, State Sen. Matt Castlen (R-Owensboro) introduced the fetal heartbeat bill (SB 9) which bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, usually around 6-8 weeks. Brigitte Amiri, an attorney with the ACLU said, "It's blatantly unconstitutional" and called it, "the most blatant attempt to take aim at Roe vs. Wade. Amiri claims, It's extreme. It's yet again anti-abortion politicians trying to push abortion out of reach for women in this state." Amiri doesn't say that this thing called abortion results in the deliberate ending of normally healthy human life. The fetal heartbeat bill aims to put an end to that but allows an exception for pregnancies that threaten the life of the mother. SB 9 is consistent with another Kentucky law that acknowledges and protects unborn life in the womb. It's called the fetal homicide law and says if a pregnant woman is assaulted and her unborn child is harmed, then there were two crimes committed because two people were involved. The fetal heartbeat bill is a principled position that gives the Commonwealth a more precise benchmark regarding the existence of new human life and when the state should step in to protect it. Of course, this human being is difficult to see and not yet fully formed but it is a human life nonetheless. It has a heartbeat, which is the indication of living beingand not just any being, but a human being of infinite valuethe same kind of value inherent in the lives of the scientists exploring Mars and in the life they seek to find there. Regardless of whether they find traces of life on Mars, scientists must affirm that the heartbeat of the tiniest humans are an indication of life on Earth. Richard Nelson is the executive director of the Commonwealth Policy Center. He and his family reside in Cadiz. CADIZ - BBC Science Correspondent Jonathan Amos recently asked, "What chance has NASA of finding life on Mars?" He's referring to the Mars 2020 mission whose purpose is "to determine if life ever existed on Mars." Nineteen-year-old Ernest Atwood Jr., of Princeton was already in Hopkins County Jail on Tuesday, but has now been charged with murder in the death of Lisa Pace of Eddyville. PHOTO:Kentucky State Police, Courtesy Man Pleads Guilty in Shooting Death of Relative By West Kentucky Star Staff EDDYVILLE - A Princeton man pleaded guilty Tuesday to a murder charge in the death of an Eddyville woman.Court records show Earnest Atwood Jr. entered the plea Tuesday in Lyon Circuit Court. He has been incarcerated since May 2017, when police found 51-year-old Lisa Pace shot to death inside her Eddyville home. Atwood was arrested a short time later in Hopkins County on a DUI charge, and was driving Pace's car at the time.Police said Atwood and Pace were distant relatives.Atwood will have to serve a 65-year sentence as part of his plea deal. Formal sentencing is set for Feb. 8.On the Net: Police Release Photo of Man Who Fled Traffic Stop By West Kentucky Star Staff PADUCAH - Paducah police would like to interview a Ballard County man about an incident Tuesday afternoon in Paducahs west end.Police say an officer clocked a man driving 54 mph in a 35 mph zone on Friedman Lane about 3 pm. When the officer tried to pull over the pickup, the driver didn't stop and led the officer on a pursuit from Friedman Lane to Pines Road, Whitney Drive and Huntleigh Drive before the truck got stuck. The driver then fled the scene on foot toward Buckner Lane and wasn't found by police.The driver was described as a while male wearing dark clothing and a brown jacket. The truck is registered to 42-year-old Brian K. Doke of Wickliffe, and police say they would like to talk to him about the truck and who may have been driving it at the time of Tuesday's incident.Anyone with information about Doke or this investigation is asked to contact Paducah Police at 270-444-8550.Original Story:Police are asking residents in Paducah's west end to keep an eye out for suspicious activity, after a man fled from a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon.The Paducah Police Department says an officer attempted to pull over a Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck for speeding on Friedman Lane. The driver reportedly continued onto Pines Road, then to Whitney Drive, and drove through a yard at Whitney Drive and Stonewall Drive.The vehicle eventually went into a wooded area, where it got stuck. The driver then fled on foot.The driver is described as a white male wearing dark clothing and a brown jacket. Anyone with information is asked to call police immediately by dialing either 270-444-8550 or 911. Murray Hospital Welcomes New Chaplain John Carey By WestKyStar & Murray-Calloway Co. Hospital Staff Mr. Carey served for 22 years in active duty in the US Army. He served as Army Chaplain for over 16 years to include Battalion Chaplain, Brigade Chaplain (Command), and more than 3 years in major deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. He also served in the Special Task Force Medical Afghanistan Chaplain during Operation Enduring Freedom VII, in 2012. He received his Master in Divinity form Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN in 2000. He completed his CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2011 where he minister to approximately 300-plus Soldiers and Veterans during this time period. He achieved his Masters Degree in Marriage & Family Counseling at Texas A&M University of Central Texas in 2013. Rev. Kerry Lambert, Coordinator of Pastoral Care at MCCH stated that, The opportunity to have a second chaplain at our facility is priceless. The ministry to patients and families in the hospital, hospice and Spring Creek will grow exponentially as a result. I am very thankful to the Murray-Calloway County Hospital Endowment and their involvement in helping make this happen. Rev. Carey will be working along with Rev. Lambert in our Pastoral Care Department. They together will provide total care for our patients, their family members and other persons involved in their personal support. For more information about the MCCH Department of Pastoral Care Services, call 270-762-1274 or visit their website at www.MurrayHospital.org. MURRAY - Murray-Calloway County Hospital is proud to welcomes John Carey, M.DIV, MS. MAJOR, USA (RET.) as the newest Staff Chaplain joining Kerry Lambert. Info and Planning meeting for McCracken County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) An organizational meeting is January 17 for a new effort to streamline relief work from area businesses and non-profit organizations during disasters.Disaster Program Specialist Ari Denson of the American Red Cross told West Kentucky Star that the meeting at 6 pm at MSU's Paducah campus is for a local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, or VOAD.Denson said it's to help coordinate efforts of non-profits, for profits, and churches and direct what they do during a disaster."After a disaster happens here in McCracken County, you might have a lot of different non-profits doing a lot of different activities. Through a VOAD they can communicate what they're doing exactly, and you can avoid duplication of services or you can find out where people are in need, and you can help communicate that to different members," Denson said.In the event of a disaster, the VOAD can coordinate where volunteers or supplies are needed so those who can help know what to do next, or where to pitch in and help. Although they would operate independently, the VOAD would coordinate with emergency management and other county officials so help is provided where it's needed without getting in the way.Denson said churches or groups that provide shelter, cook meals, do construction or repairs, or have a food pantry can be part of the VOAD so that together, any disaster victims have a wider range of resources available.He said, "We want to take in all different sorts of non-profits, so we're reaching out to organizations like Paducah Cooperative Ministry that don't necessarily do something that you imagine as disaster response, but all of the clients that they serve currently become survivors after a disaster."Any organization that wants to be involved should sent a representative to the meeting on Thursday to get more details. The MSU Paducah campus is at 4430 Sunset Avenue. Pizza and drinks will be available at the meeting.Denson said the meeting will review what a VOAD is and does. Those participating will learn specifics on what the McCracken County VOAD can do, and a quick questionnaire will help determine what services are available within the group. Leaders hope to establish an Executive Committee and start planning what will be done when responding to disasters.More information is also available at the VOAD Facebook page (see link below) or by calling Ari Denson at 270-570-5197. Investview Secures Strategic Financial Relationship with Triton Funds LP Salt Lake City, UT, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Investview Corporation (OTCQB: INVU) entered a definitive material agreement with Triton Funds, LP in a strategic financial arrangement that enables growth and expansion for our financial product education used predominantly by millennials. The New Face of Investment Banking and Venture Capital TRITON FUNDS was started by three undergraduate students, Yash Thukral, Nathan Yee, and Sam Yaffa from Southern California aspiring to create an investment fund with a millennial touch raising $25 million from local San Diego investors and alumni of their universities. By utilizing alternative investment strategies with a millennial outlook, Triton helps businesses emerge into industry leaders. Their growth driven cycle yields efficient advancements for students, investors, companies, and the community. #MILLENNIALTOUCH (tritonfunds.com) Our aspiration for the fund is to create a legacy and grow this beyond our imagination, said Sam Yaffa, Triton Funds. On December 29, 2018, Investview, Inc. entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, a Registration Rights Agreement, and a Share Donation Agreement (the Agreements) with Triton Funds, LP, a Delaware Limited Partnership, a non-affiliate of the company. Under the terms of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement, Triton is buying $1,000,000 worth of stock at a 15% discount to the market price based on the five day per share average post effectiveness of the S-1 Registration. The shares would be subject to certain limitations, including that Triton Funds LP could not purchase any shares that would result in it owning more than 4.9% of Investview common stock. Additionally, 3 million shares were donated to the fund Manager Triton Funds LLC further supporting their student initiatives which include learning materials, operational support and scholarship opportunities. We are approached by many investment bankers on a daily basis. When I received an email from Triton, I knew they were different and immediately contacted them. It was clear they shared our passion for changing the financial landscape for our youth for generations to come. Finally, a strategic financial partner who understood our core objective and global initiatives, said Mario Romano, Investview, Director of Finance. Investview views this as a strategic relationship since its products and services are primarily used by millennials who want a different future than their parents. They embrace technology and distrust traditional Wall Street finance. Investview, through its wholly owned subsidiary Kuvera LLC, provides financial education, research, and technology to individuals worldwide. The entire program is delivered electronically via mobile app and website. "At Triton Funds we strive to invest in companies that pave way for the future, and Investview is doing just that. With their mission to make a quality financial education more accessible, supplemented with their global outreach efforts, Investview is taking steps towards advancing global financial literacy. We are excited to be working with a company that has a strong management team and shows prime signs of growth within an emerging industry, added Arnold Nunez, Analyst at Triton Funds. Since inception, the overwhelming majority of the Kuvera customer base is millennials. They seek to learn how to manage their own finances, save, reduce debt and invest in the worlds capital markets. Kuveras growth is spurred by this demographic and the companys top distributors are under the age of 30. As a Senior, it has been frustrating dealing with traditional funding sources who do not understand the changing face of finance and various technology driven initiatives including crypto currency. The Triton team is representative of our vision for the future and an appropriate funding partner for our intention of providing financial fitness to individuals around the world, said William Kosoff, Investview, Chief Financial Officer. About Investview, Inc. Investview, Inc. is a diversified financial technology organization. The Company operates primarily through its wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries, to provide financial products and services to individuals, accredited investors and select financial institutions. www.investview.com About Kuvera LLC Kuvera LLC provides affordable access to valuable financial education, current market research and cutting-edge technology that enables individuals to increase and cultivate their own financial resources, enjoy life and plan for the future. Kuvera products are distributed through a direct sales model. Product services are offered to individuals on a monthly subscription basis. Kuvera is classified as a publisher of financial research and information and exempt from securities registration. This is an exemption provided in the U.S. Securities Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Kuvera is not a brokerage firm or Registered Investment Advisor. We do not execute trades or take possession of clients brokerage accounts. Our customers may cancel their subscription at any time and execute trades at their own discretion. www.kuveraglobal.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. When the words believes, expects, plans, projects, estimates, and similar expressions are used, they identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Managements current beliefs and assumptions and information currently available to Management and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Information concerning factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements can be found in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Attachment WEST HARTFORD Conards Gavin Sherry and Chloe Scrimgeour took home individual titles at the CCC Division A championships while the Simsbury girls team completed its revenge tour and the Hall boys battled to a team title Wednesday. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit 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. At the invitation of the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, Mr. Safar Mehdiyev, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited Baku, Azerbaijan on 14 and 15 January 2019. He met with the President of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev, and later with the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, Mr. Novruz Mammadov, to discuss Customs reform and Azerbaijan's increasing leadership role within the WCO. During a bilateral meeting, President Aliyev congratulated Secretary General Mikuriya on his re-election which he considers as a sign of Members trust. He explained that he had made integrity a top priority for Azerbaijans public institutions, with Customs serving as an example. He went on to mention that Customs had improved its performance following modernization measures and enhanced transparency, recently implemented on his initiative. This had resulted in a more conducive business environment and increased revenue. President Aliyev also asked the WCO to continue providing assistance to his country in the form of expertise. Dr. Mikuriya expressed his sincere gratitude to President Aliyev for the support extended to him personally and to the WCO. He had indeed noticed the substantial progress made with Customs reform in Azerbaijan, thanks to the strong political will displayed. He reaffirmed the WCOs continuous support for Customs, suggesting that Azerbaijan share its experience of the use of technology and institutional reform with other countries. In response, President Aliyev pledged his countrys ongoing support for the WCO, especially through the upcoming WCO IT/TI Conference and Exhibition scheduled to be held in Baku from 12 to 14 June this year. During the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Mammadov also recalled his fond memories of visiting the WCO in 2003 together with President Aliyev and expressed his desire to deepen his countrys connectivity with its neighbours, in line with WCO's policy. Dr. Mikuriya supported Prime Minister Mammadovs objective of greater interoperability between Customs administrations. Secretary General Mikuriya visited the newly developed Customs infrastructure, including the railway Customs and centralized clearance centre, where he observed the enhanced application of technology for ease of business and efficient risk management. Additionally, he had an opportunity to address participants at the opening session of the Asian Development Banks Seminar on Trade Facilitation, held at the WCO Regional Office for Capacity Building (ROCB) for Europe in Baku. The Secretary Generals visit to Azerbaijan was extensively covered by the local media. Norcross, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Champion Chevrolet of Avon has been selected to be the only dealership in Avon, Indiana, able to certify its pre-owned vehicles with the exclusive Motor Trend Certified designation. Motor Trend Certified vehicles meet the highest standards in the pre-owned market, with every vehicle vigorously inspected, upgraded, and backed by a Motor Trend Certified seal of approval, plus equipped with comprehensive vehicle protection from EasyCare. Motor Trend Certified dealers are carefully selected and appointed based on their focus on quality and a positive customer experience. They must have a history of excellent customer reviews and outstanding service. Our mission at Champion Chevrolet is to earn our customers trust and loyalty by delivering sales and service experiences with high quality, excellent value, integrity, and enthusiasm. We strive to exceed the expectations of our customers and employees. With all that being said, we are excited to be a part of the Motor Trend Certified program and offer a certification that nobody else can offer in central Indiana, said Tim Roberts, Dealer/Operating Partner of Champion Chevrolet of Avon. Steve Richards, Vice President of the Motor Trend Certified program driven by EasyCare, said Champion Chevrolet of Avons strong commitment to their customers is one of many reasons why they were selected to be the exclusive Motor Trend Certified dealer in central Indiana. We are very excited to have them join this elite group. Champion Chevrolet of Avon began offering Motor Trend Certified vehicles in January 2019 at 183 S. County Rd. 525 E., Van Avon, IN 46123. For more information on Champion Chevrolet of Avon, visit Chevyofavon.com. For more information on the Motor Trend Certified program, visit www.motortrendcertified.com. About EasyCare EasyCares mission is to help dealers succeed at every customer touchpoint by creating passionate employees and customers. Whether its protecting the dealerships customers on their behalf or helping deliver the ultimate driving experience, EasyCare is fully engaged. Since 1984, the company has provided leading-edge benefits that have helped nationwide dealers deliver an outstanding ownership experience to over 8.5 million customers nationwide as part of APCO Holdings, LLC. EasyCare provides the only F&I benefits that are named a MOTORTREND Recommended Best Buy for franchised dealers and is committed to providing its dealer partners with service products, training and technology to make them more successful. EasyCare is part of APCO Holdings, also home of GWC, SAVY and Covideo brands. The company markets its products through a network of independent agents and an internal salesforce that specialize in consulting with and servicing the automotive dealership markets. EasyCare is part of APCO Holdings, also home of GWC, SAVY and Covideo brands. For more information about the APCO Holdings family of brands please visit www.EasyCare.com, www.GWCwarranty.com , www.Savy.com, www.Covideo.com . About MOTORTREND GROUP MOTORTREND GROUP is the largest automotive media company in the world, bringing together Discoverys fast-growing MOTOR TREND NETWORK and MOTORTREND GROUPs entire automotive digital, direct-to-consumer, social, and live event portfolio, including MOTOR TREND, HOT ROD, ROADKILL, AUTOMOBILE, FOUR WHEELER and more than 20 other industry-leading brands. With a cumulative reach of more than 131 million, the company encompasses Discoverys #1 TV network for automotive superfans, MOTOR TRENDs #1 automotive YouTube Channel, and MOTOR TREND ONDEMAND, the only auto-dedicated subscription video-on-demand service. For more information, visit motortrend.com. Media Contacts: Ashley Braswell EasyCare Director of Public Relations & Communications Tel: 678-615-1142 Email: abraswell@easycare.com Rob Quigley MotorTrend Group Sr. PR and Social Media Manager Email: Robert.Quigley@motortrend.com 310-363-4086 CONGRATULATIONS TO ABHS CLASS OF 2021: With a class of 447 graduates, Anchor Bay High had three graduation ceremonies, with two on June 5 and one on June 12. The top 10 in the class are Meghan Elizabeth Kunkle, Giana Marie Maniaci, Alaina Kiehl, Jonathan Taylor, Emily Appleton, Lauren Zidzik Is "Homeland" doing a seventh season now or in the future? SAN DIEGO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The UPS Store network, the largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers in the United States, has been named one of the worlds top franchise brands according to Entrepreneur Magazines 2019 Franchise 500 list. With over 1,000 companies around the globe applying to be a part of this ranking in 2018, The UPS Store is ranked #5 and is first in its category. Additionally, this marks the 29th year of the retail brands inclusion within this selective ranking program and its third year in the top five. The Entrepreneur Franchise 500 ranking is an exclusive annual collection of top franchise brands across 17 distinct business categories. To be included in the list, franchise brands are evaluated on over 150 data points, including size and growth of the system, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. The UPS Store has consistently appeared on the list by focusing on growing and evolving the brand to provide exceptional franchise opportunities to entrepreneurs and providing a superb customer experience in store and online. We are honored to receive this recognition as a top franchise company, said Chris Adkins, vice president of franchise and business development for The UPS Store, Inc. At The UPS Store, we strive to be a trusted partner for our franchisees providing support and diverse opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. With over 5,000 locations in North America, The UPS Store carries a strong brand presence across the country with a focus on retailing excellence and world-class customer service, Adkins added. The UPS Store has expanded opportunities for franchisees including a store-in-store model that features small-footprint stores inside existing high-traffic retailers such as pharmacies, hardware and grocery stores. Other non-traditional locations, such as college campuses and conferences centers, allow franchisees flexibility to serve the community as well as specialized groups to include students and conference attendees. About The UPS Store With more than 5,000 locations in North America, The UPS Store network comprises the nations largest franchise system of conveniently located retail shipping, postal, print and business service centers. The UPS Store locations in the U.S. are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc., a subsidiary of UPS (NYSE: UPS). Services, pricing and hours of operation may vary by location. For additional information on The UPS Store, visit theupsstore.com . For information on The UPS Store franchise opportunities for opening a The UPS Store location, visit theupsstorefranchise.com . Follow The UPS Store on Twitter at @ TheUPSStore and like The UPS Store on Facebook at facebook.com/theupsstore . Nothing contained in this release is intended as an offer to purchase a franchise. The UPS Store franchises are offered only by delivery of a franchise disclosure document in compliance with FTCs rule on franchising and applicable state law. Nothing herein is intended to amend or disclaim any information contained in The UPS Store Franchise Disclosure Document. KIM LARSEN is a Night Editor for The Vidette and is also a blogger. She can be contacted at vidette_kelars1@ilstu.edu IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of print and digital media, please consider contributing to this most important cause. Thank you. ANDREW DOUGHERTY is News Editor for The Vidette. Contact him at vidette_addough@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @addough IF YOU SUPPORT THE VIDETTE MISSION of providing a training laboratory for Illinois State University student journalists to learn and sharpen viable, valuable and marketable skills in all phases of print and digital media, please consider contributing to this most important cause. Thank you. Facebook to make big investment in local news organizations. The move follows a similar effort by Google last year, who also donated $300 million to help news publishers. The investment is reportedly meant to help mend Facebook's tense relationship with publishers, who have blamed its algorithm for affecting ad revenue and web traffic. No individual has the right to interfere in the proper function of Congress. The Congress also has the power to override a presidential veto, but the attitude of this leader blocks that power. A person who is elected to regulate the proper functioning of the Senate but does not do so shows grounds for removal from that post. Importantly, that recusal is what soured the relationship between Sessions and Trump. Now Barr says he agrees that it was the right call. That might not mean he'll recuse himself, but it's a notable departure from the Trump line. One wonders what the president, who routinely decried Sessions's recusal and called it a lack of loyalty, thinks of that statement. (Barr, notably, said in his opening statement that Trump sought no promises about such things - either explicitly or implicitly.) Feral cats are defined as the offspring of unneutered cats abandoned by their owners, or adult cats that were abandoned so long ago that they have reverted to a wild state. English French MONTREAL, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (NYSE: CAE; TSX: CAE) CAE announced today the launch of the CAE Tech: Program your career! support and scholarship program, thus showing its commitment to work-integrated learning. This program aims to encourage future technicians of varying backgrounds to begin their careers with CAE. Students who are passionate about IT, software development, digital technologies, systems integration, and avionics are invited to register in order to kick their career into high gear. To launch the program, CAE worked with the following Quebec-based CEGEPs: Andre-Laurendeau, Bois-de-Boulogne, Edouard-Montpetit and its affiliated Ecole nationale daerotechnique (ENA), John-Abbott and Montmorency, in collaboration with their respective foundation. Every year for three years, CAE will offer the following to two students registered full-time from each participating institution: a $1,000 scholarship. a $300 scholarship per session for student tuition fees, for a maximum of six semesters; paid summer internships or jobs; an opportunity for an on-call work contract during the school year until the students complete their program. CAE will give priority to the interns studies and agrees to conform to their school schedule. an opportunity for a full-time employment offer at the end of their studies. mentorship services to guide students during their participation in the program. In total, 30 students will benefit from this program. The admission of scholarship recipients into the program will take into account CAEs values of diversity and inclusion. Click here to watch a video about the announcement. As a world leader in training, we are very proud to present the CAE Tech: Program your career! initiative in order to support the development of technical careers and work-integrated learning. This program distinguishes itself in particular by the highly valuable training, mentorship and experience that will be provided to each scholarship recipient. The aerospace industry is rapidly evolving and we need technicians to help us meet our growth objectives and support our efforts around the digital transformation. By joining our company, considered a leader in innovation, scholarship recipients will become key players in this transformation, said Pascal Grenier, Vice President, Global Operations, Technologies and Innovation at CAE. Eligible candidates are invited to submit their application via CAEs website at: https://www.cae.com/cae-tech . About the CAE Tech: Program your career! initiative The CAE Tech: Program your career! initiative aims to develop talent and increase the scope, influence and quality of learning opportunities in the work environment in an innovative and collaborative manner. This initiative supports the vision of the Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) launched in 2015 by the Business Council of Canada This initiative is also among a wide range of scholarships offered by CAE to promote jobs in the aerospace industry. CAE actively participates in over 20 scholarship programs throughout the world in many disciplines, including pilot training, engineering, software engineering, IT and aviation management. About CAE CAE is a global leader in training for the civil aviation, defence and security, and healthcare markets. Backed by a record of more than 70 years of industry firsts, we continue to help define global training standards with our innovative virtual-to-live training solutions to make flying safer, maintain defence force readiness and enhance patient safety. We have the broadest global presence in the industry, with over 9,000 employees, 160 sites and training locations in over 35 countries. Each year, we train more than 220,000 civil and defence crewmembers, including more than 135,000 pilots and thousands of healthcare professionals worldwide. www.cae.com Follow us on Twitter @CAE_Inc Contacts: Helene V. Gagnon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Global Communications, helene.v.gagnon@cae.com A video accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3b8c3980-b9b3-4e0b-83bb-e54428d41b40 SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lever, the company transforming the way organizations hire, announces Lever Talent Acquisition Suite integration with ADP to streamline the entire candidate lifecycle. With the availability of the Lever Connector for ADP Workforce Now on ADP Marketplace, organizations eliminate costly manual entry and data errors. The Lever Connector for ADP Workforce Now seamlessly sends newly hired employee information from Lever to ADP Workforce Now. Information from the candidate profile, requisition, offer, and profile form in Lever are pre-populated in the ADP new hire wizard, saving time and improving data entry quality. The Lever Difference Levers Talent Acquisition Suite consists of Lever Hire, which combines applicant tracking system (ATS) and CRM functionality in a single platform to power hiring across the entire organization; Lever Nurture, a sourcing automation product designed to proactively and personally engage candidates at scale; and Lever Analytics, which enables talent teams to continually assess and improve their recruiting processes. Lever has transformed the way Shopify sources, engages and eventually hires top talent. Recruiting before Lever took a lot of manual work that was prone to human error. Now, the process is way faster and easier to personalize, says Sarah Eastman, Recruiter at Shopify. This integration is a major win and delivers tremendous value for our customers, said Craig Cohen, General Manager of ADP Marketplace. ADP clients can now access Lever as a best-of-breed CRM and ATS solution in conjunction with ADP to meet their HRIS needs." About Lever Levers Talent Acquisition Suite unifies organizations to source, nurture, interview, and hire top talent through effortless collaboration. Lever was founded in 2012 in San Francisco. The company has raised more than $73 million in funding from Adams Street Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Y Combinator, Redpoint Ventures, and Correlation Ventures among others. Lever supports the hiring needs of over 1,900 companies around the globe including the teams at Netflix, Hot Topic, KPMG New Zealand, and Cirque du Soleil. With an overall gender ratio of 50:50, Lever is also fiercely committed to building a team culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion. For more information, visit https://www.lever.co . About ADP Marketplace ADP Marketplace is a digital storefront designed to help employers create HR ecosystems for their companies using solutions from ADP and leading third-party partners, enabling companies of all sizes to extend the value of their workforce solutions seamlessly across their entire organization via a secure, single-sign-on process. Access the Lever Connector for ADP Workforce Now at https://apps.adp.com/apps/226093 MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Cohen Traeger Communications acohen@traegercommunications.com 303-522-0783 Register for a FREE account to keep reading! Register now for a FREE account to keep reading. No cost and no credit card required! Access up to 5 articles per month when you register, or get unlimited access to all of our content online starting at $1.99 now! Already registered? Click the log in link below Welcome Guest! You are here: Home World Theresa May's Brexit Deal Plan rejected by 432:202 Around 118 Conservative Party MPs voted against May's Brexit plan, CNN reported London: British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday suffered a humiliating defeat as her controversial Brexit deal plan, that allows the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, was voted down by the MPs at the House of Commons by a resounding majority of 230. The deal was voted down by 432 votes to 202, the worst defeat for any sitting government in the UK. Around 118 Conservative Party MPs voted against May's Brexit plan, CNN reported. Labour Party leader and Leader of Opposition in the UK Parliament, Jeremy Corbyn, tabled a no-confidence motion against May that is expected to be heard at the House of Commons on Wednesday. After her deal was rejected by the UK Parliament, May said that she would hold talks with other parties on finding an ultimate resolution that would be acceptable to all. During the heated debate on the deal, the British Prime Minister, in a last-ditch attempt, urged the parliamentarians to put party politics aside and think about the future. "This is the most significant vote that any of us will ever be part of in our political careers. After all the debate, all the disagreement, all the division, the time has now come for all of us in this House to make a decision. A decision that will define our country for decades to come," she was quoted by CNN as saying. Corbyn, during the debate, criticised the deal, calling it "botched and damaging" and urged the MPs in the House to vote against the deal. The British pound that was trading below 1.27 against the US dollar before the vote, recovered after the result became imminent, and is now trading at over 1.28 against the US dollar. For long, May has been pushing for the Brexit deal to be accepted by the UK Parliament. She has repeatedly stated that "this is a Brexit that delivers." May, who dismissed the prospects of a second Brexit referendum, had halted the parliamentary vote on the deal on December 10 last year to put forth concerns voiced by the MPs with her European counterparts. She also survived a previously held no-confidence motion initiated by her disgruntled lawmakers of the Conservative Party over her handling of the Brexit negotiations. The British Prime Minister made a whirlwind trip to the EU, to discuss the issues concerning the deal. However, the EU reiterated that the withdrawal agreement will not be renegotiated. In 2016, over 50 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU, following which the British government had triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the country's process of exiting the European bloc. According to the withdrawal agreement, the UK is scheduled to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019, after which it will move into a 21-month long transitional period with the EU. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Education & Career 440 including 39 Muslims crack UPSC Combined Medical Services Exam 2018 Out of the total 40 Muslim doctors, who made to the list of 440 successful candidates, 17 are females New Delhi: 39 Muslim doctors are among a total of 440 recommended for various medical posts to be filled based on the Combined Medical Services (CMS) Examination 2018 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) the final results of which were declared Tuesday. Out of the total 40 Muslim doctors, who made to the list of 440 successful candidates, 17 are females. As per the Merit List released by the UPSC, 09 Muslim doctors figure among top 100. FEBIN ASHRAF bagged the 11th rank whereas MADINA SOWJANYA ranked 15, SADIQA NASREEN H ranked 17 and ATIQ UL ISLAM ranked 34. Other Muslim doctors who are among top 100 are MOHD QARIB (Rank 42) and AMRIN NAAZ (Rank 72), FURQAN MOHAMMED AHMED (Rank 79), HAJIRA FATHIMA S (Rank 94) and MOHAINUDHEEN SHARUK (Rank 97). In 2017 UPSC CMSE exam, 40 Muslims were in the list of 637 successful candidates. Among them 13 were Muslims. On the other hand, 43 Muslims had figured in the list of 894 successful candidates in 2016 Combined Medical Services Exam. The UPSC CMSE 2018 results are declared based on the result of the Computer Based Examination (Part I) of the Combined Medical Services Examination, 2018 held by the UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION on July 22, 2018 followed by Personality Test (Part II) held in November 2018 to January 2019. "The candidates who have been recommended for appointment to the services/posts in the (i) Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways; (ii) Assistant Medical Officer in Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service; and (iii) Junior Scale Posts in Central Health Service", the UPSC said. Of the total 440 candidates recommended for appointment to the above posts, 218 candidates are in General category, 207 are from the OBC, 10 are from SC whereas 05 candidates are STs. "Appointments to the various services/posts will be made according to the number of vacancies available and subject to the candidates fulfilling all the prescribed eligibility conditions and all verifications, wherever due, being completed satisfactorily", the UPSC said. "Allotment of candidates to various services/posts shall be made according to ranks obtained and preference of services/posts expressed by them", it added. For all the latest News, Opinions and Views, download ummid.com App . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Grant Lancaster was the Digital Managing Editor of the Arkansas Traveler in the fall semester of 2019. Grant began work at the Traveler as a reporter in 2017 and went on to work as a senior staff reporter and news editor from 2018-2019. Follow Grant Lancaster Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Washington, DC, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Starting today, students, military servicemen and women, foodservice educators and more can apply for scholarships and grants to pursue jobs and careers in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. Each year, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) awards more than $800,000 in scholarships and grants to students across the country. Applications are being accepted through March 15, 2019 from anyone pursuing a post-secondary education and/or technical training. Awards range from $2,500 to $10,000 and can be used towards tuition and fees, books, room and board and other school-related expenses. The scholarships have no age restrictionswhether applicants are recent high-school graduates, adults looking to make a career change, or educators seeking to advance their knowledge of the industry, people from all backgrounds can apply. Over the past 15 years, our scholarship and grants program has awarded more than $16 million in to 6,000 undergraduate students and foodservice educators, said Rob Gifford, executive vice president of the NRAEF. These much-needed funds are made possible by our many supporters and donors and continue to jumpstart the careers of the industrys future leaders. In 2018, 70 percent of the NRAEFs scholarships were awarded to women, 41 percent were awarded to minorities and 91 percent of recipients have experience working in the restaurant and foodservice industry. ---------------------------------------------- About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundations mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industrys training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance todays and tomorrows restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready partnering with community based organizations to provide opportunity youth with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and, the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship project a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org . Attachment The property located across from the 7hills Homeless Center is cleared for the construction of micro shelters Jan. 14. Previously, homeless people lived in this area in tents, but authorities destroyed the camp a few months ago because of dangerous incidents. Officer Davis gets his squad car ready before he goes on patrol Jan. 12 Youth Matters Director Manuel Stopani (right) discusses plans for the next group meeting with assistant leader Justin Rodriguez (left) Jan. 13. The two run the program on their own. Krav Maga students practice their self-defense techniques during class Jan. 11. Krav Maga is a type of military self-defense developed for the Israeli Defense Forces. Mirae Asset Securities Opens New US Office Theres a new clearing agent in both the U.S. and across the Pond. Korea-based Mirae Asset Daewoo Co., Ltd. has recently launched two new offices, expanding its global footprint into the largest Western financial marketplaces. According to Chief Financial Officer Daniel Hanuka, Mirae Asset Securities USA is the only Korean clearing firm in the US and UK. Mirae Asset Securities (USA) Inc. (MASI) is part of the Mirae Asset Financial Group (Mirae), South Koreas leading non-bank financial services firm. As of June 30, 2018, Miraes asset management businesses had approximately $390 billion in total assets under management and its various broker-dealer subsidiaries and affiliates had approximately $7.5 billion in equity capital. According to Hanuka, the U.S. registered broker-dealer looks to tap into the parents established relationships with affiliates and sister companies across the world to bring brokerage and clearing services to the U.S. The brokerage seeks to initially grab a slice of the emerging and smaller hedge fund community that are overlooked because of their size by the larger brokers. It also seeks to expand its prime broker services to larger hedge funds. The US market is of particular interest to MASI due to a combination of a growing population of institutional investors worldwide and a lack of clearing firms that can cater to both large and small institutions, Hanuka told Traders Magazine. In addition, Miraes global network of affiliated entities allows MASI to become a one stop shop solution for the rapidly growing global needs of institutional traders. In 2017, MASI launched its self-clearing Broker Dealer in the US with the goal of providing the US institutional market place with a highly sophisticated level of service in areas that include prime brokerage, correspondent clearing, securities lending, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, agency execution, research and corporate financing. The new New York office operates an institutional capital markets platform to service institutional investors with complex global needs. To help it on the technology front, Mirae has partnered with FIS to provide a single-entry platform solution to manage investment businesses with multi-currency, dual entry, and portfolio accounting. For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: From left, Crawford County WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselors Lori Gallagher and Harmony Motter speak with Legislative Assistant to Senator Bob Casey Adam Tarr in Washington, D.C., Tuesday. The local women were part of a five-state delegation sent by WIC to request additional funding. Dublin, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "At-Home Drug of Abuse - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global at-home DOA testing market is projected to attain a size of $831.9 million by 2023, the market is mainly driven by the increased production and trade of illicit drugs worldwide, growing use of illicit drugs amongst teenagers, and initiatives by government organizations to reduce the level of drug abuse. On the basis of various types of products, the at-home DOA testing market has been categorized into rapid DOA test kits and breath analyzers. The market for rapid DOA test kits is expected to witness faster growth during the forecast period, attributed to the increasing adoption of various types of rapid DOA test kits, including test cups and dip cards. Also, these test kits are much cheaper as compared to breath analyzers. Further, the rapid DOA test kits are bifurcated into test cups, test strips, test dip cards, and other types of kits. Amongst all these, the DOA test cups dominated the global rapid DOA test kits market in 2017. Extensive use of test cups for at-home urine drug testing is a key factor driving the market for this product category. Samples used for at-home DOA testing are urine, saliva, hair, and other different types of samples. Of these, the products using urine as a sample are expected to witness the fastest growth in the at-home DOA testing market during the forecast period. DOA detection through urine sample is the easiest and most affordable way of at-home DOA testing. It is, therefore, the most commonly used method to analyze the presence of illegal and prescribed drugs in the body. During the forecast period, the at-home DOA testing market is forecasted to witness the fastest growth in APAC, at a CAGR of 11.0%. This growth is attributed to the rising consumption of illicit drugs in the region. Also, the region is a large producer and trader of illicit drugs, including opium, heroin, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), and methamphetamines. Besides, the limited availability of data on drug abuse within the region has necessitated the development and implementation of government initiatives on drug testing, which in turn, would contribute to the growth of the market in APAC in the coming years. For instance, a number of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) programs have improved data collection networks, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. However, populous countries, including India and China, in the APAC region face a significant data gap, which requires government intervention. The increasing governments' initiatives to control drugs abuse lead the growth of the APAC at-home DOA testing market during the forecast period. The companies operating in the at-home DOA testing industry are acquiring other firms and establishing their presence in different economies to increase their market share. Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) being a major player in the production of at-home DOA testing products acquired Alere Inc. in 2017, to increase its share in the point-of-care testing diagnostics market. The addition of this business aligns with Abbott's strategy for the growth of company and complements the leadership positions across its other businesses, which include medical devices, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Research Background 1.1 Research Objectives 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Key Stakeholders Chapter 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Secondary Research 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Market Size Estimation 2.4 Data Triangulation 2.5 Assumptions for the Study Chapter 3. Executive Summary 3.1 Voice of Industry Experts/KOLs Chapter 4. Introduction 4.1 Definition of Market Segments 4.1.1 By Product 4.1.1.1 Rapid DOA test kits 4.1.1.1.1 Test cups 4.1.1.1.2 Test dip cards 4.1.1.1.3 Test strips 4.1.1.1.4 Others 4.1.1.2 Breath analyzers 4.1.2 By Sample 4.1.2.1 Urine 4.1.2.2 Saliva 4.1.2.3 Hair 4.1.2.4 Others 4.2 Regulatory Framework 4.2.1 U.S. 4.2.2 Europe 4.3 Market Dynamics 4.3.1 Trends 4.3.1.1 Rising addiction for synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts, and other emerging drugs 4.3.2 Drivers 4.3.2.1 Increased production and trade of illicit drugs worldwide 4.3.2.2 Growing use of illicit drugs amongst teenagers 4.3.2.3 Initiatives by government organizations to reduce the level of drug abuse 4.3.2.4 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast 4.3.3 Restraints 4.3.3.1 Legalization of illicit drugs 4.3.3.2 Social issues associated with substance use testing 4.3.3.3 Inefficiency of testing products to detect designer drugs 4.3.3.4 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast 4.3.4 Opportunities 4.3.4.1 Rising awareness about DOA testing in emerging economies 4.3.4.2 Alternative substance addiction from common household products 4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast 5.1 By Product 5.1.1 Rapid DOA Test Kits Market by Type 5.2 By Sample 5.3 By Region Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast Chapter 9. LATAM Market Size and Forecast Chapter 10. MEA Market Size and Forecast Chapter 11. Competitive Landscape 11.1 Product Benchmarking of Key Players 11.2 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players 11.2.1 Product Launches and Approvals 11.2.2 Other Developments Chapter 12. Company Profiles UCP Biosciences Inc. Orient New Life Medical Co. Ltd. Express Diagnostics Int'l Inc. Assure Tech (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd. Psychemedics Corporation Confirm BioSciences Phamatech Inc. Home Health (U.K.) Ltd. Quest Products Inc. Abbott Laboratories For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/jlzr5d/831_9_million?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Rogersville City School cafeteria manager Colby Wagoner told the Board of Education last week that school food service needs to have a motto like the Postal Service where come rain or snow, sleet or hail, or even a plague, theyre going to feed. One of the major failings of the previous government was the misguided allocation of the countrys financial and human resources. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the government of the day to correct this shortcoming by ensuring that the needs of this country are prioritised accordingly and national resources allocated deservedly. News that the Ministry of Education will be hiring over 2 000 teachers to address the critical shortage of personnel in schools is the most welcome and we hope these are the first steps towards the proper allocation of national resources. It is high time the teacher-pupil ratios are addressed in order to derive the quality education that our children deserve. Brick by brick, our education has crumbled before our eyes while government prioritised the recruitment of security forces whose contribution to the economy beyond docile, is yet to be justified. Eswatini is among the biggest spenders on security as a percentage to the national budget in Southern Africa in sharp contrast to the injection required for education, health and agriculture which have been subjected to steady declines in budget allocations. Affording our children basic primary education is a huge milestone in our 50 years of independence but the poor allocation of resources towards this sector has left our schools in desperate need of proper learning facilities, furniture, staff, stationery and feeding schemes. The under-funding of our education has kept the number of primary schools disproportionate to secondary and high schools by almost half. Thousand of pupils find themselves without places to progress to a higher level and most never get a chance to complete their schooling. Those who do still face the challenges of accessing tertiary education. Seeing our people sleeping on the streets just to get study permits for their children to pursue education elsewhere, is a pain we cannot bear any longer. We deserve to have more universities in this country to meet the growing demand. It is in education that this peaceful country will realise the economic development aspired in the National Vision and it is a well educated society that can drive each sector to deliver on its full potential. We trust that the new government strategy will adopt proper planning and budget allocation that will rebuild the schools and subsequently this country and its people. MBABANE The year will start on a good footing for some graduates.This is for those who completed their studies in courses that are related to the teaching profession. These aspirant teachers should be all smiles as the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) will soon recruit about 2 000 teachers in the upcoming weeks. According to impeccable sources, ordinarily when the commission hired teachers, most were temporary teachers - who were employed on a contract basis. These often include those who had completed Form V and university graduates. Their contracts vary from three months to two years. Meanwhile, qualified teachers are those who were trained to teach. The employment of the teachers is said to be in preparation for this years academic year, which starts next week Tuesday, January 22, 2019. The source said the temporary employed teachers were in most instances posted to schools in the rural areas as these learning institutions were the most without educators. The 2 000 teachers to be recruited will be made up of temporary and permanent educators. It was explained to this publication that the number of teachers to be employed was means to replace those who had left the teaching profession. They shall be replacing people who retired, those who passed on, those who went back to further their studies while also part of the teachers shall be replacing those who did not have their contracts renewed. Discussed The impeccable source, who is within the chain of command in government, said what had been discussed was that no new posts were to be created. Therefore, the source said the pending aspirants to be recruited were mere replacements of existing positions. The impeccable source further said there was a high volume of graduates who had completed their studies within the various tertiary institutions that needed to be absorbed into the labour market. Further, the source said those who were to be considered were graduates with majors in the English Language, SiSwati, Religious Education, Science, Geography, Mathematics and commercial subjects. Also, according to study.com, to teach in a public school, one must complete a bachelors degree programme. Meanwhile, the pending employment of teachers was confirmed by the TSC Chairperson, Simanga Mamba. He said further details on the recruitment of the teachers shall be discussed in the upcoming weeks. MANZINI - The woman who was arrested for allegedly bashing her stepdaughter with a broom stick will be spending the next seven days in custody after she was denied bail by the court. The accused person, Hlobisile Dlamini (21) of Buhleni, made a court appearance before Magistrate Philisiwe Simelane after she was arrested and charged with contravening the Children Protection and Welfare Act of 2012. The accused person, who was supported by some family members, including her lover, who is the father of the child, appeared in court and kept on making statements which did not make sense. Dlamini mentioned that they had recorded statements at the Social Welfare offices and did not understand why she was not admitted to bail by the court. Denied This was after the court had denied her bail on the basis that the Social Welfare Department was still to compile a report on the incident and hand it over to the prosecution. Investigations on the matter have not been concluded yet and the Social Welfare Department is still going to file its report, the public prosecutor said. The charge sheet states that Dlamini, at Enkonga, near Mafutseni assaulted *Titia (9) with a stick several times on the face and all over the body. The incident allegedly occurred on Saturday while the childs father was not present. The childs bad injuries were discovered by a kombi driver who had noticed that the girl was walking in a strange manner, only to discover that she had been severely assaulted. It turned out that the nine-year-old girl had been subjected to severe physical assault, allegedly by her stepmother. The woman was questioned by the police, charged with contravening the Children Protection and Welfare Act and further locked up by the Mafutseni police. Police officers were ordered to take the child to the Social Welfare offices for interviews together with the childs father and biological mother. Conversed Upon arrival at the offices, the father of the child, Linda Mkhabela, was found seated outside while police conversed with officers from the Social Welfare Department. He cried hysterically when narrating the story of his lover who had been arrested by the police for disciplining his child. I am not crying because I am defending her actions, I am just saddened by the fact that there is no one currently taking care of me and the children while she is locked up by the police. On several occasions, I had ordered the same child to apologise to my girlfriend as she is wayward and all along, I had assumed things were normal as she loved, took good care of them and further cooked for them. She loved them as their mother, however, it was unfortunate that this incident later unfolded, Mkhabela said on Monday. Dlamini was whisked in a police van to Mawelawela Correctional facility. She is expected back in court next Tuesday pending the Social Welfare report and setting of her trial date. MBABANE While primary education is free for every child in the country, some children will not have the privilege to be in class when schools open. This follows a decision taken by head teachers from various schools not to admit pupils who do not have Personal Identification Numbers (PINs). According to the head teachers, they had a terrible experience last year, where government withheld free primary education (FPE) funds for pupils who had no PINs. This, they said, made it very difficult for them to operate schools, hence their decision not to accept them this year. Simangele Mthethwa, who is the Head teacher at Kholwane Primary, said there was just no way they would accept pupils without PINs because government failed to pay. Produce Mthethwa said there were only seven who registered in Grade I at her school between October and December last year. She said guardians who failed to produce applicants PINs were turned back. She said the frustration around the issue of PINs was serious and they did not want to find themselves in the same predicament. Government ended up refusing to pay and this frustrated the learning process, which we do not want to witness again, Mthethwa said. Last year, Mthethwa said, she had a total of 68 pupils who did not have PINs. She explained that one of them, who was doing Grade VII, ended up failing partly because he spent a lot of his time trying to get an ID at the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to Mthethwa, the pupil who failed missed tests and lessons due to his continuous visits to the ministry. Mangwaneni Primary School Head teacher Jabulani Nkonyane also said they had so many challenges last year with pupils who did not have PINs. Nkonyane said since the admission of Grade I pupils began towards the end of last year, they rejected applicants who did not have birth certificates or any form of identification. He said they did this to avoid wasting the applicants time while also depriving the school of much needed financial resources. Concurring with the other head teachers was Qedusizi Primary School Deputy Head teacher Nokuthula Simelane, who said they also turned back pupils without PINs and transfer cards. Simelane said they depended on the funds paid by government to run the school. The situation in secondary and high schools is also difficult as head teachers have pointed out that they will demand pupils to pay a certain deposit before admitting them. According to the head teachers, ever since the OVC programme started, government had not reviewed funds paid to schools. They said they were being realistic by requesting deposits upfront to run schools. Eswatini Principals Association (ESWAPA) President Welcome Mhlanga said the issue of PINs gave them a lot of challenges last year. Mhlanga said their wish was for government to give them a directive on whether schools should admit pupils without PINs or not. Position He said it was government that processed FPE payments, hence it needed to give them a clear position on the matter. Further, Mhlanga urged guardians to meet schools halfway and play their part as the learning institutions required funds to operate while financial resources from government were not reviewed. He said schools were collapsing in the rural areas because of OVC admissions and FPE. However, he said what was important was that schools had their policies which ensured smooth running. He then advised that they should stick to them. Parents, on the other hand, felt that government was failing the children of Eswatini. They said it was governments responsibility to make sure that every birth was registered. THE WOODLANDS, TX, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE ---Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. (Company) (OTC:OCSY) today announces the appointment of Lisa Nelson as President, CEO and CFO; Vicki Martinez as Secretary; and Mercedes Sturm as Treasurer. The appointments are a direct result of the previously announced acquisition of LBC Bioscience Inc. and will take effect immediately. Lisa Nelson - Mrs. Nelson is a community minded entrepreneur with over 25 years of executive management, ownership, operations and national sales experience in a wide range of industries including hospitality, healthcare, marketing, and retail. Mrs. Nelson graduated from the Mandel Medical School with a Medical Assistant degree in 1987. She also attended Queens Borough Community College as well as Pima Community College for her nursing degree LPN in 1992. Mrs. Nelsons drive has always been focused on helping people and contributing to the community. Mrs. Nelson regularly manages and assists with various fundraisers, and donates to charities, schools, and the Illumin8 Life Foundation for Breast Cancer awareness. Mrs. Nelson is very active in the CBD Industry. Today, Lisa is now the CEO and President of LBC Bioscience Inc., which the company is focused in the Cannabidiol industry. Vicki Martinez - Mrs. Martinez brings over 25 years of sales and marketing experience. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Marketing, with a Minor in Exercise Science from Arizona State University in 1992, she pursued a sales career in both the pharmaceutical and medical equipment industries. She currently holds the position as the Administrator of Prevenium Preventative Medicine Group, Inc. Mercedes Sturm - Miss Sturm attended Ohio State University and she majored in Business & Marketing. Miss Sturm has worked for her family corporation as office manager for a tax planning service. Miss Sturm has organized several trade shows, fundraisers & charities. She has recently moved from Ohio to Arizona to pursue her passion in the Cannabidiol markets. About Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. Optium Cyber Systems, Inc. (Optium) is a publicly traded company having its common shares quoted on the OTC Markets under the symbol OCSY. Optiums main focus is to identify, evaluate and then acquire undervalued opportunities with the end goal of adding shareholder value. To date, Optium has acquired a proprietary process to analyze, identify and address cyber security vulnerabilities in IT infrastructure that is scalable and transferable to any environment. In addition, it recently acquired a security and protection firm based in Houston, Texas. About LBC Bioscience Inc. LBC Bioscience Inc. (LBC) was incorporated as a C corporation under the laws of the State of Nevada in August 2015. LBCs primary focus is developing organic products such as CBD water, drops, edibles, pet supplements, recovery balm and spray. The Companys website is www.lbcbioscienceinc.com. Forward-Looking Statements Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties. See Optium Cyber Systems, Inc.'s filings with OTC Markets, which may identify specific factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Safe Harbor Statement This release includes forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and reflects management's current expectations. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Some of these factors include: general global economic conditions; general industry and market conditions, sector changes and growth rates; uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; increasing competition; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of services; changes in the economy; changes in laws and regulations, including codes and standards, intellectual property rights, and tax matters; or other matters not anticipated; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships and distribution agreements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. MBABANE It seems former legislators who are still awaiting their gratuity are prepared to do anything to get it. This was evident yesterday when some of them made a stop at the Ministry of Finance offices to demand answers on why they had still not received their pay. The former legislators started arriving at the ministry just after 11am, and most of them made it clear when they arrived at the reception that they had come to see the Principal Secretary, Bheki Bhembe or the Minister, Neal Rijkenburg. After being allowed to go up the sixth floor of the inter-ministerial building where the ministry is situated, the former Members of Parliament were welcomed into the office of the executive secretary of the minister, where they stated what they had come for. To their disappointment, they were informed that both the minister and the PS were away in Piggs Peak attending the retreat for Cabinet. However, this did not deter them as they stated that they were prepared to sleep in the office until they were granted an audience with the minister or PS. The former MPs included Mjuluko Dlamini, Johane Shongwe, Sandile Nxumalo, Mkhosi Dlamini and Mthokozisi Kunene. When this reporter walked into the office, the former legislators were found chatting about how government had not been honest regarding the payment of their gratuity. One of them spoke in jest and asked this reporter to go and buy them emahewu, saying it was clear that they would find themselves hungry as they were not prepared to leave the ministry until they were assured of the real date when their money would be available. When asked to explain why they had decided to pay the minister and PS a visit, they stated that the situation had become unbearable. One of them even showed this reporter a message on his cellphone which was a reminder that he was in arrears in one of his financial commitments. Serious That is how serious the situation is. You are aware yourself that it is January and since almost all of us are parents, it is obvious that we have school fees to pay, so the delay is not good at all, said the former MP. Another one said it was difficult for them to be patient due to the fact that they were aware that all civil servants and the new legislators received their salaries, which meant they were going to be able to sort school fees and other needs. Why then is our issue not given the attention it deserves? This money belongs to us and it is frustrating that despite the delay, no one even bothers to communicate and tell us to be patient and give assurance that something was being done, said another former MP. The MPs left the office just before 1pm but some of them returned, and this time things turned almost positive as the officers at the ministry engaged them while receiving feedback through phone calls from their superiors. In the end, the former legislators were given an assurance that the process of payment would begin anytime next week. It should be noted that there have been reports to the effect that some of the money from the SACU revenue has allegedly been committed to pay the former legislators. The Southern Africa Custom Union money was expected to arrive in the first week of January 2019. It is not the first time that the former legislators came together to demand their money. During the third week of December last year, the aggrieved members held a meeting at the Cabinet Offices with Secretary to Cabinet Mbuso Dlamini, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Finance Bheki Bhembe and Sizakele Dlamini. Letter This was after they had allegedly written a letter to the Clerk to Parliament, Ndvuna Dlamini, which was also copied to the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. They were then informed that the PM and his Cabinet had addressed the issue and a resolution taken that the gratuity would be paid in January. About E20 million is expected to be paid out to the former legislators who left office in early October 2018. Each former Member of Parliament was expecting about E500 000 before deductions, which comes down to about E350 000 after tax. However, about E45 000 is expected to be deducted after government was of the view that the ex-politicians were over paid their October 2018 salaries, yet they had vacated office around October 10, 2018. This means that the former MPs would pocket about E327 000. Sir, Mr Editor allow me to express my deepest concern about the issue that recently hit global headline news, aired at CNN News channel under the topic: Anti-Semitism is on the rise in Europe. Please let me begin my discussion by asking a few rhetorical questions like: What did the Israelis do to deserve all hatred the hell and the world has thrown at it? Can someone try to explain the sin that they have done that justifies all the worlds actions of hatred and evil criminal acts against them? Is it because we think they have sinned more than the rest of the nations of the world? Are the nations of the world sinless and pure and deserving to punish and hate the Jews? Are all these reactions of hatred and crimes committed towards them politically and rationally correct? I guess you do have your own opinions to these questions. Descendants In case the reader didnt know. The Jews are descendants of Eber (Gen 10:21, 24; 11:14) from Shem one of Noahs three sons. Therefore, Eber is regarded as the progenitor of the Hebrews better known to us today as Israelites. Hence, in The Book of Luke 3:35 is named Heber, the ancestor of Abraham (v34), who himself was Jacob/Israels ancestor too. Nomads:All this people mentioned above probably lived like any other ethnic groups that lived in the ancient world. They wereperhaps nomadic and having apolytheistic kind of religion possibly until God appeared to Abraham in the Land beyond the Rivers (Jos 24:2) and said get thee out of thy country (Gen 12:1). It looks like from that time on Anti-Semitic hatred began to take its roots growing bit by bit to date. Biblical narratives have indicated that in later time the Jewish people were subject to hatred, torture even in Egypt in much greater proportion. Again, after The Exodus on their way to The Promised Land they were in constant conflicts with other ethnic groups that stood in their way that may have contributed to the hatred that Jewish people encounter even today from people around the Middle-East. Take a moment and think about this. We all at some point through our ancestors lived nomadic or semi-nomadic lives, we did fight small and big wars until we became Settlers; and that is how we have the political boundaries and countries of today. The question is who then can blame the nations we have today? Of course no one blames anyone except blaming the Jews for reclaiming their land. Gods choice: Did Abraham have something to do that influenced God to choose him among all other people of his time, of course not. So, why are his descendants hated, especially Israel? Im drawn to assume that the worlds hatred towards Jewish people is a way of questioning God of his divine choosing and Sovereignty. Possess The Conquest: The Jews began to possess and settled in Canaan around 1406BC, they conquered the Canaanites, Ammonites, Jebusites, Philistines and Hittites etc as you can read it in the book of Joshua. Hence Canaan became Jewish land historically and theologically. Only those who are not acquainted with this truth can question the authenticity of Jewish claim today. The challenge is that humans have developed a tendency of wanting to distort historical facts to suit their new ideologies (as I will try to show you later). Canaan became Israel: You should note that it did not come any easier; they too, like most of the nations today, fought their wars to become nation it is today. Likewise, being in the land as people was no guarantee of peace and security. They fought different foreign invaders from ancient past like: Assyrians under Shalmaneser V, around 722BC (2 Kings 17:4-6); they fought Egyptians under Necho II around 609BC (2 Kings 23:29; 2 Chr. 35:20-24). They also were engaged with the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar around 586BC (2 Kings 24:1ff) and the results of this battle were so devastating. And then later they found some relief when the Medo-Persia united front overthrew the Babylonians around 538BC to become the world power under Cyrus (Dan 5:30,31); they took control over all territories that were under Babylon that includes The Promised Land. But, after some years the mighty Greeks under Alexander the Great around 331BC defeated the Persians. And later the divided Greek Empire was overrun by the Romans, which their influence overlapped even to AD era. Again, it is important to indicate that most of this ancient emperors showed no mercy but pure hatred toward the Jewish people, but emperors like Cyrus and Xerxes were easy in helping the Jews in time of need and also help them begin the process to return from Exile. But even after their return to their motherland there were constantthreats aimed at them. Rev JS Ndzimandze Shiselweni Historians tells us that in 70AD The Roman Empire army led by TitusCaesar, after a siege that took for some time which eventuallyJerusalemsuccumbed to,and was captured and destroyed; more than million Jews were killed, some escaped to take refuge in far countries, thus Israel ceased to exist as a nation (all this were redflags on how the world grew to hate the Jews).So, afterthatdispersion the landlater was taken and occupied by Arabic people,occupying very important Jewish places, one of manywasthe Temple site.The truth is, anyone would have thought it was over with the Jews they will never survivethis time aroundbut that was never the case. Later on,before and during Second World War the Jewsin diasporawere accused of being the source ofall worldsills (see Fig 1). Therefore, in Europe,theywere forced to wear robes marked witha yellowy (hexagram)star-of-David so that they can be easily spottedand apprehended, but for what crime? Just for being hated!!On the other hand, when all that was happening Adolf Hitler and his allieswere devising extermination camps,furnished with gas chambers in which the Holocaust were later carried on; and Six Million Jews were unaccounted for. Hate can drive humans to do craziest things. Not long ago, CNN reported statistics that were very disturbing which showed and portrayed that in Europe there is a rapid rise of anti-Semitism and Holocaust deniers too. I was astonishedwhen I heard this. But why are they hating the Jews and denying the Holocaust!? Are they feeling guilty when reading the narratives indicating that their grandparents had the blood ofJewish people in their hands!?Or are they tryingto rewrite history or repeat history in ganging againstJewish people again? Of course am not expecting an answers from this questions - but time will tellabout the intentions of some European countries and individuals too. Lastly, the Jewish people are human beingslike anyone else,fitand deserving to live like any other peoples in the world such as Aryan race (if they do exist), Asians, Europeans, Americans, Africansetc.or like any ethnic, political, religious group. Moreover, they deserve theinternational community protection wherever they may choose to be,if we dontthen God will as he always did.If the world choose to be hostile against them, then Gods unfailing love towards them will remain unbreakable. Hating them can never be justified(read Luke 10:29-37). Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3 MBABANE In December, last year, hip hop artist Illa Penboy broke the news on his Facebook account that Cassper Nyovest would be performing in the country on March 30. According to this initial post and a series of others that followed, the South African artist had already confirmed his participation on the show dubbed Gcwalisa2019. It is worth noting that Illa Penboy has been annually hosting this event and it is normally called Gcwalisa Mogambo. The local rap artist has shared at least three posts about the coming of the hip hop heavyweight and he has even confirmed that 500 early bird tickets were already available at E100 per ticket. Encouraged In one of his posts on Facebook, he encouraged fun lovers to quickly buy the tickets as they would be up by 60 per cent later on. When this publication contacted Illa Penboy last week, he said discussions between his team and that of Cassper Nyovest were going well and that a decision had already been reached between the two camps. However, the rapper was quick to mention that they were still deciding if Cassper Nyovest should perform at the Gcwalisa2019 event or be slotted in the Feed a Child Tour, which is set to kick off in February until August this year. Planning We are planning on changing the name of the event but nothing has been concluded yet I am still to discuss this further with my team, he said. The name-changing move came to light after this reporter asked if Cassper Nyovest was aware that the Gcwalisa2019 was similar to his Fillup idea, in which, in South Africa, he has gone as far as asking other artists to stop using it for their shows as he claims this initiative was registered under his name. However, on the other hand, the management which is responsible for Cassper Nyovests bookings said it was not true that the popular artist had been booked to perform in the country. Last Wednesday, this reported contacted the South African artist on his Facebook account, where a questionnaire was shared through the inbox feature. In response, the artist shared the email Nyovest@gmail.com and asked the questionnaire to be sent there. SOUTH AFRICA British Prime Minister Theresa May published further assurances from the EU on Monday, on the eve of a crucial parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal, and warned MPs that rejecting it would lead to paralysis that could see Britain stay in the bloc. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk repeated in a letter that they would not reopen the divorce deal, but offered clarifications with legal value on a controversial clause. In a speech shortly afterwards in Stoke, a Brexit-backing city, May admitted their offer fell short of what she wanted. But she said: Im convinced that MPs now have the clearest assurances that this is the best deal possible and is worthy of their support. May had promised assurances on the so-called Irish backstop arrangement when she postponed a vote on the agreement in December, facing certain defeat in the House of Commons. Deal As MPs prepared to finally cast their judgment yesterday evening, large numbers of her own Conservative MPs and her Northern Irish allies are still strongly opposed. In a further setback, government whip Gareth Johnson a Brexiteer and one of the officials charged with getting MPs to vote for the deal announced his resignation. I have concluded that I cannot, in all conscience, support the governments position when it is clear this deal would be detrimental to our nations interests, he wrote. Meanwhile anti-Brexit MPs have stepped up efforts to tie the governments hands in parliament to avoid the damaging prospect of Britain leaving the EU on March 29 with no deal. May repeated that the only way to avoid a no deal was to support her agreement, saying if no deal is as bad as you believe it is, it will be the height of recklessness to do anything else. But with growing calls to delay Brexit or call a second referendum, she said: Its now my judgment that a more likely outcome is a paralysis in parliament that risks there being no Brexit. Local trumpeter cherishes the companionship of music June is African American Music Appreciation Month. The celebration was initiated as Black Music Month by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. In 2009, the commemoration was given its current name by President Barack Obama. The earliest form of black musical expression in America emerged in spiritual music. Now, Hip-Hop and... Cash needed for Mad Anthonys Big Boom What a week! Donors for Mad Anthonys Fireworks Extravaganza pushed the total up more than $2,000 during the last seven days. I am just thrilled at how quickly weve managed to get so close to our goal, and I have no doubt the citizens of our great community will see... Rezoning allows for two new business ventures Burke County will see a couple of new businesses in the future. The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve two rezoning requests June 8. Dwayne Wood requested a zoning change for a 5-acre tract at the corner of Gresham Road and U.S. 25 from agriculture to crossroads commercial. He... Homeowner expresses sentiments concerning airport expansion plans Property owner Jeannie Joyner faced the Board of Commissioners June 8 with her sentiments about the county's plans for the airport, including acquisition of her home. To me the condition of the airport is not desirable, she said. If I owned a $3 million jet, I would not fly into... Washington, DC, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Caregiver Action Network (CAN), the nations leading family caregiver organization, is proud to highlight the release of The Caring Company, authored by Harvard Business School Professor Joseph B. Fuller and Managing the Future of Work Project Director and Senior Researcher Manjari Raman. Companies are facing a caregiving crisisand according to the researchers, they refuse to acknowledge it. Rising health care and professional caregiving costs together with changing demographics over the past few decades have put great pressure on American employees to try to balance work and care responsibilities. Unfortunately, many employers remain largely oblivious to the growing costs of this hidden care economycosts that hurt employers and employees alike. This report shows definitively what weve been saying for yearsthat Americas employers are on the verge of a caregiving crisisand its coming whether companies acknowledge it or not, said John Schall, CEO of Caregiver Action Network. Although three out of four employees currently have some type of caregiving responsibility, Americas workers are finding it increasingly difficult to balance work and family caregiving responsibilities. Unfortunately, most employers are unaware of the caregiving needs of their employees, which hurts both employers and employees. Were hopeful that this new report from Harvard Business School will shine a bright light on the need for companies to now address caregiving issues head on. This research reveals the misaligned economics of the care economy and the chasm that exists between employers and employees when it comes to caregiving benefits, said Joseph B. Fuller, Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School. It makes clear that businesses can gain a competitive advantage by investing in a care culture. Were excited to work with Caregiving Action Network to put this research into the hands of corporate leaders and help them spread awareness of these issues and encourage innovation in the care economy. Based on a nationally representative survey, the report shows how important and urgent an issue this is and provides common-sense solutions for how employers can support their employees who are providing important care to family and friends. # # # About Caregiver Action Network Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation's leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer's disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge. Contact for Caregiver Action Network: Jason Crosby 202-454-3931 jcrosby@caregiveraction.org About the HBS Managing the Future of Work Project Harvard Business Schools Project on Managing the Future of Work pursues research that business and policy leaders can put into action to navigate the complex, fast-changing nature of work. The Projects current research areas focus on six forces that are redefining the nature of work in the United States as well as in many other advanced and emerging economies: Technology trends like automation and artificial intelligence; Contingent workforces and the gig economy; Workforce demographics and the care economy; The middle-skills gap and worker investments; Global talent access and utilization; Spatial tensions between leading urban centers and rural areas. About Harvard Business School Founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University, Harvard Business School is located on a 40-acre campus in Boston. Its faculty of more than 200 offers full-time programs leading to the MBA and doctoral degrees, as well as more than 70 open enrollment Executive Education programs and 55 custom programs, and HBX, the Schools digital learning platform. For more than a century, HBS faculty have drawn on their research, their experience in working with organizations worldwide, and their passion for teaching to educate leaders who make a difference in the world, shaping the practice of business and entrepreneurship around the globe. Contact for Harvard Business School: Todd Deutsch 202-551-9847 Todd.Deutsch@edelman.com Attachment Note: Special one-year subscription at a reduced price for first-time subscribers or for subscriptions that have been expired for at least one year those living in Jackson County and the Cherokee Indian Reservation (28719) addresses qualify. Offer good through Friday, Aug. 2, 2019. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover; we do not accept AMEX. "Beaconsfield is the only city in Quebec to make the short list for the QUEST pilot project, said Mayor Georges Bourelle via press release. Miami, Fla., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VITAS Healthcare, the nations leading provider of end-of-life care, celebrated its 40th anniversary, the companys crucial role in the South Florida health care industry and its influence on the national hospice movement, with a ceremony at the Miami Dade College (MDC) Freedom Tower on Tuesday, Jan. 15. The National Historic Landmark was illuminated purple to honor VITAS four decades of advancing the American hospice movement and compassionate care for hospice patients and families. Founded in 1978 by two members of MDCs faculty, VITAS Healthcare, was one of the nations first hospice programs. VITAS helped pass Floridas first-in-the-nation hospice licensure law, which immediately became a model for other states and the federal government. In the more than 40 years since caring for its first patient, VITAS has continued to lead the American hospice movement, committed to finding and closing gaps in end-of-life care. VITAS ensures that terminally ill patients of all lifestyles and their families have access to compassionate and high-quality hospice care. Since its founding in Miami, VITAS has cared for more than 1.6 million patients. Today, VITAS employs over 12,000 professionals who care for approximately 18,000 patients daily, in 14 states and the District of Columbia. MDCs President, Dr. Eduardo J. Padron, and VITAS Healthcare CEO, Nick Westfall, were in attendance for the ceremony and provided brief remarks at the illumination ceremony. VITAS is a lot like the Freedom Tower, noted Westfall before lighting the tower. An iconic community landmark that serves as a symbol of passage and hope. In the 1960s and 70s, the tower was a beacon of welcome for nearly half a million refugees who came to the United States through South Florida on their own journeys, in search of a better quality of life. It is appropriate that we stand tonight in this building, celebrating the past 40 years of VITAS commitment to our patients, families and employees, and looking forward to the journey that lies ahead. Last night evenings ceremony was very much about hope, our collective hope that we continue improving the quality of life of our residents. At MDC, we recognize the impact VITAS has had in the lives of countless individuals and families who have benefited from the care and compassion of hospice care during lifes final moments, added Dr. Padron. To learn more about VITAS Healthcares 40th anniversary, its history as a leader in hospice, and milestones across its past four decades, please visit VITAS.com/Timeline. VITAS Healthcare 40 Years Strong Established in 1978, VITAS Healthcare is a pioneer and leader in the American hospice movement. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, VITAS (pronounced VEE-tahs) operates 47 hospice programs in 14 states (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. VITAS employs 12,145 professionals who care for terminally ill patients daily, primarily in the patients homes, and also in the companys 27 inpatient hospice units as well as in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living communities/residential care facilities for the elderly. At the conclusion of the third quarter of 2018, VITAS reported an average daily census of 17,976. Visit VITAS.com. ### Attachments THE SHORTHORN Is seeking work study student assistants for our reception desk for summer and fall.Prompt, cheerful, students with professional attitudes are encouraged to apply to answer office phones and greet guests from behind a plexiglass COVID barrier.Preference is given to students available to work some mornings. This in-office job offers flexible hours and plenty of time to study.Apply through Handshake for job #4723423 or call 817-272-3188 for more information. Posted Tuesday, January 15, 2019 3:01 pm The Clark County Republican Central Committee has selected its three nominees for the open seat on the Clark County Council. Close to 120 Republican Precinct Committee Officers (PCO) cast votes at the Luepke Center Jan. 15, selecting John Ley, Brook Pell and Gary Medvigy. Their selections will be forwarded onto the four sitting county councilors, who will conduct interviews and pick one to serve in the District 4 seat left open after councilor Eileen Quiring was elected as Clark County Council Chair in November. Voting was done in two rounds to whittle the eleven applicants to three, with Ley, a pilot and vocal opponent of Oregon's plans for transportation over the Columbia River, receiving a majority of votes in the first round. PCOs were allowed three choices in the first round and two in the second, with three candidates dropping out of the running based on first-round tallies. Both Pell and Medvigy received majority votes in the second round. Who is John Ley? Ley, whose name can often be spotted on The Reflectors opinion page, said hes been a Clark County resident since 1991 and pointed to his time spent pushing back against the Columbia River Crossing and, more recently, the potential for tolls on Portland-area interstates. That tolling, as well as other Columbia River bridge issues, were areas he felt would be at the forefront for the next few years, as well as decisions around the countys implementation of the state Growth Management Act. Weve got government having far, far too much influence on our citizens and what their private property right are or arent, Ley said. Who is Brook Pell? Pell, who says shes a Clark County native and grew up in District 4, was recently elected Clark County Republican Party Vice Chair. She said defending property rights and finding fiscally responsible transportation solutions while respecting taxpayer dollars was her main focus. She said her experience as a commercial property manager and paralegal would be assets in her potential role on council. Pell also referenced a letter of support recently sent out by Quiring, who she served as campaign manager for last year. Who is Gary Medvigy? Medvigy, a retired U.S. Army general, prosecutor and judge said he and his wife chose Clark County to retire based on its quality of life and natural beauty. But for me first and foremost I moved here because of each of you, to be among like-minded people with strong moral and core values, Medvigy said. Medvigy, a relative newcomer to local political discussions, took shots at Democrats and Hillary Clinton in his speech, affirming that he voted for President Donald Trump in the election. He said that government in America should never be viewed as a growth industry while adding that the county citizens should be put first, not elsewhere in the state, referencing Gov. Jay Inslees recent comments on the inevitability of light rail on an Interstate 5 bridge replacement. We must stand united in our narrative for both our legislators and governor that the will of Clark County must be respected, Medvigy said. As of Jan. 15 a date for councils interviews and selection for the new District 4 councilor was not set. Randolph County Commission will use federal funds to resurface a portion of County Road 87, starting at Graham and working south. The $1.1 million will cover only about 3 miles of the 25-mile road. More funding is sought to continue the work. TORONTO, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Nova Resources Inc. (TNR or the Company) (CSE: TENO) is pleased to announce that it will participate in the 2019 North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) as an exhibitor in Houston, Texas between February 11 to 15, 2019. NAPE is the oil and gas industrys marketplace for acquiring, selling and trading of prospects and producing properties. NAPE is unique in that it comprehensively brings together all industry disciplines, draws in decision-makers, focuses its participation on prospect generators, and hosts companies of all sizes, from small independents to majors. The Company continues to focus on securing an interested partner to further explore its petroleum exploration licenses. About Terra Nova Resources Inc. Terra Nova Resources Inc. is an oil and gas company that has a 51.49% working interest in two onshore petroleum exploration licenses ("PELs"), being PEL 112 and PEL 444, including a 1.47% gross overriding royalty interest on the PELs, located on the western flank of the Cooper Eromanga Basin in the State of South Australia, Australia. For more information please contact: Mark Lawson CEO & Director Terra Nova Resources Inc. T: +1 647 256 1986 Email: mark@clermontcap.ca This news release contains forward-looking information relating to TNR's intentions to conduct the drilling programs and other statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking information is subject to important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is currently expected, for example: risks related to oil and gas exploration, development, exploitation, production, marketing and transportation, loss of markets, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, competition from other producers, inability to retain drilling rigs and other services, reliance on key personnel, and insurance risks.. Findings by other oil and gas issuers does not necessarily indicate that TNR will be successful in making such findings in Australia. In making such forward- looking statements, TNR have relied upon certain assumptions relating to geological settings, commodity prices, the stability of markets and currencies and the availability of capital to TNR in order to continue with the seismic and drilling programs. You should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While TNR may elect to, TNR is under no obligation and does not undertake to update this information at any particular time, except as required by applicable securities law. THE CSE HAS NEITHER APPROVED NOR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. As a current print subscriber, you receive 24/7 access to our website and online e-edition at no additional charge. All you have to do is activate your access. To activate digital access, you will need your account number. You can find your account number on any recent subscription notice or bill. For the past 13 years passengers all over the world have become familiar with the North Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Airport, but a new name is on the horizon. ? (PA Graphics) Mrs Lorries arrive at the Port of Dover in Kent (PA) The worlds biggest search engine has released information on the most-searched questions following the vote, ranging from how MPs voted to WTO trade rules. Here are answers to the biggest questions.With more than twice as many MPs voting against the Prime Ministers deal than for it, chances are high that most peoples elected representative went against the Government. The websites MySociety.org and TheyWorkForYou.com both hold details about how every MP voted on the EU Withdrawal Agreement and nearly every other vote in Parliament.After more than a year of negotiations,May presented her EU Withdrawal Agreement to Parliament in November, but it was immediately dismissed by hard Brexiteers within her own party, leading to a string of Cabinet resignations. Hours before Parliament was due to vote on the deal in December, sensing a heavy defeat, the PM delayed the vote and returned to Brussels to seek reassurances about its implications. Despite her efforts, MPs rejected the deal in a meaningful vote on Tuesday. ig ( PA Graphics) cancelled cancelled ut at p resent Anti-Brexit billboards on the northern side of the border between Newry in Northern Ireland and Dundalk in the Republic (Niall Carson/PA) and Many Brexiteers who support leaving the EU without a deal have argued that a simple solution would be for the UK to trade with the rest of the world on rules set by the World Trade Organisation. WTO rules decide the level of tax imposed on goods whenever they cross a border, known as tariffs, where countries do not already have an agreement. There are no tariffs on UK imports from the EU, and tariffs on imports from other countries are relatively low thanks to existing trade agreements. Trading under WTO rules means tariffs will be much higher. The UK has yet to negotiate any new trade deals with any other countries in preparation for leaving the EU, meaning WTO rules would apply to all imports and exports. Until new trade agreements are signed, anything imported into the UK or exported but UK businesses will be subject to these much higher taxes, damaging businesses and affecting the prices of nearly all goods found in the shops.Before anything else can happen on Brexit, Theresa Mays Government must survive a vote from MPs on whether they can still run the country, to be held on Wednesday nht.If the Government survives the vote, Theresa May is scheduled to deliver a so-called Plan B for leaving the EU on January 21. If the Government loses, there is likely to be a general election. Whichever way the vote goes, and with only 72 days left until the UK is due to leave the EU, many commentators believe the Government will delay leaving to negotiate a deal that can command a majority in Parliament and be acceptable to the EU.Brexit is not. A large majority of MPs disagreed with Theresa Mays Government about the best way to continue, and a sizeable minority of MPs are arguing for a second referendum bthe UK is still due to leave the EU on March 29.The Government set aside more than 4.2 billion for Brexit preparations in 2016, not all of which has been spent yet. A study by the Centre for European Reform in September found that the UK economy was 2.5% smaller than it would have been had Remain won the referendum. The centres deputy director, John Springford, estimated the impact to have cost the Treasury roughly 440 million per week and the website CostOfBrexit.netlify has set up a running total, currently at 59 billion.The backstop arrangement outlined in the Prime Ministers deal would create a single EU-UK customs area to ensure there is no hard border on the island of Ireland.This means the UK would continue to follow the EUs tariffs and rules on customs, avoiding the need for checks between the EU and UK including Northern Ireland and the Republic until a new relationship is decided. Northern Ireland would need to follow some of the EUs single market rules including laws on goods, agricultural production, veterinary controlsstate aid rules. It is this point that led many including Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party and a number of Conservative backbenchers to oppose the deal. Judi Dench stars in this historical drama, based on the incredible real-life story of one womans choices during the second world war. Red Joan is directed by Trevor Nunn and based on Jennie Rooneys best-selling novel of the same name. The trailer begins by setting up the story in the year 2000. There we see Joan Stanley (Judi Dench) enjoying her retirement, living a content and quiet suburban life. Her quiet existence is suddenly disrupted when a knock on the door turns out to be M16. She is then arrested and accused of providing intelligence to Communist Russia. While her adult son (Ben Miles) works to try and convince the authorities that they have the wrong woman, the trailer gives us a look into Joans past at Cambridge University. Back in 1938, we are allowed glimpses of Joan as a young physics student (Sophie Cookson), falling for known campus communist Leo Galich (Tom Hughes), who begins to open her eyes and cause her to see the world in a new way. While still at Cambridge during WWII, Joan is employed by a top secret nuclear testing facility - and comes to understand the real world implications and effects that their work will have on the world outside their facility. Confronted with the impossible question, what price are you willing to pay for peace? Joan must make the impossible choice to either betray her country or save it. Think supermodel and what comes to mind? Probably not an almost 45-year-old, 57, world-renowned wild child. But with almost three decades in the business and a net worth of reportedly $80 million, the Mossy is showing no signs of slowing down. Image Credit: Nicholas Andrew on Flickr With career highs of walking alongside Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington, and modelling for Burberry and Dior, as well as lows like eating disorder accusations and being photographed snorting cocaine, one thing can be said about Kate Moss career - its been anything but boring. Weve put together some of the moments which have made this queen so iconic from her almost 30 years in the business the good, the bad and the never ugly. As Kate herself once said... "Why the f***k can't I have fun all the time?" Kate: The Heroin Chic poster girl View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Moss (@__katemoss) on Jul 31, 2016 at 7:33am PDT Not the most charming phrase to be coined by President Clinton himself, but whats that they say about there being no such thing as bad publicity...? The gaunt features and tiny frame of the model, particularly noticeable in her raunchy Calvin Klein shoot with Marky Mark, created a public persona which associated Kate with the heroin chic scene. Although the name itself was totally provocative, the actual movement itself captured the cool, grungey vibe of the 90s - and we all know that grunge is a total classic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by True Vintage Girls (@truevintagegirls) on Jun 16, 2018 at 4:43am PDT Kate: The 'It' girl View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Moss (@katemossphoto) on Dec 31, 2016 at 11:04am PST Before the Alexa Chungs and Cara Delevignes burst on the scene, there was one woman who basically invented the term. Kate Moss was always the original It girl. Alexa Chung actually wrote about Kate in her book (ironically named, It) that, Anything she puts near her body is instantly transformed into the coolest thing ever because she is the coolest thing ever and nobody can explain why. Its just a fact. We second that, Alexa, hun. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Moss (@__katemoss) on Jun 8, 2016 at 10:34am PDT Kate: Inventor of festival fashion View this post on Instagram A post shared by @katemosstyle on Jun 20, 2017 at 3:37pm PDT What comes to mind when you hear the term festival fashion? Most likely frayed denim shorts, wellies and an attempt at capturing the whole ultra cool, rock chick vibe, complete with sunnies and a plastic cup of beer. This is also known as Kates first Glastonbury get up, and since she started the cult trend it's now the traditional ensemble whilst gracing the muddy fields of every British festival. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @katemosstyle on Jun 9, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT Kate: The Muse View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kate Moss (@katemossphoto) on May 18, 2018 at 9:17am PDT Maybe its her delicate and unique beauty, perhaps the fact she is la creme de la creme of models or possibly just the fact she seems like shed take you on an unforgettable night out, but Kate has always been a total muse to the industry. When she was preparing for her come back after a cocaine scandal in 2006, Alexander McQueen even wore a t-shirt which said We love you Kate to one of his shows. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MAXIMUS (@luxrad) on Nov 11, 2015 at 4:12pm PST Kate: Vicky Pollards twin View this post on Instagram A post shared by @cosmicliz on Aug 8, 2017 at 1:09am PDT So, shes reigned the catwalks, street style and the party scene for almost 30 years. But, possibly best of all? When she played Vicky Pollards twin sister for a Comic Relief edition of Little Britain in 2006. Kappa tracksuit, garish jewellery and a huuuuge scrunchie is maybe a far cry from her classic boho chic look, but our Kate can pull off absolutely anything. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @carinebizet on Oct 12, 2017 at 3:07am PDT Happy birthday Queen Kate! Long may your reign continue. Lead Image - Snob Models on Flickr New York, New York, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of an ongoing global growth initiative, Microdrones has acquired Aircam UAV Technology (Aircam), a 64 employee Chinese company with its main location in Foshan, an hour-drive from Guangzhou in Southern China, and a branch in Beijing. Aircam has developed a large Chinese and Southeast Asian customer base with a focus on surveying & mapping, utilities, and oil & gas industries. Aircam will be fully integrated with the Microdrones business, brand and leadership team. The Aircam brand and corporate identity will change to Microdrones, and all aspects of the business will be directed by the Microdrones global leadership team. Microdrones and Aircam have a long history of working together. Microdrones President Vivien Heriard Dubreuil explains, For the past decade, Microdrones and Aircam have shared a strong distribution relationship, selling and supporting Microdrones systems to professionals throughout the continent." Although Microdrones professional drones have been available in Asia (though Aircam) since 2008, Microdrones now has a direct, local presence in the market. Microdrones technology, products and solutions will be available to customers throughout Asia, subject to applicable export control and regulations. Were talking about business oriented, field-proven solutions that will help end-users make better business decisions. says Heriard Dubreuil, adding Globally, this is the next step in our evolution. In Asia, specifically, this will have a revolutionary and transformative impact for our customers and our business. According to Francois Gerner, SVP of Corporate Affairs for Microdrones, This is exciting news for Microdrones, our newly acquired team in Asia, and our respective customers across markets worldwide. Microdrones is investing in its presence in China so we can offer professional solutions to the high potential commercial market throughout the continent. With more than ten years of operation and market experience in Asia, we are thrilled and grateful to welcome the Aircam team to join the Microdrones family. Completed in late December of 2018, this acquisition hardens a global presence for the rapidly expanding company and its technology platforms. We now command a best in class R&D, manufacturing, sales, service and marketing footprint across 6 continents, with more than 220 employees worldwide. explains Gerner, further noting that Aircam brings to Microdrones additional production and service capacity and a seasoned team, with access to an enthusiastic customer base across Asia." Microdrones success and notoriety worldwide is rooted in mastering all of the key hardware and software technologies required to provide fully integrated, professional solutions. As one unified company, Microdrones is best positioned to transform customer needs into effective, scalable products and solutions for professionals in all markets and territories. Despite the name Microdrones, the global technology solutions company doesnt just sell drones, but rather complete commercial packages that include: The drone, adapted for professional applications, perfectly integrated sensors, software and workflow, service, training and support. Dr. Mohamed Mostafa, who directs product and solution development for Microdrones sums it up like this; Microdrones designs each technical brick of the workflow to be optimized for the application, while supporting production of the best data for end-users. We offer proven systems for professionals in surveying, mapping, mining, construction, land development and inspection. The expanded Microdrones team will provide solutions that help professionals be the best both in the field and at the office. Our easy workflow takes users from data collection through information creation, with one goal in mind: to help them use our technology for better decision making. About Microdrones Founded in Germany in 2005, Microdrones developed the world's first commercial quadcopter and the company continues to lead the industry with their professional UAV solutions. By pairing robust drones with cutting-edge sensors, Microdrones offers advanced turn-key solutions that make it easy for businesses to start using UAVs for surveying, mapping, construction, inspection, precision agriculture, mining, and other commercial applications. A heritage of quality German engineering, extra-long flight times, resistance to environmental challenges, and technology like direct georeferencing make Microdrones solutions exceptionally safe, efficient, and cost-effective choices for commercial users. Microdrones serves markets around the globe. To learn more about Microdrones, visit www.microdrones.com. Attachment Salida, CO (81201) Today Mainly clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear skies. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Our friends at Third Street Music School are hosting a free Martin Luther King day celebration on Monday, January 21, from 12 2pm. Festivities include a drum circle, a sing-along, community building, a bagel lunch, and more. All ages are welcom. Space is limited so please RSVP: thirdstreetmusicschool.org/mlk2019/ Defense and Aerospace Firm to Use Funding for Team Expansion, New Manufacturing, and Satellite Launch Services Cape Canaveral, FL, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Award-winning Craig Technologies, a nationally-recognized aerospace and defense contractor, announces a major investment from Decathlon Capital Partners. The seven-figure funding package will support team expansion as well as new manufacturing and satellite launch services and support. Craig Technologies is an Engineering, Technology and Manufacturing company that supports both government and commercial customers nationwide with employees in over 20 states. Craig offers a wide scope of award-winning engineering, technical and manufacturing solutions include Software Design/Development, Systems Engineering, Multidisciplinary Engineering, Training and Courseware Development, Modeling & Simulation, IT Support, Integrated Logistics Support, Wire/Fiber Cable Harness and Electronics Assembly, and Precision Manufacturing. The companys customers include the U.S. military and Department of Defense, as well as NASA, other government agencies and a host of commercial firms. When it comes to fulfilling our customers needs, were all about the mission, said founder and CEO Carol Craig. Our manufacturing subsidiary, Craig Technologies Aerospace Solutions, offers unique end-to-end design-to-production capability. To achieve our own mission goals of providing turnkey services to manage and perform the work for the successful integration and on-orbit operations of commercial payloads, we need to grow the team and our manufacturing capacity to meet demand. With Decathlons faith in our vision, well be able to say, mission accomplished. Craig Technologies has a compelling blueprint for success, said Decathlons John Borchers. This is clearly a case of a growth-stage company primed and ready to take the next leap. Were pleased to be a part of their journey. About Craig Technologies Craig Technologies supports projects from concept to real-world application with end-users in mind. Founded in 1999 by CEO Carol Craig, Craig Technologies (and subsidiaries) is a U.S.-Owned, Hispanic Minority-Owned, Veteran-Owned (VO), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned (SDVO), Economically-Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), and Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) that is ISO 9001/AS9100 Certified and ITAR compliant. Growing Craig Technologies from one person in 1999, Craig leads nationwide operations with associates in approximately 20 different states with Headquarters in Merritt Island, Florida and regional business offices in Texas, California and Washington, D.C. Learn more at www.craigtechinc.com. About Decathlon Capital Partners Decathlon Capital Partners provides growth capital for companies seeking alternatives to traditional equity investment. Through the use of highly customized revenue-based financing solutions, Decathlon provides long-term growth capital without the dilution, loss of control and operational overhead that often comes with equity-based funding. With offices in Palo Alto and Park City, Decathlon is the largest revenue-based funding investor in the U.S. and is active across a wide range of sectors. Learn more at www.decathloncapital.com. Hong Kong: Govt boosts finance industry To begin, the open-ended fund company regime came into operation last July. It marks the first time that Hong Kong has established a dedicated legal framework for fund vehicles. No less important, it showcases the Government's commitment to making Hong Kong a multidimensional fund centre. And I am confident it will create more opportunities for our fund and related businesses. Last month, the bill extending profits tax exemption to onshore funds, in addition to offshore funds, was introduced in the Legislative Council. Under this bill, private equity funds are among those that will enjoy profits tax exemption. A tax-exempt fund can invest in local and overseas private companies. I am hopeful that the new tax treatment will take effect very soon. Last April, we rolled out a new listing regime for pre-revenue, or pre-profit, biotech companies and companies with a weighted voting rights structure. To date, seven have been listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong under the new regime, and many are in the pipeline. Good news too on the IPOs (Initial Public Offerings) front. Last year, Hong Kong raised about $287 billion through IPOs, claiming the global IPO crown. Indeed, Hong Kong has ranked first globally six times in the past 10 years. We continue to add jurisdictions with which we have mutual recognition arrangements with regard to funds. Yesterday, Luxemburg joined our existing partners of the Mainland, Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom. And then there's Hong Kong's role as one of the world's leading international financial centres. You can see that, at work brilliantly, during this International Financial Week here, which began with the impressive two-day Asian Financial Forum concluded only yesterday. Today's forum is another highlight, as is tomorrow's EMPEA Private Equity Masterclass, organised by the Hong Kong Venture Capital & Private Equity Association. Numbers also underline Hong Kong's status as a financial services powerhouse. We rank third in the Global Financial Centres Index, behind only London and New York. We topped the Milken Institute's Global Opportunity Index in 2017. And for the past 24 years in a row, the Washington-based Heritage Foundation has named Hong Kong the world's freest economy. Add it up, and you have a financial foundation as formidable and deeply rooted as anywhere in the world. And I have no doubt that economic growth and accelerating wealth creation in this part of the world, particularly the Mainland of China, will continue to support Hong Kong's asset and wealth management business. At the end of 2017, assets under management in Hong Kong totalled some US$3.1 trillion. Non-Hong Kong investors accounted for two-thirds of this. Private equity is critical to our asset and wealth management landscape. We are Asia's second-largest private equity centre, trailing only the Mainland. As of mid-2018, our private equity players managed US$152 billion in Hong Kong. That is about 16% of the total capital under management in Asia. During the first half of 2018, private equity funds raised in Hong Kong amounted to US$12 billion, about 20% of the total funds raised in Asia. Given investors interest in diversified portfolios both in asset class and geographical exposure Hong Kong can only continue to capture business opportunities in the Asian private equity market. In the coming months, we will put out a proposal for industry consultation about introducing a limited partnership regime for private equity funds in Hong Kong. Thereafter, we will introduce a bill in the Legislative Council. If passed, it would be the second dedicated regime for a fund vehicle in our law books. The Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau is working closely with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Securities & Futures Commission on this proposal. Our objective is to have a regime catering for the needs of private equity funds, while safeguarding investor protection. The Government will continue to boost Hong Kong's unique role as gateway between international markets and investors and their counterparts on the Mainland of China. We'll do so through the Stock Connects, Bond Connect, and the Mutual Recognition of Funds arrangements. We will also further strengthen our position as the global offshore RMB business hub. At the regional level, we will continue to take part in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. Its sheer market size and number of high net-worth individuals, coupled with the policy objective of enabling people, goods, capital and information to flow freely within the region, will expand opportunities for our asset and wealth management sector. Turning to the Belt & Road Initiative, Hong Kong's financial services industry is well positioned to contribute in a number of areas. Given our liquid capital flow and deep pool of financial talent, Hong Kong is the natural centre from which to raise funds for infrastructure, investment and production projects. We are also ideally suited to provide the risk management, insurance and dispute-resolution services that big-ticket infrastructure projects need. Green finance is also promising. And I am pleased to report that the Government will soon launch its green issuance under the Government Green Bond Programme, which has a borrowing ceiling of $100 billion. Financial Secretary Paul Chan gave these remarks at the Asia Private Equity Forum 2019 on January 16. This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Welcome back pirates! As you make your return to campus The East Carolinian has created a forum that centers around topics within the community where readers can express their experiences and concerns. With the new guidelines set in place by East Carolina University do you feel as these precautions will keep you safe? Survey A Franklin man is facing charges after 400 grams of methamphetamine as well as other drugs and $4,000 were found in his apartment, according to Franklin city police. KELOWNA, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 10330698 Canada ltd d/b/a Compass Cannabis Clinic (Compass) and majority owner of the joint venture entities Starbuds Canada (Starbuds) and Compass Australia, is pleased to announce the closing of both a non-brokered private placement and a convertible debenture offering for total proceeds of $6,750,000.00 CAD. Equity valuations in the non-brokered private placement were provided at $0.60 per share with additional half-warrants at $0.75 per share. The funds received through these offerings are intended for further expansion of the Starbuds Canada retail brand across Canada. Today marks a sizable step forward for the Starbuds retail brand in Canada, says Dave Martyn, President of Compass. Through our existing portfolio of leases and retail cannabis development permits, we are positioned to aggressively roll out corporate locations across Canada upon the reopening and expansion of licensing in various provinces in 2019. We expect the Starbuds brand to be among the fastest growing cannabis brands in North America. Further to this, Compass Australia intends to open its first clinic in Sydney Australia in early 2019. Compass Australia intends to begin exporting cannabis oil products for its Australian patients by mid 2019, via partnerships with Canadian Licensed Producer and export entities. About Compass Cannabis Compass Cannabis Clinics is a medical cannabis consultation company focused on providing educational and consultative services for Canadians looking to obtain cannabis from a licensed producer under the ACMPR. Through a joint partnership with Starbuds US, Compass Cannabis Clinics is a licensee of the Starbuds brand name in Canada. With a rapidly growing patient base and a rapid expansion place for recreational cannabis, Compass aims to be one of the largest cannabis organizations in Canada. In 2019, Compass will expand to Australia to become one of the first international cannabis clinics. Learn more about Compass at https://compasscannabis.ca/ . About Starbuds Canada: Starbuds Canada, part of North Americas fastest growing cannabis network, is changing the way Canadians think about cannabis by providing a high-touch, educational guest experience. Through a joint venture with Compass Cannabis Clinic, Starbuds aims to operate cannabis retail locations across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Saskatchewan. Founded in 2013, Starbuds was the first retail outlet to receive licensing when Colorado legalized recreational cannabis. Starbuds operates 13 locations across Colorado and Maryland, with additional licensing to operate in Louisiana, and Massachusetts. Through this partnership, Starbuds aims to become the largest recreational cannabis provider in North America. For further information contact Daniel Winer Marketing Director daniel.winer@compasscannabis.ca Unlimited website access 24/7 Unlimited e-Edition access 24/7 The best local, regional and national news in sports, politics, business and more! With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. Dublin, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Sleep Apnea Devices Market by Product - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth and Demand Forecast, 2016-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global sleep apnea devices market is expected to generate $6.8 billion revenue by 2023, the market growth in the coming years is predicted to be mainly driven by the growing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and co-morbidities, increasing government support for start-up companies, and rising use of portable sleep apnea devices. Moreover, growing healthcare facilities, and increasing geriatric population are also propelling the market growth. Therapeutic devices held a larger share in the global sleep apnea devices market, with 84.7% contribution in 2017, mainly due to increase in the research and development activities to develop technologically advanced PAP devices. Among the various types of therapeutic devices, PAP devices generated $1.2 billion revenue in 2017. PAP devices are the most commonly prescribed treatment option by the doctors due to its targeted medication benefits over other sleep apnea devices. However, oral appliances devices is expected to be the fastest growing category in the sleep apnea devices industry, demonstrating a CAGR 8.6% during the forecast period. Of all types of diagnostic devices, polysomnography devices held the largest share, of 28.4% in the global sleep apnea diagnostic devices market in 2017. Sleep laboratories and at-home are the major end users in the sleep apnea devices market, where sleep laboratories held the larger share in the market, in 2017. This can be attributed to rise in the prevalence of sleep apnea, and rising awareness among people for the health implications of the disease. During the forecast period, the sleep apnea devices market is expected to witness the fastest growth in Asia-Pacific (APAC), owing to the increasing prevalence of sleep apnea disorders in the region. Furthermore, the large undiagnosed patient pool in countries, such as China and India; and increasing initiatives by the government and other private organizations to raise awareness about the harmful effects of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, are the factor that will contribute to the region's faster growth in the sleep apnea devices industry. In order to increase their market share, the key players in the sleep apnea devices industry are developing innovative products to expand their product portfolio. For instance, in September 2018, ResMed Inc. launched AirFit F30, a minimal-contact full face CPAP mask. The product is an addition to the company's AirFit mask portfolio, that reduces facial marks occurrence due to the masks. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Research Background 1.1 Research Objectives 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Key Stakeholders Chapter 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Secondary Research 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Market Size Estimation 2.4 Data Triangulation 2.5 Assumptions for the Study Chapter 3. Executive Summary Chapter 4. Introduction 4.1 Definition of Market Segments 4.1.1 By Product 4.1.1.1 Therapeutic devices 4.1.1.1.1 Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices 4.1.1.1.1.1 Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) devices 4.1.1.1.1.2 Automatic positive air pressure (APAP) devices 4.1.1.1.1.3 Bi-level positive air pressure (BPAP) devices 4.1.1.1.2 Facial interfaces 4.1.1.1.2.1 Masks 4.1.1.1.2.2 Cushions 4.1.1.1.3 Oral appliances 4.1.1.1.4 Adaptive servo-ventilators (ASVs) 4.1.1.1.5 Others 4.1.1.2 Diagnostic devices 4.1.1.2.1 Polysomnography devices 4.1.1.2.2 Respiratory polygraphs 4.1.1.2.3 Pulse oximeters 4.1.1.2.4 Actigraphy devices 4.1.1.2.5 Sleep screening devices 4.1.1.2.6 Home sleep testing devices 4.1.2 By End User 4.1.2.1 Sleep laboratories 4.1.2.2 At-home 4.2 Market Dynamics 4.2.1 Trends 4.2.1.1 Growing adoption of wearable sleep trackers 4.2.1.2 Increasing demand for home sleep testing devices 4.2.1.3 Rising use of CPAP therapy devices 4.2.1.4 Increasing preference for home health care 4.2.2 Drivers 4.2.2.1 Growing prevalence of OSA and co-morbidities 4.2.2.2 Rising use of portable sleep apnea devices 4.2.2.3 Increasing government support for start-up companies 4.2.2.4 Growing healthcare facilities 4.2.2.5 Increasing geriatric population 4.2.2.6 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast 4.2.3 Restraints 4.2.3.1 Long-waiting time for sleep care services 4.2.3.2 Side-effects associated with the use of sleep apnea devices 4.2.3.3 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast 4.2.4 Opportunities 4.2.4.1 Rising per capita healthcare cost 4.2.4.2 Untapped market in developing economies 4.2.5 Challenges 4.2.5.1 Low patient compliance for sleep apnea devices 4.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast 5.1 By Product 5.1.1 Therapeutic Devices Market, by Type 5.1.1.1 PAP devices market, by type 5.1.1.2 Facial interfaces market, by type 5.1.2 Diagnostic Devices Market, by Type 5.2 By End User 5.3 By Region Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast Chapter 9. LATAM Market Size and Forecast Chapter 10. MEA Market Size and Forecast Chapter 11. Competitive Landscape 11.1 Market Share Analysis of Key Players 11.2 Product Benchmarking of Key Players 11.3 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players 11.3.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 11.3.2 Product Launches 11.3.3 Partnerships 11.3.4 Other Developments Chapter 12. Company Profiles Koninklijke Philips N.V. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare Inc. ResMed Inc. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited Lwenstein Medical Technology GmbH & Co. KG BMC Medical Co. Ltd. Compumedics Limited SomnoMed Limited BRAEBON Medical Corporation Natus Medical Incorporated For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/63lcmp/6_8_billion?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. When the FX series Pose premiered in June 2018, it seemed like a new era was arriving -- one in which diverse depictions of characters who also happened to be HIV positive would grace the screen. In addition to Pose, shows like How to Get Away With Murder, Transparent, Empire, and the now cancelled Looking had supporting characters who had HIV, but their number is still small, and most of them focused on members of the LGBT community. However, a digital contender is taking up the torch of more inclusive programming with POZ ROZ, a comedy about thriving, not just surviving, with HIV. And in contrast to the other shows, the main character is a young, black woman. Poz Roz, or Rozzlyn Mayweather, played by Chauntae Pink, is a smart and quirky millennial living her best life when she is diagnosed with HIV. The show follows Roz as she returns to the world she left behind after finding out about her status. Malachi Rivers, Thomas Hobson, Aisha Lomax, and Melissa L. Williams round out the cast. The Show Creator Follows His Passion From Journalism to Screenwriter The show was created by Carlton Jordan, from Charlotte, N.C., who went to Howard University and discovered his love of film via writing. "I started off in journalism because I wanted to be a writer," said Jordan, adding that once he found out about the variety of jobs he could pursue as a writer, "I quickly switched to the film program." But the road to digital was paved with celluloid -- and a lot of life lessons. "Film is not what you think," Jordan said. "It's very technical. I wanted to be a writer. I didn't realize you had to learn how to load a camera reel." When Jordan finally packed his bags and arrived in Los Angeles, the landscape was already changing. "When I came to LA, everything shifted to digital," Jordan said. "I couldn't find a job. And I had to relearn everything." To make matters worse, in late 2007 the Writers Guild of America went on strike, and the latest era of black films (a la Best Man and Brown Sugar) was thinning out, as were black shows on television. This strike is often credited (for better or for worse) with giving birth to the era of reality television, and it was in the world of unscripted television that Jordan was able to find work. This ultimately influenced his style to this day. Working for shows like BET's Ink, Paper, Scissors, Freeform's Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, and Bravo's upcoming Mexican Dynasties, Jordan said he learned how to shape a story out of no story. "You literally have to take people who have no life and create a story," he said. "That really helped my story muscles." Even though Jordan said the money in unscripted television was "good," he still kept writing. How POZ ROZ Became a Series The idea for POZ ROZ actually came from conversing with a longtime friend. "I had a friend who came out to me that he was HIV positive like 10 years after his diagnosis," Jordan said. "Mind you, all this time we have been partying, living our best lives, and there was never any indication that he was HIV [positive]." "I ignorantly was like, 'You were never sad or depressed.' And he said, 'Just because you're HIV positive doesn't mean you can't enjoy your life." Jordan said it was like a classic cartoon lightbulb moment. "That's obviously true," Jordan said he recalled thinking. "It makes sense, but why is that how the disease is presented to the world?" From then on, Jordan knew that for his show he wanted to "tell the story of a person living their best life while living with HIV." Jordan credits a post from blogger Necole Bitchie (now xoNecole) about a woman who was HIV positive who had a family and husband for inspiring his character. It opened his eyes to how vibrant and complex a character could be. "I chose a heterosexual black woman because I felt like that story gets lost when we talk about HIV," Jordan said. "Maybe entering this world as a heterosexual black woman would be an entry point for a lot of different audiences." Playing Poz Roz Challenges the Actor For Chauntae Pink, who plays the lead role in the series, the character's complexity drew her in immediately. "After I read it, I fell in love with it," Pink said. "Not only because it's a subject we haven't talked about, but also the otherness that I think [Jordan] presented -- the alternative black girl portrayed that doesn't mean goth or socially inept but quirky and full of life and heart." Pink also said her ideas and notions around HIV were challenged as well. "I realized just how big my misconceptions were personally about HIV and AIDS," Pink said, adding that while she was researching people's coming-out stories on YouTube and other places, she realized the story of people with the disease is not cut and dried. "So many of them were not sexually promiscuous or even sex-positive. A lot of them were your average, traditional people, especially the women, who sort of fell into these situations with people whom they trusted that didn't let them know they had the disease." Both creator and actor urge you not to enter the world of POZ ROZ with a box of tissues. "Carlton is hilarious," Pink said. "His style of writing is so funny, and I felt like it was beautifully written." "Most people's reaction was that this is something I could laugh with somebody while watching," Jordan said. Before viewing the show, he said, "Most people thought it would be deep and dark." Although the show is talking with several different distribution companies, Jordan promised that the show will debut sometime in the first or second quarter of the year. Until then, we will have to settle for the trailer and send "pozitive" vibes their way. SUBSCRIBER E-EDITION AND ONLINE LOGIN DIRECTIONS Current print subscribers: click "Get Started" below and use your subscription account number (Found on the top left of your newspaper mailing label) to activate your FREE access to the e-Edition and online stories. Log in with the username and password you registered on this website. In a statement emailed to students on Dec. 6, Texas A&M Transportation Services announced that it may not renew its contract with bike-sha Attorney General Steve Marshall sworn in as his daughter, Faith, center, and Gov. Kay Ivey, far right, look on Dublin, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Market by Application - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global autoclaved aerated concrete market is projected to reach $5,721.4 million by 2023 The growth of the market is majorly driven by the increasing urbanization and industrialization along with growth in the infrastructure sector, and increasing focus on green and sound proof buildings. Insights into market segments On the basis of application, the autoclaved aerated concrete market is segmented into construction material, road sub bases, roof insulation, bridge sub-structure, void filling, concrete pipes, and others; others' include shock and blast mitigation, site reconstruction, anti-corrosion fill, pavement base, and shock absorbing concrete. Of these, construction materials hold the largest share in the autoclaved aerated concrete market, attributed to its high use in the construction of high rise buildings, owing to its superior properties such as better heat prevention, better sound absorption, and lighter quality as compared to traditional concrete. Based on end user, the autoclaved aerated concrete market is categorized into residential buildings, commercial buildings, infrastructure, and others; others' include mining, agriculture, and geotechnical. Among these, infrastructure has been the largest contributor in the market, with more than 40.0% revenue share in 2017. Autoclaved aerated concrete is considered ideal for construction of infrastructure such as over-pass, bridges, and tunnels. This can be ascribed to its useful properties which make it ideal for use in infrastructure, such as one-fourth weight as compared to conventional concrete, minimal structural erection requirements, and others. APAC seals the leading position in the global autoclaved aerated concrete market Among all regions, APAC contributed the highest revenue to the autoclaved aerated concrete market, valued at more than 33.0%, in 2017. This is attributed to the rapid urbanization in the region, in order to meet the demand of the increasing population. Additionally, the growing need of better infrastructure to improve the quality of lives for people and economic development in the region are driving the market growth in APAC. Furthermore, the demand of autoclaved aerated concrete is increasing in the region, owing to its environment-friendly properties, which have become the major concern. Also, as APAC is focusing to shrink its energy consumption and carbon footprint, top priority has been given to the revamping of the region's buildings. The government of Asian countries are also promoting the use of environmentally friendly material in the construction of green buildings. For instance, in 2009, the government of Malaysia launched the green building index (GBI). Under this, the government encouraged the builders to use green technology and also introduced incentives for owners to obtain GBI certificate for existing as well as new buildings. All these factors are expected to fuel the autoclaved aerated concrete market growth during the forecast period. Focus on construction buildings with high affinity for earthquakes and other natural disasters is expected to create various opportunities for industry players in the autoclaved aerated concrete market Increasing concern over safety of construction buildings from natural calamities has attracted the attention of the construction industry. The industry is constantly focusing on making materials that can withstand such incidents including earthquakes. Owing to light weight of these concrete blocks, the mass of the structure gets reduced, decreasing the impact of earthquake on the building. The tiny air pores in these concrete blocks and their thermal mass provides excellent thermal insulation, which in turn reduces the load on heating and air conditioning systems of the building, hence reducing energy consumption and cost. All these factors are resulting in the growth of the autoclaved aerated concrete market. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Research Background 1.1 Research Objectives 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Key Stakeholders Chapter 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Secondary Research 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Market Size Estimation 2.4 Data Triangulation 2.5 Assumptions for the Study Chapter 3. Executive Summary Chapter 4. Introduction 4.1 Definition of Market Segments 4.1.1 By Application 4.1.1.1 Construction material 4.1.1.2 Road sub bases 4.1.1.3 Roof insulation 4.1.1.4 Bridge sub-structure 4.1.1.5 Void filling 4.1.1.6 Concrete pipes 4.1.1.7 Others 4.1.2 By End User 4.1.2.1 Residential building 4.1.2.2 Commercial building 4.1.2.3 Infrastructure 4.1.2.4 Others 4.2 Value Chain Analysis 4.3 Market Dynamics 4.3.1 Trends 4.3.1.1 Shifting preference for disaster-resistant buildings 4.3.2 Drivers 4.3.2.1 Increasing urbanization and industrialization along with the growth in infrastructure sector 4.3.2.2 Increasing focus on green and sound proof buildings 4.3.2.3 Rising need for lightweight construction materials 4.3.2.4 Growing preference towards low cost houses 4.3.2.5 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast 4.3.3 Restraints 4.3.3.1 High initial cost and low availability 4.3.3.2 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast 4.3.4 Opportunities 4.3.4.1 Focus on construction buildings with high affinity for earthquakes and other natural disasters Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast 5.1 By Application 5.2 By End User 5.3 By Region Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast Chapter 9. RoW Market Size and Forecast Chapter 10. Competitive Landscape 10.1 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Players 10.2 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players 10.2.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 10.2.2 Other Developments Chapter 11. Company Profiles Masa GmbH Isoltech Srl Xella Group ACICO Industries (formerly known as ACICO Group) Broco Industries Aircrete Europe B.V. Solbet Sp. z o Fast Build Block Pvt. Ltd. Wehrhahn GmbH For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/k3433r/global_autoclaved?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CLS Holdings USA, Inc. CLS, a diversified cannabis company operating as Cannabis Life Sciences, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an option (the Agreement) to acquire In Good Health, in accordance with the previously executed letter of intent. In Good Health is a licensed medical dispensary in Brockton, Massachusetts. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the parties have agreed upon all of the documents necessary to complete the acquisition. The completion of the acquisition of In Good Health remains subject to a number of conditions as set out in the Agreement. In Good Health is located 25 miles south of downtown Boston and is one of the 48 licensed dispensaries in the state. In Good Health operates a dispensary that was the second licensed medical dispensary in the state and has been operational since September 2015. In Good Health is currently servicing 18,000 registered patients and delivering to 1,700 homes with key product offerings of flower, concentrates, vapes, edibles, pre-rolls and tinctures. Massachusetts has a population of 6.9 million people as compared to 5.6 million people in Colorado. Massachusetts is also centrally located to the dense population of New England with a less than 100-mile drive from Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont. In 2017, Colorado generated $1.5 billion in legalized marijuana sales and had over 500 licensed dispensaries and over 700 licensed cultivation facilities. Massachusetts currently has issued only 48 licensees. About In Good Health In Good Health is a for-profit corporation which holds a Certification of Registration to operate a registered marijuana dispensary in Massachussets. In Good Health was one of eleven original applicants awarded a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Public Health, and was the second to open in the state. In Good Health successfully operated its co-located marijuana cultivation and dispensary facility in Brockton, Massachusetts in September, 2015. About CLS Holdings USA, Inc. CLS Holdings USA, Inc. (CLSH) is a diversified cannabis company that acts as an integrated cannabis producer and retailer through its Oasis Cannabis subsidiaries in Nevada, and plans to expand to other states. CLS stands for "Cannabis Life Sciences," in recognition of the Company's patented proprietary method of extracting various cannabinoids from the marijuana plant and converting them into products with a higher level of quality and consistency. The Company's business model includes licensing operations, processing operations, processing facilities, sale of products, brand creation and consulting services. For additional information, please visit: http://www.clsholdingsinc.com Twitter: @CLSHusa Forward Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, the forward-looking statements). These statements relate to anticipated future events, future results of operations or future financial performance. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to whether and when certain transactions will be completed, including the proposed In Good Health acquisition. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "intends," "expects," "plans," "goals," "projects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions, are uncertain and involve substantial known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, levels of activity or performance to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity or performance expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the risk that the conditions precedent contained in the Agreement for the acquisition of In Good Health are not satisfied. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity or performance and we cannot guaranty that the proposed transactions described in this press release will occur. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date that they were made. These cautionary statements should be considered together with any written or oral forward-looking statements that we may issue in the future. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these statements to reflect actual results, later events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. See CLS Holdings USA filings with the SEC and on its SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com for additional details. Contact Information Corporate: Chairman and CEO Jeff Binder jeff@clsholdingsinc.com 888-438-9132 Investors: Adelaide Capital Markets Jackie Kelly Jackie@adelaidecapital.ca 416-301-2949 Dublin, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Liquid and Air Filter Bags Market by Type - Global Market Size, Share, Development, Growth, and Demand Forecast, 2013-2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global liquid and air filter bags market is projected to reach $6,144.9 million by 2023, The market growth is driven by growing industrialization and expanding automotive industry. Insights into market segments Based on type, the liquid and air filter bags market is bifurcated into liquid and air. Air filter bags is expected to be the faster growing type during the forecast period, advancing at CAGR of 6.2% in terms of volume. The increasing need for dust and other unwanted foreign particle removal from industrial equipment is fueling its market growth. Also, high demand of the bag for air conditioning and ventilation purpose further propels its market growth. On the basis of bag size, the liquid and air filter bags market is categorized into 7OD*32'', 7OD*17'', 4OD*14'', 4OD*8'', and others. Among all bag sizes, the volume sales of 4OD*8'' are expected to exhibit fastest growth in the market, witnessing a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period. In terms of end user, the liquid and air filter bags market is segmented into chemicals and pharmaceuticals, mining, water treatment, steel and power, cement, and others; others' include brewing and food and beverage. Of these, water treatment is expected to be the fastest growing end user category during the forecast period, advancing at a CAGR of 6.4% in terms of volume. High demand of liquid and air filter bags in primary, secondary, and tertiary water treatment processes for removal of medium-sized and fine solid particles from water, is driving its market growth. APAC stands as the largest market The liquid and air filter bags market in Asia-Pacific (APAC) has been witnessing the highest sales of these bags. This can mainly be attributed to the increasing industrialization and urbanization in the region, which are the major factors contributing to the increased demand of filter bags. The typical application area of these bags includes commercial buildings, pharmaceutical, mining, industrial, and others. The booming pharmaceutical industry in the region to address the health issues of the rising population, is also driving the region's liquid and air filter bags market growth. The various uses of filter bags in the pharmaceutical industry include recovery of expensive active ingredients, catalyst recovery, filtration of gelatins, and active carbon purification and removal. Increasing demand for liquid and air filter bags from the cement manufacturing and mining industries to serve as lucrative market opportunity There has been an increasing demand for liquid and air filter bags from the cement manufacturing and mining industries. With the increase in infrastructure activities globally, there has been a rise in the set-up of cement manufacturing and mining industries. These industries use these filter bags as mediums for reducing the dust particles generated during the manufacturing process. Hence, the manufacturers working in these industries are fitting filter bags around the equipment as per the filtration requirements. This serves as the lucrative opportunity for liquid and air filter bags market growth. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Research Background 1.1 Research Objectives 1.2 Market Definition 1.3 Research Scope 1.4 Key Stakeholders Chapter 2. Research Methodology 2.1 Secondary Research 2.2 Primary Research 2.3 Market Size Estimation 2.4 Data Triangulation 2.5 Assumptions for the Study Chapter 3. Executive Summary Chapter 4. Introduction 4.1 Definition of Market Segments 4.1.1 By Type 4.1.1.1 Liquid 4.1.1.2 Air 4.1.2 By Bag Size 4.1.2.1 7OD*17'' 4.1.2.2 7OD*32'' 4.1.2.3 4OD*8'' 4.1.2.4 4OD*14'' 4.1.2.5 Others 4.1.3 By Application 4.1.3.1 Chemicals and pharmaceuticals 4.1.3.2 Steel and power 4.1.3.3 Cement 4.1.3.4 Mining 4.1.3.5 Water treatment 4.1.3.6 Others 4.2 Value Chain Analysis 4.3 Market Dynamics 4.3.1 Trends 4.3.1.1 Technological developments 4.3.2 Drivers 4.3.2.1 Stringent government regulations and increased environmental standards 4.3.2.2 Growing automotive industry 4.3.2.3 Increasing demand from cement manufacturing and mining industry 4.3.2.4 Increasing use in coal fired power plants 4.3.2.5 Impact analysis of drivers on market forecast 4.3.3 Restraints 4.3.3.1 Low resistance to wear and tear of liquid and air filter bags 4.3.3.2 Impact analysis of restraints on market forecast 4.3.4 Opportunities 4.3.4.1 Growing pharmaceutical industry Chapter 5. Global Market Size and Forecast 5.1 By Type 5.2 By Bag Size 5.3 By End User 5.4 By Region Chapter 6. North America Market Size and Forecast Chapter 7. Europe Market Size and Forecast Chapter 8. APAC Market Size and Forecast Chapter 9. LATAM Market Size and Forecast Chapter 10. MEA Market Size and Forecast Chapter 11. Competitive Landscape 11.1 Competitive Benchmarking of Key Players 11.2 Global Strategic Developments of Key Players 11.2.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 11.2.2 Facility Expansions 11.2.3 Product Launches Chapter 12. Company Profiles DowDuPont Inc. Filter Concept Pvt. Ltd. Danaher Corporation Donaldson Company Inc. Cummins Inc. Parker-Hannifin Corporation Eaton Corporation plc Emirates Industrial Filters Co. LLC FILPRO Corporation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/s52h7l/global_liquid_and?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. UNC Chancellor Carol Folt announced her decision to step down from her position at the end of the academic year, on Monday, Jan. 14. Thank you for Reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and Purchase a Subscription to continue reading. SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inxeption Corporation, the pioneer of blockchain-for-business, today announced that UPS (NYSE:UPS) Strategic Enterprise fund has made an equity investment in the company. The investment will be used to create innovative new e-commerce solutions for B2B sellers and buyers. This partnership represents the future of commerce, said Farzad Dibachi, CEO and co-founder of Inxeption. Business customers need secure platforms that protect their customer data and proprietary information, while making it easy for them to interact and even collaborate more effectively with their customers. We are thrilled to partner with UPS, the largest logistics provider in the world. Inxeption has designed the first blockchain-based e-commerce platform for B2B that catalogs and digitizes product information. The robust technology integrates product design, manufacturing, and supply chain to help merchants grow their top line revenue and sell products online, either for the first time or in a scalable, smarter way. Shipping solutions are a particularly important factor in B2B e-commerce. UPS and Inxeption will work together to develop and bring to market new solutions in this area. The platform also features real-time analytics so customers can monitor online sales, and receive real-time order status, and security notifications. Inxeption plans to launch additional solutions to meet the needs of specific market segments. Inxeptions technology is attractive to UPS because it helps unlock new efficiencies for customers using B2B e-commerce platforms, said Kevin Warren, chief marketing officer of UPS. UPS creates alliances and partnerships to gain market knowledge and position the company as the shipper of choice in ecommerce. Inxeption was founded in 2017 by Dibachi, Mark Moore and Terry Garnett. Before Inxeption, they served in technical and marketing management roles at Oracle before co-founding another tech company, Niku Corporation. To learn more about Inxeption, visit www.inxeption.com/zippy.html. About Inxeption Inxeption is changing the way industries promote, sell and manage products and services online. Inxeption is a feature-rich e-commerce platform, providing the best tools and innovative blockchain technology to insure trusted, secure and reliable transactions. Inxeption is a sophisticated platform that rapidly increases sales, streamlines your business, and extends products to new online channels. https://www.inxeption.com. Letter to the Editor The efforts been renewed to bond for a new school. . Let me state the problem Everybody, including me, wants a new school, nobody wants to ... What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 712-243-2624 or email circ@ant-news.com. An air of calm pervaded the passenger area of the Cathay Pacific flight which returned to Auckland after birdstrike on Thursday. But one passenger, Beth Nunn of Manchester, says she was disappointed the flight crew were not around to reassure passengers who may have been concerned. Flight CX198s nose was stoved-in mid-flight as it left Auckland for Hong Kong. Beth was returning to the United Kingdom after a brief holiday in New Zealand, lodging with friends at Papamoa. She says the extent of the damage was a shock especially assuming it was a small amount. The captain had really downplayed the damage, says Beth. While the return trip home was calm, flight crew, however, was pretty much non-existent. I asked for water at one point but no drinks or food were offered in the almost two hours we were flying (we took off at about 3.05pm and landed about 4.40pm). If anything, I was very disappointed with the service, reassurance and advice offered by the crew. They were not visible or particularly accessible after the initial announcements. They were certainly not around to reassure passengers who might have been concerned. Initially, passengers were told the aircraft was returning to Auckland and would land in 20 minutes. The time was extended to 45 minutes as the plane looped from east to west to dump fuel. It was played down and implied that they hoped the damage would be repaired [so] we could restart the journey on that aircraft. The captain was excellent in his manner to reassure passengers its a shame his crew were not the same. The stoved in nose of the plane. On landing, the aircraft and passengers sat on the runway for half an hour with no updated information or refreshment. After being told the flight had been cancelled and would be rearranged for the next day, passengers were still calm and mostly happy with the decision to turn back. I think after seeing the damage we were even more relieved! says Beth. She says airport service was also disappointing and instructions were confusing and business class passengers were given preference over those in economy. I almost went through customs without claiming my bag after being told to just get in this line if youre from the cancelled flight, says Beth. By 11pm last night, I still had no news on my replacement flight. Though a re-booking was confirmed at midnight, Beth did not learn of it until she rang the airline this morning. She is booked on a flight this afternoon to return via Dubai. The former teacher, who owns and operates a social enterprise in the UK, working with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, says she was looked after with regards to a hotel and food but there was much confusion and I am still unsure as to when my mammoth return journey to the U.K. will begin. I was told to come to the hotel and would receive more info but felt unable to settle for the night not knowing when I am supposed to be boarding two long haul flights home. Beth says other passengers were also frustrated. I know many other passengers are feeling the same as me frustration. When at the desk trying to sort my inward journey, it was also frustrating to see first class passengers being quickly reassigned flights and economy being partly dismissed; understandably, an element of service is expected for first class but maybe airlines need to be more mindful of how this is managed so not to cause more frustration. SunLive has contact Cathay Pacific for comment and will post any updates to our site when we get them. SANFORD, Fla., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RepScrubs , a national company providing time-sensitive vendor attire for infection prevention in hospitals, today announces its partnership with Cypress Creek Outpatient Surgical Center, bringing it to an 80 percent market share in South Florida. Repscrubs prevents infections, reduces costs and manages vendors, or medical device sales representatives, with its unique surgical attire solution. Now, the company is able to help lessen the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) across all 40 of its South Florida locations, such as JFK, Mercy Hospital, Broward Health, Memorial Health, University of Miami, Jackson Health, Holy Cross and more across the nation. South Florida is home to some of the most innovative hospital systems in the nation, and we believe this expansion truly signifies a new chapter in infection prevention, said Jeff Feuer, president and CEO of RepScrubs. Battling HAIs is a body of work, and while there is no one solution, an effective vendor management program focused on vendor access and proper surgical attire is a major stepping stone to patient safety. RepScrubs works through an automated, cashless scrub dispensing unit, or ScrubPort. Each vendor checks into the ScrubPort and purchases a personalized security badge and a pre-packaged set of long-sleeved disposable scrubs prior to entering the operating room (OR). To prevent scrubs from re-use, each scrub set is equipped with a time-sensitive badge that bleeds expired after eight hours, showing that particular set of scrubs as expired. In addition, RepScrubs generates usage reports to ensure vendor compliance and to assist hospital administrators in managing OR traffic. Studies have found that following a standard eight-hour work shift, 92 percent of scrubs worn by hospital personnel are carrying dangerous bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains of MRSA, VRE and C-Diff. Both MRSA and VRE isolates can survive for up to 90 days on hospital fabrics, and these pathogens cannot be killed through laundry systems found at home. Unknown to many patients, medical device sales representatives are present during 35 to 40 percent of all surgical procedures and approximately 68 percent of all large bone orthopedic procedures. There are no standardized, universal regulations for this population, and vendors are often granted open access to ORs. Many wear their own home-laundered scrubs while visiting multiple hospitals, visiting public areas, and going back home in one day. While hospitals have policies regarding clean surgical attire, enforcing these policies among visiting surgical vendors has proven difficult. RepScrubs allows hospitals to benefit from vendors expertise, have a firm system in place to track OR traffic, limit pathogen transfer and keep patients safe. As more complex cases are being introduced to the outpatient environment, it was paramount that we take every preventative measure available in the market for patient safety, said Liliana Lehmann, founder and president of Axis Healthcare Partners and administrator at Cypress Creek Outpatient Surgical Center. For us, partnering with RepScrubs was the obvious choice in this process of infection prevention. The types of cases that are moving into ambulatory surgical centers (ASC) are expanding rapidly, and because of that, we need to be prepared for those changes in service lines. Our hope for the future of healthcare is that every health system and ASC will implement all available resources toward being proactive in infection prevention, not reactive. About RepScrubs RepScrubs provides healthcare facilities with time-sensitive vendor attire that improves infection prevention and vendor management protocols, while reducing costs. The RepScrubs system includes real-time vendor tracking reports for hospital staff about who has been to the operating room. For more information, visit http://www.repscrubs. com / . Contact: Daniel Tummeley 321.236.0102 dtummeley@uproarpr.com Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view. The Florida Department of Health reported 12,157 new COVID-19 cases statewide during the week of June 4-10, bringing the cumulative total since March 2020 to 2,300,786. Forty more people died, upping the death toll to 37,265. In the face of an increasingly painful shutdown for which the majority blame President Trump, Democrats would gain even more public support to end the shutdown by passing an addendum to their bill that includes further funds for trained personnel and modern technology where needed and a plan to critically study and identify any critical needs for additional fencing in selected border areas. The districts settlement decision came at a closed-door meeting, allowed under Florida law when litigation strategy is to be discussed. But transcripts are supposed to be kept and released to the public after the litigation ends. The district went to court to prevent its release. A judge ruled that because mediation was discussed he had ordered it the record of the meeting is sealed forever even though the mediator was not at the meeting. The new environmentalism out of a Republican governor gainsaying the policies of the previous Republican governor makes for quirky outcomes. If youre a Republican, are you worried that the new governors environmentalism could stifle business and growth? As a Democrat, are you optimistic that this heralds a new direction at the state level that will mean more focus on solving the states multiple water crises, from red tide to blue-green algae to saltwater intrusion and more? Congress should be able to do both, Schwirian said. He is committed to exploring all options and talking to whoever he can to try and get something done. The people of Florida deserve security and a government that functions. I think that this warrants it, DeSantis said after the meeting at A.D. Harris Learning Village in Panama City. Obviously, there is a lot of stuff going on in Washington right now, its not the best of times. But I think that would be very good for the local community. McConnell, in his statement, said he has "no tolerance" for the positions offered by King, and said "those who espouse these views are not supporters of American ideals and freedoms. Rep. King's statements are unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position. If he doesn't understand why 'white supremacy' is offensive, he should find another line of work." Rathbun was a researcher with the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, first as an assistant from 1997 to 2000 and then as director of research services until 2017. She also served as a consultant to the citys Historical Preservation Board for 17 years. The governor believes that the will of the people is important and understands that smoke was in the articles of intent. It appears he will end the wasteful spending of taxpayers dollars in this lawsuit and let patients receive all forms of mj (marijuana), Morgan said in an email. Las Vegas, NV, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Renewable Energy and Power, Inc., (REAP) (OTC: RBNW) has established a new division, CBD Health 2U, employing an innovative and proprietary process for the extraction of CBD cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, along with sales of CBD products. Seven initial SKUs (below) are available for sale at the companys online direct-to-consumer website www.cbdhealth2U.com, along with Amazon and eBay. APNews reports: The analysts forecast the Global CBD Oil Market to grow at a CAGR of 31.08% during the period 2018-2022. https://www.apnews.com/751e952f30824b4aa8200af48bba79e0 The Company is applying its proven process and engineering advantages to manufacture the highest possible quality CBD at the lowest cost to capture a significant portion of the rocketing global demand for CBD related products. Existing production resources include a Nevada-based 6,000 sq. ft industrial manufacturing facility, production equipment, industrial permits and licenses, and skilled engineers and technicians. As the company ramps up refining capacity, it will acquire high-quality biomass supply through its North American agricultural supply network, and establish new global wholesale channels. We believe our growing expertise in the CBD market opens an entirely new field of opportunity for RBNW, commented CEO Donald MacIntyre. We intend for these new markets to significantly expand our business and profitability. The initial line of CBD products includes: 2 OZ. Bottle 500 mg. CBD Oil Sublingual $75 1 OZ. Bottle HIGH POTENCY 500 mg. CBD Oil Sublingual Peppermint Flavor $75 2 OZ. Bottle 500 mg. CBD Oil Sublingual, Orange Flavor $75 1 OZ. Bottle 250 mg CBD Oil Sublingual Peppermint Flavor $55 1 OZ. Bottle 1000 mg. CBD Oil Vape Juice Natural Hemp Flavor (Unflavored) $85 2 OZ. Jar Salve-Action 500 Manna Butter CBD Topical $75 GEL-CAPS 30 Count X 25 mg. CBD, 750 mg. Total CBD per Bottle $75 About Renewable Energy and Power REAP is a diversified corporation established in 2012 to take advantage of Green Energy innovations for solar and LED lighting. Recently, the companys expertise in commercial farming grow lights, through its LED Lites USA division, has allowed it to enter the exploding CBD cannabidiol products market. Utilizing a new technology for extraction of CBD from HEMP biomass, the company is engaging in product manufacture and sales of CBD cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Safe Harbor Act: Forward-Looking Statements are included within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, financing plans, business strategy, products and services, competitive positions, growth opportunities, plans and objectives of management for future operations, including words such as "anticipate," "if," "believe," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "could," "should," "will," and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements and involve risks, uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, or achievements. We are under no obligation to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or alter our forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This week, more than 80,000 South Florida families will receive the long-overdue compensation they are guaranteed under the constitution when the state takes their private property, said Robert Gilbert, lead attorney for the homeowners. For nearly two decades, the Department of Agriculture tried to deprive these citizens of their constitutional rights. We fought this battle in the courts and overcame every obstacle the Department put in our path. Cassidy was identified from the Ohio drivers license he was carrying and told deputies he was only walking through the neighborhood because his car broke down and he was waiting for it to cool off, the arrest report said. But he refused to say where the car could be found. Miami Springs Police reportedly said Brookens stuffed the watches into her body cavity and fled the hotel. The Orlando businessman who owned the watches gave chase only to have Brookens clock him in the head as he tried to stop her from hailing a taxi, according to the report. Police at Florida International University are warning students and others about a man who flashed his private parts recently at two of the schools campuses. Breaking News Alerts Newsletter As it happens Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. Instead of apologizing for her remarks, Commissioner Lima-Taub has doubled down, even going as far as demanding an apology from Congresswoman Tlaib, Lazarow said. I believe we must take action to show all who are watching that Hallandale Beach isnt a place that tolerates hatred and bigotry. There are videos that seem to contradict what she said in a sworn affidavit, he said. I wish the state attorney would look at it. Is it perjury or is it exaggeration? Compare what she said on the video to see if a crime was committed. Its not like a kids game. It was the right thing to do and the least that we could do to try and help our federal partners to alleviate some of their stress during this time of financial uncertainty, said airport spokeswoman Arlene Satchell. The case will not be overseen by Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who is reported to be a close friend of the primary suspect, but rather by State Attorney Shai Nitzan. It is being conducted under strict court order, with Israels Anti-Fraud Unit obtaining a one month extension on the gag order. DENVER, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE: DCP) (the Partnership) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, DCP Midstream Operating, LP (the Operating Partnership), has commenced a public offering of an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.375% senior notes due 2025, which will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Partnership (the Additional Notes). The Additional Notes are being offered as additional notes to the existing $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2025 that the Operating Partnership issued on July 17, 2018 (the Existing Notes). The Additional Notes and the Existing Notes will have identical terms, other than the issue date, and are intended to be treated as a single series of debt securities. The completion of the proposed offering depends upon several factors, including market conditions. The Operating Partnership intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for general partnership purposes, including the funding of capital expenditures and the repayment of indebtedness under its revolving credit facility. Mizuho Securities USA LLC, Barclays Capital Inc., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Citigroup Global Markets Inc., MUFG Securities Americas Inc. and TD Securities (USA) LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. The Additional Notes are being offered and will be sold pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement. Before you invest, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus in the registration statement for more complete information about this offering. When available, copies of these documents may be obtained from any of the underwriters by contacting: Mizuho Securities USA LLC by mail at 320 Park Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10022 Attn: Debt Capital Markets, or by phone at (866) 271-7403; Barclays Capital Inc. c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions by mail at 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY, 11717, by phone at (888) 603-5847 (toll free), or by email at barclaysprospectus@broadridge.com ; or SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. by mail at 303 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA, 30326 Attn: Prospectus Department, by phone at (800) 685-4786, or by email at STRHdocs@SunTrust.com. You may also obtain these documents free of charge by visiting the SECs website at www.sec.gov. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. ABOUT DCP MIDSTREAM, LP DCP Midstream, LP (NYSE: DCP) is a Fortune 500 midstream master limited partnership headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with a diversified portfolio of gathering, processing, logistics and marketing assets. DCP is one of the largest natural gas liquids producers and marketers and one of the largest natural gas processors in the U.S. The owner of DCPs general partner is a joint venture between Enbridge and Phillips 66. This press release includes forward-looking statements as defined under the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the intended use of offering proceeds and other aspects of the senior notes offering. Although management believes that expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, these statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other assumptions that are difficult to predict and may be beyond the control of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership, including market conditions, customary offering closing conditions and other factors described in the base prospectus and accompanying prospectus supplement for the offering. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, the actual results of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership may vary materially from what management anticipated, estimated, projected or expected. Investors are encouraged to closely consider the disclosures and risk factors contained in the Partnerships annual and quarterly reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in the base prospectus and related prospectus supplement for the senior notes offering. The statements herein speak only as of the date of this press release. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. DCP Midstream, LP Investor Relations: Irene Lofland (303) 605-1822 Source: DCP Midstream, LP Ive been going to AMHSI for over 50 years, and my greatest pleasure is to learn from where everyones places are, said Greenfield. We are from all over and practice our own traditions, but at the end of the day, we are all Jews. When these students come to Israel and take the initiative to be engaged, this is the future of the Jewish people. Be proud of a country where we stand up and stick it out. It is easy to run away, and I tell youth that if you run, it will catch up with you. Run towards it. My boos were really loud and annoying, and that made people try and attack me. I was kicked, and they tried to force me off of my chair. People were being really violent, and then out of nowhere a guy showed up with a stick and a flag and just gave me a brutal, painful whack. Luckily, he didnt break anything. I filed a police complaint against the attacker, the Labor Party, and Avi Gabbay, who are responsible for order and for the safety of central committee members. Or, for example, the word phrase (which is the same in French), which Barat concludes comes from the Hebrew three-letter root paras or faras from the word , meaning to interpret. In Spanish, the word is frase, in Romanian fraza as well, and the same sound in Russia (). The Online Etymology Dictionary says the word comes from the Greek frasi (), but Barat infers it originates in Hebrew. While the notion of restoring Jewish sites in Egypt should be welcome, Jews around the world should not be misled into believing that there is a newfound national fascination of Jewish culture in Egypt, even for the few Jews who remain there. El-Sisi is operating purely based on realpolitik, just as he cooperates with Israel on defense and intelligence issues. We were able to make it happen much faster here, Max says. Even though two Italian restaurants have failed at the site (Cibo and Bar Italia), Max was not deterred. Even Keel is located on the busy US 1 corridor, has a parking lot and will seat 160 inside and another 20 on the patio. He hopes the restaurant will attract patrons from throughout Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point and even Boca Raton. It will be priced moderately for seafood, with small plates in the $15 range and entrees in the $25-$35 range. Even Keel will serve dinner nightly at 6 p.m., with happy hour and bar bites starting at 4 p.m. Weekend brunch will be available, but the restaurant will not offer weekday lunch service at the start. FPL has been pitching the program to big power users such as Broward County government, and said it will formally propose the program to regulators in March. Participating consumers could reduce their bills by sharing in the cost for additional solar energy centers and fields, the utility says. Its hard to think of a cigar company that has had the success in just over ten years that Tatuaje has enjoyed. Tatuaje has released numerous cigars that have had both commercial and critical success. That makes the personal cigar blend of Tatuaje brand owner Pete Johnson worthy of extra consideration, which is what his Black Label blend is. The cigar was first released for sale in 2007 in a Corona Gorda size that came in ceramic jars. Ive been fortunate enough to smoke quite a few of those original Tatuaje Black cigars (which my colleague gave our highest rating). While (regrettably) I didnt buy any when they were first available, Ive been given more than a few over the years from someone who bought multiple jars. Those cigars were outstanding and one of my personal all-time favorites. But all cigars change a little bit over time due to some uncontrollable variables. And Don Jose Pepin Garcia-made cigars, including Tatueje Black, have also changed slightly due to the lawsuit and falling out between Pepin and his former partner Eduardo Fernandez, owner of Aganorsa S.A. and partner in El Rey del Los Habanos. (Blends had to be tweaked when access to Aganorsa tobacco stopped.) That hasnt stopped Tatuaje, or Pepin (who makes Tatuaje for Johnson), from putting out excellent cigars. Nor has it prevented the Tatuaje Black from being reissued in 2011. In recent years a variety of sizes have been released, including this Robusto, which is offered in three-packs at Tatuaje events. Currently, a Tatuaje Black Petit Lancero is a limited, though regular, release. A new Corona Gorda, this time in a melamine jar, was released last year to celebrate Tatuajes tenth anniversary, though youll still find that available at some retailers. The Black Label, according to reports, is a Nicaraguan puro with a Criollo wrapper. The well-constructed Robusto features powdery medium-bodied flavors. Bread, oak, and sweet cinnamon dominate with underlying maple syrup notes. Its superbly balanced, but the sweetness sets it apart, providing an extra layer of richness that resonates beyond the more traditional layering of earth, leather, and spice. It has been a while since I smoked the original Tatuaje Black Corona Gorda, so its hard to compare the two, except to say (at least in my recollection) the original was superior to this Robusto. I did smoke both the Petit Lancero and Corona Gorda for comparison while working on this review, and I can confidently say I found the Robusto the best of the bunch. (A colleague rated the new Corona Gorda highly last year, although I probably wouldnt have given it quite so high of a score.) The Robusto, on the other hand, seems to be the best of the bunch when it comes to the recent-era Tatuaje Blacks. Given that it raises the already high bar, the Tatuaje Black Robusto earns a rating of five stogies out of five. [To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five stogie-rated cigars can be found here.] Patrick S photo credit: Stogie Guys DENVER, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AgEagle Aerial Systems, Inc., (NYSE American: UAVS) a provider of drone imagery and data analytics for the sustainable agriculture market, has launched a new university specific drone offering for 2019. Building on a sale to Arkansas State University Newport (ASU) last year by Agribotix (acquired by AgEagle in August 2018), AgEagle has now entered into a new drone program agreement with Modesto Junior College (MJC) to enhance the curriculum of their agriculture technology department. Beginning next spring, both ASU and MJC will utilize AgEagle drones and technology in their respective curriculum and research. Students will receive hands on experience creating digital aerial maps through the AgEagle FarmLens platform, while also being educated on the benefits of utilizing the data collected for sustainable farming. Further, training will be offered on how to properly use the drones, which are equipped with specialized sensors that collect ultra high-resolution images to identify specific areas of the field with crop weakness. Drone education will become a component of several tracks within each university's agricultural curriculum, including precision ag, agronomy, plant science and mapping. Our new university partnership program showcases our commitment to bring advanced, industry-leading technology to students and research organizations with the goal of training the next generation on the tools of today, so they can dream, build and utilize the tools of tomorrow, said Barrett Mooney, CEO of AgEagle. Both ASU and MJC are in close proximity to important agricultural areas of the U.S., making them institutions with a practical need to add emerging agricultural technology to their curriculum for educating the future farmers of our generation. Jeff Bookout, Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives at ASU, commented: As consumers become increasingly health conscious and demand food with less artificial ingredients and environmental impact, farmers are seeking out technologies that can help them grow crops more efficiently with less chemical and water usage. It is critical to equip our students, the future agricultural leaders of the world, with the knowledge and benefits of drone and technology usage to improve food production and sustainability. Universities can now purchase drone technology packages specifically tailored to their unique use cases. A combination of multicopter and fixed wing UAVs are available to universities with several sensors and one common software platform for data processing AgEagle FarmLens. As a retailer of many drone platforms and sensors, including those manufactured by AgEagle for commercial release, this university offering helps ag departments build a relationship with one company to test and train students on the best technology available. AgEagle will continue to provide support to universities after the sale, and will offer training to faculty and research staff to ensure they have the tools to build a strong curriculum on the field use of UAVs in agriculture. Mike Morales, plant science professor at MJC, commented: Utilizing drone technology in agriculture provides a wide range of benefits to society. In addition to reducing water and chemical usage, drone technology and analytics enable farmers to more effectively manage their labor costs, which is a critical component of their business and an important expense to monitor as they look to improve their bottom-line. About AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. Founded in 2012, AgEagle is a provider of drone imagery data analytics for the precision and sustainable agriculture markets. The company designs, produces, distributes and supports technologically-advanced small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) that collect valuable information for farmers by flying over large fields of corn, soybeans, wheat and other types of crops. These UAVs collect thousands of ultra-high-resolution images using sophisticated near-infrared sensors, or cameras, which are ultimately utilized to enhance yield and identify sustainability opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses alike. The company is based in Neodesha, Kansas. For more information, please visit www.ageagle.com . Contacts: Analysts and Institutional Investors Liolios Investor Relations Sean Mansouri Cody Slach P: 949-574-3860 Individual and Retail Investors Integra Consulting Group Jeremy Roe P: 925-262-8305 Do you want to manage your remote workers effectively? If yes, you are in the right place. In this article,... 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. Former Sr. R&D Manager at BASF Corporation to lead Companys product development, technical service and manufacturing efforts NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Applied Minerals, Inc. (the "Company" or "Applied Minerals") (OTCQB: AMNL), a leading global producer of halloysite clay under the trade name DRAGONITE and advanced natural iron oxides under the trade name AMIRON is pleased to announce it has appointed Dr. Sharad Mathur its Chief Technology Officer. As the Companys Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Mathur will draw on more than 20 years of experience at BASF Corporation and Engelhard Corporation to lead the Companys product development, technical service and manufacturing efforts. In particular, Dr. Mathur, along with the Companys CEO, Andre Zeitoun, will closely interface with the technical and engineering staffs of the Companys customer base to facilitate the conversion of the Companys pipeline of commercial opportunities. Andre Zeitoun, CEO, stated, It is a great honor to have Sharad join the Applied Minerals team. Sharad has a long proven track record as a customer-centric commercial scientist, highly fluent across a wide range of applications on which we are focused. It is rare to find such a talented professional with the enthusiasm to match. We are very confident that Sharads contribution will be immediately accretive to the development of our business. Dr. Mathur added, I am very excited to join the team at Applied Minerals. I look forward to applying my vast experience with kaolin clay-based technologies to the continued commercialization of the Companys DRAGONITE halloysite products, which enable the development of high performance solutions for an array of applications. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Mathur was most recently a Sr. R&D Manager for Global Strategic Marketing and Innovation for BASFs Paper and Water Chemicals Global Business Unit and Kaolin Global Business Unit. His duties included, but were not limited to, managing technical relationships at key accounts, directing new product development activities and managing the development of manufacturing processes. From July 2009 to December 2014, Dr. Mathur was Head of Product Development, Applications and Quality for BASFs North American Paper Chemicals Regional Business Unit that included the Global Kaolin business. During his tenure Dr. Mathur directed a 25-member R&D team, was responsible for an annual R&D budget of $4 million and successfully managed the commercialization of a portfolio of new products. Dr. Mathur has an M.Eng in Materials Science and Engineering from McMaster University and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida. He is listed as an inventor on thirteen (13) issued U.S. patents and six (6) U.S. patent applications. About Applied Minerals Applied Minerals is the leading producer of halloysite clay and advanced natural iron oxide solutions from its wholly owned Dragon Mine property in Utah. Halloysite is aluminosilicate clay that forms naturally occurring nanotubes. In addition to serving the traditional halloysite markets for use in technical ceramics and catalytic applications, the Company has developed niche applications that benefit from the tubular morphology of its halloysite. These applications include carriers of active ingredients in paints, coatings and building materials, environmental remediation, agricultural applications and high-performance additives and fillers for plastic composites. Applied Minerals markets its halloysite products under the DRAGONITE trade name. From its Dragon Mine property, the Company also produces a range of ultra-pure natural iron oxides consisting of hematite and goethite. Combining ultra-high purity and consistent quality, the inherent properties of the iron oxide from the Dragon Mine allow for a wide range of end uses in pigment and technical applications. Applied Minerals markets its comprehensive line of advanced natural iron oxide pigments under the AMIRON trade name. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.appliedminerals.com and www.AMIRONoxides.com . Safe Harbor Statements The following are safe harbor statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for Applied Minerals, Inc. Some statements contained or implied in this news release may be considered forward-looking statements, which by their nature are uncertain. Consequently, actual results could materially differ. For more detailed information concerning how risks and uncertainties could affect the Company's revenue pipeline, please refer to Applied Minerals' most recent annual and quarterly reports filed with the SEC. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information. IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocutrx Vision Technologies, LLC, a California-based developer of augmented reality (AR) glasses, today announced that Dr. Linda Lam, MD, MBA, joined the companys executive management team in the role of chief scientific and strategy officer. Currently an associate professor of Ophthalmology and vice chair of Satellite Clinical Affairs at the USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Lam will lead the development and oversight of the scientific, technological and research operations currently underway at Ocutrx. In this position, she will guide new technology development as well as help align current and future R&D efforts with organizational priorities, industry trends and growth opportunities. "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lam into the management team at Ocutrx. Dr. Lam has a track record as an outstanding clinician, innovator and educator," said Michael H. Freeman, CEO/CTO. "Her commitment to innovation, scholarly research and improved patient outcomes is an excellent fit with Ocutrxs flagship product, the Oculenz augmented reality glasses for low vision patients among other applications. We are confident the leadership for science and strategy is being placed into very experienced and capable hands." Dr. Lam brings a deep expertise in complex medical and surgical vitreoretinal cases to Ocutrx. Her unique skill set also extends to clinical operations and strategy, research in macular degeneration, medical devices, artificial intelligence research and vision rehabilitation. In addition to her work at the USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Lam is also an executive board member of the Braille Institute of America and member of the board of low vision rehabilitation for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The work Ocutrx is doing to advance augmented reality products and broader medical technology in the augmented reality space is revolutionary and broadly applicable across multiple demographics, industries and levels of visual impairments, said Dr. Lam. Im thrilled with the opportunity to contribute to the groundbreaking work at Ocutrx and I cant wait to share with the medical community some of the exciting progress we have in store for 2019. To learn more about Ocutrx and the companys groundbreaking AR wear and AR technology, please visit http://www.oculenz.com/ . About Ocutrx With corporate headquarters in Irvine, California, and a research and development lab in the US Midwest, Ocutrx is a new breed of AR manufacturing company focusing on the lightest weight AR headset housing the largest field-of-vision in the market. At a time when worldwide applications for easy-to-wear and easy-to-use AR solutions are being touted as the next big thing after smartphones, Ocutrx is creating impactful, revolutionary AR wear for mass use. To learn more about Ocutrx, please visit the company website at http://www.oculenz.com/ . A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a73360ee-89b8-4bca-802e-6fd5e044f30c How do you feel about the first half of 2021, locally? I think the city and county are heading in the right direction. I'm disappointed with 2021, so far. How do I get back to the home page? View Results English15/01/2019 THEY ASSUMED OFFICES IN PA, BUT KEEP RECEIVING COUNCIL OF MINISTERS SALARIES SARAJEVO, January 15 /SRNA/ - Chairman of the BiH Council of Ministers, Denis Zvizdic, and four ministers who assumed the offices in the Parliamentary Assembly of BiH - Dragan Mektic, Mirko Sarovic, Igor Crnadak and Adil Osmanovic keep receiving salaries in the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury of BiH confirmed to SRNA. Mektic holds position of security minister, Sarovic of minister of foreign trade and economic relations, Crnadak is a foreign minister and Osmanovic is a civil affairs minister in the Council of Ministers. Their salaries, depending on length of service, transport and separated life allowances, amount to approximately BAM 5,000. "For the time being, only former Transport and Communications Minister Ismir Jusko, who has been appointed Cantonal Minister, and former Deputy Minister of Defence, Boris Jerinic, who is currently acting deputy mayor of Doboj, have been removed from the payroll," the Ministry of Finance and Treasury says. Croat member of the BiH Presidency Zeljko Komsic has stated that without adopting the proposed annual national programme for NATO, there is no support to the minister designated for forming new Council of Ministers. Bosniak member of the Presidency of BiH, Sefik Dzaferovic, is for the same option. At today's session, the Council of Ministers withdrew from the agenda the proposed annual national programme for NATO and returned it to the NATO accreditation committee that had previously adopted it, even though Serb members did not attend it. Komsic previously accepted SNSD member Zoran Tegeltija as the only candidate for the position of the Council of Ministers chair, but has recently set a new condition and stated that the outgoing Council of Ministers headed by Zvizdic will remain in the provisional terms of office for the next four years. Serb member and BiH Presidency Chairman Milorad Dodik has earlier stated that he sees no reason for the sitting of the Presidency before the appointment of the Council of Ministers chairman is resolved. He has said that the law had already been violated because, although consultations were held and Tegeltija as a candidate was not disputed, he has not been nominated. "Once the other two Presidency members inform me they are ready to make a decision, I am ready for the sitting. Until then, no need for it," Dodik has stated earlier. Chair of the SNSD Caucus in the House of Representatives of the BiH Parliament, Stasa Kosarac, has called on the ministers in the provisional terms of office Sarovic, Mektic and Crnadak to resign their ministerial positions and assume the parliamentary mandates entrusted to them by the people of Republika Srpska. "Their continued stay in the outgoing Council of Ministers is in favour of the policy of blackmail and conditionality conducted by Izetbegovic's SDA, Komsic and part of the international community representatives in Sarajevo," Kosarac has said. /end/vos Saving a Memorial The Immense Challenge of Preserving Auschwitz Conservators at the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial are doing all they can to preserve artifacts left behind by those murdered at the camp in the Holocaust. Structures, too, need refurbishment. But the goal of authenticity is a difficult one to reach. Dublin, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Private Equity in South Africa 2018" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Private equity's capital penetration, or capital injected into the economy through private investments, was equal to 0.7% of GDP in 2017, and the sector is an important role player in the development of companies and infrastructure projects in the country. South Africa's private equity industry had R158bn in funds under management in 2017. The volume and value of private equity and venture capital deals targeting South African companies declined year-on-year in 2017 with 43 deals worth a combined US$312m, compared to the US$896m invested across 60 deals in 2016. In terms of value, 2017's results were the lowest since 2010. Private equity continues to outperform listed equity. Influencing Factors: The relatively expensive level of equities on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, regulatory acceptance of investment by South African pension funds in private equity funds, government's renewable energy programme, the need for banks to reduce their loan books, infrastructure requirements and the economic growth enjoyed by some sub-Saharan African countries are fuelling renewed interest in private equity investment. While the recent focus has been on deploying rather than raising funds, the decline in fundraising is a concern to industry role players. The report profiles 25 public and private companies including the Public Investment Corporation, Ethos, Brait, African Rainbow Capital, Lereko and the private equity arms of major fund managers including Old Mutual and Sanlam. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction 2. Description Of Industry 2.1. Industry Body 2.2. Industry Value Chain 2.3. Geographic Position 3. Size Of The Industry 4. State Of The Industry 4.1. Local 4.1.1. Corporate Actions 4.1.2. Regulations 4.1.3. Enterprise Development And Social Economic Development 4.2. Continental 4.3. International 5. Influencing Factors 5.1. Economic Environment 5.2. Pension Fund Investment 5.3. Infrastructure Investment 5.4. Responsible Investing 5.5. Impact Investing 5.6. Labour 5.7. Information Technology (It), Research And Development And Innovation 5.8. Cybersecurity 6. Competition 7. Swot Analysis 8. Outlook 9. Industry Associations 10. References Companies Mentioned Ethos Private Equity (Pty) Ltd Actis Africa Ltd International Finance Corporation Remgro Ltd Business Partners Ltd National Empowerment Fund Trust RMB Private Equity (Pty) Ltd Rockwood Private Equity (Pty) Ltd Old Mutual Private Equity (Division of Old Mutual Investment Group (Pty) Ltd) Development Bank of Southern Africa Lereko Investments (Pty) Ltd Public Investment Corporation SOC Ltd Development Partners International LLP CapitalWorks Investment Partners (Pty) Ltd Nedbank Ltd Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd KZN Growth Fund Trust Brait SE Mineworkers Investment Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd Intel South Africa Corporation Hulisani Ltd EPE Capital Partners Ltd African Rainbow Capital Investments Ltd Sanlam Private Equity (Division of Sanlam Investment Management (Pty) Ltd) Pembani Remgro Infrastructure Managers (Pty) Ltd Liquid Alchemy (Pty) Ltd For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/ljdfdd/south_africa?w=12 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. LIBERTY LAKE, Wash., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hunt Mining Corp. (the Corporation or Hunt) (TSX VENTURE: HMX OTCQB: HGLD) announces shipments of 181,008 troy ounces of silver and 403.15 troy ounces of gold for the 2018 fiscal period from the Martha Silver / Gold Project (Martha Project) located in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Hunt continues to conduct pre-feasibility work to advance a decision on the feasibility of forming a joint venture with Fomicruz, the Santa Cruz province-owned mining company; Hunts partner in the mining claims at the La Josefina / La Valenciana projects located approximately 115 km north of the Martha Project. More details on such work, including the metallurgical test shipments are forthcoming. 2018 Martha Project Shipments Shipment Silver (Troy Ounces) Gold (Troy Ounces) 10 33,791 39.49 11 20,323 20.55 12 30,981 127.76 13 72,368 124.23 14 23,545 91.12 Total 181,008 403.15 Troy ounce = 31.1035 grams dmt = dry metric tonne g/t = grams per tonne Silver and gold grades are based on independent sampling and assaying performed by Alex Stewart International, a global, independent, certified analytical services company. Rounding may result in differences in contained ounces Martha - Ongoing activity at the Martha Project is being undertaken without established mineral resources or reserves and the Corporation has not established the economic viability of the operations on the Martha Project. As a result, there is increased uncertainty and economic risk of failure associated with these activities. Hunt filed an updated NI 43-101 Technical Report (Technical Report) for the Martha Project, dated October 12, 2018 titled Martha Silver and Gold Project, Santa Cruz, Argentina, which is currently available on SEDAR and on the Corporations website at: http://www.huntmining.com/sites/default/files/2018-10/MM%20TR_2018_HUNTMINING_12Oct18.pdf Additional information on the Martha Project and other Santa Cruz, Argentina projects can be viewed on the Company website at: www.huntmining.com . About Hunt Mining Hunt Mining Corp. has continued to develop its properties as an active and aggressive explorer in Santa Cruz since 2006. During that time, Hunt's wholly owned subsidiary, Cerro Cazador S.A., has completed exploration activity including 62,000 meters of HQ core drilling, 416 line kilometers of Induced Polarization geophysical surveys and more than 20,000 surface soil, sediment, channel, chip, and trench samples, beyond the historical work previous to the same properties. Hunt also owns a 100% interest in the Martha Mine, located in the Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. For more information contact: Dean Stuart Investor Relations T: (403) 617-7609 E: dean@boardmarker.net Bob Little Chief Administration Officer T: (509) 290-5659 E: blittle@huntmining.com Neither the TSX Venture nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Syria IS attack undermines Trump's victory claims Washington, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2019 Just four weeks after President Donald Trump declared victory over the Islamic State group, the jihadists claimed responsibility for a brutal attack in Syria that highlighted a very different reality on the ground. Four Americans, including two troops, were among those killed when a suicide bomber hit a restaurant in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north -- the deadliest attack against US forces since they first deployed in the war-torn nation four years ago. Trump claimed on December 19 that the US and its allies had "beaten" IS, and he ordered an immediate troop withdrawal from the war-torn country. While many Americans have cheered Trump's decision, fed up after years of costly and seemingly interminable conflicts, observers said Wednesday's attack shows he was too hasty. Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said the attack demonstrated how IS can now conduct a low-level insurgency in Syria. This is "precisely how this jihadist organization has adapted and gone back on the attack in years past," Lister said. "Trump's order was reckless and driven far more by domestic political concerns than it was by facts on the ground." To bolster his argument that IS had been defeated, Trump highlighted how much territory the group had lost since it declared a "caliphate" across swaths of Syria and Iraq in 2014. But the jihadists still hold small pockets of land in the Euphrates River Valley, and thousands of fighters are thought to remain in Syria. "To suggest ISIS is 'defeated' because it no longer controls territory is to fundamentally misunderstand how ISIS and similar organizations seek to operate," Lister said, using an alternate acronym for the jihadist group. - 'No time to retreat' - Members of Trump's own Republican Party have spoken out against his withdrawal plans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, usually a stalwart supporter. "My concern about the statements made by President Trump is that (he) had set in motion an enthusiasm by the enemy we are fighting," Graham said. "I would hope the president would look long and hard with where he's headed in Syria. I know people are frustrated, but we are never going to be safe here unless we are willing to help people over there who will stand up against this radical ideology." Senator Marco Rubio, another Republican, said IS's claim for the attack serves as a "tragic reminder that ISIS not been defeated and is transforming into a dangerous insurgency." "This is no time to retreat from the fight against ISIS. Will only embolden & strengthen them," Rubio said on Twitter. The American president did not immediately react to the US troop deaths, but Vice President Mike Pence doubled down on Trump's declaration that IS was beaten. "The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated," Pence said. In a statement, he later added: "We have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities." Pence added that the American people "can be assured" that the US would never allow ISIS to reestablish "their evil and murderous caliphate." In the weeks since he gave the withdrawal order, Trump and members of his administration have delivered mixed messages about the timeline. National Security Advisor John Bolton last week announced conditions for a withdrawal that appeared to slow it for an undetermined amount of time. Adding to the confusion, the Pentagon then said the US has already begun "the process of our deliberate withdrawal" from Syria, but stressed this was only for "non-essential" military gear -- and not troops. Russia, US in war of words over arms treaty Moscow, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2019 Russia on Wednesday accused Washington of being uncooperative on efforts to save a crucial arms control treaty, only to be accused by the US of dishonesty. Tensions have raged for months over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement and President Vladimir Putin threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim. Speaking after fresh talks between US and Russian officials in Geneva to salvage the INF led nowhere, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready to continue negotiating. "We are still ready to work to save the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty," Russia's top diplomat told reporters. He called on European nations to help influence Washington, saying they had a major stake in the issue and should not be "at the tail-end of the US position". Last month Washington gave Russia a 60-day deadline to dismantle missiles that it claims breach the INF treaty or the US would begin the six-month process of formally withdrawing from the deal. Moscow's top negotiator in Geneva, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, said the Geneva talks centred on Russia's 9M729 system but that US demands regarding the missile were unacceptable. Lavrov said on Wednesday the Russian side in Geneva came up with "constructive proposals" aiming to give the US an idea of what the 9M729 system was, but the US side arrived with an "ultimatum" and demanded to "destroy" the rocket and related equipment. - 'Lip service' - US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson countered that talks "did not break new ground" and said Russia's offers of inspection of the 9M729 were inadequate and merely "paid lip service to transparency." "Disappointingly but unsurprisingly we weren't able to break any new ground" in the Geneva talks, Thompson told reporters after briefing NATO allies in Brussels. She said Moscow's offers, such as a "static display" of the missiles, would not show whether they breach the treaty. The US wants to see the system in testing, not in an environment where the Russian military can "control the results," she said. Russian negotiators on Tuesday proposed holding another round of talks on the agreement but received no reply from the US side, Ryabkov has said. Russia denies it is in violation of the treaty, which forbids ground-launched short- and intermediate-range missiles. In Geneva on Tuesday, US and Russian diplomats blamed each other for pushing the agreement to the brink of collapse. Russian officials said US representatives had confirmed Washington's intention to begin withdrawing from the treaty from February 2. - US trying to 'impose its will' - Lavrov also expressed hope it would be possible to save another key arms control agreement, the New START. The agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021. "We are doing a lot to remove possible irritants regarding it and are interested in having it extended," he said. He slammed Washington's overall position, saying the potential for conflict was increasing due to the West's unwillingness to accept "the reality of an emerging multi-polar world" and its desire to "impose its will" on the rest of the global community. Putin has threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped. He said in December he was open to the idea of other countries joining the INF treaty or to starting talks on a new agreement. Putin has also said that if Washington moved to place more missiles in Europe after ditching the deal, Russia would respond "in kind" and that any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack. The INF deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China. burs-as-ma/dcr US slams Russia over missile treaty Brussels, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2019 The US on Wednesday accused Russia of dishonesty and evasiveness over a controversial missile system the West says breaches a key arms control treaty. US Under Secretary of State Andrea Thompson said talks in Geneva aimed at saving the Cold War era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) did not "break new ground" and there was no sign Russia would come back into compliance with the accord. The 1987 treaty, seen as a key prop of international arms control, is in danger of collapse, with the US vowing to pull out unless Russia takes steps to dismantle a new nuclear-capable cruise missile system that Washington and NATO says violates the accord. Russian offers of inspections of the nuclear-capable 9M729 cruise missile system were totally inadequate, Thompson said, adding that the Kremlin had demanded to be allowed to inspect US systems in return. "Disappointingly but unsurprisingly we weren't able to break any new ground" in the Geneva talks, Thompson told reporters after briefing NATO allies in Brussels. "They paid lip service to transparency... they continued to dodge questions, they continue to offer false information regarding the missile's capabilities and the testing activity." The US has given Russia until February 2 to take steps to come back into compliance, but Thompson said there was no indication they would do so. Russia denies it is in breach of the treaty and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said his side had come up with "constructive proposals" in Geneva. Thompson said the Russian suggestions -- including a "static display" of the missiles -- would not have shown whether or not the missiles breached the treaty. "The issue at hand is the range of the system, so a static display of the system doesn't tell me how far that missile can fly," she said. Thompson said the US wanted to see the missile in testing and not an environment where the Russian military could "control the results". The US and NATO say the system, also known by the designation SSC-8, violates the INF treaty, which banned ground-launched missiles with a range of 500 to 5,500 kilometres. NATO says the missiles are mobile and hard to detect and can hit cities in Europe with little or no warning, dramatically changing the security calculus on the continent. Washington has raised concerns about the missile system with the Russians at least 30 times over the past five years, according to officials. The US has also published extensive details of evidence it has shown Moscow to prove the missiles breach the treaty. Russia ready to 'save' INF arms treaty, urges Europe to help Moscow, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2019 Russia said on Wednesday it was ready to work with Washington to save a crucial arms control treaty and called on Europe to help in faltering talks. Tensions have raged for months over the fate of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty (INF) signed in 1987 by then US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. US President Donald Trump has promised to walk away from the agreement and President Vladimir Putin threatened a new arms race, saying Europe would be its main victim. Speaking after fresh talks between US and Russian officials in Geneva to salvage the INF led nowhere, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow was ready to continue talks. "We are still ready to work to save the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty," Russia's top diplomat told reporters. He called on European nations to help influence Washington, saying they had a major stake in the issue and should not be "at the tail-end of the US position". Last month Washington said it would withdraw from the INF treaty within 60 days if Russia did not dismantle missiles that the US claims breach the deal. Moscow's top negotiator in Geneva, deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, said the Geneva talks centred on Russia's 9M729 system but that US demands regarding the missile were unacceptable. Lavrov said on Wednesday the Russian side in Geneva came up with "constructive proposals" aiming to give the US an idea of what the 9M729 system was. "However, US representatives arrived with a prepared position that was based on an ultimatum and centred on a demand for us to destroy this rocket, its launchers, and all related equipment under US supervision," Lavrov said. The US negotiators never explained why Washington did not want to consider Russia's proposals, he added. - 'You are violating, we are not' - Talks have essentially ground to a halt, Lavrov said, describing Washington's logic as: "You are violating the treaty and we are not." Russian negotiators on Tuesday proposed holding another round of talks on the agreement but received no reply from the US side, Ryabkov has said. Russia denies it is in violation of the treaty, which forbids ground-launched short- and intermediate-range missiles. In Geneva on Tuesday, US and Russian diplomats blamed each other for pushing the agreement to the brink of collapse. Russia said Washington had confirmed its intention to exit the treaty from February 2. US Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security, Andrea Thompson, has said the Geneva meeting was "disappointing" and Russia continued "to be in material breach of the treaty." - US trying to 'impose its will' - Lavrov also expressed hope it would be possible to save another key arms control agreement, the New START. The agreement, which caps the number of nuclear warheads held by Washington and Moscow, expires in 2021. "We are doing a lot to remove possible irritants regarding it and are interested in having it extended," he said. He slammed Washington's overall position, saying the potential for conflict was increasing due to the West's unwillingness to accept "the reality of an emerging multi-polar world" and its desire to "impose its will" on the rest of the global community. Putin has threatened to develop nuclear missiles banned under the INF treaty if it is scrapped. He said in December he was open to the idea of other countries joining the INF treaty or to starting talks on a new agreement. Putin has also said that if Washington moved to place more missiles in Europe after ditching the deal, Russia would respond "in kind" and that any European countries agreeing to host US missiles would be at risk of a Russian attack. The INF deal resolved a crisis over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles targeting Western capitals, but put no restrictions on other major military actors such as China. SEATTLE, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- CFN Media Group (CFN Media), the leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, announces publication of an article covering International Cannabis Corps strategic position in Europe. Europes population is over 740 million - twice the size of the US and Canada combined and is currently suffering from cannabis supply shortages. Additionally, the European cannabis market still in its infancy compared to North Americas, and strategic investments made last year by International Cannabis Corp. (CSE: WRLD, OTC: KNHBF) present an enormous strategic opportunity for ICC. Like most of Europe, Scandinavian policies on cannabis have been traditionally strict, but in Denmark there has been a significant change in recent years. This change could translate into big business for companies such as ICC with the foresight to establish an early presence. In November 2017, the Danish Parliament announced plans to begin a four year trial of medical cannabis on January 1, 2018, and the government committed $3.2m to the trial. Then, on January 1, 2018, Denmark legalized medical cannabis following a unanimous vote by parliament, and at the same time, offered a tender for cultivating medical cannabis to international and domestic companies. One year later, Denmark is poised to become one of Europes top producers of medical cannabis, and ICC is well positioned to capitalize. The market has already seen a number of strategic partnerships between Canadian and Danish companies, and a number of domestic producers have already partnered with foreign companies to enter the market. Denmark has developed a program for reimbursement for cannabis therapeutics through its national health care program whereby patients can be reimbursed for their medicinal cannabis in the same manner as any other prescription. Twelve national cannabis cultivation and extraction licenses were made available, and International Cannabis, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Danavian Cannabis, controls a medical cannabis production and manufacturing license in the Kingdom of Denmark. Its Danish assets are on par with industry peers such as Canopy Growth and Aurora. Immediate Developments ICC has increased its Danish land holdings and now controls a 100-acre property located in a jurisdiction with a highly-skilled agricultural and manufacturing workforce in immediate proximity to Germany, allowing for direct imports of CBD products and medical cannabis. Its Danish operations are strategically located along a national highway, permitting direct access to the Danish capital of Copenhagen. Danavian boasts industry relationships that will enable future development potential throughout Scandinavia. Continued development of Danavians Danish cannabis portfolio will help serve both local and export market demand. Initial development work, as well as the adaptation of infrastructure for the property, is scheduled to commence this month. Danavian has engaged an Israeli cannabis organic cultivation and management company, Sababa Sciences Inc. to provide end-to-end management including the implementation of advanced Israeli agricultural technologies for high-quality medical cannabis treatments. Danavian and Sababa Sciences have designed a 55,000 square foot, fully automated greenhouse facility that will meet IMC-GAP, ISO:9001 and European GMP standards, and the cannabis and cannabis derivatives produced will be sold through Denmarks retail pharmacy network. International Cannabis has engaged leading greenhouse engineering and manufacturing firm Azrom to assist facility engineering planning initiatives. Azrom is a leader in the global agricultural market, specializing in the design, engineering and manufacturing of customized greenhouses. Under Sababas guidance, Azrom will provide end-to-end planning and consulting services throughout the build out of International Cannabis Danish medical cannabis cultivation facility. The initial stage will include a 49,600 square foot cultivation unit, an administrative area, as well as a production and processing structure. Delivery of the greenhouse structure and the required growing systems is estimated for the end of Q1 2019. Upon delivery, the company has budgeted 90 days for implementation and installation of the greenhouse and growing systems. ICC expects to successfully receive its final building permits by February 1st, and concurrent with the permitting process, has initiated land development and infrastructure work, expected to be completed by February 1. International Cannabis has also finalized the design of its European GMP compliant manufacturing facility, which will be constructed and operated by Relief Aps, a subsidiary of Sababa. The company is currently assessing bids for construction, and is evaluating leveraging modular structures to accelerate time to market. Construction will begin during the second quarter of 2019, and ICC hopes to obtain GMP validation prior to the end of 2019. Genetic/Strain Catalogue Expanding International Cannabis recently bolstered its existing genetic and strain catalogue through the purchase of 10 seed varieties, and has successfully established a genetics room in accordance with industry best practices. The genetics room is monitored and operated by Sababas agronomy team, and with Sababa s assistance, ICC has completed initial sprouts for testing and research. This means that ICC now has access to 130 lab-tested craft cannabis strains, and these unique craft strains will enable the company to differentiate its brand in an increasingly homogenized market. ICC will continue to augment its catalogue of top-ranked strains from around the world. While the Danish developments are certainly exciting, theyre only one chapter in the evolving ICC story. The company, through its subsidiaries, also has agreements in place for European-based pharmaceutical distribution, wholesale importation, and research and development, as well as licenses to cultivate, produce, distribute, store and export cannabis, cannabis derivatives and industrial hemp in Colombia, Poland, Greece, Portugal, South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho. With an established presence on five continents, 110 clients representing roughly 3500 pharmacies in 16 countries, five licenses for cultivation on three continents and access to over 850 acres of premium hemp crops, estimated to produce up to 6800 tons of biomass for CBD extraction, International Cannabis lives up to its name, and is well positioned to establish the first global cannabis supply chain. For more of the ICC story, please visit: https://intlcannabiscorp.com/ Please follow the link to read the full article: https://www.cannabisfn.com/with-danish-advancements-icc-gears-up-for-key-role-in-european-supply-chain/ About CFN Media For Visitors and Viewers CFN Medias Cannabis Financial Network (CannabisFN.com) is the destination for savvy investors and business people profiting from the worldwide cannabis industry. Viewers will see breaking news, exclusive content and original programming involving the people, companies and investments shaping the industry. For Cannabis Businesses & Companies CFN Media is a leading agency and financial media network dedicated to the cannabis industry. We help private, pre-public and public cannabis companies in the US and Canada attract capital, investors and media attention. Our powerful digital media and distribution platform conveys a companys message and value proposition directly to accredited and retail investors and national media active in the North American cannabis markets. Since 2013, CFN Media has enabled the worlds preeminent cannabis companies to thrive in the capital and public markets. Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/featuredcompany Disclaimer CannabisFN.com is not an independent financial investment advisor or broker-dealer. You should always consult with your own independent legal, tax, and/or investment professionals before making any investment decisions. The information provided on http://www.cannabisfn.com (the Site) is either original financial news or paid advertisements drafted by our in-house team or provided by an affiliate. 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Please follow the link below to view our full disclosure outlining our compensation: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/ Contact CFN Media Frank Lane 206-369-7050 flane@cannabisfn.com Climate risks, data theft top fears for Davos London, Jan 16 (AFP) Jan 16, 2019 The risks of catastrophic weather and flooding from climate change are exercising business leaders heading into next week's World Economic Forum meeting in Davos. An annual WEF report -- based on a survey of about 1,000 respondents drawn from the Davos community of company chiefs, politicians, civil society and academics -- listed climate change as the dominant concern for a third year running. "The world is sleep-walking into catastrophe," Alison Martin, group chief risk officer at Zurich Insurance Group, said at the launch of the 114-page report in London on Wednesday. Data theft and cyberattacks have joined climate change in the top tier of worries, but respondents also highlighted anxiety about worsening international relations and the attendant risks for the world economy. Just under 90 percent of people in the survey, conducted over September and October, expected international trading rules and agreements to weaken further, as President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda undermines the architecture of global trade. "The muscles are not really where we would like them to be if faced with a new recession," WEF president Borge Brende said, citing the trade tensions and high budget deficits in many economies. The growing risk of Britain crashing out of the European Union without a Brexit deal in late March is also worrying global institutions and will figure at the meetings next week in the Swiss Alps, with a number of British and EU officials attending. Prime Minister Theresa May faced a no-confidence vote later Wednesday after her Brexit plan was comprehensively rejected by the House of Commons. Jobs and long-term investments in Britain are at risk until some way out is found from the impasse, said John Drzik, president of global risk and digital at US professional services company Marsh. "Once Brexit is resolved, even if resolved adversely, at least we remove some uncertainty and it may clarify the ability to invest in some things. The uncertainty is killing it now," he told AFP at the WEF launch. - Failure to act - The report also discussed the risks posed by rapid-fire technological advances in artificial intelligence and quantum cryptography, along with the growing problem of digital isolation among stressed-out individuals. Fully 90 percent of the respondents expected "further economic confrontation between major powers in 2019", although the survey was conducted before Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed last month to try to negotiate a peace pact on their tariffs war. Trump has also withdrawn from the Paris accord on climate change. While other countries agreed at UN talks last month on a common action plan, the most vulnerable states along with environmentalists warned the pact lacked the ambition needed to restrict carbon emissions. The WEF report showed mounting alarm about the risks of extreme weather and a failure to take mitigating action as temperatures rise, detailing the possibility of many low-lying cities in Asia, Europe and North America being wiped off the map by flooding. China alone has more than 78 million people in cities at risk of inundation, a number increasing by three percent every year, the report said, citing World Bank research. Martin at Zurich Insurance Group said 2018 was already marked by historic wildfires, heavy flooding and rising greenhouse gas emissions. "It is no surprise that in 2019, environmental risks once again dominate the list of major concerns. So, too, does the growing likelihood of environmental policy failure or a lack of timely policy implementation," she warned. For environmentalists, such a policy failure has been made more likely by the election of Brazil's far-right president, Jair Bolsonaro, who is due to address the annual WEF gathering. Like Trump, Bolsonaro is a climate sceptic. But the two populist leaders won't get to rub shoulders in Switzerland after the US president cancelled his trip owing to the budget crisis in Washington. Lenape High School students recently won awards at the New Jersey Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Regional Competition. Pictured are front row, from left, Arti Singh, Sanjana Shah and Siddharth Naskikkar. In the back row are Samir Iqbal, Shomiron Dhar, Varun Sudarsan and Jovan Mann. Not pictured are Tejas Kaushik, Will Mercado, Neha Sachdeva, Jonathan Yao, Anthony Zanghi and Jason Zheng. Nancy Madsen has written for newspapers in Watertown, N.Y., and Mankato, as well as for PolitiFact Virginia at the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va. Nancy is a graduate of Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., and Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y. Minnesota Public Radio News can be heard in Steele County on 103.9 FM or online at MPRnews.org. Personnel from the City of Owatonna, Steele County, Owatonna school district, Owatonna Public Utilities, and Owatonna Forward all met Monday night to share recent updates and examine avenues for future collaboration. (Ryan Anderson/Peoples Press) MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AllyO , the technology company renowned for its end-to-end AI recruiting solution, today revealed its 2018 results as it moves forward into 2019. Kick-starting last year with a $14M Series A funding announcement from leaders like Google and Randstad that brought the company out of two years in stealth mode and into the limelight, AllyO saw rapid momentum, welcoming a 250 percent increase in enterprise clients year over year and growing their relationship with several others. Companies entrusting AllyO with their recruiting needs include IDT, Master Brand Cabinets, National Safety Apparel and Prohpix Software, in addition to a Fortune 500 technology company, international coffee chain and an independent global energy company. By year-end, AllyO helped clients reach optimal staffing levels without additional spend while decreasing time to hire by up to 70 percent. Able to focus energies on higher touch, higher value activities, multiple AllyO clients managed up to 83 percent more requisitions, engaging new and existing employees at a greater rate, all while delivering on business goals. AllyO also helped its clients reach out to employees in need, including those affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Michael. Through constant and continued outreach, these clients gained insight into sentiment trends across roles and locations, strengthening its position for future hiring. Jason Zigman, vice president of Recruiting - East Coast for Allied Universal, shared, AllyOs willingness and ability to build this tool as a part of our holistic solution was the main deciding factor in moving forward with them. Additionally, they have incorporated our feedback in thoughtful ways to make the tool easier to use and improve the user experience. I have full confidence that the tool will consistently grow and ultimately will become better than any past solution we utilized. Ongoing Enhancements Powering these client success stories, AllyO continued to advance its product offering, rolling out a series of new releases throughout the year. These include the recent integration with WhatsApp Business , with AllyO becoming the first AI recruiter available on the popular WhatsApp platform. In effect, this partnership opened up a wholly new communication channel for global employers to find and engage with previously untapped candidates. Last fall, the company introduced Talent Pool Engagement and Employee Referral features, working to broaden recruitings reach and build a deeper talent pool. Over the summer, AllyO announced the availability of New Hire Check-In and Calendar Integration & Interview Scheduling , cutting down on the administrative burden and speeding up the hiring process. Ben Eubanks, principal analyst at Lighthouse Research & Advisory, and the author of Artificial Intelligence for HR: Use AI to Support and Develop a Successful Workforce, shared, We already know that AI is changing the world of work, and with it the way the HR professionals and recruiters interact with potential candidates and ultimately, employees. By incorporating intelligent automation throughout the talent acquisition process, from start to finish, AllyO is streamlining the talent acquisition function, delivering the high-touch experience candidates have come to expect in today's tight talent market. Growth and Expansion In addition to expanding product, AllyO also grew its team to 70 full-time employees, welcoming seven new members to the leadership team. Back in February, Shobhit Gupta joined as head of Business Strategy & Operations, along with Nick Possley, head of Data Products & Engineering. Ani Sanyal and Victor Pavlov came onboard in March as head of Worldwide Sales and Bot Systems Engineering Manager, respectively, with Dana Polyak, head of Customer Success, starting in April. This growth continued into the summer, with the hires of David Bernstein as head of Partnerships and Bennett Sung as head of Marketing. Company co-founder Sahil Sahni, commented, We knew 2018 was going to be a big year for AllyO. From closing our funding round to scoring some tremendous client wins, on-target product development to amazing team growth, we made the most of every opportunity and demonstrated exactly what were here to do streamlining recruiting through AI and a hefty dose of delight. We're ready, willing and eager to take on 2019 and continue on our mission of making recruiting more efficient for everyone. Sahil continued, We raised capital with a promise to hit four milestones in 24 months. Thanks to our outstanding customers and team, we hit each of these within 12 months, landing AllyO, I believe, in the top 1 percent of startups. These milestones include scaling recurring revenue almost four times while driving over 40 percent of new dollars from expanding enterprise-wide across our 2017 customers; achieving unit economics with marginal payback under five months; 94 percent applicant experience and 97 percent customer service feedback scores; and most importantly helping more than 1 percent of the U.S. find a job in 2018 alone. A Winning Year In the midst of everything else, AllyO managed to attract attention from seemingly every corner of the talent acquisition space and taking home four coveted awards. The companys season of winning started with recognition as a Human Resource Executive Top HR Product of 2018 , which looks at products based on the level of innovation, value added to the HR function, intuitiveness for the user and ability to deliver on what it promises. Shortly after, AllyO received a nod from analyst firm, Gartner , in its annual Cool Vendor for Human Capital Management in Talent Acquisition report. Two more wins followed, taking home the top prize in Staffing Industry Analysts Collaboration in Gig Economy Shark Tank Competition and gold from the Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Technology Awards for Best Advance in Emerging Talent Acquisition Technology . Ankit Somani, AllyO co-founder, said, The last year was an absolute whirlwind of activity, capped off with a series of exciting wins, on both the client and product side, as well as the industry at large. Were setting the bar high for the year with a solid roadmap, designed to strengthen our current offerings and innovate further with new modules and core technologies that include everything within AI to analytics. With everything built in-house and to enterprise-grade specifications, were positioning the company to conquer 2019. Stay tuned for big things from AllyO. Katra Abdullahi, left, and Nimo Ali became friends as Lincoln Elementary schoolers. Now theyre freshmen at the U of M. (Photo courtesy of Faribault Public Schools) 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(0x7fbff50e2400)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff57b5650)', '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(0x7fbff50e2400)') 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(0x7fbff57b5650)') 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(0x7fbff51145b0)') 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(0x7fbff57b5650)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff57b5650)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff4b39f00)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff8907f20)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff8907f20)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE: RS) announced today that Jeffrey W. Durham has been promoted to the position of Senior Vice President, Operations, effective immediately. As Senior Vice President, Operations, Mr. Durhams responsibilities will include overseeing the operations of a number of Reliance subsidiaries and divisions. Mr. Durham has served as Vice President, Merchandising at Earle M. Jorgensen Company (EMJ), a Reliance subsidiary, since 2014. Mr. Durham joined EMJ in 1985 and has held various leadership roles in sales, general management and purchasing, and was also responsible for the successful opening of EMJs Malaysia operation to support its energy customers in that region. Commenting on the appointment, James Hoffman, Reliances President and Chief Executive Officer said, I am very pleased to announce Jeffs promotion to the position of Senior Vice President, Operations at Reliance. Jeff brings over 33 years of experience with broad operational abilities and exposure to many of the key end markets in which we operate. Jeff has made many contributions at EMJ during his long tenure and we look forward to benefiting from his experience and leadership to drive continued operational excellence. About Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is the largest metals service center company in North America. Through a network of more than 300 locations in 40 states and thirteen countries outside of the United States, Reliance provides value-added metals processing services and distributes a full line of over 100,000 metal products to more than 125,000 customers in a broad range of industries. Reliance focuses on small orders with quick turnaround and increasing levels of value-added processing. In 2017, Reliances average order size was $1,740, approximately 48% of orders included value-added processing and approximately 40% of orders were delivered within 24 hours. Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.s press releases and additional information are available on the Companys website at www.rsac.com . or Addo Investor Relations (310) 829-5400 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(0x7fbff5485b48)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff545bfd0)', '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(0x7fbff5485b48)') 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(0x7fbff545bfd0)') 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(0x7fbff54c1998)') 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(0x7fbff545bfd0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff545bfd0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff4b39c48)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff54c19f8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff54c19f8)') 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(0x7fbff548a5e0)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff548de58)', '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(0x7fbff548a5e0)') 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(0x7fbff548de58)') 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(0x7fbff549a4f8)') 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(0x7fbff548de58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff548de58)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7fbff4b3a248)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff549ac60)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7fbff549ac60)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 The New York Times, citing several people familiar with the matter, said that Nooyi has been courted by Ivanka Trump as an ally to the Trump administration. However, the report said the process for picking the next World Bank chief remain fluid and is still in the early stages. : Indra Nooyi, the former PepsiCo CEO, is reportedly being considered to become the next head of the World Bank. Nooyi stepped down from her job as PepsiCo's chief executive in October. She led the snacks and beverage company for 12 years. It is unclear whether Nooyi would accept the job, according to the report. However, Ivanka Trump has referred to Nooyi as a "mentor" and an "inspiration." The report comes a day after the White House denied that Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump and a senior advisor to him, was in the running for the World Bank job. Instead, the White House confirmed Ivanka was overseeing an internal search for candidates. The bank's presidency became vacant after Jim Yong Kim announced last week he was stepping down effective Feb 1. English Norwegian Reference is made to the stock exchange release on 22 November 2018 where Orkla announced that it had entered into a combination agreement pursuant to which Orkla undertook to make a voluntary public tender offer to purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares in Kotipizza Group Oyj ("Kotipizza" and the "Tender Offer"). The offer period under the Tender Offer expired on 15 January 2019. According to the preliminary results of the Tender Offer, the shares tendered in the Tender Offer, together with Kotipizza shares acquired by Orkla through market purchases, represent approximately 98.4% of all the shares and votes in Kotipizza. Provided that the final results of the Tender Offer confirm that the shares tendered in the Tender Offer, together with any other Kotipizza shares acquired by Orkla through market purchases, represent more than 90% of all shares in Kotipizza and all other conditions to completion of the Tender Offer continue to be fulfilled at such time or are waived, Orkla will complete the Tender Offer in accordance with its terms and conditions. Orkla will confirm and announce the final results of the Tender Offer on or about 18 January 2019. About Orkla Orkla is a leading supplier of branded consumer goods and concept solutions to the consumer, out-of-home and bakery markets in the Nordics, Baltics and selected markets in Central Europe and India. Orkla is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and its head office is in Oslo. In 2017, the Group had a turnover of NOK 40 billion, and approximately 18,000 employees as of 31 December 2017. Orkla ASA Oslo, 16 January 2019 Ref.: Orkla Group Director Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs Hakon Mageli Tel.: +47 928 45 828 SVP Investor Relations Thomas Ljungqvist Tel.: +47 48 25 96 18 Senior Advisor Rabbe Wikstrom Tel: +358 20785 4002 Kotipizza CEO Tommi Tervanen Tel: +358 207 716 743 CFO and Deputy to the CEO Timo Pirskanen Tel: +358 207 716 747 Notice to U.S. Shareholders U.S. shareholders are advised that the shares of Kotpizza Group Oyj are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange and that Kotipizza Group is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder. The tender offer will be made to Kotipizza Group's shareholders resident in the United States on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other shareholders of Kotipizza Group to whom an offer is made. Any information documents are being disseminated to U.S. shareholders on a basis comparable to the method that such documents are provided to Kotipizza Group's other shareholders. The tender offer will be made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the Exchange Act as a "Tier II" tender offer, and otherwise in accordance with the requirements of Finnish law. Accordingly, the tender offer will be subject to disclosure and other procedural requirements, including with respect to the offer timetable, settlement procedures and timing of payments that are different from those applicable under U.S. domestic tender offer procedures and law. To the extent permissible under applicable law or regulations, Orkla and its affiliates or brokers (acting as agents for Orkla or its affiliates, as applicable) may from time to time, and other than pursuant to the tender offer, directly or indirectly, purchase or arrange to purchase, the shares of Kotipizza Group or any securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such shares of Kotipizza Group. To the extent information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase is made public in Finland, such information will be disclosed by means of a press release or other means reasonably calculated to inform U.S. shareholders of Kotipizza Group of such information. In addition, the financial advisers to Orkla may also engage in ordinary course trading activities in securities of Kotipizza Group, which may include purchases or arrangements to purchase such securities. Neither the SEC nor any U.S. state securities commission has approved or disapproved the tender offer or passed any comment upon the adequacy or completeness of any tender offer document. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States. The announcement by state BJP president Dilip Ghosh comes amid an apex court directive asking the state government to allow the saffron party to hold public meetings. : The BJP will kick-start a three-day series of rallies to be addressed by party chief Amit Shah across West Bengal on January 20, a day after Mamata Banerjee's mega show featuring opposition leaders from across the country. In a show of strength ahead of the national polls, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has organised a massive rally in Kolkata on January 19, which is likely to see participation of lakhs of her supporters. Leaders of all major opposition parties have been invited to the rally to be held at the Brigade Parade ground in the heart of the city. "We will start organizing our public rallies from January 20. Amit Shah will address the first rally on January 20 in Malda," Ghosh said. On January 21, Shah will address two rallies in Suri in Birbhum district and Jhargram. On January 22, he will address rallies at Krishnanagar in Nadia district and Jaynagar in South 24 Parganas district, Ghosh said. The BJP has identified West Bengal as a priority state for the upcoming national elections and Shah has set a target of 22 of the state's 42 Lok Sabha seats. The party is also looking to host a few rallies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. Ghosh had earlier said that they were talking to the central leader for the PM's rallies but nothing was confirmed. Over the last few years, the party has emerged as the main opposition in the state with a significant show in rural polls and by-elections. The BJP had planned 'Rath Yatras' touching all Lok Sabha constituencies in the state to boost its chances in the national elections. However, it was denied permission by the state government and has since been caught in legal tangles. Yesterday, the Supreme Court put the programme on hold saying the state government's law-and-order apprehensions over the event was not "totally unfounded" and asked the BJP to submit a fresh request and seek necessary approvals. English Finnish Fingrid Oyj Stock Exchange release 16 January at 11:20 EET Proposals of Fingrids Shareholders Nomination Board to the Annual General Meeting Fingrid Oyjs Shareholders Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting to be held on 21 March 2019 that the number of members of the Board of Directors shall be five (5). The Nomination Board proposes that the following members be re-elected: Juhani Jarvi, Paivi Nerg, Anu Hamalainen, Sanna Syri and Esko Torsti. The Shareholders Nomination Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Juhani Jarvi shall be elected as the Chair of the Board of Directors and Paivi Nerg as Vice Chair. Of the proposed Board members, Juhani Jarvi, Anu Hamalainen and Sanna Syri are independent from the company and its significant shareholders; the other members are independent from the company. The Shareholders Nomination Board proposes that the remuneration paid to the members of the Board of Directors remain unchanged. According to the proposal, the Chair shall be paid EUR 2,400/month, the Vice Chair EUR 1,300/month, and the Board members EUR 1,000/month, in addition to which, members shall be paid a meeting fee of EUR 600 for attending Board meetings and meetings of the Boards committees. Additional information about the members proposed by Fingrids Shareholders Nomination Board is available on the companys website. The Nomination Boards proposals will be included in the invitation to the Annual General Meeting. The Chair of Fingrids Shareholders Nomination Board is Helena Tarkka (nominated by the State of Finland), and its members are Jukka Reijonen (llmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company) and Erkko Ryynanen (nominated by Aino Holdingyhtio Ky). Contact information: General Counsel, SVP Marina Louhija, +358 40 519 0627 American rapper-actor Jaden Smith is set to perform songs from his debut album Syre during his maiden gig in India in February. He will perform here as part of the multi-genre Vh1 Supersonic music festival. Artistes like American music producer-DJ Marshmello, British musician Bonobo and drum and bass band Rudimental will also be a part of the sixth edition of the fest, which will be held on February 16 and 17 at Mahalaxmi Lawns, Pune. The professor of Finance from Harvard Business School believes that usage of financial mumbo-jumbo by analysts as well as journalists is counter-productive. Technical jargons and financial mumbo-jumbo may not be appreciated by the laymen. Turns out, even learned academicians and experts such as Harvards's Mihir Desai do not have a liking to this practice. During a short tete-a-tete at the recently concluded 9th India Investment Conference organized by CFA Society India, Desai explains that catchy acronyms and abbreviations have done more harm than good. "I think it may not be productive to those within finance who are relying on acronyms, and intimidation to sell people financial products or use such a practice to impress upon people as a means of sophistication," he says. "We should make finance more accessible, and thereby stop its demonisation," he adds. This is the same feeling that Desai espouses in his book- 'The Wisdom of Finance, Discovering Humanity in the world of Risk and Return'. Speaking at the conference, Desai says that the gulf between finance and humanities has turned into "real loss". "Finance can use the humanization provided by humanities. Investors are fearful of uncertainties around capitalism. However, they forget how capitalism has benefited economies around the world. Let's improve practice of finance by reconnecting practitioners with elements of humanity." In an age of crazy valuations, Desai's emphasis on humanizing finance might ensure arming the average Joe with adequate information to take a call on why to buy or not to a particular equity. Information that is easier to the commoners also has potential to increase acceptance of financial products such as insurance and bank deposits among others. However, in the past 400 years since Joseph Peso De La Vega, who wrote the Confusion De Confusiones (Confusion of Confusions) not much seems to have changed. De La Vegas transcript is perhaps the first to shed light on the inner-workings of a stock exchange. Desai says, "De La Vega (the author) says the financial market is noble as well as savage." "It (the book) has the best description of finance that I've ever read which is that Finance is one of the most evil yet has some intellectual sparks. It is the best representation of humanity, however we may have that lost sense," he says with a slight dejection in his tone. When asked what remains the best moments in 2018, Desai remarks that, generally risk was getting mis-priced. In reference to how the US equity markets tumbled in 2018, Desai explains, "the actual correction being witnessed wasnt confusing. In the sense that we need to have risks better priced and thats part of the problem." At the start of 2019, two of the most innovative companies- Samsung and Apple have had their own share of problems. The latest quarterly results of both companies have sparked a major debate among technology and equity circles. When asked if the two technology behemoths had reached the end of their innovation cycle, Desai advises that innovation was sought by both markets and consumers, however, one shouldn't "fetishize these companies." To that perspective, Desai is optimistic that markets may get to see more innovation. From India-specific, Desai talks on two of the major issues- independence of institutions and lack of promoter-led-capital. The issue on the independence of institutions, however, has been reported in the West too. "Integrity and independence of institutions are paramount. It's [on institutional independence] linked to the general rise of populism and skepticism about experts and institutions. Its happening everywhere, and yes its a source of concern. And we should be fighting it at all places," he says. "I think we are making the wrong observations from the lessons learnt in the last 40 years. For example, one such observation is capitalism is a failure and that markets are failing. That's the wrong lesson. There are significant problems, but we are underselling what markets and capitalism have achieved. And we are turning to alternatives and deviations including non-market solutions." Another observation that he had to offer was on the reasons why Indian companies are not among well-positioned global leaders. He reasons that this is linked with the mobility of finance, in particular with Indian promoters not investing adequately in their own ventures. "I think it's a puzzle that we don't get to see more large Indian corporate becoming global players. We need large corporate investing," he says. In the quest for humanizing the various intricate concepts of finance, Desai compares mergers and acquisitions to marriages. He quips, "Real value comes from symmetric mergers which are complicated as compared to asymmetric mergers which are easy but don't create much value." Mihir Desai is Mizuho Financial Group Professor of Finance at Harvard Business School. He is also a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School. Also Read: 16th Century manuscript Confusion of Confusions to fetch over a crore Jaitley, 66, who had undergone a renal transplant surgery on May 14 last year, left on Sunday. There was no word on when he is likely to return but some sources said he was expected back on January 19 while others said it could be later. New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has gone to the US for what is believed to be a medical check-up relating to his kidney ailment. Officials are tight-lipped about the trip which has come at a time when the Finance Ministry is busy with the preparations of the vote-on-account budget to be presented in the Lok Sabha on February 1 -- his sixth and the last by the BJP-led NDA government in its current term. By convention, an interim budget normally does not contain fresh proposals, especially relating to taxation measures. But the coming vote-on-account budget may spring some surprises like increase in the exemption threshold for income tax assessees and some measures to address agrarian unrest. Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS last year in early April following which he underwent dialysis. He had a renal transplant surgery on May 14, 2018. In his absence, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal was given the additional charge of Finance Ministry on May 14. Jaitley stopped attending office at the beginning of April and was back in North Block - the seat of Finance Ministry - on August 23. Earlier, in September 2014, he underwent a bariatric surgery on account of severe diabetics. Nitin Patel, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, would head the GoM which would analyse the tax rate of GST on the under-construction residential properties for boosting the realty segment, a Finance Ministry statement said. New Delhi : The Centre on Tuesday constituted a seven-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to look into Goods and Services Tax (GST)-related issues of the real estate sector. Among the issues concerning the sector, a major subject is the GST rate on under-construction residential properties. There have been demand from many quarters to slash the rate on the segment to 5 per cent from the current 12 per cent. The members of the GoM are finance ministers of five states -- Sudhir Mungantiwar of Maharashtra, Krishna Byre Gowda, Kerala, T.M. Thomas Isaac, Karnataka, Manpreet Singh Badal, Punjab and Rajesh Agarwal of Uttar Pradesh. Goa Minister of Panchayat Mauvin Godinho is also a member. As per the Ministry, the GoM would "examine and suggest ways for composition scheme or any other scheme, for boosting real estate sector and suggest scheme for transition vis-a-vis introduction of suggested scheme". As per the terms of reference, it would also examine various aspects of levy of GST on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) and Development Rights in a joint development agreement and suitable model. The GoM would further examine the legality of inclusion or exclusion of land or any other ingredient, in composition and suggest valuation mechanism. The Union Government appointed Manish Sinha, Joint Secretary (TRU-II), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, as Secretary to the GoM, the statement said. Steve Bull started on the pole of the T.A.Ward Construction 270 Sprint Feature and claimed a green to checkered win as his competition was eli The final month of the year saw the lowest number of residential properties sold in a December month in seven years, according to the latest data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. The number of houses sold across the country in December fell to 5,330, 12.9 percent fewer than a year earlier. In Auckland alone, the number of properties sold fell 24.3 percent on the same month previous year, the lowest in a decade. While December is usually a quiet month as people focus on Christmas holidays, December 2018 was extremely quiet,' said Bindi Norwell, REINZ chief executive. Jeremy Couchman, Kiwibank senior economist, said the drop was "eyewatering" and felt around the country. He doesn't, however, think the New Zealand housing market is in line for a correction. "We still have a massive shortage of housing, low mortgage rates, and an unemployment rate at 3.9 percent," he said. The December weakness may also reflect some distortion ahead of the Jan. 1 loosening of the loan-to-value ratio by the central bank, he said. The LVRs were imposed in 2013 to help cool the housing market and have been gradually loosened. In November, the RBNZ said it would allow banks to increase their lending to borrowers with less than a 20 percent deposit to up to 20 percent of total new mortgage lending, up from 15 percent previously. The REINZ House Price Index for New Zealand, which measures the changing value of property in the market, increased 3.3 percent year-on-year to 2,740. Excluding Auckland, it lifted 8 percent to a new record high of 2,672. The Auckland house price index fell 1.7 percent on the year to 2,822. The national median price increased 1.5 percent to $560,000 in December. Excluding Auckland, the median price increased by 6.4 percent to $480,000. The median number of days to complete a sale increased to 35, up by three days from December 2017. Auctions were used in 11 percent of all sales across the country in December, with 584 properties selling under the hammer the lowest percentage for auctions in 11 months. In December 2017, 836 properties, or 13.7 percent, were sold by auction. Meanwhile, the number of properties available for sale fell 1.8 percent on the year to 24,158. Gisborne's five weeks of inventory was the lowest nationwide and the lowest ever, followed by Wellington with only six weeks' inventory the lowest since October 2016. Inventory levels are a real concern at the moment for the industry, particularly with Gisborne having the lowest level of inventory any region has ever had since REINZ began keeping inventory records back in January 2007. In December, Gisborne only had 83 properties available for sale. If no new listings came onto the market in January, in roughly five weeks time there will be no properties for sale at all which will further drive up prices in the area, said Norwell. The number of homes that sold for less than $500,000 across New Zealand fell to 41.5 percent of the market in December versus 43.5 percent a year earlier. The number of properties sold in the $500,000 to $750,000 bracket increased to 29.9 percent from 28.3 percent. At the top end of the market, properties sold for more than $1 million decreased to 12.9 percent from 13.9 percent. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 17th June 2021 Morning Report 16th June 2021 Morning Report Investore Property Limited (NZX: IPL) Divestment of Dunedin Property 15th June 2021 Morning Report 14th June 2021 Morning Report Tower Limited (NZX: TWR) Update on Financial Impact of Canterbury Floods SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) Earnings Guidance for FY21 Result 11th June 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Announces $284 Million Revaluation Uplift 10th June 2021 Morning Report New NZX listing rules which Vital Healthcare Property Trusts manager is proposing to adopt from Friday will wipe out just about all the investor protections that an NZX listing normally provides. These include rights to have independent directors on the managers board, rights to have annual meetings and rights to approve major or related-party transactions. On Jan. 10, the manager, owned by Canada-based NorthWest Healthcare Properties Real Estate Investment Trust, said it intends to adopt the new NZX rules applying to managed investment schemes from Jan. 18. Vital has been listed on NZX since September 1999. The new listing rules are aimed at encouraging more managed funds to list on NZX by reducing the requirements they have to meet. NZX confirms that Vital is a registered managed investment scheme so NorthWest is entitled to adopt the new rules. NZX says the previous listing rules were written largely with equity and debt securities in mind and that the provisions of the listing rules that NorthWest will be exempt from are already covered by the Financial Markets Conduct Act. The existing legislative settings under the FMC Act provide a sufficient regulatory regime for funds so duplication by NZX rules is unnecessary including, for example, related-party transactions, NZX says in a written answer to BusinessDesks questions. Many of NZX's listing rules that apply to equity securities are also covered by the FMC Act, but neither NZX nor anybody else is seriously suggesting they be scrapped to eliminate duplication. New Zealand Shareholders Association chief executive Michael Midgley says allowing Vital to remain listed under greatly relaxed rules leads to a false sense of security as to the nature of regulation that applies to a listed vehicle. While it may be absolutely legal, good governance requires a higher standard than those that apply here. The managers taking a backward step, Midgley says. This substantially takes away many of the checks and balances people would expect to apply and he expects Vitals unitholders will be startled by the new rules. NorthWest is on record as wanting to buy properties from ASX-listed Healthscope and has borrowed A$81 million from Vital to buy a 13.4 percent stake in Healthscope at an average price of A$2.36 per share. Healthscope shares are trading at A$2.29. The new NZX rules came into force from Jan. 1 and only set minimum requirements. But Andy Eakin, chief financial officer of the manager of New Zealands only other listed property trust, Goodman Property Trust, says his company is awaiting legal advice before deciding whether to adopt the new rules. We were expecting to continue to be viewed the same as a listed company, Eakin says. Were aware some others have taken a different view so were taking advice about that. Section 1.5 of the new listing rules outlines a list of all the rules that no longer apply to issuers of fund securities, but only by section numbers its not until you look up what those sections cover that it becomes clear they cover a swathe of investor protections. NorthWest will no longer have to abide by rules 2.1 through to 2.14. That covers the make-up of the managers board, including rules around independent directors and New Zealand-domiciled directors and Vital unitholders rights to vote on directors. Vitals five-person board currently has three nominally independent directors, including chair Claire Higgins, and NorthWest has committed to waive its right, enshrined in Vitals trust deed and endorsed by NZX back in 2007, to fire the independent directors at will until a review of NorthWests fees has been completed. That review is being led by the managers full board, in breach of its own board charter which stipulates that such a review be led by the independent directors. The most recently appointed independent director, Graham Stuart, was elected at the Dec. 21 annual meeting but only because NorthWest, which owns 24.9 percent, or 110.8 million, of Vitals units, voted all its units in support of his election. That AGM, which lasted several hours, demonstrated that Vitals investors are unhappy with NorthWests management. Three of five resolutions put forward by rebel institutional investors ANZ Investment Funds, Mint Asset Management and ACC, were passed outright and all five would have passed if NorthWest had been prevented from voting its units. However, because of provisions in Vitals trust deed, none are binding on NorthWest. Midgley says the unitholders made their opinion pretty damn clear. In no way can any of this be called good governance. This action basically makes a mockery of all the comments that were made at the meeting to placate the unitholders. NorthWest will also be exempt from NZX rules 3.5 to 3.10 which relate to reporting of results and what needs to be included in the annual report. However, new provisions relating specifically to listed funds, rules 3.11 and 3.12, require managers of listed funds to comply with the FMC Act and its regulations requiring them to report regularly to unitholders on the funds performance. NorthWest will be exempt from most of section 4 of the rules which relate to equity issues and shareholder approval of such issues including placements. And, a relevant provision with regards to any purchase from Healthscope, NorthWest will be exempt from all of section five which relates to buying or selling assets and to related party transactions. In particular, NorthWest will no longer need unitholder approval to have Vital buy or sell assets worth more than 50 percent of Vitals market capitalisation or to undertake any related party transaction of the kind NorthWest is proposing with Healthscope. NZX says fund managers such as NorthWest will still be bound by the provisions of the FMC Act relating to related-party transactions. These provisions are laid at in sections 172 to 177 of the Act. While they generally prohibit related-party transactions that confer a benefit on the manager, there are a number of exemptions including when the terms would be reasonable in the circumstances if the parties were connected or related only by the transaction in question, each acting independently and each acting in its own best interests. Such transactions are also permitted if the terms are less favourable to the related party. The supervisor Trustees Executors in Vitals case can approve such transactions, if it believes theyre in the best interests of investors. The investors can also approve related-party transactions by special resolution requiring 75 percent of those voting to be in favour but the Act doesnt require such a vote. One could regard that as a moot point since NorthWest is likely to win any special resolution so long as it can vote its 24.9 percent of Vitals units. NorthWests urge to have Vital acquire assets and to borrow will still be curbed by the gearing limits in Vitals trust deed and under its bank covenants. NorthWest will also be exempt from all of section 6 of the new rules which relate to investors voting rights and its restrictions on NorthWests voting rights will no longer apply, including restrictions relating to NorthWests position as a related party. BusinessDesk has also sought comment from NorthWest, Trustees Executors and the Financial Markets Authority, none of whom have yet responded. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: 17th June 2021 Morning Report 16th June 2021 Morning Report Investore Property Limited (NZX: IPL) Divestment of Dunedin Property 15th June 2021 Morning Report 14th June 2021 Morning Report Tower Limited (NZX: TWR) Update on Financial Impact of Canterbury Floods SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (NZX: SKC) Earnings Guidance for FY21 Result 11th June 2021 Morning Report Precinct Properties New Zealand Limited (NZX: PCT) Announces $284 Million Revaluation Uplift 10th June 2021 Morning Report Press Release January 16, 2019 Survivorship benefits to be granted to children of deceased retired officials of constitutional offices A bill seeking to grant survivorship benefits to dependent children of a deceased retired member of the Commission on Audit, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Elections and the Ombudsman, who is a solo parent, is now pending on second reading in the Senate. Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV, chairman of the Senate Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1917, said the measure also sought to extend survivorship benefits to the surviving parents of the retired official or two of his nominated persons. Currently, he explained, Republic Act No. 10084 only provides benefits to the surviving legitimate spouse of the deceased retired officials. "The (current) law does not recognize the circumstances of a deceased official who may be unmarried or who may be a solo parent," Trillanes said in his sponsorship speech. "To address this gap, SBN 1917 seeks to extend the benefits of the law to the dependent children of an official who is a solo parent, or the surviving parents, or up to two nominated persons of the deceased retiree who died without issue," he added. Once the proposed legislation is passed into law, he said the dependents would be entitled to receive on a monthly basis all the retirement benefits that the deceased retiree was receiving at the time of his or her death. According to Trillanes, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is in full "accord with the passage of the bill." Sen. Loren Legarda, who introduced the bill, said SBN 1917 recognizes the "emerging nuances in the set-up of modern-day Filipino families, and heeds the call for fairness and equality to the diseased members of the constitutionally-created offices who were unmarried or were solo parents. She said the measure had been passed in the Lower House. "Through this bill, we would be able to help correct this apparent oversight in the law and uplift the plight and improve the welfare of the families who would be left behind by the retired officials of the constitutional offices," Trillanes said. Lacson: Deleted Budget Insertions Can Fund Potential PH Gov't Takeover of Hanjin Shipyard More at: https://pinglacson.net/2019/01/16/lacson-deleted-budget-insertions-can-fund-potential-ph-govt-takeover-of-hanjin-shipyard/ Instead of potentially letting foreign firms do so, it would be better if the Philippine government take over the shipyard of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction in Subic, Zambales. Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson raised this proposal Wednesday during the Senate's deliberations on the 2019 budget of the Department of National Defense. Lacson pointed out the government may use "insertions" deleted from the P3.7-trillion proposed 2019 budget, including P75 billion of the Department of Public Works and Highways. "What if the Philippine government will just take over Hanjin and bid out to possible partners, private entities? This will mean potential income for the government," said Lacson, who earlier moved to have the Senate constitute itself into a Committee of the Whole to discuss the issue while tackling the DND's budget. He pointed out the issue surrounding Hanjin's shipyard has far-reaching implications on Filipinos, ranging from security to economic and even social concerns. Under Lacson's proposal, the Philippine government can have continuous income while the Philippine Navy may have a new facility. He added the appropriate agencies can hold consultations with the National Economic and Development Authority regarding partnerships between the government and a private entity. "Yes, Sir," DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana replied when Lacson asked him if it is a "good idea, if the Philippine government takes over first and then look for a private entity as partner." For his part, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said, "We fully support the initiative of Sen. Lacson. Press Release January 16, 2019 ANGARA: 'STORYTELLING' KEY TO ATTRACTING MORE TOURISTS TO PH Senator Sonny Angara said the Department of Tourism (DOT) should embrace "storytelling" as a key component of its marketing efforts to attract more foreign visitors to the Philippines. "Storytelling is a great way of inspiring tourists to explore new things, activities and experiences in the Philippines, which is without a doubt a beautiful and unique country with so many great attractions," Angara said. Angara issued the statement as he joined fellow senators, Richard Gordon and Juan Miguel Zubiri, in urging the DOT to come up with a tourism master plan anchored on storytelling of the rich cultural heritage of the different tourism sites in the Philippines. The senators made the appeal on Monday before the Senate plenary approved the proposed P3.377 billion DOT budget for 2019. Angara is the Senate finance committee vice chairman who sponsored and defended the DOT budget. Angara said the lack of narrative about the country's top tourist destinations could be one of the reasons why the Philippines continue to lag behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia in terms of tourist arrivals. To illustrate this, Angara cited Boracay and other white-sand beaches across the country which were "far more beautiful," but the absence of a good narrative and anecdotes dull their appeal to visitors as opposed to Bali's beaches because their marketing promotions tell compelling stories that drive tourist traffic. "Compared to Bali, our own Boracay and other lesser known beaches in the country like those in my home province of Aurora are far more beautiful. However, it seems that we lack stories that tell so," the chairman of the Senate ways and means panel said. According to the World Bank, the Philippines only had 5.361 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2017 compared to Thailand's 29.923 million; Malaysia, 25.721 million; Singapore, 12.051 million; Indonesia, 10.407 million; and Vietnam, 7.944 million. The DOT's target for 2018 was 7.4 million foreign tourist arrivals. "We expect the DOT to come up with a powerful, believable and interesting story about the country and its destinations to encourage more foreign tourists to visit the Philippines," Angara said. Earlier, Angara also urged the DOT to fast-track its plans and programs in developing and promoting other tourist destinations in the country to boost Philippine tourism. "There should be more emphasis on new destinations. We can do so much better than 7.4 million tourists. Everyone knows that," Angara said during last year's budget hearing conducted by the Senate finance sub-committee, which he chairs. Angara cited Sorsogon, Leyte, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga, Catanduanes and Siquijor, which are among the poorest provinces but are potential tourist magnets. The senator stressed that by boosting the tourism industry, it would generate more jobs that could lead to poverty alleviation in these provinces. Geneva, January 16, 2019 -- STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, announced that its automotive NFC Reader IC (ST25R3914) and its automotive 8-bit microcontroller (STM8AF) have been chosen for the Qi-compliant automotive wireless charging reference design from Rohm. Contactless communication based on NFC is already in extensive use for functions such as mobile payment by smartphone and in recent years, NFC use has been rapidly widening from mobile devices to industrial equipment, IoT devices, and even automotive systems. The automotive wireless charging module reference design from Rohm, for which they've selected ST's NFC Reader IC and 8-bit MCU, is based on the BD57121MUF-M, a Qi-standard 15-W wireless charger IC being developed by Rohm that aims to increase the adoption of wireless charging in the center console of the vehicle. One benefit of ST's technology contribution is to enable the sophisticated control that makes possible the detection of contactless smart cards in proximity to the charging system in order to halt the charging immediately. This important and appreciated function prevents the failure of those cards due to the strong magnetic field generated by the Qi transmitter. ST's automotive NFC Reader IC, the ST25R3914, is an AEC-Q100 grade 1 qualified NFC analog front-end device supporting ISO14443A/B, ISO15693, FeliCa(TM), and active P2P. Its best-in-class RF performance and its unique Automatic Antenna Tuning function dynamically adapting to challenging metallic environments make it the perfect fit for automotive applications. It comes with a MISRA-C: 2012-compliant RF middleware which helps to shorten the time required for software development. The automotive 8-bit MCU from ST, STM8AF, provides high performance, wide-ranging choice for memory size, and many package options, contributing to more flexible automotive systems. The MCU features true data EEPROM, CAN and LIN bus, and high operating temperature support up to 150C. In combination with the NFC function, it can also be used as a controller to manage new types of automotive NFC applications, such as Bluetooth / Wi-Fi pairings for smartphones, "infotainment" using NFC verification, and engine start-up. "Rohm's adoption of the ST NFC products and 8-bit microcontroller for their Qi-standard automotive wireless-charging reference design shows that ST's broad product lineup has big potential for creating new and valuable automotive functions," said Hiroshi Noguchi, Japan country manager, STMicroelectronics. "We anticipate many auto manufacturers will see wireless charging as an important added value that will provide ST with another way to contribute to a more comfortable driving experience for consumers." ST and Rohm will demonstrate this Qi-standard automotive wireless charging reference design in their booths at the Automotive World 2019 (Tokyo, Jan 16 - 18, 2019). About STMicroelectronics ST is a global semiconductor leader delivering intelligent and energy-efficient products and solutions that power the electronics at the heart of everyday life. ST's products are found everywhere today, and together with our customers, we are enabling smarter driving and smarter factories, cities and homes, along with the next generation of mobile and Internet of Things devices. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented. In 2017, the Company's net revenues were $8.35 billion, serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide. Further information can be found at www.st.com. For more information please contact: Michael MarkowitzDirector Technical Media Relations+1 781 591 0354 Alex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Special counsel Robert Mueller has zeroed in on at least three new witnesses associated with a conservative commentator connected to former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone, signaling that investigators remain focused on the activities of Stone and his associates despite the continued public silence on a matter long thought to be close to resolution. ABC News has learned that at least three new witnesses connected to Stone associate Jerome Corsi the former Washington, D.C., bureau chief for the far-right internet site Infowars have been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury hearing testimony on the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Copies of those subpoenas delivered to two individuals late last year bear Muellers name and call for the retention and producing of documents, communication logs and other records involving two people: Corsi and Stone. The two individuals, whose names have not been publicly released, also testified before Muellers grand jury in December, according to the subpoenas and three sources who confirmed their attendance. This week Corsi made public the identity of a third witness, who was served a subpoena last Friday -- Corsi's stepson Andrew Stettner, who is scheduled to testify before the grand jury this Friday. When reached by ABC News, Stettners lawyer David Gray, who also represents Corsi, declined to comment on the matter. Corsi has been vocal in his objections to the continued push by Mueller. Its clear Mueller and company now hate me, Corsi told ABC News on Tuesday. Im calling him out as a crooked prosecutor. A spokesperson for the special counsel declined to comment. Corsi said that Stettner was questioned by the FBI in recent weeks because he has, on and off over the course of many years, helped fix Corsi's computers. Of particular interest to the FBI agents, Corsi said, was a computer of his that Stettner wiped of all its contents in the weeks leading up to Corsis subpoena to testify before the special counsel's grand jury in late August. Corsi and his wife, Monica Corsi told ABC News in a recent interview following Stettner's encounter with the FBI that Stettner wiped the computer because Monica Corsi wanted to use the computer for her New Jersey-based small business, rather than buy a new one. He said neither he nor his wife had nefarious intentions. I dont see how I can be accused of destroying evidence or a conspiracy to obstruct justice when I simply allowed before I knew I was under investigation -- my stepson to restore a computer, Corsi told ABC News. I didnt see the harm in wiping [the computer] instead of buying a new one. Corsi, known for promulgating political smear campaigns and conspiracy theories, rejected a plea deal he says was offered to him by Mueller in November, saying he could not sign on to a plea deal for a crime he says he did not commit. The agreement would have allowed Corsi to plead guilty to one count of lying to federal investigators about communications with an unidentified associates request to get in touch with an organization that he understood to be in possession of stolen emails and other documents pertaining to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, according to a draft of the plea agreement Corsi provided to reporters. That unknown associate mentioned by Mueller matches the description of Roger Stone, who hired Corsi to do research for him during the 2016 election. Stone has been under scrutiny from the special counsel in part because of statements he made in August of 2016 which critics allege suggest he knew that WikiLeaks was going to leak damaging information on Clinton before it was released. In an email exchange from the summer of 2016 reviewed by ABC News, Stone and Corsi appeared to communicate about ways to contact Julian Assange, the controversial WikiLeaks founder, about the imminent release of information meant to damage Hillary Clintons campaign for president. Stone said in a statement to ABC News on Tuesday, Any Claim that Jerry Corsi told me the source or content of either allegedly stolen or allegedly hacked e-mails published by Wikileaks or provided me copies of any such material is both categorically false and easily disproved. It's unfortunate that the limited e-mails between us on this subject have been willfully mischaracterized in terms of both their meaning and legal significance." Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. PSA handled 81m teu at its port projects around the world for 2018, up by 9.1% over 2017 with flagship PSA Singapore contributing 36.31m teu and terminals outside Singapore handling 44.69m teu. 2018 was a dual-speed year. The slow but steady pace of global container trade growth continued, despite geo-political shifts and rising trade barriers, said Tan Chong Meng, group ceo of PSA. At the same time, there was a surge in digitalisation activities within the global supply chain which promised better visibility and efficiency, while the industry continues to grapple with issues of data standardisation and collaboration, Tan commented. Tan added that PSA will continue to build on its global network of ports while take the lead towards co-creating an Internet of Logistics a plug-and-play ecosystem that links up a mesh of communities through interoperability to encourage innovation. As we run full speed into 2019, we at PSA are excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead in this age of disruptions, he said. Read more: Singapore container port volumes up 8.7% in 2018 Sponsored by TVG Travel in Iceland, the idea to find bright talented young people from across the cruise sectoreither based ashore or at seaattracted 100 entries from across the globe. Both say they are honoured Shiky Chen, director market planning for Princess Cruises, and Lauren Miller, general counsel Carnival Australia, said they were honoured to be selected. Im thrilled and honoured to be one of the 20 under 40 finalists, Chen said. My wonderful colleagues in the industry are my continued source of growth and inspiration. I am grateful for their support and the opportunities afforded to me by Princess Cruises and Carnival Australia over the years, she added. Testament to trail blazers It is an honour to be a recipient of the Seatrade 20 under 40 award, Miller said. It is a testament to those who have blazed our trails and built the maritime industry and a reflection of the deep responsibility we have as the next generation to ensure a sustainable future. In particular, Im proud to be part of a passionate team at Carnival Australia and a deeply committed ethics, legal and risk team globally. Im delighted our collective efforts have been recognised through this award. Allison incredibly proud Stuart Allison, svp Asia Pacific for Princess Cruises, said he is incredibly proud of Chen and Miller who have contributed so much to the success of cruising in this region. Mary Bond praises Carnival Australia Mary Bond, group director Seatrade cruise, said it was a tough choice to find the top 20 from the 100 entries. They should both feel very proud of their accomplishments so far and I wish them all the best for the future, Bond said. Nothing pleases me more than to see young talent join and stay in the cruise industry. Credit to Carnival Australia and its brands for giving the likes of Shiky and Lauren the opportunity to thrive and progress professionally. Young talent is cruisings future. CABORCA, Mexico, Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mexus Gold US (OTCQB: MXSG) (Mexus or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a financial consulting agreement with William T. Bogard, President of The Darco Group Inc. located in Newport Beach, CA. William and Stan Berk will be working together with plans to visit the mines and strategize on steps to start production. William T Bogard has a long history of money management in the private markets. Mexus Gold has agreed upon the goals of maximizing the land holding in the Sonora Province of Mexico, acquiring the necessary financing to extract the gold from the mines. William T. Bogard has also worked with Itronics Inc. and is an advocate to reaching agreements with zero waste technology companies to leave the lands free of chemical and toxic waste. William T. Bogard states, Mexus Gold US has real possibilities and I look forward to working with Stan Berk and the Mexus Gold US team. I want to help develop their assets in the mining industry. Also, Itronics Metalurgical Inc. has breakthrough technology in Zero Waste Resource Recovery. Kam-Thio mining technology should be considered for mines across the world. About William T. Bogard With over 35 years experience in finance, real estate, C-level management and board positions. Over the last several years Mr. Bogard has concentrated on Investment Consulting for many diversified investments, including corporate finance, real estate investments, currency trading based on an algorithmic trading strategy, telecommunications, contract financing and Square One Technologies, Inc. in the Addiction Treatment Industry. Bill has created several Private Placement Memorandums for numerous industries in his career and continues to excel in raising capital for private companies. About Mexus Gold US Mexus Gold US is an American based mining company with holdings in Mexico. The fully owned Santa Elena mine is located 54km NW of Caborca, Mexico. Mexus also owns rights to the Ures property located 80km N of Hermosillo, Mexico. This property contains 6900 acres and has both gold and copper on the property. Founded in 2009, Mexus Gold US is committed to protecting the environment, mine safety and employing members of the communities in which it operates. For more information on Mexus Gold US, visit www.mexusgoldus.com . 775-722-6171 William T. Bogard phone # 949-351-0207 Cautionary Statement Forward looking Statement: Statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including the failure to complete successfully the development of new or enhanced products, the Company's future capital needs, the lack of market demand for any new or enhanced products the Company may develop, any actions by the Company's partners that may be adverse to the Company, the success of competitive products, other economic factors affecting the Company and its markets, seasonal changes, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results may differ materially from those contained in this press release. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any statements in this press release. WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andrews & Springer LLC, a boutique securities class action law firm focused on representing shareholders nationwide, reminds shareholders of Snap, Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) (Snap or the Company) about the January 31, 2019 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities fraud lawsuit that has been filed in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, Case No. 2:17-cv-03679, on behalf of investors that held shares between March 2, 2017 and May 15, 2017 (the Class Period). If you purchased Snap securities during the Class Period, you may, no later than January 31, 2019, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. A copy of the complaint is available from Andrews & Springer LLC. If you would like to join the class action, please visit our website or contact Craig J. Springer, Esq. at cspringer@andrewsspringer.com, or call toll free at 1-800-423-6013. You may also follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/andrews-&-springer-llc, Twitter www.twitter.com/AndrewsSpringer or Facebook - www.facebook.com/AndrewsSpringer for future updates. NO CLASS HAS YET BEEN CERTIFIED IN THE ABOVE ACTION. UNTIL A CLASS IS CERTIFIED, YOU ARE NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL UNLESS YOU RETAIN ONE. YOU MAY ALSO REMAIN AN ABSENT CLASS MEMBER AND DO NOTHING AT THIS POINT. YOU MAY RETAIN COUNSEL OF YOUR CHOICE. Snap provides technology and social media services, and is the parent company of the popular Snapchat mobile application. Snap completed its initial public offering (IPO) on or around March 2, 2017, selling 230 million shares of stock to investors at $17.00 per share for gross proceeds of $3.91 billion. On May 16, 2017, Bloomberg reported that a former Snap employee filed a lawsuit against Snap, claim[ing] he was fired after three weeks on the job for raising questions about allegedly false growth metrics [and] seeking whistleblower protection against retaliation by [the] company. On May 16, 2017 a Snap shareholder filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, which alleges that throughout the Class Period Snap and certain insiders issued materially false and misleading statements to investors and failed to disclose that: (i) Snaps user growth and engagement, by minimizing the known adverse impact of competition from Instagram's Stories; (ii) the restatement of Snap's 2015 daily user metrics, by failing to disclose Pompliano's detailed, credible allegations regarding Defendants' knowing misrepresentation of its user engagement metrics and severe internal controls deficiencies; and (iii) falsely asserting that Snap did not employ "growth hacking" strategies to inflate user growth. Following this news, shares of the Companys stock fell $4.93 per share, or over 21%, to close on May 11, 2017 at $18.05. On November 13, 2018, Bloomberg reported that the U.S. Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission were investigating Snaps accounting which misled investors ahead of its 2017 IPO. Following the SEC and DOJ announcement Snaps stock fell 3.4 percent. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 31, 2019. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. If you wish to join the litigation, or to discuss your rights or interests regarding this class action, please contact Craig J. Springer, Esq. at cspringer@andrewsspringer.com, or call toll free at 1-800-423-6013. You may also follow us on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/andrews-&-springer-llc, Twitter www.twitter.com/AndrewsSpringer or Facebook - www.facebook.com/AndrewsSpringer for future updates. Andrews & Springer is a boutique securities class action law firm representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty or corporate misconduct. Having formerly defended some of the largest financial institutions in the world, our founding members use their valuable knowledge, experience, and superior skill for the sole purpose of achieving positive results for investors. These traits are the hallmarks of our innovative approach to each case our Firm decides to prosecute. For more information please visit our website at www.andrewsspringer.com. This notice may constitute Attorney Advertising. Contact: Craig J. Springer, Esq. cspringer@andrewsspringer.com Toll Free: 1-800-423-6013 United Kingdom, 16 January 2019 RAK Petroleum plc, the Oslo-listed oil and gas investment company, announces that, as the result of a request by Afaq Al Roya Trading (LLC) to release the restrictions on its 9,000,000 Restricted Class A Shares, and a request by another shareholder to release the restrictions on his 180,000 Restricted Class A Shares, 9,180,000 Restricted Class A Shares have been re-designated as Class A Shares and 9,180,000 Class B Shares, representing 18,360,000 votes, have been transferred to the Company and cancelled. Following these actions having become effective today, the share capital of the Company is GBP 3,328,169.57, consisting of : 203,822,717 Class A Shares, each with a nominal value of GBP 0.01, 123,991,988 Restricted Class A Shares, each with a nominal value of GBP 0.01, 123,991,988 Class B Shares, each with a nominal value of GBP 0.0000001, 87,488,693 Class C Shares, each with a nominal value of GBP 0.0000001 and 50,000 redeemable shares, each with a nominal value of GBP 1.00, resulting in 575,798,681 total votes. These changes in the holdings of voting rights resulted in changes in the percentages of voting rights held by the Company's largest shareholders. The resulting voting rights and holdings of the largest shareholders are set forth in the attached listing of the twenty largest holders as of 15 January 2019. For further queries, please contact: Kevin Toner Managing Director RAK Petroleum plc Email: kevin.toner@rakpetroleum.uk About RAK Petroleum plc RAK Petroleum plc is an Oslo Brs listed oil and gas investment company established under the laws of England and Wales as a public limited company. Its principal holdings are 40.45 percent of DNO ASA and 33.33 percent of Foxtrot International LDC held through Mondoil Enterprises, LLC. Founded in 1971 and listed on the Oslo Brs since 1981, DNO ASA is a Norwegian exploration and production company focused on the Middle East and the North Sea with interests in oil and gas blocks in various stages of exploration, development and production, both onshore and offshore. Foxtrot International LDC is a privately-held company active in West Africa whose principal asset is a 27.27 percent interest in and operatorship of Block CI-27 offshore Cote d'Ivoire. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Attachment Blood-forming (hematopoietic) adult stem cells reside deep in the bone marrow and are responsible for regenerating the bodys blood supply including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In a study published this week in the journal Cell Reports, a team of researchers from China and the United States investigated how these cells, despite being sensitive to DNA damage, manage to repopulate blood cells after chemotherapy or injury. They found that a subset of hematopoietic adult stem cells called reserve hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are resistant to chemotherapy. These reserve HSCs are located in a specialized niche, composed of cells on the inner bone surface expressing the molecule N-cadherin, in mouse bone marrow. Every second, two million new blood cells are churned out by the amazing, regenerative HSCs that reside in the core of most bones. Only a fraction of these cells actively move through the cell cycle at any given time; the rest lie in an inactive or quiescent state, which was once believed to protect them from harm. However, several studies have shown that the majority of these quiescent HSCs are sensitive to DNA damage from chemotherapy. Over a decade ago, Stowers Institute for Medical Researchs Dr. Linheng Li suggested that a special population of HSCs that are resistant to damage might still reside in the bone marrow, hidden in some unexplored niche. Under severe stress radiation or chemotherapy that injures blood cells, including primed hematopoietic stem cells thats when reserve cells kick in, he said. In the new study, Dr. Li and colleagues undertook a series of experiments using a mouse model to prove that these cells exist. A key experiment utilized a cell surface marker to isolate reserve and primed HSCs. The researchers transplanted reserve HSCs or primed HSCs into recipient animals. After the engraftments were established, they treated recipient mice with the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). While the primed HSCs reflected by their derived blood cells began to decline after treatment, the reserve HSCs derivatives were unscathed. In effect, we showed that hematopoietic stem cells have functionally distinct subpopulations one that acts under normal conditions, and the other that acts under times of stress, Dr. Li said. Next, the scientists examined bone and marrow from transplanted mice, labeling the reserve cells with fluorescent tags and studying them microscopically to pinpoint their location in the bone marrow. They spotted the fluorescently labeled cells lurking in a specialized niche along the inside surface of the bone, adjacent to a population of cells known as N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells. They found that these N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells are mesenchymal or skeletal stem cells with the potential to produce bone, cartilage, and fat. Therefore, N-cadherin may be used as a marker to isolate skeletal stem cells and may have potential uses in bone and cartilage regenerative medicine. These N-cadherin+ bone-lining cells appear to protect the reserve cells from injury by feeding them survival factors like the aptly named stem cell factor and others. When the team depleted these support cells, the reserve cells were no longer able to survive chemotherapy treatment. Interestingly, we found that N-cadherin+ cells lining the bone are also resistant to chemotherapy, while stromal cells in the central marrow are sensitive to chemotherapy, which allows N-cadherin+ cells to better support the reserve stem cells, said co-author Fang Tao, also from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research. _____ Meng Zhao et al. N-Cadherin-Expressing Bone and Marrow Stromal Progenitor Cells Maintain Reserve Hematopoietic Stem Cells. Cell Reports 26 (3); doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.093 Rockville, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2019 -- The high purity aluminium market is marked by a handful of leading manufacturers that has sophisticated refining machinery to sustainably produce high purity aluminium. The refining technology of these manufacturers remains competitive in terms of removal of impurities such as Silicon, Iron, and Copper and reducing concentrations of alpha emitters such as Uranium and Thorium. Although aluminium element finds application in multiple industries due to its beneficial alloy properties, recent decades have witnessed the production of high purity aluminium for specific applications. High purity aluminium is highly sought after in the semiconductor industry and other applications such as electrolytic capacitor foils and electronic storage systems. According to the end users' requirement specifications, manufacturers in the high purity aluminium market deliver high purity aluminium in different forms such as foil, sheet, plate, pellet, ingots, billets, wires, rods or disks. Manufacturers also deliver high purity aluminium products for research and other commercial applications. Get Free Exclusive Sample Copy of This Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=625 With the higher level of electrical conductance, application of high purity aluminium has intensified in recent years and can be now found in every displays, memory chips, memory drives of smartphones, computers, tablets and LED screens of other devices. Exponentially rising utilization of high purity aluminium in electronics and technical applications is estimated to augur well for the growth of the high purity aluminium market. A new report available with Fact.MR, about the global high purity aluminium market, provides a comprehensive outlook of the industry trends. Sharp-eyed analysis of the changing global needs and consumption of high purity aluminium are few of the prime factors impacting the growth of the market. The recent restrictions enacted by Trump's Administrations on steel and aluminium import in the United States and its predictable influence on the global aluminium market is another important factor considered in the report analysis. With such thorough analysis, the report provides the most credible go-to forecast of the global high purity aluminium market. Derived from bauxite ore, based on purity levels, high purity aluminium finds application in multiple industries. Notable demand for the highly pure material is observed in electronics, chemical and high purity alloy sectors. Purity of high purity aluminium ranges from 99.99% to 99.999% which is also referred to as 4N to 6N. Manufacturing titans use three-layer electrolysis as well as the segregation or the fractional crystallization methods to refine aluminium. Demand from the Electronics Industry to Boost Market Growth The electronics industry has witnessed a steady growth in past decade. Currently, the industry is helmed by Asian countries including India, China, and Malaysia. Due to its intrinsic properties, the highly pure metal finds application in the manufacturing of electrolytic capacitor foils, high purity alumina (HPA), the semiconductor industry, photovoltaic cells, TFT LCD applications, decorative uses or for electronic storage systems. Its utilization becomes irreplaceable for the industry as the metal provide high electric and thermal conductance as well as low tensile strength. To address the increasing requirements of high purity aluminium, manufacturers are enhancing their capacities and personnel in metallurgy, application technology, metal purification, as well as trace analysis. As electronic industry significantly penetrates in other end-user industries, demand for stated electronics components is set to rise. Owing to this, the market for high purity aluminium is likely to witness persistent growth in future. Steady Bauxite Extraction & High Purity Aluminium Production Top global locations popular for surplus bauxite resources includes Australia, China, Brazil, Indonesia, Guinea, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Russia and Republic of Suriname. Individual regional analysis has reported accretive growth of bauxite extraction in the fiscal year 2017 worldwide. For instance, the Mines Ministry of Guinea reported production of 5 million tons of bauxite from one of Guinea's largest mines per year from 2019. This represents a threefold increase in bauxite production by 2020 in Western African countries. Although China reported highest bauxite export in 2017, air pollution crackdowns may influence the future alumina and bauxite demand. Amidst this scenario, steady bauxite extraction was witnessed globally and is estimated to rise in future. According to the World Bureau of Metal Statistics, world bauxite production is projected to grow at the rate of 8% annually in 2018 and 2019, and to reach 337 million tons by the end of 2019. In addition, helmed by China, world alumina production and consumption also witnessed a rise in 2017. Thus, stable bauxite extraction and growing high purity aluminium demand is likely to influence the market growth in near future. Ask For Customized Report @ https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=RC&rep_id=625 Key Company Developments in High Purity Aluminium Market Showa Denko KK (SDK), a leading Japanese chemical engineering firm has enhanced production capacities of high-purity aluminium foil in China in 2017. High purity aluminium foil is one of the most prominent materials of aluminium electrolytic capacitor. The SDK expansion is aimed at responding to the rising demand for aluminum electrolytic capacitors worldwide. Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian aluminium company that operates throughout Brazilian aluminium chain has recently announced reduction in alumina production by 50%. Alunorte which is owned by Norsk Hydro by 92.1% of shares, delivered lesser alumina to Albras due to reported residue leakage. Hence, Albras which is owned by Norsk Hydro by 51% of shares reported significant decline in production. Altech Chemicals Ltd., an Australia-based leading supplier of highly pure alumina (HPA), has applied for manufacturing license application to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority in Malaysia. The company has plans to produce HPA from kaolin clay supplied from Altech's kaolin plant based in Western Australia. To address the rising demand from end-users, industry titans are focusing on enhancing production capacities with respect to delivery of refined, reliable and defined material quality which is a prerequisite to meet intense competition in the global market. Details associated with all the highlighted trends of the high purity aluminium market are included in the report to deliver a clear industry outlook which will help the financial community in making business decisions. This analytical research study imparts an all-inclusive assessment on the market, while propounding historical intelligence, actionable insights, and industry-validated & statistically-upheld market forecast. Verified and suitable set of assumptions and methodology has been leveraged for developing this comprehensive study. Information and analysis on key market segments incorporated in the report has been delivered in weighted chapters. A thorough analysis has been offered by the report on Market Dynamics Market Size Market Segments Demand & Supply Trends Current Issues and Challenges Companies and Competitor Landscape Value Chain Technology Regional Segments Analyzed Include North America (U.S., Canada) Latin America (Mexico. Brazil) Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain) Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia) Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand) Japan Middle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa) Compilation of authentic and first-hand intelligence, insights offered in the report are based on quantitative and qualitative assessment by leading industry experts, and inputs from opinion leaders & industry participants around the value chain. Growth determinants, macroeconomic indicators, and parent market trends have been scrutinized and delivered, coupled with the market attractiveness for each market segment encompassed. Qualitative impact of growth influencers on the market segments across regions has also been mapped by the report. Highlights from the Report Elaborated scenario of the parent market Transformations in the market dynamics Detailed segmentation of the target market Historical, current and forecast market size based on value and volume Latest industry developments and trends Competition landscape Strategies adopted by the market players and product developments made Potential and niche segments, along with their regional analysis Unbiased analysis on performance of the market Up-to-date and must-have intelligence for the market players to enhance and sustain their competitiveness For more information on this report, please visit:https://www.factmr.com/report/625/high-purity-aluminium-market About Fact.MR Fact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports. Contact Us FactMR 11140 Rockville Pike Suite 400 Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: sales@factmr.com Web: www.factmr.com/ Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/15/2019 -- EINST Technology Pte Ltd is one of the fastest growing companies based in Singapore. For many years, the company has been distributing quality and affordable microscopes, spectrometers, laser & light sources, scientific cameras, and many other products. The company also offers services such as calibration, preventive maintenance, relocation, and repairs for the biomedical industry. The local and regional authorities have certified and approved the products and services offered by the company. Therefore, all professionals in the bio-medical industry can rely on their products and services. While speaking at a technology conference organized in Singapore, the company's spokesperson said, "At EINST Technology Pte Ltd, we are committed to delivering quality and affordable advanced microscopy and other related products. Those looking for a Microscope in Singapore and its environs can rely on our products and services. We are proud of the many years we have in the industry and focus on offering quality and affordable products in the market. We have invested in state of the art technology and qualified personnel with a mission to provide quality products and services to our esteem clients." EINST Technology Pte Ltd is proud of a large customer base it has established in both local and regional market. The company offers prototyping, integration, and other engineering services. Those looking for advanced microscopy products and accessories should look no further. The products offered by the company are just a phone call away. The company regularly revises their prices to ensure they remain competitive in the industry. They have collaborated with some of the leading manufacturing companies in the region to ensure they stay at par with the dynamics of the industry. It is such a difficult task to find a quality Fiber Spectrometer . While speaking to one of their customers based in Singapore, the company's spokesperson said, "We source our products from some of the leading manufacturers in the region to ensure they are of top-quality. By buying our products, one is assured quality, affordability, originality, and compatibility. Our products come with clear return and warranty policies ensuring our customers peace of mind when they shop with us. We offer subsidized delivery for all orders within the country. Those looking forward to getting our engineering services and quality microscopes can contact our customer care team." The company has employed committed customer care team who attends to all customers with respect and dignity. One can inquire about their services and rest assured of timely feedback from the customer care team. About ENIST Technology Pte Ltd EINST Technology Pte Ltd is a private company based in Singapore. For many years, the company has been distributing quality and affordable microscopes and other related accessories. For more information about Raman Spectroscopy System, one can visit their website or contact their customer care team. Contact details Company name: EINST Technology Pte Ltd Address: 1092, Lower Delta Road #04-01-Singapore 169203 Tel: (65) 6276 6928 Fax: (65) 6276 1558 Email: admin@einstinc.com Website: https://www.einstinc.com PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Northwest Natural Holding Company (NYSE: NWN) has declared a quarterly dividend of 47.5 cents per share on the Company's common stock. The dividends will be paid Feb. 15, 2019 to shareholders of record on Jan. 31, 2019. The Company's indicated annual dividend rate is $1.90 per share. About NW Natural Holdings Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and owns a 160-year-old regulated natural gas local distribution company, NW Natural Gas Company (NW Natural), NW Natural Water Company (NW Water), and other business interests and activities. NW Natural currently provides natural gas service to approximately two million people in more than 140 communities through 740,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural is currently constructing a 2.5 Bcf regulated gas storage expansion of its 16 Bcf facility in Oregon to support renewables. NW Natural Holdings subsidiaries own and operate 31 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity. NW Water currently provides water distribution service to approximately 22,000 people through 7,350 connections. To date, NW Water has acquired four water distribution systems with one additional acquisition pending. Upon closing the transaction, cumulatively, NW Water will serve nearly 42,000 people through 16,750 connections in the Pacific Northwest with total investments of approximately $67 million. Additional information is available at nwnaturalholdings.com. What has Trump got to hide from Americans? Re President concealed details of encounters with Putin (Jan. 13): Just when I think he cant do anything more outrageous, now we learn that our president is keeping his communications with the leader of Russia our longtime foe secret. Does anyone really think this president has the countrys best interests in mind? What will it take for the Republicans to wake up and prioritize our country more than their party? A Russian flag flying over the White House? Tom Harpley Advertisement San Diego It doesnt take a genius to figure out why our president doesnt allow his advisers or anyone else to be in the room during a two-hour meeting with Putin in Helsinki and several other meetings with Putin. He obviously doesnt want anyone else to know what goes on in the meetings. Given alleged deals made with the Russians in helping get him elected, theres a lot to hide. And lots of money owed to the Russians may also be involved. (New York banks havent loaned him money for a long time). Whatever it is, its his secret for a reason or lots of reasons, none of which are good for our democracy. Something is very, very wrong! Robert Bridge Carlsbad Re Barr vows to protect Russia probe (Jan 15) : Donald Trump says I never worked for Russia. Advertisement Of course he didnt. Trump works only for himself. If the Russians or other U.S. enemies happen to benefit, that is only an unfortunate side effect. Thomas Alden Borrego Springs 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. Re How San Diego can show that humanity has no borders (Jan. 11): I applaud county Supervisors Greg Cox and Nathan Fletcher for their endorsement of the need for strong practical and humanitarian responses to the current migrant crisis. Of immediate concern is the pending Feb. 4 closure of the temporary migrant shelter being operated by a coalition of nonprofits. Lawful asylum seekers (mostly women and children) typically spend a day or two in the shelter before traveling to their sponsors. Volunteers drive them to bus, plane or train, often very early in the morning. Opening a shelter many miles from transportation terminals (e.g., Camp Barrett in Alpine, one proposed site) would compromise the speed and efficiency of this process. Advertisement I urge county and state authorities to identify an appropriate location as quickly as possible and to provide sufficient resources to meet humane living needs, medical assistance and other support to prevent a public health emergency and increased homelessness. Nancy Sandweiss Bonita The enlightened approach to address the need for temporary assistance for asylum seekers by Supervisors Cox and Fletcher gives me hope that our elected officials can join together to serve the people they represent. The evolution of politicians to statesmen benefits all. Bob Strahl Bonita Advertisement 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. Theres no question California communities are struggling with a crisis of homelessness that needs solving. But one of the most prominent legislative solutions on offer the right to shelter bill (Senate Bill 48) by state Sen. Scott Weiner, D-San Francisco is an example of a well-meaning approach that will almost certainly fail to deliver, and cause unintended harm. As a veteran of policy advocacy in Californias progressive Legislature, I am accustomed to hearing (and occasionally saying) this is a worthy goal but. There is no but in this case: Sheltering the homeless is a worthy goal, period, and certainly a more important priority than the exorbitant funding we afford the states most affluent residents (high-speed trains, anyone?). Weiners bill would declare for the states homeless population a legal right to one type of shelter in their community. That may sound like a place to start. The question is, how? How does the state best assist in sheltering the homeless? How will SB 48 further that goal, and how will it increase local innovation, capability and resources? What obstacles and unintended consequences will it create along the way? Related: Why shelter access must be expanded for homeless Californians Advertisement Local shelter for the homeless is scarce, which means theres a lot less shelter than there are homeless who need it. Redefining the problem of scarcity as a right does not make the scarce item any more plentiful, nor does it make those who must satisfy the demand for shelter any better at providing it. SB 48 is inspired by San Franciscos promising experiment with navigation centers, which assist the chronically homeless (i.e., those whove spent a decade or more on the streets) into housing. The program deploys street counselors who develop relationships with long-term homeless residents, identify those who could benefit from the program, and then offer a range of services that address a fairly comprehensive portfolio of issues that relate to and/or exacerbate homelessness. The navigation center approach works because its flexible counselors can customize solutions to each client. San Franciscos navigation centers show early promise as an effective means to assist somewhere between half and two-thirds of the chronically homeless who are willing to work with the program. Sadly, though, Weiners bill follows a common pattern, in which a local solution thats been developed, piloted, improved upon and implemented by a passionate core group is then mandated statewide as the one way that everyone else must follow. In this case, SB 48 will impose a lone model on all communities approach to homelessness. How will all local communities staff up the expertise and supply the resources necessary to provide the navigation centers that all homeless will have a right to access under SB 48? If local governments are not able or ready to deliver, what then? How many effective local efforts will lose funding and staffing because they are doing something different than what is mandated? Many of these questions have been raised about New York Mayor Bill de Blasios new homeless housing program: Critics have charged that it reduces funding for and availability of affordable housing that is necessary for preventing many of the working poor from becoming homeless in the first place. Even San Francisco had to reassess its navigation center program following its rollout, in response to the feedback of real-world implementation. Navigation centers were originally envisioned as moving entire homeless encampments into housing as a group. When it became clear this wasnt feasible, the city reworked the concept into the promising model it now is, based on customized outreach from city counselors to homeless individuals. San Franciscos navigation centers appear to work because their core concept is a deregulatory model that gave program leaders the leeway to respond to changing circumstances. The thicket of rules that dominate the typical shelter system were impeding assistance to the chronically homeless, so the city took a chance by relaxing those rules to try a different approach. To nobodys surprise, flexibility works. Advertisement SB 48s conversion of San Franciscos experiment into a statewide mandate overlooks the key lesson of the experiment: to fix a complex problem, provide lots of resources to passionate and capable people on the ground and let them develop solutions that work, instead of telling them how they have to do it. Creating local responses to local problems, rather than dictating top-down solutions, will have a much higher chance of success at helping Californias homeless residents. So: more state resources for local communities to innovatively help their homeless residents? Yes, please. More state mandates for how to do that? Stop already. Francois is a senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation. One useful development has come out of this pointless shutdown: It has revealed how little Republican politicians actually care about many of the principles they claim to champion. Eliminating waste, fraud and abuse? Youd never know this mattered, given their insistence that Democrats agree to spend only $5 billion on a wall that is a nonsolution to a nonproblem. Valuing freedom and property rights? Hard to square with proposals to invoke eminent domain to build a border wall and use asset forfeiture money to pay for it (an idea endorsed by the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, no less). But perhaps the biggest swindle revealed by the shutdown is Republican officials commitment to the dignity of work. Advertisement For years, the GOP has tried to slash the safety net on the premise that lazy Americans need to be weaned off government handouts. The objective is not to punish the poor, they say, or even to save money. Rather, its to imbue dejected Americans with greater feelings of self-worth through an honest paycheck. And yet, with astounding callousness, Republicans have brushed aside the hundreds of thousands of Americans now being denied the dignity of that paycheck thanks to an unnecessary government shutdown. Government workers are selling their childrens toys on Craigslist, rationing their insulin, delaying surgeries. The White House and other Republicans have largely dismissed such hardships, insisting that its no biggie for these civil servants to go without pay for a little while. After all, they note, federal workers will likely be awarded back pay when the government reopens. Whenever that is. In fact, White House Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Kevin Hassett told PBS NewsHour that workers laid off during the shutdown are better off, since they can go on vacation but they dont have to use their vacation days. Other Trump advisers have made similar comments. This, of course, ignores the estimated 420,000 air-traffic controllers, TSA screeners, corrections officers, Border Patrol agents and others deemed essential whove had to continue working without pay (and in some cases actually cancel scheduled vacations). For these and the 380,000 workers on furlough, a promise of eventual back pay hardly feels like being better off. Not only because that back pay may arrive weeks after mortgage payments and other bills come due. And not only because many have had to turn to the handouts free meals, trips to food pantries, unemployment insurance that the GOP has spent decades stigmatizing. But also because they truly do find meaning, pride and feelings of self-worth through their jobs i.e., all those psychic benefits of employment that Republicans usually talk about. Advertisement Consider the legions of federal employees who safeguard the natural world through their work at the Environment Protection Agency or the National Park Service; who help businesses make informed decisions through data they collect for the Census Bureau; who inspect food for the Food and Drug Administration to prevent outbreaks of salmonella, E. coli or listeria. These public servants took such positions not just for the paycheck. They took them because they find meaning in the work that theyre currently barred from doing. Being told to stay home or even to report to work, but indefinitely forgo compensation for their labor is not just financially painful. Its demoralizing. And finally, there are the federal contract workers who have also been laid off during the shutdown. Historically, these workers have gotten zero back pay after the government reopens, in part because getting them made whole is complicated. Unlike those on federal payrolls, the government doesnt necessarily know who all of these contract workers are, making it challenging to cut them a check directly. Its also not clear how to get private contractors to reimburse such workers for the lost time without amending thousands of existing contracts. A group of Democratic senators including Tina Smith of Minnesota and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is developing legislation that aims to address this problem. Advertisement In the meantime, these workers are not on vacation. Many such as Larry Howard, a furloughed National Zoo guest-services contract worker who makes $13.50 an hour live paycheck to paycheck. About a third of the estimated 1 million contract employees at unfunded agencies make under $15 per hour, according to the labor organization Good Jobs Nation. These workers, like their counterparts on federal payrolls, would like to show up for their jobs and get paid. Theyd like elected officials to see the dignity in their work, too. Or at least, said Howard: Id like them to treat us as well as they treat the pandas. Rampell can be reached at crampell@washpost.com and on Twitter, @crampell. In August 2009, at a seminar in Sacramento sponsored by the Public Retirement Journal, the chief actuary of the California Public Employees Retirement system who thought he was at a closed event with no media present made a grim, startling pronouncement that was unlike anything ever said publicly by his bosses at CalPERS. Ed Mendel, founder of the Calpensions blog, was at the event, and broke the story thats reverberated ever since. I dont want to sugarcoat anything, [Ron] Seeling said as he neared the end of his comments. We are facing decades without significant turnarounds in assets, decades of what I, my personal words, nobody elses unsustainable pension costs of between 25 percent of pay for a miscellaneous plan and 40 to 50 percent of pay for a safety plan (police and firefighters) unsustainable pension costs. Weve got to find some other solutions. Seeling used the same word to describe CalPERS pension costs unsustainable that then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had used to push for dramatic cuts in pension benefits. No one had more credibility than Seeling on CalPERS financial health, and 10 years ago, it was clear that he had joined the doomsayers who warned the pension tsunami would eventually strike with devastating effect. Unsurprisingly, with its board dominated by union allies who defended the pension status quo, CalPERS quickly disavowed Seelings warning. The next month, it launched a website calpersresponds.com that rejected any concerns about CalPERS long-term viability. And ever since, public employee unions have mounted campaigns dismissing the idea that a pension crisis is coming even as local governments eliminate or reduce services because of pension costs. Advertisement But union leaders are anything but dumb. The most telling example: Four years before the June 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling saying public employees could opt out of paying union dues, the California Teachers Association had actually concluded the ruling was inevitable and started preparing for a future in which government worker unions would have diminished resources. So heres a provocative thought: What if the union leaders who publicly scoffed at Seelings warning actually completely agreed with him? With that as a starting point as well as union leaders expectation of the union-dues ruling the past 10 years in the Golden State look considerably different. Call if the Grand Unified Theory of California Politics: Much of what public employee unions have done since 2009 has had as its overarching goal not just sustaining generous defined-benefit pensions in the short term but enshrining them and protecting them for a generation of new workers to come. Consider the bailout of the California State Teachers Retirement System, which seemingly went from a vague idea in early 2014 to a far-reaching, hugely consequential state law by June of that year. It phases in higher pension contributions from districts, the state and teachers, starting in 2014-15 and concluding in 2020-21, increasing total annual payments to CalSTRS from nearly $6 billion to $11 billion. But the structure of the bailout is uniquely punitive to school districts, which are responsible for 70 percent of new CalSTRS funding, with the state responsible for 20 percent and teachers 10 percent. Districts will end up paying a phased-in increase of more than 130 percent in contributions based on teacher pay. Even before the bailout took effect, Moodys Investors Service sounded the alarm: Managing rising pension costs will prove challenging over time because CalSTRS rate increases are back-loaded. School districts face future budgetary stress not only from rising pension costs but from salary and benefit expenditures and programmatic priorities. Further, school districts have minimal revenue flexibility. Rising pension costs will pressure financial operations ... . Moodys warning was pure common sense. In the 2013-14 school year, even with the much lower pension contribution rates, many school districts saw 85 percent or more of their budgets going to compensation. Few if any could readily handle a giant increase in a key compensation category. Come 2019, as was inevitable, school districts complaints about high pension costs are a constant across California starting with the largest, Los Angeles Unified, where a teachers strike began Monday. Whats driving the strike? A key factor is that LAUSD leaders say they simply cant afford the raises demanded by United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) because of rapidly growing pension costs. Union leaders say thats just not true that the district has a $1.8 billion reserve that can easily cover substantial raises. Advertisement This argument is so feeble that its hard to believe anyone can make it with a straight face. The UTLA knows that LAUSDs pension squeeze is real. It knows the reserve wont even cover the $2 billion in red ink that L.A. Unified expects over three years. But the argument doesnt seem so feeble if you see it as part of a long-term strategy. When teachers unions embraced the CalSTRS bailout in 2014, were they as prescient and commonsensical as Moodys? Did they also foresee the brutal fallout it would cause and see it as an opportunity? A recent Los Angeles Times op-ed by LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner makes that seem entirely plausible. He noted that the UTLA was fully aware of the districts precarious finances and asked ... So what is this really about? UTLA leaders have said since early 2017 before contract negotiations even began and more than a year before I became superintendent that they wanted a strike to create a state crisis. L.A. Unified has made proposal after proposal, all of which have been rejected. UTLA leaders, meanwhile, have not made a single counteroffer on salary or class size. Not one. Advertisement Talk about things that make you go hmmmm. What might come of such a state crisis? How about an intense push to raise taxes dramatically? A push that would nominally be about helping the children by increasing education funding but that would free ride on the popularity of the idea of helping schools to also provide vast new funding to help all government agencies pay for and continue to offer generous defined-benefit pensions? Which brings us to Proposition 13, the landmark 1978 state law that limits increases in property taxes to 2 percent a year, with property being reassessed when it changes hands. In 2014, Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, introduced a bill that would end a ridiculous loophole in the law that allows a commercial or business parcel to escape being reassessed after it is sold if no single individual or entity owned more than half the property. It passed the Assembly on a bipartisan 57-13 vote only to die without explanation in the Senate. The only explanation that made sense? Keeping the loophole would make it easier to push a split-roll ballot measure ending Proposition 13s protections for commercial and business properties, forcing their owners to face annual new assessments in an era of sky-high property costs. Lo and behold, just such a measure has already qualified for the 2020 ballot. If passed, the California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act would divvy up an expected $11 billion a year among public schools, local governments and community colleges. Advertisement And it will be much easier to pass after 18 months of headlines about fiscal chaos in Californias public schools. The agony caused by the CalSTRS bailout will peak next year, when districts have to adopt and then implement 2020-21 budgets that cover the cost of the final sharp boost in pension contributions. If you think this is all a grand coincidence, youre on the naive side. Union leaders arent dumb and the sophistication of their long con is something to behold. California taxpayers: Youre being played. Reed, who obviously watched The X-Files too much, is deputy editor of the editorial and opinion section. Twitter: @chrisreed99. Email: chris.reed@sduniontribune.com. Column archive: sdut.us/chrisreed. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Advertisement Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. (iSIGN or Company) (TSX-V: ISD) (OTC: ISDSF), a leading provider of interactive mobile advertising solutions that serves brands, commercial locations, retailers and service providers throughout North America, today announced the extension to the due date of a promissory note (Note) with Korona Group Ltd. in August 2017. The Note matured on August 31, 2018 and the parties have agreed to an extension of the due date to January 31, 2020. Additionally, the parties have agreed that the interest on the additional term will be by way of a warrant bonus, with the number of warrants being 6,007,000. Calculation of the number of warrants is based on the $600,700 value of the Note and the warrant exercise price of $0.10. The warrants will have a term that matches the due date of the Note, January 31, 2020 and cannot be extended. When exercised, each warrant will allow for the purchase of one common share of iSIGN. The Company elected to satisfy this outstanding indebtedness with warrants in order to preserve its cash for operational purposes. This arrangement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (Exchange). The Company will issue these warrants once approval has been received from the Exchange. Additionally, the Company announced it has entered into a shares-for-debt arrangement in which the Company has agreed to issue 500,000 common shares at a deemed price of $0.08 per share in settlement of a debt totaling $40,000. Satisfying this outstanding indebtedness with shares was undertaken in order to preserve the Companys cash for operational purposes. This arrangement is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (Exchange). The Company will issue these shares, which are subject to a four-month hold period, once approval has been received from the Exchange. About iSIGN Media iSIGN, a Canadian company based in Toronto, Ontario is a data-focused, software-as-a-service (SaaS) company that is a pioneering leader in the areas of location-based security alert messaging and proximity marketing utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity in complete privacy. Creators of the Smart suite of products, a patented interactive proximity marketing technology, iSIGN enables the delivery of messages to mobile devices in proximity, with real-time reporting and analytics on a variety of metrics. Partners include: IBM, Keyser Retail Solutions, Baylor University, Verizon Wireless, TELUS and Mtrex Network Solutions. www.isignmedia.com 2019 iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. All Rights Reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Investor contacts: Bruce Reilly iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. bruce@isignmedia.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor Its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility or accuracy of this release. Californias housing affordability crisis over the past decade has coincided with a boom in tech-fueled job growth. Now Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling on Silicon Valley companies to make an unprecedented contribution to help build new homes but his idea is drawing concern from some budget watchers and government ethics advocates who worry about the political influence the tech industry could gain. Newsom said his administration is asking corporations to provide developers with low-interest loans to build housing for teachers, nurses and other middle-class Californians. Newsom indicated the companies total fundraising for the program would match the $500 million in public money hes proposed in the state budget for the development of middle-income housing. The workforce housing issues have been exacerbated by the success of a lot of these companies, Newsom said when presenting the budget last week. I do not begrudge other peoples success. But that success is creating burdens and stress. Gov. Gavin Newsom threatens to cut state funding from cities that dont approve enough housing Advertisement Millions of jobs have been created in Californias strong economy since the recession, but there is not enough housing in the state to accommodate the influx of workers. The Bay Area alone over the past eight years has added 750,000 jobs and only 167,000 new homes, according to construction industry statistics, prompting calls for Silicon Valley companies to do more to offset the impact on the housing market. A fall USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll found that Bay Area respondents believed the rising influence of the tech industry was the primary contributor to the states housing affordability woes among eight options provided in the poll. Newsom said hes had conversations over the past six months with tech companies about ponying up more money for middle-income housing and his budget plan was designed to complement what the companies chip in. Middle-income housing is generally reserved for those making a specific percentage above an areas median income; for example, a family of four in Los Angeles would qualify if they together earn up to $83,000 a year. At a roundtable on affordable housing issues in San Jose on Tuesday, Newsom said he would release full details of the effort later on. But dedicating a half-billion dollars to middle-income housing means that money wont go toward helping the states poorest residents. In its initial review of Newsoms budget, the states nonpartisan Legislative Analysts Office said the housing needs of low-income Californians far outstrip the public money thats available. The Legislature may want to consider whether it prefers to target the states limited housing resources toward the Californians most in need of housing assistance, the analysts report said. Newsoms budget includes a significant influx of cash for low-income housing and homelessness, such as $300 million in tax credits to subsidize new development and an additional $300 million to help cities and counties build emergency shelters and provide other homeless services. At the event Tuesday, Newsom also announced that he signed an executive order to provide low-income housing developers with a list of state properties suitable for homebuilding with an eye toward getting affordable units built on the land within the next three years. It remains unclear exactly how Silicon Valley businesses would pay for Newsoms effort, but the kind of contribution the governor envisions is unusual, said Rey Lopez-Calderon, executive director of California Common Cause, a government ethics watchdog group. Political campaign donations are often subject to limits and public disclosure, and when government officials direct payments to nonprofits, that also must be made public. But lawmakers recently did away with rules requiring their solicitation of private dollars to government agencies to be disclosed, Lopez-Calderon said. Technology companies face significant state regulations and legislation related to privacy and many other aspects of their business. Voters could question an arrangement in which the tech industry gives large amounts of money to a top Newsom priority, Lopez-Calderon said. Advertisement To an average citizen, does it undermine faith in government if these companies are kicking in tens of millions of dollars to advance the governors agenda? he said. It certainly could. Asked Tuesday if he had concerns about the nature of the contributions and public disclosure, Newsom said he hadnt thought about the issue and planned to discuss it with administration attorneys. Im not asking for a gift, Newsom said. Im not asking for a nonprofit donation. Im asking for a commitment, a public policy commitment. Im not seeing a red flag, but its a legitimate question. Some Silicon Valley business leaders say they are ready to help the governor with his housing goals. Carl Guardino, head of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, praised Newsom for deciding against proposing a new tax increase on the industry. This way, Guardino said, the regions largest companies could contribute without costs falling on others. Advertisement Its a dollar amount that is absolutely audacious and we like audacious goals here, Guardino said. Since its a voluntary goal, it doesnt force out the middle-class jobs that we need to keep. Gov @GavinNewsom and San Jose Mayor @sliccardo about to begin an affordable housing conversation with San Jose residents pic.twitter.com/VUzuocrfwk Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) January 15, 2019 High housing prices are continuing to pressure Californians who are wondering whether they can afford to stay in the state. At Tuesdays forum, Newsom and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo heard from five residents and business owners concerned about the effects of high costs on their lives. Nuemi Guzman, 42, works as an assistant at a legal advocacy foundation in San Jose and grew up in Santa Clara County. But she, her husband and three young children had to move to Merced County to afford a home. Guzman said she wakes up before 5 a.m. every weekday and doesnt typically get home until after 7 p.m. because of a five-hour round-trip commute. Advertisement I see the struggle that my clients go through in that they cant afford a house, Guzman told Newsom and Liccardo. I sit back and think, I bought a house. How can I be complaining? But then I dont see my children grow up. Its just gotten harder and harder. Guzman said she and her family are considering moving to Arizona for more affordable living. Coverage of California politics liam.dillon@latimes.com Advertisement @dillonliam A grand Washington ritual became a potential casualty of the partial government shutdown Wednesday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked President Donald Trump to postpone his Jan. 29 State of the Union speech. She cited concerns about whether the hobbled government can provide adequate security, but Republicans cast her move as a ploy to deny Trump the stage. In a letter to Trump, Pelosi said that with both the Secret Service and the Homeland Security Department entangled in the shutdown, the president should speak to Congress another time or he should deliver the address in writing. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen denied anyones safety is compromised, saying both agencies are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union. Trump did not immediately respond to the request and the White House, thrown off guard by the move, had yet to offer any official response hours later. But GOP allies accused Pelosi of playing politics, with Republican Rep. Steve Scalise tweeting that Democrats are only interested in obstructing @realDonaldTrump, not governing. Pelosi, who issued the customary invitation to Trump weeks ago, hit the president in a vulnerable place, as he delights in taking his message to the public and has been preparing for the address for weeks. Advertisement Today, I wrote to @realDonaldTrump recommending that we delay the State of the Union until after government re-opens, as the @SecretService, the lead federal agency for #SOTU security, faces its 26th day without funding. https://t.co/K2oL8WGvqo pic.twitter.com/g3fIlxDbbK Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) January 16, 2019 The uncertainty surrounding the speech also underscored the unraveling of ceremonial norms and niceties in Trumps Washington, with the shutdown in its fourth week, the White House and Democrats in a stalemate and the impasse draining the finances of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Pelosi left unclear what would happen if Trump insisted on coming despite the welcome mat being pulled away. It takes a joint resolution of the House and Congress to extend the official invitation and set the stage. Well have to have a security evaluation, but that would mean diverting resources, she told reporters when asked how she would respond if Trump still intended to come. I dont know how that could happen. Pressure on Trump intensified on the 26th day of the shutdown, as lawmakers from both parties scrambled for solutions. At the White House, Trump met a bipartisan group of lawmakers, as well as a group of Republican senators, but progress appeared elusive. While his own advisers said the shutdown was proving a greater drag on the economy than expected, Trump showed no signs of backing off a fight that he views as vital for his core supporters. On Wednesday, Trump signed legislation into law affirming that the roughly 800,000 federal workers who have been going without pay will ultimately be compensated for their lost wages. That was the practice in the past. As he weighs a response to Pelosi, Trump could not go forward with a State of the Union address in Congress without her blessing. Donald Ritchie, former historian of the Senate, said that anytime a president comes to speak, it must be at the request of Congress. Trump could opt to deliver a speech somewhere else, like the Oval Office, but it would not have the same ritualistic heft. Advertisement Democratic leaders did not ask the Secret Service if the agency would be able to secure the State of the Union event before sending the letter, according to a senior Homeland Security official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Pelosis office said Congress is already familiar with the percentage of Secret Service and Homeland Security employees who have been furloughed and working without pay. The Secret Service starts preparing for events like these months in advance. Lawmakers struggled to find a way out of the shutdown Wednesday. Trump is demanding $5.7 billion to build a wall along the Mexican border that he says is needed on humanitarian and security grounds. But Pelosi is refusing money for the wall she views as ineffective and immoral and Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened. Some expressed little optimism. Advertisement Sen. Lindsay Graham, a South Carolina Republican who has been working on bipartisan strategies, declared glumly: I am running out of ideas. Trump met a bipartisan group of lawmakers Wednesday that included seven Democrats. Two people who attended the White House meeting agreed it was productive, but could not say to what extent Trump was listening or moved by the conversation. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the event candidly, said it seemed at some points as if people were talking past each other. Lawmakers talked about the shutdowns effect on their constituents and advocated for border security. Trump and others on-and-off used the term wall. It was not clear if progress had been made, by those accounts. Meanwhile a group of Republican senators headed to the White House later Wednesday. Advertisement Many Republicans were unwilling to sign on to a letter led by Graham and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., to re-open the government for three weeks while talks continue. Does that help the president or does that hurt the president? asked Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., among those going to the White House. He has not signed the letter. If the president saw it as a way to be conciliatory, if he thought it would help, then perhaps its a good idea, he said. If its just seen as a weakening of his position, then he probably wouldnt do it. #ShutdownNancys decision to shut down the State of the Union was never about security. It was about the obstruction of @realDonaldTrump. Plain and simple. https://t.co/k7LWmEayFb Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) January 16, 2019 While Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she has signed, others said GOP support was lacking. Theyre a little short on the R side, said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., another leader of the effort. Advertisement The House and Senate announced they are canceling next weeks planned recess if shutdown continues, which seemed likely. Some Republicans expressed concerns over the impact of the shutdown and who was getting blamed. Said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc.:"Right now, are you seeing any pressure on Democrats? I think Republicans are getting the lions share of the pressure. He added: The president accepted the blame so people are happy to give it to him. Associated Press writers Chris Rugaber, Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly, Jonathan Lemire, Alan Fram, Colleen Long, Andrew Taylor, Laurie Kellman, Elana Schor and Ken Sweet contributed to this report With rain falling off and on during the morning commute, some drivers found heavy, slow traffic on local freeways early Wednesday. A big-rig blocked the No. 3 lane on south Interstate 15 near Scripps Poway Parkway shortly before 8 a.m. The vehicle was moved to the shoulder within 15 minutes but added to a sluggish commute for some drivers, said California Highway Patrol Officer Tommy Doerr He said traffic is typically heavy along that stretch of freeway during the morning drive. Around 8:40 a.m., traffic was still backed up all the way to Poway Road. Advertisement CHP officers also had to close access from northbound Interstate 805 to eastbound I- 8 after a collision in the area around 8 a.m. The ramp reopened about 15 minutes later, Doerr said. Twitter: @karenkucher (619) 293-1350 karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com Two men armed with pepper spray pulled off a pair of robberies in quick succession Tuesday night at T-Mobile stores in El Cerrito and Hillcrest, San Diego police said. The first heist was reported about 6:45 p.m. at the El Cerrito location on University Avenue near 58th Street, San Diego police Officer John Buttle said. One of the suspects threatened employees with pepper spray and said he would harm anyone who tried to stop them. The bandits made off with several cellphones and iPads, Buttle said. No one was injured. About half an hour later, just after 7:15 p.m., the T-Mobile location on Washington Street and First Avenue in Hillcrest was held up, Buttle said. Like the first robbery, one of the suspects displayed a can of pepper spray as they made demands from employees. Advertisement The other suspect used some type of tool to cut the security wires from some cellphones that were on display, Buttle said. The men made off with several cellular phones. Robbery detectives were investigating both incidents and believe the heists were carried out by the same two suspects. They were both described as thin black men in their 20s, about 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall. One suspect wore a matching gray sweatsuit, while the other wore a blue hoodie and black sweatpants. Officers also responded around 7:40 p.m. to reports of a possible robbery at the T-Mobile store near Balboa and Genesee avenues in Clairemont, according to radio traffic, but it was later determined no robbery occurred there. Police said the confusion regarding the Clairemont location apparently arose as employees at T-Mobile stores around the county called each other to warn of the robbery spree. These guys seem to be on a bit of a rampage, a dispatcher said, and police reported fanning out to T-Mobile stores across the city in case the suspects stuck again. Twitter: @Alex_Riggins Advertisement (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com UPDATES: 3:45 p.m.: This article was updated with the suspects descriptions and other details. Advertisement 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16: This article was updated with additional details. 10:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 8:50 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15. A man gravely wounded in a shooting this week at an East Village apartment died Wednesday morning at a hospital, authorities reported. Bradley West Reynolds, 30, succumbed to his injuries two days after an unknown assailant shot him inside a fourth-floor apartment in the Strata building on Market Street near Tenth Avenue, according to San Diego police. Patrol officers responded to a report of gunfire shortly after 5:45 a.m. Monday in the high-rise, high-end apartment complex and found Reynolds suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body, Lt. Anthony Dupree said. He was taken to a hospital with life-threatening wounds, where doctors pronounced him dead Wednesday. Advertisement The motive for the slaying was unclear, and no description of the unidentified shooter was made public. Dupree said Monday that investigators dont believe Reynolds lived in the apartment and were trying to determine his relationship to the person who rented the unit. Rents start at $2,649 in the luxury complex. Several people were seen running after the shooting, although it was not clear if they came out of the unit where Reynolds was shot, Dupree said Monday. According to federal prosecutors, Reynolds was a North Park gang member who went by the nickname Lil Goldie, and was convicted on racketeering conspiracy charges in 2015 for his part in a nationwide sex-trafficking ring. His brother was also one of the 24 defendants convicted in the case. According to an indictment and his own admissions in court, Reynolds was a member of the BMS gang, or Black Mob and Skanless, two groups that worked together to make money, primarily in sex trafficking and drug sales. In his guilty plea, he admitted to taking part in a 2007 armed robbery, and to taking women to New Jersey and Las Vegas to engage in prostitution, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alessandra Serano said Friday. Reynolds, who had been in and out of federal prison over the past several years, was released from custody in his latest prison stint on New Years Eve, two weeks before he was fatally shot. Dupree said in an email that there was no information as of Wednesday evening that Reynolds slaying was gang-related. Advertisement Anyone with information about the killing was asked to call the San Diego Police Department homicide unit at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. City News Service contributed to this report. Advertisement Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com Advertisement UPDATES: 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 18: This article was updated with additional details about Reynolds background. 6:55 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details. This article was originally published at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Caltrans is getting ready to install small spikes on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in hopes of deterring suicidal people from jumping off. The project is a temporary measure while the agency pursues permanent barriers for the bridge, where more than 400 people have plummeted to their deaths since it opened in 1969. I would rather have a fence, but Im happy that theyre doing something, said Wayne Strickland, a retired Coronado firefighter and president of the Bridge Collaborative for Suicide Prevention, a grassroots group that has been leading the push for barriers. First announced in June, the four-inch spikes, similar to those used to prevent birds from roosting on ledges, will be put on top of the 3-foot-tall walls that line the outside edges of the bridge. Advertisement Officials said the obstructions will be more of a psychological deterrent than a physical one. They hope the spikes will at least slow down people contemplating suicide long enough for them to reconsider or to allow emergency crews or others to intervene. Installation could begin as soon as the end of the month, according to Cathryne Bruce-Johnson, a Caltrans public information officer. The project, estimated to cost between $100,000 and $300,000, recently received environmental-review waivers after regulators determined that historical, visual and other impacts would be minimal. The spikes emerged as a temporary measure while Caltrans, prodded by growing community concern and political pressure, did a year-long feasibility study of suicide-prevention on the 2-mile long bridge. The agency concluded a barrier would be suitable and identified almost a dozen options, including mesh fences, glass panels, tall thistles, and nets. Several are based on projects credited with reducing suicides in other cities. Officials are narrowing the choices, calculating the costs preliminary estimates range from $30 million to $137 million and identifying possible funding sources. Add in necessary environmental reviews and approvals from governmental agencies and it could be up to 10 years before a permanent barrier is in place, Caltrans officials have estimated. In the meantime, bird spikes. Caltrans got the idea from Coronado resident Eric Dawson, a retired attorney, who suggested it during a public meeting the transportation agency held in August 2017. Advertisement The bird spikes are not intended to act as a physical barrier like a fence, he wrote in a subsequent note to Caltrans. Instead, if they work, it will be because they provide a visual, psychological deterrent. He said some people determined to jump will find a way over the obstructions, but the threat of injury from the spikes might be enough to dissuade others. Thats part of the thinking behind steel nets being installed on the Golden Gate Bridge. Someone will still be able to go over the side, but it will be a two-story drop into the net likely to cause injury, not death. In Coronado, some residents have been pushing for three decades for something to be done beyond existing signs that list the phone number for a suicide hotline. Advertisement Hopefully the spikes will deter people from even thinking about it, Strickland said. In a city with just 25,000 residents, many know someone who has jumped or their survivors. They know the emergency crews who recover the bodies. Theyve seen cars abandoned on the span, or theyve been caught in traffic during the dozens of bridge closures that occur annually during suicide incidents Until recently, their concerns have gone unanswered. Members of the Bridge Collaborative, formed in 2014, have kept the issue in the public eye, and theyve drawn powerful allies in Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey and state Sen. Ben Hueso, D-San Diego. Hueso was concerned about suicides and the Oct. 16, 2016, incident in which a pickup truck plummeted off the bridge into Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, killing four people. (The manslaughter trial for the driver began this week in San Diego Superior Court.) Advertisement Last April, Caltrans installed a debris fence on the section above the park, part of a safety project that also includes signage urging motorists to slow down. Advertisement john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com Federal prosecutors in San Diego have filed a felony complaint against a Kentucky man accused of molesting a 14-year-old San Diego boy he met online. Carlie Joe Bentley, 49, was arrested while traveling through Arizona with the boy in a rented vehicle, according to court documents. Bentley remained jailed early Wednesday in Yavapai County, in central Arizona, where he was booked into custody around 7 a.m. Monday. According to prosecutors, Bentley traveled with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, a violation of federal law. It was unclear Wednesday if he had an attorney. Bentley met the San Diego teen last year on an online dating app, and the two apparently made a plan to meet near the end of December in San Diego, according to San Diego-area FBI Special Agent Kristen Robinson, a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the criminal complaint. Advertisement On Dec. 30, Bentley arrived in San Diego and checked into a motel, where the victim went to stay with him for two days before Bentley left, according to the complaint. FBI investigators later confirmed Bentley had stayed at the motel. After the rendezvous, the victim confided in others that he and Bentley engaged in sexual acts, Robinson said in the complaint. The victim showed those same people photographs of him and Bentley together, and indicated there were videos of the sexual encounters. On Sunday, a family member of the victim called police after discovering a note from the 14-year-old saying he was running away from home, according to the complaint. The family member also learned from the teens acquaintances that hed run off with a 49-year-old man, and would possibly return later this year or when he turned 18. Sometime late Sunday or early Monday, law enforcement officers tracked down Bentley and the victim in Arizona, according to the complaint. Law enforcement agents in Arizona were contacted, and Bentley and (the victim) were stopped while traveling in a vehicle rented by Bentley, Robinson said in the document. According to the arresting officers, Bentleys pants were unbuttoned and unzipped when he exited the vehicle. The FBI said Bentley, while being questioned by investigators, admitted to the same sexual contact the victim had described to others after the New Years Eve motel visit. Advertisement Twitter: @Alex_Riggins (619) 293-1710 alex.riggins@sduniontribune.com Congressman Scott Peters announced Wednesday that he wont run for San Diego mayor in 2020, leaving Assemblyman Todd Gloria and Councilwoman Barbara Bry as the leading candidates to replace Mayor Kevin Faulconer in two years. Peters, 60, said that after much analysis and soul searching over the last two months, he decided it makes more sense for him to stay in Congress and try to make a difference for San Diego and the nation there. Just figuring out how to serve San Diego and my country, I feel this is the better spot for me right now, Peters told the Union-Tribune by phone from Washington, D.C. Ive gotten a lot of encouragement to run for mayor, but I feel that I can have a big impact here as part of the majority party. Peters said he believes he would have made an excellent mayor and he is confident he would have won the 2020 election. Advertisement People will say that I wouldnt win and I cant stop them, but the polling was solid and we would have had the resources we needed, Peters said. I just think Ive got more to accomplish here and its a particularly critical time for the country. Peters was referring to the ongoing federal government shutdown and Democrats winning back control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the Nov. 6 election, which has given him more prominent roles on several key committees. The amount of effort that a mayors race would take would really make it difficult for me to concentrate on the job I was elected to do and it just didnt seem right, he said. It would just feel bad to not be engaged when theres so much division here and when I feel I have so much to offer in terms of bringing people together and offering solutions. Peters has been appointed to the Energy and Commerce Committee, hes vice chair of the New Democrat Coalition, and he was selected to deliver the Democrats national address last week. As Democrats enter the majority, its clear that I have new and profound opportunities to make progress and create change, he said. Ill be able to get bills on the floor, and well be able to show the country what it would look like if Democrats ran the Senate and had the presidency. Peters decision leaves Gloria and Bry, who both announced their candidacies for mayor earlier this month, as the two leading Democrats in the race. Other possible candidates include Republican Councilman Mark Kersey and former Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman, who is registered as an independent. But most political observers expect a Democrat to replace Faulconer, a Republican who cant run for re-election in 2020 because of term limits. Thanks partly to backlash against President Donald Trump, Democrats enjoy a 19 percentage point voter registration advantage over Republicans in San Diego, 40.5 percent to 21.4 percent, with 38 percent either independents or members of smaller parties. Advertisement Peters could have made the race among Democrats an intense three-way battle, but now the race will come down to Gloria and Bry unless another significant candidate emerges. They both bring strengths to the table, but I havent talked to them about how they would operate the city, Peters said. Im not really sure what their approach would be. Peters said he would have focused as mayor on inclusive economic development, housing growth around transit and making management of the city more competent. Peters said he is unsure who he will endorse in the mayors race but promised to remain vocal about local issues. Advertisement Gloria, who is Latino, Native American and Filipino, would become the first minority to be elected mayor of San Diego. He also would be the citys first openly gay mayor. Before being elected to the state Assembly in 2016, Gloria, 40, served eight years on the City Council. Bry, 69, was elected to the City Council in 2016 after a long career in the private sector that included founding several local high-tech companies, such as ProFlowers.com, and working as a reporter for the Los Angeles Times and other publications. Peters, who lives in La Jolla, was on the City Council from 2000 to 2008, serving as the citys first council president after San Diego switched to a strong mayor form of government. Advertisement He then served two years as commissioner for the Port of San Diego before being elected to Congress in 2012. david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick Solving San Diegos housing crisis with an overhaul of city bureaucracy, expanding efforts to reduce homelessness and making the city a national leader on the environment are among Mayor Kevin Faulconers priorities for 2019. Faulconer used his annual State of the City address on Tuesday to lay out those goals and several others, including efforts to ensure the citys contractors reflect San Diegos diversity and upgrading 300 dangerous intersections. Related: Read Mayor Kevin Faulconers State of the City address The boldest proposals in the mayors speech focused on housing, as he wants to eliminate building height limits in many neighborhoods, wipe out parking requirements and make it more profitable to build low-income housing. Advertisement The mayor also wants to streamline approvals for many projects, especially those including low-income housing, to prevent anti-growth residents and fearful City Council members from derailing ambitious proposals. The bureaucracy has been set up to empower anti-housing forces that delay or deny projects at every turn, Faulconer said during the 34-minute speech in downtowns Balboa Theatre. Obstructionists must never again be able to halt the housing that San Diego needs, he said. These changes represent a complete rethinking about how we deal with housing. We must change from a city that shouts not in my back yard to one that proclaims yes in my backyard. The proposals to eliminate height limits and parking requirements would apply to properties within half a mile of an existing or planned trolley or bus line, which is roughly half the properties in the city, although height limits couldnt be lifted in neighborhoods near the coast without approval from the state Coastal Commission. Another key proposal is to allow developers to build projects as large as they want if they are willing to have a certain percentage of the units be for low-income residents or formerly homeless people. Faulconer said it would be the most generous incentive in the state to build such housing for the formerly homeless, which typically includes on-site social services. On homelessness, the mayor also proposed adding more safe parking lots for people living in cars, hiring housing specialists to work in the citys bridge shelters and expanding a storage center where homeless people keep their belongings. He also wants to hire outreach workers that would be sent to many neighborhoods outside of downtown to encourage more people to get off the streets and seek help. Advertisement In addition, the citys new Housing Navigation Center, which will centralize homeless services in one location downtown, is scheduled to open this year after many months of preparation. The mayor said he intends to fight harder against opposition to homeless solutions, especially when residents and neighborhood leaders reject shelters or housing projects for the homeless. Some say they support more homeless services, they just want them somewhere else, he said. Some claim they want to support new solutions, then throw up roadblocks to derail progress. Some say we need to study the problem further, which just kicks the can down the road. Faulconer also called out county officials for allowing a reduction in the number of hospital beds devoted to the mentally ill, who have a high risk of becoming homeless. Advertisement The city is taking a new approach, the mayor said. The state is stepping up. Now it is time for the county to do the same. The speech was Faulconers fifth State of the City address, but the first time the Republican mayor has delivered the address while facing a 6-3 Democratic supermajority on the City Council. That supermajority will make it harder for the mayor to pass the legislation he is proposing. Every San Diego council member lists the housing crisis and homelessness as top priorities, but they might disagree with the mayors proposed solutions. In his speech, Faulconer called for local civility and cooperation, in contrast to what he called divisiveness and political games at the federal level on immigration and other issues. Advertisement As your mayor, Im working to create a city that works for all of us, said Faulconer, who spoke part of his speech in Spanish. One that improves the lives of all residents in all neighborhoods. One where it doesnt matter if youre a Republican, Democrat or independent because were all San Diegans. After the speech, Council President Georgette Gomez said she generally supports the mayors housing proposals. It sounded like something I could get behind, but I definitely need to waiting to see what it looks like in terms of the details, she said. Hopefully we can be partners in all of this. Gomez said its crucial that easing regulations lead to housing that ordinary San Diegans can afford. Advertisement We need to do much more to support the development of housing, but just by developing it doesnt mean were going to solve the issues of affordability, she said. The mayor also used his speech to address the proposed expansion of the citys waterfront convention center, saying continues to support a citizens initiative to raise the local hotel tax rate to pay for the expansion, homeless programs and road repairs. The mayor made no reference to a special election this year, indicating the initiative is likely to go on the ballot in either March or November 2020 instead. On citys stadium site in Mission Valley, the mayor vowed to negotiate an agreement with San Diego State that respects taxpayers and transforms a dilapidated parking lot into San Diegos next crown jewel. Advertisement On the environment, Faulconer focused on his proposal unveiled last October to shift San Diegos energy usage to 100 percent wind, solar and other renewable sources that dont exacerbate climate change. Called community choice energy or community choice aggregation, the program would allow city officials to take over responsibility for buying electricity on behalf of ratepayers, making decisions about whether to ink contracts with natural gas, solar, wind or other providers. Faulconer said the city will invite the county and other cities in the region to participate in the process through a collaboration called a joint powers authority, which he plans to present to the City Council next month. Faulconer promised to form a panel of the regions top leaders to draw up concrete plans to connect the trolley to San Diego International Airport an effort to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change. Advertisement The trolley stops frustratingly short of Lindbergh Field, he said. You can wave at the airport as you pass by on the trolley and thats about it. We can do better. On city contractors, the mayor promised a citywide review to see if the companies that do business with the city reflect its rich diversity. On dangerous intersections, Faulconer said he will unveil plans for upgrades to 300 intersections aimed at making them safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Advertisement david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick At his parents home in suburban Clarksville, Maryland, on Monday night, Daniel Madison and his brother were itching to see Fyre Fraud, the new Hulu documentary on the glorious failure of the 2017 music festival. So they set up a Roku player to stream it. But when he turned on the device, he could not believe what he was seeing: Infowars, the far-right conspiracy website founded by Alex Jones, which months earlier had been banned by Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Apple, was available to stream on Roku for its nearly 24 million registered users. We were both shocked when we saw the app in the lineup, Madison, 40, told The Washington Post on Tuesday. He knew Jones had been booted from most other major platforms for propagating conspiracy theories targeting the families of the Sandy Hook school shooting, which Infowars has called a hoax. We were pretty grossed out, he said. Madison wasnt the only one disgusted. By Tuesday, the mass discontent on social media, which was first reported by Digiday, bubbled over into a trending hashtag - #boycottroku. Some threatened to walk away from the product altogether. Roku even heard from lawyers representing the families of Sandy Hook victims, who say they continue to be threatened and harassed thanks to the InfoWars-spread conspiracy theory that the 2012 massacre that killed 27 people, including 20 children, didnt happen. By Tuesday night, Roku announced it, too, was banning Infowars. Advertisement Roku became the latest platform to drop Infowars, joining other media companies, including the likes of Spotify, Periscope and even YouPorn, to have bid farewell to Jones in the past year. Rokus change of heart comes during a high period, with the company projecting to have generated $293 million in U.S. ad revenue last year, according to eMarketer, up 93 percent from 2017. Jones has yet to publicly respond to Rokus about-face, but he shared a cryptic post to his Instagram account on Tuesday night. The post, a Saturday tweet from Infowars reporter Owen Shroyer, featured an artistic banner of Joness face looking enraged. Strike me down now and I only become more powerful, Shroyer wrote. Rokus decision came amid waves of complaints on Twitter, including from Madison. Hoping for an explanation after finding Infowars on his Roku - a digital media player that houses services such as Netflix, Hulu, Sling and YouTube - Madison tweeted at Roku Support around 8 p.m. Monday to see if the platform knew the channel was being offered. After receiving an automated reply about 10 minutes later, Madison reached out to Sleeping Giants, a Twitter account with a following of more than 200,000 users aimed at making bigotry and racism less profitable by encouraging people to pressure brands that feature questionable content. Sleeping Giants tweeted at Roku, asking whether it could confirm that it had an Infowars channel. The Twitter account has previously targeted other platforms that featured Jones, in addition to spearheading social-media efforts directed at advertisers of conservative commentators Bill OReilly and Laura Ingraham. And the rest kind of snowballed from there, said Madison, who is pursuing his teaching degree. Amid the social-media avalanche that came from the news on Tuesday morning, Roku initially defended its decision to host Infowars. CNNs Oliver Darcy reported that Infowars had previously been available on Roku, but that a newly updated app drew attention from more users like Madison. We do not curate or censor based on viewpoint, Roku said in its initial statement following the Digiday article. We are not promoting or being paid to distribute Infowars. We do not have any commercial or advertising relationship with Infowars. The company added that its policies prohibited content thats unlawful, incites illegal activities or violates third-party rights and that any channel that violated the rules would be removed. To our knowledge, Infowars is not currently in violation of these content policies, the company said. Advertisement That stance would soon change as Roku users questioned how Infowars got there in the first place. What might have been the final push, however, came from the lawyers representing the families of the Sandy Hook victims who are suing Jones. Last week, a Connecticut judge ruled those families can review Infowars internal marketing and financial documents. The families accuse Infowars of profiting from paranoia to sell more products to Joness followers, according to the complaint. There is no amount of anticipated revenue that could possibly justify Rokus calculated decision, attorney Josh Koskoff said in a statement to the media. Mark Bankston, another lawyer for Sandy Hook families, described Roku as indifferent to the suffering caused by Mr. Joness continued onslaught of cruelty and reckless lies. At around 8.p.m. Tuesday, the platform officially dropped Infowars. Advertisement For now, Infowars, or Jones, can still reach his followers through a handful of mainstream platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat and Google Play. Jones continues to fight the Sandy Hook lawsuit and decry the ongoing campaign to oust him from web platforms. For Madison, Rokus decision to drop Infowars comes as a relief. He was considering ditching Roku until the company said it would delete Joness program. If he had the chance to talk to the Roku executives, he said he would tell them that he is disappointed they would ever think that carrying Infowars and Joness views was acceptable. Im glad they deleted it, but they shouldnt have to have been shamed into it, Madison said. Its not a hard call. This story was originally reported in The Washington Post. An intensive care doctor ordered significantly excessive and potentially fatal doses of pain medicine for at least 27 near-death patients in the past few years after families asked that lifesaving measures be stopped, an Ohio hospital system announced after being sued by a family alleging an improper dose of fentanyl actively hastened the death of one of those patients. The Columbus-area Mount Carmel Health System acknowledged the doses were larger than needed to provide comfort for dying patients. That raises questions about whether there was intentional or possibly illegal use of the drugs to accelerate deaths. The system said it has fired the doctor, reported findings of an internal investigation to authorities and removed 20 employees from patient care pending further investigation, including nurses who administered the medication as well as pharmacists. Mount Carmel said the situation came to light because an employee reported a safety concern. The health system shared no information about what might have prompted employees to approve and administer the excessive dosages. Advertisement Regardless of the reason the actions were taken, we take responsibility for the fact that the processes in place were not sufficient to prevent these actions from happening, Mount Carmel President and CEO Ed Lamb said in a video statement . Were doing everything to understand how this happened and what we need to do to ensure that it never happens again. The attorney who brought the lawsuit said, in that case, either layers of safeguards repeatedly failed to flag a grossly excessive dosage of fentanyl, or the medical professionals intended to accelerate the death of the patient, 79-year-old Janet Kavanaugh. On balance, its hard to believe the former occurred rather than the latter. ... This is not just a simple situation of an error, lawyer Gerry Leeseberg said Tuesday. The lawsuit was filed Monday in Franklin County against the health system, a pharmacist, a nurse and the doctor, whom it identifies as William Husel. Case records listed no attorney yet to comment on Husels behalf. There is no public personal phone listing for him, and other numbers linked to him werent accepting calls Tuesday. Husels case emerges amid a national debate over physician-assisted death. In such cases, physicians prescribe medications in life-ending amounts to terminally ill patients. Five states California, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Colorado allow the practice, and 20 have considered but not passed legislation to do so, according to the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures. In Ohio, the practice remains illegal. A bill that would have allowed terminally ill, mentally competent patients to self-administer a prescription to end their lives failed in the last legislative session. But Joe Carrese, a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, said that such laws are carefully crafted. He said that if Husel administered lethal quantities of drugs to unwitting patients in order to end their lives, his acts didnt meet the definition of physician-assisted death. Advertisement In this case, if that was the intent, this was essentially euthanasia, which is not legal anywhere in the United States and not at all the same as physician-assisted death, he said. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron OBrien confirmed that his office has met with doctors, hospital executives and attorneys and that an investigation is underway, but he wouldnt discuss details. He said theyve received cooperation from Mount Carmel, which operates four hospitals around Columbus, and from parent organization Trinity Health, one of the countrys largest Roman Catholic health care systems. Records show the State Medical Board in Ohio has never taken disciplinary action against Husel. Its unclear whether that board ever received a complaint or conducted an investigation about him, as such records are confidential under Ohio law, and outcomes are made public only if the board takes formal action. Husel was a supervised resident at the Cleveland Clinic from 2008 to 2013, according to a statement from the medical center. Its now conducting an investigation of his work. Advertisement Carrese, from the bioethics institute, commended Mount Carmel for encouraging a culture in which medical staff and other employees can come forward without fear, but he said the extent of the allegations is concerning. The fact that there may be other patients, up to 26 other patients, really calls into question whether the culture of safety and reporting that theyre shooting for, whether theres more work that needs to be done, he said. The allegations carry echoes of prior Ohio cases in which patients were killed. Nurses aide Donald Harvey, dubbed the Angel of Death, claimed responsibility for killing more than 50 people in Cincinnati and Kentucky hospitals during the 1970s and 80s, mostly by poisoning. Many were chronically ill patients, and Harvey claimed he was trying to end their suffering. Advertisement Admitted serial killer Michael Swango, the former physician dubbed Dr. Death, pleaded guilty to killing four people, including one while interning at an Ohio State University hospital, and was believed to have poisoned dozens as he moved between hospitals in various places. Leeseberg, the attorney in the Mount Carmel lawsuit, said an important difference in this case is that multiple people were involved in the patients receiving the drugs. The pharmacist has an obligation to question an order, and the nurse has an obligation to question the order as well, Leeseberg said. All of those safeguards were overridden or ignored. Its like nothing Ive ever seen. Associated Press reporters Julie Carr Smyth and Andrew Welsh-Huggins in Columbus, Mark Gillispie in Cleveland, John Seewer in Toledo and Dan Sewell in Cincinnati contributed to this report. A suicide bombing claimed by the Islamic State killed at least 16 people, including two U.S. service members and two American civilians, in northern Syria on Wednesday, just a month after President Donald Trump declared that IS had been defeated and he was pulling out U.S. forces. The attack in the strategic northeastern town of Manbij highlighted the threat posed by the Islamic State group despite Trumps claims. It could also complicate what had already become a messy withdrawal plan, with the presidents senior advisers disagreeing with the decision and then offering an evolving timetable for the removal of the approximately 2,000 U.S. troops. The attack, which also wounded three U.S. troops, was the deadliest assault on U.S. troops in Syria since American forces went into the country in 2015. The dead included a number of fighters with the Syrian Democratic Forces, who have fought alongside the Americans against the Islamic State, according to officials and the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Advertisement U.S. Central Command said one of the civilians killed was a Defense Department employee and the other was a contractor. The attack prompted new complaints about the withdrawal and underscored Pentagon assertions that IS is still a threat and capable of deadly attacks. In a Dec. 19 tweet announcing the withdrawal, Trump said, We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency. He said the troops would begin coming home now. That plan triggered immediate pushback from military leaders, including the resignation of the defense secretary. Over the past month, however, Trump and others have appeared to adjust the timeline, and U.S. officials have suggested it will likely take several months to safely withdraw American forces from Syria. Not long after the attack on Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence repeated claims of the Islamic States defeat. Speaking at the State Department, Pence said the caliphate has crumbled and the militant network has been defeated. Later in the day he released a statement condemning the attack but affirming the withdrawal plan. As we begin to bring our troops home, the American people can be assured, for the sake of our soldiers, their families, and our nation, we will never allow the remnants of ISIS to re-establish their evil and murderous caliphate - not now, not ever. Others, however, immediately pointed to the attack as a reason to reverse or adjust the withdrawal plan. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a Trump backer and prominent voice on foreign affairs on Capitol Hill, said during a committee hearing Wednesday he is concerned that Trumps withdrawal announcement had emboldened the Islamic State and creating dangerous uncertainty for American allies. Advertisement I know people are frustrated, but were never going to be safe here unless we are willing to help people over there who will stand up against this radical ideology, he said. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said the attack demonstrates the lethal capability of IS and the fact that it happened in Manbij, probably the single most complicated area of Syria, demonstrates that the president clearly doesnt understand the complexity of the problem. Manbij is the main town on the westernmost edge of Syrian territory held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurds, running along the border with Turkey. Mixed Kurdish-Arab Syrian forces liberated Manbij from IS in 2016 with help from the U.S.-led coalition. But Kurdish control of the town infuriated Turkey, which views the main U.S. Kurdish ally, the YPG militia, as terrorists linked to Kurdish insurgents on its own soil. Advertisement The town has been at the center of tensions in northern Syria, with the militaries of two NATO members, the U.S. and Turkey, on opposing sides. The two sides began joint patrols around Manbij in November as part of an agreement aimed at easing tensions. Slotkin, a former senior Pentagon adviser on Syria and other international issues, said its time for Trump to amend or change his withdrawal order to something more consistent with the threat in Syria. Video of Wednesdays attack released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered with debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area. A security camera showed a busy street, and then a ball of fire engulfing people and others running for cover as the blast went off. Advertisement The names of the American victims were being withheld until their families could be notified. The death toll from an extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed, police said Wednesday in the aftermath of the brazen overnight siege by al-Shabab gunmen. Two people accused of facilitating the attack were arrested. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to the hospital, he said. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the all-night operation by security forces to retake the complex was over and that all of the extremists had been killed. We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act, he vowed. Advertisement In an attack that demonstrated al-Shababs continued ability to strike Kenyas capital despite setbacks on the battlefield, extremists stormed the place with guns and explosives. Security camera footage released to local media showed a suicide bomber blowing himself up in a grassy area in the complex, the flash visible along with smoke billowing from the spot where he had been standing. Security camera footage released to local media shows an armed attacker in the compound of a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, 2019. (AP) Of the civilian victims, 16 were Kenyan, one was British, one was American and three were of African descent but their nationalities were not yet identified, police said. Al-Shabab, which is based in neighboring Somalia and allied with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility. The Islamic extremist group also carried out the 2013 attack at Nairobis nearby Westgate Mall that killed 67 people, and an assault on Kenyas Garissa University in 2015 that claimed 147 lives, mostly students. While U.S. airstrikes and African Union forces in Somalia have degraded the groups ability to operate, it is still capable of carrying out spectacular acts of violence in retaliation for the Kenyan militarys campaign against it. The bloodshed in Kenyas capital appeared designed to inflict maximum damage to the countrys image of stability and its tourism industry, an important source of revenue. The government said late Tuesday that buildings were secure. However, gunfire continued into Wednesday morning, and dozens of trapped people were rescued overnight. Several loud booms were heard Wednesday as teams sought to clear the complex of booby traps and other explosives. Kenyattas announcement that the security operation was complete came about 20 hours after the first reports of the attack. Advertisement The Kenyan Red Cross said about 50 people were unaccounted for. But many of those were believed not to have been in the complex during the attack. Ken Njoroge, CEO of a company in the DustiD2 complex that offers mobile banking services, said he was unable to locate several employees. Its very difficult for the families because the passage of time only makes the problem bigger, he said. The American killed in the attack was identified as Jason Spindler, co-founder and managing director of San Francisco-based I-DEV International. Spindlers father, Joseph, said his son worked with international companies to form business partnerships in Kenya that would boost local economies. A woman cries in the arms of a relative in Nairobi on Jan. 16, 2019, while identifying the bodies of victims after a terror attack in Kenya. (Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images) Advertisement The Houston-raised Spindler had a brush with tragedy on 9/11: He was employed by a financial firm at the World Trade Center at the time of the 2001 terrorist attack but was running late that morning and was emerging from the subway when the first tower fell, according to his father. He became covered in dust and debris as he tried to help others, the elder Spindler said. In the Nairobi attack, a man who gave only his first name, Davis, described how he had escaped with colleagues by fleeing down a fire escape. Its a traumatic experience. It shakes you, he said. Still, Davis said he was impressed by the inner strength and compassion of people who helped each other in the midst of danger. His own thoughts, he said, were: Get people out and get out yourself. Thats it. Federal subsidies that helped pay the rent at hundreds of local housing units for the needy, seniors and the disabled have not come through this month because of the partial federal government shutdown. Nationwide, about 1,150 contracts between property owners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expired Jan. 1 after missing their renewal dates because of the shutdown. Up to 85,000 low-income households were covered in those contracts, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. In San Diego County, contracts have expired at seven properties with a total of 299 subsidized units. Another 74 units will lose their subsidies when contracts expire at three more properties Jan. 31, and 24 more units will lose their federal funding when contracts expire at three more properties Feb. 28. The expired contracts are for housing vouchers reserved for specific units, which make up a small fraction of the federally subsidized housing in San Diego County. Advertisement Most San Diego County residents in HUD-subsidized housing receive a type of housing voucher that can be used at any property where they are accepted, and HUD has said those will be funded through the end of February. The San Diego Housing Commission oversees 15,000 such Section 8 vouchers and San Diego County Housing and Community Development oversees 10,400 Section 8 vouchers. Tenants with the vouchers pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent, and HUD pays the difference. Among local residential buildings with expired property-based voucher contracts are Cathedral Plaza in downtown San Diego, which has 172 subsidized units, and Oxford Terrace in Chula Vista, which has 22 subsidized units. Both are managed by Royal Property Management Group, owned by Wendy King. It could have been a disaster, but its not been yet, King said. Royal Property Management Group is large enough to absorb the missing subsidy for now, King said, adding that small rental properties would face more of a challenge. Were OK for the month, but its month-to-month, she said. HUD sent letters to landlords who have with project-based vouchers around the country, urging them not to evict tenants but to instead cover the rent with reserve funds. King said she hasnt been able to do that because dipping into the reserve requires permission from HUD. With 95 percent of HUD staff furloughed, King said she does not know how the agency would process the request. Advertisement She said she does not believe HUD would allow people to be evicted because money was held up by the shutdown. Lets just see how long this goes, she said. Besides the Royal Property Management Group properties, Section 8 voucher contracts also have expired for 148 units at Columbia Tower in San Diego. On Feb. 28, Section 8 voucher contracts will expire for 12 units at Euclid Avenue Apartments in San Diego. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, contracts for subsidized low-income senior housing already have or soon will expire for the 69 units at Villa Alta Apartments in San Diego, 30 units at COMM 22 in San Diego and 44 units at Cantebria Senior Homes in Encinitas. Advertisement Contracts also have expired for small projects that provide homes for low-income disabled people. In San Marcos, the contract for the 12-unit Project Roher has expired, as have contracts for the six-unit Grace House and six-unit Parham House, both in Vista. More subsidies to house low-income disabled people could stop Feb. 28 when contracts expire at the six-unit Mar Vista House in Oceanside and the six-unit Teton House in El Cajon. National Low Income Housing Coalition President and CEO Diane Yentel said some property owners will be able to make it through the shutdown by using their reserve funds, but not all have that cushion. Of property owners who have contracts for subsidized low-income senior housing, for instance, 92 percent have said they have sufficient reserves to make it through a few months, but the remainder do not, Yentel said. Advertisement While there havent been any reports of people being evicted because of the shutdown, Yentel said she has heard that some landlords have turned away possible tenants with vouchers because of the uncertain funding. Advertisement Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT Advertisement 760-529-4939 Once again, Covered California is providing a grace period for those who need a little more time to finish their 2019 health insurance applications. The state health insurance exchange added a little extra time for anyone who started an application before midnight Tuesday. That is the official deadline to sign up for a Covered California plan, but as it has in the past, the organization granted a little last-minute wiggle room. Those who started their applications by the deadline will have until Friday at midnight to complete the process. Craig Gussin, a San Diego-area health insurance broker, said in an email Tuesday afternoon it has not been particularly hectic, but three more days is still a boon for last-minute shoppers. It has been quiet this week, and I dont expect it to change, Gussin said. Yesterday we had three or four calls from people we have been working with already, and we are helping them finish their applications. I dont expect many calls the rest of the week unless it is people we are already working with who heard about the extension. Advertisement Covered California made similar moves in 2016, 2017 and 2018, adding a few more days after what was then a Jan. 31 deadline, allowing a similar grace period but only if applications were started before the deadline. Golden State residents already enjoy a significantly looser standard than those in states where the federal government operates Affordable Care Act exchanges. In those states, the deadline was Jan. 15, and there was no grace period afforded to stragglers. Federally-operated or facilitated exchanges in 39 states reported a total of 8.4 million plan selections for 2019, down nearly 4 percentage points from the 2018 total of 8.7 million. Thats better than some projected might be the case given significant rate increases in some markets and zeroing out of previous individual mandate tax penalties in 2019. Those penalties have been levied on pretty much anyone who doesnt purchase health insurance since 2014, the first year that Obamacare-era health exchanges started selling policies under the Affordable Care Act. When it filed its budget in June, Covered California projected that elimination of the mandate and other factors would cause its total enrollment to shrink nearly 10 percent, falling from 1.37 million to 1.2 million. But, so far, the exchange is on track to beat that estimate by about 100,000 enrollees. Though it has not released numbers for most of January yet, Covered California has signed up 1.45 million people across the state, somewhat less than the 1.52 million it had at the end of open enrollment in 2018. Every year, the exchange sees its total enrollment figure dwindle. Some dont pay their first or subsequent monthly payments or disenroll because they end up getting a job with employer-based health insurance. Applying the same shrinkage rate that the exchange saw last year, the organization would be on pace to end the year with more than 1.3 million enrollees, which would be a decrease of about 5 percentage points, half the rate that was expected during last years budget preparation. Advertisement Health Playlist On Now Video: Why aren't Americans getting flu shots? 0:37 On Now Video: Leaders urge public to help extinguish hepatitis outbreak On Now San Diego starts cleansing sidewalks, streets to combat hepatitis A On Now Video: Scripps to shutter its hospice service On Now Video: Scripps La Jolla hospitals nab top local spot in annual hospital rankings On Now Video: Does a parent's Alzheimer's doom their children? On Now Video: Vaccine can prevent human papillomavirus, which can cause cancer 0:31 On Now 23 local doctors have already faced state discipline in 2017 0:48 On Now EpiPen recall expands On Now Kids can add years to your life paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1850 Advertisement Twitter: @paulsisson U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer reported for his first day of work after being sworn in during a brief ceremony in the San Diego federal courthouse Wednesday morning. My occupational bucket list is complete, he told the courtroom full of old and new colleagues, friends and judges. If you ever wanted to see someone who got the job they want, you are looking at him. Brewer, a veteran private practice litigator, was nominated by President Donald Trump in June to be the top federal prosecutor in San Diego and Imperial counties. But getting confirmed has been a long process. First, his hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee took a backseat to the confirmation of a new U.S. Supreme Court justice, Brett Kavanaugh. Later, Brewer and a list of other nominees were due in front of the committee in November and then December, but both hearings were canceled due to infighting in the Republican party. Advertisement So on Jan. 2, the last day of the 115th Congress, the Senate went ahead and confirmed by voice vote Brewer and dozens of other nominees. I commit to seek the truth, serve the law and always stay humble, Brewer told the attendees Wednesday. Brewer is taking over the office from Adam Braverman, a drug cartel prosecutor who was appointed to oversee operations in the interim. Before swearing in Brewer, U.S. District Chief Judge Barry Ted Moskowitz thanked Braverman for his 13 months of honorable service during the most difficult time in the history of our district. The court has had to operate over the past year or so with several judicial vacancies. At the same time, the caseload has dramatically increased, most notably under the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy to criminally prosecute all illegal entry cases. Some of that strain has lifted, with new judges recently appointed. Brewer, an Army veteran who served in Vietnam and graduated from University of San Diego School of Law, began his legal career as a prosecutor in Los Angeles. He worked for both the county district attorney and U.S. attorney there. He then moved back to San Diego and has had a long career in private practice, specializing in white collar defense and civil litigation. While he is well known in San Diego legal circles his wife, Irma Gonzalez, retired as a federal district chief judge here Brewer is going into his new role a relative outsider. Hes one of the five best lawyers Ive ever met, Moskowitz said of Brewer during the ceremony. He noted he has known Brewer for 33 years. Advertisement The judge said some might ask why Brewer wants this job at this stage in his life. Moskowitz answered: Bob is a patriot who believes in serving his country. Third times the charm for Brewer. He was a finalist for the job under President George W. Bush, but there was a conflict with his wife on the bench in the same district. In 2014 he ran unsuccessfully for district attorney against incumbent Bonnie Dumanis. Brewer did not give any hints as to his priorities in the office or if there will be any major changes early on. He is stepping in during a partial government shutdown. He has already met several times with Braverman and other leadership to help with the transition. After his swearing in he addressed the office at an all-hands meeting. Advertisement Criminal cases are still moving forward during the shutdown, although most civil cases involving the United States as a party have been put on hold. Some U.S. attorney staff are furloughed. The federal court system as a whole can continue to operate on court fees and other extra funding fully through Jan. 25, the judiciary said Wednesday. The Southern District of California has said that if the shutdown continues, the judiciary, staff, probation officers and marshals will be expected to continue to work. Jurors are being told to continue to report for service. Advertisement kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis Just two years ago, Mayor Kevin Faulconer was considered a top contender for governor. Now its an open question whether hell even be calling the shots in his own city. Political fortunes can change in a flash, as San Diegos chief executive knows all too well. What goes down can come back up, however, but if thats going to happen for the mayor, it must happen fast. Faulconer is termed out of office at the end of next year. So it was with a sense of optimism and urgency that the mayor delivered his State of the City speech Tuesday night, which sharply focused on dealing with the seemingly intractable problems of homelessness and the vast shortage of low- and middle-income housing. He also discussed his ongoing efforts to improve San Diegos neighborhoods and make the city the most environmentally friendly metropolitan area in the nation. Advertisement All of those are priorities of the reconstituted and more powerful City Council, which now has a Democratic supermajority that could override vetoes by the Republican mayor and, in theory, force his hand on numerous matters. Yet it seems common ground abounds. But missing from Faulconers speech was any acknowledgement of this more challenging political landscape, or even much rhetoric about collaborating with a council that holds the fate of his initiatives in its hands. Granted, theres been some analysis suggesting the six Democrats on the nine-member council will march in lockstep, but the reality is more nuanced. While partisanship has become more acute at City Hall, coalitions often shift depending on the issue. Still, Democrats have talked about their expanded power with an eye toward how they would exercise it. Rather than suggest any kind of partnership, Faulconer basically threw down the gauntlet before the council on housing and homelessness. Theres broad agreement that the city needs a more aggressive approach to tackle those problems. Faulconer said thats what hes doing, promising to radically overhaul how housing is developed. His focus involves property within a half-mile of current and planned transit lines. One proposal would completely lift height limits on construction except in the coastal zone, which has restrictions that can only be undone by voter approval. Another would do away with parking requirements to save construction costs and encourage residents to ride transit. He further proposed allowing developers unlimited density increases if their projects include affordable units and/or housing for the homeless, though how much has yet to be determined. Advertisement Another component of the plan sure to be controversial would limit public input on housing developments. Projects that include homeless and affordable housing and comply with community plans would be approved by right, meaning there would be no need for approval by the Planning Commission or City Council. Hearings before those two bodies are where community groups opposed to development marshal their forces, creating public pressure points to defeat projects or scale them back. While the mayors proposal would streamline and ideally reduce building costs something most officials say they want this would be a fundamental change in how the city has made land-use decisions for decades. Almost as an afterthought, the mayor made a reference to his long-held goal of expanding the convention center. The initiative he has backed to raise billions of dollars in hotel taxes to expand the center, repair roads and fund homeless programs has qualified for a future ballot, but remains in limbo. Advertisement But the mayors silence on when a vote would take place confirms what seems obvious to everyone: There will not be a special election for the measure this year. The question now is whether the council will put it before voters during the March 2020 primary or the subsequent November election. The mayor is hoping to expand the coalition behind it, including bringing the Democratic council members on board. Whether that happens may depend on further guarantees on how the money is spent on homeless programs and perhaps other deals involving jobs, wages, housing and the city budget. Regardless of when the election is held, the tax measure will require a two-thirds majority vote, unless the courts say otherwise, according to the City Attorneys Office. Few are willing to bet the initiative can clear that hurdle. The mayor has faced setback after setback on the convention center. But it was the citys worsening homeless problem and deadly hepatitis outbreak in 2017 that brought San Diego unwanted national attention and put an end to any talk of a Faulconer gubernatorial campaign. Advertisement The county declared the hepatitis emergency over early last year. Meanwhile, temporary homeless shelters were erected and services expanded. Moving people into permanent housing, however, has fallen well short of the original goals. But there are signs of improvement. If the city can make notable progress on homelessness, housing, climate change goals and the future San Diego State campus in Mission Valley, Faulconer will have some accomplishments to take with him when he turns over the keys to the office. But in the end, his legacy and potential political future may rest with what the City Council does over the next two years. Authorities in several Southern California communities issued evacuation orders Tuesday as a new round of rain soaked the region, causing minor roadway floods and downed trees. The third in a series of storms triggered the mandatory evacuation of about 300 homes nestled in the steep Malibu canyons amid the Woolsey fire burn area, but didnt bring as much rain as expected. We didnt get as much rain today as we thought we would, said Kathy Hoxsie, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. The evacuations were for todays storm that didnt pan out. Although the Malibu evacuation order was in place overnight, authorities said they would reassess the forecast early Wednesday. Advertisement Weather officials said the rain would pick back up during rush hour Wednesday morning, with heavier bands coming in by the afternoon. But the heaviest rain is expected from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, when a wide swath of Los Angeles County could see between 1.5 and 3 inches of rain, with potentially higher amounts in the mountains, Hoxsie said. At this point, were thinking its going to be below the threshold for having mud and debris flow, Hoxsie said. Thats because the rainfall will be slow and steady, not a deluge. On Tuesday, at a low-lying part of the Paradise Cove Mobile Home Park in Malibu, near where Ramirez Canyon Creek dumps into the Pacific Ocean, a small platoon of deputies with clipboards pounded on doors, presenting forms to residents who would not leave. I dont like hearing those rain accounts for the next 48 hours. But I have lived here since 1971, and there has been a lot of rain over the years, said resident Julie Sturgess after signing the declaration she wouldnt evacuate. Sturgess said the nearby creek had been improved over the years to include concrete elements. She said she heard debris start to come down the creek but was not planning to leave. Chris Frost, a veteran firefighter and longtime Paradise Cove resident who serves on the citys Public Safety Commission, said the rain will test the citys limits when it comes to handling mud and debris. Most people will get out of the area if the creek crests, Frost said, adding that Ramirez Canyon is dangerous because debris flows could block roads and prevent residents from leaving. Those folks should get out now, he said. Advertisement Schools were closed Tuesday and scheduled to be closed Wednesday in Malibu because of the rains, and the city opened its emergency operations center at 6 a.m. Evacuation centers were opened at Santa Monica High Schools south gym and the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, and shelters for large animals opened at Hansen Dam Equestrian Center and Pierce College. (Los Angeles Times) The weather service issued a flood advisory for western Los Angeles and Ventura counties through Tuesday night. A flash-flood watch was issued for recent burn areas of the Woolsey, Hill, Thomas and Whittier fires for the same time. In Burbank, officials issued a mandatory evacuation notice for homes along Country Club Drive above Via Montana beginning at noon Tuesday. The notice was changed to voluntary about 9 p.m. Advertisement Farther north, in Santa Clarita, Six Flags Magic Mountain closed for the day, blaming inclement weather. In Ventura County, school officials said four schools were closed because of heavy rain: Ventura High School, Cabrillo Middle School, De Anza Academy of Technology and the Arts Middle School, and Loma Vista Elementary School. Ventura County officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for the entire Bell Canyon community at the eastern end of the county as well as specific homes in the Oak Park neighborhood, unincorporated areas near Thousand Oaks and the Sage Mountain Senior Living Facility near Newbury Park. Evacuations also were ordered for homes east of Highway 33 near Casitas Springs as well as along Matilija Road and Highway 33 near the Wheeler Springs area north of Ojai. Advertisement Although Mondays storm closed a portion of Pacific Coast Highway and a section of the 5 Freeway known as the Grapevine both of which reopened later in the day few major roads were affected Tuesday. But a 29-mile stretch of Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest was closed because of snow. The storm was bringing plenty of snow to the state, with the potential for dangerous mountain conditions. The Sierra Avalanche Center issued an avalanche watch for the Central Sierra Nevada, including the Tahoe Basin. Avalanche danger is expected to rise to high following a forecast of heavy snow and wind through Friday morning. In Northern California, forecasters issued a flood watch for Butte County, including the Camp fire burn area, that will take effect Wednesday afternoon. An evacuation warning was to be in effect for the community of Pulga from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Thursday, the Butte County Sheriffs Office said. javier.panzar@latimes.com Advertisement Twitter: @jpanzar richard.winton@latimes.com Twitter: @LAcrimes Two years ago, Los Angeles City Council members called for a ban on political donations from real estate developers seeking city approval for their projects, saying they wanted to erase the perception that money is the reason big buildings are getting the green light. That plan languished at City Hall and was tabled by the Ethics Commission before it officially expired. Now, with FBI agents conducting a corruption investigation into City Hall, council members have revived the idea. Now more than ever, trust is the fundamental pillar, and we need to do something to gain back that trust, Councilman David Ryu, who spearheaded the proposal, said this week. Advertisement This time, council members are looking at going even further, by restricting donations made by developers to charitable groups at the request of city politicians. That idea was prompted by a report last year in The Times on donations to Bishop Mora Salesian High School, said Ryu spokesman Estevan Montemayor. The Times reported that Councilman Jose Huizar personally asked companies that do business at City Hall to donate to the private school, where his wife was working as a professional fundraiser, and assigned his staff to help with the effort. Real estate developers with projects in Huizars district have received subpoenas instructing them to turn over any records of contributions to Salesian, as well as to political committees tied to the councilman. The renewed push for restrictions on political giving comes days after new revelations about the FBI investigation, which became public in November when agents raided Huizars home and offices. Obviously its happening now because the feds are circling City Hall, said Damien Goodmon, a South Los Angeles activist who has long argued that big market-rate residential projects in L.A. force low-income residents out of their neighborhoods. Its unfortunate that it takes an FBI investigation for these things to be talked about. News emerged Saturday that a federal warrant sought evidence of possible crimes including extortion, bribery and money laundering involving more than a dozen people, including Huizar, Councilman Curren Price and current and former aides to Huizar, Mayor Eric Garcetti and Council President Herb Wesson. Also named were executives of Chinese firms involved in downtown development. Several council members said the new push was not prompted by the FBI probe or the latest revelations. Councilman Paul Krekorian, who also signed on to the proposal last time, said he did not see the idea as being related to the investigation. Whatever is being examined by FBI agents must involve violations of existing laws, he said. The proposal will be an important step in reassuring the public that real estate decisions at City Hall are being made solely on the merits of the project, said Krekorian, who represents part of the San Fernando Valley. Advertisement Councilman Paul Koretz, who represents part of the Westside, said he too had supported the proposal long before the federal investigation became public. But he argued that the probe should make it easier for us to finally push this through. The resurrection of Ryus proposal was welcomed by Studio City resident Lisa Sarkin, who spent nine years on her neighborhood council. The developers have way, way, way too much sway with the council members, she said. I mean, even neighborhood council members have a hard time seeing their council members. But you go to a council meeting and there are developers that go into the backroom to talk to them, and theres no accounting for any of it. Some in the business community argue that council members are focusing on the wrong issue. Real estate developer Mott Smith, principal with Civic Enterprise Development, said too many planning decisions are controlled by council members, which means that real estate companies need to woo politicians to get projects approved. Advertisement The system basically makes almost everything impossible to achieve without some kind of influence being applied, Smith said. When the idea of restricting developer donations first arose two years ago, city leaders were facing a battle over Measure S, which would have cracked down on real estate projects that cannot be approved without changing city planning rules. Goodmon, deputy campaign manager for the Measure S campaign, said he believes council members first unveiled the proposed ban to show that they were doing something about developer influence in the run-up to the election. Once the campaign was over and the measure had been defeated, council members let the proposal wither, he said. The Ethics Commission, which recommends changes to campaign finance law, tabled Ryus plan last year. Advertisement Former Ethics Commission President Jessica Levinson, who was not on the panel when that decision was made, said she has no doubt that council members are revisiting Ryus proposal because of the fallout from the FBI probe. But she argued that it is the wrong strategy both for practical reasons and because it would probably run afoul of the 1st Amendment. The Supreme Court is really suspicious about singling out certain people and saying, You dont get to participate in the political process by making contributions, said Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School. Levinson said the city will probably face difficulty deciding how exactly it wants to define a real estate developer. And she predicted that if the measures passes, developers will simply funnel money into independent committees that back candidates at City Hall, which would not be governed by the new restrictions. This time, Ryu and other council members are asking the city attorney to draft ordinances, rather than giving that direction to the Ethics Commission. Advertisement Under the proposal, real estate developers would be barred from giving to city candidates and officeholders once they have turned in an application that requires city approval or other action, provided that the request involves building or adding more than 4,000 square feet of floor area for residential projects or 15,000 square feet for commercial projects. The donation ban would last until a year after a final decision is made on the application, the proposal said. The restrictions would apply to the owner of the property being developed, including principals of any legal entity that owns the property. Koretz, the Westside councilman, said that this time, he believes the proposal is very likely to pass. I think people didnt take it seriously when we introduced it a couple years ago, he said. Advertisement emily.alpert@latimes.com Twitter: @AlpertReyes A Covina woman was charged with murder Wednesday after her toddler son was found stabbed to death in her town house, the Los Angeles County district attorneys office said. Xa Dinh Ngo, 39, used a knife to stab her 2-year-old son multiple times, prosecutors said. She faces one count of murder with a special allegation that she used a knife to kill the boy, the district attorneys office said. Early Friday morning, officers found Ngo, who also uses Michelle as a first name, running in the middle of the street half-dressed and with blood spattered on her body in the 300 block of North 2nd Avenue, said Sgt. David Rodriguez, a spokesman for the Covina Police Department. The woman wouldnt give officers information about who she was or where she lived, but she made statements that led police to think there was a victim. She tried to flee but was detained and taken to a hospital for a psychiatric evaluation, police said. Advertisement Officers learned she lived in the 100 block of East Italia Street, where they discovered a small fire in the second story of a town house. They saw the fire from outside, so they rushed in to save anybody they could, Rodriguez said. They found the toddler deceased on the second floor. Officers said at the time they didnt know whether the blood on the womans body came from the child, he said. If convicted, Ngo faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in prison. alejandra.reyesvelarde@latimes.com Twitter: @r_valejandra University of California regents this week will take their first collective look at the inaugural budget proposal of Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has pledged to boost higher education spending after years of fiscal frugality under his predecessor, Jerry Brown. Regents also will discuss plans to increase enrollment, raise graduation rates and improve support for struggling students in their two-day meeting that begins Wednesday in San Francisco. UC officials, who sometimes had conflict with the recently retired Brown, are hoping to turn a corner with Newsom, who regularly attended board meetings as an ex-officio regent while he was lieutenant governor. Theres a new sense of direction and optimism on the board, and with the Legislature and the governor, said UC Board of Regents Chairman George Kieffer. Advertisement However, the budget blueprint Newsom unveiled this month fell short of the regents hopes. They requested an increase of $477.6 million in permanent, ongoing funding for the 2019-20 budget that they approved last November. Newsom proposed an increase of only $240 million. UC, for instance, is aiming to enroll an additional 2,500 Californians this fall, as part of an ambitious push to award 200,000 more undergraduate degrees by 2030 to meet the states projected workforce needs. Although Newsoms proposal includes $10 million to support current enrollment, it provides no new funds for more seats next year. Still, in a joint statement last week, Kieffer and UC President Janet Napolitano called Newsoms proposal a welcome step and a solid down payment. Kieffer said he was hopeful that the university system could work with the governor and the Legislature to secure more money to support its four-year strategic plan, which will be a big focus of this weeks meetings. UC leaders say the blueprint to boost enrollment, improve students academic performance and reinvest in faculty and research is meant to reignite the California Dream for the next generation. Goals include raising undergraduate graduation rates, and closing gaps in completion rates for those students who are low-income, underrepresented minorities or the first in their families to attend college. UC officials want all nine undergraduate campuses to graduate 90% of their transfer students within four years. Currently, only UC Berkeley, UCLA and UC Irvine do so. The strategic plan also calls for Berkeley, UCLA, Davis, San Diego and Santa Barbara to hit a six-year graduation rate of 90% for freshmen by 2030. So far, only Berkeley and UCLA have reached that goal. At the two-day meeting, campus leaders will detail some of their strategies to improve graduation rates, including better summer transition programs, more comprehensive fall orientations, better academic advising, more online courses and more mentoring. In other matters, regents will discuss a high-profile plan by UC Santa Cruz to build student housing on a campus meadow. The proposal has sparked widespread controversy, pitting those who want to keep the meadow pristine against others who argue its the best choice to solve the universitys severe housing crunch. Advertisement UC students, who have fought to increase their input in university decisions, are divided on another issue that regents plan to discuss: whether to eliminate the boards student advisor. The UC Student Assn. favors phasing out the position, which was created two years ago, in part because the selection process for it lacks adequate consultation from students, according to UCSA President Caroline Siegel Singh. Singh and others suggest trying different ways to bring the opinions of students into UC policymaking. teresa.watanabe@latimes.com Twitter: @TeresaWatanabe Carlos Santana and the pioneering Latin-rock band that bears his name will celebrate two landmark anniversaries on their 2019 Supernatural Now tour. It opens June 22 at Phoenixs Ak-Shin Pavilion and concludes Aug. 25 at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, N.Y. The tour includes a June 23 date at San Diegos North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre (which, until last fall, was known as Mattress Firm Amphitheatre) and a June 24 date at the Hollywood Bowl. The Doobie Brothers will open every show on the tour. All of the dates appear below, along with ticket information. The tour is timed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Santanas breakthrough performance at the 1969 Woodstock festival. It will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1999 Santana album, Supernatural, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The album, fueled by the hit singles Smooth and Maria Maria, won a record-tying nine Grammy Awards in 2000, including Album of the Year. Advertisement Both were monumental moments in my life, Carlos Santana said in a statement released Wednesday morning to announce the tour. Woodstock and Supernatural took me to places I never dreamed were possible. I embraced those incredible moments in my life with all my heart. Both were supreme lessons in maintaining focus, heart and integrity in every step every day and to strive to better oneself with a high standard on and off the stage. I cannot think of these two moments without thinking about Mr. Bill Graham and Mr. Clive Davis. They are two of many angels in my life that helped shape my career. The former Tijuana guitarist has previously stated his desire to perform at one of the two Woodstock 50th anniversary festivals. Both are planned for the weekend of Aug. 16-18 in upstate New York, one in Bethel the site of the original Woodstock the other in Watkins Glen. However, Santanas Supernatural Now tour itinerary has him and his band performing Aug. 16 in Darien Center, N.Y. and Aug. 18 in Holmdel, N.Y., with no show scheduled in between. Even so, Santana told Rolling Stone Tuesday that he has decided to perform at the Aug. 16-18 Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival at the Bethel Woods Center. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Bethel Woods festival and Santana;s summer tour are both being produced by Live Nation, the worlds largest concert and live events promoter. It is an honor to celebrate the anniversary of this historic event and return to that sacred ground once again in August, Santana, 71, said in his Wednesday statement. I have a lot of ideas about the (Woodstock) anniversary and how to honor those who are no longer with us to celebrate. It is going to be an inspiring summer and we invite you to join us and celebrate life! The tour will follow the Jan. 25 release of Santanas new EP, In Search of Mona Lisa, which features his wife, Cindy Blackman Santana, on drums. Advertisement A new album, produced by Rick Rubin is also in the works and at least one of the ticket options for the tour is a bundled package that includes a copy of the new album. Tickets for all dates on the tour go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Jan. 25 at livenation.com and ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (800) 734-3000. An online pre-sale begins at 10 a.m. Jan. 24. Tickets for the June 23 San Diego concert are priced from $39 to $373 each, plus service charges. Santana Supernatural Now 2019 tour dates 6/22/19 - Phoenix, AZ - Ak-Chin Pavilion Advertisement 6/23/19 - San Diego, CA - North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre 6/24/19 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl 6/26/19 - Mountain View, CA - Shoreline Amphitheatre 6/27/19 - Wheatland, CA - Toyota Amphitheatre Advertisement 6/29/19 - Seattle, WA - White River Amphitheatre 6/30/19 - Portland, OR - Light Supply Amphitheater 7/2/19 - Salt Lake City, UT - USANA Amphitheatre 7/3/19 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center Advertisement 7/6/19 - Dallas, TX - Dos Equis Pavilion 7/9/19 - Austin, TX - Austin360 Amphitheater 7/11/19 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center 7/12/19 - St. Louis, MO - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Advertisement 8/3/19 St. Paul, MN - Xcel Energy Center 8/4/19 - Chicago, IL - Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre 8/6/19 - Toronto, ON - Budweiser Stage 8/7/19 - Cleveland, OH - Blossom Music Center Advertisement 8/9/19 - Indianapolis, IN - Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center 8/10/19 - Cincinnati, OH - Riverbend Music Center 8/11/19 - Detroit, MI - DTE Energy Music Theatre 8/13/19 - Charlotte, NC - PNC Music Pavilion Advertisement 8/14/19 - Washington, DC - Jiffy Lube Live 8/16/19 - Darien Center, NY - Darien Lake Amphitheater 8/18/19 - Holmdel, NJ - PNC Bank Arts Center 8/20/19 - Boston, MA - Xfinity Center Advertisement 8/21/19 - Hartford, CT - Xfinity Theatre 8/23/19 - Saratoga, NY - Saratoga Performing Arts Center 8/24/19 - Camden, NJ - BB&T Pavilion 8/25/19 - Wantagh, NY Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater Advertisement Twitter @georgevarga george.varga@sduniontribune.com National Citys top executive, City Manager Leslie Deese, announced Tuesday that she will retire in late spring, capping a 33-year career that began when she was hired as a secretary. Deese, who has worked as city manager for the past seven years, plans to retire once the City Council hires a successor following a months-long recruitment effort. It has been a tremendous blessing and privilege to serve the National City community for the past 33 years, Leese said in an statement that addressed city leaders and staff. I feel a deep sense of pride in all that weve accomplished, none of which would have been possible without your hard work and dedication, she said. To all of you, especially all the employees who go to great lengths every day, putting in the extra effort that so often goes unsung to make our city a better place, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Advertisement Deese, 58, began her career with the city as a secretary for the city managers office. She would go on to rise through the ranks, serving as an executive assistant to the city manager, director of community services and assistant city manager. She was promoted to the top executive position in 2012 after her boss, Chris Zapata, accepted a job as city manager in the Bay Area. Under her leadership, the city made great strides in efforts including building affordable housing, creating a business-friendly environment to attract new businesses, implementing new public safety technology such as body-worn cameras for police officers and establishing a pension trust fund. Praised by city leaders and employees as a professional leader who maintains a strong morale among city staff, Deese is credited with pushing for efforts to support employees, such as an annual Halloween lunch and Christmas breakfast she pays for out of pocket. Thats something I very much admire, Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis said of Deeses moral support. Deeses announcement on Tuesday drew sentiments of appreciation from union leaders, highlighting her strong relationships with employees. We, the Municipal Employee Association, express our genuine thanks for your dynamic and inspirational leadership and the positive impact it has had on us all, said James Slade, president of the local chapter that represents employees in National City and across the county. Omar Ramirez, present of the National City police union, described Deese as an exceptional city manager and friend to all members. Advertisement Leslie has worked tirelessly in the best interest of National City and public safety, he said. James Stile of the National City firefighters union said, Working under your leadership and guidance was truly an honor. Prior to her career in local government, Deese served in the Navy for four years, working in the Pentagon for the vice chief of naval operations. As city manager, Deeses base salary is about $224,000. In 2017, she earned $300,000, including benefits, according to Transparent Californias online database of public figures salaries. Advertisement Sotelo-Solis, who was sworn in as mayor last month, said she was saddened by Deeses announcement but also excited about a new chapter for both Deese and the city. Sotelo-Solis said she is optimistic the search for a new city manager will yield high-quality candidates. As a council, were excited about this new opportunity to bring in new ideas, she said, adding that shes interested in ideas that address revenue generation, economic development and housing. The city plans to hire Bob Murray & Associates, an executive search firm that ran the nationwide search that led to the hire of City Attorney Angil Morris-Jones. A contract was not yet finalized as of late Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez For decades, Chula Vista has wanted to attract a reputable four-year university. Now the city plans to double down on its efforts, with the help of a subcommittee. Intent on taking a coordinated and strategic approach to accomplish the long-standing goal, the City Council last month created a subcommittee that officials said will set out to bring higher-education experts to the table and push for the city to promote its vision. The City Council unanimously appointed to the subcommittee Mayor Mary Casillas Salas and Councilman Steve Padilla, who called for the formation of the group. Advertisement The action comes on the heels of the City Councils approval of a long-range plan that will guide the development of the site. Padilla, who served as mayor between 2002 and 2006, said he believes the city so far has failed to effectively showcase the 375-acre site reserved in eastern Chula Vista for what is envisioned as a University and Innovation District, a space shared by multiple higher-education institutions. A popular idea floated for years has been to create a binational campus, with at least one Mexican university on-site. Weve been been speaking in too small of an echo chamber, and were not being heard. I dont think enough people in the right places know what we have, he said. I think we need to take it to the next level. The city has desired a four-year university since the late 80s. Yet, Padilla said, too many people still are unaware of the land and the plans the city has for the sprawling site. To me what that says is were not doing something right, Padilla said. I dont think enough people in the right places know what we have. In order to advertise the site and attract a university, Padilla first wants the city to understand the higher-education market. He wonders: What are the needs of colleges and universities? We need to get out into the market as informed sellers, as informed promoters, he said. Advertisement To that end, Padilla wants to bring to the table professionals in academia with experience in starting successful higher-education institutions. For example, he said, he wants to hear from experts such as the academics behind CSU San Marcos, which opened as a satellite campus of San Diego State University before it was founded as an independent university. While the city has a limited budget to fund full-time efforts to recruit a university, Padilla said, he would like to see the committee develop a plan to seek funding for the endeavor. With additional funds, the city could fund consultants to work with city staff. This university effort needs to be a full-time job, Padilla said. Over the years, Chula Vista has engaged in talks with universities, including UC San Diego and San Diego State University to gauge interest and receive input. Meanwhile, the city pursued land-use and environmental entitlements for the land, which it fully acquired in 2014. Advertisement On Nov. 13, the City Council took a major step in its long-range vision. City leaders approved a so-called master plan for the site that lays out the framework including land-use and infrastructure standards to guide the development on-site. With the plan approved, Padilla and city staff said the city is in a better position to market the vision for the shovel-ready land. The action sets the stage to go out and aggressively recruit, City Manager Gary Halbert said. It opens the door for us to go out and attract a major university. What may help are the strides the city made last year in working with a private university that wants to relocate from San Marcos to a 10-acre space on the land for the University and Innovation District. The University of Saint Katherine and the city are negotiating a lease, and city staff and leaders are optimistic the plans will serve as a catalyst to lure other universities to the site. Advertisement Padilla wants the city to use the momentum. Weve made some good steps forward, but long term, big picture: Weve got to bring it up to the next level, he said. Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com Phone: (619) 293-1876 Advertisement Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez More than 60 acres of private property along Carlsbad Village Drive, where residents have long hiked, socialized and let their dogs run free, has been turned over to the city for preservation as open space. The city will spend $260,000 to remove trash, thin and trim the eucalyptus trees, erect fences and spruce up the trails before the popular area officially opens to the public. For now, though, there are no plans to let the dogs out. Im really shocked to hear that this will go forward as a regular trail, resident Kasey Cinciarelli said at a Jan. 8 City Council meeting. Advertisement People have used part of the property as an off-leash dog park for more than 30 years, she said, and volunteers regularly haul away trash and animal waste. The demand is just unbelievable in this area, Cinciarelli said. People and their dogs have been routinely allowed on the developer-owned property in the past. For years, the sloping field off Victoria Avenue, just south of Carlsbad Village Drive, has been sort of a neighborhood meeting spot. However, to declare the area as an official off-leash park would take additional work and environmental studies, city staffers said. Completion of the planned activities will take 60 to 90 days, said city Parks and Recreation Supervisor Chris Hazeltine. After that, the trail officially will be opened to the public. Annual maintenance is expected to cost $85,000 a year. For now, the city requires dogs to be on leashes on all public trails. That wont change when Village H opens, Hazeltine said. But, with planning and the City Councils approval, an off-leash park could be added there in the future. The land, known as the Village H property, is in several pieces along Carlsbad Village Drive, a little more than a mile east of El Camino Real. The property transfer this month is the result of the 2013 settlement of a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Preserve Calavera against Quarry Creek Investors and the city. Advertisement Preserve Calavera alleged that the city had approved the Quarry Creek housing development without an adequate review of the projects effects on traffic and sensitive land. Still under construction, the development eventually will include more than 600 condos and apartments on 156 acres south of state Route 78 and west of College Boulevard. We are thrilled that after years of work, and over five years since signing the settlement agreement over the Quarry Creek Project, that title to Village H is now being transferred to the city in order to permanently preserve it as open space, Preserve Calavera President Diane Nygaard said in a Jan. 7 letter to the Carlsbad City Council. Residents of the area have fought a number of proposals for the Village H land over the years. A church, day-care center or similar community facilities were suggested for the site as part of a plan approved in 2001 for the second phase of the nearby Calavera Hills development. A few years later, residents went to City Hall to fight a proposal to dump fill dirt from another development on the site. None of those things ever materialized. Advertisement As recently as last year, residents rallied at Village H to request the city preserve their right to exercise their dogs off leashes there. But not everyone agrees that should be allowed. Off-leash pets cause trouble in the citys natural areas, some people say, interfering with wildlife from coyotes to skunks. And some people simply dont like unexpected encounters with unleashed dogs. Carlsbad already has two off-leash dog parks, including one nearby on Carlsbad Village Drive, and is building a third. Advertisement About 36 acres of the Village H property is north of Carlsbad Village Drive and includes a maintained public trail from the rear of Hope Elementary School on Tamarack Avenue, through a ravine and up the hillside to Carlsbad Village Drive. The northern property has a public easement that allows access to the trail. Also, funds from an endowment pay for a private habitat management firm to maintain the property by removing invasive species and planting native material. No public easement exits for the rest of the property, which is south of Carlsbad Village Drive, east of Victoria, and includes the area where people meet and let their dogs run. The southern property also includes 2.3 acres with an existing RV storage lot serving the Calavera Hills community. The RV lot, which has an entrance from Tamarack Avenue, will be granted to Calavera Hills as part of the transfer. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl Del Mar, long on the front of environmental issues, now could be the first city in San Diego County to ban single-use plastic straws and stirrers at all restaurants. Instead, restaurants could provide customers with paper, biodegradable or usable straws, but only upon request under an ordinance the City Council approved unanimously Monday. No one opposed the ordinance, which was approved without any discussion as part of the councils consent calendar. If approved on a second reading, the ordinance would be effective in 30 days, with up to six months allowed for the transition. The Del Mar Fairgrounds would not be affected. Del Mar, while the smallest city in San Diego County, is a popular tourist destination with at least 30 restaurants that would be affected by the ordinance. Advertisement A lot of our restaurants have already transitioned away from plastic straws, said Clem Brown, the citys environmental sustainability and special projects manager. The business community has been supportive because its the right thing to do. Plastic straws are among the top 10 items removed from beaches during clean-ups, according to a Del Mar staff report. All plastics remain in the environment for hundreds of years. They slowly degrade into smaller and smaller pieces that eventually can be eaten by marine life and enter the food chain. Also, the report notes, recent policy changes in China have disrupted the market for recycled materials and made it more important for Del Mar to reduce its use of plastics. A state law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in September requires dine-in restaurants to provide plastic straws only upon request. However, the state law does not prohibit the use of plastic straws, and it does not affect fast-food and take-out restaurants. The cities of Solana Beach and Encinitas are considering similar ordinances. Solana Beach, under a proposal discussed in November, also could ban single-use plastic spoons, forks and knives, and single-use plastic beverage containers such as polyethylene water bottles. Elsewhere, in 2017, Santa Cruz in Northern California outlawed plastic straws and cutlery in food service businesses, and San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast made plastic straws available only by request. Advertisement In the Los Angeles area, Malibu and Manhattan Beach have passed similar bans on plastic straws. Some businesses also have taken steps to reduce their use of plastics. Starbucks announced in July that by 2020 it would eliminate single-use plastic straws at more than 28,000 stores globally by using strawless lids or straws made of alternative materials. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl On their first date in 2013, Caroline and Andrew Vaught felt a spark right away. Maybe it was their shared backgrounds in business or perhaps it was the wine. But Caroline thinks something else sealed the deal. Andrew told me he owned a cat and I already had two cats at home, she said. Right away, I thought, well this has potential. On Saturday, the now-married Carlsbad couple combined their shared passions for cats and business by opening North Countys first cat cafe, Cat & Craft, in a Vista shopping center. The 1,500-square-foot enterprise is essentially two side-by-side businesses. On the left is a full-service coffeehouse with gourmet drinks, pastries and artisan toasts. On the right is the cat lounge, where visitors can cuddle, play and relax with up to 15 adoptable felines for $12 an hour. Advertisement 1 / 12 In the cat visiting lounge at Cat & Craft, a cat explores the room from one of many shelves on the centers wall. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 12 Andrew Vaught, 39, and Caroline Vaught, 40, of Carlsbad, are the co-owners of newly opened Cat & Craft, a coffeehouse and cat cafe that opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 12 Coffeehouse visitors, left, watch the action inside the cat lounge, right, at Cat & Craft, a cat cafe that opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 12 A cat watches the action in the room from an elevated viewing shelf at Cat & Craft, a cat cafe that opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 12 Visitors line up to buy coffee drinks and check in for reservations in the cat lounge at Cat & Craft in Vista. Visitors who come to watch the action in the cat lounge can sit at a viewing bar at right. The cat cafe opened on Jan. 12. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 12 Sadie Goldberg, 7, and Marissa Cones, at right, ineract with kitties in the cat lounge at Cat & Craft, which opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 12 A cat named Marilyn plays with a fishing lure-like cat toy at Cat & Craft, a cat cafe that opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 12 Kimmi Bitter and her boyfriend, Willis Farnsworth, get acquainted with a cat named Muffins inside the cat lounge at Cat & Craft cat cafe in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 12 In the cat visiting area at Cat &Craft, owner Caroline Vaught holds a cat named Muffins. She and her husband Andrew own the business, which opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 12 In the cat visiting area at Cat &Craft, owner Caroline Vaught holds a cat named Muffins. She and her husband Andrew own the business, which opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 12 A visitor to the cat lounge at Cat & Craft tries to get the attention of a napping kitty. North Countys first cat cafe opened Jan. 12 in Vista. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 12 The sign for Cat & Craft, a new coffeehouse and cat cafe located in a strip mall near Palomar Airport Road and Business Park Drive in Vista. It opened Jan. 12. (Charlie Neuman / San Diego Union-Tribune) Despite a steady downpour on Saturday, it was standing-room-only at Cat & Craft. The cat lounge was booked all day with advance reservations, so most latte-sipping visitors just enjoyed kitty-watching from stools at viewing windows in the coffeehouse. Inside the lounge, Brent Bystedt was using a fishing lure-style toy to play with Marilyn, a friendly black-and-white domestic shorthair. Hed reserved a spot that morning with his wife and said they are currently between cats at their Escondido home and looking to adopt another. Were cat lovers, he said. I like cats because theyre playful, loving and cute. Cat & Craft is one of about 230 cat cafes in the United States. The first one opened in Taiwan in 1998 and the concept began spreading internationally in 2005. Most of these businesses in the U.S., including Cat Cafe on Third Avenue in downtown San Diego, are independent mom-and-pop businesses run by avid feline fans like the Vaughts. The cafes arent just tourist attractions. They function as hands-on adoption shelters. All money raised in Cat & Crafts lounge goes toward the care and feeding of the cats as well as rent on the room and its separate air-conditioning system (so theres no chance coffeehouse visitors with allergies will inhale any sneeze-inducing cat dander). The Vaughts said opening Cat & Craft wasnt easy. It took 18 months to find the right location. Some cities and many shopping centers turned down the venue because its such an unusual business model. All of the kittens and cats at the Vista business were rescued from euthenasia lists at high-kill shelters by locally based Love Your Feral Felines (LYFF) organization. The adoption fee is $100. Advertisement Our goal is to adopt out 500 cats each year, which in effect saves 1,000 lives because every cat we remove from a shelter makes room for another, Caroline said. The Vaughts have three cats at home, and Caroline admits she may not be able to resist the temptation to adopting one more. They are also regular caregivers for a community of homeless cats that live outdoors in Carlsbad Village. The Vaughts became interested in cat rescue back in 2015, when a pregnant feral cat they nicknamed Callie took up residence on the back porch of their home in Atlanta. After months of trying to earn Callies trust, the cat finally allowed Caroline to interact with her kittens. Theres nothing that has happened in my life thats more meaningful than that moment, Caroline said. Advertisement The Vaughts moved to Carlsbad in fall 2016, but Callie stayed behind. Shes now in the care of the couples former next-door neighbor. In Atlanta, Caroline spent 15 years in marketing, sponsorship and branding for companies including NASCAR, Porsche and Verizon Wireless. Andrew worked as a software product manager in the health and wellness field before starting his own company, Stay Roasted, which home-delivers single-origin coffee beans from more than 50 independent roasters nationwide. Because of Andrews background, the coffee side of the business is more than just a backdrop for cat-watching. He uses beans from Manzanita Roasting Co. in Rancho Bernardo and is creating a rotating program for its pour-over coffees featuring beans from several local roasters including Dark Horse, Ironsmith and Common Good. The cafe also serves pastries from A Delight of France in Escondido and avocado and other toasts with bread from Bread & Cie. The cat lounge, decorated with an eye-catching hand-painted mural by San Diego artist Carly Ealey, is filled with couches, chairs, toys and platforms for the cats to crawl, play and sleep on. There are high shelves and ramps to a getaway room for those cats who want some alone time. But on Saturday, most of the cats were quite interested in interacting with visitors. Advertisement The cats now available at Cat & Craft range in age from 6 months to 12 years. LYFF senior director Melissa Dunaj said the cats in the lounge were chosen for their comfort level with humans. Dunaj said her group is always seeking foster and forever homes for very young and senior cats. High-kill shelters often euthanize elderly cats because theyre not popular for adoptions and low-weight kittens are euthanized because of their high care needs. Longtime friends Geri Sterling of Vista and Cindy DiPiero of Escondido met at Cat & Craft Saturday to cuddle cats over cappucinos and pastries, which are allowed in the lounge. Sterling wasnt sure if it was her or her croissant that was getting the most attention from Saffron, a curious orange tabby kitten. Sterling, who owns three cats, said she wanted to support the lounge because she donates regularly to pet organizations, including Dog n Cat Rescue Spot and animal rescue programs in Baja. The lounge staff is supplemented with volunteers from LYFF, like schoolteacher Heather Thomas of Temecula and her 13-year-old daughter, Keely. Over the past year, the Thomases have fostered 41 kittens and cats. Keely shares photos and videos of her foster kitties on her Instagram channel @KeelyFostersX , which has 9,500 followers. Advertisement The Vaughts said that so far theyve been pleased with early response, reservations and the turnout on opening day. Its been overwhelmingly positive, Andrew said. We cant believe how well its been received. There are so many smiling faces. Cat & Craft Coffeehouse hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Cat lounge: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. Where: Vista Palomar Park center, 3211-3B Business Park Drive, Vista Advertisement Cost: Cat lounge reservations are $12 an hour (all proceeds go to cat care) Phone: (760) 295-1181 Online: catandcraftcafe.com Advertisement pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com When Carolyn and her husband, Matthew, learned their two granddaughters were in jeopardy, they rushed to their aid. Their son in Washington state was addicted to heroin and his wife, also a drug user, had died two years earlier. His new girlfriend, too, was using, and the girls, 2 and 7, were fending for themselves. Matthew flew up first, in September 2015, and soon called Carolyn to come get the girls while he put his son in rehab. (The couples last name is being withheld to protect the familys privacy). Suddenly, their empty nest was full and frantic. The youngest girl was almost feral. When Carolyn enrolled the girls in a private school believing shed be able to continue working while they were there the youngest was kicked out within a week for biting other children (and drawing blood). Advertisement I cried for the first 2 weeks, Carolyn said. I cried every day so hard because she would just scream. She would scream for no reason. We had no idea that shed never been taken to the park, never been taught to share or wait her turn. She would just grab and bite. Three years later, the couple and their grandchildren, who live in Serra Mesa, have adapted. Carolyn had to quit the job shed had for 24 years. Her husband, a carpenter, works side jobs for extra money. Carolyns days are filled with driving the girls to school and therapy appointments. Both girls have settled in. The youngest has improved so much Carolyn says when people meet her they see her as just a cute little blond-haired girl. Its been a huge sacrifice, but you know what? We have so much joy, also, says Carolyn, 60. Theres a lot of love in our house. Carolyn and Matthew, hold hands with their granddaughters. (Sam Hodgson / San Diego Union-Tribune) Still, it was a chaotic turn and a financial blow for Carolyn and Matthew, who were heading toward retirement. And, theyre not alone. An estimated 7.6 million children across the U.S. live in homes headed by grandparents or other relatives, according to the advocacy group Generations United, and the number is rising. Because of drug abuse, incarceration and mental health issues, more and more parents arent capable of parenting. It definitely is prevalent and its growing, says Melissa Brooks, the Kinship Support Program director of YMCA Youth & Family Services in San Diego. The program, funded through the county of San Diego, helps an average of 50 grandparents or other relatives per month negotiate their new situation. Thats about 600 per year joining thousands already established as caregivers. Many of those kinship caregivers are known as informal because, like Carolyn and Matthew, they didnt go through child-welfare or foster-care systems, but made arrangements with the parents. They knew their grandkids needed help and didnt wait. They wanted them to avoid a lengthy process, time in facilities or foster homes and perhaps being split from siblings. And, they knew there would be no guarantee the systems would place the children with them. Advertisement The informals are a semi-invisible group with uncertain numbers. Angie Schwartz of the Alliance for Childrens Rights in Sacramento, who heads the Step Up Coalition that advocates for the rights of children and kinship caregivers in California, says for every child placed formally with a relative, there may be as many as 20 who have been informally taken in. She says there are about 23,000 kids placed formally with family members across the state. If the 20-1 estimate is correct, hundreds of thousands of kids could be with informal kinship caregivers. A big downside for these informals who still must go to court to become legal guardians and face other requirements is financial. Foster caregivers can receive more than $900 per child per month and formal kinship caregivers now are eligible for a similar amount (thanks to the advocacy of the Step Up Coalition in recent years). However, informal kinship caregivers are sometimes ineligible for any assistance. That can be hard on people in their 60s and 70s who may be retired on a fixed income and have no child-care help, especially in expensive California. We dont get any assistance from the county or state, Carolyn said. The girls receive a small monthly Social Security payments (because of their mothers death) and one receives some special-needs funding. Advertisement Mary Guerin, 69, of Linda Vista, has cared for her granddaughter, 9, since 2013. Guerin draws retirement and Social Security and is training for a new job to increase her income. It was a financial jolt to start caring for a child, especially when she found herself paying $10,000 annually for daycare. Eventually, Guerin qualified for a monthly payment just under $400 from the county. Sylvia Telafaro, 65, is fortunate she has a full-time job, but for the past two years shes been taking care of three grandchildren. Though the kids came from a horrible environment and her one-bedroom home suddenly was overflowing Telafaro was ineligible to receive any aid but $250 per month per child from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Recently, Telafaro, who is part of the group Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, wrote to the White House, pleading for help for grandparents like her. She hopes for a program to remedy this injustice and disparity of aid for informal kinship caregivers across the U.S. Guerin said the lack of financial-support parity for informal caregivers vs. formal kinship and foster caregivers makes a hard situation harder. Advertisement We not only have the challenges of raising a grandchild, we also have the heartache of dealing with our kids, she said. And a little bit of embarrassment and shame that we had to do this in the first place, (asking ourselves) What did we do wrong? ----------------------------------------- Help for kinship guardians If youre a grandparent who has suddenly become a guardian/caregiver for your grandchildren, a terrific resource for information and support is the Kinship Support Program for YMCA Youth & Family Services in San Diego. The program offers five main services: Advertisement Kinship navigation. Grandparents are assigned a navigator to guide them through the range of options available to them, from child care to financial help and counseling, plus ongoing case management. Weekly support groups. Respite support, to give caregivers time off for errands or rest. Emergency funding. Four family events per year for kids and their caregivers. Phone: (619) 543-9850, ext: 12440 Website: ymca.org/community-support/ymca-youth-and-family-services. Click on Family Support and Preservation, then Kinship Support Services. Also: Assertive Family Solutions offers support groups for informal caregivers. The meetings provide caregivers with a nurturing environment to share their experiences, to find friends and learn about resources in the community at large. The sessions include speakers. Advertisement They are held: Third Tuesday of the month: Mountain View Beckwourth Library, 721 San Pasqual St., San Diego, 92113. Hours are 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. This is a bilingual group, English and Spanish, and we provide activities for children. First Thursday of the month: Rancho Bernardo Branch Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, 92128. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is an English-speaking-only group, and there are no services for children. Doug Williams is a free lance writer in San Diego. Dementia is considered a major public health threat in America, with millions of sufferers and caregivers affected. And an international study published in late-2018 says the number of individuals living with dementia worldwide is increasing: more than 43 million in 2016 compared to 20 million in 1990. Dementia represents a health threat that only worsens with time. It is an implacable foe, said Dr. Howard Feldman, director of the Alzheimers Disease Cooperative Study. The study is a nearly 30-year-old national effort, based at UC San Diego, to develop and conduct clinical studies of new drugs to treat Alzheimers Disease. The antidote to dementia, at least until there are true preventive measures and perhaps a genuine cure, is knowledge about the disease, its symptoms and prospects for progress. There are two things you can do now: Read this primer and sign up for a non-invasive memory screening Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimers research center in La Jolla. Advertisement The 20-minute screenings (a series of questions and tasks) are not diagnostic, but can help individuals determine whether their cognitive function is typical or atypical for their age. Center staff will be available to provide educational materials and feedback regarding assessments and perhaps suggest next steps. The screenings are free, but individuals 65 and older must call and schedule an appointment in advance at (858) 822-4800. What is dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive impairment and specific conditions. Alzheimers Disease is the most common, accounting for 50 to 75 percent of cases, followed by vascular (20 to 30 percent), Lewy bodies (10 to 25 percent) and frontotemporal (5 percent). Roughly 5.5 million Americans have AD. The vast majority have the sporadic form, meaning its precise cause is unknown, but likely a combination of genes, environment and lifestyle. Women are at greater risk than men; almost two-thirds of Americans with AD are female. It was long believed that women were more at risk because they live longer than men and age is the biggest risk factor. But new research suggests the reasons could be due to biological or genetic factors, different life experiences (such as education and occupation) or even sex-based standards for cognitive tests. How AD Progresses The first symptoms of AD tend to involve minor mishaps of short-term memory loss, such as forgetting important information once easily recalled, like appointments, conversations or recent events. Routine thinking skills may be disrupted, such as misjudging time or the sequence of steps required in a task. Mild AD means the disease has spread to the lateral temporal and parietal lobes (reading and comprehension, sense of time and space, subtle changes in language). Over time, the accumulating symptoms become harder to ignore: reading problems and poor sense of direction. Disease progression accelerates. Advertisement It is followed by mild to moderate AD, in which the disease has spread to the frontal lobe (planning, reasoning, emotional control). Symptoms become sharper and more problematic: poor judgment, impulsivity and short attention. What to look for and think about Though the pathology of AD is not fully understood, there are clinical procedures, imaging technologies and other biomarker tests to help diagnose and assess the condition. Before that, however, its important to effectively screen for cognitive decline in an ordinary medical practice. For doctors in general, AD experts recommend: All middle-aged or older persons who self-report or whose family or physician report cognitive, behavioral or functional changes should undergo a timely, professional evaluation. Concerns should not be dismissed as normal aging. Evaluations should involve not only the patient and clinician, but also the care partner. Age is the greatest known risk factor for AD. After age 65, the risk doubles every five years. After age 85, the risk reaches nearly one-third, according to the Alzheimers Association. Advertisement Family history is a risk factor, too. Persons who have a parent or sibling with AD are more likely to develop the disease. Treatments now and on the horizon There is no cure for AD. Current approaches and medications focus on helping patients maintain mental function, manage behavioral changes and slow symptoms of the disease. For example, drugs like Zoloft, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin and Tofranil may be prescribed to manage AD symptoms such as depression, aggression, restlessness and anxiety, but experts advise using them only after other, non-pharmaceutical strategies have been tried without benefit. Advertisement There are only two types of medications currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treating AD. The first, a drug class known as cholinesterase inhibitors (marketed under names like Aricept, Razadyne and Exelon), may help with aspects of mental function by helping prevent the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is linked to memory and thinking. Cholinesterase inhibitors appear to work best for people in early or middle stages of AD. The other approved drug is an N-methyl D-aspartate antagonist (Namenda). It is believed to regulate another important brain chemical called glutamate. Too much glutamate in the brain can lead to brain cell death, and diminished brain function. But AD is confoundingly complex, which is a big reason why no new AD therapeutics have been approved by the FDA since Namenda in 2003. Indeed, its not likely that any single drug or intervention can successfully treat AD. But billions of dollars have been and are being spent on new pharmaceutical possibilities, many with different therapeutic targets, from amyloid plaques and tangled tau proteins to cholesterol and inflammation. According to a survey published in the journal Alzheimers & Dementia, there were 112 agents in the AD treatment pipeline in 2018: 25 in phase I clinical trials, 75 in phase II and 35 in phase III. Advertisement In San Diego County, the clinicaltrials.gov database reports 19 studies in startup, recruiting or enrolling participants by invitation. Beyond its role as a research center, the Shiley-Marcos center is also a test site for four trials; several are currently enrolling participants. You can find out more about these trials and others by visiting clinicaltrials.ucsd.edu. For more information: Shiley-Marcos Alzheimers Disease Research Center at UC San Diego School of Medicine https://adrc.ucsd.edu/ Advertisement UC San Diego Alzheimers Disease Cooperative Study https://www.adcs.org/ Qualcomm co-founder Irwin Jacobs testified Tuesday in the U.S. Federal Trade Commissions anti-monopoly lawsuit laying the historical foundation for the San Diego company as it begins to present its side of the case. Much of Jacobs testimony focused on the early efforts to get Qualcomms Code Division Multiple Access wireless technology adopted and the evolution of its patent licensing business model that is under attack by the FTC. Jacobs testimony became tense when an FTC lawyer focused on an email he sent to an LG executive several years ago. In the email, Jacobs said Qualcomm would not make a shipment of certain 3G chips known as WCDMA as long as LG maintained that it had no obligation to license Qualcomms WCDMA patents. Advertisement Qualcomm has repeatedly said that it has never cut off supply to an existing chip customer during a dispute of patent fees. The FTC attorney asked Jacobs if the email proved that Qualcomms claim was false. Jacobs countered that the email referred to a first-time, small shipment of WCDMA chips for LG to test out, and he was not making a threat. The companies eventually worked out an agreement. The FTC wrapped up its case Tuesday after testimony from expert witnesses about how Qualcomms business practices harmed competition for CDMA and top-tier LTE processors. During the first week of the trial, the FTC served up a parade of smartphone makers -- Apple, Samsung, Huawei, LG and others who testified that Qualcomm strong- armed them in patent licensing negotiations by threatening to cut off chip supply. The FTC is arguing that Qualcomm employed a three-part scheme to leverage its market dominance in 3G CDMA and 4G LTE chips to coerce smartphone makers to pay high patent fees in violation of antitrust laws. Qualcomm wont sell chips to smartphone makers until it they take a patent license, which the FTC calls no license, no chips. Because Qualcomm had a technology lead in these processors and device makers needed them for top-tier smartphones they dont negotiate hard for lower patent fees, according to the FTC. Carl Shapiro, a UC Berkeley professor and former Department of Justice economist, testified that Qualcomms ability to achieve high patent fees harms competition and helps maintain a monopoly in certain cellular chips. Advertisement If a company is ahead, it doesnt mean they are allowed to trip up the companies behind, said Shapiro. These royalty surcharges have that effect because they raise the costs for rivals. Qualcomm also refuses to license rival chipmakers, and entered into two supply deals with Apple that the FTC claims were de-facto exclusivity agreements that harmed competitors. In testimony on Monday, Apple Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams said Apple was paying $7.50 per phone in patent royalties to Qualcomm -- unmasking a figure that has not been public before. We originally proposed 5 percent of the cost of a baseband chip, which is $30, said Williams. So we originally proposed $1.50. We flew down to San Diego and proposed that, and that was rejected and ultimately we landed on $7.50. Qualcomm said that was the average price that everybody else was paying per unit. Advertisement Qualcomm Chief Executive Steve Mollenkopf testified last week that in 2011, Apple demanded that Qualcomm pay a $1 billion incentive in order to supply cellular modems to iPhones. That figure also was not public information until the trial Qualcomm contends that its cellular broadband inventions are the technology foundation that makes iPhones and other smartphones valuable. Since Qualcomm collects patent royalties based on the price of the smartphone, it doesnt need to license rival chipmakers. It also doesnt sue them for patent infringement. For the FTC to prevail, it must prove harm to competition and consumers which could be tricky given the success of the smartphone market. Advertisement Moreover, Intel, MediaTek, Samsung and other Qualcomm competitors have gained substantial market share on Qualcomm over the past three years. Testimony in the trial resumes Friday. The trial is expected to wrap up in early February. Advertisement Business mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com; Twitter:@TechDiego 760-529-4973 A popular Carlsbad coworking space CommonGrounds is rolling out an aggressive expansion plan, raising $100 million from investors to build out 2 million square feet of office space in the next two years. The company, founded just four years ago, is capitalizing on the trend of flexible office space, competing with giants like WeWork and Regus. Coworking has been one of the hottest trends in commercial real estate for the past five years. There were only a handful of these flexible office spaces in San Diego at the turn of the decade, but today the city is home to more than 90. Thats because these spaces boost the flexibility for tenants, allowing shorter-term leases, immediate occupancy and minimal planning by management. This new round of money, announced Wednesday, is unusual for a company of CommonGrounds size, reflecting the confidence in the sector. Despite concerns about market saturation and widespread worry around WeWorks massive losses the trend appears to have staying power. Advertisement CEO Jacob Bates says their round of funding is one of the largest raised for a commercial real estate venture at such an early stage. Even WeWork, the dominant player in coworking now valued at $45 billion, didnt attract a mega-round of capital so early. The coworking giant raised just $17 million its Series A, and later brought in $100 million in 2013. Bates said coworking has evolved since its first inception in the early 2000s. Today, the concept goes beyond short-term leasing and flexible space to a complete outsourced workplace. All the functionality of a workplace can be outsourced, from admin work to facilities management, design, furniture, IT, everything, Bates said. A good example of that is IBM in New York City. Theyve outsourced an entire workplace with thousands of employees to WeWork. CommonGrounds already has coworking facilities in Carlsbad, Denver, the Los Angeles area and San Jose, totaling about 260,000-square-feet. Theyve managed to attract some big name corporate clients, including messaging giant Slack, whos secured a space at their Denver office. Nine additional spaces are under construction across the U.S., including a new spot in downtown San Diego set to open in 2019. The new money will fuel an additional 35 locations in cities across the country scheduled to open in late 2019 and 2020. CommonGrounds plans to incorporate popular amenities to its shared workspace, including access to freshly prepared food, site-specific recreational items for downtime (such as the surfboards and bicycles to which members in Carlsbad have access) and a fleet of cars. The new round of money came from three investors, including Mohamed Alabbar, founder and chairman of Emaar, the developer of the worlds tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The round was orchestrated by San Diego real estate investment firm Pacifica Enterprises Inc., which was a seed-stage investor for CommonGrounds. Advertisement Business brittany.meiling@sduniontribune.com 619-293-1286 Twitter: @BrittanyMeiling LONDON (AP) British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday to remain in office but saw more of her power ebb away as she battled to keep Brexit on track after lawmakers demolished her European Union divorce deal. May won a narrow victory, 325 votes to 306 votes, on an opposition motion seeking to topple her government and trigger a general election. Now it's back to Brexit, where May is caught between the rock of her own red lines and the hard place of a Parliament that wants to force a radical change of course. After winning the vote, May promised to hold talks with leaders of opposition parties and other lawmakers, starting immediately, in a bid to find a way forward for Britain's EU exit. Legislators ripped up May's Brexit blueprint Tuesday by rejecting the divorce agreement she has negotiated with the EU over the last two years. That it would lose was widely expected, but the scale of the rout 432 votes to 202, the biggest defeat for a government in British parliamentary history was devastating for May's leadership and her Brexit deal. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn responded with the no-confidence motion, and urged the government to "do the right thing and resign." May, who leads a fractious government, a divided Parliament and a gridlocked Brexit process, said she was staying put. May said an election "would deepen division when we need unity, it would bring chaos when we need certainty, and it would bring delay when we need to move forward." The government survived Wednesday's vote with support from May's Conservative Party and its Northern Irish ally, the Democratic Unionist Party. Many pro-Brexit Conservatives who voted against May's deal, backed her in the no-confidence vote to avoid an election that could bring a left-wing Labour government to power. Had the government lost, Britain would have faced a snap election within weeks, just before the country is due to leave the European Union on March 29. Political analyst Anand Menon, from the research group U.K. in a Changing Europe, said May had a remarkable ability to soldier on. "The thing about Theresa May is that nothing seems to faze her," he said. "She just keeps on going." May's determination or, as her foes see it, her inflexibility might not be an asset in a situation calling for a change of course. The prime minister has until Monday to come up with a new Brexit plan, and has promised to consult with senior lawmakers from across the political spectrum on her next moves. But she also said any new Brexit plan must "deliver on the referendum result," which May has long interpreted to mean ending the free movement of workers to Britain from the EU and leaving the EU's single market and customs union. Many lawmakers think a softer departure that retained single market or customs union membership is the only plan capable of winning a majority in Parliament. They fear the alternative is an abrupt "no-deal" withdrawal from the bloc, which businesses and economists fear would cause turmoil. Labour lawmaker Ben Bradshaw accused May of being "in a total state of denial" about how radically her Brexit plan needed to change. Green party legislator Caroline Lucas said May's intransigence had led to the current crisis. "This is a national calamity of the prime minister's own making," Lucas said. "Today has to be the day when we start to change the conversation about Brexit." Faced with the deadlock, lawmakers from all parties are trying to wrest control of the Brexit process so that Parliament can direct planning for Britain's departure. But with no clear majority in Parliament for any single alternative, there's a growing chance that Britain may seek to postpone its departure date while politicians work on a new plan or even hand the decision back to voters in a new referendum on Britain's EU membership. Pro-EU lawmaker Dominic Grieve introduced a bill Wednesday that aims to lay the groundwork for a second referendum, which he called "the only way out of the current crisis." European leaders are now preparing for the worst, although German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was still time for further talks. She told reporters in Berlin that "we are now waiting to see what the British prime minister proposes." But her measured remarks contrasted with the blunt message from French President Emmanuel Macron, who told Britons to "figure it out yourselves." He said Britain needed to get realistic about what was possible. "Good luck to the representatives of the nation who have to implement something that doesn't exist," Macron said. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc was stepping up preparations for a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit after Parliament's actions left Europe "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. Economists warn that an abrupt break with the EU could batter the British economy and bring chaos at borders, ports and airports. Business groups have expressed alarm at the prospect of a no-deal exit. France's parliament on Wednesday adopted a law allowing for emergency measures, including extra customs officers, to deal with a "no-deal" Brexit. May's deal was doomed by deep opposition from both sides of the divide over the U.K.'s place in Europe. Pro-Brexit lawmakers say the deal will leave Britain bound indefinitely to EU rules, while pro-EU politicians favor an even closer economic relationship with the bloc. The most contentious section was an insurance policy known as the "backstop" designed to prevent the reintroduction of border controls between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state. Assurances from EU leaders that the backstop is intended as a temporary measure of last resort failed to win over many British lawmakers. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said it was now up to opponents of the backstop "to come up with an alternative solution to honor their commitment to avoiding a hard border." Varadkar said if May's government was willing to shift some of its "red lines" in negotiations such as leaving the customs union and EU single market then the position of EU negotiators would also change. "The onus is on Westminster" to come up with solutions, Varadkar said Business Systems Limited has opened a third branch at Lotopa in order to expand their services to the community. The new branch will be called the Business Systems Limited and Rudys Quick Print Copy Centre. The companys Managing Director, Meilan Meredith, told the Samoa Observer the main objective behind the companys expansion is to serve the people of Samoa. Marketing Manager of the company, Nigel Stowers, said the new branch will offer local businesses and the community a wide range of copying facilities, office essentials, school stationeries and electronics. Education is very important in Samoa especially for all the students that attend various schools, our location here at Lotopa is convenient for all the schools that are nearby like Saint Josephs College, Ah-Mu Academy and many more, so that they do not have to go far in town when our services are available close by." Our promotional activity this year aims at parents to shop at BSL as an important part of assisting their childs development and preparing them for the school year ahead with a wide range of affordable stationery items, free schools stationery list packing facility and great service, he said. The company has also announced that it will support students through its BSL Ambassadors Programme, added Mr. Stowers, wherein assistance will be extended to 20 students 10 from Upolu and 10 from Savaii representing different age groups from the various primary schools, colleges and universities. They will be awarded with a cash contribution towards each scholarship to go directly to their school fees and stationery, he added. The deadline for applications for the ambassadors programme is February 15, 2019. Mr. Stowers also indicated that the company is currently running a promotional programme targeting parents, and offering a wide range of stationery items. Besides the new branch in Lotopa, the other two can be found in Taufusi and Salelologa, Savaii. Funding to build the National Emergency Operations Centre will come from the World Bank through an I.D.A. grant and will be implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. This is according to a press statement issued by the M.N.R.E. Chief Executive Officer Ulu Bismark Crawley in response to questions on the contract. The $6.40 million tala contract was awarded to Zheng Construction Co. Ltd. Ulu explained that Cabinet approved the contract to the said Company in December last year. The N.E.O.C. is one of the key components of the Samoa Pacific Resilience Project and it will be located at Tuanaimato." And will also accommodate the Disaster Management Office in its routine day-to-day functions and to house the influx of support and resources needed to coordinate disaster response operations." The project will commence in early February 2019 once the contract is signed, said Ulu. As reported earlier, other companies that vied for the tender included Pacific Engineering Projects Ltd, Fletcher Construction Co. Ltd, Jiangsu Geology & Engineering, Schwarz Construction Co. Ltd and Ah Liki Construction Co. Ltd. Zheng Construction Co. Ltd is owned by Peizheng Wang and Jie Xue of China and Feagaimaleata Lei Sam of Ululoloa. The center, which comes under the Disaster Management Office, is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The center is the facility that serves as a disaster coordination centre and is responsible for ensuring the ongoing coordination, development and implementation of Disaster Risk Management programmes and activities in Samoa. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (M.C.I.L.) is in the process of reviewing the Labour and Employment Relations Act (L.E.R.A.), which will include discussions on the minimum wage. Assistant chief executive officer for the Ministry, Niuafolau Helen Uiese, said under the review, one recommendation has been to look at wages more frequently. There is work to include a provision in Labour and Employment Relations Act to review the minimum wage every one, two or maybe every three years, she said. Consultation begins next week with the Samoa National Tripartite Forum (S.N.T.F.), and will be the first step towards addressing the viability of increasing the minimum wage. Any decisions that are made pertaining to promoting decent work in Samoa has to be consulted with all members of the tripartite forum, she added. The S.N.T.F. includes: State Owned Enterprises, Government ministries, and the members of the Tripartite Forums including the International Labour Organisation, Chamber of Commerce, Women in Business Development Incorporated, Samoa Hotels Association, the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters. On behalf of workers are the Samoa Workers Congress, the Public Service Commission, the Samoa Nurses Association, the Samoa Seafarers Association, the Samoa National Provident Fund and the Accident Compensation Corporation. The International Labour Organisation (I.L.O.) has a convention on minimum wage, which its country director Donglin Li said speaks for itself. The Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention 1970 (the 131st iteration of the convention) asks ratifying countries to establish a system of minimum wages, which among other things, establishes a machinery to fix and adjust minimum wages from time to time. While the convention is careful not to prescribe a single minimum wage to account for different countries levels of development, workers should be protected from unduly low wages, the convention states. This convention has been ratified by 52 I.L.O. member states, but Samoa is not one of them. Samoa only became a member of I.L.O. in 2008, and is still working through ratifying more than a hundred conventions, Niufolau explained. We have to move phase by phase, and the first thing is to review the L.E.R.A., and then put systems in place to review the minimum wage on an annual or biannual basis. She said now that the fundamental conventions have been ratified, Samoa can begin addressing others like Convention 131. Conventions cannot be ratified until Samoa is fully able to implement its requirements, Niuafolau added. We go based on demand, and our capacity to enforce the convention. Any convention needs to be widely consulted on before it is ratified, she said. A woman is fighting for her life at the Motootua Hospital after she sustained gunshot wounds to her face in an incident at Vailoa Faleata on Tuesday evening. A family member of the woman, who asked that they are not identified for security reasons, said the life-threatening injuries came as a result of a domestic dispute. The 36-year-old woman is expected to be flown overseas for further medical treatment due to the severity of her injuries. Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get comments from the hospital staff were unsuccessful. It is understood the woman is currently in the hospitals intensive care unit. Police yesterday confirmed the arrest of a man in connection with the incident and has been charged with attempted murder. Samoa Airways has signed a dry lease with Air Lease Corporation for a new Boeing 737-Max 9 aircraft. It will replace the current Boeing 737-800, which is owned by Iceland Air. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, Samoa Airways Chairman, Feesago Siaosi Fepuleai and Steven F. Udvar-Hazy C.E.O. of Air Lease Corporation were at the signing ceremony yesterday. Mr. Udvar-Hazy told the Samoa Observer the dry lease is for five years and depending on the time of the year, the lease rate could be anywhere between US$300,000 to US$500,000 (T$750,000 to $1.25 million tala) a month. The dry lease is for five years and it depends on the time of the year, as different months they have different level of passenger flows, he said. Its approximately $300,000 to $500,000 USD which is cheaper than what they have now. Its a dry lease, it means we will not provide the crew, and it is all Samoan crews. But we arrange to train extra pilots and extra engineers and flight attendants supervisors, and will be completely operated by the airline. The Air Lease Corporation is a leading aircraft leasing company, which is principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them airline customers worldwide. According to Mr. Udvar-Hazy, this is not the first time his company has done business with Samoa Airways. Since the year 2000 Samoa has changed, you have developed a lot and the economy has grown and the competition has grown among the airlines. It is a competitive market and it requires the most modern, most economical, the most fuel efficient aircraft to serve your customers when one looks at Samoa air transportation is really critical because its primary motive of travel for business, family leisure to and from Samoa, he added. The Boeing 737-Max 9 is the largest member of the 737 Max families, added Mr. Udvar-Hazy. This aircraft in an all economy configuration can accommodate 220 passengers which includes and it is equipped with 16 luxurious business class seats; and 173 economies and 189 passenger capacities. He said the new aircraft has a 20 per cent more cargo and belly capacity for baggage and cargo. The arrival of the new aircraft was won praise from Feesago, who said the progress of the national airline is tremendous, knowing that it has been through challenges since its re-launching. We have been very fortunate we have the leadership that we have, the Prime Minister and our Minister (Lautafi Selafi Purcell) as also the Cabinet and the Board. We have a very good board and their thinking is very progressive and for us this is a great addition to our fleet and there is so much that needs to be done and we have a lot of work to do, he said. In the meantime, Tuilaepa said the airlines second aircraft which the Government announced recently will arrive in June this year in time for the 2019 Pacific Games. TEHRAN, Iran (AP) An Iranian satellite-carrying rocket blasted off into space Tuesday, but scientists failed to put the device into orbit in a launch criticized by the United States as helping the Islamic Republic further develop its ballistic missile program. After the launch, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo repeated his allegation that Iran's space program could help it develop a missile capable of carrying a nuclear weapon to the mainland U.S., criticism that comes amid the Trump administration's maximalist approach against Tehran after withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Iran, which long has said it does not seek nuclear weapons, maintains its satellite launches and rocket tests do not have a military component. Tehran also says they don't violate a United Nations resolution that only "called upon" it not to conduct such tests. In his statement, Pompeo said the vehicle that Iran tried to put into orbit uses technology that is "virtually identical and interchangeable with those used in ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles." He said the U.S. is working with its partners "to counter the entire range of the Islamic Republic's threats, including its missile program, which threatens Europe and the Middle East." The rocket carrying the Payam satellite failed to reach the "necessary speed" in the third stage of its launch, Telecommunications Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said. Jahromi said the rocket had successfully passed its first and second stages before developing problems in the third. That suggests something went wrong after the rocket pushed the satellite out of the Earth's atmosphere. He did not elaborate on what caused the failure, but promised that Iranian scientists would continue their work. Iran had said that it plans to send two nonmilitary satellites, Payam and Doosti, into orbit. The Payam, which means "message" in Farsi, was an imagery satellite that Iranian officials said would help with farming and other activities. It's unclear how the failure of the Payam will affect the launch timing for the Doosti, which means "friendship." Jahromi wrote on Twitter that "Doosti is waiting for orbit," without elaborating. Tuesday's launch took place at Imam Khomeini Space Center in Iran's Semnan province, a facility under the control of the country's Defense Ministry, Jahromi said. Satellite images published last week and first reported by CNN showed activity at the launch site. Given the facility's launching corridor, the satellite likely fell in the Indian Ocean. Iranian state television aired footage of its reporter narrating the launch of the Simorgh rocket, shouting over its roar that it sent "a message of the pride, self-confidence and willpower of Iranian youth to the world!" The TV footage shows the rocket becoming just a pinpoint of light in the darkened sky and not the moment of its failure. The Simorgh, meaning "phoenix" in Farsi, has been used in previous satellite launches. It is larger than an earlier model known as the Safir, or "ambassador," that Iran previously used to launch satellites. Ahmad Motamedi, the chancellor of Tehran Amirkabir University of Technology, which designed the satellite, told the semi-official Mehr news agency that Jahromi already has ordered them to design another satellite. "Now, we have earned plenty of experience and we will be able to make a new satellite quicker," he said. Over the past decade, Iran has sent several short-lived satellites into orbit and in 2013 launched a monkey into space. Iran usually displays space achievements in February during the anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution. This year will mark the 40th anniversary of the revolution amid Iran facing increasing pressure from the U.S. under the administration of President Donald Trump. Pompeo has said that Iran's plans for sending satellites into orbit demonstrate the country's defiance of a U.N. Security Council resolution that calls on Iran to undertake no activity related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons. There was no immediate American reaction to the launch Tuesday. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promptly slammed Iran over the launch, accusing Tehran of lying and alleging that the "innocent satellite" was actually "the first stage of an intercontinental missile" Iran is developing in violation of international agreements. Iran denies wanting nuclear weapons. A 2015 nuclear deal it struck with world powers limited its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, Trump pulled America out of the deal in May. While United Nations inspectors say Iran has honored the deal up to this point, the country has threatened to resume higher enrichment. On Tuesday, Iranian state television aired footage of nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi apparently from a previous interview warning Tehran could raise the its enrichment of uranium "instantly." "In a matter of four days we (are able) to start," he said. Kenya's government on Tuesday said the situation was under control after six people were killed and some 30 others wounded in a terrorist attack at an upscale hotel and office complex in this capital. "I can now report we have secured all the buildings," Interior Minister Fred Matiangi said. "We are in the final stages of mopping up the area." Somali-based militant group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault on the 14 Riverside Drive complex, which includes the DusitD2 Hotel, reports Efe. An efe-epa photographer saw five fatalities laid out on the tables of a restaurant inside the complex, as well as the body of an attacker who detonated a vehicle packed with explosives. Lawmaker Esther Passaris told the press that a sixth victim died at MP Shah Hospital. Four people were taken to Kenyatta National Hospital, while media outlets said that one of 16 wounded survivors brought to Avenue Hospital was undergoing emergency surgery for multiple gunshot wounds. "We can now confirm that this criminal activity commenced at about three o'clock (pm) in a coordinated fashion and began at I&M Bank with an explosion that targeted three vehicles in the parking lot, and a suicide explosion in the foyer of Dusit hotel," Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said. Al-Shabaab, which seeks to establish an Islamic state in Somalia, told Al Jazeera English through spokesman Abdiaziz Abu Mus'ab that it was behind the attack. Oil prices were subdued on Wednesday after sharp gains in the previous session, buoyed by news that the Chinese government will provide more economic stimulus to revive the country's slowing growth. Global benchmark Brent crude oil futures were marginally lower at $60.61 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 0.3 percent at $51.95 a barrel. With global growth worries mounting, there is so much uncertainty around demand and supply. OPEC-led supply cuts may tighten in 2019, though doubts persist over the effectiveness of the production cuts amidst increasing concerns of a global economic slowdown. Top consumer China on Tuesday signaled more stimulus measures in the near term as it aims to achieve "a good start to 2019" in the first quarter. China plans to improve credit availability for smaller companies, accelerate infrastructure investment, and cut taxes in a bid to stimulate a slowing . Some analysts are still skeptical of the feasibility of large-scale stimulus. Meanwhile, White House estimates showed on Tuesday that the cost of the government shutdown would be twice as steep as originally forecast. Elsewhere in Europe, investors largely shrugged off a dramatic vote in the U.K. parliament that left the government's Brexit plans in tatters. With support for a no deal Brexit appearing quite low in parliament, markets are now pricing in a higher probability of a softer or ditched-Brexit altogether. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Bulgarian tax authority The National Revenue Agency or NRA is planning to conduct inspections on cryptocurrency trading platforms, Bulgarian media reported. The objective is to ensure that crypto companies and their clients comply with tax and social security laws. The agency has targeted nine enterprises to gather information about the exact nature of their activity and look for undeclared revenues and potential attempts at tax evasion. The agency then will determine if clients have been properly declaring their income from the trading of digital currencies. In the country, owning and trading in digital assets is legal. The income from crypto trading are treated as income from the sale of financial assets, and would be taxed at 10 percent. The income has to be declared in annual tax returns. Around the world, the countries are tightening their steps on taxing cryptocurrency transactions. The Danish Tax Agency recently announced that it has been authorized by the country's Tax Council to collect data from crypto companies. The agency will take data from three Danish crypto exchanges on all purchases and sales of cryptocurrencies made by their customers from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. As per reports, France in December rejected calls to lower taxes on cryptocurrencies from their current rate of 36.2 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News French stocks rose on Wednesday as investors shrugged off a dramatic vote in the U.K. parliament that left the government's Brexit plans in tatters. With support for a no deal Brexit appearing quite low in parliament, are now pricing in a higher probability of a softer or ditched-Brexit altogether. Investors also monitored headlines about stimulus plans for the Chinese . The benchmark CAC 40 was up 15 points or 0.32 percent at 4,801 in opening deals after rising half a percent on Tuesday. Banks led the surge, with BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole and Societe Generale rising over 1 percent. Renault edged down slightly after reports that the automaker is preparing to replace jailed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. JCDecaux advanced 1.6 percent after it signed an 11-year contract with Rotterdam for analogue and digital advertising street furniture. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Integrated Device Technology, Inc. or IDT (IDTI), a supplier of high-performance system-level analog/mixed-signal semiconductors, announced late Tuesday that its stockholders voted to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger between IDT and Renesas Electronics Corp., a Japanese supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions. The voting was conducted at the company's special meeting of stockholders held on January 15. Approximately 99% of all votes cast voted in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement, representing approximately 82% of all outstanding shares as of November 23, 2018, the record date for the special meeting. Closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and remaining regulatory approvals. On December 21, 2018, IDT reported that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or CFIUS review regarding national security concerns relating to the merger was underway and the initial 45-day review period would conclude by January 2, 2019. Due to the U.S. government shutdown that commenced in December 2018, this review period has been tolled pursuant to section 1709 of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018, and will resume following the resumption of operations by the relevant U.S. government agencies. Both companies have already received regulatory antitrust approval for the proposed transaction from China, Germany, Hungary, and Korea. In Japan, Renesas shares were trading at 566 Japanese yen, down 2.8 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Melissa BenderThe push for R. Kelly to be dropped from RCA have continued, with protesters swarming the New York City headquarters of RCA's parent company Sony Music. Wednesday, a cluster of activist groups gathered outside of Sony's offices to deliver a petition which urges the music powerhouse to terminate its contract with Kelly. The petition has garnered over 200K signatures and declares Kelly's alleged serial abuse of young women without any serious repercussions "unacceptable." Members of the #MuteRKelly movement, Black Women's Blueprint, Care2, Color of Change, Credo and more also presented Sony with a "Record Label of Shame" award. Color of Change organizer Jade Magnus Ogunnaike [Oh-gah-KNOCK-key] told reporters during the rally, "[R. Kelly] did not act alone. He was supported by enablers. Not only individuals, not only managers, not only people who saw him abusing and violating young black girls for 25 years. He was aided by RCA." She continued, "They knew he was grooming young black girls, as young as 13, 14, and 15, and keeping them in his studio. They knew, and they were okay with it." In the wake of the renewed controversy surrounding Kelly, RCA has reportedly halted on any future releases of his music. However, the record label hasn't issued any official statement regarding Kelly's status on its roster. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Support local journalism Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reportingbut good journalism isnt free. Please support us by making a contribution. Crimean deputy prime minister to stay detained on bribery charges until mid-March RIA Novosti, Evgeniya Novozhenina 15:29 16/01/2019 MOSCOW, January 16 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court on Wednesday upheld a ruling of a lower court extending detention of Crimeas deputy prime minister Vitaly Nakhlupin involved in a corruption case until March 16, the courts press service told RAPSI. Nakhlupin stands charged with receiving bribes on an especially large scale. He pleads not guilty. According to the Crimean governments website, the official was arrested in Moscow on October 17, 2018. The Basmanny District Court of Moscow put him in detention. Crimean leader Sergey Aksenov wrote on his Facebook page that the investigation concerned other officials as well. According to the republics head, investigative actions were conducted in the committee on road industry and competition policy, highway service and in Crimeagasseti and Krymenergo companies. Vote In The Primaries It Is Important! Who would rather have less choices? Who would rather have others determine a smaller pool for you to choose from? Like when parents offer their... Congratulations Graduates And Those Who Helped Them! Its that time of year when college and high school seniors, along with eighth graders, are getting ready to celebrate the completion of a major... Welcome Guest! You Are Here: With British box maker manufacturer BCS Corrugated now under the ownership of German giant Kolbus Group, Asia Pacific general manager Neil Southerington says he is looking forward to showcasing a high-volume multi-colour flexo printer slotter that allows boxes to be printed on the outside and the inside. Southerington has managed the Australian presence of BCS Corrugated for three years and is now serving as the company representative of new owner Kolbus Group in the Asia Pacific region. Kolbus Group, which employs 600 people globally, mostly in Germany and the US, bought UK owned BCS Corrugated in December last year, Southerington said. Southerington says a benefit of the new ownership by Kolbus, which has operated from its base in the town of Raden, north west Germany, since 1775 is a wide range of new products that are available plus top-notch engineering skills to bring greater research and development to the area. Before the buy out we were struggling with our own success. Lead times were getting longer and longer because the order book was full, Southerington told ProPrint. Kolbus have huge resources plus they own their own foundry and have many skilled engineers. It is hard to get skilled engineers, you cant just put an ad in the paper and get them but now we are part of a company with a strong contingent of engineers that can hopefully bring our lead times down and help with research and development which we were having trouble doing in the UK. For Southerington the most exciting product he is looking to find homes for is Kolbus flexo printer slotter, which cuts, folds and prints boxes on the outside and inside. The press is made in the US by a company purchased by Kolbus some years ago. Traditionally in the large volume area flexo printer slotters printed boxes just on the outside. There was no interest in opening that box and seeing anything on the inside but now there is, Southerington says. Now it might be some sort of competition or instructions so its something different again. This flexo printer slotter is a new product that came with the Kolbus people. Theres lots of companies making these flexo printer slotters worldwide, mostly out of China, but to give Kolbus the edge they added this printer that could print on the inside of the box. It might be a box to put a Christmas tree in and instead of having a piece of paper the instructions might be printed inside the box. Southerington is continuing to supply the popular Autobox for custom box production, which he says is more suited for smaller volumes. He says box making and printing is the only consistent growth industry in Australian print. It is the only growth area in the printing industry, that and display, they are the only two areas that are growing and consistently, he said. Comment below to have your say on this story. If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at [email protected] Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter US Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas): I understand from whats been testified to the Forest Service and the BLM [Bureau of Land Management], you want very much to work on the issue of climate change. We know theres been significant solar flare activity, and so is there anything that the National Forest Service or BLM can do to change the course of the moons orbit, or the Earths orbit around the sun? Obviously that would have profound effects on our climate. Jennifer Eberlein, associate deputy chief for the National Forest System, responded that she would have to follow up with you on that one, after a brief pause. Gohmert: Well, if you figure out a way that you in the Forest Service can make that change, Id like to know. Dwight Ray, 74, left his auto sales job due to excruciating pain related to neuropathy and dementia. With Dwights declining cognition, his wife Jane quit her job because of the mounting caregiving needs at home. Rod Mazzoli opened Island Floors & Interiors Inc in 2002 and this year marks his 18th year serving the Pine Island community. I had purchased my house in Bokeelia in 1999, Mazzoli said. Three years later I just happened to be driving by when I spotted a for rent sign in the window of this building. I gave the guy a call and rented the place. Mazzoil was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but has spent most of his life in Florida. I did return to South Jersey for school and college, Mazzoli said. Then I went to work in Miami in the textile and apparel manufacturing business for 28 years. NAFTA put us out of business because we were All American Made with road forces all over the country. Mazzoli decided to take some time off, relocated to Bokeelia in 1999, and went to work for a tile importer as a liaison-salesman. I did that for two years and learned a lot about the tile business, Mazzoli said. When I noticed the for rent sign in the window I decided to open my own interior remodeling store. During the 18 years, weve been in the same location and done thousands and thousands of homes, Mazzoli said. Our service area includes Pine Island and Matlacha as well as Cape Coral and the Burnt Store Marina area. We also do a lot of work on Sanibel, Cayo Costa, Captiva, North Captiva. I would say about 85 percent of my business is on Pine island and Matlacha. Mazzoli employs in-house tile installers and master carpenters. We do everything in-house and dont farm out any work, Mazzoli said. All of my people are masters of their respective trades. Island Floors does home remodeling, tile, flooring, cabinetry, countertops and all levels of interior trim. They also carry full lines of quality ceramic and porcelain tile, travertine, marble, granite, wood floors and wall tiles. Weve also always been involved in the community, Mazzoli said. Weve supported many island charities such as the Beacon of HOPE, Calusa Land Trust, Bobby Holloway Tournament and many others. Mazzoli spearheaded the Matlacha Bridge Reef Project. The project was formed to turn a portion of the old Matlacha Bridge into an artificial reef. We located the reef at the borderline of Lee and Charlotte counties to create a reef close to shore, Mazzoli said. Island Floors strength is our commitment to maintaining quality, price and service while providing unsurpassed service. I call it one-stop shopping Mazzoli said. Island Floors and Interiors Inc. is at 5260 Pine Island Road (across from the Water Company), Bokeelia. For more information, call 239-283-6070, visit www.IslandFloorsInc.com or email islandfloorsinc@gmail.com. Jordan Lee Hamilton, 19, was sworn is as an Eagle Scout by his older brother Devon Hamilton Saturday morning. Younger brother Noah also participated in the ceremony. I started scouts when I was 11 years old and its exciting to reach Eagle Scout, Jordan said. Its taken a long time and Im proud of this accomplishment. The ceremony began with a description of the meaning of being a Boy Scout and the 3 principles of scouting: Duty to God, Duty to Others and Duty to Self. There are also 12 rules of Scout law: A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. The pathway to Eagle Scout can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. Stephany Gray, Boy Scout Panther District Award Chair, said he has known Jordan for several years. Panther District covers all of Lee County and LaBelle. I get to meet every candidate attempting to become an Eagle Scout in the Panther District, Gray said. Im luck to meet certain young men and you know when you meet them that the scout spirit is part of who they are. They dont even realize theyre a very special person in this world. It took Hamilton 8 or 9 years to reach Eagle Scout. The final project to reach Eagle Scout status was Hamiltons participation in building two benches in St. James Creek Preserve for the Calusa Land Trust. I didnt know they had 70-year-old Eagle Scouts, former CLT president and Eagle Scout John Kendall said. Ive had the pleasure of working with Boy Scout Troop 20 for a number of years and I was the president of the Calusa Land Trust when Jordan completed his final Eagle Scout project. This young man has conquered more obstacles than Ive had to face in my entire life and were all very proud of his accomplishment. Congratulations Jordan. Its really exciting to get this far in Boy Scouts, Jordan said. I started working towards Eagle Scout when I joined and it was a long and hard journey from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. Jordan and his two brothers are being raised by their grandparents, Ed and Carolyn White. Ed White was also a Boy Scout. Jordan is two out of three of my grandchildren who have become Eagle Scouts, Ed said. We have one more to go (Noah). I wish we could get more children on Pine Island involved in scouting. Ive had the pleasure of meeting this family and from the very first meeting there was no doubt in my mind that we would be standing here awarding Jordan as an Eagle Scout, Gray said. With some Eagle Scout candidates you know that no matter where they go, or what they do, people are going to recognize them for the heart they have for other people and for doing the right thing. Pine Island Scout Troop #20 meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Pine Island United Methodist Church at 5701 Pine Island Rd, Bokeelia, FL 33922. Contact Scout Leader Johnny Noday at 954-551-9942 for questions about Boy Scout Troop #20 Thank you for reading the Philadelphia Tribune. You have exhausted your free article views for this month. Please press the "subscribe" button below and see our introductory price of $0.25 per week for 13 weeks. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you next month. On a recent Delta Air Lines flight from Newark to Minneapolis, a passenger seated near Stephanie Wolkin downed five mini-bottles of vodka in rapid succession. By the time the plane landed, the intoxicated passenger had become violently ill, and Wolkin, a retired union worker from St. Paul, Minn., had earned 10,000 frequent-flier miles the hard way. A majority of passengers drink when they fly, according to a new survey by Fractl, a marketing agency in Delray Beach, Fla. More than 8 in 10 passengers say they have consumed alcohol while waiting at the airport, and that number increases to more than 90 percent once in the air. Millennials are 10 percent more likely to be intoxicated on a flight than older passengers, according to the survey. Alcohol has fueled some horrible in-flight incidents in recent years, including sexual assaults, bloody brawls, and mere loud confrontations. This past summer, Irish discount airline Ryanair publicly called for restrictions on alcohol sales at airports, including a ban before 10 a.m. Few people actually talk about alcohol on planes beyond the physiological effects of consuming a few beers inside a pressurized aluminum tube. How much should you drink on board? What should you do when someone next to you is drinking to excess? Have we reached a point where we should limit or ban alcoholic beverages during flights? Los Angeles psychiatrist Brian Cassmassi remembers a red-eye flight to Europe shortly after he obtained his MD. About halfway there, the flight attendants asked whether there was a doctor on board. "A female passenger had become inebriated from drinking two small airline alcohol bottles and taking her prescribed Ambien," Cassmassi recalls. "She was combative toward the flight attendants and other passengers seated near her. I helped to restrain her and calm her in the galley until we made an emergency landing." Cassmassi thinks one or two mini-bottles on a flight are usually fine, but it depends on the passenger. Flight crews have to monitor their behavior carefully to ensure theyre not overdoing it, he says. While actual blood alcohol concentration remains the same during flights as it is on land, people can feel the effects more readily because of slightly decreased oxygen levels in the blood, according to Cassmassi. "Airplanes keep the cabin pressure about 4 percent lower than normal pressure at sea level, which slightly lowers oxygen intake," he explains. "With that dip in oxygen for fuel, the brain is more susceptible to the effects of certain substances like alcohol, and so people can feel more buzzed sooner with a drink." Among airlines, alcohol availability runs from an outright ban to free drinks. Middle Eastern carriers such as Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and EgyptAir fly alcohol-free. Some airlines dont serve adult beverages on domestic flights (Turkish Airlines and many Chinese airlines, for example). A majority of airlines still serve alcohol, but they charge for it outside of business class and first class, where drinks are included in the price of your ticket. Flight attendants undergo alcohol training using the traffic light system that bars and restaurants use to categorize patrons: green for social drinkers behaving within social norms, yellow for lower inhibitions and inappropriate behavior, and red for impaired motor functions. When passengers shift to yellow, they cut them off. But when the drinks start flowing at 36,000 feet, flight attendants are outnumbered, and it falls to passengers to ensure that other passengers are not overindulging. Thats particularly true when passengers start drinking before the flight or bring their own booze. "Modern manners dictate that before drinking yourself straight into the airsickness bag, you must consider all other passengers alongside you, because they have fewer options than you do," says Sharon Schweitzer, an etiquette expert who operates the consulting firm Access to Culture. But what if your fellow passenger doesnt see it that way? On a Southwest Airlines flight recently, I sat next to a young woman who, whenever the flight attendant came within shouting distance, ordered a white wine. Two chardonnays into a conversation, she started to exhibit all kinds of yellow-light behavior. Almost the moment I thought, "What am I going to do now?" a stern-faced flight attendant materialized. The passenger tilted her plastic cup toward her, but the crew member slowly shook her head. "Im sorry," the attendant said in a not-sorry tone. "We cant serve you any more." The woman fell asleep on my shoulder shortly after. I could have handled that situation differently, experts say. The steps for defusing disagreements involving alcohol on planes are identical to those for defusing any conflict. First, encourage the passenger to slow down on the drinking. You can hint at that by saying: Could I get you a glass of water? I hear alcohol dehydrates you on a plane. (Thats true, but it also is a better way of bringing up the topic of someones excessive drinking than saying, Youre drinking too much!) If that doesnt work, ask a flight attendant whether there is an open seat available elsewhere. (Not always or even at all an option with flights being fuller than in the past.) Finally, talk to a crew member privately about the passengers behavior. At the very least, he or she can cut the drunk passenger off, which will make the rest of the flight a little more bearable. And if you find yourself in a situation like Wolkins? You might want to pack a change of clothes and a package of baby wipes in your carry-on for your next flight. Even if you dont have a baby. With another spring break coming up, this may be a good time for U.S. carriers to consider limiting or eliminating the alcohol served on board. It would significantly reduce the number of in-flight confrontations and make flying safer for everyone. Dont laugh. For decades, the idea of a smoke-free flight was unthinkable. Now someones lighting up on board is not even imaginable. Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate, journalist, and co-founder of the advocacy group Travelers United. Contact him at elliott.org. Are you thinking about volunteering this Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Instead of giving your time for just one day, consider challenging yourself to a year of service. For many, that commitment sounds intimidating life is busy, free time is scarce but the rewards of regular volunteering often go beyond that of one day. Our long-term volunteers wind up building a community among themselves, said JodyAnn McIntosh, the manager of community engagement and volunteer services at nutrition nonprofit MANNA. They take their relationships outside of MANNA, like to dinners and birthday parties. In some cases, regular service leads to professional passion. Kristin Groenveld, the executive director of education nonprofit Art Sphere, described volunteers that went on to become teachers, artists, and leaders of other nonprofits. "We also write our volunteers recommendation letters that help them get jobs or into graduate programs, Groenveld said. Whatever your reasons for getting involved long-term, its important to pick the right opportunity for you that way, youll be motivated to show up week after week. Here are some points to consider when you decide to get involved. Figure out what you care about You should volunteer for a cause you feel passionate about, especially if youre making a long-term commitment. Whether its serving the homeless, underserved students, immigrants, or the environment, make sure you pick something that is near and dear to your heart. Serve Philadelphias website allows you to search keywords and locations to find opportunities that fit your passion. Visit serve.volunteermatch.org to explore whats around you. Assess your own skill set Volunteering is all about using your skills to help others (and maybe discovering a few new ones in the process). For example, a lawyer might volunteer his or her services pro bono. But if you dont want to spend your off-hours doing what you do professionally, you can still play to your strengths. Make a list of the soft skills your job requires of you like interpersonal communication or organization and match those to what an organization is looking for. That way, youll avoid burnout and exhaustion. Prepare for a little paperwork Long-term volunteers (and even some short-term ones) should expect to jump through a couple of hoops. Most volunteer organizations require you to fill out an intake form to explain your interest and provide basic contact information. Some require interviews or training before you can get started in earnest. If youre looking to volunteer for an organization that works with youths, Pennsylvania state law requires volunteers to clear the following background checks: the Pennsylvania State Police criminal record check, the Pennsylvania child-abuse history clearance, the federal criminal history background check, or the FBI clearance waiver for volunteers who have lived here for 10 or more years. If you already have those clearances as part of your employment or other volunteer services and if they were issued within the past 60 months you can submit them to other organizations. Organizations in New Jersey require similar clearances and can be contacted directly for details. Check your schedule Nonprofits might ask regular volunteers to give as much time as a few hours a week or as little as a couple afternoons per month. The biggest thing theyre looking for is regularity. If you say youre going to show up every Tuesday evening, theyre counting on you, so mark off that time as early as possible. Obviously things come up in life and most organizations are understanding, but if you plan around your volunteering engagements, theyll appreciate it. Getting started If youre still not sure about where to start, dont worry. You can spend some time with different organizations and causes to see what fits best. To get you started, here are just a handful of organizations with long-term volunteering opportunities that are also hosting Martin Luther King Jr. Day events. That way, you can get an idea before making a more extensive commitment. (Find many more volunteering opportunities at mlkdayofservice.org.) MANNA MANNA feeds people in Philly with life-threatening illnesses, packing more than 70,000 nutritious meals each month. The group is always looking for more volunteers to help with delivering the meals and cooking food in its kitchens something that regular volunteers can get a reputation for, according to JodyAnn McIntosh. We know who to count on to come in every week and bake really amazing brownies, she said. You can get a taste of what volunteering at MANNA is like on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at their food-packing event. Volunteers will be chopping vegetables, packing meals, filling meal trays, and baking. 7 to 10 a.m., 420 N. 20th St., sign up through mlkdayofservice.org. For weekly and monthly volunteering opportunities, go to mannapa.org. Art Sphere Inc. If you love getting creative, this nonprofit teaches art to inner-city low-income youth. It holds after-school programs and community art events, collaborates on public murals, and hosts workshops on art-driven conflict resolution. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Art Sphere is prepping art projects for preschoolers and making Valentines Day cards for homeless veterans and senior citizens. Art Sphere also requires all long-term volunteers to go through a 10-week training with a commitment of three hours per week. Volunteers can either participate in teaching, one-on-one work, or administrative tasks. In order to work directly with children during Art Spheres regular workshops and events, you have to send the organization your resume, pass a background check, get child-abuse clearance, and get fingerprinted by the FBI. All the forms and information you need for this are on the organizations website. 9 a.m. to noon, Bok Building, 1901 South 9th St., sign up through mlkdayofservice.org. For long-term volunteer opportunities, go to artsphere.org. Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children This Chester County organization is trying to end family homelessness. It has an emergency shelter for homeless families, and it provides financial assistance and support to help families become independent in 12 to 18 months. Volunteers can provide help for group projects, administrative tasks, seasonal programming, and more. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Friends Association is looking for volunteers to help clean up their shelter and yard. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 113 W. Chestnut St., West Chester, sign up through mlkdayofservice.org. For long-term volunteer opportunities, go to friendsassoc.org. HIAS Pennsylvania HIAS Pennsylvania offers supportive services to immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Volunteers can help in various ways, such as accompanying immigrants to important appointments or picking up groceries for families. HIAS also works with lawyers, health-care professionals, and communications specialists to provide legal advice, medical care, and more to those who need its services. For college students, HIAS offers internships if youre looking to gain experience working with a nonprofit. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the organization will be beautifying Penns Civic House, where HIAS holds much of its refugee youth-education programming. 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Civic House, 3914 Locust Walk, sign up through Google forms. For long-term volunteer opportunities, go to hiaspa.org. Camden County Pop-Up Library The Camden County Pop-Up Library gives books away where theres no access to libraries, in places such as food pantries, homeless shelters, and Salvation Army locations. The organization relies on book foot soldiers," volunteers who take on the role of librarians, to plan and man the pop-ups. Individuals and groups can volunteer; theyll receive books to give away and a list of suggested locations to set up but otherwise have complete freedom over their pop-up libraries. If youre interested, learn more about the pop-up librarys efforts on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Rutgers Universitys Camden campus. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Rutgers Universitys Camden Campus Center, 326 Penn St., Camden. For long-term volunteer opportunities, go to camdencountypopuplibrary.org. A 12-story condo tower could soon rise above Philadelphias historic Dilworth House, according to zoning permits that were issued last month, potentially filling in the last developable lot on Washington Square. Philadelphia developer John Turchi and his wife, Mary, applied in December for two zoning permits, records show, one that would consolidate the Dilworth House property into a single lot and another that would allow partial demolition of the structure to make room for a 10-unit tower. Both zoning permits were approved in mid-December, according to Karen Guss, spokesperson for the Department of Licenses and Inspections. She added that, before demolition could begin, approval would be needed from both the Historical Commission and the Art Commission. Turchis high-rise proposal is the latest attempt by the developer to get a project at the Dilworth House off the ground and, if he is successful, would add more pricey units to Philadelphias growing luxury real estate market. One of Turchis lawyers, Philip Rosenzweig, of Silverang, Donohoe, Rosenzweig & Haltzman LLC in St. Davids, said that the project would obviously be very high-end and would feature an automated valet parking system underground that could accommodate 20 spaces, zoning documents show. The tower, which would rise behind the front portion of the Dilworth House, would include a roof deck, balconies, and amenity spaces, according to the documents. In an interview Tuesday, Rosenzweig said that although Turchi conceived the plan, he has not yet decided whether he will be the builder. Several parties are interested in developing the tower, Rosenzweig said. There is no agreement of sale in place, and Rosenzweig said Turchi had no comment. In 2017, Rosenzweig told the Inquirer that Turchi was quietly marketing the property and that he had no intention of relinquishing his idea for developing the site. Still, the Dilworth House, located at 223-225 S. Sixth St., has been beset by controversy for more than a decade and there is no guarantee that Turchis proposal will not face the same again. Paul Boni, chair of the Society Hill Civic Associations Zoning and Historic Preservation Committee, said the group has a team of people reviewing the materials and has engaged an outside attorney for the matter. In 2001, real estate documents show, Turchi and his wife purchased the Dilworth House from the Philadelphia County Dental Society for $1.75 million, with reported plans to renovate and move in. Those plans, however, shifted a few years later to demolition, and then partial demolition, to make room for a 16-story tower, designed by prominent architect Robert Venturi. The house, located today in one of Philadelphias priciest real estate markets, is worth saving, residents argue today and previously. It was built as a primary residence for Mayor Richardson Dilworth in the late 1950s when Society Hill was languishing as a sign of his commitment to improving the area. The property is in the Society Hill historic district and classified as significant. Turchi, however, has said the house is not historic. In an interview with the Inquirer in 2005, he said, Its in the wrong place, and it represents the wrong time. Residents were opposed to Turchis assessment and fought to keep the property intact. A nearly decade-long legal battle involving Turchi, the city, and residents ensued, until finally, in 2015, the Commonwealth Court upheld the Historical Commissions decision: The Dilworth Houses rear wing could be demolished, so long as the front section, including the facade, remained. Even so, no development ever happened something many developers and observers have attributed to contentious history surrounding the property, as well as the physical limitations of the site. According to the city, Turchis current plans can be built under current zoning as long as he receives the Historical and Art Commission approvals. Plans submitted to the city show that the projects height would be about 172 feet tall, and that the tower would be connected to the homes facade. A different architect has been hired, Rosenzweig said. Some of the units appear to extend into the Dilworth House itself, according to the drawings. MOSCOW The United States has no detailed record of President Donald Trumps five face-to-face interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past two years, The Washington Post reported last week. Russia, on the other hand, almost certainly does. Just don't expect to see them anytime soon. The interpreters working for Soviet leaders were trained to take nearly verbatim stenographic notes. Declassified Soviet records of Cold War talks are often more detailed than official American notes on the same conversations, said Svetlana Savranskaya, the director of Russia programs at the National Security Archive at George Washington University. Savranskaya said she assumed that Putins interpreters follow the Soviet tradition. Moscow, then, may well possess a far more detailed record of Putins talks with Trump than does Washington where senior officials are said to be still searching for details about what exactly the two have discussed. The irony might be that in some years, historians will have the Russian record but not the American and then we will learn something incredibly interesting just from the one side, Savranskaya said in a phone interview. Trump, the Post reported, took possession of his interpreters notes after meeting with Putin in Hamburg, Germany, in 2017. But the Kremlin's notes on Putin's meetings with foreign leaders aren't covered by any kind of automatic declassification regime, meaning that the fate of Russia's Trump papers will depend on the future of Russia itself. Some 30 years ago, it was Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms and then the collapse of the Soviet Union that gave historians unprecedented access to archives in Moscow. "It'll depend on the desire of the successor to the current president to publish the documents of his meetings," said Grigory Lanskoy, deputy chairman of the Russian Society of Historians and Archivists. "When they need some kind of news hook, they might publish these documents in whole or in part." Lanskoy said some of Russia's Trump documents might start to emerge in the next 20 years, since former Russian President Boris Yeltsin's papers have already started to be published. Savranskaya surmised it could take 50 years. "It may not be, maybe, in our lifetimes," she said. When it happens, it wont be the first time that Americans will learn of the words of their own president from Russian sources. After a summit in Washington in December 1987, then-Vice President George H.W. Bush rode with Gorbachev to see him off at the airport. In Gorbachevs limo, with only Soviet interpreter Pavel Palazhchenko present, Bush promised that hed be committed to improving Soviet-American relations if he was elected president. Palazhchenko took no notes because it was clear that Bush wanted to have an off-the-record conversation, according to Savranskaya, who included the episode in a 2016 book. But as soon as Bush left, Savranskaya said, Gorbachev ordered his interpreter to write up what was said. The memo ended up in the archive of the Gorbachev Foundation in Moscow. If there was a new age of openness in Russia and these documents are declassified, we will be looking at them like we were looking at the documents of the Gorbachev period, Savranskaya said. WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Tuesday said it has called back tens of thousands of federal workers to fulfill key government tasks, including disbursing tax refunds, overseeing flight safety, and inspecting the nations food and drug supply, as it seeks to blunt the impact of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The nearly 50,000 furloughed federal employees are being brought back to work without pay part of a group of about 800,000 federal workers who are not receiving paychecks during the shutdown, which is affecting dozens of federal agencies large and small. A federal judge on Tuesday rejected a bid by unions representing air traffic controllers and other federal workers to force the government to pay them if they are required to work. The efforts by the Trump administration to keep the government operating during the partial shutdown came as the White House and Congress made no progress toward resolving their underlying dispute. President Donald Trump extended an unusual lunch invitation to a handful of rank-and-file House Democrats in an attempt to woo them and create a divide within the Democratic camp over the shutdown. But the lawmakers rebuffed the outreach as Democratic leaders voiced concerns the meeting would prove little more than a photo opportunity bolstering Trump. With Democrats in the House pushing forward with bills to reopen the government, Trump seesawing from one strategy to another to win funding for his border wall and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) largely sitting out the battle, there appeared to be no path toward opening the government as the partial shutdown ground through its 25th day. The differing developments left a discordant image of Washington. As political leaders were paralyzed over a way to end the impasse, the federal government itself was looking for ways to show flexibility in determining who can and cannot work. The president struck a defiant tone in a call Tuesday afternoon with supporters, according to audio of the call obtained by the Washington Post, urging them to call Democrats and voice support for the border wall and pledging, Were going to win. "They're not being paid right now because of the Democrats," Trump said of the federal workforce. "People are impressed with how well government is working with the circumstances we're under," the president added. But lawmakers from both parties were getting increasingly anxious for the shutdown to be over, even as an endgame looked as remote as ever. The contours of the standoff have not changed since the shutdown began Dec. 22, with Trump repeating his demands for $5.7 billion to build more than 200 new miles of walls along the U.S.-Mexico border and Democrats refusing to budge from offering $1.3 billion to extend existing funding levels for border barriers and fencing. Democrats are calling on Trump to reopen the portions of the government that have nothing to do with the wall before they negotiate with him on that issue. Trump has refused, but increasing numbers of Republicans have been issuing calls for Trump to reopen the government, even if just on a short-term basis as negotiations continue. On Tuesday afternoon, members of a bipartisan Senate group that had met Monday evening gathered on the Senate floor and decided their best step forward was to release a letter to Trump and leadership detailing, in broad strokes, support for reopening the government and providing a boost in funding for border security while negotiations continue, according to a person familiar with the deliberations who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private discussions. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.) said, Im confident were never going to get a deal with the government shut down, but if we had an opportunity to negotiate without the government shut down I think itd fall pretty quickly in place. Trump on Monday rebuffed that proposal from Graham, but the senator indicated Tuesday he was not prepared to abandon the idea yet. "Stay tuned," Graham said. Others were less sanguine. Im an optimistic person, Im not seeing the blue sky here as yet, said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R., W.Va.). Theres obviously going to be a pressure point at which its no longer sustainable, but at this point it doesnt look like anybodys blinking. The depth of the impasse was underscored Tuesday when a small group of rank-and-file House Democrats, including centrist-leaning freshmen and sophomores, turned down an offer to join Trump and House Republicans at a White House lunch to discuss the issue. Invited lawmakers included Reps. Stephanie Murphy (D., Fla.) and J. Luis Correa (D., Calif.), both leaders of the centrist Blue Dog Coalition; Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D., Va.), a freshman lawmaker who is also a Blue Dog member; and another group member, Rep. Charlie Crist (D., Fla.). Crist and Murphy both cited previous obligations as their reasons for snubbing the president's invite. But all the lawmakers had faced widespread opposition from fellow Democrats, including party leaders, toward attending an event where some feared they could turn into props for Trump. The question that I think everyone can reasonably ask is, is he inviting people to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to really try to resolve this problem or to create a photo op so he can project a false sense of bipartisanship? said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D., N.Y.), who chairs the House Democratic Caucus. That is a question that I think every individual member will have to entertain for themselves. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders called the Democrats' decision unfortunate and said, "It's time for the Democrats to come to the table and make a deal." Trump's GOP allies in Congress criticized Democrats for the Tuesday snub. In case you needed MORE proof that Democrats are more interested in stopping the President than helping the country, Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Ohio) wrote on Twitter. They rejected President Trumps invitation to meet at the White House. They refuse to come to a compromise to secure the border and end the shutdown. The White Houses strategy for weeks has been to splinter the Democrats, but that has failed repeatedly as Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D., N.Y.) has aligned himself closely with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.). The newest iteration of this approach for the White House has been to try to pry loose rank-and-file members from Schumer and Pelosis side, but that appeared to be unsuccessful as of Tuesday. It was a test for both Democratic leaders and also freshman Democrats, many of whom had sent mixed signals about abiding leadership during their campaigns. As Tuesday's meeting collapsed, the White House sought to organize a meeting with a different group of House Democrats for Wednesday, sending out an invitation to bipartisan members of the Problem Solvers Caucus, according to two Democrats familiar with the invitation. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential communications. At least one invited lawmaker, Rep. Scott Peters (D., Calif.), quickly rejected the invitation for Wednesday, leaving it uncertain whether that meeting would take place, either. "I'm not interested in a photo op while Americans are hurting from the longest shutdown in our nation's history," Peters said in a statement. The House, newly under Democratic control, has passed spending bills to reopen portions of the government unrelated to the border wall, and this week the House is taking up short-term spending bills to reopen the government into various points in February. But Trump has refused to support the House Democrats' legislation, and McConnell has said repeatedly that he will not put any legislation on the Senate floor without Trump's support. Asked whether the Senate might potentially try to override a Trump veto to end the shutdown, McConnell on Tuesday replied, Of course not, saying that he and other Republicans supported the policy goals the president was seeking to achieve. Freshman House Democrats sought to increase pressure on McConnell with a staged visit to his office in the Capitol to try to meet with him. They were turned away by staffers who told them McConnell was busy on the Senate floor but said they left a note asking him to get in touch for a meeting at another time. Were here to remind Mitch McConnell that he works for the people, not for this administration, and he needs to make sure to free the American people from the current hostage that theyre being held by this administration, said Rep. Ilhan Omar (D., Minn.). Earlier, Pelosi began a closed-door meeting of the House Democratic Caucus by reading results of the latest Quinnipiac University poll, showing voters blame Trump more than Democrats for the shutdown, according to an aide in the room who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the private gathering. The aide said Pelosi went on to tell her caucus: "We want to talk about our values in terms of immigration and how that's always been bipartisan, including George Herbert Walker Bush, Ronald Reagan and the rest. Not to go into that, but to just say that I understand you all want to know what's the next step, but just the message of 'Open up government so we can have this discussion' is a very important message." The House and Senate canceled recesses that had been scheduled for next week, with leaders saying they would stay in town to work through the shutdown. The shutdown has begun seriously complicating the government's ability to perform duties millions of Americans depend on, leading to decisions by the administration aimed at lessening such impacts. The Internal Revenue Service plans to end furloughs for more than half of its workforce to prepare for tax-filing season, union officials said, meaning as many as 46,000 IRS employees could be forced to go to work with no pay while the shutdown continues. Up to 2,200 aviation safety inspectors with the Federal Aviation Administration are expected to be recalled by the end of the week, and 500 Food and Drug Administration workers have been recalled to work and will be unpaid until the shutdown ends, among others. That has led to lawsuits from federal workers' unions arguing that unpaid work violates labor laws and the Constitution. But a federal judge in Washington on Tuesday refused to force the government to pay federal employees who have been working without compensation during the partial government shutdown. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon said it would be "profoundly irresponsible" for him to issue an order that would result in thousands of federal employees staying home from work and not doing their jobs. "At best it would create chaos and confusion," Leon said. "At worst it could be catastrophic I'm not going to put people's lives at risk." Molly A. Elkin, an attorney representing the air traffic controllers union, had implored the judge to tell the government and the president to "get their hands out of the pockets of the air traffic controllers." "We need you, judge, to give this workforce hope that at least one branch of the American government has their back," Elkin said. Workers showed up to the hearing wearing red pins demanding "Back Pay Now" and blue stickers with the message "RESPECT." They were asked to remove those accessories before entering the courtroom. Other shutdown impacts still threatened. White House officials warned earlier this month that the nation's food stamp program was at risk of running out of funding in March if the shutdown is not resolved. And White House officials were continuing to be caught unprepared for major problems with how the shutdown is unfolding. For example, the initial notification they gave 800,000 federal employees that they would not be paid was set to expire Monday, and all of those employees must be notified again. But agency officials do not know how to notify all the employees, some of whom are working in outposts around the globe. They cannot email these workers the employees are not allowed to check their work email during a shutdown. The White House Office of Management and Budget held a conference call with a number of agencies Tuesday to discuss how to proceed but could not come up with a solution. One idea was to send a certified letter to all 800,000 employees, but because of the shutdown, the agencies lack the money to pay for the postage. The departments and agencies affected by the shutdown make up about a quarter of the parts of the federal government that are funded by Congress. The Pentagon is mostly unaffected, since a spending bill for the military was passed by Congress and signed by Trump in 2018. Congress and the president also passed legislation to fund the Labor Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and others before Trumps demands for wall money ground negotiations on other spending bills to a halt. Programs such as Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid also are unaffected, because their budgets proceed automatically, without the need for annual congressional appropriations. Special counsel Robert Mueller IIIs Russia investigation also is unaffected; it is paid for by a permanent, dedicated funding stream. The Washington Posts Jeff Stein, Josh Dawsey, Robert Costa, Paul Kane, Mike DeBonis, Damian Paletta and Jenna Portnoy contributed to this article. WASHINGTON - Prosecutors working for special counsel Robert Mueller III have intensively scrutinized Paul Manafort's activities after President Donald Trump's election - including after Manafort was criminally charged - and indicated they have extensive details not yet made public about Manafort's interactions with former Russian aide Konstantin Kilimnik and others, a Tuesday court filing showed. Although heavy redacted, the documents state that Manafort, Trump's former campaign chairman, claimed he was trying to get people appointed in the new presidential administration. The filing also states that in another Justice Department investigation, Manafort provided information that appears related to an event while he was with the campaign in August 2016. Prosecutors also showed keen interest in a $125,000 payment made in June 2017 that Manafort characterized in three ways that were contradicted, the filing says, by his tax filings and exchanges with his tax preparer. Prosecutors filed a 31-page affidavit from an FBI agent, plus another 406 nearly fully blacked-out exhibits, after a federal judge last week ordered them to lay out the "factual and evidentiary basis" for their claims that Manafort lied repeatedly after his plea deal and has breached his cooperation agreement. The filing in federal court in Washington asserts that Manafort shifted answers to questions posed by the FBI and Mueller probe investigators, prompting his lawyers to pull him aside on several occasions to review statements. In one interview with investigators and prosecutors in October 2018, the filing states, Manafort's attorneys requested a break to speak with Manafort after he contradicted his prior statement - even after his lawyers had shown him a typewritten summary of it. The statement came in a separate criminal investigation by a U.S. attorney outside Washington, District of Columbia, and described events around an incident that Manafort said occurred before he left the Trump campaign on Aug. 19, 2016, according to information in the new filing. Manafort's attorneys have previously said that any misstatements on his part after his plea agreement were unintentional. Manafort, 69, pleaded guilty in September in federal court in Washington to charges that he conspired to cheat the Internal Revenue Service, violate foreign-lobbying laws and tamper with witnesses. Separately, a jury in federal court in Virginia convicted Manafort in August of bank and tax fraud. He is awaiting sentencing in both cases. Manafort's defense team disclosed the nature of several of the disputed statements made to prosecutorsafter his cooperation agreement in sections of a court filing made public Jan. 8. The filing, entered under seal the day before, included passages that were supposed to be redacted but instead erroneously revealed that Manafort shared 2016 polling data with Kilimnik, a Russian employee who began working for Manafort's consulting business in 2005. The FBI says Kilimnik was linked to Russian intelligence, according to information prosecutors filed last year in court. The botched redactions did not make clear the source of the polling information but indicate a pathway by which the Russians could have had access to Trump campaign data. Kilimnik, who is believed to be in Moscow, was charged in June with conspiring with his former boss to obstruct Mueller's investigation. According to other bungled redactions in the defense team's filing, Mueller has accused Manafort of lying about his contacts with Kilimnik, including discussions Mueller and Kilimnik had about a Ukrainian peace plan during the 2016 campaign; a meeting between the pair while they were in Madrid; and Kilimnik's alleged role in the witness tampering effort to which Manafort pleaded guilty. Separately, prosecutors had accused Manafort of lying about having no contact with Trump administration officials after they took office - allegations repeated in the redacted Tuesday filing. In Tuesday's filing, prosecutors said files in Manafort's computer showed that in March 2018 - four months after being indicted - Manafort was in contact with a senior administration official and authorized another person via text message to speak with a White House official on May 26. "If I see POTUS one on one next week, am I ok to remind him of our relationship?" one person texted Manafort that day, prosecutors revealed in Tuesday's filing. Manafort responded, "Yes" and "Even if not one on one." Manafort's attorneys previously have called the allegation about contact with a senior administration official hearsay. They said that the other exchange involved a person "asking permission to use Mr. Manafort's name as an introduction in the event the third-party met the President," which "does not constitute outreach by Mr. Manafort to the President." Prosecutors allege that Manafort has told "multiple discernible lies" in the course of 12 interviews and two grand jury appearances since he pleaded guilty in September to conspiring to defraud the United States and conspiring to obstruct justice through his undisclosed lobbying for a pro-Russian politician in Ukraine. U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson of Washington set a Jan. 25 hearing to determine whether Manafort breached a plea deal in which prosecutors agreed to recommend leniency that could slice years from Manafort's time behind bars if he cooperated fully and truthfully with them. The longtime Republican consultant already faces a possible maximum 10-year prison sentence in his District case under federal guidelines for conspiring to cheat the IRS, violate foreign-lobbying laws and tamper with witnesses. That time could come in addition to his punishment for the convictions in Virginia on tax and bank fraud charges. Manafort faces sentencing March 5 on the charges in Washington and Feb. 8 on those in Alexandria, Virginia. His attorneys wrote that Manafort had trouble recollecting certain details partly because solitary confinement at the Alexandria jail has "taken a toll on his physical and mental health." The Washington Posts Rosalind S. Helderman and Rachel Weiner contributed to this report. President Donald Trump is surrounded by amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons, and also believes long ties are slimming, according to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies blistering new book. In Let Me Finish: Trump, the Kushners, Bannon, New Jersey, and the Power of In-Your-Face Politics, the ousted member of Trumps transition team lays into the presidents associates, writing that Trump had a revolving door of deeply flawed individuals ... who were hustled into jobs they were never suited for, sometimes seemingly without so much as a background check via Google or Wikipedia, according to excerpts published in Axios. Remaining relatively unscathed in the latest White House kiss-and-tell is the president himself, according to the Guardian, which also obtained text in advance of the books Jan. 29 release. Here are some of the memoirs highlights made public thus far. The kid Particularly, Christie targets Trump son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, whom he accuses of carrying out a political "hit job on the former New Jersey governor in retaliation for Christies prosecution of Kushners father, Charles, in 2005. During his stint as U.S. attorney in New Jersey more than a decade ago, Christie charged the senior Kushner with crimes including tax evasion and campaign finance violations an event far from water under the bridge to the kid," as Steve Bannon apparently refers to Kushner. This was a family matter, a matter to be handled by the family or by the rabbis, Kushner told Trump, according to the excerpts. Simmering for years, the vendetta over his fathers prosecution was behind the Trump advisers push for the president to sack Christie, then-White House chief strategist Steve Bannon apparently said. Steve Bannon made clear to me that one person and one person only was responsible for the faceless execution that Steve was now attempting to carry out. Jared Kushner, still apparently seething over events that had occurred a decade ago, Christie wrote. The kids been taking an ax to your head with the boss ever since I got here, Bannon allegedly told Christie while firing him at Trump Tower. Amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons Christie, who penned the memoir with what the Guardian describes as his signature "blunt, caustic and at times self-satisfied language, also turns his wrath on former national security adviser and decorated general Michael Flynn, who is awaiting sentencing for lying to the FBI in connection with the investigation into the 2016 election. Calling the former general the Russian lackey and future federal felon, Christie says Flynn was a train wreck from beginning to end ... a slow-motion car crash," according to the Guardian. The Guardians report said Christie also condemns former Attorney General Jeff Sessions for recusing himself from the probe into Russia and the 2016 election, calling Sessions not ready for prime time. He adds that the president trusts people he shouldnt, including some of the people who are closest to him," and is surrounded by amateurs, grifters, weaklings, convicted and unconvicted felons. The skinny on the tie On a lighter note, the tell-all also provides insight into another area of the White House: the presidents wardrobe. Apparently, Trump who once pressured Christie to lose weight urged him to wear longer ties to appear slimmer on the 2016 campaign trail. The strategy is one the president also appears to employ. But the visual trickery may not be fooling everyone. Parodied on social media and by comedians Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, Trumps signature below-the-belt neckwear has been scrutinized in the public eye. If your tie isnt falling just above your waistline and firmly tied (without being throttled), then its time for some serious re-evaluations on... everything, Esquire wrote. When she was three months pregnant with twin girls, Eleonora Barbieri marched in Philadelphia, like millions of others across the world, surrounded by people carrying signs proclaiming that women's rights are human rights. Now her girls are 14 months old and Barbieri, an Italian immigrant, has dressed them in outfits with messages like "Strong Woman" and "Miss Independent." "I want them to learn their self-worth," said Barbieri, 31, of Brewerytown, whose husband is Dominican. "So if they ever encounter anyone who talks to them like the president talks to the world, they can hold themselves [firm] and know that's not right and they deserve better." >> IMAGE GALLERY: From 'Thank You Rosa Parks' to 'Every Girl is a Super Hero,' female empowerment gets screen printed As the female-empowerment message goes mainstream, retailers are increasingly stocking their shelves with shirts like "Girl boss," "Never underestimate the power of women and girls," and "She believed she could so she did" "Culturally, we are in an accelerated time of women questioning the assumptions that others have about them," said Americus Reed, a marketing professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. "Retail is often a looking-glass sense of culture." The amount of positive messaging apparel from the countrys top childrens wear retailers doubled compared with last year and the term girl power increased 67.4 percent, according to an analysis by Edited, a retail technology and data company. In the last three months, theres been a 100 percent increase in positive messaging apparel, Edited found. For Barbieri, the merchandise she buys reflects her own form of activism. She worries about a president who, she said, has signaled that it is acceptable to disparage immigrants, the LGBTQ community, women, people of color, and those who are disabled. To others, these empowering messages are no more than a straightforward way to reaffirm to their children that they should grow up to be confident, regardless of political leanings. And while there are feminist scholars and activists who think "femvertising" or brands using feminism to sell products is disingenuous, this messaging surge comes at a time when some women feel compelled to reaffirm their values and take action. That may mean attending a women's march. Or sharing a story of sexual assault and harassment with the hashtag #MeToo. Or joining the flood of women running for public office. Or, it might mean simply buying their children a shirt that says "Smart girls will change the world." From tiaras to capes Robin Falco still remembers the day her 3-year-old daughter, Ada, informed her that girls can't be superheroes. Ada hadn't seen women among the superhero coloring-book and comic-book pages that featured men. That was 3 years ago before the Wonder Woman movie and before Ada decided she was going to become an engineer for NASA. "There's been just a push back against the way things have always been done, and I think a lot of women were frustrated the way I was. They either were discouraged of liking things or for liking things that weren't traditionally feminine, or went into these fields and struggled," Falco, 39, of King of Prussia, said, adding that her daughter no longer remembers a time when she thought girls couldn't be superheroes. Now Ada loves wearing capes. "Female empowerment" related searches and purchases on the website Etsy increased 440 percent in the last year, according to Dayna Isom Johnson, Etsy's trend expert. In June, "kids pride T-shirts" were among the platform's top-selling items and Johnson expects this messaging will continue to grow. This trend is also a reflection of millennial shoppers who, as parents, care more about a brand's values than other generations and, in larger numbers, shop at stores they feel reflect their social or political views, according to a National Retail Federation report. Some parents, like Sarah Theis, 45, of Malvern, said they aren't fans of gendered messaging. Instead, Theis, who has a 10-year-old son, would prefer to see fewer shirts proclaiming "girl power" and more positive messages that could work for any child. Still, these tees are the first step toward activism for many of the high school students that Michelle Legaspi Sanchez has worked with in her role at the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls, where she is executive director. It may be hard for students to articulate their beliefs about female empowerment, she said, but wearing a shirt can bring the girls confidence and make them feel like part of a collective. Sanchez said that regardless of the girls' political stances, messages about young women believing in themselves and using their voices to take action has been "unifying." "We feel like the apparel is really a part of a larger conversation. I think there is a connection to activism, but I think apparel is really a tool to activism. It helps give voice and spark dialogue." Sanchez said. "It crosses political lines. The focus is really on them and their growth and our programming. That's what we support. We want them to be able to explore this no matter their stances and their opinion." Syreeta Scott and Shanti Mayers, co-owners of the Sable Collective in the Swampoodle neighborhood of North Philly, said their experience as black, working single mothers influenced how they raise their children and what they buy them. In their store, which Scott said features vendors who are mostly other black women, they sell shirts that say "love her," "protect us," and "trust black women." "Particularly for black people or people of color who are often underrepresented," Mayers said it's important to see empowering messages on shirts in the retail space that are able to "reflect our culture and to reflect our mission." The appropriate pendulum swing Kesha Leets' daughter is only 3 months old, but Leets, who lives near Rittenhouse Square, proudly posted a photo on Instagram of her wearing a "Wild Feminist" onesie. To her, dressing her daughter like that says to the world that the word feminist should be normalized and has nothing to do with a political party. "It was absolutely fantastic," she recalled upon seeing the onesie. "I just thought, what a cool way to raise your kid to be that open, I guess, about empowering girls and empowering females, without having to sit down and articulate to a 3-month-old something you can't articulate." When used incorrectly by companies, said Jess Weiner, CEO of Talk to Jess, a brand strategy firm, and who advised Mattel on Barbie's inclusive redesign, commodifying feminism and the broad messages of empowerment could minimize serious inequities. She works with brands to make sure their practices are anchored in the messaging so they avoid the missteps of inauthenticity. Audi, for example, ran an ad during the 2017 Super Bowl about the gender pay gap, causing some consumers to criticize the company for employing few women on its executive team. This opinion of "femvertising" is a "proper critique," she said, but one that is "too prescriptive and black-and-white." "I would rather see some commercialization of feminism than a bunch of billboards of a bunch of body parts on it," Weiner said. "We've been seeing women pulled apart in pieces in advertising for decades." Brands emphasizing "girls' intelligence, their wits, their smarts, their power," she said, "feels like the appropriate pendulum swing to bring us back to an equilibrium." Litty Paxton, the former director of the Penn Women's Center, said that although these shirts can be positive in that more people will see this messaging, she thinks their popularity is bittersweet. As she sees it, it proves how much more work is needed. "If there is so much of this girl power, why do we need it on a T-shirt? Patriarchy never needed a T-shirt for it to become successful," said Paxton, the associate dean for undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication. The 2016 presidential election "suggests smart girls don't rule and there are a lot of problems when women try to rule the world," Paxton said. "The notion that girls can do anything crashed into the largest glass ceiling ever." Melissa Bocage, 38, of Passyunk Square, isn't sure what she thinks of these shirts. Bocage could imagine her 5-year-old daughter, who is very literate for her age, seeing a shirt calling girls smart and wondering why that would need to be affirmed. "It just means the conversation I have to open is 'Yes, honey, you're smart and some people think boys are smarter than girls,'" Bocage said, "but that's just not a conversation I'm going to have over a shirt the Children's Place sold me." For her 5-year-old daughter, Bocage gravitates toward books with broader lessons or items that, when bought, also donate to a charity. One of their favorite books is "What Do You Do With an Idea?," which Bocage says starts a conversation about how her daughter's thoughts matter and can make a difference. They also enjoy the book "I Am Jazz," a story about a transgender child. And if companies really believe girls can do anything, Bocage said, she would like to see them make girls pants with larger pockets. That way, Bocage said, her daughter can stuff them full of the rocks and twigs she collects on the playground just the way the boys do in their cargo shorts. The creator of low-cost indexing warns his invention may have grown too powerful. Vanguard founder John Bogle penned an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal (paywall if you click) offering potential guardrails against the ever-growing power of institutional index fund managers including his own firm Vanguard, plus State Street, and BlackRock. Bogle sounds the alarm that the "share of corporate ownership by index funds will continue to grow over the next decade" and warns it's "only a matter of time until index mutual funds cross the 50 percent mark. If that were to happen, the Big Three [Vanguard, State Street and BlackRock] might own 30 percent or more of the U.S. stock market effective [voting] control. I do not believe that such concentration would serve the national interest." Those are harsh words coming from the man who invented index funds and launched Vanguard's first effort in 1976. With more than $5 trillion in assets today, and a flood of investor money into low-cost index funds, Vanguard is often the largest shareholder in S&P 500-stock index companies. Bogle quotes Professor John C. Coates of Harvard Law School who wrote that we are nearing a tipping point where the voting power will be "controlled by a small number of individuals" who can exercise "practical power over the majority of U.S. public companies." So what is to be done? Bogle offers a few government-sponsored solutions none of which are likely to pass the GOP-controlled senate. But two of his suggestions, including a sunshine provision and voting rights control, may get wider backing. Bogle proposes: Timely and full public disclosure by index funds of their voting policies and public documentation of each engagement with corporate managers. This would take today's transparent and constructive governance practices several steps further. Limiting voting power of corporate shares held by index managers. After years of public silence, or generally voting in line with corporate boards and management, Vanguard in 2017 began speaking out more on Corporate America's proxies, social, governance, and environmental issues. Vanguard Group last year voted against three directors at Wells Fargo & Co., including chairman Stephen Sanger. Vanguard was the bank's second-largest shareholder. Also in 2017, Vanguard joined the 30% Club, a global organization that advocates for greater representation of women in boardrooms and leadership roles. The club draws its name from the initial aspiration for women to hold 30 percent of public-company board seats first in the United Kingdom and now in major markets around the world. Curiously, Vanguard also explicitly said it is examining and supporting some climate-change initiatives in Corporate America, which Vanguard categorized under "risks." "This year, for the first time, our funds supported a number of climate-related shareholder resolutions opposed by company management. We are also discussing climate risk with company management and boards more than ever before," Vanguard wrote in its 2017 stewardship report. In particular, the $5-trillion asset manager is pushing companies to more fully disclose risks related to climate change, no matter the industry. Vanguard voted with the majority for ExxonMobil to conduct a "2-degree" scenario climate-change analysis for the first time ever. Bogle's warning out loud what everybody else on Wall Street is thinking but doesn't dare say. So once again, he's ahead of the crowd. For the past few years, weve told ourselves a new story about our city that Philadelphia is no longer content with the status quo, that we have embraced change and progress, and become a serious modern city encouraging growth in development and population. Its a nice story, but its not exactly true. Case in point: the citys broken system for assessing the value of properties for taxation. For decades, the city was content to let an ill-managed Board of Revision of Taxes establish wildly inaccurate, arbitrary, and unfair values. Reform of this broken system took hold in earnest in 2010 when then-Mayor Michael Nutter proposed a system of Actual Value Initiative that would not just tax properties based on their full market value, but break the BRT into two parts one to assess properties and one to collect taxes. It took years, but AVI was finally implemented in 2014. Four years later, the city is still struggling to get it right. Homeowners are still getting inaccurate and unfair property tax bills, and assessments are still not uniform. In January, City Council released the results of an audit that identified some of the underlying problems that still plague the Office of Property Assessments. Mayor James Kenneys office said the audit was based on faulty data. A few days later, the administration released a rebuttal report by an expert that disagrees with some of the points made by Councils auditor but agreed that assessments are based on insufficient information. Both experts agree that OPA lacks routine reports that would make the assessment process more transparent, and fails to explain its method to the public. Why is this so hard to fix? Given that lower-valued properties are being over-assessed and higher value properties under-assessed, the commitment to simple fairness should be informing this process with an urgency that, to our eyes, is absent. City leaders could take one simple step that would dramatically ease the anxiety and uncertainty around the latest chapter of property tax mess: do a better job communicating. Both sides claim there is a review process through which homeowners can challenge their assessments; the OPA says taxpayers can call and ask questions. But why should the burden of correcting a broken system fall on its victims? (Besides, who in their right mind would protest paying too little?) Instead, the administration and Council should be standing as a united front committed to solving the problem instead of placing blame. Together, they should host town halls. Last spring, after many residents saw their property tax bill increase, the Center City Resident Association held a public meeting with OPA leadership. We need more of these meetings with political leadership involved. Its time that Mayor Kenney, Council President Darrell L. Clarke, and representatives from OPA to leave City Hall and explain the situation to their constituents. They can debrief the public about the audits' findings, answer basic questions about AVI, the assessment process, and the steps forward. By listening to taxpayers, they can get a sense of the urgency of the matter. Or, they can wait until after the May municipal primary, when they may no longer have jobs. The news that the FBI opened an investigation in 2017 as to whether President Trump was actually working for the Russians shouldnt have come as a shocker. No public evidence has yet emerged from the FBI probe or from Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation that the president took orders from the Kremlin. And Trump has been furious in his denials. Yet over and over this president makes common cause with the Kremlin with his statements, his policies, the many contacts between his team and Kremlin operatives. Not to mention and his bizarre bromance with Vladimir Putin. Meantime, William Barr, Trumps nominee for Attorney General, has suggested to Congress that Muellers final report may be kept secret, even though polls show around 75 percent of Americans want it to be made public. However, even before the Mueller report is issued, I think one can see why Trump is so useful to Putin. I dont believe its due to Kremlin payoffs or blackmail. Its because Trumps core attitudes and beliefs play into the hands of a Russian leader whose primary goal is to weaken the West. Lets look at a few of the biggest gifts that Trump has handed to Putin. Prime among them is the presidents hostility to NATO, the historic Western military alliance that has kept Europe safe since World War II. NATO is still vitally needed to dissuade Putin from nibbling at the territory of European nations, as he did in Ukraine, and undermining U.S. global interests. Yet the president repeatedly scolds NATO allies while complimenting autocrats like Putin, Chinas Xi Jinping and the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte. And we now learn that Trump repeatedly asked aides in 2018 whether the United States could withdraw from NATO, and said he didnt see the point of the alliance. This would be a humongous gift to Russia, says Alexander Wershbow, former deputy Secretary General of NATO and U.S. ambassador to NATO and Russia. The Europeans are quite worried this idea could resurface. Theres nothing wrong with asking Europeans to spend more, but NATO has a far greater value than those numbers. The organization groups democracies together to stand firm against autocratic regimes. Trump, however, views NATO purely in monetary terms; he focuses laser-like on the size of European countries military budgets. He considers the alliance as a leach that is taking advantage of our country. There is no room in this calculation for NATOs role in protecting democratic systems and values. No interest in aligning with governments that share our outlook, at a time when authoritarian regimes are gaining ground around the world. Similarly, in another gift to Putin, Trump cheers on efforts to split the European Union, pumping for Britain to Brexit from Europe. The president also praises autocratic leaders within the E.U., such as Hungarys Viktor Orban, who are undermining democracy at home and are openly aligned with Moscow. Putin doesnt need to pay Trump to diss allies and praise autocrats. Trump is acting on instincts that prefer strongmen to leaders bound by democratic rules. In other words, the presidents core instincts align perfectly with Putins. Trump has displayed his envy of the Russian tough guy who isnt constrained by courts or pesky reporters. Trump even defended Putin when asked about the many Russian journalists who have been murdered, saying Americans kill people, too. Trumps instincts also align with the Kremlins in his refusal to release any details on his private meeting with Putin at the Helsinki summit. He confiscated the U.S. translators notes and has not even told Americas intelligence chiefs what was discussed at the meeting. Russian intel agencies, however, know all the details, and can use them against us. Similarly, Putin didnt need to pay Trump to suddenly announce that 2,000 U.S. troops were quitting Syria, betraying Kurdish allies and enhancing Russian power in the region. Trump ignores the bigger strategic picture acting on instinct and ignoring advice from those with knowledge of the issues. Since the resignation of Defense Secretary James Mattis, there is no one on his team able or willing to stay his hand. Nor does Putin need to pay Trump to exacerbate divisions within American society, which Russia can exploit with its cyber-meddling. Those divisions were expanding even without Russian hacks. And Trump continues to invite more hacking by refusing to direct an all-of government response to cyber-espionage from abroad. Of course, the president claims, Ive been tougher on Russia than anybody else, any other probably any other president period. Yet the record shows that Trump has only endorsed penalties against Russian misdeeds when pressed by top aides, and done so with great reluctance. He grows increasingly willing to ignore that pressure, and is trying to lift some Russia sanctions. In other words, Trump is a convenient Russian tool. To use Soviet terms, he is a useful idiot who doesnt realize he is being manipulated. That makes him a Russian asset no matter what Mueller ultimately learns. In the coming months, Amazon will start hiring its way toward 50,000 jobs between newly announced dual second headquarters in New York City and Northern Virginia. Right on their heels, Google will begin its billion-dollar expansion and addition of 7,000 more jobs in Manhattan. Two moves alone dont make a region, but they mark a powerful vote of confidence that adds energy and momentum. The residents living between Greater New York and Washington, DC might feel they lost a battle for jobs from big tech companies, but if all of those cities leverage their assets wisely, places like Newark and Philadelphia (both on the list of HQ2 finalists) as well as New Brunswick, Wilmington, Baltimore and others have a shot at becoming Americas next great innovation corridor. Amazon and Googles spillover effects will start in the greater New York and Washington, DC areas, but their vendors, partners, advisors, employees and alumni will span the cities in between. Its not hard to imagine a hyper-connected Mid-Atlantic corridor of cities, networked with high-speed transit and powered by knowledge-intensive sectors like life sciences and technology. McKinseys global research has identified a set of factors that need to come together for innovation hubs to flourish: a highly educated workforce, a critical mass of leading universities, the presence of large anchor companies; strong physical infrastructure, affordability and quality of life, and access to capital. Starting with talent, the Mid-Atlantic corridor is currently home to more than 4.5 million bachelors degree holders and nearly 3.2 million graduate and professional degree holdersmore than any other 300-mile long corridor in the nation New Jersey has more scientists and engineers per square mile than any other state, and Greater Philadelphia boasts the nations most diverse tech workforce. To establish a reliable and recognized tech talent base, businesses within the corridor must double down on producing, employing, and retaining science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent. That means scaling STEM education, from elementary school through higher education institutions (that still confer less than 20 percent of their degrees in STEM), matching talent with employers, and further boosting diversity and inclusion in STEM. The geography of the Mid-Atlantic corridor also brings together four of the countrys top 10 universities and the largest concentration of federal research dollars in science, technology, and medicine. To match the explosive growth that has come from Stanford and Berkeley in the San Francisco Bay Area or from Harvard and MIT in the Boston area, the Mid-Atlantic corridor will need to keep growing its universities research funding and the rate at which that research converts into start-ups. With nearly a quarter of the Fortune 500 headquartered in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia alone, the corridor offers innovative companies a vast testing ground for new ideas. These companies can further boost the innovation economy by setting up more transit-accessible operations near universities and downtowns and investing even more in local research and development. Cities in the Mid-Atlantic Corridor are easily commutable, within 20 minutes to three hours of one another by train, and their convenience and lower cost of living are attractive for young workers and families. Overall, the regions housing costs between 20 to 60 percent below the Bay Areas. Still, creating a true innovation corridor will require significant new investment in things like transportation infrastructure and improved reliability. Cities also need to invest in public resources like parks, cultural institutions and, of course, schools. While the corridor possesses many of the elements necessary to become one long innovation hub, it lacks sufficient venture capital. All of the corridors metro areas combined received less than half of the venture capital dollars that went to the San Francisco Bay Area over the past five years. The institutions of the Mid-Atlantic corridor need to raise more of their own funds and better connect entrepreneurs to capital. Fueled by West Coast tech companies moving East and endowed with the right mix of assets, the Mid-Atlantic corridor faces an historic opportunity. To seize the moment, the states and cities along the Corridor will need to invest in, scale, connect, and market their innovation economies in the months and years to come. Working hard and working together, they can make the Mid-Atlantic Innovation Corridor a reality. Steve Van Kuiken is a Senior Partner in McKinseys New Jersey Office and leads the firms Technology Practice. Mike Kerlin is a Partner in McKinseys Philadelphia Office and leads the firms North American Economic Development Practice. What would your life look like if you didnt have to worry about money? Most Philadelphians and lets face it, basically everyone everywhere rarely allow ourselves to answer that question. Today, the two of us will. If we didnt have to worry about money, we would not lay awake at night worrying about whether our spouses can pursue their chosen careers, crunching numbers in spreadsheets to make sure that the salary is sufficient to cover childcare, food, and monthly payments towards an astronomical mountain of student debt. If we didnt have to worry about money, we wouldnt be pegging a dream of having another child to a bank account balance because of the high cost of fertility treatments.. Compared to some, though, we are both financially fortunate. We have structurally solid roofs over our heads and our kids receive high-quality daycare at a conveniently-located place of our choosing. But thats exactly the point: the citys ghastly 25.7 percent poverty rate does not even come close to encompassing the extent of the citys economic insecurity problem. Depending on the measure of financial self-sustainability, between 48 and 62 percent of Philadelphians cannot make ends meet. And, even those of us who can, suffer the stress of economic uncertainty. The need to reframe our citys core challenge and its potential solutions prompted Philadelphia City Council to adopt a resolution making January 2019 Economic Mobility Action Month. Nationally, the first month of the year is Poverty Awareness Month, but you know the problem is bigger than poverty, and we need more than awareness. For the last eight months, Resolve Philadelphia, through Broke in Philly, our collaborative reporting project, has facilitated solutions-oriented reporting on the economic realities facing our community. While were continuing coverage throughout the year on poverty alleviation a dominant focus in 2018 were also making a concerted effort to include a better understanding of economic mobility. We want to explore what it would take for all of us to be in a place of mobility, of security, of choice, while recognizing that these words dont mean the same thing for all of us. In January, were sharing a new fact each day about economic mobility in our community, some of which may surprise you. Later this month, alongside allies like The Center for Returning Citizens, University of Pennsylvania, Frontline Dads, The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and others, well facilitate discussions as we work together to better understand economic mobility and begin to paint a collective picture of what prosperity looks like in our community. But Economic Mobility Action Month is just the beginning. We have more to do throughout 2019 and we need your voices to do it. First, ask yourself that question at the top of this piece: What what your life look like if you didnt have to worry about money? Would you and your partner fight less? Would your living situation look different? What about your health? Now ask yourself: What information do you need to move toward that vision? What questions do you have that local news media can work to answer? The Inquirer, and more than 20 other media outlets, is dedicated to doing community-responsive reporting and finding those answers for you. You can text us at 215-774-3212 or fill out the contact form on www.brokeinphilly.org. Or, tweet or DM a video of your answers at @brokeinphilly. In partnership with PhillyCAM, weve already started collecting thoughts, as you can see from this video. The PhillyCAM team will be at the Philly Town Hall on Student Debt on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and at the North Philly Community Reinvestment Town Hall on Thursday, Jan. 18 with their cameras ready to amplify your stories and dreams for an economically mobile, just, and secure future for all of our neighbors. Cassie Haynes and Jean Friedman-Rudovsky are the co-executive directors of Resolve Philadelphia. Philadelphia Media Network is one of 21 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. Doctors are being driven daffy by electronic health records, or EHRs. Thats the takeaway from a recent report in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. Seven in 10 Rhode Island doctors surveyed who used electronic health records said that the technology stressed them out. Those who reported health information technology-related stress were anywhere from 1.9 to 2.8 times as likely to burn out. In Pennsylvania, 45 percent of physicians report feeling burned out, according to a separate survey from Medscape. They can thank the federal government for these professional headaches. A decade ago, the Obama administration pushed doctors to adopt electronic records in hopes theyd speed up the provision of care and improve health outcomes. Ten years on, these mandates have delivered much the opposite. The federal mandate that doctors adopt electronic health records was included as part of the American Recovery and Investment Act more colloquially known as the 2009 stimulus package. The feds yielded a variety of carrots and sticks. Doctors that demonstrated meaningful use of the technology were awarded part of $17 billion in incentives. Doctors who didn't risked having their payments from Medicare and Medicaid slashed. President Obama boasted that the program would cut waste, eliminate red tape, and reduce the need to repeat expensive medical tests. The idea was that a mass upgrade of the nations health IT would facilitate the sharing of information among physicians and hospitals and ultimately lead to more accurate diagnoses and more effective and efficient treatment. The information technology revolution had transformed so many other parts of the American economy. Why couldn't it do the same for health care? The government's carrots and sticks worked. From 2009 to 2015, the share of hospitals using a basic electronic health records system increased from 12 percent to 84 percent. They may have adopted electronic records. But that doesnt mean the technology works or that its improving patient care. The programs on the market are often clunky, time-consuming, and insensitive to the complexities of modern medicine. Physicians, who already face suffocating administrative burdens, are logging ever-increasing amounts of data that have little clinical relevance. Time with patients is disrupted by an endless flood of alerts and messages. Two-thirds of doctors say electronic records degrade their patient interactions, according to a survey from the Physicians Foundation. More than half of physicians report that the records reduce efficiency; more than a third say they diminish the quality of care. Screen time has replaced face time. Only one-fourth of the average doctor's day is spent face-to-face with patients. Half is devoted to electronic health records and other administrative tasks, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Our country can ill afford to have physicians spending three-quarters of their time on things besides patient care. Our population will require more and more care as it ages. Thats among the reasons the Association of American Medical Colleges projects that the United States will be short as many as 120,000 doctors by 2030. The shortage could grow even worse if doctors react to the burdens federal pressures have foisted upon them by leaving the profession. The Physicians Foundation found that roughly eight in 10 doctors had reported feelings of burnout. Nearly half of doctors are looking to change career paths. Rolling back the federal electronic health records mandate wont stop doctors and hospitals from incorporating health information technology into their practices and facilities. Instead, it will allow them not the government to decide how to balance patient care and technology use. In theory, clinicians will use technology to improve their ability to deliver high-quality patient care rather than using technology simply to satisfy the government. Doctors choose their profession because they want to heal people, not fill out paperwork. Its time for the government to get out of the way and let physicians actually practice medicine. Sally C. Pipes is president, CEO, and Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy at the Pacific Research Institute. Her latest book is The False Promise of Single-Payer Health Care (Encounter 2018). @sallypipes. In court last Friday, the family of Danny Dimitri finally heard the words that should have been said from the day he was killed on Cottman Avenue on Jan 31, 2017: Im sorry. Adam Soto, 25, the drag-racing off-duty Philly cop who mowed down Dimitri, 50, sobbed through his apology to Dimitris mother, sister, and niece. What I did was stupid, he said, his face contorted. My job was to stop people like me from doing this. Sotos vehicle was clocked at 88 mph when it slammed into Danny, sending his body 144 feet down the road. The force of the hit tore the clothes from Dannys body. He died wearing only his underwear and one sock. Sotos father wept as he told Dannys family how sorry he was that his son had done something so reckless. It was hard to doubt their sincerity. But it was harder to overlook the fact that the apologies were being said for the first time ever during Sotos sentencing hearing before Common Pleas Court Judge J. Scott OKeefe at the Criminal Justice Center. Intertwined with Sotos apology was his plea for leniency. It was too much for Cheryl Dimitri Prosinski, 58, Dannys sister. Someone shouldve reached out a long time ago, she said. How hard would it have been for someone to say, Im sorry? That would include Sotos speed-racing partner, fellow off-duty cop Tony Forest, who was not charged in Dannys death. In fact, Forest wasnt even cited for speeding until I raised the question of his culpability in a column. Worse, neither Soto or Forrest, or Forrests passenger that day another off-duty cop even bothered to render aid to Danny when they stopped at the crash scene. They left that to bystanders, who later assured Cheryl that her brother was not alone when he took his last breath. The least the men could have done would have been to tell Dannys family how sorry they were for what happened. But even the least was apparently too much. On Friday, the courtroom was crowded with Sotos family and supporters, who waited to hear whether OKeefe would deviate from state-sentencing guidelines that recommend just three to 12 months for Soto, who pleaded guilty in October to vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter. Sotos attorney pleaded for house arrest. The prosecuting attorney asked for three to seven years of hard time. In the end, OKeefe gifted Soto with the state standard plus four years on probation. Hell be eligible for work release within three months of starting his sentence on Feb. 8. Those apologies were all for show, said Dannys inconsolable mom, Virginia, 81, wailing afterward in Cheryls arms. Her sobs filled the room, echoed by those of her granddaughter Brittany Prosinki, 34, who is the spitting image of the uncle she lost. The family shook as they processed what they considered to be an easy sentence for the man whose recklessness has divided their existence in half: Life before Soto killed Danny. And life after. I cry when I open my eyes in the morning. I cry before bed. Going to work is the only thing that keeps me from going crazy, said Cheryl as she, Brittany, and Virginia readied to leave the courtroom. I know this is supposed to feel like closure, but all I feel is empty." She and Danny loved cops. Every Christmas Eve, theyd buy Wawa and Dunkin Donuts gift cards and hand them out to officers stuck on duty that day. If they couldnt be with their families, we thought the least we could do was buy them a sandwich and a coffee, she says. Old habits die hard, even in the wake of tragedy. Over the summer, Prosinski bought coffee for two cops who were parked at the shopping center where shed run an errand. I got them creams and sugars and said, Here, this is for you. Thanks for what you do. They were shocked I loved it. She cant get past the irony that Danny, who loved police officers, is gone because of an officer who played fast and loose with his pledge to protect and serve the people of this city. If it had been Danny behind the wheel, she says, you can bet he wouldve done everything he could to save the person his recklessness had doomed. And he wouldnt have waited two years to apologize. On Dec. 23, a woman in Manchester, Kentucky was charged with murder for leaving her infant in a trash bag. Five days later, a fire department in Carmel, Indiana installed its first Safe Haven Baby Box, a safe place for a parent to surrender an infant. Three days after that, on New Years Eve, a 15-year-old girl in Philadelphia discarded her infant in a dumpster. As pediatric health-care providers one a pediatric nurse practitioner, one a pediatrician we appeal to the news media, our colleagues, and the greater community to take action to prevent such senseless deaths. The needed mechanisms and laws already exist to protect these infants. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, in fact all 50 states and the District of Columbia have Safe Haven Laws that provide a safe, legal means for surrendering a newborn when the parents finds themselves unable or unwilling to care for the infant. Pennsylvanias law, known as the Newborn Protection Act, was enacted in response to an infant found abandoned in 2001. Under the Pennsylvania Newborn Protection Act, infants less than 28 days old may be brought to a hospital or given to a police officer at a police station. State laws also take care not to stigmatize parents: no shame, no blame, no names, reads the New Jersey Safe Haven website. On the national Safe Haven website, the byline for each state reads like this: In Delaware, no one ever has to abandon a child again. So why are there still reports of infants found in dumpsters, parking lots, or bathroom stalls? Why are teens like the 15-year-old from Philadelphia being charged with murder? The answer is simple: They did not know there was another option. A mother or father relinquishing a newborn to a safe haven will not be punished for ensuring the safety of the child. At the hospital or police station, the person receiving the child may ask for the infants medical history; however, the parent is typically not required to identify themselves, nor is subjected to legal action. Laws vary by state, some allowing surrender up to 45 days, others only up to 14 days. While hospitals are universally safe haven locations, some states include police stations, fire houses, and ambulance or rescue squads. The National Safe Haven Alliance estimates that since the first Safe Haven Laws in 1999, more than 3,500 infants have been surrendered using Safe Haven, while more than 1,300 have been abandoned illegally, 770 found dead, and 460 found alive. These numbers are estimates, because there is no federal mechanism for tracking infants that are legally surrendered or abandoned. The reasons why someone may feel unable or unwilling to care for a newborn are varied and valid. They may include homelessness, drug addiction, poor parenting skills, lack of resources to care for a newborn, social isolation, physical abuse, mental abuse, immigration status, and access to health care. Such reasons are known only to the parent in her most vulnerable hour; they all contribute to that decision. So the question remains, why is information on Safe Haven laws not provided at every high school, every recreation center, every house of worship, and every bus or train station? Why are there not more social media and news media campaigns sharing this information? Have you ever seen a Safe Haven sign at your local hospital? You might have to look hard to find the small blue sign in the window. I once asked a nurse why the sign was so small. I was told that if the sign was bigger, more women would know they could do this implying that would be a bad thing. In an ideal world, no baby would be abandoned, parents would always feel ready to welcome a child but thats not the world we live in. We would love to demand that no woman or teenager should ever feel so desperate or alone that discarding a newborn is their only alternative. We would love to see a world where everyone has access to food, shelter, health care, and the social supports necessary to eliminate the need for these laws. Until that time, we call upon anyone with the platform to spread this message educators, law enforcement officials, members of the media, health-care providers, faith leaders to, please, do your part to make sure that everyone knows there is a humane alternative. Michelle M. Kelly, PhD, CRNP, is an assistant professor in the pediatric nurse practitioner program, in the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, and Robert J. Leggiadro, MD, is an adjunct professor in the departments of biology and geography and the environment, both at Villanova University. Ola B. Lofton, 95, of West Mount Airy, an Army nurse who rose to the rank of captain and later became a pediatric nurse in Philadelphia, died Sunday, Jan. 6, at her home of complications from Parkinsons disease. Born in Durham, N.C., Mrs. Lofton graduated from Hillside School there. At a time when it was difficult for Southern women of color to pursue higher education, she was determined to go to college, which she viewed as the key to advancement. She chose North Carolina College at Durham, a historically black university. The school is now North Carolina Central University. In 1950, she blazed a trail as a member of the schools first graduating class to receive a bachelor of science in public health nursing. She enlisted in the Army in January 1951 during the Korean War and was promoted to captain in 1953, as the war was ending. According to her military record, she served as an Army health service nurse in Korea and Japan. She was honored with the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal. She married Jesse L. Lofton in 1954. When she became pregnant with the first of their two sons, she had to leave military service to conform with Army rules. She was honorably discharged in June 1956. For the next 25 years, Mrs. Lofton worked as a pediatric nurse in Philadelphia. She was employed at various times by Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Her longest stretch of employment was spent caring for pediatric patients at a Childrens Hospital health clinic at 1427 Catharine St. The clinic later became Rebound Medical Group. Mrs. Lofton stayed until the building was sold. In 1988, at age 65, Mrs. Lofton returned to school and earned a masters degree in administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She planned on continuing to work right after that, said son Andrew L. Lofton. But during the 1990s, my father took ill, so she didnt go back to work because she was taking care of him. A retired Army major and a church organist and deacon, Jesse Lofton died in 1995 at age 68. Mrs. Lofton was an active member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church in Germantown, and was involved in St. Lukes Recreational Ministry, St. Cecilias Choir, St. Lukes Youth Organization, and the Vacation Bible School. Ola could often be found helping out in the kitchen and serving up her mouth-watering strawberry shortcake and cornbread, which earned her the nickname the cornbread lady, her family said. After news of her death, Mrs. Loftons fellow church members posted online. I will miss her kindness and humor, wrote choir member Corbin Abernathy. Good-bye, Miss Ola. Mrs. Loftons niece, Montressa Barbee-Watkins, also posted: She made me a lot of who I am. She drilled me until I could say February correctly. She wouldnt let me get away with any grammatical mistakes. I love her for that. The most loving thing my dad could ever say to me was, Youre just like your Aunt Ola. Mrs. Lofton was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and North Carolina Central University Alumni. She enjoyed entertaining and traveling to Egypt and Alaska. Since 1996, she had lived with son Andrew. She was very close to Andrews wife, Michelle, and daughter-in-law Victoria Lofton. In addition to her son and niece, she is survived by another son, Arthur G.; three grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. A sorority ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 25, will be followed by a 10 a.m. memorial service at St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Germantown, 5421 Germantown Ave. Burial is private. Her family is starting an endowment at North Carolina Central University to honor her belief in education. Checks may be made out to NCCU Foundation Inc. and mailed to NCCU Foundation, Box 19363, Durham, N.C. 27707. Ola B. Lofton Memorial should appear in the memo field. Margaret Patterson will pack up her Subaru Crosstrek in Epsom, N.H., on Friday and drive six-plus hours, likely through rain and snow, to make it to Philadelphia so she can attend the Womens March here for the third year in a row. Because its an independent march, said Patterson, 60, whos originally from Bala Cynwyd, I really want to be able to support that. Patterson and thousands of others are planning to handle what could be cold, snowy, messy weather to attend the third Womens March on Philadelphia thats been organized by Philly Women Rally, a group unaffiliated with the national Womens March organization that was behind the 2017 Womens March on Washington protesting President Donald Trump a day after his inauguration. At the same time, thousands more are planning to attend another Womens March on Philadelphia that day, this one organized by Womens March Pennsylvania, a group that is affiliated with the national Womens March and that didnt put on a march in Philadelphia the last two years. About 50,000 people protested on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in both the Womens March on Philadelphia in 2017 and the second one in 2018. Organizers of both groups say they hope they can keep interest high this year after the midterm elections that sent more women to Congress (and the Pennsylvania legislature) than ever before. But theyre up against bad weather, questions about the national organizations leadership, and confusion about the two protests. Both events start at 10 a.m. Saturday, and both are to take place on the Parkway. The march organized by Philly Women Rally will begin at Logan Square, from which protesters will then walk to Eakins Oval, where there will be programming and speakers in front of the Art Museum. The event put together by Womens March Pennsylvania, which is more of a rally, will take place several blocks away at LOVE Park. The organizers of the events arent working together, according to Deja Lynn Alvarez, one of the local activists with Philly Women Rally. She said theres a chance the two events merge, saying: Thats not a problem. Were about embracing all women. If they choose to do a secondary event, thats on them. Do it, Alvarez said. We dont have to work together. But we also dont need to compete with each other. Its not about our egos or who created what. Its about women who go to whatever event they want. Shawna Knipper, who heads Womens March Pennsylvania, generally agreed, saying, We arent necessarily collaborating, but were also not competing. Theres no animosity there, she said. We know it did cause a lot of confusion, but ... we appreciate the fact that we all are working toward the same goal. Philly Women Rallys leadership structure remains unclear after Alvarez and her allies on the groups board last year ousted founder Emily Cooper Morse, who they said exhibited bullying behavior, which Cooper Morse denies. Then, last month, the remaining board members in a news release accused Cooper Morse of stealing $19,000 worth of donations, an allegation she categorically denies. Cooper Morse said she withdrew the funds due to concerns that the other board members would mismanage them; at the time, one had announced a bid for City Council. Now, lawyers are involved, and both sides have filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State claiming theyre the rightful leaders of Philly Women Rally. Cooper Morse and Alvarez both said theres been no resolution to the dispute over the $19,000, though Alvarez said it represented a significant chunk of the funds the group needed to put on this years event. She said the group made some concessions in terms of supplies and struck deals with vendors to cover needed services. All this has happened as the National Womens March organization, which is behind the group organizing the rally at LOVE Park, has faced its own troubles as its cochairs have been accused of being anti-Semitic by sympathizing with (and repeating the rhetoric of) Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan. Some local chapters in other areas of the country formally broke with the national organization amid the controversy. Knipper has said that while Womens March Pennsylvania stands with the national leaders, it rejects the hate speech and anti-Semitism of Louis Farrakhan in all its forms. Some potential attendees say theyre aware of the anti-Semitism charges that have plagued the national organization, including Olephia Crawford, a Philadelphia native who now lives in Williamsport, Pa. Shes planning on marching in Philadelphia on Saturday and said the protest whichever one she attends is too important to skip. In Crawfords case, she said shes demonstrating against the Trump administration because she wants to protect access to affordable health care for people with preexisting conditions. Crawford, 63, is legally blind and on the liver transplant list. He has set out to divide people by race, gender, jobs, she said. Theres favoritism for the upper echelon and a lack of concern for the low man on the totem pole. Others are just focused on getting themselves and about a dozen teenage girls there without incident. Nikki Butler, 46, of Olney, will make her way south to attend her first Womens March on Philadelphia along with members of Girl Scout troops from Mount Airy and West Oak Lane who are giddy about attending. As I read the description of the march, their eyes were lighting up, said Butler, whos been involved with scouting for 25 years. The kids know more about whats going on in the world than sometimes we do. Members of the local Venezuelan community gathered at Sister Cities Park on a crispy-cold Tuesday night to honor fallen leaders opposed to the repressive government of President Nicolas Maduro. About 30 people, holding Venezuelan flags and electronic candles, met across from the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul on the anniversary of the slaying of rebel leader Oscar Perez and six others, who were killed during a nine-hour siege last year in Caracas. This moment is appropriate to also recognize the political prisoners in Venezuela, and we as Casa de Venezuela totally disavow his regime, said Jose Benavides, vice president of Casa de Venezuela Philadelphia, addressing the crowd in Spanish. The crowd responded with chants of Liberty for Venezuela and other affirmations. The event was organized by Casa de Venezuela Philadelphia, a nonprofit that supports about 11,000 Venezuelans who live in the region, to also mark the Jan. 10 installation of Maduro to his second six-year term as president. Maduros reelection in May 2018 is widely regarded as fraudulent. The Lima Group, comprised of 12 Latin American nations to address the crisis in Venezuela, issued a statement last Friday saying that the 2018 election didnt meet the international standards. And the Organization of American States has said it wont recognize Maduros second term as legitimate. Juan Guaido, president of the Venezuelas National Assembly, has called for mass protests on Jan. 23 in his country and around the world to call attention to what they have called a kidnapped presidency. Julio Rivas, 31, who was a Venezuelan legislator representing the state of Carabobo until September 2017, when he fled to escape political persecution, attended the vigil. Rivas, who now lives in Northeast Philadelphia, said support from the United States is key to turning things around in Venezuela. Since Maduro took over the presidency from Hugo Chavez, Venezuela has seen its economy crater and many of its residents flee. Imagine that 5 million Venezuelans start coming to the U.S. instead of going to Brazil or to Colombia or Peru, Rivas said. This is why Venezuelans in the U.S. need to unanimously push for the support of their country. The embattled Mariner East 2 pipeline set the stage for an obscene war of words between a Chester County resident and a pipeline worker, county District Attorney Thomas P. Hogan said Wednesday. Hogan railed against the out-of-town worker in a statement, calling his use of a demeaning word and a sexist epithet in a social media exchange inappropriate and unprofessional. We will not allow our citizens to be bullied," Hogan said, adding that he had discussed the incident with Sunoco Pipeline LP, the pipelines operator, and Pipeliners Local 798, the union representing the worker. Hogans statement came weeks after he initiated a criminal investigation into Sunoco, which started pumping natural gas liquids through the pipeline last Dec. 29. The incident in December unfolded on Instagram, when the worker posted the slurs in a comment on a post from an outspoken critic of Mariner East 2. She responded by raising concern about welds along the pipeline, specifically mentioning manipulated data and the integrity of the pipes used. The worker sent a second message assuring her his welds were fine. But if my weld was bad, I hope its in your backyard so I can watch your house burn down on the news, he added, apparently referring to when a similar pipeline exploded in Beaver County, Pa., last year. The woman, who spoke with the Inquirer and Daily News on the condition of anonymity because she said she feared retaliation, said this was the second time a pipeline worker had sent her harassing messages, after a similar incident last summer on Twitter. These are the very same workers whom the safety of my family and my community relies on, said the woman, who lives with her children near the pipeline. This type of behavior is unacceptable. These are also the workers whose jobs are being given a priority over our safety and our environment. Local 798 Business Manager Danny Hendrix said the pipeline worker had been admonished and called in by his peers." He said he hoped such trash talk would not be seen again. Were a professional organization here, and we dont act that way, Hendrix said from Oklahoma, where he oversees 8,200 members of his union in 42 states. Its not operable for us to talk to the opposition that way. Were trying to educate people about what we do, and bashing them doesnt help anyone. Late last month, Hogan took the unprecedented step of opening a criminal investigation into Energy Transfer Partners and the Mariner East Project. He appointed Seth Weber, a former assistant U.S. attorney in Philadelphia, to lead the investigation as special prosecutor. In announcing the probe, Hogan accused Gov. Tom Wolf and state agencies of failing to hold Sunoco Pipeline accountable for numerous delays, construction errors, and environmental violations. He has yet to outline which laws he believes Sunoco and its affiliates violated. Sunoco has bristled at the investigation, with a spokesperson promising to aggressively defend against Hogans baseless accusations. SAYLORSBURG, Pa. In this rural mountain town, no matter how long ago you moved in, youre still an outsider. Be it a transplant from New York or Jersey lured by cheap property here in the 90s or one of the most wanted men in the Middle East. Fethullah Gulen, the 80-year-old Turkish leader of an Islamic religious movement, has lived in exile in this pastoral slice of the Pocono Mountains for two decades. He spends his days praying, writing, and entertaining visitors on a 26-acre property on Mount Eaton Road that previously served as a family-run resort for hunters and a summer camp for Muslim youth from New York. In 2016, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused his former ally-turned-foe of masterminding a deadly and ultimately unsuccessful military coup from 6,000 miles away and has been calling for his extradition ever since. In addition to Gulens alleged role in the attempted coup, which he has denied, Turkish prosecutors have accused Gulen of terrorism and other crimes and say his network of followers was behind the 2016 killing of Russias ambassador to Turkey. After the failed coup, thousands of his followers were rounded up and jailed. These days, President Donald Trump is under increasing pressure from Erdogan to send Gulen back to his native land, where he would almost certainly face imprisonment, or even death. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn, whose consulting company was paid to lobby the Trump administration on behalf of Turkey and target Gulen, has called him a shady Islamic mullah and a radical Islamist. But here in Pennsylvania, residents view the cleric with a mix of ambivalence and curiosity, most catching only glimpses of his property at community dinners and picnics thrown by his staff. Some are suspicious of Gulen and want nothing more than to see the president remove him from their home turf. People fear what they dont know, said Howard A. Beers Jr., the chairman of the Ross Township Board of Supervisors, the municipal government that oversees Saylorsburg. As a local contractor, Beers, 61, helped construct some of the buildings on the camps property. He also sold the house he grew up in to a Gulen associate for $250,000 in 2014. As a township supervisor nearing his third decade in office, he has continued to deal closely with the Turkish cleric and his followers. I can tell you directly that these are the nicest people," Beers said last week after a township meeting at which building inspection fees and a squabble over a local bar were major points of concern. "Theres nothing to fear. A Republican, Beers said he doesnt think that Gulen now a permanent resident of the United States who holds a green card should be extradited. And Im in favor of the wall with Mexico, but thats the difference. This is a matter of legal vs. illegal, he said. From what Ive read, Erdogan is out of control we dont know what would be in store for him. For now, Gulen is still free to bask in the relative seclusion of this remote hamlet. Its tranquility is largely what drew him to the area in the first place, his aides say. Gulen declined to grant an interview for this story, citing his ailing health. Y. Alp Aslandogan, the executive director of the Alliance for Shared Values the hub for the Gulen movements U.S. presence said the leader came to Saylorsburg in 1999 on the advice of the cardiologist who had been treating his congenital heart disease. The decision was made after a series of treatments at major American hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic. Back home, danger was mounting as Turkish officials labeled him an Islamic fundamentalist and indicted him for what they called an attempt to overthrow the government. Mr. Gulens doctors told him if you want to live, you cannot go back to Turkey, because that kind of atmosphere and stress can kill you with your heart condition, said Aslandogan. So he listened to their advice. That was 20 years ago. At the time, Saylorsburg was already home to the Golden Generation Students Association, a Gulen-affiliated group that ran the property as a Muslim summer camp. The association had purchased the plot in 1993 from the estate of Henry C. Lohmann, a WWII veteran who had run it as Camp Chestnut, a cluster of cabins catering to families and hunters. When Gulen arrived, the camps function changed, Aslandogan said, and in subsequent years, the Golden Generation acquired three additional properties along Mount Eaton Road, a total of 38 acres. Only Gulen and a handful of staff live at the main property full time, with a rotating roster of overnight visitors who seek him out to pray and study at his side. The camp is the unlikely U.S. center of a vast network of enterprises Gulens followers run across the globe. The clerics tens of thousands followers operate a sprawling international conglomerate of newspapers, television stations, and charter schools, more than 2,000 in all, including more than 100 in this country. Some of the neighbors puzzle over what happens beyond the main entrance to the property, sharing unfounded rumors of late-night gunfire and helicopter landings. A few slammed their doors shut, weary of press attention. It might be difficult for folks in Saylorsburg to reconcile the elusive elderly man they sometimes glimpse with the controversial cleric whose presence has catapulted their isolated town into international news. But two houses down from the camp, Brandy Artz simply described Gulen and his followers as good neighbors. They stuff invitations to Ramadan and Thanksgiving dinners in her mailbox, and often come by with Turkish candy or platters of shrimp and steak around those holidays. The only disruption on their quiet street has come from anti-Gulen demonstrations, sometimes with planes buzzing overhead pulling banners declaring him evil. The majority of that activity came two years ago, when Erdogan sympathizers spent a few months worth of Saturdays parading up and down Mount Eaton Road carrying Turkish and American flags. Theyd stand in front of our driveway and yell at us: You let a terrorist move in next door! Artz said. Its like, I dont know where you live, but we dont have any say over who our neighbors are. About a mile away, in the break room of Saylorsburg Lumber, Dave Huhn sized up the negative impression some have of Gulen. A lot of people see him as a threat because hes different, Huhn said. But I used to make deliveries back there four or five times a day, and I never saw anything suspicious. Huhn has been a frequent attendee of the dinners held inside the camp, ever since Gulens associates started patronizing the construction supply store, a local mainstay on Route 115. He described elaborate feasts where his hosts would feed us like kings and send them home with gifts ranging from embroidered towels to coffee sets. One year, I mentioned my son was studying Islam in school, and they sent me home with textbooks and CDs to give to his teachers, Huhn said. Theyve never been a source of conflict here, except from the conspiracy theories people like to spew forth. The take on Gulen is markedly different among some down the road in Wind Gap. A few Turkish families have settled in the town, a borough carved into the side of a mountain that advertises loose tobacco and kerosene on gas-station marquees. One longtime resident, who asked not to be identified because she feared reprisal from activists on both sides of the Gulen divide, said the clerics effect on the area is horrible. I hope they do deport him. Theyre taking over our area, the woman said. It seems to me like theyre able to do whatever they want, and nothing is ever done about it." Tensions were perhaps at a record high in 2015, when the Gap Theatre, the towns movie house that typically features first-run Disney films, was hired by two groups to show dueling Gulen documentaries in the span of a week. The first, Love Is a Verb, portrayed the cleric as a man of peace. It was followed by The Gulen, a much more negative depiction whose backers showed it as an apparent counterpoint to the other film. For each, mostly Turkish audiences from New York descended upon the town, with the locals showing little interest. But the large crowds caused a stir. We didnt know what we were getting ourselves into, said Bill Reese, who took over the Gap as a labor of love 10 years ago. We had cops driving by to check on the place, and we decided that was enough. We didnt want to get in the middle of this. Gulen is the leader of a religious movement within Sunni Islam called Hizmet that promotes civility and peace. For those who travel to northeastern Pennsylvania to see him, he is a religious figure on par with the pope or dalai lama. At the same time, some foreign-policy experts say he plays an outsized role in the government and politics of Turkey, where he was a potent force in helping Erdogan rise to power in the 2000s, only to later work against him from his Pocono outpost. Gulen and his supporters dispute that. During a recent tour of the grounds, Aslandogan scoffed at those characterizations and bristled at the medias reference to the property as a compound, saying it invokes images of generals and despots. In fact, he said, the wooded grounds are focused on prayer. Past the main guardhouse, a long driveway leads to two large buildings where guests take their meals and pray in ornate halls decorated by artisans flown in from Turkey. The first building was assembled for Gulens arrival, but he quickly outgrew it. Its larger, newer counterpart was finished about five years later, both paid for with donations from his followers. Farther toward the edge of the property is a cluster of townhouses that house Gulens guests. Beyond them is a small pond and a playground for children. On a recent day, Gulen introduced himself to a reporter during a break in the camps afternoon prayer, but declined to answer any questions. He sat surrounded by about 20 men, their lips silently moving in recitation of passages from the Quran. Even in a place of worship, the specter of overseas tension looms. Security cameras are installed at most entrances, and visitors must pass through metal detectors at the two main buildings. Despite those measures, there have been unwanted visitors. In October, a man tried to sneak past an armed guard, who fired a warning shot at him, Aslandogan said. His account was supported by a brief statement the state police released on the incident. A few weeks earlier, he said, a man tried to talk his way onto the grounds without an appointment. And not long before that, children at the camp reported seeing an armed man walking on the property next door. Those sightings coincided with increased geopolitical wrangling and fresh calls from Turkish leaders for Gulens return. There are whispers out of Washington that Trump may be inching closer to capitulating for the sake of the countrys relationship with Turkey, a key Middle Eastern ally. Ive been hearing reports for weeks that the president has been anxious to get this off the agenda, and that hes been pushing people to find a way to get it done, said Eric S. Edelman, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey under President George W. Bush from 2003 to 2005. Erdogan obsessively raises the issue every time they get on the phone. So far, Edelman said the evidence Turkey has shared with Justice Department hasnt been strong enough to persuade federal prosecutors to sign off on an extradition order. But U.S. officials visited Turkey earlier this month to discuss the matter once again. Aslandogan said Gulen and his followers have faith that American authorities will follow the rule of law. As long as the legal path is followed, we are not worried, Aslandogan said. But I cannot really say we are not worried, because the Turkish-American partnership and relationship is very important for America. So when the Erdogan government puts on the table the strategic assets and the collaboration and everything, I think that does create a pressure on the U.S. government. But, he added, if the government does make overtures to deport Gulen, the clerics legal team is fully confident that they can defend him. Until that comes to pass, Gulen will remain here, quietly practicing his faith amid a thick cover of trees, cut off from prying eyes both 6,000 miles away and a few minutes down the road. Staff writer David Gambacorta contributed to this article. An Upper Darby man has been sued by the state Attorney Generals Office on charges that he posed as a lawyer and collected at least $28,000 for immigration assistance services that he ultimately did not provide. Syed Qumrazzaman, also known as Syed Zaman, solicited victims by word of mouth at a mosque, said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. The 15-page complaint, filed Wednesday in Common Pleas Court in Philadelphia, seeks restitution for consumers and civil penalties. Qumrazzaman entered a negotiated guilty plea last year in Delaware County on two counts of theft by deception and once count of unauthorized practice of law. In that case, he was ordered to pay $15,600 restitution to one victim. The lawsuit mentions two other alleged victims who were scammed out of $12,515. The Attorney Generals Office believes there are other victims who have not yet come forward, the complaint states. The ground in farm country might be snow-covered and frozen cement-hard, but this is a critical time for farmers. Its the time when many sign up for loans to help them with the new planting season, which usually starts in April, said Mark ONeill, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. This is also the period for buying risk-management policies. And if they wanted to sign up for the governments recent $12 billion aid program to make up for revenue lost from the trade battle with China, nows the time to do that, too. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which handles many of those operations, is closed because of the partial government shutdown. For farmers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, access to credit is becoming a cause for concern. Fortunately for farmers, theres still time. The federal shutdown became the longest in history on Saturday. It hit particularly hard for the 800,000 federal workers who missed a paycheck on Friday, including thousands in Philly. And if it lasts months, like President Donald Trump said it might, it could become a growing problem not long after the worst financial year for Pennsylvania farmers in decades. Still, its not crunch time yet, said John Harrell, who farms hogs, corn, soybeans, and barley on 300 acres in Lebanon County. Eventually, if this goes on, somebody is going to be looking for a check that they wont be getting," said Harrell, 44, referring to farmers who turn to the USDAs Farm Service Agency for loans. On Monday, at the American Farm Bureau Federations annual convention, Trump thanked farmers for their support during the shutdown. The shutdown has tested farmers' support for Trump, with some growing weary of the presidents impact on their industry, while others say the border wall must be built regardless of the collateral damage. Farmers in places like Virginia and Georgia say theyre already feeling the pinch, according to reports from the Washington Post and the New York Times. Theyve been unable to get loans processed; they needed that government aid check. Peter Furey, president of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, said farmers' inability to access loans whether through the Farm Service Agency or community banks, where farmers rely on loan guarantees from the USDA has started to become an issue. Luckily, the USDAs Natural Resources Conservation Service, which makes small grants to farmers, is funded until the end of the month, and that has offset some of the problems, he said. Private insurance providers can sell coverage to farmers, but they work with the USDAs Risk Management Agency to put together policies based on statistical and historical information, ONeill said. Many also rely on the USDAs bimonthly crop reports, which act as a road map for the coming season. There are a lot of people that look at them, and theyll tell what our position is and give us a projection for the bean acres and corn acres, Harrell said. As long as theyre in shutdown, theyre not going to publish them. The shutdown comes months after the trade fight with China crushed soybean farmers' business, and Trump responded by offering $12 billion in aid to farmers. Pennsylvanias soybean crop made up $259 million of the $41 billion production value of U.S.-grown soybeans in 2017, according to the USDA. During the summer, when the assistance program was announced, some local farmers, like Daryl Alger, who operates a 6,000-acre soybean farm in Lebanon County, said they didnt want to get into the practice of accepting government handouts. Alger, for his part, said the shutdown has not affected him. About 1,300 Pennsylvanians received $2.4 million in federal subsidies as part of the program in September and October, according to the Environmental Working Group. Aid checks $3 billion worth have gone out since the shutdown, USDA spokesperson Tim Murtaugh told the Post, but farmers who were not able to certify their crop production must wait until the Farm Service Agency reopens. Because of this, the USDA has extended the deadline to apply for aid. It was previously Jan. 15. A lot of these farmers had late harvests, so being able to submit that was a real challenge, Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, which works with soybean farmers, told the Post. Theres a lot of worry. BEIRUT - The Islamic State asserted responsibility Wednesday for a suicide blast in the U.S.-patrolled city of Manbij in Syria, the first such attack since President Donald Trump said American forces would withdraw from the country because the militant group has been largely defeated. In a message posted to Twitter, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition battling the Islamic State said that U.S. service members were killed while conducting a routine patrol in the city but did not say how many died or provide further details. Statements published by the Islamic State's unofficial news agency, Amaq, said the attacker used an explosives-laden vest to target coalition forces. The Amaq statement claimed that nine American troops were killed or injured in the attack but presented no evidence for that claim. Reuters news agency quoted an unidentified "U.S. official" as saying four U.S. soldiers were killed and three wounded in the blast. There was no immediate confirmation of those figures from the Pentagon or from Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State. Photographs from the area appeared to show bodies and blood trails on the ground. It was not clear whether U.S. personnel were in the area at the time. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that at least 19 people were wounded or killed. A Kurdish news agency said that at least 10 people were injured in the attack, which it said occurred at a popular restaurant. Trump announced last month that about 2,000 U.S. military personnel would be leaving Syria, almost four years after they intervened as part of an international coalition to dislodge the Islamic State from its self-declared "caliphate" straddling Syria and Iraq. The president's declaration surprised allies and foes alike, drawing consternation from international partners and accusations of abandonment from a Kurdish partner force that has suffered thousands of casualties during the course of the military campaign. The White House said in a statement Wednesday that Trump had been "fully briefed" on the Manbij attack and that officials would continue to monitor the situation. The Washington Posts Zakaria Zakaria in Istanbul and John Wagner in Washington contributed to this report. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Extremists stormed a luxury hotel in Kenya's capital on Tuesday, setting off thunderous explosions and gunning down people at cafe tables in an attack claimed by Africa's deadliest Islamic militant group. A police officer said at least 15 people had died. "It is terrible. What I have seen is terrible," said Charles Njenga, who ran from a scene of blood, broken glass, burning vehicles and pillars of black smoke. Al-Shabab the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate Mall in Nairobi that left 67 people dead claimed responsibility for the carnage at the DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices, and banks and is in a well-to-do neighborhood with many American, European, and Indian expatriates. A Kenyan police officer said 15 bodies had been taken to the morgue. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. The U.S. State Department confirmed that an American citizen was among those killed, but did not release the victim's identity. Al-Shabab asserted that 47 people were killed but its Shahada news agency post gave no details. Authorities sent special forces into the hotel to flush out the gunmen. Late Tuesday night, about eight hours after the siege began, Interior Minister Fred Matiang'i said all of the buildings affected had been secured and that security forces were mopping up. "I would like to reiterate that the situation is under control and the country is safe," he said. However, more gunfire was heard about an hour later, Kenyan broadcaster NTV reported. Some family members said they had been in touch with loved ones still hiding inside the complex, waiting to be rescued. Early Wednesday, Kenyas interior ministry said in a tweet that all buildings had been secured and there was no further threat to the public. Authorities did not say how many attackers there were or what happened to them though Kenya's Citizen TV aired security-camera footage that showed at least four heavily armed men in dark-colored, paramilitary-style gear. A police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media said bodies were seen in restaurants downstairs and in offices upstairs, but "there was no time to count the dead." A witness who gave his name only as Ken said he saw five bodies at the hotel entrance. Other people were shouting for help and "when we rushed back to try to rescue them, gunshots started coming from upstairs, and we had to duck because they were targeting us and we could see two guys shooting," he said. The coordinated assault began with an explosion that targeted three vehicles outside a bank, and a suicide bombing in the hotel lobby that severely wounded a number of guests, said Kenya's national police chief, Joseph Boinnet. Survivors reported hearing a shattering blast and saw people mowed down by gunmen as they sat in a cafe. Victims were left slumped on tables. "We were changing our shifts, and that is when I heard a loud blast and people were screaming," said Enoch Kibet, who works as a cleaner at the cafe and managed to crawl out a basement gate. "I couldn't believe I was alive. The blast was so loud and shook the whole complex." Kenyan hospitals appealed for blood donations even as the number of wounded remained unclear. Associated Press video from inside the hotel showed Kenyan security officers searching the building and scared workers emerging from hiding while gunfire could still be heard. Some climbed out a window by ladder. One man got up from the floor where he appeared to be trying to hide under a piece of wood paneling, then showed his ID. As officers searched luxury fashion displays, wounded people were carried away on stretchers. Like the attack at the Westgate Mall, this one appeared aimed at wealthy Kenyans and foreigners. It came a day after a magistrate ruled that three men must stand trial in connection with the Westgate Mall siege. Al-Shabab has vowed retribution against Kenya for sending troops to Somalia to fight it since 2011. Tuesday's violence came three years to the day after al-Shabab extremists attacked a Kenyan military base in Somalia, killing scores of people. The al-Qaida-linked group has killed hundreds of people in Kenya. In the deadliest attack, al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an assault on Kenya's Garissa University in 2015 that killed 147 people, mostly students. The latest carnage demonstrated al-Shababs continued ability to carry out spectacular acts of bloodshed despite a dramatic increase in U.S. air strike against it under President Donald Trump. Tourism an important source of revenue in Kenya, East Africa's largest economy has suffered because of the violence. Gunfire could be heard for hours after Tuesday's attack began. Some people ducked behind cars, screaming, while others took cover behind fountains and other features at the lush complex. A bomb disposal unit was called in, and police blew up a car they said had explosives inside. A grenade was seen in a hallway. Dozens of people were rushed to safety as plainclothes officers went from shop to shop in the complex. Some people held up their hands to show they were unarmed. A Kenyan intelligence official said the country had been on high alert since November, with information about potential attacks on high-profile targets in Nairobi. The official was not authorized to talk to the media and spoke on condition of anonymity. Despite the repeated attacks, the Kenya-Somalia border remains porous, with al-Shabab extremists able to easily bribe their way across, according to a U.N. panel of experts. The hotel complex in Nairobis Westlands neighborhood is about a mile from Westgate Mall on a relatively quiet, tree-lined road in what is considered one of the most secure parts of the city. The hotels website says it is cocooned away from the hustle and bustle in a secure and peaceful haven. On Monday, the hotel promoted its spa by tweeting: "Is your new year off to a rough start?" Associated Press writers Abdi Guled and Deb Riechmann contributed to this article. The father of slain Temple University student Jenna Burleigh told jurors Wednesday of the night he last saw his daughter and how he reported her missing the next day. Speaking in a level voice on the final day of courtroom testimony in his 22-year-old daughters slaying, Ed Burleigh said that on the night of Aug. 30, 2017, they had dinner at the Draught Horse on Temples campus. I had an opportunity to say goodbye, give her a hug, he testified. As prosecutors showed a video-surveillance image of the father and his second-oldest child hugging on a sidewalk, Ed Burleigh described to jurors what she was wearing that night: A light-blue shirt, brown boots, tights with a pattern. Her hair? asked Assistant District Attorney Danielle Burkavage. Pigtails, her father replied. The next day, he said, no one had heard from his daughter, and he went to Temple police, then to the Lower Salford Township Police Department in Harleysville, Montgomery County, to report her missing. Burleigh lived with her parents in Harleysville and commuted to Temple. It was her first week at the North Philadelphia school as a transfer student. Asked by the prosecutor if he ever heard from his daughter again, the father replied: No, we have not heard from her. Ed Burleigh was the last prosecution witness called to the stand, after which prosecutors rested in the trial of Joshua Hupperterz, 30, who is accused of beating, stabbing, and strangling Burleigh in his North Philadelphia apartment. Hupperterz did not take the stand in his own defense. He has pleaded guilty to the two charges related to transporting Burleighs body to his mothers Jenkintown garage, then to his grandmothers wooded lakeside property in the Poconos, where her body was found in a blue plastic storage bin in a metal shed. He has pleaded not guilty to killing her. Defense attorney David Nenner has contended that his clients roommate, Jack Miley, intervened in a 4 a.m. kitchen fight that Hupperterz allegedly had with Burleigh, then strangled Burleigh to quiet her screams. Authorities have not implicated Miley in the crime. Miley last week denied any role, saying he was asleep in his basement-level bedroom the night of the killing and heard no screams. Nenner on Wednesday called as character witnesses Hupperterzs younger brother, Brian, 26, and mother, Gina both testified that Hupperterz has a peaceful reputation and a friend who testified that Hupperterz has a nonviolent one. Jurors saw a video that showed Hupperterz, then a 29-year-old former Temple student, approach Burleigh at 1:38 a.m. as she sat alone at the bar in Pub Webb on Cecil B. Moore Avenue. She had planned to stay overnight with one of her friends in his off-campus apartment, according to earlier testimony. Surveillance videos showed Hupperterz and Burleigh sitting and talking, then leaving together shortly after the 2 a.m. closing time and walking to his apartment around the corner on North 16th Street. Prosecutors have said that in the first-floor rear apartment, what began as consensual sex between the two turned nonconsensual around 4 a.m., a time when the second-floor-rear apartment neighbor heard screams. About that time, prosecutors say, Burleigh was killed. Sam Gulino, Philadelphias chief medical examiner, testified Tuesday that Burleigh died from strangulation. During Gulinos testimony, jurors saw 13 autopsy photos detailing Burleighs wounds. Noting various scrape marks around Burleighs neck, Gulino testified that they likely had been caused by her own fingernails. Such scrapes generally indicate a person trying to pull whatevers on their neck off, he said. Gulino told Assistant District Attorney Jason Grenell the bruises, cuts, and lacerations were consistent with having been punched multiple times, stabbed, and hit over the head with a ceramic bowl, then strangled. The jury of seven men and five women is expected to begin deliberations Thursday afternoon after closing arguments in the morning. In a confusing turn of events stemming from the partial federal government shutdown, food stamps that would normally be disbursed in February were to be given to recipients by about 6 p.m. Wednesday. That stipulation was announced late Wednesday morning by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which helps distribute food stamps, allotted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was a departure from a DHS announcement on Monday that the food stamps (known as SNAP benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) would be disbursed on Friday. Its good news that people will be receiving SNAP benefits for February at all, anti-hunger advocates say. Still, the altered plans may serve to confuse SNAP recipients, who would normally get their February allotments between Feb. 1 and 14, according to advocates. We are concerned that people arent going to know why the extra money is there, and that they may not be able to budget appropriately, said Kate Scully, director of government affairs for Philabundance, the regions largest anti-hunger agency. People who have accidentally gotten more money than their allotted amount in the past are penalized if they keep the overage, Scully said, adding, Families know the government comes after them for extra money." State officials said plans were changed because the money became available sooner than expected. In New Jersey, February benefits were expected to be released Thursday. Further complicating the issue, DHS officials wont be able to mail letters explaining the altered plan to the states 1,783,249 SNAP recipients until Friday, a spokesman said, citing the magnitude of communicating with so many people in a short period of time. This means that SNAP clients will have their money five or more days before being told its available. SNAP benefits are loaded onto recipients' electronic benefits transfer cards, which function like debit cards. Initially, it appeared the partial shutdown had precluded SNAP payments for February. But federal officials discovered that they had the authority to use funds that had been appropriated before the partial shutdown that started Dec. 22. Those funds had to be distributed within 30 days, according to Ellen Vollinger, legal director of the Food Research Action Center, a Washington nonprofit working to eradicate hunger. Its been a very confusing and fluid time, Vollinger said. But, she added, its very encouraging that the government has found a way to get this distribution done. What happens in March? The USDAs early funding release does not address what will happen with March SNAP benefits if the partial shutdown continues, according to Dottie Rosenbaum, a senior fellow at the nonprofit Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington. Millions of low-income households ... could have their basic food assistance cut back substantially in March and then eliminated altogether in April if the shutdown continues, Rosenbaum wrote on the centers website. The partial shutdown already has prompted phone calls from puzzled SNAP recipients, noted Kathy Fisher, policy director of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger. Its unbelievable that 50 states have to scramble to make this happen just because Congress and the president are not making sure that government operates properly, Fisher said. Will recipients even know theyre dipping into their February money this week? The coalition and other advocacy groups are notifying any recipients they encounter that the money coming to them this week is not a bonus or an increase in their monthly payment. Causing confusion Its all confusing to me, said Mary Deveo, 59, of Nicetown, a single woman with two grown children who lives on disability payments. She gets $189 a month in SNAP benefits. She said that she fears shell run out of food in February because she wont be able to manage it correctly. I have a disability that makes me forget stuff, Deveo said. And now Ill be going back and forth to the market, not knowing what I have. Plus, Im worried about March and April. Deveo is friends with Thelma Kennerly, who runs a food pantry at Devereux Methodist Church in North Philadelphia. Kennerly said that she and other pantry people believe the early disbursement of SNAP money will cause clients to run out of food in February. And that means theyll be relying more heavily on us, she added. Its hard for people to budget, and this early money will make some people panic. In Philadelphia, 467,647 people received SNAP benefits in December, state figures show. Throughout the state, the average monthly benefit is $119 per person, figures shows. A person is eligible for SNAP benefits in Pennsylvania with an income of 160 percent of the federal poverty level, or less. This means that a family of three can get benefits if its annual income is around $32,000 or below. The change in disbursement will affect more than SNAP recipients. Alex Baloga, CEO of the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association in Harrisburg, said the early February allotment will create a lot of logistical issues for supermarkets. He said that food-store mangers are aware that customers usually receive SNAP benefits at the beginning of the month. So, this change will be a challenge, he said. Store personnel will have to reconfigure their staff and food products to be ready for people when they begin to shop during an altered time frame, Baloga added. Assessing the anxiety all the changes will bring, Vollinger of FRAC said that none of this should have been necessary. What needs to happen is that Congress has to issue a regular appropriations bill" to end the partial shutdown. As their activity was rocked last year by a series of scandals, leaders at Drum Corps International at times seemed sluggish in response. They delicately avoided in public statements naming a former Pennsylvania corps director accused of sexual misconduct. When the young members of a Wisconsin ensemble complained of poor conditions, they took weeks to suspend the corps, and even longer to announce the move. They chose to not discipline directors who knowingly hired people with sexual misconduct in their pasts. But on Monday, Drum Corps International (DCI) showed it is capable of swift, decisive action. Less than 24 hours after the executive director of a small New Mexico affiliate criticized leaders of two corps, his bid for membership in DCIs more elite Open Class was put on ice. His infraction? Speaking in a derogatory manner about another participating organization or about DCI, in violation of DCI policy. J. Spenser Lotz, who in 2016 founded the affiliate, Arsenal, resigned out of frustration, as the drum corps community on Wednesday voiced outrage over DCIs decision. DCI is a brand, and they want to protect that brand identity. And I understand that, Lotz, 23, said. But at the same time, this censorship which is what it is is not good for the activity. If the leaders of the activity cannot speak out against actions by the other leaders, and everyone is supposed to toe the party line and let DCI control the message, change becomes difficult, if not impossible. The controversy surrounding DCIs punishment of Arsenal is only the latest in what is nearing to be a year of ongoing turmoil for drum corps, an activity that draws in thousands of young musicians and dancers each year. In April, the Inquirer and Daily News brought to light sexual misconduct allegations against George Hopkins, then director of Allentowns Cadets drum corps. The story sparked widespread calls for changes to better protect participants. Most recently, the newspapers showed how flaws in the activitys hiring practices resulted in nearly half of the activitys World Class corps having employed teachers previously disciplined for misconduct with their students. The fallout continued last week with the announcement that two corps highlighted in the story would not participate in this years summer tour. One, Pioneer, had its membership revoked amid allegations that its corps director knowingly hired a registered sex offender. The other, Portlands Oregon Crusaders, is taking a voluntary hiatus after participation dropped in the wake of revelations that an instructor had sexually harassed female members over the course of nearly a decade. Those announcements came during the activitys recent annual meeting in Indianapolis, attended by more than 350 members of the drum corps community. Lotz was among them. He said that on his flight home Sunday, his mind turned to the members of Pioneer and the Oregon Crusaders, many who would be without a place to march this summer. He wrote a short message, inviting them to join Arsenal and even offering discounted membership fees based on experience. You are welcome in the Arsenal family, he said. As students, he added, in the portion of the note that riled drum corps leaders, you placed your trust in adults and leaders who you believed worked in your best interest. These adults violated that trust and placed you in harms way, which is inexcusable. We, as directors and educators, demand that you give your all and work your hardest, and it is shameful that there are so many among us who do not likewise give their all to keep you healthy, happy and safe. Lotz posted the message on Reddit a popular forum for drum corps fans late Sunday. Monday afternoon, he received an email from David Eddleman, coordinator of DCIs Open Class. In the email, which Lotz provided to a reporter, Eddleman said DCIs CEO brought the post to his attention and decided the violation requires that your application for Open Class be suspended. That CEO, Dan Acheson, declined to speak with a reporter for this story. In a statement Wednesday, the organization confirmed that Lotzs post violated DCIs media policy and said Lotz was given a chance to correct the issue. When he did not, DCI said, the corps bid for Open Class was suspended. Lotz said he was offered no such chance. He said he first heard from DCI officials when Eddleman emailed, informing him of the suspension. He later offered to take down the post but decided against it, given that it had been reprinted widely on social media. Lotz said he had been unaware of DCIs social media policy but acknowledged that his statement was in violation. Nonetheless, he stood by his critique. I didn't say anything about the Bluecoats or the Blue Devils or the Cadets or any actively fielding organization, he said, referring to some of the more prominent corps. I spoke out against corps that were not fielding because of their own disruptions in their own houses. Given Lotzs resignation, Aresnals board of directors plans to meet soon to discuss a path forward. The corps can still compete in the lower level of DCI but will not be allowed to reapply for Open Class admission until next year. Lotzs end at Arsenal is especially poignant considering his reason for starting the group. Lotz marched two summers with another DCI corps, where he said he was verbally berated by an instructor and given inadequate medical care for an injury, leaving him with back pain today. His experience left him disillusioned. He started Arsenal, a job for which he wasnt paid, hoping to foster a more positive experience for other members. In 2016, the group had 33 members. Last year, it had grown to 49. This year, Lotz expected closer to 70. Xander Gosney joined last year, taking a bus 48 hours from Ohio. The 16-year-old mellophone player called Lotz a straight up, honest director. He said he has hoped to one day march with a World Class corps and was honing his skills with Arsenal. I was going to stay there for another one or two years, he said. Now, he is not sure if he will return. Lotz has decided he is finished with drum corps. Im done with the activity, he said. After this, I wash my hands of it. Deja Lynn Alvarez wants to run for City Council at-large, but she doesnt want voters to think of her as the trans candidate. Alvarez would like to be viewed as a candidate who happens to be transgender. Thats a fine but important distinction, and one she hopes voters will accept in time for the May 21 Democratic primary. Even so, theres no getting around the novelty of having an openly trans candidate jump into what could be a crowded race. Nationwide, trans candidates have made considerable gains, no doubt inspired by the success of Virginias Danica Roem, who in 2017 upset the Republican incumbent and became the first openly trans person to be seated in the Virginia statehouse. Also that year, Pennsylvania elected its first openly trans candidate when Tyler Titus of Erie nabbed a spot on his school board. The times are indeed a-changing. But could this really be a year in which Philly voters embrace an openly trans politician? It does feel like something is happening, Alvarez said when I stopped by the offices of the political consulting firm of Crews, Moseley & Associates on Friday to meet her. People are tired of the same-old same-old. Alvarez is anything but that. These days, the longtime LGBT activist works as a system navigator with Club 1509, an HIV prevention program funded by Philadelphias department of health, and is a member of the Mayors Commission on LGBT Affairs. Everybody calls me Auntie. I guess just 'cause I remind them of that old auntie who has that personality that takes care of everybody, said Alvarez, who is also an organizer for the Womens March on Philadelphia, scheduled for Saturday. The first time I saw the 40-something Latina, she was in her element at a meeting about racial discrimination in the Gayborhood. I dont recall details of her testimony that day but I do remember that the respect and love for her in that packed room was palpable. Deja is somebody that everyone in the city can turn to when they really need help, explained Helen L. Nellie Fitzpatrick, the citys former director of LGBT affairs. Ive never seen her turn anybody away. She would be an asset to Council, because she would bring an outsiders perspective something that could be useful when grappling with the opioid crisis and homelessness. Alvarez was born male in Chicago she asked me not to reveal what year and moved with her family to Delaware at a young age. Early on, Alvarez sensed she was different from other boys, and was bullied for her mannerisms and flamboyant way of dressing. I started hanging with an older crowd. I started doing drugs. I started drinking, running away from home, doing all these things. Then I met a guy, and he brought me up to Philadelphia for my first time, she recalled. I saw people like me. I knew thats who I was. I saw trans women walking around the street. I didnt know why they were walking around the street, but here they all were gathered. Id never seen anybody else like me. Unable to find a steady job, Alvarez became a sex worker and was frequently harassed by police merely for walking on a sidewalk. A pivotal moment happened late one night in the early 2000s, when she and a friend were hassled by an officer after leaving a bar. It had happened before, but this time, Alvarez fought back. She complained, loudly, and Philadelphia police later agreed to conduct mandatory sensitivity training for officers in the Gayborhood. That was kind of where it began," Alvarez said of her activism. She began passing out condoms for the Mazzoni Center, which provides health-care services to the citys LGBTQ population. Alvarez founded the centers Trans Wellness Program. Always, though, she did what shes most known for serving homeless LGBTQ youth. For a time, she was executive director of the Home for Hope, an LGBT shelter. A year ago, she opened her Port Richmond home to a young father in need of a suitable place to bring his daughter during visitations. So much good work. Its the type of advocacy Alvarez hopes to continue working inside of City Hall, instead of standing outside with a bullhorn. Saudia Shuler, also known as the Camel Prom Mom, is the most colorful character to come out of Philly in a long, long time. Her 2017 Saudi Claus Comes to Norf Philly" party was epic, and looked more like a scene from a music video than a block party in a struggling, depressed neighborhood. She had live reindeer. Greensuited elves twerking in the middle of North 22nd Street. A deejay blaring hip-hop. A Grinch. And hundreds of people in the street. Maybe more than 1,000 presents, including bicycles and child-size luxury cars that kids could drive. Shuler presided over it all from a golden throne. This holiday circus took place outside her business, Country Cookin - a soul food takeout in the 2800 block of North 22nd. North Philly heck, the entire city had never seen a Christmas party like it. So excuse me for hoping Shuler doesnt have to do jail time for cheating the government. Yes, I know she defrauded the Social Security Administration by accepting all of those payments over the years that she wasnt entitled to. That was straightup foul. Fraud like that costs taxpayers billions each year. Shulers going to have to be punished for that, but Im crossing my fingers that shell be spared jail time. Shuler is clearly far from perfect, but shes helped a lot of people in her North Philly neighborhood whove gotten toys during the holidays, or a book bag at one of her annual backtoschool giveaways. A Robin Hood-type figure, shes deeply flawed but beloved by many. She goes all out for her hood. In 2017, she famously hired a camel and trucked in three tons of sand just for her sons elaborate Dubai-theme prom send-off. Shuler followed that up by doing two dozen more prom send-offs the next year, including an elaborately choreographed Wakanda-theme one based off Black Panther. And she topped herself by renting a black panther for the event. Helicopter rides for prom couples. Ballgowns and designer duds, too. That kind of extravagance comes with a huge price tag one considerably higher than her soul food platters alone could finance. She claims she gets a whole lot in donations of products and services. Thats her story. Is it really enough to finance all she does? I honestly dont know. On Tuesday, the 44yearold entrepreneur pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges, admitting that she collected nearly $37,000 in Social Security benefits between 2014 and 2018. U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sanchez came down hard on her during Tuesdays hearing, saying, You could go to jail for 30 years. Do you understand that? Its likely, though, that Shuler wont get anything near that. What the judge was explaining to her was the statutory maximum for all of the charges that she was pleading guilty to, said her attorney, Tariq ElShabazz. By law, when someone changes their plea the court is obligated to explain to them what the maximum statutory sentence is. The statutory maximum simply means that thats the highest that someone can get. It doesnt mean that thats what youre going to get. He added, No one knows what the sentence is going to be at this particular time. Thats what the hearing is for." Her sentencing is scheduled for May. When I reached Shuler on Tuesday, she was uncharacteristically mute, saying quietly, I just want it to be over, before hanging up the phone. I hung up feeling sad for her and then I got mad as I thought of all the bankers who nearly brought the economy to its knees during the 2008 financial crisis, and how they managed to avoid jail time. And what about current elected officials whove played all kinds of nasty financial games with their taxes or whatever, yet managed to continue in their jobs? What Shuler has admitted to doing is egregious, but small potatoes in comparison. Claire Risoldi wore a sparkly knit cap inside a Doylestown courtroom Wednesday, her straw-blond hair spilling onto her shoulders, a pair of rainbow-tinted aviator sunglasses hanging from the collar. The 71-year-old Bucks County socialite sat alongside her attorney, Jack McMahon, inside the Justice Center as testimony began in the trial in which she is accused of defrauding a major insurance company of $20 million. Risoldi, known for throwing lavish fund-raisers for county Republicans, was first charged in 2014, and is standing trial on charges of insurance fraud, forgery, receiving stolen property, and witness intimidation. Linda Montag, Pennsylvania senior deputy attorney general, sought to make the case to jurors that Risoldi and her family conspired to dupe insurers after three fires at the familys 10-acre New Hope estate, Clairemont, since 2009. The goal, prosecutors say, was to fund an increasingly luxurious lifestyle. Risoldi and McMahon have said that the insurance claims are legitimate, and that the insurance company is unwilling to pay. Jim OKeefe, an AIG insurance adjuster, was the first to take the stand Wednesday. He testified that Risoldi and family members expanded and increased coverage on more than 50 pieces of jewelry weeks before the third fire, in 2013. And he said that after the fire, her family claimed that firefighters stole the jewelry that had just been insured. We went from two articles being insured to 55 articles being insured over the course of about a three-month period in 2013, OKeefe said. We questioned why that had occurred, and, if they owned all of this jewelry since 1965, why were they just insuring it now? In her insurance claims, prosecutors allege, Risoldi forged appraisal documents, which include many misspellings of the word jewelry, in her attempt to swindle insurers. The courthouse usually doesnt allow any visitor to wear a hat in a courtroom, but Risoldi said this week that she received special permission from Judge Thomas Gavin to wear one for a medical condition. After the first recess of the day, as she walked out of the courtroom, Risoldi said, Its so boring. The trial is expected to last two weeks. The room was silent, except for the sound of my own breath. I stood in front of a stranger, staring deeply into his clear blue eyes. I wondered if he was as nervous about this as I was. We werent on a date. We were both at a recent authentic relating session in Ardmore. As my partner and I gazed into each others eyes, I searched myself for signs of increased empathy. I thought about how odd this must look to the passersby of Common Space, a community center off Lancaster Avenue. We were joined by 13 other people in making prolonged eye contact, a staple exercise of authentic relating gatherings designed to help foster meaningful connections. Philadelphias first authentic-relating meetup group started in 2015 and currently has nearly 800 members. Beyond pointed staring, authentic relating exercises encourage attendees who are often strangers to push their emotional boundaries. Participants state their feelings aloud, engage in active listening, ask deeply personal questions, and reveal the thoughts and feelings they have in common. Authentic relating allows us to feel safe and be vulnerable in a way were not used to, says Rachel Whitworth, founder and facilitator of local outfit Lets Be Authentic. A lot of people operate from a place of pain throughout their daily lives but at sessions, we check that stuff at the door. We try to see each other as we really are and lean into that in a loving, supportive way. Making connections Make no mistake: Authentic relating is not group therapy. Its not about baring your soul to a room full of strangers. You do not have to talk about your painful divorce, the promotion you were passed over for, or how your child doesnt call as often as youd like. You can talk about those, if you feel comfortable doing so. The real goal, according to Center City psychotherapist Ashley King, is to equip participants with skills that help them build intimacy and richness in their emotional lives. The sessions are also meant to create spaces where connections can form more readily. We tend to think of connection as something that simply happens or doesnt, says King, who has been running sessions in Philadelphia for a few years. But its a skill that we can cultivate. A few years ago, Whitworth found herself craving deeper, more authentic connections with people. She took to the internet, searching for events and groups that might lead her to those, despite not really knowing the specifics of what she was looking for. Eventually, she stumbled across an authentic relating event. Whitworth was intrigued by its promise of a chance to create real connections with strangers over the course of a few hours. The only problem? It was in Colorado, one of the places that authentic relating spread to after getting its start in San Francisco in the 1990s. I was just left with this intense curiosity for what it was, Whitworth says. Eventually I found a one-off event in Philadelphia that I was able to go to, and I left knowing that I wanted more. The session Whitworth attended inspired her to get involved with New York Citys authentic relating community. She received training to become a facilitator and started Lets Be Authentic in June. People began regularly attending almost immediately. She tries to host at least two sessions a month, one in Center City and one in Ardmore. Opting out and in Speaking to strangers about things you might not even share with your closest friends may seem daunting, but the pros say that their number-one priority is making sure you know that you have a choice in how deeply you choose to participate. Exercises are meticulously explained, and people often ask questions. If someone is uncomfortable, he or she can alter the exercise to fit their needs. Part of the practice is to stand up for yourself and recognize things like, This feels good, this doesnt feel so good, King says. According to Whitworth, honoring yourself or not doing anything that feels inauthentic or uncomfortable ranks as one of the most important facets of an authentic-relating session. That means if you dont want to accept closed-eyes hugs from strangers, you can wrap your arms around yourself or place your name tag on your back. If staring deeply into the eyes of a stranger for two minutes straight without speaking feels too intense, youre welcome to take a seat. Eye contact is always a challenge, says Harikesh Muralidhar, a 28-year-old start-up analyst who attended the recent Sunday-afternoon session in Ardmore. But the longer you make eye contact with one person, the less of a big deal it is. Muralidhar stumbled across authentic relating in May while trying to expand the number of meetups he attended. He wasnt sure what to expect at his first session, but he enjoyed having an outlet to express himself and seeing that other people share his thoughts and feelings. Since then, hes been to approximately 10 sessions and he feels hes grown. Ive gotten better at communicating how I feel during the events, he says. So then I can say the same things to people in my personal life because Ive already said it out loud once, kind of like practice. Participants at the Ardmore session reported leaving with the belief that people can be kind, empathetic, and honest. Many of them particularly enjoyed the experience of asking and fielding personal questions. It was nice to experience unabashed curiosity from strangers, they said. Typically, people are way more surprised in the direction of, Wow! I didnt know that was possible, King says. Try it yourself: Lets Connect (A Sample of Authentic Relating). 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16. WeWork, 1601 Market St. Tickets are free for WeWork members and $25 until the event. They can be purchased at eventbrite.com. Authentic Playtime! 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17. Common Space, 25 Rittenhouse Place. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on at eventbrite.com. Deep Space: An Evening of Human Connection Games. 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18. Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 Rittenhouse Square. Tickets are $35 to $45 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. An Evening of Authentic Relating. 7:15 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30. A Culture Factory, 333 Morgan St., Phoenixville. Tickets are $20 to $30 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. An Afternoon of Authentic Relating. 12:45 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. Common Space, 25 Rittenhouse Place. Tickets are $30 to $40 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com. What to expect during an authentic-relating session: Last week, the nonprofit Safehouse hired an executive director to lead the organization as it works to open a supervised injection site for people in addiction, a first for Philadelphia and possibly the entire nation. Jeannette Jen Bowles, who has a doctorate in public health from Drexel University, was one of the most vocal advocates for a supervised injection site on Mayor Jim Kenneys opioid task force, convened in 2017 as the opioid epidemic hit crisis levels in Philadelphia. Bowles, 36, recently returned to Philadelphia from a postdoctorate position at the University of California at San Diego. She has begun her work with Safehouse, which is in the process of raising funds and finding a site where people can use drugs they bring in with them under medical supervision. She spoke with the Inquirer and Daily News about her passion for helping people in addiction. Here is a portion of that conversation. How did you land in Philadelphia? I grew up between Puerto Rico and New Jersey. I moved to Philly when I was 20; Im 36 now. I have a bachelors degree in psychology from [Temple University]. I sought out a masters of social work degree at the University of Pennsylvania, and that led to a pursuit of a doctoral degree at [Drexel University]. Ive also interned at Prevention Point [the citys only needle exchange]. I had worked with Project SAFE [a local advocacy organization for sex workers], particularly working with women who were using and injecting drugs. What have you found is the best way to build trust with people who use drugs? I just found that the opportunity to sit and develop relationships with folks in a nonjudgmental way led to ... true relationship-building that was sometimes transformative. Someone would say they were ready to seek treatment, and I was the person who developed a relationship with them because I hadnt judged them for their drug use. And I was the one they called. And they would be, like, Jen, I want to go to detox, and I was, like, Ill move mountains to get you to detox. What is harm reduction? The basis of harm reduction is about meeting folks where theyre at. Its a framework that doesnt require the abstinence of drugs in order to receive services. When you meet folks in a nonjudgmental space, they may be more likely to use other services because theyre being offered [in a space] thats showing them care -- that theyre worthy of respect, dignity, love, and life. Something like a syringe exchange is an example of harm reduction. And there are many people who have stopped using drugs, and are free of HIV and hepatitis C, because they used needle exchange services and because Prevention Point linked them to [treatment]. How does a supervised injection site fit these principles? The time needed for rescue in the event of an overdose has dramatically shortened in the time of fentanyl [the deadly synthetic opioid that has contaminated almost all of Philadelphias heroin supply]. [A supervised injection site] enables us to react and respond [to an overdose] almost immediately, while simultaneously providing other services. This isnt about walk in, consume drugs, and leave. Theres a host of other social and medical services afforded to people within this intervention. [Overdose deaths] are happening to family members, to community members -- thats pain thats just immense. To me, if we can prevent that, thats a success. How are drug users preventing overdoses now? For my dissertation [at Drexel], I investigated opioid overdoses in Kensington, specifically. What we found, a lot, is that there are folks who were going to Prevention Point and getting Narcan [the overdose-reversing drug]. And when they were using together, they were able to reverse overdoses among peers, which is incredible. When I was collecting data, people were still living down on the tracks [at the Gurney Street encampment]. They were using communally, and telling me stories about how they always had Narcan on the tracks. And they were seeing overdose reversals all the time. On the other hand, other people were using drugs somewhat hastily because they didnt have somewhere to go, and maybe didnt have the adequate time, and space, and equipment needed for [injections] to be done in a manner that could reduce the harms [including dangerous infections] associated with drug use. An academic job in San Diego sounds nice. Why did you want the job at Safehouse? Ive known Jose Benitez [Prevention Point executive director and Safehouse president] for a long time, through harm reduction work, and we had been in touch since I left for San Diego. At first he kind of suggested, would you consider [this position] if it was asked of you. I was on an academic track -- a post-doc is to set you up to stay within academia. But my gut reaction, having done advocacy in Philadelphia before, was, like, of course I would consider it. If we can get this off the ground, it would be the first of its kind in the U.S. And thats really public health history-making, and thats something that Philadelphia could be incredibly proud of down the road. We had a number of talks about it, and then it came to an official offer, which I accepted, and then I drove 3,000 miles home in a little car with my two dogs. The role is partially administrative, which would mean Ill be responsible for seeing what staffing would look like, involved in where appropriate siting may be, and certain aspects around the public-health end of this. How do you answer community concerns that a supervised injection site would increase drug use and dealing? Folks who walk through the door of Safehouse are not coming in to learn how to inject. These are folks who will have been using for some time. [The aim is that] they feel that theyre treated ... with more respect than in other spaces. There are community benefits, as well -- when we think about harm reduction, we dont want to just think about benefits to drug users. [Supervised injection sites are associated with] reductions in public drug use and paraphernalia. And some of that research has been done in the U.S. [A supervised injection site] does exist in the U.S., its just in a secret location. And theyve found theyve had the same positive outcomes in the community as theyve found in other communities [internationally] where sites exist. I want to attend as many town halls as possible to hear from the community what their concerns are about this. [I want to learn] how do we find consensus and work together so this program can be beneficial for the community overall? Dont Safehouse and the people who run it face threats of legal action from the U.S. Justice Department? I dont think theres progress in public health without some controversy, and in our case we have some legal controversy. I joined the team that respectfully disagrees with the Justice Departments stance that this is illegal. What we can hope is that theres an understanding among the community and among law enforcement that were facing a fatal opioid crisis [and] that we have evidence to show that we can address this with intervention. And we want science to be the cornerstone of policy changes. Ideally, well have the opportunity to pilot this and show it can work in Philly as it has in other [countries]. Logan Andreotta had been told she was an ideal candidate for in vitro fertilization. Though unable to get pregnant, the Bowling Green, Ky., woman was just 24 and in terrific health. But three days after she began taking fertility drugs, her ovaries went haywire and swelled with 50 eggs four years worth in a single go. I felt like my insides were going to bust out of my stomach, Andreotta recalled. This was ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome OHSS for short a potentially fatal complication the U.S. fertility industry describes as extremely rare. But the incidence of OHSS and the broader long-term safety of hormone-boosting fertility drugs remain open to debate, even as the clinics have blossomed into a multibillion-dollar industry serving hundreds of thousands of women a year. Industry critics worry that unregulated providers are overprescribing the drugs, glossing over potential hazards and failing to properly report problems when they arise. One recently published study, for example, blamed increasingly aggressive treatment protocols for incidents of OHSS, while another argued that most cases are completely avoidable. Some researchers have theorized that in addition to their link to OHSS, the drugs could have a potential impact in heart disease, depression, endocrine system disorders, cancer and a host of other conditions. The few published studies are conflicting or inconclusive, however. And unlike many developed countries with government-provided health care, the United States makes no effort to track health outcomes in fertility treatments. Every fertility doctor says to every fertility patient, There are no known risks. Well, there are no known risks because no one has looked, said Diane Tober, a medical anthropologist at the University of California at San Francisco who studies reproductive technology. Industry advocates note that more than eight million children have been born worldwide through IVF and other fertility treatments since the first test-tube baby arrived 40 years ago. Alan Penzias, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School who chairs the practice committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), said he has been reasonably reassured the drugs pose no long-term threat to womens health. Were at a time point when, if there were anything major, we would have seen it by now, said Penzias, who also serves as surgical director at Boston IVF. Fortunately, we havent seen anything negative. OHSS is an exception. The most brutal and immediate complication of fertility treatment, it can strike anyone taking medication to induce the ovaries to ripen multiple eggs a fundamental step in egg freezing, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg donation that occurs roughly 240,000 times a year. Strategies for identifying high-risk patients and treating the condition have advanced in recent years. ASRM, which represents most U.S. clinics, calls OHSS an uncommon but serious complication that is estimated to occur in moderate or severe form in just 1 to 5 percent of cycles. Fertility doctors frequently cite research showing that severe OHSS occurs in just 0.03 percent of cycles. Penzias said hospitalization for OHSS is almost unheard of now compared with 20 years ago. Still, a Washington Post analysis of national emergency room data found that the numbers remain significant. More than 9,000 women sought help for OHSS at hospitals between 2006 and 2014, the most recent year for which statistics are available about 1,000 women a year. In Sweden, Canada and Britain countries whose governments regulate assisted reproduction and track patient outcomes medical societies tell patients that an estimated one-third of procedures trigger at least mild OHSS symptoms. This year, Britains independent fertility regulator, the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, launched an investigation into a discrepancy between OHSS cases reported by fertility clinics and the larger number logged in hospital admissions data. While the watchdog group did not find evidence of systematic underreporting, it announced clinic-by-clinic audits, saying the data raises significant concerns and questions about the safety of patients undergoing IVF. Geeta Nargund, a fertility specialist in Britain, is urging Parliament to update reporting requirements to track drugs and dosages given during IVF, and to link IVF treatment logs to hospital registries to enable better tracking of adverse reactions. I feel more concerned now than ever before, Nargund said. It is extremely important that we do not make healthy women ill as a result of IVF treatment. Known fatalities are rare but are also difficult to track, public health officials say. When the ovaries are overstimulated, the body produces excess fluid that can literally drown vital organs, leading to a cascade of potentially fatal problems. In one prominent 2005 case, Temilola Akinbolagbe, 33, collapsed at a London bus stop shortly after beginning a course of drugs for IVF. The fluid buildup from OHSS led to a clot in a pelvic vein and, ultimately, a heart attack. The coroner listed the cause of death as misadventure the result of a risk taken voluntarily a category more often applied in cases of drug overdose and blue moon occurrences such as fatal falls while taking selfies. Wonder drugs When fertility-stimulating medications first hit the market in the late 1960s, they were hailed as wonder drugs and initially used to induce ovulation in women who were unable to produce eggs on their own. By the time the nations first commercial fertility clinic opened in 1979 in Norfolk, Va., doctors realized that the drugs could be used far more aggressively. Ordinarily, a single egg ripens in a womans ovaries each month and is released into her uterus. Only a very small percentage of those eggs are destined to become babies; the rest are abnormal or defective in some way. Collecting one egg at a time would be maddeningly inefficient for IVF. So the drugs are calibrated to trigger a batch of eggs to ripen ideally, about 10 to 15, according to recent studies. Any fewer and a womans chances of having a baby go down. Any more and a womans own health might be endangered. Figuring out which and how much medication to use is tricky, however. Given that IVF can cost $15,000 to $30,000 per attempt, doctors and patients often feel pressure to produce a large number of eggs in every round. Fertility groups have developed standard dosing regimens, but each protocol must be customized to fit an individual womans size and health. Meanwhile, there is nothing to stop doctors who want to use bigger doses, and there is no systematic way to track dosages or outcomes. Specialists have long argued that the short burst of estrogen, usually 10 days in IVF, is unlikely to have a profound long-term effect on a womans body. Researchers have argued for more research, noting that estrogen is known to promote some cancers. The largely academic debate erupted into public alarm in 2003, when Jessica Grace Wing, a Stanford University graduate and three-time egg donor, died of metastatic colon cancer at the unusually young age of 32. Wings mother, Jennifer Schneider, a physician who focuses on internal medicine, began pressing Congress and the states to pass laws requiring better tracking of fertility patients and more funding for research into complications. As a scientist, I cannot say that Im 100 percent sure it was the fertility drugs that caused the cancer, Schneider said in an interview. All I can say is the absolute lack of any other reason for her to get colon cancer so young. Schneider also published pieces in medical journals that attracted the attention of researchers abroad. Large studies soon followed involving 50,000 women who took fertility drugs in Denmark and 24,000 in Sweden. The research showed no connection between the drugs and ovarian cancer. The latest data, presented in June at a conference in Europe, also showed no increased risk of ovarian cancer. And a study published in July found no increased risk of two other types of cancer invasive uterine and breast among 250,000 British women who underwent fertility treatment. Current ASRM guidelines say there does not appear to be a meaningful increased risk of invasive ovarian, breast or endometrial cancer for fertility patients based on available data. For borderline ovarian tumors, the group acknowledges, several studies have shown a small increased risk. The guidelines make no mention of colon cancer, perhaps because there is no consensus. A study in the Netherlands published in 2016 found reassuringly, the researchers wrote that women who undergo IVF do not appear to have an increased risk of colon cancer compared with the general population. However, IVF patients were nearly twice as likely to develop colon cancer as women who received non-IVF fertility treatments, such as tubal surgery or intrauterine insemination, prompting the researchers to suggest further research is warranted. Schneider notes the studies tend not to differentiate among women who take fertility drugs for different reasons. Some are infertile; some are fertile but in treatment because of their partners; and some are elective egg freezers and egg donors. Schneider argues that these populations are distinct and often very different in ages and hormone levels. The results are mixed because women in fertility treatment are a diverse group, Schneider said, adding that no studies focus solely on elective egg freezers and egg donors. Drowning organs Unlike cancer, there is little doubt about the link between fertility drugs and OHSS. Complaints about the condition fill fertility blogs and online support groups. In interviews, a dozen OHSS sufferers described feelings of confusion and chaos when the symptoms began. Most said they had never heard of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome before they became ill. Asya Ulanova, 22, an egg donor from New York, said she was watching television in November when she suddenly felt a visceral pain in her abdomen and had trouble breathing. An emergency-room doctor told her that she had a buildup of fluids in her abdomen and gave her medicine for constipation. Only much later did Ulanova learn that she had been suffering from OHSS. Emily Ley, 34, an entrepreneur from Pensacola, Fla., was preparing for IVF in 2014 when she gained 22 pounds in 48 hours. She nearly died and spent eight days in the hospital with a tube in her abdomen to drain the fluid. Looking back, I didnt know how scary my situation was, said Ley, who learned while hospitalized that she was pregnant with twins. Logan Andreotta said her fertility doctors described the risk of OHSS as ridiculously low. As a result, she wasnt mentally prepared when she woke one morning in 2014 to find her abdomen bulging as if she were suddenly 20 weeks pregnant. Andreotta was rushed to the fertility clinic, where a doctor used a giant needle to tap the fluid in her abdomen. It was liters and liters and looked like the Coca-Cola you buy at the store a brownish red liquid, she recalled. The first day, they filled four to five bottles. They filled two to three more in subsequent visits. Andreotta said her recovery took nearly four weeks. Despite the harrowing experience, Andreotta, now 29, said she does not regret taking the drugs. Of 50 eggs retrieved from her ovaries, four tested normal. One resulted in a lovely daughter, Bonnie, now 4. Two years ago, Bonnie gained a sister, Audrey, who was conceived without IVF. But Andreotta said she would advise other women taking fertility drugs to report any unusual symptoms immediately. I feel super fortunate, she said. They said if I kept waiting, I literally could be dead. Echo effects In the early 2000s, so many women were showing up at hospital emergency rooms bloated with excess fluids and suffering from congestive heart failure or other organ shutdown that the situation caught the attention of Jacob Udell, a medical intern in Canada. We were perplexed. They didnt have many risk factors, but the common theme was that they had been getting fertility medicines, Udell recalled. They were getting high doses and trying to get pregnant. Udell and his colleagues wondered whether these ER patients could be the tip of the iceberg and whether high levels of estrogen from fertility drugs might be injuring the lining of the blood vessels. Water leaking out of those compromised blood vessel walls could explain the fluid buildup in OHSS. Could it also be damaging the heart? One study, from Sweden, suggested possibly. It reported higher rates of hypertension and possibly stroke among fertility patients. But a Canadian study with a similar design showed no connection. So Udell, now an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Toronto, teamed up with Natalie Dayan from McGill University in Montreal to conduct what is believed to be the first large analysis of the association between fertility drugs and cardiovascular disease. Published last year in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study looked at data from 42,000 fertility patients. While the treatments appeared to have no impact on the risk of heart attack, they did show a potential but not-quite statistically significant increase in the risk of stroke. Udell said it is impossible to tell whether the differences are due to the fertility drugs or to the womens underlying fertility problems, age or other factors. The results, he said, highlight the need to follow fertility patients much more closely. We may not be seeing a lot of immediate catastrophic illness, but there may be milder-level, potential long-term echo effects, Udell said. Sometimes after pregnancy, everyone turns to the baby. But maybe Mom should be thought of, too. There is a well-known way to make in vitro fertilization cheaper, easier, and safer for women. Cut way back on fertility drugs that rev up the ovaries. Minimal stimulation IVF aims to ripen just three to five eggs. Industry professional organizations say it can benefit several types of patients: So-called poor responders who ripen few eggs and have low pregnancy rates even with high doses of drugs; women at risk of dangerous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, or OHSS; and those with ethical concerns about freezing leftover embryos. Yet minimal stimulation has not caught on in this country. It accounted for only 2.4 percent of 208,000 IVF cycles in 2015, according to the latest national report from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART). The reason for this unpopularity is basic, as the report also shows. Less stimulation generally means less chance of a baby. When we select patients for minimal stimulation, the live birthrate seems to be lower, said Alan Penzias, a Harvard Medical School infertility specialist who chairs the practice committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Experts who champion the less-is-more approach heartily disagree. But parsing the debate is tough because, like many aspects of high-tech baby-making, minimal stimulation is rife with hype, controversy, and variation. Last year, when the ASRM recommended that poor responders should give strong consideration to minimal stimulation, it lamented the lack of standard definitions and protocols. The terms natural, patient-friendly, mild, minimal, and minimally stimulating in vitro fertilization have appeared increasingly in the literature, clinic advertising, and the media causing confusion among clinicians, researchers, and patients, the ASRM guidance said. More success, more downsides The worlds first IVF baby, Louise Brown, now 40, was created without fertility drugs. British doctors monitored her mothers ovaries during a natural menstrual cycle, plucked out the egg that matured, fertilized it in a dish, then put the embryo in the uterus. With the addition of daily injectable hormones that induce the ovaries to mature a dozen or more eggs at once, pregnancy and birthrates increased, but so did the discomfort, cost, and complications. Drugs, office visits, testing, and lab storage turn an IVF cycle into an average $20,000 investment. For women under 30 and those with a common disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome, conventional stimulation raises the risk of OHSS, in which the ovaries become swollen and painful; severe cases can be life-threatening. Studies of minimal stimulation have found it eliminates OHSS. The rebuttal is that tailoring treatment based on the patients age, risk factors, and monitoring has made OHSS rare. Studies suggest 1 to 5 percent of IVF cycles involve hyperstimulation, with severe cases far rarer. At Abington Reproductive Medicine, infertility specialist Larry Barmat said he would cut the conventional dose of gonadotropin a key drug in ovarian stimulation by half or more for a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome. Those are the classic patients where you have to be very careful, he said. Mild stimulation has a role based on personalized medicine. Arthur J. Castelbaum, an infertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Associates at Jefferson University, said another factor that has reduced hyperstimulation is judicious use of a shorter-acting drug to trigger the final stage of egg maturation. Like other practitioners, Castelbaum said couples considering a minimalist approach need to discuss whether they want to create excess embryos to freeze for IVF attempts in future years. Frozen embryos can compensate for the fact that, in general, the quality and quantity of a womans eggs plummet after age 35. If patients would like minimal stimulation, thats fine, but they have to realize they may have fewer opportunities to build their family in the future, Castelbaum said. Patient-friendly approach New Hope Fertility Center in New York City bills itself as a pioneer of its trademarked mini-IVF. Most of the clinics patients opt for the regimen, which cuts the usual costs by about $3,000, said Zaher Merhi, the clinics director of IVF research. Despite using less medication, producing fewer eggs and transferring a single embryo, the minimal stimulation protocol has success rates that rival that of traditional IVF treatment, says the clinics website. New Hope founder John Zhang, a prominent fertility researcher, declared in a review article, There is a misbelief that mini-IVF severely compromises pregnancy and live birthrates. Yet he led a clinical study that found it did reduce the chances at least, for good responders. Among 564 such women, the birthrate was 63 percent with conventional stimulation, compared with 49 percent with mini-IVF. In SARTs 2015 national report, New Hopes data show that women of all ages had lower birthrates with minimal than with conventional stimulation. Merhi said minimal stimulation is still better for many women because it is more patient-friendly. I recommend mini-IVF for women about age 37, because they tend to be lower responders and their eggs are more sensitive to overfeeding, he said, adding he also advises it in cases of low ovarian egg reserves, polycystic ovary syndrome, clotting disorders, cancer patients who are freezing eggs, and women who just dont like to take medications. A 36-year-old New Hope Fertility Center patient said her situation was yet another reason for mini-IVF: she is extremely fertile but her husbands sperm has motility problems. Two years ago, she produced three dozen eggs, despite mild stimulation. They used IVF because her husbands sperm couldnt reach the eggs, even when they tried uterine insemination. Their second mini-IVF attempt resulted in their daughter, now 8 months old. I was pleasantly surprised to find there is less medication and less needles than with conventional IVF, said the woman, who requested anonymity to protect her husbands privacy. Japans experience More than any country, Japan has embraced minimal stimulation, using protocols developed by Japanese infertility specialist Keiichi Kato in the 1990s at his Kato Ladies Clinic in Tokyo. Norbert Gleicher, medical director at the Center for Human Reproduction in New York City, has analyzed the impact and reached a scathing conclusion. Between 2004 and 2015, Japan lost two-thirds of its live birthrate. It went from 15 percent per IVF cycle to 5 percent, said Gleicher, a faculty member at Rockefeller University. Thats the lowest rate in the world. Japans decline coincided with some other changes in standard practice, including putting only one embryo in the uterus to prevent multiple births. But the result was that Japanese couples needed more IVF cycles to wind up with a baby, according to data Gleicher has published. Yes, mild stimulation is cheaper than conventional, but as Japan shows, if you need three cycles to get the same outcome, its more expensive, he said. Like other critics of minimal stimulation, Gleicher considers it mostly a business model and a marketing model. Who doesnt want to use less medicine? he said. There are a significant number of people who believe using less medicine is cost-effective and is good medicine. And they are wrong. Abortion providers on Wednesday sued Pennsylvania to try to reverse a decades-old state Supreme Court decision that upheld a ban on using state Medicaid funds to cover abortions. The lawsuit, filed in Commonwealth Court, contends that the ban, which affects low-income women who qualify for the public insurance program, violates equal rights protection provisions in the state constitution. The ban deprives low-income women of reproductive health care" and discriminates on the basis of sex, said Susan J. Frietsche, senior attorney with the Womens Law Project, which filed the suit along with Planned Parenthood Federation of America and others. Federal law bans the use of federal Medicaid dollars to cover elective abortions, and most states have outlawed the use of state Medicaid funds. Pennsylvanias ban, enacted in 1982 and upheld by the state Supreme Court in 1985, allows coverage only if the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest, or the abortion is needed to save the womans life. Frietsche said the litigation was prompted by the evolution of legal thinking and research regarding gender discrimination and abortion access. In recent years, a state court in Alaska struck down a state law that sought to limit Medicaid abortions. And California researchers have found that women who gave birth after being denied abortions because they were a few weeks over the gestational limit suffered negative emotional, physical, and economic consequences. On a recent morning in a St. Josephs University classroom, professor George Latella posed a question to his students. If a new Wawa opened on campus, where might it go? Would it be wise, for example, to put it next door to Larrys Steaks, the late-night sandwich shop that St. Joes denizens have patronized for years? One student said it would be a good way to target newcomers on campus, those unfamiliar with Larrys. We already know and love Wawa, so were probably going to pick that," he said. Latellas retail marketing class, where students use analytics to understand purchasing trends and learn strategies for what Latella called the shoppers path to purchase, is part of a program that for decades has been a source of pride at St. Joes: the food marketing major. Part of St. Joes Erivan K. Haub School of Business, the undergraduate food marketing program is among just a handful in the country. (The school also offers what faculty members call the worlds only such executive MBA program). Students who enroll study manufacturers, supply chains, branding, sales, and more. Like universities nationwide, St. Joes in recent years has had to contend with declining enrollment, and many students who attend the Haub Business School may do so with the goal of selling stocks, not sandwiches. But as administrators look at how to recruit more students to the food marketing program, they are doubling down on one of its strongest selling points: Most graduates leave with job offers from industry giants like Hormel, Walmart, and General Mills, doing everything from retail to sales, market research, or brand management. Some have even been hired by pharmaceutical companies to work on healthy-eating initiatives. "We can pretty much tell parents, if their kids come here and work hard, theyre going to get a good job. Joseph Bivona Very few people are familiar with food marketing," said Joseph Bivona, executive director of the Academy of Food Marketing, the support arm for the program. "We have to explain what it is. But we can pretty much tell parents, if their kids come here and work hard, theyre going to get a good job. For decades, the food marketing program has been supported by the St. Joes Academy of Food Marketing, established in 1962 to promote careers in the industry. Its board of governors is made up of representatives from food and retail corporations, and the academy funds scholarships, training opportunities, and the Campbell Collection, a section of the library that faculty members say is one of the nations largest sources of food industry information. The key to the departments success is its collaboration with the industry, said Joseph DiAngelo, chair of the program. Most faculty members have worked in the food business and bring with them firsthand experience as well as access to a network of companies. Classes include trips to retail conferences, factory tours, and projects that encourage collaboration between students and corporations. The companies do it because they want to give back," said Latella, who spent 22 years working at Tastykake. "But make no mistake, they also do it because they want to get a first look at these kids. Thats where the recruitment starts. In Latellas retail marketing class, the question about Wawa led to a discussion of how companies grow their customer bases. Latella and his students talked about how the image of a Whole Foods customer has morphed from a tree-hugging hippie to include preppy college students, families, and young professionals. He told them about a peanut butter company that recently started stocking its products near the international aisle in supermarkets to appeal to customers from different backgrounds. A food marketing professor for 25 years, Latella said some students who enroll in business school dont know right away where the degree will take them but find their way to food marketing once they look into the job possibilities. Students today are much smarter than I was, he said. I think a lot of them are coming into school very prepared to think about their careers. But probably less than 20 percent of them understand what food marketing is, so its up to us to explain it. There were once as many as 600 food marketing majors at St. Joes, though that has fallen in recent years to between 400 and 500, DiAngelo said. Many students are legacies, children of parents who went through the program, and some others have relatives who work in the field. Some have been former chefs or are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. About 18 percent of students currently in the program are minorities, said Bivona, who is in his second year leading the program. He acknowledged that for the department to keep its competitive edge, it must start attracting students from more diverse backgrounds. More than 85 companies regularly recruit on campus, but the school is looking farther afield for companies that can offer student internships and is talking to trade organizations that may not have worked with St. Joes in the past. "Were looking at ways to talk to other industries that have a food side to them, Bivona said. And with meal-delivery kits, fast-casual restaurants, and technological advances changing the way people eat, the coursework itself will undergo major shifts in the years to come, administrators said. Our nightmare, of course, is that what we teach them freshman year is obsolete by senior year," DiAngelo said. We need to be training them for jobs that dont exist yet. I thought the craft cocktail revolution had more or less left behind the White Russian, and I was OK with that. Then, as I examine the newest menu at Phillys latest high-concept cocktail bar, Fishtowns R&D, there it is. In fact, its highlighted as one of just nine drinks on a menu that riffs on the 1950s as conceived by restaurateurs who were not actually alive in the 50s: a vision of Mad Men-style three-martini lunches during the workweek and umbrella-shaded rum drinks on the weekend. Of course I have to order it and then I get the joke. This White Russian ($12) is, in fact, very 2018. Though its sweet, with hints of espresso and chocolate, it is clear, not milky-looking. Its creaminess is derived from clarified milk punch, a trendy ingredient that imparts a cream-soda richness without the heaviness of actual cream. Its cooled by a large, clear ice cube (part of a full ice program that includes special-ordered clear ice thats sliced with a bandsaw or hand-chiseled) and served in a faceted rocks glass that was unearthed on one of many thrifting trips by bar staff just to accommodate this menu. All that sounds extreme. But R&D is, as its name suggests, a mad-scientists approach to a cocktail bar. The three-month-old bar represents the afterlife of Root, Greg Roots restaurant and wine bar that had loyal fans but, according to Root himself, did not have the kitchen space to support its ambitions. After the team opened Suraya the enormous destination restaurant down the street they wanted to recast this space to scale with its real estate. So they opted for a modest snack menu ($4-$8) that borrows notes from Suraya (charred long hots with labneh, hummus with cashew dukkah, whipped ricotta with date syrup). That put the cocktails front and center. And rather than settle on one drink menu, they opted to overhaul the whole thing quarterly, with a new theme each time. Its kind of crazy, Root said. Its not opening a new bar every three months, but its close to it. Round one involved pre-Prohibition cocktails, an obvious choice. For the second menu, which will remain through April 2, they veered toward the unexpected. The 1950s wasnt known really for its cocktails, said Aaron Deary, who developed the drinks. The goal this time was to do something a little more fun. When I stop by on a Friday night, it doesnt exactly feel like stepping into the 50s. In fact, I have trouble detecting what, if anything, has changed from Roots original decor of stylish mod furniture, dim lighting, geometric tile, and a cozy, horseshoe-shape bar. Its more of a suggestion: a soundtrack that tends toward Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles; a bartenders uniform that includes skinny ties (along with tattoos and gauges); a cheerfully retro paper menu. That menu, though fun to look at, is hard to read, particularly as it mixes fake ads with actual, useful information, like the fact that beer and wine are available. It also leaves out details on a unique offering: tableside service via a bar cart. (To clarify what the menu doesnt: this is mostly available on weekends and you dont need to organize it ahead of time. Theres roughly a $3-per-drink up-charge, and a two-person minimum.) Its probably for the best, though, that the 50s theme isnt too authentic. Instead, we get offerings like the Three Martini Lunch ($15): a trio of 1.5-oz. martini sliders including a Gibson, a Vesper, and a Martinez. My favorite is the latter, made with genever, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and a nearly black cherry rolling around the bottom of the glass. The Blue Hawaiian ($13) here, instead of Malibu, is made with rum thats been fat-washed in Coco Lopez and mixed with fresh-squeezed pineapple juice. It was a challenge to balance these drinks for the modern palate, Deary said. R&D 1206 Frankford Ave., 215-515-3452, rdphilly.com When to go: Follow it on Instagram for events like jazz and industry nights. Otherwise, its open 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Monday-Saturday. Bring: A date you want to impress. Your friends who feel too old to drink at Garage. What to order: A boozy float ($9) with custom ice cream flavors developed by Suraya pastry chef James Matty, like the Golden Dream, with blood orange Pellegrino, Gran Marnier, cognac, and creme de cacao gelato. Bathroom situation: Judging by Instagram, its selfie-worthy: lined with mirrors and clean enough. Sounds like: Early in the evening, its low-key with 50s jazz stylings. Later, it steps out of character with old-school hip-hop, at a buzzing 93 decibels. Toting a backpack and sometimes riding a bike, Daniel Greenstein spent some of the fall visiting Pennsylvanias 14 state-owned universities, which he was hired last year to oversee. He talked to students. He talked to faculty. He talked to staff. And on Wednesday, the new chancellor unveiled his vision: The schools must start operating more like a system, consolidate business and administrative operations to save precious dollars, and open courses on all campuses to all students. Those moves and others, Greenstein said, are critical to the long-term survival of the system, beleaguered for nearly a decade by dropping enrollment, less state revenue, and ever-tightening finances. Im not talking about making modest adjustments to our enterprise, Greenstein, 58, said in an address to the State System of Higher Education board of governors, faculty and student leaders, university presidents, and campus supporters. We wont tweak our way out of this. Total student enrollment for the 14 state universities is at about 98,000. The largest school in the system is West Chester University with 17,552 students; the smallest is Cheyney University with 469. Just how consolidation would occur and how much money it would save are among the details that need to be worked out in coming months through meetings with faculty and staff, Greenstein said. He hopes to have a plan ready in six to nine months. His framework also takes into account reports from several groups of faculty and staff that have been looking at redesigning aspects of the system since it received a 2017 report from a consultant recommending changes. With the support of the universities, Greenstein would like to open up every course on every campus to all students, no matter which university they are enrolled in. That would mean that students who enrolled at one school would receive a catalog with course offerings on all the campuses. It also means a system of universities that have largely competed with one another would begin sharing faculty, staff, and students. Much of the cross-campus course-taking likely would happen through distance learning, because the schools are spread across the state. But some of the schools, like West Chester and Cheyney the systems historically black university arent far from one another, and students might be able to attend class in person. Some students in certain programs already take classes at universities other than the one they are enrolled at, but Greenstein said in an interview before his address, If were really responsive to the needs of our students, lets make our full depth [of courses] available to everyone. Other universities in the system are Bloomsburg, California, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, and Slippery Rock. Greenstein, who earns $380,000 annually, came to the system from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he had been a senior adviser. Before that, the University of Pennsylvania graduate served as a vice provost in the University of California system, which is more than twice the size of Pennsylvanias. In his address, he also proposed a greater focus on adult education, student retention, and partnerships with private enterprise. We must explore a whole new generation of public-private partnerships in virtually every aspect of our enterprise, and ramp up and professionalize our fund-raising efforts, building whole new revenue streams, Greenstein said. He also said the system must work with private and state-related universities and community colleges to find solutions to the struggle with enrollment that higher education is experiencing, given the drop in the number of high school graduates. The limits of what we can accomplish are the limits of our imagination, he said. Since sophomore pledge Tim Piazza died at Pennsylvania State University in February 2017 following a booze-fueled fraternity party, the university has investigated and acted on 14 other reports of hazing, including one where pledges were told to drink a jug of wine in 30 minutes. That information and more was contained in a university report, the first Penn State has compiled under Pennsylvanias new anti-hazing law, enacted last fall and named for Piazza. It toughened penalties for hazing, and requires schools to report details about hazing incidents and sanctions taken. The report also shows that 13 members of Beta Theta Pi the fraternity that Piazza was pledging were disciplined to varying degrees by the university following Piazzas death, and that 21 others withdrew with the caveat that they would face the disciplinary process if they returned. Of the 13 disciplined, five were expelled indefinitely, six were suspended, and two were placed on probation. Student safety remains a top priority at Penn State, and the university follows a no-tolerance policy on hazing, the school said in a statement following the release of the report. The university permanently banned Beta Theta Pi and instituted new rules for its Greek system in the aftermath of Piazzas death. More than two dozen fraternity members have faced varying criminal charges in the case, and some have pleaded guilty. Piazza was a sophomore engineering major from New Jersey. His parents, Jim and Evelyn Piazza, have joined other parents nationally in pushing for anti-hazing awareness and tougher laws. The new Penn State report shows 31 incidents that were reported over the last five years, about half of them before the Beta Theta Pi pledge night party where Piazza consumed large quantities of alcohol some of it in a drinking gauntlet that was captured on video fell down stairs and later died. Of the hazing cases that occurred since Piazzas death, four involved forced drinking. The case with the jug of wine occurred at Zeta Psi last April, and the university suspended the group for three years. At Gamma Phi Beta on the Altoona campus of Penn State, new sorority members were forced to engage in underage drinking, servitude and were required to lick the toes of members,. the report said. The incident occurred on Feb. 2 of last year exactly one year after the party where Piazza was fatally injured. The university suspended the organization for two semesters. In other hazing incidents described in the report, new members were directed to repeat derogatory chants, do push-ups, carry out scavenger hunts, clean the fraternity house, and carry a pledge pack that included a condom, playing cards, quarters, cigarettes, and other items. In the most recent case, from Oct. 9, members of Phi Kappa Sigma were directed to engage in sexually charged chanting; the fraternity was placed on probation for two years and lost the privilege to host social events for a semester, among other sanctions. Univest Financial Corp. says it has changed the names of all its wealth management and retirement planning businesses to capitalize on the success of its Girard Partners brand. Girard Partners will now be known as Girard Advisory; Univest Investments, a broker-dealer and insurance agency will become Girard Investments and TCG Investment Advisory Inc. will be renamed Girard Pensions. The name change was prompted by how Girard Partners has gained clients and assets despite harsh conditions for registered investment advisers its size since Univest acquired the firm five years ago. Assets under management have grown to $3.35 billion in 19 East Coast states, from about $2.8 billion five years ago, according to Kevin Norris, Girards president. If that doesnt sound like a huge gain, considering that the stock market was rising for much of that period, Norris says it beats similar-sized competitors who have lost business to robo-advisers and other automated investment products. Norris said gross new business growth totaled 13 percent last year and 17 percent in 2017, not counting market appreciation. Plus, "the Girard name has some cachet in the Philadelphia marketplace, where streets, a neighborhood and a city-controlled boarding school are named for Stephen Girard, an immigrant trader and industrialist and one of the nations first millionaires, Norris noted. In 1812 dollars, Stephen Girard was close to being as rich as Bezos, at least before the Amazon CEOs divorce. Girard even backed the War of 1812 with his own money when the Government was about to go bankrupt after populist Democrats had shut down the nations central First Bank of the United States, in Philadelphia, Norris added. Thomas J. Crosset, a Girard managing director, was discharged in December for unapproved outside business activity, according to FINRA, the securities industrys self-regulating arm. Univest has 39 branches and has been expanding toward Philadelphia as the citys remaining banks have been sold to out-of-state companies. Its Girard affiliates have seven offices in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Florida, and currently serves clients in 19 states and online at www.meetgirard.com. Still, the Girard businesses have a long way to go before they recall the former position of Philadelphias Girard Trust Co., one of the regions biggest wealth managers before it was bought by cross-state rival Mellon Bank in the 1980s, says Girard Trust veteran Howard A. Trauger, now president of the Philadelphia Bond Club and a vice president at Carnegie Investment Counsels Philadelphia office. Another Philadelphia-area school district has joined an emerging trend of cash-strapped schools questioning why some highly profitable organizations should be let off the hook when it comes to paying property taxes. The Upper Moreland School District is challenging the property-tax exemption of Jefferson Healths new Asplundh Cancer Center, arguing that the facility does not meet the Pennsylvania Supreme Courts standard for exemption. The appeal in Montgomery Countys Court of Common Pleas is no guarantee of victory, but it challenges the long-standing tradition of exempting large, profitable health systems from the property-tax net. The legal challenge comes at a time when school districts are desperate for more property-tax collections as state funding covers only a fraction of their expenses. When Tower Health bought five hospitals from the for-profit Community Health Systems Inc. in 2017 for $418 million, school districts in Pottstown, Phoenixville, and elsewhere were not ready to grant property-tax exemptions on the facilities just because their new owner qualified as a nonprofit under the federal law. Those cases are still in court. Philadelphia, on the other hand, gave Tower a tax exemption for Chestnut Hill Hospital, even as the city and the school district have been taking a harder look at exemptions for some smaller nonprofits. In the Asplundh case, the Montgomery County Board of Assessment Appeals granted an exemption on the cancer center, which is assessed at $14.9 million, effective Jan. 1. Jefferson, through Abington Hospital, which is the direct owner of the cancer center at 3941 Commerce Ave., appealed on Nov. 2, asking the Court of Common Pleas to make the exemption effective earlier, on June 1. If the property were not exempt, the 3,000-student school district would collect nearly $460,000 annually at the current tax rate. The school district followed with its appeal on Nov. 12, arguing that the cancer center did not meet a five-prong test established by a 1985 state Supreme Court decision and affirmed as the standard for property-tax exemption in 2012. The Supreme Courts vague test demands that a nonprofit advance a charitable purpose, provide a substantial portion of its service for free, benefit people who are legitimate subjects of charity, relieve the government of a burden, and operate free from private profit motive. Attorneys who represent nonprofits in property-tax cases have long criticized that test as overly subjective. In the year ended June 30, 2018, the cost of charity care provided by Jefferson overall was $36.9 million, or 0.91 percent of $4.05 billion in net patient revenue. That is higher than the $19.2 million in charity care provided by the University of Pennsylvania Health System. For Penn, charity care amounted to 0.31 percent of $6.25 billion in patient revenue. Aaron J. Freiwald, an attorney for the Upper Moreland School District, hired after the appeal was filed, said Tuesday that the 2012 Supreme Court decision involving a camp in the Poconos, a landmark New Jersey Tax Court decision in 2015 denying tax exemption for a Morristown hospital, consolidation of hospitals into ever-larger health systems, and a decline in charity care because of the Affordable Care Act have made the time ripe for challenges to exemptions for 501(c)(3)s. Jefferson did not comment on the case involving the Asplundh center, which opened July 2. Freiwald and two Bethlehem attorneys, Martin Cohen and Mark Altemose of Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, are also seeking to overturn tax exemptions for Lehigh Valley Hospital, on behalf of Salisbury Township School District, and St. Lukes Hospital-Monroe Campus, on behalf of the Stroudsburg Area School District. Spokespersons for both health systems emphasized that county taxing authorities had approved the exemptions and expressed confidence that they would prevail in court. NEW YORK Yannick Nezet-Seguin had perhaps his best night yet as Metropolitan Opera music director with the Tuesday opening of Pelleas et Melisande, the Debussy opera that he extolled on social media as one of the greatest artworks ever. But its hard to know how much of that audiences will get in his four-performance run in repertory through Jan. 24 at Lincoln Center. The opera itself is alternately considered a religious experience or a three-hour-plus bafflement. For skeptics, vocal lines and orchestra wander about in separate worlds with storybook characters who dont know what theyre doing. For the converted, the score explores the inner lives of terribly real people with a precision that not even Wagner achieved. Tuesdays audience walkout rate more than usual on a Met weeknight did not include several composers in the audience, including Kaija Saariaho, Gregory Spears, and Michael Gordon, or uber-diva Anna Netrebko. One must note, too, that the Met departures were nothing compared to the infamous slow-mo evacuation at the 1986 Philadelphia Orchestra concert performance of Pelleas. This Met revival had a definite sense of renewal: For all of the operas dramaturgical mist, fog, and fleeting shafts of light, Nezet-Seguins approach was that of maximum clarity. While the onstage characters make up their reality as they go along in this highly symbolic story of a prince finding a mysterious woman while lost in the forest, the superbly controlled orchestra was the truth-teller, with Nezet-Seguin meticulously charting the progression of the recurring motifs to their bitter, gnarled end in the operas five acts. Nezet-Seguins choices of instrumental blends avoided mere prettiness and felt particularly modern, serving the operas darkest nightmares. His brisk but never rushed tempos were a considerable plus, giving scenes a healthy pulse, well-built tensions, and a sense of conclusion even in the most enigmatic endings. Though Act V has one of the quietest endings in all of opera, he sustained a solid core of tension. Certain lines had particularly pointed emphasis. Among them: Where are you going? I dont know. Im lost, too." And, I felt as though the whole forest had fallen across my chest. And, All the stars are falling. Thats in keeping with the Jonathan Miller production, whose unvarnished surfaces encourage much-needed operatic immediacy. This is your brain on opera Rather than setting the opera in the imaginary mythological world of the original Maurice Maeterlinck play, the John Conklin stage designs place the opera in the era when it was written (1902) with a revolving, constantly shifting network of faded, decaying, fragmentary rooms, seeming to portray different chambers of a Victorian brain. When the going gets particularly surreal, the scene is portrayed as a dream. Casting choices represented a promising new generation for this opera. Isabel Leonard was a great vocal fit for the role of Melisande, though her characterization something much more proactive than the usual frightened-animal approach will be more fully realized in later performances. Paul Appleby as Pelleas is less successful, due to a problem that tenors rarely confront: The role is too low. As in the recent Traviata at the Met, the baritone walked off with the primary vocal honors. In this case, its Kyle Ketelsen in his vocally articulate, coiled-spring portrayal of the obsessively jealous Golaud. The wild card was 69-year-old Ferruccio Furlanetto as the infirm King Arkel: His French enunciation was highly questionable, but who cared in the face of his raging-against-aging King Lear-like moments? Audience response to the opera was understandably muted its that kind of piece though Nezet-Seguin had cheers from his first entrance. Thats a sign of the growing confidence hes establishing with New York audiences aided, no doubt, by an amiable profile of the conductor and his partner, Pierre Tourville, this week in the New York Times that celebrated their same-sex relationship. In the City of Brotherly Love, that news was announced and dispatched way back in 2010, when Nezet-Seguin first signed a Philadelphia Orchestra contract. Then-Mayor Michael Nutter welcomed Yannick and his partner, Pierre in front of City Hall, and nobody batted an eye. They have been a fixture in Philly for so long that we can be forgiven for thinking this recent revelation is like saying, New York is a city or, The Met is a theater. OPERA REVIEW Pelleas et Melisande Jan. 19, 22, and 25 with Nezet-Seguin (and Jan. 31 with Derrick Inouye) at the Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center, New York, 212-362-6000. metopera.org. Hello there! I'm Penny, author of Penniless Foodie in the Wild , an adaptable cookbook for frugal people like myself who like to eat great food. I'm a single mom of four who loves to blog about how to have the best life possible while living on a relatively low income. I love frugal travel, gluten free cooking, and standing up for things I am passionate about, like mental health and awareness of abuse.I'm always happy to receive emails from readers at pennilessparenting@yahoo.com Legendary Ghanaian actor, Ebenezer Lartey popularly known as Ataa Mensah has died at the age of 91 on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Confirming the sad news to HotfmOnlinegh.com, the wife of the late actor, Ashie Lartey indicated that: My husband was admitted at the Ridge Hospital in December after complaining of chest pain. He died yesterday at the Ridge Hospital. The family is yet to decide on when to bury him, She said. Late Ata Mensah was born on January 12, 1928, in Accra. He started his acting career in 1965 and started appearing on TV in 1970. During the Saka Acquayes era, all the dramas and films were then in English so the late Atta Mensah decided to change the phase of the industry by acting in Ga. He played the lead character in the popular Showcase in Ga drama troupe. Most of the scripts of the numerous dramas on GBC and some films were written by him. HotfmOnlinegh.com is reliably informed that, the legendary late actor who was living in a chamber and hall at Adabraka in Accra with his wife, before his demise had appealed to the government and GBC to honor him with awards and an estate before he dies. But his wish was not fulfilled and suddenly died a pauper. Source: HotfmOnlinegh.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Private Legal Practitioner, Maurice Kwabena Ampaw has tagged politicians as the greediest on earth should they describe Menzgold investors as greedy for investing in such a business. Claiming to be a proud customer of Menzgold, Lawyer Ampaw emphatically stated he will again be a customer of Menzgold should the company start operating again. . . I am not greedy but an opportunist and risk taker taking advantage of an opportunity. I took a huge risk and have as well benefitted, he said. According to him the level of harsh words being used on Menzgold customers by some New Patriotic Party [NPP] communicators and government officials is detestable. Politicians are the greediest if they describe Menzgold customers as greedy people. Indeed, NPP communicators should shut-up on menzgold issues if they have no affirmative declarations to make, he stated. However, Lawyer Ampaw insisted that some Menzgold customer are ungrateful since most of them have recouped their principals deposited with interest and should at least be content with what they have gotten so far. He said, the Security and Exchange Commission [SEC] did not diligently deal with Menzgold saga because per his understanding a lot of procedures could have been used to amicably resolve the issue without the CEO hiding or customers losing their money. Lawyer Maurice Ampaw on UTVs Adekye Nsroma programme said he first checked from the Bank of Ghana in 2015 if Menzgold was credible before investing , but he was told they had no business with the company because it did not derive its license of operation from them. He said he moved on to the Minerals Commission where he was told by authorities that Menzgold is perfectly in line with laws and regulations. Source: Elizabeth Semiheva Bedi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Central Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Allotey Jacobs has asked the Government of Ghana to refund monies owed customers of Menzgold by the gold dealership company. According to Allotey Jacobs, it behoves the Akufo-Addo government to pay back all the monies because he is the father of all Ghanaians. He noted that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was voted into power by Ghanaians which means some customers of the defunct Menzgold were among the electorates whose thumbprint secured victory for the party in the 2016 elections. Speaking to sit-in host Nana Yaw Kesseh on Peace FM's 'kokrokoo' programme, Allotey Jacobs noted that Ghana's governance system is a "government by the people for the people", therefore telling President Akufo-Addo and his government to empathize with the customers of Menzgold and pay them back their investments in the company. The government must ensure they pay back the locked monies belonging to the customers of Menzgold . . . Our governance system or the democracy that weve adopted says government by the people for the people . . . So if people have voted for the government, youre supposed to seek the welfare of the people. They voted you into office. They have entrusted their security to you. They have entrusted you with their welfare, he said. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for the Effutu Constituency, Alexander Afenyo-Markin says prosecuting Menzgold's boss, Nana Appiah Mensah could be dangerous. He says such prosecution will make customers of the gold trading firm lose all their investments. Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, he explained that it will not be in the interest of customers to pursue the matter as a criminal case because they may lose their monies eventually. [With] criminal prosecution, lets tread cautiously. Even in advanced jurisdictions, the government will prefer to cut a deal to save a situation than to rush to court and begin a criminal prosecution, he noted. Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Board Chairman of the Ghana Water Company Limited, bemoaned the politicization of the Menzgold saga. For customers or clients of Menzgold, they should remain calm, their violent approach is needless. And for those who think they can politicize it, I tell them it is much ado about nothing, he advised. " . . If you prosecute the man, and you look at the Financial Task-force Regulation, there is a strong recommendation for a civil forfeiture procedure in matters as complicated as we find it now. Again, you wouldnt get what you want," he added. Government has sent a high powered government to Dubai to press for the extradition of CEO of Menzgold, Nana Appiah Mensah. The delegation includes Deputy Attorney General, Joseph Dindiok Kpemka, a representative from the Economic Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) and National Security. Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM1, is wanted for defrauding by false pretence and an allegation of money laundering after his company failed to pay customers investments. An Accra Circuit Court issued a warrant for his arrest last week but a press release by the police Monday indicates that NAM1 has already been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital on December 7 after a gold deal gone wrong. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye, the Director-General/Research and Planning, Ghana Police Service, said political vigilantism is becoming clearly dangerous in Ghana and called for the need to address it as soon as practicable. "I am not prophesying. I am just extrapolating what is happening now to what can happen in the future. If political thuggery is not stopped now, from 2020 there will be an explosion," he said. "You don't need rocket science to know this. As at yesterday, there was the formation of another group - the Eastern Mambas," he said at the ongoing 70th Annual New Year School and Conference at the University of Ghana. COP Kofi Boakye said because of the entrepreneurship related to political vigilantism, people were going to form more vigilante groups for hiring. Speaking on the topic: "Political Vigilantism and Ghana's Democracy" COP Kofi Boakye said vigilantism had no loyalty to any of the political party. He said the Police found it easier to deal with vigilantism in opposition parties than in ruling parties because of the syndrome of order from above. When it comes to political thuggery, if it is against another party, the solution is clear; however, if it is within the same party it is very difficult to handle, COP Kofi Boakye said. "Some of us have got our fingers burnt some few times. And continue to get our fingers burnt." He said the Police needed the support of all, especially civil society organisations, in dealing with political vigilantism, which had grown and now becoming a monster. "We need the support of civil society, because if we leave it to the politicians alone, we will fail. We need to come together and say enough is enough to political vigilantism." COP Kofi Boakye said the Criminal Justice System (the Police, the Attorney-General's Department and the Judiciary) must support the fight against political vigilantism. "But we cannot pay lip service to the fight against political vigilantism and covertly support them with money, appointments and whatever," he said. The 70th Annual New Year School and Conference, on the theme: Building Strong Institutions for Democratic Consolidation in Ghana, is organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education of the College of Education, University of Ghana, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Gender for Empowering Development (GenCED), a non-profit organisation has launched a Maputo scorecard report for Ghana on Articles four and 13 of the Maputo Protocol to the African Charter. Article four deals with right to life and dignity of a person, while Article 13 deals with social and economic rights. Ms Esther Tawiah, GenCED Executive Director, who launched the report said, the objective was to analyse Articles four, and 13 of the Maputo Protocol, which showed the countrys assessment scores and outcomes. It was also to pin point the gaps and provide recommendations on areas that needed to be strengthened, the Executive Director noted. She said key stakeholders and agencies such as; the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), the Department of Gender, the Ghana Trades Union Congress, and the Attorney General Department were consulted. Others include; the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DoVVSU). Ms Tawiah, giving the background said, women formed half of the worlds population, but were marginalised and denied many of their rights as they were born into a patriarchal society, justified with traditions and culture. In recognition of the socio-economic cost, women marginalisation, African leaders put in place a number of legal provisions to promote and protect the rights of African women including; the Maputo Protocol, she explained. She said, the Non-Governmental Organisation jointly produced the status report of its implementation in Ghana with MoGCSP, to be presented by the Ministry at the next session of the African Union 2019 session. She stated that Ghana was dedicated in implementing the Protocol citing the Chapter five of the 1992 Constitution promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. She said the State was working on amending the Intestate Succession Law, 1985 (PNDC 111) to correct the criminal flaws in the bid to promote and address human rights of Africans. Ms Tawiah emphasised that Matrimonial causes, Childrens Act, Female Genital Mutilation, Domestic Violence Act, Disability Act, the Labour and Whistle Blower Acts were all furthering the provisions of the Maputo Protocol in Ghana. Copies were made available to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), stakeholders and would be made available to the African Union. 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 Ghana and Tunisia have pledged to deepen trade relations and increase business partnership between the two countries for their mutual benefit. The commitment came at the maiden edition of the Ghana-Tunisia Economic Forum, which also served as a platform for Tunisian companies and their Ghanaian partners to explore opportunities in both countries. Mr Mike Badu-Aboagye, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce (GNCCI), said the forum sought to enhance the bilateral relations between both countries. He said Ghana was open to business as the government was keen to supporting the industrialisation agenda, and that, there was the need to increase trade between Ghana and Tunisia. Mr Carlos Ahenkorah, a Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, said government was pursuing a Ghana beyond Aid through a robust manufacturing industry, adding that, no country could develop without industrialisation. Mr Ahenkorah said the Akufo-Addo-led administrations interest to make Ghana an industrial hub in the region was without compromise, which had resulted in the development of a 10-point industrialisation agenda. He said as part of the agenda, the government was committed to building an industrial park in every district to support investors, who faced challenges with business establishment through land tenure problems. Mr Ahenkorah urged the Tunisian businesses represented at the forum to take advantage of the wide range of business opportunities in the country and increase their presence. On his part, Mr Hatem Ferjani, the Secretary of State for Tunisia Foreign Affairs in charge of economic diplomacy to Ghana said the reality of the maiden Ghana-Tunisia Economic Forum was a reaffirmation of the existing bilateral relation between the two nations over the past 60 years. Mr Ferjani, said the economic relation between the two nations would largely benefit from the forum, adding that, his country had considered building a direct shipping line from Ghana to Tunisia. He urged Ghanaian investors to consider investing in Tunisia either through joint corporations or Public Private Partnerships. 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 Geffen/UMeTwo popular Meat Loaf albums, 1993's Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell and 1995's Welcome to the Neighbourhood, will be released on vinyl for the first time ever in the U.S. on February 8. Both records will be reissued as two-LP sets on black vinyl, while a limited-edition blue-vinyl version of Bat Out of Hell II also will be available. Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell was a sequel to Meat Loaf's massively successful 1977 debut album, Bat Out of Hell. The record topped the Billboard 200 chart in October 1993, and included the #1 hit "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" and the top 20 single "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through." Bat Out of Hell II has sold more than five million copies in the U.S. Welcome to the Neighbourhood reached #17 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single "I'd Lie for You (And That's the Truth)," which peaked at #13 on the Hot 100. The album has been certified platinum for sales of one million copies in the States. Here's the track list of the Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell two-LP set: Side A "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" "Life Is a Lemon and I Want My Money Back" Side B "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through" "It Just Won't Quit" "Out of the Frying Pan (And into the Fire)" Side C "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer than They Are" "Wasted Youth" "Everything Louder than Everything Else" Side D "Good Girls Go to Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere)" "Back into Hell" "Lost Boys and Golden Girls" And here's the track list of the Welcome to the Neighbourhood two-LP set: Side A "Where the Rubber Meets the Road" "I'd Lie for You (And That's the Truth)" "Original Sin" Side B "45 Seconds of Ecstasy" "Runnin' for the Red Light (I Gotta Life)" "Fiesta de las Almas Perdidas" "Left in the Dark" Side C "Not a Dry Eye in the House" "Amnesty Is Granted" Side D "If This Is the Last Kiss (Let's Make It Last All Night)" "Martha" "Where Angels Sing" Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Doctors told her they were going to remove her womb after three fibroid operations to stop her abnormal bleeding, but she refused. Nurses worsened her emotional stress by telling her she will never be able to give birth. She was stigmatised, abused and insulted because she couldnt give birth and to make matters worse, her husband went in for another woman to give him children. She is still having medical issues and have no one and nowhere to turn to.... It is with stories like this that Mercks More than a mother campaign was launched to help women battling fertility challenges and to help eliminate stigmatisation and other issues affecting women. Mawuli, who brought tears to the eyes of almost all present shared her touching story when she attended the launch of Mercks More Than a Mother campaign. Her predicament touched the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo who was present at the event and she promised to help her. The More Than a Mother initiative, was put together by Merck Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Merck Germany in partnership with the First lady of Ghana to underscore its commitment to build healthcare capacity in the country and to finalise discussions on the 6th Merck Africa Asia Luminary; a Merck Foundations annual conference which will be held in Ghana in October 2019. During the launch which was held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Monday, Merck also acknowledged the efforts of Madam Rebecca Akufo-Addo as an Ambassador for the Merck 'More than a Mother' initiative in the country. The CEO of Merck Foundation, Rasha Kelej thanked the First Lady for accepting Merck's ambassadorial position as well as accepting to host the 6th edition of Merck Africa Asia Luminary in October. On her part, the First Lady expressed excitement to partner with Merck and to host and co-chair the conference in October, 2019. The First lady was accompanied by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison and the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu. About Merck More Than A Mother campaign Merck More Than A Mother initiative aims to empower infertile women through access to information, education and health and by changing mind-sets. This powerful initiative supports government in defining policies to enhance access to regulated, safe and effective fertility care. It defines interventions to break the stigma around infertile women and raises awareness about Infertility, prevention and management. In partnership with academia, ministries of health and international fertility societies, the initiative also provides medical education and training for healthcare providers and embryologists to build and advance fertility care capacity in Africa and developing countries. With Merck More Than A Mother, we have initiated a cultural shift to de-stigmatize infertility on all levels: By improving awareness, training the skills of local experts, building advocacy in cooperation with decision makers and by supporting childless women in starting their own small business. Its all about giving every woman the respect and the help she deserves to live a fulfilling life, with our without a child. About Merck Foundation The Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com), established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to innovative healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please go to Merck-Foundation.com to read more and/or register online to interact and exchange experience with our registered members. About Merck Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 53,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of 15.3 billion in 66 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma. Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Human rights lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu is calling on the President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Mr Tony Forson to with immediate effect step aside for investigations to be launched into allegations of rape against him. This comes after a criminal complaint filed by a Canada-based Ghanaian lawyer, Kuukuwa Andam against Mr Forson in Washington D.C. in the U.S.A on the alleged incident which happened in 2012. Though Mr Forson has through his lawyers, Beyuo & Co denied the allegation; Mr Sosu in an interview with Class FM advice Mr Tony Forson to step aside as President of the GBA until he has been exonerated or otherwise. Sexual allegations are very serious allegations, and while we wait for this to be investigated, I think it will be in the interest of our senior colleague who is also the President of the Bar to just step aside to allow the investigation to go on and if hes innocent, he can always come back, he said. Adding that, Beyond stepping aside or resigning there will also be the need for the General Legal Council to conduct some investigation. However, Ms Andam has narrated her ordeal in a Facebook post. Below is her full statement on Facebook How I was raped by Anthony Forson Jnr. (Ghana Bar Association President) & have filed a criminal complaint against him in Washington D.C. Yesterday, I filed a criminal complaint with the Washington DC Police Department against the current President of the Ghana Bar Association for a rape that occurred in the US in December 2012 and the perpetrator was Anthony Forson Jnr who is currently the President of the Ghana Bar Association. The investigation is pending & if the case is cleared, charges will be filed against him. I want to be clear just as I stated in my post on Selasi that I DO NOT want or need a pesewa from Tony. I have my own money. Not to boast but I teach several courses at a top-notch university in Canada & just finished managing a major research project. I am a published author & I am regularly invited to participate in paid speaking opportunities due to my activist work. So this is not about money. This is about justice & trying to ensure that the next generation of Gh. female lawyers will never suffer the way that I have suffered. I met Tony at the last Ghana Bar Association event I attended before travelling to study for my masters at Cornell University. This was almost a year after being raped by Selasi & my heart had hardened. After my bitter experience, I had decided that most married male lawyers in Ghana were going to take advantage of you anyway so it was better to just date them for money. At that time, I needed money for Cornell as my funding only covered my tuition. So when Tony told me he wanted to date me, I agreed. He would send me many messages telling me he loved me. I used to call him 'T-baby.' He knows all these things & can admit them if only he will be honest. We never had actual sex in Ghana although we were physically intimate (would kiss & touch & do other stuff) and then I left for Cornell. I did any job I could find in Cornell just to survive. I asked a relative for rent & he told me if he gave me the money I wouldn't pay back. That was the day I realized I was on my own. I worked as a cook in a cafeteria & would stand for hours. I worked as a cleaner. I would be so tired I would sleep during lectures. Eventually, I decided to contact Tony for money. He told me to meet him at a hotel in Washington DC for the rent money. It was close to school exams but I went anyway. Remember that at this time we hadn't actually had sex but I told myself that I would just close my eyes & do it with a condom (because I knew he was sleeping with many women) & then at least I wouldn't have to drop out of school. He told me he would arrange transportation for me. I lost my laptop in the taxi & arrived at the hotel crying my eyes out. All my lecture notes were on that laptop and losing it meant I would fail the exams. Tony didn't care. By this time, I knew the drill with dating married men. I knew that they claimed to love you but of course, they didn't. You were just a piece of meat so I wasn't shocked at his reaction. As soon as I settled in, he asked for sex. I had already psyched myself up and so I asked him whether he had a condom. When he said no, I pleaded with him to allow me to at least go get a condom but he pinned me down & raped me. I still remember how it felt to be forcefully penetrated by him. How I felt as if I had left my body & was watching everything happening form the ceiling. I have heard from other rape survivors that this is a common occurrence. At one point I began to wince from pain because I wasn't ready & he had forced himself on me but that didn't stop him. Not even the tears that began to fall out of the corners of my eyes stopped him. Then it was over. And I felt so broken and dirty and ashamed. But it got worse. After raping me, he refused to talk to me. It was as if he had been filled with some new hatred for me. He told me with disdain that I could take the $400 on the table if I wanted. I almost went mad. I couldn't believe that he had forced himself on me & was not even talking to me. And the money he had given me was even less than the price of the laptop I had lost just to see him. So I had been raped & ended up in debt too. I began to cry my eyes out & text a friend of mine about what had happened. God bless you, dear friend, she knows herself. She advised me to quickly return to Cornell and that she would help me through this. I booked a bus & left & he didn't care what happened to me either way. As soon as I arrived in my room at the University, I cut off all my hair with a piece of scissors & threw away my nice clothes. I was so tired of being raped & mistreated by men & I wanted to be ugly so that no man would even want to have sex with me again or rape me again. I swallowed several sleeping pills that I had been prescribed by a therapist I had been seeing to deal with the other rape I had suffered previously. Then I called an African professor who was like a father to all of us African students at Cornell to tell him that I had overdosed on sleeping pills and he contacted the Deputy Dean of Cornell Law and some hospital staff to assist me. For the next few weeks, I would be hospitalized in a mental ward as I broke down. This also began my struggle with binge eating because I would just binge on food anytime memories of my rape by Tony & Selasi came up. I put on so much weight & developed health-related problems because of it. I could not write my exams that term & when I eventually did, I got very poor results due to all this trauma. I was put on anti-depressants which I had to swallow for years because of what Tony did to me. 4 years later in 2016, I would attempt to commit suicide again this time at Queen's University because I still could not get over what Tony did to me. And yet I continued to be nice to him. I was terrified of losing my visa if I could not pay for my upkeep & he was my only hope. How would I survive winter in the US without an apartment & on the streets? When he contacted me after I was in the mental ward, I just told him I was sick but didn't tell him why. We both pretended that he had not raped me & never spoke about it. I had to keep the act up so I wouldn't offend him.. Soon, he said he was coming to Boston in 2013 & I should meet him & I told him I would and even acted like I was excited. But that was the last time I would communicate with him. I just couldn't bring myself to contact him again after that because of what he had done to me. I decided not to talk to him for the rest of my life although he would frequently send messages through some other lawyers to me. Seeing him in the news hurt especially when he was appointed as President of the Ghana Bar Association. I could not believe he had ruined my life in this way & now I was forced to see his name/ face in newsletters that were circulated to all Ghanaian lawyers. That also sent me into depression for months. A few days ago, I sent him a message to tell him how much he had hurt me. That he & I both know he raped me. But the same person who had been chasing me to talk to him now refused to even acknowledge receipt of my email. All I wanted was for him to say sorry & assure me that he would never do this again to someone's daughter again but he did not do this. I forgive him But I have to speak my truth & pursue justice for the sake of younger female lawyers who will come up. I owe them a duty to make sure they never go through even half of the pain I have gone through. What Tony did to me changed my spirit forever. I used to be called 'cute' & 'bubbly.' I became sad, depressed & cynical. I can't even sleep through a complete night anymore. He stole my life & this is not ok. However, Mr Forsons attorneys, Beyuo & Co., in a published statement, said their client sincerely and emphatically denies that he has committed any such offence, adding that: The allegations are palpably false and in due course, he will be vindicated. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A law lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Justice Srem-Sai says attempts by government to get NAM1 extradited from Dubai will only succeed at the diplomatic level. This, he said, is because Ghana does not have an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and that NAM1, Chief Executive Officer of gold dealing firm, Menzgold, is already facing criminal charges. Justice Srem-Sai explained that the UAE law does not allow anyone to be extradited to another country especially when the person is facing criminal trial against UAE. Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM, Tuesday, January 15, said it will be difficult for NAM1 to be extradited to the country. The requested detainee in this case as we understand is already facing criminal charges there...since we do not know whether is just a period of detention or more. The fact that he hasnt worked out on his bail since December 7th till now...means the crime is serious, he said. If u look at the offence that he is going to be charged with, its between twenty five years and I dont think UAE will allow him to come to Ghana if he is found guilty," Justice Srem-Sai said, adding that "it will be very difficult for him; almost impossible to be released." According to him, the Attorney General will have a lot of work to do because of the UAE laws, noting that if NAM1 will embark on a journey even with a leasing team, he will be more on diplomacy in terms of the law. 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 The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has frozen the accounts of the Chief Executive Officer of Mengold Ghana Limited, Nana Appiah Mensah, popularly known as NAM 1. The Executive Director of EOCO, K. K. Amoah, who confirmed this to Graphic Onlines Mabel Aku Baneseh said his outfit has frozen three accounts of the NAM 1, adding that we are still looking for more accounts to freeze. NAM 1 arrested NAM 1 currently in the custody of the Dubai Police after he was arrested on Monday, December 7, 2018. His arrest follows an alleged misrepresentation to security authorities in Dubai by a Dubai based company that he could be connected to an alleged botched gold business with a Ghanaian company, one of whose officials was known to him, close associates briefed on the matter have averred. Graphic Onlines sources close to the matter claim he had landed in the Persian Gulf business hub in the late last year in the hope of retrieving some $39 million owed Menzgold by a Dubai-based company, Horizon Royal Diamonds DMCC, for the supply of gold. Meanwhile, a special delegation of security operatives on Monday left Accra for Dubai to engage the Emirati authorities. Source: Graphic.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 President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Tuesday said Ghana's public finance was now in order. He said the period when the country's economic indicators "went haywire and through the roof are over." "The days of disarray in our public finances, the reason for our recent marriage with the IMF, are over, the President said when he commissioned three new State-of-the-art production plants for Unilever Ghana Limited at Tema, near Accra. The three facilities, a biomass boiler, a personal care dryer, and an oral care factory, all situated in the Unilever factory complex in the Tema Industrial area, would guarantee the quality of Unilever products and enable it contribute to an eco-friendly environment. The President said Government was determined to "provide stability to our economy to serve as the foundation for its sustainable and rapid growth. He assured the private sector of his administrations continued commitment to creating a stable economic framework and positive outlook for businesses. His government, among several measures to address the macro-ecomics of the country, had enacted a new fiscal rule, which caps fiscal deficit at a maximum of 5%, and ensures a debt-to-GDP ratio of a maximum of 65%. The President commended Unilever for putting up the three new plants, and for the company's continued presence and partnership with Ghana, that has spanned nearly a century. He said the company's presence in Ghana, had proved to be largely beneficial for the stakeholders involved. Unilever has become a household name in Ghana, with millions and millions of Ghanaians, on a daily basis, using products the company manufactures here in our country. "On behalf of the Ghanaian people and government, I express the appreciation of the nation to Unilever Ghana Ltd for its many years of service to the growth of our nation, he added. The President said the establishment of the three additional factories would not only increase the manufacturing capacity of the company, but would also lead to the creation of more jobs for the people of the locality, and, indeed, of Ghana. I am excited by the companys decision to bring onshore its operational capabilities into the country, and to continue to source locally its raw material base. "It is my hope and expectation that many more companies would commit to this development, President Akufo-Addo added. Noting Government's limited ability to create jobs, President Akufo-Addo said it was the primary responsibility of the private sector to generate jobs, with the active support of government. It is for this reason that, since assuming office two years ago, my Government set out to build the most business friendly economy in Africa. "Through the abolishing of nuisance taxes, reduction of utility tariffs, and the introduction of reforms to ease the process of doing business in the country, we have succeeded, albeit modestly, in creating a conducive business climate where the macroeconomic fundamentals are all pointing in the right direction, spurring on the growth of the private sector. Our goal is to unleash the innovative and entrepreneurial instincts of the Ghanaian private sector to drive rapid growth and job creation, and I am confident that we are on course to realising this important goal, he said. The government I lead is a natural cheerleader for the private sector, and it is my sincere wish that Unilever, and, indeed, the Ghanaian private sector will take advantage of the growing business friendly climate in the country to invest further in Ghana. Cascading investments in our economy is the most effective way to expand and strengthen it in order to create the many jobs our young people so ardently want. It will happen, and soon, President Akufo-Addo assured. 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 UK Foreign Secretary: Iran's Treatment of Zaghari-Ratcliffe "Breach of Human Rights" 01/16/19 Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran Jeremy Hunt Summons Ambassador to Tehran Following Revelations Iran Pressured Dual National to Spy Political prisoners Narges Mohammadi (L) and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt summoned Iran's ambassador to Tehran on January 14, 2018, the day Iranian British citizen Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and fellow prisoner, human rights advocate Narges Mohammadi, began a planned hunger strike in Tehran's Evin Prison. "Today I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to demand Nazanin has immediate access to the healthcare she requires," Hunt wrote on Twitter. Today I summoned the Iranian Ambassador to demand Nazanin has immediate access to the healthcare she requires. Her ongoing detention is TOTALLY unacceptable and her treatment at the hands of Iranian authorities is a fundamental breach of human rights 1/2 Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) January 14, 2019 "Her ongoing detention is TOTALLY unacceptable and her treatment at the hands of Iranian authorities is a fundamental breach of human rights," he added. Speaking at a press conference in London that day, Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband, Richard Ratcliffe, revealed that his wife had been pressured to spy for Iran. "They told her it would be safer for her and her family if she agreed to do this," he said. "She came out of that conversation terrified, and in no doubt that she had been warned that the only way she would get out [of jail] would be if she agreed to become a spy," he added. "What really pushed her over the edge ... was that they tried to pressure her to become a spy for Iran against the UK". Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's husband said in a press conference that his wife was pressured to spy for Iran in exchange for her freedom"https://t.co/sj3YY9RyYV pic.twitter.com/XqSqKLC5u3 euronews (@euronews) January 14, 2019 On December 30, 2018, Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Mohammadi warned that they would hunger strike if the authorities continued to deny them access to medical treatment. The authorities responded by cancelling Zaghari-Ratcliffe's weekly calls with her husband, reducing her food rations, cancelling Mohammadi's calls with her children and further restricting call privileges for everyone in the Women's Ward of Evin Prison. On January 10, Iran's state-run TV channel also aired a sensationalist film posing as a documentary that painted Zaghari-Ratcliffe as a spy who had come to Iran to bring down the Islamic Republic. The film, which denied Zaghari-Ratcliffe the opportunity to speak for herself, was also shown in the Women's Ward. At the January 14 press conference, Richard Ratcliffe said his wife had been denied treatment for a lump on her breast, pains in her neck, numbness in her legs and psychiatric difficulties. Zaghari-Ratcliffe's former employer, Monique Villa, the chief executive of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, said: "It is extremely shocking to see our colleague Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe going on hunger strike to protest at her inhumane treatment in Evin prison, at a time where her health is already at its poorest. I am sincerely worried about the dire consequences of this. "As her employer, I repeat that Nazanin is totally innocent, and certainly not spy material, as portrayed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard," she added. "The Iranian government and judiciary must act immediately, release her and allow urgent treatment before her health deteriorates any further. I call upon those responsible to free her now." A former staff member of the Thomson Reuters Foundation charity organization in London, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested at a Tehran international airport by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Intelligence Organization in April 2016 and ultimately sentenced to five years in prison under unspecified espionage charges in a trial severely lacking in due process. She became eligible for release in November 2017. However, in May 2018 she was charged with "propaganda against the state" by Judge Abolqasem Salavati of Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran and ordered to hire a new lawyer. The status of that charge is currently unknown. In July 2018, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was told by an Iranian judge that she would remain imprisoned in Iran until the UK paid Iran a decades-old debt. Mohammadi has been serving a 16-year prison sentence since 2015 for her peaceful activism under the charges of, "membership in the [now banned] Defenders of Human Rights Center," "assembly and collusion against national security," and one year for "propaganda against the state." In an open letter published in November 2018, Mohammadi said she had not been allowed to see a doctor outside the prison for more than a year despite suffering from life-threatening ailments including seizures and blood clots. "I will not go into the unfair sentences against me," she wrote to Tehran Prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dowlatabadi, "but I am asking Your Excellency to at least take steps to allow me to have access to medical treatment and specialist physicians who have been taking care of me for years, as well as access to medications." There were at least 11 dual and foreign nationals known to be imprisoned in Iran as of January 2019. Iranian Startups Offer Opportunities In An Unstable Economy 01/16/19 Source: Radio Farda The past decade in Iran has witnessed a surge in the number of startups, larger Internet companies, and digital-service providers. Some of the Iranian women who are founders of startups (source: Shanbe magazine) Owing to the impact of American sanctions, Iranians are often left to their own devices when it comes to Internet services. Amid the country's rapid digitization and the fact that more than 62 percent of all households were connected to the Internet as of March 2017 -- a staggering leap from 21 percent in 2013 -- there is clearly increasing demand. Like the development of large Internet companies such as Alibaba or Baidu in China, Iran has witnessed a mirroring of Western Internet services of sorts. Both Iran and China have witnessed the development of regional alternatives to established Western tech. As in China, Iran has witnessed the rise of platforms such as Digikala (Iran's answer to Amazon) and Reyhoon (online food delivery services). Digikala is now Iran's third most popular website. Faezeh Derakhshani has founded Dastadast to fight poverty (source: Shanbe magazine) A number of Iranian startups also offer services that specifically reflect Iranian culture and traditions. Food delivery startup Boghche highlights this modernization of traditional aspects of Iranian culture using smartphones, offering fresh bread delivery in the crowded streets of Tehran. Other startups provide chances at entrepreneurship for particular groups who would normally be unable to do so due to social constraints. Maman Paz offers food delivery from housewives in an app user's vicinity, allowing women to earn incomes through the gig economy in addition to taking care of their families. Amir Hossein Fassihi returned to Iran from U.S. to start Fanafzar (source: Shanbe magazine) The government's rampant censorship has been a key factor in the growth of Iranian Internet startups. In an attempt to control the use of social media platforms such as the messaging app Telegram and to filter Western content, the Iranian government continues to push for Internet censorship legislation. Ninety-five members of the Iranian Parliament proposed on December 2 that the government should retain stronger power in controlling domestic and foreign messaging apps. Thus local alternatives to websites and services censored by the government have sprung up such as Aparat.com, a replacement for YouTube. Founders and team of info bank startup dunro (source: Shanbe magazine) The success of Iranian startups can be partly attributed to the economic sanctions that prevent the expansion of Western tech companies and platforms. In some ways, this has proved helpful to local startups, which face little competition from established companies. Despite their frequent use by Iranians with access to the Internet, companies such as Google remain wary of Iran both due to potential sanctions and censorship. In turn, some Iranian startups have sought to substitute some of Google's less visible services, as with Anetwork, a domestic platform for online advertising, and Cafe Bazaar, the Iranian version of the Google app store. In this sense, the return of U.S. sanctions marked the end of potential Western investment and competition entering Iran. While helpful to some businesses, the threat of sanctions diminishes the number of international opportunities for Iranian companies. Lena Vafaei returned to Tehran from New York to start Peeyade (source: Shanbe magazine) Iranian startups in need of angel investors and more capital have to rely on local businesses and investors rather than hoping for opportunities abroad. Local startup accelerators do exist, and they are nurturing the bourgeoning industry, as is the case with Avatech, an accelerator which paved the way for Reyhoon. The continuing digitization of Iranian consumers offers hope for recent graduates in search of stable employment. The growth of the tech industry will prove essential in providing young college graduates with employment despite a highly unstable climate. However, while the digital industry may perhaps lessen the impact of Iranian brain drain, its opportunities are not limitless. So long as rampant censorship and sanctions remain a daily reality in Iran, startups will continue to face obstacles in growing their business, as ambitious and hopeful as they may be. Iran, Iraq's Kurdistan call for enhanced ties 01/15/19 Source: Press TV Iran and Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region have emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral relations in various sectors, particularly in the economic field. The calls for stronger ties came during a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil, on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Zarif addressed a gathering of business people from both Iran and the Iraqi region in Erbil on the same day. He praised the brotherly and historical relations between the two sides and called for closer Tehran-Erbil cooperation. The Iranian foreign minister further said that the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran would fail to affect and hamper Iran's relations with Iraq's Kurdistan region. "Sanctions will fail to create an obstacle in the way of expanding economic ties between Iran and Iraq," he said, adding that Iran was "a highly reliable partner" for all of its friends, "particularly Iraq's Kurdistan region." Zarif also said that the security of the Islamic Republic is intertwined with and "inseparable from" that of Kurdistan, expressing support for the central government in Baghdad as well as the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Speaking on the sidelines of the economic forum, Prime Minister of Kurdistan Regional Government Nechirvan Barzani hailed Zarif's visit as an indication of the "deep-rooted and good relations" between Iran and the Iraqi Kurdistan. He further praised Iran's support for the Kurds when the Takfiri Daesh terrorists were wreaking havoc in the region. Dara Jalil Khayat, the chairman of the Kurdistan Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, who also attended the economic forum, put the volume of trade exchanges between Tehran and Erbil at $6 billion, expressing hope for the expansion of economic ties between the two sides. He further said that a joint committee would be established to deal with the existing economic problems. Heading a high-ranking political and economic delegation, Zarif arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on Sunday. There, the Iranian foreign minister met with Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, President Barham Salih, Speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq Mohamed al-Halbousi, Head of the National Wisdom Movement of Iraq Ammar Hakim, Iraqi lawmaker Hadi al-Amiri, and the heads as well as members of Iraqi religious, political, cultural, ethical, and social bodies. Don't Rule Out The Possibility Of War With Iran 01/15/19 By Shireen T. Hunter (source: LobeLog) According to press reports, Iran has all but despaired of the European Union's ability-or, perhaps more accurately, willingness-to work out a system of financial transactions that could facilitate Tehran's trade with Europe. Not only that, largely under pressure from Denmark and Holland, the EU imposed sanctions on Iran's ministry of intelligence and two individuals on charges of plotting to kill leaders of the Ahwaz separatist movement in Europe. This group was involved in the bombings that took place in Ahwaz in September 2018. These developments seriously undermine the chances that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear deal with Iran, will survive. Iran will be in an even more difficult situation if it fails to maintain trade relations with countries such as India and China or, more importantly, can't gain access to the money earned from its exports. Under these conditions, domestic pressures, especially from the Iranian hardliners who opposed the JCPOA from the beginning, would mount on the government of President Hassan Rouhani to leave the JCPOA and resume its suspended nuclear activities. In fact, rumors have spread that Iran's exit from the JCPOA and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif's resignation are imminent. The government has since denied these rumors. Because Iran has not received any real benefit from the agreement, the hardliners' arguments may be making headway with the Iranian people. The lack of faith shown by the United States and now Europe in carrying out their side of the nuclear bargain would seem to vindicate those Iranians who argue that only nuclear weapons can provide for Iran's security and shield it from potential attacks by the United States, Israel, or both. Should the government of President Rouhani succumb to such pressures, Iran hawks in the United States and some Iranian opposition groups-along with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE-would lobby President Trump to take military action against Iran. Such pressures could reach irresistible levels. Within the Trump administration, National Security Advisor John Bolton, in particular, would champion such a move while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is unlikely to put up any opposition. Bolton and other Iran hawks would argue that, as long as Iran is standing, the United States cannot reduce the level of its military engagement in the Middle East and Southwest Asia war zones because Iran would otherwise fill the vacuum. According to this logic, before reducing its overseas military engagements in Syria or Afghanistan, the United States must effectively disable Iran economically and militarily. The United States might feel pressured to attack Iran for other reasons. Iran is the last country on the list of regime change in the post-9/11 period that has thus far escaped American military intervention, directly or through proxies. Iraq was invaded in 2003, Libya was attacked in 2010, and Syria has been devastated by civil war. For the foreseeable future, none of these states will be able to influence Middle East dynamics significantly, nor do they pose any military threat to America's regional allies, notably Israel. In short, Iran is the last remaining link in this chain of dismantling state systems in the region. Moreover, at the time of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, some in the United States and in the region would have preferred that America attacked Iran first and then Iraq. These people will not feel safe until Iran is attacked. A main goal of security hawks in the United States, as described in the 1992 US Defense Planning Guidance(which has never been superseded), has been "to prevent any hostile power from dominating a region whose resources under consolidated control be sufficient to generate global power." The document lists Southwest Asia as one such region. In this region, Iran is the country best suited to become the hub of regional power. This concern about Iran's potential did not start with the Islamic revolution. America's change of heart regarding the shah was partly because of his ambitions to turn Iran into a viable economic and military power. Any other viable regime in post-Islamist Iran, including a nationalist regime, would also want to develop the country's resources. This might be one reason why the current American administration favors the Mojahedin e-Khalgh (MEK), rather than any other opposition group, as the successor to the Islamist government. Reports are circulating that the United States has moved back some MEK fighters to Iraq, perhaps in anticipation of moving them into Iran. The MEK was willing to support Saddam Hussein and cede Iran's Khuzestan province to Iraq. There is no reason to think that it won't similarly follow U.S. bidding. The hawks' ideal scenario involves Iran's disintegration along ethnic and linguistic lines, or at least its transformation into a loose federation with a weak central power. Such goals, which can't be achieved through sanctions and destabilization efforts, would require military operations, though short of a full-scale land invasion. A massive air strike targeting Iran's vital infrastructure would suffice. For some years now, many analysts have recommended such an option. Amitai Etzioni, for instance, once said that the United States should confront Iran by bombing its civilian infrastructure or risk losing the Middle East. Key U.S. policymakers in the Trump administration share such views, as do key U.S. regional allies. There is one last reason why the US might attack Iran. Many in America have not forgiven Iran for its 1979 revolution, the hostage crisis, and the defiant behavior it adopted. They believe that allowing Iran to get away with this behavior sends the wrong message to other potential challengers. In short, Iran is a rebellious satrapy that must be subdued. Of course, the current Iranian regime could self-dissolve and accept all the 12 conditions laid out by Secretary of State Pompeo. But Iran is unlikely to do so. Instead, Tehran would try to make potential military operations as costly as possible for the United States. Therefore, those in the United States-as well as in Europe and elsewhere-who do not want another devastating war in the Middle East should do all they can to end the current U.S.-Iran standoff. One possible way of avoiding disaster would be for the United States to suspend sanctions on Iran for a year in exchange for Iran agreeing to new and wide-ranging talks on all outstanding issues between the two states. Key European states could try to broker such a deal. Of course, for this suggestion even to be considered, Iran must indicate willingness to engage in broad and comprehensive talks with the United States, and be prepared to reconsider the most controversial aspects of its foreign policy. About the Author: Shireen T. Hunter is a Research Professor at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Her latest publication is God On Our Side: Religion, Foreign Policy and International Affairs (Rowman & Littlefield, December 2016). Man Forces Children To Eat The Flowers They Are Trying To Sell 01/14/19 Source: Radio Farda Iran's State Welfare Organization, the minister of labor and Kerman's city administration have reacted to a video showing a man forcing two children to eat the flowers they are trying to sell. A video circulated on social media shows a man, who directly or indirectly works for the city of Kerman, forcing two flower-selling children to eat the flowers and films the scene. The Kerman city administration has expressed regret over the incident but has insisted that the perpetrator of the act was not a city employee but worked for a contractor and has been fired from his job. But the head of Social Emergencies office has said that the man "apparently" was a city employee and has been fired. The labor and welfare minister has expressed regret and has ordered an investigation. The State Welfare Organization says it is following up on the case and "demands legal action against the perpetrator". This is not the first incident of violence used against children peddling in the streets and other street vendors in Iran. In June 2018, a welfare official to ISNA that "73 percent of child vendors on the streets" face various forms of physical and verbal abuse. Iran Cargo-Plane Crash Near Tehran Leaves 15 Dead, Army Says 01/14/19 Source: RFE/RL A cargo plane coming from Kyrgyzstan has crashed near the Iranian capital, with the country's military saying only one person of the 16 on board survived. The Boeing 707 exited the runway and hit a wall while trying to land in bad weather at Fath airport near the city of Karaj, 40 kilometers west of Tehran, reports said on January 14. photo by Islamic Republic News Agency Only one person, a flight engineer, of the 16 people who were onboard was found alive and taken to hospital for treatment, the military said in a statement carried by the semiofficial Fars news agency. The head of Iran's emergency department, Pirhossein Kolivand, told state TV that seven bodies were recovered from the wreckage of the plane and that the search continued for others on board. State television showed pictures of a plume of smoke rising from the crash site. "A Boeing cargo 707 place carrying meat from Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan had an emergency landing at Fath airport today...the flight engineer has been dispatched to the hospital," the military said. The aircraft "exited the runway during the landing and caught fire after hitting the wall at the end of the runway," it added. See more photos by Islamic Republic News Agency There was some confusion about who owned the plane. A spokesman for Iran's civil aviation said the aircraft belonged to Kyrgyzstan, but a spokeswoman for Manas airport near the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, said the plane belonged to Iran's Payam Air. The spokeswoman also said that the Boeing crashed in Iran after departing Manas airport. General Shahin Taghikhani, a spokesman for Iran's army, told state TV that the plane and its crew were Iranian. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP National plan for safeguarding Caspian seal drafted in Iran 01/14/19 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - Iran's Department of Environment (DOE) is preparing a national action plan on preserving the relict species of Caspian Seal in cooperation with the responsible organizations, Mehr reported on Saturday. Caspian seal, the sole marine mammal inhabiting the Caspian Sea, is endangered according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), as recently demonstrated to have declined by more than 90 percent since the start of the 20th century. Existence of Caspian seals indicates healthy condition of the sea, and now fishermen in the three coastal provinces are being trained how to behave while spotting a seal, Parvin Farshchi, deputy DOE chief for marine affairs has said. Insisting on national and international cooperation for successful implementation of the plan, she said that the DOE held a meeting to develop solutions for conservation of the precious species with officials from Ports and Maritime Organization, Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization, Fisheries Organization, Iran Navy, environmentalists and related experts in attendance. Pointing to the Iranian ships to display Caspian seal image, she said that Iran will spread the message of "the need for preserving the Caspian seal" to the world, which is a valuable measure in this regard. Davood Mirshekar, deputy DOE chief for marine ecosystems, for his part said that during the Iranian calendar month of Bahman (January 21-February 19), seals travel to the northern shores of the Caspian Sea in Russia and Kazakhstan to give birth on ice sheets after an eleven-month gestation period. The Caspian Seal life can be divided into three periods, he said, adding, they spend the first period on breeding, the second period on hair shedding cycle and the final period of their life spends on migration to southern and central parts of the Caspian Sea including Iran, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. They normally tend to live in groups but occasionally hundred may gather at a good place, he added. He further regretted that oil spill, industrial waste as well as heavy metals, agricultural pesticides, radioactive waste, wastewater and household waste entering the sea, and noise pollution caused by oil and gas refineries, and excessive boat traffic have pushed the species toward extinction through poisoning them. "Some of the toxins in the long period weaken their body's immune system against the diseases along with reducing their fertility," he lamented. Unfortunately, their population which stood at about one million shrank to less than 100,000 in less than 30 years, he concluded. In an exclusive interview with the Tehran Times in November 2017, Farshchi referring to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), said that Caspian seals were included on Appendices I and II of the Convention by DOE efforts. As per the Appendix I of the Convention, poaching and illegal fishing activities is banned to save the animals from extinction, while Iran has not had a share in illegal fishing of the species since the very beginning, she concluded. Over the 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CMS COP12) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), administered by UN Environment on October 28, 2017, Caspian seals were included on Appendices I and II of the Convention. According to the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals Website, Appendix I comprises migratory species that have been assessed as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range. Appendix II covers migratory species that have an unfavorable conservation status and that require international agreements for their conservation and management, as well as those that have a conservation status which would significantly benefit from the international cooperation that could be achieved by an international agreement. Iran to send Amirkabir University's 'Payam' satellite into orbit in coming days 01/14/19 Source: Mehr News Agency Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Monday that an Iranian-made satellite named 'Payam' will be put into orbit at 600 kilometers altitude above Earth in the near future. Rouhani made the announcement while addressing a group of people in Golestan province during his provincial visit on Monday. He said homegrown 'Payam' satellite will be put into orbit at an altitude of 600 kilometers above Earth on a satellite-carrier rocket in the coming days. Rouhani added that the two are made by Iranian scientists at Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT). The president explained that Payam is Iran's first operational satellite with a mission to send daily information about the country's climate and agricultural lands. He added that the satellite would pass over Iran's airspace six times a day. Model of 'Payam' satellite Elsewhere, the president underscored Iran's close and amicable ties with all its neighbors and other countries in the region, from Turkmenistan to Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, and the southern Persian Gulf countries, adding "we have some disputes with one or two neighboring countries, but we are ready to resolve our issues." He added that the Israeli regime, meanwhile, wishes to bring Iran to its knees, but it will fail to do so. "The US has imposed sanctions on our banking sector, oil and shipping industries, but we will stand firm against these sanctions," Rouhani said, adding "the fact that we want to maintain banking ties with various countries is not an easy task, but God willing we will be able to do it." Iranian Political Prisoners, Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and Baha'i Azita Rafizadeh, Refuse Phone Calls in Solidarity With Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe 01/13/19 Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran Authorities Revoke Phone Privileges, Reduce Food Rations in Evin Prison's Women's Ward Two political prisoners held in the same ward as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe in Iran's Evin Prison have given up their right to phone calls until the authorities lift newly imposed restrictions targeting the Iranian UK dual national as well her fellow inmates in the Women's Ward. Zaghari-Ratcliffe's weekly phone calls with her husband were canceled and her food rations decreased after she announced she would be going on hunger strike for access to medical treatment for lumps in her breast. This prompted prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh and Baha'i university educator Azita Rafizadeh to give up their own phone calls in solidarity with Zaghari-Ratcliffe. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe Until recently, female inmates held in the Women's Ward of Evin Prison in Tehran were allowed to make three 20-minute phone calls per week. Now, female prisoners can only make 10-minute phone calls according to a schedule set by the authorities, a knowledgeable source told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). In the wards where male prisoners are held, inmates have phone access every day from eight in the morning until nine in the evening, added the source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. According to testimonies provided by former political prisoners held in Evin Prison's Women's Ward, inmates there endure inhumane conditions, including the denial of proper medical care in a prison infirmary that is dirty and lacking in supplies and medical specialists, denied or delayed transfer to hospital and specialists for treatment of serious illnesses, inadequate nutrition, and intermittent lack of heat. Inside the Women's Ward: Mistreatment of Women Political Prisoners at Iran's Evin Prison Like all political prisoners in Iran, these women are subjected to harsher treatment than other inmates. They are routinely denied or subjected to limited family visits and telephone communication with family, and they are denied or subjected to limited furloughs, or temporarily leave, granted to most prison inmates in the Iranian penal system. The behavior consistently cited by the inmates as the most distressing of all was the denial or limitation of visits and telephone communications with family. This is in keeping with the Islamic Republic's punitive treatment of political prisoners throughout the country's prisons. As a number of the prisoners of the Women's Ward are mothers, including Zaghari-Ratcliffe, Rafizadeh and Sotoudeh, the lack of phone access is particularly painful given the unique bond between mother and child. Zaghari-Ratcliffe's daughter is now four-years-old; having spent more than half her life in Tehran being raised by her grandparents (Zaghari-Ratcliffe's parents) after the authorities imprisoned Zaghari-Ratcliffe under a five-year prison sentence under unspecified espionage charges. Sotoudeh has an 18-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. Rafizadeh has a nine-year-old son and her husband, Payman Koushk-Baghi, is also incarcerated. Since October 2015, Rafizadeh and Koushk-Baghi have been behind bars serving five-year prison sentences for teaching at the Institute for Higher Education (BIHE), which provided university-level education for members of the Baha'i faith who are routinely denied university educations in Iran because of their religious beliefs. Sotoudeh, an outspoken human rights defender and lawyer, is also currently serving a five-year prison sentence while facing several other charges primarily for being the attorney of a woman who was charged for removing her compulsory headscarf in public in Iran. On January 8, 2018, Iranian state-run TV aired a sensationalist film posing as a documentary alleging that Zaghari-Ratcliffe was an agent of the US and UK who was plotting to bring down the Islamic Republic. The film was shown in the Women's Ward. Facade grants to be given to businesses only for projects yet to be started Lohan's Beach Club episode two begins with the most comprehensive video recap ever. At least three minutes of re-introductions to the cast. Then the intro credits roll in keeping with the show's inexplicable beachy business gal concept, its theme is Lohan's tragically overlooked 2008 single "Bossy." (Chorus: "I'm just a little bossy"). Even after the official recap reel ends and the "Bossy" chorus has played out, Lindsay and Panos are still re-explaining how the show works: they're employing the services of horny American millennials to help expand their Grecian nightclub empire! "We hired people who are the best of the best," Lindsay says, wearing a striped sundress. Related | 'Lohan's Beach Club' Episode One Recap: Someone Call HR Now we're in the villa where the hosts live. It's one of those great "getting ready" montages that reality shows like this do. Jonitta is brushing her hair, Brent is blow-drying his. Prepping themselves for a big day of increasing Lohan brand awareness. Meanwhile Panos once again explains the extremely basic tasks that he expects the hosts to do: upsell clients to cabanas, get them cocktails, look cute. "This is the chance of a lifetime, and they need to bring their A-game," Panos says. I hate that. What could anyone possibly gain from this experience except Instagram followers? A working visa for Greece, which has the European Union's highest unemployment rate? "If they don't come here to work, that's it, they're gone," he adds. I would really like some clarity on whether or not people can actually get eliminated from this show. It is so competitive and yet has no cash prize or anything. The only reward is getting to hang out with Lindsay Lohan, who has allegedly left her 2009 party girl days behind and is now obsessed with being a #Girlboss. Mike the bartender is speaking to the camera. "There's all this opportunity available, just from being here in Mykonos, it really makes me want to show Lindsay what I can do." Now it's Aristotle talking. "I really feel like there's an opportunity here for a long term career." I wish I could help them. 11AM at the club. B-roll of sexy beach people. Lindsay is talking about how much she hates the hosts, who unlike her have never known struggle or hardship. "I want to just understand why they even wanted to be a part of this, a part of my life, because at the end of the day it's my name [on the club]. If their intention is not to work hard, there are so many other people out there who would appreciate it so much more." Related | Lindsay Lohan's Break the Internet Cover Story Each working day at Lohan's Beach Club begins with a beachside morning meeting led by Panos. He is always extremely critical. "Some of you are not on point sometimes, I have a little problem about it," he says. Sad serious faces. Career longevity is at risk! Oh no. Lindsay has brought along some craft materials. "I have an idea," she says. "We're all going to write out our intentions. What are your goals?" Mike looks so annoyed that he has to do this. He came here to hook up with sexy Greek shipping heirs and maybe film a viral video of Lindsay Lohan dancing to one of her own songs! Not get spiritual. The first person at the table to come up with an intention is this host who I swear wasn't in the first episode. His name does not come up on screen, so I cannot give it to you at this time. One of his goals is to "create more job opportunities for Greek people," which this show about importing fame-hungry Americans to work at a Mykonos beach club owned by Lindsay Lohan is absolutely, categorically, not going to do. Nonetheless Panos is touched. He says this sentiment, as a Greek man, makes him very emotional. Jules she's the blonde says her goal is to "grow the Lohan brand." I'm depressed. Now Aristotle is speaking to the camera about his personal struggles for some reason. "I was the youngest of four kids. I'm a momma's boy." Ugh, back to the meeting. We're still doing intentions. Lindsay looks like she is crying, maybe. But only a little. "I hope they learn that they really need to treasure and value themselves more than anything else," she says. More than the Lohan brand, though? More than making money? I don't think so. This scene is going for so long. Now Panos is reading out what Lindsay wrote for her intentions. She has the kind of demented handwriting you would expect. No need for me to describe: it's exactly what your brain is picturing. She wants to "make people happy, love and be loyal." But also be a boss bitch, right? Related | MTV's 'True Life' Reboot Will Spotlight Kardashian Lookalikes "BACK TO WORK," instructs Panos in his usual menacing way. Jonitta and Jules are on camera describing the virtues of Lindsay. "She makes you feel so welcome," says Jules. "She really cares about her brand," says Jonitta. Today's special business task is looking after a VIP client who is a fashion designer and definitely not a paid actor. We cut to him entering the beach club wearing an OTT hat, kind of like the one Samantha wore on that funeral episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte meets the guy with a dead wife. "He's a big huge personality," says Panos. So who is going to be in charge of looking after him? Aristotle and Brent have been chosen. Brent starts bragging about how he can sell out the whole club in a couple of hours. Cut to Panos expressing concern that Brett "thinks he's the boss" and "better than everybody else." As we learned in the last episode, such independent thinking is strictly outlawed here at Lohan Beach Club. The lowly workers must know their place in the hierarchy! Linds and Panos are the boss bitches and all uprisings will be forcefully crushed. Pink-haired Gabi is on camera with the tea. "Brent sees himself, and I emphasize sees himself because no one else sees it, as the alpha." Then Brent is on camera literally describing himself as "the alpha male and the boss." He is disappointedly realizing that here at Lohan's Beach Club he isn't in charge, and is "just another face in the crowd." I'm going to send Brent a link to a Marxist podcast and see what happens. Brent and Aristotle are off to attend to the needs of fancy fashion guy. His name is Lakis. "The rest of you, make money," says Panos. "Let's go!" Lakis the fashion designer is a true revelation. His hat is so big and floppy that he has to keep a hand on it at all times so it doesn't obscure his face. He needs hot towels, stat. He needs water for his tiny dogs, stat. He's wearing an insane and obviously fake gold beaded necklace. "I just want Panos to look at me as someone who will do whatever it takes to make a client happy," says Aristotle. Right before, and I wish I was exaggerating here, bending down to wash Latis's feet with the hot towels. Brent and Aristotle Brent appears on camera saying he'd never degrade himself in this way. He's disgusted. "I'm done with helping Aristotle out," he says. Lindsay watches him walk away from the cabana in shock. "Is this really happening?" she asks. This is such confusingly and poorly manufactured drama. I'm unsure what the stakes are, if any. Now Sara is on camera talking about how she has been single for two and a half years, and also how her parents had an arranged marriage. They're strict Muslims. It has been hard for her to meet a guy because her "only social life is her job." Brent is "a breath of fresh air." Totally forgot they're trying to make Brent and Sara a thing. But Sara has a dilemma. "I like the way he treats me, but I don't like the way he treats other people." Entirely valid concern from what we've seen of Brent so far. Panos and Aristotle are having a private meeting about what went down with Brent and the foot washing. Panos is so thrilled that Aristotle is being a rat. They don't want the workers to be friends with each other or have unity of any kind it's bad for business. "Brent is being disrespectful," Aristotle whines. "I'm angry about it," says Panos. B-roll of the blue-haired DJ, who sadly doesn't seem to be a character in this show, dancing on the sand. Billy, the guy whose name I couldn't remember before, is on camera. Hello, Billy. He is expressing interest in Sara! Brent's got competition! Now Aristotle is complaining about Brent to Lindsay. She feigns shock. Someone at MTV has been tasked with making Lindsay and Panos likeable, so we get a brief scene of them meeting a random baby. I'm not falling for this shit. These two are rotten to the core. Panos Back to the business talk. "You point them out to me, if anyone's not doing their job," Lindsay says to Panos. "Brent, I feel like he has his own agenda, and that really scares me," she adds. Aristotle says something about how he'd do anything for his boss. Okay, we get it, you love feet. Ooh. Now Sara and Billy are in the pool together. Cut to Brent looking sad 'bout it. Sadly this romantic moment has nothing to do with business strategy, so we jump immediately to a new scene. Aristotle is running a lap around the pool naked. We appear to be playing truth or dare. One thing I will say about this show: I think people are genuinely drunk most of the time, as opposed to acting. And I am happy for them. It seems necessary. Sara is back on camera, trying to choose between Brent and Billy, two of the most generic bros to ever wear tank tops. Brent "treats her like a queen" but Billy is more physically her type. It's hard. Now she is telling them this in person. Definitely this is how normal humans interact. These people have known each other two days, as Billy helpfully clarifies. B-roll of an ominous blood red moon. Some sweet girl talk between Sara, Jules, and Jonitta. They latter two say Brent will cheat on Sara and hook up with clients at the club. They don't trust him. They encourage her to play the field. "Go girl," says Jonitta. Yeah, go girl! As Linds would say, tearfully, "Boss bitch." Brent decides he and Billy have to talk this thing out. The girls eavesdrop. Brent, in the way of all insecure men, decides it will be best for his ego to pretend like he never liked Sara in the first place. "You know what, you take her," he tells Billy. "We are in a house of all ugly girls." Wow! "I'm surrounded by twos. A five, maybe a six." He laughs to himself. Brent for the record is a zero, maybe 0.5. What's amazing about Lohan's Beach Club is that the scripted villains are super obvious, and they always take things way too far. It is a totally uncomfortable and gross viewing experience to watch Brent degrade the women contestants like this I'd rather be told he's a dick through his actions, not words. Where is the subtlety? Sara and Jules are overhearing this little chat, by the way. Sara interrupts. "You're really going to call us twos?" She calls Brent an asshole and Brent tries to backtrack. Sara tells the camera that Brent shouldn't be disrespecting her or any of the other girls in the house. We cut to Sara pouring a bottle of tequila on Brent's head. Girl power! Maybe corporate feminism is actually good. She and Jonitta leave the courtyard, holding hands in solidarity. Love this. All the girls congratulate her, and now they're all bonding in a bedroom. In a touching moment, Sara appears on camera saying this is the first time all the girls have connected. "Everyone had my back, and it was girl gang versus Brent the douchebag." We're now at what I guess must be Lindsay's house. She has some male friends over and they're cooking together. Fun footage of Lindsay gutting a fish. "If Oprah could see me now!" says Linds. "Martha Stewart over here," comments one of the men. "I'm not Martha Stewart, I've already been to jail," she says. A line that is almost funny and almost makes sense. Back to the host villa. It's midnight. Brent is chugging vodka in the kitchen. Then passing out in the lounge. Mike helps him throw up. MTV does not hold back with this: we get to see bright yellow-colored vomit. Billy is so smug about all this. He says he's still interested in Sara. It is finally, finally the next day. Brent is hungover. The team are having their usual morning meeting with Panos, who is going off at Brent, who isn't having it. He brags about how he'd be a better manager than Panos. Aristotle is back on camera talking about how much he loves to please the boss, which according to this show just about makes him the most virtuous person possible. As we finally fade to credits, Panos is Facetiming with Lindsay, who I guess is at the fish market or something. He complains more about Brent. Why was the entire episode about Brent? "Everybodee is replaceable," says Panos. His favorite catchphrase. The episode ends, but not before a sneak preview of Mike saying, "We're getting a new roommate." Is this goodbye Brent? I somehow couldn't care less either way. See you next week! Standing on the white sand beaches of Tulum gazing up at the stars with a Corona in one hand and warm waves of water lapping at my feet, it is hard to fight the urge to wax poetic. Feeling small and inconsequential in the face of a seemingly endless sea sprawling across the horizon into the inky night sky, I let myself get swept up in the natural beauty of the ancient Mexican town I had wandered down to the beach on the last night of my stay in Tulum not necessarily in search of some sort of cinematic Eat, Pray, Love moment but rather to try and better understand the moment of spirituality that made British DJ and Crosstown Rebels label head, Damian Lazarus, come back year after year and ultimately settle on as the home for one of his biggest annual parties, Day Zero. Fittingly, the story of Day Zero begins at the end. Specifically, December 21st, 2012, was the date Lazarus initially threw the event to commemorate the end of the world according to the Mayan Calendar. "At that moment I had been fighting against making parties here in Tulum," Lazarus explains. "I had been coming to this area for many years and people had been asking me 'when are you going to do a party here?' [but] I was always like 'no, this is a special place.'" But Lazarus admits that ultimately he couldn't stem the coming tide as parties began to inch down the coast from Cancun. Over dinner with the artists and crew the afternoon before Day Zero was set to open its gates, Lazarus cradled an adorably restless puppy that he had found on the festival's grounds just a couple days earlier and was debating on whether to adopt it once all was said, all the while teasing friends and guests about the many new exciting surprises he had in store for the party later on that night. Day Zero is just one of the many events that have sprung up to fill the void that BPM Festival left and now in its sixth year it has gotten bigger than ever before. Photo by Tasya Menaker With the addition of a second stage, scores of performers and art installations across the entire grounds, Day Zero isn't laid out like a traditional festival field but rather slotted in among thickets of jungle trees connected by a series of winding paths that weave in and out disparate clearings and freshwater caves. Wandering around through out the night it was easy to get lost, but it was exactly those moments when you felt completely turned around that you would stumble into a lines of blacklit neon-painted trees or an impromptu Mayan ceremony being conducted above a raging campfire. Walking into Day Zero, the canopy of trees bathed in swathes of soft light gave the natural park an otherworldly air. An array of lazers emanating from the mainstage danced electrically across the branches as the ground pulsed with the constant throb of a 4/4 beat, drawing entering denizens towards their energetic epicenter. The lineup featured a selection of forward-thinking house and techno acts like Four Tet, Black Coffee, Blond:Ish, DJ Three, and Lazarus himself that each brought their own unique takes to the night's soundtrack. Photo by Get Tiny A proper rave, the night's festivities lasted from dusk til dawn so no one blamed you if you availed yourself of one of the many hammocks, mattresses, and futons strewn about the grounds for a quick disco nap. As a late night chill swept the jungle I found myself ducking into a pleasantly balmy cenote (freshwater limestone cave) to nod off in as projections of exploding galaxies illuminated the cavern ceiling. Photo by Get Tiny Despite the many magical moments lying around every corner, Day Zero doesn't posture itself as event that is completely detached from its surroundings. Signs alerting attendees to poisonous spiked trees served as a reminder of the very real wilderness that the party inhabits. Talking with Lazarus, the frailness of the park's ecosystem seems at the forefront of his mind as he details all of the ways Day Zero has gone above and beyond to take care of the land. "We managed to connect with a company for this event that offsets the carbon footprint of every artist and crew member's flight financially with some ecologically sound companies," he explains going on to detail the various ways the festival has sought to cut down on plastic, waste, and clean-up to make sure that the area is in better condition than they found it. "I don't profess to be a major guru on the subject of sustainability," Lazarus prefaces. "I'm learning every day and I thought that in a place as beautiful as [Tulum] that for this event we needed a new agenda for what we can and should be doing." Part of that new agenda included the appointment of the festival's first ever sustainability manager to make sure that no stone was left unturned when it came down to minimizing their footprint. Constant pick-up crews and signs that encouraged visitors to "leave no trace," made it so that being conscientious was always in the back of one's mind as you walked from stage to stage. Photo by Here & Now As I watched the sun rise over the tops of the trees atop the massive viewing tower, called the "Temple," Lazarus had insisted I climb up, there was a feeling of serenity that permeated through the leaves. The natural splendor of Tulum with its ancient ties to Mayan culture juxtaposed against the artificial euphoria of a contemporary rave was an odd combination that somehow managed to come together in a supernatural harmony. Having come to understand firsthand the genuine thought, care, and passion put into bringing Day Zero to life, I had a whole new appreciation for the poignancy a rave could have in the middle of a jungle. Riding back to the hotel bleary-eyed, and a little delirious from just having pulled an all-nighter dancing, I may not have unlocked any grand truths about myself but I did know that I would walk away with an unbelievable experience that I would most likely look back on in disbelief my whole life. Photo by Get Tiny Do you appreciate the work we do as the only independent media outlet dedicated to serving OU students, faculty, staff and alumni on campus and around the world for more than 100 years? Then consider helping fund our endeavors. Around the world, communities are grappling with what journalism is worth and how to fund the civic good that robust news organizations can generate. We believe The OU Daily and Crimson Quarterly magazine provide real value to this community both now by covering OU, and tomorrow by helping launch the careers of media professionals. If youre able, please SUPPORT US TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $1. You can make a one-time donation or a recurring pledge. Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, said both Democrats and Republicans appear to be unwilling to compromise and the partial government shutdown is no closer to ending than when it started. Katko and Rep. Anthony Brindisi, D-Utica, both said they're working with other moderates to find a bipartisan solution to the shutdown, which is now in its 26th day. If all Im doing is fighting for religious freedom to practice my faith, its just authority that Im looking for, not freedom, said Danny de Armas, First Baptist Orlando senior associate pastor. If I really believe in religious liberty, Im advocating for somebody to be able to practice their faith who believe differently than me. The longer that we draw out the insurance claims process, the more frustrating our homeowners get with the claims process, the more likely they are to go out and seek other solutions, and sometimes those other solutions are going to lead to fraud in their insurance claim, Patronis, a Panama City Republican, said. Its with a heavy heart that I announce that my brother, Jason Spindler, passed away this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi, brother Jonathan wrote on Facebook. Jason was a survivor of 9/11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell. Within days of learning she had stage three triple negative metastatic breast cancer, members of the police department not only rallied around Anscomb, they also them came up with resourceful ways to raise funds to help her with expenses while she undergoes extensive and costly treatment. School Board members at their meeting Monday recognized the schools for receiving the Five Star School Award, which was was created by the state education commissioner's Community Involvement Council to single out schools that make a concerted effort to involve the community. All the suspect had to do was surrender. Instead the suspect chose to fight, the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office posted on Facebook at the time of the incident. Airbnb has unequivocally rejected the [boycott, divestment and sanctions] movement and we remain deeply committed to our more than 20,000 hosts in Israel, Airbnb said in a statement released Tuesday. We have worked with the Florida State Board of Administration on this matter, we remain committed to the more than 45,000 Airbnb hosts in Florida who share their homes with over 4.5 million visitors, and well continue to do all we can to support our community. The investigation began May 9 when a Louisiana law enforcement agency contacted St. Petersburg police about a missing 17-year-old boy at a mobile home at 4000 24th St. in North St. Petersburg. Investigators believe the teenage boy was lured through an online gaming app call Discord, which allows users to communicate with each other. St. Petersburg officials said the app was used to coordinate picking up the boy and driving him to their area. The Volusia County Sheriff's Office says the student claimed to have a gun in his backpack but then immediately said he was kidding. When the teacher demanded he hand over his bag, he left the classroom. A school resource officer responded and found the student. No gun was found in the backpack. I said, Something has to change, said Diane Hernandez, Diazs grandmother. There has to be some consequences and people have to know that now, if [the bill] passes, if you are with somebody, youre responsible. I had to do something for him. Securing funds for Floridas cultural organizations could very well require a battle: Last year, Florida funded only 5 percent of grants recommended by its own department of state. In terms of per-capita government funding, Florida plunged to No. 48 out of the 50 states, a far cry from the 2014-15 fiscal year, when Florida ranked 10th in the nation. Floridian homeowners increasingly embrace the home sharing and vacation rental platform as an opportunity to earn supplemental income and make ends meet, a release said, before noting that 45,000 people in Florida host on the site and on average earn $6,500 a year. Why Baburs Tomb beckons Nehru-Gandhis! The Gandhi dynasty has continued to visit the tomb of Babur, the founder of Mughal empire, who brazenly boasted of his fondness for killing the Hindu Kafirs Ram Ohri, IPS (Retd) Ever wondered why each one of the scions of the Gandhi family never failed to pay obeisance to the Mughal emper Babar at his far away tomb in Kabul, Afghanistan? Ever wondered why the newly-minted janeu dhari Shiv bakht never gave damn about visiting the grave of a Hindu King thats lying there a few metres away? Baburs Tomb in Kabul The greatest forum that Internet is today for sharing information provides all that gory details. Read on to see who the real mentors the family owes its allegiance to - Babur, and his barbaric marauders during the Mughal rule in India. One interesting episode revealed by many bloggers on Internet is the mystery of every generation of Nehru-Gandhis since 1959 visiting the Mazar (tomb) of Babur in Kabul. It is amazing that the Indian historians jocularly labelled Munshis by the Hindu ideologue Sita Ram Goel, have failed to go back and connect the dots of our post-independence history. Their biggest failure has been the omission to expose why Baburs grave continues to beckon every generation of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty! Dynastys Fascination for Babur Equally remiss has been the mainstream media. The paid scribes and columnists, too, failed to notice that the scions of the Dynasty representing every generation from Pandit Nehru down to Rahul Gandhi have visited Baburs grave, ostensibly to pay obeisance to the founder of the Mughal empire: Nehru visited Baburs grave on 19th Sept, 1959 Indira Gandhi visited Baburs grave in 1968, as revealed by Natwar Singh in his book, Profile and Letters Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi visited Baburs grave in 1976. Rahul, Dr Manmohan Singh and his Foreign Minister, Natwar Singh visited the grave of Babur in August 2005. The then National Security Adviser, M K Narayanan, had also accompanied the former P.M. Source : Ibid. The Gandhi scions: Owing all their allegiance to Baburs memory? It is time to expose Rahul Gandhi aka janeu dhari Shiv Bhakt, why every generation of Nehru Gandhis has been visiting Baburs grave in Kabul since 1959? Why must they pay obeisance to the murderer of lakhs of Hindus and plunderer of our temples? Why must, even today, Zaheeruddin Babur, the destroyer of Sri Ram temple in Ayodhya, continue to beckon and inspire the members of Nehru-Gandhi dynasty? The episode of Indira Gandhi bowing for a few minutes in silence at the grave of Babur in 1968, mentioned by Natwar Singh, did cause a furore among Hindu bloggers, but the mainstream English media remained myopic in its delusion. However, the visit of Rahul Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh along with Natwar Singh to Baburs grave in August, 2005, did receive some attention of the media. According to the correspondent of Chandigarh-based daily The Tribune, on being questioned, Rahul Gandhi said that the Press was reading too much into his visit to Kabul with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and dismissed the allegation that he was seeking to derive political mileage from his visit to the tomb. The Tribune story mentioned that Rahul Gandhi accompanied the Prime Minister almost everywhere, including the Presidential palace and Baburs tomb in Bagh-e Babur. It further added that the External Afffairs Minister Natwar Singh and National Security Adviser, M K Narayanan, seemed to be answering the question that Rahul was asked. The surprise of surprises was that no media guru ever tried to join the prominently visible dots of the repetitive visits of four successive generations of the Dynasty to Baburs grave in Kabul! Is it due to the Dynastys secret affiliation with Mughal marauders? The searching comments about fascination of Nehru-Gandhis made by inquisitive bloggers like Rita Gupta, Arushi Bahugana and Ramadhir were ignored. No one questioned Natwar Singh about his intelligent understanding of Indiras bowing before Baburs tomb. Did it point to some secret affiliation with the notorious invader? Nor did any investigative journalist question the accidental Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh that who prompted him to add a visit to Baburs grave in his itinerary in August 2005 visit to Afghanistan. Was it Rahul Gandhi, or was it just a brainwave which enthused the imagination of former Prime Minister? Being a Sikh he could not have been an ardent admirer of Babur whose tyranny has been condemned forcefully by Guru Nanak. An Oxford-educated scholar like Dr Manmohan Singh could not have added the visit to Baburs grave to his Afghanistan itinerary without being prompted by some heavyweight politician (read Rahul Gandhi). Subaltern Story of Ghiyasuddin Ghazi. According to the accounts of Pandit Nehru himself, his forefathers were supposedly Kashmiri Hindus and that his great grandfather was Pandit Raj Kaul who had migrated to Delhi in 1716 on the invitation of the then Mughal ruler, Farrukhsiyar and that his grandfather, Gangadhar Nehru, was the Kotwal of Delhi? But that claim sounds hollow. Because, as a rule, no Muslim rulers ever appointed Hindus as city kotwal, never ever a Hindu. Farukhsiyar was a cruel ruler who wanted to humiliate the Hindus and convert all of them to Islam! He was responsible for the capture of Banda Singh Bahadur and bringing him to Delhi along with speared heads of scores of gallant Sikhs and Hindu followers of Guru Gobind Singh. The Moghul ruler took fiendish delight in torturing Banda Singh, including 700 Sikh soldiers. He even slaughtered his innocent son. It is highly unlikely that Farrukhsiyar would invite a Kashmiri Hindu to come and settle in Delhi. The Nehru dynastys founder was a Muslim nobleman, Ghiyasuddin Ghazi, who was the Kotwal of Delhi before the uprising of 1857. There was never any tradition of Mughal rulers appointing a Hindu as City Kotwal It is time to start investigation into the truths which have been hidden from the public Ever since Natwar Singh disclosed the secret of Indira Gandhi bowing before Baburs serious doubts arose in the minds of many intellectuals, including some bloggers, about the origin of the Nehru dynasty. And that led to an alternative narrative of the Muslim ancestry of the family. In a blog titled Hidden Facts About The Nehru-Gandhi Dynasty, posted on the website of speakingtree.in/the stud, it was claimed that the Nehru dynasty founder was a Muslim nobel, Ghiyasuddin Ghazi (meaning kaffir-killer), who was the Kotwal of Delhi before the uprising of 1857. But historically there was never any tradition of appointing a Hindu as City Kotwal during Mughal era and that too of Delhi which was capital of the Muslim rulers. According to alternative history, Ghiyasuddin Ghazi, not Gangadhar Nehru, was the Kotwal of Delhi in 1857. After capturing Delhi the British started hunting and killing Muslims all across Delhi and sons of Bahadur Shah Zafar were beheaded by them. In Delhi there is place near Darya Ganj which to this day is called Khooni Darwaza. That infamous epithet was given to the place because hundreds of Mughals were killed or hanged at that spot by the British soldiers. It is said at that time the city Kotwal Ghiyasuddin Ghazi ran away from Delhi along with his family fearing capture by the rampaging British troops. He was allegedly intercepted by the British soldiers at Agra because he wore the attire of a Mughal nobleman and looked like a Muslim functionary. But he managed to dodge them and escaped by claiming that he was a Kashmiri Hindu whose name was Pandit Gangadhar Nehru. This fact has been elaborately explained by a scholar, M. K. Singh, in the 13th volume of the Encyclopedia of Indian War of Independence (ISBN:81-251-3745-9), published in 2009. M K Singh is the well-established author of six books. No one ever contested what M K Singh wrote in his well researched tome nearly a decade ago. Exploits of Hindu-Killer Babur In his autobiography Babur admits that his most important goal in his life was to kill the Hindus and spread Islam across the Hindusthan. In Tuzuk-e Babri, he boasts of his fondness for killing the Hindu kafirs and building towers of their heads. The despicable story of Baburs barbarity has been copiously narrated by Guru Nanak in Babur Nama. In the first shabad of Tilang Rag Guru Nanak laments the great sorrowful condition of women caused by depravity of lustful invaders subjecting them to cruelty.6 (Source: Postcard. news, Rita Gupta, The real face of the Mughul emperor Babur which no history book will tell you). Similarly Arushi Bahuguna pointed out that in Third Shabad, Raag Asa, Mahala Ik, Ashtapadi Ghar 3, Guru Nanak described in detail how Hindu women with plaits of black hair were humiliated by shaving their heads and nooses were put around their necks to torture and insult them. (Source: Postcard news, Arushi Bahuguna, The real face of Babur which no history books will tell you! The blogger highlights the fact that thrice Baburs tent had to be moved to a higher level because the ground became clogged with the blood from the bodies of kaffirs slaughtered by his troops. Disdain for Hindu King Pithviraj Chauhan It is shockingly remarkable that none of the Nehru-Gandhis ever cared to visit the grave of Prithviraj Chauhan located in Ghazni, some distance away from Kabul. This wilful omission of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty not visiting the dilapidated grave of the valiant Hindu king Prithviraj Chauhan has remained a forgotten chapter in Dynastys Babur-loving narrative. Most Indians (read dumb Hindus, as most of them are) dont know that the grave of Prithviraj in Afghanistan is visited by the locals even today to vent their anger for his killing of Muhammed Ghori, 900 years ago says, E. Jaiwant Paul in his book, Arms and Armour: Traditional Weapons of India. Jaiwant Paul wrote that on the outskirts of Ghazni are two domed tombs. The larger one is of Muhammed Ghori and few meters away is the smaller tomb of Prithviraj Chauhan. What Paul saw during his visit was shocking. He writes, In the centre of the second tomb was a bare patch of earth where the actual grave should have been. Hanging over this spot from the top of the dome is a long, thick rope ending in a knot at shoulder height. Local visitors would grab hold of this knot in one hand and stamp vigorously and repeatedly with one foot on the bare patch in the centre of the tomb, wrote Paul, a weapons collector. On seeking an explanation, he learnt that the Afghans still stamped with their feet on the grave of Prithviraj because he had killed Ghori, 900 years ago, for which reason they hate Prithviraj Chauhan. The hidden reasons for Dynastys contempt for the Hindu king and love for Babur are two important questions which require in-depth research. It is time that the Indian Council of Historical Research undertook study on this important project!! (The writer is a retired IPS officer) Unified voice, collective intellectual fight is the need of the hour The panel discussion organised by Organiser debated ways to Save Temple Traditions with prominent people who were working on the ground to revive these traditions and also fight against external forces who were out to destroy the ethos of Sanatana Dharma. Panelists expressed that saving of temples was not merely from Semitic Forces but also from those who never understood Sanatana Dharma and the vivid learnings it has imparted through scriptures Praveen Patwardhan A panel discussion on Save Temple Traditions was arranged by Organiser Weekly at Bengalurus K L E Society School on January 5, 2019. There has been a focused effort to demolish traditional Hindu culture and practices by inimical anti-Hindu forces in the nation. Temples have been made targets, time and again. The Hindu temples were not mere places of worship. But it stood as a place of peace and harmony imbuing art, music and culture. Panelists inaugurating the function by lighting the lamp The panel discussion was to debate these issues with prominent personalities who were working on the ground to revive the traditions and also fight against external forces who would otherwise destroy the ethos of Sanatana Dharma. Saving of temples not only from Semitic Forces but also from those who never understood Sanatana Dharma and its vivid learnings it has imparted through the holy scriptures. The Government, courts, lawmakers have been party to making fun of Sanathana Dharma. The panel discussion started with the Editor-in-Chief of Organiser Sri Prafulla Ketkar delivering the key note address to introduce how the panel discussion would shape into and what should be the outcome at the end of such a comprehensive discussion. Prafulla Ketkar elaborated how Organiser has been bold in speaking on nationalistic issues, be it rehabilitation of Hindu refugees from Pakistan or against Article 370 of J&K or Emergency in 1975, Ramjanma Bhoomi Movement, Swadeshi Movement and broadly to reassert Dharmik values of Bharat on the edifice of Sanatana Dharma. He said how seeing Bharat through wrong spectacles has harmed the understanding of Bharatiya heritage. He opined that the idea of Bharat is not Unity in Diversity but understanding the unique Bharatiya culture that celebrates the diversity. While Bharat has rendered the gift of divinity in all beings to the world, it has now been made to listen to the West on the discourse of gender equality albeit the latter has been trying to practise humanity for the last 300 years. Audience present at the panel discussion Save Temple Tradition in Bengaluru Prafulla Ketkar said it is the idea of Shiva and Shakthi which is binding the whole Bharat analogous to Shiva from Kailasa in the north and Shakti from Kanyakumari down south. The alleged intellectuals and learned people like us have had the issue of understanding Bharat while it is crystal clear that those people who we have been labelled as uneducated, illiterate masses with regard to culture, heritage and Bharatiya values. Swami Kamalananda ji pointed out that governments and courts are interfering in our temple traditions. But the same entities failed to act against those churches whose 99 year lease has already expired or about to expire. All these agreements were done during pre-independence period. Why are we putting up with such biased approach? Prabhat Yadav Gayathri Narendra, member of WEBOLIM, an organisation which facilitates people to experience the treasured values of the Vedas and the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata to inculcate them in their everyday life by way of workshops, classes, and camps, explained how, at WEBOLIM, they have been able to reduce cultural distortions which is visible in schools these days and also as thought process running in the minds of the common man through teaching Samskrita and the Vedas enabling and empowering people to study the texts and scriptures from Maharshis directly instead of relying on the translated versions. Gayathri said the importance of temples were for individual enhancement where it only gave pure thoughts and no distractions and perversions knitting people with the exuberant culture and healthy ritualistic life. Temples served as channels for societal harmony wherein we see that the ratha is being pulled by everyone without discrimination. Reciting from Ramayana, Gayathri said just as Prabhu Rama did not discriminate among his subjects, his citizens too emulated him and lived in harmony. Temples have created a plethora of occupations, creativity, agriculture around them. She cited the example of Srirangam temple which once had 360 varieties of rice for the daily naivedya. National integration was always guaranteed through temples and a devotee from Guruvayur Krishna temple would see and workship the same Krishna at Rajasthans Srinathji temple. Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmasi has been practised throughout Bharat, she pointed out. She concluded that the threat to temples are also a threat to individuals, society and national integrity. The temples are not places of bhakti and mukti alone but also place of bhukti. The shops around temples generate so much revenue which is unexpected at other religion's place of worship. Temples have always been unifying and organising people in all its karya and does not discriminate any jati. But concocted lies have been spread about our temples Swami Kamalananda Swamiji TR Ramesh, Hon President of Chennais Temple Worshipers Society, which works tirelessly to retrieve, restore, rejuvenate the sacred temples, practices, rituals, culture and architecture, lamented on the Supreme Court judgement on the Sabarimala Ayyappa shrine where the top judicial body referred Susan B Anthony and Henry Ward Beecher in their judgement. He questioned if traditions have not harmed anyone, was there a need to destroy the ancient traditions? Saving our temples like Puri Jagannath on the controversy of Chulha rice is as important as building Ram Mandir at Ayodhya. Identifying the temples which are under threat are to be resolved. Or else it would be too late when things get out of conrol, he said. National integration was always guaranteed through temples and a devotee from Guruvayur Krishna temple would see the same Krishna at Rajasthans Srinathji temple. Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmasi has been practiced throughout Bharat Gayathri Narendran He also said, Atheists and marauding missionaries are not the only ones demolish our temple cultures but also the wrong judgments of the High Court and the Supreme Court have added to the woes and the way of reading everything through Abrahamic glasses will upset the Hindus more. The temple established by king, chieftain would be offered to the society through a ritual in consecration where it is told that till sun and moon exist, people would take care of the temple. However, the participation of society in such endeavour is losing and the governments are playing viciously in confiscating acres of lands which belonged to the temple authorities. The analogy that kings ruled the temples and hence the government should rule is so incorrect as the former ruled it in the way he was expected to while the Government these days are into secular and appeasement politics. He said acres of lands in states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana have been taken away and no returns out of those could be expected. Awareness, legal initiatives and agitation are the three things which the society should practise to save Hindu temples from this siege, TR Ramesh added. Bharateeya Traditional Life revolved around temples and played a vast role in the ecosystem of society. Temples were never confined to religious and ritual practices. Art, Dance, Music, conflict management were all part of the temples and a divine touch to any activity was inherent Viajayalakshmi Vijayakumar Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar, pioneer in thematic programs and is the convenor of Heritage Trust, a non-profitable trust which focuses on promotion and dissemination of culture and heritage of Bharat said, Hindus do not believe in one God and we are pantheists who elucidate that Eshwara is everything, Everything is Eshwara and that there is only one Eshwara. Sadly, we do not fully understand this and we get defensive to explain to someone who speak ill about our gods or even question them. It is a mere joke when people say we look down upon women but it has been nothing but a plot of the those series of invaders who sowed the seed of discrimination. Sati has also been a gift of the invaders but having forgotten the past we feel ashamed of it and not counter it, she said. She echoed Gayathris words and said that life revolved around temples and played a vast role in the ecosystem of society. Temples were never confined to religious and ritual practices. Art, Dance, Music, conflict management were all part of the temples and a divine touch to any activity was inherent. Over a period of time dance and music art forms were considered not ritualistic though it is part of the shodhashopachara. Speaking about Sabarimala issue, she said there are lot of occupations confined to women and the external debate on gender equality should not hold good in the case. She urged that the revival and fight to save our temples would be through active participation of everyone. The Panel discussion on the topic 'Save Temple Traditions' organised by Organiser was very informative and insightful. It cleared a lot of doubts and confusions in the minds of the participants and gave clarity on many disinformation and doubts that have been spread by both the mainstream media and social media Asha Ashok Kamalananda Bharati Swamiji, Founder of Hindu Devalaya Parirakshana Samiti, dedicated to rejuvenate (jeernoddhara) Hindu temples and also one who is working in the states of Andhra and Telangana through his work has been successful in keeping the Christian Missionaries and conversions at bay. Addressing the gathering he said, Swamiji you move forward in your endeavour and we will join hands with you, should be the commitment to save temples and not to just applaud when some work is accomplished. There has been a strong belief in our minds that building temples by even sand itself could be so holy that the next three generations who would build them would attain swarga. With the same belief our kings of Chola, Pandyas, Krishnadevaraya and many others have built magnificent temples and handed over to us stating that these temples would exist till Sun and moon would exist. The temples are not places of bhakti and mukti alone but also place of bhukti. The shops around temples generate so much revenue which is unexpected at other religion's place of worship the revered one said. Our temples are not built with just walls and doors but it is so vast and extended which has the garbhagriha, natyagriha, mukhamantapa, parivaramandir, gopura, shikara, Kalyani, dwajastambha etc and there is a significance for each and every architectural wonder he said. Temples have always been unifying and organising people in all its karya and does not discriminate against any jati, but sadly concocted lies have been spread about our temples, he added. The idea of Bharat is not Unity in Diversity but is understanding the unique Bharatiya culture that celebrates the diversity. While Bharat has rendered the gift of divinity in all beings to the world, it has to now listen to the West on the discourse of gender equality though they are trying to practise humanity for last 300 years only Prafulla Ketkar Speaking about laws made he recollected how the former CM of Andhra Pradesh YSR Reddy had eyed on hundreds of acres of temple land and how the Swamiji along with his team approached the court and stayed the order which YSR Reddy had passed. Pained by the Sabarimala judgement he said that the lamps in the Hindu houses are lit by women. It is women who help in the naivedya and prasada preparation to the Purohit of temples. It is the same women who ask their husbands to take the brahmacharya deeksha and visit Ayyappa temple. Moreover, any village would have the concept of gramadevatha, a Godess who is believed to be protecting the village and she gets the first offering even before the chief deity. With all such practices it should be a laughable thing for someone to speak about gender inequality in Bharat.He concluded by opining that all stake holders who are concerned about Hindu issues including Swamijis, Mathadipathis should come together shunning differences and take up issues of temples, Gau Seva, and anything similar and complete the task in a time bound manner. He recollected how his Rathayatra of 2012 was on Sampurna Grama devalaya sandarshana rathayatra, concentrated on visiting every village and every Hindu house. Swamiji has so far visited 8000 villages walking 10,000 kilometers on foot and intends to visit all six lakh villages in the country and said if such visits are not made it will only ease the job of the missionaries to play their card of conversions. In the panel discussion, it came out from TR Ramesh that unified voice is need of the hour. Sadly many in northern parts of the country do not understand the Ayyappa tradition and so the country coming together was impossible. A unified voice would have been easy to fight the case. All Hindus have to get united to fight governments on cases related to saving temples is urgently needed Ramesh said. If traditions have not harmed anyone, was there a need to destroy the ancient traditions. Saving our temples like Puri Jagannath from controversies like that of Chulha rice, is as important as building a Ram Mandir at Ayodhya TR Ramesh To a question asked by Prafulla Ketkar, Gayathri answered by saying. teaching about Ram and Ramayana has been a source of response to threats to temples. She said. Swamiji were standing behind the Kshatriyas and guiding them through their tasks who did not fight wars kept the people motivated to tread the path of Dharma. As an instance Swami Samartha Ramadas stood behind Shivaji who fought wars. Swami Samartha Ramadas inspired by Prabhu Ram was working amongst people by building Hanuman temples which worked as a great momentum for people to support the king whose job was to protect his people and also Hindu Dharma. So the participation by everyone would help reclaim the glory of the temples, she said. Vijayalakshmi in her concluding remarks said that diversity and equality of women is looked at differently and we as Hindus become defensive or emotionally offensive in answering question that are posed and without strengthening our numbers and convincing ourselves of the greatness of Sanatana Dharma we would be fighting the enemy without a weapon. People could be brought together through programmes, arts and cultural talks but we also need to know why we are doing it. This event should have happened long before and we should reach a wider audience as traditions are part of our culture. It is important to save our temple traditions as traditions and culture are part of our identity. These traditions represent the diverse culture that we are and its important that these traditions are safeguards to ensure our cultural continuity. The theft of our traditions has been done very cleverly targeting only our places of worship. The efforts to save temple traditions is beyond elections and politics and it is about the call to every Hindu. Its time Hindus wake and realise their culture, history and heritage Viva Kermani Kamalananda Bharati Swamiji answered a question on how strong the Hindu society still is despite so many assaults over the years and also in recent times. He recollected that the Kar Sevaks who headed to Ayodhya had written their will and had decided that even if they were to lose their lives, it was for the sake of Dharma. Similarly, the recent human chain in Kerala to protect the Sabarimala tradition is a testimony to the fact that Hindus are orientated to Dharma. He urged people to get connected to all Hindus and visit all six lakh villages of the country if not the missionaries would do the same and destroy dharma completely. Amba Bhavani who blessed a sword to Shivaji and his small troop was able to fight and win the enemy which was mightier. Amba Bhavanis sword to all of us is ready but it is we who have to make up our mind, get strong and fight the battle, Swamiji said. Article 25 is an individual right as opposed to Art 26 which is a collective right granted to a religious denomination. It forms an intricate intersection of individual and group right in the Constitution. Group right being the right of the religion to operate as an organised faith. Article 26 clause (a) to (d) enumerate four rights which are - to establish and maintain religious institutions, manage its own affairs in matters of religion and rights pertaining to owning, acquiring and administer property Srikanth Venkatesh In his concluding remarks, Prafulla Ketkar said Organiser was doing the job of connecting the dots and enabling people to work together for the cause of saving temples. He reminded the attendees that saving the temples is the job of the government and common man assuming its role as zilch is itself against the thought of what Sanatana Dharma has given us. He said though we as Hindus call Ram as Maryada Purshottam new narrative that he is anti SC as he killed Shambhuka, anti ST as he killed Vali, anti-women as he sent Sita to forest, anti Brahmin as he killed Ravana and may be many more to come. So in the battle of such narratives been set we need to understand our enemies clearly and fight them and as Hindu Dharma has always said it is Dharma which prevails but the support system and a unified voice would enable us to win the battle sooner. Thanks for organising the session on Save Temples Traditions. It was a pleasure to hear the speakers. There is a need for forums or groups where people could volunteer and support the Save Temple traditions initiative on ground too Mahesh CR Members from Rasadhwani Kalakendra, a cultural organisation, recited Vedic hymns at the start of the event and Smt Roopa Srikanth delivered the invocation song. Prashanth Vaidyaraj, Bureau Chief of Organiser, welcomed and introduced the panelists to the attendees. Smt Anupama Harish compered the event and Sri Radhakrishna Holla delivered the vote of thanks. (The writer is convenor of VSK Karnataka. With inputs from Bengaluru Bureau) Readers Forum Ignoring Peoples Demand! Apropos (Supreme Court is Guilty of Avoiding its Responsibility) Organiser, January 13, 2019 the interview of VHP working president Shri Alok Kumar is hard-hitting. I cant understand how the nations apex court opens proceedings in the middle of the night to pass verdict on trivial cases, but drag its feet endlessly over one of the most pressing issuesthe Ram Janmabhoomi, which has been in legal battle for about 68 years! It seems, the court is not willing to listen to the peoples will. Narendra Kumar, Jalandhar Excavating Christian History! Apropos (Marxist-Christian Nexus Exposed in Pattanam Excavation) Organiser, January 13, 2019, the Christian NGOs are going to extraordinary lengths to establish their Christian Caliphate in South India. The latest attempt of Pattanam excavations is only one such brazen attempt. Many more surreptitious attempts are made in India. For instance, illegal occupation of hill tops in the vicinity of ancient Hindu temples, the St Thome Church in Chennai, foreign-funded Christian activists protesting against Hindu religious ceremonies in Brigadeeshwar Temple in Tanjore are blatant attempts to balakanise India along communal, religious fault lines. Organiser should expose these foreign-sponsored NGOs and their nefarious anti-Hindu activities in Bharat. Prashant Chauhan, Dehradun Incorrigible RaGa The attitude and disposition of Congress chief Shri Rahul Gandhi (RaGa) is irremediable. Despite that he is dreaming to be the Prime Minister. The discourteous language used by him against Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in respect of Rafale aircraft deal, despite clean chit given to the NDA Government by Supreme Court of India, demonstrates his immaturity. He is not ready to cease his bakwas against the Prime Minister. Sridhar V Kulkarni, Kalyan Dirty Game by Congress Apropos Atal ji was correct. Congress is responsible for making Bhindrawala a hero. The late Sanjay Gandhi, the younger son of Indira Gandhi, and Giani Zail Singh were responsible for this. I was in India at that time and I saw all this with my eyes. Congress brought forward Bhindrawala, an unknown preacher, to put down the Akalis. Indira and Bhindrawala addressed a joint election rally in Gurdaspur. Bhindrawala was arrested in a murder case but Giani Zail Singh got him released. Had Congress not played this dirty game, there would have been no Blue Star and the anti-Sikh riots in 1984. Stinder Kaur, Australia Name matters IT refers to the central government giving nod to UP governments decision of renaming Allahabad as Prayagraj. Names of Bombay High Court and Madras High Court still remain the same despite renaming of respective cities as Mumbai and Chennai long back. There has been gradual change in names or spellings of cities with the process still incomplete. Distorted spellings of Jullender and Simla by the British rulers as Jalandhar and Shimla have been rectified. But spellings of cities like Delhi and Bareilly, as per actual pronunciation, are still to be modified. Delhi is distorted version of Dehli meaning entrance. Lucknow should be renamed as Lakshmanpur as the city was established by Lakshaman, the younger brother of Shri Ram. The Union Government should also adopt single name Bharat for the country abolishing the British given name as India. Sri Lanka and Myanmar have already done away with such British legacy Subhash Chandra Agrawal, Delhi Burial of the Time Capsule Time-capsule carrying a laptop, a smartphone, a drone, VR glasses and some other items of present era buried on the campus of Lovely Professional University in Phagwara during 106th Indian Science Congress to be opened after 100 years, reminds of a time-capsule containing too many items and a history-sheet buried deep inside the ground by the then central government headed by Smt Indira Gandhi in Emergency-era of 1975-77 with totally distorted historical facts in front of the Red Fort in Delhi. However, the Janata Party Government put that time-capsule out. The present government should think about some similar time-capsule to be put deep inside the earth with items and historical facts at some prominent place in Delhi. Madhu Agrawal, Delhi Modis Assam Steps The significance and timing of PMs start of the campaign journey from Silchar is a clear message that Barak Valley of Assam is a priority area in his scheme of things On January 4, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a mammoth political rally in Silchar in Assam drawing crowds from Barak Valley of Assam and adjoining Dima Hasao district. He endeared himself to the gathering by wishing them in Bengali for the New Year and the Poush Sankranti that would be celebrated in a couple of weeks time. The people of the Valley were looking to this visit of Narendra Modi as they were awaiting some announcements from him on the National Registration Citizenship (NRC) issue, the Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 (CAB) and also the roadmap for revival of the only heavy industry of the central government the Hindustan Paper Mills in Panchgram. People fondly remembered the PM for expediting the completion of the LumdingSilchar broad gauge conversion project that was finally completed after 20 years of delay and cost overruns by previous governments. The significance and timing of PMs start of the campaign journey from Silchar is important- it was the Barak Valley that gave the first BJP MPs way back in 1991 with both Silchar and Karimganj the two seats from the Valley going to the party. Now that the party was in power in all the north-eastern states, choosing Silchar as the first rally venue for the PM for the 2019 onslaught is a clear message that Barak Valley is a priority area in the partys and the PMs his scheme of things. PM Modi addressing a public gathering in Silchar, Assam The PM addressed the issues of NRC and CAB in his speech very candidly. The updation exercise of the (NRC) being implemented in Assam under the orders and monitoring of the Supreme Court, the introduction of the CAB by the Narendra Modi Government in Lok Sabha in July 2016 and the issue of detention camps where many individuals are lodged often based on ex parte orders are the major political issues that impact the whole state of Assam and also the relations between the Brahmaputra Valley and Barak Valley. The process of NRC updation in Assam has been happening for the past three years in full swing with almost the whole administrative machinery of the State Government involved in the process. A total of 3.29 crore people had applied for inclusion in the NRC, and in the first published list on December 31, 2017, a total of 1.9 crore names had been included. The process of claims and objections continued till December 31, 2018 and now the corrections process is on to existing names in the draft list. Citizenship Bill is not just for Assam or the north-east, but is valid for all states and Union Territories as well. Neither is this for people of one particular country Rajnath Singh, Home Minister The CAB was introduced in the parliament in July 2016 that seeks to give Citizenship by naturalisation to immigrants from the neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan belonging to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities facing religious persecution who have come to India before 31st December 2014 and living illegally in the context of the provisions of the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920 and the Foreigners Act 1946. The Bill was referred to a joint select committee of parliament in August 2016 which has just finished its work in December 2018 after meeting many stakeholders including visiting Assam and Meghalaya and has recommended the passage of the Bill in early January 2019. PM Modi in his address at Silchar reiterated that no genuine Indians would be left out of the final NRC list and this promise bound both the Central Government and the State government. He announced that the government would work towards passing the CAB in parliament as that would be a penance for many of the anomalies and mistakes of partition. He laid the context for granting citizenship to these persecuted minorities and the effort and homework that was done in the endeavour. The Government finally passed the bill in the Lok Sabha on 7th January 2019. It is pertinent to state that the premise for granting citizenship under CAB was very well thought out and would be a once and for all solution to the issues around partition on the eastern front. As the land boundary agreement has sorted out the issues around land and territory with Bangladesh, this CAB will also settle this issue of illegal migration and also make a correct understanding between migration of refugees and illegal immigration in the right quarters. With the notifications of September 2015, the earlier mentioned communities from the three countries were not considered as illegal migrants, and the bill would allow them the possibility of becoming citizens of India in the defined period, i.e. seven years instead of the 12 years in the existing act. The PM also mentioned about the Cabinet decision to implement more closely the provisions of clause 6 of the Assam Accord of 1985 which seeks to provide protection to indigenous communities of the state and a high level committee under the chairmanship of MP Bezbaruah a well-respected bureaucrat has already been notified and this committee which with a wide mandate will look into safeguards for protection of the Assamese identity including reservation of seats in state assembly and will submit its report within six months. That way the fears that have come from many quarters in the Brahmaputra Valley is also being genuinely addressed. The Central Government has also approved to move a bill in the Parliament granting ST status to six communities of Assam namely Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Chutia, Tea Tribes, Moran and Matak. The government has waived the requirement of Cabinet approval, and the proposed bill has been introduced in the current session of Parliament. Pertinently the interests, rights & privileges of existing Scheduled Tribes of Assam would be safeguarded. A separate bill for the grant of ST status to Bodo Kacharis in hill districts of Assam and the Karbis in the rest of Assam has been initiated, and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is also proposed to be amended to strengthen the Autonomous District Councils. Assam is a multi-ethnic State with many indigenous tribes living and illegal migration over the years has changed the demographic patterns in many areas and impacting voting results in almost 30 constituencies. This has been increasing with every elections, and fear has been there among many of the communities. So some steps had to be taken to implement the Assam accord in its proper spirit and at the same time also assure that the introduction and passage of the CAB which had an all India coverage and was bond to a cut of date in the past would not become a burden for the state of Assam. Ever since the BJP-led governments have assumed offices in the Centre and State, an approach of building a better relationship with various communities has strived. Even engagements between the Brahmaputra and Barak Valleys have seen genuine efforts and as an indicator of that is the fact that the current Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has visited Barak Valley 16 times in the 30 months that he has been in the seat compared to his predecessor who came only 5 times in 15 years of his rule. The economic progress of both the regions and the hill districts has been a focus area, and this has resulted in better understanding of each others issues at various levels although vested interests nurtured over the years often raise their heads to derail the efforts. The focus to project Assam as an investor-friendly state and a significant player in Act East policy of the union government is being supported with actions on the ground. The Advantage Assam summit in February 2018 and the supportive events leading to that event with the holding of Namami Brahmaputra and Namami Barak in 2017 have shown the clear intent of the governments. (The writer is Director JOOKTO and works in grassroots in Barak Valley. He was former country head of General Dynamics) Khajuraho Lit Fest: Inculcating Nationalism in Literary Discourse Dr Nandita Pathak is speaking at the inaugural session. Satyendra Tripathi, Acharya Ganga Sarasvati, Vivek Agnihotri and Uday Mahurkar are also seen Khajuraho Lit Fest was a successful experiment in building a nationalistic alternative platform to popular literature festivals, which are celebrated for lack of Indianness The cultural capital of erstwhile Chandelas of Bundelkhand, in Madhya Pradesh, hosted the Khajuraho Literature Festival 2019 from January 5 to 6 on the theme Celebrating Indian Culture. Organised by Lok Neeti, the lit fest brought together creative minds from different parts of the country in the temple city to discuss cultural and literary richness of Bharat. Speaking at the inaugural session, noted filmmaker and author Vivek Agnihotri said that India is a country of the common man and spirituality is in our DNA. Taking a dig at the contemporary movies, he said that in post-Shahrukh Khan era, the Bollywood has dropped the common man from films. Lauding the beauty and cultural importance of the temples in Khajuraho, Vivek Agnihotri said, I recommend all parents take their children to Khajuraho to show them the monuments of human excellence, the power of spirituality, modernism, women empowerment, the progressive, scientific and liberal mind of India. They will be proud of India and wont let anyone else rule their minds. Acharya Ganga Sarasvati, General Secretary of Ganga Mahasabha said, In India, gender equality has never been an issue. Not only male and female, even trans-genders had been given a lot of respect before the rule of Alauddin Khalji. Even cravings on temple depict trans-genders serving idols of God and Goddess in temples. He also criticised the CPM government in Kerala for interfering in the Hindu customs and practices and trying to destroy the Sabarimala traditions in the name of gender equality. "Unlike Lutyens-based Lit Fests, we endeavour to awaken the real Indian society" Organiser Satyendra Tripathi, the ideator of Khajuraho Lit Fest and founder of Lok Neeti, under whose aegis the event was organised, speaks to Why Khajuraho? Khajuraho is very rich by its cultural, traditional and historical legacy. It is an immense treasure we have. But somehow, it has ben projected in a very negative manner. When we talk about Indias culture and heritage, I thought, we should have the focus on such areas where we can see culture as a lived experience. So once we chose Madhya Pradesh, my mind was drawn towards Bundelkhand region and Khajuraho. The idea of Lit Fest Basically, the idea was to promote the Indian thought process. As far as other major literature festivals are concerned, they show our culture and civilisation in poor light. It is not because that India is bereft of literary heritage. So why do not we promote the rich heritage of our literature? Why do not we discuss that? So we needed a platform to discuss the positivity of our culture and literature. This is how the idea came up. The diversity of topics We tried our level best to incorporate more vibrant as well as positive topics for panel discussions. We discussed the legacy of our nationalism. When it comes to gender justice, nobody had challenged discourse around gender identiy in Indian society. If you go through Ramayana, we can find out how the then society lived in harmony. You can find beautiful examples of how various societies lived in harmony. The leftist theories of social inclusion and justice are only intended to malign our cultural values. So we chose such topics for panel discussions.It was an effort to reinvent how we lived as a society. A different approach Reading out or discussing books alone will not serve the purpose. We have to bring our value system more in the discussions. So we wanted our speakers to concentrate on those aspects. The next edition Our theme is the same, celebrating Indias culture. So we will invite more intellectuals who are working towards that direction. The local people are also very much interested in the idea. Unlike Lutyens-based Lit Fests, we endeavour to awaken the real Indian society, which lives far from Delhi. So we all are looking forward to the next edition. The panel discussions saw acclaimed authors and speakers come together to discuss culture and literature. Speaking on the legacy of Indian nationalism, Uday Mahurkar, Deputy Editor of India Today said that if Mahatma Gandhi is the father of the nation, Veer Savarkar is the father of the Indian National Security and India should follow Savarkars doctrine of unalloyed Nationalism. He stressed on the need for India to officially accept Veer Savarkars doctrine based on unalloyed nationalism in national security and foreign policy. Shri Mahurkar also threw some light on his forthcoming book on Veer Savarkar. Dr Nandita Pathak, NIOS member and social activist, also spoke on the occasion. On the second day, experts from various fields expressed their views on Gender Justice and Social Inclusion by casting light on Indian tradition, literature, art and religion in the panel discussions. Speaking on the topic Dharma Satta to Raj Satta, Kapil Mishra, former Water Resources Minister in the AAP Government said that it is time to enlighten ourselves about the meaning and difference between Dharma and Raj (politics). There are many countries in the world which are based on Christian values lack Dharma. This is the fundamental difference between religion and Dharma. The religions and states, which are based on Semitic principles are intolerant, and that is why they exterminate their critics. A recently released book, Portraits of Hindutva: From Harappa to Ayodhya written by veteran journalist and political analyst Rakesh Singh, was also introduced to the literary connoisseurs. Speaking on the occasion, he said that he tried to argue in the book that Hindutva is as old as Hindu faith, not a modern-day mischievous concoction. Devotees from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and other states foiled CPMs attempt to bring women from 'Party Villages' to Sabarimala The CPM regime's police made another attempt to bring young women to the Sabarimala temple in the wee hours of the morning. Two CPM woman activists have reached up to Neelimala past Pampa, the last gateway to the 4.5 km off the temple. Policemen in civil dress escorted them. Reports Kerala Police's anti-Maoist force has been deployed to execute the sinister move. Devotees staged a protest by blocking the path leading to the temple. Several devotees are arrested. number of devotees are from Maharashtra and other states. Seven little children with them. Some have even threatened to commit suicide against the violation of the traditions. More devotees are reaching Neelimala from other parts of the mountain paths. They protested by chanting Ayyappa Mantra. Reports the women were brought during the night taking advantage of the darkness. They are either hardcore CPM workers or wives of CPM local leaders, hailing from the notorious party villages (where the political parties other than the CPM, are not allowed to work). More policemen are being brought to the spot. suggest,Largesay, Every generation of schoolchildren no doubt first assumes homework to be a historically distinct form of punishment, developed expressly to be inflicted on them. But the parents of todays miserable homework-doers also, of course, had to do homework themselves, as did their parents parents. It turns out that you can go back surprisingly far in history and still find examples of the menace of homework, as far back as ancient Egypt, a civilization from which one example of an out-of-classroom assignment will go on display at the British Librarys exhibition Writing: Making Your Mark, which opens this spring. Beginning with the origins of writing in Egypt, Mesopotamia, China and the Americas, the exhibition will explore the many manifestations, purposes and forms of writing, demonstrating how writing has continually enabled human progress and questioning the role it plays in an increasingly digital world, says the British Librarys press release. From an ancient wax tablet containing a schoolchilds homework as they struggle to learn their Greek letters to a Chinese typewriter from the 1970s, Writing: Making Your Mark will showcase over 30 different writing systems to reveal that every mark made whether on paper or on a screen is the continuation of a 5,000 year story and is a step towards determining how writing will be used in the future. That wax tablet, preserved since the second century A.D., bears Greek words that Livesciences Mindy Weisberger describes as familiar to any kid whose parents worry about them falling in with a bad crowd: You should accept advice from a wise man only and You cannot trust all your friends. First acquired by the British Library in 1892 but not publicly displayed since the 1970s, the tablets surface preserves a two-part lesson in Greek that provides a snapshot of daily life for a pupil attending primary school in Egypt about 1,800 years ago. Its lines, copied by this long-ago student were not just for practicing penmanship; they were also intended to impart moral lessons. But why Greek? In the 2nd century A.D., when this lesson was written, writes Smithsonian.coms Jason Daley, Egypt had been under Roman rule for almost 200 years following 300 years of Greek and Macedonian rule under the Ptolemy dynasty. Greeks in Egypt held a special status below Roman citizens but higher than those of Egyptian descent. Any educated person in the Roman world, however, would be expected to know Latin, Greek and depending on where they lived local or regional languages. It was a bit like the situation today with the English language, which has become a requirement for educated people in a variety of cultures and a subject especially loathed by many a homework-burdened student the world over. via Livescience Related Content: You Could Soon Be Able to Text with 2,000 Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs Try the Oldest Known Recipe For Toothpaste: From Ancient Egypt, Circa the 4th Century BC The Turin Erotic Papyrus: The Oldest Known Depiction of Human Sexuality (Circa 1150 B.C.E.) The Ancient Egyptians Wore Fashionable Striped Socks, New Pioneering Imaging Technology Imaging Reveals Museum Discovers Math Notebook of an 18th-Century English Farm Boy, Adorned with Doodles of Chickens Wearing Pants Based in Seoul, Colin Marshall writes and broadcasts on cities, language, and culture. His projects include the book The Stateless City: a Walk through 21st-Century Los Angeles and the video series The City in Cinema. Follow him on Twitter at @colinmarshall or on Facebook. . , , , ... What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 716-372-3121 or email nfinnerty@oleantimesherald.com. Stillwater, OK (74078) Today Clear skies. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Once a reliable voting bloc not only for Republicans but for Trump, too a man who famously dodged the Vietnam draft claiming bone spurs might be turning on the guy who loved to boast about his generals. A Military Times poll from October shows his approval rating among active-duty military personal had slipped since 2016, when he enjoyed a nine-point margin of support. Then, 46% of troops approved of his presidency and 37% disapproved. That gap disappeared, with 43.8% approving and 43.1% disapproving in the most recent survey. 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 Until now, rules prohibited hats on the House floor. The provision was part of a larger dress code that has long been part of the House tradition: Men must wear a coat and tie and women must wear corresponding appropriate attire. The rule which has roots in an old convention that removing hats indoors is a sign of respect has a storied history, and appeals to change it to accommodate personal fashion have fallen short. Oh GREAT Don, Griffin tweeted in reply to his post. I will never forgive you for your nasty tweet the day my smear campaign started. You know it was a f---ing smear campaign and you have never taken a moment to apologize. Some liberal you are. Yes, my memory is long my ex friend. Shame on you. I kept a list. Fear me. Steve Kings comments were abhorrent and the Republican leadership, unlike Democrats, have actually taken action when their members have said outrageous and inappropriate things, she said, an apparent reference to Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and her profanity-inflicted call to impeach Trump. The GSA Office of General Counsel recognized that the President's business interest in the lease raised issues under the U.S. Constitution that might cause a breach of the lease, yet chose not to address those issues, Inspector General Carol Ochoa said in a statement accompanying the report. As a result, GSA foreclosed an opportunity for an early resolution of these issues and instead certified compliance with a lease that is under a constitutional cloud. Blake has opted in to new fund-raising regulations which limit the amount he can accept from donors but increases the amount of matching funds he is receiving for small-dollar contributions from New York City residents. Of the 1,507 donations he puled in, 842 were eligible for matching funds, his campaign said, and those contributions will be matched at a new rate of eight to one. Financial Services is one of just four exclusive committees in the House. It oversees big banks, lending, & the financial sector. I am very grateful for the opportunity to sit on this committee as a freshman, and look forward to working under the leadership of @RepMaxineWaters! Ocasio-Cortez wrote. I can reach out to all those people because I have done that for 12 years and I also get things done, Gillibrand said. I think what the country wants, and what I can give, is that ability to bring all of us together on whats right, on whats in our heart. I think we have to make it possible for people to provide for their families, Gillibrand said as she was leaving her campaign kickoff event Wednesday morning at a hometown diner in the Town of Brunswick, just outside of Troy. A short time later, a group of House Democrats did try to cross aisle. They went to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office demanding he consider House-passed bills to fund the government. McConnell was not there at the time, so the group left a note. Hes paying the bills of Morris Black to make it appear he had not disappeared. This is very similar to Kathie Durst and his behavior (then), acting as if she was still alive, asking people to find her, putting up a reward, the judge said. In both instances, we have very similar behavior, so this is admissible. Cummins, 52, had asked for the minimum sentence of 10 years after pleading guilty to crossing state lines to have sex with a minor and obstruction of justice. He had been fired from Culleoka Unit School in Culleoka one day after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert for Thomas, who was a student at the school. A pair of cops in Vermont are in hot water for allegedly confiscating beer from underaged drinkers, then guzzling it themselves. The two Burlington officers have been assigned to desk duty until an investigation is complete, according to the Burlington Free Press. I am scrambling to get it done," Hansen wrote in an email, according to the Advocate. "Please give me till the end of the day. I sold a boat to cover the rest of this and need to pick up the payment this afternoon. The prosecution portrayed Barba as out of control when she grabbed the sword from a bedroom and started hacking at her lover. The defense claims the whole thing was an accident, with Barba unaware that the swords scabbard fell off the blade as she swung the weapon at him. The blaze broke out just before 3:10 p.m., on Bell Blvd. and 43rd Ave. in Bayside. Firefighters brought the flames under control just after 5:40 p.m. Christian Benitez, 21, who is bipolar and also suffers from depression and anger issues, was apprehended Wednesday afternoon nearly 24 hours after he abducted the baby girl, Seniya Benitez, from her grandmothers Gleason Ave. home in Unionport following an argument at 7:20 p.m. Tuesday, cops said. The grandmother has custody of the toddler, authorities said. The victim, whos from Connecticut, was hanging out with friends when the 52-year-old Medina flashed a shield, identified himself as a cop and lured her into his SUV, police allege. He then drove the girl to a motel in Pelham Bay, sexually assaulted her and let her go, authorities said. In particular, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Jason Spindler, an American who died during the attack, the department said. These craven attacks are a stark reminder of why the United States remains resolved in our fight to defeat terrorism. We stand with the Kenyan government and people as they confront violent extremism and work to bring the perpetrators to justice. Things like the 9/11 Museum making this monument to people injured by the toxins at the World Trade Center shows that the nation has accepted this, said Ben Chevat, executive director of 9/11 Health Watch, an organization pressing for the program to be extended. We had to struggle to get attention for years. Now, there is an acceptance in Congress and the wider community. Alex Spatt was called in as a potential juror in the case against Roderick Covlin, on trial for the 2009 strangulation death of his estranged wife, but was among dozens of an original 112 who were excused after the morning session due to various conflicts. If exposed to fire it will melt and it will give off fumes, said WSPs Michael Abrahams, an engineer with experience in bridges. The team is proposing a glass-fiber material to reduce that possibility. If necessary, a cement-like coating can make it fireproof. MTA engineers are confident in the safety of the material, which is currently used in the system, a spokesman said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kessler family, his fiancee and all his NYPD colleagues, particularly those at PSA 8. We also are keeping the NYC Parks employees who were injured in our thoughts as we wish them a speedy and full recovery, Lynch said in a statement. Lena says she paid for everything she left the store with, but that the woman followed her out and at first implied Lena had gone for the five-finger discount. Its disturbing Second Lady Karen Pence would put her stamp of approval on an institution that actively targets LGBTQ students at one of the places where they should feel the safest, said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO at the pro-gay group GLAAD. School policies should be aligned with instruction, focusing on healthy living so we can make sure students have all the tools they need as they transition into adulthood, he added. "Mr. Guzman has a right to testify in his own defense he also has a constitutional right to remain silent, and that should not be held against him. With respect to whether or not he will testify, the defense has not made a final decision, but it is possible." You may be required to make some changes in relationships now if you want to take them to the next level. The Capricorn New Moon falls in your 8th House of Intimacy, inviting you to step up and clarify where you stand with others. Reevaluate your aspirations -- both personal and professional -- and then set a deliberate course to reach them. Giving up some spontaneity in order to define and manage partnerships more carefully will pay off in the rewards of greater emotional satisfaction. If it is worthy of your heart, then it is worthy of your work. Baby Chanco, who became an Instagram sensation last summer because of her exceptionally full mane, appears in the shampoo companys new #HairWeGo campaign in Japan. The company was reportedly inspired by a People magazine article about Chanco that suggested the little girl was ready for a big ad campaign. Mark Wilson/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The call to action for chef and activist Jose Andres' food relief organization to set up shop in the nation's capital is unlike the usual circumstances under which the group operates, dropping into towns ravaged by hurricanes or burnt to the ground by wildfires. In those cases, modern technology is often stripped away and volunteers with Andres' organization, World Central Kitchen, have to make their pop-up kitchens and food supply stations work for disaster victims in spite of spotty cell phone service or a lack of electricity. But in Washington, Tim Kilcoyne, a lead chef with the non-profit, set up a cafe and restaurant to feed federal workers that are fully furnished and already suited with a kitchen, not to mention surrounded by bustling businesses and busy streets. Here, the problem is not a fire or a flood -- they've arrived to help some of the 800,000 government employees who are still without a paycheck on day 26 of the longest-ever government shutdown. Whether its activation for a natural disaster or a human disaster were here to support, here to help, Kilcoyne said. The pop-up, which opened on Wednesday, is called #ChefsForFeds and will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, to provide federal workers in the nation's capital with free meals at its location between Capitol Hill and the White House on Pennsylvania Avenue. Many of the volunteers working to cook for and serve the federal workers who come by are also federal workers themselves, some of whom are looking to fill the downtime they'd normally be spending at the office. "It seemed like a really good opportunity to give back and do something with my time in a way that's going to be meaningful, and hopefully help some people who are struggling," said Annie Shah, a furloughed federal employee who works for the Food and Drug Administration. Shah said the last 26 days have made her feel "stir crazy" sitting at home, unable to make travel plans because the government could open at any time. But she's also anxious and wants to keep up the work she was doing. "I love the work that I do and the people that I work with, and we have a really great mission at the FDA that I love to be a part of," she said. On opening day, #ChefsForFeds was ready to feed up to 2,000 federal employees and had already filled its volunteer needs, aided by the help of Shah and others. Tomato fennel bisque, a kale, brussel sprouts and quinoa power bowl and a fried egg sandwich with ham and cheese were on the menu. The pop-up is part of World Central Kitchens food-relief operation, which Andres started in 2010 after a devastating earthquake in Haiti. In the past year, WCK has served over 4.8 million meals to people in natural disasters zones around the world. On opening day, #ChefsForFeds was ready to feed up to 2,000 federal employees and had already filled its volunteer needs, aided by the help of Shah and others. Tomato fennel bisque, a kale, brussel sprouts and quinoa power bowl and a fried egg sandwich with ham and cheese were on the menu. The pop-up is part of World Central Kitchens food-relief operation, which Andres started in 2010 after a devastating earthquake in Haiti. In the past year, WCK has served over 4.8 million meals to people in natural disasters zones around the world. Copyright 2019, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. After ending her 40-month tenure at The News in 2013, Griffith freelanced for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Hollywood Reporter before winding up at Architectural Digest, where she toured the houses of the rich and famous. Adam Cook is a general assignment reporter and covers the Walker-Catoosa County area. He has been a reporter since 2009. He can be reached at The Catoosa County News office at 706-935-2621 and by email at acook@npco.com. Kaski, January 16 Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun says the countrys tourism industry can and should be a major foundation to lead Nepal to prosperity. Speaking at a function organised in Pokhara of Kaski district, which is also called the countrys tourism capital, on Wednesday morning, Pun said the government should think of development of tourism, agriculture, hydropower and herbs as the key foundations for Nepals prosperity. On the occasion, the Vice President also highlighted problems of the industry. There are insufficient physical infrastructures for Nepals tourism industry. The need of the hour is to establish the infrastructures and bring in quality tourists, the Vice President said. He was of the view that the sector should help youth stay in the country instead of going abroad as the countrys political scenario recently turned stable. The Gandaki provincial governments Minister for Financial Affairs and Planning, Kiran Gurung, said his government would cooperate with the entrepreneurs to crease an investment friendly environment. Floridas officials are already setting their sights on algae. Newly sworn-in Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order Thursday in Bonita Springs to address the states environmental crisis. I think the people of Florida wanted to see action, and this is action that was requested regardless of your party I think this is something that can unite all Floridians, he said before signing Executive Order 19-12, which aims to secure $2.5 billion over the next four years for the protection of water resources. The order, titled Achieving More Now For Floridas Environment, also established several new departments and one official position. DeSantis announced that they will appoint a chief science officer. So were doing sound science, making sure that were getting ahead of the curve on as many of these issues as possible, he said. The order also created the Office of Environmental Accountability and Transparency, the Office of Resiliency and Coastal Protection, and a Blue-Green Algae Task Force. This task force should support key funding and restoration initiatives to expedite nutrient reductions in Lake Okeechobee and the downstream estuaries, the order reads. It also seeks to update and secure all restoration plans, within one year, for waterbodies impacting South Florida communities. Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman said hes impressed to see the governor take action on this issue so quickly after being sworn in on Tuesday. The additional funding is extremely good for Lee County. Until we have the money to actually build the projects that need to be built, its all talk. Putting the extra money to expedite construction of projects that will redirect the flow of water is probably the most significant part of the order that will help Lee County out, he said. The biggest project that I think is called out in the executive order that will benefit Lee County is the C-43 reservoir, and the fact that the executive order is asking for a water treatment component to be developed along with that. C-43 is the Army Corps of Engineers name for the Caloosahatchee River. The full name of the project is the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir. According to the South Florida Water Management web site, The above ground Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir, located in Hendry County, will capture and store stormwater runoff from the C-43 basin and regulatory water releases from Lake Okeechobee, reducing lake discharges reaching the estuary. The reservoir would store excess flows and allow them to be released at times that are more beneficial for the estuary. If we can keep that project funded, keep that project on track, and make sure the water that ultimately is released from that reservoir is clean, I think those are very important things that were at least contemplated in this executive order, he said. Its very important to understand that between now and next summer, theyre not going to have any new projects that will be built. These projects are so massive theyre pieces of infrastructure that will take years to design, permit, and construct, Hamman said. Theres no guarantee we will have algae next summer, but we need to plan for it and prepare for it like we will. We need to all be ready to handle it. So I was excited to see that in this Task Force they used the word now, that theyre going to be thinking of ways to prepare for the next wet seasons algae blooms. Meanwhile,in Washington Wednesday, Congressman Francis Rooney, R-District 19, introduced an amendment to the Stafford Act that could do that. The amendment to the act that governs disaster response would officially list algal blooms as a natural disaster, allowing FEMA to provide aid in the event of another major algae crisis. We must make every effort possible to mitigate harmful effects of red tide and toxic algae and we must also take the steps necessary to eliminate the root causes of these outbreaks our water quality. I will continue to fight for the resources we need to fix our water, Rooney said in a prepared statement. Last year, Hurricane Irma wrecked havoc on one of the longest running events in North Fort Myers, the Cracker Day Rodeo. After a whole lot of fixing and cleaning up, the rodeo returns to the Lee County Posse Arena at 17401 Palm Creek Drive for three days this weekend, Jan. 18, 19, and 20. Bobbi Harrison, advisor for the Lee County Junior Posse, said they are very excited to have the rodeo back. We have a super rodeo production manager handling the stock and we think it will be a great show, Harrison said. Its been a lot of work and we think were ready to come back and hope North Fort Myers supports us. The open rodeo will happen on Friday starting at 7 p.m. and on Saturday at 6 p.m. Sunday will be the Junior and Pee-Wee Rodeo starting at 10 a.m. and ending whenever they finish. Slack for the open rodeo will happen Saturday at 8 a.m. Before the Junior Rodeo, there will be a church service at 9 a.m. by Cowboys for Christ Church. Harrison said many of the full-time members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association are coming south to compete and earn some points, and some of them could come to Cracker Day. There will be added money in all the events, including $2,000 in the barrel racing. We could very well be seeing some of the people we see at the end of the year in Las Vegas at the National Finals, Harrison said. The Cracker Day Rodeo serves as the arenas biggest fundraiser. It is a non-profit organization which serves area youth by giving them a safe place to learn about horses and horsemanship. It is also not your typical rodeo. While it will offer the roping and riding standards, it will also have events such as the Buddy Pick-up, team branding, pole bending and much more. There will also be mutton busting and a calf scramble for the kids, food, vendors and, for the first time, beer on Friday and Saturday. No beer will be served at the junior rodeo. The junior rodeo, which has also been a tradition, has had some challenges. It was cancelled last year, and in 2015 postponed until May because of tornadoes. In between, it has been moved around quite a bit. Having the event Sunday seemed to make the most sense, even if it means an extremely busy weekend for the countless volunteers who put on the event. We are usually very tired after a three-day stint, but we do what we have to do to volunteer. This is why were here, Harrison said. Our goal is to keep this going for the kids. The Cracker Day Rodeo will serve as a precursor to the PRCA Rodeo, which will happen Feb. 22 and 23. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under, and those 5 and under are free. Parking is $5. All military and first responders will be admitted for a special price. For more information, call Sherry Groff at 691-6432. President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to re-elect him in the Feb. 16, Presidential Poll so he can continue wit... President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday appealed to Nigerians to re-elect him in the Feb. 16, Presidential Poll so he can continue with the good work he started in 2015. Buhari, who made the plea in Lokoja while addressing a rally of party faithful and supporters, said all other candidates of the All Progressives Party (APC) should be voted for during the general election. NAN quoted him as warning the electorate against voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying that the country should not be returned to the ugly past. Atiku Abubakar is the PDP presidential candidate. Buhari reminded them of the situation in the country in 2015 when he took over, saying that the PDP wanted to return to power to entrench corruption in the system. The President said he had been able to fix roads, power, economy, Ajaokuta Steel Complex and other sectors, promising to secure the country against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes. He also promised to sustain and improve upon the achievements recorded in the power, road, education, health, economic and others sectors. The General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, has disclosed what he sa... The General Overseer of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State, Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, has disclosed what he saw in a revelation about the forthcoming election. Fufeyin has disclosed that he saw the blood of innocent Nigerians everywhere crying. In a Youtube video on Monday, the prophet urged Nigerians to pray against violence, death, and destruction during the forthcoming election. Fufeyin said, This is the time religious leaders, irrespective of their position have to come all out boldly in one accord to pray for the 2019 February elections against killings of innocent citizens. He said: Nigeria has no problem, politicians are not the problem, they need spiritual backup in prayers. The time to pray for Nigeria is now. I saw a vision about the forthcoming election, the blood of the innocent everywhere crying. Please, lets come together in the name of God to cry in prayer unto God for peace and violence-free elections, against deaths, fire everywhere, houses, religious centres etc were burnt down, brother killing brother. The Federal Road Safety Corps, Nasarawa State command, has called on politicians to stop their supporters from hanging on moving vehicle... The Federal Road Safety Corps, Nasarawa State command, has called on politicians to stop their supporters from hanging on moving vehicles to minimise the risk of road accidents. The Sector Commander, Mrs Faustina Alegbe, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lafia, on Wednesday that FRSC was worried over the menace, which could also endanger other road users. Alegbe said the FRSC was compelled to file an official complaint to the state assembly to address the issue. She said so many lives were being jeopardised by politicians and their supporters who were hanging on moving vehicles and going about for political campaigns. Alegbe said the FRSC was concerned about the development and urged all political campaigners to make their safety a priority observing road safety and traffic rules. She said the corps had also in the letter expressed its displeasure with the way politicians were defacing road signs with posters. The commander said lack of a clear view of road signs might confuse a driver and could lead to crashes. We have written to the state assembly and all political parties that we can identify in Nasarawa State. Thank God, we got replies from some of them who pledged to make adjustments in their campaign strategies; which is a good development. Nasarawa State House of Assembly acknowledged receipt of our letter and sent a reply that members will be sensitised on the issue. Nevertheless, we will continue to use every opportunity we get to talk to them on the need to prioritise safety during their political campaigns, she said. She said the command was collaborating with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include the issue in its sensitisation and advocacy programmes in the build-up to the general elections. Our major stakeholder at this time is INEC. We have spoken to INEC representatives at various meetings and we have made them know that such acts are unacceptable, she said. Workers in the Oyo State Public Service on Wednesday began a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries and withdrawal of promotion by... Workers in the Oyo State Public Service on Wednesday began a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries and withdrawal of promotion by the state government. The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Waheed Olojede, said that the workers were also protesting some other conditions. Olojede said that the state Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress, had been negotiating with the state government over the issues for the past three weeks. He said that one of the issues was `technical withdrawal of workers promotion earlier approved by the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, which the beneficiaries enjoyed for a few months. The promotion was approved by the governor in February 2018, implementation commenced in March 2018, and a good number of workers started enjoying it. To our surprise, by September 2018, the promotion was technically withdrawn by the Oyo State Government, and this led to setting up of a committee to meet the government to explain the reason. Other issues are outstanding salaries of workers in local governments and primary schools. They are yet to collect their December 2018 salaries which others have collected. In some local governments, workers are owed salaries of three to five months; this is why we said the government must do the necessary things to ensure that workers are paid as of when due, Olojede said. The workers rights activist said that it was necessary for the government to address all the issues. According to him, a meeting between the committee and the government on Tuesday was inconclusive. This led to the declaration of the three-day warning strike. We had earlier notified the government of warning strike. Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporatio... Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as a mafia organisation, vowing to privatise it if elected. Speaking in Lagos during an interactive session with the business community on Wednesday, Atiku said he would take the step even if doing so would cost him his life. He explained that he sold the idea to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo whom he deputised between 1999 and 2007 but that the former president did not approve of it. Atiku said he is convinced that NNPC would run better if not managed by the government. Let me go back to my experience. When we got into office, I walked up to my boss and said Sir, there are two mafia organisations in government: one is the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) while the other one is the National Electricity Power Authority (NEPA), he said. I said unless we dismantle these mafia organisations, we cannot make progress. Lets privatise them the long and short of this is that I am committed to privitaisation as I have said. I swear even if they are going to kill me, I will do it (privatise NNPC). Atiku also spoke on how an expert in the petroleum sector influenced his stance on privatisation of NNPC. I asked a Nigerian professor based in America; I said Prof, do you have ministry of petroleum in America? He said no, he said. I said, Do you have an organisation like NNPC over there? He said no. And America produces oil more than any country? He said yes. So I asked him, How do they do it in America? and he said taxation and I decided that I will go by taxation too. Joined by Peter Obi, his running mate, Atiku fielded questions that ranged from the economy to security, health and unemployment. He also criticised the current administration for the delay in passing the petroleum industry governance bill (PIGB). Atiku, who said the level of unemployment in the country is worrying, narrated his encounter with idle youth during his campaign rallies. He said if left unchecked the lack of adequate jobs could create a bigger problem. The first storey building in Nigeria located in Badagry, Lagos State, recorded 13,609 visitors in 2018, Mr Hodonu Daniel, the officer in... The first storey building in Nigeria located in Badagry, Lagos State, recorded 13,609 visitors in 2018, Mr Hodonu Daniel, the officer in charge of the building, revealed it on Wednesday. Daniel said that the number of tourists that visited the 172-year-old structure was higher than the 9,009 recorded in 2017. The foundation of the building was laid in 1842 and was completed in 1845. We recorded more tourists toward the end of the year when there were different festivals organised by people and the Local Government Authority attracted tourists to the site. Around August, we celebrated Coconut festival and many tourists that came for the event visited the site. Also during Diaspora festival, many foreigners came to the site. These were just the reasons why the site recorded high number of tourists in 2018. Im sure that the patronage would be higher this year if the Federal Government will complete the reconstruction of the Lagos- Badagry Expressway which is discouraging tourists from visiting the site. The major challenge that we face is the deplorable state of the road, as this discourages tourists from coming to the various historic sites in the city, Daniel said. He reiterated the call on the state government and private companies to assist in giving the structure a facelift. According to him, only the Anglican Church is carrying out the task for now. (NAN) The new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammad Adamu has for about the first time spoken about current security challenges Nigeria ... The new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammad Adamu has for about the first time spoken about current security challenges Nigeria is facing. Adamu made this known on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, while speaking to newsmen shortly after his appointment by President Buhari. Speaking further, the new IG thanked the President for counting him worthy and promised to restrategise to tackle kidnapping and other vices. According to Channels TV, Adamu said Id like to thank Mr President for considering me worthy to be the next Inspector General of Police and we know there are security challenges that we need to tackle in the country. We have issues of kidnapping, abduction and other security challenges and we are going to re-strategise from the strategy the former Inspector General has put in place and we will make sure that we tackle the challenges head on. Also commenting on the role of the police in the upcoming general elections, Adamu told journalists that the police force will stick to the rules. We are professionals, we are going to stick by the rules and were going to do the right thing. We are professionals, we are going to stick by the rules and were going to do the right thing. Youve heard from the former Inspector General of Police that adequate arrangements have been made to make sure that free, fair and credible elections take place in Nigeria and we are going to build on the strategies put in place, he added. The presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Independent Nationa... The presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of giving out uncollected voters cards to some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The former Vice President also said President Muhammadu Buhari, of the APC, failed in all the promises made before his election in 2015. Atiku stated this in Osogbo at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, during the presidential rally of the party Atiku said, This government came and said they were going to give you jobs. Have they given you the jobs? They said they were going to grow the economy. Have they grown the economy? We are in recession. In fact, we are the headquarters of poverty in the whole world. That is where they took us to. They said they were going to secure our country, instead of securing our country, we have insecurity in three to four zones of the country. Have they delivered on all these three? Why should you then vote for them? Now, listen to this very carefully, we have information that INEC has been givig uncollected PVCs to the APC governors. So if a voter comes to your polling booths and you dont know him, dont allow him to vote because they want to steal your votes. I promised restructuring. In five to six months, I will start that and I mean it. I said I am going to give youths 40 per cent of my government and I mean it. I said I am going to give women 30 per cent of my government and I mean it. Mark my words, I am not Buhari. The presidential candidate of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of giving out uncollected voter cards to some governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The former Vice President also said President Mohammadu Buhari, of the APC, failed all the promises made before his election in 2015. Atiku stated this in Osogbo at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, during the presidential rally of the party Atiku said, This government came and said they were going to give you jobs. Have they given you the jobs? They said they were going to grow the economy. Have they grown the economy? We are in recession. In fact, we are the headquarters of poverty in the whole world. That is where they took us to. They said they were going to secure our country, instead of securing our country, we have insecurity in three to four zones of the country. Have they delivered on all these three? Why should you then vote for them? Now, listen to this very carefully, we have information that INEC has been givig uncollected PVCs to the APC governors. So if a voter comes to your polling booths and you dont know him, dont allow him to vote because they want to steal your votes. I promised restructuring. In five to six months, I will start that and I mean it. I said I am going to give youths 40 per cent of my government and I mean it. North Korea posted a record trade deficit of US$1.97 billion with China last year, Voice of America reported Tuesday quoting Chinese customs statistics. The North's exports to China amounted to just $210 million in 2018, down a whopping 88 percent on-year and the smallest since 2001, and imports to $2.18 billion, down 33 percent. With exports shrinking to 1/10 of imports, the North's trade deficit with China hit an all-time high. In 2017, the North posted a trade deficit of $1.67 billion with China. Chinese customs said this was the result of China faithfully implementing UN Security Council sanctions against the North. In February last year, China announced it would no longer import North Korean coal, which was the renegade countrys biggest export, in accordance with the UNSC resolutions. In August and September, it banned imports of minerals, seafood and textile products from the North. The drastic decrease in exports to China has devastated the North Korean economy. "As a result of sanctions, transactions in the markets of Pyongyang have dwindled significantly and sales have shrunk to maybe 1/10," a source said. "Tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs because garment factories have received no orders from China." Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, has backtracked on his allegation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EF... Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, has backtracked on his allegation that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was planning to arrest Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN). Fani-Kayode on Tuesday alleged that operatives of the anti-graft agency had surrounded the home of Onnoghen with the intention to arrest him. He had written: Why have the EFCC surrounded the home of CJN Onnoghen and why are they seeking to arrest him? These people want Nigeria to burn! Buhari call off your dogs before it is too late! This is a democracy and not a gestapo state! In the name of God let this madness stop. In the same vein, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere national publicity secretary, had uploaded a short video broadcast on social media, alleging a raid on the residence of Onnoghen. In response, the anti-graft agency had threatened to file a libel suit against the duo over the claim. The EFCC had said it never went to the house of the CJN for arrest neither was invitation extended to him. Reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode expressed regret over the information he shared. The ex-minister said he has deleted the post from social media. He said: Yesterday I was informed by usually reliable sources that EFCC were positioned outside CJNs home. I have since discovered that the men were not from EFCC and I removed the posting. The error is regretted. Frank Mba has been reappointed as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Police. Mba who studied law at the University of La... Frank Mba has been reappointed as the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Nigeria Police. Mba who studied law at the University of Lagos, takes over from Jimoh Moshood. The police spokesman, who hails from Ezimo in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, was the best graduating cadet inspector in academics at the Police Academy, Kano, in 1993. He rose up the police ladder and was promoted to assistant superintendent of police in 1999, deputy superintendent of police in 2003, superintendent of police in 2006 and chief superintendent of police in 2012. President Muhammadu Buhari has hinted at seeking redress in court if next months election does not end in his favour. Buhari ga... President Muhammadu Buhari has hinted at seeking redress in court if next months election does not end in his favour. The Candidates, a programme on the elections. Buhari gave the indication when he featured ona programme on the elections. Kadaira Ahmed, executive director of Daria Media and anchor of The Candidates, had asked Buhari if he would accept the outcome of an unfavourable election. In his response, the president spoke of the massive crowd that has welcomed his campaign team to different states. I eventually won after God granted me the post as well as the advent of the PVC. He also made an indirect reference to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) case of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of Nigeria (CJN). Reacting to the allegations that the anti-corruption war is one-sided, he said: Well, I think its unfair criticism. I dont think there is anybody in this administration that has been pointed out as corrupt and we looked in the other direction. When I came in 1984, we arrested the president, vice-president and ministers. They were all under investigation for corruption. But this time around, it is different. People are not just arrested based on allegations. There are ongoing investigation. I decided to come now, and now I have to be careful because people are not just arrested like that. If they make the wrong declaration, and they are eventually uncovered, they face the court. Asked to clarify if he was referring to Onnoghen, Buhari stylishly avoided the question. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) had filed a six-count charge of false assets declaration against Onnoghen after a petition by the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative (ARDI). The president also spoke on the bribery allegations levelled against Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano state. In videos published by Daily Nigerian, an online platform, Ganduje was allegedly seen receiving kickbacks. At the programme, Buhari said he would not want to comment on it because the matter was in court and the state assembly had taken some before being restrained by the court. He also questioned the extent of technology used in the videos, wondering why a governor would smile while stuffing dollars in his pocket. He asked if there was no one to collect on his behalf. The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has finally served the criminal charges on false asset declaration directly to the Chief Justice of Nig... The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has finally served the criminal charges on false asset declaration directly to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen preparatory for his arraignment on January 22, 2019 at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). At the hearing on Monday, a clerk of the Tribunal, following a query from the Chairman, Danladi Umar, confirmed that the charge was received on behalf of the CJN, by one Sunday O. Osai who was identified as his personal assistant. He then applied to be allowed to effect another service of the charge on Justice Onnoghen. But despite the latest development, the CCT will still have to contend with orders of a Federal High Court and National Industrial Court both in Abuja which restrained it from proceeding with the arraignment of the CJN pending the determination of two different suits before them. According to PRNigeria, an impeccable source on Wednesday stated that the order of the two courts may not be binding on the tribunal because they are courts of coordinate jurisdiction which by law have equal powers. The source added that charges were served personally on the CJN on Monday 14, January 2018 by 3.30pm in his office at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja. Justice Onnogen, it was gathered, personally received the charges and signed for it, a condition required before he could be properly arraigned at the Code of Conduct Tribunal. With the endorsement of the service of the charge, the coast is clear for the Buhari Government to formally arrign Justice Onnoghen on January 22, 2019 before Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar led-tribunal. The CJN was billed to be arraigned on Monday, January 14, but he was absent on the ground that the condition precedent for his appearance had not been lawfully met by the prosecution. Legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) who led a retinue of Senior Lawyers to defend the CJN, informed the tribunal that his client was not at the tribunal to take his plea because he had not been served with the charges against him as required by law. Besides, Olanipekun also told the three-man tribunal that the CJN is challenging the jurisdiction of the tribunal to try his client and that the 6 count-charge was not competent in law. The ground of objection by the CJN is that as a serving judicial officer, he can only be punished for any offence committed by the National Judicial Council, a body empowered by the 1999 Constitution to deal with erring judicial officers without any recourse to any law court. Although the Federal Government lawyer Alhaji Aliyu Umar (SAN) had sought to know why the CJN was absent in court, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Umar directed the prosecution to do the needful by serving the charge on the person of Justice Onnoghen directly as required by law. The Tribunal Chairman said that although the charge was said to have been served on a personal assistant to the defendant, there is no established facts, that the charge was conveyed to the CJN by his aide. The Federal Government had filed criminal charges against Justice Onnoghen on the ground of his alleged failure to declare his asset as a substantive CJN as required by law. Meanwhile, the Federal Government has employed the services of a former Commissioner of Justice in Kano State, Aliyu Umar, to head the team of prosecutors. Umar was the prosecutor during the trial of Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu before an FCT High Court. The faction of Imo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Daniel Nwafor, has said it has commenced contempt pro... The faction of Imo state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Daniel Nwafor, has said it has commenced contempt proceedings against the National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomole. Nwafor made this known to reporters in Owerri, at the partys secretariat, adding that Oshiomole had disregarded valid court judgment which affirmed him (Nwafor) the authentic chairman of APC, in the state. Nwafor further said that the chapters Caretaker Committee Chairman, Marcellinus Nlemigbo, alongside the committee set up by Oshiomhole, have been suspended forthwith. The suspension letter he read was said to have come from the APC Ezinihitte ward, signed by the ward chairman, Henry Opara, Secretary, Clinton Gbamanti as well as the woman leader and youth leader, Adaihuoma Ofeogbu and Dominic Lawrence respectively. He said among other things regarding the caretaker committee constituted by Oshiomole, We have a court order which has asked both parties to be in court on 24 of January. The order is in different badges. The order is to come and convince the court why they have to continue to disregard valid court judgment. I want to tell you that we have a court judgment which has affirmed that we are the authentic executive members of Imo APC. At the federal court, we will understand why Mr Marcelenius Nlemigbo and his cohorts will continue to parade themselves as executive having been suspended from the party. We have also commenced contempt proceedings against Adams Oshiomole, why he decided to disregard valid judgement of an FCT, high court, we have nothing than to resort for help from the court. We have commenced contempt proceedings against Adams Oshiomole and hopefully and in the next days we will make it public. In all this, we call on President Muhammad Buhari, to checkmate Oshiomole because we have always sounded it clear that Oshiomoles activities are aimed at bringing defeat to APC, in Imo state and the Southeast zone. On the reason for the suspension of Oshiomole caretaker committee chairman, Nlemigbo, he read a letter from the ward level to the executive of the party, We write to inform you sir that Marcellinus Nlemigbo has been suspended from all activities of the party due to his anti-party activities. And his refusal to attend several meetings aimed at discussing allegations against him. We urge you to affirm the suspension having followed the due process in accordance with our party constitution and policy. Choe arrived in Beijing that day before boarding a flight to Stockholm. A government source here said, "It seems that Choe and Biegun will meet in Sweden" to discuss a second summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump. North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui is expected to meet the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun in Stockholm soon, sources said Tuesday. Asked about her destination at Beijing Capital International Airport, she said, "See you at an international conference in Sweden." Originally, Choe had been expected to accompany Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong-chol to a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington later this week. But a Swedish private organization invited the two sides to an international conference there, and Choe rather abruptly accepted. A government official here said, "We're considering sending our chief nuclear negotiator Lee Do-hoon" to the event, which is supposed to bring together representatives from the countries involved in abortive six-party nuclear talks with North Korea. A Tokyo court has denied bail to Nissan Motor's former Chairman. Carlos Ghosn has been in detention for nearly two months since November. Ghosn's lawyers are expected to appeal the decision. But if that's denied, his detention will be prolonged. His lawyers requested bail on Friday after he was hit with a fresh indictment on charges of aggravated breach of trust and underreporting his compensation. The auto tycoon has denied all charges. Sources say his lawyers had requested his return to France on the promise he would appear in Japanese court. It's believed Ghosn was denied bail because the investigation is ongoing and there was a risk he might tamper with evidence. Ghosn is accused of shifting personal foreign exchange contracts with potential losses of about 16 million dollars onto Nissan. It's also alleged Ghosn understated tens of million dollars of compensation over eight years. Prosecutors also believe he inappropriately transferred about 15 million dollars from a subsidiary of the automaker to a Saudi Arabian businessman's company for helping him over his financial difficulties. Smile initiative, an initiative of Bahrain Future Society for Youth which provides psychosocial support to children with cancer and their parents in the Kingdom of Bahrain, held an Acrylic Painting Workshop for cancer-stricken children with cured peers that took place at the headquarters of the Society at Adlyia. Acrylic painting workshop was held in cooperation with Abdulrahman Kanoo International School under the Abjad educational programme launched by Smile Initiative. The Workshop was attended by volunteer teachers of Abjad Programme and Mohamed Al Sankari, member of Future Society and head of Abjad programme committee. He asserted that this workshop is meant to further support cancer-stricken children and help them with their studies during their healing journey until they go back to school again. Violence against stray dogs in the Kingdom has reached an all-time high with various reports coming in highlighting accounts of extreme cruelty. Sources say the strays are subjected to extreme forms of cruelty while reports highlight the increasing number of attacks on strays in the past few months. According to animal rights activists, stray dogs are being tortured in various parts of the Island. Incidents of stoning, beating, and other forms of violence against animals have been reported in the past few weeks. Founder of Bahrain Strays Fathiya Al Bastaki said that in a bid to torture animals a group of men even inserted one dogs hind-leg into another dogs rectum in Askar. We were shocked to find out that the dogs were deliberately put into this position. Although, we have seen many types of cruelty, this is the first time we are witnessing something of this kind. There is a horrible trend going on, I do not know why. The lady and her husband who called me were shy to even say what theyve seen. It is really hard for the dogs to be separated and now they are in pain. Meanwhile, various accounts have emerged of people cutting dog tails as a sport. According to reports, both expatriates and locals have been involved in such activities. Ms Al Bastaki told Tribune that she received many reports of similar incidents where people either cut off the dogs tails or attempted to cut off the tails. A group of overseas Korean businesspeople who visited North Korea last November bought paintings at Pyongyang's Mansudae Art Studio, which churns out propaganda work, but were caught in customs. The Korea Customs Service on Thursday revealed that 96 members of the World Federation of Korean Association of Commerce went to an event in Pyongyang on Nov. 18. On their return via Shenyang, customs officials in Incheon went through their luggage due to an outbreak of African swine fever in the Chinese city and discovered 20 artworks from Mansudae as well as books and cigarettes which they had failed to declare. All purchases of North Korean products require the approval of the Unification Ministry to be brought into the country and are subject to international sanctions. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Thunderstorms, some with heavy rain this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming ESE and decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.. Tonight Thunderstorms, some with heavy rain this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 57F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph, becoming ESE and decreasing to less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 80%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected. (Newser) World War II ended in 1945, and in the decades since, Japan and Russia have never signed a peace treaty to formally end hostilities. That's partially because the two countries have been in a territorial dispute over islandsknown as the Southern Kuriles or Kuril Islands in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japancaptured by Soviet troops in the final days of the war. Japan wants to strike a peace deal with Russia now, but in order to do that, Russia says Japan must recognize Russian sovereignty over the islands, Reuters reports. "These are not pre-conditions, its just an effort to understand why Japan is the only country in the world which cannot say: 'I accept the results of World War II in their entirety,'" Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters Wednesday, insisting that the move is not an ultimatum. story continues below Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono was in Moscow holding talks about the dispute with Lavrov this week, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin Jan. 22. Both countries have seen protests over the issue of the islands, DW reports, with Japanese protesters calling for Japan to reclaim the islands and Russian protesters insisting their country not cede control of them. Newsweek notes that in 1956, the Soviet Union issued a joint declaration with Japan stating it was willing to give up control of two of the islands, and Russia is now asking Japan to accept that document as the basis for future discussions. (The Korean War has yet to formally end.) (Newser) A legislative proposal in Connecticut would mandate instruction on climate change in public schools statewide, beginning in elementary school, the AP reports. Connecticut already has adopted science standards that call for teaching of climate change, but if the bill passes it is believed that it would be the country's first to write such a requirement into law. "A lot of schools make the study of climate change an elective, and I don't believe it should be an elective," said state Rep. Christine Palm, a Democrat from Chester who proposed the bill. "I think it should be mandatory, and I think it should be early so there's no excuse for kids to grow up ignorant of what's at stake." A similar proposal was introduced in the last legislative session but ultimately failed to win approval. story continues below Some educators have questioned whether it's necessary in light of Connecticut's adoption in 2015 of the Next Generation Science Standards, which include climate change as a core aspect of science education beginning in middle school. A total of 19 states and the District of Columbia so far have adopted the Next Generation Science Standards, which indicate what a state hopes students will know. Typically, states leave the specific curriculum and instruction up to the districts. The bill apparently would be country's first to make climate change instruction a matter of statute, according to the National Center for Science Education. In several other states, legislation has been proposed in recent years to allow or require teachers to present alternatives to widely accepted viewpoints on topics such as climate change. (Teen climate activist tells leaders they're too immature to act.) (Newser) Karen Pence is going back to work ... at a Christian school that does not allow gay students, parents, or employees. Pence taught at Immanuel Christian School in Springfield, Virginia, for years while husband Mike Pence served in Congress before becoming vice president. Now, the second lady is returning to the school to teach elementary art two days per week, Politico reports. The school's gay ban has of course come under fire ("All I can say is imagine the Republican outrage if Michelle Obama had taught classes at a school that banned Christians," reads one sample tweet) and Pence's spokesperson released a statement defending Pence's move: "Mrs. Pence has returned to the school where she previously taught for 12 years. It's absurd that her decision to teach art to children at a Christian school, and the school's religious beliefs, are under attack." story continues below For her part, Pence, an artist who recently illustrated a book about the family's pet rabbit Marlon Bundo, said simply in a statement that she has missed teaching and is "excited to be back in the classroom and doing what I love to do." The school requires parents to sign an agreement acknowledging that admission can be refused if the student, parent, or guardian undertakes activities such as "participating in, supporting, or condoning sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bi-sexual activity." Employees, per their application, are also required to agree that marriage is between one man and one woman, and are disqualified for employment if they participate in "homosexual or lesbian sexual activity" or have a "transgender identity." (Karen Pence has an interesting nickname in the White House.) (Newser) He escaped one act of terrorism, but not a second. American Jason Spindler, a survivor of the 9/11 terror attacks, was among at least 14 people killed Tuesday when militants stormed a hotel and office complex in Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi News cites colleagues as saying the founder and CEO of investment firm I-DEV International, located in the targeted complex, was eating lunch at the hotel when the attack occurred. "I am sure he gave them hell!" his brother says, per Reuters, describing Spindler as "a fighter." He reportedly escaped the World Trade Center's Building 7, where he worked as an analyst for the Salomon Brothers investment bank, before it was crushed by the North Tower on 9/11, per the Daily Beast. Spindler would later serve with the US Peace Corps in Peru. story continues below "It's so sad that such a bright young person is taken away by terrorism," Spindler's mother tells NBC News, noting her son was "trying to make positive change in the Third World in emerging markets" and had received grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates and Clinton foundations. "Know you are mountain climbing with the angels tonight," a friend adds of the avid rock climber, per Reuters. British development professional Luke Potter, who'd only recently moved to the East African country, was also killed in the attack claimed by Somalia-based al-Shabab. Reuters also identifies Abdalla Dahir and Feisal Ahmed, two Kenyan development professionals who worked to improve life in Somalia, as among the dead. Ahmed's widow is said to be seven months pregnant. (More details here.) (Newser) During Jake Patterson's arraignment on Monday, Jayme Closs' family sat on the prosecution's side in court. So too did Patterson's father, at least until he was asked by a deputy to move to the defense's side. CNN reports it tried to speak with Patrick Patterson Tuesday at the Barron County Justice Center in Wisconsin but he didn't say much. "I'm sorry, I can't talk," he repeated, with CNN describing him as "shaking with emotion." He said he was there for the sole purpose of delivering a letter to the Closs family. He did not disclose its contents but said, "All I care about right now is Jayme's family." Per a criminal complaint filed Monday, Patrick Patterson visited the home where his son allegedly held Jayme for 88 days on a number of occasions; police say she was forced to hide under a twin bed during those visits. More on the case: The AP spoke with Jayme's grandfather, Robert Naiberg, who had kind words to say about Patrick Patterson. "You can't blame the parents. A guy becomes 21 years old, and sometimes it's not how he was raised or anything." He says Jayme will live permanently with her aunt, and that she has expressed a desire to return to school. The AP pores over the 12-page criminal complaint and sees a clue in how prosecutors might make their case. The complaint goes into depth about Jayme's abduction and how she managed to flee, "without lingering on her time in captivity." Defense attorneys think the decision was a conscious one: It both spares Jayme some additional trauma, and may "send a signal to the defense" that the prosecution thinks it has so much evidence those details are unnecessary. story continues below According to the criminal complaint, Jayme heard the sirens of first responders as she was being driven away in the trunk of what she says was Jake Patterson's car. Indeed, it has emerged that deputies passed just one vehicle en route to the Closs home on Oct. 15what they now say was Patterson's red Ford Taurus. The car yielded, and Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald says no one stopped the car because they didn't know yet what crime had occurred, reports USA Today. The New York Times reports that per the complaint, Patterson told police he spent about 4 minutes in the Closs home and that he saw the deputies just 20 seconds after he began to drive off. As for why officials never alerted the public to be on the lookout for the car, Fitzgerald says the vehicle was internally discussed, but due to how dark it was and the speed at which police were driving, they didn't feel like they had solid specifics on it. The AP reports Patterson was on Tuesday moved from the Barron County Jail to a facility in Polk County. The transfer was described as an "administrative decision" and the sheriff said that Patterson had not been the target of threats. Officials confirmed one of Closs' relatives works at the Barron County Jail. Patterson's grandfather spoke with ABC News Wednesday and called the 21-year-old "a perfectly nice kid" who was "shy and quiet. ... Computer games were more of a priority than social interaction," said Jim Moyer. "Nobody had any clues up until this thing happened." The Times notes just how rare abductions by strangers are, citing a statistic from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. It fielded more than 25,000 reports of missing children last year; just 77 of those were kidnappings by nonfamily members. (Read more Jayme Closs stories.) (Newser) You'd be forgiven for assuming Sherrilyn Kenyon's tale about a conspiracy and poisoning comes from one of the fantasy author's best-selling novels. It instead makes up a lawsuit brought by Kenyon against her husband, whom she accuses of conspiring with his assistant to poison her over three years, reports the Nashville Tennessean. Kenyon, author of the "Dark-Hunter" series, says she fell mysteriously ill in late 2014, with health problems worsening to the point that she couldn't walk on her own. The lawsuit describes her hair falling out, teeth shattering, and bones "breaking from very minor pressure." At the same time, Lawrence Kenyon and an assistant he allegedly paid with funds from his wife's business account, Kerrie Ann Plump, "would force her to eat and become enraged any time she failed," the suit states. story continues below More than once, Kenyon says she choked after eating food given to her by her husband, the sole beneficiary of a $1 million life insurance policy he took out on his wife without her knowledge, per the suit; one time she even vomited. The complaint argues another person also began vomiting after tasting food Plump had given to Kenyon, who referenced a "strange metallic taste in her mouth." A doctor eventually found high levels of heavy metals like tin, barium, and thorium in Kenyon's body, which couldn't have occurred naturally, Kenyon tells the Tennessean. "I am much better today," she writes in a newsletter to fans, per Yahoo, coming 10 months after her husband filed for divorce and moved out. The Williamson County Sheriff's Office is investigating the claims, which Lawrence Kenyon's lawyer calls "outlandish." (A romance novelist is accused of murdering her husband.) (Newser) A truck driver got "quite a shock" this week while driving in Mankato, Minn., and now his dashcam footage shows us all why. ABC News reports that the man, IDed by FOX 9 and the Washington Post as Chad "Cheddar" Mock, was about to go around a bend on a busy street shortly before noon Monday when the rear driver's-side door of the silver car in front of him flew open, and a toddler in a car seat ended up in the middle of the road. Mock's dashcam video shows the silver car brake momentarily, then drive off, the driver seemingly unaware that the car seat with the 2-year-old girl was left behind, lying on its side in the street. An incredulous Mock can be seen running out into the road and righting the car seat with the child, then picking it up, as other cars start to pull over to assist. story continues below "She was very calm, wasn't screaming, she didn't appear hurt," Mock tells Inside Edition of the toddler in the pink coat, adding that the woman he believed to be the mother returned to the scene 15 minutes later on foot. "She was hysterical." Per a City of Mankato release, the child was checked out by ambulance and public safety staff and found to be OK. Luckily for the little girl, per city officials, she was properly fastened in her car seatthe problem appears to be that the car seat itself wasn't properly fastened to the seat in the car. A city public safety rep also tells ABC it's not clear why the car door flew open. Authorities aren't IDing the mother, but they're seeking to charge her with child endangerment and with not properly restraining a child in a vehicle, per the city release. (Read more child endangerment stories.) (Newser) Folks in the eastern part of the country may have "severe and punishing" weather to look forward to in less than two weeks, with cold to chill the bones and "heightened storminess." That's per weather model forecasts cited by the Washington Post, which warns of the consequences of a recent three-way split of the polar vortexa low-pressure area of cold air that hovers over the planet's poles, and which on occasion expands southward from the Arctic, bringing bitingly extreme weather with it. In this year's case, the weakening of the polar vortex in early January was caused by a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) that then spurred the vortex "to split into three distinct circulation areas," per the Weather Channel. What that split means is more cold air headed south toward Russia, Europe, Canada, and, eventually, the US. story continues below However, exactly when and how the vortex may affect us is unclear, as it typically takes weeks for the effects of this weather event to manifest itself in conditions on the ground. What forecasters are predicting so far, though, is that it will be as much as 25 degrees colder than normal by the end of the weekend in the center of the US and in the east. And that may only be an "appetizer," per the Post. One weather watcher observes that the weather pattern we may see by the end of January or early February "will be a lot more impressive." "This is about the coldest planetary-scale pattern you can ask for," he notes of current weather-pattern maps. A "wild, wintry ride" is what one meteorologist predicts for the eastern US and Europe at the end of the month, noting both the US and European modeling systems are in sync on what could be heading our way. (Can the snow in Siberia give us a clue?) North Korea plans a highway linking Wonsan and Hamhung on the east coast with Chinese investment and construction firms. According to China's official government tender website, North Korea's Ministry of External Economic Relations advertised a tender on Oct. 30 last year for construction firms interested in building the highway. A Chinese company in the border city of Dandong has been contracted by the ministry to float the tender, while Chinese banks will raise the funds with a view to the North eventually repaying the money. Construction is to begin this April and end in April 2022, though it is unclear how that can be done openly amid international sanctions against the North. The budget is 5.6 billion yuan for the 112 km road and construction will be divided into five segments. North Korea first tried to build a highway between the two cities in 2014, but there has been no visible progress. It is unclear whether any Chinese builders have put in bids. Foreign companies require UN Security Council approval to take part in any North Korean infrastructure development project, which is unlikely to be forthcoming at the moment, and if any Chinese builders go ahead regardless they face punitive action. (Newser) A chef was killed by a hammer-wielding attacker in a horrific, and apparently random, attack on a Chinese buffet restaurant in Brooklyn on Tuesday evening. Police say the suspect burst into the Seaport Buffet restaurant and attacked the 60-year-old owner, a 50-year-old manager, and the 34-year-old chef, who was fatally injured, the New York Daily News reports. The owner and manager were hospitalized in critical condition with head injuries. The 35-year-old suspect was arrested two blocks away. "It was unprovoked. It appears random," a police source tells the Daily News. "He is an emotionally disturbed person." story continues below Samantha Randazzo, owner of the business next door, Randazzo's Clam Bar, tells NBC New York that terrified customers fled to her restaurant and told her to lock the doors. "A couple of people, customers from the restaurant, came in here, and we let them in and they said a guy came in crazy with a hammer and started hammering certain people, random people," she says. "The guy said he was just screaming crazy words, like 'I'm killing everybody, world is hell,'" she says. "Just screaming crazy things." The slain chef has been identified as Brooklyn resident Fufai Pun. (Read more New York City stories.) (Newser) Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta says 14 people were killed in Tuesday's attack on a hotel complex in the capital and the operation to neutralize the attackers is now over. Kenyatta did not say Wednesday how many attackers were involved. He urged Kenyans to "go back to work without fear," saying the East African country is safe for citizens and visitors. Al-Shababa Somalia-based Islamic extremist group allied to al-Qaedaclaimed responsibility for the carnage at the Dusit D2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices, and banks in Nairobi's well-to-do Westlands neighborhood. story continues below "All the terrorists have been eliminated," said Kenyatta per the AP. The BBC reports that the Kenyan Red Cross puts the death toll higher, at 24. Kenyan police said early Wednesday there was still an active security operation ongoing after they announced overnight that all buildings in the hotel complex had been secured, the AP reports. Sporadic gunfire still rang out through the morning. Scores of people were rescued at daybreak as police continued what they called a mopping-up exercise. The attack started with multiple suicide car bombs which breached the security gates of the complex and was followed by an invasion of at least four armed men. (Read more Kenya stories.) (Newser) Some of the seeds of today's opioid crisis were sown at the 1995 launch party of OxyContin, where Purdue Pharma exec Richard Sackler promised "a blizzard of prescriptions that will bury the competition," according to a memo filed by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey. She accuses Sackler and seven other members of one of America's richest families of aggressively marketing the opioid painkiller while ignoring warnings and deceiving the public about its highly addictive properties, NPR reports. "The company hired hundreds of sales representatives and taught them false claims to use to sell drugs," including the claim that the addiction risk was less than 1%, the complaint states. story continues below The filing states that Sackler, a son of one of the company's founders, micro-managed sales reps, urging them to maximize profits by persuading doctors to prescribe the highest dosage of the drug, the New York Times reports. He dismissed reports of mounting overdose deaths, saying it "could have been far worse" after a 2001 report that there were 59 OxyContin deaths in Massachusetts alone. As Purdue Pharma president in 2001, he pushed hard to blame abusers for the problem. "We have to hammer on abusers in every way possible, he wrote in an email. "They are the culprits and the problem. They are reckless criminals." Massachusetts is among more than 1,000 jurisdictions suing Purdue Pharma or members of the Sackler family over the devastation caused by opioid addiction, the Guardian reports. (Sackler recently broke the irony record with a patent.) (Newser) If Cambria and Calibri sound to you like a crime-fighting duo, you're not entirely off. Actually Microsoft fonts, they're responsible for exposing an alleged fraud scheme in Canada, where Gerald McGoey's company, Look Communications, went bankrupt at the end of 2017. Ordered to repay $5.6 million to creditors, the former CEO sought to protect two propertiesan Ontario farm purchased for $635,000 in 2003, and a cottage bought for $700,000 in 1994with signed declarations claiming they were held in trust by his wife and three children, and therefore safe from the courts. The problem was that the farm declaration, dated 2004, was written in Calibri, while the cottage declaration, dated 1995, was written in Cambria. Per Ars Technica, Cambria was designed no earlier than 2004, while Calibri was designed between 2002 and 2004; both only became widely available in 2007. story continues below While McGoey's lawyers suggested the family was only mistaken about the dates the documents were signed, "the conclusion that the ... trusts are shams is unavoidable," Ontario Superior Court Justice Michael Penny wrote in a decision earlier this month, based in part on evidence from a self-described "font detective." Thomas Phinney told the court that no one but a Microsoft employee or contractor could've had access to Calibri in March 2004, as it was widely released in Microsoft's Office 2007, per the National Post. According to the outlet, "had McGoey used Times New Roman, a popular default Microsoft font prior to 2007, it's possible his ruse would never have been discovered." The same might be said of the daughter of the prime minister of Pakistan, who allegedly forged a trust deed dated 2006 using the Calibri font. (More on that here.) (Newser) Vowing "I will not be bullied," President Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general asserted independence from the White House on Tuesday, saying he believed that Russia had tried to interfere in the 2016 presidential election, that the special counsel investigation shadowing Trump is not a witch hunt, and that his predecessor was right to recuse himself from the probe. The comments by William Barr at his Senate confirmation hearing pointedly departed from Trump's own views and underscored Barr's efforts to reassure Democrats that he will not be a loyalist to a president who has appeared to demand it from law enforcement. He also repeatedly sought to assuage concerns that he might disturb or upend special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation as it reaches its final stages, the AP reports. Some Democrats are concerned about that very possibility, citing a memo Barr wrote to the Justice Department before his nomination in which he criticized Mueller's investigation for the way it was presumably looking into whether Trump had obstructed justice. story continues below Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, told Barr the memo showed "a determined effort, I thought, to undermine Bob Mueller." The nominee told senators he was merely trying to advised Justice Department officials against "stretching the statute beyond what was intended" to conclude that the president had obstructed justice. Barr stated without hesitation that it was in the public interest for Mueller to finish his investigation into whether the Trump campaign coordinated with the Kremlin to sway the presidential election. He said he would resist any order by Trump to fire Mueller without cause and called it "unimaginable" that Mueller would do anything to require his termination. "I believe the Russians interfered or attempted to interfere with the election, and I think we have to get to the bottom of it," Barr said during the nine-hour hearing. (Much more on the hearing here; in related news, the acting AG will testify before the House Judiciary Committee next month.) (Newser) She's in: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Tuesday announced to Stephen Colbert, in an interview airing on his Late Show Tuesday night, that she is forming an exploratory committee to run for president in 2020, CBS News and CNN report. "I'm going to run for president of the United States, because as a young mom, I'm going to fight for other people's kids as hard as I would fight for my own, which is why I believe health care should be a right, not a privilege," the New York Democrat said. "It is why I believe we should have better public schools for our kids because it shouldn't matter what block you grow up on. And I believe anybody who wants to work hard enough should be able to get whatever job training they need to earn their way into the middle class." A rep for Gillibrand, who has plans to campaign in Iowa this weekend per the AP, declined to officially comment. story continues below Gillibrand, 52, who was elected to her second full term in the Senate in 2018, has been a prominent #MeToo activist, and sources say she will also focus on gender issues during her campaign. Making note of her efforts to reach across the aisle, she told Colbert, "Ted Cruz and I agreed on how to end sexual harassment in Congress, which ultimately passed. Me and Ted Cruz!" She also told Colbert she is prepared to take on institutional racism, "corruption and greed in Washington," and "the special interests that write legislation in the dead of night." She added, "I know that I have the compassion, the courage and the fearless determination to get that done." (She joins a crowded field including Julian Castro, Tulsi Gabbard, and Elizabeth Warren.) (Newser) Africa now has "Africa," always and forever. The beloved Toto song is playing on an endless loop in the Namib Desert thanks to Namibian-German artist Max Siedentopf, who set up a sound installation in the desert that plays just "Africa," over and over again. And because it runs on solar batteries, the song will "keep ... going for all eternity," Siedentopf says. Sky News notes that the 1982 song is experiencing "something of a resurgence" lately, and was one of the most-streamed songs of 2017 in the UK. (A 14-year-old also convinced Weezer to cover it.) The government has officially stopped referring to North Korea as the "enemy" in the first defense white paper of the Moon Jae-in administration. The biennial document also scraps the phrase "kill chain" and a strategy formerly dubbed "Korea massive punishment and retaliation," which the North has traditionally bristled at. Instead of referring directly to North Korea, the white paper says, "The military regards forces which threaten and infringe on the sovereignty, territory, citizens and assets of [South Korea] as the enemy." The Defense Ministry in a statement explained the switch. "Invasions and threats by foreign forces are not restricted to North Korea," it said. "The previous white paper reflected cross-border relations at the time." The description of North Korea as the enemy has been scrapped and readopted several times depending on governments' ideological leanings. But the nuclear and missile threat from the North remains real, and some critics believe the defense white paper should more clearly reflect that to maintain vigilance among the armed forces. The white paper does for the first time draw attention to North Korea's Hwasong-13 intercontinental ballistic missile and upgraded variants and points out that the North has 14 different types of missiles either warfare-ready or in development. But it estimates North Korea's plutonium stockpile at only around 2 kg, unchanged from two years ago, raising suspicions that it deliberately downplays the threat amid signs that the North continues to produce weapons-grade plutonium. On other fronts, Japan is simply described a nation that "is close geologically and culturally and cooperates in achieving world peace and prosperity," omitting the previous phrase, "shares the basic values of free democracy and market economy." One of Orion's Stars Went Oddly Dim. Now We Know Why "We have looked at it. We are talking of an average $5m per day in sales, especially in the retail sector. This also comes in a month we have lost a lot of productive hours in fuel queues. So January will be the lowest in terms of productive hours," said Mugaga. Coons and Booker said Zimbabwean authorities should urgently address peoples concerns. Instead, the government should work to meet the basic economic and social needs of its people. We strongly urge the Zimbabwean authorities to resolve the current situation through dialogue and non-violent, fully legal means, and for protesters to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully. Under no circumstances should the Zimbabwean government disregard the constitutional rights of its citizens, engage in the illegal suppression of expression and assembly, or employ the disproportionate use of force or extralegal violence to respond to the current situation. The Embassy recommends that you shelter in place, monitor local media for updates, including Voice of America on Channel 909 AM in Harare and on short-wave 4930, 7210 and 12120 kilohertz frequencies, and try voice calls and text messaging as a communication method until cellular data is restored. Harare International Airport and the Victoria Falls Airport remain open for business. Fast Jet, one of the main airline operators in Victoria Falls, announced that it had closed operations and all flights until January 22. Over the past two days, as I have been in Russia working on economic agreements that will give our economy a much needed boost, I have been deeply saddened by the events in our beloved homeland. Wanton violence and cynical destruction is not the Zimbabwean way. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. As I have said numerous times, everyone in Zimbabwe has the right to express themselves freely to speak out, to criticise and to protest. Unfortunately, what we have witnessed is violence and vandalism instead of peaceful, legal protests. There can be no justification for violence, against people and property. Violence will not reform our economy. Violence will not rebuild our nation. What will lead to a stronger economy is investment. That is why I travelled to Moscow, and that is why I will be travelling on to other countries in the region and then the World Economic Forum in Davos. In 48 hours in Moscow, there are signs that serious investment is on the way. Alrosa, the worlds largest diamond company, has decided to launch operations in Zimbabwe, and we have also signed a series of important agreements that will lead to investment, development and jobs. I understand the pain and frustration that many of you are feeling. Resolving Zimbabwes economic challenges is a monumental task, and while it may not always feel that way, we are moving in the right direction. We will get there. In the meantime, I call for calm and peace from all of our brothers and sisters. We are one nation, with one mission, and we will realise it together. Military helicopters have even been firing tear gas at demonstrators in the capital, Harare, where protests have been deadly. Authorities report that five people were killed on Monday. That figure has probably risen since then. The BBC's Shingai Nyoka in Harare says many Zimbabweans are questioning what happens next, especially as they can no longer access popular messaging platforms such as Whatsapp - a major source of information. The Honduran caravan left the crime-ridden city of San Pedro Sula in the early hours Tuesday, with more migrants expected to join it later in the day. Thousands of other Hondurans and people from other Central American countries remain encamped in Tijuana, Mexico, just south of the U.S. border, blocked from entering the United States after walking thousands of kilometers as part of a caravan that started in October. Trump said, "Polls are now showing that people are beginning to understand the Humanitarian Crisis and Crime at the Border. Numbers are going up fast, over 50 percent. Democrats will soon be known as the Party of Crime. Ridiculous that they don't want Border Security!" "Why is Nancy Pelosi getting paid when people who are working are not?" Trump tweeted. The White House said that it invited Republican and Democratic lawmakers to lunch to discuss the shutdown, but only Republicans accepted. "It's time for the Democrats to come to the table and make a deal," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. About 800,000 federal workers have been furloughed or ordered to work without pay in the Trump stalemate with Democratic lawmakers, an impasse that has curtailed government services, such as airport security monitoring, and closed some museums and parks. He told Pelosi and Schumer to "Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown!" -- the record 25-day partial government closure spawned by the dispute over Trump's demand for more than $5 billion to build a border barrier. Democrats have offered $1.3 billion for improved border security, but none specifically for a wall. "A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border from Honduras," Trump said on Twitter. He urged people to tell House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, the top Democratic leaders who oppose his demand that U.S. taxpayers pay for a wall, "that a drone flying around will not stop them. Only a Wall will work. Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe!" U.S. President Donald Trump contended Tuesday that a new migrant caravan leaving Honduras justifies his demand for a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border to keep them from surging into the United States. Although a majority of Americans blame the U.S. president and Republicans for the prolonged partial government shutdown, Trump on Monday said Democrats in Congress are squarely responsible. Trump last month, before the shutdown started, said he would be "proud" to "own" it in a fight over border security "They will not approve the measures we need to keep American safe," Trump said of Democrats at a national convention of farmers in New Orleans. "I will never ever back down" from efforts to keep America safe, Trump vowed in the speech to the 100th annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. He accused Democrats of refusing to approve money for a wall because they want to use it as an issue for next year's presidential campaign when Trump faces re-election. Six major polls indicate that half of or more Americans hold the president and his Republican Party responsible for the shutdown. And 63 percent of American voters support a Democratic proposal to reopen parts of the government that do not involve border security while negotiating funding for a border wall, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released Monday. Earlier in the day, Trump told White House reporters he would not, at least for the moment, declare a national emergency to build the wall without congressional authorization. "I'm not going to do that," Trump said as he left the White House for the New Orleans trip. "We are open to resolution and negotiation," Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway told VOA News on Monday, indicating that communication is under way between the executive branch and Democrats, but she provided no details. Trump rejected a call by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, one of his staunchest congressional supporters, to reopen shuttered agencies for three weeks while he holds more talks with Democratic leaders about his plan for a wall along the 3,200-kilometer southern U.S. border. Graham told the Fox News Sunday television program he would still support a presidential emergency declaration to build the border wall after giving talks another chance. "I would urge him to open up the government for a short period of time, like three weeks, before he pulls the plug, see if we can get a deal. If we can't at the end of three weeks, all bets are off," Graham said. "I'm not interested," Trump replied to a reporter's query on Monday about Graham's suggestion, contending that top Democrats in Congress could quickly end the stalemate. The Democrat-led House of Representatives has passed several measures that would reopen the shuttered agencies while border security talks continue. Another such bill is up for consideration Tuesday that would reopen the agencies through Feb. 1, and another that would open them through Feb. 28 is expected to go before the House on Thursday. Pelosi on Monday used Twitter to blame Republicans for starting the shutdown, and called for Trump to allow the Senate to vote to end it, arguing furloughed federal workers, who have already missed one paycheck, "are facing a life or death situation" just so the president "can try to force taxpayers to fund a border wall he promised Mexico would pay for." In a speech on the Senate floor Monday, Democratic Minority Leader Schumer called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow a vote on legislation already approved by the House of Representatives to end the shutdown. "How much more suffering must the president cause before leader McConnell realizes it's time to move ahead without him? It seems clear to everybody but leader McConnell that Congress needs to move forward without the president," Schumer said. "It's time for leader McConnell to realize he has the power to break this impasse, passing the House legislation to reopen the government." "The timing of these events is instructive in two ways, they come against the background where his Excellency the President ED (Emmerson) Mnangagwa is out of the country. And two, they are intended to undermine the ongoing re-engagement efforts of the president to market Zimbabwe at high level forums such as at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland," Mutsvangwa said. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has concluded his three-day State Visit to Russia, describing it as very fruitful as evidenced by the number of investment deals that he and his delegation concluded. The Head of State and Government is now in Belarus, where more business engagements await, as well as a meeting with the countrys President Alexander Lukashenko. On Tuesday President Mnangagwa met the Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow. Just before leaving Russia, President Mnangagwa told the inaugural Russia-Zimbabwe Business Forum that: Yesterday, I held very fruitful meetings with him (President Putin) and I have no doubt that hereafter, both the economic and political co-operation between our two countries will, with greater impetus, reach new heights. Presidents Mnangagwa and Putin sealed a raft of agreements, including a financial package to assist Zimbabwe settle and restructure its international debt, as well as fund new projects. Several economic sectors were covered in the agreements, including mining, agriculture, infrastructure and education. President Mnangagwa assured President Putin that the era of deals failing to see the light of day was a thing of the past, emphasising that his new administration would deliver on its side of the bargain. The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is leading a delegation of senior officials in a series of meetings across Eurasia, starting in Russia and encompassing Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Belarus before heading for the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. In Minsk, President Mnangagwa was received by Belarus Chief of Presidential Affairs of Belarus General Colonel Victor Sheiman. Zimbabwe and Belarus have enjoyed diplomatic ties since 1992 following the break-up of the Soviet Union, but it has only been in recent times with President Mnangagwa taking a proactive role that the countries have started extending these relations into the economic sphere. President Lukashenko invited former President Mr Robert Mugabe to Minsk several times, but he never set foot there. As VP and now as Head of State and Government, President Mnangagwa has set about correcting that, exposing Zimbabwe to the potential benefits of accessing Belarus sound technical knowledge of mining and agricultural equipment. Now, Zimbabwe and Belarus have MoUs that cover mining; science, technology and innovation; trade and economic co-operation; procurement of agri-equipment and fertiliser supply. President Mnangagwa has already secured a US$120 million export credit line for the supply of machinery and equipment for agriculture, dam construction and mining and will be hoping that talks with President Lukashenko in coming days will enhance this co-operation. Equipment from Belarus has seen Hwange Collierys monthly output rise from 50 000 tonnes to 250 000; and that of the Zimbabwe Mining Development Company to 40 000 carats of diamonds. With President Mnangagwa returning to Minsk, anticipation is high that headway will be made in securing agreements that cover higher, tertiary and vocational education; establishment of Joint Committee on Trade and Economic Co-operation; extradition; and greater collaboration in agriculture. Herald Mr Yang (third right) chats with startup teams at the Smart-Space 8 co-working space. Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang (second right) joins seniors in brain training games at an integrated community development centre. Secretary for Innovation & Technology Nicholas Yang today visited an integrated community development centre and a co-working space in Tsuen Wan. Mr Yang visited the Yan Chai Hospital Chan Feng Men Ling Integrated Community Development Centre to learn about its day care services and training for the elderly. He watched the elderly receive rehabilitation treatment and participated in an agility training activity. With the Lunar New Year around the corner, Mr Yang extended his regards to the seniors and offered them scarves and beanies made with an innovative spinning technique developed by the Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles & Apparel. The Yan Chai Hospital Social Services Department received funding from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer under the ICT Outreach Programme for the Elderly to provide reminiscence therapy with the aid of virtual reality games and cognitive training. Mr Yang encouraged organisations to utilise government digital inclusion initiatives to enhance the quality of life for seniors and promote healthy ageing. He then toured Smart-Space 8, a co-working space operated by Cyberport under the Space Sharing Scheme for Youth. It is Cyberport's first off-site co-working space outside its Pok Fu Lam campus. Occupying an area of about 20,000 sq ft, Smart-Space 8 is leased to startups in digital technology at concessionary rent, while Cyberport provides them with entrepreneurship training and support services. Mr Yang spoke with startup teams in various fields including artificial intelligence, fintech, e-sports, e-commerce and education technology. He said with concerted efforts, Hong Kong's startup ecosystem has been gaining momentum over the past few years, adding the number of startups reached 2,625 in 2018, up 18% year-on-year. He is glad that Cyberport has strengthened its public mission programmes with additional resources from the Government to provide more comprehensive support for startups. Mr Yang also met District Councillors. Chief Executive Carrie Lam says she will visit Guangzhou this afternoon to meet senior Guangdong officials to discuss collaboration on the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development. Speaking ahead of todays Executive Council meeting, Mrs Lam said she will meet Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee Li Xi and Guangdong Governor Ma Xingrui. They will follow up on the matters discussed during Mr Lis November visit to Hong Kong, and make preparations for the second plenary meeting of the leading group for the development of the Greater Bay Area. The meeting will also cover this years plan to jointly promote the bay area overseas. Mrs Lam added the outline for the bay areas development is expected to be endorsed by the Central Government in a month or two and that it will be announced upon approval. She also hopes the community will give its feedback on the direction of the development for the overall benefit of the plan. One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 The British parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly defeated Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit plan for Britain's departure from the European Union, leaving in doubt how it would depart the continent's 28-member bloc of nations by the planned March 29 date. The House of Commons, on a 432- 202 vote, rejected May's call to approve what she said was the "democratic decision" of voters in a referendum 2-1/2 years ago to leave the EU. Opposition Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbin called the vote a "catastrophic defeat" for May's Conservative Party rule and demanded a vote of no confidence on Wednesday in what he said was the "sheer incompetence of this government." The vote against May was widely expected, but it is not clear what comes next for Brexit. Before the vote, May warned parliamentarians that the EU would not offer an "alternative deal." "The responsibility on each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations," May said. Reporter Lyndsay Jones is a reporter covering education at The News-Gazette. Her email is ljones@news-gazette, and you can follow her on Twitter (@__lyndsayjones). Reporter Tim Mitchell is a reporter at The News-Gazette. His email is tmitchel@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@mitchell6). Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). 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). There has been a marked decline in W50,000 banknotes in circulation, a trend that is most acute in Busan and surrounding South Gyeongsang Province. For every 100 W50,000 bills in circulation there, only three were returned to the central bank. According Bank of Korea data on Monday, Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province followed the neighboring region of Busan and South Gyeongsang Province with the second-lowest recovery rate of 5.6 percent in the first eight months of the year. Gyeonggi Province came third with 6.3 percent, followed by Gwangju and Jeolla provinces (16.2 percent), Daejeon and Chungcheong provinces (20 percent) and Seoul and Gangwon Province (34.8 percent). But the recovery rate on Jeju Island, a prime destination for tourists, is a whopping 333.1 percent. Still, the overall recovery rate for W50,000 bills stood at 22.7 percent from January through August. Over the same period, the recovery rate for W10,000 notes was 100.8 percent, for W5,000 notes 74.2 percent and for W1,000 bills 80.3 percent. The BOK printed W86 trillion worth of W50,000 bills from June 2009, when the largest denomination was first introduced, until August this year, but only W38.8 trillion worth of the notes were recovered. The accumulated recovery rate was a mere 44.3 percent. Reasons for the low recovery rate may be a thriving underground economy, or that people are stuffing the notes into their mattresses for a rainy day. By PTI PESHAWAR: Security forces in Pakistan have gunned down four militants, including a top Taliban commander who masterminded the last year's powerful bomb blast in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in which at least 31 people including three Sikhs were killed. Those killed in the exchange of fire include Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander Islam and Mohibullah who were involved in various terror activities, officials said. A huge cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered from their possession. Intelligence agencies raided a house near Qazi pump area where the militants were believed to be hiding. The owner of the house was also killed in the firing between the militants and security forces. READ HERE | Indian among 4 killed in bomb attack in Afghanistan, Taliban claims responsibility In November, 31 people including three Sikhs were killed and over 40 others injured in the bomb blast at the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area, bordering Afghanistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan had strongly condemned the terrorist attack. Orakzai, a terror hotbed, is one of the seven semi-autonomous tribal regions of Pakistan which has a porus border with Afghanistan. By AFP MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow and Tokyo are still "far from being partners" despite renewed efforts to resolve a decades-old conflict over disputed islands. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are to meet in Moscow next Tuesday for talks on the strategic Kuril islands seized by the Soviet army in the final days of World War II. The two leaders agreed last year to increase efforts to finally sign a treaty ending World War II-era hostilities. Lavrov, speaking during an annual conference, set a confrontational tone however. "We are still far not only from being partners in international relations but also in finding constructive ways to make our relations better," Lavrov said. "Why is Japan the only country in the world that cannot accept the results of World War II in their entirety?" He said recognising the results of the war was not an ultimatum, but "an unavoidable part of the modern international system". Lavrov met this week with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono and demanded that Tokyo recognise Moscow's sovereignty over the Kuril islands for talks regarding the peace treaty to continue. On Wednesday he said that Japan's pro-Western position was also harming relations between Moscow and Tokyo. "Japan votes not with us but against us on all the resolutions that interest Russia in the UN," he said. In a separate meeting with reporters Wednesday, Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said talks with Abe will "not be easy." Ushakov said Russia owns the islands legally "according to the results of World War II" and has no plans to give them up. "This is our land, and nobody is going to give this land to anybody." The disputed south Kurils, one of which lies less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Japan's Hokkaido, consist of Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan and Habomai. Three are inhabited while Habomai is a group of islets with only the presence of a border patrol. In 1956, Japan and the Soviet Union signed a document which stipulated that the USSR was willing to cede Shikotan and Habomai following a signed peace agreement, but Japan demanded all four islands. By AFP COX'S BAZAR: At least 1,300 Rohingya Muslims have crossed into Bangladesh from India since the start of the year, an official said Wednesday, as fears of deportation to Myanmar spark an exodus. New Delhi has faced sharp criticism for turning members of the persecuted minority over to Myanmar in recent weeks, despite the army there being accused of atrocities against the Rohingya. The United Nations and rights groups accused India of disregarding international law and returning the Rohingya to possible danger in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. India, which is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention, arrested 230 Rohingya in 2018 -- the most in years as Hindu hardliners called for the displaced Muslims to be deported en masse. The round-ups in India and fear of deportation to Myanmar have driven even more of the stateless Muslims into Bangladesh, where a million Rohingya live in giant refugee camps in the country's southeast. Nayana Bose, a spokeswoman for the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), which includes UN agencies and other foreign humanitarian organisations, said the pace of new arrivals had escalated since January 3. "Some 1,300 individuals from 300 families have arrived from India to Bangladesh until today. The new arrivals were being housed in a UN transit centre," she told AFP. UNHCR spokesman Firas Al-Khateeb said the UN refugee agency was 'aware of the situation'. Those crossing the border in recent weeks have been detained by police and sent to Cox's Bazar, a southern district home to the world's largest refugee camps. Some 40,000 Rohingya have been living in India. Police said those who arrived were living in India for years. Rohingya for decades have faced persecution and pogroms in Myanmar, which refuses to recognise them as citizens and falsely labels them 'Bengali' illegal immigrants. They were concentrated in Rakhine state, the epicentre of a brutal Myanmar army offensive in August 2017 that UN investigators described as genocidal in intent. At least 720,000 Rohingya fled the bloody crackdown and entered Bangladesh to join some 300,000 already living in the camps. Amnesty International, among other rights groups, has blasted India for forcibly repatriating the Rohingya to Myanmar when persecution in Rakhine is ongoing. Dozens of Rohingya were also deported from Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh last week. They were arrested for illegally using Bangladeshi passports to travel to the kingdom. By AFP PARIS: One in three Christians in Asia faces high levels of persecution after a "shocking increase" of religious-based threats and violence across the world, particularly in China and sub-Saharan Africa, a global advocacy group said Wednesday. Around half of China's 100 million Christians encounters persecution, "the worst it's been in more than a decade", following "new laws seeking to control religious expression", the Open Doors watchdog said. Persecution worldwide increased for the sixth straight year, with a total of 245 million Christians -- one out of nine worldwide -- facing high levels in 2018, up from 215 million, or one in 12, the previous year. READ HERE | Life in the shadows: Pakistani Christians fear arrest in Thailand "Worldwide, our data reveals that 13.9 per cent more Christians are experiencing high levels of persecution than last year. That's 30 million more people," Open Doors UK and Ireland CEO Henrietta Blyth said in a statement. More than 4,300 Christians were killed due to their beliefs worldwide last year, over 3,700 of them in Nigeria, according to the 2019 World Watch List. READ | Blasphemy case: Asia Bibi wants to leave Pakistan for any Western country The number of deaths in Nigeria almost doubled, with attacks from the jihadist Boko Haram group and ethnic Fulani herders posing a "double threat" for Christians, the NGO said. "Africa has become the home of violence against Christians," said Michel Varton, president of Open Doors France. North Korea topped the NGO's "extreme persecution" ranking of 50 countries, as it has since 2002. Open Doors said there were signs religious repression there was getting worse, but it was difficult to obtain data in the country, where "Christianity is forbidden and is a political crime". READ HERE: Remains of Ethiopian Christians killed by Islamic State uncovered in Libya Following North Korea on the list are Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Pakistan, Sudan, Eritrea, Iran, India and Syria. India entered the top 10 for the first time, Open Doors said, as "Hindu extremists act with impunity and violent attacks on Christians and churches rise". "For many Christians in India, daily life is now full of fear - totally different from just four or five years ago," said Blyth. Open Doors, a non-denominational mission supporting persecuted Christians, warned that the rate of discrimination and violence was likely worse than it has reported, as it only records deaths proven to be to be motivated by religion. By AFP TEHRAN: The head of Iran's English-language Press TV said Wednesday that one of its journalists and her son has been detained in the United States on unspecified charges. US-born Marzieh Hashemi was arrested on arrival at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday, according to family and friends cited by Press TV. "As we know the US, especially on combatting terrorism, can arrest anyone with no charges and detain them for weeks. We believe legal action would not be effective for her freedom," Payman Jabali, head of Press TV, told reporters in Tehran. "We call on the US to explain her charges," he said. "This is a scandal for so-called US democracy." Jabali said she may have been targeted over documentaries she made about US activities in the Middle East, Islamophobia and other issues. The broadcaster said Hashemi, a Muslim convert who changed her name from Melanie Franklin, had been visiting "her ill brother and other family members". Jabali said all she had been offered to eat was pork, religiously forbidden for Muslims. He said her son, Reza Hashemi, had also been arrested but was not in detention while he awaited trial, though he did not specify the charges. By PTI HOUSTON: An Indian-American doctor, indicted in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history involving a USD 464 million conspiracy, was freed on a record-setting USD 7 million bond. Rajendra Bothra, 77, who was awarded Padmashri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, was indicted along with five other physicians in the alleged USD 464 million healthcare fraud conspiracy, which the federal government said fuelled the opioid epidemic. US District Judge Stephen Murphy granted the bond for him despite the government's concern that the doctor has hidden money that could bankroll an escape to his native India. Dr Bothra (Photo | thepaincenter.com) Bothra, of Bloomfield Hills, who will be released on home confinement and tracked by a GPS tether, must identify all assets under penalty of perjury, Detroit news reported. Being the lead defendant in one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in the US history, he must liquidate a USD 8.5 million retirement account to cover the bond, a process that could take three days, it reported. His wife and daughter, who attended the hearing Tuesday, will surrender their passports to alleviate concerns that the family might flee while Bothra awaits trial in July. Bothra has deep ties to India, including investments and several siblings. He is one of the most high-profile Indian-American Republican Party activists and fundraisers. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he hosted major fundraisers for former president George H W Bush and other senior Republican lawmakers. Apart from his professional achievements in the field of medicine in the United States, Bothra has been active in working for the poor and sick in India. For about eight weeks each year, Bothra leaves his general surgery practice in Warren and travels to India at his own expenses to work with Indian organisations to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS and drug, tobacco and alcohol addiction. He holds regular lecture tours in India to educate professional and lay audiences on health issues. Bothra has worked with the Nargis Dutt Foundation to produce two documentaries, one on AIDS and another on tobacco abuse. The Indian government also lauded him for being instrumental in gifting of sophisticated American medical equipment to Indian hospitals and assisting in the rebuilding of hospitals in Latur, Maharashtra after a severe earthquake. Meanwhile, prosecutors have been unable to pinpoint Bothra's net worth, which could be as high as USD 35 million. Assistant US Attorney Brandy McMillion noted that Bothra owns a real-estate company that owns 22 properties across Metro Detroit, including USD 2.8 million worth of condominiums and commercial buildings in downtown Royal Oak. Prosecutors are trying to identify whether the properties were purchased with proceeds from the alleged criminal activity. US Attorney Matthew Schneider attended the brief court hearing Tuesday and said his team of prosecutors will meet and decide whether to appeal the bond. Bothra, jailed since last month when he was indicted alongside five others, is accused of fuelling the nation's opioid epidemic, cheating Medicare and subjecting patients to needless, painful back injections. By PTI COIMBATORE: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Wednesday said his party was willing to join hands with like-minded parties who are against corruption and focused on making Tamil Nadu a progressive state. "The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is ready to join hands with those parties, who dream to make Tamil Nadu a progressive State and also corruption-free," Haasan told reporters at nearby Pollachi after inaugurating the party office there. When asked about him contesting the Lok Sabha elections, he said it would be decided by the party. The party would discuss all these issues in detail since it was formed for the benefit of Tamil Nadu and not individuals, the MNM chief added. By Online Desk An 18-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu's Rasipuram allegedly committed suicide as her husband didn't allow her to visit her parents for Pongal. Parameshwari had tied the knot with 24-year-old Sabarishwaran four months ago. The couple had reportedly not been on good terms and got into an argument recently. When Parameshwari expressed her wish to visit her parents for Pongal, her husband refused to let her go. Subsequently, the depressed Parameshwari allegedly decided to end her life by consuming poison. The woman's father has lodged a complaint with the police who are investigating the matter. Meanwhile, the woman's family alleged that Sabarishwaran had killed Parameshwari over a dispute. According to a Dinamalar report, the groom's family demanded dowry from Parameshwari. "My daughter is not a coward to commit suicide. They have killed her over the dispute," Parameshwari's mother was quoted as saying. Parameshwari's relatives also held a protest by blocking roads in Rasipuram demanding that the police arrest Sabarishwaran immediately. By PTI BHUBANESWAR: In a major setback for the opposition Congress in poll-bound Odisha, its working president and Jharsuguda MLA Naba Kishore Das has resigned from the primary membership of the party. He has, however, not resigned from the membership of the Odisha assembly, election to which is slated to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls this year. Das, a two-time legislator, has sent his resignation letter to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is scheduled to visit the state on January 25. In the letter, Das apologised for resigning from the party. A copy of the resignation letter was also sent to Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik and All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of Odisha, Jitender Singh. In the letter, Das said he will join the ruling BJD to take forward the developmental activities in his Jharsuguda assembly constituency. Das stated that he has resigned from the Congress following requests by voters of Jharsuguda who want the area to be developed. "I do not have any complain against Niranjan Patnaik, president, PCC, Odisha. I have a very cordial relationship with him... I apologize for this resignation as done so (sic) for the moto i.e development first. So I should join hands with Naveen Patnaik," he said in the letter and indicated that he would join the BJD on January 24. Two days ago, when Das indicated that he would quit the Congress, Niranjan Patnaik had said it will not affect the poll prospects of the party. Das is a popular leader in Jharsuguda district. He had defeated BJD candidates in 2009 and 2014 assembly elections. He is also credited with ensuring Congress victory during the 2017 zilla parishad elections in Jharsuguda. Of the nine zilla parishad seats in Jharsuguda district, Das had ensured victory of Congress candidates in eight. Niranjan Patnaik wrote on Twitter, "As I had clarified to media, news like this does pain me. But, in hindsight, I think this is good for us. People who are not committed to the ideology & treat politics as commercial activity are doing great service to us by quitting. By Express News Service JAGATSINGHPUR: Hundreds of farmers, including sharecroppers and women, on Tuesday launched a hunger strike in front of the Collectorate protesting misappropriation of funds meant for farm loan. They alleged that several sharecroppers had applied for farm loan at Nuagaon cooperative society in Gadakujang panchayat in the last kharif season. During that time, the secretary of cooperative society had collected their signatures seven to 10 times on different forms to avail loan ranging from `20,000 to `40,000. Though their applications were approved, the farmers are yet to get their loan amount, they added. In October, farmers had sought the intervention of the Collector demanding a probe into the misappropriation of funds, but to no avail. Later, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Society Ranjan Kumar Mishra met the agitators and pacified them. He also assured to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The Defense Ministry will not use the old expression "main enemy" to describe North Korea in the 2010 white paper due out in a few days, it said Sunday. The ministry claims it is looking for a stronger term, but the decision could prove controversial amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula after the sinking of the Navy corvette Cheonan and shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. The term "main enemy" was scrapped a few years ago because it was felt to be needlessly confrontational. There is also speculation that the decision aims to leave room for North Korea to see sense, improving the chances of better inter-Korean relations. A senior government official said, "The term 'main enemy' is used to refer to the worst among many enemies, so we judged that the expression was unsuitable both diplomatically and militarily. It will be replaced with a term that best describes the situation we are in." South Africa: SA condemns Kenya terrorist attack This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. As the annual World Economic Forum meeting draws closer, Team South Africa has met to chart the path for South Africas strategy at Davos, Switzerland. The meeting, which kicks off on 22 to 26 January 2019, brings together more than 3 000 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, arts and culture and media, as well as ... See more By Express News Service KOCHI: The four nuns, who were at the forefront of the fight against former Jalandhar Bishop Franco Mullackal in the nun rape case, have been told they have to return to their places of posting. This comes a good 10 months after they were first issued the transfer order in March 2018. However, all the four nuns have decided not to return to their respective places of posting. "Basically, these are reminder transfer orders. We have been directed to return to our original nunneries. But, we have decided not to go back as it would isolate the victim," Sr Anupama told 'Express.' READ HERE | A Christmas in solitude for Kerala nuns who protested against rape-accused Bishop "It pains me to note that you had not only failed to join the Chamiyari community on the given date but also paid scant heed to my reminder notice dated June 20, urging you to join the community to which you were appointed canonically vide the order dated March 23, 2018," said the letter issued to Sr Anupama, a copy of which is with 'Express'. Sr Regina, in the letter, said: "You are urged earnestly not to make your legal obligations in the case an alibi to compromise our affirmed religious vows and principles of community life." Meanwhile, Vaikom DySP K Subash, who is the investigation officer in the nun rape case, said the investigation will not be affected and there is no restriction on the movement of nuns to any place. ALSO READ: Church trying to suppress dissenting voices? The reminder 'orders' were issued by Sr Regina Kadamthottu, Superior General, Missionaries of Jesus, on January 3, 2019. They have been staying here for the past five months with the victim to lend her their support. While Sr Anupama had been transferred to Chamiyari, Punjab, Sr Alphy and Sr Josephine have been asked to return to St Joseph's Convent, Pakarthala (Bihar), and Lalmatia in Jharkhand respectively. Sr Ancita has been directed to take charge at Pariyaram, Kannur, based on her request in April last year. All the four nuns are originally from St Francis Mission Home, Kuravilangad, where they are presently stationed. ALSO READ | Kerala nun rape case: Sister Anupama heckled, asked to leave key witness' funeral "Since they are here at the convent, we are giving them protection. The transfer orders do not hinder the investigation, they will have to report to the court when called," said Subhash. The nuns allege that this move by the Church is to sabotage the ongoing case. "This is a move by the church authorities to influence the witnesses. I cannot go back to Punjab where Franco is currently residing. They have failed to give us any protection and what promises can they make now?" asked Sr Anupama. She also added they won't go anywhere leaving the victim behind. Earlier, in March last year the nuns were issued transfer orders and they had joined at Kuravilangad to support the victim. Now they have been issued reminders to go back to their respective convents. Fr Augustine Vattoly said the move of the Church in issuing the transfer orders now is like challenging the nuns and people in Kerala. "The nun's protest has gained momentum amongst the people in Kerala and they have supported and made it a success. The Church is now challenging the people with these orders. We believe in Jesus and justice will be served," said Fr Vattoly. Gangadhar Hugar By Express News Service HAVERI: The only MLA in the coalition government from the Karnataka Pragnyavantha Janatha Party, Ranebennur legislator R Shankar, was upset over his removal from the cabinet, partys Ranebennur president Jagadish Yaligar said. Shankar had expressed his displeasure in front of his supporters and its said that he took the decision to leave the coalition two weeks ago in a meeting held with them. On Tuesday, Shankar wrote a letter to Governor Vajubhai Vala, withdrawing his support given to the HD Kumaraswamy-led government. Yaligar said that Shankar had discussed the issue in a party meeting held two weeks ago. Our MLA R Shankar and the party workers were upset with JDS-Congress governments move of removing him from the post of Forest Minister without giving any reason, he said. We were promised funds for development works in our region, but we go nothing. The post of minister was snatched from him and no one consulted the minister before doing so. It showed that the coalition government was not treating our MLA the way they promised when they first asked him to join hands with them, he added. Yaligar confirmed that Shankar has decided to join BJP, and said an announcement will come in this regard soon. I am in touch with my leader and he is in New Delhi. He has decided to go with BJP as he was not happy with the Congress and the coalition government, he said. By Express News Service Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will soon visit Andhra Pradesh to discuss his federal front initiative with YSR Congress chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. This was announced at a joint press conference held by Jagan and Telangana IT Minister KT Rama Rao at the former's Lotus Pond residence in Hyderabad on Wednesday afternoon. Adding impetus to the efforts to form a non -BJP and Non-Congress federal front at the national level, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's emissaries KT Rama Rao, accompanied by his party MP Vinod Kumar and others, arrived at Lotus Pond around 12.30 pm and had a working lunch with Jagan, and other YSRC leaders including MPs Vijayasai Reddy, Mithun and YV Subba Reddy. Later, addressing a press conference, KTR and Jagan termed their talks preliminary and said Chandrasekhar Rao will take forward the talks with YSRC in Andhra Pradesh in the near future. "KCR has floated the federal front idea to fight against the indifferent attitude of the Centre towards States. He had met TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, DMK leader Stalin, Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy and others. As part of this exercise, he rang up Jagan on Tuesday and the YSRC chief invited us for talks," KT Rama Rao said, adding that the TRS was confident that all like-minded parties who believe in strengthening regional forces and States will come together. ALSO READ | Akhilesh lauds TRS chief KCR for 'striving hard' to form federal front KT Rama Rao, accompanied by his party MP Vinod Kumar and others, with Jagan Mohan Reddy at the latter's residence in Hyderabad on 16 January 2018. (Photo | S Senbagapandiyan/ EPS) Chipping in, Jagan explained that KTR had discussed with him the federal front objectives and how it could be a platform for all States to fight against the Centre. The YSRC chief disclosed that KCR had called him again this afternoon and expressed his desire to meet him in Andhra Pradesh to take the talks forward. ALSO READ | Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu wonders if KCR met Modi to brief him on Federal Front Jagan Mohan Reddy clarified that Wednesday's talks are preliminary in nature and the issue had to be discussed threadbare with his party leaders. However, he endorsed the idea of a federal front, pointing out that at the end of the day, States individually on their own cannot face the Centre due to their numerical weakness in Parliament and cited the denial of special category status to Andhra Pradesh as an example. "AP has 25 MP seats and if we get the support of Telangana's 17 MPs, there is a chance of the State getting justice. Numerical strength of the States must increase if they are to get justice... only then will the Centre think twice.. We must appreciate KCR's effort to bring all States on to one platform," Jagan Mohan Reddy said. Telangana minister KT Rama Rao (left) with YSR Congress party chief Jagan Mohan Reddy at the latter's residence in Hyderabad on 16 January 2018. (Photo | S Senbagapandiyan/ EPS) On the special category status, KTR reiterated that the TRS is supportive of AP's demand. "TRS has already made its stand clear in Parliament and at other platforms. There is no second opinion on this. The promise given by the then PM must be kept," he stressed. Meanwhile, the TDP and Left parties are already up in arms in Andhra Pradesh. The ruling TDP claimed talks between Jagan and KTR were yet another instance of the tacit understanding between the two. Rishi Raj Singh By It has become fashionable nowadays to cite the names of places from different parts of the world where drugs like marijuana have been legalised. Probably taking a cue from this kind of information and misunderstanding it, a few held demonstrations in some parts of Kerala in support of the so-called legalisation of drugs, which has recently been done in some states of the US. They are emphasising that the same should now be done in India. But it will be disastrous and suicidal if any kind of relaxation is made in India and the drugs are legalised. It will increase the extent of drug addiction as the substances would then become far more easily available. Legalisation of drugs sounds like the following phrase: If you cant beat them, join them. It looks like as if we have accepted defeat at the hands of the drug peddlers. Tomorrow another set of people could say let pickpocketeers not be caught as these incidents are too many; so let us concentrate only on heinous crimes like murder and rape and not bother about very minor crimes. How ridiculous would that idea be! The consumption of drugs is already playing havoc with the general health of Indians. Due to incessant drug use, people die in India every year. Chewing pan and other related materials like zarda, gutka and khaini have opened the floodgates for oral cancer. In 2016 cancer occurrence rose sharply with many suffering from oral cancer. Shockingly, at least two lakh fresh oral cancer cases are being reported in India every year. These tobacco products, as mentioned above, create the first stage of cancer in and around the mouth or tongue or throat. It is predicted that the number of cancer cases will increase drastically by 2020 due to chewing pan masala and other related materialstongue-related cancer: 81,200 (60,333 in 2015); mouth-related cancer: 1,28,451 (89,645 in 2015); throat-related cancer 20,948 (19,700 in 2015). The Government of India has enacted an inefficient law called COTPA (Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act) which only imposes a `200 fine on a person caught with any consignment of tobacco material. The need of the hour is to completely ban these tobacco products from society. Kerala is the only state where these products have been banned completely. In the last one year nearly 1,000 tonnes of these products have been seized and destroyed. There is no pan shop operating in Kerala. It is strange to glorify the idea of legalising drugs when the World Health Organisation reported that tobacco, alcohol and illicit liquor account for 8.7 per cent, 3.8 per cent and 0.4 per cent of all deaths respectively. I attended a course in the US in 2014 where the head of DEA (which heads the control of drugs in America) told us that no one should follow the US in drug control methods as drugs had reached every nook and corner of that country and most of their efforts were not yielding desirable results. But that is not the case in India. We are not that helpless. States are taking strong action and thus containing the menace of drugs. Kerala alone has seized drugs to the tune of 1,000 crore in the last one and half years. The states that have acted strictly against drugs are Punjab, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Legalising the consumption of ganja in India will not be a solution to the problem. Even if it is done in a mild way in the beginning, addicts will ask for relaxation and the legalisation of other chemical substances like heroin, brown sugar, etc. It will be an endless cycle and we would be making a fool of ourselves. Due to the high levels of literacy and high living standards in the US, Canada and Europe, the governments might have gone for the legalisation of marijuana, starting the process whereby addicts reduce their doses slowly, finally stopping the usage altogether. In India the literacy rate is comparatively low and the school dropout rate is high. So the students and adolescents might see legalisation of ganja as a godsent opportunity for them to easily get it. In fact legalisation could lure new children to drugs. Implementing the process of legalisation of drugs in India would be next to impossible. Who will decide who is an addict, who is merely a beginner, what percentage of ganja should be given to an addict, etc. In a country of 137 crore people it will be an insurmountable task. Drug legalisation can be easy in a country where the population is 2 lakhs, not here. Having said that, we have to make our existing laws that fight drugs more strict. At present these laws are very slack. For example under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act), anyone caught with less than 1 kg of ganja can immediately get out on bail; that culprit resumes sale, distribution or consumption of ganja from the next moment itself. The case might not come up for hearing for even five years. We have to overcome these shortcomings. Legalising drugs in India would be like opening a can of worms. It is not going to deliver any desirable results. Instead it will compound the existing confusion. Rishi Raj Singh DGP and Excise Commissioner, Kerala Email: ipsrishirajsingh@gmail.com Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government will request the Supreme Court to withdraw the stay on the construction of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial (CSMM) in the Arabian Sea, Vinayak Mete, Chairman of the committee to oversee the construction of memorial said. While PWD minister Chandrakant Patil said that the Supreme Court will not take contrarian view once the Bombay High Court has ruled that the government has secured all due permissions and approvals for the construction of the memorial. On Wednesday, the SC sought responses from the Centre and state government on a plea challenging the Bombay High Court order which had refused to restrain authorities from taking steps regarding the project. While Mete had blamed PWD officials for the stay order on the construction, Patil argued that it was because of the groundwork was done by the PWD officials the petitioners' case could not stand before the High Court. According to Mete, the Supreme Court stayed the construction as a public hearing wasnt conducted before starting the construction work. He also said that whenever there are no project affected people involved, the work can be initiated without conducting a public hearing. The state government shall pit across its views before the SC in about a weeks time and request them to withdraw the stay, Mete said while pointing out that the SC has only given oral instructions and there are no written directives. Anuraag Singh By Express News Service BHOPAL: A fortnight after putting the monthly pension of the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) detainees in Madhya Pradesh on hold, the Kamal Nath government has now ordered a physical verification of the detainees. Till the physical verification of the surviving detainees and widows or dependents of the detainees is not completed, the distribution of pension will be on hold. The state government order, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), was signed by GAD deputy secretary DK Jain. The order, issued on Tuesday, also mentions enquiring about MISA detainees or their dependents from locals where the detainees or dependents are residing. While former MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan dubbed the order as a U-turn while tweeting the copy of the order, another senior BJP leader Tapan Bhowmick, the head of Loktantra Senani Sangathan the umbrella outfit of MISA detainees in MP described the new order as vague. We dont oppose physical verification of surviving detainees or dependents/widows of dead detainees, but the order lacks clarity on at least two counts. No time frame has been mentioned for the completion of physical verification. Also, ideally the physical verification should be carried out by the district collector, police superintendent or the jail superintendent of jails where the MISA detainees were lodged during the Emergency, said Bhowmick. On December 29, 2018, the state government had ordered divisional commissioners and district collectors to put the monthly pension of MISA detainees (those arrested during the Emergency period 1975 to 1977) on hold. The order said that the Accountant Generals reports in the previous years have revealed that expenditure on MISA detainees pension was exceeding the budgetary allocation. Aishik Chanda By Express News Service KOLKATA: A few days after Alipurduar District Magistrate Nikhil Nirmal was transferred for thrashing a person, accused of sending lewd messages to his wife, at Falakata police station, the wife of a joint block development officer in the district's Kalchini block has been arrested for allegedly hitting her minor maid's head with a sarashi (forceps-like device) and beating her up for not waking her on time. It was alleged that Kalchini block joint BDO Angshuman Dutta's wife Shubhra had asked her minor maid to wake her up on time on Wednesday morning at her residence in Dakshin Khagrabari in the neighbouring Cooch Behar district in north Bengal. However, the maid failed to do so. Irked, the accused allegedly beat her up and threw a sarashi at the minor, hitting her head and leaving her bleeding profusely. As the maid screamed in pain, some locals rushed to the house. Finding the maid injured, they informed the police. A police team soon arrived at the spot and arrested her. She was admitted to a hospital where the doctors found several other bruises and injury marks on her body. The police said an investigation is underway into the incident. Earlier, this month, Alipurduar DM Nirmal was first sent on forced leave and then transferred as Managing Director of West Bengal Tribal Development Cooperative Corporation after a video went viral in which he was seen hitting and kicking a person named Binod Kumar Sarkar in Falakata police station, in the presence of the Station House Officer, for allegedly sending lewd messages to his wife Nandini Krishnan. Anand ST Das By Express News Service PATNA: A gram kachhari (village court) secretary and his neighbour were shot dead in Bihars Jamui by the Maoists on suspicion of them being police informers, police said on Wednesday. Nearly 25 armed cadres of the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist) group swooped down on Garurbad village under Chakai police station of the southern district late on Tuesday night. They shot dead the two men village court secretary Mohammad Usman, 40, and his neighbour Mohammad Ghulam, 38 after storming into their houses. Usmans wife, Sabreen Khatoon, received a bullet in her hand and is currently undergoing treatment at Chakai referral hospital. AK-47 rifles were used in the operation by the Maoists that included at least six women cadres, said police officials. The cops also stated that the team was led by four area commanders Sidhu Kora, Arvind Yadav, Pintu Rana and his (Ranas) wife Karuna. "The Maoists entered the houses of the two men and dragged them out of bed. The duo was beaten up before being shot dead," said Chakai police station in-charge Chandeshwar Paswan. The twin murders left the residents of the village, which is close to a jungle, horrified. The rebels left behind a poster written in Hindi with bold, red ink that read, "The punishment for being police informers is death. "Teams of district police and paramilitary forces are carrying out a combing operation around the village. No arrest has been made so far," said Jamui sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Kumar Bhaskar. Jamui is one of four districts in Bihar which comes under the 30 districts that remain the most affected by leftwing extremism in the country. The other three districts are Aurangabad, Gaya and Lakhisarai. By PTI NEW DELHI: Two former Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's members, who had quit the student outfit in 2016, questioned the timing of the chargesheet in the JNU sedition row and said it is "politically motivated". The ABVP said the two were siding with the Congress, which had supported the accused students, and termed it a "political ploy" divert attention. Then ABVP JNU unit joint secretary Pradeep Narwal and two others had resigned from their posts following clashes in the campus over an incident on February 9, 2016 in which "anti-national slogans" were allegedly raised. ABVP's JNU unit vice-president Jatin Goraya had resigned from the post in August 2016, saying he was "tired" of the ABVP's stand on the attacks against Dalits and their handling of issues, including the sedition row. On Wednesday, Narwal said the chargesheet is politically motivated. "Three years ago, JNU issue had triggered a media trial and with the filing of the chargesheet, it has started again. A chargesheet is usually filed within 90 days after the FIR, but what took the police three years to file the chargesheet? It is clear that the whole thing is politically motivated," he claimed. Goraya alleged the entire sedition row was orchestrated to ensure that the movement which started after Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula's death on January 17, 2016, dies down. ALSO READ: JNU sedition case: Police says countrywide probe, voluminous records led to three years for chargesheet "The Rohith Vemula movement had put the ruling party on the backfoot and the entire JNU row was orchestrated by the ABVP to gain attention. Hashtags like #ShutdownJNU were started on social media to divert attention. It was planned by the BJP, RSS and ABVP," he alleged. Goraya also raised questions about the veracity of the videos aired by certain news channels. "After the chargesheet was filed, certain media channels showed four videos which had formed the basis for the filing of the chargesheet. In one of the videos, some people could be seen raising slogans of 'Pakistan Zindabad'." ALSO READ: JNU case: Invoking sedition law against Kanhaiya Kumar and others travesty of free speech "From that video, we could see those raising slogans are ABVP members. If the videos are authentic as said by the CFSL, why is no action being initiated against the ABVP? If the videos are doctored, the police should try and find the original videos," he said. Saurabh Sharma, member of the RSS-affiliated ABVP, the then joint JNUSU joint secretary said, "They are siding with the Congress that has supported the accused. These are political moves to divert the issue. The matter is sub-judice and we are hopeful the truth will come out in the next few days." Nearly three years after former JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar and nine others were accused of raising anti-India slogans, the Delhi Police Monday charged them with sedition. In the 1,200-page charge-sheet, former JNU students Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were also arrayed as accused. The accused were named in the chargesheet for allegedly shouting anti-India slogans during an event on the university's campus on February 9, 2016, to commemorate the hanging of Parliament-attack mastermind Afzal Guru The other seven accused chargesheeted in the case are Kashmiri students Aquib Hussain, Mujeeb Hussain, Muneeb Hussain, Umar Gul, Rayeea Rassol, Bashir Bhat and Basharat. Some of them were then studying in JNU, Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia As many as 36 others, including Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D Raja's daughter Aprajitha, Shehla Rashid (then vice-JNUSU president), Rama Naga, Ashutosh Kumar and Banojyotsna Lahiri, all former students of JNU, have been named in column 12 of the chargesheet due to insufficient evidence against them. By UNI AGARTALA: The Union Home Ministry has extended the deadline for repatriation of tribal refugees from Tripura to Mizoram till March this year and also allowed the extension of financial assistance and ration supply till then. Officials said here today that as per the ministry's earlier direction the ration supply has to be discontinued from yesterday but the decision was reviewed following the persuasion of the refugee leaders. Earlier, the ration supply and cash assistance were decided to be discontinued in November last year ahead of Mizoram assembly election but it failed. The officials said following a four-party agreement in Delhi last July, the supply of foodgrains and relief material was stopped from October, ostensibly to compel the tribal migrants to return to their villages in Mizoram. Over 35,000 Reang tribals, comprising 5,907 families, fled from Mizoram and have been staying in seven relief camps in northern Tripura's Kanchanpur and Panisagar sub-divisions since October 1997 following ethnic tension after a Mizo forest official was killed in the neighbouring state. Meanwhile, the Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum (MBDPF), the apex body of the refugees, has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Joint Secretary (North-East) Satyendra Garg to extend their relief and other assistance until they returned to their homes in Mizoram. MBDPF President A. Sawibunga, Vice-President R. Laldawngliana and General Secretary Bruno Msha, in a joint letter on Monday, said that it would be very inhuman if the government unilaterally stopped the assistance to the refugees. They also called the Election Commission to set up polling stations inside the seven relief camps during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. By PTI AHMEDABAD: Chief Minister Vijay Rupani Wednesday said no delegation from Pakistan would be attending the upcoming Vibrant Gujarat Summit. Gujarat will host the ninth edition of the annual industry summit 'Vibrant Gujarat' from January 18 to 20 in Gandhinagar. Earlier, a controversy had erupted when the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), while inviting several global trade bodies for the investors' meet, also extended invitation to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce. India and Pakistan's diplomatic relations have been strained in recent times over the issue of terrorism. On Wednesday, Rupani said, "No delegation from Pakistan was coming for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit." "There were discussions about it, but it is not true," he told reporters here, but did not elaborate further. Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had last week said there was nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan's trade body for the summit. The GCCI had decided to invite global trade bodies during the Gujarat Vibrant Summit and the state government agreed to it. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce is also one of the global trade bodies invited by GCCI. The Gujarat government has not sent any invitation, Singh said. The Pakistani trade body had been invited to participate in the 'Global Conclave of International Chambers', one of the events to be held at the summit. GCCI office-bearers had claimed it was only a "general circular" meant for around 285 global trade bodies, and that the final invitation was to be sent only after scrutiny. In 2013, a trade delegation from Pakistan had come to Gujarat to take part in the biennial summit. However, following tension on the border, the delegation left without attending the main event. Thereafter, no Pakistani delegation was invited for the investor meets held in 2015 and 2017. The summit was conceptualised in 2003 by Prime Minister Modi when he was the state's chief minister to promote investment in Gujarat. It focuses on establishing Gujarat as a preferred investment destination in India. Over the years, the summit has evolved into a platform for brainstorming on agendas of global socio-economic development, in addition to becoming a platform for forging strategic public-private partnerships. By PTI AHMEDABAD: No delegation from Pakistan would be attending the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said here Wednesday. Heads of state of some countries are expected to reach Gandhinagar for the 9th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit beginning January 18. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the event and hold one-on-one meetings with the leaders on the sidelines of the summit. There was a controversy when the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), while inviting global trade bodies for the investors' meet, had also invited the Karachi Chamber of Commerce for the mega event. Indo-Pak diplomatic ties have been strained in recent times over the issue of terrorism. "No delegation from Pakistan is coming for the Vibrant Gujarat Summit," Rupani said. The issue (of Pak participation) was discussed, he added. He did not elaborate. Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had last week said there was nothing wrong in inviting Pakistan's trade body for the summit. The GCCI had decided to invite global trade bodies during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and the state government had agreed to it. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce was among the global trade bodies invited by GCCI. The Gujarat government had not sent any invitation, Singh said. The Pakistani trade body was invited to participate in the 'Global Conclave of International Chambers' event to be held during the Summit. In 2013, a trade delegation from Pakistan had come to Gujarat to participate in the summit but due to tension on the border, the delegation left without attending the main event. No Pakistani delegation was invited for the investor meets held in 2015 and 2017. The summit was initiated in 2003 by Modi when he was the chief minister, to promote investment in Gujarat and to establish it as the preferred investment destination in India. By PTI SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma will lead a delegation, including members from the BJP, to New Delhi on Thursday to air its opposition against the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016, a senior state minister said Wednesday. The delegation will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to express their "unhappiness" over the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here after a cabinet meeting. He said the team will comprise all the members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which include the BJP, NCP and some regional parties. "We are leaving tomorrow and will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to lodge our unhappiness with the intention of the Central government for passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill," Tynsong said. ALSO READ: Can I get the votes back: Singer Zubeen Garg asks Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal over Citizenship Bill The state cabinet had passed a resolution to oppose the Bill last year. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which was passed in the Lok Sabha last week, provides for according Indian citizenship to Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India instead of 12 years, which is the norm currently, even if they do not possess any document. A large section of people and organisations in the northeast have opposed the bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. ALSO READ: Will drum up support against Citizenship Bill: Asom Gana Parishad On the growing demand for the state government to come up with an official resolution in the Assembly with regards to the Citizenship Amendment Bill, Tynsong said the question of passing a resolution does not arise. "It (official resolution) does not carry any weight as opposition (to it) has already been lodged by government as well as the Opposition parties," he said. The Meghalaya deputy chief minister said the state government had already submitted its letter of opposition to the Bill to the Centre through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which visited the state last year. To another query, Tynsong said unlike the opposition Congress which is divided over the issue, the ruling National People's Party has maintained a firm stand to oppose the Bill. "I request the Congress to please be united on this issue," he said. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: When the body of Major Sashidharan Nair of the 2/1 Gorkha Rifles was brought to his hometown, Pune, on Sunday, among the many mourners attending his last rites was a young woman in a wheelchair. Her name is Trupti Nair, and she was Major Nair s wife. Truptis physical disability hides a tragic story of love, loss and a promise fulfilled. Maj Nair, who wanted to join the army right from his school days, was a 27-year-old Captain when he met Trupti. They were engaged within six months. But soon, Trupti was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease. Just before their wedding, she was paralysed below the waist, and relegated to a wheelchair. Major Sashidharan Nair with wife Trupti Nair. (Photo: Facebook) His friends and relatives advised him to call off the wedding, but he went ahead and honoured his promise. This tragic love story was revealed on social media by Lt Col Sandeep Ahlawat, a serving Armoured Corps officer. The commitment and the unwavering promise of the officer to his fiance is simply beyond compare or unparalleled, he recalled. According to one report, Nair had spent a month on leave with his family in Pune before he returned to Kashmir and had tried to allay concerns expressed by his wife. Though Major Nair failed to keep his promise, Mrs Nair is part of the Army family, and we will all do our best to give her the strength to endure this massive loss, pledged another officer. Trupti Nair during the funeral of her martyred husband Major Sashidharan Nair. (Photo: Facebook) Memories remain The couple led a happy life and Major Nair, ever the chivalrous officer and gentleman used to take the lady everywhere he went, Lt Col Sandeep Ahlawat wrote By PTI MUMBAI: The Shiv Sena Wednesday said the BJP has no moral right to criticise student leader Kanhaiya Kumar, who has been charged with sedition, after teaming up with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir. The Sena also asked the ruling BJP to refrain from taking political mileage from the sedition case against Kumar, a former president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students' Union. The BJP committed a "sin" by aligning with People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, it said, claiming that she considered Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru as a martyr. The BJP was part of the PDP-led government in Jammu and Kashmir but pulled out of the coalition last year. The Delhi Police had on Monday filed a charge sheet in a court against Kanhaiya Kumar and others, saying he was leading a procession and supported seditious slogans raised on the JNU campus in February 2016. "The BJP committed the biggest sin of aligning with Mehbooba Mufti, who considers Afzal Guru a freedom fighter and a martyr. Now the BJP, for its own benefit, should not try and take political mileage out of the sedition case filed against Kanhaiya," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. A terrorist like Ajmal Kasab, convicted in the 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, was given a chance by court to defend himself, it said, and expressed hope that Kumar would also be given a chance to present his case. If the allegations against him are not true, they will not stand in court, said the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which is an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra. "Kanhaiya Kumar speaks well. Since he represents the harried and unemployed youth, he cannot give slogans hailing Afzal Guru or independence for Kashmir. Anyway, what moral right does the BJP have to condemn Kanhaiya Kumar?" it asked. The Sena wondered if the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, was unable to win elections in JNU as voting there was not held through the electronic voting machines (EVMs). "Maharashtra BJP minister Girish Mahajan recently claimed he will show his 'magic' wherever he is sent and make sure his party wins polls. We request the BJP to send him to JNU to defeat the anti-nationals there. But tell him that elections in JNU are not held through EVMs," it said in sarcastic remarks. Abhijit Mulye By Express News Service MUMBAI: Five people, including four children and a senior citizen, died when an overloaded boat capsized in Narmada river at Bhoosha point near Dhadgaon in Nandurbar district about 475 km from Mumbai on Tuesday. There were around 65 people on the boat of which 55 have been saved. Eighteen people are serious who are being treated at different government hospitals in the district, officials said. Off late Bhoosha has been developed into a picnic spot and people had flocked in large numbers due to holiday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Though there was no permission for ferrying passengers, the small boats used by fishermen illegally carry passengers. The ill-fated boat was one of such boats, locals have said. The boat was carrying passengers double that of its capacity. While it was in the middle of the current it suddenly went turtle. People on the banks jumped in for rescue, said, eyewitnesses. According to district officials, the government hires private boats for ferrying villagers along the Narmada shore. In villages like Manibeli and Bhushagaon, boats are the only means of transport. The boats also ferry to the other side till Gujarat shore. Sajin Shrijith By Express News Service One look at Harisree Asokan and you may find it hard to believe that its the same man who played the iconic Ramanan in Punjabi House. The actors unassuming, affable manner and reserved countenance are a far cry from the hyperactive comedian we often see on screen. After entertaining many for decades in front of the camera, Asokan is all set to do the same from behind it through An International Local Story. His directorial debut is being planned for a release in the first week of February. The script has been written by Ranjith, Eben, and Saneesh. Asokan collaborated with the trio for the dialogues. The film is a pure comedy. But its mostly situational humour. We havent added humour just for the sake of it, says Asokan. But there is also a good story to go along with it. Something with depth. Its a simple, small film with all the ingredients required for an ideal entertainer. Im confident it will make everyone forget their troubles and give them a good time for two hours. Its fresh and a little unpredictable with a satisfying climax. Asokan was initially supposed to do a more serious subject but his friends advised against it. I talked to Siddique, Lal, Priyadarshan, and Ranjith and they all suggested that it would be best if I did a comedy at least initially because thats what the public would want from me, he says. Rahul Madhav, Dharamajan, Deepak Parambol, Aswhin Jose, and Bijukuttan play the five principal characters. Surabhi Santosh (Kinavalli) and Mamitha Baiju (Varathan) play the female leads. Asokan plays one of the supporting characters alongside Kalabhavan Shajon, Innocent, Manoj K Jayan, Tini Tom, Salim Kumar, Nandhu, and Mala Parvathy. Actor Suresh Krishna will be appearing in a comical role for the first time. It is Sureshs breakout performance, remarks Asokan. When asked if coming up with fresh material in this age of WhatsApp forwards and memes is a challenge, he says, Its possible to create fresh content if one is willing to dig deep. Ive been doing this for a long time and I can say that there is no dearth of content. But yes, we have to update ourselves according to the times. We need to check if a particular brand of humour would work with todays audiences. Thats how we have done it. But then again, we cant be so sure. Its all in the hands of the public. Asokan has been harbouring a desire to direct for many years but couldnt quite conjure up the confidence to do it before. He was finally able to muster enough courage after numerous discussions with friends. It was my friends who egged me on. I didnt go to any director specifically to learn filmmaking. Basically, I learned from all the directors I have worked with. While doing Aamayum Muyalum, Priyadarshan asked me if I intend to get into direction soon because I was taking note of everything he and the cinematographer were doing. And as I was already an actor, I knew what they go through. Though Asokan found the experience of directing more thrilling than acting, he admits that the latter is more profitable when seen from a monetary point of view. In the time you take to direct a film, you can act in maybe 10-15 films. But there is a high we get from directing a film, especially when its an actor doing it for the first time. As I was already familiar with acting, directing was an exhilarating experience. Malaysia, Ernakulam, and Cherthala were the filming locations. An International Local Story is produced by M Shijith under the banner of S Square Cinemas. Asokan calls Shijith a very hands-on producer. He is a friend of mine and he was with me all the way. This is a first for him, and, prior to filming, I had explained to him everything there is to know about how things work in the industry. I told him, What we are doing basically is gambling. The film may or may not work, and only if one is prepared for the worst that one should think about getting into this game. Sometimes we may get everything right story, script, dialogues except for the time of release. A good film releasing at the wrong time doesnt help at all. We cant predict these things, you see. Asokan feels promoting ones work is very essential. Theres no point in making a product if youre not going out there and actively promoting it. Your film is like your baby, and every director and producer need to promote their films responsibly. Just showing up with the money alone wont do the trick. It doesnt matter who is in the film, big or small. My film doesnt have any superstars. Its just the Harisree Ashokan brand. Thats it. So naturally, its a huge responsibility. Having said that, Asokan is not planning to direct full time even though he is planning five or six projects. Directing has been a long-cherished dream which I was finally able to realise. After this, Im back to acting. It will be a while before I direct my next film. Aishik Chanda By Express News Service KOLKATA: Two nursing students of state-run Nil Ratan Sircar Hospital here were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly being involved in the brutal killing of 16 puppies near the girls' nursing hostel and dumping the carcasses in plastic packets at the gynaecological department medical waste dump. The accused were identified as first-year nursing student Moutusi Mondal and third-year nursing student Soma Barman. Police claimed that both accepted their crimes after interrogation at Entally police station here on Tuesday. The two accused have been identified as the two women seen beating the puppies to death in a video that went viral and caused a massive uproar among animal lovers in the city. The two accused have been booked under Sections 429 (mischief by maiming animals) and 201 (concealing evidence) of Indian Penal Code and Section 11L of Prevention of Animals Cruelty Act. The duo would be produced at Sealdah Court on Wednesday. Police had detained three students and two staffers who were interrogated on Tuesday morning. Dwaipayan Chakraborty, deputy superintendent of the hospital who is also heading a three-member investigation committee formed to probe the incident, said: "More people are suspected to be involved in the incident. It is impossible for only two people to kill 16 puppies." Meanwhile, animal rights activists from across the city staged a demonstration at Entally police station on Tuesday demanding punishment to the accused. Some of them also attacked a senior police official's vehicle when it tried to enter the police station. On the other hand, Bengali film industry actors also came out against the killing of puppies demanding strict action against the accused. "Such incidents show that humans have lost humanity," actress Mimi Chakraborty said. "Sixteen puppies were killed and people who made the video just stood there and could not come down to stop them?" said actress Sreelekha Mitra. Actor Tathagata Mukherjee, a part of the animal lovers' agitation, said that the stir would continue until the accused are punished. On the other hand, Raiganj Hospital nurse Sangeeta Burman filed a defamation complaint at the West Bengal Police Cyber Cell after a photograph showing her as one of the puppies' killers went viral in social media. By Express News Service KOCHI: Africa had been riddled with societal issues such as discrimination, domination, isolation and even slavery of sorts persisting owing socioeconomic differences. Though decolonisation processes have been underway for a long time, things are far from how it ought to be. South African artist William Kentridge, in his space at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, reels a line-up of videos portraying these issues. Silhouetted figures step and dance in line to the sounds of a brass band across eight screens. The artists processional project has 15-minute visuals in one loop essay where figures carrying objects made from cutouts of the artists own drawings. The project adorns the sea-facing rectangular room at the main venue of the 108-day festival on till March 29. Thus, More Sweetly Play The Dance at Fort Kochis sprawling Aspinwall House features portraits of historical figures and obscure people against the backdrop of plants as well as trees and amid an array of human belongings ranging from bathtubs to suitcases. The procession is a form I have used many times before, trying to encompass in the work the muchness of the people in the world, reveals the 63-year-old Johannesburg-based artist. And to record the fact that even in the 21st century human foot-power remains the primary means of locomotion. And we are still locked in the manual labour of individual bodies as a way of making the world. The image of a procession goes back to Francisco Goya and the paintings of the Spanish Romantic painter (1746-1828), states Kentridge, educated in his citys University of the Witwatersrand and Johannesburg Art Foundation. It goes back more recently to photographs of refugees fleeing Rwanda (since the 1994 genocide) to nearby countries such as Tanzania, Zambia and Uganda. All the movement that still exists across Africa, he notes about the continent that has also people from South Sudan and Eritrea finding asylum in other nations. The image of a procession of people pulling or carrying their baggage is both a contemporary and immediate image, explains Kentridge. It travels back to the huge movements of people at the end of the Second World War (1945). And further, to the exodus of Muslims from the Balkans (in the early 20th and 19th centuries), he says. But these scenes soon depart from a lively parade, as the load-bearing characters recall recent images of refugees migrating to escape the atrocities in their homelands. The procession also includes emaciated figures on the therapeutic IV (intravenous) drips, says the artist. And those lugging body bags, which allude to the Ebola crisis (outbreak of a virus disease during 2014-16 in West Africa). Kentridges work also intersperses scenes of political protests: People throwing pamphlets and holding microphones, even as they look aggrieved that they go unheard. He also points out the procession films focus on the carriers as much as their issues. The endless procession of people carrying on their heads and shoulders baskets, bundles of clothes and spoils of war. All of history carried by them, he says. Kentridge has a habit of erasing the background from his drawings even as his continual filming of the smudged traces produces an unsettled effect of light as the flickering of fate itself. This movement of time in the background and the obvious one of the movement of people in the front is an important component of the work, he says. The next vital part was to place them in the world, he adds. Placing them between a large sky and a landscape foreground through which they move. There is the linear progression from left to right across the eight screens, and people entering the screens as others leave. By Express News Service KOCHI: Aditya, Indias first solar ferry, which celebrated its second anniversary on Tuesday, has indeed proved to be a smart investment for the State Water Transport Department. In the two years since its launch, the ferry could save more than Rs 40 lakh in various expenses. Launched in January 2017, Aditya has already become the lifeline of daily commuters on the Vaikom-Thavanakkadav route. Manufactured by NavAlt Solar and Electric Boats (under the Make In India initiative), the catamaran-type boat, with a capacity to carry 75 passengers, was launched for transportation purpose in the states backwaters. According to NavAlt, the boat has helped save `40 lakh in cost of diesel, which is equivalent to 58,000 litres in a span of two years. Over the past two years, around 6,40,000 passengers travelled in the ferry, which covered a total distance of around 38,500 km. With a daily collection of around Rs 6000, the boat service could earn a total income of Rs 43.8 lakh in two years. The operational cost (power charge) for the department came to an aggregate of Rs 1.31 lakh. The all-out savings is about Rs 40.8 lakh, according to a release issued by NavAlt. On account of the second anniversary, the passengers were given a free ride on Tuesday. Sandith Thandasherry, founder and CEO of Navalt Solar and Electric Boats Pvt Ltd, said the flagship product has successfully completed its two years. Aditya indeed brought fresh thoughts about adopting new technology in the transport sector. Now while planning new projects in the public transport sector, a major thrust is given to environment-friendly modes. The Kochi Water Metro is adopting boats with electric engines in place of fossil fuel-run engines. When Aditya was launched in 2017, there was apprehension whether the solar technology will be successful in the transport sector, he said. The Kochi-based NavAlt Solar and Electric Boats was launched in 2013. NavAlt envisages making marine transport more efficient by reducing the energy needs for operation. NavAlt has designed boats and ferries combining advancements in electric vehicle technology, marine design and photovoltaics. NavAlt is a result of three experts coming together, along with their respective ventures - Navgathi Marine Design & Construction Pvt. Ltd. (India), Alternatives Energies (France) and EVE Systems (France). By IANS HYDERABAD: Kite-flying claimed two lives and left a boy critically injured in separate incidents over the past two days in Hyderabad, police said on Tuesday. An 11-year-old boy died after accidentally falling from the terrace of a three-storey building on Monday. A police officer said Syed Junaid Quadri sustained critical injuries and was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed. The incident occurred in Ameen Mandi area. In a similar incident on the same day, Mohammed Abdul Rahman, 9, sustained critical injuries after he fell from the first floor of his house in Nampally area while flying a kite. Police said the boy was admitted to hospital. A 27-year-old youth also fell to his death while flying a kite on the terrace of his house in Warasiguda area on Sunday. Syed Khalid, who got married six months ago, lost his balance and fell on the compound wall of an adjacent building. Youth and children take to kite-flying during the Sankranti holidays. Hundreds of people can be seen flying kites from the terraces of their buildings in the twin cities of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and outskirts. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar has denied that he has imposed any blanket ban on kite-flying. He clarified that the notification issued by him restricted kite-flying only on thoroughfares and around places of worship to prevent any untoward incident. By Express News Service NEW DELHI: To cater to the logistics needs of the fast-growing e-commerce market, Tata Motors on Tuesday said it has built commercial vehicles (CVs) designed specifically to suit the requirement of the segment. We have vehicles that meet hub-to-hub-to-spoke transportation and end-to-end delivery requirements, RT Wasan, vice-president-CVBU, Tata Motors, said on the sidelines of the E-Commerce Expo 2019 in New Delhi, where the automaker showcased the complete range of 13 ready-to-use vehicles. The e-com industry thrives on the logistics part to fulfill its commitment of timely delivery. So, like the e-com industry, the logistics industry is also growing at a very fast pace in terms of vehicle requirements, Wasan said. He added that the company has seen substantial growth coming from the sector and, at present, sells over 1,000 units per month to different players. Girish Wagh, president-CVBU, Tata Motors, said, Fuelled by rising incomes, increasing government support and a surge in Internet users, the Indian e-commerce market is expected to grow to $200 billion by 2026 from $38.5 billion in 2017. Today, companies are also increasing their distribution centres and their fleet size to cater to the growing demands of consumers. For the last mile distribution, Tata Motors said it has vehicles that come with customised payloads and deck lengths. The vehicles allow for temperature-controlled transportation of perishable goods such milk and milk products, fruits and vegetables, and meat. For the hub-to-spoke transportation requirements, the vehicles are fitted with the advanced features like OTP lock, CCTV cameras, load sensors and telematics system in line with the exacting demands of the e-commerce industry. For the hub-to-hub transportation, it has vehicles built exclusively for the e-com market, customised with special advanced features catering to the special requirements. Each of these American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries (ASLCS) members serve as the chief administrative officers in their chambers; some are the parliamentarian as well. And while they may be new to this role, they are all veterans of the legislature. Continue > Text of Wolf's inaugural speech Text of Democratic Gov. Tom Wolfs speech Tuesday at his second inaugural ceremony, as prepared for delivery: HARRISBURG Gov. Tom Wolf began his second term in office on Tuesday by making a point to focus on the issues on which members of both parties worked together during his first term Wolf, a Democrat who easily won re-election in November over former Republican state Sen. Scott Wagner, will once again be working with a Republican-controlled Legislature. Weve had plenty of fierce arguments in Harrisburg, that hasnt stopped Democrats and Republicans from working together to legalize medical marijuana, modernize our liquor system, make our pets safer, and pass comprehensive pension reform that puts our fiscal future on sounder footing, Wolf said in his inaugural speech. Republicans have the majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly, but Democrats picked up 11 seats in the state House and five seats in the state Senate, leaving Republicans with a 111-90 advantage in the House and a 28-21 edge in the state Senate. There are two vacancies in the state House and one in the Senate. The governor gave a nod Tuesday to Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, whos publicly said that theres more interest in bipartisan cooperation at the state Capitol than at the U.S. Capitol. As Leader Corman said, were not like Washington, Wolf said. We can work together here in Harrisburg. We can get things done. Wolf noted that the state has also passed criminal justice reforms and last year passed the first gun safety law in decades. Moments before Wolf took his oath, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh, gave the invocation for the ceremony. On Oct. 27, a gunman opened fire in that place of worship, killing 11 people and injuring seven. Wolf called that day of the shooting "unquestionably the toughest day Ive had in this office," but noted that at the scene, political differences were forgotten as elected officials from both parties were united in their grief and compassion for the victims. "We were just like everyone else, feeling helpless and heartbroken," Wolf said. Wolf said that moving forward, the political differences will re-emerge but that elected leaders will have the opportunity to work together. Story continues below video We all come to public service with convictions that we know we cant compromise. I certainly do. And I know my friends in the legislature do, as well. So sometimes well disagree. And sometimes well have to agree to disagree, Wolf said. But that doesnt have to stop us from working together to make progress for Pennsylvania where we have common ground. The governors call for compromise was welcomed by Republican lawmakers. Moments after the ceremony, the House Republicans issued a statement on Twitter congratulating Wolf and adding: may Pennsylvanians truly benefit from our cooperative efforts. Rank-and-file lawmakers echoed the sentiment. It was a good speech, said state Rep. Brad Roae, R-Crawford County. Im optimistic that even though we have different opinions, we can work together. State Rep. Tedd Nesbit, R-Mercer County, also said that the speech left him optimistic about the potential working relationship between the governor and lawmakers. I think hes looking for things we can agree on, he said. In his inauguration address, the governor etched out a broad vision for the next four years: with a focus on continuing efforts to increase spending on schools, boost economic development, make criminal justice reforms and protect citizens from discrimination. Today, even as we reflect on our pride in the Pennsylvania we inherited from our parents, we can look forward to the future with renewed hope that well leave an even better Pennsylvania for our children, he said. The Republican majority appears poised to be more conservative as the Republicans who lost in November were among the most moderate voices, according to G. Terry Madonna, a political science professor at Franklin and Marshall College. An angry crowd of residents descended on two young men after they were nabbed stealing panties few days ago in Benin city, Edo state.The young men stole the two underwear and were looking for more to pick before they were apprehended along Sapele road in Benin.They were beaten by the residents who even forced them to burn the panties right in public.This is coming days after another young man was apprehended after stealing panties and other clothing items in Edo state.The Hausa man popularly known as Aboki, stole the items at Lagos street in Ring road area, Benin city and was caught at Orominyan area by the residents.Female leggings, boxers, underwear and other clothing items were also found in his possession. WALLINGFORD A new, taller radio tower is scheduled to be installed at the former Cook Hill Firehouse as part of a multi-million dollar, town-wide emergency radio system upgrade. Representatives from the police and fire departments will be available during an open house 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the firehouse, 29 Hall Road, for residents to learn about the upgrade and ask questions about public safety. The old firehouse will be the main site for the new radio system. This improvement will combine fire, police, Board of Education, and the administration of the public works and public utilities divisions onto one system, Wright said in a statement, for ease of interoperability and improved public safety response. The Town Council approved $6.2 million in bonding for improvements to the town-wide radio system in December 2017 after the police and fire departments obtained a bid waiver two months earlier to purchase a Motorola radio system. The total price of the system is $7.69 million, but the town received $1.9 million in discounts from Motorola, bringing the price down to about $5.8 million, according to a memo Wright sent to the mayor in December 2017. The $6.2 million includes ancillary costs for an additional radio channel and radio site improvements, according to Wright's memo. Wright said Monday the radio towers will be installed by the end of the month or early February, weather depending, and that foundations for the towers are complete. While the tower at police headquarters, 135 N. Main St., will be replaced with a tower that is identical in height, the tower at the former Cook Hill firehouse will be replaced with a tower that is taller than the one there now. This increase in height is necessary for the components on the new tower to see the components on several other tower locations, Wright said in a statement. The old radio system just aged out, Wright said. Motorola would no longer write service agreements, and informed us they would not manufacture parts any longer, so we expected this. The new system is expected to last 20 to 30 years, he said. The switch to the new system wont be until late summer. Wallingford Public Schools Superintendent Salvatore Menzo said Tuesday the new radios will be able to augment the communication with the schools, providing another layer of support to the overall security picture. Its just so much more efficient, said Menzo, who will have his own radio and channels to talk to police and to school staff, whether hes in the office or out visiting a school or in the community. The new radio system is not directly connected to the crisis management system Sielox, which the Town Council approved a bid waiver for the school district to purchase in September 2018. Sielox integrates the schools panic buttons so police are notified and have access to school cameras when the buttons are pushed. Sielox basically gives the police access to an infrared map of where the situation is occurring, Menzo said, and it allows all of our teachers to report in. LTakores@record-journal.com 203-317-2212 Twitter: @LCTakores HARTFORD Gov. Ned Lamont and the president of Webster Bank announced a new partnership Tuesday to provide interest-free loans to essential federal workers who are unable to receive unemployment assistance during the government shutdown, now entering its 25th day. The program, which is being supported by the Connecticut Bankers Association, calls for Webster and potentially other banks to provide the loans. The state would guarantee the lending in event some recipients fail to repay. Federal workers regardless of their employment classification are hurting while the federal government is shut down, Lamont said. This is particularly true for those employees who must still report to work and incur the cost of commuting and other work-related costs without receiving a paycheck. The governor estimated 1,200 to 1,500 federal workers in Connecticut could fall into this category, including air traffic controllers and certain Environmental Protection Agency staff. To qualify for unemployment, a federal employee has to be one of those furloughed as part of the ongoing shutdown, and not one of the more than 400,000 workers nationally asked to remain on the job without pay. Lamont said he doesnt want federal workers, particularly those in crucial jobs tied to air traffic safety and environmental protection, to leave to find other work over what amounts to a technicality in unemployment rules. Webster Bank is pleased to work with the state to provide assistance to essential workers during this time of hardship, John R. Ciulla, President and Chief of Executive Officer of Webster Bank, said. Webster has a long history of supporting Connecticut and will work alongside other banks to assist residents during this difficult period. Full details and terms of the loans still are being developed, Ciulla said. But, he added, the loans will be provided interest-free. Ciulla also said that he anticipates other banks agree to participate in this relief program as it is developed. One key detail that still hasnt been resolved is whether Lamont can act unilaterally to provide the loan guarantees such as through an executive order or whether it will require legislative action. The new governor, who was sworn in on Jan. 9, told one reporter he wasnt sure of the process, but that he would reach out to legislative leaders on Wednesday and was confident the matter could be resolved. Legislative leaders from both parties quickly issued statements after Lamonts announcement praising the governors efforts. I know people are having trouble with simple cash flow they need to buy food, to put gas in their car, to heat their home. And theyre running out of money, said Sen. Cathy Osten, D-Sprague, co-chair of the Appropriations Committee. Osten and several other Democratic senators sponsored a bill Tuesday that would allow the Department of Labor to assist federal employees who are either furloughed or forced to work without pay to be paid through the states unemployment compensation fund. The fund would then be reimbursed by the employee once the federal government shutdown ends and federal employees are paid their back wages. A lot of federal employees who are not being paid are public safety workers, putting their lives on the line in prisons or at airport security, Osten added. These are the jobs that protect us day in and day out, and they shouldnt be treated with disrespect. I want to thank Governor Lamont for his consideration of these hardworking people. I appreciate Governor Lamonts efforts to create a public private partnership between government and business leaders to quickly solve a problem impacting state residents, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven. All our hearts go out to the federal employees who are struggling to support their families at this time. The proposed temporary support is a clever and unique way to leverage a partnership to help those in need. I look forward to reviewing the details of this proposal and am hopeful that we will see necessary protections to ensure taxpayer funds are protected at the same time assistance is provided to the workers who are most in need. This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org. Inskip Moves to Head Kantar Media UK and Ireland In London, Kantar Media has appointed former Kantar Consulting exec Mark Inskip as UK and Ireland CEO, replacing Richard Poustie who stepped down from the role in November, to become MD Audience Intelligence UK. Inskip joined Kantar in 2015 as Global CEO of its consulting business The Futures Company, and for the past nearly two years has served as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, gaining experience of building and transforming businesses and leading large commercial teams through change. Before this he was a partner at growth consultancy Manifesto, and his previous career includes spells leading strategic consulting services in Europe for Ogilvy; working as a partner and helping to create a Digital Marketing Consultancy for Accenture; and helping to launch house.co.uk at Centrica. In his new role, replacing Poustie, Inskip will sit on the Kantar Media Executive Committee reporting to CEO & Chairman Andy Brown, who comments: 'I am delighted to welcome Mark to Kantar Media. His extensive experience across a range of businesses brings an important new perspective to our UK and Ireland region while his tenure within our sister company Kantar Consulting ensures we're continuing to demonstrate the value of Kantar to our client base'. Web site: www.kantarmedia.com . Bakamo Hires Former Cint Director Nicola Peck UK-headquartered social media monitoring specialist Bakamo has appointed former Cint director Nicola Peck as Commercial Director. The firm, which also has an office in Budapest, uses a proprietary approach called DeepScape to understand social media conversations and uncover the themes that motivate people to participate in online discussions. Peck (pictured) joins after nearly seven years at panel exchange and management firm Cint, where she latterly served as Regional Director Partner Success EMEA. Prior to this, she was Client Services Director at ICM Direct; a Director at Synovate Healthcare; Managing Consultant at TNS NFO; and a B2B Project Manager at Kudos Research. CEO and founder Daniel Fazekas comments: 'Nic empowers our team to connect with clients, and help them hear people's needs. Bakamo has already greatly benefited from her experience'. Web site: www.bakamosocial.com . 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. Today's Headlines Would you like to receive our daily news? Sign up today! Breaking news Sign up for breaking news alerts from morning-times.com!!! Week in Sports Get a weekly local sports round-up from www.morning-times.com every Saturday morning!!! PHILADELPHIA The numbers keep piling up when it comes to the coronavirus toll in the city. SUPPORT THIS INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM The article youre about to read is from our reporters doing their important work investigating, researching, and writing their stories. We want to provide informative and inspirational stories that connect you to the people, issues and opportunities within our community. Journalism takes a lot of resources. Today, our business model has been interrupted by the pandemic; the vast majority of our advertisers businesses have been impacted. Thats why the Weekly is now turning to you for financial support. Learn more about our new Insiders program here. Thank you. JOIN NOW President Trump attacked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for taking a paycheck during a government shutdown. But Pelosi is not the only lawmaker bringing home the cash while furloughed workers scrimp and save. Why is Nancy Pelosi getting paid when people who are working are not? Trump tweeted on Tuesday. The government has been partially shut down for over three weeks, during which around 400,000 federal workers have missed their first paycheck of 2019. Despite several rounds of negotiations, Trump and Congressional Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi have failed to reach a compromise on Trumps request for $5.7 billion to build a wall along the Mexican border. Among those going without pay are the 42,000 active duty members of the Coast Guard, who missed their mid-monthly paycheck on Tuesday, the first time in the nations history that a branch of the armed forces has gone unpaid. Over 20 government agencies have shut their doors, as have federally funded museums, national parks, and zoos. While the Senate passed a bill before Christmas guaranteeing backpay to all furloughed workers, those workers will only be paid once the government reopens, and a resolution currently seems a long way off. But not everyone is tightening their belts. The Department of Defense is still funded, as is Customs and Border Patrol, the US Postal Service, and three quarters of all government departments and agencies. Lawmakers themselves neednt worry either. All 435 Representatives and 100 Senators are still entitled to their pay, even those Democrats Trump attacked for jetting off on a fact-finding trip to sunny Puerto Rico. The 16 officers and officials on the hill from the sergeants at arms to the chaplains will also stay warm and fed during the shutdown. Also on rt.com Only a wall will work: Trump calls for border security as new migrant caravan departs Honduras Congressmen and Senators take home $174,000 per year. As Speaker of the House, Pelosi is the highest paid lawmaker on Capitol Hill, bringing home $223,500 per year. Accepting that pay or not, however, has become a partisan issue in itself. More than 70 members of Congress have said they will either ask for their pay to be withheld, or donate it to charitable causes. Texas Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw tweeted that he cannot in good conscience get paid, in a post urging Democrats to support Trumps planned border wall. Massachusetts Senator and 2020 presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren (D) opted to donate her salary to a charity that helps refugees. Ten of the 13 Senators refusing pay have donated their checks to charity. Newly elected Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York) declared at the beginning of the shutdown that lawmakers should have some integrity and forego their salaries, yet continued to take her own salary. When pressed on this by a New York Post reporter earlier this month, the self-described Democratic Socialist told the reporter Ive gotta run, before cutting the impromptu interview short. Neither Pelosi nor Schumer, who are leading the Democratic party through shutdown negotiations, have refused or donated their paychecks. Trump is still receiving his $400,000 salary, but has been donating his pay to charities and government initiatives since the start of his presidency. Most American voters share Trumps opinion that there is a crisis at the countrys southern border, according to a poll released on Monday. 55 percent of voters are opposed to a border wall, however. As the shutdown drags on, Trumps approval rating has fallen to 43 percent, its lowest point since January 2018 and down from 50 percent last month. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Italian Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has called on French President Emmanuel Macron to hand over ex-communist militants who are said to be living in France instead of serving time in jail for murder and other historic crimes. "I appeal to the French president to return to Italy the fugitives that should not be drinking champagne under the Eiffel Tower, but should be rotting in jail in Italy," Salvini, leader of the right-wing Lega Nord party, told Canale 5 TV on Tuesday. He has recently embarked on a crusade to return some 50 "red" fugitives who are scattered around the world. Nine of them are reportedly hiding in France, shielded by former French president Francois Mitterrand's doctrine that prohibited the extradition of leftist guerillas, citing Italy's allegedly rigged justice system. The doctrine has been defunct since the 2000s, but the fugitives, according to Salvini, continue to enjoy a carefree life in France. Also on rt.com Bolsonaros little gift to Salvini: Italys most-wanted fugitive caught after decades on the run The Italian minister did not identify the criminals by name, but noted that a member of the Red Brigades responsible for the kidnapping and killing of former Italian PM Aldo Moro in 1978 might be watching the broadcast from France. Salvini said that fugitives, "red or black," who "killed in the name of their crazy ideology" and must be brought to justice, also live in Nicaragua and other South American countries. The French Justice Ministry said that it would "analyze in detail" the list of fugitives to be provided by the Italian government and decide on extradition requests "on a case-by-case basis." In his appeal to the French government, Salvini likely hoped to capitalize on the success of his ministry's cooperation with the new Brazilian president, Jair Bolsonaro, who facilitated the extradition of Cesare Battisti from Bolivia to Italy. The 64-year-old former member of the far-left Proletarians for Communism (PAC) was on the run for nearly 38 years, having escaped France in 1981 when he was awaiting trial for four murders. Battisti first fled to France, then to Mexico, before being granted refugee status by former left-wing Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2010. After his status was revoked under the new government, he fled to Bolivia, but President Evo Morales refused to grant him asylum. Salvini thanked Bolsonaro for the "gift" and courted controversy at home by arriving at the airport to personally welcome Battisti together with Minister of Justice Alfonso Bonafede. As he stood on the tarmac, Salvini said he had waited for 37 years to "see this fool.""Now he will rot in jail," he said. Salvini's party, the League, separately appealed to Macron to bring back famous fugitive Giorgio Pietrostefani, who was sentenced to 22 years for the murder of police officer Luigi Calabresi in 1972, triggering a spate of political violence. The request from Salvini comes as he and Macron are embroiled in a long-running public feud. Back in August, Salvini accused Macron of "preaching lessons to foreign governments" while unwilling to help other European nations with the migrant influx. The French president returned the jibe, saying that Salvini, as well as Hungary's right-wing PM Victor Orban, were "right to consider him a threat." The row between the two politicians has deepened recently with Salvini voicing support for the 'Yellow Vest' protesters in France, and calling Macron "a president [who is] against his own people." Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The Central Bank of Russia reports that foreign exchange reserves saw a significant boost of 8.3 percent over the 12 months through January 1 of the current year. Reserves reportedly grew to over $468 billion from $432 billion at the beginning of last January. According to the regulator, reserves grew for the third consecutive year. In 2017, growth totaled $55 billion, while 2016 saw an increase of $9.3 billion. The value of gold in the reserves increased by nearly five percent to $86.9 billion in December, with the share of the precious metal surging to 18.5 percent. Last year, saw the value of gold in Russias reserves grow by over $10 billion, marking an increase of 13 percent. The aggregate value of the national reserves grew by 0.6 percent to $381 billion in December, and showed an increase of 7.2 percent last year. Russias growing reserves in the last three years seem to point to an adjustment to economic sanctions imposed by the US and the European Union in 2014. Western penalties had a significant initial impact on Russias reserves, which saw a decrease of $124 billion in 2014 and a $17 billion contraction the following year. Russias international reserves are highly liquid foreign assets comprising stocks of monetary gold, foreign currencies and Special Drawing Right (SDR) assets, which are at the disposal of the Central Bank of Russia and the government. Earlier this month, Russias central bank reported that it cut the share of the US dollar in the countrys foreign reserves to a historic low, transferring nearly $100 billion into the euro, the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan. The step came as a part of a broader state policy on eliminating a reliance on the greenback. For more stories on economy & finance visit RT's business section A top Drug Enforcement Agency agent laundered millions in drug money and hosted wild parties with prostitutes, according to law enforcement officials who fear he may have permanently compromised the DEA's undercover Colombian ops. Jose Irizarry, once praised for his high-profile drug busts, laundered over $7 million in cocaine cash, collaborating with a long-time DEA informant to skim plenty for himself off the top, five current and former law enforcement officials not authorized to speak about an ongoing investigation told the AP. The officials revealed that Irizarry is the unnamed "co-conspirator 3" in a federal case against DEA informant Gustavo Yabrudi, a dual Venezuelan-American citizen who pleaded guilty to money laundering in Tampa, Florida last September. Irizarry spent lavishly, throwing wild parties on yachts with prostitutes parties attended by his fellow DEA agents, a practice the agency banned after an embarrassing 2015 Department of Justice Inspector General report and flaunting designer goods like the drug dealers he was locking up by the dozen. "He was the superstar everyone wanted to be," one of the officials said. His downfall was an $87,000 wire transfer meant for a Cali trafficker that vanished in transit the trafficker, unbeknownst to Irizarry, was an informant as well, and complained to the Justice Department. At the same time, an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tip alerted the DEA to the fact that he had been falsifying paperwork to re-route informant payments to himself. The criminal probe has been ongoing since last April and it is not known whether Irizarry has been charged. His whereabouts are unknown, and a DEA spokeswoman says he left the agency in 2017 after being recalled to Washington from Colombia. Sources with knowledge of the investigation said last year that not only was the DEA investigating Irizarry, but the Department of Justice's Inspector General office and the FBI were as well and that they believe the DEA's undercover Colombian operations may have been compromised. Current and former DEA officials say the case may be "one of the biggest black eyes in the history of the DEA." Also on rt.com British kingpin in 350m cocaine gang seized in Escobars Colombian heartland As a star agent, Irizarry won permission from the DEA to set up his own "undercover operation" using front companies, shell bank accounts, and couriers to send money and ship contraband merchandise to Colombia all on behalf of suspected drug traffickers whose circle he had married into. He deposited the traffickers' money into an account Yabrudi opened for him, using the money to buy goods that were shipped to Colombia. Over the course of six years, more than $7 million was funneled through the account. In his guilty plea, Yabrudi admitted to withdrawing cash and giving it to "co-conspirator 3" Irizarry. The agent even drew up fake "seizure orders" and bank letters to siphon off more money for himself from the drug proceeds he was laundering, pretending "the feds" had seized it. The traffickers wrote it off as the cost of doing business. And business was booming officials believe Irizarry was deliberately targeting his wife's family's rivals for his numerous busts. If you like this story, share it with a friend! An orphaned polar bear cub has been spotted near a settlement in Russias Chukotka region. Researchers and locals are struggling to keep it fed as it cannot become attached to people if it is to remain in its natural habitat. Several polar bears live in the vicinity of Ryrkaypiy, a settlement far in Russias north. One of them is a year-old cub whose mother was likely killed by poachers. Without help, the little bear is unlikely to survive on its own since it is unable to hunt yet. Usually, such cubs end up in a zoo, yet we saw a chance to keep the bear cub in its natural habitat, Viktor Nikiforov, an expert with the Center for the Study of Marine Mammals, explained. Fortunately, the location is also a summer resort for walruses, and as the sea giants swim off for the wintertime, the coastline can become littered with carcasses of dead specimens. READ MORE: Ice fields & polar bears: Icebreaker voyages around Russias Arctic sea route sold out The polar bears feast on the remains of the deceased walruses, yet for the cub even scavenging might be a challenge. As temperatures drop, the carcasses become frozen solid and the young bear may be unable to gnaw on them. Early in January, the young bear entered Ryrkaypiy in search for food and attacked a local dog. To save the cub from starvation and the settlement from harassment the rescue team headed out to the plains on snowmobiles. They located dead walruses and softened them up with chainsaws, enabling the bear to eat on its own without the need to wander to the settlement for food. While it might be fun to go and feed a cuddly little polar bear, its bound to grow up into a fearsome predator. Such a bond between people and the animal could be fatal for both grown-up bears could attack humans and end up being shot dead. Young bears fed by humans wont learn to hunt on their own and therefore cannot survive alone, meaning a zoo enclosure remains the only option for them. Like this story? Share it with a friend! Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that he often consults Russian leader Vladimir Putin on different matters and even demands advice from him. The two are expected to meet in Belgrade on Thursday. The Serbian politician said that he informs Putin of what is going on and never lies during their meetings. In an interview with TASS news agency, Vucic said that he tells Russian president the truth even at times when he doesnt like everything [I say]. And I believe its one of the things Putin respects very much. He said that he consults Putin all the time. I ask for his advice. I demand his advice. Russia and Serbia traditionally enjoy good relations as both nations have strong historical and cultural ties. Aleksandar Vucic explained that it is important to him that Putin treats Serbia as an equal partner. "Hes a leader of a great country, while Im a leader of a small country. And he respects such a country, for which Im forever grateful." Also on rt.com EUs toothless response to creation of Kosovo army risks worsening the crisis Moscow The president also emphasized that Putin respects the Balkan nations independence. He understands that [Serbia] was subjected to international pressure to turn away from Russia, join NATO and participate in various campaigns against Russia. But Serbia didnt do any of that. Vladimir Putin is set to visit Belgrade on Thursday. He previously met with Vucic in October. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Ottawa has asked Beijing to spare the life of its citizen, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to death by a Chinese court for smuggling a large volume of drugs into the country. We have already spoken with Chinas ambassador to Canada and requested clemency, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters on Tuesday. She said that Ottawa believes the death penalty is inhumane and inappropriate, and it always seeks to protect its citizens from capital punishment. Schellenberg was slapped with the harshest possible punishment for drug smuggling on Monday. The Canadian was accused of smuggling more than 200kg of methamphetamine into China. He was arrested back in 2015 and sentenced last year to 15 years behind bars, as well as a fine of some $22,000. On Monday, however, Schellenbergs sentence was upgraded to capital punishment, as his appeal backfired badly. The harsher punishment was required since the evidence indicated that the Canadian was involved in organized international drug crime, according to prosecutors. The new verdict was blasted by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who said the Chinese courts decision was arbitrary and extremely concerning. Canada also updated its travel advisory regarding China, urging its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution before going there, Freeland stated. Beijing has brushed off the international outcry over Schellenbergs case as insignificant. I can very clearly state that we are not worried in the slightest, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stated, adding that Canadas so-called allies could be counted on 10 fingers, and their opinion does not actually represent the stance of the international community. The death penalty for the Canadian national has been criticized by the UN, as well as several countries, including Australia. Also on rt.com China warns of serious consequences if Canada doesn't release detained Huawei executive The Schellenberg affair has become the most recent flashpoint in relations between Canada and China, which have rapidly deteriorated over the past few weeks. Early in December, Canada detained a top executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei, Meng Wanzhou, on a US-issued arrest warrant. A few days later, Beijing detained two Canadians on suspicion of endangering state security. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! The fiftieth annual Cairo International Book Fair opens on Wednesday and will run until 5 February, featuring 1,273 publishers from 35 countries, and for the first time is taking place in the outer suburbs of the city. The fair has moved from the fairground in Nasr City to the Egypt International Exhibition Center in the Tagamoa El-Khamis, in the suburb of New Cairo. Ines Abdel-Dayem, Egypt's culture minister, said that this golden jubilee edition will be an "exceptional" new shift for the fair. The new venue covers 45,000 square metres, housing 748 publishers and 525 publishing agents, and will comprise of 723 sections. There will be no Sour El-Azbakeya this year, the landmark second-hand books section. Haitham El-Hajj Aly, head of the body that organises the fair, the General Egyptian Book Organization (GEBO), said that they had not banned used-book sellers from participating in the fair; rather the sellers themselves did not want to abide by the rules of the fair this year, thus they will not participate. However, according to the GEBOs press release, there will be six used-books sellers at the fair. The 108 used-book sellers who are not participating have decided to hold their own fair in their usual place next to Attaba metro station from 15 January to 15 February. This year's guest of honour at the official book fair will be the Arab League, and the people honoured this year are Tharwat Okasha (1921-2012) and Suhair El-Kalamawy (1911- 1997). The fairs Person of the Year is Abdel-Rahman El-Charkawi (1921-1987). As it is the case every year, the fair will have a very busy cultural agenda, with 419 cultural events, 144 artistic events, 8 writing and plastic arts workshops, and 600 book signings planned. The new venue solves the problems with the previous location, the Nasr City fairground, where the fair was hosted in tents that were vulnerable to bad winter weather like rain and sand storms. However, the new venue is far from the central parts of the city, and unlike the previous venue is not on the metro line. To overcome this issue, the General Egyptian Book Organization is cooperating with the Cairo Transport Authority to provide bus lines and certain stations designated for fair visitors. The stations will be located in Abdel-Moneim Riad Square, Abbasiya, Giza Square, Mazalat, Amiriya, Nozha El-Gedida, and Saqr Koraish. There will also be a bus station at the fair from which buses will leave every 10 to 15 minutes, with a ticket price of EGP 5. In addition, the GEBO has agreed with Mowasal Masr Bus Company to double its buses on its three lines passing by the fair. The lines are the Abdel-Moneim Riad Square line, the Ahmed Helmy Line, and the Saray El-Kobba line. Short link: 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. McConnelsville Village Administrator reminds council of upcoming photo op on Main Street Village Administrator Jennifer Ponchak reminded everyone that Thursday evening, June 3, the council would be walking down Main Street, starting at the Inns at 8th and Main and continuing to the old bridge, viewing the preparation of the various businesses. A group will be coming in to take photographs on... Schaffer announces operating budget amendments to restore property tax losses in Morgan, Muskingum, and Noble Counties State Senator Tim Schaffer (RLancaster) joined his colleagues in the Ohio Senate Wednesday, June 9, for the passage of Substitute House Bill 110, which is the Senates proposal for Ohios FY 2022-2023 operating budget. Schaffer secured language in the Senate version of the bill that will restore property tax losses... Morgan County Sheriffs Office Daily Call Reports Editors Note: The following are initial incident reports from callers to a Morgan County Sheriffs Office Dispatcher. Any details, charges or situations may have been distorted by the caller, or perhaps may have been found to be different after the officer further investigated the incident. Sunday, January 24, 2021 ... Malta Village Council hears from several residents concerning Crownwood Circle Malta Village Council met in chambers June 3. Acting Mayor Terry McGrath chaired the meeting. Council members present were Tom McCoy, Leslie Robbins, and Joe Williams. Fiscal Officer Kelly Wells and Village Administrator Damon Drake were also present. Councilman Griffin had been excused from this meeting as he was attending... United Way of MPM invests $447,881 to improve health, education, and financial stability of the community United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties (UWMPM) has committed $427,000 in community funding for 2021. The agency will invest $202,454 in 12 local programs in its first round of funding with an emphasis on providing safety net solutions. Over 2,000 community members will be impacted by this investment... Morgan County Sheriffs Office Daily Call Reports Editors Note: The following are initial incident reports from callers to a Morgan County Sheriffs Office Dispatcher. Any details, charges or situations may have been distorted by the caller, or perhaps may have been found to be different after the officer further investigated the incident. Monday, January 25, 2021 ... A censure would help remind King and all Americans of the history of white supremacy; of the elected officials in our history who saw white supremacy as a danger to our union and those who were willing to be censured by their colleagues to defend it; and of the fact that we must consider white supremacy to be a threat to the United States and the functioning of our democratic institutions once again. President Trump is their employer and is in massive violation of the law for not paying his employees. However, his behavior should come as no surprise. We know that on various occasions, when he was a private businessman, he stiffed some of his employees and contractors by refusing to pay them for their work or services. Marklands is one of three capital murder cases pending in Northampton County. Prosecutors also are seeking the death penalty against Jacob Holmes Jr., who is charged in a 2009 revenge killing in downtown Easton and scheduled for trial in April; and Dekota Baptiste, who is accused of gunning down a man in 2017 outside an auto parts store in Palmer Township. Baptiste is set to face trial Feb. 25. Major Italian oil company Eni has had overall investments of $13 billion in Egypt since 2015, the CEO of the company Claudio Descalzi told Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi in a meeting in Cairo. In an official statement, Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Rady said that Descalzi told El-Sisi about the companys plan to increase investments in the coming period. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Minister of Petroleum Tarek El-Molla and intelligence chief Abbas Kamel. El-Sisi praised Enis efforts in contributing to the optimisation of Egypts resources in natural gas, praising Egypts cooperation and partnership with Italy. During the meeting, Enis CEO said that production from the giant Mediterranean gas field Zohr, which was discovered in 2015, is moving in accordance with the set timeframe. The mammoth discovery, estimated to hold about 30 trillion cubic feet of gas, has raised interest in gas exploration in Egypt. In 2018, Egypt said it achieved self-sufficiency in natural gas consumption in September due to the gradual increase in local production and the plan to develop major gas fields in the Mediterranean. Egypt aims to become a regional gas hub, with announced plans to start exporting gas in 2019 through output from other newly discovered gas fields. Short link: The attack in the strategic northeastern town of Manbij highlighted the threat posed by the Islamic State group despite Trump's claims. It could also complicate what had already become a messy withdrawal plan, with the president's senior advisers disagreeing with the decision and then offering an evolving timetable for the removal of the approximately 2,000 U.S. troops. The future owner of the Sands Bethlehem Casino Resort has big plans for the property once the $1.3 billion deal closes later this year. Wind Creek Hospitality executives were in town Tuesday, announcing a $190 million investment that includes a new, 300-room hotel and redevelopment of the vacant No. 2 Machine Shop. Advertisement They say the hotel expansion alone would mean another 400 jobs, and the project at No. 2 Machine Shop could mean a couple hundred more (the site already employs 2,500). You could have 5,000 people working on this site in the not too distant future when its all developed out. Sands Bethlehem President and COO Brian Carr Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez, who has met in person with Wind Creek executives twice over the last year, said the possible expansion signals the companys commitment to the city. He also said he likes the sound of a non-gambling draw at No. 2 Machine Shop. Advertisement The investment also answered any lingering questions another local official had for the future of the property. From todays perspective, this answers one big question for the Lehigh Valley: how invested would they be, and the answer is very. Tony Ianelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce The possibility of a water park, which Wind Creek executives say is just one of many concepts being considered for the No. 2 Machine Shop, drew mixed reaction from readers. Some are concerned that it wouldnt honor the steel-making legacy of the site. Nothing says come gamble your money away, like a child centric waterpark Way to pay homage to the Bethlehem Steel, and build an amusement park? This has to be a joke? Erich Hornung, Allentown Others are ready to take the splash, seeing development on the site as a net positive. Bring on the indoor water park. Jennifer Skrutskie, Bethlehem While so many businesses are folding just to the west of Bethlehem, some are taking an interest and willing to invest in Bethlehem with a wider vision to make the area more family oriented. Tim LaForm Still, an indoor water park is just one possibility, and the plans for the No. 2 Machine Shop remain less certain than the hotel. Itd be an ice rink today, I think. But thats certainly something that could be appealing. Wind Creek President and CEO James Jay Dorris, joking about the possibilities for the building. One thing that many people will agree on: There is no amount of development likely to convince them that theyre getting the full amount of property tax savings touted when the casino was approved more than a decade ago. I just can't thank them enough for saving me on my school taxes said no one ever. Dave Williams, Schnecksville He said he believed a width of 30 feet was required per building, not per tenant, and will need to pursue a variance because none of the businesses that are lined-up meet the minimum requirement. Part of the cleanup efforts included extracting carpeting, drywall and structural materials with porous surfaces. RestoreCore, the company with which East Penn worked, placed more than 400 utility fans, industrial dehumidifiers and drying systems throughout the lower level of the building. Parents opposed to the policy presented the school board with preventative measures and security changes they said could be used instead of Policy 705. While Wittig said the district is considering some of these suggestions including an early detection system that could warn authorities the moment gunshots go off in a building, and changes to layout and infrastructure the board still believes none of these suggestions address an actual school shooting. In the complaint, the Salisbury district argues that under a 1985 Supreme Court decision, nonprofit hospitals are not automatically exempt from paying local property taxes. Hospitals must meet five points to qualify for purely public charity: Advance a charitable purpose. Donate or render gratuitously a substantial portion of its services. Benefit a substantial and indefinite class of persons who are legitimate subjects of charity. Relieve the government of some of its burden. And operate entirely free from profit motive. The victim gave police Shunks name and said he had been staying at her home. The woman said the car keys were in her purse, which was in the dining room of the home. She said a 12-gauge shotgun, which she stored in her bathroom, was also missing. Following the overdose, the Washington Township Prosecutors office and Washington Township Police Department commenced a two-and-a-half-month investigation to find the individual who sold the fentanyl to the victim, and it was determined that person was Evans, said the press release. Kutztown University investigated six incidents in the reporting period, two of which in 2013 and 2015 led to the revocation of recognition for the Sigma Pi fraternity. The most recent case, from November, involved hazing and drinking at the Theta Phi Alpha fraternity and resulted in the suspension of its new member program. Malaysia has said it will revise a national school textbook after a section suggesting girls should cover up to avoid sexual assault sparked outrage among women's rights supporters. The book, aimed at nine-year-olds, includes a chapter called "protecting one's dignity" in which a girl's parents are shown telling her to dress modestly or she would be ostracised by her friends and bring shame to her family. The image went viral on social media, causing anger among campaigners and parents who said it perpetuated the idea that sexual violence could be blamed on how a woman dresses. The education ministry said in a statement late Tuesday it would cover up the controversial page with stickers "because the infographic can be construed as blaming sexual assault victims". "We welcome the ministry's decision," Mastura Rashid, a spokeswoman from women right's group Empower, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Wednesday. She said the image "reinforces the stereotype that it is the girl's fault when it comes to sexual violence". Rights group Sisters in Islam said the portrayal of women in the book was "highly inappropriate". "Girls should not be taught to accept that being a woman would make you a target and easy prey," the group said in a statement. The government said last year that it was planning to introduce a dress code for Muslim women in the workplace, sparking a backlash from activists accusing officials of acting like "fashion police". Women in the Muslim-majority country, which has a large population of ethnic and religious minorities, have been barred from government offices in the past for wearing clothes deemed to be indecent, such as skirts or shorts. Short link: South Africa: Justice Minister denies Janusz Walus parole again A lack of remorse has earned Janusz Walus a continued stay at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre after Justice Minister Michael Masutha maintained his stance and declined him parole. I have decided that the placement of the offender on parole is not advisable at this stage and his application is therefore not approved, said the Minister on Wednesday. Walus was sentenced to death on 15 October 1993 on the charge of murdering Chris Hani. He appealed his death sentence, which was later commuted to a life sentence on 7 November 2000. On 10 April 2015, coincidentally the day Walus assassinated Hani, he brought an application to be placed on parole after serving 21 years and six months in prison. In 2017, Masutha denied Walus parole. In September 2018, Walus challenged Masuthas decision in the North Gauteng High Court. The High Court set aside Masuthas decision on procedural grounds and remitted the matter back to the Minister for reconsideration within 120 calendar days. Announcing his decision, Masutha quoted heavily from reports by psychologists Joel Mbhele and Zelda Buitendag. The reports highlighted Waluss political ideology as a risk factor and detail that Walus showed no remorse for killing Hani, the communist leader, but merely for the fact that his death left his children fatherless and his wife a widow. If one has regard for the fact that remorse is a strong feeling of sadness and regret about something wrong that one has done, the report demonstrates a person who sees nothing wrong with eliminating a communist, who happens to be a father and husband. This can in no way qualify as full remorse as he continues to justify his killing of Hani, said Masutha. Mbhele further found that Walus still rationalises his actions and insists that they were politically motivated. His ideas about communism still stand, said Mbhele in his report. This, Masutha said, demonstrates the continued existence of the primary motive that led to the commission of the offence in the first place. Masutha directed that a further profile be submitted within six months of his decision. In light of the conflicting psychological reports from Buitendag and Mbhele, Masutha directed that the two professionals jointly asses the inmate and file a joint report on the issues concerning risk of reoffending and remorse. The offender should undergo individual psychotherapy with the psychologist to assist in addressing challenges, which have been highlighted in Dr Zelda Buitendags report dated 15 October 2018. These challenges include depression, suicidal thoughts and explosive anger episodes, said the Minister. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. LNP newspaper reports that 22-year-old Jeffrey Gable told a Lancaster County judge Monday that he never intended to hurt anyone in the 2016 crash. He said "My life has been about helping others." First is the deli. Kavvas has a host of European deli meats and cheeses youve probably never had before (or maybe in a long time if you grew up with them). With all those interesting meats and cheeses, Waskiewicz whips up some truly unique sandwiches. An architect by training, Dorris went to work for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in the early 1990s, becoming acquainted with members of the tribe and then getting involved with the development of the tribes second casino. From there, Dorris got into the operations side, serving as president of the tribes Pearl River Resort from 2001 to September 2004. Parties involved in the talks are evaluating the revised proposal and there are no assurances that a deal to keep Sears in business will be reached, the people said. The talks are part of an auction for Sears Holdings Corp. that has now stretched in to its second day, after more than 12 hours of discussions on Monday. Pachence and Matt Resch, also an Ambassador co-founder and managing partner, said that the deal is a natural fit and that PNC and Ambassador have worked closely over the years on client projects. Pachence said Ambassador had not been for sale but both institutions shared common goals. The deal made a lot of sense. he said. Were really excited about the combination. Prime Minister Theresa May's government faces a no confidence vote on Wednesday after the crushing defeat of her Brexit divorce deal by parliament left Britain's exit from the European Union in disarray just 10 weeks before it is due to leave. British lawmakers voted 432-202 against her deal, the worst defeat in modern British history, triggering political chaos that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave. With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now ensnared in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project that it joined in 1973. After the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called a vote of no confidence in May's government, to be held at 1900 GMT on Wednesday. The small Northern Irish DUP party which props up May's minority government and refused to back the deal said it would stand behind May in the no-confidence vote. Pro-Brexit Conservatives also said they would support her. "I have no doubt that the prime minister will win that and then she can focus on trying to thrash out something with the EU and parliamentarians," James Cleverly, a lawmaker and deputy chairman of the Conservative party, told Reuters. "My fear is that parliament could lose its head and put the whole Brexit process at risk, which I think would be a catastrophic error." The humiliating loss, the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, appeared to catastrophically undermine May's two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. Short link: Rare earths deja vu: Chinese crackdown = higher prices In a scene awfully familiar to those who follow the rare earths market, China is once again threatening to hatchet production of the valuable minerals used in high-tech, renewable energy and military applications. Last week it was reported that the Chinese government published new guidelines designed to eliminate illegal mining and encourage more high-end processing. Those sterile words are code for less polluting. Shutting down illegal rare earth mines is nothing new to the Chinese, who have found that the process of extracting rare earth oxides from ore and refining them into useable products has come at a high price to the environment. (For more about the poisoned lake and rare earth mining near Baotou, Inner Mongolia, read this excellent story by the BBC.) Breaking Free from China. "Dependency on one country or source for rare earths is dangerous. Right now the situation is fairly dire in the industry because we are being held captive by the Chinese for these materials." BravoSolution's Paul Martyn What is news, is the effect that limiting Chinese production will have on rare earth oxide prices; we only need take a look back to know this to be true. China controls about 90% of the rare earth market so any export restrictions will be felt in countries that buy them, including the United States and Canada. The only REE mine in the United States, Molycorps Mountain Pass, went bankrupt in 2015 - although it is making a comeback, having been purchased by a US-led consortium. In 2009 China launched a crackdown on illegal REE mining. At the time authorities said the unregulated industry was driving down global prices, making it impossible to cover the huge environmental clean-up costs. The Chinese government imposed export controls on its rare earths, meaning a 40% drop in exports. Beijing said it had to implement quotas to protect the environment, but critics saw them as naked protectionism. A year later, an international incident sent rare earth oxide prices into the stratosphere. In September 2010 a Japanese naval vessel interdicted a Chinese fishing boat near the Senkaku Islands, which Japan and China both claim ownership of, and detained the captain. The response hardly seems balanced in retrospect, but the Chinese decided to ban all rare earth exports to Japan, then an industrial powerhouse and Chinas largest REE customer. The rare earths market panicked, and within months, all of the rare earth oxides gained in price. While the spike in rare earths prices was good for miners like Molycorp and the numerous exploration companies that sprang up in search for them, buyers of products made from rare earths balked and pressured governments to do something about it. The US, European Union and Japan brought a case to the World Trade Organization to try and settle the dispute and get China to lift the restrictions. In 2015 it did, resulting in a torrent of Chinese rare earth exports into the market and the inevitable collapse in prices. While rare earth prices have never taken off to the extent they did between 2010 and 2015, intermittent crackdowns by China have seen price rises. We saw it happen in 2013 and in 2017. Could this latest crackdown be Chinas attempt to manipulate the REE market again? We can almost certainly bet on it. But we have another factor that could play into a rare earth revival, and that is a new high-tech arms race that is developing between the superpowers. Donald Trumps threat to withdraw from the 1987 INF Treaty with Russia may be the catalyst that starts a new arms race between the United States, Russia and China as each projects military power in defense of spheres of influence outside their borders. If the US Military deploys missiles to places like Guam and Japan, it would deter China from a first strike against US ships and bases in the region, and also force Beijing into a costly arms race. Not being party to the INF Treaty would also allow the United States to counter Russian aggression in Eastern Europe. Why is this important? Because an arms race requires rare earths - something the US is in very short supply of. Not only that, the United States is wholly dependent on China for the mining and refining of rare earths it needs to expand and modernize its military. China Is Beating the US in the Rare-Earths Game The need for a North American rare earths industry, complete with a mine to magnet (as in permanent magnets made from rare earths) supply chain, has never been more crucial - considering the aforementioned arms race and the continuing trade tensions between the US and China. The first step is finding the elements, and thats where exploration comes in. While the US has some deposits, for example in Alaska and Wyoming, none are yet mineable. Same with Canada. At Ahead of the Herd, we are focused on finding early-stage companies with the potential for adding shareholder value in growing sectors like rare earth mining. By Richard (Rick) Mills www.aheadoftheherd.com rick@aheadoftheherd.com If you're interested in learning more about the junior resource and bio-med sectors please come and visit us at www.aheadoftheherd.com Site membership is free. No credit card or personal information is asked for. Richard is host of Aheadoftheherd.com and invests in the junior resource sector. His articles have been published on over 400 websites, including: Wall Street Journal, Market Oracle, USAToday, National Post, Stockhouse, Lewrockwell, Pinnacledigest, Uranium Miner, Beforeitsnews, SeekingAlpha, MontrealGazette, Casey Research, 24hgold, Vancouver Sun, CBSnews, SilverBearCafe, Infomine, Huffington Post, Mineweb, 321Gold, Kitco, Gold-Eagle, The Gold/Energy Reports, Calgary Herald, Resource Investor, Mining.com, Forbes, FNArena, Uraniumseek, Financial Sense, Goldseek, Dallasnews, Vantagewire, Resourceclips and the Association of Mining Analysts. Copyright 2019 Richard (Rick) Mills - All Rights Reserved Legal Notice / Disclaimer: This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. Richard Mills has based this document on information obtained from sources he believes to be reliable but which has not been independently verified; Richard Mills makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of Richard Mills only and are subject to change without notice. Richard Mills assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission. Furthermore, I, Richard Mills, assume no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information provided within this Report. 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Melinda "Mindy" Kaye (Tweet) Tarleton, age 52, of Budapest, Hungary, originally of Leota, MN, graduated to heaven on June 12, 2021 in Mankato, MN. Funeral service will be 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato, lunch following. Visitation and concurrent memor With the clock ticking ahead of Britain's scheduled exit from the European Union at the end of March, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Wednesday the "time for playing games" was over after London's rejection of a withdrawal agreement. Maas said further talks would almost certainly be needed after Britain's parliament voted down the exit deal worked out between London and the bloc over the past two years. "The time for playing games is over," Maas told Deutschlandfunk radio, adding that the EU would deal "constructively" with any British request to delay the departure date. German economy minister Peter Altmaier said that the EU would look at any fresh proposals London made, but said the substance of the deal was non-negotiable. But umbrella groups representing German industry, whose cross-border supply chains stand to be hit by the imposition of a hard customs border between Britain and the continent, were less conciliatory. Martin Wansleben, head of the German Chambers of Commerce, warned that the political uncertainty now made planning almost impossible and that German companies were already starting to build inventory in preparation. German auto makers would start asking whether it was worth investing in Britain, he added. "The House of Commons has missed an opportunity to avert a hard Brexit and lay the foundations for close ties to the EU," said Carl Martin Weicker, head of machine tools association VDMA. "It is simply irresponsible that the British governing coalition is still trying to reach a unified position 10 weeks before the exit deadline," he added. Short link: United NationsThe year 2019 started off at the United Nations with Somalia brazenly kicking out the UN envoy, followed soon after by Guatemala ditching a UN-sponsored anti-corruption commission. After a tough year that saw the United States, the UNs top financial backer, cut funding, pull out of the Human Rights Council and scrap UN-backed agreements, the United Nations is taking more hard hits. Some UN watchers are questioning whether the global organization created at the end of World War II to safeguard world peace is facing a slow demise, increasingly under attack by governments with nationalist agendas. Nearing the half-way mark in his five-year tenure, UN chief Antonio Guterres has warned that multilateralism is under fire at a time when the world needs it most. Leading the anti-UN charge is President Donald Trump whose America-First approach to foreign policy has emboldened other governments to thumb their noses at the United Nations, analysts say. The UN is having a nerve-wracking start to 2019, said Richard Gowan, senior policy fellow at UN University. While the United Nations may not be on the brink of total collapse, the Trump administrations attitude encourages others to defy the UN, he said. On Monday, the new envoy for Syria, Geir Petersen of Norway, took up his post as the UNs fourth peace broker, but the United Nations has been sidelined by Russia and Iran in its efforts to end nearly eight years of war. Peacekeepingat the heart of the UNs security approachis under serious financial strain after the United States announced plans in late December to further cut back its budget contribution. Meanwhile, the Security Council is divided over how to respond to the elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Both Somalia and Guatemala have cited UN interference to justify their decisions. UN envoy to Somalia Nicholas Haysom was declared persona non grata last week after he questioned the Mogadishu governments decision to arrest an Al-Shabaab defector who ran for election.Guatemala announced it was unilaterally ending the mandate of a UN-backed anti-corruption commission that had been looking into President Jimmy Morales election campaign finances. Jeffrey Feltman, the UNs former political chief who stepped down last year, worries that the United States and European powers no longer have the UNs back when disagreements like those with Guatemala or Somalia arise. What concerns me is that there no longer seems to be effective push-back against such decisions, said Feltman, now a fellow at the Brookings Institution. Member states who would normally be expected to defend the principles have abandoned traditional positions, he said, citing the United States, or been consumed with political turmoil such as Britain with Brexit and EU countries with populism. The UN secretariat, fearful of losing essential member state support, will not speak out forcefully, in the absence of sufficient member state backing, he added. A potential bright spot is Yemen, where the United Nations has succeeded in bringing the warring sides to the table for negotiations on ending a horrific war -- but UN diplomats caution that peace process is fragile. The UN is being tested like perhaps never before, said Louis Charbonneau, UN director for Human Rights Watch, who argues that stronger UN leadership is needed to help the world body survive this difficult moment. The secretary-general should use his bully pulpit to call out abusers by name, no matter how powerful. We need him to be more of a general than a secretary. Faced with setbacks, Guterres counters that people continue to see the UN as the best platform to address global problems, such as climate change. A major UN climate summit planned for September is shaping up as a key test of the UNs relevance. PINOY PRIDE. Local leather goods label McJims latest ad campaign, shot in Tokyo, showcases its products blending well with the trendy surroundings. One homegrown leather goods brand, one country, one ad campaign prove that Filipino made products can shine anywhere and at are par with international peers.After its successful engagement in Montreal, Canada, McJim Classic Leather went to Tokyo, Japan to shoot its latest ad campaign featuring the brands quality leather products against a vibrant and trendy backdrop. Crossbody bags for casual days The shoot was done in popular destinations in Tokyo, providing a trendy and vibrant background for the leather good for men. Large satchel that can fit important documents. Contemporary leather satchel for men who like to quickly transition from work to play. Business-appropriate leather bags for men. Whether its in Tokyo or in Montreal, these ad campaigns only show that our very own McJim can keep up with and stand out in any mega fashion capital in the world, armed with its timeless philosophy of style, quality, and elegance, says PR entrepreneur and filmmaker Chris Cahilig who directed the shoot.While the shoot in Montreal exuded a more classic vibe, McJim describes this years photoshoot in the Land of the Rising Sun as more fluid, flexible, and innovativesomething that resonate with the vibrant and trendy fashion scene in Tokyo. Japan is renowned for its high regard for both function and aesthetic, the same attributes that define McJims world-class products.Tokyos fashion scene is very much alive; it has always pushed the boundaries of style. It can be laid-back, it can be avant-garde, it can be formal. But one thing is constant: It constantly moves forward and adapts to the times, and that is what McJim also embodies as a brand, says Cahilig.McJims high quality, well-crafted, and functional real leather belts, bags, and wallets complement the trendy Tokyo setting, where all sorts of style, vibe, and influences meet.For this shoot, the brand lends class and flair to the various flexible looks of a modern gentleman such as casual chic, work and play, and businesswherever they are in the metro, any time of the day, adds the director.The shoot was done in popular destinations in Tokyo, namely the business district of Ginza, the historic Tokyo Station, Marunouchi Building, Roppoggi district overlooking the majestic Tokyo Tower, and the busy Shibuya Crossing. The shoot was made by possible by a passionate team composed of professional Japanese photographer Yusuke Shirakawa, camera assistant Raita Yabushita, models Yuta Nakata and Brent Olian, hair and makeup artist Julan Tsuda, project manager Takuya Sakai, stylist Mei Komiyama, and production assistants Sho Asai and Kei Sekiguchi. Cahilig and model and 1:43 boy band member Ced Miranda supervised the pictorial. China great wall 168 Corporate concern is growing over freedom to operate capability in China after a surge of domestic patent applications into the countrys IP office, according to in-house counsel. Eight in-house lawyers from medical device, telecoms, manufacturing, confectionery and automotive companies say the increasing number of design patents and utility models being filed at Chinas National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA, formerly known as SIPO before a restructure last year) by Chinese companies is making it difficult to keep up with potentially important prior art in the region. We file everything in China and are very proactive there but we do not know what to make of this enormous surge of applications, says the patent counsel at an automotive company. The chief IP counsel at a global manufacturing firm explains that the filings are so numerous that, even excluding utility models, it would take a long time to figure out if they had relevant claims particularly because most are only available in a Chinese language. The risk that companies run by refusing to undertake this exercise is being sued. Establishing freedom to operate in China has largely become a matter of weighing up the expense of wading through the patent flood against the risk of missing an important piece of prior art. The manufacturing chief IP counsel adds that the company also runs the risk that the effort was a waste of time and money if it turns out that none of the analysed patents issued with the relevant claims or if none of the claims could be valid. And invalidating utility models is particularly difficult in China. Even companies in niche areas with few Chinese competitors are keeping an eye on the situation. The head of IP at a factory tech manufacturer says: So far, we have not experienced any problems because we are active in a very specific area and because patents filed by Chinese companies often have a narrow scope. But FTO could potentially be a concern, particularly the large number of design patents and utility models being filed by Chinese companies. The hardest part is keeping up with the volume of documents. According to figures reported by the China governments Science and Technology Daily last week, 1.6 million domestic invention patent applications were filed with the CNIPA in 2018, compared to just 55,000 Patent Co-operation Treaty international applications. One source says that this surge has been at least partially driven by subsidies provided by that Chinese government that are based on filed patent applications. That figure does not even take utility models into account, which are much trickier to deal with than invention patents. Unlike invention patents, utility models applications are only subjected to novelty assessment and formality examination. They are only fully examined after an owner begins proceedings to enforce them. Lost in translation Perhaps the biggest challenge for foreign filers wading through this flood of domestic patent rights is that most applications only exist in a Chinese language such as Mandarin or Cantonese. If you see a utility model with a claim that never got a substantive examination and you do not think it is valid, it is a lot of work to document why you believe it is not valid A patent attorney for a Swiss confectionery company points out that the language barrier adds another frustration to the mix, because even after trawling through these applications, a company may not be able to sufficiently identify whether a claim is relevant or even if it is valid. The medical device senior IP counsel agrees, and adds: The vast number of domestic Chinese patents is not such a big a problem for us as it is for the Apples and Googles of the world because were so diversified and weve been making devices for much longer, and it is much more likely that we will sue one of these Chinese companies then they will sue us. But I do not read Chinese, so if or when there is a need to look at these applications, I cannot help in those situations. The automotive patent counsel adds he often cannot tell what subject areas these patents are being filed in whether theyre just for electronics or across the board. Instead of searching through these patents either completely or partially in-house, foreign companies that are unfamiliar with Chinese are forced to rely heavily on Chinese law firms patent trawling. Xuting Huang, patent counsel for the ZF Group, points out that the less familiar companies are with the Chinese language, the more heavily dependent they will be on Chinese law firms and the more expensive the process will tend to be. He adds that for some companies, unfamiliarity with Chinese may also make it difficult to find the right law firm for the job. Utility nightmare But the struggle doesnt stop once the patent flood has been crossed. Not only do businesses run the risk that they have missed something, they may have to contend with thousands of mostly unexamined utility models that should be invalidated. Maaike van Velzen, head of IP portfolio at Philips, says she is not as concerned by invention patents because of Chinas increasingly sophisticated and reliable examination system as she is with utility models that are difficult to assess in terms of the final scope of rights they will bestow. FTO could potentially be a concern, particularly the large number of design patents and utility models being filed by Chinese companies. The hardest part is keeping up with the volume of documents Daniel Maier, head of IP transactions at Siemens, adds that utility models are a particular pain for companies in industries where such rights are filed. To invalidate such a right, he says, it is often difficult to prove that the company was the invention owner before the respective priority date. The medical device senior IP counsel says it is also difficult to prove that an application is not valid in sufficient time when it has not undergone a full examination. How do you clear something like a utility model? he asks. If you see a utility model with a claim that never got a substantive examination and you do not think it is valid, it is a lot of work to document why you believe it is not valid. The manufacturing chief IP counsel adds that when you couple those challenges with the relative speed of Chinese infringement proceedings and availability of injunctions, this can cause a real headache for foreign filers. And should a business miss a relevant patent or dismiss a utility model as invalid, it runs the risk of being sued by Chinese patent owners, who some sources have said tend to be more aggressive in enforcing their rights. My company was sued under several utility models and a patent that we were not aware of, says the manufacturing chief IP counsel. Ultimately, we resolved it and invalidated applicable claims, but the whole process was expensive and resource intensive. We had the bigger burdens to carry in the litigation and invalidity trials because we needed to introduce a foreign publication as prior art and it had to be translated and legalized. The number of domestic patents being filed at the CNIPA is unprecedented and given that the office saw a year-on-year increase in 2018 of 18.1%, its unlikely that that number will slump anytime soon. It may be that expenditure on Chinese speakers, wading through patent filings and dealing with the frustrations of utility models will be the price of having patents in China at least for a while. The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article His deception was so keen and he hid behind the mask of being a lawyer or a lawyer in good standing and developed the trust from all of the victims," said Montgomery County Assistant District Attorney Kelli McGinnis Pull Quote Bonnie Squires is a communications consultant who writes weekly for Main Line Media News and can be reached at bonniesquires.com. She hosts the Bonnies Beat TV show at Radnor Studio 21 and Main Line Television. Egypts foreign ministry says it is following up on investigations into the murder of an Egyptian national in Jordan, adding that his body was flown back to Cairo on Wednesday. Abdel-Gawad Ali, 30, died on Tuesday after a Jordanian stabbed him in the neck and head during a quarrel earlier this week in the northern city of Irbid. Local media reported that the knifes blade broke off in the victim's head, publishing images of an x-ray and the blood-stained blade. Ali's brother was quoted as saying that there was no apparent reason for the row, adding that his brother did not have any personal enmity with the attacker. The foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that it is following up on the case in coordination with Jordanian authorities. The assailant has been arrested by Jordanian authorities, according to the spokesman of Egypt's Ministry of Manpower. This is the latest in a number of similar attacks on Egyptian expatriates in Jordan over the past few years. In December 2017, an Egyptian national was beaten to death by a Jordanian grocery shop owner. The assailant later turned himself in. Around 1.1 million Egyptians reside in Jordan, according to data published by Egypt's official statistics agency CAPMAS in mid-2018. Short link: Education Cabrini receives It's On Us PA grant Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The ownership of the El Dorado Minute Man restaurant has announced plans to open three Central Arkansas locations. Magnolia Junior High School students will read their poetry on Friday night at the Magnolia Arts Center. Weather Alert ...AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT FROM 9 AM THIS MORNING TO 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING... The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is forecasting an Ozone Advisory Day for East Baton Rouge...West Baton Rouge... Livingston...Ascension...Iberville and Pointe Coupee Parishes...in effect from 9 AM this morning to 8 PM CDT this evening. The Air Quality Index indicates that ozone will be at the Orange level...which is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Increasing ozone levels may cause unhealthy air quality during afternoon hours. Active children and adults...the elderly and people with respiratory diseases such as asthma...should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Please take whatever voluntary steps you can to reduce emissions that contribute to ozone formation. Drive less and make sure your automobile is in good working condition. Make sure your gas cap is tight. Wait until after 6 PM to refuel your vehicle and use gas powered lawn equipment. More information about current air quality and what you can do to help prevent ozone formation is available at the D E Q website www.deq.louisiana.gov/enviroflash or by calling 8 6 6 8 9 6 5 3 3 7. Egypts police said on Wednesday that they killed five terrorists during a raid in North Sinai, a statement by the interior ministry read. The ministry said that the terrorists were killed in a shootout as forces attempted to raid their hideout, which is located in a remote area in El-Arish. Weapons, including an improvised explosive device and a suicide belt, were found at the scene by police. The raid came following monitoring operations by the ministrys national security department, which said that the terrorists planned to execute a number of attacks against vital and important institutions and figures. Meanwhile, Egypts Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has renewed a night-time curfew in designated areas of North Sinai for three months, according to the official state gazette on Wednesday. The curfew is in effect from Tal Rafah in the eastern part of Sinai to the international border at Rafah, and from Halal Mountain until Ouga on the border. An announcement in the official gazette stated that the curfew runs from 7pm until 6am, except in Al-Arish city and on the international road, where it runs from 1 am to 5am, or until further notice. The decision by Madbouly comes just a few days after Egypts parliament approved an extension of a nationwide state of emergency for three months starting 15 January. Egypt first saw the announcement of a three-month nationwide state of emergency in April 2017, following twin bombings at two churches in Gharbeya and Alexandria, which killed at least 47 and wounded over 120. Short link: 2018 was a year of change, challenge, learning and accomplishments for the School District of Lee County. As we begin 2019, we celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to new opportunities, with focus on our Envision 2030 Strategic Plan. Our passion is student success through personalized education, increased family and community involvement, workforce preparation and progressive, continuous improvement. During 2018: The School District of Lee County achieved its highest graduation rate ever, at 82.6 percent. The School District of Lee County and the Lee County NAACP signed an historic agreement designed to eliminate racial disparity and ensure success for all students. Voters showed their support for our community and students by passing a half-cent sales tax increase to help the school district build new schools, maintain current facilities, upgrade technology, and ramp up security and technology. On Dec. 11, the board appointed an Independent Sales Surtax Oversight Committee to monitor expenditures of those dollars and its first meeting is Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. at the Lee County Public Education Center. We thank the community for supporting this effort! School Safety has been a focus of the Florida Legislature following the Parkland tragedy. Increased security measures at all Lee County schools, including teacher training, single point of entry, video camera systems, an increased effort recognize threats and troubled behavior and school resource officers are just a sample of the work that continues. Finally, as the New Year begins, people are making resolutions or setting goals having to do with health and wellness. Our districts Employee Wellness Program has grown, with running teams, nutrition and weight loss programs and other challenges, which have resulted in better health. Schools play a critical role in promoting the health and safety of young people and helping them establish lifelong healthy behaviors. Health education addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of students. Research indicates that school health programs reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviors such as tobacco use, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, drug and alcohol use, as well as actions that increase stress, and risk of injury, and violence. Health programs also have a positive effect on academic performance by removing barriers to learning. They also help us meet community needs by providing healthy, well-prepared members to the workforce since in fact education is the economic driver for the community! We are doing important work promoting health and wellness, supporting student success and improving community engagement. We invite all interested stakeholders to join us as we move into 2019. Mary Fischer represents District 1 on the Lee County School Board. Appointments are now being accepted for the 2018 Federal Tax filling through Lehigh Community Services. Lehigh Community Services Executive Director Carolyn Peplow said last year the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) did more than 800 returns in Lehigh bringing back $1.1 million in tax refunds to the Lehigh area. Its the fifth year in a row that we brought back a million dollars in Lehigh, she said. The number of tax returns go up every year, recently from 701 to 849 due to the increase in VITA volunteers every year, Peplow said. The volunteers are IRS certified. We have a really good team of volunteers. They take tests and are certified with the IRS to do taxes, she said. VITA services will be available at Lehigh Community Services, 201 Plaza Drive, Ste 3, beginning Saturday, Jan. 26. The service is free and available to individuals and families making $66,000, or less. They have to bring all the necessary documents. We tell them what to bring, Peplow said of when they call to make an appointment. We do appointments in the evening through the week and all day Saturday. We try to work with peoples schedule. Appointments can be made by calling (239) 369-5818. The service will be available through April 15. Peplow said they also do a lot of extensions for those who are not able to make the deadline. We stay until everyone is taken care of, she said. In addition to the VITA program, they have a woman who does taxes year round through appointments. They also encourage individuals to split their refunds in half and put it into savings, so they are not spending it all. A night of drinks and dancing awaits as the Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce will honor community members, teachers, and emergency personnel during its annual awards gala on Saturday, Jan. 26. The chamber is looking to increase the focus on Lehigh as a community this year according to the chairwoman of the galga Susan Kostyk. Jazz will be the theme for the 27th annual celebration, and rather than bring in outside musicians as they have in the past, Kostyk said that the gala will feature performing arts students from the communitys high schools. What we wanted to do is rather than go outside we wanted to bring in the students to make it more of a community event so people get to see more about what the chamber is about, said Kostyk. Its about supporting the businesses, the schools, all the people who go above and beyond. In addition to the student performances, a live DJ will be on hand to keep the jazz playing and the dance floor full. An hour of cocktails and appetizers will be offered both on the outside patio and inside the Heritage Palms Country Club, where the event will take place, before the full service dinner that guests will receive as part of their ticket. Black tie attire is requested and attendees are encouraged to wear their dancing shoes. Along with the drinks dinner and dancing, guests will be able to participate in silent auctions and raffles. The chamber is still accepting donations and sponsorships for the event which, in addition to tickets, will net business owners custom-made gift baskets. Gold tier donors will be recognized for sponsoring one of the 13 teacher of the year recipients during the event. Clay Miller of NBC2 will host the awards which, in addition to naming a teacher of the year from each of Lehighs 13 area schools, will also present awards to local law enforcement, firefighters, emergency personnel, and chamber members We want to make it more Lehigh friendly so that people not only come out and support the chamber, but support the people who live and work here, said Kotstk. We want everyone to come, its not just for the chamber no, its for everyone. The gala will be held on Jan. 26 at 10420 Washingtonia Palm Way in Fort Myers and will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and can be reserved by calling 239-369-3322 by Jan. 18. Lee County will host three public meetings to present information on its post-Hurricane Irma flood-mitigation efforts. The informational meetings regarding Phase 3 of the yearlong effort will be held on three consecutive Thursdays, from 4 to 6 p.m. at various county locations including Lehigh Acres, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers. In Lehigh Acres, the meeting will be held Feb. 7 at Veterans Park Recreation Center, 55 Homestead Road South. County staff, LA-MSID and engineering firms will be on hand to provide information about the study and the flood mitigation process. The countys flood mitigation efforts tie in directly with the Lehigh Acres Municipal Services and Improvement Districts waterway projects, which are currently under way. We are applying for two state appropriations: (a) $675,000 for design for section 10; and (b) $157,500 for design of the C.R.E.S.T. (Caloosahatchee River and Estuary, Storage and Treatment.), the Dog to Hendry Connection, District Manager David Lindsay said. The overall goal of each project is to improve the natural flow ways and waterbodies throughout this section of Southwest Florida. According to Lindsay, the district is currently working on a few projects including Phase II of West Marsh excavation, which should begin this May or June, and be completed by Oct. 1, 2020. The West Marsh project is part of an ongoing partnership entered into with the Florida Department of Transportation that deals with the design in the widening of State Road 82. As a result of the widening, increased stormwater management was needed. The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District and the FDOT entered into an agreement (Joint Use Stormwater Management System Agreement) for segments 3 and 4 which will extend from approximately Alabama Road to the Hendry County Line. We are currently working on the Hendry 2 Water Control Structure, which should be completed by May 1, 2019, and the Hendry Extension Widening Project is underway and set for completion by Oct. 1, 2019, said Lindsay. Another project currently underway is Moving Water South construction in the Blackstone area, which should be complete by March 1, 2019. Recently Lee County also agreed to purchase 624.9 acres along Joel Boulevard in northern Lehigh Acres for Conservation 20/20. LA-MSID is a sponsor for the GS-10 Caloosahatchee Cross Link project, which will be the site of the shared agency project among multiple agencies. The initiative will provide additional water storage and treatment within the Caloosahatchee watershed. According to Lindsay, the Conservation 20/20, parcel 10 project is still being negotiated and awaiting final approval. The county signed the purchase agreement. Now the sale may be contingent on a county agreement with LA-MSID for management, or they could manage it themselves, said Lindsay. Residents can learn more about Lee Countys current projects by visiting www.leegov.com/flooding. Additional meeting locations include: Jan. 24 at Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908 Jan. 31 at the Bonita Springs Library, 26876 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 The Lehigh Acres Municipal Services Improvement District will hold its next meeting on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. at the LA-MSID, at 601 East County Lane. For information, visit the their website at www.myecwcd.net Tickets are on sale for the 8th annual Lobster Fest, a fundraiser that benefits the programs offered through Lehigh Community Services. The Lobster Fest will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, at Quality Inn & Suites Banquet Room, 1320 Business Way in Lehigh Acres. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. dinner. Tickets are $60, or $50 for to-go orders. The event has limited seating and reservations are required by calling (239) 369-5818, or emailing carolyn@lehighcommunityservices.com. Those interested in purchasing a ticket, or a to-go meal must RSVP by Feb. 1. There are also sponsorship opportunities available. The Lobster sponsor, $1,000, includes eight tickets and their logo and name in all advertising and banner displays at the event. The Clam sponsor, $750, includes six tickets and their name in all advertising and named at event. The Scallop sponsor, $500, includes four tickets and named in event signage. The Mussel sponsor, $250, includes two tickets and recognition at the event. Lehigh Community Services Executive Director Carolyn Peplow said Lobster Fest is one of the organizations main fundraisers every year. Every not-for-profit has to have some means of raising a little money, she said, adding that Lobster Fest is one of the two big fundraisers they hold. Lobster Fest is a good one. The meal includes 1-1/4 pound Maine lobster, sirloin steak, or half chicken. Other menu items include creamy clam chowder, Maine steamed clams, Maine mussels, baby red tomatoes, corn on the cob, hard boiled eggs, cole slaw, rolls, condiments and strawberry shortcake. Peplow said they work with An Authentic Maine Lobster Bake. They go around and do these lobster bakes, complete with ordering the food from up north and having it sent to the particular location. There is a humongous cooker and they put all these menu items inside the cooker. Its beautiful to see how they lay it all out, Peplow said, adding that the cooker is closed for quite some time. When its done they open it up . . . all the lobsters are bright red and then they serve from there. In addition to the lobster meal, she said they also offer chicken and steak to make sure there is a variety for everyone. With the event only two days after Valentines Day, Peplow thought it would be a great event for those who want a special dinner. As far as the to-go plates, she said she works with the company and pick a certain time for the meals to be picked up. We box up the entire dinner, Peplow said, adding that the option is great for those who do not want to attend the actual event, but want to enjoy a lobster dinner. In addition to the dinner, the event will have photo booths, 50/50s and music during the cocktail hour. Its a nice little night, Peplow said. On average the event provides approximately $6,000 in profit for Lehigh Community Services. That money that is generated basically helps us for operating, food we buy quite a bit of food, what we cant get from food banks and donations. It helps with our literacy and financial programs, Peplow said. The food pantry is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The literacy program is an adult English as a second language tutoring program. We have classes where we work with people who want to learn English, she said. We do assessments through summer months when school is out and determine where they are level wise. There are six different levels, beginners on up. When school begins in the fall, the classes begin and assessments are done again in the summer. Currently Lehigh Community Services is working with 54 students. Due to the number of students, they worked out a partnership with Christ United Methodist Church to use their classrooms. We couldnt get all the classes situated in our building, Peplow said. As far as the financial program, Lehigh Community Services helps mostly with utility bills. The program helps someone who has had a crisis and just needs that helping hand one month to make sure they are OK. A crisis can be different for every person. A broken down car, a new set of tires. We work with different individuals, Peplow said. They also partner with the Department of Human Services to help people with their utility bills. Over the course of a month, we might work with anywhere from 30 to 40 families, she said. By CJ HADDAD cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com Lee County schools and law enforcement have a message for students and parents: Threats are not funny and will not be treated as a prank. The School District of Lee County launched a campaign Tuesday in conjunction with local law enforcement agencies to warn students of the repercussions they may face if they make a fake threat against a school or fellow student. Fake ThreatReal Consequences sees the school district teaming up with the Lee County Sheriffs Office, Cape Coral Police Department, Fort Myers Police Department and Sanibel Police Department to help mitigate the number of fake threats schools receive over the course of the year. Today, the School District of Lee County and our partners in law enforcement are launching a campaign to better keep out students and staff safe, said School District of Lee County Superintendent Dr. Greg Adkins. Fake Threat Real Consequences is an intuitive to deter threats and help students realize that when they make a threat of violence, even if they do not mean it, they will face serious consequences. Adkins reported that in the 16-17 school year, 51 threats were reported in Lee County schools. That number more than tripled last year, as 164 threats were reported. Adkins said that thankfully, the majority of the threats had no true, malicious intent behind them, but jokes, students wanting a day off, or to interrupt testing periods. The message today is simple. If you make a threat, you face suspension, expulsion, arrest and a felony record, said Adkins. He said these threats, even if found not credible, take away from classroom learning and causes stress and anxiety for parents, students and staff. A lot of our students dont understand how serious these consequences can be, Adkins said. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno, Cape Coral Police Deputy Chief Anthony Sizemore, Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs and Sanibel Police Chief William Dalton were all there on behalf of their agencies to help promote the initiative. Fake threat is still a real investigation, said Sizemore. Every one is treated as if it were legitimate. All the resources are expended, no stone is left unturned. Our childrens safety, our school employees safety and our school resource officers safety is paramount. Any fake threats, you will got to jail. You will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We just want to keep a safe, welcoming learning environment for schools. Its real simple why were here today. First and foremost: zero tolerance, said Marceno. We are not going to tolerate any kind of threat whether its fake, it will be treated real. Our No. 1 goal, not only zero tolerance, but will always be the safety and security of our children in this county. And we take that to the bank. You can rest assured that we will make sure our children are safe when they come to school. A pubic service announcement video was made for all four of the partnering agencies, which will be shown across Lee County schools, along with posters about the campaign. Adkins said it will also be a topic at parent meetings. Getting the message out to students will be a top priority for officials. I think that one of the things weve seen since the tragedy over in Parkland, is weve seen an increase in activity on social media as it relates to threats because of all the attention that came to bear on that particular incident, said Adkins. We have to make sure our kids understand that with these threats come consequences. My concern just moving forward is that technology changes and is always evolving, and how are students communicate is always evolving. We have to be responsive to that and make sure we use those platforms to get the message out. The law enforcement agencies present will work cohesively to make sure any threat, be it real or fake, is fully investigated and that there are no credible threats present in schools. Its the whole team together, said Marceno. Our departments interact and communicate on a continual basis. I can assure you that our SROs although uniform and patch may be different are one team. Ive been just amazed at how (officers) are able to do their job and identify that person, said Adkins. My message would be, to students, is Please do not think that youre going to be able to get away with this type of a threat, because they have tools that you have no idea what they are, that they will use to track down who this person is, and in the investigation bring justice to that person. For students who may be using a threat as a cry for help or has mental health issues that need to be addressed, they will be done so by the schools and law enforcement agencies alike. We look at the mental health aspect, and if someone needs that help, were going to get them where they need to be, said Marceno. We also work behind the scenes-our investigators, our detectives work together with all the entities here to make sure we are sharing communication, making sure that this person, individual, whoever it may be, is now on the radar. We need to identify, and keep that person on the radar to make certain, to be proactive, so there are no incidents in the future. For more information on the campaign, visit www.leeschools.net. -Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj Hours after the last remnants of a Confederate statue were removed overnight from North Carolinas flagship public university, the state university systems governing board pushed out the official who ordered them gone. UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt had said Monday that she would leave at the end of the school year in May, but the Board of Governors on Tuesday made her departure effective at the end of this month. The removal of the statues marble pedestal could increase pressure on the board to give up on plans to restore the monument. Folt ordered the base for the toppled statue known as Silent Sam removed because of continuing unspecified threats since she and university trustees last month proposed a new location away from the heart of the countrys oldest public university, she said. Advertisement Despite our best efforts, even since that time, threats have continued to grow and place our community at serious risk. This led me to the action that I authorized, Folt said in a conference call with reporters. While I recognize that some may not agree with my decision to remove the base and tablets now, Im confident that this was the right one for our community. Folt did not detail the ongoing threats, and university spokesmen said they couldnt provide further information. UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt speaks at the university in October. (Ethan Hyman / News & Observer) The stone base and attached metal tablets honoring former students who fought for the slaveholding Confederacy were removed in the middle of the night. A work crew with a large truck, a forklift and floodlights took the last piece of the base from the main campus quad about 2:30 a.m., leading to cheers by a crowd that gathered to watch. Folt said the timing was dictated by a desire to avoid disrupting the campus and protect traffic and pedestrian safety from operating cranes and forklifts. The massive pedestal and memorial plaques will be stored, like the statue, while their fate is decided, she said. The statue has been in storage since it was pulled down last August by protesters who consider it a racist symbol; it was dedicated in 1913 by a former Confederate reading a white supremacist speech. Folts move drew an angry response from board of governors chairman Harry Smith. The board had given itself until mid-March to come up with a plan for the statue, and Smith said that timeline hasnt changed. Smith denied Tuesday that Folt was being punished for what he called a very bold action. Advertisement The Sons of Confederate Veterans issued a statement early Tuesday saying Folt has effectively erased the contribution and sacrifice of these brave veterans and the tribute paid to them by subsequent generations. The groups North Carolina spokesman Frank Powell said late Monday that the group could sue the university for violating a 2015 law restricting removal of Confederate memorials. Police stand guard after the Confederate statue known as Silent Sam was toppled by protesters at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on Aug. 20, 2018. (Gerry Broome / Associated Press) Gov. Roy Cooper and Atty. Gen. Josh Stein, both Democrats, praised Folts move as prioritizing safety. Advertisement The law says that she can act to keep people safe. She was within her rights to make that decision, Stein said in an interview. Folt had been criticized both by those who wanted the statue gone for good and those who said state law required it to be restored to where it had stood for more than a century. Folts announced departure comes shortly after a similar decision by university system President Margaret Spellings, who had also frequently drawn protesters barbs. Both were left with weakening support after the university leaders who selected them left and the 28-member governing board became more conservative. The Republican-led legislature appoints all of the boards voting members. Advertisement There has been discontent on the political right not just with Chapel Hill but a lot of public universities being too liberal, said Ferrel Guillory, a former North Carolina political journalist and current director of UNC-Chapel Hills Program in Public Life. That conservative turn comes at a time when issues of race and its place in American history have become more urgent, Guillory said. The Silent Sam debate grew more heated after a deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017. That rally centered, in part, on a protest over a plan to remove a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee from a city park. Zimbabwe police armed with AK47 rifles arrested a prominent activist and pastor clutching a Bible on Wednesday, along with scores of others, in a harsh crackdown over protests against the dramatic fuel price hikes in the economically shattered country. As some hungry Harare residents reported being tear-gassed by police when they ventured out for bread, President Emmerson Mnangagwa denounced what he called wanton violence and cynical destruction. He noted a right to protest and said he understands the pain and frustration, but he appeared to side with authorities who blame the opposition for unrest. Pastor Evan Mawarire was holding a Bible when police bundled him into their car in the capital. He had organized what became nationwide anti-government protests in 2016 against mismanagement and then-President Robert Mugabes long grip on power. They are alleging that he incited violence through Twitter and other forms of social media in the central business district, said Beatrice Mtetwa, the pastors lawyer. Advertisement Eighty-two people appeared in court in Harare on charges of public violence on Wednesday. There were widespread reports of violence as Zimbabwe faced a third day of protests over what has become the worlds most expensive gasoline. This is the countrys worst unrest since deadly post-election violence in August that saw six people killed. Zimbabwes largest telecom company, Econet, sent text messages to customers saying it had been forced by the government to shut down internet service. The matter is beyond our control, it said. Service began to return in the evening. Armed police and soldiers broke up groups of more than five people in Harare, while desperation for food forced some people to venture into the streets. But virtually all shops were closed. Police fired tear gas after a crowd tried to overrun a shopping center that opened to sell bread. Soldiers with AK47s took charge of the long line. This kind of life is unbearable, we have soldiers at fuel queues and now soldiers again are controlling the bread queue, one man said. Are we at war? Protesters burn tires during a protest over the dramatic fuel price increases in Zimbabwe. (Aaron Ufumeli/EPA-EFE/REX) Advertisement Other arrests were reported. A spokesman for the main opposition MDC party, Nkululeko Sibanda, said in a tweet that party leadership had been detained. This is only deepening the political crisis in the country, he said. As Mnangagwa makes an extended overseas trip that will include a stop at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to plead for more foreign investment, former military commander and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a hardliner, is in charge at home. Eight people were killed on Monday when police and military fired on crowds, according to Amnesty International. But Zimbabwes government said only three people were killed, including a policeman who was stoned to death by an angry crowd. The anti-government demonstrations amounted to terrorism, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said on state television Tuesday night. The protests were well-coordinated by Zimbabwes opposition, she said. Advertisement The Zimbabwe Assn. of Doctors for Human Rights said in a statement that it had attended to 107 patients by late Tuesday afternoon, with injuries including gunshot wounds to the head. It said most cases were in Harare and Zimbabwes second city, Bulawayo. International concern has been rising over Zimbabwe after a burst of optimism when Mugabe stepped down in late 2017 under military pressure. The British minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, on Tuesday noted worrying levels of violence and urged restraint by Zimbabwes security forces. But South Africas foreign ministry said in a statement that were confident measures being taken by the Zimbabwean government will resolve the situation. Streets were largely deserted in Harare on Wednesday. Shops closed, schools closed, no public transport, petrol stations closed, said Human Rights Watch southern Africa director Dewa Mavhinga. An apparent suicide bombing in the northern Syrian city of Manbij on Wednesday killed two U.S. service members, a Defense Department contractor and a civilian Defense worker, according to the Pentagon. The attack, which the militant group Islamic State said had been carried out by one of its followers, also killed more than a dozen civilians and Kurdish militia members, according to local reports. Three U.S. service members were among the wounded, according to the Pentagon. Initial reports indicate an explosion caused the casualties, and the incident is under investigation, U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in Syria, said in a statement. The attack comes after President Trump announced he would withdraw troops from the nation based on his assertion that Islamic State had been all but vanquished, a claim repeated Wednesday by Vice President Mike Pence. Advertisement Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday that the Manbij attack indicated Trumps decision to withdraw had emboldened Islamic State. My concern, by the statements made by President Trump, is that you set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy were fighting. You make people were trying to help wonder about us, Graham said at confirmation hearing for attorney general nominee William Barr. And as they get bolder, the people were trying to help are going to get more uncertain. I saw this in Iraq. And Im now seeing it in Syria. Manbij is controlled by a Syrian Kurdish militia known as the Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, which is backed by the U.S. and has been conducting joint patrols with American troops in the city. It was during one of these patrols that the Islamic State attacker nicknamed Abu Yassin Shami, according to a statement by the extremist group approached a group of U.S.-led coalition personnel and Kurdish militants gathered near a restaurant about 1 p.m. and detonated a suicide belt. Islamic State claimed nine coalition personnel were killed or wounded, along with a number of Kurdish fighters. Local media outlet Hawar News quoted officials in Manbij as saying a number of YPG fighters as well as 13 civilians were killed. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a pro-opposition monitor that is based in Britain but employs a network of activists in Syria, put the death toll at 16. After the bombing, Vice President Pence repeated Trumps claim that Islamic State was defeated. Thanks to the leadership of this commander in chief and the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces were now actually able to begin to hand off the fight against ISIS in Syria. We are bringing our troops home, Pence said in a speech to a group of U.S. ambassadors at the State Department, using an acronym for Islamic State. Advertisement The caliphate has crumbled and ISIS has been defeated, Pence added, referring to Islamic States loss of territory in Iraq and Syria that it referred to as the Islamic caliphate. Pences press secretary, Alyssa Farah, tweeted about the same time as his speech that the vice president had been briefed on the attack and expressed condolences to the loved ones of the fallen. Hours later, Pences Twitter account posted a statement condemning the attack but stating that we have crushed the ISIS caliphate and devastated its capabilities and would never allow the remnants of ISIS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate. Hawar News broadcast a video depicting the moment of the blast. It shows people walking through a marketplace area in the center of Manbij when an explosion blasts out of one of the storefronts. Advertisement Two pedestrians, engulfed in the flames of the blast, quickly fall to the ground while a third approaching the restaurant turns around and runs away. Activists reported a heavy security presence in the immediate aftermath of the attack, with helicopters arriving near the area to evacuate casualties while a joint U.S.-French investigative team cordoned off the site of the explosion. The restaurant is in the center of town, and its normally a crowded area, said Abu Ahmad, an activist in Manbij. He gave a nickname for reasons of security. Last month, Trump ordered the abrupt withdrawal of the roughly 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, a process the Pentagon said has begun with the removal of equipment but could take months to complete. Advertisement Americans who fought alongside the Kurds in Syria feel betrayed by Trump Trumps decision was taken against the recommendations of many of his foreign policy and military advisors. The withdrawal would leave Kurdish militias in northeastern Syria to face Turkey, which views the YPG as a proxy force for a Kurdish insurgency it has fought for decades. Trumps advisors are seeking an agreement with Turkey, which has threatened to attack the YPG when U.S. forces depart. Advertisement Many have criticized the withdrawal as abandonment of a dependable U.S. ally in the fight against Islamic State. Others say it would give the extremist group the space it needs to reconstitute itself after losing all of the territories it once held. Yet its unclear how Wednesdays bombing would affect the pace of the withdrawal, with Trump changing the timeline of the pullout in various statements recently. Another question is who is to blame for the infiltration of an Islamic State fighter into Manbij, a city protected by the coalition as well as the YPG, with Turkish-backed Syrian rebels as well as Syrian government troops on its perimeter. In a statement, Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said: Todays deadly bombing targeting our troops in Syria is a reminder that ISIS still has the capacity to carry out attacks. Advertisement I strongly urge the president to forcefully respond and ensure we do not withdraw our troops until ISIS is completely destroyed, McCaul said. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump had been briefed on the incident. We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Syria, she said. Bulos reported from Baghdad and Cloud from Washington. South Sudan's President Salva Kiir arrived in Cairo on Wednesday for a two-day visit to the Egyptian capital, local media reported. The South Sudanese president is planned to hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi on mutual ties, regional issues and his country's peace agreement with rebel factions to end almost five years of civil war. The two leaders will also address a range of issues in the Nile Basin countries as well as negotiations over Ethiopia's Grand Renaissance Dam, which Egypt fears could diminish its supply of Nile water, but is supported by Sudan. The two leaders met in September in Beijing on the sidelines of the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation FOCAC 2018. Short link: The death toll from an extremist attack on a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi climbed to 21, plus the five militants killed, police said Wednesday in the aftermath of the brazen overnight siege by the Somali militant group Shabab. Two people accused of facilitating the attack were arrested. The number of those killed at the DusitD2 complex rose with the discovery of six more bodies at the scene and the death of a wounded police officer, said Joseph Boinnet, inspector-general of Kenyan police. Twenty-eight people were hurt and taken to a hospital, he said. In a televised address to the nation earlier in the day, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the all-night operation by security forces to retake the complex was over and that all of the extremists had been killed. We will seek out every person that was involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act, he said. Advertisement In an attack that demonstrated Shababs continued ability to strike Kenyas capital despite setbacks on the battlefield, extremists stormed the place with guns and explosives. Security camera video released to local media showed a suicide bomber blowing himself up in a grassy area in the complex, the flash visible along with smoke billowing from the spot where he had been standing. Of the civilian victims, 16 were Kenyan, one was British, one was American and three were of African descent but their nationalities were not yet identified, police said. The Al Qaeda-allied Shabab claimed responsibility. The extremist group also carried out the 2013 attack at the nearby Westgate mall that killed 67 people and an assault on Kenyas Garissa University in 2015 that claimed 147 lives, mostly students. Although U.S. airstrikes and African Union forces in Somalia have degraded the groups ability to operate, it is still capable of carrying out spectacular acts of violence in retaliation for the Kenyan militarys campaign against it. The bloodshed in Kenyas capital appeared designed to inflict maximum damage to the countrys image of stability and its tourism industry, an important source of revenue. The government said late Tuesday that buildings were secure. However, gunfire continued into Wednesday morning, and dozens of trapped people were rescued overnight. Several loud booms were heard Wednesday as teams sought to clear the complex of booby traps and other explosives. The Kenyan Red Cross said about 50 people were unaccounted for. But many of those were believed not to have been in the complex during the attack. The American killed in the attack was identified as Jason Spindler, co-founder and managing director of San Francisco-based I-Dev International. Spindlers father, Joseph, said his son worked with international companies to form business partnerships in Kenya that would boost local economies. Advertisement The Houston-raised Spindler had a brush with tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001: He was employed by a financial firm at the World Trade Center at the time of the terrorist attack but was running late that morning and was emerging from the subway when the first tower fell, according to his father. He became covered in dust and debris as he tried to help others, the elder Spindler said. More than 1,000 Hondurans participating in the latest migrant caravan have begun heading by foot and in vehicles toward neighboring Guatemala with the hope of eventually reaching the far-off U.S.-Mexico border. Youve got to take a risk once in your life, said Maricela Nunez, 27, who was among those embarking on the journey from this city in northwestern Honduras. Some left San Pedro Sula late Monday and others departed in the predawn hours Tuesday, all headed west for Guatemala from where they plan to cross into Mexico and then push overland toward the United States. The size of the caravan official estimates put the number at 800 to 1,000 or so, while advocacy groups said 1,500 to 2,000 people were involved is likely to increase as others join the assemblage winding slowly along the roads. Advertisement President Trump, who has assailed past caravans, calling them an invasion and a threat to U.S. security, cited the latest migrant thrust in a message Tuesday urging Democratic lawmakers to fund a border wall and end the current government shutdown arising from the wall dispute. A big new Caravan is heading up to our Southern Border, Trump wrote in a Twitter message. Addressing Democratic congressional leaders, he added: Only a Wall, or Steel Barrier, will keep our Country safe! Stop playing political games and end the Shutdown! U.S. political battles seemed far removed as participants in the latest caravan marched out of this city, past cultivated fields and small towns. A heavy evening rain turned to bright sunshine after dawn broke. As with previous caravans, word had been circulating on social media and in news reports for weeks, drawing recruits. No single group appears to have organized the caravan or be formally in charge of the effort. A minority of caravan travelers paid for bus tickets to the Guatemalan border, 160 miles away, and others caught rides from passing vehicles to the border. But many trudged along the roadsides, lugging small backpacks with meager belongings. It was the beginning of a trip that, if successful, will probably last for weeks, passing through tropical forests, chilly highlands, towns and cities and expansive deserts, before arriving at the U.S. border a distance of some 2,800 miles to Tijuana, across from California; or, in a shorter, alternative route, some 1,500 miles to the Mexican border city of Matamoros along the Rio Grande, next to Texas. As the day wore on, groups within the caravan became increasingly dispersed across dozens of miles. As in the past, participants including many young men, but significant numbers of women and children said they were fleeing a toxic combination of poverty and violence that has battered Honduras and the neighboring Central American nations of El Salvador and Guatemala. Advertisement In the bus station here, before the caravan set out, Nunez, a single mother of five, held on to her 3-year old daughter the only one of her children whom she took along on the trip. She was traveling with her mother, Maria Romero, 48, and said she hardly earns enough to survive working as a field hand in orange groves and palm oil plantations. She said she hoped to find employment in the United States, a desire voiced by many. But others, wary of the difficulties of crossing into the United States, said they would settle for temporary shelter in Mexico where authorities have indicated they would provide work permits and humanitarian aid to caravan members. We are aiming to get to Mexico, to any state, said Jeffrey Armindo, 17, from the Honduran city of La Ceiba, who was walking with a group of young men down a dusty stretch of highway. Jeffrey was leery that crossing into the United States could lead to arrest and deportation back to Honduras. Advertisement The latest caravan poses a challenge for Mexican authorities and the countrys new president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who took office Dec. 1, after the previous caravans had already entered Mexico. Lopez Obrador has vowed to respect the human rights of U.S.-bound Central Americans traversing his country. However, Mexican authorities have said that the migrants will not be allowed to enter the country illegally as many previous caravan participants did but will have to register with Mexican immigration officials for humanitarian visas or other temporary residence documents at the Guatemala-Mexico border. For many, the caravans represent a singular opportunity to improve their lives, even if their ultimate chances of entering the United States may be slim. Relatively few of the estimated 12,000 or so Central American migrants who traveled through Mexico or U.S.-bound caravans last year managed to enter the United States, migrant advocate groups say. Katie Perez, 24, from the Honduran town of Quimistan, said she was hoping to join family members in the United States, a goal of many caravan members. She crammed into the back of a trailer on Tuesday carrying her youngest child, a year and a half old, in her arms. Advertisement We havent heard good things about the previous caravan, she said, referring to the group that left here in October and eventually made it to Mexican border city of Tijuana, where thousands were stranded, unable to cross into the United States. But were going to make our attempt. I hope that God helps us. Honduran authorities had sought to discourage people from traveling in the caravan, citing dangers along the road, including roadside traffic hazards and criminals who prey on migrants. But caravan participants generally say they feel safer traveling in large groups and hope to avoid having to pay smugglers substantial fees usually involved if traveling alone or in smaller groups. Wed like to say to people, Dont go! said Sister Lidia Mara Silva de Souza, coordinator of a church-linked aid agency working with the migrants. But then theyd turn to us and say, Are you going to give me work? Are you going to give my kids an education? Times staff writer McDonnell reported from Mexico City, special correspondent Averbuch from San Pedro Sula. Advertisement patrick.mcdonnell@latimes.com Twitter: @PmcdonnellLAT In a morning address to the nation on Wednesday, Kenyas president, Uhuru Kenyatta, declared the end of a 19-hour terror attack on a Nairobi hotel and office complex. He said 14 civilians had been killed, as well as all the attackers, and that 700 civilians had been evacuated to safety. Right up until his announcement, gunshots had continued to ring out from the besieged buildings. A staff member at a morgue near the hotel had earlier told the Post that the facility had received 15 bodies. Morgue staff determined that the dead included 11 Kenyans, an American and a Briton, but that two others had not yet been identified. Advertisement The U.S. State Department confirmed that one American was killed in the attack. The attack was claimed by the Al Qaeda-aligned Somali militant group Shabab in statements to international media on Tuesday. It echoed a September 2013 attack by the group at the Westgate shopping mall just a mile away, in which fighters armed with automatic weapons killed 67. Throughout Tuesday afternoon and evening, hundreds of guests at the DusitD2 hotel and workers in its adjoining office complex hid under desks, locked themselves in rooms, or ran for cover as the attack unfolded. Gunfire was audible throughout the night and into the morning. On Wednesday, Nairobians came out in large numbers to donate blood. The city regained its regular buzz and congestion as its approximately 4 million people went back to work. Like the Westgate attack, Tuesdays seemed to be aimed at Kenyan professionals and foreigners. It also demonstrated how capable Shabab was of carrying out attacks outside Somalia despite a dramatic increase in airstrikes against them by the Kenyan air force and the U.S. military. Details of some of the victims became known by Wednesday morning as colleagues and family members announced the deaths of co-workers and loved ones. Among the dead was Jason Spindler, an American business executive who was the CEO of a consulting firm that has its Africa headquarters in the complex that was attacked. A friend of Spindlers wrote of him on Twitter, Jason Spindler was one of those rare men who was loved by pretty much anyone he touched in Kenya and around the world ... He chose a life of hope and inclusion. I am grateful to have known and learned from him. Advertisement Max Bearak writes for the Washington Post. Following World War I, returning veterans from the movie industry formed Hollywood Post 43 of the American Legion. In 1929, the Hollywood Post 43 dedicated its new building. A July 5, 1929, Los Angeles Times article reported: Under the legend "In Peace as in War We Serve" emblazoned high on its tower, the new $270,000 home of the Hollywood American Legion yesterday was dedicated in the words of its Commander, John D. Home, "to serve the public fearlessly and well, to the common service of our country and to the memory of our departed comrades." More than 1,000 persons attended the dedication ceremony with Mayor [John] Porter as the principal speaker and with such honorary guests as District Commander Charles Wright and State Adjutant James Fiske. Their purpose was one with the statement of purpose of the post graven about the portals of the home reading, "For God and Country We Associate Ourselves Together to Uphold the Constitution of the United States." Past Commander C.L. Kincaid said the post was perhaps the first in the country to have its own home. It began in an old church building on El Centro Street near Hollywood Boulevard and grew to the largest in the State, having 1,285 registered members. It was organized in 1920. The new building is at 2035 Highland Avenue. The first three images in this post were scanned from 4-by-5-inch glass plates. The photographer is unknown. Heres a link to the American Legion Post 43 website. July 4, 1929: Flag raising at American Legion Post dedication in Hollywood. Los Angeles Times July 4, 1929: New American Legion Post dedication in Hollywood. This photo was published in the July 5, 1929, Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times Nov. 28, 1955: Ornate entrance to American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood. John Malmin / Los Angeles Times The 1955 detail image above was part of the Know Your City photography series. It appeared in the Dec. 8, 1955, Los Angeles Times. The original caption reported: KNOW YOUR CITY, NO. 21 Ha! Maybe this one will stop you. But look sharp and if youve been around, youll get it. What the camera has picked up is seen but perhaps ignored by thousands every day. On a busy street. Answer on Pg. 12, Pt. 2. ANSWER This was a little tricky, but you should have recognized the ornate entrance to the elaborate headquarters on N. Highland Ave., Hollywood of American Legion Post 43. There were lots of clues shields of infantry divisions and even a portion of the Legions official seal down there at the bottom. Oh well, some people just wont be observant. Earlier versions of this post were originally published on May 7, 2013, and April 14, 2016. See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here A powerful snowstorm is pounding Sierra resorts, and Southern California mountains are coping with rain and wind, on a second day of wild weather up and down the state. At Mammoth Mountain resort, almost 3 feet of snow was reported, and the ski/board resort website was reporting wind, lightning and thunder and noting that lift operation could be affected. The National Weather Service issued an avalanche warning for the Sierras eastern peaks between Virginia Lakes on the north to Bishop Creek on the south. It said the avalanche danger was high. National parks are feeling winters wrath too. The weather service issued a blizzard warning for areas above 6,500 feet at Lassen and a winter storm warning for areas above 7,000 feet in Yosemite and Kings Canyon national parks. Advertisement Mountain High resort in the San Gabriel Mountains closed Thursday because of wind and what it called inclement weather. The forecast called for rain at the Wrightwood resort. Big Bear and Snow Summit were open Thursday, although rain was in the forecast with highs in the 40s. For the Martin Luther King long weekend, the resorts were predicting highs in the 50s Saturday and Sunday and in the 40s on Monday. Road conditions may change quickly, and travelers are urged to check for road closures and snowplowed areas on the CalTrans QuickMap. Travelers also can call for road conditions at (800) 427-7623. If you are heading north on or through the western or eastern Sierra, Caltrans offers these tips to consider before you hit the road. Make sure you have chains of the proper size and know how to put them on your tires. Be prepared for winter driving conditions. Bridges and ramps may be more slippery than the road. Keep your gas tank as full as possible. Carry blankets, water, food, a shovel, gloves, a flashlight, and sand or kitty litter for traction in case your vehicle gets stuck. Advertisement Slow down in snowy conditions, particularly in areas where chains are required. Dont pass snow-removal equipment on the right-hand side. Remove excess snow and ice from your vehicles roof before driving. Be mindful of stopped drivers adding or removing chains on the side of the road. Advertisement You can find more Winter Driving Tips on Caltrans website. travel@latimes.com @latimestravel The Lakers got some good news Wednesday about LeBron James progress, but theyll still have to weather an arduous stretch of games without him. James has been cleared to practice after being examined by Lakers doctors, the team announced. He didnt travel with the Lakers for a two-game trip to Oklahoma City and Houston, and his status is uncertain for Mondays game against the Western Conference-leading Golden State Warriors. Rajon Rondo, who is still recovering from surgery on his right ring finger, joined the Lakers for the trip, traveling with them for the first time since his Dec. 28 surgery. In their announcement, the Lakers said that once James returns to practice, he will make progress toward game play. Advertisement James suffered a groin strain Dec. 25 in the third quarter against the Warriors. He was originally listed as day to day, but that kind of injury typically takes weeks to heal. James agent, Rich Paul, said the 14-time All-Star did not have any setbacks during his rehab and is right on schedule in his recovery. The Lakers have struggled without James. They are 4-7, including a loss Sunday to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who arrived in Los Angeles with a 12-game losing streak. That game was part of why the Lakers felt an urgency to beat the Chicago Bulls, who have the second-worst record in the league after Cleveland. Another reason was what came next. Weve been losing and we wanted to hit the road trip with some momentum, Lonzo Ball said. Like I said, weve got three tough games, its good to start off with a win at home. The Lakers traveled to Oklahoma City on Wednesday and will play the Thunder on Thursday. The Thunder have the third-best record in the Western Conference and beat the Lakers by seven points in L.A. After playing Oklahoma City, the Lakers will fly to Houston and play the Rockets on Friday. The Lakers lost to the Rockets, who have the fourth-best record in the conference, twice this season with James. They suffered a nine-point loss in their home opener and last month lost by 15 points in Houston. In Houston last month, James Harden scored 50 points and had a triple-double against the Lakers. Since then, Harden has scored at least 32 points in every game. Advertisement Its a tough three-game stretch, Kyle Kuzma said. Super tough. Top five teams in the league if you were to look at it from a year ago and even how theyre playing right now. So, for us, we got our hands full and its just more adversity we got to face, especially road games and coming home and playing on Martin Luther King Day. There were signs this week that James was getting closer to a return. He had been working out primarily away from the team, but on Tuesday participated in shootaround with the Lakers in a limited capacity. Shooting and passing, coach Luke Walton said. He didnt do the up-and-down stuff, he did the half-court shooting and passing. Sign up for our daily sports newsletter Advertisement Although James has been present at shootarounds at other points during his injury, he was a more active participant Tuesday than he had been. James will return to practices after the Lakers get back from the trip, but its unclear whether that practice time will be enough to prepare him to play. The Lakers typically do not practice the day after returning from a trip, which would make their first official practice on Tuesday. Walton has hesitated to play players who havent been through a full practice before returning from injury. James, of course, will have more autonomy on returning with or without an official practice than another player might. Advertisement TONIGHT AT OKLAHOMA CITY When: 6:30 PST Thursday. On the air: TV: TNT; Radio: 710, 1330. Advertisement Update: The Thunder have been playing well but are coming off a double-digit loss to the lowly Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday. tania.ganguli@latimes.com Follow Tania Ganguli on Twitter @taniaganguli Gustav Nyquist broke a tie with 4:16 left and Darren Helm scored a little later, lifting the Detroit Red Wings over the Ducks 3-1 on Tuesday night to extend their franchise-record losing streak to 12 games. Nyquist lifted his stick at the left side of the net and tipped in Danny DeKeysers shot from the slot. Helms goal with 2:33 remaining gave the Red Wings a two-goal cushion, and Anaheim players dropped their heads on the bench with another defeat imminent. John Gibson stopped 22 shots for the Ducks, who havent won since Dec. 17. Prior to the skid, they had won nine of 10. Anaheim got off to a strong start but couldnt sustain it, even against one of the NHLs worst teams. Detroit won consecutive games for the first time in more than a month. Advertisement Rickard Rakell deflected a shot past Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard midway through the second period on a power play. Howard finished with 23 saves. Detroit tied it 5:25 into the third when Anthony Mantha scored from the right circle, shooting the puck after it bounced off a cross-ice pass from Andreas Athanasiou. Ducks center Devin Shore, who had a game-high four hits, made his Anaheim debut after being acquired from the Dallas Stars for winger Andrew Cogliano. The Angels were officially granted another year on their Angel Stadium lease late Tuesday night, but not before two members of the Anaheim City Council and a lineup of residents wondered why. By a 5-2 vote, the council approved a one-year lease extension, assuring the Angels of a home field through the 2020 season. The city and team are expected to start talks on a new deal soon, with the goal of securing the Angels in Anaheim for decades to come, either in a new or renovated stadium. The council members casting the dissenting votes Denise Barnes and Jose Moreno said the city should not be surrendering leverage to Angels owner Arte Moreno (no relation to the councilman). Advertisement When the Angels opted out of their stadium lease in October, they left themselves with no place to play beyond the 2019 season. The council on Tuesday guaranteed the Angels a home for 2020, with the city receiving nothing in return beyond goodwill no financial consideration from the team, not even a promise to negotiate exclusively with Anaheim. I just think were cowering here, Barnes said. Mayor Harry Sidhu said the city could use the additional year to negotiate a deal that integrates the Angels into a blossoming stadium district of shops, restaurants, homes and offices. Sign up for our daily sports newsletter Councilwoman Lucille Kring said the city should not worry that the extra year would make it more likely that Arte Moreno would move the team. She noted Moreno had talked with several other Southern California cities in recent years, negotiating extensively with nearby Tustin. If they wanted to go to Tustin, they would have, said Kring, who voted with the majority. Theyre not going to Tustin. Councilman Jordan Brandman, who also voted with the majority, said he hoped the cushion of the extra year would allow Anaheim to negotiate a community benefits agreement as part of a new lease. When Staples Center was built, such an agreement affected housing, jobs, recreation and parking in the neighborhood. Advertisement Moreno agreed to the framework of a new deal in 2013 as proposed by city negotiators in which Anaheim would have provided him with land in the stadium parking lot. Moreno would have paid $150 million to refurbish the city-owned stadium and developed the surrounding land, at no cost to the city. He could have recouped his investment by developing the land. Tom Tait, then the Anaheim mayor, and one of his council allies objected to the city leasing the land to Moreno for $1 per year, and to the city not sharing in the profits from development. When Barnes asked why the Angels had not made any proposals since then, Kring said Moreno had walked away from talks after Tait and a council ally essentially torpedoed a deal the owner understood to be done. Arte said, Until theyre gone, I will not talk to the city, Kring said. Advertisement Tait completed his final term in office in December. The extension approved Tuesday was proposed after a meeting this month between Moreno and Sidhu, the new mayor. bill.shaikin@latimes.com Follow Bill Shaikin on Twitter @BillShaikin Last Sunday, my longtime friend Marijane Herbert and I were among 150 guests who arrived at the council rooms of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital to meet multimedia artist Gayle Roski and iPhone artist Kitty Keck, whose artworks are now featured on display in the hospitals corridors. The Satin Trio, a jazz ensemble, played as guests gathered for coffee, tea and mimosas to chat before the official program began. Joyce Ruygrok, left, visits with Robert Moore and Amy Ross during the Jan. 13 art opening at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. (Jane Napier Neely / La Canada Valley Sun) The opening reception brunch, sponsored by the Keck Healing Arts Council, was just lovely. The hospitals executive chef, Jesus Veyna, and his team outdid themselves, presenting an extensive brunch menu that included a made-to-order omelet bar, citrus garlic marinated Atlantic salmon fillet roasted in a crispy citrus herb sauce, sliced oven-roasted strips of tri-tip beef sirloin, and grilled potatoes with onions, tomatoes and peppers. Fresh fruit was also on the menu. Following that repast, guests could sample from the dessert offerings: tiramisu, an assortment of mini pastries, dark chocolate cake and cheesecake. Keith Hobbs stepped to the podium and, in his role as the hospitals chief executive, welcomed guests and introduced the featured artists as well as Dr. Lawrence Douglas Dorr, a USC orthopedic surgeon who spoke about his Operation Walk Teams mission to Guatemala. Roski, a watercolorist, had illustrated a book about the mission. Photographer Kitty Keck, left, and watercolorist Gayle Roski greet guests at the Jan. 13 art reception held at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. (Courtesy of Kenneth Selko) Also speaking at the reception were Sue Wilder, chair of the hospitals foundation board, and Julie Shadpa, art therapist and curator of the Healing Arts Exhibit. Hospital VIPs at the reception were Kerri Yoder Hubbard, executive director at USC VHH Foundation and Stephanie Van Sickel, director of major gifts. Also there to greet guests was Tina Marie Ito, vice chair of the hospital foundation. It was a very nice event and the works by Roski and Keck will surely be enjoyed by patients and visitors to the hospital. Jane Napier Neely covers the La Canada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event. For what would have been his 90th birthday, an event did, indeed, include a celebration, songs and a lot of love for Martin Luther King Jr. at Glendale Community College on Tuesday. The Glendale College Foundation hosted its fourth annual MLK Interfaith Breakfast during which a variety of guests spoke about the impact of King and the necessity to follow his legacy and dream today. This is about faith, love and community, said organizer Robert Hill, the colleges dean of student services. This is about bringing good people together. We use the word interfaith because theres a common denominator, common thread that runs through all this, which is love. The events keynote speaker, Rana Singh Sodhi, had his boundaries of love and forgiveness tested. Sodhis brother, Balbir, was murdered four days after Sept. 11, 2001 in what is believed to be the nations first hate crime since the terrorist attacks. The Sodhi brothers shared the Sikh faith and stood out because of their turbans. Balbir Sodhi was murdered just outside his gas station in Mesa, Ariz., by Frank Roque, who called the victim a terrorist. Rana Sodhi said he went into a depression after his brothers death. The act of racial violence came as a shock, as Rana Sodhi did not believe such crimes happened in the United States. A massive outpouring of support helped bring him back from the depths of despair. I saw hundreds of people get together with flowers and candles, Rana Sodhi said. The community locally, nationally and internationally spoke and loved us and my family. Today, Im here because our interfaith community spoke of love. Rana Sodhis love extended to forgiving Roque and inviting the shooter to tour with him should Roque ever leave prison. He even invited Roques wife and daughter to the most recent memorial for his brother last September. While the murder took place one state over from California, Glendale City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian was quick to remind event-goers that racism can happen at home. Kassakhian spoke how former Glendale mayor George Wickham placed restrictions on his rental property in 1952 that called for residents to only be Caucasians. This gentlemans picture hangs in city hall, Kassakhian said. He also pointed to past issues such as race lodging restrictions in Fresno and American Nazi rallies at La Crescenta Park that happened in the past. We are not immune to bigotry, Kassakhian said. In between serious conversations and discussions, master of ceremony Aisha Alfa also provided laughs and moments of levity, including when she stopped her opening remarks to put on a cone-shaped birthday hat. Today, we are celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Alfa said. So, today is going to be a birthday party. Gospel artist Chris Hawkins kept the birthday celebrating going by singing his own soulful version of the Happy Birthday song. Following the breakfast and conversation, the day continued with Matt Lawrence, a philosophy professor from Long Beach City College, giving a presentation about race and equity, which focused on African-American student success rates and closing the learning gap. Armine Hacopian, a Glendale Community College board trustee, said education and access to help are key for the future. We need to not only recognize the importance of the day, but to find a way to equalize services and learning for all students, she said. These schools are great equalizers, and were proud of that. andrew.campa@latimes.com Twitter @campadresports Related Egypt court upholds death sentence against toddler rapist in final ruling A Cairo criminal court sentenced on Wednesday one man to death and another to 15 years in prison over the rape and attempted murder of a toddler. The case dates back to mid-2017, when two high school students abducted a three-year-old boy in Matariya in northeastern Cairo to rape him. They later threw the toddler from the fourth storey when he started screaming, causing him serious injuries including a skull fracture, internal bleeding and hemiplegia. The sentences can still be appealed. Last year, the family of the victim said that the families of the two men killed the toddler's father after he refused to withdraw his legal action against the defendants. In November, a high appeals court upheld a death sentence against a man for raping a 20-month-old girl in 2017 in a final ruling that cannot be appealed. Short link: The renaming of William E. Fanning Elementary School has been the cause of a great divide among local residents for the last year and a half. Those who support the name change claim William E. Fanning, a former Brea-Olinda School District superintendent, had ties to the local Ku Klux Klan chapter in the 1920s. But those who oppose the renaming believe there is insufficient evidence to support the move. Dozens from both sides of the issue showed up for Mondays school board meeting. The board was originally expected to vote at the meeting, but that was rescheduled for Jan. 28. Prior to the meeting, about 40 people rallied in the courtyard of the civic center in support of renaming. Protesters held signs that read, Time to take action and We will change it. Speakers armed with megaphones made their cases at a lectern. I cannot support a school with the name of Fanning, said Fred Calhoun, president of the Orange County arm of the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People. We have to get rid of that name. We will take any action we have to. Carlota Serna has two children in the Brea school system. I cant do nothing knowing that a school in our district bears a name of a member of the KKK, Serna said. Mike Rodriguez, an original member of the group supporting the renaming, said the information about Fannings potentially divisive past arose from a 2011 OC Weekly article by Gustavo Arellano, who now writes for the Los Angeles Times. Arellano wrote a series of articles exposing possible members of the KKK in Orange County using a list which some believe holds the names of former klan members at the Anaheim Heritage Center as a reference. Fannings name is on the list. The renaming campaign was put into motion after a series of national events led members like Rodriguez to fear rising white nationalism. In particular, the death of Heather Heyer on Aug. 12, 2017 in Charlottesville, Va., spurred the local movement. The list became the primary evidence for supporters of renaming the school. But William Fanning, the grandson of the elder Fanning, questions the validity of the list because of its unknown origins. While Arellano acknowledged the lack of provenance in his original series, he has contended that the lists authenticity was supported because it was used by former Orange County District Attorney Alexander Nelson to push the KKK out of the county and another copy is on file at the Library of Congress. Fannings skepticism of the list received support in a 2017 report from Linda Shay, museum curator of the Brea Historical Society, which was prepared for the school district. It took umbrage with the claim that Fanning was in the KKK. We do not know who created the list or when it was created or what it represents, the report says. The researchers who compiled the report found no credible or substantiated evidence to support the claim that William E. Fanning was a racist. Rodriguez remains unswayed. That report is very biased, and very myopic, and really is not a critical examination of William Fanning and his involvement with the KKK, Rodriguez said. In an article written last year, Gabriel San Roman of the OC Weekly defended the veracity of the list and criticized Shays report. William Fanning said hes been interviewing family members and going over his grandfathers documents. He said he hasnt uncovered anything that hints at racism. The challenge here for us is we are being asked to prove a negative to demonstrate proof that he wasnt in the KKK, Fanning said. People dont normally leave things in their life papers of what they didnt do. benjamin.brazil@latimes.com Twitter:@benbrazilpilot As hundreds of thousands of federal employees went without a paycheck Friday, the Laguna Food Pantry began a social media campaign inviting workers and families affected by the partial government shutdown to shop at the pantry. It made so much sense, said the nonprofits executive director, Anne Belyea. Here we are and were serving a need and why not reach out to others that werent knowledgeable about us? Fresh produce, meat and packaged foods are available for free every weekday morning at the pantry on Laguna Canyon Road, Belyea said. Of the 96 people who visited Monday the daily average is 80 to 100 Belyea counted two unfamiliar faces who were there as a result of the shutdown. A visit Tuesday revealed no shoppers identified as federal workers. The pantry is open to everyone, but just being that its such a long shutdown, I dont see the end in sight. And thats concerning for everyone, Belyea said. The partial government shutdown, which began Dec. 22 and on Saturday became the longest in history, reached its 24th day Tuesday. It resulted from a dispute between the White House and congressional Democrats over funding a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. The shutdown affects 800,000 federal employees 41,478 of whom are Californians, according to Governing magazine. Affected departments include the National Park Service, the Justice Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Many employees who are considered essential, such as Transportation Security Administration and border agents, continue to work without pay. The idea to use Facebook and Instagram to invite people affected by the shutdown came from the pantrys publicist and marketing coordinator, Mary Castillo. Obviously their bills are continuing, Castillo said. If I was in the position that a lot of other people are finding themselves in, that would be frightening. And it would be very humbling and emotional to go to a place where people welcome you and say, Yeah, take a cake, take some milk, here are some eggs, heres some rice. Chris Littleton, a volunteer at the pantry, was in charge of the front desk Monday when the shoppers who said they were affected by the shutdown visited. She said a woman whose husband had been furloughed had two children and another on the way. She was sort of embarrassed because this is the first time shed been to a food pantry, Littleton said. And I said, Its OK, we all need to eat. Laguna Beach resident Denny Freidenrich created a GoFundMe campaign Dec. 30 to support federal employees affected by the shutdown. The campaign had raised $650 as of Tuesday afternoon. Branford Marsalis started out classically trained, playing in marching bands and in youth orchestras. That is, until his teenage years, when his focus shifted, albeit briefly, to rhythm and blues. By 19, I gravitated toward jazz, he said. But I never was far from classical music, which has always been a part of my life. Classical, jazz, R&B, rock, it doesnt matter. I love them all. The music is emotionally the same, just the delivery is different. The Branford Marsalis Quartet plans to return to Segerstrom Concert Hall on Jan. 25. The Grammy-winning ensemble, in operation for nearly 33 years, is in the midst of a nine-concert California tour that concluding at the Costa Mesa venue. The musicians are all great, they project well on their instruments, Marsalis said. We know how to create colors. And were all charismatic. You learn from listening to each other. Their latest recording, The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, is scheduled for a March release. Branford Marsalis, who will release his latest recording, The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, in March, is performing with his quartet at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. (Photo by Palma Kolansky) The jazz great says he is continuing to evolve as a musician. In 2018, Im not the same player I was in 1988, he said. Its very easy to rest on ones laurels, so [that] a performance is just a revival and wed play the music the same way every time. But we fought against that feeling, and Im most proud of that. Michael Rydzynski is a contributor to Times Community News. IF YOU GO Who: The Branford Marsalis Quartet When: 8 p.m. Jan. 25 Where: Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa Cost: Tickets start at $59 Information: (714) 556-2787; scfta.org Andrew Wheeler, President Trumps nominee to head the Environmental Protection Agency, told a Senate panel Wednesday that he does not believe climate change is the greatest crisis and vowed to continue the administrations agenda of rolling back environmental regulations. Wheeler, a former coal industry lobbyist who replaced Scott Pruitt to become acting EPA chief last year, faced pointed questions from Democratic senators who sought to cast him as a lackey for the fossil fuel industry and polluters. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who focused on Wheelers previous work for a coal firm, described him as someone who has his thumb, wrist, forearm and elbow on the scales in favor of the energy industry. Speaking before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Wheeler defended his efforts to relax clean air and water rules as necessary to spur economic growth. He highlighted nearly three-dozen different efforts to roll back regulations since Trump became president. Through our deregulatory actions, the Trump administration has proven that burdensome federal regulations are not necessary to drive environmental progress, Wheeler said at his confirmation hearing. Certainty, and the innovation that thrives in a climate of certainty, are key to progress. Advertisement He also defended his resistance to making climate change a top priority and echoed President Trumps misleading claim that wildfires are mostly a result of poor forest management, rather than worsening drought, increasing development and a warming planet. Pressed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to explain his position on climate change, Wheeler did not deny the established science that humans are causing global warming. Nor did he repeat Trumps claim that climate change is a hoax. Ive not used the hoax word myself, he said. But he showed no sense of urgency to tackle the issue. I would not call it the greatest crisis, no, sir, he said to Sanders. I consider it a huge issue that has to be addressed globally. A report published in November, compiled by 13 federal agencies including the EPA found that global warming poses a profound threat to human life, the environment and the nations economy. It warned that if significant measures are not taken to rein in climate change, the damage from more severe weather could shrink Americas economy to a tenth of its size by 2100. Asked if he had read the report, Wheeler said he had been briefed once by his staff. He argued that the EPA is already taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, which a recent study found have increased in the last year after years of decline. Wheeler was also asked about the EPAs proposal to relax Obama-era fuel economy standards that were designed to get the nations cars and trucks to average more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025. In August, the administration proposed freezing mileage targets in 2020 for six years and moved to take away Californias authority to set its own tougher standards. Thirteen other states follow Californias more stringent rules. The Trump administrations proposal would benefit the oil industry. But automakers, who once backed the plan to weaken the standard, now worry the dispute will become tied up in the courts for years, or result in different standards in different states. At the hearing, Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), the top Democrat on the committee, said he had heard that the Trump administration now plans to finalize a 0.5% annual increase in the stringency of the standards, a rate that is 10 times weaker than the current rules. This proposal, he said, would only lead to extensive litigation and uncertainty for our automakers, and thats not a win-win outcome. Its really more of a lose-lose. Advertisement An EPA spokeswoman said that no final decisions have been made about the agencys plans. But if the agency does go forward with this proposal, its likely to encounter stiff resistance from California. Given the current state and cost of technology to reduce climate pollution from vehicles, half a percent is verging on ridiculous, said California Air Resources Board spokesman Stanley Young. Of course its better than zero, but can only be justified by more flawed arguments about safety. Industry has proven they can do better than this. Wheeler said he had met several times with California Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols and was eager to negotiate a deal to create one set of fuel economy standards for the country. Nobody wants a 50-state deal more than I do, he said. Wheeler is expected to sail to confirmation and become the permanent replacement for Pruitt, who was forced to resign last year under a cloud of ethics investigations. Advertisement Republicans, who have a 53-seat majority in the Senate, praised him during the hearing for rolling back a series of Obama-era environmental regulations that they consider burdensome and expensive to implement. Several of them celebrated his efforts to overhaul a rule known as Waters of the United States that places federal protections on wetlands and streams. While environmentalists say these protections are important to drinking water quality and ecology, the regulation has come under fire from the agriculture industry. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chair of the committee, said Wheeler had done an outstanding job of leading the EPA. The cost of regulations coming out of the EPA was staggering before President Trump took office, Barrasso said. Democrats used the hearing to grill Wheeler on the specifics of proposals to roll back various regulations, particularly those that already have been implemented, such as rules restricting mercury emissions from power plants. Advertisement I knew that Mr. Wheeler and I would not always agree, Carper said. But I hoped he would moderate some of Scott Pruitts most environmentally destructive policies, specifically where industry and the environmental community are in agreement. Regrettably, my hopes have not been realized. In fact, upon examination, Mr. Wheelers environmental policies appear to be just as extreme as his predecessors. Wheelers opening statement was interrupted by protesters from environmental advocacy groups, who led a chant outside the hearing room: Shut down Wheeler, not the EPA! The latest from Washington More stories from Anna M. Phillips Rep. Kevin McCarthy appears to have passed his first test as House Republicans minority leader this week holding the party together to sanction one of its own, Iowa Rep. Steve King, for his latest racially charged comments. McCarthy, of Bakersfield, decided late Monday to bar King from membership on any committees in the new Congress, a move that shows a rare willingness by a Republican leader to discipline those in the party. On Tuesday, the House overwhelmingly supported the sanction, even as some members in both parties supported stronger action even Kings exit from Congress. King, who like McCarthy has been one of President Trumps closest allies in Congress, recently was quoted in the New York Times asking, White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? It was far from the first time that King has publicly made comments widely considered racist, and his sentiments have been common knowledge for years. Yet previous House Republican leaders, including former Speakers Paul D. Ryan and John A. Boehner, have avoided punishing him. Advertisement Im a brand new leader. I listened to what Steve said. I brought Steve in and met with him. I also did research on what Steve has said in the past, McCarthy said. There is no room for white supremacy. Thats why I took a strong action, thats why I wanted to make a statement, thats why I did something. We dont take this lightly. Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma, a respected senior Republican, said that by acting as he did, McCarthy set a standard for how he expects members of the party conference to behave. He has a set of values that he intends to uphold. Its a tough call to have to do something like that, and I think he did the right thing, Cole said.It was an important moment for the conference and for a brand new leader of the conference to tell everybody, frankly, what sort of tone he intended to set and I think he did that pretty dramatically. Both the toxicity of Kings words, and his national reputation, ensured that McCarthys response was widely anticipated. Kings connections and prominence among Republicans in Iowa, which holds the first presidential nominating contest, meant that White House aspirants including Trump have embraced him openly for years, despite his inflammatory comments denigrating immigrants and seeming to embrace white nationalism. That record was an issue in his most recent campaign, yet he was reelected to a ninth term. Since first elected in 2002, King had risen through the ranks to become chairman of the House Constitution and Civil Justice subcommittee and was expected to be the ranking Republican on the panel now that Democrats control the House. This, frankly, probably was a case of one time too many, Cole said. There wasnt much dissent. There was a sense that this needed to be done and the leader had done the right thing and we needed to make that clear by backing him. Affirming McCarthys action against King, Republicans joined in approving Democrats resolution decrying white supremacy and disapproving of Kings comments by a vote of 424 to 1. The measure, while rare, was a step below a formal censure, and far from the ultimate penalty: expulsion from the House. Advertisement Illinois Democratic Rep. Bobby L. Rush cast the sole no vote, saying disapproval doesnt go far enough. He is pressing for the House to censure King. No Republicans defended King in advance of the House vote. McCarthy stressed to reporters that Republicans took action soon after Kings comments became public. Republicans will not be silent, he said. Yet while McCarthy only weeks ago became House Republicans leader, after Ryan retired, he has been a member of the partys leadership for years, and like his colleagues never pushed for action over Kings prior controversial comments. Also, McCarthy has not joined other Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky in urging King to resign. Thats up to Steve King. The voters have elected him, McCarthy said. House Republicans denounce his language, we do not believe in his language and we have decided he will not serve on any committees. Advertisement California Republican strategist Rob Stutzman said that for a leader to call for an elected member to resign is a big step, and McCarthy is giving King the opportunity to leave on his own terms. It was honestly a very strong rebuke, Stutzman said. Stripping King of committees is basically showing him the door. Rep. Karen Bass of Los Angeles, a Democrat who is chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus and previously served with McCarthy in the California Legislature, said the onus should be on Republican leaders to expel King from the House, not Democrats. I was impressed that [McCarthy] quickly took his [Kings] assignments away but, again, thats part way. Now, he needs to go all the way, Bass said. Advertisement For two years, Republican leaders in the House and Senate have studiously avoided criticizing Trump for comments that have been widely seen as racist, including after fatal violence at a white nationalists rally in Charlottesville, Va., in 2017. Bass said white supremacists and King have been emboldened by the presidents rhetoric. I think they did the right thing, House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said of House Republicans. I think they are very concerned about their party being perceived as a Steve King party, frankly, as the president has given some succor to, in terms of what happened in Virginia when he said that both sides were at fault. Stutzman said Republicans across the country are looking for not just words of condemnation but actual action from Republican leaders. I would hope this is an indication of the type of leader that Mr. McCarthy is going to be, he added. Still, McCarthys swift action against King probably doesnt signal any change in how Republicans respond to Trump. Advertisement Stopped later in the day and asked why Republicans havent similarly rebuked Trump, McCarthy demurred. All I know is Steve King is a member of our conference, I am the leader of the Republican conference, he said. When I see someone use the term that Steve King used, there is no place in this country for it, thats why I stood up, he said. The latest from Washington More stories from Sarah D. Wire The well-heeled liberals who donate big money to Democrats creating an outsized role for themselves in choosing which party leaders ascend to stardom are used to candidates swarming them with requests for cash. This election they face a different dilemma: Candidates worry they are a liability. Mega-checks, once the lifeblood of a candidacy, are now a source of angst for the politicians best positioned to reel them in. Super PACs have become a super headache. The allure of dark money is up against the antipathy of party activists. Sen. Elizabeth Warrens call to lock arms and reject all but small donations an appeal that would have been dismissed in previous cycles as opportunistic and unrealistic has successfully boxed in some of her top-tier rivals who may need whale-sized donors to compete. Advertisement Democrats have talked and postured and pontificated about the ills of money in politics for years, especially since the Supreme Courts 2010 Citizens United decision opened the way for a huge influx of corporate and big-money donors. The current cycle is shaping up to be the election where Democratic candidates will be expected to walk the walk. For a lot of voters, it all looks like one giant sewer, said Paul Begala, a former board member of Priorities USA, the massive Democratic super PAC that spent a record $126 million in its unsuccessful effort to elect Hillary Clinton in 2016. There is a lot of pressure to simply swear off all PACs, he said. The clarity of that message is just so strong at a time when the desire for reform among Democrats is so deep. 2020 Democratic presidential candidates: Whos in and whos on the fence? That has left candidates accustomed to being nourished by checks from titans of industry and fantastically wealthy philanthropists carefully choreographing how they are going to survive the money dance. The candidates most likely to feel the pressure are those who lack the huge base of small donors needed to follow the small-donor fundraising trail blazed in 2016 by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and pursued in the midterm election by Democrats including Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Beto ORourke of Texas. Potential candidates from states with large numbers of wealthy liberal donors, including California Sen. Kamala Harris, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, face an especially tough choice about whether to leave significant sums untapped if they eschew big contributions. Theyre weighing how big a toll persistent public shaming by rival candidates and influential grassroots groups could take on their campaigns if their supporters set up PACs. For mega-donors themselves, the candidates reticence comes with a big upside: Not many are jazzed about financing a potentially divisive Democratic primary. Several big donors have signaled that theyll be happy to keep their wallets closed for the time being. Advertisement Among those inclined against backing anyone is one of the biggest Democratic donors in the country, Los Angeles billionaire Haim Saban, who along with his wife spent more than $12 million trying to elect Clinton. While there are certainly a number of qualified Democrats running or thinking about it Haim strongly believes its simply too early in the process to support anyone, a spokesman for Saban said. San Francisco philanthropist Susie Tompkins Buell, another huge Clinton backer, is also holding her fire. And Priorities USA, which was fully behind Clinton long before she won the nomination, has vowed to sit out the primary altogether, focusing instead on building a war chest for the general election. Advertisement Some of the would-be candidates, too, already have begun confronting the issue. Harris boosters are contemplating whether they can exploit a loophole in campaign finance law that would allow them to vacuum donations of unlimited size into an independent super PAC. The money is clearly there, but so is the worry that any such maneuver could hurt the California senator more than help her. Harris declared her candidacy Monday. Gillibrand, who announced her entry into the race last week and made her initial foray to Iowa last weekend, has already found that even routine exploratory calls to Wall Street can jeopardize an assiduously built image as a reformer. After a news report about the senators fundraising overtures to bankers and brokers, the New York senator and expected presidential contender felt compelled to write a response on Twitter: Whats important are the facts about my record, she wrote, continuing on to list several measures she has backed that would impose new restrictions on the financial industry. Advertisement Booker, who, like Gillibrand, has been able to raise significant sums from financial-industry donors, risks entering the presidential race with a $4-million albatross around his neck. Steve Phillips, a longtime ally and classmate from Stanford who is a civil rights lawyer and Democratic activist in the Bay Area, launched the first super PAC of the race on Bookers behalf. The timing of Phillips move baffled advisors to some of his likely opponents, even as they contemplate super PACs for their own candidates. Why not wait to launch, they asked, instead of risking harming your favored candidates image before he even has had a chance to define himself? I dont think people are going to have a problem with this, insisted Phillips, who headed a similar effort for Barack Obama and, more recently, Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. Phillips pursued the Obama effort even after the candidate sent him a letter asking the PAC to disband. He said he would do the same in this race, even if Booker disavows the effort. The attorney said he has $4 million in commitments for the super PAC, and he expects that to grow to at least $10 million. Advertisement Much of this will be about creating a vehicle for millions of professionals of color who make over $100,000 a year, many of whom would want to support a candidate like Cory Booker, Phillips said, but he acknowledged there are no restrictions on others such as drug companies or Wall Street brokerages from also contributing large amounts. I dont see a problem with professionals of color organizing an effort to support a candidate of color, said Phillips, who, like Booker, is African American. I intend to keep doing it regardless of what anyone says at any particular moment, he added. In a lot of ways, this is bigger than Cory. He is the best vehicle to advance the cause. Bookers aides have kept their distance from the effort. Sen. Booker continues to weigh with his family and friends whether he should run for president, and any effort to draft him into the race is outside of his control and will not affect his decision, said Booker spokesman Jeff Giertz. There has been no activity on his part or that of his team to organize or endorse the creation of a super PAC. Advertisement Candidates in the Democratic primaries can expect to be pressured not only to repudiate big money, but also to pledge to pay hefty penalties from their campaign accounts if outside groups spend large sums on their behalf. Warren can make the case that such pacts work, as she negotiated one in her 2012 race against then-incumbent Sen. Scott Brown, a Republican. A couple of billionaires mulling a run have also felt the heat. Led by Warren, progressive activists have put them on notice that candidates who self-fund their campaigns are likely to face relentless charges of trying to buy the election as well as comparisons to Trump. Already, one billionaire who was eyeing the race, Californian Tom Steyer, announced he would not run and will instead steer $40 million toward his campaign to impeach the president. But as the field of candidates narrows, history suggests big donors accustomed to shaping the race will not be content to let it run its course without them. There is little indication that they will be deterred by the prospect that their checks could prove toxic. And the candidates who most need those checks are banking on the race ending up as business as usual for the money game. Advertisement Its not super PACs, its not your donors, its not what company you once worked for that people care about, said a senior advisor to one of the hopefuls resistant to linking arms with Warren and resistant to talking about it on the record. You just have to own it and move on. Interviews with people heavily involved in big-ticket fundraising in Hollywood and on Wall Street suggest that donors are not seeing this years awkward optics as a reason to stay on the sidelines throughout the primary. Some of these candidates arent going to want to be seen associating with a lot of big money, said Ted Trimpa, a Democratic strategist in Denver with connections to many of the partys top donors. But once people realize the money it takes to run, I just dont see how you can pull it off without some big funders behind you. More stories from Evan Halper Advertisement The latest look at the Trump administration and the rest of Washington evan.halper@latimes.com | Twitter: @evanhalper Hoping to make a crack in Democratic unity as the partial government shutdown reached Day 25, President Trump invited a handful of moderate Democrats to the White House on Tuesday for lunch and a chat. None showed up. That despite the fact that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) jokingly encouraged them to go, confident the rank-and-file Democrats would only better appreciate the challenges she says she faces in dealing with Trump. It was the most striking example yet of Democratic unity in the face of the nations longest-ever government shutdown, a rarely seen solidarity in the party that appears to be frustrating Trump and congressional Republicans. This is my first time ever invited to the White House, said Rep. Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), one of the invited Democrats and a leader of the partys so-called Blue Dog Coalition of moderate Democrats. It would have been nice to go to work something out, but under the proper terms. To have a government shutdown hanging over you is not the way to start a negotiation. Advertisement Trump has tried a variety of approaches to get Democrats to break. Hes invited Democratic leaders to cordial White House negotiating sessions; stormed out of one of those negotiating sessions; applied public pressure with an Oval Office address and border visit; publicly attacked Democrats on Twitter; and now, tried to pick off moderate Democrats who could be interested in a bipartisan deal on their resume or hail from swing districts where he is popular. But while several moderate Republicans in both the House and Senate have broken ranks to call for immediately reopening the government without Trumps demand for $5.7 billion in border wall money, no Democrat has publicly suggested that Democrats should give in on the wall in order to reopen the government. We are totally united, totally, said Rep. Steny H. Hoyer of Maryland, the No. 2 Democrat in the House. In their first standoff with Trump since they seized control of the House, Democrats seem to be embracing a strict, uncompromising position with a president known for changing his mind and backing out of deals. Pelosi has pledged that Democrats wont even negotiate on wall funding or any border security measures until the government reopens. That hardline stance uncommon in a party perhaps better known for internal divisions and a willingness to negotiate has frustrated Republican leaders. Republicans seem thrown off balance. It is a real challenge when the Democrats wont even give an offer back, said Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), the House minority leader. Yet refusing to negotiate until the government is reopened is one that has worked in previous shutdowns. President Obama used it to break a GOP-led shutdown in 2013 over Obamacare. And Trump and Republicans took a similar tack just a year ago when Democrats forced a shutdown over so-called Dreamers. Advertisement Despite Trumps failure to lure away Democrats on Tuesday, the White House is expected to try again with a wave of offers to groups of other moderate Democrats through Thursday, according to congressional sources. The rebuke of Trumps invitation could portend an icy relationship between the White House and Congress for the last two years of Trumps term. The refusal by Democrats to go to the White House was somewhat remarkable, particularly considering that rank-and-file members of the House rarely get such an invitation, let alone the chance to publicly snub the commander in chief. I just think its not appropriate to close the government as a negotiating tactic, said Rep. Scott Peters (D-San Diego), who also turned down the offer. I dont want to give anyone the impression that Im OK with that. Time will tell if that stance holds. Democrats who rebuffed the invite are riding on their confidence that opposition to Trumps border wall request is popular with their base. The American public largely blames Trump for the shutdown, according to recent polls. Advertisement More than half or 53% of Americans blame Trump and Republicans for the shutdown, according to a Washington Post/ABC News poll. Another 29% say Democrats are to blame. And 13% say both parties share blame. But if those poll numbers shift, or the pain of the shutdown begins to worsen, Democrats could face pressure to compromise. Though they may not be ready to meet with Trump, some moderates, including Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, are beginning to meet privately to discuss the shutdown. Even so there is no sign that the meetings will bear fruit and any deal is still likely to be cut among House and Senate leaders and the White House. Correa said he doesnt see any room to negotiate, as both Republicans and Democrats have only dug in further as the shutdown last week surpassed the record of 21 days set in 1996. Advertisement I think a lot of [members], at least on our side, can see through whats going on, Correa said. I mean this isnt really about public policy. This isnt really about security. This is about sending a message. The president is trying to send a message: either you do what I want or else. Democrats also feared the White House meeting could expose them to PR risks with an unpredictable president. He could have called television cameras into the meeting or characterized what the members said in a way to embarrass them or the party. Rank-and-file lawmakers would have little chance of matching Trumps reach on Twitter or in the press to counter his version of the meeting. Two other House Democrats, in addition to Correa and Peters, confirmed that they got the offer. Reps. Stephanie Murphy and Charlie Crist, both of Florida, independently said they had scheduling conflicts. All of the members who publicly acknowledged getting an invite are members of the Blue Dog Coalition. Advertisement Republicans say Democrats on Tuesday proved that theyre not even willing to go through the motions of a negotiation. Today, the president offered both Democrats and Republicans the chance to meet for lunch at the White House, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Unfortunately, no Democrats will attend.... Its time for the Democrats to come to the table and make a deal. The latest from Washington To the editor: I am one of four or five teachers at Wilson High School in El Sereno who went on strike in 1989. Now, I find myself on strike again. Personally, I will be affected little by this action. I retire in June, and any pay raise will not alter my retirement. Furthermore, the working conditions at Wilson will hardly change, because much of what makes working here so hard has to do with things not affected by the same budgets. But I am striking, and I will continue to strike until there is an acceptable end. Ill do it because, despite my cynicism and mistrust of this school district, I still believe in the idea of public education. I believe that if there are enough librarians, psychiatric social workers, nurses, counselors and teachers, even our most struggling students can get a good education. This is one last chance for me to make a difference. I dont know if it will work, but somewhere amid my deep cynicism is a ray of hope. Advertisement Jeff Combe, Temple City .. To the editor: Declining enrollment and generous retiree benefits are major sources of financial stress for the Los Angeles Unified School District, made worse by the states inadequate funding of K-12 education. Proposition 13 is a major culprit. LAUSDs current high cost of pension benefits is directly due to the states past actions and inaction. Sacramento allowed the State Teachers Retirement System and the Public Employees Retirement System to be underfunded for many years, then recently required districts to start paying much more for CalSTRS and CalPERS. Also, the state has never required districts to establish reserves to pay for retiree health benefits. Federal law requires private corporations to have such reserves but exempts government agencies. The state should have stepped into this void long ago. Sadly, doing so now would only make matters worse for LAUSD in the short term. Roger Rasmussen, Los Angeles The writer is a former budget director and deputy chief financial officer for LAUSD. Advertisement .. To the editor: Its time to tell the truth about the school strike: Improving childrens education is not the top priority for either LAUSD or United Teachers Los Angeles. The self-serving adversaries should come together on one essential area of common ground smaller classes and sacrifice all other needs toward achieving that goal. Do whatever it takes. Frances ONeill Zimmerman, La Jolla Advertisement Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook What happens after a fire that killed 86 people and burned thousands of homes also threatens to devastate the states biggest energy company? Pacific Gas and Electric will be filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization at months end. It could face $30 billion in liability for wildfires over the course of two years, as investigators work to determine whether the cause of some of those fires can be laid at the feet of PG&E. Sixteen million Californians get their light and heat from PG&E. What happens to them, to the people who own shares in PG&E, to the people whose lives were blasted by the fires, to the taxpayers of California? Severin Borenstein is a professor at UC Berkeleys Haas School of Business and faculty director of the Energy Institute at Haas. And he undertakes to answer the question of, what now? Click here for the full archive of Patt Morrison Asks podcasts When we hear about the troubles of PG&E and the question of bankruptcy, we think of 2008 and too big to fail. Is there such a thing, and does PG&E fit that category? Advertisement I dont think PG&E is too big to fail. They in fact have been in bankruptcy before, in 2000-2001 during the California electricity crisis, and that didnt actually disrupt the electricity service of customers. It definitely hurt the shareholders, and I think thats happening already and may continue to happen. The longer-run question is, should this be the configuration of the company? Should the gas and electric companies be combined, which is not the case in much of Southern California? But PG&E does both, and PG&E has a huge geographical area they cover, and there are many people asking, would it work better if they broke it up into smaller pieces? The bankruptcy early in the 2000s was a reorganization bankruptcy. Is that what wed be talking about again with PG&E? Or would it go on the market? Could a company, say, from Russia or China come in and buy it? Well, it would be a Chapter 11 reorganization, just as they did in 2001. I dont think it would be a takeover by another company, but rather a reissue of stock once the company has been reorganized, which is what happened last time. And Im sure it will not be a company owned by a potentially adversarial country. Utilities are one of the areas where control is exercised over ownership. Critical functions are often government functions, like police or fire. In Los Angeles, you have the municipal, proprietary Department of Water and Power. When it comes to regulated utilities like PG&E, are they fish, or fowl, or a little bit of each? Advertisement These are private companies. Theyre owned by shareholders. They earn a rate of return on the capital they invest. But they are regulated because they are monopolies; in the United States, that is how most utilities operate. Most customers are served by what are called investor-owned utilities. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and, in Northern California, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District are exceptions. There are a lot of so-called municipal utilities like them, but they actually serve a minority of the customers in the US. The IOU investor-owned utility model is the most common. On the one hand, many critical functions are often done by government, but not all. Building housing is a critical function, but we let the private sector do that. Producing food is a critical function, and we let the private sector do that. But there are many things like police and protection from fire and so forth that are done by government. Utilities have ended up sort of in the middle, where some is done by private regulated firms and some is done by utilities. I dont think we have a good answer to which is the better model. Advertisement Didnt the unregulated model fail California during the blackouts there was that notorious remark by some energy marketeers about Grandma Millie and leaving California in the dark. A badly designed market can cause major problems, and thats what happened during the electricity restructuring in 2000 and 2001. The blackouts actually were pretty limited. People have made them into a much more widespread phenomenon than they actually were. The threats of blackout were more significant, and the cost imposed on customers and on shareholders of the utilities were very significant. ... California then retrenched to a much more regulated market, as we have operated in ever since then. Its important to recognize that that is a completely different situation than we face now. The problem now is not a market issue. The problem is that we have a new liability that was just not foreseen before, which is wildfire. Advertisement While weve always had fires, and weve always had fires started by electricity service, the magnitude of those fires largely due to climate change has completely changed. The damages now dwarf the entire value of the firm, which just wasnt the case 20 or 30 years ago. How much authority does the California Public Utilities Commission have? How deep can it go in saying, this is what you have to do on a daily basis? In theory they have tremendous authority. The issue is not a constraint on whether they could do those things; the issue is whether, in practice, theyre able do those things; as they dig deeper and deeper into the company and start to manage in more and more detail, the whole idea of it being a separate investor-owned utility starts to go away. They essentially become an arm of the government, if the government is managing even the day-to-day operations of the firm. Historically thats not how investor owned utilities have worked. Historically, the regulator has said, you have to provide electricity. We will allow you to recover your costs, but youre the energy company, so you figure out the best way to build the lines, maintain the lines, do customer service etc. Advertisement We will oversee it at a high level, to make sure that youre providing good service and taking appropriate safety measures. But were not going to go into the day-to-day operations. If it turns out that that doesnt work anymore, particularly given the increased risks with wildfires, I think thats when we start to revisit the question, whats the best way to organize this company? If the regulators are going to have to be involved in the day-to-day operations, maybe it does make more sense for it to just be a government entity. But when we go down that road and Ive heard many people say, we should just take over PG&E I think we have to be careful and remember who we is. We is the state. Anybody whos stood in line at the DMV or dealt with state agencies in other contexts knows that government isnt the most efficient or most effective organization all the time, either. So thats the tradeoff that we constantly face. Advertisement We clearly need whatever organization provides electricity to be much more focused on safety than they needed to be 20 or 30 years ago, when these wildfire risks were not as severe. And then we have to ask, well, whats the best way to do that going forward? The issue is whats the best way to either regulate an investor-owned utility, or to switch to a government-operated utility? And is that a way to assure better safety? Whats the right size of the utility? Should it be one very large utility, both in terms of number of customers and geography? Or should it be broken up into a number of smaller utilities? Which might arguably be more responsive to particular regions and the different needs of those regions. There is another issue, though, which is that the wildfire risk is not uniform across PG&E territory. There are some areas that, if we start really ratcheting up maintenance to avoid wildfire risk, will be much more expensive than other areas. Advertisement We also have to ask the question, do we want to maintain this as a large utility, where these costs are smoothed across all of the customers? Or are we going to break it up into smaller utilities, recognizing that the ones that have to cover all this wildfire risk are probably going to turn out to be more expensive? Gov. Jerry Brown took heat for signing what was called the PG&E bailout bill. He said its complex and requires investment, but its absolutely necessary. What does this bill do? Im not a lawyer and I havent really focused on what it covers. It is backward-looking: It looks at the 2017 wildfires. I will tell you the one thing it doesnt undo, which is the big focus for the utilities: inverse condemnation, which essentially makes utilities, like governments, the responsible party when something they do causes losses, even if they are not actually found to be negligent or grossly negligent. At the same time, the regulator the California Public Utilities Commission has said you cant pass that [cost] through to their customers, and I think the utilities, with some justification, are saying, well wait, if were not found negligent ... its not fair to make us pay for it and not let us smooth that [cost] across the customers. Advertisement The bailout bill really didnt change that. What it did say in a sort of ad hoc way was, for those fires in the past, we are going to let them pass through a certain amount of the cost [on to customers]. The logic behind that is something I dont really think is well-supported, which is its so disruptive and costly to have a utility go into bankruptcy, we have to make sure they dont. And I think that its a mistake to take away the risk of bankruptcy, because one of the things that makes a utility pay attention and not be asleep at the wheel is the risk that if they actually do something negligent, they will lose a lot of money for shareholders. I sort of wince when I hear some legislators say, Oh, we just cant let the utility go into bankruptcy. Advertisement Bankruptcy is a very costly thing. Wed rather not have it happen. But it is certainly not so costly that we should never, ever allow it to happen. If the utility really behaves badly, they should pay the cost. And bankruptcy is that cost. But what about the prospects of California taxpayers shouldering some of this burden? I think that California taxpayers are going to bear some of the costs. Thats almost without a doubt. The utilities would not be able to cover all of the costs that will be imposed by these fires. Some of those costs will be borne by the individuals whose houses burned down. Some of them are going to be covered by the government. If we are successful, a lot of that will be the federal government. Under this president, thats very, very hard to predict. Advertisement But if the federal government stiffs us, then I think the state is likely to cover a lot of those costs, rather than having those individuals who have been hurt by the fires get no help at all. Will PG&Es problems affect Californias work toward its greenhouse gas limit goals? I already can see that happening. PG&E is really focused on, how do we deal with wildfire risk and how do we deal with the financial risk and crisis they are now facing. And that inevitably gets in the way of new innovative things that they might otherwise be doing, such as installing more vehicle chargers or changing rate structures to encourage more renewable electricity. Those are all very important priorities. And a year or two ago, even a few months ago, they were front and center for PG&E. Advertisement The problem is that the executives now have to turn their attention to day-to-day operations and getting through this crisis. So I think this will inevitably be a barrier or be a drag on Californias progress in moving to a low-carbon electricity system. Already a subscriber? Thank you for your support. If you are not, please consider subscribing today. Get full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook MORE PATT MORRISON ASKS Advertisement Guess what? The rich really are different from everyone else and it aint pretty Have tech companies like Facebook tricked us into abandoning our humanity? Ken Burns on making his Vietnam War documentary: I was humiliated by what I didnt know Brian Buescher is an Omaha attorney whom President Trump has nominated to sit on the U.S. District Court in Nebraska. Like nearly 2 million other people, Buescher belongs to the Knights of Columbus the worlds largest Catholic fraternal organization and a charity that focuses on fighting poverty. John F. Kennedy, our first Catholic president, also belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Yet to read the questions Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sen. Kamala Harris of California asked Buescher as part of his confirmation process, his ties to the group could make him unfit to serve as a judge. The Knights of Columbus has taken a number of extreme positions, Hirono stated in written questions, citing the groups contributions to Californias Proposition 8 campaign to legally define marriage as between one man and one woman. If confirmed, do you intend to end your membership with this group to avoid any appearance of bias? Hironos next question: Will you recuse yourself from all cases in which the Knights of Columbus has taken a position? Advertisement There is a long history of judicial nominees being treated with suspicion because of their religion. It needs to stay in the past. Harris asked equally pointed questions: Were you aware that the Knights of Columbus opposed a womans right to choose when you joined the organization? It is reasonable for senators to ask nominees legal questions about hot-button topics, provided the questioners understand that nominees can give no hints, no forecasts, no previews about how they would vote in future cases, to use the phrase Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg provided in her confirmation hearings. But that is not what Sens. Hirono and Harris did. Rather, they appear to have leapt to the conclusion that because Buescher is affiliated with a certain religious organization, he is incapable of being impartial. That is a religious test. The line of questioning Buescher faced about his affiliation with the Knights of Columbus sets a troubling precedent of intolerance one that is unconscionable in principle and terrible in practice for people of all faiths who seek a role in public service. Its especially damaging for religious minorities. For centuries, many Jews have suffered a similar dual loyalty smear: the anti-Semitic lie that, faced with a choice between country and religion, a Jewish public official will put his faith before his country. Should this logic become an accepted premise, its possible that any nominee who believes in a higher power as nine in 10 Americans reportedly do, according to the Pew Research Center could see his or her affiliations and beliefs scrutinized. Because the views of religious minorities are less understood, nominees of such faiths could be asked to defend their affiliations to a much greater degree. As a rabbi, this concerns me greatly. Advertisement This practice has no place in America. Article VI of the Constitution guarantees that no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States. This set America apart from Britain, which banned Jews from serving in Parliament until well into the 19th century. Across the new country, Jews were able to hold government offices in ways that had been impossible in the Old World. This tradition should not be sacrificed simply because a couple of senators want to score political points. Its a shame that a Catholic nominee should face this kind of hostile questioning during his confirmation process. In previous decades, adversarial hearings were used in attempts to keep Jews out of the judiciary. Indeed, the very first public Supreme Court nomination process, held in 1916, was an anti-Semitic spectacle in which various figures attempted to smear the high courts first Jewish nominee, Louis Brandeis. Advertisement A Boston politician called Brandeis a slimy fellow capable of using his smoothness and intrigue, together with his Jewish instinct, to attain power. Ex-president and future Chief Justice William Howard Taft called Brandeis utterly unscrupulous and a man of infinite cunning, warning that he has adopted Zionism, favors the new Jerusalem, and has metaphorically been re-circumcised. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute The next Jewish nominee to the Supreme Court, Benjamin Cardozo, faced resistance as well. Justice James McReynolds who had refused to sit next to Brandeis in official court photographs opposed Cardozos nomination on blatantly anti-Semitic grounds. At Cordozos swearing in, in 1932, McReynolds read a newspaper during the proceedings and could be heard muttering, Another one. There is a long history of judicial nominees being treated with suspicion because of their religion. It needs to stay in the past. Advertisement It would be absurd enough to interrogate a political candidate about whether she intended to impose her personal religious beliefs on the country through legislation. It is even more absurd for senators to imply that a judge, who cannot propose or enact legislation, would be incapable of setting aside his religious beliefs when interpreting our written laws. If sitting lawmakers are allowed to make such assumptions of Catholic nominees, religious minorities could very well be next. Sens. Hirono and Harris ought to consider the words of Haym Solomon, the Jewish immigrant and Revolutionary War hero: I am a Jew; it is my own nation; I do not despair that we shall obtain every other privilege that we aspire to enjoy along with our fellow-citizens. Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin is a research associate at Princeton University, a reservist military chaplain and the president of the Jewish Coalition for Religious Liberty. Advertisement Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Egypt condemned on Wednesday a terror attack that targeted an upscale hotel compound in Kenyas Nairobia, which resulted in a 20 hour siege and killed at least 14 people. The attack was carried out by Somali Islamist group Al-Shabaab, who were killed by Kenyan forces after a nearly day-long siege. Eleven Kenyans, an American and a Briton were killed in the attack, morgue staff said according to Reuters. Two victims were not identified. The statement stressed Egypts support for the people and government of Kenya in facing the terror attack; stressing the importance of joining international efforts to counter the phenomenon. More than 700 civilians were safely evacuated from the dusitD2 complex after the attack, which is reminiscent of a 2013 assault on a Nairobi shopping center that killed 67 people. Short link: Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) may soon be lonelier than the Maytag repairman. Over the last few days, Democrats and even his fellow Republicans have lined up to denounce him for comments he made in a New York Times profile about him and his nativist views: White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive? King insists that his comments were taken out of context, and that he was referring only to Western civilization when he asked, How did that language become offensive? But his colleagues dont appear to be buying what hes selling. The head of his own caucus, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), stripped him of his committee assignments Monday, leaving King nothing to do but introduce legislation that will never be taken up and track down his constituents missing Social Security checks. The next day, the full House overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning white nationalism and white supremacy a resolution King voted for, even though it cites his comments directly and some Democrats want the House to vote to censure him. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute Advertisement I point these developments out not to express sympathy for King, one of the least sympathetic members in the past few decades. Instead, Im just wondering how Kings latest outrage was different from all the ones that came before, and why the hammer is coming down only now. Although some top House Republicans have denounced his comments in the past, including then-Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), this week appears to be the first time hes ever been sanctioned for them. During his decade and a half in the House, King has frequently expressed his unvarnished views about the superiority of Western civilization (which he says white people contributed more to than any other group) and the dangers of diluting it with multiculturalism. Hes also buddied up to pols around the world who make no secret of their support for hateful ideologies, including white supremacy and anti-Semitism. The New York Times compiled a useful timeline of Kings, umm, questionable remarks and endorsements, including his embrace of a Canadian politician who appeared to support neo-Nazism and a Dutch legislator who called the Koran worse than Mein Kampf. This history may explain why Kings GOP colleagues didnt rally to defend him when he argued that the New York Times mischaracterized his position. But why did they put up with it until now? Kings defenders might point to the several congressional Democrats who have met with and in some cases praised the work of Louis Farrakhan, the black nationalist leader of the Nation of Islam who has likened Jews to termites. Those members have been criticized in conservative and pro-Israel circles, but not publicly rebuked by their partys leadership the way King has been. But Kings problems go beyond the people hes endorsed. Its the words coming out of his mouth. And while the quote in the New York Times may be more explicit, its not far removed from the sort of things hes been saying for years. Its only January, but 2019 could be the year that a Green Wave of marijuana legalization sweeps across the country. Will it finally hit Washington, D.C., and force Congress to reform the nations woefully outdated marijuana laws? New York and Rhode Island are on the cusp of making recreational marijuana legal under their states laws after Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Gov. Gina Raimondo announced this week that theyll present plans to allow the sale and adult use of recreational marijuana in their states. This is significant for several reasons. Its a sign of the momentum, even the inevitability, of legalization that Cuomo and Raimondo both longtime skeptics of loosening the prohibition of recreational pot are leading the effort to create legal, regulated marijuana marketplaces that flout the federal strictures. Advertisement Raimondo essentially said her state had little choice but to end prohibition. I will say, I do this with reluctance, Raimondo told the Providence Journal last week. I have resisted this for the four years Ive been governor. ... Now, however, things have changed, mainly because all of our neighbors are moving forward with legalization. Massachusetts voted in 2016 to legalize adult recreational use. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are expected to do the same this year. At that point, its foolish to think a state, particularly one as small as Rhode Island, can enforce marijuana prohibition when its a legal product a short drive away. It makes more sense, Raimondo said, for the state to come up with its own system to tax and regulate pot. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute That is also a noteworthy change. The first states to legalize marijuana, including Colorado, Washington and California, did it through ballot initiatives. Now, governors and legislatures are making the decision. The politics of marijuana have changed, and lawmakers are increasingly framing legalization as a progressive, good-government policy. Cuomo, who called marijuana a gateway drug as recently as 2017, said in December that legalization would help address the racial disparities and inequities of how marijuana laws have been enforced. Black people and other minorities have historically been arrested and charged with marijuana crimes at much higher rates than white people. We must end the needless and unjust convictions and the debilitating criminal stigma. ... Lets legalize the adult use of recreational marijuana once and for all, Cuomo said in December. Notably, New York and Rhode Island are just the first states to act this year. Governors in New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois and Minnesota have also pledged to push for legalization in their states, and they generally have support in their legislatures. Advertisement As more states vote to legalize adult recreational use, they are creating a powerful coalition against the federal government, which continues to classify marijuana as an illegal Schedule 1 drug on par with heroin. It becomes harder for the federal government to crack down on a state or city for licensing marijuana businesses when vast swathes of the country have decided to legalize recreational cannabis. Of course, that threat was already much reduced after former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions a staunch opponent of legalization left the Trump administration. It also becomes increasingly difficult for Congress to keep its collective head in the sand on marijuana. Amazingly, despite the fact that 10 states have legalized recreational marijuana and 33 allow marijuana for medicinal use, the federal government has still failed to acknowledge the shifting politics. That has created an illogical morass of conflicting policies. The most obvious is that state-licensed marijuana businesses have to conduct business in cash since banks and financial institutions wont serve pot companies for fear of being penalized by federal regulators. And it has made it more difficult for researchers who rely on federal funding to do much-needed studies on the health effects of marijuana. Advertisement A handful of pro-legalization members of Congress have, again, introduced bills to allow adult recreational marijuana and to regulate it like alcohol. Its a bipartisan group from across the country, though tilted toward Democrats. The real question is: When will the momentum at the state level reach Congress and the White House? It shouldnt come as a surprise that Pacific Gas and Electric, the states largest investor-owned power utility, is on the brink of bankruptcy. On Monday, the company filed a required 15-day notice that it plans to seek financial protection from as much as $30 billion in damage caused by deadly wildfires in recent years that have been linked to its power lines and transformers. But PG&E and the states other two large investor-owned utilities, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric have been warning for more than a year that their futures are imperiled if they have to pay claims on all of the property and lives lost in wildfires sparked by their equipment and that was before the massive Camp fire in Northern California and Woolsey fire in Los Angeles and Ventura counties this fall. The official cause of those blazes is still pending, but both were immediately preceded by reports of malfunctioning electrical equipment nearby. If thats what is determined to have sparked those fires, PG&E and Southern California Edison, the owners of the equipment, will be on the hook for unfathomably expensive claims. This is not the beginning of a new energy crisis, however. The lights will not go off in Northern California, most of which relies on PG&E for its power. The utility is reorganizing its debt, not liquidating itself. The power lines wont be taken down and sold to scrap yards. And theres no state shortage of electricity or gas. In fact, if anything, the expected bankruptcy process presents an opportunity of sorts because it gives lawmakers the motive and the incentive to rethink the dominant but apparently flawed model for electric power service in the state. Its high time we had a frank discussion about whether our current reliance on gigantic profit-making companies makes sense for the states future. Advertisement Most Californians get their electricity from the three big investor-owned utility companies. (Not Angelenos, though, who have Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a city-owned utility). Though they are private companies, the IOUs (as they are called for short) are treated like quasi-governmental agencies in some respects. Their rates and profits are regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. They cant refuse to serve customers based on fire risk. And they must pay for the losses caused when their equipment destroys property or kills people, even if there was no negligence on their part. With climate change fueling larger and deadlier fires and ever larger damage claims this formula has shown itself to be unsustainable. Last year, the Legislature and governor worked out a deal to allow the utilities to pass on the cost of wildfires to customers if the utility properly maintained its equipment, or if the utilitys financial health would be put into jeopardy by not doing so. Some people called the legislation a bailout for the utilities. We thought it was a reasonable, but still just a first step. One lingering problem is that the states major utilities have such huge service areas, the work needed to reduce the wildfire risk posed by their far-flung equipment takes an enormous amount of time and money to complete. The task is complicated by ongoing development into high-fire risk areas. Gov. Gavin Newsom, to his credit, seems to understand that more needs to be done. Even before PG&E announced its intent to file Chapter 11, Newsom had put together a strike team led by his chief of staff Ann OLeary to start figuring out how to manage what is likely to be a messy bankruptcy and 16 million angry customers. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute At a news conference Monday, Newsom said that all options were on the table when it comes to the future of PG&E, including breaking up the utility or selling off its assets. We hope he means that, because it does seem that PG&Es problems extend beyond starting wildfires. The utility was convicted on criminal charges in connection with the deadly natural gas pipeline explosion in San Bruno in 2010, and last month an investigation concluded that the company falsified pipeline safety records between 2012 and 2015. Critics of PG&E, such as the consumer advocacy group TURN The Utility Reform Network and state Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), have advocated for radical restructuring, which may include breaking up the utility into smaller companies or selling its assets to public agencies, such as San Franciscos utilities commission that would have more public accountability. The state has the ability to do this because the California Public Utilities Commission has veto power over the restructuring plan that will come out of bankruptcy. Depending on how it goes, a restructuring could be a boon for the states burgeoning Community Choice Aggregation movement, which is a clunky name for a rather simple idea of communities bypassing the big utilities to buy or make their own power without the profit markup. We dont know what the best alternative might be. But in light of the last few years and the deadly wildfires, we do know that its high time we had a frank discussion about whether our current reliance on gigantic profit-making companies makes sense for the states future. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook British Prime Minister Theresa May suffered a humiliating, historic defeat on Tuesday when the House of Commons refused to approve the voluminous Brexit agreement she painstakingly negotiated with the European Union. The 432-202 margin was even more lopsided than some had expected, and led to a motion by Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn for a vote of no-confidence in her government that will be debated on Wednesday. May is expected to survive that challenge. But Tuesdays vote will make it difficult for her to salvage the idea of a carefully negotiated withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. She is free to seek further concessions from the EU, but European leaders have little incentive to offer any. So far, they have resisted making significant changes in the deal, including in the controversial provisions affecting Northern Ireland. After the vote in Parliament, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said: I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up. If nothing is done, the U.K. will move inexorably toward a no-deal Brexit, a nightmare scenario in which it leaves the EU in March without the cushion of transitional trade arrangements with Europe and measures to prevent the reestablishment of a hard border between Northern Ireland, a U.K. province, and the Republic of Ireland. Such an outcome would send shock waves through the British economy. Brexit was never going to be a simple process. And once the concept of Leave was replaced by a detailed blueprint, opposition inevitably arose. Advertisement But there remains the possibility of another, more hopeful, alternative: a new referendum a rerun, in effect, of the June 2016 vote in which British voters chose to leave the EU with what it now seems obvious was an insufficient understanding of the consequences of such a drastic step. May is being criticized for failing to convince members of Parliament, including some former members of her own government, about the merits of the deal, particularly a backstop provision that, under some circumstances, could allow rules to be imposed on Northern Ireland that wouldnt apply to the rest of the U.K. That disparate treatment was anathema to so-called Unionists in Northern Ireland who have supported Mays government and also to some members of her Conservative Party. (Ironically, as long as the U.K. remains in the EU, Northern Ireland is treated the same as England, Scotland and Wales.) Perhaps the prime minister could have been more persuasive in lobbying her colleagues or winning additional concessions from Brussels. But the truth is that, given decades of integration between the U.K. and the rest of Europe and the importance of the Northern Ireland peace process, Brexit was never going to be a simple process. And once the concept of Leave was replaced by a detailed blueprint, opposition inevitably arose. The 52% of voters who supported Leave in 2016 might have thought that withdrawing from the EU would be a simple proposition. Scandalously scant attention was paid, for example, to the implications of Brexit for the Northern Ireland peace process. (The fact that both the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland were members of the EU contributed significantly to the easing of tensions between north and south and between Catholics and Protestants within Northern Ireland.) Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute Since the vote, however, it has become clear that disentangling the U.K. from the EU is a complicated economic and political undertaking with the potential to create massive disruption in the lives of ordinary British people. Thats why May was so determined to negotiate a detailed agreement for an orderly withdrawal. So far, her efforts have been unsuccessful. Rather than getting swept along into a no-deal Brexit, her government should seriously explore the possibility of giving the voters an opportunity to revisit the basic issue now that the practical and political difficulties of implementing Brexit have been made clear. European leaders have indicated that they would be willing to extend the March 29 deadline for the U.K.s withdrawal from the EU. Delay could allow for further negotiation on a withdrawal agreement that might win the support of a majority in Parliament, but it could also allow the needed time to call another peoples vote. Willingness to admit a mistake is a virtue in individuals; it also reflects well on a nation. Advertisement Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Are we quietly winning the war on terror but are afraid to admit it? After President Trump warned on Jan. 4 that terrorists were heading our way from Mexico, a remarkable statistic emerged: The number of terrorist acts committed by people who had sneaked across our southern border was exactly zero. Not zero this year; zero since the federal government began keeping records. Trump administration officials insist some suspicious characters have crossed the border, but they have refused to disclose any names or details. About a dozen migrants per year reportedly turn up on watch lists, but if any of them were jihadists, you can bet the White House would have let us know by now. Advertisement Those nonexistent terrorists are part of a larger, more important phenomenon one that Americans should feel free to celebrate (cautiously). More than 17 years after the Sept. 11 attacks, were experiencing a dramatic but unheralded decline in foreign-inspired terrorism. Last year saw only one U.S. homicide connected to Islamic radicalism. (You probably dont remember it. A 17-year-old in Florida stabbed three friends after watching Islamic State videos online, and one died.) Terrorism hasnt been eradicated, of course. But even Europe, which has wrestled with a much bigger threat from homegrown militants and jihadists from the Middle East, has seen the number and scale of deadly attacks plummet. If you had told officials after 9/11 that in the next 17 years there would be only 104 deaths from terrorist attacks in the United States, they would have raised a glass of Champagne, Daniel Byman, a former staff member on the 9/11 Commission and a terrorism expert at Georgetown University, told me. Back then, we were worried that wed lose that many people in a week. Its impossible to know whether this is a durable trend or merely a lull, he warned. We could have mass attacks again, we could go 10 years without anything. But if its a lull, it has persisted for more than two years and that alone is worth noting. The Trump, Obama and Bush administrations, as well as U.S. allies around the globe, all deserve some credit. Despite horrifying abuses and mistakes, from torture to secret prisons, they have largely destroyed Al Qaeda and its most dangerous offspring. The U.S.-led war against Islamic State has killed thousands of militants and broken the groups hold on territory in Iraq and Syria. Domestic law enforcement has monitored extremists at home and interrupted dozens of plots (including some that turned out to be insubstantial). And common-sense security measures have made us less vulnerable; no U.S. plane has been hijacked since 9/11. Advertisement Islamist militants are not our only major terrorist threat, at least inside our borders. Since 2016, more Americans have been killed by white supremacists or anti-Semites than by radicalized Muslims. Thats not to mention the never-ending death toll from mass shootings in schools and public places. But U.S. policy hasnt caught up. When the White House unveiled a National Strategy for Counterterrorism in October, it cited foreign jihadists as our principal terrorist enemies and mentioned other forms of extremism only vaguely. (The words white supremacist arent there.) Nor has Congress or the Trump administration considered whether the federal government is spending too much on counterterrorism, or spending it on the right things. In 2017, the U.S. government spent roughly $175 billion on counterterrorism, including both military and law enforcement spending, according to a study by the Stimson Center, a nonpartisan Washington think tank. Advertisement But the authors warned that they couldnt be sure that figure was right because the government keeps much of its military and intelligence spending secret and has no clear standard for what programs count as counterterrorism. Still, ever so quietly, there are signs that the departments of Defense and Homeland Security are debating whether they can spend less. The Pentagons most recent National Defense Strategy said bluntly that terrorism is no longer the biggest threat the U.S. faces. Great power competition, not terrorism, is now the primary focus, then-Defense Secretary James N. Mattis said. Homeland Security has been less transparent, but in budget requests to Congress, it has shifted money out of traditional counterterrorism efforts such as the Transportation Safety Administration toward the presidents top priority, border security. Advertisement That suggests someone thinks we could get by with less spending on the TSA. One such move in 2017 drew protests from former Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff and other counterterrorism hawks. Paying for border security and [immigration] enforcement by cutting funds to the Transportation Security Administration ... is akin to double-locking your front door, but leaving your side door open, Chertoff complained. Politicians hesitate to question Homeland Security spending, because it risks making them sound soft on terrorism. But its time for an elder statesman, or even a courageous presidential candidate, to broach the big questions. Advertisement Do we need to spend billions on a wall to stop terrorists who arent there? Have we won the war on foreign terrorism or at least reduced it to a threat small enough that we can spend less time in TSA lines? And isnt there more we can do about domestic extremists? Lets have a debate. We can handle it. Some 70 years later, he remembered how it began. A German soldier at the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium approached him, he said, and declared in German: Dont shoot! I have three children. Jules Herman Sitrick, who was then a young soldier patrolling alone, said he allowed the German to seek refuge in the basement of a bombed-out farmhouse. More Nazi soldiers came, and all were directed to the basement. Eventually, according to Sitricks account, he had single-handedly captured 21 enemy soldiers. Sitrick, a native of Davenport, Iowa, who went on to a career in broadcasting and advertising in Chicago, died on Jan. 12 of a subdural hematoma after a fall in his home in Morton Grove, Ill., according to his son, Michael Sitrick, who runs a Los Angeles-based crisis communications company. The elder Sitrick was 93. Among the honors eventually accorded Jules Sitrick was the French Legion of Honor, which is given to U.S. soldiers who saw combat in France during World War II. They must have fought on French soil, which was very clear for Mr. Sitrick, said Pascale Thome, a spokeswoman for the French Consulate in Chicago. He was just a wonderful man. Advertisement Sitrick received the honor in 2017. Previously, he had received the Bronze Star, as well as a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained in combat, his son said. After the war, Sitrick went into broadcasting in the Chicago area and later opened his own advertising agency, J. Herman Sitrick Advertising in Skokie, Ill. Among his clients were the Chicago Cubs, Michael Sitrick said. He added that his father worked continuously until his fall last week. In addition to Michael Sitrick, he is survived by two other sons, attorneys David Sitrick of Pacific Palisades and Ronald Sitrick of Chicago; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. His wife of 71 years, Marcia Sitrick, died in 2017. Four years after his arrest, Robert Durst the idiosyncratic New York real estate tycoon accused of killing his best friend two decades ago finally has a trial date. During a court hearing in Los Angeles on Tuesday, a judge set the trial for late in the summer after conferring with Durst. Yeah, Durst responded in his signature slow and creaking voice, Sept. 3 is fine for trial. But in a setback for Dursts defense team, the judge also ruled that the Los Angeles County district attorneys office can present evidence in the trial relating to the 2001 killing of a Texas neighbor, for which Durst was acquitted of murder. Advertisement In the Los Angeles case, prosecutors contend that the 75-year-old, whose life was chronicled in an HBO miniseries, shot Susan Berman in the back of the head inside her Benedict Canyon home in 2000 to keep her from telling authorities what she knew about his wifes disappearance in 1982. A key prosecution claim is that Durst killed his first wife, Kathleen. Her body has never been recovered. The multimillionaire has publicly denied involvement in Kathleen Dursts disappearance and has pleaded not guilty in the Los Angeles case. His defense attorneys argue that the murder charge stemmed from publicity surrounding the HBO series, The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst, not from evidence. Durst was arrested at a New Orleans hotel on March 14, 2015, in connection with Bermans slaying. The next day, the finale of the six-part series aired and included a recording of Durst muttering, Killed them all, of course, during a bathroom break. Some viewers considered the comment mumbled into a hot microphone as a confession to killing three people: Berman, his wife and his onetime neighbor in Galveston, Texas. Durst fled to the small coastal town in Texas in the fall of 2000, days after articles about the reopening of an investigation into Kathleen Dursts disappearance began appearing in New York newspapers, prosecutors said. He rented a $300-a-month apartment and disguised himself as an elderly, mute woman. Prosecutors have argued that only one person in Galveston his neighbor, Morris Black knew his true identity. The real estate tycoon was charged with murdering Black, but claimed at his 2003 trial that a gun fired while he was defending himself during a tussle with his neighbor. Testifying in his own defense, Durst said, The gun was aiming at me. He was pushing the gun towards me, and I was trying to pull the gun away, according to court documents. He fell to ground and the gun went off, Durst testified, adding that he didnt go to the police because he didnt think they would believe him. Durst admitted dismembering Blacks body and dumping the parts in Galveston Bay. Jurors acquitted him of murder. Advertisement In court Tuesday, Dursts legal team sparred with prosecutors over what, if any, evidence from the Texas case should be presented to jurors in Los Angeles. Chip Lewis, one of Dursts attorneys, who also represented him during the 2003 trial, argued that bringing up old evidence would not only strip his client of a fair trial, but also undermine the decision of twelve jurors in Texas. What the people are attempting to do here is to, in fact, prosecute Mr. Durst for the exact same crime, Lewis said. The Constitution requires we respect returned verdicts of our sister states. Dursts legal team expressed particular concern at the possibility of prosecutors showing jurors photographs of Blacks dismembered body parts, which were recovered from plastic bags found floating in Galveston Bay. The images are unduly gruesome and could overcome the jurys rationality, attorneys wrote in a court filing. Advertisement Prosecutors said the evidence was crucial to their case in Los Angeles, arguing in a motion that the slayings of Black and Berman are inextricably intertwined. Both were killed, prosecutors allege, because they had incriminating information about Durst. In court Tuesday, Deputy Dist. Atty. John Lewin turned to look at the defendant. That man beat a murder in Galveston, Lewin said. He got away with it.... Hes not going to get away a second time. Superior Court Judge Mark E. Windham ruled that prosecutors could use evidence from the Texas case at trial. In explaining his ruling, Windham said the killings of Black and Berman seemed to be intertwined, noting that both were killed while Durst was living on the lam. Advertisement He changes his identity, he leaves town, and two people are killed, the judge said. Durst is scheduled to return to court for a pretrial hearing on May 14. marisa.gerber@latimes.com For more news from the Los Angeles County courts, follow me on Twitter: @marisagerber The latest in a series of back-to-back winter storms caused chaos across California on Wednesday, triggering rock slides in Malibu and a 19-car pileup in the Cajon Pass, and causing a tree to fall and kill a homeless man in Oakland. Crews were working to clear rock slides including one that involved a boulder and a vehicle and left one person injured on Malibu Canyon Road. Authorities said the road would be closed in both directions from Civic Center Way to Piuma Road at least until Thursday morning. About 35 people were injured in the collision in the Cajon Pass, which closed the southbound lanes of Interstate 15 near Oak Hill Road in Hesperia for nearly three hours Wednesday morning. The pileup was reported about 9:20 a.m. and quickly clogged the roadway between San Bernardino and Victorville, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. Advertisement (Los Angeles Times) Fire officials said those involved in the crash suffered minor to moderate injuries, and the majority of them declined to be taken to a hospital. The highways southbound lanes reopened about noon, according to the California Highway Patrol. In Oakland, a man seeking cover under a tree near Interstate 580 was killed when it toppled on him. Its just a tragic incident, just the wrong place at the wrong time, said California Highway Patrol Officer Herman Baza. The rain was expected to taper off Thursday afternoon. Unlike the storm that passed through the region Tuesday, the latest round of rain was slow and steady, without the brief bursts of intensity that can sometimes trigger mudslides. Still, National Weather Service officials issued a flash-flood watch Wednesday for areas near burn scars from fires in the last year, specifically the Woolsey fire burn area, where 300 homes were under evacuation orders. Shallow mud and debris flows are possible near those areas. Authorities in Riverside County also issued evacuation orders in the Holy fire burn area. Peak rain periods are expected through Thursday morning for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Rain should last through 1 p.m. Thursday in Los Angeles County. The atmospheric river storm a long plume of water vapor pouring over from the Pacific Ocean and swollen with subtropical moisture is expected to dump from 1 to 3 inches of rain along the coast in Ventura and Los Angeles counties through Thursday. The foothills could see up to 4 inches of precipitation. Southeast winds of about 15 mph also are expected, said Bonnie Bartling, a weather specialist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Advertisement This storm was a little bit different, Bartling said. It tapped into subtropical moisture, which means some decent rainfall and gusty winds off and on. Forecasters said the storm also will bring blizzard conditions to the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada through Thursday, with several feet of new snow and winds topping 50 mph. Heavy snow is also expected for the mountains in Northern California and north into the Cascades. Ski resorts in North Lake Tahoe saw a couple of feet of snow in the last 24 hours, the weather service reported. Nearly 2 feet of snow fell in Squaw Valley, while nearby Northstar saw 23 inches. An additional 3 to 5 feet of snow is expected through Thursday in areas above 7,000 feet, said Scott McGuire, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Reno. Advertisement We are in a lull right now, but that is going to quickly change, he said. Evacuation Warning Issued for the community of Pulga from tonight 1/15/19 at 10PM to Thursday 1/17/19 at 7AM due to the potential for flooding in the area. #ButteSheriff pic.twitter.com/sDMKBjFWiG Butte County Sheriff (@ButteSheriff) January 15, 2019 In Northern California, a flood watch remains in effect through Thursday for Butte County, including areas near the Camp fire burn scar. The Butte County Sheriffs Office issued an evacuation warning for the community of Pulga through Thursday morning. It has been a wet start to 2019 for the Southland. Downtown Los Angeles has received just over 3 inches of rain this month. Last January, downtown L.A. got 1.77 inches of rain, which is more in line with what is typical for the area, Bartling said. Advertisement A flash flood watch remains in effect for a wide swath of Southern California through Thursday, including Orange County and Riverside County mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains. Officials said the potential for mudslides and debris flows exist in recent areas scarred by wildfires, particularly near the Holy fire burn area. Multiple days of rain have created headaches for commuters from Orange County to the Bay Area. Pacific Coast Highway closed in Huntington Beach from Seapoint Street to Warner Avenue because of flooding Wednesday morning and was expected to remain cordoned off through Thursday. In the Bay Area, a small mudslide and a precarious eucalyptus tree joined forces to snarl traffic in Sausalito, north of San Francisco. The mud blocked only one lane of the southbound 101 Freeway in the Marin County town on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, but it exposed the roots of the large tree, which had to be evaluated to determine the risk of its falling onto the highway. Advertisement The California Highway Patrol determined the tree did not need to be removed immediately, and all lanes of traffic were opened shortly after. javier.panzar@latimes.com | Twitter: @jpanzar hannah.fry@latimes.com | Twitter: @hannahfry The SWAT officers thought the armed robbery suspect might be in a second-floor apartment. To find out without risking their lives, they deployed a new tool: a small drone that hovered outside the window transmitting live video. The video showed that the man did not appear to be in the room. The officers could enter knowing he was not behind the door waiting to ambush them. The Jan. 9 standoff in Koreatown, which lasted nine hours before the suspect was safely arrested, was the first time the Los Angeles Police Department has used a drone, joining hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the country that have acquired them to provide a set of eyes in dangerous situations. Advertisement The LAPDs drones are part of a pilot program approved in October 2017 by the five-member civilian Police Commission over the protests of residents and privacy activists concerned that the airborne, remote-controlled devices would be used to spy on them. The departments four drones vary in size and are no different from models commonly used by hobbyists. A dozen SWAT officers were certified to fly them in July. The drones were deployed for the first time this month because of rules enacted by the Police Commission, limiting them to dangerous situations such as a barricaded suspect, active shooter or explosive device, said Police Commission President Steve Soboroff. It went over high hurdles to be utilized, Soboroff said at a news conference Tuesday to announce the drones maiden voyage and unveil the video it captured. LAPD Chief Michel Moore said that if used in a responsible, thoughtful way, drones can help keep both the public and police officers safe. Its another set of eyes to help us understand the scenario and the challenges before officers and try to bring a situation to a peaceful resolution, Moore said. Officers used a small drone during a Jan. 9 standoff in Koreatown. Other situations that may call for a drone, according to the rules, include hostage situations, natural disasters, hazardous-material incidents and search-and-rescue operations, as well as searches for suspects with superior firepower, an extraordinary tactical advantage or who are wanted for assaulting a police officer with a firearm. Advertisement The use of the drone must be approved by the deputy chief of the counter-terrorism bureau, and the police chief must be notified. LAPD officials will submit reports documenting each drone operation to the Police Commission, which will evaluate the pilot program and decide on the future of drones at the LAPD in six months. For some opponents of the program, any use of drones by law enforcement opens the door for abuse. The spin is on. The propaganda is on, Hamid Khan of the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition said at a Police Commission meeting later Tuesday. This is exactly what we spoke about: The mission creep has started. Advertisement According to the Center for the Study of the Drone at Bard College, nearly 600 local law enforcement agencies, along with nearly 200 fire departments and 100 emergency management agencies, had drones in May 2018. The study noted that the number of agencies with drones increased by 82% in 2017. Dan Gettinger, the centers co-director, said that large urban agencies like the LAPD have tended to be late adopters and use the drones differently than smaller agencies. In rural or suburban areas, law enforcement commonly uses drones for search and rescue, disaster response or crime scene and accident photography, rather than standoffs with dangerous suspects, Gettinger said. Advertisement Now were starting to see with the LAPD how theyre used in an urban environment, he said. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Gettinger said he was not aware of any law enforcement agencies using drones in a way that raised privacy concerns. San Marino Police Chief John Incontro said a drone would come in handy in his wealthy, suburban community. It could be used by police to see into gated backyards after burglaries, by firefighters to get a closer look at a blaze, and by public works officials to survey streets and sidewalks, he said. The idea is in its infancy, Incontro said, and still has to be vetted by City Council members and residents. Advertisement Incontro remembers crawling up to a suspect while using a mirror to get a better view when he was an LAPD SWAT officer in the 1980s. As the captain of Metropolitan Division, which oversees SWAT, from 2010 to 2013, Incontro discussed drones with colleagues, but they were too expensive at the time to be practical. The way the department used it is very positive for law enforcement, and Im very glad to see it, Incontro said of the LAPDs first drone deployment. The Jan. 9 incident began about 5:45 a.m. when Metropolitan Division officers approached an apartment building in the 300 block of North Berendo Street looking for Shaka Hakeen Jones, 25, a suspect in an armed robbery last month. After the officers determined that Jones was probably holed up in the building, they called in a SWAT team. Advertisement A suspect in an upper-story apartment is especially dangerous, because he has a sweeping view of officers approaching from below. They could have dangled a camera to see inside the window, but they would have been exposed while installing it. The drone, a DJI Spark, captured a cluster of SWAT officers standing on a lower balcony as it flew toward the window. An unkempt kitchen and a sofa were visible, but glare from the glass made it difficult to see inside. An officer eventually shot a projectile to break the window. The drone scanned the room, revealing that there was no one behind the door. That allowed officers on the other side to break in, confident that Jones was not lying in wait. They then used a robot to make sure no one was hiding in the apartment. It makes us safer, to be able to see something where we would have had to expose ourselves, said SWAT Officer Steve Hernandez, who helped to guide the drone. Advertisement Officers eventually spotted hand prints leading to the attic. They used GoPro cameras to pinpoint Jones location, and he surrendered. Prosecutors have not yet filed charges against him. cindy.chang@latimes.com For more news on the Los Angeles Police Department, follow me on Twitter: @cindychangLA The Los Angeles teachers union and the school district will return to the bargaining table at noon Thursday at City Hall, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Wednesday night. Union leaders had announced earlier in the evening that they were ready to resume talks with the Los Angeles Unified School District on Thursday the fourth day of their strike and to take up Garcettis offer to mediate. Following discussions with the leadership of UTLA and LAUSD, both parties have agreed to resume bargaining tomorrow at noon at City Hall. The mayors office will facilitate these negotiations, that office said in a statement. UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl called on students, teachers and parents to remain on the picket line and show up for a rally Friday in Grand Park to send the bargaining team into what could be a full weekend of negotiations leading up to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Advertisement We want to send them off powerfully, with a huge action on Friday, Caputo-Pearl said. The district did not respond to repeated requests for comment. The announcement came after a third day of picketing in the rain in Los Angeles teachers first strike in 30 years. In a morning news conference, Caputo-Pearl accused district Supt. Austin Beutner of sending mixed messages about whether students who missed school during the strike would be punished. He is trying to create chaos and confusion and fear, the union president said. Los Angeles teachers strike: 5 things you need to know Student attendance, meanwhile, dipped to its lowest total yet Wednesday. The preliminary count, which includes nearly all schools, was 132,411, about 27% of district enrollment. This figure compares with Tuesdays adjusted total of about 35%, which was a slight improvement over Monday, the first day of the strike. Advertisement In all, the district says it has lost $69.1 million in state funding based on attendance. Subtract the $10 million a day in wages it hasnt had to pay its striking workforce, and thats a net loss of $39.1 million. That news was not the only discouraging development for Beutner. The head of the administrators union, Juan Flecha, floated the idea of closing campuses because of dire and unsafe working conditions. And the school boards thinly united front cracked open when board member Scott Schmerelson issued a statement that essentially sided with striking teachers: Instead of repeating the doom, gloom and heading for bankruptcy predictions that we have heard for decades, I believe that it is Mr. Beutners job to honestly identify sources of funding buried in our existing budget, and the revenue growth predicted for next year, that could be creatively sourced and invested in the students who need smaller classes and adequate support services now. Beutners view of the districts financial limits has been supported by the Los Angeles County Office of Education, which reviews the budgets of county school systems. Advertisement Late Wednesday afternoon, activists targeted the only board member who has made public appearances with Beutner this week board President Monica Garcia. About 100 parents, students and educators, led by the advocacy group Reclaim Our Schools L.A., swarmed the street of Garcias home in Montecito Heights around 5:30 and demanded she meet with them and hear their concerns. Half a dozen police officers watched as five protesters walked up Garcias steps and knocked on her door. They waited for 10 minutes before police asked them to leave, then held a news conference on the sidewalk. We came to address her she sent the police to deal with us, Cesar Castrejon, an activist with Reclaim Our Schools L.A., said on the sidewalk. Some in the crowd jeered; some yelled, Monica, come out! Negotiations between the union and district broke off late Friday after more than 20 months of bargaining. The two sides have been unable to come to a resolution to educators demands for better pay, more support staff and smaller classes. District officials have said they dont have the money to cover everything teachers are asking for, while union leaders have accused the district of hoarding funds. Advertisement Caputo-Pearl said Wednesday night that the union and district leadership had spoken to Garcetti and state Supt. of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, who just took office. Garcetti said during a news conference earlier in the day that he hoped formal talks between the union and the district would resume Thursday. I urge both sides to keep working around the clock, the mayor said. Striking in the rain, meanwhile, hasnt been easy on teachers. On Wednesday morning, an English teacher at Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood was hit by a car while picketing outside the school. The extent of his injuries was not immediately clear. Lucia Rodriguez, an English teacher at Banning High School who has been out each day before sunrise, said that her lower back hurt and the joints in her legs felt sore, but that she continued to picket to try to get her students what they need smaller classes and district funding for extra support staff. Rodriguez said she was concerned that the two sides still werent talking. Advertisement After the first day, it was so hard to get up, she said. Rodriguez, 46, stood by the gate outside the Wilmington school Wednesday morning, wearing a poncho covered by a sandwich board listing the unions demands. She had sealed her posters with tape to try to protect them, but red ink was running off the edges. I need them to get to the table, she said of both sides, adding that shed be willing to compromise on salary but not on her core issues. The strike has put parents and students in a challenging spot, forcing them to decide whether students should go to school, stay home or join their teachers on the picket lines. Advertisement Angel Solorio, 18, went to school Monday and Tuesday at Banning High, afraid that absences would be held against him. He spent those days watching movies in the auditorium with hundreds of other teens, then was given worksheets to fill out, summarizing the plots. Solorio said he refused to do so, in protest. On Wednesday, he decided to up the ante on his protest and join his teachers on the picket line with his marching band drum. He stood on the corner with more than 100 picketers and led chants of UTLA to the beat. Caputo-Pearl encouraged students and parents to bring that energy into the rest of the week, especially Friday, when the sun is expected to finally reappear over L.A. Make these next two days vibrant, make them innovative, make them creative, he said. Keep your picket lines strong. We cant show one iota of relenting. Advertisement Times staff writers Howard Blume and Dakota Smith contributed to this report. Italy has said that Egypt has taken no steps or overtures following Rome's recent decision to place five members of Egyptian security forces under official investigation for their alleged involvement in the torture and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni, Italian news agency ANSA reported. The agency quoted Romes Chief Prosecutor Giuseppe Pignatone as saying on Tuesday that the situation is a stalemate. On the Italian side, everything possible has been done, Pignatone said in comments to COPASIR parliamentary secret service oversight body, according to ANSA. Regeni, a 28-year-old student who was doing postgraduate research into the Egyptian labour movement, disappeared on 25 January 2016, the fifth anniversary of the 2011 revolution. He was found dead 10 days later in a ditch on the outskirts of Cairo. Egyptian investigators said his body bore signs of murder. Egyptian and Italian authorities have been cooperating in the ongoing investigation into the murder of the Italian student, holding regular meetings in Cairo and Rome. Egyptian officials have repeatedly denied any involvement in Regenis killing. Egypt rejected last month a request by Italy for Egypt to officially list a number of national security members as suspects, citing a lack of solid evidence. In November, Italys foreign minister summoned Egypts ambassador to urge Cairo to act rapidly to bring to justice those responsible for the murder of Regeni. Short link: Teachers at three charter schools in South Los Angeles walked off the job Tuesday, marking the first time ever that a charter school organization in California went on strike, according to the teachers union. The strikers joined thousands of other L.A. educators who began a strike a day earlier against the L.A. Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. Charter schools are publicly funded, but can be privately operated. They are also exempt from union contracts affecting school districts. Although its rare, teachers at charter schools may organize and seek representation from a union, just as the teachers at the Accelerated Schools did. This is said to be only the second time nationally that instructors at a charter school organization went on strike. Advertisement Union representatives for teachers at the Accelerated Schools said more than a year and a half of negotiations with school management failed to yield a contract. At a morning news conference, teachers and their supporters chanted and waved signs outside Accelerateds campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Founded by two former Los Angeles Unified teachers, the three Accelerated schools serve 1,700 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. As passing cars honked in support, teachers stood on the sidewalk and spoke about the constant turnover at Accelerated. Between 2016 and 2018, there was a 50% turnover rate among teachers at the school, the union said. Teachers leave and find better opportunities, said first-grade teacher Kari Rivera. Better salaries, better health benefits and better job protections. Accelerated co-founder and CEO Johnathan Williams said in a statement that Accelerated Schools is disheartened that the United Teachers Los Angeles leadership has called for a strike, putting our students and families in the middle of contract demands. His statement said the union last year had agreed on a three-year contract for a significant salary raise of more than 17%, which teachers now enjoy. He also said the schools pending proposal includes $17,000 per year in benefits coverage. The union rejected the schools latest offer, which included a process for teachers with strong performance evaluations to receive a guaranteed two-year contract with a $2,000 bonus upon completion, Williams said. Tuesdays action followed a recent four-day walkout at the Acero charter school network in Chicago. It also came one day after 31,000 UTLA members walked off about 900 school sites across LAUSD. Advertisement Charter schools serve about 1 in 5 L.A. public school students and are either nonunion or have separate union contracts. UTLA represents more than 75 teachers at Accelerated. Nearly nearly all of the teachers stayed away from work Tuesday, said Hong Bui, the unions chief negotiator with Accelerated. UTLAs impasse with LAUSD focuses on class size and charter school expansion. On Tuesday, protesters outside Accelerated raised the same points. Bui said contract negotiations broke down over other criteria, including binding arbitration in the grievance procedure, job security and health benefits. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, joined picketers outside the school. She said the charter schools management has turned the charter system on its end and has made it ideologically against the teachers, against parents, against the community. Advertisement Teachers are not widgets, children are not test scores. And we need to have teachers who are stable, stable people in childrens lives, Weingarten said. So that they know year after year, they can count on teachers in the school. These are things that are basic to education. Frankly, these are things that every middle-class or rich parent demands of the schools that their kids go to. Alex Caputo-Pearl, president of United Teachers Los Angeles, also marched with teachers and told reporters the two labor disputes have similarities. Accelerated management has money to take care of the issues on the table, he said. Also in common, is that Accelerated management is being driven by ideology, looking at teachers as disposable and not as indispensable. Advertisement He called it an historic week for educators and for public education in Los Angeles. High school Spanish teacher Ashley Avilla said she was striking in part to protest the size of her classes at Accelerated, which typically have 38 students. Its hard to give them individual attention, she said. However, freshman Mark Arroyo, 14, said some of his classes at Accelerated are too small. Theres not enough participation when there are fewer students, he said.Standing outside Accelerated on Tuesday after school ended, Arroyo said his classes were taught by substitutes so it felt like a normal day. Advertisement Arroyo said he supported the striking teachers: They have the right idea trying to make the school a better place. dakota.smith@latimes.com Twitter: @dakotacdsmith Caren Carl Mandoyan played a special role last month at the swearing-in of Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, standing on stage and holding the box of gold pins that would adorn the collars of the top cop and his senior executives. Mandoyan served as a trusted member of Villanuevas campaign team, acting as his driver and rallying rank-and-file deputies to lobby their union to endorse his long-shot candidacy. But Mandoyan didnt have the typical resume of a campaign worker. He served as a deputy for 10 years until he was fired in 2016 by then-Sheriff Jim McDonnell in connection with allegations of domestic abuse and stalking. A county appeals board heard evidence and upheld the dismissal. Despite this, Villanueva decided to reinstate Mandoyan as a deputy in the Sheriffs Department, where he is assigned to the South Los Angeles station. Advertisement The move has heightened concerns from some both inside and outside the department that Villanueva may weaken some of the reforms imposed following a major corruption scandal that brought down former Sheriff Lee Baca and many of his top assistants. The sheriff has the authority to reverse disciplinary decisions by past administrations and the county Civil Service Commission, but some legal experts question the wisdom of doing so in this case. Villanueva often spoke during his campaign of creating a truth and reconciliation commission to hear the cases of deputies and members of the public who felt theyd been wronged by the Sheriffs Department. He promised to rid the agency of the cronyism that he argued stood in the way of his own advancement. But the reconciliation panel has not yet been created and its unclear who, if anyone, would oversee its work. Villanueva removed the departments two constitutional policing advisors whose jobs were to evaluate disciplinary cases. Im a little flabbergasted and shocked that were now confronted with this kind of hiring policy, Patti Giggans, the chairwoman of the Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, said of Mandoyans reinstatement. Its very disturbing. I think every commissioner will be very bothered by this. Villanueva issued a statement saying he could not talk about why he reinstated Mandoyan, citing a confidentiality law protecting officers personnel records. Mandoyan did not respond to requests for comment. His attorney, Michael Goldfeder, hung up on a Times reporter and did not return subsequent calls. Mandoyan filed two lawsuits fighting the departments decision to fire him. In those court papers, he said he challenged the allegations against him. Prosecutors reviewed the accusations of violence by Mandoyan but declined to file charges, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. Jessica Levinson, who teaches governance issues at Loyola Law School and is a former president of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission, said its important to consider that Mandoyan was not criminally convicted. Still, she said, his reinstatement calls into question Villanuevas values and is a wrinkle in his quest for cleaning house. Advertisement Any time someone is terminated over accusations of domestic violence and stalking, thats likely not the person you want serving in a law enforcement role, she said. In an application for a temporary restraining order and in statements she made to law enforcement officials, the woman said Mandoyan grabbed her by the back of her neck and pushed her face down into a couch. She said he ripped off her jeans and squeezed her neck for as long as 30 seconds. When she escaped and tried to lock herself in a bathroom, Mandoyan kicked in the door and broke it, she claimed. In the months after the September 2014 incident, Mandoyan tried to break into her house twice, the woman alleged in the application. He once climbed halfway into her window and threw items that were sitting on the ledge at her, she said. The woman claimed in the application that Mandoyan, who she said was her ex-boyfriend, sent her harassing text messages and admitted to watching her leave her home and to listening to her conversations with friends. Advertisement Remember, I have eyes and ears everywhere, he had told her, according to the application. Her allegations were also spelled out in a memo by the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. A judge temporarily ordered Mandoyan to stay at least 100 yards away from the woman and her home, vehicle and workplace. The case was dissolved in Aug. 2015 after neither Mandoyan nor the woman showed up at a hearing. The district attorneys memo says the woman provided photos of bruises and redness on her neck and arms as well as video footage of Mandoyan trying to get into her house. When the woman told Mandoyan she was videotaping him, he left, according to the district attorneys memo. The memo says prosecutors declined to charge Mandoyan with intimate partner violence because of a lack of sufficient evidence. Advertisement The Times generally does not identify people who claim to be victims of domestic abuse. The woman did not respond to requests for comment. In a lawsuit he filed against the county, Mandoyan said he was relieved of duty in July 2015 and terminated in September 2016 based on allegations made by the woman, a fellow deputy. He claimed sheriffs officials used as evidence against him a telephone recording that he alleged was unlawfully recorded. The lawsuit does not specify the exact allegations. He separately sued the Civil Service Commission over his firing, but he filed to dismiss that case last month. The Times filed a public records request with the Sheriffs Department seeking any records of Mandoyans discipline. The department has said it needed additional time to review the request. A new law that went into effect at the beginning of the year says internal affairs records relating to shootings, severe uses of force, and confirmed cases of lying and sexual assault by police officers are no longer confidential. Some law enforcement officials have argued that the law should not apply to records generated before Jan. 1. Advertisement Javier Gonzalez, the campaign strategist for an outside group that raised money in support of Villanueva, said Mandoyan appeared to play an important role on Villanuevas team. Mandoyan had previously worked on the campaign of sheriffs candidate Bob Lindsey, a favorite among deputies who was eliminated in the primary. Mandoyan acted as a bridge, Gonzalez said, convincing Lindseys camp to rally behind Villanueva. Mandoyan also helped organize an email campaign among deputies to lobby the leadership of the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs to endorse Villanueva, and he introduced Villanueva to key players in the community, Gonzalez said. Hilda Delgado, Villanuevas communications director on the campaign, said Mandoyan was a volunteer driver who wore many hats, adding that he helped coordinate efforts to put up signs for Villanueva across the county. Advertisement Villanueva needed all the help he could get, having raised only $158,000 compared to McDonnells haul of $1.2 million. Villanueva drew most of his financial support from outside labor groups, including ALADS. A lieutenant whod never supervised more than 100 officers when he announced his run, Villanueva seemed the least likely of two challengers hoping to beat McDonnell. But his alternative platform as a Spanish-speaking Democrat against jail construction who wanted to kick U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of county lockups resonated with a wide swath of voters. He often spoke of being discriminated against when he tried to ascend in rank throughout his career. His tough talk of cleaning house and rethinking some use-of-force guidelines was attractive to deputies who felt theyd been unfairly disciplined. Villanueva immediately removed 18 high-ranking Sheriffs Department executives once he took office. Among his more unorthodox moves, he told nearly 500 lieutenants, captains and commanders to fill out resumes. Advertisement Mandoyan is the only fired deputy he reinstated, the department said. maya.lau@latimes.com Twitter: @mayalau Its been a heady two days for striking Los Angeles teachers and their union leaders. Rain failed to fizzle huge rallies. People brought free tacos and Tofurky for Teachers to the picket lines. And their strike became a cause celebre of liberal politicians such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. It was all that L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner could do to get in a cautionary word in about the harm he said the strike was doing to the nations second-largest school district and its students. But as the strike enters its third day and a likely fourth and fifth there will be increasing pressure for the union to settle as teachers lose salary, L.A. Unified loses money and the thrill wears thinner for families worried about lost learning time and how to balance childcare with work, politics with pragmatism. Advertisement Struggling with LAUSD teachers strike means starkly different things depending on your income A long strike could take a devastating toll on the finances and reputation of an already troubled district, which could make it more difficult for teachers to achieve their goals. The outlines of a possible deal are painstakingly taking shape behind the scenes, but huge hurdles remain, including as of Tuesday night getting the parties to meet face to face for the first time since last week. New elements that could be part of a deal include funding for a type of campus called a community school, a concept that both sides could support, said L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, who is trying to bring the two sides together. Such schools feature an array of social services, recreation programs, a rich curriculum and meaningful involvement by parents and teachers. An agreement also could include adding green space to campuses, a commitment for new mental health services and some measure at some level of government to impose more oversight over charter schools and possibly limit their growth. In broad terms, this is about much more than pay, Garcetti said. This is about the soul of our schools and the way L.A. does or does not build a culture to collectively invest in our future. The union and the district are close on salary, and the district, in its latest offer, said it would lower class sizes and hire more nurses, librarians and counselors for one year. Beutner said the district could afford no more without risking insolvency. The union responded last week that these steps were not enough. Garcetti insisted the differences could be bridged fairly quickly with the parties coming together around common goals but that resources and a political nudge from the city, county and state could be needed to get to an agreement. Making a deal would make sense because in some ways the strike has perhaps achieved a zenith, with high-fives from celebrities including actors Jaime Camil from Jane the Virgin, Marlee Matlin, Rachel Bloom and Jamie Lee Curtis. Advertisement Nearly 80% of Los Angeles County residents said they sided with L.A. Unified teachers, according to a survey released Tuesday by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. The strike has strong support across the board, said Brianne Gilbert, associate director of the center. These results show the labor movement remains a powerful force in Los Angeles, where many families believe union organizing in other fields has improved their quality of life. The shelf life of this enthusiasm, however, is untested. We may see a different response to this question if the teachers remain on the picket lines for an extended period of time, and the realities of the work stoppage hit home, Gilbert said. Advertisement At a Tuesday morning news conference, Beutner said the 31,000 members of United Teachers Los Angeles collectively were losing $10 million a day. The union represents teachers, nurses, librarians and counselors. On Monday, he said, the district lost $25 million because only about one-third of students showed up. Thats a net loss of $15 million. In other words, the teachers could become victims of their own strike success. They more or less encouraged students to stay away to put pressure on the school system. But the financial pain could quickly cross over to teachers, as the district has less money with which to make a deal. Attendance ticked up slightly on Tuesday, but there was no reason to think students would quickly return in large numbers, based on what parents such as Sandelle Kincaid experienced on Monday. Very little in the way of educational activity, Kincaid reported from Reed Middle, a highly regarded school in Studio City. At one point, they tried to show the movie Christopher Robin, but the sound quality was so bad it couldnt be understood. Couldnt read because it was so loud, so the kids just played on their phones for the most part. P.E. was literally just walking around and around the gym no equipment to play anything. Advertisement It looked to her as though less than a third of students were present. We kept him home today, she said of her son, and probably will for the rest of the week. On Tuesday afternoon, school board President Monica Garcia tried to sound a conciliatory tone, even calling the picketers heroes. L.A. schools Supt. Austin Beutner, left, and school board President Monica Garcia on Tuesday called for striking teachers to return to the bargaining table. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press) Both on the inside and outside of schools, we are all on the kids side, Garcia said. We must come together for those students and families who are counting on us to end the strike. Advertisement Beutner said it was the teachers union that walked away from talks last week. As Ive said repeatedly, anytime, anywhere, Ill meet. Los Angeles Unified will meet to try to resolve this, he said in the same news conference. The superintendent abruptly walked out after three minutes of tense exchanges with reporters, as they shouted questions at his back. The union on Tuesday broadened its job action as teachers began a strike at the Accelerated Schools, a local charter network with three adjacent schools south of downtown. The Accelerated teachers were working under a different contract, although still represented by United Teachers Los Angeles. Advertisement This has been already an historic week for educators and for public education in Los Angeles, said union President Alex Caputo-Pearl. He accused leaders of the district and the charter of looking at teachers as disposable and not as indispensable. Weve got to change that. Teachers also marched on the downtown offices of the California Charter Schools Assn., surrounding the office tower clad in the unions bright red. Caputo-Pearl has called for a moratorium on new charters, which are privately operated, mostly nonunion and compete with district-run schools for students and the funding that follows them. Charters now enroll about 1 in 5 district students. Myrna Castrejon, the head of the association, said her group opposed a moratorium on charters and that there was room for high-quality new schools of all kinds in neighborhoods where academic achievement remains low. The union, she said, is unfairly singling out charters when the real problem is lack of funding for traditional and charter schools alike. In the push for more state money, at least, charters are speaking the same language as Beutner and Caputo-Pearl. Advertisement I love the energy and all the passion and the sea of red that wrapped around our office out of concern for children, Castrejon said. But we should be marching together. howard.blume@latimes.com Twitter: @howardblume doug.smith@latimes.com Advertisement Twitter: @LATDoug The last time teachers went on strike, back in 1989, Alejandra Delgadillo was a fifth-grader at Trinity Street Elementary School. Her sons later attended the school in Historic South-Central too. The youngest moved on to middle school last year. Alejandra Delgadillo, third from right in the bottom row, in her third-grade class photo at Trinity Elementary. (Delgadillo family) Still, Delgadillo this week was among the first to join the schools picket line, and she arrived loaded with paper cups, juice, doughnuts, pretzels and a canopy to guard teachers from the rain. Advertisement This school means so much to me, she said. Its not about the old buildings. Its about all the people who work so hard every day inside those buildings. Delgadillo, 39, is part of a small band of moms who look after Trinity and dedicated themselves in recent weeks to preparing the school community for the massive strike. They are close to the teachers and support their demands. But their personal protest goes deeper. They say they are fighting for the schools survival after years of decline and shrinkage because in a school in a neighborhood like theirs in the Los Angeles Unified School District, you have to fight hard for anything you get. Its the sort of story you hear in many spots in the district, as enrollment declines and resources dwindle. Delgadillo, a retail manager, has seen it all from her cream-colored, stucco home of more than 30 years, right across the street from the school. Alejandra Delgadillo, 39, second from left, attended Trinity Street Elementary and lives across the street from the school. Shes shown with teachers, from left, Diana Mendoza (fourth grade), Breanne Downs (third grade) and Karmen Magana (third grade). (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) When she was a student in the 1980s, Trinity was a bustling neighborhood school with more than 1,500 students. Today, it has no more kindergarten or first grade and only about 300 students. Advertisement So much of what Delgadillo cherished about her school is gone: the essay writing contests that helped her with her bashfulness; the classes in art, cooking and sewing; the drill team and assemblies at which everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance and then God Bless America and My Country Tis of Thee. All these things made us feel proud and happy about our school, she said. When she stepped inside to enroll her eldest son, Ricardo, in 2007, she was glad to see familiar teachers and office staff, the friendly custodian Johnny. But over the years, resources had dwindled. Programs went away. Teachers were laid off. Test scores dropped. Students left for other schools and other parts of town. Advertisement As time went on, the nearly entirely Latino neighborhood had more and more choices. Within a 2-square-mile radius, there are now nearly a dozen elementary schools. A third of them are charters. One, Gabriella Charter School 2, opened just last year on the Trinity campus in an arrangement known as co-location that the teachers union dislikes. Many parents fought to keep the new school from taking over more than half a dozen empty Trinity classrooms, but Proposition 39 gave them no leg to stand on. The ballot measure approved by state voters in 2000 dictates that school districts must provide empty space to charter schools. Advertisement Its like having a new roommate move in without your consent and now you have to share a bathroom and a bunch of other stuff all the time, said fifth-grade teacher Jesus Torres. Its nothing personal, but its no fun. Fifth-grade teacher Jesus Torres talks with parent Angelica Nolasco as LAUSD teachers picket at L.A.'s Trinity Street Elementary. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As buzz about the strike spread across Trinitys campus, it was impossible to talk about teachers frustrations without bringing up Gabriella. Many parents and teachers believe the school is encroaching not only on their space and supplies but also on their future as a public school. Its a messy, bureaucratic struggle playing out across the city as an increasing number of public schools that were once central to the neighborhood are battling to hold on to students, said Tyrone Howard, professor of education at UCLA. Advertisement We have to be careful, he said. Schools are supposed be beacons of hope, but if the public schools dont have the resources, were going to see a widening of inequality in our city. District officials said parents enjoyed having choices and that many of the newer L.A. Unified schools nearby were necessary to alleviate overcrowding. Trinity, once stacked with modular classrooms, has seen some improvements, said Eugene Hernandez, administrator of operations for Local District Central. Its freshly painted and now has access to a grassy field, he said, and theres a plan to fix the old fencing out front. When asked about the frustrations many Trinity parents express, about their sense of having been left behind, Hernandez said: Its important for parents to stay informed. In retrospect, maybe we could have built stronger connections with parents and community leadership back then. Advertisement Alejandra Delgadillo, who lives across from Trinity Elementary, unloads supplies for striking LAUSD teachers. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) For the group of moms at Trinity, its been an uphill battle to keep to their tiny school intact. Though Trinitys class sizes are small at 20 to 24 students, the school struggles with the most basic problems. Its hard to get the district to deal with broken air conditioners or the mice feces that are found in the classrooms. Like other schools, Trinity also wants staff it doesnt have: teaching assistants, counselors, a full-time nurse. The moms try to help where they can, mostly by volunteering in the classroom. Advertisement A few years ago, Angelica Romero helped bring back Trinitys dormant PTA. She and Delgadillo and the others began raising money bit by bit, selling $1 chocolates and small bags of popcorn to the kids after school. On Valentines Day, kids donated $1 for cards for their moms. It took them three years to amass close to $10,000. I was so proud of us, said Romero, a stay-at-home mom who sells vitamins to make ends meet. Advertisement The women used the money on things they thought would bring joy to the kids. They hired a magician and brought in a traveling aquarium exhibit. Today, the PTA account has about $800, though the group dissolved several years ago. On Monday, Romero, whose son is in fifth grade, joined the teachers and other moms on the picket line. There she met up with Torres and Sonia Perez, a second-grade grade teacher who has been at Trinity 26 years. Together, they raised Delgadillos canopy, set up a coffee station, waited for the others moms to arrive. Advertisement Fast-talking Kimberly Martinez arrived by foot pushing a stroller, with her three kids in tow. Together, theyd handed out so many fliers, spoken to so many parents. Were finally doing this, Martinez said. Romero laughed and told her, We need you. Youre the megaphone of our group. Advertisement Then the moms grabbed their signs and marched outside their school, chanting as loudly as they could, We are the parents. The mighty, mighty parents. 1 / 6 Angel Flores, 11, a fifth-grader at Trinity Elementary School, watches sister Kendy, 12 months, before heading to the picket line at his school. His mother, Kimberly Martinez, decided to keep her children out of school to support the strike. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 6 Kimberly Martinez, right, with children Angel Flores, 11, a fifth-grader at Trinity Elementary, and Dylan Flores, 7, a first-grader at Maple Primary Center, get coffee at a convenience store while walking to Trinity Elementary. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 6 Kimberly Martinez, left, and her sons on the picket line at Trinity Elementary. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 6 Sonia Perez, a second-grade teacher at Trinity Elementary, greets student Saraih Ruiz. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 6 A picketer in front of Trinity Elementary. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) 6 / 6 Students make their way to class while teachers picket in front of Trinity Elementary. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) esmeralda.bermudez@latimes.com @LATBermudez US Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles, the tallest skyscraper in the West for decades, is on the block as its Singaporean owners test the limits of the citys burgeoning real estate investment market. Standing 72 stories on Bunker Hill, the building holds a prominent position in business and in popular culture. It has appeared in numerous movies and even been fictionally destroyed for dramatic effect in such films as Independence Day, which saw aliens blow up the tower as they began their invasion of Earth. The property owned by OUE USA Services Corp., the American division of Singapore-based landlord and developer OUE Ltd., could command more than $700 million based on recent downtown office sales. OUE appears to be executing a classic real estate play on a grand scale buy a good building that has fallen on hard times, make improvements and sell at a profit rather than getting out before any market downturn were the economy to begin to slow. Advertisement The owner believes its an opportune time to investigate the market, said Peter Johnston, a senior vice president at OUE in Los Angeles. They put a lot of money into the building and now its time to see what kind of return they can get. OUE acquired the building for $367.5 million in 2013, when it was roughly half empty. Among its lost anchor tenants was Arthur Andersen, a high-powered accounting firm that went out of business in 2002 after it was found guilty of criminal charges connected to its auditing of now-defunct Texas energy giant Enron. It was part of the fall from grace for US Bank Tower, eclipsed as the tallest building in the West when downtowns Wilshire Grand Center hotel-and-office complex opened in 2017. When the tower, clad in pink Italian granite, was completed in 1989, it was arguably the most prestigious office building in town, an exclusive corporate cathedral designed by architect Henry N. Cobb of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners. The building then was home to First Interstate Bancorp, a Los Angeles bank that merged with Wells Fargo in 1996, which led to the layoffs of thousands of employees and the banks departure from the tower. In 2015 OUE announced plans for a $50-million makeover intended to broaden its appeal beyond buttoned-down corporate firms and take advantage of its status as home to the citys highest point. OUE built an outdoor observation deck, bar and restaurant on the upper floors and added an outdoor glass-enclosed slide to let thrill-seekers whoosh 45 feet from the 70th floor to the 69th, drawing renewed media attention to the building. The once-imposing lobby was altered to attract passersby with the installation of a video screen 126 feet wide by 17 feet high that displays arty images of California and Los Angeles. Advertisement The building has three restaurants, including 71Above on the 71st floor, and will soon be 85% occupied, said real estate broker Tom Bohlinger of JLL, who does not represent OUE. Tenants include US Bank, insurance company Marsh & McLennan Cos. and law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, which recently agreed to expand its headquarters there. It may be an opportune time to sell a downtown skyscraper, Bohlinger said. US Bank Tower features a glass slide from the 70th floor to the 69th that was installed in 2016. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Other landlords have acquired buildings in recent years with plans to improve them for resale but have not completed their makeovers as OUE has, he said. Advertisement This has created a little bit of lag in supply of properties that would appeal to institutional investors, he said, such as pension funds and real estate investment trusts that typically buy high-rises. Although the commercial real estate market has seen rising values since the last economic recovery began, the potential sale does not indicate the market is peaking before a fall, said Bohlinger, who specializes in office sales. He hasnt seen signs of Los Angeles properties being marketed because their owners are concerned about getting out while they can, he said. I dont think there is any indication that people think its time to take the money and run. Although downtowns office market has long been considered soft, its position is improving with its rapid growth in recent years through the construction of thousands of residential units and the arrival of a new crop of restaurants, bars and stores that are attracting many young people and employers. Advertisement We have a demographic now that loves the urban environment, he said. Class A offices downtown were 16.5% vacant last quarter, down from 17.6% vacant a year ago, according to CBRE. Asking rents rose from $3.51 per square foot per month to $3.68. US Bank Tower is a crown jewel of downtown, said real estate executive Nelson Rising, who was in charge of developing the property for original owners Maguire Thomas Partners. It was originally called Library Tower because it was part of a city-approved project to allow the Los Angeles developer to build two skyscrapers in exchange for a guarantee to fund the renovation and expansion of the fire-damaged Central Library across Fifth Street from the towers. The other building in the project was the Gas Company Tower. Advertisement The planned sale of the property was first reported by Real Estate Finance & Investment. The more I eat khachapuri, the more Im convinced that I want to be one of the older Armenian men who congregate at the patio tables outside of Old Sasoon Bakery on Allen Avenue in north Pasadena. They sometimes sit for hours, sipping coffee, methodically tearing apart bits of the addictive boat-shaped cheese bread, engrossed in conversation and laughter. Those unfamiliar with the wonders of khachapuri may call it Armenian pizza. Ive also heard people refer to it as that pizza boat bread thing with an egg on top. Neither is totally wrong. Khachapuri, the national dish of Georgia, involves soft cheese baked inside, on top of or around leavened bread. The cheese bread can be found at many Armenian bakeries around Los Angeles and, more recently, at Armen Piskoulian and Casey Feltons Hollywood Vietnamese restaurant, Banh Oui, where they recently launched Tony Khachapuri. (Tony Khachapuri is spiritually, but not physically, distinct from Banh Oui, with the exception that it has its own shingle on Grubhub.) Advertisement Weve been thinking about doing this now for over a year, Piskoulian says. He grew up eating his grandmothers khachapuri and decided to create his own version, made in what he told us is the Adjarian style of southwestern Georgia: The opposite ends are pinched to form two points with a well for cheese in the middle. Its supposed to mimic a canoe and the egg yolk in the middle is supposed to mimic the sun shining on the ocean, he says. On a recent Friday at Banh Oui, while one of her cooks prepared banh mi for the lunch crowd, Felton rolled out the khachapuri dough, slathering it with garlic sauce, which she said was inspired by the one at Zankou chicken. The dunk method at Banh Oui: Pull off some bread and dip it into the egg and cheese mixture in the middle. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) This is not traditional at all, she says. We just really like garlic sauce. Depending on which khachapuri you order, you can have everything-bagel spice, Maldon salt or sesame sprinkled along the outside of your boat. And in the middle, a mixture of three kinds of cheese (Felton wont divulge whats what in there, but I suspect mozzarella for the #cheesepull and possibly ricotta and or a mild feta). And for the toppings: sujuk (cured, spiced, delicious beef sausage), chorizo, kale and cauliflower. The sujuk khachapuri, which Piskoulian says was inspired by the popular post-libation snack of sujuk and eggs, resembles a pepperoni pie, complete with the tiny pools of oil in the tiny rounds of sausage. If you can respect the ingredients and treat them correctly, you can do whatever you want, says Piskoulian. We know what a real, good khachapuri is. And this is our take on it. Advertisement The khachapuri bakes at 425 degrees for six minutes and emerges from the oven with the cheese bubbling. Felton adds two raw egg yolks to the middle before serving. Youre meant to tear off the corners, dunk them into the yolk then swish everything around an excellent bread-and-melted-cheese-dip situation. Or you can just pick the entire thing up and eat it like a pizza. So you come into a banh mi shop and say, Oooh whats that? Khachapuri? Piskoulian says. And they like it and maybe they go somewhere else and try this kind of food. Advertisement Khachapuri is available daily at the restaurant. 1552 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 645-7944, BanhOui.com Sergio Rossi chief executive officer Riccardo Sciutto is in-between flights with a layover in Paris before arriving in L.A. Tuesday evening as he readies for an event celebrating the opening of the companys Westfield Century City pop-up. The formats nothing new with short-term leases now standard operating procedure for emerging and heritage brands alike. For Sergio Rossi its about testing into the West Coast and broader U.S. market with New York also identified as an area to funnel the companys energies next after the Century City store, which closes March 6. For L.A. its a good test, Sciutto said. We love the market. We love the new direction. We are also looking for our next store. We love the idea of the pop-up. Retail is changing. The Century City store will exclusively carry a capsule collection done in collaboration with Elizabeth Stewart, produced with the Times Up movement in mind. The assortment of pumps and sandal style bear words such as power, hope, strength and passion stamped onto the leather in a process tested over the course of several months, Sciutto said. The personalization, based on what was important to Stewart, is an important aspect of how he intends to continue repositioning and growing the brand: by listening to the customer and personalizing the product. Advertisement After spending much of his initial time at the company looking at the Asian and European markets, Sciutto said now is the time of America. Kering sold Sergio Rossi to Investindustrial in December 2015, with Sciutto coming on board to lead the company in April 2016. Shoes from Sergio Rossis capsule collaboration with Elizabeth Stewart. (WWD) The company has been opening stores and renovating or relocating others in more recent times with Sergio Rossi currently counting 47 company-owned, permanent stores worldwide with two in the U.S. Theres plenty of opportunity still in the U.S. and South Asian markets with the ceo estimating he could see another 20 Sergio Rossi stores added to the overall door count over time. We made a big turnaround on the store distribution. Now we have [nearly] 50 stores around the world, he said. Today you need to be very opportunistic and understand when the market is ready and when the location is available. You need to always have a clear idea of where you want to go and a real concrete perception of the market. Communicating across generations the story of the brand has been a key area of focus to continue pushing for the brand in a market thats changing. Retail is not the same as it was five years ago or 10 years ago. The department store distribution is not the same, Sciutto said of the challenges in the U.S. market. They should change their point of view in order to be much closer to the customer. You cannot approach [customers] by discount and promotion. You have to have an experience, but the experience is not the discount experience. Thats why were opening more stores because we can speak directly with the customer. We never told properly the real Sergio Rossi story in America. L.A. is a good point where you can finally see the new Sergio Rossi. Advertisement Since joining the company, Sciutto said hes pulled on a number of levers all relating to playing up the companys heritage, while also innovating at the factory level, speeding up production times as the company ramps customization offerings for customers with the factory able to produce over 1,000 pairs of shoes daily. The ceo said the factory now receives requests from other brands to make their shoes in Sergio Rossis San Mauro Pascoli facility. I put 24 hours on everything, but the main focus, the first step, was understanding who we are really and understanding all the mistakes that we made in the past. Why we made them and then go to the next stage, he said. I also put the focus on the factory and the heritage. I made an archive. Next time youre in Europe, you should come with me and you will see over 6,000 shoes. Butterfly, a British production premiering Friday on Hulu, is a thought-provoking, emotionally realistic issue drama on the subject of gender identity in young people well, really, just one particular young person, 12-year-old Max Duffy (Callum Booth-Ford) from Manchester, who would like to be known as Maxine. There is strife ahead, to be sure, but this is not a dour, sentimental exercise in which the misunderstood subject comes to a sad end while the survivors rend their governments and excoriate themselves for never having listened, really listened, and then drive out to the country to dedicate a tree. Nor is it one in which complicated things are made to look simple. Change is possible, but not easy. Callum Booth-Ford, left, and Lola Ogunyemi in Butterfly. (Ben Blackall / Hulu) Created by playwright-screenwriter Tony Marchant, who has a history with three-part miniseries like this (if not necessarily ones that have been seen here), Butterfly does take a side its with the kid, of course while giving itself the luxury of not being absolutely conclusive. The whole point of identity, after all, is that every case is different. This is just one family. Advertisement When the story starts, we are in the middle of things; Maxines feelings are not new; shes been wanting to wear girls clothes since age 5, though its all coming to a head as puberty approaches, along with a change in schools. The parents, Vicky (Anna Friel, deep and mighty) and Stephen (Emmett J Scanlan), have been separated for a while, a result of Stephens inability to come to terms with Maxines growing horror at her male parts and more explicitly formed wish to be female, and the couples difficulty finding common ground over it. They blame each other, wonder if theyre to blame not that blame is an appropriate response. They lie, or leave things out, or take major steps without consulting each other, though we understand that both are well-meaning. More than one says something along the lines of, Im doing what I can, and that is always true. Stephen Duffy (Emmett J Scanlan) embraces daughter Lily (Millie Gibson) in a scene from the Hulu miniseries Butterfly. (Ben Blackall / Hulu) Stephen wants to believe that Max is going through a phase, hopes that puberty will knock the girl right out of him and believes that getting the family back together is key to the whole thing: A happier boy wouldnt want to be a girl now, would he? the father asks. Vicky, who has given Maxine room to express herself at home, is stricter with her child in public; Vickys at the center of the story in many ways, saying yes or no at crucial moments, making large choices. And daughter Lily (Millie Gibson), who encourages Maxine to dress as a girl at school, mixes love for her sibling with her own inchoate agenda, as if this is a drama she needs and needs to be part of. Maxine, though at times perceptive (too perceptive, maybe), is also acting out of confusion, in order to please or manipulate her parents, without understanding that shes doing either. Some of what she does is designed to get her father back into their house. Wanting them to be a normal family again, Maxine gives a cold shoulder to Stephens new girlfriend (Amy Huberman, sympathetic, not the usual interloping caricature) and sabotages Vickys long-in-coming return to dating. Maxines a special kid, but a kid all the same. A few scenes do have the flavor of transcribed research, and Marchant is careful to lay out multiple points of view every character is also a position. Whats wrong with liking a bit of frill and a splash of color? asks Stephens father (Sean McGinley), who thinks his child is just gay, while Vickys mother (Alison Steadman) sniffs at her grandchilds funny ways and wonders why everyone has to be different. Out in the world, Maxine has some inevitable encounters school bullies and some less expected: a new schoolmate, who has an eating disorder, mistakes Maxine for a kindred spirit. Advertisement Many of the questions here are common, of course, to all sorts of parents and children when does understanding turn into indulgence, how do you balance support and responsibility? Butterfly follows the Duffys as they meet with support groups, school officials, the mental health establishment and clinicians, who have different words for talking about Maxine, different suggestions about how or how not to proceed, and at what speed. Things grow murkier in a search for clarity. This studious inclusiveness can make the drama seem a little schematic, if youre in a mind to notice. But mostly you dont, because the performances are engaged and engaging and the Duffys feel like a real family, even in their fragmented distress. There are enough moments of conflict and crisis and cliffhanging to keep a viewer in the moment and to keep Butterfly flying. But the reality of a middle-class family learning things they never expected theyd need to know is never violated. Butterfly Where: Hulu Advertisement When: Any time, starting Friday Rated: TV-MA (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 17) ALSO: Montrose Bowl stars in film where gender identity, grief cross lanes Advertisement In Starzs new Vida, the politics of gender and gentrification on L.A.s Eastside get personal Review: The Woman Who Went Into Space as a Man shares the true story of cyber-punk author with a big secret American Odyssey a clever and exciting conspiracy thriller robert.lloyd@latimes.com Advertisement Follow Robert Lloyd on Twitter @LATimesTVLloyd Looks like Peter Parker is alive and well and headed for Europe. Sony released the first teaser trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home on Tuesday, showing how the teenage superhero is ready to leave his Spidey suit behind to take a summer trip with his friends. Europe doesnt really need a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, says Peter. Unfortunately for him, there are a number of elemental creatures wreaking havoc across the continent, prompting a visit from the also very much alive Nick Fury. Like Peter, Fury was last seen on the big screen dissolving into dust as a casualty of Thanos plot to rebalance the universe in Avengers: Infinity War. Advertisement In Far From Home, Fury recruits Peter to help look into these Elementals. But the trailer reveals another mysterious figure stepping up to fight these creatures: Mysterio. Tom Holland as Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Far From Home. (Sony Pictures) Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Mysterio (aka Quentin Beck) was first introduced in 1964s The Amazing Spider-Man No. 13. In the comics he was a stuntman and special effects designer who once disguised himself as the webslinger to frame him for some crimes. Beck was then able to position himself as a hero by taking Spidey down. The Elementals also have their roots in comics. Created by Tony Isabella and Val Mayerik, the Elementals are virtually immortal beings from another dimension who can each control water, earth, fire or air. A follow-up to 2017s Spider-Man: Homecoming, the Far From Home cast includes Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Martin Starr, Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal. Spider-Man: Homecoming is scheduled to hit theaters July 5. tracy.brown@latimes.com Twitter: @tracycbrown With the art market a dominant behemoth tromping around in our ongoing cultural life, Cameron Rowlands visually chilly, deceptively simple installation, D37, assumes an expanded resonance. The work is also about buying and selling, but the merchandise here is not traditional canvas, paint or brightly polished steel. No, these salable goods are flesh and blood. Bicycles, a grandfather clock, a baby stroller and a couple of backpack leaf blowers are what you will see in a pristine white gallery at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where the show is on view. Those everyday objects stand in for people human beings objectified. The legacy of chattel slavery, which is often submerged, is the subject of D37. Rowland links Americas slave history to current experience. Its history begins with the earliest European settlements and ends with the Civil War, but the legacy of the nations infamous peculiar institution lives on. Like any institution, it intersects with all manner of ordinary and un-peculiar things, which we encounter unwittingly on a daily basis. Rowlands sharp focus makes the invisible visible. Advertisement Take the grandfather clock over in the gallerys corner a stately, late-18th century English timepiece of no particular aesthetic note but that once belonged to a grand South Carolina plantation. The loud chime of clocks like this one became a resonant sound that helped organize and regulate daily life, including forced work-details on the estate. Rowlands choice of a specifically British grandfather clock establishes a subtle but trenchant familial link to the mother country, principal market for the exports of cotton and tobacco on which the South relied. Demand meets supply, however cruelly produced, as time marches on. Cameron Rowlands D37" is composed of found objects with trenchant histories. (Cameron Rowland) Hanging nearby, framed tax receipts from Mississippi and Virginia record revenues gained between 1848 and 1860, when states taxed plantation assets land, livestock, clocks, human beings held as property and worked to death to fund their governments operations. When South Carolina lighted the Civil War fuse in 1860, the economic value of slaves in the United States exceeded the invested value of all of the nations railroads, factories and banks combined. The legacy of the Souths agriculturally based slave economy is manifold, but one feature that lived on into the modern era evolved from that stately timepiece, standing like a sentinel out in the plantations hallway and now enshrined in a museum. In large 20th century factories and offices, a central pendulum clock was commonly connected to and synchronized with smaller clocks scattered around the building, so that workers would be on the same industrialized schedule set by the employer. Tellingly, the colloquial terms for these timepieces were the master clock and the slave clocks. Rowlands show is composed solely from found objects. Theyre descendants of the industrially manufactured Readymade sculptures that Marcel Duchamp pioneered a century ago and that have been utilized by diverse Conceptual artists since the 1960s. Artists like Betye Saar and David Hammons are among his forebears. And he draws on techniques of institutional critique established by the late L.A.-based artist Michael Asher, as well as Hans Haackes well-known 1971 photo-and-text work unveiling abusive economic systems embedded in New York City real estate transactions. The word found, however, often has a casual, informal air as if the object had been stumbled upon and its aesthetic possibilities suddenly recognized by an insightful artist. Thats often not the case, and its especially untrue here. Advertisement These objects did already exist, but they were carefully searched out and juxtaposed. The shows used bicycles and leaf blowers, now idly piled against walls and laid out on the floor, push the slave economy narrative forward. The leaf blowers alone conjure todays exploitation of Latinx underground labor. Visitors are given a detailed booklet that identifies the objects source property seized by police and sold at auction. One blower sold for $206, 11 used bikes went for $287, etc. Sometimes the booklet would benefit from further explication, as when Rowland also compiled a fat, spring-bound volume that records nearly $300 million in property and cash seized in U.S. civil asset forfeitures in 2017. (A copy is available downstairs in MOCAs education room.) The scale of the subject gets physical heft. The booklet explains that the controversial system of asset forfeiture, used to fund police departments and here empathetically embodied in battered and forlorn objects, originated in 400-year-old British laws. They were shaped to regulate commerce between England, its colonies and the West African slave trade. Advertisement Cameron Rowlands D37" includes 11 bicycles bought at a police auction and framed documentation of a South Carolina land purchase. (Cameron Rowland) The shows title work zooms out to encompass the entire museum. D37 designates the Bunker Hill land parcel on which the art museum was built a parcel itemized in famously racist 1939 federal maps that redlined cities such as Los Angeles and that was later seized for redevelopment by eminent domain. The same maps chart the moral debt itemized by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates in his brilliant 2014 Atlantic magazine polemic, The Case for Reparations. Rowlands show, installed deep within MOCAs permanent collection rooms, quietly but firmly italicizes questions of art and property, including his and the museums. The designated found object for D37 is the patrons donor plaque affixed on a wall outside at the museums entry stair. Advertisement In the final piece, the artist zooms in, bringing the issue home. Displayed documents show that in August he bought an acre of land at the South Carolina shore. The wooded parcel is in a region where some 40,000 African Americans once briefly lived, taking advantage of the governments post-Civil War 40 acres and a mule pledge. North Carolina-born President Andrew Johnson soon overturned that slave-reparation, evicting the impoverished freedmen. Rowland paid $38,000 for the parcel, applied a host of restrictive covenants to the deal that drained the propertys development potential and collapsed its appraised value to zero. To underscore the blistering economic point, Rowland will rent some examples of his work to art collectors for five-year periods at cost $206 for that blower, $287 for the 11 bikes after which title reverts to the artist. Todays raging art and auction markets are neatly absorbed into the social dialogue so incisively tackled in his work. Advertisement D37 was organized by MOCA curator Lanka Tattersall and curatorial assistant Rebecca Lowery. Its the first solo exhibition in an American museum for the 30-year-old artist, who is based in New York. Expect it not to be the last. D37 Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 250 S. Grand Ave., L.A. When: Through March 11; closed Tuesday Advertisement Admission: $8-$15 Info: (213) 626-6222, moca.org Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed peace efforts in the Middle East and the fight against terrorism with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Tuesday, the foreign ministry said. The talks focused on moves to secure peace in Libya and Syria, the Palestinian issue and supporting the UN's Palestinian refugee agency following aid cuts by the US earlier this year as well as international counterterrorism efforts, the ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Shoukry on Tuesday handed over the annual rotating chairmanship of the Group of 77 (G77), a coalition of 134 developing countries, to Palestine, during a ceremony in New York. Egypt was last years chair of the bloc, along with China. Palestine was elected as 2019 chair by the foreign ministers of the member states in September 2018. During its presidency, Shoukry said in the statement, Egypt pushed for the eradication of poverty and the implementation of a fair and equitable international economic order, while focusing on youth, employment and womens empowerment, the ministry's statement said. The duo also discussed reform of the UN, with Shoukry emphasising the process should focus on "development work, transparency, strengthening the mechanisms of liability and accountability as well as empowering member states to follow up and evaluate the UN's implementation of the resolutions and programs adopted." Also on Tuesday, Shoukry met with Achim Steiner, head of the UN Development Programme, where they discussed mutual cooperation and recent developments in the Middle East. Search Keywords: Short link: It didnt take long for Donald Webber Jr. to hear about the hardships endured by residents of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, the monster storm that ravaged the island in late 2017. The taxi driver who picked up the actor at the San Juan airport told Webber that he and his family had lived without power for more than seven months, and they had to walk miles each day just to get water. It really puts things into perspective as to why were here, and the importance of being here, Webber said on the afternoon before he took the stage as Aaron Burr in the opening of Hamilton in Puerto Rico. The musicals creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has brought his hit to San Juan for a three-week run, and producers have said 100% of profits an expected $15 million will go to relief efforts on the island. Webber sat in a small meeting room at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, a few short blocks from the 2,000-seat Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferre theater, where the show will run through Jan. 27. Sitting to his right was Julia K. Harriman, who plays Eliza Hamilton. They possess the easy rapport of artists who have seen each other at their best and worst during a grueling rehearsal process. Their banter goes from serious to silly in milliseconds, and they clearly are blown away by where they are, and what they are doing. Advertisement Hamiltons Donald Webber Jr. and Julia K. Harriman inside the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. (Angel Valentin / For The Times) Its not every day, after all, that actors find themselves selected to play opposite a Broadway legend like Miranda, who is reprising his titular character after stepping down in 2016 (and seeing his Broadway production win 11 Tony Awards). To say that Webber and Harriman were intimidated would be a vast understatement. I was terrified, Harriman recalled. He wrote the show. He knows exactly how he wants this. He knows the words to the songs I might be messing up. But then Miranda arrived for rehearsals a few weeks later than the rest of the cast, thanks to his press tour with Mary Poppins Returns, in which he plays the quirky lamplighter, Jack and all their fears were allayed. Hes a goofball, Harriman said. One who places a premium on knowing everyones name, and on making sure that everyone in the room feels loved, valued and comfortable. Hes also a remarkably generous performer, Webber said. A team player. Just look at his Twitter feed, they both said. (If you do, youll likely encounter something like this, dated Jan. 13: Gnight. A fervent hope that you get every moment you need tonight: a moment of rest, a moment of grace, a moment of epiphany, a moment to plan, a moment entirely yours and no one elses.) Beyond Mirandas congenial persona and Puerto Rican pride (his father is from the island, and Miranda spent his summers as a child in its blue waters), hes a savant who has his brain wrapped up in so many aspects of Hamilton that he can be forgetful at times. Advertisement Webber recalls a private rehearsal with just the two of them when Miranda started rapping a song that was completely unrecognizable. We had to stop and he goes, Oh, I was doing the first draft of Hamilton, Webber said, smiling and shaking his head. Somehow, some way, his brain had gone into his first draft of the scene, and Im sitting there like, Wow, what if this happens. Harriman laughed. Its not him you have to worry about, its us, she said. Advertisement Except neither had to worry, really. On opening night, the Hamilton cast received a standing ovation so loud, prolonged, uproarious and fanatical that Miranda later said in a news conference that he could feel his hair blowing back. Ill never forget it, he said. Jared Miller, husband of Sara Elisa Miller, who is the Miranda familys director of philanthropy, said the actors were feeding off of Mirandas enthusiasm. Their passion is for whats happening on this island, he said. This is Puerto Rico trying to prove to the rest of the world and the country Dont forget about me, Im still here, Im not throwing away my shot. jessica.gelt@latimes.com Advertisement @jessicagelt Were all individuals, some more than others. And few quite like Carol Channing, who died Tuesday in Rancho Mirage. Those wigs, those eyes, that mouth, those teeth, the scarlet lips! As a former Times theater critic and reporter, I recall the instances in the late 1970s and early 80s when, no matter how ritzy the eating establishment might be, Channing came to the interview with her own food and water. Never mind that she asked for ice from the nearest waiter and never questioned how her personal water might theoretically get contaminated once the ice melted. But that was Carol Channing. She picked her battles. And she knew how to do it. Behind that kooky facade was a whip-smart lady and charming performer who knew a lot more than she let on and would do anything to strike a pose that might astonish. She had me gaping when, in answer to my question about her showbiz beginnings, Channing broke into a recitation of a poem in ancient Gallic French about Vercingetorix, a charismatic Gaul general who nearly defeated the Romans before he died in 46 BC. Her impromptu performance turned the heads of the lunch crowd in that sedate Music Center lunchroom. It also happened to be the poem with which Channing sought the attention of the William Morris Agencys Abe Lastfogel. She was a Bennington College student then, with fire in her belly. Lastfogel, a hardened New Yorker, was flummoxed, she said but apparently impressed. It did the trick. Advertisement Our second encounter happened when I was invited to a private luncheon with her and some top editors of The Times. It was not exactly a routine invitation for a second string theater critic. It seems Channing had read a piece of mine in the Calendar section of The Times the previous Sunday. It was a rumination about going to see my daughter, an acting student at the Juilliard School, perform on stage, and this critic-mothers dilemma about what to say. What if I didnt like what I saw? The moment I walked in the room, Channings eyes lighted up and she exulted about how much she had enjoyed reading the piece. It put me at ease. Channing regularly sent a card at holiday time. Some of it was PR of course, but sitting under my coffee table it was too big to sit on it is a gorgeous book of Al Hirschfeld cartoons that arrived one Christmas with a simple to Sylvie inscription. She appears in the book several times, but that wasnt the point. I followed her adventures after her separation from her first husband, Charles Lowe, who had controlled her career while they were married. After they parted company she accused him of physical abuse and financial mismanagement, both of which he denied she was able to give rein to her better angels. Its a shame she could not have done it sooner not only for her, but for the rest of us. I saw a show she did with the lovely Rita Moreno in Palm Springs. They didnt appear together, but sequentially. Channing was not at her best. It is not easy to grow older when you love the limelight as much as she did and have to watch it fade. Those later efforts on stage including Legends with an equally aging Mary Martin at the Ahmanson Theatre were not memorable. She had a bigger-than-life talent that had been crammed into a clown persona for too many years, and yet she somehow managed to make it work most of the time. What might she have given us if left to her own devices? Only heaven knows. Carol Channing, photographed in 2002. (Los Angeles Times) calendar@latimes.com Last April, telecom giant T-Mobile announced a mega-deal: a $26-billion merger with rival Sprint, which would more than double T-Mobiles value and give it a huge new chunk of the cellphone market. But for T-Mobile, one hurdle remained: Its deal needed approval from the Trump administration. The next day, in Washington, staffers at the Trump International Hotel were handed a list of incoming VIP Arrivals. That days list included nine of T-Mobiles top executives including its chief operating officer, chief technology officer, chief strategy officer, chief financial officer and its outspoken celebrity chief executive, John Legere. They were scheduled to stay between one and three days. But it was not their last visit. T-Mobile executives have returned to President Trumps hotel repeatedly since then, according to eyewitnesses and hotel documents obtained by the Washington Post. By mid-June, seven weeks after the announcement of the merger, hotel records indicated that one T-Mobile executive was making his 10th visit to the hotel. Legere appears to have made at least four visits to the Trump hotel, walking the lobby in his T-Mobile gear. Advertisement These visits highlight a stark reality in Washington, unprecedented in modern American history. Trump the president works at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Trump the businessman owns a hotel at 1100 Pennsylvania. Countries, interest groups and companies like T-Mobile whose future will be shaped by the administrations choices are free to stop at both and pay the presidents company while also meeting with officials in his government. Such visits raise questions about whether patronizing Trumps private business is viewed as a way to influence public policy, critics said. Last week, a Post reporter spotted Legere in the Trump hotels lobby. In an impromptu interview, the T-Mobile chief executive said he was not seeking special treatment. He chose the Trump hotel, he said, for its fine service and good security. Its become a place I feel very comfortable, Legere said. He also praised the hotels location, next to one of the departments that must approve the companys merger. At the moment I am in town for some meetings at the Department of Justice, Legere said. And its very convenient for that. The VIP Arrivals lists obtained by the Post in which Trump hotel executives alerted their staff to foreign officials, corporate executives, long-term guests, Trump family friends and big spenders provide an inside look at some of the hotels customers. The Post obtained lists for about a dozen days in 2018. Those lists showed 38 nights of hotel stays by the T-Mobile executives; because the Posts data are incomplete, the number could be higher. Rooms at the luxury hotel routinely cost more than $300 per night. Advertisement The Post shared details about those stays gleaned from the VIP Arrivals lists and eyewitness accounts with both T-Mobile and the Trump Organization. Neither challenged the findings. After Legeres brief interview at the Trump hotel, T-Mobile declined to comment further for this report. Trumps hotel also has hosted parties put on by the Kuwaiti and Philippine embassies, rented hundreds of rooms to lobbyists paid by Saudi Arabia, and hosted a large meeting of the oil industrys lobbying group. But the T-Mobile case stands out because the companys executives were expected at the hotel so soon after announcing they needed a win in Washington. Its currying favor with the president. Its disturbing, because its another secret avenue for currying favor with the government, said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics. Advertisement She said that even if they werent directly ordered by Trump, the presidents appointees might feel pressured to help Trumps customers. That might undermine public confidence in the decisions that result, Krumholz said. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Eric Trump who is running the family business while his father serves in the White House said in an email that the hotel has absolutely no role in politics. Asked about the stays by Legere, Eric Trump said that his hotel offers extraordinary service: It should come as no surprise that a CEO of a major corporation would want to stay with us. Before last year, Washington had been a place of disappointment for T-Mobile, the third-biggest of Americas four big cellphone providers, which has long sought a merger to grow bigger. In 2011 and in 2014, the Bellevue, Wash., company planned to combine with rivals: first AT&T, then Sprint. But both times, the Obama administration rejected the mergers on antitrust grounds, saying they would decrease competition and hurt consumers. Advertisement On April 29, T-Mobile announced it would try again with Sprint. The deal required approval from agencies including the Justice Department, which handles antitrust enforcement, and the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates the airwaves that cellphones use. Those two agencies declined to comment. Sprint, the markets fourth-place player, is largely owned by SoftBank, a Japanese company whose founder, Masayoshi Son, has built his own relationship with Trump. After Trumps election, Son was praised by the incoming president for a promise to invest $50 billion and create 50,000 jobs in the United States. Sprint declined to comment for this report. John Legere, chief executive officer of T-Mobile, arrives at a Senate hearing in Washington in June. (Andrew Harrer / Bloomberg) Legere, the T-Mobile chief executive, also had a history with the president. But it wasnt a good one. Advertisement I will obviously leave your hotel right away, Legere wrote on Twitter in April 2015, during a public spat that began with complaints about Legeres stay at a Trump hotel in New York, and escalated when Trump called T-Mobiles service terrible. Later, Legere mocked Trumps hotels after checking out. I am so happy to wake up in a hotel where every single item isnt labeled Trump, he wrote, according to news coverage. Those tweets appear to have been deleted. Three years later, on the day after the T-Mobile merger was announced, Legere was scheduled to arrive at the Trump hotel in Washington. That days VIP Arrivals list included 39 names. There were executives at a Defense Department contractor called AxleTech; a spokesman said they chose the hotel because they had a meeting at a corporate office across the street. Two other VIPs were connected with the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action, which was hosting a dinner with the president at the hotel that night. A spokeswoman said one room was for the event photographer, the other for staff preparations. Advertisement And there were the nine T-Mobile executives. Of them, only Legere was listed with an R next to his name signaling to Trump hotel employees that he was a repeat Trump customer. Inside the hotels busy, soaring lobby, Legere was noticed quickly. Everybody knew. You couldnt miss it, said Jake Loft, who was in the lobby for a regularly scheduled networking event. He spotted Legere by his outfit, which was as usual a walking billboard for T-Mobile. Legere wore a black-and-magenta hoodie with a T-Mobile logo over a bright-magenta T-shirt with another T-Mobile logo. He wasnt dressed appropriately, Loft said. It was essentially like a track suit, said Tim Briseno, who was there with Loft. Briseno remembered Legere giving out business cards, with an offer of a discount. He was like, If you guys switch, youll get 40% off for the rest of your life. T-Mobile did not respond to a query asking whether that offer was legitimate. Advertisement They asked Legere for a photo. I didnt look at the photo until after I left, Loft said. Legere had given them both bunny ears. I was like, That was good. Legere wound up in several photos on Instagram, giving bunny ears in every one. On that first visit, the T-Mobile executives were expected to stay between one and three days apiece, according to the VIP Arrivals list. In late May, the Trump hotel expected T-Mobiles general counsel, David Miller, for a return visit, staying two days. Then, on June 17, the VIP Arrivals list showed that Legere, Miller and T-Mobile Executive Vice President David Carey would be returning for five-day stays. Advertisement By that time just six weeks after the merger was announced the list shows that the T-Mobile executives were already experienced Trump customers. Legere and Carey were members of the Trump Card program. Careys entry also contained the notation R(10). That according to Trump hotel staffers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they arent permitted to speak to the media was an indication that Carey was making his 10th visit to the hotel. The listings also contained the words Long Term because of the length of their stays. Carey and Miller did not respond to requests for comment. After that, Legere came a few days later. On June 27, the same day that Legere testified to Congress about the merger, he was spotted at the hotel by independent journalist Zach Everson, according to an account Everson posted on Twitter. Everson said he saw Legere in the hotel lobby, talking to former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, who has advised T-Mobile during the merger talks. Lewandowski is a frequent patron of the Trump hotel: He has held two book parties there and often appears in social-media photos mingling in the lobby. Lewandowski did not return requests for comment this week. Advertisement The visits by T-Mobile executives cumulatively are probably worth tens of thousands of dollars to the Trump Organization, the presidents company, which he still owns despite criticism from government ethics experts. Since Trump was elected, his hotel has been patronized by other groups with lobbying interests in Washington: foreign embassies, industry associations, religious groups. Lobbyists working for the Saudi government a close U.S. ally that has grown closer under Trump paid for 500 hotel rooms in the first four months after Trump was elected. Opponents of the T-Mobile merger say they believe the executives repeated stays are an effort to influence policy. I cant believe this is a coincidence. In mergers, companies look for any potential advantage they can find, said Gene Kimmelman, who was chief counsel for the antitrust division at the Justice Department under President Obama. He now leads the good-government group Public Knowledge. Advertisement Kimmelman said he doubted that the career Justice Department officials would be moved by it but said it could sway others in government appointed by Trump. Daniel Schuman, of the liberal group Demand Progress, is part of a coalition opposing the merger, arguing that it would reduce choice for consumers. The coalition, called the 4Competition Coalition, also includes labor unions and some smaller cellphone providers. This isnt justice with a blindfold on, right? he said. It creates a fundamental corruption in the way that the work of the American people is done. Legeres own T-Mobile shares are valued at $16.5 million, a fortune that analysts say would probably grow if the merger is approved. Advertisement In the interview at the Trump hotel last week, Legere said that although the hotel was clearly a place to be seen, he did not believe the president knew about his staying there. Did he expect that his staying there might earn his company any special treatment? Certainly not. I dont know why it would, he said. Sometime after that interview, Legere apparently checked out of the Trump hotel. By the next evening, Legere was tweeting about the great bar at my current DC hotel the Four Seasons in Georgetown. OConnell and Fahrenthold write for the Washington Post. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling clearing the way for drivers to sue trucking companies could have a major impact on the labor battle that has raged for years at Southern Californias ports, according to worker advocates. Trucking firms may not block workers from filing class-action lawsuits, even if they consider them to be independent contractors rather than employees, the court ruled Tuesday. The unanimous decision came in a case filed by Dominic Oliveira, a long-haul driver for New Prime, a Missouri-based carrier with 5,000 contractors. Oliveira said the company failed to pay him and other workers the legal minimum wage and falsely classified them as contractors rather than employees to avoid labor law rules. New Prime contended that its drivers could not sue because they had signed contracts agreeing to arbitrate any claims privately, waiving their right to go to court. Advertisement The ruling bolsters efforts by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has been fighting trucking companies at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach over classification of more than 20,000 drivers as contractors rather than employees. Independent contractors are not subject to statutes covering such issues as minimum wage, overtime, discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination and workplace injuries. Lawsuits over misclassification have multiplied in recent decades across industries as varied as janitorial services, construction, hospitals and exotic dancing. The fight has expanded to gig economy companies such as Uber, Lyft and Amazon, which have built entire workforces based on contract drivers. The Supreme Court opinion is a great victory for all workers in the transportation industry, including employees, legitimate independent contractors, and drivers misclassified as independent contractors who are suffering egregious wage theft, said Fred Potter, director of the Teamsters Port Division. The American Trucking Assns., an industry trade group, said in a statement the.decision will make it harder for motor carriers and independent owner-operators alike to rely on agreements to resolve their disputes through arbitration. That will raise costs across the supply chain, the group said. Arbitration agreements, often accompanied by class-action waivers, require workers to resolve disputes with their employers by hiring private arbitrators who conduct proceedings out of the public eye. Private arbitrators are seen as more likely to rule in favor of businesses. And when workers are barred from joining colleagues in class-action suits, they often are unable to find lawyers to represent them because individual arbitrations do not adequately cover legal fees. A growing swath of U.S. businesses, seeking protection from workers lawsuits, has adopted arbitration agreements as a condition of employment. Since the early 2000s, the share of workers employed in private-sector, nonunion jobs subject to mandatory arbitration has more than doubled to about 55%, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington-based think tank. The agreements cover some 60 million workers. In the last decade, the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of businesses in more than a dozen arbitration cases. But in the Oliveira case it found that the 1926 Federal Arbitration Act clearly carved out an exception for workers engaged in foreign or interstate commerce. The exception was written into the law because Congress had enacted a different path for transportation worker disputes at the time. Advertisement Despite New Primes suggestion that the court establish a favorable federal policy toward arbitration agreements in the case, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch wrote, Courts are not free to pave over bumpy statutory texts in the name of more expeditiously advancing a policy goal. Some 3.5 million drivers work for 1.5 million interstate carriers in the U.S., according to the American Trucking Assns. Unionized drivers, such as the 250,000 UPS workers represented by the Teamsters, are classified as employees and cannot be subjected to mandatory arbitration. What is yet to be determined is whether the ruling has a much broader impact specifically, whether it will influence pending federal class-action lawsuits against Amazon, Grubhub, Doordash, Postmates and other app-based platforms that classify drivers as independent contractors. The companies are fighting wage-theft claims by requiring workers to sign arbitration agreements. This decision will help many workers pursue their claims in court including class claims instead of being forced to submit to individual arbitration, said Boston attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan, who has filed claims on behalf of thousands of gig economy workers. Advertisement A few hours after the Supreme Court issued its opinion, Liss-Riordan filed a motion in U.S. District Court in Seattle arguing that the decision justified lifting a stay in a lawsuit against Amazon Logistics. We need to show the courts that the transportation workers who drive for these companies deliver goods in interstate commerce, she said. But Richard Reibstein, a New York attorney who specializes in defending companies in misclassification suits, said the Supreme Court decision only applies to federal arbitration law, since state arbitration laws generally do not include an exception for transportation workers. An argument can be made that this decision will have little or no effect on the right of employers to compel arbitration of any workers dispute, he said. Those who suggest that this decision is momentous may wish to reconsider their exuberance. Nonetheless, the National Employment Law Project, a Washington nonprofit that has studied the trucking industry, hailed the decision as a rare forced arbitration win after earlier Supreme Court decisions had limited workers ability to take their claims to court. Advertisement This unanimous decision recognizes the reality of exploitation in the trucking industry today, said NELP attorney Ceilidh Gao. Drivers like Mr. Oliveira often work long hours only to find that their paycheck at the end of the week after a slew of company deductions is well below minimum wage, or even negative, meaning they owe the company money. The courts decision came days after 24 port truck drivers who delivered goods to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach were awarded $6 million in back pay and penalties by the California labor commissioner. The commissioner found that National Freight Industries, one of the largest U.S. logistics companies, misclassified the drivers as contractors and failed to pay their legal wages. Since 2011, nearly 1,000 drivers at the twin ports have filed complaints with the commissioner against trucking companies, alleging workplace violations. A new California law, Senate Bill 1402, makes retailers jointly liable for wage violations when they hire a company that fails to pay fines. Under the law, the commissioner must publish a monthly list of violators. The Legislature is also likely to consider a bill this year to codify a California Supreme Court decision in a case brought by a driver for Dynamex Operations West Inc., a package delivery company. The decision makes it more difficult for companies to classify workers as contractors. Advertisement margot.roosevelt@latimes.com Twitter: @margotroosevelt In a reversal of a deal local officials had touted as a win for Los Angeles tech, SpaceX will no longer build its Mars spaceship and rocket booster system at the Port of Los Angeles. Instead, work to build and test the prototype will be done in south Texas. SpaceX said in a statement Wednesday that the decision was made to streamline operations. In a tweet, Chief Executive Elon Musk said: Starship & Raptor [engine] development is being done out of our HQ in Hawthorne, CA. We are building the Starship prototypes locally at our launch site in Texas, as their size makes them very difficult to transport. SpaceX has completed assembly of a prototype of the Starship hopper vehicle at its Boca Chica facility in south Texas, where it also plans to conduct tests in which the prototype will launch and go up in the air briefly before returning to Earth. Advertisement Musk has said the first of these tests could occur as soon as next month, though he hedged that due to unforeseen issues it could also happen two months from now. The SpaceX statement said the Starship decision does not impact our current manufacture, design, and launch operations in Hawthorne and Vandenberg Air Force Base and that the company will continue recovery operations of our reusable Falcon rockets and Dragon spacecraft at the Port of Los Angeles. SpaceX initially leased about eight acres at the Port of L.A. that it used for recovery of Falcon 9 first-stage boosters and Dragon capsules, which arrive at shore via droneships. A new deal, approved last year, would have given SpaceX use of a 19-acre site on Terminal Island. Under the terms, SpaceX was to have an initial 10-year lease at the port with two additional 10-year extension options. A now-former SpaceX official told the L.A. Board of Harbor Commissioners last year that production and fabrication of the Mars rocket could begin there in two to three years. But in a letter dated Jan. 7 and provided to The Times, SpaceX Chief Financial Officer Bret Johnsen told the Port of Los Angeles the company would terminate the Terminal Island lease agreement. The move comes just days after SpaceX, saying it needed to get leaner, announced that it would lay off about 10% of the companys more than 6,000 employees. About 577 employees in Hawthorne are affected, according to a state WARN Act notice dated Friday. Though Port of L.A. officials are disappointed that SpaceX will not be expanding their operations at the Port of Los Angeles, we are pleased that they will continue their recovery operations here, spokesman Phillip Sanfield said in a statement. Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino was told of the decision by company officials in a conference call late last week, said Branimir Kvartuc, a spokesman for the councilman. Advertisement In a tweet Wednesday morning, Buscaino said: While I feel crushed about SpaceX pulling the Super Heavy out of the Port of L.A., I feel confident that other innovators will see the huge value they get in San Pedro. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti said last year that SpaceX told the city of L.A. it preferred to have its Mars rocket and spaceship facility close to Hawthorne. A port official told commissioners last year that SpaceX had also been looking at potential sites in Louisiana and Texas. Other commercial space firms have operations in Texas. Blue Origin tests engines and its New Shepard rocket and capsule system at its west Texas facility, and SpaceX already has a rocket development facility in McGregor, about 18 miles west of Waco. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Advertisement Twitter: @smasunaga At his parents home in suburban Clarksville, Md., on Monday night, Daniel Madison and his brother were itching to see Fyre Fraud, the new Hulu documentary on the glorious failure of the 2017 music festival. So they set up a Roku player to stream it. But when Madison turned on the device, he could not believe what he was seeing: Infowars, the far-right conspiracy website founded by Alex Jones, which months earlier had been banned by Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Apple, was available to stream on Roku for its nearly 24 million registered users. We were both shocked when we saw the app in the lineup, Madison, 40, told the Washington Post on Tuesday. He knew Jones had been booted from most other major platforms for propagating conspiracy theories targeting the families of the Sandy Hook school shooting, which Infowars has called a hoax. Madison wasnt the only one upset. By Tuesday, the mass discontent on social media, which was first reported by Digiday, bubbled over into a trending hashtag #boycottroku. Some threatened to walk away from the product altogether. Roku even heard from lawyers representing the families of Sandy Hook victims, who say they continue to be threatened and harassed thanks to the InfoWars-spread conspiracy theory that the 2012 massacre that killed 27 people, including 20 children, didnt happen. Advertisement By Tuesday night, Roku became the latest platform to drop Infowars, joining other media companies, including the likes of Spotify, Periscope and even YouPorn, which have bid farewell to Jones in the last year. Jones has yet to publicly respond to Rokus about-face, but he shared a cryptic post to his Instagram account on Tuesday night. The post, a Saturday tweet from Infowars reporter Owen Shroyer, featured an artistic banner of Jones face looking enraged. Strike me down now and I only become more powerful, Shroyer wrote. Rokus decision came amid waves of complaints on Twitter, including from Madison. Hoping for an explanation after finding Infowars on his Roku a digital media player that houses services such as Netflix, Hulu, Sling and YouTube Madison tweeted at Roku Support around 8 p.m. Monday to see if the platform knew the channel was being offered. After receiving an automated reply about 10 minutes later, Madison reached out to Sleeping Giants, a Twitter account with a following of more than 200,000 users aimed at making bigotry and racism less profitable by encouraging people to pressure brands that feature questionable content. Sleeping Giants tweeted at Roku, asking whether it could confirm that it had an Infowars channel. The Twitter account has previously targeted other platforms that featured Jones, in addition to spearheading social-media efforts directed at advertisers of conservative commentators Bill OReilly and Laura Ingraham. And the rest kind of snowballed from there, said Madison, who is pursuing his teaching degree. Amid the social-media avalanche that came from the news on Tuesday morning, Roku initially defended its decision to host Infowars. CNNs Oliver Darcy reported that Infowars had previously been available on Roku but that a newly updated app drew attention from more users like Madison. We do not curate or censor based on viewpoint, Roku said in its initial statement following the Digiday article. We are not promoting or being paid to distribute Infowars. We do not have any commercial or advertising relationship with Infowars. The company added that its policies prohibited content thats unlawful, incites illegal activities or violates third-party rights and that any channel that violated the rules would be removed. To our knowledge, Infowars is not currently in violation of these content policies, the company said. Advertisement That stance would soon change as Roku users questioned how Infowars got there in the first place. What might have been the final push, however, came from the lawyers representing the families of the Sandy Hook victims who are suing Jones. Last week, a Connecticut judge ruled those families could review Infowars internal marketing and financial documents. The families accuse Infowars of profiting from paranoia to sell more products to Jones followers, according to the complaint. There is no amount of anticipated revenue that could possibly justify Rokus calculated decision, attorney Josh Koskoff said in a statement to the media. Mark Bankston, another lawyer for Sandy Hook families, described Roku as indifferent to the suffering caused by Mr. Joness continued onslaught of cruelty and reckless lies. At around 8.p.m. Tuesday, the platform officially dropped Infowars. Advertisement For now, Infowars, or Jones, can still reach his followers through a handful of mainstream platforms, such as Instagram, Snapchat and Google Play. Jones continues to fight the Sandy Hook lawsuit and decry the ongoing campaign to oust him from web platforms. John Bogle, who popularized the low-cost index-based mutual fund as founder of Vanguard Group Inc. and insisted that most stock-picking money managers werent worth the fees they charged, has died. He was 89. He died Wednesday, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, citing his family. The cause was cancer. He suffered the first of at least six heart attacks at age 31. In 1967 he had a pacemaker installed, and in 1996 he received a heart transplant. By word and example, Bogle proselytized on behalf of patient, long-term investing in a diversified group of well-run companies. He focused his advocacy on index funds, those that buy and hold the broadest mixes of stocks. He cautioned that the pursuit of quick trades and short-term profits typically helped investment advisers more than investors. The way to wealth for those in the business is to persuade their clients, Dont just stand there. Do something, he wrote in The Little Book of Common Sense Investing (2007). But the way to wealth for their clients in the aggregate is to follow the opposite maxim: Dont do something. Just stand there. Advertisement Bogles formula turned Vanguard into the largest U.S. manager of stock and bond funds. He was a towering figure, Burton Malkiel, a Princeton University economics professor and Vanguard board member since 1977, said in an interview. The mutual funds industry is infinitely better because of Jack Bogle. Bogle founded Valley Forge, Pa.-based Vanguard in 1974. Investors attracted to its low fees helped the firm overtake American Funds, managed by Los Angeles-based Capital Group Inc., in 2008 as the biggest U.S. stock and bond fund manager. Vanguard had about $5.3 trillion in assets under management as of Sept. 30. Under Bogle, the company introduced the first retail index mutual fund in 1976. Initially greeted with skepticism, the Vanguard 500 Index Fund, an unmanaged portfolio of the stocks represented in the Standard & Poors 500 Index, had $266 billion in assets as of mid-2017, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. It was lambasted as foolishness in the 1970s, Dan Culloton, editor of the Vanguard Fund Family Report for Chicago-based research company Morningstar Inc., said of the inception of index funds. Its a cornerstone of investing now. Another Vanguard index fund, Total Stock Market Index, had $514 billion in assets as of mid-2017. Everybody really thought he was crazy, but he was tough enough not to care what everybody thought. Burton Malkiel, Princeton University Advertisement Bogle promoted the idea that index funds such as the Vanguard 500 can outperform most actively managed funds because they have lower management fees and trading costs. Everybody really thought he was crazy, but he was tough enough not to care what everybody thought, said Malkiel, author of A Random Walk Down Wall Street, which shares Bogles view that trying to outsmart the market is a lost cause. By making Vanguard a cooperative, owned by the funds it ran, Bogle gave up the opportunity to amass a much larger personal fortune. He said the cooperative ownership, unique in the industry, eliminated what he saw as a fundamental conflict faced by publicly listed money managers, which try to serve both corporate shareholders and fund investors. He told Bloomberg Television in December 2008 that the U.S. governments bailouts of companies including American International Group Inc. and Citigroup Inc. had deeply discredited capitalism. At a February 2009 congressional hearing, he warned that the U.S. retirement system is imperiled, headed for a serious train wreck. Months later he filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court siding with investors who were challenging fees charged by fund managers. Advertisement At industry events and other public appearances, Bogle often drew admirers while making fund company executives uncomfortable. Some fans called him St. Jack of the mutual fund industry. He stood up and said what he believed was right, and it cost him friendships in the fund industry, Don Phillips, managing director at Morningstar, said in an interview. At a conference hosted by Morningstar in May 2009, Bogle criticized asset managers for paying themselves too much. Compensation is totally, ridiculously out of control, he said. Money managers should return to stewardship and trusteeship. John Clifton Bogle was born May 8, 1929, in Montclair, N.J., to William Bogle Jr. and the former Josephine Hipkins. Advertisement A graduate of Princeton, Bogle joined Philadelphia-based Wellington Management Co., which operated the Wellington Fund, the first so-called balanced mutual fund, containing both stocks and bonds. He quickly rose as a marketer and administrator and became the assistant to firm founder Walter Morgan. In 1967, he was promoted to president and chief executive officer. He disagreed with Wellington partners over investment strategy and personnel matters during the next several years, and, in January 1974, the Boston-based directors fired him. Bogle remained chairman of a separate oversight board of the Wellington funds, whose members were loyal to him. He persuaded the board to relieve Wellington Management of responsibility for administering the funds tasks that included shareholder record-keeping, fund accounting and preparing public filings while continuing to oversee management and distribution. Mutual funds, Bogle said, should be independent from the companies that manage their investments. A student of British naval history, Bogle continued Wellingtons Napoleonic-Wars theme by naming the newly independent group of funds Vanguard, after the flagship of Admiral Horatio Nelsons fleet in the Battle of the Nile in 1798. In 1977, the funds board took control of sales of the funds from Wellington, which had distributed them through brokers. Vanguard funds were then sold directly to customers as no-load shares, meaning investors bought them without paying broker commissions. Advertisement Bogle remained Vanguards CEO until 1996, when he handed the post to his designated successor, John Brennan. Bogle remained chairman of the board and began squabbling with Brennan over the companys growth plans, with Bogle questioning Brennans plans to offer discount brokerage services and develop a so-called supermarket for online mutual fund shopping. After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 in 2000, Bogle asked the Vanguard board to waive the rule for him. It refused, in what was seen as a decision cementing Brennans authority at the firm. Billionaire investor Warren Buffett praised Bogle in his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway Inc. shareholders in early 2017. If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands down choice should be Jack Bogle, Buffett wrote. He has the satisfaction of knowing that he helped millions of investors realize far better returns on their savings than they otherwise would have earned. He is a hero to them and to me. One of the biggest financial industry mergers in a decade comes amid tumult in the payment-processing business, which is being upended by a wave of start-ups. Fiserv will acquire First Data Corp. for $22 billion in a deal announced Wednesday that will create the worlds largest payment processor. It comes as established players are facing challenges from San Franciscos Square Inc., Amsterdams Adyen NV and a host of other fintechs exploiting the growth of online and mobile transactions and banking. Competing with the whole world of highflying fintech companies is not what Fiserv is used to doing, said Lisa Ellis, who covers the sector for MoffettNathanson. Fiserv helps thousands of regional banks offer bill-paying and electronic-payment services, in addition to handling the back-office functions of credit- and debit-card transactions. The Brookfield, Wis., firm also helps banks implement mobile-payment service provider Zelle, lenders answer to PayPal Holdings Inc.s popular Venmo. Advertisement First Data, based in New York, says it facilitates $2.4 trillion in transactions each year. The company traces its history back to Omaha, when it was known as the Mid-America Bankcard Assn. in 1971. The all-stock transaction values First Data at a 29% premium to Tuesdays closing price, giving the deal a $22-billion equity value. It will be interesting to see how combining two fairly large legacy processing companies will be done smoothly given the obvious complexities, Sanjay Sakhrani, an analyst at Keefe Bruyette & Woods Inc., wrote in a note to clients. Payment processors have been under pressure to consolidate as they compete to offer more technology to their customers. In 2017, Vantiv agreed to buy Worldpay for $9.9 billion to gain greater exposure to e-commerce retailers and small businesses. First Data has been on a deal spree of its own in recent years, picking up smaller companies to increase the firms market share. The merger is the latest twist for one of the biggest take-private deals ever. New York private-equity firm KKR & Co. purchased First Data in a 2007 leveraged buyout, right before markets tanked. The deal left the company with about $17 billion of debt. KKR brought in former JPMorgan Chase & Co. executive Frank Bisignano as the companys chief in 2013 and returned the payment processor to the public markets in 2015. But shares had climbed just 9.6% before Wednesdays merger was announced, compared with a 32% gain in the Russell 1000 Financial Services Index. KKR will own 16% of the combined company, which will be led by Fiserv CEO Jeffery Yabuki. Bisignano, who had struggled to gain traction in First Datas turnaround amid the heavy debt load, will become chief operating officer of the combined company. Were creating an unparalleled fintech company, Bisignano said in a telephone interview. What this symbolizes is how much technology the payments space can take and have and were going to be the leader in it. The deal will leave the merged company with almost double the revenue of rival Fidelity National Information Services Inc. and multiple times that of Worldpay Inc. Fiserv plans to refinance First Datas debt. Advertisement The Associated Press contributed to this article During the SIHH 2019 IWC presented a whole new collection of pilots watches. As expected, they recall the legendary periods of aviation with names of famous combat aircraft (like the Spitfire), or remind us of our childhood dreams and the cartoons of Hal Jordan and other heroes wearing helmets, battling in ferocious dog fights at the controls of their jets. One watch stands out more than the others, however, and immediately caught my attention. It has a name that is mythical for many, but for us here in Southern California evokes... the neighbourhood. It is the limited-edition Mojave Desert model. As you might know, I live in Irvine, south of Los Angeles and around an hour and a half from San Diego. Mention California and many people will immediately think of surfers, waves, palm trees and Hollywood stars, but the desert is just as much part of this famous California Republic. Because here, it is everywhere. First there are some arid hills on the outskirts of Orange County, but the further east you go, the stronger you feel its presence. The ground starts to dry up, bushes and yucca plants appear, as do new colours. And then there is, of course, the heat. Its stifling to the point of being the hottest place on Earth in the exceptional Death Valley. Only a few roads cut across this infinite horizon - long straight lines with legendary names like Route 66. The Mojave is as much about the lights of Las Vegas as it is about the ghost towns like Ballarat, remnants of the Gold Rush that are now home to wild donkeys, coyotes and a few solitary humans who live there. It is also about Trona, a lost town where nothing grows, or the magnificent Joshua Tree National Park. But why should a pilots watch be celebrating the desert? Because beyond the fact that it is a vast expanse of pebbles and bushes, the Mojave like most of the western USA plays a vital role in the American military arsenal. First of all, it is the home of the famous Edwards Air Force Base, where a number of legendary aircraft, like the X15, were tested, as well as the space shuttle. USAF personnel who want to become test pilots and test the latest weapons of the Air Force are trained at the USAF Test Pilot School. Its alumni include Buzz Aldrin, Gus Grissom and Chuck Yeager. The Mojave is also the huge expanse of land separating the bases of the US Navy in Miramar (to the south) and Fallon (to the north). The former, near San Diego, housed Top Gun (officially the US Navy Fighter Weapons School), which was active from 1969 to 1996. In 1996, Top Gun moved for Fallon to the east of Reno where it continues to offer the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor Program (SFTI) that teaches experienced pilots aerial combat. But thats not all. The US Navy also tests its military capabilities and prototypes of some of its most secret weapons at the gigantic China Lake base, which, as its name does not indicate is in the Mojave desert. IWC has actually dedicated this watch to this unique base. If you are still not convinced of the tactical importance of this desert, I can also mention the Nellis air base which every year houses between four and six Red Flag training camps, named after the 414th Combat Training Squadron that organises the event. These camps welcome squadrons from all over the world and are a unique moment of confrontation and camaraderie for pilots of many different cultures. But if the acrobatic antics of the jets give you nausea, dont worry. You could also train at the worlds biggest US Marines base, which also happens to be found in this desert. It is the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), where Marines are trained before being deployed abroad. One of the most well-known programmes is called Mojave Viper, in tribute to one of the other inhabitants of the region. After the Navy, the Air Force and the Marines, there is the US Army. Fort Irwin, one of the main army training centres, is a two-hour flight from the MCAGCC. Like the Marines base, it mimics the topography of Afghanistan and houses the National Training Center. Thus concludes our military tourist guide to the Mojave. Now its time to look at the brand and the watch that pays tribute to it. Why IWC? For many years IWC has been closely linked to air forces the world over and Top Gun in particular. Although the links date back to the Second World War, the collaboration between IWC and the Top Gun school dates back to 2007. Since then, the brand from Schaffhausen has produced a number of models that celebrate the SFTI programme. In fact, even though Top Gun had featured a number of times in Hollywood films, the school had always refused a partnership with a watch brand until the middle of the 2000s. Since then, the Top Gun pilots watch collection has never stopped growing, offering fans of virile military watches plenty of choice, like the Miramar I wrote about a few years ago, but also simple and split-second chronographs and even a Big Pilot in black ceramic with the Top Gun logo. IWC also offers much more exclusive models, which are produced only for the participants in the Fighter Weapons School, or for some pilots in US Navy units (such as the Royal Maces). In 2019, IWC reinforces its star collection with models dedicated to the Spitfire and some new Top Gun versions, in particular an exceptional all-black double chronograph in ceratanium. Nevertheless, its the sand-coloured model that immediately caught my eye, so its time to talk about the watch of the desert that is the IWC Pilot Watch Chronograph Mojave Desert. IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert: the tomahawk takes flight The famous Tomahawk cruise missile, one of the most talked-about weapons in recent decades, was developed at the China Lake base. Given this reference, IWC had to give its Mojave chronograph a look that would also be talked about. And this signals and end to the exclusivity of black and steel that has hitherto characterised most Top Gun models. Our IWC Mojave Desert chronograph is dressed in sand-coloured robes, taking the colours of the desert but also those of the overalls of the fighter pilots who train above this expanse of 40,000 square kilometres. Somewhat surprisingly, this choice softens the look of the classic Top Gun chronograph, which looked more rebellious in its black guise. Like its colleagues in the Top Gun squadron, the case of the Mojave chronograph 44mm in diameter is in matte ceramic, which is a first for IWC. The pushers are in titanium and have the matte grey look of this alloy, which helps them fit better with the overall design of the watch. IWC Pilots Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition Mojave Desert IWC To give the Mojave Desert chronograph some relief, the IWC designers used a brown dial, keeping the sand colour for the hands and hour markers. The date and day indicators are the same colour and a fabric strap in the watchs dominant colour completes the look. The folding clasp is in titanium, as is the case with the brands other ceramic models. Another major change for 2019 is that the IWC Mojave Desert chronograph is fitted with a new self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement, calibe 69380, which offers a power reserve of 46 hours. It is protected by a soft iron cage, as every pilots watch should be. The watch has a full case back with the familiar Top Gun logo. Case back view IWC This model is an interesting talking piece whose colour is a pleasant surprise and which ushers the Top Gun models into a new environment. Now I just need to wait for the first ones to arrive at the IWC store in Costa Mesa to try one on. Then I can head out on to Interstate 15 and with luck see a few F35s fly across the blue Californian sky. Or maybe a UFO heading for the top-secret Area 51, another hidden legend in this surprising desert What does the devils advocate think? The devil loves heat, so its difficult for him not to respect a watch that has been inspired by the hottest place on the planet. The IWC Mojave Desert comes from good stock and is one of the most appealing models in the latest collection from Schaffhausen. As far as improvements are concerned, I have one comment that may surprise you: As much as I like the general colour of the watch, I could also have imagined a wider colour palette. Because the desert is not only brown and sand coloured. You only have to walk in the Mojave at nightfall to see shades of orange, yellow and sometimes even blue. And all these colours can also be found on the uniforms or the equipment of pilots. I wouldnt hesitate to wear the Mojave on a camouflage NATO strap from Crown & Buckle or a leather NATO by Bulang & Sons. Apart from this purely aesthetic comment, I could have also imagined the Mojave in a more modest size, between 41 and 43mm. But these two comments do not prevent me from finding this watch as appealing as it is surprising. How to wear the IWC Mojave Desert with style? Lets start with the head for a change. If youre in the desert you need some protection without the right headgear, you are at risk of sunstroke. The best option is the Tilley, the famous Canadian hat that is guaranteed for life. Never go out without it. It is full of resources, indestructible and will be replaced even if you lose it trying to climb the rocks at Joshua Tree. Lightweight clothing is compulsory. A T-shirt and a jacket. The latter is vital for protection from the sun. It should be practical and lightweight, ideally in linen. I would go for a Hackett Velospeed in linen or cotton. Shorts might seem to be the best option down below, but think about the sun and the nasty critters that might be lurking anywhere in the desert. So keep your shorts for the hotel, for the walk to the swimming pool. If youre heading off the beaten track, trousers are essential. The choice is huge, from loose jeans to trousers in linen or cotton. Cargo pants are the best and you will soon find their pockets useful. Your shoes should be able to withstand pebbles, dead branches or the odd bone that might be lying around. So go for sneakers (why not Golden Goose with their used look?) or Pampa Lite canvas boots by Palladium. Finally, you need to think about a backpack. It could save your life in the event of a breakdown, providing that it is well stocked (water, cereal bars, first aid kit etc.). If style is important to you, I can only recommend the excellent model in gold leather and white canvas by Brunello Cucinelli. Another option is the re-issue of one of the first North Face backpacks, the 1968. Now you are ready to discover the Mojave. Take care and enjoy! > Watches & Wonders Hong Kong: Teresa Cheng mourns Patrick Yu Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng today mourned the passing of Patrick Yu, the first Chinese person to be appointed Crown Counsel in Hong Kong. Ms Cheng said Mr Yu was one of Hong Kong's most distinguished, reputable and well-respected advocates. "In 1951, he became the first Chinese person to be appointed Crown Counsel in Hong Kong. Starting his own practice in 1953, he had succeeded in establishing himself as the top criminal lawyer in the territory before his retirement in 1983." In addition to attaining an elevated and iconic status in the legal sector, he also made significant contributions to the establishment of the Faculty of Law of the University of Hong Kong, she said. Ms Cheng added that he would be dearly missed by the legal sector and the society. Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma also expressed sadness. "Mr Yu was for many lawyers in Hong Kong, including judges, barristers and solicitors, an inspiration and represented the ultimate aspiration as to the qualities required in the law. "Patrick will be much missed but his generosity of spirit and his ideals will live on." This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Donna DeEtte Elbert, 90, died peacefully on January 15 at Aurora Lakeland Medical Center after a brief illness. Donna was born on January 27, 1928, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, the second of three children born to William Lawrence Elbert and Sue Melicent Hatch. She graduated from Williams Bay High School in 1945 after attending Williams Bay Elementary School. Donna studied at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and Parsons School of Design in New York City prior to graduating from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Upon graduation she spent time in New York and Milwaukee before accepting a position as a research assistant to Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar at Yerkes Observatory. Her professional partnership with Chandrasekhar would last for many decades at both Yerkes and at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park where her career spanned nearly 40 years. During this time Chandrasekhar earned the Nobel Prize for astrophysics and Donna co-authored several books with him and her calculations were cited in many scientific journals. WILLIAMS BAY Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy has received a $2,000 grant from the American Transmission Co. to replace plantings over power lines that were buried on the conservancys grounds last summer and fall. American Transmission, sometimes called ATC, is a Wisconsin-based company that owns and operates an electric transmission system in portions of Wisconsin. Jim Killian, a member of the Kishwauketoe Board of Directors, wrote the grant request to American Transmission. Kishwauketoe receives no public funding for operations or maintenance, and so members of the board are ever alert for grant opportunities, Killian said. Since Ive been on the Kishwauketoe board, Ive taken an informal role, with others, in applying for grants, he said. Kishwauketoe board chairman Harold Friestad said the nonprofit conservancy seeks out grants so that the operation presents no expense to the taxpayers. Work at Kishwauketoe is done through volunteer labor and is supported by donations from the conservancys Friends of Kishwauketoe fundraising organization, from individuals, and from grants. For the first time in five years, two math squads with 11 students from La Jolla High School drove 122 miles to the CalTech Harvey Mudd Math Competition Dec. 1-2, and one team placed 17th out of 41 statewide teams. That may seem like a lot of numbers, but its nothing compared to what the students needed to consider in answering a series of questions as part of the competition. And not just numbers, the students needed to draw upon their logistical problem-solving skills to solve the complex multi-page equations. Sponsored by CalTech Harvey Mudd with questions written by its students, the competition is open to all high school teams in California. They were tasked with answering a select few, complicated problems. Im really pleased with their performance, said faculty advisor Melanie Menders. La Jolla High hasnt been (to this competition) in five years because we didnt have the student momentum and interest. So, it was nice to finish in the top half and make a decent showing. We competed against schools that actually offer for credit, an elective with this type of problem-solving, and schools with after-school programs where parents pay money to have their kids learn this type of math and have opportunities to practice. The fact that we showed up and placed 17th was pretty cool. Math Club president Aurora de Tagyos added: It was a lot of fun to get to know other teams ... there were a lot of teams from Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, and we all had an interest in math in common. To prepare, the La Jolla teams meet once a week to practice past competition equations, which extend far beyond the reaches of the classroom. As De Tagyos explained: While you need math skills, the problems at these competitions are not calculus-based; they are about using logic to approach the problem with the knowledge you have. You explain the process of how you solved a problem and why theorems work and how your knowledge lets you solve the problem. (But some knowledge of calculus helps.) In addition to the CalTech Harvey Mudd Math Competition, the La Jolla High School team participates in the California Math League (CaML) and American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) throughout the year. The CaML is an in-classroom written test, for which the students have 30 minutes to complete six problems on assigned dates and send in their work. Because these are not multi-page equations, Menders offers the following example of a CaML equation: What are all positive integers n for which the least common multiple of n and 1,000 is 2,000? In current CaML standings, La Jolla High is in a multi-way tie for seventh place out of 140 schools. We havent been in the top 20 in a long time, so its been a great year, Menders said. The next AMC is in February. But for this competition, there is a limited number of slots and the best of the best will participate. Once the competition circuit is complete, La Jolla High will host a Middle School Math Day in May, which is open to middle school students who want to participate. Menders opined: We have a whole new set of Math Club officers and they are much more energetic (than those of past years) and that has been nice to see. La Jolla Cove Swim Club president Dan Simonelli put his life at risk to save a man from choppy waters at La Jolla Cove during a rescue just before 7 a.m. (before lifeguards reported for the day) Thursday, Jan. 10. Video taken by a beach-goer and posted to the Lifeguards of San Diego Facebook page shows Simonelli performing the daring rescue. The minute-long video has 5,800 views. The post reads: At 6:58, local Cove swimmer (Dan Simonelli) recognized a person in distress in the large surf at The Cove, where all the water energy pushes into an area referred to as The Hole. Dan has a reputation with Cove lifeguard staff as being an extremely calm and strong ocean swimmer. He grabbed his fins after 911 was called and entered the water to make contact with the victim as our two Northern night-crew guards responded (and a jet ski) was launched from La Jolla Shores. Entering the water without lifeguards on duty is never recommended. Please swim with caution! Dan Simonelli Light File Simonelli later told La Jolla Light he was at The Cove with a group of students observing the water conditions when he saw the male swimmer (whose name Simonelli did not get) walking down the stairs from Scripps Park toward the ocean shore. He didnt have fins or anything. I thought he was just a local guy and knew what he was doing. He starts to swim and I could tell he wasnt a strong swimmer, Simonelli said, noting that large waves were coming in a way the swimmer did not see. Simonelli and his students watched wave after wave hit the swimmer in the face as he neared The Hole and Simonelli knew he had to act. I grabbed my suit and fins, and I just went down, he said. When I got to the top of the stairs looking for him, he must have been right in the opening of The Hole. That is the worst place to be with big waves because you cant get out and the waves keep hitting you. An ocean swimmer with years of experience as a lifeguard in Oceanside, Simonelli dove in to help the distressed swimmer. He was freaked out and yelling Im gonna die! but I got near enough that I could push him and I yelled we gotta go, we gotta go! Simonelli recalled. Explaining that the turbulence of aggressive waves is toward the surface top, Simonelli said he tried to instruct the swimmer to dive as the waves approached. You have to get under the top, because under the wave, it can be calm, he said. We had been getting under during a set, but when the third one came, the swimmer stayed above. I was totally exposed and got flipped and tumbled three times and I was just expecting to hit the rocks. I found my balance and got up, but since I got pushed back, I was 30 feet behind the guy and another wave was coming. I got to within 10 feet behind him and yelled at him to go under. I went under early and spread my arms out wide, hoping he would get pushed into me. Now within arms reach and with Simonelli not going to let him go the two got closer to a current that would pull them farther away from where waves were crashing. It took me five minutes to get him to where it was safe, Simonelli said. There was no one around, but before I went in, I told the kids to call 9-1-1. I finally heard a siren and saw a lifeguard getting ready with the rescue. I told the swimmer the lifeguards were coming. I was gassed, and we were about 100-150 yards out. But I saw they were coming. By this point, the guy was barely keeping his head above water. I tried to calm him down, and asked him if he was from the area, Simonelli. He said he was from San Diego and he swam at The Cove before, but not when conditions were like that. People come to The Cove once a year and remember it being calm and think they can just jump in and swim out. This guy thought he was going to jump in like he had before. When lifeguards arrived, they were able to get the swimmer onto a rescue jet ski. Because the swimmer was able to move all his limbs, Simonelli said he believed the guy would recover. Crediting his Cove familiarity with helping him during the rescue, Simonelli reflected: Ive never been stuck in The Hole ... and Ive pushed people away from the rocks ... but Ive never experienced what happened that day. There was a feeling of the unknown. But, I think my training (as a lifeguard) and my disposition helped me focus on what needed to happen. Getting called to the principals office is usually not a good thing. For Stephanie Hassebrink, it was a career highlight. I have had the best week serving as La Jolla Elementarys interim principal, she told the Light on Friday, Jan. 11. Everyone has been so welcoming and positive, and I feel like Im on cloud nine. Early in the new year, San Diego Unified School District superintendent Mitzi Moreno asked Hasselbrink if she wanted to fill in for recently departed Donna Tripi during the search for her replacement. (The 19-year La Jolla Elementary principal announced on Dec. 3 that she was leaving to become superintendent of the Rancho Santa Fe School District.) When I received the call, my initial reaction was surprise, as it wasnt something that I had been expecting, said Hasselbrink, who was serving as an in-school resource teacher at San Diegos Marshall Elementary School at the time. My next reaction was excitement, she said. I absolutely loved teaching at La Jolla Elementary, and the opportunity to return to serve the community just thrilled me. (Hasselbrink taught fifth grade at La Jolla Elementary from 2011 to 2015.) This is Hasselbrinks first stint anywhere as a principal. However, as Marshalls resource teacher for four years, she said she had the opportunity to run the school operationally and instructionally and that I would say you could probably liken it to a vice-principalship. Hasselbrink described her primary goal during this transition as to listen to parents and teachers and to continue the amazing work theyve been doing. She also noted that retired principal Julie Martel will be in two days a week to help and advise her. As for whether Tripi also gave her any advice, Hasselbrink said: I didnt connect with her on the phone prior to coming in, but we texted and well be speaking sometime later. Being a temporary anything always has a twinge of surreality to it. For instance, the walls of Hasselbrinks new office are bare because her old office at Marshall still awaits her return. All of my stuff is there and I literally just packed a couple of items in a bag, she said. Im an interim, so thats still my position and this is my temporary position. Of course, its possible she may not return if she applies for Tripis position and gets it. I might when its been posted, she said. In my life, I definitely look ahead to the long-term. But right now, Im just trying on Miss Tripis shoes to see if I can tackle some of the many aspects of her job. Tripi was the fourth La Jolla public-school principal to leave her job in 2018, following the principals of Bird Rock and Torrey Pines elementary schools and Muirlands Middle School. I think the parents see this as stability, because Im somebody from the community whos familiar, so Im kind of able to pick up where Donna left off, Hasselbrink said. And Im committed through the end of the process. Its not like Im going to be here for a couple of days and see if its OK and if its not, Im going to leave. Hasselbrink estimated the length of that process as anywhere from three to nine months. It seems these days that oftentimes positions get re-posted, Hasselbrink said, especially at a school like La Jolla thats had incredible leadership and has a very clear picture of the leader they would like. Hasselbrink brought up an analogy used often in education that of an airplane being built while its flying. It suggests uncertainty about the destination. Here at La Jolla Elementary, Hasselbrink said, the plane is built, it has comfortable seats with a screen on the back of each one, and they know exactly where theyre going because theyve had such an organized leader and such an amazing group of teachers, parents and parent volunteers who have created this plan. Asked if she expects any turbulence, she replied: I wouldnt call it turbulence. I think there might be a couple of birds flying around that you have to navigate your way around. MEET STEPHANIE HASSELBRINKAge: 40.Married: To my career.Raised: Santa Clara, Calif.Current residence: Downtown San Diego.Surname derivation: Dutch, her German family believes, having something to do with a hazelnut tree on a rolling hill.Favorite part of the day: Visiting classrooms and seeing teachers engage their students in all different types of learning.Least favorite: Fighting the traffic home.Whats in her lunchbox right now: A chicken-and-rice something. Editors Note: People in Your Neighborhood shines a spotlight on notable locals we all wish we knew more about! If you know someone youd like the Light to profile, send the lead via e-mail to editor@lajollalight.com or call (858) 875-5950. Its been nine months since the death of Mitzi Shore, queen of Hollywoods famous Comedy Store since 1972, who expanded it to San Diego four years later. (Originally, It was in Pacific Beach before relocating to 916 Pearl St., but only for a year.) So the Light paid a visit to the La Jolla franchise to see what, if anything, had changed. We sat for a chat with Mike Vinn, its talent coordinator and marketing director since 2006. Not everyone gets to achieve all their dreams by age 25, but Vinn says he only had two: 1) to serve in the military; and 2) to become a standup comic. After a four-year stint in the Marines, the former Chicagoite stayed on in San Diego to sample the open-mic circuit. A year later, he achieved a veritable comedy impossibility a fulltime job in comedy. Vinn, now 38, books comics at the La Jolla Comedy Store on weeknights and serves on the team that decides which to recommend to the companys Hollywood talent coordinators, who book La Jollas weekend acts. Vinn also still performs regularly at the club. (His current set addresses his recent marriage and life as a stepfather.) Whats your favorite Mitzi story? I dont really have one. I didnt meet her until she was already a little bit older. But I was more or less in awe the first time I met her. She was the one who changed everything. Before Mitzi, they used to put musical acts between each comic. Comics didnt go back to back and she went, No. Comics can go after comics. She was also the one who painted everything black and just put the spotlight on the stage. No bells and whistles, no random artwork and stage props. All the focus is on the comic and thats it. Has anything changed about the La Jolla Comedy Store since she died? No. Were continuing to move forward develop new talent. Before Mitzi passed, it got switched over to Mitzi Shore Incorporated, and her son Peter took over as head. Then theres a VP of operations, who is great. Were still packed almost every night. Business has been booming. Pauly Shore fought Peter for ownership, right? I dont know. I stay out of any family issues. Im just here to do my job. Is it accurate to think of the La Jolla Comedy Store as the farm team for Hollywood? Yeah, basically. Cheech and Chong used to get sent down here to work on their stuff, and look what happened to them. I think of this place like the movie Bull Durham, and Im Kevin Costner. According to Mike Vinn, the signatures on the La Jolla Comedy Stores exterior all represent comics who have played the club since it opened in 1977. (COREY LEVITAN) Is there something in a comic that you look for thats a good predictor of future success? Stage presence and how they talk to people. Some people go up there with the idea that this is their persona, this is who theyre going to be, and thats not how comedy goes. Other people think, Im going to be just like this other comic and its going to be the funniest thing. And thats not it, either. Its all about you and your own personality. Does your military background help you do your job? I would say it helps anybody do any job smoothly and efficiently to keep things in order and not be afraid to keep people in line when you need to. It helped me mature, too, because I went to boot camp when I was 17 my mother had to sign a permission slip and was out by the time I was 21. Did you do standup in the Marines? No, not until later, but I was always the one in the platoon that made everybody laugh. My mouth got me in trouble a bunch of times. Once, I left my car on base instead of moving it off base, but I just hid it. And when the battalion commander asked me why I did it, I told him the honest truth, which was that I thought I could get away with it. And he didnt like that answer. But I do have an honorable discharge, I should probably state (laughs). Why did you leave? My contract was up. I served my country and I wanted to move on and see what else was out there. And I fell in love with San Diego while stationed at Camp Pendleton. They dont have winter here. Whats the funniest thing about La Jolla? For me, the funniest thing about La Jolla is that its Whoville. Dr. Seuss was a resident and was probably inspired to write How the Grinch Stole Christmas by looking over downtown La Jolla at all the people buying tons of presents being (whiny) about Christmas. Once you realize that, youll never look at La Jolla the same. What were the highlights for Bulgari in 2018? It was another year of growth and market share gain for us if I compare our figures with the total Swiss watch industry exports. Im very happy about that because we have been outperforming the industry for four years now, ever since we launched the Lvcea collection in 2014. This has become one of our key product pillars, together with the hugely successful Octo and Serpenti collections. They now account for most of Bulgaris watch business. We saw continued growth in 2018 thanks to the Lvcea Tubogas and Skeleton models that we presented at Baselworld. Growth continued in the Serpenti collection, too, thanks to the ceramic and Tubogas models. With yet another new world record presented last year, the Octo collection also enjoyed strong growth. Furthermore, we have seen increased popularity for the watch collections in Asia, with record growth in China. Lvcea Squelette, Serpenti Spiga Ceramic, Serpenti Tubogas and Lvcea Tubogas Bulgari What can we expect from Bulgari in 2019? Will you continue to focus on Asia given the political and economic instability in Europe? There are two dimensions to the European market. On the one hand there is the local population and on the other the travel retail market, with Europe being one of the biggest tourist destinations. As far as travel retail is concerned, it is obvious that the Christmas period was tough, just because of the events in France, which reflected negatively on Europe as a whole. Chinese tourists react extremely quickly to events, as we have already seen from exchange rate fluctuations. They can shift destinations within 48 hours. We know from airlines and travel agents that Chinese cancelled trips to Europe in the run-up to Christmas and beyond. But they didnt cancel their holidays. Instead they have shifted to Asia, favouring Japan, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia and Australia. Brexit will happen on 29th March this year. How do you see this affecting your business? The United Kingdom doesnt seem to have been affected as much by the events in Europe. Maybe the countrys island status means that it is perceived as more protected. Like the rest of Europe, the UK has two parallel markets: local and tourist. If the value of sterling continues to drop then this will inevitably have a negative impact on purchasing power for the resident population. Tourists, however, continue to be driven by London as a top destination and the fact that the weak pound makes the market one of the most attractive in terms of price. As a global brand we try to avoid price differences between cities, but London has nevertheless been doing very well over the past 18 months and continues to be one of the best cities in Europe for us. It is true however, that if a lot of wealthy bankers leave the city to settle in Germany, Luxembourg, France and Ireland, we may lose some customers in London. But we are also well represented in the cities that they will move to. Can you explain the philosophy behind the idea of rinascimento that you first spoke about at the Bulgari hotel in Shanghai last year? In the rinascimento of the late 15th and early 16th centuries in Italy, a lot of existing paradigms were challenged in art, architecture and engineering. We realised that this is exactly what we had been doing since 2010 when we relaunched the Serpenti in the mainstream market with the Tubogas, added the Octo two years later and the Lvcea two years after that. These three icons have been infused with antique Roman codes: architecture for the Octo, jewellery for the Serpenti and a mix of both for Lvcea. In parallel, we introduced major advances in engineering, introducing the Finissimo and Finissima collections but also making major steps in the field of minute repeaters and innovating in the use of materials. If you take the Octo in carbon as an example, its not just distinctive because of the ultra-thin case or the angular design but also because of the material. The use of carbon for the case, the strap and the dial is pretty unique. In fact, I dont recall any other brand doing this and it changes the look of the watch completely. Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon Bulgari Whether Im wearing a Bulgari perfume, a Bulgari watch or staying a Bulgari hotel, what defines the Bulgari experience? Its a feeling of contemporary magnificence. Our hotels in particular are unique because they are in a league of their own. They are the only ones in the world with so few rooms and such a bespoke experience. Our closest competitors have five to twenty times more hotels than us and each hotel has at least twice as many rooms. So it is a completely different offering. Serpenti Spiga in white ceramic Bulgari Our influence is very Italian and specifically Roman, so you do have this Roman magnificence about everything we do, whether it is hospitality, jewellery or watches. But it is all done in a very contemporary way. The Octo, for example, is one of the most contemporary expressions of watchmaking architecture. The same is true for the Serpenti Spiga, where I cannot think of another watch that is so contemporary in its look. How have ladies taken to high-horology pieces and, in particular, the Finissima concept, which we saw with the Diva Finissima Minute Repeater launched last year? The Diva collection from 10,000 Swiss upwards was launched in 2017 and has fast become our mainstream collection for ladies. The Finissima minute repeater is the flagship model, bringing together the best of craftsmanship from dial making and gem setting to beautiful music from a home-made minute repeater. We are now developing the range between the entry-level watches and this high-end model. We saw a couple of examples this year with the artistic crafts and the Roman numeral dials. Diva Finissima Minute Repeater Bulgari This segment of complicated jewellery watches is expanding. We already started developing it with the Serpenti Incantati model a few years ago with a skeleton tourbillon. In Le Sentier we have the expertise and craftsmanship to be able to design and create this kind of complication for ladies. The Diva Finissima Minute Repeater sold out very quickly so it is definitely something that appeals to ladies. Serpenti Incantati Skeleton Tourbillon Bulgari Do you think there is a gap in the market for this kind of ladies watch with this level of horological content rather than just high jewellery alone? It probably helps to be a jeweller if you want to develop this kind of watch and basically there are only two or three brands in this position. Because we also have grand complication credentials, the idea of combining the two was quite logical. We have the Italian jewellery heritage on the one side and the locally developed Swiss watchmaking expertise on the other. I think there is a lot of potential because grand complications have traditionally been masculine and over the long term the feminine pieces could account for up to 40% of our sales in this segment. What can you tell us about the year ahead and Baselworld 2019? We will be in Baselworld along with the other LVMH group brands. We will be observing, assessing and measuring so that we can draw conclusions on whether the strategy adopted by the new management is going in the right direction and whether we should confirm our longer-term commitment. The Swiss watch industry is small by global standards and its important to have the spotlight on it twice a year. Its good image-wise for the industry as a whole. Whether it is relevant for individual brands depends a lot on the creativity of those brands. They also have a responsibility to bear and be clear on what their expectations are and how they can stand out. Over the coming twelve months we will be very focused on Octo, Lvcea and Serpenti and the rinascimento will be taken to a next level first of all during this SIHH week and then will culminate at Baselworld. We will continue to be aggressive on the market and are targeting significant growth in 2019. Images Sorry, there are no recent results for popular images. A "Vote Here" sign outside of the Maxwell Elementary Voting location. Voters came out early in the morning to vote in the midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Maxwell Elementary Voting location in Lexington, Kentucky. Photo by Michael Clubb | Staff In this image issued by the House of Commons of British Prime Minister Theresa May looks on as MP's announce that she has lost a vote on her Brexit plan on Jan. 15. AP British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. The defeat was widely expected, but the scale of the House of Commons' vote _ 432 votes against the government and 202 in support _ was devastating for May's fragile leadership. It followed more than two years of political upheaval in which May has staked her political reputation on getting a Brexit deal and was the biggest defeat for a government in the House of Commons in modern history. Moments after the result was announced _ with Speaker John Bercow bellowing ''the noes have it'' to a packed Commons chamber _ May said it was only right to test whether the government still had lawmakers' support to carry on. Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn quickly obliged, saying May's government had lost the confidence of Parliament. Lawmakers will vote Wednesday on his motion of no-confidence. If the government loses, it will have 14 days to overturn the result or face a national election. Although May lacks an overall majority in Parliament, she looks likely to survive the vote unless lawmakers from her Conservative party rebel. Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, which props up May's government, said it would support her. ''The House has spoken and the government will listen,'' May said after the vote, which leaves her Brexit plan on life support just 10 weeks before the country is due to leave the EU on March 29. May promised to consult lawmakers on future moves, but gave little indication of what she plans to do next. Parliament has given the government until Monday to come up with a new proposal. She faces a stark choice: Steer the country toward an abrupt ''no-deal'' break with the EU or try to nudge it toward a softer departure. Meanwhile, lawmakers from both government and opposition parties are trying to wrest control of the Brexit process from a paralyzed government, so that lawmakers by majority vote can specify a new plan for Britain's EU exit. But with no clear majority in Parliament for any single alternate course, there is a growing chance that Britain may seek to postpone its departure date while politicians work on a new plan _ or even hand the decision back to voters in a new referendum on EU membership. ''If you can't resolve the impasse here in Westminster, than you have to refer it back to the people,'' said Labour Party lawmaker Chuka Umunna, who supports a second referendum. May, who had postponed a vote on the deal in December to avoid certain defeat, had implored lawmakers to back her deal and deliver on voters' decision in 2016 to leave the EU. But the deal was doomed by deep opposition from both sides of the divide over U.K.'s place in the bloc. Pro-Brexit lawmakers say the deal will leave Britain bound indefinitely to EU rules, while pro-EU politicians favor an even closer economic relationship with Europe. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attend a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Dec. 4, 2017. Reuters China expressed its ''strong dissatisfaction'' with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday over his criticism of a death sentence given to a Canadian accused of drug smuggling at a retrial that followed a chilling of relations over the arrest of a senior Chinese technology executive. Trudeau should ''respect the rule of law, respect China's judicial sovereignty, correct mistakes and stop making irresponsible remarks,'' foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. ''We express our strong dissatisfaction with this,'' Hua told reporters at a daily briefing. Her comments are the latest sign of a sharp cooling of China-Canada ties since Canada detained Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. The U.S. wants Meng extradited to face charges that she committed fraud by misleading banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. The Liaoning provincial court in northeastern China announced the death sentence for 36-year-old Robert Lloyd Schellenberg on Monday. Schellenberg was detained more than four years ago, went on trial in 2016 and was initially sentenced to 15 years in prison in November. The Chinese media began republicizing Schellenberg's case after Meng's detention. Within weeks, an appeals court suddenly reversed the earlier decision, saying the sentence was too lenient, and scheduled Monday's retrial with just four days' notice. The court gave no indication that the death penalty could be commuted, but observers said Schellenberg's fate is likely to be drawn into diplomatic negotiations over China's demand for Meng's release. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada has asked China to spare the life of Schellenberg. ''We believe it is inhumane and inappropriate, and wherever the death penalty is considered with regard to a Canadian we speak out against it,'' Freeland said. Freeland said she had ''a very emotional conversation'' with Schellenberg's father on Monday. Schellenberg's defense lawyer, Zhang Dongshuo, said his client plans to appeal the verdict. ''I can't tell you the relationship between Mr. Schellenberg's last appeal procedure and sensitive events which happened in Canada,'' Zhang said, but he described the timing of Schellenberg's appeal and retrial as ''very significant.'' He declined to elaborate on the significance or to comment specifically on whether recent developments were linked to Meng. Zhang, a Beijing-based lawyer who has taken on several high-profile cases involving foreigners arrested in China, previously represented Phan ''Sandy'' Phan-Gillis, an American woman convicted of espionage and deported back to the U.S. in 2017. Questions have swirled over the court's rapid retrial and sentencing of Schellenberg. Zhang said while the court's actions were all lawful, they were also ''abnormal.'' Among the unusual features of the proceedings, according to Zhang: the public nature of Schellenberg's December appeal, the swift scheduling of the retrial and the fact that the court announced its sentence just one hour after the trial ended Monday. By Baek Byung-yeul The antitrust agency has imposed a fine of 900 million won ($803,713) on Nissan Korea and its mother company Nissan Motors for advertising bogus fuel efficiencies for their vehicles, and reported the two firms to prosecutors on the suspicion that they violated the Fair Labeling and Advertising Act. The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said Nissan Korea promoted its Infiniti Q50 sedans as having a fuel efficiency of 15.1 kilometers per liter from February 2014 to November 2014 although it was actually 14.6 kilometers per liter. Ads stating this appeared in catalogues and car brochures, and on fuel efficiency labels attached to the vehicle. The agency added Nissan Korea and Nissan Motors Limited falsely advertised that their Qashqai SUVs were designed to meet the Clean Air Conservation Act and Euro 6 Standards via vehicle fuel efficiency labels attached on the SUVs and internet homepages from November 2015 to June 2016. With the deceptive advertisements, Nissan Korea sold 2,040 Q50 sedans and 824 Qashqai SUVs and generated sales of 68.6 billion won and 21.5 billion won respectively. The FTC said it based the judgment on results of tests conducted by the Ministry of Environment in 2016. After testing the Qashqai SUVs, the ministry announced the results in May 2016 saying it found the exhaust gas recirculation device in the vehicle turned off when the engine temperature reached 35 degree Celsius. Turning off the device prevents fresh air from entering into the engine compartment, and produces more nitrogen oxide emissions. "Given that consumers who purchase vehicles that fail to meet vehicle emission standards, should pay environmental improvement charges, we came to the conclusion that these deceptive advertisements could damage consumers and the public interest," the FTC said. The penalty came a day after the FTC imposed an 817 million won fine on Toyota Motor Korea for deceptive ads about the safety of its RAV4 SUV. By Jun Ji-hye Companies here need to undergo major reform to survive as the nation's economy will face escalating risks and difficulties this year, according to a former minister of finance and economy, Wednesday. During a seminar hosted by EY Han Young to discuss the economic outlook inside and outside the country, Kwon O-kyu, who was the finance minister under President Roh Moo-hyun, said uncertainty is growing as the United States, China, Japan and the European Union are becoming stuck with slow growth, while the U.S.-China trade conflict continues. He also said unstable factors are growing in emerging nations. EY Han Young is one of the big four accounting firms here. "To survive, Korean companies need to face reality, respond flexibly to changes and make investments for the future," Kwon said during a keynote address at the seminar held at the Lotte Hotel, central Seoul. "In 2019, the whole world, except for India, ASEAN countries and some African countries, is expected to suffer a growth slowdown," he said, noting that low interest will not last forever. Kwon said Korea has already been overtaken by China in not only the manufacturing business, but also Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as the internet of things, the cloud, big data, artificial intelligence and blockchain. "This was because companies did not clarify their priority and direction, and chose the safe method of becoming second movers," he said. Stressing that the Korean economy has reached an inflection point, he called for reform through "3Fs" focused, flexible and forward-looking. He added all problems need to be exposed without any fear, and all sectors such as politics, business and labor need to surrender their vested rights to overcome economic crises. Kim Hark-sang, Samsung's head of its visual R&D team and mobile communications business / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics Samsung Electronics Co.'s upcoming foldable phone is just the beginning of its smartphone innovation as a larger display expands the possibilities of user experiences, its senior vice president said Wednesday. Kim Hark-sang, Samsung's head of its visual R&D team and mobile communications business, said users will be able to do even more with their smartphones as mobile technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence rapidly mature, supporting the need for a bigger screen. "Whether it's leveraging increased connectivity or harnessing next-generation mobile intelligence, a larger display will be key to accessing future smartphone experiences," Kim wrote in Samsung's online newsroom. "Instead of accepting the status quo, resolving the contradiction between screen size and portability and developing a new form factor became the central focus of our innovation efforts." Kim said unveiling the Infinity Flex Display in November signaled the company's efforts to find new growth momentum in the weakening smartphone market. "After the prototypes of the flexible display debuted at (the Consumer Electronics Show) in 2011, it took another seven years to perfect the technology and deliver a truly meaningful experience to users," Kim said. "From developing new materials to overcoming mechanical challenges, the foldable screen demanded a total reconfiguration of the smartphone from inside out." Samsung has created a "natural and durable folding experience" that can withstand hundreds of thousands of folds, with new ways of placing the battery, cooling system and camera inside the slim body, Kim said. The company also developed an intuitive user experience to ensure applications can transition seamlessly between the smaller and larger displays, he noted. "The arrival of the Infinity Flex Display is just the beginning," Kim said. "We will continue pushing the limits of possibility and shape the future as it unfolds." The South Korean tech giant said it will release its foldable phone this year. It is widely expected to unveil it during the Unpacked event for the Galaxy S10 slated for Feb. 20 in San Francisco. (Yonhap) White paper stops describing North Korea as 'enemy' The Ministry of National Defense deleted a phrase describing North Korea as an "enemy" of South Korea in its 2018 white paper published Tuesday. The deletion certainly reflects the rapidly changing geopolitical situation on the peninsula following inter-Korean detente and denuclearization talks between Pyongyang and Washington. The removal of the phrase should not come as a surprise. Conservative opposition parties and their supporters might argue it is premature to stop defining the North Korean government and military as our enemy. It is understandable that conservatives harbor worries about military threats from the North, still technically at war with the South after the Korean War ended with armistice. Nevertheless, it is irrational to have a knee-jerk reaction to the change in the defense white paper. In this sense, the conservative camp should not yield to the temptation to revive the debate over whether North Korea is our enemy or not. Such a debate, if revived, will do more harm than good. It could be seen as an anachronistic attempt to go back to the old days of the Cold War, only reviving red-baiting and a self-destructive ideological conflict between conservatives and progressives. One may raise concerns that our defense posture could be weakened by not referring directly to the North as the enemy of the South. However, the white paper used the term "enemy" to describe broader national security threats. The defense ministry said, "The expression, enemy, is described as a concept that encompasses not only North Korean threats but also transnational and nonmilitary threats, as well as increasing potential threats." In a word, the concept of "enemy" is not fixed. It can change in tune with the changing security and geopolitical environment. For example, the Kim Young-sam administration defined North Korea as South Korea's main enemy in 1995 after Pyongyang threatened to turn Seoul into a sea of fire the previous year. But in 2004 the liberal government under President Roh Moo-hyun omitted the definition, only mentioning that the North posed a direct military threat to the South. Then, the conservative Lee Myung-bak administration brought back the "enemy" expression regarding the North in 2010. This reflected ever-mounting military tension with Pyongyang which was accused of a torpedo attack on the South's warship Cheonan, which killed 46 sailors, and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island. Now the situation has changed greatly since the inter-Korean summits and the first U.S.-North Korea summit last year. Seoul, Pyongyang and Washington are making efforts to ease tensions, make peace and move toward co-prosperity, although denuclearization talks between the U.S. and the North have hit a snag. North Korea could be an enemy of South Korea, especially given that they fought each other in the Korean War. The two Koreas have often been pitted against each other since then. But it is also necessary to see the North as our counterpart, with which the South needs to promote reconciliation, cooperation and exchange for coexistence, co-prosperity and eventually unification. Authorities under fire for failing to cut hazardous emissions The worst-ever case of fine dust pollution has swept most of the country over the past several days. The government issued warnings against the "smog" that contains cancer-causing agents that could put people's lives and business activities in harm's way. The exacerbated problem has overshadowed President Moon Jae-in's campaign pledge to reduce the emission of domestic fine dust by 30 percent if he were elected. His administration has made little progress so far in tackling the public health hazard. Local authorities in 10 major cities and provinces have enacted emergency measures to battle the disaster, including limiting public employees' use of personal vehicles and reducing the emission of pollutants causing fine dust from public facilities. They are also asking citizens to leave their cars at home. But these steps cannot be a fundamental solution. Many studies and scientific examinations indicate China is responsible for a large portion of the fine dust as it comes from industrial regions there, accompanied by dust storms. However, the Beijing government is reluctant to accept this fact. An enforcement decree on the reduction and management of fine dust will go into effect Feb. 15, though it is somewhat belated. This will affect both the public and private sectors. The private sector needs to play a more active role in bringing fine dust levels down. The related authorities should work out measures to help people who work outdoors despite the suffocating hazardous particles. They also need to take more proper and timely steps to better protect the elderly and children. A battle against air pollution is underway throughout the world. It has already become a global disaster that costs the lives of 7 million people every year, according to the World Health Organization. It is urgent for Korea to step up cooperation with neighboring countries, especially China, to effectively fight fine dust. It should do everything it can to make the nation free from such pollution. The Moon administration should reconsider its headlong push for a nuclear phase-out. It would be better to keep nuclear reactors online, while shutting down fossil fuel-fired power plants which are partly to blame for belching out fine dust particles. Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of 8.57 billion USD in 2018, the highest-ever level, according the countrys Central Statistics Agency (BPS). In 2017, the Southeast Asian country ran a trade surplus of 11.84 billion USD, the BPS said on January 15. Indonesias export turnover went up from 168.82 billion USD in 2017 to 180.06 billion USD in 2018. However, the import turnover also increased from 156.99 billion USD to 188.63 billion USD. Head of the BPS Kecuk Suhariyanto said the cause of the deficit in 2018 was mostly due to the oil and gas deficit of 12.4 billion USD. Meanwhile, other fields saw a surplus of 3.84 billion USD, he unveiled. The Indonesian Government has been applying measures to restrain imports such as imposing higher import duties on more than 1,000 items, adopting regulations on the compulsory use of biodiesel so as to reduce oil imports, and delaying some infrastructure construction projects.VNA\ By Dr. Ahmad Rashid Malik The U.S. administration has announced that it will halve the number of troops inside Afghanistan. At the moment, there are around 14,000 troops, which means that around 7,000 troops will be remaining after 2019. Regional players, particularly Iran, Pakistan and Russia, are keenly desirous of bringing peace in Afghanistan to reduce several of the issues in their lands. Peace in Afghanistan is the same old story but badly needed. This could end the 17-year-long conflict. Whether this will work and bring peace inside Afghanistan is a crucial question. U.S. special representative on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, met the Taliban and discussed issues pertaining to its involvement inside Afghanistan in the month of December. The reduction of American troops and a ceasefire in Afghanistan were the two important measures that were discussed. In return, an Afghan delegation met with the Iranian side. Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, visited Kabul and held negotiations with the Taliban. A large number of refugees are living inside Pakistan and it is keen to see the return of these refugees. For Pakistan, this would be a great starting point. The U.S. side is worrying about what will fill the vacuum left by its troops, perhaps it will be filled by Iran. The peace talks may bring unease to India as it sees Pakistan in a comfortable situation once all the refugees go back to Afghanistan. India sees the post-Taliban situation as not good for Kashmir. On one side, Kashmiries are satisfied with the situation in Afghanistan, and on the other side there will be many voices to "free Kashmir from India's tyranny." For India, to see both freedoms at its door is not possible. Therefore, India will continue to see an Afghanistan under perpetual crisis as in its interests. It is in India's foremost interest that it should support a regime inside Afghanistan that is in perpetual conflict with Pakistan. For these reasons, India will continue to oppose Pakistan and Russia in Afghanistan. As for China, it is not in the interest of it to propose any role in that country. Again 9/11 provided an opportunity to India to increase its influence in Afghanistan, particularly after the Bonn Agreement in 2001. Since then, India has been following a policy of high-level engagement with Afghanistan. From development of infrastructure to providing hard military assistance, Indian policy toward Afghanistan is a major challenge to Pakistan. As many other countries see Afghanistan from their points of view, India naturally finds its own inroads in Afghanistan. India simply cannot stop its Central Asian strategy. Therefore, India must continue its drive for Afghanistan. Without Afghanistan, what role is there for India in Central Asia? The Iranian port in Chahbahar is also meant for Afghanistan and Central Asia. India must be active all over Afghan-related projects. India will continue with its mercantile interest in Afghanistan. Therefore, having a pro-India regime in Afghanistan is of vital interest to India. Pakistan faces a much more dangerous enemy inside Afghanistan and this situation could be reversed many times. Pakistan's efforts with Iran to bring peace in Afghanistan would not be productive. India has seen the worst shape of the Taliban government (1996-2001) in Kabul and will not want to repeat that mistake again. The collaboration work with the United States is quite hard. It is part of U.S. policy in Afghanistan to give value to India's work. Pakistan faces a dilemma. Pakistan never appreciates India's role in Afghanistan. Pakistan sees that all ills are coming from its policy. India has been making efforts to destabilize Balochistan and marginalize Pakistan. India's efforts are continuing. On the other side, India has been making efforts to decrease the importance of Gwadar Port a Chinese multi-billion assisted project on which the backbone of the entire economy of Pakistan will depend. Pakistani decision-makers should lay down their focus on building all large and medium size projects in Afghanistan. It should use its political leverage inside in Afghanistan. Pakistan must be actively participating in all efforts relating to anti-narcotic activities in Afghanistan responsible for over 90 percent of world narcotic activities. Public-to-public contact and seminars and conferences should be organized to show a link between Pakistan and Afghani experts. Pakistani teachers and experts should be deployed in Afghanistan. Pakistan must build its strategic communication in Afghanistan to increase its visibility. The media should play an effective role in diffusing tension and creating understanding with each other. This is a Pakistani strategy inside Afghanistan to achieve its ends. The writer is a consultant at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. He writes on East Asian affairs. By Mario Miszycki Last year was special when it came to North Korea. After more than a decade, finally there was a willingness and opportunity to communicate between Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul. President Moon Jae-in even received a letter at the end of year from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, wishing and hoping to meet again in the near future. Everything looked promising and reassuring until the New Year message from Kim. Firstly, I was surprised to see him sitting in some fancy hall or office wearing a suit and tie. Since 2011, young Kim has been wearing an "old-fashioned" uniform matched with triple XL wide trousers, broadcasting from an undisclosed location or the Supreme People's Assembly. And now this elegant look in cozy surroundings? Wow, the best PR stunt in a decade! I presume that the purpose of this was to show the world that Kim is moving from tyranny to strong leadership and he is all about business. At least on video. What was more important was the message. Basically, the North will start the denuclearization process if the U.S. will remove the sanctions and vice versa. However, so far no one wants to be first to do a favor and that's the biggest problem. It can go on and on for another year. Trump will claim that he is the first president who has engaged with North Korea, but they don't want to collaborate. North Korea will say that the U.S. is not keen on cooperation and that they feel threatened. Thus, they cannot remove their nuclear assets. There are two questions which should be answered. Firstly, how much we can trust North Korea? Secondly, how critical is the situation in Pyongyang and how desperate is the regime to have sanctions removed? Regarding the first part, time has shown that it is very little. Over the years, the North has always found a cause to change their policies. Even a tiny reason might cause North Korea to walk off from negotiations and turn back on the U.S. But there is always a first time for everything. In my opinion, Trump is very skeptical about the North's reliability and simply doesn't trust the regime. Rightly so. When it comes to the North Korean economy, it's clear that it is in serious trouble, thus the recent visit to Beijing. China has its own problems with "trade wars," but it seems like it is willing to provide help just as it always does. It is clear that Kim is sending signals to Washington, that he can still rely on an old ally and simply change his mind about denuclearization anytime. The U.S. position is rock solid, but it also means that there has been very little progress since the Singapore summit regarding denuclearization. It's like a chess game where both parties are waiting for the opponent to move. Furthermore, lifting sanctions first means that there is a trust toward Pyongyang, but it also implies a weaker position of the U.S. Imagine, if suddenly, the North resumes the nuclear program and missile testing; this will put Trump's administration under enormous pressure. The world will consider this a diplomatic failure. There is no simple solution or quick fix, but one of them has to sacrifice a bit. As always, the situation is problematic and Kim has to try a new approach to get those sanctions off. Valentine's Day is coming soon and it seems like there is unlimited and unconditional love between China and North Korea. But how does the U.S. feel about it? Perhaps heartbroken. Mario Miszycki (miszymar@gmail.com) is holder of a master's degree in political science and finance and investment. He is a visiting lecturer at Kookje College and works for Songpa Youth Center. By Arthur I. Cyr "The world is quietly getting better" That is the headline of an important article by columnist Greg Ip in the Wall Street Journal for Jan. 3. Traditionally, my column early in the New Year describes positive trends in the world. That can be worthwhile, but can also become routine, a predictable rut of optimism that turns off rather than inspires some readers, and not just pessimists. In order to counter that risk, this year there is reference to other information sources, including the Brookings Institution and the World Bank. Shared opinions are not necessarily entirely accurate opinions, but there is strength in numbers, and the results of in-depth research bolster the views. Ip emphasizes the extraordinary recent movement of the vast mass of people in the world out of abject poverty. In the year 1980, approximately one-half of the population on the planet lived in "extreme poverty." The World Bank defines that condition as below $1.90 per day valued in 2011 dollars, an estimate adjusted to account for drastically different cost and price structures in various countries and regions. Less than that amount means essential conditions of life cannot be met. That is not news. Through the long sweep of human history, the vast majority of the population lived in destitution, unhealthy misery, and often starvation. Imminent death was a fact of life. That gruesome reality led a lot of people to idealize poverty, celebrate simple rural life, a denial of reality that is also part of the human condition. That is no longer the case. Under 10 percent of the world's population is now in that terrible state, and this year likely will bring a further reduction. That is news. As this implies, the poorest parts of the globe are successfully playing economic catch-up, with considerable success. Africa is an especially dramatic example. Although that continent truly is vast and diverse, the demonstrable economic progress is generally evident, not limited to just a few states. The influential, respected Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. currently is devoting helpful in-depth focus to Africa development. The "Africa growth initiative" is a valuable continuing source of research information. Reinforcing and directly related to the article by Ip, the World Bank has just issued the "Doing Business 2019" report. The document evaluates trends in starting a new business, securing credit, quality of government regulation, absence of corruption and related matters. Sub-Saharan Africa is rated highest in terms of positive reforms over the past fifteen years. Related to economic progress and development, democracy is becoming the accepted way of life for the world's population overall, not just the privileged few. As recently as three decades ago, the people of Latin America lived almost uniformly under various degrees of authoritarian regimes. Likewise, reasonably honest and contested elections are spreading in Africa, Asia, and the former Soviet Union and at least locally China. In the global context, the dramatic, tumultuous and violent "Arab Spring" while currently stymied has been partly a manifestation of the worldwide drive toward fair representative government. Japan and South Korea are somewhat overshadowed by negative nuclear news from North Korea. That is unfortunate. Both provide examples to the rest of Asia of functioning political democracies. Both populations have surmounted enormous challenges to do so. Undeniably, free competitive economies and open competitive elections are interconnected. Adam Smith's classic "The Wealth of Nations" appeared in 1776, the year the American Revolution began. Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War" (NYU Press and Macmillan/Palgrave). Contact acyr@carthage.edu Rep. Chung Dong-young of the Party for Democracy and Peace, center, speaks during a press conference near National Assembly, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Park Ji-won Rep. Chung Dong-young, the leader of Party for Democracy and Peace (PDP) proposed cutting lawmakers' salaries to cover the cost of introducing an expanded proportional representation system to increase the number of lawmakers. For the electoral reform, Chung said "The PDP will propose cutting lawmakers' monthly salary to 4.6 million won which is equal to a 2019 median income for one family with four people," Chung said during a press conference to mark the New Year, Wednesday. Citing the National Assembly Political Reform Committee's proposal of expanding the proportional representation system and the number of lawmakers to 360, Chung urged the introduction claiming, "It is a matter of giving ordinary people political chances and power." His remarks came amid stalled talks over electoral reform after leaders of five parties agreed in principle to change the system. The PDP and other minor parties such as the Bareunmirae Party and the Justice Party and civic activists have been calling for the introduction of a system similar to the German-style mixed-member proportional representation system (MMPRS) to prevent "dead votes" in elections. The present system has been criticized as it is considered favorable to larger parties, which makes it difficult to establish a multi-party system, giving little chance to small parties to expand their presence in the Assembly. Chung urged President Moon Jae-in to set up a "citizen's assembly" if the parliament fails to come up with a reform bill by this month. "If the Assembly fails to solve the problem, the President can use his power to set up a citizen's parliament with 300 randomly picked people and let them come up with a reform bill." U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un go for a walk after lunch at the Capella Hotel on the Singaporean island of Sentosa, last June 12. REUTERS By Kim Bo-eun The United States may demand the dismantling of North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in exchange for corresponding measures, according to analysts, Wednesday. This could be discussed as a viable option for their next summit to facilitate North Korea's denuclearization process and build mutual trust, as the U.S. appears to have lowered the threshold of a previous agreement between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This speculation is abounding after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last week mentioned Washington and Pyongyang are discussing means to "decrease risk for the American people." President Moon Jae-in in his New Year press conference mentioned North Korea dismantling its intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) could be a means to begin the process. Based on this, speculation had grown that the U.S. may agree on beginning with ICBMs, which are claimed to be able to reach the U.S. mainland. By Kim Bo-eun Roxy Rezvany / Courtesy of Roxy Rezvany Military personnel from South Korea and the United States engage in a field inspection of an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter deployed for the Foal Eagle combined field training exercise, at the Navy's 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, in this 2017 file photo. / Yonhap US-NK summit may shift schedules for joint drills By Lee Min-hyung Seoul and Washington will likely resume their large-scale joint exercises in March, but will keep them low-key in line with the ongoing inter-Korean detente, according to the Ministry of National Defense, Wednesday. The ministry said the allies have reached a tentative agreement to carry out the Key Resolve computerized command post drill for about two weeks in March. The first part of the annual practice is scheduled to take place for nine days starting March 4, according to officials. Both sides will complete the drill after ending a two-day second part from March 14. The two sides are also in talks to downsize the size of the drill last year, more than 12,000 U.S. troops took part. But officials said there is still a chance both sides may change their plans, depending on the results of an anticipated Washington-Pyongyang summit, expected to take place in the near future. "Defense chiefs from the two countries are still holding discussion to confirm a schedule for the joint exercises, and will confirm it soon," an official from the ministry said. The military authorities are also expected to discuss scaling down the Foal Eagle combined field exercise, which takes place in April each year, and even consider rescheduling it. "Major political events, such as a the upcoming summit, may change the schedule, so it remains to be seen whether Seoul and Washington will carry out the drills," the official said. All eyes are on whether U.S. President Donald Trump can sign a big deal with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at their anticipated second summit. Trump has outwardly expressed complaints over the Seoul-Washington joint exercises, saying he hopes to downsize or even cancel them due to his dissatisfaction with the cost-sharing agreement between the South and the U.S. North Korea also views the joint exercises as the biggest existential threat to its regime, urging Seoul and Washington to put a complete end to any exercises if they want to expand the ongoing inter-Korean peace process. Taking into account the North's protests against the allies' joint exercises, the U.S. and the South suspended large-scale drills last year when Trump held the first historic summit with Kim. With both sides reaching a series of broad agreements for peace on the Korean Peninsula, the allies halted the Ulchi Freedom Guardian command post exercise scheduled for last August, among others. The decision came as part of efforts not to provoke North Korea at a time when the regime offered a rare gesture for peace by pledging to denuclearize the peninsula. In his New Year address, Kim reaffirmed his strong determination to continue holding dialogue with Trump and take appropriate steps for peace. However, he pressed Seoul and Washington to end the drills, which he called the "root cause" of tension on the peninsula. "Our position is that any kinds of war weapons should not be brought to the peninsula at a time when the two Koreas are committed to be taking steps for peace and prosperity," Kim said in the address. He also called on the South to stop conducting joint drills with "external forces." By Ferdinando Giugliano The "gig economy" has become the cause celebre for people who think labor needs help from government in its struggle with capital. Politicians from the radical left and anti-establishment parties say the rise of casual work is a sign that work relationships are sliding back in time and that the state must step in to address this decline in standards. John McDonnell, the U.K. Labour Party's economics spokesman, says so-called "zero-hour contracts" and the gig economy have produced workplace "insecurity not seen since the 1930s." Luigi Di Maio, leader of Italy's ruling Five Star Movement, describes food delivery drivers as "the symbol of an abandoned generation." But new evidence from Britain and Italy shows that this new wave of casual workers is not the homogeneous block of disgruntled people conjured up by McDonnell and Di Maio. Indeed, politicians who look for a "one-size-fits-all" regulation for these employee/employer relationships might end up helping half of these workers, and hurting the rest. Gig economy companies, such as Uber Technologies Inc. or Deliveroo, connect drivers and riders to customers while taking little responsibility for them. Workers log into these software apps whenever they want to work, but the firms don't regard them as employees (even if they sometimes offer limited benefits). Zero-hour contracts are where the employer isn't obliged to provide any minimum number of working hours, while the worker doesn't have to accept any work offered. Such contracts also exist in more traditional areas of the U.K. economy, including the care, retail and leisure industries. Britain's Labour party has promised to give all these workers access to maternity or paternity rights, sick pay and protections against unfair dismissal. Italy's Di Maio is considering going further by making food riders employees and bringing them under a sector-wide employment agreement. But while such measures would offer greater protection, they might also prove too expensive for companies, which may hire fewer workers as a result or leave the market altogether. So politicians must ask themselves who these workers really are. It's true that many of them work largely for a single employer, putting in as many hours as a typical employee, and would like a traditional contract. For these people, it's easier to argue that companies are "exploiting" their power by not treating staff fairly and that the government should step in. But plenty of other gig economy workers prefer a casual relationship with their employer, either because they value their freedom or prefer to work for several companies. In this case, catch-all claims of exploitation don't stand up. Regulating both of these groups in the same way would only destroy a part of the job market that suits companies and a big proportion of workers. Two recent studies, in Italy and the U.K., suggest that the "precarious economy" is much more complex than its opponents suggest. They show a roughly equal split between those who are broadly satisfied with their employment terms and those who'd like a steadier working relationship. Italy's statistical agency INPS surveyed 2,764 people working for 50 gig economy companies. About half were satisfied with their job; more than 30 percent were happy but would rather more stability and higher pay; and less than 20 percent wanted a more traditional job. Neither was there much evidence of gig workers working as many hours as traditional employees. Nearly 50 percent of respondents worked fewer than four hours a week, while slightly less than 10 percent worked more than 30 hours. About half the sample would like more hours, but the rest were satisfied or wanted to work less. The U.K. data are similar. A survey by Stephen Machin and Giulia Giupponi, two researchers at the London School of Economics, involved more than 20,000 self-employed, gig economy and zero-hours respondents. On average, workers on zero-hour contracts worked about 19 hours per week. Very few did more than 40 hours. Again, there was a near-equal split between those who'd like more hours (44 percent) and those satisfied (40 percent). Gig economy workers were similar. These data are a challenge to policymakers. A radical solution, such as forcing companies to hire workers as employees, risks undermining the large number of workers who value flexibility. On the other hand, there appear to be cases for which greater protection is indeed warranted. But there is a way to square the circle and improve the lot of both groups: Politicians could grant certain social benefits to gig workers, particularly where there's lots of demand for them. The Italians and Brits who spoke to the researchers especially valued retirement savings and unemployment benefits, while there was less clamor for paid maternity or family leave. The beauty of this approach is that you wouldn't have to make Uber and Deliveroo drivers full employees, which would create huge costs for companies. Some countries, such as Italy, already have employment contracts that give workers a limited suite of social security benefits. These could be tweaked. The U.K. and other countries don't have these contractual arrangements, but they could create them. Britain's Taylor Review, which examined the gig economy in-depth, recommended that the government there should create a new employment status for the "dependent contractor." They would enjoy fewer rights than employees but more than completely independent contractors. This would, of course, place an extra burden on cash-strapped governments to monitor areas like gig economy sick pay. Britain is already struggling to reform its benefits system. But modern work practices demand modern thinking, not a return to outdated arguments about capital vs. labor. Ferdinando Giugliano writes columns and editorials on European economics for Bloomberg Opinion. He is also an economics columnist for La Repubblica and was a member of the editorial board of the Financial Times. His column appeared in the Bloomberg News and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Jeju Island's lodging industry is suffering growing difficulties due to the glut of hotel rooms and reduction in the number of tourists. Korea Times file South Korea's southern resort island Jeju is facing an oversupply of hotel rooms, a bank report said Wednesday, calling for measures to ensure stable growth of the island's lodging industry. The report issued by the Bank of Korea's Jeju branch said that hotels and other accommodations on Jeju Island have 71,822 guest rooms, while the number of rooms needed to accommodate the current number of tourists is estimated at 46,000. The oversupply of hotel rooms is projected to reach about 26,000 for now, the report noted. The bank made the estimation based on the daily average of 176,000 tourists staying on Jeju. Jeju's lodging industry recorded annual average growth of 13.7 percent in terms of sales from 2006 to 2016. In the period, industry sales increased four times and the number of employees and businesses nearly doubled. These days, however, the island's lodging industry suffers growing difficulties due to the glut of hotel rooms and reduction in the number of tourists, the report said. As of the end of 2018, Jeju Island had 5,182 hotels and other accommodations that operate 71,822 guest rooms. Hotels and condos numbered 416, offering 32,175 rooms. The number of rooms at accommodation residences, including condo hotels and serviced residences, has increased rapidly since 2014 to reach 5,633 last month, the report said. "Jeju's lodging industry is expected to continue to slump for the time being due to slowing increase in the number of domestic tourists, the permission of shared accommodation business and other internal and external factors," said the report. "Long-term policy measures are needed to control the number of hotel rooms because the construction of additional hotels and condos is planned across the island," it said. (Yonhap) The 27th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-27) officially kicked off in Siem Reap, Cambodia, under the theme Strengthening parliamentary partnership for peace, security, and sustainable development. In his opening remarks, President of the Cambodian National Assembly Heng Samrin, who is APPF-27 Chairman, affirmed that the meeting allows member parliaments to consolidate regional cooperation for peace, stability, security and sustainable development, to intensify mutual understanding, and to safeguard peace, stability, and sustainable development through the approval of resolutions to deal with shared concerns. It also offers member parliaments a chance to link ideas and realize visions to strengthen collaboration in the current international environment. Hailing the significance of the meetings main theme, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said that APPF-27 is essential for member parliaments to join hands to boost cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in issues related to security and sustainable development. He recalled difficulties in the countrys history, including the struggle against the Pol Pot genocidal regime, and highlighted the significance of peace and stability in the nation building and development in each country. The Cambodian Government leader took the occasion to thank the international community, including Vietnam, for their assistance. Vietnam saved our nation and helped us with post-war rebuilding efforts and the national development cause, he affirmed. President of the Cambodian Senate Say Chhum underlined that international migration, poverty, environmental issues and climate change are posing threats to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world. He also emphasised the need for parliaments in the Asia-Pacific region to foster bilateral and multilateral cooperation to exchange information on national laws and policies, as well as development in the region and around the globe, and to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges to expand harmonious relations in all fields and at all levels. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni sent a message to the APPF-27, in which he appreciated the forums activities over the past times and believed that its initiatives will be disseminated to the entire region. The Vietnamese delegation to the event is led by National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan. The APPF was established on March 15, 1993, with the purpose of building trust among parliaments in the Asia-Pacific via the enhancement of dialogues between regional parliamentarians, thus contributing to regional peace, sustainability and prosperity. It gathers 27 member parliaments: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, Mexico, Micronesia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.-VNA Rep. Seo Young-kyo of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, left, speaks at a policy meeting in the National Assembly, Seoul, last October. / Korea Times file Rep. Seo pressured court to go easy on friend's son, prosecution says By Lee Suh-yoon Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Seo Young-kyo is under fire over allegations she illicitly lobbied the National Court Administration (NCA) the central organization at the heart of a massive abuse of power scandal at the Supreme Court. In May 2015, Seo allegedly asked a judiciary official surnamed Kim, then stationed at the National Assembly, to get her friend's son, who had been charged with sexually harassing a woman in the street months earlier, a lighter sentence, according to prosecutors investigating the judiciary power abuse scandal, Wednesday. Seo asked that he press the court to rule the man guilty of "obscenity in public," not sexual harassment. Kim forwarded Seo's request to then NCA deputy head Lim Jong-hun, one of the central figures in the scandal that erupted later who was arrested last November for interfering in court rulings to suit Cheong Wa Dae's interests. The message was passed on to the presiding judge in the relevant case. The court did not accept the request to charge the man with public obscenity, but let him off the hook with a 5 million won fine, which was very light for a sexual harassment charge, the prosecutors said. Previous to the illicit dealings, the NCA in 2015 drafted plans to "win over" Rep. Seo to get the bill for setting up a Second Supreme Court passed, The Korea Times' sister paper the Hankook Ilbo reported last July. Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) floor leader Hong Young-pyo, right, speaks at a party leaders meeting at the National Assembly, Wednesday, regarding the recent influence-peddling allegations brought against DPK Rep. Seo Young-kyo. / Yonhap Defense Ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo speaks during a briefing Jan. 4 on the release of a video that refutes Japan's claims that a South Korean warship targeted a Japanese patrol plane with a fire control radar. Yonhap South Korea has proposed to Japan a mutual expert verification of military radar data to address a highly charged dispute over its use of a ship-based radar for humanitarian search operations last month, a military official in Seoul said Wednesday. Seoul made the proposal during general-grade talks with Tokyo in Singapore on Monday. There, the two sides failed to narrow differences as Japan refused to give any specific answer to the request for "objective and fair" verification. The spat erupted following Tokyo's claim that South Korea's 3,200-ton Gwanggaeto the Great destroyer locked its fire-control tracking radar, called STIR-180, on Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force's P-1 patrol aircraft on Dec. 20. Seoul has rejected the charge, saying the warship was then on a mission to rescue a North Korean vessel drifting in the overlapping exclusive economic zones of South Korea and Japan, and that it only used search radar, not the tracking radar. "(At the talks), we asked Japan to offer specific radar frequency data that it claims to have collected when the incident occurred, such as the time, location and angle regarding the operation of the tracking radar," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. "On the premise that Japan will offer that data, we called for consultations on the verification method," he added. Seoul has repeatedly demanded a "smoking gun" -- radar data that Tokyo said it had detected -- to vouch for the authenticity of its claim. But in a counterproposal, Tokyo called for Seoul's disclosure of all frequency information on its destroyer's STIR-180, which could threaten the safety of the warship and its sailors "Frequency data is like the very life of a radar system. ... In an electronic warfare scenario, we can't use the radar unless we replace it if all frequency information has already been disclosed," the official said. Seoul has already analyzed all data related to the destroyer's use of radar equipment on the day of the incident and concluded that the warship did not send out any radar tracking signals toward the Japanese plan. "We have clear-cut scientific evidence to corroborate our position that our STIR did not send out any signals," he said. On Tuesday, Choi Hyun-soo, South Korea's defense ministry's spokeswoman, called Japan's demand for the disclosure of all information on the destroyer's tracking radar "hardly acceptable and rude." At the Singapore talks, Seoul officials also reiterated that the Japanese plane made a threateningly low-altitude flight toward the South Korean destroyer even when it was apparently aware of the humanitarian operations. The Japanese aircraft flew just about 150 meters above the destroyer at some point during the radar incident. Sources said that Seoul has criticized the Japanese plane's flight pattern as being "in breach of international customs and ungentlemanly." The two sides are expected to hold another round of consultations over the issue, though they have yet to set any date. (Yonhap) By Kim Hyun-bin The government will make it mandatory for large private kindergartens to implement Edufine, the state-run accounting system, starting March 1 in an effort to improve their accounting transparency. Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae A resident from Pocheon in northern Gyeonggi Province has his head shaved at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Wednesday, in a show of protest calling for the speedy extension of Seoul Metro Line 7 to his city. Thousands of Pocheon residents rallied and claimed the government should provide rail infrastructure as compensation for the city's lack of development, as the city could not develop properly due to large military training sites there. Yonhap A new poster recently released by North Korea's propaganda media Uriminzokkiri calls for the expansion of inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation. Featured at the top is Mount Geumgang and on the bottom a trolley, a plane, a truck and a train for inter-Korean trips from Sinuiju to Busan, and a cruise ship named "Mount Geumgang." The North's scenic mountain was a popular tourist site for South Koreans who went there by ship. It is one of four posters released by Uriminzokkiri on Sunday that feature the theme of inter-Korean unity and an anti U.S.-military theme. Uriminzokkiri via Yonhap Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during a press briefing at the ministry building, Wednesday. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha referred to ending the Korean War, establishing a communication channel between North Korea and the U.S., and humanitarian aid as possible measures that Washington could offer Pyongyang for taking denuclearization steps. "Various options are being discussed as corresponding measures," Kang told reporters in a briefing at the foreign ministry, Wednesday. However, on resuming operations at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) or tours to Mount Geumgang, which had drawn attention as possible reciprocal measures, Kang said such these "were not at a stage of being reviewed." While North Korean leader Kim Jong-un brought up the matter in his New Year address, and President Moon Jae-in responded positively, multiple United Nations Security Council sanctions bar the re-opening of the GIC. There had been speculation that a working group meeting between South Korean and U.S. officials could discuss these matters at a meeting this week, but a foreign ministry official said Tuesday there were no such plans. By Jung Da-min The Norwegian government is continuing its humanitarian aid to North Korea. Support for North Korea totaled about $1.6 million last year, according to Marianne Hagen, state secretary of the country's ministry of foreign affairs. "Last year, 14.5 million Norwegian kroner approximately $1.6 million were provided in bilateral humanitarian assistance channeled through the International Red Cross Federation (IFRC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)," Hagen wrote in an email to Radio Free Asia (RFA), Tuesday. She said the Norwegian government will continue supporting the vulnerable population in North Korea, as there is still considerable need for humanitarian aid. This year's budget amount is yet to be decided. A Norwegian government delegation visited North Korea from Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 to meet officials of the North Korean government and representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) and other international organizations in the North. The delegation visited WFP's program sites in Sinwon County, South Hwanghae Province. The Norwegian government was the fifth-largest contributor to the U.N.'s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2018. North Korea received about $10 million from CERF last year, as the 16th largest recipient out of 47 countries. By Jung Da-min North Korea is making early preparations for this year's cropping season, the ruling Workers' Party of Korea mouthpiece Rodong Sinmun reported Wednesday. Farmers at the Manpoong cooperative farm in Chungsan County, South Pyongan Province, have started digging holes before spring for corn planting, its editorial said. "Different scenes are observed at the Manpoong cooperative farm in Chungsan County that is going all out to prepare for this year's farming," it said. "Every field is getting on with preparation for a high yield sooner than last year." It said although last year's cereal production increased thanks to the "assembly-planting" of corn, the harvest could have been bigger if hole digging had been completed before spring. "As a result of digging holes in the busy farming season at the farm focusing on rice paddy farming, it was not possible to produce fertilizers and other farming materials as we planned," it said. The editorial came as the party encourages farmers to go all out to achieve this year's cereal production target. On Wednesday, Rodong Sinmun published articles focusing on the country's agricultural situation, highlighting fertilizer production, fruit production and scientific farming methods that could prevent damage from droughts and floods. According to the South Korean government's Rural Development Administration, North Korea's cereal production in 2018 dropped by 3.4 percent on the previous year, to 4.55 million tons, due to a heat wave and floods. Kim Yong-chol, North Korea's top negotiator and ex-spymaster, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo / Yonhap North Korea will send a top government official to Washington, D.C. later this week, CNN reported Wednesday amid indications that the two sides are moving closer to a second summit. Kim Yong-chol, North Korea's top negotiator and ex-spymaster, plans to arrive there Thursday (local time) for a two-day stay, according to the broadcaster. It cited two U.S. sources familiar with ongoing negotiations. Kim is expected to hold talks with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on details of a planned summit between President Donald Trump and the communist nation's leader Kim Jong-un. The North Korean envoy visited the U.S. capital last year, less than two weeks ahead of the Kim-Trump summit in Singapore on June 12. He met with Trump at the White House. Pompeo had planned to hold a meeting with Kim, vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, in New York in November, but it was abruptly canceled. The North's official reportedly hopes to sit down with Trump again. As usual, he's expected to head to Washington via Beijing. He and two other North Korean officials booked tickets for a United Airlines flight, UA808, to depart for Washington at 6:25 p.m. on Thursday, according to a Beijing airport official. It remains unclear whether the former spy agency chief will actually board the plane. Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui flew into Beijing on Tuesday. (Yonhap) "Jagyeongjeongi" handwritten by Princess Deokon (1822-44) of the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom is returned to Korean through efforts of the Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation and the National Hangeul Museum. Courtesy of Cultural Heritage Administration By Kwon Mee-yoo The writings of Princess Deokon (1822-44), the last legitimate princess of the 1391-1910 Joseon Kingdom, have been returned to Korea, the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) announced Wednesday. The CHA said it purchased 68 pieces of writing from descendants of Princess Deokon in the United States last November, and returned them to Korea. Most of the writings are open to the public for the first time and are great examples of court writings in the Korean script, Hangeul. Princess Deokon was the daughter of King Sunjo and Queen Sunwon. Princess Deokon is titled "gongju" in Korean, denoting her as the lawful daughter of a king and queen, while a king's daughter by a concubine is referred to as "ongju." This includes the well-known Princess Deokhye, often considered Joseon's last princess who died in 1989. Princess Deokon was the youngest sister of Crown Prince Hyomyeong, portrayed by Park Bo-gum in the hit drama "Love in the Moonlight." The princess married Yun Eui-seon from a noble family, but passed away at age 23 in pregnancy. The Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation, a subsidiary of the CHA, brought the documents collection in collaboration with the National Hangeul Museum. "Jagyeongjeongi" handwritten by Princess Deokon (1822-44) is on view at the National Hangeul Museum during a press conference, Wednesday. The book is part of a 68-piece collection of Hangeul writings by the 1392-1910 Joseon Kingdom's last legitimate princess and her descendants retrieved from the United States. Yonhap National Hangeul Museum Director Park Young-goog said the returned documents attest the dignity and elegance of Hangeul, which was used by royalty as well as commoners. "Princess Deokon passed away at the young age of 23. If she lived longer and left more Hangeul calligraphic works, the history of Korean calligraphy might have been different," Park said. The collection consists of Princess Deokon's writings as well as Hangeul books, letters and calligraphic works of three generations including her adopted son Yun Yong-gu (1853-1939) and granddaughter Yun Baek-yeong (1888-1896). Among them, two handwritten books by Princess Deokon are high in value due to their rarity. "Jagyeongjeongi" was written originally in Chinese characters by King Sunjo in 1808, tracing the origin of the Jagyeongjeon Chamber in Changgyeong Palace, built by King Sunjo's father King Jeongjo in 1777. Princess Deokon translated the book portraying filial piety of the royal family into Hangeul on the order of Queen Sunwon, her mother and wife of King Sunjo, and the Korean book is the one returned this time. Another rare book, "Gyuhun," is a guide for women's virtue and manners and also translated from Chinese characters to Hangeul by Princess Deokon. "The books showcase neat court style writing of the Korean script by Princess Deokon and the importance and popular use of Hangeul among royal women of Joseon," a CHA official said. The writing collection is said to have left the country when the princess' descendants emigrated to the U.S. The documents will be transferred to the National Hangeul Museum, considering the value of the writings. Over the past year, most investment funds in Vietnams equity market have seen negative growth in net asset value per share (NAVPS) due to the poor performance of the market indices. NAVPS is an expression for net asset value that represents the value per share of a mutual fund, exchange-traded fund (ETF) or a closed-end fund. It is calculated by dividing the total net asset value of the fund or company by the number of shares outstanding. NAVPS is also referred to as the book value per share. This year, the stock market witnessed the choppiest year since the 2008 global financial crisis. The VN-Index declined for the first time after five consecutive years of rallying in parallel with the growth momentum of the economy. It achieved a record high gain of 47 percent in 2017. The VN-Index, Viet Nams benchmark stock index, set an all-time peak of 1,211 points on April 10, but then suffered a sharp decline of 27 percent, to end 2018 at 892.54 points, down 9.3 percent from the previous year, despite the fact that Vietnams GDP has posted its strongest growth rate in a decade. The unexpected fall strongly affected investor sentiment, which is very vulnerable and mostly dependent on market movements and can be broken easily if any negative news is heard. Pyn Elite Fund, the Finland fund which focuses on Vietnamese shares, saw NAVPS declining 10.15 percent. The figures for Dragon Capitals Vietnam Enterprise Investment Limited (VEIL) were down 11.3 percent, JPMorgan VOF dropped 12 percent, ETF funds such as FTSE Vietnam ETF, slumped 11 percent, while VFMVN30 ETF lost 11.4 percent and VNM ETF plummeted 13 percent. Passion Investment (PIF) and Hestia also had a disappointing year with NAVPS growth down 16 percent and 24 percent, respectively. Funds with better performance included Tundra Vietnam Fund, VOF VinaCapital, SSIAM VNX50 ETF, LionGlobal Vietnam Fund and Thien Viet Securities Joint Stock Companys two funds of Thien Viet Growth Fund (TVGF) and TVGF2. TVGF and TVGF2 were two of the funds with the best performance in the market last year, with NAVPS dropping just 3.7 percent and 6.5 percent, respectively, lower than the decline of the VN-Index at 9.3 percent in 2018. By the end of 2018, the total investment portfolio value of TVGF reached 196.5 billion VND (8.4 million USD) while the figure for TVGF2 was 157.4 billion VND. SSIAM VNX50 ETF performed quite well compared to the overall market, with NAVPS down 6 percent. Total fund assets as of the end of 2018 reached nearly 120 billion VND. Contrary to the tragic situation of stock investment funds, bond investment funds had a successful year in 2018. The best performance belonged to VFMVFB, managed by VietFund Management (VFM), with NAVPS growth of more than 11 percent. Bao Viet Fund Management Co Ltds BVFB fund also had a successful year, with NAVPS climbing by 10.1 percent in 2018, and was the fund with the second best growth in the market. NAVPS of two bond funds, VTBF managed by VietinBank Capital and TCBF managed by TCBS, also grew well with an increase of 9 percent and 8.2 percent, respectively. VinaWealth bond investment fund (VFF) of fund management company VinaWealth, a VinaCapital-backed unit, saw NAVPS growth of 7.1 percent in 2018. Meanwhile, the figure for SSIBF managed by Saigon Securities Incorporation was 6.6 percent. In 2018, the stock market witnessed strong fluctuations and cash flow tended to shift to bond funds. Viet Dragon Securities Co (VDSC)s statistics show that the largest bond investment fund, Techcom Bond Fund (TCBF), had expanded its assets scale by 185 percent compared to the beginning of the year. From September to November 2018, TCBF attracted about 700 billion VND of new investments each month.-VNS/VNA Bitcoin prices, whichonce peaked at over 21.7 million won ($19,310) per coin, plunged near the $3,500 level at the dawn of this New Year. / Getty images bank Bithumb closes branch amid falling virtual coin prices By Jhoo Dong-chan With bitcoin continuing to lose ground, there is growing pessimism about the future of cryptocurrencies. Some believe that the bitcoin bubble has already burst, expecting that the price of the most popular digital coin will either hover around $3,500 or drop further. Bitcoin prices, which once peaked at over 21.7 million won ($19,310) per coin, plunged to the $3,500 level at the dawn of the New Year. Bithumb, once the world's largest crypto exchange in terms of daily trading volume that symbolized the so-called "bitcoin craze," has recently shut down its branch in central Seoul. A Bithumb official said last week that the crypto exchange integrated the Gwanghwamun branch with its head branch in Gangnam, Seoul, to "more efficiently" cope with customer demand. With the decision, it stopped operating its Gwanghwamun branch Jan. 11 and relocated its two workers to the Gangnam branch. Now, Bithumb operates three branches in Seoul, Daejeon and Busan. "The daily trading volume has now diminished to nearly one 30th compared to its heyday in December 2017," a Bithumb official said. "Now, there are not many new investors entering the crypto market. We have decided to integrate the two branches into one to improve efficiency." According to virtual coins researcher coinmarketcap.com, the price of bitcoin peaked at $19,310 per coin on Dec. 17, 2017, but crashed to $4,100 per coin as of Dec. 1, 2018. It was worth $3,590 per coin Jan. 16. Other major virtual coins such as Ethereum and Ripple also suffered nearly a 90 percent decline in coin prices compared to their highs. The U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis said in a recent research note that too many virtual coins were introduced following bitcoin's takeoff. Now, there are more than 3,000 crypto coins on the market. "Investors have completely lost their confidence in future virtual coin prices," said futures trader surnamed Lee. "There is no doubt cryptocurrencies won't enjoy a 2017 December rally. Not many investors in Korea now consider them as an investment source. Prices will remain at current levels." There are also a series of events that dealt a blow to confidence in cryptocurrency trading. In December, another major crypto exchange in Korea Upbit was suspected of manipulating its data processing system to rake in more than 120 billion won while falsifying 254 trillion won worth of fake orders to inflate the exchange's trade volume. The Seoul Southern District Prosecutor's Office indicted two top-level officers and one employee without detention for the charges. New Bithumb CEO Choi Jae-won gettyimagesbank By Park Hyong-ki The Korea Exchange (KRX) is considering developing a portal for foreign investors seeking corporate information in English before deciding to invest in local shares, according to the stock market operator, Tuesday. This comes as the capital market lacks a system enabling easy access to such information in English. "A related department is considering such a move. The idea for the portal for foreign investors is in the very early stages of development," a KRX spokesman said without elaborating further. The KRX has sought to make a system work for the past decade, allowing listed companies to file their business reports, financial statements and audit reports in English freely for foreign investors. However, it is not mandatory for listed companies to do so. The exchange may have the right to supervise all listed companies' disclosures. But the Financial Services Commission (FSC) has full jurisdiction and authority over anything concerning corporate filings. When a company is caught providing misinformation, the FSC will impose penalties, and the exchange will implement follow-up disciplinary measures such as whether to delist it or not. And the rule clearly stipulates that companies need to file their reports in Korean, with an option to attach English-language copies. The exchange initially sought a system emulating those of Hong Kong and Singapore in an effort to attract a greater number of foreign companies to go public on the stock market, as well as foreign investors. The KRX and the FSC agreed then that it was the right move aligned with the country's goal to further advance the capital market. They wanted to make it easier for foreign companies to file their reports in English, while encouraging local ones to provide information in English for global investors. However, it has not worked over the past years, as seen from data showing a low number of filings in English 4.5 percent of the total disclosures in 2018, according to the exchange. Most of the English filing were notices saying when and where companies would hold investor relations meetings and briefings. Industry sources also doubted whether an English portal or filing system will work. "Companies, especially big ones, with investor relations teams already provide reports in English directly to investors via conference calls and roadshows. Besides, filing a separate and optional report in another language will add to their workload," an industry source said. On the benchmark KOSPI market alone, foreign investors account for around 35 percent of total market capitalization. Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs Yun Kang-hyeon speaks during a meeting at the ministry's building in Seoul, Wednesday, after the U.K. House of Commons voted overwhelmingly down Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. Yonhap South Korea's trade ministry said Wednesday it will speed up efforts to clinch a free-trade agreement (FTA) with Britain amid rising woes over the country's move toward exiting the European Union without an agreement on matters such as customs. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it has decided to make greater efforts to reach the trade deal, as London's departure from the European Union is anticipated to have an adverse impact on South Korean companies that deal with the island nation. The so-called no-deal Brexit refers to the country leaving the union without reaching an agreement on its post-Brexit relationship. Ttrade volume between the two countries came to an all-time high of US$14.4 billion in 2017, helped by the free-trade agreement with the EU. If London departs the EU, however, South Korean firms may no longer enjoy the benefits provided under the trade deal with the union when trading with Britain. This makes it essential that another free trade arrangement is reached. Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Lee Ho-seung, second from left, speaks during a meeting at the government complex in Sejong City, Wednesday, to discuss countermeasures for the fallout from the defeat of a proposed Brexit plan in the U.K. / Yonhap Kim Hak-joo, second from left, president of The Bank, an alumnus club for former Shinhan Bank workers, donates 5 million won to Good Shepherd Sisters, an international religious institute founded by Saint Mary Euphrasia in the 19th century, at the Sisters' office in Seoul, Wednesday. The donation will be used to support foreign laborers and elderly homeless people. Kim previously worked as vice president of the lender. Courtesy of Shinhan Bank Stay up to date on COVID-19 Get Breaking News Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. A man entertains people with his skills of manipulating fire during a traditional winter festival in old part of Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, on Jan. 14, 2019. Every year at the end of Poush, the ninth month of the Bengali calendar (Jan. 14 or 15 in Gregorian calendar), people in old part of Bangladesh capital Dhaka celebrate "Sakrain" festival, also known as Ghuri Utsob or Kite festival. (Xinhua/Stringer) 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. A burglar smashed two glass doors and walked into a downtown Kenosha store Monday night, appearing to pull a mask over his face as he entered. Then he made a beeline to a glass case midway down an aisle and lifted a rock he had in his hand, smashing it several times into the the glass security case. He must have come in here before, because he knew right where to go, said Mark Wistar, owner of House of Nutrition, 5824 Sixth Ave. Once the burglar broke into the case, Wistar said, he took one thing 26 bottles of a specific brand of CBD oil, a hemp product that people use as a supplement for treatment of everything from inflammation to anxiety. We have seven different brands of CBD, and he targeted what we believe is the best brand, Wistar said. He said the other brands were left untouched in the broken case. A passerby noticed the broken glass door and called Kenosha Police. When police and Wistar looked at the security video, it appeared the burglar broke the doors and walked in at about 10:10 p.m. He was inside for only minutes before leaving with the bottles of oil in a backpack. He paused on his way out to put a flag he had knocked down back into place. Photo courtesy to Xinhua China has joined the top ranks of the worlds most powerful pulsed magnets with its self-developed 90-tesla pulsed magnet, which features coils that last twice as long and cheaper batteries. It took China only four years to transform a 70T magnetic field into 90T one, which was accomplished last December. For comparison, it took the US and Germany 20 years and 15 years, respectively, said Li Liang, director at Wuhan National High Magnetic Field Center at Huazhong University in central Chinas Hubei Province. While the magnetic field record remains in the hands of the US, which can produce a whopping 100T, the Chinese-designed equipment is believed to hold more advantages and is expected to break new records, experts said. China created the worlds strongest synthetic fibers by winding multiple layers of polymer fibers, which were soaked in epoxy resin to greatly improve the bearing capacity of its reflective prosperities. The coils used in the US have a life expectancy of 500 times, whereas the Chinese coils can be used 800 times, Science and Technology Daily reported. We created the magnet from the scratch and designed a new frame for the battery structure, which consumes 10 times less electricity than the US pulsed magnet at peak power, Li told the newspaper. The strong magnetic field enables researchers to explore new material properties and stimulate the next generation of electronic materials and chips. For example, in November 2018, a Peking University research team in Wuhan used it to discover log-periodic oscillations in ultra-quantum topological materials. The strong magnet not only provides convenience for domestic scientific research, but has also attracted many overseas scholars from universities like Stanford and Cambridge to seek cooperation on research projects, Li said. FILE- In this Feb. 25, 2013 file photo, Enrique Pena Nieto, the president of Mexico, is seen at the National Palace in Mexico City. On Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019, Alex Cifuentes, a Colombian drug trafficker, testified in a New York courtroom that Mexican cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman boasted about paying a $100 million bribe to the former president of Mexico. Cifuentes was testifying at Guzman's drug trafficking trial. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini, File) Kelowna city council will decide at a public hearing Thursday evening whether to rezone a property at 2025 Agassiz Rd. to allow construction of the four-storey, 52-suite supportive housing project shown in this artists rendering. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form A hybrid rice field in Gihanga, Bubanza Province of northwestern Burundi, achieved a bumper harvest this season. Local peasants were bustling in the golden rice fields during the harvest week. The bumper harvest was the result of a nine-month effort by Chinese rice experts with Burundian agricultural authorities in an experiment to boost the African countrys food supply. The rice thriving in Gihangas experimental program is called Chuanxiangyou 506, a high-yield hybrid rice first developed in Southwest Chinas Sichuan Province. The rice set a new record for African rice yields in 2016 and was granted official approval from the Burundian government last year, the first ever won by a Chinese hybrid rice strain on the continent. Despite the abundance of sunlight and water sources, imported rice makes up as much as 30 percent of Burundis food supply. Economists estimated that if the countrys rice output reaches 8 tons per hectare, Burundi could be self-sufficient in crops. Gihangas experimental field has expanded to 48 hectares from 5 hectares over the past nine months, benefiting 134 local families and 1,072 people with a yield of 10 tons per hectare, a sharp contrast to indigenous rices 4 tons per hectare. Ndorimana Emmanuel, executive vice minister of the Burundian agricultural ministry said, It is the first step for Burundi to increase rice production and ensure food security. We trust Chinese rice and Chinese experts. Chinese Ambassador to Burundi Li Changlin told reporters that 90 percent of Burundis population are engaged in agriculture. The cooperation provides a solution to the most urgent and sensitive issue facing peoples livelihood and has become one of the most important ties between the two countries. China sent seven experts to offer expertise in agriculture projects that Burundi expects to improve, including rice, soil fertilizer, horticulture, agricultural machinery, storage and processing of agricultural products, aquatic products and animal husbandry. School Head Diamond Jubilee Schools Jobs 2019 in Gilgit Latest Aga Khan Education Services Management Posts Gilgit 2021 Qualified and well educated candidate for the position of School Head Diamond Jubilee Schools required for the Aga Khan Education Services Pakistan AKESP in Gilgit Baltistan 2019. How to Apply on Aga Khan Education Services Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Company Address: University Road Near Shah Karim Hostel Konodass Gilgit Baltistan Pakistan Telephone: 05811-452405 Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted. Fisheries Development Commissioner Job 2019 in Islamabad Latest Ministry of Maritime Affairs Management Posts Islamabad 2021 Government of Pakistan Ministry of Maritime Affairs required highly qualified and well educated candidate for the position of Fisheries Development Commissioner BS-20 in Islamabad Pakistan 2019. How to Apply on Ministry of Maritime Affairs Job Advertisement Apply as per details in job advertisement. In some cases, you may apply online at vacancies after registering at https://www.jobz.pk online. Company Address: 1st Floor Shaheed-e-Millat Secretariat Islamabad Telephone: 051-9244178 Official Website: www.mops.gov.pk Note: Beware of Fraudulent Recruiting Activities. If the employer asks you to pay money for any purpose including processing to shortlisting, do not pay at all and report us using our contact us form. Apply as per instuctions & dates mentioned in official job ad. Govt jobs cannot be applied online here. Error & omissions excepted. Wang and members of her embroidery cooperative. (Photo: yn.people.cn) Wang Lufen has developed her childhood skill of making embroidery into a prospering career, bolstered by a booming industry that helps local women shake off poverty. As an ethnic Yi woman, Wang, a villager from Baishapo Village in Yanshan County, southwest Chinas Yunnan province, learned embroidery from her mother and grandmother when she was a child. With a population of more than eight million, most Yi people live in the southwestern provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou, and are famous for colorful clothes and decorations. Yi embroidery has a long history dating back over 2,000 years and in 2008 was listed as an intangible national cultural heritage. In 2012, Wang and 15 other embroidery craftswomen under the guidance of the local government visited other Yi ethnic areas in the province. She was impressed by the development of embroidery industry in these places and was determined to do the same. Wang is a pioneer of a Yi embroidery association of 36 women was founded in Yanshan County. She has brought the groups works to various exhibitions around the country and improved their skills and standards according to market needs. In 2014, Wangs embroidery association with help from the local government developed into a cooperative, which now has over 1,000 members. Wang has taught the craft to many local women over the years, enabling them to make a living and lift their family out of poverty. Li Xiaomin, a member of Wangs cooperative from a poverty-stricken family, is one of them. Wang and other members have encouraged Li and taught her how to do embroidery. She now has a monthly income of 3,000 yuan ($443) that has helped her family move into a new house. Over 160 women from 120 families in the cooperative are like Li, who used to live below the poverty line. Now each of them can earn 2,000-5,000 yuan each month thanks to their work at the cooperative. Over the years, Wang and her group have diversified their works to include not only traditional bags and shoes, but also ethnic-style decorations for homes and vehicles to reach more customers. They also built their own Yi embroidery brand and created logo for their pieces to protect ethnic culture. The village is now experiencing an e-commerce model of private customization, which attempts to combine design, production, and sales, allowing customers to find personal embroidery craftswoman. Their works have been sold to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Hong Kong. In 2018, sales of the cooperative hit 10 million yuan ($1.48 million) and about half a million of the items were purchased online. I hope that more village women can join us, to carry on our tradition and live a better life without leaving their homes, Wang said. Students debate: Should high schools have required courses? BRETT MELLUL: YES! There should be required courses so that students can be well rounded and have access to as many opportunities as possible. When... Students debate: Online school or in-person JAKE RESNICK: School should be online. To start with the obvious, many students come in contact with their grandparents (or even parents) on a regular... TEEN VOICES: Hannah Shaw The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time explores the thought process of Christopher, the protagonist of the book. Christopher is an autistic teenager... Responding to anti-Semitism Weve all experienced acts of hate or ignorance at least once in our lives. You might look back at a situation during which you were... Donate Now As a public service during this pandemic, the Jewish News is providing free, unlimited access to all articles. Jewish News is a nonprofit publication that is owned by the community and relies on community support. Local farmers planting mushrooms pose for a photo. (People's Daily/Wan Yu) As a project under the China-UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, Juncao technology, an agricultural technology to cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms, is helping people in Lesotho escape poverty and live a better life. In 2006, China and Lesotho sealed a deal to use Juncao technology, which was invented by Lin Zhanxi, chief of the Juncao Research Institute at Fujian Agricultural and Forestry University. Since then, over 2,400 people from Lesotho have received training in mushroom planting, and more than 30 government officials and members of technical staff have studied Juncao technology in China. Now, over 900 households in Lesotho are growing mushrooms. Before Chinese experts came, we could only find imported mushrooms from South Africa in high-end supermarkets. Now, more people have taken to it, said a local named Tseliso Motsamai. Starting to plant mushrooms under the guidance of Chinese experts in 2014, Motsamai now earns 2,400 maloti ($178) by selling 65kg of the fungus. Juncao technology significantly improved her familys livelihood, she added. A Chinese expert gives instructions to a local farmer. (People's Daily/Wan Yu) Like Motsamai, many others in Lesotho have also benefited from this technology. Samuel Motlomelo, a cattleman, explained that his cows now produce much more milk after he started feeding them Juncao. He is also able to use cow manure produced on his farm to fertilize the Juncao crops under the guidance of Chinese experts. Some villagers have been running their own Juncao businesses since as early as 2009. Mamhete, head of a local production group, said that the technology was originally quite difficult to learn. However, the Chinese experts were very patient and taught locals without reservation. Mbembe, who was in charge of the group's financial affairs, said that they could make 12,000 maloti every month just from selling Juncao. A Chinese expert and local farmers plant Juncao. (Photo courtesy of China-Aid JUNCAO Technology Project in Lesotho) Juncao crops can be harvested within a short time. Using just 10 square meters of soil, farmers can grow 300kg of fresh mushrooms within three months. Their income in a year could amount to a similar salary earned by a member of staff working in a state-owned enterprise, said Lin Yeting, a member of the Juncao cooperation project. Though there were some barriers to begin with, the project team still chose to stay. We saw the support and passion from local people for Juncao technology, said Chen Kehua, head of the group. Opinion Policies Editorials are longer opinion pieces that are written by a group of community members recruited across campus who address relevant issues on a local, national and international level. Editorials are research-based. The purpose of the Editorial Board is to promote discussion concerning relevant issues in the community while advising on possible solutions. Topics are chosen via relevancy and interests of the members, which are then discussed by the Editorial Board in order to reach a general consensus concerning the topic or issue. Feedback policy If you have a grievance concerning the content or argument of the Editorial Board, please contact either Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or the Editorial Board as a whole (editorialboard@iowastatedaily.com). 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Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions. Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020 Mexico introduces new tax incentives to stimulate financial situation Mexicos new tax incentives, which are effective immediately, are largely intended to incentivise Mexican entities to raise funds at a lower cost and from a wider array of foreign investors, and to overall encourage private Mexican companies to become public. Notes placed amongst the general investing public While these incentives are certainly positive, some of these seem to be ill-conceived, and as currently drafted, raise concerns with respect to their application in practice. Under current legislation, foreign holders of notes issued by Mexican entities are subject to withholding taxes on interest payments. In general, such a tax must be withheld by the Mexican person making the payment (although the withholding obligation has been transferred to financial intermediaries that act as custodians, in the case of publicly traded securities). Specifically, a reduced 4.9% withholding tax rate is available on interest paid to non-residents from debt securities (e.g. notes) placed amongst the general investing public. It is relevant to point out that this rate exists for the benefit of all non-resident note holders, regardless of their tax nature or place of residence. In general, the market practice is for the issuer to gross up in respect of such a 4.9% withholding, so that the holders receive their interest net of any Mexican taxes. Securities placed amongst the general investing public are those registered in the Mexican National Securities Registry (RNV) maintained by the CNBV, and those listed in an International Quotations System (SIC), or foreign stock exchange of a country that is a member of the Latin American Integrated Market (MILA). With the intention of allowing Mexican companies to raise money at a lower cost and from a wider array of foreign investors, a tax subsidy is granted in respect of interest payments to foreign holders of notes issued by Mexican entities that are placed amongst the general investing public through stock exchanges authorized by the SHCP. A further benefit from the decree would arise if the incentive was expanded to debt placements effected through financial intermediaries who are a resident in a treaty jurisdiction (which are also subject to the reduced 4.9% withheld rate), as this is the most common and appealing alternative to raise funds outside of Mexico by Mexican issuers. It is important to note that the incentive introduces the requirement of having the notes placed through a stock exchange authorized by the SHCP, which raises the question of whether notes listed in the SIC would be considered as placed through a stock exchange authorized by the SHCP (which would have some practical disadvantages and timing delays), and seems to discard notes placed in the MILA as securities eligible for the incentive. Such a tax incentive is granted in the form of a tax credit for the withholding agent (not as an exemption available to the non-resident holder), equivalent to the tax that it should have withheld and paid to the tax authorities on any interest payments to non-resident holders. In light of the tax incentive, withholding agents (such as custodians) are released from their obligation to withhold any taxes on such interest payments and would be able to cover the tax liability that would have been due through a tax credit granted by the Mexican tax authorities. Even if such withholding agents are released from their withholding obligations as a result of the incentive, they still maintain the obligation to issue invoices to account for the interest payments to non-resident holders. This incentive is only granted with respect to holders that are residents of a country that have double taxation or a broad exchange of information agreement in force with Mexico. No rules have been issued on how this is meant to be validated by the withholding agents in practice. This is particularly challenging to achieve in respect of publicly traded securities, as such securities change hands indistinctly amongst numerous investors from different jurisdictions, and it is not customary for investors to provide any information whatsoever in respect of their place of residency. In fact, this is one of the main reasons why the 4.9% reduced withholding rate on notes placed amongst the general investing public is currently granted across all investors, without regard to their tax nature or place of residence. Withholding agents that have the possibility to claim the incentive during the year in which the withholding was triggered, but fail to do so, would not be able to claim the incentive in subsequent years up to the amount that they failed to credit. This incentive offers the possibility of exploring global debt offerings that are conducted through a Mexican stock exchange, but results in challenges arising from identifying the tax residence of holders and seems to exclude typical Rule 144A/Regulation S international offerings that are not listed on a Mexican stock exchange. Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) Pursuant to Mexican income tax law, capital gains made by Mexican individuals and by non-residents of Mexico from the sale of shares issued by Mexican entities through stock exchanges authorized by the SHCP are subject to a reduced 10% capital gains tax rate. This benefit is also extended to the sale of foreign shares listed at the SIC by any such person. Non-residents may also claim a capital gains tax exemption on the sale of the aforementioned securities if resident in a country that has a double tax treaty in effect with Mexico, provided certain formalities are met. The above-benefits are denied to both Mexican individuals and non-residents (whether individuals or corporations) if the shares being transferred: Are not acquired through a recognized market (i.e. Mexican authorized stock exchanges), unless these represent a participation of less than 1% in the equity of the issuer (and none of the below points are true); Represent a participation of 10% or more in the equity of the issuer, if owned, directly or indirectly, by a person or group of persons that holds 10% or more of the shares of the issuer; Result in a direct or indirect transfer of control of the issuer; or Are transferred in a transaction that restricts a more competitive offer. The new decree grants a tax incentive for tax years 2019-2021, and allows Mexican individuals and non-residents of Mexico to access the reduced 10% capital gains tax rate on the sale of shares issued by a Mexican entity (does not extend to foreign shares listed in the SIC) that were not acquired through recognized markets (i.e. non-public shares). This is provided that such shares are sold by means of an IPO through Mexican authorized stock exchanges, and that the equity securities were not listed in any such stock exchanges previously. Also, no more than 10% of the shares of the issuer must be sold. Essentially, this incentive eliminates the requirement described under aforementioned point one for IPOs. However, it is relevant to stress that such a requirement remains valid for sales of shares in the secondary market. The requirements described under points two through to four remain applicable even in the case of IPOs, which will make it unattractive to shareholders of many companies. In other words, the flexibility granted by the new decree may not be attractive to shareholders of many companies that have a low tax basis in relative to their shares. It may also need to be combined with a primary component in an IPO, as a placement of shares representing less than 10% of the aggregate outstanding shares may not result in a placement of securities with attractive levels of liquidity, and may subsequently not satisfy regulatory requirements.. In addition, this incentive seems to put family owned companies developed by Mexican investors (that have held securities for decades) at a disadvantage compared to those that were funded by private equity firms in recent years. Exception to the 10% limitation The aforementioned incentive is also extended to the transfer of more than 10% of the shares issued by a Mexican entity by a person (or group of persons) that control the issuer (or hold a direct or indirect participation of 10% or more of the shares) if a public trust that meets the requirements to be considered a capital risk investment trust (FICAPs) for Mexican tax purposes holds a participation of at least 20% in such an entity prior to the sale. The incentive is only granted to the extent that the sale is part of a divestiture process by the FICAP to initiate an IPO of the issuer. It is unclear whether the divestiture may be partial or must be total. Such an incentive is also available if the participation (consisting of 20% or more of the equity securities of an issuer) was acquired by another investment vehicle similar to a FICAP. This vague definition generates ambiguity as it is unclear whether the intention was to include investment vehicles similar to a FICAP (for instance, exclusively to public trusts such as CERPIs or CKDs qualifying as passive trusts), or if it is to include private Mexican trusts and corporations that are incorporated as private equity funds. However, the incentive does set forth certain requirements to qualify as investment vehicles similar to a FICAP, as follows: The shares should be held by the investment vehicles for at least two years prior to the sale through an IPO, mirroring the provisions set forth for FICAPs; The investment vehicle should be incorporated in Mexico under domestic law, and in the case of trusts, the trustee should be a financial institution or a broker-dealer that is resident in Mexico, which seems to exclude non-Mexican vehicles, such as Cayman or Canadian limited partnerships; The investment vehicle should invest at least 80% of its estate in shares of Mexican entities that (a) are resident in Mexico, and (b) have not been previously listed in the stock exchange, which may exclude vehicles such as CERPIs that have a significant amount of investments in other countries; and The investment vehicle should meet any other requirements set forth under administrative tax rules issued by the tax administration service. This article was written by Luis A. Nicolau Gutierrez (lnicolau@ritch.com.mx), Oscar A. Lopez Velarde (olopezvelarde@ritch.com.mx), and Santiago Diaz Rivera Bravo (sdiazrivera@ritch.com.mx) of Ritch, Mueller, Heather y Nicolau, S.C (www.ritch.com.mx) The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ. Share this article Du Xiaogang (left), secretary of the CPC Kunshan Municipal Committee presents flowers to Qian Qihu Chinese defense engineer, Qian Qihu, recently donated 8 million yuan he was given as a top science award winner to support education in his hometown Kunshan, east Chinas Jiangsu province, China Youth Daily reported on Jan. 15. The 82-year-old is an academician from the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE). He was presented a medal and certificate by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Jan. 8, and awarded 8 million yuan in recognition of his preeminent contributions in the field of protection engineering theory, and to the theoretical system of Chinas modern defense engineering. Du Xiaogang (right) and Zhou Xudong (left), mayor of Kunshan, present a calligaphy work in recognition of his contribution to Qian Qihu Not long after receiving the award, Qian decided to donate all of his prize money, setting up a grant fund in Kunshan to help more children from poor families go to school and remove themselves from poverty. Officials from Kunshan government went to visit the professor at the Army Engineering University of the People's Liberation Army, to congratulate him and express their thanks. RTHK: Kenyan hotel complex cleared, hostages freed Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said on Wednesday that Islamists who stormed an upmarket hotel complex, killing 14 people, had been "eliminated" after an almost 20-hour siege in which hundreds of civilians were rescued. At least one suicide bomber blew himself up and gunmen engaged security forces in numerous shootouts during the assault on the DusitD2 compound, which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant and office buildings. The attack was claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked Somali group al-Shabaab, which has repeatedly targeted Kenya since it sent its army into Somalia in October 2011 to fight the jihadist group. In a televised address, Kenyatta said some 700 civilians had been evacuated throughout the attack at DusitD2, with the swift and effective work from security forces drawing widespread praise in local media. It was not immediately clear how many attackers there were in total. CCTV footage broadcast on local media showed four black-clad, heavily armed men entering the complex on Tuesday afternoon. At least one of them blew himself up at the start of the attack. A police source said two attackers had been shot dead on Wednesday morning after a prolonged shootout. The attack began at about 3pm local time on Tuesday, with a loud blast followed by gunfire and rapid calls for help spreading on Twitter. Explosions and gunfire intensified from dawn until police managed to secure the complex mid-morning. As the first explosion and gunfire rang out in the leafy Westlands suburb, hundreds of terrified office workers barricaded themselves in the complex while others fled. A number of heavily-armed foreign forces, who appeared to be from embassies based in Nairobi, were at the scene alongside Kenyan security officers. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Aside from the same-under-the-skin Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk models, the Dodge Durango is the sportiest SUV available. With the big Hemi engine and tough-looking stance, make sure the children are buckled in tight before heading off to the family Thanksgiving dinner. This is one SUV that will outperform most vehicles in a straight line and for its size and original intentions, handles better than its looks would have you believe. The SRT people at FCA got this right. LIKES This is a very smooth-shifting SUV with more than enough acceleration, providing 0-100 kph sprints in the 4.5-second range and the large Brembo brakes provide adequate stopping power. The Durangos fit and finish are very good, as are the vehicles sightlines. The seating arrangement (five or seven passengers) is well-thought out, with the rear seats simple to fold down for cargo carrying. The four driving modes distribute power through the transfer case to where its needed, with a 40/60 front/rear power bias in auto mode, to a 30/70 front/rear power bias for track mode. WHATS BEST The Durango SRT Sounds great, the dash displays show a great deal of vehicle information and it has the chunkiest steering wheel on the market. WHATS WORST The Fuel mileage is poor and the price as tested is not cheap. WHATS INTERESTING The 392 badges on the Durangos front fenders refer to the engines size in cubic inches, the same size as the legendary first-generation Chrysler Hemi Fire Power engine from 1958. OVERALL This ultimate mom-mobile is loud and brassy with its go big or go home attitude. FCA nailed the Durangos character. It has an old-school muscle car aspect to it, especially under heavy acceleration, and the sound emitted from the dual four-inch exhaust tips is pure 1960s, but unlike the brutes of the muscle car era, the Durango is able to harness the power with its suspension and brakes, making for a well-rounded performance package. DETAILS BASE PRICE: $72,495 PRICE AS TESTED: $85,072 ENGINE: 6.4-liter V8, fuel-injected. POWER/TORQUE: 475 HP, 470 LB-FT torque. FUEL MILEAGE: 11.5-17.5 L/100 km overall. DRIVETRAIN: All-wheel-drive / 8-speed automatic / 3.70 final drives / Adaptive Bilstein shock absorbers / Four-piston Brembo brakes / 295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion tires. SPECIFICATIONS: Wheelbase: 3,043 MM (119.8) / Ground clearance: 203 MM (8) / Weight (GVWR): 2,948 KG (6,500 LB) / Payload: 612 KG (1,350 LB) / Towing capacity: 3,946 KG (8,700 LB) / Fuel capacity: 93.1 L (20.48 gal). Nigerian rapper Falz has started a huge conversation and debate on social media about transactional sex, after the released of his latest works. The rapper has been criticised for trying to be a judge on how anyone chooses to do use their body. However, the rapper has hit back saying the opinion is his and that is his stand. However Ozzy Etomi, a feminist popular on Twitter says men only dislike runs girl because men think sex is freely owed to them. She noted that men feel very deeply insecure when it comes to their financial standing, and knowing that most runs babes would never glance twice at their parched pockets makes them build a deep resentment to these women. Read full piece below The only reason men dislike runs girls is because men think sex is freely owed to them. They resent that women can place a premium on their vaginas because they hate women & associate their sexual autonomy to worthlessness & think only a man can legitimize her sexual agency Men are deeply insecure when it comes to their financial standing, and knowing that most runs babes would never glance twice at their parched pockets makes them build a deep resentment to these women that have deemed them unworthy to f*ck. Though most relationships are transactional (taking out on dates, buying gifts, etc) men HATE to date at their level. Therefore they develop a deep stan like admiration/jealousy for rich men while developing hatred for women who let them know theyre out of their league. Men like this also resent the ease at which women can access these powerful and rich men that they jerk off to daily, and think they are more worthy to be in the presence of their idols and benefit from their generosity. You can imagine the annoyance, dears. Men like this do not believe women have value. Therefore the thought of a woman placing any type of value on herself is deeply offensive to them. Yet, watch this man get his money up and think he deserves to upgrade to premium as fast as his legs can carry him. Ive forgotten what its called, but this complex has a name. Its the reason when a man gets money, instead of dating the women that have always liked him, he desires to date the type of women that have previously rejected him. Look at athlete & entertainers wives. Shikena. Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP has said that the private sector must take over fixing Nigeria infrastructure. According to the former Anambra State governor, while speaking at a business community said that private sector leading the way, is the only and government will only have to provide support. The VP candidate noted that theres wont be like that of the present government, who took 3 years to come out with the Economic Recovey and Growth Plan (ERGP) document and still yet to meet 30% of it. He reiterated his stance that Nigeria needs to be moved from a consumption country to a productive country. And investing in education isnt negotiable. See full statement here Fixing Nigerias infrastructure must be private-sector led. All the government must do is provide the support and what we can call a guarantee for the private sector to be able to build infrastructure. It took the present government 3 years to come out with the Economic Recovey and Growth Plan (ERGP) document and they are yet to meet 30% of it. Before going in, we already have a plan. I assure you, in turning around the economy, construction will be critical. However, it wont be done as it is being done today where the country is being put in debt. We need to move Nigeria from a consumption country to a productive country. That is what we mean by to Get Nigeria Working Again. It means we will get Nigeria producing again. The more you can invest in education, the better the economy. Nigeria has millions of out of school children. This is an emergency and this emergency has to be dealt with. Currently, we see education as an expense, no! Education is an investment and should be seen as so. Let me emphasize that there is nothing wrong in borrowing. Nations and businesses all around the world have made success by borrowing. If you borrow for consumption, then there is a problem. If you borrow for production, then its okay. Between education and health, both of them together are around N800billion, but the government is paying over N1.5trillion in subsidy. Doesnt make sense. Nigerians who are leaving Nigeria, if they can find hope here theyd stay. Even foreign investors, you dont have to look for them. If the local investors are doing well, theyd come, but currently local investors are collapsing. Former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, who was at the helm of affairs in the 2014 Immigrations recruitment that led to the death of many applicants including a pregnant woman has come under severe criticisms over recent statement. The recruitment exercise which held in the 36 States of the federation including the FCT, saw applicants being swindled, in an exercise that didnt hold. Moro, who has been walking free since the 2014 tragedy, in a campaign rally recently in his state, Benue, criticised the All Progressive Congress (APC), led administration, of not delivering the change Nigerians voted for but brought pains instead. Moro, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senatorial candidate for Benue South, is currently being roasted on social media for daring to speak, when his past is one, Nigerians have been struggling to let go. See reactions below President Muhammadu Buhari @MBuhari Allah ya isa! You brought down the level of governance to such a place where an Abba Moro can still speak in Nigeria. You disillusioned people and brought in despondency. All that was expected of you was EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP You failed! https://t.co/qAiTQZlt40 Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) January 16, 2019 He (Abba Moro) by now would have been dealt with, that he is still talking about this government is a clear sign that both him and the Buhari government are walking on the same page of failure and disappointment. Emmanuel Iheme (@iheme_emmanuel) January 16, 2019 #AbbaMoro Heard Abba Moro is contesting as a Senatorial Candidate for Benue South! The same Abba Moro?! In saner climes, the man is supposed to be serving a jail term for overseeing the scamming of over 670,000 youths, killing some in the process. Ha! 'Deremi (@iamremraj) January 16, 2019 Abba Moro says APC promised change but brought pains news. You remember Moro; President Jonathans minister of Internal Affaires who organized that fraudulent employment scam that led to death of hundreds of youths? Someone should tell him to shut-up his mouth permanently. Godwin Etakibuebu (@godwin_buebu) January 16, 2019 https://twitter.com/JohnFanimokun/status/1085408094027436033?s=19 Nigeria is such a wonderful country. Abba Moro, a minister that scammed innocent job-seekers, killing 20, including a pregnant lady in the process, is telling us that the APC brought pains to Nigerians What did he give the still grieving parents of the dead? Major General Eneji (@iameneji) January 16, 2019 https://twitter.com/JohnFanimokun/status/1085408094027436033?s=19 An appeal has been made over the case of an 85-year-old woman who is languishing in a prison in Umuahia, Abia state, for a crime her son committed. According to Christian Okezie Chukwuka of the Abounding Grace Foundation, the old Mama with two sons was imprisoned following a case of kidnap and murder her elder son was involved in. It was gathered that Mamas son and his gang members kidnapped the mother of a popular wealthy businessman in Abia state, Chief Lord Dike Udensi Ifegwu (DUBIC) and killed her and the housemaid in the process. One of the suspected kidnappers was arrested by the police and he revealed the remaining five gang members who participated in the crime. He mentioned Mamas son who was also involved. The police stormed Mamas home to arrest her son but he was not around. Mamas younger son was arrested in the process so that his elder brother could come out of hiding. It was gathered that Mamas son and his gang members kidnapped the mother of a popular wealthy businessman in Abia state, Chief Lord Dike Udensi Ifegwu (DUBIC) and killed her and the housemaid in the process. One of the suspected kidnappers was arrested by the police and he revealed the remaining five gang members who participated in the crime. He mentioned Mamas son who was also involved. The police stormed Mamas home to arrest her son but he was not around. Mamas younger son was arrested in the process so that his elder brother could come out of hiding. After some time, the police also arrested Mama in a bid to force her son to surrender himself but he refused. Eventually, the son was traced to Lagos where he was finally killed. It was learnt that all the six hoodlums who partook in the crime were finally caught and killed but by then, about 18 persons have been arrested including Mama. After some time, the police also arrested Mama in a bid to force her son to surrender himself but he refused. Eventually, the son was traced to Lagos where he was finally killed. It was learnt that all the six hoodlums who partook in the crime were finally caught and killed but by then, about 18 persons have been arrested including Mama. Three out of the 18 people bailed themselves out of jail but Mama, her younger son and 13 other persons who have no money are still languishing in prison despite the capture and killing of the real culprits. According to Christian Okezie, the police said that they cannot be released because the case is still in court. Popular Nollywood actress, Uche Jombo Rodriuez, is not in a good mood at the moment at all as she revealed that Gtbank charged her six thousand Naira for a transaction she did not carry out. Uche who is a graduate of Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Calabar has demanded for explanation from the said bank. What she said below: https://www.instagram.com/p/BsqtGG_hjme/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet Vanguard South-South Editor RNDA warns South-South govs 21st Century Youths threaten oil companies WARRI PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari and his foremost challenger, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have split Niger Delta militants, causing them to speak in discordant tunes over who the people of the region should support in next months presidential election. ThisDay President Muhammadu Buhari and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday in Abuja condemned the latest bandit attacks in Gandi District of Rabah Local Government Council, Sokoto State, which claimed 30 lives. The Sun Commissioner of Police, Mobile Force Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Lawan Jimeta, has said that 5,000 of his men are currently undergoing training and retraining for the 2019 general elections. He said they are being trained to apply professionalism during crisis and how to manage the situation: Daily Times Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has declared that 60 per cent of appointments during his second term would be reserved for the youths. Speaking during a meeting with youth leaders from all the wards of Rivers State at the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Office, Governor Wike said that his second term would be used to groom youths for leadership positions. Leadership Mr Yusuf Bala, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, says the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District will give President Muhammadu Buhari over 90 per cent of their votes in the forthcoming presidential election. Daily Trust Following the repeated violent attacks in Ilorin, Governor Abdulfattah Ahmed has banned street rallies in Kwara State after setting up a joint task force to curb the incidents. The Nation Yusuf Bala, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, says the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District will give President Muhammadu Buhari over 90 per cent of their votes in the forthcoming presidential election. Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly has advised the new Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu not to be partisan. The lawmaker in his advice to the new police boss, urged him to respect fundamental rights of Nigerians, the rule of law and take orders from the constitution. Adamu was decorated as acting IGP, yesterday, January 15th at the State House in Abuja by the Commander in Chief and Nigerias number one citizen, Muhammadu Buhari Assisted by former IGP Idris Ibrahim, who retired yesterday from service at the age of 60. Shehu Sani also advice Adamu to go after Bandits, Armed Herdsmen, Militia, Cultists, Kidnappers and not critics. He also urged him to reduce the number of your men protecting elites & redeploy them to protect the masses. In his words: My advice to the new IG;Respect fundamental rights and the rule of law; take orders from the constitution;Be not partisan;Go after Bandits,Armed Herdsmen,Militia,Cultists,Kidnappers & not critics;Reduce the number of your men protecting elites & redeploy them to protect the masses;Upgrade your colleges;Obey lawful summons,protect peaceful protesters and Spread not butter with a machete. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode had on Tuesday, accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissio , EFCC of surrounding the home of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen. In a post on social media (Twitter), Fani Kayode alleged that the anti corruption agency was at the CJNs house to arrest him. Why have the EFCC surrounded the home of CJN Onnoghen and why are they seeking to arrest him? These people want Nigeria to burn! Buhari call off your dogs before it is too late! This is a democracy and not a gestapo state! In the name of God let this madness stop. https://twitter.com/realFFK/status/1085216062340239360?s=19 Reacting to the new, EFCC released a statement to set the record straight. It noted that such reports were figment of the imagination of the purveyors.it stated clearly that the agency never went to Onnoghen house for arrest and neither was he invited. #Alert The attention of the EFCC has been drawn to the falsehood being spreading on the social media that the EFCC has arrested the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, EFCC wrote. This is a figment of the imagination of the purveyors of the fake news. For the record, the EFCC never went to the house of the CJN for arrest neither was invitation extended to him. Spring Festival nightmare for young Chinese as parents pressure them to get married A man and a woman in a dating activity in Shanghai. (Photo/Chinanews.com) The Chinese New Year, considered China's largest celebration, has turned into a nightmare for many young Chinese as they face increased pressure to get married, mainly from their parents and grandparents, during the family-focused holiday. The Hunan Brain Hospital, located in Hunan Province, has recently witnessed a growing number of young patients who are suffering from mental illness as a result of this mounting pressure as Spring Festival approaches. Most patients we have seen recently, who are suffering from anxiety disorders, have been troubled by marriage issues, said Tang Peiqian, a doctor from the hospital. Some patients are suffering from sleep disorders because they are feeling the family pressure to tie the knot, and a number of women are coming to us with anxiety due to bad relationships, Tang added. A woman surnamed Chen who works in Changsha, capital of Hunan province, said that she was currently in a long-distance relationship. I am constantly pressured by my parents to get married, but my boyfriend is not willing to move to my city. So, I have to keep on waiting, she told Xinhua News Agency. I feel stressed whenever I think about what my family will say during the approaching Spring Festival, she sighed. While some young people are busy attending blind dates, hoping to find someone before the New Year, many are planning trips away to avoid the family matchmaking altogether. A woman named Lyu Xiao, who has endured 11 unsuccessful blind dates, said that she's likely to go traveling with friends this year rather than endure her family judging her love life. Dr. Zhou Xuhui from the Hunan Brain Hospital explains that marrying at a later age is more common today, as young people are devoting more of their time to work and study. He suggested that young people talk and negotiate, to ease the concerns of their families. Additionally, elders should also try not to put too much pressure on their children and enjoy the holiday together instead of causing anxiety. The senator representing Kogi West in the National Assembly, Dino Melaye, has taken to his Instagram page to brag bout how his campaign is going on without his presence. The embattled Senator is facing two counts bordering on giving false information to the Police and is currently with the security agency. He is vying under the Peoples Democratic Party. What he said: Pictures: Aid crews work to extract driver Julie A. Lhotka, 61, from an alleged DUI crash Monday off Highway 97 south of Entiat. As the Palestinians continue to pursue their U.N. aspirations, all while claiming (falsely) that Israel commits human-rights violations against Palestinian terrorists in Israeli custody, their hypocrisy reaches ever-greater heights. Writing for the Gatestone Institute, Khaled Abu Toameh tells how the Palestinian Authority commits actual human-rights atrocities, including the detention and torture of a mother of three: A Palestinian mother of three has accused the Palestinian Authority (PA) security forces of torturing her and threatening to rape her during the two months she was held in a PA prison in the West Bank. The accusation by the woman, Suha Jbara, 31, came on the eve of PA President Mahmoud Abbass visit to New York, where he is scheduled to assume the chairmanship of the largest bloc of developing countries in the United Nations, known as the Group of 77 and China. As chairman of the group, which represents 134 nations, Abbas and the State of Palestine will negotiate and co-sponsor proposals and amendments on various developmental, humanitarian and legal issues that are on the agenda of the UN. On January 11, Jbara, who was released last week from detention, held a press conference in Ramallah in which she detailed the various methods of torture she experienced at the hands of her Palestinian interrogators. Her horrific experience, however, does not seem to be on the agenda of the UN or the Group of 77 and China, headed by Abbas. Apparently, the UN groups members, who voted in favor of naming the State of Palestine as chairman of the group, do not care much about the human rights record of the PA security forces in the West Bank The Airport Commission is updated on the relocation of the former medical building to become the new administrative building at Harriman & West Airport. North Adams Airport Building to Be Moved This Week NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The new administrative building is slated to be moved Thursday morning. Peter Enzien of Stantec Consulting Services, the airport's engineer, told the Airport Commission on Tuesday that the long-awaited building move should start Thursday morning between 8:30 and 9:00. "There are some things that have to happen in the morning prior to the move but then they will be ready," he said. The city plans to move the vacant medical building on the north side of the Harriman & West Airport campus about 150 yards and use it as a new administrative building. The 8,700-square-foot facility was constructed in 2001 on leased airport land and was donated to the city by Berkshire Health Systems. Once moved, the shell will be renovated to include office and classroom space, public restrooms, and a food service operation. "This is an exciting step forward for a project that has been in the works for several years," Mayor Thomas Bernard said in a statement released earlier in the day announcing the move, adding in his thanks to BHS for donating the building. In the same statement, commission Chairman Jeffrey Naughton said, the restaurant in the terminal means residents, pilots and others "can look forward to enjoying dinner while looking out over the runway at the spectacular views of Mounts Prospect and Williams." DA Sullivan & Sons contractors have been gutting the structure and installed a foundation at the new location. Enzien said this work is largely complete. "As you know it is well under construction, and the foundation work has been completed," he said. "The utilities have all been installed ... essentially everything around the parameter is complete." He said the start time really hinges on National Grid, which will have personnel on site at 8 a.m. He said they have to turn off the power before the move and feed in some new lines. "The key to the whole thing is National Grid," he said. Enzien said it will take between 15 to 20 minutes to clear the wires and hours for Wolfe Movers is move the building. During public comment, Trevor Gilman, former commissioner, asked the commission to solicit the Federal Aviation Administration to design a new departure procedure for the airport. "Right now the published departure in North Adams is a circling climb until you are clear of the mountains, which is pretty much impossible to do in the clouds ... it is completely unsafe," Gilman said. "There are safe ways to depart the area and to stay clear of terrain but it needs to be in a published procedure so people can legally fly it." Commissioners thought it was a good idea and said they would figure out how to start the process. In other business the commission reorganized. Jeff Naughton will continue to serve as chairman and Shaun Dougherty will serve as vice chairman. Ambassador Wu Peng and Health Minister Dr. Alpha Wurie exchange signed documents (Photo/Abu Bakarr Kargbo) The Government of the Peoples Republic of China recently donated medical supplies to Sierra Leone, officially handing them over at a ceremony held in Freetown, capital of Sierra Leone. The event also marked the opening ceremony of a remote pathological diagnosis platform in the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital. The gesture was facilitated by the Health Commission of China, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital and the 20th batch China (Hunan) Medical Team. Medicine shortages and poor equipment have been key challenges for the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, and have restricted its development for many years. Shortly after the hospital, along with Sierra Leones Health and Sanitation Ministry, put forward a request for support, the Chinese government got involved. The Chinese government decided to donate medicine and medical equipment on a yearly basis, intending to improve hospital conditions and provide the patients with comprehensive treatment. The Chinese Ambassador talks with Sierra Leones Health Minister (Photo/Abu Bakarr Kargbo) A remote pathological diagnosis platform for the Friendship Hospital was launched, to better support the hospital's development and treat patients, and marked another step in the development of primary healthcare. The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wu Peng, said the platform would not only allow health experts to diagnose patients and treat them quickly, but also carry out early tumour screenings and allow for accurate diagnosis and the standardized treatment of patients. I am proud of the contribution made by my colleagues from the Hunan Cancer Hospital, and I hope the China Medical Team will make full use of the platform together with local experts to improve hospital conditions, he said. Ambassador Wu called for continuous communication and collaboration to improve the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital. He further thanked the experts of the 20th batch Chinese Medical Team and their colleagues in the hospital for their excellent contribution to the people of Sierra Leone. We hope that the establishment of the remote consultation platform will allow for pathology and accurate diagnosis, and guide standardized treatment for Sierra Leonean patients, particularly cancer patients, which will in turn benefit the people of Sierra Leone," said Hu Jun, Vice President of Hunan Cancer Hospital. Sierra Leone Government and Chinese Officials inspect new equipment (Photo/Abu Bakarr Kargbo) Since 1973, Hunan province has sent a total of 282 experts in 20 batches to Sierra Leone to provide medical service. Most recently, five pathological experts from Hunan Hospital were sent to Sierra Leone to install related equipment, provide professional guidance to medical staff and carry out test and diagnosis services, as well as make the final preparations for the official opening of the platform project. Sierra Leones Health Minister, Dr. Alpha Tejan Wurie, described the Chinese Government and people as extraordinary in the building of a stronger relationship with Sierra Leone and supporting the country over the years. The Minister thanked China for showing that Sierra Leonean should have confidence in developing its health sector. Clinton Church Restoration Hires Project Architects GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. Clinton Church Restoration has announced the hiring of Huff & Gooden Architects as the project architect for the restoration and adaptive reuse of the historic Clinton AME Zion Church. The New York City-based firm, headed by architect Mario Gooden, is one of the few African-American architectural firms in the country. Joining Gooden on the design team is historic preservation architect John A. James, architect and historian Mabel O. Wilson of Studio And, and landscape architect Walter J. Hood of Hood Design Studio. Other team members include Silman Associates for structural engineering; Landmark Facilities Group for mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection engineering; Berkshire Engineering for civil engineering and Accu-Cost for cost estimating services. "We are thrilled to engage Huff & Gooden and their esteemed team of architects and engineers," said Clinton Church Restoration board Chairman Wray Gunn. "They have outstanding qualifications in the fields of architecture, historic preservation and engineering and they bring decades of experience designing spaces that tell the rich stories of African-American heritage." Clinton Church Restoration, which purchased the historic National Register property in 2017, plans to restore and repurpose it as a heritage site and visitor center dedicated to interpreting the Berkshires rich African-American history and the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer and native son W.E.B. Du Bois. A performance space and fellowship hall will provide space for the community to come together to enjoy the arts, partake of educational programming, and learn about civic engagement, activism and social justice. Huff & Gooden was one of the firms responding to the nonprofit's request for proposal for historic preservation, architectural design and engineering services. The work is being supported in part by an African-American Civil Rights Grant from the Historic Preservation Fund of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area. Additional funding comes from the Great Barrington Community Preservation Act and an emergency matching grant from the Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund through the Massachusetts Historical Commission. "We conducted a formal, qualifications-based process that included interviews with three excellent design and engineering teams," said building committee Chairman Diego Gutierrez. "We were especially impressed with the experience of the Huff & Gooden team, and their forward-thinking approach to design and process." The team has extensive experience working on African-American museums, cultural centers and historic sites, including the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, New York City's Schomburg Center and Studio Museum in Harlem, African Meeting House on Nantucket, Samuel Harrison House in Pittsfield, the International African American Museum in Charleston, S.C., and chronicling the history of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. "Not only have these architects worked on distinguished projects dedicated to African-American heritage, they have a deep understanding of the significance of these spaces and the cultural issues they embody," said Dennis Powell, vice chairman of the Clinton Church Restoration, and president of the Berkshire Chapter of the NAACP. "It is noteworthy that the Clinton Churchs history as a community institution created by African Americans will continue." Huff & Gooden Architects is a certified minority-owned business enterprise and five of the eight firms comprising the team are African American and/or women-owned and led. "The rich and storied history of the former Clinton AME Zion Church not only chronicles the presence of African Americans in the Berkshires from the 18th century to the present their religious practices, cultural practices and their lives but its history is part of the thread in the formation of American culture, society and life," said Gooden. "Hence, this is an American story that like many others has largely gone unrecognized for the varied ways African Americans played pivotal roles in key national and international events and made significant contributions to our culture. "Blacks in Western Massachusetts, as well as the founders of the Clinton AME Zion Church, spent their lives defining the tenets of liberty and democracy, hoping to claim the 'unalienable rights' our founding fathers deemed 'self-evident.' It's a privilege and an honor for our team to be entrusted with helping to bring this story to the light of American and architectural history." Gooden, who will serve as the prime consultant and principal in charge, is the lead design architect for the expansion and renovation of the California African American Museum in Los Angeles. He is a professor of practice at the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation of Columbia University and author of "Dark Space: Architecture, Representation, Black Identity," which examines the construction of African-American identity and representation through architecture. North Adams Schools Will Hire Full-Time Business Administrator NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The School Committee is ending its attempt to share financial services with another educational entity after just a year. The committee last week voted not to renew its contract with the North Berkshire School Union to share the services of its business manager. Rather, the school district will seek a full-time business administrator effective July 1. "The conditions since we created that initial agreement have changed," Superintendent Barbara Malkas explained to the School Committee at its monthly meeting. "We have been the recipient of several large competitive grants that require not just the grants management coordination for implementation of the grants but also grants management within the business administrative offices." The School Department had run into difficulty last year when its longtime business manager had retired . A management firm was brought in for several months to take over operations until school officials entered the agreement with the neighboring superintendency union. Carrie Burnett oversees the budgeting and finance office for the Clarksburg, Florida, Monroe, Rowe and Savoy school districts; since last April, she also took over the duties of the North Adams Public Schools as business administrator. Malkas said the grants management duties would mean hiring someone part-time who would also have to have the same caliber of licensure as the business administrator. It made more sense to hire a full-time person who could handle both elements of the post. "We are very grateful to the North Berkshire School Union for consideration of this pilot project and partnership with us," the superintendent said. "We just feel at this point it has become untenable for the business office of the North Adams Public Schools." The agreement automatically expires on June 30 unless both entities vote to continue. Malkas said the city is making its intent known now so the superintendency union will have plenty of notice to make its own decisions. She anticipated posting for the business administrator in early spring. Meanwhile, Burnett continues to be the business administrator until June 30 and has been working on the draft of the fiscal 2020 budget. Malkas said she and Burnett had met with principals and department heads in December to begin crafting the document. According to the timeline presented to the committee, the plan is to have an initial draft with the governor's budget numbers by the end of January; the second draft in February as more state numbers are released; a review by the finance and facilities committee in March and a final budget by April or May that would also be reviewed by the City Council's Finance Committee. "I'm on schedule as far as the timeline is concerned," Burnett said. School Committee Tara Jacobs said she was hoping the full committee has a chance to provide more input into the budget as it's built. "The way the structure currently works, we see it when it's presented to the School Committee and it's already pretty well hammered out and finalized," she said. "We really don't get an opportunity for the School Committee to have input into it at all. ... The input is coming from the all the stakeholders except the School Committee." Malkas said preliminary discussions could begin in February but all the committee would have at that point is the governor's budget numbers. "While it is certainly good for input and discussion, it's still very much a moving target until we get further on into the spring and we get a better sense of where the state budget will weigh in," she said. Jacobs said she realized that it is an issue but felt that the committee should be involved earlier in the discussions. "It's one of the few roles we actually have," she said. Mayor Thomas Bernard thought a fuller discussion would be possible. "I think it's helpful to have an early conversation so we can understand the thought process," he said. The School Committee also approved raising the per-diem salaries of substitutes to better compete with surrounding school districts. Malkas said the consideration was prompted by the realization that veteran teacher assistants would actually lose money if they substituted for teachers. "That prompted us to look at a cross-comparison of teacher sub rates," she said. "Most of the districts surrounding us are paying more than what we are offering. ... The principals are having difficulty obtaining and maintaining a sub because if they get a better offer, they're going to go with the best offer. Some of our subs sub in multiple districts." For example, certified retired teachers are paid $75 a day in North Adams but can earn $80 in Mount Greylock Regional or Adams-Cheshire, $90 in the North Berkshire School Union, and $110 in Pittsfield. The School Committee voted to raise the daily rate $5 to bring it on par with nearby districts for all teacher substitutes; and to raise the teacher aide/para substitute hourly rate from $11.60. In other business, the committee re-elected Heather Boulger as vice chairman and Karen Bond as secretary. Boulger was not in attendance but Bernard said he had spoken with her before placing her name in nomination. Bernard appointed Bond, Nicholas Fahey and Tara Jacobs, chairman, to the negotiating committee for professional staff; Boulger, chairman, Ian Bergeron and James Holmes to the negotiating committee for non-professional staff; Bergeron, chairman, Bond and Fahey to the policy committee; Fahey, chairman, Bergeron and Jacobs, finance and facilities committee; and Bond and Holmes to the Endowment Committee. The committee voted to enter negotiations with the North Adams Paraprofessional Association. El Buki Mayor y sus companeros de siempre se convierten en los primeros artistas latinos en debutar en uno de los estadios mas modernos y nuevos del pais. Sun Prairie (WI) Mayor Paul Esser presents a proclamation to members of the Sun Prairie Rotary Club in honor of Kindness Week in Sun Prairie. The club is the main sponsor of Kindness Retreats in the Sun Prairie Area School District, where elementary school children learn anti-bullying strategies with the help of older SPASD students. By marking the entire week, the Rotary Club is aiming to have Sun Prairie residents share their stories of kindness and share random acts of kindness in the community. Debbie Fox Schroeder spoke to the group about Kindness Week. Video by Chris Mertes. As featured on Council OK's $11,637 change order In a rare move, the Sun Prairie City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 15 approved a $11,637 change o President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulates Aber-School Project. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Siqongweni School in Pietermaritzburg on Jan. 10 to check on the newly installed bathrooms, installed as part of #SAFEInitiative, which aims to provide safe sanitation facilities for learners. Ramaphosa congratulated Aber-School Project for their achievements. The Aber-School project currently has 85 students, made up of 25 grade 10 students, alongside 30 students in grade 11 and 25 in grade 12. All 25 of the grade 12 students passed their recent exams, 10 received distinctions and 12 acquired merit passes, meaning they are now eligible for university application. The Aber-School Project commenced in April 2017, with an objective to empower impoverished youngsters. Retired teachers offer extra lessons in English, Mathematics and Physical Science on Saturday mornings from 08:30 to 13:00, and Aberdare Cables pays the tutors for their extra time. The Aber-School Project. The President of South Africa commended Siqongweni High School for its exemplary effort and for producing excellent results. President Ramaphosa also congratulated Aberdare Cables for making a difference to the youth of South Africa through the introduction of the Aber-School Project. He encouraged learners to attend extra lessons so they can get the results they desire. The President also offered to equip the school with a science laboratory and a library, while Aberdare Cables offered to build a computer center. Miltons comprehensive plan and goals In 2015, Milton adopted a vision statement and updated its comprehensive plan, a master plan initially created in 1996 used to map growth for the next 25 years. When making decisions about Miltons future, the city council, staff, school district and nonprofits look to these documents for guidance, Milton City Administrator Al Hulick said. Along with the plan, the city adopted seven goals. They include: Making Milton a destination while capitalizing on its unique small town image. Further developing economic strategies in the business parks through diversification of industries. Enhancing, through preservation initiatives, the appearance and maintenance of properties within older neighborhoods. Leveraging the Blackhawk Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Training Center as a means by which to help industries lessen the effects of the current labor shortage. Improving the citys southern gateway through destination signage and other path-finding information. Providing more diversified recreational facilities and programs through both public and private entities. Providing a wider range of housing options. Thats a huge goal for this entire region, Milton is not alone in that, Hulick said. President Akufo-Addo commissioned on January 15, 2019, three new factories established by Unilever Ghana Limited. The event took place in Tema at the company's premises. The factories involved a Personal Care Dryer Plant, Biomass Boiler Plant and Oral Factory. According to The Daily Guide, the Personal Care Dryer would be used in the drying of the soap mixture along the production chain while the new Biomass Plant is designed to use palm kernel shells as fuel for factory operations. The new Oral Factory will on-shore a reactive capacity of 40% oral volumes, especially for Pepsodent and Close-Up. This is expected to wean Ghana off external supply sources. READ ALSO: Kweku Baako gives a breakdown of the numbers who invested with Menzgold President Akufo-Addo has promised to change the fundamentals of the Ghanaian economy. Photo credit: Government of Ghana Source: Facebook Speaking at the event, President Akufo-Addo said: Our goal is to unleash innovative entrepreneurial instincts of the Ghanaian private sector to drive rapid growth and job creation. He revealed that his administration was on course to realizing its goal of creating jobs. The president expressed the belief that the three new factories of Unilever would not only increase the manufacturing capacity of the company but lead to the creation of more jobs in Ghana. He lauded the companys decision to bring its operational capabilities to the country and continue to source raw materials locally. READ ALSO: Don Little reveals how his parents left him to his fat He reiterated his commitment to improve the lives of shareholders, management and staff of Unilever and the people of Ghana in general. Meanwhile, The Editor-In-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako Jnr, is disputing claims that gold dealership firm, Menzgold, has about one million customers whose funds are locked up with the firm. The veteran journalist said his checks showed that Menzgold had a combined clientele of 4,924 customers at the branches, with the exception of the Kaneshie branch. Watch:Yenkasa: What Do You Think About Prophecies? | #Yencomgh: Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen YEN.com.gh has sighted a photo of an aged woman, Rosemond Nkansah, reported to be the first female police officer Ghana ever had. In a Facebook post, Rosemond is seen being aided by a young woman while she posed for the camera with a walking stick. She was said to be at a birthday party organised by her family and friends on January 13, 2019, to celebrate her 89th year. Rosemond Nkansah, the 89-year-old woman reported to be the first ever Ghanaian female police officer. Photo credit: Facebook. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Tema Port murder: Estate owners speak on murderer of the deceased Even though she is old now, it could be seen from her pose that she was good at her job when she served in the police service many years ago. Meanwhile, professional policing was introduced by the British Colonial Authorities to the Gold Coast now the Republic of Ghana in 1821. Before then, policing or maintenance of law and order was handled by the traditional authorities such as the local herdsmen and chiefs, who employed unpaid messengers to carry out the executive and judicial functions in their respective communities. In 1894, the Institution of Police was formalized with the passing of the Police Ordinance which gave legal authority for the formation of a civil police force. Then in 1902 the force was split into General, Escort, Mines and Railway Police, which was legalized by the Police [Amendment] Ordinance of 1904. READ ALSO: Moesha leaks 10-year-challenge photo of 'thosecalledcelebs'; tells sad childhood story The Marine Police was formed in 1916 but disbanded in 1942 and replaced by Customs Excise and Preventive Service. The Criminal Investigation Department [CID] was formed in 1921 with the finger print section fully operational in 1922. In 1948, the Police Reserves Unit was formed to combat riotous mobs, following the 1948 riots in the country. The wireless and Communications Unit was formed in 1950 with the formal opening of the Police Information Room in Accra by the then Governor of the Gold Coast, Sir Charles Noble Arden Clarke, in June 1950. By 1952, a large number of Africans were enlisted into the Police Force as junior officers. The women branch of the service was then established, to be responsible for Juvenile crimes and offences committed by women. In 1958, the first Ghanaian Police Commissioner, Mr. E. R. T. Madjitey was appointed to head the service. READ ALSO: Moesha, Patapaa, Kwaku Manu, Berla Mundi and 5 others who looked unrecognizable 10 years In other news, the police are currently investigating the case involving the gruesome murder of the public affairs manager of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). Josephine Asante was murdered in her bedroom on January 13, 2019, after she had returned home from a party. The police, during investigation, found sperms in her pelvic region. The EMEF estate owners have dispelled reports that the assailants trailed her to the house. According to them, the security condition at the estate was on high and so there was no way a person would have entered or exited the estate without being noticed or accosted. READ ALSO: I cant hide my experience with smoking wee - Top pastor confesses in latest video Ghana News Today: NAM1 Arrested / GPHA Public Affairs Boss Stabbed to Death | #Yencomgh READ ALSO: I have forgiven my parents for 'throwing' me away - Don Little Have national and human interest issues to discuss? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition? Your stories and photos are always welcome. Get interactive via our Facebook page. Click here to get the latest exciting English Premier League news. Get match highlights, reports, photos & videos all in one place. Source: Yen 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. News Somerton, Arizona This press release is a summary of the facts and circumstances known at the time. The incident is still actively being investigated and the information provided in this press release is subject to change. Additional details will be released to the public as they become available. On Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 at approximately 7:10 a.m., the Somerton Police Departments received information from a concerned parent of a child who attends Somerton Middle School advising of a potential threat directed at Somerton Middle School. The parent related his daughter received a "Snap Chat" message stating "don't come to school, school shooter". The message was sent to several students in a group chat. Somerton Police Department obtained a copy of the message and detectives immediately began an investigation. Somerton police officers were dispatched to saturate the Somerton Middle School campus as a precaution. Detectives interviews have led to the source of the threatening post, and have arrested those responsible, two juveniles both 13 years of age, one male, one female. During interviews, the juveniles admitted to the posting, stating is was just a hoax. Searches of both juveniles residents and belongings were conducted, there is no evidence to indicate either juvenile had access to weapons or the ability to carry out the threat. Both are students at Somerton Middle School and reside in Somerton. Detectives are confident those involved have been arrested. Classes were not disrupted however, several students whom were involved in the group chat, have remained home as a result of this incident. Both are being booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Detention Facility on one count of "Disruption of an Educational Institution, a Class 6 Felony. If you have any information that might help detectives solve this case, please contact Somerton Police at (928) 722-7300 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Venice, FL (34285) Today Overcast. A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible. High around 85F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. Low 74F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. * Username This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! Residents of the cracked Opal Tower in Sydney will be forced to spend more time outside of their homes after an interim report revealed damages that need major rectification work, as well as a number of issues with the propertys design and construction. Anthony Roberts, New South Wales planning minister, said the question of whether residents should return to their homes was beyond the scope of the report, but Professor Mark Hoffman from the University of New South Wales advised residents to wait. This is despite Icon, the builder of the tower, declaring on Friday that it was safe for residents to go back home over the weekend. The interim report, which was released more than three weeks after the fiasco, found that while the building is not in danger of collapsing, it has many construction defects. Hoffman and Professor John Carter, authors of the report, focused on levels 3, 4, 9, 10, 16 and 26 of the building and found hob beams on levels 4 and 10 to have major damage. Hoffman and Carters investigation was also able to identify that some parts of the building did not follow the design drawings or expected standards. The severely damaged hob beams on Level 10 and Level 4, for instance, had bearing capacities that indicate factors of safety lower than required by standards, according to a report by news.com au. In addition, some precast concrete panels measured 200mm wide, instead of 180mm, and a series of reinforcing bars were found to be 20mm, instead of 28mm. The report revealed significant issues concerning the property, but there were no definitive conclusions about what caused the damage in the new apartment building. While we have isolated the probable cause to localised structural design and construction issues, we need more information to make definitive conclusions about the cause or causes of the damage to this structure and the proposed rectification, Hoffman and Carter said. Roberts said that more reports would follow and the latest findings only make up an interim report. >> The McCool Speech Team will compete at Meridian on Saturday, Feb. 9. >> McCool will hold a Sadie Hawkins Dance on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 7 11 p.m. York >> York FFA members will attend the District FFA Leadership Skills Event at the Holthus Convention Center in York on Wednesday, Jan. 16. >> The YAAD Winter Ball will be held from 8:30 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Cornerstone Wrestling Activities Center. >> There will be no classes at York Public School on Monday, Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. >> York Public Schools will hold Parent/Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 4:30 8:30 p.m. >> The York Dukes & Duchesses will compete at the UNO Show Choir Competition on Thursday, Feb. 7. >> Classes at York Public Schools will dismiss early on Wednesday, Feb. 6 and Thursday, Feb. 7. >> York Public Schools will be hosting a Mother/Son Game Night on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Holthus Field House in York. Daddies and daughters dont get to have all the fun this will be a fun evening for mothers and sons, ages 4 10, to eat, play and have a good time. Contact the school to register. The trooper said the driver of the vehicle told him there was a knife in the SUV, which his wife (the female passenger identified as Rooker) had stabbed into the front passenger seat. The driver also told the trooper that Rooker had become angry and tore off the rear-view mirror from inside the vehicle. The trooper said he and police officers searched the vehicle and saw there was a knife lodged in the front passenger seat. Court documents say further that the officers and trooper also found two fixed-blade knifes and a large hard ball in a sock on the drivers side, and the trooper said that methamphetamine was found in Rookers purse. The trooper added further that another knife was found in the back of the vehicle. It is stated in court documents that upon speaking with the child and other man, there wasnt enough evidence to take anyone else to jail other than Rooker. She was arrested at that point. The amount of methamphetamine found in the vehicle alleged weighed 29 grams. Upon Rookers plea, she is now facing up to a maximum of 50 years in prison. Judge James Stecker told Rooker she will be sentenced on March 11. YORK In April, 2018, a traffic stop initiated by the York County Sheriffs Department on Interstate 80 resulted in the discovery of a million dollars worth of marijuana. This week, the man hauling the extremely large amount of marijuana was given a hefty fine and was sentenced to some jail time. Paguer Aguiar, 44, of Florida, appeared in York County District Court with his attorney, Daniel Stockmann. He was also accompanied by an interpreter. According to court documents, the traffic stop took place two miles west of York. At the time of the arrest, the sheriffs department explained that the deputy on the scene could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a probable cause search was conducted. Upon that search, deputies found more than 260 pounds of marijuana in eight big duffel bags. The county attorneys office said the estimated street value was $1 million. He was initially charged with possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver, possession of more than one pound of marijuana and having no drug tax stamp. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to having no drug tax stamp and the other charges were dismissed. MANHATTAN Kansas State University has awarded nearly 4,240 students with semester honors for their academic performance in the fall 2018 semester. Students earning a grade point average for the semester of 3.75 or above on at least 12 credit hours receive semester honors along with commendations from their deans. The honors also are recorded on their permanent academic records. The following students from Nebraska received honors from Kansas State University: Grace Jacobson of Geneva; Ashton OBrien of Grafton; Hannah Miller of Gresham; Cara Wolverton of Seward and Linden Kaliff of York. The Magistrate's Court judge and the attorney who were questioned by police as part of the investigation into ethical offenses regarding the appointments of two judges, were released to house arrest on Wednesday. According to the police, the judge is suspected of committing a felony in order to advance her appointment to the judicial position. The lawyer is allegedly involved in attempts to illegally promote a magistrates' court judge to a District Court position. It was also reported that three members of the committee for the appointment of judges have testified. 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. Israeli television said on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan would propose a Palestinian state on as much as 90 percent of West Bank, with a capital in East Jerusalem, but not including its holy sites. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The Trump administration has said publication of the plan, kept closely under wraps, could be months away, and cautioned against speculation about its contents. US Mideast team meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu, August 2018 Citing what it said was a source briefed by the Americans, Reshet 13 TV said the plan would entail Israel annexing Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank while isolated settlements would either be evacuated or their construction halted. Trump wants the proposed Israeli moves to be supplemented by territorial swaps with the Palestinians, and for East Jerusalem's walled Old City to be under Israeli sovereignty but with the joint management of the Palestinians and Jordan, the report said. It said that "most Arab neighborhoods" in East Jerusalem would be under Palestinian sovereignty as a future capital. Jerusalem Israel calls all of Jerusalem its "eternal and undivided capital", a status not recognized internationally. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem, including the Al Aqsa mosque compound in the Old City, as capital of a future state. The report made no mention of the fate of Palestinian refugees, another core dispute in the decades-old conflict, or of how the Gaza Strip, which is under the control of Hamas Islamists opposed to peace with Israel, might fit into the plan. President Trump visits the Western Wall in Jerusalem, May 2017 Israeli and Palestinian officials did not immediately respond to the Reshet 13 report. A senior White House official said only: "As in the past, speculation with regards to the content of the plan is not accurate." In separate remarks to reporters, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, predicted that the Trump plan would not be released before an Israeli election on April 9. "From what we understand, it will not be presented before the election," Danon said. "It's a smart decision because we don't want it to become the issue of the elections." US Vice-President Mike Pence said on Wednesday that he and US President Donald Trump condemned a suicide bomb attack in Syria that has killed at least 19 people, including four US troops, but reiterated the United States would continue with its plan to withdraw troops from the country. "Thanks to the courage of our armed forces, we have crushed the IS caliphate and devastated its capabilities. As we begin to bring our troops home ... we will never allow the remnants of IS to reestablish their evil and murderous caliphate," Pence said in a statement. The Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court ordered Wednesday the release of Israel Bar Association Chairman Effi Naveh under restrictive conditions, including house arrest for a week. Naveh, the main suspect in the investigation of alleged ethical offenses in connection with the appointments of judges, was also disbarred for a month. Somali militant group al Shabaab said on Wednesday that they had launched a deadly attack on an upscale Kenyan hotel and business complex because of US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. The two page statement said: "The Mujahideen (holy warriors) carried out this operation ... (as) a response to the witless remarks of US president, Donald Trump, and his declaration of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the capital of Israel." Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said 20 people were killed in the bomb attack in northern Syria on Wednesday, including five US troops. A US official had earlier told Reuters four US troops had been killed and three wounded in the blast, which an Islamic State-affiliated site said was the work of a suicide bomber. Others said only two had been killed. "The information I have is news pointing toward that there are five US soldiers and 20 died in total," Erdogan said in a news conference with the Croatian president in Ankara. The attack appears to be the deadliest on US forces in Syria since they deployed on the ground there in 2015. Erdogan said he did not believe the attack in the Syrian town of Manbij would impact US President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from Syria - "because I saw honourable Trump's determination on this point," he said. The US military says a number of service members were killed Wednesday in an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria the first instance of US casualties since US President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw troops from the country last month. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the rare morning attack in the US-patrolled town of Manbij in northern Syria, saying one of its members carried out a suicide attack and detonated his vest filled with explosives. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter A US official who declined to be named said four US troops had been killed and three wounded in the blast, which an Islamic State-affiliated site said was the work of a suicide bomber. Others said only two had been killed. The scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, January 16, 2019 The US military released a statement on Twitter that said: "US service members were killed during an explosion while conducting a routine patrol in Syria today. We are still gathering information and will share additional details at a later time." Videos released by local activists and news agencies showed a restaurant that suffered extensive damage and a street covered with debris and blood. Several cars were also damaged. Another video showed a helicopter flying over the area. A local town council and a Syrian war monitoring group said the blast occurred near the town's main market, near a patrol of the US-led coalition, killing and wounding more than a dozen people. A witness in the city said the attack had targeted a restaurant where US personnel were meeting members of the local militia that Washington backs there. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 16 people were killed including nine civilians and others were wounded in the blast. It added that at least five US-backed Syrian fighters were also among the dead. US armored vehicles at the scene of a suicide attack in the northern Syrian town of Manbij, January 16, 2019 Two witnesses described the blast to Reuters. "An explosion hit near a restaurant, targeting the Americans, and there were some forces from the Manbij Military Council with them," one said. The Manbij Military Council militia has controlled the town since US-backed Kurdish-led forces took it from Islamic State in 2016. It is located near areas held by Russian-backed Syrian government forces and by anti-Assad fighters backed by Turkey. One of the witnesses said there was a "heavy" presence of military aircraft over Manbij following the blast, which took place near a vegetable market. The rare attack came days after the US began the process of withdrawing from Syria, pulling out equipment from the northeast into neighboring Iraq. Trump abruptly announced his intention to rapidly withdraw the 2,000 troops from Syria just before Christmas, declaring the Islamic State group to be defeated. President Trump and Jim Mattis The announcement took some of his closest aides by surprise, upset allies in the region, and led to the resignation of Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis. Since then, US officials and Trump himself have suggested the withdrawal would be slower than initially thought. The Kurdish Hawar news agency, based in northern Syria, and the Observatory, which monitors the war through activists on the ground, reported US troops were among the casualties. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, citing unnamed local sources, said a number of US soldiers were injured in the blast and that the US military evacuated soldiers by helicopter. It was not the first time that forces of the US-led coalition were subjected to attacks in the area, although they have been rare. In March last year, a roadside bomb killed two coalition personnel, an American and a Briton, and wounded five in Manbij. A prominent American anchorwoman on Iranian state television's English-language service has been arrested by the FBI after flying into the US, the broadcaster reported Wednesday. The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The reported detention of Press TV's Marzieh Hashemi, born Melanie Franklin of New Orleans, comes as Iran faces increasing criticism of its own arrests of dual nationals and others with Western ties, previously used as bargaining chips in negotiations with world powers. Iran's state broadcaster held a news conference and launched a hashtag campaign for Hashemi, using the same techniques families with loved ones held in the Islamic Republic use to highlight their cases. "We will not spare any legal action" to help her, said Paiman Jebeli, deputy chief of Iran's state IRIB broadcaster. Press TV said Hashemi, who has worked at the state broadcaster service for 25 years, had been arrested after arriving at St. Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday. Jebeli alleged that her son, Reza Hashemi, had been arrested as well. Lambert Airport spokesman Jeff Lea declined comment, referring questions to the FBI. He said he could not confirm what flight Hashemi arrived on or when. St. Louis police said they were not involved. A US official cautioned Israel on Wednesday over investments from China , citing cyber-security concerns and the prospect of Israel's allies limiting intelligence-sharing with it. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The Trump administration has taken steps to curb market penetration by Huwaei Technologies Cos Ltd and ZTE Corp, two of China's biggest network equipment makers, seeing them as spying threats. Both firms deny having any such purpose. US Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette Interest by Huwaei and ZTE in Israel has worried its US ally, as has the green light it granted China's Shanghai International Port Group in 2013 to build a private port near Haifa, a berth for the US Mediterranean fleet. "We know that the threat of cyber attacks is growing each and every day," US Deputy Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette said in a statement during a visit to Israel. According to Brouillette, in his meetings with Israeli officials, he would "share our experiences and concerns regarding certain Chinese foreign investment in Israel, and hope to continue a dialogue on best practices." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan at the Israeli Innovation Summit, 2018 (Photo: AFP) One of Brouillette's hosts, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz, said in a statement after their meeting that the US deputy secretary had "raised their concern about the issue of foreign investments in the State of Israel." There was no immediate Israeli comment on Chinese investment, however. Asked separately about Chinese investment in Israel, Brouillette said in remarks aired by Army Radio: "If done incorrectly, you inhibit the other allies from sharing intelligence with you." In a possible sign of US displeasure at the Chinese involvement in Haifa, one of the Sixth Fleet's warships in October docked in Israel's second-tier Mediterranean port of Ashdod, the fleet's first such visit in almost 20 years. In December 2016 Huawei acquired Israel's HexaTier, whose technology secures databases in the cloud, for $42 million. This followed a visit to Israel by the Chinese technology giant's CEO. That same month, it also acquired IT research firm Toga Networks for an undisclosed amount. According to Israeli media, ZTE has shown interest in Israel's tech sector since sending a senior delegation to the country in 2013. At its inception, Operation Northern Shield has made a lot of noise in the media, but it all ended rather quietly. Nevertheless, over the past six weeks the Israel Defense Forces has located and neutralized six terror tunnels dug from Lebanon into Israeli territory by the Hezbollah terror group, making the terror organization's dream of raising its flag on Israeli soil less and less likely. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter And while the millions of dollars and years of Sisyphean work invested in building the tunnels goes down the drain, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah remains silent. Why? Nasrallah's lack of comment and indeed his disappearance from the public eye over the past few weeksaside from a courtesy visit he paid to the newly elected leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Ziad Nakhala (of which there was no footage)are so peculiar that they sparked a wave of rumors and speculation about his medical condition. Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah Perhaps Hezbollah's secretary-general really is not hundred percent well, or perhaps he is adopting a new media strategy of enigmatic silence. Nasrallah loves to talk, and he loves to make threats even more. His decision to belittle and ridicule Operation Northern Shield is akin to his decision to dismiss Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Syria. In both cases, Nasrallah avoids climbing tall trees. Instead of threatening retaliation, he prefers to sit and wait. In the meantime, he has other domestic issues that demand his attention. Eight months have passed since elections were held in Lebanon, and a new government has yet to be formed, something that also influences Nasrallah's conduct. The Shiite terror organization understands that without the help of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, who is favored by the West, the funds Lebanon so desperately needs will not be infused into the country. Any intransigence in coalition talks could raise questions about the Iranian-backed organization's loyalty to the state. On the other hand, Hezbollah refuses to give up what it has accomplished in the elections, which creates a challenging and maybe even unsolvable equation. The result is a country at a standstill. Some in Israel expected that the discovery of the tunnels would politically harm Hezbollah, portraying them as destabilizing warmongers. But the IDF's decision to stay on the Israeli side of the border throughout the operation stirred sympathy for the terror organization among the Lebanese public. Nasrallah's personal silence over the tunnels was perceived as an indication of responsibility, while the Lebanese armyin Hezbollah's serviceobserved the frontier to prevent IDF troops from crossing the border even by an inch. This inspired the respect of the Lebanese people, and maintained a balance of deterrence between both sides. Inside the exposed Hezbollah tunnel (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) Hezbollah is monitoring the wall Israel is building along its northern border. This new barrier reflects the profound and ongoing change in the Jewish state's outlook, which went from waging a war beyond enemy lines to standing its ground behind concrete or iron walls. Instead of being dragged into a new operation every other day and investing useless and expensive efforts to harm Iran's proxiesHamas, Islamic Jihad, and HezbollahIsrael's new strategy is to directly target the Islamic Republic and its entrenchment attempts in Syria, while avoiding military adventure at all costs. But Qassem Suleimani, commander of the elite Quds Force and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards strongman, has also adopted a different approach. Suleimani believes in an ongoing revolutionfrom Syria to Iraq to Yemen and even Israel or Palestine. He is preparing the ground for the day he takes command in the Galilee and the Golan Heights. A chess cliche is useful when talking about Iran: Israel is moving its pieces into multiple, interlinked places to do battle against Suleimani. Gaza is connected to Lebanon, which is connected to Syria, and everything is connected to Iran. France's foreign ministry on Wednesday strongly condemned a failed Iranian satellite launch and urged it to stop all ballistic missile tests. "The Iranian ballistic programme is a source of concern for the international community and France," foreign ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement. Iran will keep military forces in Syria, the head of the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday, defying Israeli threats that they might be targeted if they do not leave the country. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israeli forces would continue to attack Iranians in Syria unless they quickly get out of there. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will keep its military advisers, revolutionary forces and its weapons in Syria," Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the Revolutionary Guards top commander, was quoted as saying by the semi-official ISNA news agency. Jafari called Netanyahu's threats "a joke", and warned that the Israeli government "was playing with (a) lion's tail." Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo: Amit Shaabi ) "You should be afraid of the day that our precision-guided missiles roar and fall on your head," he said, directly contradicting a statement made by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Monday, who claimed that Iranian officials who are currently in Syria act in an "advisory" capacity Iran and Russia have both backed Syrian President Bashar Assad in a seven-year war against rebels and militants, and have sent thousands of soldiers to the country. Israel, increasingly concerned that its enemy Iran may establish a long-term military presence in neighbouring Syria, says it has carried out more than 200 attacks against Iranian targets in Syria in the last two years. Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli warplanes carried out an attack on what he called an Iranian arms cache in Syria. The Israel Police is investigating suspicions of ethical offenses, including sexual bribery, in connection with the appointments of judges, in a case almost entirely under gag order. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter According to a police statement on Wednesday, the investigation was launched two weeks ago after they received information that aroused suspicions of wrongdoing in connection with the appointment of a female magistrate's court judge several years ago and with an unsuccessful attempt to appoint a male magistrate's court judge to the district court. Detectives from the police's National Fraud Investigations Unit raided the offices of the Israel Bar Association on Wednesday morning. In light of the investigation, Bar Association head Effi Naveh is taking a leave of absence. Uri Keinan will serve as the acting chairman. The lawyer and the judge A male lawyer was arrested for questioning on Wednesday morning. Two other suspectsa female magistrate's court judge and a female lawyerhave already been questioned in the case. The police also summoned additional witnesses to testify, held other raids, and seized documents and digital materials. After the case came to light, Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut sent a special letter to Israel's judges, saying she "believes in the strength of the judicial branch, in which serve hundreds of judges and senior registrars, who are dedicated and honest and do their jobs faithfully out of a sense of mission and commitment to their roles." "Over the years, the judicial branch was required not once to deal with challenges that were not simple. This affair is another challenge with which we are required to deal these days, and I am confident we can do so," she wrote. The Judicial Selection Committee (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) In a joint statement Hayut and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked issued, they said they were "confident that the law enforcement system will exhaust the investigation of the case and uncover the truth." "During Justice Minister Shaked's tenure as the chairman of the Judicial Selection Committee, the committee appointed 334 judges and senior registrars in a thorough and professional selection process," the statement said. "We hope the investigation is completed as soon as possible to maintain the status of the judicial branch and the public's trust in it," they said. Senior judicial officials estimated police might collect testimony from members of the Judicial Selection Committee, including Shaked, Hayut and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon. The police investigation is accompanied by the Central District Prosecutor's Office and is being supervised by the State Prosecutor's Office. A gag order was placed on most details of the investigation. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit recused himself from dealing with the case due to his friendship with the main suspect. Because of that, State Prosecutor Shai Nitzan personally authorized the arrests and questioning. Hamas on Tuesday night released three Italian security guards held for two days at the UNESCO offices in the Gaza Strip on suspicion of being part of an IDF undercover force. The three were freed following intervention by the Italian ambassador to Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The men, who were armed, entered the Strip to prepare for a visit of Italian Ambassador to Israel Gianluigi Benedetti on Wednesday. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh (Photo: AFP) The guards, who were driving a vehicle with diplomatic plates, refused to stop at a Hamas checkpoint inside Gaza. Hamas militants then opened fire at the vehicle and gave chase to the UNESCO offices in the Strip, where the Italians sought refuge. Once the guards were inside, the Hamas men besieged the UNESCO offices. A team of Palestinian investigators then entered the building in order to question the men, whom Hamas suspected to be part of a special undercover IDF force. Only after Benedetti had spoken with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, confirming the men were Italian nationals, did the terror organization agree to release them. In November, an IDF special forces mission in Gaza was discovered by the Palestinians. The subsequent exchange of fire led to the death of IDF Lt. Col. M. and another round of fighting between Israel and Hamas. At least 14 people killed in a terror attack in Nairobi, including an American Jewish businessman, after several terrorists stormed an upscale hotel complex in Kenyas capital city on Tuesday. The US State Department confirmed that an American citizen was among the dead. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The attack on the dusitD2 hotel began shortly after 3pm with an explosion in the parking lot and then a suicide bombing in the foyer, police said. Somali militant Islamist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack. In an addition to the American victim, eleven Kenyans and a Briton were among the casualties, local officials said. No Israelis were reported to have been hurt in the attack. The American victim, Jason Spindler, was the head of a consulting firm with offices located in the hotel complex that was attacked, according to the Washington Post. Spindler was attending a work meeting when he was fatally shot by the terrorists. His family was notified of his death and are making their way to Kenya. Spindler graduated the law school of New York University and had previously volunteered for the Peace Corps. Jason Spindler Spindler's friends have contacted the American embassy and the head of the Jewish community in Nairobi, Rabbi Silverstein, regarding the repatriation of his body back to the United States. Sarah Spindler, Jason's mother, said her son worked toward making a positive change in the developing countries. We miss him so much and it's extremely sad that such a positive young man was taken away from us by the terrorists," she said. His close friend, Chris Schroder, paid tribute on Twitter to Spindler as one of those rare men who was loved by pretty much anyone be touched in Kenya and around the world." He added: "Today he was killed in the terrible al shabab attack in Nairobi. He chose a life of hope and inclusion. I am grateful to have known and learned from him. https://twitter.com/cmschroed/status/1085385683747901440 At least two groups of people remained trapped inside the hotel until early Wednesday morning as the security forces surrounded the complex. Later, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed that security forces had killed all militants involved in the attack. "All the terrorists have been eliminated," said Kenyatta. Kenyan security forces lead the survivors of the attack away from the hotel (Photo: Reuters) In a televised address, Kenyatta did not confirm the earlier reports that four gunmen were involved in the attack. He said more than 700 people were evacuated during the security operation and he urged Kenyans to "go back to work without fear," saying the East African country is safe for citizens and visitors. The United States Army has asked Congress for $373 million to buy two batteries of the Israeli-made Iron Dome missiles defense system, which has been protecting residents of southern Israel from Gaza rockets for over a decade. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter The Americans rarely buy weapons systems from other countries, mostly due to national security considerations but also because the US normally has the technological advantage. While Israel has sold the US technological systems in recent decades, this would be the first time Jerusalem sells Washington a full weapons system. According to American news site Inside Defense, the US Army wants to acquire the two batteries off-the-shelf from Rafael and seeks to have them delivered by 2020. Iron Dome intercepts rocket during Operation Pillar of Defense in 2012 (Photo: EPA) The batteries will include 12 launchers, two sensors, two battlement management centers and 240 interceptors. While the Iron Dome batteries are stationed inside Israel's borders to defend its citizens from rockets fired from Gaza, the Americans plan to station the batteries abroad, to defend its troops in sensitive areas around the globe. The US Army has been looking for several years for a system that could protect its troops from rockets, cruise missiles, drones, mortar shells and other threats on the battlefield. In the past, the US tried to build interception systems based on American-made air-to-air missilesAIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinderbut the costs were too high, and these systems failed to meet all of the Army's operational needs. Iron Dome intercepts rocket, 2018 (: ) This led the Americans to decide to acquire the Iron Dome system from Israel, in what is shaping up to be one of the fastest arms deals in history. Due to the urgency, it appears the Americans also plan to acquire the Israeli-made radar for Iron Dome, the ELM-2084 Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), which is manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), since adjusting the American radar to Iron Dome would delay the system going into service. The Americans have already tested the Iron Dome system. In September 2017, Israel loaned the US an Iron Dome battery, which was flown to the missile range in White Sands, New Mexico, where it successfully intercepted different types of threats that were launched at it; the Americans were impressed by the high interception rate. According to Inside Defense, Iron Dome is also significantly cheaper than other American systems. For example, the system based on the AIM-120 AMRAAM costs $12 million for each launcher and $800,000 for each interceptor missile. The Iron Dome, meanwhile, will cost the Americans $1.37 million for each launcher, $150,000 for each interceptor missile, $4 million for the battlement management center and $34.7 million for the MMR. Iron Dome battery (Photo: EPA) "The Iron Dome system provides the best value to the Army based on its schedule, cost per kill, magazine depth, and capability against specified threats," Army acquisition executive Bruce Jette wrote in his report to Congress. "Additionally, the Army assessed the key benefits of the Iron Dome system as its magazine depth of 20 interceptors per launcher and the proven capabilities of the Tamir Missile. The fielded interceptor is battle tested and Israeli Qualified." According to the report, the US Army is asking for $289.7 million for the deal in the current fiscal year, and $83.8 million in the next fiscal year. In addition, the Army is asking Congress to invest an additional $1.6 billion by 2024 in integrating the Iron Dome's launcher and missiles with its own missile defense system IFPC Inc 2-I, which could indicate the Army plans to acquire more of Iron Dome's Tamir missiles in the future. While the Iron Dome system was developed by Israel, since 2011 the US has invested $1.4 billion in its development and its acquisition for the Israel Air Force. Raytheon, which manufactures the Patriot missile system, has partnered up with Rafael to produce the Iron Dome system, with over 50 percent of its components manufactured in the US, in accordance with US Department of Defense requirements in return for the funding. Raytheon is expected to also play a major role in the production of the Tamir missiles for the US Army. A former employee of Israeli cybercompany NSO was sent to five years in prison on Wednesday by the Tel Aviv District Court for stealing company's spyware and trying to sell it on the darknet. The sentencing was part of a plea bargain. Israel's Ambassador to Macedonia Dan Oryan is taking his fondness for being photographed in mid-air in front of the worlds most famous landmarks to benefit special needs youth. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Oryan recently joined a social project to incorporate youth with disabilities into his eccentric photoshoots, which will soon be displayed around the world in a special exhibition. Ambassador Dan Oryan with Mickey Hayat along with two special needs participants (Photo: Yehezkel Itkin) The project is a collaborative effort between Oryan and an ultra-Orthodox capoeira champion Mickey Hayat, who works with Haredi youth and young people with special needs. "Capoeira changed my life, and now my life's mission is to help the ultra-Orthodox youth discover this amazing activity," says Hayat, adding that the collaboration with the ambassador seemed absolutely natural to him. Oryan, who also runs the Balkan Department at the Foreign Ministry, was photographed jumping along with the young people at Israel's best-known tourists attractions, including the Western Wall in Jerusalem and the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv. Dan Oryan in Moscow (Photo: Sasha Ilichev) The project's photoshoot was produced in collaboration with social activist Ofra Cohen, who will handpick some of the images to be displayed at the "Jump Together" exhibition around the world, starting this weekend. "Together we create a society that sees the strengths of people with disabilities," says Cohen. Ambassador Oryan and young people at Tel Aviv's Azrieli Towers (Photo: Eran Gil) This is not the first time the ambassador has been involved in projects involving special needs youth. In March, he plans to fly a group of young people with disabilities to Macedonia to participate in a memorial ceremony for the Jews murdered in the country during the Holocaust. Ambassador Oryan and Mickey Hayat (Photo: Shlomi Amsalem) Oryan also helped the SHEKEL organizationthat works to improve the lives of people with disabilitiesto produce a film in Macedonia, which had a special screening at the Knesset Culture Committee. As well as that, the ambassador flew two disabled food chefs to Macedonia to prepare authentic Israeli food especially for the Israel's 70th Independence Day celebrations. There is something about jumping in a suit and tie that breaks the ice. I love the idea of breaking conventions, and if I can put a smile on the faces of these young men and women by jumping around, then count me in, said the ambassador. A former army comrade of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is dipping his toe into the political world, albeit at the other end of the spectrum. Amos Danieli, 70, who fought alongside Netanyahu and even saved his life in a 1969 operation, established a new Arab-Jewish party named Lema'anenu (For Our Sakes)and offers a very different vision to that of his former brother-in-arms. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter There is no left or right, says Danieli. The aim is to influence from within the government (to improve) the circumstances of minorities in Israel and bring about an equal society that grants equal opportunities to all its citizens. Amos Danieli It seems that the conditions are ripe for creating a strong society based on the values of equality and social solidarity, says Danieli. Danieli served in the elite commando unit Sayeret Matkal, alongside such IDF luminaries as Ehud Barak, Uzi Dayan, Yoni Netanyahu and his brother Benjamin. In a ceremony that celebrated the 50 years anniversary of the unit, Netanyahu described the operation in which Danieli saved his life. I almost drowned in the Suez Canal on our return from an operation during the War of Attrition. During battle, bullets whistled all around me and hit my dinghy, and I plunged into the water, carrying a heavy box of ammunition. My friends Doron Zalzberg and Amos Danieli grabbed me by the hand and prevented me from drowning. PM Benjamin Netanyahu The yearsand politicspushed the two friends apart. Politics caused us to become distant, says Danieli. He cant call anyone who doesn't agree with him a traitor. Among members of the new party are Wallid Dia, a social worker from Tamra who set up a drug rehabilitation center for Jews and Arabs, and former head of the northern local council of Eilabun, Jaris Matar. British lawmakers defeated Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin on Tuesday, triggering political upheaval that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter Parliament voted 432-202 against her deal, the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history. Scores of her own lawmakers - both Brexiteers and supporters of EU membership - joined forces to vote down the deal. UK Prime Minister Theresa May (Photo: Reuters) With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now ensnared in the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project that it joined in 1973. May's crushing loss, the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, marks the collapse of her two-year strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit. "The Brexit deal is basically dead," said Anand Menon, professor of European politics and foreign affairs at King's College London. "The EU and British lawmakers will consider the deal dead, so the UK will have no Brexit policy and no viable alternative to the Brexit policy," Menon said. After repeatedly refusing to resign or to countenance another referendum, May will make a statement shortly. Her options include setting course for a no-deal exit, brinkmanship to try to secure concessions from the EU, a delay to Brexit, resignation, an election or a referendum. Protests over Brexit deal outside Parliament House, London (Photo: Reuters) Ever since Britain voted by 52-48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016, the political class has been debating how to leave the European project forged by France and Germany after the devastation of World War Two. While the country is divided over EU membership, most agree that the world's fifth largest economy is at a crossroads and that its choices over Brexit will shape the prosperity of future generations. Before the vote, May had warned pro-Brexit lawmakers that if her plan was rejected, it was more likely that Britain would not leave the EU at all than that it would leave without a deal. She has also warned fellow Conservatives not to let the opposition Labour Party seize control of Brexit. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, hoping to force an election, is expected to call a parliamentary vote of no confidence in May's government. Supporters of EU membership cast Brexit as a gigantic mistake that will undermine the West, smash Britain's reputation as a stable destination for investment and slowly weaken London's position as a global capital. Many opponents of Brexit hope May's defeat will ultimately lead to another referendum on EU membership, though Brexiteers say that thwarting the will of the 17.4 million who voted for Brexit could radicalise much of the electorate. Brexit supporters cast leaving as a way to break free from a Union they see as overly bureaucratic and fast falling behind the leading economic powers of the 21st century, the United States and China. Last week, the head of Shin Bet domestic security agency warned that a foreign country "intends to intervene," via cyber attacks, in the Israeli elections set for April 9. Analysts quickly pointed the finger at Russia, given the Kremlin's apparent meddling in the 2016 United States presidential vote, but was that a rush to judgment? Follow Ynetnews on Facebook STRONG> and Twitter For all the brouhaha, most experts agree that the Jewish state maintains the technological know-how to minimize the impact of similar attempts to influence its political system. As a result, the widespread outrage and partisan battles in the US have not materialized in Israel. Undoubtedly contributing to the collective Israeli shrug of the shoulders is their familiarity with two decades of foreign intervention in elections. And while most news outlets last week focused on serial manipulators such as Russia, China and Iran, the fact is, Israel's most important strategic ally has historically been the primary culprit, with numerous US leaders having injected themselves into the Israeli electoral process. Trump and Netanyahu. Numerous U.S. leaders having injected themselves into the electoral process. (Photo: Gov. Press Office) Rumors began circulating about the Trump administration's preference for Netanyahu from the moment the White House said it would postpone the release of its much-anticipated Middle East peace plan until after the elections. This was widely seen as an attempt to avoid harming Netanyahu's campaign by forcing him to accept any politically unpalatable concessions to the Palestinians. Now, the White House reportedly is considering holding a state dinner to express "presidential support" for the Israeli premier when he visits Washington in March. To date, US President Donald Trump has feted only his French counterpart with such pomp and ceremony, and the optics of such a glittering event will play well with Netanyahu's base. "Israelis view the US as a sort of patron and the majority of them have a positive image of Trump, so his backing could provide a boost to Netanyahu," says Dr. Amir Fuchs, head of the Defending Democratic Values Program at the Israel Democracy Institute. "There is no legal problem with President Trump hosting Netanyahu, although from a democratic point of view this is somewhat problematic. Even so, countries have always done this and it is part of the political game. "As long as there is transparency and done above table," he says, "the issue of foreign intervention can be limited and need not significantly damage the freedom of elections. Also, it is for this reason countries have laws that protect the integrity of the vote." Notably, Yitzhak Rabin was the last Israeli prime minister invited to a state dinner at the White House, invited by then-president Bill Clinton along with King Hussein of Jordan to mark the signing of their landmark 1994 peace accord. This rare invite will dovetail nicely with the Netanyahu narrative that only he is capable of navigating Israel's relationship with the lone global superpower and other nations. "There have been all kinds of attempts by American administrations to interfere in Israeli elections even though the most spectacular example failed," says Prof. Eytan Gilboa, Director of the Center for International Communication at Bar-Ilan University. "This was when Bill Clinton organized a conference in Sinai (in March 1996) essentially in support of then-prime minister Shimon Peres. But Netanyahu went on to shock everyone by winning the elections (two months later). "It is very difficult to manipulate Israeli public opinion from the outside," Gilboa says, "as voters are informed of what is going on since their consumption of conventional news is one of the highest in the world. While it is obvious the Trump administration is trying to demonstrate support for Netanyahu, the most important factor in the upcoming vote is domestic; namely, whether centrist and leftist parties come together to form a bloc large enough to challenge the premier." Nevertheless, Netanyahu knows as well as anyone the effect a US president can have on Israel's political system. While he overcame Clinton's backing for Peres, he to this day blames the American leader for his subsequent defeat to Ehud Barak in the 1999 elections. After assuming office, Barak engaged in Clinton's intensive peace process that culminated at Camp David the following year, when then-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat rejected a comprehensive proposal to end the conflict. Yitzhak Rabin, the last Israeli prime minister invited to a state dinner at the White House, joined by Jordan's King Hussein to mark the signing of their landmark 1994 peace accord. (: , ") A 2016 Senate inquiry found that funds from the Obama administration ended up in the coffers of the Israel-based V15 organization, whose slogan was "anyone but Bibi," referring to Netanyahu According to the Senate review, the State Department funneled some $350,000 to the groupalbeit in accordance with American lawin hopes of unseating the prime minister. This came amid heightened tensions between Obama and Netanyahu following the Israeli leader's controversial 2015 speech to Congressarranged by his Republican allies without informing the White Housein which he slammed the nascent Iran nuclear deal. Many accused Netanyahu of cynically using the speech to boost his standing at home, while Obama refused to meet with him due to a "longstanding practice and principle" of not meeting with "heads of state or candidates in close proximity to their elections, so as to avoid the appearance of influencing a democratic election in a foreign country." Some viewed Obama's actions as payback for Netanyahu's apparent support for Mitt Romney in the 2012 US presidential vote. According to accounts, Israel's US envoy and former GOP strategist Ron Dermer actively cooperated with Republican operatives and persuaded Netanyahu that Romney was a shoe-in. "Both Israel and the US meddle indirectly, with actions undertaken intended to alter the elections," says Dr. Yehuda Ben Meir, Senior Research Fellow at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies and an expert on Israeli public opinion. "This includes, for example, when (George HW) Bush conditioned loan guarantees to the (right-wing) Shamir government, earmarked to help absorb Russian immigrants, on the cessation of settlement construction. (Labor Party leader) Yitzhak Rabin went on to win the 1992 elections" and the next year signed the Oslo Accords with the Palestinians. "Israelis recognize the crucial nature of the relationship with the US and do not want tensions," says Dr. Ben Meir. "This is a (determining) factor for some voters but it can work both ways. Nobody wants to be told who to cast their ballot for and if it is clear the Americans want one candidate over another, then this can boomerang and cancel out any effect." Article written by Charles Bybelezer Reprinted with permission from The Media Line The Blue Reform proposed on Tuesday that Finland re-interpret the convention and amend the constitution in order to allow authorities to deport people found guilty of aggravated sex crimes even if the deportation would otherwise be impossible due to the security situation in their country of origin. MINISTER of Justice Antti Hakkanen (NCP) has shot down calls to adopt a new position on the UN Refugee Convention. Id say we need to keep a cool head right now. We cant make hasty amendments to the constitutions on issues like these, Hakkanen stressed in the Parliament House. Making amendments to any provisions in the heat of the moment is ill advised. Hakkanen reminded that both the constitution and international treaties prohibit the deportation of people if they are at risk of facing death in their country of origin. Members of the Parliament, he gauged, are consequently very unlikely to support demands to abandon the treaties. Would it make sense for Finland to abandon its key commitments under the human rights system? I dont think its something we should support, he said. Simon Elo, the chairperson of the Blue Parliamentary Group, stated yesterday in a news conference that the asylum system should be patched up and the refugee convention re-examined in regards to people found guilty of sex crimes. The deportations, he added, should be carried out on grounds of a new emergency law. Finland gave up on the practice of emergency law a long time ago, replied Hakkanen. Id say its very unlikely well deviate from the constitution on core issues such as these. Ill have to study the proposal further, but in general I dont think its a smart way to move forward. Hakkanen admitted that legislative changes are necessary in spite of his reservations about the proposal by the Blue Reform. Well have to simultaneously keep a warm heart and a cool head. The immigration system must be adjusted to some extent: controls must be developed and the removals of illegal residents made faster. The Ministry for Foreign Affairs must thrash out an agreement with Iraq on removals as soon as possible, he stated. Im not talking about any extreme measures, but we cant allow a situation to emerge where we have thousands of people outside the reach of authorities in Finland. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi Felina Blanch Metsker was reported missing on April 1, 2016. While looking for Metsker on the morning of May 5, searchers from the FBI, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Yakama Nation Police Department found human remains near White Swan. An FBI laboratory determined the identity as Metsker. Jack Hawkins, then-Yakima County coroner, said she was killed by a gunshot wound. 7 day print subscribers enjoy unlimited access to yakimaherald.com Enter the LAST NAME and the 7 DIGIT phone number on your print subscription account to connect your print subscription to your yakimaherald.com account. ANTTI Kaikkonen, the chairperson of the Centre Parliamentary Group, announced yesterday all parliamentary groups have agreed to expedite three legislative projects in response to recent revelations about sex crimes against children in Helsinki and Oulu. The parliamentary groups agreed to fast-track a legislative proposal to introduce tougher punishments for child sexual abuse and new provisions on rape of an underage person. The Parliaments Legal Affairs Committee is currently considering the proposal and will weigh up the possibility of increasing the punishments further, according to Kaikkonen. The groups also intend to expedite a proposal to amend the legislation on processing personal data by police, arguing that it is a tools for authorities to prevent sex crimes. The third and final legislative proposal identified as key by the parliamentary groups would amend the aliens act to allow authorities to strip people convicted of certain crimes of Finnish citizenship. The Constitutional Law Committee is currently discussing the proposal and should also consider adding aggravated sex crimes to the list of offences, according to the parliamentary groups. Kaikkonen pointed out that promoting legislative bills that have already been submitted for parliamentary consideration is one of the few options available to the groups with only a few months left to go in the electoral term. He added that the parliamentary committees will schedule additional meetings for the weeks to come in order to move forward with the proposals. The ruling parties, meanwhile, have urged the committees to also submit proposals to supplement the budget to ensure the proposals can be passed. Antti Lindtman, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, drew attention to the exceptional nature of the joint declaration by the groups. This is the strongest message this house can send, he said. Aleksi Teivainen HT Source: Uusi Suomi The claim that China has arbitrarily applied the death penalty is far from the truth Canadian drug smuggler Robert Lloyd Schellenberg attends the court for his retrial on Monday at the Intermediate People's Court of Dalian in Northeast Chinas Liaoning Province. Photo: courtesy of Dalian Intermediate People's Court A Canadian citizen in China on Monday was sentenced to death after a court in northeastern China convicted him of drug smuggling. Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was initially given a 15-year sentence last November, had requested a retrial and was sentenced to death for smuggling methamphetamines. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused China of arbitrarily applying the death penalty, calling the sentence extremely concerning. At a regular press conference on Tuesday, Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was asked for Chinas comment on the matter. Hua called the claim that China is arbitrarily enforcing its laws far from the truth. She then wondered whether the people in Canada making such claims have read the information issued by the court or if they have seriously studied the relevant laws in China. The point that Hua was making is that the court made a reasoned decision and drug smuggling is a serious crime punishable by death in China. As pointed out at the press conference, the information issued by Dalian Intermediate Peoples Court in Dalian is very detailed. Schellenberg was involved in organized international drug trafficking and conspired with others to smuggle 222.035 kg of methamphetamine. His actions constitute drug smuggling and the prosecutors made all his criminal facts clear with concrete and adequate evidence. The Chinese spokesperson also noted that drug-related crime is recognized as a serious problem in the world and is very harmful to society. All countries are concerned about this problem, and China is no different. In fact, drug-related crime is routinely severely punished in China. Equality before the law is the spirit of the rule of law, Hua said, adding that those who claim that China is acting in an arbitrary way lack this spirit. We urge the Canadian side to respect the rule of law, respect Chinas judicial sovereignty, correct its mistakes, and stop making irresponsible remarks, she said. Following the Courts decision, the Government of Canada issued a travel advisory to its citizens, warning them to exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. The Foreign Ministry also weighed in on the matter. The Chinese spokesperson said that the Canadian government should issue advisories to its citizens, not for any possible danger in travelling to China, but to warn them about getting involved in grave crimes like drug trafficking, adding that if anyone commits such a crime in China, he or she will surely face severe consequences. This is like a thief crying stop thief, Hua said. In fact, it is Canada, not China, who has arbitrarily detained a foreign citizen under the pretext of law, adding that every Canadian who is detained in China was detained by the relevant departments for an act they had committed. She also said that the reasons why the authorities had taken the compulsory measures in each case are very clear. Hua ended her response by stressing that China remains open to all and welcomes people from all countries, including Canada, for normal and friendly exchanges and cooperation. She expressed hope that people will abandon their prejudices and go to China to see for themselves how friendly and open the Chinese people are. Also on Tuesday, China advised its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to Canada. The Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of China in Canada issued a travel advisory for Canada, warning its citizens to fully evaluate the risks of travel to Canada and to exercise caution when traveling there, citing the recent arbitrary detention of a Chinese national in Canada at the request of a third-party country. YAKIMA, Wash. -- The trial of a man indicted in the death of a Harrah woman who went missing in 2016 is underway in federal court in Yakima. George Skylar Cloud, 22, was indicted in February 2018 in the murder of Felina Blanch Metsker, 33. He is accused of first-degree murder and aiding and abetting. Federal prosecutors allege that Neil Cloud, 20, who was later killed, and George Cloud fatally shot Metsker in late March 2016. Jurors in George Clouds trial were empaneled Monday and opening arguments followed. Metsker was last seen between 2 and 3 p.m. March 25, 2016, in the area of Barkes Road in Harrah, where she was staying in a trailer. Authorities said blankets and a plastic window covering were missing from the trailer the next day, and Metsker was reported missing April 1, according to a bulletin from the FBI. The FBI offered up to $10,000 for tips regarding Metskers disappearance. While looking for Metsker on the morning of May 5, searchers from the FBI, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Yakama Nation Police Department found human remains in a rural area near White Swan. An FBI laboratory determined the body was Metskers. A witness said George and Neil Cloud killed Metsker because she had cooperated with police and they had to eliminate the threat, according to court documents. It wasnt clear how she might have cooperated, however, or what possibly resulted from her cooperation. George Cloud pleaded guilty in February 2018 in federal court to an unrelated carjacking case in which federal prosecutors alleged he shot a woman in the leg and stole a black Chrysler from a Toppenish convenience store parking lot in March 2016. An abandoned black Chrysler was found near Metskers body, and her blood was discovered in the trunk, according to court documents. Prosecutors said it was the same vehicle George Cloud had stolen about two months earlier. Other suspects The body of Neil Cloud was found in Medicine Valley off Towtnuk Road near White Swan on Sept. 18, 2017, and identified using DNA in August 2018. An autopsy determined the 20-year-old Toppenish man was stabbed to death. He was reported missing in 2016. A White Swan man, Donovan Culps, 36, told a Spokane TV station that he had stabbed and slit the throat of a man on the Yakama Reservation in 2016 to avenge the death of Metsker, whom Culps said was the mother of his child. Culps is awaiting trial in Spokane County Superior Court on a separate first-degree murder charge in the death of marijuana store worker Cameron Smith in Cheney in 2017. Culps was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2018 on a first-degree murder charge in the death of Neil Cloud. George Skyhawk Thompson was named as a co-defendant in Clouds death. Plea agreements Two other people involved in the Metsker case have reached plea agreements with prosecutors. Kristen Ashlie Cloud, 37, and Nicole Lee Sunny Cloud, 30, were indicted as accessories after the fact. Kristen Cloud entered a plea agreement on Dec. 14 and will be sentenced March 6. Nicole Cloud pleaded guilty in December and will be sentenced on March 27. A witness told authorities that Nicole and Kristen Cloud helped clean up the crime scene, according to court documents. HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) Zimbabwe police armed with AK-47 rifles detained a prominent activist and pastor on Wednesday, part of more than 600 arrests, in a harsh crackdown over protests against dramatic fuel price hikes in the economically shattered country. A doctors' group said it had treated more than 60 gunshot wounds in a "human rights crisis." State security minister Owen Ncube announced the arrests on television and thanked security forces for "standing firm" in the face of the country's most serious unrest since deadly post-election violence in August. While some hungry Harare residents reported being tear-gassed by police when they ventured out for bread, President Emmerson Mnangagwa denounced what he called "wanton violence and cynical destruction." He noted a right to protest and said he understands the "pain and frustration," but he appeared to side with authorities who blame the opposition for unrest. Pastor Evan Mawarire was clutching a Bible when police bundled him into their car in the capital. He famously organized what became nationwide anti-government protests in 2016 against mismanagement and then-President Robert Mugabe's long stay in power. "They are alleging that he incited violence through Twitter and other forms of social media," said Beatrice Mtetwa, the pastor's lawyer. There were widespread reports of violence as Zimbabwe faced a third day of protests over what has become the world's most expensive gasoline. The country's largest telecom company, Econet, told customers the government forced it to shut down internet service. "The matter is beyond our control," it said. Service returned hours later but social media was blocked. In a grim recounting of alleged police violence, the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights said late Wednesday it had treated 68 cases of gunshot wounds and 100-plus other cases of "assaults with sharp objects, booted feet, baton sticks" and more. It noted bites from the alleged unleashing of police dogs, and the "dragging of patients with life-threatening conditions" to court. Story continues Armed police and soldiers broke up groups of more than five people in Harare, while desperation for food forced some people to venture into the streets. But virtually all shops were closed. Police fired tear gas after a crowd tried to overrun a shopping center that opened to sell bread. Soldiers with AK-47s took charge of the long line. "This kind of life is unbearable, we have soldiers at fuel queues and now soldiers again are controlling the bread queue," one man said. "Are we at war?" He spoke on condition of anonymity out of concern about possible retaliation. A spokesman for the main opposition MDC party, Nkululeko Sibanda, said in a Twitter post that "party leadership" had been detained. "This is only deepening the political crisis," he said. As Mnangagwa makes an extended overseas trip that will include a stop at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to plead for more foreign investment, former military commander and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a hardliner, is in charge at home. Reported death tolls this week have varied. Eight people were killed on Monday when police and military fired on crowds, Amnesty International said. Zimbabwe's government said three people were killed, including a policeman stoned to death by an angry crowd. The demonstrations amount to "terrorism," Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said, blaming the opposition. International concern has been rising over Zimbabwe in recent months after a burst of optimism when Mugabe stepped down in late 2017 under military pressure. "We hope that people are able to demonstrate peacefully and freely," said United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The British minister for Africa, Harriett Baldwin, has noted "worrying levels of violence" and urged restraint by security forces. But South Africa's foreign ministry said in a statement that "we're confident measures being taken by the Zimbabwean government will resolve the situation." Zimbabweans in neighboring South Africa protested outside their embassy. Tino Mambeu called the arrest of Mawarire, the pastor, "madness, thus absolute rubbish." ___ Associated Press video journalist Nqobile Ntshangase in Pretoria, South Africa and writer Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed. ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's government hit out at the United States on Wednesday, accusing the Donald Trump administration of fomenting violence in the South American country by backing the opposition-controlled parliament's bid to disavow President Nicolas Maduro. "Venezuela demands respect for its democracy," Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza tweeted, denouncing US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and "other extremist voices looking to destabilize the country and incite violence." The US has been one of the biggest critics of the Maduro regime in Venezuela and described the president as illegitimate last week when he was sworn in for a highly-controversial second term in office. Maduro won snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and branded a fraud by the US, among others. Last week, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said his country would "use diplomatic and economic tools to support the Venezuelan people's efforts to restore their democracy." But it was Pompeo's support for Venezuela's National Assembly, which has formally declared Maduro a "usurper of democracy," that most irked Arreaza. "It's a shame that... Pompeo cannot receive a credible and rigorous report that would allow him to understand the content of our sacred Venezuelan constitution," said Arreaza. Maduro was sworn in on Thursday in front of the Supreme Court, made up mostly of regime loyalists, rather than the opposition-controlled legislature, as the constitution dictates. "Not satisfied with leading a criminal economic blockade and an international operation of aggression against Venezuela, Pompeo is now blatantly promoting a coup d'etat, citing articles from a constitution he clearly doesn't know," added Arreaza. Pompeo has voiced his support for National Assembly president Juan Guaido's claim that the constitution allows him to assume power and set up a transitional government ahead of snap elections. Story continues Guaido spoke with Mike Pence on Tuesday, with the US vice president offering "continuous support" to the legislature. While increasingly isolated on the international stage, Maduro does enjoy the support of Venezuela's military high command. But on Tuesday, Guaido promised an amnesty to any members of the military that disavow Maduro. He's called a mass protest against the socialist ruler for next Wednesday. Maduro is widely blamed for Venezuela's economic meltdown that sees the oil-reliant country wallowing in a fourth year of recession as crude production is at a 30-year low, while poverty is widespread and millions have fled the country. Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned foreign businesses Wednesday to steer clear of formerly private properties seized by Cuba -- and said he was considering allowing lawsuits over such assets in US courts. Pompeo said he was reviewing whether to move forward on a section of a 1996 law that would allow Cuban exiles to sue both private companies and Cuba itself for profiting on properties nationalized after Fidel Castro's 1959 communist revolution. US administrations have systematically used their authority to delay implementation of the measure every six months -- but Pompeo said he was issuing a suspension for only 45 days. Pompeo said in a statement that US President Donald Trump's administration would conduct a "careful review" over the period, which will begin on February 1. The administration will look at "efforts to expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba and include factors such as the Cuban regime's brutal oppression of human rights and fundamental freedoms and its indefensible support for increasingly authoritarian and corrupt regimes in Venezuela and Nicaragua," he said. "We call upon the international community to strengthen efforts to hold the Cuban government accountable for 60 years of repression of its people," he added. "We encourage any person doing business in Cuba to reconsider whether they are trafficking in confiscated property and abetting this dictatorship." - Sharp reversal from Obama era - The warning was another sharp reversal from the policies of former president Barack Obama, who normalized relations with Cuba and said decades of US policy to overthrow the communist leadership had failed. Even before Obama's reconciliation drive, successive US administrations determined that allowing lawsuits over property would jeopardize key relationships as European allies and Canada have invested widely in Cuba. The European Union lodged protests and complained to the World Trade Organization after the 1996 passage of the Helms-Burton law, also known as the Libertad Act, which authorized the property lawsuits in US courts as one part of an expansion of the existing US embargo on Cuba. Story continues The law was spearheaded by far-right Republican senator Jesse Helms and congressman Dan Burton after Cuba in 1996 shot down two aircraft flown by exiled Cuban activists. The US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, which supports American business in the Caribbean island, said Pompeo's move was calculated to "create uncertainty and, thus, anxiety." The 45-day suspension "presents a likelihood of an ominous commercial, economic and political landscape" for Cuba, the European Union and all WTO members, said the council's president, John Kavulich. In a speech to anti-Castro Cuban exiles in Miami after taking office in 2017, Trump called Obama's policies "terrible and misguided" and declared: "We now hold the cards." While not reversing all of Obama's sanctions relief, Trump kept in place previous restrictions on US citizens' travel and business dealings in Cuba. Pompeo earlier presented Cuba with an open letter to demand that it explain the detention of eight people considered by Washington to be political prisoners. Trump has shown himself willing to move ahead with actions that cause controversy on the world stage. He earlier ended years of White House waivers on congressional action and moved the US embassy in Israel from Jerusalem. Washington (AFP) - The United States and Canada on Wednesday promised an "unbiased" legal process for a Chinese executive whose arrest in Vancouver at US request has riled Beijing. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland discussed the arrest Tuesday in a phone call in which they also voiced concern about the "arbitrary detentions" of Canadians in China, the US State Department said. "They noted their continued commitment to Canada's conduct of a fair, unbiased and transparent legal proceeding and US extradition request with respect to Ms. Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei," a State Department statement said. Meng was detained last month as she switched planes, on a request by the United States, which says she violated Washington's sanctions on Iran. Soon afterward, China detained two Canadians, a former diplomat and a businessman, on accusations of endangering national security, moves seen in Ottawa and Washington as retaliatory. A Chinese court on Monday also sentenced a Canadian man to death for drug trafficking, saying his earlier sentence was too lenient. Meng -- the daughter of the founder of Huawei, a major Chinese telecom firm -- is free on Can$10 million (US$7.5 million) bail as she awaits a hearing on extradition to the United States. Tripoli (AFP) - The UN's Libya mission warned against clashes in the country's capital on Wednesday as tensions rose between rival militias, four months after clashes that left over 100 people dead. "The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly condemns the recent military mobilisation of forces in southern Tripoli and is monitoring the situation closely," it said in a statement. "UNSMIL warns parties against any breach of the ceasefire agreement concluded on 04 and 09 September 2018." Fierce battles between militias from the capital and from other areas in the west of the country rocked Tripoli between the end of August and early September, leaving at least 117 dead and hundreds wounded. The UN brokered the September truce deal that helped end the violence. But witnesses reported sporadic shooting and road closures on Wednesday after the Tripoli Protection Force alliance warned on Facebook it would "repel an attack" by a rival group that had failed to withdraw from the capital. The Seventh Brigade militia, from the town of Tarhuna, has maintained its positions in Tripoli since the ceasefire agreement. The UN said that "any party initiating a confrontation will be held fully responsible" and insisted it "will take action as necessary" to halt any violence. Libya has been torn between rival administrations and a myriad of militias since the overthrow and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. The main armed groups in Tripoli say they are loyal to the internationally backed Government of National Accord (GNA), but officials have struggled to exert real control over the fighters. The GNA announced security reforms in the wake of the bloodshed last year, aimed at curbing the power of militias in the capital. A second administration in the east of Libya is backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar and his self-proclaimed Libyan National Army. The UN is pushing for elections to help stabilise Libya, but chronic violence has delayed plans for a vote. Nairobi (AFP) - When an explosion and gunfire rang out at an upmarket hotel complex in Nairobi, people hid under desks, cowered in bathrooms or hunkered down in their cars, some hiding through the entire 20-hour siege. Here are some of the stories from survivors of the attack in the Westlands district of the Kenyan capital that was claimed by Somali Islamist group Al-Shabaab. - Saying goodbye - "Please tell my family I love them," 38-year-old Ronald Ng'eno wrote on Twitter in what he believed was his final goodbye. Ng'eno, who was rescued after 11 hours in hiding, told AFP he was in his office where he worked as a communications officer for the Commission on Revenue Allocation when he heard "a massive blast followed by unending gunshots". He and his colleagues tried to flee but quickly realised the gunmen were already inside. "They started firing directly towards us and that was when we changed course and ran into the bathrooms located on first floor. Upon entering the bathroom, I saw a small opening in the ceiling and that's where I hid momentarily." First he sent a tweet to police asking for help. "But as the gunshots continued to grow louder and louder, my hope of seeing my family again faded by the minute and that is when I decided to tweet my last message to my wife and two sons," he said. "If I die I love the Lord and believe I will go to heaven please tell my family I love them. I love you Caleb, Mark and Carol," his tweet said. After a while, he climbed down from the ceiling to join about six others also hiding in the bathroom. He continued to communicate with the police until his battery died at around 11:00 pm with the siege still going on. "Luckily, police had told us they would knock on the door in a specific way so as to identify themselves and at 2:30 am on Wednesday, we heard the knock and we knew help had finally come." - Saved by a flat battery - Story continues Brian Gatimu, a tour operator based inside the sprawling office park, which also houses a luxury hotel and restaurants, believes he survived because his car battery died. "I had left the lights on. Talk of God's doings," Gatimu told Capital FM News. He said he was leaving his office but was delayed in the rooftop parking lot as he looked for someone to help him jumpstart the car. Two minutes after he got it up and running, he heard a loud bang. "I saw huge smoke billowing from the entrance." He said he hid in his car, which has tinted windows, for two hours, calling for help on Twitter, before police officers came to rescue him. "I stayed inside hoping all is well. I was shaken," he said. - Barista to the attackers - Reuben Kimani, a barista working at the hotel, said he recognised at least one of the attackers, having served him coffee in the run-up to the assault. "I knew one of them because he had a big scar on one of his hands," he said. "I saw them. They shot six of my friends, four didn't die but two succumbed." Before opening fire, he said the attackers had shouted: "Why are you killing our brothers and sisters in Somalia?" He was rescued after several hours trapped inside the hotel. - 'Every man for himself' - Cyprian Otieno, a 23-year-old student, met a friend for lunch elsewhere in Westlands then decided to go to the Dusit where his friend wanted to grab a cocktail. "All of a sudden we heard a weird BOOM followed by gunfire! Security guards at the entrance screamed 'get back, get back' in English and Swahili," he told AFP via Twitter. He said some fled while others tried to hide, waiting about half an hour until they heard a voice shouting "kill them, kill them" in Swahili and more gunfire. Terrified, a group of about 20 people fled towards the back of the hotel. "Sorry to say at that point it was every man for himself. We were all together in the beginning but after a few minutes the attackers began shooting... I can't even really remember what happened afterwards." - Westgate survivor caught in Dusit - For Tracy Wanjiru, who manages a salon in the complex, it was the second time she found herself in the middle of a deadly Shabaab assault. In September 2013, she survived the Westgate mall attack while she was six months pregnant. "I was working (in Westgate) when the attackers stormed in, it was not easy just like today," the 28-year-old told the Nation media group. "All I can say is that I thank God." After the first blast at the DusitD2 complex, Wanjiru says she saw "human body parts in the midst of fire flames flying in the air". Writing briefly on Facebook after being rescued, she told friends she was safe but saying: "The images in my mind are just so scary." - Anguish at the morgue - But beyond the miracles, there were 14 people who died, with relatives waiting in anguish outside the morgue. "Zacharia was a security guard, he was guarding the entrance of Dusit hotel, he was among the first to be exposed so I would be surprised if he has survived," said Francis Magutu, 35, who had been waiting outside the morgue since dawn. "I am almost certain (he) is dead, but I want us to see his body, we want to be certain." Another woman called Ida was also waiting, desperate for confirmation. "All we ask is to see the body with the whole family, and be able to make arrangements for the funeral," she said. Elsewhere, a tent set up for blood donations was also thronged with people, with organisers saying they would have to set up a second tent due to the high turnout. "Hundreds of people came since this morning and they continue to come," said Kenneth Kamande. "We will have to put up another tent." "I do it out of solidarity, because what happened is terrible," Rosemary Gathogo told AFP. "I know I will save a life because of this." The Finnish network equipment manufacturer revealed that the redundancies will be carried out at all of its units in the country, with the exception of its manufacturing facility in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia. NOKIA on Tuesday announced it will seek to improve the profitability of its operations by cutting approximately 350 jobs in Finland in 2019. The consultative negotiations with employee representatives will begin on Tuesday, 22 January. Nokia said in a press release the belt-tightening measures are part of a global strategy to consolidate its long-term competitiveness by generating cost reductions of 700 million euros by 2020. The measures, however, are unrelated to the fact that the adoption of fifth-generation (5G) mobile technologies has progressed slower than anticipated, according to Helsingin Sanomat. Continuing monitoring of costs is crucial in our industry and the planned adjustment measures are needed to secure the long-term competitiveness of Nokia, commented Tommi Uitto, the country director for Finland at Nokia. These kind of decisions are never easy and we will do our best to support our staff during the transformation process, he added. Nokia employs roughly 100,000 people around the world, including 6,000 people at its three offices in Finland. Aleksi Teivainen HT Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - Pirate attacks rose worldwide in 2018 due to a surge off West Africa, a maritime watchdog said Wednesday, calling for increased international cooperation to halt the spate of hijackings and kidnappings. There were 201 recorded incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery last year, up from 180 in 2017, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in its annual piracy report. "There is an urgent need for increased cooperation and sharing of intelligence between the Gulf of Guinea's littoral states so that effective action can be taken against pirates," an bureau spokesman said. Reports of attacks in waters between the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo more than doubled, accounting for all six hijackings worldwide, 13 of 18 ships fired upon, and the vast majority of kidnap-for-ransom cases, the Kuala Lumpur-based IMB said. The last quarter of 2018 saw a significant spike in violence off West Africa, with vessels boarded by pirates well outside territorial waters, and crew kidnapped and taken to Nigeria where they were held for ransom, the report said. In that period, 41 kidnappings were recorded in waters off Nigeria alone, the IMB added, saying that pirates are reaching further out to sea and targeting a wider variety of ships, from fishing boats to bulk carriers. The Gulf of Guinea, a coastal zone stretching thousands of kilometres off West Africa, has now eclipsed the Gulf of Aden -- off the Horn of Africa -- as the continent's piracy hotspot. Piracy in the Gulf, home to Sub-Saharan Africa's two main oil producers Nigeria and Angola, has seriously disrupted international shipping routes and cost the global economy billions of dollars. Countries in the region, whose surveillance and maritime defence capabilities are limited, have been trying for several years to bolster their means of intervention and to put in place closer collaboration, with the help of the United States and France. Paris (AFP) - Watching Sudan's desperate and deadly anti-government protests from afar, many in the Sudanese diaspora in Paris say they are rooting for the demonstrators who are challenging President Omar al-Bashir. "Everybody here supports the uprising," said Gouda Abdul Karim of the deadly rallies that have rocked Sudan since December 19, when angry people took to the streets in several towns to denounce a government decision to triple the price of bread. "This government has only a few days. People go because it's better to die in the streets than of hunger in houses," the 32-year-old insisted to AFP at a cafe in northern Paris. He is one of some 20,000 Sudanese in France, according to government figures, with many in the diaspora keen to show their support for demonstrations in Sudan, which have swelled into nationwide anti-government rallies and left at least 24 people have died. Analysts say that these are the most serious threat to Bashir in his three-decades in power, but so far there are no signs that his rule is crumbling, and the Sudanese leader insisted on Monday that the demonstrations "will not change the government". But opponents are trying to seize the moment. "I share information on Twitter or Facebook to support the movement. That's the only thing I can do," said Karim, who says he fled the country in 2012 after having refused to continue working for a senior regime figure. Sudanese police fired tear gas at demonstrators in the town on Kassala on Wednesday, a day after authorities launched a similar crackdown in the capital Khartoum against protesters chanting "Peace, justice, freedom". On January 7, the town was also the scene of a rally in support of Bashir. Although the unrest was triggered by the rise in the price of bread, Sudan has faced a mounting economic crisis over the past year, led by an acute shortage of foreign currency. Repeated shortages of food and fuel have been reported across cities, while the cost of food and medicine has more than doubled. Story continues - 'Justice, democracy and peace' - "Every Sudanese knows somebody in the uprising," said Amed Weelingkwe, a salesman in a Paris mobile phone shop. "We're looking for justice, democracy and peace." But he said he does not believe that it will be easy to wrest power from Bashir, who seized control in an Islamist-backed coup in 1989. Bashir is wanted by The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) to face charges of genocide and war crimes allegedly committed in Darfur, where a brutal conflict erupted in 2003 as ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Khartoum's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of economic and political marginalisation. He "will not leave without strong guarantees", Weelingkwe said. Indeed, Bashir is planning to run for the presidency for the third time in 2020 elections. Rights groups say more than 1,000 people have been arrested in a crackdown by security agents since the recent protests began, including opposition leaders, activists and journalists as well as demonstrators. Mohamed Eltegani said his best friend had been detained for 20 days because he was involved in organising demonstrations. "What is absolutely necessary to say is that the government uses extreme violence," said the 66-year-old at a busy restaurant popular with the Sudanese diaspora in Paris. But he is confident that Bashir cannot cling on in the face of such strong protest. "Every day that passes, the demonstration is bigger," he said. Several rallies have been held in a central Paris square and in front of the Sudanese embassy to show support for the protests. Protest organisers have called for a march on the presidential palace in Khartoum on Thursday, along with simultaneous demonstrations in several cities including Port Sudan, Gadaref and Madani. Saad Abdelkarim, a refugee from Darfur, said the issue went well beyond Bashir's leadership. Although Darfur has been largely calm since last year, there were rallies on Sunday in Niyala and El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state. "The problem is not Bashir. We want to change all the system," Abdelkarim said. Khartoum (AFP) - Sudanese police Wednesday fired tear gas at crowds of anti-government protesters in Kassala, witnesses said, in the first such demonstration held in the eastern town bordering Eritrea. Protesters chanting "Freedom, justice and peace" took to the streets in downtown Kassala but were swiftly confronted by riot police, witnesses told AFP by telephone. It came just days after crowds held a rally in the town in support of President Omar al-Bashir. Witnesses said that as protesters came into the streets, shopkeepers shut their stores in the town's main market. Deadly protests have rocked Sudan since December 19 when people demonstrated in towns and villages against a government decision to triple the price of bread. At least 24 people have died in the protests that have swiftly turned into nationwide rallies in which demonstrators have called on Bashir to step down. On January 7, supporters of Bashir had held a rally backing him in Kassala, the first such pro-government rally which was followed days later by another in the capital Khartoum. Hundreds of people from Kassala and neighbouring towns and villages gathered in front of the local governorate to express their support for Bashir. Kassala has been under a state of emergency since last year, prompted by a government plan to collect illegal arms and to combat drugs and people smuggling. Sudan, in the Horn of Africa, is a key transit point on the migrant route to Europe. From Kassala dozens of Eritreans travel across Sudan to Libya or Egypt, experts say, before taking the perilous journey across the Mediterranean on smugglers' boats. With anti-government demonstration held in Kassala, protesters have managed to stage rallies in most key cities and towns of the country. Demonstrations initially erupted in Atbara after the government raised the price of bread, but then quickly flared to other regions before spreading to Khartoum. Protest organisers have called for a march on the presidential palace in Khartoum on Thursday, along with simultaneous demonstrations in several cities including Port Sudan, Gadaref and Madani. The Sudanese Professionals' Association, an umbrella group of unions representing doctors, teachers and engineers, is spearheading the anti-government demonstrations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow and Tokyo are still "far from being partners" despite renewed efforts to resolve a decades-old conflict over disputed islands. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are to meet in Moscow next Tuesday for talks on the strategic Kuril islands seized by the Soviet army in the final days of World War II. The two leaders agreed last year to increase efforts to finally sign a treaty ending World War II-era hostilities. Lavrov, speaking during an annual conference, set a confrontational tone however. "We are still far not only from being partners in international relations but also in finding constructive ways to make our relations better," Lavrov said. "Why is Japan the only country in the world that cannot accept the results of World War II in their entirety?" He said recognising the results of the war was not an ultimatum, but "an unavoidable part of the modern international system". Lavrov met this week with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono and demanded that Tokyo recognise Moscow's sovereignty over the Kuril islands for talks regarding the peace treaty to continue. On Wednesday he said that Japan's pro-Western position was also harming relations between Moscow and Tokyo. "Japan votes not with us but against us on all the resolutions that interest Russia in the UN," he said. In a separate meeting with reporters Wednesday, Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said talks with Abe will "not be easy." Ushakov said Russia owns the islands legally "according to the results of World War II" and has no plans to give them up. "This is our land, and nobody is going to give this land to anybody." The disputed south Kurils, one of which lies less than 10 kilometres (six miles) from Japan's Hokkaido, consist of Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan and Habomai. Three are inhabited while Habomai is a group of islets with only the presence of a border patrol. In 1956, Japan and the Soviet Union signed a document which stipulated that the USSR was willing to cede Shikotan and Habomai following a signed peace agreement, but Japan demanded all four islands. Wellington (AFP) - Members of a British family have been branded "worse than pigs" and face deportation from New Zealand after a spree of bad behaviour that left normally easygoing Kiwis outraged. The family have been involved in a string of incidents in and around Auckland and Hamilton, including accusations of littering, assault, not paying for restaurant meals and intimidating behaviour. Auckland mayor Phil Goff led national outcry at the tourists' antics, demanding the police take action. "These guys are trash. They are leeches," he told a local radio station. "If you say one time 'I found a hair or an ant in my meal' you'd believe it but they find it every meal that they have as a way of evading payment. That's a criminal activity. "They're worse than pigs and I'd like to see them out of the country." New Zealand's assistant general manager of immigration, Peter Devoy, said the family had been issued with a deportation notice on the grounds of "matters relating to character". One 26-year-old member of the family on Wednesday pleaded guilty to stealing NZ$55 ($37) worth of goods from a petrol station. The family attracted extensive media coverage in New Zealand after a video showed them leaving beer boxes, bottles and other rubbish strewn on a popular beach. When a woman asked them to clean up their litter, a child in the group can be seen on video threatening he would "knock your brains out". Stuff Media reported that one family member hit a journalist with her shoe after being approached for comment. A member of the family told the New Zealand Herald they have now decided to cut short their holiday and will return home this week. John Johnson insisted his family were of good stock, claimed his grandfather was the "10th richest man in England" and said he was made to feel "very unwelcome" in New Zealand. Emergency officials called for evacuations near several burn scar areas in Southern California as a powerful storm wreaked havoc with travel on Monday. As heavy rain fell in the area, officials in Santa Barbara County called for evacuation orders for residents living near the Sherpa, Whittier and Thomas Fire burn areas due to the risk of debris flows. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for a dozen areas near the burn scar areas of the Holy Fire in Riverside County early Monday, but they were later changed to a voluntary order, according to the Associated Press. Major winter storm approaches California AP Photo/Garret Fischer First, at vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui voluptatum. 1/12 (KGET-TV via AP) In this photo provided by KGET-TV, a line of big rigs are stalled on Interstate 5 where it has been closed due to snow at Tejon Pass, an area known as the Grapevine, at Gorman in the Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Twitter/vnesscp) Interstate 5 at Grapevine in California. (Twitter/Deemo55) Stuck on Interstate 5 at Grapevine in California. (Twitter/vnesscp) Interstate 5 at Grapevine in California. (CalTrans via AP) This photo provided by the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) shows a skiploader clearing a river of mud that has flowed onto Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Calif., Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Twitter/CaltransDist7) All lanes were close in both directions on Interstate 5 in the Gorman and Lebec area due to heavy snow, accidents and vehicles stopped. (CalTrans via AP) This photo provided by the California Department of Transportation shows traffic stopped on Interstate 5 where it has been closed due to snow at Tejon Pass, an area known as the Grapevine, at Gorman in the Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California, Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. (Twitter/Deemo55) Stuck on Interstate 5 at Grapevine in California. Story continues The evacuation orders came about a week after the one year anniversary of deadly mudslides that ravaged the community of Montecito. Snow that fell along Interstate 5 shut down travel through the Grapevine for several hours while mudflows caused closures along parts of the Pacific Coast Highway. This content is not available due to your privacy preferences. Update your settings here to see it. Los Angeles County officials urged residents to stay away from urban rivers and flood control channels, saying water levels can rise quickly and without warning. Los Angeles received over 1.75 inches of rain spanning Monday to Tuesday, and San Diego picked up just over 0.55 of an inch of rain, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Kyle Elliott. Flash flood watches were issued for recent burn areas including the Woolsey Fire, Hill Fire, Thomas Fire and Whittier Fire. The storms forced the closure of schools in Malibu Tuesday. The AP reported that a 20-foot-long, 20-foot-deep sinkhole opened on the I-805 off ramp near Serra Mesa in San Diego County. The storm also brought strong winds that buffeted coastal areas. A 74-mph wind gust was reported at Point Conception Lighthouse along the Santa Barbara coast. Monday's storm set up what will be a busy week of weather for the state, with several more storms expected to crash onshore this week. The largest of the systems is expected to last from Wednesday into Thursday, with the greatest impacts expected to occur in central and Northern California. Moscow (AFP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday the Syrian regime must take control of the country's north, after calls from the United States to set up a Turkish-controlled "security zone" in the area. "We are convinced that the best and only solution is the transfer of these territories under the control of the Syrian government, and of Syrian security forces and administrative structures," Lavrov told reporters. Turkey said on Tuesday it would set up the "security zone" in northern Syria following a suggestion from President Donald Trump, who announced last month he was pulling American troops from the country. The US-allied Kurds, who control much of northern Syria, have rejected the idea, fearing a Turkish offensive against territory under their control. Russia is a long-time supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Lavrov said the future of the Kurds could be secured under regime control. "We welcome and support contacts that have now begun between Kurdish representatives and Syrian authorities so they can return to their lives under a single government without outside interference," Lavrov said during an annual press conference. He said there was progress in resolving Syria's seven-year conflict and that the focus should remain on Idlib, the northwestern province that earlier this month fell under the full control of a jihadist group dominated by Syria's former Al-Qaeda affiliate. "The Syrian settlement is progressing, though of course more slowly than we would like," he said. "The fight against terrorism must be completed. Now the main hotbed of terrorism is Idlib." By Steve Gorman and Alex Dobuzinskis LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The head of the Los Angeles teachers union said he hoped to resume talks "very soon" as a strike that has interrupted classes for some 492,000 students in the second-largest U.S. public school system ticked into a third day on Wednesday. More than 30,000 educators have walked off the job demanding higher pay, smaller classes and more staff, requests that the county's independent school district has described as unaffordable. The two sides have not held formal talks since the strike began on Monday. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Gavin Newsom, both Democrats, have urged the two sides to return to the bargaining table. The school system does not answer to either of the two executives. Thousands of teachers represented by the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union were set to picket on Wednesday, while the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) planned to use administrators and substitute teachers to keep schools open. UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl told a morning news conference that he aimed to "get back to the table very soon." A representative for LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Newsom has been pushing for the strike to end. "This impasse is disrupting the lives of too many kids and their families," the governor said in an online statement on Tuesday. "I strongly urge all parties to go back to the negotiating table and find an immediate path forward that puts kids back into classrooms and provides parents certainty." The Los Angeles walkout followed a wave of teachers' strikes across the United States over pay and school funding, including in West Virginia, Kentucky, Oklahoma and Arizona. Those represented battles between teachers' unions and Republican-dominated state governments focused on cutting costs, while the Los Angeles strike is the largest in a Democratic-controlled state. Story continues Denver teachers could vote to strike by Saturday if no deal on a new contract is reached by then. Beutner said the district had offered staff increases that would cost $130 million a year - more than county officials have said is available - while the union's demands would cost $800 million. Beutner on Tuesday offered to accompany teachers in lobbying state lawmakers to increase education funding. The union wants a 6.5 percent pay raise. LAUSD teacher pay currently averages $75,000, according to state figures. The district has offered a 6 percent hike with back pay. (Additional reporting by Gina Cherelus in New York and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Scott Malone and Bill Berkrot) Abuja (AFP) - Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday brushed aside questions about his health as he seeks re-election but was evasive when asked whether he would accept defeat. Voters in Africa's most populous nation and leading oil producer go to the polls to elect a new head of state on February 16 in what is expected to be a closely fought race. But Buhari's candidacy has prompted queries about whether he is fit to withstand another four years in office, after he spent months undergoing treatment in London last year. The 76-year-old former military ruler has never disclosed the nature of his condition, although he has revealed it required multiple blood transfusions and laboratory tests. Before the last election four years ago, he denied claims from the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he was terminally ill with prostate cancer. Asked about his current state of health at the end of a live televised "town hall" discussion with his deputy Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari said only: "I think we have made our case." He urged voters to assess his fitness on the campaign trail around the country. "Let's see whether I'm fit or not," he added. "I will go around the stadium and respond to the cheers of voters and explain how we found the country in 2015 and where we are now." This year's elections will be the fifth time Buhari has stood for the presidency. He lost in 2003, 2007 and 2011, and disputed the results in court. He was finally successful in 2015 in what was the first victory for an opposition candidate in Nigeria's history. Then-president Goodluck Jonathan was widely praised for conceding defeat, which helped avoid deadly violence that has characterised the aftermath of previous polls. Buhari, from the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, is expected to face stiff competition from former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, from the PDP. Asked about what he would do if he lost, Buhari said only: "It wouldn't be the first I lost an election." Libreville (AFP) - Gabon's Ali Bongo was back in Libreville on Tuesday after months abroad recovering from a stroke, ending an absence that has spurred political turbulence. Returning from Morocco in the early hours of the morning, Bongo presided over a ceremony at which ministers from the new government were sworn in, officials said. Gabon has been without an effective government for months since Bongo, 59, suffered the stroke in late October during a visit to Saudi Arabia. After initial treatment at a hospital in Riyadh, Bongo was transferred to Morocco where he spent just over six weeks, finally returning home to Libreville early on Tuesday, officials said. His return came eight days after a small group of renegade soldiers briefly tried to stage a coup before it was quashed by the security forces, who arrested the leader and killed two others. With Bongo's prolonged absence, the country had been in limbo for months and officials at the presidential palace did not say whether he was back for good or would return to the Moroccan capital Rabat for further convalescence. Late on Saturday, a new government was unveiled in a video announcement from Rabat although there were no significant changes to either the cabinet or the government. All 38 ministers arrived at the beachside presidential palace in Libreville on Tuesday morning and were sworn in at a ceremony presided over by Bongo which was closed to the press, officials said. - 'A very difficult ordeal' - Bongo has not been seen in public since he was taken to hospital on October 24 in Riyadh but official photos of the ceremony were due to be released later on Tuesday. "It was very moving to see him," government spokesman Nanette Longa-Makinda told AFP. "It will certainly take him several months to fully recover his physical abilities, that's for sure," one minister said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "He looks like someone who has been through a very difficult ordeal," agreed another cabinet colleague who was present at the ceremony. Story continues "There can be no more talk about a power vacuum," a presidential spokesman insisted, echoing a phrase repeated by many ministers leaving the ceremony. But Bongo's return and the ceremony did little to quieten lingering suspicions among the public in this oil-rich West African state. "The circus goes on," tweeted Marc Ona Essangui, a leader within civil society, leader. When Bongo was first taken ill, the singular lack of official news -- along with memories of the secrecy around the death of his father Omar Bongo in 2009 -- had fuelled a flurry of rumours, including speculation he was incapacitated or even dead. The Bongo family has governed Gabon for five decades, and long maintained close ties with former colonial master France. Ali Bongo was elected head of state after his father's death and he was narrowly re-elected in 2016 following a presidential poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of fraud. (HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against nine defendants for participating in a previously disclosed scheme to hack into the SECs EDGAR system and extract nonpublic information to use for illegal trading. The SEC charged a Ukrainian hacker, six individual traders in California, Ukraine, and Russia, and two entities. The hacker and some of the traders were also involved in a similar scheme to hack into newswire services and trade on information that had not yet been released to the public. The SEC charged the hacker and other traders for that conduct in 2015 (see here, here and here). The SECs complaint alleges that after hacking the newswire services, Ukrainian hacker Oleksandr Ieremenko turned his attention to EDGAR and, using deceptive hacking techniques, gained access in 2016. Ieremenko extracted EDGAR files containing nonpublic earnings results. The information was passed to individuals who used it to trade in the narrow window between when the files were extracted from SEC systems and when the companies released the information to the public. In total, the traders traded before at least 157 earnings releases from May to October 2016 and generated at least $4.1 million in illegal profits. SEC v. Ieremenko, et al.: Summary of Defendants Trading Profits International computer hacking schemes like the one we charged today pose an ever-present risk to organizations that possess valuable information, said Enforcement Division Co-Director Stephanie Avakian. Todays action shows the SECs commitment and ability to unravel these schemes and identify the perpetrators even when they operate from outside our borders. The trader defendants charged today are alleged to have taken multiple steps to conceal their fraud, including using an offshore entity and nominee accounts to place trades, said Enforcement Division Co-Director Steven Peikin. Our staffs sophisticated analysis of the defendants trading exposed the common element behind their success, providing overwhelming evidence that each of them traded based on information hacked from EDGAR. The SECs complaint alleges that Ieremenko circumvented EDGAR controls that require user authentication and then navigated within the EDGAR system. Ieremenko obtained nonpublic test files, which issuers can elect to submit in advance of making their official filings to help make sure EDGAR will process the filings as intended. Issuers sometimes elected to include nonpublic information in test filings, such as actual quarterly earnings results not yet released to the public. Ieremenko extracted nonpublic test files from SEC servers, and then passed the information to different groups of traders. The SECs complaint alleges that the following traders received and traded on the basis of the hacked EDGAR information: Sungjin Cho, Los Angeles, California David Kwon, Los Angeles, California Igor Sabodakha, Ukraine Victoria Vorochek, Ukraine Ivan Olefir, Ukraine Andrey Sarafanov, Russia Capyield Systems, Ltd. (owned by Olefir) Spirit Trade Ltd. In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Jersey today announced related criminal charges. The SECs complaint charges each of the defendants with violating the federal securities antifraud laws and related SEC antifraud rules and seeks a final judgment ordering the defendants to pay penalties, return their ill-gotten gains with prejudgment interest, and enjoining them from committing future violations of the antifraud laws. The SEC also named and is seeking relief from four relief defendants who profited from the scheme when defendants used the relief defendants brokerage accounts to place illicit trades. MEXICO CITY (AP) Fuel thieves in Mexico have grown so bold they are drilling illegal taps under warehouses in big cities and siphoning off the entire contents of pipelines, Mexico's president said Wednesday. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said that at one pipeline carrying gasoline, thieves didn't just skim off part of the flow they drilled so many taps they siphoned away all the fuel in the duct. "There was no pressure. They siphoned off all the fuel, because the pipeline is a sieve. They have installed devices along the length of the duct to steal the fuel," Lopez Obrador said. The country has deployed 3,200 marines to guard pipelines and refineries, and one marine patrol scared off a gang that actually tried to break into a facility of the state-owned Pemex oil company to milk an illegal tap on a duct there. The thieves ran off when the marines arrived, illustrating one huge problem with the offensive: Relatively few people are being arrested or jailed for the thefts. Authorities said Wednesday they have 1,700 open case files on the thefts, but would not say how many arrest have been made. Lopez Obrador said thieves also have drilled into a pipeline in Mexico City, apparently from a warehouse built illegally over a pipeline right of way. "This is what we're facing, the reason it is so hard to detect where there is a leak, where the illegal fuel tap is," said Lopez Obrador, who launched an offensive against the $3 billion per-year fuel theft industry after taking office Dec. 1. Thieves drilled about 12,581 illegal taps in the first 10 months of 2018. The new administration has shut down pipelines to detect and deter illegal taps, relying more on delivering fuel by tanker truck. But there aren't enough trucks, and long lines continued Wednesday at gas stations in several states. To help, the government is acquiring 500 more tanker trucks to carry gasoline and diesel while pipelines are shut down and officials are arranging with private railroads to transport fuel, the president said. Story continues Lopez Obrador said that next week he will personally visit towns located along a key pipeline as part of an effort to persuade residents against taking part in fuel thefts. Despite the huge inconvenience of having to line up at gas stations, the political cost of the offensive has not been as high as expected. Many Mexicans say they understand the need to fight the gangs. "The response of the people has been extraordinary, a hug to all of you, because no government could take on thie brazen theft alone ... only with the people, only with the public," Lopez Obrador said. The administration got unexpected support Wednesday from the governors of several of the states most severely affected by fuel shortages. The governors of Mexico State and the states of Jalisco, Michoacan, Guanajuato and Queretaro met with the interior secretary to talk about the fuel shortages, which have now lasted about 10 days. "I think we have all joined in this fight to help the president in this battle," Guanajuato Gov. Diego Sinhue Rodriguez said. But the economic costs are mounting, because people can't get to work or deliver merchandise due to fuel shortages. The CitiBanamex bank said in a research report that even if fuel supplies normalize soon and some recovery occurs, economic losses associated with the shortages will probably wind up around $1.2 billion, or 0.1 percent of the country's GDP. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Here is a look at large-scale extremist attacks in Kenya over the years: ___ WESTGATE MALL, SEPT. 2013 Al-Shabab fighters burst into a luxury shopping mall in Nairobi, hurling grenades and starting a days-long siege that left 67 people dead. The assault on a sunny weekend afternoon horrified the world and exposed weaknesses in Kenya's security forces after it took them hours to respond. ___ GARISSA UNIVERSITY, APRIL 2015 The al-Qaida-linked Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for an attack on Garissa University that killed 147 people, mostly students. The attack occurred in a sprawling region near the Somalia border that had seen multiple assaults on buses and schools in which the extremists often separated Christians from Muslims and then killed the Christians. ___ BOMBINGS OF U.S. EMBASSIES, AUGUST 1998 Al-Qaida bombed the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, and the embassy in neighboring Tanzania, killing more than 250 people. The explosions were the first major al-Qaida attack on U.S. targets. Nearly 5,000 people were injured. ___ NORFOLK HOTEL, DEC. 1980 The hotel was bombed on New Year's Eve and local media reported that at least 15 people died. Suspicion fell on Palestinian militant groups that allegedly targeted Kenya for supporting Israel in counterterrorism missions, including a 1976 hostage rescue in neighboring Uganda. The groups denied involvement. Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - The forces of Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar on Wednesday announced a military operation to "purge" jihadists and criminal gangs from the south of the conflict-hit nation. A spokesman for the self-proclaimed Libyan National Army (LNA) said its fighters had advanced in "several regions in the south" from an airbase some 650 kilometres (400 miles) from the capital Tripoli. The aim is to "assure security for inhabitants in the south-west from terrorists, be they the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda, as well as criminal gangs," spokesman Ahmed al-Mesmari said. The LNA said it was also looking to secure petroleum facilities and tackle flows of clandestine migrants heading northwards to the Mediterranean coast. It called on armed groups in the target area, mainly made up of tribal fighters, to withdraw from military and civilian installations. Military sources told AFP that numerous LNA units had taken up positions in recent days around the region's main city of Sabha. Libya has been torn between rival administrations and a myriad of militias since the NATO-backed overthrow and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Haftar supports an administration in the east of the country that is opposed to the internationally backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli. The chaos has seen jihadists and people traffickers gain a foothold in the south of the country. IS has carried out repeated attacks across the country, targeting both Haftar's forces and the rival Tripoli-based authorities. BEIJING (AP) The latest on a death sentence imposed by a Chinese court on a Canadian citizen (all times local): 8:10 a.m. Canada has updated its travel advisory for China to warn Canadians of "the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws." The move comes after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed extreme concern over a court in China imposing the death penalty on a Canadian. A Chinese court announced Monday that it had given Robert Lloyd Schellenberg of Canada the death penalty on drug charges. The Chinese press began publicizing Schellenberg's case after Canada detained the chief financial officer of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. The U.S. wants Meng Wanzhou extradited to face charges that she committed fraud by misleading banks about the company's business dealings in Iran. Since then, China has arrested two Canadians in apparent retaliation for Meng's arrest. It detained former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor on suspicion of endangering China's national security. Canada has called the arrests arbitrary and demanded the men's immediate release. ___ 11 p.m. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he is extremely concerned that China has chosen to "arbitrarily" apply the death penalty against a Canadian. The comments are Trudeau's strongest yet against China. The prime minister says he is "extremely concerned as should all countries around the world" that China is choosing to act arbitrarily with its justice system and with its choice not to respect longstanding practices regarding diplomatic immunity. A Chinese court announced Monday that it had given Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg the death penalty on drug charges. The Chinese press began publicizing Schellenberg's case in December after Canada detained Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. Story continues Since then, China has arrested two Canadians in apparent retaliation for Meng's arrest. It arrested both Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, a businessman, on suspicion of endangering national security. A former Canadian ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, believes the Chinese likely interrogated Kovrig about his time as a diplomat in China and that would break the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations. He says there is a notion of residual diplomatic immunity that means a country is not allowed to question someone on the work they did when they were a diplomat. ___ 9:45 p.m. A Chinese court sentenced a Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case that is likely to escalate tensions between the countries over the arrest of a top Chinese technology executive. The court in northeastern Liaoning province announced that it had given Robert Lloyd Schellenberg the death penalty after rejecting his plea of innocence and convicting him of being an accessory to drug smuggling. It gave no indication that the penalty could be commuted, but Schellenberg's fate is likely to be drawn into diplomatic negotiations over China's demand for the top executive's release. Schellenberg was detained more than four years ago and initially sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2016. But suddenly last month, an appeals court agreed with prosecutors who said the sentence was too lenient, and scheduled Monday's retrial with just four days' notice. The Chinese press began publicizing Schellenberg's case in December after Canada detained Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States. Since then, China has arrested two Canadians in apparent retaliation for Meng's arrest. WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on Republican Rep. Steve King of Iowa (all times local): 7:20 p.m. The House has approved a Democratic measure disapproving of Republican Rep. Steve King's comments about white supremacy. The nine-term Iowa congressman was among those supporting the measure, which was approved, 424-1. King says he agrees with South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, the resolution's sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. King's racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days. King says the ideology of white supremacy "never shows up in my head" and that he does "not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth." Democratic Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois opposed the measure, saying the House should take the more serious step of censuring King for his "repugnant and racist behavior." Last week, King said in an interview, "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive?" ___ 6:45 p.m. Iowa's largest newspaper is calling for U.S. Rep. Steve King to resign, saying his comments about white nationalism and white supremacy are "abhorrent" and leave him unable to represent his district. The Des Moines Register, in an editorial posted on its website Tuesday, says House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's decision to strip King of his committee assignments leaves the state without representation on the vital House Agriculture Committee. The editorial argued that while King has made statements for years that "made Iowa a laughing stock on the national stage," his most recent comments in The New York Times should be "career-ending." The Register urged Iowa's Republican senators, Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, GOP Gov. Kim Reynolds and others to urge King to quit "for the good of the Republican Party and, more importantly, for the good of Iowa." Story continues King supported a Democratic measure Tuesday that disapproved of his comments about white supremacy. ___ 2:40 p.m. Republican Rep. Steve King says he will vote in favor of a Democratic measure disapproving of his comments about white supremacy to The New York Times. The nine-term Iowa congressman says he agrees with Democratic Rep. James Clyburn, the resolution's sponsor, that white supremacy is an evil that cannot be ignored. His racist comments have been widely condemned by members of both parties in recent days. King says the ideology of white supremacy "never shows up in my head" and that he does "not know how it could possibly come out of my mouth." Last week, King said in an interview that "White nationalist, white supremacist, Western civilization how did that language become offensive?" He added, "Why did I sit in classes teaching me about the merits of our history and our civilization?" On the House floor Tuesday, King said he was advocating for Western civilization, not racism, in the Times interview. King says he rejects the ideology of white supremacy, adding that he deeply believes that "all men and now all women are created equal. It's in my heart and soul and it's in my works." ___ 11:15 a.m. The No. 3 House Republican is suggesting that Rep. Steve King leave Congress over his remarks about white supremacy. Wyoming Republican Liz Cheney on Tuesday said of King, "I think he should find another line of work." Republican leaders have made serving in Congress uncomfortable for King over his remarks in the New York Times last week questioning how white supremacy and white nationalism became offensive terms. House and Senate leaders condemned the remarks, and GOP leaders moved this week to deny him any committee assignments. Republican leaders noted that King has for years made racially insensitive remarks. Cheney said the most recent ones are "absolutely abhorrent. It's racist. We do not support it or agree with it." The nine-term Iowa congressman says he's advocating for Western civilization, not racism. ___ 8:30 a.m. Veteran Republican Rep. Steve King will be blocked from committee assignments for the next two years after lamenting that white supremacy and white nationalism have become offensive terms. King, in his ninth term representing Iowa, will not be given committee assignments in the new Congress, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said Monday night. King served on the Agriculture, Small Business and Judiciary committees in the last Congress, and he chaired Judiciary's subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice. McCarthy called King's remarks "beneath the dignity of the Party of Lincoln and the United States of America." King called McCarthy's decision to remove him from committees "a political decision that ignores the truth." He vowed to "continue to point out the truth and work with all the vigor that I have to represent 4th District Iowans for at least the next two years." SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The Latest on California Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom's inauguration (all times local): 5:20 p.m. California has sworn in its first elected female lieutenant governor and its first openly gay statewide officeholder. Eleni Kounalakis, a former ambassador to Hungary, opposed offshore oil drilling and promised to expand access to public education in two of the lieutenant governor's many roles. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi the first woman to lead a political party in Congress was among those at Monday's swearing-in ceremony praising Kounalakis for breaking the glass ceiling. Meanwhile, former state Sen. Ricardo Lara became the first openly gay statewide officeholder when he was sworn in as insurance commissioner. The son of Mexican immigrants took his oath on a copy of an original Spanish version of the state Constitution. ___ 1:15 p.m. Democratic lawmakers are cheering new California Gov. Gavin Newsom's commitment to investing in early childhood education. Assemblyman Kevin McCarty says it was hard to get former Gov. Jerry Brown to see that as a priority. Newsom will introduce a roughly $2 billion investment in child care and early learning programs in his budget address later this week. Newsom's Monday inaugural address also drew cheers when he pledged to expand health care. Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, are holding off on harsh criticism for now of the Democrat. Republican Sen. Jim Nielsen says he doesn't think the state can afford Newsom's ambitious proposals. But he says he hopes to work with the new governor on wildfire management. Assembly Republican leader Marie Waldron says she hopes the two can find common ground. ___ 12:25 p.m. California's new governor says his policy goals include lowering prescription drug costs, increasing affordable housing and ending the use of private prisons. Gov. Gavin Newsom didn't provide details in his broad pronouncements Monday as he was sworn in to office. Story continues The Democratic governor says he'll try to use the market power of the most populous state to lower prescription drug costs and mount what he called a "Marshall Plan" to spur affordable housing. The Marshall Plan was a massive U.S. effort to rebuild European countries devastated by World War II. Newsom promised a similar "statewide mission" to tackle what he called a "homeless epidemic." He also promised to "end the outrage of private prisons," though California has depended on private facilities to meet a federal population cap on inmates. ___ 12:25 p.m. California's new governor is promising the most populous state will be a "sanctuary to all who seek it" in a direct affront to President Donald Trump's immigration policies. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom challenged the Trump administration repeatedly as he was sworn in to office Monday, particularly on immigration. He says children should not be "ripped away from their parents" at the border. He says they also shouldn't be left hungry while Trump seems to spend billions of dollars on "a wall that should never be built." Newsom also referred to the administration as corrupt and incompetent and promised California will "write America's future." The former San Francisco mayor became the state's 40th governor, succeeding the term-limited Jerry Brown. ___ 12:15 p.m. Gavin Newsom is officially California's new governor. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath of office Monday in a white tent outside the Capitol. A protester disrupted, shouting that the death of police Cpl. Ronil Singh was on Newsom's hands. Authorities say a man in the country illegally killed the officer. The man was quickly removed, and the crowd began chanting "Gavin! Gavin!" Newsom started his inaugural address, saying California is united and a model for the nation. But he says the state faces challenges from the "powerful forces arrayed against us," including politicians in Washington, the gun lobby, polluters and prescription drugmakers. Newsom says the state must confront the gap between rich and poor, a homeless epidemic, an achievement gap in schools and chronic hunger. He calls them "moral imperatives." __ 10:15 a.m. California's top legal official has been sworn in to his first full term in office and is promising to protect Californians from "the overreach of the federal government." Democrat Xavier Becerra was among the first inaugurations of California's constitutional officers Monday. He took his oath hours before Gavin Newsom takes over as governor from Jerry Brown. In a challenge to President Donald Trump, Becerra told supporters "our state builds dreams, not walls." Brown appointed Becerra two years ago to succeed Kamala Harris as attorney general after she won a seat in the U.S. Senate. The former congressman says he has since filed or joined more than 100 briefs and other legal actions against Trump's administration. The state's first Latino attorney general was retained for a four-year term by nearly two-thirds of voters in November's election. ___ 7:30 a.m. Incoming California Gov. Gavin Newsom will portray the state as an example for the nation and set immediate battle lines with the White House in his inaugural address. That's according to excerpts of the speech released by his campaign. Newsom will be sworn in Monday afternoon as California's 40th governor. He'll step up his already harsh criticisms of President Donald Trump and say it's up to California to "write America's future." He says California will be "progressive, principled and always on the side of people" compared to a White House that is full of "corruption and incompetence." The former San Francisco mayor also says he'll strive to give rural Californians a voice in Sacramento and show people who feel forgotten that he cares. __ 12 a.m. California Gov. Jerry Brown is passing his title to fellow Democrat Gavin Newsom. Newsom will be sworn in Monday as California's 40th governor. It marks a generational shift for California's leadership. Newsom is 51, while Brown is 80. It's the first time California has elected two Democrats in a row since the late 1800s. The Newsom and Brown families have a long history dating back to the 1940s. Newsom says he wants to carry on Brown's legacy, but he's also prepared to set his own course. He'll outline broad themes of his governorship in his inaugural address. He's already promised more investments in early childhood education and set ambitious goals on housing and health care. Newsom, his wife and four children will move into the governor's mansion in Sacramento. Moscow (AFP) - A top Kremlin aide on Wednesday dismissed as ridiculous claims that US President Donald Trump has acted as an agent for Russia amid mounting controversy over his alleged ties to Moscow. "Why comment on something stupid? How can the US president be an agent of another country?" President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov told a briefing after a journalist if Trump was a Russian agent. Ushakov said Russia's relations with the US were "at rock bottom" and "nothing has happened in the context of developing them." Trump himself said on Monday that he "never worked for Russia" and told reporters: "It's a disgrace that you even ask that question." The US president was responding to a report in The New York Times that said the FBI had opened an investigation into whether he was acting on Russia's behalf soon after he became president. In addition, The Washington Post reported on what it said were unusual lengths taken by Trump to hide details of his conversations with Putin. The bombshell reports as came as special prosecutor Robert Mueller presses a huge investigation into alleged Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election -- and the possibility Moscow colluded with Trump's campaign. MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Wednesday the idea that U.S. President Donald Trump could have worked for Russia was stupid. "This is stupid, what is there to comment?" said Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov when asked to address whether Trump had or was working with Russia. Trump on Monday denied media reports at the weekend that the FBI in 2017 investigated whether he acted against U.S. interests, and that he had concealed details about his meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, telling reporters he never worked for Russia. (Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by Tom Balmforth, Editing by William Maclean) Tehran (AFP) - Iran's FM Javad Zarif called the detention of one of its journalists in the United States a "political action" that tramples on freedom of speech and demanded her immediate release. "The arrest of Marzieh Hashemi by America is an unacceptable political act that tramples on freedom of speech," Zarif told state run Al-Alam TV on Wednesday. US-born Hashemi, who works for Iran's English-language Press TV, was arrested on arrival at St Louis Lambert International Airport on Sunday, according to family and friends cited by Press TV. Zarif said that since Hashemi was married to an Iranian she is considered as an Iranian national and "it is our duty to defend our citizens." "The Americans must immediately end this political game," he added, demanding her release. Earlier on Wednesday the head of Press TV said that Hashemi had been detained with her son in the United States on unspecified charges. "As we know the US, especially on combatting terrorism, can arrest anyone with no charges and detain them for weeks. We believe legal action would not be effective for her freedom," Payman Jabali told reporters in Tehran. "We call on the US to explain her charges," he said. "This is a scandal for so-called US democracy." Jabali said she may have been targeted over documentaries she made about US activities in the Middle East, Islamophobia and other issues. The broadcaster said Hashemi, a Muslim convert who changed her name from Melanie Franklin, had been visiting "her ill brother and other family members". Jabali said all she had been offered to eat was pork, religiously forbidden for Muslims. He said her son, Reza Hashemi, had also been arrested but was not in detention while he awaited trial. Huawei's reclusive founder Ren Zhengfei stepped out of the shadows Tuesday to give a rare media interview, forcefully denying accusations that his firm engaged in espionage on behalf of the Chinese government. The company he founded more than 20 years ago has been under fire in recent months with the arrest of Ren's daughter and Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, the arrest of an employee on spying charges in Poland, and a worldwide campaign by Washington to blacklist it. A former Chinese army engineer, Ren denied that Huawei passed information along to the Chinese government. "I love my country, I support the Communist Party. But I will not do anything to harm the world," Ren told a group of foreign reporters, according to Bloomberg News. "I don't see a close connection between my personal political beliefs and the businesses of Huawei," he said. Huawei faces unprecedented challenges to its business amid a global campaign by Washington to push nations to reconsider using the telecom giant's equipment in their cellular networks over security concerns. Australia and New Zealand banned its gear last year and a top British operator moved to remove its existing equipment, while concerns grow in Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries. Last month Canada arrested Ren's daughter Meng on a US extradition request related to Iran sanctions violations. Ren said he missed his daughter very much and denied any regular contact with the Chinese government, according to the Financial Times. Some analysts say Beijing's ferocious response to her arrest points to the high-level connections that Washington alleges. Chinese authorities detained two Canadian citizens -- a former diplomat and a business consultant -- on suspicion of endangering national security soon after Meng's arrest in a move widely seen as retaliation. Then authorities revisited the little-known case of Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison in November for drug offences. Story continues On Monday he was sentenced to death in a hastily arranged retrial -- China has denied any of the cases are connected to Meng's situation. In December President Donald Trump said he could intervene in the US case against Meng if it helped seal a trade deal with China -- a statement that displeased Canada, which has denied politics played a role in Meng's arrest. - 'Trump a great president' - "Trump is a great president. He dares to massively cut taxes, which will benefit business," Ren said at the roundtable with reporters. "Huawei is only a sesame seed in the trade conflict between China and the US," he said, according to Bloomberg. Ren told reporters Huawei would deny any request from Beijing to share sensitive information from its clients. Huawei has long rejected such Western accusations, saying there was "no evidence" it poses a threat to the national security of any country. But this month Poland arrested a Huawei employee suspected of spying for China. The firm swiftly sacked the employee Wang Weijing, who led Huawei's sales team in Poland, and said "his alleged actions have no relation to the company". Ren said he was not worried about the bans by some countries and forecast Huawei's revenue would grow to $125 billion in 2019. "Huawei is not a public company, we don't need a beautiful earnings report," he said. "If they don't want Huawei to be in some markets, we can scale down a bit. As long as we can survive and feed our employees, there's a future for us," he said, according to Bloomberg. Paris (AFP) - A television version of French novelist Michel Houellebecq's most controversial book is in the pipeline, its backers said Wednesday. "Submission" has divided critics for imagining a near future in which sharia law is imposed in France after a Muslim president is elected. Many saw it as provocative, with the writer -- who once described Islam as "the stupidest religion" -- later admitting that he was "probably Islamophobic". The literary bad boy went into hiding the day it was published in January 2015 after jihadists attacked the Paris offices of Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine, killing 12 people, including a close friend of the writer. The French film and TV board told AFP that it was helping to fund a series based on the bestseller for the small screen by Guillaume Nicloux. The film-maker directed the 2014 comedy, "The Kidnapping of Michel Houellebecq", in which the novelist also starred. Nicloux is also working on another project in which the socially awkward writer will act alongside French screen legend Gerard Depardieu. "Submission" sold nearly 800,000 copies in French and more than half a million in Germany alone, confirming Houellebecq's status as the most read modern French writer abroad. Houellebecq's latest novel, "Serotonin", became an instant bestseller after it was published earlier this month. Critics hailed it as prophetic, saying that the ageing enfant terrible had predicted the "yellow vests" protest movement that has shaken the country over the last three months. Reuters Dalia Dassa Kaye Security, Middle East The best way to marginalize and weaken Hezbollah is to help Lebanon succeed as a state, not to reduce Lebanon into a proxy front in a confrontation with Iran. Helping Lebanon Succeed Is About More Than Countering Iran As tensions increase on the Israeli-Lebanese border following the discovery of Hezbollah-built tunnels last month and with President Donald Trump announcing a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria, the possibility is growing that a confrontation with Iran may move from Syria to Lebanon. Lebanon is increasingly viewed within the prism of containing Iranian influence, mainly as an arena to pushback on Irans key nonstate ally Hezbollah. But turning Lebanon into a new front against Iran would be a mistake. Instead, American policymakers would be wise to engage Lebanon on its own terms. That is, as an important American partner and a rare example of a Middle East country with religious coexistence and a functioning democracy, albeit with the flaws and deadlocks inherent in a confessional political system. Yes, Hezbollah is a destabilizing influence within Lebanon and the region, but the best way to marginalize and weaken Hezbollah may be to help Lebanon succeed as a state, not to reduce Lebanon into a proxy front in a confrontation with Iran. Yet despite remarkable resilience in containing the destabilizing spillover of the war in Syria next door and managing a refugee influx that is now at least a quarter of its population, Lebanon is in trouble. Most worrying is the possibility of an impending economic collapse. Widespread corruption, regular electricity shortages, poor infrastructure, reduced tourism, a debt to GDP ratio that is the third largest in the world (projected at 155 percent by the end of 2018), and an unemployment rate of 35 percent all contribute to economic anxiety. The continuing stalemate in forming a government since last Mays elections only further diminishes confidence in the governments ability to handle the crisis. Another failed state in the region, let alone one on Israels border, could further ignite new regional wars and increase refugee flows and terrorism. This is not in anyones interest, including the United States. Story continues The good news, however, is that Lebanon has attributes that may help it weather this storm. Known for its human capital with some of the top academic institutions in the region, Lebanese entrepreneurship continues to thrive despite the general economic and political malaise. Lebanons renowned banking sector maintains its professionalism and adheres to sanction restrictions against Hezbollah-linked entities as one of the most scrutinized sectors in the country. The other key institution that transcends sectarianism is the widely respected Lebanese Armed Forces, or the LAF. Over the past decade this U.S.-trained army has proved to be highly capable in maintaining stability within the country, monitoring its borders and ports to prevent smuggling, and countering Islamic State extremists flowing in from Syria. On a recent visit to Lebanon a message a group of us from RAND heard again and again from a range of actors (who otherwise disagree) is that the LAF is one of the few state bodies that is independent and working. U.S. officials similarly view the LAF as a success story, one of the most reliable and professional military partners in the region. Many LAF officials have attended U.S. military colleges and are proud of their American training. Appreciating these strengths and treating Lebanon as an independent actor may be the best way to ultimately weaken the influence of Iran and Hezbollah, and bolster one of the few free and pluralistic societies left in the region. Several practical steps could help. First, maintaining U.S. assistance to the LAF is a relatively low-cost investment that is yielding high returns. U.S. security assistance to Lebanon has totaled over $1.5 billion dollars over ten years; in comparison, Egypt receives $1.3 billion in annual military aid. An effective multi-confessional army producing tangible gains for Lebanons security offers an important counter to Hezbollah and its sectarian agenda, even if it cannot take on the group directly (that needs to be done through political means). Second, continued support for the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its peacekeeping mission on Lebanons southern border is helping to prevent another war between Israel and Hezbollah. Since the end of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006, UNIFIL has kept the blue line (established after the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000) quiet for twelve years, not a minor accomplishment in an area that has endured multiple conflicts. A tripartite committee comprised of UNIFIL, Israeli and Lebanese military officials meet regularly to discuss violations and de-escalate sources of tension. With no direct contact between the Israel Defense Force (IDF) and the LAF, the UN forces serve as an indispensable mediator to keep things calm in the border region. As tensions heighten over Hezbollah-built tunnels, UNIFIL is again playing a key role in preventing escalation. With all the conflicts in the region today, keeping this area quiet is an objective worthy of strong U.S. support and ample resources to help UNIFIL fulfill its mission. It may also be important to expand the U.S. relationship with Lebanon beyond the military dimension to boost long-term stability. Increasing economic assistance and investment could usefully complement the strong U.S. military relationship with the LAF. Helping Lebanon secure a demarcation for natural gas exploration off its coast and encouraging U.S. companies to invest could enhance long-term economic ties and help spur growth and development. Setting benchmarks for assistance linked to crackdowns on corruption could encourage improved governance and narrow socioeconomic gaps. In short, the strategic goal could be to help Lebanon build a civil state that serves the broader public rather than only a small circle of sectarian leaders. As one official put it, Lebanon needs support for the rule of law, not just the rule of the strong. Finally, American leaders should be wary of the narrative that Hezbollah is Lebanon. As some Lebanese like to say, Hezbollah doesnt control Lebanon; the Lebanese people are the victim of Hezbollah. The best way to prevent this false narrative from becoming reality could be supporting a successful Lebanese state and offering its people a better alternative. For the United States, turning its back on this small but strategically critical country and conflating U.S. interests in Lebanon solely with countering Iran could be short-sighted, and a missed opportunity at a time when the region has few. Dalia Dassa Kaye is director of the Center for Middle East Public Policy and a senior political scientist at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. Image: Reuters Read full article Athens (AFP) - Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Wednesday survived a confidence vote after a row over a landmark name deal with Macedonia sunk his four-year coalition. A total of 151 lawmakers supported Tsipras' government out of 299 present, including several independent MPs, the official count showed. "Parliament today gave a vote of confidence to stability (and) the effort to regain the country's international credibility," Tsipras told reporters after the vote. "To a government which has already changed Greece and will continue until the completion of its constitutionally-mandated term," he said. Despite the victory, the subsequent fate of Tsipras' government -- and whether he will complete his four-year term which ends in September -- is far from certain. The PM now faces an immediate challenge to also push through parliament the controversial name deal with neighbouring Macedonia, which has sparked protests in both countries. In a speech to parliament on Tuesday, the 44-year-old leftist leader insisted his government "has another nine months and very important tasks to carry out," pointing to elections in October. Among his goals are a revision of the constitution, a minimum wage increase and the completion of a property deal with the church that was recently blocked by senior bishops. "We do not seek (the support of) 151 lawmakers just to complete our term, but in order to carry out specific political initiatives," government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos told Open TV on Wednesday. Yet many Greeks think the elections could take place earlier than October and may even be called to coincide with European and local elections in May, if not sooner. - Coalition in tatters - Another protest will be held in Athens on Sunday against the agreement with Skopje to rename the country the Republic of North Macedonia. Main opposition leader Kyriakos Misotakis of the New Democracy conservatives called Tsipras a "fortune-hunter" and "cheap demagogue" who had built a career on lies. Story continues "You took power with lies, managed it with lies, and will leave it will lies," Mitsotakis said during the confidence vote debate. "You've dealt enough damage to the country... you see your end approaching," Mitsotakis, who leads Tsipras in opinion polls, told leftist MPs. The name-change deal aims to resolve a 27-year diplomatic dispute, but it broke up Tsipras' coalition with the nationalist ANEL party at the weekend, ending their four-year partnership. Macedonian lawmakers last week approved the deal, but it will only come into effect if it is also backed by the Greek parliament. Athens has not given a date for the vote on the Macedonia deal, but Tsipras recently said it would be before the end of January. The European Union and NATO have hailed the agreement which would lift Greek objections to Macedonia joining both organisations. - Alexander the Great's territory - The proposal faces resistance in Greece because of what critics see as the implied claims to Greek land and cultural heritage. For most Greeks, Macedonia is the name of their history-rich northern province made famous by Alexander the Great's conquests. In many cities in northern Greece, posters were put up overnight to urge local lawmakers to vote against the deal. A number of MPs also said they had received anonymous threats. Police made several arrests over the poster incident, and are investigating the threats. ANEL chief Panos Kammenos, Tsipras' former coalition partner, on Wednesday said the name deal should be put to a referendum. Much will depend on the stance of small pro-EU party To Potami, whose position hardened this week after Tsipras poached one of their lawmakers. "You may have found 151 lawmakers for the confidence vote but you will not find 151 to back the (Macedonia) deal," the party's parliamentary spokesman Panos Amyras told the government on Wednesday. Rabat (AFP) - Gabon's President Ali Bongo returned to Morocco Wednesday only a day after arriving back in Libreville after months abroad recovering from a stroke, a source told AFP. During his one-day visit to Gabon, Bongo swore in 38 ministers of a new government. The ceremony at the beachside presidential palace in Libreville on Tuesday was closed to the press and public. His return had temporarily ended an absence that saw an attempted coup by renegade soldiers. "He returned to Rabat to resume his rehabilitation," a source in his entourage told AFP. The oil-rich West African state has been without an effective government for months since Bongo, 59, suffered the stroke in October 2018 during a visit to Saudi Arabia. After initial treatment at a hospital in Riyadh, Bongo was transferred to Morocco. His return came just over a week after a small group of renegade soldiers briefly tried to stage a coup before it was quashed by security forces, who arrested the leader and killed two others. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - France on Wednesday threatened to push for more targeted sanctions to be imposed on Mali after hearing a UN official report on worsening violence in the West African country. The Security Council last month put three individuals linked to armed groups on a UN sanctions blacklist, the first Malian nationals to be hit by a global travel ban and assets freeze. The sanctions were imposed for hindering a peace agreement signed in 2015 by the Bamako government and armed groups that is aimed at restoring stability to Mali following a brief Islamist takeover in the north. The peace deal has failed to stop violence by Islamist militants, who have also staged attacks in Burkina Faso, Niger and against UN peacekeepers. French Ambassador Francois Delattre told a council meeting that his government was "ready to propose the adoption of new (sanctions) designations when the time comes if the expectations of this council are not met." The United States renewed its warning that it will push for changes to the peacekeeping mission in Mali, possibly a major drawdown, if there is no progress. UN peacekeeping official Bintou Keita told the council that the security situation in central Mali had worsened with a spike in intercommunal violence, stoked by extremists groups. An attack on the Fulani community on January 1 left 37 dead in the central Mopti region. The worsening violence has led to "a dramatic increase in displaced persons by 75 per cent in December 2018, compared with June 2018," said Keita. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, however, warned that fresh sanctions will "hardly contribute" to strengthening the peace process. More than 13,000 peacekeepers are deployed in Mali as part of a UN mission that was established after Islamist militias seized northern Mali in 2012. They were pushed backed by French troops in 2013. The council is planning a possible visit to Mali in March to take stock of failures in implementing the peace deal and consider next steps. PARIS (Reuters) - France on Wednesday condemned a failed Iranian satellite launch that it said used technology applicable to long-range missiles and urged Tehran to stop all ballistic tests which are not in line with U.N. resolutions. It was the latest in a string of French comments expressing irritation at Iran's ongoing ballistic missile program despite attempts over the last two years by France and other European powers to open talks on the subject with Iranian authorities. "The Iranian ballistic program is a source of concern for the international community and France," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll said in a statement. Iranian officials said on Tuesday their bid to launch a satellite had failed. President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic would be ready for a new satellite launch in a few months. Iran, which considers its space program a matter of national pride, has said its space-vehicle launches and missile tests are not violations of U.N. resolutions and would continue. Western powers are concerned that the long-range ballistic technology used to put satellites into orbit could also be used to launch nuclear warheads. Iran has repeatedly denied any intent to develop nuclear weapons. "We call on Iran not to proceed with new ballistic missile tests designed to be able to carry nuclear weapons, including space launchers, and urge Iran to respect its obligations under all U.N. Security Council resolutions," von der Muhll said. (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Mark Heinrich) Baghdad (AFP) - Foreign troop numbers in Iraq fell by a quarter during 2018, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi said, as the fallout fizzled from Washington's announcement it was withdrawing from neighbouring Syria. "In January 2018 there had been almost 11,000 foreign fighters, about 70 percent of them are American, the others are from other countries," Abdel Mahdi told a weekly press briefing on Tuesday evening. "In December, the numbers have been reduced to almost 8,000, and the American troops are around 6,000... maybe I am wrong by some hundreds." Abdel Mahdi said that more than 12 months after the government declared victory over the Islamic State group in Iraq, the drawdown was accelerating. "In recent months, the decrease has sped up and in the last two months there was a drop of 1,000 forces," he said. US President Donald Trump has said that US troops will remain in Iraq after the withdrawal of all troops from Syria and will be available to take action against IS on the other side of the border if necessary. US troop numbers in Iraq peaked at some 170,000 during the battle against Al-Qaeda and other insurgents that followed the US-led invasion of 2003. Trump's predecessor Barack Obama ordered a withdrawal that was completed in 2011, but in 2014 ordered a new deployment as part of a US-led coalition battling IS, which had proclaimed a "caliphate" in large swathes of Iraq and Syria under its control. IS is now confined to a shrinking enclave of just 15 square kilometres (under six square miles) in eastern Syria not far from the border where Kurdish-led forces have been engaged in a major offensive with coalition support since May last year. In Iraq, the jihadists maintain sleeper cells in the cities and hideouts in sparsely populated desert and mountain areas from which they carry out periodic hit-and-run attacks, some of them deadly. By Robin Emmott and Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union leaders expressed dismay and regret on Tuesday after the British parliament rejected a Brexit divorce deal, saying they were stepping up emergency planning and warned London was running out of time. The EU's chief executive, the European Parliament Brexit negotiator and a host of prime ministers took to Twitter to call on London for ideas on what to do now to stop Britain crashing out of the bloc with no deal on March 29. European Council President Donald Tusk, who chairs EU summits, suggested the only real solution was for Britain to stay in the EU after British lawmakers defeated Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin of 432 to 202. "If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?" Tusk tweeted after the vote. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who has overseen two years of tortuous negotiations between London and Brussels and offered assurances to May on the eve of the vote, said that for Britain: "Time is almost up." He warned in a statement that the chances of Britain leaving the bloc without an agreement had increased, referring to a so-called disorderly withdrawal, and that the Commission would continue its no-deal preparations. EU leaders, who signed off on the Brexit deal in December, have repeatedly said it was the best solution possible because it provided a transition period for businesses to adapt. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz tweeted: "I regret the outcome of the Brexit vote in the British lower house in London. In any case there will be no renegotiation of the withdrawal agreement." French President Emmanuel Macron said Britain would be the biggest loser if it crashed out of the EU without a deal. The Irish government urged Britain to set out how it proposed moving forward, and Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is due to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, warned that an abrupt British exit from the EU would be "catastrophic". Story continues EU leaders have insisted there could be no renegotiation. But as the parliamentary defeat fed uncertainty in European capitals, several leaders called on Britain to come up with alternatives to the rejected withdrawal agreement. Echoing the frustration of leaders of Belgium, Denmark and Luxembourg, who reacted in succession on social media and said they were actively preparing for a no-deal scenario, the EU parliament's Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt said British lawmakers now needed to say what kind of deal they wanted. "The UK parliament has said what it doesn't want," Verhofstadt, a former Belgian premier, said on Twitter. "Now it is time to find out what UK parliamentarians want. In the meantime, the rights of citizens must be safeguarded." (Reporting by Robin Emmott and Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Janet Lawrence) Addis Ababa (AFP) - Ethiopia has deployed soldiers against an armed faction of a recently-legalised opposition group that is robbing banks and attacking residents in the country's remote west, the government said Wednesday. The violence in Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region, comes after separate ethnic clashes in the east temporarily shut the country's main fuel supply route, causing severe petrol shortages in the capital this week. The unrest across Africa's second most-populous country is the latest challenge faced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has won Ethiopians over with dramatic reforms since taking office last year, even as ethnic violence surged. Those changes included welcoming home banned groups like the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which returned to Ethiopia after signing a peace deal last August. But last month, the group accused the government of breaching the agreement, and on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for Abiy said the military had been sent to Oromia's Kellem Wollega zone to stop a faction responsible for rapes, looting banks and blocking roads. "Government has been patient for a very long time, trying to facilitate the different ideas," Billene Seyoum told journalists. "Those skirmishes are as a result of not heeding the call for peace." Authorities have detained 835 armed OLF members involved in the unrest, state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported. Meanwhile, a separate outbreak of ethnic conflict between the Afar and Somali peoples of eastern Ethiopia led to the closure of the trade route to Djibouti, whose Red Sea ports import most of Ethiopia's petroleum products. Such ethnic clashes have become increasingly common since Abiy's inauguration last April, and 1.4 million Ethiopians fled their homes last year, one of the world's highest numbers. The road closures caused blocks-long fuel queues to appear in the capital and largest city Addis Ababa, but Billene said representatives of the two ethnicities had reached an agreement. "The road has been opened as well," she said. Joaquin El Chapo Guzman paid a $100 million bribe to former Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, according to trial testimony provided on Tuesday by Alex Cifuentes Villa, The New York Times reports. Cifuentes, a Colombian drug trafficker, worked with Guzman for multiple years. This is not the first time during Guzmans ongoing trial that the employees former colleagues and employees have revealed alleged links between drug operations in Mexico and officials in government and law enforcement. However, Cifuentes alleged that Guzman web extended even further than previously thought, entangling the most powerful figure in Mexican politics. Mr. Guzman paid a bribe of $100 million to President Pena Nieto? asked Jeffrey Lichtman, one of Guzmans lawyers. Cifuentes simply responded, yes. If this is true, Nieto had company. Testimony at Guzmans trial suggested that prison guards, airport officials, police officers, prosecutors, tax assessors and military personnel were all susceptible to bribery, according to The New York Times. Genaro Garcia Luna, who once served as public safety director and was supposed to direct government efforts to bring drug traffickers to justice, is also believed to have accepted cash payments. So is Guillermo Gonzalez Calderoni, who led Mexico Citys federal police. Corruption was not confined to Mexico, either. Juan Carlos Ramirez Abadia, another Colombian who is said to have worked with Guzman, claimed to have bribed prison guards, border agents, lawyers, policemen, the entire Colombian Congress and former Colombian president Ernesto Samper when he was campaigning for office. Its impossible to be the leader of a drug cartel in Colombia without having corruption, Ramirez Abadia told the court. They go hand in hand. Cairo (AFP) - An Egyptian university has overturned its decision to expel a male student over hugging his female friend on campus, in an incident that sparked controversy in the conservative country. The young man appeared in a video carrying a bouquet of flowers kneeling before a woman and then hugging her, in what was meant to be a marriage proposal. The footage was widely circulated online earlier this month and initially prompted the expulsion of both students from their respective universities. But late Tuesday the Mansoura University in northern Egypt, where the video was shot, reversed its decision to exclude the male student for two years. The student's appeal against the expulsion included "his apology for the act committed, a pledge to not repeat it and to commit to the university's values and ethics," a university statement said. It cited the student's young age, concern for his future and his unfamiliarity with the university's rules, deciding instead to ban him from taking the semester's exams. On Sunday he was interviewed by telephone by a prominent talk show host on channel MBC Masr, and said that he had brought the flowers to propose to the woman. "We were supposed to be engaged but after what happened her parents are refusing this completely," said the young man, a first year law student who was identified only by his first name Mahmoud. A day later, Al-Azhar university in Cairo scrapped the expulsion decision against the young woman who appeared in the video. The move followed the intervention in her favour of Egypt's top Muslim cleric, Ahmed al-Tayeb, who is the institution's grand imam. Issuing a lesser penalty, the university said the female student would be prevented for taking the first half of her exams. Al-Azhar is the most prestigious seat of Sunni Islamic learning in Egypt, a predominantly Muslim country which is largely a conservative society. Al-Azhar is touted as standing for Islamic moderation, but critics often accuse the institution of failing to modernise its teachings in order to counter extremism. Prague (AFP) - Several thousand Czechs on Wednesday took part in a torchlit march through Prague in tribute to a student activist who set himself on fire 50 years ago to protest the Soviet-led occupation of then Czechoslovakia. The walk marked the culmination of a day of commemorative events -- including at Wenceslas Square where philosophy student Jan Palach poured petrol over himself on January 16, 1969 -- with some warning that his rallying cry still resonates under the current populist government. "We no longer live in the shadow of occupation tanks. But efforts in favour in freedom and democracy are ongoing," said one student and march participant. Palach's self-immolation was intended to urge Czechs to resist a new hardline regime absolutely loyal to the Kremlin, following the 1968 invasion which crushed the "Prague Spring" liberal movement. With burns to 85 percent of his body, Palach died on January 19, 1969, aged 20. "People must fight against the evil they feel equal to at that moment," he whispered on his death bed. Writer, historian and former dissident Petr Placak said that Palach's cause remains relevant in the modern Czech Republic. "Something harmful can be seen today as well -- society is in a state of lethargy much like 1969," he said at a ceremony on Wednesday. "Populist and extremist parties are now in the majority in parliament," he said, urging for the memory of Palach to help lead the "revival of civil society". Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis's populist ANO movement was only able to form a government last year with the backing of the KSCM Communist party, which is nostalgic for the country's communist era. It marked the first time Communists have played a key role in forming a government since the Velvet Revolution finally overthrew the communist regime in 1989. "Jan Palach's desperate cry serves as a reminder for us to continue to care for freedom and democracy -- and fight for them," said Tomas Zima, head of Prague's Charles University, where Palach studied. Czech priest and intellectual Tomas Halik -- winner of the 2014 Templeton Prize following laureates such as the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa --- said at a ceremony that "Palach's call compels us to be brave and not trust the populists". "The truth is something it is always important to fight for," he said. Tripoli (AFP) - A new round of clashes between rival militias in Libya's capital left at least five people dead Wednesday, the health ministry said, four months after fighting killed over 100. Hours earlier, the UN's mission in Libya warned against fresh violence in Tripoli as tensions rose between rival militias despite a September ceasefire deal that ended clashes in which at least 117 people were killed. "The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly condemns the recent military mobilisation of forces in southern Tripoli and is monitoring the situation closely," it said in a statement. "UNSMIL warns parties against any breach of the ceasefire agreement concluded on 04 and 09 September 2018." Fierce battles between militias from the capital and from other areas in the west of the country rocked Tripoli between the end of August and the UN-brokered truce deal in early September. The violence also left hundreds wounded. The health ministry did not specify whether those killed Wednesday were civilians or fighters. Witnesses had reported sporadic shooting and road closures after the Tripoli Protection Force alliance warned on Facebook it would "repel an attack" by a rival group that had failed to withdraw from the capital. The Seventh Brigade militia, from the town of Tarhuna, has maintained its positions in Tripoli since the ceasefire agreement. The UN said that "any party initiating a confrontation will be held fully responsible" and insisted it "will take action as necessary" to halt any violence. Libya has been torn between rival administrations and a myriad of militias since the overthrow and killing of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. The main armed groups in Tripoli say they are loyal to the internationally backed Government of National Accord (GNA), but officials have struggled to exert real control over the fighters. The GNA announced security reforms in the wake of the bloodshed last year, aimed at curbing the power of militias in the capital. A second administration in the east of Libya is backed by strongman Khalifa Haftar and his self-proclaimed Libyan National Army. The UN is pushing for elections to help stabilise Libya, but chronic violence has delayed plans for a vote. By Colin Packham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia will allow imports of the intoxicating drink kava, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday, as it seeks to forge closer ties with its Pacific neighbors amid growing Chinese interest in the region. Australia and China have been vying for influence in sparsely populated Pacific island countries that control vast swathes of resource-rich ocean. Vanuatu last year signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative, just a few months after Australia promised to bolster its cyber-security capability. To improve cultural ties, Morrison told reporters in the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila that Australia would remove restrictions on kava, a mildly intoxicating brew that is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Pacific islanders. "I know it has been an issue for some time, we have agreed that we would be working to ... ease some of the limitations on importation of kava into Australia," Morrison said. Imports will begin with a pilot program, he said. Kava - once the drink of chiefs and spiritual leader - is the Pacific's favorite tipple and a major export for Vanuatu. Kava imports to Australia have been restricted since 2007 following concern that some indigenous communities were abusing the drink. But Australia's rivalry with China appears to have swung the argument. "Kava is culturally very significant, tied into many ceremonies in the region. Easing the restrictions will be welcomed in the region," said Jonathan Pryke of Sydney-based think-tank the Lowy Institute. Morrison, who become the first Australian prime minister to visit Vanuatu in nearly 30 years, will travel to Fiji on Thursday as part of a Pacific tour. Australia last year offered Pacific countries up to A$3 billion ($2.16 billion) in grants and cheap loans to build infrastructure. ($1 = 1.3897 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Colin Packham; Editing by Robert Birsel) Ottawa (AFP) - Armed militants kidnapped a Canadian worker in a night raid at a mine in Burkina Faso in a region battling a wave of extremist violence and lawlessness, a senior government official said Wednesday. "It happened Tuesday night," the official told AFP, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The gold mine in the volatile region, near borders with Niger and Mali, is owned by Progress Minerals. The kidnapping comes a month after a Canadian woman taking part in a humanitarian aid program went missing after traveling in the West African country with an Italian friend. Ethnic violence left four dozen people dead in Burkina Faso at the start of the year, and a state of emergency was decreed in several provinces in the wake of recurrent jihadist attacks. Initially concentrated in the north of the country, attacks have spread to other regions, including in the east, bordering Togo and Benin. Attributed to the jihadist groups Ansarul Islam and the Support Group to Islam and Muslims and other groups, the violence has claimed some 270 lives since 2015. On January 5, a 34-year-old Canadian woman, Edith Blais, and her friend, Lucas Tacchetto, 30, from Venice, were reported missing. They had last been seen on December 15. The pair were supposed to travel by car to Togo for a humanitarian aid project with Zion'Gaia, an environmentally oriented group that engages in reforestation projects. But they never arrived. Canada deployed 250 soldiers and eight army helicopters to neighboring Mali as part of a UN peacekeeping mission last year. The Canadian foreign ministry has cautioned its nationals to avoid non-essential travel in Burkina Faso because of the "terrorist threat." The Daily Beast Win McNamee/GettySome liberals are furious with Attorney General Merrick Garland as the Department of Justice defends laws that they oppose and individuals they abhor, including Donald Trump.Some of the criticisms arise from a misunderstanding of the foundational obligations of the DOJ to defend the laws of the United Statesincluding those at odds with the policies of the current administration.That does not mean, however, that the DOJ under Garland should defend every position taken by the Tru What's Included With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 574-583-5121 or email cgrace@thehj.com. Cotonou (AFP) - Benin's former president Thomas Boni Yayi on Wednesday threw his weight behind the country's political opposition as they called for a united front at upcoming elections. The West African nation goes to the polls to elect a new parliament on April 28, with President Patrice Talon accused of creeping authoritarianism. His political rivals now want to join forces as a single entity for the first time, in an effort to weaken Talon's parliamentary support. The millionaire businessman was once a close advisor to Boni Yayi but was ostracised after being implicated in a suspected poisoning plot against the then-head of state. Boni Yayi later pardoned him, triggering his return from exile in 2015 and move into politics. He has been president since 2016. Addressing opposition leaders and supporters in Benin's commercial hub, Cotonou, Boni Yayi indicated that his forgiveness did not extend to political support for Talon. "The smile will come back to everyone's faces on April 28. This vote belongs to you. Take care of it. Benin must change... We are stronger together," he told the gathering. "God will give us the chance on April 28 to change our people democratically," he said, adding the election could help "end this suffering our people are living through". Also present at the meeting was another former president, Nicephore Soglo, and representatives from the party set up by former presidential candidate Sebastien Ajavon. Soglo, in power from 1991 to 1996 and now aged 83, last November accused Talon of championing a crackdown on unions and impoverishment. Ajavon, also a wealthy businessman, fled to France after he was convicted of drugs offences by a special tribunal last year. The trial -- denounced as a sham by his legal team -- was the latest in a string of court cases and legal wranglings that he has said are politically motivated. Ajavon came third behind Talon and then-prime minister Lionel Zinsou at the last presidential election. He has indicated he wants to run again next time round. Story continues Talon has vowed to stamp out corruption and mismanagement as well as implement free market social reforms, sparking a series of crippling public sector strikes. Some opposition leaders suspect the president is cracking down on opponents and that his supporters could rig the vote. "No one will allow fraud," said opposition stalwart Floriane Sohe. The vice-president of the National Assembly, Eric Houndete, said the opposition was stronger together. "We need a single list," he told several thousand supporters. He added: "We need to fight to restore Beninese democracy and restore the right of freedom and the right to life to the people." All 83 seats in the unicameral National Assembly are to be contested at the election. Deputies are elected every four years. The current parliamentary term runs out on May 15. Just over five million people are registered to vote, according to the country's electoral commission. New York (AFP) - The American man who was among the 21 people killed in an attack on a luxury hotel complex in the Kenyan capital Nairobi was a consultant who survived the 9/11 attacks, and specialized in emerging economies. Authorities did not formally name Jason Spindler as one of the victims, but his mother Sarah and brother Jonathan confirmed his death on Facebook and to several US media outlets. "It's with a heavy heart that I have to report that my brother, Jason Spindler, passed this morning during a terror attack in Nairobi," Jonathan wrote on Facebook, in comments visible only to his friends. "Jason was a survivor of 9-11 and a fighter. I am sure he gave them hell!" The Nairobi attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Somali group Al-Shabaab, which has targeted Kenya since it sent its army into Somalia in October 2011 to fight the jihadist group. Spindler was a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the New York University law school. He spent time in the Peace Corps in Peru. On September 11, 2001, Spindler was working for investment bank Salomon Smith Barney in the World Trade Center. The main Twin Towers collapsed after being hit by two passenger jets commandeered by Al-Qaeda operatives. Spindler's building, 7 World Trade Center, collapsed in the aftermath, but none of the nearly 3,000 fatalities that day resulted from that incident. Kevin Yu, who attended UT-Austin with Spindler, said Spindler had helped save people stuck in the rubble on 9/11. "That's exactly the kind of person he is," Yu told The Washington Post. "I have no doubt that when he heard the explosions outside the hotel, he was one of those trying to jump in and help." - Development work - After his ordeal on 9/11, Spindler's life changed, according to Yu. "Something struck a nerve and changed how he felt and thought about things," he told the Post. After law school, Spindler co-founded consulting and investment firm I-Dev, and was working in Kenya on a mini-power grid project tailored for remote areas, according to the company's website. Story continues "Jason was based mainly in Nairobi, but traveled frequently to San Francisco and across Latin America, Africa, Europe," a spokesperson for the company told AFP by email. His mother Sarah told NBC News that her son "was trying to make positive change in the third world in emerging markets." "We all miss him so much. And it's so sad that such a bright young person is taken away by terrorism," she added. Spindler's Facebook account had been converted on Wednesday into a tributes page. He would have turned 41 on Monday, Yu said. His family was planning to hold a religious service that day instead. 1/04/19 If youre making travel plans for 2019, Airbnb has you covered with an official must-see travel list. In anticipation of the new year, they compiled site data including Airbnb search, booking, and customer wish lists to bring us the top 19 travel destinations for 2019, and we want to explore them all. The list includes a few destinations in the USroadtrip, anyone?as well as breathtaking international destinations around the globe. We've got our eye on these Airbnb castles you can rent for under $50 a night. This is totally your year to travel, especially since Google can save you money on your vacation in 2019. Grab your passports and get your road trip maps ready! Image courtesy of Airbnb Press Room Hike the Great Smoky Mountains along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, explore a pedestrian-only city in China, or eat and drink your way through a rural town on the coast of Italy. Airbnbs suggestions vary so much that youre sure to find a destination to add to your bucket list. Some of Airbnbs suggestions are as broad as an entire country, meaning youll be free to create your own travel agenda, while the rest of the list includes specific cities or locations. Each suggestion includes sightseeing suggestions, so you can take advantage of the travel companys best accommodations while exploring as much of the destination as possible. We're counting down the top 19 places to visit in 2019. Related: The 10 National Parks You Have To Visit With Your Family 19. Taiwan Users on Airbnb can add specific location to their wish lists, and Airbnb reports that Taiwans wishlist inclusion was up 100 percent in the last year. The official report names the entire country as the number 19 destination, but gives specific destination cities including Yujing, which is home to mango farms and hot springs. 18. Andalusia, Spain The architecture of the Andalusia region of Spain make this one of Airbnbs top wish-listed locations for 2019. Airbnb recommends exploring the cities of Granada, Cordoba, and Seville, as well as the Route of the White Hill Town which runs through the Sierra Nevada mountains. Story continues 17. Calabria, Italy Originally an abandoned city, Calabrias tourism is on the rise and offers an authentic Italian vacation away from the typical tourist locations in other parts of the country. Calabria has seen a 100 percent increase in wishlist inclusion, due to the regions mountains, national parks, medieval villages, and what Airnbn calls rustic charm. 16. Uzbekistan Uzbekistan had the fastest year-over-year growth in bookings, according to Airbnb, making it one of the top trending destinations for the coming year. Uzbekistan boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year, which means its the ideal warm destination no matter when youre planning travel dates. Uzbekistan has incredible architecture, so plan a tour around the countrys major cities to soak it all in. 15. Pondicherry, India The city of Pondicherry, Indiaalso known as Pondyhad a 140 percent increase in searches on Airbnb over the last year. Airbnb reports that the best time to visit the coastal town is between the months of November and February. This year, take a few extra days off between Thanksgiving and Christmas and treat yourself to a trip full of scuba diving and dolphin watching. Related: 10 Florida Islands You Have to Visit 14. Winnipeg, Canada Airbnb suggests heading to Winnipeg, one of the largest cities in Canada, for a dose of culture this year. It's home to the Museum for Human Rights, the first museum dedicated completely to the history of human rights. You can expect snow and freezing temperatures from November through March, so plan your trip accordingly. 13. Batumi, Georgia Batumi is the second-largest city in the country of Georgia, and according to Airbnb, has good weather pretty much all year. Batumi is known as a resort city, with numerous beach destinations and ski resorts, which may be why Airbnb searches for Batumi rose 200 percent over the last year. Related: Why You Should Take a Solo Vacation 12. Santa Catarina State, Brazil Cant decide between a relaxing beach vacation and a week of mountain hiking? Head to Santa Catarina State in Brazil and you wont have to choose! Santa Catarina State had three cities appear in Airbnbs top search rankings: Joinville, Itajai, and Blumenau, which all have incredible mountain views as well as gorgeous beaches. Were totally adding this to our travel bucket list! 11. Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley, US Nature-lovers will appreciate this travel destination. The Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley are located in southeastern New York and are home to a number of nature and wildlife trails. If you plan your trip accordingly, you can also hit the 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock. If you're planning on driving, check out these 11 car hacks to use on your next road trip. 10. Wakayama Prefecture, Japan If practicing more meditation is your goal for the year, a visit to Wakayama Prefecture in Japan should be high on your list. This area of Japan is called the spiritual heartland, and has 52 temples on holy Buddhist grounds. Bookings for this region increased by 128 percent as people traveled to the area to take part in meditation and temple services as well as visits to the countrys largest open-air bath. 9. Outer Hebrides, Scotland Start your vacation off with a bang by flying into Scotlands Barra Airport. It's one of the worlds only commercial airports where planes land directly on the beach. The Outer Hebrides are a chain of islands off Scotlands west coast, and are home to an insane amount of wildlife. Nature lovers can spot red deer, golden eagles, otters, whales, and dolphins on a regular basis. Airbnb reports that the deer outnumber the human population 30 to 1. Related: Must-Know Travel Safety Tips 8. Mozambique Plan the ultimate beach getaway with a trip to Mozambique. The southern African country is home to coral islands, scuba diving, snorkeling, and national parks. Bookings for Mozambique are up 156 percent, and searches have increased 160 percent over the last year. While lounging on the beach, you can easily spot animals like pink flamingos, crocodiles, and dolphins. This warm-weather vacation sounds so good, were already packing our bags! 7. Accra, Ghana Airbnb searches for Ghana have increased 120 percent, and bookings have risen even more with an increase of 163 percent. The West African coast city is the capital of Ghana, and also holds the title of the countrys largest city. Airbnb suggests a visit to the Makola Market and the Labadi and Kokrobite beaches. 6. Buenos Aires Province, Argentina The province of Buenos Aires, Argentina was named one of Airbnbs most hospitable cities in the country for two years straight, which means the number of "super hosts" with five-star reviews is higher here than anywhere else. The Buenos Aires Province saw a 176 percent growth in wishlist inclusion and a 188 percent increase in bookings over the last year, and we seriously want to check it out. 5. Great Smoky Mountains, US Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Americas most-visited natural park and boasts more than 800 miles of hiking, walking, and nature trails. Located on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, the park is also known for having the largest black bear population in the eastern part of the United States. Since its part of UNESCOs International Biosphere Reserve, youre almost guaranteed to see incredible wildlife on your trip. Related: Top 10 Outdoor Vacation Spots in the U.S. 4. Normandy, France If youre in the mood for a trek around Europe, this is the vacation for you. Start the trip in Paris and take a two-hour train ride to Normandy. History fanatics can visit the site that will memorialize the 75th anniversary of D-Day, and foodies can explore the Route du Camemberta trail named after the cheese. 3. Puebla, Mexico Puebla, Mexico saw a 240 percent increase in searches on Airbnb, and a 206 percent increase in wishlist inclusionand if you added it to your wish list, now is totally the time to go. Since its only a few hours away from Mexico City, its easy to get to and from Puebla from anywhere in the world. Take an architectural tour of the city or explore the culinary delights the location has to offer. 2. Xiamen, China Xiamen, China is a pedestrian-only island with no vehicles allowed, which makes it a great destination for anyone looking to escape reality for a little rest and relaxation. The port city is surrounded by other islands so it boasts a spectacular view as well as an abundance of seafood options. Since Xiamen saw a 283 percent increase in bookings last year, youll have plenty of housing options to choose from. 1. Kaikoura, New Zealand The whale-watching town of Kaikoura, New Zealand had the highest increase in Airbnb bookings and search in the last year, with a 295 percent increase in bookings and a 210 percent increase in searches on the Airbnb site. The South Island town was badly damaged by an earthquake in 2016, but has made a comeback to become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The dueling Fyre Festival documentaries are finally here, and in a dramatic turn of events befitting the subject matter (by which we mean its very 2019), Hulu surprise dropped Fyre Fraud four days before Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened was supposed to air on Netflix. Suddenly, the Fyre films themselves turned into a fight for coveted content exclusivity or a meta-commentary on how influence and clout function in the attention economy commanded by social media. And more importantly, what is a modern millennial culture vulture to do? After all, there are only so many hours in the day to catch up on the 2017 fiasco in the Bahamas that became the influencer-cum-grifter scandal of the century. And so, Vogue is here to tell you which one deserves your time and why. (In a twist that you might have seen coming, not unlike the morning rainstorm that fatefully dealt Fyre Festival its final blow, yes, there are reasons to watch both.) Read on to figure out which Fyre Fest chronicle you should dive into this week: How are Hulus Fyre Fraud and Netflixs Fyre different? Hulus documentary features interviews with Billy McFarland himself, the man behind the festival (now serving 6 years in prison for fraud), as well as with his model girlfriend. Thats probably the biggest difference between Fyre Fraud and Netflixs documentary, though the latter has its own insiders: primarily the team behind FuckJerry and Jerry Media, the meme-makers and marketing company that masterminded the viral Fyre rollout. Fyre is edited from hours of behind-the-scenes content recorded by the Fyre team, Jerry Media, and from Matte Projects, the marketers who made the model-filled Fyre promo videos in the Bahamas that made everyone buy tickets in the first place. Also, the Netflix doc is directed by Chris Smith of Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond and American Movie, while the Hulu documentary was directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, and backed by a group including Mic. Fyre is more atmospheric and cinematic than Fyre Fraud, which has more meta-analysis and outsider commentary (for example, from New Yorker critic Jia Tolentino) on what Fyre means in our current economic and sociopolitical moment. Story continues That Hulu has McFarland and Netflix has FuckJerry are facts that each party has used to malign the others ethical credibility on their projects. Smith told The Ringer that they refused to pay McFarland, like Hulu did, and thus, did not get his sit-down. We were aware of [the Hulu production] because we were supposed to film Billy McFarland for an interview, Smith said. He told us that they were offering $250,000 for an interview. He asked us if we would pay him $125,000. And after spending time with so many people who had such a negative impact on their lives from their experience on Fyre, it felt particularly wrong to us for him to be benefiting. It was a difficult decision, but we had to walk away for that reason. So then he came back and asked if we would do it for $100,000 in cash. And we still said this wasnt something that was going to work for us. (Furst confirmed to The Ringer that his production had paid McFarland but insists it was a far smaller amount than $250,000.) Meanwhile, Fyre Fraud directly calls out Fyre for collaborating with the Jerry Media team (which is named in a Fyre-related lawsuit) as producers; Fyre Fraud has the perspective of a former Jerry Media associate who has since defected from the group. I feel like theres a bigger, ethically compromised position, and thats going and partnering with folks who marketed the Fyre Festival and were well-aware that this was not going to happen as planned, Furst said to The Ringer. That folks were not going to get villas, that folks were not even going to get bathrooms. We have emails that prove that people knew months in advance what was going on, and we have a whistle-blower from inside that social media company [Jerry] who says that he knew months before that this wasnt going to be what it was sold as . . . Its a little bit of a head-scratcher to say that we have an ethical quandary when it seems like people who got the rest of the world knee-deep in shit are making large licensing fees and getting prestige when this thing comes out on Friday. To me, I think its a little bit of the pot calling the kettle black. How are Hulus Fyre Fraud and Netflixs Fyre similar? Fyre firefight aside, there are significant overlaps between the projects. Notably, they use a lot of the same footage around Billy McFarlands rise as a millennial entrepreneur (namely, the same local New Jersey cable news segment) as well as commentary from some of the same influencers who attended Fyre Festival including Seth Crossno, a blogger who documented the disaster, and Calvin Wells, a pre-festival whistle-blower and New York financier who ran the FyreFestivalFraud Twitter account. Both documentaries have interviews with Bahamians who worked with the Fyre team, and neither one was able to get interviews with Ja Rule. Should you watch Netflixs Fyre? If youre less familiar with the whole Fyre debacle, the Netflix option might be for you. Its taut and tension-filled, and provides more of a chronological dissection of McFarlands machinations, as well as how the festival and its varied employees and investors fell under his sway. Additionally, the insider footage from the Fyre team is fascinating, including mind-boggling post-festival footage commissioned by McFarland, out of jail on bail, recorded while he was once again attempting to commit fraud (this time through a third party, through a familiar scam of selling phony tickets to everything from nonexistent Taylor Swift meet and greets to the Met Gala). Netflixs project also has a few more testimonials and personal footage from lower-level Fyre Fest customers (not famous people or influencers), so theres more of a visceral sense of what it was like. All the behind-the-scenes information from those closest to McFarland helps illustrate how regular people were duped into following his madness and delusion, and paints a picture of the real-life devastation (not to mention unpaid bills on his employees personal credit cards) he left in his wake. A set of final comments from the restauranteur who spent her own savings to cover the catering for the stranded Fyre attendees is particularly wrenching. Should you watch Hulus Fyre Fraud? Hulus film offers a broader vision of how Fyre Fest fits into social media, consumption, and economic trends, and provides some much-needed nuance to a story that can skew cartoonish. McFarlands cooperation means that he comes off as less of a sociopath and more a symptom of the attention economy, in which people are eager to make money off of nebulous, unverified value systems based on likes and retweets rather than real labor or quality. The Jerry Media team, as well as Matte Projects, are more critically indicted here than in Fyre for their enabling of McFarlands grift. Fyre Fraud feels like it came from outside the influencer ecosystem more than the Netflix documentary does but, for that reason, it also doesnt feel as juicy. Consider it a valuably intelligent contribution to the grifter discourse. Courtesy subject (Mary. H) Ready to embrace life as an empty nester, Mary (not her real name) had big plans for her weekend. The magazine art director had recently sent her youngest kid off to college. Now, she was ready to tackle a big project in her New Jersey home: cleaning out her unfinished basement. Over that fateful weekend in October 2018, Mary hauled out old furniture and boxes that had sat among cobwebs for years. Little did she know that her project would nearly take her life. On the following Monday, Mary noticed two small bumps on her shoulder blade. They looked like spider bites, but she wasn't too worried. However, when she woke up on Tuesday, Mary found that just touching the bumps triggered excruciating pain. "Within 12 hours of finding the bumps, they were so painful. It was agony to touch them at all, and it felt like knives stabbing me when I pressed on them," she says. "I knew the pain was far too great to be only a spider bite." Her doctor prescribed antibiotics, but Mary wondered if that would be enough to treat whatever was wrong with her. When she awoke on Wednesday, Mary was sweating profusely and unable to get out of bed. The two small bumps on her back had grown to the size of silver dollars. Worse, they had turned black. A friend who saw her that day begged her to go to the emergency room, but Mary declined: "I had a follow-up appointment with my doctor the next day, and I dismissed the idea. I shouldn't have." On Thursday, the bumps erupted; as she sat in the waiting room of the doctor's office, her shirt clung to the oozing wounds. "I just wasn't thinking clearlyI didn't know how sick I was," she says. When the doctor examined Mary again, he advised her to wait another day to see if the spots grew larger. When the doctor left the room, the nurse pulled Mary aside and urged her to go straight to the emergency room. "She saved my life," Mary says, thinking back. "She told me it was getting larger, it was black, and it was aggressive. I'm so glad she was there." These are the 9 signs of an infected cut or scrape you should never ignore. Courtesy subject (Mary. H) The ER staff checked Mary in right away and began running tests. That's when she got startling news: Her blood work revealed that a serious staph infection had entered her bloodstream and that she was in sepsisa bodywide reaction to severe infection. She was experiencing classic signs, such as fever, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and confusion. Typically, those at highest risk for sepsis are over 65 or have chronic medical issues such as cancer, diabetes, or a condition that weakens the immune system. However, Mary is more than a decade younger than 65 and in excellent health; her case demonstrates that anyone can develop this life-threatening reaction. The bacteria responsible for Mary's sepsisStaphylococcus aureusis common and can cause boils and other minor skin infections; for an unlucky few, it leads to major trouble, even death. Watch out for the 11 signs of sepsis you need to know. "As soon as I got the diagnosis, they put me on an IV," Mary says. "When I asked what the medication was for, they said it was to protect my kidneys. I had no clue how serious sepsis wasor even what it wasat the time." A quick Google search on her phone alerted Mary to the danger: "I realized this kills peopleand I have it." Mary stayed on intravenous antibiotics for three days before she was discharged from the hospital. She had to take two strong antibiotics for an additional ten days to clear the infection. "I still have no idea how I contracted the staph infection, but looking back, I wish I had listened to all of the little alarm bells going off in my head telling me something was off," Mary says. "We have to listen to our bodyit tells us when we need help." Next, read up on 15 more silent signs your body may be in big trouble. Senators nearing subpoena for Michael Cohen, Trumps former attorney, in probe of Russian election interference originally appeared on abcnews.go.com A key Senate panel is moving closer to issuing a subpoena for Michael Cohen, the presidents former personal attorney and fixer, as part of its ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Asked Wednesday whether it is fair to say the Senate Intelligence Committee is moving closer to issuing a subpoena to Cohen after trying for some time to get him to agree to testify, the panels chairman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., told ABC News, Fair. Cohen was sentenced in December to three years in prison for financial crimes, two violations of campaign finance law, and lying to Congress a charge based on false testimony he provided to the Senate and House intelligence committees in the fall of 2017. (MORE: Ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen says Trump knew it was wrong to make hush-money payments during campaign) PHOTO: Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney arrives at federal court for his sentencing hearing in New York City, Dec. 12, 2018. (Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) He met twice with the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee in September and October of 2017, but the first interview was hastily cut short by disappointed committee leadership after Cohen released his own statement to the press beforehand. (MORE: Senate investigators postpone meeting with Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen) Burrs comment comes less than a week after the House Oversight Committee announced that Cohen had agreed to appear in an open session next month. The committee has been trying for months to bring Cohen back to the Hill. (MORE: Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen to testify before Congress in February) PHOTO: Richard Burr attends a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill, Aug. 1, 2018, in Washington, DC. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images, FILE) Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has also expressed interest in scheduling Cohen to appear before his panel in a closed session. President Trump, in an interview with Fox News over the weekend, accused Cohen of agreeing to testify before Congress as part of an effort to get his sentence reduced, and suggested without evidence that Cohens father-in-law might face legal exposure because thats the money in the family. Story continues The presidents comments prompted a statement from three top Democrats, Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Schiff, warning Trump to cease any efforts to discourage, intimidate, or otherwise pressure [Cohen] not to provide testimony to Congress. (MORE: Democrats warn Trump not to 'discourage, intimidate' Michael Cohen) Cohens hearing in front of the House Oversight committee is scheduled for February 7. He is due to report to federal prison on March 6. The We are Europe initiative, which aims to support the development and work of civil society organizations across Europe, is organizing a public political event entitled We are Europe Citizens Agora, according to a press release sent to the Budapest Business Journal. The event features public political debate between members of the European Parliament, local politicians and former MEPs and the civil society from Hungary and other Central European countries. Its program includes debate on diverging views of the EU as well as democracy and the rule of law, and media freedom in todays Europe. The two-day event takes place on February 22-23, at Kossuth Klub (Muzeum utca 7, 1088 Budapest), the press release said. Registration is available until Thursday, January 17 on the events official site. Participation is free for Budapest-based individuals. Further info: federalists.eu/we-are-europe Eight flights from Budapests Liszt Ferenc Airport to Germany have been cancelled due to strikes at German airports, the airports communications director said. Lufthansa cancelled all flights to Frankfurt and one to Munich, Mihaly Hardy said. A Eurowings flight to Hamburg and a Wizz Air flight to Frankfurt also fell out. The German service providers trade union, Verdi, said on Monday that security staff were staging strikes in eight German cities, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Hannover, Dresden, Leipzig and Erfurt. The union is fighting to raise airport control personnels wages to 20 euros per hour. Hungary will assist Israel in a search for the remains of Holocaust victims in the Danube river, the interior ministry said, responding to a query by MTI. I nterior Minister Sandor Pinter held talks with his Israeli counterpart Arye Deri in Budapest on Monday, the ministry said in a statement. At the meeting, Deri expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Hungarys efforts in helping to recover the remains of Holocaust victims. A recovery team from the international voluntary search and rescue organization ZAKA also arrived in Hungary on Monday, the ministry said, adding that they, too, can count on the help of the ministry and its affiliated bodies in their efforts. Reuters reported on Monday that an Israeli team of forensic experts had arrived in Hungary to search the Danube for remains of Holocaust victims, with Hungarian permission and assistance. A member of the delegation said the remains would be buried in accordance with Jewish rite. According to Israels Yad Vashem Memorial Center, some 565,000 Hungarian Jews were killed in the Holocaust. The majority of them were deported to the Auschwitz death camp between May and July 1944. In October of that year, thousands of Jews were shot into the Danube by Arrow Cross militiamen. A memorial known as Shoes on the Danube Bank was erected in their honour in April 2005. 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. News Updates Would you like to receive an email newsletter alerting you to the top news stories and sports stories from The Ouachita Citizen, The Franklin Sun and the Concordia Sentinel each week? Sign up today! Staff Writer JoAnn Snoderly can be reached at 304-626-1445, by email at jsnoderly@theet.com or on Twitter at @JoAnnNCWV. Jake Jarvis can be reached by phone at 304-935-0144, on Twitter at @JakeJarvisWV or by email at jjarvis@statejournal.com. Dr. Johnny M. Moore currently serves as the third president of Pierpont Community & Technical College. He has over 27 years of leadership experience at higher education institutions at both the two- and four-year levels. A first-generation college student, he attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, on a basketball scholarship. He received his Master of Science in mathematics from Arkansas State University and a Ph.D. from the Florida Institute of Technology. Moore resides in Morgantown with his wife, Sequoyah, and children, Johnathan and Jayna. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Please purchase a subscription to continue reading. If you have a subscription, please Log In . Your current subscription does not provide access to this content. If you believe you've gotten this message in error, please Log In. World Economic Forum (WEF) founder Klaus Schwab speaks at a press conference at the WEF headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 2019. The world is entering a period of "profound instability" due to the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and geo-economic and geopolitical realignment, Klaus Schwab said Tuesday. The forum's 2019 annual meeting will take place in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland from Jan. 22 to 25. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan) GENEVA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The world is entering a period of "profound instability" due to the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and geo-economic and geopolitical realignment, Klaus Schwab, World Economic Forum (WEF) founder said Tuesday. He was speaking at a press conference at the WEF headquarters here ahead of the forum's 2019 annual meeting that will take place Jan. 22-25 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The meeting brings together more than 3,000 leaders from business, government, civil society, academia, arts and culture, and media, as well as the foremost experts and young leaders from all over the world. The meeting will convene under the theme, Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The purpose of the meeting is to identify new models for peace, inclusiveness, and sustainability to suit a world where further global integration is inevitable and where existing models of global governance struggle to foster concerted action among the world's powers. Schwab said that the fourth wave of globalization needs to be "human-centered, inclusive and sustainable." "We are entering a period of profound global instability brought on by the technological disruption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the realignment of geo-economics and geopolitical forces," said Schwab. All those taking part in the Davos meeting need to summon the imagination and commitment necessary to tackle the instability, said Schwab, who is also WEF executive chairman. This year's program will hold more than 350 sessions, nearly half of them webcast, and meetings are organized in a series of global dialogues. The meeting gathers more than 3,000 participants from over 110 countries, including more than 60 heads of state and government and over 40 heads of international organizations. OXFORD, Miss. (WTVA) - A judge recently sentenced a Lafayette County man to serve decades in prison for child molestation. District Attorney Ben Creekmore says John Robert Westmoreland will serve the sentence day-for-day because it was a crime involving children. The Mississippi Department of Corrections lists Westmorelands date of release as June 25, 2048. He pleaded guilty to four counts of touching a child for lustful purposes in December. Westmoreland was arrested in the summer of 2018. Investigators said his wife operated an after-school daycare. RELATED: Man accused of molesting children at home daycare in Lafayette County The incidents happened at the daycare, investigators said. His wife, Sherry Westmoreland, was arrested days after his. RELATED: Wife now faces charges in daycare molestation case She was charged with contributing to the delinquency or neglect of children, as well as sex crimes against a minor-failure to make mandatory report. Her case is still active. GRENADA, Miss. (WTVA) - Webster County Sheriff Tim Mitchell has pleaded not guilty to a 12-count indictment including embezzlement and attempting to have sex with an inmate in the county jail. Mitchell entered the plea during an arraignment hearing in Grenada County Circuit Court Wednesday morning. Tim Mitchell | Photo: MHP Tim Mitchell | Photo: MHP Mitchell was arrested last month, just days after submitting a resignation letter because of what he called medical issues. He later rescinded the resignation and is still being paid as sheriff. Mitchell is currently free on a $400,000 bond, but the judge ordered him to wear an ankle monitoring device and remain on house arrest. He must also avoid contact with employees at the Webster County Sheriff's Department. His trial date was set for June 24. COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) - A Columbus man is accused of kicking in the door to a girlfriends house. Kelvin Barksdale Smith, 40, was arrested Sunday, Jan. 13, and charged with aggravated domestic violence. Columbus police say Smith and the woman, whom he had been dating, had several previous arguments before this incident. Police say they had already been at the house earlier that day answering a disturbance call. When police arrived, they found Smith inside the house. He admitted to kicking in the door, but says he was attempting to repair the damage, confirmed police. The year 2019 is beginning with a wave of strikes, demonstrations and other manifestations of class struggle around the world. In France, the yellow vest protests are entering their 10th week, with at least 85,000 demonstrating throughout the country this past weekend, the second straight week in which the number of protesters increased. The yellow vests have been joined by red pen protests of teachers over stagnant pay and terrible conditions in public schools. In India, tens of millions of workers participated in a two-day strike last week against the right-wing policies of the Hindu supremacist BJP government of Narendra Modi. Miners, manufacturing workers, transport workers, government workers and many others took part in one of the largest strikes in history. In Mexico, strikes and plant occupations are spreading through the maquiladora factories, centered on a wildcat strike by 70,000 workers from 45 factories in the town of Matamoros, just across the border from Brownsville, Texas. Workers have called for a general strike beginning today. In the United States, 33,000 teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest district in the country, began a strike on Monday, while thousands of teachers and their supporters have participated in demonstrations in the Northern California city of Oakland against attacks on public education. Reports in the media warn of another educator spring following the strikes and demonstrations in West Virginia, Arizona, Oklahoma and other states last year, but this time in states controlled by the Democratic Party. The anger of teacherssupported by students and workerscoincides with the growing opposition of 800,000 furloughed or unpaid federal workers amidst a government shutdown that is entering its 25th day today. Other expressions of working-class opposition include a strike by security workers in German airports that disrupted air traffic throughout Europe yesterday; a strike by 3,700 doctors in New Zealand, which followed protests and a 24-hour strike by nurses last year; spreading strikes among gold and platinum miners in South Africa; and mass protests in Zimbabwe against a sharp increase in fuel prices. These developments already confirm the analysis that was made by the WSWS in its statement of January 3, The Strategy of International Class Struggle and the Political Fight Against Capitalist Reaction in 2019. The initial expressions of social unrest in 2018 would continue into the New Year, the WSWS wrote. Repressed and dismissed for so long, the working class is beginning to assert its own independent interests. The outbreak of mass social struggles in France, in the US and internationally signals the beginning of a new revolutionary period. Marxists study the class struggle as an objective process, the form and character of which arises out of the nature of capitalist society. There is a logic to the development of the class struggle, and a conscious understanding of this logic is necessary to orient the practice of the socialist movement and the advanced layers of the working class. Several aspects of the class struggle have become increasingly clear over the past year. First, the class struggle is developing as an international process. The globalization of capitalist production has integrated the world economy to an extraordinary degree, tying together the fate of every country. It is not just business transactions that have been globalized, but the class struggle itselfin both content and form. Workers, exploited by the same corporations, also have at their disposal unprecedented methods of global communication through the proliferation of access to the internet. Second, the growth of working-class struggle is taking the form of a rebellion against the existing trade unions and organizations, which for four decades have worked to suppress all opposition to the policies of the capitalist ruling elite. In Mexico, the strikes are of an insurrectionary character, with workers posting statements on social media denouncing the trade unions for stealing their money. In France, the durability of the yellow vest protests is due to the fact that they developed independently of and in opposition to the trade unions and their affiliated political organizations. In the United States, the teachers unions, led by individuals whose incomes place them in the top five or even one percent of the population, did everything they could to prevent a strike in Los Angeles and are now doing everything they can to isolate it, repeating the role they played during the teachers struggles last year. The growing insurgency of workers against the unions refutes all those who have claimed that they remain working class organizations. Third, what is motivating these struggles is not merely one or another workplace issue. They are animated by deep and growing anger over the massive growth of social inequality and are coming into increasingly direct conflict with the capitalist system itself. The logic of these struggles, therefore, is bringing workers into conflict with the entire political apparatus of the ruling class. Finally, and of the greatest significance, the growth of the class struggle is exploding all the anti-Marxist theories of the intellectual and political representatives of the affluent middle class, which deny the revolutionary role of the working class and the centrality of class divisions in capitalist society, in favor of the politics of race and gender. The most recent of these are the writings of Chantal Mouffe, the ideological mentor of Syriza in Greece and other pseudo-left parties, proposing a left populism based on nationalism and the explicit rejection of those who attribute an ontological [i.e., objectively existing] privilege to the working class. What are the conclusions that must be drawn by the working class? First, the development of the class struggle requires the formation of independent organizationsrank-and-file factory and action committeesto coordinate and unify every separate manifestation of opposition, within each country and internationally. Important initiatives were taken at the end of last year to form such independent organizationsthe establishment of a Steering Committee of the Coalition of Rank-and-File Committees by auto workers and other workers in the US, and the establishment of an action committee to organize the struggle of Sri Lankan plantation workers in Sri Lanka. These initiatives, which emerged under the leadership of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), must be extended and developed. Second, the establishment of new organizations of struggle must be connected to the building of a revolutionary political leadership in the working classthe ICFI and its national sections, the Socialist Equality Parties. The growth of the class struggle is an objective process, but its development into a revolutionary movement against capitalism requires the intervention of the revolutionary party, to impart to the workers the necessary subjective consciousness of the objective struggles in which they themselves are engaged. Not only the growth of the class struggle, but its specific form, has been anticipated by the ICFI. Theoretically and in practice, the January 3 statement explains, the ICFI has established that it is the sole revolutionary political party of the international working class and the sole representative of genuine Marxism. The growth of the class struggle in 2019, driven by the intersection of objective developments with the intervention of the revolutionary party, will acquire an ever more openly socialist, internationalist and revolutionary form. More sprawling industrial complexes in Matamoros, Mexico are expected to grind to a halt today in the largest strike on the North American continent in recent years. By Monday, 70,000 workers had already walked off the job, shutting down 45 factories and repudiating the pro-company union which is still demanding workers return to their jobs. This number is expected to growa further sign that one of the most exploited sections of the international working class, Mexican maquiladora sweatshop workers, are greeting the new year with a powerful show of working class power. Workers in the Matamoros maquiladora industry, who make only $9 a day, are demanding massive raises, bonuses, an end to dangerous and backbreaking working conditions, and the elimination of union dues which pad the pockets of the leading union bureaucrats. The strike involves tens of thousands of workers at auto parts companies that supply the Big Three auto companies, General Motors, Ford, and Fiat-Chrysler. Among the GM suppliers on strike are: Polytech Netting, Inteva, Dura, AFX, Autoliv and Parker. In Oshawa, Canada, around 100 Canadian Inteva parts workers also walked out on strike Tuesday to protest GMs decision to close the nearby Oshawa GM assembly plant, a move that threatens thousands of job losses. But the unions have informed no one of this transnational strike. To the contrary, just as the Mexican unions are trying to isolate and strangle the Matamoros strike, the United Auto Workers and Unifor falsely blame Mexican workers for recent job cuts announced by US companies. By fighting to rid themselves of their union leadership and by electing their own representatives, Mexican workers are showing their North American allies in the US and Canada how to fight back. Oscar, a striking auto parts worker with 12 years at Trinodex, told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter he pays 63 pesos a week ($3.30, or 4 percent of his weekly salary) in union dues but that the union collaborates with the company. Here you work from Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday if you have to. As time passes the union leaders have gotten worse, he said. There isnt air [in the plant] and the bathrooms are often dirty because they dont pay the janitors. We wont even speak of the cafeteria. Yesterday they fired five people just for talking about this. Another striker at GM supplier Autoliv, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to the WSWS from the picket line at his plant. All the plants are on strike. The majority of workers are out. The bosses want to threaten us with mass firings and are recording us and taking photos. They want to intimidate us and they are calling the state police on us. The worker denounced the unions phony effort to agree to raise the workers demands with the companies: The only reason they ever cede to our demands is out of fear of an investigation or an audit into corruption. The employers have made clear they will not agree to the workers demands and the Tamaulipas state government has declared todays strikes illegal. Any document that promotes any labor strike lacks legal validity, reads a statement released last night by the Tamaulipas Secretary of Labor. The statement patronizes workers: Workers in the maquiladora industry are invited to keep working in their workplaces in a normal manner, it says, demanding that strikers stay correctly informed of their obligations as workers. In a statement yesterday, Juan Carlo Gonzalez, president of the Employers Confederation of the Mexican Republic (COMPARMEX) threatened to close all the plants across the entire city: At any time, the businesses can leave if their operating costs are greater than what they can sell from their product, above all when there are opportunities in other regions of the country and when many plants that operate in Matamoros have operations in other regions and with this salary increase that they are demanding, definitely the business can leave to establish themselves in other places. Behind this bluster is terror on the part of the ruling class that the strike wave will spread. The strike has been completely blacked out in the Mexican and US national press in a clear effort to censor the struggle from winning broader support. An article in one local paper, El Cinco, spelled out the fear of massive strike action: To begin, there is no precedent in either Matamoros or Tamaulipas for a strike of this magnitude. The maquiladora industry in this city is practically paralyzed in its totality The conflict makes clear one thing: the workers are beginning to rebel against the exploitation that their union leaders have made them victims of, in evident complicity with the bosses. The article demanded intervention of the state government: It must intervene before workers in other cities, like Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo, imitate their Matamoran counterparts. But this is exactly what workers want. Jaime, an autoworker from the Silao GM plant in Guanajuato told the WSWS: We have to do something similar here in Silao. This union is not worth anything. Workers far beyond Mexico are rallying in support of the stand taken by Matamoros maquiladora workers and looking for a way to fight wage cuts and job cuts imposed by the companies. Nick, an auto parts worker in the US state of Michigan communicated a message to Mexican workers through the WSWS: Your example is encouraging. You are a recognizably exploited working class within NAFTA, receiving poverty wages of which a portion goes to the union. Here you are standing up to these thugs and these capitalist exploiters, he said. I take heart that you are reaching across these illusory national borders to your working class brothers and sisters north of you and saying an injury to one is an injury to all. We must stand together as a united global force. We will not let US-based companies hurt Mexican workers in the name of capitalism. You are our fellow workers, you just happen to live in a different country. Mexican workers returned greetings to their US counterparts. Oscar, the striking Trinodex worker, said: I appeal to workers to rise up and dont hide yourselves anymore. We are more productive than in other countries but they pay us a miserable salary and the union takes from us what little we had left. No more, its enough already. The anonymous Autoliv worker also appealed to US and Canadian autoworkers: If they are thinking about uniting with us we will support them too, just as we have been receiving support, physically and morally, from our entire city. They must fight for what they deserve. They must unite and make themselves a force. Here we are all helping one another. If the bosses try to fire one of us we will come back and fight to defend our coworkers. We are more unified than ever. Striking Mexican workers must not lose the initiative by placing their trust in any politician, the union or in those who falsely claim this corrupt organization can be reformed. Workers must continue to elect their own representatives, independent of the unions, to form a citywide strike committee comprised of the most militant and trusted workers. This rank and file committee must democratically inform and mobilize the strength of Matamoros workers and appeal to all maquiladora workers across the US-Mexico border and to their autoworker counterparts in the US and Canada to join their struggle against the corporations and the capitalist system. On February 9, at 2 p.m. autoworkers will demonstrate at GM world headquarters in Detroit, Michigan to oppose the job cuts and concessions announced by the auto and parts companies. Workers from across the world can follow and support this demonstration on Facebook here. As more than 30,000 educators in Los Angeles continue their strike, Oakland, California teachers in nine middle and high schools have voted at school site meetings to hold a second one-day wildcat sickout strike. The walkout, organized independently of the union, is scheduled for Friday. As of this writing, the schools that have voted to strikeOakland Technical High School, United for Success Academy, Oakland High, Skyline High, Life Academy, Rudsdale, West Oakland Middle School, Fremont High and MetWestaccount for roughly 20 percent of all students in the district, while other schools are expected to join as well. The Oakland Education Association (OEA) has kept educators at work despite being without a contract for over 18 months and has refused to link up Oakland teachers with their counterparts in LA and the rest of the state. Conditions in Oakland are driving teachers into struggle, just are they are in Los Angeles and around the US. Decades of budget cuts have produced dilapidated, understaffed schools where student learning has been drastically eroded. Oakland teachers have the lowest median salaries of any major district in the state, with high turnover rates and large proportions of uncertified teachers, in particular in Special Education which services the highest-needs students. In the face of this immense crisis in public education, teachers and school workers are fed up with constant delays of the unions and the districts deteriorating conditions. On December 10, teachers staged a one-day wildcat strike at three schools. Since that time, the sentiment for a broader struggle has grown. Teachers throughout the district are bitter at the role of the OEA in keeping them in the dark and isolated and have begun to take matters into their own hands. The immediate concerns of Oakland teachers go far beyond the issues in contract negotiations. Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has unveiled a plan to cut nearly $60 million from the budget over the next two years and close or merge over 20 schools, roughly a third of the districts total number of schools. The entire budget crisis is driven by the bipartisan efforts to open up public education funding to private profit through charter schools. A recent report entitled Breaking Point estimates that charter schools have siphoned off at least $57 million each year from the Oakland public schools. Oakland teachers, along with millions across the US and around the world, have closely followed developments in Los Angeles and desire a united, statewide struggle. Last Saturday, nearly 3,000 teachers and parents from several districts across the Bay Area marched in Oakland expressing their solidarity with Los Angeles teachers. I know that one of the reasons why Oakland is having to wait to strike is this idea of being strike legal, said Susan Chiodo an elementary school teacher in Oakland, and you can see that theyre purposely spreading it out. She continued: Its a little frustrating, because a lot of us, at least my colleagues where I work, are saying we should be completely united with LA teachers as they go on strike, that it would make us stronger; theyre trying to divide and conquer, and were trying to get together. Teachers at the nearby Fremont Unified School District have been working without a contract this school year, following a one-year contract that included a derisory one-time, one percent pay raise. The district is currently offering a paltry 0.7 percent pay raise. Fremont teachers also mobilized a large contingent at the Oakland rally and emphasized the growing support for strike action in their district. The local teachers union is presently confining teachers to toothless work-to-rule actions and has also blocked the sentiment for a statewide strike action together with Los Angeles teachers. In sharp contrast to the teachers fighting to defend education, the OEA had the temerity to parade a series of official speakers at the Oakland rally who were, in fact, the same Democratic politicians responsible for pushing school privatization. State Senator Nancy Skinner was given a prominent spot to heap praise on the new Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom. Skinner, as a representative in the state assembly, voted for the Budget Acts of 2008, 2009 and 2010 which collectively cut over $20 billion from the states schools. The current education crisis in California is a direct result of her decision along with the rest of the Democratic state legislature which placed the burden of the 2008 economic crisis on Californias workers. Another featured speaker was Alameda County Superintendent Karen Monroe who threatened Oakland Unified with state receivership if it does not make nearly $60 million in cuts over the next two years. At an October school board meeting Monroe warned, If we see that those budget balancing strategies are not being implemented, we will have to impose strategies. The courageous actions of Oakland teachers will find an enthusiastic response among educators across the state and nationally. It is now essential that teachers, nurses, aides and the rest of school workers form rank-and-file committees, independent of both parties of big business and the unions, to turn out to workers for support throughout the state and beyond, and take the struggle in defense of public education forward. Seven months after President Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, talks over the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula remain stalled without a detailed agreement to implement the commitments made by both sides at the summit. Now a second Trump-Kim summit is being mooted. In his New Year address, Kim restated his firm will to denuclearise, saying that North Korea had declared at home and abroad that we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them. Kim did, however, hint at growing frustration in Pyongyang over Washingtons refusal to ease sanctions on North Korea or to take steps towards the signing of a formal peace treaty to end the 195053 Korean War. Fighting in that devastating war ended with the signing of an armistice, but the state of war was not ended. The US has maintained North Koreas diplomatic and economic isolation for more than six decades. Kim noted that North Korea had taken various practical measures, adding that if the US responded with trustworthy measures and practical actions bilateral relations will develop wonderfully at a fast pace. Pyongyang has not only halted its nuclear and missile tests, but dismantled its nuclear test site and a key missile engine facility. In a thinly veiled warning, the North Korean leader declared that Pyongyang could be compelled to explore a new path if the US seeks to force something upon us unilaterally and remains unchanged in its sanctions and pressure. The US imposed additional sanctions on North Korean figures last month, provoking an angry reaction from Pyongyang. North Korea has been hit hard by sanctions imposed through the UN Security Council and extra, unilateral US punitive measuresall of which remain in place. The latest trade figures with China, by far North Koreas largest trading partner, showed an 88 percent decline in Chinese imports for 2018 year-on-year, and a 33 percent decline in its exports to North Korea. In 2017, North Koreas economy shrank by 3.5 percent, according to South Korean estimates. Last week Kim made a two-day trip to Beijing in a bid to gain Chinese support to push the US to ease sanctions. The visit was also timed to coincide with US-China talks to end the escalating trade war between the two countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping was clearly sending a message to Washington that Beijing would not be so accommodating to the US pressure campaign on Pyongyang if the trade disputes were not resolved. During the visit, Kim reiterated his support for a second summit with Trump to jointly push for a comprehensive resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue. Such a meeting was mooted as far back as last September, but the proposal has languished for months. The plan re-emerged in December and the latest media reports indicate that concrete planning, including possible venues, is underway. Top North Korean negotiator Kim Yong Chol is reportedly preparing to visit Washington to finalise arrangements. The Trump administration, however, has repeatedly declared that it is not willing to begin lifting sanctions until North Korea has met all US demands and completely dismantled its nuclear arsenal and facilities. As long as North Korea has effectively frozen its nuclear programs by ending testing, the US is prepared to string out any talks. Trump bragged to reporters last week: Now I say this, North Korea, were doing very well. And again, no rockets. Theres no rockets. Theres no anything. We are doing very well You would right now be in a nice, big fat war in Asia with North Korea if I wasnt elected president. However, the current unstable situation cannot last indefinitely. For North Korea to dismantle its only bargaining chip and allow highly intrusive international inspections with nothing in return is highly unlikely. However, the continuing, intense US pressure on North Korea points to underlying strategic motives that go beyond its demand for denuclearisation. Trump is pushing for a deal with North Korea amid an intensifying confrontation with China on all frontsdiplomatic, economic and militarythat is part of US preparations for war. Washingtons approach to North Korea is not primarily to dismantle its nuclear arsenal, which has been the pretext for its military bases in Japan and South Korea, and for its military build-up in Asia firstly under President Obama, and now Trump. Rather, the unstated aim of Trumps diplomacy has been to flip North Koreain other words, to induce the Pyongyang regime, a formal military ally of China, through threats and bribes, to reorient towards Washington. In response to North Korean leader Kims speech in the New Year, Trump noted that North Korea possesses great economic potentialby implication, if it meets US demands. Kim is well aware of the fate of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafithe Iraqi and Libyan leaders who were brutally killed after agreeing to US demands to end their so-called weapons of mass destruction programs. As a result, Kim has continued to manoeuvre. Relations between Beijing and Pyongyang became particularly bitter after the China voted repeatedly to support UN sanctions proposed by the US. However, in the lead up to his first summit with Trump, he mended relations with China in a bid to gain more leverage in negotiations. His latest visit to Beijing is another indication to Washington that North Korea has other options. The threat of military conflict remains. When Trump talks in his own crude fashion of a nice, big fat war in Asia with North Korea, it should be recalled that is exactly what he was preparing in 2017. His menacing threats culminated in an address to the United Nations where he warned that the US would totally destroy North Korea if it did not agree to denuclearise. Whether or not Trump succeeds in dislodging North Korea from Chinas orbit and further isolating Beijing, the main US objective remains: to undermine and weaken China so to subordinate it to US interests by all available means, including if necessary through a catastrophic war. Over 32,000 Mumbai bus drivers and other transit workers are now in their ninth day of an indefinite strike against the municipal government-owned Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST). The strike has forced BESTs entire fleet of 3,380 buses off the road, shutting down a public transit system that normally provides service to 4.5 million riders daily. Early on, the authorities declared the strike illegal. But workers have defied threats of state reprisals and a media campaign aimed at vilifying them for disrupting daily life in Indias second largest urban center and financial capital. The workers timed the beginning of their strike to coincide with the first day of last weeks two-day (January 8-9) nationwide general strike. Tens of millions of workers joined the all-India strike to protest the savage anti-working class policies that Indias Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has implemented in the name of attracting investment and promoting development. The BEST workers are demanding: the scrapping of plans to privatize municipal transit; the end of what has effectively been a decade-long wage freeze; regular and timely bonuses; and more employer-provided housing. The workers are also calling for BEST, which operates at a loss, to be merged with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbais municipal government, so as to provide the financial resources to both improve their pay and benefits and provide better transit service. The majority of the BEST workers are paid less than Rs. 15,000 (about US $210) per month, a poverty wage in what is considered to be Indias most expensive city. The workers are demanding a minimum salary of Rs 22,000 ($305) which would bring it to par with their counterparts employed by the BMC. This would cost Rs. 5.4 billion ($75 million) annually, a small fraction of the BMCs total budget of Rs. 273 billion ($3.8 billion). In a court hearing called to discuss judicial action to force an end the strike, the lawyer representing the union said workers base pay has been slashed to a mere Rs. 5,430 ($75) per month, from the already miserable base rate of Rs. 7,930 ($198 at the prevailing exchange rate) that existed in 2007. Government authorities and the corporate press are demanding an immediate end to the strike, with the latter constantly harping upon the inconvenience that the strike is causing the city. This same media pumps out articles on a daily basis celebrating Bollywood stars and Indias new class of billionaires, including Mukesh Ambani, whose Mumbai home (a 27-floor skyscraper) is valued at $2 billion, making it the worlds most expensive private residence. About the inconveniences that are faced daily by the millions living in Mumbais slums, the press and television channels have little to nothing to say. As soon as the strike began, Maharashtras Hindu-supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party state government invoked the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act (MESMA), threatening the striking workers with mass incarceration, fines and dismissals. Subsequently an industrial court also declared the strike illegal. On the top of this, the trade union associated with the Shiv Sena, that fascistic BJP ally that rules Mumbai and claims the allegiance of 11,000 of the BEST strikers, called off its participation in the walkout on its second day, Jan. 9. However, this completely fell flat, since all of the workers it claimed to represent have remained on strike. The Bombay High Court (BHC) intervened last Thursday after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition was filed asking the court to end the strike. Fearing that immediate court action to smash the strike would fail, given the strikers solidarity and resolve, the court has maneuvered, hoping to induce the union to scuttle the strike through a combination of threats and phony concessions. The court is well aware that despite the press campaign there is widespread sympathy for the strikers and anger over the cuts BEST has made to bus service. Over the years, both the BJP-led state government and the Shiv Sena-controlled BMC have slashed subsidies to BEST. As a result, the company has eliminated routes, reduced the fleet, and laid off workers. Starved for funding, this crowded but still relatively efficient bus service has even had to borrow funds to pay workers wages. Now both the BJP and Shiv Sena are citing BESTs losses to argue for privatization of the principal means of transit for much of Mumbais working and middle classes. During the 2017 municipal election, the Shiv Senas autocratic leader, Uddav Thackeray, promised to incorporate the BEST budget with that of the municipality. Nevertheless, he has taken no steps to do this, so as to deliberately bleed the public transport system and thereby provide grist for its privatization. In response to the strike, Thackeray is now promising to fulfill his 2017 election pledge, but he has combined this with a warning that unreasonable demands [by the workers] would create more problems. The Bombay High Court directed the BMC government to constitute a high-powered committee to come up with proposals to address the BEST workers demands and grievances. Stacked with BMC officials viscerally hostile to even the minimal demands of the long-suffering workers, the committee submitted a provocative proposal that included the freezing of the dearness allowance, cuts in the medical allowance, and further bus-route and staffing cuts. Yesterday, the court gave the union time, in reality an ultimatum, to decide on the strike by noon today, Wednesday, January 16with the implicit threat that it will move against the workers if the union doesnt end the strike. Union officials had indicated they would be willing to end the job action well short of a full agreement, let alone one addressing all the workers grievances. But the proposal from the BMC committee has clearly angered the strikers. Calling the authorities counter-proposal a death warrant that will push BEST workers in the same direction as farmers in the state, thousands of whom have committed suicide over the past decade, the union declared late Tuesday that the strike will continue until the workers core demands are met. The strikers have displayed enormous courage and have endured extraordinary privations over the past nine days. A sense of this is provided by the comment a BEST striker made to the press Monday: We have not gone to our homes since the strike began and have been sleeping on the footpaths and bathing in public bathrooms. We do not know if our families are safe at home. According to a report in Times Now, workers at the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), which provides intrastate transportation between cities and towns in Maharashtra, are now also threatening to go on strike. Tens of thousands of Los Angeles teachers and their supporters manned picket lines and marched downtown yesterday on the second day of the strike by 33,000 educators in Americas second largest school district. The walkout has generated widespread public support and growing calls for the spreading of the strike throughout California and more broadly. For the second day in a row, as many as 50,000 strikers, parents and students converged on the city center, this time in front of the headquarters of the California Charter Schools Association. They were joined by 75 teachers who walked out at three charter schools operated by Accelerated Schools. Another 900 unionized charter school teachers have been kept on the job by the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). There are growing calls by teachers throughout California and beyond for joint strike action. Teachers in Oakland are planning sickouts Friday to oppose threats by school officials to close one-third of the districts schools, even as they expand privately run charter schools. Teachers in Denver, Colorado will be voting for strike action on January 19, and thousands of educators in Virginia are planning a mass rally in Richmond on January 28. Like they did during the teachers rebellions last year in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona and other states, the leaders of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) are attempting to isolate teachers in Los Angeles and prevent the broadening of the strike across the state and the country. On the eve of the strike, AFT President Randi Weingarten, who is currently in Los Angeles, tweeted, This is not about a strike wavethis is a specific fight for the kids & public schools of LA. But Los Angeles teachers are not fighting a local fight. They are confronting powerful financial and political forces, including the Eli Broad Foundation, that are conducting a nation-wide conspiracy, with the backing of both corporate-controlled parties, to dismantle and privatize public education. That is why LA teachers cannot fight this battle alone. To expand the strike and mobilize teachers and other workers across California, the US and internationally, teachers must take the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the UTLA and the national teacher unions, which are allied with the very same Democratic Party politicians that have waged a decades-long war on public education in California and across the US. The World Socialist Web Site Teacher Newsletter urges teachers to form rank-and-file strike committees in every school and community, democratically controlled and independent of the UTLA. These committees must demand full access to the behind-the-scenes negotiations being conducted by the UTLA, the school district and the mayor and governors office. Strike benefits, not loans from the unions giant strike fund, must be paid to all teachers to sustain this historic fight. In opposition to the UTLAs craven abandonment of the teachers most critical demands, rank-and-file teachers should draw up their own set of demands, including a 30 percent pay raise, a cap on class sizes of 25 students, billions for the hiring of new nurses and staff, the ending of punitive testing for students and teachers, and the immediate reconversion of charter schools into public schools. To fight for these demands, strike committees would call on all school bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers to defy the orders of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and walk out to shut down all LAUSD schools. At the same time, LA teachers and their supporters among workers throughout the city should extend their picket lines to the 244 privately run charter schools and call on their brothers and sisters to join their strike. A call must go out to all teachers in Oakland and across the state to carry out a joint statewide strike and to teachers and all workers throughout the US, including locked out federal workers and autoworkers facing the shutdown of GM plants, to prepare a general strike to oppose government austerity and social inequality. At the same time appeals should be made to striking Mexican auto parts workers, Dutch teachers and other workers around the world coming into struggle. There is growing sentiment for such a fight. Precious, a young LA teacher, said, We need to have a statewide and nationwide strike wave. This affects the whole working class. Every teacher I know is working a second or a third job, whether its tutoring or something else, to make ends meet. Were just trying to keep our heads above the water instead of being under it using a straw to breathe. There is more power in numbers, and this should be a nationwide and even a worldwide fight. It doesnt matter if we are in southern or northern California, or anywhere else, were fighting the same fight, said Rosemary, an LA teacher with 27 years experience. Retired teacher Mike added, When I started teaching in 1985, the UTLA used to fight principals that bullied teachers and tried to push them out. Now they have teacher jails where older teachers close to getting a vested pension and health benefits are abused and over-supervised. This goes unopposed by the UTLA and their paid staff who tell teachers, You have to follow the districts rules. We used to have 43,000 teachers, and now were down to 33,000. This was done with the help of the UTLA. Teachers also denounced the refusal of the UTLA to pay strike benefits. Theyve been talking about a strike since 2017, another teacher said. Weve been paying union dues, and there hasnt been a strike for 30 years, so there should be money for us to strike. We should be getting $1,000 or $1,500 to help us pay our bills. Where did all this money go? The AFT president Randi Weingarten makes a half a million dollars a year. None of us are making that kind of money. Then the union is also giving millions to these politicians who say they are for us, but once theyre elected, they do nothing for us. In his Tuesday night Facebook address to teachers, UTLA President Alex Caputo-Pearl placed all the onus for sustaining the strike entirely on teachers, saying it is their duty to picket every day like its a work day. He was silent on growing calls for a statewide and national strike and said nothing about providing teachers with strike pay. Instead, Caputo-Pearl tried to impress teachers by saying the strike has received the support of four expected Democratic Party candidates for US president in 2020, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, California Senator Kamala Harris, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren. The UTLA president also said LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, another potential Democratic presidential candidate, had come to Tuesdays downtown rally and was helping reinitiate negotiations with the school district. Caputo-Pearl said he was in discussions with the new Democratic governor of California, Gavin Newsom. If you have frustrations over how the schools have been run, Caputo-Pearl told teachers, take pride that were making history, and those who have power in this country are coming out in support of us. When it comes to strengthening the fight of LA teachers, the empty statements of support from these Democratic politicians add up to nothing. The Democratic Party exercises complete control over every level of government in Los Angeles and the state of California. No matter how many phony statements Sanders, Warren & Co. make about progressive Democrats, the fact is that their party has overseen the dismantling of public education in California. LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner is a Democrat and former official in the Clinton administration, and the Obama administration and his education secretary, Arne Duncan, spearheaded the assault on teachers and oversaw a vast expansion of charter schools. The comments by Garcetti should be taken as a warning by teachers that the UTLA is preparing to sell out the strike. Rhetoric aside, when we look at what that distance is, Garcetti said at a news conference Monday afternoon, I truly do believe not a lot separates us materially. We have some policy issues to confront on things like charters, on things like how is LAUSD going to be reorganized under the new superintendent and what role will teachers play in that reorganization, but I really do know theyre not talking very far away from each other, and that gives me the confidence we can get this done soon. In other words, the UTLA is seeking to see what role it can play in Beutners plan to reorganize the school district, and if the union can get greater access to the charter schools so it can get these miserably exploited teachers to pay union dues. This is the same role that the unions have played nationally, exemplified by the AFTs slogan, school reform with us, not against us. A new study, titled Quantifying the Holocaust: Hyperintense kill rates during the Nazi genocide, by the mathematical biologist Lewi Stone, has established that up to 15,000 Jews were killed on a daily basis between August and November 1942, a kill rate higher than in any other recorded genocide of the 20th century. At least 1.47 million Jews, more than a quarter of all victims of the Nazi genocide of European Jewry, were murdered within these three months. Stone based his study and data visualizations, published in Science Advances at the beginning of this year, on data on the deportation trains to the death camps Trelinka, Sobibor and Bezec. The data had been compiled by the Israeli historian Yitzhak Arad and published in his 1987 book about Operation Reinhard. Operation Reinhard (Aktion Reinhard), was initiated in March 1942, two months after the Wannsee Conference of January 1942, at which 15 leading officials of the Nazi regime, the occupation authorities and the Wehrmacht discussed the concrete implementation of the final solution of the Jewish question, the Nazi euphemism for the targeted destruction of European Jewry. Operation Reinhard, named after the leading Nazi Reinhard Heydrich, who was assassinated in 1942, was, in Stones words, the largest single murder campaign of the Holocaust. It targeted the almost 2 million Polish Jews who lived in the General Government, an administrative unit formed by the Nazis after their invasion of Poland in September 1939. The industrialized mass murder operation was centered on three death camps: Treblinka, Sobibor and Bezec. The death rate at these camps was 99.9 percent. Only 50 survivors of Treblinka are recorded, and almost 900,000 were killed there. A similar number survived Bezec, where over 600,000 were killed. The central role of this operation in the Holocaust has been known for some time, but many details remain unexplored. The Nazis systematically destroyed documentary evidence about it and the industrialized gassings were carried out in extreme secrecy. While the operation began in March 1942 and technically lasted until November 1943, Stone points out that the vast majority of the killings took place within just 92 days, between August and November 1942. On July 19, 1942, Heinrich Himmler, the leader of the SS, gave an order demanding that all Jews within the General Government of Poland be liquidated by the end of December 1942. Stone emphasizes that there was a direct relationship between the subsequent escalation of the killings and an order by Adolf Hitler. The SS leader Gerstein reported on August 15, 1942 that the Fuhrer ordered all action speeded up! (Another book gives the date of the order as July 23, 1942.) This speedup was manifested immediately in mass deportations, including the liquidation of the Warsaw Ghetto, the largest single ghetto in Europe, which began on July 22, 1942 with mass deportations to Treblinka. Over a seven-week period, at least one train with an average of 5,000 to 6,000 victims left the ghetto on a daily basis. Many of the deported died en route. All others were gassed immediately after they arrived in Treblinka. The speedup, as calculated by Stone, lasted for 105 days, from July 22 to November 4, 1942. The study quotes the 1944 testimony of one of the handful of survivors of Bezec, Rudolf Beder: During those three months I saw every day a transport of 50 cars with 100 prisoners in each carthat is, 5,000 victims sent to Bezec. A second identical transport arrived every evening. These prisoners were held in the suffocating cars without food or water until 6 oclock the following morning. A minimum of 10,000 victims were murdered every 24 hours. There were days when three transports arrived. There were days when more than 50 wagons were hauled in each transport. The transports came seven days a week. Within these 105 days, a minimum of 1.32 million victims were murdered by the Nazis, of which 292,000 were murdered by bullets. Hence, not only is Operation Reinhard the largest murder campaign within the Holocaust. It also happened at a remarkably faster pace than previously recognized. By the end of 1942, few Jews were left in the General Government and the Nazis now started to focus on deporting and murdering the remaining Jews in Europe at Auschwitz-Birkenau, which experienced its highest kill rate in 1944. (In the summer of 1944 alone, some 400,000 Jews from Budapest, Hungary were gassed at Auschwitz within a few weeks.) Stone points out that the kill rate of the Holocaust (meaning the number of killings per day) during Operation Reinhard was some 80 percent higher than the Rwandan massacre killings, which have been repeatedly cited as being more murderous than the Holocaust. The kill rate of the Holocaust, Stone stated in an interview with Scientific American, has been underestimated by an order of six to 10 times. Stone explained the significance of his study in the interview: While Operation Reinhard is considered the largest single murder campaign of the Holocaust, the extraordinary speed at which it operated to obliterate the Jewish people has been poorly estimated in the past and almost completely unknown to the general public. The minimal time in which the operation took place indicates the enormous coordination involved by a state machinery responsive to the Fuhrers murderous will to eradicate a people. The train records show how zones were emptied of Jewish communities one by one in an organized manner, and how intense kill rates were achieved in targeted areas that only slowed as victims ran out. My plots of the data and a film visualization highlight the pace and frenzy of this mass murder. In Volhynia, the Nazis shot about 150,000 people. In the north of the Generalkommissariat, they shot at least 70,000, and in Podolia about 10,000. Many of these shootings took place in what Gerlach called improvised death camps. Among those was Bronnaya Gora, where people were in part deported by trains. The SS leader Hans-Adolph Prutzmann reported a total of 363,211 killed Jews for the period August 1 to November 30, 1942, out of which 271,017 were killed in September and October of 1942. (Christian Gerlach, Krieg, Ernahrung, Volkermord. Deutsche Vernichtungspolitik im Zweiten Weltkrieg, Zurich 2002, pp. 222-23.) In other words, Stones estimated Holocaust kill rate in this three-month period would have to be corrected upward, taking into account killing operations that occurred alongside Aktion Reinhard. Overall, more than half of the estimated 6 million Jews killed by the Nazis were murdered between March 1942 and March 1943, and, as Stone shows, over a quarter within just three months. Jews, whom the Nazis, as all far-right movements in Europe, regarded as the main base for and leadership of the socialist and Marxist movement, had been persecuted systematically first in Germany after 1933 and then in the countries under Nazi occupation. Genocidal massacres of Jews (including children, women and the elderly) started with the Nazi assault on the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941. By the end of 1941, an estimated 1 million Soviet Jews had been killed in massacres perpetrated by the SS Einsatzgruppen and the Wehrmacht. Hundreds of thousands also died due to diseases and famine as a result of a policy of annihilation by starvation carried out by the German occupation authorities in Nazi-occupied Poland. In the Warsaw Ghetto alone, which housed some 400,000 Jews at its peak, about 100,000 died of famine and diseases such as typhus before the mass deportations to the death camps began. Despite these atrocities, up until the spring of 1942, the single largest victim group of the Nazis were not the Jews, but the Soviet prisoners of war, who were starved to death systematically in camps and on death marches at a rate of up to 300,000 per month in the fall and spring of 1941/1942, with 85 to 90 percent of all Soviet POWs killed. Overall, the Nazis murdered over 3 million Soviet POWs by the end of the war, and over 2 million of them by the spring of 1942. Gerlach has convincingly argued that a major motivation for the rapid escalation and speed-up of the already planned murder of the Polish Jews in 1942 in the General Government and Volhynia and Podolia was the food crisis in the German Reich, which threatened to affect both the Wehrmacht and the German civilian population. Averting a major famine in the German Reich was a priority for the Nazi leadership, given the experience of the First World War, when the famine of 1917/1918 directly contributed, along with the October Revolution in Russia, to the radicalization of the German working class and the outbreak of revolutionary struggles in 1918/19. The Nazi occupation also increasingly encountered mass resistance across Europe, including in France, Yugoslavia and the occupied countries and Soviet territories in Eastern Europe. Thus, under conditions of an extreme crisis of the German imperialism, the Nazis, based on both material and ideological motives, perpetrated genocidal massacres on a scale and at a pace the world has not seen either before or since. Stones study is very significant in that it highlights the scale of the crimes of the Nazis. It is all the more important as it comes at a time when bourgeois states internationally, including in Germany, resort again to the promotion of fascist forces. The build-up of the far-right against the working class is accompanied by the systematic promotion of historical falsifications and attempts by state-sponsored academics to downplay the crimes of fascism in the 20th century. This international tendency is embodied most sharply by Jorg Baberowski at Berlins Humboldt University, who has declared that Hitler was not vicious and disliked discussions about the destruction of the Jews at his dinner table. Stones calculations and data visualizations contribute to exposing the criminal character of these policies and historical lies. A class action lawsuit in the United States against Grenfell Tower cladding manufacturer Arconic underscores how culpability for the fire that killed 72 is an open secret. It also reveals the extent to which the institutions of the British ruling class are going in order to prevent any pursuit of the guilty. The case starkly reveals capitalisms priority of profits over lives. The suit, first filed one month after the fire of June 14, 2017 by shareholder Michael Brave, accuses Arconic of defrauding shareholders over its supply of cladding panels at Grenfell Tower. Brave is seeking to recoup significant shareholder losses stemming from the companys failure to disclose its use of highly flammable Reynobond PE cladding panels prior to the fire. Between June 14 and June 27, 2017when the company finally announced it would stop selling the panels for use in high-rise blocksArconics share price fell 21 percent, reducing its market value by more than $2.5 billion. Prices rallied after the companys announcement. US shareholders commonly sue companies over unexpected stock price falls they believe could have been avoided. The suit alleges that the precipitous decline in share price after the fire cost them money. Arconic was created in 2016 through a division of Alcoa Inc. into two independent companies. It makes vast profits manufacturing cladding panels, including ones that are highly combustibleshowing revenues of $13 billion (10.3 billion) in 2017, the year of the fire. The suit encompasses the decisions and actions of parent and offspring companiesone of the claims is that an inaccurate prospectus was provided for a $1.3 billion share issue in 2014and alleges that there is some continuity in their boards. Brave argued that shareholders had been deceived by inadequate disclosures over the panels. The suits starting point was that use of the panels significantly increased the risk of property damage, injury or death in buildings containing them. Brave described Arconics public statements as materially false and misleading at all relevant times. Brave named as defendants Arconics former Chief Executive Klaus Kleinfeld and its current Chief Financial Officer, Kenneth Giacobbe, insisting they should be held liable for the content of public statements. The suits scope has since expanded considerably and now includes banks alleged to have misled investors in underwriting the share issue, including the US arm of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and others. More board members have been named, including Alcoa director Ratan Tata, head of trusts holding a 66 percent stake in the multinational Tata groups holding company; Ernesto Zedillo, who as Mexican president presided over privatisations and austerity measures and has since served on the boards of multinationals like Citigroup; Stanley ONeal, former chairman of investment bank Merrill Lynch; and Sir Martin Sorrell, former head of WPP, one of advertisings global big four companies. Sorrell was Britains highest paid FTSE 100 CEO in 2016, when he earned 48 million from WPP, and he was a non-executive director of Alcoa/Arconic from 2012 until March 2017. He told the press he was greatly saddened by the horrific events at Grenfell. However, I left the board of the company in March 2017 and I cannot comment on the legal actions. The lawsuits implications are that the companys actions before the fire did make it culpable. The suit claims the Alcoa Inc./Arconic board made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose and that Arconic knowingly or recklessly supplied its highly flammable Reynobond polyethylene (PE) cladding panels for use in high-rise buildings. The suit cites a Reuters report, published in June 2017, which revealed emails between Arconic and Harley Facades and Rydon, the contractors responsible for the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower. Between May and July 2014 Deborah French, Arconics UK sales manager, handled inquiries on the availability of samples of different types of Reynobond aluminium-covered (ACM) panels. Arconic manufactures Reynobond panels in three types: one with a non-combustible core (A2), one with a fire-retardant core (FR), and one with a polyethylene core (PE). In their brochures Arconic described PE panels as suitable for buildings up to 10 metres high, and FR panels as suitable for buildings up to 30 metres. Above that height A2 panels should be used. All five types of panel discussed in the emails were only available in combustible PE and FR versions. Grenfell Tower was over 60 metres high. Arconic told Reuters it had known the panels were for Grenfell Tower, but said it was not the companys role to decide on whether they were compliant with local building regulations or not. Rydon and Harley had claimed their work complied with regulations. Arconics own brochure warned of flammability. [I]t is crucial to choose the adapted products in order to avoid the fire to spread to the whole building. Especially when it comes to facades and roofs, the fire can spread extremely rapidly. In a statement that should damn all those responsible, it noted, As soon as the building is higher than the fire fighters ladders, it has to be conceived with an incombustible material. Arconic declined to tell Reuters if they knew how tall the tower was. The emails do not discuss the buildings height, but do refer to Grenfell Tower and mention other high-rise projects. Reuters pointed out that Arconic knew how many panels were being supplied, so were aware of the total coverage of the building. A source from one company told Reuters that Arconic had full involvement throughout the contract bidding. Omnis Exteriors, which cut the tiles to shape for the cladding contractor, said it had fulfilled the order as directed by the design and build team. German and US regulators have banned some forms of plastic-filled cladding, like the Reynobond PE, on high buildings because of the fire risks. The US rules-based approach to regulation requires specific legislation for each example. Advocates of the UKs principles-based approach argue that by placing responsibility on companies to operate safely, based on common understanding of risks, it avoids the emergence of loopholes by requiring companies to take account of new information immediately. What Grenfell demonstrates is that both systems are implemented on behalf of corporations. When challenged on the emails, Arconic issued its sympathies and pledged to fully support the authorities as they investigate. The official inquiry has repaid their confidence. It was deliberately not intended to bring the guilty to justice. The 2005 Inquiries Act, under which it was called, states categorically, An inquiry panel is not to rule on, and has no power to determine, any persons civil or criminal liability. It separated discussion of the events of that night from broader national or political issues. Having limited the list of issues to be covered, the inquiry then deferred the bulk of the substantial material relating to the actions of companies involved in Grenfells refurbishment to its second phase. It has now been announced that this phase will not begin until late 2019 at the earliest. The corporations have run rings around the inquiry to the extent that Arconic felt able to make a bullishly hostile closing statement. Their counsel told the final day of Phase One of the inquiry that the spread of the fire was not due to the flammable cladding, but to the combination of materials used in the refurbishment, including the window frames and insulation. He further claimed it was impossible to argue that ACM PE was non-compliant with building regulations. Arconic asserted at the beginning of the inquiry that the panels were at most, a contributing factor. As we noted at the closure of Phase One, The fact that Arconic felt emboldened enough to deliver such a self-serving and unremorseful denial of responsibility for the spread of the fire, indicates that it feels safe in the knowledge that the inquiry will do nothing to bring those who are guilty to justice. The shareholders lawsuit demonstrates that capitalism takes more seriously the threat to investors finance than the lives of the working class. All those responsible for the decisions that cost 72 lives must be arrested and charged, not allowed to hide behind who bears the lions share of responsibility for social murder at Grenfell Tower. The Grenfell Fire Forum will be discussing these issues at its next meeting on Saturday, February 2, at the Maxilla Social Club in North Kensington, London. All are welcome to attend. Grenfell Fire Forum meeting Saturday, February 2, 4 p.m. Maxilla Social Club, 2 Maxilla Walk London, W10 6SW (nearest tube: Latimer Road) For further details visit facebook.com/Grenfellforum The author also recommends: Second phase of Grenfell inquiry delayed for a year [14 December 2018] UK: Investigation into Grenfell fire will take years, not months, police say [29 December 2018] On January 9, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) at Humboldt University in Berlin held the first meeting in its campaign for this years student parliament election. Some 60 students attended the meeting, titled Lessons of 1933 and the Fight Against Fascism Today. Sven Wurm, IYSSE spokesman at Humboldt University (HU) and one of six IYSSE candidates, began by explaining why the youth organization of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) was putting the fight against fascism and discussion of the lessons of history at the center of its election campaign. While the vast majority of the population rejects the politics of neo-fascism, he said, right-wing extremists throughout the world and in Germany have been strengthened. This has become particularly clear at HU in recent years. After students criticized Professor Jorg Baberowskis right-wing extremist positions (e.g., questioning Hitlers cruelty and agitating against refugees), the university administration defended the professor and threatened the students who spoke out against him. Meanwhile, at the behest of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), Humboldt President Sabine Kunst of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is suing the student body in an effort to force publication of a comprehensive list of students active in the RefRat, as the student administration at HU is known. Baberowski himself has incited his fascist followers to attack left-wing student events. Under these conditions, it is crucial to deal with the lessons of history in this country and discuss why the fight against war and fascism today once again requires a socialist perspective, Wurm said. That was why the IYSSE had invited the editor of the German edition of the World Socialist Web Site, Johannes Stern, to speak on these issues. Stern pointed out in his remarks that today, as before, there is a close connection between the rise of extreme right-wing forces and the capitalist crisis. It was only in the wake of the Great Depression that began in 1929 and the mass impoverishment of the petty-bourgeoisie that the Nazi Party could become a mass party. Nevertheless, Hitler had not been able to bring the majority of voters behind him. He was brought to power in January 1933 by a state conspiracy led by former Chancellor Franz von Papen and President Paul von Hindenburg. Then, on March 24, 1933, all of the bourgeois parties in the Reichstag voted in favor of the Enabling Act, which sanctioned the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship. Stern went into the political and social foundations of German fascism. German finance capital and big industry had handed power to Hitler and the National Socialists to crush the resistance of the working class and prevent a social revolution. He quoted from Leon Trotskys essay What is National Socialism?: Reducing the program of petty-bourgeois illusions to a naked bureaucratic masquerade, National Socialism raises itself over the nation as the worst form of imperialism The true historic mission of the fascistic dictatorship means preparation for war. Based on Trotskys other writings on Germany, Stern explained how the conspiracy to hand power over to the Nazis, despite the great resistance in the working class, had prevailed. Hitlers victory had been the shame of the workers leaders. Thus, after its historic betrayal in 1914 in voting for war credits and its open counterrevolutionary role in the November Revolution of 1918/1919, the SPD had defended the capitalist Weimar Republic and feared a socialist revolution more than National Socialism. The task of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) was to mobilize social democratic workers for a common fight with the KPD against Hitler. But the thoroughly wrong policy of the already Stalinized KPD prevented this. The KPD chose a zig-zagging course, wavering between the ultra-left theory of social fascism and nationalist adaptation to the fascists in the so-called Red Referendum. This ultimately repelled the social democratic workers and torpedoed Trotskys proposal for a workers united front against fascism. The lesson of 1933, explained Stern, that the danger of fascism can be fought only by the independent mobilization of the working class against capitalism and its political defenders is decisive. In contrast to the 1930s, fascism today is not yet a mass movement, but as in the past, the return of the ruling elites to militarism can be achieved only by dictatorial means against the great opposition of the population. That is why all the bourgeois partiesfrom the Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and SPD to the Left Party and the Greensare taking over the AfDs right-wing and nationalist program and are already working closely behind the scenes with the far-right party. At the end of his remarks, Stern emphasized that the same contradictions that give rise to imperialist war and fascism produce a return of the class struggle. He cited as examples the US teachers strikes last year, the continuing mass protests of the yellow vests in France, and, most recently, the two-day general strike of more than 200 million workers in India. He noted the spread in Germany of protests and strikes against low wages, poor working conditions, the police-state laws of regional governments and the rise of the AfD. The IYSSE and the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting to arm the growing opposition among workers and young people with a socialist program, Stern said. He quoted from the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality PartySGP) program for the European elections: We are not trying to alleviate the symptoms of a diseased system, but instead advocating the overthrow of capitalism Only if the working class across Europe joins together and fights for the United Socialist States of Europe can a catastrophe can be prevented. There was a strong response to the lecture, and a very serious and lively discussion arose on issues of history, politics and the socialist perspective of the Fourth International. Right-wing activities at HU and the work of the IYSSE on campus were also discussed. One participant asked what more could be done in addition to voting for the IYSSE candidates on January 23-24. Wurm responded that anyone could support the election campaign of the IYSSE and also make a conscious decision to become a member and join the fight for socialism. Humanity once again faces the alternative of socialism or barbarism and the Fourth International is the only authentic representative of socialism today, he said. Many students registered as contacts and signed up to participate in the struggle and support the campaign of the IYSSE. The next event will take place on January 16, under the title Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht: The First Fascist Murders in Germany. Last Friday afternoon, a fire broke out in a rehabilitation center for alcohol and drugs addiction that left 18 dead17 found asphyxiated at the site and one declared dead when he arrived at the hospital. There were eight injured, some with severe burns, who were transferred to three local hospitals. Ultimately, this tragedy is a direct consequence of government austerity policies implemented by President Lenin Moreno since taking office in May 2017, prioritizing incentives for foreign investment at the expense of public health and education. The owners of the rehab center locked all of the exits to the two-story building in the middle of the afternoon, so that the inmates could not escape. Initially, the owners of the establishment were blamed for having abandoned it. First they took flight, and shortly after were arrested by the police. The fire was caused by one of the youngest inmates trying to escape and setting fire to a mattress. Others also burned mattresses until the fumes made it impossible to breathe inside the center, to the horror of the neighbors who did not know how to help them. The rehabilitation center, ironically named Nueva Vida (New Life) is located in a low-income neighborhood near the port of the Ecuadorian coastal city of Guayaquil. It consisted of very few rooms and was filled to overcapacity with 56 patients. After a telephone call to emergency services, firefighters arrived: 15 units were deployed, among which were five ambulances from the Fire Department and more than 60 agents collaborated in the emergency, according to the newspapers. Several patients saved their lives by jumping from a balcony; others dug a hole in a wall. Relatives of some 30 patients arrived, anguished over the uncertainty of whether their relatives were among the dead. According to the Guayaquil newspaper El Universo, The relatives of the young people who were hospitalized surrounded a woman who was reading the list of the injured. Two mothers cried inconsolably. Then they ran to the hospital in Monte Sinai, in the northwest of the city. They were told that they had taken their children there. Other injured were transferred to the Abel Gilbert Ponton hospitals in the Suburb, and to the Guasmo Hospital in the south. The bodies of the deceased were found in the bathroom on the ground floor, and the others, in a large living room without furniture, the newspaper reported. Most of the dead were teenagers. In the list of wounded, continues the newspaper, all men, between 17 and 40 years old Other women joined hands, prayed and fainted when they did not hear the names of their children One of them was Angela. Her son was 26 years and had been admitted to the rehabilitation center a month ago. The owner of the establishment had asked for $100 per month. That amounts to a huge amount of money in a country where the minimum monthly wage is $386. That working class families dedicate such a large portion of their income to such centers is a measure of the desperation created by drug addiction. The governor of Guayas, Raul Ledesma, went to the scene and revealed that the clinic had operating permits that had expired one year ago. This is evidence of a lack of control by the authorities; we will not allow this to continue, and we will regulate or close such centers, This is a farce given that it had emerged just a week before the mass tragedy of January 11 that there had been similar cases in two other centers located in the same area of Guayaquil, but without major consequences. President Moreno tweeted a message of condolence, extending his fraternal embrace to the families of the victims. This hypocritical gesture was answered by hundreds of people on social media who charged that the government is responsible for the massacre. One wrote: In this country there is no control or help for youth who have fallen into drugs, their families are forced to seek this. A child added: Dad, lets separate the drug trafficking (crime) with consumption (public health problem) Denouncing the government as incompetents who had written off taxes for the banks, another wrote: With the money you give the bankers you would have rehabilitation clinics. And several identified the massacre as part of a bigger problem in Ecuador: Not only clinics [there are] no spaces for children and young people to have their minds occupied in art or sport. According to a study carried out by the University Esan of Peru, in Ecuador the rehabilitation centers, both legal and clandestine, exceed 300, according to the statements of the Minister of Health, Carina Vance. But, the number of state-run centers is very low or almost nil, compared to the number of private. Only 15 are public. The most significant factor in the problem of youth drug addiction is the high rate of youth unemployment. Grupo Adecco carried out a survey of 400 young people between 18 and 27 years old and determined that 70 percent cannot find a job, reported the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). Ecuador is one of the three countries in Latin America that has the US dollar as its currency. Its economy is heavily dependent on oil prices, swinging from surpluses under conditions of high prices a decade ago to 10 consecutive years of deficit. This year closed with a deficit of $3,332 million, but in 2008 there was a surplus of $2,673 million. Since then there have been only red numbers, according to the Guayaquil newspaper El Universo. Economic analyst Alberto Acosta Burneo, forecast a bleak future for Ecuador: In 2014 the price of oil began to fall and the government, instead of making adjustments, replaced the oil income with debt. Statistics worldwide indicate that with an increase in poverty and unemployment, drug use also increases. This problem is greater in coca-producing countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. The consumption of PBC (Basic Cocaine Paste), which is extremely addictive, has seen a drastic rise in recent years. Addiction is a disease recognized by all the major medical centers worldwide. In the United States, medical insurance accepts up to 28-day treatments at a cost of between $ 20,000 and $ 30,000 per persona bonanza for owners of US centers. But it is now known that the only reason why patients who undergo such month-long rehabilitation do not consume is because they are locked up. Most, once they step into the street, return to consumption. This is because it is estimated that it takes 90 days to get rid of the craving for drugs, and more than two years for the brain to begin to recover its normal functions. Drug addiction is not merely a personal failing nor a medically defined disease. It is, above all, a social disease that is bound up with the social oppression of the capitalist system, and that produces a great deal of profit for not only drug traffickers, but for the global financial institutions that launder their proceeds. MPs voted by a massive majority Tuesday evening against Prime Minister Theresa Mays proposed deal with the European Union (EU) on the terms of Britains exit from the bloc. May was defeated by a majority of 230, with 432 MPs against the deal and just 202 for in the biggest vote against a sitting prime minister in history. The vote was held after a five-day debate. Opposing May were 118 rebels from her own Conservative Party (nearly 40 percent of Tory MPs). They joined 248 MPs from the main opposition Labour Party and 35 from the Scottish National Party (SNP). Mays defeat would have been even greater had not three Brexit supporting Labour MPs, Ian Austin, Sir Kevin Barron and John Mann, not voted with her. Also voting with May were three Independentsformer Labour MP Frank Field, Lady Hermon, and Stephen Lloyd. Following the historic defeat, May announced that if Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn exercised his right to call a no-confidence vote it would be heard today. Making capital over his previous refusal to do so, she added that consideration would be given to a debate if one of the smaller opposition parties demanded one. If she won a no confidence vote, she would meet with the Tories confidence and supply partner the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), and senior parliamentarians from across the House to identify what would be required to secure the backing of the House. Corbyn immediately tabled a vote of no confidence that was backed by the SNP and the leaders of the Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the Greens. May is expected to win the no confidence vote, to be held this evening at 7 p.m., with the DUP stating that it would continue to prop up the Tories and support her government. The pro-Brexit Conservatives in the European Research Group said they would also back her. Both said they would do nothing that would bring Corbyn and Labour to power. Leading Brexiteer and Mays former Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, said that he would back May, but insisted that the scale of her Brexit deal defeat meant that she had to return to talks with the EU and demand a deal more amenable to the Brexiteersincluding abandoning the backstop arrangements keeping Northern Ireland in a customs union. May had cancelled a vote on her deal in December, on the basis that it was expected to be heavily defeated. She spent the next weeks seeking to gain concessions from the EU, in the hope that she could persuade her hard Brexit opponents to change their minds. But all May was able to present before the vote was a perfunctory exchange of letters with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Council Donald Tusk. The EU leaders offered nothing that could satisfy hard Brexiteers, insisting that a backstop was the only way to prevent a hard-border with the Republic of Ireland until a future free trade agreement is signed between the UK and Brussels. A letter from Juncker to May promised only to make this period [when the backstop is in place] as short as possible. This had no impact, with DUP leader Arlene Foster saying the partys 10 MPs would vote against the deal and that What we want the prime minister to do after today is to go back to the European Union and say that the backstop has to go. The vote was confirmation of parliaments overall support for a soft-Brexit, with a core of Blairite Labour MPs, the SNP, Liberal Democrats and some Tories all favouring remaining in the EU and wanting a second Peoples Vote referendum to reverse the 2016 result. In expectation of the proposed deal with the UK being rejected by MPs, Juncker cancelled a planned engagement in Strasbourg Wednesday to return to Brussels for emergency talks on Brexit with May. MPs voted last week to ensure that May has only limited time to come up with a Plan B that parliament can vote on, meaning May must return to parliament with new proposals by next Monday. May promised to do so and that her deal would be subject to amendments. The Confederation of British Industry called on May to quickly put forward a new deal. CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn said, Every business will feel no deal is hurtling closer All MPs need to reflect on the need for compromise and to act at speed to protect the UKs economy. While the strategy of the EU leaders over the past two years has been to maintain a hard line against the UK in negotiationsin order to ward off any other countries contemplating an exit from the blocthere are concerns that a no-deal Brexit will provoke serious economic and social turmoil. The EUs official line prior to the vote was that the deal had taken two years to finalise and was the only one on the table. However, on Tuesday afternoon, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas declared, If it goes wrong tonight, there could be further talks. Europes fears were articulated in the starkest terms by Deutsche Bank chief executive, Christian Sewing, who warned that a disorderly Brexit would have dramatic consequences for the British economy. He predicted, The UK would fall into a recession for at least two years, with economic output cut by half a percentage point in the remaining EU countries. This was dire, as the distortions would be too great for trade, financing conditions and investor confidence. The most striking aspect of yesterdays debate is how the interests of working people have been entirely excluded from official politicswith Corbyn playing the central role in his insistence that parliamentary arithmetic must be respected and restoring national unity must be prioritised. A few hundred pro-EU and pro-Leave protesters demonstrated outside Westminster, but inside the Commons all discussion was on how best to secure a deal with the EU, combining an ability for UK business to sign independent trade deals with tariff-free access to the Single European Market. The pro-Brexit Tories plans to fashion the UK as Europes Singapore are overtly based on ramping up the exploitation of the working class. But the Remain faction, including Corbyn, all know that EU membership or even some form of customs union is just as firmly rooted in ongoing effort to make the UK competitive against its rivals at the expense of the working class. They offer nothing to the 5,000 Jaguar Land Rover workers, 1,000 Ford workers and thousands of retail staff told they face redundancy this past week. Austerity is hard-wired into the EU. The Social Europe think-tank issued a report on the day of the vote noting that, after a decade of attacks on workers living standards and based on the at-risk-of-poverty threshold for the EU as a whole (60 percent of median EU income or 9,760), the EU-wide poverty rate is 28.2 per cent (equivalent to around 142 million out of a total EU population of around 500 million). Last week, a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Athens provoked clashes between riot police and protesters, including striking teachersgiving expression to how millions of Greeks feel about EU-dictated austerity. The Syriza government of Alexis Tsipras, which Corbyn cites as a model and ally, is now so hated for imposing austerity that it is 10.5 percent behind the conservative New Democracy in opinion polls. The same sentiment animates Frances Yellow Vests, the strike wave gripping Poland and labour disputes throughout the continent. The working class must break free of the straitjacket imposed by Labour and its allies in the trade unions. Rejecting the false choice between Brexit and support for the EU, workers must mobilise in an industrial and political offensive against the government and the employers in alliance with their brothers and sisters throughout Europe facing the same battle and the same enemy, in the fight for a socialist Britain and a socialist Europe. The arrest of the former Italian leftist Cesare Battisti on the streets of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, and his summary expulsion to Italy, where he faces life in prison, has been celebrated by Italys far-right government and its strongman interior minister, Matteo Salvini, as well as by the Brazilian government of Jair Bolsonaro, the fascistic former army captain who became president this month. The arrival of the Italian air force plane carrying Battisti at Romes Ciampino military airport Monday morning was turned into a grotesque spectacle of revenge and reaction. Salvini turned out for the affair dressed in a police jacket, posing as if he had personally captured the 64-year-old fugitive. He brayed that now the communist assassin will rot in jail. Accompanying Salvini was Italys justice minister, Alfonso Bonafede. Salvini followed up this squalid spectacle with a televised interview in which he vowed to hunt down all the red assassins and demanded that French President Emmanuel Macron return to Italy the fugitives that should not be drinking champagne under the Eiffel tower, but should be rotting in jail in Italy. According to the Italian daily Repubblica, there are nine Italian former leftist fugitives living in France. Bolsonaro also celebrated, sharing a congratulatory phone conversation with Salvini. He then held a meeting at the Palacio do Planalto with the Bolivian ambassador to Brazil and participated in a gala luncheon with various ministers and members of the military to which the Bolivian and Italian ambassadors were invited. The Brazilian presidents son had previously sent a message to the right-wing Italian interior minister promising him that his little present was on the way. The language echoes that used by the former US-backed military dictatorships that, with the aid of the CIA, launched Plan Condor, a conspiracy to collaborate in the hunting down, rendition and murder of thousands of left-wing opponents. The treatment of Battisti was entirely in keeping with the methods utilized during that bloody period in Latin Americas history. A former member of the short-lived autonomist organization Proletari Armati per il Comunismo (Armed Proletarians for Communism, PAC), which advocated armed acts as a means of promoting the self-organization of the working class, he was arrested in 1979 and convicted two years later of belonging to an armed group and concealing a weapon. As a youth, Battisti had been arrested for a number of petty criminal offenses before, at the age of 18, joining the armed group during Italys so-called Anni di piombo (Years of Lead) in the 1970s and early 1980s. This was a convulsive decade that saw killings and kidnappings by armed groups like the Red Brigades, along with far bloodier terrorist bombings by neo-fascists, as well as police state repression and threats of a fascist-military coup. Escaping from prison in 1981, Battisti was sentenced in absentia to life in prison by a court of appeals in connection with four murders, two of which he was accused of committing, and two of being an accomplice. The conviction was carried out based on so-called special laws adopted by the Italian state for the alleged purpose of combatting terrorism. Battisti, who has maintained his innocence, was convicted on the basis of his interrogation, which included a brutal form of waterboarding, as well the testimony of mentally unstable witnesses and others providing testimony in return for lighter sentences, along with forged documents and ballistics evidence that appeared to exonerate him. One does not have to embrace the retrograde guerrillaist politics of Battistis youth nor to pronounce definitively on his guilt or innocence to recognize that his arrest and transfer to Italy represented a gross violation of international law and his basic democratic rights. Battisti had twice been granted political asylum because of the recognition that he would not be treated justly by the Italian government. The first instance was in France, where he lived for 14 years thanks to the so-called Mitterrand Doctrine established under French President Francois Mitterrand, barring the extradition to Italy of those convicted of violent acts under Italys special laws so long as they had renounced violence. The practice was terminated under the right-wing government of French President Jacques Chirac, which signaled its intention to extradite Battisti in 2002. He then traveled to Brazil, where he was arrested in 2007, spending four years in jail before Workers Party President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on his last day in office at the end of 2010, moved to rescind an extradition order and set him free. The renewed attempt to extradite Battisti from Brazil began under Michel Temer, the vice-president of PT President Dilma Rousseff, who assumed the presidency after her impeachment. The election last October of the fascistic Bolsonaro sealed his fate as far as Brazil was concerned. On December 14, Battisti crossed the border into Bolivia and applied for political asylum, presenting Bolivian officials with four folders of documents on his case. He had heard nothing in relation to his application when on Saturday he was surrounded by Bolivian police along with Italian police working as agents of INTERPOL in Santa Cruz. After he was safely aboard the Italian air force jet, the Bolivian government of President Evo Morales claimed that it had rejected Battistis plea for asylum last month. If so, this was a decision taken in total secrecy, with Bolivias National Commission for Refugees never bothering to inform him or the public, much less provide a hearing of his case. Morales has remained silent about the extra-judicial rendition of Battisti to Italy, but his minister of government, Carlos Romero, defended the action, claiming the fact that Battisti had entered Bolivia illegally required his obligatory departure from Bolivia. This is the same doctrine that the Trump administration has attempted to impose in the US to deny Central American refugees the right to apply for asylum, a claim that has been overruled by the US judiciary. The reality is that Battistis life and freedom have been traded by the Morales government as part of a filthy deal with the far-right regime of Bolsonaro in Brazil and the fascistic Salvini in Italy. Morales attended Bolsonaros inauguration on January 1, and it is likely that Battistis fate was sealed there as part of talks to guarantee relations between Bolivia and Brazil, including the 23 million cubic meters of gas per day that Bolivia sells to its far larger neighbor to the north. The Bolivian president, who has secured the support of the countrys courts in overriding a popular referendum and the countrys constitution in order to run for a fourth consecutive term as president, apparently had no difficulty in riding roughshod over international laws regarding the right to asylum and the treatment of refugees. The Bolivian governments actions are in line with the sharp turn to the right by what remains of the governments of Latin Americas so-called Pink Tide and their pseudo-left satellites, which, under the combined pressure of global finance capital from above and an increasingly restive working class from below, are repudiating the defense of even the most basic democratic rights. Bolivias rendition of Battisti follows the measures taken by the Ecuadorian government of President Lenin Moreno to impose punishing conditions upon WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who sought refuge in Ecuadors London embassy, and to prepare the way to handing him over to US prosecutors. While Bolivian police played the leading role in the arrest of Battisti, the Morales government has been treated as a bit player in the operation, with Salvini promoting his semi-fascist ally Bolsonaro as the main partner in this extra-judicial operation. For his part, Bolsonaro had sought to have Battisti returned to Brazil so that he could be subjected to another perp walk on Brazilian television before being flown off to Italy. Italian authorities, however, feared that this would provide him access to his Brazilian attorneys and invoke a requirement under Brazilian law that his life sentence be reduced to 30 years in prison, which, given his age, likely entails an effective life sentence in any case. The Battisti rendition has far broader international significance. It is emblematic of a sinister shift in world politics, in which flagrant violations of international law and human rights by authoritarian regimes are becoming more and more common and accepted in Latin America, Europe and beyond. It recalls the conditions that existed in the darkest days of the 1930s, when the Brazilian regime of Getulio Vargas deported the German-Brazilian Communist Party member Olga Benario Prestes to be gassed to death in a Nazi concentration camp. The author also recommends: Italy: The Cesare Battisti case and the attack on democratic rights [12 January 2011] Thousands of garment workers in the Ashulia district on the outskirts of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, protested on Monday to express their opposition to a meagre wage rise announced by a government-appointed committee the day before. Heavily armed police backed by Bangladesh Border Guard troops dispersed the workers. Mondays demonstrations, which were accompanied by strikes, were the eighth consecutive day of protests by garment workers who have launched a renewed struggle against their poverty-level wages and onerous conditions. On Sunday, a tripartite committee composed of ten representatives from the Awami League-led government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with factory owners and union officials, outlined a revised pay deal aimed at diffusing the protests. The latest offer follows Hasinas introduction last September of a minimum monthly wage of 8,000 taka ($US95). Workers, however, had called for double that amount. Workers on mid-level wage grades did not receive any pay rise as a result of the government increase. The committee asserted that its Sunday announcement would result in a rise for those workers who had not experienced one in September. Workers rejected this claim and condemned the committee for failing to meet their demands. They have stated that wage disparities are increasing and that pay for long-term and mid-level employees is either stagnating or declining. Some have said that companies are shifting workers from one pay grade to another to ensure that they do not receive any, even minimal, rise. The government appointed the tripartite committee early last week after workers in the Ashulia and Savar districts resumed their protracted campaign for improved wages on January 6. On January 7, thousands of workers from five factories in the Ashulia industrial belt took to the streets, blockading the Abdullahpur-Baipayl highway. Police attacked the demonstrators with batons, tear gas and rubber bullets, injuring around 100 workers. One protester, Sumon Mia, who was employed at the Anlima Textile factory in Savars Kornopara area, was shot dead by police. When workers rejected Sundays wage announcement and continued to protest, Siddiqur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) threatened to impose a lockout. He told workers that if they did not end their struggle, you will not be paid any wages and we will shut down factories for an indefinite period. Yesterday, having attacked Mondays demonstrations, the government mobilised armed police and Border Guard Bangladesh troops inside and outside factory premises. The Daily Star reported that police repeated Rahmans threats, using loudspeakers to warn: If you do not join work you will not be paid. Many of the protesting garment employees returned to their factories. The Star reported that on Tuesday workers were met by additional police forces outside most of the factories, and that security was beefed up inside the factories as well. The government, police and factory owners are also unleashing a witch-hunt against workers. Sana Shaminur Rahman, the superintendent of industrial police in Dhaka, told the media yesterday that his department was investigating people who are acting as instigators of the unrest in the sector. Rahman added: For instigating unrest in the RMG sector some perpetrators have been detained and we will take action against them. Police have already filed cases against some of those involved in the protests. The unions have also made plain their role as an industrial police force for the companies and the government, joining Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the major industrial associations in demanding that workers end their protests. Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation President Babul Akter told the media this week: We had to accept it as the proposal came from our prime minister. How can we dishonour it? We urged all workers to resume work. We hope the prime minister will ensure our proper wages in the near future. There are signs of intense hostility among workers towards the unions. Montoo, an operator at a garment factory in Ashulia, told the Daily Star, We dont have any trust in the union leaders. He added that many workers had stopped paying any attention to the statements of union officials. Garment workers in Bangladesh are among the lowest paid in the global industry. The governments changes to pay rates are aimed at entrenching the super-exploitation that prevails throughout the sector. Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, published a paper this month comparing wage levels between September 2013 and 2018. He noted that as a proportion of the total gross pay that garment workers earn, the guaranteed basic wage had declined, compared with allowances that can be easily eliminated or cut back by the corporations. According to the study, in 2013, the gross monthly wage for a grade seven worker was 5,300 taka. The basic wage accounted for 3,000 taka, or 56.6 percent of that sum. Last year, after the minimum gross wage increase to 8,000 taka, the basic wage accounted for 4,200 taka, or 52.5 percent of the pay for a grade worker. Moazzem noted that the declines in the basic wage could be used to lower various allowances, which are often set as a proportion of the guaranteed pay of a worker. The struggle for a 16,000 taka monthly wage began in December 2016, when some 150,000 workers in the Ashulia industrial belt staged demonstrations for 10 days. The government brutally suppressed the movement, overseeing the sacking of at least 1,600 workers. Around 1,500 were charged with various offences including inciting the agitation, trespassing, vandalism and theft. Most of those targeted were blacklisted, preventing them from finding work in the industry. The Hasina government and the corporate elite, along with the unions and the entire political establishment, are preparing similar repression. They are terrified that the current dispute could be the spark for a mass movement of the Bangladeshi working class. Garment workers in the country number 4.5 million. The struggles in Bangladesh are part of a resurgence of the international working class. They coincide with a two-day general strike by more than 150 million Indian workers last week, a walkout by more than 33,000 teachers in Los Angeles in the United States and weeks-long demonstrations by yellow vest protesters in France. The lockout of the 1,030 Aluminerie de Becancour (ABI) production workers entered its second year at the end of last week. Yet the United Steelworkers (USW) and the Quebec Federation of Labour (QFL) remain adamantly opposed to making any appeal to workers in Quebec, across Canada and internationally to come to the defence of the ABI workers. The unions isolation of the ABI workers struggle has emboldened ABIs majority-shareholder, Alcoa. In recent weeks, ABI management, acting at Alcoas behest, has escalated its concession demands, and rebuffed even the attempts of Quebecs right-wing Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) government to help it impose a concessions-filled contract on the ABI workers. These developments make clear that Alcoa wants a free hand to dictate when the lockout will be lifted and under what terms. Shortly after the beginning of the new year, Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet announced that the special mediation committee he had appointed in November had failed to find any grounds for a settlement. The mediation committee, which was led by former Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard, came up against entrenched positions, said Boulet, with the two parties not showing a real willingness to negotiate. Given this, Boulet said that he saw no point in extending the special mediation committees mandate. Instead he would set up a group of experts from the Labour Department to assist the resumption of talks and an eventual settlement. A corporate lawyer prior to his becoming Labour Minister, Boulet struck a pose of neutrality. But his comments made clear that he and the CAQ government are working to impose the companys diktats. Speaking like an ABI boss, Boulet pointed out that the services offered by his ministry can be used to redefine work organization to make it more flexible. As the December 21 deadline for the work of the special mediation committee approached, Boulet indicated that if the negotiations failed, he would ask the committee headed by Bouchard to draw up a hypothetical settlement for submission to the two parties. Earlier, he had suggested that the government might impose a contract through binding arbitration. However, the CAQ government has set both these options aside, at least for the moment. According to Boulet, such pro-active government attempts to overcome the impasse in the negotiations would be premature. In reality, Boulets about-face came in response to company pressure. Media reports indicate that ABIs co-ownersAlcoa owns 75 percent of ABI and the mining and metallurgical transnational Rio Tinto the remainderthreatened, indirectly or possibly even explicitly, to close the ABI smelter unless the government gave them a free hand. In other words, the aluminum bosses want to starve the ABI workers into submission, so they can wrench from them the steepest concessions and use the ABI contract to set new low benchmarks that can be used to intimidate workers at their operations worldwide. In the face of this class-war assault, the Steelworkers union bureaucracy continues to demobilize the ABI workers and channel their struggle into futile appeals to the political establishment and right-wing populist CAQ. To mark the first anniversary of the lockout, the Steelworkers organized a demonstration in Becancour on January 9, and invited local legislators (Members of the National Assembly) and mayors to address the workers. USW Local 9700 President Clement Masse told the few hundred locked-out workers and their supporters who attended the rally, We need the government to get out of its pseudo-neutrality and restore the balance of power. The union wants workers to believe that they are powerless before the company and that their fate is, therefore, in the hands of Premier Francois Legault, a former millionaire CEO who advocates privatization, austerity and tax cuts for big business and the rich. But if the ABI workers are now at an impasse, it is not because they are without power or class allies. It is because the Steelworkers and the QFL refuse to call on their hundreds of thousands of members to back the locked out workers and make the ABI workers anti-concessions struggle the catalyst for a broader working class mobilization against job cuts, contract-givebacks, and the austerity agenda of the ruling class as a whole. Contrary to what the union officials would have them believe, ABI workers have powerful allies. They are to be found among the workers across Canada and around the world who are challenging big business drive to make them pay for the capitalist crisis through austerity, job cuts and the evisceration of workers social rights. Last week, workers at GMs Oshawa, Ontario plant, acting independently of the Unifor union apparatus, downed tools in response to the automakers confirmation of the plants closure. South of the border, thousands of teachers are striking in Los Angeles, California. Meanwhile, in Mexico tens of thousands of workers have joined a wildcat strike in the US-Mexico border town of Matamoros against sweatshop exploitation, and in France the right-wing government of Emmanuel Macron has failed to quell with state repression the Yellow Vest protests against austerity and social inequality. Alcoas threat to impose 50 percent wage cuts on its Australian workforce and its recent cutting of hundreds of jobs in Spain following the closure of two plants there demonstrate that the struggle of the ABI workers is international in nature. However, the Steelworkers continue to isolate the ABI workers and present the lockout as a Quebec conflict, limited to the Becancour plant. Since the beginning of the dispute, the USW has been begging management to accept their offer of cooperation in imposing concessions through a negotiated agreement. More recently the union has indicated it is open to direct intervention by the anti-worker CAQ government, including the imposition of binding arbitration. Any contract that is imposed by arbitration or negotiated under conditions where the USW has isolated the ABI workers struggle will be laden with concessions. Local 9700 President Masse has repeatedly indicated that the union has already agreed to make sweeping concessions, including the introduction of a new pension scheme fully funded by the workers, the weakening of seniority rights, and even job cuts. Like the entire union bureaucracy, the pro-capitalist United Steelworkers does not stand in the way of employer attacks. Rather, its role is to suppress workers struggles and subordinate their jobs and wages to the profit interests of capitalist investors. ABI workers must not submit to the threats from Alcoa and Rio Tinto. Stable jobs, decent wages and good working conditions are social rights for which generations of workers have fought. To defeat Alcoa and Rio Tinto, ABI workers must break the isolation of their struggle. This requires the creation of a rank-and-file committee independent of the union apparatus to seize the leadership of the ABI workers struggle and rally the support of workers in Quebec, the rest of Canada and the world for a workers counter-offensive against all concessions, capitalist austerity and anti-strike laws. A total of 475 passengers and crew members aboard the Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas cruise ship became sick with a gastrointestinal illness, according to the cruise line. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has confirmed that a man has died after he was hospitalized following his arrest in Wilson County last week. Jacob Ross Nopens was arrested the evening of Jan. 9 on Rutledge Lane in Lebanon, according to Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan. Jacob Nopens Jacob Ross Nopens Multiple residents called police about a man carrying a toddler in only a diaper going door to door. Bryan said a cleaning woman at one of the homes found Nopens in a bedroom at the residence. She called police and Nopens left. Another man called police and described Nopens as "deranged." When officers arrived to the scene, Nopens handed the child to one of the neighbors and took off running. Police pursued on foot and caught Nopens after he fell. Bryan said there was "some type of struggle" while officers tried to put handcuffs on Nopens. During the struggle, Nopens had a "medical episode" and became unresponsive. Officers performed CPR and administered three doses of Narcan, a drug used to treat overdoses in emergency situations. Nopens was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center. Bryan said the Department of Children's Services was called in regards to Nopens' child. Nopens' family, however, is saying that police aren't telling the full story. In a Facebook post, the family said the sheriff deputies continually beat Nopens after he dropped to the ground. They said Nopens was in a coma. Bryan said the TBI has dashcam video of the incident. Bryan also added that the sheriff's office is familiar with Nopens and that they have had multiple encounters with him in the past. This is a developing story. Stay with News4 for updates. Ross McCord faces additional sex charges filed against him in Davidson County. He was arrested in Franklin in December 2017. (Source: Franklin PD) Tuesday, January 15, 2019 CNN -- Seven people in Florida are now in custody, accused in a human trafficking case involving a teenage boy. Police in St. Petersburg says the suspects lured the boy and kept him in a filthy trailer and used him as a sex slave for nearly a year. Meanwhile, the mother of one of the suspects is defending her son. Four of the accused sex trafficking suspects appeared in court today. Mark Dennis, Andrew Dennis, Michael Blasdel, and J.R. Gauthier were arrested yesterday along with Eleanor Mcglamory and Michael Schwartz, after an eight-month-long investigation into a sex trafficking case in St. Petersburg. Curtis Gruwell turned himself into the police station this morning. Neighbors living next door to the home in the Silver Lake Mobile Home Park, couldn't believe it. Police say a teen from Marion County was used as a sex slave for almost a year. Detectives discovered the teen's location while investigating the disappearance of another victim from Louisiana. Mark Dennis' mother came to their defense. "If you ask any of the people that have known him and how he took care of his dad in the time that he's been sick you'd find a different situation that what you're hearing on news today. I think somebody is trying to make a big deal because my son is gay and they're trying to make a big deal out of it. I do not believe it and when we go to court we'll find out," said Linda Dennis. The victim is at a Florida safe house, receiving specialized care for victims of human trafficking. Police are investigating if there are more victims in the case. A far-right politician in southwest Stockholm has been slapped with 40 days in prison over insult on Islam and Muslims on social media, local media reported on Wednesday. The politician in Sodertalje city from the far-right Swedish Democrats Party, which is known for its anti-migrant stance, had shared a Facebook post that read All Muslims are terrorists,, according to the Expo newspaper. A case was filed against the politician, whose name was not provided, on the grounds that he committed a hate crime through the post. The court decided to convert the prison sentence to a fine of 2,000 krona ($223). The decision was approved by the High Court. Until the 19th century, most Americans endured illnesses at home with little assistance from medical personnel. Medical facilities were very few and concentrated in urban areas. In the United States, hospitals were founded from homes and institutions that nursed and cared for the ailing poor. Rooted in the tradition of providing assistance to the poor, the public hospitals trace their origin from the efforts by the community to provide shelter and care for the ill, disable, and deprived. In the US, the Bellevue, Charity, and Pennsylvania hospitals are some of the oldest, dating back to the mid-1700s. Today, there are thousands of hospitals and health facilities throughout the United States. Bellevue Hospital, New York - 1736 Bellevue Hospital is the oldest public hospital in the US. It was established on March 31, 1736, and is still in operation to date. Bellevue Hospital is situated on First Avenue, New York and is also home to the FDNY EMC Station 08. The hospital traces its origin from New Yorks first permanent almshouse which was a two-story building built in 1736. In 1799, Bellevue Hospital became the first in the US to open a maternity ward. In 1867, the physicians from the hospital were also the first to report that TB was a preventable disease. The hospital can handle 30,000 inpatients, 105,000 emergency visits, and 460,000 outpatient clinic visits per year. The majority of the patients who come to the hospital are mainly New York Citys medically underserved population. Charity Hospital, New Orleans - 1736 Charity Hospital was established on May 10, 1736, from a grant from Jean Louis, a French shipbuilder, and sailor, who had died a year before. According to his will, he was to finance the building of a hospital in New Orleans from his estate. The hospital was initially named the Hospital of Saint John. The first hospital was built at the intersection of the Bienville Street and Chartres Street, now known as French Quarter. The second Charity was built on Basin Street in 1743 while the third was built nearby in 1785. In 1809, the hospital was destroyed by fire leading to the building of the fourth hospital in 1815. By 1939, a sixth hospital had been built, making Charity Hospital the second-largest in the US with a bed capacity of 2,680. However, it suffered severe damage during Hurricane Katrina. Charity Hospital reopened August 2015 as part of University Medical Center New Orleans. Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia - 1751 Pennsylvania Hospital in the city of Philadelphia was founded on May 11, 1751, by one of Americas founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, and Dr. Thomas Bond. The hospitals main building dates back to 1756 and is now considered a National Historic Landmark. Pennsylvania Hospital was founded with the aim of receiving and curing the sick free of charge. The hospital seal contains the story of the Good Samaritan with the phrase Take Care of Him and I will Repay Thee. It quickly gained a reputation as a center of innovation and medical advancement, especially in the area of maternity. From its beginning, it was a teaching hospital and also served as a center for treating war-wounded patients. It was home to the first surgical amphitheatre in the US which served as an operating room from 1804 to 1868. Other Oldest Hospitals in the US By 1820, there were only 10 public hospitals in the US. Apart from the three hospitals discussed above, the other oldest hospital in the US are New York Hospital (1771), Boston Dispensary (1796), Candler Hospital (1804), Massachusetts General Hospital (1811), McLean Hospital (1811), Friends Hospital (1813), and University Hospital (1818). Isaiah Gardenhire is accused of stabbing a 13-year-old girl to death and committing other crimes while out on bond. He is in the Isabella County jail on a litany of felony charges and was out on bond in a case in Mason County. Show Low, AZ (85901) Today Mostly sunny skies during the morning will give way to mostly cloudy skies in the afternoon. A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible. High 94F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Indiana law might be changed so that children as young as 12 could face attempted murder charges in adult court in a move prompted by a suburban Indianapolis school shooting. A state Senate committee voted unanimously Tuesday to endorse the proposal , which would give judges discretion over whether to move attempted murder cases from juvenile court. Prosecutors could not seek adult charges against the 13-year-old boy who wounded a classmate and teacher at Noblesville West Middle School because no one died in the May 25 shooting and he was younger than 14. Bill sponsor Sen. Erin Houchin of Salem says justice wasn't served because of what she called a legal loophole. The Indiana Public Defender Council argues children so young are best handled in the juvenile court system. INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WLFI) Top Indiana Democratic lawmakers say Gov. Eric Holcomb is going in the right direction on trying to boost teacher pay and pushing for a state hate crimes law, but still has more work to do. The Republican governor used his State of the State speech Tuesday evening to introduce a plan for using $140 million in state funds to pay off teacher pension obligations owed by school districts to free up their money for teacher salary increases. The extra money would amount to about 1-percent more funding to Indiana school districts, which are receiving an estimated $7.16 billion in state funding this school year. Related: Tippecanoe County lawmakers react to state of the state He says it would continue to produce savings for years to come. "I believe local school districts should allocate 100 percent of the $140 million to increasing teacher paychecks," said Holcomb." As of now there would be no mandate to use that money strictly for teacher pay. The governor is also creating a commission to identify more ways to give teachers more money. Holcomb also renewed his support for Indiana joining 45 other state with hate crimes laws. At Tuesday's State of the State address, he said the new law should follow the state's employee anti-harassment policy. That includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Repeated efforts for an Indiana law have failed amid fierce opposition from conservatives. They maintain it would unfairly create specially-protected classes of victims and wrongly restrict free speech. Indiana is one of five states without a bias crimes law, but Holcomb told the Republican-dominated Legislature that Indiana needs to move off that list. "Businesses interested in Indiana care about this issue, but it's not just about business," said Holcomb. "At heart, this has to do with people's dignity and how we treat one another." Those opposing a specific hate crime law are from the governor's own party, while democrats are strongly supporting it. Many Republican legislators didnt join a standing ovation when Holcomb called for a hate crimes law. Senate Democratic leader Tim Lanane says Holcomb will face overcoming opposition among conservative Republican lawmakers. Lanane says Holcombs school funding proposal is a good start and shows that money can be found to help give raises to teachers. A federal judge in New York has struck down the Trump administration's proposal to reintroduce a citizenship question into the 2020 census. The ruling effectively puts a freeze on a deeply contentious move that critics said would discourage non-citizens from participating in the Census. The Justice Department has said it needed better data on the voting age population to help enforce the Voting Rights Act. Judge Jesse Furman said Tuesday morning that the proposal is "unlawful," writing that "(Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross') decision to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census -- even if it did not violate the Constitution itself -- was unlawful for a multitude of independent reasons and must be set aside." The Justice Department asked officials to add the citizenship question, saying it needed better data on the voting age population to help enforce the Voting Rights Act. Supporters say this is a common-sense question that simply makes sense to ask. The administration is likely to appeal the ruling. The Supreme Court has already agreed to hear a portion of the case, saying it will review whether the challengers can introduce evidence outside of the official record, including the testimony of a senior Justice Department official. The court will hear those arguments next month. "Today's 277-page ruling is a major loss for the Trump administration, but also not the last word on the matter," University of Texas School of Law professor and CNN contributor Stephen Vladeck said. "The Supreme Court is already scheduled to hear an appeal related to the pre-trial proceedings in this case in February, and the government will certainly appeal this decision to the federal appeals court in New York and, if necessary, the justices. That said, today's ruling means that, for now, at least, there won't be a citizenship question on the 2020 Census." The case was a challenge to Ross' decision to add the citizenship question brought by the state of New York. At least two other cases, one in California and another in Maryland, challenging the citizenship question are underway. At the heart of the case is how the reintroduction of the citizenship question to the 2020 census will affect the data the government gathers. The Census is a crucial document for determining how federal funds are allocated and how congressional districts are drawn for the following 10-year period. It is meant to account for everyone living in the United States, not just US citizens. The citizenship question has not been asked of all recipients since 1950. "Our government is legally entitled to include a citizenship question on the census and people in the United States have a legal obligation to answer. Reinstating the citizenship question ultimately protects the right to vote and helps ensure free and fair elections for all Americans," Kelly Laco, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department, said in a statement after Tuesday's ruling. But Dale Ho, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Voting Rights Project, called the ruling a "forceful rebuke of the Trump administration's attempt to weaponize the census for an attack on immigrant communities. "The evidence at trial, including from the government's own witness, exposed how adding a citizenship question would wreck the once-in-a-decade count of the nation's population," Ho said. "The inevitable result would have been and the administration's clear intent was to strip federal resources and political representation from those needing it most." Netflix is raising prices in the United States as the streaming service invests heavily in new programs. All three of the company's plans will increase in price by $1-$2. The standard $11 plan, for example, will increase to $13 per month. The price hikes will be applied to all existing members over the next few months. New members will be charged the new price immediately. Its $8 plan will go up to $9 and its $14 plan will go up to $16 a month. Netflix (NFLX) stock spiked 6% at market open. Netflix has been spending billions on new content at least $8 billion last year, based on the company's own expectations from 2017. The streaming service also announced in October that it planned to take on $2 billion in new debt. The new price hike could help keep investors happy, said Tuna Amobi, a media analyst at CFRA research. With Netflix "frequently tapping the debt markets on several recent occasions, the price hike could help ease concerns with a growing deficit on free cash flow," he wrote in a research note Tuesday, adding that the company will likely continue to ramp up its spending on content. Netflix said last quarter that it was expecting negative free cash flow of $3 billion in 2018, and has similar expectations this year. Free cash flow measures how much cash is generated after the company covers investments in its business. So far, though, Netflix's spending seems to be paying off in at least one important way. The company reported last quarter that it had more than 58 million subscribers in the US, and 137 million globally. The company projected last fall that the number of subscribers worldwide will jump to 147 million when it next reports earnings. And at least one analyst sees reason for optimism, at least stateside: Piper Jaffray's Michael Olson wrote in a report last week that the streamer will add more subscribers in the U.S. than Wall Street is expecting, based on an analysis of search trends for Netflix on Google. Netflix will reveal more about its latest subscriber numbers Thursday when it reports earnings. There will be some tweaks to the formula, however the company will no longer highlight people who have a free trial for the service, a number it says adds "noise to our membership forecasts." The streaming business gets crowded The price hike comes as new competitors enter the streaming space. Disney+, the company's new streaming service, will launch this year and will include original content from its most popular brands such as "Star Wars" and Marvel. NBCUniversal announced on Monday that it will launch a streaming service for its own slate of content in 2020. The new service from WarnerMedia, CNN's parent company, will offer different tiers to its subscribers. That includes an entry level option that will focus on films and a premium version that will have original programming along with blockbuster films. Then there's the arguably the biggest unknown of them all: Apple. The company is likely to launch its own service sometime in the first half of the year. Awards and content glut Critics have expressed concern that Netflix has been putting out too much programming at the expense of quality, but those fears have subsided recently as the streamer racks up awards and recognition for several of its originals. Netflix won five awards at the Golden Globes earlier this month. Two of those awards went to the company's art house film, "Roma," which is already getting Oscar buzz. Netflix also closed out 2018 with its biggest hit yet. "Bird Box," a horror film starring Sandra Bullock, became a social media phenomenon and Netflix's most-watched movies in its history, according to the company. Netflix claimed that more than 45 million accounts watched the film in its first week of release. Still, there there are concerns about what would happen to Netflix's subscriber count if competitors were to pull their licensed content from the service to make it exclusive to their own streaming services, as Disney has promised to do. The Internet had a meltdown last month when it was rumored that Warner Bros. was pulling "Friends" from the service. Netflix and Warner Bros. made a deal to keep the sitcom on the service for 2019. That deal didn't come cheap, however, costing Netflix a reported $100 million. An experimental stem cell therapy proved effective and safe in patients with a relapsing form of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, new research finds. A stem cell transplant using a lower-dose regimen of chemotherapy plus immune system suppressors is more effective at preventing disease progression compared to currently used disease-modifying therapies, according to the new study published Tuesday in the journal JAMA. (The stem cell treatment is known as "autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation" or HSCT.) "I never use the word 'cure' -- never," said Dr. Richard K. Burt, lead author of the study and chief of Immunotherapy and Autoimmune Diseases at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. However, only a minority of patients receiving HSCT relapse by the five year mark, he said. "The vast majority don't." How does this experimental stem cell therapy work? HSCT essentially reboots the immune system. "Out with the old, in with the new" is the goal, said Burt, adding that it is a "one-time treatment. You're done, you're off drugs." First a patient's blood stem cells are collected and then the patient is treated with chemotherapy drugs. Then, blood stem cells are returned to the patient to jump start the development of a new immune system. In contrast, disease-modifying therapies work differently. These are a dozen or more drugs designed to be chronic, continuous treatment that targets and modulates the immune system. The new comparison study took place at medical centers in the US, UK, Sweden and Brazil, where 110 patients with relapsing-remitting MS participated in the randomized clinical trial, a gold standard medical test. Patients received either the HSCT protocol or a different class of disease-modifying therapy than they'd previously used. HSCT proved to be the more effective treatment: Of 55 patients receiving HSCT, only three patients showed disease progression at one year, the study showed. Yet, 34 of 55 patients in the disease-modifying therapy group showed disease progression at one year. Disease progression was measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale, a method for monitoring changes in symptoms over time. Among the HSCT group, the proportion of patients with disease progression was (roughly) 2% up to two years, 5% at three years, and 10% at 4 and 5 years. Meanwhile, the proportion of patients with no evidence of disease -- defined as no progression, no relapses, and no new or enlarging lesions on MRI scans -- was (nearly) 98% at one year, 93% at two years, 90% at three years, and 78% at four and five years. By contrast, almost one quarter of the patients in the disease-modifying therapy group showed disease progression at one year, more than half at two years, and just under three-quarters at five years. And the proportion of patients with no evidence of disease was (about) 40% at six months, 21% at one year and 3% by years four and five. What are the side effects of HSCT? Side effects of HSCT can include infertility, said Burt, who noted that women can choose to preserve their eggs before treatment. And some patients developed autoimmune thyroid disease, a treatable condition. He noted that the disease-modifying treatments also have side effects. Bruce Bebo, executive vice president of research at the National MS Society, said the study is "too small to really be definitive, but it does add to a growing amount of evidence that suggests this approach has benefits." The disease-modifying treatments tested in the study did not include two of the most recent and most effective drugs. "It is a gap in our knowledge," said Bebo, who was not involved in the research. "We didn't have [them] when the study started." In past studies of HSCT, patients with progressive MS did not respond to the therapy, noted Bebo. About 85% of patients are diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, where attacks of symptoms -- such as dizziness, pain, and blurred vision -- are followed by periods of remission. Yet, a "substantial portion" of relapsing MS patients evolve to develop progressive MS, where symptoms no longer wax and wane and instead worsen over time, explained Bebo. "In the early days, HSCT was also riskier than it is now. Protocols have been fine-tuned since the early days," said Bebo, who said some past patients died. Today, the risk of mortality is "really, really low," said Bebo, who added that the chemotherapy drugs used by Burt "have been used to treat blood cancers for many many years." Ultimately, HSCT could be a beneficial treatment for some patients with MS, said Bebo: "Probably people with an aggressive form of the disease who are not responding to other types of therapy." Bebo advises patients to "be really cautious about a facility advertising stem cell treatment for MS." Other experimental stem cell approaches are "less mature" and less studied, he said, and they may endanger a patient's health. Burt said, "This should be done in a major university medical center." Bebo added that "you have to make sure it's being done by a center with a great deal of experience. You really have to do your homework and find a place that has a published track record." Going forward, Burt will fine tune HSCT to make it safer. "The hope is to change the natural history of this disease," said Burt. "This data suggests we're doing it." Update Required To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin. ROME, N.Y. -- A man charged in connection with a pellet gun shooting near the Rome Burger King back in September was sentenced to probation for his role. Deron Stinson, of Rome, is one of three men charged in the case, and was also accused of tryng to cover up the incident. Police say on the night of Sept. 25, 34-year-old Allen Lipphardt was hanging out with 35-year-old Deron Stinson and 28-year-old Colton Mickle at an apartment on South Madison Street when Lipphardt left to walk to Burger King and get food. While Lipphardt was on his way into Burger King, Stinson shot him in the back with a pellet gun from the apartment, according to police. As Lipphardt was walking back to the apartment with the food, police say Stinson shot him again, this time in the chest, and Lipphardt fell to the ground. Police say Stinson and Mickle then called 911, and the three men are accused of making up a story of an unknown shooter so that they wouldnt get into trouble. Police said after the incident that Lipphardt was not cooperating with them. Rome City Court says that Stinson was sentenced to three years probation. WHITESBORO -- As the American Heart Association gears up for the 45th annual heart run and walk, one heart disease and stroke survivor is taking on his first year as a red cap survivor ambassador. The organization gave an overview of the 2019 Americas Greatest Heart Run & Walk and announced this year's red cap survivor ambassadors at their kick-off event at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro. One of those ambassadors is Jaxon Hayes who, at a glance, looks like your average 4-year-old. However, you'd be surprised at how much he's been through at such a young age. At two-days old, he had the open-heart surgery so, it was a very quick whirlwind. said Cindy Hayes, Jaxons mother. Hes born with total anomalous pulmonary venous return The blood flow was going in the wrong directions." Jaxon was born a twin. While his sister did not suffer heart defects, Jaxson was taken to several different hospitals across the state in hopes of fixing the problem. He did also suffer a stroke at some point, Hayes said. We noticed when he was one-year-old that there was some issues with walking and his right side so we had to push with the doctors, and finally had an MRI done that confirmed he had a stroke. Dealing with Jaxons heart defect led his family to join the heart run and walk. Just having the support of others that have been through the same thing, and just to raise awareness to others about these conditions to be educated. said Hayes. As a red cap ambassador, Jaxon's story will help people learn more about heart disease. Today Jaxon is completely cured but his mother will never forget the difficult times. It was very emotional, I think I held a lot of emotions in, and just forced myself to be as strong as I could for them, and still do. There are two red cap survivor ambassadors for the 2019 heart run & walk. Angel Woolheater is a red cap survivor from Utica. Woolheater is a stroke survivor who is also awaiting a heart transplant. This year's heart run and walk will be held on March 2, at Utica College. If you are interested in participating, a minimum amount of $30 in pledges for participants is required at registration. Weatherford International plc, an oilfield service company, provides equipment and services for the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Western Hemisphere and Eastern Hemisphere. It offers artificial lift systems, including reciprocating rod, progressing cavity pumping, gas, hydraulic, plunger, and hybrid lift systems, as well as related automation and control systems; pressure pumping and reservoir stimulation services, such as acidizing, fracturing and fluid systems, cementing, and coiled-tubing intervention; and drill stem test tools, and surface well testing and multiphase flow measurement services. The company also provides safety, downhole reservoir monitoring, flow control, and multistage fracturing systems, as well as sand-control technologies, and production and isolation packers; liner hangers to suspend a casing string in high-temperature and high-pressure wells; cementing products, including plugs, float and stage equipment, and torque-and-drag reduction technology for zonal isolation; and pre-job planning and installation services. In addition, it offers directional drilling services, and logging and measurement services while drilling; services related to rotary-steerable systems, high-temperature and high-pressure sensors, drilling reamers, and circulation subs; managed pressure drilling, conventional mud-logging, drilling instrumentation, gas analysis, wellsite consultancy, and open hole and cased-hole logging services; reservoir solutions and software products; and intervention and remediation services. Further, the company provides equipment and drilling tools; tubular handling, management, and connection services; equipment rental services; and onshore contract drilling and related services through a fleet of land drilling and workover rigs. Weatherford International plc was incorporated in 1972 and is headquartered in Baar, Switzerland. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares National Muni Bond ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares National Muni Bond ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Rogers Communications Inc. operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device and accessory financing, wireless home phone, device protection, text messaging, e-mail, global voice and data roaming, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device delivery services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands to approximately 10.9 million subscribers. It also provides Internet and WiFi services; smart home monitoring services, such as monitoring, security, automation, energy efficiency, and smart control through a smartphone app. In addition, the company offers local and network TV; on-demand television; cloud-based digital video recorders; voice-activated remote controls, and integrated apps; personal video recorders; linear and time-shifted programming; digital specialty channels; 4K television programming; and televised content on smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, as well as operates Ignite TV and Ignite TV app. Further, it provides residential and small business local telephony services; calling features, such as voicemail, call waiting, and long distance; voice, data networking, Internet protocol, and Ethernet services; private networking, Internet, IP voice, and cloud solutions; optical wave and multi-protocol label switching services; IT and network technologies; and cable access network services. The company also owns Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre event venue; and operates Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, Citytv, OMNI, FX (Canada), FXX (Canada), and OLN television networks, as well as 55 AM and FM radio stations. Rogers Communications Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Eastman Chemical: BP - Aviation Turbine Oil Business, CP Films Vertriebs GmbH, Commonwealth Laminating & Coating (Hong Kong) Limited, Commonwealth Laminating & Coating Inc, Crown Operations International LLC, Dynaloy, Eastman Administracion S.A. de C.V., Eastman Chemical (Barbados) SRL, Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd., Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd. - Guangzhou Branch, Eastman Chemical (China) Co. Ltd. - JingAn Branch, Eastman Chemical (Gibraltar) Limited, Eastman Chemical (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Eastman Chemical (PPU) Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical AMI GmbH, Eastman Chemical AMI LLC, Eastman Chemical AP Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical Adhesives (Hong Kong) Limited, Eastman Chemical Advanced Materials B.V., Eastman Chemical Argentina S.R.L., Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte Ltd-Indonesia Rep Office, Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. - Vietnam Representative Office, Eastman Chemical Australia Pty LTD - New Zealand Branch, Eastman Chemical Australia Pty. Ltd., Eastman Chemical B.V., Eastman Chemical B.V. - Czech Republic Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Denmark Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Filiale Italiana, Eastman Chemical B.V. - France Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Hungarian Commercial Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - Poland Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. - South Africa Representative Office, Eastman Chemical B.V. Taiwan Branch, Eastman Chemical B.V. The Hague Zug Branch, Eastman Chemical Canada Inc., Eastman Chemical Company Investments Inc., Eastman Chemical EMEA B.V., Eastman Chemical Europe Middle East and Africa LLC, Eastman Chemical Europe S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Fibers IP GmbH, Eastman Chemical Fibers IP LLC, Eastman Chemical Finance B.V., Eastman Chemical Finance CN S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance EUR S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance GBP S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance SGD S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Finance USD S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Financial Corporation, Eastman Chemical GDL S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Germany Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, Eastman Chemical Germany Management GmbH & Co. KG, Eastman Chemical Germany Verwaltungs-GmbH, Eastman Chemical Global Holdings LLC, Eastman Chemical Global Holdings S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical GmbH, Eastman Chemical HK Limited, Eastman Chemical Holdings do Brasil Ltda., Eastman Chemical Hong Kong B.V., Eastman Chemical Iberica S.L., Eastman Chemical India Private Limited, Eastman Chemical Intermediates (Hong Kong) Limited, Eastman Chemical International GmbH, Eastman Chemical International Holdings B.V., Eastman Chemical International LP LLC, Eastman Chemical Japan Ltd., Eastman Chemical Korea B.V., Eastman Chemical Korea Ltd., Eastman Chemical Latin America Inc., Eastman Chemical Ltd., Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Australia Branch, Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Singapore Branch, Eastman Chemical Ltd. - Taiwan Branch, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 1 LLC, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 1 S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings 2 S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Eastman Chemical Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Eastman Chemical Malaysia B.V., Eastman Chemical Middelburg B.V., Eastman Chemical Netherlands Limited, Eastman Chemical Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Regional UK, Eastman Chemical Resins Inc., Eastman Chemical S.C.S., Eastman Chemical Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Chemical Switzerland GmbH, Eastman Chemical Technology BVBA, Eastman Chemical Texas City Inc., Eastman Chemical US Finance LLC, Eastman Chemical Uruapan S.A. de C.V., Eastman Chemical Workington Limited, Eastman Chemical do Brasil Ltda., Eastman Cogen Management L.L.C., Eastman Cogeneration L.P., Eastman Company UK Limited, Eastman Fibers Korea Limited, Eastman Fibers Singapore Pte. Ltd., Eastman Foundation, Eastman Global Holdings Inc., Eastman International Holdings LLC, Eastman International Management Company, Eastman Italia S.r.l., Eastman Kimya Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eastman LAR Distribucion S. de R.L. de C.V., Eastman Mazzucchelli Hong Kong Limited, Eastman Mazzucchelli Plastics (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Eastman Servicios Corporativos S.A. de C.V., Eastman Spain L.L.C., Eastman Specialties Corporation, Eastman Specialties Holdings Corporation, Eastman Specialties OU, Eastman Specialties S.a.r.l., Eastman Specialties Wuhan Youji Chemical Co. Ltd, Eastman de Argentina SRL, Ecuataminco S.A., Flexsys America L.P., Flexsys America LLC, Flexsys Chemicals (M) Sdn Bhd, Flexsys K.K., Flexsys Rubber Chemicals Limited, Flexsys Verkauf GmbH, Flexsys Verkauf GmbH - France Branch, Flexsys Verwaltungs- und Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Genovique Specialties Corporation, HDK Industries Inc., Holston Defense Corporation, Huper Optik (GP) L.L.C., Huper Optik International Pte. Ltd., Huper Optik U.S.A. L.P., Industriepark Nienburg GmbH, Kingsport Hotel L.L.C., Knowlton Technologies LLC, Monchem International LLC, Mustang Pipeline Company, Nanjing Yangzi Eastman Chemical Ltd, Novomatrix Inc., Novomatrix International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Qilu Eastman Specialty Chemicals Ltd, S E Investment LLC, Sakra Hyco Pte. Ltd., Sakra Island Carbon Dioxide Pte Ltd, Scandiflex do Brasil Ltda., Solchem LLC, Solchem Netherlands C.V., Solutia (Thailand) Ltd., Solutia Brasil Ltda., Solutia Canada Inc., Solutia Chemicals France S.a.r.l., Solutia Chemicals India Private Limited, Solutia Chemicals India Private Limited - Branch, Solutia Deutschland GmbH, Solutia Europe BVBA - Portugal Representative Office, Solutia Europe BVBA - Russia Representative Office, Solutia Europe SPRL/BVBA, Solutia Greater China LLC, Solutia Hong Kong Limited, Solutia Inc., Solutia International Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Solutia Italia S.r.l., Solutia Japan Limited, Solutia Performance Products (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Solutia Performance Products Solutions Ltd., Solutia Singapore Pte. Ltd., Solutia Solar GmbH, Solutia Therminol Co. Ltd. Suzhou, Solutia Tlaxcala S.A. de C.V., Solutia UK Holdings Limited, Solutia UK Investments Limited, Solutia UK Limited, Solutia Venezuela S.R.L., Southwall Europe GmbH, Southwall Insulating Glass LLC, Southwall Technologies Inc., St. Gabriel CC Company LLC, Sterling Chemicals Inc, SunTek Australia Pty. Ltd., SunTek Films Canada Inc., SunTek UK Limited, TX Energy LLC, Taminco Argentina S.A., Taminco BVBA, Taminco BVBA - France Rep Office, Taminco BVBA - Hungarian Commercial Representative Office, Taminco BVBA - Oficina de Representacion en Espana, Taminco BVBA - The Philippines, Taminco Chile S.p.A, Taminco Choline Chloride (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Taminco Corporation, Taminco Finland Oy, Taminco Germany GmbH, Taminco Global Chemical LLC, Taminco Group BVBA, Taminco Group Holdings S.a.r.l., Taminco Holding Netherlands B.V., Taminco Intermediate LLC, Taminco Italia S.r.l., Taminco Limitada, Taminco Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Taminco US LLC, Taminco Uruguay S.A., Taminco de Guatemala S.A., Taminco de Honduras S.A. de C.V., Taminco do Brasil Comercio e Industria de Aminas Ltda., Taminco do Brasil Produtos Quimicos Ltda., Te An Ling Tian (Nanjing) Fine Chemical Co. Ltd., TetraVitae Bioscience, V-Kool International Pte. Ltd., and Yixing Taminco Feed Additives Co. Ltd.. Business Sheikh Mohammed praises Emirates Airlines' contribution to Dubai economic success "Not only have we effectively safeguarded the health and wellbeing of citizens and residents, we have also weathered the economic impact of the crisis. Thanks to the vision of our founding fathers, combined with our robust institutions and public services, have enabled us to counter the COVID-19 challenge' LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Despite a recent decline, China will remain the prime destination for Asia-Pacific (APAC) exports for several years to come, the British think tank Oxford Economics said on Tuesday. According to Oxford Economics researchers, APAC economies have been highly integrated with China's economy since the country's WTO accession in 2001. Given their geographic proximity, APAC countries even have stronger trade links with China than with the rest of the world. "While China has become a principal final destination for many APAC exports, what's more striking is that China is also the largest import source for most APAC countries," they said in a study. China plays an increasingly significant trade role for Asian countries such as India or Vietnam, which strive to increase income level and stimulate industrial development. "Participating in Asia's supply chain and penetrating the Chinese market are key to helping industrial sectors succeed," the report added. Meanwhile, trade dependence on China is also growing outside of Asia, the report showed. "Resource-rich emerging countries outside of Asia, such as Chile, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Russia, have high export intensities with China, exporting large amounts of energy and commodities there," it said. The researchers added that these countries' "export intensities with China are even higher" than those of many Asian countries. Furthermore, countries "such as Russia and Argentina have higher import than export intensities given that they import even larger amounts of manufactured goods from China compared to the energy and commodities they export," it said. Parkland Corporation operates as a marketer, distributor, and refiner of fuel and petroleum products in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canada, International, USA, Supply, and Corporate segments. The Canada segment supplies and supports a coast-to-coast network of 1,860 retail gas stations under the Ultramar, Esso, Fas Gas Plus, Chevron, Pioneer, and Race Trac as well as operates convenience stores under the On the Run/MarchA Express brand. Additionally it offers bulk fuel, bulk and cylinder exchange propane, heating oil, lubricants, and other related products and services to commercial, industrial, and residential customers in various industries, such as oil and gas, construction, mining, forestry, fishing, and transportation under the Ultramar, Bluewave Energy, Pipeline Commercial, Chevron, Columbia Fuels, and Sparlings Propane brands. The International segment operates retail service stations under the Esso, Shell, and Sol brands; and delivers and supplies gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, propane, and lubricants to customers in various sectors, including power, oil and gas, and mining. The USA segment operates a network of gas stations; and delivers bulk fuel, lubricants, and other related products and services under the Farstad Oil, Rhinehart Oil, Tropic Oil, Superpumper, Harts, and On the Run brands. The Supply segment manufactures transportation fuels; transports, stores, and markets fuels, crude oil, and liquid petroleum gases; and manufactures and sells aviation fuel to airlines. This segment also engages in the wholesale, supply, and distribution business. The company was formerly known as Parkland Fuel Corporation and changed its name to Parkland Corporation in May 2020. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Sherritt International Corporation engages in the mining, refining, and sale of nickel and cobalt from lateritic ores primarily in Canada and Cuba. The company operates through Moa Joint Venture and Fort Site, Metals Other, Oil and Gas, Power, and Technologies and Corporate segments It produces and sells agriculture fertilizers in Western Canada; and provides additional fertilizer storage and administrative facilities in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Canada. The company also explores for and produces oil and gas primarily from offshore reservoirs located in the north coast of Cuba. It has interests in three production-sharing contracts in Cuba; and working-interests in various oil fields and related production platform located in the Gulf of Valencia in Spain. In addition, the company generates and sells electricity from natural gas and steam facilities with a generating capacity is 506 megawatts, as well as provides technical support, process optimization, and technology development services. It operates two combined cycle plants at Varadero and Boca de Jaruco. Sherritt International Corporation was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More (TNS) Advanced manufacturing is exploding across the Bay Area, with about 650 companies using 3-D printers and computer-controlled machines to produce everything from robots to eyeglasses to drones to backpacks.But for most residents the fast-growing sector and the skills needed to join its workforce remain a mystery. Now San Francisco Mayor London Breed is trying to change that.The city Office of Economic and Workforce Development has allocated $300,000 to SFMade, a trade group representing San Francisco makers. The money will be used to train disadvantaged residents for jobs in advanced manufacturing, a fast-growing sector that pays above minimum wage but has struggled to attract enough qualified workers.The training program will be run out of a space at 150 Hooper St., where the nonprofit Humanmade is preparing to open a training, manufacturing and prototyping studio and education center.While $300,000 doesnt sound like a lot of money in a city with an $11 billion budget, its enough in the first year to allow 45 San Francisco residents to be trained for a new generation of jobs that include 3-D printer operators and rapid prototyping engineers or responsibility for operating and maintaining computer numerical control machines known as CNC mills that cut, carve and mill wood, plastic, foam and aluminum. If the program is successful, it probably will receive more money next year, which would fund more trainees.The program will consist of three 24-week cohorts consisting of four weeks of employment preparation, eight weeks of skills-based training and 12 weeks of paid, on-the-job training hosted by local manufacturers. Finally, training center staff will work with local manufacturers to place the graduates in jobs.This has been a kernel of an idea for a while, and Im thrilled the city is ready to come forward with it, said SFMade CEO Kate Sofis, who added that the program is something former Mayor Ed Lee had talked about frequently before he died in late 2017.She said the project would provide pathways to equity through manufacturing.If the pilot is successful, it will become the citys fifth workforce training program. The city currently funds training programs in four sectors: construction, technology, health care and hospitality.These programs served nearly 1,300 disadvantaged job seekers in fiscal year 2017-18, including 494 in hospitality, 356 in health care, 253 in tech and 183 in construction. About two-thirds of the trainees found full employment after graduating from the programs, according to Joaquin Torres, who heads the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.These programs are directly in alignment with the opportunities Mayor Breed seeks to create for residents in growing industries, particularly in industries that can provide advancement and livable wages, Torres said.The program would be a godsend for manufacturers like Topology, a company that designs and manufactures custom-fit eyewear, said CEO Rob Varady. While new technologies have allowed manufacturing to rebound in San Francisco the sector has grown by at least 10 percent each year since 2010 this new generation of makers wont be able to stay here unless there are trained workers ready to fill the jobs.We cant find enough people with experience in these new methods, so the training that (the program) will provide is integral in equipping the area with the labor force ready to seize this new opportunity, he said.The program will focus on workers from economically depressed backgrounds, particularly from the southeast neighborhoods of San Francisco. Varady said he has already had success hiring workers through a privately funded program called CEO Works, which helped incarcerated men and women to find jobs when they are released from prison.It was through CEO Works that Varady found line operator Jerry Harmon. Five months into the job, Harmon said he loves spending his days using laser cutters and computer-controlled milling machines to carve custom eyeglasses out of plastic and stainless steel. Its not easy work, but its a good job that pays above minimum wage. And for Harmon who is 39 and was looking for a career after having been in prison its not just a second chance but an opportunity to build a meaningful life in an exciting sector.It is high pressure Ill tell you that, said Harmon, who lives in Oakland. I enjoy it because it keeps me busy. Its a good work environment. At first its intimidating looking at the machines, but if you just pay attention to detail, its nothing you cant learn. Just dont go off and start pushing some buttons that you dont know nothing about.Dan Kan, co-founder of Cruise Automation, an autonomous driving technology firm, said the company is looking forward to hiring graduates of the advanced manufacturing training program.Creating an opportunity for people to develop their skills to participate in the modern economy will have an enormous impact for the city, he said.Entry-level advanced manufacturing jobs generally start at about $20 an hour, 25 percent higher than San Franciscos $15 an hour minimum wage.Meanwhile, final touches are being put on the Humanmade workshop at 150 Hooper, where the first group of trainees will report to duty in the early spring. The space has a wood shop and a metal shop-machine shop with both CNC and manual mills, routers and lathes. It also has an electronics lab and textiles area, as well as digital production equipment such as 3-D printers and professional-grade laser cutters, according to Humanmade CEO Ryan Spurlock.We have a shop that is fully built out we are only waiting on the permit so we can open up for business, he said.Harmon said that, given the training, advanced manufacturing could create opportunities for a lot more folks like him.Its not just a program, its a career, a lifelong skill, its everything, he said. I think its well on its way to replacing the old factory jobs that are gone. The following companies are subsidiares of Molina Healthcare: Aetna & Humana - Medicare Advantage, Affinity Health Plan, AmericanWork Inc., Better Health Network, Camelot Care Centers Inc, Children's Behavioral Health Inc., Choices Group Inc., College Community Services, Dockside Services Inc, Family Preservation Services Inc., Family Preservation Services of Florida Inc., Family Preservation Services of North Carolina Inc., Family Preservation Services of Washington D.C. Inc., Family Preservation Services of West Virginia Inc., Florida NetPASS LLC, Hclb Inc., Magellan Complete Care, Maple Star Nevada Inc., Maple Star Oregon Inc., Mercy CarePlus, Molina Clinical Services LLC, Molina Healthcare Data Center Inc., Molina Healthcare of Arizona Inc., Molina Healthcare of California, Molina Healthcare of Florida Inc., Molina Healthcare of Georgia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Molina Healthcare of Iowa Inc., Molina Healthcare of Louisiana Inc., Molina Healthcare of Maryland Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Mississippi Inc., Molina Healthcare of Nevada Inc., Molina Healthcare of New Mexico Inc., Molina Healthcare of New York Inc., Molina Healthcare of North Carolina Inc., Molina Healthcare of Ohio Inc., Molina Healthcare of Oklahoma Inc., Molina Healthcare of Pennsylvania Inc., Molina Healthcare of Puerto Rico Inc., Molina Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, Molina Healthcare of Texas Inc., Molina Healthcare of Texas Insurance Company, Molina Healthcare of Utah Inc., Molina Healthcare of Virginia Inc., Molina Healthcare of Washington Inc., Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin Inc., Molina Holdings Corporation, Molina Hospital Management LLC, Molina Information Systems LLC dba Molina Medicaid Solutions, Molina Medical Management Inc., Molina Pathways LLC, Molina Pathways of Texas Inc., Molina Youth Academy, NextLevel Health Illinois, Pathways Community Corrections Inc., Pathways Community Services LLC, Pathways Community Support of Texas Inc., Pathways Health and Community Support LLC, Pathways Human Services LLC., Pathways of Arizona Inc., Pathways of Delaware Inc., Pathways of Idaho LLC, Pathways of Maine Inc., Pathways of Massachusetts LLC, Pathways of Oklahoma Inc., Pathways of Washington Inc., Providence Community Services, Providence Human Services, Raystown Developmental Services Inc., The Game of Work LLC, The RedCo Group Inc., Total Care Medicaid plan, Transitional Family Services Inc., Unisys -Health Information Management, and YourCare Health Plan. Manx Telecom plc provides a range of telecommunications services to consumers, businesses, and the public sector in the Isle of Man and internationally. It operates through five segments: Fixed Line, Broadband and Data; Mobile; Global Solutions; Data Centre; and Other. The Fixed Line, Broadband and Data segment offers fixed line, broadband, and connectivity services to approximately 37,000 homes and 4,000 businesses. It provides ADSL and VDSL, fixed line, and private circuit rental and connection services. The Mobile segment offers pre-paid and post-paid tariffs to various market segments; supports inbound roaming traffic; and sells mobile handsets, laptops, and accessories. It provides mobile calls, SMS, data, and mobile rental services. The Global Solutions segment offers wholesale SMS and voice, international traveler market, machine to machine, and signal mobile services, as well as mobile termination products, such as Chameleon. The Data Centre segment offers co-location, managed hosting, cloud, storage, disaster recovery, and business continuity services to corporate clients through three data centers. The Other segment provides phone book and business directory services; and operates MTTV, an online news channel, as well as manx.net portal. It also sells hardware equipment; and offers managed and interconnection services. The company was formerly known as Trafford Equityco Limited and changed its name to Manx Telecom plc in February 2014. Manx Telecom plc is headquartered in Braddan, the Isle of Man. Read More KeyCorp operates as the holding company for KeyBank National Association that provides various retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer Bank and Commercial Bank. The company offers various deposits, investment products and services; and personal finance and financial wellness, student loan refinancing, mortgage and home equity, lending, credit card, treasury, business advisory, wealth management, asset management, cash management, portfolio management, and trust and related services to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. It also provides a suite of banking and capital market products, such as syndicated finance, debt and equity capital market products, commercial payments, equipment finance, commercial mortgage banking, derivatives, foreign exchange, financial advisory, and public finance, as well as commercial mortgage loans comprising consumer, energy, healthcare, industrial, public sector, real estate, and technology loans for middle market clients. In addition, the company offers community development financing, securities underwriting, brokerage, and investment banking services. As of February 25, 2021, it operated through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and 1,400 ATMs in 15 states, as well as additional offices, online and mobile banking capabilities, and a telephone banking call center. KeyCorp, through its subsidiary, KeyBank National Association, has a strategic alliance with XUP, Inc. to provide digital and physical merchant services. The company was founded in 1849 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Read More JPMorgan Chase & Co. operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit and investment products and services to consumers; lending, deposit, and cash management and payment solutions to small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit card, auto loan, and leasing services. The CIB segment provides investment banking products and services, including corporate strategy and structure advisory, and equity and debt markets capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication; wholesale payments and cross-border financing; and cash securities and derivative instruments, risk management solutions, prime brokerage, and research. This segment also offers securities services, including custody, fund accounting and administration, and securities lending products for asset managers, insurance companies, and public and private investment funds. The CB segment provides financial solutions, including lending, investment banking, and asset management to small business, large and midsized corporations, local governments, and nonprofit clients; and commercial real estate banking services to investors, developers, and owners of multifamily, as well as to office, retail, industrial, and affordable housing properties. The AWM segment offers multi-asset investment management solutions across equities, fixed income, alternatives, and money market funds to institutional clients and retail investors; and retirement products and services, brokerage, custody, trusts and estates, loans, mortgages, deposits, and investment management products. The company also provides ATM, online and mobile, and telephone banking services. JPMorgan Chase & Co. was founded in 1799 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Read More (TNS) After dozens of supply chain data breaches and growing fears that the Chinese government is compromising technology supply chains, senators Mark Warner, D-Va., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., proposed a new Office of Critical Technology and Security to coordinate technology supply chain security efforts last week.According to the bill establishing the office, the office director will report directly to the president, and the offices primary goal will be to stop the transfer of critical emerging, foundational, and dual-use technologies to countries that pose a national security risk.In other words, the bill could potentially upend U.S. tech companies supply chains by stopping them from working with Chinese firms that the U.S. government deem national security risks, but doesnt specify how it plans to implement this goal.The bill also seeks to protect and enforce intellectual property rights and develop a strategy to inform the private sector about critical supply chain risks.All of the bill's goals rely on the coordination of various government agencies sharing information to better protect technology supply chains including the National Council of Economic Advisors, the United States Trade Representative, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).James Rice, deputy director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technologys Center for Transportation and Logistics, told InsideSources hes not sure thats a feasible goal.Its good that there will be an agency taking the lead to counter foreign government efforts attempting to steal government intellectual property, he said in an email, [but] of course, it is not clear that our government agencies will actually coordinate/share. They are notorious for collaborating when it comes to receiving information but not when it means sharing.Ultimately, though, Rice said he isnt sure a new layer of bureaucracy for dealing with technology supply chains will be very effective, given there are already many private sector-led efforts to improve supply chain security.For example, the Department of Defense (DOD) spearheads similar efforts, as does the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), which just launched a new technology supply chain security initiative this week, the Know Your Risk, Raise Your Shield campaign.The campaign provides meaningful tips and educational videos to help the private sector protect their technology supply chains, and is the NCSCs response to a July 2018 report that found software and technology supply chains are increasingly targeted by foreign governments and corporations.A new office with vaguely outlined duties like protect IPR and develop a strategy to inform the private sector about critical technology supply chain risks probably wont accomplish much, Rice said.Its not clear how a government agency will be effective at preventing IP theft and technological sabotage against companies, he said. The intent is good but I dont see how they could practically do that the greatest companies on earth are plagued by cyber-threats and a government bureaucracy doesnt strike me as being more effective than those company efforts.Even the DOD, which is considered to be the most effective at cybersecurity efforts and supply chain security, isnt foolproof, and cybersecurity experts say all federal agencies including the DOD struggle to maintain effective cybersecurity standards.A September 2018 study from the DOD found that the defense industrys manufacturing and supply chains are heavily reliant on China largely due to market factors, so the idea that a new Office of Critical Technology and Security will be able to break up defense supply chains in the name of national security is overly ambitious.To counteract the problem with supply chains, Rice said some might argue that our government ought to be proactive and explore vulnerabilities of other governments systems. Of course, this would not be written or proposed in a bill. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Belgium ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Belgium ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, AppliChem Inc., Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel (Ireland) Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument, Brooks Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Buell Industries Inc., CAPMAX Logistica S.A. de C.V., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS (Australia) Pty Limited, CS (Finance) Europe S.a.r.l., CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, CSMTS LLC, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures (Australasia) S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Cetram Pty Limited, Coeur, Coeur (Shanghai) Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Densit Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Dorbyl U.K. (Holdings) Limited, Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO (Holding) AG, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elga Skandinavian AS, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, FEG Investments L.L.C., Fasver, Filtertek, Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech (Taicang) Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart (Japan) K.K., Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart Foster Belgium, Hobart International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW (China) Investment Company Limited, ITW (Deutschland) GmbH, ITW (EU) Holdings Ltd., ITW (European) Finance Co. Ltd., ITW (European) Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW (Ningbo) Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Airport Ground Equipment (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ITW Alpha Sarl, ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components LLC, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components (Chongqing) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components (Langfang) Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium, ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS (UK) Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Contamination Control (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Delta Sarl, ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.A., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Finance Designated Activity Company, ITW Finance Europe S.A., ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments II Inc., ITW Global Investments LLC, ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics (Thailand) Ltd., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Italy S.R.L. in liquidazione, ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings LP, ITW Holdings UK, ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Hungary Finance Beta Kft, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW International Intellectual Property LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Finance Srl, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lombard Holdings Inc., ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW M FILMS II LLC, ITW MH LLC, ITW Marking & Coding (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Medical Group de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Plastic (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers (Wujiang) Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Philippines Holdings LLC, ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., ITW Spraytec, ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Servicios Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., ITW haubold Paslode GmbH, Ideal Molding Technologies LLC, Illinois Tool Works (Chile) Limitada, Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Norway AS, Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron (Shanghai) Ltd., Instron (Thailand) Limited, Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Holdings Limited, Instron International Limited, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, International Leasing Company LLC, International Truss Systems Proprietary Limited, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kester Components (M) Sdn. Bhd., Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft Argentina S.A., Krafft S.L., Lock Inspection Systemes France Sarl, Loma Systems (Canada) Inc., Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Luvex - Industria De Equipamentos De Protecao Ltda., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, Magna Industrial Co. Limited, Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, Norden Olje AB, North Star Imaging Europe, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Odesign Inc., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited (Enping), Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Penta Dnepr LLC, Penta Sever OOO, Penta Volga OOO, Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., Ramset Fasteners (Hong Kong) Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Salter India Limited, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco (Nederland) B.V., Simco Japan Inc., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tape Group B.V., Stokvis Tapes (Hong Kong) Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Taiwan) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes BVBA, Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Tarutin Kester Co. Ltd., Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek (China) Limited, Teknek (Japan) Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode (Kunshan) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode (Qingdao) Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tregaskiss Welding Products, US Finance Gamma LLC, Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V.B.A., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta (Guangzhou) Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Vesta Global Limited, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., W Packaging Technology (China) Co. Ltd., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wujiang Advanced Cleaning Co. Ltd., Wynn Oil (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, ZF TRW (Engineered Fasteners and Components), and Zip-Pak International B.V.. SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme provides financial services in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and France. The company offers retail banking services, including deposits and loans, vehicles and asset management, corporate finance, insurance, payments, investment, and online brokerage and financial information services; Internet, mobile, telephone, and service platforms; and online banking to individual and professional customers, businesses, non-profit associations and local authorities under the Societe Generale, CrAdit du Nord, and Boursorama Banque brands. It also provides international retail banking and financial services, comprising of deposit and loan products; consumer finance and car finance; mortgage facilities; corporate and investment banking; infrastructure, renewable energies, and agribusiness financing; life, retirement savings, and personal protection insurance products; vehicle leasing and fleet management services; and vendor and equipment finance services to corporate and individual customers. In addition, the company offers capital market services, such as fixed income and currencies, equities, and securities services; mergers and acquisitions, advisory and other corporate finance advisory services, and corporate banking and investment banking, as well as capital raising solutions for debt or equity, financial engineering, and hedging for issuers; transaction and payment services, comprising of cash management, trade finance, cash clearing and correspondent banking, supply chain finance, and foreign exchange services; and export finance, aircraft finance, shipping finance, real estate finance, and structured solutions and leasing. Further, it provides financial engineering and wealth management solutions; structured products, hedge funds, mutual funds, private equity funds and real estate investment solutions; and asset management solutions. SociAtA GAnArale SociAtA anonyme was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Read More MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for MainStreet Bank that provides various banking products and services for individuals, small to medium-sized businesses, and professional service organizations primarily in Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, the District of Columbia metropolitan area. The company offers demand, NOW, money market, savings, and sweep accounts, as well as certificates of deposit; business and consumer checking, interest-bearing checking, business account analysis, and other depository services; and cash management, wire transfer, check imaging, remote deposit capture, and courier services. It also provides commercial loans, including government contract receivables, plant and equipment, general working capital, contract administration, and acquisition loans; commercial real estate, real estate construction, and residential real estate loans; and consumer loans comprising car loans, term loans, credit cards, and overdraft protection. In addition, the company provides payment service and deposit insurance solutions; remote deposit of checks; and internet bill payment, online cash management, and online and mobile banking services. It operates through a network of seven branches located in Herndon, Fairfax, Fairfax City, McLean, Clarendon, and Leesburg, Virginia, and one branch in Washington, the District of Columbia; and provides automated teller machine transaction services at approximately 55,000 locations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. MainStreet Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia. Read More Never miss a story with the GovTech Today newsletter. IDEX Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an applied solutions company worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Fluid & Metering Technologies (FMT), Health & Science Technologies (HST), and Fire & Safety/Diversified Products (FSDP). The FMT segment designs, produces, and distributes positive displacement pumps, small volume provers, flow meters, injectors, and other fluid-handling pump modules and systems, as well as offers flow monitoring and other services for the food, chemical, general industrial, water and wastewater, agricultural, and energy industries. The HST segment provides precision fluidics, rotary lobe pumps, centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, roll compaction, and drying systems for use in beverage, food processing, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics; pneumatic components and sealing solutions, such as pumping solutions for analytical instrumentation, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery; molded and extruded sealing components; custom mechanical and shaft seals; engineered hygienic mixers and valves; biocompatible medical devices and implantables; and air compressors. This segment also offers optical components and coatings for applications in the scientific research, defense, biotechnology, aerospace, telecommunications, and electronics manufacturing applications; laboratory and commercial equipment to produce micro and nano scale materials; precision photonic solutions; and precision gear and peristaltic pump technologies. The FSDP segment produces and distributes firefighting pumps, valves and controls, rescue tools, lifting bags, and other components and systems for the fire and rescue industry; engineered stainless steel banding and clamping devices for various industrial and commercial applications; and precision equipment for dispensing, metering, and mixing colorants and paints used in retail and commercial businesses. The company was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of The 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.. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG is a private equity firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. Within direct investments the firm specializes in expansion capital, management buyout, middle market, growth capital, add-on acquisitions, bridge financing, management buy-ins for experienced executives, corporate spin-offs, succession arrangements and generational transition in a family-owned business, small and medium-sized companies and pre-IPO stage investments. Within fund of fund investments the firm invests in private equity funds. It does not invest in start-up and early stage companies. The firm prefers to invest in automotive suppliers, industrial, mechanical and plant engineering, businesses develop, building supplier, measurement and automation technology, specialty chemical, support service providers, printing, media, broadband/telecommunication, IT services/software, healthcare and packaging sectors. It also prefer to invest in manufacture industrial components for very different customer sectors, produced machines and plants for various customer sectors, industrial support services, and logistics. It have accessed business models and invested very successfully in other sectors as well. The firm primarily seeks to invest in companies headquartered or having significant business relationships in Germany Mittelstand, DACH (Austria, Switzerland and Germany) France, Netherlands, United States of America, European neighboring countries, and in German speaking European countries. Within European Emerging Markets, it prefers to invest in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. The firm typically invests between A10 million ($11.07 million) and A75 million ($105.61 million) in companies with revenues between A30 million ($55.33 million) and A500 million ($704.12 million) and enterprise value between A35 million ($35.26 million) and A300 million ($422.47 million), but may also consider investments in smaller companies or participating in larger transactions. In individual instances, it also prefers structure transactions, in which the enterprise value exceeds this range and which require equity capital investments of up to A200 million ($235.19 million). It can also co-invest with other firms. The firm seeks to take majority or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. It prefers to invest in split-offs of peripheral activities from large corporations, a sale from the portfolio of another financial investor, and a capital requirement to fund a company's growth. The firm seeks to take seats on the portfolio companies' advisory councils or supervisory boards. It typically holds its investment for a period of eight years. Deutsche Beteiligungs AG was founded in 1965 and is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Danaher: AB SCIEX, AB Sciex Germany GmbH, AB Sciex LLC, AB Sciex LP, AB Sciex Pte Ltd., Accu-Sort Systems, Acme Cleveland Corporation, Advanced Vision Technology, American Precision Industries, Applied Biosystems, Applitek NV, Aquatic Infomatics ULC, Aquatic Informatics, Armstrong Tools, BC Distribution BV, Beckman Coulter, Beckman Coulter Australia Pty Ltd, Beckman Coulter Biotechnology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Biyomedikal Urunler Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited [irketi], Beckman Coulter Canada LP, Beckman Coulter Commercial Enterprise (China) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter France S.A.S., Beckman Coulter G.m.b.H., Beckman Coulter Genomics Inc., Beckman Coulter Hong Kong Limited, Beckman Coulter Inc., Beckman Coulter India Private Limited, Beckman Coulter International SA, Beckman Coulter International Shanghai Trading Co., Beckman Coulter Ireland Inc., Beckman Coulter K.K., Beckman Coulter Korea Ltd., Beckman Coulter Laboratory Systems (Suzhou) Co. Ltd., Beckman Coulter Limited Liability Company, Beckman Coulter Mishima KK, Beckman Coulter Nederland B.V., Beckman Coulter Nippon GK, Beckman Coulter S.L.U., Beckman Coulter Saudi Arabia Co.Ltd., Beckman Coulter Srl, Beckman Coulter Taiwan Inc., Beckman Coulter United Kingdom Limited, Beckman Coulter de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Beckman Coulter do Brasil Ltda., Beckman Finance ApS, Beckman Holdings Ltd., BioTector Analytical Systems Ltd, Biosafe S.A., Blue Software LLC, Cepheid, Cepheid AB, Cepheid Europe SAS, Cepheid GmbH, Cepheid HBDC SAS, Cepheid UK Ltd., ChemTreat, ChemTreat Inc., ChemTreat International Inc., Cispus Hong Kong Holding Limited, Cytiva, Cytiva BioProcess R&D AB, Cytiva Biotechnology (Guangzhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Biotechnology (Hang Zhou) Co. Ltd., Cytiva Europe GmbH, Cytiva Sweden AB, Cytiva Sweden Holding AB, DH Europe Finance II Sarl, DH Europe Finance Sarl, DH Holding Italia SRL, DH Japan Finance Sarl, DH Life Sciences LLC, DH Netherlands BV, DH Technologies Development Pte Ltd., DHKAB Company AB, DTIL Ireland Holdings Ltd., Danaher (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Danaher Hong Kong Limited, Danaher Medical ApS, Delta Consolidated Industries, Devicore Medical Products Inc., Easco Hand Tools, Esko, Esko BV, Esko Finance BV, Esko Graphics BV, Esko Software BV, FHAB Company AB, Fluke, G. Lufft Mess- und Regeltechnik GmbH, GE Biopharma, Gelman Sciences Inc., Gendex, Genetix Group, Gilbarco Veeder Root, Gilzoni Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Austria GmbH & Co. KG, Global Life Sciences Solutions Germany GmbH, Global Life Sciences Solutions Korea Ltd., Global Life Sciences Solutions Manufacturing UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions New Zealand, Global Life Sciences Solutions Operations UK Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions Singapore Pte Ltd, Global Life Sciences Solutions USA LLC, Global Life Sciences Technologies (Shanghai) Co Ltd., Global Life Sciences Technologies Japan KK, Hach Company, Hach Lange Finance GmbH, Hach Lange GmbH, Hach Lange Sarl, Hach Sales & Services Canada LP, Hach Ultra Japan KK, Hach Water Quality Analytical Instru. (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., HemoCue AB, HyClone Laboratories LLC, Hybritech Incorporated, Hyclone Life Sciences Solutions India Private Limited, IDBS Group, IRIS International, Imaging Sciences International, Immunotech SAS, Immunotech Sro, Intabio LLC, Integrated DNA Technologies, Integrated DNA Technologies BVBA, Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., Integrated DNA Technologies Pte. Ltd., Iris International Inc., Joslyn Holding Company LLC, KVHG GmbH, KaVo, KaVo Kerr, Kaltenbach & Voigt, Keithley Instruments, Kipp & Zonen BV, Kollmorgen, Labcyte Inc., Laetus, Leica Biosystems Imaging Inc., Leica Biosystems Melbourne Pty Ltd, Leica Biosystems Newcastle Limited, Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH, Leica Biosystems Richmond Inc., Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte Limited, Leica Microsystems, Leica Microsystems (UK) Limited, Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH, Leica Microsystems Cambridge Limited, Leica Microsystems IR GmbH, Leica Microsystems Inc., Leica Microsystems Limited, Leica Microsystems Ltd. Shanghai, Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Life Sciences Holdings France SAS*, Lifschultz Industries, Linx Printing Technologies, Linx Printing Technologies Limited, MDS Analytical Technologies, Marconi Data Systems, McCrometer Inc., Microtest, Molecular Devices, Molecular Devices (Austria) GmbH, Molecular Devices LLC, Navman Wireless, Navman Wireless OEM Solutions, Nihon Pall Ltd., Nihon Pall Manufacturing Limited, Nobel Biocare, OTT Hydromet Corp, Pall, Pall (Canada) ULC, Pall (China) Co. Ltd., Pall (Schweiz) GmbH, Pall Aeropower Corporation, Pall Artelis BVBA, Pall Asia Holdings Inc., Pall Australia Pty. Ltd., Pall Austria Filter Ges.m.b.h, Pall Corporation, Pall Europe Limited, Pall Filtersystems GmbH, Pall Filtration Pte. Ltd., Pall Filtration and Separations Group Inc., Pall France SAS, Pall GmbH, Pall India Pvt. Ltd., Pall International Sarl, Pall Italia Srl, Pall Korea Ltd., Pall Life Sciences Belgium BV, Pall Life Sciences Puerto Rico LLC, Pall Manufacturing UK Limited, Pall Medistad BV, Pall Netherlands BV Irish Branch, Pall Technology UK Limited, PaloDEX, Pantone LLC, Pelton & Crane, Phenomenex, Phenomenex Inc., QHC Ireland Finance Limited, Radiometer, Radiometer Basel AG, Radiometer K.K., Radiometer Medical ApS, Radiometer Medical Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Radiometer Turku Oy, Raytek, Reytek Corporation, SH Switzerland Finance Sarl, Sea-Bird Electronics Inc., SenDx Medical Inc., Shanghai AB Sciex Analytical Instrument Trading Co. Ltd., Sutron, Sybron Dental Specialties, TCIL Ireland Finance Ltd., Tektronix, Thomson Industries, Tianjin Bonna-Agela Technologies Co. Ltd., Trojan Technologies, Trojan Technologies Group ULC, VSS Monitoring, Videojet Do Brasil Comercio de Equipamentos Para Codificacao Industrial Ltda., Videojet Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Videojet Technologies Europe B.V., Videojet Technologies Inc., Viridor Waste Management Limited, Vision Systems Limited, Willett International, X-Ray Optical Systems Inc., X-Rite, X-Rite Europe GmbH, X-Rite Incorporated, X-Rite Switzerland GmbH, XOS, Yukon Hong Kong Holding Limited, and Zhuhai S.E.Z. Videojet Electronics Ltd.. (TNS) With a new drone use policy in place and some county staff already licensed to pilot unmanned aircraft systems, Lee County, N.C., is well on its way to a public safety program that takes advantage of the latest technology.But using drones for public safety isn't just a matter of getting local government approval, according to Lee County Emergency Services Director Shane Seagroves.The Lee County Emergency Services and Lee County Sheriff's Office employees licensed to pilot drones had to undergo training and pass a Federal Aviation Administration exam, Seagroves said. First, prospective pilots took a 40-hour class at Central Carolina Community College to prepare for the examination. Tuition was waived for emergency management and sworn law enforcement personnel."It covers most of the areas of a private pilot ground class, like for a plane," Seagroves said. "It covers weather, it covers airspace, it covers the rules and regulations of using a [drone]."The last two days of the class were hands-on flying, Seagroves said, where students started off with simple maneuvers and ended with simulated search exercises where they had to find a T-shirt or jacket from the air.To pilot drones for the county, employees need to pass both the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot exam and the North Carolina Department of Transportation UAS Operator Permit test, which test their knowledge of things like drone operation regulations, airspace flight restrictions, the effect of weather on drone performance, and emergency and radio communication procedures."When you're driving a car, you have to learn the rules of the road," Seagroves said. "For the drone license, you basically have to learn the rules of the air, where you're allowed to fly, where you're not allowed to fly."According to federal regulations, pilots are not allowed to fly drones higher than 400 feet, at night, or over people, highways, vehicles or government buildings. Drones are also not allowed to leave the pilot's line of sight."It's kind of nerve-wracking when I first started flying, just knowing how much money is involved in the drones that you do fly," said Detective Steve Freeman of the sheriff's office.Freeman has flown drones as a hobby, he said, but the professional-quality models he practiced with for his pilot's license were different. Many had GPS that make them easier to operate, he said.Even with GPS, though, "you have to be careful and mindful of where you're flying," he said.Drones purchased by Lee County Emergency Services or the sheriff's office would be used for operations including finding missing people or fleeing suspects, investigating crime scenes, conducting rescues and surveying fire or weather damage from the air."Technology is constantly changing," Seagroves said. "This is a positive change. It's definitely something that makes our job easier to do, makes it more efficient and less costly."Neither Lee County Emergency Services nor the sheriff's office currently have drones, but they plan to purchase some in the future. The Lee County Board of Commissioners approved the drone use policy required for the operation of drones in the county at a December meeting. The Charles Schwab Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. The Investor Services segment provides retail brokerage and banking services, retirement plan services, and other corporate brokerage services; equity compensation plan sponsors full-service recordkeeping for stock plans, stock options, restricted stock, performance shares, and stock appreciation rights; and retail investor, retirement plan, and mutual fund clearing services. The Advisor Services segment offers custodial, trading, banking, and support services; and retirement business and corporate brokerage retirement services. This segment provides brokerage accounts with cash management capabilities; third-party mutual funds, as well as proprietary mutual funds, plus mutual fund trading, and clearing services to broker-dealers; and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including proprietary and third-party ETFs. It also offers advice solutions, such as managed portfolios of proprietary and third-party mutual funds and ETFs, separately managed accounts, customized personal advice for tailored portfolios, and specialized planning and portfolio management. In addition, this segment provides banking products and services, including checking and savings accounts, first lien residential real estate mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, and pledged asset lines; and trust services comprising trust custody services, personal trust reporting services, and administrative trustee services. The company serves individuals and institutional clients in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The Charles Schwab Corporation was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Westlake, Texas. Read More Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. The firm specializes in early stage, acquisition, distressed investments, short-term financing to mid-market companies, corporate carve-outs, recapitalizations, convertible, senior and mezzanine financings, operational and capital structure restructuring, strategic re-direction, turnaround, and under-performing midmarket companies. The firm invest in attractive businesses through the public debt and equity markets or by providing financing. The firm invest in Business services, Industrials and Residential sectors. Through its subsidiaries, the firm invests in the property, power, and infrastructure sectors. Its property business includes owning and managing office properties, developing master planned residential communities, and offering clients bridge and mezzanine lending, alternative assets funds, and financial and advisory services. Through its subsidiaries, the firm operates hydroelectric power facilities, interconnections and transmission facilities in Northeast North America, and development of wind power in Canada. Through its subsidiaries, it invests in specialty funds including private equity and makes direct investments in real estate, energy, and resource assets. The firm launches and manages equity and fixed income mutual funds. It also manages real estate and hedge funds. The firm invests in equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It also invest in British Columbia, United States, Brazil, Australia, Chile, Uruguay, New Zealand. It prefers to invest between $2 million and $500 million in its portfolio companies. The firm also prefers to take both minority and majority stakes in its companies. It was formerly known as Brascan Corp. Brookfield Asset Management Inc. is based in Toronto, Canada with additional offices in Bogota, Colombia, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Calgary, Canada, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Gatineau, Canada, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, London, United Kingdom, Melbourne, Australia, Montreal, Canada, Mumbai, India, New York City, Perth, Australia, Shanghai, China, and Sydney, Australia. Read More NCI Building Systems, Inc. designs, engineers, manufactures, and markets metal products for the nonresidential construction industry in North America. It operates in four segments: Engineered Building Systems, Metal Components, Insulated Metal Panels, and Metal Coil Coating. The Engineered Building Systems segment offers engineered structural members and panels; and self-storage building systems under the Metallic, Mid-West Steel, A & S, All American, Mesco, Star, Ceco, Robertson, Garco, Heritage, and SteelBuilding.com brands to builders, general contractors, developers, and end users directly, as well as through private label companies. The Metal Components segment provides metal roof and wall systems, metal partitions, metal trims, doors, and other related accessories for use in new construction, and repair and retrofit applications; roll-up doors; and interior and exterior walk doors under the MBCI, American Building Components, Eco-ficient, Metal Depots, and Doors and Buildings Components brands to manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, distributors, lumberyards, cooperative buying groups, and other customers. The Insulated Metal Panels segment offers insulated metal panels for architectural, commercial, industrial, and cold storage end-market applications under the Metl-Span and CENTRIA brands. The Metal Coil Coating segment engages in cleaning, treating, and painting flat-rolled metals in coil form, as well as in slitting and/or embossing the metal, before the metal is fabricated for use by industrial users. It also cleans, treats, and coats heavy and light gauge metal coils for use in construction products, heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters, lighting fixtures, ceiling grids, office furniture, appliances, and other products; and provides toll coating and painted metal package services under the Metal Coaters and Metal Prep brands. NCI Building Systems, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Read More AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes prescription medicines in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infection, neuroscience, and gastroenterology worldwide. The company's marketed products include Tagrisso, Lynparza, Imfinzi, Enhertu, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Equidacent, Zoladex, Faslodex, Iressa, Arimidex, Casodex/Cosudex, and others for oncology diseases; Onglyza, Bydureon, Lokelma, Byetta, Qtern, Symlin, and others for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; and Symbicort, Pulmicort, Fasenra, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir, Tudorza/Eklira, Bevespi, Breztri, Anifrolumab, and others for respiratory and immunology diseases. It also offers other medicines and COVID-19 products, including Synagis, Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent, Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR, Vimovo, Movantik/Moventig, Nexium, Losec/Prilosec, and COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices. It has a collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo to develop and commercialize DS-1062 for the treatment of trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2) tumor; AliveCor, Inc. to develop non-invasive potassium monitoring solutions; Massachusetts General Hospital to accelerate digital health solutions; Sanguina on smartphone application study for hemoglobin management in patients with anemia of chronic kidney disease; Alchemab to enhance prostate cancer research; and Proteros biostructures GmbH to discover and develop novel small molecules for the treatment of various types of cancer. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom. Read More (TNS) The telemedicine company Teladoc is opposed to a bill in North Dakota that its representatives say would be restrictive and have a "chilling effect" on patients and providers.The North Dakota Board of Medicine brought forth a bill that would require a telemedicine provider to do an initial video examination or have the patient exam done with another licensed provider.Bonnie Storbakken, executive secretary of the state Board of Medicine, previously said the requirement would protect patients in allowing them to verify for themselves that they are being treated by a licensed doctor, as well as set up a "framework" for telemedicine providers in the state.Under the bill, once a physician-patient relationship is established after the initial visit, then it's the discretion of the physician in deciding how to visit with and diagnose patients.Proponents of the bill say it would protect patients, while critics say it could decrease access.Last year, in North Dakota, Teladoc completed 1,500 virtual visits in North Dakota and saved companies and employees in the state more than $700,000 in health care costs, according to Claudia Tucker, Teladocs vice president of government affairs."There can be unintended consequences when states pass legislation. Albeit well-intended, some language can actually rob access and diminish savings. And part of what you have here today ... would have a chilling effect," Tucker said at the hearing.Dr. Donna Campbell, a member of the Texas State Senate and an emergency care physician who works with Teladoc, said that telemedicine is particularly important for patients in rural areas, some who may not have access to broadband and use a landline.John Ward, a Bismarck attorney and lobbyist representing Teladoc, also told lawmakers that the bill is arbitrary and "potentially the most restrictive stature that would be implemented across the nation."In 2017, the state Board of Medicine proposed a rule that would require the video or in-patient visit to the Legislature's Administrative Rules Committee. The committee ultimately denied the proposed rule and instead asked the board to present a bill to the full Legislature."One of the important aspects is the Legislature will have oversight over this so it's not just an administrative agency, Ward said, of the bill being introduced this session.Ward said, though legislative oversight takes place in the Administrative Rules Committee, "this gets the full process." He also said it is his experience that the interim committee has a tendency to defer to agencies' recommendations."In that respect, its preferable, he said, to have the legislation face the full body.The Senate Human Services Committee did not take action on the bill on Monday. American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2021. 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(TNS) During a study session Monday afternoon, Salina City Commissioners discussed serious problems with the 911 emergency radio system used by Salina and Saline County first responders. The required upgrades could cost up to $16.2 million, according to Saline County Emergency Management Director Hannah Stambaugh.Stambaugh led the presentation, which was similar to one she gave earlier this month before the Saline County Commission.Stambaugh played several recent audio clips of first responders in the field unsuccessfully attempting to communicate with Saline County Dispatch, which coordinates the responses of police, firefighters and emergency medical services.City Commissioner Joe Hay Jr. was concerned about the difficulty first responders were having communicating with dispatch."You listen to those dispatch calls and that's scary as hell," he said. "When you can't hear what your responder is saying on the other end, a lot of times that's crucial, and that's a scary situation. I think we need to move this forward as quick as we can, so our first responders out there have got the right equipment, so they can talk to each other. We don't need any blind spots or dead spots. They need to communicate."Stambaugh said emergency radio coverage in parts of Saline County is very limited or non-existent and that first responders in buildings have difficulty communicating with dispatch. She added one officer had to call dispatch on his cell phone after several unsuccessful attempts to contact them using his radio. She said these coverage problems endanger public safety and the safety of first responders.Stambaugh discussed three options that officials on the 911 Advisory Board determined would be adequate for the county's needs: The county could join a state emergency radio system already in place, join McPherson County's emergency radio system, or upgrade its own system.Stambaugh said upgrading Saline County's emergency radio system could cost up to $16.2 million, an estimate that includes 15 years of maintenance costs. The other two options would be only slightly less expensive. Joining the state's radio system could cost $14.2 million, and joining McPherson County's radio system could cost $15.5 million.City Manager Mike Schrage said Kansas could change the terms of its arrangement with Saline County if the county joined the state's emergency radio system.Alan Talkington is a consultant with Tusa Consulting Services, a company that created a 293-page report about the problems with Salina and Saline County's emergency radio equipment.Talkington said partnering with McPherson County would mean Saline County would have its own dispatch center and towers, but Saline County could use servers in McPherson County and two towers McPherson County plans to build near the Saline County border.City Commissioner Mike Hoppock said he would be reluctant to have Salina and Saline County join another government's emergency radio system."We have to have a certain amount of savings not to have control of our own system, I would think," he said. "I don't know what the number would be, but it would have to be fairly significant."Mayor Karl Ryan and Schrage said they were pleased with the work city and county staff have done thus far on the emergency radio project."The need is certainly there, and we owe it to our first responders. So I would move the process along as far as we can go," Ryan said."I think we have got to talk about how to split the price tag," Ryan added, referring to the question of how to divide the cost of the emergency radio upgrades between the Salina and Saline County commissions.All five Salina City commissioners attended the presentation; as did Saline County commissioners Bob Vidricksen, Monte Shadwick and Rodger Sparks; 911 Communications Director Wayne Pruitt; County Administrator Rita Deister; Assistant County Administrator Andrew Manley; and County Clerk Jamie Allen.Police and firefighters who use the 911 radio system to communicate with dispatch also attended the meeting.2019 The Salina Journal (Salina, Kan.)Visit The Salina Journal (Salina, Kan.) at www.saljournal.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Sauk County Court Clerk Becky Evert said no candidates filed papers with the county by the Jan. 2 deadline. Evert said an individual could still run as a registered write-in candidate. If no one does, voters can write-in a name during Spring Election on April 2. Then that person could either accept or decline the position, Evert said. After that, the court commission would have to appoint someone. The individual running for the position must be qualified for the role, meaning the individual has to be licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin. They also must be a resident of the jurisdiction. Pulsfus said there was a lot to learn about municipal court as the program was new. It was a challenge, Pulsfus said. All of us had a lot to learn. Some things have changed over the years, but mostly Pulsfus said he feels the court is operating more efficiently now. He also feels municipal court has been a benefit to the community. I feel the municipal court is a good addition to the community, a positive thing, Pulsfus said. For many people its their first connection with a court. They might be uncomfortable or frightened. But if they come in and see, we try to be welcoming and help those who come. Ken Nolden first invested in two automatic milking robots 8 years ago at his 150-cow dairy operation in Rock Springs, Narrows Dairy. The significant impact that investment has had on his operation led him to say there would be a very unlikely chance he would go back to the way his farm operated before those robots were added. At Noldens farm, cows walk on their own inside a milking parlor that leads to a robot. An automatic brush cleans the udder and a laser identifies the precise location for attaching the milking device. While being milked, the cow eats a defined amount of feed dispensed into a tray. After the milking is finished, the udder is cleaned and the cow walks out of the parlor and returns to its stall to continue its day of rest and relaxation. The system cleans the device and the process repeats as the next cow steps in to be milked. Each cow is represented by a number on a collar that sends a radio signal to a computer system that tracks the cows health, movement and milk quality and plugs the data into a graph for Nolden to analyze. Previously, he used visual attention of the operators to keep an eye on the cattle, watching for activity, signs of illness and to determine if it is in heat and ready to be bred, he said. Now the computer system keeps track of all that information. Nolden said he invested in the equipment to have a more flexible schedule, deal with less hired labor and improve cow health by having a more free-flowing atmosphere that prevents the cows from standing around waiting to be milked. As a farmer, Nolden said hes seen other dairy operations become interested or making the switch to using the technology. University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Biological Systems and Engineering Doug Reinemann said about 300 Wisconsin farms use an automatic robotic milking system, and the number is growing steady among smaller farms usually those with 200 to 500 cows. However, he said as farmers struggle with low milk prices, such investments are sometimes placed on the back burner and adoption of new technology has slowed down on dairy farms. Quality of Life Farmers often work 12-14 hour days, seven days a week with very little time off. University of Wisconsin-Extension Farm Management Program Outreach Coordinator Trisha Wagner said as the agriculture industry evolves, more farmers are changing their values to take a night off or step away from the farm to attend a family event. This means they must rely more on hired labor or technology to get the job done. Farms also are growing to take advantage of economies of scale as profit margins get tighter. Larger farms require more labor, but that can be hard to find as the state is near full employment. Reinemann said the younger generation also has been less willing to take on the tedious and physical work common on farms, including milking dairy cows. In addition to efficiency offered by new technologies, farmers have turned to immigrant workers to fill the void. Reinemann said statewide, about 60 percent of the workforce on dairy farms is comprised of immigrants. However, he said as the federal government cracks down on immigration and the economy in Mexico improves, that labor pool also is "drying up." Mechanical help Reinemann said in addition to improved efficiency, automation can handle some of the physical aspects of dairy farming, such as moving cows around a milking parlor. You can leave the farm, you dont have to be there to milk and as the farm gets bigger you have to spend more and more of your time in that regular schedule of milking, Reinemenn said. On small farms it is often owners and operators that are doing that milking. Dairy manager and second generation farmer Greg Lohr installed four robotic milkers on his family operation, Lohr Dairy, in Prairie du Sac and gets to take a half-day off each week. Thats more than I got before, he said. Work is a lot easier now. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Modern equipment also can be more beneficial for the animals. Nolden said his cows save an estimated 6 hours per day of standing in a parlor waiting to be milked. Tight labor market Like other industries, farmers have to compete with the historically low unemployment rate, which stands at about three percent. Low commodity prices have made it harder to provide competitive wages to attract workers. (Farmers) havent had the ability to compete with other industries because of the fact (they) havent had extra income, Wagner said. Their income has remained flat, and actually for some been below the cost of production. Reinnemann said the average wage statewide for a dairy worker is $13-$14 an hour, but mainly depends on location. Prior to investing in the automatic milker, Lohr said he paid two immigrant workers $15 an hour to help milk cows. The workers regularly demanded additional pay and threatened to quit, causing Lohr additional stress. That was the tipping point that kind of made me want to get the robots; not having to deal with those people anymore, Lohr said. They were always demanding more money It gets to be too much stress trying to keep them happy. Kip Weber and his son, Kyle, are the second and third generation family members to work on Weber Family Dairy, milking 110 cows on their operation in Elroy. The farm also has another hired hand to help milk and feed cows and perform other daily chores. Other family members help out when needed. Weber said hes satisfied with his labor force during the winter months but when the crops are harvested, Itd be nice to have a little more help. Hes thought about trying to find additional labor to help during those busy months but said he has been unable to cover the expense. Right now, theres no extra money so you dont have them kind of options to be just looking for people, Weber said. The jobs in town are paying really well, so its hard to find people you can afford to pay and worth having around. Wagner said when technology comes in to play, the types of employment also change. In addition to one person help feed the cows, Lohr said he still has one paid person to manage the equipment, computer software and handle the cows. In Rock Springs, Nolden said he went from four hired hands to three after investing in new equipment, reducing labor costs by about 25 percent. One robotic milker, which can milk about 60 cows, can cost $200,000 to $250,000. The high price tag forces farmers to weigh the benefits and often requires a significant loan to purchase. Steep price tag With the steep price tag and the risk of taking on additional debt when milk prices are low, some farms have held back from making a big investment. There are other costs to consider after the purchase, including higher maintenance costs, Reinemann said. For his Prairie du Sac dairy farm, Lohr said the poor state of the dairy market means he isn't seeing the benefits he had hoped from his investment. He said the robots save him about $8,000 a month on labor, but he estimates about 20 percent of his milk check goes toward paying off loans for the equipment. Wisconsin Farmers Union Director of Special Projects Sarah Lloyd and her husband, Nels Nelson, milk 350 cows on their dairy farm outside of the Wisconsin Dells. She said the investment also can depend how long farmers plan stay in the industry. As milk prices enter a fourth down year, more farmers are leaving the industry. Because the prices are so low and there doesnt seem like a light at the end of the tunnel, I think thats a new hindrance for people moving into this technology, Lloyd said. In 2018, the state lost a record-breaking 638 dairy farms. Close to 500 dairy farms closed shop in 2017. Recent data from the Wisconsin Department of Economic Trade and Consumer Protection shows there are 8,163 milk cow herds left in Wisconsin as of December 2018. For some farms investing in such equipment is only a dream or a long term-goal until the markets improve. Michael Turner, the fourth generation of his 100-milk cow dairy farm north of north of Baraboo recently purchased the farm last year. While he said the long-term plan is to invest in constructing a new freestyle barn with two automatic milking robots, the purchase will have to wait until he pays off loans from the farm purchase, other equipment and supplies. Such a big purchase isnt for every farmer, Nolden said. He said farmers have to analyze their goals for their farm to determine if it is the right investment. Lloyd said the biggest solution in addressing the investment in technology or hired labor is a better milk price for farmers, allowing them to pay a competitive wage and earn a living. We need as an industry to come together and really talk about what would be some solutions to find a consistent workforce, Lloyd said. We cant really talk about solving some of these other issues and allowing farmers to have choices in their businesses about would they rather use human labor or invest in technology. They really dont even have those choices right now because the milk price is so low. Follow Erica Dynes on Twitter @EDynes_CapNews or contact her at 608-393-5346. CAMBRIA A 25-year-old rural Pardeeville man died early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle rollover crash Columbia Countys first traffic fatality for 2019. Officials of the Columbia County Sheriffs Office have identified the victim as Brauke A. Andrus. Sheriff Roger Brandner said Andrus was alone in the pickup truck he was driving when the rollover occurred. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Authorities were notified at about 6:09 a.m. of a possible rollover at Columbia County Highway B and Kuehn Road in the town of Springvale, south of Cambria. Deputies said Andrus was ejected from the vehicle, and officials of the Columbia County Medical Examiners Office pronounced him dead at the scene. Brandner said an investigation into the rollover is continuing, but initial investigation indicates that speed, safety equipment and alcohol all were likely factors. Although the National Weather Service had warned of spotty incidents of freezing rain and black ice, Brandner said weather did not appear to have played a role in this crash. In addition to the medical examiners office, other agencies that assisted at the scene included the Cambria Fire Department, Cambria Emergency Medical Service, Wisconsin State Patrol and Blystones Towing. Follow Lyn Jerde on Twitter @LynJerde or contact her at 608-745-3587. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Gov. Tony Evers plans to provide a pathway for the legalization of medical marijuana in his state budget and said he supports eventual full legalization. Evers, speaking Tuesday to the Wisconsin Technology Council, said he plans to include a first step toward medical use in his upcoming budget and wants to explore ways to legalize recreational use that favor entrepreneurs and small businesses. At the end of the day, do I favor legalization? Yes. Evers said. So we will likely have in our budget a first step around medical marijuana. If a bill fully legalizing recreational marijuana were presented to him, Evers said, I personally would sign that bill. Meanwhile, Attorney General Josh Kaul told a Milwaukee TV station he is open to allowing medical marijuana and will advocate for it with the Legislature. Evers, as hes done on the campaign trail, said Tuesday he would support an advisory referendum to determine whether Wisconsinites approve legalizing marijuana in full. Such a referendum would not have the force of law. Wisconsin does not allow voters to enact their own laws, as other states such as California do, without the Legislature approving it first through a bill. According to court documents, the accident occurred at 5:16 a.m. when Davis and two others stopped to assist at an accident. Davis had parked her car in the left lane and walked into the median. Kelm was traveling in the same direction behind another vehicle, which switched to the right lane. Kelm said to avoid a collision, he veered into the median, where his vehicle struck and killed Davis. Kelm remained on the scene and contacted 911. Deputies did not notice any signs of impairment. Kelm declined a blood draw and indicated he had smoked marijuana the previous night, according to memorandum from the district attorney. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Kelm eventually was cited for driving while intoxicated, but was found not guilty of that offense by a jury on Aug. 8, 2018. Klomberg said the acquittal did not preclude criminal charges against Kelm in the case, given that he originally faced only a citation and not charges. (TNS) Even as much of the world seems done with cryptocurrency , central Washingtons bitcoin boomtown is doubling down.In Douglas County, where easy access to cheap hydropower sparked a cryptocurrency boom in 2017 followed by a collapse in 2018 local officials are betting that the high-speed computers and the complex blockchain technology that drove those digital currencies could now launch another, less volatile industry.To accelerate that next phase, the county wants to build a blockchain innovation campus, where researchers could develop new uses for the esoteric, computer-intensive technology and, ideally, position this rural community for a share of industry when it arrives.There is more to the [cryptocurrency] story than the boom and the bust, says Lisa Parks, executive director of the Port of Douglas County, which hopes to locate the campus on an old industrial site in the city of Rock Island, on the Columbia River.The blockchain was conceived as a tool to allow secure financial transactions without banks or other intermediaries. But the blockchain concept, in which transactions are processed and recorded on multiple computers across a decentralized network, can work for any data-rich interaction.Over the next decade, advocates say, blockchain will revolutionize everything from grocery supply lines to real estate contracts to self-driving cars.But launching that revolution will take an intensive research and development effort one that Central Washington, with its cheap power and, thanks to the bitcoin boom, a huge pool of high-speed computing capacity and cryptocurrency expertise, is well-positioned to host.We have some unique assets that make our region appealing to that industry, Parks says of the nascent blockchain sector. Lets figure out a way to capitalize on it.Douglas Countys proposed innovation campus idea is part of a broader effort by Central Washington to cope with aftermath of the cryptocurrency boom, which swept through Douglas, Chelan, and Grant counties beginning in 2014.The catalyst was cheap power, generated by the regions five big hydroelectric dams. The trillions of computer calculations necessary to produce bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies consume massive amounts of electricity.Through 2017, as cryptocurrency prices soared (bitcoin went from $1,000 to nearly $20,000), cryptocurrency miners and investors from as far away as China requested thousands of megawatts of power from the three counties public utility districts. A megawatt is enough to power anywhere from 125 to 400 Central Washington homes, depending on time of year.By early 2018, a collapse in cryptocurrency prices took the air out of the Central Washington bitcoin boom.But well before then, residents and local officials had pushed back against the industrys load on local power systems . Utility officials, concerned about committing so much power to an unproven, volatile industry, began to roll out a range of restrictions on miners.In Chelan and Grant counties, utilities officials eventually hiked the price of power for new miners. The new rates are so high, some industry players say, that they effectively have halted expansion of mining. In Grant County, for example, total power requests by prospective miners has fallen from around 1,500 megawatts as of last August to just 313.5 megawatts today, according to Grant PUD spokesman Ryan Holterhoff.But Douglas County has charted a different course. In addition to efforts to host a bold new blockchain industry, the county continues to encourage the old one cryptocurrency mining.The Douglas County Public Utility Districts rate increase for new miners, for example, wasnt nearly as sharp as in Chelan and Grant counties. As a result, while power requests have declined, Douglas County continues to see new mining operations.In November, Bitmain, a large Chinese-based cryptocurrency company, opened a $20 million mine in Douglas County near the town of East Wenatchee. The mine, which features around 8,000 individual computers housed in five warehouses, will use 12 megawatts of electricity, according to the utility, or enough to power anywhere from 1,500 to 4,800 homes.Douglas County is even trying to resuscitate a defunct mining operation that has become a local symbol of the bitcoin boom and bust.The failed venture, which was launched by cryptocurrency pioneer GigaWatt, stalled last year after the company ran into construction delays and other problems and declared bankruptcy . Since then, the Port of Douglas County, which owns the GigaWatt site, has been talking with several competing investor groups about plans to use the facilities for mining, but also for other applications, such as cloud-based data analytics and artificial intelligence, that can use the same kind of compact, high-speed speed computing.One of those investor groups, Texas-based Red Team Investments, also hopes to be involved in the innovation campus in nearby Rock Island.Douglas Countys continued embrace of cryptocurrency might seem like an overly risky move for a community that arguably has been burned by bitcoin.Gigawatt, for example, owed the Douglas County Public Utility District more than $310,000, according to its bankruptcy filing. The Port of Douglas County is on the hook for more than $50,000, Parks says.But Douglas County officials see their crypto-friendly stance as a way for this less-than-prosperous rural community to leverage its one big assetcheap powerto create a high-wage, data-driven industry.Parks points to nearby Quincy, where the rise of massive data centers for Microsoft and other tech firms have brought not only jobs but a massive increase in sales and property taxes.Douglas Countys crypto-optimism is shared by the state Department of Commerce, which regards cryptocurrency mining as a potential way to diversify rural economies. The departments manager for business development, Evan Wendlandt, called the new Bitmain mine a big win for the county. The state agency is also supporting the innovation campus with a $50,000 grant.More broadly, says Parks, the existing cryptocurrency sector is what is fueling the next blockchain interation. The reason that Douglas County now has a high-speed computing sector in the first place, Parks says, is in large part because bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining pushed it in that direction.Malachi Salcido, another local mining pioneer, says the local bitcoin sector, for all its volatility, has been key to attracting the capital and talent necessary for the industrys next phase. But because that next phase may take years to fully emerge, its crucial local officials and residents alike dont fixate on short-term price volatility, he says. Whats happening in the [cryptocurrency] market right now is simply speculation, Salcido says. My message is, dont throw the baby out with the bathwater. One of Wisconsins legacy retailers said Wednesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and will close 38 more locations, including both of its Madison stores. Shopko, based in the Green Bay area with 360 stores in 26 states, including a large presence in Wisconsin, said it is restructuring as a result of excess debt and ongoing competitive pressures. The company, with three stores in Dane County and dozens across the state, many in smaller communities, has obtained $480 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help fund and protect its operations through the Chapter 11 process. The money will be used to pay suppliers, vendors and other business partners. The bankruptcy was filed Wednesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the District of Nebraska. This decision is a difficult but necessary one, Russ Steinhorst, Shopkos CEO, said in a statement posted on the companys website. In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that by operating a smaller and more focused store footprint, we will be able to build a stronger Shopko that will better serve our customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders through this process. Shopko, which was purchased by Sun Capital Partners, a private equity group in 2005, announced late last year the closing of 39 stores in 19 states by the end of this February, including a store in Mauston that opened in 2015. Last week the company added six more Wisconsin stores to the closure list. They are in Appleton, Grafton, La Crosse, Menasha, Seymour and Sussex. On Wednesday, Shopko added 10 more stores in Wisconsin to the closing list, including the Shopko on Mineral Point Road at West Towne Mall and the Shopko on Zeier Road on Madisons East Side. Other Wisconsin stores that will close are in Green Bay, Manitowoc, West Bend, Stevens Point, Plover and Neenah, along with Shopko Express stores in Appleton and the Outagamie County town of Buchanon east of Appleton. The closings will leave just the Shopko store at South Towne Mall in Monona as the lone Shopko store in Dane County. The Shopko just off Aberg Avenue on Madisons North Side closed in 2014. Im not at all surprised theyre closing their full line stores in cities where there are Walmart, Targets and Kohls, said Jerry OBrien, executive director of the Kohls Center for Retailing at UW-Madison. I think they had a difficult time differentiating. Shopko also has other stores throughout southern Wisconsin in communities like Watertown, Beaver Dam, Janesville, Monroe and Fort Atkinson, but the Madison stores found themselves surrounded by highly competitive national retailers. For the West Towne store, which opened in 1981 when there was farmland next to the store, a Walmart and Sams Club opened across the Beltline in 1988. The Kohls at West Towne opened in 1995 in the 89,000-square-foot former Prange Way building, while Target added a store on Junction Road in 1996 and at Hilldale Shopping Center in 2011. Employees in demand Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Both Madison Shopko stores are scheduled to close by April 15. It was not immediately known how many employees would be affected by the closures. However, OBrien, who just returned from a conference of the National Retail Federation where he learned there are 900,000 retail positions waiting to be filled nationally, said those who lose their jobs should have a relatively easy time in finding work. Its always sad for the people that work there. They have longtime employees, OBrien said. Theyll be snatched up. Theres a huge shortage. In addition to closing stores, Shopko has been selling its pharmacy operations and has its headquarters building in Ashwaubenon for sale for $24.3 million, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Just days after Kroger announced it was buying the records of over three dozen Shopko pharmacies, Iowa-based Hy-Vee announced on Dec. 14 that it had purchased the records from another 22 Shopko pharmacies. The Hy-Vee deal was for pharmacies in 17 cities, but the only Wisconsin store on the list was the Shopko Pharmacy on Mineral Point Road. The rest were in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company, with 76 locations in Wisconsin, also announced on Wednesday that it will relocate over 20 optical centers to free-standing locations and conduct an auction for its remaining pharmacy business. Shifting strategies Shopko also has a store in Columbus that opened in 2012 as part of the companys Shopko Hometown concept, stores that are about 35,000 square feet compared to the traditional stores, like those in Madison, that range in size from 85,000 to 100,000 square feet. The Shopko Hometown stores have been built in smaller communities that, in the past, have been bypassed by Shopko and had been largely ignored by Walmart, Target, Kohls and Kmart but have been a magnet for the likes of Dollar General and Dollar Store. Theyre in small, underserved communities, said Paul Jones, who was Shopkos president and CEO at the time. We felt there was a void in these smaller markets for general merchandise retail and pharmacy services. The Hometown concept also has been incorporated into Pamida stores, a discount retailer purchased by Shopko in 1999 and operated as a separate division until 2012 when the two companies merged. One of those converted stores is in Reedsburg. Shopko was founded by pharmacist James Ruben in Green Bay in 1962. By 1971, Shopko had 10 stores. By 1981, it had opened its 30th store, located on Madisons Far West Side. Shopko now has 126 larger-format stores, 234 HomeTown locations, five Shopko Express Rx stores, six Shopko Pharmacy locations and four Shopko optical stores. The closing of the Shopko at West Towne creates another large retail void at the sprawling property. In the last year, the 140,000-square-foot Boston Store closed, the Sears store, which had been cut in half to make way for a Dave & Busters and Total Wine & More, was shuttered, followed by the closing of the 55,000-square-foot Toys R Us store in May. In addition, the Apple Store, known for its high customer traffic, relocated in 2017 to Hilldale Shopping Center. It is a ton of space, OBrien said of the vacant and soon-to-be vacant spots at West Towne. Its not atypical of malls across the country. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. It isnt that I, like a member of the clergy, am revered and upstanding and loath to make off-color remarks. Its that newspaper columnists, like pastors, are thought to work only one day a week. Ministers are best known for their work on Saturdays or Sundays, depending on their theological stripe. Thats the big day, the big show. The same goes for the writers of weekly humor columns read by upward of nine people. Every now and then, on an unlikely occasion when I encounter a member of this small group, Im asked, I read your column every Wednesday. What do you do the rest of the week? I imagine pastors hear the same thing. Unless you serve on the church council or sing in the choir or were elected the trustee in charge of unclogging toilets at the parsonage, you might not see your minister outside Sunday services. You might think, That looks like a pretty sweet gig, working one hour a week. Ah, but theres more to that job than the Sunday sermon, just as believe it or not theres more to mine than chronicling the latest misadventures of the worlds stupid criminals. Pastors counsel troubled members of their congregations. They minister to shut-ins. They officiate funerals and weddings. Locally, Erickson noted the county seat is better served than some other areas of the county. When you get into the more rural areas, thats where it starts to get difficult, she said. Seventeen internet providers serve Baraboo. Ninety percent of consumers have access to CenturyLink, while 82 percent have access to Charter Spectrum. Charter has the fastest download speed at 71 megabits per second. CenturyLinks download speed is 24 megabits per second. Both are slower than the national average of nearly 99 megabits per second. A 2015 UW-Extension study found a lack of infrastructure has limited Sauk County residents internet access. Erickson said private providers wont serve sparsely populated areas because doing so isnt profitable. When government entities started dabbling in delivering internet service to remote areas a decade ago, the state Legislature enacted controls. The few local governments that entered the marketplace saw those efforts fail, and their assets sold to private companies. In more recent years lawmakers have supported funneling millions of dollars into broadband expansion. It almost becomes a public sector opportunity, Erickson said. If the private sector cant make money, they arent going to step in. They need to have that population density to move into those areas. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Roll-call votes on two resolutions one authorizing the bonds and the other allowing a referendum election passed unanimously Monday by the full board. Sean McNevin, school board treasurer, lamented the timing for a project of this scope. By bringing the question to voters in spring, detailed planning which can only start if approval is given will take the whole summer, he said. Construction then would last through two more summers. So it will seem very long and laborious to the public, he said, but its because they dont see anything going on that first year. Not to say some things cant happen and (we) cant get after some issues, but theres a lot to go through. At almost twice the cost of the high schools recent renovation, the middle school work is larger in scope and would have more of an impact on the school day, McNevin said. Clearly, the main objective is to maintain the integrity of the educational environment that weve got and that everybody feels safe and secure and can roll on without too much disruption, but we also know that it happens, he said. The high school underwent an expansion and renovation starting in May 2017 that finished last summer after a $22 million referendum was passed in November 2016. Work remaining at the high school includes updating the agriculture science space and adding a new gym. Those projects are estimated to cost $18.25 million. Follow Susan Endres on Twitter @EndresSusan or call her at 745-3506. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. WASHINGTON One useful development has come out of this pointless shutdown: It has revealed how little Republican politicians actually care about many of the principles they claim to champion. Eliminating waste, fraud and abuse? Youd never know this mattered, given their insistence that Democrats agree to spend only $5 billion on a wall that is a non-solution to a non-problem. Valuing freedom and property rights? Hard to square with proposals to invoke eminent domain to build a border wall and use asset forfeiture money to pay for it (an idea endorsed by the chair of the House Freedom Caucus, no less). But perhaps the biggest swindle revealed by the shutdown is Republican officials commitment to the dignity of work. For years, the GOP has tried to slash the safety net on the premise that lazy Americans need to be weaned off government handouts. The objective is not to punish the poor, they say, or even to save money. Rather, its to imbue dejected Americans with greater feelings of self-worth through an honest paycheck. And yet, with astounding callousness, Republicans have brushed aside the hundreds of thousands of Americans now being denied the dignity of that paycheck thanks to an unnecessary government shutdown. Forced to call down the St. Paul Bomb Squad to handle a suspicious package left near a propane tank at the Dresbach Welcome Center Tuesday, the Winona County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday that the package contained syringes. On the Tuesday morning, a service worker visited the center to fill the 1,000-gallon tank and upon walking around the tank, found a duct-taped package with what appeared to be a string or wire attached, according to Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Several Winona deputies responded to the scene, as well as two investigators and representatives from the departments Emergency Management service. Employees from the Minnesota Department of Transportation shut down the ramp to the center off of the interstate, Ganrude said, and individuals from the State Patrol, Department of Natural Resources, La Crescent Fire Department and an ambulance company were also present, as well as a bomb dog from Rochester that was ultimately not sent onto the scene. The St. Paul Bomb Squad X-rayed the package to determine its contents and found syringes inside. Ganrude said the sheriffs office will review video footage to attempt to identify a suspect, who could potentially be charged with illegal disposal of waste. Responders left the scene around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 This decision is a difficult, but necessary one, Russ Steinhorst, Shopkos CEO said in a news released posted on the companys website. In a challenging retail environment, we have had to make some very tough choices, but we are confident that by operating a smaller and more focused store footprint, we will be able to build a stronger Shopko that will better serve our customers, vendors, employees and other stakeholders through this process. Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}} Shopko announced late last year the closing of 39 stores in 19 states by the end of this February. Last week the company added six more Wisconsin stores to the closure list in Appleton, Grafton, La Crosses North Side, Menasha, Seymour and Sussex. In addition to closing stores, Shopko has also been selling its pharmacy operations and has its headquarters building in Ashwaubenon for sale for $24.3 million, according to the Green Bay Press-Gazette. The company also announced on Wednesday that it will relocate over 20 optical centers to freestanding locations and and conducting an auction for its remaining pharmacy business. However, the company said that based on the performance of its four, free-standing optical centers, it plans to expand that arm of the business by opening additional freestanding Optical locations this year. Part of our coordinated effort to reduce risk includes responsibly managing carcass disposal, said Lou Cornicelli, wildlife research manager. Among other rules, centerfire rifles are not allowed and blaze orange is required. A limited number of special permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis for Great River Bluffs State Park, which includes Kings and Queens Bluffs Scientific and Natural Area. There is no fee for these permits, and hunters can obtain the permits online or wherever hunting licenses are sold. During the hunt, the DNR will close the state park except to permitted hunters during the designated special hunt times. Hunters must possess a hunting permit for the park, a disease management tag and a valid state park pass to hunt in Great River Bluffs State Park, and must comply with all other park regulations. It will be a regular firearms hunt inside park boundaries; no crossbows are allowed. Private land makes up most of the area within the hunt area and hunters must have landowner permission to hunt that land. Public lands including the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will be open during the regular season are open during the special hunts. Interactive maps providing details about public lands are available on the DNRs website. Additional details about the hunt, including hunt rules and considerations, station locations for CWD sampling, a map of the hunt area, and information about the DNRs efforts to keep Minnesota wild deer healthy can be found on the DNRs website at mndnr.gov/cwd. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 6 WASHINGTON - A grand Washington ritual became a potential casualty of the partial government shutdown Wednesday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked President Donald Trump to postpone his Jan. 29 State of the Union speech. She cited concerns about whether the hobbled government can provide adequate security, but Republicans cast her move as a ploy to deny Trump the stage. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders talks with reporters outside the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci) WASHINGTON - A grand Washington ritual became a potential casualty of the partial government shutdown Wednesday as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asked President Donald Trump to postpone his Jan. 29 State of the Union speech. She cited concerns about whether the hobbled government can provide adequate security, but Republicans cast her move as a ploy to deny Trump the stage. In a letter to Trump, Pelosi said that with both the Secret Service and the Homeland Security Department entangled in the shutdown, the president should speak to Congress another time or he should deliver the address in writing. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen denied anyone's safety is compromised, saying both agencies "are fully prepared to support and secure the State of the Union." Trump did not immediately respond to the request and the White House, thrown off guard by the move, had yet to offer any official response hours later. But GOP allies accused Pelosi of playing politics, with Republican Rep. Steve Scalise tweeting that Democrats are "only interested in obstructing @realDonaldTrump, not governing." Pelosi, who issued the customary invitation to Trump weeks ago, hit the president in a vulnerable place, as he delights in taking his message to the public and has been preparing for the address for weeks. The uncertainty surrounding the speech also underscored the unraveling of ceremonial norms and niceties in Trump's Washington, with the shutdown in its fourth week, the White House and Democrats in a stalemate and the impasse draining the finances of hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., center, walks through the halls of the Capitol Building in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Pelosi left unclear what would happen if Trump insisted on coming despite the welcome mat being pulled away. It takes a joint resolution of the House and Congress to extend the official invitation and set the stage. "We'll have to have a security evaluation, but that would mean diverting resources," she told reporters when asked how she would respond if Trump still intended to come. "I don't know how that could happen." Pressure on Trump intensified on the 26th day of the shutdown, as lawmakers from both parties scrambled for solutions. At the White House, Trump met a bipartisan group of lawmakers, as well as a group of Republican senators, but progress appeared elusive. While his own advisers said the shutdown was proving a greater drag on the economy than expected, Trump showed no signs of backing off a fight that he views as vital for his core supporters. On Wednesday, Trump signed legislation into law affirming that the roughly 800,000 federal workers who have been going without pay will ultimately be compensated for their lost wages. That was the practice in the past. As he weighs a response to Pelosi, Trump could not go forward with a State of the Union address in Congress without her blessing. Donald Ritchie, former historian of the Senate, said that anytime a president comes to speak, it must be at the request of Congress. Trump could opt to deliver a speech somewhere else, like the Oval Office, but it would not have the same ritualistic heft. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., center, speaks to reporters as she leaves an event with furloughed federal workers amid the partial government shutdown, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik) Democratic leaders did not ask the Secret Service if the agency would be able to secure the State of the Union event before sending the letter, according to a senior Homeland Security official, who was not authorized to speak publicly. Pelosi's office said Congress is already familiar with the percentage of Secret Service and Homeland Security employees who have been furloughed and working without pay. The Secret Service starts preparing for events like these months in advance. Lawmakers struggled to find a way out of the shutdown Wednesday. Trump is demanding $5.7 billion to build a wall along the Mexican border that he says is needed on humanitarian and security grounds. But Pelosi is refusing money for the wall she views as ineffective and immoral and Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened. Some expressed little optimism. Sen. Lindsay Graham, a South Carolina Republican who has been working on bipartisan strategies, declared glumly: "I am running out of ideas." Trump met a bipartisan group of lawmakers Wednesday that included seven Democrats. Two people who attended the White House meeting agreed it was "productive," but could not say to what extent Trump was listening or moved by the conversation. The people, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the event candidly, said it seemed at some points as if people were talking past each other. Lawmakers talked about the shutdown's effect on their constituents and advocated for "border security." Trump and others on-and-off used the term "wall." It was not clear if progress had been made, by those accounts. Meanwhile a group of Republican senators headed to the White House later Wednesday. Many Republicans were unwilling to sign on to a letter led by Graham and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., to re-open the government for three weeks while talks continue. "Does that help the president or does that hurt the president?" asked Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., among those going to the White House. He has not signed the letter. "If the president saw it as a way to be conciliatory, if he thought it would help, then perhaps it's a good idea," he said. "If it's just seen as a weakening of his position, then he probably wouldn't do it." While Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she has signed, others said GOP support was lacking. "They're a little short on the R side," said Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., another leader of the effort. The House and Senate announced they are cancelling next week's planned recess if shutdown continues, which seemed likely. Some Republicans expressed concerns over the impact of the shutdown and who was getting blamed. Said Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc.:"Right now, are you seeing any pressure on Democrats? I think Republicans are getting the lion's share of the pressure." He added: "The president accepted the blame so people are happy to give it to him." For AP's complete coverage of the U.S. government shutdown: https://apnews.com/GovernmentShutdown Associated Press writers Chris Rugaber, Darlene Superville, Matthew Daly, Jonathan Lemire, Alan Fram, Colleen Long, Andrew Taylor, Laurie Kellman, Elana Schor and Ken Sweet contributed to this report Randy Cole, executive director of the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and a former honoree ofTop 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers program, has left the public sector to join a company that plans on finding ways to use blockchain technology to serve government.The move comes after an even decade of public-sector service. After spending 10 years in the private sector, Cole went to work for the state auditor in a technology role before becoming president of the Ohio Controlling Board. At the end of 2014, he took on the executive director position at the Turnpike, and sat on the advisory board of DriveOhio during his time there.All the while, he brought a technology focus and an interest in how emerging technologies autonomous and connected vehicles, smart sensors, blockchain, etc. would impact the government and the people it serves.When I walked in as director [of the Ohio Turnpike] we had heard of self-driving cars, we had heard of the 'Google car,' which is now Waymo, but over the four years we transformed the way we looked at transportation, he said.That included 76 separate technology-focused initiatives to modernize the organization, including upgrading telecommunications and moving from a paper-based timekeeping system to a digital one.And he started learning about a technology called blockchain . The idea first gained ground as the digital ledger system on which cryptocurrencies like bitcoin run, but before long, technologists and public leaders began describing it as a possible tool for business and government Cole is going all-in on that concept.The startup hes joining, Ownum , is based in Cleveland and is slightly mysterious. Its about a year old, employs a team of about 15 people and it plans on using blockchain technology to make government more efficient, according to founder and chairman Bernie Moreno. Maybe itll serve business needs as well.Our first focus is on government; we think thats where we think the low-hanging fruit is, Moreno said.Other than that, he and Cole declined to describe what Ownum has cooking, saying its too early in the companys development for that. Moreno said hes aiming to announce something more concrete in the spring.To Cole, his new position will be all about helping government help people by working more efficiently and effectively.Im very excited about working with a lot of people Ive known in government over the years and look at the problems they have and see if this technology is a fit, he said.He sees several possible areas where blockchain could help. The technology essentially acts as a digital ledger, typically copied and distributed across a network of computers, where transactions and information are recorded through mathematical proofs. The information can be encrypted very important for a lot of data the government works with, such as Social Security numbers and home addresses and uses its natural transparency as a ward against manipulation.Any place where value is being transferred or theres an asset thats being owned or transferred, those types of [activities] are really what blockchain is designed to do, Cole said.The kinds of record-keeping activities government is involved in for example, birth and death certificates, vehicle titles and property deeds are frequently cited as ripe targets for blockchain. Cole thinks that part of what makes the technology so appealing for those uses is its ability to plug into existing software. In government, often systems are unable to talk to each other because they were put in place by vendors using proprietary technology, or because old systems run on obsolete programming languages [Blockchain is] an overlay technology that doesnt have to replace existing enterprise systems, he said.So blockchain might be able to, for example, check multiple databases for records related to a person and look for inconsistencies. Then it could update those databases with the most recent and accurate information, preventing hangups and speeding up processes.Right now, such ideas have had very little time in the sunlight, running in the complex world of day-to-day government operations. But a people are trying to make it happen.Count Cole among them.To me, working from the private sector, I could do more than I could in any individual government position, he said. Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) are a relatively new mechanism for governments to fund social services, but since being introduced they have been controversial, due to higher costs and payments to private investors. Despite funding some well-regarded, evidence-based interventions, SIBs have raised questions among both academics and community stakeholders as to whether private investors should be profiting from these projects, and what benefit government is getting from the higher costs. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) are a relatively new mechanism for governments to fund social services, but since being introduced they have been controversial, due to higher costs and payments to private investors. Despite funding some well-regarded, evidence-based interventions, SIBs have raised questions among both academics and community stakeholders as to whether private investors should be profiting from these projects, and what benefit government is getting from the higher costs. The province of Manitoba recently announced its first SIB project, Restoring the Sacred Bond, to be delivered in partnership with the Southern First Nations Network of Care. The two-year project will target 200 Indigenous mothers who have been identified as at-risk of having their newborns taken into care by child-welfare authorities. The mothers will be provided with supports from Wiijiiidiwag Ikwewag, also known as the Manitoba Indigenous Doula Initiative. Mothers will be paired with doulas, women trained to provide pre- and post-natal non-medical care, who will also provide exposure to traditional Indigenous cultural practices related to parenthood and birth. The doulas will also help mothers plan and set goals, connect with family members, health-care providers and other social and community services, as well as helping mothers navigate interactions with Child and Family Services. More than 100 impact bond projects have been launched worldwide, and more than a dozen of those are in the area of child and family welfare. SIBs are a form of partial privatization, in which private investors finance social programs until they meet targeted objectives. If the SIB hits its targets, investors are repaid by government at some predetermined rate of return. The government of Manitoba has committed up to $3 million for investors in its project. In an SIB, the government also generally relinquishes control over the specifics of how service is delivered, with a lead private-sector partner being responsible for hiring service providers and determining the interventions that will take place. SIBs are more expensive to deliver than conventionally procured social services, partially because of the often high rate of return paid to investors. While the expected rate in the Manitoba project of 4.1 per cent is modest relative to many other SIB projects, this is still above the cost of direct government financing. SIBs are also more expensive due to the complex agreements and negotiations involved, often requiring the hiring of specialist external expertise. This means under an SIB, proportionally more money goes to lawyers and consultants, and less to front-line service delivery. In Manitoba, for example, the government has hired an out-of-province consultant, the non-profit MaRS Centre for Impact Investing, to lead its SIB initiative. MaRS has no particular expertise in child welfare, but was hired due to its experience with SIBs. The higher costs under an SIB are often justified by proponents because government transfers risk to the private sector and only pays when targets are achieved. Since the programs are preventive and will save government money in the future if successful, its a "win-win" scenario for government. SIBs are also claimed to support innovative experimental projects that may be deemed too risky for government to fund directly. Neither of these claims regarding risk appears to be holding up in practice. With a few early exceptions, SIBs seem to be meeting their targets and repaying investors. SIBs also generally use program interventions with a demonstrated track record of success, often based on earlier public investment. For example, Wiijiiidiwag Ikwewag was a pilot project of the Winnipeg Boldness Project, the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba and Mount Carmel Clinic, all government-funded organizations (First Nation or provincially). SIBs have also been controversial because of the incentives they introduce. For example, some non-profit service agencies under SIBs have reported pressure from investors to make changes to their programs that would reduce overall service quality for clients, but help meet narrow SIB targets. Multiple SIBs have also been accused of selecting families that were already likely to succeed without additional support, making it easy to hit targets and for investors to be repaid. Some of these problems can be managed by investing more resources in contract negotiation and project design. For example, the selection problem can be ameliorated by forming and tracking a comparable "control group" that is denied access to the intervention. This, however, raises ethical concerns by keeping proven services from a vulnerable population that could benefit. In general, the jury is still out on SIBs. SIBs are more expensive, and after eight years of piloting the model internationally, there is still no evidence to show they are more effective than traditional government funding models. Given the provincial context of fiscal restraint and funding cuts to health and social service programs, the provincial government should clarify the opportunity cost of pursuing its SIB agenda. While there is a strong value-for-money case to fund prevention-focused programming, the government should disclose how many families could have been served if it had funded the program directly, and what value it is getting for the extra cost. Jesse Hajer is a faculty member in the department of economics and labour studies at the University of Manitoba, and a research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba. Manitoba's nearly 3,000 doctors will have to do their part to help the province overcome a stubbornly high operating deficit, Health Minister Cameron Friesen says. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Manitoba's nearly 3,000 doctors will have to do their part to help the province overcome a stubbornly high operating deficit, Health Minister Cameron Friesen says. A four-year contract between the province and Doctors Manitoba, the physicians' bargaining agent, is set to expire March 31. Friesen told the Free Press Tuesday doctors will be expected to abide by a government policy that all public-sector workers undergo pay freezes for two years, followed by increases no greater than 0.75 per cent in the third year and one per cent in Year 4 of any collective agreement. The legislative assembly passed Bill 28 to implement the government's public-sector pay regime in 2017. Doctors were included within the provisions of the bill. But the Progressive Conservatives have yet to proclaim it, so it is not yet law. A coalition of 25 labour unions not including Doctors Manitoba is fighting the bill in the courts. A hearing is set to begin in November. "Clearly, Manitobans understand that we cannot sustain a half-billion (dollar) deficit. Theres no confidence in a system that does that. So well continue down this path because its the right one for all Manitobans," Friesen said. "Doctors know full well that they are not exempt from these provisions." The government is looking forward to "respectful engagements with Doctors Manitoba" in the coming months, he added. Theresa Oswald, chief executive officer of Doctors Manitoba, refused to comment on the minister's remarks. This year promises to be an eventful one in public-sector bargaining. The more than 12,000 nurses represented by the Manitoba Nurses Union have been working without a contract since March 2017. The MNU says talks have yet to begin. Contract talks with thousands of health-care workers are stalled because the province is in the process of forcing unions to reduce the number of collective bargaining units within the system. Meanwhile, the contract between the province and its civil servants, represented by the Manitoba Government and General Employees Union, expires March 29. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca The Winnipeg Foundation has made city hall an offer it hopes the mayor and councillors cannot refuse. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Winnipeg Foundation has made city hall an offer it hopes the mayor and councillors cannot refuse. Fast approaching its centennial-year celebrations, the foundation has offered the City of Winnipeg up to $5 million to push two intriguing plans up its priority list of capital projects. One is the construction of a bike-pedestrian bridge over the Assiniboine River near Osborne Street, in an effort to provide a safer, dedicated route for people not taking cars downtown to connect to the Active Transportation Network. The other is the rehabilitation of the former Carnegie Library on William Avenue, the former home of the city archives. The Winnipeg Foundation is donating $5 million to the city with the intent to kick-start two projects the foundation supports: refurbishing the Carnegie Library on William Avenue and an active-transportation bridge across the Assiniboine River south of the legislature. (Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press) The price tag for the two projects is estimated at roughly $24 million, meaning the foundation's contribution would translate into about 20 per cent of total costs. It's a generous offer from an institution that has proven itself time and time again to be a force for good in the city, particularly the downtown. However, the Winnipeg Foundation's proposal is, in some ways, a bit of a wild card for Mayor Brian Bowman and city council at a time when they have more than a few fiscal wild cards to deal with. Bowman said Tuesday the city will delay the release of its 2019 operating budget in the hopes of getting more information from the province on its grants. The unwillingness of the province to provide details is certainly causing council some sleepless nights. 'We're not going to lobby the city. If (council) does not want to take us up on this offer, then we'll move on and do other things' Rick Frost, CEO of the Winnipeg Foundation That said, a monetary contribution from a private charity to city infrastructure is hardly unprecedented. The city archives building was constructed as a public library in 1905 with a $75,000 grant from American industrialist Andrew Carnegie. (Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press) The foundation has contributed to more than a dozen high-profile public amenities, including the Forks Market, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Old Market Square, Central Park, Paterson GlobalFoods Institute at Red River College's Exchange District campus, Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, and the Winnipeg Art Gallery's Inuit Art Centre (now under construction on Memorial Boulevard). Most recently, the Winnipeg Foundation (a public charitable organization established in 1921) provided a $1-million contribution to build a scenic lookout as part of the $10-million promenade along Tache Avenue in St. Boniface. However, it is unusual for a charity to approach council with a request it reprioritize the five-year capital plan. The city is currently focused on basic, core infrastructure. Council is already spending more than $100 million annually on roads. Add to that enormous road-related projects such as the Waverley Street rail underpass and the Chief Peguis Trail extension, and you can see how the gross majority of the available money is focused on repairs and improvements to the hard surfaces motor vehicles travel every day. Two of three ideas for the proposed bridge: a suspension bridge, a girder-style bridge and a stayed-style bridge (not shown). (WSP rendering) The girder-style bridge. (WSP rendering) Meanwhile, efforts to get money for more progressive projects have been met with mixed results. The last council did, to its credit, carve out significant sums to support the still-evolving Active Transportation Network's dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian paths. However, veteran councillors have, at times, shown a limited appetite for projects that stray from the narrow band of core infrastructure. That was certainly part of the motivation behind successful efforts to stop the redevelopment of the Portage Avenue and Main Street intersection so it could be reopened to pedestrians. A number of arguments drove the 'no' side of the 2018 plebiscite campaign. However, the core argument was tax money should be focused on roads, not wasted on what was described as a "pet project" of Bowman and the downtown professionals who spearheaded the 'yes' campaign. Where does that leave projects such the pedestrian-bike bridge and the city archives? Rick Frost, chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Foundation, said he is well-aware there are no immediate plans to start work on either. The archives are languishing in temporary warehouses, while community consultation on the bridge design is still underway. However, Frost said there will be no political efforts made to convince council to get behind the plan to move up civic funding for both projects. Rather, the foundation will ask council to assess whether a contribution of $5 million is attractive enough to reshuffle the capital projects deck. A dedicated cyclist-pedestrian bridge over the Assiniboine River near Osborne Street would alleviate bike traffic on the busy Osborne bridge and provide a more direct route between Osborne Village and downtown. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press) If council balks, he said, the foundation is prepared to stand down its offer. "We're not going to lobby the city. If (council) does not want to take us up on this offer, then we'll move on and do other things." Council does have several strong motivations to take the offer. Both of the projects identified by the foundation are, in fact, part of the long-term capital plans. And there just isn't enough money in the capital budget to keep feeding the insatiable political desire to fix roads and provide modern public amenities. Just ask the folks in St. Boniface, who have watched the Notre Dame Arena shut down from a lack of funding to replace its ice plant. The city has worked with the foundation before, and the results have been spectacular. The list of assets and amenities that involved public and philanthropic money is testament enough to the value this relationship has for taxpayers. Let's hope councillors see the value in the foundation's gesture, and put aside petty concerns about non-road-related infrastructure projects. In local government, as is the case in life, looking gift horses in the mouth is rarely a winning strategy. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca As the country grapples with a veterinarian shortage, the province is considering decreasing its contribution to a Saskatchewan-based veterinary school that trains 15 Manitoba students each year. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As the country grapples with a veterinarian shortage, the province is considering decreasing its contribution to a Saskatchewan-based veterinary school that trains 15 Manitoba students each year. Douglas Freeman, dean of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, said the school has been in discussions with government officials in Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan for about two years, focusing on a new funding arrangement; the current agreement expires after the 2019-20 academic year. Since 1963, the four western provinces have each contributed millions to WCVM, guaranteeing some students from their regions are accepted into the competitive veterinary program. BLOOMBERG FOR THE WASHINGTON POST About 380 veterinarians practising in Manitoba, but there are vacancies in Winnipeg and across Canada. (Darren Hauck for The Washington Post) Manitoba contributes $6 million annually, but is considering clawing back funding that will reduce its numbers, Freeman said. "Manitoba has said that they are considering whether or not to decrease funding to the college, and that translates into fewer seats allotted to students from Manitoba, but it actually impacts the entire operations of the college," he said. "(Manitoba) is in an austerity budget period right now. They are... cutting costs in a lot of areas and so theyre looking very carefully at this agreement." "Manitoba has said that they are considering whether or not to decrease funding to the college, and that translates into fewer seats allotted to students from Manitoba, but it actually impacts the entire operations of the college." Douglas Freeman The college suffered a major financial blow in 2017 when Alberta announced it would be pulling its $8 million in 2020, redirecting its money to the veterinary program at the University of Calgary. Freeman acknowledged Manitoba officials' dissasatisfaction with the province's retention rates for vets, though Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen wouldn't comment on that assertion. "I would say thats not just Manitobas issue, but Saskatchewan and other jurisdictions, as well," Freeman said. "The return rate is one measure of return on investment, but its really a snapshot in time and it shouldnt be the measure for return on investment. If you just look at new graduates returning to Manitoba, its roughly 70 per cent or more, which actually, in many circles, would not be considered bad at all." Dr. Keri Hudson-Reykdal spays a dog on the Chemawawin First Nation Reserve last year. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files) Goertzen said no decisions have been made yet. "We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Saskatchewan to foster a positive relationship, which serves the best interest of our respective citizens," he said in a prepared statement. Dr. Keri Hudson-Reykdal, an Ashern veterinarian and graduate of the program in 2000, said its up to the province to motivate veterinarians to stay in Manitoba. "(The province's) plan, instead of looking for ways to encourage vets to come back, they just want to cut funding because they think that thats somehow going to make it better," she said. "I dont understand." There are about 380 veterinarians practising in Manitoba, but that number is insufficient, she said, pointing to 10 job vacancies in Winnipeg alone. Freeman also mentioned vacancies across Canada. "We need to get more vet students coming out because there is a shortage and were seeing it on a daytoday basis." Keri HudsonReykdal "We need the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. We can't form our own vet college. That would never be something that Manitoba could ever afford to do," Hudson-Reykdal said. "So we need to keep funding the vet college as we have been, or I would say we need to fund it more. We need to get more vet students coming out because there is a shortage and were seeing it on a day-to-day basis." Keystone Agricultural Producers president Bill Campbell said he'd like to see more vets offering improving access for farmers throughout the province. He believes the province should be investing in the profession. "I think the government has an obligation to ensure that higher education is committed to and that we have our local youth be educated and maybe possibly have some sort of back-to-(Manitoba) incentives," he said. jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @_jessbu A Winnipeg police officer has been charged with assault following an Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba probe into allegations he beat a man and left him with permanent hearing damage. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg police officer has been charged with assault following an Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba probe into allegations he beat a man and left him with permanent hearing damage. The IIU the provinces civilian-led police watchdog announced the assault charge against Winnipeg Police Service patrol sergeant Sean Cassidy Tuesday. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Independent Investigation Unit Civilian Director Zane Tessler "determined there are reasonable and probable grounds" to charge Sgt. Sean Cassidy with assault, an IIU press release states. Cassidy is accused of punching and kneeing a 32-year-old victim during the course of an arrest on March 27, 2017 while he was off-duty. It remains unclear why Cassidy was involved in the arrest when not working. The alleged victim was subsequently released without charges and sought medical attention. He claims to have suffered a number of head injuries as a result of the beating, including permanent hearing loss. The WPS first notified the IIU of the assault allegation on April 10, 2018, with the police watchdog choosing to take a monitor role in the case. However, on June 4, 2018, the IIU issued a press release announcing it had taken control of the investigation after it learned the alleged victim may have suffered permanent hearing loss. Under the Police Services Act the legislation governing the IIU hearing loss is defined as a serious injury and therefore triggers an automatic probe by the watchdog. "The IIU has conducted a thorough and independent investigation into the circumstances of the incident, and Civilian Director Zane Tessler has determined there are reasonable and probable grounds to believe a criminal offence occurred," the IIU announced in a press release. Cassidy met with IIU investigators on Monday and was told he would be charged. He is scheduled to appear in Provincial Court in Winnipeg on March 11. WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Friends and family held a vigil for 23-year-old Cody Severight who was struck by a vehicle on Main Street near Sutherland Ave. in 2017. A man who was a police officer at the time faces charges in the death, also laid after an probe by the Independent Investigation Unit. This is only the third time a member of the Winnipeg Police Service has faced a criminal charge stemming from an IIU investigation. Justin Holz faces a number of charges stemming from the fatal hit-and-run on Main Street in October 2017 that took the life of 23-year-old Cody Severight. Holz is accused of being impaired behind the wheel at the time of the crash. His case is still before the courts. He is no longer a member of the WPS, although the police force will not say if he was fired or if he resigned. The other WPS officer who has been charged following an IIU probe is Christian Paul Guyot. He was charged with assault after video footage surfaced that appeared to show him striking a 12-year-old boy while responding to a disturbance call at an Inkster Boulevard home in August 2017. He was found not guilty on Sept. 26, 2018 in a controversial case in which the prosecutor introduced no evidence to prove that Guyot was even a member of the WPS, let alone the officer depicted in the video. ryan.thorpe@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @rk_thorpe OTTAWA - The United States has denounced a death sentence imposed on a British Columbia man in China as "politically motivated," adding heft to Ottawa's effort to intensify international pressure on Beijing to spare his life and to release two other detained Canadians. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, gestures during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of Chinese tech giant Huawei is thanking Canada's justice system for the kind treatment of his daughter, the company's chief financial officer arrested last month in Vancouver on a U.S. warrant. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) OTTAWA - The United States has denounced a death sentence imposed on a British Columbia man in China as "politically motivated," adding heft to Ottawa's effort to intensify international pressure on Beijing to spare his life and to release two other detained Canadians. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland conferred Tuesday and "expressed their concerns about the arbitrary detentions and politically motivated sentencing of Canadian nationals," U.S. deputy spokesman Robert Palladino said in a statement Wednesday. Earlier this week, a Chinese court applied the death penalty to Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who was originally sentenced in 2016 to a 15-year term for drug smuggling. The court delivered the new sentence after reconsidering his case. Freeland has asked for clemency for Schellenberg and has called his sentence "inhumane." On Wednesday, a Chinese government spokeswoman brushed aside Canada's intervention request, saying the courts exercise their powers in accordance to the country's laws, free from interference. The developments come after China detained two Canadians on national security grounds in December in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. The Dec. 1 arrest of Meng, the tech giant's chief financial officer, has infuriated Beijing. It has demanded her release, warning Canada of severe consequences if it fails to do so. Diplomatic relations between Ottawa and Beijing have quickly deteriorated since Meng's arrest to the point there are fears they could damage Canada's business relationship with its second-largest trading partner. China and Canada also toughened their respective travel advisories this week, delivering a blow to last year's bilateral effort to boost tourism between the two countries. In this image taken from a video footage run by China's CCTV, Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg attends his retrial at the Dalian Intermediate People's Court in Dalian, northeastern China's Liaoning province on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. A Chinese court sentenced the Canadian man to death Monday in a sudden retrial in a drug smuggling case that is likely to escalate tensions between the countries over the arrest of a top Chinese technology executive. (CCTV via AP) Locked in a dispute with a far bigger country, Canada has worked to rally support from the international community. Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Freeland welcomed the U.S. statement a day after she said she explained the situation to Pompeo. The statement also sought to address Chinese concerns about the circumstances of Meng's arrest by saying Pompeo and Freeland once again discussed Canada's commitment that it would "conduct of a fair, unbiased, and transparent legal proceeding and U.S. extradition request." Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump raised questions about the basis of the American extradition request by musing in an interview with Reuters about interfering in Meng's case if it would help him strike a trade deal with China. Freeland listed a number of allies Canada has called upon to speak out against Schellenberg's death sentence and to support its effort to free Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians imprisoned in China last month. Spavor is an entrepreneur and Kovrig is a Canadian diplomat on leave who is still an employee of Canada's Foreign Affairs Department. "Led by the prime minister, our government has been energetically reaching out to our allies and explaining that the arbitrary detentions of Canadians are not just about Canada they represent a way of behaving which is a threat to all countries," Freeland said after meeting with business leaders in Repentigny, Que., near Montreal. On Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Beijing "isn't worried at all" about facing opposition from the international community, according to an English transcript of her remarks that was published on a Chinese government website. "Actually, you can count by the fingers of your hand the few allies of Canada that chose to side with it on this issue," Hua said. "These several countries can by no means represent the entire international community. For serious crimes posing great harm to the society like drug smuggling, I believe it is the international consensus that such crimes shall be strictly handled and punished." Asked about Hua's comments later Wednesday, Freeland said: "As to the notion that the number of allies Canada has is limited, I would just point to the fact that the EU alone, which has issued a statement, is a union of 28 countries." Later Wednesday, John McCallum, Canada's ambassador to China, said the government has done a "great job" getting allies to rally in support of Canada's position. But he added: "I really think that's just the beginning." "I think we have to engage the senior Chinese leaders and persuade them that what they are doing is not good for China's image in the world, it's not good for the image of corporate China in the world," McCallum said following a presentation, along with five other Canadian envoys, to ministers attending the start of a three-day cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Que. McCallum said "the time will come when it's most appropriate" for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to personally engage with Chinese leaders. For now, he said he's calling on political and business leaders from other countries to raise the matter directly in the course of their dealings with Chinese officials. McCallum said he's doing everything in his power to secure the release of "the two Michaels," who he said are being interrogated for up to four hours a day, and to save the life of Schellenberg. Trudeau has accused China of acting "arbitrarily" by imposing a death sentence on Schellenberg and has vowed that Canada will do all it can to intervene on his behalf. Trudeau has also warned Beijing's actions should be worrisome for all of Canada's international allies. Hua called Trudeau's use of the word arbitrary to describe Schellenberg's trial in China as "highly irresponsible" and said it "lacks the minimal spirit of the rule of law." She was asked several times whether China would accept Canada's request for clemency in the Schellenberg case. "The people's courts and the people's procuratorates shall independently exercise the judicial and procuratorial powers respectively in accordance with the provisions of the law, free from any interference from administrative organs," Hua said. Follow @AndyBlatchford on Twitter LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday to remain in office but saw more of her power ebb away as she battled to keep Brexit on track after lawmakers demolished her European Union divorce deal. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (882 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) LONDON - British Prime Minister Theresa May survived a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday to remain in office but saw more of her power ebb away as she battled to keep Brexit on track after lawmakers demolished her European Union divorce deal. May won a narrow victory, 325 votes to 306 votes, on an opposition motion seeking to topple her government and trigger a general election. Now it's back to Brexit, where May is caught between the rock of her own negotiating red lines and the hard place of a Parliament that wants to force a radical change of course. After defeating the no-confidence motion, May said she would hold talks "in a constructive spirit" with leaders of opposition parties and other lawmakers in a bid to find a way forward for Britain's EU exit. The EU and British flags wave at the demonstrations area near the parliament building in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British lawmakers overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May's divorce deal with the European Union on Tuesday, plunging the Brexit process into chaos and triggering a no-confidence vote that could topple her government. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) She appeared outside her 10 Downing St. residence after meeting the leaders of several smaller parties. The prime minister named the parties in a statement in which she called on opposition politicians in Parliament to "put self-interest aside" and find a consensus on Britain's path out of the EU. Legislators ripped up May's Brexit blueprint Tuesday by rejecting the divorce agreement she has negotiated with the EU over the last two years. That it would lose was widely expected, but the scale of the rout 432 votes to 202, the biggest defeat government defeat in British parliamentary history was devastating for May's leadership and her Brexit deal. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn responded with the no-confidence motion, and urged the government to "do the right thing and resign." May, who leads a fractious government, a divided Parliament and a gridlocked Brexit process, said she was staying put. May said an election "would deepen division when we need unity, it would bring chaos when we need certainty, and it would bring delay when we need to move forward." The government survived Wednesday's vote with support from May's Conservative Party and its Northern Irish ally, the Democratic Unionist Party. Many pro-Brexit Conservatives who voted against May's deal, backed her in the no-confidence vote to avoid an election that could bring a left-wing Labour government to power. Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, speaks during a debate before a no-confidence vote on Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May raised by Corbyn, in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. In a historic defeat for the government Tuesday, Britain's Parliament discarded May's Brexit deal to split from the European Union, and May now faces a parliamentary vote of no-confidence Wednesday. (Jessica Taylor, UK Parliament via AP) Had the government lost, Britain would have faced a snap election within weeks, just before the country is due to leave the European Union on March 29. Political analyst Anand Menon, from the research group U.K. in a Changing Europe, said May had a remarkable ability to soldier on. "The thing about Theresa May is that nothing seems to faze her," he said. "She just keeps on going." May's determination or, as her foes see it, her inflexibility might not be an asset in a situation calling for a change of course. The prime minister has until Monday to come up with a new Brexit plan. Despite May's pledge to seek a broad consensus, there was no sign of an immediate breakthrough. Opposition leaders brought her a laundry list of sometimes conflicting demands. Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn speaks during a debate before a government no-confidence vote in the House of Commons, London, Wednesday Jan. 16, 2019. Prime Minister Theresa May has won a no confidence vote later Wednesday. (Jessica Taylor, UK Parliament via AP) Labour's Corbyn said he would not meet with May until she ruled out a no-deal Brexit. Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon said she needed to keep the option of a second Brexit referendum on the table. More meetings were planned for Thursday. May said she was disappointed Corbyn had not met her yet but added "our door remains open." May insisted that any new Brexit plan must "deliver on the referendum result," which she has long interpreted to mean ending the free movement of workers to Britain from the EU and leaving the EU's single market and customs union. Many lawmakers think a softer departure that retained single market or customs union membership is the only plan capable of winning a majority in Parliament. They fear the alternative is an abrupt "no-deal" withdrawal from the bloc, which businesses and economists fear would cause turmoil. Labour lawmaker Ben Bradshaw accused May of being "in a total state of denial" about how radically her Brexit plan needed to change. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond arrives to Downing Street 11 in London, Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019. British Prime Minister Theresa May's government has survived a no-confidence vote called after May's Brexit deal was overwhelmingly rejected by lawmakers. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Faced with the deadlock, lawmakers from all parties are trying to wrest control of the Brexit process so that Parliament can direct planning for Britain's departure. But with no clear majority in Parliament for any single alternative, there's a growing chance that Britain may seek to postpone its departure date while politicians work on a new plan or even hand the decision back to voters in a new referendum on Britain's EU membership. European leaders are now preparing for the worst, although German Chancellor Angela Merkel said there was still time for further talks. She told reporters in Berlin that "we are now waiting to see what the British prime minister proposes." But her measured remarks contrasted with the blunt message from French President Emmanuel Macron, who told Britons to "figure it out yourselves." He said Britain needed to get realistic about what was possible. "Good luck to the representatives of the nation who have to implement something that doesn't exist," Macron said. EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc was stepping up preparations for a disorderly "no-deal" Brexit after Parliament's actions left Europe "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure. Economists warn that an abrupt break with the EU could batter the British economy and bring chaos at borders, ports and airports. Business groups have expressed alarm at the prospect of a no-deal exit. France's parliament on Wednesday adopted a law allowing for emergency measures, including extra customs officers, to deal with a "no-deal" Brexit. Investors appeared to shrug off both the rejection of May's deal and welcomed the survival of her government. The pound was up against the dollar early Wednesday and rose further after the no-confidence vote to $1.2880. May's deal was doomed by deep opposition from both sides of the divide over the U.K.'s place in Europe. Pro-Brexit lawmakers say the deal will leave Britain bound indefinitely to EU rules, while pro-EU politicians favour an even closer economic relationship with the bloc. The most contentious section was an insurance policy known as the "backstop" designed to prevent the reintroduction of border controls between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member state. Assurances from EU leaders that the backstop is intended as a temporary measure of last resort failed to win over many British lawmakers. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said it was now up to opponents of the backstop "to come up with an alternative solution to honour their commitment to avoiding a hard border." Varadkar said if May's government was willing to shift some of its "red lines" in negotiations such as leaving the customs union and EU single market then the position of EU negotiators would also change. "The onus is on Westminster" to come up with solutions, Varadkar said Raf Casert in Strasbourg, France, Frank Jordans in Berlin, Sylvie Corbet in Paris and Pan Pylas in London, contributed. Follow AP's full coverage of Brexit at: https://www.apnews.com/Brexit Winnipegs Bold Commerce has landed a $22-million investment from two Toronto venture-capital firms that will help accelerate the growth of what is already one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Winnipegs Bold Commerce has landed a $22-million investment from two Toronto venture-capital firms that will help accelerate the growth of what is already one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. The four founders boot-strapped the growth of the company from the basement of one of their homes to a series of locations that it continues to outgrow. Bold has grown alongside Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform. It is now the largest Shopify partner by far, creating more than 20 add-on apps for the Shopify platform, like Product Upsell and Bold Loyalty, that allow merchants to increase their revenue. "We have been talking to investors for three years. We were never in a rush to close anything," said Yvan Boisjoli, the CEO of Bold and one of four co-founders. "It was never really a financial decision. It was about finding the right strategic partners. It took us a while to get here, but we found some great partners. It is pretty exciting." Less than seven years old, Bold has around 275 employees, and Boisjoli said the company expects to add another 200 over the next 18 months. The investments from Whitecap Venture Partners and Round13 Capital is for a minority stake in the company that, reports indicate, is doing close to $20 million in annual revenue. Bold earns monthly recurring revenue from the merchants who use the apps, as well as payment-processing fees. All of its apps are exclusively used on the Shopify platform. One of the expansion initiatives the company will now embark on with the addition of new capital is to introduce the Bold apps onto other e-commerce platforms around the world. "We want to be platform-agnostic," he said. "We have been exclusive to Shopify for a long time, which has been great for both of us, and we have a great relationship with Shopify. But we want to make sure our products are available wherever the merchants need it." Boisjoli said the new capital will also help the company recruit high-end artificial-intelligence developers to assist in building AI functionality into Bolds entire suite of apps that will eventually let people easily shop directly from multiple venues like Instagram or email. Whitecap Venture Partners is the venture arm of the family investment firm founded by Eph Diamond, a founder and original CEO of the Cadillac Fairview Corporation. It has been in the venture-capital business for around 25 years and has made approximately 35 deals over the years. (Whitecap was an early backer of Broadband Networks, the Winnipeg company that was sold to Nortel Networks in 1997 for around $600 million. Broadband was founded by David Graves, who went on to acquire IMRIS, a medical technology company Whitecap also invested in.) Bold Commerce will be the first investment in Whitecap Fund IV, a newly raised venture fund which will be officially launched in a couple of weeks. Carey Diamond, the managing partner of Whitecap, said the firm looks at around 300 deals per year, and on average, closes around two. "Yvan is a great leader, its a tremendous sector and they have proven that they can execute," Diamond said. "When you have those three things together, it makes for a very compelling opportunity." Round13 is a firm founded by Bruce Croxon, the founder of Lavalife and one of the former stars of the Dragons Den television series. It has 10 companies in its portfolio, including one where it has partnered with Whitecap. "We are so excited to be part of this. I think this company is exactly on point when we look to what the future of e-commerce will look like," said Craig Strong, a partner at Round13. He said Round13 is keen on the company broadening its availability to other e-commerce platforms. Although Shopify has become one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the world, there are more than 100 competing platforms in the global market. This is the first outside investment in Bold, not counting the employee stock-ownership plan the company put in place 18 months ago. Both Diamond and Strong noted it is highly unusual for a company to grow as large as Bold it has averaged 75 per cent year-over-year growth the past four years without any third-party investors. "Ive not seen anything close," Strong said. "It is shocking... that these guys have been able to grow the company to the size it is by boot-strapping. You just dont see it." "Its a real testament to what they have achieved," Diamond said. With the infusion of venture-capital investments, the expectation will be for some sort of transaction to allow those investors to get a return on their investment. Boisjoli said he hopes the company can go public in four years, but there is no set timeline. Meanwhile, Bold will still have to deal with the nuts and bolts of its growth. It has already out-grown the 26,000-square-foot space it moved into three years ago and has a number of people working out of another location. Last week, it signed a lease for space in the new Innovation Hub just being completed at the University of Manitobas Smartpark. martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca SHENZHEN, China - The founder of China's Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear to phone and internet companies, says his company would not share secrets about its customers and their communication networks. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Ren Zhengfei, founder and CEO of Huawei, laughs during a round table meeting with the media in Shenzhen city, south China's Guangdong province, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. The founder of network gear and smart phone supplier Huawei Technologies said the tech giant would reject requests from the Chinese government to disclose confidential information about its customers. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu) SHENZHEN, China - The founder of China's Huawei, the world's biggest supplier of network gear to phone and internet companies, says his company would not share secrets about its customers and their communication networks. Ren Zhengfei spoke in a rare meeting with foreign reporters as Huawei Technologies Ltd. tries to protect its access to global telecom carriers that are investing heavily in next-generation technology. His comments were the 74-year-old former military engineer's most direct public response to accusations his company is controlled by the ruling Communist Party or is required to facilitate Chinese spying. Huawei is China's first global tech brand. The United States, Australia, Japan and some other governments have imposed curbs on use of its technology over such concerns. "We would definitely say no to such a request," said Ren when asked how the company would respond to a government demand for confidential information about a foreign buyer of its telecom technology. Ren said neither he nor the company have ever received a government request for "improper information" about anyone. Asked whether Huawei would challenge such an order in court, Ren chuckled and said it would be up to Chinese authorities to "file litigation." Huawei is facing heightened scrutiny as phone carriers prepare to roll out fifth-generation technology in which Huawei is a leading competitor. 5G is designed to support a vast expansion of networks to serve medical devices, self-driving cars and other technology. That increases the cost of potential security failures and has prompted governments increasingly to treat telecoms communications networks as strategic assets. The company's image suffered a new blow last week when Polish authorities announced one of its Chinese employees was arrested on spying charges. Huawei announced it fired the employee and said the allegations had nothing to do with the company. Ren is the father of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested Dec. 1 in Canada on U.S. charges related to possible violations of trade sanctions on Iran. Ren said he couldn't discuss Meng's case while it still was before a court. But he said Huawei obeys the law, including export restrictions, wherever it operates. Ren expressed gratitude to Canadian justice officials for their treatment of Meng, who was released on bail and is staying in a house in Vancouver. He also expressed thanks to her fellow jail inmates prior to her release "for treating her kindly." "After all the evidence is made public, we will rely on the justice system," he said. "We are sure there will be a just conclusion to this matter. Two Canadians were arrested by Chinese authorities on national security charges, prompting suggestions abroad they might be hostages to secure Meng's release. On Monday, a Chinese court announced another Canadian had been sentenced to death in a drug case after he was ordered retried. Asked how he felt that Huawei was linked to accusations Beijing took hostages, Ren said he saw no connection between the Canadians and Meng's case. Dressed in a blue sport coat and an open-necked light blue shirt, Ren was jovial and animated during the two hour and 20 minute meeting. Ren said he became a Communist Party member in the early 1980s after the state press published reports about his development of a measuring tool for an engineering project. Earlier, he couldn't join because his father was deemed a "capitalist roader," but the party was trying to promote young, technologically capable people after the violent, ultra-radical Cultural Revolution in 1976. Ren founded Huawei in 1987 to sell imported telecom switching gear to Chinese phone companies after the PLA disbanded his engineering unit, according to the company. Despite his party membership, Huawei makes decisions based on its customers' needs, Ren said. "I don't see a close connection between my personal political beliefs and our commercial decisions," he said. Huawei's U.S. market evaporated in 2012 after a congressional panel said the company and its smaller Chinese rival, ZTE Corp., were security risks and urged phone companies to avoid them. But Huawei passed Sweden's LM Ericsson to become the biggest supplier of network gear and its smartphone brand displaced Apple Inc. last year as the No. 2 global seller behind Samsung. The company forecasts last year's revenue will exceed $100 billion for the first time. Ren said this year's target is $125 billion. Huawei says it is employee-owned. Ren said no government entity or any other investor who isn't a current or former employee owns "one cent of Huawei shares." Ren said Huawei has no research co-operation with China's People's Liberation Army and no dedicated unit for military sales and he knew of no PLA purchases of civilian technology. Ren said the security concerns have yet to have a significant effect on Huawei's business. The company has signed 5G contracts with 30 carriers and has shipped 25,000 base stations, he said. Huawei has plenty of opportunities even if it faces higher barriers in some markets, he said. "If we are not allowed to sell in certain markets, we will have a smaller operation," he said. "So long as we can feed our employees, we are satisfied." Ren defended Huawei's decision to remain privately held a status that has fueled questions about its intentions and who controls it. He said that helped to preserve its long-term focus on customer service and product development. Publicly owned companies care more about a "beautiful balance sheet" while Huawei is focused on a "strong industry structure," he said. "Capital tends to be greedy." Ren also warned against allowing security concerns to divide the globe into isolated markets with incompatible technology standards a scenario some people have suggested might result from U.S.-Chinese tensions. "Arbitrarily dividing the world into two technology camps can only harm the interests of all society," he said. Asked about President Donald Trump's suggestion on Twitter that he might intervene in Meng's case if that facilitated a resolution of Washington's tariff battle with Beijing, Ren said he would wait to see whether Trump takes action. "As for President Trump as president, I still believe he is a great president," Ren said. He said Trump was elected to cut taxes, which he believed was beneficial for American industry. However, he said, "If companies are getting frightened by the detention of certain individuals, then investors might be scared away, and that is not in the interests of the United States." Ren said he didn't believe Huawei would face U.S. penalties similar to those that nearly drove smaller Chinese rival ZTE Corp. out of business. Washington barred ZTE from buying American technology over its exports to Iran and North Korea but restored access after the company paid a $1 billion fine, replaced its executive team and installed U.S.-selected compliance monitors. "What happened to ZTE, I don't believe will happen to Huawei," said Ren. However, he said, "if it did happen to Huawei, I don't believe the impact would be very significant. I believe telecom operators would continue to trust Huawei." Ren said Huawei doesn't want Beijing to retaliate for foreign restrictions by hampering market access for Apple Inc. and other rivals. "In spite of setbacks in some countries, we are still supportive of China becoming a more open country." Description GIS - 16 January, 2019: A New Animal Health Bill will be introduced this year in order to further reinforce biosecurity in the livestock sector and the Plant Protection Act of 2006 will also be reviewed. These measures are in line with Governments priority which is to devise the most appropriate biosecurity plan for Mauritius to address the increasing biosecurity risks we face. The Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr. Mahen Kumar Seeruttun was speaking this morning at the opening ceremony of a workshop on the preparation of a biosecurity plan for the agricultural sector in Mauritius, held at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebene. The event is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. In his address, Minister Seeruttun highlighted that Government is committed to step up efforts to strengthen and reinforce our biosecurity systems, protect our ports of entry, our agricultural sector, and biodiversity. The country, he pointed out, faces increasing biosecurity risks with the changing global demands, growing passenger and trade volumes, increasing imports from new countries, and the advent of climate change. In the case of Mauritius, biosecurity is directly related to our trade and the tourism sectors and damage caused by pests and diseases can impact on production, product quality and our ability to access overseas markets, he underlined. The Minister pointed out that illegal importation of plant and plant products, animals and animal products and food imports pose significant biosecurity threats to the local biodiversity and ecosystems and favour the introduction of pests and diseases, adding that the growth in the import of elite germplasm and planting materials is increasing risk for crop trans boundary diseases and pests to enter the country. He emphasised that this calls for a need to strengthen Mauritiuss institutional surveillance, diagnostic and control management capacities for these pests and diseases, and observed that prevention makes good economic sense when compared to the cost of responses. On that score, the he dwelt on benefits of having a biosecurity plan which will ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent the introduction, establishment and spread of pests, diseases and invasive alien species that can harm plant, animal and human health, the agricultural economy as well as biodiversity. He recalled that the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease and Salmonellosis in Mauritius and Rodrigues in 2016 called for the need for a complete review of the biosecurity measures at all levels including the ports of entry, farm-level, government-level and private sector level. Furthermore, Mr Seeruttun enumerated the already established systems for early warning and rapid response to animal and plant pests and diseases, and food safety hazards that have been effective in control of diseases, pests and food hazards in Mauritius, namely the Early Warning and Rapid Response System, the Plant Protection Act of 2006, and disease surveillance of the FAREI. He expressed satisfaction as regards the innovative research being carried out by the Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute pertaining to a DNA barcoding technology for insect identification, adding that Mauritius should aspire to become in the coming years, a regional leader in biosecurity. According to him, there is a need for more research and development projects with respect to strengthening and reinforcing the capacity of biosecurity and use of new technology to improve our biosecurity systems. In his concluding remarks, the Minister underscored that the workshop presents a major opportunity to combine the strengths of government, private sector, the farming community and other relevant stakeholders so that new and emerging ideas can be devised with a view to find the most appropriate biosecurity plan for Mauritius. A strong collaboration among local institutions and between partners will enable the optimal use of resources available, whether human resource, funds or technology, to best manage these risks, he stated. The Condo King is taking the helm at the Winnipeg Realtors Association. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The "Condo King" is taking the helm at the Winnipeg Realtors Association. Kenneth Clark, a longtime real estate agent who made a name for himself in the development and sale of Winnipeg condominiums, is the associations new president. supplied Kenneth (the Condo King) Clark began work as a Winnipeg real estate agent in 1986. Clark, originally from Edinburgh, took a circuitous route into real estate and the association presidency. He comes from a construction background. Clark started out obtaining a construction technology diploma in Scotland and worked in Australia for nine years running a construction company. He came to Manitoba in 1973 as president of Spiroll Corp., an international producer of precast concrete for construction. He returned to school and obtained a bachelor of commerce. He began work as a real estate agent in 1986, initially working with longtime Winnipegger Gary Bachman. Clark became a broker in 2000, and three years ago, opened his own independent brokerage, ACT Realty, out of an office on Corydon Avenue, across from the Mona Lisa Restaurant. ACT stands for Assured, Committed and Trusted. He would specialize in condominiums, and is currently involved in a condominium in Fort Garry at the site of the former Wildwood Club. The Winnipeg Realtors Association operates the multi-listing service for all of Manitoba, the weekly Winnipeg Real Estate News, and oversees member ethics and standards. "One of the key things is enhancing professional development, professional excellence and professional behaviour," said Clark, who previously chaired the associations professional standards committee for two years. Winnipeg Realtors is also an advocacy organization. Clark works with his wife Liz Clark, who has been a real estate agent the past 22 years at ACT Realty. He works as a consultant with condo developers. He will assess the demographics of an area for price and contents of condo units. "What you want to do is build something that will come out onto the market at a price that the local homeowner who wants to stay in the area can afford," he said. The 116-year-old Realtors Association has more than 1,980 members. Clark is joined by 11 other volunteer directors, including Catherine Schellenberg of Re/Max Professional; Kourosh Doustshenas of Expert Real Estate Service; Chris Dudeck of Coldwell Banker Preferred Real Estate (past-president); and Kyra Winfield of Avison Young (commercial division chairwoman). bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca DETROIT General Motors volume brands, Buick and Chevrolet, will offer consumers more all-electric vehicles in the future even as GM declares its luxury brand, Cadillac, as its EV leader. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. DETROIT General Motors volume brands, Buick and Chevrolet, will offer consumers more all-electric vehicles in the future even as GM declares its luxury brand, Cadillac, as its EV leader. "We were the first to bring a long-range EV to market with the Chevy Bolt EV," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolets marketing director for cars and crossovers. "Cadillac will be the first brand to use GMs new EV platform, but they wont be the only one to use it." GM believes that within the next decade, electrification will play a larger role in transportation, Cadillac president Steve Carlisle said. Majoros said Chevrolet will continue to be a part of GMs electrification strategy, even as GM plans to kill the Volt, an electric car thats backed up by a gasoline generator, later this year. Likewise, Buick plans to leverage a series of upcoming vehicle launches in China over the next few years to add EVs to its North American lineup, said Phil Brook, Buick and GMCs vice-president of marketing. On Sunday, Cadillac showed a photo of what the brands first electric vehicle will look like, though it did not say when it would come to market, its name, where it will be built or other details. The vehicle will be the first off a future platform GM is developing for EVs that will accommodate all-wheel, front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles across the automakers four brands. The first EV to come off that platform, as a Cadillac, will go to market in late 2021 or early 2022, Carlisle said. GM CEO Mary Barra said Cadillac will be known by consumers for its innovation. "Taking the lead in innovation and technology will make Cadillac Cadillac again," Barra told reporters at a media event in Detroit where the EV was shown along with Cadillacs new three-row SUV, the XT6. Also, the EV space is fiercely competitive and GM needs extra market reach and more EV options to offer consumers, Majoros said. "Chevrolet has been fighting a lot of different competitors, even up to Tesla," Majoros said. "If youre in the electric space, you have to consider a Bolt EV too." Globally, Buick is GMs second largest brand, behind Chevrolet, due largely to Buicks popularity in China. In 2017, Buick sold 1.2 million vehicles in China, Brook said. Last years final sales numbers are not yet officially tallied, he said. China leads the world in EV sales. In 2017, about 770,000 EVs were sold there, according to Forbes, nearly four times those sold in the United States. China has provided subsidies to EV buyers and incentives to its makers of EVs, especially electric buses. In the first half of this year, Buick will launch a new EV SUV in China called the 2020 Buick Velite 6, Brook said. That vehicle, and several other EVs that Buick will launch in China in upcoming years, will "allow us to pick and choose the (electric) vehicles for the U.S. market," said Brook, who added Buick does not have a definitive EV plan for the U.S. market yet. Cadillac also attracts high-income customers who are able to overcome the "pain points" of current EV ownership, such as range anxiety. "If youre an EV buyer, you likely have other cars in the garage," Carlisle said. Cadillac customers tend to have an interest in technology, making it easier for GM to tell its story on improving charging times for EV batteries, extending battery life and lengthening range, Carlisle said. "So by the time were ready to launch the EV, well have easy charging and people wont have to worry about the battery." Finally, the move reflects a simple belief that in the "early to middle part of the next decade," all transportation will be electric, Carlisle said. "Once you say thats the way the worlds going to be, it comes down to, So how do we get there?" he said. Detroit Free Press The former Masonic Temple on Donald Street. Seasoned show business folk can be a tough crowd, but an assembly of film and video professionals at the Fairmont Hotel rose Tuesday afternoon to give a standing ovation to Cathy Cox, provincial minister for sport, culture and heritage. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/1/2019 (883 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Seasoned show business folk can be a tough crowd, but an assembly of film and video professionals at the Fairmont Hotel rose Tuesday afternoon to give a standing ovation to Cathy Cox, provincial minister for sport, culture and heritage. "I'm absolutely thrilled to announce today that our government will be making the Manitoba film (and video production) tax credit permanent," Cox said, to rapturous applause from forum attendees. Actor/director Sean Penn was rumoured to be in Winnipeg last week on a scouting mission. (Taylor Jewell / Invision files) The announcement means simply there is no expiry date on what is one of the most competitive film tax credit programs in North America. Prior to the announcement, the program was set to expire at the end of 2019, which had the potential to cause uncertainty for producers looking at working in Manitoba. "We recognize that removing the sunset clause is very important to ensuring that you have the stability to know that down the road, this tax credit will remain permanent," Cox said. Manitoba Film & Music chief executive officer Carole Vivier, who leaves the position at the end of June, heralded the move as something that will secure film production into the future. "It was on a renewal cycle," she said. "There's a date when (the tax credit) would be renewed. And that date is in the legislation. So when people are looking to shoot here, they look at the tax credit and they look at when it needs to be renewed. And when there's a date there, it makes them nervous, because they go: 'Oh, what if they don't renew it?' "Removing that sunset clause makes all that go away. It really is a strong message from the government that this is a sector they believe in and are supporting." The move brings Manitoba in line with other provinces offering tax credit programs, including Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. While Manitoba doesn't match the production dollars brought in by those provinces, the industry has grown dramatically. The 2017-18 fiscal year reported $173 million in production in the province. The sum is already at $210 million for 2018-19 and is expected to be $250 million by the end of the fiscal year, Cox said. "So it's very important that we contribute to this booming industry in Manitoba. Even Sean Penn was here (in Winnipeg) last week," the minister added, referring to the Oscar-winning actor who was, according to industry scuttlebutt, scouting for two different projects he intends to produce and direct. randall.king@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @FreepKing A judge has ruled the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act doesn't have any legal authority and the city of Birmingham doesn't have to take down its wooden screen placed around a Confederate monument in Linn Park.The Alabama Attorney General's Office plans to appeal the ruling. "The Attorney General's Office stands by its original assessment that the Alabama Monument Preservation Act is constitutional. Therefore, we will be filing an appeal," according to the AG's statement issued Tuesday morning.Judge Michael Graffeo issued his order on Monday just before midnight. The order comes over a year after the state sued the city for violating the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act-- a law to prohibit local governments from moving historical monuments on public property that have been in place for 40 years or more. The act also prohibits renaming buildings and streets with historical names that have been in place at least 40 years.In his order, Graffeo said he "reluctantly" declares the act is void and has no legal effect or authority."Just as the state could not force any particular citizen to post a pro-Confederacy sign in his or her front lawn, so too can the state not commandeer the city's property for the state's preferred message," Graffeo wrote.In August 2017, months after the law was enacted, then-Birmingham mayor William Bell ordered the Confederate Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Linn Park covered with plastic, and later plywood, while lawyers could consider legal options. While some called for the statue to be torn down, Bell said he wouldn't break the law to remove the monument.The Alabama Attorney General's Office quickly filed a lawsuit against the city for violating state law, but Birmingham's city attorneys claimed the Memorial Preservation Act is "vague and ambiguous." Attorneys for both sides argued at a hearing in April 2018 on part of the law that says protected monuments cannot be "altered or otherwise disturbed."Following that hearing, both the state and city filed briefs for the court to consider before issuing a final ruling. Graffeo wrote in his Monday order, "A city has a right to speak for itself, to say what it wishes, and to select the views that it wants to express." He said the state cannot restrict the city's right to free speech, writing "The state acknowledges that the city is generally free to engage in government speech... but explains that the act withdraws from the city the right to engage in a particular expressive message. This explanation is impermissibly content-based... [the state] also cannot manipulate the city's speech for the illegitimate purpose of favoring certain content of viewpoints."Graffeo said the act violates the Fourteenth Amendment because the state was seeking at least $25,000 in fines from the city and also seeks to control what the city can build on Linn Park, but the act offers no due process. The act allows cities to apply for a waiver on certain structures, but Birmingham could not apply for that waiver because the Linn Park monument is over 40 years old. That part of the law is "overbroad and unreasonable," the judge said.Graffeo filed the ruling 20 minutes before midnight, when his term as judge expired and he begins retirement. He did not seek reelection in November.He wrote, "the city's conduct here is only expressive disassociation from a pro-Confederacy message. The state has not articulated an interest in penalizing this conduct other than disagreement with the message.""Under the act, however, the people of Birmingham cannot win," the judge wrote. "No matter how much they lobby city officials, the state has placed a thumb on the scale for a pro-Confederacy message, and the people, acting through their city, will never be able to disassociate themselves from that message entirely."Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said Graffeo made the right decision and the city is excited about the ruling, especially regarding the city's right to due process and free speech. He said the monument's future is still unknown, as his team is reviewing all the options available at this point.Woodfin said that while Birmingham needs to move past things that aren't healthy for the city, he understands the importance of the conversation regarding Confederate memorials and monuments. He said he doesn't think the monument should be destroyed, but could possibly be moved to the Birmingham Museum of Art.Rhonda Brownstein, Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center issued this statement Tuesday morning:"Striking a blow to the defenders of the "Lost Cause," a judge has struck down an Alabama law that prevented the removal of Confederate symbols from public land. Yesterday's ruling is the first time a court has concluded that a state cannot force a city to maintain a confederate monument that its citizens find abhorrent. Cities have long been at the forefront of our nation's civil rights movements, and this ruling protects and builds on that tradition. The Circuit Court ruled that Birmingham has a constitutionally protected right to decide for itself what messages it wants to convey to its citizens and to the world. Alabama's majority-white legislature cannot force Birmingham, a majority-black city, to maintain a monument to white supremacy. This is a groundbreaking ruling that should give comfort to other municipalities throughout the South and the country that want to remove confederate monuments from public land."The SPLC's Whose Heritage report catalogs the more than 1,740 symbols of the Confederacy that remain standing today. The majority of these symbols were erected in the 1910s and '20s following the Reconstruction era, and again after the Brown v. Board of Education ruling that desegregated schools. These symbols continue to serve as tools of oppression by seeking to honor those who fought to preserve white supremacy."Gov. Kay Ivey declined to comment on the ruling.State Sen. Gerald Allen, who sponsored the act, released a statement Tuesday afternoon:"Under the Constitution, judges are to be neutral umpires who apply the rule of law fairly. A judge's personal beliefs, whether about politics, sociology, or history, have no bearing on how he is to apply the law. Judge Graffeo has taken it upon himself to know and declare that it is 'undisputed' that the majority of residents of Birmingham are 'repulsed' by the Linn Park monument, and has thus ruled the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act void. But judges are not kings, and judicial activism is no substitute for the democratic process."The Memorial Preservation Act is meant to thoughtfully preserve the entire story of Alabama's history for future generations. The law was vigorously debated for months by the people of Alabama's duly-elected representatives in the State Legislature, and passed with overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate. The Attorney General's Office is confident that the Memorial Preservation Act is constitutional, and I look forward to the Attorney General's appeal of Judge Graffeo's ruling." DETROIT, the United States, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. auto maker Ford Motor Co. and its German counterpart, Volkswagen AG (VW), announced Tuesday they will join forces to build pickup trucks, vans and develop electric vehicles. The first batch of deliveries are expected in 2022. The collaboration came as a decline in Ford's market share in Europe forced the company to cut thousands of jobs on the continent, amid VW's resolve to further tap into the North American market. The alliance is also an effort to salvage a downward sliding and rapidly transitioning auto industry as a whole. "The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pre-tax operating results, starting in 2023," read a joint press release issued by the companies as they made the announcement via a conference call during the ongoing North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the U.S. state of Michigan. According to the plan, Ford will make medium-sized pickup trucks for both companies while charting out development and production of larger vans for the European market. VW, for its part, will design and manufacture a new city van model. The collaboration doesn't involve either side taking each other's shares, the press release said. "Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society," Ford CEO Hackett said. "It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility," he added. "Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions," VW Chief Executive Officer Herbert Diess said. "At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness," he added. The auto manufacturers also signed a memorandum of understanding eyeing cooperation on driverless cars as well as electric vehicles. "Both companies also said they were open to considering additional vehicle programs in the future," the press release said. No specifics concerning those aspects are available yet, as the pair only declared that works related to the details will continue in the coming months. At a roundtable on the sidelines of NAIAS on Monday, Diess said "there's still a lot of hype" with respect to autonomous cars. "A lot of money flowing in, but I think it's still a long way to go until we really get the first paybacks." "There's one alternative, which could be joining forces with Ford. It's not yet decided. But it's still a long way to go, many millions to be poured in and probably some setbacks to expect," Diess said of a potential teaming up with Ford in the self-driving technology. Ford said last week that it is carrying out "comprehensive transformation strategy" in Europe, which includes thousands of job cuts, closure of plants, as well as suspension of sales of low-profit models. The company said the strategy aims to "strengthen its brand and create a sustainably profitable business in Europe." Ford didn't disclose the exact number of its European employees that will be laid off. "I'm not going to get into specific numbers today," Steve Armstrong, the company's vice president and president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, told reporters last Thursday, adding that it is a country-neutral "European-wide review." Armstrong, noting the company currently hires over 50,000 workers in Europe, said the European job cuts will be "a significant number of positions," and that Ford is also seeking joint ventures in Russia. "We have had periods of profitability (in Europe) but not on the level it should be," he said. These are no good times for VW either, particularly in North America, which remains a relatively niche market for the German giant. While endeavoring to expand its business in the United States, VW is facing potential tariffs from the U.S. government of 25 percent on cars and car parts imported to the country, a major source of tension between Washington and Brussels. U.S. President Donald Trump invited German auto executives, including Diess, to the White House for talks in December, but a statement released by the White House after the meeting didn't say whether the president raised the tariff issue during the discussion. Enditem Viewed of Take Five - This is your final free article during this 30 day period.Stay in touch with all of the news from Winchester, Frederick and Clarke. Sign up today for complete digital access to The Winchester Star. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich has signed a contract to appear as a senior political commentator on CNN.The Republican's first appearance under the cable TV news contract will come tonight on "Cuomo Prime Time."Kasich had said he was likely to land a TV deal after leaving office. He now will appear regularly on shows featuring CNN hosts Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo.The former presidential candidate has been in demand on cable TV and network news shows for his opposition to the demeanor and policies of President Donald Trump."He's going to be using the platform to continue a discussion of the issues of the day in a positive matter," said John Weaver, Kasich's political strategist. "How that applies on a day-to-day basis is based on the issues."Kasich was the last man standing to Trump in the GOP primaries in 2016 and famously refused to attend the Republican National Convention in Cleveland at which Trump was nominated. Kasich also refused to vote for Trump, instead casting his ballot for the late John McCain.Brad Parscale, manger of Trump's 2020 re-election campaign, welcomed Kasich to his TV gig by describing him as an "original swamp creature." Trump frequently attacks CNN as "fake news."Prior to running for governor, Kasich, a former nine-term congressman and House Budget Committee chairman, hosted a weekly show, "Heartland with John Kasich," on Fox News for seven years.Kasich also signed a deal with a talent agency to help him land paid appearances and speeches.Kasich would have to give up his TV deal if he decides to make a third run for the presidency in 2020, Weaver said."All the options are on the table and we're not going to change what we are saying today or tomorrow," he added.Kasich recently said he could not defeat Trump in the Republican primaries, but added, "We'll see. That's today."He left the governor's office after eight years early Monday as Republican Mike DeWine became Ohio's CEO. We'll keep you connected to all the updated local news and information about what's happening in Wilson County! Click Here to Subscribe! Willmar, MN (56201) Today A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 87F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. 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. On his first day leading the Georgia Senate, new Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said he was not aware the chamber was going to make changes limiting the amount of time an alleged victim can report claims of sexual harassment involving a senator or staffer.Duncan said his office will study the rule change approved by the Republican majority Monday -- the first day of the legislative session -- which requires an accuser to make formal claims against a senator or Senate staffer within two years of the incident. Previously there had been no time limit."It's important for us to go back and take a look at it," Duncan said Tuesday after the Senate adjourned. "But the Senate is an independent body. I'm not a senator. I'm a lieutenant governor. My job is to come up there and proctor the process up there."The move came less than a year after a longtime lobbyist filed a sexual harassment complaint against state Sen. David Shafer. She claimed he harassed her after he helped her pass a bill in 2011. A committee made up of senators dismissed the complaint.State Sen. Renee Unterman of Buford, the only Republican to vote against the new rules, told colleagues Tuesday that she was disappointed with the change. Senate Republicans on Monday voted to block the proposed rule from being amended."I just think it's a shame," she said. "When we wanted to talk about sexual harassment, and we were stymied and we couldn't talk about it, there's a reason."Unterman said she was sexually harassed within the past few weeks. She declined to go into details about the alleged harassment."We need these rules and regulations," Unterman said. "We desperately need them to protect these people and in particular women and women who sit in this body." We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Submit A Jewish commissioner from Hallandale Beach has accused a Muslim congresswoman from Michigan of being an anti-Semite who might "blow up Capitol Hill."Her comments were directed at U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who sparked a political firestorm soon after being sworn in to Congress on Jan. 3 by vowing to help fellow Democrats go after President Donald Trump and "impeach the mother------."Five days later, Hallandale Commissioner Annabelle Lima-Taub signed an online petition seeking to remove Tlaib from office and posted the petition on her personal Facebook page."Proudly signed," Lima-Taub wrote. "A Hamas-loving anti-Semite has NO place in government! She is a danger and (I) would not put it past her to become a martyr and blow up Capitol Hill."Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, made history as one of the first two Muslim women to ever serve in Congress.Lima-Taub could not be reached for comment Monday despite two calls to her cellphone. Tlaib could not be reached for comment despite a message left with her Washington office.It was unclear Monday whether the comment was reported to federal authorities.The Facebook post was removed sometime Monday afternoon after the South Florida Sun Sentinel began making inquiries.Three Hallandale Beach commissioners blasted their colleague for her lack of discretion -- but stopped short of saying they would demand an apology.Commissioners Michele Lazarow and Mike Butler accused Lima-Taub of promoting a racist stereotype that all Muslims are terrorists."Commissioner Lima-Taub's behavior is indefensible and a black eye for Hallandale Beach," Lazarow said.Vice Mayor Sabrina Javellana said she was stunned by what she called Lima-Taub's "outrageous" accusation."To say (the congresswoman) could blow up Capitol Hill is really inappropriate," Javellana said. "Congressman Steve King from Iowa has openly embraced white supremacy and I don't see anyone condemning him. Maybe she's being targeted because she's a woman and because she's a Muslim."Muslim advocacy groups condemned Lima-Taub's remarks and demanded a public apology."That level of racism and bigotry has no place in Florida's politics," said Vetnah Monessar, state director for Emgage, a nonprofit focused on civic engagement among Muslim Americans. "Muslims are part of the fabric of this country. We demand that Commissioner Taub apologize to her constituents and the general public."Rasha Mubarak, president of the Young Democrats of Orange County, also urged Lima-Taub to apologize for her "outlandish" remarks."I find her comments repulsive and jarring, considering she's an elected official," Mubarak said from Orlando. "This language is dangerous, violent and unproductive. There is no room for hate in Florida politics."Like Tlaib, Lima-Taub herself has been at the center of a media storm.In September, then-Mayor Keith London accused her of making a living off sphincter bleaching, a reference to her mother's med spa.Infuriated, Lima-Taub accused him of making sexually inappropriate comments and demanded an apology.London eventually apologized, but not before the story went viral. How States Are Limiting the Ballot Measure Process Undoing Laws Passed by Voters Ballot measures have become a popular way to enact new policies -- from minimum wage hikes and legalized marijuana to abortion restrictions and ethics reforms. But voter-approved measures are meeting more pushback.Republican legislators in several states are fighting ballot measures on two fronts: As was the case following the 2016 election , they are trying to overturn provisions of some laws that voters just passed in November. They are also seeking legislative changes that would make it harder for ballot measures to pass in the future."Lawmakers are undermining the will of their constituents by unraveling these voter-approved changes and attacking the ballot measure process," says Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, which promotes progressive ballot measures.Progressives in particular have sought in recent years to push ideas through the initiative process that couldn't win approval through legislatures, such as minimum wage increases and the creation of independent redistricting commissions. "Since the direct initiative is a vehicle through which voters can enact policies that the legislature or governor may not have wanted, it makes sense that politicians would want to make it relatively difficult to pass measures," says Craig Burnett, a political scientist at Hofstra University who studies ballot measures. "When high-profile measures pass over the objection of lawmakers, it is not surprising to me to find that additional states would try to adopt policies that limit the ability of ballot measures to succeed."Just after Christmas, outgoing GOP Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan signed legislation that will make it more difficult to collect signatures for initiatives to qualify for the ballot.The new law requires organizers to collect no more than 15 percent of their signatures from any one of the state's 14 congressional districts. In effect, they won't be able to rely on collecting signatures from voters packed into densely populated metropolitan areas. The law also requires signature collectors to register as paid or volunteer workers.Groups like the League of Women Voters and Right to Life of Michigan argue that the requirements will make petition drives much more complicated and difficult to pull off. But supporters say the new law will bring more transparency to the process and make it harder for out-of-state interest groups to present themselves as citizen-led.Similar efforts to put procedural hurdles in the way of initiative sponsors have passed in multiple states in recent years. This year, legislators are also pursuing a simpler strategy for limiting the power of ballot measures: raising the percentage of the vote needed for initiatives to pass.In Florida, for instance, ballot measures -- which are all constitutional amendments in the state -- already need 60 percent of the vote to be adopted. Amendment 4, which restored voting fights for ex-felons, passed in November with 64.55 percent of the vote. Florida's legislative session begins in March, but a bill has already been pre-filed that would raise the threshold to 66 percent.Missouri legislators are also considering a 66 percent threshold. In November, voters approved a medical marijuana legalization measure and one known as Clean Missouri, which put new restrictions on lobbying and campaign finance and took primary redistricting authority out of the hands of legislators. Those measures passed with 65.59 and 62 percent of the vote, respectively.Ohio lawmakers are mulling over a bill that would not only require 60 percent of the vote for constitutional amendments but also would move up the deadline for initiative sponsors to gather signatures (from July to April of election years) and require them to collect sufficient signatures within a 180-day window.We are trying to make sure that our constitution is not for sale and making sure that outside groups cannot buy their way into our constitution, Sarah LaTourette, assistant Republican leader in the Ohio House, told reporters in November. But at the same time, were trying to make sure that citizens voices continue to be heard.Politicians often complain that ballot measures are being funded by out-of-state donors or powerful interest groups that may have hoodwinked voters by using misleading language. Ballot measures are a blunt instrument -- requiring a binary yes-or-no response -- and aren't forced to jostle for funds against other proposals the way ordinary legislation does."All we have is the vote, and it's an up or down vote," says Burnett, the Hofstra professor. "It does open that door for politicians to say that this was a misleading proposal and, while we want to respect the will of the people, it's not clear that they understood that the proposal is not feasible."In the past, legislators have sued to block ballot measures or delayed their funding or implementation. That's still happening. Florida officials, from GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis on down, have talked about delaying implementation of Amendment 4. But lawmakers have also become more blatant over the past couple of election cycles in seeking outright to overturn measures that had popular support.Missouri legislators, for instance, are considering a proposal that would overturn the portion of the Clean Missouri amendment that takes redistricting powers away from the legislature and hands them to a new state demographer.Last month, Utah legislators met in special session to rewrite a medical marijuana initiative that had just been approved by voters. House Speaker Greg Hughes and other legislators described it as a necessary rewrite to address issues with the drafting of the bill and public safety concerns. But some patient advocates saw the move as weakening the newly passed law.This year, Utah legislators will seek to change some provisions of the Medicaid expansion approved by midterm voters. Republican state Rep. Paul Ray says the expansion will siphon needed funding from other health programs."We're not going to repeal it because we respect the will of the voters, but we're going to go in and fix it," Ray says. "We're not going to take it away, but we're going to put in [spending] caps."Before qualified measures to raise the minimum wage and mandate paid sick leave could be put before voters, Michigan lawmakers approved the language of the measures in September, heading off a popular vote. Passing the measures themselves made it easier for the legislature to amend the laws, which they promptly did during a lame-duck legislative session in November -- weakening them both.In North Dakota, lawmakers are challenging the implementation of an ethics measure that voters approved in November. It creates an ethics commission while also putting limits on lobbyists, gifts and campaign finance. They are now considering a proposal that would make it harder for future ballot initiatives to pass, while also making certain that ideas they don't like can't make it into law.If the legislation passes, initiated constitutional amendments that win voter approval would then have to be approved by the next two legislatures. That means even if voters approve an initiative, it could take five years before the law would take effect."Politicians," says Burnett, "seem to be quite happy to say they intend to subvert what has been passed by the people." A poll of analysts by Reuters warns that growing supply of housing coupled with rising household debt could derail Canadas economic growth. With sales slowing in many areas while household budgets are stretched by borrowing the experts believe that the days of the housing market providing a boost to the overall economy are ending. We have relied on housing and housing investments to carry growth through most of the post-recession period and its time for the housing market to put its feet up and take rest, David Watt, chief economist with HSBC Bank Canada told The Globe and Mail. The Reuters poll called for 2 per cent growth in house prices in 2016 followed by 1.7 per cent in 2017. A third of analysts predict a correction by 2017. The city of Denver will cut checks to ease the pain of the federal government's partial shutdown.Starting Wednesday, homeowners who have suffered furloughs and other work changes can apply for a city grant to pay their mortgages. The city will give up to two months of mortgage payments, for a maximum of $5,000, through the program."It's simply unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of federal workers and their families are being used as political pawns," Mayor Michael Hancock said in a news release. "I don't want anyone to lose their home because of this shutdown, so Denver's going to step up and support our federal employee residents where we can."A missed paycheck would have devastated his family when he was growing up, he said.Total household income cannot exceed 120 percent of the area median income, or $107,880 for a family of four.The program is not limited to federal employees. It's open to anyone who has "experienced an income reduction due to involuntary employment change," according to Derek Woodbury, a city spokesperson.The city is running the mortgage program with Mile High United Way through the nonprofit's 2-1-1 help center. It's funded by $485,000 from the city's housing fund.Separately, the city already offers a "Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance" program that covers some rent and utility costs for people who "face a temporary housing crisis" and make less than 80 percent of the area median income, or $71,900 for a family of four.Other organizations also have offered support for federal employees. Alpine Bank, based in Colorado, will offer six-month, interest-free loans to furloughed government employees. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science has offered free admission to federal employees through January, and numerous restaurants are offering free or discounted food.Meanwhile, Denver Human Services extended its hours to 7 p.m. Monday and will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday to help people recertify for food-assistance eligibility before the Tuesday noon deadline.This Saturday, the city will host resource fairs at 1200 Federal Blvd. and 3815 Steele St. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help people find housing and food resources.About 15,000 federal workers in Colorado aren't receiving paychecks. The term school choice can refer to a wide range of alternatives to the traditional public school. When it comes to vouchers, that term usually means a promise to provide children trapped in poor-performing district schools the resources to switch to charter or private schools that can provide them with a better education.In Arizona, that has turned out to be, in some regards, a false promise. Arizonas education savings accounts -- a variation on vouchers that has been widely imitated and studied by other states -- have been used overwhelmingly by families whose children were already attending high-quality public schools. Seventy percent of the funds went to students who left schools that received ratings of A or B from the state, according to an analysis by. Thats 10 times the amount that followed those leaving schools rated D or F -- the kids who were supposed to be the main beneficiaries.Critics of the education savings accounts, or ESAs, say that wealthier white parents are getting unneeded subsidies from the state, leaving behind low-income and Latino children. What is happening is the families that can afford to take their kids out of public schools are leaving with the ESAs to attend private schools, says Kathy Hoffman, Arizonas new superintendent of public instruction. Hoffman, a Democrat, was narrowly elected in November on a platform critical of ESAs. At the same time, voters rejected, by nearly a 2-to-1 margin, a proposition that would have preserved an ESA expansion passed by the legislature in 2017.Supporters of the ESA concept reject thes findings. They say that while pupils who attended top-rated schools are the ones leaving, thats largely because those schools still dont provide adequate help to kids who may be on the autism spectrum, have Down syndrome or have other special needs. And not all the families in highly rated districts are wealthy, says Jenny Clark, spokeswoman for Yes for Ed, which supported the unsuccessful proposition. Were talking about families that are leaving those districts because special needs children are not getting the services they need, she says.A majority of those using ESAs -- 58 percent -- are children with special needs, the population that was originally targeted by the ESA program. Even so, its children from A and B schools who are mostly benefiting. The lower average ESA funding granted to children from D and F schools indicates that students with disabilities are not leaving poorer-performing district schools for private schools to get help for their disabilities or special needs, thereports.One reason traditional schools are often poorly equipped to teach special needs kids, Hoffman contends, is the devastating effect of budget cuts. Since the last recession, Arizona has cut its education budget by a higher percentage than any other state. As superintendent, Hoffman will push for more funds to go to the conventional public schools that still educate the vast majority of students in Arizona.But despite its recent electoral setbacks, the ESA concept continues to have strong backing from legislators and Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. The defeat of the 2018 proposition puts its expansion on hold, but a prior cap on the program was set to expire in a couple of years anyway. So the battle will continue, as it has for a long time, between those who say the traditional districts need more financial support and those who argue that the most vulnerable children need to have other options made available to them. STRATFORD The carcass of a pygmy sperm whale that washed up on Russian Beach before disappearing last month has been found, the town announced. One week after the Town of Stratford issued a request for information regarding the disappearance of a deceased pygmy sperm whale from Russian Beach, the specimen was recovered, the towns statement said. The statement was sent on behalf of the town, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. In an email, Stratford resident Joe Koripsky said he saw the whale carcass being recovered about midday Tuesday. By chance, I was driving by Russian Beach in Stratford, Koripsky said. Serendipitously, I saw the heavy equipment, recovering the whale carcass that had gone missing since Sunday, Dec. 30. The Peabody Museum was making plans to add the specimen to its collection before it disappeared last month. Gregory J. Watkins-Colwell, the collection manager for the museums herpetology and ichthyology division of vertebrate zoology, said the specimen will go into the research collection and be used by researchers from around the world. It will also probably be used in courses taught at Yale and potentially also in some Peabody Museum public programing, Watkins-Colwell said. More for you News Who took the whale carcass from Stratford's Russian Beach? The specimen is the first ever collected from Connecticut, Watkins-Colwell said, and the first from Long Island Sound in decades another specimen was collected in the 1940s from the north fork of Long Island. STAMFORD The citys biggest builder, Building and Land Technology, and one of its most controversial daughters, Candace Owens, have something in common. Theyll face off this spring in a civil jury trial in state Superior Court in Stamford. Owens claims her 16th-floor luxury apartment in BLTs Beacon building where she lived from October 2015 until January 2017 was so infested with mold and/or other contaminants that she developed more than a dozen ailments. The 29-year-old conservative commentator, who first made headlines for being bullied and threatened as Stamford High School student, is seeking more than $15,000 from BLT. BLT, through holding company Three Harbor Point Square, denies Owens allegations and counters that she bilked them six months rent $3,550 a month in the luxury building. She was responsible for any mold or mildew, BLT attorney Trevor J. Keenan wrote in a counter claim. BLT did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for a comment. Owens, reached by phone this week, declined to comment. Its an open case, so I dont really have the privilege to talk about it, she said. Her attorney, Jeffrey Lynch, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to Owens complaint, filed in July 2017, she learned of an old leak in the apartment in August 2016. Owens claims the leak was caused by BLTs carelessness and negligence. BLT caused or allowed and permitted the water to penetrate the apartment, according to the complaint, causing the air to become contaminated and dangerous for use and causing mold to grow. BLT failed to resolve the dangerous condition and did not clean up the apartment or warn Owens of the situation, the complaint said. The toxic luxe apartment soon started harming the headline makers health. She came down with 15 ailments, some or all of which may be permanent in nature, the complaint said. Her symptoms include wheezing, an inability to think clearly, scars requiring laser removal, eczema and systemic yeast infections. Months before Owens filed the lawsuit, she invited a Hearst Connecticut Media Group reporter and photographer into her apartment and home office for a story on her new venture, launching a website to call out online bullies. The purpose of SocialAutopsy.com was to allow social media users to take screenshots of posts they find offensive and send them to the site, which would collect them into profiles. The website was going to have a search engine, allowing users to type in someones name and see if theyve made offensive comments online. Owens believed people might be disinclined to post hateful and offensive speech if they could be forever tagged to it. The site, which was roundly condemned as promoting further discord and the act of doxing, or publishing personal information of others online, was never launched, according to New York Magazine. An online fundraising campaign seeking $75,000 to run the site was suspended by Kicksarter after only garnering $4,244. BLT, in a counter suit, is seeking money for rent it claims Owens didnt pay and legal costs. The builder said Owens declined to pay rent as she continued to live in the apartment after filing the lawsuit. Her lease would have ended in February 2017, but she was evicted the previous month after an order from Norwalk Housing Court, according to BLT. State eviction data, however, shows the outcome was a withdraw of action. BLT said Owens created any mold by leaving windows open with the air conditioning running, failed to tell the landlord about the leak in a timely manner and did not comply with mold and mildew related provisions of her lease. Jury selection and a trial, originally slated for later this month, has been postponed to May 5. Owens first made headlines after receiving threatening and racist epithet-filled voicemails while a student at Stamford High. The issue turned scandal when the boy charged in the case was in a car with several other teens including the then-14-year-old son of former mayor and governor Dannel P. Malloy. Owens family sued the city Board of Education, which later paid $37,500 to settle the case. Owens made headlines again when she became communications director for Turning Point USA, a conservative group close to President Donald Trump. barry.lytton@stamfordadvocate.com; 203-964-2263; @bglytton BRIDGEPORT Three guns were recovered after a pursuit Tuesday, according to police spokesman Terron Jones. The vehicle apparently matched the description of vehicle involved in a shots fired incident in the city Monday, reports indicated. Jones said shortly after 7 p.m., a car didnt pull over for police units and instead engaged officers in a pursuit on Route 8 south near Exit 3. The vehicle then led officers to Interstate 95 from Stratford back into Bridgeport. Connecticut State Police troopers jumped in to assist in the pursuit, dispatch reports indicated. The car got off Exit 29 from the highway and crashed, troopers said over the radio waves. But the driver continued on and troopers said speeds during the pursuit on city streets hovered around 35 mph. The pursuit lasted a few minutes once it hit city streets. The driver ultimately crashed near the intersection of Noble and Crescent avenues around 7:15 p.m., reports indicated. According to reports, three people were taken into custody. The responsible parties were taken into custody at the intersection of Noble Avenue and Crescent Avenue, Jones said. There do not appear to be any injuries and three firearms were recovered with the occupants in custody. BRIDGEPORT Less than 24 hours after a fatal stabbing in the city Monday night, police detectives had someone in custody and charged with murder Tuesday. Kenyon Gay, 41, of Bridgeport and West Haven, was charged with murder, possession of a dangerous weapon and second-degree assault. His bond was set at $1 million. City police said the victim was 39-year-old Razzie Hancock. Records show his most recent address was on Laurel Court in Bridgeport. The killing was apparently the result of a domestic dispute between a woman, Hancock and Gay, according to Police Chief Armando Perez on Tuesday. One of the men pulled out a knife, slashed the woman and then fatally stabbed the other male, Perez said, adding that it appeared the suspect walked in on the woman and the victim together, which led to an argument, before the suspect pulled out the knife. The womans injuries were non-life-threatening, Perez said. Police Capt. Brian Fitzgerald said detectives were able to quickly identify Gay as the suspect and apply for an arrest warrant that was signed by a judge Tuesday. Hancock was stabbed once in the chest and died shortly after at Bridgeport Hospital, Fitzgerald said. The homicide, the citys first of 2019, happened around 7:15 p.m. Monday. Hancock was stabbed inside a residence in the 100 block of Bishop Avenue, police said. After being stabbed, he left the residence and collapsed on a nearby sidewalk. I want my city to be safe, Perez said. I dont want these types of events to occur. ...Its such a tragic waste of a life. We try so hard to prevent crime, to prevent things like this from happening. It tugs on your heart because it should never have happened. The chief praised the Detective Bureau, led by Fitzgerald, for giving 150 percent during every investigation. They are very caring, hardworking and dedicated individuals, Perez said of the detectives. They never stop until they get an apprehension. The worlds two biggest battery companies one with its main research lab in Bethel are bidding for Eveready Industries India, which was once owned by an affiliate of the former Danbury conglomerate Union Carbide. Duracell parent company Berkshire Hathaway is exploring a bid for Eveready Industries, according to the Indian publication the Business Standard, which did not identify its sources. The Business Standard reported St. Louis, Mo.-based Energizer Holdings as also interested in a deal, as well as multiple, unnamed private-equity investment firms. Energizer makes batteries under the Eveready brand in the United States and China, while having no ownership interest in Eveready Industries India. Evereadys India manufacturing dates back to the eve of World War II; in 1968, Union Carbide opened a battery factory in Bhopal, where a separate company pesticide plant had a massive chemical discharge in 1984 that killed thousands of people, ultimately precipitating Union Carbides bankruptcy dissolution. The Business Standard report sparked a surge in shares of Eveready Industries India which are traded on the National Stock Exchange of India, even though Berkshire Hathaway and Energizer provided no confirmation of any interest in the company. In early January, Energizer completed the $2 billion acquisition of Rayovac from Spectrum Brands, pushing it closer to overtaking Duracell as the top seller of batteries in the world. The Eveready name dates to 1905, six years after David Misell patented the idea for what would become the modern flashlight, with the company folded in 1917 into the entity that would become Union Carbide. As Union Carbides legal woes mounted after Bhopal, the company sold Eveready in 1986 to Ralston Purina, which would spin it back off in 1992 as Energizer. The Indian manufacturing operations had been carved out previously in an auction overseen by the Indian courts after Bhopal. Eveready Industries India is based in Kolkata today, with Williamson Magor Group holding a 45 percent stake and the company making about 1.3 billion batteries and flashlights annually. Cheaper carbon zinc batteries dominate its 50 percent market share in India. Last week, the Times of India reported Williamson Magors intent to solicit offers for the battery maker, with Eveready Industries India valued at the time between $420 million and $560 million. Duracell was long based in Bethel under former owner Procter & Gamble and still has its main research center there today. Berkshire Hathaway established a corporate office for Duracell in Chicago after acquiring the brand in February 2016, where Duracell CEO Thom Lachman works. Under Berkshire Hathaway, Duracell has yet to make a deal to match that of Energizer in its acquisition of Rayovac from Spectrum Brands. Duracell incurred an $89 million loss in 2016 in part due to merger-related costs of its transfer to Berkshire Hathaway, but the unit has increased earnings and revenues since, save for the third quarter of last year when Berkshire Hathaway reported a dip in Duracell sales. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman GREENWICH The building that houses the downtown Starbucks store, and formerly a prominent drugstore, has sold for $7 million. The approximately 8,300-square-foot property at 301 Greenwich Ave., was sold by longtime owner Joel Adelman to Greenwich-based Charter Realty & Development Corp., which owns or operates more than 80 shopping centers in the U.S., including several in Connecticut. In addition to the Starbucks cafe, the fully leased edifice houses The Tobacconist of Greenwich shop on its ground floor and second- and third-floor offices for tenants, including financial-services and legal firms. Its an iconic building, Adelman said. (Broker) Steve (Westerberg) came into the picture and said he had a great deal for me, so thats how the opportunity arose. The acquisition reflects Charters strategy of purchasing street-retail buildings that also have other uses, Charter Principal Paul Brandes said. The firms recent projects include co-developing the Bedford Square mixed-use center in downtown Westport. Charter plans to preserve 301 Greenwichs exterior architectural features, while upgrading its interior common areas. This iconic asset, at the most highly visible location on the Avenue, fit well with our criteria of purchasing superior quality assets in unique interior/in-fill locations, Brandes said in an email. Greenwich Avenue still represents one of the strongest streets in the region for commercial activity, and we believe, as a long-term holder, it will only appreciate over time. From the sale, the town and state, respectively, netted $17,500 and $87,500 in conveyance taxes. The building stands on the towns main retail corridor and yards from the Greenwich school districts main offices and the towns police and fire headquarters. It received several offers from local and out-of-area investors, according to Westerberg, first vice president of the Stamford commercial real estate firm, Marcus & Millichap. Buyer demand for high-quality Greenwich properties continues to be strong, Westerberg said. Greenwich is still a solid market, fortified by its sophistication, affluence and proximity to New York City. Before the Starbucks opening about 30 years ago, 301 Greenwichs corner storefront housed the flagship store in the local Finchs drugstore chain. Adelman worked at Finchs, which included a lunch counter, before acquiring the business about 50 years ago, and then the 301 Greenwich building with his then-business partner, the late Marvin Weinberg. Adelman declined to disclose how much he paid for the property. Another Finchs storefront once operated on East Putnam Avenue while a Finch Pharmacy is now in business at 263 Glenville Road. Adelman no longer owns the Glenville location. It was very important to meet at Finchs, on the Avenue, Adelman said. Everybody knew Finchs. It was a very important landmark. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; twitter: @paulschott This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Ever since the 2016 presidential campaign, pundits have thought that, above the fray of hyper-partisanship, federal legislation that would address the deterioration of our infrastructure would rally lawmakers of both parties. So far, of course, no such legislation has been seriously considered, even though most of us encounter some form of infrastructure dysfunction nearly every day.The issue is even more pressing now as we face the likelihood of an economic downturn. Public-works spending early on, just as a downturn gets underway, can go a long way toward dampening its severity while simultaneously addressing very real needs.The list of those needs just begins with potholes, leaking water mains, congested streets and rusting bridges. Even if we discount the American Society of Civil Engineers' 2017 estimate of the nation's infrastructure investment deficit as little better than a stab in the dark -- is $4.6 trillion, the number ASCE uses, even fathomable? -- it's clear that the management of our infrastructure has been flawed or in some cases ignored.If and when something emerges from Congress, state and local governments would have to be partners with the feds in managing any new infrastructure initiative. After all, the majority of the nation's non-military infrastructure falls under the auspices of cities, counties and states.But, even if such a bill were to pass, there are hitches. First, whatever the design of a federal infrastructure bill -- an outright grant to states and localities, matching grants or competitive grants -- assessments of such spending often conclude that federal money only substitutes for state and local money. That means that no more infrastructure would actually be built than would have been in the absence of the grant (academics refer to this as the "substitution" effect).In addition to dealing with that issue, Congress' infrastructure bill must free government managers to invest in repairing and maintaining existing infrastructure, not just in new projects. How? To begin with, design the infrastructure bill to explicitly allow federal funds to be used for maintenance projects, not just new ones. Yes, ribbon-cutting is the best photo op for elected officials, but too often it only signals the start of disinvestment in the new capital asset, because governments rarely invest what they should to repair and maintain the new bauble. By allowing managers the discretion to maximize public investment in existing capital assets, the infrastructure deficit would -- I am confident -- decline.That would be a significant departure from previous infrastructure initiatives, such as the stimulus package enacted in the teeth of the last recession, in which much of the talk about infrastructure reclamation focused on "shovel-ready" efforts. But that's a terrible criterion for project selection, unless it is demonstrably connected to economic growth and a deliberate capital improvement plan for states and localities.Focusing only on new projects serves to demonstrate what most public-works managers already know: Underinvesting in the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and pipes just means higher costs down the road. Local policymakers can more easily defer spending on infrastructure, which can take years to evidence itself, than on the day-to-day functioning of prisons or Medicaid. A recent Volcker Alliance report indicates that only four of the 50 states have any idea of what their deferred-maintenance bill is.There is another aspect to the infrastructure challenge: Timing is everything. The U.S. economy has now registered the longest growth period in modern history, but signs of weakening and cracking are abundant. The stock market has become a roller coaster, and tariffs and trade disputes are beginning to raise prices and concerns. A critical role the federal government can assume is to adjust spending levels as a counterbalance to a weakening market. As the economy recedes, the government can use its stabilization powers to spend more, thereby becoming a countercyclical force.Dramatically increasing government investment in the nation's infrastructure not only can enhance the efficiency of the economy by, for example, reducing transportation costs, it also can blunt the loss of jobs. Unfortunately, however, in the past countercyclical government programs have been adopted at the height of the downturn and implemented after the economy has already begun to recover, dampening the countercyclical effects those programs were intended to address.If the federal government wants to pursue one of the most direct paths to helping its cities, counties and states, placing an infrastructure bill at the top of this year's congressional agenda is simple common sense. The key: Have the money in hand so that we will be ready to go when the inevitable economic and fiscal downturn occurs. SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- A grandmother in Springfield is asking for help from the community to help find two missing teenagers - one of them her granddaughter. Police said the two are runaways, who were last seen at Commerce High School on June 1. Inside Washington Hearts and Minds A war is raging for Americas political future. From Twitter to Congress, its being waged on multiple, messy, cacophonous battle fronts by a melee of vying forces. 16.01.2019 Von Amy Holmes Starting with the GOP, the greatly reduced red state Congressional army is attempting to dishonorably discharge one of its members, the execrable Iowa Congressman Steve King. This week, in fear for their partys reputation, rattled House Republicans voted to strip the rogue racial arsonist of his committee assignments. King, a vocal ally of Austrias Freedom Party, had told the New York Times that he didnt know why the terms white nationalist, white supremacist had become offensive. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy called Kings remarks beneath the dignity of the Party of Lincoln and the United States of America. Over in Blue Land, establishment Democrats are chaffing at the star power of Bronx newcomer Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. Channeling their exasperation, TV talk show host Whoopi Goldberg verbally spanked the 29 year old, scolding, Before you start pooping on people... I would encourage you to sit still for a minute and learn the job. Cortez isnt taking the hint. This week, she tweeted to giddy fans and disgruntled comrades a quote from the comic book, Watchmen: None of you understand. Im not locked up in here with YOU. Youre locked up in here with ME. She may be right. Axios reports that the confiscatory tax enthusiast has far more power on Twitter than the most prominent Democrats, including the congressional leaders and the likely 2020 presidential candidates. French General Charles de Gaulle once advised that Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence. The World War Two hero never had a Twitter account. Discover The Spa at Hanmer Springs in New Zealand Located in the New Zealand alpine village of Hanmer Springs, The Spa boasts a stunning mountain backdrop. Connected to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, it offers guests the opportunity to relax in the therapeutic waters before indulging in one of many spa treatments. Surrounded by picturesque mountains, forest parks and native bushland, it is the ideal setting to completely relax and reconnect. The experience Hanmer Springs village offers many world-class accommodation options for travellers, all within a short walk from The Spa, ranging from five-star hotels to boutique spa retreats and B&Bs. Within the village, the jewel in the crown is Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, where visitors can spend a day relaxing in one of more than a dozen natural thermal pools, including therapeutic mineral pools, aqua therapy pools and play areas. The water in the thermal pools started as snow and rain falling on the Hanmer Springs mountains almost 180 years ago. It seeped into the greywacke basement rock and came to rest in a reservoir some two kilometres underground, where it is warmed by heat radiating from the earths core. Today, that water is drawn to the surface and used for bathing and heating purposes. The thermal pools are connected to The Spa, offering guests the flexibility and convenience of the ultimate relaxation experience. The Spa offers dozens of sublime beauty therapies, tailored massage treatments and pampering spa services. The wider village boasts activities for the adventurous soul, with superb mountain biking, jet boating, bungy jumping, horse riding and quad bike tours. The treatments The thermal pools are the perfect place to start your Hanmer Springs spa experience. Bathing in thermal spring water has therapeutic benefits and the natural warmth and restful atmosphere help you relax and unwind. The Spa itself offers the full gamut of spa treatments and experiences, including a full range of massage therapies administered by a team of experienced therapists. Body treatments using both natural and scientifically proven cosmeceutical products and spa experiences utilising the latest technologies and techniques are also available. Included among the luscious treatment options are the Vichy shower, hot stone therapy and private thermal pools and saunas. Vichy treatments feature an invigorating warm waterfall that gently massages you as you lie on a specially designed, handcrafted massage table. The rain shower exfoliation and massage involves a full-body exfoliation before drifting away under the warmth of the Vichy rain shower as the healing hands of your therapist work in symphony with the waters to gently massage and guide you to total relaxation. Utter bliss. On another level, you might want to try a coffee bean exfoliation. This treatment starts with a stimulating exfoliation using coffee beans and then once you have showered and relaxed, you can enjoy the application of warmed body butter to hydrate your skin. Other body treatments include a detox body cocoon, thermal gel wrap, soothing sugar scrub, deep-tissue massage and reflexology. The Spa also offers a full range of beauty treatments including waxing, manicures and pedicures. You might like to try a seasonal facial a fruit-inspired treatment that is vitamin based in spring/summer, and mineral based in autumn/winter. Another treat is the eye contour treatment, which is specifically designed for the eye contour area and helps to immediately reduce signs of fatigue and ageing with long-lasting effects. The Spa boasts individual and couples massage rooms, the Vichy spa room, hydro-storm room, private saunas, private thermal pools, a relaxation lounge and pedicure and manicure room. A retail area with a wide variety of items including aromatherapy candles and beauty products is also on-site. The food There are dozens of world-class cafes and eateries within minutes of The Spa, situated in the centre of Hanmer Springs Village, including fine dining, international cuisine and family restaurants. The Tea Kiosk within the thermal pools facility offers a wide range of international food, authentic oven pizzas, Western cuisine and family-friendly meals. Getting there Youll find The Spa connected to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa on the right-hand side as soon as you drive into Hanmer Springs village. Its just a short 90-minute drive from the South Island gateway of Christchurch. The Spa is within 10 minutes walking distance from major accommodation providers in the village, making it an ideal spot to indulge yourself, before taking in a bit of boutique shopping and dining at one of the dozens of cafes and eateries. For those on a day trip, there is plenty of free parking surrounding The Spa and the compact village. Connect with The Spa at Hanmer Springs W: hanmersprings.co.nz P: +64 3 315 0029, 0800 873 529 (New Zealand toll free) E: thespa@hanmersprings.co.nz A: 42 Amuri Avenue, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand Investing in Canadas digital economy is a big focus with 4 in 10 SMEs planning to shift all or some of their investment to new technologies. "It is encouraging to see some optimism from Canadian businesses as they adapt to the labour shortage and digital technology," says Pierre Cleroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC. "SMEs make up 99.7% of Canadian companies, so their success is crucial to the economy. Companies can better meet today's challenges if they invest in retaining workers, hiring newcomers to Canada and adopting new technology." Where the investment in tech is growing More entrepreneurs plan to invest in intangible assets such as software and intellectual property this year. High-growth firms are focused on buying new technology, with 59% planning such investments compared to 43% of all businesses. Exporters are more likely to invest in new tech, due to the low Canadian dollar and strong demand from the US. The sectors with the brightest investment outlook are wholesale, technology, and business services. WANTED: Police looking for gunman who shot and killed man at Kentucky store DETROIT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) unveiled a research and development center in Detroit, the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the third R&D center the Chinese automaker has established in the United States, the other two are located in Los Angles and Silicon Valley. Addressing the opening ceremony, Yang Rongsheng, chief operating officer of GAC Detroit R&D Center, defined the mission of the center as to design and develop vehicle models for North American market as well as the global markets. "Though integrating talent and technical resources in North America, the center will help bring about advances of products development and technological innovation on the Chinese market." Covering an area three times the combination of its R&D centers in LA and Silicon Valley, the Detroit center has so far recruited a staff of 30. Except eight persons from GAC headquarters in Guangzhou, China's Guangdong Province, the rest 22 are all local residents. "By recruiting local top-notch talents, GAC has not only enhanced its strength and brand influence but also created employment and cooperation opportunities (for local residents and businesses)," Yu stressed. Brian Connors, executive director of Michigan-China Innovation Center, opened his arms to welcome GAC's presence in the state of Michigan. "We gain a neighbor as well as a friend," Connors said. There are now more than 300 Chinese enterprises operating in Michigan, bringing in to the U.S. state an investment of more than 4 billion dollars and supporting more than 6,000 jobs. Michigan ranks third among all U.S. states in terms of Chinese investments received. GAC is also attracted to the excellent location, convenient communication and rich resources in the Greater Detroit area. On Monday, the Chinese automaker unveiled its electric vehicle concept SUV at the ongoing North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. This is the fifth time the Chinese automaker attended the auto show. North America constitutes an important part in GAC's global layout. The company preliminarily planned to start selling vehicles in North America market at the end of 2019, but has to delay the sale to 2020 due to force majeure. But the Chinese automaker has never waived in its determination of entering the North American market. GAC now operates in 16 countries. It sold more than 535,000 cars globally in 2018, up 5.23 percent year on year. Reporter I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years. Former prime minister Tony Abbott has been accused by experts of lacking a "basic grasp of economics" and being "embarrassing" after attempting to intervene in the Brexit crisis. Moments after UK Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal plan was rejected by the UK Parliament on Tuesday, making it more likely the country would leave the European Union without a governing deal, Abbott tweeted: "Whats wrong with no deal? Australia does $100 billion a year in trade with the EU without a deal." Former prime minister Tony Abbott. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But the comment was criticised by Jonathan Portes, professor of economics at Kings College London. And it was also scathingly dismissed by a former trade negotiator with the Abbott government. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has survived a vote of no-confidence in parliament, 24 hours after her Brexit withdrawal plan suffered a historic defeat. The motion, brought by opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn, was intended to trigger a general election and put the UKs departure from the European Union in the hands of Labour, which wants to negotiate a closer post-Brexit relationship. But Mays minority government survived with the support of the Northern Irish DUP, as the rest of parliament voted along party lines. Corbyn, opening the days debate, had called the government a zombie administration that had lost key votes on its most important policy. There are fears for the welfare of a former Canberra public servant imprisoned in Cambodia on drugs charges. Gary Knowles, now 73, was arrested in the south-east Asian country more than a year ago. Now one of his former colleagues, worried about his health given the harsh reputation of Cambodian prisons, has called on the Australian government to intervene. Gary Knowles at his arrest. Cambodian papers said the woman was his girlfriend. Credit:Cambodian police Peter Harris, a former director at the IT group in the Attorney-General's department who was Mr Knowles's boss when the two worked together in Canberra, wants the government to do more for its imprisoned former employee. While Mr Knowles worked for the federal government, he was seconded to the Thai government to install a computer system meant to help disrupt the illicit drugs route to Australia. WA Premier Mark McGowan has backed Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly's western rock lobster plan aimed at bringing cheaper lobsters to the state market, but he was unable to say how cheap lobster lovers would be able to buy the delicacy for. Speaking to 6PR's Gareth Parker on the controversial issue for the first time in 2019 Mr McGowan said Mr Kelly had come up with a good plan. The lobster plan has caused controversy. "He negotiated an outcome with the industry. I sat in my office with representatives of the industry and they signed an agreement," he said. "He's done a good job because what he's come up with is a policy that ensures that not all our rock lobster goes to China, that West Australians get access to it and we get some returns for the taxpayers." Western Australian university graduates are lagging behind their eastern states counterparts in securing full-time jobs. The Australian Education Departments 2018 Graduate Outcome Survey results saw the national average for graduates obtaining full-time employment within four months of graduation at 72.9 per cent. But, with the exception of the University of Notre Dame at 78.7 per cent, all WA universities scored lower. WA graduates were the slowest in the market to get jobs right away but rebounded within three years. Credit:Max Mason Hubers MMH The University of Western Australia had the lowest rate at 55.4 per cent of graduates immediately securing full-time employment. Next was ECU which stood at 57.8 per cent. A man who sparked a siege in Perth's southern suburbs after barricading himself inside a house armed with a knife has been taken to hospital for assessment. Part of a street in Perth's southern suburbs has been shut down. Credit:Jason South A police operation was sparked in the early hours of the morning in Shelley, causing a section of Majorie Avenue to be closed. The man was taken into custody about 6am and and will be rushed to hospital for an assessment. A bag of zip ties, a packet of condoms, a tube of lubricant, a jar of Vaseline, a soft yellow ball, super glue, and a jar of plum jam. These were some of the items left at the scene of a crime, where a would-be intruder was "valiantly" chased from the Bronte home of television personality Deb Hutton early one morning. Deborah Hutton and Robert Dulhunty in 2013. Credit:SDP Media At least that was the story behind the items her estranged partner, Robert Dulhunty, wanted police to believe when he dialled triple zero at 6.30am on August 11, 2018. And it was security vision of Dulhunty buying exactly those items from a Coogee convenience store the day before that would be his undoing. Mental health services across Australia will share in $1.45 billion under a funding model shake-up that offers local organisations, staff and patients greater long term certainty. The federal government announced its new funding for the country's 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs), which coordinate the health services needed to respond to the specific needs of communities, such as youth and indigenous services, suicide prevention and treatment for severe psychiatric conditions. The $1.45 billion in federal funding over three years from July 2019 to 2021-22 is $170 million more than the previous three years - just over $56 million per year. Mental health organisations will also be spared the uncertainty of re-tendering for contracts every year under the funding model, which offers greater security for staff and continuity of care for patients. Former Biggest Loser host Ajay Rochester is proving to be one of the more candid stars on this year's I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, opening up to campmates Jacqui Lambie and Sam Dastyari about the welfare fraud charge that saw her front court in 2009. After pleading guilty to 23 counts of obtaining a financial benefit by deception, resulting in an overpayment of $14,000, the now-49-year-old escaped conviction, with the magistrate taking into account that Rochester had taken steps to pay the money back before she was investigated. Though she narrowly avoided a criminal record, the investigation and court case still cost Rochester plenty - including her career. On Wednesday, she detailed the "four years of hell and torture" and revealed just how bad things were for her and her son Kai, who was 10 at the time. Managing Editor Delphine Luneau is a veteran journalist with more than 20 years of experience. She was the editor of Suburban Life Media when its flagship was named best weekly in Illinois, and she has worked at papers in South Carolina, Indiana, Idaho and New York. Up for debate: Live legislation tracker Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics. Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on. Brian Gregory Robling of Washington, 23, passed away Monday, June 7, 2021. Brian was born July 11, 1997, in Washington, to Amber (Robling) Whiteman and Michael Bernard. He graduated from Washington High School in 2016. Brian is survived by his parents; his son, Zyler Mehrer of Washington; da His ability to evade the authorities and seemingly mock their attempts to capture him came to embody impunity in Mexico and the difficulties in the countrys crackdown on drug cartels and organized crime, which has cost more than 200,000 lives and left more than 30,000 missing since 2006. The terror has scarred the hotel and corporate offices, and the resilient, fast-paced city of which they are a part. A cafe in the complex, called Secret Garden, was destroyed when one attacker detonated a suicide vest. Bodies lay slumped over tables still cluttered with plates and laptops, according to Associated Press photos taken after the attack. Shattered glass littered the parking lot where it fell in cascades. Thanks to the leadership of this commander in chief and the courage and sacrifice of our armed forces, we are now actually able to begin to hand off the fight against ISIS in Syria to our coalition partners, he said, using a common acronym for the Islamic State, prompting applause from the 184 diplomats in the audience. And we are bringing our troops home. The caliphate has crumbled, and ISIS has been defeated. The assessment by the Pentagons intelligence agency comes as the U.S. military begins reshaping itself to counter powers such as China and Russia after nearly two decades of focusing on counterinsurgency and anti-terrorism operations. Though then-Defense Secretary Jim Mattis released a new national defense strategy in January 2018 outlining the goals, the Pentagon is still working on implementing them, with officials promising that proof of the transformation will be visible in the departments 2020 budget request, which is due out next month. My concern about the statements made by President Trump is that you set in motion enthusiasm by the enemy were fighting. You make people we are trying to help wonder about us, and as they get bolder, the people were trying to help are going to get more uncertain. I saw this in Iraq, and Im now seeing it in Syria, Graham said. Nicola Sturgeon, leader of the Scottish National Party, told the BBC that she spoke with May after the defeat of her Brexit bill. Sturgeon said, To be perfectly frank, I didnt glean very much she was at pains to tell me she wanted to sit down with other parties and listen to other ideas. But I got the very strong sense she does not have a clear idea herself of what the next steps are, and it doesnt seem to me as if she is prepared to abandon or move any of her red lines to open space for new approaches to be brought forward. May was widely expected to lose Tuesdays vote in the British Parliament on the withdrawal agreement she negotiated with the E.U., but the definitive scale of her rejection 432 to 202 helped feed a sense on the continent that the March 29 Brexit deadline would need to be postponed, if only to give both sides extra time to prepare for the turbulence that would result from the lack of a safety net from a negotiated transition plan. Democrats need to gain either three seats, and win the presidency, or four seats to claim the majority. For now, Senate Republicans are betting that is a tall order that will only come to pass if Trump goes into a tailspin that takes a bunch of them down with him. Its encouraging because this is my sixth day in Congress and theyre out of all their artillery, she said in a recent interview. The nude is supposed to be like the bazooka. You know, like, Were going to take her down. Dude, youre all out of bullets, youre all out of bombs, youre all out of all this stuff. What have you got left? Ocasio-Cortez: Its physically exhausting. The actual transition process is exhausting, but then the attention is enormous too. It impacts my work because in some ways it can be a little helpful but in other ways its not like that doesnt impact the dynamics in the chamber, either. Sometimes it impacts relationships positively because there are some older women that reach out and offer their mentorship and guidance. But it can be isolating in the chamber because when so many people are talking about you in the outside world, its hard to not project those narratives into them thinking that is who you are. Its an extra hurdle, but Ive been going out of my way to have personal interactions with the members so they get an idea of who I actually am as opposed to who I am through the lens of someone else. By choice, he has stepped away from the talks to resolve the impasse over $5.7 billion for President Trumps border wall, which is at the core of the dispute, while refusing to vote on House bills to reopen the government. Trump wants wall funding. Democrats dont. McConnell is leaving it to them to work it out. Im going to run for president of the United States because, as a young mom, Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own. Which is why I believe that health care should be a right and not a privilege, she said. Its why I believe we should have better public schools for our kids because it shouldnt matter what block you grow up on. And I believe that anybody who wants to work hard enough should be able to get whatever job training they need to earn their way into the middle class. The Trump Organization, which did not respond to a request for comment late Wednesday, has denied that it violates the emoluments clauses. It says it tabulates most of the profits it makes from foreign governments and donates the money to the U.S. Treasury. The company last year made a donation of $151,470 and has not made a donation yet this year. That days VIP Arrivals list had 39 names. There were executives at a Defense Department contractor called AxleTech; a spokesman said they chose the hotel because they had a meeting at a corporate office across the street. Two other VIPs were connected with the pro-Trump super PAC America First Action, which was hosting a dinner with the president at the hotel that night. A spokeswoman said one room was for the event photographer, the other for staff preparations. Barrs appearance seemed to have a calming effect on the panel so recently shredded by the Brett M. Kavanaugh Supreme Court confirmation. It was as though the appearance of the 68-year-old Barr, confirmed by the same committee 27 years ago to serve the same role in President George H.W. Bushs administration, had transported the lawmakers to a kinder, gentler time. Instead of trading barbs, Democrats and Republicans took turns talking about the nominees grandson. (The 8-year-olds Dear Grandpa note to the nominee mid-hearing was a hit.) But the most important attribute for the Democratic presidential nominee will be an ability to beat Trump. The greatest weakness would be a candidate (backed by an insurgency) that skews the party so far left that it has trouble convincing independent voters in the center that the Democrats can put the country back together. Conservative voters are just as convinced as progressives that they face a politics of exclusion. The escape is to rebuild a broad, tolerant and diverse middle. Inset: Soldiers hang the portraits of exemplary soldiers in a naval air station of the People's Liberation Army's Northern Theater Command. Photo: Courtesy of the PLA naval air station Portraits of 10 late exemplary soldiers were unveiled recently at a training base of a naval air station of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s Northern Theater Command to commemorate their contributions. Lin Junde and Zhang Chao joined the list of exemplary PLA soldiers in September under the approval of the Central Military Commission. Before the addition of Lin and Zhang, the list included eight exemplary soldiers known to everyone in China, such as Lei Feng. Their portraits were released by the former General Political Department of the PLA and hung in all offices above the company level. They were role models from different times in China and represent the spirit of their eras, and their heroic acts offer lessons to the entire army. Zhang was a first-grade pilot of the naval air force in Hainan who died at the age of 29 during J-15 fighter jet carrier-landing training on April 27, 2016. Zhang's addition to the list is high praise and an honor from Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Central Military Commission, as well as an encouragement to all soldiers of the naval air force in the Northern Theater Command. The decision also shows that President Xi and the Central Military Commission attach significant attention to carrier-based flight and wish to expedite the transformation and construction of the naval air force. J-15 fighter jets Photo: Courtesy of the PLA naval air station Dancer on a knife point Carrier-based pilots have been called "dancers on the point of a knife," as they are under unimaginably huge pressure when an aircraft weighing dozens of tons hits the deck and reduces its 200-kph speed to zero in a very short time. No matter how experienced a pilot is, every take-off and landing on the deck is as risky as the first, and even a tiny error could lead to calamity. Carrier-based flight intimidates some people with its unknown risks, while attracting others with its challenges. Obviously, Zhang was among the latter. In December 2013, Zhang became a pilot of China's third-generation fighter jets in the naval air force in Hainan after a series of strict tests. Although it was the first time for Zhang to pilot a third-generation fighter jet, the idea of challenging himself by flying the jet and piloting it in the best way inspired him. On the morning of April 27, 2016, a silver J-15 fighter jet approached and landed on a carrier-based craft training base. The flight was supposed to wrap up the morning's simulation training, and everything was normal until a harsh alarm was issued from the radio. Yu Xiang, the machinist standing by aside the field, saw the jet heading nose-up and flying straight up into the air as it tried to slow down. "Jump! Jump! Jump!" the director instructed. Zhang was ejected from the cabin as the director gave the order and fell onto the runway. The flight record shows that while the jet was out of control, Zhang's immediate response in the six seconds was to preserve the jet. However, the plane remained out of control. Zhang died at 29, after being sent to the hospital, because his parachute failed to open due to improper ejection position and low height. "After seven flights, he would have been a pilot on the Liaoning," said Xu Ying, chief of the training base, as well as the first pilot to fly the J-15 fighter jet for the inspection of President Xi last year. "Zhang paved the way for China's aircraft carrier goals with his life, and we should complete his unfinished career to devote ourselves to building a naval air force," said Sun Mingjie, a newly approved pilot on the aircraft carrier. "Zhang was a pioneer of the new combat forces of the PLA, as well as a hero who sacrificed his life for China's aircraft carrier cause," said Zhang Zhongming, political commissar of the training base. "We will strictly observe the iron discipline of 'precise, obedient and zero tolerance' in aircraft carrier flight, fight against bottlenecks, endeavor to solve the critical issue, forge a powerful engine for the construction of the naval air force, and complete the unfinished cause left by Zhang Chao," announced Lu Chaohui, head of a carrier-based jet fighter regiment, on behalf of all the pilots. Others will now fill the vacuum. The House of Commons itself may come up with some proposals, and there are a few floating around. The Peoples Vote campaign is calling for the deadlock to be resolved by a new referendum. One of its leaders told me recently that the campaign is now hoping to be the last option standing: After everything else is voted down, there may be no other choice. May continues to push back against a second referendum for a simple reason: Polling is showing increasing numbers of people opposed to Brexit. Indeed, when Britons are offered the choice between remaining in the E.U. and any other concrete option Mays deal, or no deal a clear majority favors Remain. But because that outcome would split the Conservative Party, and because the Conservative Party is Mays whole life, she wants to avoid that at any cost. And so here we are. The email was obtained as part of a lawsuit Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has filed against the company, in which she alleges Purdue deceived patients and doctors to get them to prescribe and take the addictive drug. Healey claims Purdue then pushed higher doses of OxyContin and provided misleading information about it. This, her office said, led doctors to keep patients on higher doses of the drug for longer periods, a situation that created enormous profits for Purdue and a staggering toll of addiction, abuse and death in Massachusetts. Rules about guns are notoriously loose in Mr. Jeffersons Capitol, where even visitors with concealed-carry permits are allowed to bring weapons in. In the Senate alone, at least six of the 21 Republicans regularly bring guns on the floor. But most of the time, they keep their weapons concealed. That was true for Chase too, until this week. You have likely seen the photo. You might have even stared at it, too. It was taken on May 28, 1963, and it captures the nonviolent tactic that civil rights activists employed at that time to fight for equal access to space for all people: a sit-in. In it, three people sit at a segregated lunch counter at a Woolworths department store in Jackson, Miss., as an angry crowd of white men stands behind them. One of the things that park staff is working on right now is a standardized approach to using hashtags, for people to be able to find the parks theyre interested in specifically, Bortz said. The goal here is for people who are interested in our parks to get more information and our information to get out to more people. We believe this will help grow customer engagement with the parks. The area around Tyler House has been known for violence. In 2013, 13 people were struck in a drive-by shooting there. The area of North Capitol Street near New York Avenue has also been a trouble spot, even as New York Avenue serves as one of the major commuter routes in and out of the city. Potomac Mills Rd., 14400 block, 9:34 a.m. Jan. 3. A 34-year-old Woodbridge man was arrested after a verbal argument with a female acquaintance. Both got inside a vehicle and the man drove away, refusing to let the woman out of the vehicle. When the woman called police, the driver let her go. He was arrested and charged with abduction. Such information in hand, Mr. Wunderman sought to make personal connections with customers. He did so through direct mail that reached customers at their home and through magazine inserts of interest to readers of particular publications. Insomniacs are well acquainted with the toll-free 1-800 phone numbers that he advertised on television, inviting potential buyers to speak right then and there with one of the operators standing by. During the debate last year, several Republican lawmakers questioned whether the bill could pose a threat to the Second Amendment. It was amended in the Senate to limit who can petition for a court order. Under the legislation, those who are not direct family members or other authorized petitioners can work with police to initiate a court order. Party loyalty, he said, and personal affection and precedents of the past must fall before the arbiter of mens actions: the law itself. No man, not even the president of the United States, is above the law. For our system of justice and our system of government to survive, we must pledge our highest allegiance to the strength of the law and not to the common frailties of man. Those of us blessed by your trust should give you a government that doesnt act as if it is something apart from you but one that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, Hogan, 62, told a crowd of well-wishers on the State House lawn. A government that appreciates that no one of us has all the answers or all the power. A government that tolerates contrary views among a diverse citizenry without making them into enemies or doubting their patriotism. Although heavily redacted, the documents state that Manafort, Trumps former campaign chairman, claimed he was trying to get people appointed in the new presidential administration. The filing also states that in another Justice Department investigation, Manafort provided information that appears related to an event while he was with the campaign in August 2016. Most prisoners, sooner or later, are released from prison, and no one is helped when they do not have the skills to find a job, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate education panel, said in an email. Making Pell grants available to them in the right circumstances is a good idea, and the committee will work to make this a part of the law in a Higher Education Act reauthorization. But other expenses in the report appear questionable. For example, the District spends $7.7 million of the money for at-risk students on art and language teachers. The general budget is supposed to pay for schools to have a certain number of art and language teachers and mental-health workers, while the at-risk funds are designated to hire extra staff members devoted to students who need additional help. The Post found that officials at the D.C. Department of Behavioral Health failed to carry out multiple initiatives for which they obtained federal grant money including teams of counselors to perform street outreach to heroin users and a program to steer overdose victims into addiction treatment at the Districts public hospital. The medical provider contracted by the city with $1.46 million of its federal money did not treat a single patient for opioid addiction in connection with the grant. Normally, that would mean the legislation becomes law after the standard congressional review period. If it goes into effect Oct. 1, the legislation will prevent D.C. property owners from renting out second homes on a short-term basis and bar them from renting spare rooms or basements in their primary residences for more than 90 days a year when they are away. Todays Headlines The most important news stories of the day, curated by Post editors and delivered every morning. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Marian D.: The banana, which botanically is a berry, develops those brown spots because the starch turns to higher levels of sugar. There is nothing wrong with the banana if it has freckles, and in fact, in a controlled Japanese study carried out at the University of Tokyo, researchers discovered that overripe bananas were rich in antioxidants. The more brown spots a banana has, the better, because those antioxidants destroy free radicals, which are believed to cause damage to the human body. "It is true that it's unlikely that anything that they're proposing right now is going to become law," Michele Swers, a politics professor at Georgetown University, said of Pressley and other progressive freshmen elected last year. "Realistically, what they can hope for now is to try and set the agenda in a way that's going to influence future policy. You kind of lay down markers of, if Democrats have control, this is what it would look like." Jacques Servin, who uses the pseudonym Andy Bichlbaum, said he is one of the founders of the Yes Men and that the paper was intended to offer the grass-roots movement ideas for how to support the impeachment of Trump. The idea was a newspaper from the future and how we got there like a road map for activists, he said. Parents who sent their kids to school wondered how much teaching was happening as students were herded into large groups. David Biener said his son and daughter completed work sheets in math and history while sitting on the gym floor at their middle school. Dont stop reading. It gets more interesting, especially with dishes Cline whipped up for the bars Wharf debut. Crudo, most recently starring cobia, sails to the counter in an iridescent abalone shell resting on a mound of shaved ice. The eye-catching transportation could easily upstage the thinly sliced raw fish, at least until you put a piece in your mouth and experience the wow of crushed hazelnuts, Thai basil, bits of Fresno chile, shallots and more. Crab dip has me thinking the restaurant might want to promote itself as Rappahannock Crab Bar. The spread is that good, with richness from Gruyere and Parmesan, and some roasted corn kernels for pop. The fire in the spread comes as a surprise, but the eating would be less without jalapeno. Dropped off in a small skillet, crab and company are scooped up with tortilla chips that could stand to be a little sturdier. That grand bargain deployed for decades to lure talent into the government ranks is threatened today by a bruising shutdown with no end in sight. And this is the third shutdown in one year. The other two shutdowns were brief the longest ran two days. But they were tremors foreshadowing what was to come. The situation is exacerbated by a president who appears to view many government workers with contempt, deriding the federal bureaucracy as the Deep State and noting derisively via tweet that he thinks most government workers are Democrats. PBMs have come under fire in Washington and in state capitols for their role in influencing who wins and who loses in the pharmaceutical supply chain. In some cases, they are accused of contributing to rising costs instead of holding them in check. Trump told then-White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly and then-Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney that he did not want a single dollar going to Puerto Rico, because he thought the island was misusing the money and taking advantage of the government, according to a person with direct knowledge of the discussions who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe sensitive internal deliberations. Instead, he wanted more of the money to go to Texas and Florida, the person said. Farm Service Agency workers will return to work on Thursday, Friday and Tuesday, according to the news release. They will also help farmers secure the 1099 tax documents borrowers need to file to the IRS. Farmers with loan deadlines with the Agriculture Department are not required to make payments until after the end of the shutdown, according to a USDA news release. Former Rome mayor Ignazio Marino was instrumental in establishing the world's first dual international medical degree. Rome's Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) and the Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have created a pioneering international medical degree programme, hailed as the first of its kind in the world. The agreement gives medical students at UCSC the chance to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Thomas Jefferson University and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and UCSC, all within six years. Current medical education requirements differ vastly between the US and Europe. Medical students in the US must earn a four-year undergraduate degree and then a four-year medical degree in order to practice medicine in America. However medical students in Italy have no undergraduate degree requirement and can earn a degree within six years, followed by three months of internships and state exams. Rome's Policlinico Gemelli Hospital, located on the UCSC campus, also signed the agreement, which gives UCSC students the opportunity to travel to Thomas Jefferson University to meet the US undergraduate requirements needed to pursue a medical degree. The entire Jefferson and UCSC delegation at the signing ceremony. Wanted in Rome put a series of questions to three of the principal architects of the deal.. Professor of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. Senior Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health.: In May 2017 Thomas Jefferson University and Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (UCSC) signed a general collaboration agreement but on 11 November 2018 a much more concrete agreement was sealed to launch the so-called joint Jefferson/UCSC 3+3 programme. According to the agreement, students who are enrolled in the international English language Medicine & Surgery track at Universita Cattolica in Rome may be selected to complete a six-year programme that allows them to earn a triple degree: a Bachelor of Science degree from Jefferson, a Medical degree from Jefferson Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and a Medical degree from UCSC. This will be accomplished taking half of the classes in Rome and half in Philadelphia, experiencing both cultural and academic environments. At the end of the programme, graduates will be allowed to practice medicine both in Europe and in the United States, which is what makes the programme so unique and special a project attempted by many in the past, but never accomplished until Jefferson and UCSC partnered. We now look forward to welcoming the first students at Jefferson in 2019.The agreement will train tomorrows physicians, professionals who will face new challenges in a global world. Our programmes graduates will be free to practice medicine in the 28 European states, as well as in the US or to train further in two continents, applying for residences without having to take further tests or worrying about having their degree acknowledged abroad. Our students will be exposed to very different academic, clinical and research scenarios and will be able to take the best out of each system.I wish I had been given this unique chance back in my day. Instead, after graduating in Italy (precisely at UCSC in Rome), I had to study hard and take several tests before being considered and accepted at a US institute to complete my specialty training. Our agreement allows students to save time, become fluent in another language and above all earn an incredible advantage over regular graduates, especially when seeking training and work opportunities overseas. The agreement has received public praise by the Italian Ministry for Education, University and Research which has expressed its deep appreciation of double degree programmes. What was your role in drawing up the agreement? I am a Cattolica University alumnus. I graduated there in 1979 and am very proud of my background. After my residency, in the early 1980s, I moved first to England, later to the US, to train in organ transplantation. It wasnt easy. I remember studying very hard to be accepted. Today, I am Professor of Surgery at Jefferson Sidney Kimmel Medical College and Senior Vice President for Strategic Affairs at Jefferson. In my capacity I immediately thought that such a programme could offer an incredible chance to medical students. This was obviously possible thanks to the vision and flexible thinking of Jefferson and UCSC leaderships. Professor Stephen Klasko and Professor Ignazio Marino at the signing ceremony. Professor Ignazio Marino, Professor Mark Tykocinski and Professor Stephen Klasko signing the agreement. , president of Thomas Jefferson University and CEO of Jefferson Health.: I believe that healthcare will once and for all join the consumer and digital revolution that has transformed all other industries. Specifically, I believe that by 2022, 25 per cent of hospitals with $1 billion of net revenue will be providing real time genomic based decision support. By 2024, 20 per cent of the population with chronic conditions will be relying on virtual health assistants for wellness and health management. By 2025, 35 per cent of all care in Europe and the US will be delivered virtually. By 2027, for the first time, the majority of interactions will be virtual or remote and the majority of those involved AI or machine cognition applications. I also believe that physicians will be global, that a physician practicing in Italy or China will be able to practice in the United States and vice versa and that, just as we do with pilots we will know they are competent through simulation and technical/teamwork assessment technology.In many ways, our partnership started as a match.com of shared values. Our mission is we improve lives. Our vision is to reimagine healthcare, education and discovery to create unparalleled value. And our three prime values are: put people first, do the right thing, be bold and think differently. That mission, vision and values synched up very nicely with that of Cattolica University. At the end of the day, though, the relationship gets down to people ,and working with Professor Walter Ricciardi and the leadership of Cattolica University and Gemelli Hospital along with my senior vice president, Professor Ignazio Marino created a real opportunity to start the process of creating a global physician and a global healthcare system with two great forward thinking universities.Along with the educational programme and the dual degree programme, we look to expand this partnership across four pillarseducation, research, innovation and clinical activity. We look forward to joint research projects across the European Union and the United States attracting foundation dollars from global foundations, such as the Gates Foundation, from European funding sources such as Horizon 2020, and from US philanthropy and foundations. We also plan on breaking down borders clinically, including a global kidney exchange that will open the doors across the EU and USA (and potentially other countries) to expand eligible donors for kidney transplantation. Finally, innovation, information technology and augmented intelligence know no boundaries, and we are excited about leveraging the innovation and transformative ideas at both institutions across the globe., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Jefferson and dean of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College.: Historically, Jefferson has been a bold innovator in medical education. Founded as the United States fifth medical college almost two centuries ago, it pioneered, back then, medical student teaching at the bedside. These days, as the Sidney Kimmel Medical College, it continues this pioneering tradition, with ground-breaking approaches to curricular and co-curricular design. One path of innovation focuses on reimagining and streamlining the longitudinal continuum of medical education, including developing one that mints a true international physician. This is at the heart of the Cattolica-Jefferson dual MD pathway. More than just paving the way for select physicians to train and practice freely across continents, this first-of-its-kind training pathway will mould care-givers who comfortably traverse diverse ways of thinking and bridge disparate knowledge domains. We see a new class of creatives emerging who can draw the best from disparate cultures and apply lessons learned across continents.A core component of our universitys strategic vision is to be an outward-looking enterprise. In pursuing this vision on the international front, weve chosen to focus our energies and resources on a handful of countries where we formally establish Jefferson global centers. Each such centre is tasked with cultivating a deep, multi-institutional presence in its respective country, including a series of unique, first-of-its-kind educational and research programmes. Italy was an obvious choice for Jefferson, given our rich common history, and within the framework of the Jefferson Italy Center, Cattolica University emerged as an ideal first partner, given its prominence on the Italian academic scene and an array of cross-institutional synergies. Looking beyond Italy, Jefferson is also developing global centres in several other countries, Japan, Israel and India among them. Jefferson has a compelling reason and a defined value proposition for each. From Jeffersons perspective, Italy offers an ideal gateway to the European Union, as well as an opportunity to be enriched by a culture with deep roots in the arts and sciences. With its Japanese partners, Jefferson has been pursuing its interests at the nexus of medicine and humanism. As Start-Up Nation, Israel offers a venue for translating basic discovery into product and service innovation. And India has offered Jefferson opportunities for innovating on the global health front, with forefront initiatives linked primarily to the health needs of women and children. Once Jeffersons global centres are firmly ensconced, we see the potential to create powerful multinational consortia among them, driving transformational initiatives for training and research. What does the Italian medical system have to envy from the US system, and vice-versa? US medical schools, and their associated academic medical centres, have proven to be powerful generators of medical innovation driving the basic sciences and their translation into the clinic. This has been effectively coupled to training of the next-generation of physicians and biomedical scientists. It is at the cutting-edge of the medical sciences that the United States has excelled. Yet, the US has a long way to go when it comes to optimising the delivery of healthcare services, especially from efficiency and equity perspectives. This is where the US can learn from its European partners. By Marco Venturini This article was published in the January 2019 edition of Wanted in Rome magazine. Decatur, IL (62521) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 92F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming cloudy after midnight. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low near 75F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close 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. LINCOLN The Nebraska Department of Transportation announced last Friday that 21 proposals have been selected for funding in the third round of the County Bridge Match Program (CBMP). Two Cass County projects are on the list. Culvert pipes will be replaced about 1 mile south and 1.5 miles west of Eagle. The second culvert pipe project is located southwest of Nehawka. The CBMP will fund 55 percent of eligible bridge construction cost, with counties providing a 45 percent match. When you come to a fork in the road take it. Yogi Berra Message to the president: It has been a year and 361 days since you were sworn in as president of the United States of America, but we have yet to see your plan for securing our borders and reforming our immigration system fully debated on the floor of the Senate. Message to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: Its time to bring forth an immigration bill with or without the support of the president to the Senate floor, debate it and send it to the House. The Senate has done this work twice, passing comprehensive immigration reform bills in 2006 and 2013 without your vote, I might add but it is time to do so again. Message to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Party and especially the Blue Dog Democrats, in whose ranks I once served as a conservative West Texas farmer gone to Congress: It has been 12 days since you became the majority in the House. Where is your long-range plan? What have you been doing? Dont you know its all your fault that parts of our government are shut down? At least, thats what I am told every day by 70 percent of my friends and neighbors. Florence was born October 9, 1927, in Cameron, Texas. She graduated from C.H. Yoe High School in Cameron and then attended business school. Florence later moved to Waco where she met the love of her life, Sam Oliver. They were married on July 15, 1952 in Cameron. Florence and Sam were very active in the community and church. They loved hosting parties, dancing and participating in civic organizations. A few years later they adopted their two daughters, Mary Louise in 1959 and Jo Ann in 1964. As a mother of two girls she devoted her spare time to St. Louis School and Parish duties, serving as mother's club president, president of St. Louis women's society and various other civic committees. She also served as director of Cedarbrake and co-chair of the parish refugee committee. In 1977, she became religious education director at St. Louis for the school and parish. A position that fulfilled a dream of helping adults and children learn more about their faith. In 1980 she was honored with an award from Pope John Paul II for her outstanding service to St. Louis Church and School. She was also a bookkeeper for businesses in the Waco area and later joined accounting firm, Patillo, Brown & Hill, where she worked until her retirement. She moved to Carrollton, Texas in 1994 where she delighted in being near her grandchildren. Alma Lucille Angle November 7, 1920 - December 8, 2018 Alma Lucille Angle, 98, of Bellmead, Texas passed away December 8, 2018 at a local hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 19, 2019, at Bellmead Funeral Home, to celebrate her life. Pastor Dennis Dutton officiating. A word of thanks to The Atrium of Bellmead for nearly 3 years of care and Providence Hospital Staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sparks Memorial United Methodist Church 900 Maxfield St. Waco, TX 76705 where she was a member for 51 years or The Glaucoma Research Foundation. Please sign the online guest book at www.bellmeadfuneralhome.com. Two Waco men were arrested Friday after a police search found more than a pound of marijuana in a home near an East Waco Elementary school, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said. Jammal Antonio Bethea, 37, and Darren Jermaine Bethea, 39, were arrested by Waco drug enforcement officers during the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 1100 block of Vine Street, about three blocks from J.H. Hines Elementary School. "Officers got information that there were multiple sales to people they knew [...] and officers went to serve a warrant at their house," Swanton said. "Officers got there and saw (Jammal Bethea) come out of the back of the house, who took off running from the residence." Jammal Bethea lived at the home where police executed the warrant last week. His relationship with Darren Bethea was not provided in police reports. Officers chased Jammal Bethea on foot for several blocks and finally used a stun gun to apprehend him, Swanton said. While officers executed the search warrant, they found about one pound of marijuana on a floor of the home. Police reports state Darren Bethea had about 3.5 grams of marijuana in his pocket when officers arrived at the home. Stem said the contractor has a list of projects to complete before it gets to this one. Were kind of down their list, Stem said. So everything seems to be functioning OK there right now, but we do need to get the obstruction out of the line. TxDOT officials have verbally agreed the agency will cover repair costs if it is found a TXDOT issue was the source of the obstruction, according to the city. The sinkholes at Webster and 26th are each about 10 feet wide, long and deep. According to the city, they are over a 300-foot segment of clay tile sanitary sewer that crosses under Waco Creek near Bells Hill Park. The city estimates repairing the collapse could cost at least $100,000. It is the latest in a series of sinkholes that city officials have seen form over city lines. Other sinkholes have caused headaches at the intersections of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Herring Avenue; Herring Avenue and Dallas Street; Pleasant Street and Taylor Street; and Webster Avenue and 15th Street. The city believes the sinkholes are caused by aging infrastructure and pressure placed on the system by rainfall. GPS devices can monitor livestock movements, even track the frequency of cow belches. Robotic devices programmed to carry out search-and-destroy missions can lay waste to weeds and assist with chemical application. Artificial insemination has become a mainstay of the dairy industry. But much remains to be done. The world wastes 1.3 billion pounds of edible food annually because of spoilage before or after processing, Hale said. Fortunately, even if consumers know little of the story behind that steak, baked potato or green salad, the public buys what farmers are selling, Hale said. Surveys show that shared values are three-to-five-times more important than competence in the eyes of the consumer, he said. The worldview holds that farmers are stewards of the land. They believe we exist to produce healthy and safe food, that our values are their values when it comes to the important things in life. We have a platform. We should talk with people, tell them about what we believe in, our legacy and passing on that legacy. Tell them what you do and why you do it. Whatever the occasion, at a party, dont just remain quiet. Talk about your shared values. The 57th annual Blackland Income Growth Conference will continue Wednesday, with recertification classes throughout the day. A huge donation from Toyota Manufacturing to a local school district. 10 brand new engines were delivered to the Madison County Career Tech Center for their engines class. "Toyota just started its 4 cylinder engine line and these were their first engines that they manufactured that they wanted to donate to schools in our local area for automotive service training," said career tech administrator Michael Romine. Instead of being put into cars the engines will be put on stands where the students will learn all the skills they need to take one apart. The donated engines are expected to last at least five years giving multiple classes a chance to work on them. "The students will take these engines, strip them completely down to a bare block, they will do all of their measurements of the crankshaft, the cam, all of the head measurements," said Lewis Nall the automotive instructor. Once the students learn how to work with a dead engine, they'll move on to running engines, and then they'll work on cars. Lewis Nall is a dual enrollment automotive instructor for Calhoun Community College. He said he has full confidence his students will be work ready once they finish the program. "I have pretty good confidence level. If they stay with me all the way through their associates degree they're going to be a good technician when they go out." The instructor said one neat thing about this donation is that he'll now be able to pair two students to one engine which means they each get more hands on experience. The automotive classes at Madison County Career Tech Center are in partnership with Calhoun Community College. Tenth through 12th grade students are eligible for dual enrollment and can graduate with four college courses under their belts. The Secretary of the Army visited Redstone Arsenal here in Huntsville to learn about the future of air missile defense. WAAY 31 was invited to ask him about anything we wanted, so we tried to get answers from Mark Esper about the impact the shutdown can have on Huntsville and workers. "Because we have appropriations there has been no impact on DOD or the army," he said. Prior to his current role, Esper spent almost a decade as an executive at Raytheon, a major government contractor with a large presence in north Alabama. With his experience, we wanted to know what it's like being furloughed. "It's a challenge. It depends on the case by case businesses, if I recall. Depending on who you're working for and who you're supporting. Again, I think if you're a government contractor support DOD I'm not aware of any particular challenges. Again, I'd have to refer you to them at this point in time. I just can't recall," he said. With no end in sight to the shutdown, we asked him about who would build a potential wall at the Mexico border. "Well I'll just say this much the Army Core of Engineers is responsible for contracting commercial builders that's ongoing. I'll just leave it at that and any other further questions I'll just refer you to SOD," he said. Since he couldn't talk about anything here at home, we asked him about troops and equipment being withdrawn from Syria. Again, he just sent us up the chain of command. "You know it's not my responsibility. I am responsible for Title 10 which is man training and equip the force so it's not anything I'm responsible for or focus on so I have to refer you up to SOD," he said. Esper told us he met with people on the Arsenal to talk about modernization of the Army. After his interview, he immediately got on his plane to make his way south to Fort Rucker for his next stop on his trip. Parents and students in Athens are thrilled after just learning the new high school will be opening its doors on Wednesday of next week. A news conference was held at the board of education to announce the opening date. According to school officials, the new facility will be greeting around 1,100 students on Wednesday, January 23rd. Parents WAAY 31 spoke with tell us they couldnt be more excited. I can tell you, because I have the certificate of occupancy in hand, that we will move our students in next Wednesday morning, the 23rd of January, to start the second semester," said Superintendent of Athens City Schools, Dr. Trey Holladay. In that statement, Holladay answered the question many parents and students in Athens had been asking for a while. Im very excited for my daughter and the rest of the students, because they have been waiting a long time to actually get into the school," said Shantel Crutcher, whose daughter is a senior at Athens High School. School officials acknowledge and appreciate the students' patience. Its been a long time coming," Holladay said. "Were excited about it for our students. This building was planned and designed with students in mind. After several weather delays kept the new Athens High School from opening on time, high school students had to make do at the middle school. Parents say their children were getting anxious, but say they are feeling much better now. Shes looking forward to being part of the first class to graduate from there this year," Crutcher said. The auditorium is the only part of the school that still isnt complete, but school officials say that wont keep students from getting to enjoy the rest of the campus. There will be an orientation next Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. for parents and students to come check out the new school so that they know what to expect. (CNN) -- North Korea's lead negotiator in nuclear talks with the United States, Kim Yong Chol, is expected to arrive in Washington by the weekend, a potential sign the two countries are getting closer to finalizing plans for a second summit between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un. Kim Yong Chol, Pyongyang's former spymaster who has served as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's counterpart in talks with the United States, is expected to arrive in the US capital Thursday and spend the night there, according to two US sources familiar with the negotiations. Kim is then expected meet Pompeo and US special representative to North Korea Steve Biegun on Friday, the sources said. It's unclear if he will visit the White House, but the sources say that is the expectation from the North Koreans and the US side is preparing for the possibility. The dates for meetings between North Korea's top negotiator and US officials in Washington have only been confirmed to CNN by the US side. A source familiar with US-North Korea denuclearization talks told CNN that the meetings will happen "by this weekend." No firm details have been publicly announced yet. "A lot of positive things are happening. He (Trump) and Chairman Kim have established a good relationship, and conversations between the United States and North Korea continue," a White House spokesperson told CNN. "We are working to make progress on our goal of achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea, and the President looks forward to meeting Chairman Kim again at their second summit at a place and time yet to be determined." The location and the date of the second summit are expected to be discussed during the meeting in Washington, which comes after Trump and Kim Jong Un exchanged letters earlier this month. Trump wrote that the United States was hoping for a second summit and would consider Bangkok and Hanoi as possible locations. The North Koreans have not yet told the United States if they will agree to either. Kim Yong Chol last came to the United States in June. He visited New York and met with Pompeo before traveling to Washington, where he delivered an oversized envelope containing a letter from Kim Jong Un to Trump in the Oval Office. The two met for two hours in the White House. During that visit, Kim was able to break the impasse between Washington and Pyongyang and help get the first US-North Korea summit back on track. Experts say Kim's current trip is likely a step in the same direction. "These meetings should be seen for what they are, a testing out of each other's positions on denuclearization to see if a summit is viable for both sides -- nothing more, nothing less," said Harry J. Kazianis, the director of defense studies at the Center for the National Interest, a Washington-based think tank. This is Kim's second trip outside North Korea this year. He accompanied his boss to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping last week. It was Kim Jong Un's fourth trip to China in less than a year, which state media from both countries touted as a sign of warming relations between the longtime allies. Neither leader publicly addressed the possibility of a second meeting between Trump and Kim. An impasse Trump and Kim Jong Un's summit in Singapore in June ended with a commitment from Kim Jong Un to "work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," but negotiations appear to have stalled since then. North Korea refrained from carrying out any nuclear or missile tests in 2018 and has taken symbolic steps toward denuclearization, such as shuttering a missile test facility and destroying parts of its nuclear test site, Punggye-ri. But it "has demanded what it calls 'corresponding measures' -- widely interpreted as some sort of sanctions relief -- for any big concessions on its nuclear weapon or missile programs," Kazianis said. Many critics accuse the Trump administration of failing to get Pyongyang to agree to specifics at their first summit. They say the North Koreans are holding out for a second summit because they believe they can extract greater concessions by meeting with Trump directly, as opposed to working with envoys like Pompeo or Biegun. "Pyongyang is clearly dissatisfied with what it has been hearing from Secretary Pompeo and other senior US officials and is eager to go over the heads of the President's aides in order to engage directly with President Trump," Evans Revere, a former US principal deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, says in a forthcoming paper to be presented in Seoul on Wednesday. "The current impasse in denuclearization talks is the product of a US demand that North Korea take specific denuclearization steps, together with the DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) insistence that the Singapore agreement is about improving relations and removing the US threat." UPDATE: New court documents Include pictures of high-end cars, tools, car parts and other items Simple Helix alleges former CEO Steve Shickles purchased with money he stole from the company. The company is asking for the seizure of Shickles bank accounts and the vehicles and other merchandise stored in warehouses in Huntsville or at his home. From earlier: The former CEO of a Huntsville technology firm is facing a theft charge for stealing millions of dollars from the company, according to Huntsville Police. Huntsville police arrested Steve Shickles, a former board member and CEO of Simple Helix, on Monday on a felony charge of theft of property. He was released on a $30,000 bond. Simple Helix, an IT management firm, filed a civil suit in Madison County Circuit Court on Jan. 9 alleging Steve Shickles took equipment, loans, personal property and mishandled millions in cash from the company over a period of several years. Some of the funds allegedly came through a Simple Helix PayPal account. Steve Shickles "abruptly resigned" on Jan. 3, according to the suit. The complaint was amended Monday to include Ronda Shickles. The complaint accuses Steve Shickles of Intentional Conversion, Conspiracy to Commit the Intentional Tort of Conversion, Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Fraud, Breach of Contract, and Breach of Fiduciary Duties, The complaint accuses Ronda Shickles of Intentional Conversion, Conspiracy to Commit the Intentional Tort of Conversion, and Conspiracy to Commit Fraud. Lt. Michael Johnson, Huntsville Police Department spokesman, said the investigation is ongoing. As the government shutdown drags on, Huntsville businesses are helping to fill in the gap for affected workers. A meeting has been scheduled for furloughed workers on Thursday at First Baptist Church. Travis Collins is the senior pastor at the church and he said just two days ago, he had no idea he could be hosting nearly 700 people. He said his main goal is to help those who help everyone else everyday. "Lots of us get our sense of worth even from earning a salary and when that's cut off, it's hard," Collins said. Collins said as soon as he got the call that furloughed government workers needed the space, he didn't hesitate. He said there is room and space for everyone to come and get what they need. "These people are coming together who don't have to, are counted as a privilege, to help their coworkers ...," Collins said. Collins said if you are furloughed and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, local businesses want to help. "You are going to make it and here's a little something that's going to tide you over until we hope things quickly get better," he said. One furloughed employee said it's important to keep a level head in these situations. "Keep the faith. We will get through this, the only question is when. Things will get back to normal," George Hamilton said. The event starts at 10 a.m. and ends around 11:30 a.m. It's open to all who are furloughed and in need of financial assistance in some way. Some Athens homeowners are concerned the peace and quiet they love will be shattered if a new subdivision is built nearby. The Athens city council zoned an area at the intersection of Newby Road and Cambridge Lane, only about three miles away from the Mazda-Toyota site, to potentially include more than two hundred new homes. WAAY 31 talked to homeowners who are concerned about the possible building boom in their small neighborhood. Its just a rural village," said Corey Ridinger. "Very calm and peaceful. Thats how Ridinger describes his neighborhood. Theres not like city traffic, or a lot of traffic going in and out," he said. In fact, Ridinger says thats one of the reasons he and his family moved to their home on Newby Road. And some of his neighbors say the same thing. its really peaceful," said Paula Sowell. "We dont have hardly any noise at all. So, after hearing that a nearby open field could soon be home to a subdivision with at least a couple hundred houses, Sowell was a little concerned. "Athens is growing," she said. "We cant keep it like wed like to keep it, like back in the sixties, but its kind of frustrating. Sowell says, with more homes in the area, shed be worried about the safety of the kids in her neighborhood. They get out and play. They can ride their bikes and not have to worry about a lot of heavy traffic," she said. But with the location being so close to the Mazda-Toyota site, Sowell is sure traffic will increase exponentially. Other neighbors say thats no big deal to them. New neighbors and new people to meet," Ridinger said. "Ive got to say, Im going to miss the view and all of that, but hey, I like to see new faces. City officials tell WAAY 31 no projects are in place yet, but a developer is looking at 241 lots. A Florence man was killed Tuesday in a one-vehicle crash in Franklin County. Corp. Scott Simpson of the Alabama State Troopers Quad Cities Post said Tyler Dunkin Jolley, 23, was killed when the 2008 Lexus ES350 he was driving ran off the road and struck a tree. The crash occurred on Highway 247, two miles north of Highway 24 in Franklin County. Jolley was pronounced dead at the scene, Simpson said. Troopers continue to investigate. Tuesday night update: The Florence City Council voted Tuesday night to approve a one-cent sales tax increase. The council aims to use the money generated by the tax to increase the pay of police and firefighters as well as fund other projects and renovations throughout the city. The tax is expected to generate $9 million for the city. People in Florence are about to learn if they'll be paying a sales tax increase. The Florence City Council is expected to vote on the hike after a study showed the city's firefighters and police officers aren't paid enough. Council members are going over a study that says it will cost about $1.4 million annually to get officer and firefighter pay up to par. "The minute they leave their homes, their lives are on the line," said Florence Mayor Steve Holt. Holt said the study, which compared the city's pay of officers and firefighters to cities the same size, proved what they already suspected. This is that firefighters and police officers are underpaid in the city of Florence. "We need to take care of those officers and firefighters, and I want us to do that," said Holt. In order to do that, Holt said they could vote on a one cent sales tax increase at Tuesday night's city council meeting. The possible increase could bring in an additional $9 million. Holt said right now, Florence police officers start out at less than $15 an hour. They top out at about $23, depending on their education level. Florence firefighters start out at about $10.50, and max out at about $14. Holt said a sales tax increase is the only way. "There is no where that I've looked at where we can cut things, so the only option is to raise revenue to take care of it, and the only revenue option we have is sales tax," said Holt. Michael Angel, who lives in Florence, said firefighters and police officers should be paid more. "Those people are the people we depend on with fires and emergencies. They are very important people and those people sure don't need to be underpaid," said Angel. The council will go into a work session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, and the city council meeting will start at 5 p.m. Holt said the additional money raised from the possible increase would go to other projects and renovations throughout the city. As soon as they vote, we will let you know what they decide. Letters containing pornographic content sent under someone else's name are the focus of a Huntsville police investigation after the alleged sender switched his tactics from porn to writing racially offensive letters. The apparent goal was simply to embarrass a former boss. "When it hits home it hurts," Yolanda Sales, a local National Association for the Advanced of Colored People (NAACP) member, said. Sales told me she was shocked when her group got a copy of the letter being investigated by Huntsville police. Little did she know, the person who allegedly sent this letter has a long history of sending inappropriate mail while pretending to be someone else. "That's hurtful. That's spiteful. That really hits below the belt. It should not be allowed and we're not going to tolerate it," Sales said. According to Huntsville police, this started back in March 2016 when a woman at a local company fired one of her employees. That employee, now an unnamed suspect, is accused of sending letters with pornographic images to the business who fired him and to businesses connected to friends of his former boss. Police said the suspect sent those letters pretending to be the woman who fired him. Police said in fall 2016 the woman filed two reports. She told police what was going on and explained she was not the one who wrote the letters. She didn't want an investigation, so the case was closed. "If we could get to the bottom of it it would certainly be appreciated," Sales said. Huntsville police said the letters stopped for a while, that is until this week. According to police the alleged sender wasn't getting enough attention, so he stepped up his game and sent more letters. This time there was a racist message. The letters went to at least two local predominately black organizations, including a sorority. "A picture of David Duke and I think we all know who David Duke is and what he represents," Sales said. That's when people at the sorority filed a report claiming they were victims. "We feel positive and we're hoping change comes. We are looking for justice, and we are hoping for an arrest," Sales said. Police told WAAY 31 they're confident their suspect is responsible for the letters. The letters are postmarked from south Alabama where the suspect lives. Right now police are collecting all the letters they can, and they're using forensics to build their case and get the probable cause needed to make an arrest. "We don't want it to happen to another organization. It's cruel, it's hateful, it's racism," Sales said. If you or anyone you know has gotten a letter like this you should call police. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) has put out a new series of stamps to help celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year next month, which will usher in the "Year of the Pig." Newly-released UN stamps featuring images for the impending Chinese Lunar New Year. [Photo: UNAP] The set contains 10 $1.15 stamps. The stamp design depicts the U.N. emblem in blue on a white background. The year "2019" is in the upper-right hand corner. The label shows two symbolic pigs, one in gold and the other in red. Both pigs are decorated with floral and geometric designs, similar to Chinese papercutting styles. The same two pigs are pictured on the selvage for the stamps, and text reading "Chinese Lunar Calendar" and "Celebrating the Year of the Pig 2019" in gold. Designer Wu Shining illustrated this set of stamps. He is a special designer of China Post and has designed numerous series of New Year's stamps. This year's stamps are the 10th in the UNPA's Chinese Lunar Calendar series. The "Year of the Pig" is set to begin on February 5, 2019. The idea of the United Nations issuing its own stamps was first proposed by Argentina in 1947. In 1951, the UN and the United States Postal Service reached an agreement to issue the first set to United Nations stamps priced in US dollars. Since then, the United Nations has also reached agreements with Swiss and Austrian postal authorities to issue stamps in Swiss francs and Austrian shillings. Hong Kong: E-cigarette sale ban mulled The Government will propose legislative amendments to ban the import and sale of electronic cigarettes to protect public health. Secretary for Food & Health Prof Sophia Chan told legislators today the Government has made strenuous efforts in tobacco control and introduced measures, including the designation and continuous expansion of no-smoking areas and periodic increases in tobacco duty. The smoking prevalence among people aged 15 and above has significantly dropped from more than 20% in the 1980s to the current 10%. The Government hopes to further reduce the percentage to 7.8% by 2025. Prof Chan said the emergence of new smoking products such as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn tobacco products in recent years poses new health risks and challenges. She said the new products are all harmful to health and produce second-hand smoke, adding there is a lack of evidence to prove they can help quit smoking. With protecting public health as the Governments prime consideration, it will propose legislative amendments to ban the import, manufacture, sale, distribution and advertisement of e-cigarettes and other new smoking products. This will ensure achievements in tobacco control over the years will not be undermined, and prevent the harm brought about by these new products from taking root, she said. This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. RTHK: Several dead as Nairobi hotel siege continues An Islamist suicide bomber and gunmen stormed an upmarket hotel and office complex in Nairobi, killing several people as the police moved in to rescue people trapped inside the compound on Wednesday after a siege of over 12 hours. Gunshots rang out sporadically in the capital as police tried to rescue survivors and flush out the attackers, however it was unclear how many were still hiding inside the complex. After 12 hours trapped inside the complex, a group of dozens of people was freed at 3:30am, followed by fresh gunfire and a detonation. The attack at the DusitD2 compound, which includes a 101-room hotel, spa, restaurant, and offices for local and international companies, began at 3pm on Tuesday with a massive explosion, heard kilometres away. The al-Qaeda-linked Somali group Al-Shabaab, which carried out a notorious assault on a Nairobi shopping mall in 2013, claimed responsibility for the latest strike, according to the Site Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activities. Kenyan police chief Joseph Boinnet said the attack began with an explosion targeting three cars in the parking lot and a suicide bombing in the foyer of the Dusit hotel. He said "a number of guests suffered serious injuries" but did not give a figure for fatalities. There were conflicting reports on the number of deaths with some reports saying six people were killed while another quoting an unnamed police source said as many as 14 were dead. Among the dead was an American citizen, a State Department official said. As the explosion and gunfire rang out in the leafy Westlands suburb, hundreds of terrified office workers barricaded themselves in the complex while some fled. "We have no idea what is happening. Gunshots are coming from multiple directions," said Simon Crump, an employee at an international firm who was hiding with his colleagues. Crump was among a first wave of people evacuated from the office buildings surrounding the Dusit hotel after an hour of sustained gunfire as elite security forces engaged the gunmen. A number of heavily-armed foreign forces, who appeared to be from embassies based in Nairobi, were at the scene alongside Kenyan security officers. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2019-01-16. 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